Taisuke's POV
I helped the silver haired child to his feet as he woke up, sensing more people across the island. Today sure was becoming filled with all sorts of new faces. A few minutes passed before several people, including Violet, began approaching me. The one in red pointed at me as they all got closer.

"I'm guessing that's Taisuke?" he asked Violet.

"I can hear you, you know," I responded. "Yes I am Taisuke, and this is the third time a group of strangers has come to my island, though I suppose this time I won't have to fight any of them."

The one in white then halted and gave a gentle bow. "Apologies for coming uninvited, but we heard our friends were in trouble. Do you know where they went?"

When I shook my head the red one grumbled and threw his hands up in the air. "Well that's just great, of course we didn't get here in time. Kyle why didn't you warn us earlier?"

"Just like you, my powers aren't yet fully returned," the dark haired man said. "I'm still not completely sure of everything that's going on, but they'll return eventually. For now let us introduce ourselves to Taisuke."

When he finished his sentence he would fix me with a friendly smile. "My name is Kyle, I am the master of time."

"Kai," the red one said. "Master of fire."

"I am Zane, master of ice," the white one said.

"I'm Cole, master of earth," the black one said.

"My name is Rose Harp," the girl in purple and black stated. "I'm the master of darkness."

The green one gave me a bow before revealing his name. "Lloyd Garmadon, green ninja, master of energy."

"I'm Nya," the girl in gray said. "Master of water."

The white haired girl and boy then smiled at me.

"I am Kelso," the boy said.

"And I Crystal," the girl continued. "We are the twins of glass."

Once I had gotten everyone's names I nodded and motioned towards the monks as well as my monastery which was currently starting to burn thanks to the lightning girl's attack from earlier. Grass blades were still sticking out from some parts on the roof, but the grass that had grown around the monastery earlier had started to die and crumble away.

"You may call me Taisuke, son of Ren and master of chi," I told them. "These monks are my guardians and friends. One of the strangers that were here earlier blasted lightning through my roof which is why the monastery is on fire. Your friends, along with the other three that were here, are gone. They were swallowed up by a portal."

"I already told them that," Violet panted. "And unfortunately we don't know where they went."

"Well when you find out, inform me," I told them. "I want to talk to the ones who attacked my island earlier. If you only came for your friends then you can leave, they aren't here so there's no reason for you to be here. I'd offer you refuge, but like I said, the monastery is on fire so I have no place for you to hide."

Lloyd then shook his head. "Actually, you and the rest of your people could come with us. We can provide you protection until you're able to rebuild your home."

I was about to answer with a no, but I remembered the monks were practically defenseless without a home, so I accepted the offer. "Fine, whatever. If you're able to guarantee all of their safety, then I don't care."

They all then began helping the monks onto their elemental dragons, the rest of the monks conjuring up their own dragons while I would head back into the monastery to gather some things. Nya and Zane would follow me, heading in opposite directions once they were inside. I assumed they were going to help put out the fires. I quickly gathered a photo and a few other things before stepping back outside.

"Are you positive you have enough room for all of us in your base of operations?" I asked one of the ninja.

"Yeah," Kai answered. "Cyrus Borg supplied us with a base a while ago."

I wasn't sure who this, Cyrus Borg, was but I didn't question it and nodded before picking up my bag full of things. I then dashed off in a full sprint towards the shore of my island. Right before I hit the ocean I would throw my bag into the air and jumped after it, summoning a dragon of my own who I had named Qiulong. I waited for the ninja to lead the way before following them towards their base.

Several hours later
When we arrived at the ninja's base I was pleasantly surprised to find several other people there. It took a while to be introduced to all of them, but soon enough I knew everyone's names, even the name of the strange green man that was towering over everyone else. I lead my monks to their new rooms to recover before heading to where the others were, gently bowing to the two sensei that were present.

"We're happy to shelter you here as long as you need Taisuke," the first sensei, this one being referred to as Wu, told me. "And we thank you for being willing to help us."

"You are misinformed," I quickly interrupted. "I'm not here to aid your cause. I just want to let the ones who attacked me to know that they've made a mistake provoking me. Our goals align for now, but if they swear to leave my island untouched I'll have no reason to fight alongside you. Until then, tell me this, who exactly is this realm conqueror?"

