The Shadows Beneath Ninjago City (I wait for Dawn and Dusk)

by TurkeyFiber897

Summary:

"When you come from where I have, the closest you can get to a 'friend' is a lighter shade of grey."

Living most of his life in solitude, Shade now has to adapt to something he never thought he would be able to again all these years later.

Caring for people close to you.
__________

A collection of Shade short stories that take place in the summer after the events of Hands of Time, The months before the Sons of Garmadon take over, then the week before Hunted.

Notes:

Hasn't been too long... I think, only like a week or two... oh holy crap it's the twenty second how did we get here????

Chapter 1: The Wolf of Stiix

When one comes from the City of Thieves, trust and kindness are little more than commodities that can be bought with the right amount of coin.

Nobody knows this better than those who have seen Stiix's darkest depths and twilight alleyways. Often coated with spilled life or occupied by limp silhouettes, few understand this better than others, and one of those few, is Shade. 

 

Orphaned at an early age by a deal that went wrong, Shade lived on his own in the dimly lit streets of Stiix. Doing his best to survive the cutthroat docks and surveilling predators of his home's underbelly. 

 

From minor acts of stealing and deceit to even running with fresh out of the surf gangs attempting to stake their claim against those who had been ruling Soto knows how long, trusting was a fool's choice that often landed many dead and in the waters below. 

 

Until he attempted to steal from the wrong person at the right place. 

 

That person, being the second of the Stiixan Elemental Masters who fought in the Serpentine Wars.

 

His grandmother, the Raven of Stiix.

 

Otherwise known as Umbra, the Master of Shadow.

 

The people of Stiix who knew of her part in the Serpentine War regarded her as a hero. A protector. To Shade, she was simply an irrelevant relative who had decided to appear too late to find any semblance of the family she had left in hopes of defending during the war. 

 

Her grandson had died the night her daughter and son in law died. There was only him. An orphan who lacked a real name other than the nickname given to him by others.

 

Umbra accepted this, and offered him a place to stay with her. Naturally suspicious, Shade demanded what she wanted for this. Her response was that she wanted nothing other than him to be her protégé so that the Elemental Power of Shadow would be carried on.

There was not much of a choice in his decisions. It was either continuing toeing the line of life or death in the territories that were run by the traitorous gangs and lone bandits he’d ran with. Or, leave all of what he had known for his entire life for one of comfort. Provided he follows the rules Umbra set in place for him.

 

There were only three simple rules; do not steal and do not harm others, and do not lie. Habits that were specifically aimed at the ones he would need to break anyway. So in the grand scheme of things, he considered this a fair trade. Perhaps even a foolish one on Umbra's end.

 

The relationship between Master and Protégé at the start was... fragile, to put it lightly.

 

Where Shade had been alone for the entirety of his childhood, if one could even call it that, Umbra had been living quietly in one of the better homes that were closer to the shoreline. Where the levels of crime were lower, but not nonexistent. 

 

Living in the underbelly had taught him to keep his voice a secret from an early age, so to communicate with others, he picked up sign language, a second "tongue" to Stiixans. For his trust had never run long enough for him to use his voice, nor did he want it to be recognized by his enemies or allies.

 

It had taken a great deal of time of being under Umbra's tutelage before he began to use it. And even then, in the short bursts that he did speak, it would only be to answer questions. Rarely did he ask how the Master of Shadow was. 

 

But as the years passed by, and she grew weaker, his standoffish attitude turned into a mild acceptance of her. She never associated him with the boy who died with his parents in the alley. 

Only ever regarded him as Shade.

 

Umbra had been a constant presence in the time he knew her, she had her regrets and mistakes she committed. She taught him that not all of Stiix's shadows were ones that hid fists and blades, but would just as often hide those looking for protection. Such as himself.

 

They would often patrol together, the Elemental Master showing him how even in the light there would be shadows of many kinds. That they were indiscriminate, if only ever labeled by those who used them. Similar to how he used labels with those he knew as enemies or temporary allies during his time on the streets. There was a duality. 

 

Umbra taught him the ways of combat that would benefit him, with that being the element of surprise. Fast paced ambushes that would leave those who attempted to harm him confused and dazed. Combined with the boy's penchant from remaining silent and speedy, it was in his favor.

 

Many regarded him as the wolf-pup that followed the raven from point A to point B. Looking for his next meal in the form of making sure all was right within their home, or what was manageable by themselves since Stiix had little in the way of governing forces.

 

Of course, everything has to come to a close eventually. Umbra's health was declining the more Shade aged into his prime. Eventually, she had to turn back to her roots of being a tailor for those with less than others. Letting Shade handle the patrols around Stiix to make sure that the crime was kept to a moderate level. 

 

Before she passed, she made him a vest. The very one he wore to Chen's Tournament of Elements. Her funeral was a quiet affair, as she preferred it that way. The only attendants being himself and the Ninja's Master, an elderly man named Wu. As most of her friends had long since passed or disappeared.

 

Shade had not mourned, for she had requested he did not. In her words, all shadows change in size over time, and hers simply had run its course. Umbra had told him that one day, he would find something- or someone that would take away his night and form it into dusk and dawn. 

 

He asked Wu what that meant, and the Master had simply chuckled. Telling him that he would find it in time. Shade doubted it. But now that she had passed, there was nothing tethering him to Stiix anymore. 

 

To anywhere.

Chapter 2: The Mother and Daughter

Summary:

Shade comes into contact.

Notes:

Sorry for the radio silence and also diverging off from the Ninja, but I hope you guy enjoy!

 

Ninjago City, June 2017

 

The undercity in Ninjago City was a far cry from the underbelly of Stiix. 

 

Anyone who attempted to compare both would find that the former wins by a landslide. No competition.

 

Sure the people who lived in the lesser neighborhoods here would consider it a poor existence. But to somebody who had actually grown in Stiix for most of his life, this was essentially what the most wealthy owned, if not a little lower ended 

 

One thing he would admit, was that the festivals the lesser neighborhoods celebrated alongside the rest of Ninjago City are much, much more inviting than those of his childhood home. By a longshot. Even if the noise eventually became grating as they extended into the latest hours of the night. 

 

Walking out from his part of the neighborhood, Shade rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. Figuring that he may as well get a start to his daily routine before work. 

 

Shortened as it may be due to most places being closed early for the night so that everyone could enjoy the festivities. There was always going somewhere else if he needed something done. 

 

Avoiding a gaggle of kids and their guardians by stepping out of the way then turning down the corner, he continued on his way.Too groggy to really attempt using shadow travel properly.  

 

Not to mention it being safer for himself and everyone else if he didn't.  Shade cringed at the memory of the car accident a month or two ago, brushing it off, he buried his hands into the pockets of his jeans. 

 

Right, laundry detergent, dryer sheets… how full was the fridge-

 

Crackle  

 

Shade blinked. Right. That letter asking him to join the biker gang that was growing. He'd need to reread that again when he got to somewhere that wasn't so open. The person who left this could be following him. 

 

He had to get somewhere populated, preferably. Maybe more so casual leaning, as it was about ten or eleven last he checked. 

 

The café he semi-frequented up ahead was a good idea in that regard. Always open fairly late into the night, a good amount of visitors pass off as casual instead of it looking like a favorite.

 

Besides, there should be something he could have for dinner. One of the few ones in the area that did swap out their menus depending on the time frame it was still open. good prices, too. 

 

The further he ventured away from the neighborhood the more the usual ambience of NInjago City overtook the festival’s orchestra, fading into the background. It was soothing, in some odd sense.  

 

Ninjago City never sleeps, just like Stiix. 

 

Coming to a stop at an intersection, Shade pressed the button for the light. Watching the cars and trucks go by absentmindedly. 

 

Well, until one that stood out from the others passed by, blitzing past at the max speed for this street. Red highlights followed it as it drifted around the corner and sped away. 

 

Humming, he figured that was the up and rising Samurai X making rounds or rushing to a scene that they could aid in. 

 

Average night. 

 

The street light turned green then, blaring the pattern of sounds that it gave when it was time to cross. 

 

Going forward, Shade let his gaze wander from the corner of his eye. Looking through the immediate line up to see if there were any motorcycles about. 

 

None, far as he could see. Though he swore he saw one lean out of the way to hide behind a truck. 

 

Maybe it was the grogginess playing tricks on him this time. 

 

Either way, Shade took the chance to look back while he opened the door. Slightly exaggerating the swing so that he could subtly glimpse at the cars now driving off. 

 

No motorcycle. Only a scooter.

 

So it was grogginess, then. 

 

Quietly making his way into the establishment, he walked up to the empty cash register. Taking note that there were about six or so people in here besides however many employees present. 

 

None of them looked particularly dangerous, but looks could deceive easily as breathing. 

 

Still, two had knives, one had a fork. Three of the six. 

 

He could manage three. 

 

Anyway, looking at the menu, he weighed the option of either lasagna or a beef and vegetable stew. Absentmindedly pulling out the required amount from his wallet for either option.

 

No real reason to need something to warm him up, he was resistant to cold now. 

 

He settled on the stew. Felt more filling than the lasagna they served. Maybe that was his time as a fry talking when it came to deciding food. And when he lacked power. 

 

Whatever it was, he waited for somebody to show up at the cash register with a closed mouth yawn. Briefly closing his eyes as he lifted his shoulders in a half hearted stretch. Humming with content when they both popped. 

 

A couple of seconds later, he heard a set of boots approaching him. The voice one he’d become familiar with in his time living in the area.  “Hi, sorry for the wait. What’ll it be this time?” 

 

“Beef and vegetable stew. Large,” he drops the required coin down on the counter, pushing it forward. Once he meets the cashier's eyes, he continues,“Keep the change.” 

 

“Thank you for your business.” They smiled, pulling the money into their hand as they then dropped the coins into the cash register. Pulling out a paper and writing a quick scrawl on it, they passed it to him “We'll have your order in a bit.” 

 

Nodding, he reached out and took his number. Walking off after that to find a seat, choosing one of the two people booths that lined the wall out of view from the large window. Good for anyone outside being unable to tell what he was doing exactly. 

 

Seating himself he pulled the letter from his pocket. Placing the insignia of the envelope face down so it would not be seen by any stray eyes that came in or out. 

 

Unfurling the paper to its full length, Shade braced himself to find a threat to his well being, expecting an ominous promise of violence. 

 

What he read was none of that. 

 

A lot of text for a basic invitation, he noted. Must be a rookie gang trying to really find their footing. No way would they give this much information to somebody who might not even show up. High chance the leaders are young, too. 

 

He crinkled the edge of the paper, reading where to leave the letter depending on the response. Two locations meant they were smart, he'd give them that. Still not exactly as effective as approaching somebody yourself. 

 

They probably did it to avoid coming into contact with him in case it went out of their favor. That one was a choice he couldn’t blame them for. He might've restrained whoever came to him for the Green Ninja or Samurai X to pick up.

 

If he was stupid and decided to check out a young gang that didn’t even know how to invite members. 

 

Folding it back up, he huffed softly. 

 

He could send in the response, then get the Green Ninja and the Samurai a lead on whatever this was. This gang was growing too big. Maybe he would need to keep an eye on the undercity if somebody else couldn't - or better yet, was not doing that already. 

 

As he put the paper down and reached for the envelope, he suddenly froze. Two tiny brown eyes were staring at him from across the booth, and he spotted (noticed) them immediately. 

 

The owner of this pair couldn't be more than maybe four or five years old. 

 

When did she get here? 

 

Last he saw nobody in here had a child with them. The closest ones were two teenagers he saw sitting near the window seats, typing away on a phone and laptop when he came in.

 

The girl stared at him curiously, if not shyly. Given how she was peeking over the table. 

 

Her dark night hair nearly touched her shoulders, eyes so brown they were nearly black. 

 

Sneaky kid. 

 

Opening his mouth to ask a question, Shade was cut off before he could form it. 

 

“Vivienne! I'm so sorry!”  Putting a hand in front of “Vivienne”, somebody who wasn't the cashier began to coral her away. The kid held on to the ladies arm without a fuss as she was moved.

 

Looking over her shoulder, her brow furrowed worryingly she asked, "Was she bothering you? It won't happen ever again-” 

 

Waving her off quickly, he pulled the envelope closer, seeing that the woman was holding what could have been his order in one hand. Her focus entirely on the child. 

 

She was new. Both were. The mother herself had a much lighter shade of hair than the kids, not to mention she had blue-green eyes in comparison. Their facial features were semi-similar too. 

 

Reclining into the seat, he simply opted to wait. He had a feeling that was his order, but he would wait and see before assuming. Shade’d rather not come off as a bad patron to the café. 

 

Watching her look around the tables and booths that were occupied by other patrons who were staring at the kid she was shepherding around, he continued to wonder when they appeared. 

 

From the attitude and way the adult was disoriented, it couldn't be any longer than a month or three. More importantly, since when has Ninjago City allowed children to work alongside adults?

 

Taking the chance to put the letter away, he put the paper back into the envelope. Keeping the side with the motorcycle Garmadon symbol facing towards him. 

 

Stuffing it into his pocket right as he saw the cashier walk past him and to the duo, tapping the woman's shoulder. “Oriana, you walked past the number you were meant to serve.” 

 

“Oriana's” face flushed red as she whirled around, quickly coming back and placing his order down as she reached out for his number. Shade could feel the heat emanating from her hands. 

 

 “Thank you.” 

 

Oriana smiled tiredly, taking the slip of paper and then taking her leave. Vivienne still in tow after her as they both disappeared into the kitchen. 

 

“Sorry sir.” the cashier said, giving his napkins, utensils and water. Their tone exasperated. “She's new. We'll make sure this doesn't happen again.” 

 

It wasn’t his place to comment, but to him this wasn’t weird at all. 

 

“Leave her be.” 

 

He was more curious on if the establishment allowed children to work or not, Stiix’s restaurants and bars usually have them working after or before opening. Never during hours. 

 

The cashier turned to him, blinking. “Pardon?” 

 

“Not important.” He repeated, nodding to them. 

 

Sipping from his glass, he felt the water send a shiver through his throat. Spreading through the rest of him, his chest, arms and stomach. Shade felt the jolt one would get from cold water waking them up or refreshing them on a hot summer day. 

 

Looking confused, the cashier didn’t comment on it. “Is that all you need?” 

 

Grunting, he nodded again. They walked off after that, leaving him be. 

 

As he waited for his meal to cool, he began to ponder why the girl-Vivienne approached him in comparison to everyone else.

 

Could have been that he was new to her or she was curious. Kids don't normally approach him, they either stare at him or get out of his way. Or he does. 

 

Then the mother, Oriana didn't look that much older than him. Maybe younger. Best guess would be the age range of the new Water Ninja. 

 

Rolling his water around in the cup, he listened to the ice clink against the glass gently with each pass. Watching it rise and fall with the sway. 

 

If Oriana brought the kid to work, that meant she didn't have a babysitter or family. What was the girl even meant to do during working hours? 

 

He got his answer when Vivienne darted past this time, carrying a stack of napkins and handing them out to the tables that were occupied. 

 

Guess that answers that. Did Ninjago City have issues with child labor? He wasn't sure. kids often scrambled around Stiix looking for jobs. Who knows here. 

 

The little girl came up to him next, dropping off two napkins. Trying and failing to slide them over due to her height. 

 

Lowering his cup with a soft clink he took them. “Thanks, kid.” 

 

Her mouth opened in a smile and to his surprise, she signed back. ‘Welcome!’

 

That isn't something you see everyday. 

 

Taking the chance, he studied the child's features. Curly hair that went past her shoulders, more or less olive tanned skin, a button nose. Brown eyes that nearly barred black just like her hair. 

 

Looked healthy. 

 

On another note, he realized that the cashier probably wasn't aware the kid was doing napkin handouts. Maybe they were. 

 

Vivienne's head turned when a noise came from the kitchen, and she signed once more. ‘Bye!’ 

 

Waving a hand lightly, he motioned for her to get going. “See you.” 

 

Not a bad kid, if he said so himself. 

 

Ah, right. His soup. 

