Chapter Text
“We have a new exhibit that we would just love to have you sponsor! And you’ll be the first ones to get a look at it, for free of course! Consider it our way of saying thanks for all you do!”
The ninja smiled as the museum director waved her hands around enthusiastically.
“This will really be good for business, plus I’m sure you all want a break! Not to mention an exclusive sneak peek at our interactive animatronics, they really bring the exhibits to life! Like you’re inside the history pages themselves! What do you say?” She was practically begging them at this point.
“Well, we haven’t had a threat to Ninjago city for a while, and one night can’t hurt. Guys?” Lloyd turned to the others, who all shared glances with each other.
“I, for one, would love to see the exhibits. I’m sure they will be quite informative.” Zane smiled softly. Kai shrugged in response.
“Eh, I guess, if that’s what you’re into.”
“I wouldn’t mind. The animatronic bit seems cool.” Cole spoke up, Nya and Pixal both nodding their heads in agreement.
“Heck yeah! I love animatronics! Kinda creepy, but cool to see what makes them tick! I’m in!” Jay cheered. Lloyd smiled and turned to the director with excitement.
“We’re in!”
“Oh! Amazing! Absolutely delightful! You won’t regret this! How does Friday at 6 sound? We’ll take some photos of you in front of the exhibit entrance, and then you’ll be free to explore it for yourselves!” The museum director practically melted with relief at hearing the ninja say yes, and her enthusiasm doubled. The plans were set and the ninja headed back to the bounty. The time passed with idle chatter and excitement about the exhibit. Hopefully it was as amazing as the museum director led them to believe. It might even be fun.
_______________________________________
“Immersive Ninjago History.” Zane reads from the pamphlet as he looks at his friends. “I am interested to see how immersive this will be.”
“Says here they have the Serpentine Wars, invention of Airjitzu…man they really went all out for this!” Cole exclaims.
“I don’t even wanna know the cost to make all of the animatronics for the Serpentine Wars!” Jay laughs. The ninja make their way inside and up the stairs, making their way towards the large exhibit entrance.
“I guess we know what that big construction project was all about now. I bet they’re glad nothing destroyed the city while they were building it.” Lloyd chuckled, his head looking in every direction as he tried to hold back his excitement.
“Hello ninja! This is amazing! Alright, so if you could just stand right in front of the doors, my team just wants to take a few pictures, and then you are free to enjoy the place! My tour guide here will answer any questions you have!” The museum director stayed true to her title by directing the ninja into a group. Making sure the ninja looked perfect in front of the new museum exhibit. After a few pictures were snapped, the photographers left and the tour guide rushed them all inside.
“This way please. Welcome to Ninjago Museum’s Immersive Ninjago History exhibit. We really hope you enjoy it, and do not be afraid to let yourself get sucked into history! That’s kind of the whole point of this.”
The ninja excitedly followed along. The effort, money and time that was put into this project was more and more obvious the longer they spent inside of the exhibit. Holographs, lights, speakers, animatronics. Every element brought history to life, it really did seem like the ninja had been brought back in time. They were led through the destructive battles of the Serpentine Wars, the wonder of the first person to use Airjitzu. Even some of their own adventures were included. The Great Devourer, for instance. Which was a bit weird, but certain details were off, so the team was able to laugh at it. As they were led away from the desert where the Great Devourer was summoned, the holograms on the wall shifted into the sea. It was stormy, lightning and thunder sounded throughout the room as they were led onto creaky wood floors.
“Hm…I wonder where we are now?” Jay voiced.
“Many people are well aware of Captain Soto and his crew.” The tour guide announced as they made their way through the exhibit. Cannon fire could be heard, and an animatronic of the peg legged captain shot his arm forward as he directed his men into battle. “We have been able to get very accurate ideas of what the ship looked like back then, especially since it is now the ship you live on. But have you ever wondered what it was like on the opposite side? Across the sea, over many dangerous oceans, the Destiny’s Bounty sister ship sailed.” The ninjas were led further from their familiar ship, entering a dark tunnel that briefly flashed with strong lightning. There was nothing they could see, only the bright lights that occasionally brightened the stormy skies. The sounds of battle mixed with nature until some of the loud booms were almost indistinguishable. They stepped forward onto more creaky floorboards.
“We welcome you to the other side of the conflict, welcome to Misfortune’s Keep!”
Jay’s blood ran cold. He didn’t need to be welcomed, he’s been here before. And it was a place he’d much rather say goodbye to.