#ninjago pilot episodes

[fiddler-sticks]

WTF 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

I LAUGHED SO FUCKING HARD WHEN I PAUSED THE VIDEO AND THIS WAS ON MY SCREEN XD

[random-chaotic-bitch]

Siren's Song - Chapter 2

Alisha pulled her long curls back into a loose bun, secured by the black mask she pulled over her face. She nodded at Cole, Jay, and Zane. The four tiptoed into the monastery, and Alisha pulled them aside. "Now, it's time to figure out what Sensei's been keeping from us. He's been training you guys to be ninjas and helping me continue my original training. But he's been acting weird these past couple of weeks. And we're about to find out why."

The three boys nodded back at her. "We'll follow your lead," Cole assured her. She grinned beneath her mask, checking the straps holding her spear in place. "Let's go."

They jumped to the ceiling rafters, noting Wu's nightly meditation before continuing. They stopped by a bathroom, watching a kid in red pajamas brushing his teeth. Alisha glanced around to the others, nodding her head when one of them, probably Jay, made a motion pointing down. They stealthily dropped into the corners of the room, readying weapons. Somehow, the kid didn't notice them, too caught up in his thoughts. "Take this! And this! And this!"

His last exclamation trailed off as he realized he was pointing a toothbrush at Cole, who held his weapon threateningly before him. All around him, the other black-clad figures closed in. Realizing the situation he was in, his face fell. "Oops."

A moment passed, the four warriors holding weapons to the weaponless boy. He grinned suddenly, catching Jay's shoulder and using it to get into the rafters. Alisha scoffed, casually leaping up and meeting the kid there. His eyes widened as she chased after him, the other three not far behind. They converged on him in the courtyard, weapons flashing in the moonlight.

The kid was smart, triggering the training course to use it to his advantage. It worked as he fought off Cole, Zane, and Jay. But he forgot about Alisha until she had crept up behind him and pulled him into a headlock. His first instinct was to go limp, throwing himself to the floor. It worked, and he slid right out of her grasp. She snarled as she tackled him onto the ground, trying to punch him in the face.

Alisha had the stranger pinned beneath her until he grabbed her ankle and twisted her off. She hissed in pain as her back hit the wall of the courtyard. Zane took over, both him and the new guy fighting on the ground. When Mystery Dude pinned Zane, Jay, Cole, and Alisha piled on top to subdue him. Until they heard a voice shout. "Stop!"

The four black-clad figures shot to their feet, bowing with respect. "Yes, Sensei."

The strange guy in red frowned. "Wait, they're your students too?"

When Wu nodded, he continued. "This was my final test, wasn't it?"

Jay cut him off. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! You never said anything about a fifth. It's always four. The Fantastic Four, Ghostbusters, The Beatles-"

Alisha hit him in the head. "Those are my references!"

Cole sighed. "Uh, what he's trying to say, Sensei Wu, is that the four of us have trained together. We're solid," he explained. The new guy scoffed. "Didn't look so solid to me."

Zane spoke up next. "Master, what is the meaning of this?"

Wu's eyes gleamed mischievously. "Each of you have been chosen. Each is in tune with elemental properties. But first, ninja-go!"

He shifted into Spinjitzu, and in a blur of light, all five had more colorful gear. Alisha watched the other four gape at their new outfits, expecting to remain in her training gear. Except when she looked down at herself, her eyes widened. She wore the navy blue combat suit of a siren lieutenant, accented with brighter blue seams and matching boots. A glance down at her back revealed a matching long cape. The blonde reached a hand up to her head, feeling the lieutenant's headpiece across her hairline. With her complete change in attire, she realized she wasn't wearing a hood like the others anymore, but instead, a fabric mask that covered her mouth and nose. Her blonde curls had escaped their loose bun, remaining in a ponytail down her back.

Alisha's thoughts returned to her surroundings when Wu introduced the ninjas and their respective elements. "Kai, Master of Fire. It burns bright in you. Jay is blue, Master of Lightning."

Jay chuckled. "Heh, that's not all I'm the master of. I do a little inventing. I dabble in model building, a touch of cooking, a little poetry," he began to ramble. Alisha rolled her eyes as Cole groaned. "More like Mouth of Lightning," he grumbled. Wu turned to him next. "Black Ninja is Cole, solid as rock. Master of Earth."

Cole turned to Kai, removing his hood. "Nice to meet you, kid. I got your back, and for the record, there ain't nothing in this world I'm afraid of."

Zane spoke up from the other end of the line. "Except for dragons."

Cole huffed out a breath. "Dragons aren't from this world, Zane. I said in this world."

Wu pointed his staff at Zane. "And White Ninja is Zane. Master of Ice and Seer with the sixth sense."

Zane brought out his shurikens quickly, spinning them and making them disappear just as fast. Kai scoffed. "I sense this one takes things a little too seriously."

Zane removed his hood, eyes wide. "You have the gift too?"

Jay laughed, pulling off his hood. "He's just making a joke, Zane. Remember what we talked about? Your sense of humor? Huh?"

Alisha nodded. "Yeah. From what I know, you and I are the only ones with some degree of Force abilities."

Zane looked forward, smiling. "Yes, it was a joke. Ha ha."

Jay shook his head in disappointment. Alisha laughed at the exchange, brown eyes sparkling in the light from inside the monastery. Kai looked at her, frowning. "Who's the chick?"

Cole's eyes widened in horror. "Oh no, you did not just call her a chick."

Alisha whirled around, eyes flashing. "Llamame una chick un tiempo mas, y tu tendras mas de un ojo morado," she seethed in rapid Spanish. Kai took a step back. "Woah, woah, okay! No offense intended!"

Wu turned to face them all. "Pay attention! The four of you are the elemental masters. But, the elements are bound by the universal seal of the Force. Similarly, you are bound by your fifth teammate. Alisha, ex-siren, Gray Jedi. Wielder of the Force."

