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tenderlads · 12 days ago

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Cells were locked up tight.

They needed to be to hold such terrible criminals, each metal cell banged constantly as the manic voices shouted and yelled. Like wild animals trapped in a cage, desperate for their next meal. Familiar faces snarled at her, grabbing at the prison bars clattering and shaking them mocking the ninja in blue.

“ Looks like we got a fresh one!”

“ You’re a pretty small one aren’t ya”

“ Hey! little girls shouldn’t be out here without protection..”

Catcalling. They were definitely catcalling..

The police chief did warn her the inmates were like this. She just never expected it to be this intense.

Nasty looks…

Every face she glanced at held this form of grin that definitely meant something other than just wanting to talk about her body.. something in their eyes showed much more gross intentions. Those men knew what they wanted.. they wanted to feast and she was the meal..

She didn’t dare give them the satisfaction, keeping her gaze to the floor. The ninja in blue found it better that way. Two guards were nice enough to guide her through the endless prison cells, it felt kind of weak. Being the only female in a sea of prisoners who were men.. It felt ironic to be hiding behind men, for protection.

She didn’t need to be protected.

Protection meant she was weak.. just a fral little girl who lost her direction.

Looking down at her both men held a look of pity, she didn’t need their pity.. She was strong; she didn't need a man to help or protect her; she could take care of herself. She could walk through this place and easily beat the living daylights out of these prisoners if she wanted too. And not give a single thing about it. Without the slightest bit of help from the officers. Although, in a right mindset the blue ninja knew they were just doing their job, many of the prisoners who were here weren’t taken lightly. The most notorious criminals reside in these walls, so security was in high demand. In fact the guards were extremely nice and friendly towards her, she couldn’t tell if it was just because she was a girl or out of sheer respect.

‘These nice men were just doing their job they weren’t causing any harm’ the ninja in blue scolded herself. If they didn’t want to help her they would have just told her.

For now she just needs to focus on why she's here.

The trek through the prison was hellish, long corridors leading to different paths of the property. Cellars lined the walls as rows upon rows the count of criminals became impossible to keep track of. Oftentimes the guards had to shout and bang on the cells to stop the loud and rowdy inmates who were reaching out to try and grab at anything they could get their hands on. She hugged her arms close to herself as she shuffled behind them picking up the pace. They probably sensed her unease and decided to speed up their walk to a steady fast pace.

Deepening their awareness, she noticed how dark and cold the corridors had become. Darkened red lights now hollowed from the then lined roof, this is where the worst were.. the most dangerous. Tightening her grip, she looked across doors locked in thick binds of metal. Each one had their own distinct level of security. One thing that surprised her was the fact how quiet this side of halls were, both officers murmured something under their breaths, giving soft looks.

Perhaps they know why she was here.. to which she envies.

On this day she just wishes it didn’t have to be this way.. Now covered blue she was one of them, blue ninja in all. But she just wished she could celebrate it with her brother.. if.. if only she was stronger just by a little. Maybe things wouldn’t have to be this way.. things didn’t have to seem so bleak. For now the mission was clear.. there still is light at the end of the tunnel.

“ Alright, miss this where we stop..” the officer in the darker uniform said. “ Sorry we can’t go much further than this..”

Nya smiled, putting her hand up “ It’s okay I can take it from here” both officers nodded and took their leave, but not before giving her a salute of respect.

Genuine, she was really going to miss them.. but business was business.. There was a reason why she’s here.

And that being said. Looking at the long gated cellar this is where they were keeping him, deep below all the others stood this moment. It was her time.. now comes the real test. Walking closer, the dark room seemed empty with how quiet everything’s been. Although stepping closer she could now make out a figure in red just sitting right..

The man in red had glanced at her a few times before finally turning, giving a full look.

“ N-Nya.. Is that.. you?”

The voice she hadn’t heard in so long had spoken to her, walking closer to the bars. The spiky haired man ran up as well, but farther from. Nya had to smile she couldn’t not when her brother was right in front of her.

“ Well who else was it going to be?” She joked, this was already feeling like old times and they had only got two words in.

“ I-I can’t believe it.. it really is you sis..” he said, staring deeply into her eyes “ your hair has grown out..” feeling the urge to pull on her much longer strands of hair, Nya had almost forgotten about that.” Heh heh.. yeah.. that’s new...” she explained, touching the side ponytail on her head. That got a snort out of her older brother “ I just knew you couldn’t stay too far from your cunning brother” Nya shot him a look but that just made him laugh,“ Man! I miss times like this..” He sighed, shaking his head.

