Ultra Dragon's four heads jerked awake, and he sniffed the air cautiously. He growled, glaring angrily behind him. 

    A lone silhouette stood atop a dune in the distance, standing out against the long shadows of early dawn. It was walking towards his and the Masters' tiny campsite.

    He tried nudging the Earth Master awake, but Cole just gently pushed him away and turned over on his side, mumbling, "Sshhh, not yet. Five more minutes."

    The figure didn't stop approaching, and Ultra Dragon grew more agitated. He gave a low warning snarl, partially to ward off the stranger and partially to rouse the others. None of them so much as flinched in their sleep. 

    The Dragon rolled all eight of his eyes. He stomped the sand with a back claw, using the Element of Earth to cause a small wave of sand to roll underneath each of the Ninja. That startled them all awake.

    "Hey, what's goin' on," slurred Kai, reluctantly rising to his feet and stretching.

    Ultra huffed, nudging Kai and pointing with his snouts at the approaching figure on the horizon. 

    Now the Red Ninja was fully awake. "Uh, guys? We got company."

    The Ninja formed a tight defensive circle around Wu.

    "What should we do?" asked Cole, feeling slightly panicked.

    "Fight 'em. Duh," answered Kai.

    "They're not gonna make me go back. That cage smelled awful!" remarked Jay fiercely.

    Zane's sharp optics recognized the shape of the silhouette first. He slackened his stance. "Wait. It is Heavy Metal."

    The others squinted. 

    "Phew, that's a relief," grinned Jay.

    When the Hunter finally reached the group of Elementals, he rasped, "You actually made it farther than I thought."

    "Yeah, we're just full of surprises," smirked Kai.

    "So you broke free from Iron Baron?" asked Wu hopefully, delighted to see the Hunter.

    "I'm supposed to be hunting you down, taking you prisoner, and dragging you back to him," answered Heavy Metal in a dead serious tone of voice.

    The Ninja took a cautious step back while Ultra Dragon gave a deep, defensive growl.

    "But, you won't... right?" gulped Jay.

    The Hunter shook his head then motioned to the remains of the small fire they had managed to scrap together and commented, "That was a foolish move though. It led me straight to y—"

    He broke off in a fit of coughs. 

    Wu quickly offered a small bit of water from the skin that Zahara had delivered the him earlier. He grinned somewhat proudly, "I remembered to save some. I have survival skills."

    Cole ruffled his shaggy white locks fondly. "You sure do."

    "You gonna drink it?" prodded Kai as he noticed the Hunter's hesitation.

    It had been ages since Heavy Metal had removed his mask in front of people. These foreigners didn't know or understand the half of it, but... maybe they wouldn't be bothered. He took a deep breath and without much further ado, unclipped his mask.

    For a moment, the Ninja were confused when Heavy Metal reached to take off his muzzle-like mask then quickly realized that, of course, he needed to drink. They gasped when the noticed the face underneath it and his wide hat was distinctly... female?

    "What?!"

    "How?!"

    "Huh?"

    "Shocking."

    "WE'VE BEEN BAMBOOZLED!"

    Ultra Dragon danced in place, snorting and huffing agitatedly.

    Mid-freakout, Cole suddenly stopped himself, "Oh wait. Why am I freaking out? I already suspected this."

    "You did not!" argued Jay.

    Cole didn't get a chance to defend himself as Kai brought up an interesting point. The Red Ninja facepalmed as he groaned, "Guys... we're terrible. This is the third time we've mistaken a girl for a guy! Nya, Pixal, and now—" He motioned towards Heavy Metal. "What's wrong with us?! Are we blind?!"

    "My optics are in perfect working order," declared Zane immediately.

    "Okay, to be fair, none of them wanted people to know they were girls. They were hiding it on purpose! How were we supposed to know?!" defended Cole.

    Kai turned to Heavy Metal who had sat there quietly, letting them get it all out of their systems. "So... are we gonna get an explanation or something?"

