Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

As Kai brought the hammer down onto the sword, he couldn’t help but sigh. He put the sword into the water to let cool. “And presto...” He mumbled, he pulled the sword out to early, and it was now swirled in on itself. As he turned around to fix it, he heard Nya laugh.

“I’d like to see you do better,” He muttered rolling his eyes. He scolded himself for not waiting patiently but he needed to have something to show next time he went into town. Earning money was hard and he didn’t know if it was because his skills weren’t up to par, but he never got enough business outside of town. Just as he went to fix the sword, he heard someone walk up. Maybe it was a customer! Kai turned to see an elderly man with a bamboo stick walk in.

“Hmm Your metal is loud and heavy…useful to slow one down. Useless in the art of stealth.” He said walking further into the shop, “All tools for a samurai but nothing for a ninja?” he seemed to question.

“I guess not…” Kai said trailing off.

“Ninja?” Nya questioned, “You’re a long way from finding a ninja in these parts. By the way the shop is call ‘for weapons’ not for browsing. Either buy something or go peddle your insults somewhere else,” she finished.

“Nya…” Kai scolded. She turned giving him a look, ‘what?’ he tilted his head hoping his face could convey what he wanted to say, ‘don’t be rude.’

The man just laughed and replied, “Too bad. Thought I’d find something special here.” He turned and started walking off.

Kai’s eyes widened as he turned to grab something to try and sell, “If it’s something special you’re looking for…” he stopped when he turned to find that the man had gone.
Nya tilted her head to the side. Kai sighed shaking his head. He turned back around and started trying to fix the sword he ruined earlier.

Off in the distance dark ominous clouds appeared. You know what that means the big bad is showing up. Motors revved as the farmers looked over in fear. They know what’s up. As skeletons rode towards the shop on their motorcycles Nya turned to her brother and asked, “What are they?”

“Skeletons…” He replied. His sister looked at him unamused. “You asked.” He spoke.

“Stay here,” he told her grabbing a sword and walking out. Nya almost went to argue but she knew when to not question her brother.

Kai took a defensive stance when one not so important skeleton made its way towards him, holding a bone as a makeshift sword. Kai swung and disarmed it when another came at him this time with an actual sword. Dodging he almost got hit by a bone, but Nya stepped in. “I told you to stay back,” Kai scolded.

“And let you have all the fun?” She asked taking down a skeleton with a punch. Kai looked at her proudly ‘I raised her real well,’ he thought silently. As they fought one skeleton came up to Kai, he looked at said skeleton. He had four arms each holding a dagger. It laughed raising its daggers. Kai waited for it to strike first. It slashed at him easily disarming him. He fell back grunting. As he silently prayed to any god who would listen a golden tornado came out of nowhere. The skeleton was being attacked by it and as the tornado dissipated the elderly man from earlier was revealed.

“Sensei Wu?” It asked seemingly confused, “Your spinjitzu looks rusty” it said snidely.

“Nothing like bone to sharpen its edge? Eh Samukai,” the old man snarked back. Kai turned away from that shit show to looked for his sister. She seemed to be handling herself well. Kai got up brushed himself off and turned to look for his sword. He didn’t want to sit back and relax while his home was being attacked. As he looked for his sword, he heard a thunk. He turned to see the water tower coming down. He tried to move out of the way quickly but even he knew he wouldn’t escape in time. Suddenly his vision was wrapped in gold as he moved out of the way. It must have been the man with his spin… whatever it was called. He turned to the man and nodded in appreciation.

“Lord Garmadon says take the girl,” The four-armed skeleton yells. ‘No!’ Kai mentally screamed. He faintly heard the old man whisper something. He turned to find his sister. He saw her and without a second thought ran in front of her. He made it just in time it seems because he felt something wrap around most of his body. He couldn’t stop himself from yelping when it grabbed him. As he was yanked away, he looked at his sister. His eyes met hers. They were filled with fear. He felt bad but it was better him than her.

“Kai!” She yelled. As he felt the car would it be a car? It was more akin to a monster machine. He swallowed in fear as the skeletons drove off with him.

Nya's POV

Nya didn’t know what to think her only family was being taken away. She turned to the old man. “Where are they taking him!” She yelled.

“Where no mortal can.” He said solemnly.

“Perfect just fantastic…” Nya muttered.

“That was Samukai king of the underworld and if it’s true that he’s carrying out orders from Lord Garmadon then I fear things are far worse than I ever thought.” He spoke gravely.

“Lord Garmadon!? Underworld!? What’s going on? What do we have that’s so important to them!? And why did they want to take me?” Nya asked. ‘Why did they take Kai’ She thought silently. She knew why they took him. He had saved her and taken her place and those stupid skeletons didn’t even notice.

“What so important! How about everything in Ninjago itself.” His voice held an edge as he spoke. “Long before time had a name. Ninjago was created by the first spinjitzu master, by using the four weapons of spinjitzu. The scythe of quakes. The nun chucks of lightning. The shuriken of ice. And the sword of fire. Weapons so powerful no one can handle all of their power at once. When he passed away his two sons swore to protect them. But the oldest was consumed by darkness and wanted to possess them. A battle between brothers broke out. And the oldest was struck down and banished to the underworld. Peace returned and the younger brother hide the weapons, but knowing his older brother’s relentless ambition for power he placed a guardian there to protect them. And for fear of his own demise, a map for an honest man to hide.” The old man said. “That honest man was your father.” He continued, “And the older brother is Lord Garmadon. And I need to find those weapons before he does.” He finished.

“You’re the younger brother?” Nya asked. She was confused. “So, you came here for the map?”

“No, I came for something greater. Your brother. Since my brother cannot enter this realm, it’s obvious that he’s struck a deal with Samukai. If he were to collect all four weapons, even I would not be able to stop him again. I thought it was your brother who would have the fire inside but instead it is you.” The old man finished pointing his staff at Nya. “I will train you to harness it, use it, I will train you to become a spinjitzu master.” He spoke.

