Children of Destiny
I know you all have that Adventure Time song stuck in your head once you've read the chapter title! XD Anyway, this chapter will finally have Akira/Liana romance as the two finally spend time together & we'll find hints of the 1 other couple that'll show up later in this story! Now sit back & enjoy!
Chapter 11: Bacon Pancakes
The sun rose above the Destiny's Bounty, marking the beginning of a new day.
After an eventful day at the Hills of Spectra, Misako decided to give her pupils the morning off to gather their strength. Liana felt better not having to wake up to the sound of a gong but also noticed she was the only one wide awake for now.
Since she was the only one awake, she can try making breakfast for the team.
The white kunoichi skimmed through the ingredients in the fridge and finally decided to make pancakes for the team. She had fond memories of her father making her and Forrest pancakes and other delicious things as long as she can remember. The former ice ninja was always such a fantastic cook and he even made his children's birthday cakes every year. Before he became a teacher, people often recommended him to be a chef. Despite his career, he still loved nothing better than to cook for his family and his cooking was one of the things she sorely missed.
'Father…'
Liana wasn't as cold as everyone back home perceived her to be. She was far from it. She truly cared for her family and the new generation were much more like friends to her than the other girls at school. She was grateful for it but had trouble showing it but she had some experience helping her father in the kitchen. She now knew how to express her gratitude.
What better way to show it by making a delicious meal for them?
Before the ice wielder can get started, Haukka perched itself on the counter and chirped at her.
(*) "Huomenta, Haukka," Liana stroked its feathers, "Would you like to help me cook today?"
The avian robot flew towards the pantry and came back with a bag of flour in its talons.
"Thank you."
The pale girl went straight to work measuring and mixing the ingredients. She enjoyed helping her father cook since she was little and one secret she learned from him when making pancakes was to mix the batter until it was smooth but not to overmix it or the pancakes will be tough.
Liana was so immersed in her task she didn't notice someone else joining her.
"What are you doing?" A masculine voice asked behind her.
The normally quiet girl yelped in surprise and whipped around, seeing Akira standing before the kitchen door.
"A-A-Akira…! W-what brings you here!?"
"I'd ask the same thing."
"I-I was just making pancakes with my father's recipe."
The fire ninja looked back at some fond memories of the former ninja's nigh divine cooking.
Akira remembered having some fried shrimp with sweet and spicy sauce Mr. Julien made back when he visited the monastery during the new generation's annual training four years ago. He can never forget anything that delicious. The shrimp was so plump and juicy and the sauce had just the right amount of spice and the sweetness wasn't overwhelming. He and Alex loved their mom's cooking but Liana and Forrest should be very lucky to have a father like Mr. Julien.
"Knowing your dad, I bet they'll taste good." Akira tried starting a conversation.
"Yeah," Liana responded, "I enjoyed helping my dad whenever he cooked."
'She's actually talking to me!' The fire ninja couldn't help but feel giddy on the inside.
"You must have a really strong bond with your dad…" He said out loud.
"I guess you can say that," Liana looked back to her family life, "He and my mom would help me in any way they can, from schoolwork to controlling my powers."
"My parents are the same," Akira added, "They always do whatever they can to make sure Alex and I are happy not just being ninjas but also being ourselves."
The fiery ninja noticed the slightly sad look in Liana's pale eyes.
"Is something wrong…?"
"My parents do the same whenever I feel discouraged by the girls back home but I can't bring myself to believe them in that matter. Everyone else in school think I'm too different and they might be right. I'm the only girl who's not interested in being pretty and popular. Sometimes, I think they're right…"
"That's NOT true!" Akira raised his voice, startling Liana, "Everyone's different! No one's better or worse than the other! Even us ninja and kunoichi have our differences but that never got in the way… well, not much, but still! We're all special in our own way!"
"What makes you believe that?"
"My mom once told me that everyone is different but that doesn't make them better or worse than anyone else. In the end, we're all different yet same at once."
"But what would you do if the popular guys at school bully you for having fire powers?"
"It never really happened to me before but if they do, I'll just set their asses on fire." Akira said in a slightly nonchalant way.
Liana can't help but giggle at the fire ninja's sarcastic wit. For once in her life, she really felt as if she belonged. Sure, the ninjas had different quirks and interests but it was just as Akira told her before. Everyone was unique, including her, and everyone else in the Bounty. Perhaps she truly belonged here…
Akira felt that same burning sensation in his heart upon hearing Liana giggle for the first time.
'Did she always have such a sweet giggle?'
As suddenly as it came, the melodious sound of her voice went away. Liana was feeling a little better but she can't forget such bitter memories so easily.
