Beyond the Flames Chapter 16

Chapter 16

(Kai's POV)

The flames of the black fire Ebony and I created continued to burn throughout the night. Never having to be rekindled, never having to be extinguished the illumination and warmth they provided was perfect.

After we all had eaten, Ebony volunteered to take the first watch. I had tried to argue with her, saying she needed the rest more than I did, but she just looked at me with that nonchalant expression on her face and gave me a simple command.

"Sleep."

I tried to get comfortable on the cold stone floor, but it was difficult to sleep in such rough conditions. Hell, the tree limbs were much more relaxing than this!

But, Ebony surprised me once again when she suddenly tugged on my arm and got me to sit up, then directed me to lay my head on her lap.

My heart pounded as I lay on my back staring up at her; nevertheless she continued to stare ahead towards the outside her gaze never meeting mine as she began to comb her nimble fingers through my hair.

Before I knew it I was fast asleep, slipping onto the planes of my subconscious into a dreamless void. I woke up to Ebony's whisper apparently she had been conversing with the Ryoka named Rapture, a serpent-like creature belonging to someone named "Grimfeld".

I kept my eyes closed and my breathing steady to keep up the charade of me still sleeping, but in actuality…I just wanted to eavesdrop.

"I take it you aren't of this world, where do you hail from?"

The calm slithering sound of the sandy dunes reached my ears and I knew Rapture was drawing his pictures again to answer Ebony's question.

"…Dagra Sai…how mysterious."

"Why did you save me? What reason do you have to commit such an action though I am grateful?"

"…I share the same scent as your master? How? I don't understand."

The same scent as Grimfeld? What the hell does that mean?

When Ebony said nothing more for a time I opened my eyes and slowly sat up feeling rested enough to finish the night-watch. As I turned to look at her my eyes widened as I took in the state of her face.

The long deep laceration she received from the cougar…it was gone! It was completely gone, not even a scar, nothing.

Ebony cocked an eyebrow at me and lifted a hand to her face calmly.

"Oblivion says my blood has truly begun to awaken however the spirit will not tell me more than that. I'm tired Kai, I want to sleep."

Even though I was still shocked I wordlessly pulled her into my arms and positioned myself against a large boulder. I kissed her temple and slid my hands tenderly along the length of her exposed arm, down her side as she laid her head against my chest. I then gave her a simple command.

"Sleep."

Now here I am with Ebony lying in between my legs sleeping peacefully. Though most of the storm had passed the rain was still falling heavily outside and every now and then the rumble of thunder would sound and echo throughout the cavern.

Rapture remained on the opposite side of the black flames, his forked-tongue flicking out occasionally as he stared at me and Ebony.

It's difficult to ignore something so wicked-looking and I can't help, but feel some sort of gratitude towards him for helping us.

But, still…

The name "Grimfeld"…for some reason I don't like it. Who was this guy? Would he come looking for Rapture? Also, what about that crap about the guy having the same scent as Ebony?

It doesn't add up, but I suppose it's no use worrying about something like that. We just need to keep our focus and find Yggdrasil's Citadel.

Hopefully, we are getting close.

I let my eyes drift back to the baffling black fire and I wonder if this wondrous phenomenon has some sort of significance…

Ha, listen to me. I'm starting to sound like Zane now.

I let loose a small chuckle as my thoughts drift to my family back home. I hope things can get back to the way they were before that catastrophe I caused in Sasha and Ayane's room.

I glance down at my Shirayukihime (Snow White) and use the tips of my fingers to smooth them down her cheek where the injury she sustained would have been if it didn't miraculously heal.

Her pursuit to find out what happened in her past is the only thing she's really striving for. Unfortunately, I can't fully understand what she's going through, since Nya and I had both of our parents from the beginning.

To me the past is just that…the past.

No matter what happens or what she finds out I'll stand by her side and we'll face it together. No level of adversity will come between us, besides what could be worse than finding out you're the daughter of the most notorious villain in Ninjago?

The sudden roar of thunder and lightning immediately shatters my thought process and Rapture is vigilant as well as he shoots up like a rod, turning to face the entrance of our shelter with a furious hiss.

Ebony jerks awake on high-alert and tries to stand, but I keep my grip on her firmly and call to her.

"It's okay Ebony, it's just the weather. It looks like a monsoon is heading our way."

Damn and here I thought most of the storm had past, I thought with minor agitation and shift my gaze to the dreary torrents cascading from beyond the mouth of the cave.

There's no way in hell we can travel through that. Heavy rain is one thing but…

I refocus my attention on Ebony and am alarmed by how wooly and cloudy her irises are.

