Archive of Our Own ^beta

The next day, Zane managed to find themself in quite the conundrum. Still exhausted from a day of classes and an unexpected early shift at the sushi shop, they still found themself dragged into a conflict between a group of robbers and a younger business owner.

“Just hand us the money and no one gets hurt. We promise.”

As soon as they spotted the glimmering guns in the assailants’ hands, Zane felt as if they had no choice but to step in and stop the conflict. They did shove the gunman away, causing him to run off with his tail in between his legs like the low-life coward he was. But it seemed as if the other 5 or so members had… different plans.

“BACK AWAY!”

The head honcho pulled out a switchblade and pointed it straight at Zane’s nose. This stunt didn’t faze the droid one bit, and they actually stepped closer. Not breaking eye contact, the gang leader lunged forward, starting a fight. This fight seemed to serve as the perfect distraction, allowing the business owner to slink away undetected.

“This should teach you not to meddle.”

The gang leader knocked Zane to the ground. While holding them down with his knee, he slashed their palms with the switchblade. They seethed, but wouldn’t allow themself to show any other indication of pain.

“You’re a stubborn one, eh?”

“If it means protecting the innocent, of course.”

The goon smirked, driving the switchblade directly into Zane’s sore leg. Their face went blank as their eyes glazed over from the pain, but that was the only indication they gave. Even as the wound started to bleed, they refused to budge.

“Over there! It’s a group of like, 5 or 6.”

The business owner’s voice boomed through the near-silent alleyway, triggering the gang as a whole to leave. Zane used this time to sit themself up, and it was here that they heard another female voice run by.

“Yet another attack in the Ninjago City Shopping District. Violence has only increased as the city rebuilds in the wake of the attack from the Great Devourer, and we’re looking to find the root cause of the chaos. This is Gayle Gossip, bringing you the scoop live as it happens.”

As she narrated to the camera in front of her, she happened to zip right past Zane. She almost didn’t notice anyone behind her, just trying to catch up with the gang in question. However, a dull thud finally made her cameraman turn around, thus also eliciting her attention.

“What happened?”

“I think they got someone before they left.”

“Really? Let me know what you find.”

He nodded, leading her right back to the ransacked store. Zane leaned against the wall, struggling to contain the deep blue blood that leaked from the overwhelmingly large stab wound on their leg.

“Holy shit! Gayle, they got a kid!”

“What do you mean?”

“You need to come see this!”

By now, the business owner had caught up with Gayle, and they both made their way back to the shop. By now, Zane had propped themself up against the wall and was beginning to remove their belt to close the wound.

“Here, can I see that?”

“No, I’ve got it.”

Zane’s voice grew shaky as their energy drained. At some point, they slid back down against the wall, now sitting upright. This made it easier to use the belt as a bandage, but did nothing to assuage the concerns of the news crew.

“Are you sure? We can call an ambulance, get you down to get looked at-”

“No, thank you.”

Zane’s voice was sharp here. Enough to cut through and make the point, but more scared than angry in underlying tone. Gayle stepped in at this point, tying the belt against Zane’s injured leg and pressing down to ensure ideal compression.

“If you won’t go to the hospital, then you need to get inside at the very least.”

Almost on cue, the wind picked up. Zane shivered from the sudden chill, prompting the business owner to offer her assistance. She held out an arm, allowing Zane to stand up again and lean back against the wall.

“I owe you one. You saved my life back there. Now, come on and get in. It’s getting cold.”

“That would be nice, thank you.”

=====================================================================

It was a homely studio apartment. Small and a bit cramped from craft supplies, but still comfortable enough to relax in.

“I’ve got a chair over there. Make yourself at home.”

Zane nodded and limped over to the dining room chair, collapsing almost as soon as they sat down. By now, their pain had skyrocketed in intensity, hitting a level that they couldn’t ignore. All they could seem to do was press their hand against the makeshift bandage, but even that drained their energy.

“Do you have a minute?” Gayle asked the business owner. “I’d like to get your perspective on the assault.”

“Of course.”

They stepped into the kitchen, allowing Zane their opportunity to escape. They slowly stood up, still bracing heavily against the chair and the surrounding walls for physical support. Eventually, they found the bathroom, and they locked themself in.

“Perfect. Now, I can properly see the damage.”

By now, the wound had stopped bleeding as profusely. But it was still scarily deep, as they noticed a bit of their titanium endoskeleton poking out. And what scared them the most was how it was starting to look… not right. It hadn’t even been a full day, but an infection was starting to brew.

“Ok. I should clean this now.”

Zane found a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and poured some out onto a hand towel. That seemed to be enough to clean the exterior of the wound, even if it did sting quite a bit. They hissed and forgot to stifle some whines, but it did help a bit in focusing on getting the wound clean.

“At least that’s over with.”

From there, they placed a square of gauze against the wound and wrapped their leg tightly with a roll of bandage. With the wound clean and secured, they slipped open the bathroom window and escaped before anyone could register that they were even there in the first place.

=====================================================================

By now, it had grown bitterly cold. Zane focused on the frost that materialized from their breath as they walked the street. At least in the cold, they could focus and stay alert. 

“Zane?”

“Nya?”

She ran up to them, nearly crushing their ribs in a tight hug. They coughed a bit, but shook their head and righted themself.

“Hey. I saw Gayle’s story. How are you holding up?”

Zane gave a shaky thumbs-up and a halfhearted smile, attempting to assuage their best friend’s concerns.

“Just fine. Where are the others? I have money for dinner.”

Nya smelled bullshit. She looked down at Zane’s leg, noting both the bandage and the way they almost refused to put weight on it.

“...weren’t you cleared to walk on that ankle again?”

“I was. Why?”

“...no reason.”

Zane brushed it off and began to head off. Nya followed them, her only focus now on finding the rest of the group, as well as shelter for the night.

“Zane?”

“Yes?”

“When we settle down, can I see your leg?”

“...sure.”