Chapter 4: New Resolve
Silent.
That was, in a word, how the Destiny's Bounty was. Silent. No more jokes, no more video games, no more Kai putting on hair gel or Lloyd's hyperactivity. The ship felt like a ghost town, with lonely spirits drifting the hallways with a lack of purpose or understanding of the world around them.
It was about a day or two after the Battle of the Fire Temple, but in all seriousness, what good did it matter? Did it really matter how long had passed after the deaths of friends and family? Did it make a difference how much longer they lived beyond the lives of their allies?
No, no it did not. And the survivors soon forgot how many days passed, how many hours were left in the day, or how the day they were living was one Kai and Lloyd couldn't have.
Whatever day it was, they didn't care. And today, it was drizzling onto the deck, swarms of dark-colored clouds blanketed the starry night. Small stars peeked out from underneath, timidly twinkling, as if trying to remind the world that they were still there.
It was dinner time, and the remainder of the crew gathered around in the main hall, stark silence hovering around the table like the storm clouds brewing outside. As were the previous meals, no one dared speak, for the forbidden topic was all that came to mind.
Nya's eyes were glassy, and yet hard at the same time. Jaw clenched and bangs free, the look in her gaze was both sharp yet vulnerable. Her stained dress and tied-up hair suggested she was modifying her mec in her spare time to distract herself.
In comparison, Jay also had evidence that he was working as well. Grease and oil stained his ninja gi into an unrecognizable state, and a thin cut that had long since stopped bleeding marred his cheek, where he "got in a fight with the metal." He looked lost, and didn't want to get directions.
Cole, meanwhile, was staring at his empty plate with a vacant expression. His gi was covered in sweat, indicating he was working out. His black shaggy hair hung over his face like a closed curtain. Arms crossed, eyes intense, he wasn't to be talked to, and that was a fact.
As Zane brought out dinner, there wasn't much recognition of the fact. Cole blinked as his eyes flitted upwards, but there was no movement otherwise. The team helped themselves to chicken, salad, and rice but didn't acknowledge each other's presence.
Nya was the one who ended up breaking the silence. Her lithe body shifted and glanced around the room, finally resting right back where she started, at Kai's chair at the table. She exhaled slowly, closing her eyes to avoid everyone's gazes, and whispered, "They wouldn't want this."
Cole suddenly snapped up from his trance to stare at her in surprise. Everyone else looked up curiously, with Sensei Wu peering from under his hat in reluctant interest.
Nya continued, ignoring the looks while keeping her eyes closed, as if blocking out the memories that choked and dragged her spirit to the ground. "Think about it. Would they want us to constantly mourn them? Have us give up and cry over what can't be undone?"
Jay made a small noise of protest, but Nya snapped open her eyes and turned towards her boyfriend. "Jay, imagine if you were the one who died in there. Don't you think Kai would want to beat up every last snake out there to avenge you?"
The blue ninja cringed, knowing in his heart she was right. He blinked and looked at the floor, chuckling slightly. "Yeah, Kai would go on a killing rampage until he passed out from too much fire."
Everyone smirked, knowing it was true.
Nya stood up, getting on a roll. "And Lloyd?"
Garmadon visibly wilted at the mention of his son.
"Well," she said. "I imagine he would probably pester us about playing video games and for us to stop crying. So, that's what we'll do."
"Play video games?" Jay asked, perking up a tad.
"Jay, I meant stop crying." Nya spread her hands as her eyes locked on each of her remaining friends. "Look at us! The serpentine are still out there, and what are we doing about it? Sitting around, moping about things that can't be changed. Well, I'm not so sure if we're as strong. I'm not so sure we're as calloused and protected. But we have something that snakes don't. Heart. And I am sure that love is what gives the world strength, courage, and light, even when the all hope is burned to the damn ground. Am I right?" Her eyes glinted with fierce determination, and though they were red and broken, she was slowly picking up the pieces and putting them back together.
"Yeah." Cole stood up shakily, eyeing the others. "Nya's right. They wouldn't want this, not because we aren't fighting back or standing our ground, or because we're being cowardly, but because we're mourning them when we could be fighting back. We're ninja! And last I checked, ninja never quit!"
"I am agreeing as well," Zane spoke, smiling just a little. "Brothers don't give up on each other. They may not be present among us, but that does not mean we can't fight for them."
Cole turned towards Wu, whose face was hidden under his hat. "Sensei?" he whispered tentatively, with carefulness that was rarely shown. "Are you in?"
All eyes flitted towards their master. At last, after a rather awkward silence, he spoke. "My pupils, I admire your resilience. I admire your courage. But most of all, I admire the love you all share." He raised his head, to reveal ancient eyes that had…unshed tears?! "You all speak the truth, and despite my old bones, I will gladly aid you in this fight."
Wu turned towards his brother, who was at the far end of the table with both sets of arms crossed. "Brother, I believe you are the last to convey your allegiance."
The Dark Lord turned and raised an eyebrow. "Why should I? The red ninja didn't trust me. How should I be aware if you all do?" His blood colored eyes fixated on each of the remaining team members.
Cole grimaced, knowing he had a point. Kai was suspecting the trust of the dark lord ever since he first showed up. But, Cole thought, he tried to save Lloyd, and did put up with us. I said it myself. He's not such a bad guy.
"I do." He strode forward until he was facing the black skinned warrior. "You helped us. That's enough indication of trust for me. Obviously, none of us can overlook the things you've done in the past, but for now… Truce?" He held out a gloved hand.
A look of shock rippled across his face briefly, then turned back to his normal stoic demeanor. Garmadon eyed the hand warily, as if expecting a joke. After a pause, he took the hand and shook it firmly. "I suppose…I can stay a little longer."
Nya grinned ear to ear, for the first time since fire took her brother's life. Her eyes were still glassy, her heart was still shattered, but it was there, and frankly, that was all that mattered.
A.N: ARGGG this took wayyy too long! I'm really sorry! LIFE IS A PAIN. XP
I was staring at 200 words for about a week, then homework happened…and yeah. Poop.
Listening to Battle of the Bewilderbeast from the HTTYD 2 soundtrack really helped me set the mood and get this on a roll.
I apologize for the length, but the last line was just so good for me to continue on from there…XD
Review please! Thanks for reading.