“Look that’s cute and all but I got to save my brother. I’m not getting involved in your sibling rivalry.” Nya said attempting to walk off. Key word being attempt. The old man shoved her with his staff. She glared up at him. What was his problem!?

“You’re not even ready to face my pinky toe. How do you expect to defeat the skeleton army? If you want to get your brother back, you must control the fire that burns inside. Only then when you become a spinjitzu master will you be able to face Lord Garmadon.” He said dramatically.

Nya sighed before laying back fully, “Okay, when do we start?”

Nya was starting to regret joining this man. He was clearly a nut case. She hung onto the side of the mountain for dear life as this elderly man climbed it with ease. Once she made it to the top she grunted. Wu stood up and opened the monastery doors. She followed him as he walked in. “why are we in a monastery? How am I supposed to fight in a place of peace?”

“Not fight, train.” Wu simply spoke, as he walked over to a mini dragon statue. He taped it and its mouth opened to reveal a red button. Wu pushed the button and training equipment popped out of the ground.

“Woah...” Nya gasped.

“You must complete the course before I finish my tea.” Wu states. Nya nods as he walks over to his tea set that was already laid out. Nya attempted to dodge the spinning dummies she made it passed one before the next one slammed into her. She flew back and landed at the feet of her now Sensei.

“Fail.” He said calmly.

*Insert training montage here*

Nya was pissed over the past week she had been failing this stupid course. She had a plan today, as she started dodging dummies, she kept track of Wu and his progress of making tea. Just as she made her way to the wooden poles, she threw her sword at him. He looked at her sharply before starting over. As he finished making his tea he looked up. Nya was nowhere to be seen. “Is that one sugar or two?” The girl asked holding his bowl of sugars.

“You have passed.” Wu said.

“So, when am I going to learn spinjitzu?” Nya asked.

“You have already learned it. Now get some sleep you will have your final test tomorrow.” He stated before heading back into the monastery.

*Fade to black*

That night as Nya brushed her teeth three people in black gi’s snuck in. She had just finished when she noticed them. Being in her pajamas which consisted of a sports bra and sweatpants she assumed the worst and was pissed. “You weirdos! I’m going to bash in your brains!” She yelled. “Get out before I beat you so bad, you’ll won’t be able to move for weeks!” Nya swung at the one who carried the scythe. He dodged but she just kicked him in the stomach. He doubled over in pain. The other two ran at her, she dodged their attacks. The one with shuriken swept her feet out from under her. Falling back, she quickly got up and looked for anything to defend herself. Not finding anything other than her toothbrush she grabbed it and threw it at one. It hit him square in the eye causing him to shout. She jumped into the rafters in an attempt to escape. She was tackled through a wall by someone. She flew right into the mini dragon statue. She got an idea just as the three came out. She started the training course. It took out two of them but the one carrying the scythe ducked. She ran at him and punched him right in the jaw. He fell over and she started punching him. As she continued, she heard a crack. She couldn’t help the smile that crossed her face. She only stopped her assault on the poor boy because one of the others launched at her and pushed her off. “Enough!” Sensei Wu’s voice rang out stopping the fight.

“Yes sensei.” The three said.

“Wait you his students to?” Nya asked.

“Wait sensei why do we need a fourth. It’s always three.” The guy holding the nun chucks said.

“He’s right master. We’ve been training together, we’re solid.” The scythe guy explained.

“You call that solid?” Nya asked mockingly. He gave her a sharp look but didn’t say anything.

“What is the meaning of this master?” The last guy asked.

“Each of you have been chosen, in tone with elemental properties. But first...” Wu started, “Ninja Go!” He yelled as he used spinjitzu and changed all of them into color coordinated gi’s.

The guy with nun chucks now had a blue gi on chuckled before saying, “Look what color I am!”

“Hold on I’m still black.” The guy with the scythe said.

“Nya master of fire. It burns bright in you.” Wu said. “Jay is blue master of lightning.” He continued.

“That’s not all I’m the master of, I invent, make models, dabble in a bit of cooking. Some poetry.” He cut Wu off as he started ranting about his many talents.

“More like mouth of lightning…” The ninja in the black gi muttered.

“Cole master of earth.” Wu said.

“Nice to meet ya kid. I got your back. For the record there ain’t nothing in this world I’m afraid of.” Cole said.

“But you’re afraid of dragons?” The guy in white asked.

“Dragons aren’t from this world Zane.” Cole said sighing.

“Zane master of ice.” Wu provided.

“I see…” Nya said, “But how is this going to bring back my brother?” she asked.

“We’re saving someone?” Cole asked.

“My brother Kai. He taught me everything I know.” Nya said smiling sadly. The three shuddered if she fought well, they would hate to fight against him.

“Pay attention.” Wu said sharply. “You four are the chosen ones who will protect the weapons from lord Garmadon.”

“But what about my brother?” Nya asked loudly.

“We will save your brother in time but first we must find the weapons.” He answered.

“Hold on a minute you said you were going to teach us spinjitzu.” Cole cut him off.

“Spinjitzu is inside all of you, but it will only be unlocked when the key is ready to be found. Now come my feet are tired, we will take the horse carriage.” Wu stated.

“Great, now we have to find a key.” Jay muttered.

“Something tells me he’s gonna take us for a ride.” Cole spoke.
“We’ll if it means finding brother. Then sign me up.” Nya stated.

*Cut to the next day*

The ninjas are carrying the carriage as Sensei Wu sips tea. “Sign me up. Way to go spark plug” Jay mocks. Nya shuts him up with a glare. Nya could almost hear Kai’s voice telling her to ‘be nicer and that he’s just tired and cranky.’

“So where did sensei find you?” She asked deciding to break the ice.

“To be honest if it wasn’t for sensei, I don’t think any of us would be together.” Cole started. “I was testing my limits. I was climbing a mountain imagine my surprise when I got to the top and see an elderly man drinking tea. I was so surprised I nearly fell right off the mountain.” He explained.

