Destiny

Returning Home: Part 2

               With every step Alex took he was reminded of his decision to leave the only place that felt like home to him since his mother had passed. As he walked the streets of downtown Ninjago, he hardly noticed the quaint café where the smell of coffee and hot chocolate drifted into the cold outside air, or the people with warm coats and soft hats walking through the parks and in and out of shops. In fact, he hardly noticed how cold it had gotten, how the wind nipped at him through his jacket.

    It had been nearly two months since he had left the Ninjnerd dojo, and only two weeks before that Raelyn had left, without saying goodbye. As much as he missed being a Ninjnerd, he was sure he had made the right decision in leaving. He had never truly belonged there in the first place, and with Raelyn gone he was lost now more than ever. He was only a Ninjnerd for as long as he was because of her. He had wanted to stay because of her.

    Something caught the corner of his eye and made him stop to make sure he had actually seen it. He turned around and watched a cloaked figure duck into an alley, on the other side of the street, after glancing at him. Something about that person was familiar, it felt like a memory poking at the back of his mind trying to push its way forward, but he couldn't quite place it. Without thinking he started toward the Alley.

    He entered the Alley and spotted the person at the very back, standing in the shadows, barely visible. Alex slowly approached the mysterious person as they removed their hood, revealing a face. 

"It's been a long time," The young man grinned.

    Alex, surprised at who stood in front of him, shook his head. "Not long enough," he frowned. "What are you doing here? How did you find me?"

"Now, that's no way to greet your big brother," he said smugly. "But I suppose I do deserve that." He stopped grinning and his stare became cold. "Dad sent me. I'm sure you know why."    

Realization washed over Alex. "I won't let him have what he wants," He whispered angrily.

"I thought as much, but he's not asking." He tilted his head to the side, signaling someone in the shadows. A huge thug emerged, with his sights set straight on Alex.

    Alex glanced at his brother. "I'm not giving up without a fight, Aiden."

    Aiden smirked then gestured for the thug to get Alex.

    Alex knew what was to come next. He lifted his arms to protect his face as the thug threw a right hook. He ducked under another punch attempt, got his bearings then used his element to send a shock wave at the man. He succeeded in knocking him to the ground.

"Nice try little brother." Aiden said. Coming up behind Alex, he swung his fist at his head, taking him down. Alex's body dropped to the ground, unconscious. "Take him to my father," He told his thug, who had just stood up. "He's waiting."