I Am So Sorry That This Has Happened To You. While I Don't Want You To Leave You Must Do What Is Best

The Flame and the Dragon Ch15

Chapter 15: The Candle

Even at night and covered in a century's worth of dust, the Ballroom glittered with radiance. The full moon brightly illuminated the stained glass windows in a way the sunlight never could, filling the world with colored splashes of silver-like liquid opals. The dragon design on the ceiling glowed with light, giving the illusion that the dragon was flying overhead. Given the realism, Kai had to remind himself it was only glass. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled as each step took him closer to the foreboding staircase.

He froze in front of the staircase, gazing up the spiraling black stairs and the veils of shadows consuming it.

He took a hesitant first step and then another until he broke into a run, refusing to look back. He refused to stop, even as the staircase spiraled and the darkness, if possible, grew darker. When he reached the top, a long corridor, illuminated only by the faint moonlight, greeted him. He hesitated as he took in the dark hallway. The design was similar to the hallways that led to the east wing, except one wall was made of clear windows and the other looked like a balcony overlooking the ballroom.

The corridor's windows were not stained glass.

Instead, they were covered by tattered curtains that must've once been red or blue at some point. Time, age, and dust had darkened the curtains to black and brown. In addition, unlike the vine-like wood carving in the rest of the manor, the pillars and railings of this balcony were made of metal. There were flowing, intricate swirls in heart-shaped interlocking patterns. The pillars carved in the shape of wingless dragons, connected by their tails and noses.

Dust caked the floors and glass, creating a heavy fog over the windows.

Shadows danced everywhere, making it too dark to even see where the corridor went. Despite that, Kai pressed onward, determined not to let anything hinder his resolve. After what felt like an eternity, he finally approached an enormous door crafted from white birch with the engraving of a stunning dragon. Tiny dark grey crystals were embedded into the wood, forming scales, glowing emeralds made the eyes, and smoothed onyx formed the claws.

The carving looked so real that Kai had to bite back a scream.

Brushing aside the last strands of fear he felt entering the Dragon Lord's quarters uninvited, Kai grabbed the large door knockers and pushed the heavy doors open. He cursed his small stature when they didn't budge. He tried again and managed to push the door open a small crack. Once it was large enough for him to fit through, he slid his slim form through the door and jumped when the door shut behind him. He turned to scan the room and his eyes widened as he was overcome by a sense of déjà vu.

Shredded tapestries, caked in dust, hung everywhere.

Broken furniture pieces scattered across the dark blue carpet. Sheets, grey from age, covered the table and chairs in the corner. Another covered an enormous wardrobe sat in the corner. The only thing that looked in prime shape was the enormous canopy bed in the corner and a blank sheet of silk hanging on the wall. Unlike the rest of the room, it was clean silver and formed a veil covering what looked like a large indent in the wall. Curiosity getting the better of him, the teen crept through the room with the stealth of a ninja.

His steps were graceful and careful, avoiding each piece of broken furniture or anything that would make a noise.

When he came to the curtain, he leaned against the wall and carefully lifted the sheet to peek inside. A glass case brushed against his fingertips, further engaging his curiosity. With a harsh pull, he pulled down the rest of the silk, kicking up clouds of dust. He covered his mouth and choked on the thick particles until they finally settled. His eyes bulged at the sight of the cloth's secret. An enormous, stunning painting. It was about as tall as Kai and the image so realistic that Kai swore he was looking at a colored photograph.

The pine border and the glass case shielded the ancient object from the air, moisture, and anything else that would try to damage it.

Stunned by the fine craftsmanship, Kai's fingers gently graced the surface of the glass, hoping to touch the object. The setting greatly resembled a throne room of some sort. Two cerulean curtains framed each side and, in the background, stood a tall, lean man of middle-age with neat black hair and grey eyes. Next to him stood a slightly shorter woman with dramatically long raven hair and brilliant green eyes dressed in dark grey. Both of them were dressed like royalty and they were holding hands.

The foreground was even more impressive.

Standing before the royal couple was a little girl about a year or two younger than Lloyd and to her right stood a teenager just a little bit older than Kai and Nya. Kai's eyes rested on each one, admiring their beauty and wondering who they must've been in life. Once his eyes fell on the teenage prince, however, his breath caught in his throat and his eyes nearly bulged out of his skill. Brilliant green eyes that looked like stunning emeralds met his amber ones.

He took a step back in shock, stumbling over a broken chair in his haste.

The black hair, elegant features, perfect posture, muscular physique, and black dragon-shaped armor looked familiar but the eyes were the true answer. Kai shakily looked up, unable to tear his gaze away from those brilliant, sharp, green eyes. They were so mysterious and powerful yet carried a secret kindness. He recognized those eyes as the same eyes that belonged to the mystery man in his dreams. He got to his feet, only to fall backward, stumbling over a jerky step, and grunted when he hit the floor.

He hissed as pain rushed up to his side and back.

His mind was dominated by confusion and uncertainty. One answer led to a thousand new questions. His heart hammered in his chest as his mind raced, torn between leaving now while he was still undiscovered or staying to learn the truth behind what he just saw. The sight of a sudden flash of faint light behind him sent his heart into his throat. His back stiffened as he froze in fear. When no sound, yells, or movement was heard, he slowly turned to look over his shoulder and blinked in surprise.

Something was glowing a dim purple in the corner on an elegant nightstand.

Ignoring his pains, he got to his feet, wondering how he missed such a sight. The dim purple light brightened even more as he approached it, illuminating the balcony and the nightstand rested on. It was only when he was close enough to touch it did he see the object was a red candle, more beautiful and bizarre than any he'd ever seen. The candle was a bright crimson red with a purple flame burning away. It was sat in a black, metal base with some strange symbols engraved into the metal.

He was certain the candle must be been much taller because the candle was only just longer than his finger.

The still melting red wax was pooling down the nightstand and onto the dusty floor. It looked like freshly spilled blood. The small purple flame seemed to grow weaker, but it was still strong enough to burn. It was the most beautiful thing Kai had ever seen. A small click caught Kai's attention, and his eyes widened as the symbols engraved into the metal bottom holding the candle started to glow, and out of nowhere music started to play. The music flooded the room.

Enthralled by the object, Kai's hands moved independently of his mind to carefully cup the lovely object in his palms.

The melting wax was warm but for some reason, it didn't hurt him. His eyes remained transfixed on the flame as it flickered and danced. Music filled his ears, echoing around him like it did in his dreams. His body and mind were no longer his, spellbound by the object for reasons he didn't understand. His eyes closed as he absorbed the music. The image of roses curled at his feet, black wings surrounded him, a glittering castle formed on the edge of the hillside as words started to play.

Music and words flowed through his mind, soothing his heart.

Each word echoed in the air like the fluttering of wings. So familiar yet he couldn't quite put his finger on it. The melody curved and arched like a graceful bird rising higher and higher into the air, then fell like the rise and fall of the sea in a timeless rhythm. Suddenly, Kai's eyes flashed open. Realization struck him like a slap across the face, returning him to reality, and more unanswered questions flooded his mind. The song, the words, and the images all spiraled together until the world seemed to fall apart.

He suddenly felt hollow, as if he'd suddenly awoken only to discover everything he ever thought was real was nothing more than a dream.

The dream, the song, the music. Now he knew where he had heard it before. They were the words to his poem. The song was the same song his prince sang to him in his dreams. His entire world suddenly froze. He didn't remember the loud sound of wings behind him or feel the candle slip from his trembling hands. He was suddenly thrown back to reality by a brutally sharp pound to his side, sending him flying across the room and crashing against the floor of the room.

Pain exploded from his side and he was unable to stop the scream that ripped from his throat.

He opened his mouth to glare and yell at his assailant, but froze instead. The Dragon Lord flew across the room, his wings expanding like a shield as he threw himself to his knees, panting in shock. His eyes were fixed on the candle he cradled in his hands which he held with tenderness and care. Fear and terror were vivid in his eyes and he painstakingly checked the red candle for any damage. Once he was satisfied, he exhaled a sigh of relief as the symbols stopped glowing, silencing its song.

Gently, he placed it back on its table. Kai hesitantly got to his feet.

He tried to move, only to be paralyzed when the Lord turned his attention to him. Every ounce of affection Kai had seen earlier in the Dragon Lord's face transformed into hate and malice. A growl tore itself from its throat, his fangs perturbed from his lips like a snarling beast and his eyes burned with anger. They were no longer the brilliant green orbs of a human or the silted pupils of a dragon he'd grown used to. No, anger had changed them, transformed them into the eyes of a ferocious beast.

Kai's entire demeanor shattered at the sight.

He backed himself against the wall and his hands flew behind him as if trying to push it back, anything to get as far away from the dragon before him. Tremor racked his entire body and, for the first time since he arrived at the castle, Kai truly feared for his life.

"You." The dragon hybrid said with a voice that was all breath and venom, so full of rage that he couldn't form a complete sentence. The teen before him opened his mouth to speak but no sound came out. Kai's voice died in his throat and he remained a prisoner in his own body.

