214
"You really can't understand them?"
Tobias was perched a little too close to the edge of the formation, his eyes wide as he stared off into the expanse of dragon territory. The large reptiles were flying in the skies, or sunbathing on the warm sands by the beach…with a few wingless varieties darting between trees in the beautiful dragon-made forests. Theo watched as well, always in awe at the majestic beasts. He, however, stood a few feet back from the cliff rather than being right at the edge of it.
"No one can, except the Dragon Master. And I guess Elemental Masters can talk with their Elemental Guardians, but even then, they can only talk with their own guardian."
The Ninjagoan Ambassador sagged in disappointment.
"Pity, I was really looking forward to being able to communicate with such large and impressive creatures."
Without warning, he let out a sound that sounded like someone stepped on a sniffer's tail, and Theo jumped at the crazy shrieking roar.
"Tobias, don't do that!"
The reprimand came from Cole, who was standing next to Wu a few yards away as they discussed various political things. Theodynn had visited the Dragons relatively often, but he didn't know much about their politics. All he knew was that it was far different than his own or Ninjago's. They were technically still wild creatures, after all, and they followed some kind of hierarchy. Theo didn't know the details, besides the fact that those with purer power were nearer the top while those with basic or no power formed what he called the "normal class" of dragons. Elemental power wasn't rare, per say, but pure elemental power was. From what he had learned from his father, only the Guardians and the Elemental Masters found in Ninjago held the purest form of each elemental power, and Wu was considered the head of the Dragons because he held the Golden Power of the Elders—which was basically all the purest elements combined.
He had tried to explain as much to Tobias, but the man had an incredibly short attention span and kept wandering off every time he caught sight of a new kind of dragon to watch.
"What kind of disturbances?"
Theo turned at his father's hushed question, his interest piqued. He wasn't sure what it was about adults lowering their voice, but it always made him want to listen harder to figure out what was going on. His father didn't seem to notice him listening in as Wu stroked his long beard.
"Nothing too out of the ordinary, just a feeling really. Unrest. Dragons fighting over things that they really don't need to be fighting over. A general sense of unease…"
"So…should we be worried?" Cole asked. "If you're bringing it up…"
"No. At least, I don't think so. I was only wondering if the dragons currently living in Oni territory have been acting up."
Cole paused in thought.
"No more than usual, though the occasional fire-breather does throw a bit of a fit if not treated with the utmost respect."
"Mmm…but that's normal, really."
"Prince Theo…."
Theo was snapped out of his eavesdropping as Tobias whispered to him from the corner of his mouth. Theo turned in irritation, not sure what the ambassador was doing.
"What?"
"The great yellow beast, on your four o-clock… DON'T LOOK!" Tobias snapped at him as Theo turned to look, and the teen froze. The ambassador continued softly. "He's been staring at us for the past three minutes. No blinking."
Theo resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Dragons blink less than we do, Tobias…"
"No. I mean, yes, I'm sure that's true…but I brought it up because while in the Ninjagoan wilderness, I became very apt at recognizing predatory stares. That beast has it out for us, I would be willing to bet my life!"
Theo wasn't sure what to say to that, and Tobias continued, tugging at his mustache.
"There was this one instance in which such a skill saved my left eye when I came into contact with a particularly vicious mongoose…"
Theo immediately sagged as Tobias launched into another long and confusing story, and the Heir turned slightly so he could hear his father and Wu's conversation once again.
"…styles have changed."
Cole laughed at whatever Wu just finished saying.
"Well, I'm sure they have. But Tobias is sort of his own style…I doubt that he represents the current Ninjagoan culture. In fact…I'm not sure he fits into any kind of culture…"
Theo was smirking to himself when Tobias screamed out unexpectedly.
"Prince Theo, look out!"
Suddenly Theo found himself thrown to the ground, and the Heir gasped in pain as his shoulder hit the hard stone. He was vaguely aware of his father yelling, and then a roar split the air. Suddenly, Tobias's weight disappeared from off of him. Theo whipped around to see the ambassador being lifted into the sky by a large, yellow-orange dragon.
"Tobias!" he yelled. For his part, the ambassador seemed more shocked than afraid, and he called something intelligible as the dragon carted him further away. Theo made it to his feet and turned to see that his father was next to him.
"Dad!"
But after seeing that Theo was ok, Cole immediately turned and gave a quick whistle. His Guardian flew over and Cole boarded it in a quick movement.
"Transport Home, Theo," he ordered before he and his guardian launched off in pursuit of the Ninjagoan ambassador.
Theo's heart was racing as he tried to reconcile what had just happened. A dragon had just made off with Tobias…but why? He remembered suddenly that Tobias had called his name; had the dragon gone to attack him?
He turned to find the Dragon Master looking concerned behind him. "Wu…what's happening?"
"I don't know." Without warning, the elderly dragon master launched himself off the edge of the formation. Theo gasped and ran to the edge just to see the Ultra-Dragon flying off in the direction that Tobias's captor had gone.
"Wait!" Theo called. Should he try and follow somehow? Or just transport home like his father had ordered, and hope that Wu and his father would manage to find Tobias?
He was trying to decide when he heard something behind him. He turned just as another dragon grabbed him around the middle and ripped him off the formation and into the sky.
Hershel caught himself scratching at the bandage again and forced himself to leave it alone. Tattoos always itched as they healed, which was arguably the worst part of having them. It felt strange having something permanent on his arm again. But he had wanted to replace the tattoo that connected him to Archtivus' line.
He forced himself to ignore the bandage around his wrist. He was headed towards the Order of Echo and Antirock once again. He could have gotten there in an instant, but he found that he missed walking from place to place. It was how he had traveled for years, and he smiled as he took a deep breath of the fresh air. He heard a dragon's roar in the distance, but he didn't worry too much about it. He was in Dragon Territory, after all; it made sense for them to be around. Not to mention, there wasn't much a dragon could do against him anymore.
