Did I really just...make out with Cole?
Oh my god.
I really did, didn't I?
How could I be so stupid-so desperate!
My thoughts were spinning around inside my head. I never should have kissed Cole, let alone make out with him. I am so, so stupid. I didn't come here for Cole, I didn't come here for an attraction to somebody, I came here to find out who I am, who my father is, and who my family is as a whole.
"What's wrong with loving someone?" The voice In my head said.
"Nothing is wrong with it, I just know I'll end up hurting him. Somehow, I will hurt him." I said out loud. I finished changing then ran to the bridge. Cole wasn't waiting outside my door, so I assumed he was already at the bridge. I barged through the door like a maniac, and everyone starred at me. Kai wasn't there, thankfully I was not the last one.
"Relax, Sparky, we aren't calling him for another three minutes." Cole laughed.
I had to admit, I really loved Sparky, but I didn't want to let him know I did. I just rolled my eyes. "Does anyone know what exactly we're going to talk about with this Cyrus guy?"
"All we know is that he has a plan and it's a dangerous one." Nya said.
"Whatever it is, it can't endanger any lives of the public. It's our job to protect them." Zane said.
"Zane is right. Let us find out exactly what he intends to do, then we will either agree or come up with another plan." Sensei Wu said.
All of a sudden, Kai burst through the door, harder and faster than I did, causing everyone to jump. "Sorry!" Kai whispered with his hands up. Sensei just shook his head.
"Guys he's calling!" Lloyd said pointing to the flatscreen tv above our heads.
"H-hello? Can you hear me?" A strange man with big glasses looked everywhere but the camera. It was slightly humorous, but I didn't want to laugh.
"Yes, Cyrus, we can. We're all here." Wu said.
"Fantastic! I guess you all are ready to hear my plan then? I find It quite genius." Cyrus giggled behind the screen.
"Please, enlighten us." Zane said.
"One of my factories produces a gas called mercury. Mercury is known as a poisonous gas that can cause heavy hallucinations, leading to death. That is, death for a human. What it does to a snake is...quite different. You see, when the toxins of the gas and the venom inside the Slithraa accumulate, it causes the snake to become unresponsive, almost in a vegetative state, but still able to slither around. It makes them easy to hypnotize, or simply just telling them what to do without any special psychic powers, and they will easily follow. This gas will be distributed throughout the city, drawing out every snake, and then my men will lock them up. Therefore, causing the city to remain in peace and harmony."
"Wait, so this gas, mercury, it's toxic to human beings, why would we spread it through an entire city filled with people?" I said. Before I came here, normally I wouldn't really care about the people, but they're innocent. They don't deserve to die.
"If there were humans, yes it would. Within this past week, we've cleared out 7/8's of the city's population. All I need you ninja to do is to evacuate the rest. That way, as soon as everyone is clear, my jets can start dumping the gas bombs around the city."
"Bombs? That sounds a little...destructive?" Lloyd crossed his arms.
"They aren't explosive bombs. They're merely plastic tanks filled with gas that break once they drop to the surface. It will not damage anything, unless it happens to fall on a snake." Cyrus laughed.
"So our job is to clean out the city, without getting attacked- again- and then you drop toxic gas that could eliminate a human life all over Ninjago City." Kai said.
"You are correct."
"How do we know that this gas won't surface and remain as the snakes are led back?" Cole asked.
"The gas evaporates in minutes. Only a couple seconds in the gas has the effect on a snake for days at a time. It will be gone before we lead them into their cells."
"The snakes were trapped underground at one point, right? Uncle, you have the power of creation. If we could get the snakes back to their original underground temple or whatever you want to call it, our Sensei could close off the temple forever, sealing it with his power." I said.
"The snakes have escaped prison before. There's no telling that they won't do it again. I agree with Maya. Wu, I believe you should try." Misako said and nodded at me. I looked at her with surprise and even gave her a slight smile.
"I'm not sure, my father was the one who sealed them the last time, and it didn't last forever." Wu said discouraged.
"That's because my idiot-little-self decided it would be a great idea to release every snake tribe. I believe in you, sensei. I think you should do this." Lloyd put his hand on Wu's shoulder.
"Yeah! And we'll be right there with you!" Jay said putting his hand on Wu's other shoulder.
Everyone nodded in agreement. "That's the only way we will agree to do this. We will lead out the rest of the civilians if Master Wu get's to seal them off- forever." Lloyd said.
