A/n- This is the final chapter in Kai and Nya's origin arc. Most of this one takes place during the pilot episodes, but I didn't want to completely reiterate what happened so there's several short time jumps between some of the events portrayed in the show. However there are some scenes I felt were necessary to leave written in. The goal is to see what was going on (mostly) from Kai and Nya's perspective without feeling like you're just reading transcripts of the episodes. Also when the ninja travel back in time the skeletons say specifically to target Nya, so I dove into why that might be. Fair warning this is a 10k work chapter...
2 years later
Deep in the Underworld...
The cavern was dark and musty. A central fire pit and several torches mounted along the walls flickered with purple flames sending strange shadows dancing around the room. Seated on a throne near the fire a man, as black of skin and heart as the shadows enveloping him, brooded silently. The chair beneath him had been fashioned from the bleached bones of his enemies. It might have been more morbid if said enemies hadn't been reanimated skeletons- the native occupants of this cursed world that doubled as his prison. But not for much longer.
Bowing before his throne was a giant of a skeleton, his imposing build enforced by his four arms. Samukai, general of the skeletal forces and deposed leader of the underworld. His ability with the sword and to control the army stayed Garmadon's hand when he gained the advantage in their duel. In return for his life Samukai swore his allegiance to the newcomer and became general. It was a bond of necessity and both were only too aware.
"Sir, my scouts have just returned with information I think you'll be interested in. There's been sightings that your brother is on the move."
The deep growl that rumbled at those words would have made Samukai fear for his afterlife if he didn't have more to say. "My brother is always on the move. How is that news?"
"We have confirmation he's putting together a team of elementals."
The man snorted contemptuously. "So he thinks he can remake the alliance? Look how well that held up last time."
The comment was more to himself than Samukai, but that didn't keep the general from replying. "True, but these fighters are young, the next generation of so-called heroes. What's more, he's gathered three of the elements of creation. Lightning, Ice, Earth- only Fire remains." Samukai pretended not to notice how the Underlord gripped his armrests.
"If he's assembling the legendary elements he's preparing for something- someone-else."
"The Green Ninja?
"Baaah." Scoffing the man leaned back against the throne. "The prophecy has been around almost as long as Ninjago itself. " He lapsed into silence, brooding. After a minute he seemed to remember he wasn't alone. "Why are you still here?"
Internally rolling his eyes Samukai merely bowed his head again. "Since he's going after the human masters it's only a matter of time before he goes after their Golden Weapons. More than that we've confirmed a map was drawn to where the Weapons lay."
"What!?" The Dark Lord's eyes flashed red. "I don't believe my brother would ever stoop to such a risk. If you are tricking me...!" The unsaid threat hung in the air.
"Risk though it may be, he took it. Apparently well before yours and his battle over them."
"Why is this just now coming to my attention?"
"Because we only just now found a witness."
"Explain." His patience was waning fast.
"We waylaid a man from Ignacia. The home-"
"Yes the home of the masters of water and fire. Get on with it."
"Since you want anyone who could be associated with the masters carefully questioned, they asked him about your brother. Turns out he came through the village multiple times over the years which the man only remembered because not too many strangers make their way to Ignacia. He remembered starting to see him 15 years ago."
"Right about the time the weapons vanished..." Waving the thought aside he glared down at Samukai. "So my brother went off visiting one of his friends. Hardly warrants there being a map."
"The witness claims the master of fire was distant for several weeks after that visit, but he was seen buying materials used to preserve parchment immediately after."
"That still doesn't mean a map was drawn. If you don't have substantial evidence-!"
"With all due respect sir, the master of fire himself made the slip up. Although the imbecile who heard him didn't understand the significance, with some... encouragement he told us the fire master muttered 'no one would ever find it' as he left the store, unaware of our witness's presence. Retirement seems to have made the master or fire sloppy."
The Dark Lord tapped his fingers on the armrests. "Still could be circumstantial evidence, but if there's a chance my brother left a map with him it's too good to pass up. What is the most recent report on my brother?"
"Yesterday he was headed east. We believe he's in route to Ignacia."
"So he's going for Ray?"
"Doubtful. Scouting missions report he's no longer there. In fact both the masters of fire and water vanished soon after your brother's visit."
"So the theory of a map might not be far off."
Samukai nodded. "That, but recently the masters' children have returned to the village. They've moved into their old smithy."
The Underlord frowned in thought. "Children?"
"Two- a boy and girl. Neither quite adults, but older than your-"
"Do not mention him."
Visibly swallowing Samukai remained silent as his master mulled over the news.
"Hmmm. They may know their father's secret. Search the place. It's possible Ray left it there." A wicked smile grew on his face. "Bring me the girl. If she has her father's fire that's one less student for my brother. If not, she'll make good incentive to her brother and my brother should the map not be there." He rose from his throne and pointed to his general. "Mobilize the troops. You'll leave at once"
An emotion, so twisted it could hardly be called glee, rose within him as his general bowed and stalked out of the room. Shouting echoed through the caverns and soon the running of many feet could be heard.
Staring into the flames the Dark Lord shook with anger and anticipation. "Nearly ten years I've wasted down here. My name has become a jest, the boogeyman in children's stories. No longer. My brother," he spat out the word, "will not be able to stop me this time."
4 hours, 1 attack and 1 kidnapping later
"They have my sister!" Kai's distraught yell filled the darkened courtyard. "How... why...?"
The world spun and Kai had to lean against the downed water tower to remain upright, gravity tugging dangerously at his metal breastplate. As he did his helmet slid over his eyes. He shoved it back and glared at the bearded old man in front of him. "You could have done something! I saw that twist- thing- you did, but you didn't do anything!"
The man sadly shook his head, beard swaying back and forth with the motion. "I am only one person. By the time the skeletons grabbed her they were beyond my reach."
"B-but why did they take her?"
The old man hesitated. "I'm afraid that might be my fault. He must have realized this is where I hid the map, and chose to take your sister knowing I would have to go after the very tools I'm trying desperately to keep from him."
"Map? Map to what? And he who?"
The look of pity in the man's eyes made Kai all the more uneasy. "Many years ago the First Spinjitzu Master created Ninjago with the aid of four Golden Weapons; the Scythe of Quakes, Shurikens of Ice, Nunchucks of Lightning, and the Sword of Fire. His two sons were charged with protecting them, but the older brother became consumed with darkness and wanted them for himself.
