Discovering Destiny
Now that everyone knows of the ninja, we'll discover more of the their reactions to becoming overnight celebrities plus we'll see what's going on with Koko & a surprise ending. Enjoy!
Chapter 27: The Show Must Go On
Being a shy boy, Jay often had trouble getting through a day at school without turning into a nervous wreck. Too bad he's a ninja and with the Secret Ninja Force revealed to the public, it just got worse for the poor guy. He wasn't really one for being the center of attention and with almost everyone talking about nothing but the ninja, he was sure he wouldn't survive by the end of the day.
Jay cowered in one of the bathroom stalls and would stay there in between classes. He didn't have to worry about being found in here since he's already unpopular.
"Jay. Come on out." Someone beckoned him and the lightning ninja recognized the voice as Cole's.
"There's no one around, is there?" The timid boy asked.
"Don't worry. It's just us." Cole reassured him.
Jay slowly opened the stall and was relieved the earth ninja was being truthful.
"Sorry, it's just so hard trying to get through the day with everyone talking about ninja." He spoke.
"I know how tough it can be. Believe me, I really want to punch those idiots if they say anything about the ninja one more time." Cole cracked his knuckles.
"M-me too…!" Jay replied, trying to sound cool.
The earth ninja raised a bushy eyebrow at his teammate's response. Being a ninja meant becoming an individual, not try to be like someone else.
"We can talk about this somewhere else. We're gonna be late." Cole goaded Jay out of the bathroom.
As Jay followed him, he felt something but not for the first time.
Jay felt that same dark feeling in the pit of his stomach again. Every time Cole tried to help him or he saw the earth ninja helping others, the shy ninja felt a desire to emulate him. However, these feelings didn't stem from admiration alone. For some reason, Jay felt that it wasn't fair. Cole was popular and everyone went to him for advice while Jay was usually ignored or picked on for being different.
'What is it that Cole has that I don't?'
Jay was aware that for starters, Cole was more easily accepted by the cool kids than him.
Cole was definitely better looking than Jay but it felt so unfair that other teenagers flock to him and all the more attractive guys and finding value only in their looks. Jay was smart and could also help others but no one would even think about approaching him just because he didn't fit their definition of cool. Jay also tried so hard to fit in with the cool guys while Cole already did with little effort. If the lightning ninja didn't know better, Cole probably had everything handed to him.
Then again, Jay still didn't know a whole lot about Cole.
The earth ninja might also be stressed by all the ninja gossip and it wasn't just Jay who was getting so worked up about it. The others are probably struggling too, especially Lloyd, which was probably why the rest of the ninja didn't speak to him at school today. That still didn't erase the resentment slowly growing in Jay's heart.
'It's still not fair...'
Nya thought she would like the fame and recognition but she found herself more annoyed than proud. The way her classmates jumped to conclusions and coming up with outlandish theories regarding the true identities of the ninja irked her. The other teens were already acting like a bunch of zealots.
"Oh yeah! They're awesome!" Her brother's bragged right next to her.
The fire ninja was surrounded by classmates and he won't stop talking about nothing but the ninja. He remained oblivious to his sister's growing exasperation and continued pandering to the fans and their cringe-worthy theories.
"I wonder if they know how to do all those cool stuff like disappearing in a poof of smoke!"
"Or make a whole bunch of clones! That would be awesome!"
The questions and theories kept coming and the Hinata brother was all too willing to answer.
"Yeah! Those ninja will definitely kick Garmadon's ass!" Kai boasted. His sister was convinced he was really bragging about himself. He would never miss any opportunity to boost his ego.
Nya rolled her eyes at her brother's arrogance. It didn't surprise her that he would brag about himself at any given opportunity. He had a bad habit of doing such even before joining the Secret Ninja Force. With their personas now on the headline on every type of media, his already massive ego already got much worse.
"Maybe I'll get some pictures of the ninja for you!" Kai winked at the schoolgirls, who squealed under his fiery charisma, aggravating his sister even more.
School was finally over and Nya didn't hesitate to get the hell out of there, dragging Kai with her.
"Hey! Sis! I was gonna be popular! Why do you keep ruining it for me!?" The fire ninja complained.
"I swear, Kai. You're gonna be the death of me one day." The kunoichi of water gritted her teeth.
"I thought you'd like being a ninja too! You always said you wanted to be just like Lady Iron Dragon!"
