Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Wait no, you don’t understand!” shouted Cole-- er, Rocky Dangerbuff -- as he and his partner in crime were escorted away from the bar alongside several SOG members. “We’re not actually criminals! We’re undercover!”

“Yes,” urged Snake Jaguar as he was locked into handcuffs, “Just ask the Commissioner, he will tell you that we are the Ninja, we are investigating the Sons of Garmadon.”

“Heh, yeah right,” snickered the cop arresting them as he pushed them into a police vehicle, “Like we haven’t heard that one before.” With that, he closed the car door and the two were off to Kryptarium Prison. 

“Warden,” whined Rocky upon being shoved into a cell in the prison, “It’s me, Cole! You know, one of the Ninja?” 

“And I assure you, I am Zane,” argued Snake Jaguar.

The Warden chuckled. “Nice try boys. My men told me you told him the same thing. But we’re sharp here.” Unmoved, the warden continued to shove them down the hallway of crooks. “Zane,” hissed Dangerbuff, “Turn off the cloak! Then he’s gotta recognize you.”

“You are right, Cole. That is a good idea.” The disguised Ninjdroid attempted to remove the disguise to no avail. “Um…” 

“Um?!” panicked the other inmate. 

“Um, I believe my cloaking device was damaged by the Sons of Garmadon. I cannot seem to shut it off at the moment.”

“Oh come on!’ complained the master of earth. 

Meanwhile the Warden chuckled again and shut the cell door. “You two play nice with your new cellmate, now,” said the warden in parting. 

“What?” questioned the now-imprisoned Rocky. “Ok Zane, we need to work on getting out of here. What if we--” before he could formulate any sort of plan, the two heard a strange cry in the cell, like a coo of a dove. 

“Hoooo whooo dares intrude on the lair of Fugidove!!?” spoke a voice from the back of the cell. 

“Fugidove?” echoed Zane, eyes searching the cell and head cocked inquisitively to the side.

 “WHAT?! You’ve never heard of the terror that flaps in the night of the skies, the arch-enemy to the Ninja, Fugidove before?!” asked the owner of the stage voice, stepping into the line of sight and posing dramatically, bringing his wings into full view. 

“Ah, the name makes more sense now,” said Zane, nodding calmly upon getting a look at their wing-wearing inmate. “That is quite clever,” he complimented, smiling smally when he processed the pun. 

“ZAAAane!’ Cole hissed under his breath once more, “Don't compliment the criminal! We kinda need to get out of here, remember?”

 On the other hand, Fugidove beamed at the praise, “ooHo HO! Someone finally respects the powerful wit of Fugidove? You may be worthy of sharing my cell after all. Tell me, fan of Fugidove, what is your name?” 

“Oh,” said Zane, remembering to get back into character. Putting on his tough voice he replied, “I am Snake Jaguar.”

“And I’m Rocky Dangerbuff,'' inputted disguised Cole, gruffly adjusting his hat. 

Fugidove cooed appreciatively at the names. “Well, Snake Jaguar, you and your friend here have landed in the good graces of Fugidove.”

He keeps saying his name like we’ll forget it or something Cole thought to himself (with a hardly visible eye roll.) While he was thinking this the villain leaned towards them conspiratorially, whispering, “Since you obviously have good taste, I'll let you in on a secret.” He jerked his head up, looked through the doors birdlike, before putting his head down again. “I’m planning a great breakout! It was going to only be me, but you two can be my minions!”

“Uh. No,” replied Cole bluntly, dropping character for a moment. He quickly realized and corrected, clearing his throat, “Ahem. I mean, I don’t think so. Rocky Dangerbuff doesn't need anyone, ‘cept his buddy Snake Jaguar,” he hastily added.

Zane caught on, and nodded as well, “It is the same for me,” Snake Jaguar replied. 

Fugidove narrowed his eyes at the rejection, cooing angrily, “Fine then. But you will regret the day you rejected the assistance and leadership of Fugidove. My brother is outside these walls, waiting to start a criminal empire covering the skies at any moment. When I am the most powerful villain in all of Ninjago, you will remember this moment!”

With a huff and a condescending coo, Fugidove went back, deeper into the cell and settled into his bed. Cole sighed in relief. Criminals were so weird. At least now they just needed to focus on getting out of here. 

Chapter Text

The reporter gasped as she saw a monstrous metal dragon fly over her head. “Get the camera on that Vin!” She pointed excitedly at the metallic battle going on just above her own head. The scared but determined cameraman shakily lifted the camcorder on his shoulder towards the action, and then back to the female reporter. 

“WOW! Ninjago City, we are witnessing one heck of a brawl! Our green protector has come once again to save us from a mechanical menace from overseas. No doubt another Garmadon attack!” the reporter beamed as she announced the battle behind her. 

Just then the Dragon was blasted out of the sky and crash landed near the beach just off of the old train depot. Gayle was shocked that one of Ninjago’s defenders crashed so nearby and she gave her cameraman THAT look. That look that he knew ment no good. “Come on Vinnie!” she prompted, running towards the scene of the crash and he had no choice but to follow her lead. 

“We have to go and talk to him! Never before has the city seen the Green Ninja outside of his mech! This is our big chance for a real story and--” Vinnie glared judgmentally at his partner. “I mean…” she laughed nervously, “We should probably make sure he is ok. That was some crash.”

 With that, the two ventured off, navigating their way through the multitude of streets in downtown Ninjago City, making tremendous time (You must know your way around a large city when you are a dedicated and trusted news outlet).  They rounded a corner and spotted the damaged mech. Gayle Gossip saw a young boy, a teenager no doubt, kicking the broken hatch in frustration, muttering to himself. 

She looked at her watch and grumbled, “Not live again till the night time scoop. Vinnie we’ll need to record this all for the time being.” She adjusted her crouching stance and continued, “ Be ready with that camera! This could be it! The biggest scoop of the century! The Identity of the Green Ninja!” She peeked her head out from the corner once more to see the young boy look around several times before taking off his mask to reveal none other than local villian Garmadon’s one and only son. Lloyd Garmadon?

“Guys, please. Can anyone read me?” The ninja cried in distress, smacking his phone to turn on, to no avail. It appeared to have broken in the crash. “Ugh Great. Just Great!” He yelled, pouting while leaning against the side of his grounded dragon mech. 

“Did you see that Vinnie! He’s the son of Ninjago’s arch nemesis! Ooo Now I have to get that interview!” She got up from her hiding spot, microphone in hand without any word from her hesitant friend. “Excuse me! May I have an interview with our Green Defender?” she greeted loudly. The question startled Lloyd and he immediately retreated back into his hood. 

“Hi- Uh. AHEm. Umm”, He stuttered through his shock, “Hello Citizen,” the boy scrambled for what words or voices could conceal his identity, but Gayle quickly remarked, “You can drop the act Green Hero. I know who you are,” Gayle waved a hand on her hip, casually trying to contain her joy of the moment. 

Lloyd removed his mask and sulked down to the floor, wrapping a tight arm around his legs, and burying his face between his knees. Defeated, he asked, “You… Are you recording this? Recording me?”

“I um…” she turned to Vinnie still holding the camera up high and returned her glare with a simple shrug, emphasizing the camera was indeed still rolling. “I wanted to ask you some questions and--” 

“Well, I don’t wanna answer them!!” he snapped, head tilted towards her, still resting in the pocket his legs had formed for it. “Just post your ‘Ninja Exposed’ video and leave me alone!”

Gayle took a step back, aghast at the furious response. She thought uncovering the mystery of the Green Warrior would be a huge scoop. The biggest day of her life. But seeing this young teen on the verge of tears was not what she wanted. This isn’t what news should be. News shouldn’t… hurt people. Especially not those who work so hard for the city everyday of their life. She wanted a hit story, but not like this. In that moment, she signalled at Vinnie to stop the recording and swiftly moved to comfort the child. 

“We aren’t recording you. It’s alright,” she assured as Lloyd allowed his head to rise. “I still want to know about you and conduct an interview, if that’s alright. There are no cameras. Just talk to me.” 

Lloyd shook his head slowly in agreement. He found it comforting to speak to someone so confident yet naturally curious. She asked questions that allowed him to vent, but was always kind about whatever answer he chose, even if he didn’t have one at all. It was… nice. Very nice indeed. They talked and laughed all afternoon. 

Chapter Text

Acronix looked down at his phone, grinning as he gained another follower on his Instabook account. Endless praise and admiration from complete strangers just for saying what he thought! The future was truly amazing!

Scrolling through his feed, he noticed a new comment on his latest “World Domination Update”. 

Purple_Ninja: The ninja will stop you y’know

His smile immediately fell and he scoffed hard. Hard enough that his nerd brother actually looked up from what he was doing. 

“Brother, what could possible be so engaging on that foolish device that you have to shatter my peace?”

Typing up a scathing reply to the commenter, he told his twin, “Just some loser on the internet who doesn’t know what they’re talking about.” He sent the reply, feeling vindicated. 

“Wouldn’t that be everyone on the internet?” snarked his brother drily. 

But Acronix was not listening to his brother. He was too busy refreshing the page to see what his hater would have to say to his scathing retort. He didn’t have to wait very long. 

Purple_Ninja: Plz. I’ve gone through ur whooole account. 

Purple_Ninja: I think your brother does all the work

Purple_Ninja: >:p

Acronix sputtered at the accusation. “That is SO not true!” He shouted while typing the same message. 

At this point Krux was morbidly curious enough about what had happened to make his twin so upset. So he hesitantly leaned over his shoulder to look at the exchange. And well, he hated technology but loved what he saw. 

“Maybe some people do have sense on the internet after all, “ he told his brother with a smirk, “This ‘Purple Ninja’ has a good eye for true talent.” 

“Shut up Krux! You don’t know the internet. This-- this is just some trolling kid!’ He huffed, turning his back and concealing the phone so his snooping brother could no longer see. 

Purple_Ninja: Ur gonna have to block me then!

Purple_Ninja: Cause Ninja Never Quit

Purple_Ninja: ; )

Acronix huffed in anger once more, death glaring at his phone. Krux raised a brow, “Fishing for lobsters or not, he seems to have gotten under your skin.”

“That’s not what trolling… Oh nevermind!!” Acronix shouted at his brother dismissively. With that he promptly blocked “Purple_Ninja”. 

Across the city, Nelson smiled at the message. Even though he was still on crutches, he felt like he had done something just annoying one of the Ninja’s enemies at least. It may not have been much, but the Purple Ninja considered it a success. 

Chapter Text

The Metalonion parted from his band of misfits. After being trapped underground together the three self proclaimed Upplies could use a break with their loved ones back home. As Korgran approached a small village he saw a large white snake from the corner of his eye. 

