Return of Doom (Ninjago in the future)

Part 5: Meet the Green Ninja

Two days passed before I woke again. My headache had vanished, but I felt even more tired than when I had fallen asleep.

I groaned, blinking up at the trees. I had not moved, but felt completely drained.

"Luna!"

Summer's happy face entered my vision as she smothered me in a hug. I giggled, squeezing her back.

She pulled me upright. "You scared me half to death!" Summer exclaimed.

I stood slowly, leaning against a tree. "How long was I out?"

"Two days," Ben replied, joining us. "You had a bad fever until this morning."

I glanced at the sun, which was halfway set. "Ugh. I'm sorry, guys. I delayed our mission a long time."

"It's okay," Summer replied. "You needed the rest."

I sighed. "Yeah, well, I feel wiped. Some rest that was."

"We should try to make some progress today," Ben said, "if you're up for it."

I nodded fervently. "Yes. I don't want to stop us any longer."

With my arm over Summer's shoulders, we found Umber and Sparky play fighting in the woods and continued south. I think we made it fifty miles before the sun set and I felt like I was going to collapse.

In my dream, I was back in the Monastery. Lloyd and I sparred a little, and he gave me some tips to adjust my form and anticipate my opponent's moves.

"You have more skill than I thought," Lloyd commented as he tried to swipe at my head. I ducked, then smacked his arm away and karate-chopped at his shoulder. "You already know the basics and then some."

I smiled in satisfaction. "I told you. Most of my friends do."

Lloyd kicked me back, but I was quick to return the blow. "You definitely are the ones to save us."

I sighed as he said this, not wanted to be reminded that the fate of the entire world rested on my shoulders. "Right. Thanks, I guess."

Lloyd straightened out of a fighting stance, so I did too. "If you continue at this pace, it'll take another week to reach me. That's hardly enough time to train you properly and enhance your powers."

I shrugged. "We can do it."

Lloyd grinned. "You already sound like a Ninja. Do you know our first rule?"

I thought back to all the books I'd read about their adventures. "Um...always fight against evil forces?"

"Close," Lloyd replied. "It's our driving force: Ninja never quit."

I smiled. "I like that."

Like before, we bowed respectfully to one another. "I'm going to tell Summer today," I said. "I think it's time."

Lloyd nodded once. "If you insist. I will see you tomorrow."

I sighed as I woke, my eyes immediately going to Summer. I nudged her awake and brought her out of earshot of the others.

"What is it?" She asked with a wide yawn.

"Summer, this is really important," I said urgently. Her wide eyes met mine. "When I was talking with Lloyd...he said something strange."

"Okay?" Summer replied nervously. "What is it?"

"When you got pulled into the river," I explained, "you said something pulled you in, right?" Summer nodded. "According to Lloyd, what pulled you was the water itself. Because...you're the elemental master of water."

Summer blinked, then took a step back. She stumbled on a root and sank to her knees, her hands pressed against her eyes.

"That's...that's impossible," Summer whispered. "We're not...related to Nya."

"I know," I replied. "But Lloyd said that Nya's spirit somehow chose you."

Summer glanced up at me, her eyes pleading. "I can't believe this," she said. "How are you even talking to him anyway? How do I know you aren't making this up?"

"Summer," I replied quietly, "I would never lie to you. But...I think I can show you."

I sat down with my back leaning against a tree and tried to fall asleep. Somehow, I was able to, and met Lloyd in the courtyard.

"It's time to try again," I said to his surprised expression. "Summer wants to see you."

Lloyd bowed his head. "If you wish."

I concentrated again and formed the portal, imaging myself in the forest next to Summer. It was easier this time, and I never got a headache.

As I stepped through the portal, I heard a gasp. Summer stared at me, eyes wide, then looked at my sleeping body.

"H—How are you...?" She gasped, standing, and reaching out to me.

I tried to grab her hand, but mine passed right through hers. "Summer," I said with a smile, my voice echoing mystically, "I would like to introduce you to the Green Ninja."

I stepped aside, revealing Lloyd, who had just walked through the portal.

Summer's eyes widened even more. She stared speechless at Lloyd as he walked closer, the Ninja seemingly nervous.

"Hello, Summer," Lloyd greeted with a small smile.

Summer gasped loudly and stood, her eyes sparkling. "Oh my gosh!" She cried. "It's really you! The Green Ninja!"

Lloyd smiled. "In the flesh. Or, I guess, not really. Oh my, this is amazing."

I laughed at his excitement. This must be the first time Lloyd had spoken to a new person, except me, in a very long time. Before I could say anything, I heard my name.

I flinched as Ben, Sparky, and Umber found us. I looked back sheepishly, giving them a small wave.

"Um...Luna?" Ben gasped. "Is that you? And—and..."

I glanced away with embarrassment. "Yeah. Hi, guys. I guess I should've told you sooner."

"You guess?" Umber burst out. "You've been keeping this a secret all this time?"

Irritation flared. "Umber, I—" Pain shot through my head and I let out a cry, falling to one knee.

Lloyd grabbed my shoulder. "Luna, you're pushing yourself too far," he said urgently. "You need to wake up."

I looked to my body, seeing my face tighten with pain. I mumbled an agreement and staggered back into the portal, closing it right after Lloyd hopped through.

"This is good," Lloyd said excitedly. "Your strength grows. Go now, tell your friends what's going on."

I smiled weakly at him and let myself wake up.

My friends stared at me with demanding expressions. I laughed awkwardly and stood, prepared to explain everything.

"Save it, Luna," Umber snapped. I blinked in surprise, taken aback by her outburst. "I don't want to hear anything you have to say." She turned and stormed back to her backpack.

Ben blinked, speechless. Sparky huffed and chased after Umber.

"So...would you mind explaining what is going on?" He asked timidly.

I giggled. "I'd be delighted."