A/N: Hey! Sorry guys and gals for the two week wait. I've been extremely sick and bed ridden plus I have several assignments because school's out for the year in 3 weeks so it has not been fun at all. The scene between Zane and Kyra hasn't worked out the way I wanted it too but I have spent a fortnight on that scene so I'll have to come back and edit it when I am completely done. Predicting at the max three-four chapters left people! Possible my first finished multi-chapter story! Let's hope I finish it no?
Review Responses:
Guest: Haha, you're welcome! I like spoiling my readers so look forward to more. Hehe, you should! It is one of the most annoying songs on this planet let me tell you. It will trust me. Ooooh. #5-I'm planning sweetie, planning my little heart out~#7pt1-Oh don't you worry about it. I stress myself out and criticise myself far too often to actually play attention to other stress causing stuff so you have no worries. You be the awesome you and we'll be better than gold! XD #7pt2-Don't sweat. I'm trying to get everyone's POV at some point but I have problems trying to write from a males perspective (hence Fem!Kai) because I worry I'll screw it up because I'm not male and I have no clue what goes on inside their heads but I'm trying and its getting easier, somewhat. Prince will be doing that a lot, the overprotective thing he is. Those flaws in Kai will be brought to light a lot in the coming seasons so be prepared for some less than pleasant scenes where she'd legit drowning herself in misery and self-loathe. Oh yes, sibling love to the max. That will be interesting with how close she'll view them as family when Nya starts making her bad choices. Who will Kai choose? The boys who are everything she's been deprived of and everything she'd ever needed and wanted? Or Nya, her blood sister and practically her daughter? *chuckles darkly* you'll just have to wait and see. I'm more evil then Garmadon when I want to be.
NeverSwimAlone: Oh yes. Another one. I may be enjoying myself a little too much but I have some people in my head who I haven't included in a story yet but I may decide to include in this one just to worsen Kai's life or make better. You folks can pick I suppose. I…don't know. Nya's a part of it I suppose. Although, at some points I wouldn't consider her completely sane. You'll see why eventually. Can't reveal everything too soon. Kai will be at peace soon. More or less. Rest at ease…after I finish dishing out a bunch of delightful plot twist of course. *wink and a smirk*. Hehe, ah yes. The chapter was rather bitter with a glimpse of sweetness. Wu isn't exactly in loop yet. That will have something to do with it later. Oh you're on the right track. Kai doesn't believe in fairness, nor does she tolerate whining from anyone about life being unfair. Yes, comic relief and distractions from them. Everyone has their uses ;). Haha, you're just as so. Thank you for everything!
Disclaimer: I do not own Ninjago
Chapter 9: The Floating Ruins
Kai trudged through the long grass a few paces behind the others, Prince clopping along beside her. The sky was dark with storm clouds, ominous rumbles echoing across the plain. Lighting crackled in the distance, illuminating the sky and their destination. It wasn't raining, despite the threatening clouds whose bellies were full of evaporated water and were just waiting for the opportunity to open their mouths and unleash a torrential rainfall onto the earth below. Kai was hoping it would. She loved rain, despite water being fire's main weakness. It was like she was just as much water as she was fire. Her eyes certainly gave the point much to think about.
Drown in fire or burn in water…?
Kai wondered what her affinities meant. She had an idea but it seemed so…impossible. Power was not something to be trifled with. Kai knew that better than anyone. Especially when you were dealing with two opposing elements. How could anyone burn so fiercely yet drown so unforgivingly? Kai desperately hoped she never found out. Her father, her mother, her uncle, her aunt and even the old man as they gazed at her pityingly, sorrowfully or spitefully.
"Power is not something to be taken lightly…"
"Power is a lonely curse…"
"With great power comes great sacrifice…"
"The more power you have, the more destiny and fate will take from you…"
"You're more powerful than you think…"
The source of the storm was the hiding place of the Nunchucks of Lightning, the Floating Ruins. Apparently it was a primal, abandoned city suspended in an eternal storm by some chain structure or another-Kai really wasn't listening to the old man's lecture on the place because she had better things to be thinking about-and the power of the electrical playground. Kai could understand why. This place hummed with power. The magnetic tension in the air was thick, accompanying the unusually high air pressure that graced the area. Kai wondered if that was just slightly above ground level or the pressure was high all the way up. If it was-which was highly likely because it air pressure only increased the higher up you got-they were going to have some issues. Namely their escape plan relying on a smooth flight which the current air pressure-and any increase-wouldn't allow. Kai really hated science. Considering she had to drop out of school at 14 ad she'd never achieved anything higher than a C- in her life, she really hated anything that had to do with academics. For the record, Kai blamed her father for that one. Doing well at school and playing mother wasn't something that was meant to be done.
Normally Kai didn't think these things over but she was bored. What else was she meant to do? Had Nya been with them, Kai would have been poking her with a straw or twig the entire time but since her sister wasn't and she really had no intention of playing nice with these people, she was stuck doing the thing she hated most; observing. Just because it saved her life on multiple occasions and helped her discern 'friend' from foe, didn't mean she enjoyed it-or enjoyed paying attention in general.
Prince huffed softly beside her and she turned to look at him, eyebrow raised.
'What was that for?'
"Sorry. Bored."
