Nya ran.
Ran where, she had no idea. She tumbled into copses of leaves and earned small scrapes on her wrists, arms, and legs from jagged thorns. The acidic sensation burned into her skin, but it didn't stop her from running ahead.
Adrenaline rushed into her nerves and head, confusing her by the minute. She didn't understand why she listened to Kai, why she went through with his order. For all she knew, he could have been immensely injured. Could've been eaten alive. There was a reason these woods were so dangerous!
"Idiot!" she spat, tears threatening to escape. She hated running away. She hated abandoning her brother, even if he forced her to. She hated feeling afraid for herself when situations grew serious. It made her feel weak. In other cases, she would understand if someone were terrified at something, but because she was her own worst critic, it bothered her too much. And for the love of the First Spinjitzu Master, she hated crying.
She could turn back and find Kai again. Try to actually save him this time, but something stopped her. She couldn't bring herself to retrace her steps. Slowing down, she finally took notice of her surroundings. She couldn't even tell whether she was near the town anymore.
"Why did he have to act like the hero?" she muttered to herself, clenching her fists. "I mean… the wolves… he did it to save me, but…"
A part of her hoped the Nature Dragons would show themselves and help her like last time. She was expecting it, but the silence was very loud. Calling out to them didn't seem so smart either. There was a probability that other wolves were around.
"Ugh… why did I leave him?" she frothed, mostly at herself. "Why didn't we notice the trap? Why are wolves so dangerous?" With every sentence, her voice rose. She hated containing her anger. "Why did we have to leave the town? Why don't we just listen to Dad for once?!"
A flock of sparrows dispersed into the open air, and Nya jumped. After realizing there was no danger present, she shrugged her worries off and sighed.
"Scared again… at the smallest things…"
"Scared, is it? You don't need to feel afraid of us."
Nya's heart leapt in her throat as she whipped around, her raven black hair flying in her face. She crouched low and nervously watched the movement of the bushes. It could be the Lords' soldiers.
"W-who's there—?" Her voice quavered, and she mentally scolded herself. Get it together, Nya! Be brave, like Kai! You've got this! You… you can take them!
From the undergrowth appeared an ageing man. His skin was wrinkled and delicate, and every strand of his wavy hair was grey. His expression was stern and sharp, as was his posture—tall and strong. His clothing was very unusual as well; he wore a black kimono with strange symbols embedded on the fabric, along with a drab robe held with a golden clasp.
Extending a wooden staff, he replied, "Who am I?" He gave a hearty laugh. "Why don't you introduce yourself first, young lady?"
"Um…" Nya didn't really know how to react. The situation was pretty awkward, for the most part. "Sorry, but… I'm someone… who isn't from these parts?"
"Hm… well, I figured that one out rather quickly," he said with a shrug. Gesturing to the staff, he added, "No need to be worried. I promise I won't hurt you." His smile finally convinced Nya by a small amount, and she grabbed onto it. The man pulled her up and took a quick whiff of the air.
"My brother shall arrive soon," he informed.
"Wait, there are more of you?" she asked.
He spun around with such speed, Nya slightly shrunk away. "What do you mean?" he asked, and she could've sworn there was a hint of suspicion laced in his words.
"I mean… there are more people around? I didn't realize this forest was… you know, safe enough?" she asked unsurely. The man laughed.
"If that's the case, then what are you doing here?"
Before she could answer—or rather, cover her response with a lie—another man jumped out of the bushes. He was wearing a white kimono and a straw hat, but his features were considerably different. He looked much older, his face sunken and troubled. His long beard reached his knees, and he hunched over his own staff.
"Brother… what is the meaning of this?" he demanded.
"I've found this girl here; it appears she's been lost traveling around the forest," the first man replied.
"A girl?" Nya snapped in a challenging tone. Both elders turned to her, and she suddenly regretted raising her voice. She let out a nervous chuckle and scratched the back of her head awkwardly.
"Well, that is what you are, isn't it?" the bearded man questioned. "Or are you perhaps suggesting you are… something else?"
The question confused her, but she didn't have time to deal with their nonsense.
"Look, not trying to be rude or anything, but my brother is out there. Last I saw him, he was dangling by his ankle from a trap!"—Both elders strained at the word—"And he's also surrounded by this… wolf! I'm worried he's seriously injured! He told me to run for it, but I… I left him!" she rambled. Her eyes burned, and her nose stung. "I'm afraid… I'm afraid he'll be gone if I don't do something—"
Nya felt a hand gently caress her shoulder, and she immediately tensed. She slowly lifted her head and saw the kind man send her a warm smile.
