I'M BAAA-AAAAACK! surprised to see me?
just in time for christmas, too. i hope everyone is having a merry holiday season. i know it's been a HOT minute, but as an apology, this chapter is extra long, even by my standards. hope you enjoy!
it was really just an excuse for me to write the ninja partaking in christmas shenanigans. once again, fluff reigns supreme. don't worry, we'll be getting into more gritty stuff later. for now, we let them be kids. also, little lloyd will be entering the picture pretty soon, so you have that to look forward to.
see you at the bottom!
oOo
Nya bolts upright in bed, prying imaginary hands off her throat. For six tortuous seconds, she's still breathing in cave dust and sinking slowly into an eternal darkness.
Then her vision clears and her lungs expand and Nya heaves forward. Shakily, she breathes.
In. Out. In...
Out.
She digs all ten fingers into her hair, pulling to erase the final traces of panic. The dream fades at the edges, just out of reach, and Nya chooses to forget.
The nightmares have been getting worse.
Sun blasts through the window—the monastery isn't big on curtains. Her skin feels sticky and sweat drips down the back of Nya's neck. The monastery isn't big on air conditioning either.
Another day.
Nya glances at the old-fashioned alarm clock perched on the windowsill. It's past breakfast time, which is disheartening because clearly no one had been bothered enough to wake her up.
The dream gets discarded as the rest of reality trickles in with the grumbling of her stomach. Time to get up.
Nya shoves out of her room, immediately bombarded by the plethora of fighting noises echoing from the courtyard. She sighs.
Blah blah blah, ninjas have to train. A lot, apparently. She's still not sure what they're training for. Allegedly it's preparation for if (or when) Garmadon decides to wreak more havoc in Ninjago.
Nya dreads it with every fiber of her being.
She pokes into the empty kitchen and grabs a banana, eyeing it warily. With her luck, Zane probably made pancakes and they were phenomenal and she'll never know just how phenomenal because everyone let her sleep in.
Stupid boys and stupid training...
Nya eyes the ceiling, combing through her hair with one hand. She misses quiet mornings at Four Weapons, birds twittering cheerfully in the treetops, soft sunlight in the front yard. She misses the familiar clanging of metal and the steady warmth of the forge at her back.
Now all she gets is mountain wind and bruised bananas.
Having worn out her stay in the empty kitchen, Nya wanders back to her room. The training sounds are muffled through the door.
She changes out of her pajamas (not that she's ever owned real pajamas, it's mostly Kai's old clothes that he grew out of) and throws on something more presentable. Absently, Nya twists the bracelet on her wrist. FSM, there's nothing to do...
Well. She could go watch the boys train. Maybe fate will be on her side for once and Sensei will ask her to join them.
Kai would probably blow a fuse. She's this close to breaking his record on the training course, a few more days of intense practice might do the trick. Still, though, she tries not to activate the course without Sensei's permission. He's being generous, after all, letting her use it. Giving her pointers.
Plus, the courtyard is hardly ever free. How's she supposed to practice when the guys are always hogging the course?
Nya peels the banana upside-down as she heads down the hall. She saw one time that an "upside-down" banana is actually right-side-up. Or at least, that's how monkeys peel them in the wild. It might be a myth, but she figures Ninjago Geographic has some merit.
Her mind is wandering. Time to get moving.
With the fading remnants of her resolve, Nya nudges the courtyard doors open and slips outside. A few heads turn at the interruption. Jay pivots his whole body around and lights up at the sight of her.
"Hey Nya!" he calls. Cole promptly swings his scythe and knocks the blue ninja off his feet. Jay groans from the ground, irritated. "What was that for?!"
Obviously they're not sparring with the Golden Weapons, they learned that lesson the hard way. They're just using ordinary imitations, built to get the job done without...y'know, elemental hazards.
"Never turn your back on the enemy." For dramatic effect, Cole levels his weapon at Jay's throat. Unamused, Jay whacks it aside.
From the opposite side of the courtyard, Kai and Zane break apart, Zane's shurikens glinting before he sheathes them.
"What's the matter, Jay?" teases Kai. "Sun in your eyes?"
Jay pushes himself up, dusting off his gi. "Ha, ha, hilarious. That was one time."
Cole cuts in, grinning. "Nah, Sparky here just let his guard down."
"Did not!"
"Easily distracted, aren't you?"
Kai leans on the handle of his katana, the tip of it dug into the ground. "Careful, Jay. If my sister is all it takes to throw you off your game, you won't stand a chance against Garmadon."
Zane, already disinterested with this exchange, leaps onto the training carousel and starts ducking through the obstacles.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," relents Jay. He crosses his arms over his chest defiantly. "Sorry I was trying to be nice."
"Nice doesn't win battles."
"Neither do your ridiculous one-liners—"
"Neither do your stupid noises—"
"Neither does that stupid hair—"
"Ohhh, you little—"
The courtyard dissolves into bickering, voices overlapping as Kai and Jay quarrel between themselves. Cole is in the middle, exasperatedly fighting to keep the peace. Zane observes the discord from a safe distance.
Meanwhile, Nya is wondering why she's even out here. She's probably in trouble now, the guys were doing just fine until she distracted them and ruined everything.
"I—I think I'll just..." Nya cracks the door back open, about to flee the scene, but an agreeable voice stops her.
"Leaving so soon?"
Startled, Nya whips around and—yep, there's Sensei Wu. He hadn't been there just a second ago. Nevertheless, now he's stationed just to her left, steaming cup of tea in one hand as he regards his students tiredly. Nya doesn't miss the fond twinkle in his eye, though.
