The Difference Between Dreams And Reality
"Dreams are like air and wind. It lifts you up and makes the impossible possible. Reality is like the earth. It grounds and supports you when dreams and wind cannot."
Master Wu told Lloyd that a long time ago. At first, he hadn't thought much of it. He was simply commenting on one of Jay's off-hand remarks on one of his random dreams. Like becoming a race-car driver or stopping Lloyd from being a sugar-addict. While one was close to being fulfilled with the ninja's many mech's and machines, the latter was still unsuccessful. But as Lloyd lay on the stone-hard cot, inhaling the reek of sweat and garbage, and listening to his friends' breathing, he began to delve deeper into the wise words of his uncle. He could hear his mother puddling around still and the rest of the group shifting in bed. As he rolled over on his side and squinted into the shadows he could see the outline of Nya's body. It shifting with the rise and fall of her intake and outtake of oxygen.
Lloyd felt the familiar lung restricting, heart sinking, soul drowning bitter sadness that came with the memories of his teacher. The same thoughts that he's been chasing away ever since that dreadful day invaded his mind. Spreading a dangerous emotion. Of course, there are many, many, emotions that can bring turmoil. Anger, sadness, doubt, greed, and as Lloyd's ex-lover Harumi so beautifully made an example of- vengeance. But this emotion could gnaw away at someone until it drives them insane. Rip at their confidence and place them in an eternal sense of remorse and sadness.
Guilt.
Lloyd couldn't help but wonder if he hadn't thrown his teacher onto that ship....would things have played out differently? Would he still be alive?
No.
Lloyd grunted and slammed a scrap of a pillow over his ears like it would block out the thoughts. Squeezing his eyes shut and forcing them away.
"You cannot hide from the thoughts that come with the emotions you fear." Wu's wise old voice echoed in his brain. I can sure try. Lloyd grumbled bitterly in his head. Familiar frustration washing away the sorrow like a harsh wind.
"Lloyd?" Lloyd's eyes shot open.
Nya had been half-asleep. Mostly resting her eyes and her body since her mind was constantly robbed with plans and strategy. Whirling and forming into her way of coping through this time. But her concentration had been broken as she heard her remaining brother tossing and turning, muttering indescribable words under his breath. As she stared at him now she could see the worry and the exhaustion robbing his once emerald eyes. The vibrant colour vanished like his elemental power had, changing into a dark brown similar to Misako's.
"Are you okay?" Nya felt silly saying those words. A cold, hysterical laugh almost slipped through her lips. Was he okay? Obviously not. She had never really noticed how ridiculous the question was until every feeling she's felt became brittle and fake like plastic.
"Yeah! Yeah...I'm fine." Lloyd whispered, sounding unsure even to his own ears. The strength and energy for being upbeat and positive strained from the day. "Uh. A-are you?" He stumbled over the words.
"I'm good," Nya answered simply, eyebrows furrowing as she tried to figure out what he was thinking. "Try and get some sleep, okay?"
It had been a long time since she played the role of big sister. The last time she had Lloyd had been much smaller with less burden and more attitude. But Lloyd nodded simply, opening Nya's eyes to how much he really relied on her as his eyelids slid closed. Nya held back a sigh and closed her eyes as well. Listening as Lloyd's breathing shallowed more and more the longer he fell asleep.
* * *
"Lloyd, back me up here!"
Lloyd blinked and scrunched his brow with confusion as a weird brightness the hideout's poor lighting was never able to reach. He became aware of two strong male shapes. Both with their chest puffed out and squint-glaring daggers as they sized each other up. Cole and Jay. Lloyd's brain seemed to shut down as they jabbed each other and bickered.
"What are you guys arguing about this time?" Lloyd's breath hitched at the familiar voice. He turned to see the smug smirk he'd grown to hate and humour as Kai lounged on a beanbag.
"Cole thinks it's pronounced pah-sta but we all know it's actually said paw like paw-sta," Jay informed the fire ninja before whirling back on his raven-haired friend. "Tell him he's wrong!"
"You know what I say to that? Pah!" Cole shot back. "Right, Lloyd?"
"Uh..." Was all Lloyd said, at a loss as he rubbed his eyes furiously to see if they were really there. The surroundings began to become clearer. Forming the reminiscent walls of the monastery. The same ancient architecture with the same modern additions. Pictures hung on the walls and comic books strewn across the floor.
"Does it really matter which way the word is said as long as it means the same thing?" A pleasant robotic voice proposed. Zane. Lloyd found his hand reach towards his friend as he strolled in, drying off his hands on a towel.
Cole snorted. "Not if one sounds like a cheap British chef."
Jay's mouth fell open and he readied himself to let out a spew of yells when Nya stepped in. "Are you done? Kai still owes me that dance off after he lost the bet." She laughed, taking Jay's hand. His annoyed scowl fell into a trance of bliss as Nya pulled him into a slow dance, twirling him around.
Suddenly, Lloyd realized with a sickening jolt that this wasn't real. Pain overtook him once more as he stared at his friends, his family, as they goofed off together.
This was all a dream.
