Stryker stood poised above the resistance force on a raised platform. He seemed elated with some obscured knowledge, dimmed some by the fact that the ninja's allies seemed bored silly. After lunch was done, the guards had herded them outside to the courtyard, where many workers were struggling to rebuild the walls in the blistering heat of the desert.
"Renegades, rebels, insurgents, resistance." He greeted in what was probably aimed to be an insult. "You have fallen so low, brought to my prison, and left here to rot until our wonderful emperor decides otherwise." Stryker began, his voice booming and drawing the nearby prisoners to a stand still.
"Nope. The word you're looking for is martyer. " Griffin shouted, interrupting the commander with little regard to what could potentially happen to them.
It was Shade who jammed in the stomach with an elbow.
"Shut up, moter mouth. You may have a death wish, but I don't." He hissed quietly. Misako and Pixal both noted that in some respect, Griffin had something common with Jay. He often quipped, even in the worst situations.
"Coming from the man who has been arrested for opposing the emperor."
Shade snapped his mouth shut. The spectators gasped and dropped whatever they were holding in shock. No one wanted to risk the pit, thus no one dared stand against Stryker.
"Thanks, Pixal." Griffin grumbled quietly.
"Shut up all of you!" Everybody in the courtyard minus the masters cowered down slightly.
"Why? We love talking. It's what we do!"
"And if you're not silent. People die. Howabout that?"
Needless to say, that got the master's attention. None of them we're seriously heroic per say, but they didn't want people to get hurt.
As they lowered their heads, Stryker understood he had their submission.
"That's right. It'd be a real shame if someone got hurt on your behalf. For you at least. Step out of line, and you won't be the only one suffering. Your friends will suffer, these people will suffer, and you'll suffer. It's not just your pathetic allies locked away with you anymore. Look around you!"
They did. Only to realize that there were far more than a few allies locked away.
Men, women, and even children, all culled from the streets were locked away, clad in prison jumpers. They would suffer for the mistakes of the resistance.
"Oh." Was all Pixal could say.
BREAK BREAK BREAK.
She didn't complain often, but Misako was at the end of her rope. The goop meal stuck to the plastic bowls in which it was served like super glue. It wasn't that though, but the little conversation with Stryker that was getting to her. She was lost in thought until the maroon, scratched plastic swinging door slammed open.
"Dishes, dishes, and more dishes. Hey lady, I'm your relief. I"m supposed to help ya' clean up this mess." Misako turned and froze.
"Misako?"
"Ronin?"
The red haired man let out a sigh and shook his head as plopped more stinky dishes into the sink. A small splash of soapy orange water hit Misako's glasses, which she promptly removed to clean with the hem of her shirt. "I see they caught you too. Can't say I'm surprised. Caught me a week ago, and believe me, I'm hard to catch."
"They caught me yesterday, along with most of the resistance." Misako explained, scooting over so Ronin could wash.
"Most of the resistance? Ya' mean those elemental masters?"
Misako nodded and began stacking dishes.
"How you come across that information?" Misako asked curiously.
"Word travels fast among freedom loving prisoners." Shrugged the mercenary.
"Say... I saw the news, how's greenie? " Ronin asked suddenly, scrubbing furiously at a plate.
"He's fine... Physically... but mentally, I'm not so sure. He lost his powers."
"Permanently?" Ronin asked, the slightest hint of worry in his voice. Probably not for the green clad ninja himself, but more so for the somewhat waning chance of Garmadon's fall from power.
Misako didn't want to admit it, but with a pent up sigh- "Possibly."
A low whistle rung through the room as Ronin shook his head.
"So much for the resistance."
"Lloyd doesn't need his powers to win."
Shaking his head, Ronin scoffed quietly.
"I hope you're right, Lady."
-B-
"Nuero, do you mind getting off your rear end and helping?" Shade hissed, flicking a small pebble at the master of the mind.
"I'm trying to concentrate." Neuro shot back, closing his eyes and leaning a little more on his shovel.
Can you all hear me?
Shade straightened, eyeing the other elemental master. His mouth hadn't moved.
I am speaking to you with my mind. I've mentally linked us, and your thoughts will be projected to everyone in that link.
-B-
"Anyway, after the guy was dragged off to the pit, we didn't see him for three whole days. When he got back, he was the jumpiest man alive let me tell ya. '"
Ronin chuckled dryly.
Can you all hear me?
"Nuero?"
"No some guy named Bowlbo- no Bolo- Bolobo. That's it! " Ronin shrugged.
"No, wait." Misako cut in.
-I am speaking to you with my mind. I've mentally linked us, and your thoughts will be projected to everyone in that link.
-One hundred bottles of cola on the wall, one hundred bottles of cola...
-Karlov, that's a little freaky.
-I agree, speedy.
-Don't call me that, Shade.
-Knock it off.Yes, Nuero, sir, your highness.
-You all are gonna give me a headache.
-You'll live, Tox.
-Karlof not like having people in his head.
-Me neither Karlof. Quite humming out loud.
-Sorry , Pale Man, Karlof can not help it.
-Just stop humming it.
-Hey, at least we can't hear it.
-Shade, I can hear it. That's what really matters here.
-Ugh. Nuero, you're smart... But this was your worst idea yet.
-Thankyou souch for the vote of confidence, Tox. That makes me feel sooo much better!
-Please. Do not argue. There is a tactical advantage to this arrangement.
-Come on, Pixal, you're a robot. How're you even in here?
-I believe your brain could not handle the science behind it, Mr. Turner.
-Burn.
"You okay Misako? You kind of zoned out."
"I'm fine, Ronin. I'm just listening to the voices in my head."
"Ah... I think I'm just gonna go over there.
Author's note
-Well ladies and gentlemen, I'm sorry for the wait. I haven't been doing much writing lately due to the sheer insanity of my life, but I hope to get a few of my stories updated. I rewrote this chapter, and I hope you all enjoyed it at least a little. Feel free to leave any of your ideas in the comments.
- Swcondly yes, I'm picking on Bolobo. Why? Because I need someone to pick on.
-Thirdly, I know ahead of time, I'm going to be asked about Twist in Reality, and it's next on my list. However, I can't garuntee a date because it takes hours for me to do just a thousand words (time I simply don't have). Can any of you refer me to a place with a decent script? I'd seriously appreciate it.Until next time, Darkwolf out.
