Children of Destiny
Happy double update day! I hope you're all looking forward to this chapter cuz we'll see what secrets lie within the chamber under the Temple of Light & we'll also see some cameos of the original ninjas since they'll start showing up more! I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 35: The Upgrade
The ninjas' break was over, as much as they hated to admit it. Now that they've gathered their strength, it was finally time for them to unearth more secrets.
The Destiny's Bounty was heading for the Dark Island or more specifically, the Temple of Light.
"You should all know by now that things will only get more difficult from here on out," Misako started on her lecture, "The life of a ninja is never easy but after seeing you overcome so much and growing up, I have faith that you will conquer whatever future adversities may come, just like your parents have."
The ninja and kunoichi remembered what they saw in the chamber but there was much more to it than meets the eye and they were going to uncover all of its secrets…
"What do you think will happen once we get there?" Amy asked.
"Who knows?" Leon shrugged, "We can only find out when we get in that chamber…"
"I just hope we'll be able to defeat the Overlord and those creeps working for him." Alex said.
"Of course," Chris added, "We will defeat him… It just won't be easy…"
"Yeah…"
The long journey to the Dark Island was an anxious trip for the ninjas. Seconds felt like minutes and minutes felt like hours. The couple of hours it took to finally reach its warm shores felt like an eternity but all that mattered was that they finally made it.
Again, Amy scaled the back of the mountain where the Temple of Light was situated with little difficulty but some of her teammates needed a little help.
"Gotcha!" Akira managed to grab his sister's hand when she lost her grip.
"Thanks." This time, the orange kunoichi was grateful for her brother's assistance.
"Chris, are you okay?" Kyle called over to his older sibling when he saw him struggle.
"I think I need a little bit of help…" The lightning wielder was still a little embarrassed but since the incident with the Lumu, he learned that there was no shame in having his own faults.
"I got you." Forrest offered, giving support to the eldest ninja as he made his way towards the back of the mountain.
This time, the blue ninja was thankful that he had allies to rely on when he needed it.
Finally, all the ninjas were gathered around the entrance to the chamber.
The palms of their hands sweated with anxiety and their hearts nearly beat out of their chests in anticipation. They felt like a video game protagonist just about to enter the final dungeon.
"Once you go in, there is no turning back," Misako warned her students, "Are you ready?"
The group hesitated for a moment, thinking about all they've been through and what's to come in the too-near future. They went through so much from figuring out more about themselves to finding new secrets of the enemies and even Ninjago itself.
Finally, they knew that they were ready for what awaited them on the road of destiny.
"We're ready." Leon nodded and one by one, the group descended into the mountain…
With the flames on his hand as a source of light, Akira led the group back into the subterranean stairs and towards the secret chamber. Just like last time, Forrest was uncomfortable in such a cramped stairway.
"Veli, are you alright?" Liana asked.
"I still don't like tight spaces," The teal ninja sighed, "But I'll get through this… As long as I have you guys…"
The small chamber remained untouched by time and unlike the ninjas' first visit when only the dais representing ice and water gleamed, all eight of them illuminated the room, giving the lair a less foreboding atmosphere and one of hope, as if something that will prove beneficial to the ninjas was going to reveal itself.
"I don't know what's going on but for some reason, I'm feeling much better," Liana whispered, "It's like the light of this room is healing us and giving us energy…"
"I wonder what Mom and Dad would say if they were here…" Willow thought out loud.
"They would continue encouraging us. They're always like that." Leon answered.
Meanwhile, the elemental ninjas stared at their dais as if they were actually calling out to them and they were sure that's what was happening right now…
"It's time." Misako told her students.
The elemental ninja and kunoichi stepped over to their respective dais and held out their Gold and Silver Weapons. They turned to Misako for guidance but she only nodded, as if the already knew what to do and they did…
The ninjas placed their weapons on the dais and they stayed afloat in defiance of gravity. They tapped into their true elemental powers which quickly burst forth from their bodies.
"Fire!"
"Lightning!"
"Earth!"