 

Well, he could say tonight was interesting at least.

  

---

 

Ninjago City, June 2017 

 

He had long stopped believing in anyone expecting anything of him. Whether it be something as simple as company or a requested favor. 

 

The Alliance at the Corridor of Elders was an exception. Ninjago had been at risk then, the Ninja had needed aid in defeating Chen’s Anacondrai. 

 

He briefly glanced at his phone, wondering why he let the Master of Amber–Skylor Chen, convince him into giving her his number along with passing it to the other Elementals who resided in Ninjago City. 

 

Shade then reminded himself that she said it was in case of emergencies, if the Ninja needed the collective help of the Elemental Masters. 

 

Flipping through another page of the newspaper while he waited for his order, he discarded the train of thought and instead looked at what was going around. 

 

He should tip the papergirl that came around the neighborhood into giving him information on the other places.  

 

Next time, maybe. Would need to wake up early to catch her. 

 

Some good summer deals at the grocery store too, he would need to go sometime before the following Thursday after next week. 

 

Reading through the apartment listings, Shade saw one that looked better than the place he was staying at now. 

 

More to the northern ends of the city, but it wasn't bad. He'd have to check that out, too. 

 

Shifting his attention back to the headline after looking through the tail end, Shade's brows rose when there was mention of the biker gang. 

 

Unfortunately, before he could read it, his table shook when something, or rather, someone thumped against it unceremoniously. 

 

Lowering the paper to look over, he stared. Not entirely sure how to react to Vivienne  staring back before waving at him in hello. 

 

“What is it?” He asked, carefully neutral. The kid hadn't done anything wrong. 

 

Resting her chin on the table, the girl began to sign. ‘You look weird. Good, weird.’

 

Brows rising in surprise, he took a moment to think before echoing what she said.  “I look weird in a good way?”

 

‘Yes, like…’ Leaning her head to the side for a moment, Vivienne’s mouth opened when it came to her. Hands a flurry of signs. ‘A crow, or a cat. Sneaky.’

 

“Crows aren't too sneaky, since they have friends. They make a lot of noise together.” He pointed out, somewhat appreciative of the compliment. 

 

The probable five year old sniffed at the reply. Giving him a look of doubt. ‘Cats have no friends?’ 

 

“They do sometimes,” Shade corrected, not entirely sure himself. He never really thought about it. “Not always. Like how dogs can be alone, some cats have friends.” 

 

Leaning to one side then the other, Vivienne slid into the seat off to his right. ‘What is your name? Do you have friends?’ 

 

Shade put down the newspaper, creating a dog ear for the page so he could return to it.  “Can't tell you my name.”

 

‘Secret?’ 

 

“Like that, yeah.” 

 

‘Do you have friends?’ Vivienne asked again before she got distracted by somebody going up to the cash register. 

 

crossing his arms, Shade grunted. “None that I can remember. Never really needed any.” 

 

The girl raised her hands to sign something else before making a noise at the back of her throat.

 

He was a little confused on why she gave him a dejected look after that. Wiping a hand across her face she signed slower. 

 

'What are you here for?’ 

 

“Breakfast.” Shade responded simply.

 

Openly assessing him as her eyes flicked up and down then left and right, she tapped her ankles against the wood in a broken rhythm. 

 

“Where is your mom?” 

 

Stopping her little drumming session, she pointed to the kitchen. ‘Mama makes yummy food, sometimes…’ Looking at her hands, she grumbled. 

 

She made a carrying motion then a giving one, scratching her head in annoyance. ‘Sometimes she-’ 

 

‘Serves.’ Shade finished for her, palms up and hands apart, moving them back and forth. Nearly identical to the giving motion she did.

 

Lighting up, she copied him. ‘Yes!’

 

He nodded in confirmation, double taking at the TV in the corner some ways from the booth he was seated at. The program cut off the news to reveal something major.

 

This one was different from the headline he'd been reading about a brief incident at a street somewhere in the central parts of the city. 

 

Looks like the biker gang had a name now, surprisingly. 

 

One that surely bode well for them. 

 

The Sons of Garmadon. 

 

If that was meant to get a rise out of the Ninja, specifically the Green Ninja, they had done themselves a favor in making an enemy that they would lose to. 

 

They wouldn't last, he scoffed. 

 

Better to be careful during the afternoon and at night from now on. 

 

Tap tap tap 

 

Shade turned back to Vivienne who was leaning over the table, palming it with her hands to get his attention. 

 

“Yes?” 

 

‘Show me more!’ 

 

“Maybe some other time. I’m only really here to get some breakfast then get going.” Moving his newspaper to the side he looked at the TV. 

 

So the Sons of Garmadon had raided a motorsports and two garages last night. None injured, far as he could tell. 

 

Things were changing. First it was the mother and daughter then the raid. 

 

Could Ninjago City even handle a gang coming up to stake a claim? Far as he’d seen there were only ever a few issues when it came to people - relatively few. 

 

His attention would be grabbed again by something brushing against his fingers, making him flinch hard as he raised his hand to counter-attack or block- 

 

He lowered it just as quickly when he heard the kid giggle. 

 

‘Got you!’ she signed, covering her mouth with her hands. 

 

Unsure of how to respond, Shade simply shook his head. Frowning. “Don’t do that.” 

 

Instead, she simply melted into her spot further. Giggles wracking her frame. 

 

Narrowing his eyes, Shade attempted not to glare. 

 

Where was the lack of hesitancy, the wariness? 

 

Had her mother never taught her to be careful of strangers?

“Vivienne!” Somebody called sharply, the girl’s grin going from gleeful to sheepish in seconds. 

 

One of the other workers he was more familiar with appeared with his order, putting it down and sliding it towards him. “What did we say about not being with your mom?”

Hanging her head, Vivienne looked at her shoes. Making a low sound that could pass off as her repeating it. 

 

Shade would be lying if he said it still felt odd to not see children running around and helping establishments in Ninjago City, though, again.

 

Maybe Stiix had twisted his sense of normality compared to Ninjago’s capital.

 

Still, he had spoken up once already. He was not going to do it another time. 

 

Even when Vivienne gave him a pleading look from underneath her bangs. 

 

“Sorry sir, hope you enjoy your meal.” Smiling, the server grabbed Vivienne’s arm and began to take her to the kitchen. “Come on Vivienne, maybe mom needs some help.”

The bloom of hurt that came into the kid’s face was not his problem, her mother could deal with that. 

 

He had more pressing matters to think about. 

 

The Sons of Garmadon coming into the undercity. 

 

---

 

Ninjago City, June 2017 

 

Fate and Destiny as concepts were nothing more than superstitions to Shade, usually. 

 

There was only the wrong place and the wrong time or the right place and the right time. 

 

Nothing more nothing less. 

 

And yet Umbra had believed in it. From the little contact he had with Wu, it also looked like the Ninja’s Master bought into that. 

 

Maybe he would need to. At least, Shade considered coincidences to be a decent one. 

 

Because the following week later on a Wednesday, he runs into the kid’s mother at the grocery store. 

 

Additionally, to his almost too common surprise this month, Vivienne was absent from her side. 

 

Fixing the basket he was carrying so the handles would stop pinching his fingers, Shade exhaled a sigh. 

 

While he would have preferred to not be recognized, she was at the meat section. 

 

Where he also needed to be. 

 

Waiting for one person to leave a section at a grocery store would be odd, not to mention much too extra for his preference. 

 

May as well bite the hook and see if he could get away without being pulled in. 

 

Even if he had already resigned himself to what came next. 

 

Coming up beside her, he began to look through the options she was looking past herself. 

 

For the most part she seemed too focused to really pay him any mind, which was fine. Still, he wouldn't get his hopes up about it. 

 

And there it was. 

 

Doing a double take when she realized somebody was beside her, Oriana greeted him. 

 

“Oh, hello.”

 

Flicking a hand upwards in a half hearted wave, Shade started gathering up the cuts of meat he would need for most of his dinner this week.

 

“Surprised to see you here, never thought I’d see one of the customers around this much.”

Humming, he counted how many packets he needed. Looks like he grabbed too many. 

 

Shifting through the prices, he decided to at least converse back. “Your fry isn’t with you.” 

 

Oriana's eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”

“Your kid.”

“Ah. Vivienne’s at the café,” Relaxing, Oriana reached for some beef bites herself. “My coworkers are watching over her while I get some stuff for this week's menu – you know, since I’m in charge of the kitchen.”

 

Unsure of how to respond, he went for the simple option. “You make good stew.” 

 

Flashing a smile, she turned to him fully. “Thank you for teaching her how to say serve.” 

 

“Just a word,” He replied, dumping a packet of hotdogs into his basket. “Nothing big.”

 

Oriana shook her head, the basket swinging back and forth. “No-no, really, I appreciate it. Usually I can't as I'm running around the kitchen. Making sure everything's ready and all.” 

 

That explained why she was usually outside of the kitchen, the kid had nothing to do in there. No wonder. 

 

Checking over his basket and deeming it satisfactory, he pivoted on his heel. “Could be washing dishes.” 

 

They were going the same direction anyway, so he may as well just resign himself to his new company.

 

“She does them sometimes, thankfully nobody usually orders with the sharper knives.” Falling into step with him, Oriana looked at dairy off to the right.

 

Right, he did need milk and cheese. 

 

Slowing down, he stopped to reach into a freezer. “She doesn't get paid in allowance?” 

 

Oriana gave him a confused look, like he was the weird one. “God, no. Only thing she can really do is hand out napkins with the utensils.” 

 

“So they don't consider her an employee.” 

 

“Why would they? She's a child.” 

 

Shade went quiet, thinking before he spoke again. “Heard families in Ignacia let their kids work in family run businesses. Stiix too.” 

 

At least those who got lucky enough to get off the streets and found a spot they wouldn't fight over. 

 

“Earliest you can start applying for jobs in Ninjago City is only fourteen and above.” Shifting her gaze off of him, Oriana pulled the second door, using her shoulder to keep it open. 

 

Splitting away from her, he went back down the dairy section to where the cheese was. Grabbing the mozzarella, he went back to where Oriana was, the chef having waited for him. 

 

The two moved on to the bread section, though Oriana didn't look like she was going to stop here. “Did you think kids here worked at an earlier age?” 

 

“Wasn't sure.” A white lie would suffice. 

 

“Then yeah, anything below what I said isn’t allowed to. Unless it's a family establishment, I suppose.” 

 

He didn't offer a response after that. 

 

Passing by the cash registers, Shade briefly read across the covers of any tabloids they had out.

 

None of them caught his interest, save for one. 

 

Approaching it and plucking it from the stand, he flipped through it until he found the page. 

 

Another heist. 

 

Going over the paragraphs, Shade clicked his tongue. Ignoring Oriana's steps. “Hey, you turned sort of-” 

 

“-suddenly…” Her sentence died out when she peered around his shoulder to see what he was reading. 

 

Holding the tabloid in one hand, Shade pulled out his phone to check the time. 

 

The phone screen alight, showing off a relieving Three PM. 

 

Sunset wasn't until nine or ten, so there should be a good amount of light left. 

 

Snapping the tabloid shut and pocketing his phone, he peered around the cash registers, seeing that most had lines too long for his liking. 

 

Eight or nine it was. 

 

Heading back up from where they came, he looked over his shoulder to Vivienne's mother. “I have to go. Got things to do.’ 

 

“Oh, um, See you. I still have.. things to get, so… have a good afternoon.” 

 

“You too.” Leaving her, he briskly walked to the ninth cash register. He still had to get things ready before he went to work. 

 

As he lined up behind somebody else, he spared a glance to where he left Oriana. 

 

She was gone. 

 

Had he been imagining things when he heard her say “Stay safe?” 

 

If anyone should be, it's a non-elemental like her. 

 

Especially with a child. 

Notes:

This was overall pretty fun to do, if I'm being honest. Somethin' simple from the insanity that is Into the Merged Realms (Dragons Rising season one).

Chapter 3: Between Evening and Midnight

Summary:

Shade wonders why he's doing this.

Ninjago City, October 2017 

 

He didn’t visit Ninjago Park very much, as there was not much of a reason to do so at any other given time. 

 

And yet, ever since he moved to Ninjago City, he would come and watch the murder fly off right as the sunrise peaked over the buildings. Then when they came back during sunset, roosting for the night.. 

 

The air had chilled considerably, now halfway through the month. Even before the sun started to properly dip below the horizon could one see their breath come out in puffs.

 

Coming to a slow halt, Shade took the chance to see a sign that was hung up on a tree. A familiar date on it with the promise of an event. 

 

Day of the Departed was around the corner. Barely a week away. 

 

That meant either silence or some quiet celebrations in the undercity. 

 

He moved on, dirt crunching under his boots. The trails are practically empty besides the occasional runner wrapping up a jog for the day which suited him fine. 

 

Meant there wouldn’t be any dogs harassing the crows. 

 

Glancing up at the partially clouded sky, he briefly watched the clouds drift between dark blue and lingering sky blue. Heading in the direction of the golden red-orange to the west. 

 

They weren’t here yet, which was good. Meant he was early. 

 

The path he’d entered eventually led out to one of two big lakes that the park had, now empty of the waterfowl that came for the spring then summer. Others are already waiting on benches and portable chairs. 

 

Most of them were faces he’d come to know on a surface level throughout the years. Oddly, the Titanium Ninja and Blue Ninja remained absent. Maybe that explained why the Green Ninja seemed distracted, the team was missing. 

 

Either way the spot the three usually sat in stayed empty. 

 

A pair of new faces he did not expect were Oriana and Vivienne. The girl was practically dancing in her seat as she played some hand games with her mother. 

 

Always surprising him. He never thought he’d see them this far from the undercity. Though that probably meant his range of locations was rather small. 

 

He’d have to fix that. 

What also threw him off was that they were sitting in a spot he usually sat near, beside the pine trees on a bench that was very much new. 

 

Pulling back, he debated if he wanted to go and take a seat near them. Let alone interact at all. Last he’d seen either was four months ago. Oriana at the grocery store if not a little bit more. Vivenne even further than that. 

 

Speaking of which, he watched the girl laugh when her mother topped off the game with a clap then a hand wave. Her face briefly turned to his direction. 

 

Oriana looked more tired than he remembered. 

 

Not as stressed looking when she worked at the cafe. But not as relaxed as he would think at a time like this. 

 

She carried herself with more weight, despite looking a bit more frail. Hard to notice if anyone didn’t know what they were looking for. 

 

Meanwhile Vivienne had the baby fat he expected from a kid in this city, fed. Clean. Cared for. 

 

Shade looked up when he saw movement pass by. 

 

The murder was here. 

 

Shaking his head, he decided to just go with it. 

 

Shade stepped out from the trees, walking up to them. Careful to avoid anyone who had a camera set up. 

 

Vivienne took immediate notice at his approach, waving excitedly as the crows flew by to the largest trees in the park. Pointing at them with an open mouth smile. 

 

Oriana waved and he nodded back, taking a seat off to their right. “They’re nice.”

 

The girl hyper focused on them, in complete awe. Her mother ruffled her hair, fixing her sweater. 

 

“How are you?” 

 

“Fine.” Shade answered back, keeping his eyes on the birds.After some silence, he then asked. “Yourself?” 

 

 

“Also fine.” Possibly echoing his words back at him, she reclined against the bench. “I never thought Ninjago Park had this. Wish I knew earlier.” 

 

Cameras quietly clicked and shuttered some ways nearby. Accompanying the periodic caws of the murder. “Where’d you hear about it?” 

 

 

He felt the temperature rise just a bit, Oriana’s reaction a little delayed. “Oh, I overheard someone talking about it to their friend on the way home after work..” 

 

Adjusting in her seat, Vivienne made a little noise. Bumping into her mother to get her to sit still. Wordlessly patting her leg. 

 

“And you? Never… took you as the type of person to bird watch.” 

 

 

Turning his eyes from the aforementioned birds to her. Tilting his head slightly. 

 

Oriana blinked, realizing her mistake. The temperature rose a little more. “Oh, sorry, um. Ran my mouth. I meant that I’m just… surprised.” 

