The Tusk
Story 3: Day of the Departed
St. Joseph Catholic Parish; Tuscaloosa
Earth
Tuesday October 29, 2019…
The stillness of the church provided a sharp contrast to the brisk, windy autumn air outside. St. Joseph Catholic Parish was quiet this afternoon, the glow of flickering candles casting soft shadows on the walls as the sun began to set. Mack knelt in one of the pews near the front, his hands folded tightly and his head bowed.
Before him, the tabernacle gleamed, its golden door adorned with intricate carvings. Tonight, with the Guardians preparing to leave for Ninjago to celebrate the Day of the Departed, he had come to say a prayer—not just for his friends but for those who had been lost along the way.
"Lord," Mack began softly, his voice steady yet reflective, "today in Ninjago, we'll honor the heroes of that realm's history, including my friend, Danny. You said the greatest love a man can have is to lay down his life for his friends, and that's what Danny did. I ask that You grant him peace.
"And Rikayla… I don't know what became of her after we defeated her, but I sensed that… that the path she was on wasn't entirely her fault. Besides that, I know that you created her just as you did me, and so she's precious to you, just as all of us are… Please, Lord, have mercy on her soul."
He paused, the weight of his words sinking in. A part of him still wrestled with the memory of that final confrontation with Rikayla, the moment he had struck her down to protect his friends, his family, and the realms. It was a choice he had made without hesitation, but the thought of her suffering eternally unsettled him.
Mack crossed himself and rose from the pew. As he turned to leave, the sound of footsteps on the stone floor drew his attention.
"Good evening," came a familiar voice.
Mack turned to see Father John, the parish priest, approaching from the side aisle. The older man's kind eyes were framed by deep lines, and his demeanor radiated warmth and understanding.
"Good evening, Father," Mack replied, managing a small smile.
"Everything alright?" Father John asked, studying Mack with a gentle curiosity.
Mack hesitated, his hands slipping into his jacket pockets. "I suppose," he said finally. "Father, the war last year that I told you about…"
Father John nodded knowingly. "Against Rikayla."
"Yes," Mack said, his tone softening. "I killed her to protect my friends, my family—everyone. I've made peace with that, and I have no guilt for it. But… I still don't want her to suffer. If there's any hope of her finding rest, I feel I have a responsibility to act on that hope in prayer. That's why I was here—and to pray for our fallen Guardian, Danny."
Father John regarded him for a moment, then nodded. "Anyone can pray for their friends. But Our Lord commands us to pray for our enemies too, and it's difficult for all of us," he said gently. "But few of us have ever had enemies as formidable as yours."
Mack's lips twitched into a faint smile. "I know, Father. It's not always easy, but… I know it's right."
Father John rested a hand on Mack's shoulder. "You're on a good path, Mack. Trust in God's mercy—it is greater than we can imagine."
The Condos; Midtown Tuscaloosa
The same moment…
The living room of the girls' shared condo was filled with the soft sounds of late evening: the hum of the air conditioner, the distant rumble of passing cars, and the faint sound of water running in the bathroom. Kasey sat cross-legged on the couch, absently tugging at a loose thread on her hoodie as she stared out the window. The glow of the streetlights outside painted faint patterns on her face, but her expression was distant.
Across the room, Nya sat at the dining table, scrolling through her phone. She glanced up, noticing Kasey's silence, and set the phone down.
"You okay?" Nya asked, her voice calm and steady.
Kasey hesitated, her fingers still tugging at the thread. "I don't know," she admitted. "I've been thinking about… Chima. That mission where I almost drowned."
Nya's brow furrowed slightly, and she leaned forward. "You've never really talked about that," she said gently.
Kasey shrugged, her gaze still fixed on the window. "What's there to talk about? I got reckless, went under, and almost didn't come back up." She sighed, resting her chin on her knees. "I can't stop wondering if that was a sign. Maybe being a Guardian isn't the path I'm supposed to be on. Maybe… I'm not cut out for this."
