37
Keyda sank back down onto her bed as Cole fell quiet. He sat heavily next to her, looking down at the ground.
"I…I didn't want to tell you, but I told myself that if and whenever you finally woke up, I'd…"
"We can't keep doing this."
He looked over as she finally spoke, her tone surprisingly calm. She was staring off into the distance, her expression hopeless and resigned.
"Keyds…"
"We tried Cole...but there's just too much against us and it's never going to change!"
He grabbed her hand.
"That's not true!" he tried. "We can't give up now Keyds. We've made it this far; we just have to…"
She pulled her hand away to wrap her arms around herself.
"I thought things would change after the Baron died…but then it was after we defeated the Elder, and Garmadon…and then it was after I learned control or after we made changes to the realm or…" she trailed off and shook her head. "But we'll always just have more problems we can't solve…people who target me or you or both of us…" Tears were falling now and she squeezed her eyes closed. They sat in silence for a few minutes and when Cole finally spoke she could hear the emotion in his voice.
"Maybe…but if we just give up then we lose each other anyways."
"Then maybe it's better to get it over with now," she said bitterly. "Because otherwise someday I'm going to wake up and someone will have taken you or killed you or…"
She trailed off and swallowed hard. He didn't answer and she finally looked over at him. Cole's head was in his hands and he was staring at the ground. She coughed through her tears and he spoke softly.
"I can't leave you Keyds…I could hardly last these last three days wondering if you were alright. There's no way I'm gonna survive a lifetime of it."
She wiped her face harshly, not answering as he shook his head.
"I just wish…" he paused to clear his throat, which had been constricting with emotion. "I just wish it wasn't so hard… I wish that we could just be together without it causing so many problems and becoming some huge political thing."
She wiped her face again.
"What do you mean?"
He shrugged half-heartedly.
"It just feels like anyone who doesn't want us dead wants force us into some political trap…"
"Like what?"
The tears had ebbed and now she waited to see what he would say. He looked uncomfortable and he still wouldn't look at her.
"Like…like this whole binding thing…"
She felt a twist.
"Cole…I just wanted them to stop treating you like some outsider. They should treat you like you have rank, and importance…"
"Is that all it means, then?" he asked, and she was surprised at his bitter tone. "Just a way to control people?"
She stared at him, incredulous.
"Control? It's about us, not…"
"If it's about 'us' then why didn't you talk to me about it before announcing it to the world?" he snapped, but moments later he winced in apology. "I'm sorry…it's just…"
"Just what?" she asked, her own expression darkening. "You wanted a chance to say no? You can't be without me but the thought of being bound to me is so horrible?!"
"It has nothing to do with you!" he said, becoming angry again as he finally turned to look at her.
"It has everything to do with me!" she retorted, eyes flashing. "It's a binding to me, Idiot!"
"But why do we need to be 'bound?'" he asked angrily, getting to his feet. "Why can't we just stay as we already are?! What's wrong with just…"
"Because they'll just continue to treat you like dirt!" Keyda snapped, also standing. "And things can't just stay the same way…we can't just sit on this anymore; we've got to make it official, unquestionable…"
"Unquestionable? Just five minutes ago you were trying to get me to go home!" Cole yelled, and she threw her arms up.
"Are you leaving then?!"
"NO." His arms flashed and he winced in pain; they were still pretty raw. "But I'm not about to get forced into some…"
"Forced?! No one's forcing you to do anything!" she retorted and he shook his head.
"Everyone's been trying to control me since I got here! I've tried to follow the rules…tried not to make too big of waves…but I draw the line at some things and the fact is if I'm going to get married it's going to be because I want to, not because some strange political situation requires it or because some Old Healer wants it or because…because…" he ran out of steam and ran a hand through his hair. She stood, arms folded, as she waited for him to finish his explanation. He finally sighed again and punched the nearby wall.
"I spent my whole childhood fighting someone else's plans for my life…" he finally said. "I guess I just hate having my future decided for me, and I don't see why we have to rush into something like this…"
He dropped back into his chair, suddenly laughing without humor.
"Guess it's all a moot point anyways at this point, huh? With the whole mess we're in now…"
She regarded him for a few minutes, her arms still folded. Finally she sat back down on her bed and sighed.
"Why do we always do this?" she asked softly, and he looked up.
"Do what? Fight?"
She raised her eyebrows and he gave her a ghost of a smile while he shrugged.
