Avicii - Wake Me Up

They tell me I'm too young to understand

They say I'm caught up in a dream

Well life will pass me by if I don't open up my eyes

Well, that's fine by me

—

A/N: Do you all think about the subplots I've created? If so, what are your theories/thoughts?

Within Grand Sensei Dareth's Mojo Dojo, Lloyd wore a blindfold while most of his teammates surrounded him with their weapons ready in their grasp. Off to the side, you observed, occasionally sparking electricity between your fingertips now that the others knew.

''Don't rely on your eyes. Use your ears.'' Cole instructed. The ninja began to move toward Lloyd, who kept on his feet and turned around to face each of his teammates, anticipating which one would strike first.

''Uh, guys, I'm teaching a class later, so I'd appreciate a clean dojo.'' Dareth requested, pushing aside the bead curtains.

His request had been ignored. All at once, the ninja struck. Lloyd leapt into the air just in time, leaving the weapons to hit space. Lloyd kicked one of Zane's shurikens out of his grasp, grabbing Cole's scythe and using it to block a hit from Kai, slamming its base into the floor and spinning with it to kick the others in their faces.

Cole landed near Dareth, stumbling back into the man before rejoining the fight, heading to attack Lloyd on the ground but he leapt out of the way in time again. A few more attempted dodged strikes and Lloyd kicked Jay into Dareth's fake trophy case.

''Ah! No, no, no! No, no, no! No! No, no, no.'' Dareth panicked, running over to his precious trophies, and opening the window just as Jay was thrown out of it. He closed it soon after.

While Dareth's attention was stolen by Lloyd summoning green fire in his palms, you swung open the windows to let Jay back in.

''Thanks!'' The Lightning Ninja told you. Jay then grabbed your offered hand and you pulled him back inside. Lloyd pulled off the blindfold, blinking a few times at the slash marks littered around the room, none of which Dareth was particularly fond of. The ground trembled beneath your feet and static came from the TV, the group turning their gazes to it.

''NGTV reporter Gayle Gossip on the scene of what appears to be an earthquake rocking the city of Ninjago. But it's an earthquake like no other, as scientists have yet to pinpoint the cause. And more frightening still, the aftershocks are getting stronger.'' Gayle reported onscreen, holding a microphone.

The ground shook again, leaving you unsteady with a gulp.

''What do you think this could be?'' Cole questioned.

''Wouldn't be surprised if it was Garmadon. We haven't seen him for a while.'' Kai answered.

Misako walked over, a worried expression on her face. ''He would never. Lloyd's father is evil, but he would never do anything to put his son in harm's way.'' She claimed.

''Misako's right. He only tried to thwart his training. This is something else.'' Wu said.

''But what is it?'' Jay asked Misako.

Zane whistled, summoning his Falcon. ''My friend, be my eyes and look for danger in the streets from above.'' The robotic bird landed on Zane's outstretched arm, the nindroid walked over to the window and the Falcon took flight.

Closing your eyes, you felt your ears twitch while listening to your surroundings. Rumbling, the clatter of crumbling concrete against the pavement, civilians screaming and all the while a dog barked in terror. Another moment, and you pinpointed the origin.

The others called your name in confusion as you opened your eyes and rushed out, yelling: "We need to hurry!''

Lloyd charged ahead alongside you, pulling his mask over his face as you followed, with the others doing the same.

''Ninja to the rescue! Go!'' Lloyd shouted, leaping headfirst into the hole.

''Go!'' Zane yelled, grabbing Lloyd's feet.

''Go!'' You were next to jump, grabbing Zane's feet.

''Go!'' Kai said, doing the same for you.

''Go!'' Jay yelled, Cole grabbing him before he could fall into the hole.

The ninja chain came close to the woman's hand, but the part she stood on sank further. Cole kept his grip on the Lightning Ninja, holding everyone with the strength he had.

''Few more inches, guys,'' Lloyd informed, reaching for the woman's hand. Snickers the dog whimpered beside Cole, who dug his feet into the ground and began pulling the ninja chain back.

''Appreciate the support, doggy.'' Cole barely spared the dog a glance. You glanced to the side, a jagged crack snaking its way up the chunk of ground that supported the Earth Ninja. Tightening your grip, it came barely in time as the chunk collapsed, forcing Cole to hop onto the more stable ground while grunts came from the rest of the ninja. ''Ugh. Could have thought this plan through a little more.'' Cole groaned while the dog continued whimpering. ''No more help, please!''

The Earth Ninja grunted, finally dragging the ninja chain up onto stable ground, now with the lady on the end.

''Oh, thank you!'' The woman rested on her stomach, looking up at Lloyd.

''No sweat.'' The Green Ninja replied.

''Speak for yourself. I did all the work.'' Cole puffed, sitting. Snickers pounced on him, heading for his owner. ''Ugh!''

