A/N: Still here? Sweet!
Chapter 10
Blinding white and pain. Static noise sporadically erupts in the background. Then…the white disperses and I can see it… The Bo Staff of Waves…surrounded by ominously long shadows and bright aqua… It's underwater. And it's buried in white sand…
White…
White…
(He will guide you… Find me, Sasha…)
In another flash of white, the staff fades…the vision, and thankfully the pain fades. I blink rapidly and my sight adjusts and swirls until everything comes back into focus. I'm not quite there yet, but I can see them just fine. All of my new friends are gathered around me, their faces etched in concern. Only…Cole and Zane appear to be the closest. And that's when I realize that I'm still on the floor and Cole's holding me in his arms…while Zane's holding my hand.
I blink again. "Wha…?"
"Look! Her eyes are going back to normal!" Jay cries, making me wince slightly. A cool hand comes to rest on my forehead.
"Quiet, Jay…" Zane says gently. "…It appears her senses are rather sensitive at the moment."
"Oops, sorry."
Zane's hand feels nice and chill on my throbbing forehead. I lift my own and place it over his just to make sure he doesn't move it just yet. "Sasha, are you alright?" Cole asks. Out of everyone, he looks the most worried. "Do you want me to take you inside?" I chuckle a bit internally at the obvious innuendo. But outwardly, I frown and shake my head.
"No…I'm okay…"
"You sure?" Nya asks next. "That lasted a lot longer than last time."
I look at Nya. Everyone looks at Nya. "Last time? You mean this has happened before?" Kai asks his sister, and she nods.
"Yeah, this morning when she first woke up." Her gaze locks onto mine. "Another vision, right? What did Waves say?"
At once, urgency pricks at my soul. I try to get up. "I have to go."
Cole supports me as I get to my feet. Zane removes his hand from my head, but doesn't let go of my hand. "Go? Go where?" Cole asks.
"The Bo Staff of Waves isn't far," I say, looking out towards the glittering sea. "I saw it. It's embedded itself in the sand."
"But how do you know where it is?" Jay questions next. "Mikatagahara is huge. It could be anywhere."
I break apart from the protective circle of the clan and move to stand near the bow, my hands grasping the railings for balance in the face of my lingering vertigo. "I don't know. I can just…feel it, I guess. I know where the staff is. I know where Waves wants me to go."
"Then go we shall." I turn to look at Zane as he comes up beside me. "I know what it feels like to want to follow an inexplicable and incessant urge. And if we are to travel underwater, now would be the most opportune time. While the sea is calm and the sun is high."
"I think I'm going to need you with me, Zane. It can't be too deep. Sunlight was filtering through the water I could see the staff clearly."
"But do you know how deep exactly, Sasha?" Cole comes to stand on my other side. "You may be the Kunoichi of Water, but you're still human. And we don't have any scuba gear."
I grin at him assuredly. "No worries there. Me and my sister can hold our breathes longer than most. I'll be fine."
But despite my words, he still looks fretful. "Well…okay, but…"
"Though your heart may be in the right place, Cole, it is a waste of energy to worry about Sasha in this regard. As it is just as counterintuitive to worry about Kai in a burning building."
"Burning building…?" Kai mutters disdainfully.
Sensei Wu…? We all turn to greet our teacher and mentor. The sun's rays seem to shine brightly against Sensei's white kimono robes, making him appear almost heavenly. The wind tousles his long white beard as he walks right up to me, tea cup in hand. The others part like the Red Sea to allow him passage. The wide brim of his straw hat casts his face in a shade, but I can easily see the smile on his lips and the happy glint in his wise, onyx eyes.
"This is without a doubt the beginning of your self-discovery, Sasha. Have faith in yourself, and remember to listen to Waves as you would listen to music."
What the… Is this going to be a normal thing with him? Him always seeming to know what's going on in my heart and knowing exactly what to say? But regardless of his impeccable knowledge and timing, I needed to hear him say that. I return his smile and bow.
"I will, Sensei. Thanks." I look over at my diving partner. "Ready, Zane?"
"By your leave, Sasha."
"Look after her, Zane—no." Cole shakes his head and smiles a bit ruefully. "I know you will. So never mind."