He was enjoying the peacefulness of the day when he was suddenly aware of something odd. He paused, his power picking up on something unexpected, like a scent being carried on the wind. Fear.
Hershel immediately began scanning the area aurally, and he realized in surprise that he recognized the source. Eyes flashing once, he transported.
If Theodynn had been thinking, he could have just flashed home. But the shock of the moment filled his mind with fear and he struggled in the dragon's grip.
"Let…go!" he demanded, his eyes starting to blaze as he tried to fight back. He couldn't see much of the beast; it was a mottled green color, and not too large. But it seemed it was strong enough to make off with a teenage Oni. The dragon's grip tightened as he thrashed, and Theo found that it was becoming hard to breathe. A million thoughts raced through his mind.
Is it trying to kill me? Is this dragon in league with the one who took Tobias? Is this what Wu meant about disturbances? What does is want? Where's it taking me?
He managed another gasp of breath and his hands began blazing. His arms were pinned to his sides, but he must have managed to sear the dragon's flesh between claws because the beast roared. He had been hoping that it would release him, but instead the grip became impossibly tighter and Theo gagged as dots danced across his vision. Panic was blaring in his mind and making it hard to actually think of a solution…
The dragon jolted hard and let out a huge roar. Theo gasped as the claws inexplicably opened, and suddenly his mind informed him that he was in free-fall. Fear mixed with a numbing shock as he stared up at the sky, where a dragon was beating its wings frantically in an effort to snatch him up again. A blast of something struck the dragon hard, however, and it screeched again. Theo closed his eyes, waiting for his body to hit the earth.
Suddenly, he stopped moving.
His heart was pounding like crazy as he breathed in short gasps. He had been sure he would have hit the ground, but he had just…stopped. He opened his eyes, but everything was hazy around him. Must be his shock. Was he in shock?
"Theo."
He blinked at the familiar voice. As he went to turn, Theodynn realized that he wasn't frozen. He was just suspended in the air by some kind of pale mist. He managed to rotate until he could make out the figure standing a few feet away.
"Hershel?"
Before the pale healer could respond, there was another angry roar as the mottled dragon tried to make another dive. Hershel's eyes flicked back up to the beast and his eyes blazed white. Theo grunted as the mist around him evaporated, causing him to drop the final two feet or so to the ground. Then the Oni Heir watched in dumb shock as power surged around his teacher, lifting Hershel a few inches off the ground.
"What…."
The word escaped from Theo as Hershel suddenly released the power in a blinding blaze. The dragon's threatening roars suddenly turned to shrieks of pain, and Theo swallowed as he watched the power envelope the strange beast. Sufficiently cowed and wounded, the dragon gave one last roar before lunging away from the power and speedily flying off into the distance. For a moment, Theo wasn't sure if Hershel was going to let the beast leave, but the light finally faded from his eyes and Hershel touched back down to earth. He blinked a few times, as if trying to clear his mind, and then looked over at where Theo was still sitting on the ground.
"Are you alright?"
The teen blinked at the question. "Uhh….yes? Yeah…I'm good."
He pushed himself to his feet to prove it, but he was shaking hard. He grimaced, trying to get the trembling to stop. Hershel came over and began scanning him, as if looking for injuries.
"What did that dragon want with you?"
Theo didn't answer at first; having Hershel check him over took the Heir back to his childhood, when he and Amber used to go for regular check-ups.
"Theo?" Hershel was staring at him again with eyes that seemed to glow internally.
Theo jumped. "Oh, sorry. Um…I have no idea."
Hershel's brow furrowed and Theo quickly filled the healer in on what had happened on the formation.
"I don't know where my dad is. Or Wu…or Tobias. I mean, I hope they were able to find him."
He was still shaking, and he scowled. He was fine; it was just his stupid adrenaline that was making him look like he was in worse shape than he was. He realized that Hershel was holding his arm now, examining a long cut down the side of it. Theo vaguely remembered a stinging sensation as he fell from the dragon's grasp; no doubt from its sharp claws.
"I'm ok, Master Hershel," he assured again, but Hershel seemed lost in thought. Theo watched as the healer lit one hand with aura, and then cautiously brought it over to the cut. The Heir stiffened a little, not sure what the healer was doing. But Theo didn't really have any reason not to trust his old teacher, so he held still as Hershel laid his glowing hand on the cut. Theo had expected a burning, but instead the aura felt cool on his wounded skin. Suddenly, he wasn't even aware of the stinging anymore, and his eyes nearly popped out as Hershel pulled his hand back.
"It's…you…"
Hershel didn't seem as surprised by the miraculous healing. He rubbed his chin, lost in some thought. "It does work, then…" he murmured.
Theo rubbed his own hand across where the cut had been. He finally glanced up at Hershel. "I guess the Island really changed you, huh?"
Hershel winced at his words, and Theo immediately felt bad.
"I didn't mean that in a bad way…"
"Anything else hurt?" Hershel interrupted softly, and Theo shook his head.
"I'm fine, honest. Mainly because you were around. Seems you're always there to catch me when I fall off a dragon…"
Hershel looked confused, and Theo just smiled awkwardly.
"You remember when I was eight, and I was riding my father's Guardian on my way to rescue him? I fell off and you caught me."
"Oh yeah," Hershel murmured, as if just remembering. Theo scanned the Healer's distant expression.
"How did you know to save me?" he finally asked, and Hershel looked down at the pearly aura dancing around his hand. After a moment he closed his hand, the aura evaporating.
"Right place at the right time," he finally admitted with a smile. Theo returned it as he rubbed his hand.
"Well, I'm glad you were."
Something else occurred to him, however, and he frowned.
"What are you doing in the middle of dragon territory?"
