Hello everyone! I'm just going to throw you guys into it to make up for the super long A/N from last chapter. Thank you all for reading and reviewing!
Replies to Guest Reviews from Chapter 5:
Nya909: I'm on it!
BookQueen12321: Glad you're enjoying everything! "PoA" just means "Power of Aura". I just put it there to either signal a change of perspective or a time-skip. Praise Amaterasu and Zodiac will come after the completion of this book.
CrazyNinjagoFan1: I know it's a bummer but try to have fun, eh? Time always flies when you're having fun! ;)
Please read and enjoy!
Chapter 6
…
…
…
"How is she…?"
"Still unconscious…Zane checked her vitals and she's stable so hopefully she'll come to soon…"
…The darkness is a familiar peace…An unyielding blackness that had colored my world for years…It's nice to visit…every once in awhile…
"I just can't believe Lloyd…So…that's why we're so close to Monsoon…He…had his first battle…"
"Yeah…and it wasn't pretty, believe me…He was lucky to make it out of there alive…"
…These voices…I remember them…They sound in echo, bouncing off every corner of my mind…I can't move, nor can I open my eyes….But, at least I can hear what's happening around me…
"Is Lloyd in his room…?"
"Not anymore…After we had it out with him, Ebony insisted she speak with him privately…The two of them are in Kai's room now...And last I saw him, he was heading towards the kitchen to help Jay and Nya clean up…"
…The golden dragon…is the protector of Lloyd's elemental core…and the dragon itself is Lloyd's soul…God, I can still hear him…his voiced raged and vehement as he declared his willingness to destroy his own soul…All for the sake of vengeance…
"Sasha, why did you bring her to you and Ayane's room…? Why not let her rest in her own…?"
"C'mon Zane, you saw how she reacted when she was in there…If she woke up surrounded by all that…glowing text and whatnot, she most likely would've became overanxious again…and get even more stressed…"
Was that room truly meant for me…? It seemed like it already belonged to another…and whoever the tenant was, they had written something…extraordinarily important on their walls…However, during my shock…I had left out one very important detail from the others…The wall that separates the Phoenix's and Lloyd's room…is completely blank…and the text cuts off from the fore wall into Lloyd's room…which means…
My thoughts are interrupted by the sensation of pure warmth caressing my face as a soft palm settles on my cheek…
Ayane…?
"Poor dear…what a first day she's having…and it's not even four o'clock yet…Do you think she'll really stay with us, Sasha…?"
"I have no clue…If only Sensei Wu was here with us now…We could sure use his guidance…"
All of my senses are slowing returning to me and I'm finally able to at least move my fingers…A soft whine sounds in my ear and a tiny wet nose accompanied by whiskers tickles my face…
Dusk…I'm okay…
I fight to open my eyes, but a sharp pain explodes from my temples the second I do.
"Ahh!" I gasp and Ayane's hands move to my shoulders to help me sit up when I struggle to.
"Dominique! Are you okay?!"
"Don't push yourself, sweetie. Take your time."
Each breath I take is hurried and labored; I'm just not used to experiencing so much pain within such short time frames. I lift my head slowly and gaze at the auras of the individuals surrounding me: Ayane, Sasha, Cole, and Zane. Dusk barks happily and jumps up to lick my face and I manage a small giggle.
"Dominique, how are you faring?" Zane asks and I stroke Dusk's back as he nestles himself in my lap.
"I…okay…sorry to worry you."
"Don't apologize, we're just glad you're alright," Cole replies with relief. "I'm just sorry you had to see that earlier."
A dull ache soon spreads around my body and it takes quite a bit of effort to sit up straighter, nevertheless I manage with a little assistance from Ayane. Her hands linger on my shoulders before she eventually let's go, but she and Sasha stay close by. I look up to Cole, his sturdy tall frame relaxed though I believe his arms are crossed as he stands next to Zane. I've been holding out on asking about Sensei Wu, but I believe now's the time. I heard what was said regardless of being entranced by Lloyd's transformed aura and at the root of his grief and lust for retribution was the shadow of a dead relative.
My god…I'm so sorry, Lloyd…
"So, Lloyd uncle…killed?" I ask tentatively and Cole nods solemnly.
"Yeah, it happened only a few months ago in March. Before the Great Devourer reached Ninjago City, it killed our mentor, who was also Lloyd and Ebony's uncle."
Lloyd and Ebony are siblings? That's right. I think I did hear Ebony call Lloyd otōto a few times.
