Cimmerian

This, Cole thought, was what true fear felt like. Knowing that Kai was in a prison- both mind and body, trapped in a state of absolute terror and confusion.

Knowing that he was about to be locked up too, along with Jay and Kyle. Quite possibly, they would never see the light of day again.

Fear was knowing that Malian was out in the Square with all the noblemen, holding onto his one thread of hope: that his newfound allies would rescue him.

Fear was knowing that his Vara's future lay in the hands of those same noblemen. Would Zane take care of her? Or, as a partner in crime, would she be locked in this dungeon as well?

Plink.

Beside him, Jay pulled Stormstrider from its sheath. He stared at it for a moment, then growled angrily. "What's wrong with this place?" he asked no one in particular. "It feels so wrong."

Queen Misako dipped her head once. The ring of keys in her pale, delicate hand swayed with the movement. "This keep was built on a foundation of vengestone," she said. "And the dungeon is, in a sense, our foundation. Walking these tunnels suppresses your brain's ability to connect with your Blades. That's why you can't hear them."

Cole didn't understand how that was possible, but he could care less about the Blades at the moment. "And what about him?" he asked through clenched teeth, gesturing to Kai. The brunet had not moved from his first position- back to them, head low. "It's like Jay said. There's some kind of madness. It's messing with our minds."

"It likely has little to do with the vengestone," Misako said. "It's this environment. The cold, the dark, the loneliness." Her face grew paler if such a thing were possible.

Plink.

"You let him go," Cole said. "You give us those keys, or I swear I'll-"

"You'll what?" Misako's calm voice broke his flow. "Shout? Scream? Beat me? Lock me up, do unspeakable things to my body?" She took another step forward. "There is nothing you can do that has not already been done. I have no fear of you, Black Knight."

She was so close now. They keys were still there, held in an outstretched hand. Like she was taunting them. Who did she think she was, standing up against three armed young men? She was frail; a blossom wilting and torn, beauty marred by her time with her wicked husband.

Plink.

Cole's anger surged. "Give me those keys!" he said. "You're in with your husband, aren't you?"

"Maybe," she replied.

"Why? He's sick! A monster. Even before he was poisoned, all he cared about was power."

"I know."

"Then why do you stay?" Jay asked.

Misako leveled her eyes with the thief. "Would you not do the same?" she asked. "If someone you loved was sick, in need of care, would you not stay by his side faithfully? I made a vow. Love and respect your spouse. Care for one another as though you were caring for your own body."

"For you are one and cannot be separated," Kai murmured. He started rocking gently, swaying from side to side like a boat on a peaceful lake. "Yes...the marriage vows."

"But Garmadon violated those vows," Cole said. "You can leave him. Don't be his slave. Please. Give us the keys."

"Why do you think I am holding out my hand, if not to offer you these keys?" Misako asked. "Take them. Free your friend. Leave this cursed place."

Plink.

Hesitantly, Cole reached for the keys. But Misako pulled back at the last second.

"Please," she whispered, her gray eyes round and earnest. "I have some conditions."

Cole cursed under his breath. "Yeah? What?"

Misako placed the hand with Kai's sheathed Blade on Cole's chest. "Do what you promised," she said. "All of you. Go and destroy the Overlord for what he did to my husband. For the plague that is destroying this nation, killing hundreds of good people every day."

Cole saw a line of red skin where a tear had slid down her cheek, washing away a bit of the powder. That tear was followed by a second, and Misako's bosom shook with the silent sobs.

"I weep for our country," she said, voice wavering. "The death, the hate, the confusion, the lies. And I want you to promise me- promise me, please!- that you will kill the Overlord."

Plink.

"Done," Cole said, and reached for the keys again.

Misako pulled them out of his reach. "One more," she whispered. "Don't touch my husband. He...he seems beyond hope, but I know there is still some good in him. Much of his former self died with Lloyd, but..." She had to stop to compose herself; mentioning Lloyd had drawn from her an expression of sorrow so intense that for a moment, Cole pitied her.