Nya stood and moved to sit beside Kasey on the couch. She placed a reassuring hand on Kasey's shoulder. "It's okay to have doubts," she said. "The weight you Guardians carry—it's not easy. And if you decide this isn't what you want anymore, that's okay too. Stepping down wouldn't make you a bad person. It just means you're choosing a different path, like I did."
Kasey finally looked at Nya, her eyes filled with uncertainty. "But things seem to be really dependent on there being eight of us. What if I walk away, and something happens that I could've stopped?"
"Another Water Guardian will rise up," Nya said. "There's a design to all this, you know that."
Nya's hand tightened slightly on Kasey's shoulder. "Kasey, you've already done so much as a Guardian. You've fought battles most people couldn't even imagine, and you've made a difference. Whatever choice you make now doesn't erase that." She smiled softly. "This is your life, your decision. No one else can make it for you."
Kasey let out a shaky breath, nodding slowly. "Thanks, Nya," she said quietly. "I needed to hear that."
Before Nya could respond, there was a sharp knock on the door.
"Perfect timing," Nya said, standing and heading for the door. "The men of the chorus have arrived."
As she opened it, the guys stood outside, dressed and ready to leave. Jay grinned, holding up a bag of snacks. "We're packed and ready. You ladies good to go?"
"Almost," Nya said, stepping aside to let them in. "Zee's still in the bathroom, but she'll be out in a minute."
True to Nya's word, Zee emerged from the bathroom moments later, adjusting her braid as she walked into the living room. "What'd I miss?" she asked, her tone light.
"Nothing important," Nya said with a smile. "Just wrapping up."
Mack stepped forward, his Super Bolt in hand. "Alright, everyone ready?"
Kasey stood, her expression steadier now, and joined the others. "Let's do this," she said, her voice firm.
Mack nodded and raised the Super Bolt, its energy shimmering as a portal began to form. The room filled with a faint hum as the portal expanded, its swirling light casting soft shadows on the walls.
"Next stop, Ninjago," Mack said, stepping aside to let the others pass through.
As Kasey walked toward the portal, she took a deep breath, her earlier doubts still lingering but tempered by Nya's words. Whatever the future held, she knew she'd face it one step at a time.
Heroes' Square; Ninjago City Park
Ninjago
Later the same evening…
The soft glow of lanterns illuminated Heroes' Square, casting a warm, reverent light over the park. The annual Day of the Departed Vigil had drawn a large crowd, each attendee gathered to honor the legendary heroes of Ninjago's past. Statues of the fallen stood tall and proud, their features illuminated by the flickering flames of candles placed at their bases.
Mack stood among the crowd alongside the other ninja, Senseis Wu and Garmadon, and Misako. Each statue told a story of sacrifice and heroism, and the collective atmosphere of gratitude and reflection weighed heavy in the air.
"It's a beautiful tradition," Mack said softly, his gaze sweeping over the glowing lanterns and flickering candles.
"It's more than that," Sensei Wu replied, his tone quiet yet firm. "It's a reminder that every sacrifice, every act of courage, is never truly forgotten."
The old sage stroked his beard as they walked by a golden statue depicting the First Spinjitzu Master.
Nearby, Misako lit a candle and knelt before the statue of a fallen hero from the old Serpentine wars, her expression serene but deeply reflective. Garmadon stood at a distance, his arms crossed as he studied the crowd, his eyes lingering on the ninja with an almost protective air.
The vigil carried on peacefully, the gentle hum of whispered prayers and murmured conversations filling the park.
But the serenity was not to last.
The sound of a cannon blast tore through the air, followed by panicked screams. The crowd scattered as the lights of the vigil were snuffed out by a sudden gust of unnatural wind.
Emerging from the shadows, a band of ghostly pirates charged into the square. Their translucent forms glowed with an eerie green light, their tattered clothes and jagged weapons evoking terror as they descended upon the unsuspecting crowd.
"Look alive, boys!" bellowed their leader, a towering figure wielding a jagged cutlass. "Let's show these mortals the true meaning of the Day of the Departed!"
The ninja sprang into action, their weapons at the ready. Mack brandished the Super Bolt, its energy crackling as he advanced. "Ghost pirates," he muttered. "That's a new one."
