Hello all once again! Here I am, ready to serve you the freshest slice of a new chapter! Sorry if this update took a little longer than expected. I'm getting ready to move to UC Davis in September, so I've been going through my stuff as of late so I can decide what I want to bring with me to college and what I want to get rid of. I've also been watching season 13, and let me tell you it was AWESOME! I loved it!
I've been looking forward to writing this chapter for such a long time, ever since I started this story! It was a long time coming! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Responses to reviews!
Guest: What? Venison is good!
TitaniumNindroid: Very risky indeed! Here in this chapter, we'll get to see the outcome of Zane's plan, and if they manage to get Samuel back safely!
Atalanteo: Neither would I. I'm glad you love it!
Let's keep this short and sweet folks. Enjoy the chapter!
"Alright, what's going to happen is this: Based on my calculations, I estimate that there are about four hundred or more outlaws occupying the base. Therefore, two groups of fifty River and Chacam warriors will infiltrate here on both sides. By doing this, we can fool them into thinking it's a native attack because if they realize it is us coming to rescue Samuel, they'll kill him before we can get to him. Once their backs are turned, we'll breach the main entrance. Then we and the rest of the warriors can take them by surprise from behind and drive them into the first two groups. Samuel is located here. When we first breach the wall, me and a few others will break off from the rest to break him free. Once he's secured, we'll rejoin you and try to take down Picazo and his men."
Zane stood in front of a group of a few hundred people, both ranch volunteers, and native warriors- with his hologram cloak, of course. They were gathered at the edge of the village, where Zane was standing in front of a large rough drawing of the base on a rockface, pointing to certain things with the muzzle of his rifle. There were four large "X"s on the map, marking the positions of Samuel's prison and where the three groups were to take up. It was in the dead of night, so they stood around a large fire, the flames casting an orange glow on their faces as they listened attentively to Zane's plan to storm the Untamed.
"We'll take our places under the cover of the night, and the first two groups will create the diversion at daybreak," Zane said. He cast a glance over them.
"As you all know, this is a very dangerous situation. All members of the Untamed are armed, and by doing this you are putting yourself in harm's way. You may be hurt, or even killed. I cannot guarantee anyone's safety. If you wish to turn back, you may do so now. I will not be one to judge you."
Zane expected a few of the volunteers to turn and leave, but no one moved a muscle. They stayed rooted to their spots, clutching their weapons. By the determined look on their faces, he could tell they weren't going down without a fight.
"Zane, we've been waiting years for a chance to finally strike back at the Untamed." Said Christopher. "Ain't none of us gonna back out now. The stakes are too high."
The cattle folk and natives both voiced their agreement. Zane nodded.
"Very well." He said. "We'll leave right before daybreak so we can move under the cover of darkness. Until then, get some rest and make sure you're ready."
The volunteers turned and went their separate ways, being housed by the natives of the village or sleeping on the outskirts in their own small encampments. They had ridden for two days nonstop and were about to enter what could be the most dangerous moment of their lives. They were going to need all the rest they could get.
Seeing the other ranchers turn in for the night, Zane figured he would do the same. He walked back to Apenimon's home. Apenimon, Hailey, and Tony were already there when Zane walked in. They were cleaning and maintaining their weapons in preparation for tomorrow. The air inside the hut was thick and tense as there was a mutual understanding between them that this very well could be their last time together.
"How are you all faring?" Zane asked as he sat down on his cot. He unslung the rifle before checking to make sure it was in order.
"As well as we could in a situation like this," Tony said with a sigh.
"Zane, I hope y'all know what you're doing," Christopher said as he stepped inside.
"Even though I've never dealt with anyone like the Untamed before, I've had to come up with attack plans in situations like this, even on very short notice," Zane said. "Even though there is a possibility it could go wrong, it was the best I could come up with."
"It must work," Apenimon said. "If we fail, it will be the end of us."
Again, silence settled over them.
"I suggest we rest," Zane said, breaking the silence after a while. "We only have a few hours and we'll need as much as we can get."
The others nodded in agreement and went to their bedrolls. Silence quickly overtook them.
Zane lay awake, listening as the others' breathing became deep and even as they drifted off to sleep. He tried multiple times to close his eyes and rest but to no avail.
After a while, Zane sighed in defeat and turned onto his back, staring up at the ceiling. It was strange, he was never this restless before a battle. He was a ninja, for FSM's sake! He and his brothers always went to sleep knowing that they could have a fight that would determine Ninjago's fate the next day. So why was this different? Had he fallen out of the way of the ninja for that long?
Zane turned on his side and caught a glance of his rifle, still resting on the wall by the foot of his bed, within arms reach. The metal glinted in the hearth's dying firelight. Right now, unloaded and unused, it was completely harmless. But tomorrow, that would be a different story.
