A/N: …(walks in slowly, looking round cautiously) Hey – AHHHHHH! (dives under bed to avoid various objects ranging from spears to arrows to tomatoes to bricks to the everyday red food colouring filled water balloons) I'm sorry! I just had so much assessment and then I had work and then the main feature of this chapter did not work! Trust me, I wanted to get this up as much as you all wanted to read it but I wanted to get the scene here right and even now I'm not happy with it. At all. (Sigh). I hope it is okay though. I'm happy with the rest if it's any consolation.
Now I'm sure you'll all be excited or pleased to hear this because this is the 2nd last chapter! One more to go people! You've been an absolutely fantastic support, all of you. Now I am going to be away for a week because it's now holidays but hopefully I can begin writing while I'm away and you'll all get the final chappie when I'm back! Sound good? Well even if it doesn't, that's probably what's gonna happen.
Review Responses! Yay!
Guest #1: My sincerest apologise for the long wait. Thanks, I'm glad you think so. Unfortunately, Lloyd doesn't appear in this story but he will in the sequel and the one after that and the one after that. You get the picture. Enjoy!
NeverSwimAlone: My siblings can say the same as yours. I do so love a good prank. Yes, this is more fun…shall we? XD. Yes, it appears Kai has some degree of common sense in that head of hers. Oh trust me, she was planning on letting her horse loose for a feed. Oh yes, so much to come. You have no idea what I have in store for Kai. This book was only the warm up after all. We still haven't met Alex officially yet have we? Or some other important plot liners. Trust me. Everything will work out just fine… Test time for them! Oh the ninja will be pushed to their limits my friend. Just you wait! Nothings worse than a mood driven Kai right? I think we can all agree there… Oh there is a lovely plot line there that will grow in the next season and develop to give a sweet touch to my naturally dark and somewhat angst writing. Hmm…you'll see. Optimistic is good. You'll need it for the chapters ahead. But don't worry yourself (cuddles you and pets head protectively) I'll make sure everything will be okay…for the most part.
Thank you! (Throws hands in the air in victory) Evil inanimate objects I swear...your always welcome! Hehe, sorry about the extra week. Yup! 24/7 surveillance cameras in the form of Lego ninjas at the ready. Dats right, the brain's in control with her evil rabid plot rabbits – wait! I meant sweet, cute, cuddly fluffy plot bunnies. Yeah, cute and cuddly... Oh yes, some absolutely darlings those scenes are. I love them. They're back together again in this chapter…admittedly somewhat forced because Kai is being an a** but it can't be helped. I swear to god her character comes waaaaaay to naturally. Ooooo! Ideas! Good luck with the plot my friend. I adored that line. I was trying for a cliff hanger and I think I succeeded, for the most part. You tell him! He needs to be more optimistic! Hehe…you be the judge of that. The Tornado of Creation? It's coming. The boys know of it and Kai is aware of it so it'll come. Haha, I try. Enjoy yourself and have a lovely day/night and thanks for your ever constant support. It sucks. X
Guest #2: That's up to how I want the plot of the next seasons to go. Right now…(shrugs) It's not easy
Night Spear Mint: You're not the only one who does that ;)
Thank you. It's a relief to hear that I haven't messed it up so close to the end. Thanks, the characters are my biggest weakness because there are times I'll sit back and go…well, that certainly wasn't Cole just now and that definitely wasn't Jay or his relatives either. I try to give myself openings like that because I hate boxing myself in. There's never a way to get out.
I was planting those deliberately to see what readers would think. If I chose Cole he'd be slightly different next season because he'd be used to her by then and would know how to deal with her but at the moment, his head has no idea how to deal with her so his companion/friend emotions for her are messing with him.
I hope this is up to your tastes. It didn't go as well as hoped but fingers crossed! Thanks!
Guest #3: We'll see
Guest #4: Here it is! Enjoy and you're welcome!
Responses End
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ!
THE DECISION FOR THE PAIRING FOR KAI WILL BE MADE BY THE PUBLISHING OF THE SEQUEL TO TAINTED HEARTH. THIS IS THE SECOND LAST CHAPTER AND I'M GIVING YOU ALL ONE FINAL DECISION TO MAKE. WHILST THE PAIRING ITSELF MAY NOT APPEAR FOR A WHILE, THE WAY I PORTRAY THE CHARACTERS WILL BE AFFECTED SO:
1) Kai X Cole pairing with a mother/older sister relationship with Lloyd (more so motherly)
2) Kai X Lloyd pairing with Cole as her best friend and platonic mortal soul mate
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS IN A REVIEW OR PM. BOTH ARE WELCOMED, ESPECIALLY IF YOU WISH TO DISCUSS YOUR OPINION IN PRIVATE.