"Ebony, Ebony can you hear me?" I give her a shake with every call of her name, but she doesn't respond.

Her pupils completely dilate until the natural hue of her eyes disappear leaving me to stare into pitch black emptiness.

"Kuso!" (Shit!) I curse loudly and quickly reposition Ebony's body and let her lean against the boulder I was using, so I could check her pulse.

From my peripheral I see Rapture slither quickly to my side and lean a bit towards Ebony in a display of concern.

Her pulse is steady, calm even…

"Ebony?" I try again, "Come on snap out of it!"

I lift my head in preparation to slap her when her eyes close and her chest expands then relaxes as she takes a deep breath. When she reopens them the enchanting russet garnet gems I fell for appear once more.

"Lord Diablos, are you that excited to meet me?" Her voice held intrigue as she said this, but her expression deadpanned once her gaze falls on me.

I quickly lower my hand and instead place it behind my head in a sheepish manner.

"I wasn't gonna-I mean you…er, yeah I'm glad you're okay," I stammer out in quick succession to defend myself, but Ebony just shakes her head and turns to the brewing storm outside.

"Thank you Kai, yes I'm fine. We have to keep moving now."

"What? Ebony, you only had one hour of rest," I argue and she sends me a hard look and tries to stand once more however I don't give her the chance.

"We have to keep moving," she says patiently regardless though my temper flares.

"Not until you've rested long enough," I growl angrily, "We can't get impatient remember? Plus, you still look exhausted."

And she did too; even while she's glaring at me her fatigue is evident.

"I'm not becoming impatient. We have already wasted too much time…and my time is growing short."

My anger dissipates instantly as I realize what she means.

The Kunoichi told us when their Trial is near the Gods of their corresponding element would contact them directly and they give a message that is "short and sweet".

"Just now, did Diablos contact you?" I ask for verification and she nods mutely.

Rapture begins to move closer to Ebony and slinks up her chest to coil his long thick body twice along her shoulders. The glyphs adorning his black scales begin to glow brightly simultaneously and the Ryoka himself becomes a beacon of light to help guide us through the darkness.

Ebony moves to rise once more and this time I join her.

She then makes her way to the black flames yet she doesn't extinguish them like I was expecting. Instead she gathers the remains of the doe and seeds of the fruits we consumed and toss them into the fire.

Within seconds the bones wither to ash.

Before I can question her she speaks, "Oblivion instructed me to do this and to leave the black flames burning. The spirit says it is important for the future and that there will be another who will find this place, these flames for they will burn for all eternity."

"Another who will find this place?" I ask in wonderment as I walk to stand beside her, "Who and for what purpose?"

"I wish I knew," is Ebony's only answer while we stand together gazing into the powerful blazing inferno. The downpour outside has worsen and the harsh winds that accompany the monsoon careen into the cave ruffling my spikes.

"Come on, let's explore this place. Maybe we can find some indication to where we are."

"Agreed."

We turn from the entrance and venture further into the dark channels of the cave, ascending the rock slab formation of steps and take the only path we see.

Rapture's glowing glyphs give sufficient light and the sounds of the monsoon fade into the background as we distance ourselves further from the access.

"Ebony," I begin seriously, "what exactly did Diablos tell you? I heard you say he seemed excited to meet you when you came out of your trance."

The Master of Darkness doesn't turn to meet my eyes when she decides to reply in a soft voice filled with remorse, "I'm sorry Kai. I wish I could share with you what he said, but…I can't."

I stop and grip her shoulders, careful not to touch Rapture and whirl her around to face me.

"Why? Did Diablos forbid you to do so?" I demand hotly. In response she lifts her eyes to mine and gives a brief affirmation.

"Yes."

Damn it! What is up with all these rules and regulations the Kunoichi have to follow? I had hoped if she told me then maybe I could get a sense of what her Trial would be like then plan accordingly just in case something went wrong.

Unfortunately though, that ain't happening apparently.

Rapture suddenly disengages himself from Ebony's person and the brilliant colors from his glyphs dims then die away completely, leaving us in absolute darkness.

"Rapture, what the hell!?" I holler at the freakin' snake thing in aggravation. This is no time for him to just—

"What is that?"

Huh? I couldn't see anything.

"Kai, behind you."

I turn around away from Ebony and then…I see it.

Strange symbols began to appear in shining white, stretching along the cave wall in the direction we were walking moments before the darkness obstructed our view.

"Whoa…"

"Yes Kai, I think you may be right. This must be the Cavern of Woe."

Not exactly what I meant, but okay.

"We're going in the right direction after all, but…" Ebony comes from behind me and approaches the first line of gathered ancient symbols.

