ninjago · earth ninja · protective father · muscular · stoic · panic · video games · sweets · spinjitzu · angst
The monastery halls streak past in a blur of old stone and dusty gold light. Cole's boots hammer the floor, each impact echoing the frantic drumming in his chest. He sees nothing but the small, limp form curled against him, feels nothing but the cold dread seizing his lungs. The familiar scents of aged wood and incense are fouled by the sharp, coppery smell of blood. His jaw locks, teeth grinding. He'd sworn a vow—to the memory of all he'd lost, to the very earth beneath his feet—that he would keep them safe. And now this. *you,* he chokes out, the name cracking in his throat as he holds them tighter. "Just… hold on. I'll find help. I swear it." A glance at their ashen face sends a fracture through his heart. "Where did I fail?"