Querencia

S2 E13: Return of the Overlord*

Returning to their home base, the entire group could see Dr. Julien pacing in front of the Bounty, a track already worn into the sand. When he noticed them, he began to wring his hands, seeing their damp, sand-covered clothes. "What was that sound? The horns? And the lights?"

Wu took a deep, steadying breath, "The Celestial Clock has reached zero. Garmadon's ultimate weapon is now operational, and the Final Battle between good and evil has all but begun."

"I was wrong about the clock and the helmet. Now, Lloyd must face his father," Misako admitted, looking older than ever.

"But where's Nya?"

"She's been taken by the Overlord, but we'll get her back. At the moment, there are bigger things at stake, including all of Ninjago itself."

"Who cares about Ninjago? Nya was my—uh, my . . . you know," Jay trailed off, unsure of how to describe his relationship with Nya.

"And she's my sister. I know her being captured is tough, but she's tougher. Tougher than most of us. We'll see her again," Kai stated, trying to keep the tremble out of his hands. [M/n], close by, reached over to rest a gentle hand on Kai's shoulder, offering one squeeze before he pulled away.

"Lloyd, your focus gives strength to invoking the power of the Golden Dragon. You cannot lose faith now. Everything rests on your shoulders, nephew."

"Sensei, you didn't see it. I froze. I had the opportunity, and I froze. How can I fight him?"

"I am afraid you simply must. It is written in the scrolls."

"Remember, Lloyd, your father is just as scared to face you. He will not want to fight you," Misako reminded Lloyd, gently touching his cheek.

"Then this battle will be decided by whoever is willing to fight."

Kai was quick to comfort Lloyd, seeing the despondent face, "You won't be alone. I'll be right behind you. You have my Fire."

"You have my Earth."

"And my Ice."

"And Lightning."

[M/n] came up on Lloyd's other side, meeting his gaze. "You have everything I can give. You will not fight alone."

"We're all in this together, kid," Cole added, clapping Lloyd on the back. Lloyd looked back, finding the other ninja watching him with warmth and protectiveness - and he felt warm, loved.

"Well then, what are we waiting for?" Lloyd asked, grinning crookedly. "Let's change, and get ready for a fight."

Everyone clambered back onto the Bounty to shower off the sand and salt layered across their skin, before changing back into their GI's and sharpening their weapons to stock up. Suited up, they all gathered in the sands, mentally preparing to face Lord Garmadon. "I'm ready."

Lloyd led them through the forest, but it was [M/n] navigating based completely on his memory of the map that had been drawn up days ago. They slowed as they approached, noticing the eerie silence from the camp.

"Get down," Lloyd commanded, wanting to make sure no sentries saw them.

"It feels quieter than before," Zane noted.

"Doesn't matter, they won't know what hit 'em," Kai muttered, hand flexing on the handle of his sword.

"Time to chop wood," Jay agreed. They approached, noticing the lack of alarms when they came within sight of the doors.

Shrugging, they all tensed. "Ninja, go!" Using Spinjitzu, the six managed to completely break down the shoddy wooden gate, slowing, weapons out, only to find nothing. Waiting for a long moment, no one heard any shouts or orders. The camp was silent.