"Cuz we're scared, I guess…"
She shook her head.
"I'm tired of being scared." she said, and he chuckled a bit, suddenly feeling drained and exhausted.
"Me too Keyds." he said softly and he pushed himself back up again. "I'm going to go get something to eat…want anything?"
She shook her head. He headed for the door and she suddenly cleared her throat.
"Cole?"
He turned in the doorway, eyebrows raised. She fiddled with the thick blanket on her bed a moment before speaking again.
"The…the binding. I just wanted to let you know that for me it wasn't…I mean there's more to it than just politics…"
She sighed in frustration at not being able to say what she meant. She looked up and made eye contact from her place on the bed.
"I never would have thought I'd get bound to anyone… But…now…"
He stared at her for a few moments but she didn't say anything else and he looked away with a small smile and a nod, seeming unsure of how to react. Then he left and she watched the door swing shut before she allowed herself to fall backwards onto the bed.
"I love you," she finally managed to say after he was gone, and then she scoffed. "You Idiot."
For once, she wasn't talking about Cole.
Wu walked into the village and noted the glares and uncomfortable expressions. He kept his head high as the village leader approached.
"What are you…"
"Just on my way to visit the Healer." Wu replied calmly. "I don't suppose you could point me in the right direction?"
The leader narrowed his eyes but after glancing at the large, four-headed dragon at the village entrance he gestured towards the Healer's tent with his head. Wu smiled gratefully and headed that way. It wasn't long before he came across a large tent painted with white runes and symbols. He paused to study them for a moment before pushing his way into the tent.
It was unkempt, and he looked around for the Healer.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?"
The Dragon Master turned at the acidic tone, picking out an Ancient-looking Oni by a case full of scrolls, many of which were tied with red or blue ribbons.
"You must be…"
"…The Master Healer." Phos cut in, glancing over at the gold-clad figure in his doorway. "And that is what you may refer to me as, Dragon Master."
Wu chuckled softly and took a seat in an armchair.
"If that is what you wish. I don't suppose I could trouble you for a cup of tea?"
Phos narrowed his eyes and then gestured to the pot over the cold fire.
"Help yourself." he muttered, and Wu did so. He sank back into the chair, inhaling the warm herbal smell.
"Thank you."
Phos worked in silence a few minutes longer as Wu sat sipping his tea.
"Not many people like that blend." Phos finally said gruffly.
"I find it quite interesting. There's a smoky aftertaste that mixes in a satisfying way with the initial sweet tones…"
Phos rolled his eyes.
"I take it you're quite deprived of quality beverage amongst the dragons." he said dryly. Wu shrugged and Phos finally turned to look at him, dusting off his hands.
"What do you want?"
"I had a few questions…"
"Get in line." Phos said. "I don't owe you anything, Outsider…"
"Perhaps not. But I was hoping you would answer them anyways."
Wu smiled warmly as Phos scowled.
"What? Out of the goodness of my heart?" he muttered sardonically, and Wu shook his head.
"Out of the goodness of the realm, actually."
Phos sighed and finally came over to sit in the chair across from the bearded man. Wu leaned forward.
"How big of a threat is the Alchemist?"
Phos's scowl darkened and his eyes flashed.
"The kid decided to blab it to the whole realm, huh? Guess I shoulda just killed him…"
"Cole's only spoken to me." Wu said evenly, taking another sip of his tea. "He's a little in over his head at the moment…"
"So he called his dear old friend the Dragon Master to come solve all his problems." Phos said bitterly, pouring himself a cup of tea. Wu didn't even blink an eye as he continued to meet Phos's gaze calmly.
"I have been his leader and friend for a great many years." Wu pointed out with a smile. "It makes sense that he would confide in me. Perhaps you could find it in youself to do so as well…it would certainly help us to improve the realm…"
"Leader, huh?" Phos cut in, seemingly annoyed that he couldn't seem to break the Dragon Master's calm. "Maybe you should have taught him a few things about listening. Boy's as thick and stubborn as a block of wood…"
"Funny…I've never had a problem with him listening to me." Wu mused, taking another sip of his tea. "He generally does better with those he trusts."
Phos rolled his eyes and Wu pressed further.
"But we are getting off topic…I need to know what kind of threat the Alchemist is to…"
"She can't do anything where she is now." Phos said, nursing his cup. "And she won't be able to touch the boy, but not because he was smart enough to keep himself safe. Honestly that fool has a death wish…"
"So she will never come back?"
