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Beyond the Flames Chapter 6

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Chapter 6

(Nya's POV)

We all stood gathered around Sensei Wu, Ebony, and Lloyd in the sick bay.  No one has spoken a word for awhile now, no doubt the reason being we were all caught up in our own thoughts about the revelation that was unveiled to us just now.

Ebony…is Garmadon's first child…

A child he conceived with a mystical woman of another world.

You mean realm little gale.

Tempest?

Including yours, there are a total of six realms in this universe: Crosshaven, Ninjago, Synderfell, Leckorum, Blugaria, and…Dagra Sai.

So, Ebony's mother is from one of these realms?

Yes.

Which one?

Dagra Sai.

Tempest, Ebony's mother, Karliah, who is she?

*sigh*…She is--!!

What is it Tempest? What's wrong?

…Oblivion just told me to be silent, well the exact words that were spoken so eloquently was "shut up".  One would think housing a pair of weapons for countless millennia would teach humility obviously I was mistaken.

…I do not care if I am younger than you I am still considered as one of "The Four" am I not? My skills in the Celestial War were integral in ensuring vic—NO YOU SHUT UP!!

Um, Tempest…?

I am sorry Nya though it ails me to admit, Oblivion is right.  That substantial piece of information cannot be revealed just yet for you would not understand even if I told you.  Please, I ask that you remain patient and remember Sylph's tale little gale…haha little rhyme there and—how dare you tell me to grow up and stop eavesdropping you--!!

I sigh heavily as Tempest's voice leaves my mind and glance down to see my gauntlets flicker in frantic pulsating beats of royal purple.

My gaze shift to Ebony's sais nestled in the chain belt around her waist.

They also were flickering in dark pulsating silver, but calmly and tauntingly.

Obviously the two spirits were arguing and I have a feeling that no matter the distance since all the spirits had been awakened they would be able to contact each other without fail.

"Ninja and Kunoichi, now that all of you are together I shall tell you all I know of the Prophecy of Phoenix."

Sensei Wu's voice of wisdom startles me out of my reverie and me plus everyone else gives him our full attention.

I will tell your version as well Lady Sylph, I think resolutely as I see Sensei take a sip from his cup of tea that magically seemed to materialize in his hands.

"As I told you all before, the Platinum Weapons were passed down in my family for generations and I was chosen by the weapons themselves to be their keeper as was my father."

Sensei sits down on the cot that Ebony used to occupy and continues to tale his tale while sipping his tea assiduously.

"Before my father passed on, he told me of the purpose of the weapons and the mysterious prophecy that surrounded them.  Natural-born wielders of these elements are extremely rare because they are "Counter-brink" elements meaning each one is a crucial factor in bringing forth "Life" itself as your elements Ninja brings forth "Creation".  Destruction and devastation must be balanced with life and creation and our world tethers on the precipice of the disruption of this precious balance."

"Legend states that "The Four" were celestial beings who fought in an ancient war against the ultimate evil and now their spirits reside in each of the Platinum Weapons the Kunoichi wields."

"The Four"?  Isn't that what Tempest called herself?  Are she and the other spirits these celestial beings?  Most likely so, but what of this "war" then?  What was the outcome if they were sealed in the Platinum Weapons…?

"When each wielder receives their ascension and reach the pinnacle of their strength, the Tornado of Life can then be performed by the four chosen to annihilate even the most sinister of evils."

"The Tornado of Life…" Ayane whispers in awe.

I glance over at the Kunoichi of Light and see her eyes mist over in a surrealistic fashion.  

Was Divinity speaking to her or was something else happening entirely…?

The fog leaves her eyes and she shakes her head a bit as if to clear it.

The same thing happened to me…is Ayane's Trial approaching soon?

Zane approaches from behind and places a gentle hand on her shoulder in concern.

"So, the term "Phoenix" is just an allegory of the Kunoichi's ascension?" Zane questions for clarification and Sensei nods.

"Yes, I believe so for that is all my father told me."

"No Sensei," I voice firmly while stepping forward, "there is much more to it than that."

"Nya?"

"What is it sis?"

Jay and Kai as well as the others look to me in question and I begin to replay the message Sylph told me.

"During my Trial, I met with the Goddess of Wind, Sylph, and she told me another version of the Prophecy of Phoenix."

When I had finished my interpretation of Sylph's tale, I waited to gauge everyone's reaction.

To my surprise, Ebony was the first to speak.

"So there is another, one who is destined to defeat this Corruption, as Lloyd is destined to defeat Garmadon."

