Chapter 7: Green and Red
Steampunk Wilson: I really loved the scenes where Lloyd breaks through to talk to Kai. In this chapter I'm building on the Morro and Lloyd possession dynamic a little more though to make those scenes shine out more. Hopefully it didn't end up as a mess :)
ILoveCheetos: Welcome to the fandom! This is my first Ninjago story and I'm still overwhelmed by how nice and supportive everyone is. It's definitely a place to stick around in.
RandomDragon2.0: I actually didn't add in the scene with Kai and Lloyd until the final phase of editing. I'm certainly glad I did though, people really seemed to like it. Last chapter was a big step for Cole in character development so far, so expect to see more of our favorite ghost!
PrairieSkies: I really appreciate how you see the other details in chapters aside from the main events. It makes writing those scenes worth it :) The scene with Olga will definitely play a role later on. I don't let using OC's often, but I really wanted to give one of the other ghosts aside from a Morro a backstory.
StoriesAreMagic: Although I don't like the pairing between Cole and Nya I definitely agree that their friendship is adorable! I wish that they would have more of those moments in the show since Nya isn't as close to the other ninja aside from her brother and Jay. Your comment with Lloyd made me laugh, I can imagine Kai yelling that dramatically as he jumped into the portal XD
QueenoftheJordan: Thank you so much! It really makes me happy that you checked out this story. Also, you can blame the use of emojis on you. I rarely used them before but after talking to you I use them a lot more now :)
"Thank you for the tea Olga," Misako said, taking the bag Olga had set out. "But we really need to get going. We aren't sure when the ninja will return, so we'll need to be ready with the Bounty. For what it was though, it was lovely seeing you again."
Olga wiped her eyes, but had a large smile. "Come back whenever you have the chance Koko. And tell those ninja to be careful. Just the thought of them getting hurt is too much for me to bare."
Misako hugged Olga. "I'll make sure to let them know."
After leaving Flinway with many villagers handing them gifts before waving goodbye Misako and Wu finally made their way down the mountain and arrived at the camp. Taking the supplies and gifts with them they came to the waiting Bounty at the mountain's base.
Wu walked onto the deck, taking the tea bag with him and was about to enter a room on the Bounty when Misako stood in front of him.
"Where are you going?"
"Um…" Wu held up the bag. "Going to make the delicious tea that Olga gave us?"
Misako grabbed the bag. "I have something I need to show you."
Wu followed Misako into the control room on the Bounty. Flipping on the light Wu saw several boards propped up in the room covered with maps of Ninjago. Misako walked to the board in the center of the room.
"These past few nights I've been going through potential areas in Ninjago where Morro's base could be," Misako said, pointing to the map. "I've been able to rule out a few areas. Using reports for when the 'green ninja' arrived at different cities when the ghosts attacked has narrowed my options, giving me a centerpoint. There is only one place where Morro could be that follows the amount of time it takes for him to arrive."
Misako locked her gaze with Wu. "I am going to find my son no matter what it takes."
Morro paced back and forth in the dark room. The ghosts watched him silently, guarding the cage that Lloyd was held in.
"I understand that you want to punish him, but refusing to give him food and water will only make you weaker when you possess him," Bansha said, watching Morro carefully.
Soul Archer scoffed. "Why do we continue to drag the boy with us? We could make far better use of our time without him. For example, perhaps getting to Cloud Kingdom to obtain the sword instead of just standing here!"
Morro stopped pacing and turned around suddenly, giving Bansha and Soul Archer a scathing look. "Don't you think that I'm aware of that!?" He shouted. His shoulders rising with his breath he eventually shook his head. He decided to switch tactics.
Morro put his hands behind his back and started to talk in a calm tone laced with mockery. "Regarding your question Bansha, isn't it necessary for me to make sure that I'm not giving Lloyd the means of resisting me? Giving him food would only strengthen his resolve against me." Morro turned to Soul Archer. "If I could I would go to Cloud Kingdom. Unfortunately, that's impossible now since the portal passed the Wailing Alps, seeing as that you don't seem to be aware of that fact. So, we'll have to change our strategy. I already sent some ghosts to wait at that flying ship of there's. If we can't go to Cloud Kingdom to obtain the sword, we'll just let them do the work for us and take it at the best opportunity. Is this understood? Or do I have to remind you of your place?"
"Forgive me Morro. My words got the best of me," Soul Archer said, bowing his head.
Bansha grumbled, but followed suit. "I...apologize as well."
Morro let out a small breath of relief. He had assumed his position of control again. Lloyd's resistance had been interfering not only with his own health, but the ghosts' willingness to listen to him as well. Everytime he had to leave Lloyd's body to rest he could see the flicker of distrust in their expressions. And Morro knew that distrust could grow into something far more menacing. The mission entrusted to him was too important to risk failure. Besides, he could only imagine what the Preeminent would do to him if he returned to the Cursed Realm with no real victory.