"In an effort to keep them safe the younger brother secretly hid them and placed guardians over them. He drew a map if ever there was need for them to be found again and gave it to a friend to hide. Eventually learning what the younger had done, the older brother came after him in rage to try to force the younger to disclose the weapon's whereabouts. After a vicious battle the younger was able to cast the brother down to the Underworld."
"What does that have to do-?"
"The map was given to your father, to be protected from the Dark Underlord Garmadon. And I need to get the weapons back before he can find them."
At that Kai's legs did give out. The man rushed to his side. Kai was so disoriented he didn't wave off the help like he would have otherwise. Leaning on the man Kai feebly rose his feet.
"What-?" Kai shuddered closing his eyes but forced out, "what will he do to her?"
"He knows her value to us."
Kai glared at him. "That doesn't answer my question."
Suddenly looking years older, the man sighed. "In truth I don't know. He won't kill her, but I am unsure as to if he will hurt her."
Kai turned away, desperately trying to force down the tightness in his throat. "Then I have to go. Now!" Clenching his sword Kai made to go in the direction the skeletons disappeared.
The man shook his head. "The one leading the charge was Samukai, general of Garmadon's forces. He and his skeletons will have crossed into the Underworld by now and I currently have no means of getting us there. But if you come with me I believe a way will open up to us to retrieve your sister. You hold the fire inside. I will train you to find and harness it. To become a Spinjitzu master." The old man placed a hand on Kai's shoulder but he shook it off.
Whirling to face him Kai barely kept from yelling, "Training? That will take too long! Whatever you may think of me is irrelevant. I'm not getting involved in your... sibling rivalry! I have to go get her, now! "
Turning on his heel Kai stalked away. A sudden blow to the helmet and sweep of the legs found him lying on his back, helmet discarded. The man's staff was poised inches from his chin.
"What the...?" Kai spluttered.
The man laughed condescendingly. "You think you can take them on? You're not even ready to face my pinky toe. Your spunk is admirable, but if you want to get your sister back you must control the fire inside. Then by unlocking Spinjitzu will you be able to take a stand before Lord Garmadon."
Kai bit back a retort. From where he lay he really wasn't in a position to say much. The man certainly had skill Kai could use right now, never mind the fact he was still a complete stranger. "Fine," he bit through his bruised pride, "when do we start?"
Nya looked around dizzily. Gloomy stone walls stared back. "Where- where am I?"
"In the Underworld." A low rasping voice responded.
Nya shrieked and look around for the speaker. A large white skeleton with four arms stood at her cell door. "What? Underworld? How.. what?" She suddenly gasped. "Does that mean I'm dead? Did you kill me? Why then am I in a cell?"
The skeleton scoffed. "You're not dead. At least not yet. And I said the Underworld, not Realm of the Departed. Get your realms right."
"But mortals aren't supposed to be able to go to the Underworld..." Nya's temper flared despite her surroundings. "Why did you bring me here?!"
The skeleton shrugged. "Boss thinks you're the key to getting out of this place. We'll have to see." He started to walk away. "Though I suppose if you're here long enough it'll seep the life out you of you sending you to the Departed Realm." At Nya's involuntary gasp he grinned menacingly. "Don't worry, you won't be here that long." He stalked away leaving Nya to her frantic thoughts.
They started immediately. The old man, who revealed his name as Wu ("that's master or sensei to you") gave Kai 10 minutes to grab a spare set of clothes and a couple toiletries. Wu- *ow* sorry! Sensei Wu- proceeded to pack some food and bedrolls for the two of them. The accuracy of his search for the items unnerved Kai.
Obviously he had known Kai's father, and therefore presumably been to the house before, but his intimate knowledge of where things were located couldn't easily be explained just by that. Especially since Ray and Maya hadn't lived in the house for twelve years. Kai shrugged it off to ninja skills, but something in the back of his mind made him wonder if it was something else.
With the house locked Kai hurried to the forge. A pang went through his chest as he did a quick visual sweep. This place had just started to feel like home and now that was being ripped from them. Again. He locked the door and didn't look back.
Returning to the house Kai shouldered his pack and slipped his helmet back on his head.
"You won't be needing those where we're going." A voice at his side said.
Kai jumped two feet in the air. "Jeez, don't scare me like that!"
Sensei Wu ignored the comment, rapping his staff against Kai's helmet. "As I said these tools are for a samurai not a ninja. They must be left behind."
Clenching his teeth to keep from arguing Kai reluctantly discarded the armor. Master Wu nodded in approval and without another word started off down the hill.
The unnatural darkness that accompanied the skeletons' attack had given way to the soft glow of stars. Kai's whirling thoughts kept him occupied and his traveling companion didn't seem inclined to initiate conversation. Thus they traveled for several hours in relative silence.
As the night grew long Kai felt his body beginning to beg for rest. Working in the forge for long hours and keeping up with running had given Kai no short amount of stamina, but the pace Sensei Wu set tested his endurance like nothing had before. It was only the memory of Nya's retreating figure that gave Kai energy to fuel his steps.
The eastern sky was just beginning to gray when Sensei finally stopped. Kai sluggishly plodded on several feet before realizing he was walking alone. Turning around he saw Sensei Wu sitting cross legged on the ground. More exhausted than he could ever remember being in his life, Kai collapsed next to him.
"We'll rest here for a couple hours before moving on." Much to Kai's shaggrin the man didn't even sound winded.
Kai lacked the energy to nod. Giving a grunt of acknowledgement he was asleep before Sensei could say anything else.
A firm knock to the head woke him long before he was actually ready to be awake.
"Ow."
Disoriented Kai snapped upright, rubbing the sore spot on his head. He looked around in confusion at the woods surrounding him, eyes landed on the older man leaning on a staff in front of him. Slowly memories of the day before trickled back into his awareness.
"Did you seriously hit me on the head?"
Sensei didn't respond. Settling himself on the ground he poured a cup of tea. Kai had no idea where the kettle or tea cup came from. His questions only doubled when a second cup seemingly materialized out of thin air. Sensei passed it to Kai, who took it more out of instinct than want. Kai sipped it while he dug through his bag for a granola bar. The flavor wasn't one Kai could name, but it wasn't as bad as he was expecting. More than that it had a surprisingly soothing effect on his nerves.
