Alright, a reviewer has requested something...
A guest reviewer wants me to kill a certain ninja next. I assure ALL of you, each ninja is going to die (or something similar to that). But do0m and I have a set order; as such, we are not going to change it.
Each will die a special, unique gruesome way (or have something else done) and the order will be revealed as we write!
Now, if anyone wishes to SAVE someone from a death/terrible fate, I have put a poll on my profile. The people listed will be ones who we are willing to save. No one else can be saved, unfortunately. Those who are not voted for will, of course, die (or something else). Also, you can vote for someone to have something TERRIBLE happen to them. *hint, Dareth* *Hint, Dareth!* *HINT, DARETH!* Now, on with the chapter!
The ninja were in the control room, worried. Cole had been gone for two hours, without a single word about his well-being. Finally, the com screen lit up. Nya rushed over, typing, and everyone paled as they realized it wasn't Cole. "Mr. Brookstone, is everything okay?" Nya asked.
"No!" Cole's father was frantic, and his next words shocked everyone. "Cole's dead!"
"What happened?" Nya insisted.
"A cloaked assassin tied me up and hid me in my closet! The next thing I know, Cole's jumped by the assassin and Zane!" Cole's father told her.
The ninja gaped at each other. There was no longer any doubt Zane was on their enemy's side. "Did they hurt you?" Kai asked.
"No. They left me alone." Cole's father snorted. "The assassin had the gall to apologize to me!"
"We'll find them." Jay promised. The call ended and Kai swore.
"I need to rip that girl apart!" He growled.
"You're not alone." Jay hissed, cracking his knuckles.
"Guys, rushing in won't do us any favors. It would do more harm than good." Nya pointed out.
"First Zane, now Cole." Lloyd murmured. "Who's next?"
Elsewhere...
Lucine was fast asleep. For once, she wasn't having a nightmare; since Cole's death she hadn't even gotten small chills from her dreams. It was dreamless, it was peaceful, and Lucine was able to get her required rest.
Zane, meditating as he did not need to sleep, opened his eyes as he heard Lucine in the other room. He waited for her to rise, but when she didn't, he closed his eyes again. He was glad; the past several nights, he heard her tossing and turning, screaming out in her sleep. Whenever Zane confronted her, Lucine would either deny it or brush off his concerns, claiming it was nothing to worry about.
Sighing, Zane opened his eyes. It isn't fair. He thought to himself. Lucine is plagued constantly by nightmares, while I never have to worry about getting them. It struck him as wrong, but he knew there was nothing he could do.
Getting up, he checked again on Lucine. She was stretched out on her bed, breathing evenly and not moving except for when she occasionally turned over. Smiling, he exited their joined rooms and walked into the hallway. A few Serpentine met him down the hallway, quickly getting out of his way. It puzzled Zane; why were they frightened of him? Apart from the simulations where he needed to fight them for training, he was always polite to them.
Stepping outside, Zane looked out at the stars. He wished he could remember his parents- their parents- he reminded himself, but Zane knew it would run the risk of the terrible nightmares Lucine had.
Still, Zane reminded himself, maybe then it would be easier to understand Lucine and my past better.
"Zane?" Lord Garmadon came forward. "Awake at this hour?"
"I am unable to sleep. Lucine, at least, is." Zane murmured. "Master?"
"Can I help you with something?" Lord Garmadon asked.
"Why do the Serpentine here fear me?" Zane questioned. "Apart from the training sessions, I try to be kind to them, but they seem..."
"Terrified?" Lord Garmadon laughed, surprising Zane. "While you were unconscious the leaders of the Serpentine attempted to kill me and claim control. There is a reason their clans do not have leaders. Each of them was killed by Lucine, thrown off the helicopter while we were searching for a mysterious island."
"So, why would they fear me?" Zane insisted.
"They don't. While you did kill many in your first simulation, Lucine is the one they fear. Likely they believe if they harm you or even look at you the wrong way, she will act." Lord Garmadon explained.
Zane continued to be confused, but simply nodded to the answer. "Was Lucine always so... violent?"
"I cannot say. When I met her, she seemed much less willing to take action. But she jumped at the chance to gain revenge for your family. I believe Lucine was once much more innocent and kind, but now turns her focus to fighting." Lord Garmadon replied.
Nodding, Zane went back to his room, careful to not wake Lucine. It wasn't necessary, as she was already awake. "Something wrong, Zane?" Lucine asked. She looked half-asleep.
Zane chuckled at her appearance. "Nothing. Just go back to sleep." Lucine yawned, lying back down and falling asleep almost instantly. Smiling, Zane returned to his room, lying down on his own bed and also going to sleep.
The next morning...
Waking early, Zane lay still. He listened, waiting for his sister to rise. When she didn't, Zane frowned, entering the other room.
His eyes widened as he saw Lucine jerking uncontrollably. She didn't make a sound, but was tossing and turning violently. "Lucine!" Zane grabbed her shoulders and her eyes flew open. Her eyes narrowed and her fist nearly connected with his stomach before he caught it. "Lucine, stop, it's me!"
"Z-Zane?" Slowly, Lucine lowered her fist. "Sorry. Reflex."
"No, it wasn't." Zane said firmly. "You had another nightmare."
"I did?" Lucine asked innocently, but her underlying tone of panic came through clearly.
"Yes, and stop denying it! What happened?" Zane commanded. His look softened. "Sister, I cannot help you if you do not tell me what is wrong."
Biting her lip, Lucine shook her head. "It was nothing. Okay? Just your average nightmare. I'll be fine, Zane."
Turning away, Zane exited the room. Lord Garmadon was outside, waiting. "Are you both ready for training?"
Zane hesitated. "I am, but Lucine is not. Master, could you give her today off?"
Lord Garmadon looked shocked, but nodded. "Why not? She has worked hard. Meet me at the simulation room for your training in ten minutes."
Going to his room, Zane lied to Lucine, claiming they could do as they wished. Pulling on his assassin uniform, he went to the training room. The simulation, a fiery volcano, began.
Lucine, dressed normally and still fatigued, walked by and frowned. "I thought we had the day off."
"You do. Zane requested you be free from your training, and I see why. Clearly you need the rest." Lord Garmadon told her. "Truly, he cares for your well-being."
Looking out into the simulation room, Lucine sighed. "I'm going back to bed. Is there anything you have for dreamless sleep?"
Lord Garmadon handed her a small bottle. "The potion will ensure 24 hour sleep. I would advise eating beforehand."
"Thank you, Master." Bowing and taking the potion, Lucine went to her room, sighing.
This feels so wrong. Lucine whispered. I'm fine with killing, I guess... But when I killed the black ninja, his eyes... and his father's eyes... the look in those eyes killed ME. Shrugging it off, Lucine ate quickly, chugged the potion down, and fell asleep, thankfully without her usual nightmares.
Okay, quickly before I leave you...
'New Elements' is going behind 'When Nightmares meet Darkness' Daughter' for priority. I know I got more feedback for 'New Elements'. But I have a MAJOR case of writer's block on that one, but I don't on 'When Nightmares meet Darkness' Daughter'. So, with that out of the way, bye!