Morro focused his attention to the cage holding Lloyd, trying to hide his moment of weakness. Lloyd had collapsed in exhaustion after the trick he pulled at the Alps, his body still shaking from the blistering cold. Morro's mouth curved into a smile. Good. This was how it was supposed to be. But he couldn't risk Lloyd pulling anymore tricks on him. So if that was what Morro had to do to subdue him, so be it.
"It's time to remind you of your place."
Bansha reached to open the cage and before Lloyd could register what he was doing Morro dove into him. Lloyd shook, trying his best to resist Morro, but the days without food had taken effect and he eventually came to a place of stillness.
Lloyd groaned, opening his eyes. He was in the place of never ending blackness again. Trying his best to remain calm, Lloyd slowly stood up and tried to take in his situation. Although it had the same stretches of blackness it somehow seemed...off. The air was lighter instead and it seemed almost familiar as he struggled to walk through it. Lloyd came to a series of doors lined up in front of him. Unlike Morro the doors weren't hidden, but they instead seemed to present themselves, light pouring under the door sills invitingly.
Suddenly Morro shouldered past him, his face twisted in anger. He was reaching forward, opening the doors, peeking into them and hissing before turning to another.
As light poured through the blackness Lloyd stepped back, remembering how he had opened the door of Morro's memories. Even though he was tired a surge of anger fueled him to go after him as Morro flew by.
"Is possessing me not enough for you?" Lloyd asked, pushing past the sleepiness in his eyes. "You have no right to go through my memories like they're your property."
"Really?" Morro asked mockingly. As Lloyd tried to throw him back Morro easily shoved him back. Lloyd tripped back, his vision blurring as Morro placed his hand on the door. "Maybe you should have thought of that when you went through my memories. Consider this as repayment."
Morro opened the door, sunlight pouring through. Lloyd gritted his teeth and jumped forward, tackling Morro as they dove into the memory.
The two fell to a small house tucked between two large skyscrapers. Lloyd tried to hit Morro, but faltered as his feet reached the house's roof. He closed his eyes, bracing for the impact, but as he felt himself fall down gently he opened his eyes cautiously. Morro fell down beside him.
The house was cramped with the kitchen and living room connected and was rather messy with toys and books laid out, but the scene made Lloyd stop. He let his hands fall to his side as he took in the home that he had once lived in before Misako tore past the two and his immersion was broken.
Misako hurriedly grabbed the books on the small table in front of the couch and shoved them into a bag at her side. Several suitcases were laying on the floor. The door was open in front of the room, showing the morning sunrise and allowing a chilling wind to tear into the house.
"Mom?"
Misako stopped, about to reach for a toy on the floor. Lloyd was looking up at her with big eyes, still in his pajamas. As the wind went past him he shivered and pulled the blanket he was wearing closer around him.
"What time is it?" He asked, rubbing his eyes.
Misako shook her head and grabbed Lloyd. She placed a kiss on his forehead. "Thank goodness he didn't do anything to you."
"Him? Are you talking about dad?" Lloyd brightened. "Is he here? Can I see him?"
"We have to go Lloyd," Misako said, ignoring Lloyd's question. "Grab your suitcase and put everything you need in it."
Lloyd looked behind her nervously, seeing the suitcases scattered over the floor. "Where are we going?"
Lloyd had rarely gone on trips expect for the visits to Uncle Wu's monastery and occasionally to places across town because of his father's business trips.
Misako sighed. "It isn't 'we.'" Seeing Lloyd's confused expression Misako suddenly lost her patience. "Forget what I just said. Go get your things Lloyd."
When Lloyd didn't make any sign of moving Misako locked her gaze with Lloyd's wide eyes, placing her hands on his shoulders.
"Lloyd, it is for your own safety that you do as I say from now on. Do you understand?"
"But-"
"We have to leave now Lloyd."
"Okay, but what about my video games? And all of my comics? How are we going to carry them all-"
Misako suddenly released her hands and let them fall to her waist along with her gaze, clenching her hands into a fist. Taking a breath she looked up and faced Lloyd with the scariest expression he had ever seen. He took a step back as her eyebrows drew together and her eyes blazed in a flurry of emotions. She spoke in an icy tone, cold and calculating. "Lloyd, do you want me to leave you behind?"
They stood silent for a few moments until Lloyd nodded weakly. When she didn't move he slowly took a few steps backward before running into his room. As soon as he turned her face fell and she took a handful of items into her arms before turning to look to the burning sunrise. She closed her eyes.
They drove in silence for about an hour or so. Lloyd tried to look out the window, but in the rush that morning Misako didn't put his booster seat in. Instead, he had to content himself with the lights that washed over him as they drove past lampposts. Lloyd felt his breath leaving him as the car suddenly slowed to a stop and Misako turned around to face him, one of her hands still on the steering wheel.