“ Yeah.. me too” she replied, eyes lowering.

His gaze soon followed her.“ Hey.. is everything alright?”

“ Kai it’s just..” she paused, giving a gentle sigh “ things have changed so much since you’ve been gone.. and everyone really misses you.. I miss you” studying her older brother the looks on his face gave calm and caring just.. like those times so long ago.. however she couldn’t be reckless. There still was a slight chance for a falter in her place.

His ninja gi was still on his bed waiting for him back at the Destiny Bounty, not a black and white prisoner uniform. Still there seemed to be some form of personal preference when it came to him, for he had a reddish shirt under. The color red always did look better on him anyway.. His hair still looked spiked as ever… Even with all the changes everyone else had gone through it still seems shocking and odd how Kai.. didn’t seem to change, not one bit..

Smiling, he didn't look the slightest bit surprised. “ Things have changed..? Hardly! Nya it’s only been a week!” How long.. how many days had he spent here..? How did he not know it’s been at least four years since she’s last seen him.. and a lot can happen in that time.

“ Oh.. so you haven’t noticed..”

“ Notice what..?” Kai asked.

Taking a step back, Nya raised her arms showing off her new gi. “ Im a ninja now” his expression shifted slightly, that gave her the okay to keep going. “ After all that happened on Chen’s island and everyone getting their powers back.. things were pretty slow at first till this guy showed up and started attacking us” she explained, using her hands aside “ And that’s kinda where I came in..”

“ So… everyone got their powers back.. huh..” his voice sounded flat.. Darn! What had she just said, her brain was moving full on adrenaline by just standing here. Nya needs to better understand what she says from now past this point.

“ That’s cool..”

Taking a slimmer breath, Nya feels like she just dogged an entire building hurtling towards her. He seems to take it well.. although his face still feels off. With her new ninja gi she still needed time to get used to all the quirks and whatnot.. seeing as she wasn’t samurai X anymore. She really did appreciate how comfy it feels, the colors had matched her perfectly. Red with a little splash of light blue set a line for a big finish. Cole Zane and Jay Lloyd were pretty excited when she joined the team. It’s like she never was left out in the first place.. but in reality, even though they enjoyed her company Nya knew they were just using her to fill the void Kai left.

“ You know Nya I've been thinking..” her older brother, pursued “ about the whole thing..” seeing him put the puzzle pieces together was quite funny, taking her back to the days when it was just her and Kai. “ That means you must have an element of power too!” He smiled, pointing his hand at the ninja in blue.

“ Yup! Hit the nail right on the head” she sighed, Kai was right. In a glass stain bottle.. there was a slight crack “ Master of water..” she rolled her eyes “ I’m honestly really grateful to be a part of the team I really am.. it just.. I’m not sure if I’m ready for it yet..” slightly tilting her head, eyes now pointed towards the floor “ when the team needed me the most I couldn’t even raise a wave of water to help them! Things came crashing in so fast and I didn’t know what to expect.. I wanted to be by their side. I just don’t know if I can do it..”

Nya knew this was a bad idea, pouring all her problems out. But it’s been so long since she’s had someone to talk to.. someone personal.. someone like her brother. Kai’s been so warm and bright this whole time, welcoming her like they just talked only a day ago. This puts Nya in a state of trust.. and she hasn’t even realized how low her guard is right now.

“Then don’t…” she had to do a double take when the words came out of Kai’s mouth, looking back attentively her eyes were filled with confusion. Smirking, Kai didn’t look a bit surprised. Yet the darkness behind seemed to grow.“ Sis you're thinking too hard about it.. things may seem impossible at the moment, heck even I had my doubts when I first became a ninja..but it was all thanks to you that I still pushed myself farther nearly beyond my limits, but if I know you this will smooth out pretty quickly!”

“ Thanks Kai” Nya released, breaking a stressed breath. Walking closer to the cell, her hands grasping the bars Kai’s soon followed. Staring directly at the one spot, in her mind. She just wants a hug.. more than anything else. Her brother said the right words that she didn’t even know she needed to hear and in truth they still were siblings.. this moment makes the difference, between everything else matters. This was it. The official proof needed for his release.

