In the cold evening, the thoughts and memories of Harumi drifted aimlessly.

It had been three months since the first day of training. The incident she had caused was swept under the rug, and everything went on as usual. Garmadon was glad everything had been taken care of. Mostly because he didn't enjoy scolding his daughter. Nowadays, she got along with some of her classmates. Some still saw her as a privileged show-off, having been specifically adopted by their sensei, and given somewhat special treatment over the rest. Harumi would try and ignore such sentiments, hoping to appear as normal as possible. But even in the world of her subconscious, she wasn't entirely safe.

Deep within the corners of her mind, an unkempt rage and sadness danced around her faded vision, as the same dream began. It bothered her in all honesty, because she could never remember the exact contents, and wasn't sure if it was a result of the contents of her dream being different each time, or something else. She would try and catalog the events in her notebook, but everytime she thought she had remembered new details, she'd open it up to find she knew very little about it.

Inside of her dream, she was surrounded by buildings. They were small, little huts. Made of some sort of gray material. She would walk amongst them, looking inside, and finding very little. The occasional rock, bits of string, all useless. The one part she remembered was the large obelisk that appeared in the center of the strange concrete village. It was hollowed out, with a strange beam poking out into the cloudy skies. To her, it looked to be some sort of tomb. Whenever she would peer inside, she would see the hollowed obelisk was empty. But by then, whenever she would take her gaze off of the empty obelisk, she would wake up.

As the contents of her dream unfolded, leading to her awakening. She gasped in panic, looking up at her empty roof, unsure of what she would see. She was relieved to find the absence of the dark purple clouds, looking to the side, she picked up her glass of water, and took a good long sip. She wasn't exactly sure what to do. Looking back to the side, and on her nightstand, she gazed at the clock. "5:36." Garmadon would usually be up by now. He went to bed rather early, as he would much rather do paperwork and studying in the morning rather than the late evening. It kept his schedule tight, but made sure he didn't accidentally doze off. Harumi usually never woke up this early, but decided to see what her father was up to. Getting her slippers on, she hopped out of bed, putting on a small jacket to keep herself warm, and exited her room.

The Monastery had a second life at night. While its three main occupants were usually asleep, the crickets would hum mindlessly outside, illuminating the exterior with the sightless sounds of chirping wings. The long halls were illuminated by nearby fire, as the glistening paintings reflected the light down onto the carpets, which matched their beauty profusely. Harumi walked through the halls, eventually making her way into the training room. Garmadon was there, meditating in front of a large picture of an unfamiliar man.

Garmadon turned, surprised to see Harumi awake so early. "Harumi? Are you having trouble sleeping?" He asked, with a look of concern.

"No, well, ok. I had the dream again."

"The one about the stone village and large obelisk?"

"Yep. I still can't remember all of it yet." Harumi said, looking down in defeat.

"My father would often help me and my brother understand our own dreams. Even after The Devourer had corrupted me, he could still effortlessly explain everything. He had a talent for observing patterns and symbols."

"Is that who the painting is of?" Harumi asked inquisitively.

"Very perceptive Harumi. When my paperwork is done, I'll often meditate in front of it. He was a wise man. I am sad he wasn't there to see the silver lining in the battle he couldn't finish. He would've been glad to know everything turned out alright in the end." He said, turning back to the picture.

The large painting depicted The First Spinjitzu Master in front of The Golden Peaks. He sat with his back to the front of the painting, staring down into the molten gold of the chasm below. Nearby sat The Four Golden Weapons, glistening in the light of the peaks, contrasting the darkened skies. Harumi walked over in awe of the painting, sitting next to Garmadon. "What was grandfather like?"

Garmadon smiled, remembering father. "He was the greatest man I could ever ask for in terms of a father. He was wise, he was responsible. There were times where he was distant, but still, a good man. He would have loved both you and Lloyd."

"Well, if he was so wise and great, what happened to him?"

"Nobody knows. At the time of his death, I had just started training under the cruel Master Chen. All Wu can remember at that point was the sight of him walking down the steps of his monetary. Not a word was uttered by either of them. But weeks would go by, and his disappearance would mark the turning point in Ninjago."

"I didn't mean him. I meant Lloyd. The one who came before me. The original Green Ninja."

