#cyrus julian

[ninjago-forever]

Ninternia: The Ultimate Elemental

Labyrinth Under Lyra

"What I don't get is how an ancient artifact is hiding in the most high-tech city in Ninternia. I mean, just look at the place!" Ren said, gesturing at the floating planters, flying cars, and drones.

"I'm hoping that's what this man will tell us," Atalie replied, studying a holo map. "Ju told me he'd know where it is, though we may have to pay for the information." 

"This the place?" Churro asked, hooking a finger at a small pawn shop. Its sign read "Incognito" on it in a fancy golden script. The windows were full of shiny objects, each clamouring for attention. A sound like a cash register announced them opening the door.

"Welcome to Incognito, where the prices are so low, it's a steal. I'm Inieto the thief, I mean, chief of the store. How can I help you?" The lively voice belonged to a middle aged man with rust colored hair hiding under under a wide brimmed hay. He had a brown, darting eye, and a unique looking eye patch. His orange, brown, and grey-green clothes were a strange combination that somehow worked. He looked a bit like a futuristic pirate.

"Hi, we're looking for-" started Katara.

"Say no more! You're looking for a pair of die that roll themselves."

"No." she said.

"A mouth brow?"

"No, and what is that anyways?"

"I've got it! A glow-in-the-dark lamp!"

"No! And isn't that what lamps do?" Katara said exasperatedly.

"Well, if you're not buying, are you selling?" Inieto gave her a once over. "Thirty bucks for the armbands. What are they called?"

Katara looked like she was about to punch him. Clay looked like he was worried she was going to punch him. Ren was trying not to laugh. Khan had given up and was full blown cracking up. Jaya, Churro, Atalie, and Cyrus just looked out of place.

Clay stepped forward before Katara could do anything. "Actually, we're looking for a place. Ancient, booby trapped, probably in the sewer system, sound familiar?" 

"And as far as I know, she just calls them her armbands," Ren added, only to get stared at. "What?" He asked a question. "It'd be rude to leave him hanging."

"An important question too," Inieto said. "A flashy name is half the reason people buy stuff. I'm going to call them technobands."

"They're. Not. For Sale." Katara growled.

Atalie jumped in this time. "Inieto, a man named Ju sent us here, do you have what we need?"

"Oh Ju, Why didn't you say so?" He asked. "Pay up." Atalie sighed, but slid a stack of bills across the counter. Inieto picked them up, and set them in the cash register.

"I have a couple assistants who can take you," he said, slipping into the back. Ren looked around the cluttered shop while they waited. The windows had most of the interesting stuff. Small trinkets like keychains and magnets lined the first few isles, and decorated the counter. There was also some jewelry inside the glass case. Shelves towards the back were stacked with plain cardboard boxes, some open, other's taped closed. Ren was just about to take one down when Inieto returned with a pair of ragged looking kids.

The first was a boy of average height, and dark hair and eyes. He wore mismatched sneakers, torn jeans, and a beat up hoodie. He studied them with a sharp intelligence, and carried a book about religion, covered in doodles of a kid with an arrow on his head, and a man with a weird hat and potted plant.

The second was a shorter girl with messy brown hair with red and blond highlights. She had bright hazel eyes and those kind of cheeks you just wanted to squeeze. Despite the fact that she probably had as much money as her friend, her clothes were somewhat nicer. At the very least, her shoes matched, and her short dress wasn't torn, though her leggings were.

"You know where to go." Inieto the kids. "Good luck tourists. It's a strange place you're looking for."

"This is it," the girl said, stopping at a huge arched entrance branching the main sewer. The kids, had taken them to the back of the store, then down a manhole cover. Ren had lost all sense of direction as they'd wandered through the twisting pipes, but he did know he wished he was back up a the surface with Atalie and Churro. It stank down here.

"Careful, the walls are hard to see in there," her companion said vaugely.

"What was that supposed to mean?" Khan asked as they watched the couple walk away.

"Like the mind, the labyrinth has many obstacles obscuring the center, both physical and not. The truth can lead there," Cyrus stated.

"Sorry, huh?" Ren asked. Apparently the nindroid had been reading an inscription above the entrance.

"What is that supposed to mean? Why can't people just give us straight forward warnings!?" Khan complained.

"To keep out people who don't think, like you," Katara replied. The others laughed at that. Well, except for Cyrus. He didn't have much of a sense of humor.

"Well, come on. We'll figure out the warning as we go," Clay said.

"Left or right?" Jaya asked.

"Left, I'm a maze champion, so know what I'm doing" Ren bragged.

"Lead the way then," Jaya told him. He went straight in, choosing each turn without much thought. The others followed, no questions asked, trusting him to lead them to the center.

I knew I could impress her! Fake it till you make it right? Even though I have no clue where we're going... Maybe I should-

"Ow!" Ren shouted, jumping back and causing a bit of a pile up.

"What happened?" Clay asked, hauling Katara up.

"There's some sort of block up ahead." Ren rubbed his forehead. It'd felt weird, like someone had stabbed his mind, but the wasn't possible, right?

"What are you talking about?" said Khan, walking forward. "There's nothi- AH!" He suddenly clutched his head, and scrambled backwards.

"You were saying?" Katara smirked.

"This is most likely what the inscription was referring to when it said 'both physical and not.' Not all the walls we can see," Cyrus observed.

"So that's what the boy meant!" Clay exclaimed.

"I'll take the front," Jaya said, "No reason for you to get zapped twice."

"No! I, uh, I'm fine!" Ren responded in a rush. "Didn't even feel it!"

"Are you sure?" she asked, concerned.

"Of course!" he answered.

Even though I now have pounding headache, but the look she gave me was all worth it...

After another ten or so run ins with invisible walls, Ren was beginning to think otherwise. The maze had already spun him around so many times, he couldn't lead them out if he tried. As for the see through barriers... well, whoever had come up with them certainly had an imagination. Some of them attacked his mind like the first, but others were just impassable. A couple of them even managed to shock him.

"I'm the Guardian of Lightning," he moaned the second time this happened. "How come I can be electrocuted?"

"Most likely because you have yet to unlock your powers," Cyrus stated.

"I knew that," Ren grumbled, taking a left at random.

"You sure you're okay?" Clay asked worriedly.

"Of course!" Ren replied faking a smile. "I've fought against gangs, and a bunch of other stuff. No pain, no gain, right?"

"When did you do that?" Khan raised a brow.

"Oh I've been protecting the innocent my whole life," he bragged. "Even before Sensei finished my formal training, he been sending me out on missions and whatnot."

"Huh, he never did that with me," said Katara skeptically.

"Maybe you weren't good enough, no offense" he added in a rush. He got the distinct impression she could beat him.

"Maybe you could give me some pointers, Jaya suggested.

"I'd love too!" Ren exclaimed, grinning.

"How about after we get the hilt?" Clay interrupted." You're a maze champion too. Are we almost to the center?"

Oh yeah, I forget I said that. Uh... This way feels right-

"I believe we came from there," said Cyrus.

"I was, um, just, uh, testing. You. Yeah." Ren lied haltingly, only to receive some strange looks. He gave them an awkward smile, but winced as he turned away.

Maybe I should just come clean...

No, they believe me, and they like me.

Jaya likes me.

They think I'm a hero, not some nerdy junkyard boy who's only good at video games.

It's what I always wanted, why ruin it?

"Dead end," Khan noted as they reached a wall of solid stone. They began retracing their steps, Ren now in the back, only to find an extremely confused Katara, who had been in the back now turned front.

"This wasn't here before, right?" she asked, gesturing to a wall blocking their path.

"Correct, I do not recall a wall at this location." Cyrus set his hands on the barrier. "I may be missing many of my functions, but my memory is perfectly intact."

"Hm... I wonder if..." Clay trailed off as he kneeled down, and set his bare hand against the floor. Since unlocking, he'd stopped wearing gloves. "I... wow..."

"What?" Jaya wondered.

He got back to his feet, running a hand through his hair as he looked around. "I'm not sure how, but the maze is changing. I can't sense it clearly, but I can definitely feel movement."

"Excuse me, but I thought you said you could feel movement." Khan interrupted.

"I did," Clay replied." The walls are changing spots as we're standing here. Whatever path we took to get here is gone now."

"Okay, I need a break." Ren sat down putting his head between his knees. "HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO GET OUT OF HERE!?!"

"You okay?" Jaya asked him.

Calm down Ren.

Don't undo the progress you've made.

"I'm good, just doing, uh, vocal exercises!" he improvised. "Studies show they help the, um, thinking process!"

"Huh, I didn't know that," she said.

"Well, questionable science studies aside, does anyone remember what the inscription said?" Katara said.

"Like the mind, the labyrinth has many obstacles obscuring the center, both physical and not. The truth can lead you there," Cyrus recited.

"I thought we already figured that out." Khan complained " It was talking about the invisible walls."

"There could be a deeper meaning," Jaya commented.

Katara, who had scratched the riddle out on the floor with a blade hidden in her arm-er technoband, said, "I want to know what the first part means. Why compare a labyrinth to a mind?"

"Maybe because they're both... Uh, confusing?" Ren guessed.

"Very helpful" Khan said, voice dripping in sarcasm. 

"Well, I don't see you coming up with anything" Ren countered.

"Guys..." Jaya warned, and with that, they both shut up.

"Perhaps he's on to something," Cyrus mused. "It can take awhile for people to trust others and admit the truth." Ren coughed, averting his face.

"So what you're saying is, to get through the maze, we have to be our true selves, ​​​​" Khan said incredoulusly. "What does that even mean?"

"Maybe we just have to admit something we usually wouldn't." his sister said, standing up. "My name is Jaya Lenori, and... I'm tired of living in my brother's shadow." She gave Khan an apologetic look. His lips twisted in a strange way, and he avoided her gaze. Before any of them could say anything a turquoise light flashed, leaving a force field hovering an inch or so off Jaya's skin

"Huh," she said, tapping the sheilding. "I guess it worked."

Clay straightened, "I'm Clay Brooks, and... I'm sort of addicted to cake. To the point where I refused to eat anything else for six months when I was a kid." Orange light the same color as his powers flashed. The others stared at him as he rubbed his neck sheepishly.

"Okay then," Khan blinked. "The name's Khan Lenori, and I'll admit I should.... er, think more?" His shielding was red.

"You think?" Katara teased, only for him to swat her with a laugh.

Cyrus looked thoughtful for a moment before he said, "I am called Cyrus Julian,  and... Rali makes me feel... strange."  A white light enveloped the nindroid.

"We're going to talk about that later" Khan grinned. "Your turn Kat."

Katara bit her lip. "My name is Katara Anakari, and... fire is my greatest weakness?" She looked relieved when a silver light poured over her.

"Too bad you're hanging around the Master of Fire then," Khan smirked.

"You mean Guardian," Jaya corrected.

"But master sounds cooler!" he complained. As the sibilings argued Clay turned to Ren, who had been staying quiet for a change, and was huddled on the floor in the slim hope he wouldn't have to do this.

"Your turn," the older boy told him.

Just great The ONE time I want to be ignored, I'm not. How ironic.

"I, uh, can't think of anything," he muttered, hugging his legs to his chest.

"Just say your greatest fear or something," Katara advised. 

"I'm afraid of... dying?" he tried, but it sounded like a question.

"I do not believe that counts," Cyrus observed.

"Come on, there has to be something," Khan said. "Embarressing school story? A really weird dream?"

"We won't judge you if that's what you're worried about," Jaya added.

"I- I don't know..." Ren averted his eyes.

Katara raised a brow, then shot a look at Clay. He nodded and grabbed Cyrus while she got Khan, and they dragged them several turns away.

"Hey! What are you-" Khan started.

"Oh, shut up," Katara told him. 

Great, we're alone. Thanks Katara.

About five minutes ago, this would've thrilled him, but now? He couldn't think of anything he wanted less.

"Um... I just, uh, wanted to apologize if Khan, er intimidates you or anything." Jaya mumbled. "But you've fought gangs and whatnot, so I guess that wouldn't bother you..."

"Yeah," Ren winced.

"What I'm trying to say is that I think you're pretty cool, and having a weakness or something won't make me think any less of you," she finished.

This is what I wanted.

                I did all this so she'd like me.

                                        So why aren't I happy?

Because you didn't do it right.

            She likes the guy you pretended to be not who you are.

                              Why did I do this?

Now I'm holding the whole team back.

Jaya caught the look on his face "Did I say something wrong? I'm sorry if-" "

"Stop, just... stop," Ren interrupted, "I'm the one who needs to apologize."

"For what?" she frowned.

He took a deep breath. "When I saw you in the courtyard that night, I was convinced you were the prettiest girl I'd ever seen. The more I've gotten to know you though, I've realized you're a lot more than pretty. You're smart, strong, thoughtful, and so many other amazing things that... that I'm not. I didn't think you'd ever like me so... I made up a bunch of stuff to impress you." He dropped his eyes, unable to look at her out of shame. "The truth is... I'm just a boy from a poor family, that grew up on a junkyard. Sensei never gave me missions or anything. The only thing I'm really good at is playing video games." He shut his eyes, waiting for how she'd take his confession.

"So... Almost everything you've told me was a lie?" she asked.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done this to you. It wasn't fair or right," he answered, glancing up at her.

She shook her head. "Ren... I don't even know what to think right now, let alone say. I never... I can't believe... Even if..." She looked at him helplessly.

".... it's... it's okay," he replied and as he said it, he realized he meant it. "This, none of this, is your fault. It's mine, and I'll have to live with it, try to make up for it. And, for what it's worth, I still really like you, and... I hope that, maybe someday you might feel the same way about me." As the last word left his lips, Ren threw his head back, a wave of perfect clarity crashing over him. He could sense the electrical impulses in his body, in Jaya's, even the others who weren't anywhere nearby. He could feel the electrical walls, and all the power running the city above them.

"Whoa, wh-what's going on?" Jaya stammered." Your eyes are... Glowing. Are you okay?"

Khan chose that exact moment to storm in, followed closely by the others. "Okay, that's long enough, What's-" He noticed Ren's glowing eyes. "Oh, come on! I can't believe you of all people, unlocked before I did."

Clay cracked a grin. "Welcome to the club buddy."

Ren smiled, but still felt overwhelmed by all he could see energy surging around him. He his friends, still covered by various colored shields (his was yellow), but he also saw lines of white light zipping day their bodies. It was like...

Oh duh, it's electricity. I'm such an idiot

He quickly glanced around. Then he saw it. A symbol floating several feet off the floor set in a glowing wall that hadn't been there before. He reached out to touch it.