Her first instinct is to apologize. "I'm sorry, Sensei—I know you guys are busy and I didn't mean to interrupt anything, I was just—"
"Nonsense," he says. "Have you come to observe?"
And maybe join, Nya thinks, but she keeps it quiet. "Yeah. But not if it's gonna be a problem."
"It's no problem at all." Sensei sips his tea, thoughtfully watching Jay and Kai lapse into good-natured tussling. Zane is looking on with distress, Cole's shaking his head wearily.
Seeing as she doesn't seem to be in any trouble, Nya lets go of the door, hands dropping at her sides. "I thought I might be able to pick up a few things. If I watched."
He nods. "I see. A wise decision. As iron sharpens iron—"
At that moment, Jay gets ahold of Kai's hair and unrestrained chaos breaks loose. Kai screams in protest, bunny-kicking Jay off of him, and Jay goes flying into Cole, who stumbles back and topples into Zane—
"I fear they are not yet good examples," Sensei says through a sigh. "They have...much to learn."
Nya cracks half a smile at that. Now all four of the ninja are galloping across the courtyard, chasing each other like provoked roosters. Part of Nya marvels at this public display of immaturity. The other part of her is just happy to see Kai laughing.
"I suppose it's time I intervene," Sensei relents. He claps his hands, shouting, "Pupils. Enough!"
The four boys screech to a halt. Jay's got Zane in a headlock. Kai's fist is poised in midair, Cole sprawled underneath him.
In unison, they break apart, muttering apologies.
"Yes, Sensei..."
"Sorry, Sensei."
"Jay started it."
"Did not."
Sensei gives the dignified version of an eye-roll, then descends the stairs to appraise his students. "Students. We have a visitor among us."
Four heads turn back to Nya. Kai raises an inquisitive eyebrow as Jay grins over his shoulder. Nya presses her lips together, fighting off the urge to wave. Or—curtsey, or something. She knows all these people, what's she so nervous for?
Oh, she's never gonna hear the end of this.
"And that means," Sensei continues, "you should be focused. You should be conscious of proper form. Technique. Demonstrate what you have learned and perhaps you will become the teachers."
"You wanna learn to fight?" asks Kai, irked.
Nya opens her mouth, a retort already halfway out, but Sensei holds up a hand, beating her to it.
"Kai, I think you will find that Nya possesses a great deal of skill. It may benefit you to learn from her example."
The other three ninja hide their smiles, but Nya hears Cole whisper, "Burn."
Nya tries not to stand any taller. It's nice to be validated, every now and then.
Sensei holds his head higher. "Now. First kata! Who would like to show Nya our progress?"
Silence.
Jay audibly gulps.
Sighing, Sensei thunks his staff against the ground. "So be it. Cole, Kai. Take your positions."
"Wha—why me?" Kai balks, earning a pointed glare from Cole.
"Because," Sensei replies, "your sister was gracious enough to join us today. I would like to showcase the competition."
There's a distinct spark in Sensei's eyes, something knowing and humorous.
Kai glowers, catching Nya's smug grin. But he steps forward, standing opposite Cole. Kai starts to draw his katana, but Sensei stops him.
"Ah-ah! Hand to hand. No weapons, please."
Nya can see the exact moment in which Kai swallows his complaint. He's obviously struggling a great deal to restrain himself.
Contentedly, she takes a seat on the stone steps, leaning forward. For good measure, she gives Kai an unapologetic wink.
Cole and Kai face each other, then bow. Sensei calls, "Begin."
Not surprisingly, Kai makes the first move. He strikes out with one hand, twisting his body to the right in a roundhouse kick. He lashes out again with a series of straight punches, forcing Cole to block. He gets ahold of Kai's elbow and whirls him around, planting both hands on his back and shoving.
Kai recovers quickly, curled fists held ready at his chest.
"Good, Cole," praises Sensei. "Kai. Pay attention to your opponent's form, look for weaknesses."
Nya narrows her eyes, analyzing her brother's next move. He hesitates for another breath, giving Cole time to switch to offensive. He kicks once, twice, three times. Kai grunts, ducking under each one—just barely. He retaliates with extra aggression, thrusting out punches like his life depends on it.
"Stronger elbows," Sensei corrects. "Cole, mind your footwork."
Nya observes their legs, how their feet are planted firmly apart. She watches Kai continue striking, watches Cole as he struggles to block with his forearms. One of her brother's hits finds Cole somewhere below the collarbone.
Finally, Kai punches too low and Cole sees the opening just as Nya does.
Cole grips Kai's arm with one hand, the other hand finding Kai's shoulder.
Kai's eyes go wide as he recognizes he's caught, but before he can break free, Cole swings his arm up and over. Kai goes tumbling over Cole's back, landing flat on the ground.
"Very good," says Sensei, nodding his approval. "Both of you."
Kai wastes no time leaping to his feet—and finally complaining. "That was so unfair, you're like—twice as big as me!"
Cole flexes a bicep. "And don't I know it."
Jay cackles from the corner, feigning a pout. "What'sa matter, Kai? Sun in your eyes?"
"I'd like to see you take down Cole, noodle arms—"
"Settle down, settle down." Sensei approaches the opponents. "You each have your own strengths, as well as weaknesses." He glances over at Nya, beckoning her forward.
"Me?" she points to herself. When Sensei nods, Nya stands, pattering her way over to the little group.
Sensei lays a hand on her shoulder, though he's looking at Kai. "Nya, tell these two where they went wrong today."
She blinks, astounded. The courtyard is quiet, except for the breeze. Nya can feel everyone's eyes on her, though her brother's are especially prominent. He's probably bright red, but she wouldn't know. She's looking at her shoes.
