"This is the last village I have on the east side. After this... I call the Ninja again." Ronin sighed and once again parked R.E.X. This time, no one came to greet him, nor to tell him to go away. The only thing he could hear, was the wind rustling the trees that swayed overhead.
Voices.
Ronin hid quickly. But he didn't have time to put R.E.X. into camouflage mode before the men came into sight. He would be found soon...
"Whose ship is this?" The one who appeared to be in the lead demanded. After the rest of them just gave shrugs. He ordered them to search the area.
"This is Ronin. I need backup now!" Ronin whispered into the small com' he kept in his ear.
"Where are you?" A female voice asked.
"Just past Tarre in a deserted village. And hurry." He answered.
"On our way." She said.
"Over and out." Ronin whispered.
"I heard something over here boss!" One of the younger ones called.
"Allen, Barry, investigate." The leader called.
"Yes sir." The two boys said. Much to Ronin's horror, they were coming towards him.
"Where's that backup?" He asked into the com' but only static answered him.
"Boss! We found something." Barry called.
"Or should we say, someone." Allen added.
Ronin had failed to notice the two boys sneaking up on him.
"Bring the intruder over to me." The leader ordered.
"Yes sir!" Barry said.
Ronin sighed, he knew he was beaten. For now at least. "What're you going to do to me?" Ronin asked as the two boys shoved him ahead of them.
"Same thing we do to all trespassers." The leader smiled.
"And what's that?" Ronin asked stalling for time.
"We throw them into the river."
"So I can swim away?"
"We throw them into the river, tied up." The man now pulled a length of rope from his pocket. "Bind his limbs.” He ordered.
Ronin had no escape. And no backup. He was alone on this. "How do I escape?" The question haunted his mind…
The ropes cut into his wrists. No escape, no friends, no nothing. Then, it all went black.
Thanks, these first few chapter are rlly repetitive. As they were writen about a year ago. However the one's following this most recent one, get better and reflect my current writing style better. (Also, Zed and Maria are rlly cliche atm. But in book two it get's, more complicated...)
"C'mon Sis." I whispered. She was at least breathing now. But still unconscious. I sighed.
Then she stirred. "Maria?" I asked.
“What happened?" She asked. At the same time she tried to pull herself up.
"Woah kid, take it easy." I said.
"I'm fine, honest. But, I'm afraid, I've been out for quite awhile." She sighed rubbing her head.
"Only about ten minutes." I answered.
"What happened during that time?" Caren asked.
"Well, the guard brought us food. I flatly refused it though." I said.
"Ronin, Ronin!" A young voice called.
"W-what?" Ronin asked sitting up.
"How long have you been out?" Nya asked.
"I, don't, know." Ronin sighed.
"Well clearly you were attacked. I sent everyone but Jay and myself to look for your attackers." Nya said.
"Hey Ny' we found something. Not people. But something." Cole's voice came onto her 'com.
"Be there soon. Send us coordinates." Nya said.
"South side of the village. About ten clicks away." Cole replied.
"Right!" Nya said.
"Give me a minute. I don't think I can stand up right now. That guy gave me quite the blow." Ronin smiled.
"Jay, help him." Nya sighed.
"Will do." Jay nodded and hooked Ronin's arm around his shoulders.
"Thanks guys." Ronin smiled.
"Well you did ask for backup." Nya smiled.
"I know I know. But right now all I can think about is finding Maria. That's why I came out here in the first place. Don't know where R.E.X. got to though." Ronin sighed and leaned heavily on Jay.
Jay buckled under the extra weight, sending both of them to the sand.
"You alright?" Nya asked.
"Fine." Jay grunted.
"Still alive." Ronin added.
"C'mon Jay. Help me get him up." Nya said.
"On it."
"I'm hurt, not crippled." Ronin sighed. But nevertheless he leaned heavily on the pair.
"Took you long enough." Cole's gruff voice greeted them as the trio came into sight.
"That,” Ronin smirked. ”Would be my fault."
So uh, everyday now. I'ma gonna give y'all one of 'dem sneak peaks now. I have three prepared. so, uh, yeahhhh...