"What are you doing?" Cyrus asked unable to see the wall.

"You can't see the symbol? It looks like a circle of lightning bolts," Ren said. As soon as his fingers brushed it, he felt as if he had to do something. He visualized a surge of power, and felt the energy gather at his finger tips, then it burst into the wall.

"What symbol are you- "Khan started, but then was cut off as the formerly invisible wall flared with blue light. "Oh. That one."

"Look, there are lines leading this way," Katara noticed, heading down the passage way. Ren shook his head as the light faded from his eyes, and the world returned to normal. He couldn't sense or see the electricity anymore, but he did feel it pulsing within him, especially in his hands. He touched his thumb and index finger together, and flinched at the resulting jolt of power.

I'm going to have to be careful with this, he grinned. He noticed Jaya giving him a strange look.

"What?" he asked, feeling uncertain.

"I still don't know what to think about you, but..." she tilted her head. "Want to race?"

"You're on!" He grinned, breaking into a run the same time she did.

"Hey, wait for me!" Clay laughed, chasing after them. Soon enough they were all racing through the maze, teasing and taunting each other even Cyrus and Khan.

"I win," Katara gasped, skidding to a stop in the center of labyrinth.

"Not... Fair," Khan panted.

"How?" his sister asked, running in.

"I'll... figure it... out... later" he muttered between gulps of air. Ren laughed as he looked around. They were standing in a room similar to the one the scabbard had been in, except it was circular. The walls were once again carved and decorated with various symbols, and the hilt was on a dias in the center of the room. It was silver with alternating strips of black and blue leather padding the handle. The pommel looked like a leaf or claw grasping the bottom of the sword, and the crossguard was slanted, encircling two, small, sapphires on either end. Where a blade would usually be, there was a slot, waiting for the next piece.

"So... do we just grab it and run again, hoping it doesn't collapse, or does someone have a plan?" Clay asked,

Cyrus walked over to it."I am not sure if- oh, that works." Ren had pried a gemstone the same size out of the wall, and switched it with the hilt in one quick move.

"I figured if there was a trap, it'd be triggered by a pressure plate, so I just did the same thing we did to get pass the last vault." He muttered. "It's no biggie."

"It was smart," Katara complimented. "Now let's head back to the Temple. We got two of the pieces this time, we'll get the rest soon."

It was well past midnight when the exhausted Guardians, and their guides, stumbled into the Temple. Only five days had passed since they'd left for Diamond Canyon, but it felt like so much longer.

The drive back had been sort of uncomfortable since Ren has taken the opportunity to confess. Clay, Katara, and Cyrus had all forgiven him, but Khan wasn't happy, and Jaya... Well, she wasn't talking to him, which hurt, but he knew he deserved it. At the end of the day though it was good to be back. The Temple wasn't home exactly, yet it was a place they could relax, regroup, recharge, and plan their next journey.

"You made it!" R.A.L.I. welcomed them, having stayed at the Temple of Elements to watch over it while Ju was gone. "Did you retrieve the scabbard and hilt?"

"We did," Atalie said, pulling the scabbard off her back while Churro pulled the hilt out of his pack. As the three of them studied them, the teenagers stumbled in, the boys falling asleep on the first available surface they found, except for Cyrus, who joined the blade study group, while the girls brought the bags to their respective rooms.

I should help her but... would she want me to?

After a moment's indecision, Ren dragged himself off the couch and grabbed a backpack, and duffel bag out of Jaya's hands. 

"Let me help you." He said, but when she frowned, he barreled on. "Look, I get that you're mad at me, and you have every right to be, but you have to be as tired as I am, and I can't let you carry our stuff inside by yourself."

A corner of her mouth twitched. "Both of those bags are mine. I just wanted to unpack before going to sleep, like Katara is. Your stuff is over there with the rest of the guys' things."

"Oh! l, uh..." Ren blushed, handing her the bags. "Sorry, I just..."

"It's fine," Jaya told him. "If you want to help, you could grab Khan's pack." He nodded, and grabbed her brother's stuff, following her to the room she and Khan shared.

"Why's this so heavy?" He groaned.

"Hair products."

"You're kidding, right?"

"Nope."

He shook his head in amazement as he set it all down on bedroom floor, looking around in curiosity. He noticed that most of the room seemed to be done in Khan's taste. There was a bunk bed, just like his and Clay's room, with red sheets on the bottom and blue on the top. One of the walls were painted a bright crimson, with mirrors, posters, and shelves filled with random knickknacks. There was a guitar with an amp sitting in corner, and video recording equipment in another. The only thing that was out of place was a worktable by the door in several books about mechanics, and some new looking parts and tools. 

"Is this... yours?" Ren asked, picking up a screwdriver and messing with some of the stuff.

"Yeah, inventing's always interested me. We used to run a blacksmith stop, but I've been trying to learn the more technical stuff," she said. "I'm sort of stuck though."

Ren showed her a spinning propeller he'd hooked up to an engine. "I could teach you, if you want. I picked up some stuff from my dad."

"I'd... like that," she said, reaching for the little fan, but their fingers caught. Ren froze, not sure what to do. To his surprise she set his invention down, and shifted her fingers so that they twined with his. He looked at her a question he was too shy to ask shining in his baby blue eyes.

"I... I've thought about... everything, and I want you to know... I feel the same way," she said slowly, "but... with everything that's happening, I don't know if I'm ready for a serious relationship, y'know?" 

Ren paused, taking in her words, hardly daring to believe what she was saying. "What if... what if we just try it? We can take it slow if you want."

Jaya smiled, the moonlight from the window making her hair shine with silvery light. "I was hoping you'd say that." She closed her ocean blue eyes, and leaned forward.

OH.

MY.

ELEMENTS.

IS SHE ABOUT TO-

Shut up, he told himself, closing his eyes.

BOOM

At the loud noise, they jumped apart a second before their lips touched. Exchanging a glance, they both slipped out of the bedroom, heading to the living room, where they were met with a bizarre sight. Atalie was in a fighting stance, holding the hilt like she'd forgotten it was missing a blade, while Cyrus had his hands raised, and Churro had fallen off his chair then rolled the table with R.A.L.I. Khan, who had been sleeping on a stood at the counter jolted awake only to trip on Clay's suitcase at his feet. Speaking of the Earth Guardian, he was holding the coffee table above his head, facing the recently, slammed open front door along with everyone else.

Standing on the threshold was a little girl dressed in a black gi, and cape embroidered with a twisting emerald dragon the the same verdant hue of her eyes, the only color she had. Her skin was ghostly pale, and her braided hair was as dark as night. She was ragged, her clothes torn and unkept, her face dirty, her hair a mess, and her expression was hard, cold, unreadable. Ren decided she looked like a cross between a vampire princess, and a zombie ninja, or, in other words, scary, unnatural, and dangerous.

"Soran's been captured," she said in a voice that sounded far too adult-like for a kid.

"Who?" Ren asked, completely confused.

[ninternia]

Ninternia: The Ultimate Elemental

Chapter 9: From Ice to Life

"Hey, I don't think freezing yourself will unlock your powers," Khan said, joining Cyrus outside in the snow ."If that was how it worked, I would've just set myself on... nevermind." He sighed, and kicked at the frost under his feet. It had only been a day since the fire. A place that had withstood the test of time, destroyed in a few hours. Cyrus felt a tightness in his chest whenever he thought about it. Perhaps he was malfunctioning.

Not to mention the missing pieces the siltharaa had taken. They weren't sure how to get those back yet. The backup plan was if they didn't run into the snakes again, they'd go to the waterfall door Shadow had found. Khan was not happy about that plan. 

A frigid breeze blew down the mountain, causing his companion to shiver a little. As a robot, or rather nindroid Cyrus didn't react to the cold, and strangely, neither did the reason he was out here.

Shadow just sat far above them, on the branch of a snow covered fir tree, her cloak flapping in the wind. You could see the disturbances in the snow where she had climbed, yet it still looked almost impossible to reach her perch, and Cyrus had seen her get there.

"Why are watching her?" Khan asked.

"I was built to protect those who cannot protect themselves," he stated. "Someone should supervise her, she is a child. What if she falls?" 

"If she falls?" Khan scoffed. "She thinks she's a squirrel! And I'm sure she can pro-HEY!" He yelled as a branch dumped its share of snow on him. Shadow, who had jumped on it causing the white powder to fall, landed on her feet beside them.

She looked at Khan "Careful what you say. You never know who's listening."

"See?" Khan said, trying to get the snow out of his hair "No protection needed."

"Sure, if you want to freeze," Katara said, throwing a black parka at each of them as she came out of the bus. "But if you'd rather not, I'd wear the jacket."

"That wasn't what I was talking about," he muttered, shrugging it on. The rest of the Guardians soon joined them, all dressed in the parkas, each trimmed in their respective colors. Katara herself only wore a plain, black cloak like Shadow's atop her gi. Atalie followed, shivering in her thin long sleeve.

"The third piece of the Blade of Elements is, well, the blade. The Vault is at the top of Tuinval Mountain, the tallest mountain in Ninternia." Atalie explained, "No human that's attempted the climb was ever seen again."

"There's a reason for that, " Katara said." Tuinval Mountain is the home of the winter contingent of the Last Liegion, or, in other words, the last home of the winter elves. Well, that and the subzero tempatures."

"That's where you grew up?" Jaya asked.

"Not exactly." Katara replied. "Anyways, I'm sure you've noticed how warm the jackets are. They should keep you from freezing. I also worked a technoband into the right sleeve. It's not as high-tech as mine, but it has a grappling hook, spike, and a couple other things for the climb. There's also a communication device worked into the hood so we can hear each other over the wind. Any questions?"

Cyrus watched as they put the new jackets on. Clay's was trimmed in orange, Khan's in red, Jaya: turquoise, Ren had blue, and Shadows was all black. The young girl had to take off her cape to put it on and she didn't seem happy about it. Cyrus's own trim was ice blue.

"May I asist you with that?" R.A.L.I. inquired, approaching Cyrus.

"Of c-course," he stammered, allowing her to help him put the parka on. After she'd zippered it up, she stood there for a second, just looking at him, before going back inside. It was only the Cyrus realized he was holding his breath.

Wait... I do not require oxygen.

He frowned, perplexed. He really needed to get Katara to do a full systems diagnostic. He was about to call for her when a sudden movement caught his optical sensors.

Cyrus looked up to see Katara lying in the show, Clay on top of her as he'd dove into her. Where Katara's head had been was a grappling hook, now buried in the wood of a tree.

"Oops, my bad" Shadow said innocently.

Katara glared at her as Clay helped her up, both of them brushing off show. The others exchanged looks. None of them were sure if Shadow had simply been testing her technoband, and misfired, or if... they'd just witnessed an attempted murder.

Ren coughed, "So..."

"The jackets are powered by a fire sapphire, an elven gem. It's in the reinforced pocket. If you open it..." Katara trailed off, looking straight at Shadow as if daring her to see what would happen.

"Okay, how about we spread out and practise?" Jaya said before Shadow could do anything. As they started climbing short ways up the cliff and dropping back down, Cyrus approached Katara.

"Could you run a diagnostic on me?" he asked her.

"Sure, something wrong?" she tapped at one of her technobands.

"I have been feeling unfamiliar sensations of late, such as a fluttering in my chest, losing my train of thought, and, most recently, a tightness, like my core is being squeezed."

Katara paused and looked at him. "R.A.L. I. around whenever you feel the first two?" 

"Yes."

"And the tightness, did that start after the fire?"

"Affirmative."

She gave him a small smile. "Nothing wrong with you Cyrus. Those are just natural reactions to love and loss."

"But... I am a machine. I am incapable of feeling emotions."

"You're a lot more capable than you think, more so than some other people. Now come on, we should start climbing. We don't want to get stuck on the cliff face overnight." As she and the others began their final preperations, Cyrus just ste there, thinking; she's wrong I'm not like them. I'm not alive. I can't feel.

No matter how much I want to...

Hours later, he was much more concerned with physical ways of feeling rather than emotional ones. They were thousands of feet above the ground, clinging to the rock face in the middle of a blizzard. Cyrus was just wondering why he was capable of feeling such cold when something grabbed his arm, and pulled him into the mountain.

He yelped, but quieted after realizing it was just Katara, who had been ahead him. She gave the others the same treatment. Clay and Jaya were startled a bit. Khan screamed and flailed around in the show before coming to his senses. Ren freaked out and fell, so they had to pull him back up. It was a good thing they'd tied themselves together. Shadow on the other hand...

"What the-" she rolled while holding Katara's arm, using the momentum to throw the poor elf into a nearby snowbank

"Kat!" Clay shouted, going to help her while Ren and Khan cracked up.

"I think we're going to get along," Khan told Shadow. She glared at him, then flicked her wrist. Next thing they knew, a knife was pinning his hand to a nearby tree.

"Keep telling yourself that," she said.

"Are we at the village?" Jaya asked, changing the topic.

"Not yet," Katara replied, spitting out snow and glaring at Shadow. "Come on."

After they released Khan from the tree, they continued their journey into mountain peak. Looking up, Cyrus could see a widening strip of sky that looked blue instead of cloudy. As for the rift itself, the entrance was narrow, about a foot wide, but the walls soon began to open up.

It was warmer inside the crack, likely because there was no wind. Small trees and bushes grew here and there. The snowfall was light, just enough to cover the ground in a pristine white blanket. It was so peaceful...

"When we get there, follow my lead. My kind don't trust humans and with good reason. You'll be the first humans to step foot in it as far as I know. Anyways, just be on your best behavior," Katara finished.

"This group? Never," Shadow smirked.

"Never say never," Ren grinned

"Why not? You just said it twice," she countered.

"Ooo, she got you there Sparky." Khan snickered.

"You're just jealous I have powers and you don't!" Ren shouted back.

"Just wait till we finish the Blade, then we'll see who's jealous!" Khan spat.

"Wait... you think you're going to be the Ultimate Elemental? Oh, this is rich" Shadow laughed.

"How? I'm perfect for it," Khan glared, a little miffed that a little kid was laughing at him.

Before anyone could respond, seven white clad figures surrounded them, some from the snow, others from above. Each of them held a knife, and had a bow and quiver of arrows slung across their back. One of them stepped forward, jabbing their knife into Khan, ice blue eyes boring into his warm hazel ones.

"How do you know of the Blade of Elements?" they hissed in a low voice.

"Leave him alone," Katara answered, stepping between them. Thankfully, the knife hadn't done any damage. The Guardians tensed, unsure if they were going to fight or not.

