A Cautionary Tale

Part 2

The beginning of their quest was awkward to say the least. Kai felt like he should say something, perhaps comment once more about how strange Jay looked, but decided there was no point in questioning the things Jay does anymore.

He guessed Jay said nothing because he was waiting for Kai to spark up a conversation. So, instead of speaking, he was smiling widely at Kai the entire walk while humming.

"Okay, can you please stop humming?" Kai finally asked after three minutes of it. "It's annoying."

"Aw, come on! It's adventure music!" Jay pouted, blowing some stray curls out of his face. "Plus, it's catchy!"

"Well, you're tone deaf then because it's not good."

Jay gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. "Hey! I may not have as good an ear as Cole, but at least I try!"

"Actually," Kai started, halting and curiously gazing at Jay. "Speaking of Cole, where is he? And everyone else for that matter?"

"Like I said Kai," Jay said, clearly exasperated, "what is a quest with more than-"

"Yeah, yeah I get that. But Nya has been kidnapped and everyone else mysteriously disappeared or just doesn't care! Also really, who is this Prince guy? Ninjago doesn't have any princes!" Kai argued.

Jay snickered. "Well... let's just say, you'll see them soon. As for the prince, wow Kai, I'm surprised you've never heard of Prince Julien, Prince of the Birchwood Forest!"

"Prince of the Birchwood Forest?" Kai questioned, raising an eyebrow. "That seems a bit much doesn't it? This Prince Julien seems like a power crazy idiot who... Julien--wait a minute! Does that mean that the prince is—"

Kai was interrupted by the sound of a trumpet. Turning to face the sound, Kai's jaw dropped. Standing before the two teammates (or questmates apparently?) was Skales, wearing light armor (much like Kai's but less cool) and a messenger bag draped over his shoulder (much like Jay but less awkward). One of his hands was gripping a rapier (which was pointed at them) and the other a massive scroll.

"Skales," Kai growled, slowly reaching for the handle of his sword while Jay did the same with his knife. "Did you—"

"HEAR YE, HEAR YE!" Skales declared, reading off of the scroll. "You are tressssssspassssssing on the land of His Royal Highnessssss, Prince Julien, Prince of the Birchwood Foresssssssst. As decreed by His Magnificence—!"

"Hold it, hold it!" Kai held up a time-out pose. "You're working for the prince?!"

Skales glared at him. "If I may continue, as decreed by His Magnificence, all tresssspassssers must be dessssstroyed before they interfere with His Royal Coolness's planssss."

Jay gasped once more, placing a hand on his forehead as if he were about to faint. "The horror! To have our quest end this way! Sir Kai, you must do something!"

Kai glared at Jay. "Um, hello? You're a ninja too, help me!"

"Elf," Jay corrected.

"Whatever issss the matter, Sssssir Kai?" Skales taunted, throwing aside his scroll. "Too ssssscared to fight me?"

Kai growled and unsheathed his sword. "Not a chance, snake-breath!" he shouted before he charged.

Skales held up his rapier and blocked Kai's attack. The swords made a dull clink! sound when they made contact.

Kai's eyes widened. "What the—why is my sword plastic?!"

"To make sure no one gets hurt, duh!" Jay said. "Safety first!" He gave Kai a thumbs up.