The Next Day, The Destiny's Bounty, 1:00pm
Hunter sat quietly in the kitchen, tapping his fingers on the wooden table as he reevaluated the plan Misako had told them only hours before. She had told them to keep a watch on camera feeds in case Clouse or anyone else showed up or to patrol the city themselves. The orange ninja, of course, stayed on the Bounty to watch some of the camera feeds, but he had walked away for a moment to reconsider the plan. He couldn't help but think that there had to be a better way to find Clouse and the others. Though, the problem was that they were smarter than their past enemies. They at least covered their tracks so no one could find them.
Hunter sighed, continuing to tap on the table. I wish this was as easy as it was to find Nadacaca's ships. I really just want to get this over with before those three do any more damage to the city and its people. I really don't want the issue like we had with the floating islands again.
"Everything alright?" a voice behind him startled him, nearly making him fall out of the chair he was sitting in. Hunter instantly turned to look behind him, finding Ruby with a concerned look. He had forgotten that she was visiting today.
"Yeah, just...thinking," the master of wind admitted, ceasing to tap on the table. Ruby took a seat next to him, still wearing the very same concerned look.
"Are you worried about Karma like the others? They told me all about what happened," she asked. Hunter shrugged.
"That's half of it. The other half is just overall worry for what they're going to do. I mean, Karma and Alex killed police officers that one night, what if they go full scale and just kill civilians for the hell of it?" he told her, resting his head on his hand and looking at the girl.
"You'll find them in time, believe me. I doubt they're gonna do anything too bad without getting caught," Ruby told him, giving a reassuring smile, "They won't even reach the President's building before you guys drop your hammer of justice on them!"
Hunter chuckled. "Hammer of justice, huh?"
The girl nodded. "Yeah! It's what my parents, sister, and uncle drop on those who decide to rob the tea shop!"
The master of wind smiled, ruffling her midnight black hair. "Well, I believe we're going to be dropping that hammer on Clouse so hard it banishes him to the void!" he exclaimed, "Believe me!"
Ruby giggled, giving him a peck on the lips. "I believe you. I always will. Besides, you kicked total butt in that fight against Nadakhan from what I hear."
The master of wind gave a victorious smile. "Yeah. It wasn't hard."
He had to admit, it was actually slightly hard.
"I had a feeling he wasn't as big and scary as he seemed, and I bet Clouse is the same way," Ruby smiled, before giving her most determined look, "So kick his butt! Make him regret doing the things he did!"
Hunter nodded, sitting up. "Yeah! I will!"
The both of them smiled excitedly before breaking into happy laughter. Hunter's worry had disappeared momentarily, but on the other side of the ship, worry was only growing.
Cass sat with Cole as they watched three different camera feeds. She was feeling frustrated over the fact that they couldn't do anything but wait, yet she was relieved that the trio wasn't causing any havoc at the moment. Though, the image of Karma throwing Sammie towards them without hesitation haunted her mind. The fact that she had thrown Kai and Lilly aside as if she didn't know them disgusted Cass. Is Karma even herself anymore? Is she still there?
The suspense was killing her. She wanted to get her friend back that instant, but she knew it wasn't possible yet. She'd have to wait, like everyone else was. She'd have to wait for her friend's return. She would have to wait to hear the status of her dear teacher. She would have to wait for peace again.
"Nothing?" Cole asked, staring at the screen and looking obviously bored. Cass nodded, the sound of his voice sending a jolt through her body. She cursed her brain once again for making her heart race every time he spoke.
"Nope," the master of wind answered, "And I'm guessing Hunter isn't coming back either?"
"He's more than likely with Ruby. He won't be back for a while if that's the case," Cole nodded. Cass sighed.
"He needed a break anyway."
Silence returned to the room and left the master of wind feeling awkward. She thought quickly to start a conversation again. "Do you think you'll ever become human again?"
Cass then cursed herself. That's a horrible topic! What am I thinking!? It's probably made him upset! "I-I mean-"
"It's okay. I think I will become human again some day, it's a goal I aim to accomplish," Cole answered, smiling to himself, "Sensei Wu even said this ghost curse wears off after a while, which is pretty okay. I just have to hope he's right."
Cass found herself adoring that smile. "It wears off!? Are you serious?" she asked, smiling. The ghostly ninja nodded, before frowning.
"Yeah, but that means Clouse can become human too, and he'll be harder to eliminate," he told her. Cass then frowned.