"Yes," I reply with a nod, "with our powers combined the chosen Phoenix of Prophecy will be revealed and that individual alone will have unfathomable power."

"The Gods themselves prepared our world for this evil, so we can't let their efforts be in vain," Cole voices strongly and we all agree with a nod.

"With strength comes responsibility and with life comes death."

We all turn to the tall Brazilian who had spoken, her words leaving a rift of confusion and foreboding in the air.

"Sasha?"

She places a hand on her temple tiredly and I finally take notice of her fatigued state.

Her shoulders sagged as if weighted down by an invisible pressure and her eyes once vibrant with life were now dull and drained.

"Sasha, what is going on please tell me? Something is keeping you from sleeping," Cole theorizes with undaunted worry.  

He tries to have her lean against him to utilize his body for support, but Sasha weakly steps away from him.

"No, I can—"

"Sasha!!"

Cole grabs her before she collapses on to the floor and lifts her up.

The night before, Cole had wanted Sasha to stay behind during the siege of the Serpentine in Twilight, but Sasha had refused arguing the point that the enemy numbers were just too great and she couldn't just stand by watching the rest of us fight.

Cole had reluctantly relented knowing there was little time to argue, however he never once left her side during the battles that ensued.

Sensei ambles quickly over to the pair and places a hand on forehead.

"Sensei, what's wrong with her?" Cole asks desperately.

"Hmm, she is not ill in body, although her spirit is deeply wounded.  Cole, take her to my chambers," Sensei orders and Cole obeys quickly leaving the sick bay with Sasha in his arms.

"The rest of you make use of this day as you see fit for there will be no training.  Ebony, you still have to recover and get settled in comfortably, so ask Nya to show you to your room.  Once you've fully recovered then your training will begin."

With that, Sensei follows Cole out of the sick bay and leaves the rest of us behind.

"Ayane, has Sasha said anything to you or has she done anything out of the ordinary?" Zane questions the blond girl.

"No, she never said anything was wrong and I always seem to fall asleep before she does, damn it if only I had been more attentive."

"It's not your fault Ayane," I try to reassure the distraught huntress, "Sasha had masked her condition well the only one who was able to see through it was Cole."

"Her words hold water," Ebony begins while taking a tentative step forward and placing the black cat in Lloyd's arms, "strength begets responsibility as life begets death.  The latter being the natural part of life and the other depends solely on the individual," she passes Kai and I could see my brother's eyes follow her every move carefully.

She stops in front of me and removes her mask from her face.

"There may be a deeper meaning that she may or may not have deciphered yet."

I look at the Kunoichi of Darkness closely her dark garnet eyes betrayed nothing of her sentiment as well as her expression.

Well Nya, this is your new roomie and I have a feeling things are about to get more interesting, I think as look at Kai through my peripheral.

He hadn't said anything for quite some time and the way his eyes had always been on Ebony lets me know I guessed right…

My brother is infatuated with this enigmatic young woman though if asked I'm sure he'd deny it.

"Geez, you guys are acting like there's a zombie apocalypse right around the corner.  Sasha is in good hands with Cole and Sensei looking after her, so let's not wail in despair."

My eyes connect with Jay's deep sapphires and he gives me a playful wink.

A smile lights my face and I mouth to him.

I'll be ready…

He nods in return then turns to his two remaining brothers.

"Come on Zane, I need your help with something before you start making breakfast and Kai stop staring at Ebony's ass cuz you're not going to get any anytime soon, so let's go," Jay jokes accusingly and Kai's reaction is beyond livid.

"What the hell Jay!! I wasn't staring at her ass!!"

"Yes you were."

"No I wasn't!!"

"Yes you were."

"No I wasn't!!"

"YES YOU WERE!!"

"NO I WAS NOT!!"

"Get moving Nya," Ebony orders with a clipped tone.

My smile is replaced with a frown at her cold voice, but I turn around regardless and head towards the stairs.

My brother and Jay's voices carry up the stairway and I hear Ayane laugh from behind.
She must've followed us out.

I guide my new sister pass the dining room and kitchen to the hallway leading to the Kunoichi side of the ship.

I open the door to my room and let her and Ayane pass.

"This is it Ebony, you'll be sharing a room with me," I say lightly and try to retrieve a smile and present it to her.

She merely cocks an eyebrow at me then scans the room with a nonchalant look.

My smile falters again and I can't help but feel slightly aggravated by her attitude. Doesn't she know I'm just trying to be welcoming, would it kill her to be a little more—

"You shouldn't force yourself to be friendly Nya.  I'm simply on this ship for answers and have no intention of befriending any of you."