"Oh darling. You've returned." My Mother smiled at me. "Yes Mother. And they did not follow me." I said. "Good. Now I need to know. Was your mission successful?" She asked. "Yes. I got the poison. And I shall take care of the girl tomorrow." I paused. "And one more thing. My name is Cracio now." I smiled at my Mother.
"Oh darling. You've returned." My Mother smiled at me. "Yes Mother. And they did not follow me." I said. "Good. Now I need to know. Was your mission successful?" She asked. "Yes. I got the poison. And I shall take care of the girl tomorrow." I paused. "And one more thing. My name is Cracio now." I smiled at my Mother.
Btw, it's a spoiler. You have to click it, it's not supes obvious...
In response Cole banged his foot on a metal door embedded in the sand.
"Open it." Ronin said.
"We tried. Not even Cole could get it open." Lloyd sighed.
"But did you try pulling it gently?” Ronin asked.
"No we haven't tried that!" Lloyd said rolling his eyes.
"Well try it. I bet you it's rigged with Caress stone." Ronin smiled.
"And what's that?" Lloyd asked, rolling his emerald eyes.
"Like Venge stone. But you would never know you lost your powers." He said.
"Sounds more like you've rigged a trap for us using that stone." Lloyd coldy looked to Ronin. The heat was beating down, making most of them cranky, despite their normal calm attitudes.
"Oh forget this! I'm trying it." Cole sighed pulling on the door to stop them from fighting. Much to Lloyd's surprise, it opened easily.
"I pulled on that door myself!" He was clearly confused..
"Uh-huh." Ronin smiled smugly.
"Ok, um... Cole, Kai, Jay. You three look inside." Nya said a bit unsure of what lay ahead.
"On it." Cole said jumping down into the blackness. Kai and Jay followed.
"It's pitch black down here sis!" Kai called up.
"I'm surprised Jay over here, hasn't cracked some joke about how much me and this room are alike." Cole laughed slightly.
"Y'know, he hasn't even talked since we got down here." Kai said. In turn both he and Cole began calling Jay's name.
Nya, Lloyd, Zane and Ronin soon took up the cry.
"He's gone." Nya sighed. She was the closest to Jay, as his girlfriend. And even Lloyd could tell she was close to tears.
"I'm feeling the walls for some sort of passageway he could have gotten himself into." Cole called, trying to reassure her.
"And of course today I left my flashlight at home." Lloyd sighed.
"And P.I.X.A.L. cannot get my light to function." Zane added.
"I found something!" Cole cried suddenly. Kai rushed over to him.
"What is it?" Kai asked.
In turn Cole found Kai's hand and directed it to where he had been feeling.
"Hey sis! I think we found where Jay went. Problem is: we're bigger than him and can't get in!" Kai called up…
"We'll use you as a last resort." Nya laid a hand on his shoulder. "I bear no importance to the team. You're the leader. Plus, you know what Jay means to me." She smiled slightly.
"Agreed."
"Come on down sis." KaiAdded.
"Coming!" Nya called lowering herself down carefully. Kai's strong hands caught her waist. "Now where is it?" She asked.
"Right over here." Kai whispered leading her to the wall.
"I feel it, and I'm going in." Nya said maneuvering herself into the small crack.
"Be careful sis." Kai whispered.
"I found him." Her grunting could be heard. "He's too heavy for me to move by myself."
"I'll send Lloyd in." Cole said from outside.
"Sounds like a plan." Nya suddenly felt fear shoot through as a hand was clamped over her mouth, she tried to scream. Nothing came out but a small grunt. Still it was enough for Kai to hear.
"What's going on in there sis?" He asked, but he received no answer.
"What happened?" Cole asked rushing over, Lloyd followed him.
"I don't know, she won't answer me." Kai sighed.
"I'm going in." Lloyd said determinedly. "And Ronin gave me some flares. They'll last about a half-a-minute each, and he gave me about seven. So I have that much time." He added.
"Goodluck." Kai whispered.
Once inside the cave-like room, Lloyd felt the walls to see in the were dry. They were, so he struck one of the flares against the wall, light flooded the room. I've got them." Lloyd whispered just as the light faded. He struck another flare. And dragged Jay over to the crack. "Here, I’m going to get Nya." He handed Jay's still body over to Kai and Cole who gently pulled him through the crack. The light faded again. He struck another flare. Wait, he had seen Nya, but now she wasn't there. "I've lost Nya." He said.