Seeming to understand her reluctance, Sensei says, "It's alright. My students have thick skins." He bonks Kai on the head with his staff and Kai yelps. "I think a fresh perspective may be just what they need."
So Nya thinks back to what she just saw, the fighting stances, the footwork. Cole's defensive blocks, Kai's soaring kick. She takes a breath.
To Cole, she says, "You were—too grounded. It would've been easier to block if you were matching Kai's pace. Y'know...shifting positions."
Cole just raises his eyebrows, maybe a little shocked at her specificity.
To her brother, Nya says, "You were too focused on your offense. Too impulsive. Cole wouldn't have caught your arm if you were more intentional with those punches."
Kai's jaw tenses, but he knows she's right.
When Nya looks over at Sensei, hoping for some backup, he is practically incandescent.
"Precisely," he says, turning to give Kai and Cole a look. "I could not have said it better myself. As you can see—"
"But Sensei," Kai interjects. "Cole's stronger than me. More experienced. It wasn't a fair fight without our weapons."
"Is that so?" Sensei tilts his head mischievously. "Perhaps we should even the odds." He casts a critical eye over the rest of his students. "Who would like to face Kai next?"
Zane looks like he'd be game, eyes earnest as always. Nya figures he's probably a good fighter. He's always watching, always observing. Storing away information for later. Nya does that, too.
Jay's looking sweaty and Cole seems open to just about anything if it means getting some order in the courtyard. But Sensei doesn't call for them.
"Nya," he says.
Jarred, Nya turns her attention to him. "Yeah?"
"Would you like to assist with my lesson?"
Assist...?
That sounds like disaster with a side of misery.
But Nya knows better than to turn down Sensei Wu, especially since she's out here invading his training session. So, albeit reluctantly, Nya nods.
"Um. Sure."
"Excellent. Step forward."
She does. Kai shifts his weight to the other foot and the remaining 3 ninja take a few conspicuous steps back.
Nya focuses on the wideness of her stance, trying to shift her feet the correct distance apart. Meanwhile, Kai goes at it again.
"Sensei—it's okay, I get it. Never underestimate your opponent, I understand the lesson. We don't have to—"
"Please take your position, Kai."
"I don't think it's a good idea—"
"Kai." Sensei's tone is sharper now. "Do as I say. When you are the teacher, you may make your own decisions."
Nya raises her hand. "I—we don't have to do this, I don't wanna cause any—"
"No, Nya. Kai will be alright."
This final comment ruffles Kai's feathers, which was bound to happen sooner or later. His frown deepens into a scowl as he swings an arm out.
"Sensei, I'm not fighting my sister. She's—"
He cuts off, evidently realizing the stupidity of whatever was about to come next. Sensei peers down at him.
"She is what, Kai? Too young?"
"No..."
"Not strong enough?"
"No. That's not—"
"A girl?" Nya provides.
Kai's eyes slide over to her. His expression says it all.
Something fierce and purposeful comes to life inside Nya, and she digs out all the anxiety. She purges it, ripping it from the fabric of her brain and the cells of her skin. In its place, a rabid determination burns anew.
Nya's not fond of being the center of attention. But d'you know what she loves?
Proving people wrong.
"What're you scared of?" Nya taunts. "Afraid I'm gonna beat'cha?"
"Cut it out," says Kai. "Sorry I don't wanna fight a thirteen-year-old—"
"So it is about age?"
"It's about experience," he fires back. "I've had training. I fought Garmadon. I—"
"I lived with Garmadon." Nya clenches her teeth, staring her brother down. "I survived the Underworld for weeks. You were there for, what? A few hours?"
The courtyard has fallen silent.
Kai works his jaw for a handful of seconds, scrambling for a comeback. Finally, as a last gasp, he tries the I Just Worry About You route.
"Look—I'm not gonna hold back, okay? And if you, like, fall and break a bone, or—twist your ankle, or something, I don't want it to be my fault."
"How very noble of you," says Nya. She hears someone stifle a laugh behind her.
"It's not about being noble, it's about—"
Sensei claps his hands twice, so loudly that Nya's heart leaps in her chest.
"That's enough, Kai," says Sensei. "If you will not face Nya, one of your teammates will."
This seems to increase Kai's general willingness, because his defiance dims. He deflates a little, shoulders dropping from their exaggerated position near his ears.
"I can't believe this," he mumbles.
Nya turns toward him and bows. Kai glances at Sensei, then gives a reluctant bow of his own. He comes back up looking thoroughly unamused.
"I'll go easy on you," says Kai.
Nya shrugs. "Your loss."
Subtly entertained, Sensei backs up to give them space. He sweeps his arms out.
"Ready? Begin!"
Nya expects Kai to make the first move, but he's rooted in a defensive position, arms ready at his chest. She scans him for openings.
He's taller, which puts her at a disadvantage, but she's lighter, more quick-footed. She'll be able to dodge easier and dart around him.
"What're you waiting for?" asks Nya, growing impatient.
Kai shifts his weight a little. "A challenge."
One thing about Kai? He knows which of her buttons to push.
Nya absorbs the comment, letting it strangle any previous reservations about looking stupid, screwing up, or socking Kai in the jaw. Gratefully, she welcomes the rush of anger. The swell of determination.
She takes a quick half-step to the right, feigning an attack, which distracts Kai just long enough for her to swing her other leg into a side kick. Kai sees it coming, though, and manages to block.
Nya doesn't pause to rethink her strategy; she prefers to plan on the go. As soon as Kai's arms are up to block her leg, she ducks lower and aims a swift punch at his torso.