"Do. You. Have. Any. Idea. WHAT YOU ALMOST DID?" The Dragon Lord roared so loud Kai was certain people from the town could hear it. He started moving towards the teen and Kai tried to move back, only to sink deeper into the wall.

"I-I-I'm sorry! I didn't—"

"Get out." The dragon demanded in a dangerously low voice.

"What?" Kai asked without thinking and instantly regretted it.

"GET OUT!" The Dragon Lord exploded. His claws suddenly expanded and bolts of gold energy exploded from his claws, striking random places throughout the room, hitting furniture, the walls, and the floor, leaving only black scorch marks in their wake. Kai screamed. Gold, lava-like energy exploded before his very eyes. Focused purely on his own safety, his body sprang from its position on the wall. He barely dodged the blast of energy that struck the wall and he broke into a sprint.

Almost instantly, Cole calmed down, then fell into despair, finally realizing that he may have destroyed his chance with Kai.

The brunette reached the stairway and grabbed his cloak. He rushed down the stairs, wrapping the cloak around him and bursting past a confused Jay and Ronin.

"Wh- Where are you going?" Jay asked.

"Promise or no promise, I can't stay here another minute!" Kai snarled, but the terror was clear in his eyes.

"Oh no, wait, please! Please wait!" Ronin pleaded, but Kai slammed the door behind him. Jay and Ronin both bow their heads in sadness. Outside, Kai bolted from the doors to the castle and leaped through the gates without thinking. He didn't care where he was running or noticed the unfamiliar woods flying past him as he ran. His mind forced his body to obey, focused on one thing and one thing only. Getting as far away from the Dragon Lord as he possibly could.

Not once did he look back...

****************

Kai didn't stop running until exhaustion finally caught up with his body and his knees gave away beneath him. He crashed to the ground with only his shaky arms to hold him up. His lungs exploded from lack of air and his breathing was in heavy pants. His heart thundered against his ribs, causing pains in his chest as he tried desperately to breathe. Finally, he leaned against a tree and collapsed. Once he calmed down, his situation and what his actions had caused came flooding back to him.

His eyes bulged and his breath hitched as the memory hit him with the force of a tidal wave.

His hands wove into his hair and yanked the tresses as he buried his face in his knees. How could he have been so stupid? He growled in frustration and punched the ground next to him. Sighing in defeat, he forced himself to his feet and braced against a tree until his body had recovered enough for him to walk and started back towards the castle. The direction he was headed confused him. He knew he should be terrified. He knew he should be looking for a way back to town, back home to his siblings, instead of prison and a possible death sentence.

But oddly, he didn't feel like he was returning to that prison or an apology, just the opposite actually.

He mentally kicked himself and pounded his skull with his fists for letting his curiosity get the better of him. Had he learned nothing from all of the times he had been grounded or punished for sneaking off and getting into things he shouldn't? All the servants had told him straight out what was in the West Wing and that Cole didn't like anyone in his private chamber. Of course, the Dragon Lord would be furious at him for invading his privacy like that!

If their roles were reversed and Cole had entered his room when he wasn't there, he'd have been pretty pissed too.

Nya had given him a black eye once for sneaking into her room and going through her stuff once. He also dropped the candle, obviously something of great importance to the Dragon Lord. Kai buried his face in his hands. He may have just damaged his and Cole's relationship beyond repair because he couldn't control his pride and childish curiosity. Cole's chilling words echoed in his mind once again. He knew there was no way he was getting off with just a smack on the wrist this time.

Cole would not hurt him, but Kai would no doubt be locked in the tower for this, or at the very least he'd get a slap.

He took a breath and sighed as a harsh gust of wind suddenly chilling him right to the bone, reminding him where he was. He looked down at his attire. Silk and leather were clearly not the best clothing for the approaching winter. But that was the least of his problems. He sighed and started down the path towards the castle. He made a severe mistake so he was going to do this with dignity and accept his punishment like a man, and, if he had to, he would beg Cole's forgiveness.

Kai was not letting this end before it even had a chance to start.

"My, my, how very noble of you." Something suddenly hissed. Kai froze in mid-step. He swore he'd felt his heart stop beating at the sound of a stranger's voice. It sounded cultured and refined, but too cruel to be considered polite.

"Who's there?" Kai demanded as he whirled around, meeting only with the wind. A sudden dread chilled him to the bone followed by a low chuckle, rich with amusement. Kai bolted around again, and this time, someone emerged from the darkness of the forest. Red robes draped the figure from head to toe, making his face all but invisible. His eyes were hidden beneath his hood but wisps of black hair peeked out from beneath it.

"Who are you?!" He demanded again with more bravado. The figure swooped as if to vanish, only to reappear in front of him and shove him hard against a tree, knocking the wind from his lungs. Kai thrashed but the figure grabbed his wrists and pinned them at his sides.

"My, my, feisty little thing aren't you?" The stranger laughed in amusement, a lecherous smile curled across his face. "I can certainly see why Cole's taken such an interest in you." He teased, richly amused as if entertaining a child. Kai shivered at the perverted tone in the man's voice and pulled at his wrists again but the figure's grip was like iron.

"Get off me! Let go!" He thundered, showing no fear.

"Ah, so you do have some fight still in you." His smile widened to a smirk like a predator who knew it had its prey cornered. "That is good, very good, it's such a shame Cole wasn't strong enough to just take you when he had the chance." He said as a wicked gleam filled the man's eyes and Kai shivered in horror, recognizing that look. It was the same lust he saw in Morro's eyes every time he looked at him. "You'll make a lovely consort." The figure smirked, leaning forward to claim those fiery lips as his own.

"Over my dead body!" Kai protested furiously. Before the man could respond, Kai kneed the man in the stomach. The stranger howled in pain and freed Kai's wrists in surprise. Taking advantage of his sudden freedom, Kai elbowed his assailant in the back then gave him a roundabout kick to the side, sending the man crashing into a tree. When the figure fell to the ground, Kai broke into a run and sprinted as fast as he could away from the stranger.

He prayed for all he was worth that he was going in the right direction.

"Fiery little devil." The stranger groaned as he pulled himself to his feet. Under different circumstances, he'd be furious at the boy for such vulgar treatment but instead found himself amused and intrigued. "A beautiful desert rose with some fire." He chuckled. Cole always did like exotic gems. He chuckled darkly at that thought. Unfortunately, it seemed the Dragon Lord's contamination was already running too deep. "Such a shame, such a lovely specimen deserves far better than to suffer the fate that befalls the Dragon Lord's love, if he'd only chosen me, he would've made a delightful bed mate, so beautiful, his fire in my bed, what a waste." He growled at his misfortune, before chanting a dark spell.

The wind howled and the ground shook as the spell took form and the shadows spiraled together in summoning.

Black and sticky green tresses spiraled together, revealing a monstrous creature crafted of shadows. Its jaws snapped with hunger and dripped with saliva. Its master smirked at his accomplishment.

"Go and kill the boy." He ordered. The creature didn't need to be told twice and, with a powerful leap, jumped over its master and darted after its prey. "It really is so unfortunate such a beautiful creature such as yourself had to die, but I can't possibly have Cole thinking you love him, can I? That would just ruin everything!" He laughed to himself like a mad man. His laughter echoed throughout the forest like a swarm of scavenging ravens taking flight...

Be sure to read the update before this too, I’m posting two on tumblr today!

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The Flame and the Dragon Chapter 36

Chapter 36: Let Him Go

The next morning, Kai wasn't sure whether to be relieved or disappointed that Cole was still holding him. The chill of his nightmares was still in his system and as long as they were with nothing to confirm or disprove them, any emotion other than worry made Kai sick with guilt. Carefully he unwound himself from Cole's arms and tail and sat with his feet dangling over the side of the bed. The bedsheet wrapped around his shivering frame.

"Are you still thinking about those nightmares?" A voice suddenly asked and Kai jumped and whirled around. Cole hadn't moved from the spot he was lying in but met the teen with an expression that read Kai's thoughts like they were the opened pages of a picture book.

"When did you wake up?"

"The second you started moving," He answered and positioned himself so he was next to his consort. "You're still thinking about those nightmares aren't you?" He asked, but in his mouth, it was a statement not a question and Kai knew it. Kai confirmed his suspicions with a nod.

"I just wish I knew how they were doing; I know they'd both love it here, just like I do." He smiled warmly as he thought about his family living here with him and Cole. Lloyd would be ecstatic to have a whole castle to explore. Kai knew Nya would love the architecture. Kai chuckled at the thought then sighed. "But I have no idea what's happening to them if I could make sure they were alright." He sighed as his voice trailed off. He turned baffled when he felt Cole take his hand.

Cole's eyes suddenly lit up with pride like a child who couldn't wait to share their accomplishment with their parents.

"I know how to do that." He smiled before he hopped off the bed and scooped up a handful of clothes. Harumi must have placed there while they were asleep. "Get dressed." He ordered and Kai obeyed. Once they had donned Griffin's latest creations, which were surprisingly simple compared to the other clothing he had created for them not a few nights ago, Cole took Kai's hand and brought him towards the far side of the room. The magic mirror Cole sometimes used sat peacefully on its pedestal glittering in the morning sun seeping through the cracks in the curtains.