This part I don't like that much. And it's not really that important to the story, so I may edit bits out later on...
"How could you have lost her?" Kai asked angrily. "I don't know, she was there, and now she's not!" Lloyd frantically searched the area. "I can't see her!" He added. Darkness. He struck another flare.
"Well find her!" Kai called, his temper rising.
"I'm looking dude, I can't see her! And I only have three flares left!" Lloyd yelled back.
"Zane, I'm passing Jay up to you." Cole said lifting his lifeless teammate up to where the Nindroid could grab him.
"I've got him." Zane called down.
"Where's Nya?" Ronin asked.
"I do not know, but as I understand it, she was not with Jay." Zane sighed and set Jay down, then took his pulse.
"Shhh, someone's coming." I said, I had just heard footsteps. "Hide." I added.
"Where? We're in an empty cell!" Maria grunted.
"Just get behind me!" I sighed.
"Here's your new playmate." A guard said opening the cell door, then he shoved a young girl in.
"You'll regret the day you messed with me!" She called, the guard merely laughed, and walked away. "Yeah Nya, that scared him." She sighed smacking a hand to her face.
"State your name." I called to the mysterious girl.
"My name's Nya, but what I want to know, is who're you?" She asked.
"I'm Zed, and this is my sister Maria." I said. Indicating it was safe for my sister.
“So, uh, what’s the story here? If you don’t mind my asking.”
“I was kidnapped a a day or two ago.” Maria said warily.
“Wait a second. How- how old are you?”
“She’s fourteen, ask anymore questions and I sock you.” I whispered tensely.
“Hold up. Maria, fourteen, kidnapped two days ago?”
"Umm, yeah.”
"I know someone who’s been looking for you.” Nya grinned.
"Ronin?" Maria quickly grew excited.
"Uh-huh!" Nya nodded. "I'll call him now.” She reached into her pocket. And after a moment's silence, she said: “They took my phone.”
"Man, I almost thought we were free." Maria leaned against the wall and let out a sigh.
"We will get out of here." Nya said moving towards Maria. She gently laid a hand on her shoulder.
Sorry I didn't update yesterday. I was out of town...
So Zed is starting to get a bit more interesting here. But his true character. (And a larger secret about him.) Are revealed towards the end of this book. In book two however, we'll truly see his breaking point.
"Pipe down you two." I said tensing up. "Someone's coming."
"Alright kid, the boss wants to see you!" A guard said coming into the cell. Maria shrank back against the wall, but to my surprise they took me instead. The guard slung me over his shoulder and walked off.
"Zed." I heard Maria whisper...
"Don't worry, I'm sure he'll be fine." Nya said.
"I know, but he's my only family left." I sighed.
As Nya brushed away a strand of her dark hair. Her hands caught on her ear. And she smiled broadly. “They didn't take my ‘com! I can radio them!”
"Com’?"
“Communicator. A little contact device we all keep in our ears, in case of emergencies.” Nya grinned at me, and I felt my heart pounding. “Cover me while I call them.”
Zane was outside bandaging Jay up. When a familiar voice came onto his ‘com. “Nya? Where are you?” Zane asked. The others ‘com's were on the same channel. So everyone became silent as they waited for Nya to answer
“I don't really know. But I've found Maria, so if you guys could maybe hurry it up and find us?” Nya asked.
“We're looking Nya. But just let me know you're alright.” Kai answered
“I'm fine. But to be honest, a little sore.” Nya sighed.
“Just please, please be careful. And keep us updated.” Kai asked.
“I'll be sure I do.” Nya smiled at her brother's concern. He was really quite cute. And he was a good brother. The best she could ask for. “And once you guys find us. Please someone bring me water. I'm starting to get dehydrated.” As a master of water. Nya tended to drink more water than the average person. Because she actually used the water already in her system whenever she used her powers.
“I have a bottle. I'll make sure to give it to you.” Cole added his voice.
“Thanks. And bye for now guys.”
