Work Text:
They should've expected this.
And yet they didn't.
The Overlord was strong, and seemingly, he grew stronger than before.
The Ninja were completely defenseless against him. Lloyd was severely injured, and He was mocking them. Harumi stood not to far away, The Crystal Council members mocking the now helpless heroes of the island.
It was a sight to behold. How did over 10 years ago, were they able to fight The Overlord and Win and now just fumble to their feet? It was humiliating.
''A fool made you heroes. A Fool will be your demise.'' The spirit said, voce loud and clear. Nya held Lloyd close, the other four standing their ground in front of the duo, whilst Wu and Garmadon tended to the injured Lloyd.
''Our Master is NO fool!'' Jay snapped back, holding his slightly injured arm. The Spirit cackled, and ''eyed'' the four; ''I see why Harumi despises you all so. You are failing to save the island you call home, and you believe anyone will forgive you after this?''
Ahem
All heads, and The Overlord, turn to Harumi as she walked besides the overlord, ''My liege, I have a simpler Idea. Merely, instead of just killing them, we take one in for ourselves?'' her smile was just as wicked as before. The ninja's faces turn to ager, ''The hell does that mean?!''
''What do you think it means? In favor of sparring Lloyd's life, one of you should take his place. But we will not kill you.'' Harumi said, moving forward, stepping down the steps. Her heels click on the rough surface of the stairs, her eyeing the ninja.
''You want to spare lloyd, in favor of holding one of us as some slave?'' Kai retorted, sneering at Harumi. ''Precisely.''
''Sick..'' Cole whispered as Harumi stopped right before the group.
''It will jsut be one of you. We don't need all of you. That would be so unfair to little Lloyd.'' Harumi said, holding her hand Out.
''Don't do it!'' Wu snapped, eyeing his students. Garmadon looked at Harumi, then at his son, whom looked like he was barely holding onto life.
''Oh come on know, We don't bite.''
The wind swayed around the two parties. All eyes on one another from everyone on either side. Kai's eyes narrowed; He looked over his shoulder at Lloyd, whom looked at him in return.
''Take me.''
All heads snap to look at Kai, silence reigning harder now--
''Kai- Do-Don't!'' Nya shouts.
Harumi's eyes widen, then she smiles. ''My, what a strange suitor.'' She stepped back a bit, and held her hand out to the steps. ''You positive, Smith?''
His last name rolled off her tongue like a bad feeling in one's gut. Kai stepped forward, limping a slight bit. ''Leave them alone, and I'm yours.'' Cole grabbed Kai's shoulder, ''What are you doing-''
''You get Lloyd out of here. I may not be leader of this team, but that is my order of you all.'' Kai says, his red irises fading behind his narrowing eyelids. Cole's face, which was already stained in worry, shifted to fear.
''We don't have all day, step back and He's dead.'' Harumi said, making a neck slicing motion, mentioning Lloyd.
Cole let Kai's shoulder go, and he notions to The other two. ''We need to get going.'' Kai started walking forward, taking Harumi's hand. ''Kai! Don't do this--'' Nya's voice rang. kai didn't dare look back, until he did.
The Team was already rushing away, Lloyd in His father's arms, and Nya over Cole's shoulder as she reached for him, tears in her eyes.
''You just got her back, and here you are loosing her once more.'' Harumi said, eyeing Kai with a wicked smile on her red tainted lips. ''Shut up.''
''Rather rude of you.''
Kai watched the silhouettes of his family vanish into the dark of the city. The shadows of the night covering them as they vanished. ''From here on Out, You are forbidden for leaving us.. or you will suffer the consequences. Understood?'' Harumi said, snapping venge stone cuffs on Kai's wrists. Kai didn't budge, merely standing still and nodding his head.
''Good. Now, We return back. Tell the world a new age of darkness shalt approach.'' The Overlord said, as he and the Other Crystal Council members walk away. Kai stood silently, Harumi at his side.
''I like you. You are quiet the strong ninja to sacrifice your freedom for Lloyd.'' The princess said, looking at her fellow Council members. ''Lloyd is my brother, you don't know what love like this is.'' Kai snapped, grabbing Harumi by the collar of her clothes, his red eyes flaring in anger.
Harumi tilted her head. ''Pity.''
Lloyd laid in the bed. The door bleeding light into the dark room from the crack at the floor. The Other were arguing on the other side of the door.
He didn't care. He was to exhausted and injured to stop them. He looked up at the ceiling, the bounty was suddenly more cold without Kai. The floorboards and walls didn't burn with his fire when he was mad.
Lloyd blames himself. He hates himself, and he hates everything. Should he have been stronger, Kai would be with them.
The door opens, the yells grow louder for a second, and then become more quiet a second later. Lloyd recognizes his father's silhouette anywhere. The Oni steps towards the bed, and he kneels to the ground. ''I apologize if you are trying to sleep.''
''No need.. I've heard them bicker before in the past. This.. normal.''
Garmadon nods his head. The father son duo fall silent, the others still fighting in the background. ''How long until I recover?''
