Jeff Williams - This Will Be The Day (ft. Casey Lee Williams)

They see you as small and helpless

They see you as just a child

Surprise when they find out that a warrior will soon run wild

Prepare for your greatest moments

Prepare for your finest hour

The dream that you've always dreamed is

Suddenly about to flower

—

A/N: Y'all get the popcorn ready 😈

The skies outside remained dark when you opened your eyes. A glance at the clock told you that it was morning, almost an hour until sunrise began, and with it, sunrise exercise. With nothing else to do now that you were awake, you pulled aside the blankets, swinging your legs over so you sat on the edge of your bed.

Your gaze travelled down, resting on the scarring on your legs from the cliff fall, a reminder that only some time ago you had broken legs. Even if time healed most of the wounds, the scars remained. They were there to stay.

Remo shifted in his sleep, murmuring things under his breath, curling up in his spot. The occasional 'ham sandwiches' he whispered put a small smile on your smile with a chuckle. Even in sleep, he managed to think about them.

Once you changed out of your pajamas you quietly exited, silently daring the door to make any sort of noise that could wake the others. Down the hall, you tiptoed, though a sound coming from the bathroom stole your attention.

Knocking once, there came no answer from the other side. Tentatively, you turned the knob, poking your head in.

Blocking the view of the mirror, someone in red pyjamas stood there, oblivious to you behind him. Quite a few tubs of hair gel sat on the vanity tabletop, some of them emptied while others were open. Looking closer, you covered your mouth to stifle the laugh that came out.

Kai's hair had been soaked in hair gel, hence the few empty tubs, the boy currently trying to divide the single spike he had formed it into. He shaped them into numerous points though they were sharper than usual making him appear just a bit taller.

The floor creaked underfoot. He stiffened, whipping around in a matter of seconds, albeit this meant some of the gel flew off his hair, some splattering onto the floor. Kai's gaze latched onto you almost instantly, though he didn't make eye contact.

''How long have you been standing there for?" His voice remained quiet, perhaps to ensure the others didn't wake up.

''40 seconds.'' You eyed the hair gel tubs. ''Just a rough estimate.''

Kai huffed, turning back around to grab the empty tubs, and shoving them into the bin off to the side. ''I couldn't sleep.'' He murmured, glancing over his shoulder before fully facing you. ''I thought this would work, but uh,'' He stepped closer, about an arm's length away. ''You're still taller than me.''

''If it's any consolation, Porcupine, you could probably beat my sorry behind in training if you tried hard enough.'' You said with a shrug.

''Porcupine-'' He looked at you weirdly, shaking his head. ''Speaking of training, how about we try that now?"

''With the sunrise exercise, Wu's got planned? Eh, sure.'' You walked out. ''Meet you on the deck.''

—

Wearing your Orange Ninja gi, you walked onto the deck, the skies above beginning to brighten with the sun approaching the crest of the horizon. You vaguely remembered the warm-up stretches the ninja had been doing way earlier, in the time before Lloyd had grown up too quickly.

It didn't take long for your muscles to ache in protest with each stretch, save for your arms as they had been used to strenuous exercise while using the wheelchair. You glanced over your shoulder, spotting Kai in his ninja gi joining you on the deck.

He stopped upon seeing you.

''Like what you see?" You smirked, taking your mask off. If he had his off he would have likely had his face as red as his gi. Snorting, you shook your head with an amused look on your face. ''I'm only joking.''

Kai's eyes squeezed shut momentarily. When he opened them, he walked over to join you. ''Yeah, joking...'' He muttered, starting to do his stretches. Kai remained silent as you copied his stretches for the warm-up.

You pushed back down the guilt that bubbled up to the surface, deciding to get into a fighting stance. It wasn't your best since you had only learnt it from observing the ninja in training, not by experience.

A shadow fell upon your back, and you became aware of Kai standing behind you.

''Keep your legs shoulder-width apart and bend your knees slightly.'' He walked around you, stopping in front of you. Awkwardly, you did as he said. ''Loosen up,'' Kai instructed.

''You're really getting into the mentor role, huh?" You mused, having followed his instructions. Kai rubbed the back of his neck at that. Forming your hand into a fist, you punched forward.

''Your thumb shouldn't be on the inside of your fist, I learnt that the hard way- keep it on the outside of your fist.'' He informed. You smiled, placing your thumb on the outside of your fist. ''Good job.''

