#OLST fanfic

[only-lonely-stars]

Where Are You?

Oneshot – (FFN) (AO3)

Summary:

After the Crystal King's defeat, Vania thought everything was supposed to be peaceful. Then the Merge came, throwing Shintaro into chaos. To make it even worse, she hasn't heard from Cole since it happened…

It wasn’t long ago when Vania, Queen of Shintaro, thought everything really was going to work out. 

Now that hope was only in her daydreams and memories.

-----

The fierce battle against the Crystal King had tested everyone, from greatest to least. When Vania heard of the battle, she marshalled her forces as fast as she could– of course, a militia was hard to muster quickly, and the royal guard was small. As soon as her men were gathered, and supplies were prepared, they set out at full tilt to Ninjago City, the center of the battle.

They arrived not a moment too soon, sweeping through the enemy forces, crushing Vengestone soldiers to dust beneath their feet. Vania spearheaded the attack, with Chompy, Hailmar, and the Upply at her side.

She would never forget her dear Cole’s face when he saw her, grinning from ear to ear, flushed from fighting. What a sight! The light in his eyes, the hope they shared, the moment when they knew all was not yet lost.

The Ninja took on their dragon forms, the ultimate form of Spinjitzu, and the battle was all but won in that moment. Too bright to look at, too powerful to stop. Vania barely knew what had happened; a moment later, everything was in motion.

Spinning, whirling motion.

The battled raged on, and she heard distant snippets of Cole’s fight against her father:

“You turned my people against me, turned my own daughter against me!”

“Oh, that! Yeah, kinda brought that on yourself.”

“Lies!”

There was a horrible thud , shaking the buildings nearby, and Vania jumped into action to spur Chompy forward. They swooped in, just as she heard her father’s last horrible taunt.

“The Crystal King wanted you for himself. Lucky for me, he isn’t here to see this.”

Panic flooded her vision. In retrospect, Vania didn’t know what she’d done, but her father was lying prone on the ground and Cole had gone to rendezvous with his team…

Only the last stand remained.

Just before the end of it all, Cole had swept down on his dragon wings (she didn’t know where they’d come from) and given her a tight, warm hug that she wished had been just a little bit longer.

It was momentary, before he swept away on his dragon wings once again, and left her to deal with the army. He headed for the Crystal King, the Overlord– it was the greatest battle of their lifetimes– the Ninja prepared to strike down their hated foe–

–and they won!

-----

Vania recalled again, how they had celebrated the defeat of the Crystal King. How everyone had come together to rebuild the city and the Monastery of Spinjitzu. How Cole had told her all about his adventure, from saving Nya’s life to his brief stint in prison to the battle they had just fought.

She remembered how it felt to press a kiss to his cheek before she left, hoping that he would accept it.

She knew with certainty that his bewildered smile was enough to sustain her heart. No matter the distance between them, no matter how long they were apart. 

-----

She was wrong.

When Vania returned home with her victorious army, with gifts from the people of Ninjago City, something was wrong in a small, subtle way. 

An odd trinket appeared here or there that didn’t belong. 

There were some strange weather patterns and odd lights in the sky.

Vania swore she’d seen magenta light in the corner of her room… surely it was just more of those tiny crystals even her best laundresses couldn’t get out of the fibers of her battle dress. She’d shed them for weeks after the battle.

Then it got worse. 

Shintaro had always had earthquakes. They were a consequence of the extensive cave system, plus the instability of recent years. Plus, the city was built near one of the largest faultlines in Ninjago! Minor quakes were common, and their only real consequences were the rockslides which blocked some of the mountain passes. This was normal. Expected, even.

They ignored the little earthquakes which shook Shintaro until three struck within the same week, each of them strong enough to topple already unstable buildings.

Unfamiliar storms raged. 

Rain poured and then suddenly stopped. 

Crops failed. 

Everything became unstable.

The Merge came, and none of it mattered much anymore. A great tear formed in the sky, magenta and shining brighter than the sun over the city of Shintaro. The Mergequakes began, and Vania watched as her people struggled to find safety as their mountain home seemed to fuse into something else– somewhere else–  anything but their old, familiar landscape.

The Merged Lands formed, with Shintaro suddenly bordered by a strange, wild land that had a large floating island hovering above it. The whole place was teeming with blue light and filled with strange, bipedal animals! Lions, birds, reptiles, and more…

Helpless to stop the chaos, Queen Vania directed her people, desperate to protect them. She ordered her soldiers to help evacuate the citizens, and the people did their best to prevent their city from crumbling to the very foundations. The Munce and Geckles surfaced to help, with their superior knowledge of stonecraft contributing greatly to the effort.

The aftershocks died away after a time, eternity yet only a moment.

Slowly, so slowly, everything started coming back together.

Eventually, a tense peace came back.

-----

Queen Vania sighed heavily, leaning back in her throne. Holding court had been a low priority for so long that now there were more petitions and emergencies than ever before. She’d never been so sleepless before. 

She took a moment to summon the energy to deal with at least one more matter. “Hailmar, is there anyone left to meet with?”

The Captain of the Royal Guard shook his head. “No, your Highness. Just a report from the scouts.”

“Oh, thank the Master!” She closed her eyes, slumping tiredly against one of the armrests on her tall white throne. “What do they have to say?”

Hailmar cleared his throat, rustling through papers until he found the right one. “Mugwort says that they have come to the end of the changed landscape to the north. However, they’ve noticed very few Shintaran Ridgebacks, and several empty nests.”

Vania hummed, unable to stir up more energy. “More?”

“Yes, ma’am. This makes seven empty nests between all the scouting parties.”

“It’s not mating season. Why are they gone so early?”

“I’m afraid we don’t know. However, Steele said he noticed signs of some kind of struggle, and scorch marks on the walls of the cave where they found one of the nests. They seem to be from the strange drones we noticed the other week. He suggested that perhaps the dragons are not leaving willingly, but are being… dragon-napped, as it were.”

Vania opened her eyes, frowning deeply. She looked over at Hailmar, noting his grave expression. “What about our letter to the Ninja? Have they responded yet?”

He shook his head. “No, ma’am. No response of any kind to any of the letters we’ve sent. There’s been no sightings of them anywhere.”

Vania watched him for a moment, then sighed. “...I see. What else did Mugwort say?”

“Nothing else of importance. Just samples and reports about the strange plants and animals they’ve seen. I have forwarded those reports to the royal botanists, zoologists, and geologists for continued study.”

“Very good.” She nodded. “If that’s all, then… I think I’ll retire to my rooms.”

“As you wish.” Hailmar offered her a smile. “Would you care for an escort?”

“Thank you, but no. I want to be alone.” She smiled in return, but she knew it was unconvincing. “Let’s talk about this more over supper.”

With those parting remarks, she rose from her throne. The golden wings mounted on her back lifted her up, and she descended the stairs, coming to rest on the ground at the base of the dais. She walked out of the throne room, a small contingent of guards following her, and wearily made her way to her rooms.

When she was finally alone (as alone as a queen could be, considering how strange their world had become), she fell forward onto her bed with a heavy sigh.

No answer.

With a heavy heart, she strained her arms behind her to unclip her wing harness, unwilling to get up. Once they were off and pushed to the foot of her bed, she reached under her pillows to pull out a framed picture. It was one of herself and Cole, long before any of her current worries had existed.

Just looking at it made her frown, exhausted tears coming to her eyes, heart aching. 

“There’s been no sightings of them anywhere.”

Where are you?

There were no answers. What had happened to the Ninja in the Merge? Even now, she was only hearing the most vague rumors about the Green Ninja re-appearing, or perhaps just some impostor, running around with a baby dragon and children dressed in orange and pink. It was so hard to get news from Ninjago City, and now that they’d renamed themselves The Crossroads, it was even more confusing.

It didn’t matter. They weren’t her Cole.

She let herself rest face-down on the bed, weak tears running down her cheeks, dripping off the tip of her nose to wet the duvet. 

She couldn’t make herself believe he was dead. If he were dead, there would be proof of it! 

…right?

She laid there wondering, thinking of when she’d last seen him: banged-up, victorious, slowly relaxing after the last threat to the balance was eradicated. Smiling, working hard, celebrating with his family in a way she just couldn’t interrupt.

