Ninjago: Legend of the Lost Village

Many years ago, when the first Spinjitzu master created Ninjago, there existed a peaceful village of monks. These monks devoted their lives to studying the path to enlightenment, living in harmony with each other and the natural world. However, the tranquillity of the village was disrupted when the leading monk encountered a spirit – a yokai – that took the form of a beautiful woman. This spirit revealed to the monk that the village was built upon a burial ground where the first elemental masters were laid to rest. In exchange for the monks' promise to care for the land and keep it alive, the yokai bestowed upon them a gift. This gift manifested as an extraordinary power that was passed down to those born within the village. These individuals had the remarkable ability to transform, to adapt, to become whatever they desired. They could change their appearance and their features and even assume the forms of animals or mythical creatures, transcending the limitations of ordinary humans.

During this time, a tradesman who passed through the village also encountered the same yokai, and the two fell in love. Eventually, the yokai gave birth to a baby girl who possessed pale skin, icy blue eyes, and hair as black as night. She was neither human nor spirit, but something more – a nephilim. However, this period of peace and prosperity was not to last. The village fell into ruin when it was invaded by malevolent oni, a creature whose sole purpose was to cause destruction and mayhem. They drained the villagers of their extraordinary powers. If every resident lost their power, the land would decay, opening a portal to the spirit realm. Hannei, the daughter of the yokai and the tradesman, witnessed her mother being imprisoned and her father killed. Fueled by desperation and determination, she set out to find someone who could help her save her village. It was then that she learned of the legend of the Green Ninja, a mighty warrior descended from the first Spinjitzu master, who had confronted the Overlord and even defeated his own father. This legendary figure had also danced with spirits and faced possession.

Hannei resolved to seek the Green Ninja's aid, but with the oni hot on her trail, she knew she had to be cautious. If she was not careful, she risked bringing the malevolent spirits down upon him and his friends. Thus, her journey to save her village and her loved ones from the oni began, fraught with danger and uncertainty.

The city of Ninjago bustled with life and activity, with people going about their daily routines and celebrating one of many victories of the ninja. Despite the passage of time since the Overlord's defeat, Lloyd found himself unable to catch a break. He had bravely confronted and vanquished the Overlord, vanquishing the darkness twice, freeing his father from the grip of evil. His selfless acts had saved Ninjago numerous times, but he still grappled with the aftermath. His experience of being possessed by Morro, the former Master and ninja of the wind, had left a deep impact on his mind. Additionally, his emotional battle against his own father and the burden of relinquishing the power of the Gold Master weighed heavily on his heart. The fight with the oni, and his self discovery of his oni heritage...it was too much on his heart. He carried the weight of the world and his knees were starting to buckle. 

Despite feeling supported by his friends, Lloyd still experienced a sense of loneliness and yearning for something more. As he observed the lively streets adorned with signs and billboards bearing his name and face, he couldn't help but feel a pang of solitude. The sight of couples everywhere made him acutely aware of his own lack of a romantic relationship. His responsibilities as the Green Ninja had left him with little time for personal pursuits, including his love life.

Amidst these contemplations, a girl with long, braided black hair raced through the crowded streets, followed closely by the police. In her desperate attempt to evade capture, she collided with Lloyd, who steadied her and inquired about her well-being, "Hey, whoa! Slow down, or you're gonna hurt yourself." He urged, taking a moment to make sure she wouldn't fall, but the moment he saw her face... his heart dropped... The girl appeared terrified and distressed, and for a brief moment, a look of relief flashed across her face before it became one of horror again. Before Lloyd could gather more information, she pushed him away and continued fleeing. The police, in pursuit, urged Lloyd to prevent her escape, prompting him to give chase, "DON'T LET HER GET AWAY GREEN NINJA!" They shouted, and Lloyd, feeling obligated as the city's protector, took off after the strange woman. Based on her clothes, he could only guess she wasn't from here, but more likely from a more traditional part of Ninjago, her clothes coloured like a pond of lotuses with hues of turquoise and orange.