"She will continue to be able to free herself at the winter solstice." Phos said softly. "If I were the kid I'd make sure I was outta the realm each year around that time…"
"But I thought he was safe from the Alchemist's influence?"
"For now." Phos snapped. "But there's no telling what she'll be able to accomplish down the road; she's already much stronger now than she used to be…and based on what the kid's told me about how elemental power works, it won't always rest in him regardless, now will it?"
Silence fell as Wu realized what Phos meant.
"You were still able to defeat her, though…"
"Only because I took her by surprise." Phos said, staring into his cup of cooling tea. "She expected me to kill the boy …but she didn't see the protection spell coming."
Wu frowned.
"Why didn't she?"
Phos shifted uncomfortably, glancing back up at Wu for a moment before scoffing, as if deciding that it didn't matter if he told the old man.
"Oni power can come from any emotional source…but actual spells generally require one or more specific emotions. The protection spell requires the power to come from a place of…compassion." Phos chuckled darkly. "She probably doesn't think me capable of it."
Wu didn't say anything and Phos shook himself, glaring at the Dragon Master.
"Well…you've wasted enough of my time already…any more personal questions you just need answered?"
Wu finished off his tea.
"I must say I am not familiar with the Healers' history here in the first realm…"
"Well if you ever run into another Healer, you'll have to ask them about it." Phos snapped, making it clear he was done talking. Wu shook his head, seeming disappointed.
"If you really want to make changes in this realm, it would help if you were willing to be open and collaborate with…"
"With who? You?" Phos glowered. "You run your nation, outsider…and leave the Oni nation to the Oni. If the Alchemist regains an interest in dragons, I'll give you a call. In the meantime…"
"She went after my student." Wu replied softly and Phos glanced over at him. The Dragon Master's expression had become hard to read and Phos shook his head.
"Speaking of…next time you see the boy, remind him that he still owes me labor. I've got quite a few scrolls that still need translating…"
Wu sat his cup down and replied with a blithe smile.
"I'll be sure to pass on the message…but given how his last visit went I wouldn't count on him coming by anytime soon." He stood and stretched. "If he comes back at all."
Phos rolled his eyes as Wu headed for the door. Just before exiting Wu turned back with a twinkle in his eye.
"I've discovered the deep green plant with small leaves that grows in the shade of limestone formations makes a nice tea…I think it would really improve the flavor of your particular brew." And with that, the Dragon Master disappeared.
Phos scoffed and shook his head.
"Ignorance…pure ignorance…" he muttered as he slammed his cup down on the table.
38
It took longer than Keyda thought it would to remember which Dragon Masters were the loyal ones. She wished that Heavy Metal would wake up—he'd know for sure. She finally remembered one of them—a large, burly fellow. She put him in charge of finding the others he knew to be loyal, and after a few hours she had released five dragon masters from the dungeons. She remembered Adalaide saying something about there being seven loyal dragon masters…it appeared that two of them had fallen in the battle.
"It feels like I'm starting over," she admitted, facing the five guards with Cole at her side. She stared at the table she was leaning on and sighed before looking back up to address the guards.
"Thank you for standing by me in the battle."
The guards didn't reply, seeming unsure what the appropriate response would be. She cleared her throat before continuing.
"I can't run the fortress with just five guards, but I have to admit that I don't know enough about those in the dungeons to know who could be loyal and who would betray me again. I need your help,"
The Dragon Masters looked surprised, and one of them-a female with two tightly plaited braids -spoke up.
"If I may…"
Keyda motioned her to continue.
"From what I could tell, there are many guards who sided with the insurgents solely because they thought they would win. But they didn't…and I think that fact is making a lot of those in the dungeon rethink their loyalties…"
"You took Adalaide on," one of the other guards agreed. "And…and whatever the outsider did to end the battle…"
The guard trailed off as everyone glanced over at Cole, the dragon masters' expressions becoming uncomfortable as the elemental master glanced away. Keyda clenched her jaw as she stared at the table. She knew who was really responsible, but they had agreed to keep that knowledge under wraps.
"So their fear has been reaffirmed." Keyda said softly. "Any chance that more people would side with me if they didn't fear me?"
The dragon masters glanced at each other.
"It…is a main driving factor for most Oni in general…" the first dragon master admitted.