A small stream, that Kai hadn't noticed when they stopped due to exhaustion, bubbled cheerily on the outskirts of the clearing. Having finished the tea Kai rinsed his empty cup in it and splashed the cool water over his face. He felt a little more awake as he turned to hand the cup back to Sensei Wu. The man took it but didn't rise from the ground.
Irritated at the lack of response Kai started gathering his few possessions. It took all of five minutes and the old man hadn't budged an inch. Kai waited another minute before walking over to him. From where Sensei sat on the ground Kai toward over him. Kai cleared his throat. No response.
"Um- Sensei? Don't we have somewhere we need to go? You know, to save my sister?!" There was no answer. Kai let out a frustrated growl. "Every second counts! You said we were going to train! What does this have to do with learning martial arts?"
"Indeed." Sensei Wu didn't open his eyes. "An important concept you will need to master is focus. Many harrowing circumstances will clamor for your attention, but you'll have to stay in tune with yourself and your actions to remain in control of the fight."
"I can stay focused when I need to. I don't see how sitting still is going to help when the jerks who took her got away."
"Obsession is not the same as focus. That combined with patience are virtues much needed of a ninja."
Kai threw his hands in the air. "I'm a blacksmith not a ninja! And it's hard to be patient when I know my sister is a prisoner in the Underworld!"
"Ah, but doesn't even a blacksmith need patience to temper the metal just right?" Sensei Wu's eyes snapped open and bored into Kai's.
Kai opened his mouth to shoot back a retort, but the man's words sunk in and he snapped it shut. Nya had said almost the same thing right before the skeletons attacked. Kai's chest tightened and he turned away to hide the prickling in his eyes.
"It will take time to temper your own fire," Sensei's voice took on a gentler tone, "but it will be worth it. We'll find Nya, I promise."
They were just words but Kai felt their weight. This man would help him find Nya. One way or another.
Nya sat curled in the corner of her cell furthest away from the door. Her eyes warily snapped around toward any sound. Occasional skittering came from shadows within the cell, but thankfully nothing came too close. The skeleton guards who patrolled at regular intervals were the most frequent contributors. It seemed a bit of an overkill, since as far as she could tell she was the only prisoner. And even if she were to escape Nya had no way to return to the upper realm.
Thankfully she'd been left alone since that initial visit by the four armed freak. Her stomach rumbled. Well mostly thankfully- not that she would trust anything her captors offered. In this dim cave it was hard to tell how much time had passed, but her increasing hunger told of several hours.
She leaned her head against the wall, trying to keep her heart rate calm. Flashes of the abduction attempt when she and Kai were younger taunted her. 'You thought that was bad, how about now?' She'd been terrified then, but now... now Nya would trade anything to go back there rather than face her current situation.
Here, with her deepest fear playing out, it was worse than she'd ever imagined it being. Worse because, for the first time since their parents disappeared, she was completely and utterly alone.
Kai had seen what happened. He would try to find her, but as much as she loved and relied on her brother, she didn't see how he could get her out of this one. There was no way he even knew where she was. It wasn't like she really knew either. Sure she'd been told she was in the Underworld, but if the realm was anything like home it was probably huge.
Nya took a deep breath. 'How am I some key? There's nothing special about me. I don't even know if I'm an orphan- if anything that'd be better than the uncertainty. I lived on the streets for years and now Kai and I are barely scraping together a respectable living. There's no way Kai or I would be any sort of help for whatever these skeletons want.'
How could a nobody matter that much?
Kai looked wearily up at the cliff face before him. After two days of hard traveling he just wanted to collapse onto a bed. This was not what he had in mind when Sensei said they were almost there.
"We're climbing that?"
"Our destination is at the top of this mountain. There your training will begin in earnest."
"Okay, sure, but how the heck am I supposed to get there without breaking my neck?"
The old man smiled. "By being very careful." Kai's glare expressed his opinion on the response. There was a gleam in the man's eye that seemed to say he was enjoying this. "You'll need to be light on your feet and able to infiltrate places people want to keep others out of. Consider this your next lesson."
Kai exhaled sharply through his nose but didn't bother trying to argue. He'd learned quickly over the last couple days that it did no good.
"Soooo how's this gonna go?"
Master Wu's eyebrows rose. "You put your hands on the rock and use your muscles to pull yourself up, then repeat. I would have thought you know how to climb by now."
At this Kai did facepalm. "Okay, you know what, never mind."
Taking a deep breath Kai gripped a couple rocks jutting off the cliff. 'Here goes nothing. Preferably nothing includes not dying.' One trembling hand after another Kai began his ascent. 'Don't look down. Don't look down.' He repeated the mantra over and over.
Sooner than he'd expected his arms and legs trembled with fatigue. Gritting his teeth Kai forced himself forward. His frustration was not helped by the fact Sensei jumped up the cliff as nimbly as a mountain goat- as if he'd done this a million times before. It actually wouldn't be that big of a surprise if he had.
Further up a small ledge offered enough space to rest without needing to hold on. Kai pulled himself up and willed his muscles to stop shaking. Daring to peek downward Kai was shocked how far up he was. Forests spread out far into the horizon before giving way to smudge in the distance. 'Ninjago City.'
It had been several months since Kai had been back to the city. Other than an occasional run for ore, the siblings had no need, and little desire, to spend extended time in the city. Part of him missed the place, but Ignacia had become home again. The locals were kind and looked the other way if they realized Kai was too young to be Nya's guardian- though having recently turned eighteen it wasn't as much of a worry.
"Come, we're nearly to the top."
Pulling his gaze and thoughts from the horizon Kai turned his attention back to the mountain. He couldn't see the peak but he took Sensei's word for it. One hand after another he resumed his climb.
Twenty minutes later he looked up to see the cliff stopped about thirty yards above him. 'Almost there!' In his fatigued elation Kai didn't pay close attention to where he placed his right hand. The rock crumbled under his touch. Kai's arm dropped abruptly to his side throwing his balance off kilter. Holding in a scream Kai gripped the mountain with his other three limbs as tightly as he could. His hand floundered for several long seconds before finding a secure hold.
Shaking Kai pressed his body into the rock trying to regain control of his breathing . 'That was too close!' He looked up to see Sensei only a few feet away, watching him impassively. To Kai's relief he didn't say anything, only continued his ascent after it was obvious Kai wasn't taking a one-way trip to the ground.