''Not long.'' The oni says, ''A few months at best. You took hard blows, and you were bleeding out like crazy. You best take it easy.'' Lloyd nodded, and returned to looking at ceiling. Garmadon stood up, and walked back to the door.
''Fath- Ah- Garmadon.. I have a question.'' The oni stopped at the door, his hand hovering over the handle, ''Hmm?''
''Why.. Why did you join us?''
The room falls silent for a second, and The oni sighed, ''I guess.. because I have better to do than work with an enemy.'' With that, Garmadon opened the door, and left. Lloyd's mouth opens but the closes again. He moved his head, looking out the window. The sky didn't Change. The world was doomed, and all he can pray for is if Kai was faring well.
The sky might never change. Dark clouds rolling over the once peaceful Ninjago city.
The newly rebuilt Jade palace now feeling far more dark and dreadful as Kai can remember.
The room was dark, The room was cold. Kai was feeling everything that he was trapped in.
The former fire masters eyes were dark. He already missed his family.
The door opens, and a familar, but unwelcomed face slithers into the room. ''Princess-ss Harumi has-ss reques-ss-ted you.'' The snake said. Kai doesn't budge, ''Tell her I'm sulking. I'm unavailable at the moment.'' Kai flaunts, swinging his hand in the air.
Pythor crossed his arms, and slithered towards the ninja. ''This-ss is-ss less-ss a reques-ss-t and more of an order.'' Pythor said, eyes narrowing. Kai eyed him, and he scowled. ''I'm not going.''
''No need to go anywhere.'' Kai looked back at the door, seeing the princess leaning on the doorframe. ''You may be pardoned Pythor. Return back to your duties.'' Pythor nodded her head, and slithered away, side-eyeing Kai as he left.
''I don't want to talk.'' Kai said, looking away by turning his back to the princess. ''You don't have a choice, If I want something from you, like a conversation--'' Harumi starting walking towards him, and sitting on the bed with him, reaching out to him. Kai slapped her hand away, standing up and glaring at her. ''I didn't give my freedom up for the sake of you talking to me.''
Harumi eyed him, following him as he stood up. ''I'm sorry, but this is your life now. So you better get use to it.'' Harumi turned on her heel, and left the room. Kai sat back on the bed, and huffed. It's only been about a few days since he submitted to Harumi and The Overlord to protect Lloyd, whom he hoped was recovering well. The sky grew darker as the night started to fall over the city.
This was going to be one long life.
The wooden statue falls as it's sliced in half. Kai huffed, and turned to his next victim. The Council of The Crystal King watched him from beyond the glass. ''Quite the idea to let him train here.'' Aspheera said, eyeing Harumi. Harumi smiled, ''He's still a ninja at Heart. I'd let him have a hobby.''
A Sword lodges itself into the glass, causing it to crack. Everyone but Harumi and The Overlord freak out when the Kai grabs the sword and returns to training. ''And a Hobby that requires-ss him stabbing the glass-ss?'' Pythor asked, calming himself down.
''Maybe.''
Harumi looked at herself in the mirror. A face she knew, but didn't regocnize.
The robes of her Kimono her stunning, yes. But They remind her of the day she was so close to killing Lloyd and winning. These robes remind her of her ''parents.''
''They look fine..'' Vangelius says, placing his hand on his chin.
Harumi spotted Kai walking past the room, and turned around, ''How do I look?''
''Fucking Atrocious.'' Kai says quickly, before walking away. Harumi's eyes widen, and then she rolls her eyes when she remembers. ''He saw you in this the first time you met.'' Vangelius said, eyeing the door. ''Yes.''
''He'll come over you someday. His whole freedom relies on you after all.'' The sorcerer says, walking behind the princess and fixing some items on the back of her attire.
''Oh I know that.''
Jay and Nya turn their heads when Lloyd enters the room, ''Morning.''
The couple nod their heads, and return to their work. Lloyd walks to the coffee machine and turns it on- ''Do you guys fix this yet?''
''Fixed it the other day'', Nya says, ''No worries.''
Lloyd nods, and fires the machine up.
After a minute, Lloyd took the hot mug, and placed it close to his chest. Nya eyed his movement and her eyes fell to the floor. ''It's been.. What day is it?'' Lloyd asked, looking at the calender at the other side of the room.
''4 Months.'' Jay says, looking up. Lloyd takes to notice how.. dead inside he looks. The air grew thick, the evedent being clear as day. ''I miss him yelling.'' Jay hushed, eyeing a photo that sat on the desk nearby. ''He may be annoying, but He got us where we needed to go..''
''He was like the brother some of us never had,'' Lloyd followed up, taking the photo Jay was eyeing into his hands.
Oh how young they were in this Photo. Lloyd looked as happy as ever, and now.. he just wants to sleep forever and dream of a better world. ''A brother that will never return.'' A fourth voice says. Lloyd looked over his shoulder as Cole walked into the room. Jay's eye narrow, ''Do we need to fight on this again? He'll return.''
Cole eyed Jay, ''We don't need too, but you see how cruel The Overlord is. He nearly got Lloyd beaten to a CORPSE!'' The earth master raised his voice, stomping his foot forward, ''Who's to say He'll treat Kai any different?!''
