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Cole was kneeling on the dirty and damaged floor, the earth underneath him uneven and messed up from the fight. It hadn’t even been a full week since he and the others defeated Empress Beatrix, and his team already moved on to put up against Ras and his warriors–almost as if the ninja-team was destined to be denied rest. They basically never got any.
The Earth Ninja panted, body shaking weakly after these what felt like hours of fighting without break. One thing was for sure; he was exhausted. And he was really up for a break.
“I got you, man,” Kai mumbled, himself not able to keep his figure up straight. The man leaned down, pushing a bruised arm underneath Cole’s shoulder to pull him up. An injured man helping an injured man, like the blind leading the blind.
“Thanks,” Cole answered quietly as the two of them would start walking across the now silent battlefield. With every passing step, the ninja let out another pained groan, while Kai was limping them forward.
Even the normally so laid-back Fire Ninja didn’t seem as smooth now, spitting on the ground several times on their way just to get the blood pooling up in his mouth out. During a fight with Ras himself, Kai accidentally bit onto his own tongue, causing him to either swallow the blood–which he would never do on purpose–or spit. Neither of these options was really pleasing to him, but it also wasn’t like there was any other.
“Is everyone alright?” Lloyd asked, concern hanging on the edge of his voice as his head kept turning. To outsiders, he might seem a bit all-over-the-place and frantic. But in reality, he only checked if everyone was there and alive.
Jay, Nya, Wyldfire were already by the leader’s side, Kai and Cole joining once their slow pace allowed it. Sora and Arin were further back, taking care of each other. Frak was somewhere further in the city, responsible to make sure the civilians were alright while Zane and P.I.X.A.L were still in the underground, trying to destroy a portal while the others fought whatever came out of it. So, it seemed like everyone was safe and sound. Good.
“Is it over?” Nya asked, wiping some blood off her cheek. Her eyes were fixated on the dead bodies of the enemies around. Who didn’t want to listen had to feel.
Normally, the ninja-team tried to fix things as peacefully as possible and avoid as much conflict as possible. But sometimes, in special cases, it had to happen like this.
And Cole, even though in pain, couldn’t help but grin.
Yes, he was tired. Yes, he was hungry and yes, he felt like he was about to collapse. But it was over now. Officially over.
He could go home now, be taken care of by his boyfriend and enjoy the company of his three, beautiful children. They were the reason he did all this and decided to just dive himself right back into danger when one was present. Because every muscle worked for his loved ones and for their safety.
It was hesitant–Cole’s nod–but still filled with certainty. “Looks like it i-”
Suddenly, it all went dark for the ninja. Before he could ever properly react, Cole found himself again in what seemed like a void… There was nothing! Just darkness and a smooth floor he could stand on.
To his surprise, his pain was also fully gone. As if it had never existed.
The air, wherever he was, was fresh and soothing to his skin. It was completely different to the smell of dirt and iron from the blood shed on the battlefield he stood on just a second ago.
“Hello?” Cole called out, a frown forming on his face. Where the fuck was he? The man’s concern only deepened when he didn’t get a response. He was alone. All of his friends were gone!
“Hello!” Cole shouted through the endless darkness, breath heavening. Just when he thought that he was done and could return home… It was as if someone saw the glimmer of hope in his eyes and decided to crush it.
“Hello, Cole,” a deep voice suddenly answered.
It came from right behind the ninja!
Immediately, Cole turned around, face palening the moment he made eye contact with whatever was awaiting him.
Across his whole view stretched a huge silhouette; a dragon. But not just a dragon. It was huge! Bigger than any dragon Cole has ever seen. And not just that. The ninja could feel an immense, almost overwhelming power coming from the mighty beast. Stronger and more brutal than the screams he heard from the earth when the Source Dragon of Balance had died.
But still, he wouldn't shy back. Something—even though he didn't know what—made him stay firmly against the ground he was standing on.
It was as if he shared a connection with the one in front of him.
He just wanted to take the sight in; the deep, dark yellow eyes burying into him. The huge, golden horns, the rocky figure and black scales. Whatever this thing was was bigger than any living being Cole had ever laid his eyes upon.
He wouldn't dare to start a fight. Because even though Cole might be one of the strongest human mortals there were, this dragon was stronger. No doubt.
