Power of Aura Chapter 3

My head…ugh…it's throbbing…

I open my eyes painfully and lift my head. Smoke and steam rises from the cracked ground, teasing to create an updraft suitable for my wings. I turn my neck to examine the state of the battleground…or what's left of it. The destructive power of our Elements has created a landscape of desolation as far as the eye can see.

A short roar of pain tears from my throat when I try to move. I swivel my neck to look behind me to see the patch of hurt, the scales on the base of my tail are horribly singed.

"Work of the black dragon no doubt," I growl and instinctively begin licking the grievance. The saliva from my tongue is only a temporary relief, but at least I won't be annoyed by it for awhile.

The battle is not over yet. Not as long as the black dragon lives…as well as the Black Phoenix.

I take care to stand on my claws slowly this time and rise to my full height. I search the sky for my comrade in this fight.

"Aurora!" I call out when I see her. Wisps of flames surround her wingtips; her entire body is like a living fire. She really is a sight to see, especially her eyes. Always calm, always warm never hostile regardless of the situation. I don't know how she manages it. It doesn't seem natural.

She lights down in front of me. "The Black Phoenix has gone. I no find him."

Aurora speaks in broken Califf, but I understand her well enough. The soft purr of her accent is purely Linderin as to be expected and yet I always yearn to hear her speak. Despite that though, the Natural Elements inside me boil, spark, quake, and freeze at her news.

"They couldn't have retreated. The collision of power between the Black Dragon and I was big…very big. Blew me away and most likely him too."

"Blast was great. Confuse me."

"We'll find them."

"We split up?"

"No, we search for them together. Let's go."

We both spread our wings and take to the air to search for our greatest enemies.

                                                                                   *~PoA~*

(EVERYONE WAKE UP NOW AND GET TO THE BRIDGE! WE HAVE SERPENTINE ACTIVITY!)

Jay's shout along with the Bounty's blaring alarm wakes me with a start. I blink rapidly to get some moisture back into my eyes.

Dammit, I must've fallen asleep while thinking again. Damn REM…

The weird dream I had disappears completely as I leap out of bed, slam open the door to my room and sprint down the hall. I turn the corner just as Kai rounds to the hallway leading to the bridge. Early morning light colors the stretches of passages. A new dawn…the day I can finally start exacting my revenge.

I burst through the bridge door and anxiously join the other Ninja as they crowd around the giant holographic screen displaying wide plains and a neighboring village that I don't recognize.

"Jay, where is that?" Cole asks strictly.

"A village called Monsoon. A very backwater town, known for their wetlands hence the name."

"Is this really their recovered counter-offensive?" Kai speculates clearly doubtful. "They've been in inactivity for months and the first place they attack is a backwater village stationed near a swamp?"

"It looks to be a large force as well," Zane observes. "They could have an ulterior motive. Perhaps they look to expand their territory by eliminating weaker villages first. The Serpentine may have an aversion to fresh and salt water, but water that lacks purity like swamplands are ideal. The concept is plausible."

"Right, like the Toxic Bogs!" Kai exclaims with a snap of his fingers.

I look back towards the door. "What's taking the Kunoichi so long? " I wonder and the others go quiet.

Soon, I hear Cole curse. "What the hell? Why aren't any of them answering? Zane, locate their Chi," he orders tersely.

We all look to Zane when he closes his eyes. Mere seconds later, they snap open in alarm.

"The Kunoichi…none of them are on the Bounty."

"WHAT?!"

                                                                                   *~PoA~*

"Dominique, ¿qué te gustaría hacer este fin de semana?" (Dominique, what would you like to do this weekend?) My grandpa asks, the aura within his body pulsating a pleasant blue as he shuffles about the kitchen.

"¿Podemos ir al parque? Yo quiero mostrar un nuevo truco que aprendí Anochecer recientemente, ¿no es cierto, muchacho?" (Can we go to the park? I want to show you a new trick I taught Dusk recently, isn't that right, boy?)

The burnt orange fox kit shape barks and yips excitingly, jumping from my lap onto the table.

Grandpa E laughs. "Okay. Dejaremos la derecha después de que termine de ver a mi programa de la mañana." (Okay. We'll leave right after I finish watching my morning program.)

