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Chapter 36
Claire's POV
My name is Claire Wilson...
I am the Silver Ninja...
With my sword...
And my intellect...
I am the most powerful being in the universe...
It's not WORKING!
Say it again!
My name is Claire Wilson
I am the Silver Ninja
With my sword
And my intellect
I am the most powerful being in the universe
But why does it feel so wrong?
AURA! I CANT BREATHE!
Aura can't answer. Aura won't answer. Aura's gone. She's disappeared. I'm all alone.
And I'm about to drown.
Everything in me wants to rise to the surface. The glint of the moon reflecting through the water is its own entity, trying to pull me upwards. I can't stay in the water anymore.
But my legs won't move. My mind can't comprehend what's beyond the light.
Figures. Standing above the dock.
It's a game. If I move, they see me. If they see me, they shoot me. If they shoot me... game over. For everyone.
I hold on to any bit of oxygen I can find in my body, straining to stay suspended under the surface. Right now, the water is safe.
But, my mind is screaming. Dreams upon dreams pile into a big mess I can't sort through. The water. I've died more than once to the water. I'm a small, worthless, creature, taken by death just as easily as anyone else. Am I really powerful?
GO UP! NEED AIR! NOW!
Can't.
My body is failing. I need air.
My eyes are burning. I need light.
My limbs are throbbing. I need rest.
And my arm. First Spinjitzu Master. I've never felt pain in my arm like this before. The salt of my tears and the muffled screams mix with the water in a perfect blend of danger with each painful throb that pulses through my arm.
As another wave of searing pain hits my left arm, I bite my lip, focusing all of my energy into closing my eyes. I can't lose any more. Not now. Just think.
Lloyd. Where's Lloyd?
Just think.
I'm fine. It's going to be fine. He's fine. They're all fine. Zander's okay. Seliel's okay.
Just think some more.
The sky. What color was it? Deep purple. Not even black. It was beautiful.
Think, think, think.
The constellation that I showed him. It's perfectly clear in the contrast of the moon.
I think.
Were we training last Thursday? Feels like a lifetime has passed...
You think.
Why? Why me? Is this what you wanted? Because it's not where I wanted to go.
We think...
My eyes snap open.
And suddenly, I'm choking on the air, breathing in the medicine of the night. The water is cold. But the moon is a blanket of reassurance.
After coughing out as much water as I can, I pull myself to the platform above my head, struggling to climb up. I'm shaking uncontrollably, tied between an invisible injury and fighting for warmth. Every inch of further elevation is a gunshot right through my chest.
Pop. Pop. Pop.
That's what they sounded like. Right?
I don't know.
It was all so... sudden...
With a blinding light. That was him... and he pushed me away. I made it out? How? Why?
A new resolve pushes me to reach farther. I can't let a sacrifice go in vain. I'm doing this.
Another stab to the arm. I can't help it.
I scream.
A pure... painful... loud... agonizing scream, with nothing to hold it back.
Following are flashing lights.
FRICK! Someone heard me.
I bite my lip again, hoping to keep my groans to myself. The timing of the pain in my arm was extremely unfortunate. I did not have enough time to hoist myself up properly.
And it's too late to slip back into the water. I can't risk being heard anymore than I already have.
So, I use any upper strength I can muster, trying to stay hanging in this position a while longer. They have to go eventually.
Winter's harsh breeze glides past my skin. I wonder what would happen if I just let it wrap around me. The chill of the thought sends shivers throughout my body.
Eventually.
I'm sweating out of fear. Funny.
Eventually.
"WHAT in NINJAGO'S NAME was THAT?!"
First Spinjitzu Master, I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANYMORE! Must... move...
I adjust my position, making so more of my weight is depending on my right arm, and groaning as another throb hits me. Tears force themselves out of my tired eyes. More screams threaten to follow. But my mouth is glued shut. Silence is my only safety.
"We didn't hear anything, miss... we just checked..."
I can't see them. Before everything went wrong- before the explosions I had timed- Jay has successfully shut off the power. They were alarmed within moments, and the teams were nearly able to sneak in right under their noses...
But they didn't. I don't understand why. It's like they had... help...
"Well, check again!" Miss yells. I wince internally, knowing exactly who that is. "She's the last one Mallock needs, and unless you want to end up dead like the other elementals, I suggest you FIND HER!"
Mallock...
Dead...
