Chapter 18

Ethan

The final day. The day they face it. The day they full fill the prophecy and make it whole. Was it nerve racking? Heck yeah. But it was the only way to get Ethan's mom back. It was late afternoon on the last day, June 21, 2019. The ninjas flew on their dragons, up and up to the tallest mountain, heart beating faster each second.        The warm wind blew Ethan's black hair backwards, the temperature dropping each time they grew closer to the top. The red clouds tasted musty and unclean, moist like the jungle but salty. Ethan looked backwards while holding onto Cole's waist, peering into the Endless Sea. Ocean waves crashed on the sides of the cliffs, sending cascades of white water up into the air. He gulped.       If one of us were to fall...      He closed his eyes tight and turned around. Looking up, he could see the top of the mountain, purple and red clouds circling it like a hurricane. Cole's breathing increased and his dragon flickered in and out, roaring and beating its wings faster. Ethan gripped Cole's waist stronger.       "Bro what's up?"        "I-I don't know. I-Its controlling me-"       His dragon flickered for a good second and flickered back as Cole regained his conscious. His skin turned paler, almost white.        Ethan shook his brothers shoulders hard, trying to get his attention.        "Cole! What's happening?" the dragon started to fade.        "Guys," Ethan called to his teammates. "I think it's happening again."        Kai turned around, his eyebrows knitted in fear. The others followed, eyes widening in alarm.       "Someone help them! Cole's gonna loose conscious!" Lloyd shouted orders from the front of the pack. Just then, Cole let go of the reins and crumbled, the earth dragon disappearing and poofing away into green and brown dust. Ethan screamed, loud. Louder than he ever had before as he fell and fell, closer and closer to the crashing waves and water that would soon turn to concrete. His teammates scrambled and turned around, shouting orders and desperately trying to save the two elemental brothers. Ethan knew they wouldn't catch up. They were falling a lot faster than he expected and they were already behind the pack when Cole was flying his dragon. So Ethan had no other choice. Grabbing his brother and steadying his breath, he summoned his elemental power in his hands. Focusing on his greatest fear: the fear of losing his loved ones. What if he failed? What if he and Cole died? Pushing the thoughts aside, he channeled his energy and let it out. Slowly, a massive, brown dragon formed and uncurled, spreading its sturdy wings to slow their stop. With a mighty roar, it lifted into the sky and soared.     Ethan never felt so alive. It was like cold water was splashed in his face, first thing in the morning, almost refreshing. His fear and doubt washed away, replaced with pride and happiness.      He patted his dragon's neck with his right hand, the other holding his limp brother.      "Good boy." the dragon snorted in a happy way. Ethan could hear the whoops and hollers of his relived teammates, pumping their fists in the air and bright smiles spreading across their faces. He couldn't help but smile too.     But it was Cole who he worried about the most. The closer they got to the deadline, the worse his condition got. It felt like he got colder every time, like the life was slowly getting sucked out of him. Once Ethan got to the others, they congratulated him, patting him on the back and giving the earth master high fives. Zane examined Cole and stated he's unconscious, but will wake up soon. Everyone nodded before pulling their reins down to continue flying up. But he couldn't help to think what would happen once they arrived at the top. What if the shadow figures destroyed the teapot? What if someone gets hurt? What if some dies? What if I die? Ethan knew his family would be devastated. If he did die, Cole wouldn't have an older brother to spend his life with, create memories. No tickle fights and summer water days. No video games and training days. No snowball fights and Christmas. No Halloween and random parties, nothing. Yeah Cole has his teammates and mom and dad, but it's different. Getting over the loss of a loved one is an eternal gap that could not be filled.