''Maybe having faith he'll come out alive might make you a happy camper!'' Jay snapped back, Standing up, left hand slamming on the desk. Cole pinched the bridge of his nose, ''I doubt that! He's been taken in by Villains! Monsters!''
''Oh my god-'' Jay said, rolling his eyes, and then.. a new fight broke out. Nya just returned to her work, and Lloyd sipped his lukewarm coffee. The taste was bitter, and he hated it, but he didn't bother going to grab any creamer. Not with Cole and Jay blocking the door to the mechanic room as they argued once more.
Zane opened the door, seeing his friend bickering and pushed right past them, Pixal in tow.
''Why don't you ever listen!? Kai. Is. A-live!'' Jay said, grabbed Cole's Gi, eyes trickling with tears. Cole pushed his back, causing the lightning master to stumble onto the table, knocking a few items to the floor. ''Fuck Cole!''
Cole moved his head to look away, ''I don't get why you are so pent up on this! Let it go!''
''I'm not gonna! We've pushed past this before, With Zane, With Nya! What's so different with Kai!?'' Jay said, the tears now starting to roll. Cole looked at him, face mixed with many different emotions. ''I don't know! I doubt I'll ever know! Kai has had it better with his emotions when all that Bullshit happened!''
''Bullshit! He wouldn't stop calling me after Nya merged with the Endless sea, he was crying the whole year-''
''Then why did he always look so happy when we met up once again?!''
''Because he has the ability to just endure this! He's lost shit before! Us! His parents! Sensei! Garmadon! Lloyd!'' Jay yelled, pointing at the hybrid. Lloyd's eye widen. ''Kai has many emotions, and he hides the ones he clearly hates! He's clearly understood what loss was long before any of us met!''
The room just shutters when Jay closes his eyes, his arm pointing at Lloyd lowering. ''He's endured this before. Why can't we then?''
Cole stays silent, and he frowns. ''Because some of us don't have the emotional strength he has.'' The room falls quiet. No one looked at each-other. ''I hate how fucking right you are.'' Jay said, looking up, wiping his tears. He hiccupped as he sat back down. Zane walked up to him, and patted him on the back.
''You both need to keep your emotions to a minimum level.'' Pixal said, eyeing Cole. The ninja huffed, and exited the room. ''I apologize,'' was all he said before he left.
Lloyd realized how cold his drink was, and he groaned. ''I'm to tired for this.''
The rooms of the palace felt bigger than last time.
Makes sense.
When You have about 7 new guests, bigger is better. Kai should know this by now. The ninja pushed open a door and looked around. He was unsure where his swords were taken, but when he finds them, he'd be the happiest man alive. He was allowed to keep his gi, while being given new clothes, but his swords were taken away for ''safety reasons'' which was just another way his way of fighting.
Kai closed the door, and the turned to the door and the room across the hall. This repeated the rest of the day, and it was tiring.
If he could take of the cuffs, he'd gladly burn this place down to find his weapons. He was allowed to make anything he wanted, as he was still a blacksmith, but he was forbidden from using them. Upsetting to say the least.
Kai pushed open the next door, and was surprised to see Harumi sitting on the windowsill. The princess eyed him on the reflection of the window. ''Your blades aren't here.''
The ninja huffed, and turned away. He has been avoiding Harumi for months, and he wasn't really willing to break that streak to ask her where his swords were, since she wasn't going to answer clearly.
Kai walked back into the hall, and eyed the next door, and he's dragged back into the room. The door closes behind him, and he's pinned against the door. He eyes Harumi, who's glares at him, ''Avoiding me? Huh?''
''You should know why.''
''Because I'm a villain?''
''More that you irritate me. What do you think?'' Kai said, eyes half closed, ticked off. Harumi raised a brow, ''I offered to get to know your peers while here. You seem tense.''
''Geez,, I fucking wonder why?'' Kai said, pushing Harumi away from him. The princess didn't really react to Kai shoving her away. ''I get you. Loosing every-''
''Pull that bullshit on me, and I will search for those blade faster so I can slice your neck open.'' Kai said, pinching the bridge of his nose. Harumi walked to the bed, and sat down. ''Talk to me.'' Kai looked at her.
Harumi read his face. He was clearly confused. ''Why?''
''Talking lets tension wash away.'' Harumi says, crossing one leg over the other. Kai averts his gaze, then he speaks up. ''I hate it here. This isn't my home.''
''Obviously.''
''Not helping.''
Harumi patted on the bed, motioning for Kai to sit with her. The ninja hesitated. Harumi raised a brow again, lips thin with no frown or smile. Kai walked towards the bed, and sat down-- not where Harumi had suggested. He sat further from Harumi, and had his back turned towards her.
''You don't have a family, not anymore at least.'' Kai said, slightly mocking the situation. Harumi rolled her eyes, ''And neither do you. Where's Ray? Maya? Nya?..''
She moved towards him, leaning on his shoulder, and whispering into his ear, ''Lloyd?'' Kai's eyes widen, and he shudders. She has a point.
They weren't so different in this worst case scenario. Harumi smiled, propping herself against his shoulder and crossing her arms against her lap. ''I guess... We have more in common than you think. Didn't you hate Lloyd at one point?''
