Hey I'm back. Oh shadow-dog18... There's something that I know that you don't know and there's a clue in your review. HahahahahahahahHAHAHAHA
I did not push off the task of finding what was inside the Backup Drive. Once I finished explaining what it was to Vastu, I set off to find what was inside.
Luckily, it fit into the miniature USB port of the computer, despite the original being meant to fit into a normal USB port. The disadvantages of Earth objects being much smaller, I suppose. The font also remained, making my job much easier. Kudos to Borg for letting fonts transfer between computers.
There were a lot of files that I had to sift through, but I wrote down a few that interested me. Vacation Photos, Music Videos for Translations, Music, and Random. The rest of it seemed uninformative and would not give me any benefits. At least the music could be used to show what music sounded like on Earth. Unfortunately, I didn't see any books. Shame, really. The books would have been nice. But at least the drive was 'clean' of anything unfit for Ninjago.
Opening the Vacation Photos, I looked at all the places this person had been. The owner was a middle-aged woman, and likely by herself. There was hardly ever anyone else but her in her own photos.
Most of the pictures were in the United States, consisting of New York, Los Angeles, Mount Rushmore, Washington DC, and a few others I didn't remember the name of. Some were from Europe, with some pictures of a cruise ship. Ah, a European cruise. Those were nice, but I personally enjoyed staying in Europe for a few weeks and taking the trains. Alas, I didn't know nor did I particularly care too badly for the previous owner.
When I clicked on the file with Music Videos for Translations, I flinched back a little. I saw the thumbnail for a song named 'Bacterial Contamination', and that was something I would have to hide. It was something that the inhabitants of Ninjago would likely panic over, or even attempt to burn my computer drive.
I renamed it at the end adding in 'MARKED' so I would be able to move it later and find a way to lock the file. I continued scrolling, finding most of the songs to be Japanese and Vocaloid-based. Some were still English, but were not quite understandable at points. I liked Vocaloids, so I found the songs worth keeping. And I could prove Vocaloids did exist.
Eventually, I marked down a lot of the songs. While I was okay with them, I did not believe that others would be. They would be locked away, but there would be further classification for severity of the songs.
Music was very full, many different Mp3 files scattered across the file. I sampled many of them, putting down quite a few markers. Some of them were English versions of previous Vocaloid songs I had listened to, and others held expletives. But there was an extra file at the bottom, named 'Christmas.' I clicked into it, and a plethora of Christmas related items popped up. Even videos of Christmas movies were on here!
I smiled widely, almost squeaking. I loved Christmas, and while I shared the tradition with Vastu and Lloyd, the songs and atmosphere was just not the same. Now this would make that much easier on them, and myself. Staring at the folder with appreciated awe for a while longer, I finally headed back over to the Random folder.
Snipping Tool captured photos, strange looking quotes, tax instructions, and some others I couldn't recognize. I marked some of them, but most of the contents of the folder was harmless. However, I did thoroughly enjoy the video named 'history of the entire world i guess.' While the expletives were unwelcome, and deemed the file to be marked, the contents were hilarious and informative. Yes, this would help me document more of world history.
Grabbing the marked files and moving them into a new file I made, named 'A Place for Those of Hardened Souls.' It was ominous, yet something that stood out enough for me to remember. Sighing, I decided to call it a day on the drive. It would take a lot of time to scroll through all the files, for the sake of information and filtering.
Heading downstairs, I compared my CD to our current player. The CD was much thinner, and I debated risking it. Feeling the urge to do it, I softly pushed it into the slot before I could doubt myself. I switched the television input to play the Lion King. When I saw the screen come up, I screeched in joy, jumping around the entire living room in success.
"IT WORKS! BY GOLLY IT ACTUALLY WORKS! WOO HOO!" I gleefully cried, with Vastu bursting into the room in concern.
"Starlord! Calm down! What works?" He yelled back, grabbing my shoulders to hold me in place.
"The movie, Vastu! It works!"
"What movie are you talking about? Of course a mo-Oh. Oh! How wonderful!" Vastu exclaimed, realizing that the movie on the screen was too detailed to be from Ninjago.
"We've got to watch it, come on! Come on Vastu, I can't wait!" I dragged the man to the couch, whilst darkening the room as best as I could. I hastily selected play, becoming ignorant to the world around me.
As the movie came to it's conclusion, I sighed happily. To be torn apart from any hint of my home world was taxing, and this movie was bittersweet. It meant the world was tearing apart at the seams, but I was able to access the knowledge provided by my home.