Kai rolled her eyes.
'So am I, idiot. Have you been here before?'
"Yeah," Prince replied, his tail swishing from side to side. "A few times actually. This place is perfect for testing my awesome abilities on. I can run on any surface, no matter where, so I used to race a few other shades up and down the chain. I always won, obviously."
Kai looked at him, amused.
'Well, you're in a good mood today. Your ego is absolutely blinding. Any particular reason?'
"Yes, we've nearly finished travelling! We have been travelling by foot for days! My hooves are sore as hell!"
'Prince, you can run at the speed of sound and you've run further than this in less than a day besides, your hooves can't get sore, you imbecile! I don't wanna hear it.'
"Well too bad. You're gonna endure it anyway. Yes but I run there not walk and we've been doing this for not one, not two but three days! I'm going to die if we have to travel much longer."
'Prince,' Kai protested. 'It's the same distance whether we run or walk!'
Prince wasn't listening though, far too intent on ranting about the unfairness of walking. Kai was just about ready to punch him.
"I could have taken us all there in a day at the most but noooooo! We had to spend three days tramping across miles and miles of earth instead of getting there by a far more convenient method."
'You're an idiot!' Kai snapped. 'If it had just been us to I would have been all for it because I hate doing this as much as you do but we have four other people travelling with us.'
Kai was ignoring the insignificant point that she was travelling with them, not the other way round.
'You do realise I am the only one who can touch you in right?'
Prince snorted.
"In this form yes, but I can solidify and anyone can place a hand on me. It would be like riding an actual horse."
'Would you have let them?' Kai challenged, knowing the answer long before she'd asked the question. Prince wouldn't let them touch him with a ten foot pole. Vain moron. The royal shade paused.
"No," he conceded sullenly, not happy that Kai was right. "They're all too fat to fit on my back anyway."
'So the point of this was your idea would have fallen flat on its face because you wouldn't have suggested it to anyone else and if one of the others had suggested you'd have bitten there head off and refused to take anyone else,' Kai summed up bluntly. 'Heaven you can be difficult.'
"I'm the prince of darkness, Kai. I am allowed to be difficult."
There was silence between them. A comfortable, companionable silence where words didn't need to be spoken.
'Are we there yet?' Kai asked suddenly. Prince glared at her annoyed.
"Kai, you ruined it."
"Hello."
Kai's head snapped up from where her eyes had been focused on the ground to meet a pair of piercing ice blue orbs. Fire meeting ice. Two warring elements trying to either freeze or melt the other. A war that neither was entirely aware of.
"Snowflake, what do you want?"
The Master of Ice looked slightly offended.
"Why must you sound defensive and annoyed? I only said hello."
Oh yes, there was confusion there too. Kai sighed softly. She hated interacting with people. Her skills in that area were nought as the only contact she had with people her age or around it were physical fights and punch ups. Kai wasn't proud of it but she had a sister to protect and she would not hold back when someone threatened Nya or attacked her. It wasn't that Kai went looking for fights, they just found her.
"Hey. What did you want to talk about?" she tried again, coming off as rude once more. Kai groaned internally before sighing and shrugging it off. She gave up. Zane continued to look at her strangely.
"Why do you feel as if you owe me something?"
Kai rolled her eyes.
"I thought I'd explained this," she said exasperatedly. "You saved my life in the wasteland. I am in your debt because of that. You can claim that debt at any time unless I manage to pay it off. I don't like someone having that kind of bargaining tool over me which is why I'm here."
Zane shook his head.
"I did not save your life for that reason, Kyra. I did not do it for political gain as you're thinking."
Kai turned and tilted her head, curiosity nibbling at her mind.
"Why then?"
"Because it was the right thing to do," he answered simply. "You were in danger and I could do something. That's the ninja's code isn't it? To protect those who cannot protect themselves. You couldn't defend yourself against the dragon but I could so I did."
"But I'm not on your side! Well, I wasn't at the time and I haven't given you a single reason for you to trust me. You could have escaped with the shurikens and you would have been better off, had greater advantage, with me gone."
Zane looked at her with the interested, calculating stare that made her feel like a little girl under surveillance.
"In the time we've been against each other, you've never raised arms against us-unless you count the incident with Jay in the woods-"
"That was Prince's fault," Kai muttered.
"Pardon?"
"Prince was injured and to stop him from dying we merged. I was temporarily driven insane and Jay was the unfortunate soul who got in my way. I'm not now though, Prince healed the damage when he escaped."
Zane shivered. The thought of Kyra going insane sent chills down his spine and he prayed it would never happen again. He wasn't sure how he would deal with it. He decided to drop the subject and move on, skirt around the unknown waters.
"I'm glad. Still, you haven't actually fought against us, instead we've been helping each other out-at least three times-which while it doesn't tell me I can completely trust you, it does tell me you are not going to harm us. Besides, would you have been able to live with the thought that someone had died just so you could have a chance to save the world?"
Kai was silent and Zane knew he had won. "Your death was not a price I was going to let you pay. It worked out better for us all in the end. You need to return and take care of your sister and I sincerely doubt you can do that dead and we have gained a valuable companion."