"...but he's still got something left," Misako finally said. "I can see it sometimes. There is a way to heal him, I just don't know what it is yet."

Her face was a wreck, powder and paint streaked with rivers of tears like shattered porcelain.

Plink.

"Promise me you won't hurt him," she said. "I love him. It is so, so hard to, but I do! I pray for him every day. Just please don't hurt..." She sniffed, smiling sadly. "I'm talking in circles, aren't I? One of my nervous tics, Garmadon used to say."

She lifted the keys again. "Do we have a deal?"

Cole exchanged glances with Kyle and Jay. They were part of a rebellion whose sole purpose was to take down the monarchy. Would making this promise interfere with their plans? Definitely.

But wasn't Kai worth it? The looks that Cole received from his two companions seemed to indicate just that. And Cole couldn't bear to hurt Misako.

"Deal," Cole said, and held out a hand.

Misako ignored his hand and went straight to Kai's cell. She flipped through the ring of keys, then inserted one into the lock. She pushed until the key clicked, then slid the bar up.

Plink.

Lock disengaged, the cell door swung open. Cole crossed the distance between him and Kai in two strides, and then he was kneeling, holding Kai in his arms.

After a moment of disbelief- they had actually done it!- Cole pulled away a bit and examined Kai. His eyes were red and his face was wet with tears. He had been crying. And for a long time, too.

"It's okay now," Cole said, one hand rubbing Kai's back, the other on the back of his head. "We're leaving. You're safe."

Kai shut his eyes and allowed Cole to cradle him. "I'm okay," Kai said, unconvincingly. "I'm fine. Really. Let's just get away from this place."

"Sure thing," Cole said. "But you need to breathe for a minute. We'll let you do that."

"We will?" Jay said. "Cole, our time is running out. We probably won't make it."

"He's right," Kyle said. "Work now, breathe later. Figuratively."

Kai opened his eyes- dark, moist pools of golden-hazel- and let in a shaky breath. "All right," he said. "Let me go, Cole. I can stand."

Plink.

Cole loosened his grip and helped Kai to his feet. He looked disheveled, with his hair tangled and twisted down to his shoulders, and his clothing, damp and muddy. He gave those around him the impression that he was a thing that should be resting, not dashing about, saving the world.

"Let's go," he said, struggling to keep a tremor out of his voice. He stepped up to Misako and examined her. "You're not on our side," he said. "You're also not on Garmadon's side. And you definitely aren't working for the Overlord. What's your motivation?"

Misako held up Moonsong in her right hand. "I am doing what my conscious deems fit," she said. "Trying to end the war before it starts. Our numbers are already so low because of the plague. Why risk more death?"

Plink.

She gave Kai the Blade. "That is my motivation. Do you agree?"

Kai scrutinized the Blade- probably making sure it was actually Moonsong- then placed it in a coat pocket. "Yes," he said, swallowing. "Yes. That's been my goal, too."

Misako smiled shakily. "Good," she said. "Now go, please. Save Malian."

Kai's face darkened. "But my father-"

Misako pressed a finger to his lips. "His justice will come," she said. "For now, have mercy on him. He is only working out of fear; doing what he must to survive. He doesn't understand."

"Understand what?" Kai asked. He didn't look happy.

"I can't say," Misako said. "Because you would not understand, either. Your travels have not let you to Him yet." She stood on her toes and kissed his forehead. "Godspeed to you all."

Cole was unfamiliar with this farewell phrase. Perhaps it was something exchanged only among nobility.

"To you as well," Kyle said. He started down the tunnel. Jay followed.

"Come with us," Cole said to Misako. "You need to escape him. What will he do when he finds that you've let Kai go?"

"Don't worry about me," Misako said. "My place is here."

Cole shook his head, frowning disapprovingly. "You're crazy."

"Perhaps. Now go. You have but a few minutes left." She bowed at the waist. "Thank you for your bravery."