As Lloyd pursued the fleeing girl, he noticed her remarkable agility and evasion tactics. Despite her obvious distress, she did not resort to violence or harm, leaving Lloyd puzzled about the circumstances. He had to admit, she was quite lovely to look at, even if he was chasing her down. Eventually, he cornered her in a back alley. She paced back and forth before ultimately pressing her back against the wall like a cornered animal as Lloyds shadow fell over her. She had to admit, he was very handsome. Golden blonde locks, emerald green eyes that could melt a girl's heart. It made her heart flutter. There he was. The green ninja. She had heard many tales of his victories, how he vanquished the darkness-not once but three times. She heard of his feats with the spirit realm, how he overcame possession. He was a legend in more ways than one in her eyes.

"Please! I don't mean any harm!" The girl shouted, tears streaming down her delicate face. "I'm sorry, but whatever you have done wrong, you need to answer for it. If the police are chasing you, it must be for a good reason," Lloyd growled, sizing up the girl's appearance. She was undeniably beautiful, with her pale skin and long, raven coloured hair looking fragile and unblemished. "Please, I need your help!" she urged. "My village is in trouble. I've come a very long way to find you!" Hearing the police getting near, she knew she had to be fast or she risked getting caught. "Who are you?" Lloyd asked, cautiously approaching her, intending to detain her if he could get close enough. "I don't have much time! Meet me on top of the Shinobu hotel! And hurry! I don't have time!" She begged before suddenly disappearing, leaving Lloyd stunned and confused. Should he tell the police? But if he did, he might not get the answers he sought, and she seemed to be in trouble.

As the police caught up to him, the atmosphere turned icy despite the warm night air just moments ago. A sense of dread fell over Lloyd as the police approached him. "Did you catch her?" the commissioner asked, placing a firm but controlled hand on his shoulder. A familiar sensation, akin to when he was possessed by Morro, stirred inside him. Every instinct within just screamed for Lloyd to run as far away as possible. Something wasn't right. "Uh... no, Commissioner. I'm sorry, she got away. But if you're looking for her, I'll help. Can't have a potential threat on the loose," he responded, maintaining a calm, stoic demeanour. He intended to question the girl first before deciding whether to hand her over to the police. Something about the commissioner's words didn't sit right with Lloyd. It felt creepy and cold, as if there was an ulterior motive.

Once the commissioner released him, he nodded and carefully made his way through the police, keeping his composure until he was out of sight, then breaking into a sprint toward the Shinobu hotel. 

Lloyd moved through the city with urgency, his heart racing as he searched for the girl before the police could find her. He had a gut feeling that something was terribly wrong with the situation, so he had to locate her quickly. Each street he passed, he cast a glance back, looking for the Shinobu hotel. Once he caught sight of it, he made his way up, using his ninja skills to climb higher and higher until he reached the roof.

Upon not immediately finding her, he felt a pang of frustration and foolishness, believing he had been tricked by another sob story yet again, bringing him back to his days with Harumi. In his frustration, he kicked a can off the roof, hitting someone below on the head. Startled, he stepped back to avoid being spotted, only to bump into someone else. With a shriek, he instinctively formed a ball of green light in his hand, ready to attack whoever he had bumped into. The girl he had bumped into below squealed in terror, her hands protecting her head and neck in case Lloyd did attack her. "FRIENDLY! FRIENDLY! NOT GOING TO HURT YOU!" she cried out, shaking in fear.

Taken aback, Lloyd reabsorbed the energy of his attack and softened his stance. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you! You just... you surprised me, is all," he explained, attempting to ease the tension. "I'm Lloyd... Lloyd Garmadon... What's your name?" he asked softly, reaching out a hand to comfort her, but she flinched away from his touch. "I-I'm... I'm Hannei Kagami. I'm from a village in the mountains. I mean no harm, I just... I came to ask for your help," she explained, settling herself at the edge of the rooftop, gazing out at the city lights. Ninjago City was beautiful once the sun had set, and she loved it, as it was unlike anything she had seen in her whole life. Although she would have to get used to the noise.