I smile as he turns his back to me and continues to make our breakfast. It's been a year since my parents passed away, a year since I received the gift to see these special things from the Celestial. Dusk has been with me ever since that day too. Always by my side, always listening, always comforting. I confided in him more than my own friends at school after the accident. I don't know why I couldn't talk to them, but because of my silence and distance, Dusk became my only friend…my best friend, while the others simply drifted away. Now at school, I'm known as the traumatized blind girl who lost her parents.

A lot of people know me and my family, so to avoid unwanted attention I continued to use my walking stick despite not needing it. Grandpa E understood and was grateful himself, not wanting to answer even more questions than he already was. Grandpa E knows maybe a few words in English, but thankfully we have some Spanish neighbors. The last year has not been easy. We are the last of the family now and even though we have the support of our neighbors and friends…we keep to ourselves most of the time. My mind has been a whirlwind of questions as I learned more about my new sight. I don't doubt the Celestial's words. I'm just a little…scared of them.

My anxiety has risen since my eleventh birthday two months ago. Every day I feel like they're going to show up, those four mysterious individuals with their incredible auras. What will they tell me? What new destiny of mine will they reveal…and will I choose it?

I'm brought back from my musings when Grandpa E sits a steaming bowl down in front of me. The vapors hit my nose and I inhale the delicious aroma deeply.

Hmm…strawberry and banana cream oatmeal…my favorite.

"Gracias, abuelo E," (Thanks, Grandpa E) I say graciously and utter my prayers before starting to eat. Dusk hops down to the floor knowing his breakfast was to be served next. My little kitsune (fox) is most special. I thought he would have gotten bigger by now, but he's still so small. Though I have to admit, he and I share a similar spirit. "You're as big as you feel…" is one of my favorite quotes from Stuart Little. I've taken it to heart and since Dusk is something of an extension of me, I feel he understands my inner emotions.

Once grandpa puts Dusk's dish on the floor, he sits down across from me with his own bowl of breakfast.

"En lo profundo de nuevo pensamiento?" (Deep in thought again?) He asks while I spread some of my oatmeal over a piece of toast.

"Sí, pero no se trata de nada nuevo." (Yes, but not about anything new.)

He nods. Grandpa E knows what I mean. He believes too that the Celestial works in mysterious ways. It's because of His will that I'm alive now and have this sight. I had no reason to hide anything or lie to my grandpa, so I relayed the message the Celestial told me to him.

"Un gran poder conlleva una gran responsabilidad, Dominique. Pero, por mi parte, creo que eres demasiado joven para tener alguna carga que pesa sobre ti, así que voy a decirlo una vez más. Si no me gusta esta gente, si o cuando se presentan, entonces usted va a olvidar todo lo que dicen y vivir su vida normalmente." (With great power comes great responsibility, Dominique. But, I for one think you are much too young to have any burden placed upon you, so I'll say it again. If I don't like these people, if or when they show up, then you're going to forget all about what they say and live your life normally.)

"Sí, abuelo." (Yes, grandpa.) I say softly before taking a bite.

The rest of our meal is eaten in silence and while Grandpa E ventures into the living room to watch his program, oddly enough Dusk beckons me to follow him with soft barks out into the foyer. Spending a decade in darkness, all my other senses have become fine-tuned. I can easily hear the subtle click of his small claws across the tiled floor as he bounces in front of me. And with my new sight, my environment is always colored in so many shades of gray. I can see the outline of textures on objects so I can tell what's what, but over the past year I've noticed that the only real distinctive colors I see are within people, but not every person…just people I know. Strangers are colored a dull white.

Hmm, I wonder what the auras of my mystery visitors will look like.

Dusk pauses before the front door and plops down on his rump with purpose. I take a seat in the comfy chair beside him and stare at my friend quizzically.

He's never done this before.

"Dusk…? Do you think…they come today?"

My English…is not very good. I try to use it as often as I can, but I can't understand others if they speak too fast or use big complicated words. I won't give up learning though. I want to become fluent as I am with Spanish and Japanese like mama and daddy were.

A flick of the right ear and two barks answer me. Which I know means "yes".

My heart begins to thump rapidly in my chest as a mixture of emotions surge within me. I'm excited and nervous I realize. The Celestial didn't give me this power on a whim. I'm supposed to do something with it. Something important. And soon…four mystery people are going to show up and tell me what that is.