My chest rises and falls faster than it should at this point, and my arms shake, reflecting my exhaustion.
I just want to go home. Fall asleep watching movies with Nya. And Skylor. And have food fights with Jay, Kai, and Cole. And cook with Zane. I want to wrap Wu in a hug and tell him he was right. That this wasn't my time. That I shouldn't have ever thought I was ready for a task clearly made for someone else.
And Lloyd... there's a million more things I want to tell him.
AURA! AURA PLEASE!
"There's no need to yell," Someone completely new says. Such a quiet and mysterious voice. The amount of unnerving feels I get from it is enough to make me freeze completely.
Does Elvira have a new partner? To replace Zander?
And then another thought...
Was he talking about me?
Can sorcerer's do that? Can they hear thoughts? Can he hear ME?! Right now? Does he even have magic? Is that voice the last thing I'm going to hear?
He's going to kill me...
"And you should stop making empty threats," He continues, "The Elemental Masters are under protection. Mallock wants to do his job properly, and, no amount of killing will be involved. We are simply looking for the information we need..."
"Watch your tongue." Elvira spits. "I'm in charge. Not you."
"On the contrary. The Master is. And his order is that both of us direct the workers."
"I hate you," She hisses under her breath. "I can't wait until Mallock finally kicks you out... you shouldn't even be here..."
"Don't get your hopes up. We find her, we make a deal, and whether or not she cooperates determines if I stay..."
"So not long then..."
Their footsteps come closer as they pace themselves. They wouldn't try to look over the ledge would they? They obviously can't see my hands, thanks to the lack of light, but, I have no doubt they would be able to recognize my complete figure if they came any closer...
I hold my breath, hoping that can strengthen my limbs.
"She's not stupid," The newer one says in that eerie voice. He sounds so sure of it, like he actually knows me. That thought sickens me. Maybe he's always been there... watching me... "Once The Master offers her the chance to live, she'll trust he'll know what he's doing. His plan will work. She need only see the solution."
Both come to a stop. I cradle my head in my arm. If I'm smaller they won't see me. That doesn't stop the agonizing pain in my muscles. I should have been exercising a bit more before I came.
"And if the little brat doesn't? Admit it... she's too arrogant. She'll fight to the last breath in the most stupid way possible."
No breath to waste on that burning truth. Breath to waste on keeping myself suspended.
"I am positive she will do anything for not only her family's sake, but for her own as well."
My left arm fails completely. As I slip, nearly dropping into the water, I manage to catch myself with my other arm, whimpering as the sudden movement agitates my aching limbs.
"What is it?" My sister asks, voice cold. I silently hope to The First Spinjitzu Master that she didn't hear me.
"The Green Ninja..."
"What?"
"He was shot..."
Shot?
"Serves him right..."
No...
"Those were not the orders, Elvira! Mallock wanted him unharmed!"
Their raised voices do well with intimidation. The rage in the new apprentice's deep voice burns through my head, threatening every movement.
"I did him a favor. The Green one is more of a threat than her."
Someone paces forward, passing my position. Then more footsteps follow.
"Where are you going?!"
"Getting him before the Elemental Masters do something stupid!"
Elvira growls as his footsteps sound from farther away.
"SURE! I'll find her myself!"
Prolonged silence, filled with sudden agony. My eyes close harder as I brace myself for the inevitable impact with the frigid water, just barely visible in the moon's light.
"AAAHHH I HATE YOU, YOU KNOW THAT?!" She screams, as loud as she can, imitating her youthful self. I remember that voice. The one that probably makes the whole planet wince.
She kicks something and sends it hurling into the water, causing me to jerk in order to dodge it. It narrowly misses me, plopping below the surface, already long forgotten.
"Find her myself," She grumbles sourly, kicking something else. It sounds like a bin this time. "I'll show him how to do something right. And then he'll be back in the streets where he belongs..."
My fingers start to slip... The water is right at my feet.
Just a few more... moments...
And, right at the perfect moment, my savior arrives.
An alarm, sounding throughout the whole building, draws my sister's attention away just long enough for me to get another good grip on the ledge. And, as she runs off, curious as to who triggered the wailing, flashing lights, I heave myself onto the solid, cement surface, catching my breath for a few dangerous seconds.
But, I know it's a long shot that this area will remain empty for long.
So, without even a full recovery, I run...
