Hey there! I'll probably start updating here on a regular basis again. So, hooray for that... :) I trust everyone had a good week?

Before we get this party started, I just want to start by saying that this chapter is a little...um...I can't find the right word. Just please promise me that you won't unfollow this story? Things are really crappy right now, but I promise they will get better soon! Like, really soon! We're getting there! I'm bringing in some new characters/old friends, and the buildup for the final battle will ensue shortly thereafter. :)

Bloodlust

Cole awakened from an unsettling dream with a jolt. He sat upright, heart still racing, and ran a hand through his sweat-slicked hair. In a moment of panic he looked down, relieved to see that Sage and Chedva were still there. For someone who loves his family, he thought, I sure dream about terrible things happening to them a lot.

Sage stirred, then opened her dark eyes. "Bad dream?" she asked, rolling over. Chedva slept close by, wrapped in a cozy bundle of blankets.

Cole smoothed Sage's hair. "Yeah. Sorry. Go back to sleep."

Sage shook her head and sat up beside him, wincing at the pain it caused.

"You're still sore?" Cole asked.

Sage nodded. "We have done a lot of walking."

Cole turned Sage so she had her back to him, and he rubbed her shoulders. "Let's see what I can do to fix that," he whispered.

Sage turned her head and raised an eyebrow at his seductive smile. "No," she said. "This is not a good time."

"Who says?" Cole asked, lips tickling her ear.

"Cole!" Sage swatted away a hand that had snaked around her waist. "What is wrong with you?"

Cole scrambled back, surprised by her reaction. "What do you mean?"

Sage examined his face with a sad, pained expression. "We could die tomorrow," she said quietly. "Overlord could find us and kill us. Kill Chedva. Why would you choose now to be aroused?"

Cole paused, shame heating his face as he realized what he'd tried to do. "I…I don't know." He sighed, reaching for her hand. Stroking it gently, he spoke again. "This isn't like me at all, I know. I'm…confused, frustrated, trying to figure out how to deal with my new body… I'm sorry. Can you forgive me?"

Sage nodded. "Of course."

"Thank you." Cole turned her around again. "Um…that aside, your shoulders are a little tense. Let me help you with that."

Sage sighed, moving her long hair out of the way so he could work.

They were quiet for a while, listening to the sound of the river, wind, and their companions' breathing.

"I am scared," Sage said at last. "Very scared."

Cole ran his thumbs along her spine, trying to work the knots out of her muscles. "Me too," he replied. "I…always knew Overlord was cruel. He tortures, rapes, and murders on a whim. But…he's gotten worse lately, I think. What he did to Kai makes me wonder."

"Wonder what?" Sage asked.

"What he's really doing," Cole said. "I know we talked about it earlier, but what is Overlord's motive?"

"To take over Ninjago?" Sage guessed.

"I don't think so." Cole ran his hands down Sage's shoulders. She hissed with pain and archer her back. Cole eased the pressure. "He's powerful, Sage. He has a thousand stone warriors at his disposal, probably more. He has a ship that can fly. If he wanted to take over Ninjago, wouldn't he have done it years ago?"

Sage shrugged.

"And that raises another good question," Cole continued. "Overnight, Overlord went from a scary story told around the campfire to the ruler of a province with thousands of slaves. Singlehandedly. He's powerful. If he wanted Ninjago, he would have attacked King Garmadon instead of Lord Keith. No, he's after something else."

"If he is that powerful, then why is he out here chasing us himself?" Sage asked. "He never leaves the compound. Ever. And yet he has left to chase us."

"He hates us," Cole said.

"Cole," Sage reasoned. "Nephilim is dead. Overlord has no one left to put in charge of the compound while he is gone. You think he hates us so much that he would chase you himself, leaving his slaves unattended for an indefinite amount of time? Why did he not send his thousand stone warriors after us instead?"

Cole paused. "Revenge?" he guessed. "Kai killed Nephilim. Overlord may want to avenge her death himself."

"Then why not order his stone warriors to bring Kai back alive?" Sage asked. "He could have Kai killed inside the compound easily. There is no logical reason for him to have left."