Dusk suddenly jumps up onto my lap and leans up to press his little wet nose against my cheek. I giggle at the sensation and stroke his head.

"You right. I calm down now, I sorry."

He curls up on my lap and I scratch behind his ears. I take a few deep breaths for good measure and close my eyes. These simple things soothe me considerably, allowing my heart to calm and my mind to clear. I can't stop thinking about what Grandpa E said though. I know he only wants what's best for me, but I don't think I can live my life normally with this power. Feigning blindness while actually being able to see things no other human being on Ninjago has ever been able to see before doesn't seem right. I don't want to live a lie.

And if I chose to stay here…would my decision have any harsh consequences? Or if I chose to accept and partake in my new destiny would I be forced to do something I don't want to do?

No, no matter what…I will never go against my beliefs. I will always stay true to myself.

The chime of our doorbell brings me back and Dusk eagerly jumps from my lap, barking and yipping away. I open my eyes and stand up. Dusk paws at the door and whines, his bushy tail going a mile a minute.

"Dominique, ¿puedes abrir la puerta?!" (Dominique, can you get the door?!) Grandpa E shouts from the living room.

"Sí, yo lo cojo!" (Yeah, I'll get it!) I yell back and approach the door. I grasp the knob, but before I turn it I place my ear on the smooth wood surface. I glance down to see Dusk do the same.

"—sent us to a pretty nice neighborhood. Are these the suburbs?"

"Part of, yeah. There are three areas classified as suburbs in Ninjago City. We toured a lot during my three years at the Marty Oppenheimer, so I don't get lost easily."

"I feel bad though for leaving the guys behind without any notice…"

"It's not like we had a choice, Ayane. We had no control over ourselves...which was a very freaky experience."

"Yeah, I hope we learn to control our Ascension soon…Ebony, what is it?"

"…Our Phoenix is on the other side of this door."

"Well, I would hope so…"

"No, let me clarify. She's pressed up against the door listening to us."

Understanding that last part, I jerk my head away from the door with a small gasp. Swallowing nervously, I finally open the barrier that separates me from my mysterious guests…and my eyes widen at what I see.

Four tall obviously feminine figures are lined before me. My eyes slowly move from one to the other in amazement. Their auras are more than just incredible; they're mystifying and very beautiful. The one furthest to the left has a soft golden white aura radiating warmth that I can actually feel. This person…is like the sun itself and next to her an aura of deep royal purple with swirling magenta winds free-flowing throughout her body. I wonder if the winds shift according to her mood. And from her, the next aura is actually fun to look at. This girl is taller than the rest, her aura…is this what water really looks like? Sloshing waves and little bubbles of an interesting shade of mixed colors, blue and green…an ocean…am I looking at an ocean? The last however, is the most complex. Dark and ominous, an onyx and silver shroud of solid fog. Is the warmth of her soul hidden? Or does she not have warmth at all? I'm not sure.

"Something tells me you've been anticipating our arrival…Dominique."

It's her. From her voice, which sounded as smooth as silk, I know she's the one that found me out. I swallow again.

"Wow, her eyes…everything about her is so cute. Look at her!" The aura of soft white and gold pulsates and the warmth of her spirit shines brighter. I blush in embarrassment at her unexpected compliment, my eyes flickering to the ground briefly before peering up at them once more. She has such a kind and caring voice, light and gentle.

"Yeah, we see her, Ayane" purple and magenta laughs. "We're not blind and do you have to gush like that?" So, white and gold's name is Ayane? That's a nice name.

Ayane reaches up and scratches her head, but doesn't comment. Maybe she's embarrassed?

I decide to get over my initial shock and say something.

"Umm…the Celestial said you come. My name Dominique Carmelita Montoya Vega, nice to meet you." I get out well enough and I feel Dusk squeeze in between my legs, his fur tickling my ankles. "And this Dusk, my best friend."

"It's a pleasure to meet you both. My name is Sasha Graciano," the tall ocean aura says, pointing to herself then gestures to the rest of her companions. "And this is Ayane Dubois, Nya Hayabusa, and Ebony Garmadon. We have come to discuss very important matters with you. May we come in?"