By now, the sun had risen high enough to peek above the horizon and the rays of light shone from behind the gathered clouds, haloing their outlines in a fiery orange glow while the rest lay in shadow.

''I haven't seen a sunrise quite like this in a while.'' You mused to yourself, unclenching your fists as you relaxed. With that, a realisation dawned upon you. ''Ah. Sunrise exercise.''

Somewhere in the Destiny's Bounty, an alarm clock began blaring, a few groans and mumbles coming from the other boys in the shared bedroom, with only one unaffected by the annoying noise. Being a nindroid, Zane slept through it easily.

Jay rolled over and fell out of his bed, hitting the floorboards with a grunt. He pushed himself onto his side and glared daggers at the alarm clock. Lloyd let a glowing sphere of Energy grow in his hands before he shot it at the alarm clock, shutting it off once it hit the floor.

''Is it Wednesday already?'' Lloyd grumbled.

Jay held his head, standing. ''Sunrise exercise. I hate sunrise exercise.''

The door to the bedroom swung open and their Sensei stepped in with a cup full of tea. ''Ah. Good morning, morning, morning! Up, up. It's a new day, students.'' He opened the blinds to let sunlight stream in. ''Before we begin sunrise exercise, I noticed the dragon made another mess outside. It looks like a two-person job, hehe.'' He left the room as quickly as he had entered, the door closing behind him.

''Uh, what was that, Sensei?'' Cole questioned, putting his hand up to his ear.

''I sense I need to be somewhere else,'' Zane informed the others.

''Lloyd, haha. I'm sure you got this, heh.'' Jay told the Green Bean, following the others to rush out the door.

''Aww, you might've been able to dump chores on me when I was smaller, but I'm grown up now. That's not fair!'' Lloyd exclaimed, the others stopping in their tracks and turning around.

Jay looked at the other ninja, huffing. ''He's got a point.''

''Then we need to settle this like men,'' Cole replied.

''With a round of Rock, Paper Scissors!'' Jay put his hand out, the others doing the same except for Lloyd, who put his forward more hesitantly. ''On the count of three. One, two, three!''

Lloyd clenched his fist as everyone else lay their palms flat, a massive loss with Lloyd's chosen rock against everyone else's chosen paper.

Jay bumped his fist with Cole. ''Haha, paper beats rock!''

The Green Ninja groaned. ''How does paper beat rock?"

He prepared to clean up after the dragon on the rooftop the Destiny's Bounty parked on. You and Kai joined the others, standing with them. You caught a glimpse of Zane gazing at you with a smile when he spotted you.

''I always have to do the dirty work.'' Lloyd held the stinky bag away from himself, goggles covering his eyes.

''Hey, having a pet dragon requires a lot of responsibility,'' Cole replied. Remo looked at you as he said this, then turned his gaze to the others.

''Didn't your mum ever let you have a pet?'' Jay inquired.

Lloyd slipped off the goggles. ''I don't remember my mother. She abandoned me when I was really young.'' He answered, looking down.

''She just left? Who took care of you?'' Kai asked.

''I spent my whole life at Darkley's Boarding School,'' Lloyd replied.

A car alarm went off, and you looked up. Nya slid down the anchor's chain attached to the Destiny's Bounty, rushing towards the group once she touched the ground. ''Hey, I have a mission for you guys. It's the Museum of History! They've asked for you guys! Something really strange has happened.''

''What?'' Her brother asked in confusion.

''You're gonna have to see it to believe it,'' Nya answered.

''Ripley's Believe It or Not? Count me in!'' You replied in excitement.

'Unfortunately, no, as fun as that may sound...' Morro told you. Sighing in disappointment, you joined the others in rushing to the Bounty while Lloyd stayed back to hand the bag to Nya.

''Here, Nya. Hold this.'' Lloyd said, giving her the bag and goggles.

''Wait a minute. What am I supposed to do with these?'' She stared at the two objects before a sound from the dragon made her look at the beast. ''Oh.''

—

The museum doors opened, and you stepped in with the group, walking in further before a man with light grey hair and a goatee walked over to greet you.

''Oh, thank heavens you're here!'' He exclaimed.

''We heard there was an emergency?'' Wu replied questioningly.

''Yes, come, come. Quickly, this way.'' The Curator beckoned, the group following him as he opened a door that led into a hallway, a few janitors on the side attempting to mop up a puddle of bright green liquid. ''The Stone Warrior exhibit opens to the public tonight, and this couldn't have come at a worse time.''