You helped him up, dusting him off. ''Thanks.'' He said, encasing you in a tight bear hug, a smile surely beneath the mask he wore. Slowly pulling out of it, Cole then stepped back a bit to give you space.

''You're welcome.'' You murmured.

''These things keep coming with no warning!'' Kai said, as Misako and Wu ran over, the former clutching a scroll.

''That's it. A warning. The scrolls said the earthquakes would be a warning. A warning for something far worse to come.'' Misako replied, unravelling the scroll to show dark hands reaching from a crevice as people fled from it.

''Far worse? What could be far worse?'' Jay dared to ask.

''Misako, the indestructible Stone Warrior we fought yesterday. Where did you find him?'' Cole asked the old woman.

''He was buried under the city,'' Misako answered.

Jay gasped. ''You don't think there's more, do you?''

''It is possible.'' You worriedly replied.

''Be on guard, ninja. We must be ready for whatever comes our way.'' Wu cautioned. Cries coming from below briefly took your attention from what was occurring on the ground, the desperate screams of Skales and the thudding of marching echoing.

Zane's Falcon caught a glimpse of a Stone Warrior Swordsman walking out of an alleyway, people fleeing the scene upon spotting it. The nindroid brought his focus back to the group, his gaze resting on Wu.

''Sensei, it's as we feared. Another Stone Samurai Warrior is loose on the streets.'' Zane told the old man. The fist of a Stone Warrior broke free from the ground within the group's tight circle. You hopped back out of instinct.

''It's the apocalypse!'' You shouted, more of the Stone Warrior's fists breaking through the concrete, the rest of the ninja team despairing with each that appeared.

''We're under attack!'' Wu got into a battle stance with Misako beside him.

''As this army of stone statues sweeps over the city, no one is safe. Mayhem and destruction are their only want. Attempts at communication have failed, prohibiting even the desperate option of surrender! The mayor has already called for a massive evacuation!'' Gayle Gossip told her watchers as the Stone Warriors appeared.

Citizens attempted to flee from the Ancient Stone Warriors, with Dareth running out of his dojo and accidentally bumping into Vinny of NGTV News.

''That's it, I'm out of here,'' Vinny said, running off and leaving his camera behind.

''Quitter!'' Gayle called out after her former cameraman. Turning around, she looked at Dareth. ''Ugh! You! Wanna be my cameraman?''

''Uh...not really,'' Dareth told her. He got up, holding the camera.

''Great! Follow me! I need this shot. You getting this?'' Gayle questioned while Dareth peeked around the corner, seeing a group of Stone Warriors gathered and causing mayhem.

''Uh, I hope so.'' Dareth pointed the camera at her.

Gayle cleared her throat. ''I'm standing outside Grand Sensei Dareth's Mojo Dojo, training headquarters of the ninja, only to find that even here, no one is safe.''

Through the lens of the camera, Dareth noticed an approaching Stone Warrior coming from behind. ''Uh, Gayle, um—''

''Hey. I talk, you film.'' Gayle snapped.

''But Gayle—'' Dareth tried to warn her.

''No buts.'' She replied before screaming as the Warrior grabbed her. Zane appeared, kicking the Stone Warrior and catching Gayle before she could get injured.

''You seem in need of assistance,'' Zane said, holding her.

''Thanks, Mr Ninja,'' Gayle replied. You and the others arrived as backup while the Stone Warriors approached with their weapons.

''Stay strong. Show no weakness.'' Cole faced the city invaders. The Ultra Sonic Raider with Misako, Wu and Lloyd appeared bowling over the Stone Warriors in their way.

Wu and Misako hopped out when it stopped. ''We have to protect the people. Gather as many as you can and get them to our evacuation point.'' Wu ordered.

''We've got problems with that evacuation point, guys. I can't find a safe place to land!'' Nya announced from the Raider's screen.

''The NGTV office building has a helipad on the roof.'' Gayle pointed to her work's skyscraper.

''Yes. Higher ground. Lloyd, tell Nya to head there.'' Wu told his nephew.

Gayle focused the camera on herself. ''Citizens of Ninjago who have yet to evacuate the city, head to the NGTV building rooftop. Our heroic ninja will evacuate you from there! But hurry. We're running out of time.'' She told her watchers.

Meanwhile, in a part of Ninjago city, someone called Rev set up a stall with rows upon rows of vials filled with green liquid, its sign reading 'GDVT'. A few customers waited in line.

''I'm not letting any more of you gain tunnel vision! The Ninja Ball run was an example that was fixed by the Orange Ninja!'' They shouted, a few of the customers giving each other confused glances. The commotion gained the attention of a few passersby Stone Warriors, who approached.

