The serpents were in their legendary city: Ouroborus, all gathered to witness two gladiator snakes fighting each other.
Ashley watched it all in silence, arms crossed. Strangely, even with the future changed, Ashley still had her long tail instead of legs like before.
The Fangpyre serpent had no interest in it like the others — in fact, she looked thoughtful.
"What'sss wrong... Assshley? Thinking about sssomething?" - asked the two-headed serpent.
"Don't you feel like sssomething's missing? Like it'sss supposed to be different?" - Ashley questioned, looking at General Fangpyre.
Before General Fangpyre could say anything else, a helicopter arrived and landed.
A long black carpet was rolled out, and a Constrictai serpent rushed out holding a chair and a beach umbrella. He even served a glass of juice.
"All set!" - he announced as Lord Garmadon stepped out.
The Generals and Ashley watched him closely. She wondered silently why they were still helping him. Why were they still serving him?
Lord Garmadon took sips of his juice before shading his eyes with his hand.
"So much light!" - he complained as the Generals and Ashley approached. - "I never understood how your kind can live in such heat." -.
"Sssenor Lord Garmadon! What bringsss you to our humble camp?" - asked the Constrictai General, slithering closer.
"The Ninjas destroyed my Mega Weapon, but I have a new brilliant plan," - he declared, sipping his juice as if he were their boss.
"You're really going to let him keep bossing usss around?" - Skales asked the other General.
Ashley frowned at the disrespectful way Lord Garmadon spoke to everyone present — especially to the Generals. Sure, she wasn't exactly a pure General herself, but General Fangpyre had approved her as his second-in-command and successor.
"In the past, when the pirates mutinied on our ship and locked us away," - Lord Garmadon grimaced at the memory - "In Captain Soto's diary, he mentioned they were searching for a legendary island of darkness created by evil itself." —-The Generals looked at each other silently. - "When we find its concentrated dark power, it will help me—uh—I mean, help us! We can rule Ninjago together!" -.
"Oh please! Are you gonna make us chase fairy talesss now?!" - Skales almost rolled his eyes at the demand.
"And even if thisss place isn't perfect... it's better than facing the Ninjas every sssingle time we try sssomething." - The Generals nodded, agreeing with Skales and Ashley.
"They're not fairy tales! It's a real place that existed long before any of us were here! And with the power there, we'll destroy the Ninjas once and for all!" - he countered.
"A place full of unimaginable power!" - That started to convince the more greedy Generals.
"Unimaginable power? Hmm, I'm in!" - said the Constrictai General.
"A place full of evil!" - Garmadon added.
"A place full of evil? Sounds good to me." - The Constrictai, Fangpyre, and Venomari Generals were already being swayed.
"Bet how long before they get tired of him? I bet two hours." - Ashley turned to Skales.
"Uh! I bet one hour! They'll get tired of him before the day ends." - Skales snorted with a facepalm.
The Generals slithered toward the helicopter to follow Garmadon in search of that mythical island.
o0o0o
Moon woke up before Nya — actually, both she and Sensei Wu were always the first to rise.
Wu went to check if the boys were already awake since today was training day at sunrise.
Moon was already dressed in her characteristic Purple Ninja outfit.
"Ugh, the Ultra Dragon and Mega Dragon made another huge mess out there," - Nya warned while sipping her coffee. - "Want some coffee, Moon?" -.
"Yes, please," - Moon sighed, knowing she'd probably be the one to clean up the Mega Dragon's mess. - "Thanks, Nya." -.
"You're welcome," - Nya replied, moving on to something else.
Moon saw the Ninjas entering the kitchen.
"You gonna clean it or wanna rock-paper-scissors for it?" - Kai asked with a challenging grin.
"No, I'll take responsibility," - she said, setting her cup in the sink. - "Besides, it wouldn't be fair. I don't even need my Aura to predict your moves." -.
She walked out.
Kai was stunned.
"Dude, is it just me, or is Moon getting funnier?" - Jay laughed quietly. - "And to think she used to be a cold emotionless shell." -.
"My records indicate a significant improvement in our relationship with Moon. Indeed, she has become more open with us." - Zane agreed.
"Yeah, when I was little, she never even changed her expression — always so serious and rigid," - Lloyd added.
"It's a relief to see the real Moon, not that cold soldier." - Cole crossed his arms with a smile.
"Yeah. But yeah, it's a relief." - Kai smiled faintly.
o0o0o
Moon had already cleaned up the Mega Dragon's mess — fortunately, it wasn't much.
They say pets take after their owners, though Mega Dragon, or Sprint, was more of a best friend than a pet. Dragons were intelligent and understanding creatures.