Misako tried to make her voice light. "We're here."
Lloyd grabbed his stuffed suitcase and struggled to hold it as he fell out of the car. He looked up, pulling his suitcase with him to see a sign towering over him.
"Darkley's School for Bad Boys? What are we doing here?"
"It's a boarding school," Misako said, taking Lloyd's suitcase for him. As they walked to the entrance Misako continued to explain. "You'll be staying here for a while since I have...work to catch up on."
Before Lloyd could take in the meaning of her words the door opened, making Lloyd jump. A woman in her older years stood in the doorway, staring down at him almost as if she were appraising him before she broke into a smile, grabbing Misako's hand.
"Ah, come in! It's so good meet you Miss. Garmadon. I thought that I wouldn't be seeing you after a while. I'm glad to see that things all worked out." The woman shifted her attention back to Lloyd.
Lloyd felt a knot grow in his stomach as the woman smiled. He tried to hide behind Misako, but she pushed him forward.
The woman bent forward, placing her hand on Lloyd's chin and forcing his head up. "I've heard much about the you, son of Lord Garmadon," The woman turned to Misako. "But of course we will do our best to reform him from his evil origins."
Relief washed over Misako's face. "Thank you for accepting my application on such short notice. I tried calling other schools, but-" Misako's voice shook and the woman took her by the shoulder, directing her to a chair at the desk.
"Oh, come here, you poor woman," she said. "I know how it feels. Many parents have the same reaction when they come here. It's hard to accept that your child needs disciplinary work. Now, I know just the tea that will help you feel better as we go over the paperwork. Gene, why don't you go show Lloyd to his room?"
A boy with ginger hair walked forward, pushing up his glasses. "Why of course Miss. Darkley. Excuse me Miss Garmadon. Right this way."
Gene grabbed his hand forcefully while the two women talked, Miss. Darkley nodding at Misako's words, and practically dragged him out of the room.
"Ow!" Lloyd complained. "You don't have to pull so hard."
Gene laughed, walking into the hallway before opening one of the door's. Lloyd quickly walked in before he slammed it shut. "You really don't know where you are, do you?" Gene shook his head before pointing to the room. "These are the dorms. There's your bed."
As Lloyd put his suitcase by his bed a boy laying on his own watched him move, looking up from the top of his comic book and snickered.
"What's so funny?" Lloyd asked.
"Oh, it's nothing. I just read something pretty good."
Lloyd watched the boy suspiciously before a shrill bell rang, making him fall back on his bed.
"That's the supper bell," Gene said as Lloyd struggled to come back up, the blanket tangling his feet before he collapsed onto the floor. Gene laughed along with the black haired boy as he walked into the hallway. "I've never heard of someone failing to make the bed before. He won't last the week."
Lloyd didn't move from the floor until he heard Gene's voice fade as he turned into the hallway. Slowly he sat up and looked at the empty doorway, almost as if he were hoping that Misako would appear.
Why was this happening? His mom wouldn't leave him here, right? Before he could stop himself Lloyd sniffled. He quickly wiped his nose and stood up, running into the hallway.
"Hey guys, wait up!"
As he ran the scene suddenly came to a stop with the sound of a thud.
Lloyd opened his eyes and saw that Miss. Darkley has slammed a file onto the desk. He had been called to the office before class to the amusement of his classmates and was terrified to hear what Miss. Darkley had called him for. Miss. Darkley was a terrifying figure. She ruled the school with an iron fist, reducing even the bravest kids to tears if they broke the rules. Now she spun her teacher point and brought its tip to the top of the file before leaning forward. "Do you know what this means Lloyd?"
Lloyd squirmed uncomfortably in his seat. "Um...it's a report card?"
Miss Darkley's long nails trailed over the file before she opened it. "Let's see here. A F in Evil Potions. You refused to poison the bunny provided to you with school funds, saying, according to Mr. Alchem, that you 'were afraid of hurting it.'" Her eyes swept down on him.
Lloyd flinched. This was going worse than he could have imagined...
Miss Darkley's lips narrowed, turning the page. "A D in Evil Laughs, a C in Gym. It seems that the only subject you excelled in was General Mischief. Your pranks were quite exceptional. Unfortunately, that's not enough to give you a passing grade. You do know what this means, don't you?"
Lloyd swallowed. "Remediation?"
Miss Darkley laughed. "Garmadon, there's no hope in remediating you. You're a disgrace to the legacy of this school. We're training the next generation of evil masterminds. Not students of the First Spinjitzu Master."
Lloyd looked down, fiddling with his uniform as tears streamed down his face.
Miss. Darkley scoffed. "What a disappointment. I expected more from the son of Lord Garmadon."
Lloyd blinked back his tears, the name sending sadness through him as he slammed the chair back.
He imagined his father's scowling face as he went through the hallway, sidestepping traps that kids had laid out as he wiped his eyes.
