19
"I can't figure out what's going on with him!" Amber said, pushing apart the dresses hanging on the rack to get a better look at them. "Buying things, acting weird, trying to change up our routine so last minute. I can't even sense what he's trying to do because he's masking his emotions."
"Openheimer's an idiot," Dani sighed, studying a row of brightly colored ties.
"He won't talk to me, either," Amber complained. "Just shrugs everything off. He's been dumb before, but at least he's generally dumb and honest. I can't figure out what he's up to."
"You've got to make him talk, Amber...really talk. Break down his macho-man façade and get to the root of the problem."
"What is the root of the problem?"
"If I tell you, then you're not doing the communication," Dani sniffed. Amber shot her friend a withering look.
"You could at least point me in the right direction."
"I think you already know why he's acting like this," Dani said, settling on a sparkling blue tie. "You just need to admit it to yourself."
Amber turned back to the dresses, going silent. She pushed a few dazzling gowns out of the way, but she hesitated as she came to a silver dress. Intrigued by the way the cloth seemed to shift colors as it moved, the Oni pulled the dress free from the rack.
"Find something you like?" Dani asked, coming over. "Wow, that's gorgeous, Amber—you've got to try it on!"
"It kind of reminds me of my mother's binding gown," Amber admitted. "Except way fancier. I don't know." Amber looked around at the gaudy store wares and sighed. "I was hoping to find something simpler."
"Well, you don't have to try it on," Dani offered. "But I think you'd look great in that color. I even have the perfect beads that would go with it...I could make some new jewelry to bling up your horns!"
Amber debated as she shifted the gown in her hands. "Maybe..."
"Amber?"
The voice was unfamiliar, and Amber turned in surprise to see a group of girls gawking at her. The Oni flushed. "Um...do I know you?"
"It's Amber! OH MY GOSH YOU SHOP HERE?"
Just like that, the group of girls had multiplied. Amber stumbled backward as the girls came closer, babbling on top of each other.
"I told you she leaves the school sometimes..."
"Are you buying that for a performance?"
"Is it true that you can smell people's feelings?"
"Can I touch your horns?"
"You can't ask that, Isabelle! Talk about rude!"
"But—"
"Okay, girls," Dani cut in, stepping in front of Amber as the Oni continued to retreat. The spunky eighteen-year-old put her hands on her hips, fixing the crowd with a stern look. "Yes, Amber is an incredibly amazing and talented person, but she's also just a normal person. If you'd be so kind as to—"
"I'm your biggest fan!" a girl near the front squeaked. She had pigtails and large glasses that made her eyes look enormous, and Amber was uncomfortable with the feelings of awe that she could feel coming off her. "I've watched like every performance and I want to be just like you!"
"Um..." Amber's mind went blank, and the crowd began pushing forward again.
"When's the next time you're performing?"
"Do you already have a fan club, or is that something you're working on?"
"Are you really trying out for Ninjago Woman of the Year? Because you'd be perfect for that!"
"This is not a press conference!" Dani cut in, her voice rising. Dani could talk loudly when she wanted to, and at her command, the crowd finally went silent. "I get that you all love Amber, but you're freaking her out. Now, move along!"
The girls sagged, and Amber winced at the disappointment she felt coming off of them as they gave her last longing looks before shuffling away to other areas of the store. However, just because they stopped asking questions didn't mean they stop staring—Amber could feel them looking at her from all angles, and she caught a few of them snapping pictures of her on their phones.
"You okay, Amber?" Dani asked. Amber's hands were shaking as she headed for the register, the silver gown in tow.
"I'll just get this one."
"But you haven't even tried it on!"
"I need to get out of here."
Teag was heading for the servant's quarters when he caught sight of the lanky figure in the hallway. The boy stopped, but then he hurried to catch up. "Tolan!"
The guard turned, looking irritable. "Hot-Stuff. What are you doing out this late?"
"I was heading to bed," Teag offered. "What are you doing back so late? You haven't been here all week."
"I have another job," Tolan reminded. "One that's all the way out in the Central Province."
"But you usually have a few days off..."
"My babysitting job's become complicated," Tolan offered dryly.
Teag tried not to squirm. "You're back tonight. Tomorrow you can come to the forge, can't you?"
"Look, kid, I've got bigger things on my plate than teaching you how to pound metal."
"But—"
"I told you I would teach you the basics, and I have."
Teag felt his heart fall to his feet. "There's more to learn!" he pointed out desperately. "I want to make quality weapons, like—"
"Then go find someone who makes weapons," Tolan cut in. "I can't teach you anymore, Hot Stuff. I'm needed at the Central Fortress full time."
The boy's hands buzzed as emotions crashed inside of him, and he struggled to keep them under control. "Where am I supposed to go?" he demanded, hating his voice for breaking. Tolan's expression softened, but only a bit.
"You don't have to leave, kid. Hersh will probably want you to stick around so he can keep his eye on you. I just can't teach you anymore."
"Then what's the point?"
"The Fortress has a blacksmith, you know."
"I'm not working for Veneik!"
"Then you're not gonna be a blacksmith, are you?" Tolan snapped back. Teag stiffened, and the guard sighed and rubbed his face. "It's up to you to figure out what you're going to do, all right? I'm not in charge of your future."
"You said you would teach me!"
"You said that you were going to strike out once you knew the basics, remember? You know the basics, kid. I did what I said I'd do—the rest is up to you." Tolan turned and left before Teag could say anything else, but it was just as well. Better the onery guard didn't see the tears escaping down Teag's face.
"You're going to Ninjago?" Cole asked, clearly surprised.
"Is that okay?" Theo asked, glancing between his parents. "I think I need a break, and Grandpa said he wanted to see me." It wasn't a complete lie, but Theo still felt the oh-too-familiar twist of guilt as his parents shared a look.