The girl removed the mask from her face, holding her hands before her and levitating some loose stones. She crossed her hands in front of her body, holding the position before she flicked her wrists, sending the rocks back to their places.

Cole and Zane nodded with approval. Jay held back a grin, watching Kai's face go from confused to shocked. "Wha- but- huh?"

The four laughed at the Fire Ninja's spluttered words. Wu hit his staff against the ground, regaining their attention. "Hush! You four are the chosen ones who will protect the Four Weapons of Spinjitzu... from Lord Garmadon."

Kai stepped forward. "But what about my sister?!"

Jay's face lit up. "We're saving a girl? Is she hot?"

Alisha and Cole groaned. "Jay..."

The Lightning Ninja held his hands up in surrender. "I-I just wanna know what we're getting ourselves into. Does she like blue?"

Kai got up in his face. "Back. Off."

Wu shook his head. "When we find the weapons, we will find your sister. It is time! We must go to the first weapon!"

Cole spoke up. "Whoa! Hold on a minute. You said you were going to teach us Spinjitzu."

Wu turned back to face the Earth Ninja. "Spinjitzu is inside each and every one of you, but it will only be unlocked when the key is ready to be found," he casually explained. Alisha rolled her eyes at his cryptic riddles. After a moment, Wu's head shot up. "Come! My feet are tired. We will take the horse carriage."

As the five's teacher walked away, Cole groaned. "Great." 

Jay frowned. "Now we have to find the key?"

Alisha sighed. "Yeah, I feel he's taking us for a ride."

Kai piped in. "Well, if it means finding my sister, then sign me up."

In the morning, the four ninjas and Alisha met outside with Wu by the horse carriage. "Well shit," Alisha said upon seeing the arrangement. "First of all, we're stuck pulling the stupid thing, and second of all, there's four spots and five of us. Two people get to buddy up."

Zane wordlessly took a spot on one side, waiting patiently. Jay and Kai shook their heads. "Not it!"

Cole glanced at Alisha. "Why don't we get it over with? There won't be much room, but we probably have the best chance of not strangling one another."

She nodded exhaustedly. "Sure. Let's do that."

But Wu interrupted them before they could get into position. "Actually, Alisha will join me to discuss strategy."

The siren grinned sheepishly. "Ah, right. Strategy. Sorry boys, you're on your own!"

She hip-checked Cole with a smirk as she passed him. In retaliation, he reached for her ponytail and tugged on it playfully, earning himself a glare from the siren. Wu watched the whole exchange with a small smile. 

A few hours later, they had almost reached the first weapon. Alisha covered a laugh with her hand while listening to the bickering and banter from the four ninjas. Wu shook his head with a smile. In a low voice, he explained his worries to Alisha. "I'm not as concerned about you adjusting to the issues at hand as I am them."

The siren nodded with a serious look on her face. "They'll adapt," she promised. Wu frowned. "How can you know?"

She grinned. "The Force," she replied with a chuckle. Wu turned to face her, confused. She snickered. "I'm kidding. They'll adapt because they have to if they want to keep Ninjago safe."

Wu nodded. Ahead of them, the spindly trees started to thin out, and a rock formation came into view. He held up a hand. "Stop!"

The carriage slowed to a stop as Alisha and Wu climbed out. "The Caves of Despair," he explained as they made their way up the hill and into the clearing. "Samukai must be close to unearthing the Scythe of Quakes. Remember, do not use the weapon. For its power-" Jay cut him off as they settled in a scouting position behind a rock. "Yeah, yeah, yeah! It's too much for us mortals. Alright, guys. Let's chop-socky this lemonade stand! Cole, do you have a plan?"

Cole nodded on the other side of Wu. "Sure do. First, we lower ourselves down the ledge. And then...," he trailed off upon realizing the absence of a team member. "Where's Kai?"

Alisha's eyes widened, and she shifted her gaze to the mining equipment in search of the red-clad ninja. "Found him," she replied, pointing down to where the headstrong teen was sneaking through the camp. Jay sighed. "Let's go."

Cole took point as the four snuck into the camp, following Kai's route as safely as possible. One of the skeletons took notice of the fire ninja's presence, but the other four subdued him quickly to prevent their discovery. They followed him to the top of a tower. Jay swatted Kai in the back of the head upon reaching him, hissing, "What's the matter with you?"

Kai shushed him, watching Samukai leave the map unattended. Jay looked at it from a different angle. "It's upside-down. They're digging at the wrong spot."

Zane nodded in agreement. "The Golden Weapon is near," he replied, snagging the map with a shuriken without drawing Samukai's attention. Kai glanced at it over the Ice Ninja's shoulder. "There's no time to waste," he muttered before rushing off. Jay sighed. "What is it with that guy? Always in a rush!"

They followed Kai into the caves, catching up as he struggled to move a massive boulder. Cole held a hand up to stop him. "Hey! Before you race off again, you should remember that we're a team."

Kai rolled his eyes. "Yeah, whatever," he grumbled, letting the others help him move the boulder aside, revealing the Scythe of Quakes. Jay's eyes widened. "Wow! That is so cool!"

Cole and Alisha hushed him immediately, reminding him they had to be quiet. The Lightning Ninja laughed. "Come on. Don't be paranoid. We're totally on the opposite side of the caves."

Cole jumped down from retrieving the Scythe after tossing it to Kai. "Zip it, okay? Now that we've got it, we'll sneak out while those boneheads are still busy."

The five left the cave, unaware of the hidden dragon's jaws slowly opening behind them. Cole led them out of the system, turning back to look at them. "Alright, team. Everyone stick together. The way out is right around the corner," he said as he walked smack into Samukai. The Skulkin general laughed, and the army behind him brandished their weapons. Alisha groaned, adjusting her mask. "Ah, shit."

They charged simultaneously, the ninja doing one thing while Alisha ran at Samukai. "C'mere Bonehead," she called out. "Or are ya too chicken?"

