Flames of the Past #8: The Cost of a Hero (Ninjago Fanfiction)

Chapter 32

Sleete's fortress loomed over the horizon. The Bounty climbed up the cliffs that had once belonged to Trynia, passing over the ocean and avoiding the crashing waves. The ninja along with Chelsea and Pixal stood on the deck, preparing for the battle to come. Flying at their side was Phil and Vanessa in their jet. Skylor and Marissa were leading Shillvaron's army on foot and were set to arrive at the fortress after the ninja and Guardians.

The sun was shining brightly overhead, but as they neared Sleete's dwelling place, stormy clouds began to darken the sky. The once bright and flourishing kingdom of Trynia was throbbing with dark magic, threatening all who dared come near.

On the Bounty's deck, Kai walked to Lloyd's side and placed a comforting hand on his back.

"Careful," the green ninja gasped, jerking his hand holding the Fire Crystal away from his brother.

"Don't worry, I'm not gonna willingly touch that thing," Kai said. "Are you ready?"

Lloyd drew in a deep breath; Kai felt his brother's anxiety nagging at his stomach, but the green ninja's face showed his determination. "I'm ready to save my daughter," he confirmed. "But is Jay ready?"

"Sure am!" Jay butted in, holding up the other Fire Crystal.

Lloyd stared at his to Jay's and back again. They looked nearly identical. Only an expert could spot the real from the fake. And Sleete's expert was dead. "Good," Lloyd breathed. "We only have one shot at this, so let's make it count."

He gazed at the jet across from them, meeting Phil's gaze through the window. The Guardian nodded readily.

Their vehicles slowed as they reached the fortress. Wu was communicating with Skylor and they waited until he was finished for the signal. "Shillvaron is almost here," he announced. "We're ready."

Lloyd nodded and turned to the others. "Have your weapons ready," he told them. "We're not getting out of here without a fight." As they obeyed, he faced the fortress. "Let's land."

The Guardians' jet landed beside them and they stormed toward the fortress together. Lloyd twirled his Fire Crystal in his hand as they walked; Jay kept his hidden. They were still a good distance from the fortress when its gates flew open and Sleete appeared to meet them. Perhaps every single member of the Sons of Darkness was behind him, either sparking their magic or readying their weapons. They were also ready for a fight.

The ninja stopped. Sleete did the same, eyeing the team, the two Guardians, the Bounty, and the jet closely. "Now we won't have any funny business today, will we?" he cooed.

Gaze steady on the Dark Lord, Lloyd raised the Fire Crystal. "I just want my daughter back," he rasped.

Sleete grinned and waved his hand behind him. His army relaxed. "Then let's make it quick," he purred. After another wave of his hand, a puff of mist formed beside him, and as it faded, Laurie appeared in its place.

"Laurie!" Lloyd gasped out.

"Daddy!" The girl tried to run for him, but Sleete grabbed her arm and forced her back. "Daddy, Daddy!" she continued to cry out, struggling in the Dark Lord's grip.

Lloyd locked his jaw together, helplessly watching his daughter scream for him to help her. He did an instant check on her condition. She didn't seem wounded, not even bruised. Perhaps Sleete hadn't been lying about keeping her unharmed. But around her wrists were heavy chains and Lloyd stiffened. They handcuffed her? Why handcuff a toddler?

Rage boiled inside of Lloyd. "Hand her over, Sleete," he spat out.

Sleete's crazy stare laughed at him. "The Crystal first, love," he countered.