"You see... I'm a shapeshifter. I can become anyone or anything I want... My whole village can, as a matter of fact," she continued, demonstrating her ability by transforming into an exact copy of Lloyd, down to the finest hair on the top of his head. Amazed by her powers, Lloyd remembered seeing a power like this once before, but he had never gotten to know it well. Though now this opened up a complete new set of questions, like where this village was and why he never heard of it. "My home was built on an ancient burial ground, and the spirits gifted us this ability, but..." Hannei started, and Lloyd sat down next to her, concerned for her safety and needing to know more. "... But?" he inquired, hoping she would clarify. "... My home was attacked. Oni attacked my village and drained everyone of their magic, and now the land is dying. If they get my magic, the land will die completely, and the spirit realm will open! But I heard you had a run-in with spirits! I thought maybe you could help me!" Hannei grabbed his hand and held it tightly, looking at him with desperation. "Please, Lloyd! I need your help! I can't do this alone! My home will die!" Tears welled up in her eyes as she pleaded. He felt awful...he remembered that time when he looked into Kai's eyes as he entrusted the fire ninja with his very life. That was the same look Hannei was giving him right now. She was scared, alone, and desperate. She had no one to guide her, and he was her only hope it seemed. 

Lloyd never wanted to delve into anything spirit or oni-related again. His time being possessed by Morro had left such a deep impact on his soul, traumatising him so horribly, and his time with Harumi left him hard of trusting. But if the world was at risk, then it seemed he had no choice. With a heavy sigh, he placed a hand on her shoulder, looking her deep in the eye as he had once done to Kai, "I know we just met, but... it's clear you need help... and I could never abandon someone in need of my help. It's just not how I was raised."

Hannei could not hold back her tears any longer. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she threw herself into Lloyd's arms, crying out with joy that he would help her. Lloyd could do nothing except hold her and comfort her, patting her back as his friends had done for him when he was a child. "Come on. If we're going to save your village, we'll need a little help. But I need you to trust me, okay? I can see you're... um... skittish about people, but these guys are professionals! They taught me everything I know! Plus, I could never do something like this on my own!" he smiled, trying to encourage her to trust him. He could see the doubt in her eyes. Her time shielded from the world clearly had affected her ability to trust anyone, so he had to do whatever it took to get her on the same page as him.

He stepped away from the edge, offering her a hand and urging her to come with him. She stared at his hand for a long while, considering her options. She only trusted Lloyd; she was only here for him. But if he trusted these other people, surely she could, right? She nervously took his hand, her heart thrumming in her ears out of anxiety. "Alright... I trust you," she muttered.

With those words spoken, Lloyd scooped her up off her feet, clutching her bridle-style, completely ignoring her pleas to put her down. "L-Lloyd, please, I can walk!" she cried out, but Lloyd knew better that she wouldn't be able to keep up. Eager to get back to the Monastary, he summoned his dragon from his conscience, setting her on the front of the saddle before climbing up behind her. She was nestled comfortably in his lap, a terrified expression on her face. She wrapped her arms around him, and as the dragon took to the skies, she buried her face in his chest, terrified of what would happen if she even peeked. Lloyd held her in one arm so she felt safe, while the other hand held the reins to keep the dragon under control.

Hannei peeked only slightly, opening her eyes to see the world below, and she was amazed. The city lights, so high up, were just gorgeous, like the stars. Her eyes twinkled in amazement, and she slowly relaxed more and more. They made it above the clouds, the city no longer visible below, but the sight above was just as amazing. A full moon against a clear night sky with millions of stars. "It's beautiful up here," she whispered, her eyes sparkled with the starlight of the night sky. In the distance, Hannei could see the monastary where Lloyd stayed with the others. It was alive with music and illuminated by the warm red glow of traditional lanterns. Kai and Jay were tearing up the dance floor with their impressive moves, while Cole assisted Zane in preparing and laying out food for everyone to enjoy. It wasn't a grand celebration, nothing extravagant or flashy, just the gang relishing in some time together and seizing the opportunity to enjoy themselves. Hannei's eyes widened with amazement and curiosity as she observed the scene before her. She had heard tales of the Spinjitzu Masters, how they aided the Green Ninja, and fought bravely in battles. However, now that she saw them in person, she realised they were more than just warriors – they were a tight-knit family.