I'm dumbstruck by her transgression towards me and my mouth falls open in shock.

Ebony goes to sit on her bed and attach the amulet she held in her hand to one of the links on her chained belt.

Ayane is first to break the uncomfortable silence.

"Your new Ebony, showing kindness is second nature in welcoming a new sister."

"I am not your sister."

Her biting reply was accompanied with the narrowing of her eyes in warning.

"And you say second nature, hn then you must be another overly emotional imbecile."

I counter aggressively.

"Just because you're in pain doesn't mean you get to lash out at us!!"

"I'm not in pain and I'm not lashing out," she leans back against the headboard and gives me a bored glare, "it is the simple truth."

"You don't even know me," Ayane growls and I glance over at her to see her fists balled at her side.

"You're right I don't, but I know your type.  You wear your heart on your sleeves and allow anyone to get close without fully understanding their own intentions. Hmph, no doubt you've seen many a heartbreak."

Ayane gasps and I see her eyes moisten in anger as she looks at Ebony in disbelief.

I quickly jump to her defense.

"And you're perfect? Do you really go around thinking that everyone you meet has an ulterior motive?  If so then I think you're the weak one."

Once again, Ebony surprises me by simply crossing her legs carefully and voices her divergence.

"On the contrary, it's what makes me strong.  It's what makes me…untouchable."

Ayane recovers from her shock and heads for the door.

"Ayane…" I call gently, but she doesn't stop.

She halts when she reaches the exit and looks back at the single-braided female laying on the bed.

"Maybe someday someone will teach you the importance of letting your heart guide you in life Ebony.  If that day never comes I can only pity you for being this cold stone wall."

Ayane then leaves the room, silently shutting the door behind her.

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion," was Ebony's only reply before she closed her eyes and ignored my presence completely.

Kai, I think heavily while going to my closet to get ready for my date with Jay.

You have your work cut out for you…

(Jay's POV)

Phew!! I'm glad I got everyone's mind off today's earth-shattering news flash.

We can brood about Ebony's family reunion later and I'm sure Sasha will be okay.  She just needs some rest.

All Cole has to do is make her a cup of his "special" crumbleberry tea that should knock her right out since it has such a boring taste.

It helped me sleep anyway, I think cheekily as I lead the way up the stairs with Zane, Kai, and Lloyd trailing behind me.

I need to get ready; now that Sensei gave us the whole day off I can spend it with Nya and maybe Kai can wiggle his way through the Daughter of Darkness' heart without getting "burned" in the process.

Man does he have it bad…speaking of which.

I open my mouth to let loose another brilliant joke at the red ninja's expense, but decide against it.

I kind of need him in a good mood, so I can ask for his blessing…

We reach our quarters and I open the door and go inside.

"Okay Jay what do you want?" Kai asks a bit grumpily as he strolls in after Zane.

Lloyd continues to pet Ebony's cat and kicks the door closed with his foot.

I walk over to the armoire wordlessly and rummage around under a secret slot on my side of the cupboard.

I haven't told anybody what I was planning and honestly I don't know what Nya's answer will be, but what I do know is I have to go for it and try to make this relationship permanent.  

I have to make Nya my wife.

On that night, months ago in Nya's room I…I couldn't go through with it.  I couldn't make love to her.

Something just didn't feel right and when I told her all she did was give me one of her gorgeous smiles and said she understood.

As she lay next to me and drifted off to sleep with her arm over my middle and her head on my chest, I couldn't sleep a wink.

I still remember my heart thumping wildly against my ribcage as I stared up at the ceiling with an arm wrapped around her body and my hand fingering the soft material of her nightgown.

Willing my arousal to go down and wracking my brain asking myself why I couldn't do it…and I finally figured it out that same night before dawn.

I had morals…unfortunately…

Claiming Nya's body would simply not be enough without her realizing what it would really mean.  Even though she confessed to loving me and said she understood, I wanted to know if she loved me unconditionally.

Would she understand that my love for her was everlasting?  Would she accept my flaws and stand beside me through thick and thin good or bad?

Would she give herself to a guy who was born and raised in a junkyard?

I grip the velvet blue box in my hand and turn to face my brothers and Lloyd.

"What do you guys think about this?"

I lift the lid to the box and it creaks open to reveal the engagement ring I had custom made inside.

"Huh?"

"Such an extravagant ring…"

"Is it for Nya Jay?"

"Yeah, I'm going to ask Nya to marry me.  Her birthday is December twelfth, so I had the jeweler make the main stone a trillion-shaped blue-violet tanzanite and added blue zircon, sky blue turquoise, and diamond baguettes to circle around it in a sort of whimsical embroidery.  It cost a bit extra, but I felt it would suit her best and she deserves the best."