"Really Lloyd? That's the best you can do? I was considering on letting you join my army, but now…". Garmadon shook his head before smirking, his teeth shining. "It seems that I was right in leaving you and your mother."
The illusion disappeared into smoke as Lloyd set his suitcase on his bed. He started to shove his belongings in, making Brad look up from his bed.
"You do realize that summer isn't until a month, right?" As Lloyd shook his head Brad stood up. "Lloyd?"
Lloyd threw the suitcase back, making Brad flinch. "I...I don't want to talk about it. Besides, it's not like you would care anyway. You'd just laugh like the others…"
The door threw open. Gene filed in with his lackies behind him and bowed to Lloyd, waving a sheet of paper in front of his face.
"Ready to be escorted out Miss. Garmadon?"
As the boys laughed Lloyd grabbed the paper. Gene clearly didn't expect this and tried to wrestle it back.
"Hey, that's official paperwork-"
Lloyd ripped the paper. "Whoops." The kids stared back at him in shock. Inside he felt nervous, but Lloyd knew that if he were to impress his father that he'd have to try a lot harder.
Gene tried to not let the blunder deter him. As Lloyd made his way to the door Gene called after him. "And where are you going to go? Let's face it, we all know that you're going to be crying back to your mommy. There's a 100% probability."
"I don't care about my mom anymore," Lloyd said, turning around. Their shocked reactions urged Lloyd to go forward. "And I'm not going home. I'm going to prove my evil nature!"
Silence. Then the room erupted into laughter.
"You?" Gene wheezed, grabbing his stomach. "Prove your evil nature?"
"What are you going to do?" Brad asked, transfixed.
"Oh come on Brad, don't tell me that you believe that nonsense," Gene said. "You're the one who put fire ants in his bed. Don't tell me that you of all people are defending him."
Brad felt their stares on him. Brad's eyes locked with Lloyd and he almost went forward before he heard Gene clear his throat loudly. Brad shook his head and laughed.
"I bet he doesn't even have a plan."
All eyes turned to Lloyd. Lloyd faltered.
"W-well, I haven't gotten to that part yet…"
Gene snorted and patted Brad's shoulder. "I knew that you would choose the right friends Brad."
Lloyd watched Brad, his mouth open before he turned back, marching to the exit. He didn't need anyone anyway. He'd show them if his name wasn't Lloyd Garmadon!
Lloyd donned his black robe and pulled the hood over his hair. Laughing confidentially he stood on the fountain in Jamanakai Village, raising as his hands as villagers turned to watch him.
"I demand to have all of your candy! Anyone who refuses will face the wrath of Lloyd Garmadon! Muhahahaha!"
It wasn't long before dragons appeared in the sky and Lloyd felt his will falter. After a rather humiliating battle the ninja who had gained quite the reputation by defeating the skeletons had apprehended Lloyd. Just to make things worse, they hung him on a storefront sign and stood back to admire their progress.
Lloyd squirmed as the villagers pelted fruit at him. "You just made me your nemesis. Mark my word, you'll pay for this!"
Smiling, Zane walked to the food cart and gave the woman a handful of coins. He swept the candy up and handed them to the ninja.
"Next time, try paying for your candy," Cole said, smirking.
Kai grinned. "Crime doesn't pay muchacho. You can take that to the bank."
Jay made a show of sniffing his cotton candy before taking a bite out of it. "Mmm, cotton candy."
Lloyd growled and tried to free himself from the sign, but the robe held on tightly. He groaned and looked down as the ninja high fived one another.
He felt a painful twist in his stomach as the ninja laughed and the issue suddenly wasn't his embarrassment, but his envy of their friendship. He would make them see him as a threat and then he would be the one laughing.
The image swirled to the snowy mountain where Lloyd had found the Hypnobrai Tribe, then the Fangpyre, and after their betrayal, the Anacondrai.
It was humiliating to see himself when he was younger and trying to impress his father, not only in that it was revealing his past to his enemy but also in that it forced him to recall the painful realization that his father was now dead and in the Cursed Realm. Lloyd stood still, watching the scenes while trying to keep a brave face, refusing to let Morro get the best of him. He knew that Morro was trying to get a reaction out of him, so he watched silently and kept his face neutral.
He could tell that it was bothering Morro. Each time Morro found something amusing he turned to Lloyd and groaned in frustration when Lloyd refused to show his emotion. Lloyd clenched his fists, waiting for it to be over.
Then the wall of lava shot up in front of Lloyd and Morro. The same scene with Garmadon trying to save Lloyd sent a knot into his chest, but he managed to stay still. It wasn't until Kai ran across the staircase along the volcano and Morro perked up in interest that Lloyd felt himself trembling.
"Is that the red one?" Morro asked, trying to see past the smoke and lava.
Lloyd jumped forward and tried to push Morro back. Morro stumbled, surprised at his sudden movement.