Hershel opened his mouth to answer, but then he seemed to be battling with himself. After a moment Theo could see an idea forming in the healer's eyes.
"Why don't you come with me to see for yourself?"
"What is this place?"
Hershel couldn't help but smile at Theo's amazed tone. He also looked around as the village appeared around them, seemingly out of thin air.
"I discovered it a few weeks back," Hershel admitted. "A secret village that's been here since the days of the purge…"
"What?"
Theo looked at him in shock before turning to take in the unique village more fully. The Oni villagers paused in their work to look over. By now, they were less surprised when Hershel showed up, but now he had brought another stranger here. He could feel their curiosity and unease, and he couldn't help but feel a stir of concern himself. He knew that the villagers wouldn't be happy, and no doubt Iona would be furious.
"They look different."
He glanced back to see Theo staring at the villagers with a look of awe.
"So…generations of Oni have just lived here ever since the purge? And no one ever knew about them?"
"It seems like it," Hershel answered, gesturing for Theo to follow him. The heir did so, but he walked slowly as he tried to take everything in. He finally seemed to recognize that many of the villagers were looking at him distrustfully, however, because he was suddenly filled with apprehension.
"I'm not supposed to be here, am I?"
"No need to worry; I won't let them hurt you," Hershel assured, and Theo turned to give him an anxious look.
"Um…that wasn't really my concern…"
Hershel turned to give him a tight smile.
"I just meant that it's alright if you're here…I need your help with something."
"What kind of help?"
But before Hershel could answer, a brash voice called out.
"Oi! Bad enough you invited yourself here…how dare you bring someone else?!"
Theo jumped and Hershel looked over to see Blist marching up the stairs after them.
"Umm…" Theo started, as if to explain his presence, but Hershel cut him off.
"He's not going to hurt anything," he pointed out calmly. Blist just scoffed.
"I don't know where you freaks keep coming from, but Iona won't stand for this. In fact, I'm excited to watch her finally throw you out of here on your faces after wiping your brains blank…"
Hershel narrowed his eyes, unaffected by the woman's threats. But he felt a rush of fear from Theo. He turned to see that the youth had blanched, staring at Blist with wide eyes. Hershel grabbed Theo's arm to ground him.
"An empty threat," he promised softly. "I told you…you'll be fine."
The heir glanced over at Hershel and seemed to be trying to give him a trusting smile, but it wasn't very convincing.
"What are you doing here? Who is this?" Blist continued, glowering at them both. Hershel's voice was soft but severe as he answered.
"Our business is our own."
He turned and continued heading up the carved steps leading up to Iona's home, pulling Theo along after him with the grip he still had on his arm. Blist didn't follow, though she continued to glare at them from narrowed eyes. Theodynn cleared his throat; he was trembling slightly, but his voice was strong when he spoke again.
"Master Hershel…why did you bring me here? What is it you need my help with?"
Hershel hesitated outside of the painted stone walls. He turned to meet Theo's eyes, and the teen frowned.
"The change I went through has been causing a few problems," he finally admitted. "There's someone here who can help me gain better control."
Theo studied him closely; it was the first time Hershel had admitted to any of the Ruling family that he was struggling with control of his new powers.
"Alright," Theo said, either naive to the dangers that posed, or trusting that it would be something Hershel could handle. "But what did you need me for?"
"There are many exercises that would be beneficial…but I struggle leaving myself vulnerable."
Theo frowned, but then understanding dawned on him. "Aura paralysis," he murmured, and Hershel nodded.
"Among other things."
"So…you want me to be there when this person goes through the exercises with you?" Theo guessed. "As some sort of safety?"
Hershel smiled.
"Actually, I want you to conduct the exercises."
215
Theo was silent as he stared at his childhood teacher. Hershel waited calmly, and Theo couldn't help but study the glow in Hershel's eyes. Evidence of his new power…power that he apparently couldn't yet control…
"Me?" he finally blurted. "But…I've never done anything like that, Master Hershel. I don't even know if I could…"
"Iona would guide you on how to do it," Hershel said confidently. "She would be there to interpret meaning from the exercises and figure out how to help me…but you would be the projector of the spell itself. I hesitate to leave myself vulnerable to her power, so by having you be the one to conduct the exercise…"
"You don't trust this lady?" Theo asked. Another thought hit home and he squirmed slightly. "And…didn't that angry girl say that Iona was the one who would try to wipe our minds?"
"She wouldn't touch you, Theo; in doing so the spell would be broken and I would be free to retaliate," Hershel explained. "And if you ever even felt threatened, you could end the spell for the same result. You would be my safety measure, and I would be yours."
"But she could do something to wipe us both out in one hit," Theo pointed out softly, feeling nauseous. The excitement and awe at finding this strange new village was souring now that he was faced with the possibility of mind erasure. He had been afraid of that happening ever since his father had come home without his memories. Hershel must have sensed his fear because his expression softened.
"Iona and I already have a deal in place. She has agreed to help me control my powers, and would have no reason to attack me."
"But you're afraid that she will," Theo pointed out. "That's why you feel like you have to use me."
It came out a little more accusatory than he meant it to, and he could see guilt flicker across Hershel's expression. The Healer reached out to put a hand on his shoulder.
"I know it seems like a strange request. If it helps, you should know that I am not afraid of Iona. My hesitation is rooted in the fact that my power is not willing to allow me to be helpless. It's a hard change from ultimate power to complete vulnerability."
Theo stared at the pale master, who's voice had dropped at the confession.
"But…you would still be vulnerable if I did the spell, Master Hershel. No matter who conducts it, the situation would be the same…"
"The power trusts you, Theodynn."
Hershel's words caused Theo to go silent; how was he supposed to respond to that?
