Winds of Change {A Ninjago Fanfic}-Book One in the Four Winds series

Chapter Ten: The Blade of What?

Zane and Cole had gathered everyone into the living room. Lloyd had reluctantly allowed Aira to get up and come downstairs. He didn't want her to have to deal with more than she needed right now.

"Aira," Misako said hugging her. "I'm so sorry for your loss."

Aira just hugged her back and didn't say anything.

"How ya doin, kido?" Cole asked placing a hand on her shoulder. Well, more like in her shoulder.

"Leave her alone, Cole," Nya said. "She probably doesn't want to talk right now."

Aira just shrugged and sat down on the couch. She was glad Nya had shooed Cole off because she really didn't want to talk to anyone.

"I suppose your all wondering what we found," Zane said.

"No kidding, ice box," Jay said snapping. "Just tell us already!"

"Jay, calm down," Cole said. "Deep breaths. In. Out. In."

"I know how to breath, Cole," Jay said crossing his arms.

"Would you two shut up!" Kai shouted.

"As I was saying," Zane said giving everyone a 'shut up' glare. "Apparently Aira's mother was in possession of a old artifact."

"What kind of artifact?" Kai asked.

"Unlike most artifacts, I was able to find the aura of it's presence," Zane explained. "It is called the Blade of Eyal."

"What would someone want with the Blade of Eyal?" Misako asked. "It gives a minimal amount of strength to the user but that's all. It's not worth murder let alone stealing."

"Aira, did you know about this?" Jay asked.

"No, I don't even know what it is," she said trying to avoid talking anymore. "I don't know how she would've gotten it anyway so don't bother asking me that."

"There is a legend surrounding it," Misako informed. "When combined with two other artifacts of Eyal, it has some unknown power but I don't know what."

"So someone is trying to get all the artifacts?" Nya asked.

"We do not know," Zane said. "But it might be best to find out. And Aira?"

"Yes?"

Aira was farthest away from everyone. Lloyd was standing in the doorway looking thoughtful. Zane and Cole were at the front of the room. Misako, Wu, and Jay were all standing more towards the middle and Nya was leaning against the fireplace.

"I found something I think you should have," Cole explained for Zane. "It was addressed to you. We didn't read it."

Aira stood up and slowly walked over to Cole and Zane. Zane handed her a brown wrapped package. Her name was written on the front. She could tell it was her mother's handwriting. She held it close and sat back down.

"Lloyd, you have been awfully quiet," Wu said. "What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking that this problem may be bigger than we are giving it credit for," Lloyd said thoughtfully. "I think we may need a new ally."

Wait! Lloyd is telling them about me now?! Aira thought to herself. Oh well. Better now than never.

"What do you mean, Lloyd?" Kai asked.

"I mean I've made a new ally," he said giving a slight glance in Aira's direction. "But she needs to be accepted by all of us. Past and all."

Aira could see Wu smiling. So he had known who she was the whole time.

"Of course we will accept her!" Kai said. "We can use every new ally that we can get."

"Besides we accepted you after you set loose all the Serpentine," Jay added.

Aira's eyes widened in surprise, "that was YOU?"

Lloyd's face turned scarlet. Aira found herself thinking how cute he looked. Then she mentally slapped herself and turned her attention back to the conversation.

"I-er- ya," Lloyd said still embarrassed. "But back to what I was saying. I have already agreed with my new ally to train her. I-"

"Wait! Without telling us?!" Jay shouted.

"Jay!" Aira shouted. "Your making me go deaf with all your shouting. Now shut up!"

The room fell silent at her outburst and she felt embarrassed at loosing her temper. Lloyd just smiled and continued.

"Aira," he said gesturing her to stand up. "Everyone meet our new ally."

"Huh?!" Jay and Cole said together.

"This does not compute," Zane said tilting his head to the side.

"Um, Lloyd?" Nya asked.

"Son, I-" Misako began and then was interrupted by Lloyd.

"Meet Aira, the Master of Wind," Lloyd said placing a hand on her shoulder.

She was very conscious of the touch for some reason. Oh no! She was going insane! Well ok maybe just over sensitive? She hoped that's all it was.

"What?!" Everyone- besides Wu- shouted.

"She was the thief?" Kai asked.

"And you knew about it?!" Jay added.

"Maybe you all should trust Lloyd's judgement," Wu said sipping his tea.

"I know you guys are probably disappointed in me because you thought I was just a friend; and I ended up being a thief. I never wanted to be one and when Sensei Wu offered me a job I thought it would be a chance to make up for my wrong. Little did I know that he was the Sensei of the ninja."

Lloyd chuckled at the memory, "you should have seen her face when she saw me."

"It wasn't funny, Lloyd," she said smacking him on the arm. "Lloyd recognized me but he did something that I never would have expected. He forgave me and told me that everyone needs a chance to do right."

"But if someone doesn't take the chance and continues to do wrong," Lloyd added.

"It's harder to make up for past wrong," Wu finished.

"So," Jay said. "Does this mean you are related to Morro?"

"To whom?"

"I thought you were gonna ask your-" Lloyd began and then clamped his mouth shut.

"She wouldn't give me a direct answer," Aira said looking down at the floorboards.

"I think we have all had a long, hard day," Misako said. "I think we should all go to bed and get a good night sleep."

"That is a good idea," Wu concurred.

"Aw man," Kai whined. "I have to share a room with Lloyd!"

"What's wrong with that?" Aira asked.

"Let's just say he likes candy," Jay answered. "And he gets sugar highs."

"C'mon, guys, it's not that bad," Lloyd said walking past.

"Uh huh," they both said rolling their eyes.

Aira followed everyone out and headed up to Lloyd's room. He had cleared his stuff out earlier so he wouldn't have to go in there. She was so tired but she was determined to find her mom's killer. She was determined to become a ninja.

Next: Chapter Eleven: Friendship