He was still affected from when he shot the outlaw at the beginning of their journey. He still wasn't over it and still felt guilty, ashamed even. He knew it was in self-defense. It was the outlaw or him. But still…
He was built to protect, not to take lives. But if he had any hope of surviving long enough to at least get Samuel free, he would have to pull the trigger. How many lives would he take? How long would he have to live with knowing that he intentionally took someone's life? How would the other ninja look at him if they found out if he even got to see them again at all?
What if he couldn't do it?
But regardless of how he felt, Zane knew he would have to do it. It was their only way out now. There was no other way around it.
Zane sighed. He knew he would have to accept this sooner than later. He pulled his hat over his eyes in a futile attempt to get some rest.
…
The moon sunk low into the sky. Even though it was in the wee hours of the morning, the village had come to life. The desert native warriors were preparing their horses and themselves for the hours ahead, and the volunteers from the ranches were doing the same.
Zane loaded several rounds into the chamber of his rifle before snapping it shut and slinging it over his shoulder. He did the same with his revolver and slipped it back into its holster. Grabbing more ammo, he made his way over to the corral, quickly brushing and saddling Gale. Up on his back Zane went and together they rode to the edge of the village, where the others were beginning to gather as they prepared to leave for the base.
"Is everyone here?" Zane asked Christopher and Tony as he rode up.
"Just about," Tony said. "There may still be a few on their way."
"Are you ready?"
The two men looked at each other and nodded. "As ready as we'll ever be. You?"
Zane straightened the rifle on his back. "Ready as I'll ever be."
Hailey approached the three on Ranger. "When do we leave?" She asked.
"Soon," Zane said. "Once I'm sure everyone is accounted for."
"Hailey, this is a very dangerous situation. You don't have to do this if you don't want to."
"Yes, I do." She said. She sighed. "It's my fault this is happening. It's only right I try to make things right."
"Are you sure?"
Hailey nodded. "Yes, Zane."
"Very well," Zane said. He looked over to the warriors and volunteers as a few more trickled in with the rest. They all sat upon their horses, watching Zane and waiting expectantly for his word to move out. He waited a little while longer to see if anyone else was coming. Seeing there was none, he rode to the front of the group and stood before them. He let out a sharp whistle to get their attention.
"Everyone!" He said, speaking to the cattle folk and natives. "I would just like to say one last thing before we leave. I would like to thank each and every one of you that's come to our aid. This is a dangerous situation that is not for the faint of heart. You have already proven your determination and bravery by making the dangerous journey from the comfort of your ranches. Now remember, even with our numbers, there still runs the risk of us not succeeding. Not everyone will make it out. But regardless of the outcome of today, you will all be remembered for your bravery. We will give Picazo and his men a day to remember, and a reason for us to terrorize us no longer!"
The volunteers and natives promptly erupted into cheers and whistles from the cattle folk and battle cries from the natives. Long have they awaited this day to finally strike back, and to finally take back what had been unjustly robbed from them. By the cries that rose from their throats and the way some rose their weapons into the air, Zane could tell they would fight with everything they had to give.
Zane waited for the cheers to die down before speaking. "We'll be leaving now. When we reach the Thunder River we'll split off into our groups and I'll give each one their respective directions. A few of us will ride ahead to scout for any Untamed." Zane turned Gale to the canyon that led out of the village. "Now let's ride."
Warriors and volunteers got on their horses as they began filing out of the village. Zane took up the lead, Hailey, Christopher, and Tony falling a few yards behind him. A few volunteers and warriors rode ahead of them to make sure the coast was clear.
They rode through the canyon and soon were met by the flat openness of the plateau. The setting moon had fallen behind a passing cloud, cloaking the land in darkness. They waited to make sure the coast was clear before riding to the river's edge.
"Alright!" Zane said once they got there. "Get in your groups! Remember, these two are going first at the top of the cliff overlooking the village. The Untamed will think it's only a native attack and will create a diversion for the rest of us to get in and get Samuel before we fight the rest of them."
Zane turned to the two groups of fifty warriors. "As you get closer to the base, spread out and don't travel uphill more than three at a time. We still have a couple of hours of darkness left, which will be plenty of time to get you to your places as long as you're punctual. When you reach the top, stay under cover as best you can lest there be any stray Untamed. As soon as the sun breaks over the plateau, you may begin the attack. Please, remember to stay together and do your best to be safe. Now go, we are running out of time!"
The natives nodded and they turned to leave, soon vanishing into the darkness of the night. Zane turned back to the rest.
"As for us, we will keep going also. We will get within eyesight of the base and stay under cover until we see the Untamed are distracted. Once their backs are turned, we will break in, get Samuel, and then help the others. Understand?"
The third group gave their reassurance. Zane nodded. "Very well. Let's go."
They rode on, water sloshing as they and their horses crossed the river and continued on into the night. They had been riding for a while when Zane turned around in his saddle to look at his group of volunteers. They followed him solemnly, silently. Not one spoke a word, the only sounds being the creaking of saddle leather, the jingling of spurs, and the clopping of their horses' hooves. The air around them was so thick and tense, it was almost suffocating.
