Ninjago: Rising Phoenix

30) Where it started

Mirabel POV

''WHAT do you mean he isn't here?'' I demand to know, feeling my heart pounding at the thought that he is missing. He was here when I checked the island right after the Merge. He was here and well, so why would he just leave the Ikegai? He was in charge of this place and he know very well not to just disappear without reason, or to at least appoint another one as temporarily chief until his return. And he has been gone for three years? 

''Mirabel, please. Calm down and let us explain.'' Wish Nadakhan and gesture for me to sit back down on the chair he brought with his powers. I just plump down on the chair and immediantly give them a look to start talking. ''After the Merge, a few months after you came by to check up on us, did Morro start acting, unusual.''

''That boy was acting like he was scare' of his own shadow.'' Explain Flintlock of Morro's behavior before he disappeared. ''Always looking behin' him, walking around in the middl' of the night. He was acting completely paranoid.''

''Paranoid?'' Repeat Lloyd this time. Looking at the two with a lifted brow as none of us would believe in that. Well except the two who doesn't know him. ''He was once a ghost himself. Heck, he can still change into a ghost. So how can he be paranoid?''

''It is a bit odd for Morro's personality.'' Comment Zane, also finding it a bit odd to hear that. 

''We honestly don't know why.'' Answer Nadakhan and decide to use his magic to make some dusty imagery to explain further. Showing some memories of Morro walking around and keep looking behind him with a snap, like he heard a voice. Even getting distracted during training. It truly shows that he is being paranoid of something the others haven't seen. And he has clearly been hiding it, not consulting his trouble with anyone. ''As the months went by, did he ignore his daily routines and start spending time in the library or in his room. Then out of the blue, did he summon us elites to a meeting, just to hear how everything is going... And the next day, was he gone.''

''And none of the night guards saw him?'' I ask this time, finding it more and more mysterious to why he would suddenly vanish without saying anything. 

''No one. And I was on duty that night.'' Answer Flintlock, admitting that he didn't see anything.

''Why would he leave?'' I ask myself, feeling the same pang of sadness from losing Kai, flowing over me once more.

''You alright, Princess?'' Ask Flint concerned for me. But I don't wanna say anything right now, as my mind is being fog with multiple emotions. Sadness, fear, worry, anger and so much more. Someone place a hand on my shoulder in a comforting way. I look at the corner of my eyes and see Cole being the one to support me. While Zane walked to the front to keep the conversation going.

''We have recently lost someone ourselves. During our previous battle against evil, did we lose Kai to an ancient ritual, that could bring back a group called the Forbidden Five.'' Explain Zane to the two, immediantly getting concerning look from the ex-pirates. ''Mirabel was also meant to be... sacrificed, but the Raven saved her and closed the portal. Leaving Kai trapped in the Nether Space.''

''Oh darlin'.'' Mumble Flint sadden to hear that, but I quickly wave my hand to show that I am fine. Hurt, but fine. 

''The Forbidden Five..?'' Mumble Nadakhan on the side, crossing all four arms to think for a moment. We all glance over at the Djinn and wait to hear what he has to say. We know by now, that if someone is repeating something that isn't a normal thing everyone knows, then it means this person knows something. Or at least heard it before.

''Nadakhan, do you know the Forbidden Five?'' Ask Nya bravely, tapping one of his arms. 

''I think I have only heard about them... And it is not during my days as a Pirate.'' Inform Nadakhan in curiosity himself.