“I was testing my invention. I had jumped off a decently sized building an- “

“You jumped off a building!?” Nya exclaimed cutting Jay off.

“Yeah, I had to see if the wings would fly. They did but I was too excited about them working I crashed straight through a billboard. And there he was making tea as if he were expecting me.” Jay finished.

“And I was testing myself. I was meditating under water, and I looked over to see sensei drinking tea. I still do not understand how he did it.” Zane says.

“Your right without sensei I don’t think- “

Nya was cut off when Wu said “Stop!” Everyone halted as he got out of the carriage and started walking up the mountain. Everyone followed. “The caves of despair. Samukai must be close to unearthing the scythe of quakes. Remember do not use the weapon for its power” Wu was cut off from his explanation.

“Yeah, yeah Its power is too much for us mortals” Jay finished. “Can we get to it?”

“Ok we’ll have to be stealthy. Nya you- “Cole stopped, “Where’s Nya?” He asked. The three looked up and saw her sneaking off. Cole rolled his eyes and followed. They snuck around silently following Nya until she made her way to the tower Samukai was in. As they made it to the top the saw Nya staring into the building.

“What’s the matter with you?” Jay whisper yelled. Nya put her finger to her mouth.

“The map.” Cole muttered.

“They’re digging in the wrong spot.” Nya explained as Zane stole the map. She jumped down and made her way to the entrance of the cave. She was now trying to push a boulder out of the way.

As the three made their way towards her Cole said, “You need to stop running off. We’re a team remember.”

“Whatever” Was all he got. They all pushed the boulder back and saw the scythe.

“Woah this is so cool!” Jay yelled.

“Jay be quiet.” Cole scolded as he carefully grabbed the scythe. He wrapped it up in a cloth.

“Relax those skeletons are on the other side of the cave.” Jay replied.

“Whatever let’s just get out of here,” Cole said throwing the scythe over his head. Nya caught it, ‘wow it was heavy.’ “Everyone stick together the way out is right around the corner,” he said. He turned and came face to face with Samukai. The four jumped into defensive stances. They started fighting. Jay yelling taunts and such.

“Hey guys! It’s just like the training course. Over the planks, dodge the sword, here comes the dummy!” He yelled. As he went through the motion, he was engulfed in a blue tornado.

“Spinjitzu” Cole said in awe.

“Jay what’s the key?” Zane asked.

“I don’t know I’m just going through the motions.” He answers. Nya decided to try.

“Over the planks, dodge the sword. Here comes the dummy!” she yelled as she became enveloped in a flaming tornado. The other two followed and soon were doing spinjitzu as well. “This is what sensei meant when he said we already knew spinjitzu,” Nya realized. As the ninja continued beating the skeleton Samukai concluded the fight was not worth it. It might also have been due to a scary dragon making its way toward the ninja though we won’t tell them that.

“Retreat!” Samukai yelled. All the skeletons ran for their lives.

“Ha they probably didn’t want a second serving of these babies” Cole gloated as flexed his arms. Nya rolled her eyes. ‘Men,’ she thought. “Good thing they didn’t check out the merchandise in the back” He continued turning around as he spoke. Jay whooped as if just realizing they won. He held his hand up as an invitation for a high five. Deciding ‘why not’ she smiled, though he probably couldn’t tell, and gave him a high five.

“Uh guys…” Cole stutters.

“Didn’t Sensei say there would be a guardian protecting the weapons?” Zane asked aloud. All four had started turning around. The were met with a dragon.

“Is..is that what I think it is?” Cole asked petrified.

“A dragon,” Jay provided.

“Sure, looks like a dragon,” Nya said fearfully.

“I don’t think we’ll be able to spin our way out of this one.” Zane said. All of them were glued to the floor in fear. They only moved to dodge a blast from the beast. Nya decided in a split second on what to do. She unwrapped the scythe and raised it.

“Nya no! Sensei told us not to!” Jay protested.

“Then no one better snitch,” She threatened. All too fast she brought the weapon down into the earth. The ground split open and a part of the cave cracked. Rock started falling as the cave caved in on itself. Some rock trapped the dragon giving the ninja enough time to spinjitzu out through the crack in the ceiling.

As they everyone made their way out, they cheer and whoop. “We rule!” Nya laughed.

“We are the best” Zane smiled.

“I was like Pow! and Bam!” Jay cheered.

“Enough!” Sensei Wu shouted, “I told you not to use the scythe!” He scolded.

“She did it.” Jay blamed pointing his finger at Nya the other two also pointing at her.

“What? It was my only option.” She tried to reason.

“And what makes you think you’re more important than the team?” Wu berated.

“They took my brother remember!” She shouted back.

Wu sighed, “There are still three weapons left maybe next time you can do it right.”

Nya sighed as the other ninja passed her following Wu. She didn’t understand she was only doing this for Kai and if you asked her this was all a waste of her time. She slowly started following behind everyone.

*With Kai*

Kai was faring better than Nya probably assumed. While he was in a cell, he could still talk to the few skeletons that walked by. He became relatively close with two skeleton Kruncha and Nuckal. They were like little kids and boy did Kai have experience with kids.

Kai heard the skeleton come back. Some of them went out searching for something. He was never given any detail unfortunately. This meant that Kruncha and Nuckal were back, he smiled slightly. While the two were loud he enjoyed their company. Maybe because they were the only company he got while being taken prisoner. He remembered when he first got here. This shadowy guy Lord Garmadon if he was correct was furious that they had gotten him instead of Nya. Kai’s thoughts were cut off with a shriek, ‘Kai I’m back!” It was Nuckal he looked excited.

“You idiot!” Kruncha yelled hitting him over the head, “We’re back.” He corrected. Nuckal rubbed his head and glared at the other skeleton.

“Nice to see both of you.” Kai said smiling slightly. “Nuckal are you okay?” he asked. Nuckal nodded his head.