" There were lots of 'em who were happy for the excuse to fight against you." Another chimed in dryly, arms folded. He seemed a lot younger than the rest, and Keyda found herself wondering how he had managed to become a dragon master in the first place. "And even with the added fear factor I bet the traitors would do it again…"
"I understand." Keyda said, feeling tired. "In that case, I'd like the five of you to compile a list of those who should be reinstated and those who will remain in the dungeons…"
"For execution?"
Keyda looked up at the woman with the two braids, expression serious.
"Just the dungeons…for now. Thank you for your time…you are dismissed."
The five guards nodded their understanding and headed out of her office. She looked over at Cole, who gave her a comforting half-smile.
"Well…that went well, right?"
She sighed and sank down into her chair.
"How will we ever be able to trust anyone? I mean…at the first opportunity the majority of my guard was happy enough to…"
"You heard what they said," Cole said, taking her hand. "You surprised them, Keyds…and I think that is going farther than you think…"
"They're scared of us." Keyda argued. "And if there ever comes a time when they aren't anymore…"
"There were guards who were willing to fight on your side, despite being outnumbered." Cole pointed out. "Yeah there weren't a whole lot….but despite everything they were still willing to fight in your name. That's progress Keyds…"
"I guess." She looked over at him and sighed again. "I'm going to go see how Heavy Metal's doing…and then…and then can we get out of here?"
Cole frowned, tilting his head.
"And go where?"
She shrugged. "I don't care…I just need to get away from all of this." She wrapped her arm around his waist. "Maybe we could explore the realm a little…neither of us have had much time to do that yet, eh?"
He smiled down at her.
"Alright…I'll call my Guardian."
The scarred Oni hadn't moved much since the last time she had checked in and Keyda sighed as she sat down next to his bed. His room was near the barracks, and as she looked around she marveled at how small it was. It was clear the Baron hadn't felt the need to give his right-hand comfortable furnishings…but she was surprised that he hadn't given himself an upgrade when she came to power.
She glared at her Captain of the Guard as he slowly breathed in and out.
"You're the one who signed me up for all of this…" she finally said bitterly. "Don't you dare abandon me now…"
He didn't answer and she sat in silence for a few minutes more, mind wandering back into years of memories. From the moment the Masked Oni had ripped her out of the rubble, she had come to think of him as an extension of the Baron. Yet ever since the Baron had been defeated it was like he was a different person. With the loss of his mask he didn't even look like the same monster who had helped make her childhood so horrible. She studied the many scars that were splayed out over his entire face and realized that she had no idea where he had gotten them. In fact, she was realizing that she didn't know much about him at all.
The door pushed open slowly and she looked over as Cole came in, smiling sadly.
"Any change?"
She shook her head and he came to stand behind her, putting his hand on her shoulder. They stood like that for a bit.
"You ready to go?" he finally asked, and she looked up at him and nodded before standing. He turned as they walked towards the door. "I couldn't find Wu…he's off somewhere. I left him a note and said we'd be back tonight sometime."
"Alright." she said, and she glanced back once more before closing the door behind them.
Wu landed at the Eastern Fortress and stretched after dismounting.
"Keep an eye out…" he murmured, patting one of the dragon's necks before heading towards the entrance. The guards there immediately pointed their spears at him, but he just smiled as he raised his arms.
"I'd like to speak with the Eastern Leader…"
"She won't want to see you…" one of them growled, but Wu simply smiled.
"Perhaps…but I'm allowed to request it anyways as a fellow realm leader…"
The guards didn't move for a few moment, but they realized that Wu wasn't intimidated nor did it seem like he was going to leave anytime soon. One finally nodded to one of the smaller guards in the back who ran off into the fortress. Within ten minutes he returned.
"She'll see you…but you'll have to wait." he reported grudgingly. Wu smiled and followed the fellow inside.
"So be it…I don't suppose you would bring me a cup of tea while I wait?"
There was something comforting about zooming over the earth away from the fortress. Keyda knew that she wasn't really escaping any problems…but she closed her eyes and wrapped her arms tighter around the figure in front of her, determined to at least escape for a few hours.
The dragon rumbled below them and Cole turned to face her.
"Anywhere specific we're going?"
"As far away as possible…" she replied, eyes still closed. The Guardian let out another rumble and Cole shrugged.
"Sure…might as well."
They flew in silence for a bit and Keyda started falling asleep. Cole noticed that her grip was slipping and turned around to put his arm around her. She started awake and he smiled.
"Maybe you should sit in front of me…" he said, but she shook her head.