 

 

Considering his words, Shade changed his view back to the sky. “Found out when I was looking for an apartment. Moved here some years ago.” 

 

He doubted she’d remember much of this conversation later, with Vivienne and all. Some half-truths could be said, at least. 

 

She didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she rolled the strings of her hoodie before continuing. “Ninjago City always has its surprises” 

 

 

“It does.” He agreed. Leaning on the chair a little bit. 

 

The two fell into a round of silence, simply taking in the scene before them as Vivienne made more noises. Trying to mimic a crow, even flapping her arms as if they were wings. 

 

“She a fan?” 

 

Sighing fondly, Oriana nodded. Bouncing her daughter on one leg, letting her get a higher view point. “She loves birds, mainly corvids- er, crows and ravens. Even has a stuffed toy.” 

 

Stifling a snort, he instead allowed a small smile. “Good tastes.” 

 

 

“I take it they’re a favourite of yours, too?” 

 

“In a way.” Shade said, thinking back to Umbra. “Yours?” 

 

Contemplative, Oriana tilted her head in thought before replying. “Always thought doves and cardinals were pretty if not underrated, especially cardinals.” 

 

“Never seen a cardinal.” Shade admitted, unsure if he should share that there was a pigeon and dove vendor in the undercity. 

 

“You usually find them in the suburbs. Not the inner city.”

 

Lowering himself further against his chair, Shade let the cool wood meet his back. “Sensible.” 

 

“Yeah, though sometimes they come here. Only in the mornings though.” Oriana said, wrapping her arms around her daughter. 

 

As the murder began to thin out now that the main body of the flock was gathered, Vivienne yawned. Rubbing her eyes. 

 

“Sounds like somebody's tired.” The mother murmured. Kissing the back of her head. “Ready to head home?” 

 

He could see how she wanted to shake her head stubbornly. The excitement for this event was probably high. And now she was dropping off after the event.

 

That was his guess. 

 

Shifting the girl around so that her back was facing outwards, Oriana stood up. Letting a nodding off Vivienne nestle her face into the crook of her shoulder. 

 

“Sorry to cut this off so soon,” She apologized, nudging the kid's head with her shoulder. “Gotta get her to sleep and all.” 

 

Waving her off, Shade sat up some. “Kids need sleep. It's how it is.” 

 

The tired look came back. Making her look like she was some years older than what he guessed she was. 

 

“Yeah, I'll…” trailing off, she shifted so that Vivienne was propped up against her hip. “I'll see you around?” 

 

Unable to immediately respond, he knew better than to promise anything like that. 

 

Just wasn't who he was. Yet she also wasn't deserving of a no. 

 

“Maybe.” He said, going for the middle ground. 

 

Oriana's smile faded to what he thought was something wistful for a second. Fading away as she nodded. “Vivi-Vivi, say goodnight.” 

 

Pivoting slowly so that they could see each other, the girl raised her hands enough to tiredly sign a goodnight. Messing up the latter half as she buried her face into Oriana's shoulder again halfway through. 

 

“Night.” 

 

“Goodnight.” she returned, walking down the trail he had come from. 

 

Shade followed their movement until they were obscured behind the pine trees he had used to hide behind before the crows came. 

 

He was lost as to why Oriana smiled like that at him. 

 

Watching the last crow disappear into the tree for the evening, he breathed. 

 

Not his problem. 

 

---

 

 

Ninjago City, November 2017

 

 

Wake up. Eat. Work. Go home. Sleep. Repeat. 

 

Life had gone on as always. 

 

Is what he would say if the streets in the undercity weren't half-afraid the moment afternoon traded places with evening. 

 

Especially when evening started fading into nighttime. 

 

At first, he assumed the Green Ninja and Samurai X just didn't survey these places often due to them needing to patrol other areas of the city.

 

No location was ever truly completely peaceful.

 

He wasn't one to judge how problems were dealt with. People often died as fast as they could breathe if they even spoke to the wrong person back at Stiix. 

 

Or stole from the wrong person. 

 

At the end of it all, it boiled down to what had more importance. 

 

The Samurai had a good sense of it, and a strong presence, yes. They could clear out an area in an impressive amount of time, he'd even seen it first hand on the way home once. They often even came here first on patrols. 

 

The Green Ninja, on the other hand? Shade could count on his hands the amount of times the Golden Savior had come and checked on Ninjago City's less fortunate.

 

The number was low. By a good amount, too.

 

Now was one of those times that the tally could have gone up. 

 

Ducking into an alley, he hid behind a dumpster. The snarl of motorcycles going past him with unadulterated abandon, the riders whooping and calling to each other. 

 

The reason why the people of the undercity were afraid of evening now.

 

And his reason to be wary outside of home this late. 

 

Listening to the racket fading the further away they moved, he sighed. He thought he left that life behind on the opposite coast. 

 

Guess not. 

 

Shadow travelling home it was.  

 

Closing his eyes, he focused on the things around him. The buildings on either side. The dumpster he was standing beside. The cool temperature of the alley. 

 

Feeling the numbness enveloping him, he breathed. Melding with his element as he shifted through the darkness, almost like he was underwater. 

 

Not the most comfortable place, passing through the shadowed rivers. He wouldn't say it was a place he liked being at any longer than required. 

 

Resurfacing again, he clicked his tongue. 

 

Got the estimations wrong again.

 

This was a block away from home. He didn't think to figure out where the biker goons went either. 

 

Trying again could be risky, so there went that plan.  

 

Walking out from the alley he came out of, he made his way towards his house. Opting to leave the hood on just in case somebody tried taking a potshot at him. 

 

Better to blend in.

 

Going to another place wouldn't be a bad idea. He stayed here for too long, and the bikers knew where he lived. 

 

Turning his head, he looked down the river that led to the harbor. One of many, but one he'd known for some years after coming to Ninjago City. 

 

People sat gathered around trash can fires, either huddled for warmth or simply to cook a meal. He could smell the spiced pigeon breasts from here, with the smell of roasted fish somewhere.

 

That vendor must be selling some of her loft again before the cold settles in. Those fishermen from the harbor must have also brought in the week's catch too. 

 

Shame. He'd almost miss this neighborhood after moving spots. Was fairly active yet everyone kept to themselves, would lend each other a hand when times were rough. 

 

Sure the festivals were loud but he'd gotten used to it-

 

Snapping his head towards the direction of roaring motorcycles and a scream, he ducked, using the bridge as cover to keep himself out of view. 

 

Windows closed on either side of the river, people bolted and others hid where they could. Ushering any children ahead of them. 

 

Doors snapped shut, people even jumped into the autumn water. Cold be damned because they knew what that somebody screaming this late could mean. 

 

The Sons of Garmadon.

 

Everything went silent and still. 

 

Silence. 

 

Then a child's wails rose as the laughter of bikers did. 

 

He heard a woman's bone chilling scream accompany the thunder of machines. 

 

Shade blinked. He recognized that voice. 

 

It was Orianna. 

 

That meant the kid screaming was Vivienne. 

 

Rising to peer through the bars of the bridge, he saw some coming on the left hand side. One of the taller men carrying the writhing girl.

 

The others, encircling around the mother who had tears- and a bruise, if he was seeing this right on the side of her cheek was stopped from following by a swift punch to the side.

 

Shade watched the big one come his way with the girl.

 

Something caused him to see a boy in Vivienne's place, one he doesn't recognize. Biting and scratching to get away. Teary with fear wild in his eyes. 

 

He was reaching for comfort, the safety fading quicker than the blood pouring out of two lifeless bodies on soaked wood during a rainy night. 

 

He's seen it before.

 

This isn't his problem. 

 

This is just how the draw of the pistol or knife goes. 

 

He better duck before he's seen. Hide before he gets himself into a web that'll expand out until it catches him. 

 

Why can't he lessen his grip on the stone? 

 

Why was it harder to breathe?

 

Shade remembers what it's like to have a knife and sword slashing at skin. He knows what a bullet grazing his arm feels like. Why is he standing still, as if he was a fish eyeing a lure? 

 

He left that life behind goddammit. 

 

That was on the western side of Ninjago's coast. 

 

This place was the twilight zone. What reason was there to feel the abyss drawing him back in when it was a whole continent away? 

 

Everything hurts. He needed to run. This wasn't his issue to deal with. That's just how midnight worked. 

 

All the horrors came out then. 

 

Oriana screamed again. Vivienne's wailing rose an octave. 

 

Punches and kicks landed. The metallic clang of a pipe dragged along grated his ears.

 

Danger. 

 

Kill or Be Killed. 

 

A dragon’s howl tore across the block. 

 

The bikers stopped, looking around. 

 

“Get a load of that! They're tryna scare us!” One guffawed, looking around for the speaker that played the sound. Pip hanging at the members' sides. 

 

Another with a painted face snorted, yanking Oriana by the hair. “The Quiet One’s going to have a field day with this one. The mice trying to use noise? Yeah.” 

 

The last one crossed their arms. Rolling their eyes. “Yo, Bones! Why'd ya slow down? Take the kid and go. Messages don't send themselves!” 

 

“Why don't you wrestle with the fucking runt!?” Coming to a screeching halt, Bones fought with the screaming child. Trying to keep her still. 

 

“Cuz’ it's your job to make sure we send a good message to Greenie and the Shittermurai. Even if it's with a brats body. Ultra Violet's orders.” 

 

Opening their mouth to retort, they opened and closed it. Vivienne stopped for a second, then fought harder. Biting at his hand and getting them to let go. 

 

Rolling on the concrete, the girl bolted upright and ran to her mother, the one holding the pipes rolling their eyes. “Leave it to Bones to fuck it up. I got this.” 

 

Oriana whimpered and the one who had her hair grabbed her by the back of the neck. “You got a front row seat to one of the best shows this side of Ninjago City has to offer! Hope your kid has experience with sports mama!”

 

Shaking her head, all the mother could do was watch. “Vivi, Vivi, stop stop stop stop-” 

 

Right as the gang member was about to swing straight at Vivienne’s head, Shade’s shadow dragon opened its maw and clamped down. 

 

Elemental essence made into teeth tore through clothes, skin and flesh. The pipe falling out of their hands with an ear splitting noise. 

 

Tossing the mangled body into an alley, he went for the next two. His elemental dragon stomped down on the member holding the pipe, their bones giving out a sickening crunch under the weight. 

 

Taking another step forward, Shade launched himself at Bones. His scream cut off when teeth impaled him through the torso on both sides. The body dropped with a disgusting squelch. 

 

Turning around, he narrowed his eyes at the one still holding Oriana by the hair. Idiot hadn't run away. 

 

They held a knife to her throat. 

 

Vivienne was shivering, wanting her mother. 

 

The last one pressed the blade closer, drawing a thin trail of blood. 

 

Shade melded into the puddles below, passing by and knocking the child over with the spine of the dragon before diving into his element.

 

He surged from beneath, jaws closing with finality as their cry of terror was silenced by blood and bone being broken apart.

 

He heard Oriana shriek in pain.

 

Landing with a thud, he tossed the last one into the alley. Turning his head over to look at the pair. 

 

Not dead. Just hurt. 

 

He saw Oriana clutching her arm, blood coming out of a long mark across it. The girl wasn't any better off. He could see her trying to wipe it from her eyes.

 

He should go. 

 

He couldn't trust the authorities. 

 

Neither could he trust the Green Ninja or Samurai X tonight. 

 

They had both nearly failed these two. 

 

No, had failed these two. 

 

Taking off into the air, he opened his elemental dragon’s jaws and lunged for the two. 

 

He picked up the mother in the jaws, then the daughter and dove towards the bridge. Their struggles feeble and barely more than low whines as they reached for each other. 

 

Taking in a breath, he dragged them both into the shadows. 

 

---

 

Spitting out Oriana and Vivienne into his living room first, Shade barely managed to walk out of the passage before collapsing onto the floor in a heap of heaving breaths.

 

He heard them gasping for air, then the two pairs of sobs next.

 

His mouth tasted like blood. Lots of blood. 

 

Dragging an arm over to wipe it, he winced. His arms are absolutely exhausted from the actions performed by his elemental dragon. 

 

His jaws hurt. 

 

He placed a hand on the floor and pushed himself up. Stubbornly getting to his feet despite the fact his balance was definitely a bit off after that whole… situation.

 

Palming the table, Shade leaning against it. No wonder the Green Ninja didn't use it to get around much any more. It was not reliable in the long run. 

 

Rolling his neck to get the cracks out, he grimaced. Looking up to see one Orianna with Vivienne behind her, the mother's arm still bleeding. Her shirt stained. 

 

Right. He decided to bring them here instead of leaving them for the police to handle. 

 

What possessed him to do that? One of the Preeminent’s Ghosts? 

 

He made his bed, time to lay on it. 

 

Carefully-slowly, he turned. Keeping one half of him facing mother and daughter in case the former tried throwing something at him. 

 

He understood the fear in their eyes, even if she was leaning very heavily on her left side. Her body swaying and blinking, hard. 

 

Trying to stay awake. 

 

Keeping the door open so they could hear him rummaging around, he entered. Barely catching a glimpse of Vivienne signing something. 

 

Pulling two rolls of bandages from the stash with the stapler, towel, and pressure gauze, Shade went back to the living room at the same pace he entered his bedroom. 

 

He did not want to startle Orianna any further.

 

Holding his hands up like he was in the middle of being arrested, Shade just noticed the scars on his right ending at the bend where his forearm met his bicep. 

 

Good thing he kept bandage rolls in case of things like these. 

 

Coming to a stop once Oriana saw him again, he breathed. “You have a kid you have to look after, I have an area that I need to leave.”

 

Going a little closer, he stopped when she backed up against the wall further. “I am not doing this for you. We're just in the same leaking boat with the chance to patch it up so we live to see landfall.” 

 

Oriana opened her mouth to speak, bloodied and swollen, yeet no sound came out except a strangled sob as she crumpled to the floor. Landing on her knees heavily.

 

Vivienne struggled to support her as she was nearly taken out by the adults' weight. Making A small noise as she turned to her mom's arm, still bleeding. Then to him. 

 

Shade held the hand out with the bandages for her to scrutinize. The girl’s unblinking stare sinking into him.

 

It didn't last long, because she made another noise at the back of her throat. No less mangled than the one her mother made.

 

Burying her face into her less injured shoulder, the daughter extended her arms far as they could go. 

 

Orianna returned the hug by cupping the back of her head, kneading the hair between her fingers. 

 

He got to work quietly, offering no comforting words or friendly touch. 

 

Not the best spot to work with, but he made do. Must have cut her with one of the teeth from the elemental dragon. He could feel the shadow clinging to her skin. 

 

Still, it was a bad cut for sure. Nothing hospital worthy though, he thinks. The swaying was more likely from her taking blows to the head than anything. 

 

Speaking of which, he'd need to address that. Oriana hadn't received a true beating, but her cheek was some semblance of pink and purple. Maybe even a broken nose.

 

Her side was probably bruised heavily, too. 

 

Finishing up his work with the bandages to stop the bleeding, he brushed the back of his hand against hers. 

 

Oriana yanked it out of his reach and instead uses it to snake it around Vivienne's back. Chin resting on the girl's shoulder, head leaning against hers. 

 

Seeing as they were not going anywhere, he wiped the fresh blood off of his hands with the towel and got up. Gathering the things and organizing them more neatly. 

 

Should have gotten more towels. Quietly huffing, he got up and went into the kitchen to wash his hands then into his room to grab more supplies. 

 

He came back with three more in hand and a bottle of sanitizer alongside two other things he tossed to the floor. Taking his spot on the floor again, he tore open the wound wipes and the large bandages box.

 

“Vivienne.”

 

Oriana stiffened, shaking her head wordlessly. Hold tightening on her child. Another set of tears threatening to fall and add more stains to her cheeks. 

 

Shade would have assumed her black eye was worse than it was if he did not know how puffy they were from crying. 

 

Still, he had caused the gash by rushing past the kid.

 

His job is to clean it up. 

 

“I won’t take her.” 

 

That was about all he could promise for right now. 