'Okay, it's okay. You're okay. Just move already.' With trembling fingers, Kai forced himself onward. The minutes stretched on, but in reality it couldn't have been more than a quarter of an hour before he finally hauled himself over the edge of the cliff.
Panting heavily Kai lay on his back, pack and all, staring into the sky for several minutes. When he was fairly confident he could stand without falling over he pulled himself upright and looked around. A large stone wall stood only twenty feet from him, but his attention locked on many, many etchings cut into the face of the mountain maybe fifty feet to his left.
"There... were STAIRS... this entire time?!" Kai shouted between gasps. "I just scaled a mountain for nothing?"
Master Wu shook his head, a twinkle in his dark eyes. "Not for nothing. What I said at the bottom was true. There may be many times you're required to climb- be it a cliff, wall or structure. You proved to yourself that you are capable of such a feat."
Why did his words have to make so much sense? That still didn't mean he was letting the man off the hook. "I still could have fallen- I almost did! And if this is where you're from, why don't you have ropes or things to keep so we can climb safely?"
"Yet you did not fall. We don't have the luxury of time. Had I not thought you could make it I'd never have brought us this way. Rope only decrease your edge since you know you can fall. Free climbing forces you to stay fully engaged."
Kai glared half-heartedly at him but let the matter drop. He was too tired to continue pressing the point.
Deliberately turning his back to the stairs, Kai took a good look at the place that would be his new, albeit hopefully temporary, home. It was an old one-story building. Gray stone accented with red paint at the corners walled off the building. A giant wooden gate sat open, allowing entry to the inside. Tightening the grip on his pack, Kai stepped through.
To his surprise he entered a large courtyard. Rooms connected together along the wall making a large circle. However it was a sign over the doors directly in front of him that caught his attention.
"A monastery!? You want me to learn to fight in a place of peace?"
Sensei Wu shook his head. "Not fight, train."
A small podium near the doors held a bronze dragon. With his staff Sensei flipped the dragon backward. A red button appeared underneath. With a flick the courtyard was transformed into a giant obstacle course.
Poles popped out of the ground leading to several whirling cylinders. The first and largest featured dummies swinging weapons while large maces swung into the walkway. Further on wooden posts with projections at the top, middle and bottom were clustered together in what looked like an agility test. Large punching bags, blunt swords and balance beams were tossed into the mix. At first glance it was just pure chaos.
"Tomorrow you'll begin practicing here. When you can complete the course you'll have the rudimentary skills needed to master Spinjitzu. From there we can start actively searching for a way to bring your sister home." He looked up at the waning light. "I suggest you get some rest. You'll need it."
With that Master Wu lowered the training course and beckoned to Kai. He followed Sensei to one of the doors lining the wall. Inside was a simple room. A cot, dresser and end table took up most of the space. Sensei indicated to another door which led to a small private bathroom.
"Thanks."
Nodding his head Master Wu left Kai to settle in.
It didn't take long to put his spare clothes and toiletries away. Kai hung his limp pack on the edge of the cot and sat down. He was so tired, but his mind raced a million miles a minute. Here he was, far from home preparing to learn a sacred, centuries old fighting technique to rescue his sister from a realm she shouldn't even be in. He rested his head in his hands. And he thought his life was crazy before.
Flopping backwards Kai stared at the ceiling until exhaustion carried him to sleep.
Nya stared at the plate of bread and apples in front of her. The ache in her stomach begged for it but she wouldn't, she couldn't. The whiny voices of her current guards drifted down the hall.
"Sir she hasn't eaten in two days! She's refusing anything except water. You know what Lord Garmadon-"
Nya's breath hitched at the name. That was who had ordered her brought here? As if it wasn't bad enough already...
"We won't lose our bargaining chip." The deep voice of the general cut into the guard's report.
Heavy feet trampled down the hall. Nya's heartbeat quickened but she fought to keep her expression neutral. The four armed skeleton appeared at her door seconds later.
"What's this about you not eating?"
"I'm not hungry." That was a bold faced lie and they both knew it.
"Oh really? Well if that's the case you need to shove it down anyway. Garmadon doesn't want you dying right now."
Nya suppressed a shiver at the name and glared at him. "As opposed to dying later?"
He shrugged nonchalantly. "Who knows what he has planned." His hard stare bore into her eyes. "However we can't have you messing up his plans. Eat or we'll force it down you."
Nya wobbly rose to her feet and planted her hands on her hips. "You ever hear the story of Perphsprone? I don't intend to ever come back here once my brother comes for me."
"Oh for the love of..." The skeleton facepalmed. "Seriously, that's what you're worried about? That's a myth. Does it look like we can grow food down here? All yours and Garmadon's food comes from the upper world. We skeletons don't have to eat." He rolled his eyes.
Nya crossed her arms. His words rang true but he was a villain, he had to be apt at lying. Yet if she was completely honest with herself her reserves weren't going to last much longer. If by some chance an opportunity to escape arose she needed to be ready to take it. A cold chuckle cut through her musings.
"As if we'd want you here anyway. All you've been is a nuisance. But since we've had this talk eat!" Stepping closer to the bars he drew his sword from its sheath. Nya stumbled back, bumping against the wall. "We'll have no problem forcing the food down you. And all we need is for you to be alive, not unharmed. Got it?"
Nya nodded mutely fighting the fear and anger that swirled within her. He gave a toothy smile, as comforting as an alligator's, before sauntering his way down the hall. As soon as he was out of sight Nya collapsed to her knees. She dug her fingers at the cement, willing the tears prickling in her eye to stay where they were. 'Kai please figure out how to get me out of here.'
Kai lay crumpled on side, nursing bruised ribs, knees, head, pride... the list could go on. Sensei's requirement for him to get through the obstacle course before he finished his tea only seemed more and more impossible with each pitiful attempt. At this rate there wouldn't be any part of him that wasn't black and blue, and he'd only been trying for an hour! 'This is for Nya.' He reminded himself as he dragged himself, once again, to his feet.
Sensei shook his head from where he sat on the entrance steps. "Keep practicing the course, but I have other duties to attend to. Tomorrow you can try beating the time."
Without a backward glance the man walked into the main hall. Kai grit his teeth. 'Sure, fine. Walk away.' The man couldn't seriously think Kai would accomplish his task on the first day. He'd never trained for anything like this before. Sure on the streets he had to be fast and agile, but this was a crazy level of parkour he'd never attempted before.