"Wu," - Moon called when she saw him - "I think you've got something to tell me." -.
"Indeed. Come, we must talk privately," - Wu led her to his quarters. - "Do you have any idea why the Golden Weapons reacted to you that day?" -.
"None," - she shook her head.
"Listen, Moon. What I'm about to tell you... you might not like the answer. I searched the scrolls of the First Spinjitzu Master and found a possible explanation." - Moon crossed her arms. - "The Golden Weapons were created by him to protect Ninjago, but he wasn't the only one who forged them. His friend Aaron, the Master of Aura, also took part in their creation. As such, he too became a Guardian. Since you are also a Master of Aura and—" -.
"NO!" - she raised her voice, surprising Wu. - "I NEVER want to have anything to do with him again! Don't even say his name!" -.
And with that, she stormed out angrily.
"As his student and a Master of Aura, the Golden Weapons reacted to her as one of their creators... She's a Guardian, alongside Master Aaron. More than a Master of Aura — more than the Purple Ninja." - Wu sighed once alone. - "What happened back then, Moon? Why do you hate him so much?" -.
o0o0o
Sensei Wu and the Ninjas went to the History Museum, as something urgent had occurred there.
"Thank goodness! You're here!" - the museum manager said in relief.
"We heard there was an emergency," - Sensei Wu said, taking the lead.
"Yes, yes. This way, please." - The manager guided them. - "The Stone Warrior exhibit opens tonight. This couldn't have happened at a worse time." -.
"What couldn't have happened at a worse time?" - Kai wanted him to get to the point.
"The city thanks you for destroying the Great Devourer some time ago, but it seems its toxic venom ran through the sewer system and caused something very unusual." - They passed a puddle of the Devourer's venom.
Moon frowned at the strong smell. The others gagged just looking at it.
The manager opened two large double doors, revealing a terrible sight — miniature stone statues in the shape of warriors had come to life from the venom.
"They even look like little gremlins," - Moon muttered as chaos erupted in the room.
"The venom's toxicity somehow brought our merchandise to life! They're uncontrollable! I didn't know who else to call!" - the manager explained, exhausted.
One of the stone gremlins jumped at Zane, who easily caught it but was struck by it — painfully so. He crushed it in his hand.
"Leave it to us," - Jay said, ready to smash the gremlins.
"Indeed," - Moon destroyed a few while being careful with the museum items. - "They really are like gremlins." -.
"What are gremlins?" - Zane asked.
"Malicious little creatures that love to annoy people," - Moon explained, punching another one sneaking up behind her.
"Ah, that makes sense." -.
Unfortunately, most Ninjas lost their patience and used Spinjitzu to finish them off — though it destroyed the room. Moon facepalmed.
"One's escaping," - she said, spotting one opening a door.
Sensei Wu chased it, being the closest, but the little creature still escaped. The Ninjas followed him.
Wu destroyed the mini statue and seemed to be speaking with a woman.
Jay coughed to get attention.
"Aren't you going to introduce us?" - he asked with a grin.
Sensei Wu cleared his throat.
"Well, everyone, this is—" -.
"Misako," - Moon finished his sentence, surprising everyone.
Misako blinked and then widened her eyes in shock.
"Moon...? Is it really you?" - her tone was pure surprise.
"Wait... Since when do you two know each other?" - Jay raised an eyebrow.
"A long time..." - Misako murmured, staring at her.
A brief tension filled the air, but Wu broke it.
"Well, yes. This is Misako... and Lloyd's mother." -.
(Misako and Garmadon?!) - Moon was completely shocked.
"My mother?" - Lloyd froze.
Misako smiled when she saw him, recognizing him.
"Lloyd! My little boy," - she said with her hands over her heart. - "You've grown so much since I last saw you—" -.
"Yeah, well, that was a long time ago," - Lloyd frowned, his tone cold.
"I didn't want our reunion to be like this... I had my reasons for staying away," - Misako tried to explain.
"But I don't care!" - Lloyd snapped and stormed off.
"Lloyd, wait! Please!" - she called, but the door slammed shut.
(...) - Moon felt deep empathy for Lloyd. - (I don't need Aura to know what that feels like...) - She decided to follow him.
"Moon—" - Kai started, but Wu stopped him.
"Let her go. Moon knows what to do." - Wu said.
o0o0o
"Lloyd?" - Moon called.
"What?!" - He was angry and harsh.
Moon silently walked beside him, both looking at the tapestry depicting Ninjago's history.
"...You know... I understand how you feel," - she said softly.