Kai stares at the ring a little longer before lifting his head to meet my gaze.

His expression is hard to read, but then a slow smirk forms on the right corner of his mouth.

"You've been good to my little sister Jay I can't deny that, so…yeah you have my blessing man."

I didn't realize I was holding my breath until I released it.

"So when are you going to propose Jay?" Zane asks with a grin.

"I uh planned on today actually," I reply feeling a bit nervous all of a sudden, "I don't know exactly when, but I guess I'll know when I hear it come out of my mouth."

"You will know when you hear it come out of your mouth? This is not a belch Jay, you are about to ask a woman you love to marry you," Zane says with a look of concern.

"I know Zane," I reply while pocketing the ring and grabbing a change of casual clothes, "but I want this day to be memorable and astonishing.  That's why I'm not dressing fancy and taking her for a stroll through Alto Park."

I head for the bathroom to change clothes, but Kai's voice stops me.

"You do have my blessing Jay, although let me just say this…"

"If you ever in any point of time make Nya cry and their not tears of joy, I'm gonna make you cry got it?"

"Yeah, I got it Kai," I respond seriously.

(Fifteen minutes later)

I exit the bedroom and make my way towards Nya's after changing into a pair of loose fitting belted blue Levis and a dark blue polo shirt with white lightning streaks coming from the left shoulder down in a natural fashion.

I checked the weather and although it's a bit warmer than yesterday, it's still going to feel like Jack Frost is breathing down your neck, so hopefully Nya modified her attire accordingly.

I don't get cold easily like Kai, so I should be alright with what I have on and thankfully my new white Dsquared2 shoes will keep my feet warm when we walk through the snow.

I stop in front of her door and check my pocket one last time for the velvet box.  Feeling it there, I run my fingers through my hair and take a deep breath.

"Alright Jay this is it.  Be relaxed and nothing should go wrong."

I lift my hand to knock on the door, but before I can it flies open to reveal the wind goddess' advocate.

"Nya…"

She had indeed modified the outfit I wanted her to wear having put on a long sleeved evergreen blouse instead of the tank top.

Her white pants with the cherry blossoms embroidery of the same color remained intact and casual Adidas snuggled her feet.

I clear my throat and give her smile.

"Nya, you look beautiful.  Are you ready?" I ask offering her my arm.

"Thanks Jay and yeah I'm ready," she says sweetly and takes my arm with a smile.

"You look very nice Jay. I've never seen that top before."

"Thanks, it's been lingering in the closet and I thought why not?"

We reach the door leading to the outer deck and I open it for her.

Just as I expected the late morning air is crisp, but not uncomfortable.

Feeling in a playful mood and wanting to hear her harmonious laugh, I scoop her up in my arms, run, and jump over the railings into the open air.

On cue the sound of wind chimes soothes my soul as my girl laughs in thrilled glee.

I summon my Storm Fighter and soon we're streaking through the air back to Twilight.

"Are you comfortable?" I ask the lovely Chinese princess sitting in my lap.

"Hmm, yes very…" she replies breathlessly and I feel her supple lips ghost over my neck.

A flashback of that night makes me tighten my grip on the flight controls in response to the images that invades my mind's eye.

I'm not sure if I should tell her to stop or not, but for me to land us safely I think I might.

"Jay, do you think we can stop by that café near Silver Fox Lane to get some coffee first?"

Her lips are still pressed against my skin as she talks to me and her warm breath tickles me gently.

"Uh…sure Nya we can." I reply surprisingly without a stutter.

Right now she could ask me for anything and I'd try my damndest to see it happen.

We hover beside the café Nya spoke of and I dispel my Fighter, placing Nya on her feet.

"What would you like?" I inquire while opening the door for her.

"Just a small mocha cappuccino, I'll go grab us a table."

"Alright, I'll join you in a sec."

The café wasn't too crowded, but there were still quite a few people here looking to get a hot "pick me up" to get their day rolling smoothly.

I walk up to the counter and place my order of a small mocha cappuccino and a medium latte.

Once my order is up I thank the personnel and make my way to Nya who is sitting at a table near the window.

"Here you are ung dame" I say while placing her cup right in front of her.

"Thanks Jay."

My brow creases in slight worry at her somewhat sad response.

"Nya, are you okay?" I ask as I take my seat across from her.

"Yes I'm sorry.  I'm just concerned about Sasha I wish she didn't let her pride get in the way of her well-being.  She really feels like a sister to me, I don't understand why she didn't confide in me."