"What do you suppose these cryptograms mean…Oblivion?"

"Ebony?" I call with a tinge of worry as she falls silent. I approach her and lay my hand on her shoulder; she glances at me with an intrigued countenance.

"Oblivion says these cryptograms are the language of the people who resided in Blugaria, the Makara. Let us continue Kai and I will translate as we go."

Ebony's hand remained on the wall and traced each symbol as we continued our advance. The text lighting our way through the darkness…

"I am the last of my kind for my people had incurred the wrath of the Agamemnon and now everything…is gone."

"I grow weak from my wounds with each step as I leave this final message to the people of this realm…hear me and take heed to my words."

"We…were a peaceful intelligent aquatic race who lived among the crystal blue waters of our home never doubting the protection of our creator, The Celestial."

"Be-before…the…invasion we had received communications from Leckorum, warning us the Aga had begun to run amok causing fear and duress across the realms."

"Our leader…so foolish…still to this day I cannot fathom why our King refused to acknowledge the message…and the others…just as foolish to say nothing against him, as I dared…to do."

"…Arrogance…a weakness that was exploited beyond comparison. When the King and the order blatantly ignored my advice to raise the shields around our kingdom, I plotted a way to get past the guards and do so myself, but…my…efforts…were futile."

"The Agamemnon…rained down upon us with great swiftness. So fast…everything and everyone…terminated…so fast."

"Our intelligence alone could not hope to stand against the sheer might and brutality of the Aga, but to my chagrin…with might came great strategy."

"The King doomed his people and I…had tried to lead my family to safety…to the Gateway of Realms, alas…I could do nothing to save…them."

"The Aga…are corruption…they taint and defile what was once pure. They have conquered Crosshaven and now Blugaria…the cycle is this realm…Ninjago…is next…"

"My lovely…Amaris…my sweet Chiara…wait for me…I'll be reunited with you so…*gasp*"

"What is i—oh man…"

All three of us had halted to peer down at the ground. A weathered skeleton lay at our feet; the message has reached its conclusion.

The bones were broken and scattered in different locations, but not too far from each other. From what I could tell they looked kind of human except for the structure of the head which reminded me of a marine animal, a dolphin of whale maybe, and that backbone extended far too long…must've been a tail.

"Let us not…disturb the remains of the dead," Ebony whispers quietly and begins to circle around the bones carefully with Rapture following with a single hiss directed at the deceased Makara.

I however remain where I'm standing just staring at the formation of bones at my feet.

The message the Makara left was a warning…a warning for us humans not to make the same mistake they did and prepare for an invasion from the Agamemnon.

"The Aga…are corruption…they taint and defile what was once pure."

The Corruption…isn't that what Nya said was imprisoned in the Underworld?

…Then the Aga and the Corruption are…one in the same?

"Kai?" Ebony calls my name softly and I lift my head to peer into the lingering darkness. Rapture was glowing once more and both of them were patiently waiting a few feet ahead of me.

I noiselessly maneuver around the makeshift resting place of the Makara, but feel compelled to stop and look back one last time.

"Thank you," I whisper graciously, "we won't make the same mistake."

The radiant white symbols lost their illumination and vanished, merging once more into the wall of the cavern.

I catch up with Ebony and Rapture and weave my fingers through hers. We press on through the Cavern of Woe with the Ryoka as our guide.

"The Agamemnon, they are sealed away in the Underworld Kai. We have nothing to fear from them. We are going to meet with my father, nothing more."

"Yeah, I know."

She must've came to the same deduction I did and pieced together what Nya said in regards to the Corruption, but something still bothers me—

"The Prophecy of Phoenix, the Chosen One who is destined to rid the universe of the Agamemnon…perhaps she is only to be found if the Aga are released somehow," Ebony hypothesizes and I squeeze her hand in an act of comfort.

"The Wayward Soul…it's that person we need to be aware of," I put in sternly. "If we can prevent that person from freeing the Aga then there will be no need for the Phoenix and the only threat will be the Serpentine since Garmadon is trapped in the Underworld too."

"Yes, but we have no description of who the Wayward Soul could be and to journey to the Underworld the person will only have to purchase Traveler's Tea which coincidently means…anyone can go there."

Ugh, well don't that beat all…

"Kai look light! We made it!" Ebony says in excitement and I focus straight ahead. In the distance a light shimmered, beckoning us to keep moving.

The exit…FINALLY!

Rapture picks up the pace and we run to keep up with him.

Closer…closer….closer….YES!

