"Hm. Very interesting," Zane analyzed a part of the sea that was covered by dark clouds. "Yesterday there was only the sea, but now there's an island."
"The Dark Island, Zane. And what I find most interesting is that, after the city of Ninjago was attacked by the Stone Army, they disappeared," Sensei Wu continued looking through the binoculars.
"Do you think they're on that Dark Island? Could Garmadon be responsible?" Zane suggested.
"That is what I fear as well," Sensei Wu frowned, concern glinting in his eyes. "But the most important thing is for us to discover what's really on that island."
"I think my Falcon can take a look," Zane said as he launched the Falcon into the sky.
The metallic bird flew toward the dark clouds, toward the Dark Island to investigate.
o0o0o
Moon observed the island through the window of the room she shared with Nya. She had stayed silent the whole time, thinking of ways to be useful to everyone, to destroy those Stone Warriors.
"How can he do it, but I can't?" She frowned.
Was there something Aaron hadn't told her? Moon remembered how Aaron kept many secrets and never even showed her what the aura power was truly capable of. Thinking about it, Moon hardly knew anything about Aaron's story.
She remembered him telling her how he had met the First Spinjitzu Master, how he became a Guardian, how he trained his aura abilities—but never about his origin, where he came from, how he acquired aura abilities, or if he was born with them. Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
That was what deeply irritated her—it felt like Aaron didn't trust her, didn't consider her worthy of trust. When in reality, he was the one who wasn't trustworthy.
"I don't understand..." she murmured, looking toward the dark spot on the horizon.
"Don't understand what?" Nya had just arrived and entered.
Moon turned toward her.
"How aura can destroy the Stone Warriors. I didn't even cause a scratch," Moon looked away.
"Moon, listen to me. Don't put so much pressure on yourself," Nya approached her. "You don't have to keep thinking the weight of the world is on your shoulders. We're all going to find a way, we will succeed, but we must stay together, okay?" she said softly.
"Okay," Moon replied in the same tone.
"And I should go, I just came to grab something. The ship was pretty damaged," Nya said before leaving the room.
Moon was alone again. The Purple Ninja looked at the palm of her left hand, then closed it, concentrating aura there briefly—only for it to start failing.
(My aura has been failing ever since the Great Devourer's defeat. Before, it was small glitches that even I didn't notice, but it feels like each day it's getting weaker and weaker) She let the aura fade and prepared to leave the room.
Before completely leaving, she looked over her shoulder and saw Aaron's old staff. Moon wondered why it stayed with her instead of being lost among the rocks of the Underworld.
With that thought, she left to see how she could help.
o0o0o
Moon saw everyone gathered and approached.
"What did I miss?" she asked as she reached Lloyd.
"My mom is showing some scrolls that might give us the answer we need to win," Lloyd summarized.
"The prophecy reveals that the power to defeat the Stone Army lies with the Green Ninja and the Aura Master," Misako said as she displayed a scroll with drawings.
There were the Green Ninja and the Aura Master—one atop a dragon, the other atop a tiger. And the other Elemental Ninjas seemed to be channeling energy to both.
"I tried, Moon tried! We gave everything we had, but it didn't work," Lloyd seemed nervous.
"I know. You're stronger than you think," Misako tried to calm him. "And Moon too. Look, the true power of the Green Ninja and the Aura Master can only be released when their four protectors find their pure elemental powers."
"We're the protectors?" Cole asked excitedly.
"Silly! Of course we are! Haha! Aren't we?" Jay grinned confidently.
"Not such good protectors," Moon murmured, remembering countless times she had been more protective than all of them combined.
Kai coughed and gave her a look that said: "Remember what happened in chapter 10, season 1?" with a smile. Moon stared at him for a moment, then simply ignored him. Kai felt offended.
Moon smiled inwardly.
"If we're the protectors, then we're doomed," Moon nodded, agreeing with Zane. "The Golden Weapons no longer exist—we can't access our elemental powers without them... except Moon, of course."
Moon wouldn't dare admit her power was weakening—even if not because she lacked her Golden Weapon.
"Your powers exist within each one of you, and there is a way to unleash them. We must go to the Temple of Light," Misako explained.
"Temple of Light? What's that?" Nya was confused.
"The Temple of Light is the birthplace of the Golden Weapons, since they were forged there," Moon explained. "A sacred place, usually hidden to the point people think it's a myth."
"Exactly, Moon!" Misako praised her knowledge.
(At least I learned a few things from... him) She hesitated even in thinking about having any connection with him.
"And this place is on the Dark Island?" Sensei Wu exclaimed.
"Supposedly: there is no light without darkness, and it is essential to pass through the shadows. That was a clue to the temple's location, so it's almost certain it's there." That surprised Misako.
"Where did you hear that, Moon?" she asked.
"That doesn't matter. What matters is entering the Dark Island without being caught, if possible," Moon steered the focus away.