The others turned to look at the giant, green man from before. I believe his name was Zavok. The man cleared his throat and set his eyes upon me. "M.A.D is a demon not from this realm. He is from the demon realm and has been trying to break into the other realms for centuries. When he was first secured, it took the strength of the Gods to seal him away. Now that he has broken away, he plans to completely take over Ninjago and the other realms. We cannot allow him to do that."

"And why's that?" I challenged. "If he wants to rule over this realm then he doesn't plan to destroy it right?"

"Well yeah," answered the master of lightning. Was it Jay? "But even if he doesn't destroy it, he's still gonna subjugate everyone who lives here. We can't just let that happen."

"Did he ever say he was going to subjugate you all, and did you just come to that conclusion because he's a demon?"

"Did you miss the part where it took Gods stopping him to keep him from conquering everything?" Kai exclaimed.

I shrugged at that. "Who determines that Gods are good and demons are evil? Listen, I'm like any other person here and don't wish to be ruled over by anyone, it's why my island is secluded. But if he doesn't plan on conquering my people then I don't care whether he succeeds or not. My only complaint is that his people attacked mine, though judging from the grass girl's words, I was only attacked because your friends were on my island."

Kai's eyes began glowing and the crackling of fire could be heard. As embers started to form around him, his brother would quickly pull him aside. After they had left I decided to dismiss myself and headed to the roof of the base. The sky was empty, the air was fresh, and the sounds of the city filled my ears. It was strange not being on an island, where the air smelled of the sea and seagulls could be seen flying above, but I didn't mind it too much. If not for the noise, I could see myself living here just fine. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, allowing energy to flow through me. I needed to prepare myself for what was to come, as my new opponent sounded like he'd be much more of a challenge than the dragon ninja had been.

"So you've returned," I spoke out to the air, opening my eyes. I turned around to see Riley standing behind me along with Echo. "If you wish to fight I'd think against it. They outnumber you and have a destroyer on their side."

"Oh I'm not worried about that," Riley waved off. "The fallen God is no match for my master. I simply came to deliver a message." She then nodded her head towards Echo and motioned towards me. "Go on, give it to him."

Echo slowly made his way over to me, his eyes glowing with a bright, red light. He opened his hand and offered a scroll to me. After I had taken it, he would return to Riley's side. It seemed to me that Echo wouldn't be allowed any autonomy after I had managed to purify him the first time. That was a shame, I'm sure he would be useful considering how strong his sound abilities were. Riley waved me off as she headed towards the edge of the roof.

"Toodaloo!" she called. "I'd read that message as soon as possible if I were you. Goodbye!"

She then leapt from the rooftop, followed by Echo who summoned a teal colored dragon. Riley soon rose into the air as grass wings sprouted from her back, and both she and Echo flew off into the distance. I watched them go, leaving me alone once again. I looked down at the scroll that I had received and decided against checking the contents of it, deciding it'd be better to simply give it to the others. It was meant for them after all. I stepped back inside and began searching for the others, soon coming across Violet. I approached the purple clad ninja and lightly tapped her shoulder.

"Jeez, you scared me," came her startled response. "What do you want?"

I handed over the scroll to her. "This is for you. Riley gave it to me a moment ago. Also we should probably move somewhere else now that they know where we are."

Violet looked down at the scroll and then back to me. Her face went through a range of emotions before she finally opened her mouth to speak. "Why didn't you capture her?"

"Echo was there with her," I replied. "I'm sure capture would've been difficult with him around. Besides, if I'm to negotiate a peace then I'm sure it would be best not to hold one of his allies captive."

Violet sighed and started to walk off. "Whatever, I'm giving this to the others."

As I watched her go I decided to follow her. She called everyone into a room with a round table in the center of it and placed down the scroll. "Taisuke collected this from Riley just a few moments ago," she started off. "I'm not sure if it's safe to read or if opening it will cause it to explode, so if anyone has any ideas I'm all ears."

"Hmm, it's safe," Kyle announced after a moment of thought. "Let's read it quickly. If Riley was able to get here then our position is now compromised. We'll need to relocate soon."