"Well, duh, you can use Aura, and so can I — a bit. You can feel emotions." - He crossed his arms.
"Not like that..." - she looked down. - "I know what it's like to feel abandoned." - Lloyd looked up at her. - "To feel unloved... betrayed... left behind. But Lloyd... you're not like me. You still have the chance to understand and maybe forgive." -.
Lloyd thought for a moment, then asked a crucial question.
"...Moon, what's your story?" -.
"What do you mean?" - she raised an eyebrow.
"I know Kai's story, Nya's, Jay's, Zane's, Cole's, Sensei Wu's, even my father's... But I still don't know yours." -.
"My story...? It's not something I like to remember." - She hesitated. - "Maybe someday I'll tell you. But not today... not now." -.
Lloyd watched her quietly, the heaviness in his chest lifting just a little.
o0o0o
Meanwhile, the serpents and Lord Garmadon searched the open seas.
"Admit it, there's nothing here! We've searched all day and no island besides Ninjago!" - Skales said irritably.
"Let's make one more pass," - Garmadon ordered.
"He's without his Mega Weapon, he's vulnerable, my lordsss and lady," - Skales whispered to the others.
"I recommend we get rid of him," - one of the Generals said.
"It's about time," - Ashley huffed.
"Turn around. We must find the island today!" - Garmadon commanded the pilot.
"Uh! There! I'm sure I spotted land!" - Ashley said, setting up Garmadon for betrayal. - "Come see, my lord." -.
Garmadon trusted her more than the other Generals — she owed him a favor.
"Where?!" - He picked up a monocle. - "Ah!" - he shouted when Skales shoved him out of the helicopter.
"'Bout time we had a serpent back in command!" - cheered one General.
"How fake — a moment ago you were excited about the search," - Ashley rolled her eyes.
"All hail Sssskales! All hail Sssskales!" - the Generals bowed.
"I've got nothing against you leading, but I refuse to bow," - Ashley said firmly.
"I wouldn't expect lessss," - Skales replied calmly.
Moon heard footsteps approaching where she and Lloyd were sitting.
"Be careful, son. That pit is deeper than it looks — that's where I found the Stone Warrior," - Misako warned.
"Uh? Son? You've been absent my whole life!" - Lloyd shouted bitterly. - "There's nothing you can say." -.
"Well... I'll say it anyway. You want to know what I've been doing all this time? Long before Sensei knew you'd be the Green Ninja, I already knew. And I knew that in the end, you'd have to fight your father. I left you at the boarding school so I could study the prophecy and try to prevent that battle between good and evil." - Misako walked toward the tapestry of Ninjago's history. - "All this time, son, I was trying to save you and your father." -.
She turned to the tapestry as Lloyd finally looked at her.
"Long before time had a name, Ninjago was created by the First Spinjitzu Master—" -.
"Yeah, yeah! We've heard that story a hundred times," - Lloyd scoffed.
"But you've only heard half of it... In Ninjago, there has always been balance between Good and Evil. You know how the First Spinjitzu Master created Ninjago — but he wasn't alone. By his side was the Master of Aura and Guardian, Aaron, who could access a power as great as the First Spinjitzu Master's. What I mean is... for light to exist, there must be shadow. And within shadow, there are deeper darknesses — and within the darkest of all existed a spirit of evil called the Overlord." - Moon shivered at the name.
"You knew about this, Sensei?" - Zane asked.
"I hoped that by keeping it secret, that name would never be spoken again," - Wu explained.
"The balance was in danger and the battle could've lasted forever — each side powerful, neither able to win — until the Overlord created his indestructible Stone Army. The First Spinjitzu Master did all he could but knew he'd be defeated. Then Aaron came up with an idea — using their combined powers, they divided Ninjago in two. Aaron bore the heavier burden of the battle, for it was he who destroyed most of the Stone Warriors, since Aura was the only thing that could destroy them from within — the very thing the Overlord both feared and desired, for it was limitless power. Since then, we've been lucky never to see any trace of the Overlord or his Stone Army... until my recent discovery." -.
Moon clenched her fists. She couldn't believe any of this.
"So the battle was never finished!" - Kai exclaimed.
"And this Island of Darkness?" - Cole asked.
"It vanished, I presume. But legend says that as long as balance between Good and Evil remains, the Overlord stays sealed outside this world. I always feared your father's ambition would break that balance. That's why he must be stopped!" - Misako said.
"We all are the power of both the First Spinjitzu Master and the Master of Aura — embodied in the Elemental Weapons. But now that power has been inherited by the Green Ninja," - Wu said, choosing to hide Moon's link to the Golden Weapons. - "Only Lloyd can defeat ultimate evil — otherwise, all of Ninjago will be trapped in eternal darkness." -.