''He was a kid, everyone has a phase of hating kids at some point.'' Kai replied quickly. Harumi nodded her head, ''But, He became the green ninja, and you got shoved aside.'' ''Don't you dare say that.''
''But It's true, No?''
Kai was silent. He didn't dare want to agree. She had a point. He was pushed aside, but he didn't hate Lloyd for it. Lloyd deserved the title, because he was better.
''And yet here you are, left alone with no family, no friends. Nothing.'' Harumi said, her face falling to bitterness. Kai eyed her, seeing her face shift. His brows raise slightly. He moved a bit, so she was more comfort able. ''I guess we aren't to different.''
''Yeah.'' The princess says, shrugging.
The room is silent. the two just sit in the silence, the dark sky dripping the room in darkness and bitter dark purple. Kai looked at Harumi again, and then spoke up, ''Give up trying to kill him. You'll never be satisfied.''
''How do you know that?'' The princess asked, looking at Kai. ''Not from my own personal experience, or maybe so.. but because I understand never being satisfied from something.'' He shrugged, ''That feeling of doing something and then realizing it makes you numb.''
''Seriously?''
''When Garmadon first joined us when Lloyd was still a kid, I thought he was going to steal the golden weapons, and I fought him to keep them safe.'' Kai said, ''I wasn't happy when I won, and I thought I was.''
''I didn't feel satisfied, I was just a fool.''
Harumi nodded, and then she leaned her head on Kai's shoulder once more, ''I get that. I don't feel like killing Lloyd will get me anywhere, and yet--''
''You just yearn because it feels right.'' Kai finished for her. Harumi nodded.
''Not like I'll change the way you think, but I get that.''
Harumi sat up, and moved until she was Face to face with Kai, ''I never thought someone would understand me like you do.''
''I tend to get that a lot.'' Kai said, shrugging. Harumi pushed closer to his face, hand moving to his shoulder, ''Getting someone to understand me.. feels funny.''
''That's because you surround yourself with liars, They will never understand you.'' Kai said, feeling the heat of the moment drifting in his chest. ''I guess so, but They don't have to get me to know this cruel world is is.''
''I guess that make two of us.''
If that wasn't the signal, neither of them knew what was. Harumi pulled Kai forward, kissing him immediately. Of course being caught off guard was normal for Kai, but this was new. Strange, but what's the worse this could lead too?
Cole wakes up, looking around the messy room. He moves out of the bed he was asleep in, and he stood up. Rubbing his eyes, nd moving to the door, he jumps when he sees Jay on the other side of the door. '' แม่ของ- It's 6 in the damn morning.. why are you up..'' The ninja asked, eyeing his friend as if he didn't almost swear in Thai.
''I couldn't sleep at all... I just..'' Jay said, ''I was hoping I could rest with you..''
Cole raised a brow, ''what about Nya?''
''She's out, looking for Zane's falcon. At 6 in the morning.'' Jay said, shaking his head in disappointment. Cole nodded, rubbing the back of his head. ''But Hey, you want coffee.. since we're both up?'' Jay shrugged and followed Cole into the mechanic room.
The coffee machine is fired up in no time. ''Extra creamer, this coffee is bitter as fuck.'' Jay says, sitting on a chair nearby. Cole obliges and fixes up the coffee to his friend's liking.
After another minute, Cole hands Jay his coffee, sitting opposite of him at the work desk. The room is not quiet tis time around, instead just having the duo drink their coffee with some machines operating in the background. ''It'll be 6 months since we've seen Kai.'' Jay says, brows raising before they furrowed as they fell. Cole nodded slowly.
''I wish he didn't step up, It's.. stupid quiet without him.'' Jay took a sip of his drink, eyelids half closed. ''I use to hate how loud he could get, but you're louder.''
''Fair.'' The ninja laughed. The duo cackle, and they continue talking. The moment feels nice. Jay and Cole forgot how nice a simple conversation was. It was mostly just bickering since dy one of Kai being taken in by Harumi and the Overlord.
''Remember when he brought us our weapon when we all got de-aged?'' Jay laughed, recalling that historical event. ''We had to face a dinosaur as kids, and Zane being a kid was so confusing..'' Cole said, laughing in confusion. ''It was indeed.''
Jay placed his hand on the desk, and Cole placed his hand on top of it. The earth master's breath hitched, and Jay's eyes widen.
The room is filled with laughter as they retracted their hands, ''It's almost like when I still had feelings for you.'' ''Yeah..''
''Yeah...''
''yeah..''
The duo fall quiet again. It's not hard to miss exactly they meant. Why was life cruel? Why was the world Cruel? Jay loved Nya, he did, oh but yet..
Cole was confused about his identity, always has been.. and yet-
''I see a nice brew of coffee has you both up so early?'' The ninja yell as Wu stepped into the room. ''Sensei- You scared the shit out of us..'' Cole says, hand on his heart, other gripping his coffee. Jay still looked like he saw god.
''I see you two are tense. Kai is still out there, and here you are, just siting here like ducks waiting to be fed at the pond.'' The old man said, pouring himself some tea. 'Where the hell did he get that?' The duo thought, eyeing the teapot.