    Heavy Metal sat there silently, choosing to take a deep swig of water. She figured they weren't done gushing about their surprise.

    The Fire Ninja, along with the others, squinted at the woman, now beginning to take in more curious details about her. 

    One eye was a deep scarlet but her other was dark brown, something they hadn't noticed before or seen among the other Hunters. She had pointed ears that twitched every so often, almost like an animal's. Also, if they squinted, underneath her raven-colored hair, two small horns protruded from her skull.

    Jay was the first to point out shakily, "Y-your an Oni?"

    "Half Oni," clarified Heavy Metal forcibly. As she spoke, she also revealed all four of her extra pointed canines.

    Wu frowned thoughtfully. "But I thought the Hunters hated Oni?" 

    "They do," confirmed Heavy Metal. He held up his mask, "Hence this thing."

    "Okay. Then why cover up your gender too?" questioned Kai.

    The Hunter's expression darkened. "That was Iron Baron's 'idea.' He didn't want the others to know his greatest Hunter was a woman. He forbade me to ever take it off."

    She waved off their angered expressions, "But that is not important." Her gaze zeroed in on teen Wu who shifted nervously. "You. You are the Son of the First Spinjitzu Master." Her tone turned almost pleading, "Please. Surely your father told you where to find the Dragon Armor or at least Firstbourne."

    The young teen had definitely mellowed down since his magical growth spurt because gone was his sassy confidence. "I, uh... I'm sorry. I don't know."

    "He is having memory problems," supplied Zane.

    An idea struck Wu. "But," he grinned at Ultra Dragon, "he might. Can you take us to the Dragon Queen?"

    The Hunter's face curled in automatic disgust. Must've been the Oni side coming out. "Really?"

    Ultra Dragon who hadn't stopped glaring at the Hunter since her appearance, gave a frustrated huff. 

    "Is that a yes or no?" questioned Jay.

    The four-headed dragon bobbed his heads up and down.

    Heavy Metal immediately stood, kicking sand over the embers of the Elementals' small fire. "Then we must go. The moment Iron Baron realizes I'm not returning, he'll send out everyone to hunt us. And they won't fail."

    After hurriedly loading Ultra with the small amount of supplies they had stolen from the Hunters during their chaotic escape, Cole motioned to the four-headed dragon. "Okay, buddy. Lead the way."

    The dragon refused to move, still glowering at the Hunter. 

    Jay patted Ultra's side. "Aww, don't be like that."

    Heavy Metal crossed her arms, glaring back at the scaley beast. "I doubt he truly knows where Firstbourne hides."

    Ultra Dragon gave an indignant snarl, marching forward begrudgingly. How dare that thing insult him and his Queen!

    After a few minutes of traveling, Heavy Metal grew tired of trying to somewhat cover up their tracks. She grumbled, "Does the Dragon not have wings?"

    Kai became suddenly defensive. He motioned to the emaciated form of Ultra, saying accusingly, "Hey! It's not his fault! You were the ones who made him too weak to fly."

    Ultra showcased his scarred wings, lightly flapping them.

    "Touché," grunted Heavy Metal as she frowned. She gestured to the tracks. "But we need to get into the sky; otherwise, Iron Baron will have no trouble hunting us down."

    Zane stepped up. "Actually, brothers, I believe I have a solution."

    The Master of Ice took a deep breath and summoned his Elemental Dragon. 

    "Oh yeah! I almost forgot we could do this," exclaimed Jay giddily as he summoned his own Elemental Dragon.

    Kai and Cole followed suit while Wu and Heavy Metal looked on in awe.

    Ultra Dragon sniffed the apparitions and snorted unhappily.

    "Do not fear. You have not been replaced," reassured Zane, mounting his Dragon and patting Ultra Dragon's four snouts.

    "Come on, Wu. Hop on," called Cole, giving the teen a hand to help haul him up.

    Zane motioned behind himself, offering to Heavy Metal, "You may ride with me."

