#for now i need to finish my Harumi part

[mywasasi]

Pixane art i did for a part !!

eyes ✨

Full MEP video under the cut !!

warning for lots of pink and purple and cuteness overload <3

[kindaasrikal]

I present to you:

Morro, and-

Harumi.

The only thing these now have in common is the fact that they’re petty and traumatised.

My rambles of these two drawings is under the cut->

I’m going to bite them. Negatively. Such big losers man do you see them. Like damn don’t be mad Lloyd went through exactly what you did better

Its so funny to remember Lloyd had his own ‘evil and i want power’ phase and didn’t have his parents for a long time. OH MY GOD, you know when Lloyd was like ‘i dont remember my mom…’ in the early seasons right before Misako got introduced?? GUYS what if he thought his mom was dead. OHHHH MANNN😭

Anyways I’ve been struggling to draw and then i actually have important drawings to finish but i don’t want to. So i did two headshot drawings of the two emo’s and here we are.

Neither of them were supposed to look like that but here we are. The Harumi drawing has poorly attempted pink veins and was also me learning how to draw her. The pink veins is supposed to represent the overlords power now being a deep part of her.

The Morro drawing ended up looking like how ghost morro might if i slapped headcanons on to him but uh, its actually where i place one singular head canon of Morro either being possessed by the Preeminent or replacing her. Wee wooo.

Lowkey was gonna draw Cryptor too but then i realised he’d be much harder to draw compared to these two so he’s being held off for now. I need to draw Pixal properly too.

Last but not least, if you see any mistakes or weird things, no you don’t.

[riftwirecrystal]

NINJAGO STARSTRUCK AU - SPINJITZU AT 25:00 OPENING

This is the opening of the Ninjago x Project Sekai Nightcord swap.

Hey guys, I worked hard to make sure I kept most of the character's traits present, while coinciding with N25's main story. It would mean a lot if you stopped by to read a bit!!

Harumi Yoisaki

"This isn't right. Maybe if I…? Yes, that works."

My name is Harumi Yoisaki. I am a digital composer.

I would be a second year student of high school, but I do not go to school. I live by myself and complete online courses. My parents used to work in music.

I work in a group. We meet every night on our night chat, Spinjitzu. Ever since my parents were hospitalized I promised to keep doing what they did.

I don't live in a very roomy apartment. I barely pay the rent. Sometimes I will forget to eat.

But, I continue. Because I must compose.

I visit my parents sometimes. They don't wake up. They never will.

Because they are dead. And it's my fault.

So I continue. And the cycle will go on.I must compose.

Even though sometimes it's hard, I continue. Because this is my place. I will save someone.

I just need to keep composing. And soon…I will be able to save someone from the same fate as my parents.

They went out to drive…

"No. I will not think about it. I will keep going. I must save someone…

"My screen lit up.

"Hey Rue, I finished arranging that part for you. Do you want the demo?"

It was from L. He arranges my music and adds lyrics.

"Yes please," I wrote back. He sent the file, and I pressed play.

A harsh, but sweet melody flooded the room. The composition flowed smoothly with the arrangements L did.

"Thank you, L. It sounds good," I typed.

"I'm glad. I think I'm going to log off," he typed back.

So early? That's weird…"Get some sleep! You must be tired, but it sounds good though," typed Nyad.

"Yeah, I heard you had class tomorrow, so rest well," added PIX.

Nyad works with our other member, PIX. Nyad does the art while PIX does the editing.

We post songs and music videos on our shared account, S25. Usually I get slightly more of the cut we make due to my living situation, but I still make sure to give them the amount they deserve too.

We've never met each other face to face, but I find joy in working with the three of them.

Even with that, I'm not doing this for fun.

I must compose.

Lloyd Asahina

I logged off the computer.

I am Lloyd Asahina, a second year high school student.

I glanced at the sheet of music on my desk, then the workbook that’s shoved to the floor.

Guess I should do that then, huh?

I slowly and miserably picked up the book from the ground, then placed it on my desk.

But I couldn't open it.

I didn't want to open it.

But I had to, didn't I?

I had to.

I ended up finishing the notes and assignments I was supposed to take next week.

Hopefully that will be enough…

My mother called from the hallway. "Lloyd? Are you still awake?"

"Yeah. Just finishing some things for next week," I said.

She softly opened the door. "Good. I don't want you being all caught up with those people online again. You know what happened last time. You're so talented and gifted, and I want the best for you… okay?"

It's hard to fight with her. I gave up a long time ago. Now I only hide.

"Yes, mom," I replied.

My mother is Dr. Misako Asahina. She is one of the most famous and world renowned doctors in the world. She has no interest in music, and expects me to take a similar career to her.

But I don't know what I want to do. I don't know who I am.

What do I want to be…?

But I continue to do whatever she says. I don't know why. I just can't defy her, no matter how hard I want to.

I'm supposed to be the best for everyone around me. Why stop now…?

I haven't known myself for a long time now. It's nothing new to feel like this.I can't help it. I still hate it.

But if that's the case, why can't I leave it…?Deep down, I knew the truth.I could not escape.

I have been forever alone.

I hate it.

I hate myself.

I have lost who I am.

Nya Shinonome

For forever, I have wanted to become an artist.

I have many names.

Nya Shinonome, for one.

But I can also be Kai’s sister, a little girl, the loner, etc.

I am all of them.

Yet I am none of what I want to be.

I do not go to school during the day.

I have never been able to choose my own path.

When I try, I am constantly told I’m not good enough.

I should give up.

I should stop trying.

I am not talented.

I am not valued.

But I persevere.

My destiny should be what I make. Not what anyone else says. I will be good enough. I can be good enough.

But am I really?

Yes, I always tell myself.

As I tell myself this again, I get a text message from PIX in the chat.

“Hey Nyad, can I see the storyboard you were working on for the next song?”

I quickly sent her the progress I’d made so far. “Here.”

“Thanks! You’re so talented, I’d never be like you,” she responded.

That made me feel a bit better.

Sometimes it does get hard.

Sometimes I feel like I can’t do anything right.

Sometimes I feel completely and utterly useless.

Sometimes I just feel like I want to disappear.

It’s the worst feeling in the world.

But I need to prove everyone who doubted me wrong.It doesn’t matter who tells me I can’t do it.

My parents, my teachers, my brother, none of them.

I will pursue my dream.

Even if it means I’ll have to fight all the doubts clouding my head.

Pixal Akiyama

I sighed.

Everyone else had logged off already.

What do I do now..?

I looked at my bag and remembered the schoolwork due next week.

"I really don't want to do that right now…"

I tried to ignore it and started working on the new music video. My name is Pixal Akiyama. I am a first year high school student.

I use my friend Nyad's art in edits for Rue and L's songs. Lately my inspiration has been lacking. I'm not sure why.

School life isn't much better either. It's been a while since I've talked to Sora… I noticed an influx in people calling me names and avoiding me too. I'm always excluded and made fun of.

I don't know why.

I miss my dad…

My dad is Cyrus Akiyama, a clothing designer with a very different approach to styles. He moved away to work for his company a few months ago.

I haven't had many people to talk to recently.

I miss talking.

It's been so long…

I miss having people to confide in. To run to. To trust.

No one accepts me. And no one will.

I am alone. Forever and ever.

[grumpy-zane]

((Hello everyone! Today I was asked to get all of the times @alanshee had mentioned the Dii debacle, since they had claimed that they had not talked about it until recently. SO! I am going to put it all here to prove a point :)

If you're not interested, feel free to skip!

This is going to be in Chronological order because its best that way. This is going to start with the first official inclination that there was a falling out. Anything from here on out that springs up in relation to it will be listed.

So this is my formal notice

I am going on hiatus I have lost four friends in just two weeks. I am emotionally really not okay one of them just randomly blocked me I wen...

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You show all the respect in the world and people still break their promises

If you're a character creator and you've split from somebody don't block them for trying to respectfully look for descriptions for character...

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I'm just that Best Friend

I told you that I was scared that this group would end up the same as the others and you all promised me "We won't we would never block you

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The Archivist

Me about a month ago *Finishes art piece excited* Hey guys look-*remembers the person I drew it for cut me off* oh that's right...*tucks awa

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The Archivist

hey I did ask the author of benevolence of a physician but I wanted to ask the creator of Simone Borg if they knew why she was removed, I en

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Diisdoodles took my characters and just reinvented them

I am so goddamn angry I am furious I was being nice I was doing everything properly and then I get a message tonight hey isn't this Violet

((This one makes me pissed off.))

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Not Ninjago just need this off of chest

The thing about me is no matter how much hatred there is supposedly between us I will always care I guess that's a foolish part of me that e

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Ha gotta love Memories popping up and being reminded you were thrown out like trash this year and have no friends

Pretty sure I now understand Morro and Harumis Anger at being alone

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The Archivist

You want to know the truth because you've poked a balloon that is overfilled so it explodes, like I have stated before I don't care anymore,

Tumblr

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https://www.tumblr.com/alanshee/695584358572130304/the-last-thing-ill-say-before-i-drop-everything

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Artwork Dump for Healing purposes

As I am healing from everything, I need to delete these from my Files in my drawing programs gallery each of these characters or in Pixals c

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The Archivist

When someone has traumatized you so badly that you have nightmares of abandonment and here's the thing I don't get nightmares I can't even r

Tumblr

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((this next one may be a reach tbh but I thought it was interesting. )) -https://www.tumblr.com/alanshee/711356665157582848/bind-to-protect-your-creations

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Stop asking me about it

I get that friend breakups are hard and you feel betrayed but can you stop putting personal drama in the main fandom tag its showing up in G

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((Said this yet here we freaking are I guess.))

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My last post on the situation that happened yesterday

I will say outright on my side my viewpoint When I found Diisdoodles it was via Tik Tok, I followed them for a while and then they starte

(( Fin ))

((Its amazing how many times that this situation has been referenced in some way shape or form. ))

[moonydasaltychild]

The end of the green ninja

Chapter 8 Aftermath of the change

One by one the ninja got up a while after the blast having to accept their defeat in losing Lloyd “He really seems to like blasting us away from him and running away right after.” Jay made his way over to Cole helping him up as Cole had his hand over the wound “Easy for you to say, you didn’t get headbutted with horns.” Zane was gathering some parts that fell off of Echo from the blast to help reattach it “Harumi has also escaped, this could spell trouble for us.” The nindroid noticed that they couldn’t locate Harumi when scanning the area “I just hope that Harumi hasn’t found Lloyd and got him to join her.” Kai hoped but deep down there was some doubt about what he said, Nya added “This definitely doesn’t look good at all.” They were all pretty down, normally they would have Lloyd there to give them an inspirational speech to not give up that they can do this together and that everything will be okay but Lloyd was not here to give that speech in fact they’ll never hear those heartwarming speeches again.

“So is there anything that can revert Lloyd back to normal?” Misako asked Garmadon again this time he was able to think properly, Morro seemed to have rolled his eyes as she spoke “There might be but like I said earlier not many have attempted a transformation so finding a cure is rare.” He thought it over and in came Pixel who was sent to the temple to retrieve the book that was left behind she handed it over to him and he started looking through the pages stopping at one to point at the written text “This seems to be one, we should test it first.” He handed the book over to Wu so he could read the page Garmadon was to be the test subject with a deep breath Wu carefully read over the page and once finished reading it nothing happened “Maybe it hasn’t taken affect yet, same thing happened to Lloyd.” Nya said boosting their hopes up a little but as some time went by nothing happened “Nothing. As I thought.” Garmadon closed the book and tossed it aside “Aren’t you an archeologist? You must know at least something that can change him back, you didn’t just abandon him for nothing.” Morro glared at Misako waiting for an answer, during his time possessing Lloyd he was able to look through his memories and saw on how Misako abandoned Lloyd that didn’t sit right with Morro and it made him understand the bottled anger he felt in Lloyd after being revived and talking about it with him Morro now kind of shares the same anger Lloyd feels towards his mother.

A call was coming through from the monitor they had in the monastery which ended the growing tension as that caught their attention Zane went to answer the call “Hello ninja.” Cyrus had been the one calling he looked nervous “Cyrus, what have you called us for?” Zane appeared to be the only one willing to hold a conversation “Is that uhm...Garmadon with you?” He pointed at Garmadon from his screen “I am no longer a threat if that’s what your concerned about.” He responded “No no, I wasn’t going to ask about that. I guess that explains that.” Cyrus muttered the last part which caught their attention “What do you mean by 'that explains that'?” Wu questioned and Cyrus can be heard making a deep inhale and exhale “Well since Garmadon left the sons of Garmadon have went in hiding in that tower of theirs just a few minutes ago they were seen escorting Harumi and what I assume to be...Lloyd.” Looks like she really did get him to join “May I ask exactly what has happened? All of Ninjago city has been left in the dark after the broadcasting of Lloyd’s outburst and I’m afraid we are going to have to tell them.” He glanced at everyone before finally an explanation was given which made him have the same reaction the others had “That is all I need to tell you, I have to keep this call short or else they’ll track my signal. Goodbye everyone, I wish you all luck with your mission.” The call ended.

