As usual, all characters belong to the creators of "Lego Ninjago: Master's of Spinjitzu." Some time has passed in the story, so here are the characters' current ages:

Cole: 16

Kai: 16

Jay: 16

Nya: 14

Zane: 17

Lloyd: 11

Sensei Wu: ?

Chapter 13

Below

The stars mocked him. Bright and twinkling, they reminded him of a hope that had long-since disappeared. A harsh breath left him as he turned on his side, back towards the window and the night sky. The moon coated him in its beautiful light, stretching to meet the wall on the other side of the room. Eyebrows furrowed, he groaned. His back met the mattress as he laid his arm across his forehead. Thoughts bombarded his conscience as his sister's voice taunted him.

"Kai, you're exhausted... You need a break."

"If you wanna go, just leave. I'll run his business by myself."

Even now, his own words pierced his heart. He saw her face as clear as day, his mind continuing its tortuous assault. Why had he said that? Who would have thought that she'd take him seriously? Now, she was gone... and there was nothing he could do about it. Kai sighed. Regret pooled in his stomach as he watched himself climb those accursed stone steps in his mind's eye.

You've really done it now, he thought. Sighing heavily, he shoved the pillow into his face. Tears pooled in his eyes, wetting the pillow above him.

The stars winked farewell as the sun eclipsed them in all its glory. The sky became awash in a brilliant display, an orange hue overtaking the small workshop below. Birds began to chirp in greeting, the sun's warm light waking them from their slumber. Neighbors began to exit their homes, drowning out the sound of quiet sobs that threatened to echo in his own tortured soul.

The hammer snapped, its handle flying in all directions as the head hit his toe. Kai yelped. Dark crimson blood dripped to the floor as his hand began to bleed from the splintered wood. Groaning, he grabbed some cloth from a cabinet in the back corner.

"Looks like you could use a new hammer." Kai turned. A young man stood in the doorway, a kind-hearted smirk etched in his features.

"It was on its last leg anyway." As he finished his makeshift bandage, he remembered the wood that now decorated his floor. "Sorry about the mess. How can I help you?"

"I'm here for a friend. He said he came by about a year ago."

"Look, we get a lot of customers. Remembering one isn't actually on the agenda." Kai dove into an old closet, fishing for his dad's old broom. The truth was, ever since Nya had left, he hadn't gotten all that many customers. She had been a better blacksmith than he ever was; naturally, when she left, so did the customers.

"Doesn't look too busy to me." Kai frowned, turning to glare at him. He was examining the shop, looking less than impressed with his surroundings.

"Is there anything I can do for you?" Kai asked, heated at this stranger's perceived arrogance. Who was he to judge his father's shop or how he ran the business?

Cole met his eyes.

"My friend wants to talk to you."

"I'm not interested in meeting your friend. Either buy something or get out."

"Look, just because Sensei wants to meet you doesn't mean I have to play nice. We can either do this the easy way or the hard way." Kai's eyebrows furrowed. His eyes moved, looking for a weapon. A small dagger winked from the counter next to him. He met the stranger's eyes again; the man's eyes narrowed as Kai took the dagger in his hand, moving into a fighting stance. Smirking, Cole resumed a practiced stance, fists up, one foot in front of him.

Worry flashed through Kai's eyes, gone as quickly as it had come. Looking at the man before him, he noticed the ease in which he assumed his stance. He was... relaxed. Kai's frown etched itself deeper into his features; he'd have to strike before his new friend had the chance to use whatever skills he appeared to possess. A feral war cry accompanied Kai's feet as he surged forward. He was on the man before he had a chance to stop himself.

"STOOOP!" Cole backed away from the blacksmith; crumpled on the floor, Kai sat in a sorry puddle as blood trickled from his lip.

"Yes, Sensei." Cole bowed to the older man standing in the door, grimacing as Sensei glared at him.

"You were supposed to bring him to the monastery."

"I'm sorry, Sensei, but he wouldn't come."

"Hmph!" Walking over to the younger of the two, he extended his hand. Kai met his gaze, a black eye clouding his vision. Grabbing his hand, Kai pulled himself up with a groan.

"I'm sorry for Cole's outburst. I hope this doesn't affect your decision?"

"Decision? What decision?" Wu sighed. Casting a cursory look towards Cole, he turned to fill in the pieces.

"The decision to come and train with me at the monastery."

"Look, if you think I'm going to go with you after getting punched by your bodyguard, you've got another thing coming." Wu shook his head, another sigh leaving his lips as he folded his hands behind his back. Opening his eyes, a thought occurred to him when his further perusal was met with an empty shop. He turned to face Kai once more.

"Where is your sister?" Pain flashed across Kai's face, not unnoticed by the much older man in front of him. Kai's countenance darkened considerably.

"Why? You know something I don't?" Concern rose in Wu's chest at his answer; she wasn't there.

After a moment, he asked, "How long has she been missing?" The gravity in his voice hurt the man before him, making the smallest chink in his armor. Skepticism lie unabashed in Kai's features as he answered.

"A little over a year."

"And... you haven't gone looking for her?" His tone wasn't offensive, but his question ruffled Kai all the same.

"I don't know who you think you are, but you have no right to judge how I handle this. And, just so you know, I searched for Nya for months." He sighed. "There's nowhere left to look." Wu pulled on his beard, sympathy and pain etched in his wrinkled face.

"Don't worry, Kai. We will find your sister." Eyes wide, Kai faced him again.

"How... do you know my name?" Wu gave him a sad smile.

"Because I was friends with your father."

"Get the girl."

"Yes, Master," someone answered, his gravelly voice echoing throughout the chamber. Turning, his bones scraped across each other as he made his way towards the wooden box that held their prisoner.

The wooden cell door creaked open; gagged and tied with rope, the girl glared at the abomination in front of her. She didn't bother to fight as the pile of bones picked her up, nor as he dragged her out of her cell; the four-armed creep was not to be trifled with.

Cold stone scraped at her knees and tore new holes in her pants as she was brought to a large cavern. The ropes chafed and ripped her skin, creating fresh wounds that would no doubt be infected by morning. Though there was no breeze, she felt herself chilled to the bone as she was forced to bow before the man she was meant to call "master." A sickening smile covered his face as he addressed her from his throne of bones; she instinctively wished she could coil away from him as his voice sent panic down her spine.

"Don't worry, my dear. The darkness won't hold you prisoner for long. Soon, it will set you free."