Before Ethan knew it, the group surfaced to the top of the mountain. It was a lot bigger than he expected. More dense trees grew tightly together, like a smaller version of the jungle. He hoped they didn't have to fight in that; it would be very confusing and hard. Ethan landed on the dry, dusty surface, his dragon disappearing as he lost contact. The others did the same, and gathered around Cole while Ethan sat down, laying his younger brother across his lap. He brushed Cole's long bangs from his face, frowning. Sensei handed him a cup of tea, the aroma calming Ethan as he held it up to his brothers mouth to drink. Instantly, Cole started coughing and opened his eyes slowly. "Are we here yet? Am I dead? Are you guys dead?" Ethan chuckled and stroked his brother's soft, black hair. "No, we're not dead. But we're here, at the tallest mountain." Cole sat up slowly and rubbed his eyes. He peered around at his surroundings and stood up. "I've lost contact with my mom, but she's still in there, I can feel it," he touched his heart and looked forward with determination. "c'mon guys, let's finish this." The others nodded and smiled with confidence. "So here's the plan guys. We split up in pairs of two. Keep your intercoms on," Lloyd commanded and took a titanium arrow from his quiver. "For those who don't have titanium weapons, we need to melt a thin layer onto it. I have a feeling this jungle has shadow figures floating around everywhere." One by one, the ninjas handed Kai their weapons as he melted the arrow, silver metal dripping onto the surface of the weapons. It smelled and tasted of rusted metal, the scent drifting across Ethan's nose and down into his mouth.       "Sorry guys, the blacksmithing job isn't the best today." Kai laughed as he handed Ethan his hammer.       Nya patted him on the back. "It's fine bro. We're running outta time anyway."       The fire ninja nodded. "Guys, whatever happens, just know I really am grateful to have met you guys. I dunno where I'd be." Kai's smile drifted towards Cole. Ethan grinned at his younger brother who blushed and smiled back.       Ethan gripped his weapon tighter. "Yeah. Thanks for taking me in. But when you guys are out there, look out for each other and take care. Let's get to the bottom of this and bring mom back."       The group hollered and whooped. Maybe some of it was energy. Maybe pride or nervousness. Maybe just for the sake of it. But one thing Ethan did know was that it was their spirit; to keep fighting, no matter how hard it gets. To fight for their safety and Ninjago, and to fight for each other.       "I wish you good luck my brothers and sisters." Zane said before they joined in for a cheer.       "Ninjago!" and the ninjas shouted, pulling on their hoods and dispersing into groups.       Kai went with Nya and Jay, while Zane and Pixal stuck together. Lloyd and Catori, obviously, and Sensei with Misako. Ethan opted for Cole, to make sure he was safe, and spend his last moments with the brother he never had if he didn't make it out.       They ran towards the right, weapons drawn and all senses alert for danger. Nothing stirred except for the sound of their footsteps, and their panted breaths. Only the wind that whirled outside the fortress of trees made the leaves shiver, the long, green vines flowing in the breeze.       Ethan grabbed Cole's wrist protectively as they headed deeper into unknown territory. It was silent until a thought crossed Ethan's mind.       "Hey uh, Cole?"      His little brother hummed in response. The younger earth master turned towards his older brother, making eye contact with his brilliant green eyes.       "Sorry for not being there for you. I-I mean as a kid. You didn't deserve that." Ethan looked down at his feet that crunched underneath. Cole smiled. "It's fine. I understand. You and Dad went through a lot." Ethan smiled and returned his gaze to his younger brother. "Yeah. You did too. Just know that if I don't make it out, I love you, and your the best little brother anyone can ask for."        Cole beamed at his brother, making Ethan giggle on how goofy he could be.       They walked in silence until a sharp pain hit his right shoulder. He clutched it as red blood trickled down his arm, drops falling to the floor and absorbing in the dry, leaf infested dirt.      "Oh my gosh Ethan!" Cole scrambled to his brothers right side and pulled a purple and black arrow from his shoulder. He grunted in pain, grabbing the wound and trying to stop the blood. Cole ripped a part of his gi and handed it to Ethan, telling him to put pressure on it while he scouted for an intruder. Reluctantly, Ethan nodded, afraid Cole would get hurt too. He promised he would be careful, and ran off into the bushes.       Ethan sat down and dragged a first-aid kit from his backpack. Afraid to look at the gash, he slowly peeled the cloth off, gasping at how infected it already looked.       Purple and blue veins spread from the bloody center, where the arrow had hit. It looked like a really bad bruise, but the veins were more noticeable and swollen. He closed his eyes in frustration and fear, taking his water bottle and washing the blood off. Ethan cringed at the stinging feeling, biting down on his bottom lip. Once he was done, he opened the kit and took a gauze, placed it on the wound, and wrapped tape to secure it in place. He exhaled and looked around at his surroundings.      