“Attention everyone!” Harumi called to get the bikers attention on her “As you all know, Garmadon has stepped down leaving us with no one to lead us but that’s where things change. You all remember that fiasco from a few days ago? Well after being dragged along I was able to find us someone new and perhaps someone better. Everyone. Kneel before your new ruler, Lloyd Garmadon!” She stepped aside to make way for Lloyd, the bikers were all shocked to see him the way he was no one was expecting it and with that they all kneeled. “First order of business. Raid every museum in Ninjago city, only bring back artifacts of Oni. Understand? Now go!” He ordered and like that the bikers all ran out to their motorcycles to go out after that Lloyd went up to where the throne was taking a seat to look out seeing the bikers riding all over the city to museums that would contain what he wants “Might I ask exactly why you need those artifacts?” Harumi brought up and he just smirked without changing his gaze on the city “It’s simple really. With all the Oni artifacts I can find what I need next for my plan to perfection, an Oni army.”

[allthingsmortalkombat]

Hanzo Hasashi Imagine

“ hi how are you hope you are well. I love your post there wonderful is it ok if i can request a Hanzo Hasashi x S/o where they have had a beautiful marriage for awhile he's been happier since someone came into his life but his S/o dies for him while saving his life somehow Hanzo than is broken and can't really go on anymore .. if i could have a request like this I thank you you will make my day <3″

GIFS not mine!

Waiting for Hanzo to get home was always the longest part of your day. Especially as of late. You could feel him slowly beginning to drift away, and you swore nothing in the world broke your heart more than the possibilities running through your head. Hanzo purposely avoiding you, possibly he was drowning trying to build up a strong clan once more, or the worst thought, him wrapped intimately in another woman’s arms. 

You found yourself watching out the window more often, waiting for him to walk up the stone path underneath the beautiful trees. The trees you once sat under together, looking up at the sky silently. The trees you once made love under, held in each other’s arms, looking deeply in each other’s eyes. The trees that now seemed to mock you, reminding you of a time much better than now. 

Now, you constantly dressed your best to catch his eye again. You cleaned your home spotless, made him a supper he hardly finished, woke up before him to brew him some coffee and fix him up a breakfast. You tried so hard to bring back the spark that was beginning to flicker out. You wore your hair down because you knew he once loved it. 

It seemed like nothing could bring back his attraction to you.

Behind his back, you cried often. In front of him you put on a happy façade; telling him you love him often, and that if he needed anything, you’d be here for him. Less and less did he come to you, need you, love you.

You recalled all the good times with Hanzo. When he began to open up to you for the first time, showing you he was more than a cold man. The times he would blush when complimenting you, or become bashful when you would do the same to him.

You loved him with your entire heart, but now it was beginning to hurt you.

You had seen the woman he had potentially been with behind your back. Her dark hair reached her mid back. She had a smug look upon her face when she met your eyes. In a way, her beautiful features reminded you of the picture Hanzo kept of Harumi.

These were just speculations, of course.

You didn’t want to believe that Hanzo was capable of doing something like this to you. You knew he loved you, but it felt off. It felt like he was fading from your life altogether.

Finally, you could see him beginning up the pathway. With a heavy yet hopeful heart, you went outside to greet him. A smile did not stretch his lips this time. His arms did not reach out to engulf you. Instead, his body seemed more tense than usual. As he came closer, you smelled... roses. 

Your heart dropped. Shattered on the ground. You attempted to keep your expression calm, you tried your hardest not to shed a tear. You tried to think of a better explanation.

All that could come to your mind was Hanzo holding another woman in his arms, treating her similarly as he did to you before.

Holding her, kissing her, loving her.

Did he love her? Did he shower her with affection? Compliments? Kisses? Did he only find her body attractive, or her soul?

Hanzo, like yourself, was so deep in thought, he didn’t see a familiar pale man further behind him. Your mouth flew open. Unleashing a skull, everything seemed to be in slow motion.

“Hanzo!”

Sprinting up to your husband, you shoved him to the side and out of the way of the flaming skull, just in time for it to instead collide with your throat and upper body. Hanzo’s eyes burned red as he watched you fall to the ground. 

His love, his life, on the ground and dying in front of him once more. The goddamn sorcerer again. Turning to said sorcerer, Hanzo unleashed the harshest hellfire of his life, immediately consuming the sorcerer until he was nothing but ashes.

You lied beneath your love, hardly able to breath and keep your eyes open. You brain began to thud violently against your skull, you felt both a burning pain and a sudden numbness. Your throat began to tighten.

You watched your husband lean down to capture you in his arms. Tears dropped onto your face as you gazed into his eyes; full of pain and worry. Weakly, you attempt to raise your arm, barely making it to his cheek.

With a shaky, cracking voice, you say, “Thank you.”

With a reassuring smile, you feel your life slip away from you; all the pain, heartache diminished as your soul left your body. An empty shell was all that was left in your husband’s arms as he began to holler and yell at you, ordering you not to leave him, that he loves you, and that he is so sorry.

You were buried underneath one of those trees. Under the tree where Hanzo had proposed, made love to you, cuddled you, held you, kissed you, and loved you. 

[lloyd-needs-therapy]

Random thought but when I was rewatching season 6, I just realized that it actually shows that Lloyd knows how to pick locks. When they were arrested he breaks them out of the hole by picking his lock with a fork. So have this oneshot...

Picking Locks

They think they can make fun of him, he is Lloyd Garmadon for heaven's sake. He is so fed up with them not calling him evil. So if everyone says he not evil well hes gonna show them how wrong they are.

He needs a plan something big. Pranks won't work thats to basic. He could try get good grades, if he got good grades then it shows how good he is at being bad. Yeh thats the plan, soon everyone is going to regret being mean to him.

***

"Okay class today, you're going to be picking locks, as you can see you each have a standard lock on your desk. The instructions are on the board, you have ten minuits. If you fail to unlock it in the time given you will be punished. You may start."

Okay Lloyd c'mon you can do this. It's simple all the instructions are on the board. He can't fail at this, because if he fails, he'll be punished and those punishments hurt. Okay if he jigles it this way he should feel a light click. Ughh why can't he feel a click. All he needs to do is push the pins on the inside of lock up and put a little bit of pressure on it with the paper clip and it will unlock, simple. Although it's not simple, its hard.

"One minuit left" the teacher anounced. Only a handful of people had theirs done.

Wait he nearly has it just click there...

"10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5,"

Click, he's done! With 5 seconds to spare. He can't believe it! He thought for sure he was going to fail.

"1, Locks down everyone if I see a single hand on thier lock i swear... Anyways the people who didn't finish will meet me here after school for their punishment and trust me I know who didn't get there's finished. Okay now leave you little brats before I make you."

Everyone packed up there things and started leaving when the teacher came over to Lloyd.

"Cutting it close there Garmadon. This is the first time i've ever seen you succed at anything you worthless brat. Keep this work up and you might make it."

"Yes Mrs"

And with that Lloyd took off to his next class.

***

"All you need to do is kill it!" His teacher next to him told him with frustration over Lloyd's hesitance, in his voice.

In Lloyd's hand was a little mouse, it was a very small one, with white fur and big adorable eyes that seem to be staring into his soul, begging him to let it live. It was like it was mocking him. He needed to kill it for him to pass this class. Lloyd so desparetly wanted to kill it so he could prove to everyone that he was evil like his father. So far he was acctually doing good at his classes, but when it came to hurting anyone or in this case anything, he just couldn't.

A small part of him, that he has tried to burry for so long, kept coming up and it would remind him that everything about this place is wrong. It almost buzzed like it was alive, but that was just his imagination.

He just couldn't get rid off it the only time the buzzing stop was when he did something good but he couldn't do good because he was born to be evil.

"Hurry up"

Lloyd was to scared to speak back so he started to squeze his hands shut. The little mouse let out a sqeek when he started to squeze harder, It looked up at him with big eyes and Lloyd finally broke, dropping the mouse.

"I- i" Lloyd felt like his throat was closing up the more he tried to speak.

"Save it, your a disappointment to the Garmadon name, we noticed the way you care for others but we had hope to snuff the light out of you."

"B-but I do g-good in my other c-classes."

"That is true but for all of your other classes to matter you need to be cold hearted or else you won't survive in this world"

"Y-yes sir"

***

Those memories feel like ages ago or like they happened in another life. After he was kicked out he spent a good time on the streets then he met the ninja and his life changed for the better. But now he was in jail because the stupid djinn framed them. He is so sick of being in jail, Wait!He can just grab a fork from the cafeteria and pick the locks, ughhh he so stupid, he could off done this alot sooner.

Well he got the fork but now there in this thing called the hole, oh well they're getting out of here either way.

After they broke out he really forgot that he didn't tell anyone he knew how to pick locks. So obviously that was a convorsation starter with his big sis, while the other were talking to Captin Soto.

"Lloyd you never told me that you could pick locks." Nya exclaimed.

"Well yeah I guess it never really came up" Lloyd shrugged

"When did you learn to pick locks, thats not something any of us taught you"

"Well I did go to a school where they taught you how to be evil, I learned alot of other things too, but I don't think any off them really go with the whole 'saviour of ninjago' thing" laughed Lloyd

"Yeh I suppose so".

Nya remebered reading Lloyd's file from darkly's with the other ninja. It said that he was a good student, but got kicked out because he was to good and kind. In there words 'he did not have the moral ambition to be one of tomorrows master minds' or thats what Lloyd told them anyways.

***

Its been a few days since his father had taken over ninjago and to be honest he wasn't faring well. Not like ninjago was doing any better with buildings collapsing, people getting hunted down, people dying and the list goes on and on. He was currently over looking the city from the roof of there hide out.

Just his luck his family was dead, he was being hunted down by his newly resurrected, deranged father, who had put him in a coma and disowned him all in one night, and Harumi his psychotic ex? Were they even together? he really dosn't know. All he knows is he had been too trusting and too good and what had that gotten him? Destiny had set him up to fail before he was even born. He probably has a good few bets resting on him up in cloud kingdom. There was a sound of the rooftop door opening but Lloyd kept starring off into the sky.

"I knew I would find you up here"Nya said softly.

Lloyd didn't reply, he didn't trust himself not to breakdown right there. Altough there wouldn't be much tears. Lloyd thought bitterly, another thing darkly's forced out of him. After what felt like an eternity of silence he spoke.

"You know when I was little I wanted so bad to follow in my Dad's shoes" Lloyd laughed shallowly.

"Lloyd, this man isn't truely your father, your father is the father that loved you and would never even think about hurting you"

"Did I ever tell you why exactly I got kicked out of darkly's?"

"You said something about 'lacking ambition'" Nya recalled

"Well they told me I wasn't cold enough, that I needed to be cold hearted to survive in this world, after I couldn't kill a mouse. I guess they were right, I opened up my heart and now look what thats done." Lloyd motioned at the city.

"Lloyd you're caring, loyal, trusting, a great leader, an amazing baby brother and so many more. Don't let this stop you, I promise we will rise above all this and when that time comes you can laugh at all the people who told you any different."

[avomorg]

can we read anything for the glass cutter AU? Its living in my brain rent free and I neeeeed more 0-0 Its so amazing <3

Unfortunately (or fortunately), this is not just a romantic story, it's just that I'm drawing one challenge right now. :) I'm sorry, there is a lot of text here.

I use this tag to mark posts related to story of my main character, Hani. The presence of the OC changes the events of the plot of the series, so I can say that this is AU. Since this is not a single plot, but a story associated with almost each of the seasons of Ninjago, AU doesn't have a single idea. But I can say that this is a story where there is another ninja in the team.

I know there are many such characters, and this AU was originally made just for fun. But maybe I can make something good out of it.

I have a detailed article describing Hani's storyline, but I haven't translated it yet, so I'll tell you the most important things.

Hani is the daughter of Wu's ally, Keyon. During the events of the pilot episode, he was killed by skeletons – so Wu said. Hani then became the new master of glass.

Hani studied at Darkley's Boarding School for Great Children, where the ninjas worked as teachers after the second season. She could not learn to control the element on her own, so the glass was attracted to her against her will and left cuts. The ninjas noticed this, but didn't going to interfere, but Zane took pity on the girl. He became involved with her despite Wu's ban (he didn't need the daughter of Keyon, because Keyon died through Wu's fault). Hani became very attached to Zane, with whom she felt safe. He taught the girl frightened by her abilities to find strength in herself. Zane was not sure if her abilities were similar to those of a ninja, but he understood that they should be used for the good of Ninjago so that Hani would not use them for evil. Therefore, he did his best to have Hani join the ninja team and be under their supervision. To do this, he had to argue with his friends and Wu.

In Rebooted, Zane managed to gain Hani's recognition as a team member. Yes, she was weaker than a ninjas, but over time she could become a good fighter – and, most importantly, her abilities would not threaten the safety of Ninjago. Unfortunately, Zane died, and the ninjas didn't want to take responsibility for the girl, so they left her in the care of Garmadon.

After the death of Zane, she was devastated, as after losing her father. But she continued to train alongside Lloyd and Garmadon. Constant training and the desire to be stronger made her character quite tough, but she could confidently fight the enemy. Garmadon didn't like her aggression and too strong will to win, he tried to make Hani more calm.

In the Tournament of Elements, these problems intensified. Clouse skillfully used Hani's aggression, making her an enemy for all other participants in the Tournament. The girl herself, due to the constant use of the element in battles, lost her common sense. Even her appearance began to change. In the end, Clouse was almost able to get her to fight by his side – but Hani was too dangerous, so Chen decided to get rid of her. She was thrown in the desert, chained to the skeleton of some monster. Hani missed the battle in the Elders' Corridors. It was only after this hard lesson that she realized the importance of Garmadon's ideas. But it was already too late.