''Times are stressful, but understand, When kai returns to us, do not expect all to be peaceful again.''
''He's returned to his roots.'' Jay said, looking at Cole, pointing at his sensei with his thumb over his shoulder. ''Well shit, next thing he says is that the Ice caps are melting.''
''They are Cole.''
It's been over 3 months since Kai and Harumi slept together. Kai wasn't sure wasting his virginity on Harumi was a good thing. He didn't care. He didn't have anyone in mind he'd rather sleep with. Skylor was off doing who knows what, Pixal was taken, Seliel hasn't spoken to him in years, Auriana? Dead if she isn't with The others. Cole was probably banging Jay when Nya wasn't looking, or vice-versa.
It was strange That since a week after that night, Harumi stopped talking to Kai.
Now he was more alone. He thought he won back friendship, and yet she just stopped talking all to him for three months. He was completely confused.
He didn't care, if he was honest. That night was a mistake.
Being alone should be normal, and yet he hated it. He didn't see Harumi for 13 weeks. It was driving him crazy. Why bother fucking him if you'll just up and ditch him a week later? They live in the same castle for fucks sake.
Kai shoved all that to the back of his mind, and he started to forget what happened.
-
9 Months.
9 Months since he saw his family.
He was positive they forgot about him.
He was positive they don't remember his face. He was positive they forgot his element.
Speaking of...
The Overlord was kind enough to allow Kai to take the venge stone cuffs off, allowing him to use his fire again. The day the cuffs were removed made Kai feel his hands properly for the first time in ages. His wrists were red and sore, and he only wore bandages on his wrists the rest of the week.
But despite being given the ability to use his fire again, Kai doesn't do anything with this. Not like the gesture would be returned to anyone else if he didn't take Lloyd's place.
-
The day grew longer, the hours lasting forever. Kai was already positive he's been in the Palace for over a century. It's not like much changed. Nothing did.
The sound of familiar heels clicking behind him startles him a bit, and he turns around to see Harumi, in a dress dress reminiscent of her old royal attire, walking; then stopping right up to him. ''Good morning.'' Kai said, eyeing the princess. ''You seem to be rather out of it, seeing you stopped talking to me for three months.''
Harumi rolled her eyes, ''It's been more than three months, Actually. Time seems to be passing by so fast, I didn't even realize I was five months pregnant.'' Harumi says, eyeing the widow behind Kai.
Kai's breath hitches, his heart stops. ''I beg your pardon?''
''Yeah. Time has moved so fast, like we're in another realm.'' Harumi said, still not eyeing the ninja. ''N-No.. The other thing.'' Harumi looked at him, and arched a brow.
''I'm Pregnant.''
Kai almost felt like the world had just stopped. Had time really passed that far by that Harumi had stopped talking to be him because she was three months from delivery? Well shit. Now Kai was more then positive he should've have entered the bedroom.
He was goin to be a dad. And only Harumi, Him and the Council of the Crystal King knew of this.
How would his family react? If they found out he got their enemy pregnant, He'd have his head on a silver platter by their command.
''You seem to really have lost track of time.'' Harumi says, walking up to him. ''You've been here a whole year. Yesterday was the Anniversary of you sacrifice.''
Kai just stood still, eyes to the floor. He didn't respond, but he heard every word.
Harumi placed a hand on Kai's shoulder, and looked at him. ''I'll let you ponder this.'' She removed her hand, and walked away, leaving Kai alone in the dark hallway, and with his thoughts.
He was fucked.
Lloyd didn't bother getting out of bed this morning. He was sore from training the other day, and he was not ready to train anyone today. But not like he had a choice today, so he rolls himself out of bed, and opens the door-- to barely miss Jay throwing a potted plant down the hall. The vase shatters on the wall, and the plant falls by Cole's feet-- who Lloyd just now sees.
Lloyd rolls his eyes, and drags his feet down the hall as Jay and Cole continued fighting, but not arguing thank heavens.
Stepping to the main training room, Zane and Nya watched a Pixal torn training dummies down with a bo staff. Zane seemed very proud, while Nya clapped her hands. ''Oh, Good Morning Lloyd.'' Pixal said, being the first person to see him. Lloyd smiled, nodding head slightly. ''Oh, Hey Lloyd!'' Nya said, walking up to her little brother, and embracing him in a hug.
''You seem rather happy?'' Lloyd laughed, returning the embrace. Nya's smile faded for a second, and she expression changed.
Oh right.. It's been a whole year since Kai was last with them. The room's atmosphere changes, before Zane speaks up. ''I was able to get reading in the palace, and He's alive.'' Lloyd's eyes widen, and he looks at Zane, ''Yo-You w-hat?''
''The Falcon,'' Pixal says, as Zane's falcon flies through an opening in the roof, and landing on Zane's arm. ''We were able to get him to fly over the Jade Palace, and lo and behold. Kai lives.'' Lloyd felt like his world had healed, His brother was alive.
But he was still trapped in the palace with them. No way to escape.
''On the bright side, since He's alive, we don't have to argue on that anymore.'' Cole says, as he walked into the room, with Jay over his shoulder. ''Put me down!''