To their surprise, the one who'd Khan pulled down his hood and face mask, revealing a surprised looking, raven haired elf.

"Katara?" he whispered. She froze, then pulled her own hood back. Next thing Cyrus knew, the two elves were hugging each other and talking in a strange language. The rest of the elves relaxed, and put their weapons away.

"So... they're friendly?" Ren asked.

"Yes" Katara said, "Everyone this is my uncle Levi.  He-"

Cyrus never heard the rest of sentence because someone grabbed behind and pulled him...

Into the rock?

"Some advice, if anyone grabs you from behind, resist." Shadow said, dragging from him along a passageway carved into the rock. The blue tinted rock. The reflective, blue tinted rock. That was cold to touch.

Oh, it was ice. The further along they got, the more reflective the wall's became. Soon, the floor became too slippery too run, but instead of slowing down, Shadow started skating. More or less helpless to stop, Cyrus just let her pull him, watching the strange phenomena of the walls reflecting  each other into infinity.

It was somewhat mesmerizing to watch. Whenever he looked, there was hall after hall, identical to the one they were in. Strings of bioluminescent microorganisms were frozen in the ice, giving off an odd light, only adding to the uncanny beauty. And of course each hall had its own Shadow and Cyrus. The nindroid found himself wondering if one of them were the real ones and he was the reflection.

"Whoa, slow down Dreamer Bot!" Shadow called as she let go of his hand, flinging him forward....

Straight toward a ravine.

In a panic, Cyrus grabbed for the doorway, and managed to swing himself sideways. He promptly crashed into wall.

Shadow skated over to him. "I don't suppose you know how to get across?"

"I do not even know our current location," He said, getting up.

She rolled her eyes. "Where do you think?"

Cyrus frowned, attempting to run a scan through the place so he could match it to somewhere in his data base, and... failed. Or perhaps he didn't. He knew where he was now.

"The Blade Vault."

"Maybe there's hope for you yet." Shadow said.

He blinked, then turned his attention back to the chasm. It was too deep to see the bottom, too wide to jump across, and everything was sheer ice, impossible to climb. Across it, Cyrus saw a flight of stairs leading up. There was also the remains of a bridge, a few feet of ice sticking out on either end.

"Any ideas?" she asked.

He shook his head. "I am useless here... Something shuts down modern technology."

"It's all the elemental energy, boosted by the Blade piece. The air's so thick with it, I can almost feel it." Shadow answered, "But that doesn't matter. You can still brainstorm."

"Why would-"

"I meant come up with ideas."

"Oh," Cyrus watched as she sat down an the edge of the cham, lege dangling over the darkness, muttering nonsense under her breath. He didn't make any suggestions. She was a smart girl, and had no lack of ideas. Despite her being over ten years his younger, she'd probably solve this quicker without him. Without his systems, he was nothing more than a fancy toy.

"Well?" Shadow asked him.

"Could you repeat your query?" Cyrus inquired sheepishly.

Is my audio system not functioning as well?

She rolled her eyes. "I was asking if you'd come up with anything because I don't want to get the others when we could bring it back, and rub it Lady Lectures-a-lot and Hedgehead's faces."

Cyrus blinked.  

She sighed. "Katara and Khan,"

"Oh."

"So?"

"I do not have any ideas."

"You have to have something."

"Why do you keep saying that?" Cyrus asked quietly.

"What?"

"Why do you think I have ideas? I am robot, a piece of machinery. My mind is made up of ones and zeros, just programming. I cannot feel, or ever think for myself. Without my other systems, I am nothing," he finished, staring into the void.

"Dunno, you seem pretty sad right now," Shadow commented.

"I-what?"

"And now you seem surprised, little insulted, a bit disbelieving, and confused. Now that think about it, you're confused a lot of the time. Not that I blame you, humans are confusing. Been one my whole life and I still don't get them."

He frowned. "You do not understand. Those are merely simulations of emotions my creator programmed into me so I could seem more human."

"What'd he 'program' you to do?"

"I am built to protect those who cannot protect themselves."

"How can you protect if you can't care?"

"I-But... but..." Cyrus stammered she was wrong. She had to be. Dozens of people over the years had told him he couldn't feel, they couldn't all be incorrect. It was statistically impossible, yet...

If that was true...

Then why did Shadow sound so...

Right?

"Butts are for sitting," she decided.

Cyrus couldn't help it, he laughed. It had been so unexpected, so ridiculous, so simple, that it was perfect.

Shadow smirked. "See? You can laugh too!" She met his eyes. While her face was still locked in a sneer something in her deep green eyes made him question if she was still just trying to make him question his exsistance, or if she was actually trying to help him when she added; "I think the only thing that's stopping you, is that you don believe you can."

Cyrus stared at her, trying to process what she'd just said. For such a long time, as long as he could remember, he'd been told the exact opposite. He could even remember the day he'd stopped trying to feel.

He'd been meditating in a pond when he'd heard a muffled shriek. He'd kicked to the surface. When he'd emerged he'd seen a little girl speeding down a hill on a bike. She was out of control, and heading towards a busy street. A woman in a lab coat was chasing after her, screaming for her to stop.

Cyrus had pulled himself out of the water, and cut the child off, tackling her into the grass. She's been crying, hiding her face from him. She wore a lavender, grass stained hoodie, a pair of thick gloves, jeans, and dirty, purple, sneakers with untied laces.

By this time the woman had caught up with them. "Minnie?! Onh, Minnie, you're okay! You scared me." She'd sobbed as she'd embraced the child. She'd turned to Cyrus, her expresion thankful...

Until she saw him

A look of horror had come over her face. "Get away from us!" Shed screamed 

He'd been so confused. "Ma'am, I'm just trying to help, please-"

"I said get away! No machine could ever care enough to help without being told. You all just do what you're programmed to! I know that now, after - Just go!"

Since that day, Cyrus had never stayed after helping anyone, never remaining in one place for too long. Not until Master Ju had found him, and trained him. He'd changed so much because of one little girl.

And now, here was another making him question himself all over again. Now there was only one thing to do. He needed to know what he wanted. Did he want to be an emotionless droid, or take a chance at being human?

Was it even a choice?

He closed his eyes, and took a deep breath, searching his mind, breaking every barrier he'd built over the years, and just letting himself feel. Before he understood what was happening, a flood of familiar images he didn't quite recall flooded his mind.

A young man holding him tightly, running through a snowy forest.

The same man, now middle-aged, smiling with pride as Cyrus played with a flying prisimfin.

A very old version of the man, lying in a bed, whispering something to Cyrus, "You'll remember when you're ready. Farewell my son, I wish you the same love and happiness you gave me..."

The man was his creator, his father: Ty Julian. Before he could process what that meant, another wave of emotions hit him, and this one made him collapse.

Pain

Loss

Sorrow

The man flipped a switch on Cyrus's chest, then his eyes closed a final time as he took his last, shuddering breath...

For a second, Cyrus felt a sense of loss and loneliness too big to comprehend. 

Then he felt...

Emptiness.

Blackness.

Nothing.

It was like he was trapped a freezing void. He was completely numb. There was no point to do anything. Only to go through the motions. The cold seeped into him, and took away his senses.

He didn't feel any drive.

Any determination.

Any reason why he did anything.

He just... 

Did it.

Years flashed before his eyes, lost in this haze. He didn't think it would ever end. 

Suddenly, a memory flashed in his mind, of when they were racing through the maze under Lyra, laughing. Other memories of the others poured through his mind.

Ren showing him how to play video games.

Khan talking to him about R.AL.I.

Katara maintaining him.

Jaya explaining the others jokes.

Clay always checking up on him.

Even cold, distant Shadow leading to him to this point.

A warmth began to spread through him, chasing any trace of the numbing cold.

I am Cyrus Zen Julian, creation and son of Dr. Ty Julian, and a pair of the Guardians, my... family.

As soon as he thought the last word, a new set of images fell into his mind, but these ones were strange, blurry, forgien.

Katara slumped in red puddle inside a transparent silver dome.

Half of his power source in the back of a metal hand.

A complete Blade of Elements landing in the intersection of Nelson and LuMonica.

A shadow trapped in a web of lightning, ice, fire, earth, and so many things exploding in light.

His eyes flew open and he bolted upright.

"Took you long enough," grumbled Shadow. "You gonna make a new ice bridge, or what?"

"What?" Cyrus asked, disorientated by everything he'd just been through. "You just unlocked. Fix the bridge."

"...."

He quickly realized she was right.

He could sense a new... energy in his mind. He stepped up to the edge of the bridge, and reached out with it... only to create a layer of ice on an existing bridge.

"You've got to be kidding me," Shadow groaned. "It was there the whole time!?! I listened to all that for nothing!?" She yelled out at nothing, before never doing that again.

"Can't stop me," she muttered under her breath, causing Cyrus to look at her in confusion.

When she didn't elaborate, he said, "It appears to be made of the same reflective ice as earlier, making it seem like there is nothing there because of the darkness above and below it. Ingenious." 

"I can't decide if that's straight up brilliant, or downright cruel," she said in response, stalking across the bridge. Cyrus just smiled slightly as he followed her across then up the stairs.

Why was he so calm?

Because that last set of memories weren't memories at all, but rather visions of what was to come, and if he played it right, he could bring an end to this fight.

"Wow..." Cyrus breathed, as they emerged from the stairway. As it turned out, the never before seen by human eyes Tuinval Peak was a ring of stone and ice. The center of it was sunken hundreds of feet down. Within that crater was the last winter elven village.

Cyrus could see the elves homes, some of which were carved half into the cliff, but, thanks to the high walls, it was already dark down there, and there were twinkling lights scattered throughout the buildings. In the center of the village, and by that extent, the mountain, was a tall rock formation reaching all the way up to their level. On the top of it rest a pavilion carved out of ice, inlaid with gemstones. A bridge led from the outer ring to the pavilion, where Cyrus located the blade piece. It was a magical sight, right out of a fairy tale, but it was nothing compared to the view surrounding them.

They were so high up, the storm clouds that had given them much trouble lay below them, surrounding the peak in a fluffy blanket. It looked like a lone island in an endless sea of clouds, tinted in pinks, lavenders, and oranges as the sun began to set. The sky itself was so many colors, Cyrus wondered if he was looking at a rainbow. It was completely breath taking.

I wonder if a moment can last forever... He wondered as he stood on the pavilion, turning slowly, trying to see everything at once.

"Why haven't you grabbed the blade yet? It's freezing up here," Shadow grumbled, ruining the moment. Cyrus sighed as he went to retrieve it. Despite her comment, she didn't look the slightest bit cold. He made a replica of the blade out of ice, and switched them.

"Now we get to do all of that in reverse, yay." she complained, but then a sly smile spread across her face. Cyrus wasn't sure he trusted it.

"What?" he asked hesitantly.

"Do you like sledding?"

[kiriekonamistan]

Sonic Underground Headcanons!

WHOO! Hyperfixation time again, bois!

This's a LOOOOOng one, so it's all under the cut. :)

•In some scenes Queen Aleena had been shown wearing a yellow cloak or cape with a yellow heart-shaped thing at the collar (I'd assumed it was a clasp of some sort); I headcanon that heart-shaped clasp is also a locket. On one side is a picture of herself, her husband, and Uncle Chuck while on the other side is a baby photo of the triplets.

•The reason the triplets didn't find Tails on their journey to reunite with Aleena is because she found him first. While Tails and Aleena travel around together he talks about machinery and tech teaching her about how to work around and evade Robotnik's security, while she provides a much needed constant support to him.

•Lady Windameer, Feral, and Sonic's adoptive parents knew the kids they'd found(/been given in Feral's case) were the missing royal triplets. Maybe not at first, but they all realized it at some point and kept that fact a secret.

•Sonic's early life was more isolated than Sonia and Manic's combined. First raised in a cabin off the grid and far from anyone but his parents, then kept a secret from the rest of the world by the Resistance while living in a bunker beneath a scrap heap with Uncle Chuck. He was probably both excited to meet new people (especially his siblings), but also very suspicious of everyone he met incase they were Robotnik's spies.

•Aleena and Manic share a love of practical jokes; while Manic is open and unapologetic about his pranks Aleena hides the fact that she likes, or has ever played a single prank in her life from most people. Only the people who're close to her know this secret.

•Uncle Chuck gave Sonic his love of chili dogs. Since the ration packs Robotnik produced tasted like (and often were made of) sawdust Chuck stockpiled natural ingredients and cooked Sonic a meal the kid hadn't tasted in years, his foster parents' recipe for chili dogs.

•Sonic was the most comfortable of the triplets with crossdressing, not only for disguises but in general. This led to Sonia and Mindy using him as a living manikin for testing out new outfits.

•Manic "knows a guy/girl" who can trade stuff to their group for just about anything. The van blew a flat tire? Manic knows a girl who works in a chop-shop and is willing to barter for belt buckles. Sonic caught a nasty illness and needs medicine? Manic knows a guy who can hook them up with a prescription for that, y'know under the counter.

•Before Mindy and her father were forced to flee their manor she was Sonia's primary source of high-fashion magazines, clothes, makeup, and accessories. After "the incident" at house La'Tour Sonia teaches Mindy a lot about how to mend and alter her preexisting clothes.

•Manic struggles with issues of self-worth. (he feels like he's always fading into the background, especially around his 'more impressive' siblings)

•Sonic struggles with ideals of his purpose in life. (he was nobody really special before he was forced to go live with uncle Chuck, then a tool and weapon of the resistance, now a symbol of the Old Kingdom and Freedom and Hope. His true goal in life is undefined in his mind, but he wants to find it. Sometimes, when he make Manic truly smile or gets to hear Sonia's real not-so-lady-like laugh, he thinks he's achieved that purpose. At least for a while, but those moments will always come back to him.

•Sonia struggles with her image and how it affects her different relationships. (at first she was an heiress and student at a private academy living like and aristocrat's child should, but she always had a wild side which she was taught to keep under wraps. She loves rock and punk music, but trying to mix that interest with her classical studies leads to reprimanding, disgust, and concern from teachers and her fiancé, Bartleby.

Then in a single night her role in the hierarchy is ripped like a rug out from under her; she's told she has a sibling, and not just one, but two brothers she'd never heard of before a SWATbot raid. She's told her mother isn't who she thought she was, that her biological mother is Queen Aleena, and the woman she called 'mom' has been roboticized. She's told that she's destined to join a rebellion and fight against the very system she lived safely, comfortably within for over a decade and a half- her entire life up to this point.