Cole cupped it in his hands, his face beaming, looking like a child with a secret. He then picked up the mirror and placed it in Kai's hands.

"If you ask this mirror anything that you'd like it will show you anything, anything you wish to see; I can't leave this castle so this is my only window out."

"It does that? How?" He asked as his eyes widened.

"I'm not sure how, but my mother always said it was special."

"And how do you know it works?" Kai asked the dragon hybrid, his voice skeptical. A flash of guilt lit across Cole's eyes for a moment. He cleared his throat and muster as much dignity as he could.

"I used it to check up on you during your first month here." He admitted and Kai felt his veins bulge at that information.

"You used it to spy on me?"

"Only temporarily!" Cole protested, defensively and quickly changed the subject to avoid another spat. "Do you want to use it or not?" He asked and Kai stared at the object skeptically. It wasn't like he had anything to lose.

"I'd like to see my siblings, Nya and Lloyd." He told the mirror. He watched as his reflection was swallowed by a sapphire mist that made him feel light and safe. Suddenly the mist in the mirror's glass changed from light blue to dark red. Lights in the red smoke spun in a hazy, milky spiral. Kai's eyes widened as shapes and shadows started to form. He felt Cole at his side, no doubt feeling that Kai would need support after witnessing this. Colors and images began to become clear.

Kai recognized the interior of his home and the figures that began to form until Kai recognized the figure of Nya.

Except it wasn't the Nya he knew. This Nya was wild with distress, her hair and clothing haggard like she hadn't slept. Her once beautiful eyes were filled with anger and fear, red-rimmed from tears, and clouded by heavy black bags of insomnia. The image suddenly changed and he watched as Nya and Lloyd crawled their way out of a small cave. Lloyd was coughing and wheezing and holding his mouth to keep himself silent. Horror and fear froze Kai in place as he watched Nya struggle on weak arms to pull him up, only to stumble, and both roll to the ground.

Sickness running deep into their bodies rendered them unable to properly move.

Lloyd suddenly collapsed to the ground, coughing loudly and rasping. It didn't even sound like coughing. It sounded like Lloyd was choking on air. He squeezed his chest like doing so would loosen the constriction of his throat and help him breathe. Nya try to help, but she was too weak to do anything. Tears of anguish streamed down their faces. Lloyd's eyes were wet with the pain of his illness and the terror of his situation. It took Kai all but a few moments to register what they were doing and why, and he brought his voice horrifyingly back to life with a scream.

Cole remained frozen while Kai screamed.

"This is all my fault!" The brunette shrieked, forcing Cole back to reality.

"What?" He gasped in horror, hearing his consort take the blame for what he knew was the hybrid's mistake.

"You don't understand!" Kai turned to him with a face full of terror and eyes bright and wild from dread, the mirror clutched in his shaking hands. "Lloyd's sick! He can't get sick in the winter! He can't handle it with his chest!" He sobbed as a lone tear fell from each eye and began pooling at his chin. "This is all my fault! I promised when my parents died that I'd take care of them! I'm here living a fairytale while Lloyd's dying and it's all my fault!"

Cole just watched Kai have a fit of his own.

He threw his hands over his head and screamed while he shook it back and forth with such force it was a miracle he didn't break his neck. A new dread froze Cole's being to the core. His eyes fell to the candle at the other side of the room. Its light dimmed as it counted down to the end of the month. The candle was now under ten centimeters in length and the flame was extremely dull. It was unlikely to continue burning in the next few days and once the purple flame went out, his fate would be sealed.

Now, for the first time in his life, Cole had a choice.

He was well aware of his feelings and Kai's. All he needed was time, and he did not doubt between now and then that Kai would eventually say those words that would once again make him human. His staff would be free, and Kai could stay with him, rule by his side, and together they could return his castle to all its magnificent glory. The only price would be the removal of the only two people Kai could love more than him. Or he could set him free, send Kai back to his old life with his family who loved him, safe and free.

Let his siblings be saved and return their lost brother to them, and let them return to their peaceful lives before he meddled in it with his selfish desires and wishes.

He knew the chances of Kai returning before the needed time were slim. The chances of him saying what needed to be said were even slimmer. Both choices brought life and death, brought hope and despair, but only one truly promised Kai's happiness. The choice was clear.

"Then what are you waiting for? Get Flame and go after them." He ordered and Kai's entire world shifted at Cole's words.

"What?" He asked in a whisper and Cole offered a sad smile, his eyes shadowed by rave bangs. "Your brother and sister need you, Kai, you have to be there for them now; I can't leave the castle grounds but you can," he explained and the truth in Cole's words crashed against the realization that he had the option, rendered Kai incapable of speech.

"But what about our deal?" Kai choked, barely whispering that last part. His face fell to the ground unable to meet Cole's face. The Dragon Lord didn't give him the luxury and knelt on one knee so he was looking up at him.

"I told you, you aren't a prisoner anymore, I've never thought of you as one, and if memory serves, I freed you less than a week ago; so you're free to come and go as you like." He chuckled lightly and tears poured from Kai's cheeks. Before Cole could wipe them away, Kai threw himself into his arms and wrapped them tightly around Cole's neck and shoulders, and buried his tearful face into his chest.

"Thank you, Cole." Kai sobbed as he poured all of his happiness, love, and gratitude into those three words. He was thankful to Cole for loving him enough to let him go. Cole returned the gesture, holding Kai tight like the brunette would vanish if he didn't. He barely felt it when Kai pulled away from him and rubbed his eyes with his sleeve.

"I'll come back; once Lloyd and Nya are better, all three of us will come," Kai promised with hopeful eyes, so much so that Cole wisely kept quiet.

"I know you will," He nodded. Kai rushed to leave then stopped when he realized the mirror was still in his hand. Quickly, he turned around, motioning to return it, but Cole only smiled and curled Kai's fingers over the box. "I want you to keep it."

"I can't keep this!" Kai immediately protested.

"I'm giving it to you so that way you'll always have these to remember me by." He smiled as his claw tapped the heart-shaped ruby jewel of the chocker still clasped around Kai's throat. He had forgotten he was wearing it and dared not take it off. Kai nodded graciously. Words could not express his gratitude.

"I will come back," He promised again before he turned and gave Cole one final smile before bursting from the room and down the hallway. Only when he was alone, did Cole finally collapse against the table with such force that the glass screamed its protest against his weight. A clawed hand gripped his dark locks. The silent tears pricking his eyes were all he could do to keep from completely breaking down. Part of him still screamed to run down the hallway take Kai in his arms and beg him not to go.

He steadied himself to do just that.

But his mind burst with the memory of the sick little boy Kai loved so much crying out for him. A lone tear streaked down Cole's scaled cheek. At that moment, Ronin entered the room. He had passed Kai running down the half, but he just assumed that the brunette didn't want to be caught sleeping in the same bed as Cole again. If that did happen, Kai would probably be teased by some of the least mature staff members. Ronin wasn't ashamed to admit that he might be in that group.

When he entered the bedroom, however, he was a little confused to see the sorrowful Cole and to feel the depressing tension in the room.

But the troll decided to shrug it off. He thought they might have just crashed from the excitement from last night.

"Well, well, your highness, I must say everything is going just right! I knew you had it in you!" He cackled loudly, but Cole didn't even glance at him.

"I told him to go home." He said with little to no emotion in his voice. Ronin stopped in mid-sentence as he realized what the dragon hybrid just said.

"You WHAT?! How could you do that?!"

"I had to."

"Yes-yes-yes, but why?!"

"Kai's little brother is ill and he and his sister are lost in the blizzard, and they need his help, so I let him go because I love him." Cole declared and Ronin stared at the calm, expressionless, yet teary-eyed face of the Dragon Lord. He stared for a few moments before he ran off to tell the others that they could kiss any hope of being human goodbye. Almost all the staff were finishing cleaning up and preparing breakfast. The darkening clouds outside alerted the entire staff of the approaching blizzard that was practically at their door.

Jay was peeking through the curtains.

At the table, Tox was quick at work, gathering whatever Shade was cooking onto a tray for Kai and Cole. No one had disturbed the pair because the not so innocent minded members of staff thought it would be best to leave them alone. They couldn't stay in bed forever, though. Echo made to go upstairs, only for the door to slam into his face when someone opened it from the other side. All eyes rose and blinked when they spied Kai standing there panting and flushed like he had been running.

His eyes clouded with panic and rimmed with red like he had been crying for hours.

"What the hell happened to you?" Shade gaped, lowering the flames of the hearth. He hadn't failed to take in Kai's haggard appearance and immediately his thoughts became dark. "Where is Cole?" he demanded darkly. The phrase sent a silent child of dread through the staff, horrified at the thought of their Master being the cause of the boy's distress.

"He's upstairs," Kai spoke quickly. He rushed to sprint to his room before anyone could stop him. Before anyone could say anything, Ronin suddenly ran into the room and gave his friends a devastating look. Regretfully, he told them what Cole had said to Kai and their reactions were what was expected.

"He did what?!" They all screamed in horror and despair. Ronin slumped back while the others crowded around him. Judging from the sorrow in Kai's apologetic eyes and his limbs twitching with hastiness, they knew there was more to it than that, and that nothing was fine. They could already hear the thunder of Kai's steps as he finished gathering his things before running to the stables to get Flame. Harumi couldn't believe that this was happening.