"Ready to meet them?" Lloyd asked, noticing that Hannei appeared much more at ease than when they first met. He wanted her to feel comfortable meeting everyone, so he waited for her approval before proceeding. After a moment of contemplation, Hannei looked into Lloyd's kind green eyes, silently deliberating before finally nodding meekly and whispering a quiet "yes." Lloyd then landed his dragon just outside the monastery and asked Hannei to wait outside the gate while he spoke to the others. He didn't want to overwhelm her with questions and attention right away, considering the situation he had just rescued her from.

"Hey guys, I'm back!" Lloyd greeted his friends and family, catching their attention. The first to welcome him was his older brother Kai, who wasted no time pulling Lloyd into a headlock and tousling his hair, giving him a playful noogie. "Ah, no! Kai, stop it! Come on, not the hair!" Lloyd protested, but Kai continued the teasing for a good minute before finally releasing him. "Aww, is someone gonna have to comb his hair again? That's too bad! That's for stealing my hair gel!" Kai laughed, patting Lloyd's shoulder. Meanwhile, Hannei watched from behind the entrance gate, her eyes filled with wonder as she witnessed the playful interaction. As she observed their bond, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy and loneliness. She longed to be reunited with her own family, but with her father gone and her mother's whereabouts unknown, she couldn't shake the sense of longing and isolation. 

"Where were you anyway?" Kai asked Lloyd, giving him a chance to fix his hair. "I was just down in the city, looking around. I actually ran into someone, and -" Lloyd began, but Jay interrupted with playful teasing, "Ohhh, who'd you run into? A girl? Are you finally seeing someone? It's about time you got back on the saddle! You're always so emo and broody." Lloyd baulked at the comment, taking offence. "I am not emo! And I am not broody! I'm just not interested in dating right now, I don't have time!" Lloyd whined, crossing his arms. "So who did you run into?" Kai asked, slapping Jay on the back of the head, knowing this topic was sensitive for Lloyd, especially after what happened with Harumi. Despite his heartbreak, Lloyd had never truly moved on from her.

"It was... a girl," Lloyd admitted sheepishly, cringing as Jay shouted in victory. "I told you! I knew it!" Jay exclaimed, but Lloyd was quickly losing his patience with the teasing. "But I was not down there purely to meet girls! Look, I have her here with me, but she needs our help. She's in danger," he explained, causing Mya to lower the music as the gravity of Lloyd's words sank in. If someone was in such danger that they sought out Lloyd directly, it must be serious. "What happened?" Kai asked, placing a hand on Lloyd's shoulder. Lloyd glanced back nervously and caught a glimpse of Hannei peeking out from behind the gate, visibly tense and clutching the gate tightly. He motioned for her to come over, silently reassuring her with an "it's okay."

Hannei released her grip on the gate and nervously stepped out, feeling the weight of everyone's gaze on her. Each step she took felt heavier as the urge to bolt grew stronger in her mind. Standing by Lloyd, she kept her eyes on the ground, avoiding meeting anyone's gaze. "Guys, this is Hannei. She's from a village up in the mountains, and she's in danger," Lloyd began, ignoring the tight grip she had on his arm, understanding her nerves and letting her hold onto him for comfort. "Her village is made up of people with a special power that lets them hide, like a chameleon. The issue is... the Oni are back." Gasps filled the air as everyone processed the news. The return of the Oni, being difficult to defeat the first time, raised questions about their motives and the impending danger they posed.

Lloyd observed the uncertainty on their faces as they whispered and exchanged glances between him and Hannei. Hannei, feeling the weight of their scrutiny, closed her eyes tightly, trying to block out the whispers as her mind raced with fears. Would they turn her away? Refuse to help her? Suddenly, she felt a warm presence enveloping her, and when she opened her eyes, she saw Kai had draped a spare tablecloth over her shoulders. It was scratchy and itchy, but the warmth it provided was comforting. Looking up at Kai in surprise, she found him smiling warmly, his protective instincts as an older brother shining through. "Aye, you're okay. You're safe with us," he assured her, his words calming her racing heart. "If those Oni want you, they'll have one hell of a fight!" Kai declared, standing tall with determination in his eyes. "Yeah! We defeated those creepy crawlers once, we'll do it again!" Cole chimed in, showing his support.