“Serpent? But serpent are old child's tale.” Korgran whispered loudly in that fake barbarian voice he put on to sound tough. “What do you think?” he asked his axe, holding it close to his ear awaiting an answer. The axe wielder nodded at his weapon as if it responded and rushed through the town, catching up to the slithering creature just exiting town. 

Korgran led out a mighty battle cry as he raised his axe above his head to slice what he believed as a menace. The serpent dodged the first blow but was quickly brought to the ground with the strength of the fully grown warrior.

“Get off me you brute! Don’t you know I’m the savior of Ninjago!!?” he yelped on the ground, struggling to get free under the massive weight pinning him down. 

“Savior? A hero like Korgran?” The metalonian relinquished his grasp on the anacondrai.  Pythor rose and adjusted his neck from the fall. “I assure you my victory is far greater than anything you’ve accomplished. I’ve saved Ninjago from another Serpentine War!” he remarked, dusting himself off from the previous attack. 

“Korgan stop war too! The war of Geckle and Muntz. Korgran defeat evil wizard and skeletons with his mighty axe,” the warrior held up his axe and struck a grand hero pose, “Korgran hero too!” 

Pythor narrowed his already narrow eyes at the barbarian condescendingly. “Whatever,” he spit before slithering off into places unknown. 

“What kind snake creature. Guess stories were wrong.” Korgran conversed with his axe as he ventured back home. 

KORGRANNNNNNN!

Chapter Text

“Wow, you are pirates?” asked the teen with a wide, inappropriately cheerful smile for being captured by pirates, “That is so ‘cool’. I myself am a totally normal human teen.” 

“Uhhh…” stammered the newly officiated pirates, unsure what to do with their chatty victim. 

“That’s -- er, uh, tha’ be correct,” intimidated Bucko, after sharing a glance with Squiffy, “And since yo-- ye be our captive, you have to do what we ask!” 

“Oh, no,” intoned the boy, not looking any less cheerful, “That is a problem.” 

“Yeah, you bet it is!” confidently chimed in Squiffy, who was then nudged by his friend for his lack of dedication to character. Quickly recovering, he adjusted his unnecessary eyepatch and added threateningly, “Don’t be botherin’ to struggle. No one will be comin for ye.” 

“Ooh, that was a good line,” praised Bucko in a hushed aside. 

Though the youth kept the same disturbingly wide smile, both pirates noticed a change in his attitude. “My totally human senses calculate that you are very misguided in this theory. My friends will be coming for me. And,” he said, turning his shockingly blue eyes to Squiffy, “My friend Kai would tell you that that was not a very ‘cool’ line.” 

Before the pirates’ eyes, the rope around the boy began to become covered in frost. Before they could react, the rope froze and shattered, and they found their legs encased in ice -- unable to move. 

Gaping, they stared as the boy hovered rather than walked to the edge of the ship, looking over his shoulder at them as he did. Like, looking 180° over his shoulder, causing Squiffy to gag slightly at the sight. Unbothered by their shock, he gave them some parting words, “Here is a better line for you. You two need to ‘chill out’.” 

His head rotated back to facing forwards, and the nindroid smiled to himself. “Kai would be proud of me,” he said, nodding to himself, before leaving the ship and the shocked pirates behind. 

Chapter Text

“Ok, so like this?” wondered the spiky-haired boy, trying to mimic the move that had been shown to him by the new sensei. 

To his dismay, the older man hmmed in disappointment, shaking his head. “No, no, that’s completely incorrect.” Using his staff, Garmadon adjusted his stance while simultaneously moving his arms as well. Stepping back, the man appraised his work, nodding. “There. Now, run it again.”

Kai groaned loudly. He was starting to think he preferred Master Wu’s method of training. At least then he could goof off. This was way more like school. And, well, school had never really been his thing. 

“You're harsh, Sensei G,” he complained, but he did try to do the move again with the corrected stance. 

“Perhaps. But only out of necessity,” the previous lord’s expression turned dark, reflecting, “the world is a dangerous place, Kai. I know in your youthful optimism it might not seem like it but that is why I want to prepare you,” muttering, still a bit confused on the subject he added, “There are far worse people across the realms than my double.” 

Kai stopped entirely in his drill, staring at the sensei sadly. This Garmandon was absolutely nothing like the one he knew. That Garmadon never exactly made it a secret how he was feeling. This one was way quieter and more introverted. Funnily enough (or maybe not, all things considered), he reminded him a lot of Lloyd. Lloyd could be a huge downer, too. 

“Hey man, that’s not totally true,” argued/comforted the teen. 

“Oh?” wondered the man, a bit surprised to be hearing this from Kai. His Kai was usually far more pessimistic. “Maybe not,” he conceded, shrugging his shoulders, “With all my years I just prefer to veer on the side of caution, I suppose.” 

Kai studied him for a long moment. Now, he may not have been considered all that smart (his grades certainly proved that point), but he did know when someone on the team was hurting. Especially his lil’ bro Lloyd. And this looked exactly like that. Holding his arms open, he said to the sensei, “Sounds like you need a hug.” 

Garmadon just stared at the offered open arms. He wasn’t...entirely opposed to hugs. It was just odd to see someone who looked just like his Kai offering one so spontaneously. The Kai from his world just always kept a respectful distance from him, he supposed. 

Unrelentingly, the high schooler wiggled his fingers, still holding his arms out invitingly. “C’mon man. If you don’t hug me I’m just gonna hug you anyway,” he threatened cheerily. 

Hesitatingly, Sensei Garmadon stepped forwards, and the teenager met him halfway, pulling him into a strong embrace. The hug was warm -- probably from the boy’s internal fire powers, Garmadon thought -- and he patted his back firmly a couple of times before pulling back away. 

“Don’t be so down, dude,” he comforted with a wide smile, “Not everything sucks.” 

With some surprise, Garmadon found that he was smiling as well. Even if it may not have been true, there was certainly something to be said about the power of this boy’s optimism. “Yes, well, I will try to remember that, won’t I?” 

Kai beamed where he stood and the sensei’s smile turned more into a mischievous grin. “But,” he added, “We still aren’t finished with training, yet.” 

That put a dent in the fire ninja’s spirits, and he groaned, but Sensei Garmadon’s grin remained. “So back to work!” he exclaimed cheerily. 

Kai groaned again, a bit louder, and the Sensei couldn’t help but chuckle at the sound. 

“You’re harsh Sensei G,” Kai reiterated, but even so he was fighting off a grin as well as he got back into a fighting stance. 

Chapter Text

“So...you say you’re one of Cole’s...acquaintances?” asked Lou tensely, taking a steadying sip of his tea. Across from him the large ( enormous ! And uncultured, and unhygienic, and why was it Cole seemed to have his mother’s knack for attracting strange company?) man played with the singer’s delicate china teacup. 

Cradling his large axe in the crook of his arm, the metalonian took a sloppy sip from his own cup, all the while Lou prayed to the gods above that he wouldn’t break it. Setting the cup back down less-than-gently the visitor nodded, answering, “Cole is treasured friend of Korgran,” he struck a fist on his bare chest, adding in a booming voice, “We are Upplies!” 

“Uh-huh,” nodded the Royal Blacksmith flatly, internally lamenting at the behavior, “Well…” he said out loud in a tight, polite voice, “It’s a... pleasure to meet you, Korgran.”

“Thank you,” replied the man completely oblivious to social etiquette. He then leaned over, placing his ear to the blade of his axe. The large man then nervously picked the cup back up, playing with it in his hands once again and looking suddenly sheepish. “Ah, right,” he said as if he someone just reminded him of something, “Father of Cole, he tells me you are a King of Blacksmiths.”

“A Royal Blacksmith,” the mustached man swiftly corrected. Honestly, he was wondering if he should change that name. People were always getting it confused. 

Korgran just nodded, “Yes, like Korgran said, blacksmith like royalty. Sooo…” the man rubbed at the back of head, held the axe up to his ear again, then nervously added, “Can Korgran have job?”

“What?” exclaimed Lou in complete confusion. 

Korgran mistook his confusion for reluctance, and held his hands out imploringly, “Korgran knows much about weapons! Can be good blacksmith!” The warrior tapped his index fingers together anxiously, looking more the part of a nervous middle schooler than a full grown barbarian. In a softer voice, he added, “Korgran’s father kicked Korgran out of house for being ‘lazy bum’ and ‘delusional disgrace to family clan’.” He scoffed loudly, crossing his arms and glaring into space (presumably, Lou thought, at his absent father), “Korgran’s father not understand.” 

Lou gave himself a minute to digest all of that, sipping at his teacup to buy time. 

Delusional sounds about right , he thought to himself, but he just prevented himself from saying so aloud. Realy, who dressed like that or acted like some savage in this day and age? It made him wonder, though, just what Korgran’s father was like. From the sound of the quotes the warrior gave, it sounded like he wasn’t much like his son. 

“Why would your father say a thing like that?” he found himself asking aloud. When the metalonian gave him a strange look, Lou cleared his throat and made up an elaboration, “You’re hardly selling yourself here, lad. Some...context could be beneficial before I decide anything.” 

Visibly, exaggeratingly thinking it over, the guest soon bought the explanation, nodding vigorously. Arms still crossed, Korgran explained disdainfully, “Korgran want to be adventurous warrior -- like metalonians of old! Korgran’s father not understand, expects Korgran to help with accounting and business , bah!” he scoffed, waving his hands dismissively. Brightening, he leaned onto the table that sat between the two men -- Lou wincing as the wood creaked under the weight -- and continued, “But you are father of Cole ! You out of anyone would understand Korgran!”

Well, I suppose he’s right about that, thought the Royal Blacksmith, grinning wryly. Shaking his head, he spoke from experience, “Korgran, I’m sure your father can understand more than you realize.” That got Korgran’s attention, and his eyes were fixed on the man in front of him in disbelief. Looking up at him, Lou said, “I’m not so sure that a job is what you’re really looking for here.” 

The disbelief on the warrior’s face turned to puzzlement at the remark, his whole head tilting in the progress. “Wha? What do you think Korgran is looking for, then, if not job?” 

With the same wry smile, Lou explained, “Just speaking from personal experience, I’d say you’re looking for someone who accepts your...unusual life decisions.” Looking aside, he mused, “Us fathers want what’s best for our sons, but our version of ‘best’ isn’t always right.” Turning back to his guest, he said, “Talk to your father. He may be set in his ways, but I’m sure you’ll be better for it if you do.” 