"Leaving you was the hardest thing I've ever done, but to save you and the world, I had no choice." - Every word carried raw honesty.
Lloyd finally began to understand his mother's reasons — perhaps even to forgive her.
(Could it be...? No...) - Moon dismissed the thought.
A sudden alert ran through her body. She tensed immediately.
"Ah! Girl, are you trying to give me a heart attack?" - Jay exclaimed, startled.
"Did you feel that?" - she asked, still on guard.
Suddenly, the door burst open, and a massive creature roared. Its green eyes fixed on her.
"Excuse me! Can we stop almost giving me heart attacks? And what kind of craziness is THAT?!" - Jay pointed.
"That is a Stone Warrior," - Misako explained, stepping behind Lloyd.
"The Devourer's venom must've awakened it," - Zane suggested.
"Oh, great! Kai, take care of it!" - Cole said.
"M-Me? Wait, what?" - Kai stammered, putting on his mask. - "Alright! Take this, tin-head!"
He charged, but the Stone Warrior blocked effortlessly and shattered Kai's sword like paper.
"I swear I imagined this going differently." - The Warrior grabbed Kai by the leg.
"The Overlord made his Stone Army from an indestructible material found only on the Island of Darkness," - Misako explained.
"Ah! Little late for that detail!" - Kai was thrown across the room.
"And their only weakness was the Master of Aura, Aaron, who could destroy them from within!" - Everyone looked at Moon.
Moon stayed silent, looking back at everyone and then at the creature. She had to admit it... she was scared — she could barely sense its aura, or rather, it didn't seem to have any at all.
"Lloyd, use your powers!" - Seeing Moon frozen, Sensei Wu made Lloyd take the initiative.
Lloyd charged an energy sphere and launched it toward the creature. At first, it looked like he had defeated it — everyone cheered — but the Stone Warrior was still standing, completely unharmed.
"How are we supposed to destroy this thing?! Moon! You're the Master of Aura! Do something!" - Cole yelled, trying not to panic.
Moon focused and took a deep breath. She gathered her energy, formed an Aura Sphere, and threw it at the Stone Warrior — who immediately stepped back to avoid it.
"He dodged! It looks like the part about aura being their weakness is true!" - Zane said, relieved that at least they had discovered something.
"And you still doubted it?!" - Jay raised an eyebrow.
"Misako! Do you know how Aaron used aura to destroy them from the inside out? Any description at all?" - Moon asked, charging her fists with aura.
"You don't know?!" - Jay asked, surprised.
"I may be the Master of Aura, but that doesn't mean I know how to control it perfectly," - Moon said, still focused on the creature.
"It's only described that Aaron could concentrate his aura within the creatures and destroy them from the inside out... I'm sorry, dear, but that's all I know." - Misako looked regretful that she couldn't help more.
Moon took another deep breath and dashed forward — maybe she just needed to pour her aura inside the Stone Warrior until it... well, exploded from overload.
The creature backed away when she approached and then froze when she touched it, transferring her aura into it.
"Go, Moon! Kick that thing's butt!" - Jay shouted in support.
"Huh?!" - Moon couldn't believe it — it wasn't working.
(Damn it! Maybe it needs more?) - she thought.
She could tell she had filled it with aura, but it wasn't enough to make it self-destruct. The Stone Warrior seemed to realize she wasn't very experienced with aura, and that gave it the chance to punch her — hard — sending her flying across the room.
Moon closed her eyes when she hit something — or rather, someone. She groaned in pain as arms wrapped around her waist, keeping her from falling.
"Sorry," - was all she could say after being thrown right into Kai.
"I don't think this is the time for that," - he muttered as both got up, aching, helping each other to stand.
The other Ninjas charged in, but of course, none of them were a match for the Stone Warrior, who was quickly overpowering them all.
The creature started walking toward where Kai and Moon were.
"Think fast!" - she shouted to Kai as she pushed him away and dodged the Warrior's blade just in time.
"He's focused on Moon!" - Zane observed as the creature ignored the others completely.
"Of course! He wants to destroy the only person who can use aura — to erase his weakness!" - Jay said, barely avoiding a fall into the pit.
The Ninjas, Sensei Wu, and Misako were thrown into another room and had to run for their lives as the creature chased them.
After climbing a staircase, Moon turned back and charged another Aura Sphere — this one hit the creature right in the face and actually seemed to hurt it — surprising for something made of stone.