"People still talk about it. They call it…The Crisis from the Desert," I say after a spell.
"Appropriate title since it hailed from the heart of Oouroboros," says Zane. "Dominique, the life we lead is not one of leisure and although we do celebrate the remnants of peace that come our way, we protect this realm and all who dwells here with our lives. That is our primary purpose."
Cole places a heavy hand on Zane's shoulder and a spark of kinship is ignited between earth and ice.
"We were all pretty ordinary just like you once upon a time and probably would've never found each other if Sensei Wu hadn't found and united us, one by one. He once said…that each of us are like vines interwoven into the flower of destiny and that the seeds we spread upon the dust will bloom into a golden essence if nurtured properly. Heh…he was always rather cryptic and poetic."
"Yes, but if my memory banks serve…I recall Jay stating that that particular stanza was very girly," Zane says in retrospect.
Their fondness for their mentor is very apparent and just from the way Cole was talking, it sounded like they've all been together for a long time. I wish I could've met Sensei Wu…he appears to have been very wise. No doubt I would've learned a lot from him.
"Yeah and we all agreed," Cole laughs. "But, that was what Sensei Wu was all about. Growth. He would speak this way so we could find out the answers for ourselves. It was how we matured and developed."
*knock knock knock*
"Hey Sasha! Can I have one of Lilia's eggs?! I have a craving for an omelet!"
Jay's voice rings from beyond the barrier of the Kunoichi's door and the two women by my side let loose a few breathless chuckles as I stare at the access in bewilderment.
Zane folds his hands neatly in front of him while Cole sighs. "Some more than others…" he mumbles.
"Oh never mind! Nya found some!"
I find myself trying to muffle my mirth as well. Every group has their funny one and obviously Jay's it.
"Anyway…" Cole starts again, shaking his head. "It wasn't until after Lloyd became the Green Ninja of Creation that we figured out that our elements were those seeds and he would inherit them. And it was our role to nurture and protect him, so he would grow strong enough to fulfill his destiny."
"In actuality, there is not just one prophecy but two," Zane continues on. "The Prophecy of Phoenix and the other is what I like to call the Prophecy of Dragon. According to the message from the Goddess Sylph and the ancient scroll involving the Green Ninja, both of you are destined to be saviors of Ninjago by thwarting great evils that plague our realm. And as I am sure you have heard from the Kunoichi, they are the ones who will condition your mind and body in preparation to perform your duty. It is the same as what we are doing for Lloyd. However…as things stand now, I am concerned about his future. I sense the darkness that dwells in his heart and it is corrupting his soul."
"Golden dragon is safe!" I yelp surprising the people around me. I understood most of what Zane was saying this time and I have to inform them of the transformation of Lloyd's aura, thus I bite my lip and press on. "He not lost. His soul not lost…the leaves have turned to bats, but the golden dragon guard his core," I peer at the two male auras as strongly as I can. "He can still be saved."
*~PoA~*
I stare impassively at my sister from across the room, my arms folded across my chest as I leaned on the wall near Kai's dresser. My expression as well as my pose mimics hers during this pointless stare-down and I debate whether or not to just leave. I've had enough of being lectured and I sure as hell don't need another one coming from her.
"What?" I ask aggressively.
"Aren't you going to tell me your side of the story?" She questions in that smooth as silk tone of hers and I snort derisively.
"Why bother? All you'll do is side with Kai and the others."
"Don't put words in my mouth, Lloyd. You don't know what I'll do. You should know better than to assume anything with me," she counters stonily and pushes off the wall. "Now grab that chair over there and have a seat. Your hair is getting long again, so I may as well give you a trim while we have peace."
I frown dubiously and raise a self-conscious hand to my hair as Ebony heads for Kai's bathroom. It doesn't feel any different to me, but then again I don't pay nearly as close attention to it as the other guys do with theirs.
I grab the chair seated underneath Kai's desk and place it in the center of the room. I can still hear Ebony rummaging about in the bathroom so I take my time to walk around the hot-blooded ninja's quarters. I've always only have had glimpses of my teachers' rooms and naturally curiosity would beseech me to find out what lied within. And quite frankly, Kai's room is almost what I expected.
The desk I had removed the chair from is made out of robust red oak and outlined in gold trim. Very noticeable notches scar each corner of the surface as if someone deliberately carved into it. I scrutinize the engravings closely and realize that the notches were in fact multiple kanji.