Kai let himself flop back on the ground and stared at the obstacles in disgust. He'd only managed to successfully make it through the first row of dummies once, but his footwork and focus were growing sloppier with each attempt. The growing list of injuries didn't help. 'This is impossible!' Sighing Kai shook that thought away. He didn't have time for doubt.
Now that he didn't have Sensei watching over his shoulder or a time to beat, Kai took his time studying the first section. Dummies spun, waving their weapons while the maces fell, but this time Kai tried to count the time between movements. Sure enough a pattern emerged. Encouraged Kai rolled his shoulders, time for another try.
Running forward Kai counted off in his head. '1, 2, 3 MACE!' Kai ducked and rolled to the side. '5, 6, 7, 8, sword.' He leapt over the dummy, landing lightly on his feet he immediately twisted to the left to avoid a spike. With a final jump Kai found himself on the far side of the obstacle.
"Yes!" Kai shouted aloud.
That was all he got out before a pole sprang up shooting him halfway across the courtyard. Though unprepared he managed to tuck his body in and roll on impact. It still hurt, but not nearly as much as some of his earlier falls. Unperturbed Kai jumped back to his feet. He'd made it beyond the first step and this time he could get even farther.
From a nearby window Sensei Wu watched with an approving smile on his face.
Kai rocked on the balls of his feet before lunging forward. With a neat roll he slipped under a sword before launching himself off his hands and over a dummy. A pole shot out of the ground but Kai was ready and landed on it right as it reached its apex. From there he jumped to the next pole, twisting out of a projectile stick's way. He was close to the end when a punching bag swung sideways catching him right in the gut.
"Ooof." Even with the air knocked out of him Kai managed to fall with his knees crouched, absorbing some of the ground's blow.
Still he was proud. Only four days ago he couldn't make it through the first obstacle and here he was almost finishing it. Kai let his legs fold under him and mopped the sweat on his brow. Sensei had gone inside already, but if Kai could finish it today maybe he could work up the speed needed to complete the course before Sensei was done with his tea.
He watched the obstacle course go through its motions. Logically he knew he shouldn't be progressing this fast. Yet something inside was clicking and growing traction exponentially since that first day. It was as if his body had always known how to do what he was putting it through, it just needed the opportunity to unlock it. Like most things in his short life it didn't make much sense, but here he was anyway.
Stretching Kai watched the sun make its descent in the western sky. 'I wonder how Nya's doing.' That thought brought an ache to his chest. She'd been a prisoner for a week now and Kai had no idea if she knew he was working toward a way to save her. For all he knew she could be... Kai shook his head. 'No. Sensei said she'd be kept alive.' But alive didn't mean unhurt. 'Please Nya hold on. I'm going to get you back. I promise.'
Nya was not okay. She glared at the skeleton in front of her.
"I don't care if you guys don't have regard for personal hygiene but I do and I need a bath! Or a bowl, rag and soap! This is ridiculous."
The skeleton coward beneath her glare. "You- you can't- I mean Samukai-"
"He said I was needed alive and I'm telling you I can't live like this."
If this were anywhere else Nya would have laughed. By the guard's flustering attitude Nya guessed he hadn't had much experience being on the receiving side of an angry female. To be fair it was different than an angry general.
"I need it now or there will be trouble!" Nya pressed. She honestly wasn't sure if her 'request' would be fulfilled but it was worth the try. Telling time down here was still difficult, but it had been too long since she'd been able to give herself a proper scrubbing. The little water they provided for her to drink couldn't be wasted on such.
"I-I'll have to see-"
"You do that." Nya interrupted his stammering.
To her surprise he ran off down the hall. 'Welp, we'll see how this goes.' They hadn't done anything to hurt her, but she hadn't done anything to provoke their ire. Stomping rumbled down the hall and Nya took a quick breath.
"What is going on here?!" Samukai thundered. Two of his four arms waved with the words and he glared down at her through the bars.
Nya refused to back down. "I need enough water for a bath. Or at the least a sponge bath. It's so gross in here I'm surprised I haven't gotten sick yet. If I do there's no way I'd recover which would put a damper on your boss's plans."
Not that she was any closer to figuring out what said plans were...
"You've made it this far I don't think we have to be too worried."
Nya shook her head. "It's a miracle I haven't gotten sick. With all the dirt that comes from sleeping on the floor I can't feel my own skin anymore. There could be tiny cuts I don't know about and from this very sanitary cell it wouldn't take much for a bad infection. Then where would we be?"
"With one less annoying prisoner." Samukai growled, but he clenched his teeth as her words rolled around his skull. "Fine but don't start thinking too highly of yourself. Frakjaw chain her and take her to the springs." Samukai glared hard at Nya. "If you try anything the consequences will be severe."
Nya rolled her eyes. Where would she go? At Samukai's grunt she hastily nodded. She wasn't going to risk her chance to get clean, and possible subsequent ones.
Samukai watched coldly as Frakjaw produced a set of metal cuffs and unlocked the cell. Grimacing Nya allowed him to handcuff her and lead her out of the cell. Once Samukai seemed assured she wouldn't be any trouble he matched off barking orders to passing skeletons.
Frakjaw led her in a different direction. Having been unconscious on her arrival she took the time to study her surroundings. Tunnels were cut into black stone, lit by the occasional purple or blue flamed torch. They seemed to stretch endlessly, pockmarked by occasional larger caverns with various assortments of equipment. Skeletons passed by them, paying the prisoner little attention. There seemed to be little else than stone and bone down here. As they went deeper into the ground they passed fewer guards.
Sudden apprehension built in Nya's gut. She hadn't completely thought this through. How were they going to go about this with her? Would she be tossed in a body of water clothes and all? That certainly was better than the alternative if the guard stayed in the room with her. Nya shuddered internally.
"In here." Frakjaw directed Nya to a side door.
They stepped inside and Nya noticed a faint metallic smell.
"The springs are straight ahead. The cavern's a dead end..." He eyed her warily. "If you promise not to do anything I'll free your hands."
"I promise!" The words had barely left the guard's mouth before she interjected.
Slowly, as if to test her sincerity, Frakjaw unlocked her shackles.
"Thanks." Nya rubbed her wrists. If they were already irritated from only a few minutes walk she was very thankful they hadn't been used her entire stay.
"No one's down here. I'll stand by the door to make sure no one comes in. Hurry though." With that he left, closing the door behind him.