"Yeah, but I'm not focused on that. I'm focused on you. If that's true, then you'll be yourself again! You'll be able to feel everything once again!" she said, before giving a reassuring smile, "You'd be able to drink the lemonade Misako makes again and feel the rain!"
"That's true," Cole said, "But I'm afraid that something will happen to me before I even get to become human again."
"What do you mean?" Cass asked.
"I'm afraid something will take me. Someone will accidentally spill water on me or spit on me. It's too likely that someone may kill me on accident. I can feel it," the master of earth admitted, looking down at his folded hands. The master of wind frowned.
"Don't think that! I believe you'll live!" she exclaimed, giving a concerned look. The ghostly ninja looked up.
"Cass, I've already had plenty of near-death experiences ever since I gained this form. It's pretty evident the universe is out to get me," he told her, but the master of wind crossed her arms.
"Then I'll protect you! I won't let anything harm you for as long as I live, then!" Cass exclaimed, standing up, "You deserve to be happy and I want to see your smile again! I'm not going to let the world destroy that smile!"
It took the master of wind a few moments to realize she had shouted that out before her face became completely red. Crap! I said that out loud! Though, Cole didn't look confused, he looked surprised. He then gave a gentle grin.
"I'd love that, Cass," he said, brushing his floating, fluffy hair out of his face. "Maybe I could even protect you in return."
The master of wind's heart nearly went into overdrive. "Y-Y-You don-, I mean! Uh, than-Yo-you don't have to-I mean thank yo-I mean!" she stuttered excessively, feeling her face get hotter by the second. Cole chuckled and solidified his hand, then held hers. Heat exploded across Cass's face.
"I don't think I've ever had a friend like you, Cass. It seems you're there for me more than anyone else," the master of earth told her, his dirt brown eyes meeting hers. The master of wind could feel her pulse accelerating once more.
"W-Well, what kind of friend would I be if I wasn't there for you?" she asked, making a small laugh out of nervousness. Cole's smile didn't fade.
"Yeah, but you've looked out for me more than anyone else, even during the times you weren't on the team," he told her, "You've really made me feel better about everything. Even about being a ghost. I actually even still feel human again when I'm with you."
Cass was speechless now, not even sure if her face could grow an even darker shade of red. Does he have the same feelings!?
"To be honest, when I'm around you, not only do you make me feel human, you just...make me feel so great. I really can't explain the feeling. It's just...it's like eating the best cake in the world," the master of earth continued, as Cass could feel him drawing closer. "I really like spending time with you and you just make me feel so alive. I just wish the time I spend with you would last longer."
The master of wind found herself ignoring the noises of the camera feeds as she began to become lost in his beautiful eyes. His words were enough to almost make her melt, and she had completely forgotten how close they were. "Cole...I-"
"Hey, do you think there's actual people watching through this camera?" a familiar voice broke in, making both Cass and Cole freeze immediately. Realizing how close they were, they both recoiled immediately, Cass's face becoming warm again. They both then looked at the second camera feed, finding both Alex and Karma staring up at the camera, dressed in casual street clothes. Cass instantly forgot about the moment between her and Cole.
"Obviously, unless it's a tape one. You're making a stupid decision looking up at it like that," Karma responded to the master of psion, looking bored. He shrugged.
"I can just crush it. No biggie," he claimed, before making a variety of childish and silly faces at the camera. The master of darkness sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose.
"You're such an idiot," she grumbled, "Now let's go before you make yourself look even more like a fool."
"Alright, alright," Alex ceased making the faces before forming his hand into a fist. Then, the camera feed went blank, leaving Cole and Cass staring in alarm. In a flash, they both darted out of the room, leaving their chairs spinning and the screen blank. Please don't tell me something bad's about to happen!
Meanwhile, in Ninjago City
I shivered as droplets poured once more on my hood, reminding me that the summer rains were here once again, and at the worst possible time. I had a hell of a time convincing my uncle that Alex and I weren't going to draw attention to ourselves, but now I'm afraid Alex has already ruined that. God, what do I have to do to get to know the truth without having to kick my way to it!? My life would be so much easier if everyone just didn't make it so complicated.
"Are you sure you're not cold?" I heard the master of psion ask. I shook my head. I didn't regret wearing a skirt today at all. In fact, the rain actually felt good on my legs, but the puddles were leaving my sneakers waterlogged.
