Lloyd's POV

'He's waking up, sir', I heard a muffled voice from a distance say.

I couldn't hear the reply, I felt—really woozy. Though my eyes were closed, I felt dizzy. My head felt light, and that wasn't good. Not good at all. I tried to speak, but I felt like I couldn't move. I heard muffled voices as if I were hearing them underwater.

I groaned, prying my eyes open one last time.

I succeeded, and my eyes slowly opened. My vision was blurry, slanted—distorted. My head spun. I tried to put my hand on my forehead, but—I couldn't. I frowned internally and tried to raise my hand, but I felt a tight rope wrapped around my wrist. I struggled.

Great, I thought, How many times am I gonna get tied up by mysterious villains?

I groaned again.

"Lloyd?", I heard a familiar voice call. I whipped my head up as my vision gradually cleared.

Harumi was tied right next to me, her face wide with fear and concern—but she looked weak and tired.

"Rumi...",I croaked, smiling weakly,"Are you..."I couldn't finish my sentence—I felt drained.

She nodded, her face looking just as exhausted as I felt.

I looked at my other side, and Jay was still unconscious. All of us were tied together in one big tight circle—great. Just Great.

"Jay?", I called out, nudging my shoulder with his,"Wake up."

"Lloyd?",Kai called out,"Are you awake buddy?"

I tried turning my head over my shoulder,"Kai!"

"Thank goodness!", I heard Cole sigh.

I heard Nya groan,"Ugh, w-what happened?"

A distinct and loud slam shook wooden planks, making us all jump. I looked up, and I held my gasp.

Around us, dozens of...pirates were smirking down at us. The sky was bright blue, the sun gleaming bright as it shone across the big ocean. The ship and its jet-black sails shifted smoothly as it glided across the sea.

That feeling of Deja Vu. I felt that.

Looking at the pirate ship, us being captured—were we here before? This really looked familiar to me now.

I glanced at Harumi, just as she looked at me. She had a mix of anger and confusion on her face. But the angered expression soon took over, when we saw their crew slightly make way for their leader.

The figure was still wearing his red Kabuki mask, almost identical to the one Harumi wore when she was the mysterious herald to the Crystal King. I refrained from shuddering.

The mysterious individual glided smoothly towards us, its black cloak billowing in the wind. Next to the bright sky to his or her attire—this person looked...odd. Even from its stature, it was hard to tell whether the figure behind the mask was a man or a woman—or maybe I just started to feel dizzy again.

The figure stopped a few feet in front of us, tilting its head as he/she looked at us all tied up on the floor.

I felt Harumi tug against the ropes, but with no avail.

I managed to reach for her hand, and she stopped struggling.

I looked at her from the corner of my eye, and discreetly shook my head. I saw her grimace, but other than that, she pretended nothing had happened. We couldn't risk the enemy having yet another advantage on us. He or she can't know that—

That I still have feelings for Harumi.

Maybe she might not have them for me, but I still do—and if I show any sign that makes Harumi a bigger target—

I clenched my fist. I can't let that happen.

I gritted my teeth, looking up at the figure.

The nameless figure simply tilted its head.

"What's the matter?", I spat,"Can't talk?" My voice lashed out harsher than I expected.

The figure stared at me with those glowing blue eyelids of the mask. I stared right back.

"Who are you?" I asked, emphasizing each word for effect.

The figure stepped back, raising his/her hands in a placating manner.

"A curious one, aren't you", the voice said,"Green Ninja?"

The figure reached its gloved hands on the mask and pulled it open.

My eyes narrowed, as I tried focusing on the figure.

The figure took out his hood, and we finally saw him.

He looked around our age, if not, older.

He had tufted light brown hair , which shone in the afternoon sun, his eyes a shocking blue. His face looked—completely ordinary. I had to admit, He wasn't bad-looking either. Nothing villainous—except for the devilish smirk he was giving me.

I felt like giving him a piece of my mind by punching him right then and there.

I happened to glance at Harumi, not to see her reaction on how he looks and all, but just to—you know. Nevermind...

By anything, her face only seemed to look madder. Her eyebrows were turned up, her teeth clenched tightly, her eyes enraged.

"Huh,"Jay said quietly,"At least we now know we're not facing another Harumi". I glared at him as he chuckled nervously. Harumi sighed.

"I may not be a girl, Master of Lightning", the teenage-looking boy said, his voice deep,"But, I can assure you—I may fare even better than the traitor who you admire."

"Admire?", Kai said,"We hated her as a villain!"

Way to go, Kai.

I kept my mouth shut, but gripped Harumi's hand as she looked down. She squeezed it as hard as she could through the ropes.

"But you're just some low-level thug!", Cole said,"It should be you who should be kneeling before her!"

The man's eyes widened in apparent shock, until he laughed.

"Oh heavens, I should?", He exclaimed, his palms on his face, his expression in false surprise,"I had no idea!"

He boomed a laugh, and it echoed all around us.

"Oh, ninja", he said, as his laughter died out,"When will you ever learn?"

"We should be asking you the same thing", Harumi spoke out, surprising us all, even the man himself.

"Well, well", the man clicked his tongue, bending down so he was directly in front of Harumi,"The Quiet One seems to have found her voice."

He looked around his crew, who laughed in response. The man grinned, turning back to her. I looked towards Harumi, who wore a blank face.

Harumi glared at the man.

"Well", she spat,"It clearly seems you have found yours—so why don't you start with the basics and tell us your name."

Her voice sounded deadly, and only after a second did I realize that she had used her Quiet One commanding voice—a complete transition to her Jade Princess facade voice. Her controlling voice silenced the gushing talks of the crew, who growled in response.

I held back a smile. They knew nothing about her, did they?

The man narrowed his eyes and stood back up, his hands on his hips and he studied her.

I felt an unfamiliar anger wash over me as he looked at her, and I felt myself struggle against the ropes unconsciously.

"My name is Kane Roka Blackwood, Quiet One", Kane said, "My crew call me Blackwood, but my prisoners..."he looked back at me.

It all happened so quick that I had to blink twice in utter shock. Out of nowhere, Kane held a blade to my throat. I heard Kai, Harumi and the others shout in protest. My eyes widened as I held my chin high.

"My prisoners", he continued, smirking down at me,"Call me Hunter."

I glared at him, as the whole crew's laughed echoed around us.

Harumi's eyes were wide in shock, as Kane grinned menacingly.

A/N- Hellooo!! Surprise!! Another Chapter on the roll!! WOHOO!! I really enjoyed writing this chapter! I hoped you all enjoyed reading it! So, what do you think abt the new villain the ninja are facing? How did you think this chapter went? Excited? Bcz i am!!! Heads up for upcoming chapters, cause I feel MOTIVATION!!! XD Love u guys!!