Cole landed Slate on the shores off the Dark Island, his mind fuzzy from tiredness. He waited until Destiny had slid off of Slate before hopping down, landing sloppily on one knee. Zane and Nya both looked similarly tired.

It was midday, and the sun was hot on Cole's sore back. He stretched slightly and shook his head to get rid of the buzz that filled his ears. "Nya. Could you hand out the water? I think we all need a break."

She nodded and tiredly slipped the bag from around her shoulders. While he'd gotten ready the night before, Zane had helped Nya pack supplies for their trip. There wasn't any fresh water on the Island of Darkness, and they hadn't been sure how long their trip would last. They'd packed mainly an assortment of foods, knowing that Nya could produce potable water to refill their thermoses. Nya handed him his bottle, and he drank greedily, quenching his thirst. He saw Destiny brushing the sand with a branch, wiping away the footprints left.

"Thank you, Destiny," he said gratefully and tiredly.

She turned towards him, smiling. "Of course."

"We need to head into the forest," Zane said after both Nya and Cole had caught their breath. "It'll get us out of the heat and we'll be able to rest for awhile."

Cole nodded and picked up the supply bag to give Nya a break from it. "Good idea, Zane." He headed towards the tree line, watching Nya and Zane tiredly as they stumbled along.

He breathed a sigh of relief as he felt the heat of the sun fade from his back. He watched as Nya and Zane both sank down into the grass, and he dropped the bag near them. He hesitated to sit, however. He glanced to Destiny. "Sit down and rest," he told her.

She watched him for a moment. "I will after you do," she told him.

He blinked confusedly at her, unsure for a moment. "Uh-"

"Don't even bother protesting, Cole," Nya said, her voice exhausted. "You know as well as any of us that you need rest."

"I'm the leader, though," he mumbled.

"Even more reason for you to be top of your game," Destiny replied.

He glared good-humoredly at her, then rolled onto the grass with a tired sigh.
"I can go and do recon while you guys rest."

Cole looked up at Destiny, raising an eyebrow. "If you're sure. Just be careful."

"Don't leave without me." She smiled affectionately at him, and he felt his stomach clench. He nodded at her and let his head drop back, allowing himself time to ponder his dream.

After a few hours of resting, the three ninja were up and fixing a temporary camp. They had set up a camouflaged area that would be hard to find so long as they were careful. Afterwards, they'd settled down to wait for Destiny.

Cole started getting anxious as a few more hours passed. I let her go on her own. What if she's been discovered or injured? It would be my fault. Maybe I shouldn't have let her go...

Zane and Nya both started casting peculiar glances his way, and he knew that as leader he should be calm and collected, or at the very least productive, but he couldn't bring himself to push his worry for the newest addition to their team down. Nya and Zane both started telling stories of their first time visiting the Dark Island, and Cole realized it was likely to help him get his mind off of things.

Zane was in the middle of describing how they'd trapped Nya underneath the tree, when something stylistically landed in the middle of the three friends. Cole started, then recognized the purple robes.

"Destiny!" he said happily, relief flooding him. She's okay!

He was so glad he missed the first part of the conversation, and he blinked as Destiny said, "Hi, yes, and no." She'd taken her water from Nya and drank deeply.

"What did you find?" Nya asked, watching her.

Destiny replied eagerly. "There's a base west of here that looks pretty old. I followed a patrol of warriors there. I don't know who made the base, but it wasn't them. Like I said, it was pretty old. When I got there I saw maybe four or five platoons of warriors, all armed. There was hut a little deeper into the base, so I went inside after phasing through the wall and-"

Cole cut her off, slightly angry at her rash decision. "You shouldn't have gone in without backup. Something could have happened to you."

She waved her hand at him and continued, seemingly too excited to let his tone bother her. Cole frowned but leaned back, listening as she continued. His frown deepened as she talked faster and faster. Finally, she was done, and she took another long drink of water.

Everyone was quiet for a moment, before Zane said thoughtfully, "That sounds like Garmadon's fortress, right Cole?"

Slightly startled out of his bad mood, he said, "Definitely. And the liquid Destiny described sounds like Dark Matter."

Nya grumbled. "Not that stuff again."

Destiny looked confused, and she asked, "Dark Matter? What is that?"

Zane quickly explained. "When Garmadon tried to shape Ninjago in his own image, he used a substance called Dark Matter. It makes anything that touches it evil."

"He used it on me," Nya said, her voice bitter.

Destiny fell silent, and Cole sighed. "We have to be extremely careful. If we're dealing with an army that knows how to use Dark Matter, then we're all in much more danger than before. We cannot be caught."

Nya looked hesitantly at him. "Should we head back?"