"I think it could be good for you to go relax," Keyda offered.
"Did you let Amber know, so she can work it out with the council?" Cole added.
"Yeah, I took care of all that," Theo said, trying not to feel irritated that his parents didn't think he could manage a simple inter-realm trip. "I'm leaving tomorrow."
"If I didn't have the quarterly village reports to finish, I'd come with you," Cole said with a small smile. "Tell my Pop hi from us, all right? And Amber too."
"I will," Theo promised, glad things were going to work out smoothly. "I'm going to go pack."
"Let Tolan know," Keyda added. Theo shrugged.
"I will. I'm sure he'll appreciate the days off...he's been glued to my side for a week."
"Well..." the Ruler's tone because conflicted, and Theo glanced back to see his parents sharing another look.
"What?"
"I meant let Tolan know, because he's going to be going with you."
Theo immediately stiffened. "What? Tolan doesn't need to come."
"It's just as a precaution—" Cole started, but Theo's eyes flashed as he shook his head.
"I'm not taking Tolan! Are you kidding?"
"We just don't want a repeat of—"
"Of what? Matilda O'Keefe three years ago? I can handle myself in Ninjago, Mom. In fact, if something did happen, it'd be better for me to deal with the problem than Tolan. He stabs first and asks questions later—something the council is not going to take lightly."
"Then maybe take Ret," Cole tried.
"I don't need a bodyguard! You've never made me take one before...why is this time so different?"
"Because we were always with you before," Keyda said. "Theo, I just want to make sure that—"
"Amber lives in Ninjago all year long, and you've never given her a bodyguard."
"She has one assigned by the council."
"That guy isn't with her 24/7. He only accompanies her to and from important council meetings."
"Theodynn..."
"I'm nearly twenty-three years old!" he snapped, his eyes flashing. "I'm not taking a bodyguard to visit my grandfather! I can handle myself."
He turned and left the room, angry that once again, everything had descended into a fight. He stormed through the halls, intent on getting back to his room to pack.
"Prince Theodynn!"
Theo nearly ignored the guard, but he forced himself to stop and turn. "What is it?"
"There's someone here to see you," the guard offered. Theo frowned.
"Who?"
"I'm not sure."
Theodynn hesitated, but lingering had allowed his parents to catch up with him. He gestured for the guard to lead the way as Keyda and Cole reached him.
"Theo, I know you're feeling a little stifled," Cole started.
"A little?"
"We just want you to be safe," Keyda added. "But we talked about it...and I suppose there's no harm in you going without a bodyguard. As long as you promise to be careful."
"What is it you think is going to happen there?" Theo snapped. "The council passed laws, remember? People like Matilda O'Keefe can't lay a hand on me. I'll be fine."
"Where are you going?" Cole asked, as if just realizing they were heading to the rooms they used to receive visitors.
"Someone's here to see me," Theo sighed.
"Who?" his mother pressed.
"I don't know," Theo admitted as they reached the room, and the guard leading them pushed open the door. The royal family entered, and Theo's gaze fell on a young woman lounging on one of the chairs up against the stone walls. She looked relaxed, scanning the room like she owned the place. When her rust-colored eyes fell on Theo, her smirk grew.
"Hello again, Handsome."
Rook waited for the prince to order her arrest. He was staring at her, his expression hard to read. As she glanced at the people who had accompanied him, she realized it was the Ruler and her Ahkasar husband. Fear shot through the assassins, but she forced out a laugh as she leaned forward.
"These must be your parents," she pointed out as she fiddled with the end of her bubbled braid.
"What are you doing here?" The Heir's tone was emotionless, and Rook raised an eyebrow. The fact that he hadn't already ordered her to be dragged to the dungeon was a good sign, but she knew she was going to have to tread carefully.
"Well, after our last meeting went so well..."
"Theo, who is this?" The Ahkasar spoke, eyeing Rook suspiciously. She met his eye confidently, taking in his strange features. She had heard that outsiders had strange skin, but she had never seen the Ruler's husband up close.
The Heir still hadn't answered, but Rook didn't offer up an explanation. She waited with a pounding heart to see what the prince would say. If he admitted that she had attacked him last night, she'd be sunk. Great plan, Quazy. If I get executed for this, I will break out of the Departed Realm to personally—
"Remember the date Ottan set up?" The Heir was speaking again, sounding bored as he glanced at his parents.
"The one that went terrible?"
Rook scowled. "It wasn't that terrible," she muttered, grasping onto the lie the Heir had put forth. Why he was lying was a puzzle in and of itself, but it worked better for her, at any rate.
"I told you I didn't want to see you again," the prince pointed out, giving her a hard look.
"Can we talk in private?" Rook asked, dropping her braid as she leaned forward to meet his eye. "Or do you usually let your parents stand in on your romantic ventures?"
The heir's expression darkened, but to her surprise, he turned to his parents. "Can we get a few minutes?"
His parents looked just as shocked. "I..." the Ruler started, but the Ahkasar put a hand on his wife's shoulder.
"Keyds, I think we should let Theo handle this."
The Ruler fixed Rook with a long look, and the young woman tried to seem as docile as she could. However, the grin on her face probably wasn't helping the image. This was going down easier than she thought it would. After a little longer, the Ruler sighed, and she and her husband left the room. That left the Heir and the guard that had brought him to the room, but then the prince turned to him as well.
"Can I get a little privacy?" he asked. The guard blinked.
"But, Theodynn..."
"Trust me, I can handle her."
The guard glanced back at Rook and sighed. He headed off, using a different door than the Rulers had exited from. As it clicked closed, Rook relaxed.