 

Pulling back away from her daughter, Oriana signed to Vivienne. Her hand trembled yet remained steady enough. ‘The man needs to clean your scratches, will you let him?’ 

 

Looking at him from over his shoulder, he raised the wound wipe and then dabbed around at his own cuts. Then adding a bandage over it. 

 

‘Simple as that.’ Signing in case she didn't recognize him, he would have smiled if he wasn't exhausted. “Nothing more.” 

 

Turning around and pushing Oriana's arms lightly, she crawled out of her moms lap. Coming to kneel in front of him, with that same unblinking stare. 

 

Having already washed his hands in the kitchen, he pulled out another wound wipe and then one of the jumbo length bandages.

 

The scrape across the kid's face was larger than he thought. Brushing her hair, he paused. Pulling back. ‘This will hurt. Can you handle it?’ 

 

Vivienne nodded, leaning her head forward. Which caused the hair to nearly come into contact with the injury. 

 

Repeating the process of moving her hair, he quickly brushed the wipes over. Keeping in mind how she sucked in a breath. 

 

Taking the dried blood off of her forehead with some more firm wipes after he cleaned the scratch, Shade added what he needed to before pulling out another from the box. 

 

“Can I clean your face? It'll be quick.” 

 

The fiver year old shrugged, though remained still. 

 

Seemed about as clear a confirmation it could get. 

 

Wiping it from her brows, and then a little below, he then got the dried trails on her cheeks. 

 

She'd need a shower to get it out properly, and he did not want to risk irritating her eyes more than what he was doing now. 

 

Letting her go, he nudged her back towards her mom. “You're done.” 

 

Sniffing, Vivienne wheeled around and practically crashed into Oriana. The mother immediately checked her over before looking at him. 

 

They did that a lot. 

 

Ignoring it, he began to clean up. He could handle the cuts later. They weren't bleeding anyway. 

 

They were staying the night. He needed to go get clothes for them.

 

Shade knew the following question would be one that sounded suspicious given the situation. However, he was not lending them clothes. 

 

These were strangers in his current home, after all. 

 

“Where do you live?” He asked, standing up with the supplies. Half way turned so that he could head to his bedroom. “I'll go get the things you need to stay here.” 

 

Massaging Vivienne’s back, Oriana swallowed harshly before speaking. “3560 Holm Oak Street, Apartment 214.”

 

Three blocks away… so the Sons of Garmadon were likely patrolling the undercity now, that's how they caught him off guard. 

 

Walking away from the pair, he discarded the garbage and stored anything that still had a number of uses. 

 

Briskly returning to them a couple of minutes later, he pulled on a jacket he left hanging off a chair. 

 

“Don't touch anything in the bedroom except the bed if you want to sleep” He began, adjusting the sleeves and then the sides so that they'd hide most of his face. “Everything else, go ahead.” 

 

He didn't wait for an answer after that. 

 

Diving into the shadows of the dimly lit kitchen, he breathed in. Passing through. 

---

 

Re-emerging inside the apartment's bathroom, Shade palmed the wall. Heaving for air desperately. 

 

The cuts he opted to leave burned under the sleeve of the jacket. His power usage demanded a payment for how many times he used it today so soon after the elemental dragon.

 

Leaning his head against the wall, he rested there for some moments. Allowing himself to recover after the passage. He should have remembered that it would be more difficult.

 

This is what happens when you do things for others. 

 

Gathering his bearings, he stood up. Holding a hand to the wall for support as he made his way out. Rearranging his mental list. 

 

First it was to pick up the clothes for Orianna and Vivenne, then grab any and all medicine, finally, toiletries. Food would come last. 

 

Their apartment looked to be one bathroom and one bedroom, making it vastly easier for him. Wasn't that big either. 

 

Shade figured that the apartment would be barebones, though he had a feeling the furniture was left behind.

 

He came to a stop at the hallway intersection, noticing that there were two mice fighting over something under the kitchen table. One looked more like a rat though. 

 

Well, he got his confirmation when the larger one went in for the kill, dragging it off somewhere. 

 

Huffing, he entered their bedroom. Turning on the light so he could see what he was doing- more chances he could avoid being bitten too. 

 

It was small by his standards, but he was aware he was big. The bed itself could comfortably fit three people at maximum from a glance. 

 

Seeing the worn dresser with two hanging backpacks, he took them off and began to rifle through. Making sure to fit at least four pairs of each for both.

 

Oriana only had three pairs – what she was wearing currently must be her fourth set of clothes. A majority of it was unsurprisingly clothing for Vivienne.

 

Tossing them onto the bed so he could fold them up in the separate packs, he accidentally rustled the dresser and caused something to fall. 

 

Drawing his hands back on instinct, it made a muffled noise the second it hit the floor. 

 

It was a wooden photo frame. 

 

Leaning down to pick it up, he turned it over. 

 

His brows raised in surprise, because this was an old photograph of what looked like Oriana. 

 

Specifically, a younger version of her with a mother and father. Her daugher absent. 

 

There was a date in the corner. 

 

Four years ago, nearing five. 

 

He debated on bringing it with him as he set it back on the dresser top carefully. However, it was not his place to pry into familial matters. 

 

He was here for things that would help them survive. 

 

Throwing one more set of socks onto the bed, Shade quickly got to work getting everything ready. Clicking his tongue when the bag he was using for Vivienne had to be reorganized again. 

 

Once he managed to work around it, he eyed the bags then the bed. Catching that there was a raven plush sitting in the middle partially hidden by a blanket. 

 

Oriana had said the kid liked ravens and crows, didn't she? 

 

Reaching over, he grabbed it. Seeing how worn it was and that a wing was starting to become torn he thumbed it in consideration. 

 

Shade snorted, going for a pillow and dumping it out of the casing. “Had to come back to see what I'm doing.” 

 

With more care than he expected of himself, he put it into the pillow casing. Leaving the bedroom supplies done and ready to go. 

 

Making his way to the kitchen for plastic bags, he passed by the refrigerator. Covered from top to bottom with more photographs of Vivienne playing with toys or simple scenery shots from the city. 

 

Others, well, were drawings from the kid or ones from Oriana with friends and family from before. 

 

He didn't take any of them. 

 

What he did take was the plastic bag box he found in one of the drawers. 

 

Going back to the bathroom, he placed the tooth brushes separately alongside the toothpaste. 

 

He didn't think he was forgetting anything else, and if he was, he could come back when he was not running on fumes. 

 

Stepping back to their room, he shut off the light. 

 

Time to go. 

 

---

 

When Shade came back, he found that both had moved from the floor to his bed. 

 

Vivienne was nestled against Oriana’s side, the mother simply carding her hands through the child's hair. 

 

He saw how her shoulders bunched up and the muscles in her forearms tense when she heard his footsteps. Only to calm somewhat when she saw it was him. 

 

She had not gotten herself an ice pack. Must have wanted to put the kid to sleep. Her bruises still looked bad. 

 

Placing both bags to the floor alongside the small baggies on the tops of them, he approached. Digging into the pillow cause and presenting the plush. 

 

“She'll sleep better. Longer. Gives you time to rest.” allowing her to gingerly take it from his hand. Staying perfectly still so as not to startle her. 

 

Oriana nodded with exhaustion, reaching out. Her hand lightly brushing against his, her fingers still cold. Clammy. Trembling. 

 

He dropped his hand off to the side, taking a step back. 

 

Slowly shifting the raven under Vivienne's arm in place of her own, Oriana pulled the blanket farther up when her daughter took hold of it. 

 

Kissing her undamaged cheek to the kid's forehead, she whispered something he couldn't make out. 

 

He did not want to hear it either way. 

 

Drawing away from her, Oriana slowly shifted off the bed towards him. Uneasily standing as she swayed to one side then the other.

 

Carefully, he extended an arm for her if she wished. “When was the last time you ate?” 

 

“...Noon.” She responded, limping closer as she accepted the help. “Vivienne had dinner before… this.” 

 

“Did it stay down?” 

 

“Yes.” 

 

Allowing her to adjust her weight, he took her wrist in his left and held onto her shoulder with his right. Guiding her to the kitchen. 

 

It was slow, as she must have taken a hit to the leg from either the pipe or one of the Sons of Garmadon slamming a bike against her, he couldn't be sure until later. 

 

Still, he managed to get her seated in the kitchen. Lightning a candle so that her eyes would not strain from the harsher lights that came with the house. 

 

Opening the freezer and grabbing a bag of peas and carrots then wrapping them in a dish towel, He slid them both over to her from across the table. 

 

“Keep it on. Tell me when they get warm and I'll give you another one.” Opening one of the clear bins he kept for his sliced bread, he took two out of the bag. Inserting them into the toaster. 

 

Next, he set up the kettle on the stove and opened a cupboard to pull out a packet of hot chocolate. 

 

“Why?” 

 

Turning on the heat, he adjusted it to medium. No need for the whistling to wake up Vivienne. 

 

“I said we're in the same leaking boat with the materials to fix it until landfall.” repeating his words from earlier, he did not turn to look at her. “I'm not doing this for you.” 

 

“The police or the Green Ninja would have come." Oriana murmured, Hissing at the contact from the cold. 

 

“Would have come too late. The Green Ninja barely patrols here in the undercity, Samurai X is too mysterious. Both are unreliable.” Ripping open a bag of crumbly cookies, he began to eat some. “Another Sons of Garmadon member could have been watching.” 

 

Oriana remained silent, the only sound between them of the kettle rising in temperature.

 

He didn’t say anything in reply, only continued to eat. 

 

 “I'm sorry.” 

 

“No reason to apologize to me. I'm taking responsibility for what I did.” Shade said, shaking his head as he rolled a mini cookie. “Didn't drag me into your mess. They did.” 

 

The kettle began to steam, right as the toast finished. Shade went and grabbed a mug, one of the larger ones as he poured the water. 

 

Ripping the hot chocolate packet open, he dumped the powder in. Stirring it with a spoon as he reached over, opened the fridge and then added some milk. 

 

Calling on his power a small amount, he chilled his hand so that the heat of the mug wouldn't burn him as he went to place it down in front of Oriana. 

 

Pivoting on his heel he went for the toasted bread, setting it beside the hot chocolate. 

 

Seating himself across from her with his bag of crumbly cookies, he motioned for her to eat. “Not giving you anything heavy ‘till tomorrow.” 

 

Nursing her bruised cheek, she began to eat. At a slow pace, but there was no need to rush her. 

 

Far as he knew they were safe, at least in this small window of time. 

 

Still, there were things to be done on his end. 

 

His exhaustion could wait.

 

“Is there anything else that you need from your apartment?” Shade asked once she finished the first one, brushing any loose cookie crumbs back into the bag to keep his space clean.

 

Lowering the other one she was about to pick up, Oriana stared at the plate. Her fingers flexed on the bread, making a small sound. 

 

Shade readjusted himself, the chair creaking below him. The bag crinkled slightly from the movement before it settled. 

 

“A camera in the living room on a desk with a laptop under it.” She said finally, raising the cold press to her eye. Flinching from the contact.

 

He could have looked. “Anything else?” 

 

The mother shifted, holding up her other arm with her elbow. To him, the action looked more like she was hugging herself. 

 

“On the dresser. There's a red photo frame with A-” Trying to find the words, she heaved a sigh. “A picture of my mom and dad before they…” 

 

Holding up a hand for her to stop, he shook his head. 

 

He knew how this story began and ended. 

 

“I only asked if you wanted it here. Do you?” 

 

Nodding wordlessly, Oriana averted her stare. Picking up the bread and chewing on it quietly, her hot chocolate still steaming, but the trails were growing weaker. 

 

Rising from the table, Shade went to put his snack away. “I'll get it to you in the morning. Unless you want to go home?” 

 

Shaking her head immediately, she gripped the pack tighter. “I don’t feel safe with Vivienne seeing as our balcony isn’t high off the ground.” 

 

“Things aren’t going to be safe for a while.” He grunted in response, washing his hands. 

 

He would have said things would get better, but knowing Ninjago’s luck? 

 

They could only wait for the oncoming storm.

 

Saying anything otherwise would make him a liar.

 

---

 

Getting Oriana back to his bed was relatively simple. She had much more energy to move now that he had gotten her food. 

 

Vivienne, somehow, was also still asleep. Curled up in a ball hugging the raven tightly with her face buried in the crook of its neck. 

 

Stopping a space away, he nudged Oriana to move back beside her daughter. “I'll be fine on the couch.” 

 

“Thank you,” she whispered, crawling onto the bed and taking her place. Covering herself with the blanket. 

 

Humming softly, he turned, ready for a night of no sleep. 

 

Yet before he could step out of the room, he heard her one more time. Her voice just barely reached his ears. 

 

“What is your name?” 

 

Stopping, Shade looked over his shoulder to meet her stare. 

 

“Not important. Now go to sleep.” 

 

Turning her back to him, which was incredibly foolish given that they were both strangers to each other, he shook his head. 

 

Closing the door behind him, he leaned back on the couch. Making himself comfortable as he lay his hands on his torso. 

 

Time to play guard dog. 

 

 

Notes:

Okay so I forgot to do some ends notes.

So, funnily enough before the scene at the park, it was originally going to be one of Skylor and Shade. Then when I was getting outside feedback, it was noted Oriana herself didn't have much in the apearances/building up. So I wanted to fix that and expand on it.

So! Little fun thing about the Elemental Dragons here: the EM's don't ride them. They ARE the Dragon. Think of how like, Rising Dragon creates a phantom one around the RGB sibs and Zane. Like that, but on a much weaker scale.

As always, thank you for reading this. Y'all are great.

Chapter 4: The Wolf Reveals Himself

Notes:

Allllllright! I'm ALIIIIIIVE. At least to try and get back to finishing this lmao. Been like, nose deep in taking notes and plotting AU stuff. Plus I've had some of these sitting in my draft (I think that's the word) for a hot minute. So. sorry if this ones too short but, I hope you enjoy!

Shades never been one for rushing into things. Yet there isn't a time of time to think about it.

Ninjago City, October 2017

 

The earliest daylight had begun to bleed through the blinds of his home by the time he dozed off, unable to fight the exhaustion from the previous night. 

 

When he awoke next, it was to small fingers nudging his shoulder and something poking him in the face. Said thing being soft yet angular. 

 

He would have swatted the hand away on instinct if he didn’t remember who it belonged to. 

 

Shade turned his head over, grumbling in his throat. Slowly opening his eyes to adjust to the lighting of the living room. Seeing the little girl he brought home with last night, holding on to her plush. 

How long had she been standing there? 

 

“What?” Shade asked, voice heavy with sleep and drier than the surrounding Sea of Sand.

Swapping her plush to the opposite hand, she tilted her head. ‘Dream.’

Shade stood up, rolling his shoulders. The girl was fine then.  “Where’s your mom?” 

 

‘Sleepy.’ She responded. Pressing her nose to the back of the raven. 

 

“Had me thinking somebody snuck in somehow.” He muttered, relaxing. God he needed water.  “You need something?”

Nodding, Vivienne curled her hand into a C shape then pressed underneath where her collar bone was, dragging it down her chest. ‘Hungry.’ 

 

That explained what she was doing out here by herself at least, must have left Oriana to sleep longer. Turning to the kitchen, he waved for her to follow him. 

 

Listening to the pitter patter of feet on the wooden floor, Shade went to the sink. Turning it on and splashing his face with the water. 

 

Not warm yet, must be eight or nine. 

 

Making himself feel more awake and less like he had fallen asleep on the highest Stixxan rooftops, he began to rifle through the cabinets for the appropriate tools. Putting them down when he found the right ones. 

Hearing Vivienne pull a chair and take a seat, he listened to her drumming on the table lightly. A broken hum coming from her.

She was taking this surprisingly well, considering what happened last night. Though he supposed it was because she was young, didn’t really have enough of a mind to think about it ‘till later. When something would happen and decided it needed to rear its head.

At least now it wasn't then. 

 

Finally remembering where he put it, Shade pulled out a pan from the oven.  “Do you want anything or do you only eat one thing?” 

 

‘Hungry.’

 

Great reply, little fish spawn.