She lands a hit, but it's admittedly weak. Nya is already leaping to the left when Kai whips out a straight kick. His foot grazes her elbow and Nya gleefully spins, two seconds ahead.
They've moved a little toward the center of the courtyard, where the training equipment is now proving to be hazardous. Kai twists into a roundhouse—Nya ducks, diving behind him.
(One advantage of not hitting her growth spurt yet: she's hard to catch.)
Kai recovers, turning every which way. Nya has disappeared.
"Where'd she go?" He's breathless and probably irritated. His moves are sloppy and poorly timed, presumably on purpose. But she's giving him a run for his money anyway.
Sensei, sipping tea from his porcelain cup, raises his eyebrows indifferently.
Provoked by his teacher's aloofness, Kai spins on his heel, growling. "C'mon, Nya, not cool. Where are you?"
Silence. He whirls on Sensei again.
"Where is she? Do you see her?"
Sensei levels his gaze, humming mischievously. "When in need of guidance, you need only look up."
While Kai is processing that line, Nya's head pokes into view. She's on top of one of the balance pillars.
Wasting no time, she leaps off—directly onto Kai.
They go sprawling to the ground in a most undignified manner—Kai especially. His disbelieving screech echoes cavernously against the walls as he and Nya tumble into a knot.
Everyone breaks loose.
"Yeah, get him, Nya!"
"Take him down!"
"Get his arms!"
"You got it, you got it!"
Kai, all earlier proclamations of nobleness forgotten, fights tooth and nail, stooping as low as hair-pulling.
"Ow!" Nya shrieks. "That's not very honorable of you—"
She rolls, one leg hooked over Kai's shoulders. He has a death grip on her right arm, and that's when Nya notices the punching bag.
It's hanging low, swinging in the center. They're quite close to it, actually.
Idea.
It's childish, but with her free hand, Nya reaches for Kai's ribs. He squirms away, yelping.
"Hey, no tickling—"
Her fingers scurry up his side and Kai jolts, releasing her. Immediately, Nya jumps for the punching bag, hugging it as it whooshes in a half-circle.
As Kai's standing up, the punching bag knocks him right back down. Nya slides off, landing horseback-style on her brother's spine. She snatches one of his arms, pinning it behind him.
Kai thrashes, trying to get loose, but Nya has him stuck.
A moment of stunned silence.
Then the courtyard erupts in cheers.
"Awww-right!"
"No way!"
"Go Nya!"
Nya bends down close to Kai's ear and says, "Next time I'll go easy on you."
He grimaces as Nya lets him go, getting to her feet. She dusts herself off, feeling a little bruised but overall very accomplished.
Sensei comes forward.
"Excellent work, Nya."
Kai scrambles up, looking cheated. "But Sensei—she—"
"Your sister used her resources. In a fight, you must use your surroundings to your advantage. It was quick thinking."
"It was unfair."
Sensei dips his head, shaking it. Cole, understanding now, takes over.
"It wasn't unfair," he says. "You said fighting me was unfair because I'm stronger. Because I have more experience. But if it's all about strength and experience, how come Nya just kicked your butt?"
Kai fumes, jaw set in grim acceptance.
"Precisely," says Sensei. "Nya is not built like you, nor does she have all your training. But training isn't everything. She defeated you today because of her patience, resourcefulness, and willpower."
"She tickled me—"
"Know your enemy." Sensei's eyes twinkle, suggesting amusement. "It was simple, but quite effective, was it not?"
"Well—"
"I want you all to listen very closely."
Jay and Zane join the group from the sidelines. Sensei regards them warmly, but strictly. Nya unconsciously leans forward, knowing something important is coming.
"Today, with Nya's help, I have demonstrated that what matters is not the size of the ninja in the fight...but the size of the fight in the ninja."
A reverent sort of stillness descends upon them as they take it in. Everyone nods, little oh's sprinkled through the air like fallen leaves.
Even Nya, having been part of the demonstration, has to admit she's impressed. Tricky guy, this Sensei.
"Kai," says Sensei, turning to his student. "Your fire burns brighter than ever. But remember what becomes of an untamed spark."
Kai bows his head. "A wildfire."
"Indeed." Sensei pats his shoulder. "You are lucky, you know. Your sister knows how to douse the flames."
At this point, Nya begins to realize that Sensei speaks mostly in metaphors and riddles. She's still trying to read between the lines when Kai lifts his head to give her a subdued—but fond—grin.
"Yeah. Lucky me."
Feeling shy all of a sudden, Nya looks away.
Sensei gives them all a satisfied nod. "Enough training for this morning. I think you have all learned a valuable lesson."
"Yes, Sensei."
"We did, Sensei."
"You bet."
Their instructor cracks a final almost-smile, shuffling his way over to the double doors. On his way past Nya, the twinkle in his eyes is especially prominent.
"Good work," he says. "You'll be joining us again, I hope?"
For a moment, Nya can hardly process the sentence. Then it all catches up to her and she lets out a disbelieving laugh.
"Uh—sure! Yeah. Whenever you want."
Then he's gone, leaving Nya and the four boys to their own devices.
Or, wait. Three boys.
Kai seems to have disappeared. The others are already yapping amongst themselves, recapping the lesson. Cole catches Nya's eye and waves her over.
"Nya, hey! That was sick. I mean—you took him down in half the time it usually takes the rest of us."
Jay chimes in. "Did you see the look on his face? Priceless."
Zane offers a nod. "You were quite impressive."
"Thanks, guys," says Nya, though she's already distracted. "Hey, uh—did any of you see where Kai went?"