“You shouldn’t hit him Kruncha.” The human chided. The skeleton lowers his head in shame. “Don’t do that” Kai said, “Just be nicer to one another your supposed to be friends right. You shouldn’t treat each other like that” the two nodded in understanding.

“Now tell me without too much detail what you guys did” he said. Kai was curious what they went looking for.

The two-skeleton talked about their adventure mentioning the rock that was shaped like a doughnut. “Are you ok?” Kai chuckled quietly.

“I think I lost a tooth,” Nuckal admitted.

“Oh no.” kai replied letting out an airy laugh.

The two continued briefly mentioning the ninja. “Ninja?” Kai asked tilting his head to the side.

“Yeah, they fought is off with this spinney tornado thing.” Kruncha commented. Kai hummed in confusion. They eventually started a different conversation until Samukai came over and yelled at them to get to work. Kai sighed looks like he won’t have visitors for a bit.

Samukai cleared his throat, I don’t know how but he did I guess, and Kai looked up at him. “Lord Garmadon wishes to speak with you.” He informed. Kai nodded his head slowly, what would Lord Garmadon need from him. Samukai unlocked his cell and took him to his throne room.

Upon entering it seemed Garmadon was waiting for them. “Ah Kai, was it?” the shadow asked. “I would like to make a deal with you.”

“What makes you think I would take your offer?” the boy asked.

“Because it ensures the safety of both you and your sister.” Garmadon replied. Kai raised an eyebrow. What does this man have up his sleeve?

“I’m listening,” Kai acknowledged.

“If you successfully get me the sword of fire by tricking your sister. The two of you will be safe when I rule Ninjago.” Garmadon explains.

“How do I know you’ll keep up with your end of the deal?” Kai asked.

“Just do this” He hissed.

“Deal” Kai agreed. Though he wasn’t going to help him if he said so it would make escaping easier. As he agreed a bag was thrown over his head. He was pick up off the grown and being taken somewhere. ‘Fun’ he thought. Well at least he’ll be seeing Nya soon.

Chapter Text

A boat makes its way through icy water. As we zoom in on it, we see Cole at the wheel with Jay by his side. “I spy something white.” He declares.

Cole sighs before saying, “Could you try to be quiet for once, this ain’t easy” As he finished the boat lurches forward hitting something, probably ice.

“I spy something broken,” Jay mutters. Cole shoots him a glare. “Hey, I stopped asking you ‘are we there yet’ it’s not my fault I’m bored.” He spoke.

We move to the deck and see Nya and Zane. Nya shivers before speaking, “If sensei knows where the next golden weapon is why isn’t he steering? We’ve been sailing aimlessly for miles.”

“Sensei’s wisdom is beyond my own.” Zane answered.

Sensei Wu suddenly started speaking, “The most powerful move in spinjitzu can only be accomplished when all four elements combine.” Wu hops down the bow. “Earth” He poses,
“Ice” he poses again. “Fire” another pose, “Lightning” he finishes with a pose.

“Uh what happens when all four of them are combined?” Jay asked.

“The Tornado of Creation. The power to create something from nothing.” Wu replied ominously. Nya attempts to recreate Wu’s poses. “No Nya. If done wrong, it could lead to disastrous consequences.” Nya stopped and the boat jerked to a stop. ‘Did I do that?’ Nya mentally asked. “We’re here.” Wu said.

The four ninjas made their way up the snowy mountain making it to the frozen fortress. “Woah looks like someone’s already been here.” Cole muttered as they stared at the many frozen skeleton. As the made their way to the shuriken they all noticed the dragon head protruding from the ceiling. Zane moved to grab them and as he did, the dragon froze him. The other three grabbed him and bolted as the beast chased after them. They lost it as they made it through a small wall of ice that the dragon couldn’t get through. They all used Zane’s frozen body as a sled down the mountain. They slammed into a wall and Zane’s icy prison shattered freeing him.

*Insert Skip Here*

The four climbed the chains of a weird nun chuck monument. I have like zero clue what it is. “We are being followed.” Zane says. They look down and see the skeleton army. Making their way up Jay grabs the nun chucks. A bolt of lightning strikes and a dragon appears. Jay jumps off shouting, the others follow his lead and jump. They use Jay’s wings to glide down to safety.

They stop in a forest celebrating. Jay and Nya dance as Cole plays on two hand drums. Zane watches as Sensei Wu meditates. “Come on Sensei join us.” Nya laughs.

“There is still one weapon left we must get our sleep.” He says stubbornly.

“Oh, come on Sensei you gotta admit we’re kicking their boney butts.” Jay says as he makes punching motions.

“I agree with you,” Nya laughs resting her hand on his shoulder. Jay turns and smiles at her. “Show us some moves sensei.”

“I guess I could...” Wu trails off before getting up to start dancing. “This move is very special.”

“But if done incorrectly, will it lead to disastrous consequences?” Zane asked. The three ninjas laugh at his comment. Nya stumbles back into Jay leaning on him for support.

“Good joke Zane, you’re working on your humor” She laughed. Zane stares at her blankly before slightly smiling. They continue laughing as sensei Wu starts dancing. They all seem to be having a good time.

We cut to all the ninja sleeping. “Nya” A voice whispers. Nya wakes up tired. She rubs her eyes before hearing her name again. “Nya” This time she can hear it clearer.

“Kai?” She questions. She looks around and sees her brother.

“Nya. I have to go now.” Her brother starts running off. Nya bolts up and chases after him.

“Kai wait!” She calls out. “Where are you going?” She sees him run into a temple on a volcano. As she makes her way into the temple she looks around for her brother. “Kai!”

“Don’t worry I’m right her sister.” Kai says slowly changing into the shadow of Lord Garmadon.

“Garmadon.” Nya says flatly. She goes to grab her sword but grasps nothing.

“Forgot something?” Garmadon mocks.

“You can’t hurt me here you’re banished.” Nya said.

“That is why you are going to remove the sword of fire for me.” Garmadon states.