"I trust you, I mean," Hershel quickly amended. "Iona and I have been at odds over the last few weeks because I haven't been willing to let her in. This is a way where I could see myself letting her in…"
"…Halfway," Theo pointed out, and Hershel grudgingly shrugged in his agreement. As Theo considered Hershel's proposal, another realization struck.
"Geez…I don't even know if Dad and Wu managed to get Tobias back. They could still be flying all over the realm trying to track him down."
Hershel was silent as Theo rubbed his face, but then the healer's eyes filled with light. Theo took a step back, but after a moment Hershel's eyes faded and he looked back at him.
"The Dragon Master and your father are with someone who assume is your missing ambassador. His flame is similar to your father's…just without the elemental tinge."
"What?"Theo was dumbstruck, and Hershel's brow furrowed.
"The point is, they are together. It would appear that your ambassador is alright."
"Are…you sure?"
Irritation flickered across the Master's face. "Yes."
Theo glanced away. He didn't understand how Hershel could know that, just by standing there with glowing eyes. He looked down at his arm where there cut had disappeared. There seemed to be a lot of things Hershel could now do that Theo didn't understand. But…he had never had a reason not to trust his teacher before. Hershel's eyes scanned him, and the Healer finally sighed.
"I'm sorry. You have nothing to fear, Theo…but if this is something that you would be uncomfortable with, I'll take you home. Or, I suppose…you could transport yourself home."
The heir rubbed his hair as he debated. He wanted to leave so he could check on Tobias and his father, and hopefully figure out why on earth those dragons had attacked. Were they even attacking? But at the same time, he didn't feel like he could just leave. This place intrigued him so much. And, as he looked at Hershel, he realized that he couldn't turn him down.
"I'll do it."
Hershel looked surprised, and Theo shrugged.
"If you're sure that you're ok with it, I'll do it. You need my help…how could I say no? You've always helped me when I needed it, and you've saved my life several times now..."
The Healer suddenly seemed uneasy; he glanced away with a shrug.
"You don't owe me for that, Theodynn. Like I said, I was just at the right place at the right time."
"Maybe today," Theo pointed out, his voice suddenly soft. "But you can't claim that for what happened ten years ago with Phos. Who knows what would have happened if you hadn't talked him down? I may have been young at the time…but I didn't ever forget that."
Hershel fell silent, and Theo straightened.
"If you need me, I'm here for you…just like you've always been there for me."
The Healer studied him for a little while longer, and he finally smiled. "Thank you, Theo."
The teen nodded, though he cleared his throat. "You…you promise you won't let her erase my mind?"
Hershel's expression became serious and he nodded. "Iona would only be interested in erasing your memories of this village, but I wouldn't allow her to do even that. I promise."
Theo nodded to himself, taking a deep breath. "Alright. Well…then I guess that it's time to meet Iona."
"I'm not teaching someone else how to do my job."
Tolan fixed the forge master with a stern look, and the man exhaled angrily.
"You stubborn lox. I'm not asking you to train someone to take your job. These weapons are proving valuable, yeah? So it makes sense that the more people I get in here to work on them, the more money I make. You show these guys your technique, and we all get paid more. That make it through your thick skull?"
The lanky man's expression tightened slightly as he glanced at the other miners the forge master had brought in.
"My technique isn't taught to just anyone," he countered softly. "Secret family trade, passed down family lines…"
"Family lines…what a load of sniffer waste…"
Tolan narrowed his eyes, but the forge master didn't seem intimidated.
"If you work here, you abide by my rules. I let you make your weapons your way, even though it takes twice as long as any other method. But I'm the one paying for materials…I'm the one paying for the forge. So you're going to take these men under your wing, got it? We're going to crank those new-fangled weapons out of this shop and…"
"No."
Tolan turned and left before the forge master could say anything else.
Hershel made sure to stand between Theodynn and Iona's obvious wrath. He had explained the situation to her the same way he had explained it to Theo, but it seemed that the Ancient Xinta was not as accepting of the arrangement as the Heir of the realm had been.
"I'm not agreeing to any such thing," the Ancient hissed, her eyes flashing as she glared at Hershel. "You've already proven yourself to be a liar…"
"I am no liar!" Hershel argued, his own hands balling into fists. "I have been honest about the history of the realm. Besides being the perfect candidate to perform the control exercises, Theodynn is proof of the facts I have told you."
Iona guffawed loudly.
"Ha! You think I believe this freak is a prince?" she demanded, gesturing to Theo with one hand. "He's nothing more than another experiment gone wrong. I don't know what sick people are out there twisting the laws of nature…"
"I'm not an experiment," Theo cut in, his tone both hurt and angry as he drew himself up. "And I am the Heir of the Oni."
Iona turned to narrow her eyes at him, but he met her gaze evenly.
"You're a Xinta, like my sister," he pointed out softly. "So you should know we aren't lying."
Something flickered across Iona's expression then, but her feelings were still blocked from Hershel's view. She finally turned back to face the pale master.
"Well, if he's so gifted, why not just have him conduct the exercises anyways? Far from here...preferably after I alter his memories."
Hershel picked up on Theo's flash of panic, and he stepped in front of the young man once again.
"Theo can conduct the exercise, but he lacks the knowledge to interpret what he sees. That's where I need you, Iona. You said you would help me gain control."
"And you said you would protect this community," she hissed back. "But you've already broken that vow by bringing him here. You want my help? Then man up and let me do the exercises myself, and allow me to purge this whole experience from this little eyesore's memories…"
A brief flash of pearly aura flashed around Hershel, and a pot shattered on a nearby shelf.
"Do not threaten Theodynn again."
His own feelings were fuzzy, as they often did in the heat of these moments. He was dimly aware of Theo backing up behind him, and Iona's expression betrayed unease. Hershel clenched his jaw as he fought to reconnect with himself, and the aural haze finally faded.
