The Life of Livana Garmadon

August 10th, 2023

Today was a big day. The biggest day of my life, in fact.

I was going to go through a physical fighting ceremony with all the other Ninja. This would test my ability to fight without my powers and prove that I can be a Ninja. Uncle Wu told me that the Ninja had to fight beforehand without their elemental powers, and that they shouldn't rely on it too much. I don't think I've used my powers too much, but it's the kind of battle that every Ninja has to go through. The Ninja can't use their powers, just to even it out, but I kind of wanted a challenge. If I succeeded at the challenge, then I would swear an oath to Ninjago, making me promise to fight for Ninjago no matter what, which was a promise I was ready to make.

As I slid out of my pajamas and into the shower to relax my muscles and my jittery mind, I pressed a tired hand to my forehead. I have been practicing on the training course all week, from noon time all the way to midnight. Closing my eyes and letting the warm water cascade over my hair, I tried to will myself to calm down.

Come on, Liv. It's okay. You've got this. Your training will pay off when you kick everyone's butts. I encouraged myself, taking a deep breath. I let out a soft breath when I turned the water off and walked out of the shower, drying myself off and getting dressed in my kimono-like black jumpsuit uniform. I stretched my hands up to the sky and then turned around to face the door.

"I've got this." I whispered, calming myself down yet again, before I opened the door and headed out to the courtyard, where everyone was waiting for me. I looked over at Lloyd, who looked stoic and serious, but a glint in his eyes hinted at silent reassurance. I nervously turned in a circle and then Nya passed me, joining her place in the circle. She lightly brushed my shoulder and then whispered softly.

"It's going to be okay." She whispered before she joined the others, looking as serious as they did. I tried my best to swallow the thick lump in my throat and then I looked over at Uncle Wu, who was dressed in all white, not even holding his classic bamboo staff that accompanied him for so many years.

"Livana Maici Garmadon." He said, his voice low and formal. I found myself standing up straighter, trying to look serious under criticizing gazes. "Today is the challenge where you fight to show us that you can be part of the fighting force that Ninjago depends on to fight. If you do not pass this test, you do not get to work with the Ninja on the fighting force. You will have other chances to prove yourself, but it is better to prove yourself now."

I nodded my head and Lloyd spoke up, "Livana Maici Garmadon, as your older brother, I am expected to keep you safe. I am expected to protect you as fiercely as I protect the citizens and my family. Are you sure that you wish to take part in this challenge today?"

I almost snorted at Lloyd's formal tone and by the glint in the other Ninja's eyes, I could tell that they found it amusing, too. But I bit down a smile and then nodded again, facing Lloyd. "Yes, Lloyd Garmadon. I wish to participate in this challenge today. I am ready to fight for what is right and I am ready to protect the city as if it were my own family."

"Then, let the challenge begin." Uncle Wu spoke up and then stepped aside, revealing P.I.X.A.L, holding some sort of bracelet. P.I.X.A.L walked over to me and then fastened the bracelet around my wrist. Immediately, I felt some sort of weight on my shoulders.

I whispered lowly to P.I.X.A.L, "What is this?"

"Vengestone bracelet." The nindroid answered me, her green eyes focused on tightening the clasp. "To make sure that you do not cheat and expel your powers."

I didn't say anything as P.I.X.A.L finished with the bracelet and then walked back to where Uncle Wu was standing. I looked over at Uncle Wu, who then cleared his throat and gestured at a rack of weapons next to him. "You may choose two weapons from the rack. The Ninja already have weapons of their own."