Children of Destiny
Alright! This is the last part of the prologue! Here, we'll be introduced to some more OC's & hints of the plot to the actual story!
Also, there's gonna be a reference to the game Lego City: Undercover! Free cookies to those who can find it! Read on!
Prologue Part 4: When the Time Comes
Two years have passed since the ninjas and kunoichi welcomed little ones of their own but they still have some more to bring into this world.
A bunch of changes have already occurred in Cole and Luna's lives.
Luna managed to deal with Karl and in the end, the selfish producer was fired but she managed to find another producer named Chase. The new producer seemed a bit frivolous at times but he was much more kind and understanding than Karl.
But the biggest change for them was the birth of their second child.
"It's another girl." The doctors checked the gender once the baby was born.
Just like with Amy, Luna wept tears of joy as she held her young daughter, who had a few locks of black hair like her father's.
"She's as beautiful as her sister…" The diva mother kissed her newborn baby before letting Cole hold her.
"I have to admit, I've always wanted to have daughters." Cole confessed, now that he had two little girls to shower with love and affection.
"So you don't mind not having sons?" Luna asked.
"Honestly, I don't care about gender, I'll always love my children for who they are."
"We both love our children, no matter what, but we still haven't decided on a name."
"I already gave Amy her name so I'll let you decide."
Luna gazed down on her youngest daughter with love before finding the perfect name for her.
"Melody… Even before I met you or your father, I thought it would be nice to have a daughter with that name and now, I can…"
"It's perfect for her. Especially with a mother like you."
"Cole…"
The loving couple shared a tender kiss with their new baby in their arms.
Now with two little princesses, life can't get any better for them.
The Walkers were back at the hospital for the arrival of another child to call their own.
Jay was just as nervous as the first time Nya gave birth. At least he didn't have to worry about Kai choking him. Speaking of which, he and Aria also visited while Tony and his wife, a charming woman named Maya, looked after Akira and Alex while Chris was babysat by his grandparents again. After giving birth to twins on her first pregnancy, Aria and even Kai didn't plan on having any more kids, saying that two is enough. That and Aria didn't want to risk having another pair of twins if she tries again.
Just like it was with Chris, the wait was worth it when Jay got to see his wife and second son.
The lightning ninja was just as overjoyed as he was when Chris was born upon seeing his second child for the first time. This time, their baby had brown tresses, taking after his father.
"Jay, our new baby's here." Nya showed her husband their newest bundle of joy.
"It would've been nice to have a daughter…"
Jay was flabbergasted by Nya's remark.
Did she not want their second child!?
"Nya…! W-w-what are you saying…!?"
"I don't hate our new son. I love him just as much as Chris. I just thought it would've been nice to have a daughter but whichever gender our children will be, I'll love them all the same."
"But all our son needs is a name."
Nya chose Chris' name so she decided to give Jay a chance to choose.
The baby already took after his father's side but he wanted to make sure he also had something from his mother's side as well. Thus, Jay found the perfect name for him.
"Kyle," Jay answered, "The name sounds similar to his uncle's."
"Really? You want to name him after my brother?"
"Of course. I want him to be in touch with both sides of his family."
"Yeah. It's perfect for my special little boy."
The couple embraced their new baby with all the love they can give him for years to come.
Meanwhile in Arbouria, even Heather and Zane felt newfound joy having a son.
Heather couldn't be more proud being the mother of two as she got a good look at her son.
While Liana was the spitting image of her father, the newborn boy resembled his mother. Wisps of light brown hair crowned his head and his skin wasn't as pale as his sister's.
Zane was also delighted having another child. His father would've been very proud…
Now that Liana was going to be a big sister, her mother can't help but wonder…
"Do you think our son and Liana will get along?" Heather asked, "I know it's normal for siblings to get into fights once in a while but Ivy and I fought a lot before the Trial of Nature."
Zane can't deny that his daughter was now very similar to him and not just by appearance. She only talked in one-word sentences, only cried when she REALLY needed something, and kept to herself when meeting other people. He can only hope she won't end up being 'cold' as he was perceived to be when he was a nindroid.
"They will have their disagreements but I too hope that they'll get along." He admitted.
"But what should we name our son?"
"I'll let you decide. I already named our daughter."
With her son looking so much like her, Heather had a feeling he'll take after her…
"Forrest. The forests always reminded me of home, no matter where I am. Now that our son is here in my arms, it makes me feel like I'm truly home."
