Ninjago: Amplified - [A Ninjago Fanfiction]

[34] - Fueling the Fight

Akiri wrapped her arms around Bee's neck, overjoyed at the manticore's return. A fresh wave of relief crashed through her body as she hugged the big cat, refusing to release her.

She's alive. Aurora's alive.

The words replayed themselves over and over in her mind, Akiri's heart thrumming a mile a minute in exhilaration. Yet the moment, unfortunately, couldn't last forever. Bee pulled away from Akiri's hold, curling a protective wing around the smaller vigilante. She nudged her head in another creature's direction, mewling.

"We need to move." A stranger ordered from atop of the phoenix. "Now."

"Where is she?" Akiri's eyes pierced into the hooded female. "Where's Aurora?"

"She's in safe hands, far from Hikaru's clutches." The older woman promised. Akiri assumed she was talking about the oni. "But we won't be if we stay out in the open for much longer."

"What do you mean?" Sensei Wu asked as he and the rest of the Monastery's residents joined them in the clearing. "What has happened?"

"Aurora and I escaped seven days ago. When Hikaru finds out, his first move will be to come after you." The woman pulled back her hood, revealing her messy, shoulder-length brown hair. She looked as though she hadn't gotten proper rest in a while. "We need to evacuate to someplace more discreet."

"Then..." Her gaze set upon Akiri once more. "You'll get all the answers you want."

"We will set out at once." Sensei Wu struck his staff against the ground, turning to the ninja. "Gather your gear. We're taking the Bounty."

The group, reenergized, immediately got to work. Cole agreed to fetch Akiri's belongings, allowing the vigilante time to show the newcomer to the flying ship a few yards across from them. As they walked, Bee pressed her face into her side, purring loudly. Akiri grinned, patting the big cat on the head in delight.

"I take it you are Akiri?" The stranger spoke up from behind her.

Akiri turned to face the woman, nodding. The phoenix rider paused for a long moment, pondering to herself.

"Aurora sends her regards." Was all she said, but it was enough to make Akiri's heart soar. Aurora was out there somewhere, thinking of her!

By the time Akiri had finished showing the newcomer to the Bounty, stepping onto the ship's wooden floors at her side, the others were prepared for liftoff. Nya was quick to take charge, the group bracing as she readied the flying ship's turbo boost. Apparently, the water ninja had just the place in mind to go to.

Their travels faded into the background, as Akiri's focus was set on Bee. The manticore had to stabilize herself by pressing her body against the floorboards, her claws latched into the wood at her feet. Akiri kept the ship's railing in her right hand, using her left to reassure the big cat with a scratch to her chin. Bee purred in joy, loving the attention.

"How is she, Bee?" Akiri mumbled when the manticore leant into her touch. "Do you know?"

When the manticore's pretty golden eyes softened in response, Akiri assumed that Aurora was faring well. The thought made her smile again, and she hugged the big cat's neck in relief.

Akiri had been so caught up in her conversation with Bee that she didn't notice their arrival until the ship lurched to a halt. She shot up from the ground, peering over the edge of the Bounty in confusion.

Far below them was a barren desert, civilization far from sight. Sure, it was an undisclosed location; yet, if an aircraft was to hover overhead and spot the anchored ship, they wouldn't have anywhere to flee.