The square erupted into chaos as the ninja engaged the pirates. Kai unleashed a torrent of flames, forcing several attackers back, while Jay's lightning arced between enemies, disrupting their spectral forms.
Cole fought with grim determination, his scythe slicing through the ghostly figures. Each strike seemed to carry an added weight, his own ghostly state always at the forefront of his mind but especially so in this fight.
"We need to stop them before they hurt anyone!" Lloyd shouted, cutting through a pair of pirates.
Kasey and Nya carefully used their water powers to keep the pirates away from the crowd (the caution was necessary so as to not send Cole and Morro away to the Cursed Realm).
The pirates fought fiercely but began to falter under the ninja's coordinated assault. With a final volley of attacks, the ghostly crew broke rank, retreating toward the forest.
"They're heading for the forest," Lloyd said, his eyes narrowing. "Back toward Yang's dojo."
Cole froze at the mention of the dojo, his grip tightening on his scythe. "Yang's dojo…" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
The others glanced at him, their expressions filled with concern.
"That's where I was cursed," Cole said finally (for the benefit of the newer members of the team) his tone raw.
"Cole," Nya said gently, stepping closer, "you don't have to—"
"No," Cole interrupted, his voice firm. "I'm not running from this. Let's go."
The ninja gave chase, following the pirates through the forest. The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting long shadows on the path ahead. As they neared the edge of the woods, the imposing structure of Yang's dojo came into view, its jagged silhouette shrouded in mist.
The air grew colder, and an unnatural stillness settled over the group.
"Cursed or not," Kai muttered, "this place gives me the creeps."
The pirates disappeared into the dojo, their ghostly forms vanishing into the structure's shadowy depths. Mack stepped forward, his grip on the Super Bolt tightening. "We need to go after them."
"Wait," Lloyd said, placing a hand on Mack's shoulder. "Yang's dojo isn't just creepy—it's dangerous. People who go in don't come back out. It's not worth the risk."
Cole joined Lloyd beside Mack. "I already got cursed by the dojo—we can't afford the same thing happening to you."
Cole stared at the dojo, his jaw clenched. "If they're in there, we need to figure out why. But we can't rush in blind."
"Then we need backup," Mack said, lowering the Super Bolt. "The pirates popping up, today of all days, isn't a coincidence. Misako might know what's going on here. She seems to always know what to do about this sort of stuff."
The group exchanged nods before turning back toward the park.
Back at Heroes' Square, the ninja regrouped with Misako, Wu, and Garmadon near the vigil's edge. The chaos of the attack had subsided, though the atmosphere remained tense.
Misako listened intently as Lloyd explained what had happened. Her expression grew serious as he described the pirates retreating to Yang's dojo.
"If they're heading to Yang's dojo," she said thoughtfully, "they must be connected to the Departed Realm. That place is deeply intertwined with the energy of those who've passed on."
Cole's expression darkened, and he glanced away.
Misako placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know it's difficult," she said gently, "but we need to understand what's happening there. Mack, can you sense anything from the dojo?"
"I tried earlier," Mack replied, "but I think I need to be closer. I'll need to focus."
Misako nodded. "Then we'll go together. Yang's dojo is dangerous, but with focus and caution, we can find the answers we're looking for."
Sensei Wu stepped forward, his staff in hand. "You'll need to act quickly," he said. "If the pirates are connected to the Departed Realm, their energies will fade quickly—you won't be able to track them for long."
"Then let's go," Mack said, his voice steady.
The ninja, joined by Misako, set off toward the dojo once more, their resolve firm despite the unknown dangers that lay ahead. Garmadon remained behind, his stoic expression poorly masking his concern at the situation at hand.
The air around Yang's dojo was heavy with an unnatural chill, the oppressive silence broken only by the faint rustle of leaves in the surrounding forest. The ninja stood in a semicircle outside the building, their weapons ready but their expressions cautious.