Ultra Violet collapsed in a chair gazing at the ground as if she were a frozen doll.

They didn't want to let Kai leave. He didn't know about the deadline. They wanted to tell him but they knew they couldn't. Pixal reminded them that Kai had to figure it out himself. The banter continued, screaming and curses, ideas and arguments and protests and no one said anything that hadn't already been said. No one noticed the youngest and smallest of their group slip away unknown amongst the chaos.

"I'm afraid it's true." The troll sighed sadly.

"Kai's going away?" Echo whimpered as tears welled up in his eyes.

"But they were so close!" Harumi shrieked and everyone couldn't help but agree. After all this time, Cole had finally learned to love and their curse was so close to being broken. Now all that hope and hard work were down the drain. Jay suddenly gasped when he came up with a last-minute idea.

"That's it, then! That should break the spell!" He grinned like a madman, but no one was convinced.

"But it's not enough, Kai has to love him in return," Zane told his friend.

"But he does! Everyone can see that!" Ultra Violet exclaimed and Zane gave her a cold look.

"Do you though? Has Kai ever actually said that he loves Cole?" He asked them and they all thought about it, but none of them could recall a time Kai ever told Cole that he loved the Dragon Lord. "No, he didn't, and now it's too late," Zane explained and everyone slumped in grief and despair. Back upstairs, Cole watched as Kai left on his horse from above on his bedroom balcony. He roared in sorrow and anger but his anguished roars were lost in the sound of the violent, icy winds...

The Flame and the Dragon Ch17

Chapter 17: The Reason

"Would you hold still?!" Kai snapped, pulling the cloth soaked with medical herbs from the kitchen away.

"That stings!" Cole argued as he moved his clawed hand to cover the wound and prevent Kai from touching it but hissed every time his claws grazed the surface of the wound. Kai snorted feeling his blood boil in rage. He'd had to drag the man back to the castle and wake up some of the servants to get the things he needed. Then he had to drag Cole to the kitchen and force him to sit on the table. Shade all but exploded when the two entered the kitchen covered in leaves, dirt, and blood, all of which were scattered all over the room.

Then he practically buried Kai and Cole with questions when he saw the wound on the man's chest, despite Cole's insistence that it was only a scratch and that he was fine.

He only managed to free himself of the other noirette's badgering by pointing to Kai. The brunette was digging through the cabinets for anything he could use. Shade all but exploded. Now, Kai had to put up with the Dragon Lord acting like a child while he tried to remove his coat and the remains of his shirt to nurse his wounds. His already thinning patience was on the verge of snapping.

"If you'd hold still, and let me clean the damn thing, it wouldn't hurt as much!"

"If you hadn't run away, this never would've happened!" Cole yelled in a voice bitter with sarcasm before he deliberately scolded. "Do you have any idea how stupid that was? How much danger you were in! You were only lucky you were on your way back to the castle, or I wouldn't have been able to save you!" He shouted. Kai growled and threw down the washcloth.

"If you hadn't started blasting things and scaring me, I never would've left!" The teen countered, if for nothing more than to wipe the smirk off the man's face. "You scared the shit out of me!"

"You shouldn't have been in the West Wing in the first place! You were specifically told what it was, by several people I might add, and I never permitted you to enter my room! How would you feel if someone entered your room without permission? And don't lie to me because we both know you've would've reacted the same way!" Cole retorted. Kai felt his ego bruise at that comment and opened his mouth to protest but bit back the words and exhaled.

"You're right." He said with no emotion. Cole was stunned and clearly not expecting such a response.

"I beg your pardon?"

"I said you are right." He repeated in a more civil voice. He was tired of this blame game. "I shouldn't have gone into your room without your permission and I'm sorry." He said and his apology was sincere, but when he looked up again, his fierce eyes bore into Cole's. The dragon hybrid sat frozen by the intensity. "But I'm not the only one at fault here! You should learn to control your temper!" He scolded. Instantly, Cole opened his mouth to counter but immediately realized he had no answer.

He felt his pride deflate when he realized the boy was right. He had lost his temper, but he refused to take all the blame for this.

"I'm the only one with a temper or at fault here! You should learn to listen and do what you're told!"

"I already know that!" Kai snapped, collapsing into a chair. "I'm too impulsive; it's one of my faults but, to be honest, if you weren't always hiding maybe I wouldn't be so curious." He mumbled out loud, dumping more yarrow on the cloth. "I've been here almost a month and the only thing I know about you is that you have a temper, you're a control freak and you can throw energy."

"Haven't you ever heard 'curiosity killed the cat'?" Cole snorted but chuckled lightly.

"Yeah, I have." Kai chuckled. "As a kid, I always heard the story of Bluebeard; everyone always said it was supposed to show how curiosity only causes trouble." He chuckled then smiled. "But I always thought that if that were true and the girl obeyed her husband, he would've killed her anyway, and start the process all over again, but because of her curiosity, not only did she find out the truth, she and her brothers managed to kill the guy and save a lot of other girls from suffering the same fate." He burst out laughing at the memory.

Cole just stared as he listened intensely.

"No one could answer that one, not even Mom and Dad said curiosity was a double-edged sword; it helps us learn new things and make discoveries but if we let it get the better of us, we set ourselves up for trouble and I always let mine get the best of me."

"Obviously," Cole added before his voice took a stricter tone. "Next time you want to ease your curiosity, you should try asking."

"So if I asked you, you would have let me into your room even if it was for the sake of getting to know you better?" He asked with a raised eyebrow, his voice a mixture of sarcasm and teasing.

"Hell no!" Cole blurted out fiercely. He realized his mistake when the smirk on Kai's face widened. Again his pride was dented. "I see your point." He mumbled with as much dignity as he could muster.

"And you say I'm impulsive." Kai teased.

"You are." He countered, leaning closer to him. Since he was sitting at the table, their eyes were level with each other. "You're reckless, that's why you get into trouble and you never have the control to hold your tongue when the time calls for it, and you always put others or your pride before your own safety; there's a time and place when your own safety should be more important than defending your pride."

"Like in the woods, when that thing tried to kill you?" Kai asked as he raised an eyebrow in an accosting tone. "I don't care what happens to me if someone I care about is in danger! If I can help them I will!"

"You care about me?" Cole smirked and a blush painted Kai's face before he growled back.

"That's not the point!"

"I know what you meant." He chuckled as he shook his head with a small smile. "But I stand by what I told you before, if you keep focusing on everyone else's happiness and let your pride get the better of you, you'll never be happy." He said and the statement didn't anger Kai as much as it did the first time, but he still felt his irritation spike as a result. He opened his mouth to protest but Cole cut him off. "Everyone else who goes out of their way to try and make you happy will constantly worry about you because they know you'll always put everyone else before yourself." The hybrid said and any protest or angry words died in his throat.

He never looked at it that way before but it was as if the last piece of an extremely difficult puzzle had suddenly been put into place.

Nya had told him something similar before she and Lloyd had left. Everyone else in the palace had been sick with worry over him since he arrived, worse after his and Cole's fight. The teen put the medical supplies down and lowered his head.

"Why did you let me stay here?" He asked in a low voice, unsure if he wanted an answer.

"I don't understand." Cole blinked. Kai raised his head and glared at him.

"When I asked you to let me stay in Nya and Lloyd's place, why did you say yes? You said so yourself, I'm nothing but trouble?"

"I never said that." Cole corrected.

"That doesn't answer my question." Kai glared. Now it was Cole's turn to smile, a smile that curled at the corners.

"You really want to know why I let you stay here?" He asked and Kai nodded.

"Because you fascinated me the second I saw you." He replied and he raised his claws and spoke in a passionate, free-flowing voice as if he no longer had to keep something secret. Kai was clearly not expecting such an answer.

"What?"

"I'd never seen or met anyone like you; you found my castle all on your own, you were willing to sacrifice everything for your family and when you saw my true form for the first time, not only were you not afraid of me, you knew who I was! I didn't believe it when my staff called your arrival here a miracle, but everything about you astounded me." Cole paused for a moment, taking in the stunned expression on Kai's face. "Every time you saw me, you showed no fear and you refused to obey or respect me unless it was earned and you defy my every order; you countered every rule, regulation, or demand I made with one of your own and you had an answer for each one."

He paused for a moment and looked around the kitchen, not surprised to see the staff had left.

"You treat everyone in the castle-like people, where anyone else would've fled in terror, you let them pamper you even though you hate being waited on, you treat this place as if it were your home, and you put your own needs on hold for the sake of someone else." He sighed and Kai blinked again, but Cole was unsure if he was truly confused or if he disbelieved Cole meant what he was saying. "I agreed to keep you here for the reason that everything about you fascinates me from your beauty, intelligence, spirit, fiery temper, fierce independence, courage, heart... need I go on?" Cole smirked at the crimson blush spreading rapidly across Kai's face when he realized Cole was serious.

"I-I..."

