Last chapter. Many thanks to those of you who read, reviewed and/or favorited this story. You help keep my self-esteem up.

The first wave of skeletons began to advance toward the cornered ninjas. Suddenly, there came a deafening roar from above. Both the ninjas and the skeletons looked up in alarm as a bright red dragon came into view, soaring over the mountains with angry crimson flames shooting from its mouth.

"That's gotta be Sensei Wu and Nya!" Jay exclaimed, recognizing the fire dragon that belonged to Kai. The skeletons were already dashing away from them, tripping over each other in their panic.

"Quick! Let's find Cole!" Kai shouted over the noise. The ninjas took off, fighting their way through the mass of skeletons as Kai's dragon landed in the middle, crushing many of them and scorching others. Nya and Sensei Wu hopped off the dragon, and immediately started working together to drive the skeletons away.

The ninjas helped where they could, but at the moment they were more concerned for Cole. They made it to where they had last seen Cole before the battle, and found him collapsed on the ground several feet away.

"The skeletons must have abandoned him when we attacked," Zane said, gently turning Cole over so he was lying on his back. Cole didn't stir, which troubled Zane. He must have been out for a while, so he should be waking up about now.

The sound of the battle nearby faded as the skeletons fled to the underworld, and Sensei Wu and Nya soon joined the ninjas. Zane stepped back as Sensei Wu crouched beside Cole; checking his pulse and breathing while the others looked on worriedly.

After what seemed like an eternity, Sensei Wu stood up, and motioned for them to come over. Kai, Jay, and Zane kneeled down beside Cole, while Nya remained standing with Sensei Wu.

"Cole is going to be alright," Sensei Wu informed them. "But we must wait until he wakes up before we go back to the dojo."

No sooner had he finished speaking, than Cole groaned and opened his eyes.

"Cole! You're okay!" Jay cried, voicing everyone's relief. Cole grimaced as he sat up, holding a hand to his head.

"Easy, Jay. I have a pretty bad headache," Cole said, wincing again. "What happened?"

"What happened? You and Zane were attacked by skeletons, that's what happened!" Kai exclaimed, causing Cole to flinch in pain again. He quickly stopped talking, glancing at Cole apologetically.

"What Kai is trying to say, Cole," Zane said gently, "is that the skeletons knocked us both out and took you. I think they were hoping to cause the collapse of our team."

Cole smiled a little. "Well, I can see that didn't happen," he replied.

"That's true, but we came pretty close," Jay said, shooting Kai a sideways glance.

"Yeah. And it was pretty much our fault," Kai answered, returning the look. He turned back to Cole. "Don't ever get kidnapped again, please," he begged. "We need you!"

Cole chuckled, his headache already beginning to fade. "I'll do my best, but I don't think I can make any promises."

"Well, as long as you try," Zane said. "I don't know if I can handle being in charge again."

"Hey, who ever put you in charge anyway?" Jay asked.

"That's right. I would have made a good leader too," Kai added.

"You would? No, I think I would have done better."

Kai snorted. "Yeah, right. If you ask me…"

"Kai, Jay- do not get started," Cole spoke up, silencing both with a glare. The others laughed. Even now, after being attacked and kidnapped by skeletons, it was still clear that Cole was the one in charge.

"Come on guys, that's enough," Nya said. "We should get Cole back to the dojo so he can rest."

Sensei Wu chuckled once more. "I'm sure we could all use some rest after today. Jay and Zane, you two can help Cole. Kai, I think your dragon wants to make sure you're okay. Why don't you direct him back to the dojo when we're all ready?"

"Okay, Sensei," Kai replied. He dashed over to his dragon while the others followed more slowly; glad to have Cole back, safe and sound. There was no doubt that he was the best leader for their team, and they hoped they would never come this close to losing him again.

That's it! Thanks again! :)