Cole shrugs. "I dunno, probably off to sulk somewhere." He elbows Jay, who laughs.
"He's never gonna live this down."
Nya rolls her eyes. Boys.
"I should probably go find him," she says. "I'll see you guys later."
"Later!"
"Bye, Nya!"
"Join us anytime."
The sentiments are nice. Really, they are. Nya's not used to being praised for her various skills or interests, at least not like this. Sometimes she'd get an enthusiastic thumbs-up from Walter, and Kai is more of a "silent appreciation" type.
This whole validation thing could get to her head all too easily. Thankfully, her ego is not as easily bruised as Kai's.
The downside of that, though, is that Kai is the Easily Offended One. That leaves Nya to take up the role of The One Who Always Apologizes (Even If It's Not Her Problem).
She's used to it by now.
Nya slips out the monastery's huge doors and edges her way to the dragon stable. Flame and his friends are there, but no Kai.
Next, Nya tries the bunkroom, but he's not there either.
When she hurries back through the courtyard, Zane's meditating in a corner. Cole and Jay are playing frisbee with an empty pizza box.
"Hey Jay, go long!" Cole shouts.
Nya dodges the soaring cardboard, darting back outside.
She takes a moment to analyze the situation.
If I were Kai and I just got my rear handed to me in front of everyone, where would I go?
Somewhere quiet, where he can't hear the others. Somewhere precarious, so he gets the feeling he's being rebellious by sulking there. And somewhere with little chance of someone stumbling across him.
He's like a cat, Nya thinks. Cats always lurk away when they're pouting.
Or in pain.
At last, Nya starts to descend the winding stone steps, keeping her eyes peeled for a flash of treacherous brown hair.
She spots him about fifty steps down, perched on a protruding ledge of the mountain. His knees are hugged to his chest, not unlike a child on timeout.
Nya sighs.
Three seconds of annoyance are followed by the more insistent wave of empathy.
She's always the first to be mad at Kai and the first to feel sorry for him. Must be a sibling thing.
Carefully, Nya begins the short climb over to Kai's ledge. Her foot slips almost immediately and a stone bounces away, clattering.
Kai doesn't move. "You're not very stealthy, you know."
Nya rolls her eyes, though Kai can't see it. "Stealth is a ninja thing anyway."
"Go away, Nya. I'm not in the mood."
"No, you're in a mood. I'm not here to gloat, don't worry."
"I'm serious."
"So am I, stupid."
She stumbles again, catching herself just in time. Kai finally whirls around, thoroughly displeased.
"Nya, if you fall and kill yourself—"
"You can write not very stealthy on the gravestone."
"You're sick."
"I know."
She finally succeeds in reaching Kai, crawling over to curl up next to him. The ledge is only about six feet wide, and the drop-off is alarmingly steep. Nya prays their combined weight doesn't exceed the rock's capacity or anything.
There's some initial awkwardness, as there always is after Kai storms off. He's still trying to be Tough Guy and therefore immune to her cheering-up tactics.
The breeze is downright biting. It whips through Nya's hair, strikes the sides of her face. Kai's locks are almost immobile, a true testament of just how much hair gel he's been using.
Nya leans over him, peering into his expression. Kai shoves her gently away.
"Aww." Nya pulls a face, exaggerating a replica of Kai's. "Pouty face."
"Do not ever say pouty face again—"
"What're you sad about, fire boy?"
"Nothing."
"Training?"
"No."
"I wasn't trying to humiliate you. Sensei asked me to help, I didn't want to say no."
"Whatever, Nya."
"And to be fair, you were kinda complaining a lot."
"Okay, I get it."
"I mean, you're a really good fighter. Just because you lost a match doesn't mean you suck."
"I don't need your pity compliment."
Nya frowns, a little stung. She turns to the horizon for a moment, then back to Kai.
"C'mon, don't be like that," she says, quieter now. "It's not pity, I'm being honest. You know I admire you. A lot."
Kai softens a little, releasing a breath that gets drowned in the wind.
"I don't know what I'm doing," Nya continues. "Everything makes sense on the training course, but hand-to-hand? Totally different."
"Well. You aren't exactly an amateur," Kai says, side-eyeing her.
"I am, though. I don't even remember how I won, I think I—blacked out, or something."
Kai laughs as though he had been trying not to. Nya joins him, happy she's getting through.
"Don't do that," says Kai.
"Do what?"
"Act all humble. You won fair and square. Just own it."
"I just don't want you to feel bad."
Kai turns his head a bit, giving her a long, strange look. It's vulnerable and sad and—maybe a little regretful. For half a moment, he looks so much younger.
Then, just like that, he's back.
"C'mon, you should be jumping for joy right about now."
Nya grins. "Why's that?"
"You just impressed the heck out of Jay."
Nya's grin fades, replaced by the usual disappointment when this subject is brought up.
"Whatever. Not like I was trying to."
"Of course not."
Nya thinks about shoving him, but seeing as they're balanced on a narrow ledge, she sticks her tongue out instead. It's not nearly as satisfying.
Kai is quiet for a short while, folded arms atop his knees. He rests his chin there, and Nya watches as the tension drains from his posture.
Ha. She won.
At last, Kai glances at her. "Wanna go for a ride?"
Nya doesn't quite understand him at first, so she quirks an eyebrow. "Sorry, what?"
For some reason, she pictures Kai and herself, sledding down the side of this mountain on a chunk of broken earth. She's fearing for her life, clinging to him, while he's gleefully waving both arms in the air...
"On the dragon."