"You're like a desert rose, Kai, something so unique and powerful that it can grow in the wildest of places." He smiled warmly. "You're like one giant puzzle and no matter how hard I try, I can't figure you out, but mark my words, I plan to." He promised. Kai just sat there for a moment, too stunned to speak. His mind was still trying to process what he was just told, completely ignoring the blush he knew was blazing across his face. When his mind finally put everything into perspective, he smiled a small smile and laughed.

"Funny, back home everyone but my siblings considered me everything from odd and peculiar to weird and bizarre for the way I am, and yet here, everyone seems to like me for that reason."

"Then those ignorant, backward fools need to get their asses out of the past and accept the end of aristocracy; I've been trapped in this castle for over a hundred years and I know full well things are much different." Cole laughed. Kai couldn't help but laugh in agreement. He flashed a small smile before turning back to the cloth soaked in yarrow medicine.

"Now hold still and let me finish cleaning this, it'll sting a bit." He warned before pressing the liquid-drenched cloth to the wound. Cole bit his lip, a hiss making his pain evident but he held still while the boy gently worked.

"Just a little longer, I promise." Kai comforted him, throwing away the dirty rag and grabbing another one. Once the wound was clean, he screwed the yarrow jar shut and took out a cotton-padded patch large enough to cover the entire wound. He grabbed one of the thick aloe leaves, cut it open, and squeezed the clear gelatin onto the patch before carefully spreading it all over. Cole watched patiently as he emptied the entire leaf until it curled.

Once that was done, Kai carefully lifted the patch from the bottom and pressed it to the wound.

Cole hissed, but this time, he only felt slight discomfort.

"Don't worry," Kai said, wiping off his hands. "It's aloe, it's more soothing than yarrow and it'll stop the itch and it's also a very powerful disinfectant." He explained, pressing his hand to the patch gently. "Now, I just need you to remove your coat so I can bandage it." He said and Cole shrugged the garment off his shoulders, revealing his entire upper body. Kai bit back a blush as the naked flesh was revealed to him. Kai quickly grabbed the bandages and carefully began wrapping them around Cole's waist.

"You're a good nurse," Cole commented, noticing how skilled the teen was.

"Thank you." He replied as he forced down another blush.

"Where'd you learn this, if you don't mind me asking?"

"My mom and dad taught me," Kai replied. "Our family was well known for their knowledge of herbs and since we traveled a lot when I was younger, we had to make sure we knew what to do in case one of us got hurt before we reached the next town or doctor, but most of the time, it was just me and Dad always teased me, saying that was why the yarrow stung; it was both a healer and a punishment for misbehaving."

"Sounds like the two of you were close."

"When I was little, he would always buy me the most beautiful and bizarre things wherever we went and he'd tell me stories about them." Kai smiled. "My favorites were always the ones about how our family descended from a powerful line of warriors from Japan."

"He sounds like a good man." Cole laughed. "My father was like that, he always told me our family was chosen by the legendary dragon to protect this kingdom from corruption and prejudice, and obviously, this castle's theme was modeled around that myth."

"I noticed," Kai replied as he tied the bandage tightly. Once he was finished, he frowned and turned away again. Cole looked concerned until he noticed another blush forming on the boy's cheeks. "Thank you, by the way." The teen finally spoke.

"Hmm?"

"Thank you, for saving me." He clarified. Now it was Cole's turn to blush, but he hid it by coughing in his hand.

"You're welcome, and thank you... for coming back." He added.

"I made a promise and I intend to keep it."

"Oh, is that all?" Cole replied, sounding a little disappointed.

"No, that's not all." Kai giggled a bit. "Honestly, I like it here; it's nice to be away from that town for a while and I'd feel bad if I left everyone without saying goodbye, and besides, I want to get to know you too." He added. Cole just smiled and gently ran his claws through Kai's hair before scooping him into his arms like a bride. The teenager yelped at the sudden movement.

"H-Hey! W-Wait a minute!" The teen protested.

"Don't think this means you're off the hook, you're still in big trouble for going in my room," Cole smirked and laughed. Kai snorted and crossed his arms. He hated being carried. The few staff members watching backed away as Cole flew through the hallway with his captive in his arms. The four creatures stood frozen, their eyes bulged and their mouths dropped in identical masks of shock.

"Um..." Jay mouthed, pointing to where the two men just were. "Did they just—"

"Uh-huh." Ronin nodded.

"And then they—" Tox continued.

"Yup." Echo finished. This was certainly an interesting turn of events...

This is INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Align

All souls are on a quest to connect.

‘There would be no galaxies, no suns, no planets, no life without collisions of heavenly bodies. 

Back to our amoeba. It engulfs a bacterium with unique powers, and…voila. Earth’s first photosynthesis-enables organism. Maybe it was chance. 

Maybe it was inevitable. This one changed amoeba becomes the ancestor of every living plant on Earth, which in turn floods the planet with oxygen…paving the way for every other form of life we know…leading to more souls, more connections, and therefore more new worlds branching outward from the first. 

These forces of nature, when they converge, be they astronomical collisions, biological unions, demonstrate the infinite potential of our connections. This truth also extends to the human heart.’

-Maniac

VACCINATE YA KIDS FFS

I guess the other ice spitter is Garmadon, right? But are you going to seriously kill Wu? Well, rather, are you going to make Garmadon kill Wu? I mean, if you didn't watch the show, the good ice-spitter is actually Drago's ice-spit son.

No I didn't know that but it doesn't matter. And I have something else in mind, you'll just have to wait and see. 😉

The Flame and the Dragon Chapter 30

Chapter 30: The Greenhouse

Kai gazed at the card in his hands, before shifting his neutral eyes back towards his opponents. His four competitors all held their cards close to their faces, leaving only their deceiving eyes visible. Though there was no pot between them, they played with the skill and secrecy as if they were competing for a fortune. Finally, in turns starting with the one to the left of the dealer. Echo, who had never played the game until Kai started teaching him earlier that week.

They threw down their hands.

Jay slammed the cards down, revealing three jacks. Ronin smirked and revealed three queens. Tox threw down five low, mismatched cards, all in diamonds. Kai flashed a bright smirk and elegantly laid out three Kings and two fives. His grin doubled in size as his competitors growled, and he crossed his hands proudly over his chest.

"What have you got, Echo?" Kai asked, triumphantly. The boy fidgeted a bit, nervously looking at his own hand, then everyone else's.

"Well, I think I got two pairs," He said uncertainly and began placing down cards. "One pair and another pair." He told them and just like that, it was like someone flipped a switch. Tox and the three boys gasped, screamed, and dropped their jaws when Echo color-coordinated his cards. He placed the ace of spades next to the ace of clubs in one pile and the aces of hearts and diamonds in a second.

"Awe man!" Ronin threw down his cards and leaned back on his hands. "Echo always wins!"

"Are you sure you've never played poker before?" Kai asked with suspicious eyes and Echo blushed. "Beginner's luck? Or maybe I just had a good teacher?" He guessed as he flashed a guilty smile. Kai melted under the boy's eyes, flashing the same pleading look Lloyd used to get out of trouble. At first glance, it looked purely innocent. However, he had grown up with Lloyd and he knew full well Echo was far more mature than he let others believe.

"Don't try and butter me up, I'm immune to that," Kai smirked as he ruffled Echo's hair.

"Honestly though, I really think it's just luck." Echo laughed

"Let's try a different game," Ronin suggested as he gathered up the cards and started shuffling the cards, performing an impressive bridge.

"No thanks, we've been playing cards all morning." Kai sighed, leaned back against his pillows, and unfurled his crossed legs from their uncomfortable position. As much as Kai loved spending time with his friends, his confinement to this room, even for the sake of his health was driving him to madness. At least when Cole locked him in this room a few months back he could actually walk around and go out on the balcony.

"We could do something else?" Jay suggested sympathetically and Kai gave him a small smile. He knew Jay took his job as the castle entertainer seriously, but at this point, there was little he could do.

"Honestly, Jay, I just can't wait to get the hell out of this bedroom, I feel like I've been stuck in here forever," Kai complained, loudly. As if on cue, the door to Kai's room opened followed by the sound of large, leathery wings.

"Perhaps I can change that?" Cole said as he swaggered inside, slightly irritated Kai wasn't alone but ignored it when he saw the surprise on Kai's face. The young man was propped broadly against his backrest donning only a pair of red pajamas and a thick, fuzzy robe and it was mid-afternoon.

"Are you here to make sure I stay in bed like a good little boy?" Kai teased, sarcastically. Cole snorted and called his bluff.

"Actually, I was going to say that you've been given a clean bill of health and if you wanted to get dressed, but if you insist." He smirked as he turned to leave but Kai was faster and jumped off the bed and grabbed the clothes out of Cole's arms in less than a second, not even acknowledging the flowers.

"Thank you!" Kai said sweetly before disappearing into the bathroom to change.

"He's happy," Ronin laughed and swung his legs over the side of the bed.

"I'll bet, he's been stuck in here for almost two weeks and Winter's almost over." Tox hummed as she slithered off the bed and opened the curtains letting sunlight spill into the room.

"Speaking of that, I want your attention," Cole announced earning all of his servant's attention. "Echo, I've already given Zane an outline, but I'm planning a ball in a few weeks, and I need someone in charge of cleaning up the ballroom and making it spectacular, you up for it?" He smirked with a wink as he put the roses in a nearby vase. Echo looked flabbergasted then ecstatic.