Glaring at them, Rev grabbed a small pouch and threw it at the ground, engulfing the stand and themself in a cloud of pink smoke. When it cleared, the stand disappeared, as did Rev and the customers. The Stone Warriors looked around in confusion before continuing with their attack on the city.

Stone Warriors charged toward the Ultra Sonic Raider. ''Uh-oh. There are more of them.'' Lloyd said, looking at them. The Ultra Dragon appeared, slamming into the ground and knocking them out. ''Yeah! Haha!''

''Lloyd, did you practice your Elemental Quakes?'' Wu questioned the Green Ninja.

''Who needs to practice when you're a natural?'' Lloyd asked. He leapt out of the Raider, doing a flip before slamming his fists into the ground, forcing the Earth to do his bidding as it rose in front of him, forming a wall. Most of the ninja, Misako and Wu got onto the Raider, though you stayed on the ground as an idea came to you. ''Thanks, boy. Now see if you can help us find a way out of here.'' Lloyd hopped back onto the Raider, Ultra freezing the Warriors to create a ramp. ''Good. Now save yourself!''

''Ultra, wait!'' You called out to the dragon, Flame's head huffing as it landed near you, each of the dragon's four heads staring at you curiously. Hopping on, you grabbed the reins. 'I hope you know where we're going.'

'If you're talking about that, then yes.' Morro replied. 'I couldn't let Cole have it, could I?'

'I suppose not, breezy bi-'

'Don't you dare finish that sentence.' Weather Boy interrupted. 'Let's get going. Before it's too late.'

''Where are you headed?" Cole questioned, gazing up at you.

''To retrieve what was lost.'' You simply answered, whipping the reins once and the dragon took off with you at the saddle.

—

Soaring above the clouds, the winds blew through your hair, your mask temporarily down to enjoy the cool feeling of the air despite how cold it was. Daringly, you let go of the reins, standing up on the saddle, laughing at the adrenaline rush it gave you.

Shard's head turned to face you, uttering a low growl to warn you. Huffing, you sat back down, taking control of the reins. Pulling on them, Ultra dove beneath the cloud cover, while begrudgingly you put your mask back on, spotting the village of Jamanakai below.

A few children standing around pointed up at the massive four-headed beast, even more noticing a figure dressed in orange on its back. Leaping off the dragon, you landed on the outskirts of the village, facing the edge where below, fog shrouded the cliff.

You signalled to Ultra, moving a finger in a circle to tell him to circle the village until you returned.

'The scroll's down there, I'll bet.' Morro informed. You inwardly groaned at his choice of words.

'If it's not down there, all of this will be a waste of time or my life, worst case scenario.' You replied, bracing yourself for the worst to come as you found a ledge to climb down to, anticipating a fall as you had at the start. Eventually, the fog surrounded you, obscuring most, if not all of your vision.

One wrong move here could prove to be your last.

Okay, maybe you should've brought Cole. He was more qualified than you to be a mountain climber. He would've aced this no questions asked.

'Don't think so kindly of him, he let the scroll fly away.' Morro grumbled.

'You're the one who made it fly away in the first place.' You reminded him, glancing around. Your hearing didn't seem to be useful here.

A gust tore through the fog, briefly slicing through the thick of it. Ahead, you spotted the scroll, nestled between two rocks and was about to fly away on the gust that had appeared out of nowhere.

'That was me trying to make it up to you.' Morro pointed out.

'How sweet.' You stumbled towards it. One of your feet caught on a rock, the ground falling beneath you while you tumbled over. Hitting the solid ground, you hadn't realised how rapid your heart rate was when you stood back up. 'Oh, goodness.' You attempted to steady your breaths.

'It wasn't collapsing.' Morro told you. Rolling your eyes, you waved a hand through the fog, the scroll appearing. Grabbing it, you held it close and turned your gaze to the cliff wall.

''Okay, how the heck am I going to get back up?" You furrowed your eyebrows, latching onto the first rock that jutted out. ''It's just like rock climbing back home...''

'It's definitely not, you'll die if you fall.' Morro replied.

'Can't you help me get up?' You questioned.

'My abilities are limited in this space.'

'I'm guessing that's a no.' You groaned. Keeping the scroll close, you began attempting to climb, though every time you glanced at the ground you forced yourself to press your body against the rocks, clenching your eyes shut before opening them and continuing.

Eventually, it got to the point where you didn't dare move, finding it harder to breathe. Your eyes clenched shut again, though this time they didn't easily open, hoping that doing this would help solve your problem.

It didn't.

Nothing was as easy as you wanted it to be. Taking a deep breath, you steeled yourself and turned your gaze upward, throat dry and limbs beginning to quiver. If you didn't do anything soon you'd fall, and this time you wouldn't get back up.