Cole's head was swimming. There were too many variables. And no one could actually get inside Overlord's head to figure him out.

Finally, Cole turned his eyes to the cave's entrance, eager for something else to talk about. "Speaking of Kai," he said, "where is he? He's supposed to be keeping watch."

"Maybe he went outside?" Sage suggested.

"Maybe." Cole stood and examined all of the cave's occupants in the dim light. Jay, Merv, Pixal, Chedva, Besai…no Kai.

Cole slipped on his boots and went outside. After a quick peek at the hill and the rocks around it, he called out in a loud whisper: "Kai!"

Nothing but the sound of the water came back to him. A sinister gurgle.

Cole scrambled back into the cave, looked around once again. Kai was definitely not here.

"Is something wrong?" Sage asked, rising to her feet.

Cole ignored her and ran to Pixal. "Hey," he said, shaking her. "Pixal. We've got a problem."

Pixal shot awake instantly, sitting up on the cot. "What is it?" she asked, not sounding annoyed in the least that she'd been awakened. Something about Cole's expression must have told her better than to waste time grumbling.

"Kai's gone," Cole said. "Use your eagle and find out where he's gone."

Pixal stood and immediately went to the mouth of the cave. "Did you see any tracks?" she asked.

"Er…no. I didn't look." Cole followed her outside, and they ran down the hill.

"There." Pixal pointed to a set of tracks that followed the river upstream. She cursed.

Cole's heart was in his throat as he realized what Kai had done. "What was he thinking?" he growled, hands clenched. "He can't fight the Overlord alone! That's…it's suicide!"

Kai's words from last night came back to him, and for one frightening moment his heart stopped. He unconsciously held his breath, trying to convince himself that Kai had more sense than that.

We turn around and attack, stop letting him snap at our tails. Hit him with everything we've got. And if that doesn't work, fine. I'd rather die than continue running.

For the first time, Cole saw fear in Pixal's eyes. They had come to the same conclusion.

"Wake the others," Cole said. "Warn them. But don't let them follow. I'm going after Kai. Maybe it's not too late!"

Pixal nodded and went back into the cave. Cole followed the tracks, kicking up sand behind him as he ran.

Damn you, Kai! he screamed in his mind, barreling over rocks and through bushes in his rush. Damn you!

Kai found Overlord easily. The old man was asleep in the sand, alone. The tracks indicated that he was the only one here. Good. I've got enough to worry about without a bunch of stone warriors or crazy young girls thrown into the picture.

Grimly, Kai strode toward his sleeping foe, contemplating his options. I could just wound him first. Wake him up with a knife in his gut, let him see his killer before I drive my Blade through his heart. Or…

He drew Moonsong. The Blade vibrated nervously as it grew into a rapier. Sharp as a needle at its tip, it glinted in the moonlight. Or, I could just kill him immediately.

I don't like this, Master, Moonsong said as Kai prepared his weapon over Overlord's chest. It's too easy.

Everyone needs sleep, Kai reasoned. He came to the end of the trail, and he assumes we're still running. The last thing he'd expect is an attack.

Moonsong hummed resignedly. Perhaps. Whatever the case, there's no talking you out of this. So just get it over with.

Kai smiled, stabbing the sword deep into Overlord's chest. Gladly.

Overlord grunted, arched his back. Blood spurted from the wound.

And then all was still. Kai released his breath and knelt, checking for a pulse. Finding none, he stood, relaxing his shoulders. As much as he'd avoided thinking about it, he'd known there was a high possibility that something could go very wrong.

And yet…here he was, standing victorious over his abuser. Over his wife's abuser. Over the murderer of an entire nation.

"Vengeance is mine," Kai said, baring his teeth at Overlord's corpse. In a moment of intense wrath he kicked the body with all his might. It did not react, of course: Kai was surprised to find that he'd expected some sort of response from the body.

You were right, Moonsong. This was too easy. Surely Overlord wouldn't go down like that. Remember what Cole said about Overlord just taking a new body?