"Strength…Courage…Passion…Deliverance…" I mumble to myself. This is obviously Kai's handiwork. Even his strokes to form each character are like that of a swordsman's. But why would he go through the trouble of carving these on his desk? Why not practice his calligraphy on a piece of paper like a normal person?
I furrow my brow in thought and let my gloved fingers grace the harshly etched kanji for "Deliverance". I feel like I'm missing something, like a hidden message of some kind. A piece of parchment lays smack dab in the center of the desk and I move it aside, still playing off my curiosity. Oddly enough, another kanji is purposefully etched…"Vision".
I have to admit that I am very intrigued by this finding. "Strength", "Courage", and "Passion" I understand, but "Deliverance" and "Vision" throws me off. Kai has always been a surprisingly deep person. Despite looking like a ruffian with the scar on his face and wild spiky hair, he has wisdom. He can boost morale easily with just a few passionate words and he knows exactly what to say to console you if you're hurting. Though he may be a little too attached to his emotions, he knows how to use each one to their maximum extent. That's why I think he and my sister create a decent enough partnership. He teaches her how to express her feelings more and she teaches him how to be calm enough to think in stressful situations. A delicate balance that is still in development.
"…Maybe Ebony knows why he did this…" I muse to myself after a few more minutes of fruitless pondering. "I'll ask her when I get the chance…she does spend a lot more time in here…" I then move away from the desk and continue my brief expedition of Kai's sanctuary.
His dresser had a few golden-handled scrolls piled up on it labeled Bushido, but I don't mess with them since I can easily imagine what they must contain. A dart board hangs from his door, but instead of the simple darts one would think would be imbedded into it…multiple kunai pierce the bulls-eye in their place.
A sharpening block rests on his nightstand beside his bed as well as a bottle of cleansing oil for weapons and a simple white cloth, but what really catches my eye is the gold picture frame sitting with them. I move closer and pick up the frame gently. The picture inside looks worn and old with a few smudges staining the corner. A subtle grin creeps up on my face as I peer at Kai and Nya as children and standing behind them with smiles and hands on their shoulders are a man and woman, who I can effortlessly tell are their parents. However, the more I stare at the picture the more solemn and forlorn I become, until my subtle happiness dissipates altogether.
I never had a family like this. My memories are a little hazy when it comes to the earliest parts of my childhood. I remember dad's face perfectly though, his crimson gaze looking fondly at me, but…only the shadow of a woman standing next to him. I frown in thought. What I do recall vividly about that shadow is being left by it and even if by chance it was my mother…then…why? Why leave me at Darkley's? Why leave her child behind and swiftly at that? With nary a note or clarification of who she is or when she'd be back.
I place the picture back where I found it and turn my back to it.
I wouldn't call that a mother. That is exactly what my memory says it is…a shadow of a mother.
My mind shrouded with unpleasant thoughts, I take vague interest in the dark gold walls around me. Posters of bands I don't recognize are scattered here and there, but my wandering gaze stops as it falls on two weapon mantles. On the top one lies the Dragon Sword of Fire, but the bottom one holds an incredibly long sword. Curved slightly like a katana, the elongated blade glistened magnificently with both power and beauty. The shinogi (blade ridge) spoke of a deadly tale. Even the tsuka (handle) was something to gawk at for runes inscribed each same (rayskin) between the black leather braids.
I openly gape at it. Why Kai would not bring this baby into battle is beyond me! Even with its simplicity in design, it clearly outshines the golden blade above it! It's the epitome of true blacksmithing, so…Kai couldn't have crafted it. According to Nya, he just didn't have the patience to be a blacksmith like she did, but even with her skill…I just feel like this sword was forged and tempered by way more experienced hands than the two of them combined. I can't explain it.
I squint when I notice more kanji, but these characters are engraved perfectly on the length of the blade.
"Ma…sa…mu…ne…" I annunciate out loud. I step closer to it, but have to jump back reflexively when fire erupts from below. I stare in wonder as artificial flames dance about on equally artificial logs and create illusions of embers and cinders. I guess stepping near the mantles automatically activates Kai's electric fireplace. Warmth seeps from the glowing vents imbued from the side of it and emanates the sound of burning wicker.
I glance up at the swords once more before backing away completely to plop down in the chair I placed in the center of the room earlier. And as soon as I do, a large red towel is encircled around my neck causing me to flinch in surprise.