But for a good two seconds it felt numb. His arm dropped to his side carelessly, no feeling whatsoever. Then it came back, and he was able to feel the pain and move his fingers. Ethan quickly stood up and faced the direction of retreating footsteps, using his left to hold his weapon.       Cole bursted from the bushes and claimed there was an archer shadow figure who hid in the treetops and shot him. Ethan nodded, cleaning up the mess and continuing on their mission.      A message from their intercoms sounded, Pixal speaking in a worried and confused tone.      "Is it strange that we haven't approached any shadow figures?"      Cole pressed the button on his ear piece, replying.      "Well my bro just got shot with an arrow and his wound looks pretty nasty. Be careful for archer figures too."       "Is he okay?" the recognizable voice to Nya questioned.        "Yeah. Why? Have y'all not found anything yet?" Ethan queried.        "Nope. Nothing so far. Keep in contact." Ethan noticed Cole smiled at Kai's voice. The static of the radio silenced.        "So," Ethan kicked a small pebble on the floor. "you're... interested in Kai, I've noticed." he tried not to sound awkward, but Cole jumped on him and covered his mouth.        "I swear if the intercoms were on, you'd be dead."        Ethan raised his hands in surrender, flinching at the sudden pain in his shoulder. "I'm just saying man, that's what I've noticed." he smirked at his younger brother who had an annoyed expression on his face, arms crossed.       "Ugh am I this obvious?" Cole covered his face with his hands. Ethan shrugged. "I guess." Cole smacked him in the back of his head as he laughed. "When this is over, you're gonna get it." "You mean you're gonna get Kai." Cole's checks flushed a deep red as he sank his shoulders in. "S-shut up." Ethan laughed again. "You stuttered." "I did not!" "Did too!" Swish. The two brothers stopped bickering and drew their attention towards the bushes and trees that surrounded them. "Did you hear that?" Ethan clutched his weapon tighter, heart rate increasing by a little. "Yeah." They dropped a dead silent. Then a screech sounded as Ethan was pushed to the floor, cold, wispy tentacles grasping his broad shoulders. He kicked it backwards, rolling onto his back and getting to his feet. Cole threw the hammer at it, so perfectly that when it hit the figure, the titanium end blasted the shadow to dust. There it went again, his right arm dropping to his side. Ethan grabbed it and shook his arm to get it working again, the blood slowly rushing down and into his fingers.     "Uh, you okay?" Cole eyed his brother with a confused expression. "Yeah, just went numb that's all." The static returned on their intercoms, Jay exclaiming they were just attacked. The others said the same, so Ethan guessed the figures attacked together.      More shadows came and attacked the brothers, but each time they disappeared, Ethan's arm got worse. With every figure destroyed, the pain would grow, more and more until it would hurt to move his fingers.      Ethan panted, taking deep breaths to steady his growing concern. It was hard to concentrate on the battle when is arm kept stinging with sharp pain.     But the thing he was most confused about was that the others must be killing shadows too. Why doesn't it hurt when the others kill them, but it does when the figures around him do?      Ethan shook his head to clear his thoughts, swinging his hammer at another figure that appeared out of the bushes.      Cole put his hands on his thighs, sighing. "This is getting ridiculous. Don't they ever stop?"      Ethan sidestepped to the left and side kicked another as Cole backed him up and hit it dead center with his hammer.      "I dunno, but my arm's really starting to hurt."       "I bet." Cole responded simply.       Once the last figure screeched, the two elemental masters put their hands behind their head, opening their chest to regain breath. The distant sound of screams echoed in the distance. The intercoms came on again, this time Lloyd speaking.       "The attacks stopped. Should we be concerned?"       "I don't know. I feel like we should. Unless we killed them all." Jay's childish voice sounded more concerned by the second.       "Yeah, this doesn't sound ri-" Kai's voice was cut short.       Cole immediately pressed the earpiece. "Kai? Guys what happened to Kai?"       "Jay! Oh my gosh where are they coming-" a thump sounded, then silence.       "Guys? Jay, Nya, Kai?" Ethan called. No response. "Lloyd? Zane? Pixal? Catori?" silence.       "What happened-"       "Ethan watch out!"        "Wha-"        He hadn't noticed a shadow had snuck up on him. Ethan fell to the floor, only seeing Cole fall underneath the grasp of another figure, his eyes slowly closing from the pain on the side of his head. In his last moments of conscious, he felt his body being lifted, head spinning and dropping to complete darkness.

