Children of Destiny
Finally! The kids will become official ninja & kunoichi in this chapter!
This chapter will also feature the original ninjas & there's also a reference to the new Ninjago game coming out soon & kudos to those who can find it! Enjoy!
Chapter 5: New Generation
Lloyd knew there was no time to waste. Quite literally overnight, a fifth man named Ronin also went missing. He had to act fast or there will be even more disappearances.
The new ninjas and kunoichi woke up for another day of training, having no idea what destiny already has in store for them.
"What do you think Sensei Lloyd will make us do today?" Forrest started the conversation.
"He'll probably train us to use our elements alone." Amy mused aloud.
"Training… has been cancelled for today…"
The young apprentices would've been pleased if not for the grim expression on Lloyd's face.
"Dad, is something wrong?" Willow asked with naïve violet eyes.
Lloyd felt his heart waver seeing his innocent daughter. The horrible truth he'll have to tell her will shatter her childlike mind. He wanted to give her the best chance at a happy childhood and not that of his. He remained silent, not wanting to make her worry.
"You'll still have history lessons with Misako today."
The new generation were hoping for a full day-off but it wasn't so bad. At least Misako was nice and was nothing like the teachers from school.
"Liana, may I borrow Haukka for a while? I have a very important task for it." Lloyd asked.
"Okay." After retreating for a couple of minutes, Liana returned with the avian robot.
"What do you need Haukka for?" She still wondered what her teacher was up to.
"You'll find out when the time is right."
Lloyd quietly sauntered off with the mechanical falcon, leaving his students dumbfounded.
The green ninja can be pretty serious but he was never THAT solemn.
Something was up…
Lloyd learned a bit of Haukka's mechanics and managed to record a message, detailing what he thinks of the recent events, who was probably behind them, and to meet at the monastery but mustn't let their children see them.
With his message done, he released the falcon to the skies, hoping it can reach them all…
Zane and Heather never expected the message they received upon Haukka's return.
"Zane, do you think he has returned…?" Heather asked once the recording ended.
"I sense a high probability," Her husband answered warily, "Even I have been foolish enough to believe he was gone forever…"
"We were all fools…" The former kunoichi of nature sighed bitterly.
"We aren't to blame," The former nindroid said, "Nobody ever thought he would return…"
Zane released Haukka to relay Lloyd's message to the other original ninjas while he and Heather prepared for a trip to the monastery…
Kai had trouble concentrating on his work and most of his blades were warped as a result. Even he knew what nearly happened to his niece. If the same happened to his children and Aria, he would be beyond pissed. He imagined himself beating up the thugs if they did and took out his rage on his work. He pounded the blade so hard it broke in two. Gritting his teeth in frustration, he kicked the broken chunk of metal across the floor, still imagining it was one of the gangsters but came to his senses before anything bad happens.
"Dammit…" He cursed to himself.
"Kai, is something wrong?" Aria asked from behind the shop.
"Nothing," He responded, "I was just thinking…"
The former kunoichi came in and was relieved that the shop wasn't a wreck but knew the same can't be said for her husband's temper. She was also upset over the strange events going on in Ninjago lately but it was no use dealing with them in anger.
"Let's go inside," Aria offered, "We can talk about all this later."
Before they can head inside, a loud caw got their attention.
Haukka flew right in front of Kai and Aria and immediately played Lloyd's message. Once it was finished, the robot bird left as suddenly as it arrived but the fiery couple knew what was going on and it wasn't good.
"I should've known this was going to happen," Kai started, "We must go now."
"What? So soon?" Aria asked in slight astonishment.
"The sooner we can get to the bottom of this, the better."
"Right."
Kai closed the shop early and he and Aria summoned Breeze so they can get to the monastery.
Sayuri decided that the only good thing to come out of the incident last night was getting all the attention from her parents, who've been treating her like a princess. For example, her mother made her omurice for lunch with a personalized message written out of ketchup on it and her father showing her his latest P.I.X.A.L. design he had yet to show the rest of their family. It was nice being the center of attention but even she thought it might be a little too much.
"And this is where the springs will lock into place." Jay showed the diagrams of his latest design to his daughter when he heard pecking from the window.
The inventor was surprised to see Haukka at the window and let it in. It flew to where Nya was so she too can see the message it has for the family. Once again, it played Lloyd's message and the couple were understandably upset. After what happened last night, they should've known this was going to happen.
"This is not good," Nya muttered, "We have to leave as soon as we can."
"What about me?" Sayuri asked.
"Sayuri, Mommy and I have to leave for a while but it's for your own safety." Jay told her.
"Do you really have to go?" His daughter asked with puppy dog eyes.
"Don't worry," Her mother consoled her, "We won't be gone for too long."
