Cole dropped down from Slate, landing on the ground just behind Lloyd and Akita. Kai dropped down beside him, and Lloyd shouted for Wu and the other ninja.

When Wu came out, Lloyd said in a rush, "The golden armor is compromised. Borg was kidnapped-"

"By Grimfax's warriors," Akita growled, interrupting him. "I recognized some of them. I don't know what happened! He used to be a fair and just king!"

Wu looked worried. "A sudden change, and now he's after the golden armor, something which he wouldn't have any knowledge about?"

Cole nodded and sighed. "It's bad, Sensei. We have no clue where the armor even is, so we can't even go there to try and guard it."

Jay groaned and then laughed ironically. "Just another day in Ninjago."

"Zane, can you and Pixal do a sonar sweep of Ninjago? Take Akita with you to try and find Grimfax or his warriors." Wu ordered.

Zane nodded. "I'll know Grimfax when I see him." He waved to Akita and the two ran off quickly.

"Cole, when or if they find anything, take Destiny and Jay to investigate."

Cole bowed his head. "Yes, Sensei!"

"In the meantime, practice your skills or gear up. We need to be ready in case of anything. Kai, Nya, and Lloyd. Go search the outskirts of Ninjago for signs of a portal opening. If nothing turns up, go search the Birchwood Forest and Glacier Barrens."

"On it!" Nya called, already leading the other two away.

Wu turned and left, looking troubled. Cole knew he was most likely going to meditate and confer with his smoke visions. He turned to Destiny and Jay. "Well, I guess now we train."

"How? There are rocks everywhere!" Destiny said sourly.

Cole felt his face twist in confusion, and he looked around the training yard, cringing as he saw the damages he'd caused. "Oh, woops..."

"It's fine," Jay said, placing his hand on Cole's shoulder and smiling at him. "We've had to clean up plenty of messes before. Remember that time Kai set fire to the monastery?"

Cole smiled a bit, but frowned when he saw Destiny walk away. He sighed softly. "Tell me if you need help lifting a rock or something," he told Jay, walking to the nearest spike opposite of Destiny. He pushed against it gently, and when it didn't budge he frowned. How in the world did I make you? He asked it silently. He took a moment to focus, then stomped, and the rock shuddered, retreating back into the ground with a rumble. Cole smiled when the ground was level again, and then watched in spooked confusion when a hole started appearing. There was trembling beneath his feet, and it grew steadily stronger. "Wait, no, no, stop." Cole muttered, beginning to panic as he realized the earth wasn't reacting to him the way he wanted. "Stop!" He yelped, feeling the ground jerk underneath his feet as he lost his balance. He pressed his hands to the ground, trying both to make the ground stop shuddering and to maintain his balance.

"Cole!" He heard Jay call. "Stop using your powers!"

"I-I can't!" He responded helplessly.

There was a few seconds of silence, then Jay said, "I'm going to shock you!"

Cole was about to protest when he felt a sharp current of electricity jolt through him, and he let out a sharp yell of pain before he felt the ground beneath him still. He panted slightly and looked up. "Thanks, Jay."

"No problem," the Master of Lightning said, walking over and quickly helping to lift Cole to his feet.

"What in the name of the first Spinjitzu Master just happened?" Cole looked up and saw Sensei Wu coming out of the monastery, looking slightly angry. "It felt like an earthquake."

"It kind of was," Jay explained quickly. "Cole made it by accident."

Wu looked quizzically at Cole. "You've never done that before."

"I've never wanted to," the Earth ninja replied, glancing down at his hands. "I-I couldn't stop it, and it got worse. I lost control of my power."

Wu frowned and went over to him, peering at him closely. "How long has this been happening?"

"The quakes-?" Cole asked, stuttering slightly. "This morning. Every time since I overdid myself on Slate, I guess you could say."

Sensei was about to reply when Zane called from the door to the monastery. "Sensei! We might've found something!"

Wu looked back at them. "Where?"

"Toxic Bogs."