The group surrounded Hannei, offering reassurance and comfort through their words and gentle gestures. Overwhelmed by their kindness, Hannei felt her heart swell with gratitude, tears welling up in her eyes. She couldn't contain the flood of emotions and began to cry like a child, relieved that they had agreed to help her. She had feared she would be alone in her struggle, but their acceptance and support meant everything to her.

Nya led Hannei inside, intending to take her to Master Wu so he could hear her story and possibly offer further guidance and assurance. Lloyd stayed back, giving them space as he didn't want to inadvertently make Hannei rely solely on him, understanding that building trust with the others was crucial. Kai and Nya, being like siblings to him, were best suited to comfort Hannei, as they always treated others with kindness and compassion.

Meanwhile, Zane prepared some tea for Hannei and even fetched her a bean bun, knowing that food often brought comfort in times of distress. Jay and Cole worked together to prepare one of the spare rooms for Hannei, ensuring she had a safe and welcoming space to rest. In Master Wu's study, the sage incense burned softly, filling the room with its calming scent as the group sought his wisdom and guidance.

Nya and Kai knocked on the door to the study, with Hannei standing behind them, still wrapped in the blanket. "Yes?" Master Wu's voice carried a sense of serenity and wisdom. As they knelt before him, Hannei's presence caught his attention. She appeared dressed in garments reminiscent of a monk, with colors resembling a lily pond in hues of blue and orange. The embroidery on her sash bore an unfamiliar language, intriguing even Master Wu. Her delicate features and long hair, along with the absence of footwear, indicated a deep spiritual connection. In some cultures, the practice of not cutting one's hair except during specific times of the year and going barefoot symbolized respect for the earth and spirits, akin to removing shoes when entering someone's home. Master Wu recognized the significance of these customs and prepared himself to listen to Hannei's tale with an open heart and mind.

The air in the room crackled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Wu, his gaze fixed on Hannei, spoke with a mixture of reverence and curiosity. "Who is this you have with you?" His query hung in the air, met with a tentative acceptance as Zane offered Hannei a bean bun. Hannei, wary of the unfamiliar food yet driven by hunger, took the bean bun cautiously, her actions watched by the group as they introduced her to the unfolding crisis. "This is Hannei," Kai introduced, his voice tinged with a sense of gravity. "Lloyd brought her in from the city. She has journeyed far seeking our aid. The oni are back," Kai's words hung heavy in the air, shattering the tranquillity of the room. His words about the return of the oni sent shockwaves through the room, causing Wu to involuntarily spit out his tea in surprise, drenching the three. 

The unexpected reaction led to a moment of magic, as the burning sensation prompted Hannei to temporarily vanish, her presence betrayed only by the draped blanket. Hannei's disappearance into the ether left a trail of astonishment in her wake, a manifestation of powers beyond comprehension. The fabric of reality seemed to fray as she vanished, only to reappear just as swiftly, a shimmering presence amidst the lingering scent of spilled tea. With Nya's quick intervention, the spilled tea was collected, restoring the room to order. Wu, recovering from the shock, recognized the significance of Hannei's abilities. "An extraordinary gift," he mused, "The spirit walkers, is it not?" He asked, his gaze fixed on Hannei with newfound respect. Hannei's eager nod signalled a connection, a bridge between the forgotten past and the uncertain present. "Yes, that's right! We live in the highest peaks of the mountain where it gets so cold you'll freeze if you stayed overnight, even with a burning campfire. It's so icy that even fire freezes over," she explained, the mood of the room shifting completely as Hannei became more and more comfortable with the master. 