She'd made a promise to herself then:

Next time. Next time, I'll tell him how I feel. I can't spoil this moment. 

Now there might never be a next time. Cole might never be coming back to her, or to anyone .

Nothing was okay anymore.

Framed photo in hand, Vania cried herself to sleep.

[doodlebless]

Reeva Olsted

When I realised I needed some minor OCs for Shot in the Dark, I really wasn’t looking forward to it, but I got so attached to Reeva and I’m so happy that others feel the same *o*

So little tidbit I never really mentioned - she wears contact lenses, and although she never does in the story itself, sometimes she’ll wear her glasses to work instead.

You’re a good ‘un, Reeva. Thanks for keeping Noct alive <3

[only-lonely-stars]

Reminiscence

Oneshot – (FFN) (AO3)

Summary:

Skylor never really talked much about her childhood. It just wasn't important. Who wants to hear about that? However, a day off with Kai was probably the right time to tell him about the history she's been carrying around… right?

Phone in hand, Skylor walked out of her noodle shop through the back door, latching it behind her. She finally had a day off, and not too soon at all; she hadn't seen Kai in ages. She pulled up her messaging app with a smile.

FROM: Copycat (10:03 AM) TO: Hair Gel Hey, are you free? I managed to have a day off

FROM: Hair Gel (10:05 AM) TO: Copycat yeah, greenie gave us the day off yesterday he worked us until 7 wanna go do something ?

FROM: Copycat (10:06 AM) TO: Hair Gel You want to meat up at the park? *meet The weather's great today

FROM: Hair Gel (10:06 AM) TO: Copycat definitely! I'll see you in a few minutes?

FROM: Copycat (10:07 AM) TO: Hair Gel Copy that.

Skylor put away her phone with a smile. It would be a nice change to see him again; despite being engaged, they had spent little time together recently (of course, it was the noodle shop's fault, having several employees on holiday, but no matter). She rolled her shoulders back and set off on a quick jog, only taking a few minutes to reach the park. As she got to the entrance gate, she spotted a figure in a red hoodie waving to her from across the park. She smiled, waved back, and jogged up to meet him, giving him a big hug in greeting. "Hi, Kai."

"Hey, Sky!" Kai replied, warmly enveloping her in his arms. He kissed her temple, then let her go and smiled. "Long time no see."

"No kidding," Skylor laughed. "Sorry I've been so busy."

"Lots of business?"

"Oh yeah. We've had a lot of people on holiday recently. Plus, those new apartment buildings had a lot of Serpentine moving in." Skylor shrugged. "We had a lot of busy days."

"Makes sense." Kai took her hand. "Are you okay, being around so many Serpentine? I know you haven't exactly had a good experience with them." He gestured to a nearby bench, and they sat. "They've been starting to really come back to Ninjago this past few months."

Skylor sighed. "It's been weird, but I haven't had to deal with too many of them. How's training been for you?"

"Brutal. Lloyd keeps making up weirder and weirder exercises. Who comes up with one-handed burpees while wearing weights?" Kai laughed briefly. "It's working pretty well, though."

"Oh yeah? Your spinjitzu must be getting better." Skylor nudged his shoulder. "It would be nice to be able to do that; just in case any old cultists show up, you know."

"That would be great! It's an amazing skill. But… aren't all those guys in Kryptarium Prison or the Cursed Realm?" Kai's face fell.

Skylor's eyes fell. "There are still some stragglers. They're not really that nice to see– some of them are still really attached to the island." She sighed deeply. "Once, a gang of them tried to take me back. That wasn't fun."

"What? When was that?" Kai exclaimed.

Skylor shrugged. "I think it was last Friday? I'd just closed up the shop for the night."

"And you didn't tell any of us, because…"

"It wasn't an issue! I handled it. There wasn't a reason to bother you about it." She gave him a weak smile.

"Sky, almost being kidnapped and dragged back to the island isn't a bother," Kai responded, giving her an uncharacteristically soft look. A shiver ran up Skylor's spine. Since when was he good with this sort of thing?

"Exactly! It's just– whatever, you know? It wasn't even the first time." Skylor shook her head, combined with another shrug. "I just thought spinjitzu might help me next time." Was it just her, or did the wind feel colder?

"Skylor…" Kai breathed, taking her hand in his. Skylor felt the warmth of his hands, radiating up her body. "You can tell us about this kind of thing. You can trust us– you can trust me."

"I do trust you! I just thought it wasn't important. It's not like someone tried to burglarize the shop or anything."

"Of course it's important! You're important!"

"So? It doesn't matter. I can take care of myself, Kai."

"I know you can," Kai conceded, rubbing her hand comfortingly, "but you don't have to any more. Your safety matters, Skylor."

Skylor looked away, unable to meet his eyes. "I know, and I appreciate that, really. It's just… hard to believe that sometimes, you know? I still feel like I need to escape sometimes, just to be free. I didn't have that for a long time."

Kai nodded. "I get that." He paused, looking unsure. "Do you want to talk about it? Not that you have to."

Skylor chuckled and met his eyes again, managing to smile. "Are you really in the mood to hear about my issues?"

Kai laughed. "I live with Lloyd Garmadon. Not to mention the fact that all the rest of us have our own. It's not so unusual."

"Heh, fair enough. There's a lot to tell, though." She shifted on the bench, inching closer to him.

"That's fine. Do you feel safe? We could go back to your place, if that helps," Kai offered.

Skylor smiled, squeezing his hand. "Even if I felt like I was in danger, it wouldn't be a problem. After all, I have Ninjago's strongest ninja here to protect me." She winked at him, enjoying how he perked up at her comment. "Besides, it's about time I told you." She shifted in her seat.

-----

"My childhood was pretty weird, honestly. Being a kid on the island wasn't exactly terrible, but it wasn't fun either. Lots of adults, not many kids, and near-total isolation from the outside world tend not to be good elements when it comes to mental health." She shook her head. "One of the worst things was how much everyone believed in my father. It was like they thought he was their savior, you know? They hated how much attention I got in public– not that I got much in private, but they didn't know that."

Kai frowned. "They shouldn't have treated you like that. Especially your dad."

Skylor's eyes fell, a tiny smile on her face. "I know, but it's okay. At least he told me some stories about when I was pretty young. He liked to talk about my mother. He always said she believed in me."

-----

Skylor, only a baby, cried very loudly. It wasn't just because she had needs; she announced her presence. As she grasped at the air with her tiny hands, her father smiled uneasily down at her.

"I'm not so sure about this, dear. It's a bit… loud, isn't it?" Chen muttered, trying to soothe her.

"Chen, Skylor's not an it. She's our daughter. You can't just turn off her crying," Skylor's mother said with a smile. She toyed with Skylor's hair, tiredly drinking in the image of her husband and newborn daughter.

"Yes, right, darling. She's very pretty," Chen backtracked, gently rocking Skylor.

"She's not just pretty," Skylor's mother said with a smile. "I have a feeling she will be someone extraordinary."

"I'm afraid I'm going to drop her. What will happen if I drop her? Will that break her?"

"Just be gentle," his wife reprimanded, amused.

Skylor cooed, grasping at Chen's beard. "Ahh, I think she got her lack of hair from me! She wants my beard," Chen laughed. "Dearest, please let go!"

Skylor laughed and let go, happily laying her arms back down and yawning, while conveniently covering her mother's quietly labored breathing. "Be careful with your father, Skylor…" her mother commented.

Chen's face fell. "Are you all right dear? Do you need me to call the doctor?" He knelt by his wife's bedside.

"No, I'm fine. Really," his wife placated, waving her hand. "I'm just tired."

"If you say so," Chen relented, before smiling at Skylor again. "Our daughter will want for nothing. She's a daddy's girl, don't you think?"

"Yes, she is," her mother replied, smiling as her daughter fell asleep in Chen's arms. "I think she's going to be someone very special."

"Yes, she'll be special," Chen repeated. "She will be powerful..."

-----

"Of course, it's not like that lasted. My mother wasn't healthy, and my father knew it. He always said he wished he'd known she was dying earlier..." Skylor laughed quietly.

"That's… dark," Kai commented.