"And then we get our powers back!" Cole exclaimed happily.
"But we still have a major problem. The Bounty can't fly," Nya said.
"It's a ship, right? Can't it sail?" And with that, everything was set up so the Bounty could sail.
The ship was already at the harbor, and a crowd had gathered to cheer them on.
"Now promise you'll eat vegetables?" Jay's mother asked lovingly.
"Mom!" Jay complained, embarrassed.
"I'm serious. You get slow when you don't consume enough vitamins. Edd, tell him that if he wants to save the world he has to eat vegetables." Even Jay's father seemed uncomfortable saying it.
"Uh—yes, listen to your mother," he gave a nervous smile.
"I don't know what to say," Cole's father said as he hugged him.
"You don't have to say anything," Cole replied.
"You're right, I don't. But—I have to sing!" And he began to sing with his quintet.
People applauded when he finished.
"That was the coolest thing I've ever heard, Dad!" Cole said, teary-eyed.
"Ah, and one more thing. You really need to make that lady, Moon, my daughter-in-law. You know, I worry you won't end up with anyone," Cole's father added with a smile.
"Dad!" Cole blushed furiously.
"Now, Dareth, as the Brown Ninja, we entrust you with protecting Ninjago, and also watching over the Ultra Dragon and Mega Dragon," Kai simply added more responsibility on him. "Are you up to the task?"
"I won't disappoint you! Did you hear that?! I'm officially the Brown Ninja!" The crowd cheered. "Where's my elemental power?" he whispered to Nya and Kai.
"Uh... hot air?" Nya tried.
"So, I command the wind!" he declared proudly.
Moon watched everything from atop Sprint. A last brief flight before they set off. Sprint growled at not being allowed to go.
"I know, but it's necessary. You and the Ultra Dragon need to protect these people." They landed. "I promise I'll hydrate your scales when I return."
That seemed to cheer the dragon up, who immediately changed his mood.
Moon heard a motorcycle engine and looked ahead, seeing the same person (with helmet and biker clothes) from the Ninjaball race. She narrowed her eyes and felt a brief headache from looking at her, but the pain vanished when the person rode off.
"Who could that be?" Moon found it strange that she couldn't see her aura.
Then Moon heard the shutter and flash of a camera. Turning to the side, she saw a girl around fourteen or fifteen. Straight blonde hair with a purple streak—similar to Moon's, except Moon's was natural. She wore overalls over a short-sleeved green shirt, slightly muddy work boots, glasses, and green-painted nails. Her eyes were bright sky-blue and her freckled skin glowed softly.
"H-h-hi!" she said shyly.
It seemed like it took her a while to gather enough liquid courage to speak to Moon.
"I'mABigFan!" she blurted out so fast it was barely intelligible. "S-sorry I didn't ask before taking the photo..." Her voice grew quieter.
"It's fine," Moon assured as she got off Sprint. "A fan?"
"YES! Like—I really like you! And Nya! I already liked her, but after discovering she was Samurai X I began to LOVE her! Oh! And I'm also a huge fan of Lloyd!" The girl started rambling more freely.
Moon felt slightly nervous with the interaction—she wasn't exactly the most social person, and this made her feel... strange. Not uncomfortable, just unfamiliar. She was more used to watching the other Ninjas interact with fans.
"...So! Can you sign?" She showed Moon the photo and a pen. "My name is Rose!"
Moon hesitated, but signed.
"By the way, the picture turned out nice," Moon complimented.
Rose barely managed to contain her happiness before waving goodbye and leaving in a burst of emotions.
(Did I do it right?) Moon worried she had done something wrong given the girl's reaction.
Sprint nudged her back.
"Alright, alright. I'm going," Moon sighed and headed to the Bounty.
Zane watched from afar. The Nindroid thought he and Moon could've spent that moment together, since they seemed to be the only ones with no one to say goodbye to—but apparently not.
Zane was the only one without anyone to see him off, and it saddened him a bit. But Sensei Wu had helped him broaden his perspective regarding Zane's fangirls (and even a few fanboys). That made him smile.
o0o0o
Moon watched the sea with the others.
"We still have a long journey ahead," Sensei Wu stroked his beard.
"No news from your Falcon?" Cole asked Zane.
"No, not yet." That saddened Zane.
"What do you think is on that island?" Kai tried to change the subject.
"A completely new ecosystem," Zane suggested.
"Dangers lurking in the shadows," Moon added.
"That actually makes sense," Jay agreed with Moon.
"Creatures never seen before, too," Cole added.
"Oh! Vegetables that taste like desserts?!" Jay loved the idea he'd just said.
"I hope the Stone Army is there. They may have beaten us once, but that was the last time," Kai said confidently.
"That's right!" Jay exclaimed.
"You said it!" Cole added.