Moonsong thrummed as it shrank back to its normal size. Kai cleaned it with Overlord's shirt, then put it away.

Let's go back, Master, the Blade said. It was not wise to come alone.

Maybe not. Kai sighed, turning to leave, mind abuzz with excitement. Think of the implications of what I did, Moonsong!

I am, the Blade replied. That's why I am worried. Hurry back. We-

A soft, tinkling laugh filled the air. The hairs on the back of Kai's neck rose, and he turned on his heels to face the sound.

Nothing but Overlord's corpse, which hadn't moved.

Kai shuddered. Tell me you heard that too, he said.

Get away from here, Moonsong said. Something's wrong. We need to move.

But-

More laughter, behind him again. He whirled.

MOVE! Moonsong screamed.

Kai ran back the way he'd come, breathing heavily. Sweat wetted his brow, but fear and adrenaline kept his feet going. For several minutes he did not stop. Still the laughter followed him. Never getting further away. Though it did not get closer either.

What is that? Kai asked.

I don't know. Just keep moving. The Blade sighed. You really are stupid, you know that?

Yeah, please don't remind me!

Kai tripped. He picked himself up, breathing hard, and was about to continue running when he noticed what he had tripped over.

Overlord's corpse.

What? Kai stumbled back, staring at it with wide eyes. How was that possible? He must have run half a mile!

More laughter, much closer this time. Kai turned, relieved to still see nothing else in the trees.

Is Overlord laughing? Kai dismissed the idea. Never in a thousand years would he imagine this villain to have a child's laugh. It had to be someone- or something- else.

Kai looked back down at the corpse. It was definitely Overlord, no doubt about it. Hesitantly he knelt, checking for a pulse again. Nothing. Overlord was dead.

How did he get here…?

Before he could contemplate that question, he caught movement in the corner of his eye. He stood, staring in disbelief and horror as a slight figure stepped out of the trees. Something green glowed in the girl's right hand.

A Blade.

"You freed me," the girl said, still giggling, as if she was telling a joke and could not contain her humor. "Lou can't fight me if he's dead. And you just killed him." The girl smiled, teeth glowing green in the light.

Nephilim, Kai realized, his horror growing. That's Nephilim. But I killed her!

Nephilim tilted her head, cheeks dimpled with her grin. "But…I'm not done with Lou," she said. "My plans changed. Now I need him for a little longer. So…" She held out her left hand, and it glowed with white light.

Overlord's- Lou's- body jerked. He gasped, the light from Nephilim's hand penetrating his chest.

Nephilim giggled again. "Well done, Sanguine," she said. "You did just what I wanted. Now I'll let Nephilim go: she said she wants to kill you herself."

"You'll…let… What?" Kai stuttered, prying his eyes from Lou to look at the girl. Had Overlord possessed her? "You're supposed to be dead!" he said at last. "Neither of you should be here!"

"Isn't it funny how that works?" Her smile faded, and she closed her eyes.

A moment later, Lou's- Overlord's?- eyes opened, and he smiled, standing. "Go ahead, Neph," he said softly, blood still staining the front of his shirt, though Kai didn't need to see to know that his wound had somehow been healed. "Have your fun." And he turned away, walking into the woods.

"Thank you, Father." Nephilim's grin grew again, and she raised her Blade. "You killed me," she said to Kai. "I'm here to return that favor."

Something about her expression- about the eery green glow from her Blade- made Kai know he did not stand a chance. He fled, heart beating so hard in his chest it hurt. I'm dead, he thought as Nephilim's chilling laugh reached his ears again. I'm dead, I'm dead, I'm dead!

You will be if you don't get a grip, Moonsong said. She has a Blade, yes. But so do you. Fight back.

Against that? Kai asked. Moonsong, you're the weapon I used to kill Nephilim and Overlord! We can't get rid of them!

Moonsong used his powers to calm Kai a little. Use me, the Blade said. Sage used me to scare Overlord away. You can easily do the same to a mortal girl.

Wait. When did Sage use you?

Not now! the Blade thundered. If we survive, I'll tell you. Get your head in the game! Stop running.

