Jessica's P.O.V.
It took all of five minutes before I was at the center. Greeting me there was Rose, smiling softly as she always did. "Welcome back." She spoke as if I'd been gone years, not days, but I smiled in return.
"Are you already finished with your mission?" The Elder Spirit appeared out of nowhere, but I was used to it.
"No, I experienced... Complications. Lloyd is the Green Ninja, and is heavily protected. And my father now knows that I'm alive, armed and dangerous." I answered. "But you knew about my brother this entire time, correct?" The question was a statement, but I still wanted an explanation. The Elder Spirit sighed.
"The burning inferno within would have been extinguished had I told you." He murmured. I was seething with anger, but had learned by now the dangers of my temper. A scream pierced the air, ending the tension in the air.
"That was Nya!" I shouted, running to a nearby clearing to find a wolf on top of Nya, drooling and growling.
"Help me!" Nya screamed, terrified.
"Back, Fang! Bad wolf!" I shouted. Fang lifted his head and ran to me, landing on my stomach.
"Jessica, watch out! He's deadly-" Nya stopped talking as her jaw dropped, watching Fang lick my face and whine, sad that I had left without saying good-bye.
"Down boy, down! Let me up!" I said, giggling from Fang's affection and slobber. He got off, but still licked my face when I sat up. "Good boy! Who's a good wolf?" I asked, rubbing him behind the ears the way he liked.
"You KNOW that- that thing?" Nya asked, dumbfound.
"Of course I do! He was like a pet dog, just... bigger and deadlier." I told her, scratching his neck, and he barked happily.
"That THING attacked me!" Nya shouted, clearly annoyed at my reaction to Fang.
"Sorry about that. Fang must have smelled my scent, but since I wasn't with you, thought the worst and wanted to... er... 'Avenge my death'." I explained. Nya groaned in response.
"So, where's everyone else?" She asked, calmed down.
"No clue. No one was at the clearing. Hell, I think you were the closest." I said, while Fang rubbed against my lag. "Hey, knock it off boy."
"Should we be worried?" Nya asked.
"Maybe, but probably not. We do need to find them though, if we ever want to see them again. Come on." I lead Nya, with Rose following, to find the others. First we found Zane by the Dark Lake, his circuits all fried from the water. Gently, I used a screwdriver to hit his re-boot button and he opened his eyes.
"What... where's the serpent?" He asked, his eyes looking everywhere.
"You mean Spout? Gimme a sec... Fang?" I asked. Fang laid his ears flat and growling. A second later, a serpent rose out of the water, scales like diamonds.
"No, it was dark green." Zane said, looking slightly calmer.
"Oh, sorry about that. I told them there was something else in the water." I clicked my tongue and Spout went back into the water. "Spout probably was sleeping, which was why the other serpent came out. Come on, there's still five people we need to find. Nya, you find Jay and Kai, Zane, find my uncle and Cole. I'll look for Lloyd." The other two nod and ran off. There was a reason that I wanted to find Lloyd. I knew that the forest would be trying to do everything to stop him from entering, all the dark essence around him.
After what seemed to be hours, but were only minutes since I had never been to the darker parts of the forest before, I found my brother in some sphere. "Jessica! At little help- AGH!" He screamed in pain.
Celeta, this is your specialty. I said. Celeta clicked in answer and screeched, reducing the force-bubble to dust. Lloyd staggered out, barely conscious.
"Easy. What the hell happened?" I asked, feigning surprise.
"Some voice told me I was not welcome, and that field came around me before I could do anything. Why'd that happen?" Lloyd asked. I had already prepared an answer, but made sure to feign thought for a moment.
"It must have been since you were around our father for some time, his dark essence rubbed off onto you. The forest could've mistaken you. It happened to me." I lied. Truth be told, I was welcomed to the forest without anything going wrong. The real reason, obviously, was Lloyd's Lord Garmadon's heir, thus much more dark energy surrounded him. Lloyd swallowed the lie, however, so I was safe. "We should meet back up with everyone else." We ran back to center where I had told Nya and Zane to take everyone. Everyone but Cole was there, and I cocked my head. "Where's Cole?" I asked, looking around.
Zane shrugged. "I could not find him. And I am sure I looked as far as possible." But past the first sentence, I wasn't listening. Because Celeta had just screamed across the telepathic link between us.
Jessica! Cole's in danger! I pressed my ears, even though that did nothing to reduce the loud sound level of her statement.
"Jessica? What's wrong?" Nya asked.
"Celeta said Cole's in danger. From what, I have no idea." I answered, massaging my temples to lessen the headache I now had.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Kai asked, and Celeta clicked in answer, taking the lead. After some time, we found Cole.
Although it can be said I would have felt more comfortable not finding him.
A young woman stood with her hand in Cole's chest, laughing softly. Cole's eyes were closed, and he was draped over her arm. The other ninja and Nya charged at her, but she flicked them away with her hand carelessly. They hit the ground and were knocked out, and the woman laughed. I felt my anger begin to lose control; I had never forgotten that laugh.
"Cindy, what the fuck are you doing?!" My voice was rising in volume rapidly. She sighed dramatically and reverted to her true form.
