Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu Dimensional Rift
Disclaimer: We own none of the characters, themes, or songs in this story, excluding the O.C.s.
Character descriptions in a nutshell. (More to come…)
NINJAGO: Masters of Spinjitzu Dimensional Rift
"Long before time had a name, Ninjago was created by the First Spinjitzu Master, but you probably already knew that. However, many great evils attempted to seize Ninjago for themselves, even my own father. Fortunately, wherever there is something worth fighting for, there is always a need for a ninja. The ninja have ultimately bested every evil that has invaded our home of Ninjago, from the devious Master Chen and his Anacondrai cultists: begins mimicking Chen's voice, {Teeheehee! Buttons, buttons, I love buttons! Only one can remain!} Morro and the Preeminent, (mimic's Morro's voice {Haha! You have it wrong! Ninjago must be destroyed!} and even the ultimate evil, The Overlord. {does his best to mimic the Overlord's ghastly, raspy voice, {Wherever there is light, there will always be shadow! Cough, gasp, clears throat.} So even now that all of Ninjago's enemies are subdued, the ninja and I, Lloyd Garmadon, watch over Ninjago to ensure that no one harms the innocent or threatens Ninjago ever again!" Lloyd finishes dramatically while he and the ninja strike an action pose.
Cheers and applause fill the auditorium of the school. The ninja all bow and suddenly vanish from the stage, prompting even more cheers and applause.
The ninja are all gathered backstage.
"Great speech Lloyd! Your father would've been proud," Kai pats Lloyd on the shoulder.
"Yeah Lloyd! But if you'd used my epic one-liner and let me do the voices for the bad guys, it would've been killer!"
"Jay, how did you ever become a ninja? Seriously!"
"By my assessment of the applause, the audience would agree that your speech was most excellent."
"Thanks guys, I hope that this gives much needed hope to the people of Ninjago, so that they know we're looking out for them," Lloyd's serious face relaxes slightly, and his tone remains optimistic.
"I'm sure it will Lloyd, but I have to admit it would be more exciting if something nefarious occurred, 'specially since Ronin's been handling most of the smaller crimes lately," Nya complains half-heartedly.
Sensei Wu, Misako, and Darreth all walk up to the ninja simultaneously.
"Ninja, excellent work, and Lloyd, your speech will no doubt inspire the people of Ninjago to enjoy the peace we have earned. "
"Yes son, all of you and your team's hard work has finally begun to pay off!"
"Yeah, but do you think we could squeeze a couple of interviews before you guys head out? I'd love to use it in an upcoming magazine issue."
"Of course! How's my hair for the picture? Can I be in front this time?"
"Easy Kai, remember our reason for protecting Ninjago isn't for more publicity, but to do our part in giving back to our home."
"Speaking of protecting Ninjago, did anyone ever find Clouse? Don't tell me that guy's still hanging around just waiting for us to let our guard down so he can brew a pot of trouble."
"Remember Cole? He's been banished to the Underworld, so I think it's best to give him the benefit of the doubt for now," Lloyd counters mildly.
The Police Commissioner saunters over to the ninja, "Well, I just might have someone worth denying the benefit of the doubt; it's been awhile Lloyd."
"I guess I should be careful what I wish for…"
"Nya, we just spent a whole debacle learning about the power of wishes."
"Right, sorry."
"We're ready, where is the suspect?" Lloyd pulls his hood over his face.
"The darker side of Ninjago City, at least that's where he was last seen. We've been trying to catch him for months, but he's like a shadow, there one moment and gone the next…" The commissioner's eye begins twitching.
"We're on our way." Lloyd says on the commissioner's radio; the ninja have already left on their elemental dragons.
Chapter 1: Aftermath
The ninja arrive in Ninjago City, and all is quiet. The team separates in pairs of two while searching the city. After searching nearly the entire city, the ninja meet back in the center of the city, and report that there's not a noodle out of soup.
"Sorry Lloyd, not a thing. This city's safe as can be," Kai nonchalantly reports with a forced yawn.
"Yeah Lloyd, same here. And I was all ready to lay a paralyzing smack-down on the suspect," Jay jitters disappointedly.
"Ugh, guys I almost feel like we missed him," Lloyd grunts, confused.
"Or her…" Nya chides while grinning.
At that moment, Cole notices a mysterious shadow, a moving shadow with nothing casting it. "Hey, what's that?"
The ninja turn and see the shadow, which disappears and flows up a building.
"That must be the enigmatic enmity that has been reported repeatedly."