    The Hunter hesitantly mounted the Dragon.

    The next few hours were spent flying across the empty desert, carrying Ultra Dragon between the four of them. Their four-headed friend pointed with his muzzles and gently directed them along the correct course. Occasionally, they came across a wild Dragon or two that warily kept their distance.

    Finally, the Ninjas' strength gave out and they had to stop around noon. 

    As Jay dismounted he yelped as he touched down on scorching desert sand, "Ow!"

    Kai laughed as he walked around with no trouble. The heat didn't affect him in the slightest.

    "You are all at risk of becoming extremely dehydrated. Finding shade would be advisable," recommended Zane.

    Jay scanned the empty plain. "Where?! That cactus?!"

    "Hold up. I got it," panted Cole. He pounded his fists together then punched the ground with his glowing hands, causing a small chasm to open. 

    The others tentatively filed into the newly formed cavern. 

    "Phew!" sighed Jay in relief as he was finally not boiling under the sun.

    Ultra whined, pawing at the tiny entrance.

    "Oh, sorry, bud!" apologized Cole. He immediately widened the opening, allowing the large Dragon to enter.

    "Wow, Cole. Roomy," complimented Kai, wondering how Cole had created such a spacious, sturdy cave with his Element.

    "We can stay here until dusk," permitted Heavy Metal, cautiously peering out and searching for any threats. "But then we must keep moving."

    "Can we ask questions until then?" asked Wu. He, along with the others, were extremely curious about everything in this Realm and this half-Oni.

    "I... can try," offered Heavy Metal uncertainly.

    The group spent the hottest part of the afternoon cooped up in Cole's shelter, listening as Heavy Metal explained her heritage, the harsh rule of Iron Baron, and recounted the tales of Onis and Dragons. In return, the Ninja exchanged their own wild, wondrous tales of Ninjago.

    Wu squirmed around a bit when Cole started messing with his long, pale hair. Somewhere in the middle of Heavy Metal telling them about how she was taken in by Iron Baron after Dragons had killed her family, the young teen ended up with a headband and man bun. 

    Kai quietly gave an approving thumbs up.

    Heavy Metal moved onto the subject of the First Spinjitzu Master. Wu hung on every word.

    "I'm not the only Half-Blood to ever exist in this Realm. Because your father was both Oni and Dragon, he found a bond with the Dragon Mother, and she with him. With her fire, and his metal, they forged the Dragon Armor. Stories say he rode the magnificent beast, but not with chains. He would soar through the skies only with the respect they had for one another. Together, they sought to put an end to the devastating war, and unite the Realm."

    Jay was impressed by both the story and Heavy Metal's storytelling ability. "Wow."

    "That is so cool," commented Kai.

    The Hunter's face darkened as she continued, "But there were those who would never allow it."

    "Why?" questioned Wu instantly.

    "The Oni and Dragon have always been mortal enemies. And there are some divides that cannot be bridged." Her gaze drifted pointedly over to Ultra Dragon who stared back warily. "Seeing there would never be peace, your father was devastated. He took off his armor and left the First Realm forever in hopes of finding the peace he was looking for."

    "That is something we are all still searching for," stated Zane solemnly.

    Right after Zane spoke, Jay piped up, "Ohhhh! So that's why the First Spinjitzu Master created Ninjago. He didn't like this Realm."

    "Heh heh. I don't think Ninjago's as peaceful as he hoped," chuckled Kai, remembering all the evil villains they had fought over the years.

    "And what happened to Firstbourne?" asked Wu.

    "She continued warring against the Oni. Somewhere along the way, enough blood was spilled to turn the desert into an ocean and both sides came to a tentative truce. Firstbourne remained behind, guarding his armor, waiting and hoping for the day of his return."

     "But he never came," sighed Cole sadly.

    "Oh, which is why you think Master Wu can find her," understood Kai.

    "Think? I know. Or Iron Baron will, and we will all die," declared Heavy Metal resolutely.

