Taking Control. (a Ninjago fanfic)

Chapter 31- Glowing bonds

L L O Y D

The weight of the Mirror in my arms felt heavier than it should have done, like it was trying to drag me down with every step. It was an awkward shape aswell, constantly slipping out of my arms.

Its surface was smooth like glass, but then again it wasn't. It shimmered with an eerie dark sheen that seemed to ripple whenever the light caught it-  it seemed to shy away from brightness.

I hated holding it. It felt evil, so evil. Almost like it was whispering to me - words I couldn't quite make out. It sent a shiver down my spine.

"You ok, Lloyd?" Nya's voice cut through my thoughts. She walked beside me, her sharp eyes flicking from the mirror to my face.  Her concern was subtle, but still there. It always was.

"Yeah," I muttered, adjusting my grip once more on the mirror's ornate frame. Its edges were carved with strange, jagged symbols, pricking my skin as I carried it along.

"It's just... this thing doesn't feel right."

"It's not supposed to," Zane responded from up ahead, his voice calm but certain. His pace was steady, but uncertainty floated in the air, wariness pacing our steps. "An object that powerful rarely is."

"I can make you a holder if you'd like." Rue offered, and I nodded gratefully.

She summoned some thick vines and tied it securely around the mirror, creating a thick strap so I could wear it on my back.

"Thanks." I smiled gratefully, and she grinned.

But there was something in her eyes- she was quieter than usual. She hadn't said much since we'd left the temple, and I could tell she was thinking. About what, I wasn't sure.

The Land Bounty was just about visible on the horizon, its familiar shape a relief against the fading daylight. The journey back felt heavier than the walk in, even though we'd faced traps, puzzles, and a massive freaking lava pit on the way in. Now, though, we had the mirror—and with it, the weight of what we had to do.

Right, let me think. We'd been in the jungle for 4 days. Out of it for 3.

That's a week without Jay. A week with him under the Overlords grip.

We couldn't waste any more time.

Rue cleared her throat, and I glanced back at the ginger haired girl.

"So," she started, twirling her braids nervously. "I was wondering- it's ok if you say no- if I could possibly maybe help you fight the Overlord back in Ninjago? It's fine if not, I'd just like to help, and I think meeting the others would be really cool,-"

God, she was such a blabberer. Just like Jay.

I laughed. "Of course you can."

But then I thought of the consequences.

"But you could get really injured, Rue." Nya butted in softly.

"It's a risk I'm willing to take." She replied strongly, her eyes glimmering defiantly.

I nodded. "If you're sure."

Before I could say anything more, a creature suddenly pinned me to the ground, its claws digging into my wrists with surprising strength. I let out a startled yelp, my breath catching in my throat.

"Lloyd!" I heard Nya yell, her voice filled with panic. She tried to rush towards me, but a thick branch shot out from the surrounding trees, blocking her way.

Rue stood there, eerily calm, one finger pressed to her lips as she observed the scene.

Nya froze, eyes wide, her concern for me evident as she stood helplessly at the barrier.