Zane could feel it, probably more so than everyone else. The silence and tension seemed to weigh down his chest as the reality of the situation began to really set in.
The Untamed have proven themselves as violent and deadly. They would stop at nothing to get what they wanted when they wanted it. They had no issues with pulling the trigger on anyone who caused them the slightest of inconveniences. And Zane was leading himself and these people right to their front door. And possibly to their deaths.
Anything was bound to happen. The smallest mistake on anyone's part would throw the entire plan into turmoil. It would mean the end to them all if they didn't get this right the first time. There would be no second.
But Zane had faith. He had faith in the natives that they would be able to do their part. He had faith in the others that they would give it their all. He had faith in himself that he could do the same.
Soon, the base came into view. They could see the twinkling lights from the taller buildings within and the silhouettes of men standing on the wall as they kept guard. Silently, Zane waved to the volunteers to take cover. Jumping off Gale and ducking behind a sage bush, gun in hand, he did the same. Now they waited for the sun to rise and the time to be right.
Zane narrowed his eyes as he carefully watched the men on the wall. He clutched his gun harder.
He would get Samuel out alive and make Picazo answer for his crimes if it was the last thing he did. He would do what he would have to do. Even if it meant fighting to the death.
…
"How?! How did this all fall apart?! It was supposed to be so easy! We get the Sword of Sanctuary, find the Realm Crystal, and release the Preeminent! But no! We have none of those things! We're back at square one!"
Morro paused in his raging fit to punch the stone wall next to him. As if he wasn't angered enough already about Lloyd fighting his possession, now he didn't even have a Spinjitzu master to find the crystal. He growled in frustration.
"I don't understand. If we had stayed on track and that green bastard would've just obeyed, I would have had all of Ninjago under my hand already!" He seethed.
Soul Archer didn't flinch as Morro threw another angered blow at the rock of the cave they were in. Ever since the ninja had rescued Lloyd, Morro had been an angry wreck. He was so torn up about letting the ninja slip from his grasp, he hadn't been able to lead the small ghost army. Instead, he had been holed up in his cave, trying to understand what his mistake was and to come up with an alternate plan, but he could think of none. Soul Archer knew the more Morro neglected his army, the more vulnerable they were for the ninja to finish them once and for all.
Soul Archer cleared his throat. "I believe the fault was on your part." He said. Only Morro's right hand man would dare to speak to him that way.
"What do you mean?" The angry ghost hissed. "Are you saying it's my fault?!"
"Not your plan, but your attitude. You let things get to your head and the ninja took advantage of that."
"Are you saying they're better than me!? No one's better than me!"
"Maybe not, but you're relying too much on the ninja being divided over the disappearance of their friend." Soul Archer pointed out. "I've done some sneaking around these few days. They think the ice ninja is alive. And they plan on going out searching for him. They are not as broken as you thought."
Morro sighed and ran his hand through his hair. As much as it enraged him, he realized that Soul Archer was right. He had underestimated the ninja, and that's why his plan had failed.
"Alright, since you think you know everything, what do you suggest we do?" He snarked. "Go looking for the ninja?"
"No." Soul Archer said. "It'll be suicide if we do."
"Then what?" Morro hated considering ideas that weren't of his own, but right now, he didn't really have a choice.
"The ice ninja."
"What about him?"
"He knows Spinjitzu. And his team does not know of his whereabouts, but one of your army does. Suppose we get to him first before the others. Not only can you resume your search for the Realm Crystal, but we can also use him as a bargaining chip to keep the other ninja at bay."
Morro rubbed his chin in thought. "Very well," He said. "Send for Ghoultar immediately."
"As you wish."
Soul Archer left the cave and returned a few minutes later with Ghoultar.
"You called for Ghoultar?" The ghost warrior asked.
"Yes." Morro said. He took his map of Ninjago off the wall and lay it on the table. "I sent you with Bansha to capture the ice ninja. By my understanding you and her went all the way into the southern frontier. I think the master of ice might still be there. If that's true, he can be the key to all our problems. So I need you to tell me everything about this place. The land, the beings you've encountered, every single thing to the last detail."
Ghoultar nodded. "Ghoultar will do his best."
"Let's start off with this- what happened as you and Bansha were pursuing the master of ice?"
Ghoultar began describing his journey with Bansha from beginning to end, not leaving out any details and occasionally pointing to the map. Morro was silent as he furrowed his brow as he concentrated and listened, scribbling on the map and occasionally asking Ghoultar to elaborate. By the time they were finished, Morro had drawn in part of the blank space that was the south with a rough sketch of some mountains and forests.
Morro looked at the map and grinned. "Yes. Finally! This is the answer!"
"So what now?" Soul Archer said.