    "Oh, great," gulped Jay, smiling nervously. "Wu, you better bond with Firstbourne good. And Ultra, please don't let your Queen kill us."

    Zane peered out of the shelter. "It appears the temperature has lowered slightly. Are you ready to continue, brothers?"

    Kai rose and stretched. "Yep."

    As they all filed out into the open and Cole closed the cave underneath a wave of sand, Heavy Metal narrowed her eyes back in the direction of the Hunter's camp. He would be coming for her soon no doubt. She shuddered to think of what would happen when he finally did catch up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Wu somehow drifted off as he sat behind Cole, and as he slept, a dream came to him. 

    He was a young child again, but he quickly realized that this was more of a memory than a dream. His brother Garmadon was a young boy as well. They were hiking up a steep mountain, following after their father who walked nimbly before him.

    Garmadon trudged along beside Wu, weighed down by a heavy pack that was laden with all their supplies. He had a sullen expression, occasionally sneaking small glares at his brother. Finally, he opened his mouth and complained, "Father, I'm tired. Why can't Wu carry this thing?"

    The First Spinjitzu Master didn't slow his steady pace or even turn his head as he answered Garmadon in an even, patient tone, "You are the eldest. Therefore, more responsibility will be given to you. Think of it as a blessing of the oldest."

    "Wu never has to do anything difficult. He always gets what he wants. It's not fair!" huffed the young brunette.

    "That's not true!" argued Wu. "You're just upset 'cause Ninjago doesn't revolve around you."

     "Boys, boys," quieted the First Spinjitzu Master before his sons could get out of hand. "Let's not fight. Garmadon, to take your mind off your heavy load, let's make a little challenge."

    With that, he disappeared around a sharp corner. Wu sped up while Garmadon paused to roll his eyes and let out a groan. Trust his father to turn his one, little question into an entire lesson.

    "Where'd he go?" asked Wu, scanning around the narrow mountain trail.

    Their father had seemingly vanished.

    From the fog to their right, they heard his voice calling to them, giving the challenge and incentive to the two boys. "First to find me gets fish jerky and two rice cakes."

    "How?!" bellowed Garmadon.

    "That is up to you to figure out," answered the First Spinjitzu Master.

    "Ugh, I can't see him through all these stupid clouds," grumbled Garmadon, trying to futilely squint through the clouds as if he had x-ray vision.

    "Hold up. I got this," offered Wu. He jumped up and kicked, doing some sort of fancy move that caused the surrounding fog to be pushed back. 

    "Show off," mumbled Garmadon under his breath. Well, at least now he could finally get a good view of his father who was a small dot on the ledge of a neighboring mountain. 

    Both boys marveled at how their father was able to get all the way over there. 

    Garmadon glared down at the giant chasm. "We can't cross that. It's impossible!"

    After a moment's deliberation, Wu nodded and sighed, "If only we knew how to fly."

    The First Spinjitzu Master laughed at his sons bewilderment. He encouraged them, "Come now. Don't give up so easily. Remember lesson 57 and have faith. It is safe to walk across."

    "Safe to walk across what?" grumbled Garmadon loudly. He leaned closer to Wu and quietly questioned, "What was lesson 57?"

    "Open eyes don't always see truth. Be guided by the spirit," rattled off Wu.

    "Oh." That wasn't as helpful as Garmadon would've hoped. His fool of a brother took the saying to be literal and shut his eyes.

    The young blonde's countenance lit up as he paused and listened. There was a faint sound behind the howling wind, the beating of great wings. He stepped dangerously close to the edge of the cliff, peering down. Nothing could be seen through the thick cloud cover below. Still, he knew what his father wanted him to do.

    "I'm gonna walk to father," announced Wu.

    His older brother stared at him. "You're crazy."

    "Father said to have faith. It's safe," asserted young Wu resolutely.

    "You put too much faith in him. You're gonna die," scoffed Garmadon, having already given up trying to find a way to cross the chasm.