"I know how you feel."
The couple showered their new baby boy with all the love they can give.
Now with two children to look after, Zane and Heather knew they were truly home.
Another two years have passed by the time even Iris gave birth a second time. Again, as much as he loved his wife, Lloyd can't bring himself to look until it was over. He kept his eyes closed, even while holding Iris' hand during her intense labor.
Finally, it was over and he opened his eyes to see his wife cradling her new baby.
Just like they did with Leon, they wanted their second baby's gender to be a surprise too. Once again, Wu and Garmadon were by their side to help out and check the gender.
"It's a girl." Garmadon was also happy to have a beautiful granddaughter.
Once her daughter was given back to her, Iris wept tears of joy like she did with Leon, caressing her newborn child with kisses and humming to her. Lloyd also felt something go off deep within his heart for his daughter once he finally got the chance to hold her.
Haruka came in with Leon following her, curious to find out what was going on.
Leon was the spitting image of his father in his youth. His blonde hair was in a bowl cut like his father's and his eyes also shone like pure emeralds. The young boy stared at his parents from a distance, not sure what to do, even as his grandmother told him it was safe to be with them.
"Leon, there's someone special I want you to meet." Iris beckoned her son onto the bed.
The little boy walked over but with slight caution at the strange bundle in his mother's arms.
"Leon, meet your new sister." Lloyd lifted his son onto the bed so he can see his baby sister.
The newborn girl also had fair hair but it was 'deeper' than her brother's and her eyes were like amethysts that twinkled with mirth as she giggled upon seeing her family for the first time. Her brother gingerly held out his hand and she managed to hold his with her tiny ones. Leon didn't understand why but for some reason, he was already fond of his baby sister…
"What's her name?" Leon asked.
Iris and Lloyd were alarmed that they haven't even considered a name for their daughter!
They must be the worst parents in the world!
The embarrassed parents weren't sure how to answer and Wu just had to press them.
"Naming your daughter shouldn't be difficult," He said, "After all, you were able to name your son fairly quickly four years ago."
"How should we know what to name her!?" Lloyd hissed at his uncle, "We didn't even know our baby would be a girl 'til now!"
Meanwhile, Iris found a name that was perfect for her daughter.
"Willow." She said all of a sudden.
"Willow?" Lloyd wasn't sure where his wife was getting at.
"Lloyd, haven't you noticed the garden lately?"
At the back of the monastery was a garden supported by the small patch of fertile soil amongst the steep mountains. The most eye-catching feature was the willow that grew tall towards the back of the garden. Recently, the blossoms bloomed and they were in a beautiful hue of purple that was similar to Iris' eyes, which was passed down to her daughter.
"What about it?" Lloyd asked, still having no idea what his wife was talking about.
"The willow is now in full bloom, just in time for the arrival of our beautiful daughter."
The green ninja finally remembered the willow tree that grew large in the monastery's garden. Even its purple hue at this time of year reminded him of his wife's eyes. In fact, even their baby had those same eyes.
"Willow Garmadon…" Lloyd mused out loud, "It couldn't be more perfect for our baby girl."
"Is that her name?" Leon asked curiously.
"That's right," Iris also kissed her son on the cheek, "Now your sister's name is Willow."
"Willow…" Leon repeated, holding his sister's tiny hand.
She was just minutes old yet her parents knew she'll fill their hearts with joy for years to come…
A few months after Willow's birth, the ninjas' children finally reached a major milestone.
Today, all the children will be together for the first time. The Pyrrhus and Walker children have met each other plenty of times, already being related and all, but never before had all the kids been together under the same roof.
Even though the ninjas had some experiences, raising the new arrivals was no less difficult for them. Lloyd and Iris were no exception with Willow, which resulted in many a sleepless night.
Iris yawned and stretch, careful not to wake her husband.
This was one of the very few mornings that Iris woke peacefully without her children crying but Lloyd was still sleeping like a rock.
The kunoichi of time chuckled seeing her husband snoring on their bed.
Yeah. This is what the hero of Ninjago has been reduced to: an exhausted father physically and emotionally drained by the burdens of parenthood that befalls many adults in Ninjago.
(*) "Lloyd, prosnut'sya." The green ninja's wife whispered and kissed his cheek.
Her husband let out a loud groan as he opened his pure emerald eyes.