Mack stepped forward, gripping the Super Bolt tightly. Its energy pulsed faintly in his hands as he focused on the dojo. The structure seemed to radiate an otherworldly energy, cold and unyielding, like a whisper from a realm beyond comprehension.
"Mack," Misako said, her voice steady, "concentrate on the energy. See if you can sense a connection to another realm."
Mack nodded, closing his eyes. He let the Super Bolt's energy flow outward, extending his senses beyond the physical plane. The hum of the weapon grew louder, and a strange sensation washed over him—a faint pull, like a current beneath still water.
"There's something here," Mack murmured. "It's faint, but it's connected to… somewhere else."
Misako stepped closer. "Good. Focus on that connection and use the Super Bolt to open a portal. If the pirates are tied to the Departed Realm, this may be our only chance to follow them."
Mack's grip tightened as he raised the Super Bolt. A swirling vortex of light and shadow began to form in front of the dojo, its edges crackling with raw energy. The ninja exchanged wary glances before stepping forward, one by one, into the portal.
The ninja emerged into a desolate landscape, the transition from the dense forest to this strange realm almost jarring. The ground beneath their feet was flat and shimmering faintly, its surface resembling molten gold cooled into glass. The air carried a soft, golden glow, and the sky above was a muted amber, streaked with faint, swirling clouds.
Dotted across the horizon were groves of strange trees. Their leaves clustered near the ground, creating dense canopies, while their upper branches stretched into the sky like barren spires. The effect was eerie yet peaceful, the stillness of the realm pressing against their senses.
"This place is…" Kai trailed off, his voice quiet. "Creepy."
"It's the Departed Realm," Misako explained, her tone reverent. "This is where the memories of powerful people from all realms are stored after death. They're not exactly ghosts, but the apparitions retain the knowledge and abilities of the people they represent."
Cole and Morro lingered at the edge of the group, their forms appearing more faded than usual.
"Is it just me," Morro muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, "or do you feel… weaker here?"
Cole nodded, his expression grim. "Yeah. It's like this place is pulling at us, draining us."
Misako glanced back at them, her brow furrowing. "The Departed Realm reacts differently to those who are already tethered to it. Be careful. You're more vulnerable here than the rest of us."
The group moved cautiously through the realm, their eyes scanning the golden expanse for any sign of the pirates. The stillness was oppressive, broken only by the faint rustle of the trees and the distant sound of laughter.
"There," Lloyd said, pointing ahead.
The ghostly pirates stood clustered near a grove of trees, their forms glowing faintly in the golden light. As the ninja approached, the pirates turned, their expressions gleeful.
"Well, well," their leader sneered, stepping forward. "Looks like you lot couldn't resist the invitation."
Before the ninja could respond, a figure emerged from the shadows—a tall, spectral man with a long beard and piercing eyes. His presence was commanding, his translucent form radiating a cold, malevolent energy.
"Sensei Yang," Cole said, his voice filled with a mixture of anger and unease.
Yang smiled faintly, his gaze settling on Cole. "Ah, my prized pupil. How fitting that you've returned to me… and just in time."
Jay bristled. "He's not your pupil, turd!"
"He became mind when he failed to escape my dojo in time," Yang retorted.
"What do you want, Yang?" Lloyd demanded, stepping forward.
Yang's smile widened. "To escape, of course. The peak of the Yin-Yang Eclipse is upon us, and with it, the perfect opportunity. All I need is the life force of one of my wayward students." His eyes gleamed as they locked onto Cole. "You."
Cole's grip on his scythe tightened, but his expression didn't waver. "Not a chance."
Yang raised a hand, and the pirates surged forward, their weapons drawn.
The ninja sprang into action, clashing with the pirates in a chaotic battle. Despite their weakened state, Cole and Morro fought fiercely, their determination driving them forward.
The battle was fierce, but the ninja's unity proved stronger than Yang's power.
As the last of the pirates fell, Yang stepped forward, drawing a blade that pulsed with a strange, dark energy—the Yin Blade.
"This blade holds the power to bridge realms," Yang said, his voice low and commanding. "With it, I will be free, and you, Cole, will be reduced to barely a shadow of yourself—a fitting end for my cursed apprentice."