"We need your help now more than ever." A whispered voice floated behind me, and I froze. It appears my time is up now.
"How so?" I replied, not ready to face Lloyd again just yet.
"You somehow get over everything. We need a base block, someone who knows what to do when this happens." Lloyd answered, and I held Vastu back from turning. No, this small peace needed to be kept.
"I'm… Unsure of how to answer you. I do not wish to be a hypocrite, nor do I want to give you the wrong advice." I eventually admitted, an uneasy silence following after.
"Just tell us what you can. The team is falling apart, and I think it's time to bring them back."
Another awkward pause.
"Time and meeting place." I sighed, resigning myself to face the others once again.
Like Lloyd said, it's just time.
"Chen's noodle house, Ninjago City, tonight. If you need a lift, I left the Jet-Speeder outside." Lloyd's voice faded, and looked outside to see the Speedski, the vehicle Garmadon rode on with no weapons.
Giving the vehicle a sad look, I turned around to face Vastu again. He looked down, unhappy that I would have to leave so soon again.
"I don't think I can give you letters from where I'm going. If I'm not back within the next month, send a letter to Chen's Noodle House headquarters on Chen's Island. Ask for me, and get some form of authority on your side. He is not to be underestimated, nor is his wealth. Beware treachery and greed." I warned, and Vastu sighed again.
"I wish your life was not as dangerous as this." He sadly confessed, and I gave a cold laugh.
"If I were smarter when I was young, I would've never done this. But the past is gone, and all I have now is the road ahead of me."
Docking the newly-dubbed Jet-Speeder outside, I softly entered. I was the last to enter, the Ninja noticing my presence immediately.
"What is she doing here!" Kai pretty much stage-whispered. I payed no heed to them, sitting in the booth behind him. I wished to not face any of them, speaking through a wall was easier. I was going to be trapped on an island with a large amount of strong-willed people for the next week or two.
"I am here because I was requested for advice. Whether you choose to follow it or not is your responsibility." I spoke back, grabbing a small platter and leaving a small amount of Jyn to pay for the noodles.
"Oh really? And what advice do you plan to give us?" Cole hissed, a first from him.
"Have any of you grieved?" I asked back, and the booth was silent.
"The five stages of grief are as follows: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. If I remember correctly, Kai is still in the anger stage, too stubborn to move on. Jay is likely in the depression stage, smiling for the rest of the world, but the world collapses on him when he is alone. Cole is in the bargaining stage, hoping that giving up his identity and everything that used to define him would bring some sort of feeling into his life. Lloyd has already passed on into acceptance. None of you but Lloyd have taken time to stop and look inside yourself to learn to deal with what fate has handed you."
The booth remained silent, and I was unsure of the possible expressions on their faces.
"I know people do not like seeing their flaws presented before them in such a brash manner, but you need to understand that this is not helping you. Forcing yourselves to suffer is not becoming of any of you. If you all need to cry it out in a circle, so be it. Everyone has their different needs, but you need to stop what you're doing right now. It's obviously not helping you." My voice softly reached their side of the booth.
A soft crying came from the other side, the sound of Jay's whimpers was heartbreaking. But it needed to be done. Sometimes crying heals better than laughs.
"However, I wouldn't lose your resolve completely just yet. Messengers of the most shocking news are set to arrive." I knew the villains were here, or at least Chen's lackeys were.
I heard a few thumps, and a flash of red behind me in a reflection. Kai was ruthless, a darkness growing within him. One likely strengthened by me.
"I didn't hear any message." Kai huffed. I stepped out of my booth, approaching the knocked out and tied lackeys. I pulled a paper and several fortune cookies from the leader's pocket.
I passed the items to Kai, and looked at Cole with a serious look.
"Do not eat your cookie Cole. They are named fortune cookies for the paper with a message inside of it." I insisted, and Kai's hands trembled whilst holding the parchment.
"He-I no. Can it? I-I-" Kai went silent, rereading the paper many times over. Lloyd pried it from his teammate's hand gently, reading it himself.
"I-It says Zane is alive." Lloyd quietly whispered. The others gasped, demanding to see it for themselves.
"This has got to be a joke!" Cole seethed, looking back at me.
"It's not. He is alive." I reassured them.
"How would you know?" Jay whimpered.
"I know lots of things." I ominously replied.
Kai passed out the fortune cookies, and Cole refrained from eating his. I watched as they read out the fortunes.
"Master Chen personally invites you to participate in his Tournament of Elements." Lloyd read first.