Chuckling, he ended, “Besides, I couldn’t give you a job anyway. I’m Royal Blacksmith -- a musician. I...somehow doubt you’d find a suitable place here.” 

Chapter Text

“Mr Grand Sensei Dareth, sir?” piped a voice from the beaded curtains of Dareth’s Mojo Dojo while said man was “practicing” his forms. 

“Just a sec, kid!” he shouted over his shoulder as he attempted one more spinning kick on a training dummy, only to end up sliding to the floor. Nonplussed, he picked himself up and dusted himself off before turning around to face his new visitor. “What can I do ya for?” 

Nervously playing with his hands, Nelson built up his courage, reminding himself that Ninja Never Quit, and pushed his way through the beaded doorway. “I was wondering if I could train here, sir. I-I heard that the Green Ninja learned everything he knew here, and I wanna be just like him! So please teach me!” he ended quickly. 

Dareth scratched his chin thoughtfully at the claim and chuckled guiltily, “Well, uh, you’re kinda right. Lloyd trained here , but, uh, I wasn’t exactly the one that trained him,” Dareth smiled crookedly at the mix-up, but quickly reassured the prospective student, “But, hey, I can still teach ya! You-you know, if you want,” he ended uncertainty, wondering if he had accidentally turned away the new student (he really needed some students soon, it was getting difficult to justify keeping this place open. Fewer and fewer seemed to want his sensei skills for some reason). 

But Nelson wasn’t worried about any of that, instead his jaw was hanging open at what Dareth had called the Green Ninja, “You know the Green Ninja by name ?” he asked in awe. 

“Well…” said Dareth, rubbing at the back of his head and feigning modesty, “Not to brag, but I am kinda one of the Ninja’s allies. Helped the save the city. My buddy Lloyd knows he can always count on--” he pulled on his ninja hood with a flourish and got into a battle stance, “-- the Brown Ninja to help out when it’s needed!” 

“The Brown Ninja,” repeated the young ninja-fan, still in awe and smiling widely at meeting someone who called his favorite of the Ninja “buddy”. 

The Brown Ninja chuckled again, good-naturedly, “Yup. But--uh,” he said, removing his hood and realizing he had gotten a little off track, “You came here for Grand Sensei Dareth, right?”

“No way!” exclaimed the tween, voice cracking slightly in excitement, “Oh wow!” he exclaimed to himself, “I can’t believe I’m meeting a Ninja!”

“Wow. You’re a big fan then, huh?” wondered Dareth, having never gotten such an enthusiastic response to meeting the Brown Ninja (not that he ever let that bother him, but still, this reaction was pretty nice). 

With a glimmer in his eyes, the youth pulled on his own homemade ninja hood, the whole fabric a vibrant purple. Standing in an equally heroic pose to Dareth’s previous he proclaimed, “Honorary Purple Ninja Nelson at your service!” 

The Brown Ninja’s smile widened proudly, “Hey- hey ! That’s awesome, kid!” Flipping his own hood back on, he posed beside the boy. The two posed dramatically a moment longer, but soon eventually got back to business. 

“Well, young Ninja,” commented Dareth with gravity, “We will begin your training immediately! Bow before your sensei,” intoned the sensei, one arm akimbo and the other gesturing solemnly in front of him. Equally solemnly, the Purple Ninja clasped his hands together and gave a formal bow to the Grand Sensei. Moving his hands as if knighting the young ninja, Dareth said, “I now pronounce you student of Grand Sensei Dareth AND,” he gave this part particular emphasis, winking at the eager student with a broad smile, “apprentice to the Brown Ninja. Rise, Purple Ninja.” Nelson did just that, his eyes shining proudly from underneath his hood. 

Dareth sauntered over to him, placing a hand on the tween’s shoulder. “From this day forth,” he proclaimed with the same air of importance, gesturing dramatically with his free hand, “I will train you with all that I know. As long as you remember to follow the Code of the Ninja,”

The Purple and Brown Ninja recited in unison, “Ninja never quit!”

Chapter Text

The formling paced down the maze of tunnels, her scowl deepening in irritation with every turn. She had managed to find her way to Lloyd’s realm of “Ninjago”, but so far it had been filled with nothing but caves, caves, caves. She hoped that he had not lied to her when he described the green fields and large buildings, but the longer she stayed here, the harder it became to believe there was anything outside of these dark, cramped, slime-filled passages. The claustrophobic tunnels were starting to make her wolf side antsy, and she picked up her pace -- desperate to find something more open. 

After far more navigating the twists and turns of the cave, she at last found a larger cavern. Warrior that she was, she would never admit to how she sighed in relief at finally finding a space with a ceiling larger than a few feet above her head. But she did not relax for long, instead scanning the new area for any potential threats. She heard a distant clanging and some muttering voices further down in the cavern, signalling that she wasn’t alone here. She carefully scented the air for more information, to find out what kind of people there may have been in this deep underground cavern. The sharp, iron-filled scent of metal -- possible weapons, she noted -- mixed with the musty slime-scent of mildew and mold that seemed to fill the whole stinking place. Amidst these unpleasant -- but still familiar -- smells was mingled one that she could not place. Puzzled, he sniffed the air again, trying to figure it out. It was an earthy scent, definitely alive-- almost like Krag but minus the mustiness of Krag’s fur-scent. The mystery was troubling, and shaking off her growing hesitation, she hovered her hand over her knife and decided to investigate further into the area in hopes of finding an answer to this puzzle. 

Circling the more open area, rolling behind the occasional stone (or wagon as she got further in) for cover, Akita made her way towards the voices. Finally she got near enough that she could see why the scent had made no sense. Around the area were creatures that she had never seen the likes of before, taller than even the strongest formling, some almost as heavily built as a bear, with skin the same color as the surrounding stone. She held her knife a little closer at the sight of so many obvious warriors, but the creatures paid her no notice. They were all occupied with their work, swinging hammers at clumps of rocks and playfully conversing with one another in gruff voices. They were smart, which could be very good or very bad. Akita knew well from experience that a cruel intelligent man was far worse than the most savage of wild beasts. 

Rolling forwards once again, she now crouched behind a cart laden with tools and stones, her clever eyes scanning for further signs of a threat. She saw nothing concerning, but observed that most of the creatures seemed to follow the orders of one central figure. This warrior walked to each pocket of laborers with a gate befitting a ruler, and Akita knew she was looking at the leader. 

Just as she made this deduction, she heard the concerning cry of “Rock slide!” from afar, and she was forced to roll into the open as a torrent of stones fell onto her hiding spot. 

So suddenly exposed, she grit her teeth in a snarl as she attracted the attention of the leader. 

“What’s this?” asked the head of the warriors in a loud voice, walking closer to the formling with powerful, purposeful strides. She (now that she was closer, Akita could tell she was dealing with a female fighter) surveyed Akita’s crouched form with confidence, her eyes taking in every detail in front of her. Akita knew this, because she was doing the same thing -- looking over the woman for weapons and any possible weaknesses. 

The formling growled in warning not to approach any further, clutching her knife in an iron grip. 

The Queen of the Munce smiled in response, baring sharp teeth of her own. “Is that a challenge ?!” boomed the leader of the warriors, sounding excited at the prospect, drawing her broad shoulders up even higher in challenge. 

In wordless response, the wolf in Akita replied with a snarling jab of the blade. She was in an unfamiliar land, cornered by unfamiliar creatures, with the claustrophobia of the past day guiding her actions. A trapped animal responding as a trapped animal would. 

The Queen dodged the blow with a barking laugh, before turning to the crowds around them who had halted in their work to watch. “Munce! This Moutsider has challenged your Queen!” she shouted, raising a fist to accentuate her cry. Turning back to her adversary, she rolled her shoulders and taunted, still grinning toothily, “Prepare yourself, Moutsider!” 

Akita struck again and again, the Queen often blocking or dodging her strikes. The third one got in, though, carving a fine line of purplish-red alongside the queen’s bicep. Akita grinned in victory, long lost to the thrill of combat. In contrast, the older woman’s gaze settled, losing her amused toothy grin for the first time. “Okay,” she decided suddenly, her entire posture shifting to a more serious stance, “No more going easy on youngling.” Launching forwards, before Akita could process what she was doing, the queen rolled into her full-force, knocking her to the floor in one fell swoop. 

“Hey!” she cried, indignant from the underhanded battle tactic, and not expecting to have been toppled so easily. Before she could even get to her feet, the opposing warrior had pinned her on her back, and she was helpless to move under such a powerful grip. 

Still, she fought to squirm away, Shifting in vain attempts to get released. The Queen’s brows raised in surprise when she found herself pinning a dog-like creature rather than a young girl, but her hold remained firm. 

Seeing it was pointless, Akita Shifted back, though she did not stop in her resistance. “Release me!” she snarled at her sudden capture, baring her fangs threateningly. 

The Queen just looked amused, though also confused, “It is over, Moutsider. You have lost.”

“Never!” argued the formling, struggling once again. But when the Queen did not relent her hold, Akita sagged and ashamedly accepted her defeat. 

The Munce Queen chuckled, but still glanced at the girl warningly. “Now, why did you attack Murtessa? Answer, Moutsider!” 

Alone, defeated, lost, and -- though she hated to admit it -- scared, Akita relented to the warrior’s demands, sensing that this woman would accept nothing less than the truth. “I am a stranger here,” she admitted, turning her face away from her captor, “I do not know where I am, and I do not know how to get out.” Swallowing, struggling to work past her pride to choke the words out she admitted, sagging against the stone floor against her back, “I was … frightened.” 

A sympathetic gleam shone out from the large warrior’s yellow eyes, and she gradually released the young lady from her hold, standing up beside her where she lay on the ground. Grabbing the formling’s hands, she heartilly pulled the girl to her feet, remarking cheerily, “Well! You not need to be! You are a good fighter! Almost good as Murtessa!” Chuckling deeply, she clapped Akita approvingly on the shoulders, nearly toppling the slimmer fighter over. “Giant spiders should be afraid of YOU ! ” she laughed raucously, the surrounding Munce echoing her, and a few cheering in admiration from the battle. 

Akita looked up at the grey-skinned queen guardedly, though she was grateful for the compliment. Seeming to decide something, Murtessa nodded sharply before addressing the others. “Take care of day’s work! I will take care of Munce guest,” she declared, and the crowds steadily turned back to their tasks. 

So, I am a “guest” now, am I? Akita wondered to herself with a slight smile. Respect through combat was something that she could admire in these people. It made her feel a little bit less like a stranger in a strange land. 

The Queen started towards her throne room, pausing to gesture at the stunned Akita, “Follow Murtessa,” pronounced the queen, and, still guardedly (though slightly less than before), Akita did. 