''Uh, what couldn't have come at a worse time?'' Kai asked him.

''Ninjago City appreciates your help in destroying the Great Devourer some time back, but it appears its toxic venom has seeped into the city sewer system and has had the most unusual after-effect.'' The Curator explained, guiding the group along and thus past the janitors.

The fumes from the venom wafted upward, the smell so overpowering Cole's chilli stood as no contestant against its unbearable stench. Simultaneously, the group had to attempt to ignore it to make it bearable at best, some gagging.

Even with the mask on, the smell was revolting, making you wrinkle your nose. The Curator then opened the door to the gift shop, revealing the transformed merchandise. Figurines of toys textured with stone, featuring glowy green eyes and rowdy behaviour, seemingly jeering at you as soon as the door opened.

''The toxicity in the venom somehow brought our merchandise to life! They're so unruly. I just don't know who else to call!'' The Curator explained.

A figurine leapt into Zane's hand, the nindroid inspecting it. The figurine then whacked him in the face with its toy weapon. He crushed it in his grip.

''We've got this covered. I think we can handle a few toys.'' Jay reassured The Curator.

''And please, could you contain the fighting to the gift shop? The doors to the new exhibit will be opening soon. Thank you.'' The Curator closed the door, leaving you and the others to deal with the lively figurines.

Jay swung his nunchucks around, destroying a few. You picked one up, throwing it forward like a bowling ball at a clump of living figurines.

''Strike!'' Remo shouted from his place on your shoulder.

A few headed towards Lloyd, who backed himself up into a corner. Two of the figurines pushed a small stone warrior statue onto him, hitting his head and knocking him onto the ground. ''Whoa! Stupid little guy.'' The Green Ninja tossed them off him before he could be swarmed.

Another pair of figurines spilt beads, making Kai and Cole slip over them and fall onto their backs. Porcupine stood back up with a damaged pride.

''Alright. Playtime's over. Ninja, go!'' Kai whirled into Spinjitzu, the others doing the same.

Though seeing as you weren't able to do that yet you stepped back to give them space. When they stopped, however, the damage had been done. The gift shop was littered with broken vases, shattered figurines and you facepalming. Remo tried doing the same, his tail meeting his face, though only barely.

''Uh, oops.'' Zane managed to say. A vase fell off a shelf, shattering.

The last remaining figurine snuck past, escaping the room almost unnoticed. Wu ran out after it. When the group noticed, they followed after him. Jay cleared his throat, spotting a woman with glasses and grey hair in a plait standing with Wu.

''So, uh, you gonna introduce us?'' He questioned, the group pulling off their masks.

Wu cleared his throat. ''Uh, yes. This is Misako, Lloyd's mother.'' He answered, your chest tightened in contempt while everyone else gasped.

''My...my mother?'' Lloyd struggled to speak, looking at the old woman.

''Ah. Lloyd? My little boy. You're so much bigger than I remember.'' Misako approached her son.

''Yeah, well, it's been a long time,'' Lloyd replied irritatedly, shying away from his mother's hand with a glare.

''I didn't want us to meet like this. I have a reason why I've been away.'' Misako tried to explain.

''Well, I don't wanna hear it.'' The Green Bean told her, turning and walking away.

''Lloyd, wait. Please!'' Misako called out after her son. The door slammed shut behind him. You stared at her, gritting your teeth.

''He has his reasons for not wanting to talk.'' You spoke through gritted teeth, clenching your fists. Misako turned to you, though her gaze moved elsewhere past you.

''I'm sure he does.'' A new voice came from behind, familiar and laced with bitterness. Turning, you found your mother standing at the opposite end of the corridor, her gaze on Misako who she easily towered over.

Striding over, she came face-to-face with Misako, both women glaring at each other. Upon closer inspection, one of her earrings had clock hands, the other a single dagger. Wu backed up, eyeing the two warily.

''What are you doing here in the museum, Tess?" Misako's voice is low and dangerous. ''Looking for something to pique your interest?"

Your mother smiled sickly sweet, chuckling. ''Misako, the reason why you're so good with archaeology is because you like digging up what's been left in the past.'' Your mother smoothly replied, not taking her eyes off the woman.

''Well, I'm not sure how someone with your past could be trusted.'' Misako shot back. ''It's a miracle how you still have people around you.''