Disclaimer: I do not Own Ninjago
Chapter 11: Descending into the Underworld
Sensei Wu's eyes snapped open. The ground beneath him was hard and searing hot, steam coiling around him in a thick heavy cloud. The air was dry and uncomfortably dense and humid causing his mind and senses to become hazy and sluggish. A faint rumble shook the earth eliciting the molten, swirling lava to creep up the banks towards him. The rolling heat made him want to do nothing more than remain where he was and fall into a deep slumber. Wu knew he was still in volcano's embrace however his ride had indeed come to a close. He did not wish to be around when the next wave of magma cascaded down. He was not immune or resistant to the fiery liquid as others were and no matter how useful that ability may be he'd never trade his powers for the gift of fire. It was an impossible burden to bear, its past and present wielders proof of that.
He sat up, glancing around quickly, searching for danger. Luckily, nothing appeared to be lurking in the depths of the ominous shadows that formed the entrance to the dark oblivion ahead. His tea set had emerged unscathed from the fall, sitting innocuously on a white rock that had risen from the molten pool beside him. The sword of fire sat beside him, humming with its divine power as he laid his hands on the warm hilt, comforting like the hearth. It truly was the perfect weapon for the Master – or Mistress, if you want to be technical about Kyra's correct title – of Fire. Kyra particularly.
Wu stood, grasping the hilt firmly in his hand. He strode along the path, the hardened lava warming the soles of his feet. He came to a halt between two stalagmites, positioned perfectly like a gateway. The old man wondered briefly if his brother could manipulate his realm and had planned for his arrival. The irony of the situation would not have been lost on his older brother.
"Hmm…" Wu hummed, his gaze flickering around his surroundings thoughtfully. This was the place he'd sentenced his brother, the place that should have stopped him for good. However nothing ever went to plan it seemed. Especially not with the Queen in play. "The Underworld."
The Underworld's ethereal landscape spanned out before him, the unique formations and structures only an asset to the realm. Skeletons and other undead creatures stalked the plains and bridges adding to the menacing atmosphere of the Underworld. Shades dashed through the skies while Spykor dripped from the ceiling and skeletons scurried across the bridges with supplies like the rats and filth that thrived in the corpses and prisons of this vile place. His brother – despite how much Wu loved him – deserved his fate. While it was not his brother's complete doing, he had given in to the hungry whispers for power, sealing his destiny and the world's fate in stone. The future he had seen was not a happy one and Wu prayed that it could be averted. Too many would suffer from the vicious recoil of the needed sacrifice if it could not.
Wu gasped lightly and ducked behind a stalagmite as a patrol of skeletal guards marched passed. Even though he knew he would have no problems taking out that measly group of bone headed minions, he could not risk the alarm being raised. His mission was to infiltrate the castle and find his brother first, not alert his power hungry kin to his presence. He drew the binding paper from his beard – the wispy white hair was the perfect hiding place for a variety of things – and wrapped the sword, not willing to risk the holy glow from the elegant weapon of power and might giving away his location. Scanning his surroundings once more, Sensei Wu ducked out and hurried towards the bridge. He needed to bypass these guards without causing a scene. Unluckily for the Skulkin, Sensei Wu was no amateur and knew just how to accomplish that.
Wu arrived at the final bridge, his journey of stealth and skill ending at the purple path, lined with the bones of great creatures. He knew the animal or monster wasn't 'normal' – the bones were too big for that – but that did not mean he was not saddened at the loss. They were displayed proudly, like trophies to tell of their conquests and Wu wondered if this was under his brother's command or Samukai. Neither would surprise him. His brother had never been one to consider the fragility and worthiness of each life force in the great world they were a part of. He looked back out over the realm of shadows and death he had made his way through, fully aware of how right Kyra was. Not just anyone would be able to survive down here. Even now he could feel his strength and will to live ebbing away as the poisonous fumes snuck into his nose and crept into his mouth. Every movement was becoming less sure and heavier and he knew he'd have to find his brother soon. It was clear he was not nearly as durable as the Master of Fire.