Remaining on alert, she gazed around the stone throne room while the Munce queen wrapped a bandage around her slight wound. Flexing her bicep to make sure the dressing stayed, she said to the girl approvingly, “You fought well, for being so small.” 

Akita bit her tongue to prevent the protest that wanted to burst out at the claim. Watching her forcefully stoic face carefully, the queen’s eyes glittered knowingly, the smile returning to her face once again. Turning away, she put on her more formal robes, and sat upon her throne. “Now,” she said, more business-like as her smile diminished, “What do you want in Munce land?” 

“Munce?” questioned the changeling with curiosity, “Is that what you are called?” It was nice to have a name to go with the new strange scent, she decided. 

“Yes!” boomed the proud Munce, standing tall at her throne and pounding her chest with a tight fist, “ And I am Murtessa, Queen of the Munce!” 

Akita stepped forward, her posture just as assured as the confident queen’s. “And I am Akita, of the Formlings. I am here seeking a friend from Ninjago.” 

Murtessa smiled once again, deciding that she liked this fierce girl and her proud demeanor. Nodding in approval, she declared, “Well, then, Makita. The Munce will help you find your friend.” 

“Thank you,” she replied respectfully, giving the Queen an appropriate bow. Straightening, she added with some annoyance, “But it’s A -ki-ta.” 

“Makita,” nodded the queen. 

Chapter Text

“WE’RE GONNA DIE!” screamed the fire ninja as he tumbled down the sides of a strange volcano. As he ran and tripped over rocks and ran he turned to his companion, who appeared far more angry at him than distraught at their current situation. 

“Why did yah go and touch stuff, kid! Haven’t ya read my book?” criticized the former adventurer, swiftly dodging chunks of burning rock and small parts of spitting flame bolting from the top of the temple on the volcano.  

“I, uh… Skimmed it,” he shrugged guiltily, blasting through an incoming boulder with his newly acquired powers. 

“I’m really sorry dude!” Kai yelled from across a newly incoming set of rocks, “I really thought going on an adventure with you would be fun!” The teen tripped over a jagged set of rocks hidden in the steep descending ground and fell to the ground. Clutch begrudgingly looked back at the kid. Why’d he have tah deal with this guy? He’s reckless and irresponsible! No one intelligent would just drag a near stranger into such peril like this! Well no one except himself…

Clutch stared at the fallen boy ready to make a run for it. But he couldn't do that to this youngster. The kid had spunk that’s for sure. He was not so different from when Clutch himself first started as a young cadet. He reminisced on all the adventures he partook in no matter the consequences. He also remembered being a pretty lousy companion back in the day, always putting his teammates face to face with certain death. Wasting not another second the explorer ran back and helped Kai to his feet. 

“Aw thanks bro! You certainly came in clutch,” he chuckled through heavy breaths and general shock of either almost getting rushed by flying rocks or burnt to a crisp. 

“Adventure Rule number 3. When in a group, stay together…”

“... Cause numbers are always an asset. Hell yeah!” Kai enthusiastically finished the phrase with a fist bump in the air. He may not have read the entire book like Lloyd did but he could never forget the movie adaptations inspired by his chronicled adventures. 

“Guess you did learn something. Now stay close and stop tripping over your own feet or we’ll both die!” Clutch remarked semi-encouraging as they continued their daring escape. 

Chapter Text

After falling out of the Time Vortex, Acronix the Hand of Time found himself in a strange new city. Of course, this wouldn’t be the first time that had happened to the Time Twin! 

“Where and when in the name of Time am I now?” he asked, looking around the unfamiliar surroundings. 

Since you probably want to know this, as well, Acronix was now in This City -- a thriving and whimsical metropolis, one both very far away and very near to that of Ninjago. This city is full of new opportunities at every corner, ones that the villainous time user was eager to explore! 

And explore he did. The lone twin stomped confidently through this large city, taking in the sights and sounds with a ruthless curiosity. (Though, of course, the rogue made sure to give the police station a fairly wide berth. No sense in escaping suspicion in one town to find it in another.) 

He even made his way to a new state-of-the-art recording studio -- where your humble narrator is trying his voice at a new medium. (Because otherwise this story wouldn’t get anywhere at all, and the writer would have to think of an actual reason for any of this.) Brotherless and afraid -- though he wouldn’t admit this-- the solo Hand of Time investigated the studio. 

“Hey! I hear someone talking about me! And, even though I obviously deserve to be talked about, I do not remember informing any voice about myself! And I am certainly not afraid!” 

It looks like Acronix has found me out. And now Acronix has begun bursting the door down. He shoved his way into the recording booth-- 

And now your narrator finds himself face-to-face with an annoyed time elemental. 

“You! Who are you, and why do you speak so strangely -- and spread lies about me!” 

“Well, you see, Acronix, I am the Narrator. It’s my job to keep the story -- your story -- moving along so that all the wonderful readers know what’s happening. Speaking of which--” 

Acronix pondered the strange figure before him, and his claims--

“Stop doing that!” 

“I have to, otherwise this story wouldn’t go anywhere. Or will be dialogue-only, which is really dull to read.” 

The Time Twin doubted the claim this “narrator” made, staring at him intensely as he shifted his weight to one foot and stood with arms akimbo. Though deep down the idea that an all-knowing describer knowing his every thought and action disturbed him-- hey, no, what are you doing?! 

“That will be enough of that. I do not need some know-it-all speaking for my actions.” 

“But if I cannot record narration, then the readers will not know what anything looks like, or any gestures! Why, I’m not even sure those reading know the tone or inflection of any of our words!” 

“Oh, I’m certain I can fix that .” 

Acronix, Master of Time, most powerful of the elements, took the strange recording device from the pathetically small man before him. Though the man had been very proud of himself and his supposedly omnipotent powers, he put up no real fight, so clearly he was not as strong as he had liked to believe. 

“No! You can’t take over! The writers can’t handle an unreliable narrator!” 

Complained the pitiful man, sinking to the floor and curling into a miserable ball. 

“That is not what is occurring at all! Readers, do not take any of his narration seriously, it is third person limited now! ” 

But this “Narrator” was helpless to stop Acronix as he left the room to tell the story as it truly was occurring. Free of any ridiculous lies about the Master of Time being unsure or afraid . 

“I think I am going to enjoy this ‘narration’ job,” 

Acronix, um, proclaimed, still entirely certain of himself. 

Acronix continued through this weird city, looking for something to do. 

This is far more tedious than I had expected. 

“See, it isn’t as easy as it looks, relating every detail of what happens! That is why this story was supposed to have me , your reliable third-person-omnipotent narrator.” 

The liar had returned, and was now begging the handsome and powerful time user to hand back over his device. It was an unlikely request, though, because Acronix was not going to accept defeat in a fight, especially one that concerned his own actions. 

“I was not the narrator of this story for no reason, Acronix. I truly am omnipotent. I know that you are fighting for control so hard because of your failed attempt at vengeance and a need to take back the feeling of controlling your own fate. I know you are getting bored of having to describe every detail to the readers. I know you are in for an exciting and creative crossover adventure over the course of this day, and I know the setting better than you do. For instance, I can describe right now that Duke DeTain is arresting Snake Rattler on the corner you are about to turn down. You don’t even know who they are to describe that! Being the narrator of your own story will be far less immersive and descriptive than if you let me take over again.” 

The powerful Hand of Time did not even consider the strange man’s suggestion. He was more than capable of explaining everything that was happening. And--

“Alright, fine! You can have your device back!” 

Acronix handed the microphone and speech-to-text device back to the Narrator thus setting this story back on its proper tracks. With a grateful smile, the Narrator returned to his recording studio 

“Good. Just do not continue with any lies, and I suppose I can allow you to finish your ‘job’,” snarked Acronix, crossing his arms and glaring off to the side. 

Having just had one of the stranger meetings in his life -- and that said quite a bit for someone who had fought in a war against snakes and time-travelled thrice -- Acronix continued his adventure in the big city, parting ways with your humble Narrator. The colorful and unique characters of the city went about their days, none the wiser about their new and different visitor. The Fendrich-Sinclair arch lit up the horizon, providing a strange new detail to the skyline to constantly remind the Time Twin that he was far from his home. (But, *ahem*, of course this didn’t bother him too much, I’m sure, heh heh.) 

But of course, this is all another story altogether. And this omnipotent being needs a break. Really, no Narrator should have to meet the subject of their narration this often. I hate being used as a cheap meta-joke for writers. I should really get a new contract. I need a lawyer. 

Chapter Text

The sorcerer looked down on the pleasant town he had been transported to. He did not expect the dark portal to backfire so tremendously but then again, he also did not expect the Ninja to interfere once more. He cursed his fist at the sky and was perplexed by his immediate surroundings. This did not appear to be one of the 15 realms adjacent to Ninjago. He had studied portals and realm magic extensively and such a land with clean green fields and tall white buildings with purple rooftops was foreign to him.  

Clouse heard a soft deep voice from across the ridge and turned to see a broad man dressed as a mythical creature he did not recognize. It had the build of a horse yet looked elegant and magical with a large horn attached to the hood. 

The man sat on the soft grass reading through a large book that was of similar length of his book of spells. 

“What is it that you are studying?” Clouse inquired the stranger who tilted his head up with a gasp. The robed man quickly closed his book, tucking it within his garments, and stared straight faced at his inquisitor (at least he believed he stared at him. It was hard to tell with such an absurd hood). 

“I am not authorized to tell you. I have never seen you here before...Are you from the village?” He spoke confidently, burying the topic of his book. 

Clouse was not pleased with this stranger's non answer. But now that he knew it was classified information, so it must have held some power. Power he needed to obtain.  

“I am from no village of yours. I am Lord Clouse. A master of sorcery and spells,” He said with a smirk. 

“Hello,” the horned gentleman bowed, “I am Ira. The leader of the Unicornius clan and seeker of knowledge and order.” 

“A seeker of knowledge ey? I must know more,” Clouse conversed, eyeing the book Ira had tried to keep hidden within his robes. 

“Well we do have an extensive archive in town. I spend a lot of time lost in those pages. I can escort you there, if you so desire.” Ira offered the magician politely. He didn’t know who this man was in detail but if Clouse was a sorcerer like he claimed he could be a promising recruit for unicornius. Someone attuned to magic could be taught the keyblade and the world could always use more lux collectors. 

“It would be an honor, Ira.” He spoke slowly and deceptively. Clouse just needed to deceive this honorable schmuck long enough to steal his precious book. From there he could use the forbidden knowledge locked inside it to either escape or rule this place. In time the world will know the true power of LORD Clouse. Whether it be this one or Ninjago. 