"I'm alright…" she started, but Cole pulled her in front of him anyways, wrapping one arm around her as she leaned back into him. She shook her head.
"You're bad at listening…" she murmured jokingly and she felt him chuckle.
"Just don't want to lose you." he said softly. Her smile faded as she looked up at him.
"Not going anywhere, Idiot," she said and he smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. She looked over the edge at the passing formations. "Where we headed?"
"To see what Wu's been up to during these last few months…" Cole said and Keyda furrowed her eyebrows.
"What do you mean?"
Cole shrugged. "Apparently the dragons have been doing some realm remodeling."
"Oh." Keyda leaned her head back as they continued their flight, and it wasn't long before her eyes were drooping closed again.
Cole pulled her tighter as she fell asleep. They flew over the last of the North-Western villages and hit un-inhabitated wilderness.
Asleep already? We just left…
"Cut her some slack…she's probably still recovering from whatever the Alchemist did to her…"
He felt the Guardian stiffen and it dawned on him that he had never actually discussed what had happened half a week earlier.
"That's right…you knew her, huh?"
How do you know of her?
The guardian's voice came in low and bitter and Cole shifted position. The shadows below them lengthened as Cole related his own run in with the Alchemist.
Why didn't you call me?
Cole blinked at the angry tone.
"I tried! She…she did something. I couldn't get through."
The guardian didn't say anything else and Cole sighed.
"Look, I'm sorry for bringing it up…um…from what I hear you and her have a past, and everything…."
That witch is responsible for my imprisonment. The guardian snarled and Cole swallowed.
"Yep. You know, Phos did mention that…"
I spent centuries under that moldering fortress… Cole could feel the dragon flexing beneath them. Unable to escape without prematurely beginning the final battle…
"I'm sorry." Cole said, not really sure what else he could say. The Dragon blew out of it's nose angrily.
How long has she still been a threat?
"Um…well, apparently that's why Phos tied me up," Cole admitted. "But I have this…this protection braid now and Phos sent her back to where she belongs, so I don't think she's a threat anymore. At least, that's what Phos made it sound like. I think."
She is not to be underestimated.
Cole cleared his throat. "How…how'd she catch you?"
The guardian didn't answer and after a few minutes of listening to the wings beating Cole was beginning to think that the dragon wasn't going to.
I was over-confident the guardian finally admitted. Oni power had dwindled so much...and no dragon had ever come across the type of magic she wielded.
Cole felt the dragon shudder and sighed.
"Yeah…kinda took me by surprise too…"
I should keep a better eye on you.
Cole laughed.
"Well...Wu was just saying the same thing. I hope the Oni got used to dragons with all our visits because I think they're going to be seeing a lot more of you guys now…"
Cole trailed off as they crossed another ridge of rock formations. He blinked in surprise as he took in the land that stretched next to the sea; Wu and the dragons truly had transformed it.
"It's…beautiful." he murmured. The beach was sandier than it had been before, and there were more plants growing near the seashore. In the distance Cole could see trees…real trees…and what looked to be mountains. Real mountains, like at home, topped with snow and everything.
"Wow…how'd he do this?"
Golden power…finally being used to its full potential.
"No kidding," Cole breathed. He gently shook Keyda awake and she blinked and rubbed her eyes as she sat up.
"I fell asleep? How long was I out…."
"Look." Cole prompted, and she looked out across the newly formed landscape. Her eyes widened and her grip on his hand tightened.
"It…it looks like Ninjago…" she finally said, and Cole laughed.
"Not quite…but its close," he replied, and she leaned back against him again. They fell silent as they flew over the forest towards the mountains. Beyond them they could see more rock formations and first-realm-esque terrain…but for a few miles it was beautiful.
"Probably be best if the other Oni don't know about this yet…" she finally murmured and he rested his chin on her head.
"Probably," he agreed. The Earth Dragon swooped down and landed in a small clearing amongst the trees and Cole and Keyda dismounted. She stared up at the tall firs and shook her head.
"Trees? How on earth did he manage that?"
Those of the Elder race have been known to create life…I knew a dragon once who was quite content planting poppies.
The Guardian sounded sad and Cole told Keyda what he had said.
"But the Dragon Master isn't really a dragon…" she mused aloud. "He couldn't be of the Elder race…"
He is…in a way.
"He says Wu is…" Cole frowned, turning to his Guardian. "What exactly is the Elder race?"