The two engaged in a fierce duel, knives against a spear. Alisha fought with large, sweeping movements while Samukai retaliated with short but lethal strikes. However, because of the former's long-range attacks, the general couldn't get a hit on her without getting disassembled. Alisha forced him back, giving herself enough time to get to the others and join the rest of the fight. Jay gasped. "Hey, guys! It's just like the training course! Over the planks! Dodge the swords! Here comes the dummy! Cha-Ching!"

The others gaped in awe as Jay performed Spinjitzu for the first time. Kai laughed. "Spinjitzu! Jay! What's the key?!"

The blue-clad ninja shouted back to them amidst the chaos, "I'm just going through the motions! This is what Sensei must have meant when he said we already know it!"

The fire ninja nodded, satisfied with the answer. "Over the planks! Dodge the swords! Here comes the dummy!"

Cole and Zane tried it, the former laughing with joy. Alisha grinned, shifting to some flashy acrobatics. As she landed in front of Samukai, she smirked below her mask. "You guys are so screwed now!"

The ninja landed around her, Cole on one side and Kai on the other. Cole tugged off his mask, cheering. "Ha! Guess they didn't want a second serving of these babies," he exclaimed. Alisha, Kai, and Jay rolled their eyes in disappointment. "Good thing they didn't check out the merchandise in the back!"

Alisha laughed at the final comment, trying to stifle her giggles as the others celebrated around her. As the commotion died down, Cole spoke up, voice shaking. "Uh, guys?"

Zane replied with a rhetorical question. "Didn't Sensei say there was a guardian protecting the Weapons?"

The five turned around slowly to see a massive dragon behind them. Cole slowly stepped backward, eyes wide. "Is... that... a...? That's not what I think it is. Is it?"

Jay slowly reached for his nunchucks. "You mean a dragon?"

Kai started to inch backward. "Uh, that sure looks like a dragon!"

Zane shifted into a defensive position, readying his shurikens. "I sense we won't be able to spin our way out of this one!"

Alisha quickly sheathed her spear, motioning for the others to sheath their weapons. "Wait! Put away your weapons! I think I have an idea," she ordered. They hesitantly obeyed. The blonde removed her mask as she stepped forward. Reaching a hand out in a gesture of peace, she smiled reassuringly. "It's okay. We're taking the weapon somewhere safe. I promise it is safer with us for now," she whispered, moving closer to the dragon. 

Calming waves flowed through the Force, from her to the dragon. She grinned, knowing it was working. Until the dragon spat sand at herself and the others. Alisha yelped, having fallen in a heap on the ground, gasping out, "Well, he clearly doesn't want to be friends!"

Cole grabbed Alisha's hand, kneeling by her side. "Are you out of your mind?"

Alisha coughed more sand out of her mouth in response, completely unaware of the conversation in the background. Until the ground shook, and a split appeared in the ceiling. Cole hauled her to her feet, pulling her with him as they fled the cavern. 

They came out in front of Sensei Wu, Alisha still hacking sand out of her lungs. She could faintly hear the conversation in the background, with Wu lecturing the ninjas into the next week. She composed herself enough to gasp, "I'm gonna just... take a seat. I'll be fine in a minute... I think."

The siren ungracefully dropped herself onto a rock, catching her breath as best as possible. After composing herself, she looked up to see Jay offering her a water bottle. "You might want this," he pointed out with a grin. Alisha cracked a grin at the blue ninja's words. "Thanks, kid," she replied hoarsely, taking the water bottle. She took a long sip, relief hitting her parched throat. 

Alisha followed Wu and the other ninjas away from the Caves of Despair, mentally preparing for whatever challenges they might face with the next three weapons. Catching up to the group, she sighed, shaking sand out of her hair. "Well, surely finding the other weapons will be nowhere near as bad," she commented.

Approximately twenty hours later, Alisha stood on the deck of a ship, shivering between Kai and Zane. "It's so much worse," she chattered out while hugging her arms across her chest. Kai nodded in agreement, trembling beside her. Jay called out from above them, where he sat with Cole, "I spy something... white!"

Cole, out of Alisha's sightline, sighed exasperatedly. "Could you try to be quiet for once? This ain't easy."

The ship hit a chunk of ice, causing all five teens to stumble. Jay spoke up again with a groan. "I spy something broken!"

Alisha had to snicker at the comment as Kai turned to Zane. "If Sensei knows the way to the next Golden Weapon, then why isn't he steering the ship? We've been drifting aimlessly for miles."

Zane shrugged, glancing up to where Sensei Wu stood atop the front of the ship. "Sensei's wisdom is beyond my own."

Wu jumped down from where he stood. "The most powerful move in Spinjitzu can only be accomplished when all four elements are combined. Earth! Ice! Fire! Lightning!"

Jay jumped down from where he stood with Cole. "Uh, what happens when all of them are combined?"

"The Tornado of Creation. The power to create something out of nothing," Wu replied. Alisha nodded. "Legend says that it could be strengthened with the powers of a Siren and her individual Song," she added. Zane frowned. "But that's... a legend."

The siren smirked, brown eyes flashing almost dangerously. "Every legend holds a shred of truth," she replied enigmatically. Kai started to do ridiculous movements in the middle of the deck, causing Alisha to hold back a laugh. Wu shook his head in disappointment. "No, Kai! If done incorrectly, it will lead to disastrous consequences."

Kai rolled his eyes. "Disastrous consequences. Right...," he trailed off. The ship ran into something blocking its path, causing the team to stumble again. Alisha tripped, landing harshly on her bottom. "Oof," she groaned, climbing back to her feet.

Cole called down from where he had been steering the ship. "Uh... wasn't me. Everyone okay?"

Kai rubbed the back of his neck, curiosity crossing his face. "Did I do that?"

Sensei Wu shook his head. "No. We are here."

