Ready for that emotional stupidity?! Yep... the fluff has ceased... for the time being, at least. Now... ON WITH THE PLOT! We're FINALLY getting somewhere, people. This chapter is the answers. Zander's story. Claire's story. And, perhaps, the villain? I don't know, really. Congrats to those who've been supporting since day one, and are STILL putting up with my antics.
Chapter 25
Claire's POV
It's a weird feeling, really. I know what my life has been like. I've experienced it all. Yet, sometimes, I get this sensation... it jolts throughout my body, haunting me. Much like the rain, which plummets from the sky, weighing me down, until I'm forced to see it a certain way. A way of beauty. Except... now it's deceit.
Sometimes I think that my life is a lie.
No one understands, though. Not even Lloyd. The emptiness is something only I can sense. I know that something is wrong. That something isn't what it seems. And with the arrival of my nightmares, replaying that moment at the tree, I'm certain that who I've been looking for will be able to help me. To tell me the truth.
I thought maybe if I could find him, I'd be able to remember. But, for three months, his location has remained a mystery. It was an impossible search, anyways. I was thinking of just giving up. To see my life the way everyone wants me to see it. Not as a lie, but as a blessing. To look at the moments ahead, instead of those behind.
And, I was going to. After that interview, I realized that maybe Lloyd was right. My past doesn't matter. What matters now is finding a way to be with my family... forever.
Despite this, I don't have it in me to give up quite yet.. Because, I think- no... I know that I'm looking right at the very person who saved me three months ago on that roof. Even from several blocks down the street, I can't mistake the non-empty feeling I get when I see his eyes.
"Claire?" The familiar warmth of my boyfriend's voice sounds. However, this time, something's off about what I hear. His voice is quavering. Scared, possibly. By now I've picked up on the fact that Lloyd really doesn't want me to find this guy. Though I never knew why...
And, honestly, I don't care in the slightest. Lloyd isn't in charge of anything in my life. He's only a key part of it. A mere influence on the decisions I make. Not the controller of them.
So, I ignore his obvious plea, and run down the street, nearing the exact person who I've wanted to see for months now. That feeling gets bigger the closer I get, and I'm determined to keep it there. I refuse to feel empty inside again. Now is the moment I finally get the truth.
That is until something jerks me back.
The harsh grip on my wrist not only frightens me, but also brings back some bad memories. The same ones of Lloyd. The one who wasn't really my Lloyd. And, for some reason, this feels the same. Like the person who's holding me is not the same one that I know and love. Despite all that we've been through together, something's been off. And, now I know what it is.
Lloyd's been lying to me. I knew it from the moment that he did everything in is power to keep me from continuing my search. I knew it from the very first moment where he became angry at the mention of my mysterious protector. I knew it especially from our first fight about this topic.
He's not only been keeping a secret from me, but he's been lying about it.
I wonder what else is being kept from me.
"Let. Me. Go." I nearly yell. Yet, somehow, I manage to control my anger, instead, pressing the words into a cold, harsh sentence.
Lloyd, however, doesn't listen. "Trust me when I say this, Claire. Don't go through with it. You won't like the outcome..."
"Who are you to decide that, Lloyd?" I hiss, pulling my wrist down. He stumbles forward a bit, but his grip is still firm.
"I-I just know. I want the best for you, that's all. This guy," He points down the street, "He won't bring you what you deserve. I can, though. Just- Just stay with me, okay?"
Just stay with me...
So that's what this is. I resist the urge to laugh. This isn't about giving me what I deserve. This is about him.
"You're doing this... so I don't leave you?! And- And you want to tell me that I won't like the outcome!"
Lloyd grows paler, tightening his grip as I start to yell.
"Claire, just calm down. We can talk about this when we get back to the Bounty..."
I want to slap him. I really, really want to. Because Lloyd actually thinks that I'm going to listen to whatever he says. That because I love him, his words have power over me. That he can do whatever he wants with my life and say that it's for my benefit. That it's because he loves me.
Mabe my life has been a lie.
"Alright. We can talk about this. You can tell me what this is all about. And you'll give me the truth. Right? Who this guy is. Why you're keeping him from me. And so forth..."
The look on his face tells me that I'm incorrect. Very incorrect. That his version of 'we can talk about this' is to sit me down, kiss my cheek, and to say 'I love you'. To not even mention what I really want to hear.