Maybe Hani would have died in the desert... If not for Morro. He introduced himself as a poor traveler and helped her get out of the chains, while learning from Hani about what is happening in Ninjago. Later they met as opponents. Morro offered Wu to exchange Lloyd for one of the ninjas (this was an attempt to eliminate Nya; if the elements returned to the ninjas, Wu would not develop her abilities). Wu traded Lloyd for Hani. Master never wanted to take her on the team and thus got rid of her. Hani realized that Lloyd was more valuable to the team than she was, and also she hoped to get rid of Wu with Morro's help. As a result, Morro and Hani tried to manipulate each other, but they succeeded equally badly – so they only learned the secrets and weaknesses of each other, being in the same body. Both became vulnerable to each other, so they ceased to be strangers. At the end of Possession, Hani pulled Morro out of the water, creating her Elemental Dragon for the first time. Morro was unable to surrender and die when he had a living ally.

After Morro stayed with the ninjas, the course of events in the canon changed quite a lot.

In the Skybound, Hani looked for ways to bring Morro back to life. But first, Wu had to be convinced to remove the curse from the student. While trying to complete these tasks, Hani found herself trapped like the other ninjas. But Morro was used to achieving everything himself and remained at large, and in the end he helped Jay and his team.

Day of the Departed was the perfect moment to bring Morro back to life. Wu surrendered and removed the curse from him, the portal is open and can let Morro through. But his fear of being unprepared for life almost ruined everything. Morro considers Yang's fate unfair and was ready to give him a place in the world of the living. Cole practically forcibly sent Morro into the portal so that he would not interfere in the fight between the master of the earth and Yang.

In the Recording (fanseason) reveals the stories of the Morro and Hani families. The wind masters are associated with the Cloud Kingdom, which is now in danger. Only Morro, whose fate is in his own hands, can fight the lord of fate. Hani and Lloyd go in search of the Master of Writing, because only they can actively move between worlds: Lloyd is a descendant of the FSM, and Hani, like the former glass masters, is called upon to protect him and follow him. The fates of Morro and Hani, written in the scrolls of their fates, are contrary to their wishes, and they must deal with this.

You can find a little more information about Record on my Instagram, later I want to make full posts here.

During the fight with the Hands of Time, Hani was almost glad that Wu had resigned and supported Lloyd as the new leader. But gradually she began to sympathize with Wu, despite what he had done in the past. The fact that he sacrificed himself to save the students changed Hani's opinion of him. But Morro still hasn't forgiven the teacher. He believed that Wu couldn't just disappear from the life of a ninjas.

The events of the Sons of Garmadon are changed: Lloyd approaches Harumi not because of sympathy for her (since he is already in a relationship with another character, besides, sympathy for the girl is too weak a hook), but because of the desire to bring his father back to life. But to bring back the real Garmadon, not his evil appearance. The real Garmadon will be able to deal with the Sons, like the Anacondrai generals with Chen's army. Harumi, like the entire imperial family, belongs to a mysterious association that knows the secrets of resurrection from the dead. Mysticism and a blind desire to meet his father again deprives Lloyd of the ability to think sanely, and he believes Harumi. Can't a whole secret society lie? Unbeknownst to Lloyd, Harumi bribed the respected Ninjago explorers and mystics to put on this whole show. But Morro doesn't trust the imperial family, since he once participated in the war between the dynasties. He is confident that the Sons of Garmadon are ruled by the descendants of the overthrown dynasty. He doesn't believe in the resurrection of Garmadon and condemns such attachment of Lloyd to his dead father. Morro is also suspicious of Harumi's physical fitness. He is a dangerous foe, so the Sons are trying to eliminate him. Hani generally agrees with Morro, but she still really wants to see Garmadon, so she doesn't want to suspect Harumi. Morro is on a ship and enters the Realm of Oni and Dragons, Hani stays with Lloyd. Before parting, Morro manages to conclude a Yin-Yang Promise with her.

In Hunted, Morro didn't lose heart and settled in the desert - he was used to wandering and starving. Morro tried to save the wind dragon from the Hunters, but failed, was punished, and nearly died. Despite all this, the cruel world of Oni and Dragons came to his liking. As Wu grew older, he and Morro finally found a common language and came to an agreement. Hani at this time trying to continue the fight after the loss of Morro and Zane. She becomes cruel again, like in the Tournament. Due to the destruction of the city in the streets a lot of broken glass, and with so many shells Hani can easily destroy enemies. Harumi gives the order to clear the streets of glass in order to deprive the Resistance of such a dangerous and ubiquitous weapon, but getting rid of all the glass in the city is impossible. The ninjas returned in time – blinded by grief, Hani has not yet lost herself, as in the Tournament.

Morro and Hani already hope for a respite and calm, but Oni's appearance again forces them to be ready for battle. Hani has both interest and disgust for Garmadon, who was resurrected by Harumi. Morro willingly communicates with him, Garmadon cannot really offend him with his sharp remarks. Hani greatly fears for Lloyd's life as he and Garmadon descend into the Darkness. After Cole's fall, Hani tries not to lose control of herself, as she did before. Morro tries to use the wind to pull Cole out of the Darkness, but is unable to break through the cloud. In the final battle with Oni, Morro and Hani use Spinjitzu. Morro is hesitant to team up with the others in the Tornado of Creation because he is unsure of his ability to use Spinjitzu, but Hani persuades him to take the risk. After the completion of the Tornado, Morro hits hard against the wall of the monastery. This encourages him to actively learn Spinjitzu.

The Secrets of the Forbidden Spinjitzu events have been changed, but I haven't finished the AU for this season yet. For now, I can say that the ninjas ended up in the tomb of snakes not out of boredom, but because of the deception of Clutch Powers: he competed with a young researcher for a place in the Club and wanted to use the ninjas to pass traps in the tomb. The Forbidden Spinjitzu is a special elimination weapon used by the FSM to purge Ninjago of its serious competitors. The theme of not just winning, but eliminating enemies runs through the entire season and makes it darker, because the enemy of the ninjas is now Zane. And he is not going to negotiate with them.

Hani's story in 12-13 seasons in progress.

Thanks for reading to the end!

[a-student-out-of-time]

I am VERY worried for what’s coming, are all Quantum members keeping up with the situation?

So you are Nanami Tenmei, Nanami Harumi, and Ise Misako, I presume?

Yep, that’s us.

It is a pleasure to meet you all. We are quite close with your daughter. My name is Sonia Nevermind.

Oh! It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Princess Sonia! Umm...

I-I’m sorry, are we supposed to bow before you?

That is alright. Please treat me as you would any normal high schooler.

So you’re Chiaki’s parents. How are you all feeling?

Beyond worried. As soon as we heard what was going on and couldn’t get in touch with Chiaki, we came home.

We feel much the same.

Are you all here to speak with Kasugano as well?

“If that is the case, I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.”

Whoa!

Gaah!

O-oh...

Kasugano-san, I understand these are difficult times for you, but thank you very for agreeing to meet with us.

“There are over a hundred innocent people on that island that need saving, and the forces that conspire against me mustn’t be allowed to impede my work. However, I will not hold the people of Japan accountable. They do not yet understand the truth.”

Do you know if Nanami Chiaki or Misako-san’s daughter are okay? Anything, please.

(He knows about Ise?)

“I cannot tell you exactly what’s happening to them, but I can assure you that, yes, they are still alive.”

Oh, thank god.

You’re planning a rescue mission, right? Then, I’m asking you...please let us help.

*She starts loudly cracking her knuckles*

Whoever took my baby girl and the others is gonna be walking funny after I’m done with ‘em.

Wh-Whoa, Harumi calm down.

Nice to see that side of you hasn’t changed.

“Before I can permit such an action, I must ask you all for some information in exchange. Specifically from you, Nanami Tenmei”

M-Me?

“Have you remained entirely faithful to your wife?”

Yeah? Of course I have.

I love Harumi just as much as I do the day I asked her to marry me.

“Then I will ask this, and I request that you answer honestly: if you have remained loyal, who is the father of Ise Kana?”

I...What kind of questions are these?

A-Are you accusing me of cheating?!

I am...very sorry for all this. This is not meant as a personal attack. All we wish to understand is the truth.

What truth?!

You know, I’m still here, and I don’t like what I’m hearing.

Tenmei is not, and never has been, a cheater. End of story.

We’re not saying this because we want to start a fight, I promise.

It is simply that the same information that allowed us to learn of Chiaki’s fate also brought us to the notion that Ise Kana was the product of an affair.

Oh...

Wait...that’s it?

Ah. This shouldn’t be too hard to clear up then.

Yeah...well, for starters, Tenmei and I have been married, oh...26 years now. Right after we finished high school.

The two of us started attending college together, along with Misako-chan here. We saw she was usually off by herself or eating lunch alone, so we asked if she’d like to hang out with us.

Admittedly, I was very asocial back then, but I appreciated the gesture. Afterward, I found myself hanging out with them more and more.

Unfortunately, I happened to play a certain video game you had a role in making...

Never gonna live that down, huh? Hehe...

So you guys were good friends?

Yeah! Even after we graduated, we always celebrated the holidays, we went on trips to other countries, played games, we did everything together.

I still look back on those times fondly.

Yeah. Good times.

So...what happened? Cuz Chiaki’s never mentioned you, and we never knew she had a half-sister out there.

…

That was due to my marriage.

It started around 1994, when Misako-chan met a guy who was really swept up with her. He seemed like an alright guy, but he always gave me bad vibes.

You always did have a better instinct for toxic people than me.

Guess it comes with hanging out with the wrong crowd. I knew people like that growing up.

Regardless, I brushed aside many of their concerns in my relationship with him. He was, at least initially, a romantic who wanted to spend every waking moment with me.

And less than six months into our relationship, he proposed to me.

That soon?

Yes. I also made it clear to him that I also wanted a child, but he explained that he was sterile due to a preexisting condition.

Oh....Oohhh....now I’m getting it.

Sperm donation wasn’t really been a big deal, even back then. But this was back during the economic crisis, so...raising a kid sounded like it’d be tough.

Still, she was committed to the idea.

I also...only felt most comfortable asking them.

So Harumi and I had a long talk about it. And you know, we thought it would be another fun idea. She was already pregnant with Chiaki, so maybe we could raise our kids together.

I would’ve loved for that opportunity.

What...what happened?

…The man I married forced us to move. He didn’t like that I was so close to Tenmei and Harumi, so forbid me from speaking to them...or else he would get violent.

Another vile devil by the sound of it.

He was. And our marriage ended when Kana was less than a year old.

He got off lightly...

Misako-chan, why didn’t you call us? We were worried about you.

…He’d forced me to change all our contact info, and when I tried to get in touch with you again, yours had changed too...and, well...I suppose I felt ashamed for ignoring you both.

Don’t be. He tricked you. That’s not your fault, alright?

Don’t blame yourself for the shit he put you through. He’s not a part of your life anymore, so it doesn’t matter.

It really is great to see you again. After all this is over, we can finally catch up.

Absolutely.

I...I’d love to. Thank you both.

"I see. So this is the truth?”

Yes, it is. We both agreed on it, Ise Kana is mine biologically, but I’ve never had the chance to meet her. Where’d you even get the idea I’d ever cheat on Harumi?

“The word of the one behind this situation. He has been spreading lies that Ise Kana was the product of an affair, and is attempting to pit her and Nanami Chiaki against each other.”

All three: WHAT?!

Okay...how soon can we find this island?

Not soon enough...

If you are willing to cooperate with our plans, we can begin preparations to rescue them. Our deadline remains the morning of October 2nd.

[fanfalc-616]

The Rights Of A Nindroid

Chapter Thirty-Two: How The Game Is Played

(Previous Chapter Here)

Yesterday I realized that posting two chapters over Memorial Day weekend was not my best idea, so I waited until today to post the next one I had prepared dhjsgdh

Cole looks at the computer again, blinking a couple times. “You can’t be serious,” he mutters, more to himself than anything.

He flashes the device a glare before turning back towards the main room. “Guys?” He calls. “We’ve got a problem.”

In any other circumstance, it might’ve been funny how quickly Kai bolted in- but as of now, with Zane being gone for over a year, it’s hard to find humor in much of anything.

The others follow soon after, of course, but by that time Kai’s already next to him, a thousand different stressed expressions flashing over his face.

“What’s wrong now?!” He demands, practically vibrating with his intensity.

Cole holds his hands up in a way that’ll hopefully be calming. “Okay, okay, take a deep breath. It’s not that big of an issue, we can figure this out.”

Jay peers over his shoulder, looking at the computer. “Uh. Actually. That looks like a really big issue.” He chuckles nervously, and Cole can already see the freak out that’s coming.

“What is it?” Lloyd prompts, but before Cole can answer, Kai’s already talking.

“Oh hell no!” He protests, concern flashing over to rage. “Is that-“

“A smear campaign.” Cole finishes, looking back over at the site. “Against Lloyd.”

With that, Lloyd comes over. The surprise on his face seems to wither into a more hurt and guilty expression. “I-“

“Alright, I get that we haven’t met in person, but I hate Harumi.” Kai suddenly declares. “So what if Lloyd opened the serpentine tombs?! The Great Devourer was Pythor’s fault! And that was years ago, too! Counting the tea, he was what, eight?! How is that fair?!”