Sensei Wu turned and darted across the bridge and into the great structure ahead. The battle was drawing near and Wu had all plans to take the fight straight to his way ward brother. Hopefully, the other weapons had not crossed over and into this realm of shadows. If they had, then…Sensei Wu really didn't want to think about the consequences. As he ventured deeper, Wu frowned in thought. Kyra had a plan. Somehow he knew that she had formulated her own scheme in the chaos of their situation, implemented it and it was working. He could only trust she was doing the right thing. Knowing Kyra it would benefit her immensely and probably not the most favourable option but he would have to allow her to take charge. There was nothing else he or anyone else could do. The Queen had gained control of the board and was manipulating both sides to do her biding. It was her game now.
It was still late night as Jay, Zane and Cole raced up the long, treacherous flight of stairs to the volcanic temple, embedded in the side of the mountain that rumbled occasionally with the molten power in its belly. Lava trickled down the surrounding slopes, the obsidian black mountain looking decidedly malevolent against the crimson colours of the fortress and the flaming liquid that cascaded gently from above. Overall, the trio prayed they were never here again. The temple even looked sinister and it was a place of peace and worship for god's sake. Perfect for their accomplice then.
Cole reached the barricaded door and thumped desperately on it, hoping for some sign of life from within the walls, Jay right behind him. Zane paused a few steps down and cast a watchful eye around them. His teammates were too emotionally strung to be much use in watching out for any Skulkin ambush. It was one of the reasons Sensei Wu had recruited him, his uncanny ability to keep his cool even when those around him snapped.
"Kyra!" he yelled, hope surging within. He still hadn't completely accepted the idea that Kai had abandoned them. No response. His heart plummeted. Cole didn't form emotional attachments easily but somehow that enigmatic Firestarter had awakened something he'd thought he'd lost forever; philia. Now he could feel it dying once more, like the embers of a fire. "Sensei!"
Still no response. Their master wasn't there either. Had Kai – No! 'Don't think like that,' he chided himself. 'You'll only hurt yourself more.'
Zane turned and removed his hood, gazing back down the mountain. His senses were tingling with knowledge and the aura of the sacred ground, its emotions and strength crying out. Cole and Jay turned to him as he began to speak, knowing whatever he had to say must be important. The Master of Ice did not use his gift of sound for meaningless chatter after all.
"The sword of fire was here, as well our friends but I only sense loss. We are too late."
Where was Kyra? He could still sense her, vaguely, as if she was there but now overshadowed, like something had replaced her or was lazily attempting to hide her. Zane didn't believe she'd turned her back on them, Kyra hadn't been given a reason too nor had she shown any real signs of leaving. Besides, she was still in debt and that alone would keep her on their side. He turned back to his teammates just as the magma in the pools below sent a plume of pinkish red steam into the sky, the heat scorching him through his gi. The uncontrollable power radiating proudly and intimidatingly behind him was just so Kyra that Zane had to fight a smile. It would be rather inappropriate given their situation.
"The elemental weapons have left this realm and are now in the Underworld. The end is drawing near."
"Ugh. Great," Cole huffed angrily, his shoulders slumping in defeat as he plonked himself down on the top step. Things had completely fallen apart that night and after such a great start too… "The one place no mortal can cross over," he grumbled, removing his hood. Jay followed suit.
"We might not be able to cross over."
The trio's heads snapped up in shock and they gazed around wildly, searching for the source. Cole felt hope surge within him, faint yet still there, as he recognised the somewhat smug, patronizing and lazy tone. Please God…he prayed. Please let this not be a trick. The prospect of her betraying them was eating him up inside and he needed some sign to wack him over the head and let him know that it wasn't true.
The temple began to tremble and quake as if a magnitude 7 earthquake had hit its mountain home, steam curling from the simple windows as fragments fell towards the trio and the earth below. It split straight through the middle, like the constructors had explicitly built in this feature for some dramatic purpose or another, the volcano still ridden with tremors like it was moments away from erupting. Knowing their luck, it wouldn't be all that surprising if it did and the cause turn out to be Kyra. It was just too predictable. More smoke billowed out of the building, the trapped air racing away from their previous confines. Cole and Jay leapt back to Zane's side, gazing up in horror and awe as the removed themselves from the immediate danger zone. It was a good thing too because Cole probably wouldn't have been able to live with the source in such close proximity for very long.