Oh, Cole… I touch his arm once before going to swing my legs over the railings, with Zane mimicking me. I eye the deep blue sea below. "Okay, you saucy stick, time for some answers…" Steeling myself, I dive off the edge and plunge into one of my lord's many backyards. As soon as my face breaks through the surface and my body becomes submerged under the tides, I am immediately comforted by the surprising warmth of the water.
But there's also something else… That gravitational pull inside me is even more insistent now. I surface and call out to my companion. "Okay, Zane! Follow me!"
"Right behind you, Sasha."
I move forward and begin swimming, letting my body glide through the water with all the poise of a young and spry dolphin. Just being out here—surrounded on all sides by blue, without a speck of land in sight. It's liberating! And my earlier spar with Cole has oiled up my muscles enough for an elongated swim if need be. I concentrate, however, on the pull within and let it guide me to my destination. I dip my head under the waves to let my eyes adjust to the beauty of the welcoming depths.
Coral reefs cling to weaving rock formations and volumes of multi-colored fish swim in schools in picture-perfect synch. I push my body lower in order to scan the environment more thoroughly, and am surprised to not see any predators about. With such an abundance of prey around, I find it odd. And maybe just a little disconcerting… I frown and twirl to thread the water on my backside. I spot Zane a couple of feet away, looking curiously at me. I smile despite myself and push back up to the surface. Once my head breaks through, I only have to wait a few seconds for a shock of silver and platinum blond hair to pop up beside me.
"It's beautiful," he says pleasantly and I concur.
"Yes, very. But something feels a bit off."
"No predators."
"Exactly. Now I'm not expecting a great white or anything to mosey on around just because of a lot of fish. But I at least expected to see something in the midst of a hunt or at least swimming passed."
"Perplexing, yes." Zane turns his head back from where we came. "But what's more of a conundrum is our lack of catches." I turn back to look at the Bounty also. We're almost a good league away from where it bobs by its lonesome atop Mikatagahara. With me being able to just barely ascertain the distant figures on the ship. "This is an apt location and we are using the appropriate bait…so why just a tide grouper?"
He makes a good point. With the goggle eyes and threadfin herring bait combo, we should've been swimming in fish by now, easily filling up both those coolers. So what's going on? The only logical conclusion to warrant such baffling events is the involvement of the Bo Staff of Waves. I can't think of anything else.
"It's Waves. It has to be…" I mutter, and Zane looks at me. "There's a lack of balance in this area, and I have a feeling that stick is the culprit. So prepare yourself, Zane, cuz we're going in deep this time. Stay close, okay?"
"Yes, I am ready."
I take a moment to close my eyes and regulate my breathing. In…out… In…out. Sophia is much better at "finding your inner mermaid" than I am. But I've ingrained Daddy's teachings into my body and heart. And soon…I've blocked everything out. I can no longer hear the lapping of the waves or feel the shift of the water as Zane treaded beside me. All I can hear is my heartbeat. Slow down… Slow down… Yep, bradycardia without the use of cold water. A slower heart rate reduces cardiac oxygen consumption, thus will enable me to hold my breath for longer durations. Somehow, Sophia and I are able to pull it off just fine thanks to Daddy teaching us. And we've been using it for years to go on our own underwater adventures back home without the use of any scuba gear.
Finding my inner mermaid, I take one, final deep breath before going under and propelling my body downwards. A school of bluefish and redtail trigger fish welcome us as we make our descent. They make a lovely spiral effect as they swim around us, meshing their bodies together to make a vibrant purple. I kick my legs harder, feeling the pull as I go deeper. White anemone sways alongside long-stem algae across the jutting of rocks, and I follow the trail into a wide-mouth cavern.
The overhang of rock is peppered with holes, allowing sunlight to filter through and dapple the cave with sufficient light. Zane and I press onward. But as we go on, I start to notice the disappearance of fish…and the disappearance of color. The black walls of the cavern soon segue into white. And once we reach the other side, an expanse of ocean and pure white sand welcomes us.