Nya grimaces. “As much as I hate to admit it, she has a point. And with all the chaos we’ve gone through-“

“It’ll be easy to find things to blame on him.” Cole finishes, the realization sinking in.

Jay makes grabby hands at the computer, and Cole rolls his chair back to let him reach it. Glancing over at Lloyd, he fights back a wince at his expression.

“… okay, the serpentine thing is valid. A low blow, but technically valid. But accusing him of purposefully summoning Morro and the Preeminent just to see his dad again? Come on!” The ginger crosses his arms with a scowl, and Cole can see Kai preparing to say- or more likely, shout- something else.

Before he gets the chance, Cole stands up from his seat, intentionally getting everyone’s attention. Forcing confidence that he doesn’t feel into his voice, he tries to redirect the conversation. “Alright, this isn’t ideal,” he admits, “but we need to keep going. There’s gotta be records for times people have won things with a smear campaign against them, right? We can research them and figure out how to counter this.”

Kai opens his mouth, but Nya talks over him. “That’s a good idea,” she agrees. “I don’t think there’s ever been one in an election this big before, but we can definitely get some ideas from that.”

Looking back to Lloyd for confirmation, he sighs internally at the way the blond is still intently staring at the screen, clearly dozens of thoughts flashing through his head.

Putting a hand on Kai’s shoulder, Cole leans down enough to softly whisper in his ear. “Go take Lloyd somewhere he feels calm,” he suggests. “You’ll both be able to do more when he’s doing better.”

For a moment, Kai looks like he wants to argue. But after a glance at his honorary brother, he hesitates, and then gives a small nod.

“C’mon, Green Bean, let’s go take a break.” He starts guiding Lloyd away, and even though the blond looks conflicted, he lets himself be led out of the room.

With that, Cole turns back to Jay and Nya. “How about you guys do that research?” He offers. “I can do some digging on Harumi while you do.”

“Sounds good.” Nya gives a nod and looks over at Jay. When the ginger keeps staring at the computer, she sighs, glancing back at Cole.

Tapping Jay on the shoulder, Cole waits for him to look back. “Huh?” The other frowns, clearly not having been paying attention.

“With me, Sparky. I’ll give you the rundown.” Nya grabs his arm, and Jay gives a guilty smile.

“Let’s go, then,” he nods his agreement as she leads him out.

Once the two have left, Cole turns back to the computer, giving the campaign- or more accurately, slander- another glare. But he quickly changes gears, opening a new webpage.

“Alright, Harumi…” he mutters, beginning to type out her name.

“Let’s find out just why you’re so desperate to win.”

{ { { { { { { { { { ~ } } } } } } } } } }

Sentry narrows his eyes at his internal screen, trying again to get answers.

It’s obvious at this point that the direct approach isn’t working. It’s been thirteen months since Zane was taken- meaning Cryptor has been there for over two and a half years.

So they’re still working on this election plan, unable to do anything that might have a more immediate effect. It’s not ideal, but at least he’s begun to make some progress.

Actually… hang on. He might have something here. Another thing on the candidate running, Rune Duncan. He’s seen enough about Harumi to know that she’ll be the competition no matter what, but if he plays his cards right, he might be able to work with Rune enough to-

Perfect. According to this security camera, Rune was last seen entering a shady part of town- a place that usually only gangs meet up.

Hmm. If Sentry can’t get him to help, then maybe he can at least get some blackmail on him.

As he heads out, he sends a message to Dad letting him know that he’ll be out for a while- he knows that he’s been working on rescuing Cryptor, so he probably won’t need a rundown on what exactly he’s doing.

It takes him only about fifteen minutes to reach where Rune was last seen- Borg Tower isn’t exactly close, but with this, Sentry is nothing if not determined.

Quietly, he makes his way down the alley where the candidate was last seen. This place is insanely suspicious, so he-

“And what are you doing here?” A voice behind him prompts.

Flinching, Sentry spins around. How did this guy sneak up on him?! With all the sensors he has, it-

Wait. Looking over the guy’s dark ginger hair and tanned skin, he suddenly recognizes him.

“Looking for you, actually.” Sentry forces a smile he doesn’t feel as he studies Rune. “My name’s Sentry. I’m the general of Borg’s security forces.”

Rune arches an eyebrow, but all Sentry can think of is how out of place he looks in this back alley with a three-piece suit. There’s definitely something going on here.

“Huh. Well, you found me. Is there something you need?” He sounds unimpressed and maybe even a little annoyed. But there’s no way Sentry’s going to back out now.

“Yeah, actually. I wanted to ask you a couple questions.” Sentry keeps his forced smile, but he knows the other can see past it- he’s not exactly trying to hide his malice, anyway. “Maybe a bit about your past, if you don’t mind.”

Rune tenses for a moment, but then relaxes. But even then, the discomfort is still visible on his face- even though he seems to be trying to hide it. “And if I decline?”

Letting his smile turn cold, Sentry looks him dead in the eyes. “Y’know, I wonder what the public would think if they heard about a finalist in the Emperor Election poking around in a place like this. I don’t think that would look too good for them, now would it?”

There’s a tense moment, both of them staring each other down. Sentry doesn’t break eye contact- instead, he lets them glow an even brighter red in an unspoken threat.

Actually, it’s longer than a moment. Time seems to stretch on as the two of them glare into each other’s eyes. He’d check his internal clock to see how long it’s been, but that would involve glancing away, and he refuses to be the one who flinches first.

After what feels like an eternity, Rune looks off to the side with a growl, crossing his arms.

“Ask away.”

The tenseness coming off of him clearly shows that he’s got something to hide. And one way or another, Sentry’s going to find out what.

“Alright.” He pauses a beat before choosing to lead with a statement instead of a question- though it’ll hopefully get him more answers then outright asking.

“Whoever made you this fake identity did a horrible job.” Rune’s eyes widen the smallest amount, but Sentry keeps talking. “I dug everything up in a matter of weeks. The family tree, the missing records, the faulty information… honestly, I’m surprised that I’m the first person to realize.”

The ginger clenches his jaw. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Seriously? That’s got to be one of the most transparent bluffs he’s ever seen.

“I think you do, actually. I’d just like to know why you can’t run with your real one. You got something to hide, Rune?” He puts a little too much emphasis on the name, making sure the other gets the point.

There’s the beginning of another stare down, and this time instead of indulging him, Sentry tries something else.

Not breaking eye contact, he runs a scan on the other- maybe he can compare it to the ones in the criminal database and…

His thoughts clatter to a halt as he looks at the results.

“Oh,” he gets out. “That’s why.”

The other starts to say something, but Sentry speaks before he can as he finally fully processes the information.

“You’re a nindroid, too.” He breathes.

And he is. The scan shows it, he- Sentry’s never seen such a believable hologram as a disguise, but there’s no other explanation! That-

‘Rune’ narrows his eyes, and Sentry notices him starting to draw a blade from behind his back. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he repeats, this time with more force.

Taking a step back, Sentry lets the possible scenarios flash through his head, struggling to figure out what the hell is going on. The design doesn’t match Cryptor or Zane’s, and it most certainly doesn’t match the ones Dad did, so-

“Who built you? Why are you doing this? Do you- do you not know what’s at stake here?! Who even are you-?!”

He’s cut off when he’s tackled, the move so abrupt that he can’t counter. He struggles underneath him, but in less than a heartbeat, there’s a blade pressed between his scope and skin- a spot that underneath connects almost directly between his CPU and motor functions.

The cloak drops, and he stares at the other’s metallic skin, worn and scratched from who knows how many battles.

Red eyes boring into his own, Sentry feels himself almost shiver at the dark, smug expression the other nindroid has.

“You want to know my real name? Fine.” The voice suddenly has a more distorted, robotic lit to it, his vocal box not hiding his true nature with the cloak dropped. “I doubt you’ll get the chance to use it…”

“But I’m known as Mr. E.”

[brightmiraii]

8DREAM

NCT DREAM x HARUMI

In which Harumi gets to know she will debut

WORD COUNT: 1k

Mirai speaks: and Harumi's first one shot is also out! You can send requests for scenarios, headcanons or just general questions you have about my precious baby! Enjoy!

GIFs are not mine! Credit to the owners!

Harumi’s masterlist

June, 2016

Harumi felt uneasy as she walked down the corridor of the executive floor in SM, following a staff member she judged to be a manager - which made her even more confused. Why would a manager interrupt her practice and say that the representatives of no other than Lee Soman wanted to talk to her? Was she lacking in practice because of her school schedule? It couldn’t be that, the girl made sure to make each hour she spends at a practice room in her best shape and mindset.

“Excuse me, sir,” she started and although the usual smile Harumi sports, her insides were twisting and turning anxiously. “May I ask why they want to see me?”

“You’ll find out soon, Harumi,” the man answered politely and, as if sensing her distress, he quickly added with a softer tone. “It will be fine, trust me.”

And trust the older man she did, stopping behind him as he knocked on the tinted glass door in front of him. Harumi started gathering her thoughts together, already planning whatever defense she might need to do, but everything fell apart as soon as her eyes met seven other curious pairs.

Sitting on the long white table were her friends from Mickey Mouse Club, Mark, Donghyuck (now Haechan, as he debuted recently with NCT 127), Jaemin, Jeno and Jisung; and with them were as well Renjun and Chenle, the Chinese boys she befriended not too long ago. Harumi had to hold back a large smile that almost crept into her face, opting to give them a small nod and a polite bow to the executive group not too far from the young boys.

“Sorry for taking you out of your vocal practice, Harumi-yah.” A woman wearing a detailed white blouse apologised quickly, though the Japanese girl knew it was half-heartedly, but still offered a smile in response. “Take a seat, we have a few things to discuss right now.”

“How have you been, Harumi?” A middle-aged man asked her, which was kind of ironic in her humble opinion, since he had evaluated the trainees the other week. “Your progress has been great as always, even during your very first monthly evaluation.”

“I’m training very hard, sir.” Harumi said with a small and timid chuckle. “The girls and I are learning a new routine, we’ll make sure to nail it by the time you visit us again.”

“It’s good to hear that the other girls are practicing hard as well, but,” he made a dramatic pause, and she bet it was on purpose since he smiled at her clearly rigid position on the chair. “We’re here to discuss your future as an idol.”

“As you may know, Seventeen recently debuted a girl in their group. Mark’s younger sister, to be more exact, and the response so far has been impressive, given the fact it was an addition to an already existing group.” The same woman from before continued talking, fiddling with a few papers in front of her.

“This concept is working well in the industry, the other companies are studying this kind of possibility and debuting a new group following this idea. However, we want to do it before anyone else, and since the next group we’re realising is a NCT unit with these boys, the executive part of the company decided to add a girl to the lineup.”

“I’m sorry, let me see if I followed you through everything.” Harumi spoke softly, a frown adorning her features. “You decided to add a girl in NCT, and that girl would be me? Why me, though? I mean- don’t get me wrong, I’m elated by the idea of debuting, but there are other girls that have been here longer than me, like Koeun unnie, Hina, Hyerin and even Lami.”

“They asked us to pick someone,” Mark answered, and a small smile threatened to burst into his face. “It was between the girls from Mickey Mouse Club, and you are the closest to all of us, your talent is crazy and honestly…”

“We didn’t imagine anyone else but you debuting with us.” Jaemin finished happily, shooting a wide grin in her direction. “Whether it was you or no one else.”

Harumi was excited, emotional, nervous and thrilled all at once. The words just said haven’t registered in her mind yet, only “debuting with us” ringing insistently. Was she really debuting with them? What about the other girls? The fans' response to that? A million questions ran through her head. She almost felt dizzy, but the seven boys looking into her eyes grounded her. If she wasn’t mistaken, she could see hope swimming in their dark orbes.

“So, Miya Harumi,” the previous man attracted her attention, a small giggle escaping his lips at the dumbfounded expression on the young girl’s face. “You are debuting in NCT Dream in August.”

“I- I-” Harumi tried to formulate any sentence, even appealing to another language she knew, but she felt numb. “Wow.”

“You eight can leave now, head to practice room 27 to talk. Harumi, you’re moving in with them in the coming days, so start packing your stuff. The manager, Hyungsuk, will let you know when everything’s ready.” They got up from their seats simultaneously, making everyone laugh at the coordinated action. “Congratulations on your debut, all of you.”

“Thank you so much!” And once again they acted synchronized, gasping at the incredible odds that just happened. Quickly, the teenagers left the room in silence; though it didn’t last long, as soon as Harumi closed the door behind her, the boys cheered loudly.

“Be quiet! People are working here!” She scolded instantly, making them laugh, now in a lower tone.

“You still act like the oldest, Rumi-yah. You didn’t change a bit.” Donghyuck teased her, causing the group to laugh as they walked towards the elevators, heading to the mentioned practice room.

“Of course I didn’t change, Donghyuck!” She complained, playfully punching his left arm. “If you have forgotten, you and Mark were the ones that debuted, Haechannie.”

“But you’re debuting soon, noona!” Jisung cheered, holding her shoulders and shaking her slightly. “And with us!”

“Yeah…” Harumi murmured, the reality sinking in her mind. She was going to debut with her friends. She made it. “We’re going to debut together.”

