A/N: I posted TWO chapters today, so make sure you've read the previous one. This is the last chapter of Book 3, more important info at the end. 

. . . 

Seliel was very glad to be back in her ninja uniform. The jumpsuits Chen had made the prisoners wear had been extremely uncomfortable and just plain tacky. It was also nice to finally be able to step into the light of day again. She hadn't realized until now how much she missed it.

Still, she couldn't really be happy while Skylor was still missing.

With the help of the other Elemental Masters, the entire palace was being searched, above and below, and the rest of Chen's supporters were being taken captive, as well. With elemental powers restored, it wasn't that difficult to make them cooperate.

"No sign of Chen," Sensei Garmadon reported. "And . . . no sign of Skylor, either." Seliel got the impression that he was blaming himself for losing track of her, but really, they had all allowed Chen and Clouse to get away in the commotion of the fight.

"We have to keep looking," Nya said. "We can't give up."

"And we won't," Garmadon reassured her. "Not until we've found Skylor, and not until we've stopped Chen for good."

"They can't have gotten far," Pixal said. "And even if they had, we are still on an island. As long as we remain in control, they won't be able to leave without our say-so."

"Hey."

Seliel turned to see Wu's ninja clustered in front of her. "What do you want?" she asked warily.

Cole had his arms crossed, looking as guarded as she felt. "We've come to a decision. We'll help you track down Chen."

"What?" Seliel hissed. "You've decided?"

"In case it didn't occur to you, we're all free now, and that means our previous agreement has ended. We want to make a new deal."

"What, because you can't just be decent people and help out like everyone else?" Seliel felt Pixal lay a hand on her shoulder, reminding her to stay calm. Seliel glared at the ninja for a while longer, trying to think it over rationally. Sure, if the guys left, they would probably take the Weapons of Spinjitzu with them, but it was just as likely that they would see each other again someday, and there would be another chance to fight for them.

"What's in it for you?" she finally asked. This could just be another ruse. Was it possible that they had still been in league with Chen this whole time, even in the factory?

Now it was Cole's turn to hesitate. "Truth is, our master's gone silent." 

Seliel exchanged a glance with Garmadon. Could it really be the truth? Garmadon looked as if he was trying to deduce that himself. "There's been no sign or sound of him recently, so . . . for now, we have the opportunity to do what we like."

"And we want revenge on Chen," said Kai

Jay hit the palm of his hand with his fist. "He double crossed us. He needs to learn that nobody but nobody does that to Master Wu."

"You don't have to accept our help," Zane reasoned, "but realize what you'll be losing. Being that we worked with him just a short time ago, our knowledge could be invaluable."

"I know we've had our differences in the past," Cole continued, "But maybe we've both been wrong. Maybe we can do more together than we can apart. What do you say?"

Seliel turned back to her teammates. "Sensei?"

Sensei Garmadon still appeared to be deep in thought. "They make a fair point. Working with them could give us an advantage over Chen. Still. I can't be sure that my brother isn't up to something, even now."

"Even if Wu had desired Chen's staff, there is no chance of him getting it now," Pixal pointed out.

"Yes, but Chen is crafty. He may have another plan to collect all the elements."

Seliel looked between Pixal and Nya. "Thoughts?"

Nya took another peek over Seliel's shoulder at the boys, but it was full of cold and suspicion. She met Seliel's gaze. "I don't trust them. But I trust you. If you think it's a good idea, then I'll stand with you."

"I've tried weighing the pros and cons," Pixal reported, "but there are too many unknown variables. I can't say for sure whether it would be wise to work with them."

So it all came down to Seliel. The teleporting ninja took a deep breath. She'd always been good at making plans in the heat of the moment, but come to think of it, Skylor was usually the one to determine what plans to follow through with. And she was usually right. Now Seliel knew how Skylor felt at times like this, when everyone was looking to her for an answer. How could she remain so calm and detached?

Seliel turned back to the boys. She looked Cole square in the eye. "Alright, then." She held out her hand. "You've got yourselves another truce. You help us find Chen and Skylor, we'll let you keep your weapons."

Cole nodded. "Sounds fair. But when we find Chen, we get to take him."

Seliel smirked. "Maybe."

Now Cole smiled, too. "Good enough for me." He took Seliel's hand and shook it. "Then it's a deal. We have a truce." 

. . . 

A/N: Oh boy, oh boy! Things are gettin spicy!! 

But, regrettably, I'm gonna have to put the next book on hold. School is way too much for me right now and I've still got a lot of little plot holes and stuff to work out. That being said, it shouldn't take more than a few weeks, and I'm confident that I will be able to begin publishing before the end of the year. As with the last time, I already published a preview chapter of Book 4, and you can go and follow that so that you'll be notified as soon as I start updating again.

Thanks so much to each and every one of you, you're a great audience, and all your votes and views and support are very much appreciated. Hope to see you soon! <3