''I'm not the one who abandoned her child at a young age at a school for bad boys.'' Your mother's eyes briefly met yours, though she smirked before looking back at Misako. ''You must have forgotten that if you thought you were innocent.''

Both women seemed eager to argue, firing off different things. It seemed like they were attempting to get under each other's skin.

Misako appeared to be losing, throwing out insults that grew in irrelevance each time she tried something new. You and the others watched silently, albeit you spotted Jay silently cheering your mother on. Cole elbowed his side when he noticed.

''I'm sure they should've cast you as the mother's role in Mamma Mia with your love life!'' Misako retorted. Your mother drew a sharp breath, stopping in her tracks.

''You did not just say that.'' If looks could kill, your mother would've taken out Misako on the spot. Misako remained firm in her place.

''I just did.'' Misako crossed her arms.

Your mother huffed. ''If you're unwilling to budge, then-''

''Enough!'' Wu cried out, standing between the two women. ''Somewhere in the museum, my nephew is alone. Arguing with each other will get us nowhere.''

Misako finally backed down, stepping away from your mother who sighed in relief. The two women refused to make eye contact with each other but it wasn't like they were making it in the first place. It fell silent.

Jay opened his mouth to speak but a warning look from Cole stopped him before he could.

—

Walking into where Misako and her son were, you noticed the Green Bean sitting at the edge of a hole roped off on all sides. His mother stood on the other side, with tapestries detailing events hanging on the walls behind her.

''Long before time had a name, Ninjago was created by the First Spinjitzu Master—'' Misako began.

''Yeah, yeah. We've heard this story a hundred times.'' Lloyd cut her off.

''But you've only heard half of it. In Ninjago, there has always been balance between good and evil. So you know about how the First Spinjitzu Master created Ninjago, but what if I were to tell you in order for there to be light, there must be shadow, and within shadow, there is darkness. The blackest of darkness that existed from the very beginning. An evil spirit called "The Overlord''.'' She explained.

You turned your gaze up to the tapestries, skimming over their contents before you refocused on Misako.

''Did you know about this, Sensei?'' Zane questioned.

''I had hoped if I'd kept the secret, that name would never be spoken again.'' Something-I-Haven't-Told-You answered.

''The balance was at stake, and their battle could have gone on for eternity.'' Misako continued. ''Each side powerful, neither could conquer the other until the Overlord created his indestructible warriors: The Stone Army...''

''...The Spinjitzu Master did what he could, but he knew he would soon be defeated. So instead of losing the war, he divided Ninjago in two. And lucky for us, since then there has been no trace of the Overlord or his Stone Army, until my recent discovery.'' Misako finished, looking at the group.

''So that's why the battle has yet to be decided. It was never finished.'' Kai realised.

You then looked around, frowning when you didn't see your mother. You hadn't heard her walk off, but maybe you were too busy following the others.

''But where is this Dark Island?'' Cole asked. ''I've never heard of it.''

''Disappeared, I presume,'' Misako replied. ''But the legend states that so long as the balance between good and evil remains even, the Overlord shall remain trapped from this world. I have always feared your father's ambition will ultimately lead to a shift in the balance. That is why he must be stopped.''

''We have each felt the power of the First Spinjitzu Master, passed onto us in the form of the elemental weapons. But now that power has been inherited by the Green Ninja, which is why only Lloyd can defeat the ultimate evil, or else all of Ninjago will fall prey to its darkness.'' Wu informed.

''What about the Orange Ninja?" Cole questioned, his gaze landing on you. Misako looked over at you.

'Yes, what about the Orange Ninja?' Morro asked.

''None of my texts discuss it in detail. And if they do point to something significant about it, I cannot find a way to translate the language that they're written in.'' Misako admitted. ''It's not Ninjargon, that's certain.''

''Maybe because it wasn't meant to be read by humans.'' You spoke up. Zane and Kai's gazes landed on you, the latter you remember Venomari spit getting into his eyes and making him see things.

''Wait, what-'' Jay's eyes widened.

''What exactly are you saying?" Cole questioned.

You quivered under their gazes, losing your train of thought. Lloyd stood up, going to your side. ''Maybe they don't want to tell us just yet.''

You sent a grateful look the Green Bean's way, and he smiled. ''But I can say this. I haven't yet attained my True Potential. I know it's possible, but...'' You trailed off, remembering what you told Zane.