"Who are you? And why am I here?" Cole took a tiny step closer. In his head, he should be scared, maybe try to run away. But the connection was too strong. He felt like he could trust the other.
"I am the Source Dragon of Strength. And I have brought you here, Cole, to thank you."
The Earth Master huffed surprised, eyes widening. 'Source Dragon of Strength? That explained the connection. He is the source of my elemental power!'
"But, I don't understand. What have I done?"
"You beat Ras in the final battle. For many years, me and my siblings hid away from the mortals to keep the balance in the seventeen realms up. But now, that you and your team have found out about our existence, I feel I can no longer ignore you."
Cole just stared, not daring to say a word. It was true! Only after the merge he had found out about these dragons. There nẃas no scroll or any other kind of prrof that they might exist. Since birth, he had just accepted that the elemental powers existed as their own—never owned by anyone.
"When I first created the earth, I was hesitant to give the power to the First Spinjitzu Master. I was worried he would find no man worthy of such power. It is my most precious element, and I would have not accepted anyone but the best person to be it's owner."
"Who did he give it to?"
"A dragon. Her name was Ornate. After she passed, my powers passed down to her son. A son who never got kids. So, I let the earth power travel, to find a completely new master. A human."
"Grandfather."
"Benton, right. I was impressed by his power. And I was even more impressed by how his daughter controlled the earth. But one of the blood line stood out."
Cole swallowed, trying to take everything in. He already knew what was about to come.
"You, Cole, have been able to bend the mountains to your will as if they were just pebbles. You carried your family's legacy, and the one of my power on your shoulders alone. And you were the one to fascinate me most. For so many years, since your youth you have been fighting worthy enemies and proven yourself over and over again. Not one person was so linked with the element they could hear it talk to you. Except you."
The ninja bowed slightly, accepting the praise. Actually, he didn't feel like it. Yes, maybe he was strong, and maybe he was close to the earth, but was he really better than his mother? He had tried to demonstrate his worth so many times, and never felt like he was even an equal opponent to the woman his mother was. She was the mighty hero. Not him.
"I can feel your doubt,"
Cole's eyes snapped back to the dragon.
"but I am honest. I must thank you. Not only for saving the world, but handling my most precious power with the treatment it deserves. You use it rightfully, and were able to save the world, and with that, also us Source Dragons, many enough times for me to owe you something."
"It is really okay. It is an honor to carry the title."
"But a title is not enough," The Source Dragon of Strength got in between. He was unsatisfied with it. Especially after how he had treated the ninja team these past few months; as if they didn't have what it takes. But he was proven wrong—horribly wrong. "I want to give you an actual gift. One wish. One I will grant you, no matter the circumstances."
"One wish?" the other repeated in a gentle whisper, eyes softening slightly.
"I can feel that your heart is longing for something. Something that you cannot get with no amount of magic. But I can. I can give it to you."
Cole stared into the Source Dragon's eyes. He was right. Cole did have a wish laying heavy on his heart. One he had been wanting for years. But he held it for impossible—that there was nothing in the world able to grant it.
Suddenly, everything around him felt warm. The possibility of that becoming his reality made his hair stand up. Was that really an option? Was there a chance his dreams might come true?
Because if there were…the dragon would know the answer.
"Yes, I want it. Please."
"Ow, my head!" Nya whined, rubbing her temples as she got shot back into consciousness. Her mind is all over the place after just having talked with the Source Dragon of Flow.
She looked around, finding herself back on the battlefield. The first one to catch her attention was Kai, busy waving a sick-looking sword around.
"Hey, look!" he grinned, showing it to his sister with a proud grin.
"Did you also get a wish?" she asked, crossing her arms.
Just as expected, he nodded, "The Source Dragon of Motion gave me this! Sick, isn't it?"
"That is what you used your wish for?" Jay yelled, chiming in. His words came out louder than expected. But he just couldn't understand how you can get one wish from the mighties being in the universe and ask for a sword! A sword!!!
"Oh," Kai frowned, waving his weapon around a bit, "we got a problem? Come on! What did you ask for from the Source Dragon of Energy, huh?"
"For something more logical than you!"
"And that would be?"
"For my elemental power not being able to be stolen ever again until I am dead!"