''Let's just hope that if he does escape, We have no more surprises.'' Lloyd huffs, laughing slightly. The team laughs with him, ''Like what he's a father now?''
''Oh please.''
Kai paced outside the room, the world muffled around him. He was going to be a father.
Holy shit..
This was not on his bucket list, or it was but it was very far down.
The door opens, and Aspheera slithers out of the room, ''Is she-- okay?''
''She's-ss fine. S-sstop worrying.''
Kai nodded and eyed the doors to the room.
Just a bit longer..
-
Kai stood still, eyeing Harumi, whom held the small bundle in her arms. Shit.. fuck.. fuck.. fuck.. FUCK!
Kai didn't feel like his world would get any better than this. The small bundle did not cry, nor make a noise. The kid was alive, but they weren't giving that signal. Kai didn't move, but he turned his head away from the bed, and leaned on the doorframe. The Members of the Crystal King stood outside the room, waiting for Harumi and her call.
The princess looked up, eyeing Kai and his dreaded expression. She eyed the small infant, and sighed, ''You may enter.''
Kai moved back and away as everyone else entered the room. He walked down the hall, and away from any noise in ear-shot. He was a father now. He wasn't even sure where his life would go from there. Would he even be able to see the kid, hold them, speaks to them?
His freedom was already the Council's, so was his rights as a father theirs' as well? He hoped not.
The months only stretched on. Kai never got to see his kid face to face. His son, whom he'd brag was his pride and joy, never was held in his own arms. Harumi was in full authority of the kid, and she wasn't giving Kai a chance to glance at the kid.
The kid had no name at the moment, and was merely just called ''Kai's kid'', ''Harumi's Son'', ''The prince'' etc. Kai didn't really plan names for a kid out before. There were many ideas that were floating in his head, but none of them suited his taste for what he'd want to name his son.
If Harumi chooses a name, so be it. Not like Kai can fight her on this.
Any chance Kai did try to see the kid, he was stopped by members of the Council, whom glared at him, the took the kid away for babysitting.
But it wasn't like they were any good at babysitting. They neglected the kid, leaving him in rooms alone, and tending to not bother caring for him. Kai could only really watch from afar. He was furious to say the least. He hated the way that They treated a literal infant. Not even a year old.
For fucks sake, Vangelis raised Vania no? Why did he suck at babysitting if he had a daughter he raised?
Kai hated being told to never look at the kid. The Council were just insulting him at this point. He had a new family member, and now he couldn't even talk to them. First he almost lost his family more than once, then he sacrifices his freedom to save them, and now that he has a son; he's forbidden from seeing him.
Kai was on his breaking point. He didn't know what he was going to do.
He felt more trapped than ever.
Harumi soon returned to her usual schedule, and soon The kid was usually on his own in her room. The door opened, and the infant looked in curiosity as a new face entered the room.
Kai stepped towards the crib. He looked at the child. He had his red eyes, but Harumi's hair-- White as snow. His skin was a mix of him and Harumi, and he was.. so.. small. So helpless. Kai kneeled down, and just tried his best form breaking down. His eyes were watering and he was in so much pain.
The kid looked at him, eyes wide. ''This world is so unfair.'' Kai said through hiccups, hold his hand out, and rubbing the kid's head. He hadn't been able to recall the last time he felt like this. This emotion of anger, joy, and sadness all in one place.
The kid laughed.
The Kid was laughing.
Kai's eyes widen. Oh how this kid reminded him of Lloyd when he was still young, still helpless to the world around him.
That's it.
Tonight will be the night. He was freed from his shackles, and he didn't have to hide his fire anymore. He had successfully located where his blades were, and he knew ways out. He just needed that spark, a spark to ignite his flame again to get him out of the cage he was trapped in.
This kid was that spark. That light...
''Hikaru... I'll name you Hikaru..''
Night swept over the city, the sky still having the moon blocked by the dark clouds. Harumi was sound asleep in her room, the infant in the crib nearby.
The castle was still, all forces but The Overlord asleep. The halls were quiet.
The world was in silence.
All but Kai.
He pushed the door to Harumi's room open. Dawning is old Ninja Gi, he walked into the room, closing the door behind him. He eyed the princess, then the crib; and walking up to it, he looked at his son. The child opened his eyes, and immediately reached for his father. Kai placed a finger up to his lips, and with the little practice he had, swaddled the infant and held him in his arms. ''Papa's here.. and we're getting out of here.''
Fixing his blades, and adjusting the stole bag with a few important Items, like a map he stole from the throne room; Kai pushed the windows of the bedroom open, and made his way out of the castle.
No Venge stone, no Overlord, and certainly No Jade Princess was going to stop him from getting what he wants. His freedom, and his family.
''You lost the Falcon?'' Nya asked, eyeing the monitors on the Bounty. Zane sat on a chair nearby, hands folded, fingers intertwined with one another, eyes showing his own confusion, ''Yes.''
''You are hopeless Zane.'' Jay said, face palming.
''Maybe it ran out of juice and fell somewhere in the woods.'' Cole said, ''We've done the routine before.'' Jay nodded, so did Zane. ''Maybe, but we lost his tracker somewhere in the labyrinth..'' Nya said, exhaling.