I run right to the wall, ignoring the heaviness of my panting as I begin to climb. My fingers are still completely numb as I do so, but, the adrenaline the alarms provide me is enough to enforce a strong grip on the cold stone walls of the factory.
As I get higher and higher, I get faster and faster. Now, it's not the sound that gives me strength: it's the reminder of my friends.
Kai... Cole...
I lift another arm
Jay... Zane
I grip another ledge
Nya...
My figure is hoisted up farther as I concentrate all of my strength into getting higher.
Lloyd...
I come to a full stop, staring at the bricks in front of me.
Why am I here?
I turn myself around, being careful not to fall. And looking down, I tighten my grip.
First Spinjitzu Master... I'm so high.
How far did I climb?
And... why am I here?
What happened?
Lloyd was just... he was right there. Right in front of me. And then he ran out. And he was gone.
I look at the ground, so far below me.
I can't do this. I'm so stupid... why didn't I fight? Why was I hiding? Why am I running? What's the point...
Should I jump?
I can see it. Jumping. Right here right now. Falling, stories upon stories, with no one to catch me. I don't have to be here. I could be somewhere else. I could leave all this behind.
Lloyd...
No. He wouldn't want me to. If he were here right now, he'd carry me the rest of the way up, if only to stop me from following that thought.
He's hurt. He's lost. He's confused. It's my fault. I have to help him.
Lloyd...
And this is what scares me.
"Up there! I see her!"
Right below me, are no more than eight men, one with an arm stretched to the sky...
Pointing right at me.
I don't even have time to panic before something flies right past my head, engraving itself on the wall.
By the metallic glow in the moonlight, I know for certain that it isn't good.
As swiftly as I can, I try to turn myself around, with my back to my attackers, holding the wall for dear life as I start to climb again. Another bullet on my left. Then my right. Two more on my left.
My jaw sets as I realize how close they're getting now. Too close for comfort.
"IDIOTS! SHOOT HER!"
Another frick. How long will it take me to get captured now that she's seen me? Not long...
Whatever ledge is supporting my foot suddenly breaks, and I yelp as, once again, I'm hanging on by a thread, using my arms to support my full body.
I whimper a bit, as I struggle to pull my feet up to another good ledge. But, as another bullet flies past my leg... I cry out in agony...
It didn't fly past.
It hit me...
I'm bleeding.
No no no no no no... I'm bleeding. I'm bleeding. I'm bleeding. I'm bleeding. I'm bleeding. I'm bleeding...
It's coming from my leg. I'm bleeding. I'm bleeding...
I can't stand the smell- the disgusting, sick, smell of metal- nor can I take the pain. My vision starts to fade, making the distance between me and the ground a massive blur. I can feel my hands slipping, my eyes starting to give way to the pain's fight, my entire body beginning to fall into unconsciousness...
I already lost.
But... my fall is painless. I feel no air rushing past me as I drop. I can't even hear any voices.
Am I already gone?
Was that tiny bullet really what took me out?
Are all my friends doomed?
What about Ninjago?
… Was that the prophecy?
My eyes snap open once again, and I gasp harshly, trying to take in as much breath as I can.
When I do so, I realize I'm not where I was. I'm not hanging on to that ledge. The water that had previously soaked my silver gi is... gone. There is no yelling. Only... the sky.
I'm lying on my back, staring at the sky like I had been before this whole mess started. Maybe that's where it all went wrong. The sky is still unfamiliar. Should that have been a sign that this shouldn't have been done?
"Claire..." Someone says.
Tired, still, from the pain that I can now feel in my leg, I turn my head, finding someone else beside me...
"Seliel..." I say, recognizing the pink and aqua hair of this girl who I had only just started a friendship with. She sits on her knees, resting her hands gently at her side. Next to her is her helmet, marking her identity as the Phantom Ninja...
"Thank the universe you're okay..." She starts as I try to sit up. Her hand now supports my back as I do so, and slowly guides me into an upright position.
"How did you... why are you... where... what? I don't..."
"They captured me while I was placing the explosions on our end... but... I got away. And I've been watching this entire time. Claire... it was all so awful. I wanted so badly to tell them that they were in danger... but... then I got so scared, I couldn't get caught so I stayed where I was and then I went to the roof, but you were just hanging there, about to fall, I knew I had to save you, and you've been asleep for a good while now and I don't know what to do because any moment they're going to figure out that we're up here and they're going to take us away and I'll never get to see my dad again and, and, and-"
"We're screwed... I know..."