Sonia has lived a rigid life of black and white, authority and rebels, classical and rock, outrageous and righteous, the Empire and the Rebellion. Trying to reconcile the two clashing halves of her life is never easy, but her family and friends make it easier for her where they can.)

•In the episode where the triplets visit the castle (the one with the mirror portals) Aleena had been there for an entire day before her children showed up and enjoyed spying on them from within the reflections of the castle. She needed confirmation they were still safe and well. If she 'accidentally' startled some bats which freaked out one of the kids or cast an ominous shadow over them, that was her own business and no one else. (Refer to the prior headcanon about Aleena loving pranks.)

•QUEEN ALEENA IS A KIND, LOVING, AND WONDERFUL MOTHER. Yes she sent her children away, if you listen to the opening theme you'll understand why. Yes she stayed in hiding for roughly sixteen years, she and her family were being hunted by an evil dictator. I refuse to believe Aleena would be anything but kind, understanding, and loving to all of her children.

•While she doesn't have her own medallion carved from the Power Stone in Mobodoon, Aleena does carry a flute once owned by her late husband which contains a retractable blade made of a type of stone. This weapon is not traceable by Robotnik's sensors.

•The Kingdom of Acorns exists across a stretch of ocean due north-north-east of the Kingdom of Mobodoon. These two kingdoms had strong ties and friendly relations before Robotnik's rise to power in the Acorn Kingdom and his later conquest of Mobodoon. This is why a statue of King Max existed in Mobodoon.

•Sleet and Dingo are queer platonic. No I will not elaborate.

•After meeting Aleena, Tails builds a device to track the Chaos Emeralds for her. Shortly after this she sends Tails on his own special mission. This leads him right into the path of the triplets who he doesn't know or recognize. Aleena had told him about her children and their fight against Robotnik, but never mentioned their names or what they look like. From the time they meet onward Tails becomes and honorary member of the band, but is sent away from the front-lines to live at Sanctuary instead. He instantly bonds with Cyrus the Lion.

•Tails brings back a lot of memories to Sonic, memories of Uncle Chuck. Times when he would listen to the elder hedgehog tapping into different radio frequencies and relay messages. Being taught which wire goes where and how to fix Chuck's old, beat up van (the same one the kids later drive around cross-country). Even memories of his firs mission as a part of the resistance... and how badly it turned out.

•All of the royal kids used to get an extra present for holidays and their birthdays. Aleena made certain to either hand-make something with all the love she could give or find something she thought they'd like. She had to use unconventional methods of delivering these gifts, though, she was still a fugitive and couldn't directly contact any of them after all.

•Aleena's late husband had been a wandering knight before becoming her personal guard. After they were wed he couldn't be her personal knight anymore, so he recommended a very talented and promising soldier named Argus. (yep, that guy the kids meet up with at one point who gets roboticized.)

•The kids' father didn't have super speed or strength or anything like that. He and Chuck were brothers from the same tiny village far off in the mountains, secluded from the rest of Mobodoon. He was just a guy who wanted to seek out an adventure, discover whatever his calling would be, and find his place in the world. He was a calm, encouraging, good-natured hedgehog with a strong sense of justice and the will to protect others. Before meeting Aleena he thought all aristocrats and nobles were arrogant, greedy people with no concern for the lower classes. After meeting her he changed his mind... marginally.

•Aleena was much less formal when she was younger, though she always tried to be a little bit reserved. Before they were married, or even dating, her late husband encouraged her to be less hard on herself and let loose once in a while. They would race around a village square, Aleena's fancy clothes getting scraped and dirty while her knight tripped and fumbled heels-over-head into the village's fountain.

•After the war is won and peace finally begins Sonic signs a document to abdicate the throne. (I've always been under the impression that Sonic was born first, then Sonia, then Manic. That's just the vibes they give me, though. Everyone is allowed to have their own headcanons.) This decision gives Sonia the title of Crown Princess.

•At some point after the war Mobodoon needs to send and envoy to the Kingdom of Acorns to check on their neighbors and alert them that Robotnik is dead. (I can't see the story coming to an end without killing him off.) Manic really, really doesn't want to go at first and the rest of his family acknowledges his feeling on the matter but the rest of them are swamped with work trying to rebuild and reconstruct what little was left of the aristocracy.

Manic is noticeably more eager to return to the Kingdom of Acorns, specifically a place known as Knothole Village the next time any discussion about foreign envoys is brought up. Sonia thinks it has to do with that photograph in her brother's room of some red-headed chipmunk in a blue vest.

[metallicat777]

Fuck it. Trailer Park Boys as tweets/text posts part one of ???

[lyra-kane]

The way I will always defend and feel protective over the youngest child character even if they're not my favorite because I'm the youngest child myself, so I see myself in them even if it's just a tiny bit.

Except if they're some kind of villain or really petty ofc

[ande-bam]

An old Trailer Park Boys study i never finished

[crossoverheaven]

[optimal-breakfast-49]

https://www.reddit.com/r/trailerparkboys/comments/925ps6/til_after_rewatching_gracies_choice_a_generic/

Saw this and thought you might like it lol. Your boy is looking HOT 😁

Ooof yes jp in gracie's choice 🥵🥵🥵

[maea]

@chappellroan • @mileycyrus

Pink Pony Club • Wrecking Ball

MASHUP by @maea

Now on @youtube

Watch it here:

[unhingedthirst]

“It’s my thigh or nothing, I’m not helping you get off.” For Cyrus × Fem!Reader

I was promised a kidney for this but honestly the fact that you love and support my work will always be more than enough!

Edit- I wrote this right when it was requested but intended to finish it at some point- I didn’t so have this first part of an unfinished fic :3

Living in Sunnyvale and having a situationship with Cyrus came with its own set of difficulties. You didn’t know exactly what you guys were but you know that living next to his sworn enemy was the catalyst for a lot of rough angry sex. Not that you were complaining. Julian, bubbles and Ricky pestered you often about your involvement with Cyrus. You were all sitting around in Julian’s trailer smoking dope laughing about something dumb Ricky said. You all sat in a comfortable silence for a few moments and than Ricky turned to you “why are you dating that fucking dick Cyrus anyway?” It seemingly came out of nowhere but you looked around your friends and they just waited for your response with eager eyes. You sighed “one we aren’t dating..we just hang out.” You say sheepishly and Julian scoffs at you “I can’t believe you bang that creep” you roll your eyes at the man; their disgust used to bother you a lot more but now it was just par for the course. “You guys are just mad that you aren’t banging me” you say confidently and the men collectively groan. You didn’t even know if that statement was true but by how jealous they all acted it be seemed like the logical answer. Bubbles finally spoke after awhile of just listening “you’re a pretty lady and all” he sqawks out and you smile softly with pride “but we care about you. He’s not a good guy!” Bubbles explains and you pat his knee lovingly. A deep blush forms on his cheeks and than Julian speaks again “he can’t even protect you he’s a fucking pussy” Ricky nods. You huff a frustrated breathe and than quickly duck and cover when Ricky pulls out his gun and starts waving it around “he can’t even shoot anything! He’s a dumb idiot coward! He can’t protect you from shit!” Ricky yelled and you got up to leave as Julian and bubbles start scolding him. You yell a goodbye and leave the rest of your dope as a sign of good faith. What they didn’t understand is how sweet Cyrus is with you; fingers in your hair and lips pressed to your neck. Every time you saw him he’d pull you into his lap and say “tell me about your day baby.” It felt so intimate. There was definitely feelings involved on both sides but you weren’t about to be the dumb girl that tries to tie a guy like Cyrus down. He was also so amazing in bed; when you guys were alone and he starts touching you, you lose all brain function. you found your way once again in Cyrus’s car; you’d called him the second you left Julian’s trailer. He was quick to pick you up; eager to get laid probably. As he pulls in front of your trailer the boys are sitting around the shit mobile now drinking. You close your eyes and take a deep breathe bracing for the annoyance you are about to endure. Cyrus makes eye contact with Ricky as he goes in and kisses you hello. Before you could commend Ricky for keeping his cool Cyrus yells out “Fuck off Ricky. I’ve got work to do” and points to you. You shove him with your elbow as you bury your face in your hands. Ricky loses it throwing a beer bottle and screaming at your non boyfriend’s red corvette as he speeds out. Cyrus has always been a tough nut to crack, if felt like he was constantly on a losing streak but with you it felt like he was winning. It started out as just fucking someone hot that he was pretty sure Julian and Ricky were interested in but now it turned into another person accepting him as he was even if it meant you being okay with him keeping you at arms length. You hadn’t discovered how much of a loser he was yet and he was eager to keep it that way.

[ninjago-forever]

Ninternians

I give you, the Guardians (The Ninja) of Ninternia! This is how they look.

[rum053rum]

doodle / heart and thumbs up meme

[little-lego-ninjas]

lightning in a bottle (burning full throttle)

Guess what I just posted on AO3 guys???? Are you excited, because I am! I'm actually really proud of this monster (it's 12.6k words h e l p), and I hope you guys like reading it as much as I liked writing it!

Fair warning, this is filled to the brim with queerness (as a queer myself, I could not resist the fruit ninja), so read with caution ig lmao.

Gun tw, and some minor injuries (somebody gets shot, but it's minor), slurs (not actually written bc i am too soft for it but wanted to include it bc i have had bad race-related encounters lately, and i protect my friends from toxic people as much as possible), ptsd, anxiety, anxiey/panic attack, gender issues, y'know the works.

There's probably a few more i can't think of rn, but all the tags are on AO3 if you feel the need to check! Nothing super insane happens (no weird age stuff or sex), so enjoy!!

AO3 link in case you wanna read it over there or leave a big comment or something i dunno. For you <3.

Fic below the cut bc it's too damn long.

"Okay, have we all got our roles down?" Lloyd asked at the head of the dining room table, papers and maps and blueprints scattered around him. His hair was a mess, blond waves tangled together and falling into his face. No doubt from staying up all night, finalizing and piecing everything together.

Cole nodded, his arms crossed over his chest. "I've got mine."

"I do as well," Zane added, his fingers threaded together atop the table.

Kai sighed before anyone else could say they had everything ready. "Why do I have to go in disguise? Shouldn't we let Zane do it?"

Pixal answered before Lloyd could open his mouth, her green eyes hard. "Kai, we have already discussed why you and Jay are going in disguise. Zane's cloaking software is down, mine is nowhere near the level his is, and Cole is going in disguise too."

She arched a brow at him. "I don't see the issue."

Kai gestured around the table, chest tight. "I'm going to be in a party while Nya, Lloyd, and you," he shot a blatant look at Pixal, "try to stop an assassin."

"Sorry for worrying like a good brother would," he grumbled as an afterthought.

He felt a hand on his shoulder, making him glance over to see who it was. Nya looked mildly annoyed, but mostly sympathetic, which was a good sign. "Kai, you know you aren't just going to a party."

"I know, I just-"

"Get worried." Jay finished, his chin resting in his hands. "We know. But this is serious stuff, me and you are going to protect Cyrus Borg."

When his name was uttered, Pixal looked down at her hands. Zane reached across the table, taking one of her hands. "We will not let anything happen to him, Pixal."

Pixal looked up, nodding. She didn't say anything though. Kai could understand her concerns, considering it was her father that they were attempting to save from an untimely death. Kai couldn’t imagine having to be in her position, and it only gave him more empathy towards her for being so strong about the entire subject. It couldn’t have been an easy thing to listen to, or talk about.

Cole nudged Zane’s shoulder, his expression a mixture of his usual soft one and a slightly more serious one reminiscent of his younger days of leading the team. “Besides, we have more help too. Skylor and some of the other elemental masters, right Lloyd?”

Lloyd nodded, digging through the scattered papers until he could find the one he had written all their names on. “Most of them helped with the resistance, so we’re in good hands. That assassin won’t know what hit them, Pix.”

Pixal pursed her lips, then stood. “Fantastic. I’ll go ensure my weaponry is ready and functional.”

Nya’s gaze followed the girl who had taken up her old mantle, the blue in her eyes holding a depth Kai had begun to notice whenever his little sister looked at Pixal. Nya sighed, pushing her chair away from the table. “I feel so bad for her.”

Zane nodded, his fingers threaded together again, something the nindroid had begun to do after his time in the NeverRealm. “I do as well, but we mustn’t let our worries consume the mission. We cannot fail.”

Cole rubbed Zane’s shoulder. “We won’t, Z. We won’t.”

Zane didn’t look convinced, but he did shoot Cole a smile that the other boy returned. Kai watched them all silently, his chest still tight with the idea of letting them risk their lives while he stayed inside at a party. It felt wrong and like he was slacking off, even though he knew he had an important role to play. A hand ruffled at his hair, snagging his attention. He shot a glare at Jay, who had an impish little smirk on his lips.

“Don’t you ruin this for me, Kai. It’s the anniversary of Borg’s empire!” Jay sighed with delight, earning several eye-rolls that he ignored. “What a legend.”

Kai scoffed, standing up. “Remember that we’re there to protect Cyrus, not party.”

Jay waved his hand. “Duh. Just think it’s neat.”

Lloyd hummed, shifting through his papers again. “Since it’s a pretty exclusive party, I think you two should really dress the part. High-class and stuff.”

Kai grinned. “I have just the suit.”

///

Kai tugged at his tie in mild annoyance, shooting a glare at his reflection. He didn't like the idea of just sitting on the sidelines while everyone else ran around playing hero. It didn't sit right with him to not be in the heat of the matter, but rather going incognito to better blend in.

Granted, Zane was pretending to be the intern who double-checked invitations, and Cole was one of the guards at the entrance, but still. If the news from Skylor handed down to her through the pipeline of elemental masters was true, which it was, Cyrus Borg was set to be a prime target to be assassinated tonight during his company's anniversary party.

Kai wanted to be the guy beating up the assassin, not hiding in a crowd of rich tech-heads, but he had to begrudgingly agree with Lloyd's plan. It was the best course of action, the best set-up to ensure Cyrus Borg and everyone attending the party would be safe. He just hated the idea of his family risking their lives without him beside them.

Heaving a sigh, Kai glanced at his reflection again, tugging at the cuffs of his sleeves. He had to admit, he looked nice. The suit was a bit darker than he would have chosen for himself, but it wasn't too terrible. It was fitted just enough to benefit his shape, but not overly so. His hair was what was bothering him the most, if he was being honest.

Instead of its usual spiked style, his hair looked much like it did when he was wet, falling into his eyes enough to bother him. Kai scrubbed his fingers through his hair again, grumbling under his breath as he did so. Maybe Nya was right when she said he needed a haircut.

"Kai."