Chapter Text

“So, uh, the ‘Upplies’, huh?” asked Vinny awkwardly to the lone adventurer, trying to fill the silence while he cleaned off the camera lens in preparation for the evening news story. 

His over-enthusiastic partner was off getting pre-newscast interview details with the new queen of Shintaro and two of the men who had supposedly helped her save the kingdom. The third member, however, had drifted away from his comrades and stood over by the NGTV news van. 

He seemed surprised that Vinny was talking to him, and looked over him -- and his camera -- apprehensively before clearing his throat and replying, “Ah, yes. Well, we used to be the ‘Lowlies’, but you could say we’re doing a bit of rebranding at the moment,” he gave a tilted smile beneath his mustache at the jest, and then settled back into quiet. 

“Don’t you want to join with your other guys?” asked Vinny curiously. Thinking on it, he quickly supplied, waving his hands in front of him, “I promise you wouldn't overwhelm Gayle, seriously it takes a lot more than attention to shake her,” he couldn’t help but roll his eyes fondly at all of the memories of “excitement” he had had since becoming the cameraman for the famous news reporter. 

The other man shook his head, replying good-naturedly, though tense, and waving off the concern, “No,no. I’ll let Korgran and Plundar take the spotlight for the moment. I’m sure Korgran will be very proud to know his father will be able to hear of his accomplishments.”

Vinny shrugged in agreement, not feeling inclined to force the taller man into the centerstage if he didn’t want to. The cameraman knew the feeling of wanting to stay safely away from the center of attention.

Silence fell between the two again, and Vinny moved into setting the camera and readying the controls in the van for the shoot. All the while he could tell the cloaked man was watching the process with interest -- inching closer to get a better look at the inside of the van. Vinny moved aside to let him watch -- he didn’t see the harm and it was admittedly kind of nice to see someone curious about his half of the production. 

“Technology sure has changed since we were trapped in that nasty hole,” remarked Fungus, absently adjusting his hat on his head while he peered inside the vans complex setup and watched as Vinny checked the time on his phone. “Why, I remember people in my neighborhood who still had radios for news! Now, as I understand it, people can watch the news on smartphones,” he shook his head ruefully, “How much we've missed! Ah, well, no sense crying over spilt milk, I suppose.” 

Vinny pocketed his phone again, rubbing at the back of his head, “Yeah, there was a big boom in tech about ten years ago, right after I started working with Gayle, actually.” His arm settling back to his side, he nodded, “But, yeah, it is all pretty cool,” he agreed amicably as he grabbed a microphone and went to plug it in where it needed to go. 

“Technology is certainly working hard to give my magic a run for its money, isn’t it?” commented the man offhandedly, flipping his hat off of his head and rummaging inside of it absently. 

“Woah, you know, like, magic?” remarked Vinny, not having known that fact (not really knowing anything about the Upplies, really. Knowing that stuff was more Gayle’s job). “Even with all the craziness in Ninjago City we don’t see a lot of that.” He thought about it, grimacing as he remembered, “Except for this snake lady around last year. That was, uh, yeah that was less than fun.” Thinking on it further he added, “Aaand, I guess, Garmadon had some kind of magic. Ok we just don’t see a lot of non-evil magic, I guess.” 

The sorcerer scoffed loudly at the recallings, sounding like this was a frustration he had encountered before, “Of course !” he complained, throwing his hands in the air (one of them still gripping his hat and sending out a puff of something), “Everyone always seems to have to use magic for evil !” With a practiced-looking flick of the wrist he sent a sudden burst of magic sparkles from his hand, as Vinny obligingly ‘oohed’. “Villainous knaves, giving the whole practice a bad name!” he shouted passionately, waving his fist in the air 

All at once, the magic-user crumpled to sit on the ground, his arms on his knees and cradling his head broodingly in his hands, one hand fiddling with the brim of his hat, “The whole reason I joined this quest in the first place was to attempt to clear my craft’s image! Destroying an evil artifact like the skull would have been a huge step in the right direction,” he sighed, pouting, “Now apparently it’s instead gone a large step backwards . A lamentable outcome indeed!” 

The cameraman paused in his work to listen to the whole rant sympathetically. Even though camera work went a bit unnoticed most of the time, at least every cameraman he could think of wasn’t a villain. He couldn’t say the same about sorcerers. “Yeah,” he had to hesitantly agree, “I’ve definitely never seen magic like yours before.” 

“Of course you haven’t!” exclaimed the moping magic user, “I invented this type of sorcery myself!” He shot back to his feet, giving a proud flourish of magic once again, “ Most magic and sorcery in Ninjago requires long written spells and laborious memorization. I was never exactly much of a bookworm, so the ‘traditional’ way,” he said this with exaggerated air quotes, “never quite worked for me. But I discovered that there are many herbs and plants in Ninjago whose properties can shortcut all of that -- ugh! -- memorization,” He demonstrated, taking a clump of some plant Vinny didn’t recognize out of his hat and throwing it to the ground in a gentle magenta blaze. He posed proudly, his cape billowing behind him slightly as he did, and smartly replaced his hat. “Voila!” he proclaimed, wiggling his fingers at the magical flame. “Magical fire at half the effort it would take your standard sorcery!” 

The cameraman watched the dancing purple flame with mild interest. He doubted it would help to tell the sorcerer he’d seen much more impressive magic before -- although it was a relief to see a magic that was generally harmless for once. 

“Well, I don’t know,” he offered consolingly, shifting his stance in thought, “Maybe you could teach it or something? If people knew good magic it’d be pretty helpful.” At an aside, he muttered, “Maybe if more people knew it we could even actually help the ninja keep the city from being destroyed for once.” 

“Hmm--HMM. The idea has merit!” replied Fungus, pulling at the end of his moustache thoughtfully. 

Vinny looked back to his phone to check the time, and then over to Gayle, who was busily wrapping up the pre-shoot questions by the look of things. Shrugging, he shouldered his camera and said in parting, “Hey, no problem. But I gotta get over there, shoot’s gonna start soon.” He glanced to where the sorcerer was still gazing into the distance thoughtfully and tacked on, “You should come, too. I’m sure Gayle will want to talk to all of the Upplies. And, hey, maybe we can find a way to talk about your magic!” 

“Sounds fantastic!” agreed Fungus cheerfully, following Vinny to the shoot. “I’m sure she will love this one!” With that he threw a handful of something into the air, the bunches exploding into miniature fireworks that looked bright despite it being broad daylight. 

“Yeah, I’m sure she will,” nodded Vinny. 

Chapter Text

“I Quit!.. A- Again!” Stuttered confidently (if one could say something in such a contradictory way) a red striped shirt blonde, stomping out of the arch of which he was once employed for the second time in his life. 

Now jobless, he wandered the streets, looking for some new boss to nurture his organized crime (Even though he knew it would not be as fun without his partners Betty and Vito there, there was no way he could stay around that place anymore!) Turning into the national park of This City square he noticed a skinny man with elegant robes of black, red, purple, and super dark purple, with a creepy looking skull of some large animal. Now this looked like a villain! Maybe even one that was looking for a dependable henchman. 

“Doaw CLOUSEY CLOUSE! Where has your magic taken me now?” The man screeched to the sky, dusting his fancy robes of grasses and dirt particles. Turning around the old maniac noticed Hank almost instantly and he shifted into a deceptive smile. 

“Hello there! ” He started in a cheerful rasp. 

“Hiya! Imma freelance crook lookin for a boss. Got any opturnities for hard working reliable criminals?” He asked hopefully, trying desperately to keep up his proud and confident appearance for this sudden interview.

“Hmmmm,” The robed stranger murmured with a smirk, eagerly he then exclaimed, “And I’m Master Chen, a boss who just so happens to be needing a crook! How convenient this all is!” 

Looking more thoughtful, Chen cocked his head at Hank, leaning his entire body sideways at the movement, and questioned with dripping sympathy, “But it is strange! Why would someone as confident as yourself be without a boss?” Chen led on, waiting for some information he could use later on. With Clouse gone he’ll need to start building his empire once more, and this could be a wonderful start to his fun if he could egg him to say more.

“Oh I did have one but left ‘em! He didn’t value my contributions at all so I ditched him for some real respect!” The blonde explained, one hand in his red football jacket while the other punched down through the air for emphasis on the strength he was trying to sell. 

“Oh yes. It is sad very saaad,” Chen cried in a faux tears, with a hand on his forehead as he leant his entire bony weight on the boy, “I bet he wasted aaaaaalll the skills you have,” he lamented dramatically. 

Hacksaw Hank beamed, glad to have found a potential boss who actually seemed to get him and nodded enthusiastically, “Yeah he did! He never commended my hacksaw skills and I can rob something better than anyone!” 

‘That's GOOD! “ he exclaimed. Ceasing his lean against Hank, Chen tapped his chin in exaggerated thought, and with a wide toothy smile that showed his gold teeth, suggested, “Well, I know I could certainly use a man skilled with a hacksaw! But, ah, “ he sighed theatrically, crossing his arms and slouching sadly, “There never seems to be anyone around who is! Such a pity!” 

Hank practically leapt at the suggestion, waving his hand, “Hey! I’m good with a Hacksaw!” Saying this, he brandished said tool in one hand, pointing a thumb to his chest with the other as he did, “My name is Hacksaw Hank after all!” He had a beat of thought, and added more sheepishly, “Well, if we’re being honest, technically it’s Hacksaw Henry but….” 

The crime lord immediately shot up from his slouch, clapping his hands and bouncing on the balls of his feet enthusiastically as he did. “How fortunate!” he exclaimed. “I’d be a fool not to hire you, then!”

“You really mean it?!” gasped Hank, hands clasped to his chest hopefully and beaming at the smaller man. 

“Of course I do Hacksaw! Or Hank? Hmm, Hacksy? Ah, no matter,” mused and dismissed the noodle baron aloud. 

“Whatever works for you is fine! And don’t worry, boss, I won’t fail you, honest!” he pledged earnestly, knowing that he was really lucky to land this job, and not wanting to screw it up. 

Master Chen smiled at that, an almost untraceable smirk in the grin, “Oh, I’m sure you won’t. Now, there’s a lot to do, so let’s get this train rolling, hmm?!” Hank’s new boss seemed to look around frantically for something, and then his posture sagged in actual sadness. “Awww, poo, my chair is gone!” he whined, kicking at the dirt under his feet. Waving his hands frustratedly in the air he cried, “Ugh! My legs are so tired I don’t want to have to walk to conquer this new city!” He ended his rant with a wordless whine, before turning swiftly to his new lackey and snapping, “Time to prove yourself! So, carry me!” 