This was more of a kindness than she expected. Not wanting to waste a second she hurried down the hall. The metallic smell grew stronger, with a faint hint of sulfur. Suddenly the tunnel branched out and a large silver-blue pool became visible in the soft torch light. Small tendrils of steam curled into the air. It had a haunting beauty to it Nya hadn't expected from this realm.
Since her clothes were as dirty as she was Nya chose to scrub them first and lay them out on the rocks. They probably wouldn't dry much, but it was better than nothing. No soap had been given to her so she did the best she could with just water. It took several minutes before her hair felt soft again and her skin resumed its normal shade- if not a little paler from the lack of sunlight.
Sighing Nya knew she couldn't push it any longer. She climbed out of the water, letting herself drip dry for a minute before putting on her damp clothes. Not the most pleasant feeling but waaaaaaay better than she had felt upon entering the cavern. Finger brushing her hair Nya headed back the way she came in.
The door was still closed when she reached it. Nya knocked and stepped back so she'd be clearly seen when it opened. Frakjaw peered in and seeing Nya beckoned to her. She held out her wrists but he waved them away. Instead he took her elbow and led her back to the cell block.
Once again inside her cell Nya stood in the middle to avoid soiling her clean(er) clothes while they dried. She looked at Frakjaw. "Thank you."
He nodded in response before returning to his post. Nya watched him go. 'Huh, I guess there is some humanity left down here after all.'
Kai warily looked over his Sensei appointed team members. That had not been in the cards when he came with Sensei. And their attacking him- on Sensei's orders? When told there was a final test coming this wasn't what he'd been expecting. It certainly didn't aid his feelings on the situation.
His three black clad, would-be attackers were giving him the look over too. Apparently Master Wu hadn't clued them in either they were getting a fourth member. Kai felt a smug sense of satisfaction that at least he wasn't the only one surprised by the turn of events.
"Each of you were chosen for a reason." Sensei gravely looked them in the eye one by one. "All of you have an affinity for a specific element."
Then without warning Master Wu generated his golden tornado and swept toward the students. In a flash of light and wind each young man was suddenly wearing a new outfit. Kai looked down through a hood at his red gi in shock, unsure whether he should feel impressed or violated. It was about 50/50. The other three wore different colored gis of white, blue, and black.
Sensei walked forward and tapped Kai's shoulders with his staff as if he were knighting him. "Kai, master of fire." At his words a warmth suddenly flared within Kai. Sensei smiled as if he knew what had taken place. "It burns bright within you."
He turned to the young man in blue at Kai's right. "Jay, master of lightning."
Jay bowed with a flourish. "And that's not the only thing I'm a master of- I do some inventing, building, dabble in poetry and cooking." He leaned over to whisper in Kai's ear. "My cooking might not be as good as Zane's but if you value your life don't eat anything Cole gives you."
"Hey! I heard that." The black ninja on Kai's left crossed his arms. "More like mouth of lightning." He grumbled, though not sounding too upset.
Sensei approached him. "Cole, solid as rock. Master of earth."
Cole flipped off his hood, black hair flopping into his eyes. "Nice to meet you kid." Kai snorted contemptuously. There was no way this guy was much more than a year older than himself. "If Sensei says you're part of us I got your back. Just make sure you've got ours." His piercing stare told Kai he might be allowed in, but he had yet to prove his worth. Like Kai hadn't showed his mad skills five minutes ago when he'd been forced to fight three on one.
Ignoring the males vying for dominance Sensei turned to the last figure clothed in white. "Last but not least Zane, master of ice." The young man bowed crisply.
Sensei stepped back and addressed them all. "You four have been chosen to protect the Golden Weapons of spinjitzu from Lord Garmadon-"
"And save my sister!" Kai interjected.
"Ooo we're saving a damsel in distress?" The blue one- Jay- perked up. "What's she like? Is she hot?" At Kai's murderous glare, and Cole's incredulous one, he backed up a pace throwing his hands up quickly in a surrender motion. "Hey, I just want to know what we're getting ourselves into."
"Right, 'cause asking if my kidnapped sister is hot really matters to the mission!" Kai stepped forward, his fists balling.
Cole quickly moved between them. "Okay enough. You need to cool it hothead," he gestured to Kai, "but Jay that was incredibly insensitive."
"Sorry." Jay had the decency to look ashamed.
Kai grunted, if this little punk thought he was getting off that easy...
"When we find the weapons, we'll be able to get your sister." Sensei's steady voice interrupted Kai's train of thought. "It's time to start for the first one."
Cole frowned. "But you haven't taught us spinjitzu yet."
"And you told me back at the house that I needed it to be able to fight Garmadon." Maybe this guy wasn't all Kai was thinking he'd be.
Sensei shook his head. "You each have the tools needed to do spinjitzu, you only need to unlock it."
'And that's not cryptic at all.' Forcing himself to keep from rolling his eyes, Kai trailed up the monastery steps after Master Wu. "Well if we're as ready as we're going to be, can we get started?"
Two days and one recovered scythe later
Kai stared into the flames tuning out Cole's tirade. The comraterrie they'd experienced after discovering how to do spinjitzu, recovering the Scythe of Quakes and the map to the weapons faded quickly with Sensei's lecture over using the scythe. The others (well less so Zane) were quick to point out it was Kai's fault the scythe was used.
After setting up camp Cole decided it was a good time to remind Kai, again, that he was dumb for trying to go solo. Well, that was Kai's interpretation. He stopped listening after the first sentence. When Cole finally paused for breath Kai stood up and glared at him.
"I get it okay. I didn't do what you want. Well guess what, I'm not used to working with others. If I see an opening I'm going to take it."
"That worked out so well with the scythe." Jay muttered.
Kai turned his furious gaze onto the smaller teen. "I got it didn't I! And I didn't see you coming up with anything to help the situation, Mr. Let's-get-the-skeletons-and-the-dragon-sentry's-attention. Maybe then I wouldn't have had to use the scythe!"
Jay visibly flinched and even in the dark the color rising in his face was noticeable. "Excuse me! It was an accident and-"
"Okay enough!" Cole's deep voice cut between the two. "I get this is new for you but we have to try and find common ground. Sensei brought us together for a reason and we need to work together to accomplish this."
"Yeah, sure." Kai gritted out. "But it looks like your 'together' just means listen to you. Sorry but that's not happening."