Lloyd nodded and picked up the scroll, breaking the seal on it before starting to look over its contents. "It....it's blank."

Violet took it back from him and frantically looked it over, though she started to calm down now. "There's an illusion placed over it." She summoned a small ball of silver light above her index finger before poking the scroll, breaking the illusion placed over it. "I don't think I can read this, whatever language this is looks ancient."

"Allow me," Zavok offered as he held out his hand. After the scroll was passed to him, he'd read through it, muttering to himself. "It says the Dragon ninja are still alive, though they have been captured. He knows where we are, and plans to destroy this hideout if we don't turn over the illusion ninja, the fallen angel, and the other descendant of sound."

"That's not going to happen," Kai said. "If he wants to fight then we'll give him one."

"No, we give him what he wants," Kyle stated.

Aaralyn blinked. "Come again?"

"We give him what he wants," Kyle repeated. "If he plans to reveal himself here then we must plan accordingly. If the only way to get to him is through you three, we must act upon that chance."

Zavok then spoke. "I have a better solution. I can take you to his domain. Perhaps the reason we're unable to locate him is because he is no longer within this realm."

"Are you suggesting we travel to the demon realm?"

"That is correct," Zavok nodded. "But first, it would be wise to relocate everyone here who cannot defend themselves. They would be left unguarded if we were to leave abruptly."

"You are welcome in the elfin domain anytime," the elf sighed, she had been called Shira. "Though I suppose it wouldn't be very safe there considering my earlier failure."

Wu then gave the girl a smile. "The elfin domain would be a wonderful place to stay. Please, take us there."

"If you wish."

Shira then got up from the table and motioned for all of us to join her outside. Once we had exited the building, gathering up everyone and anything we could carry. Shira took a deep breath before pulling out a flute. She would blow a series of notes and the sky began to darken as wind began to rush through the area. A mist started to roll in and soon covered the ground, making it impossible to see where I was standing. After one final note a bright flash would shine and we all vanished into thin air. We appeared in the center of what looked like a village made from the very trees around us. Shira put away her flute and motioned for us to follow her towards one of the many homes made of trees.

"This way, my home is here, anyone unable to fight may remain here for the time being," she said as she opened the door, leaving it open for the others. I decided to remain outside while everyone else explored the inside of Shira's home.

"It's pretty isn't it?" the younger elf girl spoke, making me blink as I looked to the side. Had she been hiding her presence? Even still I should've been able to feel her energy. "I've lived here for twelve years now but it's always amazing seeing my home light up at night."

"How did you mask your presence?" I demanded.

"Hmm?" she asked. "Oh, I'm not hiding myself. I think the amount of natural energy here might be interfering with your senses." She gave me a smile in response before taking a seat next to me. "Are you not going to join the others?"

"I need time to think of how to negotiate a peace," I answered. "I do not want to be involved in a fight that doesn't concern me."

The elfin child closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened them again, she met me with a smile. She offered her hand to me, almost expecting me to grab it. I didn't sense any ill will so I decided to take it. As I did I felt something enter my spirit. I closed my eyes, seeing my life flash through my mind, going through every single thing I've been through, even things I thought I had forgotten. Was this the child's doing?

"What are you-"

"Your plan won't work," the girl said after releasing her hand from mine. We both opened our eyes again and I looked down to see her staring at me. "If you go to M.A.D he will destroy you."

"That's for me to determine myself," I responded. "I'm sure we can negotiate a peace."

Soon the others left Shira's home and the older elf motioned for the child to step inside. "We'll be back soon. If any trouble arises, alert me."

Once the child was inside, Shira would take out several glowing orbs and handed one to each of us. "If something goes wrong, recite this incantation, travia homeia and you will return to this realm."