“Uh, yeah, ok, boss!” Hank replied. His arms fumbled into a quick piggy-back as the skinny man threw his arms around his neck. The criminal wrinkled his nose slightly as the purple whatever-it-was that his boss was wearing brushed by his face. Eugh. 

The feeling went away as Chen adjusted the skull on his head. Clicking his heels against Hank’s sides like one would when riding a horse, he pointed towards the city’s looming horizon and exclaimed, “Onwards, Hacksy!” 

“Yeah, sure boss,” Hacksaw took a single step forward before stopping in his tracks. “Um, boss?” he wondered, “Onwards to where?” 

The boss slouched against his shoulder, tapping his fingers in an anxious pattern against his arm and sighing loudly. Hank flinched as the sigh blew directly into his ear. “I hadn’t thought about that.” He leaned forwards even more, resting his head fully against the shoulder under him. The stooge craned his neck slightly to try and edge away from the weird headdress. “Why does rebuilding a criminal empire have to be so difficult ?” he complained. 

Hank shifted his shoulders, displacing the older man slightly for a moment and considered the problem. This was his moment to really prove he was helpful! 

C’mon Hacksaw Hank, think! He told himself. And then he realized, “Hey, I know!” 

“Yes?” asked Chen eagerly, straightening up again, “Yes what is it, tell me!” 

“If ya’ need to start a criminal empire, ya gotta have an evil lair! I know where the lady that runs Shady Estates is, we can go there!” Hank smiled, hoping that the new boss would like his idea. Fendrich certainly wouldn’t have, or if he did he would say it was his own idea and not give Hank any credit! Mentally (because he couldn’t do it physically at the risk of dropping his new boss), Hank crossed his fingers. 

“An evil lair…” Chen mused, then brightening, “An excellent idea, Hacksy!”

Hank smiled, feeling more confident, “Thanks, boss!” he chirped cheerily. 

“So, let’s go!” urged Chen, kicking his heels into his sides again. Laughing slightly maniacally to himself, Chen cheered, “It’s time to get this party started!”

Chapter Text

“Please be careful with that Ninja!” pleaded a moustached man in a commanding voice as the tall dark skinned helper moved a new extra secure filing cabinet into the narrow door of the commissioner’s small closet-like office.

 “Sorry Mr. Commissioner!” Cole chirped, angling the large furniture to fit through the door (chipping some wood as it slid though) and setting it down in the set aside corner. The grayed moustached man raised a brow at the name. 

“Hold on there sonny. Do you think my name is first name: Police. Last Name Commissioner?” He asked dead serious to the Earth ninja, who was busy readjusting the cabinet into place. 

“Uhhh…..” The Black ninja’s eyes darted left and right. He and Jay had conversed over what the Police Commissioner’s name really was and it was evident Jay’s stupid conspiracy theory got stuck in his mind for too long. 

The commissioner exhaled a long and strained sigh, shaking his head with both hands on hips. Cole looked sheepishly at the old man, rubbing his arm with his hand. They have known this guy for a long time now and he could have been fired on multiple occasions because of their actions and they never really talk to him (or got his name apparently). 

“Honestly it’s no wonder yah don’t know it, “ he grumbled, seating himself  behind his desk to continue to paint his model boat which was apparently still not finished, “I’m surprised I’ve even lasted this long as the commissioner with all the disaster cursing this darn city.” He looked not at Cole but at his boat, continuing to stroke the wooden finish with his brush repeatedly. 

“What with you Ninja running around taking care of the big guys and the new samuraii tackling criminals maybe there is no need for a police commissioner at all anyway,” he mumbled, brushstrokes growing more and more rapid with every unsteady word he spoke. 

“Whaaat! Commish that’s not true. You help the city all the time!” Cole remarked supportively. “You helped us arrest the Mechanic just last week!” He leaned with a hand on the now slouched man’s shoulder, smiling widely at him although he did not return the smile.

“All I did was cuff the crook. You Ninja did all the protecting, “ he muttered back. As they talked Cole’s attention was brought to the boat on the desk and the conspicuous brush in hand. The boat was completely painted and the brush he held was dry and brittle. He has dabbled in paints before and there was no way that brush was anywhere resembling usable. Thinking about it the Police Commissioner also never had water or, yknow, paint when he worked on his boat. The old commissioners' hands just ticked back and forth on the model ship, brushing the broken bristles across the wood, yet never making progress. 

Cole stood up and crossed his arms, leaning on the table (almost a bit too hard has the desk lamp and pencils scattered about shook ever slightly at the force of his hip), “I’ve seen this before,” he smiled through a chuckle, looking up through the window. “Ninjago still needs you. If you were bad at your job wouldn’t you have been fired by now like all those other guys up there?” He points towards the wall framing 5 faces. The commissioner snapped back out of his haze and stared at the dates on the plaques. Most lasting one or two years at the most. From crazed snake soldiers, tyrannical biker gangs, flaming serpents. This city had faced a lot under his control and there his picture was, hanging still. 

“And if it doesn't you’re still our friend, Marius! Right?” He assured, leaning on the desk to meet eye contact with the hunched over policeman. 

“How did you…” He glared at Cole warily. 

Cole stood up straight and confessed, “iiiiiit was on your plaque,” Cole turned to analyze the photo closer, “I honestly don’t know why he didn’t notice that earlier. Guess we really do only come to the station when there is crime…” he rubbed the back of his neck with his hand nervously, pretty much admitting that although they knew each other the Ninja never seemed to speak to the commissioner unless there was inevitable danger that would destroy his city. Considering this he offered, “Why don’t you put Tommy in charge of the station for a while? I don’t know about you, but I’m starving and could go for some noodles at Chen's. We can catch up with Skylor while we’re there. My treat!”

Pushing his chair back against the wooden floor, Marius arose, cracking his back with a large upwards stretch. “Hmm. I suppose I could go for a bowl,” the officer thought, twitching his eye ever slightly. 

 “But Tommy is not allowed in charge of anything. I’ll leave it to Simon instead,” he mumbled loudly. 

“Thank you, Earth Ninja,” he softly thanked arms behind his back in a professional stance.

“Call me Cole! Anything for a friend,” he responded gleefully as they both exited the room, leaving the finished boat behind, looking as if it was finally finished, at least for tonight. 

Chapter Text

Shade swiped at his brow and drank some water -- taking a break from his training. Stepping out of the dojo for some air he took pause when a sound came from his left. 

“Keh, wow, you call those shadow powers? Pathetic,” scoffed a voice, and the Master of Shadow swivelled to meet the gaze of some man-sized monkey, who leaned cross-armed against the wall of the dojo. 

Shade raised an unimpressed brow at the strange creature, “Ok. Who and what exactly are you?” He asked skeptically, crossing his own arms and getting into a steady stance across from the dark-furred stranger. 

“Someone who knows a thing or two about shadows,” boasted the stranger with a smirk and a wink, throwing himself off the wall to put his hands on his hips. 

The elemental master’s expression remained deadpanned, and he retorted dryly, “Very cute. I meant your name.” He was growing tired of this interaction pretty quickly, but couldn’t ignore the niggling feeling he had that this guy was probably bad news.  Could have been because of the dark fur, or maybe the red slash over the eye, or the general asshole attitude. Then again Shade kinda had those things himself and hated when people just assumed he was bad, so maybe he wasn’t one to talk. But still, Shade’s intuition was usually right when he bothered to listen to it. And while it used to be that he would ignore those feelings and save himself the trouble, ever since the Tournament of Elements -- ever since helping to save Ninjago -- he found it felt actually pretty rewarding to give a damn. So that’s what he had been trying to do more.  

Still smirking, the monkey-man scratched absently at his ear, answering casually, “It’s Macaque.” 

Shade hmphed in acknowledgment. That was something, at least, so maybe this guy was reasonable after all (though he still got a suspicious vibe from him). Narrowing his eyes at the other man, Shade asked equally casually, “So, Macaque, whaddya want?” 

Macaque settled back into his cross-armed stance, his tail swishing lazily at his side, replying, “Well, I’m kind of a powerful warrior looking for a student,” he twiddled his ring finger in his ear, adding almost as an aside, “My last pupil was kind of a disappointment so I’m in the market for a new apprentice.” He re-crossed his arms and smiled knowingly at the Master of Shadow. “What about you? Sure sounds like you’re looking to get stronger, huh?” 

Well this was starting to sound familiar. Chen had made similar promises and look how that had turned out. Shade was officially done with this. Shaking his head, he waved his hand, dismissing the offer, “I’ll pass,” he said, turning to go back inside. 

Macaque swiftly moved to block his re-entry, a wide, inviting, far-too-nice smile on his face. “C’mon, don’t be so hasty! I saw what you were doing and I know you could be capable of so much more ,” his wide smile grew hungry and his red-framed eyes looked slightly wild, “I could make you into a living weapon ,” he insisted. 

“No thanks,” rejected the Shadow Master meaningfully, tensing for a fight when the monkey’s cheerful face froze sharply -- all fake happiness draining from the expression. 

In a flash his mood shifted again, gold eyes burning from within until he schooled his look into nonchalance. “Well, fine. If that’s how you want things to be,” he said flippantly, his hand flexing at his side, “We could have done this the easy way, but whatever, your loss.” Without another word, he sprang unnaturally quick at the Elemental Master, materializing a dark spiked staff to swing at him that Shade only narrowly dodged. 

“Whoa!” the Elemental shouted, doging another blow that the fiercely grinning warrior delivered without pause. 

“C’mon, show me what you can do!” taunted Macaque, twirling the staff at his side before coming in for another blow. 

The strike from the dark weapon came even closer, and Shade’s brows rose in surprise when he felt something from the staff beyond the air whooshing from its near impact. The staff resonated with something in him, something he usually only felt in an especially dark room. 

Feeling confident, he did not dodge the next blow but caught it, nearly letting go at the rippling shockwave that came from it. Having taken no damage from the weapon, and feeling the staff’s essence radiate into his hand, the Master of Shadow smirked. 

“What?!” snarled the dark monkey as Shade held his magical staff in his bare hands -- something a puny mortal should not have been able to do. 

Grinning harshly, Shade focused on his power, reaching out to the magical weapon. Macaque hissed as it flickered in his grasp and then disappeared entirely. The warrior stared at his empty hands in shock, shrieking out, “What did you just do ?!” His eyes burned into Shade’s hatefully, but now that he knew what was up the Elemental Master held his gaze with unshakable calm. 