"I'm glad you asked." Morro said. He stood up and placed it back on the wall. "Once I conjure a few more soldiers for my forces, we'll immediately leave for the southern frontier. Once we're there, we'll scour every edge of this new place for the ice ninja. Ghoultar saw him last here," Morro took a knife and threw it at the map, which stuck itself on a black dot, marking where Ghoultar and Bansha had encountered Hailey and Samuel when they rescued Zane. "We'll look for clues and then go on from there."
"But if those two people were protecting him, he may be far gone from that area." Soul Archer pointed out.
"We'll find him one way or another." Morro replied.
"And if I find out that those people are sheltering the ice ninja, they won't be exempt from my wrath."
…
"Joker. Eat the deck, Fernando."
"Cada vez…*Every time…*"
Inside the Untamed base, Picazo, his right hand man Fernando, and a few other high ranked Untamed members were playing a card game called norte (pronounced nore-tay) in Picazo's living quarters. It was one of the adobe homes occupied previously by the Chacam tribe until he drove them out.
Fernando grumbled to himself as he grudgingly swiped the large pile of cards off the table and added them to his hand.
"Any sign of the prisoner's friends?" One of the people asked. They placed a four.
Fernando shook his head as he threw down a seven.
"They are running out of time." Picazo said as he put a queen at the top of the deck. "They have until sunset to bring the money. Otherwise he's a dead man."
"If they haven't come now, I doubt they will." The other said. He looked up at Picazo. "Have you thought about what you'll do with him after tonight?"
Picazo lit a cigar and took a long drag. "I am going to do what I said I would do. I'll blast his brains out and then hang him high on the roof for all to see."
The men fell silent and went back to concentrating on their card game.
There was commotion outside, but they didn't pay much attention. The early morning sun's light had just begun to shine over the plateau. It was not uncommon for the other occupants of the base to be loud.
BANG!
BANG-BANG-BANG!
Gunshots rang out. The men sprang to their feet as another outlaw appeared in the doorway.
"We're under attack!" He said. "It's the Chacam and River!"
The men raced out of the doorway and to their horses. Picazo got up to follow them, but was stopped by Fernando.
"We'll take care of them, jefe." He told his boss before untying his horse. He jumped into the saddle and drew his gun, spurring his mount to a gallop as he went with the others.
The three men pushed their horses to the edge of the base, by the cliff. Some outlaws were already there, shooting at the natives that were storming inside. Bullets and arrows flew through the air as more of each side arrived to back the other. The warriors continued to pour in, beginning to overwhelm the outlaws.
Fernando shot a River off his horse. "GET EVERY MAN OUT HERE!" He yelled. "THEY WON'T STOP COMING!"
More outlaws joined as they continued the battle. Battlecries and gunshots filled the air. They fell from the arrows and the natives fell from the bullets. From the cliff above, Apenimon lay on his stomach to stay out of sight, watching the fighting unfold. From his point up above, he could see the men guarding the front wall.
So far, Zane's plan was working. The horse thieves had not yet suspected that it was the ranchers coming to rescue Samuel, and their backs were turned from the main entrance, giving them an opportunity to break in.
At the sounds of the outlaws and warriors clashing, the men on the wall jumped down and rushed to help the others, leaving the main gates unguarded.
Seeing the opportunity, Apenimon got up and got on his horse. He took a deep breath and belted out a long, whooping war cry that rang out over the base before grabbing his weapons to help his fellow tribes.
From down below, Zane heard Apenimon's signal and jumped to his feet.
"That's our cue!" He said. He jumped on Gale and waved a hand. "Let us go!"
The ranch volunteers and the other warriors did the same and followed Zane to the walls.
"Do we have the explosives?" He asked.
One of the ranchers rode forward on his horse, a wooden case tied to her saddle. Inside were sticks of dynamite, fuses, and matches. They opened it up.
Zane nodded. "You know what to do!"
The others stood back as they began laying out the dynamite in front of the doors and surrounding wall, the ranchers and warriors still on their horses keeping guard of the others. They attached a fuse and struck a match before lighting it.
The people ran back to their horses. "We're hot! Stand clear!"
The ranchers and warriors shuffled back.
"Wait for my word!" Zane said. He watched as the fuse got shorter and shorter. His heart raced more and more as it burned.
This was it. It was do or die. They only had one shot to get Samuel free and finally pin down Picazo and the Untamed once and for all. If they didn't do it right the first time, there would be no next time.
Zane was about to jump into a fight he had never seen before. He would have to be quick to draw and his aim had to be true. He would have to shoot to kill. He might even be killed. But he was ready. He had faith.
Zane rode to the front of the group and drew his gun. He glanced over his shoulder. "Is everyone ready?!"
The ranchers switched the safeties off their guns and loaded extra rounds. They were ready.
Zane looked at the fuse. The dynamite was about to blow.
"Hold it!" He said.
The dynamite fizzled.