"Yeah. I'm good," I answered, keeping my head down as we passed umbrella-toting citizens.
"I still understand how you can wear skirts in weather like this. Like, I know they let your legs move freely and stuff, but I'd be cold," Alex commented, tugging on his hood in an effort to cover his face more. I shrugged.
"That's you though. I'm used to stuff like this," I said, another puddle splashing into my shoe. I groaned in disgust. Where's an opening in this conversation where I can ask him what he was talking with Clouse about without it being out of nowhere? "Besides, why would you care?"
Alex shrugged as he made a package of microwave ramen leave a store and fly right into his hand. "It's just common sense to ask someone who looks cold if they're cold."
I watched as he removed the thin block of dry noodles from the package and take a bite out of them, stuffing the wrapper and flavoring in his pocket. I gave him a weird look. "Aren't you supposed to cook those?"
"Does it look like I can cook them right now?" he asked, "Besides, they taste good in this state."
I gave a look of disgust. "That can break your teeth you know."
"And people could recognize us and call the police as we're walking out here," he whispered, taking another bite. I huffed. That's a different story!
"Whatever," I crossed my arms and avoided a puddle. Maybe now would be a great time to start off the path to getting the truth. "So, uh, considering your plot to take over the world, you probably don't like the President, huh?"
The master of psion shrugged. "He makes really bad decisions and uses his 'hide the identity' card quite well. At least he knows how to be a coward when he needs to be."
Ever since my mom was young, the official leader for our country had to keep their identity sealed from the public for safety reasons and to avoid prejudice. All the public is allowed to know is their gender and if they had a family. Only government officials know what they look like. When anyone runs for President, we don't get to see them either, unless they lose. We don't even get to hear the President's voice or the voices of those who ran for President unless they lose. We only got to see what they offer and their names.
It wasn't long ago that our recent President came into power, but it didn't take long for rumors to plague the city of all the things he had done. People said all sorts of things, claiming he had affairs with many women and men, that he was against making a memorial for the elemental masters that lost their lives in the Serpentine Wars, and that he supported breaking trade ties with Astor. I didn't believe some of this though, as officials said he had assisted the elemental masters during the Serpentine Wars as my father had. Not to mention they said he had a wife and three kids.
"I don't know, my mom never really talked about him much, and that's all the stuff I could figure out on my own," Alex continued, eating the rest of his raw ramen, "All I know is Clouse hates him."
"Yeah, but my uncle hates a lot of things," I said, "And I'm willing to bet he absolutely loathes washing his hair."
The master of psion broke into laughter. "You're not wrong. I swear to god he goes to the fast food restaurant down the street and coats his hair with the fry grease!" he added, to which I laughed, "But that's probably because he's ghost, huh?"
"Nope," I answered, "I think it freezes the hair in the state it was in when the person does because Cole's hair has remained very fluffy ever since he became a ghost. Besides, my uncle's hair has always been greasy."
"I'm surprised he doesn't smell like garbage too," Alex said, accidentally stepping in a puddle. I giggled when he startled grumbling about the water in his shoes.
"Now you know how I feel."
"I didn't want to know how soggy socks felt, but thanks I guess?"
"That's probably karma for something," I told him, before stuffing my hands into my hoodie pockets. Alex snorted.
"Lemme guess, you got the nickname 'Karma' because you brought what was coming to people?" he asked. I nodded.
"Bingo."
"Must be bad luck hanging around you then," he said, before walking ahead of me, "Better run while I can then."
I laughed and grabbed his sleeve. "Even if you leave, my curse is forever stuck with those I meet! You're forever doomed!"
"Oh, no! Please spare my poor soul! I'll promise you my firstborn child!" Alex replied jokingly, before posing like a damsel in distress and falling against my shoulder.
"I have no desire for your disgusting children! I would rather you promise me the next package of ramen you get!" I put on my most threatening voice ever, while still being anything but serious. Alex put on a fake upset face.
"No! Not that! Anything but that! I can't go on without the noodles!" the master of psion pretended to beg, before we both broke into laughter. I wondered if anyone was giving us weird looks because of what we were shouting, but I ceased to care.
"You know, if you shouted that around my uncle, he may have mistaken you for his boss," I told Alex as we turned the corner to walk down another street. The rain was seemingly becoming gentler.
"Hah. I wouldn't be surprised. I'm shocked your uncle even tried to be his best assistant. Everyone knows Chen would only adore noodles," the master of psion commented. I nodded.
