Flames of the Past #7: Seeds of Deceit (Ninjago Fanfiction)

Chapter 18

The ninja recovered over the next few days. Cole had spent most of the time fussing over Vanessa's every need, as she had been bedridden for some time, although she was growing better now. But Vanessa hadn't been the only thing occupying Cole's mind, for he was speaking telepathically back and forth with Lloyd almost constantly. He could tell the green ninja was only spiraling deeper and deeper into madness over the days, but he didn't know how to help him. Breaking into the Sons of Darkness' hideout again was definitely out of the picture; they were still trying to work something new out.

At the moment, Cole sensed Lloyd slipping his way into his mind yet again as the black ninja walked into the monastery's kitchen.

Cole? came the green ninja's voice.

Heaving a sigh, Cole prepared himself for another long, mental conversation. I'm here, he responded.

Cole, Lloyd repeated in relief. Cole... Cole... Cole...

Cole swallowed nervously. The green ninja had been doing that often. If Cole said a word that stuck out to him, he'd repeat it over and over again to himself, as if he was trying to understand what the word meant and remember it for later. Hey, kid, Cole interrupted his mumbling. Are you okay?

Um... I don't know. There's... some blood.

Blood?

It's... coming from me.

Cole drew in a steady breath. Another thing that the green ninja constantly told him. Is it your arms again? he asked.

There was a moment's silence, as if Lloyd was checking to make sure, before he replied, Yeah.

What happened to your arms? Cole asked.

I... I... Cole sensed panic and confusion from the green ninja. I don't remember...

Cole sighed as he opened the pantry. It didn't matter how many times he asked Lloyd that question: the green ninja never remembered.

Cole? Cole? Cole?

Yes, what? Cole snapped back.

Why am I bleeding?

Cole grabbed the dog food and went to find Rainy's bowls. I don't know for sure, Lloyd, he replied. But I think it's safe to assume that Sleete is hurting you.

Sleete... Lloyd echoed. Sleete... Who's Sleete?

The guy who's keeping you hostage.

Hostage... Am I a hostage?

Cole bit back a retort, struggling to keep his patience. Yes, Lloyd, you're a hostage. That's why we're trying to save you. And we're going to. Eventually.

He looked up as Jay walked into the room. He'd come to grab a snack, but he frowned when he caught Cole rubbing his temples. "Lloyd again?" he guessed.

Cole only grunted in reply, finding it difficult to focus on two things at once.

"How's he holding up?" Jay asked.

Cole gave his head a shake. "He's getting more forgetful every day," he confessed. "He said his arms are bleeding, but he doesn't remember how it happened."

Jay gulped, shadows flickering over his blue eyes. "Well, that's... concerning," he mumbled.

Cole? Cole, are you still there?

Cole grunted at Lloyd's voice. Yeah, I'm here, he transmitted back.

Can you keep talking?