"Ice!"
"Wind!"
"Water!"
"Metal!"
"Nature!"
Unlocking their true potential mode, the ninjas infused their weapons with their full power. The dais crumbled away to reveal the source of their glow: a large solid crystal made entirely from a gem of the ninjas' respective colors such as diamond for Liana and sapphire for Chris.
The room grew brighter and brighter to the point Misako, Leon, and Willow had to shield their eyes from the blinding light. A powerful quaking sensation resonated in the room and the ninja and kunoichi struggled to stay in balance. The light was finally starting to fade, albeit gradually, but Misako can already make out what seemed to be the center of the floor dissipating. Just as suddenly as the ground in the middle of the chamber disappeared, another rose up to take its place. This time there were also ancient texts engraved on it.
Once the lights finally died down, the gems still glowed and so did the weapons that remained floating in front of the large crystals.
"That's it?" Chris asked, frustrated that he worked so hard and it was seemingly all for nothing.
"Iie. There's more." Misako knelt down and examined the archaic words on the floor.
Knowing the ancient language of Ninjago, the scholar soon translated the ancient words.
"East or west… near or far… the elements are one… the path is unseen yet clear… Seek not the path before you but seek that which leads within…"
"What could it mean?" Liana asked.
"I don't know," Amy started, "But some of the words are almost the same as the ones the First Spinjitzu Master said to me at the Cave of Despair."
Misako repeated the phrases in a mantra in her head, trying to put the puzzle pieces together. Like Amy had learned when she found her true potential, what the ninjas are looking for can't be found in the physical world nor is it a person or object. It was very easy to think that power is everything but that couldn't be further from the truth. Power was a very important thing but power alone wasn't enough to defeat evil. What they needed was the fortitude to go onward and move on, no matter how arduous the road will be from here on out. And they also needed to stick together to balance each other out and combine their powers to create something big, something that could banish evil, perhaps for good.
"Looks like we have to do more…" Akira eyed the center of the room.
Something about the new center seemed 'barren' to him. As if something was needed there…
The fire ninja grabbed his flaming weapon that didn't burn his hand and walked towards to the center of the room.
"What are you doing?" Forrest asked.
"Trust me." The olive-skinned ninja said before stepping right before the bare center.
Nothing was happening in front of them but he can feel it. He can feel the true flames awaken inside of him and knew the same will happen to the others if they do the same. The elemental ninjas took out their weapons like their parents did and the room was engulfed in yet another burst of blinding light.
Misako and the Garmadon siblings shielded themselves again and this time, the ninjas actually looked different.
The ninjas' uniforms remained the same except they now had armor to go with them. Shoulder pads, chest plates, gauntlets, and greaves adorned their uniforms. The ninjas' were gold while the kunoichi's were made of silver. Even their weapons have been upgraded, appearing the way they did when their parents journeyed into the Temple of Light.
"What just happened…?" All these strange new experiences left poor Leon confused.
"How do you all feel?" Misako asked the ninja and kunoichi once the light died down.
"I feel…" Chris stared at the gauntlet on his arm, "I… don't know what to say, honestly…"
"That's a first." Akira rolled his hot amber eyes, prompting Alex to shoot a scowl in his direction.
"This is all a lot to take in so I understand if you have no idea what to say or do. You don't have to either." Misako said.
"What about us?" Willow pouted, feeling a little left out.
"You and Leon are a special case. After all, you are the ones destined to fight the Overlord. But also remember that you're not alone. None of you are as long as you work as a team. Near and far, your powers still unite you as well as the bonds you've made together throughout this long grueling quest. Yes, that is what the First Spinjitzu Master's words meant."
"But we still don't have much time to lose," Amy reminded her brethren, "The Overlord will be making his next move and is catching up even as we speak. We must act fast."
The others agreed, already aware of the Overlord's obsession with taking over the world.