    "But what if I don't," grinned Wu, stepping happily off the edge. 

    The brunette's jaw dropped as he watched his brother plummet down the mountain. That idiot. Father had been wrong.

    Without warning, a ginormous scarlet dragon burst from the clouds, caught Wu, and delivered him to the First Spinjitzu Master who smiled proudly at his youngest son.

    An extra grumpy Garmadon was delivered by Firstbourne a few moments later.

    The elder brother crossed his arms. "It's not my fault I'm not as naïve as Wu."

    "It is not naïveté that won him the challenge; it was his faith," said the First Spinjitzu Master firmly.

    Wu was suddenly reminded that this was a dream when his father randomly broke character, staring directly at him and grabbing his shoulders.

    He spoke urgently, "Wu, listen very carefully. No matter what happens you must have Faith. That is the only way you will get the Dragon Armor."

    Next thing Wu knew, his father shoved him backward off the mountain. He jolted awake to find he actually was falling. He heard multiple people calling his name.

    "WU!"

    He began screaming as he grew more conscious about his rapid descent toward the desert ground.

    Just before the young teen hit the ground, Heavy Metal, having seized the reins of Zane's Elemental Dragon, swooped in and grabbed him. 

    The rest of the descent was slower and Wu was gently plopped onto the ground, still dazed and panting. What a way to wake up! He squeaked out a small "thank you" to Heavy Metal.

    The other Ninja quickly landed as well. 

    Cole immediately rushed over, apologizing profusely, "Oh my First Spinjitzu Master! I am so sorry, Wu! I didn't realize you were asleep!" He worriedly checked over Wu, making sure there were no broken bones or scrapes.

    Ultra Dragon gave him a reassuring lick and nuzzle to his snowy locks.

    "Y'know, I think we should just stop here for the night," proposed Kai. "Wu's sleepy and he hasn't even done anything."

    The young teen looked mildly affronted. "But—but I'm a growing boy. That takes tons of energy!"

    Jay ruffled his hair playfully and said in slightly condescending manner, "Sure. As if that takes more energy than hauling a giant dragon across the desert."

    Kai lit up his hands, grinning. "Okay, now it's time for the fiiiya!"

    "Are you kidding me? That'll lead the Hunters right to us!" huffed Heavy Metal. 

    "But we're waaay ahead of them. I doubt they'll be able to catch us now," dismissed Jay. 

    "Not to mention, the desert climate drops to surprisingly low temperatures during the night. Unless you would like to create a 'dog pile' to conserve heat, a fire is the best method to keep us all warm," rambled Zane.

    The Hunter shook his head and begrudgingly conceded, "Fine, have it your way. Don't blame me if you wake up with Iron Baron's rifle in your face."

    The Ninja efficiently set up the fire, unworried by Heavy Metal's paranoia, and settled in for the night. Ultra Dragon tried to remain alert and on guard, but one by one, his heads drooped and he fell soundly asleep.

    Halfway through the night, Wu woke up. His mind and body refused to let him sleep. He couldn't stop thinking about the dream with his father. He had faith right? He felt pretty confident they were going to get the Dragon Armor.

    The teen sighed and sat up. Seeing that it was Heavy Metal was on watch duty, he padded over to her as she intently scanned the dark horizon, facing away from the fire. Her mismatched eyes flicked over to him as he plopped down beside her. 

    "The young son of the First Spinjitzu Master might stay on the dragon better if he gets some sleep," suggested Heavy Metal gruffly.

    "But I can't," huffed Wu. "This weird dream I had keeps bugging me."

    The Hunter's expression remained indifferent as she stared ahead. 

    "I saw my father."

    That piqued her interest and her ear flicked towards him, more attentive now. She didn't quite understand why the magical teen had decided to blurt everything to her, but at least his voice wasn't high and annoying anymore.