"Though you never truly swore me to secrecy, I understand that it was implied," he admitted. "But I can assure you that Theo poses no threat to your community or your way of life. He's here to help me gain control. The sooner you can help me do that, the sooner you will be free of my visits."
Iona's expression was hard, and Hershel waited for the Xinta to come to a decision. She finally sighed.
"Stubborn fool. You remind me of someone I used to know," she finally murmured, and gestured over to a rug on the floor. "Well…get on then. We start with aura paralysis."
Hershel heard Theo release a breath that he was no doubt holding, and he felt a similar stir of relief. But he didn't move, fixing Iona with a firm look.
"And Theodynn stays?"
She glanced back at the teen and finally snorted.
"I don't know how you manage to keep friends, as unstable as you are. If it makes you feel safer having your little prince around, then so be it. But remember this, Master Hershel. You'll owe me, when all this is said and done."
"I didn't forget," Hershel promised softly, and he finally moved towards the rug. Iona hesitated only a moment longer before going to a shelf to dig out some aural crystals. Only Theo seemed frozen to the spot. The Ancient finally turned to him, snapping impatiently.
"Well?" she demanded, and Theo gave a start before coming over to kneel next to the rug where Hershel was positioning himself. Already, the Master's heart was pounding at the thought of aura paralysis. It had never bothered him much, when Phos had been the one conducting it. But for some reason, his insides thrummed with unease. He realized that Theo was giving him a comforting smile as Iona began to lie the aura crystals on Hershel's body.
"Remember the first time you did this exercise with me, Master Hershel? I don't think I had a single reaction…but I had thought that was the point."
Hershel frowned as he tried to remember. It sounded familiar; he vaguely recalled a small boy lying on a rug similar to this one, claiming he was waiting for the emotions to "come to him."
"I remember," he said with a smile, and Theo laughed.
"I really tried to be the best student…"
"Enough."
Iona cut off their reminiscing with a firm word, lying the last crystal down. She studied Hershel for a moment, and he had a feeling she was trying to decide if she could get away with doing the spell herself, if she conducted it quickly enough. He narrowed his eyes at her and she seemed to get the hint as she turned back to Theo.
"Hold your hand like this, boy."
Hershel watched as Iona taught Theo the spell. She grabbed his hand at one point to correct his positioning, and the pale Master could see that the poor teen was trembling. His voice and demeanor were strong, however, and he allowed himself to be taught. It took a try or two, but finally Theo managed to say the words of the spell correctly and Hershel stiffened as the power darted from the Heir's hand to each of the crystals. He was aware of his mobility slipping away, and he could feel the power inside of him swirling with panic.
It's ok. I'm ok. Theo would never harm me…this is going to help me gain control. To be one with my power, instead of constantly being at war with it…
Eventually the feelings of panic dulled and he exhaled shakily.
"Are you alright, Master Hershel?"
He noticed that Theo looked concerned as he held his hand up. His eyes were glowing purple with the effort of maintaining the spell, and Hershel offered the teen a soft smile.
"I'm alright."
"Good. Glad that nothing has happened to you while you were just lying there," Iona cut in dryly. Hershel couldn't turn to see her expression, but he could imagine it as she continued. "Now, you should be aware of how this exercise works. Close your eyes, and let's get on with it."
Hershel frowned, but it was true that he needed to hurry. The spell would exhaust Theo if he made him hold it for too long; he doubted the Heir did much endurance-building with his powers.
Hershel closed his eyes, and was immediately welcomed by blackness. It was odd, how even the darkness was familiar after the months he spent blind. His power stirred at the thought, and he suppressed it out of habit.
"The exercise won't work unless you're open, boy. You're in aura paralysis, don't suppress anything."
He still hesitated, but after a moment he knew that Iona was right. This exercise wouldn't help him if he still fought with himself. He took another calming breath, and allowed the power to be freed.
"I never would have had such an experience in Ninjago, I can tell you that! What a rush!"
Cole grimaced as Tobias continued. The man's mustache was singed on one side, giving the handlebar a lopsided look. But his grin was as bright as ever as they came through the fortress entrance.
"You're sure you're ok?" Cole asked again, and Tobias nodded.
"Quite fine. I doubt it was the beast's intention to harm me, since he could have just charred me in a moment. He did have the element of surprise, after all. Well…sort of; I must say I was aware of some attack brewing from the foul creature…"
"I'm glad you're alright. Perhaps you should spend the rest of the day in your tent," Cole offered, and Tobias blinked.
"Oh! Quite so; I supposed a strengthening draught of tea would do me wonders, and I must admit that I'm growing quite fond of your exotic Oni blends…"
Tobias's voice trailed off as he headed down the hallway to the stables, where his overly mild-tempered hoofer was waiting to take him back to his tent a mile or so from the fortress. Cole rubbed his face as he continued to his quarters.
"Cole!"
He looked up to see Keyda coming over, obviously concerned by his singed clothing and ash-covered skin.
"What happened?!"
"Rogue dragon attack," Cole answered with a sigh. "And I bet you can't guess who the target was." They reached their quarters and Cole sank into a chair, feeling foolish. "I shouldn't have brought Tobias to the dragon's land. I don't know what he did to provoke that reptile, but it was ridiculous trying to get him back."
Keyda sat down next to him, her brows knit together. "Tobias did something to anger the dragons?"
"One of them, at least. I should have been paying more attention; the dragon almost hit Theo in its attempt to make off with the Ambassador."
Keyda stared. "Where is Theo?"
Cole looked up in surprise. "He's…not here?"
Keyda's expression was answer enough, and Cole turned as a knot of worry tied itself in his stomach.
"Wu and I went after the rogue dragon; I assumed Theo transported home. You haven't seen him?"
"Cole!"
The ninja had already pushed himself to his feet, forcing himself to stay calm.