Kai met his sister's eyes in the mirror. She was in her gi, only serving to remind Kai of the danger she was about to put herself in. "Yeah?"

Nya's lips twitched, as if she was fighting off a smile. "Have you been brooding this whole time?"

Kai opened his mouth, then clicked his tongue. " No ."

His sister stepped closer to him, turning him away from the mirror. "I know what you're stewing over, okay? But I think you need to see your boyfriend."

Kai knit his brows together. "Is Jay not helping me survey the party in disguise?"

"No," Nya said with a shake of her head. "He's still helping you, but I meant see like look at him because, uh."

Her cheeks pinkened. "He looks great."

Kai snorted, elbowing Nya. "You are such a bi disaster."

"Wha- says the pan disaster!" Nya sputtered as Kai left his bedroom, heading for Jay's.

He chuckled under his breath at the sound of Nya's grumbles, stopping before Jay's door. Knocking, Kai opened his mouth to ask if he could enter, but Jay interrupted him.

"Come in!"

Kai pushed the door open, a smile on his face and words on his tongue, only for his mouth to go dry at the sight of Jay in front of his bedroom mirror. Now, Kai had no doubts in his mind that Jay was attractive- and super fucking adorable -but he'd always seen Jay as pretty, or cute.

Drop-dead gorgeous was not a term he used lightly, and in this case, he meant it as if it was a precious sacred statement by the First Spinjitzu Master himself, which was to say, he was not anywhere close to joking about it. Jay cleaned up nice, and Kai had never really gotten to see it before.

Now though, Jay was fiddling with a silver hoop earring as Kai openly gaped at him, eyes drinking in every inch of his boyfriend. When Lloyd had suggested that Kai and Jay go together as a rich couple, Kai hadn't disputed the rich couple part, but he had figured it would be him and Jay in suits and showing up holding hands or something.

He had not expected to find Jay in a dress.

Not just any dress, no. Jay had found the most beautiful shade of midnight blue to ever exist, the color making his eyes that much more electric and enticing. The dress itself was fitted all the way down to the hemline, going to the top of Jay's toes. It had a sheath neckline, the material lying around Jay like a necklace, forming an upside down v that covered his chest entirely, but left part of his collarbones free.

Where sleeves would be, fingerless gloves of the same material encased his wrist up, stopping at the middle of Jay's biceps, freckled shoulders on full display. Jay smiled at his reflection, fingers playing with his silver hoop earrings before he noticed Kai had stepped inside of his bedroom. Jay's cheeks colored. "O-oh. I thought you were Nya."

Jay turned to face Kai, and Kai got a wonderful view of the thigh-high leg slit the dress had. If his mouth had been dry before, it was dust now. Just the sight was doing something to him, and he wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

"Is it too much?" Jay asked, fingers playing with each other. "I figured fancy party meant fancy, and this is the fanciest thing I've really got so…"

Kai found his voice when Jay trailed off, looking so defeated that Kai wanted to punch whatever had made him feel that way. Since he was pretty sure he had done that, Kai decided that punching himself before going undercover was a really stupid idea. He didn't want to sport a black eye and draw attention to himself. 

"No!" He exclaimed, grabbing Jay's hands, noticing blue nail polish on his nails, matching his dress. "No, you look… wow."

Jay's blush worsened, his smile a little embarrassed. "I thought you'd think my hair was stupid."

Kai knit his brows, studying the usually messy curls that were in some semblance of order. And they were longer than Kai recalled them being just three hours ago. Curious, he shifted his fingers through the chestnut hair, amazed that the curls stretched down to the base of Jay's neck before springing back up to rest lightly under his earlobes.

"It's beautiful."

Kai cleared his throat when he saw how soft Jay's gaze had turned. "Uh, I mean, not as good as mine, you know. Still good though."

Jay's smile shifted into a smirk. "Uh-huh."

Not wanting to give Jay more ammo than he already had, Kai gestured at Jay's dress. "So, any particular reason for that? Asides to be sexy, I mean."

Jay flushed terribly at that, swatting at Kai's shoulder. "I figured a guy and a girl would be less attention-grabbing than two guys for us going undercover."

Kai must have made a sour expression because Jay shook his head. "No, I made the choice, I'm fine."

Kai pursed his lips. "I know you, Jay. If you look the tiniest bit uncomfortable, we're finding you the manliest suit ever to bash any dysphoria, got it?"

Jay laughed at that, drawing Kai's attention to his face, the way his freckles bunched up whenever he laughed, along with the delicate black lines surrounding his boyfriend's eyes. Jay had actually gone and put makeup on, which Kai hadn't seen in a very long time. Heat pooled into Kai's body, his lips itching to meet Jay's. "I- I'm serious. No dysphoria will ruin your night on my watch."

Jay nodded, a small smile on his lips. "Thanks, but I'll let you know if it gets to be too much, okay?"

Kai sighed, but relented at the lightning ninja's pointed gaze. "Alright, fine. But seriously, if you get misgendered, I might hit someone out of reflex alone."

Jay snorted, moving around Kai to get to his bed. Kai watched him, unsure of what else to say. Another compliment? Jay tugged a pair of strappy black heels out of a box from under his bed. "Restrain yourself, babe."

Kai stiffened at the word, every nerve alight with want. In the end, he was a weak man, a man who just wanted Jay to feel comfortable in his skin, to kiss on Jay and touch him reverently, and breathe promises of love against freckled skin. Kai crossed the room to Jay easily, the lightning ninja still busy putting on his heels.

(Which were also unfairly attractive on Jay, but Kai would circle back to that later.)

Jay glanced up when Kai tapped his bare shoulder, his expression playful. "Hm?"

Kai scowled at Jay, nudging his boyfriend backwards until he could pin him against the mattress. "You know what you're doing."

Jay laughed softly, twining his arms around Kai's neck, fingers playing with his hair. "You look hot too, by the way."

Kai winked, "You know it."

Jay rolled his eyes and Kai locked their lips together, not entirely aware of the world around him anymore. Jay was more important than the world, clearly and obviously. He pulled back only to dive right back in, tongue running along the ever-soft lips of his lover, Jay making a delicate sound underneath him. Kai felt a heel nudge his hip, hands tightening in his hair.

The kiss deepened, Kai's tongue tracing the inside of Jay's mouth, small shocks crossing from Jay to Kai, barely there moments of electricity that made Kai shudder and kiss Jay harder, eager for a bigger reaction. Before he could cross that line, Jay pushed him up and away from his lips a little, blue eyes meeting amber.

"Kai," Jay whispered, lips so pink and plump and Kai really didn't want to stop. "The mission?"

Kai pursed his lips, then kissed Jay again, a soft peck instead of the passionate one he wanted to continue. "After, if we aren't exhausted, I'll pick up where we left off."

Jay nodded, cheeks flushed but his eyes bright with excitement at the promise. "Sounds like a plan."

Kai crawled off of Jay, halting halfway off at the sight of Jay's leg being mostly uncovered from the slit in the dress. Teasingly, Kai drug his fingertips against the soft skin as he finished crawling off of Jay, hearing his boyfriend gasp prettily. Kai adjusted his suit jacket, then ran his fingers through his hair again.

He shot Jay a puzzled glance that was mostly fake. "Are you coming?"

Jay looked breathless, cheeks even darker than before. "You- You fucker."

Kai, unable to help himself, shot Jay a wink as he made his way out of the room. "I do try."

Kai got smacked upside the head with Mr. Cuddlywomp, but hey, it was worth it in his eyes. He needed something good to keep his mind away from the dark thoughts of potential failure tonight.

///

Kai had to gape at the light show that was occurring at Borg’s tower, the building glowing in prismatic colors and holographic words that screamed the reason for the party. He had to admit it was pretty, but with Jay on his arm, it wasn’t comparable in the slightest. Shooting a glance at his boyfriend, he found Jay’s electric blue eyes alight with wonder, his lips shaping words that Kai could barely hear.

“What was that last bit?” He asked, grinning when Jay flushed.

“O-oh.” Jay twirled one of his curls around his finger, nervous. “Just… it’s pretty.”

Kai nodded, nodding towards the line of equally lavishly dressed individuals, pointing Jay in the right direction. His boyfriend was a little overwhelmed by the lights and the people, and Kai was one-hundred percent okay with being the grounding point for him. Quietly, Kai ducked his head to whisper against Jay’s ear as they got into the line. “If you feel bad, let me know.”

Jay nodded, his eyes darting from one head to another, analyzing and categorizing them the way he did. Kai hadn’t understood it at one point in his life, thinking Jay was just easily distracted (which was true), but now he knew it was how Jay dealt with getting overwhelmed. He counted how many other people he might have to interact with, how many blinding lights would flash, how they spoke or reacted so he could match them.

It was how he coped, and Kai could see why. He had done it a couple of times, only to find it very helpful. Granted, he sucked at mimicking other people, but he did try his best if his unhoned skills would be useful. Sometimes he looked back to the time he pretended to be his father and cringed. How Nya had perfectly emulated their mother’s voice was lost on him, but it was impressive all the same.

Turning his attention back to the line, Kai found two security guards only a few people ahead of them. One was a nindroid, the other was Cole. Cyrus Borg was only loosely aware of the threat looming over him when Lloyd had contacted him prior to the party about the lead they had, but he hadn’t disagreed with anything the ninja had suggested they do. As long as they didn’t destroy his tower or harm his guests, the scientist was okay with them playing dress-up.

Kai understood why Lloyd had ultimately decided against telling Borg the entire reason they were attending his anniversary party incognito. If Cyrus Borg knew about the threat, he would cancel the party and force the assassin to try another time, which would leave Borg paranoid and the ninja in the dark about when the assassin would try again. That didn't mean Kai liked withholding information though.

When Jay tapped at Kai’s arm, he felt a brief second of worry, only to find a small smile on Jay’s lips. The lightning ninja was holding back a giggle. “Kai, look behind us.”

Curious, Kai did as he was instructed, almost laughing himself. Directly behind them stood Dareth, dressed surprisingly nicely with an invitation in his hand, holding a conversation with a rather wealthy-looking elderly couple that looked entertained by him. Kai snickered under his breath, setting off Jay’s giggles. “How on earth did he get an invite?”

Jay shrugged. “I think he won the civilian raffle for invitations? He’s like Borg's biggest fan.”

Kai arched his brow. “But baby, I thought that was you?”

Jay’s blushing cheeks were a perfect reward, and he didn’t get a chance to retaliate before they reached security. Kai showed both Cole and the nindroid their invitations, then pocketed them again. The nindroid studied them, then shared a glance with Cole, who shrugged. 

“Hate to be that guy,” Cole started, pushing off of the door jam he had been leaning against, “but I need to check for concealed weapons.”

Kai made a big show of sighing loudly, unlinking his arm from Jay’s. “Oh, if you must.”

Jay opened his purse, revealing a rather nice wallet and some miscellaneous items. “Nothing but my emergency make-up.”

Kai almost jerked his head around at the sound of Jay’s voice, so light and airy. Cole looked momentarily stunned too, clearing his throat awkwardly. “Er, yeah. You’re good.”

The nindroid nodded, gesturing to the open doors. “Please enjoy your evening.”

Kai shot him a grin, sliding his arm around Jay’s waist. “I’m sure we will.”

The entryway had been filled with streamers and balloons, all sorts of people wandering around and laughing together before they headed for the elevators. Before he and Jay could get that far though, their invitations would be checked for authenticity by the intern at the front desk, who happened to be Zane in disguise. It wasn’t as effective as his cloaking device, but he still looked every bit the part of the nerdy guy who ran the desk.

Zane had even modulated his voice to better fit the role, slightly nervous at being handed so much power and responsibility by someone so high above him. “May I see your invitations?”

Kai handed the papers over, feigning indifference while Jay looked around with wide blue eyes. Zane nodded after a moment, “You’re on the list, thank you for attending!”

Jay smiled sweetly and Kai nodded, both of them making for the elevators. The party was held at the top floor, normally Borg’s office but remodeled for a skyline view and filled with hors d'oeuvres and champagne for the occasion. Kai couldn't quite understand how the assassin could get a shot with all those windows, but he wouldn't underestimate the possibility.

He hoped everything was going well on the other end of the mission, and that Lloyd, Nya, and Pixal had managed to get into position with no issues. He wouldn’t be able to check his comm until later, after he could make for the bathroom without drawing suspicion.

When the elevator doors closed, Kai slumped slightly. “Who knew I would already be tired?”

Jay shrugged, a tube of mascara in hand, squinting at his reflection in the elevator’s mirror. “Pretending is hard.”

There was a depth inside those words that Kai wanted to understand, but he decided to broach the topic later. Instead, he watched as Jay messed with his eyelashes, even though they were fine. “Jay?”

“Hm?”

“Don’t be nervous.”

Jay laughed, capping the tube and dropping it back inside of his purse. “That’s difficult for me.”

Kai nodded, taking one of Jay’s hands, pressing a kiss to his palm. “I know.”

Jay rolled his eyes, watching as they climbed floors. “Ready to do some more pretending, hot stuff?”

Kai laughed, pulling Jay flush against him for a split-second, relishing in the closeness before he shifted their positions again, arm around Jay's waistline. “Always.”

Jay was flushed when the doors opened, shooting Kai a dirty look that made him grin. His grin faltered when he caught sight of Cyrus Borg, falling back into mission mode with ease. The inventor was holding a glass of champagne in one hand, laughing with a group of people Kai had seen around the building, no doubt some of his employees.

Kai and Jay stepped out of the elevator, and Kai skimmed the room, mentally labeling anything that could be useful. He faltered at the crowd though. There were so many people all dressed so nicely that it left Kai reeling, so many sparkling bits of jewelry and finery that was foreign to him.

If he felt broke, he had no idea how much worse Jay felt. Kai knew how the lightning ninja got sometimes, wishing he had enough money to give his parents everything they deserved to have. Kai felt the same way sometimes, but he knew it lurked in the back of Jay's head more than his own. After so much time, Jay still felt as if he had something to prove, to show he wasn't just some kid from a junkyard.

Why? Kai wasn't entirely sure. Kai tightened his hold around Jay's waist, getting his boyfriend to look up at him, inquisitive eyes meeting his own.

“Split up?" He suggested, watching Jay closely for any sign of distress.

Jay nodded, nudging Kai towards the table with hors d'oeuvres and flutes of champagne. “Go be a gentleman and get me a drink.”

Kai bowed playfully, taking Jay’s hand and pressing a kiss to his ring finger. “Of course, darling.”

