Author's Note: I hope everyone had a Happy Turkey Day, because I sure enough did! Anyway, like always I have to give a shout-out to everyone who read and reviewed thus far! You guys have been super considerate and great all across the board. Thank you all very much! Please continue to support my little story in the ways you feel comfortable with! I love you all again! Have a fun read!
Unexpected
By: Mad Betrayal
"If instead of a gem or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give…"—George MacDonald
Chapter 21 ~ White Night
Jay…? Shard gave a surprised roar and whirled around at his master's command. The Master of Ice looked to the direction he had sensed the convergence of terrible emotions. Disbelief. Sadness. Grief. Desolation. Zane wasn't sure why, but a mental image of his brother in blue had flashed in his mind. Is he alright…? What was that..? ...Hm…?
Zane lifted his gaze to the stark blackness of the heavens. The constant needle prick of rain had turned into the light tapping of hail. The white ninja opened his palm to catch a few of the pebbles as they fell. The elements have shifted… Oh… Within himself, he felt his core open up like a blossoming flower, and a sudden overflow of bountiful energy immediately consumed him. He had never felt so refreshingly cold.
"This has…never happen before… What is going on? I don't understand…"
He then recalled what Jay had told him and the rest of his clansmen earlier—about the cycle of elements due to commence this day. "Thunderstorm…hailstorm…firestorm…earthquake…" Brad's prophecy of the incoming meteor shower would bring forth a tangent of all the Natural Elements in the world.
Destruction…Power…New Life… These were the words spoken by Lloyd's former classmate. And it looks like they will indeed have merit…
So then was this the "Power" stage of the oracle? It seemed a little off-kilter since they've yet to see any real "Destruction". Is there a designated order or no…? Zane could only ponder this briefly, however, as he suddenly felt a massive convergence of ice gather throughout the heavens.
"The hailstorm will grow more violent with time. That can only spell more difficulty for the bus transports…" Zane peered down to the streets below, spying the crowds of people and the silver bullet-shaped transport buses. Rows of men had been cornered off to the side by a separate section of the barricades, splitting up families and couples until the higher priorities were relocated to the shelters first. As far as Zane could tell, the men had been somewhat tolerate of this decision—on his route anyway as Kai had reported earlier that a riot had nearly broken out on his. But they had to be getting close; it's been nearly two hours after all since the evacuation started. New Ninjago City's population was steadily thinning, so no doubt the men would be able to board soon.
Though, it appeared not soon enough. At the weather's abrupt change, Zane could tell that patience was beginning to wane as a cacophony of distorted voices rose up to his ears in frantic bursts. The white ninja gave the south another glance, looking passed the sparkling stardust that fell rapidly against the black of night. Some parts of the city were suffering black-outs, but there were still towers sprinkled around that yielded evanescent light.
Downtown…that's where the convergence of emotions came from…
Zane felt torn for a moment before he reluctantly shook his head. As much as he worried for Jay, he could not abandon his duty to the people. They needed his power. And thus, dispelling his dragon, the ice ninja slid down the side of a building until he safely reached ground level.
"No, Papa, I want to stay with you!"
Zane turned and saw a little boy latched onto his father's legs while two officers were gently but urgently trying to coax the child to let go and keep the line moving. The father had his arms hooked around his son, equally reluctant to part ways. "Please! You have to let me board with him!" He pleaded desperately to the officers. "I'm a single father! I can't be separated from him!"
"Hey! You're not the only single dad in the world, pal!" A vehement voice shouted from somewhere behind the man and his child. "If you get to board with your kid, I should too!"
A belligerent uproar cried out from the exclamation, but the lining officers in black stayed firm. One in particular caught Zane's eye. Holding a megaphone in one hand and massaging his temple with the other, the taller maybe even more robust of the officers at once pressed a button on the megaphone he was carrying. The high-pitched frequency pierced the air like a scream, disrupting and overall dousing out the rising pandemonium.
"What is this?! The single dad line?!" The officer bellowed furiously into the piece, the no-quarter and abrasiveness of his shout encompassing the crowds in a single swallow. "Now I know y'all are worried and everything, but the more time y'all want to waste squabblin', the less time y'all have to get your own asses to the shelters! We ain't doin' nothin' new!" The officer lifted up his free gloved-hand and started raising four fingers in tangent. "Women, children, elderly, and then the men! And to tell y'all the truth, you guys aren't even last, okay?! We are! We officers out here! The ones dedicated to protectin' and servin' every one of y'all 'til our dying breath! Now get y'all asses in gear! Y'all have already been briefed that any children who get lost or separated from their guardians or parents will be corralled to Block A where other officers will look after 'em 'til y'all can get reunited! Now let's go! Y'all realize it's startin' to hail, right?!"