"He's in no danger in the dragon's land," he reminded softly. "They respect him; he's visited many times without incident. He probably stuck around to make sure that we got Tobias back; I should have gone back to the formation for him.
"You left him stranded on a formation?" Keyda's voice was rising, and Cole grimaced.
"He can transport home if he's in any danger, Keyds. I'll go back to the dragon area and look for him, and you check the fortress. Odds are he's here somewhere, feeling bad that we ran off without him."
His wife didn't look convinced, but she finally nodded once and headed down a hallway in search of her son. Cole watched her go as the anxiety continued to build within him.
"He's fine; he knows how to take care of himself," he repeated softly, though this time it was more to convince himself than the woman who had already disappeared around the corner.
216
Theo kept the spell going strong; he had expected it to be harder. But it wasn't too difficult to keep the crystals full of power so they floated above Hershel like a purple outline. He risked glancing at Iona, but the Ancient was studying Hershel with a hard-to-read expression. She was old, but it was probably impossible to know how old. He studied her curved horns, carved with all matter of patterns and symbols. She finally sighed, folding her arms, and he noticed a familiar marking on one of her horns.
"Is that a poppy?"
Iona glanced over to him and scowled. "Stay focused, Prince."
He glanced back to realize that the crystals were bobbing slightly and he bit his lip as he strengthened the spell once again.
"Do all Xinta love poppies?" he asked, though this time he kept his eyes on Hershel. He heard Iona scoff.
"All of those in the Order of Echo and Antirock bear the mark of the poppy—the symbol of the dream of the union."
"The Order of Echo and Antirock? That's what this place is?" He couldn't hide the amazement in his voice and Iona snapped at him.
"Don't bother learning more, boy. It will only be erased with the rest of your memories…"
Fear replaced his awe, and he stiffened as Iona started reaching for him. However, she paused when something finally started to happen with the Master on the ground.
"Don't…" Hershel started, but then the words seemed to be strangled. Theo's eyes widened as power suddenly exploded out of the pale form, the crystals sucking it up eagerly as the net of power between them fizzed and snapped. It happened so quickly that Theo almost dropped his hand in surprise, but suddenly there was a hand keeping his lifted.
"You must keep it going," Iona chastised softly, and he swallowed hard, both at the display in front of him and the fact that the Ancient Xinta was so close by. Hershel didn't seem to be struggling, per say…but his body was trembling slightly despite the fact that he was supposed to be in paralysis.
"Hershel?!" Theo finally called, though he kept the spell going. "Master Hershel? Are you alright?"
His old teacher didn't respond as the crystals hummed with power, glowing white as they flashed brighter and brighter. Theo's heart was pounding, and suddenly something shattered above him. He gasped in surprise as pottery shards rained down on him.
"Master Hershel!" he yelled again. Herbs and colorful embroidered silk hanging from the ceiling waved in the aura winds that were now stirring the tent. Iona's hand was gripping Theo's wrist so tightly that he could feel his heartbeat, and still Hershel was silent in his frozen state. The Heir glanced at the Xinta once again, but she didn't even seem to remember he was there as her eyes remained locked on Hershel and his reaction. The air was almost heady with power, and Theo realized that he was becoming dizzy. The crystals were whining at higher frequencies, and Theo finally shook his head.
"We have to stop," he said, and Iona finally seemed to snap out of her own funk. She turned to look at Theo, though she didn't seem to really be looking at him. Just then, Hershel finally spoke.
"NO!"
The scream was almost feral, and it made Theo's blood run cold to hear it. He shook as he sat near his old teacher, not knowing what to do as the ringing of the crystals became sharper and shriller. But where Hershel's scream left him frozen, it seemed to force Iona into a decision. She yelled the end of the spell at him and Theo blundered through the words numbly. Then the Ancient yanked his wrist down and the crystals fell to the ground as the pearly aura evaporated around them. Hershel's eyes flew open as he bolted upright, and Theo shrank away when he saw them blazing with white light. He felt Iona's grip tighten around his wrist, and the Ancient moved subtly in front of him. Almost…protectively?
"Hershel?" Theo tried again, tentatively this time. For a moment there was silence, other than Hershel's panting. But then the Master Healer blinked and the light finally faded from his gaze until the blinding light was merely a soft glow in the center of his eyes.
"What in Kahzym's fine name…"
Hershel turned towards Iona as she spoke, her eyes flashing with anger. Theo saw Hershel swallow hard.
"What…happened?" he finally asked, his voice soft. Iona scoffed.
"Your power is out of control, raging around my tent without rhyme or reason. Nearly shattered the last of my aura crystals. Had that happened, you would be going to the Island of the Ancients to personally harvest a new set…"
"NO!" Hershel yelled out again, recoiling as his eyes flashed. It wasn't as fearsome as the scream that had occurred during the exercise, but it was enough to cause Iona to pause. Her face fell into an expressionless mask as she studied the pale man, and Hershel glanced away in seeming shame. After a moment he looked up and met Theo's eye. "Theo. Are you alright?"
The Heir blinked, not sure what to say. After a moment he cleared his throat. "Yeah, I'm…I'm fine. Are you alright? Did I do the spell wrong?"
"The spell was fine. It was the subject that went haywire," Iona growled, still eying Hershel suspiciously. The Master ignored her words. He leaned forward to reach out and touch the side of Theo's head, his expression flickering with concern.
"What happened?"
Theo blinked and reached up. He was suddenly aware of the stinging, and his fingers came back lightly streaked in blood. "Oh…um…"
"Must have happened when you shattered another one of my pots," Iona snapped angrily, gesturing to the pottery shards scattered around them. "Another thing you owe me for…"
Hershel's expression became pained, and Theo swallowed as he felt the cool tingling sensation of the pale aura on his skin. After a moment Hershel pulled back, and Theo assumed that the wound had healed itself. He offered his old teacher a shaky smile, about to say thanks. But Iona cut him off.