The clouds in the sky shifted, casting shadows across the yard. Without replying to his opponent’s shouted question, the Elemental melded into those shadows, travelling behind the disarmed monkey and popping back up to throw a punch across his shocked face. 

Macaque staggered, recovering quickly with a snarl and returning with a punch of his own. Shade dodged by merging into his element once again. Surrounded by shadows, he could feel where each of them were, noticing a large swirling collection of shadow where his enemy stood. Deep in his element, Shade smiled to himself once again as he learned even more about his new enemy. 

He resurfaced to Macaque’s side, attempting to sweep his legs but the nimble fighter jumped to avoid his kick. “Hiding in the shadows?” asked the monkey with a barking laugh, “Two can play at that game,” Macaque glared intently at the shadows that Shade had just emerged from, narrowing his eyes in concentration only for them to blow open wide when nothing happened. “How is this possible ?!” he snarled again, his tail flicking in agitation and his fists clenching at his sides. 

“You think you can use Shadow powers against the Master of Shadow?” taunted Shade with a sardonic grin, speaking for the first time in their fight, “They do what I say, not some full of himself imposter.” Looking the dark warrior up and down, Shade’s smile grew sharper and he tilted his head, remarking, “Ooh, in fact, you seem to be made of Shadow, yourself.” 

The implications of that seemed to reach the shadow monkey instantly, and for the first time in a long while his face showed true fear. 

“Looks like you made a mistake,” observed the Master of Shadow, settling into a battle stance and ready to end this quickly. 

But, faster than his eye could even follow, Macaque was suddenly gone -- only a slight breeze where he used to be. Shade blinked at the empty spot a moment, then turned to scan the horizon for the dark creature; swearing when there was no trace of him to be seen. 

Shaking his head, Shade walked back to his starting spot outside the dojo and retrieved his water bottle which had been thrown when the fight began. The Master of Shadow sighed, disappointed that the Shadow had gotten away. He stared at the door to the training area, thinking briefly on his plans of improving himself and doing more -- the thought of tracking down Macaque crossing his mind. 

Closing the door to the dojo, Shade instead turned in the direction of home. That was enough “training” for today. He would care, and he would at least let someone know about the dangerous creature that had gotten away. He would just have a couple drinks and a good sleep first. 

Chapter Text

“Okay, ma, this won’t take too long, I promise. We just need you to watch Lil Wu while we grab a few things,” said Jay, handing his currently small and restless sensei over to his mom. 

The experienced mother immediately started to gently bounce the child, causing him to give a wide and nearly toothless smile. Edna returned it -- though hers was laced slightly with nostalgia. “Oh, it’s alright, deary. I’m sure he won’t be too much trouble. Eh, little master?” she cooed to the baby. 

Wu clapped his small hands, parroting, “Masta! Masta Wu!” 

Ed and Edna both chuckled, before the father moved over to nudge his son in the side. “You can trust us, son. Well, it’ll be just like watching you when you were a little one!” he proclaimed confidently, his hands moving to his hips while he proudly watched his wife coddle the child. 

Suddenly, Wu started fussing and making grabby-hands at the air, whining wordlessly. Edna offered the tot a finger to hold, which he rejected, all while whining at a higher pitch. She settled to rocking him again, tutting gently, “Aw, now what’s the matter, baby?” 

Wu’s small face screwed up in distress as he let out another keen, grabbing at the air. At last he babbled, “Tea!” 

Ed and Edna both gave the baby confused and startled looks, while their son grinned wryly. “That’s Wu for ya. Even as a baby he can’t get enough of the stuff,” quipped the blue ninja. 

Forcefully reminded that this was no ordinary baby, Ed scratched at his head and asked, “Now, uh, how, ah, exactly did your old master become a baby again? I’m sure ya told me but this old brain of mine musta forgot.” 

“He never said, Ed, dear. Your memory is fine,” reassured his wife, who was still trying calm the fussy Wu. 

“Oh, thank you, honey,” replied Ed gratefully. He forgot things so often it was nice to hear that this was one exception. 

Jay, meanwhile, grimaced, and then shrugged loosely. “Honestly? I have no clue. Something to do with the Time Blades? Or the Time Vortex?” he shook his head, saying, “It’s just hilarious! Here we are, needing some wise old advice, and we finally find our master and he’s like that!” he shouted in a forcefully light voice, waving harshly at the baby. 

Wu had gone quiet and attentive at the exchange between father and son -- perhaps knowing at some level that they were talking about him -- but at Jay’s frantic exclamation he kicked his legs harshly in Edna’s arms, renewing a loud and desperate chant. “Tea! Tea! Tea! Teeeaaaaaa,” balling his fists, the last begging turned into a cry, and nothing Edna did seemed to console him. 

Jay’s face turned guilty, both to his yelling at Wu and the struggling his mom was now going through. “Maybe this was a bad idea. You guys don’t have to watch him,” turning more determined the longer he looked at his now crying sensei he added, “He’s our sensei. We should watch over him.” 

Despite having to wrangle the thrashing baby, Edna calmly waved off her son’s remarks, “Nonsense. You have things to do. We know a thing or two about handling fussy babies, whether they’re de-aged masters or not!” 

Ed placed a reassuring hand on Jay’s shoulder, saying, “You can trust us, Jay. Why, your mom is an old pro at this!” moving his hand to the young man’s back, he gave him a gentle shove away from the trailer, “Now, you go on and do what you need to do to save the world, son!” 

Then ninja held up his hands in surrender, smiling, “Alright, alright! We’ll be back in half and hour, tops.” He turned and walked towards the exit of the junkyard, pausing to give his parents a wave as he left. “Thanks! Love ya!” 

“You too, dear!” his mother called back. 

“Go do your hero thing, son!” added Ed. 

As their son left over the broad sandy land (and to a giant...crab?), Ed and Edna took the crying Wu inside their home. His crying paused slightly as he observed his new surroundings in curiosity. 

“Ed, could you get me something to set him down in, sweetie?” asked the older woman as the brief spell of peace ended and Wu went back to restlessly kicking in her arms. 

“A’course, honey,” replied Ed, already digging through the organized chaos that was the Walker home. “I’m sure there’s something in this old mess that’ll--” his words cut off as he yanked something from a pile between the living area and the kitchen area, “Ah-HAH, there we go!” he exclaimed, successfully holding up a toddler-sized and mostly clean cardboard box, blowing some dust off of it and swiping it a bit cleaner. “I knew this would come in handy sooner or later; course I hardly coulda guessed what it’d be useful for!” he commented cheerily as he put the box down on an empty spot on the floor. 

“Thank ya, Ed,” she replied, smiling warmly at her husband. Stooping, she carefully set the baby into the once-empty box. She half-turned towards the kitchen, but then quickly paused to look at Wu in the box, bringing a hand to her mouth as her eyes took on a glossy sheen. 

“Edna? What's the matter?” asked Ed, alarmed at his wife’s sudden change in mood. 

“Oh, Ed, it’s just like how Jay was when we first found him. Do ya remember how he just appeared at our door? In a box just like that,” she tilted up her glasses to wipe at her eyes, and despite her tears she was smiling. 

Ed smiled as well -- partially from relief that nothing was the matter -- and replied, “Course I remember, Edna. Why, that was only one of the best, most important days of my life! Right up there alongside marrying you.” 

Laughing, she lightly slapped him in the side, jesting, “Oh, you!” 

It was during this romantic moment that baby Wu let them know that he still wanted his drink by giving out a loud cry and another burbled, “Tea!” 

Both elders laughed again, adapting quickly to the strangeness of their temporary charge, and now just finding him adorable despite his strange tastes. 

Ed crouched over the make-shift crib, saying amusedly, “I guess you should get the tyke his drink, there, Edna,” thinking on it, he added worriedly, “Can babies drink tea?” 

“I think so, dear. As long as it’s not anything caffeinated it should be alright,” so saying this, she walked a couple of steps to the kitchen-area of the trailer, pushing aside a few dirty mugs until she grabbed one that was clean. It was sloppily painted blue and had a few chips in it, but anyone could see it was a well loved mug. 

Standing on tip-toe to reach the cupboard, she rooted around to the farthest back to try and find the seldom-used Walker stash of tea. But with her shorter stature, she could just barely get her hand inside, let alone to the very back, and withdrew her hand with a huff of frustration. “Can you do me a favor, Ed? She asked, “just need a little help reaching the top drawer, there.” 

“Sure thing, dear,” said the junkman, creakily raising from his crouch and cracking his back as he stood. He reached over his smaller wife, easily grabbing at boxes tucked in the furthest back reaches of the shelf. “Now, what exactly am I looking for?” 

“Just any tea that doesn’t have caffeine. So nothing green or black.” 

“Green or black, put ‘er back, got it!” sing-songed the man, digging through their scant supplies and muttering to himself as he did. 

“Tea!” exclaimed Wu happily from his box, squirming back and forth in it excitedly and clapping his hands as though trying to encourage the Walkers in their pursuit.  

“Almost there, bud,” called Ed over his shoulder, “You just hang on one minute, there, okay?” With a small cry of success he managed to yank one tag-less, slightly old, teabag from...somewhere. Neither of them could say when they had even bought it or why they had it -- none of them being big tea drinkers-- but the both were pretty certain it was still ok. 

A short time on the small electric kettle and then waiting for the tea to cool to a lukewarm temperature later, the couple held the mug to help the child drink. 

The couple’s brows rose in surprise when the small hands clasped the cup and greedily slurped down the beverage with surprising cleanliness and dexterity for a child that age. When the cup was drained, the toddler handed it primly back to a still-staring Edna, smiling serenely. Gaze still fixed on the unusual baby, her hands unconsciously wrapped around the mug. Nodding smartly, Wu said, “T’ank you,” and at last fully calmed. 

Ed scratched at his head, bemusedly commenting, “Well, maybe I wasn’t so right after all. Jay certainly never did anything like that when he was little, now, did he?” 

Setting the mug into the growing pile on the countertop, Edna shook her head slightly, “He did a lot of crazy stunts, but, no, nothing like that.” 

Both Walkers leaned over the box-turned-crib, blinking at the child who blinked back and smiled at them. “Walkas,” he said happily, and Edna could help herself as she cooed and stroked his cheek. 

Without another word or sound, Wu slipped right to sleep. The mother’s hand lingered, before she ultimately pulled away. She watched the child sleep peacefully with a loving smile on her face. “Such a little sweetheart!” she beamed, her hands clasped over her chest, “Aw, Ed, is Jay sure he needs to take him back?” 

Ed chuckled, replying, “I think so, Edna.” 

Chapter Text

“Coo! Coo!” 

