Darkness from Within #1: Twisted Paths (A Ninjago Fanfiction)

Chapter 5

Nya sighed as she gazed out into the forest. They had been searching for days, and they achieved nothing. Where could he be?

"Hey, what's wrong?"

Nya turned her head as Kai walked up beside her. She rested her chin on her hand. "It's hopeless, Kai," she murmured. "We'll never find him."

Kai laid his hand on his sister's shoulder. "Yes, we will," he insisted.

"How do you know?" Nya sighed. "We have no idea where the Overlord's headquarters is, much less where he's keeping Lloyd."

Kai gazed at her, promise shining in his eyes. "I just know," he stated.

Nya shook her head, letting out a faint scoff. Then she looked back up at her brother and saw the confidence in his gaze and began to relax. "You're right," she said. "Lloyd will be okay."

Kai nodded with a reassuring smile. "He will."

But will he? Kai's belly swarmed with unease. Of course he was worried—probably almost as worried as Garmadon. Every day the weight in his chest grew, but he couldn't let the others know that. No—he couldn't. He had to appear strong for the others' sake. If he seemed worried, the others would worry. If he acted like it was a big deal, the others would, too. And just seeing how Nya calmed at his words proved his point.

But it is a big deal, he thought dreadfully. His friend was out there, helpless and alone. But he's more than a friend. Kai struggled to keep his face. He's my brother. Even worse, my little brother. And I'm supposed to take care of him. What would he do if Lloyd wasn't okay? I'd never forgive myself, that's what.

From across the Bounty, Garmadon glanced at the siblings. His gaze rested on Kai. He had seen how confident the red ninja looked as he comforted Nya, but it only puzzled Garmadon more. He never really understood Kai. The red ninja always seemed hidden behind his strength, as if he had none of those 'soft emotions' inside of him. But for some reason, Garmadon sensed something in him. He didn't know what it was, but it was as if there was something—some deep secret or so—hidden inside of Kai—looking for a way to get out.

With a shake of his head, Garmadon pushed the thought away. Kai's just like the other three, he told himself. But not like Lloyd. Sighing, Garmadon turned back to the forest. Where is he? he wondered, his hope slowly slipping away. Will I ever see my son again?

As Nya began to head to the lower deck, Kai closed his eyes and breathed a sigh. In being the oldest of all six of them, he felt the most pressure to keep everyone's spirits up. Especially with Lloyd gone. When Lloyd is away, I'm supposed to be the one to take charge, Kai thought. But how am I supposed to, when I don't even know if Lloyd is still alive?

A pang hit his heart. He couldn't help but feel responsible for Lloyd's capture. Of course, Lloyd was capable of defending himself, but Kai was still supposed to have his back. But I let him down.

Frowning, Kai's gaze drifted across the Bounty to where Garmadon was standing alone. Would he understand?

No, Kai thought, turning his head away. He wouldn't. No one would. But that's okay, he told himself, putting a smile on his face. Everything will be fine.

But even as he felt his reassurance return, he couldn't help but wonder, where is Lloyd?

* * *

Come on! Lloyd grunted as he pushed against his cell wall. There's gotta be some way out of here! Furrowing his eyebrows, he continued dragging his fingers along the wall, trying to find anything useful—a loose stone, a mere crevice—anything he could make into something. I have to get out somehow! He couldn't stand the damp, lonely cell any longer. He had to get back to his friends—he had to.