Beneath her hood, Kai's cheeks had gone warm at the word 'valuable'. That was not something anyone had called her before. Not her mother, not her father, not her sister, not her cousins, not anyone. The definition of the word said she meant something but that had never been true-
Prince snapped at her ear, a warning crack of teeth and cloud of smoke enough for her to end that train of thought.
'Sorry Princess.'
"As you should. I can't rebuild your self-esteem if you don't attempt to think better about yourself!"
'Mother hen,' she thought fondly.
"First a puppy and now a hen. Make up your mind, woman!"
Kai pointedly ignored him in favour of continuing her conversation with Zane. It was…nice, not something she was typically used to. It wasn't the teasing or motherly or sisterly moments she had with Nya nor was it the constant bickering, best friend jazz and occasional sombre times she had with Prince. It was a straight forward conversation that held none of the formality between customers and owner or master and underling. She'd spoken like this before…four years ago…but that was a lifetime passed.
"So that's the reason then? No real motive?"
Zane sighed.
"You truly don't understand that I saved your life purely because I wanted to do you?"
A thoughtful, somewhat sympathetic expression crossed his face and Kai tilted her head. What was going in that mind of his? An alarm bell rang and Kai tensed. What if he knew more than he should?
"For someone with your past though, I can understand your reasons."
Fire erupted in her smouldering golden orbs, flickers of a darker red burned in the hallowed depths. He knew. Tension cramped up her body as her breaths quickened, the oxygen being burned up at a faster rate. 'How much did he know?' Kai thought. 'And what the hell am I going to do?'
Before Kai's body could react from tension release-meaning she could sucker punch him in the face, knock him out and make a break for it-Zane continued, reading the warning signs with ease.
"You were abused, weren't you?"
'Well, damn,' Kai thought. 'How the hell am I meant to respond to that?' She decided to go with her gut instincts, her usual approach.
"How did you know?" she hissed angrily, the bonfires spitting embers in their fury. Zane appeared unfazed though which annoyed her immensely.
"I merely observed. The cornered animal countenance coupled with the reaction to my close proximity when I removed your hood told me there was more to your story then what we originally thought. Every time one of us got close enough to lay a hand on you or got close at all you'd move away and/or treat us with the same hostility and fear as you would a serial killer. The confirmation I needed came after we escaped the Ice Dragon. You were distracted and you reacted on pure instinct to get away from a perceived threat. No one's reactions are that violent instinctively unless the only feeling they can associate with touch is pain."
Kai reacted. Her hand shot out, her arm snaking through the air like a cobra striking before her fingers gripped the startled ninja's gi and-with concealed effort-lifted him off the ground.
"Give me a good reason why I shouldn't feed you to Prince?!" she snarled, stopping their journey as the others forged a head. They weren't aware of the…exchange taking place. He knew too much. He'd been able to read her like an open book, the font large and clear as if screaming her past at him. Perhaps the details eluded him but the context didn't. Not by a long shot. If he put together what had been said last night… Kai flinched internally. Knowledge was power. Her past was her secret, secrets were blackmail material and he had it in bucket loads.
Despite the threatening sight of both Kai and her murderous horse, Zane was shrouded in an aura of calm, unafraid of the serious, unmasked death threat that Kai ha issued without a second thought. He wasn't one to do anything rashly and he knew how to deal with this situation; remove the fire's fuel. If Kai had nothing to burn then the situation would end in his favour. Stated simply
"I will not tell the others, if that is what you want."
Kai snarled.
"You damn right won't tell the others because you'll be dead!"
Zane was still unfazed, despite the fiery, intimidating hot head threatening his life.
"I do believe that would be against your morals, Kyra. You owe me a debt and you have yet to pay it off. If you were to kill me then you'd be dishonouring yourself."
The even flat tone hit her hard because…she knew that everything he'd said was right. However Kai was not someone who bent to another's will easily and her stubbornness deserved more credit than that.
"You seem to believe I care about my honour."
The almost amused tone was that of a criminal master mind, one whom the hero had cornered over a pit of lava yet had a sure fire escape plan that their adversary was oblivious to. Zane had a feeling that Kai was essentially that though so the comparison wasn't too far fetched.
"That was the reason you gave for travelling with us," Zane countered evenly, not planning on breaking anytime soon. Kai gave him a patronizing look that made him feel ridiculed and slightly stupid.
"Ever heard of lying? I'm quite good at it. I work for the dark lord, Snowflake. You shouldn't believe a word that leaves my mouth."
Kai smirked beneath her hood at the change in demeanour. He was unsure, off balance and now doubtful. Only a few more shoves to go.
"Then how can I believe what you're saying now?" he asked. "What if you're lying now and were telling the truth before?"
Kai shrugged. He was right, but she wasn't about to tell him that.
"For someone who works for the dark lord, that sounds unbelievable," she told him nonchalantly. Zane had remembered something though and it was going to turn the tables in his favour.
"Then what about the forest incident?" Zane shot back triumphantly, his tone smooth as ice hiding his glee. To Kai's credit, she didn't flinch but Zane knew he was on the right track.
"What about it?"
"Lord Garmadon betrayed your trust and you play for Team Kyra. The deal with him no longer benefits you so you have no reason to work for him."
Kai glared at him furiously but Snowflake carried on.
