Second Destiny: Discovery of Mt Horn

by RealtreeGal

When a simple mission goes horribly wrong, Zane has to flee for his life into the the Southern Tip of Ninjago, an uncharted, dangerous wilderness. Discovered in a valley of treacherous mountains, he is taken in by a new race of people. While waiting for winter to pass, he learns their culture and legend, and about a new elemental master, waiting to rise in Ninjago's darkest hour.

7. Chapter 7: Cold

Zane gripped the stone ledge tightly as he inched his way up. He had been running through the mountains and had to climbs some cliffs to get away from the ghosts. They weren't high, but his injury made it extremely painful and difficult.

Taking a deep breath, Zane hoisted himself up over the edge. He flopped to the ground, groaning as his torso and back throbbed. But he couldn't rest for long, Ghoultar and Bansha weren't far behind.

Zane got up. The snowy ground sloped downwards, but mist blocked his view of what lay ahead.

"I guess I must be cautious." He said to himself and carefully began picking his way down the mountain.

Zane looked up to the sky. It was grey, and a light snow had started to fall. He continued on.

...

Bent over on his knees, Zane tried regaining his breath. His throat burned. He hadn't had anything to drink since he found that pond.

A sudden wind blew forcefully across the mountain. It knocked Zane over, who grunted in pain from his injuries. He struggled to get up.

Faintly in the distance, he heard Bansha's scream, but the wind carried it away. He had to keep going.

Using his arm to shield his face from the beginning of a snowstorm, he continued on his downward trek as the storm picked up.

...

Zane still had his arm covering his face as he traveled down the mountain. It had been hours now, and he still couldn't see the bottom of the mountain he was on. He couldn't see much of anything. The snowstorm had turned into a blizzard, making Zane wander blindly through the range. He hadn't heard or seen anything of the ghosts, but with the snow driving into his eyes and the wind howling in his ears, he couldn't hear or see much of anything at all.

Zane cried out in surprise as he suddenly fell into a snowbank. He climbed out, stopping to clutch his wound as it burned with searing pain. He looked down at his wound and saw it oozing fresh silver blood.

How much blood would he have to lose to die? Could nindroids even die from a loss of blood?

Another gust of wind blew, and Zane shivered. Even though he was a nindroid and ninja of ice, he never realized how cold this place was, even for him. Actually, it was freezing.

Suddenly through the storm, he heard Bansha and saw their glows making their way closer to him. Zane took a deep breath and pushed on, travelling deeper into the blizzard and the mysterious mountain range.