     When he woke, his head felt like all the weight of the universe was put on it. Ethan groaned and slowly opened his eyes. He tried to rub the side of his head when he realized they were tied tight behind his back.        "What?" he pulled at the thick vines. No avail. He sighed and rested his head against something soft. Alarmed, he turned around and it was only Cole, his brother still knocked unconscious and head dangling at an awkward angle. Ethan scouted his surroundings. They were still in the forest, but now he was surrounded by flaming torches, black and purple fire flickering in the dimly lit jungle. The sun started setting, little beams of light painting the dry floor. It had started to get chilly, probably because they were so high up, and he had no sleeves attached to his gi or any undershirts. It smelled of burning charcoal, and only the sound of small critters scurrying across the dead leaves were heard. Other than that it was silent. Ethan didn't see any of his teammates, which concerned him. He sighed and tugged at the ropes again; maybe just maybe they'd break because of his super strength. Nope, too tired. Sharp pain traveled down his arm from the shoulder. He winced and glanced at his injury, full of dirt and leaves. Oh gosh. It looked worse than before. Practically his whole arm was black and purple. Grabbing the gauze with his teeth, he ripped the bloody temporary bandages off and widened his eyes at the hole where the arrow hit. He'd rather not look at it again, so he turned his head and exhaled, nudging his brother with his shoulder. "Cole, Cole wake up." He hummed and mumbled something about cake, his posture stiffening for a second before he drifted back to sleep.       Ethan rolled his eyes. He rested his head once more on Cole's back and closed his eyes. He felt hopeless. What are they gonna do now? He had no idea where his teammates are, his arm looks like it's about to fall off, Cole lost communication with his mom, the teapot is gone, and they're tied in the middle of the jungle surrounded by creepy flaming torches. Great. I've always wanted to be tied up in the middle of nowhere feeling helpless.      The scenery gave Ethan chills since the last time he was captured by Garmadon. Especially the torches. It was cold and uncomfortable, stone walls and floors surrounding him on all sides. Only a few torches lit the dark hallways of the underground prison, cages empty and abandoned.       Ethan tried to push the memory aside, abandoning the thought all together. It was a horrible time in his life. He'd specifically remembered the warm tears that flowed down his checks when Garmadon's guards yanked his mother by the wrists, dragging her from the jail cell to prepare for the sacrifice. The once silent corridor was filled with yelling and crying, the horrible sounds echoing down the hallways. His mother just smiled, like she accepted the fact that she was going to die, and mouthed the words, "I love you, and I always have." before a tear fell and she was dragged around the corner. Ethan has never felt so broken in his life. But he never would have discovered his elemental powers if he hadn't punched the wall in frustration. His super strength broke the chains, and he peered at his hands incredulously, but he sped off around the corner to save his mom. Hiding behind a wall, he tried to piece together a plan, but it was too late. Samukai raised his dagger and struck her in the heart, a final breath echoing through the cavern as she fell to the floor.       Ethan covered his mouth with his hands, trying to stop the muffled sobs from being heard.      Footsteps jolted Ethan away from his memory. He whipped his head up, aware of his surroundings. Cole was still unconscious, his breathing soft and silent.      A platinum blonde haired girl emerged elegantly from the bushes, her hooded, black robe dragging on the dirt. Only a few strands of hair fell from the hood that covered most of her face. She had a mischievous, evil glint in her stormy grey eyes that reflected deception and clever trickery. Even if her mouth was covered by a black mask, he could tell her lips curled into a smirk, as if she was already planning on what to do with her prisoners. He had a feeling she did something to the others and tied them up. He frowned as she came closer, her hands folded in a sophisticated  manner. "Good evening. I am glad you and your teammates came before the deadline, though, I've never seen you before." her voice was soothing and soft, gentle like the breeze on a summer morning. Ethan scowled at her, his eyebrows knitted. "Who are you and what do want?" he hissed, his eyes like daggers. "Oh, I don't want anything to do with you, but my master does." she calmly redirected the first question. Ethan's hands folded into a fist. "You never answered my first question: who are you?" She put her hand on her chin, pretending to think when her intentions were to instigate. Ethan really wanted to strangle her. "That, will be left unanswered. The main reason why I'm here is because of the prophecy, and my master wishes to speak to you." Ethan spit at her feet. She only smirked, showing her sharp canines from underneath her mask. "You will listen to him one way or another."    