"Yeah, which reminds me," I began. Here we go. "What exactly were you and my uncle talking about last night? You know, with what he owes you?"
The smile Alex had on his face started to fade and he refused to look at me. "It was just...a deal we had made when we met at Kryptarium. He promised to help me at least gain control of the country if I helped him get y- I mean assisted him with the stuff we're doing now."
I didn't even need to look for a glow in his eyes to become skeptical of what was said. The mere fact that he stuttered like that was enough evidence for me. I decided to go on.
"What did he hurt you over exactly? I didn't understand," I questioned. The master of psion began to look nervous.
"J-Just...I was going to tell you something I shouldn't," he admitted, continuing to look away. He then looked panicked as I narrowed my eyes. Something's not right.
"Alex...is there something you're not telling me!?" I asked further. The master of psion remained silent now, still looking panicked. Something is definitely not right, and my trust is already wearing thin.
"Hey, answer me!" I shouted as we came to a stop. The rain was beginning to pick up. "What's the deal!?"
He still remained silent, his eyes downcast and now focused on the damp ground. The master of psion was looking extremely guilty now, yet still panicked. "Hey!" I shouted again, "What the hell is up wit-!"
"Your uncle's lying to you!" Alex shouted suddenly, catching me off guard. I stared, aghast, before shaking my head. That can't possibly be true! But as much as I want to deny it, Alex's hadn't glowed at all.
"Wh-what?" I asked, denial flooding my mind. The master of psion sighed before turning to look at me.
"He...he's been lying to you this whole time! Everything about your friends betraying you was a lie! Everything about Wu teaching you wrong was a lie! He blinded you with the Dark Arts, can't you see!?" Alex went on, my denial growing. No, this can't be true. It can't be! Uncle Clouse would never lie to me, right!? Family would never betray family! I want to believe Alex is lying, but that glow still isn't there.
"I-It's not true."
"He's used the powers he had stolen from me to hurt me every time I didn't do what he said. He only wanted us both for our powers. He only taught you the Dark Arts so he had someone to take the blame when things went wrong. He made us kill for him!" the master of psion continued, "Can't you see Karma!? He doesn't care! He's only been using you as a puppet this whole ti-!"
The master of psion suddenly let out a yelp, cutting off his own words. He then coughed for a moment, a spurt of blood escaping his mouth. I was instantly alarmed. "Alex, are you alright!?"
He only proceeded to groan and collapse, to which I helped him back up immediately. He seemed to be trembling again, like he usually did whenever talking to my uncle. I was beginning to become scared. "What's wrong? What's going on!? If you can, please answer me!" I questioned, becoming worried by the second.
"Perhaps someone is just getting their 'karma'. That is the curse you bring around, right Seiko?" the sound of my uncle's voice startled me and chilled me to the bone, especially with what Alex had just told me.
In an instant, I looked around for my uncle, but found that the streets and sidewalks were unusually empty. Not to mention that the rain had mysteriously stopped without warning. My instincts were screaming at me to run, but I felt paralyzed, as if my fear were holding me still. No one can help me now, huh?
"No, that isn't what I mean at all! What the hell's going on!?" I shouted, trying to sound more confident than scared. I ended up feeling more like a fool in that moment.
"Simply, someone should have not spoken. Someone forgot their place," my uncle's voice answered. I squinted at the buildings around us, trying to find him. Instead, I became distracted with Alex crying out in pain again, his hands gripping my sleeves tightly. I looked around once more.
"What are you doing to him!?" I asked, trying to help the master of psion stand on his feet once more. He only fell back to his knees, coughing up only droplets of blood now.
"Call it punishment. It's something every liar deserves, right? Haven't you always wanted revenge for what he's done? Do you really want to throw away that chance?" my uncle asked me. I began to feel conflicted. Yes, admittedly, I've wanted to hurt Alex ever since my mother's death, but my ideals have since changed. I did believe my mother's death was an accident now, though I would keep in mind how he threatened me during that battle. I didn't think that hurting him would do any justice.
"Yeah, I am going to throw away that chance! I believe kicking his ass in sparring was quite enough!" I shouted, "Besides, he told me the truth about you, did he not!? Aren't you here because he called you out once again!?"
Silence filled the air, and every second of suspense kept me on edge. I desperately wanted to run now, as every drop of denial began to leave my mind as I slowly figured it all out for myself. Though, I didn't have much time, as Alex cried out once more.