"Secrecy is of the utmost importance. Tell no one, or suffer the consequences." Jay followed.
"Come to the pier, and don't bring any weapons." Kai continued.
"Accommodations will be provided, bring only yourselves." Cole finished.
"Sounds like we have a rescue mission on our hands." Kai pointed out, straightening his posture.
"You won't get to the pier if you're obvious about it though. You aren't the only ones who know Chen." I warned. The fortunes exploded, leaving an ominous tone behind.
"Then how should we get there unnoticed?" Lloyd asked, and I smirked sadly.
"You've learnt a lot around me, haven't you? First lesson: Lie, but make it as close to the truth as possible. Makes it easier. Second, leave no evidence behind. Even a box with this restaurant's logo will ruin the operation. Come up with something believable. Lastly, don't do anything out of the ordinary. Look normal, don't ask strange questions, don't peek at your friends. Keep quiet, and follow those basic rules. That's how you'll get to where you need to go." I informed, but I was ready to tattle on them should they actually succeed.
"Thanks. Looks like we have a fishing trip planned." Lloyd waved me off, and I shrugged.
"Have a fun fishing trip. Make sure to hide the witless witnesses over there." I replied, walking out of the restaurant. I knew that Lloyd was a horrible liar, but he would take my advice to heart. I needed to warn Garmadon, give him a sign just in case.
I walked patiently through the streets of New Ninjago City, the lights glowing brightly through the streets. I was slowly walking around the block that the restaurant was located. Following Lloyd to his home would also lead me to Garmadon. At least, I assumed Lloyd moved out thanks to the untouched state of his room.
Turning around the corners, I saw Lloyd's green outfit ahead, and I walked in the shadows. I made sure to keep him far away, but I would rush if he turned a corner. I was careful to stop running once I reached a certain distance.
Then he turned around, and I froze in place. Did he know? Could he sense me? I held my breath, unmoving and still. If I were to be found out, he could easily stop and deter my backup plan!
With a reluctant posture, Lloyd continued to walk. I sighed silently, relieved that my efforts were not in vain nor immediate danger of being stopped. I was more careful now, waiting to see where he lived.
In the end I listened to them through their roof. At least, I attempted to. Unfortunately, the roof was soundproof and my efforts were in vain. Instead, I was forced to watch the Garmadon household's front door until Lloyd left.
After a while, Lloyd finally left, fishing supplies in hand and his father wishing him farewell. Lloyd's lying skills improved with my advice, and he became much more adept at it than I expected.
I growled softly in irritation, now I would have to confront Garmadon again.
Waiting another few moments, I jumped down from the roof and knocked on the door slowly, but loudly. The shape of Garmadon appeared in the light behind the paper-thin door. Opening the door, he looked at me with a face of skepticism.
"Starlord? What brings you here at this time of night?" Sensei Garmadon asked in a hushed whisper.
"Lloyd isn't going on just a 'fishing trip.' He's off to the Tournament of Elements, hosted by Master Chen. I had hoped his poor lying skills would have made you more suspicious, but it seems that he took my advice to heart. I suggest we follow him to the pier, time may be of the essence here." I rushed out, hoping he would understand.
"What? How would you know? I understand you may be a smart girl, but I'm afraid I don't quite follow you…" He asked back, and I hissed in frustration.
"I was there when some of his lackeys came to give the Ninja a message. Lloyd asked me how they could get there unnoticed, and it seems he became better at lying than I thought…" I replied, admitting to my interference again.
"There is no harm in going to the pier then. Let us leave with haste." Garmadon straightened, and we rushed to the warehouse harbor.
Once we got there, the boat was just about to leave the dock. Growling angrily, I pushed my running skills to their limits and jumped onto the boat with all of my strength. Screw Garmadon, I was not letting them slip away from me!
A guard was not happy to have me on the boat, and pinned me down. While I would have loved defending myself, I had to be peaceful to make it to the island. I sat still, remaining quiet during the duration of the pin-down.
Garmadon followed after, knocking one guard into the sea and arguing with Clouse. Falling back into an old rhythm, I observed the space around me.
The elemental masters around us looked at me with suspicious eyes, a careful stance in warning. The guard on top of me was just as still as me, keeping a very close eye on me. Garmadon was glaring at Clouse, with said sorcerer glaring right back. Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw the Ninja walking towards us, careful not to make too much of a fuss.
"I'm afraid we have found some stowaways. I would suggest… Leaving this disturbance to us." Clouse attempted to dissuade the Ninja.