Kai slowed to a jog. Then a walk. Then, with Nephilim's laugh still ringing in his ears, he stopped. I trust you, he said.

Moonsong let out a slow, sad thrum. I hope I can prove myself worthy of this trust. Now, turn around and wait for Nephilim to catch up. When she does, reach into her mind and-

Yeah. I know how to use your powers. Kai took a deep breath and, foot over foot, turned the other way. He would fight. That's what he'd said he would do, right? Back in the cave. I'd rather die than keep running. Come on. Time to be a man of your word. Even it that word was stupid-

"Why did you run?" Nephilim asked, her face inches from his.

Kai screamed and tripped, falling on his back. How long had she been standing there?

Nephilim went into a crouch and pressed a single finger to Kai's chest. "Don't struggle," she whispered, crouching further, shortening the gap between their faces with each heartbeat. No matter how Kai struggled, he could not lift her finger. Her finger! What kind of power did this Blade have?

"You were supposed to be mine," Nephilim said. "That's why Father gave you the tattoo instead of the brand. Because you were supposed to be a gift for me, once you were broken in."

No! Harnessing a surge of adrenaline Kai managed to push her hand away. But she only straddled him with her legs, pinning him further.

"But then that Nindroid ruined it," Nephilim lamented, pressing his arms against the sand above his head with one hand. The other snaked along his chest, his neck, his cheek. "He was supposed to be dead, but when you were put in the cell, he spoke." Her voice lowered to an animalistic growl. "No one who heard the words that Nindroid spoke are allowed to live. Yourself included. So…" She began to slowly close the gap between them, her lips coming closer to his.

Kai fought with all his strength, but still it was not enough. Strength, he thought, closing his mouth tight against her impending attack. That must be her Blade's power. It gives her strength. Desperately, he used his Blade- tucked away in his pocket, out of reach- to reach into Nephilim's mind. He tried to make her hesitant. Afraid.

Nephilim gave him a look, seeming to feel Moonsong's pull on her mind. But she was not affected by it. Instead she continued down, down, until her lips almost touched his. That's where she stopped.

"I can't touch you," she purred, breath tickling the hairs around his lips. "My father's orders. But…" She shifted her weight to one side, baring Kai's stomach, and shoved her Blade deep into his gut. He gasped.

"…I can have all the fun I want, tormenting you for killing me." She twisted the Blade, then pulled it free.

Kai's mouth opened in a silent scream. He tried to breathe, but nothing came in or out. Blood spurted from the wound in time with his heartbeat.

"I hate you," Nephilim snarled, stabbing him with the Blade again, a little lower. "I spent hours dead. Trapped in that world of torment." She dropped the Blade and squeezed Kai's neck with a bloody hand. "I am very eager to return that favor."

Kai's world was pain. Every nerve ending across his whole body, from his fingers to the soles of his feet, cried out for an end to it. He coughed, and blood spilled from his mouth. Moonsong was a mess, emitting an orange light from within Kai's pocket as it spoke incoherently. Trying to calm him down, trying to make Nephilim go away.

"Father wants you dead," Nephilim said, fingernails digging into Kai's throat. "I failed once. I will not…do so…again." With each word spittle flew onto Kai's swiftly discoloring face.

"Kai!" a familiar voice cried out, and Kai felt a sliver of relief.

Nephilim looked up. Before she had time to curse, Cole was upon her, pushing her away from Kai, kicking her in the side.

Breathing hard, Cole drew his Blade and charged.

"Zane is going to be more work than I thought," Josi sighed, running a brush through Varasach's wet curls.

"Why?" Varasach asked. She sat in a chair beside the bed, draped in a large, warm towel. "I think he is nice. He will listen."

"Eventually," Josi said. "But he's stubborn. He's been taught to be loyal to the First King above all else. Changing his mind will be difficult." She set the brush aside and started braiding Varasach's hair. "To be honest, I thought telling him your story would be enough to at least get him interested. But not only did he not listen, he was…condescending."

"We must be patient," Varasach said. "You must have known he would not be as eager to learn the Way as I was."