"How'd you know, Dark Girl?" She asked in her usual, annoying voice. I hissed at her. I hated the nickname 'Dark Girl'. Cindy only called me that because she knew I hated that fact that I was related to Lord Garmadon.
"Let him go." I growled, my anger barely contained.
"What, is he your little boyfriend? Pretty weak." Cindy sneered.
Please, can I hurt her NOW? I asked Celeta.
You know, in most circumstances, I would say no, but this girl's had it coming to her! Let her have it! Celeta cried. My necklace glowed, and my dagger slid out of its hilt, flying towards Cindy. She screamed but it landed in her heart. Or, where it would have been if she was living. Her arm fell to her side and Cole fell onto the grass, his eyes still closed. I ran to him, and rolled him over. I shook him frantically, but he refused to wake up. Scared, I checked his pulse and breathed a sigh of relief. His heartbeat was steady, so he was alive. Turning to Cindy, I saw her against a tree, panting, trying to remove my dagger, but it wouldn't budge.
"What have you done to me?" She asked, angered.
"Something I should have done years ago. You were stealing his soul! That has been outlawed for years among spirits. Why?" I asked, my anger still barely under restraint.
"I shouldn't have died so young. Me, such a pretty face! It was a waste to the world! Stealing his soul would have allowed me to rejoin the world of the living." Cindy shouted, but the look in my eyes cut off any further talking. Let's just say that when I want to look menacing, you will probably crap your pants.
"When you died, it was a blessing to the world! You would have given him a fate worse than death if I had not intervened. You're a demon." I spat, and I reclaimed my dagger from her chest.
"Well, I won't be in trouble! No one's going to believe you." Cindy smiled, and it sent shivers down my spine.
"Really? Who says that?" A voice asked. I turned and saw the Elder Spirit behind me. Cindy paled, or as close as you can get when you're a ghost. "I never would have thought you could have done this badly, but know I realize you can never stay here. Jessica, could you give me a moment?" I nodded and ran over to Cole, making sure he was still breathing. Looking around, the others were still knocked out. At that time, Cole stirred and opened his eyes.
"What... what just happened?" He asked, leaning up. I smiled.
"You're okay." I threw myself onto him, embracing him tightly. He was surprised, but hugged back. It seemed to erase the question from his mind, for which I was thankful. "We should wake up the others." I said, and Celeta screeched in answer, causing everyone else to awaken with their ears covered.
You know you'll have to explain what happened, right? Celeta asked.
I'll start now. I answered.
Huh... A Page Break... Sweet! Target practice for my shotgun!
"I still can't believe one forest could make it so no one go through." Nya remarked.
"Personally, I found it more disturbing that it could get inside our heads. What was that?" Jay asked, and everyone looked at me. I sighed.
"When the forest tries to protect itself, it doesn't want to hurt the trespassers. Notice that there were no injuries or lasting damage." I said, gesturing to Zane for the latter. "What it did for most of you was to take your guilt and show it to you. I'm guessing that's why it showed Lily for Jay, because he felt that if he had been there, she wouldn't have died. For Cole, he blamed himself for his mother's death, since she had only died after he ran away. For Sensei Wu, he had always thought all the pain caused by Lord Garmadon was his fault."
"What about me, Kai and Zane?" Nya asked. I thought for a moment (for real) before answering.
"Maybe the forest couldn't find any hard-core guilt, so it just had the creatures attack. Kai, this is why you DON'T burn hedges here. The fauna, or animal, partner to the flora will seek revenge for its death. Again, Spout must have been asleep, so the other creature of the lake attacked. With Nya, she technically could have gotten past everything, but I think Fang was on duty and since my scent was on her, he attacked. Sorry for that."
"So, for the reason we came here. Could you see if Lloyd can get spiritual training?" Uncle Wu asked. I pointed out the Elder Spirit, who was a few feet away. He studied Lloyd, then shook his head.
"No. While this boy can channel the four elements, it would be impossible to teach him how to use spiritual energy." The Elder Spirit told us.
"How? Jessica said she can't use it on her own, but that you taught her how." Kai pointed out, but the Elder Spirit shook his head again.
"She was a different case. That reminds me. Jessica, Lloyd, the time grow neigh. Prepare for the battle of your lives; in fact, one of you may perish in the battle." While the others gasped, I understood his tone left no doubt that only one of us would come out alive.
"What do you mean? Lloyd is the green ninja, not Jessica. Why warn her?" Uncle Wu asked.
"Because the downfall of the Dark Lord concerns them both. Each has a different part, both more important than you realized." The Elder Spirit answered before fading away. "Now, it is time for you to go." His voice continued.
The others looked at me. I shrugged. "If he says we need to leave, then there's nothing we can do here." We headed back to the ship, but Cole hung back, and grabbed my arm.
"Jessica... When I was unconscious, what really happened? Why were you so worried?" He asked. I looked down, remembering my reaction.
"One of the spirits of the forest was sucking out your soul. It's forbidden to do that, but she had wanted to return to the living. I was scared that she had succeeded." I whispered quickly, hoping he wouldn't suspect that I was holding back more. He nodded and went to the ship, leaving me to sprint to my room and lock the door, panting.