“ Besides.. you can just give it to me”

Suddenly the whole atmosphere had dropped, the room felt darker and the air seemed thicker. Nya shifted slightly from the sudden shift in temperature. Eyes locked back on her brother, alarm bells were already ringing, his face still had that genuine feeling.. but cracks were beginning to show.

“ I mean if you don’t want your powers that’s totally fine with me! And since we’re siblings it's technically fair game!” he added, smile twitching. “ It’ll be like you never left”

“ Kai.. if you just stop you don’t have to be here anymore!” She wasn’t giving out hope just yet. He could still be saved. Kai just needed some more time.. the crack’s weren’t too bad.

“ B-but Nya.. you have no idea how much this means to me!” He begged, eyes wavering.

“ That’s just it I do know!” Her voice raised, bawling her hands. “ Just let it go! And let us help you!” Instantly rage flashed on his face, she said too much..

Nya is aware of her brother’s anger, and being fragile was the best chase of action. However she didn’t know how much more unstable he would become over the years.

“ I need it! Don't you see?! Nya I’m nothing without the power! Without my POWER!” Eyes sparking red, she was begging to see the volcano rupturing before her eyes.“ Or maybe… you're just trying to hoard it to yourself…”

“ W-what? Kai I would neve-“ Nya stuttered, getting cut offside by her brother.

“ You're just like the others!” He yelled, rage growing “ trying to take my destiny away!”

Time had taken its toll on his mental state, which was beginning to shine clearly. Backing away slowly Nya was starting to feel something rising inside of her.. she tried to ignore it.. by the fact she couldn’t let go that she was getting nervous. Things had started out so well.. Why was it failing now?

“ I was supposed to be the Green ninja!” His voice sharpened, “ why can’t everybody see that!?” His face turned, eyes flickering between red and black “ They keep trying to take everything from me! L-LLOYD took everything from me!” He rambled, mind spiraling “ now it’s my own sister..”

“ Kai, please listen! you know Lloyd didn’t do anything of this on purpose-“

“ Keeping the power all to himself..” Kai addressed, head slowly lowering “ Nya.. I never even got my fire back..” he needed comfort, Kai was unable to understand that. If only she could just get it through his head. Walking a little closer she tried to reach out, but darkness and rage continued to consume him. “ He took it for himself.. like all the others..”

Shaded, Kai’s head slowly raised to meet hers “ Those elements belong to me Nya!” His eyes hued red, tone shifting with malice. “ And no one ELSE!”

There was nothing she could say at that point, Nya tough was tied in knots. Watching him dive deeper into insanity.. this battle was starting to feel like a losing race. She has never seen her brother act so desperate in her entire life.

The staff did have lasting effects on him..

“ You’re all just jealous! That's it! Because you can’t control the powers like I do!” Eyes shining blood, there was the Kai.. she last saw.. the same Kai back on Chen’s island.. the psychotic unstable Raging fire that was her brother.

Without warning, hands came hurtling towards her, reacting fast she jumped back. Heart pounding in her chest, she finally saw the glass had shattered showing her the truth.

“GIVE IT BACK TO ME! THOSE POWERS DON’T BELONG TO YOU! THERE MINE!!”

Corruption, pure corruption..

The desperate greed in his eyes as they flared a strong red. Hands reaching desperately for their meal, one hand resorted to holding the bars and now she was glad she backed up when she did. The way his hands pressed deeply into the hard metal, little scrape marks lined where his fingers had been, highlighting that he had done this before, several times before... A harsh reminder of all the inmates she passed, Nya began to see the aching similarities between them. The animalistic sounds.. the constant banging.. the hunger in his eyes.. the eyes filled with rage.. raw burning rage. Her mind almost blocked out all his manic rants, few however slipped out.

“ MY POWERS ARE MINES TO BE CONTROLLED ALONE!”

Growling, his left hand had extended as far, snatching feverishly at thin air. Kai had completely lost it,” DARN IT NYA! Why can’t you see that I need your element? I NEED YOUR POWER! I NEED YOUR WATER!”

Shaking her head, hands began to tremble “ Kai.. you know I can’t do that..” she said, her voice coming out as a quiet whisper. The once red ninja snarled in response, “ I CAN’T BE COMPLETE WITHOUT IT! I NEED ALL THE ELEMENTS TO BE THE GREEN NINJA! I WANT ALL THE POWER!!”