"Sacrifices are, admittedly, one of the most reckless and bravest courses of action and decision one can go through with," he said, bending his head low.
Nya tried her very best to hide a sob. The last thing she needed was to utter a choked cry in front of two complete strangers.
"And, you know, even the strongest person known to man… they would fall to their knees and cry until a rise of dawn," he added. "Knowing they lost someone very dear to themselves… it's a pain you cannot see, nor is it one you can easily get rid of."
Wiping the tears from her face, Nya stood there, unsure whether to respond to his remark. It seemed as though he genuinely spoke from experience, judging by the heavy weight of his voice. She felt… sorry for him. For whatever tore him apart, if he had gone through such things.
"But don't you worry," he continued with a gentle grin. "I believe that brother of yours will make it through. Perhaps not all creatures of the forest are dangerous, if you understand where I am coming from."
"Uh… maybe?" she answered, but it sounded more like a question. The man chuckled yet again.
"You may call me Garmadon, and that man over there is my younger brother. His name is Wu," he said, and he extended his hand in a kind gesture. His brother, however, stiffened.
"Oh! I'm, uh… my name's Nya!" she replied politely, and she shook Garmadon's hand. Once they stepped back, Wu stepped forward and asked, "So… why are you still here? What's stopping you from finding your brother?"
As if on cue, a pair of voices called her name from a distance, and Nya instantly froze on the spot. She shrunk away and muttered, "Them. They're after us. I knew The Lord Protectors would send troops on our trail."
Wu stepped forward, his gaze strict and dangerous. "Did you just say, 'Lord Protectors'?" he demanded, tone vicious.
"I—yeah?" she responded, feeling confused and worried. "You know them?"
"There is no time to lose. Nya, come with us," Garmadon instructed, but Wu shot him an incredulous look. He ran after him, and they paused in their tracks.
"What do you think you're doing?" he whispered furiously, but his brother shrugged him off.
"Lay off it, Wu!" Dropping his voice, he added, "Our priority right now are chasing the intruders out—we cannot have them roaming in our forest."
"And you're suggesting Nya isn't one of them?" he growled, going as far as making such a foul accusation. Garmadon bared his teeth in frustration.
"You must remember, brother…" he said bitterly, "not everyone is a traitor or poses a constant threat." Wu frowned, but he continued to speak. "I can understand your feeling of… resentment and retaliation. Believe me, I know. It is as though… you can sense the acrid venom boil and sear as it traverses through your veins, itching the bare surface of your skin. It intoxicates your mind, forming a thick haze that blinds you from the truth. I understand your desiring needs to tear at the ones who overthrew you." Garmadon spared a glance at Nya, who stood alone, waiting for them to walk ahead. "But we mustn't allow such emotions to meddle with our actions. Nya requires our help, and that, we shall give."
It took several moments before Wu retreated into reality. He remained speechless, opening his mouth a few times before closing it every time. Then, heaving a sigh, he admitted defeat.
"Alright… alright, we'll help her," he gave in, but he did not relax entirely. Still, Garmadon found it fair and was satisfied with his answer. Better to act before Wu changed his mind.
"We're taking her to our den, then we'll chase those men off," he planned. "Once we return, we'll explain that we tried to get them out, but the wolves completed that task instead." His eyes gleamed, and he grinned mischievously. "Something exciting needs to occur every once in a while, don't you agree? We'll be the spark to set off the bomb."
Wu's frown deepened, and he creased his brows. "You fool! Our home will find itself endangered due to your unwise tactics and ruthless… ruthless…"
"Pranks?" Garmadon finished.
"Yes!" he fumed. "No matter that, don't put yourself in a dangerous situation! Neither should you do that to your home!"
"Are you perhaps suggesting my senses have become… dull?" he asked slowly, arching a brow in question. Wu didn't bother answering carefully this time.
"So what if I am?" he snapped angrily.
Garmadon hummed, then he gradually let out a soft laugh. "All those years with Misako… we had pulled the greatest hoaxes together. I would never forget such precious times." He faced his brother, and their gazes locked. "Say… how about we compete? Just like old times?"
That surprised Wu momentarily, and he partially looked away. Time was running short, however, and Garmadon added, "I find you need to let off some steam as well. Calm your nerves. And what better way to do that than to spend some time with your older sibling?"
Wu couldn't hide it anymore, and his lips widened into a broad grin.
"I suppose you're right… let's do this. Together."