The Elder Race is the first race of dragons…the oldest and most powerful line. Legend says that it was through the Elders and the Ancients that the realm was ever formed. Antirock and Jarule were the last of the line… The Guardian trailed off, his expression becoming regretful. Antirock was lost in the creation of the prophecy…and you were there when we destroyed Jarule…
"Jarule…" Cole said, a little confused. Keyda bristled.
"The Elder," she explained, and Cole relayed what the Guardian had told him. She shook her head.
"If they were the last of the line then how is Wu part of it?"
The Child was created by Antirock who possessed the creative power…he was born of the power from that line. He did not have the same link to the Elder race as dragons born to it…nor did he have the same limitations. But he was born of that power and possessed it himself. Wu claims to be his son and thus is of the same line…"
"But…how exactly can a person be related to a dragon?" Cole asked. The Dragon blinked slowly.
We do not know how it was accomplished…but the only traces of the Elder race now exist within the human line that stretches from the Child of old.
Cole ran a hand through his hair.
"So…you were there when that all went down? I thought that was like, forever ago…"
Our lifetimes do not follow the same rules as other creatures…such as you humans.
"You mean dragon lifetimes?"
Yes….but Guardians and those of the Elder line live longer than even the average dragon lifetime.
Keyda wrapped her arms around Cole's and he looked over at her. She gave him a half-smile
"Wanna go for a walk?"
39
Wu heard a door slam and lowered his tea-cup with a smile. The Eastern Leader came storming down the hall a few minutes later and he set the cup down as he stood up to greet her.
"What on earth is this about?" she asked angrily. "How dare you show up here, unannounced…"
"Yes, I'm sorry about that." Wu said calmly. "But you see, in light of recent events I've had to get a little more…involved in Oni politics."
"Recent events? Involved how?"
Wu made a point to look over at the door to her office and she rolled her eyes before opening the door and gesturing angrily for him to enter. He did so, nodding his thanks and she stormed over to her desk.
"I'm referring to Adalaide and her followers…"
"Adalaide? Who in the ancient's name is Adalaide?"
"…and their attempt to overthrow the ruler…"
"Oh, the insurgents." The leader collapsed into her chair. "Sure…we heard about it. Not surprising that Keyda's got people wanting her dead, with the changes she's been threatening, but last I heard that had all been contained. Somehow that outsider took everyone out…" she brushed her slanting bangs out of her face. "Have you come to invite me to the execution?" she asked dryly.
"No." Wu took a seat. "I've come to see where your loyalties lie."
She narrowed her eyes. "Look, Dragon Master…I get that there's a union and what-have-you…but from what I remember you're only in charge of the Dragon side of things…"
"Adalaide's main goal once in power was to restart the Dragon Oni War," Wu explained, leaning forward. The Leader's eyes glanced up, eyebrows furrowing. "So now I'm a little more involved…"
"So this is…what? A threat? A warning?"
"A request, actually." Wu said quietly, and she leaned back, unsure. "You see…we have quite a few guards in the main fortress dungeons at the moment, and under closer inspection they aren't all dragon masters."
She scoffed. "What exactly are you accusing me of?"
"Interestingly enough, it seems that you were the only one of the leaders who didn't involve your personal guards in the attack. I suppose I was just interested in why that is?"
She folded her arms, spending a few minutes studying him as if expecting some kind of trick. Finally she just shrugged.
"There were some serious things discussed in our last meeting…that outsider of hers is getting out of control, threatening the way our nation has always been. It was bad enough having him flitting around the nation, seemingly free to do whatever he wanted, but now there's talk of a binding…"
"Binding?"
"Between the Ruler and him." The leader raised an eyebrow. "Matrimony…you understand?"
Wu's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Has there been talk indeed?"
"There was a ratty man who made a proposal for change. There were….talks of rebellion." She shrugged. "I don't agree with what Keyda is doing…but we just managed to get the chaos from the union to calm down. I'm not exactly a fan of having all the management change again, especially because I didn't feel like this Adalaide character would be strong enough to withstand the power vacuum that would undoubtably come up." She leaned forward. "So I took my entourage and left. As for the other leaders, I can't say I'm surprised nor can I say that I blame them. Is that the kind of information you were looking for?"
Wu thought for a few minutes.
"Would you say you're invested in what the realm could become?" he finally asked quietly. She scoffed again.
"What does that even mean?"