"Yeah, but it's just how it was." She shrugged. "It's not a long story; life on the island got repetitive pretty fast."

-----

Now four years old, Skylor lived a life of happiness, shielded from the bitter truths she would later know. She ran through the hallways of Chen's castle, laughing and playing with a makeshift sword made from two sticks and some rope as she fought off invisible ninja enemies. Panting from her exercise, she ran into her mother's room. "Mommy! Did you see me! I defeated the ninja!"

"Yes you did, darling," her mother said with a smile, before devolving into a coughing fit.

Skylor's grin fell off her face, fear taking root in her eyes. "Are you okay, Mommy?"

"I'm fine, dear," her mother got out between coughs. "Can you go get your father to come here, please?"

Skylor nodded, all thoughts of games gone. "Yes, Mommy…" She ran out of the room, almost ramming into Clouse on the way.

"Be careful where you're going," Clouse sneered.

"I'm sorry Mr. Clouse," Skylor said hastily. "Do you know where my daddy is?"

Clouse sniffed. "Master Chen is currently in a business meeting with an important man from the mainland. He does not have time to be disturbed by children."

Skylor pouted. "Mommy said she needs to see him. She was coughing again."

Clouse rolled his eyes. "He is in his study." Upon seeing her beaming face, he turned and walked away, while Skylor ran towards the study.

Skylor knocked loudly on the door. "Daddy!"

"Is that my Skylor I hear?" Chen called from behind it, opening the door.

"Daddy, there you are!" Skylor ran in, hugging his legs tightly. "Mommy wants to see you."

Chen smiled, picking her up. "Well, let's go see her then!" He turned to the man in his study– a dark, tall man with a curly brown beard, dressed in clothing decorated with feathers and leaves. "If you'll excuse me, I have other business to attend to. Enjoy your trip home! I'm sure your son is anxious to see you again– what was his name, Bolobo?" He grinned widely, giggling quietly. "It would be a shame to keep you from him any longer."

The man nodded and left the room, seemingly frightened. Skylor hugged her father tightly. "Daddy? Mommy was coughing again. Is she going to be okay?" She looked up at him, uncertainty clear on her face.

Chen's smile faltered, no longer reaching his eyes. "Yes, darling, she will be okay. Now, where is she?" He walked out of the office, looking around. "I just can't find the way around this place like you can, Skylor!"

Skylor laughed, pointing down the hallway. "She's there, Daddy! You remember!"

"Ah, yes, there she is! You're quite the wayfinder," he said to his daughter, smiling again. "It's not so easy for an old, old, old man like me." He pushed open the door to his wife's room. "Hello, dear. How are you feeling?"

His wife smiled weakly. "As well as I can." She coughed weakly into her sleeve. "It's getting harder to breathe."

Chen's face fell, mirroring his little daughter's. "I'm calling the doctor again. There must be something we can do."

His wife smiled, shaking her head. "Darling, we've tried everything. Not even mainland doctors would be able to help me. It's almost time for me to go– I can't keep the spirits waiting. The next generation has to have the world and make it theirs."

Skylor sniffed, tearing up. "What do you mean, Mommy? Where are you going?" Chen frowned as she climbed out of Chen's arms and curled up into the crook of her mother's elbow. "We need you."

Her mother sighed, smiling sadly as she cuddled her daughter close to her. "The First Spinjitzu Master needs me too. I have to go meet him. When I do, I promise I'll watch over you. You'll never be alone– I'll love you forever." She kissed the top of Skylor's head, before turning away to cough into her arm. "I love you so much."

Skylor nodded, now fully crying into her side as her father watched, her mother slowly slipping away.

-----

Kai entwined his hand with hers. "Sky… I don't know what to say. I'm sorry– not that that really helps…"

Skylor squeezed his hand, smiling a little. "It's okay. We're kind of the same that way, huh? You found your parents again, though."

"I guess. Do you miss her?"

"...I can't really tell." She shrugged, leaning against Kai. "After she was gone, my father sank into a deep depression, so Clouse took over running the island. That also meant helping train me to be the perfect pawn, all the while taking my father's attention for himself and away from me. Most of all, he wanted a title. All the while, my father started just… going nuts."

"Like how he was when we were there?" Kai asked.

"Yeah. At first it was his war meetings, and then his business with the noodle company. Eventually, even just me snagging some fortune cookies without permission was enough to make him ballistic."

-----

Fifteen-year-old Skylor panted heavily, drenched in sweat as she tossed away a blunt training sword. She pushed her bangs back, hoping to alleviate the heat. "Stupid snakes…"

Above her, Clouse sneered at her from an observation deck. "Sloppy form as always. Name-calling is hardly professional, miss Skylor. If I were anyone else, I might think you didn't care what your father thought of you."

Skylor scoffed. "That was my fastest time yet! He'd be proud of me, unlike you." She shook her head, muttering to herself. "Who does he think he is?"

Clouse crossed his arms. "I am your father's most trusted advisor, and more unbiased than him. It is my duty to make sure his daughter does not make him out to be a fool."

Skylor sighed heavily. "Of course. Can I be done? Michael said he wanted to show me something cool he got during his trip to the mainland." She wiped her forehead again. "It's hotter than a crucible out here..."

Clouse rolled his eyes. "Fine, go on. Don't do anything dishonorable; it would be a shame if you were found doing something… compromising."

Skylor shuddered. "Yeah, okay." She ran out of the training ground, only to stop short as she saw her father, waiting in the hallway. She hastily stopped and bowed. "Father!"

Chen smiled. "Oh, Skylor! There you are. I've been hearing about your training sessions from Clouse."

Skylor's eyes widened. "Yes, Father? I've been working hard, I promise–"

"This can't keep happening," Chen said, cutting her off. "You need to concentrate! From what I've been told, your form and technique have been abysmal lately."

"But Father, I defeated three of your lieutenants today! Isn't that proof that I'm doing well?"

"Top form, Skylor. Top form! You need to work harder!" Chen snapped.

Skylor sighed, hanging her head. "...yes, Father."

"Good, good," Chen replied. "There's also the matter of some rumors I've been hearing. Is it true that you are able to use the power of our guest from a few days ago?"

Skylor blinked. "You mean that man from the mainland?"

"Who else would I mean?" Chen snapped. "Is it true or not?"

Skylor nodded quickly. "Yes, Father. Can I show you?"

"Yes, yes, please do!" Chen responded, clapping his hands with glee. "I'm eager to see if you can do what your mother could, Skylor."

Skylor smiled, scrunching her face in concentration. After a moment, she opened her eyes to see a flower, having sprung to life in her hand. "...I can grow flowers so far."

Chen's smile widened. "Oh, this is lovely! Just like your mother." His smile briefly fell, before he resumed his dramatic gesturing. "It would appear you are an elemental master, Skylor. We can use this!" He plucked the flower from Skylor's hand. "Daughter, I will tell Clouse to start going a bit easier on you, but only if you promise to work very hand and not slack off. You must learn how to use these powers."

Skylor nodded, beaming. "Of course, I promise! I'll work harder than ever."

"Good, good. That's what I like to hear!" Chen sniffed the flower, then dropped it on the floor and walked off. "Make sure to keep your word, daughter!"

-----

Skylor shook her head. "I wish things had been different."

Kai nudged her gently. "Did something happen?"

She nodded. "Lots of things. Over the years, life on the island got worse and worse. I should have realized something was wrong. I should have said something, but I was too afraid to do anything." She shook her head, squeezing Kai's hand and making her free hand into a fist. "Nothing I did was good enough. If I made a mistake, he cheered me on one minute, while threatening me the next. It got to the point where I couldn't meet his astronomical standards."

Skylor growled quietly. "No matter what, I was wrong, and it was always my fault."

-----

Several years later, Skylor panted heavily as she stood at the end of a rigourous obstacle course. She glared at it, shaded her eyes, and looked up a hill at Clouse and Chen. "How was that? Good enough?"

Chen shook his head. "Try again, Skylor. You barely beat your record! You must be the best of the best. Remember the creed of the Anacondrai?"

Skylor groaned quietly. "Only one can remain…"

Chen nodded. "That's right, Skylor. Now, try it again! And Clouse, have someone bring me some noodles! I'm starving up here!"

