Wisps: Recollection (Ninjago X Reader)

80. So Look to those On It

"...you and the Undead were similar when you showed your true colors. That should have been our first clue. That dragon and your element. Not an Oni, but a destructive deceiver nonetheless. And Faith. Your betrayal will be punished. If your mentor were still breathing he would be–"

"You killed him– You killed him!" Her face split with acrimony, hushed voices poked and prodded at her, confused with her seething.

"Delusional as well, I am afraid! What lies were you fed? How old he was, it's a surprise he didn't kick the rusty bucket sooner!" Away from his followers scrutinizing her, he ground out quietly to one of the hunters, "Shut her up– lock them up away from the rest. We've a new hunt upon us!"

The falcon screeched louder, flailing in his cage as Zane whispered for him to stop, to calm.

Jay shouted over the Iron Baron, spotting that glint, "Whoa, whoa, hey, you– you really don't– please don't do that–!"

"Making so much noise, this bird, even in a cage" –a dying screech echoed out as a deepstone dagger, the ones stolen from your group before, burrowed into his friend's back– "there. Silenc–"

Zane choked out a scream, watching feathered wisps fade as Cole tried to console him.

"Tsk. You're lucky you're unfeeling metal, boy–" Kai raged in front of the Iron Baron's, which only made him cackle, "Oh, anger is all you have? Look at him, is that what he needs?" Kai flinched, Zane in lost mourning. Wu told them to stand down. Iron Baron walked from the captive village. "Is this who my nest of traitors all surrendered for?" Brutish laughs trailed after. Others are quiet. "So, you get the deal. You will listen to me. Or all you deceivers, all you traitors and misbegotten... will die."

Those hours ago played out in your head. Repeated as you sat chained beside them, soon forced to send out your element. Dragonbone Blades forewarned dissent, and the only reason any of you aren't hurt is by following orders so closely. Not a single mistake—memorized since last time. No injuries to slow you for a foul response. Rusted iron wanted to show the world all his captives are helpless. Be it a threat of violence with acrid words. Promises of death.

But, fuck... he couldn't shut up.

"His followers appear, wreck our camp, our command, and suddenly, switch to save our weak– like they expect my warriors to accept that!" He rounded about on the stage, sussing out the scarce hope of something kinder. "A man! Of both dragon and Oni! Chained with his followers! What power does he have?! What promise did he make, to make them stay?! Only to break it?!"

Lies flow like water off his mercury tongue, rotting the thirsty for answers to their misfortune.

"That whole camp of hers, wiped out, almost close to numbers in that pitiful village. I think the dragons got to Faith's home, and she didn't want to appear weak and cowardly as a Dragon Hunter. And now, this convenient little lie of hers, helps her against me. "

He went on. Whispers follow... was there an inkling of some realization in the crowd? Or would cowardice snuff it out?

"And this deceiver with their element. Weaving lies of familiar dead to weaken us. All shining and bright and sweet, but dim, broken, and deadly up close." He knew damn well why they were. He got in your face. "So? Where is your bite? Is that a lie as well?"

A stare went through him. Whirled on, higher and higher, split by stresses. Whether in this realm or the other. You refocused on his laughter.

"Afraid so. Will you have them speak for you? Perhaps even stay quiet and let them take a hit–?" You spat at him. A hit. You didn't really feel it. Expected if anything as your body caved into itself in routine. "We'll catch up to your undead dragon." You weren't even all there right now. Just bloodied rage boiling in you at his next words: "Parade it around just for you all!"