We all nodded and pocketed the orbs. Zavok then began chanting in a language I haven't heard before. It sounded ancient, and powerful. Red symbols began to spawn around us while wind whipped through the air. Zavok's eyes began to glow, and soon he finished his chant. A bright, red light shone, causing me to shield my eyes. When I was able to open them again, I was no longer standing in the elfin domain. Instead my feet were standing upon blood red grass that turned to ash when I took a step. The sky was orange, and black clouds of smoke filled it, though strangely my breathing was fine. It seemed everyone else's was too, so perhaps the clouds only appeared to be made from smoke. Zavok motioned for us to follow him as he made for a city in the distance. Seeing as we were unfamiliar with the area, it was only natural we allow him to take the lead.

"You may see people here who don't appear human," Zavok spoke," but like any other race, they don't mean harm to those who don't wish them harm. Simply treat them like you would anyone else, and they will leave you alone."

"Might I ask, are there any particular laws of this domain that we must abide by?" Zane asked.

Zavok thought for a moment before holding up his finger. "There is one, do not say that you hail from Ninjago. If they ask where you're from, simply say, Hyteria. That's another realm filled with humans just like you."

"What's the problem with Ninjago?" Kai questioned, seemingly taken aback by the rule. "We haven't done anything wrong, besides we're the good guys."

"Good to who exactly?" Zavok questioned. "Your realm is currently in a war with the demon realm. To the people of this realm, you are all an enemy. If you were to reveal yourselves here, you would be seen as intruders or spies. Don't let your emotions get you persecuted, now let us proceed."

Kai grumbled but didn't argue any further, letting us continue on our way to the city.

Martel's POV
"Q pass me the ball," I said, holding out my hands for him.

"Bet." He threw the ball and I caught it. "Toss it back."

I nodded and threw it back at him. He opened up a portal to catch it before shaking his head at me. Well, looks like his range was still limited to the cages we were in. The two of us, and the other dragon ninja, well besides Violet, were trapped in cages suspended in the air that were made of the same material of the cages we had been trapped in when we first met M.A.D. We had been attempting to use Marquel's abilities to escape, but his powers hadn't been able to bypass whatever properties the cages had. We had already attempted freezing the cages with Jasper's ice, melting them with Zygon's fire, and bending them with Caleb's strength but had made no progress. Raiden couldn't teleport while in the cage, I couldn't turn into a shadow or summon Raven, and Dusty couldn't turn into sand.

"When you think they'll get here?" Marquel asked as he bounced the ball, using his portal to transport himself to my cage.

I shrugged and looked through the bars, looking down to see that Takalyn and Echo were still standing just below us, their eyes glowing red. They had been standing guard in case we had somehow escaped, not even leaving to eat. I wonder if they still needed food while they were being controlled, or if the mind control made them ignore their desire to eat.

"I hope they ain't get captured on the way here," I said.

Dusty crossed his arms and leaned against his cage, closing his eyes for a moment. "Hmm, I can think of how they'd get to this dimension, but how are they gonna know where M.A.D's castle is? Or which room we're in?"

"Well Taisuke can detect chi," I answered. "And Aaralyn can use echolocation, but you're right, I have no idea how they're gonna figure out where we are."

When I finished speaking, I heard footsteps coming from below us and looked down to see Riley had returned. She looked up at us with a grin and waved. "Oh good, you're still here. I just got done sending a message to all your little friends. They should be here any minute, my master knows they aren't foolish enough to ignore his demands, not when defenseless fools are involved." She then looked over at Echo and slapped him a few times before grabbing his face. "Look at you. You look soooooo stupid. I thought my master said you were the stronger of the two, but your sister was able to avoid my temptations."

I guess that made sense. Echo has raw power, Aaralyn had more precision, sometimes you can't beat everything with power alone. I blinked as I thought about that and summoned my bo staff in my hand. Oh good, I could still do that. I tossed it out of the cage and concentrated on turning it into a shadow minion. These cages were strong, but even Jay could break through them if he were on the outside of them. As I continued to concentrate, I could feel the staff transforming, though the process was slow. Eventually it hit the ground, which alerted Riley to it. She walked over and picked it up, looking up at me. "You."

"Sup," I grinned. The staff finally transformed and flew up to me. It appeared smaller than usual, though it should hopefully still be strong enough to break through my cage.