[northpen]

the long jade night (preview)

an: despite having another multi-chapter in the works, i’ve been secretly working on a mini-sequel to Meet Again. the final result will be a one-shot, but i’ve finally finished the first part, so i’ve decided to post it as a preview here!

(slight warning: this preview is more than 3k words long).

*

JADE | QUIET

The story broke a year after their return as ninja.

Cole tugged on the sails of Destiny's Bounty, turning them northwest. The wind was strong; it wouldn't take long to reach their destination. What awaited them, he wasn't entirely sure. He only knew that its prospect filled him with dread.

The laws of chronology dictated that Cole was 3129 years-old. In appearance, he looked no older than twenty-one. He had lived through thirty-one lifetimes. Some were happy, some were sad, but most were lonely. Until now, he had long since accepted the latter as a permanent symptom of agelessness. It wasn't very often that he got to live his days surrounded by friends.

It crushed his heart to know this was the last time it would ever happen.

"I knew her once, didn't I?" said a robotic voice from behind.

He tied down the ropes and turned around. Adorned by his white ninja robes, Zane stood stiffly on the wooden deck. There was a familiar sadness in his eyes, the kind that came around whenever he encountered something he could no longer remember. It pained Cole to witness. They had promised to continue their lives as ninja to create new memories, not mourn the ones they had lost.

It would get easier over time, he assumed. In Jamanakai, they would no longer be surrounded by reminders of the lives they had once shared together. They would both heal in the village's snowy landscape. And then they would prosper.

"We barely knew her," Cole replied. His memories of her before her death were faint, a vague recollection in lieu of anything concrete. "Lloyd and Nya knew her better. We were trapped in another dimension when she ruled with Garmadon. By the time we came back, she was gone. It's a little worrying."

Zane tilted his head to the side. "Worrying?"

Memories of sifting through the ruins of a fallen building crawled across his consciousness like spiders, pinning the visuals just behind his eyes. Chunks of grey brick. Dirt. Shattered glass. He lifted the treasures beneath them with shaky hands.

A strand of pin-straight white hair, now soaked in blood and coated with dust.

"I knew the others well when we approached them. They were different, but the same in all the ways that mattered. Their souls hadn't changed at all," he said. He clenched his fist to keep his hand from shaking. "I feel like I'm going into this blind. The Jade Princess was never one of my closest friends."

Zane hummed. "Then why help her?"

His decision to return to Ninjago City was impossible to rationalize. Despite initial false appearances, Harumi had always been an enemy to them. She had lied to them, taunted them, tried to kill them—and yet, she drew such deep feelings of sympathy from him. There was no way for him to answer the why without going into abstract emotions that made no sense to anyone but himself.

"I can't explain it," he finally responded. "I just feel this is something I have to do."

Zane came forward and placed a comforting cold hand on Cole's shoulder. "If you believe so, we will stand behind you."

Cole nodded and swallowed thickly. Right now, it wasn't Zane or the other ninja that worried him. It was Borg Industries and what they would do when they realized he'd betrayed them.

The previous evening, the police had sent a memo to the Bounty's communications system. A sixteen year-old girl, adopted only a few years ago into a wealthy family, had slit her adopted parents' throats and hidden away somewhere in Ninjago City. Afraid she would hurt other people, the police had requested the aid of the ninja in her retrieval. Of course, they had accepted immediately. But they had their own ulterior motives.

The story was too familiar for Cole to ignore. Even without her name, he knew this was the work of the Quiet One. Harumi was well and alive and Lloyd's desperate gamble had more widespread effects than initially thought.

Last night, he'd dreamt of the building's wreckage. When he'd awoken that morning, he'd remembered the testimony from a family who claimed that Emperor Garmadon's right-hand had played a personal role in their survival. After lunch, he'd made his final decision about what he would do when he reached Ninjago City.

He would find Princess Harumi. And then, he would let her go before any of the police's nindroids could take her away to the Kryptarium.

The police didn't know she was a reincarnation. Cole planned to use their secret connection to his advantage.

It was a risky move. A treacherous one. But he believed in her potential for redemption, and to him, that was enough reason to put himself back into danger again.

He just hoped that she wasn't beyond saving.

The city came into view during sunset. Its dark skyscrapers disrupted the soft pinks and oranges of the horizon; metaphorical spikes that cut into the delicate skin of nature and made it bleed heat and waste. Buildings stretched on for miles upon miles, an endless jungle of concrete and metal that had consumed much of the west coast in its expansion. They spoke to him in nonverbal tongues and made their demands ever so clear: We may trip, we may stumble, but we will never fall. What makes you so certain you can undermine us and win?

He could not answer their question. Doubt bloomed in his belly as the Bounty flew closer to Ninjago City. To help Harumi, the ninja would need to defy the police, Borg Industries, and the government of Ninjago itself—this was a gamble that threatened them with major institutional backlash. If they failed, they would spend the rest of their lives on the run. Nindroid agents would stalk them to the smallest of rural villages. Drones would shoot down the sails of the Bounty in the dead of night. Any reprieve they had found in their year of liberty would be lost to the threat of imprisonment.

They would become enemies of the state. Dangerous to the public. Wanted.

Hunted.

Autopilot kicked in and the Bounty lurched forward. They had begun their descent into the city.

Cole held his breath in a bid to slow his racing heart. Somewhere in the city, hidden away in an abandoned home or a dark alleyway, awaited the last reincarnation for him to encounter. Like Nya, had Harumi figured out she was a reincarnation on her own? Had she stolen her memories back just as Morro did? When they came face-to-face, would she recognize him as someone from their shared past, or only as a stranger from the present future?

The Bounty's thrusters roared as it lowered over the football field that acted as their temporary landing pad. When he looked over the edge of the deck, he could see many trucks and police cars in the parking lot next to the field. It seemed like the Commissioner was in a hurry to move things along.

The deck below his feet shook as the Bounty stuck its landing. Below deck, it was Zane alone who controlled the Bounty's motions. Nya would be in her room, getting ready to come upstairs. Out of all the ninja, she was the only one Borg and the police really trusted. Zane's memory loss and control by Nadakhan had spooked them, the other ninja were nobodies in their eyes, and Cole was a little too rebellious to be seen as someone they could depend on. Nya was their stable link that was about to be treacherously severed.

The hatch opened beside him. Nya's head poked out, and Cole offered his hand to help her climb the rest of the way out. She wore her gi and knee armour, but her hood rested at her shoulders. When she got to her feet, she took one look at Cole and rolled her eyes.

"If you want them to trust you—" she reached forward and yanked down Cole's hood "—you can't make it seem like you're trying to hide from them. I know you're a good liar. Put your acting skills to use."

The autumn air stung his cheeks. "You remember the code?"

She gave him a knowing smile. "If something is wrong, I say 'piano'. If something is disastrously wrong, I say 'Ronin'."

He put a finger to his ear and pushed down. "You guys hear that?"

"Yes, dad. We all heard," retorted Kai's voice over the channel. "Connecting to line five. Have fun."

Line five, the emergency line. The ninja were aware that for such a high level investigation, their usual communications channels wouldn't be safe. The police would want to work in conjunction with the ninja, so it was wise to assume that their voice channels would be secretly listened into by police forces. Line five was unique because unlike their other lines, it couldn't be listened into. Or at least, not until the police realized what they were doing.

Buried inside of Zane's original hardware was a transceiver for basic communications. It was this transceiver, as Nya and Jay had explained to him, that allowed Zane to hear sounds as well as emit them. "When you talk to him, the transceiver converts your words into radio signals he can receive," Jay had told him. "He digests them in a human manner, forms his response, and then transmits it back in audio waves perceivable by you. It seems complicated, but it's not really. Just think of him as a living walkie-talkie." It was this transceiver they were manipulating for line five. Instead of relaying their communications through the Bounty, they now had a much more personal short-range radio tower: Zane.

Line five routed its communications through Zane's personal transceiver. As long as they were within a few kilometres of each other, line five would transmit their words on a secure channel that could only be used by those with access to Zane's body. Thanks to Nya's purge of Zane from the system after the Nadakhan takeover, that number had been reduced down to a comfortable six.

To reduce suspicion, they would only use it in dire emergencies. The codeword piano, spoken over the main channel, meant one of the ninja needed help. Ronin meant that the police were growing suspicious and the ninja needed saving. A call for help over line five meant that evacuation was likely in order. He hoped it wouldn't come to that. They were being so careful—if all went according to plan, Harumi would be on the Bounty by the end of the night while they flew her to the moderate safety of the countryside.

At the edge of the deck, Cole wrapped an arm around Nya's torso and used airjitzu to float them safely to the ground. They crossed the grass and passed through a gate, where the parking lot awaited them on the other side. The Commissioner and several detectives were gathered beside a police van next to the parking lot entrance.

The Commissioner stretched out his arms in welcome. "Oh, how great it is to see you again, Miss Nya. Let me tell you, the current head of security is nowhere close to as good as you were."

She shook his hand politely. "You need to keep hiring reincarnated ninja. We're pretty special, you know."

The Commissioner laughed and offered his hand to Cole. "Is it safe to assume neither of the original ninja would be interested in the position?"

"Way too stressful for me," Cole replied with a smile. He hoped it didn't look too forced. "We're both pretty dead set on retirement, but who knows? Maybe we'll get bored after a few centuries and Zane will want to help out in the city again."

The Commissioner's thick moustache twitched as he smiled. "Then I look forward to your boredom."

"We're not doing the debriefing here, are we?" Nya cut in. "We should get moving. Or did we all forget there's a dangerous murderer on the loose?"

A nindroid opened the police van's side door. The Commissioner gestured to its interior.

"Of course. Climb in."

Throughout all of his years as a ninja, Cole had only visited the police headquarters a handful of times. His memory painted it as a crowded place, each floor in the tall building packed wall-to-wall with nindroid officers and human detectives. He recalled shouting and phones ringing, a place that was always loud and always busy. Tonight, it was eerily empty.

"Please excuse our appearance," the Commissioner said as he led them through the vacant halls. "Just about every capable employee we have is searching for the suspect. It's a very high priority mission for us."

All for one person, Cole thought. It occurred to him that they might not have received the full story in the transmission to the Bounty. What had Harumi done to warrant such a reaction?

Nya shared a glance with Cole. A year of masks had taught them to read each other's eyes well. In the darkest parts of her brown eyes, hidden by their feigned impartiality, was an expression of sincere worry. He was certain they were both thinking the same thing: with every cop in the city on the case, this was going to be a lot harder than originally anticipated.

The debriefing was held in a small conference room on the fourth floor. A sleek wooden table stretched across the room, its top covered in scattered paperwork and discarded takeout coffee cups. At the end of the table, three human silhouettes watched a 24-hour news station being projected onto the wall.

"Before we continue into the next story, a reminder to stay indoors if possible for the night," the anchor said to the camera. A photo of Harumi was displayed in a box next to her head. "The suspect is still at large and considered to be dangerous by the police. While the Commissioner has not yet signalled an intent to move the city into lockdown—"

"You look very busy," the Commissioner commented loudly. "Can any of you explain to me why public funds are being spent so you can watch TV?"

One of the detectives waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. "Yeah, yeah. We were just waiting for you to get here."

The lazy, deep drawl of his voice froze Cole in place. In the flickering light of the projector, he caught glimpses of the detective's personal features. Puffy, gelled-up hair. Trimmed eyebrows. A cleft chin. A smile that seemed to stretch a little too wide.

Really, Cole should have expected his return by this point.

Dareth turned to face them completely. "How are the ninja doing, anyways? Still okay after ditching us for a year?"

"We're doing fine, thank you," Nya said. Her hand touched his arm. She would take the lead from here. "Are you the detectives we're working with?"

"More or less," Dareth responded. "I'm the only mystery-solver here. The other two are just intelligence."

The female detective to Dareth's left slapped his arm. "I haven't spent ten years undercover for you to write me off as intelligence," she complained. She leaned forward on the table and winked. Her clumpy mascara brought attention to the sharp look in her eye. "The name's Violet. Nice to meet you."

The last intelligence took this as his queue to face the ninja as well. This was a face Cole was more excited to see.

He adjusted his glasses. His wheelchair squeaked as a result of the movement. "Cyrus," he said simply.

Nya flashed Cole a look, asking for confirmation. He nodded. Yep, it was the same one.

"This will be your team for the rest of the mission," the Commissioner said. He gestured to the chairs at the table. "Why don't you take a seat? I think it's about time we got on with the debriefing."

"Of course," Nya said. Cole moved to follow her to the chairs, but the Commissioner stopped him with a firm hand to his chest. "Not you. I need you to stay up."

Cole swallowed nervously. "Why?"

In lieu of answering his question, the Commissioner moved to the front of the room. The projector flashed erratically over his body. He lifted an arm to Cole, gesturing for him to come closer.

Nya gave Cole a small nod. It was safe to go forward.

The projector hurt his eyes. He looked into the dark corners of the room as the Commissioner clapped a large hand onto his back.

"As I'm sure you all know, the black ninja here is blessed with memories stretching all the way back to the unleashing of the Great Devourer," the Commissioner began. The hand on his back was more forceful than comforting, an idle threat that scared him more than Morro ever did. "Tonight, your debriefing won't be done by me. I think it's only fair that we let the expert take the lead."