"Lloyd? Oh- well, you already know what happened. So there's no need to go into any further detail."

Harumi frowned. "All my life I've been told stories about grand warriors and fierce ninja. But you won't tell me the story of your own son."

"I don't like to dwell upon it. How I treated Lloyd was in many ways my greatest mistake. I wish I hadn't ever continued down the path of devastation. For if I had tried hard enough to restrain myself from wanting to defeat him, or even tried hard enough to break The Overlords possession, he would've been alongside us."

"I'm sorry dad… I know i'm not that great, but I hope maybe you-"

"Self depreciation won't make me feel much better. Harumi, never let anyone tell you that you need to try and earn love from me, Misako, Wu, or anyone else. You and Lloyd mean the world to us."

Harumi smiled. "Thanks dad. But still, you and Uncle Wu keep talking about Elemental Powers. Do you still think I have one?"

"I believe so. Your old home observed several strange oddities. When combined, I believe you might have one." Garmadon said, standing up from his meditation, and walking into his hidden room of weapons. While he was gone, Harumi stared with intense amusement at the painting of her Step-Grandfather. Something about the golden highlights of the weapons and the glow of his equally reflective hat spoke to her. She got closer to it, and placed one hand gently on the painting, closing her eyes. Strangely enough, though she closed her eyes, she felt as if she could see something in the darkness.

From the pitch-black recesses of her closed eyes, lights began to glow, slow circling around. Harumi tried to open her eyes, but she wasn't able to at the moment. The colors slowly drifted around in the dark, all converging in a specific point. A large green ball slowly appeared in front of her, as she focused her attention on it. It felt as if she was back in her lucid dream. She reached out, expecting to touch the green orb of energy, only for its essence to be transferred deep within her spirit. She felt stronger, as if a dormant ability had been awakened. She finally opened her eyes. The picture was glowing too. Garmadon had come back, and was utterly amazed. "Harumi! What has happened? Why is the painting glowing?-"

Garmadon was cut off. He saw how the four weapons within the painting glistened, as Harumi too started to stare in amazement. Garmadon started to put things together. "Wait.. Golden Weapons.. Strange spikes in energy.. Energy.. The power of crea-" He stopped himself before he could finish.

"D- Dad? W- what's wrong?" Harumi asked, worried. Garmadon looked amazed, and curious at the same time.

"Nothing Harumi! Just- stay there for a second. I need to call Wu!"

"Wait! Why!?" Harumi asked. Unfortunately, Garmadon had already left. Running to his office, Garmadon opened the door, picked up his phone, and dialed Wus' number. After a small period of time, Wu answered, sounding rather tired.

"Brother.. It's six in the morning. What could possibly be so important for you to be up this early?" Wu questioned.

"Wu! I've figured it out. If I figured everything out. It all makes perfect sense!"

Wu yawned, uninterested. "Mmph.. Figured out what? You aren't making any sense. I think you should go back to sleep."

"You listen here brother. You remember how you questioned where Lloyd's Elemental Power might've gone?"

"Yes, I suppose that did come up recently. Why?"

"I believe the universe is attempting to correct itself after Lloyd's death. Harumi's orphanage observed several things. But all of them correlated with the four elements of creation. Even now, I saw with my very own eyes, as she somehow connected with the painting you recovered. The Golden Weapons somehow glowed when she touched it for a long period of time."

Wu steadied himself. This had gotten his attention. "That is peculiar. You really think Lloyds elemental power would have been passed onto Harumi?"

"Exactly! I theorize that Lloyds passage of Elemental Power out into Ninjago allowed for the potential of The Green Ninja to be given to another!"

"I suppose that is a logical solution. I am curious to see how events will play out if this is the case."

"Yes. Though, I'm unsure how we would even be able to test such a theory." Garmadon said, disappointed.

"Hmmm. I think I might have an idea. But you'll need to drive Harumi to the docks."

"The Docks? Where are we going?"

"I'll explain once we get there. Safe travels, my brother." Wu said, hanging up the call. Garmadon was left with confusion, as he walked back into the training room.

"Alright Harumi. Wu needs us over at the docks. I'm not sure why exactly, so be prepared for whatever he might throw at us."