But that's not all. Capsized and half-buried in the white, is a decrepit, age-old ship. And somewhere in its direction, is where the pull manifests. I look to Zane and then point to the ship. Once he nods in understanding, we're off. Along with the pull, a gnaw of anxiety begins to steadily twist my gut. As we near the moss-covered vessel, I try to recall the brief vision Waves gave me. The staff had been standing upright and embedded deep into white sand. But what were those long black shadows circling it…
I'm brought back to the present when Zane suddenly grabs my arm and pulls me to him. I look at him in surprise, but he shakes his head rapidly and points beyond me. I turn my head to follow his finger…and nearly open my mouth in a scream. There it is…the Bo Staff of Waves embedded straight and upright in pure white stand…with a frenzy of tiger sharks circling it.
I think quickly and fire off a thought towards the capricious staff loitering so nonchalantly amongst the throng of deadly predators. Waves! You stupid stick! Get your skinny ass over here! I can see you now! But to my chagrin, I receive no retort or soothing effect to my mind from her calming voice. Only silence. Before I can think of anything else, my heart starts hammering. No! I can't think of anything else! I don't know what to do!
Zane's arm moves to wrap around my waist, and I'm startled when we start ascending towards the surface. The pull inside me wants to fight him—to not miss this chance and get closer to Waves. But apparently, he knows better than I do and propels me to safety…further and further away from the staff. My chest starts to burn and bubbles spurt from all around me as my body removes itself from fantasy and thrusts back into reality. I'm a human not a mermaid. And as a human I'm going to drown soon without oxygen.
I just remember I have legs and make our ascent much easier by swimming myself. Almost there…! Almost there…! A few more seconds and then both our heads are breaking through the surface. But I'm the only one who's coughing and gasping for air.
"Sasha! Sasha, are you alright?!" I can feel Zane's arm still around me, but his hand soon comes up to cup my face. After my phenomenal almost-drowned-flailing-ragdoll impersonation, I settle down (somewhat) and support myself by treading the water.
"Yeah… Yeah, I'm fine…" I cough and swallow a gasp. "I just… I just panicked for a second…"
"Yes, I gathered as much while we were below." Zane's face now mirrors Cole's. "I could sense your anxiety spike, so I reacted. I wasn't sure how long you could last while in such a state."
I chuckle a little hoarsely. "Well thank Leviathan for your insight and quick reflexes then, because I was in some deep shit down there. Why the hell were all those sharks circling the staff? It doesn't make any sense!"
Zane removes his hand from my face. "I am not sure. But I know we mustn't give up."
"Hell nah we're not giving up!" I fire back hotly. "That staff is my ticket to Answersville, and I absolutely refuse to take any detours at this point! We're going back down there to get it! Just…just give me a sec to think of something…"
I wrack my brain of all the knowledge I've gained about the nautical world from my daddy, namely its predators. Tiger sharks… Tiger sharks… No wait! What I really need to delve into are my teachings from Momma! She's the marine biologist! Okay, now what did she say? I thumb through the info stored in my brain like the pages of a book until I uncover something useful.
I regard Zane seriously. "Okay, their temperaments aren't bad. As long as we're cool, we should be okay to swim with them."
Zane cocks an eyebrow. "Sounds haphazard."
"That's because it is, but we don't have any other choice. We just can't let our fear show. We have to get through this. We have to get to the staff." I swallow again. "It's not going to help me until I embrace it. I need to embrace my element…and I reckon that includes everything within it…"
Exhaling, I start to ready myself again, but stop when I feel Zane's hand on my cheek. He's giving me such a strange look, one that has me more curious than anything else. "I have faith in you. I will support you."
His words are a deep comfort and I relish in the swell of determination that steels in my bones because of them. "You're proving to be one helluva friend, Zane." I give him a chaste one-armed hug before pulling back. "Now let's get to it!"
My newfound conviction begets a fiercer and more focused concentration, and I'm able to calm my heart and soul once more and throw on the fantastical guise of a mermaid. Ready, I dive back under the surface with a flourish and start swimming back down towards the capsized ship with Zane gracefully stroking through the water beside me. The tiger sharks are still circling the staff in that slow, ominous way. Though if I remember correctly, Momma did say that tiger sharks are known to be dawdling swimmers. Not that we'll have to worry about out-swimming them… I hope.