"There is truth to what your teachers say, Lloyd. Your lack of awareness is problematic. Once you focus on something, you then block out everything else around you. This weakness must be rectified and your senses tempered to absolute sharpness to avoid annihilation," Ebony says from behind me and hands me a small mirror.
I don't say anything to contradict her and simply stare down at my reflection in the mirror. I sigh as I look upon my baby boyish face. My cheeks are still round and lack any real definition which would distinguish me as a man. I rub my face grumpily. I really don't want to look this way anymore. I want to be tall and stout like the others and stand shoulder to shoulder with them. Though, I have noticed that my voice is starting to sound really weird. Like it goes out or cracks every now and then in which Zane commented that I was experiencing the first stages of puberty. Then he went into this very long and disturbing explanation about hormones and my testicles dropping which I had no choice but to listen to since I was in Science class and apparently it was strictly forbidden to walk out on your teacher.
I don't like that memory…
I do like the fact that I have very unique features such as the color of my eyes and hair. Ebony and I had inherited a particular shade of red from our father. Hers being garnet circled with chocolate and tending to glow slightly in darkness, and with mine being a more profound two tones of red: burgundy and maroon. And then there's my hair…boy did I ever stick out like a sore thumb back at Darkley's. I was the only boy in the entire school with this shade of blond, a blonde so diffused of color that it almost looks white.
My vision becomes obstructed when Ebony begins to run a wet comb through my hair. A few minutes of this and I'm peeking from in between my bangs at my wet mop.
"Hmm…your ends are uneven and your back needs an edge-up. Do you want to stick with your bowl-cut or do you want to try something new?" She asks and I'm silent in contemplation as I continue to scrutinize myself from behind sodden strands.
"…Something new," I say after a while. "I'm pretty sure I've been sporting the same look since I was five. I think it's about time for a change."
She chuckles softly and I feel her lips kiss the top of my head. "As you wish."
She uses the scissors first. The clips of shears eliminating lock after lock sound clearly in my ears and I watch as bits of stringed platinum fall listlessly to my lap. She shifts positions from time to time, standing at a different angle and whispering a gentle "Don't move..." before she snips another piece of my mane off. We stay like this for a few moments, neither one of us breaking the tranquility of the atmosphere. I then realize how precious this moment actually is. Granted this isn't the first time I ever got my haircut. Kai and the others all took turns giving me a trim when it called for it…and they all gave me the same generically adolescent style. It wasn't necessarily frustrating at the time because I didn't pay much attention to the process. I was too busy focusing on the video game I was playing since all my "much needed trims" occurred in the Game Room.
But this…this is a different feeling and occurrence. A blood relative is behind me—my sister…one that I never knew I had and probably would've never found if it hadn't been for the prophecy surrounding the Four Platinum Weapons. We've gotten close over the months we've spent together, but we never shared a moment quite like this.
Even if she's the only one…I want her to understand.
"Ebony…you understand, don't you?" I begin quietly. "You understand why I had to do what I did, right? I can't look at a Serpentine and not think about it…about our uncle's death. The scene replays constantly in my mind and I feel that if I can't release this aggression unto them…then I can't get retribution and my heart will never find peace."
The clipping stops and soon a comb slides smoothly through my hair, pushing my bangs away from my eyes.
"I understand your anger, Lloyd. I even understand your brutality. I had wanted to kill Fangtom for what he and his troops did to Starlight…and a part of me still does. However, I would never sacrifice my soul to achieve this goal. My humanity…even if it's only half is more important than vengeance and I believe everyone here, including Dominique, agrees with me."
I close my eyes with a frown. That girl…she's been irritating ever since she first got here. Why did she interfere? She had no reason to or the right. Her voice and her words won't leave my mind…or her tears. Why cry for me…for someone she doesn't know? And why did I feel so uncomfortable and ashamed when I realized I caused those tears? That was the sole reason why I ran away.
I don't care if she is the Phoenix. She really doesn't belong here.
"Then how can I achieve what I want without sacrificing my soul?" I ask, expelling the thoughts of Dominique and the sight of her strange violet eyes flowing with crystal tears.
"By seeking purification to cleanse your heart of maleficence," she replies sagely. "Lloyd…Dominique says she sees something dark within your aura and that worries me. It worries everyone."
I knit my brow together in displeasure. "She can say and see what she wants, but I'm not evil and besides, so what? You have darkness in you too."
