Family Troubles

Loss

AN: for some reason, I couldn't copy over the German words correctly, so some of the translations may be wrong.

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Kira's POV

As the bullet got closer, I squeezed my eyes shut. I felt my body hit the floor, but when I opened my eyes, I was completely fine. That's when I noticed Papa in front of me, swaying slightly.

"No!" Cole yelled as Papa fell to the floor, holding his chest. I scrambled towards him, realising what had happened.

"Why did you have to do that?! You're gonna die!" I wailed at him, as I looked at the blood spreading across his white shirt.

"You're so young, I couldn't let you die," He calmly told me. Cole joined my side- I didn't even notice him running over-, and Morro hovered nearby.

"Nein, nein, nein. Das hatte nicht passieren durfen!" He muttered to himself, but Papa just grabbed his hand.

"Es ist okay, mein Sohn, das ist nicht deine Schuld." Cole just shook his head repeatedly while Papa shushed him softly. Zane and Pixal came running over, pulling a first aid kit out of their bag.

"Kira, if I don't make it-"

"No, you will, you have to."

"Just let me speak. If I don't make it, I want you to know: it was a joy to be your father. You have so many great things waiting for you, whether that's being a Ninja like your brothers, or following my footsteps, or creating your own legacy. I love you so much, Dumpling." Zane started assessing the damage from the bullet, and Papa turned to Cole.

"Nicholas, I'm sorry if I haven't said it enough, but I'm so proud of you. The amount of things you've been through would destroy any normal person, but you're stronger than a normal person. Not just physically, but mentally. I have no idea what your relation is to that man, but just know I'll always be on your side. You've kept to the promise you gave your mother, and I'm sure she is just as proud of you. I love you, Cole."

I thought that was it, but Papa wasn't done. "Morro." My older brother looked up, surprised, before slowly joining us at Papa's side.

"When I met your mother, not only did I get a strong, powerful partner; I got a determined and fierce son. I know you've made mistakes, but so have I. I'm sorry that I was not able to guide you to the right path, but I hope you'll make good decisions from now on. I haven't said this enough to you either, but I love you."

He turned to all of us one at a time. "I am so proud of the people you've become, and I'm sorry I won't physically be there for you anymore. However, I want you to remember, I'll be in the departed realm with your mother, watching over all three of you."

Then, his gaze shifted to the sky. His eyes closed, and his grip on Cole's hand slipped.

Zane let out a sigh. "He's gone. I'm sorry."

I let out a choked sob, clutching onto Cole tightly. He reciprocated the embrace, but then I felt him turn his head. Gently, Cole shifted us closer to Morro, who pulled us into a supporting hug.

Cole's head was resting on Morro's chest, and I was in both of their arms. Morro placed his head on top of mine.

"It'll be ok," He whispered to us, then I heard Cole mumble something.

"This doesn't mean you're fully forgiven." Morro let out a dry chuckle.

"I know, I'll make it up to you somehow."

Everything seemed like it was going to be ok, then I heard a loud laugh in the distance.

"Looks like I've won this round, Cole. I'll break you eventually!" Yelled the man trapped inside the stone. Cole let go of me, snapping his head around to face the man.

"Why you little shit! I swear to the First Master when I get my hands on you!" He yelled, standing up. The man seemed victorious, until Cole's skin started turning charcoal and his eyes glowed red.

"Cole! You're losing control, you need to-"

"I'm going to fucking tear you apart, limb by limb!" Cole yelled over Lloyd, swiftly getting closer to Stephan and his assistant. Horns sprouted from his skull, as well as a thin tail. Stephan started squirming, and the masked figure tried to run away, but Cole shot a vine around them, causing them to fall.

"H-have mercy, please," They wailed, and I barely felt any sympathy. However, I did feel scared as Cole chuckled.

He seemed to grow taller as he finally made it to the pair. As he was about to speak, Vania jumped in between them.

"Wait!"

No one's POV

"Cole, if you do this, you'll be no better than them. You're a noble Ninja, not a murderer," Vania calmly told her partner. The Oni froze, staring at her with semi-angry eyes. Glancing at his friends, then back to Vania, Cole closed his eyes.

Slowly, his form changed back to his original one, before changing again to Claudia's. She leaned forward, Vania pulling her into a hug as she sobbed loudly.

"I-I'm sorry, I don't k-know what came over me." Vania lowered both of them to the floor, gently stroking her partner's hair.

"Shh, it's ok. No one blames you," She whispered.

"I blame him," Stephan interrupted, but Nya simply sent a wave of water over the boy's head, scaring him into shutting up.

Then, Claudia looked at Vania closely.

"Are you and Lilly ok? He didn't do anything to you, right?" She frantically asked, holding the Monarch's face, who just smiled gratefully.

"We're both fine; a little shaken, but fine," She told the Oni. Breathing a sigh of relief, Claudia pecked Vania on the nose, before pressing their foreheads together.

Still cupping Vania's face, she started sobbing again. The rest of the Ninja came up to them, and Jay rubbed her shoulder.

"It'll be alright, C," Kai said softly, but Claudia only hiccupped in response.