"Alone at last," she pointed out, but the Heir's expression didn't change.
"Why are you here?" he demanded again. Rook shrugged, pushing herself to her feet as she took in the layout of the room. Two exit points, unless you counted the window. Then there were three. The Heir wasn't actually carrying any weapons, from what she could see. Honestly, it probably wouldn't be too difficult to kill him right here right now...but even if she were able to escape with her life afterward, it was going to be difficult to pin his death on a pack of sniffers. Quazier would be furious if I did it here, she reminded herself. Though, that reasoning really just tempted her to do it all the more.
"Who are you?" the Heir pressed.
"Why did you lie to your parents?" Rook countered as she came over. "Didn't feel like sharing the full story?"
The prince's expression clouded. "I didn't lie."
"You didn't exactly tell them everything."
"Would you prefer I did? They'd have you executed for an assassination attempt or worse."
"Assassination? Please. If I wanted you dead, you wouldn't have survived last night." Rook circled the prince, and she could tell she was making him uncomfortable. "So, Princey...why not tell them about how we met up in the dead of night, while you were—wait." She trailed off, the realization suddenly clicking. "They have no idea that you were out last night, do they?" The young man stiffened, and Rook tsked. "Sneaking out? You're going to get yourself hurt."
"I can handle myself," The Heir said through gritted teeth.
"I believe you," Rook said honestly, finally coming to a stop in her circling. The Prince furrowed his brow, and she stuck out one hand. "I don't think we were ever properly introduced. I'm Rook."
"If you were smart, you'd leave here and you wouldn't come back," the Prince said flatly, not accepting the handshake. "Tell Ottan—"
"I don't work for Ottan. I work for myself." Rook retracted her hand as she folded her arms, looking him up and down. "I know you think I'm some over-eager suitor dying for your attention, but I'm afraid that's not quite true."
"Then why did you attack me?" There was suspicion in his voice, and Rook realized that there was aura flaring around his clenched fists now. She smiled brightly.
"Because everyone makes you out to be some pushover. I have big plans, and I had to make sure you weren't going to screw them all up."
"What are you talking about?"
"I hear you're trying to take down the slave trade," Rook clarified, meeting his eye at last as she dropped her voice. "I want in."
20
"So...what did she want?" Cole prompted, staring at his son from across the table. Theodynn shrugged, picking at his food.
"She wanted to apologize."
"For what?" Keyda asked, her expression pinched. Theo glanced up at his parents.
"She was a little too eager at our last meeting."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning she crossed a few boundaries, and she wanted to apologize."
"What boundaries?" Cole pressed. Theo sighed, and the Master of Earth winced as he realized his son's walls were going up again.
"Don't worry about it," Theo muttered. "I held my own and put her in her place. She came today to apologize and ask for a second chance."
Cole and Keyda made eye contact, and he could tell his wife was just as lost as he was. Was this why Theodynn had been so off lately? Was he busy seeing girls on the side, and trying to keep them secret from his parents? It's what he did with Haiven, Cole realized, and he studied his son across the table. "Are you going to give her a second chance?" he asked carefully.
Theo shrugged. "Haven't decided yet. I'm not planning on doing anything about it until after my trip to Ninjago, at any rate."
"What's her name?" Keyda asked. "And what kind of girl is she? Because to me, she seemed a little—"
"Her name's Rook," Theo said, glancing up at his mother. "And I guess only time will tell what kind of girl she is."
Pippa threw the sticks onto the ground, her eyes flashing with anger. "You have to put the sticks in the basket before you can come for my rocks!"
"That's not what you said last time!" Dune argued.
"It is! You're just stupid and you don't ever remember!" Pippa snapped. "Now do it right, or I'm not playing anymore!"
The two oni glared at each other, and Pip was shocked when her friend threw his sticks down into the dirt. "I'm done playing, anyway!" he snapped. Pippa watched as he turned to leave, and anger finally overcame her shock.
"You can't be done!" she snapped, running over to grab his arm. The dusty-haired boy pulled free of her grip.
"I don't have to play with you, Pippa!" he said. "Not if you're going to be so mean all the time."
"I'm not mean! You're the one who's doing it wrong!"
"All you do is yell at me and call me stupid," he countered, clenching his fists. "I know you're sad about Baffa, but ever since he died you've been meaner than ever."
"Have not!" Pippa said, her eyes blazing as she stepped forward menacingly. Dune took a step back, his expression flickering before hardening with resolve.
"You made Luz cry last time you came."
"Luz is a crybaby."
"You're always telling Summer to do mean things to Blist..."
"Because Blist deserves it!"
"You're a bully, and I don't want to play with you anymore!"
The words felt like a slap, and Pippa's eyes widened in shock. Dune turned to leave, and Pippa growled as she lurched forward to grab him again. Dune squeaked as she spun him around to yell in his face. "I'm not a bully! And you have to play with me!"
"No, I don't!" Dune countered, though his expression was twisting. "Let go!"
"You don't even have any other friends!" she challenged.
"I have Luz and Inna and the twins..."
"They're all babies!"
"Inna is older than you!"
"But I'm better than her!" Pippa countered, her grip tightening on his arms. "If you leave right now, then I won't be your friend anymore!"
Dune tried to wrench free. "Maybe I don't want you to be my friend anymore!"
Something snapped. Pippa's sight went violet as she and Dune tumbled across the hard ground. Dune attacked back, but Pippa was stronger, and she could feel aura wind whipping around them as they fought.
All of a sudden, she felt someone yank her away from her target, and Pip screamed out as she tried to land a few last hits. Dune pushed himself out of her reach, and Pippa snarled as she caught sight of the tears running down his dusty face.
"Crybaby!" she accused, but the person behind her was jerking her to her feet.