"It still hurts," She started, "It hurts to think about the mean things the other girls say."
"Forget about them," Akira said, "If they're gonna be bitches, let them be bitches. Just because you don't like the same things as they do doesn't make them better than you. They don't even deserve any attention from you at all."
"Akira… thank you…"
The fire ninja and kunoichi of ice saw each other's blush but they couldn't see it themselves.
Haukka stared at the silent duo and suddenly cawed to get their attention.
"Haukka! Don't do that!" Liana shouted indignantly at the robot falcon who gave off soft clucks as if it was chuckling at her and Akira's expense.
"Aren't you going to make pancakes?" Akira asked.
"R-right!" Liana went straight to work cooking pancakes.
The red ninja stared at the ice wielder as she continued working to make breakfast for the team and started to feel guilty for just standing there. Another thing he inherited from his father was an innate desire to help anyone in need and he didn't want Liana toiling by herself.
"Do you mind if I help?" The fire ninja offered.
"I don't mind," Liana answered, "Perhaps you can cook some bacon to go with the pancakes."
"With pleasure." Akira went to get some bacon and heated up the frying pan.
Bacon and pancakes were practically perfect together and he can never have one without the other. Then a brilliant idea popped up in his head.
"You know what?" The olive-skinned ninja said all of a sudden, "Let's make bacon pancakes!"
"Bacon pancakes…?" Liana asked with a confused expression.
"You know, pancakes with bacon actually cooked in it."
"I've had pancakes with bacon before but I never actually had bacon in a pancake…" The white kunoichi was put off by the idea at first but it soon sounded intriguing.
"It's gonna be awesome! I just know it!" Akira exclaimed, itching to try out his new idea.
"How exactly do we combine them?" Liana asked.
"Simple!" Akira pointed at the cooking bacon, "You just put some bacon on top of the pancakes before the bottom sides are done then flip them over or pour some batter over them!"
"Why don't we try both?" Liana suggested.
"That can work too!"
For once, Liana began to feel like she belonged with someone. Akira may be hotheaded but she began to see his kind side and his selflessness. Even his flaws made him unique. He had a short temper and can be a bit arrogant but that was all part of who he was. His hot-blooded outlook on life was rather infectious. She heard of the saying 'opposites attract' and knew all about the yin yang philosophy but didn't really understand it until now.
This strange feeling she never felt before struck her heart.
'What is this feeling…?' Liana felt terrible confused by these emotions she never felt before.
At the same time, Akira felt a spark go off in his heart. He can tell Liana wasn't as cold as the ice she controlled. He saw hints of a smart girl with a sweet sense of humor and he wanted to help her come out of her icy shell.
"Something smells delicious!" Chris came into the kitchen, relishing the wafts of yummy bacon pancake air.
"Good morning Chris," Liana politely greeted the eldest ninja, "Akira and I made breakfast."
"Oh?" The lightning ninja smirked at the cooks, "So are you two practicing for something?"
Liana was too flustered to react while Akira grabbed his cousin by the collar of his blue uniform.
"Say anything and it's gonna be you on the menu." He growled with smoldering amber eyes.
"Akira! Chris! Please don't fight!" Liana tried to break up the cousins' dispute.
"What's going on?" Misako asked, approaching the trio.
"Nothing!" Akira and Chris stood up straight like soldiers so they won't get into trouble.
"Apparently…" Misako gave them a quizzical look before looking at Liana and today's breakfast.
"I'm sure these will taste as good as they smell." She complimented the bacon pancakes.
Soon, she was followed by the ninja and kunoichi attracted by the delicious scent.
"You made Dad's pancakes?" Forrest's icy blue eyes sparkled at the sight of the sweet breakfast treat, "Yes! His pancakes are seriously the best!"
"Yes, but there's also bacon in the pancakes. Akira thought up of that one." Liana admitted.
The new generation feasted on the bacon pancakes like this meal was their last. The pancakes were so warm and fluffy, the bacon added a savory crisp, and the sweet maple syrup tied both of them together beautifully.
"These are delicious!" Alex couldn't stop eating the bacon pancakes.
"This is so good!" Melody gushed, "These are the best pancakes I've ever had!"
"It's just my father's recipe," Liana said shyly, "Akira should get some credit too. After all, it was his idea to cook the pancakes and bacon together."
"I must say, you two already learned to work together to cook a delicious breakfast for us all," Misako said, "Your elements may be opposites but you two complement each other very well."
The rest of the group laughed as Akira and Liana blushed for the umpteenth time this morning.
When will the fates ever leave them alone?
With breakfast finished, the ninja and kunoichi were ready for training. As usual, Misako would give the agenda for the day before they can get started.