“And what makes you think that?” Nya shouts.

“Because if you don’t you won’t be able to cut the chains off your dear older brother.” Kai drops from the ceiling as he speaks, bound by a chain wrapped around his waist.

“Kai!” Nya yells.

“Nya.” He gasps.

“Tick tock” Garmadon taunts as Kai is brought closer to the lava. Nya jumps from one rock to another grabbing the sword. Using spinjitzu she makes her way over the lava and to Kai.
She cuts the chain catching Kai and landing safely on a stone.

“Stay close” she told him.

“Don’t worry I will” He mumbled mainly to himself.

“You can’t hurt us! You’re a shadow!” Nya shouted. Garmadon only laughed at her.

“Foolish girl. Even shadows have their uses.” As he spoke Nya’s shadow turned.

“Look out.” Kai warned. Nya turned around just in time to get a kick to the face. By her own shadow! It went in for another attack, but she dodged this one.

“Stay back.” Nya said.

“Stay close, stay back. Make up your mind.” Kai muttered. Nya tried to slice her shadow with the sword, but it just passed through it. The shadow kicked her in the stomach sending her back. Nya grunted in pain. This wasn’t working.

“This isn’t a fair fight.” Kai said. He helped Nya up.

“Oh? Am I being too harsh?” Garmadon mocked. Nya’s shadow started duplicating forming a line. As Nya got up to try and fight them the shadow of her sensei appeared. He fought the shadows off with ease. He jumped over to the siblings. “Brother.” Garmadon said his voice full of distain. “You protect one, but what of the other three?”

“They are safe. Far from your grasp Garmadon.” Wu shouted.

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that.” Garmadon laughed before disappearing.

“My brother must not unit the four golden weapons. We must keep them apart.” Wu says gravely. He turns to the two. “Nya hand me the sword.” Nya reluctantly hands him the
weapon. They try to run out, but Garmadon shows up.

“Awaken guardian of the deep! They are stealing the sword! You must not let them escape.” He yelled. A dragon emerged from the lava. The three stared at it as it snarled at them.
Kai couldn’t help but gasp. As scary as it was the beast was beautiful. Its wings hit some rocks and they fell blocking the exit.

“There’s no way out. It has taken all our options.” Nya said.

“All but one.” Wu said seriously. He jumped back onto a small portion of the rock.

Nya realized what he was doing. “Sensei no!” Wu sliced the rock away from the rest.

“No, you fool!” Garmadon yelled.

“If he is to bring the other weapons here. Then I will take the sword of fire to the underworld. It is my sacrifice to bare.” He spoke sitting down.

“No, it’s mine. You don’t have to do this! There has to be another way.” Nya pleaded. Sensei only grabbed his tea set from seemingly nowhere. As he started pouring the rock fell deeper into the volcano. “No!” Nya shouted she fell to her knees. Kai crotched down to comfort her. Nya was muttering to herself, but Kai was more focused on the dragon that was creeping towards them.

“Uh sis…” He trailed off. Nya looked over.

*Cut to black*

The three-ninja run up the steps towards the temple. “Nya! Sensei!” Cole calls out.

“I sense a feeling of loss. We are too late. The elemental weapons have left this realm and are now in the underworld.” Zane says to the rest.

“Great the one place no mortal can cross over.” Cole sighs.

“We might not be able to cross over,” Nya’s voice echoes. The temple starts to open up. The three jump back out of the way. Once the temple is open, they see Nya and an unknown boy sitting atop a dragon. “But a dragon can.” Nya finishes. Cole screams as the beast roars, he hides behind the opened door.

“Our father used to tell us stories about the dragons. About how they were mystical creatures that could travel between both worlds.” The spiky haired boy said.

“Are you insane” Cole asked.

“Once he realized we were trying to protect the sword of fire he became a softy.” Nya spoke as the dragon began to nuzzle against her cheek. Both the siblings laughed.

“Ni...a y... r oa.” Jay garbled out.

“Is Jay, okay?” Nya asked.

“He cannot talk right now but he said, ‘Nya you’re okay.’” Zane explained.

“Kai…” Nya trailed off.

“Yes?” He asked.

“Would you like to come with us?” Nya asked. She would prefer for him to stay at home, but she also wanted him to stay so she knew he was safe.

“Sure.” Kai smiled. She smiled back. The two hopped on the dragon. Zane and Jay followed.

“Uh, you guys go on ahead. There isn’t enough room on for all of us.” Cole tried to reason.

“You’re right Cole, but I got a way to fix that.” Nya replied smugly.

*Cut to Cole cowering on the back of the scythe’s guardian dragon*

The four dragons flew around stretching their wings. “So how do the dragons cross over to the underworld!?” Cole asked shouting over the wind.

“I think we’re about to find out!” Nya responded. The dragons all dove towards the ground, their speed increasing quickly. Just before they hit the ground they teleported into a cavern with multiple entry/exit points. The dragons flew until they reached nothing but black. Finally, they made it to the underworld. The beasts all skidded to a stop causing the ninja and Kai to fly off.

“I still hate that.” Kai mutters to himself.

“Solid ground we made it.” Cole exclaimed. They all looked around taking in (or retaking in Kai’s case) the scenery. They spotted the only building.

“Sensei is inside.” Zane says.

“They’re expecting us.” Nya adds. Kai watches Kruncha and Nuckal preform their ninja inspection. Which consisted of jumping on the cart and knocking everything over. He couldn’t
help but quietly laugh. Cole looked at the boy then to what he was looking at.

“Friends?” He asked quietly. The boy turned to him looking slightly surprised before turning back to look at the two skeletons.

“You could say that.” He smiled.

“Guys come on.” Nya said. They look over and see Jay and Zane jumping up and grabbing onto rocks hanging from the ceiling.

“Uh, you know there is an easier way.” Kai tried to say but the others were already off. Sighing he started walking along the secret path Kruncha and Nuckal told him about.
He was close to the entrance of the building when he heard the ninja crash down onto the ground. He heard Nuckal ask Kruncha, “Uh if there are more than one ninja is it ninjas or just ninja?”