Turning his back on them Kai walked to the edge of the clearing and sat down. The night chill settled in immediately after leaving the fire ring. Yet Kai wasn't about to swallow his pride enough to return to their condescending glances and words. Self-righteous know-it-alls. 'Like any of them have had to watch over their shoulder for more than half their life. Easy for them to be all chummy when they don't know what the real world's like.'
Soft footfalls indicated someone's approach. He glanced up to see Zane walking over to him, the other two ninja locked in a whispered conversation.
"What do you want?" Kai snapped.
The serene teen cocked his head and lifted the bundle in his hands. "I merely wanted to offer you a blanket as the night is expected to cool. Your distance from the fire exponentially increases your risk of feeling it."
Caught off guard Kai could only stare as Zane handed him the blanket. Task accomplished Zane made to return to the fire.
"Zane..." He turned to Kai. "T-thanks." Zane nodded and went back to his own bed roll.
Kai wrapped the blanket around his shoulders trying to push away his guilt. Finally, heaving a sigh, Kai stood up and walked back to the group. Three pairs of eyes fixed on him.
"Jay, Cole... sorry. I shouldn't have snapped like that."
Jay gave him a weak smile. "It's alright. This is new for you."
"Maybe, but I still lost my head there. Nya would chew me out if she'd have seen that." Kai dragged a hand through his hair. "For so long it's just been me and her. I'm not used to anyone else watching my back. I guess there's a learning curve."
"Well, if you'll let us be your teammates, we'll be there for you." Cole leaned against a tree, a partial smirk on his face. "If today was any indication you need someone watching out for you."
"Hardy-har." Kai rolled his eyes, but something inside him did feel a little lighter. For the first time in a long time he had a place to belong. A place he'd earned on his own merit. All that was missing was Nya.
Three days, and a recovered nunchucks and shurikens later
Nya's elation at being returned to the Ninjago realm had been cut drastically short when the bag over her head was removed to reveal she was inside of an active volcano. Now, held by two skeletal guards, she peered over a black ledge to the red rivers below her. The lava flow led to a gaping mouth-like cavern then dropping into the core of the world below. Amidst the rocks lodged in the river a golden sword, buried halfway to its hilt in the rock, gleamed crimson in the fiery light some fifty feet below her.
"Seriously? Your bright idea is to dangle me over a pool of lava while the very weapon you want it right below me? Did you take theater back in high school or something?"
She knew antagonizing her captors probably wasn't smart, but if this was the best they could come up with it was a no-brainer why Garmadon was still currently stuck in the Underworld.
"Shut up!" One of the skeletons shoved Nya to her knees but she could hear him mutter, "It wasn't my idea," under his breath as he wrapped the chains tightly around her arms and torso.
Her other guard snickered. "Great come back Kruncha."
Kruncha glared at him. "Shut up Nuckal and help me."
He drove a metal ring into the ground while Nuckal wrapped the excess chain around a winch. Kruncha then threaded the end of the chain through the middle of the ring.
"I'd be careful about moving around. You wouldn't want to slip out before the party gets here." Kruncha flashed a wicked grin and shoved Nya closer to the edge.
"What party?" There was a tremble in her voice as she fought to keep her balance.
All she'd been able to overhear on their bumpy trip here was the army wanted some sword. The very sword that rested below her now. Others must be after it too, but she hadn't been told who or why the sword was so important. She also didn't understand why these knuckleheads couldn't just grab it and leave her alone.
"Don't worry. You'll find out very soon." Kruncha chuckled.
A hook was latched into the chain surrounding Nya and with little ceremony he shoved her over the side. Nya didn't try to hold in her scream as gravity pulled her down. With a lurch she abruptly halted, the chains forcing the air out of her lungs. Flailing she tried to take in a breath.
"What'd I say about moving?" A cold chuckle came from several feet above her.
Nya struggled to tune him out, but slowly logic trickled back and she forced herself to relax. Air blessedly found its way back into her lungs.
"That's it. Just sit tight." Kruncha laughed again.
Shadows danced along the wall and one began to solidify. A humanoid figure loomed three stories tall against the wall. The noises above Nya abruptly quit.
"My emperor." The skeletons spoke in unison.
Nya's already ragged breath caught in her chest. He- the Dark Underlord, Bane of Ninjago- was here. Or at least some semblance of him. Nya hadn't had the misfortune of seeing him during her imprisonment and if this monstrosity was just a shadow of him...
"Hurry and return to the others." His deep voice sent shivers down Nya's spine. "My brother's students approach. It's time to thin the herd."
"Yes, sir!" Footsteps marched away leaving Nya alone with the Shadow Lord.
"Well, well my dear. I hope you've enjoyed your time with us. I'm afraid it's drawing to a close. But before it does..." His shadow shifted becoming more 3D. Nya choked back another scream as she found herself looking at herself. "Sit tight, your brother will be joining us shortly." He laughed and sauntered his way out of the volcano. Nya could only watch in horror.
'Kai? What- How?' Not that she'd doubted he would try to come for her, but part of her was surprised he'd made it this far. And how had he put himself on the radar of one of the worst villains Ninjago had ever seen?
She didn't have long to wonder when her own voice sounded from below.
"Don't worry I'm right here," The voice deepened significantly, "brother!"
"Garmadon!" Came a shout of surprise.
That was Kai! He was here. She missed the next exchange, but all of a sudden the chain dropped eliciting a scream from Nya. Another jerk brought her to a painful stop but she could see Kai! After so long he'd found his way to her.
"Kai!"
"Nya!" Kai stepped forward reaching an arm toward her, though she still hung several feet above him.
"If you don't remove the sword how will you save your precious little sister?"
Well that didn't sound good. "No! It has to be a trap. Don't do it." Nya struggled against the chains holding her.
At that moment the chain loosened more sending Nya hurtling toward the lava below. Her screams once again echoed through the cavern, offset by maniacal laughter.
"No!" Kai's scream rose above her own.
From the corner of her eye she saw Kai jump across rocks dotting the lava river. With a finesse she'd never seen in him before, he flipped across the last rock grabbing the sword while upside down.
Garmadon's laugh deepened and his shadow grew to fill the entire side of the cavern. Ignoring him Kai raced to Nya. Bursting into a red tornado he sliced through the chain and pulled her to safety. They held each other tightly for a moment. Both wanting to make sure the other was real and not a figment of their imagination.
