Spirit's Wrath (Book 2 of Spirit's Calling)

Connected

A/n: Happy Easter if you celebrate! There will likely be a hiatus after this chapter because of Dragons Rising Season 2 coming out this Thursday, and I'm probably going to be making one-shots of it. 😅 Super excited for the new season!!

Enjoy!

Y/n and Nya composed themselves and trained for a while, having nothing better to do. It distracted Y/n from the mystery of the tomb and allowed her to hone in her skills at the same time, as well as hang out with with Nya. They both assessed the other and adjusted their stances under watchful eyes. At some point, Y/n lost track, they just started sparring before it ended in roughhousing on the deck.

Zane somehow made dinner with the Bounty's limited supplies. Y/n could smell it from the deck, and it smelled amazing—it tasted even better. The nindroid sure knew how to make a good meal. Y/n expressed her gratitude to his skills when she'd finished, and he replied with, "There is no need for thanks. It is my pleasure."

Y/n shifted uncomfortably. Habit told her that if she didn't compliment the chef, she'd find herself without food the following day—but even so, she felt the need to show how much she appreciated Zane's food. "Still," she replied tightly. "It was really good."

Zane smiled softly. "Thank you." His next question was so casual that it caught Y/n off guard. "Would you like me to teach you?"

She blinked. "You—you'd do that?"

"Of course."

The elemental smiled warmly. "I would like that. When all this is over."

Zane dipped his head. "I will find a recipe to teach you."

Suddenly overcome with emotion—curse her frayed nerves—Y/n threw her arms around the nindroid. He made a startled noise of surprise but was quick to return the gesture and gently patted Y/n's back. She pulled away and sent him one last shaky smile before practically fleeing to the deck, missing the bemused look Zane sent her way.

Y/n sat on the dragon figurehead and closed her eyes, enjoying the gentle breeze brushing her hair out of her face. It felt warm and gentle, so different than Morro's cold and biting elemental wind. It warmed her and made her blonde hair practically glow in the light of the setting sun. It was a rare moment of peace; she should remember this spot.

"Fancy seeing you here, Y/n."

Y/n opened her eyes and raised a brow when Cole sat down on the other dragon head and copied her meditative position. His ghostly skin radiated a soft light but Y/n knew that he couldn't feel the warm sun around them, and it made her heart ache with guilt.

"What brings you out here?" Y/n returned she resumed her pose and closed her eyes again.

"I like the sunsets," Cole replied in the same quiet tone.

Y/n's gaze flicked to his face again before jumping back to the front of the ship. "I've heard that watching them is easier with your eyes open."

Cole chuckled. "Probably."

"So why are you really here?" There was no malice in her voice, simply genuine curiosity.

He was silent for a moment. "I wanted to make sure you were okay," he finally admitted. "You didn't seem that great after coming down the mountain."

Y/n sighed through her nose, the barrier that her previous pleasure had put up immediately crumbling. She was such a fool to think that playing and training with Nya would make her forget the harsh reality of their situation—though at the same time, she knew she'd needed the break. It only made her feel guilty that Lloyd didn't get one. "I'm fine," she replied heavily, convincing no one.