Skylor scoffed quietly. "Yes, Father." She trudged to the start of the course and launched herself into it again, only to stumble on a ledge and cry out in pain.

Skylor winced as interference rang out through a megaphone. "Skylor, if you will not do this the right way, I won't allow you to participate in the tournament! Try again, or I won't see you for the rest of the day," Chen ordered.

Skylor nodded, blinking away tears, but stumbled as she walked back to the start. Chen shook his head as he saw her bend over in pain. "Skylor, get out of my sight. You're too tired to continue today. We have two weeks left before the tournament begins– I hope you will be able to continue before then." He waved her away, and she nodded meekly before limping away. As she walked away, Clouse met her in a hallway.

"Well, it seems you now realize exactly how disappointed he is. Do you know how much he has bet on your success?" He sneered at her. "Of course, I'm not all that surprised. You've never seemed to amount to much."

Skylor glared at him, putting her foot down fully and wincing at the pain. "You say that, yet he still loves me. You're just a henchman– you don't even have a title of lordship! He'll always choose me first."

"Ah, but that's where you go wrong. I worked my way to this position. All you had to do was be born. Would Master Chen really choose a sniveling little girl over his most proven, most loyal advisor?" He paused for a moment. "I think not."

Skylor laughed briefly before coughing from her heavy breathing. "As if he'd betray his own daughter. If there's anyone he's ever loved, it's me and my mother– not you."

-----

Skylor smiled, pushing the memories to the back of her mind as she refocused on the present. "Seeing you on that ferry was the best and worst thing to ever happen to me, Kai."

Kai blushed. "Uh, what exactly do you mean by 'worst?'"

Skylor laughed faintly. "You turned my world upside down! I had all these new feelings and didn't even understand them– not to mention that you were my enemy. I was supposed to steal your powers and become a snake so I could help take over Ninjago, not help take down my father and defend an entire country." Her smile fell. "When my father suspected I had feelings for you, he was furious at first. And once he calmed down, he told me I needed to use you to win the tournament. He made me spy on the Alliance, with you as my in."

Kai smirked and nudged her. "Hey, don't beat yourself up over it. It all worked out in the end, didn't it?"

Skylor nodded. "Yeah. It's okay now, I think. I don't always feel good about it now, but it's at least better." She let go of Kai's hand and crossed her arms. "Besides, it's not like I hate him, even though my life was horrible. He's dead. It doesn't matter." She glared at the ground.

Kai put an arm around her back. "Sky, it's okay to not think he's a good person. He manipulated you, he… Zane told me once that victims of abuse don't always know what's going on when it's happening. I don't want to label it or anything– I don't know anything about this stuff– but could it have been that?"

Skylor shook her head. "Yeah, it could've. It was abuse, or something like it; no use trying to deny it. He made me a pawn and said he loved me, promising that my mother would have wanted it or that it could get us to the mainland. He dangled that freedom over my head for years; it was all I ever wanted." She growled in frustration. "In hindsight, it seems like it couldn't have been that bad, but it was! And I just can't get over it. Shouldn't I be over it?"

Kai shook his head, murmuring to her. "You don't need to 'get over it,' Sky. It's not going to go away completely, but that's okay. It'll stop hurting eventually, I promise."

"And if it doesn't?" Skylor murmured, pressing up against him.

"It will." Kai pulled her close. "Lloyd always says he feels better after talking about stuff like this. If you need to talk about this again, just call me, okay?"

Skylor nodded, smiling faintly. "Okay. Thanks for listening."

"Anytime, Sky." Kai kissed her hair.

Skylor took a deep breath, stabilizing herself. "Do you want to go back to my apartment? I really don't feel like being out in the city today. We could watch a movie…?"

Kai smiled. "I'd like that. Come on." He helped her up from the bench, and together they walked back to Skylor's apartment hand-in-hand under the midday sun, with lighter yet wearier hearts.

-----

FROM: Copycat (9:47 PM) TO: Hair Gel Hey Thanks for listening to me today. it really helped.

FROM: Hair Gel (9:51 PM) TO: Copycat anytime, Sky goodnight xx

FROM: Copycat (9:51 PM) TO: Hair Gel Good night. X

[only-lonely-stars]

Fanfic interest check

Hey y'all! I haven't written Ninjago fanfic in quite a while, but I've got the beginnings of a new idea.

If I wrote a short western/cowboy AU, would you want to read it? Would you want to see anything specific? As far as I can tell, there's not many western AUs out there, so I'd like to make it a fun one (and I have never written western before).

[only-lonely-stars]

A Bride for the Prince (Prologue)

[Prologue - you are here!] // [Chapter 1 of 9] – (FFN) (AO3)

Part of the @ninjago-fairy-tale-au!

Summary:

Once upon a time, there lived a faithful and hardworking girl named Pixal Borg, who worked every day to satisfy her demanding stepmother. For years, she cleaned and cooked, giving no argument, until the day came when she met the prince. A Pixane Cinderella retelling.

Chapter summary:

Pixal Borg, daughter of Cyrus Borg, was the only heir to a lush estate... until they day her stepmother decided to get in the way.

Once upon a time, there lived a happy family in the Central Commonwealth within the realm of Ninjago. There was a father, a mother, and a lone daughter; the Borgs. They loved each other deeply and dearly, putting each other's needs before their own, and were envied by all who knew them.

As time passed, however, it became clear to everyone that their family was imperfect. The father, Cyrus, was an inventor who often worked late into the night by candlelight. The mother, Astrid, slowly became sickly and weak, confined to bed due to her weakness. Due to these circumstances, their daughter Pansy took it upon herself to run their household.

For several years, it seemed as if Astrid's sickness would come and go, leaving her slightly worse every time it faded. Eventually, however, it took her to death's door. It was at that time that she called Pansy to her side, that she might say her last goodbyes, even as Cyrus worked tirelessly to find a cure.

When Pansy at last came to her mother's bedside, Astrid took her hands. "My dearest daughter, my brightest star. You are but a pixel in the sky, but you shine with the light of faithfulness. Thank you for caring for me so well."

Pansy cried, wiping her tears away just as she shed them. "Mother, won't you recover? Father swears he's finally found a way."

"Not this time." Astrid struggled to sit up and pressed a kiss to Pansy's forehead. "My daughter, you must be good for your father. Be faithful, and the First Master will always take care of you. I will watch over you from the next life; you will never be alone."

Later that night, Astrid breathed her last. Pansy cried unceasingly for weeks. In her mother's memory, she decided she would no longer live by the name of Pansy; instead, she would be Pixal, shining faithfully despite all hardship.

After his wife's death, Cyrus lapsed into a deep despair. He would neither sleep nor eat as he should. More than once, Pixal had to beg him to care for himself. For months his sorrow was inexpressable. He prayed, he cried, and he lived on. Eventually, however, he began to be able to cope with their loss.

One day as Cyrus was wandering their town's market, he came across a beautiful woman and her two daughters, shopping for clothing. He introduced himself, and they began a friendship. Before much time had passed, they decided to court. The woman, Amaryllis, was a widow who sought financial stability, especially for her daughters Begonia and Columbine, while Cyrus desired companionship, that Pixal might have a mother again. It seemed like a perfect solution to all involved.

Eleven months after Astrid's death, Cyrus and Amaryllis were married. Their courtship had been beautiful, as was the ceremony, and not a single eye was dry as they spoke their vows. Pixal thought that she would have a beautiful relationship with every one of her new family members, and the future looked bright to all.

Unfortunately, when the anniversary of his first wife's death arrived, Cyrus lapsed once more into his sorrow. He delved into his work to cope, avoiding every obligation. Once again, he worked by candle light to finish his many inventions, in the hope that they could bring him out of his despair. He could not revive his wife, but if he could provide perfectly for his new family, perhaps he would feel saved.

When Amaryllis saw how Cyrus still cared about his first wife, however, she was filled with rage. Begonia and Columbine were likewise angered, as they had hoped their new father would spoil them with attention and gifts, but instead he holed himself up in his workroom. Pixal, for her part, simply went about her life as she had prior, for her new sisters never lifted a finger to help with the housework, as she always had to aid their hired help. Her relationship with her new sisters became strained. In thinking that she thought she was a more righteous girl than them, Begonia and Columbine began to torment her, giving her ever more work to do and telling the maids that it was Pixal's doing. As Pixal slowly took on more chores, Amaryllis began to join in.