In front of the imposing and rough talking officer, the masses' indignant cry soon died down to empathetic snivels. They knew the officer was right and now was not the time to get uncivil when their lives and the lives of their loved ones were on the line. The father and son at the head of the queue parted ways quietly with the man giving his child an encouraging hug and pat on the head before he climbed the steel steps into the buses' interior.
"Thank you!" The officer shouted with an air of finality and lowered his megaphone with a shake of his head. Zane approached the officer with a sympathetic smile under his hood.
"Well done, sir," he said warmly, and the officer's liquid amber depths met the ninja's with surprise. "But allow me to assist you…" Before the officer could comment, Zane summoned his power and released it into the air. A massive wall of gleaming ice conjured above the crowds, connecting to the neighboring buildings and curving over their heads like an awning in order to protect them from the hailstorm's pummeling force.
Soft gasps of shock and awe filled the atmosphere and it was with appreciative nods and glances to the white ninja that the lines moved about even steadier. The officer's eyes widened further at the feat, taking in the beautiful, protective structure before moving back to the ninja at his side. "Ah…thank you…" he said plainly, a dark eyebrow lifted as he eyed Zane up and down. "…You're one of them…ninja folk, right? Helpin' with the evac?"
Zane nodded and held out his hand. "Correct. My name is Zane."
The officer took the ninja's hand in a firm shake. "Richardson." The man scrutinized the nindroid further. "Uh…listen… I don't mean to be rude or nothin' but…is somethin' wrong with yo eyes?"
Zane blinked, stupefied. While he did feel different, did he look different too? He decided to brush it off. Now was not the time to worry about appearances. "Richardson, I must warn you that the weather will only get worse from here on out. How goes the evacuation? Are we nearly finished?"
Despite the dark-skinned man's layering of thick clothing, his face was sheen with wetness due to the prior rain. Richardson sucked his teeth derisively, more than willing to move on to more important business. "Nothin's been said over CB, but as for codec it does look like the men will be boardin' soon. But still…" Richardson stopped and watched as a weary mother shared a farewell kiss with her husband before she and her three children boarded the bus, "…there is a problem…" he finished quietly with a frown.
Zane's brow creased with concern. "What is it?"
Just then, Richardson lifted a hand to his ear and the ice ninja noticed the other officers did the same. Hmm…codec? Zane surmised. Though he didn't have a grand knowledge on the relatively new and extremely expensive development of technology, he as well as Jay had touched bases with the concept during the Borg Towers incident. All officers within New Ninjago City plus government officials were wired with nanomachines, which granted the capability to communicate silently. This specialized form of communication supposedly prevented eavesdropping as the codec's receiver stimulated the small bones of the ear, so that no one but the caller and recipient would be able to hear. Jay had called it "Technology's way of telepathy".
After the "call", Richardson raised his megaphone again. "Alright! Listen up! After this bus pulls off the next one to pull up with be the first one for the men! Hang in there, guys, we're almost done!"
Celebratory whoops erupted from the thinning crowds for as far as Zane could see were now only men. Richardson then leveled the ninja with a stern stare. "There are a few pick-up points who are lagging behind though—Baker and Byrd and Fox and Riverglade. If you could go to those locations and lend your aid then that'll be a big help."
Zane blinked at being blind-sided, but nodded his head regardless. "Yes of course, but Richardson, what was the problem you mentioned earlier?"
Liquid amber flickered with vexation as the officer looked cautiously about him before lowering his voice. "…Though we're not certain right now, the shelters don't appear to be exhibitin' the necessary energy to sustain life for long periods of time. It's being looked into but…" Another suck of the teeth. "Hey, let's just hope these showers don't last for a long time and devastate the city, huh?"
It wasn't a very strong declaration of optimism from what Zane could deduce as he as well as Richardson knew that this problem could turn into a serious conundrum. The Master of Ice thought about the currently comatose young man's prophecy once more. Just how much "Destruction" would the meteor shower cause? And how long would it last exactly? He had no answers to this, so opted to remain silent despite the other man's searching gaze.
"…We can only hope…" Zane conceded at last, and Richardson took his words with a grain of salt. The debilitating white noise of the hailstorm suddenly grew louder and what was once only slight tapping progressed into incessant pounding. The white ninja concentrated on the constant presence of his element around him, taking note of its abrupt aggressiveness. The pebbles had enlarged into golf balls, but even then the outcry from his core told him that worse pummeling was on the way. He had better move. "…Anyway, I will do as you ask. Stay safe in the meantime, Richardson."
It was the first upturn of the lips the chocolate-skinned man produced since Zane's rendezvous with the officer. "Thanks to you I think we'll be just fine 'til we get to the shelters ourselves. Good lookin' out, brutha, and Godspeed."