The five made their way up the icy hill and into a cave of ice. They spotted some frozen skeletons as they went further in. "Woah... looks like someone's already been here," Cole noted. They rounded the corner and saw the Shurikens of Ice floating above an icy dais. The team quickly formed a stack of people, putting Zane on top so he could grab them. As soon as he did, he was frozen into an ice cube, awakening the guardian dragon. 

Alisha gasped, having been just below him. "Zane!"

The team quickly dropped, carrying Zane, shurikens, and all above their heads as they fled. Eventually, it turned into the team practically sledding down the ice hill on top of Zane until they hit a post. They fell on top of Zane, shattering the ice off of him. Zane groaned. "Ow."

Hours later, they were climbing up through the Floating Ruins. Zane hollered from below the others, "We're being followed!"

Jay hollered from the top. "Let's go!"

He reached the top of the chain, where a platform stood. Alisha hauled herself up not far behind. Jay spotted the Nunchucks of Lightning and whooped. "Alright!"

As he grabbed them, the guardian dragon appeared out of nowhere, causing both ninja and siren to scream in sudden terror. Alisha leaped off of the platform. "Nope! Bye!"

Jay and the rest of the ninjas followed, opening the wings to their gliders. The five glided over the trees and down to their campsite in the Forest of Tranquility. As the night grew darker, the teens celebrated their victories by the campfire. Cole played the drum while Kai and Jay danced in the middle like knuckleheads. Alisha laughed from where she stood by Zane. Kai laughed, waving at Sensei Wu. "Come on, Sensei. Join us!"

Wu shook his head. "There is still one weapon left! We must get our sleep!"

Jay spoke up from where he had stopped dancing. "Aww, Sensei. Look, you gotta admit, we're kicking their boney butts," he insisted. Kai nodded. "Get up here. Show us some moves."

Wu sighed, climbing to his feet. "I guess I could. Now, this move is very special," he began. Zane spoke up from next to Alisha. "But if done incorrectly, will it lead to disastrous consequences?"

The team broke down laughing at Zane's question. Alisha was doubled over with laughter, and Kai spoke up between laughs. "Zane, is that a joke? A sense of humor... you found it!"

Alisha crumpled into more giggles, sitting on the ground next to Cole. Her laughter continued at the scene before her, Sensei Wu, Kai, and Jay dancing, Cole playing the drum, and Zane watching from the side. Eventually, they turned to Alisha. "Alisha, sing for us!" "Yeah, come on and sing!"

The blonde shook her head with a laugh. "Alright, alright, cool it! I'll sing!"

She started humming a lively tune, prompting Cole to start playing the drum to the rhythm. Alisha started to sing, her soft, melodic voice flitting across the campsite. 

There will come a Siren

Who carries a mighty sword

She will tear the enemy down

Oh lei, oh lai, oh lord

Oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh lord

She will tear the enemy down

Oh lei, oh lai, oh lord

Cole continued drumming as Alisha shifted to the second verse, grinning slightly.

There will come a Poet

Who's weapon is his word

He will slay you with his tongue

Oh lei, oh lai, oh lord

Oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh lord

He will slay you with his tongue 

Oh lei, oh lai, oh lord

The rest of the team started to clap along, and Kai shouted out, "Who's next?"

Alisha laughed. "The queen, of course!"

There will come a Ruler

Who's brow is laid in laurels

Queen of Ages soon to come

Oh lei, oh lai, oh lord

Oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh lord

Queen of Ages soon to come

Oh lei, oh lai, oh lord

Oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh lord

She will tear the enemy down

Oh lei, oh lai, oh

Cole picked up on the change of tone and changed the pattern of the drumming, letting it even out into something less syncopated. Alisha counted the beats against her leg, finding her cue to jump back in.

Oh lei, oh lai

Oh lei, oh lai

Oh

Oh lei, oh lai

Oh lei, oh lai

Oh lei, oh lai

Oh lei, oh lai

Oh

As the song ended, the rest of the team burst into cheers. Alisha mock-bowed, hoping the semi-darkness would sufficiently hide her scarlet-flushed cheeks. The celebration drew to a close, and Alisha found herself falling asleep against the tree she and Cole were sharing. As she dozed off, she could feel herself slipping from her upright position to leaning against Cole, just like she had several times before after training. Cole wrapped an arm around her waist, preventing her from slipping farther. The last thing she registered before falling asleep was the sound of an owl hooting in the trees above them.

[kindaasrikal]

There’s only one reason i rewatch the pilot episodes of Ninjago and it’s for Garmadon’s voice.

(Isolated the voice to hear exactly what i’m hearing)

BRO??! HIS VOICE???? GARAMEBEHEHEH

I DIDNT NOTICE WHEN I WAS YOUNGER JUST HOW DEEP IT WAS.

It was during my first time rewatching it at my current age where i snapped my head up and had to listen to it ten times over to acknowledge that YES THAT IS GARMADON????

This man deserves more, he NEEDS more fans.

[kawaiiiuniverssse]

I guess all the Ninjago homophobes forgot that Cole literally unlocked his true potential by coming out to his dad.

[savemysoulmyartsucks]

Pilot Kai is an absolute chad. This man was willing to fight skeletons with no proper training to protect his shop. After he is told a story about Lord G he still is willing to fight skeletons, Lord G and whoever stands in his way to get his sister while simultaneously saying ‘I refuse to get involved in your sibling rivalry’ proceeds to set a speed record on a park-core course and pick a fight with literally everyone. The absolute confidence this man has in non existent abilities is unmatched.

I miss him so much, nobody is doing it like Pilot Kai

[writer-room]

Rewatching the earlier, and even pilots episodes, of Ninjago are so WILD man. First of all, you notice all the things that are just plain forgotten about or pushed aside in later seasons. Kai originally being the main character, sure, we all know that one, but Cole was heavily implied to be, or become, the leader of the Ninja, that was Cole’s thing. Zane was automatically described with having a sixth seer sense, when nowadays it shows up very, very infrequently. Lloyd used to basically be the Avatar, does anyone remember that? This kid was just the Avatar.