"Good. Keep searching. Cole, Jay, Destiny, you have to go."

Cole was about to agree when Jay said, "Sensei, Cole's powers aren't working. He might not be able to control Slate. I could take him on Surge, but Destiny.." he trailed off.

Wu looked conflicted.

Cole sighed. "I rode her earlier today. At least let me try to summon her before saying I can't, he said, glancing between Wu and Jay.

His master nodded. "Go ahead."

Cole took a silent breath and focused, feeling the familiar energy rush through him. He smiled as Slate appeared, and he glanced at Wu. "Can we go now?"

He looked worried, but nodded. "Go. Be careful and rest if you need it. Don't use your powers, other than Slate, until further notice."

Cole felt his heart sink and his face fall, but he nodded. "Yes, Sensei."

Jay smiled at him and summoned his own dragon. Cole saw Destiny and he waved her over.

He saw her hesitate and frowned slightly, confused. Is she okay? He watched as she staggered, and he felt concern for her rise in his chest.

"Time to go?" She asked when she reached him.

He reached out and touched her shoulder softly. "Are you okay?"

"Guys! Let's go!" Jay called from above them, and Cole looked up and nodded.

His hand dropped as Destiny stepped back, and he sighed softly. "Up you go," he told her, kneeling and holding his hands out to offer her a boost. He lifted up, pushing her easily onto Slate and following. He felt her place her hands on his shoulders and raised an eyebrow as he felt them trembling slightly.

Whatever's up, I hope she'll be okay, because I have to focus.

He ordered Slate to lift off, and Jay led the way towards the Toxic Bogs, setting a swift pace.

They soon arrived, and Cole wrinkled his nose as the smell reached him. He landed beside Jay and glanced around.

"Contact Zane and tell them we're here." Cole told him, turning and offering his hand to help Destiny down.

She said, "I'm good," and slipped down Slate's side. Cole watched her, then followed once she hit the ground. Slate disappeared from behind him, and he glanced to Jay.

"They sent the Falcon after us," he said, pointing upward.

Cole looked and smiled as he saw Zane's old friend.

"He's going to lead us to where they thought they saw something."

Cole nodded and watched as the Falcon started flying. Jay sped off after it, and the Earth ninja waited for Destiny to follow before falling in behind her.

He chuckled softly as he remembered the first time they followed the Falcon, which was when Zane had found his true-potential.

Jay suddenly slowed, glancing about quickly, and Cole stopped running, looking to see the remains of a fire. He frowned and went over to it, leaning over and touching the spot carefully. "It's cold," he reported. "Hasn't been used in awhile, I'd guess a day at least."

"Over here!" He heard Destiny call, and he looked up and followed her. He saw what appeared to be a cage. "This must have been where they kept Borg."

"I think you're right." He said, frowning.

"In any case, they're not here anymore." Jay sighed. "We should head back."

Cole frowned and shook his head. "We're getting nowhere," he growled, more exasperated and worried than angry. "If we don't find Borg soon then he's going to have to give up the location, if he hasn't already."

"I'm sure he's fine." Destiny soothed. "They would have left him if he had given up the location."

Cole blinked, realizing that she was right. He sighed and nodded.

Jay smiled at Destiny and spoke into his wrist. "Dead end. We're heading back now."

Cole nodded at him and summoned Slate, glancing at Destiny to see if she wanted help up. She jumped up and landed on Slate's back, and he smiled. He followed her and watched Jay fly up. Once he felt Destiny's hands securely on his shoulders, he followed the Master of Lightning as he led the way home.

They were flying in silence when Slate suddenly growled, and Cole jumped, leaning forward to peer around his dragon's body. "What is it, girl? See something?"

He gasped as something very deadly-looking shot up just past Slate's wing, and he yelled back to Destiny, "Hold tight!" He pulled Slate into a barrel roll just another shot was fired.