Zane nodded, bumping his fist with the officer's, and dashed off for the nearest alleyway. Utilizing his agility, he performed quick triangle flips to reach the top of the building. He was airborne once again shortly after, summoning his dragon and making a beeline for the pick-up points Richardson had informed him about—beginning with Baker and Byrd. A tremor of unease shook the ice ninja's core unexpectedly, causing him to inadvertently shiver. He wondered how Kai was fairing. Though the fire ninja was never one to complain, he had to be uncomfortable under such conditions. But it wasn't just about Kai, for all of Zane's brothers had to be fighting the weather in order to serve the frightened populace. And that included their mentor, Garmadon as well, as he too braved the elements with a stiff upper lip.
And in any event, if something were seriously wrong, someone would've reported it by now…
Thus, it was with blatant shock when both Zane and Shard cried out, halting the dragon into a hover over the city. The white ninja's sixth sense had clawed at him violently into alertness. So, it was with consternation that Zane now searched the skies around him, looking for the cause of the second disturbance to his soul's serenity.
"Say, you wouldn't happen to have any drink on ya, wouldja chum?"
The heavily accented and oddly friendly voice sounded close—right behind him close. As did the location of his sixth sense's warning. Zane hurriedly turned his head…and came face-to-face with a pair of half-lidded, dark amethyst gems. Only…they appeared upside-down…? Zane gritted his teeth and maneuvered Shard into a turn and a quick flap backwards to get some space between himself and the intruder. And was at once shocked when he did…
The man was indeed upside down…and straddling some type of beast…who was also upside down. Although visibility was limited, the soft nuance of light from the city granted Zane the ability to take in quite a lot of these…newcomers. The wingspan of the beast was great, maybe even on par with Shard's. But this was obviously no dragon… A sharp cry from a razor-edged beak instantly reminded the ice master of his feathered friend, and a graceful flap of golden-ginger wings returned the beast and his rider right side up. Deadly and hooked talons extended forward to swat at the air playfully when the man reached down to scratch the beast's thick feathered neck, and Zane also took note of the swishing of a long tail as it wagged into view.
What is this abomination…? The beast's body was long and heavily built but free of feathers, the hard and sinewy muscles underneath its golden fur clearly visible as the creature pumped its back legs. The wings, head, and front half of a bird of prey…and the body, tail, and back legs of a lion…? Could this be…the mythical griffin…?
But Zane had no time to gawk at this discovery, for the griffin's rider began to speak again. "Though if ya don't have the drink, I'll settle for the fruit it be derived from—preferably still on the vine." The man folded his arms over the griffin's neck and gave a toothy grin, showcasing a pair of glistening and wickedly sharp incisors. Zane's eyes narrowed on their own, his anxiety spiking. Despite the man's casual octave, the white ninja could sense nothing but deadliness and power from the one before him.
"Who are you?" Zane asked, and the man scratched the back of his head with an air of sheepishness, his eyes crinkling into happy crescents.
"Ah…I suppose that was a tad rude of me, wasn't it? Right sorry…" Another toothy grin curved the man's lips into somewhat of a smirk. "I'm chuffed to say my name will linger on your palette fancy that of a fine wine. Remember and savor what I be dubbed, Master of Ice. I am Dionysus, one of Lord Clouse's Seven Deities."
Zane took in as much as he could of his now revealed enemy. Dionysus looked to be maybe in his early twenties and sported a very punkish appearance. His hair was crudely spiked and burnt orange in color. He had multiple piercings—six on his left ear and one on his chin—and a goatee with a silver clamp attached to it. He was also heavily accessorized with jewelry, a silver chain necklace for one. And from what Zane could see, every finger on his left hand was adorned in silver rings, and his wrists in thin silver bangles and black bands. His torso was covered in a black shirt with a sort of mysterious orange design that Zane couldn't decipher, and over that was a white jacket with a popped collar. Black pants fitted his lower half and a pair of orange shoes with black platform soles encased his feet. His dark purple eyes remained cleverly hooded with a false pretense of a drunken stupor. But Zane knew better…this was a dangerous being, one not to be underestimated…maybe even more so than Eros.
Zane decided not to waste this opportunity to procure some information. "The Seven Deities, Clouse…what are your objectives? Eros informed me and my brothers that Clouse has been anticipating the meteors' coming and that he is expecting…" He gave pause to muse over what the erotic deity had said previously, his mind still reeling from the revelation, "…evolutionary results from men all over the world."
Dionysus released a very inhuman growl, his eyes flashing with irritation. "That prancing wanker never knew how to keep his trap shut." His next smirk looked almost apologetic. "Sorry chum, this isn't exactly the time or place to shoot the breeze with ya. If you haven't noticed the weather's gettin' right hairy. Although…I'd say by the looks of those flaring whites, you're enjoying yourself rather much."
Flaring whites? Was Dionysus talking about Zane's eyes? Could that have been what Richardson meant too? Shaking off the momentary deter, Zane pressed onward. "Clouse dispatched the Seven Deities to find and retrieve Brad Tudabone, his alleged "wife". And from the aftermath of the meteor shower, he's expecting Brad to…sire him a child? How could he possibly expect the human race to evolve so rapidly? And why would the shower affect only the men? What about the women? And why is Clouse singling out Brad in particular?"