Despite the short notice, Jay and Nya still had time to meet at the monastery but they knew this meant leaving Sayuri behind but that wasn't a huge issue. As always, Jay's parents were always eager to spend time with their grandchildren and Sayuri, despite not having any elements, was no exception.
"Be good while we're gone," Jay kissed his daughter's forehead, "We'll be back soon."
"Okay, Dad."
Sayuri didn't mind being with her grandparents nor did her brothers. Even if they were old, they were still fun to be with. Having been inventors even before Jay was born, they were up to date with the latest technology and loved to play video games with their grandchildren and at times, they would even watch movies together.
"Now that your parents are gone, let's go out have some fun!" Edna was already itching to have a good time with her granddaughter.
"But first, wanna see your daddy's baby videos?" Ed suggested, holding some old video tapes.
Cole and Luna were out on a casual outing when Haukka reached them.
"Is there something you need to show us?" Luna asked the robotic bird.
The falcon nodded and played Lloyd's message for the fourth time before it can finally go back to the monastery. Luna was heartbroken knowing that her daughters could be in danger.
"I was hoping this day would never come…" She already wept, "My poor children…"
Cole was also upset but being solid like the earth, managed to keep his cool.
"Luna, they'll have to know the truth. They're not kids anymore."
"Aber…"
"I know how you feel but with the disappearances and stuff going around lately, our daughters will find out sooner or later. We can't keep coddling them."
Luna always knew her daughters will have to face reality sooner or later but she still can't help but fear for them. No matter the circumstances, they'll always be her little girls. But in the end, she knew that as a mother, she'll have to help them prepare for the challenges awaiting them.
"Should we head to the monastery now?" Cole asked.
"Ja…"
Cole knew all this was hard on his wife and it was tough for him too. He also loved his daughters very much but he also wanted to guide them in this tumultuous time. At least the meeting will give him the opportunity to learn how…
It was only a few hours since Lloyd sent his message when the ninja couples arrived.
All the original ninja and kunoichi managed to reach the monastery. Remembering everything Lloyd told them, they were careful not to let their children see them as they were led deep into the building where they can discuss the matter at hand.
Joining the original team in the meeting room were Wu, Garmadon, Haruka, and Misako.
"Are the children preoccupied?" Garmadon asked Misako.
"They're watching a movie," The wise scholar answered, "We have plenty of time to talk."
"You should already know why we're here." Lloyd immediately cut to the chase, "We all know of the unusual events plaguing Ninjago as of late."
"I'm still pissed off at those bastards that tried to take my little girl…" Jay growled in deep ire.
"You've managed to beat them back. That's all that matters for now." Iris calmed him down.
"If those sons of bitches even try to do to my children what they've done with Sayuri, I'm gonna do to them what Lloyd had done to Pythor!" Kai's fists practically glowed with red hot rage.
"Kai…!" Aria held back her husband to keep him from burning the monastery.
The original monastery suffered such a fate many years ago and the ninjas didn't want that to happen to this one.
"Not like I've forgotten or anything, but can you give a recap of why we're here? You know, just in case." Jay boasted, still being a jovial fellow after all these years.
Garmadon decided to get the conversation started himself.
"As we've all heard, strange disappearances have occurred and then there was the incident at Ninjago City with Jay and Sayuri. Yesterday, there were four people missing but today, it's now five. We're pretty sure there's a certain someone behind all this."
"I think, no, I know that evil has returned." Lloyd said just loud enough for everyone to hear.
A feeling of dread filled the room.
His former teammates knew what he was referring to.
"So the cycle begins anew…" Zane whispered, feeling an ominous shadow within his very being.
"He really does want revenge on us…" Aria gasped.
"Most likely," Lloyd nodded, "We should all know that light and shadow can never exist without the other, nor can they truly destroy each other. All we can do is seek a balance between them but now, that balance have been tipped in darkness' favor."
"But what can we do to stop him!?" Cole asked impatiently.
"A new generation of heroes must arise and protect Ninjago just like we have."
"New generation…?"
"Our children will be put to the test by destiny."
"B-but they're not ready!" Heather objected.
"They may be young but not without potential," Sensei Wu said, "You were very much like your children when you first became ninjas."
"I know… but…"
"You can't shelter your children from the dark side of reality forever," Even Garmadon offered his words of wisdom, "They need to grow up in order to become ninjas. It won't be pleasant but we all know that sometimes, we must make sacrifices for the greater good."
The original heroes knew all too well what that was like. Luna still remembered being forced to put her original dreams aside to protect her loved ones and Lloyd and Iris lost their childhood in order to defeat the Overlord… and it was all in vain.
He was back with a lust for vengeance.
(*) "To think our kids will have to go through what we had, especially at such a young age… Oh, my Töchters..." Luna bitterly wept to the point even Cole can't console her.