Wu leaned forward. "Things have changed in the realm…but would you really say that it's been a step back from where the Oni were before? That you were better off with the Baron?"
She shrugged.
"I mean…the guy was ruthless…but at least his overall goals matched ours…"
"Realm domination?" Wu mused and she rolled her eyes in reply.
"More like Oni survival…our traditions, way of life…"
"I don't think the Baron cared much about the Oni way of life," Wu pointed out. He stood, regarding the leader a few moments longer. "I'll be in contact; with everything that's happened I'm going to be working closely with the leaders in the four corners to make sure we're still all on the same team."
She stood as well.
"And what team would that be?" she asked almost bitterly.
He smiled as he turned to go.
"The team that could change this realm for the better…once and for all."
It was eerily quiet in the wood; Cole realized that while the trees might have looked like a forest back home, the lack of birds or other creatures made it feel hollow. They walked in silence amongst the firs and he couldn't help but feel that Keyda wanted to talk about something in particular. He felt a small twist of unease, having a good guess at what it would be.
Keyda kept glancing over at him as they walked and he finally gave her hand a squeeze.
"You ok?"
She let out a humorless laugh.
"Considering everything…I guess so,"
"Yeah?"
She frowned and looked up at him.
"This place…it looks like where we went in Ninjago….just without the snow."
He glanced around. "I…guess so."
She stopped walking and sighed and Cole stopped as well. She grabbed his other hand and looked up as he raised his eyebrows expectantly.
"Be honest…" she finally said. "Do you miss home?"
He gave her a soft smile.
"Keyds…"
"I'm not trying to get you to leave…" she said. "But I need to know….because it still feels like I've forced you to come here…"
He scoffed, looking up at the sky. She tugged on his hands.
"I'm serious! You always act like I'm asking stupid questions…but when you said you would come live here you didn't have the slightest idea all the horrible things that would…"
"There's been a lot of surprises, I'll admit…" he cut in. "But you're taking a little too much credit for me being here. You didn't force me to come, Keyds…you didn't even want me here!"
She blinked and shook her head.
"That's not true..." she started and he cut in again.
"Even if you wanted me to come…you sure didn't act like it for a while." He dropped her hands so he could put his on her shoulders. "Sometimes it feels like I have to fight for every moment with you….like I have to convince you that I deserve to be here…"
"Cole…"
"Actually….it feels like I have to convince you that you deserve to have me here." He sighed again. "Keyda…you deserve to be happy, ok? You need to stop telling yourself otherwise…"
She looked away, her expression contorting. She kicked a rock on the ground before speaking.
"You're the only one who thinks so…" she murmured.
"Then I'm the only one who's right." He said, pulling backwards and lifting her face to look at him. "And I wish I could make you believe me…."
A dragon roar rang out and they looked up. A few more echoed through the wood and Cole instinctively positioned himself in front of Keyda. A few smaller red dragons wove their way down into the wood, looking angry as they continued to roar.
"What do they want?" Keyda asked, but Cole just shook his head.
"I…I don't know. Maybe they're just angry that we're here…"
One of the dragons lashed out, snapping at them. Cole put his arms up.
"Hey…we're friends of the Dragon Master! We were just looking…"
Another dragon looked like he was firing up for a shot and Cole's arms powered up in response. Keyda moved to stand next to him, eye flashing.
"We're allowed to be here as much as you…" she started, but then the dragon released the shot.
Cole tried to send a blast of earth to counter it. Something inside of him gave a painful squeeze and no attack appeared. Cole took a step back as Keyda's blast collided with the fireball in an explosive cancelation of the dragon's attack.
Another roar split the air as Cole's Guardian flew overhead. The three smaller dragons hissed in response and darted away through the wood.
I can't land…head back to the clearing. The Guardian ordered and Cole and Keyda started back. Cole stared at his hands, heart pouding. Why hadn't it worked? He tried once again to summon his elemental power. Besides the glow in his arms and the painful squeezing in his chest, nothing happened, and he swallowed hard.
"What's wrong?" Keyda asked, noticing his grimace.
"I…I can't get my elemental powers to work…"
"What?" she stopped dead. "What do you mean? How long has…"
"I don't know." He cut in. He exhaled, a knot of worry writhing in his stomach. "But…I don't think I've used my powers at all since…" he trailed off, mind racing.
"The Alchemist did something?" Keyda asked, sounding sick. "Do you think she took them?"