In the centre of the once complete building was the dragon of fire, its scales glowing in light of its surrounding element. The beauty of the fabled creature was not lost on Zane, the Master of Ice having long since learned to appreciate such aspects. The same could not be said for the petrified Cole or less frightened Jay however as the former was border lining on a full blown panic attack. The easily recognisable and unforgettable Prince stood at its side, the powerful creature of nightmares looking every bit the monster he was in the darkness. Two figures, one Zane recognised without a moment's thought the other he had heard of briefly but never actually met, sat atop the dragon's back, the first looking as in control yet rebellious as she possibly could.
"But a dragon can!"
The Masters of Ice, Lightning and Earth stared up, terrified as the magnificent dragon lifted itself up, spread its wings and roared to the high heavens, smoke billowing out of the powerful jaws as it did so while the flames flickering at the edges of its maw went unmissed. Prince, deciding to be an asshole, roared with it.
Cole couldn't take it. Running away from the thing that scared him more than any of creation while adrenaline pumped seamlessly through his system was one thing. Facing that creature in non-combat form with a teammate sitting comfortably on its back acting as if this was the most normal thing in the world – which given that this was Kyra, who happened to own a man-eating horse, it probably was – and actually suggesting that he take a ride to the Underworld on one was another thing entirely.
"WWWAAAHHH!" he screamed, handspringing to safety behind a charcoal black structure. He peered out slightly, making sure he could see when the dragon was getting ready to eat him and able to hide when it came to it. He had been hoping joining up with Kyra again wouldn't involve dragons. It would only cloud his judgement.
"Our mother used to tell Kai stories about the dragons," the little girl behind Kyra began as the red clad ninja dismounted. Cole knew immediately that this had to be Kyra's little sister, the girl the Master of Fire sought to protect at all costs – even that of her own life. "She said they were mystical creatures who belonged to both worlds and ferried between them."
Zane frowned.
"You mean your mother never told them to you?" he questioned. Kai leaned against the dragon's muscular leg, running her fingers through Prince's soft mane.
"Mother died while Nya was very young," she replied coolly, meeting Zane's eyes unflinchingly. "She has no memories of her and only knows her stories through me."
Zane nodded in understanding. He was familiar with the feeling of having no parents and although Kyra technically had them, an abusive father and the death of her mother early in life was not any better. Cole, though, was still hyperventilating about riding a dragon,
"Wha – are you insane?!"
Kyra looked at him, amused. No duh! Of course she was! What was his first clue?!
"Once he realised we were trying to protect the sword of fire, he actually became quite a softie," she told them, her tone turning teasing as she glanced at the dragon. Of course that wasn't the whole truth but there was no way in hell Kai was going to tell them that. Just yet. Her brother, however, was not planning on letting her go without some form of revenge. The dragon nuzzled her in the side gently, well aware of how ticklish she was. "Hey, knock it off," Kai reprimanded, giggling softly, the sound going unheard by the trio. Prince, becoming jealous of the diverted attention, snuggled into the crook of her neck, giving the dragon the evil eye. A snort of steam cloaked Prince in response, avertedly catching Kai too. Nya giggled at the scene. Jay saw his chance.
"Do you like blue-*cough*" he managed out, before breaking into a small bout of coughs. Zane materialized at his side.
"He cannot talk, but he wants to know if you like blue?"
Jay grinned at his friend in thanks and nodded, turning to look at Nya expectantly. Nya smiled sweetly at the Master of Lighting, much to Kai's annoyance.
"It's my favourite colour."
A shit eating grin formed on Jay's face as he brought his fist down in the international sign of 'yes' or 'score'.
"Yes!" he breathed out, his tone still raspy. Zane looked at him, his eyebrow raised in the universal 'what the hell is wrong with you' sign. Kyra glared at him, her protective instincts going haywire. If he so much as looked at Nya like that again she was going to tear him to shreds and feed him to Prince…
"Kyra," Cole said suddenly, his eyes frequently flickering to the bane of his nightmares as he caught her attention. "What happened here? Where's Sensei? Why did you leave?"
He really didn't want this to be a trick but he had to put aside his emotions and plan logically and rationally. Having an untrustworthy, somewhat disloyal teammate was not an option at this point. Kyra tilted her head and observed him.