"I understand how you feel," Lloyd was calmer about the matter, "But the children have shown great promise and have been training since they were little. The one thing they need more than anything is their parents' love and support and I know you have plenty of it to give."
"But what if that's not enough?" Heather asked, "What if our children get into a situation they can't get out of?"
"They may be the protectors of Ninjago of this age but that doesn't mean you won't be able to fight by their side," Garmadon answered, "Even my brother and I, in our old age, are willing to help our son and his children when need be."
The group pondered over the former dark lord's words of wisdom.
Just because their children will be fighting doesn't mean they'll just let them do it all alone. As parents and protectors of Ninjago, they'll continue helping those in need.
"We understand." Kai said coolly.
"I think it's time for the children to learn the truth. Bring them here." Lloyd commanded.
"I'll go get them." Haruka offered and went to fetch the new generation.
The new ninja and kunoichi were having a Disney marathon and were in the middle of Smash-It Sam when Haruka came in.
"Grandma, what are doing here?" Leon asked.
"Kids, there's something we need to show you all."
"We…?" Amy already knew something was up when Haruka mentioned 'we'.
"Come with me," The green ninja's mother still beckoned, "There is much to be revealed…"
The group followed her down the halls, asking her a bunch of questions along the way but she refused to answer, only saying they will find out everything once they reach their destination.
"We're here," Haruka stopped in front of a large pair of double doors, "All the questions you've asked will be answered here. You may be surprised by what's behind these doors but
Understandably, the new generation was shocked to see their parents at the monastery.
"Mom? Dad? What are you doing here!?" Alex pretty much said it for everyone.
Before any of the parents can say anything, their teacher did.
"Students, listen to me," Lloyd got his pupils' attention, "You should already know your parents have fought against evil many years ago. We all thought evil was gone forever but our cycle has ended and it just started anew and this time, you will be the light pitted against the shadows."
"Can you just get to the point?" Akira asked impatiently.
Lloyd let a long quiet sigh before he can actually say it. At first, he was looking forward to telling his children and students that they will be ninja and kunoichi but now, the excitement was gone due to the serious situation.
But he'll have to tell them anyway…
"Students, from this point forward… you are officially ninja and kunoichi."
An uncomfortable silence loomed over the room like mute storm clouds. The parents were just waiting for an explosion but it never came.
Their children were completely speechless and their minds were blank at the revelation.
They were looking forward to the day they complete their training and head off into the world and go on all sorts of adventures but they never thought it would be like this.
"I understand if you're shocked by all this but remember what I told you. You all have potential buried deep within you and this is an opportunity for you to unlock them."
"Can we really do that…?" Melody asked in astonishment.
"It may take time but I'm sure you will but first, there's something I want to give you."
Lloyd passed out several boxes to the ninjas, each with their elemental symbol engraved on it. They opened the boxes only to feel this was all a bit… anti-climatic.
"You got us pajamas?" Chris asked in a deadpan voice.
"They're uniforms," Lloyd corrected him, "Each one is designed to match your personality and element. They're each unique, just like you. You should try them on."
The ninjas and kunoichi retreated to their rooms to change and came out in their uniforms.
Their parents felt a wave of nostalgia hit them despite the dire situation at hand.
Akira's gi was red with flames accented with shimmering gold details on it and was sleeveless. The same flame patterns also ran up the sides of his leg pants and the whole uniform came with gold gauntlets and greaves. A belt was slung over his shoulder and attached to the back was a scabbard to hold a sword should he need it.
Alex's outfit was rather eclectic to match her independent nature. Her top had one thick strap over her right shoulder with two thin strips of translucent cloth streaming from the top of it and she also had matching capris. The glove going up her left arm ended at her bicep and kept her fingers bare while the right glove ended at her elbow and covered her entire hand. The orange outfit had pale swirling patterns like the wind strewn around it and was finished off with a thick belt to carry her weapons.
Chris' blue gi was open to reveal his silver undershirt. The gi itself had lightning patterns made of grey material giving off a metallic sheen running along the edges with silver gauntlets on his hands and a navy blue belt fastening it in place. His pants were also blue with the same metallic lightning patterns on the legs.
Kyle's also had an open gi but it was sleeveless and yellow and the undershirt had short sleeves and was white. The edges of his gi gave a metallic sheen as if it was made of real gold. His hands were covered in simple gold gauntlets and his pants had a white diamond pattern running along the legs.
Liana's pristine white uniform consisted of a top with a sweetheart neckline with a shimmering strap wrapped just below her shoulders and right above the top of her shirt. The skirt was just loose enough to let her run without difficulty with icy blue snowflakes embroidered on it. A pair of gloves with a snowflake pattern went up to her elbows and covered the top of her hands. A silver belt with a metallic sheen had latches on them to carry any weapons she'll have on hand and the final articles of clothing were her boots that went up to her knees.