"Hold it!"
It went quiet.
BOOM!
The wall blew apart into pieces of rock. Dust and rubble rose into the air as the sandstone crumbled. The wooden doors splintered and shattered.
"NOW!"
Zane spurred Gale into a gallop and the rest followed, giving a great cry as they charged. Gale leapt over the remains of the wall, clearing the broken stone effortlessly.
The outlaws turned at the sound of the explosion. They saw the ranchers and warriors pouring into the base and charging at them, Zane taking the lead. Gale stopped and reared as the dust settled, letting out a sharp whinny as if letting out a battlecry of his own.
"IT'S THE RANCHERS!" One of the convicts cried over the gunshots. "THEY'VE COME FOR THE HOSTAGE!"
Realizing they've been duped, some of the thieves turned their guns away from the attacking natives and began firing at the charging volunteers and warriors.
Zane and the other ranchers returned fire as they charged. He looked over to his side and saw Hailey galloping on Ranger next to him. Tony and Christopher were riding with the others.
"Get ready to break away in three!" Zane yelled to her over the sounds of gunfire.
"Ten four!" Hailey answered.
A few seconds later, Zane, Hailey, and a few other of the warriors and volunteers turned and broke off from the group and peeled down the road that led to where Samuel was being held.
"Well don't just stand there!" One of the outlaws yelled. He grabbed another next to him. "You! Make sure they don't free the prisoner. Go!"
The man grabbed a runaway horse and jumped onto it's back before spurring it into a gallop after Zane, two more following behind.
Zane and the others turned rapidly down a few more paths and skidded to a stop in front of the sandstone building that served as Samuel's prison. They got off their horses and bullets went flying past them.
"We've got company!" One of the volunteers said.
Zane looked around. Coming toward them were three of Picazo's men on horseback, opening fire upon the volunteers as they came closer.
"Go!" Another rancher said. "We'll keep you covered!"
Zane grabbed Hailey's arm and together they dove behind a stack of wooden crates for cover as the ranchers began firing back before scrambling to the door. Hailey yanked on it.
"It's locked!" She said.
"Here, watch out." He told her. Samuel's door was locked with a lock and chain. He slammed the butt of his rifle repeatedly on the lock until it broke. Then Zane kicked the door in. They leapt inside.
Much to Zane's relief, Samuel was still there, and still alive.
"Samuel!" Zane said. He rushed over. "Thank goodness you're okay!"
Zane pulled the gag out of the man's mouth.
"Zane! Hailey! What's going on?!" Samuel asked as the bullets flew and the fight raged outside.
"We're attacking the Untamed." Zane told him. He rolled up his sleeve. "And getting you out of here."
Zane opened up his arm panel and pressed a button, activating his saw blade, which he used to cut Samuel free. Zane helped him up. "Are you okay?"
"Now that you're here." Samuel said, dusting himself off.
"Uncle Sam!"
Hailey flung herself into Samuel's arms. He caught her and held her close.
"Hailey! Oh, thank the Four Legends!"
Hailey buried her face into her uncle's chest. "I'm sorry…" She said, sounding like she was on the verge of tears. "I'm so, so sorry…"
"I know, I know, it's okay." Samuel told her. He looked at her. "I'm here now and we're all okay, that's what matters. Alright?"
Hailey nodded. "Right…"
"But we're not out of the woods yet." Zane said. "We still have a fight ahead."
The three rushed back outside.
"We've got him!" Zane told the others. "Get him out of here!"
"Wait- what do you mean?" Samuel asked as they took cover from more incoming projectiles.
"It's too dangerous for you. As their hostage, if the Untamed sees you've been freed, it makes you an even bigger target." Zane explained.
"Zane, I've faced battle before, this ain't my first rodeo. If you think I'm gonna sit this one out, then you're wrong. You're risking your ass enough for me. At least let me help you."
Zane thought for a moment. He knew he shouldn't, but the look in Samuel's eyes told him he wouldn't take no for an answer.
Zane sighed. "Fine." He said. He slipped his gun from his holster. "Take this."
He tossed Samuel the gun and stood up. "We must go. We need to back up the others!"
Hailey and Zane got on their horses, and Samuel caught a runaway. Together they raced to the other end of the base to help aid in the fight.
It was chaos. Bullets and arrows flew through the gunsmoke-filled air. The cries and shouts of both sides were deafening as they clashed. Outlaws, natives, volunteers, and horses fell. Out of ammunition, some resorted to hand-to-hand combat, using their guns, wielding knives, or even throwing punches.
They skidded to a stop at the battle's edge to see the mayhem. They hadn't come a second too soon. So far, Zane's plan was still working. The natives that were meant to be the diversion were fighting well, keeping the Untamed occupied as the rest attacked them from rear and driving them into the first two groups. But Zane could tell they were becoming exhausted and without help would soon give. If that happened, the Untamed could turn around and push the third group back.