Somehow throughout the years since the wreckage, the crow's nest had broken off from the top of the mainmast and now finds itself half-buried in the white sand near the starboard side of the splintered hull. We halt our advance beside it, just outside of the menacing circle of predators. The tiger sharks of course know we're here, but they don't break formation. They only continue to scour the water in a makeshift vortex like some kind of demented shark-tornado.
I purse my lips as I eye the Bo Staff of Waves shining prettily beyond the barrier of death. Why did I have to have such a capricious weapon? I wonder if Nya's spirit, Tempest, had ever put her through some unnecessary tribulation like this. I dispel the miscellaneous thought, however, and turn my head to regard Zane. He nods calmly once and together we start making our way towards the staff. Shark eyes are freaky. They're just dead orbs of black. But I can't deny how wonderfully efficient they are at hunting and killing. And… One bumps me along the arm with its caudal fin. Most of them are huge—maybe females since Momma told me they're bigger than the males.
Despite my need to reach the staff, I find myself distracted by their mesmerizing stripes. Another swims passed me and I can't help but run my hand alongside its body just beyond the gills. A little nudge to my side has me thinking another has come by to say hello, but it's Zane instead. His pure hazel eyes blink at me curiously, taking me out of my trance and helping me resume my pace towards my true destination.
I almost breathe a sigh of relief once I'm within arm's length of the staff, having made it safely through the crux of sharp teeth and black opal eyes. Crazy stick…you owe me… Smirking slightly, I grip the hilt and try to tug it free, but it doesn't budge—not even an inch. Furrowing my brow, I try with both hands and plant my feet on the ground for leverage. I pull as hard as I can, but still…nothing! What the fuck…?! More than a little exasperated, I try calling out to the staff yet again. Waves! Can you hear me!? I'm right here! Speak to me! I wait for her to respond, but am only met with achilly silence. I grit my teeth angrily and am just about to lose my temper when Zane circles into view. Now in front of me, on the other side of the staff, Zane peels my fingers from the staff's hilt and holds them in his.
I watch him inquisitively as he looks purposefully into my eyes. A few bubbles spurt from his nostrils and that shock of slivery blond hair sways in the aqua currents as he suddenly looks up. I follow his gaze skyward and my breath nearly catches at the stunning display of color. The tiger sharks… The stripes along their backs are glowing! Red, blue, purple, orange, yellow, green, and so many more! I'm spellbound! The rainbow of colors they make produces a plethora of refracting light through the water, their vortex formation swirling ever so calmly and steadily. But for what purpose? What am I supposed to do…?
I focus on Zane again when I feel him squeeze my hands. He's moving downward, prompting me to follow his lead, until I find myself sitting cross-legged in front of the staff and in front of him. He keeps his hold on my hands and slowly bows his head and closes his eyes. What…? I've seen such a stance and demeanor before. Jazz and I have on more than one occasion found Instructor Li in such a position. What was it? I think it was called "meditation"? What, am I supposed to copy him?
(Let the one imbued with Ice guide you…)
Yes. Yes, that's what Waves said. Though I've never done it before despite Instructor Li's insistence on how relaxing and profound it could be, I take a chance and try to find such serenity now. Mirroring Zane, I bow my head and close my eyes, letting the peace of the water and its inhabitants engulf my psyche. My hearts continues its leisured tempo.
Ba-dump… Ba-dump… Ba-dump…
It feels good. It feels real good…
Just as my mind touches that outer plane of consciousness, I feel a calm wash over me and prod at my soul.
(…So… This is the true you…)
Waves…? That deep, soothing alto reverberates through my mind and tickles my soul. I smile. Tch…it's about time…
*~Elements~*
"They've been down there way too long," I say, pacing back and forth. Earlier, after we had watched Zane and Sasha swim (surprisingly fast) miles out to sea and they dived down the first time, I had asked Sensei if we could move closer to them once they had resurfaced and went down again. And now here we are, over the spot they had dived last and waiting for any sign of them to pop back up.
It was already passed the ten minute mark—Zane's previous record when meditating underwater. So by that knowledge, what could they be doing? Was something happening that we aren't aware of? Could they be in trouble?
I look down into the water from the port side of the Bounty for maybe the umpteenth time. But I still cannot make out anything. I clench the railings hard enough to feel the metal bend. "I'm going down there. Something may have happened."