"I left camp because Garmadon sent a shadow puppet version of Nya to lure me away. Wu must have followed me. I had to retrieve the sword of fire from its resting place to save Nya's life and was then forced to fight my own shadow. Wu showed up and dealt with the rest of the shadows and we were making our escape when Garmadon summoned softie over here to stop us from escaping with the weapon. His original plans were to bring the weapons here…but I came up with an alternative plan."
Zane frowned.
"What was it?"
Kyra sighed. Sometimes she really hated being the only one who knew anything about mythology. She really should just keep her head out those tales. Not the fairy tales mind you, Kai hated them with a burning passion and wanted nothing more than to burn any princess/prince-lovey-dovey story book that crossed her path, but grim tales or the literal myth with no made up junk about true love and all that rainbow happiness with butterfly fairies etc. etc. etc.
"The Fire Temple is special for a number of reasons but particularly because of its location. This volcano contains the only mortal access point to the Underworld that doesn't require you travelling at immortal speeds by specially designed vehicles on the entire planet. I knew that we had to keep the weapons apart at all costs and as he'd shown us the ambush I knew we had to get the sword of fire out of there. However, as you saw, the door was blocked so the only other option we had was the Underworld. I can survive down there so I told Wu my idea, planning to go myself."
Kai turned away, stroking the fire dragon's nose. She was twisting the truth here and omitting important details but she needed to for her plan to work. Besides, it wasn't like she was against lying to them. It wasn't like she actually cared. The three fire deities snorted in unison. That thought was laughable. Fire burns alone.
"The old man did not trust me and took the sword of fire himself down to the Underworld. If we get there in time I'd be surprised if he was still alive. The air is poisonous there, and only beings of the Underworld can survive without being in the safety zones like my sister was. And that's about it."
"What about the two skeleton generals then? They called you Lady Kyra. That indicates loyalty and respect and I highly doubt they'd respect an enemy."
Cole hated doing this. He really did but he had to. He couldn't allow Kyra to jeopardise the fate of the world by manipulating them like that. He just couldn't. There was too much at stake, no matter how much he cared about her. The pain he was feeling was his own fault though. Sensei Wu had warned him about getting attached.
Kyra tilted her head and then smirked.
"Oh yes, those two. Loyal to the bone they are. That would be Kruncha and Nuckal wouldn't it?"
"Why are they still loyal to you?" Cole ground out as Zane, Jay and Nya watched on in trepidation. Kyra's smug and mocking smirk widened.
"Now that would be telling wouldn't it? Tell me Dusty, why do you think they are still loyal to me?"
"Because you're still on their side!"
Before he could say anything else, Kyra's countenance softened and a sincere, innocent light entered her eyes.
"No Cole. Those two became attached to me during my time in the Underworld and are more loyal to me than they are to Garmadon and Samukai. In fact, they were the ones who convinced me to join you."
Cole faltered and Jay stiffened, staring at Kyra gobsmacked. He wanted to believe that desperately. He did. But he couldn't. He had a duty to Wu and the world, a destiny that Wu had spoken of. He couldn't allow himself to be tricked by a powerful force such as Kyra. Too many would suffer if he made the wrong choice.
"And had you taken the sword," Cole challenged. "Would you have taken it to Garmadon?"
Kyra shrugged and glanced at Prince and Scorch who nodded slightly at her idea.
"Possibly."
The three boys stiffened and Jay and Cole glared at her, Zane watching with narrowed eyes. Kai turned and petted her dragon's side as Nya dismounted.
"It's been an absolutely charming conversation boys but now you really have to move your asses. The longer we wait, the more time Garmadon has to unite the golden suckers and trust me, it's not going to be pretty."
"Why should we trust you?" Cole snapped, placing his foot down. The girl truly held no loyalty to them and her partial betrayal was causing his emotional state to crumble. Jay nodded in agreement, a furious glare present. Kai turned back and smirked smugly.
"Because you've got no other motherfucking option."
Cole blinked, stunned. Kai rolled her eyes.
"Face it Dusty, I'm your ticket to winning this war whether you like it or not. There's only one Queen in this chess match and currently I'm doing you a favour so make your move, Kishi. (Kee-she)"*
Cole glared at her and cursed mentally. Damn the fire master for making him do this! She was right in that they didn't have any other option and chances are they were heading straight for a trap but they were going to have to do it. Kai had the only means of transport, not that he'd be going.