As Nya took her hand off the button. Maria clamped a hand over her mouth.
I've kinda started to update twice a day now. But I will for sure at least try to update once a day. (Unless I have something to do...)
This chapter also drags on and needs some major editing...
“Shhhhh. Someone's coming.” I whispered.
"Another playmate." The guard laughed throwing someone in.
"Is that you Zed?" I asked slowly inching towards the still figure, but my chains stopped me halfway. Suddenly he moved. And looked up at me. "Zed?" I whispered.
"Maria get down!" Nya lunged at me just as the man jumped for me.
"Thanks." I said.
"Who is that?" Nya asked.
"Zed, but something's wrong." I sighed. Just as Zed jumped at me again.
Nya sprayed him with water a moment too late.
"Ow!" I cried as Zed scratched my cheek. I felt blood starting to creep down it.
"Are you ok?" Nya asked bending over me.
"Fine, but what about Zed?" I put a hand over my rapidly beating heart.
"He's out, for now." Nya sighed looking at the still figure,
I opened my eyes up to find Maria staring at me, terrified. "W-what happened?" I asked. My voice was wavery, I already knew what had happened, but for the sake of my secret, I had to ask.
"Stay away from me!" Maria yelled.
Nya stood by my sister. In a battle stance. "Try anything. And I shoot." She warned me. I noticed she had a water ball around one of her hands.
"What is wrong with you two?" I slowly backed away towards the cell door.
"Wrong question. What you should ask. Is what's wrong with you." Nya said sticking a finger to my chest.
"Well. Answer me!" I angrily said shoving her hand away.
"Nya. He's back to normal now." Maria sighed moving to my side.
"All the same. I'll keep my distance. Now let's just hope the others can get us out of here." Nya said rubbing her arms for warmth.
"Hurry up Lloyd! It's getting darker." Kai urged him.
"Well a little light would help!" Lloyd said.
"No powers. Remember." Kai said bitterly.
"They should be back by now Kai." Ronin called as he lowered himself down. Zane and Jay followed.
"I still say you are not well enough to go Jay." Zane sighed.
"Look. A ninja never quits. And Nya's life is at stake. We travel together." Jay said limping over to Kai and Cole.
"Something wrong with your foot Sparky?" Cole asked.
"I got a big gash on it." Jay made a face at him.
I also hate the way I did Jay in this chapter. It's forced pain. I so don't like that...
“I've been here for months. Mari’s only been here a day.”
“Whatever you say.”
“I've actually been here two days.” I whispered.
“And why did they just now move you in with me?” Zed asked.
“No idea. But I for one am glad they did.” I smiled though he couldn't see me.
“Me too.” I heard Zed reply.
“Ronin, go back there.” Kai pointed to a place on the 3D map R.E.X. had come up with. Ronin guided the airship to that spot.
“Is it just me or does Ninjago suddenly stop?” Jay asked pointing to the map. Where normally the endless desserts would have just continued, there was nothing.
“Guys, I've got strong interference. R.E.X. is going haywire.” Ronin yelled as several beeping noises came from the airship.
“My ‘com won't work either.” Lloyd said.
“I think we found our spot men.” Kai grinned.
“Find a safe place to park Ronin. Then come join us” Cole said getting out. The others followed suit.
“So, what now?” Jay asked.
“Ummmm, look for an entrance?” Cole shrugged.
“Sounds good to me.” Lloyd said.
It wasn't long before Kai yelled a quick shout of joy. “I found something!” He yelled, the others rushed over to find him leaning his shoulder into a door,trying to get it open.
“Allow me.” Cole said moving Kai to the side. A few punches later, the door still remained closed…
“Let me try.” Zane moved forward and stood still for awhile, then much to their surprise, the door opened.
“Brains takes the lead ladies and gents!” Jay smiled and slapped Zane's back.
“We wait for Ronin, then go inside.” Kai said.
“No need to wait, I was just enjoying you guys trying to get that door open.” Ronin grinned and slowly strolled by Kai and Cole, whose faces showed their anger.
“We going in now or not?” Jay asked following Ronin.
The other followed silently.
I like how Jay and Cole play off of each other in the next chapter a lot