"You have suffered much in the past and thus believe in justice and honour to guide you. You would not allow an injustice on your behalf nor would you dishonour yourself because you work alone and only do things that benefit you," Zane told her firmly, his cold gaze never leaving the blazing gold infernos before him.
"Kai," Prince whinnied urgently. "Earth Boy's coming back! Finish this another time!"
'Fuck,' Kai swore, knowing that she had lost. She couldn't do anything now, not with the master of earth sprinting towards her and Snowflake. She decided to at least settle something. Her grip on Zane's collar tightened.
"Swear on your life," she hissed aggressively. "Swear on your life and whatever you hold close that you will never utter a word of what you know to anyone!"
"I swear I will never tell a soul," Zane promised sincerely. Kai snarled, disbelief flashing through her eyes. Nobody keeps a secret. She knew that far too well.
"If you do, Prince will tear everything you love to pieces," Kai snapped before promptly dropping him and stalking away, Prince beside her. "Just so we're perfectly clear."
Kai's threatening yet promising tone made Zane shiver in fear. The Master of Fire was not to be crossed, that was certain.
"Well," Prince commented, amused as the duo made their way towards their approaching destination. "I think I underestimated Snowflake. He's smart."
'And observant,' Kai added, annoyance biting her words. 'A little too observant.'
Cole skidded to a halt beside Zane and raised an eyebrow at him in question.
"Do I want to know?"
Zane paused and then shook his head.
"It is nothing of importance anyway."
Cole gave him an amused yet disbelieving look.
"Sure. Anyway, I'll leave it to you. Just try not to turn us all into that Shade's breakfast. I'm not a big fan of being eaten alive."
"Nor I."
Kai crouched, her leg muscles coiling like powerful springs as she judged the distance. A few feet. She could make that easily. She kicked up, grasping the platform with ease, swinging herself up and flipping onto the round surface. She turned and glanced down at the jagged rocks below, dotted with the black, blue and white uniforms of her…teammates. Kai was still getting used to that word. She may have had to work with the skeletons to a degree but it wasn't team work. It had been far too…detached and pre-planned to actually count as team work. Not that Kai minded. Skeletons weren't exactly the best things to get friendly or familiar with. Although, she was starting to wonder if flesh and blood was any better. The three boy certainly weren't helping their case. Well, Snowflake might be. The other two? Not so much. Take their current predicament for example.
"How did you make that?!" Jay yelled up, staring dubiously at the gap. Kai groaned. She hated the illusion height created. The gap looked further than it actually was, you just had to ignore the optical illusion the shadows and metal created. It wasn't that hard, after she'd managed to wrap her head around the deception she'd executed the leap fairly easily.
"It's not as far as you think! It seems like 3 meters but its only 3 feet!"
Okay so Kai may have been twisting that slightly but hey, they wouldn't jump otherwise. They'd make it, Wu's training must have achieved something with these boof heads. Kai was ready to grab them though if they were about to miss. It wasn't that she cared for their safety. Nope, not in the least.
Cole stepped up to where Kai had been a minute ago and studied the gap. The distance still seemed inhumanely far…but Kai had made the jump. There was no way she could have cleared that from a standing jump if it was really as far as it seemed. It just wasn't logical. Logic was his strong point after all. Still…was this safe? Kyra didn't seem like someone who checked for danger before she did something stupid. Charging in head first seemed more her style. He would just have to go with it. They wouldn't get to the Nunchucks otherwise.
"I'm trusting you!" he called up. "If I fall, you're paying for the funeral!"
Kai rolled her eyes.
"Dusty, if you fall I'll pay for a 5 star funeral and your own private cemetery to bury your scattered remains in but for the sake of time, move your ass!"
Cole rolled his eyes.
"I'm coming, I'm coming! God, Kyra. Patience."
He took a deep breath and gathered his strength. He'd need all his rock climbing prowess for this one. He kicked off, cursing Kyra faintly in his mind. This was beyond stupid. There were bone shattering rocks beneath him! To his surprise, his hands grasped the platform almost instantly. He released the breath he didn't know he was holding. He'd made it! Before he could even think about pulling himself up though, a firm grip encased his wrists. Cole looked up in surprise as the Master of Fire pulled him up. She glared at him through the eye slot of her hood, the strain he was putting her arm muscles under evident. Cole only felt slightly sorry for her.
"God, Dusty, what have you been eating? It's like moving a freaking mountain!" she remarked as she yanked him over the edge and onto the safety of the platform. Cole scowled.
"I'm the Master of Earth, Scorch. Of course I'm like a mountain. Now help me with the others, Flame for Brains!"
Kyra thumped him over the head before turning to the white and blue figures below.
"You and I need to have a serious conversation about your nicknaming skills, Dirt Cloud."
"It's not like yours are any better," Cole snapped as he hauled Jay up. The blue ninja spluttered at his leader's rough treatment of him.
"Owww. Cole," he whined. "Just because you're angry at Kyra doesn't mean you can take it out on me!"
"Correction Jay, it means exactly that."
Kyra snorted softly as she helped Zane over the edge, feeling more than a little amused with the exchange. Jay looked at her with the strangest eye-expression Kai had ever seen. Possibly some twisted form of amusement and confusion. She wouldn't put it past the ninja of lighting to somehow merge those two emotions together.
"You're not much of a lady, are you Kyra?"
