Taking Control. (a Ninjago fanfic)

Chapter 25- The boy who moved mountains

L L O Y D

I stared at her, confusion mixing with a sense of disbelief. How did she know my name? And why was she suddenly acting so friendly after a fight like that?

The girl removed her mask, revealing a freckled face framed by long, ginger hair. Her jade eyes sparkled with excitement as she smiled. "Oh my God, is it actually you?" she exclaimed, her voice full of disbelief and wonder.

I glanced at Nya and Zane— who were both wearing expressions of confusion, suspicion, and wariness.

We hadn't exactly made friends here.

I raised an eyebrow, unsure whether this was a trap or some strange turn of events.

I shrugged, trying to play it cool, though I was just as confused. "Uh, yeah... I'm Lloyd."

Her eyes seemed to light up, and she took a step forward, grinning widely. "You're really him?" she asked again, practically bouncing on her feet.

Nya and Zane exchanged a look, but neither of them said anything. Nya stepped closer, looking more curious than wary at this point. The tension in the air seemed to settle, but only slightly.

"Uh, yeah. It's me," I said awkwardly, rubbing the back of my neck.

"I'm Rue," she introduced herself, her smile softening. She offered her hand, and I took it, still unsure about what was happening. The gesture felt like an invitation, but everything was so strange I couldn't trust it fully.

"I'm the elemental master of Nature," she added casually, as if it was a normal thing to say.

I blinked, my mind racing. Nature? But wasn't-

"As in, Bolobo?" Zane asked quizically, raising an eyebrow.

"He's my father," She explained. "Well, really- he was my father. He's gone now." She smiled sadly.

I swallowed, not knowing how to react. I was never good in these types of situations.. "I'm sorry to hear that." I responded softly.

"Don't be. He died bravely." She brushed off dirt from her clothes and gestured to the foliage to the left of us. "Shall we?"

"Go where?" Zane asked.

"Well surely you don't want to be wandering out here all day. And it's gonna rain soon. Might as well have some shelter." She answered.

"Can we just... deliberate?" Nya asked.

Rue shrugged. "Sure, I guess. But be quick."

We walked away to a nearby tree and sat down.

"Ok, what the fuck." Zane started.

I stared at him in disbelief. Zane had literally never sworn before.

"For real." Nya snickered.

It even got me smiling. This situation was so incredibly bizarre-

"No but seriously, can we trust her?" Nya questioned.

I glanced back at the girl- Rue. She was petting that humongous creature gently. She looked nice. She was friendly, anyway. And skilled. After nearly killing us, of course.

"I think so." I replied confidently. "I trust her. Bolobo was a good guy, and if this is his daughter then I assume the same thing."

Zane nodded. "I agree."

Nya sighed. "Okay, fine."

~~~

"So.. you're the master of Nature?" Nya asked, intrigued. "Like... you can control plants and stuff?"