From a square hole in the wall that served as a window on the second story of the mud building, Picazo watched the battle with a frown, seeing Zane, Hailey, and Samuel race past down below.
Picazo growled in anger. "I should have known better…" He said. "They were planning to come all along!"
He grabbed his gun and made his way down the ladder that led to the first story of the adobe home. He ran outside and untied his horse before getting on and kicking it into a gallop. But he wasn't riding towards the fighting.
They really thought they had it all figured out, huh? Well, they were in for a huge surprise.
Picazo ran towards the buildings that were closer to the front wall. He jumped off his horse and pounded on one of the doors. It was opened by another outlaw.
"What is it jefe?" They asked.
"The hostage. His friends have showed up and freed him. Get the rest of the men."
"According to my calculations, there's about three hundred of us and four hundred of them!" Zane said, keeping a firm hold on Gale's reins as his horse pranced nervously. "We should be able to take them if we fight hard enough!"
"But what if we can't?!" Hailey shouted over the sounds of gunfire.
Zane turned to Hailey. "I've told you before! It's called having faith!"
With that, Zane spurred Gale and jumped into the thick of the battle, Samuel right behind him.
Hailey hesitated, unsure of what to do. She wanted nothing more than to do her part in defeating the Untamed, to take revenge out on the people who she and others had lost so much to. But- could they really do it?
A River warrior rode in front of her. He drew an arrow back before letting it fly. Hailey watched as it struck an outlaw in the back, knocking him down.
A man behind the fallen convict pointed his gun. There was a puff of smoke and a bang as a bullet flew through the air and struck the River man in the chest, making him fall off his horse, hitting the ground dead.
Hailey gasped as she saw him fall.
"Oh my god…" She said. "That could be me…"
No, no no no. She didn't want to die. Not today. Not like this.
But looking around, it seemed like it was impossible to avoid.
Hailey growled and shook her head. Oh dammit, here we go again, wondering what is the best thing to do.
Well, actually she did know. But she didn't know if she had faith in herself to do it.
After that thought had crossed her mind, there was a voice in her head. Zane's voice.
'No matter what, I have always had faith, and it has never failed to serve me well. Sometimes it is all we have left.'
'I have faith we will get through this.'
'Maybe you should do the same.'
Oh Four Legends, that was it! That's what he meant! She needed to have faith because if she didn't, what else would they have left? Nothing! They would have nothing to fight for! And they would lose! But if they did have faith in themselves and others, they would have something more to win for!
"Alright, Zane." Hailey said, drawing her gun. "I have faith in you. And most of all, for the first time in a long time, I have faith in me!"
With that, she spurred Ranger into the battle, ducking to avoid bullets and arrows as they whizzed past her ears, fighting her way through to find Zane and Samuel.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Zane pushed Gale through the sea of clashing outlaws and warriors, trying to get to the other side so he could help push the outlaws back. The rifle's stock slammed into Zane's shoulder as it kicked back with each shot he fired.
So far, he had gunned down three Untamed off their horses, possibly more. He felt horrible, but they were firing at him and it had to be done. It was either them or him. He and Samuel had gotten separated in the midst of all the mayhem and couldn't see him, Tony, Christopher, or Hailey anywhere.
"Samuel!" Zane cried over the gunfire. He wheeled Gale around, trying to find him. "SAMUEL!"
Somewhere right in front of him underneath his horse, someone fired their gun several times. Spooked by the sudden noise, Gale snorted and reared in fright. Zane felt the reins rip from his hands as he was suddenly thrown out of the saddle and fell to the ground.
Zane coughed and tried to get up, but dropped back down as a panicked horse barreled in his direction. He covered his head just in time as it ran him over, stepping on him and dragging him a short way. When he finally managed to get away, his eyes were full of dust and dirt. He struggled up to his feet, trying to get the dust from his eyes and hacking his lungs out.
'My gun," He thought as he got up. 'Where's my gun?!'
He looked around frantically, but saw it nowhere. It must've gotten lost when he got dragged by the horse.
Speaking of horses, where was Gale?!
Zane tried to see, but it was nearly impossible in the thick of the battle. He needed to find a horse and arm himself fast, being on the ground defenseless was a death wish.
Looking around again, he saw another horse milling about in the fighting. He ran to it and grabbed its reins and put his foot in the stirrup. But more nearby gunshots made it take off and Zane fell down again. His already battered body was wracked with pain. He hit the ground so hard his vision swam and he couldn't get up if he tried.
There was the sound of clattering hooves as a horse stopped next to him. Relieved, he looked up, expecting it to be Samuel or one of his other friends that had come to help him.
But his heart dropped when he saw the face of an outlaw. But not just any. It was one of the three that had thrown him into Chacam run. And he was pointing a gun at Zane's face.
The horse thief flashed a wicked smile. "This time, I'll make sure you stay dead!"
