Taking Control. (a Ninjago fanfic)

Chapter 33- Return to Chaos

Hey everyone ! Happy new year !! :D to celebrate I've got 2 chapters releasing today >:D you're welcome I know I'm amazing— anyways enjoy and have a great year <3

Z A N E

The land bounty hummed steadily, its engine a comforting rhythm, adding to the chatter of my team.

The jungle was long behind us now, replaced by rolling hills and winding paths as we made our way towards Ninjago city.

The atmosphere inside was.. surprisingly calm. After everything we'd endured in Hiroshis labyrinth, and the fact that we were carrying an extremely dangerous artefact— it felt surreal to have a moment of relative peace.

The mirror of shadows rested securely in its holder nearby, a blanket thrown over the top. I think it's because it creeped everyone out a bit.

I glanced to my left, where Lloyd was sitting cross-legged on one of the benches, the little lumine curled up in his lap. Its soft yellow glow lit up his face, and he was smiling faintly, stroking its fur as it purred in contentment.

He deserved that moment of calm, I thought. He'd done a lot during this mission.

"Still can't believe you're bringing that thing back with us," Nya said from her seat, glancing over her shoulder at the lumine. Her tone was teasing, but her smile betrayed her amusement.

"Why not?" Lloyd replied, feigning indignation. "He's adorable. And he's been through enough already. Besides, he likes me." The lumine barked softly, as if to agree.

"Don't get too attached," Nya warned with a smirk. "Wu might not appreciate a new pet."

Rue, sitting on the floor near the back, let out a laugh. "Oh, come on! How could anyone not like him?" She leaned forward, watching the little creature with wide, curious eyes. "What are you going to call him?"

Lloyd hesitated, as if he hadn't thought about it yet. "Uh... I don't know. Maybe Spark?"

"Too obvious," Rue said with a grin. "He glows. Something cooler, like—like... Ember! Oh, wait, no, that's fire. Maybe Nova?"

Lloyd rolled his eyes but smiled. "I'll think about it."

I listened to their chatter, letting it fill the space.

Rue seemed to have adjusted well to us— perhaps better than I'd expected. Her energy really reminded me of Jays. Her rambling when she was nervous or excited, her constant enthusiasm and the way she was always grinning.

She'd earned our trust. She was powerful, resourceful, and loyal- qualities we desperately needed right now.

I turned my attention back to the road ahead, monitoring our surroundings. "We should arrive just before nightfall." Nya stated, squinting as she flicked through the radio stations, settling for "24k magic"

She grinned, and I smiled back. As the beat started playing, and the man started singing, I finally let myself relax. Sure, we hadn't defeated the Overlord yet. But we had the mirror— we had the way to defeat him. Sure, we had so much to do, so much to prepare for. Sure, the odds were stacked against us. But for now, at least, we were together. And that was enough.

I looked back at the others- Nya's awful singing, Lloyds soft voice, and Rues bewildered looks as she watched the water ninja attempt to dance.

~~~

"Hello?" Nya called hesitantly, her voice echoing as she pushed open the monastery's gates. The heavy doors creaked loudly before slamming against the stone walls. The sound reverberated in the stillness, but still no one came to greet us.