"So…no drink or grapes then? How disappointing…" The spiky, ginger-haired man took hold of his griffin's reins and made to turn the beast around while still grumbling to himself. "…I wouldn't be askin' if Athena hadn't stolen my stash earlier… Geez, you make one off-handed comment about a woman's strawberry creams and they get their knickers all in a twist…"
Athena? Another of the Seven Deities I suspect… Zane frowned. It was obvious Dionysus wasn't as liberal as Eros with information, and it looked like he had no intention of attacking the white ninja either. So then, was the search and retrieval of Brad called off due to the meteors?
"…White shit from the sky… Better get outta here before this shit really starts hurtin'… C'mon Shiraz…"
Seeing the griffin turn fully, Zane called out to the deity if only to confirm something. "Wait! Are the Seven Deities leaving New Ninjago City?! Have you given up on Brad?!"
Dionysus turned to glance at Zane over his shoulder, an eyebrow cocked dubiously. "Given up?" Both sharpened canines flashed again and the violets revealed just a bit more of themselves, making the ice ninja wary of the hungry glint within them. "Don't get the wrong idea…Zane. Why would we give up on something we haven't even officially started yet? So don't go breathing a sigh of relief just yet. Whether or not you live to see the next day is still up for speculation…as well as those around you…"
Zane stiffened with realization. Since he had gotten side-tracked with his run-in with Dionysus, he had forgotten about his previous mission. The people at the two aforementioned pick-up points still needed his help! Zane glared at the deity as he pointed at him and laughed merrily.
"Hahahahaha! You can't get mad at me, chum! You're the one who did the most flapping of the gums! Now don't get your knickers in a twist too! Because I'll be kind enough to leave you with this: If you and the rest of your gang survive, don't worry about finding us. We'll find you. After all, as long as the Mana Man remains with you, we'll always be one step ahead."
And with his final piece delivered, Dionysus threw up a victory sign and flew off, with him and his griffin becoming nothing more than a streak of gold and orange across the night sky. Deciding not to dawdle anymore than he had, Zane steered Shard in the right direction and took off as well. But even with the disappearance of Dionysus or perhaps all of the deities, his sixth sense still warned him—still cautioned him to stay alert.
After all…December 12th was far from over…
And the Master of Ice couldn't help but note that…Eros had said something similar about Brad being in their custody…
*~XxX~*
Staying true to his current objectives, it took Zane short of half an hour to lend his aid to the remaining two pick-up points within the city. And just in time too, for the hailstorm had indeed worsened and produced hail the size of tennis balls. It was then shortly after did the CB radio attached to his sash static to life, and Lieutenant Steiner's voice emitted from it.
(Come in all units! It has just been reported that the last two transports have reached full capacity, subsequently meaning that the last remaining citizens are now in transit for the shelters! Excellent and sufficient work officers and that includes you Ninja as well! The base of operations at Wolf Networks will now begin packing up and moving to the shelters! All units on the streets are now permitted to head for the shelters as well! Once inside the facilities check-in with the Guard Station to receive new orders! That is all!)
Once Steiner's transmission ended, the nindroid felt he could breathe a little easier and was even more relieved when Kai's voice crackled anew from the line.
(Ha! Did you guys hear that?! We can finally get out of this godforsaken weather! No offense to you Zane, but gettin' pounded by hail ain't fun!)
Zane chuckled lightly. "None taken, Kai, but as soon as we gather at the safe haven, I have something I must report." The sighting of another deity needed to be divulged…
(Then we all must make haste for the shelters.) Garmadon said next. (Wu, Nya, and Brad will all travel with the Commander and Lieutenant, so we needn't worry about them.)
(Jay, Lloyd, everything alright with you guys?) Cole asked, but was oddly met with silence. (Jay? Lloyd?)
…Still nothing. (That's odd… Why aren't they—)
(I can't find him!) Cole was suddenly cut off by a frantic-sounding Lloyd, but his voice or rather his signal was very weak. (I've been searching…*zzzt*…for over…*zzzt* *zzzt*… I went to Wolf's Networks to drop off a family that needed medical help, but when I came back…*zzzt*…gone!)
Zane's Coronary Circuitry sent frantic pulses throughout his body. Why did he not go to his brother's aid when his sixth sense had told him to?! The white ninja squeezed his eyes shut tight. Jay… Jay… Cole soon buzzed over the line, sounding just as worked-up as the green ninja.
(Lloyd! Where are you?! Tell me where you are right now!)
(*zzzt zzzt* Downtown! *zzzt*…Park! Booster Park!)
Zane hurriedly steered Shard into a hard u-turn. He squinted against the darkness, the blackout having spread to every corner of the city by this point. The wind howled as the pummeling hail continuously fell, casting streams of white against black. But something was most strange…the sky wasn't nearly as black as it once was…
(Everyone head for Booster Park!) Garmadon ordered swiftly. (We must find Jay immediately!)