She doesn't even need to argue.
"Claire... what should we do?"
I look down at my leg. The fabric of my gi is soaked in a thick and dark liquid, creating a pool around my foot. And the flow isn't stopping anytime soon. I know that much.
"Lloyd." I say, eyeing her. "I need Lloyd..."
"But..."
"I can't do anything while I'm injured, Seliel. I have an idea to fix this... But I need Lloyd. He's... he did it once before. Maybe... I don't know... maybe he can do it again."
"But I don't know where he is. All of the elemental masters were taken somewhere. I have no clue where that would be... and to get in there..."
"No." I interrupt her, holding up a hand. She stops ranting immediately. "Someone went down to take Lloyd away. He was injured too. If we get in there now, we might be able to get him back and help..."
"And how are we going to do that?"
Hmmm...
Aura... now would be a really good time for you to help out a bit... I need you...
Aura's no use. I have to figure this out myself.
I examine my gi once again, looking back at Seliel in order to study her costume further... and my discovery gives me an idea.
"Hey..." I grin, as a plan forms in my head. "You're basically my size, aren't you?"
They found the Silver ninja.
They haul her indoors.
But they don't care about me. The Phantom Ninja.
I smirk as I peek down below at the entrance being opened in order for Seliel, disguised as myself, to be taken away. And, as soon as they disappear, I take my chance to swoop in behind them, being careful not to use my right foot. I rest in a corner by the door, covered completely in shadow, just only to catch my breath. Before long, I'm hobbling along the wall, watching Seliel, and the men supporting her, travel farther away. I can only hope that they won't hurt her when they see she isn't me. And I hope when they discover her, I've already gotten to Lloyd.
Good luck, her last words for me ring throughout my mind, haunting the very fact that luck won't be able to save me if something goes wrong. Still... I should have faith in her ability. And in my own. We can do this.
Maybe.
I think.
Today is not a good day for me.
I keep my task in mind, picturing Lloyd, exactly the way I saw him last. Worry was scribbled over his entire expression. But I feel like I might have seen something in his eyes. I'd like to see it again. Maybe just one more time.
Yet, despite my longing to see him, I still take my time. I am far from being able to walk on my right leg, and, if I fall, trip, or do anything of the sort, there's no way I'll be able to get up in time. Not before someone either sees me or hears me.
The factory itself is quite large, consisting of many machinery areas and hallways. It's positioned in the middle of nowhere probably to reduce pollution in nearby towns. But, maybe also because they're hiding something. And hiding something they are. From what I've seen, these employees don't seem like the everyday citizen. They look like... criminals.
A crime ring. And this business is involved. We'll have to look into that...
The corridors of the building are confining, and pitch black, a result of no power. It takes a while to get used to walking along the wall with no way to see. I can't hear a thing either... Just the hum of nearby machines, and the occasional steam from a pipe here and there.
Everything is still. Almost... abandoned.
I always liked the dark. But this is something else. There's a... disturbing whisper, perhaps, strapped to the dark. An eerie presence. Like I'm being watched.
I stop for a moment, regaining my bearings, with my own breath acting as the sound that keeps me grounded. I listen for a moment, hearing nothing, before squeezing my eyes shut. And I stand like that. Propped against the wall just trying to see without seeing.
And then it's there.
In the distance, a cry, begging for her to come. He thrashes, kicking to get away from a stronger grip.
I don't have to know anymore to tell that it's Lloyd. And the thought of him being alive- being near- makes my heart soar...
I stagger along faster, sheer determination acting as my only will to do so and stop as soon as I make it to a bigger section of the hallway, with high walls leading up to a massive sky roof, and several other corridors branching off from it. Above me, conveyor belts work, and, several sparks fly from machinery. I look around, trying to find the source of the commotion I heard earlier, only to see that this room isn't empty.
Noticing the presence of other workers, I duck behind a crate, propping out my injured leg. As I do so, I wince as the area around the wound burns with a flaring pain. Steam from a broken pipe suddenly brushes across my face, causing me to cough a bit.
"Ey, what's th' order for t'day, Maurice?" A slightly familiar voice sounds. A shiver goes down my spine as the voice clicks to a name in my head. Lift. The one who shot Lloyd.
"Noth'n much." His coworker responds "Or noth'n yous can handle."
"Ay you don' knows who ya talkin to. I caught th' Green un did ya hear?"