"What?"
Theo and Hershel both glanced over to see Iona staring at them with a baffled expression.
"You healed him," she finally stated numbly. "Impossible."
Hershel didn't answer as he pushed himself to his feet. Theo knew that when people reacted during a paralysis spell, they were left utterly exhausted. He had done so himself a number of times. Though Hershel did seem worn out, he didn't seem as drained as he should have been, considering the size of his reaction.
"What color were the crystals?" he asked softly, though something in his voice told Theo that he already knew the answer. When Iona didn't answer, Theo did.
"White."
Hershel sighed. Theo finally turned to the Xinta, who was still looking like she was trying to make sense of everything she had seen.
"What emotion does white have?" he asked, and her eyes finally focused on him.
"It's the power of the first ancients. It doesn't have an emotion. It…it is emotion."
Theo frowned, not understanding, but Hershel was pushing a hand to his head now.
"Are you alright?" Theo asked, and Hershel finally looked back up at him.
"We need to get you home," he said. "Your parents are looking for you."
How did he know? Theo opened his mouth to ask more questions; he had so many, after everything that had happened. But as he glanced between the worn-out Master and the puzzled Xinta, Theodynn finally just nodded.
"Ok."
The room was dark as Marty IV pushed the door open. He hesitated for a moment, but as he heard his son's steady breathing, the headmaster exhaled and pushed his way in. He left the light switch off and closed the door softly behind him; he didn't want to wake M.
M's soft breathing seemed to fill the whole room in the silence of the night. It seemed their last day together had worn the boy out. Maybe he had gone a little overboard, but he had wanted it to be memorable. He wasn't sure what led him to agree to this tour in the first place, but ever since he had, he lived in fear that the only memories M. would have of this place—and of him—would be negative.
Marty had pulled a chair up next to the bed, and he reached out to push M's hair away from where it had flopped in the teen's face. He looked so young while he was sleeping; it was hard to see how tall he was like this, and he couldn't stare at his father with that look. The one that looked just like Matilda at times. But truly, M was nothing like Matilda; the last few months had proven that. No…M. was more Openheimer than anything. Stubborn…fiercely loyal…and always willing to strike a deal.
He continued to stroke M's hair gently, though he knew there was a chance the boy would wake up if he didn't stop. Two years was a long time, and with every passing minute it loomed closer. How could he have agreed to this? M. didn't need to be out, exploring the world! He needed to be here. Learning, and working towards his future.
He won't have a future, Marty. Not if we keep forcing him down this path. He's run twice now…who's to say he won't continue to do so? If he comes with me, he'll be safe. We'll keep our relationship with him while making sure he doesn't get into trouble or danger. Who knows? Maybe he'll come home wanting to be a dancer after all…but if we don't give him this, he will never become the next Marty Openheimer. You have to release some of your hold on him; the tighter you hold, the more he's going to want to escape.
Marty grimaced as his father's words echoed in his mind. This was what needed to happen, and he knew it deep down, even if he hated it. M. needed it—especially after everything that had happened with Matilda. That selfish woman; he knew that his son was still hurting from her influence. Perhaps this trip would help the boy heal. If nothing else, it would get him away from Amber and the whole Oni limelight. Though he certainly didn't believe that the Oni were building some attack force to invade the nation, as Matilda had said, Marty also didn't have a lot of love for his horned student and her family. They had helped him get his son back, it was true. But he also couldn't help but blame them for M's struggles in the first place. Well, them and Matilda; it always seemed to come back to her.
M. rolled over, and Marty withdrew his hand as his son murmured in his sleep. He was glad he was able to sleep; he would have expected that M. would be a bundle of nerves and excitement all night long. The Headmaster was silent as he studied his son a little while longer, an empty sort of sadness settling on him as he thought about what the next day would bring. It was horrible to think that M. was turning away from the Openheimer legacy, but by letting his son do this, Marty was ensuring that his son would come back regardless. More than anything, the headmaster had realized that's what he really wanted—for his son to be willing to come back.
Marty IV finally reached out to rest his hand on M's head one last time.
"Goodnight, son," he murmured softly. Then he stood and left the room, heading to his own quarters. Of course, though M. slept soundly till morning, his father couldn't sleep at all.
"The dragon attacked you?"
Theo stared down at the food he was eating, wishing he had more of an explanation for them. But he didn't—the events of the past day had him stumped.
"Carried me off like the one carried off Tobias. I don't know why."
Keyda and Cole met eye contact, and Theo sighed.
"Do you think the dragons are up to something? Or is it just because we brought Tobias there? I've never been attacked before…"
"How did you escape? Transporting?"
Theo winced in embarrassment.
"I was too freaked," he admitted. "If Hershel hadn't shown up, I don't know what would have happened…"
"Hershel was there?"
Keyda sounded confused, and Theo swallowed the last bit of dinner.
"Yeah. He saved me from the dragon, and then I spent the rest of the afternoon helping him out. That's why I didn't come home right away."
He felt a stir of guilt and finally met his parents' eyes.
"Sorry that I worried you."
"Helped him with what?" Cole asked, though he sounded more curious than accusatory. Theo stood with his plate, wanting to tell his parents all about the discovery Hershel had made. But he already knew that Iona was angry that he knew about it…no doubt she'd be furious if word got out and everyone started trekking out into dragon territory. Not to mention that would anger the dragons as well, he mused.
"He's training with someone in this village he's been visiting, and he needed my help," he finally said, shrugging nonchalantly. "You know, like he used to help me when I was struggling."
"Is he struggling?" Keyda asked warily, and Theo sighed.
"I dunno. He said he just needs to work on control again now that his power has changed."
"That sounds like it could be dangerous," Keyda pointed out, turning to Cole, but Theo shook his head as he headed to the door with his plate.