"You're not seeing this," he protested, his energy suddenly coming back. They both nearly fell off the thin staircase that circled around the pit of lava in front of them.
Morro kicked Lloyd back and craned his head back just in time to see Kai run to the younger Lloyd in the pool of lava. He watched in interest just before Lloyd twisted his head back and forced him back.
Lloyd panted above him. Morro's lips curved into a smile.
"Hmm, so that's why he gets so worked up every time he sees me possessing you."
A flicker of emotions went over his face. Morro smirked, knowing that he had found the right memory. As Lloyd looked to see Kai fly up holding his younger self the scene changed.
Kai smirked, wearing oven mitts to block Lloyd's punches. They were training in the small apartment they had found in Ninjago City, putting all of their focus in preparing Lloyd for the Final Battle. Kai fell back into the oven and Lloyd groaned.
Kai shook his mitts. "Wow grasshopper, you're not even ready to face my pinky-toe."
Wu smiled at the exchange. "I see that the student has become the teacher. You will learn fast Lloyd, with lessons from the four ninja."
"Great!" Cole said. "Now that that lesson is over, how about some target practice? On Kai!"
Kai's expression fell as Lloyd grinned evilly.
Lloyd let Morro go and the fell back. As a flurry of emotions went over him the memories of Kai continued to blur past.
Kai sighed, and ran his hand through his hair. They were standing at the dock by the tea shop, the waves crashing beneath their feet. Kai turned back to Lloyd. "No, it's fine. I know that I probably alarmed you when I took Chen's staff and said all those things. There is some part of me that feels that way, but I'm not going to let it take control. It's just part of me. So, I'm not letting up on my promise on helping you." Kai threw his arm around Lloyd's shoulder. "I'm here for you green machine. So, what are we planning on doing?"
Lloyd smiled. The sun was setting over the water and at the moment he felt more at ease than he ever had after his father's sacrifice. It almost felt like nothing could go wrong as long he was by his best friend…
Then the scene shifted to the monastery. The storm brewed over them as Morro was hovered above Lloyd, holding Kai over the mountain's edge.
"If you want your friend back you will do as I say. Otherwise, he falls to his doom."
"Lloyd, don't do it!" Kai shook, trying to get free. "He's up to something bigger. Don't give in!"
As thunder rumbled in the distance Lloyd trembled. "I can't lose you Kai. Not after what happened to my father…"
The scenes suddenly all faded. They were back in the blackness, the consuming, never ending length of nothingness. The pain of his situation hit him full force and Lloyd closed his eyes, trying to salvage the memories of his friends. Morro's face twisted into something unrecognizable, almost inhuman.
"Oh...OH. That's great! Telling you he would protect you right before I possess you!" Morro turned down to look at Lloyd, who was looking at the stretch of blackness, his eyes wide in emotion. "Don't look so sad Lloyd, it's not like you'll ever see him again, at least if I have anything to say about it."
"I...I'm not going to be under your possession forever. You have to let me go eventually," Lloyd said, although his voice wasn't that convincing.
Morro laughed. "And why would I allow that, after all the trouble I went through to get to the memory that bothered you the most?"
Lloyd couldn't find the energy to protest. He closed his eyes, but he still couldn't block Morro's laugh behind him.
What if Morro was right? Would he really never see Kai again? Would he never have another day with the ninja, listening to Jay's jokes, training and laughing with Cole, eating Zane's cooking, or seeing Nya get excited over anything machine related? And what about his mom or Uncle Wu?
Morro laughed. "It seems that my work here is done. I hope that you like this place because it's all you're going to know from now on."
And just like that Lloyd was left back in the darkness. The memories of his friends disappeared around him and he felt more hopeless than he ever had in his entire life.
The ninja shot out of the portal and landed onto an expanse of clouds, bouncing up and down a few times before sinking into them.
Jay grabbed his head and groaned. He stood up on the clouds and out of the corner of his eye saw that the portal was closing behind them. "Wait! Don't leave us here!" His hand swept the area where the portal was before it disappeared into a burst of light, his hand sweeping over nothing. "Great, now we're stuck! What are we supposed to do now?" Jay asked turning to face the others. He suddenly took a few steps back, seeing what was in front of them. "Um, you guys might want to look at this…"
The ninja gasped, finding themselves in front of a massive building with a large staircase. Around them several towers and temples rose up on patches of clouds. Flying ships circled between them, carrying people who were wearing brown robes.
"What is this place?" Cole asked in wonderment.
"Lloyd said something about Morro trying to get to Cloud Kingdom. I guess that's where we are," Kai said, walking around at the base of the stairs. Suddenly a monk appeared in front of him, making Kai jump back. "What the-"
"We predicated your arrival," the monk said. He was an older man with gray hair and a warm smile. He reached out his hand and Kai took it hesitantly. "My name is Fenwick. I'll be your guide today."