''Oh fucking god.'' Jay said, placing his hand together and leaning his head on them. ''Today can't get any more crazy.''
''I'll go look for it later, we have training to do.'' Nya said, turning on her heel and walking away. ''Ughhh.. I hate training on free days..'' Jay said, following his girlfriend. ''Who said today was a free day?''
The castle was in shambles.
The kid and Kai were nowhere to be seen. Harumi was infuriated. The council members had never seen her like this before.
Her room was a mess, the halls flipped and destroyed. Everyone was looking everywhere.
But no matter where they looked, Kai and the kid were nowhere to be found. No matter how high, no matter how low..
Harumi refused to talk to anyone during the search.
She finally had a family. After years of her parents dying, getting a family back is all she wanted. And now, just like history repeating itself, Kai had stripped her of a family she loved. She was filled with more hatred than ever.
''Find him. Bring my son back to me. And if you find Kai, make sure he gets what he deserves.''
The labyrinth was the only place that made sense on where everyone was. It had to. Kai held the child close, looking up at the sunrise in the sky. The sun dripping the waters of the Endless Sea in gold over the blue was a sight to behold to anyone lucky enough..
Kai returned to the map, eyeing the deep labyrinth on the print. ''If I could find a way to tell them I'm out here..'' Kai whispered, placing the map away.
A sound caught his attention, and looking ear some bushes, the sounds became almost familiar? Kai walked to the bushes, and pushed them aside to reveal Zane's Falcon. ''Holy shit..'' Kai grabbed the robot and held him in his hand, The bird barely had any design changes, looking the exact same as Kai remembered. ''I'm no good with Any mechanical stuff most times.. but maybe I can try something..''
A few minutes Pass, and Kai was still working on the robot bird. The wiring was hard for him to work on, but he was swearing he was getting the hang of it. After a few tweaks, fixing the wiring system, and using some batteries he had on store- for some reason- wait.. he didn't pack these?
Whatevere, These should work in the meantime.
With the flip of a switch, The Falcon powered on. The bird Immediately eyed Kai, and flew up to the air. Scanning the Ninja, the falcon landed right back on his knees, turning his head. ''Hey Bud, been a few years? Hmm?'' Kai laughed.
The Falcon chirped, then it took off.
Kai watched as he took off, and standing up; Fixing his hold on Hikaru and his stuff, he gave chase to the bird. ''Hey- hey!''
Lloyd swung the sword down on Pixal, whom blocked it with her staff. The duo laughed a but before the combat continued. Nya clapped for Lloyd, and the other either cheered on or stay silent. The group was so focused on the combat, the sound of the falcon flying into the room and landing in front of Zane went almost unnoticed.
The falcon chirped again, but was given no attention. Zane looked down, and his eyes widen and he raised his hand up, ''He's back!''
The noise stopped once Zane spoke up. All eyes fall go the falcon, whom flew onto Zane's arm. Sensei Wu and Garmadon eyed each other, then Zane and the Falcon. ''What is it buddy?'' Zane asked, eyeing the falcon in confusion and curiosity. The falcon chirped again, and a voice came through his speakers.
''Hey Bud, been a few years? hmm?''
The Ninja's eyes widen. ''Is that--'' ''That's Kai's voice.'' Nya and Cole spoke. ''Where the hell did he find the falcon?'' Jay questioned, eyeing the bird.
''He escaped?'' Lloyd said, feeling hope burning inside his body. Lloyd eyed the bird as it turned to him. ''Where is he...''
Damn the falcon was fast.
Fast enough to where Kai lost track of him, but hey, he made it to the labyrinth.
Kai doesn't remember if he's ever been in the ancient labyrinth before.. but woah.. It was beautiful. Kai held Hikaru close, fixing the swords and bag once more. ''But where could they be? This place is fucking massive..''
A noise alerts Kai, and upon seeing blades cutting down some plants, The Ninja dives behind a bush, and eyes the scene unfold. Harumi, with several crystalized minions of the sons of Garmadon looking for him.. and Hikaru.
''Spread out. If you find them, bring them to me.'' Harumi's voice rang.
Kai held the child tightly, watching as the princess walked right pass him. He was grateful Hikaru was a heavy sleeper.
Kai stood up slowly, and rush behind the party and further into the Labrinth. He was sure to get lost, but as long as He can find his family before Harumi can find him, he doesn't find loosing his sanity in this forest.
The walk around the labyrinth wasn't terrible, but since he was literally being hunted down at the very second, he had to be careful. He is a ninja after all, so being able to sneak around would be a no brainer.
Every time he could hear Harumi getting closer, he ducked away until the coast was clear. Kai prayed this process would not repeat until he found the others.
The stakes were high, once the Ninja found that kai was not only IN the labyrinth, but Harumi was stalking him, they had to stay out of trouble by going to find him. It was to dangerous to go and fight her. What if she had the other Council members with her? What if she caught him?
The risk was not worth it, but for Kai? Oh it so would be. The Others were told to lay low, over and over by Wu and Garmadon. They didn't want to.