''The idea of letting the others find out is... frightening for some reason. I'm surrounded by humans, and yes, I know some of them well but there's this little voice in my head telling me I'd have the wake-up call of my life if I revealed it.''

''...right now, we should just focus on what to do.'' You told them instead.

Outside, in the main hall of the museum where The Curator readied himself to unveil the museum's newest exhibit while the crowd gathered in front of a statue covered with a large red cloth.

''And now, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you this museum's greatest find. It outdates every other piece we have here, found right underneath this very building. I give you, an ancient Stone Samurai Warrior!'' The Curator announced, tugging off the cloth to show the massive Stone Warrior underneath. A couple of 'oohs' and 'aahs' went up from the crowd.

A single drop of venom seeped through the ceiling, landing on the Stone Warrior's head. Its eyes opened, prompting fear from the crowd.

''It's alive!'' You heard a man call out from a nearby room while the others talked.

''Impossible! It just looks life-like.'' The Curator defended before terrified cries came from him. People screamed and fled in terror as it swung its butterfly swords at them.

You noticed the other room became a lot quieter.

''Have you discovered a way to prevent me from facing my father?'' Lloyd asked his mother.

''I'm sorry, not yet. But I have reason to believe there's still hope.'' Misako answered.

The door shattered behind you making you whip around to face it, the others doing as well while your jaw dropped at the size of the former statue.

''Whoa! Excuse me?! Would somebody please tell me: WHAT THE HECK IS THAT?!!'' Jay screamed, pointing at it.

''The Stone Warrior.'' Misako told him.

''The Devourer's venom has awakened him!'' Zane said whilst looking at it.

''Oh, great! Kai, take care of him.'' Cole told the Porcupine.

''Um, me? Okay, blockhead. Take this!'' Kai pulled his hood on and took out his sword. He charged forth and did a flip, raising his sword to strike it but when it did the sword shattered into pieces, knocking him back. ''Well, in my mind's eye, I saw that playing out entirely differently. Whoa!'' He cried out in alarm as the Stone Warrior grabbed him by the leg.

''The Overlord created his Stone Army from an indestructible material only found on the Dark Island,'' Misako informed.

''Ah, great. You could've mentioned that earlier.'' Kai dangled in the air while in the Stone Warrior's grip before he was tossed over its shoulder and hit a vase, breaking it upon impact.

''Lloyd, use your powers.'' His uncle told him. Lloyd let a sphere of bright green energy grow in his hands before he fired it at the Stone Warrior, knocking it back. It seemed like an easy victory before it walked through the green fire left behind unharmed.

''Wait a minute. How are we supposed to destroy this thing?'' Cole questioned looking at Wu.

''You can't.'' Misako replied.

''How lovely.'' You muttered. ''Well, it looks like we got a statue to fight.''

You pulled on your hood as the others did the same, the Stone Warrior breaking through the wall while the ninja rushed at it. Summoning sparks of electricity, you opted to get up close and deal some hits. Meanwhile, the Stone Warrior was unaffected by Zane's shurikens and kicked Cole back to the others.

Jay rushed forward and swung his nunchucks, the Warrior used its sword to knock them out of his grip, leaving him on his back laying on the floor. It went to stomp on him but he barely got out of the way.

''Aaahh! Hehe, easy big guy, maybe this is a sign you need to lose a few pounds, hehe.'' Jay then got pushed back, nearly falling into the pit. Wu extended his Bo Staff for him to grab, and the Lightning Ninja took it and stood. ''Close call!''

Zane leapt at it, but the Stone Warrior took the hit, still unaffected. Electricity built up in your hands before you aimed your palms forward, narrowing your eyes. Power exploded from your hands, striking the behemoth but alas, it remained unaffected.

All eyes were on you now, no doubt. The room fell silent and you chuckled nervously, looking back at all the shocked expressions on the other's faces.

You then yelped, the Stone Warrior roughly grabbing your arm before tossing you out of the room. The rest of the team followed, some landing on the floor while the rest hit the walls before sliding down.

''Ah! This is gonna be much harder than a bunch of bobble-heads, fellas.'' Cole said, slowly getting up.

Jay walked up to the doorway, looking into the room the group stood in seconds ago. ''Yeah, well, then it's a good thing we're in a museum.''

''Why is that?'' Misako questioned fearfully.