As the years passed, life only devolved for the Borgs, even as Cyrus found success in his inventions. Under his unsuspecting eye, Pixal slowly became akin to a maid, while Amaryllis, Begonia, and Columbine began to treat themselves like queens. He took long business trips, often traveling to the farthest corners of their kingdom to sell his inventions. However, Pixal never wavered, committed to her promise to her mother. Faithful until the end, she held her head high, despite wearing rags smudged with cinders, determined to be the daughter her mother raised.

[only-lonely-stars]

Safety

Oneshot – (FFN) (AO3)

Summary:

Nightmares crop up when you least expect them, built from your oldest fears. No one knew that fact better than Cole, for even though the apocalypse had been stopped, it wasn't forgotten. The sickening feeling of corruption was cold, Cole's old desperation was fierce– he needed to be free!

Cole opened his eyes.

Every one of his senses was bombarded with rumbling, falling dust, rubble, danger. It was utter chaos. The earth was shaking below his feet, shaking tall buildings around him, destabilizing foundations, rending cracks in the street. Everywhere he looked, Ninjago City was falling apart.

He looked around. People were screaming, running, wailing. Crying. Dying. Falling. Worse than the Devourer's attack. How was this happening?

In the corner of his vision, something moved. He turned to look. A figure was emerging from the cracks– no, chasms– in the road. Except there was more than one. They approached him, baring their obsidian teeth, laughing evilly. Red eyes shining, armor and weapons of indestructible stone. The signs of the apocalypse.

Cole turned to look behind himself, only to catch sight of the Celestial Clock turning and glinting. Impossible– he was in the city, not the island!

Fear coursed through him as he looked back to the warrior. There was an army of them, on the highest cliff Cole had ever seen, taller than the Mountains of Madness, than his father's standards. No way down, no way to safety, no way to fight. Only their swords and teeth, only them and the Clock. Where were his brothers?!

Desperation clawed at Cole's throat. He didn't want to die yet! This wasn't what was supposed to happen!

He turned to run, but found himself instead running up, up, up the slope around the tower in central Ninjago City. Higher, higher, he had to go higher. To the Overlord, to the evil, to protect Lloyd– Lloyd, who would fight alone, who would die without his help. He struggled to put one foot after another, pushed himself to keep running, panted for breath as his lungs were screaming. His body was lead. At any moment, the Warriors would catch him, poison him, corrupt him with the dark matter. He couldn't escape.

Cole's chest ached. He stumbled. He fell on his hands, scraping them painfully, raw broken skin yielding fresh red blood.

Before he could stand again, something sickening and cold hit his back. It spread through him, slimy and evil. This was it. There was no way to escape. He'd been hit. There was no hope.

He had to fight! He couldn't fall! There was no hope left!

The coldness soaked into his limbs. His heart pounded. His blood flowed black. What was this sickening control… no! No, no, no!

Cole woke with a shout, breathing heavily, head spinning, eyes wide, having bolted upright.

For a moment, he sat in complete disorientation, only knowing he had to be free. Half-thought nightmares filled his mind, twisting his fears. The stone warriors were going to drive him back, off the cliff, to fall. The dark matter would consume him, overcome his will, make him hurt his brothers. He couldn't let it happen!

Cole was so, so hot. He'd thought he was cold, like the matter, but no. He was burning alive. In an effort cool down, he desperately tugged off his shirt. Cool night air hit his skin, cutting through the heat, freezing his sweat, but not enough to help– he couldn't think. He had to run. He had to get away. His hands- there was no blood, no pain, but they were just hurt. What had happened to his hands?

It took a few minutes, but Cole's mind eventually settled, coming to terms with reality. It was only a dream– one he'd had many times, always the same, when the defeat of the Overlord had been fresh. He'd thought he was free of them. He hadn't had nightmares like that in years, since he had them nightly. It had been so long.

He covered his face with a hand, pinching his temples, trying to dispel it. The dream was just bad memories. He'd be okay. Everyone was okay. He'd recovered, the city was safe. He repeated that mantra, but it didn't seem to help much.

As he slowly calmed, a quiet stirring next to him drew his attention, and he looked to its source.

In the faint moonlight, Cole could just barely see Vania, sleeping next to him. Her wedding ring glinted in the pale light from where it rested on her finger, just barely visible. It was a reminder of how far they had come together, from acquaintances to friends to lovers. Even over a year after tying the knot, he still sometimes couldn't believe she'd ever wanted him, but he didn't complain. It wasn't as if he was worried about that after his nightmare, despite how long ago the nightmare's memories were. In the back of his mind, he hoped he hadn't awakened her, though she didn't seem to stir.

He sighed heavily. The dread and fear were too present; he wouldn't be sleeping again for a long time. He wouldn't be able to sleep until the memories faded, but that would take a long time… Even so, there was nothing to be done about it, except to get comfortable for a long night of thinking. Cole pushed himself up so he could lean against the headboard of the bed. As he did so, however, his hand slipped out from under him on the silky sheets, and he fell heavily to one elbow.

Cole froze. Silently, he cursed the slippery sheets. Then he watched as Vania stirred again, this time slowly waking, only just managing to get into a better position as she sleepily opened her eyes.

"...Cole?" she murmured.

"Hey, Vania," he responded quietly.

She rubbed her eyes and pushed herself up so she could see him, blinking sleep away. "What's wrong? Why are you awake?"

He shook his head dismissively. "Nothing's wrong. Sorry to wake you."

She yawned, blinking blearily, and focused on him and how disoriented he looked. "It doesn't look like nothing." She sat up properly, looking him over, gauging his emotions. "Was it a nightmare?"

He nodded, not awake enough to brush away her concerns, but knowing he couldn't just deny it. "It's just bad memories. I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" She put a hand on his shoulder, rubbing it distractingly, drawing his attention. Her ring was cold to the touch. "Do you want to talk about it?"

He leaned into the gentle stroking. "You don't want to hear about that stuff."

"Yes I do. I wouldn't ask if I didn't." She let her nails lightly scratch against his skin, adding to the distraction. "Besides, you really don't look like you're okay. I want to help."

He smiled weakly. It took a moment for him to find the words in his half-asleep state. How could he tell her about what he'd seen? How old the memories were, and yet they still seemed to haunt him? It has been years, and yet he couldn't forget.

"...I had a dream about the Stone Army," he finally whispered, hoping she'd know. The people of Shintaro knew all about Ninjago, after all; the near end of the world wasn't exactly something under wraps.

To his relief, his wife seemed to understand. "What about them?" Vania asked with a little yawn.

He sighed shakily. "The city being destroyed, the stone warriors, the dark island…" He shuddered. "Getting hit by the dark matter."

Vania let her hand fall to his arm, leaning her head on his shoulder instead. "It was bad, wasn't it?"

"Yeah. It… it was awful." He closed his eyes, letting his head rest against hers. "I haven't had a dream like that in years."

"Did you used to?"

"Every night. Then the Nindroids came around and I had new things to worry about."

"Oh..." She hugged him, gentle and tired. "Thank goodness it's all in the past, right? You don't have to worry about that anymore."

"Yeah, they're not coming back. No one's getting hurt." He hugged her back, with relief slowly replacing his beleaguered feelings. "I'm not gonna hurt anyone because I wasn't careful anymore."

"The worries of a leader," she said with a smile.

"They were pretty real at the time," he murmured. "Everything could go wrong, prophecy or no. Just a bit of dark matter hitting Lloyd would be all it had taken. Then we were pretty much done for."

"Yet you weren't. You survived. Ninjago is safe thanks to you."

"Survival isn't everything." He sighed. "I'm so glad it's over."

Vania reached up and ran her fingers through his hair, gently combing it. "Do you miss protecting Ninjago?"

"Kind of." He felt the tangles catch on her fingers and come apart, soothing him. "I… I don't miss the danger. The constant fighting, feeling like someone was going to die if I didn't pay close enough attention."