Pinching the bridge of his nose he sighed, then turned  to her, arms crossed. “Eggs or pancakes?”

 

Her nose scrunched up in thought, the plush raven’s head cocking to one side then the other in her lap. ‘Both.’

 

Now they were getting somewhere. 

 

“Gotta be less obscure on what you want.” He said, getting the pancake mix out of the taller cupboards. Eggs could come later when there was enough. 

 

Setting up at an angle so he could see what she was saying, Shade got to work. Dropping in two cups of the flour then the water, he started to stir. 

 

Vivienne hummed in response, kicking her feet back and forth as if she was on a swing. ‘What mean?’ 

 

“What mean?” He echoed, raising a brow. 

 

‘Yes.’ 

 

“Obscure?” 

 

‘Yes.’ Nodding vigorously, she pointed a finger at him when he said it.

 

Ah. 

 

How'd he forget he was talking to a four-five year old? He was talking too big for her to understand. 

 

Stopping what he was doing, he lifted his hands. “Watch and listen. I'll only show you twice. Okay?” 

 

She replied by raising her own hands. Her eyes raptly on his. 

 

“You want to put it in front of your face - no, lower, at your chin or lips.” Tapping his, he waited for her to correct herself. When she did he continued. 

 

“Put your four fingers above one or the other, like this. Pinky and ring finger can touch your palms a little bit.” Shade continued, letting her get used to the motion. Opening his mouth in a low yawn. 

 

“Then circle them like play-doh or mud,” he finished, shaking his head at the same time. “Shake your head as if saying you’re no, too. Repeat that two-three times.” 

 

‘Obscuria.’ She signed, making a face. 

 

“Close. Keep your hands open, no reason to close them at all.” Showing her the proper way one more time, Vivienne huffed. 

 

He could see the way her fingers curled inwards naturally, but she managed to form it after another try.  ‘Obscure.’ 

 

Nodding, he turned back to the bowl. “There you go.” 

 

Beaming with satisfaction, Vivienne repeated the word a couple times more. Even going as far to have the plush use its wings to mimic her own action. 

 

Deeming the pancake mix worthy enough to move on, he went and turned the stove on. Cranking it up to the higher end so that it wouldn't take too long. 

 

‘Can you show me more?’ She asked, leaning forward and resting her chin on the table. 

 

“Bit busy, kid.” He replied, getting the carton of eggs from the fridge. Counting them to make sure there was enough for the three of them. “Ask your mom when she wakes up.” 

 

Wasn't his job to teach a random whelp anyway. That is what the parent is meant to do, far as he knows. Or any relatives in the form of a grandmother or uncle. 

 

Not a stranger’s task. 

 

---

 

Leaving Vivienne to eat in the kitchen, Shade went to his bedroom. Knocking on the door at a fair volume before he entered. A plate of food in his hand. 

 

He walked in to see Oriana resting, curled up against the pillows and staring blankly at the furthest wall. Her hair is a mess in comparison to the slight care she put into it for work or general outings.  

 

Approaching her, he stopped at the side of his bed. Staying just a small bit away.  “So you're awake.”

Silence.

Leaning around slowly to see her eyes, he saw how they were flickering around constantly.

“Oriana.” He called, this time louder. 

 

Blinking back into focus, she sat up. Leaning against the headrest, the bag of peas and carrots all but warm by now. Laying on her lap. 

 

Taking the bag and then leaving the plate for her in its place, he breathed through his nose. It was settling in.  

 

“Things change fast or slow,” He began, sitting a little distance away from her. Facing her.  “Do you still want to go home? Does the motorcycle gang know where you live? You or I can’t stay here.” 

 

Anyone else would have considered it unfair to ask this of somebody who had woken up Captain Soto knows how long ago, or had eaten more than just two little pieces of toasted bread.

Or even offered some comfort, but he was none of those.  

 

Given the situation, fairness possibly wasn't an option. There was only do or don't. 

 

Which is why it had to be asked again, now. 

 

The two sat in silence, the only sounds being the mattress shifting under their weight. Each  slight movement causes it to groan and grumble. 

 

“There are rats in the old apartment. Big ones.” Oriana spoke, picking up the fork and cutting off some of the egg white. 

 

Shade nodded, giving her the escape of not looking at her. “I saw one eat a mouse when I was there last night.” 

 

“I can't have Vivienne there. It's… too dangerous.” She continued, cutting off more slices from the egg. I barely made rent for the last two years I've been there.” 

 

Explained why the apartment was bare save for a few things, perhaps even the furniture that was there had really been there first.

 

Sighing, the mother wiped her eyes with her knuckles. “I've been looking for places, most of the jobs I try for don't want me to have Vivienne with me. I can’t afford a babysitter.” 

 

“The Café?” He questioned, he had still seen her there. That seemed fine. 

 

Oriana shook her head. “Any more warnings about Vivi and I'll be unemployed. She manages to sneak through sometimes but… I can't bring my daughter to the workplace.” 

 

Looking at the room temperature back on his lap, Shade sighed. He was free to go anywhere he pleased, he had done his part.

 

Yet the words of another rose in the back of his mind, reminding him. Asking. 

 

“I know people.” Shade said, turning to meet Oriana’s eyes. Fighting back the sense of regret.  “I'll need to get in touch with them both, but he can help you. As can I.” 

 

He wanted to take back what he was saying. But the words were coming out anyway, despite his need to pipe down. 

 

“I have a target on my back. So do you.” He added, standing up. The mattress  groaned at the loss of his weight. “Maybe we do or don’t. The Green Ninja and Samurai X can only do so much.” 

 

He can't be sure if they're doing enough or too little now. There was only the capability of judging what happened last night and what comes next against the Sons of Garmadon. 

 

Changing his object of focus, he lightly scratched the back of his head. Dragging it around to his throat. “I can make sure Vivienne and you stay fed. If you're wondering, no, I don't run with any gangs. I just know people from the battle at the Corridor of Elders.” 

 

Oriana blinked, taken aback as she opened and closed her mouth. The clink of the fork against the plate his only tell she was. “I…” 

 

“I'll give you the day to think about it,” Cutting her off, he made for the door, walking away from her. “I need to find another apartment or penthouse somewhere else. By the end of the day tell me if you want to jump ship or not.” 

 

Grabbing on to the handle, he shook his head. What was he doing? Taking it up again when he had left it to die on the other coast? 

 

Too late to back out now. 

 

He could do this last thing for her.

 

Even if she never asked. 

 

Not for Oriana. 

 

Not for Vivienne.

 

Only her.

 

 One last time. 

 

“I’ll be getting your camera and photo frame to you in an hour or two,” He added, tuning the doorknob. “Anything else will be my decision.” 

 

He didn't give Oriana a chance to reply as he left, closing the door behind him. 

 

Shade left shortly after that, diving into the nearest shadow. 

 

He needed to think about what he just said.

Notes:

Gonna try and push out the last few chapters/spots in the upcoming days now that I've made some headway on the junior ninja's profiles. I got two more to go before moving on to the Dragons of the Monastery, besides. I do think I wanna continue these instead of jumping main fic to main fic. I like the practice.

Chapter 5: Who's Presence Fades

Summary:

Shade is out of his depth.

April 26th, 2018 

 

Shade looked to the cloudy sky coming in for the night from his spot in the alleyway. Feeling spring winds breeze past him, the slight nip of winter still present.

 

He would have an advantage tonight once again. Good. 

 

There really was an irony to the Sons of Garmadon becoming active during the day in comparison to some months ago. 

 

When they used the dark alleys to hide themselves from the Green Ninja, Samurai and police, crawling around in mobs like rats that found a body that hadn't been thrown away properly. 

 

Once they’d gotten enough numbers, they entered the chicken house and everything had gone to shit. 

 

Shade carefully eyed where the Stone Colossus was. Making sure to commit its location to memory, just in case he had to move civilians out of the way en masse if Garmadon felt like having a fit again. 

 

It remained still, unmoving. The purple glowing eyes in the stones staring off into the distance. Soulless.  

 

This was the longest period of inactivity so far at three days. 

 

He knew better than to have any hope of it not becoming active soon.

 

It was easy to recall the screams that were silenced abruptly in the days past.

 

Strengthening his grip on the basket of fruits and vegetables that'd been given out at one of the few food banks still bold enough to operate, he continued on his way home. 

 

Only one more block and he would be able to shadow travel without worry of exhausting himself from the distance. Trekking across the city to the southern end near the suburbs had taken all day. 

 

If it meant it was what ensured his survival and the ones he lived with, he'd do it.

 

While the weather advantage was nice, that also brought about new problems given it was spring. 

 

He could smell the incoming promise of rain.

 

He should hurry up. 

 

Casting quick glances all around him, Shade broke into a brisk walk. Going around or over any spare debris caused by conflicts between foolishly hopeful civilians and armed gang members. 

 

Even here, there was the iron tint of blood somewhere. Hidden by oil and dust, the only indication that there was a body nearby were the coyotes snapping to each other over it. He could hear them.  

 

Stopping at the end of the alley to listen for the roar of motorcycles, he stayed in a crouched position for what felt like three minutes. Ready to shove the basket into the passages if need be. 

 

Shifting his weight, he looked both up and down the street. Eyes now adjusted to the barely lit streets, practically lifeless now that Garmadon had taken over. 

 

Another minute passed. 

 

Then two minutes passed. 

 

Finally coming down to what he estimated was the sixth, Shade went forward. 

 

Balancing between a jog and his speed walk, it was difficult to be careful. There were tomatoes and other soft fruits in there, any more movement and he’d crush half of them. 

 

Veering around a fallen truck, he sighed. Almost there. 

 

Lights turned on from nearby, and motorcycles snarled to life. 

 

“Hey! You!”

 

Shit. 

 

Calling on his powers, he came to a skidding stop and shoved the basket through an open lid trash can. Hoping it landed on the table in the living room. 

 

Turning to meet the Sons of Garmadon, he began to form his Elemental Dragon–pulling the shadows together to build its shape. 

 

He felt the primal surge simmer beneath the surface. The temperature began to drop more and more the closer the gang members got to him. 

 

The Elemental Power enveloped him, his senses expanding out as his arms began to grow massively. His legs grew in strength, his neck thickening to allow for jaws. 

 

These lives would not be ones he regretted taking. 

 

Slamming a massive claw down to the ground, Shade bunched his shoulders in preparation to strike. 

 

Only, that would not be possible as something stabbed into his shoulder. 

 

Bright hot agony flared as he yelled. His Dragon shrieking to mimic his pain, the shadows pulling away from the area as the burning began to spread. 

 

Vengestone. 

 

He needed to escape. 

 

There was no fighting this. 

 

The ground shook as the Stone Colossus shuddered to life in seconds. Its grumble reverberated through the earth and his bones like a thunderous roar. 

 

Ripping out the knife, Shade swatted a car in the direction of the bikers. Hearing the thunks of two spears hit the vehicle alongside another knife clattering on the cement. 

 

The monster growled, approaching slowly yet steadfast in its goal of getting to him. People screamed in the wake of its movement, the city coming to life just to cry out in terror. 

 

Turning on his heel, Shade fled up the street. Catching the Sons of Garmadon whoop and cheer behind him only briefly, getting the high from the chase.  

 

Better to try and keep the Stone Colossus from straying any further from its path of destruction than lead it on a chase through the undamaged parts. 

 

To the edges of the city center it was. 

 

His shoulder ached with each step he took. The Elemental Dragon's form weakened the more and more he forced himself to maintain it.

 

He wasn't going down without a struggle. 

 

Cars went flying with every wild swing of his tail, slowing down the bikers enough that he remained ahead. The shriek of metal on metal being his only confirmation a couple landed. 

 

Shade bashed his head through street lamps, knocking them over, hearing some Sons of Garmadon scream in horror before they were taken out. 

 

Much as the electrical lines would get them off of his trail, he wasn't going to leave the numerous civilians around him without power. that would just put more in danger of starving or freezing.. 

 

Seeing his next opportunity, he lowered his head and crashed through a street-pump. Knowing well that the blockade of water would hide him from their sight. 

 

He should have known better to attempt something so risky. 

 

Feeling like he was dealt a massive blow to the chest, Shade was sent off of his feet and rolling across the pavement. Each roll sends another jolt of pain through his shoulder. 

 

Attempting to recover, he got up, only to barely hold back another roar of pain as a knife- a throwing knife the size of a short sword impacted his left leg. Forcing him to the ground. 

 

He could smell his blood being washed away by the water. The shadows had attempted to defend him, but it wasn't enough. 

 

Better to let them know the chase was over and get the Stone Colossus to stop moving. 

 

He let out one last roar of defeat, falling back to the pavement with a thud, his Elemental Dragon now gone. 

 

Standing up, he tried limping away, only to trip when his leg gave out. Unable to handle his weight. 

 

Worse, he couldn't shadow travel. The bikers who survived the chase had him surrounded, headlights on maximum. Circling around him like wild dogs. 

 

“Well, well, well. If it ain't the Master of Shadows.” Taunted one, probably the highest ranking one considering they had a Vengestone spear.

 

“Betcha Lord Garmadon will have him executed.” Another cackled, driving one handed. A pipe lazily resting against their shoulder. 

 

The same one the previous fool had tried using on Vivienne, he remembered.

 

Before he killed them. 

 

“Definitely,” the highest rank agreed, pulling a radio out of a pocket. The thing crackling to life at the press of a button. “Qiuet One, We caught the fucker that's been giving us the slip these last few days. Requesting a van.” 

 

Dismounting from his motorcycle, the one with the pipe raised it.. “Gonna enjoy getting some comeuppance for my older brother before you die. Heard you ate him.” 

 

Shade coughed, clutching his shoulder. Sticky with blood. “Died screaming like a little boy, too.”

 

“You can rough him up a bit. Don't kill him.” One of the higher ranks said as they leaned forward, grinning maliciously. “That’s saved for Ultra Violet’s live show.” 

 

His attacker swung, and he attempted to dodge by back stepping. 

 

His leg’s condition came back with vengeance, causing him to stumble and fail. 

 

The edge of the pipe connected with his head. 

 

Looking skyward, Shade fell onto his back heavily. The blow made him momentarily see doubles, unable to figure out which one was real and which wasn't.  

 

A kick to the chest brought him back to reality, wheezing as the air was knocked out of him. The front end of their boot steel toed. 

 

A stomp followed shortly after that, pinning him to the ground. The pipe pointed at his face, still blurred in two's for him. 

 

Shifting it in their hold, they dragged it along his cheek. “Would be doing you and us a favor by knocking you out.” 

 

They ground their foot down on his chest, and he wheezed. He should have brought his heavy duty vest with him. 

 

Raising the pipe above their head, they fixed their grip “So, night night. Master of Shadow. Hope the bastard and bitch you saved watch you die tomorrow.” 

 

Something exploded out of a building to their left, a blur of green energy flying above him as the weight of the gang member was ripped off of him. A bellowing hiss being his only way to tell what it was. 

 

Gasping for breath, Shade shuffled backwards towards the nearest car. Resting against it as the blurriness began to clear. The gathered group screaming in surprise, terror and then fury as they tried barking orders over one another. 

 

He almost thought that the Green Ninja had found him with the remaining part of the team. 

 

Is what he would have thought, if the interloper themself hadn’t come alone. 

 

His Elemental Dragon wasn’t a serpent, either. Nor this small. 

 

There were only two other green Elemental Dragon summoners left alive, and Bolobo had been captured, so that left only one. And this one was a greenish-blue.

 

It was Tox. 

 

She whipped the Sons of Garmadon away with her tail, covered in dangerous barbs that killed on contact - targeting the ones with Vengestone first as she impaled them then flicked the bodies off. 

 

“Lock her down!” Some dumbass called, only to be shut off with a snap then slammed to the pavement. Bones crunching from the sheer force of the attack.

 

Hissing in pain as some Vengestone weapons were thrown into her side, she pivoted on her coils. Successfully evading and then deflecting some of the weapons. 

 

The Stone Colossus released another earth trembling groan, closing in on them. Each of its steps swearing destruction as a building collapsed somewhere close by.. People were screaming as they fled from its path. 