"Today, you'll also learn to work as a team but at a different approach," Misako started, "Some of you will work in groups to build up your teamwork skills."
"But wouldn't it be better if we all worked as one team?" Melody asked, "We're supposed to be one big group so why do we have to be divided into groups? Won't that only break us apart?"
"I understand your confusion but I have my reasons," The scholar continued, "Some of you get along with some of your teammates more than others and I want you to strengthen your bonds with the ones you don't get along with so you can all work as a team."
"I understand…"
"Akira and Liana," The bespectacled woman looked at the duo, "You will be working together."
Misako gave a knowing smile at the blushing fire and ice wielders.
"B-but we already made breakfast together!" Akira exclaimed.
"That's only the beginning," The wise scholar said, "You must learn to work together in plenty of other ways if you two are to be, as Liana's father would put it, compatible."
"C-compatible…!?" Liana never looked more shocked in her entire life.
Some of her comrades snickered at her flushed expression.
Akira glared at his laughing teammates while Liana just looked down in slight embarrassment.
"Chris and Kyle," Misako called the Walker brothers, "You'll team up with Forrest today."
The inventive brothers were confident they'll get along with the teal ninja. Although he wielded plants, the nature ninja still had a thing for technology, which he got from his father, who was once a nindroid.
"What about us?" Alex asked.
"You will train with the Charbonneau sisters," The wise woman motioned towards the kunoichi of earth and water, "Leon and Willow will train individually."
"But why?" Willow asked next.
"You two often depend on the others to do your tasks as ninjas but there are times where you have to do it all by yourselves. Sometimes, you'll have to separate to figure your own paths."
"We understand…"
"Good, not get to it. Chop, chop."
Misako watched with keen eyes as the designated teams trained together. She had reasons to pick out the teams. It was obvious that new feelings were budding for Akira and Liana and they can get in touch with them. The Walker brothers and Forrest were similar in that they enjoyed technology, though it was stronger in the former. As for the trio of girls, Alex was independent, Amy was caring, and Melody was optimistic. They all had different personalities and quirks but if they learn to work together, they can make quite a team.
The scholar inspected Akira and Liana first, knowing exactly what was going on between them.
The wielders of ice and fire were different yet were able to work together as if they were made for each other. Liana used the Shurikens of Ice to freeze the dummies and stopping projectiles coming at her while Akira took advantage of the frozen targets to burn them with the Sword of Fire. Though they were opposites, they like two halves joined together in a unique harmony.
Next, Misako inspected the boys.
They were getting along and working together but the wise woman can see that there was still room for improvement.
Chris and Kyle took a more strategic approach while Forrest was more 'head-on'.
The nature ninja whizzed through the obstacle course, trapping the equipment in vines from his Forest Staff in his wake. Unfortunately, Chris and Kyle also got tangled in the creeping plants.
"Come on guys!" Forrest rallied the brothers, "Quit being so slow!"
"Easy for YOU to say!" Kyle complained amongst the entanglement of vines, "We're stuck!"
The metal ninja slashed through the plants with the Steel Kunai while his older brother used his nunchucks to zap the vines to a crisp. The brothers started chasing after the teal ninja who just kept provoking them. The wise woman looked on in bemusement before moving on.
Finally, Misako reached the trio of girls.
Like the boys, they were getting along but there were still some issues.
"NINJA-GO!" Alex used her signature move to zoom through the obstacle course, leaving Amy and Melody in the dust.
"Alex, stop trying to go everywhere at once!" Amy scolded the tomboy like an older sister.
"And who decided to make you leader!?" The kunoichi of wind retorted.
"You should listen to her," Melody suggested, "She's the kunoichi of earth."
"That's no reason for her to boss us around!"
"That's enough!" Misako raised her voice to get the kunoichi's attention.
"Arguments are inevitable but you shouldn't let your disagreements create conflicts and deep schisms amongst yourselves. You must learn from them to get along, not become divided."
"Yes, Sensei." The trio bowed and resumed training.
Even if she was training alone, Willow still had supervision while training with the Bow of Hours.
"You know the basics of working together but you must also brush up your skills." The scholar observed the pink kunoichi's archery skills.
Leon was also faring well but had moments of indecisiveness. Whenever he created a mass of green energy, he had trouble decided where to throw it.
In the end, their teacher came to an analysis.
"This training session's over," Misako announced, "You know how to live together but you still have a lot of work to do to fully function as a team. You all have you differences but it's vital for all of you to combine your ideals to become a complete team."
"I guess…" Melody said, gazing towards the guys' direction, her pale cheeks turning pink.