"That was before I knew what we were getting ourselves into! All the shit that's been going made me cringe so many times I'm gonna look like I just saw the Emoji Movie for the rest of my life!"
"Since when did you care about your looks!?"
"This isn't about appearances!"
"Then what's it about!?"
"Kai, when we became ninja, what did you think that would've meant for you?" The kunoichi of water narrowed her eyes at her annoying brother.
"...Ultimate power…?" The fire ninja answered with a dopey expression plastered on his face.
The siblings stared at each other silently for a while, Nya with annoyance and Kai with confusion.
"That's what the bad guys are supposed to say!" She shoved him aside and marched homeward.
"What? So I'm the bad guy, now!?" Her appalled brother asked.
"It's like trying to talk to a fish." Nya grumbled and fastened her pace.
"Wait! I'm not a -! Sis! Wait up!" Kai imitated his sister but she only sped up her gait until she was now darting through the streets of Ninjago City like a marathon runner.
"Nya! What's up?" Heather joined her friend from out of nowhere, somehow able to follow her pace.
"Just living out the daily woes of having a brother," Nya answered flatly, "Also, why are you running?"
"It's good for my heart." The kunoichi of nature shrugged.
"How are you dealing with all the idiocy that is school?"
"It's really stressful. I almost got in trouble for blowing up already."
"You always had a bit of a temper."
"Funny of you to say that."
The girls suddenly stopped but Kai kept running but not for long. The fire ninja ran face first onto the front door of the Hinata residence. Ray and Maya answered only to find their son lying on the ground in between Nya and Heather.
"I'll see you later." Heather parted ways with the Hinata siblings.
The Hinata couple knew better not to question their children's quirky antics and helped their daughter drag her brother back into the house.
Karloff never saw Iris looking so uneasy when he picked her up from school.
"Iris, did something happen in school?"
"Uncle… you haven't heard of it, have you…?"
"Heard of what?"
"It's all over the news. Everyone in Ninjago City's talking about… well..."
"The ninja? Oh yeah, I saw it on the news at work."
The kunoichi of metal gulped nervously, fearing her uncle might suspect something. She was gone at the same time the ninja showed up for the first time and Karloff might add up the clues…
"Everyone at work had a bunch of opinions of them, such as if they'll be capable of kicking Garmadon out of Ninjago or they're just a bunch of brats wanting fame. What do you think?" Karloff asked her.
Iris felt tempted to tell the truth but she swore an oath.
"They were only here for one day. I think it's too early to judge." She answered, feeling uneasy.
"I understand," Karloff responded, "No one even knows where they came from. Time will tell if they'll be able to protect Ninjago from Garmadon."
The pink kunoichi fell silent for the rest of the way home. It seems like her uncle still doesn't suspect her to have any relation to those vigilantes. But Iris knew Karloff better than anyone else, including the fact that he's much smarter than he lets on. He would probably be the first person to glue the pieces together and might reveal the ninja's true identities.
But if Karloff knew she was one of the ninja, will he do such a thing?
Iris trusted Karloff more than anyone else for much of her life but if he can't trust her…
Iris shook the negative thoughts out of her head. Karloff was her one and only family. There's no way she'll sabotage something so important to her. She just needs to play it cool and her life as a kunoichi separate from her home life just like she does with school work and she does that all the time. This is gonna be a piece of cake.
'Okay, Iris,' She calmed herself with a couple of deep breaths, 'Just play it safe. You got this.'
Iris was soon reassured that things will turn out fine...
All Aria saw on the TVs in Ninjago City were coverage of the ninja. As nerve-wracking as it is having all eyes and ears on her, it was also kinda exhilarating having people talk about the ninja while having no idea one of them was right here all along. Like her teammates, the orange kunoichi was very nervous at school but she now had that out of her system… most of it actually.
What Aria was more worried about was how people might react if they ever find the true identities of the ninja, especially her parents. They weren't bad parents but that didn't stop her from fretting over how they'll take it. She knew they were concerned over her capricious ways and finding out their own child was a vigilante will no doubt disappoint them. She didn't hate them but she had her doubts that they'll truly accept her if she finds her own life's calling and it turns out it won't be something they'll ever approve of.
But is being a vigilante what she's meant to be?
Being a kunoichi was definitely different from everything she's done up to this point. She may have yet to figure out if it's the path she wants to take and if it's something she can follow through with.