Ethan growled. "What did you do to the others?"     She only scoffed in amusement, squinting her sharp eyes at the elemental master. "So loyal and caring, if only I could be like that." her tone indicated she showed no desire to change as if it was only what a fool would do. Turning on her heel, she left Ethan and Cole in the dark clearing once again, the sun fully set. The torches didn't do much, given they were literally black.     Cole started to stir awake, yawning and stretching his arms.      "Ethan, I hope that's you I'm tied up with."       "Yup."      "What happened?" Cole struggled with the ropes.       "Don't bother. They'll never break. Those stupid shadows, knocked us out and tied us up."       Cole sighed, slouching his shoulders and resting his neck against Ethan.        They stayed in silence until a familiar bird call sounded to the right of Ethan. Peering over, a yellow parrot calmly stood, flapping its wings and looking from side to side. Ethan stared at it dumbfounded, confused on why it decided to land there and not flee away in fear. It squawked again, but he couldn't quite put his finger on why it sounded so familiar.     "Aren't those the birds that the villages talked to?" Cole asked as he peered over Ethan's shoulder. Of course!     "Yeah, but what's it doing here?"      Cole shrugged his shoulders as the parrot hopped to the vines, slowly gnawing away at the thick ropes.      "It's helping us," Ethan smiled and pressed the button on his earpiece. "guys? Are y'all awake?"       The static continued for a while, the faint sound of breaking vines. Cole and Ethan looked at each other and frowned, worried about what happened to their teammates. "Yeah, were good. Catori's yellow birds are helping us." Ethan let out a breath, relived that Lloyd was at least alive. "Same here. Kai, Jay, and I are okay." Nya's voice was slightly muffled. "Pixal and I are in working condition," Zane's robotic voice confirmed. "I do hope Sensei and Misako are okay as well." "Mhm. Catori said that we should gather more information on what's going on. Don't attack yet, we need to meet and regroup." "Yes sir the o-mighty Master Lloyd." Kai joked. Ethan could imagine the green ninja rolling his eyes. "Alright guys, stay safe. Over and out." the static stopped. The bird chirped and flapped it's yellow wings, lightly prodding Ethan's hand with its curved beak. He smiled and gently brushed the soft feathers of the bird, it's tiny head nuzzling into the giant palm of the earth master. "Thanks little dude. Now go before you get caught too." It squawked one last time and flew off, gliding atop the trees. Ethan got to this feet, Cole following as they peered around the bushes. He touched a tree, but as Ethan's rough fingers grazed the dark bark, it rippled, like a pebble hitting the surface of water. "Uh did you see that?" Ethan turned on Cole who was just as confused, if not more. "Mm-yeah, that was really weird." he extended the 'h'. Cole stepped up to the tree and touched it as well, the rippling effect almost hypnotizing Ethan. Cole brought his hand up to his ear, speaking in a hushed tone. "Is it just me or are these trees trippin' me out?" "What are you inquiring?" Pixal responded. "Go touch the trees and see if they ripple." A long silence sounded, the static hum of the radios filling Ethan's ears. "Yes, this is quite odd." she finally responded, unable to calculate what just happened. "Ya ours does that too." Lloyd answered. "Same here." Kai confirmed. Ethan tried to push through the trees, but it was strange. It felt bouncy and hard at the same time, feeling as if he could push through but not. He turned his right shoulder, unaware Cole had looked and widened his eyes at the wound. "What the spinjistzu Ethan, your arm!" He self consciously covered it, turning away as Cole went to touch it.       "It's fine."       "No it's not!"       "Yes it is, I can handle it!"       Cole only looked at him with an unsatisfied expression. Ethan gave in and sighed.         "Fine, it's not okay. The pain is unbearable and it stings so much."          