I listen in on the conversation I can hear, hoping some intel might be shared.
"N'one cares bout that catch, Lift." Maurice laughs. "The Apprentice wasn't happy with th' wound, ya know. Got me in a load'a trouble. Just told me himself, too. Wen' that way…"
I peek a bit, seeing Maurice pointing at a different hallway.
Bingo.
"An the missus?" Lift scoffs. "I could tell she was quite satisfied."
"Ah get back ta work, ya hear? Cap says th' Silver un's on 'er way to th' Master."
"Thas bogus. What's 'e got anyways? To make ev'ryun scared of 'im."
"Yous askins a lot a questions ta get ya in trouble, Lift. 'e's got magic, I hear. Nearly killed th' missus when she didn't lis'en. Could happ'n to us too is ya don' keep yous mouth shut…"
Lift grumbles something unintelligible, stomping in the direction that Maurice had mentioned earlier. Seeing that Maurice's attention is elsewhere now, I make my move, darting as fast as I can to catch up with Lift. With my right foot slightly elevated and avoiding the ground, it takes much longer to get across than I would like. However, everyone is either stupid or just has terrible vision, because I make it across without being seen. And thank the First Spinjitzu Master.
As silently as I can possibly be, I follow Lift, letting him be my guide in the dark. By now, he's had the sense to pull out a flashlight, and has only kept it fixed in front of him. He grumbles the whole way, about who knows what, and, luckily, whatever noise I do make is covered up by his stupidity.
Eventually we clear out into a larger room than before with people going in every direction possible. It takes me a while, but, past Lift, my heart beats faster once again at the sight of two people in the distance. And there's no mistaking one of them for Lloyd.
How in the name of Spinjitzu can I get over there without being seen?
Maybe…
Looking at Lloyd's retreating figure once again. I feel several emotions build up inside of me. Turmoil, guilt, anger… and I channel it into something else. I've done this before, never intentionally, however, I think it will work. Even I don't know the limits of my powers, but, I know that they're far stronger than I've been led to believe.
What are you doing! Someone screams in the back of my mind.
My concentration doesn't falter, even as I am surprised that Aura has showed up.
I… don't know. But I need to get across and I think this might work.
Let me do it. You're not experienced-
I have to try it. I've felt a connection to shadows before… maybe this is it…
But-
Annoyed at her arguing, I close my eyes tighter, pushing her away while I continue to experiment with my powers. I can hear her screaming at me to let her out, but, she's the last thing on my mind right about now. I can deal with her later.
And, as I finally open my eyes… it's there…
The eerie black glow in my hands has replaced the familiar silver, and I smile as I realize that I finally did it. I don't know what it is, but it makes me feel… powerful.
I focus some more, letting the feeling from my hands cover my entire body. Soon enough, I feel myself melt away entirely, becoming one with the shadows. Literally.
Aura! Are you seeing this! It's SO COOL!
Aura doesn't answer.
Fine. She can be moody if she wants to. Right now, I have another goal in mind.
I slip through the mass of people almost too easily, coming closer and closer to Lloyd and his captor.
"Claire!" Lloyd screams, trying to jerk away. "I'm COMING!"
"I said to stop it already! You're going to be fine." The apprentice grunts, dragging Lloyd along with him. "And she will be too, I promise!"
Lloyd continues to cry, however, struggling more and more to get away. Yet, as her moves his arm a bit, I see something. A white cloth, tied around tightly.
He really was shot…
We soon make it far enough away from the other room that I feel safe enough to pull out my dagger. If Lloyd gets hurt…
"I won't let you get her! LET GO OF ME!"
The Apprentice growls, deeply. "You're being stupid, Lloyd. I'm trying to save her! Isn't that what you want?!"
Save me… save me… save me from what? And why?
"Claire! I love you!"
I feel my stomach drop as he says that…
"What is wrong with you?! Snap out of it!"
The Heart's Desire. He doesn't know about it…
Out of nowhere, a yelp sounds, and Lloyd trips forward as the Apprentice curses something.
Did he… bite him?
Well… score one for Lloyd for doing something smart.
Knowing that my chance is now, I slip out of the hold of my powers and throw the dagger, right at the man who had been holding Lloyd. To my dismay, he swings out of the way just in time to doge it. And before I can comprehend what happened, he disappears, and is suddenly holding me from behind.
I try to kick him away, aiming for his knee, yet suffer the consequence as the pain returns to my leg.