"Why did you wake me up?" Lloyd lamented, "I had this wonderful dream where I finally died."
"Oh no. Not on my watch." Iris crossed her arms and sternly stared down her husband.
The green ninja groaned in defeat but the pink kunoichi helped him, being the supportive wife she had been since they married.
"Get ready. Today's a big day." She said.
"It is…?"
Iris would've responded if not for Leon barging into their room.
"Mommy! Daddy!"
Their firstborn child ran up to their bed but had to be helped up by his mother.
"What brings you here, my little one?" Iris asked, kissing his cheek.
"Are the ninjas coming?" Leon asked, excited to meet the legendary heroes of Ninjago as well as finally getting to play with children his age. It got boring being the only kid in the monastery and Willow was still too little to play with him.
"Soon, my son," Lloyd playfully rubbed his hand against his son's fair hair, ruffling it, "You'll get your chance to play with the other kids."
"Yay!" Leon scampered off to his room to get ready.
"Well, I better help Leon get dressed," Iris got up, "You should be getting ready, too."
"I'm not a child anymore." Lloyd pouted like… well… a child.
"I know," Iris giggled, "We haven't been ever since we unlocked out destiny…"
Lloyd and Iris still remembered the trials they went through and the sacrifices they made. The memories still clawed at them like a predator stalking its prey…
"We've certainly come a long way since then…" Iris mused.
"It still feels like yesterday." Lloyd added.
"But it's in the past. I have to go before Leon gets hurt." The kunoichi of time left, leaving Lloyd alone in their room where he can finally get some rest…
Until Willow cried moments later.
The hour has finally arrived.
The ninja families rode on the four remaining elemental dragons towards the monastery. It was finally time for all the kids to get to really know each other. The twins, Liana, and Amy were all four as was Leon while Chris was five and Kyle, Forrest, and Melody were two.
The ninjas and kunoichi greeted each other like old friends and congratulated Lloyd and Iris on having another child while their kids stared at each other with curiosity.
Having met each other plenty of times before, Akira and Alex already wanted to play with Chris and Kyle, who in turn, wanted to play too.
"Easy, boys." Jay chuckled as he kept his sons from running into them.
"But Daddy!" Chris whined, "I wanna play with the new kids!"
"You will. First, you have to say 'hi'." The lightning ninja reminded his eldest son.
Once the kids finally introduced themselves, their parents finally let them play together.
The ninjas and kunoichi stood back to let their kids mingle, letting their personalities show.
The Pyrrhus and Walker children immediately hit it off, having known each other since the day they were born. Then Cole and Luna's daughters wanted to join in. The sisters were very close as seen with Amy keeping Melody from tripping on her still wobbly legs. Like her mother used to be, the two-year-old girl was rather shy but seemed confident as long as her older sister was by her side. Not wanting to be left out, Forrest quickly joined in, walking as fast as his tiny legs will let him.
But while the children played together, one of them wasn't interested.
While Forrest was eager to make some new friends, Liana stayed behind, sticking to her father like glue but Akira noticed the timid girl.
"Hi!" He rushed up to greet her but the pale girl only gave a shy squeak and buried her face in the leg of her father's pants.
"Don't be frightened, Liana. He wants to be your friend." Zane gently persuaded his daughter to come out and get to know the other children.
"Come on! Play with us!" Now Alex tried to get Liana to play.
Even Forrest saw his sister still clinging to their dad and walked over to her.
"Play!" He grabbed her hand, trying to coax her to join in on the fun.
The brunette boy finally got his big sister to come along. As shy as she was around new people, Liana actually had a strong bond with her brother and finally decided to come along as long as she wasn't too far apart from Forrest.
Leon couldn't be more excited to play with kids his age. The only people at the monastery were his family and uncle. His grandparents were currently staying for a couple of months to help his parents raise Willow but it wasn't the same as being with other kids.
Because she was too little, Iris kept Willow safely tucked in her arms.
"Isn't it wonderful, Lloyd?" She turned to her husband.
"What's wonderful?" The green ninja responded with another question.
"To see our own children join us in this world and have their own experiences and interact with the other children like we have in the past."
"Yeah…"
Even Lloyd found it remarkable how the new generation took after their parents. He can't wait for his children to make their own experiences.
It was truly a wonderful thing…
While the children were playing, Lloyd noticed his father and uncle talking amongst themselves but this isn't the first time they were acting so secretive.