Zane stared down the dark barrel of the gun and gulped. This was it. He was about to meet his end. He would never see his brothers again. He would never see Ninjago again.
The outlaw's finger moved to the trigger, ready to pull. Zane turned his head and squeezed his eyes shut, ready to accept his fate.
BANG!
Zane flinched, but was confused when he didn't feel any pain. Cautiously he opened one eye. He was still in the battle.
What?
Zane turned back around. He was shocked to see Hailey on her side in front of him, pointing her gun. He looked just in time to see the outlaw fall limp from his saddle, hitting the ground. There was a bloody hole in his chest. The barrel of Hailey's gun was smoking. She had shot him dead.
She turned to face Zane and pulled him to his feet. "Zane, are you okay?!"
"Y-yes…" Zane said as Hailey helped him up. "Thank you, you saved my life! Where were you?"
Hailey sighed. "I thought about what y'all said. Y'know, about having faith. I understand it now."
It was true. After she had jumped into the battle, she fought her way through and saw Zane go down. Seeing he was about to get shot, She jumped off of Ranger and slid on her side in front of Zane to protect him as she shot the outlaw. She wouldn't have been able to do any of that if she didn't have faith in herself. And she wouldn't have had faith in herself if it weren't for Zane.
"I knew you would eventually." Zane said as he straightened up.
"I just want to say thank you. It's a huge eye opener for me."
"Don't thank me yet. We still have to win this fight."
"And I have faith that we will!" Hailey said, tossing the revolver Zane had lost to him and reloaded her pistol. "But this time, we stick together! I've got your six and you got mine!"
Zane grinned, happy Hailey finally understood. "Affirmative!"
Together, they grabbed a couple of runaway horses and continued fighting their way through, each having faith in themselves and the others that they would make it to the other side before the natives gave out.
They broke through on the other side and turned their horses faces around and began backing the Chacam and River warriors. Other ranchers and warriors followed their lead, coming to the other side and then turning around to push the outlaws back. The plan was still working. They were beginning to become overwhelmed, but they were giving it their all, if they were able to hold out a little longer they could turn the tide to their favor.
Soon, the thieves were beginning to get fatigued from the fight. There was significantly less of them and they were starting to give way to volunteers and warriors.
Samuel appeared by Zane's side, taking out five outlaws in a matter of seconds. "I'll be damned, we're doin' it!" He said.
"Maybe so," Zane replied. An outlaw tried rushing him but he knocked him off his horse. "But we aren't done yet!"
Hailey continued to fight also, only stopping when she had seen something very concerning behind the Untamed they were fighting. Her eyes went wide.
"Zane!" Hailey called. "How many Untamed did you say there was in the base?"
"About four hundred!" Zane answered.
"Are you sure about that?!"
"Yes, why?"
"Look!"
Zane paused in his fighting to look where she was pointing, which was behind the Untamed. His heart dropped.
Headed in their direction was about two hundred more outlaws, all armed and on horseback. Leading them was El Picazo. And he looked very angry.
It was then Zane realized he had made a horrible mistake- he had miscalculated how many Untamed there really were, and by a lot.
Even though he was a nindroid, he could feel his face pale. The ranchers and warriors were doing well, but they wouldn't be able to take on any more. His mistake could cost them their lives.
"What do we do?!" Hailey cried.
Other ranchers and warriors had seen Picazo and more of his men coming and were beginning to falter.
"Keep fighting!" Zane shouted. "We have to stand our ground! They'll take us if we let them!"
He jabbed his horse with his spurs and began riding alongside the back, away from the fight.
"Where are you going?!" Samuel yelled after him.
"I have an idea!" Zane shouted over his shoulder. The horse began galloping and Zane raced for the edge of base. He had to stop Picazo and the rest of his men before they reached the others, or at least buy them some time.
Soon he found himself at a wooden pair of gates. On the other side within the walls was a huge fenced in pasture, where many stolen horses and cattle grazed. Zane's horse jumped over the gate and ran inside. Zane raised his gun and began firing it into the air. The animals became frightened and fled, Zane turning them as he continued shooting. The cattle and horses trampled over the wooden gates and stampeded through the rest of the base and into the battle. He rushed back to help the others fight.
Picazo growled in anger as a stream of cattle suddenly charged out in front of him, cutting himself and the rest of his men from the others.
"What do we do, jefe?"
"Keep going!" Picazo said. He shot down a couple of cattle in his way and saw Zane galloping behind the animals as he made his way back to the volunteers. "Don't let anything they try to do stand in your way!"
He spurred his horse forwards, fighting his way through against the stampeding animals, his men following. Cows and horses fled from the gunshots, flooding the base and trampling both outlaws and volunteers alike.
"I'm going to kill you as soon as I get the chance…" Picazo hissed as he watched Zane fall back in line.