“I think it’s just ninja” Kai replied before he could stop himself.

“Oh ok, then Ninja!” Nuckal yelled. As the other skeletons made their way towards the ninja Kruncha and Nuckal turned to him. “Kai! You’re here.” Nuckal said realizing it wasn’t Kruncha who answered his question.

“Yeah.” The boy smiled.

“We would love to stay and talk but we have ninja to destroy.” Kruncha said. Kai nodded. Spiders made their way down from the ceiling. Yikes. Kai watched as the skeleton and spiders circled in on the ninja. The seemed to be talking amongst one another. Kai took this opportunity and snuck into the building.

Back with the ninja they were trying to translate whatever Jay was saying. Having lost his voice he could only garble out half words which made it hard to understand. “You feel a weird sensation?” Cole asked. Jay shook his head no.

“You ate an odd crustation?” Zane offered.

“Two natives on vacation?” Nya said.

“Tornado of Creation!” Jay yelled out finally getting his voice back.

“Ohhh.” The three said.

“But it could lead to disastrous consequences” Cole warned.

“We’re about to have a disastrous consequence.” Nya said. All four started doing spinjitzu before moving in together creating a bigger tornado. The skeleton could only watch in horror as the tornado sucked everything including themselves up into it. The ninja disbanded and looked to see their creation. A Ferris wheel that had all the skeletons trapped. Nuckal somehow got his hands on some cotton candy (or candy floss which ever you prefer) Kruncha knocked it out of his hands. Wasting perfectly good cotton candy.

“Come on there’s no time to waste.” Nya said. The ninja ran into the building. Spiral stairs lead them down. As they made it down, they noticed Kai watching Wu and Samukai fight. Cole, Jay, and Zane made their way over to help their sensei, but Nya and Kai stopped them. “No this is Sensei’s fight” Nya explained. They all watched silently as Wu fought the skeleton king. They watched as he was overpowered. Samukai went to pick up the sword of fire.

“Bring me the weapons.” Garmadon demanded.

Samukai picked up the sword and turned before saying. “No. You will obey me now.” Garmadon only laughed at him. Sensei Wu jumped back near the ninja.

“No one can handle all their power at once.” Wu informed. Samukai looked panicked as the weapons shook in hands.

“Selfish fool. Did you not think I wouldn’t plan on your betrayal.” Garmadon said.

“What’s happening to me?” Samukai asked his voice straining.

“You’ve fallen right into my master plan. Not even I can handle their power,” He declared, “But now that they have combined it will create a vortex through space and time. Allowing me to escape this ghastly place.” Samukai turned to stare at the ninja. His eyes were wide with fear. He screamed in pain before disappearing in a puff of smoke. The golden weapons fell on the floor as a portal appeared behind Garmadon.

“Father would not want you to do this, brother” Wu tried to reason.

“Father is dead. Good and Evil there has always been a balance. But were I’m going the balance can be destroyed. Soon I will be strong enough to possess the four weapons. So, I can recreate the world in MY own image.” Garmadon explained. He turned and pointed at Wu, “You. You were always his favorite.” And with that he jumped into the portal disappearing.

Wu and the ninja went to grab the weapon. “He is gone, but he will return.”

“Then we’ll be ready for him” Nya stated.

“And keep an eye out in case he has any more of his evil plans.” Cole continued.

“Then I have done my part. The balance has been restored. For now.” Wu said.

Chapter Text

We focus in on Sensei Wu meditating, the quiet is broken by shouts. “Oh my god. Isn’t that the greatest move you’ve ever seen” Nya brags.

“Stop trying to do it yourself. We need to attack as a team.” Cole berated. Wu opened the doors to the training grounds finding only Kai. He was using the training set. Wu continued looking for his students.

“Zane why are you using your attack on me!? You have to save it” Jay shouted. Wu made his way to the living room. He found all four ninjas laying around playing video games. Their golden weapons thrown to the side. Wu quickly made his way across the room, no one noticing him, and unplugged the TV. This was meet with shouts of disbelief and anger.

“Come on. It took us three hours to get there.” Cole complained.

“Why would you do that? Why?” Jay snapped.

“Just because Lord Garmadon escaped through a vortex does not mean he will not return for the golden weapons of spinjitzu.” Wu scolded.

“But sensei Wu ever since he left, Ninjago has had nothing but peace” Zane reasoned.

“Yeah, peace is boring.” Jay said.

“We can train tomorrow.” Cole said laying down.

“Never put off until tomorrow what can be today.” Wu said wisely.

“Well, I was going to eat this pizza tomorrow but, in that case,” Cole went in for a bite, but Wu kicked it out of his hand. “Ow” Cole muttered.

“No pizza for you!” Wu yelled, “In order to reach your true potential you must train.”

“Uh remember when we did a little something called the tornado of creation?” Nya asked.

“You four have merely scratched the surface of your full potential. There are still so many secrets you have to unlock you haven’t even begun to tap into the powers your golden weapons hold.” Wu explained.

“You want to talk secret power. Watch this.” Cole used the scythe to lift the Tv cord and plug it back into the wall. The other grabbed their controllers and continued playing. Wu sighed.

“Don’t worry master we will be ready when Lord Garmadon returns” Zane tried to comfort Wu.

As he finished Kai ran in, “Guys…Lord Garmadon. He’s returned he was spotted approaching Jamanakai village.” Kai explained out of breath. All the ninjas got up and clumsily tried to grab their weapons stumbling over themselves. Kai looked at them unimpressed he walked over and gave Jay his nun chucks.

“Uh thanks-” Jay started.