"That's what I thought." I say as he doesn't reply. Instead his eyes are lowered, not daring to go anywhere near mine.
At least he has the decency to be ashamed. To regret his choices.
His hand is still wrapped tightly around my wrist, but, I'm able to turn and see a little of what going on. The mysterious boy is fighting a Skulkin warrior. And, by the looks of it, the fight isn't going well.
By the looks of it, he's hurt. Badly.
And, within moments, the skeleton has a knife in the air, ready to bring it down on him.
I can't sit here and watch, though. Someone might be keeping me away from the fight, but I'm not about to let this person lose. No matter who he really is.
Before I even know what I'm saying, out of my mouth comes one word. One that feels familiar and unfamiliar all at once. A name...
"ZANDER!" I yell, pulling Lloyd in an attempt to loosen his hold on me. To my fortune, it works. Both he and the boy look at me with wide eyes as I say the name, and I'm suddenly free.
I waste no time at all, running across the street, and using my spinjitzu to knock the skeleton away, striking a battle pose as soon as I'm done.
"Go back to wherever you came from..." I warn him, revealing the silver glow threatening to come at him.
The Skulkin stares at me in shock as he realizes that I'm the Silver Ninja, his enemy, destined to defeat him. And, luckily, he heeds my warning, running off without a second glance.
Once he does so, I find myself in a state of shock as well, staring at my hands.
What just happened?
A groan distracts me from my train of thought, and my attention soon finds itself on the boy.
Zander.
I kneel down at his side, looking over him. Whatever motivated him to get into that fight was obviously not enough. He's covered in dirt and cuts. And his eyes... they're tired. Scared. Alone... yet, for some reason, they bring me comfort.
All at once, as I meet his warm blue eyes, a series of memories floods through my vision.
And what I see takes my breath away.
He's always been there. He's always been my protector. He was at Wu's dojo once. Younger, obviously, but it was him. He's been in the shadows, telling me stories whenever I was sad. Being my friend when I needed him the most.
He was there when I ran away from Wu. He led me to a village. Guided me to the exact couple who took me in as their own. And, he never left. Whenever I needed him the most, he was there.
He's here now, too. Right in front of me.
"I can't believe it's really you..." I whisper, as his body goes limp.
Lloyd's POV
I knew I was screwed from the moment that she first started looking for him. And, from the moment that I first decided that she could never find him.
It was stupid of me, really. I should have just left the issue alone. Let her find him. To let her find out the truth. So, why didn't I?
I admit, I was a jerk. I didn't like the idea of her becoming obsessed with finding him. And, I admit, I was scared that she'd actually forgive him, despite everything terrible that he's done. Because, that's what Claire does. She forgives everyone that does wrong. Knowing this, I became greedy. I wanted her attention on me. I wanted all of her love.
The outcome: I'm screwed. I really am.
She won't even look at me. Instead she paces across the room. Arms folded, deep in thought.
I've only told one person the reason why I didn't want her to find Zander. And, that'd be Kai. At least, I only told him he was the assassin. No one really knows the brother part. So, Kai was freaking out too as soon as we all found Claire with Zander.
He tried to side with me, saying that we shouldn't let a stranger on the Bounty. Yet, everyone else agreed with Claire. They won't look at me either. Because, like Claire, they now know about my mistake. And, they're obviously on her side.
I get it. I made a jerk move. But, do my friends and girlfriend really need to make me feel like the villain here?
Apparently.
"I wonder what they're talking about..." Jay ventures.
When we brought Zander back to the Bounty, Wu was acting different. Extremely different. He had called my mom over, for some reason. And, as soon as Zander woke up, all three of them became fully indulged in a deep and serious conversation.
Now, the rest of us are tense. Whatever they're talking about in that room isn't good. I know it.
"Guess we'll have to find out..." Cole says, skeptically. He most likely doesn't trust Zander, like me. But, he hasn't said a word to me yet. I can pick up on the fact that he's a Claire supporter in this situation.
"Maybe Lloyd can tell us..." Nya, mumbles with a scowl.
Can someone, please, back me up?
At this, everyone turns to me, wearing the same expression as Nya. Except for Kai. He avoids my gaze.