Cole considered for a moment before replying. "No. Our mission may have been to find out what was out here, but if we have a chance of locating Borg, we need to take it."

Zane nodded. "The likelihood of rescuing him before he gives the armor's location dwindles the longer we wait."

Destiny asked, "What if he's not here?"

Cole felt fear freeze him for a moment.

"We have to take that chance," Nya said. "I'd rather search here and find out he isn't here than not look and leave him. This place is horrible," she added with a shudder.

He nodded, relieved, at the Water ninja. "She's right, but what do you think, Destiny? You're the one who got us this information in the first place."

She looked startled, and she said, "Um, well, it's heavily guarded. But I could get us in one at a time. So, if we're careful, we should be able to make it."

Cole looked at her quizzically. "One at a time? We could go over the wall all at once. Why would we go one at a time?"

"The walls are guarded on top, we'd never make it past the battlements. I only got through from phasing through the wall," Destiny explained, avoiding everyone's gaze.

"So you'd have to phase us through?" Zane asked.

Cole looked at her, wondering if she could even do that. It would make sense that she could, but maybe she isn't able to right now.

"Yes," Destiny said softly. "That's why it would have to be one at a time. But forewarning, I've only done it twice."

"Twice?" Nya asked, her voice carrying a slightly bitter tone. "Done what, twice? Phased another person, or gone through the wall yourself?"

Cole gave her a glare. "Be nice," he chided her.

Nya sighed. "I'm just asking."

Cole rolled his eyes and watched Destiny.

Destiny gave the Master of Water a hard stare. "Technically, both. But every time I've attempted it, it's worked."

Cole nodded. "Then we'll trust you," he told her. "No one knows the limits of your abilities except you. And if you think you can do it, then I'm with you."

Destiny seemed surprised. "Alright."

He smiled at her and looked to the other two ninja. "Since it's already getting late, I think we should wait until tonight to try infiltration."

She and the others nodded, and Cole watched as she went to lay down.

When the sun had set, Cole sent Zane to wake Destiny and geared himself up. He'd taken the time to carefully sharpen his scythe and practice with it, even though it hadn't needed the attention, nor did he need the practice.

Zane came to his side as he strapped his scythe to his back, and Nya handed them both their bottles. He nodded to her and took a long drink before handing it back to her, and he glanced back to see Destiny approaching, her wavy hair unusually ruffled. He smiled slightly, thinking to himself that he didn't mind her hair looking untamed. Nya held out a water to her, but she shook her head and dug into their supply bag. Cole glanced into the forest and closed his eyes, taking a few breaths.

He was startled by Destiny's voice speaking to him. "It'll take at least half an hour to get there. We should start soon, or now."

He let out a silent breath and glanced at his teammates, nodding. "If everyone is ready." They nodded at him. "Lead the way, Destiny."

She nodded and headed off. Cole took up the rear of them as they travelled through the forest towards Garmadon's old camp.

Soon, they made it to the wall, and Cole tried not to shudder as he remembered the first time he was here. He wasn't sure if he preferred the Stone Army, or the warriors he had to battle now. Either way, he knew that he wanted his powers back under his control.

"Who's first?" he heard Destiny ask, and he glanced at her, startled into fear.

I do not want to go through that wall.

Luckily, he didn't have to voice his cowardice, as Destiny continued, "Okay then. Nya? Thank you for volunteering. Once we're on the other side you'll need to find a hiding place quickly."

He watched as Nya looked startled and was pulled away by the arm. He watched anxiously as they disappeared through the wall. Destiny came back through, taking Zane with her.

Cole felt his gut clench with nerves when she came back the third time, and for a moment he thought of backing out completely. Ninja never quit, he told himself firmly, attempting to harden his resolve.

She smiled gently at him. "It's okay," she told him, her voice soothing. "Just don't let go and you'll be fine."

He suppressed a shiver and nodded. He took a breath as she grabbed onto his arm, pulling him gently towards the wall.

When I step through, walk at the same time as me," she instructed.

He gave a quiet "okay" and prepared himself.

"Here we go."

She stepped forward, and he moved instinctively closer as he kept by her side. He felt panic as he was inside the wall, and then he was through. He swiftly joined Nya and Zane crouching behind a cart and allowed himself a thorough shudder. I'd definitely rather not do that again, ever.

After he regained his composure, he looked out from behind the cart. The camp seemed relatively quiet, with only a few guards here and there, outside of certain huts. However, despite it's empty appearance, Cole could hear the clanging of armor not too far off, and knew that they had to proceed carefully.

"Okay," he said quietly. "Destiny, do you have any inclination of where Borg might be?"