"Well, that's over now," she said with a smile. "I don't miss it either, really. I hated not knowing if you were okay. You'd tell me you had a mission or a battle or something, and then I wouldn't hear from you for a week or two. I worried all the time." She paused on a particularly stubborn tangle, gently tugging to make it come out, his soft hair brushing against her fingers. "Even when you visited, I was still sometimes worried."

He smiled as the knot came away under her careful touch. "At least we're here now."

"Hmph, finally. Took long enough."

He laughed and embraced her, more of a nuzzle than anything else. "Yeah. Long enough, all right."

She giggled, kissing him on the forehead. "Hey, no moving yet. I'm not done!"

"Sorry," he mumbled.

She smiled and messed with his hair a bit. "Seriously though, we kept getting distracted. I was sometimes a bit convinced we would never actually make it, or that something unfixable would happen…"

"Hey, I wasn't going to let anything ruin it for us. I'm glad we made it."

"Me too. It was worth it."

He smiled as she smoothed down his hair. "The happiest day of my life. It was exhausting, but so worth it."

"Except for all those things they forgot to tell us we had to do right before." She chuckled. "We were so tired when we finally got to bed."

"Honestly, that was unfair. They should've told us."

"Very unfair." She leaned her chin on his shoulder again. "We should have snuck away and spent some us time."

"Oh yeah, we should've." He put an arm around her waist. "We get some now, at least."

"Mhm, at some crazy time at night when every normal person is sleeping. I guess you only live once."

"Better to spend it with people you love." He kissed her temple, yawning deeply afterward.

She tapped his nose with a smile. "Someone's tired again."

He smiled. "Hey, you know that thing with my hair always works."

She grinned mischievously. "Do I now? That's an interesting idea."

"Vania..." he whined.

"Cole..." she mimicked.

He grumbled and pulled her close to him. "You're mean."

She snuggled against him, listening to his heart beat. "Don't be a grump, it doesn't suit you."

He frowned. "I'll be a grump if I want, my wife's picking on me." As he said it, he laid back down, pulling her down with him into the soft mattress.

She giggled as they laid there, still holding each other. "Just be quiet and give me a kiss, Cole."

"Ordering me around, too! So entitled."

"Guess I'm just used to people doing what I tell them," she said with a grin.

He snorted. "Even I do what you say, that's not a surprise."

"You're not right now," she retorted.

"Sure I am." He pulled her closer and kissed her softly. She hummed happily, returning the kiss and snuggling closer. When he drew away, it was with a smile as he put his chin on top of her head, slinging an arm over her side to keep her close. "I love you, Vania."

She smiled and snuggled closer. "I love you too, Cole." She propped herself up to give him another gentle kiss. "Get some sleep."

"I will. You too, okay?"

She nodded and laid down again, resting her head against his chest. Cole smiled as he heard her breathing even out, sleep making it slow and rhythmic.

As Vania's gentle breathing filled in the background sound of their bedroom, Cole sighed. His nightmare was just that- a nightmare. It wasn't real, and he'd never have to live through it again. He was safe. Everyone was.

Before too long, Cole found his eyelids drooping. As he closed his eyes, he nestled his nose in Vania's sweet-smelling hair. The fragrance of jasmine and lavender made him smile- Vania always did love her flowers.

It didn't take him much longer to relax. Eventually, he fell asleep too, holding Vania's petite frame close to himself. For once, everyone was safe, and he could rest. There was no war, no enemy, no danger. It was just him and Vania, sleeping, with the world at peace.

[only-lonely-stars]

Ruby and Amber

Oneshot – (FFN) (AO3)

Summary:

Sensei Garmadon has old matters to settle with his former sensei, Master Chen, and the Ninja travel with him to Chen's Island for a party to do just that. Kai tries to get in good with Chen's beautiful daughter, and things go surprisingly to plan. Perhaps this mysterious Elemental Master is looking for friends?

NOTE: This AU splits off after Season 3. Pixal is assumed to have rebuilt Zane.

For best results, listen to Helpless (from Hamilton) while listening.

A good while after Pixal rebuilt Zane, with the Digital Overlord a distant ugly nightmare, the Ninja found themselves fighting new fights. In these different days, the matters that accosted the Ninja were much different than their old ones. There were no skeletons to be battled, or snakes, or stone warriors. Instead, there were old enemies to be dealt with, such as Sensei Garmadon's sensei from his youth.

When he had been young, Garmadon had sought out a sensei who would teach him more dishonorable teachings than those to which Wu subscribed. He studied under a man named Master Chen, who had been an active participant on both sides of the Serpentine Wars. Now that Garmadon was cured of the Devourer's venom, it was high time to make sure Chen never came after him again, and to broker a peace to prevent such behavior in the future. Thus, Garmadon and the Ninja dressed in their finest and went to Chen's private island, where his so-called exile was more like a kingdom than anything else.

The plan was simple, according to Garmadon. They were to go to Chen's island as a group, and while Garmadon was dealing with him, make sure it wasn't a trap. They were even supposed to make friends or allies with the people there and have a good time, just to sell how much they wanted peace. Kai didn't really understand that part, but he wasn't complaining– a day off was a day off, and they were supposed to be going to a party. How could he say no? Besides, even if he did, the others wouldn't let him stay behind.

The night of their trip was hot and muggy, as was befitting of the tropics. Nevertheless, they still dressed their best. Thus, after an unpleasant ferry ride, they arrived at the island.

Once they arrived, they were granted the ability to view Chen's extravagant estate. Everywhere they looked was old-fashioned architecture of many different disciplines, excessive size and proportions, and beautiful parapets. Kai could tell that it had been insanely expensive to build such a palace. There was an element of appreciation for the smithed elements, but overall he found it simply extravagant. Still not happy to be on the island in the first place, for the hundredth time, he turned to Sensei Garmadon.

"Remind me again why we're all here with you? This seems– how do I put it nicely… unnecessary? This place feels strange."

Sensei Garmadon sighed. "Kai, I should not have to remind you again. We are here to make a deal with Chen. The island will be strange– it is not Ninjago."

"Did we really have to all come along and dress up, though?" Cole asked. "I'm with Kai– it's unnecessary."

As he said it, Jay came up and clapped Cole on the back. "Come on, lighten up! We look dashing. Just let it be for one night!"

Cole rolled her eyes. "I didn't say it's bad, just unnecessary."

"See? It's awesome!"

Garmadon sighed, pushing back a smile. "You will see. Appearances mean everything to Chen, so a show of numbers and respect is the least we can muster. Besides, it can't be truly so unpleasant."

"I must agree with Sensei," Zane commented. "It is nice to have a formal event for once."

Kai shrugged. "Nice, maybe. Formal clothes aren't exactly comfortable, though."

Nya pouted. "Yeah, sure, you can say that. This dress is a pain!"

"You wear a dress all the time."

"This one isn't as comfortable as my qi pao." She crossed her arms. "Whoever designed it was a sicko. Who needs 'boning' when it's stabbing me in the chest?"

Cole shrugged. "Who knows. You look really good in it, though." Jay gave him a stinkeye, and he rolled his eyes. "Objectively."

Nya giggled at their antics, all of a sudden more interested with the attention than complaining. "Thanks, Cole."

As the ninja bickered and bantered, they came to a great pair of doors. They were tall and wide, made of dark mahogany, inlaid with images of snakes and men. They swung open before the Ninja were even close enough to touch them, their giant hinges not making a sound.

On the other side of the door, a breathtaking sight awaited the group. Chen's gala was even more opulent than promised in their invitation, it seemed, for rich purple and dark reds decked a hall that stretched far above their heads. Lights were hung in every possible nook and cranny, with candles barely keeping from dripping wax on the floor. Mirrors and glass were likewise everywhere, and several large bay windows looked out over the night ocean's everchanging waves.

Once they were no longer overwhelmed by the beauty of the place itself, the ninja found themselves stunned by the number and variety of people there. There were men and women of nearly every kind– Chen's tattooed followers, people in ballgowns and tailored tuxedoes, and Elemental Masters, just to name a few. All milled about, talking and eating and dancing on an enormous tiled floor. Not one paid any attention to the Ninja as they entered, and they found it remarkably easy to make their way to the far side of the room, where the grand staircase stood.