"This is Hershel we're talking about; he wouldn't hurt me. Besides, he was willing to work with me when my powers were first unlocked; who would I be to turn my back on him now?"
Keyda just frowned, and Cole spoke up as Theo went to leave.
"How often are you going to help him? Or was this just a one-time thing?"
"Um…I'm not really sure. I think he'll need my help again in a few days; I'll just have to play it by ear."
He prayed his family wouldn't ask more questions. He knew his mother had more, but his father beat her to the punch.
"You're going to be pretty busy, if you're helping Hershel and Myrah now. Aren't you supposed to be starting the first classes at the Western Fortress soon?"
Theo shrugged.
"Well…yeah, but I'm not the one who's teaching any classes, or anything. We finally found a few scholars that are willing to teach for a price. Had to go to the East to find people willing; the westerners can be so stubborn…"
"Theo."
He turned at his mother's stern words, and she fixed him with a long look.
"Whatever you're involved in, stay away from dragon territory. We need to figure out what's going on there…whether what happened today was a freak incident or something more sinister."
Theo's heart pounded, but he offered his mother a smile.
"I'm definitely going to stay away from any dragons for a while, that's for sure," he promised. He felt a twist of guilt at the dodge, but he couldn't really promise to stay away from Dragon Territory if he was going to visit the Order of Echo and Antirock again. As strange as the experience had been, part of him longed to go back right then; explore the village, meet all the people. Discover the history.
Keyda seemed to accept the answer, and she gave him a nod.
"Alright. Goodnight, Theodynn."
"Goodnight Mom. Night, Dad."
It wasn't that cold, but Amber shivered. Something about the impending loss of her best friend had made her feel cold all over, and she hugged herself as she stood stiffly next to the wall at the train platform. She watched people come and go; some were saying goodbye, and some were hugging in reunion as they came off of train cars. Her heart ached; it wouldn't be so bad if he was just going for a few weeks…or even just for the summer. But two years?
"Amber!"
She turned and caught sight of the Openheimers. She had made her way there that morning on her own; Dani had offered to come, but she was still half asleep by the time Amber had to go, so the Xinta just left her roommate in peace. It wasn't that she didn't want Dani to have the chance to say goodbye. It was just Dani had already said goodbye…and the selfish part of Amber couldn't help but want as much of M's final time as she could get.
Marty III and IV hung back as M. came over to her.
"You came," he pointed out, and she rolled her eyes.
"Duh."
They stood in silence, and he noticed her body language. "You cold?"
She shrugged in answer, but her eyes were already swimming with tears and she looked at the ground. This was supposed to be a nice goodbye, she scolded herself. Teasing and some banter and maybe a serious goodbye…but no tears. She could cry later; Dani had already smuggled ice cream into the school cafeteria for them to eat that afternoon after M. had left. M. glanced over towards his father and grandfather, but they were talking in depth about something or other, and it looked like one of the train employees was getting involved. Amber wondered what they were discussing; Marty IV looked like he was close to losing his temper.
"Dad's been tense all morning. I guess he had a dream the train crashed last night and now he's being all paranoid."
Amber's eyes widened, and M. grabbed her shoulders comfortingly.
"It wasn't real, Amber. These trains don't even get going very fast, honest."
"Oh."
She was being so weird, and she knew it. But she couldn't bring herself to joke around today. It was all she could do to keep from crying. A glance at the clock revealed that they didn't have long before the train left. No doubt that M. would need to say goodbye to his father soon, and then he would hop on the train…
"Did you read my letter?"
Amber forced the tears to back down and looked up to meet his eye. "Um…no. Not yet."
"Not yet?"
"I'm saving it," she said, her voice small. He tilted his head.
"Well, how are you supposed to write me back if you never read it?"
"I'm going to write, stupid. I'm just saving it. For when you're actually…"
Her throat closed off and her lip trembled with the effort at keeping the tears at bay. M's sarcastic expression softened and he pulled her into a hug. She embraced him fiercely, not trusting her voice to say anything else. Each heartbeat was another second towards goodbye, and she hated it. What was the point of making friends if you just had to say goodbye to them? It would have been easier just to not make any friends at all…
"I didn't ever think I'd get to this point." M's voice was soft, and she didn't reply as she continued to hug him. The teen cleared his throat as he continued. "I…I didn't even think I had hopes and dreams. Or maybe I just didn't really believe that I deserved to follow them. That I could have reasons to be excited about the future, rather than dreading it."
Amber tried to think of what to say to that, but he spoke before she could think of anything.
"Thanks for proving me wrong, Oni-girl."
Tears slipped down one cheek, but she swallowed and managed to force out a word.
"Anytime."
He was pulling away, and Amber tried to think of something she could say. Something witty, so that M's last memory of her wasn't her blubbering on the train station like a baby. She could feel his sadness mingling with her own, and more than anything she wanted to make him laugh. However, before she could say anything, she felt him kiss her cheek. Amber froze; it was so fast that for a moment she thought she had imagined it…but then she caught sight of M's tomato-red face. She stared, not even sure what to say, and M. smiled sheepishly as he blushed.
"Don't tell the Piano. She'll never let me live this down."
Amber opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Part of her mind was trying to come up with a witty comeback while the other wanted to yell at him and ask him what the heck that was. A blush was rushing up her neck, but the train whistle was blowing and he turned to see his father and grandfather waving him over.
"See ya, Oni-girl!" M called as he headed over to where his father was standing, and she finally managed to speak.
"See ya…"
It came out almost woodenly, but M. just smiled one last time before running the rest of the way to his father and grandfather. Amber watched as Marty IV straightened M's jacket lapels and smoothed his hair out of his face, but then the headmaster embraced his son and M. hugged him back. Then Marty III was whisking the teen onto the train…and then he was gone.
Amber stood on the side of the train platform long after the train had pulled away.
24