And then you remember the silly things. Like how the skeleton army was once a threat. Like...the skeletons. We battled a giant snake, smaller snakes, robot armies, sentient video games, Garmadon a billion different times, the Overlord, Oni...and the skeletons used to be a worthy adversary. The skeletons.

Did you all remember that Cole’s earth dragon used to...breathe earth? I’ve been forced to remember. Rocky used to breathe earth as a form of attack. It was shown through brown swirly wisps in that beautiful, incredibly shitty 2011 effect. The Underworld used to be implied to be the place where all dead people went, or at least the bad ones. We never heard of a Departed Realm. Do we remember the time Cole had a scene that was a direct parody of Michael Jackson? I sure do. Genuinely the highlight simply because I don’t know how to describe the emotion I felt upon seeing it.

[clownface-dot-net]

i think im normal and then i rember ninjago came out when I was 4 and i remember the pilot episode and the fact it’s been my special interest since then

“i’m so normal” i tell myself while i continue to think about ninjago just as i have for the past (almost) 14 years

[gracethefoundfamilyfan]

just realized i don't think i ever posted this on here, so here, have a fic!

[nyasyang]

3 episodes into lmk here are my thoughts

-THE ANIMATION IS GORGEOUS WHAT

-mei (i think thats how you spell her name) is so fucking pretty asfhjgdffdhkjf shes my fav

-i reckon its probably much better asian representation than ninjago

[poweredbygoldsrc]

I Finally have Enough Courage to Post Art again- so Have my Jay design lmao-

[icy-watch]

If I had a nickle for every blue son that cooked, I'd have 2 nickles. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it's happened twice.

[random-chaotic-bitch]

Siren's Song - Chapter 3

Alisha stirred in her sleep. The Force blared warnings into her mind, forcing her to wake up. She opened her eyes to a skeleton standing before her, grinning maliciously. Panic set in when she realized her spear was in the hands of said skeleton. From her position on the forest floor, she winced. "Ah... shit. This isn't good."

The rest of the Skeleton Army cackled. Someone called out from behind them. "Alisha, don't do anything dumb!"

She scoffed, effortlessly kicking up onto her feet. "Oh, we're way past that," she snarled. The siren started fighting the Skeletons for her weapon before quickly being subdued. She was added to the tied-up group consisting of Cole, Jay, and Zane, the former of whom shook his head with slight disappointment. "I thought I said don't do anything dumb."

Alisha rolled her eyes. "I don't listen to you. I thought you knew this."

As the skeletons strung them up to a tree, Alisha wormed her hand over to her waistband, where she kept a small pocket knife. Cole coughed as the Skeletons drove away loudly. "Great. Now what?"

From behind Alisha, Jay spoke up. "Now, we get outta here," he replied. Alisha turned to see Jay holding a Skulkin sword. She shook her head. "Jay, wait!"

Cole gasped from Alisha's right. "Uh, Jay. Before you do that, you might wanna-"

Jay cut the rope attaching them to the tree, making them crash to the ground. Alisha yelped upon hitting the ground, grateful that the knife blade had landed on the cords and not her side or hand. Cole groaned. "Warn us."

Zane jumped up to his feet. "Let's go!"

The four grabbed their weapons, racing after the Skulkin. They began to catch up when they started climbing through the trees. Cole motioned to where they were driving. "There they are!"

Alisha caught his gaze. "You and I will pull them to a stop. Zane and Jay, retrieve the weapons when we slow them enough."

The boys nodded. Cole leaped down from the trees with Alisha, the latter grinning beneath her mask at the free-fall feeling. She landed with a roll, rising into a run down the road. She pulled the chain on the back of the big truck via the Force, whipping it towards Cole. In practiced synchronization, they each grabbed an end of the chain, digging their heels into the ground and pulling back. Alisha added some extra pull with her use of the Force, eyes flashing with determination. 

The two noticed Zane and Jay jumping on unnoticed, thanks to their distraction. They locked eyes and grinned, Alisha hollering, "It's working!"

Cole motioned towards the truck. "We should help them now that they're on!"

The siren nodded, kicking into a run as she used the chain to pull herself onto the truck. As she hauled herself up, she hit the retract button for the chain, dragging Cole in as well. She offered him a hand, tossing him up to the Golden Weapons. She heard a thwack and a cough. "Oh gods," she muttered upon hearing Cole exclaim, "Jay! Sorry, I didn't see you!"

Alisha shook her head, climbing up to meet them. She felt the truck speed up to the point where she began slipping. "No, no, no!"

She shrieked when she lost her grip, rolling in the road a few times before lying still, yet fully conscious. Yells from ahead told her that the others had suffered a similar fate. She sat there for a second, catching her breath and watching the sky above them until a white-clad figure entered her vision. "Alisha, are you alright?"

She groaned, rolling over and onto her knees. "Take a guess," she replied snarkily. Zane offered his hand to her, which she took reluctantly. "Oof," she gasped as she got up, feeling the pain in her side. She limped over to the others, wheezing slightly when she spoke. "So, we've lost?"

Cole and Jay nodded in response, taking a double-take as they turned around. Cole gasped. "Alisha!"

She tugged her mask off, cracking a grin. "Oh, it's that bad?"

Jay nodded, wide-eyed beneath his mask. He gasped out something unintelligible, making Alisha wince. "Yeesh. You really fucked over your vocal cords, huh?"

The blue-clad figure pointed at Cole, looking irritated. Alisha shook her head. "That was that thwack sound I heard on the truck, wasn't it?"

Cole sighed. "Yeah, that may have been my fault. But you have a budding black eye, you're favoring your left ankle, and you're wheezing when you talk. You are much less okay than Jay right now."

Alisha sighed. "We can worry when we find Kai and Sensei Wu. Let's get back to camp and track them from there."

A loud sound drew their attention to a temple-looking building they hadn't noticed before. "Scratch that, we're just going to assume they're at the temple."