Cole opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by the sound of rumbling. He turned as the fake trees melted, the walls of rippling trees revealing their teammates, just as surprised as they were.       "Guys? What just happened?" Cole looked at the others.        "It seems that the trees were an illusion, but by who?" Zane asked as the ninja regrouped into a circle.         "It was by me." a metallic voice responded behind the ninja. The group whipped their heads around, facing another shadow figure. Zane froze, his icy blue eyes reflecting fear.         "Ok so the shadow things can extend their arms, blast rocks, and make illusions?" Jay counted on his fingers, throwing his hands up in the air dramatically.        "Oh I can do much more than that. But I wouldn't be here if it weren't for someone else."        The bushes parted as the same person with a black robe walked out, undoing her mask and pulling the hood off. Catori and Ethan looked at one another, confused when their teammates' eyes widened in surprise.       Lloyd stepped forward, but not too close, and shook his head in disbelief as the girl smirked at him.      "Harumi? H-how did you-"      "Survive? It's a long story. But we can catch up later, can we not?"        Lloyd knitted his eyebrows and scowled at Harumi, stepping back in disgust.       "You hurt me, and there's nothing you can do to make up for it." his voice deepened to a dangerously low tone.       But Ethan couldn't lie. She was beautiful, the way her rose red lips stood out against her pale skin, and the silky soft, white hair that fell gracefully from her ponytail. Her piercing grey eyes that contained small specks of yellow, and her fake, sweet kindness that could fool anyone.      She pulled a dagger from the back of her robe, holding it downwards and skimming her fingers over the sharp end.      "The adorable little innocent Lloyd is still the same after all these years," her face hardened, her bright red lips turning down into a treacherous frown. "but there will be nothing to make up for when I kill you and everyone you ever loved!" she yelled and lunged at Lloyd. His eyes widened as she came in, but he was too quick. Doing a high block underneath the sharp end of the dagger, the green ninja slowed her attack and grabbed the knife, pulling her shoulders in to do a knee attack to the midsection.      Ethan turned and faced the shadow figure. His smokey tendrils rose, more of his soldiers rising from the ground and hissing at the ninja. Ethan drew his hammer, avoiding using his right arm. Yelling, the group charged, elemental powers mixing with their anger and determination.       A full battle broke out, spinning tornadoes of colors and blasts of elemental powers, screams of the shadows and adrenaline-filled yells from the ninja.      But they just kept coming, one after another, raising from the ground as if the titanium did nothing.       "They just keep coming back!" Jay yelled as he threw a figure over his shoulder and zapping the next with his lightning.        "I know! What do we do?" Kai's sword clashed with the dagger of a figure.         It was looking pretty bad for the ninja. Just them against a whole army of shadow figures. As Ethan was going to loose hope, a familiar screech sounded from the top of the trees. The battle slowed down, all faces turned towards the sky. A flock of yellow birds glided over the tops, an army of villagers yelling behind. They had their bows and spears ready, aimed at the shadows, triumphant yells echoing through the jungle. Ethan pumped a fist in the air, regaining his former strength and fighting like no end. The ninjas' hope returned, bright smiles upon their faces as they charged back into battle, full of energy.     The shadow figure leader yelled in frustration, stiffening his tentacle as more figures bursted from the ground. Even with a new army full of skilled archers and fighters, the good side was still outnumbered.       But there was something Ethan didn't expect coming from the ground.       Former warriors and samurai ghosts were pulled from the earth, raising and narrowing their eyes at the shadow figures. Ethan glanced over at Catori, her arms slowly uplifting as more ghosts joined the battle. Ethan widened his eyes in surprise.      "Catori! You're an-"     "Elemental master of the dead!" Lloyd finished for the older master of earth. She lowered her arms, smiling and nodding. But her smile turned to a frown as a black and purple arrow flew through the air towards Lloyd's side. Catori ran and threw herself, saving Lloyd so that the arrow hit her leg instead. She collapsed on the floor, breathing hard and clutching the wound that spilled blood. Ethan's heart dropped to his stomach, running over to Catori and kneeling by her side while Lloyd dug bandages from his backpack. "It's okay, I can handle her. Help the others!" Ethan nodded, jumping up and raising his hammer. He blocked a punch from the shadow figure in front, hitting it in the stomach with his hammer. Once it screamed and floated away to dust, he was met with Harumi, fists in a tight grip and eyes narrowed to slits. "Hello there fellow ninja. We shall see your skill, since I haven't seen you around before." "Oh I'll show you skill." Ethan half mumbled as he lunged to attack. She punched with her right, but he avoided it by sliding underneath and sweeping her from behind, hitting the back of her legs with his heel. Harumi was able to get up quickly, given she was a lot lighter than Ethan, so quickness was going to be her advantage. But I bet she doesn't have strength.       Harumi attacked this time, turning 180 degrees to execute a turning roundhouse with the right, which confused Ethan for a second as her foot made contact with his face. Taking her chances, she hit Ethan in the midsection with a front kick and aimed for the head to do a hook kick, but luckily, he blocked it and counter attacked.        Noticing her right was the dominant foot, he elbowed her in the right thigh as she defended herself with a knee attack. Ethan followed it with a palm strike to the ribs, and he was sure he heard a crack. Harumi gasped, clutching her side and falling to the ground.      Ethan scoffed. "A little too over confident now are we? Guess Lloyd still loved you too much to hurt you, poor kid."       Harumi tried to say something but sighed and noticed her mistake. She looked up at Ethan and looked down, slumping her shoulders in defeat. Ethan turned around as the leading figure roared angrily, whipping his tentacles and shedding his inky black teeth.      "If the others cannot handle you, then I shall end this all myself!"       His body split into more tentacles, reaching out to the ninja and grabbing them one by one. Nya struggled against its grip, flaying her legs and arms to slip through.       "Get your hands off her!" Jay yelled as he blasted it with his lightning. The elemental power had no effect on the shadow, the deformed face of the monster twisting into a wicked sneer, grabbing Jay and slapping its tentacle against his mouth. The lightning ninja protested, but his words were muffled.      Ethan and Cole nodded to each other as they slammed their fists to the ground, sending sharp rocks growing from the ground to hit the shadow. Ethan cringed at the sharp pain in his shoulder, but continued to use his elemental power.       Lloyd joined in, gathering his golden green power and releasing it. Catori stood next to him, her arm already looking as bad as Ethan's. The others did the same, but the figure only seemed to grow more powerful. Jay and Nya were still in its grasp, looking like they'd throw up from the motion sickness.       "Fool! I am the Overlord! I absorb elemental power, especially his!" he pointed a tentacle at Lloyd. The shadow figure bursted into dust as the oldest enemy of Ninjago spread his arms and glowed golden, radiating much power. It dropped Jay and Nya, the two scuffling to their feet and joining their teammates.       Zane stepped forward, ignoring Pixal's words of protest. He only glanced back at her, smiling, gripping her hand and squeezing it.       She reluctantly let go.       "Overlord, we meet again."       He exhaled an annoyed breath, drawing a golden sword from his back.       "Indeed we do, titanium ninja. It's been a while."        "Affirmative. But shall we make it so that we never face each other again?"       The Overlord chuckled lightly, running his tongue over the cave of sharp teeth.        "Gladly, but I am not complete yet. I need that ghost you fools are trying to bring back from the Departed Realm."      He scanned his eyes over to Cole who covered his heart protectively, putting both hands over and glowing with elemental power.       "You'll never get to mom. You have to beat me first."        "How sweet. A little son protecting his dear mother." The Overlord attacked, hoping to possess Cole. Ethan was left with a choice: go, or watch your family die. Time stood still, and he was unable to move as the Overlord gained on Cole, millisecond by millisecond, moving at impossible speeds. Go.       He looked at the others, eyes widened with fear. Stay.      The Overlord was only a couple hundred feet away. Oh my god make up your mind already!      