Nya blinks. The previous image poofs away. "Ohhh." She gestures grandly. "What're we waiting for?"
Flying has got to be her favorite perk of Kai's new life. She's never been on a plane before, but dragons are so much better. She feels like she's living out all the stories she remembers from childhood.
If her dad could see them now...
Kai leaps to his feet, dusting dirt from his gi. He gives Nya a hand up and they trek back up to the stables.
Not ten minutes later, they're soaring at a downward angle, the wind roaring in Nya's ears and blending with the sound of her galloping pulse.
She keeps the joyous screaming to a minimum this time, knowing it gets on Kai's nerves.
They swoop low, sailing over treetops and rural villages. Part of Nya wants to ask if they can make a stop in Ignacia, just for the heck of it, but she knows Kai won't want to. He's all about moving forward.
Nya feels like she can't stop looking back.
It sure does make it hard to enjoy the moment when all she's thinking about is home. But she can't change how things played out.
All that's left to do now is make the best of it.
They're miles from the monastery when Nya experiences a tingling, electrifying sensation on the back of her neck. She shivers, glancing up.
The clouds have gathered, darkening.
"It's gonna rain," she says.
"What?" Kai shakes his head, like he's coming back to himself. "Since when?"
"Since now."
Kai groans. "The weather is such a buzzkill." He tugs a little on Flame's reins. "Up we go."
Nya grabs for balance as the dragon shifts directions, flapping its monstrous wings with extra force as they ascend. They pass through the cloud barrier and mist brushes Nya's cheeks.
Above the layer of storm clouds, the world is quiet. No howling wind, no rustling of leaves. Just the occasional rumble of distant thunder.
It's so cool.
"I've never been this high before," Nya breathes.
Kai exhales softly. "Me neither."
He pulls Flame to a stop, and for a while, they hover in a solemn silence.
Nya knows that she's witnessing something special. Something few people have seen in their lifetime. She's in a hidden pocket of nature, a secret oasis. Between the clouds and stratosphere.
Somehow it feels incorrect. Like she's trespassing on something sacred.
She whispers, "It's so peaceful."
"Yeah." Kai speaks in low tones as well, sensing the delicacy of their environment. "Like another planet."
They readjust until they're sitting side-saddle, feet dangling over an infinite expanse of haze. Below them, a storm is in its infant stages. Nya can feel the static of it all the way up her arms.
She doesn't know how long they sit like that, admiring the surreal world they stumbled across. They're the only living creatures this high up, the only ones brave enough to voyage this far.
Nya finds a particular thrill in that sentiment.
Soon, though, they're getting a little lightheaded and Kai decides to take them back down. Flame dips through the cloud cover, trails of vapor wisping behind his wings.
I could get used to this, Nya thinks to herself.
Kai detours through the Sea of Sand, a blazing desert terrain that Nya is only marginally familiar with. While they're passing over it, Nya looks down and catches sight of a strange monument.
In fact, as they get closer, she thinks it must be the skeletal remains of some enormous creature. It appears to be a humongous ribcage, dried and dusty and abandoned. The skull is half buried in sand, once-fearsome fangs bared grimly.
Nya tugs on Kai's gi. "Hey, can we check that out?"
"Check what out?"
"That skeleton down there."
Kai turns to give her The Look. "You wanna poke around some dead animal's carcass?"
"When you put it like that—"
"No thanks."
"Kai—"
"Noooo, nope. Not doing that."
"Ugh." Nya shoves him, turning sadly toward the disappearing bones. In the back of her mind, she makes a note to come back here sometime. Maybe she'll take Flame for a joyride.
Because that skeleton is A.) totally cool, and B.) the perfect location for a secret hideout.
Oh, you didn't think she forgot about her samurai suit, did you? No no no. Nya's got a plan. And if she's gonna be a superhero, she needs a top-secret place to keep her superhero stuff.
Maybe she's seen too many movies.
Or maybe she's on to something.
So she stores the location away for later, daydreaming the rest of the way to the monastery.
oOo
December is in full swing, and soon Christmas is creeping up on them. Nya, not used to much festivity, is pleasantly surprised by the level of holiday spirit displayed at the monastery.
The boys are exuberant.
And Sensei, good sport that he is, has agreed to let them decorate.
Everyone makes several dragon trips down to the city suburbs, returning with bags full of garland and lights. Nya stays home and does damage control, subtracting numbers from their budget.
"Kai, what do you need four gallons of eggnog for?"
"Hey, I need to know what I've been missing out on all these years!"
Sensei sighs wearily from the doorway.
But the best part is the tree.
Nya was a little confused about how they intended to transport a live pine tree by dragon, but then she walks outside and sees Cole's dragon, Rocky, flapping toward the monastery with the tree trunk clasped in his giant talons.
"No way," she says, smiling.
Rocky plops the tree in the center of the courtyard, pine needles flying everywhere. The guys drag the whole thing into the living/game room, which is a fiasco that Nya is happy to observe from a safe distance.
She and Jay fashioned the tree stand together by themselves with bits and pieces, and Nya is quite proud of it. Plus, tinkering with Jay is always an enjoyable experience.
Kai finds a Christmas playlist on N-Tube, so they end up enduring at least three renditions of his "All I Want for Christmas" karaoke. By the end of his second round, Nya's ready to drown him in eggnog.
Cole's in charge of hanging garland, Jay's on light duty, and Zane is tacking their stockings to the wall. Kai and Nya are tag-teaming the tree decorating (and by that, Nya means that Kai's haphazardly tossing tinsel everywhere and Nya is fixing it).
"Kai, chill with the sparkles."
"Make me."
"I will."