"Fine!" he ground out, his gaze hard. "But betray us Kyra and –"
"You'll do nothing," Kai replied heatedly. "You cannot charge me with betrayal if I was never entirely loyal in the first place."
Silence reigned and Nya watched worriedly. Her sister really needed to learn to negotiate. She had no clue why Kai was doing this but her sister must have had her reasons. Kai rarely did anything for the 'shits and giggles' as Kai would say – okay, maybe this was. Maybe this was a game to Kai. Her older sister adored games. Especially mind games.
Nya turned to Kai as she removed her hood.
"This is goodbye isn't it?"
Kai sighed and nodded. Nya pulled her into a hug, causing Kai to stiffen at the contact before relaxing and clumsily returning it.
"Just promise you'll come back to me in one piece okay? I-I-I-I don't wanna run the store on my own."
Both girls knew what she meant. Nya wouldn't be able to survive 10 seconds without Kai at her side, with the knowledge she wouldn't be coming back.
"I promise, I won't be gone for long," Kai said softly as she pulled away and leapt onto Scorch's back. "Prince, please make sure she gets home and then meet us there. I'm not asking for you to allow her to ride you but make sure she's safe."
The shade glared at Nya before conceding and rearing up for one final pet. Kai smiled at Prince as Zane and Jay mounted behind her. Zane sat directly behind her and tapped her shoulder, sending her a searching look. He knew her too well to believe that was the truth. If he'd been one to swear or give anyone that sort of look, Zane would have been sporting a 'Bullshit' face and he would have done it well. Kai looked away, unwilling to actually give the Master of Ice the satisfaction of being correct. She knew he had a better idea of her thoughts then she did. Not that she'd ever admit it.
"I'll keep a candle lit outside our shop until you return."
Kai nodded and smiled at the memory of their little tradition.
Cole didn't move.
"I think I'll stay here. There's not enough room for all of us on that…thing," he managed out nervously, the energy he'd used to face Kai long gone. Scorch snorted and glared at him for the undermining comment. Kai petted his head soothingly and sent him comforting images through the link. Scorch was very much like Prince in his diet however preferred livestock over humans. That didn't mean Roasted Cole didn't appeal to him.
"You're right Dusty," Kai smirked tauntingly, setting every human on edge. This wasn't good… "But I've got a way to fix that."
The look in Kai's eyes was one of complete insanity and Cole gulped. This was going to kill him. He just knew it.
"E-e-easy...Not so fast!"
It was a comical sight really, to see the proud, strong, courageous and seemingly fearless Earth Master whimpering quite pathetically as he clung to a tall pole connected to the back of his chair. Well, he did happen to be thousands of meters above ground – higher than an aeroplane really – on the back of the earth dragon, dragons being his only and greatest fear, flying at un-comprehendible speeds who had tried to kill him once, almost twice, before. So currently, Cole was having a full blow panic attack, having gone passed caring who saw him like this ages ago as body shook earthquake style as his trembling heart sent primal tremors through his body. His palms were sweating, making his grip on the pole weaken and forcing him to wrap his entire body around it to provide himself with some form of physical support while he remained trapped in this infernal nightmare. Cole's mind was racing with thoughts on what the dragon could do at any point in time, worsening his shakes by tenfold.
It was bad enough Kyra had shaken his faith in her to the roots. It was bad enough they'd lost the weapons, lost Sensei Wu, lost their lead on the other side and learned of Kyra's twisted treachery and scheming mind all in less than 8 hours. Which Cole blamed almost entirely on Kyra. Lord Garmadon and Samukai were also partially to blame but Kyra came first and foremost. But noooooo. They had to add dragon riding into the mix and subject him to timeless torment at the will of the beast as his teammates laughed, hooted and cheered exuberantly around him. Oh yes. Splendid. For the record, Cole blamed Kyra for this too. It was her idea after all and he just knew that she had done this deliberately. Cole would have preferred to take his chances with her blasted Shade then do this. But no, Kyra was going to be a malevolent, psychotic, manipulative mad hatter as usual and subject him to this. Cole was having a hard time working out why he didn't completely and utterly hate her guts.
Kai's dragon tore upwards through the cloud barrier closely followed by Wisp and Shard with Rocky bringing up the rear, their respective riders showing their excitement for the exhilarating journey in their own personal ways.
"Whoo hooo!" Kai cheered as Blaze performed a thrilling barrel roll before plunging towards earth in a sudden descent.