Zane and the others were fighting as hard as they could. But they were starting to give way. The stampede was causing panic and confusion among the volunteers, and the outlaws were using it to their advantage to push back against them. Picazo and his men broke through. Shortly after the volunteers, who were exhausted, overwhelmed, and outgunned, began to crumble. Hailey, Zane, and Samuel did their best to keep fighting, but there were just too many of them.
"ZANE!" Hailey cried as she dodged a lasso being thrown at her. "WE'RE LOSING!"
"I KNOW!"
All around him, Zane saw volunteers going down, surrendering, and being pulled off their horses.
No, this was their only chance! They couldn't give up now! If they surrendered to the Untamed, it would be the last thing they did!
Zane's hands flew to his throat as a lasso fell down around his neck and pulled tight, being yanked off his horse. He hit the ground with a thud and was dragged before he managed to free himself. He lay in the dirt, bruised, exhausted, and out of breath.
There were shouts and the gunfire began to cease. Zane struggled to his knees, coughing. A shadow fell over him.
"I thought you would have heeded my warning." Said a familiar, malicious voice.
Zane propped himself on his elbow and looked up. Standing over him on his horse was Picazo, an evil grin on his face.
"Put him with the rest."
One of the outlaws got off their horse and walked over.
"Get moving." He growled, jabbing Zane with his gun.
Zane stumbled to his feet. To his despair, he saw that the ranchers and warriors had been disarmed, had surrendered, and were being held at gunpoint.
"No…" he said.
He was shoved down to the ground in front of them.
"Zane!"
Two pairs of hands pulled Zane up. It was Tony and Christopher.
"You okay, son?" Christopher asked.
Zane coughed as he tried to get the dust out of his lungs and nodded.
"Zane, we're sorry…" Tony said. "We tried…"
"Fools, all of you!" Picazo barked. He walked his horse back and forth in front of the unarmed volunteers. "You tontos really thought you stood a chance against me? Have you forgotten who I am? I am El Picazo, leader of the Untamed! And nobody can surpass me!"
He swung his smoldering gaze towards Zane. "I know exactly what you came here for. We gave you a peaceful option, and yet you insisted on going against me. But you failed. And now you and your allies will pay for your actions!"
Zane looked around. The ranchers and natives surrounding him looked clearly defeated. Some hung their heads while others just had resigned looks on their faces. Some prayed, and a few had even burst into tears as they had accepted that this was the end.
Picazo got down from his horse. "Men, make sure your weapons are ready! Fire on my say! Spare no one!"
The outlaws began reloading their weapons before pointing them at the volunteers, waiting for Picazo's word to shoot.
Hailey grabbed Samuel's arm, who drew her into his arms and shielded her from the Untamed.
"I-I'm so sorry…" Hailey wept as she clung to him like a child.
"Shh, it's okay." Samuel said. "We're in this together. We'll be okay…" He held her close as tears rolled down his face as he braced himself for what was next.
Picazo loaded his gun and lowered it, aiming it at Zane. He grinned.
"Let this be a lesson to you." The leader of the outlaws said. "Never stand in the way of the Untamed."
The volunteers turned their heads away and squeezed their eyes shut, bracing themselves.
Zane's heart broke as he watched them accept their fate. He couldn't just let this happen! He was their leader, he was supposed to help them win this fight! They had come too far, they couldn't give up now!
He couldn't let these people die. He had to stop this.
But how? He had no gun, and no horse. There was no way.
Unless…
Zane looked down at his hands. If he were to do this, it could mean disaster for him. His true identity would be exposed, he would jeopardize his chance of returning to Ninjago, and would most likely be whisked away by the government and imprisoned, never to see the light of day again.
But then he looked around him, seeing the ranchers and natives cowering before Picazo and the Untamed. They were defenseless, and at the mercy of the outlaws, who had none.
The entire reason his father had created him was for moments like these. He was a ninja and a spinjitzu master for a reason.
These people needed his help more than ever. He had sacrificed himself once to protect others once, and he'd do it a thousand times over again. If it meant him getting captured and incarcerated, then so be it.
"HEY!"
The outlaws paused in their aiming to watch as Zane bolted from his spot and placed himself between Picazo and the volunteers. He stared daggers into the leader's eyes.
"What are you doing?" Picazo snarled.
"You will not hurt these people, not if I have anything to say about it!"
The Untamed paused for a moment to look at one another before bursting into laughter. Picazo also joined in, slapping his knee. He finished and took a breath before straightening up again.
"Really?" He said. "And what makes you think that?"
Zane took a deep breath. He took a few steps closer towards Picazo.
"My name is Zane." He growled. "I was built to protect those who could not protect themselves." Ice and snow began to swirl from his hands as he advanced on the outlaw. The volunteers and the outlaws both watched in awe as Zane summoned his elemental power.
"And I will not let you hurt my friends."
Without a second thought and in the blink of an eye, Zane formed a ball of ice within his hands and lobbed it at Picazo, knocking his gun out of his hand.
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