Miki Ratsula - ''They'' Dodie Cover

Am I allowed

To look at them like that?

Could it be wrong

When they're just so nice to look at?

—

The water was still before it was disturbed. Peering down past the surface, a blurry white figure sat at the bottom, a steady stream of bubbles floating up from him to the surface.

''Ten minutes! He just broke his own record. The guy's inhuman!'' Kai exclaimed to the others while you squinted as you looked down.

''You sure he didn't drown?" You questioned in concern, eyeing the others beside you.

''Positive,'' Cole affirmed in an attempt to clear your doubts.

Zane's blond hair broke the surface, sending little ripples in the water that faded. The boys laughed with joy while you smiled at the sight of the nind- human.

''Amazing!'' The Earth Ninja exclaimed while he looked down at the Ice Ninja.

''We're not worthy!'' Jay added, bowing.

''I broke the record?" Zane inquired.

Kai held up the timer to show him. ''You destroyed it!''

''Shattered it to pieces.'' You grinned at the boy, who smiled at you.

''Okay, okay. Is anyone thinking what I'm thinking? We've been training for so long, I don't think we can get any better. Just think about all we've accomplished.'' Jay told the other ninja.

They then began to discuss all the things they did up to this point while you decided to do a handstand on the railing of the Destiny's Bounty. Steadily taking a hand off the rail, the arm supporting your weight began to wobble, like a ballerina on the tips of their toes for the first time.

''Careful, (Y/n).'' Zane cautioned while observing you.

Taking a deep breath, you steadied the wobbling. ''Steady is a stone.'' You reminded yourself while your arm began to ache due to how much weight it supported. Placing your other hand down on the rail, Zane then helped you down onto the deck.

Once that was done, you and the boys went to search for Wu, while you used your outhandstanding skill to follow them. They stopped boasting amongst themselves as soon as they saw Wu putting away a katana. Respectfully, the ninja bowed, while you could only dip your toes downward.

''Our apologies, Sensei. We've interrupted you.'' Zane remorsefully spoke.

Wu held the wrapped katana, his back to you and the others. The Sensei then placed it in a box, still keeping his back to you.

The old man sighed. ''I'm sorry if I've been distant lately. My mind has been elsewhere since Lloyd has gone missing. What can I help you with?'' He faced the window.

''Sensei, what if we've done enough training? What if we've reached our True Potential? What if we're ready?'' Cole questioned the old tea-obsessed man.

Wu turned to the group, blinking a few times as he spotted you handstanding while the others stood. Refocusing, he continued. ''Hm. You might have reached peak physical condition, but you've yet to reach your inner potential. In each and every one of us, there are obstacles that hold us back. Only when you conquer that fear will your heart be free. Only then will you reach your True Potential. Only then will we have a fighting chance to stop the Serpentine from releasing the Great Devourer.'' He informed.

Zane, sensing there was something more to his words, approached him, putting a hand on his shoulder as he looked at his Sensei. ''There's more to the Great Devourer than you've led on, isn't there, Sensei?''

He exhaled. ''I too have obstacles within my own heart. There's a story I've never told you.'' Wu admitted.

The Ice Ninja was gentle as he helped you into a sitting position so you could rest your arms and listen to the story.

''Long ago, when I was a young boy, Garmadon and I were more than brothers. We were the best of friends.''

A much younger Wu stood back to back with a boy similar to him, his brother also in his younger years. They both held katanas in their grasp. They turned to face each other, their sharp blades clashing as they sparred.

''Wait a minute.'' Jay interrupted, raising an eyebrow. ''Now, I know you two were brothers, but really? The King of Cruelty, the Doer of Destruction, the Captain of Chaos, and you two were friends?''

''Please, no interruptions.'' Wu put his hand up to silence the Mouth of Lightning.

''You see, he did not always have a wicked heart. One day, I lost this very katana. Knowing our father would be mad, my brother told me to go retrieve it.''