Sending each other brief nods, they turned to Nya. Garmadon beckoned for her to follow, and they dashed into the bushes. Nya had a very difficult time catching up to the two, but they guided her carefully. To her, the forest seemed the same. If anything, it actually looked darker, more… ominous. Either way, she couldn't understand how these two people would be experts at
Eventually, they stopped running and briefly paused at a small opening in the woods. Nya used the opportunity to catch her breath, so she sat down and relaxed on the soft grass.
"Are you feeling alright, Nya?" Garmadon asked.
"Oh, yeah, I'm totally fine!" she replied with a lopsided grin, which soon formed into a grimace. "Yowch! Sorry… got a cramp…"
Wu crouched next to her and handed her his staff. "Use this to massage your leg. Rolling it should help ease the pain," he suggested. When she thanked him and grabbed it, he asked, "I don't suppose you run too often, do you?"
"Well, I mean… I work in the scullery," she replied quietly, growing embarrassed by the second. "The maids and I constantly move around, but… I guess I'm not used to running long distances at once."
As they continued to communicate with each other, Garmadon peered through the bushes, barely moving a muscle. He was on high alert for the smallest noise, the slightest movement, even the bare stench of the air. Then he snapped.
"Wu, trespassers present at nine-o'clock, two men, different in size, but they shouldn't be much of a challenge to take down," he determined promptly. "They come from the East side of the woods; we will have to get them immediately, before they have a chance of calling others."
Wu nodded, and he turned to Nya. "We have a small hut nearby. You may take shelter there," he said.
"Wait, how do you know all that? What will you two do?" she asked anxiously. "And what do you mean, 'take down'? You aren't seriously thinking of hurting them, are you?"
"We will simply reason with them. Rest assured that we won't partake in any form of violence," he confirmed solidly. He cocked his head to the side. "Lead her to the den—er… hut."
"Come along," Wu beckoned. She leapt to her feet and followed him through rather tight gaps in the trees. They pushed through the stumps and eventually found themselves standing before a steep dent in the ground. At the base, Nya spotted heaps of bracken and brambles partially covering the entrance of what seemed to be a… wolf's den?
"Wh—but we can't go in there!" she yelped.
"I knew you would be worried. You do not need to fear anything. The entire time Garmadon and I hid here, there have been no signs of wolves." Sensing her troubles, he promised it was completely safe, then he slid down the dirt hill and pulled the vines out of the way.
"You will be safe here. I will help my brother fend the intruders off," he vowed. "The bedding has already been arranged, but let me know if there is anything else you need."
Nya carefully slid into the den and shifted around the cramped space. Well, it was actually pretty wide, but the roof was a little low to her liking. The dirt stains also bothered her. Hiding out underground… she definitely wasn't used to it at all.
"How do you—even manage—to—live down—here?" she asked, trying to make herself feel comfortable amidst the soil and humidity. Rolling on her back, she sat in a secure position and watched Wu cover the entrance again, spreading the vines enough to camouflage the den.
"You get used to it eventually," he replied casually. "Don't worry. No one will find you except Garmadon and I, but you won't have to grow accustomed to sitting in there for long. We'll get them to leave quickly."
Several moments passed in thick silence before Nya finally spoke again. "Thank you, sir, for your help. This… this means quite a lot."
"I think you should save your acknowledgements for my brother," he said, but he smiled, nonetheless. "I will return soon. Please remain quiet."
Before Nya could form one last response, Wu raced into the undergrowth, completely vanishing from sight. She quietly sighed and began to chew her fingernails. Hopefully, Wu and Garmadon would return in time to help her find Kai, wherever he was. If she ever found him, he'd better expect a good punch in the face. Correction; several punches. Her lips perked up at the thought.
You'd better be safe out there, she hoped.
. . .
"There you are, Wu," Garmadon greeted. Said man appeared from behind a bramble bush, and he wiped the leaves off of his kimono.
"So, where are they?" he asked. "It has been a little while since I properly stretched my old bones—will we need these?" He pointed at their staffs.
"You may set them down," said Garmadon, smirking pompously. "Why don't we use our teeth, shall we?"
Wu bristled. "We won't bite them—"
"But of course we won't!" he cried out. "A quick snarl will be enough to scare them away. It always works."
"And a snarl is all it will be," he verified.
"…Go first…"
"No, you go first!"
"Stop whining and move!"
Both brothers shared a knowing look. "I sense this won't be too difficult?"
"Not at all."
"Well, let's get to work then."
A light sensation washed over their bodies. Their heartbeats thrummed in unison, and reality suddenly ebbed into a vast, hollow terrain of darkness. Then, amidst the cold aura, formed a warm haze—a gentle glow that beamed as the human soul intertwined with the spirit of the wolf.
Gilded, yet elegant forms of two wolves traced their steps on the grassland. They pawed at the ground and sniffed the fresh forestry scent.