The ninja closed ranks around Cole, their weapons raised. "Not gonna happen," Kai said, flames dancing dangerously across the Sword of Fire.
With a final coordinated strike, Lloyd and Kai knocked Yang to the ground and held him down, the Yin Blade slipping from his grasp.
Misako approached the blade, her expression contemplative. "This weapon, I've read about it. The Yin Blade, also called the Blade of Restoration," she said. "If you use it, Cole, Morro—you can regain your humanity."
Cole and Morro froze, their eyes widening in shock.
"Wait," Cole said, his voice hesitant. "We can… be human again?"
Misako nodded. "But you must act quickly. The eclipse is nearly at its peak. Make your choice."
Cole and Morro exchanged a glance, their expressions conflicted. Then, with a silent understanding, they stepped forward and took the blade together.
At Misako's instruction, they made a cut on the ground, the blade's energy sparking as it connected with the golden surface. A swirling portal began to form, its edges glowing faintly.
"Now," Misako said, "point the blade at Yang."
"Don't you dare!" Yang cried desperately. "We can escape together—we'll rule it all!"
Mack shook his head. "You're not even real, Yang."
Kai and Lloyd held Yang up as Cole and Morro aimed the blade. A surge of energy erupted from it, sapping Yang's spectral form of its power and fading him away.
The portal expanded, its glow intensifying. Misako turned to Cole and Morro. "Jump through—focus on Yang's dojo," she said. "We'll see you on the other side."
Morro turned to Zee. She stood near him, her expression a mixture of worry and hope.
"Hey," Morro said softly, his voice steady despite the weight of the moment. "How do you feel about this?"
Zee stepped closer, her eyes searching his. "I don't know—it's sudden. But it's a good thing… right?"
Morro nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah. It's time. I've spent so long being stuck in between, not really living. This… this is a second chance, and I have to take it."
Zee hesitated for a moment, then reached out and took his hand. It was cold, and her heart fluttered at the fact that it wouldn't be so after today. "Just come back to me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Morro squeezed her hand, his touch cold but reassuring. "I will. And when I do, I'll finally be able to hold you the way I've always wanted to."
Zee smiled, a tear slipping down her cheek. "I'll be waiting."
With one last look, Morro let go of her hand and stepped toward the portal, joining Cole as they prepared to make the leap.
Mack stepped out in front of the group. "Let's not keep 'em waiting."
The Green Ninja opened a second portal, leading the rest of the ninja back to Ninjago.
The portal closed behind the ninja as they stepped out of the Departed Realm, returning to the familiar surroundings of Yang's dojo. Though the air was still cold and a mist still hovered over the ground, the dojo had lost its aura of fear and danger and now sat as a simple abandoned and crumbling building.
Mack lowered the Super Bolt, his brow furrowed. The group stood in tense silence, their eyes fixed on the empty space before them.
"Do you think they made it?" Kai asked, his voice uncharacteristically quiet.
Misako stepped forward, her expression calm but contemplative. "It might take a minute for them to return," she said gently. "Restoring what was lost… it's not instantaneous."
The tension in the air was palpable as the group waited, the moments stretching into what felt like an eternity. Then, with a sudden burst of light and energy, another portal began to form.
Everyone turned as the portal swirled and expanded, and then, with a faint whooshing sound, it spit Morro out.
Morro stumbled slightly as he landed, but he quickly steadied himself. His form, once ghostly and pale, was now fully human. His dark hair gleamed under the faint moonlight, and his once-tattered ninja robes had been replaced by a pristine white gi with golden accents that seemed to shimmer faintly in the night air.
The group stared, momentarily stunned into silence.
"Wow," Zee said softly, stepping forward. "I didn't know you'd be tan…"
Morro smiled, his expression warm and almost disbelieving. "I'm just happy not to be green," he replied, his voice carrying a newfound richness.
Without hesitation, Zee closed the distance between them, wrapping her arms around him. "And you're so warm," she murmured, her voice trembling slightly.