Equally matched, the two brothers fought with their katanas, neither brother winning nor losing. Wu blocked a strike by Garmadon before the young soon-to-be evil Garmadon used his blade to knock his brother's weapon out of his grasp. Glancing at their father, Garmadon told Wu to get it.

''But I refused. He told me not to put off what can be done today and went to get it himself.''

The young to-be tea-obsessed boy looked to the spot where the katana was seen before it disappeared, shaking his head. Garmadon climbed over the wall, landing on the other side. Glancing around, he spotted the sword near a bush. Going to grab it, his hand was bitten by a green snake with red eyes.

Wobbling, the young two-armadon collapsed, the snake slithering away.

''When my father found him, he was very ill, for he was bitten by a legendary snake that would grow forever as long as it consumes.''

The brother's father picked up Garmadon who lay on his side.

''A great evil had found its way into my brother's heart, for the snake's venom could turn the purest of things wicked.''

Young Wu peered into the room, spotting his brother struggling to get his father off him as he tried to help.

''Leave it. Leave me alone. I don't need you. I hate you.'' Young Garmadon angrily told his father.

''The snake is the same one the Serpentine want to reawaken today.''

A shadow that resembled a serpent with glowing red eyes materialised on the wall behind young Wu.

''Aah! It hurts! It's all Wu's fault!'' Young Garmadon's eyes burned a glowing crimson as he looked at his brother. Scared, young Wu ran away from the room.

''It is the snake that took my brother away from me.'' Wu finished.

''So the Great Devourer turned your brother into the Dark Lord?'' Kai questioned.

Wu sighed once more. ''It was all my fault.'' He closed the box with the katana in it, picking it up. ''You four have finished your training. You must now focus on stopping Pythor from collecting the Fangblades. But never lose focus on the obstacles that lie within each of your hearts that holds you back from true greatness. Unlock your True Potential.'' He informed the group.

''But how are we supposed to do that, Sensei?'' Zane asked.

''It is up to each of you to discover. Now I must go on a personal journey of my own.'' Wu answered him, the ninja parting to let him go past as he began to walk out, clutching the box with the katana.

''Where are you going?'' Jay inquired as he followed the old man.

''To a place, you cannot follow,'' Wu told the Mouth of Lightning, shaking his head.

''If you're going for Lloyd, the City of Ouroboros is filled with hundreds of Serpentine. You'll never do it alone.'' Cole told him.

''I am going to find someone who can be of aid. The Serpentine have united and grown stronger and we will need all the help we can get.'' The old man replied.

The group gathered on the deck of the Destiny's Bounty, which had stopped at the peak of a mountain, they then watched as the Old Tea-Obsessed Man began going down the slope.

—

Nya put up a poster with the word missing in red, along with a drawing of a Fangblade and the ninja's number.

Zane held onto a stack of the missing posters. ''Oh, this is silly.''

''You have any better ideas?" Cole questioned.

''Hey, maybe Sensei is gonna go get the Samurai for help,'' Jay suggested, causing you to look at Kai and Nya, the latter's eyes widening. Zane began to wander away from the group.

''The Samurai? I'm sure she's—I mean, he's busy looking for the Fangblades as well.'' The Fire Ninja replied, almost letting the truth slip through. You looked at him, briefly facepalming.

''Uh, is everything all right?'' Jay asked.

''Yeah, yeah. Why wouldn't it be?'' Kai looked at him nervously.

''One hundred per cent. We're not hiding anything.'' Nya tried to help cover up while you frowned at the sibling's attempts.

Sensing the falcon's presence, Zane accidentally let a few posters from his pile fall onto the ground as he stopped.

''Hey, weirdo. You're making a mess of my storefront. Yoo-hoo! You got a problem?'' A shop owner interrogated, punching Zane's arm. The Ice Ninja let go, the papers drifting down, beginning to walk away. ''Maybe I should teach you a lesson on manners.''

''I'm sorry, sir. Sometimes our friend is in another world.'' Kai apologised to the store owner after running over to him.