The ninja go on a rooftop race chasing the shadow, and after several minutes of chasing, they finally reach a rooftop with a large chimney. The ninja surround the shadow.
"Aha! Nowhere to go now! All right guys, lets light this shadow!"
"Easy Jay, this may have been nothing more than a wild goose chase…!"
"Yes, I'm afraid it is."
The ninja turn, and see a young man in a white cloak with causally saunters up to them from behind the chimney. All the ninja jump back in surprise, then take defensive postures.
"Oh, did I startle you? My apologizes," the stranger's eyes cloud slightly, but he suddenly sighs almost dismissively, eyelids slightly drooped, "Of course, if you were not stalking me it would be much less likely that such would occur. Merely my observation."
"Who are you, and what do you want?" Cole interrogates, posed to strike yet also steady should the opposite be in order.
"Yeah, what's with all the sneaking you snake?" Jay half snickers at his own terrible quip.
"Snake? I am human, not serpentine. My given name is Akumu-Rin. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ninja." Akumu smiles wryly as he removes the hood on his cloak.
"Yeah, yeah. Do away with the niceties and surrender, unless you're interested in a fight." Kai brandishes his blade.
"Commissioner, we found him." Lloyd reports into his radio.
"Roger Lloyd, on our way!" The commissioner makes good and soon a small army of helicopters surround the building.
"Now, now, a fight is unnecessary. I apologize if my actions implied hostility. I just found it peculiar that you were following me. Your nindroid can attest that all my items I carry with me have been paid for; see for yourself." Akumu holds out the sacks of items he had been carrying.
Zane scans all of the stranger's belongings, and sighs, "All of the merchandise he carries has been purchased legitimately, and we cannot prosecute him for nothing." Zane turns to face the stranger, and bows slightly, "Our apologies, sir."
The commissioner growls softly, then gives a command for the choppers to disperse; Akumu is allowed to leave freely and casually.
The ninja are frustrated and confused; Lloyd grimaces silently as he watches the cloaked fellow leave…
Later that day, another distress call reaches the Destiny's Bounty, so the Ninja set back into action! Arriving at the Ninjago Museum, the Ninja find that yet again, this mysterious fellow Akumu has appeared, but also like their last encounter, he has still done nothing wrong. Turns out he and Dr. Saunders were chatting about a historical argument.
"No no, I assure you, the Fall of Garmadon occurred many years after the Serpentine War!" Saunders replies.
"Then how did Garmadon keep his youthfulness? Is he some kind of time lord?" Akumu retorts.
"Hee-hee! No, no, time lords are nothing but a fairy tale! No, no!" Dr. Saunders smiles.
Akumu's face shows very brief suspicion and doubt, but then turns and notices the Ninja. "Well hello, again. I see your police have yet another wild goose for you to chase?" his gentle, yet almost teasing tone complements his playful eyebrow tilt.
Lloyd sighs, "Sorry to bother you again, and next time the police asks us to find you again, we'll be sure to think twice." Lloyd turns to his communicator, informing the police of their findings while trying to maintain a level tone.
The rest of the Ninja nod and leave in frustration.
"No problem, after all, it is not your fault that your police is as buggy as the Kryptarium Cafeteria." Akumu smirks playfully.
Jay smiles back and chuckles, and so does Nya.
Akumu watches them curiously as they leave, then continues in his historical discussion with Saunders.
"So you said that Morro was the only villain to not seek vengeance on the Ninja?" Akumu asks.
"Mm-hmm, that's right! I dunno why such happened. It's a mystery… boogily boogily!" Saunders tries to dramatize his answer.
Back on board Destiny's Bounty, the Ninja are meeting with Sensei Wu.
"Alright Sensei, I've had enough of these false alarms. It's just like the boy who cried Serpentine!" Jay complains. "Only at least those times, it was real!"
"Yeah Sensei, whatever this guy actually is doesn't matter since the police have nothing but their word to pin on him. I love a good fight, but if I've learned anything from our adventures, it would be that rumors can cause unnecessary wars." Kai comments.
"Hm, I see that you continue to grow in your training and your mind! Very good. However, I wonder if you might be able to handle this…new assignment." Wu replies, quick to switch topics.
"Ooh! A new mission! I'll ready the quips!" Jay zips.
"What's the trouble Sensei? Whoever it is better be ready to rock!" Cole cracks a smile.
"Cole! Stop quipping before I even can come up with a good one for you!" Jay snaps.
"Sensei, if we should fail this mission, will it lead to disastrous consequences?" Zane inquires enquiringly.