"Ambush!" Cole heard Jay yell, and suddenly the Master of Lightning dove downward. Cole followed and watched as Jay stuck a perfect landing. He got into a battle stance as several well-armored warriors rushed towards him, a few others pointing up at Slate and loading flaming arrows into bows.

He twitched, and Slate pulled back, hovering momentarily as she breathed a dust cloud over the archers. Then he had her land and hurriedly jumped from her back. He gave it a few seconds before letting Slate disappear, hoping he hadn't let Destiny fall as he rushed to Jay's side. He'd zapped two of the warriors, but three more were approaching him, and he looked a bit overwhelmed. Cole slammed into one of the warriors, feeling the metal clang heavily against his side. Bad idea! He thought as pain surged over him. The warrior had stumbled, but he grinned at Cole and unsheathed a sword. Cole felt his heart drop as he realized he was weaponless and, essentially, powerless.

"Duck!" He heard Jay yell, and he hunched over, feeling him slide over his back. He heard a clang as Jay kicked the warrior. Cole stood and saw the warrior collapse. Jay grinned at him, but Cole couldn't find it in him to smile back. He glanced over and saw that Destiny had taken care of most of the warriors. Jay had finished off three, and Cole a total of none.

"Nice fight," Jay congratulated both of them.

"Yeah, sure." Cole muttered, glancing over at Destiny.

"Who were those guys?" she asked, panting.

"I'm not sure," Cole told her. "They seemed kind of familiar, though, right Jay?"

The Master of Lightning nodded and tilted his head, appearing to be listening. "Zane said they were Grimfax's warriors. Which makes sense, since we fought them when they were Ice Warriors."

Cole blinked and nodded, suddenly understanding the connection.

"Oh, great." Destiny said brightly.

Cole gave her a cold stare. "You sound happy about this development." He said irritably.

Destiny looked a little hurt, and replied in an angry tone, "If they're from the Never-Realm, you've already beat them, so it won't be a mystery how we should attack next."

Cole sighed, feeling his body droop. He didn't want to argue, but the fact that he hadn't been able to contribute to the battle upset and disturbed him.

"It could be different this time," Jay pointed out to Destiny. "Yes, it's the same army, but it's a different commander. They may act differently than before."

"That makes sense, but I still choose to look on the bright side. It's the power of positive thinking." Destiny said with a smile.

Jay immediately laughed, but Cole couldn't even crack a smile.

Destiny suddenly said, "We should probably go."

Cole nodded and watched as Jay hopped into his energy dragon. He summoned Slate with a sigh and distractedly jumped into her back.

He jumped slightly as he felt hands touch his shoulders, and he felt flash of embarrassment as he realized how rude he must have appeared to Destiny. He shook his head and sighed, guiding Slate into the sky with Jay following close behind. As they flew, Cole's mind wandered, and he could feel a sweat break out over his body despite the cold wind. He felt Destiny lift one of her hands from his shoulders, and pulled the reins slightly to straighten Slate out. While his mind had been wandering, he'd allowed her to drift a little off course.

He trembled a bit as he felt his stomach twist with anxiety. Was the dream Nya right? What good am I in a fight if I can't use my powers?

Jay suddenly swooped down in front of him, and Cole realized he was passing right over the monastery. He quickly guided Slate back around and landed her in the training clearing, which still had debris and rocks left from his power struggles. Cole sighed and leaned forward so he was lying against Slate's neck. He felt a sudden surge of emotion and swallowed back against it. He heard the crackling of rocks being moved and looked down to see Destiny tidying the clearing. He dropped down from Slate and felt her disappear. He watched Destiny for a moment and then grabbed one of the loose rocks. He hauled it over to one side of the monastery and heaved it over the wall with ease. He turned and saw Destiny approaching him.

"Thanks for taking me. Hopefully I won't have to bother you like this once I can fly on my own dragon," she said, her voice hard.

He blinked at her, a bit startled but too mentally distressed to think much of her tone. "You're welcome. It's not a bother."

Destiny looked confused. "Um, ok, I guess I just assumed it was. Sorry." She turned away, and Cole didn't have the energy to call her back.