Ethan went, closing his eyes and pushing Cole to the side before the Overlord could reach him. Ethan gasped as he felt the cold presence enter his body, like ice, cold and unwelcoming. He could hear the protests from inside him, the Overlord trying to escape from Ethan's grasp. It took much willpower to contain his body and still have control over his own.       Cole rushed to his side and held his head up with shaking hands, gasping and taking ragged breaths in and out.       "Ethan why'd you do that?"       He cupped Cole's cheek and smiled. "I was gonna die anyway. I could feel it; every time a shadow figure would die, my arm would get worse."      Ethan reached for one of Kai's swords that lay abandoned on the floor. Cole's eyes widened in surprise.       "You're not gonna..."      "It's the only way."      "But then if they're all connected, Catori's gonna die too," Lloyd realized with pain. "Just tell me one thing: what was the last line?" he asked, making direct eye contact with Catori.      She seemed reluctant to tell, her eyes breaking the tense connection between her and Lloyd.       "On the last day, she'll follow a legacy of death. That was the last line." she confirmed.      Lloyd exhaled. "Because your mother was one of the last elemental masters of death."       She nodded. "But can I ask you something Lloyd?"       The green ninja nodded as she took his hand in hers, tears in her eyes.        "D-did. Did you ever love me?"         Lloyd blinked, fresh tears falling from his eyes. He smiled with sadness and nodded, half sobbing.         "Y-yeah, ever since I met you."         Catori let out a breath and kissed him. Lloyd's eyes widened as his cheeks flushed a deep red, heart beating two hundred million beats per second. Ethan felt really bad for the poor kid. Broken so many times in his life, had his heart played with too many times, missed out on his entire childhood. Ethan had no idea how he was able to keep going. He glanced over at Harumi who watched the scene, feeling the most guilty out of all of them, eyes trying to hold the tears that could spill at any moment. The two pulled away, looking into each other's eyes one last time before he let go, letting the chief and her brother Chaska to say one last goodbye. The ninja said their farewells too. Now it was Ethan's turn. His eyes started tearing as Cole came to hug him, his sobs being muffled by his brother's gi. He hugged him as tight as he could, one last time before he enters the Departed Realm himself. Honestly, he was scared, like really scared. It was the choice of only a person with a caring, courageous heart, and the willingness to sacrifice themselves for the better good. He pulled away, wiping Cole's tears with his thumbs. They touched foreheads as he stared into his brothers brilliant green eyes filled with water. "It's going to be okay little bro." "No, no it's not. Even if we bring mom back, we'll loose you." Cole sobbed and closed his eyes, letting the tears fall and roll down his pain stained cheeks. "I know I know. But you're strong, even if you don't realize it. Carry the family for me, take care of mom and dad. I know you can." Cole took a shuddering breath in and nodded, letting go for the last time and stepping back. Kai put an arm around his shoulders, trying to comfort him. Ethan smiled at the fire ninja, the brunette returning it. "Thanks guys for everything, I really appreciate it." A series of goodbyes and heartwarming words came from the ninja, each coming to give him hugs and pats on the back. Even Sensei and Misako. Cole's brother smiled and raised the sword to his chest, the most vulnerable spot for an entity when possessing someone. "I love you Ethan." Cole blurted before he was able to touch the titanium surface to his skin. He stopped and softened his eyes. "I love you too." And then he did it. He felt the cold metal drive through his heart and into the Overlord, killing him once and for all. His vision faded, his heart beat slowly stopping. All he could feel was the strong arms of Cole, catching him before he hit the ground, and with a final breath, his conscious slowly faded, until Ethan was swallowed in a pit of black, Falling. Falling. Falling, into Nothing.

WHOO 6598 WORDS! Ok I am soooo sorry I took forever to update. This chapter especially took sOoO long and I really enjoyed making it. Hopefully all the confusing parts are now connected and y'all can understand why things happened. Anyway, yup super long chapter for you guys since I took fOrEveR 😂 Also, imma be illustrating this story eventually and it's gonna be on my insta, so go follow @ninjagodabest. I post edits and drawings soo ya I would really appreciate it if y'all do that.