Now that they finally awoken their full power, they were prepared for what may come…
The Overlord continued to oversee his minions' progress. More nindroids were being created as well as a plethora of war machines and the Serpentine leaders were all used to having physical bodies once more. His human servants were no exception, training and improving their fighting prowess until they may very well be on par with those brats and their pretentious parents.
"Master, when will we make our next move?" Ash asked once he finished the last war machine.
"Just a little longer…" The sentient orb whispered, "I can feel the power radiating within all my servants… At last… the fruits of your labors has become ripe…"
The true dark lord floated over to the war machines and Serpentine, examining them.
'Yes… This is exactly what I want…' If the Overlord had a face, it would've contorted into a sick sadistic smile.
Once the evil being examined everything, he hovered over to his makeshift throne. It was small but it will do. He will have a grander one made for him once he takes over Ninjago…
"The time has come!" The Overlord's grating voice echoed across the underground lair, "Before we gathered here, you were nothing but lowly worms groveling in the dirt until I picked you up and gave you these gifts. Now is the time to make the most of these gifts and you will repay me by swearing total allegiance."
The humans, Serpentine, and nindroids roared with thunderous applauds and bowed down to their master, who gave them this gift that will deliver their vengeance.
Luna finally finished helping Hamato Xiao, owner of a small music shop not far from her house, with organizing the instruments he had to sell and making sure the books were in their rightful places on the shelves. With all the instruments and books in place, the little store looked even better than new.
"Thank you so much!" The old man expressed his gratitude, "It's astonishing that someone like you would want to help this poor man."
"Even if I'm not a kunoichi anymore, it's still my duty," The aqua-eyed woman chuckled, "I can't back down from anybody who needs help."
"But why me of all people? Surely there are more who need your help more than I do."
"True, but I still love music more than anything."
"It really surprised me that someone so high at the top like you decided to just quit."
"I did enjoy being an idol but all I wanted was to sing, not become popular. I still get to sing and even dance at my music classes and that's all I need to fulfill my dreams, that and being with my wonderful husband and our beautiful daughters."
"You were always such a sweet soul," Xiao chuckled, "You continue thinking with your heart…"
"But at least I have Cole to help me think with my head."
"Yes. You two are truly meant for each other."
"I better get going or Cole will start worrying about me. Until then, take care."
"You too."
Just as she always had since she was a child, Luna went to the beaches near her home to relax and be at ease. The soft sands between her bare toes and slightly salty breeze tickled her nose and ran through her wavy auburn hair. While these little phenomena comforted the aqua-eyed woman whenever she was feeling down, this time they delivered a sense of foreboding…
A strange feeling deep in her heart told her that something big was going to happen...
"Mein Töchters…" Luna's let her faint whispers get carried along the breeze, as if they'll deliver her words to her daughters wherever they were.
After Amy left, the former kunoichi knew her faith in her daughters but that didn't prevent her from worrying about them. As a mother, it was important to know when to let her children go but it still hurt for her to not be there for them.
"Amy… Melody… wherever you are… please be okay…"
But the only answer Luna received were the soft splashes of the waves.
'…They are coming…'
Heather clutched her head while watering the flowers for her shop.
Lately, the English woman was getting such messages from the plants and they gave her a sense of foreboding. They kept hinting that something was going to happen and she grew concerned for her children. They were still so young and naïve. But Liana and Forrest weren't the only ones Heather was worried about. The Overlord's zealots had their own vendettas against the ninjas and even Wu and Garmadon. She and Zane weren't young anymore but were still able fighters.
'Then why do I keep having these feelings…?'
'…The fruits of revenge is ripe…' The soft voices of the flowers echoed again.
'As if I didn't know that already…'
The sounds coming from within the house announced her husband's arrival. As always, he went straight into the garden to greet his faithful wife.
"Zane…" Heather sighed while he wrapped his arms around her from behind and gently kissed the outline of her chin and down her neck. She seemed fine but her husband knew otherwise.
"Something bothers you, my love." Zane brushed a stray lock of light brown hair away from his wife's rosy face.
"The flowers have been saying some ominous things lately…" She sighed again.