Amy had a look that practically said 'here we go again'.
"What's up with her?" Alex pointed at the younger kunoichi.
"It's this bad habit of hers," The kunoichi of earth sighed, "Melody gets infatuated too easily…"
Alex had no interest in getting a boyfriend but she can understand why Melody was acting like this. There were times that she too felt her heart flutter when seeing a handsome person. She also had to admit that the ninjas were pretty good-looking, which wasn't that big of a surprise because their fathers were also considered to be very handsome and had many fangirls chasing them, even when they already in committed relationships with their mothers.
"Is Melody really that shallow?" The wind wielder asked.
"Of course not!" Amy exclaimed, "Our parents told us that it's what's on the inside that counts. Don't get me wrong, Melody believes that but still, she can be a sucker for a handsome face. I always had to pull her away from any handsome guy she comes across. Thankfully, it's not TOO bad because her infatuations fade before she tries anything drastic but it can be annoying."
Alex understood how Amy felt. Back home, she had to deal with Akira's frequent skirt-chasing and flirtatious advances towards the pretty girls at school, including her own friends. Now that she thought about it, maybe there wasn't anything special between him and Liana.
What if the white kunoichi was just another pretty girl for him to hit on? Once he catches sight of another pretty face, will he forget about her just like that?
Liana seemed truly attracted to Akira but it might not be the same the other way around.
She might have a little 'talk' with her brother later but she'll also have to talk to Liana about this too and she wasn't sure how to say it to the latter. The kunoichi of ice was much more sensitive than she seems and she might not take it well and fall into a deep state of depression. The wind wielder didn't want to be the 'bad guy' but she can't just let her brother break her heart when she finds out he's only being a player. It will hurt but Alex was adamant on what to do.
Some things must be done for the greater good…
Teamwork wasn't the only thing the ninja and kunoichi were working on today. Now that they knew the cause of the disappearances before, they had to work harder than ever to make sure the Overlord doesn't get his revenge.
"Is there anything else you know about Ronin?" Forrest asked.
"Unfortunately, no," Misako confessed, "Even back then, Ronin was a very secretive man. Not even Wu and Garmadon knew of his background."
"Then why was he allowed to train with them?"
"As arrogant as he was, Ronin was very persuasive. Fortunately, the brothers saw through the façade before it was too late."
"How about the other guys who disappeared?" Alex brought up the remaining men.
"I still know very little of the remaining for agents of the Overlord," Misako admitted, "But what we do know from Ronin is that they have a mutual lust for revenge. Although you're targeted, the Overlord will also be after your parents. They were the ones who defeated him."
"Then why can't we go back and protect them!?" Akira complained.
"Your parents can take care of themselves. They still know the way of the ninja. They have their duties in their hometowns and you are still needed elsewhere."
"You can all have your break. I'll look for more information on the remaining missing men."
"Yes, Sensei."
Once again, Melody gazed in the guys' direction with an obvious blush on her face. Amy rolled her emerald eyes and Alex went to follow Akira before she can even ask which guy Melody was infatuated with.
'It's now or never…'
After a long day of training and lectures, all Akira wanted to do was to kick back and play 'Ninja Battle' but before he can get far, Alex briskly walked up and blocked him like a brick wall, ironic because of her element. He tried to step aside but she did the same, constantly stalling him.
"Alex, get out of the way." Akira said each word with each step he tried to take but failed.
The younger twin only stood her ground, her sky blue eyes piercing into his very being.
"What do you want?" The older twin finally asked in annoyance.
"I should've known you would flirt with Liana," The brunette girl glared at him, "Don't pretend I never saw you flirt with all those girls back home. Liana's just another pretty face to add to your list of girls you've fooled."
"What!? NO! I'm not treating Liana like some object!" Akira exclaimed.
"Don't lie to me," The orange kunoichi still stared her brother down, "You're just gonna forget all about Liana when the next pretty face comes your way."
"No! Liana's different!"
"You know she hates being called different."
"I don't mean it that way! I-I just- "
"Then what did you mean when you said she was different?"
"I-I don't know how to describe it but there's something about her that makes me feel drawn to her. It's not just because she uses ice and I control fire. There's something else…"
"And that is…?"
"I don't know," Akira grew frustrated by his sister's badgering, "Ever since we were kids she was always so distant and I just wanted her to be in on the fun."
"Just because you think it's fun doesn't mean she's obliged to feel the same way."
"That's not the point! I just don't like seeing her all bottled up. She's not as cold as we all think. I can tell she has a sweet side and I want her to be in touch with her true self."
"Prove it."
"I helped her make pancakes today. Isn't that good enough?"
