Ninjago stories

Chapter 3

As they neared the beach, the group could see people huddled over someone. Kai, who knew who it was, ran towards the person and yelled, " EVERYONE OUT! OFFICIAL NINJA BUISNESS! NOTHING TO SEE HERE! RETURN TO YOUR ACTIVATIES. WE APPRECIATE IT A LOT!"

The citizens, used to Kai and him yelling, cleared out, and Kai dropped to his knees and slid to the person.

It really WAS Skylar.

A wave of relief crashed over Kai, nearly knocking him off his feet. It really was Skylar. Her vibrant red hair, usually so full of life, lay limp against the sand. Her face was pale, a stark contrast to the vibrant sky above. But despite her unconscious state, there she was.

Kai couldn't help himself. A whoop, loud and joyous, erupted from his throat. It wasn't the most dignified sound, but right then, he didn't care. Relief, worry, and a powerful undercurrent of something else - something he couldn't quite define yet - all swirled within him.

His whoop drew Nya and the others closer. Nya's worried expression softened slightly as she saw Skylar, but her gaze flicked to Kai, a knowing eyebrow raised. "Easy there, Sparky," she teased. "We don't even know if she's okay yet."

Ignoring her, Kai carefully brushed a stray strand of hair off Skylar's cheek. Her skin was cool to the touch, and her breathing was shallow. Panic threatened to bubble back up, but he pushed it down. They needed to get her help, and fast.

He looked up at Nya, his voice tight. "We need to get her to Wu. Now."

" Wu's not found yet, remember?" Cole said, nearing his best friend.

" Yeah, Mister- I- Now- Have- A- Girlfriend- So- I- Don't- Have- To- Worry- About- My- Sister- Anymore." Jay added, a mischievous smile plastered on his face.

" Now is NOT the time for jokes, Walker. Help me here." Kai said, his voice hard as stone.

Kai's sharp tone hung heavy in the air. Shame flickered across Jay's face, momentarily replacing his teasing grin. He knew Kai was stressed, worried about Skylar, and his own insensitive joke had landed flat.

"Alright, alright," Jay mumbled, moving closer. "Let's get her back to the monastery. Zane might be able to..." He trailed off, seeing the dark look Kai still held.

"No time," Kai snapped, his gaze fixed on Skylar's pale face. "We need Wu's expertise. We don't know what's wrong with her, and Zane's good, but..." His voice trailed off, the weight of the unknown pressing down on him.

Nya stepped forward, placing a hand on Kai's shoulder. "Hey," she said gently, her voice a calming counterpoint to his rising anxiety. "We'll figure it out. Together. But first, let's get Skylar somewhere safe."

Her words seemed to have a grounding effect. Kai took a deep breath, finally tearing his gaze away from Skylar. He knew Nya was right. Panicking wouldn't help. They needed a plan.

"Alright," he said, his voice more controlled now. "Cole, Jay, you two carry Skylar carefully. We'll head back to the monastery. Nya, call Zane and Pixal on the way. Explain the situation. Maybe they can meet us there or advise us remotely."

The others nodded, their expressions serious. The initial surprise of finding Skylar had faded, replaced by a shared concern. This wasn't just about Kai's past relationship; this was about a friend, a potential ally, and someone who clearly needed their help.

Carefully, Cole and Jay lifted Skylar, her limp form a stark contrast to the vibrant blue sky above. Kai led the way, his steps purposeful but his gaze constantly flickering back to Skylar, a silent prayer forming on his lips. The beach, usually a place of leisure and training, now felt heavy with anticipation. The race was on - a race against time, against the unknown, and a race to save Skylar.

" You know, we don't know-" Nya started, but Kai cut her.

" Wu. We WILL find Wu. We have to. My girlfriend depends on it."

" You know, we could ask Zane." Jay called, overhearing the conversation.

" Did I stutter?! We will find Wu, and we WILL make sure Skylar recovers. Is that clear?"

The tension in the air crackled like static electricity. Kai's forceful declaration hung heavy, silencing everyone. Even the playful gulls circling overhead seemed to sense the seriousness of the situation.

Nya, ever the voice of reason, pursed her lips but held her tongue. She knew pushing Kai wouldn't do any good right now. He was a volcano on the verge of eruption, fueled by worry and a fierce protectiveness towards Skylar.

Cole, ever the mediator, stepped forward, his voice calm and firm. "Kai, we all want Skylar to be okay. But yelling won't bring Wu back any faster. We need a plan, a clear head."

"You're right, Cole," Kai finally said, his voice raspy. "I'm sorry. It's just..." He trailed off, unable to articulate the maelstrom of emotions churning within him.

Jay, ever the optimist, clapped Kai on the back (a little too hard, earning him a glare) and offered a hopeful grin. "Hey, chin up, Hothead. We'll figure it out. Zane and Pixal are tech geniuses, they might have some ideas. Plus, Wu might be closer than we think. Remember that weird bird we saw a few weeks back?"

Kai forced a smile, the gesture feeling brittle. "Yeah, the one that could talk. Don't tell me you think that was..."

"Wu in disguise? Maybe!" Jay chimed in, his excitement infectious. "Come on, anything's possible in Ninjago!"

A spark of hope flickered in Kai's eyes. Maybe, just maybe, Jay was right. In their world of elemental powers and ancient prophecies, anything truly was possible. He looked back at Skylar, her face still pale but peaceful in unconscious slumber. He wouldn't let her down. Not this time.

"Alright," he said with renewed determination. "Let's head back to the monastery. We'll call Zane and Pixal, and keep our eyes peeled for any sign of Wu. We'll save Skylar, together."

" Together." Kai echoed. " Yes."

" Now, what were you saying about girlfriends?" Jay said.

Everyone groaned, and Nya shot her boyfriend/ husband a withering look that said, ' now's not a good time'.