[Ninjago: Amplified] Modern AU

[28] - Fleeting Freedom

WARNING: This chapter contains mature themes, including kidnapping and traumatic events.

Aurora stared unblinkingly up at the ceiling, lost in thought.

She wasn't sure how long it had been since she was kidnapped. Time had become nothing more than an abstract concept, the hours passing by as quickly as sand slipping through her fingers.

Every day was the same, grueling routine. Aurora had gone through so many of Hikaru's lessons, she'd already lost count. Fortunately, she was required to do nothing but observe so far; yet she didn't know how much longer that would last.

Most of Hikaru's lessons included watching business meetings of sorts, random teachings of (misguided) morals, and–as of recently–fighting tactics.

Aurora never participated in any of the practice brawls, but Hikaru made sure she paid attention to them. He ordered some of his own men to attack him, and yet he always won, no matter who he challenged. His victory was almost always the result of his opponents figuratively tripping over their own feet– due to intimidation, Aurora guessed. Hikaru gave the same, revolting speech once the fight was over; Aurora could still hear his words echoing in her ears from the lesson that evening.

"Remember what I told you, Aurora. The world isn't as fair as it makes itself out to be."

"In order to live, you have to give it your all to survive. You must prove that you are worthy of living a life; you must be willing to do whatever it takes, no matter the cost."

"After all, there's no such thing as a fair fight. Always remember that."

Needless to say, Aurora began to despise Hikaru more and more with every interaction. Yet, as much as she hated to admit it... She did learn at least a sliver of newfound knowledge from her time in the syndicate.

As the days passed, Aurora found herself mirroring Lilith's own tactics of survival. The elder never expressed her emotions often, shielding her from potential encounters with others. Aurora had grown to utilize such a concept to her advantage; now, Hikaru had no reason to chastise her for her previous reluctance, as she never let it show anymore.

He thought she'd finally come to her senses, prepared to learn for once. But all Aurora was doing was biding her time– waiting for the moment she'd finally escape that hell.

That was why Aurora found herself visiting Lilith more often. Hikaru didn't lock her in her room anymore, nor did he care what she did after his lessons were complete for the day. He didn't anticipate for her to attempt an escape anymore; though he did order his people to keep an eye on her when she was alone. Yet that wasn't the case for long– Aurora never spent much time outside of Lilith's building when left on her own.

Now, Aurora found herself waiting for Lilith to join her in the medic's building. She'd found the room empty after she arrived, leaving her to gather her thoughts in a comfortable silence.

Aurora laid in one of the cots to the side of the room, her eyes glossing over the ceiling tiles overhead while she waited.

...It's been too long.

Lilith had promised to aid in her escape, and yet so much time had seemed to pass already. The longer Aurora stayed there, the more her apprehension grew.