(Calm down! Calm down! *zzzt* I'm fine!) Zane's entire frame shuddered at the abrupt sound of his supposedly lost brother's voice. (I'm sorry to worry all of you, especially you, Lloyd… I'm sorry…)
(Kaasan…*zzzt* Kaasan—*zzzt* are you…?) Words couldn't describe how brokenly relieved Lloyd sounded at that moment.
(Get out of Booster Park, Lloyd.) Jay said soothingly. (Even though he's gone…I think that entire area is still under…that deity's influence…)
Another deity…Zane figured as much. However, could Jay's encounter with that deity have triggered all of those despairing emotions that he had sensed? Zane felt he had to see his blue-eyed brother as soon as possible. He had to see his face.
(Wait a sec…) Kai snarled. (You had a face-off with another one of the Seven Dicks!? Tch! How come I wasn't so lucky?!)
There was a pregnant pause on Jay's end before the blue ninja spoke up again. (I'll tell you guys about it later when we have a safe and secure roof over our heads. Lloyd, come join me in the air. I'm circling over Booster Park. Just listen for Wisp's call.)
An elongated howl immediately sounded in the background, causing even Shard to turn his head to the direction it came from. (Alright! I hear it! I'm coming!)
(Jay's right.) Cole said calmly, regaining his composure. (Let's just focus on getting to the shelters. And when we rendezvous with the others, then we can discuss what's been happening during all of this. Agreed?)
(Agreed.) Everyone said at once, including Zane.
Although they arrived at different intervals, the Ninja and Garmadon made it safely to the shelters without incident. The gargantuan access tunnel from Zane's point of entry reminded the nindroid of the wide channels vehicles would occasionally pass through on highways. In any event, after receiving clearance from the guard at the Guard Station, Zane was then told that his "party" was located in Shell 1 of the shelters inside Strut C in Unit A, and given a map which displayed the layout of the place. He was then instructed to board an underground bullet train, which was designed to take its passengers to the Honeycomb, which as it turned out was the true name of the shelters. While in transit with other officers, Zane took the liberty to look over the map he was given.
Intriguingly enough, it appeared that "shelters" was a severe understatement in describing the facilities, for the Honeycomb was more like an underground city. Located approximately six miles below New Ninjago City, the shelters were appropriately dubbed "Honeycomb" because of its structural design. The facilities were comprised of a total of eight hexagonal structures—Shell 1, Shell 2, and so on—connected end-on-end, north to south. Each structure consisted of a central "core" surrounded by six struts which would serve as living quarters for the multiple families and refugees.
Having memorized the map now, Zane placed it in his pocket and disembarked the bullet train at Shell 1 when he was prompted. There were plenty of officers and soldiers roaming about, helping the citizens to get where they needed to be, but none seemed to pay the nindroid any mind. Not that Zane needed help, for he knew exactly where to go. He soon picked up the pace, going into a light jog in his haste to be reunited with his extended family. But more importantly…he felt the need for warmth. He needed balance to the overwhelmingly frigid frost he had been engulfed in for so long. And there was only one person who could provide such gratifying heat that could alleviate the cold tension his soul was encased in.
Kai…
Of their own volition, Zane's legs pulled him into a run, dodging and weaving in between crowds and ignoring everything else around him. At long last, however, he found himself in the entryway of Strut C. Multiple doors lined both sides of the corridor, but the first one to his left was the one he was looking for. Grabbing the knob, Zane opened the door to the unit and was immediately welcomed by the sight of his clan members.
"Zane!" Kai, who was previously leaning against a wall, hastily made his way to his opposite. It was strange. Even though they had only been separated for a little more than a few hours, Zane felt breathless with euphoria upon seeing the fire ninja's face again. Pulling back his hood, the Russian hybrid met Kai halfway and wrapped his arms around his neck in a more than welcome embrace.
Zane sighed with bliss at the fathomless heat the other ninja emanated, as it seemed to seep through his robes and warm his troubled soul. The strong arms around his waist wreathed themselves tighter. "God…took you long enough, Diamond," Kai whispered sweetly. "You're the last one to get here. I was about to go looking for you."
Zane smiled, touched by the sentiment. "Apologies for worrying you, Kai, I flew here as quickly as I could." The pair leaned back to peer at each other, and it was then that the fire ninja took notice of his opposite's eyes. "But there is much to discuss, I presume."
"Zane…?" Worriedly, the spiky-haired brunet cradled the nindroid's cheek in his palm and gazed into his stark white depths. "It's the elemental cycle, right? Just like Jay with the thunderstorm, you're affected by this hailstorm."
"Yes," Zane nodded. "I feel overwhelmed with power as if my True Potential has been unleashed, but it appears to be much more than that. My core has opened up—"
"In preparation to receive even greater power than you are experiencing now."