"Guys, is this really our destiny?" Lloyd wondered aloud.
"Well, if it is, I wouldn't want anyone else by my side," Kai affirmed.
The others agreed. Moon looked at the sea, then ahead, thinking about Lloyd's and Kai's words. Is this their destiny? Her destiny? Moon feared that—the future always loved flirting with danger.
Suddenly, Zane straightened up, as if receiving data from his Falcon.
"My Falcon has reached the Dark Island."
They rushed inside the Bounty to connect Zane to the ship's computer and show the images.
"Now everyone can see."
Zane guided the Falcon's view. It had just reached the shore when it was sliced by a Stone Warrior's blade. Zane received a shock and was thrown back.
Moon was closest, so she managed to catch him—barely.
"Zane!" she exclaimed, worried.
"He... he's gone," Zane whispered in shock as Moon helped him stand.
"We don't know that," Sensei Wu tried to ease the situation.
"Oh Zane..." Nya approached, feeling sorry for him. "I'm so sorry."
"He was our friend too. We won't let his disappearance be in vain. If the Stone Army wants a fight, that's what they'll get!" Kai was practically on fire—thankfully powerless at the moment.
Moon placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"That'll have to wait. Because right now a storm is coming," Misako said firmly. They had to focus on the present. "Everyone help."
o0o0o
During the storm, everyone struggled. Moon and the others—except Jay—were trying to hold the sail, which was almost being ripped off by the violent winds.
(This won't do!) She frowned, biting her lip.
At this rate, they'd sink. And it would be Moon's fault alone, as she knew a way to stop the storm but... didn't want to use it.
(If I don't do it...) She let go of the rope and ran to her room.
"Moon! Where are you going?! We need all the help!" Kai yelled angrily.
"You only have one pair of underwear too?" Jay asked cluelessly, then realized what he'd asked. "She's a girl—of course she has—" he stopped talking.
Moon burst into the room, soaking wet. She stared at the staff on the wall and hesitated.
"There's no time!" She grabbed the staff and ran back to the front of the ship.
They were fighting off some "Tooth Stars." Moon climbed onto the ship's prow and took a deep breath, closing her eyes. She blocked out voices, heavy rain, wind, and water. She emptied her mind, then lifted the staff above her head.
(Like he did... Capturing storms!) She felt the aura flow into the gem at the staff's center.
Everything shone for a moment, forcing the ninjas to shield their eyes. In the next second—everything was gone. No storm, no Tooth Stars—though the damage they caused still remained.
"What happened? Is it over?" Jay looked around confused.
"How? A storm like that can't just vanish! Can it?" Cole still didn't believe it.
"Even those star-tooth things disappeared!" Kai exclaimed.
"Wait, where's Moon? I saw her running to the prow," Lloyd rushed there.
He saw Moon standing still—not hurt, just admiring the sea. The staff lay nearby, its jewel dimming until the glow vanished.
"Uh, Moon?" Lloyd approached cautiously.
The Purple Ninja ignored him, still staring at the sky.
"Moon?" Lloyd went beside her. "Are you okay?"
"...Yes," her voice was slightly hoarse. "Just... contemplating."
Lloyd frowned. She was acting strange, and he didn't like it.
"I think you should come inside. Maybe Sensei Wu has calming tea," Lloyd suggested gently, placing a hand on her shoulder.
He was startled when she instantly recoiled, moving with supernatural reflexes. Moon turned, and Lloyd saw... fear? Discomfort? He couldn't identify the emotion, but he didn't like it.
"Yeah... maybe Sensei Wu does have calming tea," she said tensely, trying to sound calm.
o0o0o
Moon had stayed upstairs waiting with a cup of tea. Apparently everyone was worried about her but couldn't get anything out regarding her condition. She had no visible injuries. Wu suggested it might be mental exhaustion after the storm disappeared.
She woke up when the ship became stuck on something. Like the others, she went to investigate.
After many steps, they reached the entrance of a tower with a security camera—Moon found remarkable, despite not understanding the Bounty's many technologies.
An old man opened the door.
"Zane?! Is it really you?" he smiled widely. "You found me!" He hugged Zane tightly.
"You know him?" Lloyd asked in shock.
"Of course I do! I built him! For heaven's sake!" So yes—that was Zane's father and creator.
"But in my memory, you had already passed away..." Zane was confused.
"Oh, you found the memory switch," then a noise echoed. "Hurry, he can't know you're here or there will be a price to pay."
"He?" Jay swallowed hard.
"Yes! I'll explain inside, alright? And also why you thought I had died."
Everyone entered, and Zane's father locked and reinforced the door. Then he checked the security system and led them up the tower.
"This way please, you must be hungry." But there were no chairs.
"Sit? Where?" Zane scratched his head.
"There, of course," Zane's father pulled a lever, and a table with a carpet rose from the floor.
