Thunder boomed and jagged yellow lightning bolts flashed across the fragmented pieces of the island. “Has this ever happened before?” asked Lionel, his voice trembling. “Yes, long ago,” replied Grandmaster Sensei Tom, his wrinkled face grim. “So how did you restore everything back then?” questioned Felix eagerly, his eyes wide. “By returning the sword to seal the four dragon gems once more,” said the Grandmaster, his white beard fluttering in the wind.
The helicopter whirred overhead as it approached their ragged location. Sekel thrust the ancient sword toward the tumultuous sky and with a crack, lightning struck the blade. He pointed it at the crumbling school and with a rumble, a ornate golden throne erupted from the earth. All the island's fighters poured from the dorms, gaping at the wreckage surrounding them.
"What in blazes is happening?" gasped Wiley, clutching his chest. "It seems the sword has been unleashed," observed Alecto, his clothes tattered and singed. "I bet I know who done this," scowled Jared as he leapt into the rubble-strewn campus, fists raised. The four dragons carved into the hilt transformed into writhing half-human, half-dragon creatures. "Rise before me!" commanded Sekel, holding the sword aloft. The golden warriors knelt and bowed before the blade as Sekel cackled, lightning cracking ominously behind him.
The helicopter circled lower over the gathering fighters. "Wow, never realized so many could fit on this island," mused Kiyoshi, wide-eyed. "Well duh, it's massive, what did you expect?" scoffed Lionel with a smirk. "Nevermind!" stammered Kiyoshi, cheeks flushed.
Jax stared at his weathered hands, callouses etched into his skin from years of combat training. The memories of that fateful day with Tokido flooded his mind, vivid images surfacing despite his efforts to suppress them. He could still smell the acrid smoke coiling up from Tokido's motionless body after the blast. Happier times also bubbled up - sharing melting ice cream on hot summer days in their quiet village, practicing the ancient fighting stances passed down through generations of their family. But most painful of all, he remembered the night Tokido had vanished without a trace. Jax had awoken to hushed noises and shuffled into the main room to find Tokido hastily packing his belongings. "Where are you going, brother?" young Jax had cried out, his small voice trembling. Tokido paused, turning to gently ruffle Jax's hair. "To a new school, to become the greatest fighter," he declared, eyes blazing with determination. Then he slung his bag over his shoulder and disappeared into the inky night. Jax watched helplessly through tear-filled eyes as his brother's silhouette faded into the darkness, leaving him behind.
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"Jax, we gotta bail outta this helicopter!" Lionel yelled urgently. "Huh?" mumbled Jax as an enormous fireball hurtled toward them. They leapt from the helicopter just before the fireball obliterated it in a deafening explosion.
The other fighters witnessed the distant blast. "It came from the far island," noted Alecto grimly. "We should split up and search for survivors," suggested Jared. "Terrible idea," croaked a voice from the shadowy woods. "Since when do Loch Ness monsters hibernate here?" quipped Jared. "We thrive in the darkness and deep waters," rasped Lucas.
"What do you want?" demanded Amanda through gritted teeth, her fists clenched tight. Lucas sighed heavily, avoiding her glare. "Why is she here?" he muttered bitterly. "She's one of us, that's why we're all here - this island has splintered apart!" explained Alecto in exasperation.
"Where's Vincent? We'll need his help," said Jared urgently. "Somewhere training on this island," replied Lucas tersely.
"Phase one complete," proclaimed Sekel triumphantly, the sword's jewels glinting. "Now to eliminate all remaining fighters with the dragons' help." Draven and Yashiro bowed obediently before leaving to hunt in the woods. "Soon this world will be mine. I've awaited this since that foolish fighter vowed to save this world long ago," mused Sekel to himself.
"Another explosion, from the school this time. We have to split up," ordered Jared. He divided the fighters into groups, instructing them to search for survivors. The four teams ventured off in different directions toward the center island.
After the explosion, Kiyoshi crashed onto an eastern island. He tried to transform but instead smacked painfully into a tree. "Ouch!" he yelped, scanning his new surroundings. "Let's head toward the sword's origin," suggested Kitaro wisely. Kiyoshi agreed and raced toward the central island.
Felix nimbly landed on a branch which instantly snapped. He spun gracefully and landed on one hand before springing to his feet. "That was close!" he laughed with relief. "We seem to be in a jungle," observed Mudar, vines draped around his shoulders. "Let's stop the sword and find the others," Felix said eagerly, sprinting north toward the center island.
Jax was yelling as he tumbled through the air. He face-planted roughly on the ground with a thud. "My first skydiving trip, awesome!" he chuckled, brushing dirt off his clothes. "Tethyus, scan for others please," requested Jax. Tethyus reported no one else with guardians nearby. "Stay alert," Jax warned, marching cautiously into the woods.
Lionel touched down gracefully without a scratch. "Stuck the landing!" he cheered. "The others likely head toward the sword," suggested Zebeon wisely. "You're probably right, let's meet up with them," agreed Lionel. "Uhh wait, which way is it?" he puzzled aloud. Zebeon laughed, "I guess we just keep going straight ahead." Lionel shrugged and continued walking forward into the trees.
"Let's see where everyone is headed," cackled Sekel, consulting his map. "All moving toward me - perfect. Time to create some obstacles for those amateurs," he sneered gleefully, raising the sword once more.