Their friend was in serious danger. They didn't care if they got hurt.
Kai was lost in a labyrinth he's never explored, and he was sure to get killed if Harumi found him. Everyone was on edge at the moment.
Today could get crazier. But at the same time, it could only get worse.
Kai was growing exhausted as all hell. Dealing with Harumi was a bitch, and praying Hikaru would stay sleeping until he found the others was going to drain him. His feet were sore, and finding where anyone could be was going to be pain. Not like it already was, but now it was multiplied.
Kai huffed, backing against a tree, and sliding to the dirt floor below. He held Hikaru close. He was on his last straw. His world was sure to finally break the second Harumi Finds him. He didn't want to give up. He couldn't give up, he shouldn't.
Ninja never quit.
The feeling of Danger at every corner didn't leave. He was trapped. Unable to run. He was going to Die. He will never see his loved ones ever again...
An explosion goes off somewhere. Kai looks up seeing the cloud of grey, red and orange. ''That way!'' A voice not to far away shouts, Kai stand up, and swings around the tree until he's hidden behind it. Footsteps rush past him. He covers his mouth, and as the footsteps fade, he eyes something in front of him. A door.
The door is covered by vines, but the handle is noticeable. Kai grabs the bag, and walks to the door.
He hesitates for a second. What if this was a trap?
He swallowed his negative feelings down, and pushed the door open upon turning the knob.
The door lead to a lit room, neatly made. Overgrown, but still cozy. Strange.. \
''Hello? Anyone here?''
Kai's voice echo's slightly. He closed the door with his foot, and stepped further into the room. There was a glass ceiling letting sunlight drip into the room. The room was familiar to the main living room of the bounty. Kai felt nostalgic the further he looks around.
A gaming console, unopened games, pillows and blankets thrown about, plants knocked over.
''Yep... I'm home.''
There was another door Kai spots, and beyond it, he hears bickering. He walks to the door, and places his hand on the handle, ''It's only a year.. only a year.. Nothing has changed..''
He pushed the door open, and there standing a large room, that looked like it would be used from training.. was his family. His siblings, his found family, his father figures.. Three of the ninjas were fighting. Nya, Jay and Cole. Kai smiled, not really waiting on them to notice him.
Zane's Falcon turned to Kai, and flying off Zane's shoulder and over to Kai is what got everyone's attention. Kai stood with Hikaru in one arm, the falcon on another. The room falls into complete silence. Lloyd steps forward, waling past Nya, Jay and Cole. His face distorts into pain seeing kai. He doesn't bother addressing the elephant, but instead reaching out for Kai's hand, as the falcon landed on his shoulder.
''You.. escaped?''
Kai smiled, stepping closer to his little brother. ''I wished I'd reunite with all of you.'' Lloyd embraced his brother, but immediately stops when Hikaru hiccupped. Lloyd eyes the infant, then Kai. ''What-''
''Hikaru, ''Light.'''' Kai said, fixing the way he held the infant in his arms. ''Harumi..'' Lloyd said, pupils shrinking in anger.
''It's fine, but not like she really cares for him..'' Kai said in a low voice as the other followed behind Lloyd. ''Can we see him?'' Nya asked looking over Lloyd's shoulder. Kai held his arms out, the face of his son being shown. Nya melted immediately. ''He's so small..'' Jay said, poking the kid's cheeks softly.
''Why'd you name his Hikaru?'' Cole asked, looking at the infant.
''I guess...'' Kai sighed, ''He was the spark that ignite the dying flame in me. He was the light I needed. He reminded me of Lloyd..'' Lloyd looked up at Kai, and then smiled. Kai carefully Handed the infant to Nya, and embraced his little brother. Lloyd didn't hold the tears back, and let them flow as he embraced Kai.
A whole year of turmoil and pain was so worth it in the end. The baby hickuped, and got Lloyd's attention, ''May I hold him now?'' Kai nodded, and Nya handed the baby to the blonde. Lloyd melted as well seeing the red eyes the baby had. He smiled and then.. proceeded to bolt out of the room, baby in arms, ''I'M AN UNCLE!''
''Lloyd!'' Kai darted after his brother, with Nya and Jay in tow. ''Give me my son back!''
Cole and Zane laughed, watching the 4 exit the room. Wu and Garamdon smiled, Pixal walked up to her boyfriend, laughing with them. ''What a world will bring when it's done bringing pain.'' Cole said, nodding his head.
''We should go and stop them before the kid gets hurt.'' Zane said, walking out of the room. Cole and Pixal followed, cahtting all the while.
''What do you think Harumi will do now?'' Garmadon asked, looking at His brother. ''I doubt She'll give up. We best keep Kai and his son safe.'' Wu replied, closing his eyes, ''This is a serious situation we're in.''
''And The Overlord?''
''He'll be dealt at a later date.''
Harumi's hand rested on the crib, as she sobbed.
The Overlord stood not to far away. He didn't dare speak. Kai had escaped, and taken his son with him. Harumi was in mourning.
But she won't be in mourning forever. History cannot repeat it's self. If it did, then so bit it. He didn't care.
He was sure she'd never stop hunting him until she got their son back..