The trek was slow and tedious, but Alisha kept pace with the others despite her pain. Upon reaching the temple doors, Cole started calling out for the rest of the team. "Kai! Sensei!"

Zane placed his hand on the ground lightly, narrating what had happened there. "The Sword of Fire was here, as well our friends, but I only sense loss. We are too late. The Elemental Weapons have left this realm and are now in the Underworld. The end is drawing near."

Alisha sighed from where she leaned against a pillar. "Cheery stuff," she commented under her breath. Cole sighed. "Ugh, great. The one place no mortal can cross over."

Kai's voice came from inside the temple. "We might not be able to cross over," he called out. The temple started to open entirely, walls splitting open. The openings revealed Kai and a teenage girl on what was evidently the Guardian Dragon for the Sword of Fire. "But a dragon can!"

Cole shrieked, hiding behind Alisha's pillar. She would have laughed if she wasn't near screaming in fright herself. Or if her ribs weren't flaring with pain. The girl behind Kai spoke up. "Our father used to tell us stories about the dragons, that they were mystical creatures that belong to both worlds and ferried between them."

Alisha tugged off her mask, internally gagging at the sulfur smell around them. Cole stuck his head out from behind the pillar, eyes wide in panic. "Are-are you insane?!"

Kai jumped down from the dragon's back. "Once he realized we were trying to protect the Sword of Fire, he actually became quite a softie," he explained, laughing as the dragon nosed at his back. "Knock it off," he nudged back. The girl laughed from atop the dragon, blue eyes sparkling. Alisha took note of her tired appearance, with dark eye bags and messy, short black hair.

Jay tried to ask the girl a question, but his face fell when he realized he was still completely unintelligible. Zane sighed, turning to her. "He cannot talk, but he wants to know if you like blue."

She nodded from atop the dragon. "It's my favorite color," she replied. Jay pumped his fist, gasping out a "Yes!"

Kai shook his head in annoyance, turning back to the girl, who had climbed off the dragon's back. "Nya..."

Her face fell. "This is goodbye, isn't it?"

When Kai nodded, she sighed, a small smile crossing her face. "Come back to me in one piece, okay? I don't wanna have to run the store on my own."

Kai smiled, hugging Nya tight before quickly climbing onto the dragon. "I promise I won't be gone for long."

The black-haired girl smiled. "I'll keep a candle lit outside our shop until you return."

Zane, Jay, and Alisha climbed onto the back of the red dragon with Kai. Alisha turned to Cole. "Cole, come on!"

Cole stuck close to the pillar, panic-stricken. "You guys go on ahead. There's not enough room for all of us on that... thing."

Kai smirked. "You're right, Cole. But I got a way to fix that."

Alisha's eyes widened in realization when Kai's words clicked in her head. "Wait, you don't mean..."

A nod of confirmation answered her question for her. By the next day, all four ninjas had a dragon. Alisha sat behind Kai, deciding she trusted the fire dragon more than the others. They listened to the conversation the others held before Alisha spoke up. "Y'know Jay is absolutely besotted with your sister, right?"

Kai turned to meet her eyes. "Besotted?"

The blonde chuckled. "Besotted. In other words, he's completely head-over-heels smitten with her."

The fire ninja shook his head. "Still don't like it," he insisted. Alisha smiled to herself. "You don't have to. It's something out of your control. You're just gonna have to accept that she's growing up, and someday she's gonna have a boyfriend. Or maybe a girlfriend."

The conversation was interrupted by Cole hollering, "So how do the dragons cross over to the Underworld?"

Kai looked at Cole, replying, "I think we're about to find out!"

Alisha broke out into a laugh. "Hold on!"

The dragons shot into a dive, making the others scream. Alisha laughed, soaking in the feelings of the free-fall. Then the dragons started spinning into a form of Spinjitzu, causing Alisha to shut her eyes tightly as her stomach churned. "Ooooh, I hate spinning! I think I'm gonna be sick!"

Kai yelled back. "Well, don't throw up on me!"

After a moment, the spinning stopped, and Alisha relaxed a little. Cole asked from behind her, "Is it over?"

Kai shook his head. "Hardly! I hope these dragons know what they're doing!"

He hadn't even finished talking when the dragons sped up, flying through tunnels with expert precision. Alisha gasped, shutting her eyes again. "Oh, not again!"

Eventually, they shot into pitch-black darkness, no sound or light reaching them. After a moment, they came out of the darkness, falling off the dragons as they skidded to a stop. Alisha landed on her front, gasping for air as she yanked off her mask. Cole spoke up from where he lay on his stomach. "Solid ground. We made it!"

The team climbed to their feet, taking notice of the structures in the Underworld, especially one large building. "Sensei's inside," Zane commented. Alisha nodded in confirmation. Kai gestured to the checkpoint before the main bridge. "They're expecting us," he added, turning to Alisha. "What should we do?"

Alisha examined the guarded spaces and checkpoints, tilting her head with curiosity. "Going in on the ground is a no-go," she began, shifting her gaze to the top of the caverns. "But going in from the top and dropping down behind the checkpoints should be easy enough. We can swing across the stalactites like monkey bars and drop in on the far side of the bridge."

Kai piped in. "Stalagmites."

Zane shook his head. "No. Stalactites is the correct term for rock structures hanging from the ceiling of a cave. Stalagmites grow from the cave floor," he explained. Cole sighed. "No time to bicker, Zane's right. Come on, let's get over there already!"

After a few minutes of climbing, the team had made it about halfway there across the ceiling, reaching the checkpoints. They stopped to catch their breath, and Cole whispered, "Can I be the first to say it's been an absolute pleasure since Jay lost his voice?"

Kai and Alisha nodded in agreement, the latter stifling a giggle. She tilted her head back to get more air, eyes widening when she saw a massive spider above her. She tracked its head to the body to the legs... to her hands. A small cry of terror escaped her lips as she instinctively let go of the spider, seeing the others do the same. They fell into a heap on the ground, groaning.