"Ow, ow, Nya—"
Cole is perched precariously on a kitchen stool, hanging garland over the door frame. "Thank FSM I'm an only child."
"You have no idea," says Kai, his hair now sufficiently glistening with tinsel.
"Wait!" Nya laments suddenly. "We don't have any ornaments."
The guys swap looks. "Oh. Whoops."
"Four gallons of eggnog but no ornaments?" Nya glares. "You've gotta be kidding."
"We had other priorities!"
"Yeah, clearly."
Nya's still a little wary of joking too hard, at least with the other guys. She has no problem teasing Kai, but she's learning boundaries with everyone else. She's trying to figure out what's okay and what isn't, so she doesn't come on too strong.
The guys still intimidate her a little, even now. But she's getting there.
Jay has acquired a sprig of mistletoe, which he insists upon hanging in the doorway.
"Seriously?" Kai scoffs.
"Hey hey hey, mistletoe is a Christmas tradition."
"For who, exactly?"
Cole walks by with an armload of garland. "For people with crushes."
Jay whirls on him. "Hey!"
Nya makes another mental note to steer clear of the mistletoe.
At any rate, Jay hands light duty over to Zane, who has no problem being outside. He's more amicable toward cold temperatures, so it seems. Soon, the courtyard is glittering with festive colors. Even the dragon statue has been adorned with a massive bow.
Since they don't have ornaments, the guys decide to decorate the tree with random household objects.
At first, Nya is very against this idea. Then she gives in, seeing how happy everyone else is. (She figures the best way to fit in is to just go along with it.)
Soon, the tree is hung with two pairs of sunglasses, a tiny watering can, a wooden ladle, a banana, and an "I Heart Ninjago City" keychain.
Nya's not sure where they even found most of this stuff, and the tree looks totally ridiculous. But it's also kind of charming. It reflects their personalities far better than any regular ornaments could've, she supposes.
They had remembered to find a star. Nya climbs on Kai's shoulders to place it perfectly on top, and the ninja cheer as it turns on.
On his way to the kitchen, Cole crosses Jay in the doorway. Kai points, laughing.
"Nuh-uh, you two. You know the rule."
They're wedged under the mistletoe. Jay groans.
Unamused, Cole kisses his own palm and promptly whacks the back of Jay's head with it.
"OW."
"You're just asking for it, Sparky."
Zane, on the other side of the threshold, frowns. "I do not understand this tradition."
Kai shakes his head. "You and me both, buddy."
Around that time, Sensei walks in with a plate. The guys crowd around him almost instantly.
"You made cookies?"
"Wait, you can cook?"
"No way!"
"Thank you, Sensei!"
Nya shoves through their arms to see Sensei, beaming with a plate of sugar cookies in his arms. Apparently he made them while everyone else was distracted with decorating.
The ninja dive hungrily into the pile. Nya modestly snatches one and seeks shelter over by the tree.
Mere days later, Christmas is upon them and Nya doesn't know what to expect. Back in Ignacia, Liam never much cared for holidays. Nya can remember one time, when she was very little—before her parents disappeared—that it snowed on Christmas and her mom gave her a picture book.
It was beautiful. Gilded images of dragons and fairy tale characters, brave adventurers and dazzling islands. Mermaids and pirates.
After they went to live at Liam's, the book disappeared along with a lot of other stuff. Nya wonders where it is now.
Anyway, since that distant memory, she hasn't celebrated Christmas. She and Kai never had the funds for it, but occasionally they'd give each other something small.
Needless to say, Nya's expectations aren't particularly high. That's how she gets by. Keep the expectations low and never get disappointed.
But, turns out, Christmas with her new roommates is nothing like she imagined.
Apparently, at some point, Cole had ventured out and bought a bunch of Christmas sweaters. He presents them on Christmas morning, unwrapped but garnished with red ribbons.
The sweaters are hideous, of course, and at first Nya thinks this (like most other things) is "boys club exclusive." But then Cole hands her one.
Nya is so shocked that she goes weak in the knees.
Kai's sweater has a "cool" rendition of Santa on it, complete with sunglasses and twin fistfuls of fire. Kai is overjoyed.
Jay's has a dorky snowflake pattern across the front and an image of Rudolph. The cherry on top, though, is the headband that came along with it. Nya thinks only Jay could pull off antlers (but don't tell him that).
Cole got himself a sweater with a bulldozer on it, surrounded by elves in construction hats. The machine is lifting a huge pile of coal.
"Now none of you can make 'coal for Christmas' jokes because I beat you to it!" he proclaims.
Jay droops. "Aww, but I had so many good ones!"
"Nnnnope! Not this year."
Zane's sweater says 'CHILL OUT' in big, hand-stitched letters. The snowman on the front is snowboarding with holographic goggles on.
Nya unfolds hers and breaks out in a laugh. Santa Claus is holding up a massive golden trophy with lights wrapped all around it. The glittery letters spell out 'MVP!'.
She slides it on over her pajama top and proudly spins for the audience. Jay hops over.
"You didn't see the best part," he says. He takes her arm. "Can I...?"
"Sure."
Jay gently turns her wrist over and tugs the sleeve down a bit. On the inside is a little button. He pushes it and the lights on Nya's sweater blink on.
"What!" Everyone applauds, laughing.
Kai crosses his arms good-naturedly. "How come yours is cooler than mine?"
Cole raises his mug of hot chocolate. "A toast to Nya."
"The champion of putting up with us," adds Kai, tousling her hair.
"Hear hear!" crows Jay.
They all lift their mugs and cheer, and Nya is caught up in the very middle of it all, grinning from ear to ear.