"I know," Josi said, calling to mind the first time she'd talked to Varasach about the Way. In the dead of night, after the girl had awakened from a debilitating nightmare. "You were desperate, Vara. You needed some hope. Zane…he thinks he can trust his own intellect to save the country." She tied off the braid with a ribbon, then grabbed a nightgown from the bed. "Would you like some help-"

"No. I've got it." Vara gripped the arm of her chair with her good hand and took a deep breath, standing with some effort. Her towel fell to the floor and, movements impeded a bit by her bandaged hand, she slipped the nightgown over her head.

"It's pretty," she said, smoothing the rich green material.

"Yeah," Josi agreed. "It matches your eyes."

Varasach turned, smiling brightly. Then she paused, looking away, frowning slightly.

"What's wrong?" Josi asked, steadying the girl as her legs began to shake.

"I…" Varasach trailed off quietly. "We need to talk to God."

Josi nodded. "All right. Just give me a minute to get dressed-"

"No," Varasach insisted. Her knees buckled, and she sank into her chair. "Please. Right now."

Josi nodded, sitting on the bed. "Fine. What do you need to talk to Him about?"

"Kai," Varasach answered.

"Why Kai, specifically?" Josi asked, though she knew the answer. It would be the same one Varasach had given her three days ago when she wanted to pray for Merv. And then a few days before that, when she'd prayed for Cole.

"I don't know." Varasach seemed deeply disturbed, staring at her bandaged hand. "He needs help. God just told me to help him."

Varasach's relationship with God baffled Josi in so many ways. Imagine being able to feel Him inside of you. One of the many advantages of having a soul.

That was the one part of believing the Way that left Josi empty inside. Knowing that, no matter how hard she worked, in the end…there was no other side. No heavenly prize. Her life's end would be as void as her life's beginning.

I'll just have to make the best of it. There's no place for me in the afterlife, but today… Josi smiled as Varasach took her hand and closed her eyes. I have my reward.

Words could not adequately describe the intense emotions in Cole's heart and mind as he charged his opponent. Hate. He hated Nephilim. She was Overlord's pet, the one who always got her way. The one who stood by in the torture chambers, groaning that he didn't get enough lashes or she didn't scream loud enough. A child after her father's own heart.

Confusion and frustration. Pixal had said that Overlord was the one tracking them, not Nephilim. And besides, Nephilim was supposed to be dead. Cole remembered her corpse, lying with one hand in the water. Besai had her old Blade- Nephilim had gotten a new one, it seemed. With a power Cole had never seen before.

But then…there was worry, too, as he spared a glance at Kai on the ground, wheezing, hands on the bleeding wounds in his belly. Hang in there, Kai. I'll get to you once this bastard is dead. For good this time.

Their Blades clashed with such force that sparks flew. Nephilim held her own against Cole's attack, which served to surprise and disturb him further. He'd thrown all of his force and weight into that thrust, and Nephilim had deflected it. That force should have injured her arm- sprained her wrist, at least- but she looked fine as she twirled her Blade in both hands, its entire length glowing green from the gem in its pommel.

"I'll kill you, too," she spat, dropping her Blade in the sand. "But with my own hands."

"Have fun with that." Cole charged, still holding own Blade. He had no desire to play fair. Not after what Nephilim had done to Kai.

With a cry of fury Cole brought his Blade down on her side. She stepped out of reach without a word, then crouched low and rammed into his legs.

Cole gasped as he fell over backwards, but managed to maintain a firm grip on his weapon. Not that its length did him much good with Nephilim right on top of him. So he ordered the Blade to shrink to its original size. He slashed at any part of Nephilim he could manage; arms, face, chest. Only one strike found a home, cutting Nephilim's shoulder, but she didn't seem to care: it was only a scratch, hardly drawing blood.

Cole tried a new method, and punched her jaw as hard as he could with his left fist while she was busy dodging the Blade in his right. It connected with a loud crack that should have broken Nephilim's jaw.

Nephilim snarled, snapping her teeth at him. She pinned both arms to his sides and rammed her head into his, stunning him.