The comb parts my hair and she begins to cut again. "It's not the same. There is a difference between element and emotion. The blackness inside of you is the manifestation of your hatred for the Serpentine and it is slowly enveloping your soul."
"I can't fight that because it's true," I counter automatically. "I do hate the Serpentine and I'll never stop hating them."
"Then you must negate it, deter it into something else. Instead of fighting in vengeance for our uncle, fight to protect his memory. Because if you continue to allow your hatred to cloud your judgment…you'll eventually become ruled by it and become nothing more than a husk of your former self. And the…inevitable will follow…"
She stops cutting and her arms come around to hug me from behind. Her cheek touches mine and I close my eyes once more when a wave of solemn comfort washes over me.
"I love you, otōto. And I would rather face death itself than to let any harm befall you."
Her words are heartfelt and consoling and I know I would do the exact same for her…my one-of-a-kind sister.
"I love you too, ane and…I'll try. I don't know if I can pull it off, but…I'll try, okay?"
"Okay," she whispers and gradually pulls away. "Now hold still one last time, I'm almost done. I just need to use the clippers."
The rest of the session is spent in serene silence with nothing but the buzz of Kai's clippers and the occasional crackle of fabricated burning wood to fill the ambience. The tingle and vibration at the nape of my neck is soothing and I finally let my mind and body relax after all the events that transpired today. I can feel myself start to doze off, but am roused awake when the buzzing stops and she sprays a good-smelling mist of something in my hair.
"There. I'm finished."
I lift the mirror still in my grasp and peer into the glass of my new reflection. I instantly smile and run a hand through my new style. Simple but very cool, she had parted my hair from above my left temple and let the rest fall to the right, creating a wavy obstruction to my profile if someone were to look at me from that direction.
"All I did really was remove your split-ends and trim the hair around your ears before giving you a taper fade. This style is very manageable and easy to maintain," she says after she removes the towel from around my neck. I stand up and turn around to face her.
"I like it, thanks." I say graciously with my grin still in place, but I turn a wary eye to the door before glancing back at her. "I'm still on punishment, aren't I?" I ask dryly and she sighs.
"Yes, you know Kai and the others are still upset with you, so you are still banned from any and all recreational activities."
I release a sigh of my own. And they didn't even specify how long I'd be on punishment…Fantastic…
"I guess I'll go back to my room then. What are you gonna do?"
She picks up the chair and places it back underneath Kai's desk before replying. "I'll stay here and clean up Kai's room. It would be rude to leave all this hair on his carpet."
I nod and head for the door. "Okay, see ya later…" I say but halt my steps and turn to face her again. I almost forgot to ask. "Say, do you know what those kanji engraved on top of Kai's desk mean? Well, I know what they mean it's just…I feel like there's something more to them."
She flicks a few hairs off the towel I was using and folds it over her arms. Her gaze however doesn't meet mine and instead travels to the dancing fabricated flames. She breathes a subtle sigh, a familiar expression chiseled in perfect bronze…calm detachment.
"My apologies, Lloyd…but the raven must keep the lion's secrets," she replies, her voice reserved and stoic.
I examine her worriedly. Something was wrong—conflicting. Her face while yes, devoid of emotion has a delicate spread of rose going across her nose and cheeks. And her eyes—her refusal to look at me and I also noticed the lack of use of "otōto" which she frequently says when conferring with me unless it was about a very serious matter. This is the very first time I've seen such blatant conflict in her demeanor, her usual unshakable manner near absent…Kai is making her feel these emotions and that's a good thing. She needs it.
"Okay, cool," I say, giving her another smile then continue my venture for the door. "See ya later."
"Yeah…see ya."
I close the door behind me and shake my head, still wearing a perceptive grin. Boy, she was a mess just now and to put the icing on the cake…she used…slang.
I chuckle and get my feet moving. "Kai…what did you do to my sister?"
I made it to my room without crossing paths with any of the others and once there decided to change out of my ninja attire into some pajamas. Drowsiness was still clinging to my body and being on punishment didn't leave much room for entertainment, so catching a few winks sounded like the most logical thing to do.
And so I fell into a deep sleep for the rest of the day and well through the night. Strangely however…in the dead of silence…I thought I heard some gentle knocking on the wall next to my bed…wishing me sweet dreams.
*~PoA~*
The next morning I woke up feeling refreshed and slightly better than yesterday. My talk with Ebony really did help diminish some of my anger—as well as my new haircut. At breakfast, Kai was the first one to notice which brought on further attention from the other Ninja and the Kunoichi and their compliments.