"You feral thing!" the voice snapped. "What on earth are you doing?"
Pippa turned to scowl as Blist glowered down at her. "Let go, before I tell my dad that you—"
"Last I heard, you're not even supposed to be coming here anymore," the head of the dragon guard sniffed, though she released Pippa. "So go ahead and tell your father that you've been transporting here without permission to beat up the non-feral children of the village."
"Dune started it," Pippa growled, wiping her nose with a dirty arm. Dune's expression darkened as he retreated out of her reach.
"You're not my friend!" he shouted before turning to run back to the village. Pippa roared as she went to give chase, but Blist grabbed her again.
"Stop it!"
"LET ME GO!"
"Not until we tell Iona about this," Blist hissed, and Pippa stiffened. The dragon guard began dragging her to the village as well, but Pippa wasn't about to be tattled on. Aura winds whipped around her as she tried to transport, but with Blist gripping her arm tightly, Pip couldn't make the jump.
With a shriek, Pippa grabbed the exposed part of Blist's arm with a blazing hand, and the woman gasped and released the child at last. Pip wrenched free and she caught sight of Blist's furious look before the aura winds finally transported her far away from the village and its traitors.
The bag wasn't heavy, which just made Teag feel worse. The fact that he didn't even own enough personal items to fill a bag with proved he didn't really belong here. He shoved past servants and guards in the hallways, most of which ignored him.
As he headed for the front exit, he wondered how long it would take Hershel to come and find him. He had discovered him pretty quickly when he had gone to the Hidden Village, but the healer was busy these days. It probably would be a while before he even thought to look for him. It doesn't matter, anyway, Teag growled to himself. Even if he DOES find me, I'm not coming back. He can't make me.
The hallways began to clear, but the more Teag thought about Hershel, the less willing he was to head out the front entrance. He finally veered left, heading for the exit that led to the stables instead. However, this path took him right past the area of the fortress where Syn and Tolan stayed. Teag's footsteps slowed as he passed the hallway that would have taken him straight to their quarters, and for a moment, he was tempted to go knock on the door and see if Syn was in. It had been a while since he had stopped by to share a meal with her, but now that they lived at the fortress, there weren't really any chores that he could do to use as an excuse for stopping by.
Teag scowled, forcing himself to walk past the hallway. He had nearly reached the exit when a figure appeared in front of him. The transportation burst surprised Teag, but when he got a good look at who it was, he huffed and tried to skirt around her before she noticed him. He didn't make it far.
"What are you doing here?" Pippa demanded, hastily wiping at the tears on her face. She was covered head to toe with dirt, but Teag didn't feel like asking her what happened.
"Just passing through," he muttered, hoping she would drop it.
"Why do you have a bag? Where are you going?"
"None of your business."
"You work for my dad, so it is my business!" the girl countered, following him down the hall. Teag clenched his jaw, speeding up his walk. Pippa either didn't get the hint or didn't feel like respecting it. "Where are you going?"
"I'm leaving!" Teag snapped, whirling on her at last. Pippa stopped short, her eyes widening in surprise, and the dreadlocked boy huffed. "Your dad doesn't think I'm worth his time, so I'm going somewhere I'll actually be appreciated."
"You can't leave!" Pippa found her voice again, her fists clenching. "Uncle Hershel—"
"Hershel's not the boss of me," Teag interrupted. "He's not my family. Living here was a waste of time—I'm going home."
"If you leave, I'll tell," Pippa warned. Teag snorted, turning to face her at last.
"Go ahead and tell, snitch."
"I'm no snitch!"
"You are if you tell," he pointed out. "Just leave me alone, Pip-squeak."
"Don't go to the Hidden Village," Pippa ordered, raising her voice. "Everyone there is stupid and awful and—"
"No, they aren't," Teag argued, his eyes flashing. "But I'm not going to the Hidden Village. I'm going home."
Pippa's expression crinkled, and Teag shifted the bag on his shoulder as he set off with new resolve. He had thought the girl had finally left, but suddenly she appeared next to him. "What home are you going to?"
"I'm from the East," he told her. "I'm going back there, to my real family."
"You have a family?"
"A brother," he admitted softly, his grip on the bag tightening. Voicing his plan out loud made his stomach flip-flop, but he didn't dare back down with Pippa hounding him. He held his head high as they reached the door to the outside.
"Wait, Mop-head," Pippa groused, grabbing his arm. He pulled free, shooting her an irritated look.
"You don't even like me!" he reminded. "I'm leaving—I thought you'd be happy."
Pippa stared at him, looking conflicted. Her hair was dirty and limp where it was hanging in her face, and she scowled as she shoved it out of her eyes. "I'm coming too."
The demand took Teag by surprise, but then he shook his head. "No way."
"You have to let me!"
"No, I don't. I'm not taking care of a baby the whole way."
"I'm not a baby!" Pippa argued, following him out of the fortress and down the path toward the stables. "If you don't let me come, then I'll tell Uncle Hershel that you're leaving."
"He's going to figure it out whether you tell him or not," Teag snorted. "Why do you even want to come?"
Pippa rubbed her arm, glancing back at the fortress. "Because I never get to go to the East. We used to live there, but I haven't been back in ages."
"Maybe your dad can take you...if he decides to care about something other than the Oni Prince."
"Let me come, Teag."
"Go to the Hidden Village, if you're so bored."
Pippa's eyes flamed. "NO! I'm never going there again!"
"Then stay here! But you can't come with me."
"There's nothing to do here!"
"Not my problem."
"Please!" Pippa grabbed his arm again, and he realized her eyes were filling with tears again. Teag found himself stopping, but he growled at himself in his head.
