Ninjago: Where Heroes Come From

Chapter Fifteen: No Hero

Wu emerged from below deck looking sullen and miserable, but with the bundle that was the blade tucked under one arm. The ninja rushed towards him, Lexi and Kai both noticing the absence of Garmadon, but for very different reasons.

"Where'd that traitor go?" Kai demanded, right as Lexi asked, "Wu, where's my father?" They both glanced at each other uncomfortably, and Nya slapped Kai on the arm.

"Garmadon is not coming with us," Wu said softly, staring off into the distance as if he could see his brother still, standing somewhere far away, "he left to go to another realm. He thought it best for his children." He sent Lexi an apologetic look, and Lexi stared back up at him in horror.

"I'm sorry," Wu said, his voice barely audible. His eyes seemed glassy and wet, and there was an odd aura about him, like he wasn't all there, like a piece of him had left with his brother.

Lexi just nodded, then, without saying a word, turned and walked away. The ninja stared after her, not knowing what to say. Kai had the decency to look guilty, and Zane and Nya were looking at each other like two mothers who were sharing telepathic parenting advice. Lexi strode off the ship, coming to a stop only when she stood at the foot of the mountain, when she turned back to face the ninja, her expression set it determination.

"What are you waiting for?" She asked, crossing her arms and glaring. "We have a blade to destroy."

There was a single moment of silence in which the ninja paused and glanced at each other awkwardly before the followed Lexi. All except Kai, who hung back with Wu, who was standing in sullen silence, still staring off to sea.

"Sensei," he began, "I— I just want to apologize for what I said before, about your brother—" he coughed, biting his lip nervously. "He's... not a traitor. He's a good man... or was... and maybe he still is." He sighed. "And I'm sorry he left you. I... can't imagine it's easy."

Wu finally looked right at him, his feet eyes so full of sorrow that it made Kai's heart bleed. It didn't look right on his face. It just didn't work. It didn't belong there; he needed to find some way to wipe it clean off. "I understand why you wouldn't trust him," he said, "I myself was hesitant... but I understand also why he did this." He smiled sadly. "And we don't have time for mourning or wishing. Lexi is right, we have to destroy this." He patted the parcel that was the fang blade, and Kai nodded. He wanted to see it again, wanted to hold it in his hands one last time before Mystake destroyed it. He couldn't put his finger on why. Maybe he loved power, or maybe the blade has his effect on everyone. Either way, now did not seem like a good time to ask for it.

The journey up the mountain was a silent one. Lexi marched purposefully ahead of everyone, leading the charge, with Nya and Zane trailing close behind her. Jay was struggling to keep up with Nya, and Cole was striding along easily beside Jay. Kai and Wu brought up the rear, walking in awkward silence. The party did not stop until they reached the top of the mount, where the small tea shop sat, looking completely non-threatening and unsuspecting.

"This is the place?" Jay asked uncertainly, casting a confused glance back at Wu. He nodded.

"This is the place."

The door swung open with a low creak, revealing a small, dimly lit room, the walls covered in shelves of tea. In the center was a counter, behind which stood a small, frail-looking woman dressed in a long white kimono, her silver hair twisted behind her head in a tight bun, a mysterious grin tugging at the corners of her small mouth.

"Welcome," she said, her voice high-pitched and raspy, "Wu, is good to see you again. So soon, too!"

"We have the blade," Wu said, striding forwards and placing the blade on the countertop. Mystake raised an eyebrow at it, smirking slightly.