Bruises

Part 3

Hello, readers! Do I need to come up with a name for Ninjago fans who read my Ninjago fanfics? Hm... I dunno. I'll probably just keep calling you readers. Anyway, hope you enjoyed Part 2, and here's Part 3!

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Kai huffed. He was frustrated with himself. And he was very unsure of what exactly he was feeling. He should have been relieved over Wu being returned to normal, and he was, but it didn't feel the same anymore. And it really didn't help that Zane had off and left them like that. He was sad at first, then he was numb in addition. Now he was just confused. He kind of wanted to be mad at Zane for leaving, but whenever he went to get his anger out, he ended up crying like a baby instead. And he felt like there was no one he could really go to for closure. Normally he would have gone to Sensei Wu. Wu was logical and wise. He had very good ways of comforting those who needed it, and he was the closest thing Kai had had to a father. It was rare for Kai to trust someone like that so easily, which was part of why they shared such a relationship.

But something was different now. After seeing those red eyes glaring at him... How relentless his Sensei was. How many times that he hit or kicked, and how hard, too. Kai now had several, big, legitimate bruises on his side and back, all yellow and purple and blue.

And to further it, he couldn't do anything about it. He pleaded with Wu, he tried, on some level, to get him back. And it didn't work. Wu didn't change back to himself or soften. He never hesitated or lightened his blows. It was just hit after hit, nothing but hatred in his eyes and his movements.

There was no way that any kind of technology could be that powerful as to completely block out a person's character.

Could it?

Kai ran a hand through his hair and leaned up against the railing of the deck. He sighed heavily and looked up to the sky. It was white. Nothing but clouds. It was simple and matched his mood. It was also kind of... dreary. Yet it was also really mesmerizing to look at. He liked this kind of weather, when the air was humid and cool, and the sky was white. It kind of reminded him of Zane.

Closing his eyes and creasing his eyebrows sadly, he looked down. This time, he was met by the deep blue of the ocean and his own reflection. There were bags under his eyes, and his hair was more ruffled than usual.

He refocused his eyes, looking underneath the surface and past his reflection. It was just... blue. It seemed to go on forever, and he could see little bits of seaweed floating in the water. It was clear, but it also seemed murky at the same time.

For just a moment, he found himself growing excited. This was a very healthy area of water. It was a good spot to practice water meditation, or holding one's breath! Maybe Zane could break his record again and-

But Zane wasn't here.

Kai put his hands to the sides of his head and whipped around on his feet, screaming frustratedly into the plain of day.

Almost immediately, he bumped into another person. He blinked in surprise as he met the wise eyes of Wu.

"Kai." Wu nodded in greeting.

"May I speak with you?" He asked.

"No offence, Sensei, but I'm busy." Kai said, side-stepping quickly to go around Wu. Wu, however, would not have it. He stuck his staff straight out and spun around to stand behind it, meeting Kai face to face.

"I- do you mind?"

Kai tried to sidestep the other way but was met with the same reaction.

"Did you need something?" Kai asked, this time sounding more uncomfortable than grumpy. He took a small step away from Wu and put his hands down in a more respectful manner. Almost submissive.