Hope's Last Glimmer

Chapter 1: Again

Hey guys! I know it's been forever, but life has thrown me some crazy curve-balls in the last few months. I had hoped to get this book out by the middle of August, but we all see how well that turned out. I feel bad that it took me so long to get around to actually posting this book, but I couldn't help it. I wrote this book and the first book in high-school; now i'm in college and time is a precious commodity, something I don't have much of either. Thank you for your patience. I apologize for the wait and for having to have very slow updates on this book, but it's the best I can do. Thanks for understanding!

-TMNTNinjagoLover

Shimmer's POV:

My throat is dry. My eyes burn. My head throbs in time with my heart. Am I alive? How can this be? I think I'll lie here a few minutes...

'Lloyd!!' My eyes snap open at this thought only to be met with a multitude of gases, causing my eyes to sting an water. 'The others. How could I have forgotten?'

Rising to my feet, I begin to test out the current trustworthiness of my legs, not knowing hoe long I've been unconscious. My body aches, but I think I can hold up for the trek ahead.

Blinking quickly to clear my vision, I turn to face the source of light here in the cursed realm. I've been here long enough to understand this place. Luckily I still remember where the portals are in this realm. I will find my way home. Home to Lloyd.

Lifting my right foot to begin my long run to the nearest portal, I see something in my peripheral to my left. Stopping short, I turn to investigate what it is. Upon turning I discover it to be a person. She has long, rich, chocolate-brown hair that tumbles and twirls in the breeze at the small of her back. Her eyes are so clear I can see my own reflection glowing in her sparkling, amber orbs.

I clench my jaw as tears collect in my eyes, daring to spill down my face. I look on helplessly as the beautiful woman approaches. 

"Child." her voice ripples as smooth as honey. A tear slides down the curve of my jawline as she speaks. She opens her arms as she smiles at me, eyes radiating love. 

The breeze blows once more, fluttering my hair and ruffling the skirt of her dress. "Mom!" The scream erupts from my throat as I run to her, burying myself in her arms.

My mother. Illumine. I haven't seen her in years, Morro never let me see her. However, I don't understand why. What harm could there possibly be in letting me see my mother? She's dead anyway, that's why she's here.

I cried into my mother's shoulder as she stroked my hair lovingly. I nuzzled my face into her glittering locks of hair, finding comfort in the familiar scent. I could feel her heartbeat as we stood there, locked in our embrace. (Yes, she's dead, but she has a heartbeat in the cursed realm.)

My sobs filled the air as I wept in sheer happiness of seeing my mother again. "My dearest, Shimmer," she soothed as we pulled away, looking into each other's face. "I have a gift for you." she whispered, draping a delicate gold chain around my neck. On the chain hung an orange and yellow sun pendant, it's size about that of a quarter.

"It's beautiful. Thank you, mother." I breathed gazing at the pendant so gently brushing my chest. As I gazed at it, I noticed that within the sun was fire and the rays sprouting from the sun's center lightly crackled  with yellow electricity.

"This was given to me by my mother when I came of age and now it's yours. It will help you discover yourself." she explained to me as she allowed her arms to drape at her sides while I lightly fingered my newfound prized possession. "Never forget who you are, my daughter.'whispered Illumine as she began to fade away..

"Mother." I called softly as her disappearing form caressed my left cheek. I stepped forward and reached for her as she ascended in her spot while continuing to slowly dissolve,  but it was too late. Illumine was gone, leaving only the necklace in her wake.

I smiled lightly, slowly retracting my arm from it's reaching stance to clutch the pendant hanging from my neck. Strangely, I was at peace with this parting.

Turning once more towards the dim, only source of light in this realm, I took off at a breakneck pace to the nearest portal, legs pumping, lungs burning, and heart full.

'Finally. I made it.' I thought to myself as I slunk between stone pillars to stealthily reach the portal. The coast was clear.

I approached the portal with confidence. Tossing one more fleeting glance over my shoulder, I stepped through the portal, disappearing from that world and back into Ninjago. 

That's Chapter 1! I hope you liked it!

-TMNTNinjagoLover.