"I'm definitely female Sparky just not very lady-like. Besides, can't have fun whilst being a perfect princess now, can I?"
Jay shook his head.
"No, you couldn't. Now who's going first?"
Cole glanced up, clearly thinking about the elusive creature they'd face at the top. His fear of dragons was still prominent and unrelenting, making Kai feel a twinge of sympathy towards him. She'd hate to be forced to face her fear in such a desperate situation-Kai did have fears, quite a few of them in fact-especially when that fear happened to be a giant, vicious, deadly beast who'd be more than happy to eat him for dinner. Huh, it reminded Kai of someone she knew.
A clatter of bone was heard from below and Kai tensed. Aw shit… She knew exactly what that sound was. Now they were under the pressure of time and bone, yippee! Fantastic. Zane glanced over the edge.
"We're being followed."
'Absolutely genius, Snowflake,' Kai thought as she heard the familiar commanding tone of Samukai and the bickering of the bone headed best friends who'd become somewhat reliable. 'I couldn't have worked that out if I tried.'
"Uh…ladies first?" Cole suggested, his eyes still locked on the towering chain. He was not going up to face that dragon first. Someone else could have those honours. Namely the resident female. The boys glanced at her. Kai threw her hands up in the air.
"Fine! I'll go first," she exclaimed, exasperatedly as she leapt onto the chain. It swayed slightly but held firm. They could make it to the top. "Sensei Wu didn't recruit you lot to be pansies. No wonder you need me."
"Hey!"
Kai really wished she could say they got to the top without a problem. She really wished she could say it was a safe and unhindered journey. She really wished she could say it went like this; climb up metal chain; avoid brainless bone headed idiots who weren't actually trying to get the Nunchucks; avoid lighting dragon whilst making sure Dusty wasn't killed by the prejudiced lighting dragon; safely fly down to the ground and make their way to whatever bizarre location the old man was currently residing in. She really wished she could say everything went to plan.
But since when did everything go to plan?! In Kai's world that had never happened. Really, was one day of easy sailing too much to ask?! It probably was, Kai reflected, because this was her life wasn't it?
"Life isn't fair. Get used to it," her father snapped coldly, a harsh fire burning hatefully in his crimson eyes as his hands were engulfed once more in furious flames that burned dark with his hatred for her. Kai took those words to heart and rose once more, forever prepared for the worst.
See? Her father was good for somethings. Like teaching important life lessons in the heat of the moment. Life was far from fair which basically equalled nothing would be easy. Meaning that there was no way that this mission was going to be easy. It was a good thing she loved a challenge.
Kai clambered up the chain one link at a time, frequently glancing down to see how far below the skeleton warriors were. If Samukai and his goons caught up to them, Kai would inevitably be forced to test her sky diving skills. It was a good thing she wasn't afraid of heights. Checking the skeleton warriors' position was the only reason she was looking back. Not because she was worried at all about the trio below her. Nope, not in the slightest.
"Why?" she muttered to herself as lighting flashed dangerously close to her, drawn in by the conductor she was clinging to. "Why does this chain have to be so goddamn long? Would it have killed them to install an elevator? Or maybe they could have made the city closer to the ground for easier access? I personally don't enjoy a mile long climb into the sky, chased by Skulkin grunts and surrounded by a constant electrical storm. But that's just me. I don't know whose idea this was but it was absolutely stupid."
"Don't sound so condescending," Prince commented, his voice echoing through her head. "They built it like this to protect against invaders and it worked too. It's the only civilization still somewhat standing from that time period."
"Ah yes," Kai remarked, sardonically. "I forgot you'd been around since the War. Bones collecting dusty again? Your mind's a lot clearer than usual if it's any help. You're a tad more passionate about history then you usually are though. It's an annoying change."
"I don't have any bones, smart ass," Prince snapped. "I'm shadow, fire and immortal. Well, I used to be until I met you. Besides, the only reason I'm giving you a history lecture is because that relic you've left me with has been going on and on about the past and how us bonding was extremely stupid etc. etc. etc. So don't give me that tone. I wouldn't be discussing this with you if he hadn't attempted to brain wash me. I'm still suffering from the side effects."
"Wow," Kai grunted as she leapt higher, swaying slightly on the metal chain links. She could faintly hear Zane and Cole discussing something about the skeletons trailing them but she really couldn't be bothered to tune in. She had better things to be doing any way. Like talking to Prince. "You've had it rough."
"I know," Prince wailed. "Can you believe this guy?! He just won't let grudges go. It's a pain in my ass."
"Your royal ass."
"Quite right."
"I didn't realise you gave up immortality for me," Kai said quietly. Prince shrugged mentally.
"You technically forced me to give it up by bonding with you," he replied airily. Kai sent a mental dagger in his direction from which he hastily retreated. "Sorry! But you're worth it Kai. I don't regret my decision in the slightest. Besides, immortality is overrated and honestly boring. You can only do everything so many times before it loses its novelty."
"You can be such a sap sometimes," Kai remarked. "But if we're being honest here, I wouldn't trade you for the world."
"But you don't care about the world that much," Prince pointed out. Kai smirked to herself. Thanks for the cover Prince.
"Exactly."
"Meanie," Prince huffed, audibly pouting. He should have seen that one coming.
