Return of Doom (Ninjago in the future)

Part 17: Nowhere is Safe

That evening, I slumped wearily into my bed.

As it turns out, it's really hard to complete the Ninja training course before Lloyd finished his tea. The first time, he burned the tea (how is that even possible?), so Ben offered to make a new batch. From then on, somehow, Lloyd always finished right before I finished the course.

In the last few rounds, I felt like I was running the course from memory. I hardly needed to look, but the dummy at the end always beat me. Weary and sore, I'd trudged into the Monastery and collapsed on my bed.

A soft knock drew my attention to the door. Summer entered, quietly closing the door behind her. "Rough first day?" She asked quietly, sitting beside me.

I winced as I sat up, my hand instinctively moving to cover my burn. "Yeah. How does Lloyd drink tea that fast?"

Summer smiled and began to braid my hair. "Years of practice?" She guessed. "He is over one hundred years old, you know."

I sighed, relaxing at Summer's gentle touch on my hair. "I guess," I mumbled.

"I'm worried, Luna." I blinked, taken by surprise. "I don't know what to feel about seeing Umber again."

She finished my braid, so I twisted around to face her. We sat criss-crossed on my bed, and I grabbed her hands. "It's okay. I don't either." I shuddered when I remembered Umber's cold glare as she had me pinned by the neck. My throat throbbed at the memory. "She's not herself right now. We can't hold that against her."

"But I can't forget," Summer whispered, closing her eyes. "I can't forget when you came back. Your neck bruised, your face blue, you could barely breathe. And then you didn't wake up for two days." She took a shuddering breath.

My eyes widened and I pulled her into a tight hug. "I'm okay, Sum," I murmured into her hair. "Don't worry about me."

Summer suddenly jerked away, eyes furious despite the tears forming. "I do worry about you, Luna!" She burst out. "You're my big sister! You helped me when mom died and dad suddenly started ignoring us. I can't — I can't live without you." She hiccuped, rubbing her nose.

I looked down. "I know," I whispered. "I love you, Summer. You shouldn't have to deal with all this so young."

"That's the other thing," Summer continued, a little irritation returning to her voice. "You keep treating me like I'm a little girl. I'm not anymore. I'm the Master of Water." To prove her point, she formed a ball of water in her hand.

I smiled. "You're right, and I'm sorry. I guess I just didn't want you to grow up so fast." I pulled her closer and ruffled her hair, making her squeal in protest. "Master Summer," I teased.

She giggled, waving her hands above her head to push me away. With a happy sigh, she smiled at me. "Thanks, Luna. Good night." With that, she quickly left my room, but not without a backwards glance at me. I winked and she grinned, silently sliding the door closed.

I lay back against my pillow again, taking a deep breath. I had to train again tomorrow, and I needed at least a few hours of sleep. It was only moments after I drifted off when I found myself in a black abyss.

I blinked, confused. Why not the Monastery? I looked around, seeing nothing but black smoke.

Something shoved me from behind, forcing me on my knees. As my face almost smacked the ground, I realized I was standing on stone tiles. I was in the Monastery, but something was wrong.

Someone pulled me to my feet. "Lloyd?" I gasped, whirling to face the Ninja. He didn't reply, instead turning so his back was to me and his fists held out in front of him.