(UNDERGOING EDITS) Gift of the Future (Ninjago au book 8)

Chapter 8: Not even your worst enemy

Clouse watched the man before him as those magical chains broke away from his wrists. He let out a breath and shook his head.

"I'm, from what you've said, related to the element of time?" Clouse asked, trying to get his facts straight.

"Indeed you are. No good to the power dead, though." Cedric turned to the bubbles behind him. He furrowed his brows. "If I am to be in control of this power, I need for him to fear the future. He thinks he can control it by 'getting them out'."

"What future?" Clouse stepped up beside him.

"The future where he loses everyone he loves."

"Seems a bit harsh for a man you don't know, doesn't it?" Clouse turned to Cedric with a brow raised.

"They don't choose any so called 'master of time' to be a Devine."

"Who do they choose to be Devine? The severely annoying ones?" Clouse chuckled to himself.

"You seem to speak those words from experience." Cedric returned the chuckle.

"Like you wouldn't believe." Clouse mumbled.

"You think the elder had more promise?"

"I know Krux had more promise. He was willing to go back and do what needed to be done. Acronix never had that drive. Not until his precious big brother was on the line."

"I believe you have the most promise." Cedric smiled. "You, like I, refuse to allow anyone to hold us back."

"Because no one can."

"Speaking of, as I was dragging you from the realm of the cursed, there was a man..." Cedric trailed a gentle hand across his creatures head. "He seemed adamant I should bring him too."

Clouse softly spoke the name. "Chen."

"Should I have brought him?"

"No. He'd only get in the way. Try to interject where he isn't wanted."

Cedric tilted his head. "He was your master, was he not?"

"Sure, he was my master, but we both knew who actually pulled the strings."

"Even though he managed to complete the spell without you?"

That was something, in the years of purgatory, that Chen had failed to mention. The subtle way Clouse's expression soured gave Cedric all he needed.

"You are skilled. But he had you focused on something he wanted. Put your mind to what you want and I'm sure you could be far more powerful as a mage."

"In this form? I'm lucky if I can repel a drop of water with a wind spell."

"Would you like your human form back?"

Clouse wasn't sure why, but the thought gave him a bad feeling. "I-I don't know."

"You seem to remember the pain, though you don't know why."

"And you do?" Clouse rose a brow.

"I know all things alternate." Cedric threw his hand back again. This time a teapot appeared in the bubble.

"The teapot of Tyrahn?"

Cedric hummed affirmatively. "You made three wishes."

Clouse heard them in the back of his head.

"I wish for my book of spells."

"I wish to be mortal again."