"Are you sure you can handle the old man?" Kai questioned as she clambered higher, the half way platform significantly closer. They were almost there. Prince snorted haughtily.
"Please, Kai," he said mightily. "I can deal with the old geezer. However, you owe me food tonight."
"Can't you just catch your own?"
"Nope," Prince sang wickedly. "I'm babysitting a rambling relic that belongs in the ancient ruins you're climbing to. I deserve a treat."
"Fine, you arrogant, vain prat!"
"Good human," Prince cooed before he disappeared from her mind. For now, at least.
"Hey! Red! Would you stop talking to yourself? It's getting annoying!" Jay complained from just below her. Kai paused, looked down at him, judged the distance, slid down and kicked him in the head.
"Owwww. What was that for?"
"I was talking to Prince, Sparky. Now either move your ass or I'll knock us both of this thing," Kai snapped as she began to climb back up.
"Who died and made you leader?" Jay grumbled, rubbing the back of his head with one hand as he clung tightly to the chain with the other. Thankfully, Kai hadn't heard him or he'd have taken a free fall without his wings.
"Jay," Cole hissed. "Just shut up and keep climbing. The less arguments between you two, the better."
"I do not believe it was wise to send Jay up straight after Kyra," Zane commented. "Perhaps it would have been better for me to have gone."
Cole sighed.
"Probably but we can't change that now, not with those bone heads on the platform and I really don't fancy changing positions up here."
"How about the next platform?" Zane suggested as Jay once again opened his trap to irritate the fire ninja. Cole took a good look at the arguing pair, wondering if they would ever get along. It didn't seem likely.
"Agreed."
Kai pulled herself onto the platform and waited, watching as the boys clambered up after her. They all took a moment to regain their breath, the skeletons pursuing them at a frightening pace which left them a little worse for wear. Kai glanced down at their foes' position. They were close. A little too close. Samukai in particular was ¾ of the way up-at an extreme advantage with his extra pair of hands-while Nuckal and Kruncha followed at a more sedated pace. Kai allowed herself a small smile. Those two were more loyal then she gave them credit for. Kai would rectify that mistake. Before she could grasp the chain to continue her climb, Cole held up his hand. She paused and turned to him. The action was one of authority and dominance. She hated to be controlled or ruled but she was curious to see what he did. She could bite his head off if he attempted to control or demand anything of her when he gave her a reason.
"No. Jay will go up, followed by Zane. I'm not having you two arguing as we approach the lightning dragon. That is not happening. Kyra, you can follow and I'll bring up the rear. We cannot afford a confrontation between you two when we're facing a dragon plus the skeletons who are right behind us. Now go!"
Hastily, Jay jumped onto the chain and quickly ascended, Zane close behind. Kyra didn't even deign him a glance or a nod before she followed, as closed off and headstrong as ever. With a tired sigh, Cole tailed her. She was going to be an absolute trail; an absolutely messy, difficult trial. He knew it.
What Cole didn't know was his actions saved her life. Well, at least gave him the opportunity to save it.
Samukai snarled to himself in anger as his four arms worked in overdrive to scale the chain. The speed he was travelling at would have bloated his ego further if he hadn't been so focused on his task. He was dead set on reaching the ninja, regardless of his master's requests to leave the weapon retrieval to them for now. That traitorous wench would pay for her crimes against them and he was going to be the one pushing her over the edge and into the clutches of agony and death below. Her and that treacherous shade too. Samukai swore to it.
He'd known something was wrong the moment he'd arrived, a feeling that he ignored because he had better things to do. Such as antagonise the ninja. Moments later he saw the familiar crimson flicker of the Apprentice of Darkness as she jumped onto the stand at the bottom of the structure, an impressive feat even for one of Garmadon's own students. He'd felt angry at her promptness-getting their before him put her higher than him on the favourite list-but also immense satisfaction that they would succeed in retrieving the Nunchucks. She could also get into trouble with Garmadon for disobeying his orders so that was another plus for him. That was until the human filth had pulled the annoyingly familiar figures of Sensei Wu's warriors onto the deck beside her. The fury and hatred he felt for the girl skyrocketed. That led him to his current predicament. Chasing the lowlife.
He wasn't going to let her get away. She wasn't going to jeopardise his mission. Samukai would not stand for it. His master had been generous and-while lying and deceiving-did not deserve to be backstabbed in such a manner. Samukai would be putting an end to this foolery, what he should have done days ago. It would be an accident, he'd say. Slipped and fell from the great height as she attempted to retrieve the weapon. Lord Garmadon would be off balance from the crippling loss, allowing Samukai to step in and take what was rightfully his. Yes, that's just what he would do. The loss of his warriors' respect after Lord Garmadon had defeated him and claimed his title as King of the Underworld had damaged his reputation but now, he had a chance to redeem himself and take back what was rightfully his!
Seeing the charismatic weasel lording himself over Samukai's subjects was a downgrading blow to his pride and was simply sickening. That was Samukai's job, Samukai's title and Samukai's place! He would not allow this slight to go unpunished. When he had possession of the four golden weapons he would enact his revenge upon the imposter and regain the position that was rightfully his! Oh and he'd keep that slimy newt to run around after him and do all his dirty work. See how he likes it. An evil, sinister smirk was a repulsive leech on his bony face. He'd keep Queenie as his little pet if she survived. He knew how much she loved serving a master. He could ultimately break her then. He chuckled quietly to himself as a plan formulated in his mind. Oh yes, he was going to enjoy being King once more and he'd enjoy the road there almost as much.
