Zane's POV

"What?" I ask. "They have her?"

"It c-c-cannot be," Radar says, shaking his head. "We cannot trust the Infectai's word. The Venomai are strong, as with the Shiftai. They are not easily swayed. T-t-the Infectai must have used that story to make the others think that they are w-w-winning."

"But what if they are?" Whiplash asks. "What if they really do have her?"

"They can't," I proclaim. "The prophecy said that I was supposed to find the Water Master. How could they have?"

"Exactly." Slash agrees. "It's most likely a trap."

Radar nods. "In that case, we will go investigate. Zane?" He turns to me. "Would you like to assist us?"

"Yes," I answer. "I will hide in the shadows and observe. I will fight if necessary."

"Climb on my back. Let's go."

I do so, and in a wave of light and dizziness, I am in a large crack in the wall of a long, dark hall. A loud argument is occurring outside the crack in the hall. I peer out, and see that the hall is filled with several hundred Raptors, of all clans.

"Y-y-you dare doubt us?" One Infectai shrieks in an enraged fashion. "You see the Water Master. Y-y-yet you still defy the offer? Join us! W-w-we will rule Ninjago as brothers..."

"We are not wicked and e-e-evil as you monsters are," a Riproarai growls. "W-w-we will not accept trading our honor for a Master."

"You Fools! S-s-show us your leader so we may negotiate." The Infectai howls.

"That's my cue," Whiplash mutters.

I nod and he slips stealthily down the rough, rocky surface; with Radar and Slash following suit.

They melt into the sea of scales and fangs, reappearing near the impatient Infectai. 

"Whiplash." It snickers. "You're l-l-looking wimpy this evening. Now, y-y-your clan members are refusing our most generous offer. We will give you the Water Master, if you join our side. If you refuse, then the Water Master will-" He paused for effect. "Not be seen anytime soon."

"How do we k-k-know you're not lying, Hookclaw?" Whiplash asked calmly. "Show us the Water Master, and I will consider it."

Hookclaw grinned evilly. "As you wish." He turned. "W-w-wyptail! Bring her fourth!"

Another Infectai emerged from the crowd, with a girl following. She had dark brownish-red shoulder length hair, and she was wearing jeans and a blue long sleeve top with a dragon on it. Her expression was filled with annoyance. She was bound with metal cords that every once in awhile gave out an electric spark.

"Here s-s-she is," Wyptail proclaimed.

Whiplash shook his head and grimaced. "I am still not convinced."

The girl shot him an I-don't-want -to-be-here-so-let's-make-this-quick look and turned away.

Hookclaw snarled. "Show him, W-w-water Master."

The Water Master slipped her arms out of the binds which had been temporarily loosened, and formed a large ball of water in her outstretched hands. Hookclaw smiled and nodded, and the binds tightened and the water ball fell to the ground.

Then the Water Master spoke, "Look, I am having concerns about the number of scaly lunatics in this room, and my limit is one."

"S-s-shut up!" Hookclaw shrieked. The Water Master gave him a rough kick in the leg and smirked. His eyes narrowed and he turned to Whiplash. "Now? Have you made your decision?"

Whiplash shook his head, looked at me, and winked. I nodded. My part would come soon. He then turned to Hookclaw. "W-w-we will discuss it together in private. Come with me. But not all of you."

Hookclaw nodded. "C-c-come!" He calls to Wyptail. "Take her," He commands gruffly to another Infectai.

They leave. Time for me to take action. I believe that is is important to make eye contact with the Water Master first, so she does not make any noises when I come down. After twenty minutes of attempts, I finally get her to look at me while chucking rocks at her guard. I use sign language to say, "Friend, rescue" She nods and turns away. I jump to another ledge and sneak into another crack. From there, I tie a rope that I had found in my room to a nearby stalactite and dangle above the Water Master, unnoticed by my Reptilian foes. I gently lower myself down a few feet until I am directly above the Water Master. Now what? I think. I was having an  Oh dang, moment. But instead of an Oh, Dang, I put salt in my brownies instead of flour moment, it was an Oh dang, I wish I had my magical ice sword moment.

I tie the end of the rope in a lasso-like fashion, and loop it around the electrified rope. The Water Master acknowledges my presence, but makes no move toward the Infectai, so as to avoid attention. Quickly, I pull her up until I see that the guard Infectai is holding a rope attatched to her. I lower her down and hop to a ledge, grabbing a nice-sized branch. I jump on the rope again,  lower myself down, and conk the unsuspecting Infectai guard on the head. He is knocked out, but the force from the blow makes the rope come loose, and I plummet into the hoard of Raptors. I look up with a groan, and see thatb all of the Raptors are looking at me.

"NINJA! Attack!" They all scream, rushing forward.

"This is a 'rescue,' 'Friend?' " The Water Master asked sarcasticly.

"In my mind I saw this go completely different," I said to no one in particular.

"Now what are we going to do?" She asks.

I grin. I know exactly what to do. "Ninja... GO!"