"But what about capitol punishment? They have committed so many crimes, it would be foolish to let them go." Cyrus argued.
"Technically we aren't letting them go. We are sealing them in a cave, forever. No strings attached." Cole said.
"I hope you ninja know what you are doing." Cyrus shook his head.
"So...you agree then?" Wu asked.
"I suppose. I'll get my men ready. It is your responsibility to get everyone out by sunset. There are maybe 125,000 people left. All on the east corner. I'm sending helicopters to pick them all up."
"We understand. It will be done by sunset." Wu said.
"I'm counting on all of you. Don't let me down." Cyrus said then ended the call.
"No pressure?" Jay said jokingly.
"We must hurry, we cannot lose time. We must all get to Ninjago City immediately." Wu said walking out of the room.
"Wait, Master, shouldn't we drive the bounty in?" Nya asked.
"I will, I will hover over the city scanning for civilians. Everyone else can take their elemental dragons. I will need help here incase anything happens." Misako said.
"I will stay, too. I could be of use." Zane said.
"Thank you, Zane. Your help is appreciated." Misako said and Zane nodded.
"Everyone else, hurry. We must get to the people before the snakes do. Quick on your feet!" Sensei yelled.
"Yes, Master!" Everyone else yelled.
...
Outside, everyone began to form their elemental dragons. I hadn't seen my uncle's dragon before. It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen- it was white with gold accents. Its mane was so bright that in the sun it was difficult to look at. I glanced over at Cole and Lloyd who both held their hand out for me to grab, not noticing each other. I hesitated; I wouldn't care going with Lloyd but I wanted to go with Cole. I also didn't want to go with Cole because I just finished making out with him ten minutes ago and it would be an awkward ride.
"I'm gonna go with Lloyd, besides you don't need anyone hanging on your back right now." I played it off with a smile. I face-palmed myself when I turned away from Cole.
"Alright, Sparky, suit yourself." Cole said and took off.
"What's wrong with the both of you?" Lloyd looked at me as I climbed up on his dragon.
Good. Cole didn't tell him about our make-out session. "Nothing, his dragon is too...rocky."
"Rocky?" Lloyd said confused.
"You know, like Zane's dragon is freezing on your ass, you get wet on Nya's if you aren't Nya, Kai's is really hot, Jay's...well its self-explanatory, and with yours it just feels like a pillow-"
"So, energy feels like a pillow? From where I'm sitting it just feels like a normal dragon to me." Lloyd interrupted.
"Yeah, it's not soft, but it's not hard. It's like when you sit on a bean bag." I said.
"You did not just compare my dragon to a bean bag," Lloyd's eyes got wide.
"I said what I said!" I laughed.
"Alright then, guess we're taking Bean to Ninjago City together."
"Wait...you just named him? And Bean? Of all things, Lloyd." I said in disappointment.
"I think it suits him, you know, considering he feels like a bean bag." Lloyd smirked.
Before I could reply with a snarky comment, we took off.
Again, we flew into Ninjago City. Again, my gut wrenching feelings came back. Again, I became numb. This time, it went by faster. I could tell the team was starting to take me seriously now.
I didn't really pay attention because the vision I had of my father was clouding my mind. Wu had thrown out a plan to evacuate the city and had us all split into groups of two. Jay went with Kai, Nya went with Wu, then Cole went with Lloyd. Because I was the odd one out, I had to awkwardly place myself somewhere, but Wu beat me to it.
"Maya, you're taking the south express tower with Cole and Lloyd. Now, everyone, listen carefully, we only have till sundown. Do your best to check every room, every office, and every apartment. It is extremely critical that we get every single person out."
Of course I had to go with Cole.
"Don't worry, Master. We will get everyone out. You know you can count on us." Lloyd said.
"I know, I trust all of you with everything I have, but there is plenty of room for mistakes to be made. Misako and Zane are flying above the city as we speak. Go now, we will all meet here within the hour to update our progression. Go, ninja, go!" Wu made his speech then flew away with Nya.
"That's our cue, see y'all later!" Jay and Kai said as they flew away as well.
"So," Cole said. "what's the plan, team?"
I didn't even make eye contact with him. I had never felt so ashamed in my life.
Lloyd could definitely sense the tension. He looked at me with concern, then looked at Cole with a "What the hell is going on?" look. Cole shrugged and Lloyd decided to break the tension. "Okay, so. South express tower. Right there. We go in, get the people out, then we move to the next building. Got it?"
"Sure thing, boss man." I said sarcastically.