Alisha faintly heard a conversation between two skeletons until the former screeched, "NINJA!!"

She quickly climbed to her feet, pulling her spear from its sheath. The others formed up in a circle beside her, each facing outwards. Cole hefted his scythe. "I count ten boneheads to every one of us. I think I like these odds."

Alisha grinned below her mask. "Oh, they're screwed," she scoffed. She had barely finished speaking when the spiders from earlier dropped to the ground, somehow looking even larger than before. Her eyes widened in horror. "I retract my previous statement." 

A sharp intake of breath came from Alisha's left, where Kai stood. "Uh-oh. Anyone got any bright ideas?!"

No one spoke up as the Skulkin closed in around them. Alisha shook her head. "I got nothing!"

Kai sighed. "Any ideas? I'm still all ears!"

Jay gasped out something unintelligible behind them, confusing the team. "What?" "Huh?"

Cole tried to translate whatever Jay said. "You feel a strange sensation?"

Jay shook his head, groaning out a no. Zane tried next. "You ate an odd crustacean?"

The blue ninja repeated his idea, still unintelligible. Kai's eyes widened. "I got it! Two natives are on vacation. Huh?"

Alisha sighed. "That's definitely not it."

Jay took a large breath, regaining his voice as he yelled, "Tornado of CREATION!"

The rest of the team collectively replied, "Ohhh!"

Zane patted Jay's back. "Welcome back."

Cole's eyebrows furrowed. "But it could lead to disastrous consequences!"

Kai held his sword before his body, warding off a few skeletons who were still advancing. "We're about to have a disastrous consequence!"

Cole sighed. "Let's do this. Earth!"

The rest of the ninjas followed Cole into Spinjitzu, leaving Alisha to watch their individual Spinjitzu tornados merge into one. She recalled her own words from the other day. "The Tornado of Creation. The power to create something out of nothing," Wu replied. Alisha nodded. "Legend says that it could be strengthened with the powers of a Siren and her individual Song," she added. Zane frowned. "But that's... a legend."

The siren smirked, brown eyes flashing almost dangerously. "Every legend holds a shred of truth," she replied enigmatically.

Alisha grinned. "Thanks, past me," she muttered to herself. She sheathed her spear, opening her mind and body to the full power of her individual Siren's Song. The blonde let the Force fuel her and from there, sent her Song flying from her body, supercharging the Tornado of Creation. She felt her feet lift from the ground, brown eyes glowing purple-pink. The colorful glow spread to her entire body as she fueled the tornado until it split back into the individual tornados of the four ninjas. She settled back to solid ground as they slowed to a stop, the burning sensation on her wrists the only reminder of what had just transpired. 

Alisha looked up with the rest of the team at the massive bone-constructed Ferris Wheel that enclosed the skeletons. "Huh," she commented. "So that's what happens."

Kai looked around at all of them. "Come on! There's no time to waste!"

They followed the fire ninja down a spiral set of stairs, Zane and Alisha just opting to jump through the middle and catch themselves at the bottom. They entered a chamber to see Sensei Wu fighting Samukai, the former only holding the Sword of Fire, whilst the latter fought with the last three weapons. As they moved to assist Wu, Kai held out his arms, holding them back. "No," he explained. "This is Sensei's fight."

They watched their Sensei fight the Skulkin general until the former was disarmed. Garmadon, whom Alisha only noticed at that moment, gave Samukai an order. "Bring me the Four Weapons."

The Skulkin, picking up the Sword of Fire, quickly turned on the dark figure. "No! You will obey me now!"

Garmadon laughed mockingly as Samukai began to lose control over the weapons. Wu joined the ninja and Alisha where they stood, reiterating, "No one can handle all of their power at once."

Samukai looked at Garmadon in horror, to which the latter replied, "Selfish fool. Did you think I wouldn't plan on your betrayal?"

The Weapons lifted the Skulkin general into the air with their power. He cried out, "What's happening to me?!"

Garmadon continued his little speech. "You've fallen right into my master plan. Not even I can handle all of their power! But now that they're combined, it'll create a vortex through space and time, allowing me to finally escape this ghastly place!"

Samukai screamed as the power of all four weapons vaporized him into nothing. The Weapons fell to the ground, creating a portal. Garmadon went to travel through it before Wu tried to stop him. "Father would not want you to do this, Brother!"

Garmadon scoffed. "Father is no longer here! Good and evil, there has always been a balance. Where I go, the balance can be destroyed. Soon I will be strong enough to possess the Four Weapons, so I can recreate the world in my image!" He turned back to Wu. "You! You were always his favorite," he snarled, walking through the portal. As it closed, the team jumped to the weapons, Wu not far behind. As they gathered near the weapons, Wu sighed. "He is gone, but he will return."

Kai picked up the Sword of Fire. "Then we'll be ready for him," he promised. The others grabbed their own weapons, Cole saying, "And keep an eye out in case he has any more of his evil plans."

Alisha nodded. "And when he returns, he'll be due for a ton of kick-butt!"

"Then I have done my part. The balance has been restored... for now," Wu replied. 

A few hours later, the team landed in Ignacia, outside of a small blacksmith's shop. Kai's sister, Nya, ran out of the shop, tackling the fire ninja in a hug. "Kai!"

Alisha had to laugh when Jay hollered, "Hey, my turn!"

She joined Kai and smirked when she saw the ninja smile. "Glad to see you took my advice," she commented. He shook his head with a grin. "She can handle herself. I'm more worried for Jay, honestly," he teased. Alisha laughed at the final comment. "No, you're still worried about her."

"Yeah, fair."

Nya turned back to Kai. "I'm so happy you're back!"

Kai smiled ruefully. "For now...but it's not over. Lord Garmadon will return."

The faces of the Ignacians fell. Cole quickly piped in. "And we'll be ready for him."

Alisha grinned. "Damn right, we will. And when he does come back, he's in for a load of kick-butt!"

Cole laughed. "Yeah!"