''He's littering all over the place.'' The shop owner complained. Cole ran over.

''We'll pick it up. So sorry.'' The Earth Ninja told him. The ninja knelt to pick the posters up but looked over to the Ice Ninja.

''Zane, what's the deal?'' Zaptrap asked, his question was soon answered as he followed Zane pointing up to the falcon. ''Ah! It's the Falcon! Oh, my gosh! Every time we follow it, it leads us to good fortune.'' He gushed.

Kai looked back at you and Nya. ''Head back to the Bounty and wait till you hear from us.''

''But where are you going?'' His sister questioned.

''We're gonna follow the bird. Who knows, it could lead us to the first Fangblade.'' Porcupine answered, following the others.

Sighing in frustration, you glanced down at your once more useless legs, hearing the boy's steps get further and further away.

''Don't worry, we can have a night of our own.'' Nya's voice interrupted your thoughts in an attempt to cheer you up. ''It'll be just us and Remo.''

A grin appeared on your face. ''Great idea, onwards!'' You exclaimed, punching your fist forward.

Nya rolled her eyes with a smile, feeling the warmth rise underneath her skin.

—

When you arrived back at the Destiny's Bounty, a peaceful silence lay undisturbed in the air. As much as the ninja were nice to hang around, sometimes it was nicer to take a break from them.

Nya pulled out the remains of your wheelchair, while you sighed at its appearance. The girl looked over at you in pity, then inspected the wheelchair. ''This one doesn't look like it's making a comeback. Not anytime soon.'' She told you.

Sighing, you lifted your head. ''Remo-'' As soon as his name was spoken, the silver snake appeared on your shoulders. You looked at him, lifting an eyebrow.

''Right here!'' He puffed out his chest. ''What do you need?"

''We're gonna need some popcorn-'' At your words, Remo then disappeared, Nya blinking a few times from the suddenness. You then began to head down to the tv room, with Nya following.

You began to try and set up the tv to watch something once you reached it. Nya assisted you with finding a CD to put in as the screen flickered on. You fumbled around for the remote and eventually found it sandwiched between the couch and a cushion.

In came Remo, balancing a bowl heaped to the brim with delicious buttery popcorn on his head, the smell wafting over to you and Nya. The girl's eyes widened upon spotting him, bewildered at the sight before her. You giggled, holding a hand over your mouth.

Nya knelt to pick up the bowl of popcorn off his head, the snake sighing in relief and then getting onto the couch to curl up on it. Accidentally changing the channel from a staticky one, the screen displayed a close-up video of a moustached man's face.

''I'VE COME TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT-'' The onscreen voice shouted but Remo slapped his tail against the button again, averting his gaze. You grabbed a piece of popcorn, tossing it into your open mouth, not knowing what to think as you looked at Nya, who was silent like you were.

You settled on the couch, beside her whose gaze was set on the tv ahead. The movie began to play.

As time passed, the light outside began to dim, not just sunset yet. You decided it was a good idea to take a break from watching and let Remo refill the bowl. Nya helped him out, while you sat on the deck thinking about what to do.

Electricity sparked between your fingers, jolting your attention to them as you watched it arc from one finger to another, beginning to form electric webbing between your fingers. You smiled, putting out both of your hands in front of you, watching as the sparks jumped between your fingertips.

Shoes tapping against the stairs ahead made you shut down the electricity as soon as you could. Nya walked down the stairs, briefly lifting an eyebrow at you sitting on the deck. She smiled, holding the bowl of popcorn while Remo was eager to sit on your shoulders.

The three of you went back downstairs but that was short-lived the moment you discovered something- or well, someone's footsteps creaking above you. Remo's head shot up, looking to the ceiling as the creaking continued. You held your breath when it fell silent.

Then it picked up again but faster, frantic it seemed. Remo squeaked and you placed your hand over his mouth. Nya got to her feet, having placed the bowl on the couch, clenching her fists. The door swung open, hitting the wall.