Morro pulled her closer, his own arms tightening around her. "So are you," he whispered.
"Get a room," Jay muttered, though the corners of his mouth twitched upward in a grin.
The group burst into laughter, the tension finally breaking as they watched Morro and Zee share a moment of quiet joy.
Before the laughter could fully subside, the portal flared to life again. This time, it delivered Cole, who landed with a controlled step. Like Morro, his form was now fully human, his dark hair tousled and his expression unreadable as he took in his restored body. His apparel mirrored Morro's—a crisp white gi with golden accents that seemed almost symbolic of the transformation he had undergone.
The group erupted into cheers as they surrounded him, pulling him into a flurry of hugs and pats on the back. Cole, usually reserved, allowed himself a rare smile as he looked around at his friends.
"It's good to be back," he said simply, his voice carrying a weight of gratitude.
The group made their way back to Heroes' Square, their spirits lifted as they rejoined the Day of the Departed celebration. The glow of the lanterns and the murmurs of the crowd provided a stark contrast to the tense and eerie atmosphere they had just left behind.
Wu and Garmadon turned at the sound of their approach, their eyes widening as they took in the sight of the restored Morro and Cole.
"Impossible," Garmadon murmured, his tone one of disbelief mixed with awe.
Wu stepped forward, his expression softening into a rare smile. "Not impossible," he said quietly. "A miracle."
As the group dispersed to mingle with the crowd, Morro lingered near the edge of the square, his gaze fixed on the flickering lanterns. Zee stood beside him, her hand resting lightly on his arm.
"I never thought I'd get this chance," Morro said softly. "To be… whole again."
Zee smiled up at him. "You deserve it."
Morro shook his head. "No, this… this wasn't me. I don't know how or why, but I feel like this happened for a reason." He looked at Mack, who was standing with Misako and Wu, and then back at Zee. "There's a God, Zee. I'm sure of it. And He's good. Sensei was right—it's a miracle."
Zee nodded, her expression gentle. "So, what does that mean for you?"
Morro's smile widened slightly. "It means I'm going to RCIA with Mack tomorrow night. I think… I think this happened so I could be baptized."
Zee smiled and leaned into him, his warmth a helpful antidote for the chilly air. "I think you're right."
Nearby, Cole stood with Lloyd and Kai, his arms crossed as he listened to the others talk.
"You alright?" Lloyd asked, glancing at him.
Cole nodded slowly. "Yeah. It's… a lot to process." He paused, his gaze distant. "Morro thinks this was some kind of divine miracle."
"You don't?" Kai asked.
Cole shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe it was. Maybe it wasn't. Either way, I'm not jumping to any conclusions."
Lloyd smiled faintly. "Well, miracle or not, it's good to have you back."
Cole's lips twitched into a small smile. "Thanks. It's good to be back."
As the night wore on, Kasey found herself standing with Nya near the edge of the square. The events of the evening had left her thoughtful, but as she watched Morro and Cole regain their humanity, a quiet sense of resolve began to settle in her heart.
"I think I've made my decision," Kasey said softly.
Nya turned to her, her expression curious. "Yeah?"
Kasey nodded, a faint smile crossing her lips. "Seeing them tonight—what they went through, what they gained—it reminded me why I became a Guardian in the first place. It's worth it, Nya. The risks, the dangers… all of it. It's worth it."
Nya's smile widened as she placed a hand on Kasey's shoulder. "I'm glad to hear that. And for what it's worth, I think you made the right choice. You're a great Guardian."
Kasey's smile grew, and for the first time in weeks, the doubts that had plagued her began to fade.
The vigil carried on, the lanterns swaying gently in the cool night breeze. The Guardians mingled with the crowd, their laughter and conversation blending with the soft murmur of the celebration.
The Day of the Departed was a time to honor the past, but tonight, it also marked a new beginning. Cole and Morro, no longer bound by their ghostly forms, stood as living testaments to the power of redemption and second chances. For the Guardians, it was a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty and sacrifice, hope always endured.
Under the golden glow of the lanterns, the team stood together, ready for whatever challenges the future might bring.