Kai stopped, expression softening, "Damn, you are right, that is a good wish! Why didn't I wish for that?"
At that moment, Zane walked up, putting a cold hand onto Kai's shoulder. He smiled softly, shrugging, "Well, at least you got a cool sword."
"What did you ask for, popsicle?"
The nindroid's smile brightened, "Nothing. Well, I asked the Source Dragon of Focus to tell me about the realms to expand my knowledge. We had some interesting conversations about the world, their powers and the First Spinjit-"
"Booooring!" Jay whined, looking around, "By the way! Where's Cole?"
'Where's Cole?"—Good question. Where was Cole?
The two simple words ripped everyone out of their arguments, turning their heads to look for their friend.
Though! He wasn't far off! Just a few meters away!
But something was off. Cole was kneeling on the dirty floor, head hanging low to his lap. He seemed unmoving—like a statue or something. To that, he also seemed to be unresponsive, as if whatever he was experiencing right now kept him in a sort of trance.
Kai was the first to make his way, jogging over to his friend. "Cole! Bud!" he called, stopping once he reached the Master of Earth.
Obviously, he was curious about what made the other this distant, checking on him.
To his surprise, Cole had tears resting on his cheeks, not even bothering to look up at Kai.
It made the fire ninja curious, eyes falling immediately to what was in his friend's arms.
He noticed quickly.
Before the others could join, Kai held his hand up, making them stop. "I think I know what Cole wished for."
Geo was in the Monastery, pacing up and down the training area.
"I don't get it! Cole and the others should have been back long ago! What in the world held them up for so long?" he threw his hands up in the air in frustration, head shooting to Mr. Frohicky.
The frog gave the hybrid an apologetic smile, shrugging, "I am sure they are fine. You know them!"
And as if Frohicky had jinxed it, the big gates opened with a forceful push!
"The ninjas!" Geo smiled widely, running over, "What took you so long? I have been worried sick about you all!" he scolded, looking through the small crowd. His eyes were searching for someone specific.
"Cole!"
Cole had his head still down, Geo's voice finally able to break through him. The ninja looked up, meeting eyes with his lover.
Geo had a firm standing position, gaze traveling over the other's face. He looked exhausted; covered in dirt, mud, scars, a living nightmare! Not because he was worried about Cole.
Well, that too. But mainly because Geo was the one responsible to take care of Cole, which was basically impossible! The second one scar was patched up, a new one showed up. Even better if it's not a scratch but a whole broken bone.
Happens way more than one might think.
"Oh, one day your constant hero-playing will give me a heart attack! And then you will be the one looking stupid with a dead boyfriend!" Geo complained.
But Cole just smiled tiredly, walking over before shoving something into the Munce's arms.
At first, Geo was surprised, not expecting Cole to get him something. It felt warm, soft and actually quite heavy, making him look down to what he was holding.
Staring back at him were two, big brown eyes.
A baby.
A boy.
He was so small! With dark, golden skin and black, fuzzy hair… He was completely naked, wrapped into a soft piece of Cole's attire to keep him warm.
The kid's most outstanding feature though were the many, little purple spots splattered around his face; as if they were painted on! To that, he had long, yet tiny ears! His hands were completely purple!
"Our son, Geo," Cole said with a raspy voice. The fight had really exhausted him, leaving him tired and dependent. Not even his legs were able to hold up properly, forcing him to lean against Geo's body. "Made from your and my DNA. As if he were really our own."
Geo didn't respond. He didn't find the words to. Didn't find anything, except the courage to lift his one hand, letting his finger dangle over the baby' face.
The little one laughed as a response, kicking his legs slightly as he tried to grab the finger.
Tears welled up in the Munce's eyes. He couldn't believe it. He had a son. An own, real son. And Cole was the second biological father… "How?" his voice broke, turning to his boyfriend, who could only chuckle, "A wish. From the Source Dragon of Strength himself. So, he is truly ours."
"You mean…"
"Yes."
Geo turned back to the kid, sniffing as the first tear fell. It was so cute… and fully his own.
"I was thinking Nate?"
"Nate?" Geo asked, inspecting the baby's face for a moment before a bright smile drew onto his quivering lips, "Nate is good. Really good."
"He got your ears."
"I know!" the Munce grinned, "he is half mine!"