She doesn't mention it out loud, but this sweater might be the first article of new clothing she's received in...a long time.
Nya's used to wearing Kai's old hand-me-downs. This gift is precious to her, regardless of how silly it is. She wants to keep it forever.
They dig through stockings simultaneously, pulling out candy in various forms and other odds and ends. Inevitably, Cole pulls out a single lump of coal along with the rest of his gifts.
"Who put this in here?" he demands.
No one offers accountability, but judging from the way Kai is hiding his smile, Nya has her suspicions.
By the end of the afternoon, Nya is so full of love that she's having a hard time containing it. She's not used to this much commotion, this much company. Even Sensei Wu is feeling the Christmas spirit, sporting one of the red ribbons on his robe.
He watches them throughout the day, participating in the merriment by chuckling at the jokes and smiling in his quiet, patient way.
Nya hasn't felt this safe in years.
As the evening wears on, they assemble in the game room for a movie night. Only the tree lights are on, providing a cozy atmosphere, and Kai is extra content with a jug of eggnog cradled in his arms.
Everyone piles onto the sofa, overlapping and comfortable with each other. Nya doesn't even mind that Kai parks himself right between her and Jay, because honestly she's just happy to be warm and surrounded by good people.
They spend the night making their way through awful Christmas movies that, really, they're hardly paying attention to. Everyone is chattering away. Nobody runs out of things to talk about.
Every now and then, someone will comment on the movie and it'll spark a new humorous discussion.
"The acting is terrible."
"Like you could do any better."
"Try me!"
"You couldn't even lie with a straight face when you stole the last cookie yesterday!"
Kai leaves to take some dishes to the kitchen, and Nya follows a few minutes later, eager to help out. They collide in the doorway—Nya just barely catches the ceramic mug she drops.
She tries to squeeze past, but Cole calls out.
"You know the rules!"
Nya looks questioningly at her brother, who looks up. That damned mistletoe is hanging right above them.
Everyone bursts out laughing, except Jay, who throws his hands in the air, defeated.
Nya rolls her eyes but obliges, planting a quick peck on Kai's check. In turn, he kisses the top of her head.
"Okay, show's over," he says, blushing.
Nya scampers off to the kitchen, knowing Kai will endure some teasing for that. If he's gonna be ridiculed, Nya should at least give him space for it.
It's the best Christmas ever, by her standards. She can't remember the last time she felt so fulfilled. It's all so unbelievable. This time last year, she wouldn't have dreamed of a day like this. In fact, she would've actively feared it. Dreaded it, even.
A few days ago, she was still submerged in doubts.
But now she can't imagine leaving this behind.
Ignacia is still in her heart, of course. Nya misses it all the time. Four Weapons will always be her and Kai's house.
However, she's getting a little closer to maybe calling this place home.
She rinses the dishes, returning happily to the couch. Everyone is laughing at this part of the movie. Nya looks around at their faces, at their smiles and stupid sweaters and limbs sprawled every which way. And she feels something soft and warm spreading through her chest.
For once, she's not running or hiding or fighting. She's not scared of what tomorrow will bring. Because if this is what a family looks like, Nya doesn't have anything to worry about.
"Try some," Kai insists, shoving his glass of eggnog into her hands.
Nya grimaces into it. "Mm, I'm okay."
"C'mon, you might love it."
Nya takes a tiny sip. She swallows, processing.
Kai watches her expression.
"You love it," he says.
Nya doesn't want to give him the satisfaction. "It's disgusting."
"Shut up, you love it."
"It tastes like dirt."
"Admit it! Admit you love eggnog."
"Never."
She makes Kai wrestle the glass from her clutches, jerking away from him. From her other side, Cole urges her on.
"Yeah, make him work for it, Nya."
Kai gives him a vicious look. "Cole's just bitter he was on the naughty list this year—"
Kai doesn't get to finish that sentence before he's clobbered with a pillow. Of course, because they're all animals, this escalates abruptly into a pillow fight of epic proportions. Soon they're all leaping for cover, grabbing pillows and cushions to use as ammunition.
Part of it is probably the sugar high. The other part of it is pure teenage hyperactivity, mixed together with the usual sibling antagonism.
Nya ducks under a flying couch cushion to tumble behind the back of the sofa. Jay's there, too.
"Wanna team up?" he asks, beaming devilishly.
Nya locks her arm with his in an exaggerated fireman's grip. "Absolutely."
They dive out from opposite sides of the couch, attacking with a renewed vigor. It takes the others a while to catch on to what's happening.
"Hey!" Kai yelps. "I didn't know we could form alliances!"
"Try to keep up!" says Jay, thwacking Kai with a pillow.
Kai growls, dodging a sneak attack from Nya. "Traitor!"
And Sensei observes from the doorway, that fond twinkle in his eyes that says, yeah, I recruited teenagers to save the world and sometimes I have second thoughts—but this is not one of those times.
Jay and Zane tumble that direction, getting caught under the mistletoe. The laughter and uproar heighten as Jay flops to the floor.
"Oh, come on!"
As Nya battles her brother and his friends, she has one prevailing thought.
She thinks, there really is no place like home for the holidays.
oOo
yo! i remember reading a christmas fic at some point where jay was obsessed with catching nya under the mistletoe, but i can't remember what fic it was. either way, credit goes to that author for the idea. tbh it should be canonical that jay would be the mistletoe kinda guy, c'mon.
i hope to be back to posting chapters more regularly! i'll see you sometime soon. MERRY CHRISTMAS to all who celebrate!
and as always, thank you for reading!
xoxo
saturn