 

Tox, in his still uneasy vision, turned her head to him. Her eyes alight with poisonous elemental energy. Her mouth slowly opened, inhaling a voluminous gulp of air as the sides of her mouth began to smoke. 

 

Shade waited for her to get close, taking the last few breaths of clean air. The Elemental reared up to full height as she took more stabs to the body and tail, holding strong despite the pain surely going through her. 

 

When she reached the height of it, she unleashed her blast of noxious gas. Shade took one last breath before he closed his eyes, trying to prevent as much damage from the cloud as possible. 

 

The wind hissed as the cloud came into contact with the air, spreading out like waves crashing on a beach. Briefly over taking his hearing as the awful stench invaded his nose, even without him breathing at all. 

 

Yells and orders turned to screams of agony. 

 

He heard the one biker wielding the pipe howl in agony, competing with the still rushing street-pump. The others added on to the horrific orchestra, begging and crying. Wanting for it to stop. 

 

Their freedom came a moment later when jaws snapped and deep hisses silenced them one by one. 

 

The Stone Colossus grumbled, the footsteps now closer. About maybe three blocks away if he was right. 

 

Getting up and stumbling his way towards the nearest shadow he could sense, he pulled on what little Elemental Power he had left. 

 

His injured arm and leg burning in agony as Vengestone coursed through his being. 

 

It was becoming too much. 

 

His leg gave out against his will, sending him falling to the ground. Shade tried and failed to correct himself, putting on more weight than he should’ve as a spark of pain shot up his knee. 

 

Tox was there, snaking an arm around his midriff. Ducking her head under his other arm to use as support. Her height made him put more strain on his good leg as it was already pushed to the limits thanks to the effect searing through. 

 

“Don't open your mouth, I’m getting us to a shadow. Be ready.” She ordered, pulling him along. 

 

All he could do was nod, his lungs beginning to burn from the exertion of holding his breath. The damage to his chest affected the duration, cutting it in half if not more. 

 

He could hear the thunder of more motorcycles approaching, or maybe that was the actual thunder that boomed above them with the Stone Colossus. Rain pitter pattering down into Tox’s cloud around them. 

 

What felt like minutes was really only seconds as she shifted more of his weight on her shoulders. “Take us through.” 

 

Using the last of his strength, he willed the image of the new apartment. 

 

Envisioning the living room and where all the furniture was to the best of his ability before spreading his power to Tox so she wouldn't be damaged from the pass.

 

Nudging her shoulder, he felt them teeter forward into the passages. 

 

He couldn't stay awake any longer. 

 

---

 

April 28th, 2018 

 

Being a light sleeper came with various pros and cons. 

 

A con he had come to accept, was that any injuries would keep him awake until he found a place to hide. 

 

Shade flinched when he felt something dab at the cut on his cheek. His eyes snapping open as he sat up. Somebody’s surprised gasp made him go on the defensive as he raised a hand. 

 

Only to feel a zap of pain shoot through his shoulder. Hissing, he relaxed when he realized it was only Oriana. Holding what looked like a small towel to help with the cut. 

 

Leaning back against the couch, Shade sighed. Wincing when his shoulder bumped against the armrest too hard. 

 

“How long?” 

 

Lightly grazing the towel against his cheek again, Oriana glanced over her shoulder at the wall. “Two days.” 

 

 

“I need to go get more.” 

 

Shaking her head quickly, she splayed a hand over his chest without touching him. “You don't, Tox has been taking care of it.” 

 

 

“Tox?” He echoed, what was she doing?

 

“She mostly goes out at night when the Sons of Garmadon are resting like you do,” Oriana explained, drawing it back to her lap. 

 

Had he owed her a favor? He didn't recall making any sort of deals with the Master of Poison at all. 

 

Either way, Shade supposed he owed her now as he went through his memories and came up short on anything that pointed to why. 

 

Most he remembered was when she talked to him on Chen's Island after they were both eliminated and prior, during their fight in one of the challenges. 

 

Another sharp sting drew him out from his thoughts, inhaling softly to stop himself from being too loud. 

 

“Never seen you… bleed so much.”  

 

 

Slowly humming in reply, he shrugged with his good shoulder. “I bleed like anyone else.” 

 

“I know but, it’s still…” 

 

“Odd.” Shade finished for her, knowing well that she was referring to when the Green Ninja fought against that monster some time ago. 

 

They fell into another lapse of silence, Oriana quietly working on disinfecting the wounds scattered around him.  

 

“Vivienne?” 

 

“Down the hall playing with one of the neighbors’ girls-remember Sally?” 

 

Shade nodded, remembering how Vivienne had shyly approached the teenager to compliment her hair when they were in the laundry room. 

 

The dabbing came to an end then, Oriana placing the towel in a bag she had beside her. “I thought it would've been a bit better than having her hover around you.”  

 

“Was she?” 

 

“When you came in she nearly started crying,” she admitted, this time pulling out some ointments and bandages. “I had to have Tox take her somewhere in the building to calm her down, but she was fighting.” 

 

Lightly drumming his fingers over his stomach, he cleared his throat. “Sorry.” 

 

“What are you apologizing for?” Shaking her head, Oriana’s hair swayed in tandem. “The blame game would only take us in circles. We both agreed to live together.” 

 

Snorting, Shade cracked a small smile. “True.” 

 

 “I'm just glad you managed to get back here with everything intact.” 

 

“For the better,” He agreed, staring at the ceiling. “Living would be harder.” 

 

“It would.”

 

The quiet would be broken when a series of knocks came from the door. 

 

“Easy, it's Tox. We came up with something while you were asleep.” Oriana said, shooting him a look to stay laying down. 

 

He sat up anyway. 

 

Huffing with exasperation, she went to the door. Opening it to see the Poison Master holding a box, her arms trembling under the weight. 

 

“How does he walk all the way back like this?” 

 

Shade could hear the tired smile. “Sometimes he takes a short cut. Here, let me help.”

 

“You're a blessing.” Tox sighed, standing a bit taller now that Oriana was taking half of the weight from her. 

 

Stepping back to lead the way to the kitchen, she called over her shoulder. “Put them on the counter so you can give your arms a break.” 

 

Adjusting her grip, Tox followed. “I think I'll need a nap after this.” 

 

“You're more than welcome if you'd like.” 

 

“I'd rather not risk it, I have no idea when they'll start using dogs to track us down but–oh, hey. You're awake.” 

 

Shade saw how her irises danced back and forth as she looked him over. Openly staring at him. 

 

It felt a little odd to be under a stare that held no intent to harm, though he at least knew she wasn't a threat to him or Oriana. 

 

He doubted he could take her in close quarters combat like this anyway, given that her presence alone wilted plants if she willed it. Better to not upset her. 

 

He nodded in response to her statement after a moment of thought, briefly checking to see if she had any severe injuries herself. Tox had taken vastly more hits than him in that fight. 

 

Surprisingly, she was clean. 

 

Save for a couple of small to medium sized slashes on her hips and arms, Shade could tell she'd been improving. Maybe she could even rival him in raw strength at his full health. 

 

Aside from that, she seemed healthy despite the situation. Any fresh cuts had been bandaged or wrapped, far as he saw. So that was one worry out of the way. 

 

He took a brief look at her face and noticed she had some scars going through her freckles, separating them. Some nothing more than nicks and others being comparatively large slashes only a large knife could deliver.

 

Shade then met her eyes-  

 

Tox's expression suddenly changed from neutral to some degree of panic, averting her gaze to the kitchen. And Shade felt the temperature from in her direction spike randomly. 

 

“Sorry, give me a second.” Disappearing into the kitchen, he heard light conversation follow briefly before she came back. Coming around the couch so he wouldn't have to turn his neck. 

 

Not his business if she forgot something, though she wondered why she was carrying so much heat. Poison wasn't something that came with heat, did it? 

 

Shade let her sit down and relax before asking his question, he had a more important question anyway. “Does Vengestone not work on you?” 

 

Tox shifted in her seat, bringing up her arm and brushing her fingertips over one of her hip scars. “It does. I’m feeling a lot more tired lately, but it’s nothing I can’t walk off. Think of it like… a bee sting, or a wasp.” 

 

Guess that made his wounds more of a snake bite, fighting off the stronger venom and all that. Though it felt like he'd been stabbed by a bristle stonefish spines at least three times. 

 

So for her to be walking, talking and even acting normally while able to walk the distance with the box from the foodbank was very impressive.

 

He definitely leaned to the side that she'd grown stronger in the time since the tournament, though ignoring that for a moment, credit was due. And he wasn't going to ignore it.

 

 “Thanks for the save.” 

 

“Oh, um. No problem.” Tox stammered, absently pulling at the edges of her gloves. “We have to look out for each other so we can find the Ninja, right?” 

 

He nodded again. “We do.” 

 

Was she scared of him? 

 

He was going to say something before she beat him to the question, albeit in a vastly different direction he was not expecting. 

 

“I didn't think you were the type to settle down early.” 

 

Odd. Where was she getting that from?

 

“Not my kid, roommate's,” he corrected, giving her another once over. “I watched over her during the day while Oriana worked before everything.” 

 

“Really? I thought she would've been… yours, given how she was crying,” relaxing, Tox pinched the end of her glove where it met her forearm. “Made me wonder if you were her dad. Sorry.”

 

“Don't see the resemblance.” 

 

“I guess it was more her… reaction? I've only ever seen a kid cry like that when it's for mom or a family member they like a lot.” The Master of Poison shrugged, curling a leg around the other. The vials hanging off of her left hip clinking at the movement. 

 

“That's one thing they could cry for,” He agreed, rolling his neck gently. Trying to get a crick out. “Vivienne doesn't cry a lot. Only when she's upset.” 

 

Tox bounced her shoulders. “So it must've- er, had been when she saw you.” 

 

“Can't say. Never had her cry over me before.” 

 

Tox's expression scrunched up at that, gazing to the floor instead of him then turning to the front door. 

 

Shade tensed, was there somebody? Could she sense things in the air he couldn't? “Something wrong?” 

 

“No,” she said immediately. “Nothing's wrong. I just remembered that I have to get going soon. Check up on my mom's and the others. There's a meeting we're having to narrow things down.” 

 

Uncurling her leg her foot bounced on the spot, slightly distracting him. Shade figured it was some sort of thing she did when thinking, like when somebody gnawed on a toothpick. 

 

Or maybe a nervous tick, albeit it was hard to tell. He didn't know Tox all that well. 

 

Speaking of knowing that well–

 

“Was my phone destroyed?” 

 

“Soaked beyond repair,” Her mouth pulled grimly, wincing. “Not much any of us could do about it. Sorry.” 

 

“Better than losing it to any of the survivors.” 

 

Tox flinched, going still. The temperature was back to normal, so she wasn't heating up. “Yeah‐yeah, um. Better than losing it to any survivors.” 

 

Ah, Shade knew what that meant. 

 

“Was… this your first time–” 

 

Bolting right up from her seat, Tox cleared her throat. “Any-anyway, er, I have to go. You know. Parents. The other elementals. I'll… see you later. I'll try and bring up something from the meeting. To keep you in the loop.” 

 

Caught off guard, Shade relaxed the arm he normally used for blocking. Thankful he didn't raise it too high. “Good luck out there.” 

 

“Thanks. Have an easy time healing.” The smile she gave was soft, though hesitant. He could see the tiredness a bit better now that she was looking at him proper. 

 

Tox walked away after that, going into the kitchen to tell Oriana goodbye as a round of murmuring came up again. This time slower than the first. 

 

Footsteps followed, and he then saw Oriana at Tox's side. 

 

“You aren't laying down.” Clicking her tongue, the mother crossed her arms. Shade only waved in dismissal, he could relax when Tox was gone. 

 

Said Elemental of Poison went off to the door, waiting. “Thank you for letting me rest a bit.” 

 

“Really, it's nothing,” Oriana reassured, opening it for her as she stepped out into the hall. “Tell Jiayi I said hello, I'll make sure to send a card next time.” 

 

“I will.” 

 

Tox waved one last time to him as she went down the hall, allowing Oriana to close the door behind her. 

 

She gave him a hard look, which he responded to by huffing. Fixing himself so that he was laying down. 

 

Her frown morphed into a smile as she went back to organizing the food, leaving Shade alone with his thoughts. 

 

Which didn't last very long as the door opened again. 

 

Standing up faster than he should've, Shade winced as he bent his good leg. The pain rocketed up in an instant. 

 

It didn’t help as a force crashed into his legs it made him fall onto the couch. 

 

Panicking for a split moment, he nearly pulled for his Elemental Power until an uneven wail made him drop that instinct.

 

It was Vivienne. 

 

Crying into his shirt as she held on tight, tears and snot stained his shirt. Each sob shook her frame as it came from her throat. 

 

Unsure of what to do, he could only stare down at the shivering girl. His arms held out like he was trying to find a balance. 

 

The door clicked shut and then Oriana was there with them, sitting on her knees as she rubbed circles into Vivienne's back. 

 

Reaching up for one of his hovering hands, he tensed, but allowed her to guide it down. Her touch was firm, yet her skin had some calloused buts to it. 

 

It was awkward, given that she went as far as to show him how to cup the back of her head by curling his fingers for him. Oriana even pulled his other one so it could rest on Vivienne's shoulder. 

 

Was this what Tox meant when she only ever saw kids cry for their family?

 

He wouldn't know. 

 

---

 

April 29th 2018

 

The next two days had been simple: recovering from the Vengestone in his system, and helping around the apartment where he could without Orianna fretting over him to sit down.

 

Tox would come and go, exchange what would happen at any meetings or updates, then leave before the sunset or the nighttime got any later than she should be outside for. 

 

It had become… routine. And left him with too much time to himself. Save for when Vivienne would periodically come check on him despite going out to play with Sally. 

 

He knows he avoids thinking about it at the moment, but rounding back to it later is common now. 

 

It felt… weird being cared for and looked at without any intention to harm. The bandages and the usual cleaning on the scraps said that there was none. 

 

He still had to refrain from tensing too much when Oriana got close, but it was getting easier than before. Not by much, but some. 

 

His shoulder still ached with the same ferocity of a stack of bricks falling on your arm. Add that with the idea it was a snake bite by comparison to a bee sting. 

 

Still, sitting down and being inactive had never really been an option in his life. Going inactive was what marked the slope towards permanently doing so. He did not plan on being there. 

 

On the note of not planning on being there–

 

Shade couldn't wrap his head around one thing in these last two days, however, and that was waking up to find Vivienne curled up on top of him every time he woke up from a nap or some early hour in the morning. 

 

Now was one of those times. 

 

Shade studied her, plush in one hand and a tiny fist grasping at his shirt like a strangleweed was trying to rip her off. He couldn't see her face, which was hidden by jet black hair. 

 

They'd need to cut it after the winter, Shade considered. Hair like that meant summer must be a miserable time without a hat on at all - or so he guessed. 

 

He reached out, stopping a few times whenever she shifted or made a small noise. Unsure of what he was really doing until he made contact.  

 

Brushing the bit of hair out of her face, the frown Vivienne wore for however long faded. Instead, faded into a softer expression, the girl nestling further into her spot. 

 

There went his plans of getting up, he supposed. She must've been on the verge of waking up before he fixed the issue. 

 

Shade laid his head back on the pillow he was using, wondering how he really had ended up here. With a child and a woman as roommates. Talking to the Elemental Masters again. 

 

He stared into the glass eyes of the stuffed animal, seeing his own reflection in the dim light of the morning. It was almost like a void. 

 

Yet he could see his reflection properly, instead of it being messy and distorted like it would have been prior.

 

Another side effect of the Vengestone, Shade thought. Weakening more of his powers and revealing more of who he would be without them. 

 

Curious, he raised a finger to the ceiling. Attempting to pull at the shadows that hung around the living room towards them. His shoulder burned somewhat, but it was tolerable. 

 

The passages that often came and went throughout the day were there, but harder to feel for. Even at dawn. He would have to wait for dusk to see if it was the same. The day time was too unreliable. 