"I'd love to!" He exclaimed, practically bursting from his seat, and grabbed Jay and Tox's hands. "I'll start right away! I make it look prettier than it did on your coronation!" He cheered and jumped with glee, dragging his two helpless captives behind him, his cheers echoing around the hallway. Ronin turned to his master with bewildered eyes.

"Aren't you going to join them? The ball is for the whole castle and it's going to take a lot of preparations." Cole chuckled. Ronin's eyes doubled in size before a wide grin of delight split his face and he bolted off after his friends, laughing giddily.

"Where did everyone go?" A familiar brunette suddenly asked. Cole turned around at the sound of Kai's voice and lost his breath. Griffin's latest outfit for Kai consisted of a long-sleeved shirt and matching pants made of dark crimson satin. Smooth, shiny cloth tightly hugged his arms, legs, and torso but flared at his wrists and ankles. Black lace adored the collar like black wings. The red of his sleeves stuck out at his wrists giving his outfit a flame-like appearance.

"You look ravishing," Cole purred as he licked his lips making Kai blush and grunt in annoyance.

"What's with all the lace?" He asked a bit put off by the feminine decoration. Cole shrugged, though his own clothing consisted of a simple green shirt and pants that bunched at the knees where his scales formed spikes and a simple black frock coat. Cole quickly leaned over, placed an arm behind Kai's shoulders and hooked his other arm under Kai's knees, and yanked him into a bridal carry.

"Cole! What are you doing?" Kai yelped and threw his arms around Cole's neck for support.

"What?" Cole asked in mock innocence. Kai growled and fidgeted fiercely in Cole's grip.

"I hate being carried, you know that! Besides, Echo and Neuro said I was fine, so let me walk on my own!"

"Correction, they said you were allowed to leave so long as you did not over-exert yourself, and you remained indoors."

"But I can still walk!" He complained, punching Cole's chest but became annoyed when Cole didn't even flinch.

"Now, come on, I have something very special I want to share with you." He grinned. Kai said nothing, preferring to crossing his arms and pout, but ceased his fighting.

"Alright, I suppose I can forgive you then, as long as I'm out of my room for the rest of the day."

"I guarantee it," Cole smirked. He held onto Kai when they came to the hallway and leaped onto the banister. Kai clung to him when they suddenly took to the air and screeched when Cole dropped. Cole glided on his wings until he landed on the main level, falling to one knee. Cole's breath suddenly caught in his chest and a pounding pain erupted right where Kai's elbow collided with his ribs. Cole growled at him then smirked wickedly. Before Kai could counter he was suddenly flung into the air and found his chest and chin whacking against Cole's hard, scaled spine, the tail of his coat flopped over his head.

A shiver raked his spine when he felt sharp, cold claws stroke his hips where the hems of his shirt exposed his skin.

"You never learn do you, Kai?" He said and Kai could just picture the smirk on Cole's face. Immediately realizing his position, Kai turned as red as his clothing, and his defenses erupted in a fit of anger and embarrassment.

"COLE!" Kai screamed and thrashed, flailing his limbs and pounding his fists as hard as he could against Cole's back, and pushed himself up so his body was somewhat straight. "Let go! I can tolerate your bridal carry obsession but I'll be damned if I'm carried like this!" He shouted and shrieked as Cole grabbed one of his ankles to keep the thrashing limb from striking him. He couldn't contain himself and burst out laughing at Kai's temper tantrum.

Finally, Cole took pity on him and wrapped his tail around Kai's waist then released his hold.

Kai released a combination of a yelp of surprise and a screech of fear when he was suddenly flipped over and found himself on his feet, Cole's tail securely wrapped around his waist. Cole hadn't stopped laughing.

"Don't get sick again, Kai, you're too amusing," Cole said as he choked out words between laughs. Kai growled like a caged animal. His balled fists, furious eyes, and twisted jaw were marred by his strawberry red face. He wanted to speak but his words turned to embarrassing snarls.

"Now don't be like that, I'm only teasing." Cole smiled and wrapped a wing about Kai's back in apology.

"At least I'm walking now." Kai snorted as he gave a small smile and let Cole led him down a familiar corridor. For a second Kai thought Cole was taking him back to the library. They stopped by the recognizable curved doors, however, he found Cole's attention on another part of the hallway. It was adjacent to the library entrance and opposite the enormous windows lining the hallway. At first glance, it looked like the rest of the wall. Kai could see the faint outline of ivory vines and stone flowers growing from the ground into a curved arch shape.

Cole shoved the doors open with a hard shove.

Light burst from inside and Kai could see that the ceiling was curved like a half-cylinder. It was made entirely of glass, flooding the room with sunlight. He covered his eyes with his arm and let Cole guide him inside. When he looked up, he found himself in the center of another world. His breath caught in this throat when he realized the world was actually a giant greenhouse. He quickly realized that the greenhouse was more than just an inside garden.

A field of grass was contoured by a sundry of hedges and bushes.

A fountain stood in the back right of the greenhouse, always tinkling with the sound of water. The flowers and plants were forming a miniature world of their own, full of mysteries and wonder. They were a delight for butterflies. There were some bird feeders scattered around and the sounds of many different birds echoed around. The hedges and bushes had recently been trimmed. A path of stepping stones curves around each bend in the garden, beckoning people to explore the garden and showing them the best sights at the same time.

Roots slightly disrupted the pristine look as they hungrily search for even more pieces of land to expand to.

The fountain eternally beckoned all visitors, drawing all attention toward it. The flowers and plants were surely a sight to behold, and the hedges and bushes looked fantastic. The focus was just simply on the fountain.

"This is the Queen's Greenhouse, a sacred place only those allowed by the Queen or someone invited by one whom she has personally granted permission may enter; even the staff isn't allowed inside," Cole explained and that hasn't surprised Kai. He could tell the room has been well cared for. None of the plants had lost their brilliance, the flowers hadn't lost their reality, and the little birds hadn't lost their beauty.

"I'm honored that you'd share this with me," Kai spoke graciously. Though the room was only the size of a tall living room, the walls and plants made it seem much smaller and worldly bigger all at once. Its oval shape blended everything without the disruption of corners. Kai was lost in the world the queen created until he felt firm hands grip his shoulders to steady him. In the corner of the room, he found a small stool in front of a shed and a stack of gardening supplies, jars of paint, and bowls of tools.

Next to the shed was a large statue of the couple he recognized from the portrait in Cole's room, lavished in beautiful wedding garbs.

The man held his bride in his arms. The bride held a beautiful bouquet of roses. Kai flinched when he felt Cole's wing wrap around his form. Kai turned to stare at him but Cole's gaze was in an unknown universe, a worldly smile set upon his face.

"I was a child when she first brought me here, I asked her if Dad ever saw it, and she laughed and said the first time she brought him here was to show him the statue she had made, the one of their wedding day." He smiled and Kai's eyes returned to the portrait. Just imagining the sheer joy the king must have felt when his wife showed him the statue their love inspired. "Then she finally told him the real reason why she'd brought him there, she'd wanted to tell him she was pregnant."

Kai's eyes widened, but Cole just smiled in an almost childlike way.

Cole wrapped his arms around the boy's shoulder, and met Kai's eyes with his own, glowing with something that made Kai's heart skip a beat. Kai tried to find his voice but found he could barely breathe. So much had happened, so much had yet to happen but somehow it all seemed less complex when he looked into Cole's eyes. Rationality and emotion warred against one another in a way that made Kai want to scream. For a brief moment, he despaired as to how such a glorious creature could find one such as him so special.

But just as quickly, he crushed those thoughts and relaxed his mind.

The hammering of his heart suddenly sounded quiet and the sudden wash of emotion made his eyes droop and his lips part. It took all of Cole's willpower not to simply kiss his captive senselessly and pin him against the floor. He knew Kai wouldn't stop him if he did, but the last nagging sliver of control had ruthlessly crushed those desires. It was getting harder and harder to control himself around him, but Cole promised himself he would wait.

He wouldn't take that step until they were both certain, but it didn't stop him from wanting to pull the smaller man into his arms.

Kai's half-lidded eyes and the slight parting of his lips made Cole lick his fangs. Fire and desire burned in his veins, sending his every nerve ending ablaze. His claws carefully danced up Kai's clothed arms before firmly taking hold of his tanned shoulders. The young man didn't flinch. Without warning, Cole broke his control and crashed their lips together in a rich, passionate kiss. Kai immediately parted his lips and gripped the collar of Cole's coat and shirt tightly.

He pulled the Dragon Lord closer against him, deepening the desire between them.

A fire burst between them, their limbs and lips moved and explored new territories, claiming whatever they could touch. The scorching touch between them made them both burn for more and more. They mutually broke away, their eyes never leaving the others. Cole's grip on Kai's shoulders tightened and he roughly pulled the teen forward until their foreheads touched.

"You make it so difficult to keep control, my flame." Cole panted each word.

"Then why not break your control?" Kai smirked as his eyes lit up at the challenge. Uncertainty flashed in Cole's eyes.