Cole snapped his head to face the Commissioner. "I don't follow."

A laugh. It was a little mocking, a little sarcastic.

It was one Cole couldn't trust.

"Why don't you tell us what you know about the Jade Princess?" His hand trailed up his back, fingers dancing along the nape of his neck. "Judging by the presence of our friend Nya here, I'm sure this isn't your first time dealing with a reincarnation."

Just like that, the plan burned. The police knew Harumi was a reincarnation. The ninja's only advantage was gone.

If Cole had planned on stowing her away and then playing stupid, this was now completely impossible. They would expect him to know everything. If he couldn't locate her hideout, they would at the very least expect him to locate her corpse. Even after all these years, he could remember her original death bed in perfect clarity.

The Commissioner knew that Harumi's hours were numbered. With a case this serious, there was no way Cole would be allowed to operate without supervision. He had two choices: turn in Harumi to the police, or once again find her broken among the rubble.

His status as the only ninja with memories was being weaponized against him. There was no easy way for him to liberate Harumi and remain on the good graces of the law at the same time.

Well, it was a good thing he didn't work alone. It wasn't like the Commissioner could keep track of six fully-trained ninja at once.

"Harumi wasn't a friend," Cole said. He willed his voice to be forceful, channelling the ninja leader inside of him. "She was a monster. A dangerous, evil monster. My only regret is that I never got to take a swing at her myself."

A finger tapped Cole's neck. "You must remember more than that."

Cole found comfort in Nya's quietly terrified eyes. Her hand was balled into a fist below the table, and she seemed ready to spring from the chair at a moment's notice. She must have reached all the same conclusions as him.

The faint hum of the earpiece in his ear inspired his next words.

"Well, she was always a little closed off on the Bounty. But I do remember her being really, really good at the piano."

--

thanks for reading! i’m going to try to have this finished soon <3

[shinobis-of-ninjago-au]

Shinobis of Ninjago

Episode 1: Rise of the Snakes

Prologue Pilot 1 Pilot 2 (Episode 1, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3), Next Episode

Skylor met up with her teammates a few minutes later, letting out a sharp whistle and watching Amber land beside her. Taking her portion of groceries, she opened the saddlebag, only for a scroll to tumble out, Transferring the items to the bag, she bent down and picked it up.

"This isn't mine." Skylor noted the golden drawings on the backside of the scroll, far fancier than the ones she used for lessons or most she had taken from home.

Pixal dismounted from Byte, taking a closer look at the saddlebag. "This is Master Mystake's bag. You must have accidentally taken it in the rush."

Seliel and Nya slid off their saddles, coming up behind Skylor to look at the scroll. "What's it say?" Seliel asked.

"I remember seeing a lot of scrolls like this back at the monastery." Nya said. "I never took the time to learn the language."

"It's the ancient language of our ancestors." Pixal said. "It hasn't been used in centuries, though I think I can read a little of it." Her eyes scanned over the paper and eventually she pointed to a symbol. "This means prophecy." She was quiet for a few more minutes. "One warrior will rise above the rest and become the Green Ninja. The warrior destined to defeat the Dark Lady."

"Dark Lady?" Seliel echoed. "You think it means Lady Misako?"

Skylor unrolled the parchment further, revealing a picture of four shinobis clad in different colours surrounding another in green. "Is anyone else thinking what I'm thinking..."

Nya smiled. "Like how good I'm gonna look in green."

"Isn't it obvious that I'm gonna be the Green Ninja?! I have the most history with Misako." Skylor exclaimed.

"Technically, I am the best." Pixal butted in.

"Everyone stop it!" The kishu ordered as she grabbed the scroll from Skylor. "Remember why Sensei brought us together in the first place, we're a team. We weren't meant to see this and probably for good reason." Seliel rolled up the scroll and put it in her saddlebag. Climbing onto Misty's back, she turned to the other three. "Come on, we have training to do."

—————————————————-

Harumi pulled her hood further over her head. Escaping from the Darkley's employees was like second nature to her; as soon as they drove up in the car to take her back to school, she waited until they were a reasonable distance away before jumping out of the backseat.

Currently she was making her way up a snow covered mountain, wind blowing harshly in her face. She was cold and hungry, the lollipop from the orange kunoichi had only lasted so long.

"Stupid ninja. I'll show them who they're dealing with." She muttered.

Harumi let out a grunt of pain as she ran into something. Not seeing anything in front of her, she looked down into the blanket of fresh, white snow. She began digging and soon enough she unearthed the thing that interrupted her monologuing. A metal rod stuck out of the ground, resembling a lever.

Her childlike curiosity got the best of her and she pulled it. The ground began to shake, sending the girl tumbling forward. The ground began to slide open, a crevice getting bigger by the second. Harumi tried scrambling away and was close to reaching the edge when she lost her grip. She slid down the stone slab and braced herself for the impact.

Her back touched cold ice as she somersaulted down into the ground. When she finally skidded to a halt, she lay there for a few minutes, groaning. Deciding to move, she sat up, gazing around. Harumi seemed to be in an underground ice cave, though some walls were marked with carvings.

"You are not of right mind to venture so far from home, little one."

Harumi bristled at the voice and turned around. There stood a figure with deep blue scales, ruby red eyes looking curiously at her. A long tail was draped across the ice and robes featuring ancient scrawl and symbols covered their chest. They had the head of a snake, with a hood that fanned out like a cobra.

They moved closer, Harumi crawling backwards as she eyed the golden staff in the snake-person's hand. The serpent looked down at the staff, then back to the child and smiled. "Do not worry, I will not harm you. Just as long as you give your mind to me. Look into my eyes, young one. You will obey me."

A low rattling escaped the serpent's chest and Harumi covered her eyes, her back coming in contact with a wall of ice. When Harumi opened her eyes, she looked up at the snake-person. They stood perfectly still, a dazed look in their eyes.

Harumi stood up and circled them before deciding on a conclusion: they were under her control. She smirked and crossed her arms. "I think you are mistaken. I will control you from now on."

The Serpentine bowed respectively. "What shall you have us do, mistress?"

"Us?" Harumi echoed.

Almost as if on cue, more Serpentine emerged from behind ice pillars and walls, their scales the same deep blue as the first one's. A low hissing filled the room, no doubt murmurs about the young girl, as the last experience they had with humans was not pleasant.

Harumi's smirk grew bigger as she realized what this meant. "My own army of snakes."

—————————————————

"—then we agree; the prophecy states that one o' us will become the Green Ninja, and the issue will not rest until it's decided." Nya stated, leading the team back up the stairs into the Monastery.

"May I suggest a tournament? Last shinobi standing is the best." Pixal suggested.

"And will be declared the Green Ninja and be promoted to chūnin." Skylor finished. "Sounds good to me. But I'm getting changed first, I don't want to do this soaking wet."

Minutes later the four met outside of the indoor training room, changed into training gis and warmed up from the cold weather. Nya pushed open the doors, only to pause when she saw it was occupied.

The other three peered over her shoulders, seeing Jay practicing with a punching bag. Once he noticed them, he stopped, leaning on the bag and smiling. "Hola."

Skylor stepped forward. "Are you wearing the—"

"Wrist braces? Yeah, do not worry." He paused and began to take off the braces around his wrists, reaching for his bracers and a towel. "What happened in town? Fake alarm?"

"Yeah, nothing we couldn't take care of. But, uh, we're gonna need the space."

Seliel opened one of the cabinets and pulled out four helmets and armoured vests. "Two matches, the winners of each face off for the title, armour for our own protection. It's time to see what our weapons can do."

"Hey Jay, wanna stay and watch me mop the floor with them?" Skylor offered, a confident smirk on her face as she slid on the vest.

"No thank you, I will visit Chai's in Jamanikai Village. Have fun." He turned and headed out the door, closing it behind him.

Pixal sent Skylor a look, silently asking who the Chai's were. "Old family friends." Skylor answered.

Nya squealed. "His accent is so cute. Ya have to admit that."

"I have the same accent as him."

"My point still stands. But he speaks in such a cute way. Not... like ya."

"Firstly: We've talked about this. No one is to make moves on my brother. Secondly: What's that supposed to mean?!"

"Match One: Skylor versus Nya." Seliel announced, interrupting the premature argument.

The two got into position, facing each other. They bowed and got into a ready stance. Seliel blew a whistle she had gotten out of the cabinet and she barely had enough time to jump out of the way.

The two wasted no time in drawing their weapons and lunging towards each other. Skylor caught Nya's trident between her sai and twisted it over her shoulder. With a grunt of effort, she sent her fellow ninja flying across the room. Nya got to her feet, twirling her trident around. She pointed it at Skylor, intending for it to shoot her with a water beam like she heard in legends. Instead, she found herself drenched in water and Skylor stifling her giggles from across the room.

Nya growled, running forward with her trident at the ready. Skylor sidestepped the attack and kicked Nya into the wall. She threw her sai, pinning Nya to the wall by the sleeves of her gi. Nya sighed, dropping her trident.

Skylor helped her up and the two bowed before the konran punched the air in victory. The two took a seat, kneeling as they watched the other two bow and assume a fighting stance.

Unlike the two before them, Pixal and Seliel did not advance right away. Instead, they circled each other, evaluating the other's footwork and stance. Pixal pulled out her whip and cracked it in the direction of her opponent.

Seliel brought out her staff, the thong wrapping around the shaft. Seliel twisted her staff and pulled, bring Pixal closer. She stuck out her leg, tripping the Purple Kunoichi. Pixal pulled off an impressive rotating chest stand, landing a solid kick to Seliel's chest.

Getting to her feet, Pixal pulled her whip back. Flicking her whip in a simple X pattern, she shot forward, the technique serving as a shield against Seliel's attacks. Seliel managed to get a lucky jab through the shield, the whip wrapping around her staff one more. She yanked her staff away, the handle leaving Pixal's hand and leaving her defenseless.

Seliel lunged forward, tackling Pixal to the ground. She held her staff tightly over Pixal's torso, pinning her arms to her side. Pixal glared at Seliel and then to her weapon across the room. She sighed, her body relaxing. "I yield."

They got to their feet and bowed respectively. Pixal went to go join Nya in being a spectator. Skylor jumped to her feet, giving her teammate a high-five and bouncing on the balls of her feet, ready for a fight.

"For the prize and title of the best kunoichi, Green Ninja, and promotion to chūnin, you may begin."

Skylor rushed forward, surprising Seliel with the sudden attack. Trapping the staff with her sai, she threw it over her head. Hey, the move worked well on Nya.

The staff flew across the room, crashing into the wall between Nya and Pixal, none of whom flinched. Skylor turned back to Seliel, only to find her missing from where she had been a mere second ago. Turning around she barely had enough time before something collided with her cheek.

Sitting up, she glared at Seliel who was standing over her confidently. Growling, her grip tightened on her sai and she lunged forward, sai ahead of her. She stopped mere inches from Seliel's face, for the sai in her hands were glowing brighter than before.

Skylor dropped them in surprise and as soon as they made contact with the floor, a thick navy mist escaped them, not unlike the one the staff produced when they faced off against the dragon months ago.

The room soon became filled with the smoke, the four unable to see anything in front of them. The door to the indoor training room was opened, a figure stepping inside and gasping. They managed to find the Staff of Illusions and the mist soon disappeared.

Mystake stared down at the heap of kunoichis that was supposed to be her students; the saviours of Ninjago.

"Could someone please get their elbow out of my stomach?"

"Whoever's ass is in my face should remove it before I make sure they never walk again."

"If one of you doesn't stop kicking me I will lose it!"

"Ow, ow, ow, watch the hair!"

Ninjago was doomed.

Mystake cleared her throat, the complaints ending abruptly. The ninja slowly untangled themselves and got into a line. They knelt before her, heads hung. "What were you thinking?" Mystake snapped.

"We were trying to figure out who's the Green Ninja." Nya replied, earning a backhand to the head from Pixal. "U-Uh, did I say Green Ninja? No, I'm sorry," She cleared her throat. " What I- what I said was lean!"

"You were not supposed to see that scroll." Mystake sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"But Sensei, we wanna know. Which one of us is the elegido?" ('... chosen one?') Skylor asked.

"None of you if you don't unlock your full potential and earn the title of chūnin." The four lowered their heads again.

"But my sai, they were so bright and they did that thing with the smoke." Skylor said, risking a look at Mystake. "Is this what you meant by unlocking our elemental weapons?"

Mystake sighed, placing her hands behind her back. "You are only at the beginning. And the road is long and winding, but yes; this is what I meant." She paused. "If this is what it must take for you to train, then so be it. But none of you are near the level of what it takes to become the Green Ninja."

—————————————————-

After hitching a ride on a bus and one trolley ride later, Jay arrived at Jamanikai Village. He wandered the streets until he came upon a familiar store. Knocking twice, he barely had to wait before the door was opened, a young boy peeking out nervously from behind it.

"Devon," Jay greeted. "Ha sido un largo tiempo." ('It's been a long time.')

Once the boy realized who it was, he opened the door fully, jumping into Jay's arms. Jay laughed and picked up the boy, entering the warm General Store where he was greeted by more children.

He had decided to spend the night with the Chai's, calling Skylor to let her know. The Chai's were a nice family, Amelia was a single mother of four, with another on the way. Jay had been sad to hear that Mr. Chai had passed and that he and his sister couldn't attend the funeral as they were otherwise... occupied.