The Skeleton King pulled himself onto the platform and glanced at the climbing figures above. More specifically, the red form of Queenie. She had a brownish-tan package on her back and Samukai paused to think about what it was. It hit him. A parachute or escape device. It made the most sense really, because how else were they all going to get down. The fact they all had one helped matters. He drew one of his daggers and chuckled harshly to himself, twirling it in his fingers as he judged the distance and altitude. He wanted her to fall to the ground and experience the painful death of all her internal organs and bones being shattered and crushed or something else particularly agonising but impaling her would do just fine. Possibly dispose of the black ninja too and wouldn't that be a prime example of killing to birds with one stone? His smirked widened as he drew a second knife and lined them both up. Lights out Queenie. It was game over for the ultimate chess piece and Samukai didn't feel the least bit regretful. Samukai threw the daggers just as Kruncha and Nuckal pulled themselves up. The best friends' eyes widened in horror as they saw the angle the weapons were flying at. They were too late.
Cole wasn't too sure how he'd managed to capture the events perfectly with the speed at which they travelled but all he knew is that somehow everything was turned on its head and he'd done the most reckless thing he could ever think of which, by the way, was not his job.
He was climbing behind Kyra, the girl strong and consistent in her movements and never slackening pace. It made climbing easier, knowing that he wouldn't have to worry about her faltering and then sending them both earthward. Suddenly, the chain swung, Jay loosing grip further up and somehow managing to upset Kai's balance. Cole waited, watching as she struggled to regain her composure. It was strange to see as she'd never faltered in this area, instinctually perfect in fighting and survival. Her struggle here was definitely a first. She never quite did return to normal or continue climbing. There was a good reason for that too.
A glint of metal in the corner of his eye caught his attention a moment before the chaos started. Although, if he was thinking about it technically, the chaos started the moment Jay shook the chain but really that was beside the point. The point of the matter happened to be the tip of a knife. Two knives to be exact. The dagger connected with Kai's compacted wings, slicing the package clean off. Cole watched in abject horror as the force of the attack and the straps of Jay's invention almost tore her off the chain.
"Kyra!" he yelled relief surging through him as she managed to grasp a link at the last second, fumbling but still holding on.
"I'm okay!"
His relief didn't last. A shimmer of silver and then Kai was free falling. Cole didn't even pause to register the situation as not a split second later he threw himself after her.
'This,' Cole thought absently, his mind screaming at him as he plunged towards the waiting earth below. 'Is insane.' Despite the rushing wind around him and flashes of lighting from the surrounding electrical storm, Cole could clearly make out the red shape of Kyra below. He was gaining on her. Cole could only hope that he'd be able to catch her and open his wings-which hopefully could support the extra weight-in time. And that Zane and Jay wouldn't notice their disappearance until after they'd retrieved the Nunchucks and jumped off. Things wouldn't get too complicated that way. Cole squinted and prepared himself.
3 meters.
He was close, he needed to be ready. Kyra wouldn't survive the fall and neither would he if he didn't manage to catch her.
2 meters.
Closer. Closer. The wind rushed faster and his vision blurred, the red figure he targeted merging with the dark sky. Lighting flashed, blinding him for a crucial moment.
1 meter.
Now or never. One arm out, the other prepped on the trigger. The dark brown ponytail tickled his mask.
Impact.
His arm closed around her torso and he yanked on the cord. A shlink sound cracked from his back as the wings flung open to catch the winds and slow their fall. Their fall halted, almost rising as a reverse effect occurred, gravity and wind violently clashing giving Cole a breather. He'd done it! Slowly, they began to descend. Cole struggled with controlling their flight, his one arm upsetting their balance. He wasn't too worried though, more so focused on Kyra. She hadn't made a single noise during her plight and he couldn't scarcely feel her heartbeat or breathing even though she was pressed against him.
She was almost dead inside…
He needed to talk with Sensei about it. She was warm, above the average temperature really but that could be traced back to her being the Master of Fire. Zane's temperature was below the average humans because he was the Master of Ice and Jay's bioelectricity was higher/more potent then what was humanely possible. Cole was sure there was something wrong with him too but he just wasn't exactly sure. Anyways, that didn't explain the lack of heartbeat or breathing. Hell, he couldn't even feel her drawing breaths and he should be able to, his arm was wrapped around her ribs.
"Dusty," she said quietly. "Let me do the steering. You make sure we don't fall."
"Are you sure you can do that?" Cole asked doubtfully. Kyra responded by grasping the hand holds.
"Don't drop me, Dirt Face or Prince will eat you."
Cole wasn't too sure if the dirt face comment or the death threat were called for but he should have know better than to try and argue with the stubborn hot head. It would never end in his favour, especially in a life or death situation. The earth knew when to back down unlike fire so Cole wisely focused on his task, wondering to himself a question that had begun to plague him from the moment Jay and Kyra had started quarrelling on the chain. If they did become a team, officially, would she ever accept his authority as leader? Or would she prove to be as untameable as the fire she wielded? Cole didn't know and he wondered what it would take to find out.