Cole and Kai bowed too, and then followed their companions down the tunnel.

They had wasted too much time. Cole did not think they'd make it.

Pixal hated meetings. They were so boring! All talk, never actually getting stuff done. But fortunately, because she was not the firstborn, she was not officially required to attend these meetings. So after Garmadon began his long, arduous, and ninety-percent unnecessary speech, she retreated to the Julien carriage and dropped onto a bench, sighing as loudly as she dared; it would not do for the people outside to hear her.

"I swear," she said, throwing her head back, "this life will be the death of me. You'd better be glad, Vara, that you aren't in this business."

"Mmm." Varasach smiled. "Yes."

"I mean, seriously. Was I born into the wrong family or what?" She waved her arm, then put it behind her head. "Don't get me wrong. I love my family. But this occupation is not for me."

Varasach lifted her gloved hands to her mouth and coughed. "You-" she coughed again- "you und Cole would be good friends."

"What?" Pixal's smile melted. That was the second time today that someone had mentioned her and Cole as a couple. Ugh.

"In your dreams, Vara," Pixal said. "I'm good. No romance for me. Definitely not with Cole." She shuddered. No, absolutely not.

Varasach looked disappointed. "Oh," she murmured. "Cole ees sad. I just thought..." She sighed softly and tucked her legs under her.

Pixal stood and moved to Varasach's bench. She sat and put an arm around the teen's shoulders. "Don't worry," she said. "Cole will get over himself eventually. He's got his baby now. It's not impossible for him to have a happily-ever-after."

Varasach leaned into Pixal's warmth, closing her eyes. "You are nice," she said.

"Eh?" Pixal looked down at her, trying to decide if she had been serious. "What do you mean?"

But Varasach had nodded off. Was she coming down with an illness? Pixal would never understand humans and their frailty.

Pixal tried to roll her eyes, but it didn't quite work. She looked out the window, through which she could see all the nobles and Malian on that platform. Then her eyes went back to Varasach.

I am...nice? No one ever said that to her, unless they were being sarcastic. Somehow, Varasach didn't strike her as the dry, sarcastic type. So...she had been serious?

"Heh," Pixal breathed. "Thanks, kid."

Pixal sat still for about twenty minutes, dozing off a couple times herself as she half-listened to King Garmadon's muffled speech through the walls of the carriage. He seemed to be going on numerous rabbit trails, leaving the topic of Malian and going on to other matters. Like the burning of Genesan just over a week ago. Everyone had heard of it, but Garmadon described it all again in great detail- the fires, the corpses left outside the houses, and of course, the single Stone Warrior body found.

Then the King did something unexpected. He gestured to Zane with a wide sweep of his hand. "This man has the key to destroying not one Stone Warrior, but the entire army."

A chill ran down Pixal's back. Zane looked puzzled.

"The White Knight," Garmadon said. "Destined to destroy the Dark Lord's empire, along with his brothers-at-arms, the Red, Blue, Black, and Green Knights." He smiled cordially. "I have not decided who will inherit those four titles yet. But I assure you, your lives are in good hands."

Pixal muttered a few obscene words under her breath. "You're playing with fire, Garmadon. My brother is the White Knight because that Blade chose him. What, are you planning to find all the other Knights, steal their weapons from them, and hope that they take to your brainwashed army of fake Knights?"

But as she considered it more, she realized that this was exactly what he had planned. Jay, Cole, and Kai were traitors to the Crown. By siding with Cyrus, they had given up their right to life. They werebeing replaced.

And the thought made Pixal's anger flare. She ground her teeth, scowling as Garmadon went on to announce the new war tax- to fund the building of warships and weapons for their army.

When the people started groan, Garmadon tactfully reminded the people that what happened in Genesan could also happen elsewhere. He needed their money to keep the kingdom safe. "I promise, with your help, what happened in Genesan will never happen again."

This quieted the people.