Don't do it. Just push her off and let her tell Hershel. He can't make me stay, anyway.
"If you let me come, we can take my hoofer," Pippa pressed, and Teag blinked.
"You have a hoofer?"
"Myrah got it for me last year, when I got too big to ride on Baffa. I just never ride it because it's stupid and Baffa was way faster and smelled better."
Teag hesitated, feeling conflicted. He didn't want to bother with Pippa, but he had to admit that making the journey to the East on a Hoofer sounded much better than going on foot. He glanced back at the fortress, trying to decide. If he agreed, he'd be stuck with Pippa for the rest of the day. But if he turned her down, then she'd go straight to Hershel, who would catch up with Teag easily if the boy was on foot.
"Fine. But you have to come back here after."
"I was planning on it," Pippa said, though she glanced around as if she was nervous someone would come try to stop them now that Teag had finally agreed to let her come. "Come on, my hoofer is at the back of the stable."
"I should get another guest bed," Lou mused, watching his granddaughter fluff the pillows on Cole's old bed. Amber turned to smile.
"You don't need another bed—it's only Theo staying, after all. Mom and Dad told me to say hi for them, but they can't get out of work."
"Didn't you mention you wanted to stay here this weekend?" her grandfather pressed. Amber brushed the duvet one last time before moving to leave the room.
"I'll just sleep on the couch," Amber offered. "I don't mind. Theo and I will probably stay up late talking, anyway."
Lou frowned. "Isn't your dance this weekend?" Amber's smile faded a little as she glanced away.
"Well, yeah...but that won't last too long. Patrick said that we'll eat something before and then head to the school, and after dancing for a little bit it will be over."
Lou tugged at his grey mustache, studying his granddaughter closely through spectacles. "Are you excited?"
"For Theo to come?"
"For the dance. Marty Openheimer's didn't have these kinds of shin-digs when I went, but I took your grandmother out dancing on quite a few dates. Getting all dolled up to spend the night in each other's arms...very romantic."
Amber winced. "This isn't really like that. It's just for fun."
"Romance is fun."
"Patrick and I aren't—well, I mean..." Amber cleared her throat. "We're just friends."
"For now," Lou pointed out as he made his way across the room. "But you're not the little eleven-year-old you used to be, Amber. You've become a striking young woman—I'd be surprised if young men weren't lining up at the door for you."
"I don't have time for all that," she said as she sunk down on the couch. Lou smiled as he joined her, easing himself down onto the cushion next to her.
"There's always time for love," he mused. "It's very flexible—it squeezes into all the little corners of your life."
"I have to focus on graduation," Amber argued. "And being ambassador, and applying for Ninjago University and deciding on a major—"
"Amber..."
"Not to mention whether or not I want to do a post-graduation dance tour. I mean, NCU doesn't require one, but I've heard that it helps to have a tour or two under your belt before—"
"My dear girl," Lou cut in, putting his hand on her knee as he offered a crinkling smile. "Don't be so busy living that you forget to live."
"Um...what?"
"I mean that your future is going to come, and it's going to work itself out. If you spend all your time planning for the future, then you miss all the opportunities in your present."
"I can't just not think about the future, Grandpa," Amber murmured.
"I just want to make sure you're leaving room in your life for other important pursuits," her grandfather said, squeezing her knee. "Forget about graduation and being ambassador this weekend, all right? Go to the dance, live in the present, and who knows? Maybe something magical will happen that night that you weren't expecting."
Amber paled, staring at the hands in her lap. "I don't really want anything magical to happen."
Lou studied his granddaughter closely. "Do you like this Patrick fellow?"
"Of course I like him. He's a really nice guy."
"Then why not hope for a little magic, hmmm?" Lou winked at her. "You're quite the catch, and I'm not just saying that because I'm your grandfather."
"Papa Lou..."
"I'm not saying you have to get married to the fellow. Just don't close yourself off from seeing how you really feel about him. You're powered by emotion, Amber...don't be afraid of a little thing like love."
Amber shuddered, but she was also lost in thought. Lou was trying to figure out what else he could say to help his granddaughter understand, but their conversation was interrupted by a flash of purple light. He and Amber looked up to see a figure appear in the living room, and Lou smiled as he managed to get back to his feet.
"What is it with transportation that always lands you on my coffee table?"
Theo blinked as he looked down and realized he was standing on the mahogany table. "Sorry, Papa Lou," he said as he stepped off of it and dropped his duffle bag onto the ground. In the next moment, his sister was crashing into him, hugging him tightly.
"Right on time!" Amber said, and Theo smiled as he hugged her back.
"Did you doubt me?"
"I was hoping you'd make it in time for dinner," she said as she grinned up at her older brother. "I don't have too long before I have to get back to the school for class."
"Class? Isn't it night?" Theo glanced at the window at the setting sun, and Amber sighed.
"Evening tutoring. I have to squeeze things in wherever I can if I'm going to graduate early."
"Maybe now that you're here, you can help me convince Amber that she needs to give herself a little more breathing room," Lou offered, shuffling over to where his grandson was standing. Theo turned and smiled as his grandfather embraced him.
"It's good to see you, Papa Lou."
"Have you gotten taller? Or am I just getting more stooped?" Lou complained good-naturedly. "Bad enough you had to get taller than me...now you're just growing to rub it in."
"I'm not sure I'm any taller...but I think Amber is," Theo pointed out as he gestured at his sister. "I swear you're an inch taller than last I visited."
"Well, it has been a while," she said as she slugged her brother on the arm. "It's about time you came to see us here in Ninjago."
"Things have been a little crazy back home," Theo countered, but Lou didn't miss the way his grandson's expression darkened. The retired dancer pushed his glasses up his nose, studying Theo closely.