The more I thought about my reaction, the more scared I became. I remembered the heart-jerking feeling that I had lost Cole, my relief to find he was still alive, and especially my anger towards Cindy for almost taking him away from me-
What was I thinking? Something had to be wrong with me! I didn't care that much about Cole! I had never really cared about anyone since my mother's death. But when Cindy had called him 'my little boyfriend', that was when I had wanted to kill, to tear her apart.
Boy trouble? Celeta asked playfully.
Oh, shut up. I muttered.
Stretching out on the bed, I thought of my life before all of this happened. That was when Lloyd chose to knock and come in.
"Can I ask you something?" Lloyd asked.
"Sure. What's up?" I asked, not expecting the question he would ask.
"What were our parents like before I was born?" I tensed at the question, but then sighed.
"I'll make you a deal. I'll say what our father was like. Not mum." Lloyd opened his mouth to protest but my gaze told him to shut up. Closing his mouth, he nodded. I sighed again and began.
"Back when I was very young a mean boy from my class told me our father was the Dark Lord, fated to destroy everything. I ran home crying to our father's arms. Before then, I had only seen a kind, protective, family man who loved his wife and child. I was still in disbelief even after both of our parents had confirmed that fact. Afterword, it didn't change a thing. He was always there, our father, to comfort, make me laugh, and make me happy. Only after our mother died did I see what kind of person he really was. A dark man, someone who could take over everything if he desired." I shivered as I thought of the words he had told me the day mum died. Lloyd's eyes widened.
"I never knew... Our father... he came back to help me after the Serpentine captured me. I thought he was actually kind." He murmured, turning and walking outside the room.
Back to what the Elder Spirit said, what do you think he meant when he said both Lloyd and I had a part in our father's death? I asked Celeta.
I have been wondering about this and the Elder Spirit's words trouble me. The Green Ninja prophecy indicates defeat, but only death will stop your father. Also, I fear Lloyd will not have the stomach to kill his father. Celeta answered, worried.
Now that you mention it, I question Lloyd's ability. Without spiritual magic, it will be a stand-off if he and my father fight with Spinjitzu. The conversation was cut off by Nya entering the room.
"We've got problems. Lord Garmadon isn't waiting any longer. He's attacking!" She screamed, terrified out of her mind. I pulled out my bow, belted my whip, slung my arrows over my shoulder, and sheathed my dagger.
"I'm ready. Let's go." I said, following her to the deck of the ship. Once outside, I could see the Serpentine everywhere, slaughtering and spreading fear. "Where's Lord Garmadon?" I asked.
"He hasn't been sighted anywhere. Do you know where he might be?" Uncle Wu asked. I thought for a moment then snapped my fingers.
"I know exactly where he is." In the control room, I pointed to a location on the map.
"The Cave is one of the darkest places on earth. Its depths run to several hundred, maybe even several thousand, feet below, and at the bottom is the world's largest concentration of dark energy. Lord Garmadon wants us to come to him, eliminating the element of surprise. But there's something he forgot." I mention, and a smile comes to my face. "I can travel by shadow better than anyone."
The statement was basically that I was going down there to fight my father. Just about everyone protested.
"You're not going." Cole said firmly.
"You would get creamed!" Kai, Jay, and Zane said.
"Jessica, this is my fight." Lloyd insisted.
"You are not skilled enough." Uncle Wu told me. I held up my hand to stop further protest and once everyone had shut up, I began my explanation.
"First off, I won't be creamed. Last time I faced Lord Garmadon, I almost defeated him. Second, Lloyd, it isn't just your fight. I hold him responsible for killing my mother, and I vowed to stop his actions as the Dark Lord. Third, I've got as much skill as anyone. I trained for ten years, which makes up for not being able to use elemental powers. So I'm going." I said firmly.
Uncle Wu and Lloyd sighed. "Very well, but leave the fight to Lloyd and only intervene if he's unable to defeat Garmadon." Uncle Wu told me, to which I nodded.
"Sensei, should we go?" Cole asked quickly. I looked at him and he looked into my eyes. The message was clear: I won't let you go there alone. Celeta was right; Cole really cared about me.
"That would be good. Keep the Serpentine busy while Lloyd and Jessica face their father." Uncle Wu replied. I could see Cole was disappointed that he couldn't be with me, but he said nothing. "It is time for your destinies to be fulfilled. Go ninja, go." We bowed to him and took off in the Ninja Tank. At the entrance, Cole put his hand on my arm and I held back.
"Jessica, there's... something I need to tell you." He sighed, looking around, as if what he wanted to say would change the world as we knew it. Cole took a deep breath, but still couldn't say it.
"How about if we live, you can tell me?" I said in a joking tone, but Cole looked terrified at the sentence, so I patted his shoulder.
"Don't worry, we'll be fine. We'll all be fine. I promise." For some reason, I pecked his cheek before taking off, and smile crept up my face at his quick blush. I turned and entered the cave, letting the shadows conceal me as I made my way down to catch up with Lloyd.