He takes off my helmet, letting his hand cover my mouth as I let out a cry.
"You're injured…" He mumbles.
A tear escapes my from my eye as I shake my head, squirming in his bigger, stronger hold to get away.
"Calm down, I just want to see it…"
"No! Lloyd! Run!" I warn him, surprised to see him standing there with wide eyes. He stares right at me, tilting his head with curiosity.
"Claire?"
"RUN, Lloyd! He's going to KILL YOU!"
"Okay, now that's a bit excessive." The Apprentice remarks. "I may be working with your enemy, but that does not make me the enemy!"
I squirm some more, still rather unconvinced, and watching Lloyd take small steps towards us.
"I DON'T BELIEVE YOU! WHY go through ALL this TROUBLE to find the Elemental Masters if you aren't going to KILL US!" I grunt, thrashing harder and harder with each word.
"Let her go…" Lloyd warns, picking up the dagger I had thrown previously.
"Claire," The Apprentice starts, "You have to trust me. We are only looking for something. Something one of the Elemental Masters knows about. Mallock needs it for his own task, but, we can use it to save you from that Prophecy. He-" He grunts as I harshly step on his foot, but, regains himself to finish his statement. "He has an OFFER for you! You need to listen!"
Something? What can possibly save me from Destiny itself?
"Once we find the location, we will let everyone go! I promise…. No one gets hurt here…"
"Excuse me! I'm BLEEDING!" I scream, at the top of my lungs. To my satisfaction, I earn a wince. "Lloyd's bleeding! I have every right to want to TEAR YOU TO PIECES!"
"The Master will not be happy with the actions of Elvira, Silver Ninja. She will be punished, you have my word. As for you…" He lets me go, letting me topple to the floor. I huff, turning to face him, and wiping a stray, sweaty strand of my ginger hair out of my eyes. "I can help with that wound if you let me."
"Give me a reason to trust you…" I growl, staring him down. I look right into him, unable to find a single shred of emotion.
But it's when he reaches up to remove his hood. Then his mask.
And, even in the dark, I know those blue eyes too well.
"Zander…" I spit, trying to stand up. I end up tripping again, but he catches me. I push away from him, however, walking backwards towards Lloyd. "So he was right… you were out to betray us…"
Lloyd's hand firmly comforts mine. I resist the urge to fall into him, though. I'm too shocked to still see my brother dressed as one of them. The enemy!
"I can't believe you…" I start, becoming angry. Why? Why didn't anyone believe Lloyd who saw it all along! Zander's one of them! He's brought us all here! We had let him, a traitor, into our home! "We trusted you!"
"And only I know Mallock's power! The last time I had seen him, he was planning on destroying you! Just a while ago he told me about a new plan… and… Claire I only wanted the best for you… do you think I want you to die?"
No…
No… he doesn't want me to die…
He risked his own life just so he didn't have to kill me. He loves me… and I love him…
I can see the desperation in his eyes. I can feel his guilt for having gone back to his previous master. But the desire to have me trust him again rings out over everything…
Tearing my hand away from Lloyd's, I stumble over to Zander, and Throw myself onto him, wrapping him in a hug. He stiffens as I do so, not used to friendly kinds of physical contact, but soon lightens up and embraces me too.
"You're okay?" I ask, in disbelief. "They didn't hurt you?"
"Mallock's strict orders that no one is to be harmed… myself especially." He looks down to my leg, guiltily. "I can fix it for you…"
I pull away. "You've read my mind…"
But, he doesn't do anything. Just… continues to stare at me.
"He'll kill me… if I don't bring you back. If he finds that I'd seen you and didn't succeed in bringing you to him…"
I exhale, already having accepted that truth.
"I can't guarantee you'll be safe, actually," He admits, looking down in a silent defeat. "But, if he tries to hurts you… I won't stand around and watch it happen. I'll jump in if I have to…"
"The others…" I whimper. "If they already know… they'll never let you come back. You'll be stuck here… and… you'll be their enemy…"
Zander briefly nods. "I know…"
I shake my head. "Then come with us! Zander, if you help us get home, they won't mind a small betrayal, I'm sure. Just as long as you redeem yourself…"
"But then he'll continue with what he started… Claire… he's trying to make peace. He has a way for us to both get what we want without fighting… If you walk away, he'll see it as a threat, and he will kill you. Without a single thread of hesitation. You at least have to listen to his offer… please…"
From behind us, Lloyd coughs, drawing our attention away.