"How did you know of my people? I did not think our people were known to anyone outside given our solidarity" she asked, returning to eating her bean bun as she settled in. "My father studied with the monks of those peaks. He learned the path to enlightenment, including their meditations and prayers. He once took my brother there hoping they and the land could heal him." Wu explained, his heart heavy with agonising grief as he remembered his brother's suffering as a child, when that damned snake bit him, "but the village just disappeared. My father was never able to find it again...I thought it was lost to time,” he admitted, glad to be proven wrong with Hannei's presence. Hannei shook her head vigorously at Wu's statement, keen to disprove those words and thoughts, "no, it's still there. It's hidden by the magic of the spirits, we had no choice but to hide it, as people started trespassing, taking the healing water of the springs and stealing our herbs" she breathed out a sigh of resignation, “we also had to hide from creatures like the oni...not that it matters now” she slowly turned her head away, recounting the memories of what happened in her village with a heavy heart, "The oni," Hannei's voice carried a weight of sorrow, "summoned from the dying soil, are threatening the very fabric of our existence. If the magic of the yokai is extinguished, our land will wither, and chaos will reign ....that's why I’m here....if the magic of the yokai is taken from every last villager, the land will die and decay. and if the land dies....the world will merge with the spirit realm, plunging into chaos”

Hannei's recounting of the village's struggles and the looming threat of the oni painted a picture of imminent danger. The fragile balance between realms, the mystique of the Spirit Realm intertwined with the shadows of the Cursed Realm, unfolded in her words. "The cursed realm tried to take over this realm years ago…. Is that what you're talking about?" Kai's attempts to draw parallels were met with a gentle correction, as Hannei illuminated the intricate dance between light and darkness that governed the fate of their world. "No, the cursed realm and the spirit realm are very different. One is where the lost and wayward souls go...the other is connected to Ninjago, where all the realms meet. It is neither here nor there, but it is everywhere, bridging all the gaps within this universe. The oni can pass through the cursed realm, their realm, and the spirit realm, for where there is light, there is darkness, and for where there is darkness, they can safely pass. Someone has closed the passage of light protecting the doorway to Ninjago, allowing the darkness to seep into our world, setting free the oni. The spirit realm is not here nor there, it is this realm and the next. It is equal parts light, and equal parts dark as day is to night.”

"Ok, so what's a Yokai?" Kai's voice cut through the air, a tone of curiosity tinged with a hint of apprehension. Despite his familiarity with Djinn, Oni, dragons, and ghosts, the mention of yokai sparked a newfound interest that drew the attention of Nya and Wu, their gazes fixed on Hannei as she pondered how best to convey the essence of these enigmatic spirits.

"The yokai...are a type of spirit that wanders the land," Hannei began, her words measured and thoughtful. "They are tricksters, known for their capricious nature, yet they seldom cause harm unless provoked. Their forms are ever-changing, morphing into creatures like cats, humans, or foxes, giving rise to legends such as the nine-tailed fox. Yokai are guardians of the land, drawing sustenance from its energy, fiercely protecting it against all threats. This is why you often see shrines adorned with offerings along mountain trails and streams, marking the paths frequented by these spirits." Hannei's explanation sent a shiver down Kai's spine, the weight of her words sinking in as she unveiled the potential consequences of crossing paths with a yokai. 

Just then, Lloyd happened to pass by Master Wu's study, catching wind of the conversation about yokai. Intrigued, he listened in to learn more, Hannei's voice laced with a mix of surprise and caution. "They are in no way equal to a dragon or oni in terms of raw power. However, a yokai's wrath is a force to be reckoned with. They have the ability to darken the skies, imbuing the air with an icy chill, and their shapeshifting prowess makes them truly elusive. They can assume any form, at any time, leaving you unaware of their presence until it's too late. That's what makes them so dangerous."

As Lloyd pondered the implications of an angry yokai potentially posing a threat, a glimmer of realization sparked within him. Could these spirits harness the energy of his oni form, quelling its power into dormancy? The thought weighed heavy on his mind, prompting him to silently retreat, intent on seeking further insight from Hannei regarding the enigmatic yokai and their intricate connection to the world around them. For now...he was heavy with exhaustion. As much as he wanted to know more it could wait. Hannei would be staying with them while they figured out how to help her so he would ask later. For now? He needed to sleep. He barely made it to his room, let alone his bed, and the moment his head hit that pillow he fell into a deep...deep slumber.