A few hours later, Lloyd, Kai, and Nya returned from their mission. Cole watched them land and waved at them.

"Find anything?" he asked.

Lloyd shook his head, but Kai said, "We didn't see any signs of anything. The Birchwood forest felt strange though."

"Strange?" Cole asked with a frown. "Strange how?"

"Strange like there weren't any Treehorns," Nya replied, looking a bit disturbed.

"I'm sure it doesn't mean anything." Lloyd told them with a glance. "We probably just got lucky and they happened to be in a different part of the forest."

Cole sighed. "Dinner should be just about done."

"Good. I'm starved." Kai said, leading the other three ninja into the monastery.

Dinner was quiet, and Cole noticed that Destiny wasn't there. He watched Jay, but he didn't look worried, so he assumed she was okay. After he finished, he excused himself and went to lay down in bed for the night. But whenever he closed his eyes, he saw Nya and heard her say, "You're nothing without your powers."

After an hour of this (during which the other ninja had all found their way into the sleeping quarters and fallen asleep), Cole sighed quietly and got up. He wove his way through the monastery, feeling anxiety twist in his gut. Maybe some meditation would help?

He shook his head and went out into the night. He looked up at the sky, seeing all of the stars.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?"

The voice made him jump, and he looked back to see Nya approaching. He let out a breath and then replied, "Yeah, it is. Did I wake you up?"

The Water ninja shook her head. "I don't usually sleep well when we have missions. It's my own way of staying alert. But why are you up? You almost always sleep like a rock."

Cole frowned slightly. "It's a long story."

Nya watched him for a moment, then took his arm and pulled him down to the ground to sit. Startled, he allowed her, finding himself sitting closer to her than he had in a long time.

"And night lasts a long time," she replied, tilting her head invitingly. "Talk to me."

Cole shifted away from her slightly and sighed. "Well, uh.. It's kind of weird to talk to you about it."

Nya frowned slightly, looking confused. "Why's that? We're friends."

He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, unsure. "Well, yes, we are..."

"What's the problem, then?"

"I've..." He watched her and hesitated, then said, "I've been having dreams about you lately." Nya blinked in surprise, and he felt embarrassment flood him. "I know, it's been a long time since, you know, but they just started."

"There could be several reasons you're dreaming of me," Nya told him, her voice logical. "It doesn't have to be what I know you're thinking."

Cole felt his muscles tense. "Can you blame me for wondering, though? Now I can't control my powers, and it's messing with me. I'm so confused I don't even know how to begin wrapping my head around it."

"Well..." Nya was quiet for a moment. "You have to begin by assessing your feelings. For example, what are you feeling right now?"

Cole glanced at her, startled. "Confused. Scared. Nervous."

Nya tilted her head. "Anything else?"

"A little uncomfortable, honestly." He told her. "We haven't spoken like this since.."

"So your mind definitely keeps going back to that," she observed.

He flinched. "I guess, yeah. I promise I'm not hopeful or anything. I think I'm just scared I'm not.. I don't know, as over it as I thought I was."

"Well, think of this as a test," Nya offered. She reached out her hand towards him, and he flinched back. "Here."

"What, are you trying to give me something?" Cole asked, confused.

Nya chuckled. "My hand, that's all."

He squirmed, uncomfortable. "No, thanks? I'd rather not."

Nya shrugged, dropping her hand. "Likely for all the right reasons, that seemed to make you very uncomfortable."

"It did. Could we maybe move on..?"

She shook her head. "Sorry, but no. I really think you need to talk yourself through this."

Cole was quiet for a few moments. Then he blurted, "I'm sorry for how it ended."

She looked surprised, then sullen. "Honestly, I am too."

He blinked slowly. "I'm glad it did, though, I think."

"Me, too." Nya smiled at him. "You told me once that you were scared of it. Why is that?"

Cole looked away. "My mother. She left when I was young. I loved her so much, and one day, without warning, she was just... gone." He felt his shoulders droop.

