Chapter Text
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The harsh waves splash against the rocks along the beach. The wind rustled through the leaves of the many trees along the island's forests. Rain hit the ground hard; it sounded like thunder. But the occupants of the isle did not care for the harsh weather outside; for all were inside, waiting for the trial to be completed.
A young man—practically still a boy—stood amidst a circular throne room, set for battles yet to come. Kabuki and Cultist soldiers watch anxiously, standing by whilst the other challengers get ready.
Every waking moment only caused tensions to rise, but nobody could even flinch under the eyes of their master; Chen, current leader of his family clan, ruler of this tiny island off the coast of nowhere.
A small squad of four, some of Chen’s best fighters, circled around the dark-haired boy, who was dressed in similar yet simpler attire.
Keith; a boy young in age, but tough in demeanor, readied himself for the upcoming attack, a small bit of anxiety in his quiet, heavy breaths. He eyes the men circling around him like vultures ready to tear his flesh apart—carefully studying each individual as they made their way into his line of sight.
“Begin.” Clouse commands, eyes heavily focused on the child who looked much like himself. Even though his voice was stern and emotionless, his body was warily still, hands behind his back, fingers fidgeting unknowingly to his Master beside him.
Keith nods, and takes a fighting stance, fists up and ready. The four fighters all lunged at him at the same time, each carrying their own unique weapon; a sword, nunchucks, shurikens, and a scythe.
Keith managed to dodge and block a few attacks before he began to struggle. He couldn’t just show off by pretending he could win without fighting—he has to win! And to do that, he has to fight.
Closing his eyes in concentration, Keith focuses his power on the detailed prints on every solid surface in the room. The imprints on the carpet crawled into existence, coming to life with one purpose; to cause pain. They zipped around, gaining awareness of their surroundings before locking eyes with their target. The other fighters began to sweat nervously at the sight.
The unliving brought to life, the carpet prints were free from their solid restraints, and now flowed with the current of its maker. Keith set their sights on the other fighters, and with a target found, they flew towards them. They attacked Chen’s men, restraining their movements with forceful holds and rendering them unable to fight back. Keith hardly had to lift a muscle before the other fighters were on the floor, yielding to him.
After a few seconds, a realization struck him; it was over. The challenge had been completed and he had won.
Keith kneeled in front of the throne, one leg against the carpeted floor. He looked up at Chen, admiration and nervousness in his gaze. But he knew he had to stay strong in the face of his master. He's faced many trials before this for his masters approval and he can’t falter now.
After an almost excruciatingly long moment of thinking, Chen finally gave his judgment. “I see your power has grown since our last trial.” The all powerful Master Chen said. The boy's newfound strength had clearly piqued his interest. “You will serve well as a spy in the Tournament of Elements.” Chen spoke in amusement, like he had just been given a new toy.
“Thank you, Master Chen.” Keith smiled. He was ecstatic underneath his humble demeanor. Clouse had told him what to say; keep everything short and simple but always be sure to respect their Master, even if it came down to lies—But Keith doubts he will ever have to lie to his master. Chen is a merciful man who Keith can only see as a heroine in their story; a man that will lift them from the ashes and lead them into greatness.
The oath he made—the oath his father before him made; loyal servants to Master Chen, soon to be the ruler of the mainland and eventually all of Ninjago.
Chen smiled, seeing a very familiar look in the boy's eyes. “You are ready. Congratulations, Keith; Master of Spells.”
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“I did it, father!” Keith ran up to Clouse. Now that they were alone, Clouse could openly commend his son for his win.
“You did good, Keith. I am pleased with your performance, as I am sure Master Chen was as well.” Clouse said—far calmer than he was during the trial—setting a hand on his child’s shoulder. That was an affection Keith always strived for, and he beamed from it.
“Thank you, father.” Keith bowed and shot right back up, keeping his shoulders leveled and head high. The bruises that began to form on his skin couldn’t even wipe the wide smile off his face.
“Come, we have much to discuss.” Clouse signaled for him to follow, and they walked through the hallways of the castle. After moments of silence, Keith finally made up his mind to speak. He asks the many questions that entertain his thoughts.
“Do you think any of the Elemental Masters will find out that me and Skylor are spies?” Keith asks, walking beside Clouse, looking at the patterns on the wall.
“This is the first time in years that all the current Elemental Masters have ever been in one place.” Clouse explained—who can say how many times he’s had to explain this. The boy was of nervous nature despite his tendency to find himself in the most dire of situations. “Trust me, boy—there is no chance they’ll discover your true nature.”
Keith grinned in amusement. “Right, they are far to stupid. Chen’s plan is absolute. There’s no way a bunch of future losers could ever figure it out.”
Clouse hardly acknowledged Keith’s statement, his mind on better, more graver things. “We still have a month to prepare for the Tournament.” He said. “That’s a close enough gap, so from now on you’ll need to train harder.”
“But I’ve been training my whole life for this!” Keith complained—he had a tendency to do that as well, no matter how hard Clouse tried to remove that part from his nature. “I know every fighting technique there is to know! I know exactly where every jade blade will be hidden and how to get it! I’ve mastered your spell book, memorized it even! I even beat Chen in the skating rink—“
“Nearly beat Chen in the rink.” Clouse corrected harshly. The boy was far too confident for his own good. “Come now, the Kabuki have to get your measurements for your Tournament gi.”