"You'll need more than that to prove you truly care for Liana."
"What the hell do you want me to say!?"
"Nothing," Alex said sternly, "Just try to take Liana's feelings into consideration."
"I will."
"Good, cuz if you dump her, I don't think you'll live to tell the tale." The orange kunoichi said in a menacing tone.
Despite his sister's doubts, Akira was confident he'll help Liana come out of her shell and show the seemingly cold girl that he truly cares for her.
Why else would he have this feeling in his heart he never felt before towards her and only her?
Meanwhile, Amy had a similar talk with her little sister.
"Melody, you know there's more than meets the eye," The black kunoichi started, "Good looks doesn't equal a good personality. I'm not saying the ninjas have bad personalities. We already know them but we don't know for sure if you're meant to be."
"I know but…" The kunoichi of water gave a wistful sigh before continuing, "I can't help it. He's just really handsome…"
Having dealt with this since middle school and having gone through a few infatuations herself, the auburn-haired girl understood how her sister felt but she had to keep her head and heart in balance before she becomes reckless.
"It's not good to put all your eggs in one basket. Whoever you're crushing on, he might not feel the same way. I don't want you to get hurt."
"But what about Akira and Liana?" Melody objected, "No one's saying anything about them!"
"That's because they know there's more to it than good looks," Amy reminded her little sister, "Do you remember what Mom and Dad told us? They fell in love with each other not because of their looks alone but because of their personalities deep down. Being a good person makes up for an unattractive face but outer beauty can never redeem an ugly heart."
Despite developing crushes very easily, Melody followed their parents' beliefs.
"If you're really that infatuated, at least try spending time with him. Then you'll see if you have a chance with him. It's not good to rush into something big like a romantic relationship."
"I know…"
"Melody, I know you always think with your heart but there are times where you'll need to be more practical. Just don't rush into this sort of stuff okay?"
"I'll try."
"That's the spirit," Amy smiled, "I'm sure you'll find the right one for you one day."
"Danke, sis."
It was getting late and Forrest volunteered to make tonight's dinner since Liana already cooked breakfast with Akira. Like his sister, he enjoyed helping his dad cook since he was little and that made the end results taste even better. Skimming through the fridge and pantry, the teal ninja settled on making a simple chicken salad tonight.
The nature ninja was surprised to see Liana standing before him.
"Hey sis." Forrest greeted his sister.
"I was wondering if you could use some help."
"But you already made pancakes this morning. You should get some rest."
"I can take care of myself." The white kunoichi replied coolly.
"If you really want to help, I guess you can help cut the veggies."
"No problem."
The Julien siblings were different but that didn't mean they hated each other.
They may be different but they were still brother and sister.
"It seems you like Akira." Forrest tried to start a conversation.
"Of course," Liana nodded, "He's a capable ninja and a good friend."
"Not THAT like. I meant like like." Her brother smirked mischievously.
"Why does everyone think Akira and I are a couple!?" The pale girl's face was as red as the fire ninja's gi!
"It's that famous 'opposites attract' phenomena," Forrest shrugged, "You and Akira are like the yin and yang. Even Sensei Lloyd said that two opposites can work together in harmony."
"It won't work," Liana shook her head, "Fire and ice don't belong together."
"That's not true! Remember how Mother and Father fell in love?" Forrest reminded his sister, "They couldn't be more different but they loved each other for who they were, not what they were. Mother was a nature lover and Father was a robot but their relationship's very solid, then and now. It doesn't matter to Mother if Father was still a nindroid, she loves him because of his personality and vice versa."
"Yeah…"
Despite all the things they went through, it was obvious that their parents were still in love with each other just as much as they had when they first met. Even Liana thought it was nice to have a relationship like her parents but she wasn't sure if that's what she wanted.
"We're just friends, that's all." The kunoichi of ice tried to dismiss her brother.
"Suit yourself," The tall ninja said, "You never know what will happen next…"
Liana hated to admit it but the plant wielder was right.
No one, not even herself, can predict the future, whether in relationships or when the ninja and kunoichi will face off against the Overlord.
This was one of those things that can only be left in the hands of fate…
(*) Huomenta = Good morning (Finnish)
What do you think?
I have a few things to say. If you're wondering who Melody has a crush on, I'll give you a hint: she won't end up with him. It may seem like a bitch move but that's because her infatuation is just that. An infatuation. Also, I like to thank everyone who reassured me about my tooth filling. It made me feel better & luckily, I survived & as a reward for not screaming over the needle, I'm going to see Cinderella on Friday! Even though the Frozen fans are gonna ruin it for me by staying just for the short…
Anywho, please review!