"You seem a little worn out," he pointed out carefully. "Are you sleeping well, Theodynn?"
Theo glanced over and offered his grandfather a smile. "I'm fine, Grandpa. Don't worry about me."
"I'm a grandfather—it's my job to worry," he countered before turning to shuffle toward the kitchen. "Now, come along—time for you both to make time for a nice hot meal."
21
The hoofer that Myrah had gotten for Pippa was smaller than most, and Pip was irritated by how slow it was. She swore Baffa could go faster in his old age than this eager colt. Maybe it was the fact that both her and Teag were riding it that was slowing it down.
"This is taking forever!" she complained again, tracking the sun across the sky. She supposed she could always transport home if it got too late, but she'd have to leave her hoofer behind.
"We're making good time," Teag argued from in front of her. He had insisted on riding in front, which irked Pippa. She almost refused to let him, but then he threatened to leave without her and her hoofer and she conceded. Now, she was squished behind him on the hoofer's rear, having to hold onto Teag around his waist, which felt humiliating for some reason. "The East isn't exactly close to the West, you know," he continued.
"But I didn't think it was this far."
"Then you shouldn't have come," he sniffed. Pippa scowled, but since he couldn't see her expression, she tightened her grip around him painfully. He responded by reaching down to pull her arms off him. "Stop that."
"I should have just made you walk."
"I should just push you off this hoofer and take it for myself."
Pippa stiffened. "You wouldn't dare!"
"Don't tempt me," he growled in return.
"My dad would kill you."
"Your dad would probably just be glad to hear I was gone." Teag's voice was bitter, and Pippa rolled her eyes. Tired of arguing, she peered into the distance.
"What's that?" she asked, suddenly intrigued.
"What?"
"That dark line."
"You mean Kahzym's Chasm? It's a huge ravine that separates the East province from the Central one."
"A chasm?" Pippa frowned, trying to decide if she had ever seen it before. She and her family had once lived in the East before moving back to the Central Province to spend time with Hershel, but she couldn't really remember much more than exploring the colorful markets. Her father hadn't let her explore with Baffa as often, from what she could remember. Was it because he was afraid she would come across the chasm?
"Some people call it the Fall of Kahzym. Legend says it's where he got struck down by Jarule during the first Oni-Dragon wars."
"How do you know that?"
Teag shifted in his seat. "Hershel told me," he admitted. "During his history lessons."
Pippa scowled. Once, Hershel had tried to teach her history, but she cared more for the actual healing art than the history behind it. Looking at dusty scrolls in a library and learning about dead people wasn't really her idea of fun. "When did he give you history lessons?"
"He gave us all kinds of lessons at the hidden village. How to control our emotions and aura, history, basic healing techniques..."
"He's teaching you how to be a healer?" Pippa demanded, stiffening with anger.
"Calm down, Pip-squeak. I'm going to be a blacksmith, not a healer."
"But he's teaching you!" she accused. "He's not supposed to be teaching anybody but me!"
"You're his apprentice in title, but that doesn't really mean much," Teag countered. "He's got lots of students outside of you."
Tears stung Pippa's eyes again, and she debated between screaming and attacking Teag from behind and giving him the silent treatment. She decided on the latter, partly because she was tired from her earlier fight with Dune and partly because she had a feeling that Teag really would shove her off the hoofer and leave without her.
After a while, the chasm became more visible. Pippa arched her neck to get a better look. "Will we have to cross it?" she asked, forgetting she was giving Teag the silent treatment.
"No. We'll travel next to it for a while. You really only have to cross it if you're trying to take a direct route from the central province to the east."
"Are we almost to the east, then?"
"We'll get there in a few more hours."
"A few more hours?"
"You can always go home, if you aren't up for it."
Pippa scowled. "I'm coming, and you can't make me leave."
"Then stop complaining, Pip-Squeak. Just relax and enjoy the ride."
2qIt didn't take Theo long to unpack. He wasn't planning on staying more than a few days, so he hadn't brought much more than a few changes of clothes and the satchel containing the vengestone chains. He risked a glance inside the bag as he sat on his father's old bed, debating. He wanted to try to contact Zane tonight, but it was late. Nindroid or not, Zane probably didn't want to get phone calls all hours of the day. I'll call him first thing in the morning and see when he can meet with me, he decided.
A knock sounded at the door, and Theo glanced up as he closed the satchel. His grandfather poked his head in, the bedroom light flickering off his grey hair. "Are you all unpacked?"
Theo smiled, tucking the satchel into the otherwise empty dufflebag. "I'm done."
"Good, good. Come join me for a cup of tea, Theodynn."
Theo wanted to try and use the time difference as an excuse and say that he was too tired, but as he made eye contact with his octogenarian grandfather, he realized he didn't have the heart. "All right," he agreed, standing to leave the room. He reached the living room to see that the tea was already set up, as well as a plate of cookies. Theo couldn't help but smile—it reminded him of being young and visiting Ninjago. He swore that coffee table was never free from tea and cookies resting on it.
"Come sit by me," Lou instructed, slowly lowering himself onto the couch. Theo obliged and picked up one of the tea-cups. He handed it to his grandfather, who accepted it gratefully before Theo reached out to claim the other cup for himself.
"How are you doing, Papa Lou?" Theo asked. "Not still dancing, I hope?"
"I wish I was," Lou admitted, his wrinkled expression flickering with nostalgia. "Alas, my joints are just not what they used to be. I guess I should be grateful that I'm still able to walk—most of my friends my age are in wheelchairs, or dead." Theo choked on his tea, and Lou turned to give him a mustache-quirking smile. "Don't worry, Theodynn. I think I've got a few solid years left to me, yet."