Zane and Kai both turned to see Garmadon with a towel draped over his shoulders, his face stern and serious as he looked at the pair. "Sensei…" Did the grandmaster know something the Ninja didn't? Perhaps in congruence with Brad's prophecy?
The eldest of the Grandmasters wiped his face with the edge of his towel and gestured behind him. "The two of you should come out of that drafty doorway and into the living room. Wu has made some nice hot tea for everyone." When he turned and walked away, Kai took hold of Zane's hand and followed suit.
Zane took in his surroundings as they went. The living unit appeared to be properly furnished with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable dwelling. Yet, it was obvious only the bare minimum was provided. The entrance was deftly connected to the living room where most of his clan was gathered at the moment, and a simple kitchenette connected to the living room. There was, however, another hallway tied to the living room, from which Kai explained briefly that it led to two bedrooms and a bathroom.
Zane and Kai entered the living room after Garmadon to find Sensei Wu sitting in an armchair sipping languidly at his tea, his face shadowed by the wide brim of his hat. Cole and Nya sat on one of the two long couches furnishing the room. The ninja leader was hunched over with his elbows touching his knees and his fingers laced in front of his face. Zane recognized the pensive frown marring the younger ninja's features. It was clear that Cole was deep in thought about something, but when they entered the room, the glazed emeralds instantly focused on them.
"Zane. Glad you made it alright," he greeted pleasantly enough and Zane inclined his head to his brother as well as to the other members of his clan.
"Cole. Sensei Wu. Nya. I am relieved to see you all unharmed as well." His eyes searched the remaining nooks and crannies of the room for the rest of his friends. "Where are Jay, Lloyd, and Brad?"
"In the back," Cole replied. "Lloyd and Jay have been at Brad's bedside since they got here."
"And how is Brad's health?" Zane asked worriedly and Nya answered him, her eyes dark with melancholy.
"He's been slipping in and out of conscious for the past couple of hours…" she reported quietly while tracing her thumb over the outer rim of her cup, "…and he feels very feverish."
"But what ails him cannot be cured by any medical remedies or apothecary concoctions…" Sensei Wu stated firmly and lifted his head to center his onyx stare on Zane. "The unprecedented convergence of elements has shaken the very foundations of our world…and Brad is feeling each and every radical change. But the Natural Elements are not the only forces at work here…or at least they weren't…"
Wu looked to his elder for affirmation as the other came to stand by his side, and Garmadon hummed his agreement. "Wu and I felt it—even while we were aboard the Destiny's Bounty we felt it. Seven new Elemental Masters have made their presences known to the world, and we were able to perceive what their elements are through meditation."
Wu took another diligent sip from his steaming cup. "Poison, Sand, Wind, Dark Matter, Cosmic, Nether, Sound…" Wise onyx eyes lifted a second time, but then shifted to the three newcomers who had entered the room to join them, "…and Lightning…"
A blanket was tossed gently over Nya's shoulders, and the raven-haired girl looked up at the blue ninja in surprise. "Oh…thank you, Jay," she murmured gratefully and the brunet gave a tiny smile back in return.
"Wait…but that's eight…" Cole said just as Jay came around his end of the couch. "…There can't be more than one master of the same element within the same lifetime, could there?"
Zane kept his eyes trained on his blue-clad brother as the other ninja motioned for Lloyd and Brad to sit down on the other couch across from Cole and Nya. Silent and cocooned in a blanket, Brad took the offered seat gladly and sat close to Lloyd. And the green ninja responded by wrapping his arm around his friend, prompting Brad to lay his head against his shoulder.
Oddly quiet and subdued, Jay simply began pouring the two youngest each a cup of tea.
Sensei Wu continued unimpeded. "Well, though it is rare, it's not unheard of for a single person to master two elements. However, there is only one instance for two Elemental Masters to be born with the same element…twins…"
"What…?" Cole whispered, and all eyes shifted to Jay and lingered, but still…the one in question said nothing.
"Wait a second…" Kai said, his brow furrowed dubiously, "…Are you trying to tell us that Shock n' Sweet here has some sort of long-lost twin runnin' around?"
"I don't have a twin," Jay stated firmly, and pinned the fire ninja down with a withering glare. "I'm an only child, so there must be some type of mistake. Besides, if there was another master with the same element as me, don't you think I would've been able to sense him or her? But I felt nothing of the sort… There was only Lightning…my Lightning… Nothing else…"
Zane could sense the emotion emitting from Jay's heart, and knew at once that his brother was lying. Utter disbelief radiated from his entire being despite the concrete mask of certainty he adorned, and Zane finally understood those despairing emotions his sixth sense had picked up on earlier: Disbelief. Sadness. Grief. Desolation. And the mental image of Jay's sorrowful blue eyes appearing within his subconscious seared itself onto his soul. All of it made sense now. The deity Jay had encountered Downtown must've been his twin, and the revelation has now left him in a state of denial. It would definitely explain his sensitivity and defensiveness on the subject matter, as well as the emotions.