I reach over the table and place my hand over hers in reassurance.

"She probably felt like it was her responsibility to handle her own problems and didn't want to become a burden to someone else.  She'll be okay Nya I'm sure it's nothing serious."

Nya smiles and her eyes light with affection.

"You're always there to make me feel better Jay.  I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Hey, that's what I'm here for."

"And I'm so very glad you are."

She leans forward and I meet her halfway…

This kiss is short and sweet, leaving my body aching for so much more, but I pull back when she does and sip diligently at my coffee.

We sit and talk for hours on end in the small homey café about all kinds of things.

From past missions to our first date at Mega Monster Amusement park.  

Yeah, that could have gone much smoother, but the ending was well worth it…

We leave the café and I lead her to Alto Park as planned.

"So, how is Ebony adjusting?" I ask walking on the slightly slick sidewalk with easy poise.

Nya's face contorts into a small frown and I suddenly feel guilty for bringing her discomfort.

"She's…darkness personified," she answers carefully, "I have no idea what to make of her."

"Yeah, she seems pretty hardcore." Even when she found out her father was one of our ultimate enemies she barely reacted, she keeps her emotions in check."

"Her training should be interesting to say the least."

Nya moves closer to me and I respond by curling my arm around her waist.

"Jay, after everything is over and Ninjago is at peace…what do you plan on doing?"

"Actually, I was going to ask you the same thing?" I counter easily, but my heart decides to beat like a drum in anticipation to her response.

"I don't know, I guess—"

"Excuse me," I guy mumbles as he shoves past me knocking against my shoulder.

My eyes narrow as I feel a hand slip into my pocket where Nya's ring resided and begins to pull it out.

A pickpocket?! I don't think so asswipe!!

Before he can slither pass, I grab his wrist and twist it behind his back.

He counters with a sloppy chopping right I easily deflect and bring him down with a hard punch to his gut.

I lose sight of the velvet box as he collapses to the ground unconscious.

Damn it!! Where is it!! I think while frantically searching around the fallen hunk of crap.

"Jay?"

"Nya, are you okay?" I ask quickly as I get to my feet and turn to her.

I stop dead as I see the dark blue velvet box in her hand with the top propped open.

"Jay, what…"

I could only stand there with my mouth agape.

This is not at all what I had planned, how the hell this scenario could go so wrong in a matter of seconds is beyond my comprehension!!

How can I recover from this!! I can't just go right into the speech I had in mind about wanting to be with her for the rest of my life!!

I shake my head vigorously and walk up to her to snatch the box from her fingers.

Pulling away is impossible since her hand grips mine tightly, refusing to let go.

"Jay…"

I bow my head angrily, not at her, not myself, not even the pickpocket, but at this ominous sign.

I'm not supposed to ask her, am I?

"Forget it Nya…"

She releases my hand and I glance at her through my bangs that got slightly mussed from the tousle I had with the thief.

"Forget what Jay, why won't you say it?"

For some reason I get angrier at how the circumstances had drastically changed and yell out my frustration and fears to her.

"Because I'm not good enough!!  You mean so much to me and I had everything planned out to make this memorable and it backfires in my face like most things had in my life!! I even got Kai's blessing and Zane's encouragement to help me go through with this only to have Thor shock me back into coherency!!"

I can't believe I was breaking down in front of her, my vision blurred with savage tears as I continue to rant and rave revealing a side to myself that I kept locked away for years.

"I had always thought being with you felt like a dream come true and I never wanted it to end.  Now it has before it even had a chance to begin."

My anger vanished like a snuffed candle only to be replaced with hollowness and insecurity.

If Nya left me now, I wouldn't blame her.

I kept my head bowed shamefully as the wind ruffled my hair with loving attention.

What the…why was the wind warm and not cold?

I feather-like touch caresses my face on both sides and I realize with alarm that it was Nya.

The gales continued to blow around us enveloping our bodies in a playful hug.

Sparks of electricity and lighting conquered the atmosphere around us seeming to charge me with its limitless power.

"What are you talking about pup? You two deserve each other."

…HUH!!??

"Jay, are you asking me to me to marry you?  If so, then the answer is yes, a million times yes.  I'll give my all to you till the end of time."

Her kiss is fierce and loving, furthering the voltage inside my body.

Nya…you will always be my better half…


Dialogue Translation:

Ung dame-young lady
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!! Please read and enjoy!! :dance:
© 2012 - 2024 VelvetPersona
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Camdolorian's avatar

Wow I just read the first few lines and was hit with a wave of nostalgia for when there were only two seasons