They entered a room and locked the door behind them — but it clearly wouldn't hold for long.
"This thing's unbeatable!" -.
"Actually, indestructible!" - Zane corrected.
"This door won't hold forever!" - Kai warned.
"Let's settle this like men! Let's play rock-paper-scissors — whoever loses distracts him while the rest escape!" - Jay suggested.
Moon raised an eyebrow at that so-called "strategy." Lloyd was about to join the game, but Jay stopped him.
"Oh no-no! You're not playing — and neither are you," - he pointed at Moon. - "You're the only one with an element that might destroy him... somehow." -.
"One, two, three—" - Lloyd interrupted.
"That's it! I know how to defeat him — I just need a distraction." - Lloyd seemed genuinely confident about his plan.
"Leave that to me. That thing's been chasing me more than a swarm of bees," - Moon said, stepping up.
"That's too dangerous!" - Kai protested, worried.
"Since when has being a ninja not been dangerous?" - Moon shot back.
"Then I'm going with you," - Kai said firmly. - "No protests." -.
"I'm in too!" - Cole added. - "Better three decoys than two." -.
He smirked beneath his mask.
Lloyd crawled into a ventilation shaft to prepare his plan.
"I can't believe he's Lord Garmadon's son," - Misako said, watching him risk his life to save everyone — so unlike his father.
"Don't forget — he's your son too," - Wu reminded her.
"He's had a good teacher," - Misako smiled.
"You mean teachers," - Wu corrected, stepping aside for the Ninjas who had taught Lloyd so much.
The Stone Warrior finally broke through the door with its massive swords, ready to destroy some ninjas.
But when it entered, it saw nothing but dinosaur skeletons.
The ninjas were quietly sneaking along the second floor. Jay gave Cole the signal.
Cole used his scythe to cut the ropes holding up a huge dragon skeleton, making it crash right down on top of the Stone Warrior.
"Woo-hoo! Bullseye!" - Jay cheered.
"Don't celebrate too soon," - Moon warned, narrowing her eyes.
They slid down from the second floor along the spine of a stegosaurus skeleton.
"Did we get him?" - Cole asked.
Suddenly, a stone hand shot up from beneath the pile of bones.
"Is Lloyd ready with his plan yet?" - Zane asked as they backed away.
"I sure hope so!" - Jay replied as they ran while the Stone Warrior emerged again, furious.
Misako tripped but quickly got up.
"I may not be a ninja, but I can handle myself," - she said, sliding down a hanging banner.
Everyone followed her, but the Stone Warrior caught up quickly.
"It's me you want!" - Moon shouted, catching its attention. - "Come and get me — if you can!" -.
The Stone Warrior roared and charged at her, tearing everything apart as it swung its twin blades.
At one point, Moon leapt and landed right on one of its swords.
"Wow, you're even uglier up close," - she said, focusing aura into her fists and punching its chest and face repeatedly.
It only staggered back slightly before falling, but not a single scratch marked its body.
Moon jumped off before it could crush her and kept running as the enraged warrior stood and gave chase again.
"Moon, over here!" - Lloyd called.
Moon slid across the floor, stopping beside him.
"Is your plan ready?" - she asked.
Lloyd nodded confidently — it was.
The Stone Warrior slid into the room as well, smashing the entrance wide open for space.
"Hey! You big rockhead!" - Lloyd taunted. - "Better hold on tight," - he whispered to Moon.
Moon barely had time to react before Lloyd grabbed her by the waist and dove to the side.
The Stone Warrior stepped forward — but the ground beneath it gave way.
The marble floor tore open, revealing it had only been a painted canvas.
The creature fell straight into the depths below.
Moon and Lloyd approached the edge. She rested a hand on his shoulder.
"Good job, Lloyd. I'm proud of you," - she said, pulling off her mask.
Lloyd removed his too and smiled brightly at her words.
Misako came closer and immediately hugged him. At first, Lloyd was surprised — but then he hugged her back.
"I'm so proud of you, my son," - she said, holding him by the shoulders. - "I feel that balance has brought us together again."
"Misako, will you help us make this a fair fight?" - Sensei Wu asked, stroking his beard.
"If my son agrees," - Misako replied, looking at Lloyd.
"The more, the merrier," - Lloyd said with a smile.
Misako hugged him once again. There's nothing stronger than a mother's love for her child.
(What a calm aura...) - Moon smiled faintly as she watched them.
Meanwhile... Lord Garmadon, betrayed and thrown into the sea by the serpents, washed ashore on the Island of Darkness, where he encountered an entity that sealed his fate even further...
_TO BE CONTINUED_