"Just a few?" Theo felt a deep ache as he studied his grandfather. He remembered his Papa Lou teaching him how to tap dance, but now he could barely get from room to room.
"Well, you can't expect me to stay forever," Lou offered with a sad smile. "I've got a dance with my beloved Beverly waiting for me in the Departed Realm."
Theo glanced away, staring down at his tea. With everything else already on his plate, he really wasn't in the mood to talk about his grandfather's eventual demise.
"Enough about all that," Lou chided, slapping Theo's knee gently. "Let's talk about something else, hmm? Something I've really been wanting to ask about, ever since Amber told me." The Oni took another sip of tea, bracing himself for what was coming. Sure enough, Lou tugged on his mustache as he fixed Theo with a quizzical look. "So...what happened between you and your lady friend?"
"It just didn't work out." The tea was leaving a bitter taste in Theo's mouth, so he set it back on the table in favor of a cookie.
"I gathered that much myself," Lou pointed out gently. "I was hoping for the full story."
Theo took a bite of the cookie to keep himself from answering, but it was so dry he nearly choked. Lou didn't seem to mind waiting for the answer, fixing him with a long look as Theo managed to get the bite down. Part of the Oni wanted to flee to his room and tell his grandfather that he didn't want to talk about it. However, as he felt his grandfather's gentle hand on his shoulder, he sighed.
"Theo," Lou pressed gently, and Theodynn dry-washed his face.
"It's because I'm going to be the Ruler." The confession came out easier than Theo would have thought it would.
Lou's brows pinched. "What do you mean?"
"Haiven didn't want to get bound to a ruler, because she didn't want to be one," Theo explained. "So, we broke up."
"But surely..."
"I was going to propose," Theo continued, the words slipping out before he could stop them. His face burned as he began destroying the crumbling cookie in his hand, refusing to look at his grandfather.
"You were?"
"I had it all planned out. We had been seeing each other for years—I thought we were on the same page. It was just the natural next step, right? We loved each other, we understood each other..." He trailed off, angry at himself for his throat tightening.
"So what happened?"
"She freaked out." Theo cleared his throat, dropping the crumbs onto the tea tray and dusting off his hands. "I mentioned being bound, thinking she'd be excited...but she wasn't. She said that she didn't want to get bound, because then she'd be a Ruler. I tried to tell her that it was just a title, but she didn't believe me. She said there wasn't any way she could go out to all the villages and do all the things my Dad does for the realm, but I told her that she didn't have to. I told her that I would take care of all the realm-running stuff, but she didn't think I could handle it by myself, and she got all weird about where we would live. She didn't want to move to the fortress, but there's no way I could run the realm from the Hidden Village." Lou was listening silently, and Theo glowered at the tea tray. "She said that if we got bound and she moved to the fortress, she'd be stuck there alone all day while I was out trying to run the realm by myself and doing all the jobs that she couldn't do since she couldn't support me—"
"Why did she think she couldn't support you?"
Theo's expression twisted. "Because she can't talk," he admitted softly. "She communicates fine—I taught her how to write, and she uses gestures and things, but she said that the people in the realm wouldn't accept her. She didn't think any of the leaders would respect her and say she was holding me back. I told her that it didn't matter what anyone else thought, and that I could handle being the Ruler, and that she wouldn't have to be like my Dad who took over half the responsibilities—"
"That would be a large workload for you, though," Lou pointed out quietly. Theo's fists clenched in his lap.
"I wouldn't mind doing it," he admitted softly. "We could have made it work...but she wasn't willing to."
"So she broke up with you?"
"She told me that she wouldn't get bound to me if I was planning on being the Ruler," he admitted at last. Lou was quiet, and after a minute, Theo continued in case his grandfather didn't understand. "That was her way to compromise. She told me that if I wanted us to work, I had to give up my title. I had to tell my parents that I wouldn't be the Heir anymore."
"Quite the ultimatum," Lou mused, and Theo buried his face in his hands.
"What was I supposed to do? Give up everything I had ever worked for? Trade in my future as the Ruler to move to the Hidden Village for the rest of my life? I want to make a difference in the realm, like my parents have. She knew that, just like she's always known I was going to be the Ruler someday. She never seemed to care before, but the second I brought up getting bound..." Theo trailed off before sighing. "I wouldn't have expected her to work with other leaders, or visit villages or go to meetings or make quarterly reports. We could have made it work..." Theo trailed off. He could feel himself getting emotional, and he closed his eyes as he forced the emotions back. It had been months—he should be able to discuss it without breaking down in front of his grandfather. "She made it clear she wasn't going to get bound to the future Ruler, and I made it clear that I couldn't give up my title. So...it didn't work out."
Lou didn't say anything at first, and they sat in silence for a little while as their tea grew cold. Eventually, Lou pushed himself to his feet, groaning slightly at the stiffness in his joints. "I'm sorry, Theodynn."
The Heir sighed. "Nothing to be sorry for," he muttered.
"Your family said it's been hard on you. I can see why."
Theo stood as well, not looking at his grandfather as he headed to his room. "I'm fine."
"There's no reason to lie," Lou argued, grabbing his grandson's arm. "Theo, you've just come out of a serious relationship. No one is expecting you to be fine."
"What am I supposed to do? Be depressed forever? It's over, and I need to focus on the things I can control."
"Amber's told me how diligent you've been in your work for the realm," Lou offered, studying Theo with eyes full of concern. "But take it from me, my boy. Throwing yourself into work is no substitute for grieving."
"What's there to grieve? She gave me a choice, and I chose." Theo clenched his fists. "If I had to lose Haiven to be the future Ruler, then I can't just sit on the sidelines anymore. I can't be content letting my parents run the realm and take care of all the problems, while I hang back and plan tournaments or do paperwork. It's not enough to just be committed to making the difference...it's time to actually make that difference."