"Are you okay?" Kai frantically scanned her face and body.
"Yes, but you just- mini tornado-!"
Garmadon's harsh voice jerked them back to their surroundings. "Thank you Kai, I'll take the sword now."
Kai snapped to his feet pushing Nya behind him. "You don't have power here. You're only a shadow!"
The shadows on the wall shifted. Kai's moved on its own away from him, aiming its dark sword at the siblings. "Even shadows have their uses."
Kai brandished his own sword. "Stay back!" He swung at the shadow- only for his sword to go straight through it.
"Oh Kai, Kai." Garmadon tisked. "You didn't think it would be that easy did you?"
Kai's shadow attacked, driving the sword toward Kai's head. He jumped back but the shadow retaliated with a front kick to the chest that sent Kai sprawling.
"Kai!" Nya helped him sit up.
He shrugged her off and quickly resumed his attack. Mocking laughter was his only result. The shadow kicked him again, but this time Kai's grip on the sword loosened. It fell from his hand, clattering to the rocks at the shadow's feet.
Nya could only watch as the shadow picked up the golden weapon and held it aloft.
"After so long-!"
His declaration was cut short when another shadow joined him on the wall. This one of an old man with a staff. The new shadow struck at the one holding the sword, knocking him off his feet and sending the sword flying. Nya followed it with her eyes.
To her surprise Nya saw the old man who'd been at the shop right before the skeletons attacked catch the sword in midair. 'What's he doing here?' Other than holding his own she didn't have time for better answers.
"Come on!" Kai tugged her toward the entrance of the mountain.
"So you protect one, brother," Gramadon hissed.
Nya's eyes jumped between the shadow and man. 'Brothers?' She turned to Kai, questions written on her face, but he just nodded and motioned for her to stay quiet.
"But what about the other three weapons?"
The man stood in a fighting stance. "They are far from where you could ever reach them."
"Are you so sure?" Garmadon scoffed.
Freezing momentarily the old man made no reply. Then his grip tightened around the blade. "He cannot be allowed to unite the weapons. Hurry!"
They tore off toward the entrance of the cave.
A shout echoed through the cavern, "Arise guardian! The sword's being stolen!"
Rumbling shook the earth. A head rose from the lava and long leathery wings stretched out.
"D-d-dragon!" Nya screamed.
The beast roared and shot a stream of fire at the group. Scattering, the siblings went one way and the old man another. With another roar the dragon's tail slammed the stalactites hanging from the ceiling. They fell with a crash, blocking their only exit.
The old man only shook his head. "If the other weapons are coming here, this one cannot stay." He leapt over rocks until he was close to the lava-fall.
"Sensei what are you doing?" The anguish was palpable in Kai's voice.
"He can't be allowed to get the sword so I will take it to the Underworld." The rock he was floating on moved closer to the edge.
"No! This was my fault!" Kai made to go after the old man but Nya held him back. "You can't-!"
The man merely pulled out a teapot and cup- 'Where the heck did those come from?' Nya barely had time to wonder- then in a blink disappeared over the edge.
"No, Sensei!" Kai collapsed onto the rocky ground.
"Fine I'll see you there brother." Garmadon's shadow abruptly vanished
Nya's gaze flicked between her brother and the beast still behind them. "Kai! No time for that!"
He turned and Nya saw literal fire flare in his eyes. It was so startling she took a step back from him. Letting out a wordless yell he stared directly into the dragon's eyes. "My Sensei is trying to keep that sword safe from Garmadon and I don't have time for you right now!" He shouted up at it.
Nya's eyebrows arched in surprise. Who was that man to Kai and what had taken place in such a short amount of time that her brother was willing to challenge a dragon? A literal, fire breathing creature of legend?
As if that wasn't a big enough shock Kai erupted, once again, into the red tornado. Now that she was close enough Nya could see it was made up of fire. 'What. The. Heck?' This had to be some alternate reality because nothing made any sense.
Even more so when the dragon didn't move. It only watched the tornado with what looked like interest in its large eyes. The tornado moved toward the dragon.
"Kai-!" But her brother didn't stop.
He spun, floating in the air until he landed on a rock that was eye level with the dragon. The flames snuffed out leaving an irritated Kai pointing his fist at the dragon. "The very man that just went over the cliff was the one who placed you here to protect that sword. We came to protect it from Lord Garmadon who you practically just handed the sword to! Now please-" Kai's voice broke, "please, I need your help to get the sword and Master Wu back."
The dragon stared at Kai for a long minute. Nya did too. She'd never heard such an impassioned speech from him before. Finally the dragon dipped its head. It turned and gestured with it head toward its back. Nya's eyes grew wide.
Kai just smiled. "Thank you." He leapt from the rock, landing neatly on his feet before Nya.
"You have a lot of explaining to do."
"I know." Kai took her hand and squeezed it. "But I don't have much time right now. I need to go after Sensei and the sword." He led her to the dragon and helped her climb his scaly back.
"Sensei? He was the old man who came to our shop right before..."
"Yeah." The dragon's wings stretched out. "Short version is he recruited me and a few others to find the weapons and you. Now that you're safe I have to help him."
Nya could hear the confidence in Kai's voice. "I really missed something. How long was I gone?"
"Almost two weeks." Kai turned around to look at Nya. "I'm so glad your safe. I was so scared..." He trailed off.
Nya gave his arm a gentle squeeze. "I never doubted for a moment you'd leave me there."
Nya sighed and stared out the house window. No sign of Kai yet, or his new friends. The candle next to her flickered dangerously. Having burned for more than two days it was reaching the end of its wick. She shook her head. Kai said he'd be back, and having seen him and the others in action she had confidence he would return.
After transferring the flame to a new candle Nya drummed her fingers on the table. If anything it was sitting around that would kill her. "There's no use waiting around. Might as well be productive."
She looked around the room doubling as a store front and her workshop. A roll of thick paper tucked in the corner caught her attention. That particular schematic was a pipe dream, a fantasy, but given recent events...
Nya picked it up and rolled it open. It ran the entire length of the table. She pulled out a pencil. 'Tweak the plating here. Move the hatch there.' This might just be the sort of thing needed if Kai kept up his new job. 'With this Kai won't need to worry about me.' Grinning at the thought Nya set to work perfecting the schematic. If her brother was going to be a protector of Ninjago, why should she strive to be anything less?