"I'll take my father. You can have Starlord." Lloyd came forth, standing up for his father and not me. I gave a sad smile underneath my hood, knowing he was making good on his 'no warm welcomes' statement from the temple. Clouse looked surprised, but hunched forwards soon after.
"You would leave this… Child to us?" Clouse peered back at me, a calculating look to rival my own behind those black eyes. Lloyd shrugged.
"Just like old times." Lloyd glanced at me.
"Just like old times."
"Then you may be on your way." Clouse finalized, Garmadon following with his son. I watched as he turned his back, his dad putting a hand on his shoulder in comfort. It wasn't easy turning your back on someone, but sometimes you've got to do it.
Looking back at Clouse, I watched as he stared down at me.
"It seems you've been… Left behind. I suppose this is where your story of secrecy ends." Clouse inadvertently warned me. Unfortunately for Clouse, I knew how to get out of this kind of pin down. But, I will reason before I fight.
"I wouldn't suggest that Clouse. I'm a fighter when provoked as such." I glared, but he was already reaching for my hood. Crying out, I rolled the lacky on top of me off while grabbing my pen in defense. No strikes, just a promise of pain for those who fight against me.
"Pray that you shall never see my rage when someone of tainted soul should reap me of my identity." I hissed, hoping the message of 'touch my hood and you are dead' got across. Clouse looked pleased, though I wasn't sure why.
"Send her under, I'm sure she can help with the engines." Clouse ordered, and put down my pen.
"Of course." I blandly replied, and I let the lackey grab my arm and bring me down. I was lucky to not lose my pack, but I was wary. Anything could happen down here, and while I had survived being in a volcano, this would likely feel much worse.
While I was guided down the stairs, the followers of Chen looked at me with stares of confusion. But they would often turn to smiles when they must have realized where I was going.
Once the engine room opened, hot air hit my face in a tsunami of temperature. Oh yes, this was going to be much worse than the Fire Temple. I was pushed in, and eventually reached a small room, with a man shoveling coal into a large heater. The man was barely able to keep up with the demand, moving slowly as he shoveled.
"Work the coal. Dan, you're off work until shore." The worker who I assumed to be Dan, cheered in relief, and slowly handed the shovel to me.
"Get some water. You look like you could use some." I noted, and the man paid no attention as he bee-lined for the exit. Now, it was my turn to take on his job.
Holding the hot shovel, I put coal in at a slightly faster rate than the previous worker. I kept myself going at a steady pace, just enough to have a small extra pile on top of the collection of coal.
I continued the bland shovelling, humming some of the old songs I learned when I got a break, and drinking down my water rations like there was no tomorrow. And down here, I wasn't afraid of people hearing me, so I was able to sing my darkest and most disturbing songs. I loved the song of Apotropaism.
Of course, with my isolation, came Euphony. I was almost tempted to name her Entropy.
"The shadows of your hands on the walls sway back and forth in a dizzying array…" Euphony sang with me, and I was not able to tell her to scram. I just continued to hum with her, even though I knew she was just a voice with no physical body to tell gender. Still, I relaxed in her presence for once, and time slipped away.
"I think it's time for me to go. You too, Myrana. The ship has stopped, and now is your time to escape." Euphony sighed, her voice fading away on a nonexistent wind. Looking up from the hard work of the past several hours, I took a deep breath. It appears I would have to find a shower after this, and a laundry room. I put an extra pile of coal into the heater, making it so the boat would still be operational afterwards.
Moving my way towards the exit door, I was quiet and felt the air get slightly cooler as I reached the exit. As soon as I opened it, it almost felt like a cold winter's air, biting at my skin and freezing my sweaty clothes. I basked in the coolness, despite it nearly making me shiver.
Finding then climbing up the stairs that I came down on, I made it to the main deck, where people were getting off the boat. I stepped out, stolling towards the place where everyone else was getting off.
Clouse noticed me, and glared.
"Aren't you supposed to be working on the engines?" He hissed, and I shrugged. I continued on closer, grabbing out my pen in caution.
"Dan was off until shore. We're at shore. I'm off work and this ship." I replied, and Clouse stepped back, deciding that fighting me was not worth it. Not yet, anyways.
Continuing on, I silently followed behind the main group at a distance. My mind was clear, making sure all that I thought about was just the surroundings and their… Grandeur, one could say. I was wary of the group, their powers could squash me in an instant.
Still, I looked around and saw that this place truly was made for someone rich. The large gates and likely hand-crafted drums with a beautiful island was something that very few in Ninjago could claim to have. However, most people didn't want a large space anyways so it never mattered.