"Our children need our faith if they're to defeat the Overlord like we did. Be strong not just for me but for our children."
"I'll try…"
Heather's rosy lips grew closer to Zane's pale ones and they were so close when the loud caw of a predatory bird echoed above them.
Above the couple, Haukka flew over and Zane spotted him.
"How are my children, Haukka?" Zane asked once the falcon perched on his arm.
"Do not worry for Liana and Forrest are safe at the moment."
Heather and Zane were completely taken by surprise at Haukka's new voice. He was only able to emit the same noises a real bird does and record the ninjas' voices but the robotic bird never had its own voice until now.
"How did you gain the ability to speak?" The former nindroid asked in astonishment.
"Liana." The avian machine answered.
Zane should've known his daughter would want to give Haukka some upgrades. She was always more interested in machines and technology since she was little.
"Liana worries you will be upset of my change." Haukka continued.
"No," The robot turned human shook his head, "You're still the same Haukka that watched over me, helped me discover who I am, and helped us when we needed it most."
"Yes. Whether you speak or not, you're still you." Heather scratched Haukka's neck, prompting him to give off a soft trill like any organic bird.
"How are Liana and Forrest at the moment?" Zane asked.
"They have unlocked their true potential."
The Julien couple's hearts swelled with pride, knowing their children have made much progress in their long journey since Liana rejoined the ninjas. It was still a little sad not being there to see their son and daughter's biggest moment in their lives as ninjas so far.
"Continue watching over them, okay?" The former nindroid requested.
Haukka cawed like any falcon would and took off.
"I can't believe how much our children have grown…" Heather thought about her children.
"Time can only move forward." Her husband consoled her.
"Do you think they'll be able to defeat the Overlord…?"
"I don't know but I sincerely hope so…"
The sunny town of Ignacia was ever filled with the sound of pounding metal.
Kai was as busy as ever at the Four Weapons shop.
Just because his wife and children were gone didn't mean Kai can do whatever he wanted when he had the house to himself.
Ever since the resurgence of evil in Ninjago, the inhabitants of Ignacia organized a local defense force to protect the civilians in case the Overlord's forces came here. Because the squadron will need weapons, it was only natural that they turned to the best blacksmith in town to craft their blades and build their spears. This left the former ninja extremely busy but he didn't mind. He would do anything for his family and the people of Ninjago, even if it left him with little time to do whatever he liked. It was but a small price to pay for the greater good of his loved ones.
"Mr. Pyrrhus, can you make some daggers? We'll also need some weapons for any close-range battles in case they happen." One of the members of the new defense force requested.
"Got it." The ninja turned blacksmith nodded and hammered down the glowing hot metal into another finely crafted blade.
Although his hard work has been making a lot of money for him and Aria, Kai couldn't help but have these bad feelings and chills running up his spine. With even the peaceful Ignacia getting ready for any impending battles, the fire ninja felt like something big was going to happen and it will NOT be pretty…
He was confident that Akira and Alex will be able to fulfill their destiny but he knew from all his experiences that it wasn't going to be easy and even their lives will be in jeopardy at some point which filled his heart with anxiety. Even if they do survive, he would still be worried sick.
'Dammit!' Kai shook his head free from such dark thoughts, 'Concentrate!'
The former ninja continued his day as usual, hammering down hot metal into sharp blades. He mustn't let anything distract him or the blades won't be sharp. Just like iron, his mind must be sharp. He can't forget everything he learned from his experiences…
The sister of fire was also busy at the office coming up with designs for some new gadgets.
"Nya, how are you doing?"
"I'm fine. And you?"
"Same here."
Though Jay was back to his jocular and chatty self, Nya can tell he was still upset over the time he let Ash get away with Zane's blueprints. The former nindroid didn't blame his brother, only Ash for not letting go of the past, but Nya remembered he was inconsolable for a first few days but he was now over it and worked hard to make sure nothing like that will happen again.
"I still feel bad for leaving Sayuri behind…" Jay sighed across the other line.