"This is awesome!" Jay yelled as Wisp dived after Blaze. Zane smiled from his place on Shard beside Wisp, admitting to the excited thrill that was surging through his chest.
"Yes, this is quite fun."
Poor Cole had his eyes shut tight while he tremble uncontrollable as Rocky took a dive, slightly kinder to his rider now as he made sure to make the descent less daunting. To distract himself, he yelled out to the lead flyer. It seemed that while he was leader of the ninjas, Blaze was the leader of the dragons and thus stayed at the front. Cole briefly wondered if it was because of the similar personalities between the two fire elementals that brought the leadership aura to the board or if it was because Blaze was the strongest. That was usually how creatures chose a leader. It mattered little at the present moment though.
"So how do the dragons cross over to the Underworld?!" he yelled, his grip tightening on the pole. Beneath her hood, Kyra smirked and petted her dragon's neck.
"You're about to find out!" she called back just as her dragon lifted its wings and plummeted towards the earth below. Cole screamed and clung on for dear life as the beasts and their riders hurtled downwards with no mercy or compassion to their suffering riders. Kyra grit her teeth and concentrated on not damaging one of her senses at the dramatically changing altitude and wind force. She narrowed her eyes and peered down, cursing her inability to see. Hopefully they were nearing the immortal gateway now or Dusty may not last much longer.
The dragons tucked in their wings and began spinning, forming their own tornados of elemental power. Flames licked around Kai as the speed and temperature increased and she closed her eyes, bracing herself. She could vaguely hear Cole's petrified screams as well as similar sounds from Jay, eliciting an eye roll from her. Boys. Why was she the only female again? She felt herself enter the portal, the suction pulling her into a suffocating embrace and then…nothing.
Kai opened her eyes as the steady flapping sound of Blaze's wings alerted her to the completion of their portal problems. Kai hated those things. They were so undramatic. Teleporting was way cooler and more practical when dealing with issues while in combat whilst vanishing using one of the elements, such as melting into shadows or becoming water molecules or flash traveling by vaporising one's self with a thunderbolt earned you some serious style point over measly portals. They were just so overdone.
"Is it over?" Cole asked shakily. Kai rolled her eyes and smirked again, glancing over her shoulder at Zane who sent her a reprimanding look.
"Hardly. You better hope your dragon knows what he's doing!" she taunted as Blaze disappeared down a tunnel, Shard following. Flames darted out of nooks, threatening to engulf Rocky and Wisp as they turned down the other tunnel. Cole ducked, his wrists bound tightly in the chain harness another precaution to prevent himself from falling while Jay was cheering like a child who'd discovered the free samples day at the local sugar buffet, his dragon almost smiling at his boundless enthusiasm. Blaze soared through the tunnel, the purple glowing crystals sending shimmering waves of light into the air as his fire swathed body's luminous light contacted with the unknown treasures. Kyra was enjoying herself immensely, her heart pumping adrenaline through her system as she became intoxicated with the death defying thrill the ride brought.
Blaze smiled at his sister's delight, revelling in the warmth of her happiness. From what Prince had told him, his sister was not one to enjoy herself often but when she did, her feelings were contagious enough that even the aloof hearts of the savage, murderous or mysterious beasts of legend forfeited to its radiance and wanted nothing more than to have a taste of the light inside the darkness; Yin's Light. He had waited eternity since the Great Beasts who originally roamed the earth ruled to meet the saviour of darkness, an angle fallen from grace with only a shred of light still locked inside who was prophesied to lead the creatures of old into the world once more, free at last to be who they were destined to be. It would not be easy but Blaze had faith in his sister's abilities. She would not take failure lying down. She'd go down fighting or she'd emerge victorious as Blaze knew she would. After all, she was his charge.
Shard and Zane followed the pair closely, Zane smiling somewhat at the relaxed, free yet determined aura Kyra exuded. Unlike his brothers whose faith in Kyra had indeed been shaken, his remained unwaveringly strong. He knew Kyra liked being in control of herself, of her actions and her feelings. She hated anyone having any form of leash or collar on her and every time someone even attempted to assert dominance…she rebelled. She was an untameable tiger when she defied the pressing authority of another; twisting, writhing, fighting violently and hurtful. She didn't visibly care if another got hurt from her actions, she simply moved on, casting a disinterested and impassive glance at the damage she'd caused. If she actually cared deep down Zane didn't know however, he suspected it did only the years of fending for herself and her sister against a world that slammed its door in her face and bolted it shut had forged that masquerade of aloof indifference that made her appear like a cold heartless enigmatic warrior that fought selfishly for herself alone.