I had even managed to apologize for my conduct yesterday which earned me forgiving smiles. Unfortunately though, I was unable to avoid getting off punishment which I'll be on for the next three days. Then Sasha asked how Dominique slept. They all seemed to be worried about her staying in her room, but the girl across from me assured them she slept just fine while nibbling away at her oatmeal and toast. Which brought me back to that strange interlude I heard last night, was her bed right next to the wall like mine? If so…did she really use tap code? Or did I imagine it? Was it just one of those bleeding effects when crossing over dream and reality? I don't know. But all and all, breakfast went okay although out of all the smiles I received, Dominique's was different. It wasn't one of forgiveness, it was one of…relief.
Now we're all congregated out on the deck seeing the Kunoichi off. I didn't really see the need for it, but then again it's a boyfriend, girlfriend thing or in Jay and Nya's, and Cole and Sasha's cases a fiancé, fiancée thing.
"So, where exactly are you all going, Sasha," Cole questions and the tallest of the kunoichi points off towards the west. The sun paints the sky in a pale blue to mark the early morning and a stale gust brings tumbleweeds to traverse the rugged slate terrain.
"Just a few miles from here to the bluffs over yonder," she answers fluidly. "It should provide us with ample room and we'll still be well away from Monsoon to avoid detection."
"Alright," Cole nods though he looks fretful. He then reaches out to cup her cheek tenderly. "Just promise me you won't overdue it out there. None of you have ever trained this way before and it could be dangerous."
Sasha smiles easily, her storm grey eyes shining brightly despite the lack of sufficient light. "Don't worry. We'll be careful."
As the others make small talk before saying their goodbyes, I become instantly aware that Dominique is standing right beside me. I step away as nonchalantly as I can. Not willing to let on that she caught me off guard and look her over.
She's wearing something different today. Gone were her white capris and instead she wore a pair of regular jean shorts and an orange t-shirt with purple lilac designs on it. I frown a little bit at her choice of outfit. Regardless of it being near the beginning of summer, it's still going to be cold due to the elevation.
"Hey, don't you have a jacket?" I ask bluntly and she blinks and tilts her head innocently.
"What for?"
I cock a questioning eyebrow. "You're going into the mountains, Dom. Temperature either rises or drops depending on how high up you are. You could get sick if you're not careful."
"Oh…" she breathes softly, her eyes glancing down at the blue-eyed fox kit in her arms before flickering back up to meet mine…sort of. It's hard to tell since she lacks pupils, but those deep pools of violet are focused on me. "But…I feel fine now. Will it…" she pauses and seems to struggle with her next words, her brow furrowing in concentration. "…Will it…get colder?" She gets out and I shrug.
"Depends how tolerant you are with the cold, but hey," I stick my hands in my pockets, "it's your health not mine," I finish off-handedly and peer off to my right at the others, but eye her from my peripheral to see what she would do.
"Hmm…" She glances down at her fox again and he twitches an ear at her. She then tilts her head upward just as steady currents blow over us, causing her cinnamon curls to flutter about her face. Zane's studious words about hormones and…other disturbing things suddenly flood my mind as if to explain why I can't look away from her.
"You are coming of age, Lloyd. You see, your newly released hormones will travel through your bloodstream into the testes and give the signal to begin production of sperm and the hormone testosterone. (Ugh, I don't want to think about this.) From there, your body as well as your mind will gradually undergo change. You will undoubtedly start to notice the beauty and attractiveness of genders and your body will outwardly respond to the stimulation of your senses. Your palms may sweat-(Just the heat of my gloves.), your mouth may go dry-(Just thirsty.), your heart may increase its tempo-(Just excited to start training soon.), you may even experience a premature erection…"
My body temperature abruptly skyrockets and I can feel my face flush scarlet. I shut my eyes tight and clench the muscles in my jaw almost painfully. Not happening!
"All of which can be classified as signs of arousal. And depending on who you're looking at during that time will determine your sexual orientation. (Well, I'm straight! That takes a load off my mind-wait no I-) This will indeed prove to be an adventurous time for you Lloyd and even though I never experienced puberty firsthand, I am well aware of the workings of my body when it reaches an aroused state. As I am sure the others are aware of theirs. (Ewwwwuh! Someone please kill me for thinking about this now!) Thus, please feel free to ask us any questions you may have when they arise. Now then…let us move on to a group of hormones called adrenal androgens. These hormones stimulate the growth of pubic and underarm hair-(Oh my god! Make it stop! SHUT UP!)
