Earth, Fire, Ice, and Lightning. (a Genderbent Ninjago Fanfiction)

Thin Ice

Zinnia

Splash! Went the water. It was freezing- probably around 32 degrees, as that was when water froze. I swam to the bottom slowly, not wanting to waste energy. I could open my eyes in the water and they would not irritate, which was useful.

Around me were fish of many different kinds, that swam in the tall reeds, darting away when I came near. The atmosphere around me had a dim, greenish glow relecting from the little light let in by the thin ice blanketing the surface above.

Finally, I reached the soft mud bottom. The water down here was murky and dank, the surface must have been at least six yards above. I was surprised that my head wasn't pounding from pressure, but, like I have said, I do not believe that I am completely human.

I arranged myself into a meditation position. It must have already been at least a minute, I was surprised I was making it so long, but my record was  four minutes, so it wasn't all too surprising. Finally comfortable on the muck, I closed my eyes.

Cautious not to breathe in any of the freezing, fresh, muddy water, I concentrated on the environment around me. I heard the swish of the aquatic plants, the occasional rustle of a fish. The water flowed around, life blossomed in every nook and cranny of the tiny pond.

I sat there for a while, meditiating, clearing my head and calming myslef. I had become one with the pond, one with the nature. I could feel some fish moving about around me. They seemed to be used to me now, that I had sat still for so long. I believed one was nibbling slightly on my leg, but I did not mind it, I decided to let it me. Besides, it was not hurting me.

Ah, this was so peaceful, so calm. I know that I have been down here for more than five minutes now, but I do not care. I am one with my surroundings now, and I do not feel the need to breathe. This was peace.

Suddenly, I heard a noise. But, something told me that it was not natural. Someone- or something- was here, that was not meant to be. Slowly I opened my eyes and turned my head a fraction in the direction of the sound. What I saw made me wide eyed.

There, sitting cross legged on the bottom of the lake, was an elderly woman with her white hair pulled into a bun, held together with chopsticks. She wore a white robe with red chinese characters on it. Her tan sandals blended in with the sand. She sipped tea from a blue mug and held a matching teapot.

How could this be possible? I screamed, afraid of this. Could she be a spirit of sorts? This was completely illogical. I did not comprehend!

While screaming, tons of water got into my mouth and down into my lungs. Choking, I swam up to the surface and broke through the thin ice, coughing and gasping for air. I ran out onto the bank, slipped on my shoes, and threw my towel around me, shivering for the first time in my bathingsuit.

"Who-what was that?" I whispered to myself.

My question was answered by a soft, slightly gravelly voice.

"Hello, Zinnia. I am Sensei Sue. I see that you have amazing potential," The voice said.

I turned and shrieked again, seeing that it was the woman from the pond, standing a few feet away from me, holding her tea things, not a drop wet.

"How did you- who are you...why are you here?" I gasped, "This is highly illogical!"

"Zinnia, my dear, do not fret. I am here to help you, to give a chance to achieve your true destiny," the supposed 'Sensei Sue' explained.

"I do not understand," I said, "How could you have been drinking tea underwater- and not be one little bit wet now? How did you reach the surface without a sound?"

"There are things in this world that you do not yet understand," Sue explained, "Things that have to do with magic and power."

This woman was making no sense. Perhaps she was a hallucination from the lack of oxygen and heavy pressure I had experienced. But... she seemed so real. I shook my head and started walking through the snow back to my home. I did not hear anything behind me, so I assumed that she really was just a figment of my imagination after all.

Once in my bedroom, I pulled on a sweat shirt and some jeans. I wrapped my wet hair in a towel and put it on my head, it looked a bit like a turban. Now feeling refreshed, and proud of myself for beating my record.

I went into the kitchen to fix myself some Green Tea. Once it was done, I went into my living room and began to read a book, curling up on my sofa.

Suddenly, I heard a sipping sound next to me. I turned around and jumped, dropping my book. My tea was on the coffee table, however, so it was safe. 'Sensei Sue' was sitting there, on my couch!

"What are you doing here? How did you appear in my house?"

"Zinnia, I am here to helpl you realize your destiny."

"Which is what exactly?"

"To become a ninja, one of the four masters of the elements, and spinjitzu. You, Zinnia, will become the Ice Ninja, that is, if you accept."

A ninja? Me? No... I do not think I have the potential to fight a ninja! I could not hurt a single fly, much less whatever evil lurked in Ninjago.

"Me? A ninja?"

"Yes, you, a ninja. And three other girls."

"But... why do you need me?"

Sue sighed, and placed her cup of tea on the table. I picked up my book and did the same, turning to the old woman.

"You see Zinnia, long ago, the first Spinjitzu master created Ninjago using the four elemental Weapons of Spinjitzu- the Scythe of Quakes, the Nunchucks of Lightning, the Shurikens of Ice, and the Sword of Fire.  These weapons were, and are, so powerful, that no one can hold them all at once. The first master had two daughters. When she passed away, the two daughters swore to protect the weapons. However, the older sister was consumed by darkness, and sought to control the power of the elements. A battle between sisters broke out, and, eventually, the younger sister won the battle. The elder was forced into the underworld, to stay there forever. Peace returned to Ninjago, and the younger sister hid the weapons. Knowing her sister's thirst for power, she placed a guardian for each weapon, and, for fear of her own demise, she made a map for an honest man to hide." Sue finished.

My mouth hung open. "Do you have the map with you?"

"No, not yet," Sue said, "But I know where it is, and I will have it soon." She took a sip of her tea. "So, do you accept?"

"Accept what?"

"Do you accept your fate, my offer for you to become the master of ice."

I considered this. This woman could be lying, could want something else of me. But, she could also be telling the truth, and I could become a ninja, and protect the world. I supposed I would accept. Seriously, what do I have to lose?

"Yes, I accept." I stated, nodding. "Sue, should I pack my things?"

Sue nodded her wrinked head. "Yes, go pack your things, we will be leaving soon." She said, gesturing for me to go to my room. I got up and began to my my way down the hallway, when she added, "Oh, and from now on, you will adress me as 'Sensei', or 'Sensei Sue'," she said.

I nodded and went on to pack my things.

Once done, I came back out into the living room. Sensei Sue nodded her head, and got up, beckoning for me to follow. I did so, and she made her way outside.

My belongings were in a simple knapsack, placed on my back. I had changed out of my previous outfit, and now wore my sweater with a jacket, and some cargo pants, suit for hiking. 

"Uh, Sensei?" I asked, "Where exactly are we going?"

"We are going to the Monestary that rests atop a sacred mountain. This is where you will train, with your fellow teammates, to harness your powers." Sensei explained.

"When will I meet my co-ninja?" I asked.

"Well, Zinnia, you are the first ninja I have recruited."

"What does that mean?"

"It means, Zinnia, that you will meet your fellow ninja all in good time."