"You have no idea what you're asking." He warned as one of his hands reached for one of the objects near the gardening supplies. He held a thick metal container clearly in line with Kai's vision. With a simple clench of his wrists, his claws sliced it to ribbons of metal, his muscles crushing them together before Cole dropped to the ground. Kai rolled his eyes.

"That isn't what I meant, and you know it."

"Perhaps not, but the fact remains, I'm still a dragon, Kai." Cole frowned. "I have teeth and claws, scales and a tail and brute strength, if I'm not careful, I could kill you with my brutality."

"No, you wouldn't," Kai said confidently.

"How do you know?" Cole challenged, unconvinced.

"Because I know you," He said firmly, his gentle hands moving to cradle the dragon's face in his hands. "I know for a fact you would never hurt me, you might roar at me, but you've had to dodge a few of my punches too so I guess that makes us even." He winked playfully. Despite himself, Cole couldn't help but laugh.

"Are you sure? I'm not blind, Kai, I see the fear in your eyes." He smiled with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, you're right, I am scared, but not of you; I have taken your true form into consideration, and you can't fault me for finding the idea of losing my virginity to a dragon a bit intimidating, that and I'm not rushing into anything," Kai sighed as he flicked Cole's nose, but his stance assured him he was serious, despite the playful banter. "I mean it, I mean, technically, we haven't even been on a proper date yet." He winked.

"Then perhaps you'd like to?" Cole smirked. Kai blinked, making Cole grin wider. "I was thinking of hosting a ball soon since that ballroom hasn't been used in years and the staff has been dying to use it, so perhaps, having an event where the whole castle may enjoy the evening is the best idea."

"Really?" Kai blinked in surprise. He didn't think Cole was the party type and his only experience was the boring affairs Morro hosted. Then again, if Echo was designing the evening and Jay and Ronin were in charge under Zane's supervision, he had no doubt it would be an enjoyable night. Cole nodded with a smile as he leaned forward, wrapping his free arm possessively around Kai's waist.

"You would do me a grand honor by being my date for the evening?"

"I'd love to!" Kai burst, enthusiastically. Cole was taken aback by the suddenness but laughed at Kai's spryness.

"Are you sure, Kai?" Cole teased, releasing him slightly. "You wouldn't mind attending a romantic affair with someone old enough to be your ancestor? I am, after all, 121 years?"

"Nope, not unless you mind going out in public with an immature teenager who's not yet twenty, would you?" Kai countered, his eyes lighting up at the game.

"Not in the slightest," Cole responded. Neither of them broke eye contact until finally they couldn't contain themselves any longer and they broke into a fit of amusement. Their pearls of laughter could be heard all the way from the ballroom...

Ninjago Ship Masterlist!!!!!!!!

A complete, up-to-date list of all the Ninjago ships is below the cut; I will add onto it when a new ship is made. If there’s a ship you don’t see on here, reach out to me through my ask box or private messages.

I’m only documenting the ships of Ninjago here, I’m not doing anything out of preference or bias. This is just to have a cohesive record of the fandom’s pairings for everyone to use as a helpful resource.

(B! equals Bizarro, just so y’all know)

Bruise or Geode- Cole x Jay

Plasma- Jay x Kai

Techno- Jay x Zane

Lava- Kai x Cole

Opposite- Zane x Kai

Glacier- Cole x Zane

Polyninja- Zane x Cole x Jay x Kai

Greenflame- Lloyd x Kai

Jaya- Jay x Nya

Pixane- Pixal x Zane

Samurai- Pixal x Nya

Ice Samurai or Samuraice- Nya x Pixal x Zane

Jaycule- Kai x Zane x Cole x Jay AND Nya x Jay

Future- Cyrus Borg x Acronix

AmberPhoenix- Skylor x Nya

Llorumi- Lloyd x Harumi

Life or Lloya- Lloyd x Nya

Kailor- Kai x Skylor

Ember (Queerplatonic!!)- Skylor & Kai

Coliel- Cole x Seliel

Heavy Metal- Cole x Zane x Pixal

Morwu- Morro x Sensei Wu

Moss- Cole x Lloyd

Unique or Popsicle- Lloyd x Zane

Mountain- Kai x Zane x Cole

Scruff- Dareth x Ronin

Garsako or Harbinger- Garmadon x Misako

Wusako- Sensei Wu x Misako

Outdated- Cryptor x Zane

Taser- Jay x Cryptor

Blizzard- Zane x Morro

Destiny- Kai x Morro

Hailstorm- Jay x Cole x Zane

Cryptzu- Cryptor x General Kozu

Spirit or Sandstorm- Morro x Cole

Conya or Petrichor- Cole x Nya

Greenwind- Lloyd x Morro

ElectricStorm- Jay x Morro

Thinkfast- Neuro x Griffin

BlueWire- Jay x Pixal

Ronya- Ronin x Nya

JadeWolf- Harumi x Akita

Citrus- Morro x Echo Zane

Steam- Ray x Maya

General- Cryptor x White Nindroid

Greenwisp- Lloyd x Jay

Forgiven- Brad x Lloyd

Morrumi or JadeStorm- Morro x Harumi

Survival- Vinny x Garmadon

AmberPrincess- Skylor x Harumi

Legacy- Morro x Cole x Zane x Jay x Kai

GarmaClouse- Garmadon x Clouse

Cryxal- Cryptor x Pixal

Sunshine- Cole x Ultra Violet

Golden Matter- Overlord x Lloyd

User-Friendly- Zane x Overlord

Cake- Cole x cake

ForeverAlone- Sensei Wu x tea

Tea- Sensei Wu x Mystake

GarmaKai- Garmadon x Kai

SnakeGlacier- “Snake Jaguar” x Cole

SnakeBlizzard- “Snake Jaguar” x Morro

Dark History- Garmadon x Krux

Inventor- Cyrus Borg x Dr. Julien

Self-Centered or Coffee- Dareth x Garmadon

Loulien- Lou x Dr. Julien

Zanecule- Polyninja AND Pixane

YingYang- Overlord x First Spinjitzu Master

Ash- Garmadon x Ray

Spell- Master Chen x Clouse

SmokeShade- Ash x Shade

Garmacest- Garmadon x Lloyd

Hope- Young Wu x Faith

ElectricVirus- Jay x Overlord

Resurrected- Zane x Morro x Pixal

Nightshade- Tox x Chamille

LavaLamp- Cole x Skylor x Kai

ResonatedGravity- Jacob x Gravis

Dumbass- Jay x Kai x Cole

PolyPonytail- Nya x Pixal x Skylor

Mudshock- Jay x Nya x Cole

Braincell- Nya x Zane

Conductor- Kai x Zane x Jay (conductor like the metal, not the train)

Gunpowder- Kai x Ash

JetFaith- Jet Jack x Faith

Riptide- Nya x Ultra Violet

Ore- Karlof x Cole

TickTock- Zane x Acronix

Eyepatch- Clutch x Ronin

Supernatural- Snek!Jay x Ghost!Cole x Zane x Anacondrai!Kai

Iceberg- Zane x Nya x Cole

Violent- Harumi x Ultra Violet

Snakecell- Nya x “Snake Jaguar”

DarkThinking- Shade x Neuro

Steampunk- Jay x Echo Zane

TheyDeservedBetter- Show!Garmadon x Koko

GreenCheer- Movie!Lloyd x Movie!Chen

Blue- Nya x Jay x Zane

VioletSnake- Ultra Violet x “Snake Jaguar”

GarmaChen- Garmadon x Master Chen

Hurricane- Nya x Morro

JadedSnake- Harumi x “Snake Jaguar”

StolenData- Skylor x Pixal

PlayDate- Nya x Dogshank

Sleet- Kai x Zane AND Zane x Nya (Nya and Kai are both dating Zane)