The team gathered and held their new (for some) weapons in the middle. As the Weapons connected, a sharp blast threw them to the ground. Alisha groaned, her side flaring up again. "Ouch."

Kai groaned from where he sat up. "Okay, we gotta remember not to do that again."

The rest of the boys agreed with the fire ninja. "Good idea." "Yeah, we'll stick to high-fives instead." "Agreed."

Alisha hauled herself to her feet, eyes sparkling despite her tiredness. "Couldn't agree more. Now, I think I see a smithy in need of a cleanup. If all six of us pitch in, it won't take long," she pointed out. Jay groaned. "Ugh. Cleaning."

The next hour and a half was spent cleaning and restacking armor and weapons in the shop. Nya and Alisha eventually ended up sitting together on the floor, wiping down the armor and various blades together in a comfortable silence. "So," Alisha began. "A little birdie told me you can handle yourself pretty well with weapons."

The dark-haired girl laughed. "Well, if I've learned anything from managing the weapons shop my whole life, it's that you pick up a thing or two."

Alisha smiled. "Yeah, that's a story I know fairly well. I've been training to fight since I was about eight years old."

Nya raised an eyebrow. "Wow. That's impressive."

The siren blushed. "Couldn't have done it without the mentor I had. She was amazing. Taught me just about everything I know when it comes to combat. And sarcasm."

The younger girl frowned. "What happened? If she was so great, how come you aren't still training with her?"

Alisha sighed. "A lot of things happened. It came to a head when I ran away from home. She was the only one I told before I left, and she covered for me. That was about two years ago. I haven't seen her since."

Nya nodded an empathetic smile on her face. "Chin up. I'm sure your paths will cross again."

The girls' eyes met, comforting blue and distressed brown. Alisha smiled sadly. "Thanks, kid. I think we're almost done with the armor unless you have anything else on your side?"

Nya shook her head. "Nope. We're done, finally."

They got up from the floor, Alisha wincing as she put weight on her ankle. Nya noticed her hesitation but thought nothing of it. They made their way outside, the exhaustion from the day hitting Alisha head-on.

As the team climbed back onto their dragons, Alisha felt herself growing more and more tired. Cole caught her when she stumbled and irritated her injured ankle. "I gotcha," he assured her, to which she nodded. "Thanks," she mumbled, eyes drooping. Cole had to hold a laugh back at Alisha's sleepy voice. "Yeesh, you're really out of it, huh?"

She nudged him in the side, half asleep at this point. "Shush, you," she chastised tiredly. Cole let go of Alisha to get on his dragon. Upon getting seated, he held out a hand to help her on behind him. "Hop on," he invited. Alisha took the invitation gratefully, squeezing between Cole and the back of his seat. "Thanks," she mumbled, wrapping her arms around Cole's waist and leaning on his back.

Cole noticed halfway back to the monastery that Alisha had fallen asleep on his shoulder. When they landed in the courtyard, he carefully shifted the two of them so that he could carry Alisha inside easily. As he brought her to her room, she began to stir. "Huh?"

He grinned. "Just me, 'Lisha. We're back at the monastery, and I'm getting you to an actual bed so you can sleep. When you wake up for real, we're going to take a good look at that ankle and your side."

Alisha, satisfied with the answer, relaxed and fell right back asleep. Cole gently set her down on her bed, internally wincing when his ribs twinged at the movement. "Sleep well, Alisha," he whispered as he shut the door, going back to meet the others outside.

[nyaskitten]

GASP OMG YOU GUYS THIS TEASER POSTER FOR NINJAGO CRYSTALIZED DOESN'T HAVE WU OR PIXAL OR NYA OR COLE OR ZANE OR JAY OR KAI OR HARUMI OR GARMADON OR THE CRYSTAL KING I DON'T THINK THEY'RE GONNA BE IN THIS SEASON AT ALL !!! /s

[sugarglider-s]

Me every time the pilot episodes are referenced in Dragons Rising

[ID: a screenshot of N in the Pokémon anime facing away from the viewer with text reading “I need to get some air *jumps out the window*” End ID]

[savemysoulmyartsucks]

theres also the episode with time travel where pilot kai met later kai and i love how pilot kai just did not even question why there was 2 of him. just okay time to beat up garmadon together. king shit

I know, what a legend. Pilot Kai be like my sister now has double protection without even questioning how. Later Kai might be embarrassed but I am living for Pilot Kai.

Can we talk about how his singular motivation in life is to protect his sister (and be a better blacksmith than his dad). This man has one brain cell and it gives no fucks about life unless Nya is involved.

[viper-link-old]

Ninjago Season 2, Episode 6 Rant

Okay genuinely what the actual FUCK is season 2 episode 6 of Ninjago??? Like I'm rewatching it again and it's a time travel episode, alright sick that sounds like it could be interesting

BUT DID THEY JUST ENTIRELY RETCON THE PILOT EPISODES AND SEASON 1????

BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT IT SEEMS LIKE

Because like, they do time travel shenanigans, blah blah blah... end of episode boom, but like, then they ask about the golden weapons and okay, that makes sense, everything seems to be according to the previous timeline, Lloyd's aged up, they're training, etc. but then they ask if Lloyd remembers the Garmadon being in possession of the golden weapons, that's all chill and good right?

NO!

HE TALKS ABOUT HOW GARMADON NEVER HAD THE WEAPONS AND DOESN'T RECOGNISE WHAT THE GOLDEN WEAPONS ARE WHICH MEANS

A. The pilots are changed significantly and the timeline changes so that they have different motivations and shit for each of the characters, they never met the dragons and never got the weapons, as a result Lloyd still releases the serpentine and the great devourer is still around, making it strange that Lloyd is still aged up as he should have returned to his child form as Garmadon was never released right?

OR OPTION B. Everything occurred the exact same but without the weapons meaning that the weapons were essentially wiped from everyone's memory WHICH JUST DOESN'T MAKE SENSE?

SO WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK HAPPENED