I look away wishing, more than anything, that things can just go back to normal. Claire and I are happy. Everyone trusts me. Zander is nowhere in sight. Unfortunately, it's too late for that.
"Yeah, Lloyd." Jay huffs, "How bout you tell us what this is all about, huh? After all, we are a team, right?"
The way he says it makes me want to cry. These guys haven't sounded this hateful towards me since my younger 'troublesome' days. Even then, I didn't really care what they thought of me. Now, in just a matter of moments, they've gone from supporting me to shunning me.
What have I done?
"Look, guys. I know that I should've told you. You especially, Claire. But-"
At this moment, the door swings open and we're greeted with the sight of my mother. Her face is grave, and she looks at all of us with seriousness in her eyes.
Please don't let this be happening
"Claire..." She starts, placing a hand on my girlfriend's shoulder, "I think it's time that you find out the truth..."
She then gestures to all of us, opening the door wider. "I think it's time that you all learn the truth. This affects you, as a team."
Claire takes a deep breath, following after my mom. Reluctantly, the rest of us follow as well.
The dimly lit room offers a space of intenseness as we all spread out. On one side of the room, Wu sits, a small candle placed in front of him. Beside him sits Zander, eyes closed in concentration.
Without hesitation, Claire sits down in front of Wu, stealing a quick glance at Zander.
"Lloyd," my mother, who stands in the corner of the room, whispers, "You too."
With a deep breath, I do as she says, trying not to pay attention at how Claire flinches when I get so close. I fail, obviously.
"In order to reveal the truth, we must start at the beginning..." Wu says in a state of calmness.
"O-Of the prophecy?" Claire asks, looking between the both of them.
"No. Of you..." Wu meets her gaze with sorrow. "I'm afraid that I have been keeping this from you. For a... long time."
The look on her face pains me. Though, I'm sure it's hurting her more. "I-I don't understand..."
Now, Zander speaks up, surprising everyone.
"How did you know my name?" He asks, veering off topic. I nearly scowl.
"I... don't know." She replies. "I guess... it just came to me."
He shakes his head. "You weren't supposed to remember... but, now that you do... I have to explain everything. However, you have to prepare to listen. It might not make sense at first, but, you have to promise to accept the truth. No matter how painful it is."
She nods, with a hopeful look in her eyes.
Zander sighs at this.
"Do you know who I am? Do you remember... anything? Perhaps of your life before knowing Wu?"
"I-I... No. I can't remember. But... I know who you are."
He raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "Tell me."
"Y-You're my protector. Not just on the roof, but you've been with me for the whole of my life... In the shadows..."
Silence follows her statement, and suddenly I can't look anymore. I know what coming. So, I close my eyes, hoping for the best.
"Claire, I'm not your protector. Maybe I was, but, recently, I made a mistake. One that has affected you... I'm the assassin."
There it is. Finally, she knows. I expect her to lash out. To yell at him. To tell him to get out of her life, but she doesn't. She just locks her gaze on his, despite knowing the fact that he tried to kill her.
He continues. "Wu told you about your parents, not long ago, correct?"
She doesn't say anything, only exhales.
"He lied. Your parents didn't love you. And... they didn't love your siblings."
"Siblings?" Claire breathes.
"Yes. I suppose there was time that they accepted us... though, they soon found out that we weren't normal. Their fear twisted them. They became hateful... cruel. By the time that you were born, they couldn't stand us. And, sometimes that hate turned on you too. But, you were too young to understand that you did nothing wrong. Our parents never hated you for you."
"El and I, well, we couldn't take it anymore. We tried running away, but, instead, we came across someone. He claimed to be a sorcerer. And, he wanted to help us. So, we let him. For years, he became like our family, and we were prepared to do anything for him. He said that we could take our revenge. And, he said that we could rule Ninjago beside him..."
"All we had to do was eliminate the silver ninja."
His eyes land on Claire, who looks like she's about to cry. "You're my brother..."
Zander bows his head in shame. "I'm sorry, Claire. If I had known, when I made the promise that it would be you, I never would have gotten into this mess. But, I found out too late. You were hardly three when you rescued yourself from falling from a tree. I suppose you were lucky that I was there too. It was then that I accepted my mistake. I told him that I'd kill the silver ninja. However, I never wanted it to be you..."