"No, but there might be a map or some sort of log of where they're keeping him in that hut." Destiny replied.

"Cole, that's Garmadon's old hut," Zane said.

The Earth ninja nodded. "Either they found his throne or knew about that. My bet's on the throne, though." Cole glanced at Destiny. "Would it be safe for us to check it out?"

"I don't know. The person I heard talking might be there, or they might not. I left before I could see if they left."

He was about to reply when Nya hissed, "You mean that you led us here and didn't have a plan to find Borg?!"

Destiny scowled at her. "I said I could get us through the wall. I didn't say I knew where Borg was! All I know is that nothin kg is safe here, and the longer we stand here, the longer we are in danger of being found."

Cole felt irritation flood him. "Enough! We're already here, so let's just go, quietly."

He crept towards the hut and jumped up onto the roof. There was a large hole, likely from aging. He heard the others following him, and he held up a hand as warning. He looked inside and saw that there was no one inside, and so he waited until his team members all jumped down before following. The room was dark and empty, and Cole felt a shiver as he saw Garmadon's old throne. He walked up to it and frowned, seeing that it, like the roof, had deteriorated with its age. He reached out his hand to touch it, then glanced over as he heard Zane calling to them.

He glanced at Nya and they walked over. They'd found a note, and Cole read it carefully. Then again. His brow furrowed and he read it one last time for good measure. "Coordinates.. on the Dark Island? Excuse me if I'm being narrow-minded, but for an island that didn't exist years ago and that no one ever visits, I don't think it should have coordinates."

"Maybe they're not coordinates for here," Nya replied with a shrug. "Maybe they're for Ninjago.."

"I don't know if that makes sense or not." Cole said.

"It would be logical," Zane put in. "Although, the Dark Island technically does have coordinates. The coordinates from Ninjago extend over all the known land and ocean. Even if they don't know about there being land."

"But these aren't regular coordinates." Destiny argued. "Not ones that I've ever seen."

Cole frowned and looked at them closely. "You are right. Maybe they're encrypted or something?"

"They don't look encrypted," Zane said.

Nya looked at them again. "He's right. They would be more complex, and-"

"Uh, guys, I think we should leave."

Cole glanced up and behind him to see Destiny by the throne. He looked around, expecting that they'd been discovered. "What is it?" he asked, feeling a pang of relief that he'd been wrong.

"There's dust on this throne," she called back.

"Dust? You mean it hasn't been used?" Nya asked, looking alarmed.

"Yes."

Cole backed away from the table. "Okay, then. Everybody out."

Nya and Zane immediately stood beneath the hole, helping each other out. Zane stayed within Cole's view, and the Earth ninja waved Destiny over, watching her to make sure she wouldn't need help getting out.

He jumped out after her and felt his heart drop as he saw the entire army of warriors surrounding the hut. Four of the giant rock creatures Destiny had described were present as well, and Cole glanced, panicked, at his teammates.

The largest creature stepped forward to speak to them. "Welcome, ninja. Did you find what you were looking for?" Cole cringed as he heard its voice, which reminded him of the earth rumbling beneath his feet. "That's right. I know what you're looking for, and I know what I'm looking for. So to make this easy, surrender now. Needless to say that you are outnumbered."

Cole felt an angry scowl come to his face. "That's not going to happen."

"Cole, we can't win this fight." Zane said quietly to him. "There are way too many, and you aren't even allowed to use your powers."

He grinned at him. "Who said there was going to be a fight?"

"They definitely did!" Nya hissed.

"Well?" the rock rumbled.

"Ninja never quit, but they also know the benefits of strategic retreats," he told his team. "Zane, try to figure a way out of here."

Zane glanced about and then nodded in the direction of the Dark Matter pit. "Over there!"

Cole didn't like that it led them closer to the pit, but it was better than nothing. "Then go!" He ordered them, and the three other ninja immediately sprang forward. Cole followed them quickly.

He nearly ran into his teammates when they stopped suddenly, and Cole realized they'd reached the Dark Matter pit. He was about to ask why they'd stopped when he saw the old bridge, and remembered that he and the other ninja had snapped it. And of course they wouldn't have bothered to repair it!

He heard one of the girls say, "Uh, oh."

They turned around and Cole saw the army closing in on them. He glanced at the others and grinned, unsheathing his scythe. They all yelled, "Ninjago!!" and Cole sprang forward, swinging his scythe skillfully. He had to stop himself from attempting to channel his powers through his weapon, but as he fought he battled with happy memories of battles from years prior. He was focused on a group of three warriors surrounding him when he felt rough hands grab him around the waist. He dropped his scythe in a panic and struggled, feeling the rocklike hands scraping him painfully.