Forrest's sleeveless teal gi with green leaves embroidered on it exposed the long sleeves of his darker teal undershirt and was held by a dark green belt and his teal pants were slightly baggy capris. Vine-like patterns ran up his arms and legs and a dark green belt resembling a vine was slung over his shoulder to carry any weapon of choice.
Amy's black spaghetti strap tank top showed just a little bit of her belly and her shorts too were black. Tight gloves went up to the top of her elbows and tall boots extended all the way to the middle of her thighs. A rope-like belt was wrapped around her waist and dark leather straps ran across her top to hold any weapons on her back. Her uniform would've been monotonous if not for the images of rocks strewn around top and shorts and crack patterns like those on the earth during an earthquake ran up her gloves and boots.
Melody's purple top had a straight neckline exposing her shoulders with sleeves that were long and flowing. Her skirt was just like Liana's, allowing her to run fast. A thick translucent sash was wrapped around her waist in a bow trailing a bit from her left side. A hoop that appeared to be made out of a single amethyst rested on the right side to hold any weapon of her choosing. Her shoes were also tall boots reaching her knees. Wave patterns in varying shades of blue adorned her entire uniform.
Leon's uniform was just like his father's but the accents and shoulder armor were gold as well as the undershirt peeking from his neckline.
Willow's pink uniform was also very similar to her mother's but still had its differences. The top was like a kimono and was so pale it was almost white and fastened by a simple deep pink obi tied in a plain knot at the back and the pleated pink skirt reached her knees but was also loose enough for her to run. Her shoes were covered in simple short boots.
The one thing they all had in common were the masks covering the lower halves of their faces.
The original ninja and kunoichi felt slight pride seeing their children dressed in their uniforms. It reminded of them of the time they first got theirs upon receiving the title of ninja and kunoichi.
"From this point forward, you are all officially ninja and kunoichi, protectors of Ninjago." Lloyd said once again. This time, he actually felt a little proud saying it.
"Chris, Kyle, how do you feel about all this?" Nya asked her sons.
"I… I don't know what to say…" Kyle was still in shock over his situation and he wasn't alone.
"You don't have to say anything," His father told him and his brother, "We know how you feel."
But there was little time for compliments. The new ninjas had to know what's going on.
"Students," Lloyd got their attention once again, "We have to tell you something important. We have to tell you about what's to come."
Everyone fell silent as Iris stepped up to start the conversation.
"Those stories we've told you about the Overlord are actually true," The former kunoichi began, "We sealed him away for some time but he managed to break free to resume his evil designs."
"Can't you just fight him again?" Leon asked.
"We would but our cycle has ended," The kunoichi of time continued, "You are on but your next step into adulthood."
"Last night, your sister was almost kidnapped by a group of strange people." Nya confessed of the incident from yesterday.
Before Chris and Kyle can say anything, their father halted them.
"You don't have to worry about Sayuri," He told them, "She's safe… for now."
"But what if they try to take her again!?" Chris exclaimed.
"This is where the next issue comes in," Lloyd added, "Ever since you all came here, mysterious disappearances have occurred. There are only five people missing but it'll most likely add up if none of us investigate."
"But why can't you just fight back?" Alex asked.
"Our time has passed and we can't keep fighting forever," Their teacher said, "This may actually be a sign that we must pass the helm onto you. We've fulfilled our destinies and now, it's time for you to fulfill yours."
"We went through the same thing when we were young," Cole said, "We were already on our first mission before we unlocked our Spinjitzu."
"I got mine first!" Jay boasted, still proud of being the first ninja to do so, much to his brothers' annoyance and sons' amusement.
"It doesn't matter who does what first," Garmadon lectured them, "The only thing that matters is if the new generation will have what it takes to fulfill their destiny."
"The children will likely have to traverse the vast lands of Ninjago as part of their quest. Jay, will you not mind building a second Destiny's Bounty for them?" Sensei Wu asked his former pupil.
"Anything for my kids." The ninja turned inventor quickly nodded.
"Now that you're official ninja and kunoichi, there's one more thing we have to show you."
The new ninjas' parents also remembered what Lloyd told them and also brought some things that could help their children…
Ever since the final battle, the original ninja and kunoichi each kept their weapon with them but still hid them from their children, keeping them locked away until the time they will be needed arises. Now, there was no need to hide them anymore now that it was time to pass them down to their children.
Each original ninja and kunoichi took out an object and placed it in front of them for their kids to see with their own eyes for the first time.
Before the new ninjas and kunoichi were the Gold and Silver Weapons.
(*) Töchters = Daughters (German)
Ooooooooooohhhhhhhh!
Looks like things are finally getting down!
But will the new generation have what it takes to be a ninja?
Find out as we'll follow them on their adventures & there will also be some good ol' teenage antics now that they'll be living together for a long time! As always, review!