I lick my lips and open the door wider. "Y-Yes, please." I step aside and allow them to file into my family's home. Dusk scampers around their feet sniffing and whining playfully. I take this as a good sign. Dusk is usually so distrusting of strangers and growls when someone new happens to come to close to me. For him to be so giddy at these four girls must mean that they're good people.

I close the door and lead them through the house to where Grandpa E is. It's strange…I can hear my footsteps and Dusk's tiny claws click, but…not one sound is made from the four powerful auras. I can't even hear them breathe. Just who are they?

I hear one of them giggle and comment how cute Dusk is in a slight whisper, but Sasha suddenly speaks up clearly.

"You have a lovely name, Dominique. Spanish?" She asks and I smile. I do like my name.

"Thank you and yes, but just half. Mama Spanish, daddy Japanese."

"Nice, are they the ones you live with?" She continues.

"Used to. Just me and Grandpa E now. They die cuz car problem." I answer in monotone with a shake of my head. I can't believe I said that so easily to strangers, but…it just came out. What does that mean?

"Car problem? You mean…they were killed in an accident?" Ayane asks and I nod mutely. "I'm so sorry," she says and the others repeat her words.

"Todo sucede por una razón." (Everything happens for a reason.)

I don't know if any of them can speak or understand Spanish, but that's the only way I know how to express myself about the matter. I can't say it right in English.

"Esa es una forma muy crecido de ver las cosas, Dominique. Por no hablar, filosófico." (That's a very grown up way of looking at things, Dominique. Not to mention, philosophical.) Sasha says quietly. Her Spanish is good but not great and now that I think about it, Graciano is Portuguese. We speak different dialects, but our races are cousins in a way.

Nothing else is said as we enter the living room. Grandpa E is sitting with his back to us on the couch in front of the television set. I see him turn his head to look in our direction, but he doesn't say anything. I know he must be shocked into speechlessness.

"Uh, abuelo E es de ellos." (Uh, Grandpa E this is them.) I say and go to sit beside him. He takes hold of my hand and nods his head.

"Sí, sí que puedo decir." (Yes, yes I can tell.) He murmurs as the four girls come around to the front and stand before us in a line. The shadowy aura, Ebony, turns around, presses a button on the T.V. and the sound goes mute. She must've hit the power.

"This my grandpa, Emilio. It okay if he stay, right?" I ask anxiously. I know he wants to be present for this and I want him here too.

"Yes, of course," Sasha nods and the four go about reintroducing themselves to Grandpa E.

"Dominique, we want you to understand everything clearly so if you prefer for us to speak Japanese or have Sasha tell you of our cause in Spanish then that is what we'll do. It's your decision," Ebony says and I turn to Grandpa E to translate. As expected, he wants Sasha to explain everything.

"Please, grandpa no speak English and my English not very good. Sasha, can you tell us in Spanish?" I plead and Sasha's body shifts, her hand coming up to rest on her hip.

"Voy a hacer mi mejor esfuerzo para explicar, pero por favor, ten paciencia conmigo. Mi español no es perfecto." (I'll do my best to explain, but please be patient with me. My Spanish isn't perfect.)

Dusk hops up unto my lap and together all three of us listen intently when Sasha Graciano begins to speak.

                                                                                   *~PoA~*

"Todo es como lo he dicho. El ataque de serpiente gigante en marzo no fue el último gran peligro de caer sobre la ciudad o el mundo. La Serpentina siguen siendo una amenaza y si la corrupción se despierta para sembrar el caos y luego Dominique es el único que tiene el poder para salvarnos a todos. Esta es la profecía de Phoenix dijo a nosotros por el Celestial y Sus Dioses y Diosas y usted, Dominique, es que Phoenix. Eres nuestro Phoenix y nosotros haremos todo lo posible para proteger y prepararse para su destino ... si decide enfrentarlo." (Everything is how I've said. The giant serpent attack in March was not the last great peril to befall this city or the world. The Serpentine are still a threat and if the Corruption are awaken to wreck havoc as well then Dominique is the only one with the power to save us all. This is the Prophecy of Phoenix told to us by the Celestial and His Gods and Goddesses and you, Dominique, are that Phoenix. You're our Phoenix and we will do everything we can to protect and prepare you for your destiny…if you choose to face it.)