"Alright guys, let's hold on and listen." Lloyd shushes them while lightly smacking Jay and Cole.
"Well, I'm not sure you all are ready to handle it. It may be one of the direst missions you've ever attempted." Wu muses, eyes closed and facing away from them.
"Sensei you've trained us well, so have some faith in us!" Nya remarks.
"We accept, no matter the task, no matter the cost, a Ninja is always ready to help their Sensei." Lloyd nods.
"Yeah, anything for you, Sensei!" Kai nods.
"Hear, hear!" Jay pipes.
"You said it!" Cole echoes.
"…very well, I think you're right. You are more than capable of handling this mission, which is why I wanted to ask you first." Sensei starts, a slight beam under his beard.
The Ninja crowd around Wu in anticipation.
"Your mission is, listen carefully:" Wu's eyes open, fully serious.
The ninja have their most serious expressions to show they are ready; even Jay.
"I need you, to go down to my former tea shop and purchase a case of Clementine Tea for my book club tonight before 5 O' Clock! Now go! The lines have been very long lately and I have just barely managed to reserve some tea, so please! Time is of the essence since my order is only guaranteed until the end of today!" Wu dramatically poses to emphasis the importance of the errand.
"Well, I somehow saw that one coming," Kai comments.
"Eh, oh well, better than nothing!" Jay smiles.
"Ninja, go!" the team cheers as they head to their vehicles: the Ultra Stealth Raider, Cole's Rock Roader, and Zane's Tumbler.
Sensei looks on and smiles to himself, "Hm, they truly are growing up. They took it better than they have in years! I'm very proud. Heh!"
The Ninja arrive at Wu's old tea farm, formerly Steep Wisdom.
"Wow, they've been busy," Kai states the obvious.
"Uh, yeah. No kidding," Cole pounds the obvious into the dirt; not literally.
"On the bright side, we've arrived a 1 O' Clock, so we've got five hours, no wait, four hours until the deadline!" Nya breaks the flow of negativity with her perky perspective.
Upon entering the store, with the sign now saying "CuriosiTea", the Ninja are greeted by a seemingly empty store.
"Uh, hello?" Lloyd calls out slowly.
Out of nowhere, a voice answers. "Why hello, old chum…"
The Ninja jump up, nearly kick back, whip it around and spin when Pythor suddenly materializes right at the register!
"Pythor?" Lloyd gasps.
"Oh, great, just our luck! We go on a simple errand, only to find out that it was a real mission! Plot twist much?" Jay quips, while charging up his swinging hand.
The Ninja take fighting stances, but Pythor holds up a hand, "Oh, settle down! You know very well that I tend to have an unsettling effect on people, but really!"
The Ninja lower their weapons, and Kai asks, glaring suspiciously, "So, if you're not here to fight, why are you here?"
"Ah, very simple. I am currently the proud co-owner of the fabulous Tea Boutique by the name of CuriosiTea! After all, we all need hobbies do we not? I even have the prestigious honor of wearing a uniform and nametag!" Pythor points to his nametag that reads: "Pythor P. C. Co-owner of CuriosiTea". "Not that I need it or anything like that…" Pythor looks prideful, eyes closed dramatically and elegant in pose. "Ahem. Now then, how may I help you?" Pythor returns to his normal pose and then inquires smoothly.
"Um, well, we had placed an order…" Lloyd replies but is cut off.
"Yes, yes, an order for Wu; he called at least twelve times a week ago to place an order. We always are always giddy with glee to provide the best service we can to our customers, so we appreciate his patience and diligence. Akumu!" Pythor begins talking on his intercom on the desk near the register. "Bring package number 70595 to the register at your earliest convenience if you would."
Akumu's voice crackles on the intercom, "On my way."
While they are waiting, Lloyd asks, "So I don't get it, you help us beat Chen, tried to send me to the Departed Realm, then go back to being good again?"
"Mm hm, precisely." Pythor smiles deviously.
"Well can you at least make up your mind? Two sides!" Jay holds up his hands. "Good, Evil, Pick one!"
Pythor smirks and slaps both of Jay's upright hands in a dual high five just to egg him on. Jay just groans and facepalms.
"What are you really up to?" Lloyd inquires further, not buying it for a minute.
"What am I really "up to"?" Pythor uses air quotes. "Well, you see, I needed a stable source of income, and during my time in Kryptarium I learned to steep the finest of tea, so I decided to use my technique to forge a financial gain!" Pythor grins normally and gestures to the racks of newly-made teas.