Jay laughed softly, shoving Kai away. Kai watched him for a second, then made for the table, scanning the faces around him. Any one of them could be the person after Borg, even if they would have had hell getting past both Cole and Zane. He couldn’t let his guard down, not even for getting in-character. To passerby, he would simply look a little nervous, something many people around him would relate to.

The table held more than just drinks and hors d'oeuvres upon closer inspection. It also held all sorts of pastries that made Kai's mouth water. It took more restraint than he had hoped it would to prevent himself from sampling them all. Maybe it had been for the best that Cole wasn't at the party, considering his rather glaring weakness for desserts.

Kai snagged two flutes of champagne, then glanced out at the sea of posh strangers, his heart beginning to thud against his ribs. What happened to his charisma? He could handle this. It wasn't hard, putting on a fake front, he had done it multiple times over the years. Somehow though, the idea of faking for multi-millionaires felt… dangerous.

It hadn't stopped Jay from immediately becoming popular though, several ladies dressed in their own stunning finery had surrounded him, complimenting his dress and asking him questions that he answered easily. Kai pursed his lips, glancing back at the table before he snagged one of the pastries, shifting the glasses to one hand as he placed it on a napkin to take over to Jay.

Jay tended to do better if he felt secure and had someone he cared for close by. Kai knew the pastry would be an added bonus, considering Jay's love of desserts. The champagne was a pretense, something that might be sipped once or twice, but ultimately ignored. Kai scanned the crowd again, plotting out the exact path he would need to make it to Jay.

"Huh, didn't think you'd be here."

Kai flinched at the words, nearly spilling champagne on the floor. His gaze landed on an all-too familiar face, one that made him a little happy, a little angry, and mostly confused.

"Ronin?"

///

Cole tried to maintain his focus as he watched Jay and Kai vanish inside of the building, but it was hard. He had no clue what to expect, and honestly the evening had been borderline boring. It would have been completely boring if the adrenaline from the idea of an assassin trying to kill Borg wasn't at the forefront of his mind, but still. He was growing impatient just standing in place.

He almost choked when he saw who was next in line, Dareth grinning at him before his brows dipped together. Cole watched as the nindroid examined Dareth's invitation, assigning a name with a face, but the brown ninja's gaze remained locked on Cole the entire time. Cole couldn't help but think of the last time he had seen Dareth in disguise, how easily the older man had seen through it.

This time, it seemed, was no different. Dareth snapped his fingers and pointed at him. "Cole! I knew that was you!"

Cole pressed his lips together tightly. "Hey Dareth."

"When'd you get a side gig?"

Cole shrugged, gesturing for Dareth to come closer so he could check for weapons, which he heavily doubted he would find, but protocol was protocol. After ensuring the man was weaponless, he gestured through the open doors to the desk where Zane was stationed. "Have fun Dareth, you're cleared."

Dareth grinned at him, happily crossing the threshold. "Thanks dude!"

Cole shook his head with a small smile. Sometimes Dareth was just the thing that helped them ensure everything went according to plan. Maybe this was one of those times. After all, Dareth was the man who had done everything in his power to help them anyway he possibly could, no matter the risks he faced because of it.

"A hem."

Cole snapped his attention back to the world around him, rather than the one inside of his head. He found an elderly couple sharing aggravated looks between one another, and his nindroid companion looking exasperated.

"Sir, it's only protocol," the nindroid started, only to be cut off by the man, who flicked his hand at both the nindroid and Cole.

"Nonsense is what it is! An over-analytical farce that is as unnecessary as it is uncouth."

The woman by his side nodded, her expression pinched. "We never carry weapons." She said the word as if she could think of nothing fouler in the world, which made Cole bite back a sigh.

While he agreed weapons were a last result form of attack, that didn't mean they were inherently bad. It was a tool, depending on who used the knife made the knife either good or bad. That didn't make the knife inherently evil if it was used to harm someone, but some people just couldn't see it the way he did.

Different opinions were important, but not over something that was simple protocol. Now, if the protocol had the couple stripping down to their underthings? That Cole could see as bad. This was more of a minor annoyance, rather than something truly terrible.

"Sir, ma'am, this is simply to ensure not only Mr. Borg's safety," Cole looked pointedly at both of them, "but also yours."

The man looked downright insulted, tugging at the cuffs of his sleeves. "You have no right to speak to me."

Cole knit his brows, entirely lost for almost three seconds. It hit him when the man's wife moved to hide behind him slightly. A stab of guilt jabbed its way into his chest, even though he shouldn't have felt it at all. It wasn't his fault his skin was darker than theirs, or that he was taller than them, or stronger and more muscular.

It hurt though, to be looked at and only seen as a threat rather than a person too. Even the nindroid looked stunned, but the man continued. "Not only are you going to place your hands upon me and my wife, but you are asking for us to let you do that. My answer is no ."

"Would you change your mind if he was white?"

Cole snapped his gaze back, finding Dareth in the doorway, looking more furious than Cole had ever seen him. The commotion and hold up had snagged a lot of attention, the people in line whispering to each other and shooting glances at Cole. It made him nauseous to have so much attention on him, and not for the first time, he wished he was smaller.

The man looked stunned. "I- what are you implying?"

Dareth stepped forward, moving to stand between Cole and the wealthy man. "If I were the guard, would you listen?"

The man shrugged. "I do not rightly know, since you aren't. I do not feel safe with-"

"Do not say that ." Dareth hissed. "Don't you dare."

Before the man or his wife could speak again, the nindroid stepped forward, his hands raised placatingly. "If you will not allow us to check for hidden weapons, then we must decline your entrance to the building. Deeply sorry."

The man huffed, snatching his wife's arm. "I am as well, for having to deal with that -"

Cole's ears were ringing after the word was uttered, one he hadn't heard in a very long time. It reminded him of the first time he had learned what it meant when he was little, how his mother had clutched him close and whispered that it was just a word while his father raged at the parents of the little girl who had said it. While he didn't remember her name, he remembered her smug face when she had said it.

Almost like she had a right to call him that, to tear him down because he looked different than she did.

The world slammed back into focus when he felt a hand on his arm, the touch that normally would be grounding painful. There were so many voices, all saying different things, and his vision was a blur at best. Cole closed his eyes tightly, trying to breathe, but it felt like he was seven again, trembling when the teacher snapped at him for missing the "very easy steps", the words he muttered unkind and as horrible as what the little girl had said.

It was part of the reason he ran away.

The world around him was falling in and out of focus every time he opened his eyes, so just kept them shut, trying to control his breathing. Everything began to shift though, the loud voices falling away and the touch that had felt like fire now a more bearable presence, one he accepted readily now. He knew he was moving, the hand on his arm a guiding light, but he still didn't open his eyes.

He was almost afraid too, after what had happened the last time he had opened them. He had to get his head back in the game, back into the role he was playing for the mission, but if he opened his eyes and could only see the past, how could he help in the present?

///

Perched on the edge of the roof, Lloyd surveyed the city below and around him, the lights always brighter than needed. They never bothered him too badly though, so he didn't mind them. Better lighting made it easier to track down the villains than poor lighting did anyway. Unable to find anything out of the usual, Lloyd lowered his binoculars with a sigh.

Minus Cyrus Borg's anniversary party happening across from the skyscraper he was perched on, the city was in a normal state of function. Families were eating dinner, shifts were being switched, the neon lights alive with the night and the city they lit up. There was no sign of an assassin who wanted Pixal's father dead for reasons no one had managed to crack.

Lloyd shook his head, turning his gaze down to his sleeve, which he pushed up and out of the way. Tapping twice at the bracelet on his wrist, he watched the holographic main menu pull up, which he swiped through until he found contacts and communications. He double-checked that his settings were correct and ready to go, then he patched himself into the comm network he, Pixal, Neuro, and Nya had thrown together.

"Anyone hear me?"

Several voices answered, little blips showing their positions on his digital map. Lloyd felt a little of his tension ease at the sight, everyone was in position and ready to go. "Give me sights, what've we got on our hands guys?"

Nya's voice crackled to life, her words sure and holding the annoyance that came with her impatience. "Nothing but traffic, it's driving me up the wall."

Lloyd almost laughed, but refrained, recalling that he was supposed to be the leader right now, not Nya's little brother with a bad sense of humor.

"Nothing here, Lloyd," Skylor said, her words carrying an easy flow that he had grown accustomed to hearing.

"Nothin' here either, kiddo." Turner added quickly, not wanting to be the last to speak. The man was rather competitive when it came down to it.

"Karloff has nothing- ah!" Static flooded the line for a second, and Lloyd's feet were already in motion when Karlof said, "False alarm, sorry friends."

Lloyd skidded to a stop before he leapt off of the skyscraper he was perched atop, sighing. "Thanks Karloff. Anyone got anything?"

"Hate to break it to you," Tox said, "but I think your lead sucks."

Lloyd pursed his lips, unsure how to respond. He was almost thankful when Neuro's voice drowned out everyone else's. "I am afraid that the target may know we are onto them," Neuro's voice warned, his tone grave and serious. "I can't read too terribly far out, but everyone within twenty-clicks of my position isn't a threat."

Neuro was just outside of reading Lloyd and probably Pixal, who was driving her car down back alleys and checking for any trace of a threat. She was anxious and doing her best to hide it, and Lloyd could understand the feeling entirely. Hell, he felt anxious just thinking about his own father. With a shake of his head, he detached from that thought. The last thing he needed was to be distracted.

Lloyd sighed again, glaring at Borg's tower across from him, the large windows betraying the exact floor where the party was being held. He could almost make out the faces and people inside of the room without his binoculars, and his chest tightened with anxiety. If the assassin succeeded in killing just one person, they would fail. Lloyd refused to let that happen.

It didn't help that no one had checked in from the tower, not even Zane, who had promised to check in every half hour. It had been almost an hour since the last check in. Surely the last of the guests should have been inside of the party, freeing Zane to help them scout around the outside of the tower along with Cole. It was part of their plan, and Lloyd couldn't act on it if Zane wasn't responding.

They were running out of time, and Lloyd couldn't wait around for Zane and Cole, or Jay and Kai. They were busy with something else, no doubt important. Or their comms had been shut off, or glitching. Maybe they didn't work with Cyrus Borg's fancy Internet servers or something. The point was, Lloyd needed a new strategy, and he needed one pretty fast.

"Pix, get Neuro in your ride." He flicked through his holographic map, finding Pixal and Neuro relatively close to one another. "Help him survey the city for our hitman."

"Affirmative, moving now."

"Understood."

"Lloyd?" Nya asked, and Lloyd could almost see her expression. "What are you thinking, talk to us."

Lloyd opened his mouth, only to freeze. Something had moved behind him, and it wasn't the wind. He made no sudden moves, hoping to keep the other being on the roof thinking he had no clue of the other's presence. He slowly reached for the hilt of his sword, flinching into action when he heard something behind him go click ka-chunk.

"Lloyd?"

"What's goin' on, kid?"

"Lloyd, what was that noise!?"

Lloyd turned just in time to make out a dark-clothed figure with a rifle in hand, followed by a bang that made him instinctively reach for his ears and duck. That was not the right choice when one is holding a sword or being shot at apparently, because something made his world rock, pain shooting from somewhere and making everything blur for a second.

Lloyd forced a breath through his gritted teeth, blearily finding the person across from him reloading, a gruff voice shooting curses rather than bullets. At least he hadn't gotten Cryus Borg. Lloyd glimpsed at himself, finding blood on his upper arm. He could handle a flesh wound. Switching sword hands, Lloyd shouted, "Found him!"

///

Kai was still reeling at the sight of the thief, but he managed to find enough of his words to actually speak. "How did you even get invited?"

Ronin shrugged languidly, nabbing one of the pastries off of the table. "'Invited' is a strong word. Let's go with 'got let in'."

Kai opened his mouth, but Ronin continued on. "Helps if you know your forgeries and the guard at the front entrance, along with the intern at the front desk."

Kai knit his brows. "Why'd Zane let you in if your invite was fake?"

"Because I have some info that might keep Borg alive tonight."

Kai shifted the glasses in his hand slightly, boring his eyes into Ronin's form. "I feel like I should ask you to dump your pockets, but if you actually have something helpful, I'd love to hear it."

Ronin swallowed his bite of pastry, nodding. "There's more than one guy gunnin' to put a bullet in Borg's head. It's a group, as far as I know."

Kai stiffened, the situation far worse than it was moments prior. If there was more than one, that changed the entire mission. "Does Zane know?"

The second the words left his lips he knew Ronin already had told Zane, or else he wouldn't have been let up to the top floor. If Zane knew, that would mean the nindroid could alert Lloyd to the growing danger. "Nevermind, if you're up here he knows."

Ronin studied him for a second, making Kai's hackles raise slightly. The older man nodded towards the crowd. "Who's the dame headin' for you?"

Kai shot him a puzzled glance and Ronin sipped at his own glass of champagne. "Just askin', not trying to steal her from you."

When an arm slipped into his own, Kai knew exactly who Ronin had meant. His boyfriend's cheeks were flushed, and there was a smile on his face, but Kai could feel how tense Jay was against him. Jay offered Ronin a darling smile, then Jay's facade of a rich girlfriend disappeared when his blue eyes found Ronin's, his expression slipping into shock. " Ronin?"

Ronin's eyes widened, then he looked between Kai and Jay for a second. "I- Jay? That you?"

Jay nodded, curls bouncing. "Yeah."

"Damn."

Jay snorted, then beamed at the sight of the pastry Kai was still holding. He took it, along with one of the flutes of champagne Kai had in his other hand. "Thanks, also how the hell did you get in?"

Kai answered before Ronin could. "He had info, Zane let him in, there's more than one."

Jay froze, pastry halfway in his mouth. After a second of debate, Jay bit off the bite, his brows knitted together as he mulled the situation over. He swallowed, tilting his head. "How do you know that, Ronin?"

Ronin sighed. "I'm not in on it, before you even ask because I can tell where this is going. I don't do murder."

Kai was acutely aware of the eyes and ears around them, so he chuckled as if Ronin had made a joke, then dropped his voice to a murmur. "Talk later."

Ronin shot him a wink. "You got it."

Jay nodded, smiling politely at Ronin as Kai led them away from the table. Kai opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted before he could even make a sound.

"Oh! Albie, bring your partner over here!"

Jay's head swiveled around, making Kai follow suit, finding a group of well-dressed twenty-something-year olds. The group looked like a few couples who were all friends, beckoning Jay over. Kai let Jay take charge, ducking his head to whisper, "Albie?"

Jay smiled awkwardly. "Fake name," he murmured, but something in his tone indicated it was more than that.