Sasha falls silent and the grip Grandpa E has on my hand is almost painful, but I understand. He's so scared for me, but I'm more concerned about him, about everyone in this city and the planet as a whole. She's not lying. Of that I am certain. The threat in the city during March just a few days after my birthday was broadcasted on every channel and had taken place in the southeast part of town. I heard the panic from the television, the screaming from outside, the sheer terror of the people…I heard everything as grandpa and I huddled close in fright, waiting for the evacuation. However, even though the pandemonium seemed to last forever it lasted for only an hour. These four brave…Kunoichi and five other Ninja had vanquished the evil and saved our city.

But…it's not over…

Dusk moves restlessly in my lap and I look down at him. I can feel his eyes on me. He's staring so intensely that I can feel the heat of his glare down to the very core of my soul. There's no whine or whimper of fear from him, only a silent air of conviction and readiness.

I know Dusk…this is my call to destiny, but…

I rub my hand against his cheek and he leans into my touch. Keeping my head down and my eyes on him, I call out to the four in front.

"I…need time and think. Can you leave, please?" I ask quietly.

"Take all the time you need. We'll be waiting in the other room, just call when you've reached a decision," Sasha replies and they leave in a silent line.

Grandpa E grips my hand fiercely and I turn to him.

"No," he says shortly. "Usted no necesita esto en su vida, Dominique. Ya oíste lo que dijo. Esto será peligroso para usted." (You don't need this in your life, Dominique. You heard what she said. This will be dangerous for you.)

"Lo sé, abuelo, pero ¿realmente espera que yo simplemente ignorar esto?" (I know, grandpa, but do you really expect me to just ignore this?)

"Eres demasiado joven!" (You're too young!) He whispers angrily. "Tienes toda la vida por delante! Con lo que has pasado, ¿de verdad crees que era prudente rodearse de muerte y este tipo de personas?!" (You have your whole life ahead of you! With what you've been through, do you really think it wise to surround yourself with death and these types of people?!)

"Son buena gente, abuelo. Lo puedo sentir de ellos y la oscuridad también puedes. Y a pesar de que me digas sobre mi vida ... ¿qué pasa con la suya o la de todos los demás en Ninjago? Cuando la corrupción despierta—" (They're good people, grandpa. I can feel it from them and Dusk can too. And regardless of you telling me about my life…what about yours or everyone else's in Ninjago? When the Corruption awakens-)

"Ella dijo que si, Dominique." (She said if, Dominique.)

I shake my head. "No quiero apostar el futuro del mundo en un "si", abuelo. Tengo miedo de esto ... de salir de casa ... y usted, pero quiero ver por mí mismo lo que significan. Voy a ir con ellos." (I don't want to wager the world's future on an "if", grandpa. I'm scared about this…about leaving home…and you, but I want to see for myself what they mean. I'll go with them.)

He brings his arms around me and I hug him back as strong as I can.

"Eres todo lo que me queda, Dominique. No quiero ningún daño venga a usted. Yo quiero que vivas una vida larga, feliz y en paz, pero la mayoría de todo ... Yo quiero que vivas libremente y nunca olvides quién eres." (You're all I have left, Dominique. I don't want any harm to come to you. I want you to live a long, happy and peaceful life, but most of all…I want you to live freely and never forget who you are.)

I breathe in my grandpa's scent and kiss his cheek, the whiskers on his face rough against my lips. "Yo quiero y voy a volver. Ellos no van a retenerme contra mi voluntad. Si algo sale mal ... Yo simplemente voy a volver y vamos a vivir. Pero, creo que debo averiguar por mí mismo." (I will and I'll come back. They're not going to hold me against my will. If something goes wrong…I'll simply come back and we'll live on. But, I feel I must find out for myself.)

He places a chaste kiss on my temple as we part and I call the four Kunoichi back in. I stand up with Dusk in my arms and Grandpa E does too. I look at the mystery people that I seem to have a pull towards, their stunning auras burning bright within their souls.

This…Prophecy of Phoenix…something stirs within me every time I hear the name of that mythical creature and I want to know why. They call me their Phoenix, but what does that mean? There's something else about that title…something that maybe even they do not know. Something I must find out for myself.

I take a deep breath and say in the best English I can muster:

"I go with you, but…know that I no promise in staying. I curious to find out what this means and I want to learn…" I look to them with a frown. "I no kill…no one…nothing. Train me to protect…survive…defend…not kill."