When they neared the staircase, Cole whistled appreciatively. "This place is impressive. Hard to believe Chen's flying under the radar with it."

"Flying under the radar is a misnomer," Sensei Garmadon said, gesturing around. "Look around, Cole. Do you see anybody hiding who they are?"

"No," he responded. "Not at all."

"That is because Chen has connections. He does not need secrecy, except from the normal mainlanders. Even then, I'm sure you've seen first-hand how ignorant they are."

Zane smiled. "They are like sheep: easily led astray."

"I dunno, they're more like chicken," Jay joked, garnering groans from all but Zane, who looked at him quizzically. "Come on, chicken! Scared! They run away all the time."

"We got it, Jay," Kai grumbled, looking around the ballroom distrustfully. "When's Chen supposed to show his snake face?"

Instead of answering his question, Sensei Garmadon smiled. "I believe you will have your answer in a moment, Kai."

Kai looked up at the staircase again. While it had previously been empty, now there stood two figures. One was an older man, with salt and pepper hair and a great purple boa around his shoulders, which trailed along with his red robes. The other was a young woman, seemingly related to him. She had the richest of red hair, and wore a dress the color of rubies, which spread and trailed gracefully around her. They cut an imposing figure, but at the sight of Garmadon, the man grinned.

"Welcome, welcome, welcome!" Chen crowed, arms wide in a theatrical greeting. "So glad you could come!"

Sensei Garmadon bowed his head in recognition, though his face betrayed no fondness. "Master Chen. Your galas are as splendid as ever."

"Oh, aren't they?" Chen preened. "Clousey Clouse outdid himself!"

"He did indeed."

As Garmadon and Chen talked, Kai found it hard to stare at the girl, completely uninterested in Chen. He smiled a little. There was a family resemblance, but she was so much prettier than Chen. Was she like him?

Just like he looked up, Skylor looked down at them with a sort of interested look upon her face. As she surveyed them, she was quick to make her judgement of them. Sensei Garmadon seemed like the sort her father would deal with, but his students? They were cute, but they hardly seemed like world-saving heroes. Were they truly as untrustworthy as her father claimed?

Noticing her gaze, Kai coughed and turned away, looking around at the decorations. He brushed a little of his hair back, even though it was perfect as per usual. Skylor smiled faintly and watched him for a few seconds, but then let herself go back to surveying the whole group.

Having exchanged greetings, the time for meeting was upon them, so Garmadon ascended the stairs. "Let's find somewhere private to talk business, shall we?"

"Of course, of course." Chen turned to his daughter. "Skylor, dear, if you'll excuse me. Please, greet our guests! Make them welcome!"

She nodded her assent with a smile. She watched as her father and Garmadon walked together and disappeared up the stairs, before turning back to the ballroom.

Kai watched as Skylor made her decision, still standing at the top of the stairway. She had a unique name– was she just as unique as it? She seemed to be in a dilemma, considering where to go next...

Jay elbowed him, breaking Kai out of his frozen stare. Kai turned and glared at him "What."

Jay wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. "See something you like?"

Kai gaped at him. "Wha– what? What are you talking about?"

Cole snickered. "You should say hi. We saw that stare."

"I wasn't staring! I just wanted to know what our enemy looks like!"

"Sure, sure," Jay said, grinning. "Definitely not checking her out."

Zane nudged Jay, catching his attention. "Now is not the time. Miss Chen is about to introduce herself!"

The ninja snapped back to attention. Just as Zane had said, Skylor was approaching, and Kai watched with interest as she descended the stairs. Her ruby skirt's many layers hid her feet from view, but she walked with a sure step, not once doubting herself, a picture of grace. Every eye could be on her and she would not have been swayed, or so it seemed.

When she reached the bottom, Skylor smiled, greeting them. "Welcome to my father's island. I'm Skylor."

Kai cleared his throat. "Uh, thank you. I'm Kai."

"It's nice to meet you. Who are your friends?"

Kai laughed nervously. "Oh, right. These are Jay, Cole, Zane, and Nya. Lloyd's somewhere too, but I don't know where he is…"

Lloyd scoffed quietly. He was kind of hiding at the back of the group, but hard to miss in his usual electric green garb. "I'm over here. Thanks for having us, Skylor."

Skylor smiled graciously, hiding amusement at their odd interaction. "The pleasure's mine. You work with Lord Garmadon?"

"He goes by Sensei now," Nya interjected.

"Really? That's a bit of a change." Nya seemed put-off, but she shrugged it off. "Well, no matter. I hope their business goes well, and your time here tonight."

"Thanks," Lloyd responded cheerfully, though on a bit of a sour note like Nya, no doubt thanks to Skylor's misspeech.

The conversation ground to a stand-still, and Skylor struggled to find a way to restart it. It would be a shame to have her father drive away yet more potential acquaintances, after all. Friends were hard to find on the island, and allies even harder. However, a prime opportunity had presented itself as Nya began to fidget with her skirt. "Before I forget, Nya, I wanted to tell you. Your dress is lovely."

Nya's eyebrows rose in surprise, not expecting the complement. "Really?"

"Really. It's very nice."

Nya grinned. "Yours too. It's a good color– where'd you get it?"

Skylor brushed her skirt back and forth a little, enjoying the feeling of the red silk and the restarted conversation alike. "A tailor on the mainland by the name of Emilie Dupain. Yours?"

"It was my mom's," Nya admitted. "Kinda old-fashioned, but with some alterations it was pretty good."

"It really is a beautiful dress," Skylor said with a smile.

During the girls' conversation, the other ninja had watched passively. As they began to talk a little more, Kai hesitated to interrupt. Eventually, he opened his mouth to say something, but it was then that he was cut off by Jay elbowing him in the side and grabbing his arm.

Before Kai could protest, Jay dragged him a little ways away. "Kai! Why aren't you saying anything!"

Kai pushed Jay off him in annoyance. "Come on, what can I say!" He wrenched his arm from Jay's grip, watching as Cole followed them. "She's pretty and I don't know what to say! Plus, you interrupted me right as I was going to!"

"Don't know what to say? You're Kai! Flirt with her or something!"

Cole shook his head fondly. "You do know that if you don't talk, she won't pay any attention to you, right?"

Kai crossed his arms petulantly. "What, you want me to try to be all cocky to get in good with Chen's daughter?"

"Nah, you've got the cocky part down pat. Just say hi," Cole advised.

Kai scowled. "Oh, great plan, Cole. I don't want to embarrass myself in front of her!"

Jay groaned. "Come on, just do it! Nya's got your opening right there!"

"Then what? Nya will realize I like her and then I'll be dead in the water. Literally! I won't know what to say!"

Jay gaped. "Are you kidding me? You, Kai, not knowing what to say? That's completely impossible!"

"Just go for it," Cole interrupted, steering Kai back to face Skylor and Nya. "Nya's your wingwoman, okay? Just be yourself and go take the opportunity she's got for you."

Kai groaned and glanced back at the two, who were now chatting and laughing like old friends. It was just one night– if he embarrassed himself, would it even matter? It could be fun just to flirt and have a good time before Sensei got back, at least… It couldn't be that bad."Okay, fine. I'll go do it, but only because she's Chen's daughter."

"That's the spirit!" Cole said, grinning. "You've got a ghost of a chance."

"Was that a ghost pun?" Jay asked.

"Maybe."

Kai rolled his eyes and brushed back yet another stray hair. "Your sense of humor is worse than Zane's, and that's saying something." Then he left the two behind, approaching Nya and Skylor.

As he approached, he heard Skylor laughing. "That's a good one, Nya!" Her laugh was cheerful and genuine, as if she felt like she didn't need to pretend at all. "I need to remember that for later."

"I know, right?" Nya was laughing with her. As Kai made his way over, he drew her attention, and she beamed. "Oh, hey Kai!"

"Hey sis." He smiled. "Hi again, Skylor."

"Hello again." She smiled in return.

Nya clapped her hands. "Oh hey, this is perfect! Kai, Skylor's an Elemental Master too! Just like us."

Kai's eyebrows rose unconsciously. "Really?" He looked back to Skylor. "What are the odds?"