 

What he did notice was that the shadows he was attempting to pull were starting to concentrate around Vivienne. At least above her on the ceiling and off to the side of the couch. 

 

Shade stopped, releasing his hold on the little power he had as he stared at the kid. Sleeping quietly through all of that without any semblance of a problem. 

 

It had done that for him when… 

 

He shoved that line of thought away, because he was absolutely not going to entertain it.  

 

---

 

Shade had either lost his sense of time thanks to side effects from the injuries, or he had genuinely dozed off sometime earlier while waiting for Vivienne to wake up on her own.

 

He preferred to think the first one is what happened. As when he woke up next, it was to the soft clicks of a camera he'd become familiar with over the months. 

 

Remaining silent, Shade observed how Oriana smiled fondly at the image on the LCD display, unaware that one of her subjects was awake. 

 

Every time she took a photograph, it never escaped him that she ended up looking more lively. Less exhausted and more what she would have looked like if she'd been able to be her age. 

 

Quickly turning tail back to the room she and Vivienne slept in, she disappeared quickly as she came. Leaving him and the kid alone in the room again. 

 

Gazing down at the girl sleeping on him, Shade figured it was a good time to get up now seeing as she was out like a light given that between the three of them, Vivienne was the second lightest sleeper. 

 

Having to evade getting his own fingers grabbed by her tiny hands was more difficult than he thought, but he managed to carefully pry her fist open. 

 

Next, she began to slowly shift his way to the edge. Angling himself so that she would slide off of him and land hard enough to wake her up. 

 

He managed to get her onto the cushions after that. flat on her stomach and still curled up holding that plush, leaving him to sit on the edge furthest he could get as he stretched out his legs. 

 

Once he was sure he could support his weight on his weaker one, Shade stood up to walk towards Oriana's room. Hating how he had a limp to work around now. 

 

He'd only just begun moving when he stopped to look back after a small grumble broke the silence. Then a whine.

 

Vivienne made a small mumbling sound in her throat, her expression scrunched as she reached out again. Searching for where he had gone. 

 

Shade didn't particularly understand why she was doing what she was. Last he knew, he had a cold touch thanks to his Elemental Powers. 

 

Still, he went ahead and slid the pillow he had been laying his head on into range for her to grab on naturally. Watching her grab and pull it closer so she could lay on top. 

 

He stayed for a few moments longer, if only to make sure if she woke up she wouldn't be upset to find herself alone clinging to an object when there had been a person. 

 

Though, after a minute or two, she nuzzled it. Her posture relaxed as she breathed out a sigh of relief. 

 

Now that was taken care of, he moved on. Measuring his steps in a way he had not done since he was a boy himself, remembering to avoid spots that were louder than others. 

 

Coming up to the room, he saw the door was open with Oriana curled up on the bed looking at her camera still, her thumb pressing one of the buttons occasionally.  

 

Knocking on the wood gently, Shade made himself known. 

 

Oriana looked up, surprised, overtaking her features. “Morning,” She says, placing her camera down and waving for him to come in “I didn't wake you or Vivi, did I?”

 

“No.” Shaking his head he enters, coming to a stop at the bed. “She's still sleeping.” He adds. 

 

“That's good. First time I've ever seen her get up on her own and move to a spot that isn't next to me.” Moving the camera from her lap to the middle of the bed, she puts the lens cap back on.

 

“How're you feeling? I'm sorry I can't do more about the Vengestone.” 

 

“Fine.” He responds, before remembering that doesn't help much. “Not using Elemental Powers means I'll be fine. Mostly aches.”

 

Oriana's brows furrow. “Are the aches bad? I can give you more-” 

 

“Save them.” 

 

She gives him a stern look, but he holds steady. 

 

Then reminds himself this isn't the direction he wanted it to go. 

 

“It's not bad right now.It gets worse at night,” Shade explains, attempting to fix his mistake with a middle ground. “I'll take one then. For now, we save them.” 

 

She doesn't reply other than with a narrowed eyed scowl. 

 

Talking had never been his strong suit, and he was now painfully aware of it. 

 

Oriana wasn’t going to like the deflection. He knew that. But it was what he was here to know about. 

 

“I’ve seen you taking pictures of me and the kid. Before and after her birthday.” 

 

Her eyes widened some, and she avoided looking at him in turn to lightly drape her fingers over the camera protectively. “Sorry. I should have asked.” 

 

 

“Not mad.” Figuring that it would be better to get on her level, he reached a hand out and tentatively placed it on the bed. 

 

Refocusing back on him to see what he was doing, Oriana stared at him for some seconds, then nodded in approval. 

 

Sitting down a little bit away from her, Shade looked out the door to the hallway. Remaining silent and patiently waiting.

 

“I’m…” trailing off, Oriana sighed. “It would be easier to show you.” 

 

Leaning to the side, she opened one of the nightstand’s drawers. Bringing out a large, red and gray covered book that she opened then presented to him, laying it on her shins with a hand splayed out. As if he would take it from her. 

 

Gazing at the contents, he saw both pages were full of photographs, all of them labelled under December. Each one a different moment throughout the month when they had settled in together. Some of them he knew, others, he had no utter idea of when she could have taken them. 

 

One of the few he was aware of was where he and Vivienne were seated at the table and helping Oriana to make dinner in the form of “dumpling assistants". Which she had written exactly below the image. 

 

On the opposite side, he noticed how there was one of him and the kid standing near one of the tortoise and snake silhouette light displays hung up at Ninjago City Park. The next had the kid wearing a Frostfang Cat mask in a store while his back was turned and looking down the aisle. 

 

Oriana flipped the page after that, pointing to one where Vivenne was presenting her plush to Shade with a little hat she had been given by a neighbor. “She always is good at diverting attention.” She says. 

 

Shade grunted in agreement, pulling away. “When?” 

 

“A week after our move,” She answers, putting it back into the drawer carefully. “I started it figuring I could… make and keep some memories that wouldn’t fade into negative ones, you know?” 

 

He nodded. 

 

“Are you really fine with me taking pictures? I know it’s a bit late to ask.” 

 

“Go ahead.” 

 

Taken aback, Oriana blinked rapidly. Her mouth was hanging agape before she closed it and cleared her throat. “Thank you.” she says, voice a bit more raw than he thought would be necessary over something this simple.

 

Shade nods in response, because the words evade him. They probably always will. 

 

He wants to think Oriana understands anyway. 

 

Notes:

Okaaaaay soooo.... I hope this one is fairly accurate and isn't a massive freaking jump from the last chapter. I know the date is, but... well, sometimes it takes a while for people to change.

Sometimes its faster. It all comes down to who they are, at least, that's what I think.

Chapter 6: Until The Raven Takes Flight

Summary:

Shade starts to understand.

May 1st, 2018 

 

As much as he would prefer not to, Shade was beginning to come to terms with the fact he would most likely spend the rest of his life limping. 

 

It made everything a bit more difficult than he would’ve preferred, given his fighting style needed to be adjusted again. 

 

Yet it was vastly better than coming out with a weakened shoulder, he would admit.

 

A leg he could work around. An arm would require more than he was able to give, especially now.

 

Pulling up the actual newspaper that one of the paperboys had managed to sneak into one of Ultra Violet's “Crash Out” papers, he threw the rest away in the bin and covered it with a popsicle box. 

 

He'd have to find a way to get rid of it before Vivienne went digging through for arts and crafts materials later. As well as let Oriana know beforehand if he couldn't. 

 

About to head back into the living room, Shade stopped, then eyed it. He could do it now while everything was still calm. 

 

That did, however, bring some problems. 

 

Garmadon could make the stone colossus move at any moment, and if he was down there they would have no way to escape if they got trapped. So the elevator was too dangerous to use. 

 

He was going to be significantly slower now, and if he got seen by a random patrol they would investigate the building for him. Shade trusted Tox had eliminated all of his attackers but… 

 

One couldn't be so sure. 

 

Hearing footsteps, he turned partially to see Oriana come into the kitchen. Rounding up the other side of her hair to make her usual loose pigtails. 

 

“Morning.” She greets, slowing down as she walks past him to the electric kettle to make herself something to drink. 

 

Raising his fingers briefly in kind, Shade turns his attention back to the bin. And the more he looked at it, he realized it was fuller than he thought. 

 

Pausing his train of thought, he went on to think about how odd it was, thinking about something so mundane despite the lives they're living. 

 

He blinks back when Oriana taps two fingers on his shoulder gently. Making him raise an arm to push her hand away, even if he did it gently. 

 

“Sorry,” she apologizes, backing off. Holding up her hands. “It's just- You okay? You've been staring at the recycling box for a minute now.” 

 

“Paperboys came.” Shade says slowly, lingering on her hands while she lowers them to her sides. “Had to hide it in one of her papers.” 

 

Tilting her head just like Vivienne would, Oriana's face goes thoughtful for a moment before the realization hits. “Oh.” She breathes, then adds: “You could rip it up and throw it in the garbage?” 

 

He hadn't thought of that. 

 

“...Yeah.” 

 

Bending down to pick it up, he went to the trashcan and began ripping it apart. Confused as to why he didn't think of that before anything else. 

 

“Let me help.” Oriana says, coming up beside him and holding out her hand where she could see it. “It'll make it faster.” 

 

Humming, he passes her the three pages he'd torn out. Watching her tear through them quickly and skillfully. Dropping the shreds into the can once she was finished with them.

 

Shade passed her at least four pages each time while he crumpled them up into small balls of paper. Which was much more efficient and safe than whatever plan his head had been making. 

 

“You've been thinking about her more.” 

 

He shrugged. “Said I'd watch her for you.” 

 

“You did. I mean that… well, you let her be around you more. Since last week after you woke up.”

 

He remembers. 

 

“Kids attach easily.” The ones in Stiix take longer than they do here. He knows that much. 

 

Oriana snorts, taking another two pages from him. “She likes hanging out with people, sure, but she doesn't look for them outside of a few.” 

 

“Sally?” 

 

“That's one.” She confirms, tearing her share into fine paperstrips. “I think Sally also likes her, too. But there's one more.” 

 

“You.” Shade says. 

 

“You're the second person she looks for.” 

 

Shade goes quiet, focusing on the task instead. 

 

“When you went out to get the food for the first few days, Vivi would always ask me when you were coming back the moment she couldn't see you.” Taking another page, she smiles to herself. “‘When is Crow coming back?’” 

 

Right as he was about to rip out three pages he halts, staring at Oriana. She simply shrugs in return. 

 

“Vivienne doesn't know your name so… she calls you Crow. She started doing that after the park.”

 

Shade stops, then, like always, thinks for a moment. Debating if he really wants to do that now of all times. 

 

“Do you want to know?” 

 

“You'll tell me when you want to, I'm not in a rush.” Oriana says, pressing the paper down further into the trashcan herself this time. 

 

He'll wait, he isn't sure if he does or doesn't want to right now. That is a bunch of negatives and positives he would need to sort through. 

 

He would do it later. 

 

Passing another paper for her to rip, Shade clears his throat and settles on a “Sometime.” 

 

Oriana nods, taking it from him. “Again, no rush.” 

 

“And you?” he asks, noting that they were nearly through the pages–only five or so remained. 

 

Once again, he can see where Vivienne got her facial features and habits from when her mother stares. “What about me?” 

 

“What do you think about it?” 

 

“What do I think about you being somebody she can look up to?” Taking on a thoughtful look, Oriana hums softly when he confirms it via a nod. 

 

“Well,” she starts, looking down at her work. “I think it's good that Vivi's learning how to be clear with what she wants. Same with being patient - I noticed she's trying to be whenever something doesn't go her way.” 

 

“Thank you for showing her sign, too. It's been a major help,” Oriana adds, keeping her foot on the pedal as Shade passes the last ones. “Above all, I'm just glad she's… learning from somebody she can trust when I'm not around. So, thank you.”  

 

“Thanks to me.” Shade echoed. He'd only been making sure he kept up his end of the deal, what was there to thank? 

 

“Yeah.” Her smile pulled a little tighter, and he wanted to say that was exasperation. “You've been a big help, and I'm just glad I don’t have to figure out a five year old's personality all by myself anymore.” 

 

He was not sure how to respond to that, as he stared at the shredded remains of Ultra Violet's “newspapers”. The only things left being the outside, covered in messes of doodles. 

 

Crumpling it into a ball, he tossed it in then pressed down so that there would be space for later use. Backing away from Oriana so he'd have some more space.  

 

She didn't seem to mind, as she went back to the electric kettle and turned it back on to reheat the water. 

 

“Vivi's been trying to copy your powers, y’know. She loves hide and seek now because of it. ” 

 

He stilled. Nobody should ever want to be like he is. Shadow was just another Elemental Power, why couldn't she have taken an interest in one of the Ninja's? 

 

It had to be his. 

 

Right when he had found out about that too. 

 

“I don't know how all your magical powers work, but it's what kept her safe back then. Still does.” 

 

She grabs a box and pulls out a small hot chocolate packet, a mug already sitting on the counter. 

 

“Sorry for rambling–you're easy to talk to.” 

 

Shade didn’t think he was, but if it worked for her it was going fine, he guessed. 

 

He needed to think for a minute–or a while. 

 

Besides, he can feel his leg starting to ache. “Need to sit down.” 

 

“Go, I have it handled here.” Making a shoo motion, she flashes another smile. “You'll know when it's ready." 

 

“Alright.” 

 

As Shade left the kitchen and went back to the couch, he wondered if he would ever be ready to share his name at all. 

 

---

 

He'd been too deep in thought and not paying enough attention to his surroundings, again. As he did move away when he felt something- or rather, someone touched him. 

 

This someone being a five year old poking him on the knee, already dressed with one fist closed around an object. 

 

‘What do you have?’ Shade signed once he gained his bearings after a moment, pointing to her hand. 

 

‘Hair, please.’ She replies, holding it out for him. ‘Mom is busy.’ 

 

‘Only really know how to do a few types.’ He warns, taking the red-orange band anyway. ‘You might not like it.’ 

 

Vivienne simply shrugs, sitting on the floor at the foot of the couch. ‘Hair is annoying. Cut it soon?’

 

“I need a brush.” 

 

Making a noise of annoyance, she gets up and scrambles to get it in record time. Plopping herself down and leaning back on his good leg. 

 

Reaching over her shoulder to take it, she passes it to him. “I can. How do you want it?” 

 

‘Short.’ She answers automatically. ‘Like yours.’ 

 

“Why?” 

 

She loosely shrugs again. 

 

‘Bout as much as an answer he was really going to get from a five year old. 

 

Before he went through with the brush, he went through and searched for any hair knots. Untangling them best as he could without causing too much discomfort. 

 

While doing this, he felt Vivienne lean more of her weight against him. Her head drooped before snapping up again, head shaking lightly against him. 

 

This happened a couple more times before he figured asking might keep her awake. 

 

“Bad dreams?” 

 

‘Yes,’ She responds, rubbing her eyes. Her signs are sluggish. ‘Bad guys. Nighttime. Sleepy.’ 

 

The Sons of Garmadon assault from months ago. 

 

Testing the waters for any resistance, he was finding less, which was good. “Do you want to go back to sleep after you eat something?” 

 

‘Bad comes with sleep.’ Partially shaking her head, she stops to yawn. Adjusting a bit when he guided her head left or right. ‘Mommy is busy.’ 

 

Weird how she didn't mention him. Is it because he's awake and not asleep? Shade's felt her cry on him before, but it's always less than what he would expect. 

 

As he began to properly brush her hair, he thought for a moment. 

 

If she was tired right now, that could be a negative if they'd need to leave immediately. Since her reactions would be delayed and Oriana would have to slow herself down to make up for it. 

 

He can't really carry her anymore either, unless he used his elemental dragon. Which would draw too much attention unless something major diverts attention off of him.

 

“You can nap on the couch while I read, if you want.” Shade offers, bunching her hair at the back to help make a simple braid. “So you aren't alone in the room.” 

 

That gets her to sit straight immediately, leaning as far back as she can to look at him. ‘Really!?’ She signs quickly, like she'll miss the chance to ask. 