"Dusk, can you please…go get my…jacket?"
I snap my eyes open immediately and turn my body to face her. I knew it was too late to play the "aloof" card, but I try anyway and succeed with making myself look very awkward. I scowl, feeling my frustration and irritation build.
This freakin' girl! She's making me look foolish! I should just go inside and wait for the others. I don't need this!
My eyes fasten on the girl in front of me angrily, but her attention is focused back towards the doors and I follow it with mild curiosity. The little fox kit—Dusk was scampering to the double doors of the interior and when he gets within range of them, leaps up and hangs onto a handle with his forepaws. As it turns out, he has just enough weight to pull it down resulting in the door to open a crack. He then drops to the ground and slips inside right before it closes behind him.
My jaw falls open. "How in the world did he do that?" I whisper in awe and glance back at Dom when she releases a breathless giggle.
"Don't know," she sighs. "Dusk get in doors no matter lock or not."
I take note of her English again. She was doing fine earlier, though she was speaking really slowly. But now, she's lapsed into a crippled mess of speech impediments and her thick Spanish accent wasn't…my "puberty spells" are starting to hit me again as if correcting me in thinking that her Latino purrs are a flaw, so I immediately crush that train of thought.
I inwardly sneer at my body's unpredictability and decide that maybe the only way to remedy its stupidity was to call her out on her mistakes. Point out her flaws.
"No," I start sternly; making sure my voice held a chastising edge to it. "Dusk can get in doors no matter if they are locked or not. You need to stop skipping out on using complete predicates if you want to talk like a normal person."
The result is more than I could've hoped for. Her eyes go wide as she looks at me and she brings her hand up to place a few fingertips on her lips. The violet depths become downcast, her lashes partially concealing them. "I…" her brow creases briefly before smoothing out, "I am sorry…I will…try harder."
A small wave of satisfaction washes over me at seeing her vexation, but my heart is still thumping at an alarming rate. I have to find something else. I glance over her appearance quickly. Her orange and purple twist headband was nothing and skinny legs were nothing new on a girl her age. I move my scrutiny back up to her upper body…and immediately regret it. My eyes have zeroed-in on her chest and stayed there…I can't even blink. There they are. Nowhere near as big as the other girls on this ship, but…they're there.
Breasts…small ones…but breasts.
I must've been too distracted or something to not notice them before, but now that I have…I've become ridiculously spellbound. The purple lilacs on her shirt seem to want to draw attention to that area also. The way each vine of bundled blossoms curved over the top of each of her mounds only to circle around and curl under them as if assisting in holding them up.
What is going on…? I'm…I'm not turning into one of them, am I…? Because I don't wanna be. I don't need this sorta thing in my life right now…
"Lloyd…are you okay? What…what are you…looking at?"
Thankfully, her voice seems to snap me out of it and my eyes jerk upward to fixate on her face.
"Nothing!" I blurt out, clenching my fists at my side. "I was just thinking!"
She flinches back at my outburst, but I don't care. I glare furiously at her for making me feel so strange. It's all her fault! I cross my arms and turn my head away from her to glare at the others.
Aren't they done yet?! And what's taking that damn fox so long?!
"Um…Lloyd?"
I roll my eyes in annoyance. Too bad she can't see.
"Now wha…?" I freeze all movement after I give my attention to her again. She's close. Closer than she was a moment ago…too close. Another rush of hot blood to my face. That can't be good, such fluctuating changes in body temperature within seconds!
This girl is going to be the death of me!
She isn't exactly invading my personal space, but…I can see her face in much better detail. Her hair band can only do so much to keep her crown of curls from obstructing her sight which results in a few escaping restraint and grazing her left temple. A cute nose and pretty lips…she's smiling at me…and…I can feel a feather-like touch on my arm. Her hand…I sense the warmth of it through the sleeve of my suit. And the most indiscernible detail on her face becomes incredibly perceptible. Below the corner of her right eye, high on her cheek…is a little black dot. I want to call it an imperfection, but it isn't. It only serves to enhance her cuteness…and I'm completely distracted by it.
"I…want to say sorry…for yesterday…"
Huh…? Yesterday…? What happened yesterday that she needs to apologize for…? And…what is up with time…? Has it slowed down…?