Riley tried to attack the minion, forgetting it was a shadow, and grumbled before summoning blades of grass around us. The shadow minion quickly freed me from my cage and I summoned a shadow shield around the others to protect them from the blades. Echo and Takalyn ran over to intercept me as I went for Riley, but I slammed my staff into the cage and summoned shadow tentacles to ensnare the three of them. I then managed to free my comrades.

"So, we doin about them?" I asked, pointing to our new captives.

Marquel opened up a portal. "There you go."

I nodded and managed to send Takalyn through it before Echo managed to escape my hold with his powers. He then punched the air in front of him, sending a sonic boom my way. I turned into a shadow and snaked my way up a wall, changing my form into a giant shadow before I returned back to normal. My now humongous shadow tore itself off of the wall and launched itself at Echo. While it dealt with him, we all turned our attention to Riley who was slowly turning into grass.

"I knew it was a good idea to make a clone instead of going in there myself," Riley spoke, or I guess it was clone Riley. "This clone actually listens to orders too. I've reported your escape to my master. He'll simply recapture you and you'll be back to where you started."

With that said, the clone turned completely into grass leaving us with Echo. My shadow managed to subdue him before it returned to its regular shape and plastered itself back onto the wall. I walked over to Echo and wondered how we were gonna free him from Riley's manipulation. Not even Taisuke's trick work. Maybe if I used my violent aura? As I entered my violent state, I would attempt to free him, though stopped when I spotted the soul of several individuals.

"Yo, I think they made it," I told everyone.

"Took them long enough," Caleb said, and stepped back as my elf appeared in front of him.

She looked around before pulling out her bow and nocking an arrow. "Where is he?"

"If you mean M.A.D, he's on his way," I answered, getting back to my feet. "I just saw everyone else, how'd you all get here?"

"Zavok knows the layout of this domain," Shira answered, looking at the door as footsteps were heard. "He guided us here. The others are on their way to us now while Taisuke intercepts M.A.D. He wants to form a truce with him, ignoring the fact that we told him that he's insane for trying to reason with M.A.D."

Someone entered the room and I held my bo staff tight. When I saw it was just Jay I would relax. All of us headed over to him and started to leave the room. I paused and looked back at Echo who we had left on the ground. "Caleb, can you pick him up and take him with us?"

"Why can't we just send him through a portal?" Caleb wondered, though he did as I asked.

"Just in case he wake up while we're gone," I answered. "I think we can beat M.A.D with all of us here, and I don't need him waking up and attacking anyone while we're preoccupied."

"Where is he?" Zygon asked. "With Zavok here, we definitely have a chance."

I entered my violent state again and started to locate the demon before a portal opened up underneath our feet. Oh come on. As we fell we would all hit the floor, well all of us except Marquel who slowed himself down with his powers. I looked up and saw the rest of our team was here too, along with Reagan who had black wings coming from her back.

"Where are we now?" Jasper groaned.

Reagan glanced around and let out a gasp. She then raised her hand in the air and small blue sparks flew from them. Were her powers weakened within this room?

"This is where M.A.D and I are at our weakest," Reagan answered, starting to shiver while her wings slowly started to retract. "I cannot escape this room, I'm sorry. I-I should've b-been paying more attention."

Wait why would they both be at their weakest? I thought they were only weak to each other. Was this room entirely made of the combination of love and hate? As I looked around the featureless, blank room, I would hear a voice chuckling at us.

"Adarian?" Zavok called. "Where are you? Reveal yourself and face us, or do you fear the might of our combined strength?"

"A fallen god speaking to the Demon King?" M.A.D's voice boomed. "How do you wish to repay this crime Zavok? With your life, or with your service?"

"I do not negotiate with the likes of you."

A red flash filled my vision and I turned to the right to see M.A.D had appeared in front of us. Didn't Reagan just say she and him were weakened? It seemed everyone else had come to that conclusion as well as we all started to close in on the demon man. Kai was the first to strike, igniting his sword and sending a fire slash at him.

"Kai wait!" Kyle shouted out.

But it was too late. The attack went through the man and he grinned as his body disappeared. So he was just a clone. No wonder he came down here despite what Reagan had said. Once he was gone mist would start to fill the room we were in. I felt myself growing weaker, and eventually my vision blackened as I started to fall towards the ground.