"Enough!" He heard the giant shout, and realized it was the General. He saw as all of the warriors and ninja froze, and he fought to glare at the General. "I have your leader. Put down your silly weapons and surrender. Or else!" The giant held him out over the pit of Dark Matter, and he struggled in panic. Do NOT drop me! He saw his team dropping their weapons, and he thought Don't do that either! A warrior handed the General a pair of black handcuffs, and he struggled, this time just for show, as he saw they were vengestone. He I don't even have control of my powers, so at least this is useless.

"Vengestone. Wonderful, isn't it?" The General laughed deeply, and Cole tried not to cringe. Fat lot of good this did, huh, buddy?

He scowled at him. "You won't get away with this. No one ever has, and neither will you!"

The giant grinned. "You're right. I won't. But my master will, and unfortunately you won't be around to see it."

Cole's stomach seized as the General let go of him over the Dark Matter, and he panicked as he realized he couldn't summon Slate. I WAS WRONG.

He vaguely heard Destiny scream as loud as she could, and his vision blurred as fear overwhelmed him. He was jarred suddenly as something grabbed his arm, and seconds later he felt solidity beneath him. Still panicked, he clutched at the person in front of him. It took him a few moments before he realized that Destiny was seated in front of him, and they were both on a grey dragon. Wait.. did she just unlock her dragon?

He took a few breaths and relaxed his grip on her, the terror in his mind fading until it was just a whisper. He saw Nya and Zane fly up beside them.

"Are you alright?" he heard Destiny call back to him.

"Yes," he responded, letting go of her arms to pull at the chains. He grunted, then sighed and replaced his hands on her arms. He'd have to wait for help to get rid of the chains; as much as he didn't want to admit it, most of his super-strength came from his powers.

They arrived at the camp quickly, and Cole hopped clumsily off of Destiny's dragon. Zane and Nya both rushed towards him and Destiny, who Cole saw had gotten off of her dragon and was stroking his head gently. She hugged him, and Cole felt a smile come to his face.

"Cole, are you okay??" Nya asked, wrapping the surprised Master of Earth in a hug.

He twisted his cuffed hands out of the way and said, "Yes, I'm fine. Don't worry."

Nya sighed and released him, looking over at Destiny with a large smile. "You unlocked your dragon!"

"Yes, congratulations," Zane said, looking over at her.

Destiny smiled shyly. "Thanks."

Cole grinned at her, then strained his wrists against the chains with a grunt, then gave up with a puff.

"Need help?" Zane asked, reaching out and holding onto the chain.

"If you didn't mind," Cole said, and Zane chuckled, activating his drill. A few moments later and the vengestone dropped from his wrists, and he rubbed each of them. "Thank you."

"No problem. I know it's hard when you don't have your full strength."

Cole sighed a bit and nodded. "Especially me." Zane gave him a small smile, and Cole left him to go over to Destiny, who was talking with Nya. He waited a respectful distance away until she glanced over at him. He saw Nya give her a thumbs-up and then back away. Cole walked over to Destiny, raising an eyebrow. "What was that about?"

She looked suddenly nervous, and she stuttered. "Uh, um, nothing."

He tilted his head, concerned. "You okay?"

"Mhm. Hut can I do for-?" She stopped and shook her head, then tried again. "Sorry, what can I do for you?"

"I just wanted to thank you for saving me," he told her, trying not to wonder about why she was suddenly acting so strange. "I guess now we're even."

"Oh, ok. Yeah I guess we are."

He smiled softly. "Congratulations on getting your dragon. He's magnificent."

"Thanks," Destiny gushed. "He really is. I can't believe he's mine too!"

"You deserve him," he told her gently. He thought about asking her how she unlocked him, but hesitated. He knew that the key was to face some sort of fear usually, and Cole wouldn't have wanted to share how he'd gotten Slate. "Did you give him a name?"

"Yes, Morpheus," Destiny replied.

He grinned. "That's a good name."

Destiny was about to say something when Zane drew his attention away. "Cole, we should go before the warriors find us. Remember, we have to get the report back to Sensei."

He nodded. "Yeah. Let's head out, guys." The other two ninja readied themselves, and Cole smiled at Destiny once more. "I guess you can fly yourself home now. You should take the time to enjoy it."

Destiny looked a little disappointed. "Yeah, you're right. That's probably best."

Cole watched her for a moment before turning his attention to the other ninja. Nya was jumping onto her dragon, and Zane was summoning his.

He winked at Destiny before summoning Slate, jumping up onto her back. After a moment Destiny did the same, and he lifted off, pointing Slate in the direction that would lead to home.