"Yep. Totally got it." Cole agreed.
Lloyd walked between Cole and I. It made my job easier without having to make forced conversation with him. I didn't notice, but Lloyd had pulled Cole back to speak to him. "Dude, what the hell is going on between you two? First you were all over each other during the first mission, now it's like trying to get oil and water to mix." Lloyd whispered.
"Look, I have no idea. She shut me out. I don't know why. I've been trying to get her to speak to me these past couple of hours but she won't." Cole whispered back.
"Did you say something-do something to her?" Lloyd said a bit more aggressively.
"No!" Cole stopped walking. "Not in the least. We may have...sorta...made out,"
"Cole! Ughhh..." Lloyd said and began to walk away.
"Wait wait wait! It's not like that at all. I know you're her sister but like...dude. There's something between us that you can't even ignore. I can't explain it, but it's there. We did our thing this morning and now it's like she hates me. I don't know what to do." Cole said distraught.
"I'm not talking to her about the both of you if that's what you're implying-"
"Lloyd," Cole groaned. "I just need to know what to say to her." Cole grabbed Lloyd's arm to prevent him from continuing to walk forward.
"You of all people should know I am not the one to give advice about girls," Lloyd started, but stopped once he saw the desperate look on Cole's face. "Okay, fine, um, I guess maybe when you get a chance today, try talking to her. Be straight up, don't waste time either. Just explain to her why you're upset and maybe she'll tell you why she's upset. I'll even leave when it's a good time." Lloyd sighed.
"Thank you." Cole patted both Lloyd's shoulders.
"You owe me." Lloyd growled.
As we entered the building, we all looked around in confusion. There was nobody in sight. Mind you every door was shut, but it was silent. Peaceful, but very quiet.
"I don't get it, where is everyone?" Cole asked scratching his head.
"I have no idea, this is strange. Isn't this one of the only refuge buildings in Ninjago right now?" Lloyd asked.
Something wasn't right. I scanned my surroundings. It was an office building, so there should've been people walking around. Empty room after empty room, not a soul in sight. "I have an idea. It might be risky though." I said looking at a fire alarm.
"I know where you're headed." Cole said getting ready to pull the alarm.
"Wait! Don't you know what you're about to do? You'll draw attention from every snake in Ninjago!" Lloyd stomped.
"Lloyd, there's a chance people will get out of here, if there is even anyone, and that way we can lead them to safety. We need to try." I said.
"I don't care, I'm doing it." Cole pulled the alarm.
"Cole!" Lloyd yelled.
"Shush," As the fire alarm blared, I could have sworn I heard something. Almost like drums in a distance. One by one, civilians burst through the stairwell doors, running towards the exit. "I knew it!" I yelled pleased with my idea.
"You might've found them, but now the snakes might have found us." Lloyd snared.
"Lloyd, you need to lighten up. As soon as we get them out of here, the sooner the Slithraa go back into extinction." Cole said.
"Cole's right," I looked at Cole and he smiled at me, causing me to blush. I looked away still frustrated with myself. "Let's just focus on getting these people safe."
"Fine. Cole, make sure that Cyrus' choppers know where we are. Maya help me lead these people outside without causing too much noise." Both Cole and I nodded in agreement.
"Alright everyone! Listen up!" I yelled grabbing the attention of the terrified people. "The Slithraa are still out there. They're dangerous. I know you are all here seeking refuge, but we can evacuate you out of the city. It's not safe here, and it's even worse out there. But if you cooperate with us, we can work together to make sure everyone makes it out alive." I had to admit, I was proud of my little speech there.
The people all agreed to comply with our evacuation. Lloyd and I led everyone out through the back, minimizing the potential seeing of the Slithraa. Cole had led the helicopters to the road where the civilians gathered. One by one, we packed in as many people as we could.
"Come on, everyone in!" Lloyd yelled.
"Single file! Hey, no pushing!" Cole said.
Once all the helicopters were filled, Lloyd confirmed with Misako that there were no more civilians inside. "We're in the clear. Tell the helicopters to get out of here." Lloyd said in his com.
One by one the helicopters left full of people. It was a success. I could tell Lloyd was relieved we went with my plan. "Hey, we should head back to our meeting spot. It's been a while and it's almost time to meet with the others." I said.
"Yeah sounds good. I'm just going to do a triple check, you know, just incase." I noticed Lloyd winked at Cole.
"Y-yeah! Good idea Lloyd. We'll wait for you." Cole said.
