Call Of The Animal // Kai Smith x Fem!oc

V

Up close, the island was more than just a bundle of rocks and cliffs. Green grass grew all the way up the mountainscapes and Kai could make out a few waterfalls.

''Look at that.'' Ashley said from beside him.

''Awesome.'' He replied, though it wasn't sarcastic. Heavy footsteps sounded behind him, followed by a rumbling voice.

''Let me see.'' A hand pushed him aside, and he snapped around to see Karloff.

''Do you mind?'' He asked, though it wasn't much of a question. They glared at each other, but both's attention was asked for as a drum started beating behind them. Kai turned to see the island was awfully close now.

Another plank was thrown onto the shore, and Clouse walked over it first.

''Welcome to Chen's island.'' He spoke formally. ''The Tournament of Elements welcomes its brave fighters.'' He jumped ashore and focused on Garmadon, who had followed after him. ''Master Chen will be pleased you've returned, Sensei Garmadon.'' He said, the sneer clearly audible in his voice.

''The pleasure is all mine, Clouse.'' The elder man replied dryly.

''I'm sure it is.'' Clouse turned away.

Jay peeked over Garmadon's shoulder, mumbling; ''Definitely feeling some tension between you two.''

''Yeah, and how is it we're on an island I've never seen on any map?'' Kai added. Cole brushed past him, turning to face Garmadon.

''And care to explain how the face to Ninjago's most popular noodle house is secretly assembling an underground fighting tournament?'' He asked, making wild gestures with his arms and hands.

''Master Chen used to be a friend. Now he's a traitor. During the Serpentines Wars, Chen turned against his own kind and sided with the treacherous snakes.''

''I'm quite a fan of snakes, to be honest.'' Ashley's unknown accent interrupted, earning a glare from Kai.

''The battle you and Uncle Wu fought together in?'' Lloyd asked, ignoring the brunette girl's comment. ''He was an enemy?''

''He used deception to divide the Elemental Masters. We barely defeated the Serpentine, and in a deal for his surrender, Chen was to never leave this island. Little did we know, he'd begin to build his criminal empire from here.'' The elder man replied bitterly.

''He may have divided our ancestors, but he's not gonna divide us.'' Lloyd said determinantly. Kai however, turned around slightly, only to see the cloaked figure he recognized so well.

''Uh. Ladies first.'' He said as he pushed the group of Ninjas aside. The girl smiled at him as she walked past.

''Fire will melt her icy heart. Just wait.'' The dreamy tone was clearly audible in Kai's voice as he spoke. Someone, he assumed Ashley, scoffed as he watched the figure go.

''Considering I'm a lady, thank you.'' She said as she brushed past him, hands hidden in the pockets of her jeans. He frowned slightly at her cold tone, but shook it off as they continued their way up the stairs.

As they approached the door, Cole interrupted his thoughts. ''This is a big island. Zane could be anywhere. Keep an eye out.'' They all nodded. In front of them, Clouse opened the door. Following the man inside, Kai couldn't help but gasp slightly at the sight of rows and rows of men ramming onto a drum, chanting something he couldn't make out.

From behind him, he heard Jay say to no one in particular; ''So this is the house that Noodles built. Ha! Always wanted to go to a red carpet event.''

''Chen lives like a king.'' Garmadon told him from up front. ''Here, he is totally self-sufficient. The only way on or off this island is with his permission, which you have to earn.''