NINJAGO: Corrupted

17 - The Sky Jewel

The lilac ninja had spilled her cup of water due to the sudden wave of shock. She was lost for words.

"What do you mean this is my palace? I don't understand - are you giving it to me? Has it always been mine?"

Axel chuckled softly and took another sip from his glass.

"As I said, this palace was mine and my brother's, but recently, we both came across something...intriguing."

He stood up from the refined dining table and waved his hand at Jupiter to follow. They walked down the excellently designed halls to a large throne room, where the floor was polished marble and the ceiling was intricately detailed with tiny lights in the form of constellations. Exotic plants sprouted from stone pots around the room and a dashing carpet flowed from the throne to the main door.

Axel stepped up towards the golden throne and from behind it, he pulled out a small box.

"Well, what is it?" Jupiter inquired. At this point in time, all she wanted to know is how she was valid enough to own an entire palace. Her thoughts of her ninja friends, her school friends and Ninjago were replaced with curiosity.

In an unnecessarily dramatic manner, Axel opened the lid of the tiny box to reveal a glowing gem; it's color seemed to shift every so often, from a raging red to a calm blue to a brilliant gold and so forth. In absolute awe, Jupiter gazed at the gem. She has never seen anything like it - it was unique. It was calling her.

"This is the Sky Jewel, the only type of it's kind," Axel said in a low voice. "It was said to be the jewel that helped in the creation and maintenance of this sub-realm. Generations of leaders have kept it in their grasp, but a prophecy states that there will be one true leader from one generation, whom the Sky Jewel would unlock a power like no other."

"What sort of power?"

"I don't know. But after hearing about the connecting realm Ninjago, i sent my brother to find the one whom the Sky Jewel reacts to. Someone that is...familiar with the essence of stars."

"Stardust." Jupiter whispered. She looked down at her hands and then back at the jewel. It was still changing colors and glowing. Something in her told her to touch it, to feel its power connect with hers.

"May I hold it?" She asked Axel. He nodded and handed her the box. Slowly but carefully, Jupiter took the jewel from its velvet casing and held it in her hand. She felt a rush go through her arm and body as the Sky Jewel illuminated. It's colors began blending into one another, transforming into a warm purple shade.

"I believe the Sky Jewel wants you as Azure Valley's new leader." Axel exclaimed in a low but amazed voice. He bowed in respect, as the girl stood with the gem in her hand. A grin appeared on her face but it was soon replaced with a concerned look.

"I--I can't. I already have a duty, and it's protecting Ninjago with my friends. I'm not so sure I'll be able to lead this place." She placed the Jewel in its box again and shut it slowly.

The man rose quickly from his bow with shock on his face.

"But..but you must! It is your destiny! The people here need a rightful leader. I was their Emperor for almost a decade, but never has Azure Valley had a suitable leader. Not until you."

He hesitated a bit before speaking again.

"Perhaps if you listen to the Sky Jewel, it may further convince you," he said quietly.

She opened the box again, and gazed at the stone. Its pattern of glowing and changing colors was enchanting to her, as if it were speaking in a language only she could understand.

A long silence followed, with the faint noise of palace workers walking down the halls.

"Well then?" Axel raised his eyebrows, expecting an answer from the possible new Empress.

"The Jewel says I have to." Jupiter said  softly, eyes still bewildered by the mystical stone.