Lloyd's heart was being ripped out all over again as the memories painted the perfect picture of Nya, happy once more surrounded by the people she loved. Laughing as she partnered with Jay and teased Kai's horrible steps. A grin broke through his face. A grin. Something so genuine and beautiful. There's a difference between a tight-lipped, tense smile and a grin. A separation between a sad tilt of the lips and a grin. But this was definitely a full-blown wide-mouthed beam. And it felt good. He hadn't realized how much out of practice he was when his cheeks began hurting
"Lloyd!" Lloyd's heart stopped. A figure appeared in the doorway. His white moustache fluttering with his breath as he raised a steaming cup of tea to his lips. "I can't figure out how to change the song on the electronic cracker and the music-box thingy."
Kai laughed, causing Cole to trip over him as he paused. "You mean your iPod and speaker?"
"You're horrible at dancing-don't judge me." Master Wu retorted. "Lloyd, come help me with my playlist." With that, he turned and left the room.
Lloyd stared after, watching as his uncle left. "You never told me what songs Sensei listens to." Kai slung his arm over his shoulders. His teasing expression falling to one of concern when all he got was silence and a faraway look. "You good buddy?"
"He's probably mentally preparing himself for whatever Sensei calls music." Jay joked, taking a glass of water offered by a distracted Zane. Lloyd blinked when he saw a flash of Pixal's profile picture in the reflection of his eyes while he typed.
This isn't real, this isn't real, this isn't real. The words echoed in his head. But somehow it felt so real. It was nice and refreshing and filled him with a dangerous feeling of longing. Memories and bliss circling inside him pleasantly. Lloyd found himself walking down the long hallway to where Master Wu meditated. Hesitantly he pushed it open to see his teacher muttering and fiddling with the buttons on the iPod. But as soon as he saw Lloyd something changed. His expression grew indifferent as he sat down and grasped the teapot, pouring a second cup and handing it to his nephew. Lloyd recognized this routine and found himself easily sliding back into it as he sat down with him.
"Something's bothering you," Wu commented simply.
Lloyd just stared down at his tea. Trying hard to mask his shaking hands he gripped the cup tighter. What should he say? "You know when you have those dreams....and they're so realistic that they seem real?" He said finally.
Wu raised an eyebrow. "Yes. Those are called realistic dreams, Lloyd." He said sarcastically.
"No...this-I mean...it was made of memories." Lloyd struggled to explain as he tried to get a grip on his sanity. "But it's-it was hard because it's built out of love and longing. I'm...struggling to figure out how to break that bridge between dreams and reality because...really...I don't want that bridge to break with me on the side I'm not supposed to be on."
Wu was silent as Lloyd talked, his voice was shaking his heart was pumping faster than ever before and his vision was getting unfocused as tears began to blur. "I'm scared of what it's showing me. I'm scared if I stop and enjoy the dream it'll be torn away from me again."
Wu thought over his words carefully before replying. "Life is hard, Lloyd. Sometimes we wish we could keep dreaming because our dreams are better than reality. Don't fall for the trap life creates. Don't let the deceiving illusion of what could be drag you down." Lloyd glanced up, startled to find dark, wise, sad eyes staring back at him. "You are so strong. So I need you to take the harder road once more for me. I'm proud of you, nephew."
Lloyd's breath caught as the words echoed in his head. Suddenly his arms were around his uncle. "I love you." He whispered as suddenly the surroundings began to blur, the words began to echo, and the strong body he's always leaned on began to fade away...
* * *
"Lloyd!"
Lloyd jolted awake, meeting Nya's dark concerned eyes. "What is it?" He croaked. She let out a spew of words he couldn't understand as she yanked him up to hold him close.
"You wouldn't wake up." Nya clung to him. "I thought...I thought I'd lost you too."
She pulled away to stare at him. Brow furrowing at the sad eyes. She had seen those eyes before. Burdened and strong. "What's wrong?" Nya asked anxiously, fear building up in her chest. Lloyd didn't answer, staring over her shoulder.
"I was dreaming." Lloyd's voice sounded far away. "I wanted so badly to stay, Nya. I couldn't don't find the line....the line it was there but I couldn't find it. I couldn't tell the difference."
"What?" Nya cast an anxious look at Misako who had joined them now. Misako felt fear build in her as her son talked, his words like a riddle that they needed to figure out.
"But I know now." Lloyd continued, turning his eyes to look at Nya again. She was startled by the intensity in his stare. "Dreams are fiction dancing around your brain. Reality is the core base of cold truth and structure. Dreams pull you higher and higher while reality drags you down to solid ground. Dreams are something you chase after for a lifetime while reality is the one chasing you."
"That is the difference between dreams and reality."
Authors note******
Hey guys, a sort of angsty, sad, one-short/short story about Lloyd before he realized that the rest of the ninja could still be alive. I'm not sure what inspired this but I managed to slip in a little bit of comedy. I hope it makes sense because I know it gets a little confusing at some point.
Anyways this was an entry for thelightningninjasis 's contest on Wattcord. Hope you all liked it!
LuckyBugBooks 🐞
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