Pixane Appreciation Club!

Legacy's Heir--Hamilton "Who Lives, Who Dies" Tribute

{Surprise, surprise! This isn't actually a Pixane, but it DOES involve Pixal! I don't have the space to put this in my general Ninjago oneshots book yet, so it'll start here. Song above is what it's based on btw!

Here's some background info:

Something we talked about in the Jaya Discord. What if when Cole (in the future and hopefully not soon) dies--probably in battle--his last act was to let Pixal carry on the Earth element? I have a plot bunny that she would be the only one able to make it to him in time. So after he gets gravely injured and Pixal makes it to his side, Cole sees his mom's ghost telling him it's alright to let go. The last thing he does is transfer his power to Pixal, guided by his mom while Pixal tries to save him any way she can. This fic is the aftermath, after everyone sees Cole has died.}

~~~

Pixal (in Samurai X gear, stained with dirt, blood, and torn in multiple places. It's clear she's just been through a big battle) stands alone in the middle of a dimly lit (almost dark) stage, holding Cole's Scythe of Quakes and his old gi hood. She's under a gentle spotlight and looking up thoughtfully, yet sadly. A figure emerges from the shadows and slowly joins her in the circle of light, singing:

[Cole:]

Let me tell you what I wish I'd known

When I was and of glory

You have no control, who lives, who dies, who tells your story

Pixal is startled but her face changes from surprised to a sad smile. She begins to tear up but blinks them away quickly. It's Cole. He's delaying going to the Departed Realm to talk to her. His gi is ripped and bloody, with a gash right in the center.

Downstage left lights up in another spotlight and the team is talking to the Mayor in his office (in their normal gis). They're asking about putting a statue of Cole up in place of Zane's. When silently asked if this is alright, Zane nods with a small, sad smile. Of course. He'd do anything for Cole to be properly remembered.

[Kai:]

Mayor Genesis,

I'll give him this. His leading system is a work of genius

I couldn't disobey it if I tried. And... I've tried

The spotlight dims on stage left and the middle spotlight fades into a larger circle of light. The light is now exposing male and female figures dressed in blacks, grays, and browns in a circle around Pixal and Cole. These are the Old Earth Masters, returned from the Departed Realm to help Cole pass on Earth to Pixal. Pixal doesn't notice them until they start singing, but Cole smiles when one figure puts a hand on his shoulder. His mother. They're finally reunited. Cole sings with them as they sing:

[Old Earth Masters and Cole:]

Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?

Downstage right has a spotlight now, on Ronin and Mayor Genesis out in Ninjago City in front of Cole's statue being built. Ronin is looking contemplative for once, probably thinking about Cole. As all these scenes are going on, the middle circle stays lit and they all watch the side scenes.

[Ronin:]

Mayor Genesis, his team took our city from danger to safety

I hate to say it

But he doesn't get enough credit for all the protection he gave us

The Earth Masters slowly circle more around Pixal and Cole. Pixal begins to smile, just a bit, and looks down at the Scythe and gi hood. Is she really ready to take on this responsibility? She's filled with an indescribable feeling of protection and solidarity when she holds the Scythe closer.