Ninjago stories

Chapter 5- E

The late-night air swirled around the monastery roof, carrying the hushed whispers of Fawkes as he perched beside Master Wu. The old master, his face etched with worry lines, listened intently.

"She felt unheard, Master Wu," Fawkes rumbled, his voice echoing softly. "Unseen. The young one, Mia, believed her ideas were dismissed, her potential ignored."

Wu nodded gravely, his beard stroking thoughtfully against his chest. "A common pitfall for young minds, especially those burdened with extraordinary abilities."

Fawkes dipped his head in agreement. "She succumbed to the whispers of the Scroll, Master Wu. Its promises of power and a different path must have seemed enticing."

Wu's brow furrowed. "The Forbidden Scroll... a dangerous influence. But did it control her completely, Fawkes?"

The giant bird hesitated, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his amber eyes. "No, Master Wu. There was... resistance. A spark within her that fought back against the darkness."

Fawkes chose to omit the details of Mia's anger and frustration with the ninja, focusing instead on the positive aspects of her journey. He described her encounter with Blackie, the talking cat, in a way that downplayed its absurdity, highlighting instead the unlikely companionship and the unexpected guidance it provided.

"Blackie, despite his... unorthodox methods, seems genuinely concerned for her well-being," Fawkes concluded. "He is leading her towards a hidden master, one who supposedly possesses knowledge of wind control."

Master Wu stroked his beard thoughtfully. "So, she seeks guidance outside the monastery walls. Perhaps... not a terrible thing. After all, true mastery often comes from diverse experiences."

"Indeed, Master Wu," Fawkes agreed. "But there are still dangers. The Scroll's influence lingers, and the path they tread is fraught with unknowns."

Wu rose from his meditation posture, his eyes filled with unwavering resolve. "Then we must do all we can to guide her from afar. Fawkes, stay close to Mia. Protect her from immediate threats, but allow her to make her choices. We cannot force her path, but we can be a beacon in the darkness, reminding her of the strength she carries within."

Fawkes dipped his head in acknowledgement. "As you wish, Master Wu. I shall watch over her."

With a powerful beat of his wings, Fawkes launched himself back into the night sky, carrying with him the weight of a young ninja's future, a stolen scroll's dark whispers, and the hope for a brighter dawn.

___________________________

The morning mist clung to the swamp like a damp blanket, chilling Mia to the bone despite the rising sun. She shivered, pulling her makeshift cloak tighter around her shoulders. The events of the night before - the near-death bridge crossing, the accidental wind magic, the revelation about Nya - felt like a dream.

But nestled beside her, fast asleep and sporting a miniature, mud-caked witch hat, was Blackie. The sight confirmed it wasn't a dream. Mia sighed, a mix of emotions swirling within her.

"You know, Blackie," she muttered, poking him gently with her finger, "I'm happy I'm not with those..." She hesitated, searching for the right words. "Those... frustrating ninja right now."

Blackie stirred, his eyes fluttering open slowly. "Huh? Frustrating ninja? What are you talking about?" He swatted at her finger lazily.

Mia glared playfully. "Don't play dumb. You know exactly what I mean. Always bossing me around, treating me like a kid."

Blackie stretched, his tail flicking dismissively. "Oh, that. They just worry too much. Especially Kai. He gets a little... fire-y sometimes."

Mia snorted. "A little?"