Taking Control. (a Ninjago fanfic)

Chapter 27 - Gloworms and legends

Z A N E

We followed Rue to her hut, her steps light and voice animated as she filled the silence with endless chatter.

She reminded me of Jay, a lot. I think they would've gotten on well together. If he were here.

Her voice was refreshing in a way. It was nice to just listen, and not worry about everything for just a few minutes.

Rue had an energy about her, a brightness that made it difficult to remain entirely on guard, despite the circumstance we found ourselves in.

She was our age, about 17 I should think. Her hair was amazing - fiery orange and braided into twin plaits that swung as she walked. Flowers were carefully woven into her braids, white blossoms that contrasted beautifully against her hair. They weren't just decorative, though. I'd noticed them bloom and wilt depending on her mood. A fascinating connection to her powers, and one I intended to ask her about once the time was right.

"Here we are!" She announced suddenly, stopping in front of a cozy hut tucked beneath a canopy of vines and leaves. The structure was small, crafted from woven branches and broad leaves. But it was charming, just like everything else about her. "My place! Not as fancy as your monastery, I'm sure, but it's home."

Nya looked impressed as she glanced around the clearing. "It's beautiful. Did you build it yourself?"

Rue beamed with pride. "Well, the forest helped. It's all about asking nicely."

Lloyd stepped closer to the hut, peering inside. "You've lived here your whole life?"

Rue nodded as she ushered us all inside. "Yup! Born and raised in the Gladekeeper tribe. We've always been connected to the labyrinth. Protectors of its secrets and all that."

"So you've never been outside of the Labyrinth?" I asked.

She shook her head.

"I've got everything I need right here." She answered, but I saw a gleam of uncertainty shine in her eyes.

Perhaps she wanted to see what's outside of this jungle.

I ducked slightly to step inside, the space cozy but just large enough for all of us. The walls were decorated with vines and small carvings, symbols of plants and animals I didn't recognise. Flowers grew in every crevice, weaving themselves around the framing and into the walls. It was beautiful.

A few wooden shelves held clay pots, bundles of herbs, and other items I assumed were important to her people. There was a distinct warmth to the place, a sense of peace that seemed to radiate from the walls.

Safety. Security.

I trusted her. Fully.

"So," Rue said, dropping onto a cushion and gesturing for us to sit. "What's the story with you lot? You show up out of nowhere, get tackled by my petalhorn and me because I'm amazing, and now you want a mirror?"

Lloyd grinned sheepishly. "It's a long story."

"We've got time." Rue's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she rested her chin in her hands. "Start from the beginning."

Lloyd launched into the tale of how we'd ended up in the labyrinth, explaining our mission to find the Mirror of Shadows and save Jay. Rue listened intently, nodding along and occasionally interrupting with a question or comment.

"So, this Jay guy," she said, her expression softening. "He's your friend? Like, really close?"

"He's our brother," I corrected gently. "We'll do anything to bring him back."