    He recounted his vision, reaching the end, "...and he told me that in order to get to the Dragon Armor we need to have Faith." Heavy Metal jerked oddly as he said that. "Then he shoved me off the mountain and I woke up."

    Once Wu finished, he questioned Heavy Metal's odd movement and facial expression. "What?"

    The Half-Oni shook her head as if to clear her thoughts. She gave an almost stunned sort of chuckle. She murmured quietly, "Woah, it's been a while since I've heard that word."

    Wu tilted his head in interest. "What word? Faith?" 

    "Yeah," she replied in a soft almost wistful tone. She asked him in a stronger voice, "So the First Spinjitzu Master told you to have Faith to get the Dragon Armor? That's funny."

    "Yep, I guess he meant I shouldn't doubt myself and have confidence that we're gonna get it," surmised Wu. "Why's that funny though?"

    The young teen waited patiently as Heavy Metal hesitated to answer. "... It's—well... I am Faith.  Er— at least, that was my birth name." She frowned slightly. "Since then, I have been called many things."

    Wu's eyes lit up. "Wait! I bet that's what father meant. You're the Faith we need to get the Dragon Armor."

    Heavy Metal snorted disbelievingly. "You're jumping to conclusions." She shooed him away. Her voice was stern. "Get some sleep. We don't need you falling off again."

    It was clear that she was done conversing so Wu went back and laid down. Surprisingly, he managed to fall asleep this time. He woke up a few hours later with start. He had had the exact same dream! 

    He clapped excitedly, jumping up. "Cole! Zane! Jay! Kai!"

    "Woah, what's up, little man?" asked Kai as they all gathered around the excited young teen.

    Wu explained the dream to them. 

    "Awesome! So this means we'll definitely find the Dragon Armor as long as we keep faith in our mission," cheered Jay.

    Cole turned to Zane. "You think it's important? I mean, you're technically our 'vision expert'."

    Zane pondered it for a moment and shrugged. "I cannot say whether it is true or false. However, considering Master Wu had the same exact dream twice, I would wager to say there is some truth and validity to it."

    "Also, that's not the best part," grinned Wu. He placed a hand over his heart. "While I'm sure he meant to have Faith in here and in our mission, I think he was also referring to someone we need to have..." He pointed at Heavy Metal. "She told me last night her name was Faith."

    The Ninjas' eyebrows shot up as they looked over at the Hunter.

    The Half-Oni's ears went slightly back from all the sudden attention. She mumbled, looking away from them, "It's an old name. I'm Heavy Metal now."

    "In my professional opinion, Faith sounds way nicer and welcoming than Heavy Metal," commented Jay.

    "Yeah," agreed Kai. He raised an eyebrow. "Do you not like the name Faith?"

    "You and your prying questions," sighed Heavy Metal exasperatedly while shaking her head. "It is not that I don't like it. It's just... Heavy Metal is my given Hunter name..."

    Wu, picking up on where she was going, firmly assured her, "Iron Baron's not here. You can be whoever you want."

    After a moment's deliberation, the Hunter cracked a small, hesitant smile. "I thought Faith had died long ago, but... perhaps we can try it."

    "Now we really do have Faith!" whooped Jay.

    Faith warned them sternly, almost growling at them, "But don't think for a moment that my soft name means I am weak."

    All of the boys shrunk back against her harsh, steely gaze. They assured her, "We won't."

    They all loaded up and took off once again. The journey was as monotonous as yesterday. Just the flapping of dragon wings and the occasional grunt from Ultra as he warned them when they started veering too far off course. They paused for a break during the hottest hours of the day before setting off again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Somehow, Iron Baron just knew something was amiss. He trusted no one within the Tribe and locked himself away, leaving the rebuilding in their hands. How could such a mighty escape had been made? The foreigners could never.

    His pawn had yet to return. He clenched his teeth. The bumbling foreigners should have been simple to track and drag back to him. Perhaps... Heavy Metal had dared to betray him?