Slipping between the gates, I saw Kai look back at Skylor, but completely ignored me due to his affections for her. Nonetheless, I continued behind them all, entering the large room where we were instructed to sit.
I sat farther away from the Ninja, hoping that the separation would show that I was not affiliated with them.
"Welcome, to the Tournament of Elements! Now, everyone can die-" He paused, the doors shutting and everyone standing in alarm but me,"-rect your attention to me! Never before have so many elemental fighters been gathered in one room! I see the elemental masters of fire, speed, shadow, even a prophesied green saviour. And of course and old pupil and a wild card has arrived." He spoke, looking at me.
I shrugged in response, not truly caring about what he would say about me.
"The symbol carved around you represents the Anacondrai, the most fearsome Serpentine to ever walk upon this soil. Their motto? Only one can remain." Chen finished, and the person near the gong struck it hard, the thick metal opening up to reveal a tournament bracket-board.
"Behold! That is a Jade Blade. In this game it represents your life. Obtain one, and move on. Have it taken from you? Then you become a loser!" Chen strode over with amazing speed,"The rules are simple. Every fight will be different, no two fights will be the same! Use your elements, or you will lose them!" He smiled, but Karloff frowned.
"What does Karloff win?" The Master of Metal asked with suspicion.
"Win and you get to stay on my island. Win everything, and you receive riches beyond your wildest dreams! Also, a lifetime supply of Chen's Noodles. But, you aren't here for the noodles, right? You want the honor of being the greatest warrior in all of Ninjago!" Chen cheered, and everyone clapped but the Ninja and Co. I clapped for politeness, but it was a slow sarcastic clap.
"And what should happen if they lose?" Garmadon asked and Chen turned to face him.
"Lose? No one wants to lose!" Everyone but Ninja and Co. laughed, and all I did was shrug. It was true, but everyone loses in the end anyways.
"Now enjoy my island! It's an amazing super funny and happy place!" Chen finished, and Clouse spoke out.
"You will all be directed to your rooms now." Clouse's order echoed through the room and many servers of Chen walked out ot help the elemental masters to their rooms. Garmadon and I were left behind and Clouse gave us a smug look.
"I'm afraid there are no extra rooms for you. After all, you are unplanned guests." Clouse rubbed in, and the two villains left.
"Well, I'm going to go find a shower. You go do whatever you want." I shrugged, looking for Skylor. After all, since she is Chen's daughter, she will not see me as a high level threat. Others may misinterpret me as a spy.
Still walking, I seethed as I had hit another dead end for the fourth time! At this rate, she might be asleep before I can reach her room! Twisting and turning through the hallways, I brushed against a plant, and I was dropped into a dark cave.
"Ow! You'd think that they'd have a cushion of some sort…" I hissed, now even more lost than before. Continuing to walk, I eventually found a staircase. That had to be good, because the rooms were on several different floors, right?
Continuing upward, I eventually found the corridor the Ninja once went through. Finding the picture was on hinges, I knocked on it to see if Skylor would notice me.
"What? Who's there?" She hissed, looking at me, or more specifically the painting I was hiding behind.
"Um, hi. It's me, Starlord. I was hoping that you would let me use your shower. I'm afraid that I wasn't sure if any other tournament competitors would let me." I admitted, and Skylor opened the picture.
"Then why are you in there?" She hissed.
"Because I hit a plant after my stupid fifth time trying to find someone. Really, they need a cushion or two, it hurt." I replied, closing the picture.
"Fine, go ahead. But only the shower, and then you're out." Skylor sighed, and I thanked her before finally getting into the bathroom and taking my long awaited shower.
Lloyd isn't an idiot. He knows when it's time to give up. Also, Myrana is planned to finally be shipped with someone thanks to one of my real life friends so... Yay I guess? It'll be my first time writing romance but I'll try. Best to experiment with this and fix it if it looks real bad. Be very suspicious BraveSeeker3. It's still a bit away... But you all will find out soon. :]
I can't wait to hear what you guys will think. Thanks to the length of this story, I'm always looking for bigger and better to write for poor Myrana. Give me your best guesses if you want, because I'm pretty sure none of you will expect it. HaHAHAHahaHAHAHA I may be going a bit writer crazy...
Review, favorite, follow, share, whatever. ENJOY EPISODE 84 TOMORROW IF YOU CHOOSE TO WATCH IT AND HAVE A GREAT DAY!