Zane opened his mouth to release his hypothesis, but Jay's mellow cadence rung out before his could. "Anyway, I faced-off against a deity at Booster Park earlier. And he was…" Jay expression turned dark and grim, "…a terrible foe. His element must've been Sound, because when I saw him…he was playing some sort of tune on a weird instrument in order to…bewitch a group of people…" An even darker shadow fell over his face and his fists clenched at his sides. "…He killed them. He killed all those innocent people with his strange song, forcing them to dance like puppets on a string until their bodies gave out."
At Nya's horrified gasp, Zane re-sheathed his tongue. Perhaps he was mistaken then? Those emotions he had sensed could've been in reaction to Jay's witness to those innocents' deaths at the hands of the deity. The white ninja had to admit that that too seemed plausible.
"He had a twisted and very egotistical sense of logic," Jay continued. "He kept espousing about staying true to one's initial convictions and the fickleness of humanity. He said he gave those people what they wanted…death."
"That's ridiculous!" Cole shouted, enraged. "How could he possibly know what those people wanted!? And why the hell would they want death!?"
"He mentioned someone," Jay said quietly. "Perhaps another deity—Morpheus. He said Morpheus showed him what those people wanted…through dreams."
"Dreams?" Cole's eyes widened a bit at this, and Jay nodded.
"Yeah. And although I wouldn't put it passed any Elemental Master to have such capabilities, it's still strange to take something like the concept of dreams literally."
Zane watched in puzzlement as Cole's lips upturned into a rueful smile and his eyes shifted away from Jay, downcast. "Strange you say…"
"Please continue, Jay," Garmadon pressed. "What happened next?"
The azure ninja frowned bitterly. "We clashed, and I had every intention of ending his life as I'm sure he wanted to end mine, but we were interrupted…by Eros…I-I think…"
"You think?" Kai questioned, his eyebrow cocked and Zane found himself skeptical too.
Jay shrugged and rubbed at his temple. "I think I blacked-out a little or something, but I think I heard his voice… Anyway, when I regained my bearings I was alone."
"I shouldn't have left you…" Lloyd lamented softly, but Jay shook his head.
"You didn't have a choice, Lloyd, I already told you that," he countered. "And you can't deny that you did the right thing in getting that family to safety. I'm proud of you."
The blond fell silent once more, and Kai crossed his arms. "So what was this deity's name, Jay? Did he tell you?"
"It's…" The blue ninja suddenly stopped, his body tensing. Expressive sapphires squeezed shut as his teeth gritted. An unexpected outcry of pain had Jay on his knees and gripping his head. Everyone called the brunet's name in alarm, but no one reacted as swiftly as Cole did. At once, the earth ninja was crouched by his best friend's side lending his support.
"Jay, what's wrong?!" He asked urgently, and everyone waited with bated breath as Jay's breathing slowly evened as he calmed.
"N-Nothing…" Jay's hands shook as he lowered them from his head. "Just… Just had a little trouble…recalling the name…that's all… It's Apollo… He said his name was Apollo…"
Cole frowned and grasped his friend's trembling hands, pulling him to his feet with him as he stood. "You need to get some rest."
Jay tried to tug his hands free without success and glowered at Cole. "I'm fine, don't be a mother-hen."
"Look who's talking?!" The black ninja countered hotly, his expression intense as he stared right into Jay's equally livid eyes. "How come you're allowed to fuss over any of us if we're feeling tired or sick, but get defensive and snappy when we try to get you to take it easy when you need it?!"
Jay's mouth fell agape briefly before he recovered and growled. "That's not true!"
"Yes it is!" Cole hissed back. "Now listen, everyone has their limits, and it's obvious you've been through something horrid. You're entitled to have a little time to yourself and take a breather. No one's gonna judge."
Jay turned his head away. "Seeing dead bodies is nothing new in our line of work," he muttered solemnly. "It's in the job description, remember?"
Cole's features softened in clear empathy. "Be that as it may, it was still a rough time. Just chill for a bit, okay? If not for you then for us…or at least for me," he ended quietly and Jay's head jerked back to Cole in shock, his face warming with a blush.
This time he did succeed in pulling himself away from the other ninja. "F-Fine," he stuttered, stepping away from the group. "I'll rest for awhile—but not just for you individually!" He suddenly shouted, pointing belligerently at his best friend. "I just don't want to worry everyone."
Cole folded his arms and grinned at the retreating brunet. "Sure." And with that, Jay disappeared down the hall, his face still glowing bright red.
Sensei Wu stroked his long white beard, a grin of his own playing on his lips. "Hmm…that argument seemed much different than other times those two quarrel."
Kai smirked at Cole, chuckling. "Yeah, that was more of an old married couple spat—a mommie and daddy moment." A pillow immediately collided with the fire ninja's head. "Hey!" He yelped indignantly and eyed his sister, who just happened to be the chucker. "What was that for?!"