"You know who we are?" Nya asked as the monk reached forward to shake all of their hands.
"Why of course. Just because we're in separate realms doesn't mean that we aren't aware of your accomplishments. In fact, you could say that we're partly responsible for those accomplishments."
Seeing the ninja's confused expressions Fenwick continued. "Perhaps it would be easier to show you. Come."
As they came to the top of the stairs Fenwick opened the large doors and stepped back to let the ninja walk in. The room was filled with rows of desks and bookshelves, students scribbling away on rolls of parchment. Other monks stood watch along the walls. One of them, a young boy with orange hair, immediately looked away as he caught eye contact with the ninja.
Jay watched the orange-haired boy look around nervously and leaned over to Cole as they walked in. "Is this place creeping you out as much as it is to me right now? Because in terms of creepiness levels, this place takes the cake."
Cole stopped walking and looked to his stomach. "This place is giving me bad vibes. I can't really describe it-it's like I have this gut feeling," Cole responded. His eyes trailed over to one of the students and their parchment. "Hey, they're writing everything that we're saying!"
The student jumped as Cole leaned over him. "W-well yes, it's my duty. I am the writer for the Ninjago realm after all."
Nya grabbed the parchment and gasped. "It isn't just since we got here. There's pages for when we were at Flinbeck and you were at Yang's temple. It's like an entire transcript!"
"It's a set of predictions for the future," Fenwick said, nodding to the students. "Sixteen writers for the sixteen realms."
Zane's eyes widened. "There are fifteen realms outside of Ninjago? If that's the case, then the green ninja and final battle prophecy-"
"Originated here, yes," Fenwick replied. "All events that happen in the realms, all that is said, is first written here. It cannot be rewritten or changed." Fenwick turned to Nya. "Because of that, it would be greatly appreciated if you give our scribe his parchment back young lady."
"Oh! Of course, sorry about that," Nya said, smiling nervously as she gave the parchment back to the seething scribe.
"Wait, so you're saying that you're the ones responsible for releasing Morro?" Kai asked, pointing his finger at Fenwick. "If it weren't for you Lloyd would be with us! My parents would have never have gotten killed!"
A few monks started to circle around Kai, but Fenwick held up his hand. "If it would have been our choice of course we would have never written those things! But as the overseer of the realms we must be neutral. We can't pick sides. Besides, it was never our intention to release Morro from the Cursed Realm. He somehow defied destiny. Everything has been off course since then. Do you think that it was planned for Cole to turn into a ghost? For you to even come to Cloud Kingdom in the first place?"
"Okay, we get it, you make creepy predictions," Kai conceded, stepping back. "Then you know that we need a sword here, right?"
"Of course," Fenwick said, leading the ninja to the front of the room.
Jay and Zane stayed back, Jay hovering over the scribe. He lifted his hand and groaned when he saw that the scribe had written it before him. Jay took a breath and screamed in the scribe's face.
"Hah! I got you on that one, didn't I?" Jay looked over and the scribe's shoulder and deflated. "Man, this guy is impossible to beat, right Zane? Zane?"
Zane was sitting on the floor, leaning against the desk and mumbling to himself, rocking back and forth. "How could I not be aware of something like this before? It has been dictating everything and yet we were completely unaware of its existence!"
Jay pulled on Zane's arm and lifted him up. "Okay buddy, let's go, small steps..."
As Jay and Zane walked to the front to join the others Fenwick swept his hands dramatically as two monks went to the display case in the front of the room and pulled off the cloth.
"The sword of sanctuary," Fenwick said. As the cloth was pulled off a golden sword winked back at them, showing their reflections. "You see, there's the problem. The sword predicts everything that is to come. We depend on it for writing our predictions."
"Wait a minute..." Kai said, looking into the sword's reflection. It showed one of the monks taking off the cover to grab the sword and throwing it into Fenwick's waiting hand. "They're planning on taking the sword for themselves!"
Nya grabbed Fenwick's hand as the student threw the sword. "Planning on going somewhere?"
"I got it!" Cole said, jumping over the desks and spilling ink and paper onto the floor. He held up his hand, but the sword went through and continued to slice through the air. "Okay, that did not go as I expected."
As their attention was focused on the flying sword a student came behind Nya and tried to throw her off of Fenwick. Although it was easy to stop the student as her attention was focused on the him Fenwick managed to run past her and grab the sword as another student threw it to him.
Fenwick grinned, holding the sword tightly. "Did you not think that we weren't prepared for such tricks? We saw it all in the sword prior to your arrival. That is why there must be in order in society!"
The ninja tried to intercept him, but each time they came close to him Fenwick saw their movement in the sword and easily blocked them and threw them off balance.
Zane panted, skidding back into a desk. "With all of our moves predicted there is little chance of us succeeding in this battle."