"Or we could help-"
"Not necessary. I've got it. I'd feel better knowing you're waiting here, keeping watch." Lloyd said as he ran back inside.
"Uh-okay..." I said in confusion.
"I'm so glad everyone got out okay, in all honesty, I thought this plan was bozo in the first place. Now I'm seeing it's not." Cole said getting closer to me.
I sighed and rested my elbow on a fallen street sign. "Yeah, I guess it's one way to do it."
"What do you mean?" Cole asked now standing directly next to me.
"All my life, I've lived in the shadows. The shadows of my parents, my brother I never knew I had, I even lived in the shadows of any friends I made in Ninjago City. I was never able to keep any of them, but it didn't matter. They weren't real friends anyways. The point is, I've finally found my purpose. I came out of the shadows. Or most of them. I'm still dealing with others. The snakes had their chance to change. They had a chance to make a better life for themselves once they were released from the temples, but they didn't chose right. I've seen them kill so, so many people. Innocent people. Women, children, men, and their pets. Why do they get to live in peace with their people away from everyone with the chance of escaping again? Just for me personally, they've caused me so much pain. So much suffering. My scars remind me of it every day."
"What are you suggesting?" Cole asked.
"I don't think they deserve to live." I said bluntly.
"I agree."
"You do?" I turned to him in disbelief.
"I do. But I also know that killing them will solve nothing. I trust in Wu, I know that he'll create something so powerful that they will never be able to escape. They can rot to death. I know there's been suffering, you've seen it more than I have, but we need to stick with the plan. See, that's the thing with working on a team, we all kind of stick to one thing but go your own way about it. Like today, you came up with the fire alarm idea. Smarter than anything I would've come up with." Cole laughed.
"It wasn't a big deal. I just saw "alarm" and knew it had to go off." I chuckled.
"Which is why I pulled it." Cole began to put his arm around me.
I jumped when he did, I moved away from him.
"Did I do something wrong?" Cole asked.
I felt terrible, I was the one causing the problems. Not him. "No, it's just..."
"Talk to me." Cole grabbed my hands and sat me down with him on the concrete.
"I...I just...I don't want to hurt you, Cole. You don't deserve someone with my failing ability to keep someone close." I turned my head.
"Hey," Cole grabbed my chin and turned my head towards him. He caressed my cheek with his thumb. "You and I both know there's something special between us. We've seen it for weeks. When you took care of me when I was sick, I saw something in your eyes, something I knew only I could see. It was a light brighter than the sun, Maya. You say you're nothing but a shadow, but you're so much more. You're more to me. I don't deserve someone as special as you. You aren't just some girl that's walked into my life and is ready to walk out, like every single girl. I know it-I can see it. I can see you are here to stay. Make a life with me, Maya," He grabbed my hands again. "Be with me. Now. I want you to be with me."
Tears formed and dropped from my eyes. I do not remember the last time I had shed tears. These were happy tears. "Cole," I sniffled. "You're something special you know that?" I laughed and so did Cole. "I really want to try, I do-"
"Promise me. Promise me you will explore whatever connection we have together, with me." Cole said with a stern voice.
I had to really think. I didn't want to hurt him. I don't deserve him. Looking at his longing face made me squeeze my hands. "Okay," I let out. "I want to try."
"R-really?" Cole's eyes lit up. I nodded in reply, wiping more tears. "Yes!" Cole lifted me up by my waist and twirled me around. I giggled as I flew around. He then stopped suddenly and put me down. "Sorry, guess I was just excited." Cole's face turned sour.
I didn't say anything in reply, I was never upset that he lifted me or got excited. I was excited too. He made me feel like I didn't have to be afraid anymore. I wrapped my arms around his neck and embraced him with a kiss. He was surprised at first, but then in return, kissed me back. "So does this mean we are like...together?" I asked.
"Only if you want to call it that." Cole smiled.
"I mean...I guess I could-"
All of a sudden, sounds of screeching came from the skies. Both Cole and I looked up in fear. One by one, jets flew over the city as they dropped things that looked like little black dots from above. They grew closer and closer until I could make out the shape. "Cole..." I said.
"Get down!" Cole pushed me to the ground. I could see through his hand that covered my face. I looked up. It was a gas bomb. As it grew closer, my body shook. I fell into the silence of my mind. The only thing I focused on was the steady heartbeat coming from Cole's chest. The bomb fell and mercury filled the air. Closing my eyes, I held Cole close.