Slush- Kai x Nya x Zane

S’mores- Dareth x Zane

Chaos- B!Kai x B!Cole x B!Jay x B!Zane

DarkPlasma- B!Kai x B!Jay

DarkGlacier- B!Cole x B!Zane

DarkLava- B!Kai x B!Cole

DarkGeode- B!Jay x B!Cole

DarkTechno- B!Zane x B!Jay

DarkOpposite- B!Kai x B!Zane

StoneCold- Cole x B!Zane

BlackIce- B!Zane x Zane

Virus- Zane x B!Jay

GreasedLightning- B!Jay x Jay

Fireworks- B!Jay x Kai

Trojan- B!Zane x Jay

Avalanche- Zane x B!Cole

Magma- B!Kai x Cole

Obsidian- Cole x B!Cole

Inferno- Kai x B!Kai

Eruption- B!Cole x Kai

Pyrotechnic- B!Kai x Zane

Frostbite- B!Zane x Kai

BlackLightning- B!Cole x Jay

Aftershock- B!Jay x Cole

FireStarter- B!Kai x Jay

Blizzaro- B!Zane x Morro

Shenanigans- B!Jay x Morro

StolenKiss- B!Jay x Nya

Typhoon- B!Zane x Nya

Mudslide- B!Cole x Nya

Misfit- B!Polyninja x Morro

Gloomy- B!Cole x Morro

Pride- Morro x B!Kai

Greed- B!Kai x Morro x B!Jay

Whirlwind- B!Jay x Morro x Nya

IceStorm- Zane x Nya x Morro

LightningFast- Jay x Griffin

DryIce- Kai x Ice Emperor Zane

HowlingWind- Bansha x Morro

Tar- Shade x Tox

Arson- B!Jay x B!Cole x B!Zane x Kai

BrainFreeze- Neuro x Zane

Fog- Nya x Shade

Timecest- Krux x Acronix

Smelt- Kai x Cryptor

ElectroIce or Gaydar- Zane x Mr. E

Skeleton- Morro x Ghoultar

Checkmate- Zane x Nadakhan

Eclipse- Kai x Shade

CrimsonLightning- Mr. E x Jay

ShortMetal- Mindroid x Cryptor

ThunderSnow- Morro x Jay x Zane

Hellstorm- Kai x Zane x Morro

TropicalStorm- Jay x Nya x Morro

Turquoise or Waterlily- Harumi x Nya

Nightlight- Shade x Paleman

DisintegratedSmoke- Paleman x Ash

Crystal- Morro x Cole x Zane

Holly or Llokita- Lloyd x Akita

Corruption or Staff- Staff!Kai x Ice Emperor Zane

EternalWinter- Ice Emperor Zane x Vex

Bear- Cole x Kataru

Fever- Kai x Neuro

Hotwire- Kai x Pixal x Zane

ArcticWolf- Zane x Akita

Hacker- Ronin x Zane

AcidRain- Nya x Tox

Forge- Kai x Karlof

Lightspeed- Paleman x Griffin

Purple- Pixal x Ultra Violet

FriedChicken- Jay x Fugi-Dove

Vore or Killjoy- Pythor x Overlord

Upgrade- Unagami x Mechanic

Quiet- Mr. E x Harumi

PolyMaster- All the Elemental Masters including the ninja

Shockwave- Nya x Jay x Pixal

Chrome- Karlof x Neuro

WetDog- Nya x Akita

Mystery- Echo Zane x Cryptor

Rogue- Ronin x Okino

Boomer- Sensei Wu x Krux

LightningDjinn- Jay x Nadakhan

VanillaCake- Vania x Cole

Void- Cryptor x Cole

Rainforest- Cole x Nya x Lloyd

Entombed- Pythor x Aspheera

Gemstone- Cole x Plundar

AcidicFluid- Nya x Chamille x Tox

Garmakruxsako- Garmadon x Krux x Misako

EvilTechno- Cryptor x Acronix

Roadrunner- Ultra Violet x Fugi-Dove

Mechanic- Jay x Zane x Nya x Pixal

Ivory- Hailmar x Vania

Leviathan- Great Devourer x Wojira

Strike- Libber x Krux

PolySerpent- Great Devourer x Fire Fang x Wojira x Anacondrai Serpent(Clouse’s pet snake)

Seabreeze- Benthomaar x Morro

ElectricBoogaloo- Jay x PoulErik

ThunderWave- Jay x Benthomaar

Retro- Milton Dyer x Acronix

AmberNightshade- Skylor x Chamille x Tox

Corrosive- Tox x Skylor

Adaption- Skylor x Chamille

Raincloud- Vania x Benthomaar

Firewall- Kai x Pixal

Firefly- Kai x Vania

Flood- Kalmaar x Nya

SamuraiCheerleader- Nya x Unnamed background girl

Cannonball- Captain Soto x Ultra Violet

Parrot- Fugi-Dove x Captain Soto

FourArms- Lord Garmadon x General Kozu x Samukai

Forgotten- Echo Zane x Cryptor x Morro

BadBoy- Lloyd x Brad x Gene

Copper- Dareth x Cyrus Borg

Ratmen- Ronin x Dareth x Clutch

Girlboss- Gayle Gossip x Patty Keys

MotorOil- Cole x Mr. E

Upply or D&D- Fungus x Plundar x Korgran

CrimsonTech- Jay x Zane x Mr. E

ElectroGlacier- Cole x Mr. E x Zane

Allied- Lord Garmadon x General Kozu

TeaPost- Mystake x Mailman

Crypthor or Lackey- Cryptor x Pythor

Gareth or Dayle- Dareth x Gayle Gossip

GorgonVenom- Machia x Tox

Fixation- Lou x Ed

FriedSquid- Jay x Kalmaar

CriminalMinds- Miss Demeanor x Ultra Violet x Reflectra

Rose- Gene x Brad

UltraE- Ultra Violet x Mr. E

Skelma- Skales x Selma

Skythor or Pythales- Pythor x Skales

CinnamonWafer- Char x Glutinous

SaltwaterTaffy- Glutinous x Gripe

EnergyEfficient- Lloyd x Pixal

DeepSeaEnergy- Benthomaar x Lloyd

Obsession- Kai x Master Chen

Windpower- Morro x Pixal

GarmaBorg- Garmadon x Cyrus Borg

CorruptedCode- Mr. E x Cryptor

Transformer- Ash x Chamille

Misfortune- Nadakhan x Delara

Moriel or Phantom- Morro x Seliel

Fowl- Libber x Clouse

Loner- Kai x Ronin

SunScale- Kai x Great Devourer

Coral- Benthomaar x Cole

Edge- Cryptor x Morro x Shade x Chamille x Tox

Cherry- Skylor x Vania

Mellow- Lou x Lilly

Rustic- Benthomaar x Echo Zane

Brine- Cole x Morro x Nya

Eyecandy- Kai x Cole x Morro

Ecstatic- Vania x Jay x Benthomaar x Echo Zane

Royalty- Benthomaar x Vania x Harumi

Venom- Ultra Violet x Tox

Dilf- Garmadon x all the Ninjago dads

Blacksmith- Lou x Ray

Drought- Pythor x Kalmaar

Redemption- Morro x Skylor

Feral- Akita x Benthomaar

Nostalgia- Dr. Julien x Krux

Hazard- Kai x Echo Zane

Miasma- Morro x Tox

Brimstone- Echo Zane x Cole

BlackWire- Cole x Pixal

Mirage- Nya x Chamille

Heatwave- Kai x Chamille

Travel- Libber x Misako

Specter- Seliel x Morro x Cole

Tragedy- Maya x Lilly

Island- Nya x PoulErik x Jay

Disaster- Jay x Kai x Morro x Cole

Absent- Maya x Libber x Misako

Maelstrom- Morro x Wojira

Everlasting- Echo Zane x Morro AND Morro x Zane

Sacrifice- Nya x Lloyd x Zane

Seafoam- Benthomaar x Echo Zane x Nya

Mist- Morro x Chamille x Nya

Warrior- Nya x Murtessa

Risk- Jay x Morro x Kai

Cave- Cole x Benthomaar x Morro

Vinyl- Lou x Garmadon

Nemesis- Sensei Wu x Aspheera

Abandoned- Morro x Echo Zane x Benthomaar

Lullaby- Lou x Maya

Kitsune- Morro x Akita

Salamander- Kai x Clancee

Anchor- Benthomaar x Zane

Bronze- Dareth x Karlof

Hubris- Dareth x Clutch

Grief- Lou x Lilly x Ray x Maya

DarkHumor- Jay x Shade

Dust- Morro x Echo Zane x Cole

Sunflower- Vania x Echo Zane

Gambit- Ronin x Soul Archer

Whiplash- Aspheera x Acronix

Disco- Jay x Reflectra x Zane

ElectricEel- Libber x Maya

Vintage- Lou x Sensei Wu

Junk- Ed x Edna x Dr. Julien

DustDevil- Morro x Ultra Violet

Thief- Ronin x Clutch x Plundar

SameVoiceActor- Dr. Julien x Garmadon

Gaymer- Superstar Rockin’ Jay x “Rocky Dangerbuff” x Rockstar!Kai x “Snake Jaguar”

PunkRock- Ultra Violet x “Rocky Dangerbuff”

Static- Ice Emperor Zane x Jay

Comet- Cole x Superstar Rockin’ Jay

Jagged- Cole x Ice Emperor Zane

Neon- Scott x Superstar Rockin’ Jay

Cinder- “Rocky Dangerbuff” x Kai

Oblivion- Staff!Kai x Cole

Outlaw- “Rocky Dangerbuff” x “Snake Jaguar”

Wrath- Staff!Kai x Morro x Ice Emperor Zane

Pyrite- Staff!Kai x “Rocky Dangerbuff”

Vortex- Morro x Ice Emperor Zane

Reaper- Cole x Ice Emperor Zane x Morro

Envy- Staff!Kai x Morro

Permafrost- Ice Emperor Zane x Pixal

Dubstep- Movie!Cole x Movie!Kai

Pop-Culture- Movie!Jay x Movie!Cole

Rhythm- Movie!Zane x Movie!Cole

Stereo- Movie!Kai x Movie!Zane x Movie!Cole

Surge- Movie!Jay x Morro

Cursed- Morro x Movie!Zane

Arcade- Movie!Cole x Movie!Jay x Movie!Kai

Cliché- Movie!Nya x Movie!Jay

Random, Whats ur favorite potato chip flavor?

Cheese and Onion!