Destiny's Binds

Redeemed Blood pt 1

Jay didn't think that Lloyd would handle Nya's ring very well. However, he surprised him by remaining silent on the matter. The crew had retreated to a tavern. They exchanged their stories about what they had learned. Which, between the two groups, was a lot of information to digest.

Nya played with her ring while Zane explained their run-in with Captain Killow.

Jay stared at the blue gemstone, he still couldn't believe it. That somewhere in Ninjago there were special rings that could give you the power to control certain elements. And somehow, Nya stumbled into owning one. Even more so, to hear that he had one of these rings in his own estate. He wasn't sure why no one told him. He could've been shooting lightning out of his hands.

The team got solemn when it came to light that no one knew where Clancee and Dogshank had ended up. Or if they survived Harumi's gang. The conversation continued when Lloyd broke the silence to tell the group his side of the story.

Lloyd was able to fill in the gaps about Harumi, who was evil. The only person surprised by this revelation was Lloyd. While Jay had no reason to believe Harumi would orchestrate the downfall of Ninjago from the shadows before, he wasn't shocked to hear that she did.

"And she was behind the raids on the dukes; she stole all the Elemental Rings," Lloyd said, "Except the Lightning Ring. Jay has that in his inheritance."

"They never stole that one?" Nya said, "But they killed the Duke?"

"I found it after the attack," Lloyd said.

"So we still have one left in Ninjago," Cole said, "That's good. We can use that to protect the land."

"One ring against five," Kai said, "Oh yeah, we have nothing to worry about." Cole glared at Kai.

"Wait! There are five rings?" Jay said, "Can we review some of the details of these rings for the people who have no idea what's going on." Cole concurred with a nod.

"The Elemental Rings were gifts to Ninjago from the First Spinjitzu Master," Lloyd said, "He made them to protect the people and land from any threats. Many were lost to time. But in recent years the general public knew about six rings. The King entrusted each of the dukes with a ring to guard their fief if necessary. The Fire Ring, Earth Ring, Ice Ring, Energy Ring, Wind Ring, and the Lightning Ring."

"Obviously, not all were that lost to time," Zane said, focusing on Nya. Everyone was looking at her. She shifted in her seat.

"But if Harumi stole all the rings, why didn't she use them to stop us from escaping?" Cole said.

"She forgot to put them on this morning?" Jay offered.

"I'd be willing to bet that she didn't steal them for herself," Pixal said, "She gave them to the Cursed Realm to use against Ninjago."

"We need to get back to Ninjago right now," Kai said, "We have to warn them of the invasion."

"So we're swimming then?" Jay said.

"Well... no," Kai said, his voice shrinking.

"We need to steal a boat," Lloyd said, "For all we know, the invasion already left. We have no time to waste."

"You say 'steal a boat' like it's simple and easy," Cole said, "We can't just steal a boat."

"Why not?" Nya said.

"Why not?! Oh, Preeminent have mercy, this is the Ethereal Realm. The only boats you can steal are government ships or pirate ships. Either way, the chances of getting away with your life are slim."

"So, we steal a ship or die trying," Lloyd said, "It's settled."

"I don't feel settled," Cole added. Everyone talked over each other, disagreeing with Lloyd. Jay met Lloyd's eyes. He looked tired, his eyelid drooping. Lloyd looked to Jay for help, but he shrugged. Jay didn't know how to help. If Lloyd wanted him to draw up a blueprint or be optimistic for no reason, then Jay would be helpful.