"I made a promise that day. That you'd never die by my hand. That I'd try my hardest to save you from that prophecy. So, for the time being, I kept your power a secret. I even went as far as taking the blame for every incident that you caused. Our parents, and my Master, all thought that you were normal. And, it was worth it. Until Elvira found out. She told our Master. And, almost immediately, he wanted you gone."
"I don't even know what I was thinking. But, I said no. I said that there was another way. I told my Master that I'd take you to him. That he'd train you to be like us instead of the prophesized Silver Ninja." He laughs, coldly, moving his gaze to each and every one of us. "It was perfect, really. Though, how was I supposed to know that at the exact same night that I planned to take you away, our parents would discover those cursed powers." Zander covers his face with a hand, obviously trying to figure out how to word this all. Before I could get to you, Peter had taken you away. He left you in those woods to die. And they fled."
All of us stare at him, horrified of what he's saying. It's too much to comprehend, really. I can only imagine what Claire's thinking.
"I looked for you. And, finally, after about two full days, I did find you. You were asleep, mumbling, hungry, and scared. I realized, at that moment, that my Master would never treat you like the family you deserved. You needed someone who could love and care for you... and you needed to fulfill that prophecy. So, I led Wu to you, telling him exactly who you were. He agreed to take you in, to train you... and he also agreed to keep your past life a secret. Because, it pained me to think of seeing you on the battlefield, knowing I'd have to fight you. I didn't want you to feel that pain too... I didn't want you to hesitate. So, for your sake, I took away your true memories, forging fake ones with the use of my magic. And, before I knew it... I ran. I didn't want to see you ever again, knowing it'd hurt. I couldn't face you knowing that you couldn't remember me."
"Somehow, despite that, I never could stay away. Without my Master's consent, I'd often find a way to see you. Sometimes I'd visit you as a mere shadow. Other times I'd face you in person. But, you eventually got hit with that tomorrow's tea... and I had to come to terms with the prophecy. I stopped seeing you. Instead, I focused all of my attention on defeating you. I told myself that you were no longer the little girl that I loved in my youth. You were my enemy. I meant nothing to you."
"I became the perfect assassin. My Master's favorite. A fact in which he considered very deeply. He sent me to kill you. And I obeyed. I found your village, starting a fire in hopes that you'd be there. I guess, a part of me also hoped that I wouldn't have to kill you myself. The villagers ended up fleeing, and I realized that my plan didn't work. Instead, you made your way back to Wu. As much as it hurt me to do so, I set a fire in Ninjago city, knowing for sure that you'd be there to help... But, like the last time, I failed. He," The older boy gestures to me, "was able to rescue you. So, I took matters into my own hands, despite the promise I made to myself so long ago. I snuck into this place, and held a dagger over you... But...something happened." To my complete surprise, Zander's voice goes from a serious explanation to one of wonder. "When I saw you sleeping, I remembered my little sister. The one whom brought me the most joy in my entire life. I couldn't kill you. Instead, I grabbed you. And... well, you know the outcome..."
"I had returned to the Underworld, a place in which he took control of after their previous ruler disappeared, and my Master understood that you still meant something to me. He no longer had any need for me. He discarded me. I don't really know how long I was in the dark, but someone soon joined me in that cell. As you've probably guessed, that's how Lloyd knew me. He and I had made a deal... he'd help me out... but, I was never to see you again. I wanted to say no... I really did... but, I thought that you'd be happier with him then you'd ever be with me around. He convinced me that you'd hate me. That it was better to stay away. After I saved you from my sister that day, I held my end of the bargain. At least... until now..."
The room becomes dead silent as Zander finishes his story, all of us taking his words into consideration.
I, for one, have very mixed feelings. I refuse to feel bad for him. He might say that he still loves her like his sister, but I can't find myself to believe him. If it were true, he'd never have tried to kill her. He would have found a way back to her. He would have helped her.
No, it was me. I'm the one who comforted her when she was sad. Who made her feel loved. Not him. I'm the one who truly means it when I say I love her.
Apparently, she can't see that.
With tears falling down her face, she wraps him in a tight hug, crying harder.
"It's really you." She chokes, sobbing into his shoulder. "Y-You're really back... I-I just-"
I stare at what I'm seeing, wanting to cry myself. This is exactly what I never wanted to happen. I'm supposed to be the person she hugs. The shoulder she cries on. The one she forgives, despite the mistakes made. I'm supposed to be the one she looks up to. The person she's happy to see.