All of her movements occur at a snail's pace and the unsettling magnification of my vision is focused solely on her face. When she blinks, the flutters of her eyelashes are like wings as they swoop down to help conceal her expressive pools of violet. And what a shade of violet they are…like the deepest and darkest of amethysts.
"I woke you up…when you were sleeping. I was…ex-excited by the…writing on the walls…and…well, sorry…"
That's right, you did wake me up! But…before I came to investigate, I had just sat on my bed and listened to you. And I think "ecstatic" would be a more appropriate word to describe your tone…and…you didn't sound like a coo coo bird. More like a thrush or another more exotic songbird…
Her hand is moving. I can tell she's using one finger to trace a continuous circle on my sleeve. A light blush of embarrassment soon appears on her cheeks, which coincidently makes my own blush intensify. Thank Bahamut that she can't see details. Ebony said she couldn't, only auras. That's my only salvation for this very awkward situation.
"And…the other time…at the table, I had…kicked you…I am sorry for that too."
I remember that too. Yeah, that annoyed me, but it didn't hurt so…
Her breath is sweet, must be from the bananas in her oatmeal she ate at breakfast. The wind is blowing again, but this time it carries a scent with it directly to me…a faint floral scent. With us being on the border between dry and wetlands, I know a scent of vegetation could've been swept up from down below only…I don't think gardenias grow around here. I'm familiar with the flower because Jay had showcased one and explained the many medicinal uses for it in Health class one day. So, the scent must be from her.
I unconsciously take a deep breath through my nose for no apparent reason. My body just continues to betray me, and it is at that exact moment that my heart decides to move from my chest to my throat. I swallow countless times to try and get it back down, but of course…nothing happens! Oh well, I wouldn't say nothing because I do break out into a cold sweat!
Argh! This is so damn irritating! C'mon Lloyd! You are the legendary Green Ninja! Open your freakin' mouth and tell her to stop touching you! Or better yet, to go home back where she belongs!
My eyes narrow when I realize how evenly sized we are in regards to height. Aren't I supposed to be taller!? Fueled by my anger, I open my mouth, but she beats me to the punch.
"Anyway…I am glad…you are feeling a little better…" she removes her hand from my arm and instead extends it to my chest, her palm splayed over my heart. "It shows," she finishes and gives me another smile of relief.
My mouth stays open, however no words pour from it like I want them to. The warmth of her hand leaves me completely and she bends down. I blink rapidly and take into account that Dusk had finally returned from his errand, dragging a simple blue jean jacket.
"Thank you, Dusk," Dom says and slides her coat on. Dusk barks and immediately jumps into her arms when she beckons him. He snuggles in her embrace and wags his tail happily when she scratches him underneath his chin. Her eyes return to me, a grin still lingering on her face.
"I am sure…your haircut look—looks good too…even though I…I can't see it."
"Dominique, it's time to go."
I snap my head to Ebony in surprise, her mask in place and her eyes looking down at us calmly.
"I volunteered to carry you since we won't be summoning our guardians to make the hike and Ayane will hold Dusk for you until we get there."
"Oh, okay. I am ready!" She replies brightly and Ayane walks over to take the little kit from her arms. Ebony bends down and Dom carefully climbs on her back and secures her arms loosely around my sister's neck. Ebony takes hold of her legs, but before they can turn away, I call to Dom.
"Thanks!"
I frown and look anywhere but at the girls in front of me. "Thanks for apologizing…you needed to."
It was lame and petty, but it was all I could think of to say to remain hostile towards her.
"I know…bye, Lloyd," she whispers gently and the two kunoichi take off in a sprint for the railings. Sasha and Nya must've already leapt over since they were nowhere to be seen and so Ebony and Ayane would have to play catch up.
Once all the girls are gone, my body slowly returns to normal and I release a long tired sigh of relief. I shake myself mentally and turn towards my gathered teachers, only to see them eying me with notorious grins. My eyes shift from one to the other warily and that's when I have to wonder how long they could've been watching.
Embarrassment and mortification ignites my face and I hurriedly throw my hood over my head.
Something I should've done a lot sooner.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no…
Zane steps forward and lifts his arms as if he wanted me to come over and hug him. "Lloyd, do you have any questions for us in regards to your transition from boy to man?"
All blood leaves my face. "NO!" I scream at the top of my lungs, creating another lasting echo.
I'm really tired from work guys and this chapter took a lot out of me. I will have to postpone summaries until I feel energized enough to do them. Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter!
Please read and review!