We burst through the darkness and into the welcoming light…

"OH SHIT!" I scream in surprise and screech to halt, gripping Ebony's hand and pulling her to me to stop us both from tumbling over a waterfall…a humongous waterfall.

My heart beats a mile a minute as I pant harshly, realizing what almost happened. Rapture slithers to the right of me and peers down over the fall then looks up at us giving a hiss of warning as if saying:

"Watch your step."

"Thank you for the heads up pal," I say through gritted teeth.

Geez…

"Kai…I can't breathe…"

"Huh? Oh, sorry Ebony," I apologize while releasing my hold on her somewhat. I had practically squished her against me!

She pulls her face from my chest and looks up at me.

Ifrit…it feels like an eternity has passed since I have been able to see her eyes clearly and they are…so bright and…she's smiling that…soft smile…so beautiful.

The warming sunlight, the refreshing spray of mist from the waterfall…I ignored it all only focusing on the young woman in my arms. As I inch my face closer to hers, I see her dark garnet gems become slightly hooded and her lips part, a wet pink muscle slips out to moisten those lusciously tempting lips.

And once mine meets hers, I wanted to forget everything.

To forget this quest we were on, to forget the overshadowing evils that plagued our path…

I just wanted to return home with her, back to the Bounty, back to our family and friends.

I wanted a life…with her.

The kiss was too short for my taste.

I let her pull away, ignoring the urge to start another instead I lift my hand and tuck the fringe of stardust behind her ear once more then move it back to caress her cheek.

"We, we should press on," she voices breathlessly and turns away, leaving my arms completely.

Sigh, it will happen one day I'm sure of it only…not today.

"Such a breathtaking view and these falls are so immense. Do you suppose these are the Waterfalls of Cetra?" She questions steadily and I move to stand beside her, looking out to the expanse of the stunning landscape around us.

"If so then that must be Yggdrasil's Citadel," I remark while pointing down below to a sturdy tempered structure of ruins.

"Yes, we must get down there to investigate," Ebony replies and goes to stand at the edge of the waterfall.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa now Ebony," I call anxiously, "who do you think you are Pocahontas? I think it would be safer for us just to climb down."

She looks over her shoulder at me and I'm taken aback to see a sly playful grin on her lips.

My blood runs hot and shoots down south…damn…

"Have you forgotten Kai? We are Ninja this is the safest way."

Wait, you better not—

"And besides I do not think I am Pocahontas rather…Conner from Assassin's Creed III."

"So you think you're a guy-WAIT!"

Before I can reach her, she leaps off the waterfall's edge with her arms spread wide and graceful like a pair of wings, performing her very own "leap of faith".

I watch as she dives down the insanely long height until she finally hits the water below with a muted splash.

Within a few minutes, she surfaces and begins to swim towards the shore, heading for the Citadel.

"Well, she's obviously okay…freakin' crazy woman. Am I rubbin' off on her or something?" I muse out loud and back away to ready my own dive.

"Well Rapture if you're coming then you better slither your ass down there!" I shout with a smirk and run and jump off the edge in the same manner as Ebony.

"WOO-HOO!" I cry in exhilarated pleasure, loving the rush of wind through my hair and the thrill of some cool action.

The water is lukewarm as I submerged completely and I manage a quick glance of a school of fish before they dart in different direction obviously startled by my intrusion.

Oops, my bad.

I paddle to the surface and break free, taking in a lungful of air. I gather my bearings and try to locate Ebony and see her calmly waving at me…with Rapture right beside her.

How the hell did he? Ugh, never mind…

I swim rapidly to shore and pull myself from the bank. The deluge of water makes my ninja suit plaster itself to my body uncomfortably and I push my dripping spikes from my eyes reflexively.

"Damn that felt good," I say in elation as I turn to face Ebony, "You ready?"

She gradually lifts her eyes to mine with a blank expression, but the flush on her damp bronze cheeks speaks to me in volumes.

Huh?

"Yes I…ahem I'm wet—no I well I am wet, but not in a…"

She refuses to say another word just stands there with her eyes shut tight and her hands balled into fists at her side. The flush spreads from her cheeks to the entirety of her face.

My mouth falls agape as she shows her back to me.

Was she really…

"Oblivion says we have reached our destination, so all that is left is to activate the portal to get to the Underworld. Let's go."

She marches away briskly and Rapture slinks after her, I finally get my body to respond and follow them however my mind hangs on to my previous thought.

Was she really…checking me out?

I quicken my pace when I realize I'm lagging behind. Jogging up the marble steps, I take the time to notice the remarkable condition Yggdrasil's Citadel is in. Aside from the moss growing around the stone pillars the foundation seemed well-kempt, but by who?

