Ninjago: Amplified - [A Ninjago Fanfiction]

[43] - The Power of Perception

It had been a month since Ninjago's mass-evacuation.

The people had been successfully translocated across the map, guarded by their allies throughout the journey. Fortunately, very little attacks had been made upon them; when an attempt was made, Hikaru's forces were defeated, and Ninjago's innocent were kept safe.

But that fact didn't sit right with Akiri.

Throughout that time, there had been few sightings of Hikaru and his people. It was as if they'd suddenly vanished off the face of the planet, much like Aurora had.

Akiri worried that the oni was planning something terrible. She constantly felt on-edge, fearing that the villain was lurking in the shadows. Hikaru was waiting for the perfect moment to strike-- he just had to be. Why else would he have disappeared so abruptly?

She knew it would only be a matter of time before the oni struck again.

Which was why they needed to be ready.

Akiri blinked twice, refocusing on the meeting going on at the table around herself.

The ninja, vigilantes, elemental masters, and a few other allies were seated within one of the Bounty's back rooms. They were discussing their next move and exchanging patrol findings from across the land.

As expected, there was little information to be shared.

Akiri tapped a finger lightly against the table face, holding back a sigh. That was when a strange pins and needles sensation settled over her skin, giving her goosebumps.

The vigilante lifted her head, meeting Tox's eye from the opposite side of the table. Her eyes absentmindedly traveled to the scar along the elemental's arm, and she immediately averted her gaze.

Although the two had been fighting alongside one another, the tense air between them had never dispersed.

Akiri didn't know what the ninja were currently saying, as their words became nothing but distant chatter to her ears. The vigilante stood from her seat silently, slipping out of the room as discreetly as possible before the group could notice.

The oni had stepped halfway through the hall when a hand grabbed her own, preventing her from moving any farther.

"Akiri," Onyx spoke softly behind her. "Are you okay?"

Akiri closed her eyes, sighing through her nose.

"I will be. I just... need to get some air." She admitted, turning to face her friend. "Go back with the others. They need you."

"They need you, too, you know." The merlopian reminded, though she released Akiri's hand.

"I know." Akiri gave her a reassuring smile. "I just need a break, is all."

"Right..." Onyx paused, trying to find her words. She ran a hand through her dark hair, pursing her lips in thought before she continued. "Okay, then. But you know where to find us if you need us."

"I appreciate it." Akiri's smile widened a little. "I'll keep that in mind."

Reluctantly, Onyx returned into the meeting room, allowing Akiri to continue down the hall.

The oni strolled onto the Bounty's upper deck, relishing in the warmth of the evening sun. She watched the clouds drift by from the flying ship's edge, leaning her arms over the railing. She closed her eyes as the wind tickled her skin, easing her nerves.

A soft mew sounded from beside her, and Akiri opened her eyes again.

"Hey, Bee." She grinned slightly, patting the concerned cat on the head. "I'm alright. Just getting some fresh air."