Stunning him? Cole's head swam. He was a stone warrior! No matter how strong she was, she should not have been able to do that!

No matter how hard Cole pushed, he could not budge his arms. Nephilim straddled his legs, making him unable to kick, either.

And then a new voice met Cole's ears, and he and Nephilim froze, turning their heads as one.

"Kai!"

It was Besai, Cole realized, horrified. Where was Pixal? She was the last one in the group who was able to fight. Without the Nindroid's skill…

Oblivious to the frozen battle before her, Besai fell to her knees next to Kai. His hands, which gripped his stomach as though he were trying to stop the bleeding- as if it were even possible- were red, glistening strangely in the light of Nephilim's Blade.

"Kai," Besai whimpered, looking on the verge of breaking down. Her eyes flitted between his face, his wounds, and the blood in the sand erratically. Her lips were only able to form that single word, which she repeated over and over again, her hands cupping his cheeks as he gasped for breath. "Kai…Kai…Kai…"

Get out of here! Cole wanted to yell. Nephilim would come for her next, once she finished with her two already subjugated victims. Besai, you don't stand a chance it she attacks you. Go back! Where is Pixal?

Besai went quiet suddenly. She lifted her eyes and glared at Nephilim, green light flashing in her eyes.

No, Besai… Cole thought. Please, don't do it.

But Besai did do it. She stood, whipping her knife from her pocket, and stepped around Kai's body, toward Nephilim and Cole.

"Heh," Nephilim scoffed, standing from Cole's body. She grabbed her Blade from where it had fallen a few paces off, then turned to face her new adversary.

Something about Besai's expression scared Cole. Perhaps the fact that her face was so contorted by emotion. She was going to fight, and there was no stopping her.

Cole was one of the strongest men alive, and he had been defeated in under a minute. Looking at Besai, who was much taller than Cole, but weighed half as much, he knew there was no way she could ever beat Nephilim.

But he also knew there was no reasoning with her now. Besai probably knew she would not survive this battle.

But she went in anyway, yowling like an angry cat as she slashed with her Blade; methodically, using moves Cole had employed while teaching her self-defense. She crouched, Blade extended to perforate Nephilim's gut.

Nephilim was surprised, but managed to catch Besai's arm in time and push it aside. But she never had the chance to complete the move and cut Besai's arm: Besai had been prepared for that, and she jerked Nephilim's arm even as it gripped hers, throwing Nephilim off-balance. Besai stabbed Nephilim's wrist.

Nephilim shrieked and let go, stumbling back. Her eyes showed no fear, though there was a hint of surprise. She had underestimated Besai. Big time.

"He Implanted you," Nephilim whispered in the Dark Tongue, disgust wrinkling her nose. "Why would he waste those precious resources on you? You're worthless."

Besai screamed. She descended upon Nephilim with her bare hands an eye blink later, and then they were both biting and slashing each other with fingernails, sounding more like animals than humans.

How is she doing it? Cole wondered as Besai got her arms around Nephilim's head and threw them both to the ground, where they rolled in the sand. Nephilim is using the powers of a Blade to be stronger than even me. Yet Besai is able to not only keep up with her…she's getting ahead!

There was blood everywhere. Besai had a long gash across her cheek. Nephilim had teeth marks in her shoulder where the fabric of her dress had torn.

And then they were throwing punches. Some connected, but most met empty air as they thrashed and flailed wildly in the sand. Nephilim was on top, pounding Besai. Then Besai would somehow remove her and get on top, striking Nephilim even more savagely.

To be frank, the sight disturbed Cole. Deeply. But it also awakened something in his mind that tingled pleasantly. Bloodlust. He allowed himself to smile, relishing in Nephilim's suffering. She deserved it.

By some miracle, Besai was winning a battle that Cole hadn't even been capable of fighting. Nephilim seemed barely conscious, and no longer fought back as Besai beat her. Over and over again, accompanied by wild sobs and incoherent curses.

Finally, Pixal intervened. Cole had not not noticed her arrival until now.