 

“You said Oriana is going to be busy, and I need to rest still. There isn't much I can do right now.” Letting go of her hair so he doesn't accidentally pull, he nodded. 

 

Vivienne beamed, the tiredness still present yet it held an excitement only a child could have. 

 

Gently moving her head so she was facing forwards, he repeated his actions previously. “I'm going to have to fix your hair again.” 

 

Vivienne did not make much more than a low hum, reclining all of her weight on him. Which wasn't much to begin with. Were kids always this small? 

 

He wondered how tall she'd been when her teenage years came around. Shade could see her being as tall as Oriana, maybe a bit shorter thanks to her upbringing. 

 

“Do you have any other friends?” Shade asks, and Vivienne sniffs, drawing circles in the carpet while thinking. 

 

‘Sally has a friend. His name is Brad…’ She makes a face as she signs out the next letters singularly. ‘T-u-d-a-b-o-n-e.’ 

 

“Anyone else?” He'll have to think of a sign for him later, though he has one in mind already. 

 

She does one that he doesn't recognize. This one involves tapping the side of her temple with an index then making binoculars around her eyes. 

 

“Who?” 

 

‘G-e-n-e.’ She spells out, then adds; ‘Says he is a g-e-n-i-u-s. Nickname.’ 

 

“His nickname is Gene because he calls himself a genius?” Seems about right for a younger teenage boy. He's seen those types before. 

 

However, what she says next catches him off guard. 

 

‘Yes. Evil one.’

 

“Evil? What kind of evil?” Lowering his voice, Shade ran through all the ones he'd encountered. Trying to gauge which one Gene is from what he knew of Sally. 

 

Sally didn't seem bad, though. Maybe she was roped into it all or had willingly joined to act as a lure-

 

‘I don't think so.’ Vivienne continues, her signs slowing again. ‘He says he'll show me his pet lizard one day. A t-o-k-a-y g-e-c-k-o. Nice to Sally and me and Brad when not together.’ 

 

Shade lets out a breath, one of those kids who has a phase of some sort thinking they're a villain or hero. Plenty who reenact Nadakhan and Soto's alleged battle. 

 

Nothing to worry about. 

 

“After your nap, we're going to work on some signs for your friends and other words.” Finishing up the braid, he fixed up any loose strands that might bother her. Tucking them back. 

 

Didn't even need the band, he realizes. 

 

‘Pet is called N-a-m-a-h-a-ge.’ 

 

Not a clue as to where the name came from, Shade couldn't help the slight wariness it gave him. "Maybe I need to meet the other two.” 

 

‘Yes!’ Swinging the braid around side to side like it was a sort of tail, she giggled. Nodding in agreement at the idea. 

 

At least he had her more awake now. She's definitely going to crash for a nap – he silently thanked her that she wasn't one to get cranky when lacking sleep. 

 

Definitely running low, though. 

 

“Here. I didn't need to use it.” Handing her the band, she hummed before giving it right back. 

 

‘On, please?’

 

“Which side?” 

 

‘Right.’ She answered automatically, thrusting her arm forwards. 

 

Making sure to carefully measure how much strength he was using so it wouldn't pull and snap, he fitted it on. 

 

“There.”

 

‘Thank you!’ grinning, Vivienne rolled it up and down.

 

She's a nice kid, he thinks. 

 

“Breakfast is ready!” Oriana calls from the kitchen. Clinking bowls and silverware gave him a vague idea of what they were eating. 

 

“I'll catch up. I need a minute.” Waving for her to go first, the girl hesitates for a couple seconds. Only making up her mind when he motions with his head. 

 

She walks away after that, though casts a glance behind her. 

 

He rises from the sofa, showing that he's up. Which seems to satisfy her as she leaves his view. 

 

Shade waits, letting himself get used to standing again as he finds his footing. Glad his legs hadn't fallen asleep. 

 

Finding that he was not going to trip over himself, Shade followed after.

 

Sharing a meal time felt better than he expected. 

 

---

 

May 2nd, 2018

 

It had been a relatively quiet morning for the three of them before a series of sharp knocks struck the door. 

 

Shade got up quickly to answer the door, Vivienne and Oriana coming out of their room to see what was going on. 

 

The second he opened it, Tox burst in, nearly knocking him off of his feet if he didn't correct his positioning at the last second.

 

“We've found them!” She gasps, gripping on to him. Just as strong if not stronger than he remembered. “The Ninja!” 

 

Going around to close the door for them, Oriana blinks-her mouth parting. Vivienne smiles, bouncing in her spot as a grin breaks out. 

 

“Where?” Leading her to the sofa, he settles her down, easing her hands off of him. Then looked her over for any injuries. 

 

One of her vials is missing, and her pants appear to be cut up some by what are slashes. Her elbows bear some scrapes that don't look severe. 

 

Shade glanced at the door suspiciously, feeling a chill sweep over him. Vivienne followed his gaze, then scurried over to his side. 

 

Oriana came in with a bottle, and after a brief drink, Tox placed it in her lap. “Near one of the freezer storage units. Skylor wants us to hurry back so we can kickstart the plan-” 

 

“Were you followed?” 

 

Tox shakes her head. “I made sure of it. I had to throw them off and make sure nobody caught on.” 

 

Humming, Shade rolls his shoulders in preparation. “Does Skylor need anything?” 

 

“She wants you to be with Karloff and Turner since you're their escape plan if things go south,” Tox says, taking another go at her water before speaking. “If you can't, she can do it.” 

 

“I'll be there. She'll need a guide through the passes.” 

 

The Master of Poison's expression turns grim when he says that. “...She gave you an out. It's fine by her and the others if you don't or can't.” 

 

Why would he need an out? He can still fight, albeit less effectively than before. His powers are usable. “I'm able to–” 

 

Shade quiets when he feels a sharp tug on his pant leg accompanied by a low grumble of protest. 

 

Glancing down, he's met with Vivienne signing in a flurry of handed sentences he knows are pleas. Her head shaking rapidly in disagreement to his choices. 

 

Her eyes were shiny with tears threatening to fall, and he turned to Oriana for help with this. She had to know what was at stake here. 

 

Except, when they met, she averted her gaze to the floor. 

 

“I'll wait outside,” Tox says, getting up from the sofa. “I'll wait fifteen minutes. If you don't show up, then I know what to tell Skylor – thank you for the water, Oriana.”  

 

She mumbled a soft “your welcome” but didn't say much more than that as she stepped out of the way. Not looking at either of them. 

 

Vivienne's lip wobbled as the other elemental walked out of the apartment. Looking between him and her, she adjusted her plush and grasped with her other hand. 

 

‘Don't go.’ 

 

Breathing a sigh through his nose, Shade sat down on the couch so he'd be closer to eye level with the girl. Gently taking her hands in his as he thumbed over them. 

 

“You know the bad guys on the bikes?” He asks, keeping eye contact with her. Feeling ssomething… odd about his decision. 

 

Vivienne nods, sniffling. Her shoulders were shaking with effort as she tried not to cry. 

 

Shade tried to soften his features, unsure if he was doing the right thing. “Tox and I are going to make them go away, so they don't scare you anymore.”

 

“Skylor needs me to be there because I'm sneaky,” he murmurs, letting one hand go so he can wipe her nose with his sleeve. “It can't work as well without me." 

 

‘Dumb.’ She signs furiously. ‘Dumb.’ 

 

Wiping the tears that managed to slip out, he rested a hand on her head. “I know. But, who else is going to take care of it? It has to be the Elemental Masters.” 

 

Completely uncertain of it being the right move, Shade slid it to where he was cupping the right side of her face. 

 

The reaction was instant. 

 

She placed a hand on his wrist, holding on tight as she nuzzled into the touch. The pressure allowed another tear to fall down her cheek. 

 

Vivienne didn't look happy, not by any means. But she was definitely a bit more relaxed, he hoped. 

 

“Can I trust you and Oriana to stay in hiding? Like hide and seek until I come back and find you?” Shade knew it was a poor question to request from a five year old, yet there wasn't much he could do. 

 

Vivienne shuddered, but she nodded, pressing her cheek further. Her hair slid across his skin as she pulled away. Rubbing her eyes herself. 

 

‘Wanna say bye to Tox.’ She says, going to the door. Holding on to her plush like a lifeline. ‘She is good.’ 

 

“Tell her I'll be out soon.” 

 

She hums discontentedly, but Shade trusts her. 

 

He… isn't sure what to say to Oriana, but she doesn't give him a chance as she walks away. 

 

Shade hopes he can change fast enough. 

 

---

 

He's putting on his gloves when Oriana announces her arrival by tapping her knuckles against the door in a small series of patterns. 

 

The one Shade taught her when they first started living together. 

 

Looking up the first thing he sees are red, puffy eyes and tear stained cheeks that hadn't been cleaned.

 

Moving over a bit, he waved for her to come sit down beside him. 

 

When she does, it feels as if Oriana expects him to disappear right then and there. Cautious until all of her weight comes down, like her legs couldn’t hold her up. . 

 

Fitting his right glove properly, Shade flexes his fingers in and out. Same as always. 

 

Her hands grip the blanket tightly. “I've never seen you wearing that.” 

 

“Never had a reason to.” Shade says, adjusting the straps of his vest. Tightening them a bit more. 

 

Oriana's stare doesn't leave her lap. “Do you have to go?” 

 

“I do.” Once those are fixed he checks his combat boots, making sure the laces are tied correctly. 

 

She shakes her head, pigtails swinging. “Tox said Skylor gave you an out. So why?” 

 

Shade opens his mouth to answer, then stops. 

 

There was no right answer. 

 

None that she would like. 

 

“Because Ninjago needs people to protect it..” 

 

“There are others.” She protests, anxiety laced through her tone. Hands twitching and leg bouncing. 

 

This time, he shakes his head. “Not enough hands on deck. Need all we can get.”

 

“What if I need my friend to not die? You're barely recovering and right as I'm getting to know you–you have to go.” Oriana blurts, then shuffles away from him as her voice lowers. “I barely know anything about you—”

 

“Shade.” 

 

She finally looks at him, and he meets her stare, just like he would Vivienne's. “What?” 

 

Clearing his throat, he repeats himself. “My name is Shade.” 

 

“That isn't fair.” Her shoulders slump as she laughs bitterly. “You know more about me and I just…” 

 

It takes him a moment, but he brushes the back of his gloved hand against hers. “I will come back to you. I have before." 

 

“I'm not happy with this.” Letting him rest it there, she sighs. And he doesn't remember the last time Oriana looked this… raw. 

 

“Neither am I.” He would've preferred to stay with them and heal, but that wasn't how life worked. 

 

He knows this. 

 

So why does it make him wish he had more time? 

 

“I know it's a big ask but,” Oriana pauses, working her jaw for a brief second, then says. “Can I lean on you? Just, for a minute. I know you don't like being touched, I'm sorry-” 

 

Shade taps her knuckles with his. “You may.” 

 

Closing the distance between them, he restrains himself from tensing too much when they touch shoulders. 

 

She’s warmer than he is, but not by much. And she’s less frail than she used to be. 

 

Shade catches how she most likely wants to rest her head on his shoulder, but then stops herself. Correcting her posture as they sit side by side. 

 

“Can I get to know you a bit more when you come back?”

 

He considers it for a moment, then hums. 

 

“Sure.” 

 

Oriana managed to smile despite the circumstances. 

 

Even if it’s what he wants to say it is bittersweet. 

 

---

 

 

It felt odd wearing his combat outfit after nearly two years of not wearing it. 

 

Not unwelcome by any means, just… different now. 

 

He was surprised to see that Tox and Vivienne were in the living room, the kid leaning against Tox’s leg. Pretending her plush was flying as she shook it up and down.  

 

The Poison Master looked out of depth, but not like she hated it. In fact, she seemed happy, given how she was smiling at the contact. 

 

Tox sat up when she saw them. Accidentally nudging the kid a bit as she turned to see them both. 

 

“You came back in.” 

 

Patting the kid's head, Tox grins. “She’s good at convincing.”

 

Vivienne gives her one back, though it doesn’t reach all the way like he knows it would if she was happy. 

 

“She is.” He agrees. Looking at the clock and seeing that it’s been about twenty minutes. “I’m good to go.” 

 

Tox blinks at him. “You sure?” 

 

“Taken too long.” 

 

Her gaze goes to his room—friend, who's staying a little way behind him. Expression softening after a second when Oriana nods solemnly. 

 

It then goes to Vivienne who half hugs her leg. 

‘Stay safe.’ She signs, using her free arm as she then lets go. 

 

“She says stay safe.” Shade translates, knowing that Oriana would prefer not to talk right now. 

 

“Oh, yeah,” Sitting on her haunches so she's at her level, Tox lightly knocks her shoulder. “We're going to send those guys running out of this city.” 

 

Vivienne nods, backing away from her as Shade walks around. The girl held her raven tighter when she saw what he was wearing, her eyes widening.

 

‘Wolf.’ 

 

Getting on his good knee so that it could bear most of his weight, Shade placed a hand over the design. ‘Want to know a secret? Oriana knows it.’ 

 

Coming closer, the kid's attention is utterly on him. ‘Tell, please.’

 

Making sure she can understand, he signs with the speed he's always used with her. ‘Wolves are my favourite animal, and my name is Shade.’ 

 

The reaction is instant, and she barrels into him for a hug. Her plush squished between the both of them. 

 

He felt the urge to flinch back, but resisted. 

 

He would have preferred if Tox wasn't here, but the wielder of poison was at least looking away from them.

 

Ever so slowly, he cups the back of her head with his healthy arm. A half hug – as he isn’t sure if he trusts his weaker arm's control. 

 

Oriana approaches, helping him to stand back up as she squeezes Vivienne's shoulder. The girl sniffled, but held her tears. 

 

He didn't like the idea of leaving them alone for who knows how long. “I'll close and lock the door behind me. Go first, Tox.” 

 

“Right.” She responds, practically rushing out as he follows behind. 

 

He stops right as he's about to exit, looking over his shoulder. The two share matching degrees of anxiety and sadness. 

 

“I'll be back soon. I always am.” 

 

Oriana pulls Vivienne closer, leaning forward to embrace her. "Be careful." 

 

“I'll try.” Shade says, not wanting to lie to her. “Listen to your mom, sprout.” 

 

‘I will.’ Vivienne signs, trying to put on her best brave face. 

 

Closing the door and locking it behind him, Shade releases a weary sigh. Tox only some feet away from him. 

 

She's resolute in her posture, standing tall as she can. “You're going to come back to them. We'll make sure of it.” 

 

“Thank you.” Walking towards her, he stands beside her. “For looking after them both while I was out.” 

 

“No problem. Really.” He feels the temperature go up as she looks away. “Let's-let's go. Skylor's waiting in an alley nearby so she can pick you up.” 

 

“Lead the way.” 

 

They don't waste any more time after that, heading for the stairs. Tox leading the way as he followed behind. 

 

He for sure wants to see another dawn and dusk with Vivienne and Oriana. 

Notes:

I admittedly did rush this, a fair bit. But honestly, the entire process sort of snowballed from there? I have no idea what possesed me, and I hope he isn't too OOC here compared to the previous chapters.

Notes:

Sooo... I know I've talked about the Skylor and Arin prologue fic a bit, and even had a vote or two on tumblr (With one currently up iirc, dunno if it's gone down. Need to check) but I wanted to expand on the characters that I've chosen who I THINK made it to the modern day Crossroads.

Dunno why I started out with Shade when it came to the six Elemental Master's chosen, but I hope you enjoy the coming short stories! I wanted to try and expand on the bigger world of Ninjago Pre-Merge.. and I figured as a way to not take too much focus off of Skylor and Arin, that I'd do short stories for the six! The amount varies from master to master.

Hope you guys like this general sort of description thingy. The actual short stories start next chapter. I'd say I'm proud of Shade's thing as a beginning (not my fumbling lafnjsfjsda)

As always, tell me your thoughts, criticism's, or just likes and dislikes. Always love hearing other headcanons too!

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Beyond the Monastery's Walls (Trials and Errors Extras)