''....Mum?" You stared at the woman in the doorway, somewhat taller than it. Nya tensed, staring at her warily. Your mother lowered herself a bit to fit through, a man almost half her size following. You owlishly blinked, then squinted. ''You didn't tell me you'd be coming!''

Nya looked your mother up and down, noting the weird earrings she wore that looked like lit-up lightbulbs, (e/c) eyes like yours and an elaborate silver necklace with a glowing white-gold ball on the end.

''You're watching Mamma Mia without me?" Your mother questioned, looking over at the paused screen, mocking offence as she put her hand over her heart. Your dad shook his head, exhaling in response.

''We can't be here for too long,'' Your dad reminded her, affectionately messing up your hair. Pouting, you slapped his hand away. He poked his tongue out at you, making a silly face. You returned the favour.

Nya looked at your parents, side-eyeing the tv. Your mum grabbed a handful of popcorn, dropping a few bits which Remo snatched up and ate. She stuffed it in her mouth, trying to say something while you attempted to decipher her words.

You huffed, your mother finishing her mouthful, turning her eyes to Nya with a sweet smile. ''Would you mind if we talk in private? We won't be very long.'' The girl looked over at you before nodding and leaving the room, closing the door behind her.

Remo slithered back onto your shoulders. ''What's this about?" You questioned, sweeping some popcorn crumbs off the couch with your hand.

''First, you need to put out your hand.'' Your mother instructed. Confused, you did as you were told, palm facing the ceiling. She tapped it and the tingling feeling resurged as electricity crackled on your hand. Your mother grinned. ''Make sure to use it often. Too much of it pent up could be disastrous.''

''But the others, is it wise to let them see?" You asked, worry clouding your mind.

''Wu will be gone for some time, and the ninja will usually be on missions.'' She explained. ''I'm sure you can trust Nya.'' Your mother patted you on the back, striding over to the door and opening it.

Nya stepped out of the way as your mother and your father passed the threshold. ''Didn't think it'd be that quick.'' She told you, while you tried going after the two.

''Oh! How could I forget?" Your mother laughed, taking you into a hug which your father joined. ''See you later, munchkin.''

You puffed out your cheeks as your parents looked at each other with mischievous looks. They then began to walk off the Bounty. Your mother paused, turning to look at Nya. ''I knew your parents, I'm sorry for what happened. Even if... even if I wasn't exactly on good terms with them... for reasons.''

Without another word, your mother picked up her pace, soon disappearing around a corner with your father. You looked over to Nya, who was frozen in place. ''We don't need to worry about it if you don't want to.''

The girl thickly swallowed, her eyes finding yours. Fresh tears sprouted from her eyes as she tried to blink them back. You started going downstairs, and she silently followed.

Pulling yourself onto the couch, you resumed the movie as Nya attempted to calm herself down. Remo had disappeared but reappeared with tissues, which you handed to her. While you had no idea why your mother brought that up, you had to focus on Nya first.

Nya stilled as your hands touched her cheek, wiping away the tears. ''It's okay to cry, Nya.'' You pulled the girl into the hug, who immediately hugged you back, sniffling. The two of you stayed like that for what seemed like hours.

When you had pulled out of the hug, you settled back into watching the movie. Nya sat close by you, shoving handfuls of popcorn into her mouth. It was beginning to get late, and you were getting a bit sleepy...

Yawning, you closed your eyes.

—

Nya looked down as a weight was felt on her lap. Looking down, her heartbeat quickened as warmth rushed to her face. You had fallen asleep with your head in her lap. Carefully, she moved you off her lap, picking you up, staggering before regaining her balance.

Walking to your room, Nya placed you down in your bed before backing out, almost tripping over her own feet. Cleaning up the TV room, she hopped into bed as the boys arrived home, going to bed as they joked amongst themselves.

:)

Go wild with your comments and theories!

Without further ado,

See ya, Bookworms.

WriterAgreste, over & out!