"For saying something stupid and inappropriate!" Nya shot back, but Kai just shrugged.
"Just speakin' the truth."
Garmadon called the bickering siblings to silence with a wave of his hand. "If we may proceed with this meeting? Of the Seven Deities we now know the names of some of them: Eros, Apollo, and Morpheus—"
"As well as Dionysus and perhaps even Athena…" Zane chimed in, and everyone gave their attention to him. "Allow me to share my own experience with one of the Seven Deities…"
And thus, Zane gave meticulous detail about his brief encounter with the heavily accented deity, Dionysus and the mention of mayhaps another adversary by the name of Athena. "In conclusion, I believe it is safe to say that all of the Seven Deities have retreated from New Ninjago City, but no doubt we will encounter them again. Dionysus gave me clear inclination that they will come for Brad in earnest in the future."
"Let 'em try!" Lloyd snarled and looked determinedly at his former classmate. "Don't worry, Brad, I won't let them anywhere near you!"
But the raven was far from comforted, his golden skin tone growing paler by the second. "But…what about what they said? About me being with you guys will always keep them one step ahead?"
"That's just a bluff—a scare tactic," Lloyd argued, trying to ease his friend's nerves. "It means nothing."
"But what if it does?" Brad countered worriedly. "I wouldn't be able to live with myself knowing that I was the one putting all of you in danger!"
Lloyd shook his head vehemently. "No, Brad, don't think that this is your fault, because it isn't! We'll protect you!"
"But what if I want to protect myself, Lloyd!?" Brad shouted, standing up. "Do you really expect me to just sit on the sidelines and watch as the people who took me in out of the kindness of their hearts fight my battles for me?! No! I can't do that! I refuse to do that!"
Lloyd stood up as well and grasped the distraught raven's shoulders. "I know, but…" he trailed off, and determined aquamarines clashed fiercely with dark rubies.
"We've talked about this for the past couple of days, Lloyd. I want to bring it up now."
The green ninja nodded once and released Brad's shoulders so he could turn around to face the clan heads. Bundled up in blanket, the altered youth looked small and frail, but none could doubt the conviction shining in his eyes. Squaring his shoulders, Brad swallowed and then opened his mouth to voice his resolve.
"You want us to train you." The two grandmasters had spoken in complete unison, and Brad closed his mouth with an audible click, his eyes wide as the two elders chuckled.
"We knew it would eventually come to this," Garmadon said grinning, though anyone could ascertain the evaluating glint in his sharp silver gaze. "Over this past week and a half, Wu and I have been able to gauge the true righteousness of your spirit, Brad. But be forewarned, that even though the smog of vengeance does not shroud your heart like it did when you first awakened, it still hovers over it like an elusive veil. Knowing that, I can guarantee you that we'll be monitoring your progress especially close."
Zane could feel a grin tug the corners of his lips when the raven nodded his head eagerly. "Yes! Yes! I understand! I promise to do my best to meet your expectations!"
But as soon as that smile came, it fell away listlessly. In essence, it was tragic to see Brad's childlike mannerisms, as he sometimes saw it in Lloyd as well. These two souls were kindred spirits, both forced to grow-up long before their time. Would destiny prove to be a cruel mistress, because of this unfair twist of fate? The wise nindroid watched as the two altered youths embraced each other in a celebratory hug, not wanting to give the seed of doubt in his chest a reason to sprout.
Will everything…be alright…?
A sudden firm squeeze to his hand shocked Zane from his inner grievances, and he turned his head to meet Kai's flaming, golden-amber stare and confident smirk. And within those passionate depths of unwavering topaz, the Master of Ice found his answer without a doubt.
His smile returned. Yes… Yes, everything will be just fine…
However, the good-spirited ambience was abruptly shattered by an urgent knock on the front door.
"I'll get it," Kai volunteered, and with a wink at Zane, left to do just that.
Cole ran an idle hand through his hair. "Dragons and griffins, huh… Welp, I guess all that remains right now is just getting through this meteor shower. We should hunker down and wait for good news."
"Or not…"
Everyone turned eyes to Kai as he returned…but not alone. A familiar female soldier saluted the clan dutifully and pushed her sophisticated specs back up the bridge of her nose, her bright, honeyed gaze ever calm and stoic. Lieutenant Steiner.
"Ninja, please come with me to the Central Control Room. I am afraid we have a very dire situation."
And it was at that exact moment…when Kai's irises and pupils disappeared…and were unexpectedly replaced by nothing but the roaring colors of flames.
Author's Note: Geez! Can the Ninja ever catch a break!? XP Stay tuned for more, and please leave your thoughts! Also, I hope I didn't offend anyone with my rather poor attempt at British slang. I did some research before implementing it of course, but I know it could use some altering. If I used anything wrong in Dionysus' dialogue please tell me and I'll change it. Thank you, good readers and reviewers!