"Cole, come over here and sit down with me." I look back over my shoulder at Sensei Wu, who had long-since settled himself in the middle of the deck, his back resting up against the mast. He turns to Jay and Nya. "You two, please go and check the net. Make sure we haven't endangered any innocent marine-life."
Jay and Nya bow silently and make for the aft of the ship, but not before Jay throws me a "cool it" look over his shoulder. Though with some difficulty, I tear myself away from the railings and go to kneel in front of my mentor of three years. I brace my hands on my thighs and bow my head in respect. "Yes, Sensei?"
Sensei Wu takes a prolonged sip from his teacup while I wait for him to begin, the sloshing of the waves against the hull and the cry of the seagulls overhead are my only source of ambient noise. Finally, after what feels like an eternity to my jumbled nerves, he starts to speak. "Our newest kunoichi, Sasha…you are infatuated with her, and deeply I might add."
It wasn't a question. He had said it so plainly that I know it would be futile to deny his claim. So, I don't. "I…apologize for being so obvious, Sensei."
He places his teacup back on its saucer. "And Zane is too."
I wince at this. I had gathered as much as well, but to hear Sensei say it, made it all the more real. "Yeah…I think so too."
"I don't need to tell you how dangerous this situation could be if handled poorly."
"No, you don't," I affirm, and meet his gaze with a frown. "Zane is my friend as well as my brother. I won't let anything or anyone come in between that, not even Sasha. All I can do is let my feelings be known to her. And after that…the ball is simply in her court."
Sensei nods his head. "Yes. And although Zane is your elder by many years, I am afraid he doesn't have much experience in the romance department. But if I remember correctly…neither do you."
Geez, how embarrassing is this going to get? But I still know better than to deny it. "Yeah uh…" I clear my throat hastily. "Me and Zane are the inexperienced ones compared to Kai and Jay, I think. But what does that have to do with anything?"
"Only that experience can only accumulate through trial and error. I can only advise you to be considerate to everyone's feelings…not just your own." He lowers his head, the wide brim of his hat obscuring his eyes. "But know that the human heart is fragile. Therefore, you can only be so careless with it."
Something about his somber tone didn't sit well with me. It was a warning, obviously, but… Did Sensei experience romantic troubles of his own at one point? He's never shared much about his past. And although I am curious, I don't really know how to start that particular conversation. So instead, I heed his counsel earnestly. "I'll be careful, Sensei. Thanks for the advice."
The sound of splashing water catches my ears, and I look up to see Zane climbing over the railings. "Zane!" I leap to my feet and go over to my brother. "You okay? It's been twenty minutes since you two went under." I look over the side and down at the water, expecting a mane of dark red to break the surface. But to my dismay, Sasha doesn't come up. "Wait, where's Sasha?" I ask him.
He runs a hand threw his dripping locks, but that still doesn't stop the rivulets of water from making trails down his face. "She is still in the midst of her meditation. And since I was at my limits—my new limits, I had no choice but to leave her down there." He smiles faintly at me. "Do not worry. She looked serene amongst the sharks."
"Amongst the sharks?!" We all exclaim incredulously. Jay and Nya having returned from their inspection of the net, and Kai from his bathroom break.
"Zane, are you insane?!" Jay cries. "Who in their right mind would look all peaceful and happy in the company of sharks?!"
"Yeah," Kai concurs with a raised eyebrow. "That's like being surrounded by lawyers."
"My optical systems are not malfunctioning, friends," Zane continues pleasantly. "Those sharks were undoubtedly Waves' familiars. Thus, I can assure you that Sasha isn't in any danger. Now, if you'd excuse me please." The others make way for him to pass. "I see that no one has taken the liberty of filleting our one and only catch of the day," he says, going over to the container where the huge tide grouper still lied. No doubt it has completely bled out by now.
Kai rubs the back of his head. "Oh, I was going to after I got back, Zane."
"Well, then I shall assist you. Will you give me a hand?"
"Uh yeah. Sure."
We all watch as Kai helps Zane lift the container and disappear inside the Bounty. "Huh…is it just me, or did Zane seem a bit sad just now?" I turn to look at Jay.
"Really?" Nya asks, voicing my thoughts. "He seemed normal enough to me."