"You are making a difference," his grandfather assured. "More than you know." Theo didn't answer, and his grandfather embraced him gently. "I'm glad you came this weekend, Theodynn...and I'm glad you talked to me. I think it will be nice for you to relax and focus on other things to take your mind off Haiven—carefree things that don't make an impact on the entire realm."
"Thanks for listening," Theo offered. He hugged Lou back, but in his mind's eye, all he could see were the mysterious chains stuffed in a worn-out satchel in his room.
"This is it?" Pippa demanded, and Teag rolled his eyes.
"Why so disappointed?" he muttered as they headed into the Eastern village.
"It just looks like any other village," Pippa snapped. "Just with more trees!"
"Sorry it's such a let-down. Next time someone says they're going to a village, make sure you actually want to go before blackmailing them into making you come."
"I didn't blackmail you," Pippa sniffed, but Teag was already slipping off the hoofer's saddle. "Where are you going?"
"To find my brother. Have fun doing whatever it is you wanted to do." He set off, scanning the village as he went. A few things had changed in the few years he had been gone, but there was still so much of it that was familiar. His stomach clenched as he thought about facing his brother, but he forced the feeling aside. We had our differences in the past...but we're family. Real family. He can't turn me away now that I know a craft and can control my powers.
"Wait!" Pippa demanded, and Teag turned to see her plodding along after him, still on the hoofer. "You can't just leave!"
"I'm not babysitting you, Pip-squeak. You wanted to come, so I brought you. I still don't know why you wanted to come to the middle of nowhere, but that's your problem now, not mine."
"You don't have to babysit me," Pippa scowled. "And this isn't the middle of nowhere. Back when Baffa and I would go on adventures, I would really end up in the middle of nowhere. This is just another dumb village. Let's go find something cool."
"This isn't an adventure," Teag argued. "This is my home—I'm not looking for something cool. I'm looking for my family. If that's too boring for you, then go back to your home. No doubt your Mom's wondering where you are."
"No one has time to worry about where I am," Pippa muttered. "Dad's always gone and Mom's teaching and Hershel never has time to teach me even though I'm his apprentice!"
Teag ignored the girl's complaints, heading further down the village to the outskirts. Would Dee even be in? What if he had moved on to a different village? Teag couldn't imagine where his brother would have moved to, though. This was the closest place to the Eastern Markets without actually living on the market streets, which was a risky thing to do when you spent your time taking things from others. Better to have a home away from the markets to take your wares, where people weren't as likely to recognize you as the rouge that pinched a few coins or a few loaves to eat.
"Are you listening to me?" Pippa demanded.
"You're going on about how special you are cuz you're an apprentice, even though you don't have the tattoos to prove it," Teag growled. "Now, go away and leave me alone."
"I don't have to go away," Pippa sniffed. "You can't make me."
"I should have just walked," Teag muttered to himself as he passed the last of the nicer-quality tents. "The hoofer wasn't worth all of this."
"What did you say?"
Teag fell silent again, having caught sight of a broken-down tent in the distance. It seemed the wind had pulled the anchors loose once again, and he sighed. The less money you had, the sandier the ground you lived on. The sandier the ground, the harder it was to anchor your tent. Teag sped up his walk, wishing the girl on the hoofer behind him would leave him alone.
As he reached the front of the tent, he swallowed. This was Dee's tent, all right—it still had the stains from the time they had tried to dye the fabric green when they were younger. Dee had said that if they could camouflage the tent, they could set up in the oasis areas near the lake, and no one would be any wiser. Of course, the camouflage attempt had gone dreadfully wrong, and Teag couldn't help but smile a little as he fingered the tattered cloth. He took a deep breath and pushed himself inside.
"Dee?" he called, glancing around the area. The tent was pretty sparse, with only a bedroll in one corner and a pile of assorted clothes and supplies in the other. Teag frowned as he realized how much sand had built up on the objects. Seemed Dee couldn't be bothered to dust off his belongings...but the amount of sand on the bedroll also made it seem like it hadn't been slept on recently.
"What a dump," a voice cut in from behind, and Teag jumped. He had forgotten Pippa had been following him, and he turned to see her looking at the interior with a sneer.
"Go away," he snapped. "This doesn't concern you, Pip-squeak."
"Your brother isn't here, Mop-head," she fired back. "So where is he?"
Teag felt his stomach twist as he glanced back at the bedroll, but he forced himself to stay calm as he shrugged. "At the market, probably. I'll just go look for him there. You should probably head home—it's a long trip back."
"Maybe I'm not going back tonight," Pippa said aloofly as she followed him out of the tent and into the blinding sunshine.
"What are you planning on doing? Sleeping outside?"
"I used to all the time with Baffa."
"Did not."
"Sometimes I did," Pippa countered. "We'd sleep outside under the stars, because I'm not afraid of anything."
"Except going home, apparently," Teag pointed out as he fixed her with a long look. "You're avoiding something, aren't you?"
Pippa reddened. "I'm not avoiding anything! I came because I can. Because no one can tell me what to do or where to go."
"What did you do?" Teag asked dryly. "Set the Hidden Village on fire? That's where you were before coming to the fortress, if I remember you complaining correctly."
"I didn't do anything!" Pippa snapped. "I don't have to go back right now if I don't want to. I can take care of myself...I don't need anybody else."
"You're going to be in worse trouble if you make everyone scour the realm for you, you know."
"What about you? You left, too."
"No one's going to be looking for me," Teag argued, his expression hardening. After a few moments, he turned to grab her hoofer's reigns. "As long as you're sticking around, though, I'm using your hoofer to get to the markets."