I look between both of them, knowing that I have to talk Lloyd into going as well, who seems a little too panicked. If I let him stay behind, he might do something stupid. And… I just want him there. Being separated again might be a little too much for me to handle.
Distacning myself from my brother, I walk over, wrapping Lloyd in a hug too.
"You saved my life" I start… "thank-"
And before I have the time to deny what he's doing… he kisses me. Not just a small peck on the cheek. Or on the lips. He kisses me with, from what I can tell, everything he has.
Yet, despite everything that's telling me to do otherwise, I decide to have a bit of a break, and let my guard down to return the gesture. The few moments that I do so feel positively… absolutely… blissful…
But it isn't him…
I break the kiss, pulling away to look into his green eyes.
"I know you're there. That was for you…" If he's confused, he hides it well. He only gazes into my own eyes, appearing lost. "You're going to come with us. We have to talk with whoever it is that's doing this. Mallock."
I already don't like him by the sound of his name.
Lloyd stays silent, only nodding his head in confirmation. And, I inhale, turning to face my brother again.
He stands awkwardly, looking at both of us oddly before fixing his eyes on Lloyd, in a distasteful manner.
"We're not… that…" I say, blushing a bit. Having done that in front of my brother is my biggest regret by far. Or maybe the fact that I didn't kiss the real boy that I love… "it's just… a plant that… made him fall in love with me…"
He coughs, nodding his head in "understanding". I promise myself that I'll tell him what he missed later.
"So…"
"I'll fix your leg," He confirms.
"And Lloyd's arm…"
He sighs. "And Lloyd's arm."
"Then…" My shoulders drop. "We meet him."
Mallock. The enemy. My enemy. The one who'll kill me someday. Who's been trying to kill me for who knows how long. I feel the regret starting to take over as I just think about being in the same room with him.
Zander places an arm around me, as if he knows exactly what I'm thinking, and leads me to a place we can sit.
"You'll be fine. You're the Silver Ninja…"
I am the Silver Ninja
I have my sword
I have my intellect
"And no one in the world is as powerful as me."
Fun fact: the majority of this was written in one day xD GUESS WHY! Because it's SUMMER! For me at least :D Sorry about the delay, guys. I assure you I am very much alive xD Finals just kinda crept up on me, and I was in a massive rush to study for everything. But, it's alright now ^.^ I am officially a Sophomore of Highschool. Can't believe I made it xD And, I owe you guys a massive thanks. Writing and seeing you guys love this story has kept me going not only on this site, but through school as well. The one thing I look forward to the most is coming home from a long day of school and sitting down to write :D So, thank you.
All that aside, updates on the poll. A LOT of you guys have messaged me or have voted for a "backstage fic". Just a recap on that one: it will be a fic composed of backstage one-shots. So, you can request any scenario with these characters and I will write you a one-shot. There will also be a Q&A at 200 reviews with me AND the characters, so, when I get that fic out, you guys can start asking stuff. Maybe also bloopers ^.^ I MAY or MAY NOT already have bloopers written out xD
Yeah xD That'll be fun.
Let's get down to business, shall we? Thanks to mse3200, Momochan19, legocameragirl, KaiIsAwesome, Fay the great, and Mother's Rosario for Favorting/Following. Your support, as always, really makes me smile :D More thanks to those who reviewed: LloydLuvr, EnergyBlastNinjaWriter, legocameragirl, and sunny. ^.^ You guys are all the best.
LloydLuvr: Naughty naughty xD Glad Zander isn't easily trusted. That's what I was going for. And have a little faith xD Lloyd, our injured child, will be restored soon enough. Aura? Oof. She's just a sweetheart with a really bad temper xD Like Kai. You'll love her soon enough. Maybe. Not. Claire's down a dark path indeed with HER around. Thanks once again for your entertaining review :D
EB: I mean, I make typos, but not THAT many xD You sir have a wild imagination. Like the idea that romance will grow xD You'll be pleased to find that they never EVER get back together, yeah? I sense peanut butter xD (Also: UUUUHHHHHHH xD)
legocameragirl: Once again, great job on your new AU :D Also, SHUCKS, you make me smile too much xD
sunny: Mmmmhhhmmm. Thanks, my friend :D
That's all for today ^.^ Enjoy your first chapter of the summer (my summer xD) and peace out!
~Rain