"How would you know if he's lying or not?" Uncle Clouse finally asked.
"He told me about how his eyes are literal lie detectors! And I've seen you use them as proof before too!" I answered, taking a step back from how close my uncle's voice was now.
"But what if he was lying about that too, Seiko?" Uncle Clouse asked, the venom hidden within his voice making me much more frightened than I should be, "Besides, when did I ever use them as proof?"
"Last night! I could hear the conversation between you two and you told him that ability would get him in trouble!" I recalled, scared that Uncle Clouse might get mad because I was eavesdropping.
"I never told him that, Seiko," my uncle told me, "You must have been hearing things once again."
Now I felt like I was going crazy. I was sure I heard him tell Alex that! It was one of the things that confirmed my belief that Alex's eyes were lie detectors. Was I really just hearing things again? I didn't know what to think.
"He's lying, Karma. You did hear him say that. He's just...manipulating you," Alex spoke up weakly, before letting out a scream of pain.
"That's quite enough from you, boy," my uncle growled, before appearing in front of the both of us. Despite the rain having stopped, he held an umbrella over his head and glared at the both of us. I took a step back in fear, and felt Alex's grip on my sleeves tighten.
"Come on, Seiko. Don't let a liar rule your judgment," my uncle told me, casting a glare at Alex, who was still trembling. Though, my conflicted feelings were gone now. I was beginning to make conclusions already with every action my uncle has made. He's wanting me to let a liar rule my judgment.
"You're right, I shouldn't let a liar rule my judgment," I spoke, to which a small smile came to my uncle's face. "Therefore, you can eat shit! I'm not falling for your dumb attempts to trick me anymore! Nor do I want to help you in your attempts to-"
In nearly a split second, I felt something rope-like wrap around my throat and tighten. Instantly, I dropped Alex and clawed at my throat, not feeling anything but my own skin. I choked and gasped for air, getting none in return. I was beyond being frightened now.
"Somehow I knew you would rebel at one point or another. It was unavoidable that someone would manipulate you like this," my uncle sighed, his snake lines tightening around my throat. I coughed once more, wishing for him to stop. "Anyways, perhaps I should get on with our plan."
"What...plan?" I heard Alex croak. A smile came to my uncle's face as I still struggled for air. God, could one of those miracles interfere with this, please!?
"Well, I'm sure you'll pleased, Alexian. I've finally taken up your deal," he smiled, his eyes reminding me of a snake's, "We're going to pay a little visit to the President."
I watched as Alex's eyes widened, then saw my uncle's eyes turn to me.
"Oh, so sorry, Seiko. I forgot how easily my snakes rebel from my order," he said, before releasing me. I gasped and coughed, finally receiving air once again. Though, my neck hurt like hell.
"I'm expecting you both to be ready by tomorrow night. Don't mess this up," my uncle told us, before retreating to the alley and disappearing from our sight. Both Alex and I looked at each other, both of us looking panicked.
"Are you alright?" the master of psion asked, rising to his feet and helping me up. I nodded.
"Yeah, are you?" I asked in return.
"I'm fine. Just, he was strangling you. I just wanted to make sure he didn't break your neck or anything," he answered. I sighed.
"Dude, you were coughing up blood. I was afraid he tore open one of your organs," I replied. Alex waved it off.
"You don't need to worry about that. A broken neck is way worse, okay?" he told me, "Besides, I was actually scared that he was going to kill you for talking like that."
It was then that the rain resumed and I started seeing people once again. Though, they didn't look concerned one bit. My uncle must have sent them all away with the powers. I sighed once again.
"I see what you meant now about my uncle," I told Alex, walking away from the alleyway. He followed me in an instant.
"It's what I've been meaning to tell you for a long time. I was just surprised you didn't pick it up yourself," the master of psion admitted, "The way he's been acting is so odd."
"I was blinded by the want for revenge," I confessed, "Now I'm stuck in a hole."
"I can understand that, considering your overall attitude," Alex said, "Besides, I was the same way before."
A period of silence lasted between us before I chose to speak. "How do you think we'll get out of this?"
"That's the thing," the master of psion sighed, "I don't think we can. It's easy for Clouse to kill us if we run. He's gotten himself permanently linked to my mind. We just have to deal with this for now."
"What do you think he's gonna do when we meet the President then?" I asked. Alex hesitated.
"I'm afraid to know."
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