'Come on, Aria. This isn't a game. You gotta focus.' She mentally scolded herself and then regretted it.
It was ironic that every time she told herself to focus, it only made it harder for her.
Aria caught an unnatural face amongst the crowds and there was no mistaking that person.
"Zane?" The kunoichi of wind quickly caught up with her teammate.
"Aria! It is a pleasant surprise to see you here." Zane greeted her.
"Why are you here and where are you going?"
"I am heading to my job."
"Wait a sec. You have a job?"
"Yes. I work at The Petite Corner Cafe. You can come if you want."
"Great. Now even Zane knows what to do with his life..."
"Do not be like that, Aria. Why not come over to the cafe and have a light meal?"
"Nah, I'm good." Aria declined the android's offer despite being tempted to visit the cafe.
"You are free to come whenever you like. I look forward to seeing you again at the hideout." Zane said as the parted ways.
It was only until she was close to her home did Aria begin to feel the pangs of hunger wrack her body. She also remembered just now that her parents won't have much time to cook tonight and there was nothing in the house she felt like eating. If she accepted Zane's offer, she wouldn't be forced to starve.
There were times she wished she was more decisive and right now was one of those moments.
The ninja returned to the hideout for another day of training. All of them looked burned out from all the gossip they faced at Ninjago High.
"Man… that has got to be the worst day of school in my entire life..." Iris sighed.
"Welcome to my world." Lloyd deadpanned.
"We all knew this was going to happen one day," Nya said, "Let's just put it all behind us and focus."
"Is it just me or am I the only one who's liking all the attention?" Kai admitted.
The other ninja turned their heads slowly and glared at him, sans the ever oblivious Zane, who simply wore his trademark unnatural smile on his face.
"It's just you." They all said simultaneously.
"You all knew this day would come," An elderly voice told them, "One can't always predict their own feelings over something so life-changing until it comes to pass."
"Master Wu..."
"Fame and admiration doesn't make a hero. The path to finding your true selves have only just begun. There will be far greater matters to be concerned about. In the meantime, resume your training." The wise mentor told his pupils.
"But what about the gossip and news? Doesn't that concern you at all?" Aria asked.
"I have expected such but you swore an oath and one day, your opinions of this may change..."
"And Garmadon?"
"I am prepared for what comes after this. There is nothing wrong with asking questions but there are far more important things than the opinions of others. Staying focused is key to becoming true ninja."
Kai and Lloyd spared with each other to start developing their own style of swordsmanship. Using two katana, Kai focused primarily on offense and tried getting accustomed to fighting with both blades at the same time. As for Lloyd, he had just his sword but no shield like Iris. He tried to find a balance with both offense and defense.
Kai kept charging at his opponent with everything he had. Lloyd switched between dodging the katana and striking back out of self-defense.
"Not bad," Kai commended his friend's skill with a sword, "You actually improved a lot since this whole ninja stuff started."
Lloyd felt his face heat up by Kai's words. He still had no idea how to react to any compliments.
"You're just saying that..." He rebuffed the fire ninja's remark.
"Why would I ever 'just say that'!? Did I ever lie to you!?" Kai looked appalled by Lloyd's cynicism.
"Remember all those times you said people would come to my birthday parties?"
The duo had a brief flashback of the outcast's birthdays over the years. At every single one, it was just them, Nya, and their parents… except Garmadon of course.
"Believing in something and lying are two completely different things!" The fire ninja refuted, his face red with either anger, embarrassment, or even both.
"Yeah… Sure..." Lloyd dismissed him.
Lloyd continued making progress on his mech, which was finally starting to come together. The basic foundation was almost done and even had the vague form of the dragon in his blueprints. Working on one mech was already hard work but he wondered if the other ninja had ideas for their own mechs.
"Lloyd!" Kai called out to his friend.
Lloyd flinched but was thankful his hands weren't on his mech or any tools or else there will be blood.
"What now, Kai?" He clenched his teeth to show his annoyance.
"I've been thinking about the mech stuff lately and..." Kai trailed off.
"And what?" The green ninja wasn't in the best mood but was willing to hear his friend out.
"I've been having some ideas for my own mech."
"Oh yeah? Like what?"
"Since I'm the fire ninja, I was thinking about having a couple of cool flamethrowers and look like one of those gundoms from the anime..." The fire ninja went on about what he wanted for his mech.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Kai," Lloyd interrupted his childhood friend's rambling, "Building mechs isn't easy, even if it's something you enjoy."
