Aether

Chapter Forty

Sora's Pov

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        After some time, we walked up to what appeared to be golden gates that were surrounded by stone fencing. Behind the golden gates were a set of stone stairs that an older man was currently walking down to meet up with us I could only assume. Who was he anyway? "Welcome to Cloud Kingdom. We've been expecting you." He greeted us with a smile. We all looked at each other then to our feet just as Jay asked. "Heh...how are we--?" He started to ask, but the man seemed to know what he was going to ask and answered almost immediately. "Standing on a cloud? Easy. In other realms, there are other rules." He explained with a smile, soon introducing himself to us. "I'm Fenwick. I've been asked to show you around." He gave us a small bow of the head, Kai going to introduce himself as well. "Nice to meet you. I'm--!" But like Jay, he was cut off by the man who knew the answer already. "Kai. Yes, we all know. You're quite popular with the other monks. Up here, we see everything that goes on in Ninjago." My eyes widened slightly as I stared at him. Really?

        "Then you know--?" Cole started to ask. "You've traveled far for the Sword of Sanctuary. A powerful weapon that can foresee your opponent's next attack. It's also the second clue to finding the Tomb of the First Spinjitzu Master." Fenwick continued Cole's sentence. Zane then stepped forward. "Blimey. But how be you--?" He tried to ask, but once again Fenwick finished it. "Finishing your sentences? I know, it's rather annoying, but up here we know, let's just say...we know what's going to come next." He explained, choosing his words carefully as he glanced at all of us. He then turned around and waved at us to follow. "Come, I know Morro isn't far behind. Follow me and I'll explain." I looked at the others as we shrugged and started to follow him. I hope we can get the sword in time and can help our friends.

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        The Cloud Kingdom really was unique and beautiful. There were boats flying through the sky and buildings that stood on clouds. I was in awe at how different things could be outside of Ninjago. But I had to stop looking as we entered one of the buildings and gained the attention of everyone in the room almost instantly, hearing them murmur about it was us. I suppose he was right when he said something about being popular with the other monks, this is what he must have meant.

        "I know you're familiar with a few of the realms. Cloud Kingdom is just one more of the sixteen realms that exist parallel to Ninjago." Fenwick explained as we followed him further into the building, everyone stopping their work to look at us. I could see smiles on some of their faces and the others were just in shock. I couldn't blame them. "Sixteen realms?" I found myself asking out of curiosity, looking back ahead at Fenwick who was in front of us all. Fenwick nodded as he pointed out to his side. "In this realm, we strive for greater understanding, and let go of distractions. There is no television, no video games--!" He began to explain, but Jay suddenly exclaimed. "No video games?? Huh, not impressed!" He said while crossing his arms, clearly upset by that fact more than anything.

        "It appears all any lad does here be writing." Zane pointed out, to which I did notice that. Everyone did happen to be writing, all except Fenwick and very few who were walking around with scrolls in their arms. "That is because here our words matter." Fenwick told us, pointing to the boy closest to us and continued to explain. "You see, in Cloud Kingdom, we are the writers of destiny. It was here that it was decided that Lloyd should be the Green Ninja." He then reached out and grabbed the scroll the boy was writing on just a moment ago and read it. "And just now– that Zane should find his voice again." We all looked at Zane when Fenwick said those words, hearing Zane speak up just as he finished speaking. "I sense my vocal pattern has returned without any repairs." I smiled at him, watching as he also smiled, grateful that he sounded normal once again. "Augh! He doesn't talk like a pirate anymore!" Jay complained, once again upset with the matter.