"Here you are, order number 70595, all intact and ready for use!" Akumu appears at the register and lays the package containing the tea on the counter. "That'll be thirty five dollars and seventy two cents." Akumu adds as he rings up the order on the register.
"You?!" Lloyd suddenly recognizes Akumu from before.
"Yes, me! I suppose, but I care not to delve into the probabilities of it not being me so please, here is your order." Akumu replies.
"Zane?" Lloyd faces his friend.
Zane nods and proceeds to scan the package to ensure it is the correct item. Zane gasps, and the rest of the Ninja look about ready to being the accusation assault, but Zane stops them and says, "I'm sorry, but this is not our order, this is Tomorrow's Tea."
Akumu blushes slightly, and nods, "My apologies, I must have chosen the package number 70594; that package was for a child by the name of Floyd Wilson. He wanted to age three years as his birthday present. Sorry about that, wait here."
Kai turns to Zane, "Is that true?"
Zane nods, blinking innocently, "Affirmative, Floyd will be turning 13 in a couple of days, but since his superstitious family believed thirteen to be a sign of misfortune, they convinced their son to ask for the tea to avoid any calamity.
"Huh," Kai mutters.
"Yeah, how 'bout that?" Cole half-way tries to keep up with the conversation.
Akumu returns with Wu's package. "Here, this is the correct one."
After paying, the Ninja are about to leave when Nya asks, "Hey hold it, How do you two know each other?"
"Hey yeah, I was thinking about it too but then I remembered a recipe I had forgotten two years ago so I forgot to ask." Cole adds.
All the Ninja look at Cole.
"What?" Cole asks defensively.
Pythor looks at Akumu, then at the Ninja. "Well, you see, the story is rather short and simple."
"Good, since we've only got about three and a quarter hour until Sensei's Book Club." Lloyd smiles mischievously.
"Very well," Pythor sighs as he sees no way out of telling this yarn. "You surely remember the time in which I was amassing the four Fang Blades correct?"
The Ninja nod.
"Good, so you see, I do not believe you ever found out the location of the Fourth Fang Blade. I retrieved it while you were busy unearthing our below surface haven. While I was locating the blade, I met Akumu. Akumu offered to aid my hunt for the Blade, which he made good on. Afterwards, we went our separate ways despite his offer to accompany me in pursuit of my goal; a decision I have lived to regret."
"So you helped Pythor?" Jay asks, with a serious tone.
"I fail to comprehend how such an action would provide any benefit to yourself, such thinking borders incomprehensible," Zane comments robotically.
"Always with the interruptions I see, nevertheless however, I will finish my tale. Ahem! So recently after the technological revolution a couple of years back, I happened upon Akumu again and remembered why I called things Rodrigo back in prison."
"My last name is Rodrigo." Akumu explains.
"Correct, so we met up not too long after the attempted shanghai by Chen and his noodle-for-brains imposters. Ever since, we have been meeting every now and then, which obviously resulted in the business venture, CuriosiTea," Pythor finishes, gesturing to the store surrounding himself.
"Well, alright, but just because you're not causing trouble doesn't mean we won't keep our eyes on you." Lloyd warns.
"Fine, but do not overstep your own boundaries on false claims boy…" Pythor also warns, his eyes narrowed.
"Yes but regardless, thank you for your business and have a pleasant day." Akumu interjects.
"Yes, of course! Have a pleasant afternoon and enjoy your liquid sustenance." Pythor adds, his tone ever so slightly lightening.
The Ninja nod politely and leave the store. They then mount their vehicles and leave back to the Airjitzu Temple.
Back at the Airjizu Gallery, the ninja have given Wu his tea, but are now discussing their encounter with Pythor and Akumu with Wu and Misako.
"I suppose I was right, Pythor truly has nine lives." Misako muses.
"Yeah, but that's beside the point, should we give them the benefit of the doubt Sensei?" Lloyd asks.
"Hm, Yes I believe so. Pythor is a wild card, but as long as he is not a threat, he can be given space. As for this Akumu fellow, I would also encourage friendliness over hostility. Be wary of how you treat them, for it very well could determine the difference between yet another fight, and a peaceful co-existence."
"Yes, Sensei." The Ninja say in unison.
Wu nods, "Now to more pressing matters: my book club meets in an hour, so preparations must be made! Kai and Cole, it is your night to assist."
"Yes Sensei." Kai and Cole agree.
Jay, Zane, and Nya each meanwhile go to their separate activities, but Lloyd stays behind and cannot shake off the feeling of suspicion he has…