"No…they aren't gone…" Cole clenched his fists and the color rose up his arms as it normally did. "I wouldn't be able to talk to my Guardian if they were gone..." He tried to launch an earth attack, and the horrible squeezing sensation came back. He coughed and let the earth punch fade. "It's like they're…stuck."
He started walking again, quicker this time, and she followed him as they headed towards the clearing.
"You probably need to go see Phos…" she finally admitted grudgingly. His expression darkened.
"No…"
"He may be the only one who…"
"I still don't know if we can trust him!" Cole snapped, turning towards her. "Sure…he beat the Alchemist…but he tried to kill me multiple times, Keyds. Who knows…maybe he'd fix it or maybe he'd just make it worse. Besides, I don't want to give him any more reason to make me do whatever he wants…"
"So you're just going to leave it? What if it gets worse, or…"
"Or it could get better on its own." Cole pointed out as he caught sight of the guardian in the distance. He turned and tried to give her a comforting smile. "I'll be fine…"
She scoffed, clearly not comforted.
"And where have I heard that one before…"
"Tell you what…if it gets worse, I'll go see Phos, ok?" he said. He turned to his guardian before she even had a chance to answer.
Get on…it's time to be going.
"Why'd those dragons attack us?" Cole asked, and Keyda huffed at the change of subject as she clambered aboard the large dragon.
There are still plenty of prejudices among the dragon, just as there is among the Oni. It's one of the main reasons that the Dragon Master has kept our side of the nation mainly separate from the Oni. The Dragons are working on a better realm…but it appears that they are struggling to comprehend sharing it…
"They had no right to attack us." Keyda snapped after Cole had filled her in on what the Guardian had said.
Fire dragons are known for their short tempers. The Guardian admitted as they took to the skies. At any rate…we should be headed back; it will be dark before we reach the fortress as it is.
It was the next day that Heavy Metal finally woke up. He blinked in the darkness of his room, trying to figure out where he was and why he was so thirsty. He tried to sit up and grimaced at the pain in his middle.
Something moved in the corner of the room and he looked over to see a slave slipping out the door. The scarred man frowned and pulled the thin blanket off of himself. He looked down at the stained bandages around his middle and the memories of the rebellion trickled back. The door banged open and he looked back over as Keyda strode into the room.
She sat heavily on a chair near his bed, sighing.
"It's about time," she said, shoving her hair out of her face. "I was getting worried you were going to go and die on me…"
He didn't say anything as he looked at her, and she wrapped her arms around herself.
"I've…I've been kind of overwhelmed. I've got all the insurgents in the dungeons and I have no idea what to do with them, and you wouldn't wake up…"
"The dungeons?"
He finally spoke, voice raspy. She stood to get him a drink from off the table as he continued.
"You beat the rebels then…how'd you manage to do that?"
Keyda brought the cup over and he took it from her with a strange expression. She shrugged at his question.
"A lot of stuff went down after you…" she cleared her throat. "But yeah, we're ok for now. Wu showed up to help regulate everything and I have a sort of inquisition going on for the rebels but I haven't been able to figure out what to do with them. I…I need your help…"
Heavy Metal was looking down at his empty cup and he chuckled a bit. She bristled.
"It's not funny…"
"I'm sorry." Heavy Metal grimaced as he reached over to put the cup on the side table, the movement pulling at this still-healing wound. "I wasn't laughing at you. I was just thinking."
She stared at him for a few moments.
"About what?"
"About how easily the Baron would have just let me die."
Keyda's brow furrowed deeper.
Heavy Metal cleared his throat, the small smile fading as he looked back at her, expression serious.
"The rebels will need to be executed." He said severely, and Keyda blinked at the change of subject. She sighed a little.
"I know, but...the last execution didn't really do much to dissuade them…"
"Treason cannot be dealt with lightly." Heavy Metal said with finality. He tried to sit up further and groaned at the pain in his middle.
"Don't." Keyda chastised, and he looked over at her as she stood. "You're supposed to be resting. I'll come see you tomorrow and we can discuss what to do with everyone downstairs."
He let out a scoff. "What am I supposed to do till tomorrow?"
"Heal." she replied dryly, eyebrow raised. He shook his head, rolling his eyes as she went to the door.
"I mean it. Stay in bed. I'll have someone bring in some food later." She went to close the door and stopped, turning back to face the stern-looking captain of the guard. "I'm glad you're awake," she said finally, and the door closed behind her.