The fog surrounding you appeared similar to the clouds. Fluffy in appearance, yet damp. The sun would be hiding behind them if you imagined it hard enough. Your breathing slowed, heart rate calmed.

All of a sudden, your feet no longer touched the cliff. Scrambling for purchase, your legs found empty air, yet simultaneously, there was no weight to them. Glancing back, your eyes widened, spotting them floating level with the rest of you.

''Uhh?" You stared at your hands, hoping you were right. Letting go, you gasped, finding yourself floating off the ground, though there was still some ground left to cover. When you finally figured out how to fly to the top, you found Ultra surrounded by a crowd of children.

One child was currently attempting Grand Theft Dragon.

''Hey, kids, uh, got Ninjago to save here.'' You told them as you rushed over. ''Gonna need him, he's going to be a saviour too.''

The kids gasped, half of them rushing towards you in excitement, swarming you almost immediately. ''Oh my, it's an Orange Ninja!'' A few of them cheered. Right now, your limbs felt like lead, and hanging around wouldn't be much of an option for you if you wished to get back to the others safely.

The other half of the kids remained beside Ultra, with one brave kid offering a piece of chicken to the huge beast.

Glancing up, you spotted an old woman watching you from afar, a small smile on her face. In a way, she looked familiar, but in reality, she was only similar, not the same, to someone you had met before. Did that matter now? Not in the moment.

You tore your gaze away from her, stepping over to the kid who gave Ultra a piece of chicken. ''Hey, brave one, look after the others for me, will ya? I have some saving to do.'' The young girl stared back up at you with wide eyes.

''Y-yes, I understand,'' She immediately saluted, nervously grinning. The other kids snickered while the girl averted her gaze, embarrassed. You hopped onto Ultra, grasping the scroll.

''Cya, kids.'' You saluted the girl. Her face broke into a warm smile, the kids surrounding her groaning. ''Take us back, Ultra.'' You told the dragon, who flew into the air. Letting out a sigh, you closed your eyes, trusting the dragon could keep you safe.

—

Rocky's head woke you up with a roar, once more the dragon descended below the clouds as you sat upright in the saddle. Ultra flew through pillars of smoke, a single beat of his powerful wings blowing it away before you could breathe it in.

''The Destiny's Bounty!'' You exclaimed, spotting the flying ship. Ultra sped towards it, slowing when he was near enough. Sliding off, you noticed the four-headed dragon's orange-coloured wing claws and green-coloured wing spikes.

You hit the deck of the Bounty hard, just as Wu and Misako did the same. Jay and Kai came to your side, grabbing your arms and helping you up.

''What'd I miss?" You coughed, standing.

''(Y/n)!'' The others shouted in relief.

''Hey, that's not what I was asking for, but I'll take it.'' You shrugged.

''Where'd you go?" Cole asked.

You held up the scroll. ''To grab this.'' The Earth Ninja attempted to grab it but you took it out of his reach in time, remembering what Morro had told you. Heading below deck, you navigated through the ship, stopping at your door. A shadow appeared on your shoulder and you whipped around to meet its owner.

Your mother and your father faced you, with smiles on their faces. Grinning, you ran at them, leaping into your mother's arms for a hug. ''It's so good to see you safe.'' Your mother said, hugging you back just as tightly.

''There was never any doubt in the first place.'' Your father admitted once you let go and took a small step away. ''You should rest, you almost look dead.''

A small chuckle came from you. ''Yeah, I guess I do.'' You rubbed your shoulder, opening your bedroom door.

''Have a good rest.'' Your mother smiled at you. Smiling back, you closed the door.

—

Laying on your bed, it was hard to fall asleep even if you were exhausted. Somewhere on the ship, you could hear your parents talking to each other in hushed voices.

''...Please don't go back to the museum, even if it's a Thursday.'' Your father whispered.

''Why not?" Your mother questioned, some irritation showing in her voice.

''If he finds out what you've been doing there, I fear you won't be the only one in trouble.'' He cautioned.

Grumbling, your mother then sighed. ''Fine, but what else can I do?''

Your father fell silent, seemingly thinking of a response. You began getting drowsy, your parent's words harder to keep track of.

''Whatever you do, don't put a target on your back.'' Was the last you heard before you fell asleep.

Alright, should your parents come with you to the Dark Island or stay at Ninjago?

Yes.

No.

I'll think about it.

I didn't make this a rewrite for no reason, let's just say a few things have been... changed. :)

I intend to fill in plot holes the OG had, simply because what follows was confusing for some. And, would anyone mind if the Dark Island was a bit more scary? Or shall I leave it as it is?

(Please, I'm desperate to be more serious with my writing).

​​Don't forget to vote, go wild with your comments and share this story if you love it. ♥️

Without further ado,

See ya, Bookworms.

WriterAgreste, over & out!