But, what I'm witnessing, says that things have changed.
It's him now. In just a matter of minutes... he's replaced me.
I honestly thought that I'd never feel this... brokenhearted... ever again. Yet, for the first time in months, I'm exactly where I was before. No, not in a cell. But, I have that same feeling. That I've lost her. Thanks to my stupid mistake... and I'm never going to get her back.
This is all his fault
Claire pulls away, giving him a small smile. He returns it.
"Claire, I'm sorry. None of this should have ever happened to you. I'm going to tell you now that for all this time, I've been trying to find a way to stop the prophecy. I never wanted to fight you.. And... I-I'm sorry."
"It's okay. What matters now is that you're okay, and you're here now." She gestures to all of us... "Hopefully, they can be your family too."
I close my eyes with a clenched fist at those words. Zander and I will never be family. He might be her brother... but, he's going to mess up at some point. When he does, I'll be there. And, hopefully, she'll see that I'm right.
Nya who has tears as well, nods. "A friend of Claire's is always a friend of ours."
One by one, my whole team agrees with our sister, including Kai, whom I previously thought was on my side. Until... it comes to me. But, I can't accept. I turn away, instead.
"Claire," Wu starts, alerting everyone, "As Zander mentioned before... you're true memories were taken away from you. But, now that you know who he is, and now that we know you will not hesitate, we are giving you an option."
He reveals a small vile. Inside are small silver wisps of smoke, swirling around the glass container.
Claire stares at it, an emotion of longing displayed on her face.
I start to feel uneasy.
"My memories..." She laughs, delicately taking the fragile vessel from him. "You kept them..."
"Indeed." Wu smiles. "We can give them back, if you wish, however, it's possible that this might be too much for you to handle. Are you sure that you want to remember this part of your life completely? You may not be the same person that you are..."
"I-I won't?" She asks, with a hint of fear in her voice
"She won't?" I say almost at the same time.
She glares at me. "You don't get a say in this, Lloyd."
I hold up my hands in defense. "I'm only concerned, Claire. I'm sure that none of us want you any differently."
"What I thought about you..." She mutters, returning to the topic at hand. I, however, find myself trying to recover from those words. They hurt. They really did.
"Actually," Zander says, exchanging a glance wit Wu, "Lloyd is a very important part of this decision."
"WHAT?" She yells, becoming angry, "You too! Why can't I just make my own decisions!"
"Claire..." Wu warns in an attempt to calm her down. "We are trying to help you..."
"But, don't you see? I don't need help. For once I want to do something without the influence of others."
Zander shakes his head. "I agree. But, we are only asking you to consider your relationship with him. If you come out of this with a completely different character it's very likely that you two won't be... how do I say it... fit for each other..."
Claire, despite Sensei's warning, looks like she's fuming. "Why, all of a sudden, does my relationship with him even matter?"
"Well-"
"And, who the heck even said that we're IN a relationship anymore!"
Just as I thought that this situation couldn't get any worse for me... it did. I stare at her in shock, taking into account everyone else's gasps. Even Sensei and my Mom looked surprised. Because, even though we've fought before, we've always been the couple that managed to push through it. To be happy regardless. We've never called it off before.
"What?" I ask, reaching my hand out to touch hers. However, she places both hands in her lap, looking away. "We- We're not?"
"How could you even call that a good relationship, Lloyd? You lied. And worse, you started thinking that you could make important decisions without me even knowing... You think I want to continue that? How am I supposed to know what you were lying about?"
"Nothing, I swear. Only that..."
Claire, ignoring me, stares at the wall in front of us, chin high in confidence. "I don't know why my relationship with him would matter, but I know my decision. And if I have to fight you to get that vile, I will. I want to remember. Whether or not the experiences I recall change me will most definitely not affect my choice."
Zander and Wu share one final look before a decision is made. They small glass vile containing everything from her childhood is given to her.
All of a sudden, a wave of fear washes over me as soon as I see her open it. And, before I can do anything, she inhales, falling to the ground.
As soon as she goes still, Zander places a hand on her cheek, whispering something, before supporting her weight on his.
"I'll show you where her room is..." Nya says with a kind smile.