"Then we just have to beat those odds," Cole said, nodding to Fenwick. "He may be able to predict our moves, but that doesn't mean that he can stop us if we attack all at once."
As the ninja rushed forward Fenwick turned to his students. "There are more of us than them. End this as it was written."
The students rushed forward. Although they were small several of them attacked each ninja, latching onto them.
Jay shouted as one bit into his arm. "Ow! This isn't fair! What kind of battle tactics do you call these?"
Kai groaned as the students swarmed over him. "Ugh, I wish we could spinjitzu through these brats! We don't have time for this!"
Suddenly the student with orange hair crept behind Kai. He pushed Kai back, making Kai fall onto one of the desks. Raising himself over Kai the student rose his hand. However, instead of striking Kai he leaned forward and whispered into his ear.
"I'm not here to fight-I want to help you. Throw me at Fenwick. It'll distract him enough so that he won't look at the sword, giving you a chance to grab it. Please, you need to believe me."
Kai flipped up and grabbed the student by the collar, raising his fist, but faltered at seeing the student's expression. Something about his eyes, full of confidence, as well as his bowl-cut reminded him of Lloyd when he was younger. Kai lowered his fist.
"Fine. I'm trusting you kid-you better not give me a reason to go after you once this over. Hey, Fenwick!"
Fenwick, who was smirking at the students holding back the ninja, didn't notice the sword's reflection of Kai throwing the student. He fell back as the student rammed into him, the sword falling out of his hand and clattering onto the floor.
Kai grabbed it and turned to the others. "Come on, let's get out of here!"
The ninja ran to the door, but were unable to pry it open.
Jay groaned. "They must have locked the door after we came in!"
"Stand back guys," Cole said, raising his hand. "I'm going to try something."
"What are you talking about-" Jay faltered as Cole disappeared into the lock. With a click the door unlocked and Cole flew out, pushing the door open.
"Good thinking Cole!" Nya said as they ran out, closing the door behind them. "But that door isn't going to hold them back forever."
Zane looked up and saw a skiff float past them. Taking in a breath he shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts from his horror of Cloud Kingdom's power and focus on the situation at hand. "Actually, I believe that we've found our ride."
Spinning up with airjitzu Zane landed in the skiff. The others started to follow after him, but Kai stopped, feeling a hand tug at his gi.
Kai flinched back, seeing the student with orange hair looking up at him. "What? But you were just with Fenwick-"
"I needed to tell you something, so I had to follow you," he replied breathlessly. "Please, call me Nobu. It'll be easier to communicate that way."
The door rattled as the students pounded on it and Kai shook his head.
"Look, we don't have time to take us with you. Just go back to the other students and try to pretend that nothing happened."
"Kai, if he followed us here he then it must be important," Nya said, putting her hand on his shoulder. "Maybe we should listen to what he has to say."
"I can't take you both up," Kai said. "How are we going to get into the boat?"
"Leave that to me," Nobu said. Putting his hand over his mouth he whistled loudly.
Zane, Cole, and Jay were thrown forward as the skiff flew down. Nobu smiled as he stepped in, ignoring their bewildered expressions.
"I'm only in training, but I can control some of the skiff's power," he explained as Kai and Nya followed after him.
As the skiff lifted up Nobu lifted his hands. The scenery around them suddenly started to change, showing the image of a dark cave.
"This is the tomb of the First Spinjitzu Master," Nobu said as the ninja looked in wonderment. "It is here where the realm crystal was buried, and what Morro is after."
The skiff traveled into an image of a large, shining crystal before the image dissipated. "It is a powerful artifact that allows the user to jump between the different realms. But the First Spinjitzu Master knew that it's power was too great, and so he buried it with him in his resting place, hoping that only a spinjitzu master would ever come to use its power for the greater good."
As the illusion disappeared and they returned to the scenery of Cloud Kingdom, passing temples and other boats, Jay looked to Nobu in confusion.
"Okay, so I get what the realm crystal is, but why does Morro want with it? It's not like he can beat us by jumping between realms," Jay asked.
Nobu looked to the ninja with a grave expression. "The realms are meant to be separated. They were never intended to cross over. But Morro and the other ghosts hope to release the Preeminent, or the Cursed Realm as you know it, into your world."
Cole's eyes widened. "Then that would release all of the worst baddies into Ninjago! I've heard stories of the Cursed Realm as a kid. Only the worst of the worst get sent there."
"What I don't get is why you helped us," Kai said, looking at Nobu in suspicion. "What are you really trying to do?"
Nobu nodded to the sword in Kai's hand. "It was the sword. It...it showed me helping you during the battle when I caught a glimpse of it. I wanted to help you too of course-Fenwick told us all what was going to happen before you got here and I knew it was wrong. I just didn't think that I would do anything about it."
Nobu looked at Kai seriously. "The sword of sanctuary will be vital in revealing the location of the tomb and getting through it's obstacles. You must not let Morro get his hands on it."