The pair sliced through the night air, the wings of the contraption were knives to the calm winds of the forest. Cole was impressed they hadn't crashed into anything as the trees were congested and the height of skyscrapers but Kai had somehow managed to steer them clear of any obstacles.
"Hey, Kyra. Do you have your driver's license?"
The girl didn't reply instantly, preferring to avoid a protruding branch. When she did, Cole could practically hear the smirk in her voice.
"No. I didn't have the money."
"Then how come you're so good at this?" Cole frowned, adjusting his grip on Kai's-unnaturally bony-torso. Her ribs practically jutted into his arm. Despite how she appeared at first glance, Cole had a sinking feeling that she was far from healthy. Kai didn't respond but Cole knew she had a smug smirk on her face.
More smug then usual anyway.
Barely a minute later, Cole felt the invisible safety barrier disappear and he embraced the earth in a sudden, unexpected hug that was extremely unpleasant for his face.
"Ow," he groaned, shaking his head dazedly. An amused snort sounded from somewhere nearby and he turned to see Kyra sitting on the ground a few feet away, gazing at him with some twisted gleam that resembled something akin to laughter.
"Oh you think its funny do you?" Cole asked, defensively, annoyed at her little trick as he pulled his hood back. "Let me guess, you deliberately forgot to warn me that we were landing and tumbled away so you wouldn't be squashed."
Kyra removed her own hood and gave him an innocent smile, topped with glistening golden child like pools.
"Dusty, why would I ever do that?" she asked innocently, somehow managing to pull off the most convincing child act that Cole had ever seen. He wasn't fooled though. For some reason, he felt like her knew Kyra too well to fall for that trick.
"Not buying it, Hot Head," he retorted, scrambling to his feet and shaking off the dust. Kai kicked up in a Justice Crew style manner that had Cole rolling his eyes. The girl's theatrics were somewhat amusing but also highly annoying. "But you did okay getting us here in one piece so I'll forgive you."
Kyra scoffed and walked over, giving him the ultimate 'really' look.
"First off," she announced, slugging him hard and fast in the shoulder. Cole hissed in pain as his left hand shot up to cover the offended area. "Lesson 1; don't ever doubt me. If I can say I can do something, I sure as hell am going to do it and do it well. The punch was for touching me."
Cole opened his mouth to protest but Kyra cut him off by gripping his shoulder and looking him dead in the eye, a foreign, twisted emotion contorting her expression. His brain couldn't even comprehend the look in her eyes.
"You saved my life though so…thanks?"
Cole's expression changed to one of glee. Her voice had been so awkward, her tone out of place, that it was hard not to bask in her misfortune.
"You really don't get this gratitude thing do you?"
"Unfortunately," Kyra replied, shrugging.
"You know, you could try lay off on the violence when you thank people. That's always a start."
Kyra sent him a funny look, as if he'd proposed an idea she'd considered but was unsure of. Perhaps she'd listen, perhaps she wouldn't. This was Kyra after all. No one could predict her moves. Cole decided to get back to the topic at hand and deal with his enigmatic companion later. They had plenty of time.
"How are we going to get to the others? They don't even know where we are, I don't even know where we are!"
Kyra snickered.
"You're an idiot aren't you?"
Cole glared at her.
"No I'm not. That was a perfectly reasonable question, Kyra!"
"Oh calm down. Remember who you're travelling with. I happen to have a fantastic mode of transport that I can call whenever I need it."
Cole smiled.
"Ah."
Kai rolled her eyes at him.
"Yes, 'ah'."
Shadows began to swirl and writhe around almost strangling each other as the shade began to form. Cole gulped. It was like the creation of a nightmare. First it's terrifying head, crimson orbs glaring viciously at him, and then its powerful body before finally its nimble legs took shape as it reared back. Cole flinched. Kai smiled as she lay her hand on his nose.
"Hey boy."
"So Kai, whatcha need? Don't tell me you just picked up Earth Boy? I told you I don't approve!"
Kai groaned and face palmed.
"Prince! Enough. Dusty and I need a ride back to camp because of a few difficulties I know you'll just take from my head later."
"Kai!" Prince protested. "I don't like him! I'm not taking him back to camp. He can walk behind us!"
"Don't be difficult! One ride, please. That's all I ask."
"Fine! But you owe me BIG time," Prince warned, his shadowy form solidifying into a night black coat. Kai rubbed his cheek.
"Thanks boy."
Cole sighed.
"Can we not have the one sided situation here? I'm a little out of loop."
"Good. You're meant to be. Now get up."
Kai swung herself onto Prince before extending her hand down and pulling the awkward earth ninja onto Prince's back. It was a really dangerous plan but
"Put on your seatbelt. He races at the speed of sound and enjoys trying to throw people off."
"Where are the seatbelts?!" Cole gulped. Kai smirked as she summoned the fire reigns once more*. "Just expression. Hold on tight!"
It was all Cole could do to grasp the back of her gi tightly as the trio took off into the night. Well, at least they were getting along.
A/N: Like it? Hate it? Leave you thoughts in a review and have a nice day/night!
Next up: The Fire Temple and all the goodness from that.