Keith sighed, his shoulders falling in defeat. In the face of others, Keith wasn’t one to do down that easy but with his father…“Yes, father.” He said quietly.
They entered a room—a dressing room—filled with Kabuki, big mirrors and lined with fabric. The young boy recognized every person in the room, even if they were meant to be indistinguishable. Behind all the makeup and the layers of costumes, were those who have watched him grow to be what he is today.
One woman specifically—Yoko—was a lot more special to him. She nursed him, taught him, and brought him up when Clouse was far too busy to—which he forgives, not that his father has to apologize. Yoko approached the two, a stern look in her eyes.
“My compliments, Clouse. You somehow managed to turn a soft little boy into a soldier. How far you both have come.” Yoko's calm, nearly perfect tone avoided any give away of the tarnish she wished on the both of them.
Keith laughed—he thought it was a joke. But Clouse knew better. “I’m honored to hear such high compliments from you, Yoko. Didn’t know you had it in you to deliver such praise.”
The woman glared at him, her eyes hardening in hate and distaste. In an instance, she changed her entire demeanor. “Everything is ready for you.” Gesturing towards where the gi was being made.
“Good. Now if you don’t mind bringing out the gi.”
A pair of Kabuki leave to go retrieve it, leaving the three alone.
“He’ll need more than a new gi to disguise himself.” Yoko spoke. She’s already noted how Keith was an exact copy of his father and as he got older he started looking like him more and more.
“What do you mean?” Keith questioned, curious enough to ask.
“Don’t you see the problem?” She asked Clouse, narrowing her eyes in suspicion.
“No?” Both Clouse and Keith said at the same time.
“He looks exactly like you!” Yoko exclaimed. Their sharp facial features and slick back hair were two of many things they had in common. “With a bit more meat in his bones…” She comments under her breath. “But that still doesn’t change the likeness you two share.”
Clouse dismissed her concerns with terrifying ease. “The new generation of Elemental Masters haven’t a clue who Master Chen is. Do put faith in me when I say; their predecessors have taught them nothing.”
Yoko scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “Whatever you wanna tell yourself.” She and Clouse had always had a… moody relationship to say the least.
Just as the argument settled, the Kabuki twins had returned. The gi the Kabuki had prepared for him was adequate, as his father put it. Keith thought it was awesome—although he tried to keep his excitement limited. It was suitable for combat, with thick padding and flexible fabric.
For some reason, it looked strangely familiar. “Wait—Father…? Is this your old training gi?”
Clouse glanced at him, only for a moment before returning his gaze to the gi. “Parts of it. Anything that could be salvaged from the original.”
“—and, you’re giving it to… to me?” He was happy. No, more than happy! He was honored. To wear his fathers old gi in such a time of great change, it was like a medal of gold had been placed upon his shoulders, and he would wear it with pride!
“Think of it as a gift.” Clouse folded his arms behind his back. “…And as a reminder.” There were expectations to uphold after all.
“Yes, father.” Keith smiled innocently.
It should have ended there. Clouse should have sent the boy away to his room for the night—but he didn’t. “Listen to me carefully, child. You are now a player in this game. You will fight in the Tournament and you shall win in the Tournament.”
“A-and… if I fail?” Keith looked at his father, uncertainty rising in his chest.
Clouse looked at him—although usually sparingly, this time was much different. His gaze was hard with a mix of determination, along with something Keith couldn’t quite place; fear? No, impossible. His father feared nothing. Clouse had taken a long moment to inspect every inch of Keith’s youthful face, a similar reflection of his own when he was that age.
“You can’t.”
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There was a view just outside the castle walls, deep in the forest, covered by trees with long branches that caught any rainfall and covered the ground with shadows; creating the perfect hideout for two kids needing to get away from the overwhelming pressures of their small island. But as it would seem, Skylor’s been taking way more advantage of it than Keith.
Of course, the other knows exactly where to find her when her presence is notably lacking from where it should be.
“Skylor!” Keith’s voice called out, spooking any birds or animals in the area with his loud entrance. He's always had that effect on little creatures.
“Skylor!” He yelled again. Always a game with her. It’s like she was hiding on purpose! After a couple more paces he reached the edge of the forest, the sand of the beach seeping into the grass. That's where he found her; sitting on a log, looking out past the bay.
“There you are!” Keith plopped himself beside her. “I’ve been looking all over for you! No wonder you were chosen to be a spy.”
“You found me.” Skylor stated like it was a disappointing fact, like she didn’t want to be found. The two sat in silence, listening to the waves crash against the shore. “Congratulations on getting into the tournament, Keith.”
“Oh thanks, I was honestly worried I wouldn’t make it.” He suddenly let out a laugh. “Phft—Worried? That's stupid.”
“Don’t doubt yourself.” Skylor said with a small smile, finally looking at him. “You did good.”
Keith couldn’t keep in his excitement any longer. “Ah! I can’t wait for the Tournament!” His chest was buzzing with a very anxious, but a very electrifying feeling. He feels his hands grow into fists by just the thought of a fight. “—Can’t wait to punch those Elemental Masters into oblivion!”
“Yeah, yeah…” Skylor nodded slowly, a somber expression on her face as she looked out towards the wild and reckless sea. Past the sea was a world she hardly knew—a world that would be their future… After it was destroyed.
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