“Hurry!” Kai said urgently. They ran down the stairs. Nya made it to the dragon keep and pulled the lever to open it. Zane was bonked on the head as one door came down. Cole hopped on his dragon and his scythe fell onto the floor. Kai walked over and picked it up handing it to him. Jay attempts to flip onto his Dragon and while he did, he overshot it and hit the beasts head, causing him to fly off. Sensei Wu looks at this and sighs shaking his head. Kai walks over to Nya as she jumps onto Flame, “Can I come?” he asks.

“Sorry Kai but where we go danger abounds,” Nya rejects, “This is a job for the ninja,” she then notices the reins are just barely out of reach, “Uh, can you help?” Kai shakes his head fondly handing the reins to her.

The ninjas fly off leaving Kai and Wu to sit and wait. Kai turns to Wu, “Will they ever reach their true potential?” He asks curiously.

“In time. Maybe a long time but in time.” Wu responded shaking his head.
-
“Just like old times, eh Rocky.”

“You guys believe what Sensei said about unlocking our full potential?” Nya asked.

“Hey may be onto something; I mean since we’ve got these golden weapons it’s not like we’ve had to use them. I wonder what they do.” Jay spoke.

“I for one look forward to the future if it is to happen, let it be.” Zane said.

“I don’t know about you but isn’t anyone a little excited about fighting lord Garmadon?” Cole asked.

“No.” Nya laughed. Her mind wandering back to her previous battle with Garmadon. She knew he was strong and while they were trained, they simply couldn’t compete with him.

“I’ve been looking forward to trying out some new spinjitzu moves. This could be the perfect opportunity.” Cole continued.

Jay laughed before asking, “Race you there?” This got everyone flying faster towards the village the avoided one another while trying to throw the others off. As the village came into view Nya was awe struck. It didn’t look like her hometown, but it was close enough to make her feel a sense of homesickness. Eventually all four landed (Crashed really). Which caused an argument of who landed first. The ninja came to their senses when they heard the terrified screams of those in Jamanakai village.
The ninja ran into the town square raising their weapons as the shadow of Garmadon slowly approached. His laugh sent shivers down Nya’s spine. That was until a young boy came from around the fountain. “It is I! Lloyd Garmadon!” He yelled.

“Lloyd Garmadon?” Nya asked.

“I demand all the candy in town or else” he shouted.

“Lloyd Garmadon, I thought we were going to be facing LORD Garmadon.” Jay whispered.

“It’s his son.” Cole answered. “Looks like he escaped his boarding school for bad boys again.”

Lloyd continued his demands for candy even threatening unleashing the serpentine. The villagers booed and shouted at the boy. Seeing this he grabbed a can, opening the top sent a bunch of rubber snakes flying into the growing crowd. This caused them to throw vegetables at him. “I asked for candy not vegetables. I hate vegetables!” He yelled. This earned him a tomato to the face.

“He’s going to have to do a lot better than old bedtime stories to scare people,” Nya said.

“The serpentine are real Nya. They are not something to joke about.” Zane informed.

“Serpentine real, we’re talking about the ancient race of snake people who once ruled Ninjago and were supposedly locked underground?” Nya laughed.

“Sealed in five different tombs to separate the warring tribes to ensure they don’t unify to exact their revenge upon those who locked them there.” Jay whimpered.

“It was an old wives tale to teach children not to poke our noses where they don’t belong. Don’t you think it’s a little odd that no one’s found one of their tombs. There’s no reason to be scared Jay.” Nya said placing her hand on his shoulder.

“That’s because you’d be a fool to look for one.” Cole argued. Nya took her hand of Jay as they walked towards the boy still being assaulted by vegetables. “If there was anything I hated more than dragons it was snakes.” Cole muttered.

The ninjas grab the young boy. “Don’t worry folks nothing to see here.” Cole announced as they carried him over to a sign to hang him off of. All while he yelled meaningless threats. As the four stood below him Nya couldn’t help but feel bad. The Kai in her brain scolding her. The others rubbed even more salt into the wound by buying candy and eating it in front of the boy. She walked back with them, but brain Kai wouldn’t leave her alone, ‘Nya he’s too young to know what he’s doing’ ‘he just wants to be like his dad’ ‘it’s not his fault’ ‘this isn’t the proper way to punish someone it’s just humiliation’. Eventually Nya gave into the scolding’s.

“Are you coming Nya?” Jay asked.

“Yeah, I’ll be back in a minute.” She replied walking back into town. Not knowing what the other three were about to discover.

Though Nya made discoveries of her own such as the boy having things thrown at him by other kids. They laughed at him as he tried and failed to dodge. “Do we have a problem here?” Nya asked looking down at the boys. They looked at her a scattered. Lloyd glared down at the girl. She helped him down.

“Are you okay?” She asked rubbing off the food particles on his face.

“Yeah…” He muttered still glaring at her. Though the confusion could also be seen. “Why did you help me?” He asked.

“Because my brother would beat my ass if he found out I left a kid hanging off a signpost.” She laughed. He nodded but said nothing. Nya went over to the candy stall, the worker glared at Lloyd. She stepped in front of him slightly blocking the woman’s glare. She grabbed a thing of cotton candy and a chocolate bar paying for both she gave him both the sweets. He gave her a weird look but took the candy. She walked the boy out of the village. “Do you need a ride back to your school?” she asked. Lloyd shook his head. With that Nya walked off to go get Flame. When she got there, she noticed the others were gone. “Rude. They didn’t even wait for me.” She rolled her eyes. Getting on her dragon she flew back to the monastery.
-
Meanwhile the other three ninja returned ready to start training. They wanted to know who the green ninja was. As the opened the doors they saw Kai trying out the training course. He made it over the logs moving up and down onto the rotating axe machine. While he dodged one axe, he was hit square in the face with another. This caused him to fly back into someone. That someone caught him, “Uh thanks…” Kai said looking up. Cole had caught him. “Thanks Cole,” He said with a smile, he stood up and looked at the three, “Where’s Nya?” He asked.

“Oh, she stayed back.” Jay said.

“Heard what happened in town, just a false alarm?” He asked.

“Indeed,” Zane responded.