But Jay just continued to look pensive. I guess you could say that this was one his specialties. Jay's always been good at reading the atmosphere, or more specifically, reading other people's emotions. It's the reason he came to me last night. He knew exactly how I was feeling without me having to say much of anything. We all have our strengths and weaknesses naturally. But if Zane is the seer of the family with the sixth sense, then Jay is the most attentive and sensitive. Therefore, despite his sometimes facetious behavior, I'll always trust his conscientiousness.
I lay my hand on his shoulder. "If that is true, let's give him a little time with Kai. If anything, that should change his 'tude at least."
Jay grins at that. "Heh heh, yeah. Kai does have that effect on people."
Nya in turn looks skeptical, the corner of her lips upturned into a wry smirk. "And what effect would that be besides frustration?"
Sensei suddenly rises from his spot beside the mast. "The tide just changed…"
Such cryptic words has us all looking over at him as he ambles towards the port side's railings beside me. He looks pointedly down at the water. "Sasha will surface soon." At this, I turn around and anxiously peer down at the water also. Time passes as the waves continually move in rhythmic tandem. But then something happens… The dark blue of the water abruptly changes to a vibrant and beautiful aqua. The surface ripples for a moment, before flaming red hair breaks apart the swells and Sasha appears, throwing her head back and creating a starburst of shimmering rain. And shining brightly on her back is none other than the wayward Bo Staff of Waves.
I release the breath I'd been holding and smile down at her. "Sasha!" Nya shouts, waving happily at the other female. Her crimson locks plastered to her head and face, Sasha peers up at us in surprise. But soon, a soft smile flits across her lips and she waves back. She swims over to the ladder that's stationed on the side and climbs up. I go over to offer my hand and she takes it with the same graciousness as she did after our spar.
"Thanks, Cole," she says, moving a few of her damp tresses back behind her ear. Damn, I'm just unable to tear my eyes away from her sensuous form. Her aquamarine garb hugs her body even more so now due to the added weight of the water soaking her. Rivulets of ocean spray cascade slowly down every inch of her caramel skin and drip precariously as if hesitant to leave their master. My gaze becomes transfixed on a particular trail as it trickles off the side of her chin and hits her clavicle, only to continue its descent down and curving into the valley of her plump breasts.
This is bad… This is so bad… I release a shuddering breath and fight down the urge to envelope her in my arms and never let go.
I have to tell her. This isn't just a simple crush. I have to tell her I'm in love with her. She's such a lovely remnant of my past that I'd be a fool to not say anything. I can't keep torturing myself, afraid of the consequences and repercussions of my feelings for her. I've never been a coward before and I refuse to be one now. And if by chance she decides to go with Zane instead of me… Well, that's just something I would have to live with. But I can't risk not trying. I squeeze her hand tenderly. "We're glad you're okay, Sasha."
Upon closer inspection, I can see that her smile is a bit troubled and her eyes aren't as bright and fierce as before she and Zane left. "Sasha, how did your meditation go? How do you feel?" Sensei asks.
At once, that troubled smile dips down into a frown. "I…have mixed feelings about it honestly. While I do feel stronger and Waves did answer some of my questions," she rolls her eyes, "she left plenty to be desired."
"Please elaborate," Sensei beckons, and Sasha bites her lip in uncertainty. Something's really bothering her. I give her hand another delicate squeeze to encourage her, and it looks like it does the trick.
"Waves showed me two visions and they were…horrifying. The first one was of a small, rural mountain village covered in snow and surrounded by forests. And it was under attack by the Serpentine. And the other—I recognized the city, it was Twilight City. But there was a huge building and it was on fire, the windows were busted out, there were screams of terror…" Sasha winces and covers her face with her hand. "…Oh god…"
Without a second thought, I bring her closer to me and hold her. And thankfully, she reciprocates, wrapping her arms around my waist and leaning her head on my shoulder. "Were the Serpentine there too?" I ask, and she nods.
"Yeah, though cast in shadow, the forms were snake-like. There was a lot of hissing, and they had brandished swords and axes. And one even had two heads."
"Fangtom," Nya growls.
"Well, since Kai's not here to say it, I guess I will: Goddamn snakes!" Jay sneers angrily.
