Clockwise (a Ninjago fanfiction)

Chapter 9: Friends & Family

((~Author's Note~))

This image was generated by me using AI to showcase my vision of the woods leading to Aceri. I no longer use or condone the use of AI art generators, but felt this was still important to disclose and be honest about as I've already posted and shared these works. For a more detailed explanation on why AI art is harmful and unethical, please refer to my updates book chapter on making art for stories.

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After Camila left the dinning room, the atmosphere hardened with such an uneasy tension it was like boulders weighing on the ninjas' shoulders. Lloyd, Cole, Zane, Kai, Jay, and Nya waited in silence until they could hear Camila's foot steps dissipate down the hall, indicating she was far enough out of ear-shot.

Cole breathed out a heavy sigh, looking to Sensei Wu-

"Please don't tell me you really plan on leaving Circuit here?"

"Are you serious, Master?"

"She's a child! Without any memories, who only knows her parents via a picture we just happened  to find! It's way too suspicious.."

Kai argued. 

"Let me explain. We are  going to leave, and as calmly as possible. Regardless if that man is truly her father or not, this land is her home and she has much to learn from this place, and him. But, before and  after we do leave, we investigate this castle ourselves as well. You're right, we are not leaving Circuit here with a man we do not know until we can make sure she is safe!"

The ninja nodded with relieved smiles. Nya sighed in relief,

"Good plan, Master Wu!"

"..Sensei does make a point; we don't want to worry Circuit if Arthur isn't who he says he is. It's best we not raise our suspicions in front of her. After all, he could  still be her biological father, and she's confused enough as it is.."

Everyone made subtle agreeing noises to Lloyd's explanation. The ninja knew the little Spellcaster they found had clearly been through trauma and needed their help. She was still their friend but, as the adults of the group, the ninja collectively felt the need to take responsibility and grantee her safety..

"So what's the plan?"

Kai asked.

"We do what ninja do best; sneak and snoop around! We shouldn't let Arthur out of our sights until time to leave tomorrow. So I want eyes on him at all times, got it guys?"

"Lloyd's right. We could take turns. While someone keeps him distracted, the others can take the time to go around more of the castle and  the valley to investigate!"

"It's best we don't leave Circuit and Arthur in the same room alone for now. Agreed?"

~

Camila plopped onto one of her room's cushioned seats, burying her face in her knees as she curled up into the embroidered cotton pillows. A light knock at the door caught her attention, followed by the newly familiar voice..

"Camila, may I come in?"

Arthur asked, lightly peeking through the doors. Camila nodded with a bitter-sweet smile. 

"Oh- what's wrong?"

"I didn't think everyone would leave so soon.."

Arthur sighed, slowly walking over to Camila on the couch.

"We have a lot to talk about, and a lot to do here. And I'm sure the Elementals have much to take care of at their home as well."

"Does this mean I can never go back to the monastery?"