“We’re going to need the space, sorry.” Cole said. Jay made his way over to cabinets that held padding and helmets. He throws one at Cole whacking him in the back of the head.

“Two matches. Then the winners face off for the title. Armors for our protection.” He explained.

“How do we do two matches with three people?” Cole asked.

“Loser of the first match gets a second chance duh,” Jay said like it was obvious.

“Well, it's time to see what these babies can do,” Cole laughed before turning to Kai “Do you wanna stay and watch me mop the floor with these guys?” he asked.

“Ha! As if. I’d be mopping the floor with you.” Jay interrupts.

“No thanks I think I’ll just head over to Jamanakai village, have fun though.” He smiles turning. AS he walks down the stairs, he sees Nya flying back. He waits for her and as she lands, he walks over. “What took you so long?” He asks.

“I was helping someone…” She spoke. ‘Vague’ he thought but didn’t push, if she didn’t want to tell him he wasn’t going to force her to.

“Can I borrow Flame?” He asked.

“Sure, where are you going?”

“Jamanakai village” He answered. Nya nodded her head before waving and climbing the stairs up. She waited by the door until Kai and the dragon were out of her sight, as she entered, she was meet with Sensei Wu walking away from the others.

“Is this a bad time?” She asked. The others whipped their heads towards her.
-
With Kai, he had just made it to Jamanakai village when he heard the townsfolk screaming. He turned to see what all the commotion was. He spotted a boy wheeling out a wheel barrel full of candy. “Take the candy take it all!” He yelled. Kai was shocked as two serpentines walked out behind him. “What?” He muttered to himself. He quickly hid as he saw them hypnotize villagers.

“This makes no sense General. Raiding an entire town for sweets?” He heard a snake ask.

“You will as I command because I hold the staff.” The General replied. With that Kai snuck away from the serpentine.
-
The ninja had explained the whole Green Ninja thing to Nya and how while they were competing, they lost control of their weapons causing the scolding from Sensei Wu. She didn’t get what the whole thing was about.

They ninja were training when Sensei ran out yelling, “The Serpentine are back everyone in Jamanakai village is in danger!”

“Calm down Sensei we were just there it was some kid” Cole was cut off.

“The spirit smoke does not lie. An ancient evil has been released.” He spoke urgently.

“Kai’s there right now.” Nya said.

The ninja opened the gates for their dragons, but Nya noticed Flame missing. Sighing she turned to Jay, “Jay Kai took Flame with him. Do you mind if I fly with you?” She asked.

“Uh, sure” He smiled.

As they mounted their dragons or in Nya’s case hold onto the back of the chair they flew off, “Stay close stay together.”

“Would we do it any other way?” Cole asked.
-
The ninja flipped down in front of Lloyd; Nya was sad that the kid was behind it but also not surprised.

“Sorry to bust your buzz little Garmadon,” Cole said.

“But it’s already past your bedtime” Jay finished.

Lloyd turned around a shouted, “Get them!” The serpentine rattled its tail also yelling orders to get them.

“The serpentine they’re real!?” Nya gasped.

“It's not just them we have to worry about. The whole village has been hypnotized.” Cole said turning to see hypnotized villagers cornering them along with the snakes.

Jay raised his nun chucks going to electrocute the snakes, but Zane grabbed his arm, “No, our weapons are too unstable we could do more harm than good.”

“I guess that leaves us with, RUN!!!” Jay yelled as all four jumped over the snakes and towns people running away. The ran on top of buildings and hide behind an abandoned cart. Kai jumped down after them.

“Kai?” Jay asked.

“You’re okay.” Cole sighed. Nya gave Cole a weird look but brushed it off focusing on her brother.

“Barely… they’ve hypnotized everyone in town.” Kai said.

“Mind control how is this possible?” Jay asked.

“When you hear them rattle their tails don’t look them in the eyes that’s how they get you.” Kai informed.

“Well, what are we supposed to do? We can’t use our weapons and now we got to fight with our eyes closed. Ha perfect” Jay complained. Nya put her hand on his shoulder to comfort him. She didn’t really know why but it felt right.

“The snake with the staff is the general he’s the one in charge. If we can get the staff from him, it holds the anti-venom if we get that we can save everyone.” Kai explained.

“Ok guys forget the whole green ninja thing. Let’s just make Sensei proud.” Cole said.

“Now we’re talking” Jay said.

“Oh, and Kai you can be our honorary member” Cole said.

“Thanks?” Kai said with a small laugh.

The five ran on roof tops before jumping down. Two snakes spotted Nya, turning around she said, “You wanna play? How bout a little spinjitzu?” With that she was engulfed in a fiery tornado that became less terrifying as it veered of course a slammed into a wall. Nya fell muttering to herself.

“Ok we’re really out of shape” She heard Jay say. She got up and let her fist meet the faces of two serpentine. Nya continued beating up the snakes before the general yelled to retreat. The snakes ran off and Nya didn’t bother chasing after them. She started looking for her brother.

“Cole!” She heard Kai shout. Nya ran to the source of her brother’s voice. She found him in the town square where Cole placed the staff into the fountain. Letting the anti-venom
release through the steam of the water all throughout the village.

Nya grabbed the staff bringing it to their Sensei who had just showed up. “We’re sorry Sensei. Had we dealt with Lloyd the first time he wouldn’t be a problem.” She spoke.

“Even lessons learned the hard way are lessons learned.” Wu said, “Hmm a great evil has been released. I fear troubling times will come. This is only the beginning.”

“Then we will train and be ready for the serpentine.” Zane said.

“It may not be Garmadon but that doesn’t mean we won’t bring our A game” Cole continued.

“Help us train. Help us release our potential,” Nya said.

“Yeah, teach us the secrets behind the weapons of spinjitzu.” Jay added.

“There is much to teach. We must return to the monastery.” Wu said.

The six walked out of the small town towards the four dragons. Sighing Kai said, “I really need my own dragon,”

“Patience Kai your time will come.” Was all Wu said.