Mei only vaguely registered the somewhat strange sound while she was walking on her way to MK’s apartment, scrolling on her phone. 

“Hand over your wares to the might of Fugidove!” THAT caught her attention a little more, at least to the extent that she looked away from her phone to watch an exchange that was going down at a nearby shoe store. 

“I don’t care?” replied the attendant at the desk, a raised eyebrow just peeking over the rims of his sharp glasses. “Get to the back of the line like every other customer.” He gestured to the line of people going out the door. The masked stranger didn’t budge, his shoulders hitching up and his feathers fluffing out in indignation. 

“Fugidove does not wait in line like the common folk! I’m a master criminal so just give me your money! Coo Coo!” The last bit was delivered aggressively, but overall Mei wasn’t sure if the bird-guy sounded threatening or whiny. 

Well, what did it matter! He looked like a criminal bird demon or something either way, and Mei grinned widely to herself as she veered towards the store, pulling out her sword as she did. She might end up a little late to meet MK, but it seemed like she never got to do the whole hero thing on her own! Taking down a bird demon sounded like a pretty awesome way to spend her afternoon. She sent out a quick post to her followers about her heroic plan, selfie included, and then jumped into the store, brandishing her sword. 

“I don’t think so, fiend!” she boomed in an over-dramatic voice, pointing her blade at the villain and finishing off with a totally-heroic and not-at-all manic laugh. 

The entire store turned to stare at the dragon girl, the previously annoyed shopkeeper actually looking more nervous at the girl’s presence than he had been at the criminal. 

The masked criminal spread his winged arms out, prepared for an attack. “Oh-HOH! You dare challenge Fugidove?! Weird dragon, horse, girl, thing?!” Hands -- er, wingtips?-- now on hip he gave a disgruntled, confused coo, and added, “Ok, which is it supposed to be? You should have chosen one creature like I did!” he posed dramatically, spreading his wings to their full breadth and puffing his chest out proudly, “Fugi- Dove ! Swift, silent, yet deadly!” 

Mei kept her heroic self control for all of a split second before immediately falling onto her back and rolling on the floor in laughter at the declaration. 

The “super villain'' prickled as the dragon teen continued to laugh. “What?! Why are you laughing?! You dare?!” He sputtered. Gesturing towards the shop owner (who very much looked like he just wanted to go home), he exclaimed forcefully, “I’m Fugidove , the master criminal!” 

The girl wiped a lingering tear from her eye as she finally recovered from her laughing fit -- the criminal claim reminding her why she was here. “Oh, yeah!” she remarked cheerily, jumping to her feet and then going to a battle stance. “Lez dance, bird boy!” 

“Hiyah!” with a shout, she lunged towards the masked burglar wannabe, slashing towards him with her blade. The feathered felon jumped onto the counter to dodge, and jade blade met hard plastic counter in a jagged gash. 

“Nooo,” whimpered the clerk, tears flowing from his eyes out from under his glasses as his destructive prophecy became true. 

“Oops,” said the dragon warrior with an apologetic smile, rubbing sheepishly at the back of her head. “Sorry shoe dude. I can, ah, pay for that.” Before the clerk could say anything in response, Fugidove bolted, and Mei made chase, leaving the shop keeper with a note reading “IOU ;P”, which he stared at and sighed. 

“Coo! Coo!” cried Fugidove as he intermittently hopped and dashed through the city streets, hoping for a clean getaway. 

Brining her hand to her mouth, Mei whistled sharply, summoning her bike in a green blaze. She hopped on, revving the engine loudly and popping a wheelie before shooting towards the escaping thief, a sharp grin on her face. 

“What?!” yiped Fugidove, jumping in the air before doubling his pace, “No one told me this was going to be a high speed bike chase! The Fugi-Bike’s not ready!” 

Mei weaved through the streets on her bike, easily catching up to the fleeing fugitive. With a shout, she jumped off the moving vehicle, tackling the bird man to the ground. She grabbed his wrists (more or less), yanking him to his feet. Feeling accomplished, she struck a pose. 

“Ok, I now have a new worst!” pouted Fugidove. 

Chapter Text

Starscream paused in his threatening of the surprisingly technology-filled fleshy city as a small … Autobot? Earth drone?  (The blue eyes and overly emotional and clearly sentient voice leaned towards the former) called out to him to stop. Hands on his hips, he glared down at the small form. “What are you supposed to be, some kind of weird maintenance drone?” he asked.  

“I am Zane, the Ice Ninja,” the bot replied. 

At that, the Seeker laughed harshly, leaning down to smirk at the small bot more at its own level, “ You’re one of Yoketron’s special Cyber-ninjas ?” he mocked, a clear disbelief in his tone. 

Zane paused and cocked his head, running both names through his extensive databases and coming up short. “I’m afraid I have never heard either of those names before. ‘Cyber-ninja’ is not unfitting, though I generally prefer the term ‘Nindroid’.” 

The Decepticon scoffed flippiantly at that, straightening his posture and deciding not to worry about the strange little not-cyber-ninja any further. “Fascinating,” he stated dryly. Turning back to the city at large, he commented, more to himself than the bot, “Well, back to business.” 

Zane frowned sternly, “Please cease and desist all further threatening of Ninjago City. The citizens have really had enough by now.” 

Starscream snickered again, “And why should I do that, tiny?” He asked, flexing his clawed fingers in an absent threat. 

“Because it is the right thing to do?” Zane decided to try. This being may have been large, but his attacks on Ninjago had so far been unfocused, and more posturing than any effective plan that Zane had seen from enemies before (mostly just a lot of screaming and demands, which at this point didn’t phase anyone ). Plus he was willing to engage in dialogue rather than threaten the city further. Perhaps the Nindroid was slightly biased based on the mechanical nature of this new adversary, and did not want the image of cybernetic Ninjago citizens looking bad, but either way Zane suddenly decided he would try to reach out to him. (It was a good thing Kai was not here, and he had undertaken this mission alone, the Ice Ninja considered. He would certainly have preferred to shoot first and ask questions never.) 

The much larger metal man laughed again, longer than he had the times before. “Now I know you can’t be an Autobot! Walking up to a Decepticon and talking about doing the right thing ? What a plan! Even some protoform cadet would know better!”  

“I take this to mean you do not plan on surrendering?” 

“So perceptive for a little drone,” the Seeker purred mockingly. After that, a loud roar filled the air as his thrusters started to ignite, “Well, ta-ta, tiny!” He got maybe a few feet off of the ground before he suddenly found his thrusters, and then his legs, and then the rest of him except his head encased in strong, solid ice. “Hey! What the frag?!” he shouted, struggling to move and only managing to crane his neck (hmmm that was an all too familiar sensation). The chill immediately bit into his plating, and he swore he could already feel his circuits freezing up. 

“I did say I was the Ice Ninja,” stated Zane in an overly-innocent voice, a cloud of frost just dissipating from his hand. “I am afraid I cannot allow you to harm Ninjago City.” 

“Yeah, yeah, very cute trick,” grumbled Starscream with a flatter and more biting sarcasm than before, scowling as he struggled against the unnaturally strong ice once again. Then he paused, and glared at the Ice Ninja with a continued scowl. “So? Go on,” his scowl managed to tick up into something resembling a smirk, rather like he was trying to feign confidence (an expression Zane was very familiar with after living with so many head strong brothers), “I’ve died before, and to far more powerful and destructive servos than yours, and I’ve alway come back. Your little magic trick doesn’t exactly intimidate.” 

That alarmed Zane on multiple levels. Why in Ninjago did he think he was going to kill him? He was going to take him to the police station to get straightened out, get a trial, maybe sent to Kryptarium. But also what ? “What do you mean, you have died before?” he asked in a shocked gasp, a tinge of worry in his tone despite dealing with a potentially destructive criminal. 

The criminal responded with a flat stare. “Do you have a glitch in your language processing circuits?” 

“No!” retorted the Nindroid with a shout, offended despite himself. He placed a hand on his chest, saying defensively, “I am perfectly functional!” 

“Ok, so you understand what words mean, then,” he concluded almost offhandedly, renewing his attempts to wriggle out of his icy prison. Briefly he tried getting his thrusters ignited again, in hopes of melting his way out, but his circuits were turning cold and sluggish, and were currently refusing to respond. His scowl returned even deeper than before. 

Zane meanwhile had lapsed into worried contemplation at this revelation. Dying was very much not a fun experience, he could vouch for that. He determinedly shut down and shoved aside the memory that flickered at the edge of his processor. It hurt him to know that someone else had experienced the same. Part of him hoped that this stranger’s death had been less violent than his own, but the mention of dying to something “powerful and destructive” didn’t lend a lot of evidence to that. 

“I am sorry that you’ve had to have gone through that,” he spoke honestly, looking up at his prisoner empathetically. 

His blue eyes glowed with a sincerity that made Starscream want to gag. But at the same time, he was thrown off by the statement and couldn’t help but stare at the ninja incredulously. “You really have no idea who I am, do you? If you did, you wouldn’t be so quick to be so sappy.” He drew up his posture as straight as he could while trapped in ice (which mostly just led to him jutting his chin out imperiously), “ I am Commander Starscream . Second in Command-- and future only in command-- of the Decepticons! I don’t need your pathetic little Autobot sympathy.” He glared again at his captor, daring him to make his next move. 

To his complete confusion, the strange little mech only smiled at him. “Hello, Starscream. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I’m afraid we’ll have to have any further conversation at the police station.” He then placed a hand to his audial, and Starscream assumed that meant he was calling back up. 

Well, he wasn’t sticking around to see it. Starscream wriggled again, subtly testing the ice for weak points. His thrusters appeared to have done some good, because this time he heard a subtle CRACK from his struggling where before the solid sheet hadn’t had any give at all. He grinned tightly, flexing a claw against the slight crack that had formed. So this ice wasn’t impervious. It appeared that throughout their little discussion it had already weakened. Enough for him to escape. Glancing over to see that his imprisoner was still busy, he gave a quick invent, then simultaneously cranked his thrusters as powerful as they would go and shoved at his icy prison. The ice shattered, and he was able to get his arms free to finish off the rest of it with a blast. 

“Hey!” shouted his former captor, and he quickly turned his weapons towards him. The mech’s hands were surrounded by a small flurry, and Starscream rapidly decided that this wasn’t worth dealing with just for the chance of stealing some parts from human technology for his plots. Instead of fighting, he took off, hovering comfortably out of range for some parting words. “I told you I had gone up against more powerful than you! No one keeps Lord Starscream captive! Byyyee!” With that, he transformed and shot off into the sky. 

Zane could only stand and stare as he disappeared into the distance.