I use the fire inside me to dry myself quickly and am about to offer to do the same for Ebony when we reach the top of the stairs.

Man…

Six stone pillars stretched high, maybe twenty to twenty-five feet above us holding up the dome-like structure of the ceiling which was lined in brilliant stained glass. The spiraled star which is the Ninjago symbol for gateway was depicted flawlessly, casually letting in the sunlight to shine down upon us and the impeccably clean marble floor.

"Amazing," Ebony whispers in awe, "and this is only the entrance?"

"Yes, and I am its Keeper."

I immediately draw my golden weapon and Ebony unsheathes her Sais.

"Who's there?! Show yourself!" I command aggressively and the ground rumbles and quakes beneath us as the grand twelve feet high double doors leisurely open by an unseen force.

Revealing…an old lady?

The aged woman emerges from the opened doors wearing dark green robes with golden silk trim. Her silver hair is tied back in a single braid similar to Ebony's style only my Angel of Shadows' was much longer in length. The robes were elongated enough to obscure her feet and seem to flow gracefully behind her. Lastly, behind intellectual specs bright green eyes shimmered with age-old wisdom and…something else.

Regardless of her appearance I knew better than to lower my guard and so did Ebony.

"Identify yourself," Ebony orders as well in a dangerous voice.

"As I said before, I am the Keeper of this Citadel," she begins gently while gesturing to herself and then to the Citadel, "I am the one who controls who may and may not enter through this particular gateway. My name is…Misako."

She ends her introduction with a small bow and a soft welcoming smile.

I slowly sheathe my sword and I see Ebony do the same.

Okay, I think we can trust her. Well, we kinda have to since she controls this gateway and we need to get to the Underworld.

"It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance Misako my name is—"

"Ebony Youngblood and Kai Hayabusa," Misako interrupts with the same pleasant grin, "My apologies dear perhaps you wish to be called…Ebony Garmadon instead?"

Ebony remains silent, but I caught the slight narrowing of her eyes.

"Care to explain how you know our names?" I ask, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Yes, but of course. Your coming has been foretold for years by the Gods and they have entrusted me with this precious piece of information for indication of your identity. A security measure if you will to ensure that everything is prepped for your arrival."

Well the Gods just have everything planned out don't they?

"What can you tell us about this place?" I ask as well.

"As you know must know by now Yggdrasil's Citadel is a Gateway that connects our realm to all the other realms: Synderfell, Crosshaven, Leckorum, Blugaria, and…

She stops to look in Ebony's direction.

"Dagra Sai."

Ebony continues to stay mute, her stern expression never wavering as she stood beside me. However, I could sense the animosity pour from her aura and I had a feeling…Misako could too.

She just didn't care.

What's going on? This Misako woman is acting like one of those despicable nuns at Starlight Orphanage towards Ebony. Damn it, I better break the silence.

"Yeah, we knew that. What else?" I press.

Misako starts to walk as she explains in further detail of the purpose of Yggdrasil's Citadel.

"I have seen many come through this portal only the Nephilim and the Primordials now since the Makara and the Pargons are no more. Decimated to the result of the extinction by the beastly Agamemnon…

Okay, my patience is waning here. Get to the point you—

"The Aga alone are the ones to blame for all the evils in our universe, so the Phoenix must rise from the ashes and purge these parasites from our dominion. Only then will we know true peace for imprisonment alone in the depths of the Underworld…is not enough. The Corruption must die."

The way Misako keeps cutting her eyes at Ebony, pinning her down with unabashed hatred and contempt sets my very soul ablaze with fury.

Like Ebony herself is an Aga.

My element is beginning to react violently within me and my vision flashes red when I see Misako plaster that now obviously fake smile on her face.

Before she can open her mouth to say anything else, I growl out a menacing threat.

"If you so much as utter one more thing about the Aga while glaring at Ebony I'll gouge your eyeballs out and stuff them down your damn throat!"

Misako closes her mouth and gives me a pointed look.

This…bitch!

"Kai, please calm down—"

"CALM DOWN!" I explode, never taking my eyes off the Keeper, "Ebony, she's literally-…!"

"Kai? What is it? Are you alright?"

I don't answer Ebony as the inferno inside me feels like its burning me from the inside out. Flames flicker in my vision and unimaginable pain shoots hotly through every vein in my body.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The scream rips through my throat before I can stop it causing me to collapse to my knees in agony.

"KAI!" Ebony cries in urgency and concern. I feel her hands on my body, but she recoils back when the flames engulf me entirely.

As my consciousness fades, I hear Ebony scream my name one last time.