"Wow, clever!" Nya said.
"A master of technique!" Cole added.
While no one was looking, Jay quickly stole an extra pair of underwear. He looked sideways and saw Moon staring at him, judging him for stealing an old man's underwear. She walked past him and sat down.
Jay sat, embarrassed. Zane's father pressed a button, and a little robot came out to deliver cups and serve tea.
(I'll never understand how this works) Moon took a sip and found it pleasant.
Jay tried to play with the robot, but burned his hand when it served him. Everyone laughed as Jay yelped in pain. Moon turned back as Zane's father explained his story.
"...But as you know, in Ninjago, the past is the past," Zane's father began.
"And the future—" Wu interrupted Misako.
"—is the future." He held her hand.
"Right. But after I turned off your memory switch, you didn't see a stubborn Samukai resurrecting me with a special elixir... He wanted me to build modern war machines for his army... He said if I did, I'd see my son again. And to make sure I didn't escape, he chained a leviathan to stand guard," Zane's father explained.
"A leviathan? Was that what we heard in the sea?" Lloyd asked.
"Yes. When Samukai never returned, I thought I'd never see you again," Zane's father sighed. "But after a long time, I began to wonder if you'd even want to see me again. I was afraid that if you learned the horrible things I built, you'd think I was a monster." He couldn't even look his son in the eyes.
"We'll get you out of here, Father. And since we're together again, maybe you could invent a way to get us out?" Zane smiled gently at him.
"Can you fix the ship's reactors?" Jay asked, pointing at the Bounty.
"That ship has rocket reactors?!" Zane's father was excited.
"Oh, the motors and gears just broke," Nya explained.
"Oh! Don't worry—no matter. The ship will be ready to fly by dawn!" he promised.
Then the whole island shook. Moon stood immediately, the only one who didn't lose balance.
"It's him! Hide!" Zane's father warned.
Moon hid behind the cabinets to observe the leviathan. She caught a glimpse of one tentacle with eyes inspecting the place.
(Its aura...) Moon's eyes briefly glowed blue. (It's so tired and sad... It doesn't want to hurt anyone...)
Zane's father managed to fool the creature into leaving after its check.
o0o0o
It was night now. Moon found a moment to talk to Zane. She knew the leviathan was chained at the bottom of the sea, but didn't know how she could free it.
"Zane," Moon called him.
"Moon? Are you feeling better now?" he asked, somewhat surprised she approached him.
"I need your help. We have to free the leviathan." She ignored his question.
"Free the leviathan? The sea beast that could kill us instantly?" Zane tilted his head.
"It's chained, trapped for years like your father. It's sad and exhausted. If we free it, it will let us go," she stated.
"Are you sure?" Zane asked.
"Absolutely. Aura is the most honest thing there is."
"I'll help, but... can you tell me what's wrong? We're all worried," Zane said gently.
Moon looked away, thinking for a moment, then sighed.
"It's just... There's something I went through, but it's been years," she leaned on the window frame. "This thing I went through... hurt me a lot. Left a wound that doesn't heal easily... And there's this person," she clenched her fist tightly. "He was the worst kind... I don't like talking about him, and that staff I used belonged to him. It was his weapon."
Zane placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"It's okay. You don't need to say more," he assured. "But I'm glad you trust me enough to say that."
Moon gave a soft smile.
"I feel a little better... Thank you for listening, Zane."
"I'll always be here," the Nindroid affirmed. "So what do we need to do?"
Moon explained the plan, and then they heard the roaring again—it was time.
"Come on! Hurry!" Zane's father rushed as they followed him. "Everyone onboard! He's coming!"
They boarded quickly, but the leviathan grabbed the ship with its tentacles. Moon ran to the ship's edge and scanned the surroundings with her aura—it was harder than usual. What should take seconds took minutes.
"Where is it chained?" Zane remained calm.
"It's... there!" She hesitated briefly before pointing to the tentacle holding the chain.
"Zane! What are you doing?!" his father panicked upon seeing Zane's intentions.
"Freeing the leviathan," Moon answered.
"But-but! The sea is full of Tooth Stars!" he gasped.
"It will work. Trust your son," Moon said, holding him back from interfering.
Zane dove into the water. Everyone struggled to stay upright—everyone except Moon.
Suddenly the leviathan released the ship and lifted one tentacle—holding Zane. The creature roared in gratitude before leaving. Zane's father hugged him tightly.
"How did you know that freeing it would free us?" Wu asked.
"I didn't," Zane admitted. "It was Moon's plan—she saw through its aura."
"No one deserves to be imprisoned—not even a monster," she said simply.
They watched the leviathan swim away into its long-awaited freedom.
"Enjoy your freedom, sea creature!" Zane watched it dive and disappear.
Moon looked at the horizon and shivered. She felt something was coming... Something she would not like.
_TO BE CONTINUED_