Kai looked at the sword in his hands. Ever since he had lost his ability to wield fire he had felt so powerless fighting against Morro and his ghosts. But with the sword he might have the chance to fight back. He could have a chance in getting Lloyd back. Kai's grip around the sword tightened.
Suddenly, an image flickered across the sword. Nya leaned forward.
"Just like I thought, it looks like they find a way to get past the door," she said, her voice filled with worry. "But the portal closed when we got here. How are we going to get back?"
"There is another way to enter and exit Cloud Kingdom," Nobu said. "Only students and those who live here know about it though."
Jay leaned over the skiff. "Well, you might want to hurry up because they're coming out right now!"
"Hold on!" Nobu shouted as the skiff zoomed forward. "We're almost there-"
The skiff was suddenly thrown back by a large, hairy humanoid monster. It held the skiff with relative ease and howled at the ninja, who clung onto the skiff's side.
"Good job Nimbus!" Fenwick said as the creature threw the ninja off and to the waiting students. "Now, could you grab the troublemaker of this mess? Good boy."
Nimbus grabbed Nobu and started to shake him, pulling at him like he was a toy.
The ninja jumped into fighting positions. Fenwick shook his head, clicking his tongue.
"Why do you defy us? By fighting us you are trying to beat destiny."
Kai looked into the sword's reflection. It flashed an image of Nimbus throwing his arm down onto the ninja and sending them off the patches and to the ground below.
"Then it looks like Morro's not the only one who can do it," Kai said, holding up the sword. "Give it up. Your time of controlling destiny is over." Kai turned back to others. "Jump back!"
Nimbus's arm began to fall to the clouds. Fenwick held up his hand.
"Nimbus, wait-"
Nimbus's arm crashed down and tore a hole in the clouds. The students screamed and scrambled to move out of the gaping hole's way. As Nimbus stared in confusion Nobu pulled himself free and ran to the ninja. Kai grabbed him and looked to Nya helplessly before Jay offered his hand to her.
Using airjitzu they flew onto the skiffs, jumping over them as Nimbus howled after them.
"A direction would be nice," Cole said, narrowly avoiding Nimbus's sweeping arm. "Cause we're kind of just going all over the place right now."
"It's at the tower in the middle. The Winding Path," Nobu replied, pointing forward.
Kai looked to the tower. It was massive and adorned with statues of dragons and illustrations of Ninjago's history. At the top he could see a glass covering in the center of the roof.
"Got it, hold on!" Kai said before landing on the tower. The others followed after him and breathed heavily, still a little unused to doing airjitzu.
Cole pried off the covering and looked down to the spiraling vortex. "It's there alright. The question is, who's going first?"
As the ninja looked at each other Nya groaned.
"Fine, but if this kills me then this is your fault. Here goes nothing…"
Closing her eyes Nya jumped down and disappeared into the portal. Kai looked into the sword and let out a sigh of relief.
"She made it out okay…"
Zane stared at the sword. "There's something I quite don't understand. How was Cloud Kingdom's predictions any different from the sword? We haven't changed destiny at all if the sword continues to show us future events."
"But you have!" Nobu exclaimed. The ninja looked back in shock. Nobu looked down, embarrassed. "When we wrote events we set them in stone. There was no way to change them. They were fixed, unmoving. But the sword is flexible. With it, you can create different futures by choosing to defy it or follow its path. That's why Fenwick didn't want you to have it."
Nimbus's howl focused the ninja back to the portal.
"Well, it's now or never," Cole said, looking down. "Let's go Jay."
"Wait, but I'm not ready-"
Jay screamed as Cole grabbed his hand and they fell into the portal.
Zane turned to Kai. "Are you ready Kai?"
Kai tore his glance from the sword and looked to Nobu. "You're staying here?" He asked in bewilderment, having seen the sword's reflection. "You'll get pulverized if you stay back-"
Zane put his hand on Kai's shoulder. "It was his decision Kai. Earlier I saw that the sword showed him coming with us. Perhaps...he wants to write his own destiny."
Nobu said nothing and Kai felt his resolve waver. He couldn't believe this. How could he get so close to a kid he had just meant?
"Be careful, alright?" Kai said. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to use the portal and come find us."
Nobu gave the two a bright smile. "I'll be fine. I can't run away from this after all, that won't change anything. I'm going to reform this place and change it to what it should have always been. Thank you for showing me my true path."
Before they could respond Fenwick's voice rose over them. He was traveling on a skiff, holding his arms out.
"You must stop! You are making a terrible mistake!"
"Good luck," Nobu said before pushing the two down the portal.
As the ninja screamed, falling down the portal, they came to the mountain and the waiting Destiny's Bounty.
Kai groaned and looked up, seeing Misako's feet in front of them.
Proudly, she held up a map as she looked to all of the ninja. "We found Morro's base: the Temple of Light."
