Seeing Kai step forward and scold the two, namely the black ninja, made the snake's gaze relax just a touch. Only a touch. He finally got to speak to the leader of the group rather than the others. He noticed Kai's attempt to lighten the mood, but he did not budge, he did not want to be having this conversation. Much less a conversation with humans. Though, he did agree with keeping people and serpentine separated, which made him more inclined to assist them. The black serpentine stood silent for a moment, tongue flicking out from between his fangs as his bright gold gaze remained glued to the fire ninja.
"I know everything about our tunnels, but what sort of deal are we talking about."
The man's lips pressed to a line, he hadn't thought that far ahead. A blank stare was given to the higher ranking being in the room, but it was nothing Kai hadn't dealt with before. "Well.. that can be sorted out, can't it? We need your assistance. Perhaps you could use ours in some way-...shape, or form." His confidence lacked more and more he spoke but he couldn't let down Ninjago, the city he had given his life to protect over and over. "Modern medicine? Easier access to food systems," A grimace formed on the snake's face when he saw that blank expression on Kai's face. He could tell just from the man's tone and the unsure, unplanned way he spoke that he didn't know what he was doing and just spouted whatever came to his mind first.
"-To make some trade to keep those pesky teens from sneaking down here and messing stuff up. We've gotten a call or two.. an exchanged for help, one way or another." Kai nodded his head, his teeth gritting with stress hidden beneath a cleverly built persona of certainty and leadership. The snake hissed as Kai named off things the ninja could do in return, but his interest was piqued when he mentioned human teenagers trying to venture down here. That had been a problem as of late, one that particularly angered the serpentine. "We're not asking for an army, like in the past.. just some help to figure out what the hell is going on."
The amber eyes glanced over his shoulder before whispering in a lower tone and shielding his mouth from his team, "Between you and me, these civilian calls about 'tremors' with no leads are driving me insane. You're our best bet to get these people to calm down."
"If it will get you to leave us as well as make those damned teenagers leave us, then I suppose I will have to assist you... What do you want me to do." The snake grumbled, clearly not very thrilled about having to help the ninja. Of all snakes for Skales to bring this basket of fruit to, why did it have to be him?
"We aren't as acquainted as you are underground. It would be most appreciated if you could guide us, and perhaps give us your expertise while we are there." Pixal spoke up from where she stood near the door, her tone sincere. As eyes turned to her, she kept her face neutral, watching the constrictai in front of her. She wasn't quite sure why she spoke up. Her social experience with other humans outside the ninja were minimal, and when dealing with serpentine, she had no experience. She just hoped her statement wouldn't be taken as rude. The serpentine huffed, his tail making an irritated movement. He really did not want to spend any more time with these ninja than he had to, but in order to hopefully get them to go away for good it seemed he had to spend a little extra time with them. "I suppose if I must accompany you, it will be done. But I would like this to be quick, I imagine the rest of you likely feel the same." he spoke, his gold gaze moving to look at Kai and the black ninja. He knew they didn't want to be here the same way he didn't want them to be here. Perhaps the mutual feeling will make this trip a swift one.
The talk of making it quick earned a nod from Cole. Though, instead of coming back with an annoyed tone, after being scolded by his- friend, he spoke, "we just want to be in and out so we can get back to the surface and inform the people. Glad we aren't here to disappoint with that." his voice trailed off towards the end. Cole hadn't taken his eyes off the serpentine since they'd started talking, only once when he was given a nudge and small talking to. But it was quick to fall back on the Constrictai that stood in front of them. The red dressed man clasped his hands together creating an echo that bounced off the walls of the interior. "Great! We'll do that, than." He pointed at Pixal who'd pretty much came up with a saving grace plan. He turned back to the giant snake, gave a nod and chose not to speak further before walking over to his sister. "Does Cole seem....weird? Like, really weirdly aggressive, or something? I mean, I know he hates snakes but damn." He whispered to the black haired girl as the group began to walk out of the building.
Nya began walking outside when her brother approached, whispering. "Yeah, I don't remember ever seeing him talk that way to anyone before.." she replied, also in a whisper, looking at Cole for a moment and then back at her brother. "Maybe he's just in a mood right now?"
The water ninja didn't want to think her friend was purposely being rude to the giant snake, that was their only help at the moment, that didn't seem like something the earth ninja they knew would do.
The black serpentine hissed as he watched the group leave, opting to take up the rear of the group, still maintaining his distance. He could easily see Cole's anger or annoyance or whatever it was he had towards him. The black ninja hated snakes, a lot it seems. His tongue flicked in and out once more and he watched the group keep hushed conversation. When they got to the main door, the general paused for just a moment. He had not been outside these doors in quite some time, and it wasn't something he was particularly excited to do. Claws tapped on his spear for a brief moment before just shaking his head and following through the stone doors.
Gods, this better be a quick trip.
YOU ARE READING
Guarded Body
Fanfiction- The story takes place sometime after Quest For The Lost Powers The Ninja have been keeping up on training, as to not get rusty again. It was as if any time they relaxed they were hit in the head with a threat to their beloved city. Things were...