    Despite the troubling development, he smiled cruelly to himself. He had suspected and prepared for such an inevitable event that the Half-Blood would refuse to bow to his will. He sighed though, at the effort it would take to hunt his property down. Oh well, at least the punishment part would be enjoyable.

    A few moments later, he stood before an assembly of Hunters. He roared in a pained and furious voice that he had practiced, "My Hunters, there is a deadly traitor among us!"

    This caused ripples of bewilderment to break out among the gathering.

    He fed the flame of fear, "You are smart. You know that there is no way the Elementals and Dragons could have escaped without the help of a dangerous ally within our ranks. I just never thought..."

    He drifted off, pretending to be choked with emotion. "I never thought my closest confidant would have betrayed me." 

    There were more murmurs.

    The leader placed his hand over his heart in mock earnestness. "Forgive me, my Hunters, if I have distanced myself from you. I was struggling to process the grave horrors I have witnessed. I should have been honest with you from the moment I knew, but... I couldn't believe it." 

    His voice took on a cold, hardened edge to it as he revealed, "Heavy Metal has betrayed us. It was an Oni bent on destroying us."

    Gasps arose.

    "I am sorry I was deceived by such a vile, wicked creature of darkness. I saw it reveal its true, hideous form as it murdered this innocent Hunter and fled." He motioned and the body of Nitro was brought forward, horribly mangled and twisted.

    "Look here. No Fire, Lightning, Earth, or Ice marks. These bite and claw marks are far to small to be those of a Dragon. And here, these could only be caused by the twisted horns of an Oni."

    He fell silent, seemingly overcome by emotion as he let his Hunters discuss.

    Finally, as expected, Jet Jack stepped forward and knelt, eager to to please. Her voice held dangerous, wrathful venom, "Give the word and I will find Heavy Metal and cut his heart out with my bare hands."

    Others followed suit, swearing vengeance against the Oni.

    Internally, Iron Baron grinned sadistically as he commanded his Hunters, "Come! We will hunt down Heavy Metal and make him pay!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~

    As dusk began to fall, Jay perked up in his saddle, noticing something new on the dark horizon. He exclaimed, "Look!" as he pointed to something in the distance that most certainly was not another sand dune or a tiny cactus.

    "Jay, if this is another mirage, I will end you," threatened Kai. He shut his mouth though as his vision focused on the far-off sight.

    A huge mountain rose before the travelers.

    Ultra Dragon perked up, giving a small, pleased purr. His tail wagged excitedly. As the team finally landed, he immediately scrambled over to the wide entrance of a cave leading into the heart of the mountain.

    "So this is Firstbourne's lair?" questioned Faith, appearing doubtful. The area seemed too still and quiet, too dead, to be the so-called Dragon's Nest. 

    Kai shrugs, gesturing to Ultra. "He seems to think so."

    The Ninja followed after him, stopping short when Ultra suddenly freezes and goes completely stiff. His eyes contracted into tiny slits as he caught whiff of an overwhelming, repulsive scent. He snarled fiercely and backed away from cave, nearly stepping on Jay in his haste.

    The original four Ninja were immediately at their old Dragon's side, calming him.

    Faith surveyed the entrance of the cave. There were clear signs of Dragons as well as... some other creature. She stared into the pitch black darkness of the cave and hardened her resolve.

    "Well then, Neen-jah and son of the First Spinjitzu Master, time to test if this 'walking by Faith' really works," she announced, gesturing to the darkness ahead of them.

    Bravely, Wu stepped forward, as did the other Ninjas. Together, they marched into the heart of the mountain.

As someone who's watched and enjoyed Star Wars Resistance, you can't tell me Faith and Synara San aren't the exact same characters. (I'm literally in love with both of them.) I'm pretty sure Season 9 just copied a lot of themes from Star Wars Resistance. I mean, Ninjago as a whole takes a lot of inspiration from Star Wars if you compare them.

    "For we walk by faith, not by sight." - II Corinthians‬ ‭5:7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