"Me too…"
It wasn't just because of their sons' powers that Jay and Nya seemed to ignore Sayuri. Because of their jobs, they didn't get to spend as much time as her as they wanted and they understood why she often felt so lonely. But with Chris and Kyle gone, they were able to give their youngest child the attention she craved and as always, when they were both gone, Jay's parents were as eager as ever to spend time with their granddaughter.
Yet they still worried for their sons…
"I wonder how the boys are doing…" Nya mused on the phone.
"They'll be fine," Her ever optimistic husband tried to cheer her up, "Just think positive."
"Hai. I'll see you later."
"Mrs. Walker," Her supervisor approached her once she hung up, "You're done for today."
"Arigato…"
The former kunoichi was always happy to get out of work not just to take a break but to spend time with her daughter…
"Sayuri! I'm back!" Nya called her daughter once she returned.
"Mom!" Sayuri threw herself at her mother.
Ever since her orchestrated kidnapping by the Overlord, Sayuri toned down on her complaining over her lack of powers but her parents can sense her desires deep down.
"Have you been well-behaved for grandma and grandpa?"
"Of course!" Edna gushed, "She's such a precious little angel!"
"But do you think I'll have something special one day?" Sayuri asked.
"Only time will tell." Her mother can only answer.
But one other thing time may tell was whether her sons will be able to fulfill their destiny…
Lloyd and Iris took in everything Wu told them after their meeting.
They were always aware that their children will have to grow up and go through their own trials and tribulations but this was going to be nothing like they've ever faced before. They were fools when they hoped that evil will never arise again once they defeated the Overlord but light and darkness can't exist without one another.
"This is their time but I understand your desires to help them."
"They're not the Overlord's only targets. He also wants revenge on us. Ronin wants revenge on Sensei Wu and your father for rejecting him and Karl wants to take Luna for himself."
"If only I was able to truly defeat him…" Lloyd clenched his fist, regretting that he didn't defeat the Overlord for good during his battle.
"Where there is light, there is darkness and it's the same the other way around," Wu reminded his grown nephew, "We only seek to maintain a balance, not completely destroy the enemy."
"Even so, is there a way to keep that balance forever?" Iris asked.
"Not even this old man knows…" Wu answered solemnly, "But if there is a way, it won't be easy finding it. The life of a ninja is one of hardship but that's how ninjas got their name."
Lloyd and Iris never forgot their hardships as ninjas, from having their childhoods ripped away from them, to the former almost giving in to darkness.
Will their children be ready?
Back on the Bounty, the ninja and kunoichi made preparations for their next move and they had a feeling that this was going to be a big one. They also can't help but examine themselves in the mirrors of the Bounty, admiring their new armor. With it, they looked more… triumphant… like they can do anything…
"Now that our true powers are starting to awaken, we can't expect things to get any easier and the Overlord will only become more ruthless in his plans." Alex gave out their agenda.
"I have this feeling that something will happen very soon… something big…" Kyle shuddered.
"To be honest, I won't be surprised if the Overlord's next move is gonna happen the moment I finish speaking…" Leon whispered, regretting having to finish his sentence.
"No matter when it happens, we'll be ready." Melody stood tall and firm with determination.
"What about you two?" Chris gave Leon and Willow a look, "You two still have a way to go."
"And so do you," Misako reminded the ninjas, "Your true powers are unlocked but their fullest extent will come gradually until the final battle. It's not over."
"We know…"
"Yet the progress you've made is astonishing. I feel a sense of hope just looking at you. It won't be easy but always remember to never give up."
The ninja and kunoichi nodded in understanding, knowing what's to come.
But no matter what may happen, they were ninjas and a ninja never quits.
Oooooooohhhhhhhh! Something big will happen in the next couple of chapters & I'm already so excited to write it!
Next, I wanna say thank you because you made this story reach 400 reviews! I wanna thank NinjaWriterMaster, Ninjago Warrior, LightningDanino23, Goldmedalninja, PyroHunter16, rainbownarwhal, Princess Bunny, & more! Thank you!