Ninjago: Ripped World 2

Up Close

Jay had managed to rig up a micro camera and light to take some shots of the inner workings of the box. The cogs that now would not budge were being viewed via a live feed to a monitor. Enlarged on the giant screen, the discs resembled the rings of a planet, with fine lines etched into the surface and inset into them, miniscule amber cubes, positioned at very precise intervals. The assembled team were silent as they watched in awe.

Misako quietly exclaimed 'the skill required to make those cubes is rare indeed. There is probably only one or two craftsmen that could have sculpted them, they are so small and precise. Jay, if you could stop there. See where the cogs overlap and how they have been connected by the amber cubes? There may be some correlation to time or position that could explain your jump'

'I'll help' Said Cole. 'I can record what we see, make a plan of the cogs'.

'Awesome! That'll be great' Jay was excited to get going, he felt that they were getting closer to unlocking the secrets retained inside the box. As the two began to get drafting materials together a red light flashed by the door, indicating that a call needed to be answered. Wu disallowed such a sudden and sharp a noise as a ringing phone in the Library.

Lloyd ran out of the room to get to the nearest phone in the office 'Hello? Yangs Temple of Airjitsu'.

'Lloyd, it is Sensei Wu. I need you to bring the box to me'.

'Well, uh Sensei we have it rigged up with camera's and we are looking at the insides on a huge screen and...'

Wu cut in 'Bring it to me' Hearing the serious tone in Wu's voice, Lloyd agreed immediately and took down the details of where he was 'Lloyd, could I speak with Misako please?'

'Yes Sensei' Lloyd said and went to fetch Misako. He stayed with the team and gave the orders to de-rig the box exploration, to which both Jay and Cole groaned.

'We were just getting going, why do we need to take it to Sensei Wu?' said Jay.

'Guy's, I don't know, he didn't explain, but I'm sure its relevant, come on lets get it packed away. Nya and Zane can you prep the craft'.

'We're on it' said Nya and Zane in unison as they headed for the door.

'Is there anything I can do to help?' said Skylor to the rapidly emptying room.

'Snacks!' exclaimed Cole.

'We're on snacks?' said Kai 'What kind of messed up metabolism do you have Cole?'

'The best kind' he replied.

'Come on' Skylor said as she dragged Kai out of the room 'I make great snacks'

'She's a keeper Kai!' Cole shouted after them.

'How long before we will be leaving?' Skylor asked Kai as they walked briskly down the hall.

'Oh, not long, probably 10 or 15mins. Is that enough time for you to make something?'

'Well, I was actually thinking I might just chuck some junk food in a bag and spend the time doing something else'...

Kai slowed as Skylor had stopped. He turned back to her and could see the look of mischief on her face. As he walked back towards her she moved for the nearest door. Kai followed and grabbed hold of her as the door swung open and they fell into the darkened space.

The door to the storage cupboard swung shut behind them.

In the darkness, silence reigned until breath was needed 'You do realise' whispered Kai 'that Cole is going to be very disappointed'

'Mmm Hmm' agreed Skylor as her lips hovered next to Kai's 'You'll protect me, won't you?'

Kai chuckled 'I don't think he'd pick a fight with you. He'd be too worried you'd ban him from the noodle restaurant'.

They were suddenly aware of somebody calling their names 'Can't we just stay here in the darkness?' said Skylor as the voice grew louder.

'Shhh' said Kai. The voice was just outside the door.

'Skylor? Kai?' It was Misako.

They tried to stay still and not giggle, until Kai shifted and impaled his hip on something sharp. 'Ow Jeez...' He let slip loudly as Skylor snorted a muffled laugh. He shut up quickly in the off chance Misako hadn't heard.

There was a knock at the door.

Oh uh, hold on, we are just getting something from the... uh...'

Misako saw the light turn on under the door.

They could see the closet they had chosen was for small hand held weapons. 'Uh, just getting some throwing stars and nunchucks. You know, you can never have enough... right?'

Skylor opened the door, looking flushed. Misako looked amused 'A small arms store is a dangerous place to be in the dark' she stated.

'Oh, uh...' They both stammered.

'Oh, don't worry about it you two. We do need to get going, but I first need to talk with Skylor. Kai if you could get a few snacks for Cole it will keep him energised. He needs more fuel than most'.

'Sure thing. I'll see you at the hanger Skylor' Kai squeezed her hand before moving off to the kitchen.

Misako lead Skylor to the comtemplation room. A clean room of paper screens and tatami mats. The screens created spacious zones to allow students to sit in solitude and meditate. It didn't see much use! The light that flooded through the translucent screens gave a clean ethereal feel. Misako and Skylor sat on the floor in one of the zones.

'Skylor' Misako began. I have some news for you.

'Oh?'

'The lead that Wu was following was with an old friend of his. It has been brought to his attention that this woman, an elemental had been ostracized from her family, of which Wu was unaware'.

Skylor, looked confused. Knowing this must pertain to her somehow. Misako continued.

'You're Grandmother was the Master of Amber also, before your mother. She lives in a village at the edge of the Wild Wood Forest and the foot of the Mountains of Impossible Height'

Skylor gasped 'I didn't think I had any relatives... at all. Mother never talked about her mother'.

'She is very much looking forward to seeing you. Her name is Jewel'.

'Jewel?' she lowered her head 'Mother would tell me stories about a beautiful Jewel that lived in the forest, protected by the mountains... He kept her away, didn't he? Mother wasn't even allowed to tell me about her' Her mind swam at the injustice of her childhood, controlled by her father.

'Will you be ok Skylor?' Misako asked 'I'm so sorry that this has happened to you'.

'I will be, thank you Misako'.

'You don't have to come now, if you are not ready'.

'No way. I'm coming, I have to see her... meet her' She stood abruptly and hurried out of the contemplation rooms to the hanger.

As she walked onto the mooring escarpment from the Gateway she could not hide her smile. Kai turned and absorbed her happiness. 'Was that also part of her power?' He thought.

The blades of the copter started to whir to life. Her amber hair was swept around her face. She walked up to Kai and moved to enter the copter 'I have a grandmother!' she said.

In the Hanger, Jay, Cole and Lloyd were ready for take off. Cole spoke into the radio 'Jet ready, awaiting departure confirmation from Copter'

'Copter ready' came the reply from Zane. The two craft began the journey that took over a day's hike for Wu but would be minutes for the team in the Jet and the Copter.