"But there was also something else…" Sasha says, turning to face the others. But I take into account that she doesn't leave my side. "Among the snake-like shadows were others—humanoids. I couldn't tell if they were male or female, but I could definitely tell they were human. And they were most definitely fighting against the Serpentine."
Everyone gawks at the news. "What? Seriously?" Jay asks, his blue eyes wide.
"Yeah, but…" Sasha struggles, placing a hand against her temple, "…the images of them were too brief. I can't recall any key details."
"But it is something we should take note of," Sensei tells us, stroking his beard. "They could be the other masters. Sasha, did Waves tell you when these attacks will occur?"
Sasha shakes her head. "No, only that they will transpire very soon."
"Very soon? Man, that's too cryptic to go by," Nya says crossing her arms under her chest.
Two attacks, two different locations, and we only know one of them. "Very soon" could mean two different time frames, not to mention the locations could be miles apart from each other. My brow furrows. The Serpentine… They're getting bolder by the day… Speaking up, I address my clan. "Not only that. We only know one of the locations and that's Twilight. But a rural mountain village? There are dozens of villages that meet that description in Ninjago. We need a little bit more info." I place my hand on Sasha's shoulder. "Is there anything else you can tell us? Any details that may be important, like the surroundings?"
"I already told you of what I could recall of the village."
"Okay, but what about Twilight?" Jay asks. "And where exactly is that place? I've never been there."
"Twilight City is the second largest city on Ninjago," Sasha informs us with a hand on her hip. "There's some history about it containing an actual gateway to heaven when it was first constructed. But of course, no one knows if that was just folklore or not. And because of its rather ominous origins, there have been misconceptions of the city being a breeding ground for demons." She clicks the back of her tongue haughtily. "Which of course is just ignorant paranoia. After all, I've been there before during a two-week recital period when my school had to perform and it was beautiful. Plus, the people were friendly enough. And also…it's Jazz's hometown," she finishes, her worry apparent.
"Jazz? Oh, you mean your friend from the Marty Oppenheimer?" Nya asks.
Sasha confirms this with a nod. "Yeah. She told me last night that she's going to be heading home tomorrow, since the school's going to be closing down for a while after the Serpentine attack."
"Oh, Sasha, I'm sure she's going to be alright," Nya says soothingly.
"Yeah, we'll make sure of it," I put in with confidence, giving her shoulder a comforting squeeze.
Sasha puts her hand on top of mine and looks back at me with a hopeful albeit tired smile. "Yeah, I…I think so too. The building that was on fire didn't look like her house. It was…uh…" She closes her eyes and knits her brow in concentration. "It was…black, had numerous windows, and…*gasp* a sign!" Her eyes fly open in recognition and she snaps her fingers for effect. "Yes! It was half charred, but I could see the word "Star" above the entrance."
I nod my head approvingly. "Now that's something to go by."
Jay, however, still looks bothered. "Man, it just sucks that we have to wait for the Serpentine to make the first move," he grouses. "If we could only initiate a preemptive strike, then we would have the advantage for once."
"True. But we are ninja, Jay." I meet my best friend's gaze seriously. "We must always choose the more difficult path."
He cocks an eyebrow. "Yeah well, it seems like the more difficult path always chooses us. We have no say in the matter, Cole. There is no choice."
"Nevertheless, we chose this way of life. So no matter what strife comes our way, I know we can overcome it together. As a family."
Sensei smiles. "Well spoken, Cole. And keeping with that drive, we shall head for Twilight. We shall find this building and keep surveillance over it."
We all nod in agreement with our master. All except Sasha. "But, Sensei…Waves told me something else…" That troubled timbre has entered her voice again. And I can see her hand reaching up to fiddle with her pearl—a nervous tick, I gather. "…She told me that Lord Leviathan will be watching me closely, and to stay vigilant. I…I don't know why, but…I don't think I can leave Mikatagahara just yet. I feel rooted…and anxious."
Huh? What does she mean by that? "Sasha…?" Sensei Wu eyes her thoughtfully for a moment before turning his gaze outward towards the sea.
"…The sun will begin its waning descent soon…" He turns back to Sasha. "I want you to go inside and rest. We will set sail for Twilight, but we won't leave Mikatagahara just yet."