The darkness in the room had been blurred between the red glow in his eyes and growing heat. Putting her on the spot in a stage light, each place she looked hands seemed to be crawling out of the shadows all obeying their orders by the insane man in front of her. But Nya knew it was all in her head.. this was fear. This is what she’s feeling.. she wasn’t under attack.. Nya was afraid of what her brother had become. His happiness was replaced with greed and jealousy.. His burning passion had dwindled to nothing more than rage and hatred.

Kai had been broken beyond repair. His mind was set to one thing, driving him down a rabbit hole that he couldn’t escape.

Power.. All he wanted was power. And to him she was nothing more than just an outlet.

“ You know Kai..” She said, voice soft, “ I always looked up to you when growing up..” Nya smiled “ you're go getter, never giving up attitude and burning passion to protect the ones you love has always made me jealous..” her eyes slowly tailed back to her brother’s, still endlessly fire burned her “ but now I see what you have become..”

Something similar to a form of guilt flashed in his eyes, making his moments slower. But they were quickly forgotten. Replacing it with his frantic tantrum. “ You're a selfish greedy monster that’s only out for power..”

That made his eyes switch back, but this time she wasn’t going to let him in, not again. “ But.. N-nya you need to understand.. please.. you're the only person I know who gets it..”

“ I DID!” She shouted, her eyes growing damp“ I really did.. at first..”

“ You said you didn’t want your powers. I'm doing you a favor by taking it off your hands!” Still glinting, the red was still there, no matter how caring or sweet he did sound.. It was a trap.

Nya sighed, “ that’s why I decided to become the water ninja.. for YOU! When master Wu came to me I didn’t know what to expect! There were so many times I wanted to give up and just quit but remembering how you always strived to push yourself, kept me from falling out!” She yelled from the heart, her hands bawling tightly. “It’s because of you I’m here!”

Then the room grew silent.. neither one of them spoke. The fire blew out leaving smoke, each breath felt like an eternity.

“ I hope you never get out of this place.. for our safety” worlds were cold.. but the truth hurts and Nya didn’t know what hurts more.. The pain seeing her brother like this.. or this delusional hope she had saving him. She said all that was going to be done, now it's time to leave this behind her. She gave one last look at her brother before walking away. And that’s when the volcano finally erupted, banging soon exploded from behind her. His voice rose in volume as his inner corrupted fire ignited, bursting into flames.

“ COME BACK HERE!” Kai shouted, voice rising “I KNEW YOU WERE JUST LIKE THE OTHERS! SELFISHNESS! KEEPING ALL THOSE POWERS TO YOURSELVES!” Heat was beating behind her neck, the blinding red growing stronger.

“I DERIVED THE POWER! I WAS DESTINED TO BE THE GREEN NINJA! A HERO! YOU CAN’T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME!”

…

With that the cell was locked up tight. His voice could still be heard behind the thick metal walls. Two men stood by the entrance, waiting for her. Thankfully it was the same officers that guided her before.

They looked to be examining her behavior.

Her mind couldn’t focus on that, she could still hear her brother’s voice and his screams. Nya almost attacked one lighter officer when he touched her shoulder. Flinching from sudden contact her body

jolted, her hand anxiously reaching for her weapon.

“ Woah calm down!” The younger officer said, backing up. “deep breaths..”

Nya hadn’t noticed her frantic breathing till he brought it to her attention, following after him she began to inhale. Nerves tense, finally she could feel the heat lifting from her, embracing the coldness.

“ Okay.. you’re good?” The darker one asked.

“ Y-y-yeah l-I’m okay now..” seeing how much she was struggling to get the world out, Nya didn’t want to know how she looked when they first came in. Looking down at her hands they were shaking, palms sweaty. She used them to wipe away the tears on her cheeks.

Taking a shaky breath, Nya closed her eyes.

It was over.. Now it’s time to move on.

Grabbing her mask, she rubbed the fabric between her hands. The flames weren’t chasing her anymore.. She was safe. He couldn’t bring any harm out if he’s locked in.

Lifting the mask she slipped it over her head, “ I appreciate you guys coming down here to check on me.” Taking strong strides, she gave one last glimpse towards the cellar door, red hues.. were leaking out… that means.. he was getting stronger- Shaking her head, Nya’s eyes narrowed.

“But..Now I have a world to keep safe..”

Indeed she did..

Fire could only be contained for so long before it became uncontrollable..

Just like a volcano.. the pressure was near its limit.

#fanart #ninjago fanart #lego ninjago #ninjago #kai smith #fanfiction #fanfic #literature

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