Pixal would have never muttered the words chose then if Varasach were awake. Then She leaned over and searched the crowds around the platform for any sign of Kai, Cole, or Jay. Nothing. They had not returned yet. Which worried her, because Garmadon had finally given the go-ahead to his men, and they were ascending the gallows' ladder with Malian.

She sent her eagle out, and it flew toward the King's keep. She could see them through the bird's eyes, just over a mile away, barreling through the empty streets on horses flecked with sweat.

Come on, guys. You can make it.

But as the hood went over Malian's face, and the rope tightened around his throat, Pixal began to doubt.

"Cut off the infected finger before it poisons the entire body," Garmadon shouted over the murmurings of the people. "Let it be known across the land that all rebels will be punished like General Rin Malian."

Pixal prayed a prayer of thanks to the First King that Varasach was asleep. Pixal didn't want to watch either, but she found herself unable to look away.

Garmadon nodded to the Guard standing behind Malian. "His life is forfeit. Let him swing."

Senzo- wearing black and gray attire- entered Overlord's chambers, squinting in the dim light. He found his master sitting on the bed, feet planted on the floor, glowing Blade across his knees.

"You wanted to see me, Master?" Senzo asked.

Overlord looked up, eyes glowing purple. Then he blinked, and his eyes returned to their normal shade of green. He smiled, displaying a set of teeth that seemed to glow in the candlelight. "Yes," he said. "Step forward, Senzo."

Senzo obeyed.

"Kneel," Overlord said.

Senzo knelt. He looked at the Blade, filled with a sense of awe. It was beautiful. And it seemed to be...drawing him to it. Screaming into his mind, begging him to...save it?

"Do you like it?" Overlord's voice was softer than usual; almost human. "It is quite a treasure. Would you like to know how I got it?"

Overlord's almost-kindness confused Senzo. Was this some sort of test?

"Yes, Master. Please."

Overlord stroked the purple gem. The screaming grew to a crescendo in Senzo's mind, and he almost grimaced. Almost.

"You know the story of the Five Blades, yes?" Overlord asked.

"Yes."

"Yes?" Overlord scowled.

"Yes, Master."

Overlord's face softened. He removed his hand from the gem, and the screams in Senzo's mind diminished.

"Morningbloom," Overlord said. "That's this Blade's name. It belonged to Patriarch Ara, over six-hundred years ago. At the start of the First King's rule."

Senzo wasn't certain, but he thought he heard the Blade make a strangled moan. Ara, it said. Ara...Ara... It sent chills down Senzo's spine.

"Once their battle with me was won, Mena hid his and Lei's Blades at the roots of a weeping willow grave near the Eastern coast. Do you know whose grave it was?"

Senzo swallowed. "Lei's?"

"Yes. It was Lei's grave. I killed Lei myself: shredded his jugular with my teeth. The only one of the Five to perish." He smiled at the memory, licking his teeth.

"Nen and Beun, wielders of Stormstrider and Duskweaver, hid their Blades on Keitorin, in a cave near the lake. They cut rocks from the nearby mountain and hid the entrance. They wanted Ara to hide Morningbloom in the cave too. But she refused, and instead- for sentimental reasons, I suppose- buried it at the top of a cliff on the eastern coast of this island. Do you know what was so sentimental about that place?"

Senzo shook his head.

"It was the place where I had been defeated," Overlord said. "It was the place where they merged their powers and weakened my soul so I could not return to a body. But burying her Blade there was a foolish thing to do. Why do you think that is?"

Senzo was nearly in tears. The sounds coming from this Blade... Well, not really sounds. It was more like vibrations in his brain, somehow. Could Overlord hear it? It was like a tortured animal, making awful, heart-wrenching pleas for mercy.

"You took the Blade," Senzo said.

"That's right. Clever boy." Overlord flicked an invisible speck of dust from the Blade. "For a hundred years I worked at Morningbloom, wearing it down, torturing it. Until finally, it relinquished its power."

