Ninjago: Purpose and Meaning

17. Free of the Past

Nadine barely listened to what the Elemental Masters talked about. She sat with them by the table but didn't hear their words as they talked and joked with each other. She simply observed them, noticing the glad and happy expressions on their faces.

She was happy to see how Tierney truly had become one of them. He no longer seemed lost but sat among them as an equal. He took part in the conversations and threw jokes back at those who made a joke on his expanse.

The only one he didn't seem comfortable around yet was the First Spinjitzu Master. Sometimes, Nadine forgot how much of a legendary and mythical figure he was to Ninjago's population. Of course, it would take time for Tierney to get used to his presence.

The First Spinjitzu Master, on the other hand, didn't seem bothered by Tierney's consistent awkward looks. He acted like he didn't notice, but Nadine could see in his expression the slight hesitation he always had before he turned to Tierney. 

The First Spinjitzu Master had decided to stay the night as he was so happy to see them all together again. It almost felt unreal to watch them all together again. Two months ago, they had all gone different paths. They had all agreed that it was for the best, and now, they were all together again. She didn't complain.

This was where she felt at home, among those who had dedicated their lives to protecting others, just like herself. This was what she was meant to do, and this was what she enjoyed.

She looked over the familiar faces once more before they stopped at Selene. The blonde woman was, just like herself, barely hearing what the others were saying. Her blue eyes stared emptily at the table, her brows slightly furrowed and her lips pursed. She was lost deep in thought.

As Nadine stared at her, Selene seemed to sense it. The Master of Time raised her gaze, looking directly at Nadine. She read the worry in Selene's eyes before she nodded at the door, telling the Master of Time to meet her outside.

Together, they silently slipped away from the table without anybody noticing, leaving the loud room to continue their discussions.

"What's going on?" Nadine asked the Master of Time. She realized she hadn't caught up with her since Selene came back.

Selene took a deep breath of the cold night air. 

"I'm worried about the First Spinjitzu Master," she said. "I don't know how he hides all the pain he's in, but whatever his condition is, it's serious."

Nadine bit her lip, realizing Selene was the only one except for herself, who had seen the pain he was in. They were the only ones who knew how low the legendary figure had fallen.

"You know something," Selene realized as she saw Nadine's look. "You know what happened to him."

Nadine shook her head. "I don't know everything," Nadine explained. "I only know what he told me, and it wasn't much."

"Tell me," Selene asked her. "If I'm going to find a way to help him, I need to know as much as possible."

Nadine hesitated. She wasn't sure if she should tell the Master of Time what she knew. He had told her in confidence, if so unwillingly, and she didn't feel like betraying his trust.

"It doesn't really matter," Nadine sighed. "I don't know anything about what's wrong with him. But the important thing to know is, he has given up." Nadine stared into the night, her mind still trying to figure out a way to help him. "He doesn't believe there's any way to save him."

Selene sighed, looking back toward the house and the sounds of people laughing.

"He might be right," Selene said hesitantly. "My powers did not affect him."