"Besai," she said, and was ignored. "Hey. Hey!" She grabbed her fist as she lifted it for another punch. "Besai! Stop it!"

Besai paused, breathing hard, blood dripping from her nose, tears streaming from her eyes. She looked up at Pixal.

"K…Kai…" she murmured, and Cole realized she was not panting. She was crying. Sobbing. But…now? After a fight like that, even I'd be out of breath. She didn't even look tired. Adrenaline didn't do that.

"Come on," Pixal said, helping her to her feet. She spared a glance at Nephilim, who seemed to be unconscious. Her Blade lay dormant by her hand, no longer glowing. Cole kicked it out of her reach, but did not bother to pick it up yet: they had larger problems to contend with.

Pixal spoke in a troubled voice. "I told the others to stay put. Besai didn't. The others might be coming soon, too."

Besai barely spared the time to glare at Pixal before she dropped to Kai's side, taking his head on her lap.

Blood bubbled from Kai's mouth. Each pull of air was a loud, laborious task. His face was ashen, practically glowing in the tiny sliver of moonlight from the waning moon: this was probably the last day of the cycle before it turned to the new moon.

Kai reached up with a bloody hand and touched Besai's cheek. She grabbed his hand, sobbing uncontrollably. His droopy eyes filled with tears as well. Blood still spurted from the holes in his belly at an alarming rate.

Cole fell to his knees and pressed his hands to the wounds. "Save him," he pleaded, then swallowed. Every second that crawled by brought him that much closer to snapping- drunk on the scent of the blood around him- and murdering someone. Or everyone. "Save him, Pixal!"

"I already checked his wounds while Besai was…fighting," Pixal said, revealing her hands, which were stained red. "He's lost too much blood, and his stomach was punctured. Maybe if we were in Ninjago, and we could get my brother to look at him…" She shook her head. "I'm sorry. This is far beyond my ability to heal, even if we had the right equipment."

Kai's hand slipped from Besai's face, leaving a red streak. His eyes grew distant and inert, and his breathing stilled.

Any composure Besai may have maintained up to that point shattered. She screamed, lifting Kai's lifeless, open-eyed, bloody body into her arms.

No… Cole gritted his teeth against an onslaught of tears. After all they'd been through, this was how Kai went down? Killed by a murderous girl half his age because…

Because…what? What was so important about Kai that Overlord wanted him murdered? How did Kai go from being Overlord's irreplaceable Sanguine Knight to dead so fast?

Again, Cole was baffled by Overlord's motives. But his confusion didn't make him any less furious.

"Overlord," Cole hissed, his vision blurring. All he could hear and smell was blood. This should have concerned him, but it didn't. Couldn't. Not now that Kai was dead. "Pixal, you said Overlord was following us. Not Nephilim."

"I…know," Pixal said. "I swear, Suki only ever saw Overlord."

"Well, where is he, then?" Cole snapped. "Waiting in those trees over there to ambush us? Or is he murdering Jay, Merv, and Sage as we speak?" Feeling Kai's blood squish between his fingers as he clenched his hands sent him over the edge. But he caught himself, barely, like a man clinging to a little branch on the cliff face. "My baby, Pixal? Hmm? Is she all right, or has Overlord gotten to her, too?"

"I…" Pixal stuttered, flustered. After a moment, she breathed a deep sigh. "I sent Suki to watch the others. They're safe. I can see them all right now, in the cave. But…"

"But what?" Cole's blood ran cold. He nearly drew his sword and murdered her right there. "Pixal! But what?"

"But…Jay just disappeared." Pixal turned to face the trees. Moments later Jay appeared before her, hair frizzier than usual, eyes dark with worry. In his left hand Stormstrider let off a soft blue light.

"I told you to stay with the others," Pixal snapped.

"I know," Jay said. "But I can get back there in moments with Stormstrider if I need to." He noticed Besai, and Kai's limp body, and his face paled. "I just…came to see if you needed help. Oh, Lords…"

"You want to help?" Pixal pointed to Nephilim with a bloody hand. "Cut off that bitch's head and toss it in the river. Maybe if she's in enough pieces Overlord won't be able to put her back together again."