''...'Cause we're all about to become history! RUN!'' Jay answered when the Stone Warrior broke through the doorway again, leaving a bigger hole. He then turned and fled, forcing you and the others to follow while the Stone Warrior was on your tail.

''If I go down in history, remember me for centuries!'' You shouted whilst running.

''The guy's got a pair of sneakers on him. Pick up the pace, go, go, go!'' Lloyd urged and the rest of the group picked up the pace. Entering the main hall, you sprinted with them, the Stone Warrior still hot on your heels.

Up a flight of stairs and past the railing, Kai glanced back. ''Oh, man. He's pretty fast for a big guy!'' Kai shouted.

Looking ahead, you pointed to a pair of doors. ''There! We can block the doors to buy ourselves time!'' You rushed past the threshold, waiting seconds for the others to pass before you began pushing against a door to help close it before the Stone Warrior could approach.

It bashed its blade against the door, slowly breaking it. You put all of your weight into keeping it closed, though Cole pulled you away, the tip of the Stone Warrior's blade only centimetres away from your face. Thankfully, the doors stayed closed, but it wouldn't be for long.

''Ah. This thing is unstoppable!'' Cole stared at the door as the hole in it grew.

''Indestructible, to be precise,'' Zane replied.

''That door ain't gonna hold him forever.'' Kai pointed out.

''Then let's settle this like men. With Rock, Paper, Scissors. Loser has to face him, so the rest can escape.'' Jay said, holding out his hand, including yourself and Lloyd. Jay shoved your hand and Lloyd's hand out of the way. ''Nu-uh, not you, Chosen Ones.''

''You've gotta be kidding me.'' You grumbled, sending the Lightning Ninja a quick glare.

Kai sighed. ''On three. One, two—''

''Wait a minute, that's it!'' Lloyd exclaimed, getting an idea.

''What's "it"?'' Wu questioned the Green Ninja.

''If you guys can keep him busy, I think I know how to stop him,'' Lloyd answered.

Zane looked at him, then at Cole. ''I say we give the kid a shot,'' Cole replied.

''You're just saying that 'cause you're too afraid to face him,'' Jay told him, looking at the Earth Ninja.

''Do you wanna face it?'' The Earth Ninja asked.

''I say we give the kid a shot.'' The Lightning Ninja answered.

Looking around, Lloyd spotted a vent, opened it and crawled inside. You watched him as he briefly turned to meet your gaze.

''Be careful, Lloyd. And good luck.'' Misako told him.

Lloyd kept silent, avoiding his mother's gaze and headed further into the vent. On the other side of the door you came in from, the Stone Warrior still bashed at the wood, surprisingly enough.

—

You peeked out from behind a pillar with the others, a balcony railing separating you from the Stone Warrior as it searched for your group. Backing up, it didn't notice Jay signalling to Cole who leapt onto the ribcage of a dinosaur skeleton, slicing at the ropes that held it up.

It crashed into the Stone Warrior, burying it under bones. Jay slid down the spine of a stegosaurus skeleton, the others following him and landing on their feet. Walking over, the group approached the pile to check if it was still kicking.

''Whoa! Direct hit! Haha!'' Jay exclaimed. ''Alright!''

''Hey-hey! Did we get him?'' Cole inspected the pile. The Giant Stone Warrior's hand shot out of the pile, and a few stray bones were sent tumbling down.

''He's still here!'' Kai said.

You heaved a sigh. ''We never get lucky now do we?"

''You think Lloyd's ready with his plan?'' Zane questioned.

''I hope so!'' Cole answered. Everyone turned on their heels, running away as the Stone Warrior burst out of the pile with the dinosaur skull atop its head.

Misako tripped over, getting up before Wu could help her up. ''Ah! I may not be a ninja, but I can look after myself.''

She vaulted over the railing, grabbed a banner and slid down it. Everyone followed her example, landing safely. The Giant Stone Warrior appeared, the force of its landing knocking you and the other ninja aside. It broke the dinosaur skull on its head with its sword.

Groaning, you got up, wobbling on your feet. Jay grabbed your arm, steadying you. ''Thanks.'' You muttered to him, your arm and the rest of your limbs aching with all that happened.

''Is anyone going to talk about how you unleashed lightning on the Stone Warrior?" Jay asked, his gaze scanning the rest of the team before coming to rest on you. ''That's my thing!''

'I guess you know how I feel after you used my powers in that volcano.' Morro grumbled.

