Departed

Chapter 17: Boiling Sea

Malevolence's POV

     I watched the horizon of Ninjago City from within my dark caves. Smoke clouds billowed up while the sound of terrified citizens echoed over the plains. My plan was coming together perfectly. I'd been sending my generals to different parts of Ninjago, not to obtain, but to merely destroy. They had caused enough panic and fear to keep the city on edge. The Ninja had their hands full trying to fend off every attack. Meanwhile, I had been preparing to repair the Time Blades. I had the Vermillion set up a fire in my cave and gather water to cool the weapons.

     Two shrouded figures entered the cave, followed by General Ire and a few Vermillion soldiers. The figures dropped heavy sacks. The first ripped off his hood. "There," Krux paused, trying to catch his breath. "We got the Chronosteel."

     "Wonderful," I drawled, picking up the pieces out of the bags, "and the Time Blades?"

      Acronix hesitantly handed me three broken blades from his sack.

      "I thought there were four." I set them down to find a hammer.

      "There are four." Krux answered. "The Reversal Blade was stolen from us. We only have these three."

     "Let me guess, the Ninja have it and have hidden it in a nearly impossible to reach place." I studied the first blade, which had a faint red tinge to it. The Blades were broken, but not broken enough that the twins' power could return to them. I had to work on the Blade very carefully. If I shattered the Chronosteel's connection to the elemental power, the twins would start getting their powers back and turn on me.

     "My queen, if I may add in, our s-sources have been led to believe that the Ninja have hidden the missing Time Blade in the Boiling S-sea." Ire said, his tongue flicking in and out.

      The Time Twins groaned in unison. I stuck the Pause Time Blade into the fire. The flames licked the surface of the Blade as it began to glow with heat. "What dangers does this 'Boiling Sea' hold?"

     "Only the Elemental Masters of Fire and Water can enter the Boiling Sea," Acronix complained. "and that is only if they work together. We had to blackmail them last time to get them to do it for us. There's no way that will work again."

     "All we'd have to do is lead a successful kidnapping." Krux mused, turning his eyes to the Vermillion. "Our forces are more than strong enough to do so."

     "We will not be interacting with the Ninja." I snapped. "That would break away from my plan. I will figure out how to get the Reversal Blade without the involvement of the elemental masters."

     I pulled the Time Blade out. The scorching heat seared the tips of my claws, nearly causing me to drop it. I gritted my teeth and continued to work. The Blades would come out better if I hand-fixed them. I lifted a piece of Chronosteel in my other hand and pressed it against the dented side of the Pause Blade. I shoved the Blade back into the fire to meld the Chronosteel into the Blade. I drew my claws back from the blazing fire, hissing under my breath. It had taken all my self-control not to flinch in front of the twins. I shoved my burnt appendage into the darkness my body emitted. Soon, the stinging pain faded. It was replaced by the cool sensation of the slithering blackness. Shade made me strong.

     "It's an impossible task." Acronix said, watching the display.

     "Don't doubt my power, you ignorant fool." I hissed in a tone so low he took a step back. "I know what I'm doing. Now get out."

     Krux looked uneasy. Acronix and I were like snapping dogs trying to one up each other, and frankly, it was getting annoying. Finally, the twins turned to leave with their Vermillion entourage. Acronix stopped before he left, letting everyone leave before him. He looked at me with a snarky grin plastered on his face. "One more warning," he said. "working with Chronosteel tends to have an effect on the person melding it." He left before I could strangle him.