"Good to be back!" Wu exclaimed happily, stretching his paws. He shook his pallid, white fur, and it instantly flattened out. He paused to direct his gaze at Garmadon. His brother was significantly larger than him, and the patterns of his pelt were considerably darker. His fur was generally ruffled twice its normal size, features strong and intense.
"Indeed, it is," he agreed, opening his maw in a wide yawn, revealing razor-sharp fangs. "I wish we'd go on a run, but we've got a job to do."
They prowled on the grass, and boy, was it easier to lurk all around then. They were constantly aware of where they strode, what they were seeking for, the odors of nearby critters, everything. It was as though all of their senses were amplified. Which it kind of was.
And within their line of smell arrived a bitter stench, combined with fume, sweat, and someone who hasn't showered in at least one month. The two nearly choked at the foul odor.
"What in the name of—that smells horrendous!" Garmadon gasped, scrunching his snout.
"They're very close," said Wu, "Let's really hurry… before they literally intoxicate the entire forest."
They went their separate ways in silence. Mere shadows amongst the woodlands, yet swift enough to blend in with their surroundings, they watched the intruders saunter further into their territory, who jumped every so often.
"Nuckal, just shut your mouth and move!" Kruncha pressed urgently. He pushed his partner ahead of himself, and Nuckal whined.
"But I don't wanna…" he grumbled. "Have you even heard half the tales? The last thing I want is a pack of wolves chasing me in this forsaken place! I can't even get around in here!"
Kruncha huffed in annoyance. "Yeah… but think of our pay raise," he bribed, his tone suddenly filled with greed and desire. "The Lord Protectors will surely reward us handsomely if we manage to bring that girl back." He rubbed his hands together and grinned wickedly. Nuckal stroked his chin and gave it some thought. He quirked his brows as an idea came to mind.
"We'll have enough cash to leave the farm," he said smugly. "We won't have to work our spines out harvesting the crops every day. The others can waste their time doing that for us!"
Garmadon's eyes turned to slits as every grain of his being boiled with rage. His hackles were raised, and he unsheathed his claws.
"Cowardly clowns," he snarled. He turned around and took a detour around the area, circling them deliberately. He needed to give a good scare to anyone following the Lord Protectors after weeks of remaining in his human form, but he began to realize how much they really deserved it.
Garmadon lifted a paw and shook a bush. The rustling leaves caught the farmers' attention, and they instantly backed into each other, soft whimpers escaping their trembling lips. He grinned and dove into them, making as much noise as he could. Somewhere close by, he could hear the same cluster of sounds. Wu must have been following his lead.
"W-w-wolf?" Nuckal squeaked, squeezing Kruncha's shoulders painfully. "What'll we do, what'll we do, what'll we do? Oh, we're done for, we won't see the light of day ever again!" He began to sob, and he faltered to the ground as he continued to wail. "We won't get all the money—"
"Oh, shut up, you!" Nuckal snapped, but he couldn't stop himself from quivering. Garmadon sprang to his paws and bolted around the perimeter, purposefully stamping on the leaves with as much force as possible. Along the way, he met Wu, and they shared a brief nod.
As if terrifying Kruncha and Nuckal wasn't enough, Garmadon jumped out from his shelter in the woods and revealed himself completely. He loomed over the two of them and stood mightily, growling deep in his throat.
"Boo," he said with a sneer.
Kruncha and Nuckal shrieked as loud as they could, tumbling over themselves in a failed attempt at escaping. Behind the townsfolk, Wu slinked out of the undergrowth and circled them completely, not letting them out of his line of sight.
They were trapped.
"Demons!" Nuckal cried, shielding his face. "Demons from the deepest pits of Hell—"
"'Demons'?" Wu retorted angrily. He knew humans couldn't understand them as wolves, but he couldn't help bristling from the offending remark.
Garmadon lowered his head and stared at them right in the eyes. "Do we honestly look like demons to you?!" he barked. Kruncha and Nuckal reared back and scurried to their feet. Wu stepped aside and created an opening for them. Noticing their one chance of escape, the townspeople darted straight for it.
"They've clearly never even seen a wolf before," Wu said with a shake of his head. "I almost feel sorry."
"Ah, don't be," Garmadon replied. He tilted his head and added, "Oh, looks like they're running in the wrong direction. Come along. We'd better 'help them'."
"Sounds good to me," he agreed. "I need to stretch my old bones anyway."
That being said, they raced after Kruncha and Nuckal with thrilled howls. It was a day to reminisce for them both, and they would make sure the humans would remember to stay out of their forest.