He was woken up at sunrise, the four kids eager to play with him. He spent the day keeping the youngest two busy while Amelia and the eldest two worked in the store.

Later in the day, Amelia asked if he could run into town and grab a few groceries that they needed and that their store did not have. When Jay agreed, Amelia gave him some cash and thanked him before having to run back to the cashier stand.

After dressing the youngest two—Devon and Claire—for the weather outside, the three set off. Minutes later, they were inside a grocery store, picking up food when they heard screams from outside.

"¿Ahora que?" ('What now?') Jay muttered. He lifted the two out of the cart and placed them on the ground. Turning to Devon he said, "Necesito que vayas a casa y lleves a tu hermana allí. ¿Puedes hacer eso?" ('I need you to go home and take your sister there. Can you do that?')

Devon nodded confidently, puffing out his chest. The two left, and Jay was thankful the direction of their house was the opposite of the screaming. Abandoning the cart, he set off, carefully making his way through the streets until he caught a glimpse of someone clad in black. Pressing himself against a wall, he peered around the corner.

A young girl was seated in a wheelbarrow, her blonde hair tied back in braids. "Take the candy! Take it all!" Jay realized this must have been the person causing the disturbance yesterday, Misako's daughter.

He covered his mouth to stop himself from shouting in surprise when he saw who was accompanying Harumi. They looked human, if it wasn't for the blue and white scales covering their body. The robes they wore were covered in markings, no doubt an ancient language, and ruby red eyes gazed over the village. Her head resembled that of a snake, a large hood starting at her neck and fanning over the crown of her head.

Serpentine. And from what he had been learning, a Hypnobrai.

"Slitheraa, tell your army to advance. I want all the candy in town." Harumi said, watching as a Hypnobrai soldier dumped an armful of candy into her wheelbarrow.

Slitheraa, the general of the army, raised the gold staff in her hand. A low hiss escaped her mouth as her tail rattled. The soldiers stopped wandering around, depositing armfuls of candy to the wagon. They started moving out in different directions in hopes of claiming more sweets for the girl.

"This makes no sense General; raiding an entire town, for sweets?" One questioned, coming up beside Slitheraa.

"You will do as I command." The general snapped. "Because I hold the staff!"

At the sound of hissing, Jay turned, spotting a Hypnobrai standing there, a bag of throwing stars attached to their waist.

Jay got into a fighting stance. "¿Quieres bailar?" ('Wanna dance?')

[mytogoworld]

Ninjago Season 12 Afterthoughts

,Lmao Im all late, but I finally got around to watching season 12. and honestly? I actually kinda did like it?? (spoilers ig)

First off, right before watching s12, I had watched a few episodes of season 1. Amongst them, Tick Tock. We all know this episode is one of the best in the whole series. I can’t remember my very first reaction when Zane found out he was a robot, but i think i just rolled with it, only slightly surprised.

But when I got around to watch it again, something just made me go: “holy s**t, Zane IS a robot.” (ahem, Nindroid lol) (also, i did really say that out loud)

Like, duh, we’ve been knew, but the realization just dawned on me hard. Like, he is not made of flesh, he is not a real human, he is made of robot parts and ‘1s and 0s’. He could be reprogrammed (has been) and destroyed (has been) tho thankfully he is still alive (but what does it mean to be alive as a robot..?). And it just hit differently y’know? 

Now, fast forward to season 12, and Milton Dyer’s dilemma with Unagami and how robots (or programmed AI) can actually have emotions and attachments and whatnot. I absolutely related and understood that. And like, it poses such an interesting complex concept in the ninjago universe that i honeslty cant explain cuz im bad at philosophy and also i know pple will call me out saying “it’s a kID’s sHOw”  and “iTs nOT thAT dEEp”

Basically, Unagami and Milton Dyer is like, Zane and Julien, Pixal and Borg, but instead things went wrong. What I really wanna know tho, is what Unagami is made of now. Is he human flesh? or is he like, made of some new type of cyber-energy? can he still transform into a dragon and his avatar? kinda confused on that, and we probably wont really get an explanation (which is fine, season 13 is about Cole so i’ll forgive them).

Another thing I really liked was Lloyd’s fight with npc Harumi. I know, grasping at straws again probably, but his struggle to fight her just hit me deeply. Like, I know she manipulated him and everything, but Lloyd had loved her, and clearly would have definitely given her a second chance had she survived. Imagine, what if npc Harumi could also be rescued from the game, like they rescued Okino and racer 7? He very clearly wanted to do so. And as much as I hated llorumi, this little bit did give me some chills. (Also, Lloyd had see another Harumi die, this time by his own hand, fjalsdklajl that’s rough buddy)

Other nice things: TRIPLE TIGER SASHAY! and Cole yelling dance tips because he was a dancer uwu i love it when Ninjago manages to apply continuity. Seeing a follower of Jay with his old haircut was also noice.

One thing I didn’t like was never hearing Nya say “I love you” back to Jay. Sure they danced, sure they finished the last battle together and Nya saved Jay. But where is the LOVEEE? I swear, after Cole, we need a season focused on Nya, and her true feelings and motivations.

[hattercatsparadise]

Twisted Chaos (1/3)

Hatter Cat: Beautiful souls were summoned to Night Raven by a mysterious force to bring chaos to the twisted adventures in the lives of students at this school, should we welcome them?

Quoted Souls: Aiyra Ferox, Chiba Harumi,Emily Hellscales, Inara Horologium & Mirella Hellscales

 +

1️⃣,2️⃣,3️⃣

Outro dia rotineiro em Night Raven com o mesmo caos de sempre... Harumi, o aluno sem poderes mágicos trazido de outro mundo, precisando parar alguma discussão entre Deuce e Ace enquanto mantinha Grim sobre controle na tentativa de evitar que a criatura peluda e imã de problemas causasse o caos.

Harumi estava exausto para dizer no mínimo, esteve sendo pressionado pela negligência de Crowley que todo o problema que ocorre na escola o diretor de alguma forma empurra as responsabilidades dele sobre Harumi que ainda precisa se preocupar com sua vida escolar além de seu trabalho como supervisor.

Isso sem o trabalho de meio período no Mostro Lounge já que o diretor é mesquinho e não dava quase nenhuma ajuda financeira, Harumi já estava farto de esperar ajuda do diretor negligente e algumas vezes a situação do dormitório estava insalubre para continuar assim e se não bastasse não estar dormindo bem nos últimos dias por causa de todo esses estresse e dos estranhos sonhos que teve a quase três semanas.

Eles estavam terminando mais um dia de aula e estavam passando pelo corredor do Espelho das Trevas quando Harumi sentiu algo, como alguém chamando.

“Ei, Harumi... O que foi?” – Deuce perguntou chamando atenção do amigo de cabelos morenos.

“...” – Harumi não respondeu, parecia em transe enquanto olhava para o espelho.

“Ei, terra para Harumi!” – Ace tenta chamar a atenção do amigo.

“Ah, desculpem...” – Harumi respondeu enquanto voltava a si – “O que estávamos falando mesmo?” – ele perguntou tentando retornar ao assunto.

“Você anda muito distraído, você sabe.” – Grim comentou – “São aqueles sonhos esquisitos de novo?”

“Sonhos?” – Deuce questionou preocupado.

“Por acaso você sonhou com um monstro embaixo da sua cama?” – Ace sendo um idiota começou a provocar.

“Há, há, há... Muito engraçado.” – Harumi disse sarcasticamente sobre a atitude infantil do amigo – “Não é nada demais, são só alguns sonhos estranhos que tenho tido. Mas não sei por que isso me dá a sensação que é um presságio...” – ele suspirou cansado.

“Presságio?” – Deuce arqueou uma sobrancelha.

“No meu mundo há a crença que os sonhos tem significado e podem ser presságios de algo que pode acontecer no futuro...” – Harumi comentou pensando sobre o que viu nos sonhos.

“Sério? Dessa eu não sabia!” – Ace disse curioso – “O que foi que você sonhou?” – ele estava bastante curioso.

“Eu sonhei com várias coisas... Primeiro foram dois dragões, depois um leopardo e depois um crocodilo. Eu não sei porque, mas tive a sensação que eles são reais... Como por causa do sonho eu estivesse conhecendo cada um.” – Harumi comentou se lembrando da sensação que teve nesse sonho.

“Isso é bastante estranho, você sabe.” – Grim comentou.

“Depois de tudo que já vi aqui eu acho até normal.” – Harumi comentando todas as aventuras loucas que já viveu.

“Verdade.” – A dupla A-Deuce concordaram.

Repentinamente o espelho das trevas revelou o reflexo de chamas verdes e um vendaval surgiu, abrindo violentamente as janelas e os ventos forçando os alunos a cobrirem o rosto para se protegerem do vento forte ou procurar um abrigo próximo. Do lado de fora uma tempestade assolava toda a escola enquanto os alunos gritam procurando um local seguro.

O quarteto conseguiu abrigo atrás de pilares e um estrondo junto de um clarão de luz que inundou o salão, todos fechando e cobrindo os olhos para se proteger da repentina claridade e quando a luz se esvai tudo havia se aclamado: Sem vendaval, tempestade, nada.

Ou quase se não fosse o fato do dia parecer ter cedido prematuramente seu tempo para uma noite escura e quatro caixões que normalmente flutuava pelo salão estão jogados rodeando a fonte sob o Espelho das trevas que agora mostrava a imagem de vultos que Harumi conhecia bem: Os seres que surgiam em seu sonhos nas últimas semanas.

Harumi sentiu como tudo ao seu redor desaparecesse exceto o espelho e os caixões, parecendo que estava dentro de seus sonhos e estava ouvindo o chamado do espelho para receber aqueles seres.

“Estão aqui...” – Harumi murmurou tendo a sensação de seu corpo agir independentemente de sua vontade.

Ele mal podia escutar seus amigos tentando chamar sua atenção enquanto o rapaz estende a mão na direção a imagem refletida no espelho para acolher aqueles seres que se aproximavam dele.

Formas de sombras que remetiam quatro mãos diferentes surgiram do espelho para retribuir o acolhimento do rapaz que começa a sentir sua consciência se esvair.

O quão caótico seria o que estaria por vir, como o presságio do sonho parecendo ganhar vida e se tornar realidade.

Another routine day in Night Raven with the same chaos as always ... Harumi, the student without magical powers brought from another world, needing to stop some discussion between Deuce and Ace while keeping Grim under control in an attempt to prevent the furry creature and magnet of problems caused chaos. Harumi was exhausted to say the least, he was being pressured by Crowley's negligence that the whole problem that occurs at school the principal somehow pushes his responsibilities over Harumi who still needs to worry about his school life in addition to his work as a supervisor.

This without part-time work at Mostro Lounge since the director is stingy and gave almost no financial aid, Harumi was already tired of waiting for help from the negligent headmaster and sometimes the situation in the dorm was unhealthy to continue like this and if it were not enough not sleeping well in the past few days because of all the stress and the strange dreams he had for almost three weeks.

They were finishing up another day of school and were passing through the hall of the Mirror of Darkness when Harumi felt something, like someone calling.

"Hey, Harumi ... What is it?" - Deuce asked drawing the attention of the friend with dark hair.

"..." - Harumi didn't answer, she seemed in a trance while looking at the mirror.

"Hey, Earth to Harumi!" - Ace tries to get his friend's attention.

"Ah, sorry ..." - Harumi replied as he came to himself - "What were we talking about?" - He asked trying to return to the subject.

"Ya are very distracted, ya know." - Grim commented - "Are those weird dreams again?"

"Dreams?" Deuce asked worriedly.

"Did you happen to dream of a monster under your bed?" - Ace being an idiot started to provoke.

"Ha, ha, ha very funny." - Harumi said sarcastically about the friend's childish attitude -

“It's not a big deal, it's just some strange dreams I've been having. But I don't know why it gives me the feeling that it is an omen ... ”- he sighed tiredly.

"Omen?" Deuce raised an eyebrow.

"In my world there is a belief that dreams have meaning and may be omens of something that may happen in the future ..." - Harumi commented thinking about what he saw in dreams.

"Seriously? I didn't know about that! ” - Ace said curiously - "What did you dream about?" - he was quite curious.

“I dreamed of several things ... First there were two dragons, then a leopard and then a crocodile. I don't know why, but I got the feeling that they are real ... Like because of the dream I was getting to know each one. ” - Harumi commented remembering the feeling she had in that dream.

"This is quite strange." - Grim commented.

"After everything I've seen here, I think it's normal." - Harumi commenting on all the crazy adventures he has ever lived.

"Truth." - The A-Deuce combo agreed.

Suddenly the mirror of darkness revealed the reflection of green flames and a gale appeared, violently opening the windows and winds, forcing students to cover their faces to protect themselves from the strong wind or seek shelter nearby. Outside, a storm raged through the school as students shouted for safety.

The quartet found shelter behind pillars and a crash next to a flash of light that flooded the hall, all closing and covering their eyes to protect themselves from the sudden clarity and when the light faded everything was acclaimed: No storm, storm, nothing .

Or almost if it weren't for the fact that the day seemed to have prematurely given up its time for a dark night and four coffins that normally floated around the room are lying around the fountain under the Mirror of Darkness that now showed the image of figures that Harumi knew well: beings that have appeared in your dreams in the last few weeks.