Cole snickered, staring at the Lightning Ninja with a smirk. ''Would that make them your sibling?" He questioned. Jay backed away, a horrified expression on his face appearing.

''No, no- before you can jump to conclusions, I'm not related to you, Jay, even if there is some overlap of powers.'' You tried to defuse the situation, yet Jay didn't look satisfied with your answer. ''Look, I'm not the Master of Lightning, you still are.''

''Okay.'' Jay nodded.

While in another part of the museum, the Giant Stone Warrior chased after Misako. ''Over here!'' Her son shouted as she ran past, waving his arms.

''Lloyd!'' Misako ran over to her son, getting behind him as he faced the towering Stone Warrior.

''Shh. Hey, loser! Paper beats rock!'' Lloyd told it, enraging the reawakened warrior. As it charged at them, the Green Bean grabbed Misako and jumped out of the way. The floor sank beneath it before tearing, the giant falling into the Bottomless Pit.

Misako peered down into the abyss. ''Of course, the bottomless pit. I'm so proud of you. I feel like the balance has brought us together.''

Everyone else walked into the room, Lloyd taking a small step back from his mother.

''Stay with us. Help us fight the good fight.'' Wu offered Misako.

''If that's okay with my son.'' Misako's gaze travelled to her son, who looked at the others and then back at his mother.

''The more the merrier.'' Lloyd simply replied, giving Misako a tight-lipped smile.

—

Opening his eyes, Remo yawned, looking around at his surroundings. A wave of unfamiliarity hit him, the snake's gaze darting around for anything that could help him get a sense of where he was. The air was heavy with dust, a lot of it getting into his mouth when he breathed in too deeply.

''(Y/n)? Where am I?" Remo asked, though no response came.

He looked around once again, noticing a large white vase veined with blue casting a shadow over him with another, yet smaller one sitting next to it. Just as he was about to move, the ground shook under him, and a pair of voices came closer. Attempting to see what it was, he peeked from the gap where the vase didn't block his view.

A familiar feminine voice he had heard only half an hour now spoke. ''This is a hell of a mess.'' Your mother sighed. Footsteps and grey shoes moved into view. Remo couldn't quite move to get a closer look. He'd risk being found, even with his ability to turn invisible.

''We better get started then!'' The cheery high-pitched voice of a man responded. The room was soon filled with the sounds of their sweeping. Occasionally, the clatter of shattered pottery broke the monotony of sound.

Abruptly, the sweeping stopped. ''You do know I didn't come here to clean up after someone else's mess, right?" Your mother questioned.

''Oh, I see, what is it you wanted to discuss?" The cheery voice questioned, though it soon dropped the cheery tone. ''Knowing you, I have a few ideas.''

Remo strained to hear him, slithering a bit from his spot. His head hit the side of the vase by accident and he let out a squeak of pain, stifling it as soon as he could. Silence followed.

''First, I'll need you to go grab the bins, then we can chat.'' Your mother told the other person, who promptly left the room. Remo waited until he could no longer hear the stranger's footsteps, turning to find another way to sneak out.

He yelped when a hand wrapped around him, pulling him out of his spot. Remo avoided your mother's gaze while she stared him down. ''...surprise?" He weakly joked, gulping when she kept silent.

''What happened?" She sternly questioned.

''I–I just woke up moments ago.'' To him, it didn't seem like a lie, so he was telling the truth. She sighed, setting him down on the floor. ''I don't know how I got here, honest!''

''(Y/n) is outside, so I'd advise you to be quick.'' She told him in a voice that left no room for argument.

''Okay.'' He nodded, turning and slithering towards the way out.

—

Somewhere over the horizon, the Dark Island had finally risen from the waters opposite Ninjago Island. If you squinted hard enough, a shadowy landmass jutted out from the cerulean seas.

'The Dark Island.' Morro spoke, remembering what Misako had said.

''Garmadon has already found it,'' You muttered. A weight settled on your shoulders, and Remo appeared, muttering something about 'accidentally falling off and taking a nap somewhere'.

Remo narrowed his eyes. ''I hate evil overlords.''

''So do I, Remo, so do I...'' You solemnly replied.

Soon, you would know what destiny had in store for you.

👀

Special shoutouts to the creators of the art below, respectively NovaSaysHello & Starligt_galaxy! (In order of being mentioned)

[Nova's art below.] 

[Starligt's art above.]

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Without further ado,

See ya, Bookworms.

WriterAgreste, over & out!