"She did this?" Jay asked, looking at everybody's faces. Like Pixal, he hadn't really known Kai all that well. While he seemed disturbed and saddened, there were no tears.

Maybe that's for the better, Cole thought. I don't think I'd be able to keep it together if…if any… Inhaling sharply, he choked on a sob. He stood, heat rising to his face as he approached Nephilim.

"Cole," Jay said nervously. "What are you doing?"

"I'm ending this!" Cole spat, not caring any longer about his tears. He let them fall. His chest rose and fell sporadically as he wept, Raindancer clenched in his fist. It exuded a little light, though the pain it caused him was inconsequential compared to the agony in his heart. His heart which now screamed for vengeance- for blood, and lots of it. He would kill them all, and he would drink their blood.

"No, Cole." Jay was walking beside him, a hand gripping his shoulder. Trying to stop him. "Don't kill her. We-"

"She killed Kai!" Cole screamed, spittle flying in Jay's face. "What's the matter with you? She just murdered our friend, and you want to spare her? What, should we invite her to the cave for a cup of tea, maybe talk this out and convince her to join our team?"

Jay got between Cole and the girl, arms spread wide. Fear made his eyes waver, though something else- the grim line of his lips as he clenched his jaw- indicated that he was not going to move.

"Leave…her…alone," Jay said. "Yeah. I get it. We just lost a friend. But do you see what we have here?" He gestured to Nephilim. "Maybe we could question her. She's got to know some of Overlord's plans and motives. And…maybe we can help her, too."

"Help?" Cole shook his head. "What's the matter with you, Jay? Do you know how often that girl oversaw Merv's torture sessions? How often she was the one holding the bucket as Merv was waterboarded? Punished for the tiniest things- like serving Nephilim's tea too hot, or for not getting all the seeds out of her fruit? For all I know, she might be the one who raped Kai."

Despite being shorter than Jay, Cole felt as though he were towering over the Western Lord. "She's a monster, Jay. You can't change that."

Jay looked away. But he kept his arms up. "I'm not asking you to forgive her," he said quietly. "I'm asking for a favor. A tactical one. We spare her. And, as long as we keep her alive, Overlord won't dare approach us."

Cole was about to counter him again- say something along the lines of not caring what kind of advantage she'd give them: Kai was dead!- but a voice spoke behind him.

"Cole," Sage whispered, and Cole turned. There were tears in her eyes as she held Kai's Blade. "Cole, please. Calm down."

Cole could feel the Blade's touch on his mind, soothing his wrath and his bloodlust. He wanted to be more angry that someone actually had the audacity to tamper with his emotions- he was a stone warrior; practically a god- but he found himself unable to stay angry. The Blade took it all away, replacing it with…emptiness. More sadness.

Beside him, Jay lowered himself carefully to his hands and knees, murmuring quiet words. A prayer to the First King, Cole guessed. He did not stop Jay: if there was ever a time that they had needed supernatural help, it was now.

"Coleman…" Sage's voice wavered. She could sense his feelings through the Blade, no doubt. His intense hate. He hated himself for being so helpless. If only he'd been stronger. Then maybe he would have been able to save Kai.

"You…shouldn't be here," was all he managed to say before he ran into Sage's embrace, weeping bitterly.

Kai: Subject A5, the Glue.

*Yelps as people throw rotten food at me*

Yeah. I deserved that and worse. I'm so sorry. Seriously, I am. This was a creepy, heartbreaking chapter to write. Especially Cole's POV. :( I don't expect forgiveness yet. But maybe soon you'll understand, and you'll...hate me less.

I'm having trouble coming up with something to say... Honestly, I feel like I betrayed you. I'm kind of ashamed. Kai's death was super important for the plot, though I guess it *may* have been possible to find a way around it and I feel guilty for not doing so.

I just don't know... *hugs everyone* I hope that helps. Do I even have the right to ask for a review? ( )( ) Here's some scoops of ice cream. Have a good week! Astrid, signing off.