The legend of the light ninja

Chapter Eight | Never Trust a Snake

The Falcon landed gracefully on a thin phone line, its talons gripping the wire. The startled flurry of birds erupted into the sky, their panicked chirps echoing into the early morning air. The Falcon's eyes, sharp and calculating, fixed on the screen before it.

"Wake up, Zane. I know where you come from," the bird seemed to say, its gaze unwavering.

The dream abruptly dissolved as Zane just awoke, his head colliding with the top bunk of the bed with a muffled thud. He gasped, sitting upright, his breath coming in quick, shallow bursts. Kai, who had swapped places with him in the night, now occupied the top bunk, snoring softly. Zane rubbed his throbbing head, the remnants of the unsettling dream still clinging to his consciousness.

The room was empty; Kai and the others were nowhere in sight. Zane glanced around, noting the quiet stillness of the cabin. He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood, the morning chill greeting him as he stepped onto the floor.

He shuffled to the window, pushing aside the curtain to peer out. The sky was still dark, the first light of dawn just beginning to break through.

With a determined stride, Zane made his way to the bridge. The slow glow of early morning light revealed Master Wu and Nya already in conversation. The weight of the previous night's events hung heavy on their shoulders, each face etched with resolve.

"The hunt starts early today," Zane announced as he approached, his voice steady but tinged with fatigue.

Master Wu turned to face him, his expression calm and knowing. "A watchful eye never sleeps," he replied, his voice embodying the wisdom of experience.

Nya, her gaze serious, nodded in agreement. "As long as Lloyd and the Serpentine roam freely, no one in Ninjago is safe."

Zane's concern deepened. "Where are the others? And Sam?"

Wu gestured toward the upper deck. "Training on the upper deck."

Zane stepped out onto the upper deck, the crisp morning air invigorating him as he sought solace in the tranquillity of the early day. His gaze was immediately drawn to the Falcon, perched high on the mast, its sharp eyes gleaming in the soft light.

"You were in my dream, little friend," Zane murmured, his voice soft but laden with curiosity. "Last time I saw you, you led me to good fortune. What reason have you returned?"

As if in response, the Falcon took flight, soaring away from Destiny's Bounty. Zane watched the bird disappear into the distance, a sense of unease creeping over him. He felt a cold chill on the back of his neck, turning slowly to see a shadow emerging behind him.

"Lord Garmadon," Zane said, his voice dropping to a harsh whisper as he recognised the figure. He spun around, facing his long-time adversary with shock and defiance. "But you were banished!"

Garmadon's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Only to return for the Weapons of Spinjitzu," he declared, drawing two katanas with a fluid motion. "Soon I will have the power to recreate Ninjago in my image."

With a swift, predatory grace, Garmadon charged at Zane. Reacting quickly, Zane drew his Shurikens of Ice and leapt over the attacking blades. He landed in a defensive stance, the icy shurikens ready in his hands.

"Give me your Shurikens of Ice," Garmadon demanded, his voice a chilling promise of impending doom.

"You'll have to take them from me," Zane retorted, his resolve firm. "Ninja, go!"