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It was a peaceful day in the monastery. The newer ninja were outside enjoying the warm weather, a rare occasion at this time of year.
The original ninja were sitting together in the living room, playing a board game, happy to be reunited at last.
The conversation was light, full of laughter and joy. Until Lloyd asked one simple question.
“Do you remember the last thing Wu ever said to you?”
Kai looked down at his hands.
“I do. It was the last time I saw two people, actually.” He smiled faintly.
“It was at the forge.”
A few years earlier
It was a scorching hot day in Ninjago city. Ninjago had been at peace for the last year, so the ninja had not been needed as much. They still did regular patrols, and tried to keep up with their training. But they found themselves with a lot more free time.
Kai had never had real free time before. Growing up, he always had Nya to look after, resulting in constant work.
Then, he joined the ninja. They always had training, something on the go. Someone to fight.
But now, with real free time? He had no idea what to do. Usually, he hung out with his brothers at the monastery. Today was one of the odd days where they were all busy.
So Kai had gone to the place where he always had something to do, something to keep him busy. The forge.
Because of his upbringing, he always turned to work. And work was what he has always done.
Bang!
The crash of metal as Kai struck a sword clanged loudly, echoing off the walls and various weapons.
Bang!
The next hit vibrated up Kai’s arm.
“Kai. Why are you working? Ninjago is at peace. You should be enjoying yourself.”
The voice shook Kai out of his zone. Snapping to attention, he looked at his newly arrived visitor.
“Master Wu! What are you doing here?” Kai asked the older man, his eyes filled with questions.
The elder sighed.
“I wanted to make sure you weren’t here. Working in your free time.”
Kai looked around, confused.
“But Sensei, I don’t understand. Working, practicing. What’s wrong with that?”
Wu slowly walked over to Kai, putting his hand on his shoulder comfortingly.
“Kai, you need to relax. Do something fun. You are still young, with lots of life left in you.”
Kai shook his head in disagreement.
“What would I even do?”
Wu proceeded to list off different activities in Ninjago city and the surrounding areas.
“Well, you could visit your parents, go see a movie, visit Skylor, go to mega monster amusement park…”
Kai lit up at the mention of Skylor. He knew immediately that was who he wanted right now.
Pulling out his phone, he dialled Skylor’s number, which he got from Lloyd. She answered immediately.
“Hey! Skylor!…. Yes!…. They’re busy right now… families mostly…. Would you like to hang out with me?…. Yes now…. Sounds good!… see you then!”
Kai hung up, grinning wildly at his phone.
“Good news Sensei! Me and Skylor are going to go see the new Percy Jackson movie together! We’re meeting in 30 minutes and it’s a 25 minute drive so….”
Wu nodded in understanding, knowing what Kai was implying.
“Goodbye Kai. And hold onto Skylor, as you never know what the future brings. Keep her safe.”
Kai looked mildly concerned with Wu’s warning, however he was still overly excited about hanging out with Skylor so he dismissed it as Wu’s usual strange way of speaking.
Waving goodbye to Wu, Kai left the shop and made his way to his bright red Toyota. Hoping into the drivers seat, he pulled out of the forge’s property.
Wu smiled at Kai’s retreating form, knowing this might be the last time he sees the current master of fire, his student. His friend.
Back in the monastery
Cole let out a small laugh.
“Of course it includes Skylor.”
Kai immediately jumped to his own defence, protesting.
The mood turned back to solemn, as Jay quietly said.
“Mine happened at the junkyard”