Zane knew better. This was Kyra, the Mistress of Fire and cold wasn't in her blood. She was born to burn brightly and fiercely against all odds and heaven help those who stood in her way. She was merely unused to dealing with other people and the betrayal from Garmadon had put her on edge to the point where she wasn't letting any of them close and was fully prepared to push them to their limits in dangerous mental games that proved just how manipulative and cunning Kyra could be. Along with headstrong, reckless and seemingly untrustworthy. Zane knew that last one wasn't true though. If Kyra promised she'd catch him if he jumped off a cliff then he'd believe her and would follow through. Kyra was a woman of her word after all and promises meant a great deal to her.
The four dragons and their riders met back up in the main tunnel once more, Zane flying at Kyra's side now. He waved and she turned to face him fully, her eyes smiling slightly at him. Briefly, Zane wondered how the lack of trust from Jay and Cole affected her but he pushed the thought away. It was irrelevant right now and he knew that Kyra wouldn't allow something so trivial to her get in the way of the mission's success. It wasn't in Kyra's personality to do so. Blaze cast a warning look to Shard and the ice dragon backed up, falling into place behind the fire monstrosity. It was clear who the Alpha here was. Wisp seemed in the mood to try his luck and flew upside down above Blaze, Jay awfully calm about the dragon's decision. Zane was willing to bet he had a hand in it.
Kyra looked up to see Jay above and she rolled her eyes, giving him an annoyed glare. He could be so immature sometimes, it really did piss her off. The blue ninja tilted his head to look down at her and his eyes twinkled cheekily. She growled mentally and shook her head in irritation. He just never learned. Blaze surged ahead, his body rippling with power and a clear warning to the threatening dragons about just who was in charge. The other two heeded his warning and backed down. Flames burst around Kyra and her eyes widened.
"They're speeding up! Hold on!"
The four dragons plunged through the portal and everything went black, only the sucking sound of the portal's pull reaching their ears.
Suddenly, dim light flashed before their shut eyelids and the screech and scrap of claws on rocks sliced through the air as the dragons abruptly halted their flight by digging their claws in and 'gracefully' sliding across the stone floor, dislodging their riders as they did so. The quartet tumbled along the ground roughly, Cole's body crashing into Kyra's ungracefully – earning him an annoyed grunt and a shoved from the fire starter's powerful legs – and Jay's careening into Zane's as their rather unpleasant ride ended with painful hugs from the cold ground beneath them.
"Solid ground!" Cole exclaimed, relieved. "We made it!"
Kyra turned and glared at him.
"Did you think we wouldn't?"
"With you in charge?" Cole shot back. "No duh!"
"Stop fighting," Zane interrupted smoothly. "Save your strength for those who deserve it."
He turned and gazed out at the heavily guarded fortress and realm, the overwhelming stench messing with his head and he once again wondered how Kyra had survived down here. That was the essence of the question really because Kyra was one of them, as much as he hated to admit it. But she was also part of their team now and hopefully she would see where she truly belonged; with them.
"There's no turning back now. We are here."
A/N: How was it? Good? Bad? Like? Hate? Well, Kai certainly enjoys causing a stir doesn't she?
I'll see you all next time for the final chapter so please, read and review!
*Believed Translation: Knight.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ!
THE DECISION FOR THE PAIRING FOR KAI WILL BE MADE BY THE PUBLISHING OF THE SEQUEL TO TAINTED HEARTH. THIS IS THE SECOND LAST CHAPTER AND I'M GIVING YOU ALL ONE FINAL DECISION TO MAKE. WHILST THE PAIRING ITSELF MAY NOT APPEAR FOR A WHILE, THE WAY I PORTRAY THE CHARACTERS WILL BE AFFECTED SO:
1) Kai X Cole pairing with a mother/older sister relationship with Lloyd (more so motherly)
2) Kai X Lloyd pairing with Cole as her best friend and platonic mortal soul mate
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS IN A REVIEW OR PM. BOTH ARE WELCOMED, ESPECIALLY IF YOU WISH TO DISCUSS YOUR OPINION IN PRIVATE.