Ninjago: Purpose and Meaning

7. The Recruit

"Who are you?" Nadine asked, staring intently at the new Master of Wind's glowing white arms.

She had searched, waited, for two months for him. She had asked Nyad every day for two months and waited for a new Master of Wind to appear. Every day, until the beginning of this very week, when she decided to go after the pirates.

Nyad had tried to convince her that it could be years until a new Master of Wind would appear, and she actually started to believe her, so she stopped asking.

One week! She had stopped asking for one week, and a new Master of Wind had appeared during that time.

She chuckled at the sheer absurdity.

"You know what," she chuckled and stepped to his side, shaking her head in disbelief. "It doesn't matter."

-

Tierney suddenly recognized the woman he had saved.

He had hurried back down the street with the First Spinjitzu Master's blessing and newfound confidence since he felt much more powerful with an Elemental power flowing through his veins.

And he came upon a group of pirates that had rushed toward a woman who only had a broken spear in her hands. Of course, he stepped between her and the pirates to defend her.

He didn't realize she didn't need saving. She wasn't some random villager, she was one of the leaders of the Elemental Masters; Nadine, the Master of Water.

Tierney hadn't recognized her in the grey poncho and the straw hat she wore. She had looked like a civilian. But now that he stood beside her, he could see her armor beneath the poncho, and nobody could mistake her bright blue eyes. 

Only the Elemental Masters had such prominent color in their eyes. It was almost like their powers amplified certain features, and, with most, that meant their eyes while others had their hair change color. There were other examples but those were the most prominent and recognisable.

"You're Nadine," Tierney said in a whisper, staring at the woman in disbelief.

I just saved an Elemental Master, he panicked inside. It was not every day he met an Elemental Master and he felt nervous. His hands were suddenly sweaty and he tried to look more confident than he actually was, not wanting to seem unworthy of his newly gained powers.

The Master of Water chuckled, "Indeed, I am," she agreed with Tierney's whispered statement. She gave Tierney a quick glance as the pirates were getting back on their feet. "Can you defend yourself?" She asked with a sudden worry in her eyes as she realized he wasn't carrying any weapon.

Tierney bit his lip and figured it was best not to answer. But his silence seemed to be enough for Nadine to know the answer.

She sighed and shook her head lightly, "By the Spinjitzu Master's spirit," she muttered under her breath. "How long have you had your powers?" She asked, grasping for her only remaining hope; that Tierney could defend himself with his powers. 

Tierney clenched his jaw and opened and closed his hands nervously, a slight blush emerging on his cheeks before he answered.

"About five minutes," he said silently and Nadine spun toward him and stared at him intently. "Give or take..." He added even more silently.

"You've got to be kidding me," Nadine said in disbelief. "Please, tell me you're kidding."

Tierney didn't answer but suddenly found the ground very interesting, even more interesting the more intently Nadine stared at him.

"You're not kidding," Nadine said beneath her breath. "You're actually serious."

"Look, I didn't decide when I got them," he quickly said, his cheeks bright red.