Zander nods his appreciation, before stopping her. "Sorry I tied you up that night... I really didn't want to hurt any of you."
"No problem," She replies. "For the record, I think that you're going to make a great addition to the team, Zander."
"I am in agreement." Zane adds, helping Zander in carrying Claire to her room.
"Yeah," Jay laughs, "You can stay in our room. I'm sure Lloyd could give up his bed."
Cole inhales, nudging my arm, "I'm totally not in agreement with what you did, dude, but... that's gotta hurt."
Pretty soon he leaves as well.
As soon as everyone but Kai is gone, I'm about ready to let those tears out. But, I think it'd be best to wait for him to leave. I don't want anyone to know how much this is getting to me.
"I don't trust him..." I say, instead.
"Yeah..." He states, looking over at me, "But I think you got a bigger problem to worry about..."
"What? Claire?" I nearly burst into tears even when I mention her name. "I... I think I can make it up to her... somehow."
Kai shakes his head. "What I mean is... like it or not... she has a brother now. And if you don't get his approval, well, I'd say your goodbyes."
With that, Kai walks away, leaving me alone with one thought.
I'm screwed.
YAY CHAPTER! Yeah, yeah, yeah. I left you off at a cliffhanger. But, you can't blame me. I had to end it somewhere! At least y'all got your explanation. Except for, well, the villain. Hehe... NOPE! He's waiting. It'll come. Or you can just ask the person who guessed it :D Anyways, I hope this chapter explained the basic background story. If not, let's just do a quick recap. Wu did in fact lie when he said Claire was loved by her parents. She was not. And neither were Zander an Elvira... one of the reasons why they were stupid enough to listen to 'the Master'. Ans, well, if you didn't catch it, Zander was never really quite on board. His main concern was protecting Claire. Yet, eventually he had to let her go, handing her over to Wu, and completing his training as an assassin. Complicated? Yup! Just the way I like it... I'm sure once we get farther into the story it'll all make complete sense. What matter now, according to Claire, is he's here! He's loved by a true family! Except, Lloyd's kind of... in a quiet rage right now. But, he's right. Until he and Zander get along, Claire's not gonna even consider giving him another chance. Or not! We'll have to wait and see. Needless to say, things are getting interesting. Now, after the explaining, we're going to get a look at the master's plan. Because, exactly what is his goal?
Okay, we've got a new support squad member! Thanks to animeXvampirefreak3000 for favoriting! I really do appreciate it XD And, for our review squad, we have EnergyBlast Diamond, BedazzleDewdrops, and Llyodenia... Thanks for the continuous support!
EB: Yay! I took the name suggestion! And, I've never felt better XD I'm sad to say that the fluff you read last chapter... is not here anymore. Lloyd and Claire are once again having their issues. Yes, I would like to describe them as flirty. Only because I'm slowly trying to transform Lloyd into his newer season eight self. This Lloyd, does not seem so pure and innocent. I imagine him as a flirty type. So, yeah. They were quite comfortable with each other, finding it easy, and funny, to gross their friends out. Hope you likey XD
BedazzleDewdrops: Honestly, that was my favorite chapter to write. Because you're right. The roasting was fun. For me, I wanted to make the time skip not so obvious. So, instead of Lloyd or Claire saying 'oh, it's been three months since this happened' I decided to show the relationship that Claire has developed with her team. The easiest way to do that was for them to recall some mission of sorts. And, I threw in some humor to make our loveable guys even more loveable. They're just too funny. And, even Claire has to agree. And, yep! Cliffhanger! I totally went there.
Llyodenia: Ouch. That was like... a stab to the heart. I gotta say that it's even worse than Lloyd's pain right now XD What do you mean you hate me! The cliff-thingy wasn't even that bad! I could have done worse! *Evil grin* you know what? Just to annoy you, I'll make an even worse one later on! Mark my words... and no... I no kill nobody! You are forgiven, my friend. Is da new chapter better? Let me know XD
Kay, guys, before I release you, I had an idea. I'm making a collection of quotes (you will find out the reason later) and I need you guys to find some meaningful ones right here in Destiny's Heart. Again, there is a reason for me doing so, and I'm hoping you guys can help me out. So, please, if you want to, take a look at previous chapters and give me some words that you think stand out. If you could do that, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks!
~Rain