"Uhn…okay. I will. Thank you, Sensei," she says, bowing.
He then regards me. "Cole, I leave the rest to you."
I nod. "Hai, Sensei."
When Sensei retreats from the deck, Jay scratches his head. "Man, I tell ya… I think he gets more and more cryptic with each passing day."
"His wisdom has never steered us wrong, though," Nya says, and Jay shrugs.
"Right you are, sweetheart. But anyway," he grins cheekily at Sasha, his eyes getting a mischievous glint. I inwardly brace myself, "it's a good thing you came up when you did, Sasha. Otherwise sasquatch over here would've dived in after you two."
I just knew it. "Jay!" I snap. "Dai cazzo!" (Come on!)
But to my chagrin, my best friend just feigns innocence with a slipshod shoulder shrug. "Me ne fotto," he says back fluently, making me frown. (I don't care.) And I just hate that I taught him my native tongue.
Keep on, Jay… A beautiful chuckle strikes my heart, however, as Sasha turns to me with a bright smile, her translucent pools of soft rain twinkling as they lock with mine. "Say what now?"
"Oh yeah," Jay continues, unabashed. "Dive is an operative word, though, since that would apply that he has grace in the water. Bottom line, he has like zero buoyancy and would sink like a goddamn sarcophagus."
What kind of best friend is this? He has the audacity to give me a thumbs-up when Sasha's not looking, like he's really helping me. Worst wingman ever. My attention diverts from Jay, though, when Sasha suddenly moves closer to me. My heart beat steady accelerates as her sweet scent engulfs me. I guess not even sea water can dilute that comely jasmine and citrus aroma. She places her hand on my chest guard and leans up… A pair of moist, full lips presses a gentle kiss to the side of my mouth, just inches away from my lips. My heart's thundering in my ears by the time she pulls away, and it takes all of my self-control and discipline not to claim her mouth with my own to show her what a true kiss actually is.
Not yet, though… I wanna do something nice for her first… Get a nice atmosphere goin'… I need a plan…
The faintest of blushes dance along her cheeks as she brushes away my bangs from my eyes. "Você é tão gentil…" she whispers faintly. (so sweet…) I don't understand the words, but I like the purr of her voice. Really like it. "Do you need help setting the sails?"
"Uh…umm…" I stare at her in a daze, my heart still pounding away. "Uh…" I try to concentrate. Fuck! What was the question again?
I hear both Jay and Nya snicker at my expense. "Nah, it's okay," Jay says, coming to my rescue and actually being helpful for once. "You ladies go on ahead and chillax, especially you, Sasha. Sensei's orders, remember?"
She laughs lightly. "Yeah, yeah, I got it," she says, but then sways on her feet. I react quickly and grasp her shoulders to keep her steady. I frown as I observe her profile. She looks so drained.
"Sasha, are you okay?" Nya asks, just as concerned as I am.
Her hand is back up to her temple and she grimaces. "Damn, I'm so out of it. Uh…wh-where's Zane and Kai? I have to tell them too. About what Waves said and showed me."
"They're in the kitchen gutting the fish. But don't you worry about that," I say, quickly. Thinking the sooner she gets in and lays down the better. "Jay and I will pass along the message to them. You just go and get some rest, okay?"
Sasha only mumbles a reply, but I think it was a yes. Nya soon takes her arm and swings it over her shoulder. "C'mon, Ariel, let's get you into a tub and then to bed. You've had a long day."
They start to head for the cabin when Sasha calls back to me. "Cole? Can you tell Zane that I'm still up for cooking with him tonight if he still feels up to it?"
I nod and send her off with smile. "Yeah, I will. But only if you're feelin' up to it."
She waves her hand carelessly. "I'll be fine. See you guys later."
When it's just me and Jay left on the deck, I turn to my best friend and glower at him. "Tomorrow morning your ass is mine, just so you know."
"Pssh! Whatcha gonna do?" Jay taunts, his scarred eyebrow raised mockingly. "Pin me down under ya, so you can try to kiss me like you did with Sasha? Oh, Cole, you're so romantic!" He gushes, fluttering his lashes at me.
Why the hell is this guy my best friend? "Insomma! Just get to work!" (Enough!)
A/N: Almost there! I can do it, I can do it, I can do it!