He felt Nya put a hand on his shoulder. "Cole, I'm so sorry. But not everyone is like that."

He looked up at her. "But how do I know who is and isn't? It's safer to just stay away from everyone."

Nya was about to reply when a new voice came from behind them. "Interesting time to be talking alone."

Cole jumped and felt Nya's hand drop from his shoulder. He looked up and saw the shadowy figure of Destiny standing next to a pillar. "How much did you hear?" he asked quickly, scared that she'd been eavesdropping for most of the conversation.

"Neither of us could sleep," Nya told her, standing up. "Cole needed a friend to talk to."

"Forgive me for not believing you right away. But from what I observed, you should be glad I'm not Jay," Destiny said, her words daggers.

Nya looked confused. "We weren't doing anything."

Cole rose to his feet and took a few steps towards Destiny. "I would never do that to Jay! And Nya wouldn't either. We were just talking."

She held up her hand, and he stopped in his tracks. "Don't come near me." Destiny's voice dripped with venom. "I don't want to hear it! And I don't believe you either!"

Cole's mouth dropped open as helplessness flooded him.

Nya pushed him aside and looked at Destiny. "How can we prove to you that we're telling the truth?"

"You can't. Not just because I can't think of anything, but because I really don't know you that well. Even if I tried, you could lie your way out of it."

At Destiny's words, Cole felt a surge of frustration and anger. He shook his head and backed away, feeling tears burn at his eyes for the first time in years.

Nya glanced at him and furrowed her brow. "Cole-"

"No!" He shot at her, turning and running into the clearing. He summoned Slate and jumped on, hearing Nya protest again before flying swiftly away.

As the cold wind whipped at his face, he wiped angrily at his eyes. This, he thought firmly. This is why you stay away from them. Away from love. Away from emotion. Slate groaned beneath him, and he stroked her neck with his right hand, clutching her reins tightly in the other. "It's okay, I'm okay," he whispered to her as much as himself.

He didn't pay attention to where he was heading, and after a while Slate slowed, huffing to get his attention.

"What is it?" He asked her.

She groaned in response, and Cole looked intently at the trees ahead of them as Slate hovered. He could see an orange glow coming from the midst of them, and he thought he could make out smoke. He ordered Slate down and dropped from her back, landing skillfully on the ground as she disappeared. He pulled his hood over his face and crept quietly towards the glow.

He heard several voices as he got nearer, and he hopped up into a tree to continue moving closer. He made out a fire, and saw several heavily-armored people milling around it, speaking in low tones. With a jolt, Cole realized that these were some of Grimfax's warriors, and he got closer to listen.

"We need more wood," one of the warriors was growling.

"It's late." Another replied. "We can collect more tomorrow."

"If we don't arrive in three days, you know what will happen to us!" The first snapped.

"If Grimfax needs us so badly, why doesn't he send someone to come and get us?"

"They have limited supplies! You expect them to cross the ocean just to get soldiers who are so traitorous as to question their king?"

Cole shook his head. The ocean?

"No, sir," a warrior replied, his tone cowed.

With that, they all settled in for the night. Cole waited until they were sound asleep before climbing down from the tree as silently as he could. He crept through the sleeping warriors to where he saw what looked like a supply sack. He looked inside and took out a thin piece of paper. He turned the page toward the fire so he could see what was on it, and blinked as he realized it was a map of Ninjago. It had several spots, circled in red. There was an arrow pointing towards the ocean, with a large circle at the end of it, in the middle of the water. Cole frowned and turned his attention to the other red circles, and saw that one was in the Toxic Bogs, approximately where the abandoned camp had been. Cole grinned and folded the map carefully, pocketing it to take back with him. He continued to search around the supplies and didn't find much more of value: swords, armor, arrows, and food were a majority of its contents. After glancing around the camp to make sure he hadn't missed anything, he crept silently away. When he was in the clearing he'd landed in, he created Slate and hopped on, flying swiftly back towards the monastery.