"You sure you can do it alone? If we all want a mech, that'll make ten of them."
"It's gonna be a challenge but I don't mind doing something I like."
"Why not let us lend a hand? At least Jay and Nya know a thing or two about machines. Just don't tell them I said that."
"Kai, I really appreciate the offers but I would really like to have some time alone."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes I'm sure." Lloyd's voice was slightly louder, a sign his patience was reaching its limit.
Kai was really aware of the stress Lloyd was going through with all the shit he and everyone else were facing in school. It was bad enough for the poor guy to be stuck on the bottom of the social ladder but with everyone talking about nothing but ninja, he can't imagine what's going on in Lloyd's head.
The fire ninja may have enjoyed the attention the ninjas' new lives have given them but that doesn't mean he didn't understand them. Like Cole, Kai always sought to help those in need. He felt a strong need to ensure that everyone he cared about were safe and he would do anything to keep it that way. But he also felt a desire to have any kind of recognition for it. He wasn't sure where it came from. All he knew was that he had a genuine urge to protect others but also a need for validation.
Perhaps being a ninja can give him the best of both worlds.
Garmadon paced in circles in his office, thinking of ways to deal with the ninja. It seems that Wu was true to his word for once. From what his now fired general said, their skills in battle were mediocre at best so he'll still be able to take over Ninjago unopposed.
So why was he so worked up about them?
He saved the footage the last General #1 showed him before and what he saw wasn't impressive at all. The ninja looked like a bunch of angsty teens in bad costumes. He had no competition.
'Yet I can't get that face out of my head...' Garmadon replayed the shoddy clip again, focusing on only one of those clumsy bozos.
He can't help but constantly think about the behavior of the ninja in green. Those fierce emerald orbs were frighteningly familiar. It was like he looked at those same green eyes many years ago…
Yes. He was starting to remember. Those memories he buried deep in his psyche many years ago…
Now he remembered!
Those were the same eye color as that guy who worked at his favorite pizza place a long time ago!
He really needs to get back in touch with the people in his life… sans his parents' son… and one more person… whose name can only be Luh-Loyd.
Saturday was definitely Lloyd's favorite day of the week. It was the only day where he can completely forget about school and not have to go outside, as geeky as it sounds. At home, there was his mother and no one else to judge him.
Lloyd's eyes were on another elaborate opening to the latest installment of the Gundom series while Koko was content to just see her son not worrying about shallow bullies.
'But will the ninja show up again…?' A part of her psyche asked herself.
Thoughts and questions about the ninja plagued her mind ever since she read that article, as much as she tried to focus on other subjects that were far more important. Maybe a bit of fresh air is what she needs to calm her nerves.
"Lloyd, I'm going to go run some errands. Would you like something?" Koko wanted to make sure her only child will be okay by himself.
"Nah, I'm good." Lloyd responded from the sofa.
"I'll be back soon."
Lloyd thought he was the only person who was hated by everyone in Ninjago but he was wrong. Koko hadn't been able to go outside without at least some people glaring at her since her divorce. Her past constantly followed her wherever she goes, no matter how much effort she makes to put the mistakes she made behind her.
"Well if it isn't Mrs. Garmadon."
"You think you can just crawl back to Ninjago after being a sellout?"
The mean stares and mockery from everyone still can't erase Koko's thoughts about the ninja.
'Could Lloyd have some relation with the ninja? And what will happen if they do drive Garmadon away from Ninjago for good?'
The former warrior can't know the answers to her questions. It wasn't good trying to seek answers in such a foolhardy manner. She had the fresh air she sought out but no answers. There was nothing she can do but wait. Besides, the only person who needed her right now was Lloyd.
Even if her son didn't want anything, Koko thought a little treat could cheer him up after yet another dreadful week at school. While waiting in line to buy some of Lloyd's favorite sour candy, she caught a certain someone snooping around in the streets. Koko completely forgot about her errand and went out to get a closer look. There's no mistaking that complexion and the bulges in their coat.
The stranger quickly realized they was being followed and turned around, giving away their identity.
Koko felt her heart stop and the blood completely drain from her face. She wasn't expecting to see the person again nor did she ever want to.
'Garmadon…?'
And cue the ominous music!
It's been years & we'll see how the divorce affected Garmadon & Koko's relationship. Now I'm off to watch the Olympics closing ceremony but don't forget to leave a review!