"Am I in trouble?" Harumi asked innocently.

"No, I don't believe so. We will just have to wait and see." Garmadon said, as he and Harumi walked out of The Monastery, got into the car, and started driving to Ninjago City Docks.

Meanwhile, both Wu and his ninja were waiting there, as Wu began to explain to them the plan. "I know it is very early for all of you. However, Garmadon has observed some odd behavior with Harumi that-"

Kai angrily cut him off. "I thought we were done talking about Harumi. Her visit to the school was bad enough. Don't tell me we actually have to start training her?"

"Jeez Kai! Lighten up a bit. Grumpy that you didn't get to put on your hair gel today?" Jay joked, with his smug grin piercing Kais angered demeanor.

"I think you could use it more than me Jay! My hair already looks fine. You look like a five year old on picture day."

"Hey! At least I'm not whining about everything all the time!"

"Please! Would you two calm down? I understand you have all been very bored ever since The Overlords destruction. But I will not tolerate laziness, or hostility!" Wu said, steadying his stance.

"Yes Sensei. Sorry Sensei." both of them said in unison.

"Apology accepted. Anyways, we are going to The Dark island. If Harumi has the potential to be the new Green Ninja, then it will be at The Temple Of Light where we can discover the truth."

"But Sensei! If Harumi does have Lloyds powers, what does that mean for Ninjago? Will The Overlord come back?" Cole questioned. He didn't want to take any chances.

"We still aren't sure. This is a difficult matter. We will have plenty of time to discuss it once Garmadon and Harumi get here." Wu said. Almost on cue, Garmadons car pulled up to the curb, as he and Harumi got out. The morning was young, and quite cold. So Harumi borrowed a heavier coat from Misako, who had gotten in the car along with them. Wu took time to explain the situation to all three of them.

"Hmm. Interesting plan, brother. I supposed The Temple Of Light might have the answers. I worry though that re-doing the ritual that gave The Ninja their elemental blades and triggered Lloyd's Golden Power might have unintended consequences."

"We will be careful." Wu said, hopping onto the boat they were all using. The Bounty had been taken in for continued repairs to its internal framework and navigation systems, so Wu had rented a boat for them to use in its place. Everyone boarded the vessel, as it took off for The Dark Island. The trip was awkward. The Dark Island was very far, and little conversation was had between anyone.

Once they had gotten there, they climbed up the large mountain, making their way inside the temple. Harumi marveled at the depictions of The Ninja's many feats. She had grown far more tolerant of them than before.

"This is a stupid idea. Why are we even attempting this?" Kai asked, not wanting to waste time on a longshot, as he and the other four ninja stood in the same positions they had been in almost a year previously.

"I for one am curious to observe the effects of this test. If the future wills that Harumi will be The Green Ninja, then let it be." Zane said, eyeing the walls that depicted their battles.

"Wait- what am I supposed to do again?" Harumi asked, confused, as Garmadon walked beside her.

"Simple. You will strike the bell, and we will see what happens when the procedure is replicated. Now, do you all remember exactly what happened last time?" Garmadon asked the four. All of them nodded, as Zane spoke up again.

"I have a near-photographic memory. If I am correct, something like this has never been replicated. All Harumi will need to do is strike the bell in the middle of the chamber."

"I don't think I can jump that high-" Harumi said, eyeing the bell with a look of concern.

"Do not worry Harumi, I will throw you up there, and then catch you. Just tell me when you are ready to strike the bell." Garmadon said, as he and Harumi got ready. When the time was right, Harumi was thrown into the air, as she gave the center of the bell a good kick, and was caught by Garmadon. Suddenly, as if time itself was repeating, the room started to glow with energy. Harumi felt herself grow stronger, as her silhouette glowed with green energy. The Ninja themselves all felt strength return to them, as they watched Harumi be lifted up into the air.

Once the procedure had finished, Harumi dropped down. Each of The Ninja marveled at the return of their abilities. They had only been able to use them with the help of items such as The Golden Weapons, or Elemental Blades. To be able to feel the power within was enlightening, as the truth was revealed.

"Then it's decided." Said Garmadon. "Harumi is The Green Ninja."

To be continued in Act 2 . . .