Harumi felt like everything around her disappeared except the mirror and the coffins, looking like she was inside her dreams and was hearing the mirror's call to receive those beings.

"They're here ..." - Harumi murmured having the sensation of her body acting independently of her will.

He could barely hear his friends trying to get his attention while the boy held out his hand towards the image reflected in the mirror to welcome those beings who approached him.

Shapes of shadows referring to four different hands emerged from the mirror to return the welcome of the boy who begins to feel his conscience fade.

How chaotic would be what was to come, like the omen of the dream seeming to come to life and come true.

Otro día de rutina en Night Raven con el mismo caos de siempre ... Harumi, la estudiante sin poderes mágicos traída de otro mundo, necesita detener una discusión entre Deuce y Ace mientras mantiene a Grim bajo control en un intento de prevenir la criatura peluda y el imán. de los problemas causaron el caos. Harumi estaba agotado por decir lo menos, estaba siendo presionado por la negligencia de Crowley de que todo el problema que ocurre en la escuela, el director de alguna manera empuja sus responsabilidades sobre Harumi, quien todavía necesita preocuparse por su vida escolar además de su trabajo como supervisor. Esto sin trabajo a tiempo parcial en Mostro Lounge ya que el director es tacaño y casi no brinda ayuda económica, Harumi ya estaba cansado de esperar ayuda del director negligente y en ocasiones la situación en el dormitorio no era saludable para seguir así y si no fuera suficiente. no durmió bien en los últimos días debido a todo el estrés y los extraños sueños que tuvo durante casi tres semanas. Estaban terminando otro día de escuela y estaban pasando por el pasillo del Espejo de la Oscuridad cuando Harumi sintió algo, como si alguien llamara. "Oye, Harumi ... ¿Qué es?" - preguntó Deuce llamando la atención del amigo de cabello oscuro. "..." - Harumi no respondió, parecía en trance mientras se miraba al espejo. "¡Oye, tierra para Harumi!" - Ace intenta llamar la atención de su amigo. "Ah, lo siento ..." - respondió Harumi mientras se recuperaba - "¿De qué estábamos hablando?" - preguntó tratando de volver al tema. "Estás muy distraído, ¿sabes?" - comentó Grim - "¿Son esos sueños raros de nuevo?" "¿Sueños?" Deuce preguntó preocupado. "¿Soñaste con un monstruo debajo de tu cama?" - Ace siendo un idiota empezó a provocar. "Jajaja muy divertido." - dijo Harumi sarcásticamente sobre la actitud infantil de la amiga - “No es gran cosa, son solo unos sueños extraños que he estado teniendo. Pero no sé por qué me da la sensación de que es un presagio ... ”- suspiró cansado. "¿Presagio?" Deuce arqueó una ceja. “En mi mundo existe la creencia de que los sueños tienen significado y pueden ser presagios de algo que puede suceder en el futuro ...” - comentó Harumi pensando en lo que veía en sueños. "¿Seriamente? ¡No sabía nada de eso! " - dijo Ace con curiosidad - "¿Con qué soñaste?" - tenía bastante curiosidad. “Soñé con varias cosas ... Primero había dos dragones, luego un leopardo y luego un cocodrilo. No sé por qué, pero tengo la sensación de que son reales ... Como por el sueño que estaba conociendo a cada uno ". - Comentó Harumi recordando la sensación que tuvo en ese sueño. "Esto es bastante extraño, ¿sabes?" - comentó Grim. "Después de todo lo que he visto aquí, creo que es normal". - Harumi comentando todas las locas aventuras que ha vivido. "Verdad." - La pareja A-Deuce estuvo de acuerdo. De repente, el espejo de la oscuridad reveló el reflejo de las llamas verdes y apareció un vendaval que abrió violentamente las ventanas y los vientos, obligando a los estudiantes a cubrirse la cara para protegerse del fuerte viento o buscar refugio cerca. Afuera, una tormenta arrasó la escuela mientras los estudiantes gritaban por seguridad. El cuarteto encontró refugio detrás de pilares y un estruendo junto a un destello de luz que inundó el salón, todos cerrándose y tapándose los ojos para protegerse de la repentina claridad y cuando la luz se desvaneció todo fue aclamado: Sin tormenta, tormenta, nada. . O casi si no fuera por el hecho de que el día parecía haber abandonado prematuramente su tiempo por una noche oscura y cuatro ataúdes que normalmente flotaban alrededor de la habitación están tirados alrededor de la fuente bajo el Espejo de la Oscuridad que ahora mostraba la imagen de figuras que Harumi conocía bien: seres que han aparecido en tus sueños en las últimas semanas. Harumi sintió que todo a su alrededor desapareció excepto el espejo y los ataúdes, luciendo como si estuviera dentro de sus sueños y escuchara la llamada del espejo para recibir a esos seres. "Están aquí ..." - Murmuró Harumi teniendo la sensación de que su cuerpo actuaba independientemente de su voluntad. Apenas podía escuchar a sus amigos tratando de llamar su atención mientras el niño extendía su mano hacia la imagen reflejada en el espejo para dar la bienvenida a aquellos seres que se le acercaban. Del espejo emergen formas de sombras que hacen referencia a cuatro manos distintas para devolver la bienvenida al niño que comienza a sentir que su conciencia se desvanece. Qué caótico sería lo que estaba por venir, como el presagio del sueño que parecía cobrar vida y hacerse realidad.

[spinbitchzu]

lazarus | harumi

The elevator descends with sickening stagnance. All around her, the bodies tremble and sweat, fear pouring off of them in waves. Harumi has stopped being afraid; her skin is glass and everything underneath is missing, leaving only the terrible hollowness. Her heart beats slow in her head and chest and fingers, until she can hardly hear the whirr of the elevator car over the dull thud that feels like a countdown.

The shaft shakes with the commotion outside, and everyone moans in terror as one. Harumi is pressed against the cold doors as the inhabitants of the elevator seem to expand as if there’s anywhere to escape to. The walls seem to shrink down and the cold of the metal leeches into her skin. Another child whimpers and begins to sob, hidden somewhere in the crush of people.

“Honey, listen to me. Listen to me, everything will be okay,” a voice comes, shaking but tender. Harumi feels sick to her stomach.

The soft chime of the bell announces their arrival on the first floor, and as the doors crack, Harumi is shoved forward as the crowd flees in panic, scattering like ants. The woman, whose arms her parents had shoved her in, momentarily hesitates, a hand on her shoulder.

“Come on, kid, you need to get to safety!” she cries. The whites of her eyes are too big as her eyes roll like a spooked horse.

Harumi stays rooted in place, listening to the rumble in the distance that shakes her to her core. She’s completely paralyzed.

“My parents,” she manages to whisper, resisting the jostling. “They’re still in there.”

“Kid, they’re as good as dead, you need to leave with me,” the woman urges her, pulling more insistently.

Harumi shakes her head frantically, panic bubbling in her throat. “I need to wait for my parents!”

The woman stares at her for a moment, almost calculating, and then her head snaps up as she catches a glimpse of something over Harumi’s shoulder. She blanches, and when she looks back, any semblance of compassion in her eyes is replaced by the unflinching hunger of someone who’s survival hangs in the balance. The sword of Damocles whistles as it cuts through the air and the woman turns tail, leaving Harumi alone.

It’s a funny feeling, to be standing in the middle of the chaos as it erupts. Harumi turns, too slow, to see the source of the woman’s fear and watches in captivated horror as all hell breaches the earth. A colossal serpent explodes through the sky scrapers, sending debris in every direction, and blasts through the street, following a red blur. She stares at it, realizing it’s one of the ninja that protects the city.

Her heart lifts and her lips part to shout to him, shout that her parents need help, but he’s gone before the words come. Instead of rescue, she sees gleaming muscular coils constrict around her apartment building. The structure creaks and groans, cracks spiderwebbing up the stucco sides. Harumi’s breath catches.

And then the building just gives, shattering in every direction.

Plumes of dust billow into the air and all around her, the screaming swells, harmonizing in a dissonant chord with the wail of sirens and car alarms and something else. There’s a wild, almost animalistic shriek mixed in with the cacophony. It takes a moment before she connects it to the choked fire tearing up her throat, and she dimly realizes the scream is coming from her.

“Mom! Dad!” The words escape her in a wretched howl. Before she can even process, she’s kneeling in the wreckage, shards of glass digging into her knees. Her hands scrabble and scrape on the jagged edges as she digs through the pile, desperation coursing through her veins like rolling lava.

Unlike before, she’s no longer empty—rather the opposite. Every warring emotion seems to spill over the brim, every heightened sensation too overwhelming to process. She becomes aware of the hot tears spilling down her cheeks and tastes the salt mixing with acrid ash.

The sobs that escape her are huge and gulping as she furiously digs through the rubble. The yawning cavern that gapes in her chest feels like it’s swallowing her as her fists fall fruitlessly on the uncaring heap.

“Mommy!” she bawls, voice splintering. “Daddy, please come back! Please, where are you?”

Where are you?

She shoves what must have once been a table and keeps digging. Her fingers catch on a broken window pane and slick, hot blood courses down her palms.

I need you!

A fit of coughing descends upon her as dust motes float into the air. She blinks away the tears that mingle with the grime on her face and sniffles and keeps digging.

I don’t want to be alone...

The drywall she moves crumbles to reveal more rubble, endlessly heaped in every which way. But if she gives up, what will she have left? The all-consuming maw that threatens to finish her? Harumi grits her teeth, eyes stinging once more, and keeps digging. Every inch of her quivers with adrenaline and need.

I DON’T WANT TO BE ALONE!

The thought explodes across her like a wildfire and she flies into a frenzy of digging. Everything kind of whites out for the next few moments. Harumi tastes metallic copper with the salt in her mouth, and as her breath turns ragged, her spittle is dyed scarlet. It seems like a loop where as much as she digs, she only finds more debris.

Then suddenly, she heaves a fallen door over and her whole world freezes over. Time trickles to a stop. Even her heart seems to pause in its hammering rhythm. Her hands stiffen over what she’s uncovered.

The flesh under hers is cold and clammy, and does not give. It’s strange, almost grey, as if it isn’t human at all, but Harumi knows with annihilating certainty that it is.

And—

And it hurts unimaginably so. More than she thought it ever would. Pain seems to physically press against her heart as she lets out a strangled gasp, desperate for the inflation of her lungs to alleviate the pressure.

Her gut clenches, and she throws herself to the left as the contents of her stomach make a violent reappearance. She can’t help but weep even when her stomach settles and all the tension leaks from her body as she collapses into what used to be her home. She doesn’t stir from her position, eyes locked on the very thing that caused her nausea: a pair of intertwined hands that once stroked her hair and pinched her cheeks. Their wedding bands, though veiled in a thin layer of dirt, shine dimly in the light.

Harumi thinks, in an oddly abstracted way, that this is what it feels like to die.

Is this what damnation is? To have every little bit of you that loves be extinguished in one fell swoop? And if she lives still, what is left over? What survives the loss of everything that matters?

In the background, the sounds of the city carry on. The car alarms continue to rise and fall in their endless cry. The people continue to shout in fear. Even that forsaken snake continues to tear through the city, trailing destruction. But in Harumi’s head, everything has become eerily quiet.

Her eyes crack open as she senses something change. She opens her eyes to complete darkness, with just one beacon of light. Harumi’s eyes lock onto the tiny dark figure at the top of the building, sparkling with the golden weapons he raises. The crushing weight on her chest lifts for the briefest moment as Lord Garmadon’s mouth twists in a wordless scream as he plummets off the building. It should inspire terror or concern or satisfaction or something, but instead—

Instead, her mouth knifes up into a ruined little smile. And slowly, softly, Harumi’s heart begins to beat again.

…

Harumi waits for the rescue she knows will come. Soaked in the slimy aftermath of the Great Devourer’s defeat from head to toe, she sits cross-legged on the pile and makes up a little song in her head to pass the time.

The paramedic who puts a blanket around her shoulders has a gentle voice despite the exhaustion she must be fighting. Her tone is light as she remarks:

“My, my. Aren’t you the quiet one!”

... In the wake of the battle, Harumi is shepherded from place to place like a lost lamb. First, it’s a shelter full of cold strangers and burned-out volunteers. Then they drop her in an orphanage where the linoleum floors smell of lemon cleaners and the children cry all night.

Finally, she’s being chauffeured into the royal palace, feeling small and out of place to meet the royal family. The king and queen smile beatifically at her, but their painted masks ruin the effect. She shivers and pulls away from them, with their moon-white faces and blood-red lips, grotesquely beautiful. The cloying luxury of the palace, untouched despite the battle, disturbs her.

“This is your new home, Harumi,” the queen tells her, tucking her into bed. “Try to leave the past behind, okay? You’re a princess now.”

“And you should call us mom and dad,” the king adds kindly. “Good night, Harumi.”

She studies the happiness on their porcelain faces with detached curiosity and then imitates it. Like a little doll, she parrots back, “Goodnight, Mom, goodnight, Dad.”

That night she dreams of the elevator, of the doors that slide shut and seal her fate. Then four pairs of ink-black hands appear in the gap just before they close and pry the doors back open. In the darkness, a pair of glowing violet eyes appear, along with a razor-sharp smile.

Do not fear. I will protect you, daughter.

Harumi wakes up with something to believe in.