Kai wasn't entirely sure what was said after that, or who was speaking to him. All he could hear was the little wobble in Jay's voice when he had said it. The way he was acting as if nothing was out of place, as if he wasn't a boy pretending to be a girl, falling back into his repertoire of jokes and fronts to hide any of his true feelings from the world.

Kai could feel his temper flaring, but he wasn't upset with Jay. Downing the last of his champagne, he ducked his head to whisper against Jay's ear. "I'll be back in a minute."

Jay smiled at him, and then shoved him off. "Oh, get lost already, you'll be back in like two minutes!"

Kai laughed, but his heart throbbed in pain at how Jay had fallen back into that airy voice, so delicate and so unlike himself that it hurt. Kai made his way to the bathroom in the corner, making sure it was empty before he locked the door. Shoving his sleeve out of the way, he tapped at his comm. "Lloyd? Nya? Anybody?"

"Hey, hot stuff," came Skylor's slightly labored voice. There were shouts in the background, making her voice difficult to hear through the din of battle. "How's the party going?"

"Guess you know about how there's more than one guy now, huh?"

A shriek, followed by Skylor's muffled laughing. "Oh, you bet ."

Kai chewed his lip, then glanced around the bathroom. "Do you need backup?"

"Zane and Cole should be here in a minute, I think you and Jay need to focus on Cyrus Borg. We have no idea how many-"

" Sky !"

A shink of metal, ending with Skylor calling out a thanks. Kai closed his eyes for a second. "Please be safe."

"I'll try."

Kai closed the line, mind whirring with options. It was then he realized that the comm hadn't exactly been quiet. Someone surely would have gone to check if anyone was being murdered. Kai unlocked the door, eyes going wide when he registered the shrieks and shouts of alarm. Kai dashed out of the bathroom, finding the window shattered and people with guns moving through the partygoers, a flash of green darting after them.

The sight alone was alarming, but finding no sight of Cyrus Borg anywhere might have been more so. Kai slammed his fingers against his comm, tapping furiously until he managed to hit the right numbers on the digital keypad. “Ninjago City Police Department, what’s your-”

“Borg’s tower, top floor, armed and dangerous individuals attacking, send help!” Kai didn’t wait around to hear the response, diving head-first into the fire of battle, heart thundering inside of his chest. He hoped Jay was okay.

///

Zane turned to Cole, who had been sitting in the office chair that had been Zane's to begin with, but was offered when Cole had started to fall apart. After admitting the last guest, Zane knew it was crucial to proceed with the next phase of the plan, but he couldn't just ignore what had happened with Cole.

It was difficult to have such a righteous sense of morals, torn between saving Cyrus Borg and saving Cole, both from vastly different things, but both important in their own ways. Zane shot a worried glance at Dareth, who had stayed beside Cole the entire time, helping the earth ninja remain calm while Zane all but speed ran the last invitation background checks.

He still ensured they were done correctly, but still. He had moved fast. Dareth smiled at Zane, nodding towards Cole as he stood up. "I think I'm going to head upstairs, hope you guys work everything out."

Cole mumbled something, no doubt a show of gratitude for what Dareth had done. Zane voiced his own gratitude, taking one of Dareth's hands. "Thank you, you did not have to do that."

"That's the thing, kid." Dareth patted Zane's hand, something in his expression sorrowful. "I really did have to."

Zane watched his friend head for the elevator, then turned his entire focus onto Cole, who hadn't looked at him yet. "Cole?"

Cole hummed, but otherwise was unchanged in his position. Zane pursed his lips, then knelt down before Cole, placing his hands on Cole’s knees, catching his attention. “Darling?”

Cole’s cheeks pinkened slightly, which Zane took as a win considering it was a reaction. “Z?”

Zane nodded, ducking his head a bit to meet Cole’s gaze. “Yes, Cole. It’s me.”

Cole pursed his lips, then shook his head slightly. “Sorry for shutting down, I-” Cole sighed, cutting himself off. “I don’t know what happened.”

Zane didn’t like that answer, so he stood up, feeling Cole’s eyes on him. “What happened was you were treated poorly, and reacted the way anyone would in that situation. It was wrong and rude, and I am happy it did not require a physical fight.”

If Dareth hadn't intervened, Zane would have, and he was pretty sure one of the outcomes involved a version of himself he had tried to bury. He couldn't help but wonder if Borg needed some very realistic ice sculptures in the future.

Cole sounded tired. “But, I just-”

“You got upset, and when you get upset you shut down.” Zane turned to look at his boyfriend again. “It is how you function. You cannot blame yourself for that.”

Cole opened his mouth, but Zane covered it with his hand. “Correction, I will not allow you to blame yourself.”

Cole’s lips moved into a smile against Zane’s hand, his eyes locked onto Zane’s. After a moment, Zane removed his hand from Cole’s lips, only to have Cole reach out and snag his hand. Cole pressed a kiss to his inner wrist, making Zane flush himself. “Thanks, Zane.”

Zane cleared his throat. “Yes, well, we should con-continue with the mission.”

Cole looked much happier, as if making Zane flustered was a mood booster. Perhaps it was. Whatever the case, Zane forced himself to refocus on the current issue at hand. He and Cole would talk more after Cyrus Borg and his guests were all declared safe. Zane was not about to let Cole just shut down the topic and never bring it up again.

It was a nasty habit his boyfriend harbored, and it broke Zane's heart watching Cole continuously shelve his agenda for the sake of others, but never take any time to deal with what he had shelved. Zane suspected it was from how he had been raised, which only served to make him feel sadder anytime he thought about it.

Zane rolled back his sleeve, unable to meet Cole's eyes as he spoke. "We should check in with Lloyd, then follow through-"

A crash shook the building, making Zane stagger into Cole, the pair of them falling against the office chair, which cried in protest at their combined weights being forced upon it. Zane shot a worried glance up at the ceiling. "What do you think that was?"

Cole copied Zane's motion, his eyes flicking upwards before they landed back on Zane. "Probably the guy who wants Borg dead."

Zane bolted to his feet, pausing for a second when he realized where he had been sitting was not the chair. Rather, it had been Cole's lap he had been resting upon. His face felt far too warm, as if his cooling units, along with his elemental power, had left him. He allowed himself a second of flustered shock, then shoved the emotions out of the way.

Zane leapt over the front desk, using spinjitzu mid-jump to change into his gi. When his feet hit the floor, he was fully geared up, Cole landing a second after him, dressed accordingly. Cole flipped open the comm channel, chaos sounding. "Uh- Nya? How's it going?"

A shout followed by a pained grunt was the response, making Cole and Zane share worried glances. While Cole tried to get a response on his end, Zane tapped directly into Pixal's comm. "Pixal? What is happening?"

"Zane! Get to the top floor now. "

Zane flinched at her tone, chest tightening with worry. He tugged Cole's arm, already moving. "Heading up, but-"

"Lloyd's got six or- or seven- they're all armed -"

Her voice slipped out of range, leaving Zane panicked. "Pixal!"

Cole's comm chose that moment to send a voice through, Nya's usually collected voice left in stressful tension. "Get Borg outta there!"

Cole broke into a sprint for the stairs, Zane right beside him. As they flew up the steps, Zane could only hope his brothers could handle the chaos before back-up arrived.

///

Jay ducked when artillery fired, tugging down the people closest to him. "Dammit," he muttered, peeking over the overturned table to try and get a read on positions, only to find a gun in his face, making him yelp. That was the wrong move, the owner of the gun lowering the muzzle, their face hidden by their ski mask. Jay watched the mask move though, and knew the thug was smiling.

Major ew.

Jay did his best to play the panicked rich person, but it was difficult when he could have the guy disarmed in seconds. Kai wouldn't hesitate the way he did, he would have already knocked the guy out and moved to the next lethal target. Kai didn't play a role when he was needed, he didn't sit and wait for the action to come to him.

But Jay wasn't like Kai, he wasn't out to the world. People saw the lightning ninja and said he was a man who could wield lightning, that he was funny and friendly. They didn't know he was trans, they didn't know he hid himself everyday or battled against his reflection continually. Jay wasn't brave enough to even think about coming out to the entire world, and if he disarmed the gunman before him, he would.

So he stayed still, heart beating against his ribs. The thug's eyes drifted to his lips, then the gun was in Jay's face again. "Get up."

Jay swallowed and did as he was told, nervous. His words were failing him, and for once, he couldn't think of anything to say. The gun was pressed under his chin, jerking his head upwards to meet the other person's eyes, which twinkled with mischief. Those eyes then drifted lower and lower, tracing Jay's shape as if he wanted to touch him. The thought made Jay light-headed.

He could almost hear the hearty laughter of pirates, the silky voice of a djinn, the constant hum of The Misfortune's Keep. Jay squeezed his eyes shut, but that just made it worse, phantom sounds shifting into memories that shouldn't exist, but they did and they scared him. Jay forced his eyes open, chest heaving as he tried to gulp down a breath, making himself count anything.

The gun went flying and Jay counted how long it flew. Four seconds. He turned his attention back to the owner of the gun, finding them unconscious on the floor, Kai standing over him. Kai turned to Jay, and Jay burst into tears, unable to stop the flow. Kai hadn't been on the ship, he hadn't been there, he was here. He was real and alive, not a timeline that never existed.

Kai's arms were around him, his voice gentle. "Oh baby, no I'm sorry I wasn't listening. I'm sorry."

Jay realized Kai was responding to his words, which had finally come back to him. He was apologizing, no doubt for being so scared and useless and-

"Jay no, you're so brave, stop."

Jay sniffled against Kai's shoulder, then shoved him back, panicked. "Wh- Cyrus Borg!?"

Kai pressed his lips together just as the stairwell door flew open, Cole and Zane dashing in. Jay suddenly realized that the threat had been neutralized while he had spiraled, Lloyd standing a bit behind Kai. When their eyes met, Lloyd waved. Jay waved back, sniffling. Zane made for Lloyd, immediately asking him questions, while Cole made for him and Kai.

Cole's arms wrapped tightly around him, and it took all of his willpower not to cry again. Cole pulled back, then yanked Kai in for a tight hug too. "You guys are okay, right?"

Kai nodded. "There's a few wounds, but nothing grievous. I got 9-1-1 punched and dialed before I went to bashing heads."

Lloyd then joined the conversation, asking what Jay had a moment ago. "Where's Cyrus Borg?"

Kai looked torn between smug and upset. "Ronin took him out while me and Jay were running survey."

Jay gaped, then snorted wetly. "Sounds like him."

Lloyd looked lost. "Ronin? Why was he here?"

Cole shook his head. "Who cares as long as he helped?"

Zane looked the tiniest bit sheepish, and Jay shot him a smile, knowing that feeling all too well. Zane had let Ronin up, and Jay wasn’t about to snitch on him. It had served to help in the end, and that was what really mattered. Instead, he straightened his dress out a bit, still feeling the phantoms of other hands against his skin, even though it wasn’t real. “Where’s everyone else?”

Nya chose that moment to fly in through the window, landing right beside Lloyd with a flip. She glanced around then took her hood down. “Uh, am I that late?”

Lloyd giggled. “A little bit, yeah, sorry.”

Nya groaned and Kai laughed. Jay found himself grinning too, relieved to be done with the chaos of the evening.

///

Lloyd had never been so done with people in his entire life, which was saying a lot because he despised big crowds all vying for his attention at the same time. This situation wasn't any different though, which only served to heighten his already overly tense mindset. He needed a minute to collapse and regroup, not be thrust into more crowds and answer more questions.

How Gayle had even shown up before the ninja had left was beyond him, but then again, Cyrus Borg's anniversary was a pretty big deal, so maybe she had already planned to cover it on the news. The other newscasters though? They had definitely only shown up because of the disaster that had struck during the party, getting witness reviews along with the police.

Lloyd had hoped to avoid the microphones and the probing questions altogether, but wearing green tended to stand out a bit too much to most people, considering the color was correlated with him now.

"Were you aware of the threat beforehand?"

"Why were these gunmen after Mr. Borg?"

"Were they all captured?"

Lloyd opened his mouth to answer one question, only to be thrown off by another. He was tempted to ask them to take turns, but he was pretty sure his voice would be drowned out by their own questions, their voices loud and demanding his attention. He couldn't give it to them, however, not when his team was tending to the finer details while he played newsfeed.

It didn't help that he couldn't answer half of the questions anyway, since he didn't know the answers. He didn't know why the men were after Borg, other than the hunch of them wanting to throw his company into chaos. He wasn't sure how many were involved to begin with, so he didn't know if they had all been captured. Sure, he was aware of the threat beforehand, but that really didn't mean much.

The questions started to blur together, the voices melding into one annoying hum that made him tempted to flee the scene entirely. But he couldn't do that, he was the green ninja, he was a beacon of hope and everything good in the world.

At least, that's what everyone said.

A gruff voice cut through the din, the police commissioner moving between Lloyd and the reporters. "Alright, you had your fun. Now please stand back ."

Gayle narrowed her eyes. "I am only trying to ensure the people are aware of any danger."

The commissioner didn't look too impressed. "We have taped off Borg's tower for security reasons. You are crossing the boundary. For your safety, stand back."

The reporters grumbled for a moment, but eventually backed up to the sidewalk. The commissioner adjusted his lapels, then turned to Lloyd. "I hope that helps."

Lloyd nodded. "It does, thanks. But I really don't have a lot of answers, and no one will until we interrogate the criminals."

"Exactly." The commissioner adjusted his hat. "News can't have news until the truth is out. I don't know why they try to rush things."

Lloyd shrugged, regretting the motion almost instantly because ow. He forgot he'd been shot at, and maybe even successfully struck with a bullet. He would have to get Zane to look at him later. Speaking of, Lloyd stood on his toes in an attempt to see over the crowd, trying to spot his team anywhere. He found Skylor's burst of red hair, which he decided would be a good start.

"Is everything under control, Commissioner?"

The old man nodded. "If you and your ninja are needed elsewhere, go ahead. We have the gunmen taken into custody, and Cyrus Borg is safe and well."

Lloyd smiled. "I'll have to thank Ronin for that."

The commissioner looked torn between respect and like he had eaten something very sour. "Yes, I should too."

Lloyd offered the commissioner a wave, then made his way through the crowd. He was slowed down by police escorting party guests out of the way, several of the guests breaking away and thanking Lloyd profusely for his efforts. Lloyd did his best to smile and keep going, but there were so many that he started to feel trapped. It felt like every single guest was out to thank him personally.