They were like that during his parents' first visit to help him raise Leon and with Willow around, they were at it again. He had a feeling that whatever they were talking about was important. He had to find out…
"Dad… Uncle…" He approached them once they were a safe distance from everyone else.
"Lloyd, what brings you here?" Garmadon asked his son.
"Don't pretend I haven't noticed the way you've been acting lately." Lloyd said sternly.
"Son… I'm actually glad you've came to us at this time…" His father sighed.
(*) "Doushite? What are you and uncle hiding?"
The sons of the First Spinjitzu Master wanted to wait a little longer before telling the ninjas and kunoichi of their concerns but Lloyd made it apparent that he won't leave until he gets answers.
"Lloyd, we all have unique powers that have been passed down from the First Spinjitzu Master. We weren't chosen randomly to wield certain elements." Wu explained to him.
"What are you saying?"
"Lloyd, there's a chance the children could've inherited their parents' elemental powers. Leon and Willow are no exceptions." Garmadon finished.
Lloyd was left speechless, having no idea what to say.
"I know this is a lot to take in but we can't assume anything… yet." His uncle said.
"N-nani…!? But they're just children!"
"We know," Garmadon cut him off, "It may take time before they show any signs of elemental control but we must be wary of the possibility. We also know that light and darkness can never exist without the other…"
Lloyd remembered that even the Overlord said those words during their fateful battle…
"So you're saying our children will also become ninjas and kunoichi?" He asked, not sure if Leon and Willow will ever be ready for such a difficult life.
"We can't assume anything at the moment," Wu responded, "Also, there has been no signs of evil in Ninjago for now. All we can do is hope that the future generation will be ready shall the Overlord return."
"Who knows when that will be?"
"Even with our wisdom, your uncle and I have no clue either," Garmadon shook his head, "But when the time comes…"
The reformed man abruptly stopped, not wanting to finish his sentence. Even he didn't like the thought of the Overlord returning in just a couple of years…
"But if he does come back soon, I'll be ready." Lloyd vowed.
Now that he had two kids, he was more determined than ever to protect them.
"I understand your desire to protect your family but for now, all we can do is cherish the past, live in the present, and wait for the future." Wu reminded his nephew.
"Yes," Garmadon nodded, "We should head back before the others grow concerned."
The line of the First Spinjitzu Master returned to the courtyard where the children still played.
They can only hope that they will be ready when the time comes…
But the ninjas and kunoichi had no idea that they were being watched.
He still lurked in the shadows, waiting for the perfect chance to strike.
'Those pathetic fools have gone soft with those little brats… It's perfect…'
His plan still needed years to come to fruition but with the ninjas getting all washed up thanks to those gross little things they call children, he had all the time in the world. Lurking within the shadows, he took notice of the darkness lurking within the hearts of men. As much as humans disgusted him, he could put their dark hearts to good use.
Unlike the now washed up Garmadon, who was corrupted by an outside source, these people have chosen to shun the light. Also, they would be willing to follow instead of being controlled like those Stone Warriors who were the definition of 'all brawn but no brain'.
But he wasn't the only one seeking revenge.
While coming up with his plans, he discovered the group of angry ghosts whose intense hatred kept them from moving on to the afterlife. It took plenty of convincing but even they joined him on a mutual quest for revenge.
He was ready to build the perfect army to enact his vengeance against Ninjago.
But until that time comes, he'll be waiting…
(*) prosnut'sya = wake up (Russian)
(*) Doushite = Why (Japanese)
Holy shit…!
Looks like things aren't as peaceful as they appear! Also, this wraps up the prologue & the story will really pick up in the REAL 1st chapter of this story but what I can say is that it will have some aspects of Rebooted & Rise of an Ancient Evil. It'll take some time before I can get started cuz I'm still 'fine-tuning' some details to the plot so I apologize in advance. BTW, I also have other story suggestions at my profile so check them out & I'd like to hear what you guys think & if you have any suggestions.
Before I go, I wanna say thank you to everyone for your support! I can't believe this is just the (multi-chaptered) prologue & I already have over 50 reviews! I wanna thank SergeantSarcasm7, ForeverDreamer12, NinjaWriterMaster, AwesomeAuthor13, samuraifan282, Mykindleisawesome, Goldmedalninja, PyroHunter16, IceFreak101, Lya200, LightningDanino23, & more! Thank you all SO much!