He held up the Blade, and it stretched into a longsword. "I regained my strength, and we were bonded. Then, for the next five-hundred years, I waited. Keitorin stayed unpopulated for that long, you see. The people were superstitious. And for a good reason."

He chuckled, inspecting the morphed surface of the Blade. "About twenty years ago, the first ship from Ninjago arrived on my shores. On it was a group of men, scouting to see it the land was inhabitable. The leader of the expedition was a man named Shenyr Keith. His second-in-command was General Colvyr."

Colvyr. Senzo had heard of him. The man that the Overlord had used to destroy Keith's Lordship.

"Colvyr climbed the cliffs," Overlord said. "I took the opportunity and attached my soul to his body. He never knew that I was there. I waited for four years after that, watching from Colvyr's eyes as Keitorin was repopulated. And when the time was ripe..." He shoved his Blade into Senzo's chest, then leaned in and put his lips to the boy's ear. "...I struck."

The pain. Senzo couldn't scream. He tried to gasp, mouth open wide, but all that came out was blood. Had the sword hit his heart?

Morningbloom seemed caught between enjoying Senzo's pain and hating it. He could feel the cold metal vibrating in his body, alternating between horror and joy. Wanting to be saved, and yet savoring its captivity.

Then the Blade glowed purple, and Overlord pulled it out of Senzo's chest. Blood oozed from the wounds on both sides of his torso- the longsword had cut straight through- and he realized that he was on the floor. When had that happened?

"Stand, Senzo," Overlord said.

Senzo nearly protested. He was dying, and Overlord wanted him to stand?

"Stand, you worm!" Overlord screamed.

Flooded with fear, Senzo obeyed.

But then the pain was gone. His blood stopped oozing, and the Blade no longer glowed. He could breathe again, and he touched the blood at his lips. Then he felt his chest, eyes wide with confusion and alarm. There was still blood on his shirt, yes, but there was no rip in the fabric. He unbuttoned his shirt and felt the skin where the Blade had passed through. Slick with blood, but unscathed.

"What...what was that, Master?"

Overlord passed the tip of his Blade through the stone floor between them. "Your next lesson. Morningbloom's power is the ability to phase through solid objects. It cuts, but then, if I tell it to..." he lifted the Blade and watched as the crack in the floor healed. "...that will happen."

Senzo buttoned his shirt. "So you cut me, and then healed the cut?" He cleared his throat. "Master?"

"Exactly." Overlord shrunk his Blade and set it on his knees again. "I have but one thing left to say."

"What is that, Master?"

"You will forget your old name. Your name is not Senzo. It is Cimmerian. You are the Cimmerian Knight, because you will live in darkness, and death will be your neighbor. Understand?"

No, Senzo did not. But he nodded anyway.

"Good. And if your service pleases me, Cimmerian Knight, you will receive Morningbloom after you complete your next task. Consider it a gift."

Senzo's breath caught in his throat. "Why?" he asked.

Overlord gave him an angry look again.

Senzo cleared his throat. "M-Master. Why, Master?"

Again, Overlord softened his expression and stoked the silently screaming Blade. "I have my reasons. You are excused."

"Yes, Master. Thank you." Senzo bowed, then hurried from the chamber, all too glad to get away from Morningbloom's tortured moans.

He had a new reason to obey the Overlord. Not just because Yuki was a prisoner in this compound, but because he had to rescue that Blade. It was in pain; a slave, just like him.

"Oh, yes," Overlord's voice echoed down the tunnel. "Cimmerian, don't forget. You are leaving tomorrow for your first mission."

Senzo instinctively lifted his hand to the brand on his left breast. He scratched at the bloody material that covered it. "Y-yes, Master," he called back over his shoulder. Then he rushed down the tunnel as fast as he could, as eager to get away from the Blade as he was to save it.

But it wouldn't stop, no matter how far he ran. Sen...Senzo, is it? It means...He who draws out; opens up.

Open the gates to my prison, Senzo. Please, draw me out.