Lloyd darted his gaze around, realizing he was all but surrounded by thankful guests and disgruntled police officers. His heart was pounding so loudly he was sure they could all hear it, and he knew he must look far too pale because he felt dizzy, like he might pass out. That wouldn't be very green ninja-y. Someone would take a video and post it, and then he'd be a meme forever, a joke.

Just a kid trying to save the world, passing out from… anxiety? Stress? Claustrophobia? He had no clue, actually. Something.

"Hey, hey."

Lloyd blinked when something moved in front of him, a wall of muscle and a sleeveless gi before him.

"Let's not suffocate him, yeah?" Cole said to the crowd, shooing them back a bit.

He took Lloyd's arm (not the injured one) in his hand, leading him away from the crowd, toward the rest of the team, who were all by the police cars. Lloyd let himself breathe a sigh of relief at the sight, the elemental masters and his family all getting along well and congratulating everyone on a job well-done.

"Thanks Cole," he said softly. "I didn't mean to just stand there."

Cole stopped walking, and turned to face him. He offered Lloyd a smile. "We've had a pretty crazy night, stress'll really mess you up. I'm happy I could help."

Lloyd nodded, then kept going toward the police cars. "You all did great."

Toxikita rolled her eyes. "Of course we did, we aren't losers."

Kai snickered. "Yeah."

Zane rushed forward at the same time Nya did, both of them zeroing in on the red coloring his green gi. "What is that?" Zane asked.

"Who's blood is it?" Asked Nya, her eyes searching his face for an answer.

Kai gasped softly, then rushed forward too. Lloyd did his best to hold back a sigh, already tired of the eyes on him. "Guys, yes it's mine, I'm fine."

Cole knit his brows, concern etched onto his features. Jay wasn't any better, his big blue eyes shimmery with worry. The rest of the elemental masters didn't look much better. Pixal was by Nya's side, her green eyes laser focused on his arm, no doubt scanning him for damage or something. Unable to handle the upsetting looks any longer, Lloyd backed up a few steps.

"Let's just call it a night and go home!"

He tried for a happy tone, but it came out strained, anxious sounding. He winced at the sound, trying again. “Look, let’s just go home.”

Nya pursed her lips, looking like she was about to say something when Pixal stepped forward, pointing to the entryway of Borg’s tower. “My father is inside with Ronin, and I would like to ensure he is well before I return to the monastery.”

Lloyd nodded, waving her off. “Go for it. Message if anything goes weird.”

Pixal smiled, then glanced back at Nya for a second, then looked away. Nya sighed, then rubbed Lloyd’s uninjured arm. “I’ll stay with her.”

Kai opened his mouth, then shook his head. “Yeah, go on sis.”

Nya jogged for a second to catch up with Pixal, the pair of them sharing soft smiles before they vanished inside of Borg’s tower. Cole scrubbed a hand through his hair, then turned to the other elemental masters. “Thanks guys. Head home, okay?”

Skylor nodded, shooting Lloyd a smile. “Be safe guys.”

Karloff made certain to hug them all before he left, leaving Jay gasping as he always did. Everyone else simply left with waves or well wishes, heading home after the evening of fighting. Lloyd couldn’t blame them because he felt three seconds away from collapsing entirely. He couldn’t do that though, so he forced himself to stand upright. “Let’s go.”

“Lloyd,” Jay said. “Maybe you should sit for a second?”

Lloyd shook his head, typing into his comm to bring his car over. “I’ll be fine.”

Kai shook his head, snatching Lloyd’s arm. “I’ll come with you then.”

Lloyd sighed, but nodded, too tired to even argue with Kai. He just wanted to be home.

///

Zane sighed softly as he dug through the medical supplies in the monastery, feeling Cole’s anxious hovering more than seeing it. The Earth Elementalist wasn’t even inside of the med bay, yet Zane couldn’t shake his presence. Perhaps his sixth sense was just deeply attuned to his surroundings today. (Pixal would laugh at him and say it was because he liked Cole, quite a bit actually, and Zane would quickly find a way to reroute the conversation. She was far too good at teasing him, and he was starting to wonder if she secretly enjoyed making him flustered.)

“I have brought the tea,” Master Wu intoned, drawing Zane’s attention towards him. He watched as the old master handed his nephew the cup, his expression torn between conflicting emotions.

Zane understood the feelings well, he was very proud of Lloyd, but he had gotten shot and didn’t think he needed to tell anyone about it. He was never exactly not worried about Lloyd, not after everything the poor boy had been through, but he still hated to think too much about the reasons behind Lloyd hiding injuries. He wondered if there was a way he could phrase a conversation that wouldn’t cause the blond to build higher walls.

Lloyd smiled at his uncle, “Thanks.”

“Master, could you go see what we have in the kitchen for a meal?” Zane asked, if only because it had just crossed his mind. “Even if it is something quick and easy we need to eat before bed.”

“Of course,” Master Wu said, patting Lloyd’s knee before he left the med bay.

Zane did his best to appear calm and like he didn’t want to ask any questions that could rock the already rocky state of Lloyd’s mind, but unfortunately, he was glaringly obvious to literally everyone else. That sadly included Lloyd.

“Zane, just spit it out,” Lloyd grumbled, sipping at his tea slowly, cringing after every sip. “I know you’re upset with me.”

“Not with you,” Zane quickly soothed, setting his medical supplies down beside Lloyd, picking up the scissors so he could get to Lloyd’s arm. “Just that you got hurt. I am sorry you got wounded, not mad at you.”

Lloyd arched a brow, looking strikingly like his mother. “Really? I figured you’d be upset that I didn’t mention I was wounded.”

Zane huffed out a half-laugh, half-sigh. “Well, not exactly. I admit to a bit of anger about you trying to brush off your injury, but I expect it from you. You’ve never enjoyed the med bay.”

Lloyd stuck his tongue out teasingly, and Zane laughed as he cut off Lloyd’s sleeve. The younger ninja mourned his gi, watching Zane fold up the ruined sleeve with a sort of detached sadness. “I liked that sleeve, damn it.”

“Hey, no cussing in front of Zane,” Cole said, stepping into the med bay. “He’s sensitive.”

“I am far older than either of you, I have heard much cursing.” Zane set the scissors down, moving back to the medical supplies, gathering the cleaning liquids. “I just choose to use it sparingly, to further showcase my intelligence to others.”

“He just called Kai stupid in like five languages,” Cole stage-whispered to Lloyd, who broke into a fit of giggles.

Zane smiled softly at Cole, silently thanking him for boosting Lloyd’s mood with a well-timed wisecrack. Cole smiled back, returning to heckling Lloyd until the blonde could scarcely bleed. He was so distracted by Cole that he missed Zane cleaning and bandaging his wound, which was better for everyone involved. Lloyd wasn’t a bad patient, but he was…

Zane would say traumatized by his many, many, many runs into the med bay from normally near-fatal injuries. Or comas. The poor guy had been through a lot.

“All done,” Zane said, patting Lloyd’s knee to get his attention. “You can go.”

Lloyd looked mildly confused, then he grinned. “Cool. I’m gonna go call Nya and Pix, make sure everything’s still good.”

Cole waved as Lloyd left, turning to Zane the moment the door was closed. “I wanted to talk to you.”

Zane balked, in the midst of putting the med kit away. “Oh? About what?”

There were certainly many intriguing topics they could discuss, anything pertaining to the evening, or maybe something entirely different as a palate cleanser. To be honest, Zane had no clue what Cole was going to ask. He was unpredictable sometimes, despite his steadiness.

Cole rung his hands together, leaning awkwardly against the examination table. “Uh, I was wondering… Well, maybe hoping, I guess, if you’re cool with it, of course! If you would like to, uh, shit.”

Zane watched as Cole dug himself into a stuttering hole, voice going lower and quieter as he tried to talk to himself. It was cute, in a silly way. “Darling?”

Cole flushed, jaw clicking from the force he shut his mouth. Zane rolled his eyes, putting the kit away so he could take one of Cole’s hands. “I would enjoy snuggling, if that was your suggestion. Perhaps a movie to wind down?”

Cole beamed brightly, and Zane knew he had understood exactly what the Earth Elementalist was asking. “Yeah. That’d be nice.”

The moment was destroyed when Lloyd threw the door open, panting. “Guys! Uncle Wu’s trying to fucking cook .”

( Somewhere nearby, Kai had an aneurysm at the feeling of his baby brother cussing. )

Zane felt faint at the mere thought, and Cole actually shuddered. “Oh hell no, Lloyd stop him!”

Their fearless leader made a pathetic whimpering sound, dashing back down the hall. Cole was right behind him, shouting orders. Zane hadn’t personally eaten any of Master Wu’s cooking, but he knew Cole had lived with him before anyone else had, and the experience was apparently… an adventure , to say the least.

Then Zane recalled Cole’s own culinary skills and fell over laughing, unable to stand any longer. The irony was not lost on him, and that made everything even funnier.

///

Jay stretched, flopping back against his bed with a sigh. It was far too late at night, somewhere between three and four in the morning, but he was over the world. He couldn’t sleep though, which was really annoying. He rolled onto his side, tucking his arms under his head, staring at the wall. He really should be sleeping, but he just couldn’t get his mind turned off.

He grumbled under his breath, sitting back up, resting his hands in his lap. With another sigh, he climbed out of bed, bare feet silent as he walked over to his dresser. If he couldn’t sleep, he might as well just start his day, right? That sounded right to him anyway. Jay tugged out a shirt and pair of sweats, then paused for a second.

Should he wear his binder too? Jay chewed his lip, torn. He didn’t really feel terrible, but he knew he’d circle back to the more traumatic moments from last night, and then he’d really want his binder on. He grabbed it too, heading for the bathroom. Since it was so early, no one else would even be awake yet, unless they were struggling too, so he could have his morning rather peacefully.

He stopped when he spotted Kai leaving his bedroom, the fire ninja running a hand through his messy hair. Kai stopped when he saw Jay, knitting his brows. “Hey, babe?”

Jay jerked his gaze to the floor, clutching his bundle of clothes tight to his chest. “H-hey.”

Kai moved to him, gently ruffling his curls. “You okay?”

Jay shrugged. “Was gonna shower.”

“You feeling bad?”

Now how did he answer that? Sure, he didn’t feel fantastic, but he didn’t feel like trash. Maybe. Ish.

“I don’t know.” He eventually murmured, unable to meet Kai’s gaze. 

Kai solved that issue by gently lifting his chin upwards, his soft amber eyes meeting Jay’s blue ones. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

Jay blinked quickly, trying to stop the overwhelming feeling of tears. “I- I don’t know?”

“Okay, that’s fine.” Kai pressed a soft kiss to his forehead. “Go shower, I’ll make you something to eat.”

Jay nodded, staying still and rooted in place until Kai was out of the hallway. He sucked in a deep breath, forcing his feet to move forward across the floor. It was only a shower, he could do a shower. Kai was being nice too, offering to make him breakfast when he didn’t even have to, so why did he feel so anxious? It wasn’t like Kai would dump him for being trans, because they already had that conversation ages ago.

Maybe he felt so anxious because of how he had pretended to be a girl last night, dressed and looked the part. At the time, he didn’t feel bad about it, but looking back at it, how could he have been so stupid? He knew how he did with crowds and so many eyes on him, but he still made sure to put on a show for them all, so they’d pay even more attention to him. Had they all known he was faking it the entire time, but they didn’t want to say anything and offend him?

Jay sniffled, swiping at his eyes. They probably had known, and all the whispers behind their hands had been about him. There was no doubt about it. Someone had probably figured out who was too, and posted it online and then there’d be uncomfortable questions about him being trans and then he’d have to confirm or deny the claim and then the world would flame him or- or want him deemed unfit to protect Ninjago or maybe even want him dead-

“Jay, Jay, hey, look at me okay?”

Jay flinched at the sensation of fingers on his arms, jerking backwards and away from the touch. Something slammed into his back, making him drop his clothes on the floor, the world swaying wildly around him. “I- I’m- I didn’t-”

“Jay, it’s okay. You're okay. Can you tell me where you are?”

Jay squeezed his eyes shut. “M-monastery?”

“That’s right, that’s good Jay.”

Jay sucked in a breath, forcing himself to focus on anything. The pressure of someone holding his arms, the pain in his chest as he forced his lungs to breathe, the rough wood against his back and the dull ache in his spine from hitting the wall. There was so much, but not enough, and he could feel his body losing control, falling down into the spirals he tried his best to push away until he couldn’t anymore. He shouldn’t be like this, all shaky and scared, he should be better.

He had saved the world countless times, so why couldn’t his body and brain get with the program and fucking like each other?

“Jay?”

Jay swallowed as best as he could, slowly lifting his gaze from the floor (when had that happened?) to meet pretty amber eyes flooded with warmth. “Hi.”

Kai smiled softly, running his thumb over the swell of Jay’s cheek. “Hey there.” The Fire Elementalist was so gentle, his normally brash and bold actions gone, replaced with a softness that made Jay melt into his touch, sighing quietly. “You need anything?”

Jay nodded against his hand, pushing himself closer to Kai, relishing in his comfort. “You’re good.”

Kai laughed softly, brushing a hand through Jay’s curls. “Alright, we’ll stay put for a minute.”

Jay buried his face in the crook of Kai’s neck, content and for a few minutes, happy right where he was. He wasn’t needed anywhere, he didn’t have to do anything, no one was watching him. It was just him and Kai, and Kai was so warm. Jay loved it, cuddling tighter, enamored by his boyfriend.

He’d be okay.

[5u9ar]

I really wanna write some nsfw stuff for Trailer Park Boys so if you want, send me some requests

[aquillis-main]

Not me trying to figure out some of the character relationships in the Pack AU!

Nobody knows who Ovi is as first, since unlike the 'modern' version of himself, he didn't get the chance to meet Sonic before Harold picked him up from Circus Daycare. So instead Ovi runs around in a disguise based off of a 'fictional' character called Gadget the Wolf... As in one of the default avatars from Sonic Forces. So that lives on in spirit. Seems no matter the universe, Sonic and Ovi find ways to be reletively close to one another, even before Ovi gets his hair changed to orange.

Cyrus, on the other hand, I wanted to give more faults to besides making him a Tails expy. Instead, I made him extremely jealous that Tails keeps one-upping him in mechanical and scientific expertise, and part of Cyrus' growth is to eventually recognize that being 'the best' isn't a good thing, and you don't have to obsess over what everyone else does differently to you.

I will work on these a bit later on, but for now I plan on heading out to clear my head a bit.

[juliansdiary2]

New Music Miley Use to Be Young