"Fairly high, I suppose." Skylor looked between them, sizing them up. "Both of you are Masters?"

Kai nodded, running his hand through his hair. "Yep. I'm the Master of Fire, Nya's the Master of Water. Our whole team is made of Masters, actually."

"That's fascinating," she commented. "Did you always know?"

"Nope, it was a bit of a surprise. You?"

"I've known since I was pretty young." She shrugged. "Absorption isn't exactly something that manifests on its own, but it didn't really take long."

"Absorption? You steal powers?"

"More like copying them." She smiled charmingly. "I did always wonder where the core elements' masters were, but I guess you all knew before I did."

Nya laughed. "Well, now you know. Too bad there's still a few missing."

"Yeah, too bad." Kai looked back at Skylor and sized her up, trying not to offend her by his appreciative gaze. She didn't seem too threatening, but she certainly was beautiful."I guess you're hiding a lot under the surface, huh?"

She laughed mirthfully. "That depends on what you mean. Don't think I missed that look."

"Not like that," he said, rolling his eyes as he tried to play it off. "Your powers, of course."

Nya laughed at his save, but she turned it into a cough. "Oh, goodness, my throat's so dry. I'm going to go get something to drink, excuse me." She turned and winked at Kai before she wandered off toward the beverage table.

Kai watched her go, at war with himself, and then turned back to Skylor, intent on turning up the charm. "This is a really nice party."

"I'm glad you think so. We don't have them very often." Skylor sized him up silently, analyzing him as he had analyzed him. He seemed strong, clearly capable of fighting, but so relaxed. Those two things weren't very commonly seen together.

"Why not? Seems like a shame when you have a nice place like this." He gestured around. "Pretty perfect for it."

"My father doesn't like much socializing with the mainland," she edged. "Too many eyes on the island."

"Strange, he struck me as the type to party all night every night." Kai shrugged.

"I suppose." She shrugged neutrally. "These parties don't usually last later than about midnight, at any rate."

"Might as well enjoy it before it ends, then." Kai smirked, the lopsided smile perfectly fitting to him.

Skylor glanced over at the dance floor, where Nya and Jay were waltzing and having a grand time. "I suppose. There's not much to do, in my opinion."

"Sure there is!" Kai looked over at the floor and grinned. "They've figured it out. Maybe we should join them."

"What do you mean?" She raised an eyebrow questioningly.

"I mean, do you want to dance?" He held out a hand, eyes twinkling. "May as well try it."

Skylor paused, considering his offer. It was a common request at events like these, so there couldn't be much harm. "...Why not?" Though distrustful, she took his hand, enjoying the feeling of absorbing his power in the process. Hand in hand, they walked to the floor, and when they got there, he twirled her in to take up a proper beginning stance. He was grinning, and she had to smile back.

"So, you live here on the island?"

"I do," she said, putting her hand on his shoulder as he put his on her waist. "Just like you live on the mainland."

"Yep, just a bit away from Ninjago City." It had been a long time since he'd danced with anyone, especially not someone he actually wanted to be around. He tried not to focus on how slender her waist was, and instead looked into her amber eyes. "You ever been there?"

For a minute, she didn't answer, too focused on beginning the dance in time. Once they found their rhythm and its easy nature, she wrenched her focus back to their conversation. "Once or twice. It was pretty at night."

"It is pretty awesome." They'd joined the dance late, and now he found an opportunity to twirl her out, swapping hands and twirling her back in only a few beats later, enjoying how freely she smiled. "Ninjago is amazing wherever you go."

"That's true." Now truly enjoying the dance, Skylor let herself be more expressive, freely dancing in synchrony with him. He led well, and she didn't have to wonder what he was trying to do– she only had to have fun with it. "There's always somewhere new to explore, more to learn, more to investigate."

"Then what's your favorite that you've seen?" They swung in and out, closer and farther apart.

"The Corridor of Elders. It's humbling, seeing the history." She didn't mention how her father had helped shape most of it. "You?"

Kai nodded, taking a moment to step out and in instead of answering immediately. "I'd have to say the eastern volcanoes. It was pretty incredible seeing them."

"I've never been there, so I'll take your word for it."

He smirked at that. "Well, maybe I could take you. It's a half-hour journey on the Destiny's Bounty."

She chuckled indulgently, patting his shoulder a tiny bit. "Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves, Kai. We only just met tonight."

"What can I say? I'm a dreamer. Besides, it's courteous to offer, isn't it?"

"Good point. Courtesy is so rare these days." He was so much more straightforward than her father's business partners, and more fun than them. It was such a shame that he was technically still one of them. His charm was just a plus.

He grinned. "Well, Dad always said he'd raise a gentleman, you know?"

"Really?" She laughed. "He must have done well." She hoped there wasn't harm in humoring him, despite how her father would want to use him and his team. In the best case scenario, they'd probably not see each other again, or at least not much. Even if they did, nothing would happen anyway.

He shrugged. "Guess he did." He spun her out and then pulled her back, briefly trapping her in the crook of his arm, with her back inches from his chest. "I've always considered myself more of a ladies' man." He winked.

Skylor laughed and winked back, pulling herself from his embrace before it could feel truly comfortable, as such things eventually became. "I'm sure you do. You must have women swooning no matter where you go."

He laughed, slightly exasperated despite his sarcastic humor. "Uh-huh. Don't tell the others, but it can be a pain."

"Your secret is safe with me." He couldn't possibly be serious, but the idea made her smile anyway. Despite all that was going on in her head, she still managed to dance.

After another turn, they briefly separated, and she spun fast enough for her skirt to whirl up slightly, the incredible red of her ruby skirt fanning out. The edges brushed Kai's legs, bringing heat to his face as he turned around her to take her hand on the other side, leading her into yet another spin. She was having a good time, and he could tell just from looking at her, no matter how much she was guarding her emotions.

He couldn't help but grin again. "Your dress is amazing. It might be cheesy, but you look incredible tonight."

She chuckled. "So do you, I suppose. We match."

"Not too shabby of us. Red's a great color."

"That it is. It's fiery." The new feeling of elemental fire within her flared up at its very mention, and she tamped it down gently. "It has a power over people."

He shrugged, smooth as ever. "Maybe. Honestly, I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing."

"I think it's a good thing. You never know what kind of person you'll run into in the world."

"Well that's true. I can attest," he said with yet another wink. She laughed. "What?"

"You're a charmer, Kai." She chuckled quietly.

"I already knew that," he said with a raised eyebrow challengingly.

She smirked back, trying not to show just how much he was affecting her. "The ladies must love that attitude."

"Well, that depends. Do you?"

"I don't know if I should say." There was a knowing twinkle in her eye as the music picked up in tempo, moving faster and faster and taking on an energetic quality. The two found themselves unable to speak much more, focused on the joy of the dance. Skylor swung in and out, Kai leaning and turning with her as they moved around the floor, and together they delved back into the motion.

It took a little bit of time, but eventually the music spiked, and Kai pulled her in for a quick dip. She smiled and fell against his arm, letting him bring her upright again within moments. Their synchrony was uncanny, almost as if it were planned, and they found themselves having an incredible time. She pulled him close to her, and for a few seconds there was almost no space between them, but then he stepped out and they were moving again.

As they danced, she found herself with a question upon her tongue. She wasn't sure exactly what she wanted to ask, or even if she should, but the energy of the moment swept her up in the aura of the Master of Fire as they moved and turned. She wondered if he was like this all the time, or if he were trying to charm her for some ulterior motive.

Before either was truly ready, the music ended rather abruptly. It did so with a cadence that stilled them where they stood, a little ways apart and barely touching hands. In moments, her skirt was swishing and coming to a stop. Both were breathing a little heavily, not that it was unpleasant.

Kai was the first to smile, with it growing as Skylor reciprocated. "You're really good."

She grinned from the enthusiasm. "So are you." It would have been the perfect time to ask whatever her question might have been, but before she could, a flash of movement in the corner of her eye caught her attention. She turned to see a somewhat familiar figure approaching them– one of her father's lieutenants– and knew that she wouldn't be able to ask. Instead, she greeted the man.

"Lieutenant."

"Miss Skylor." He smirked. "Mind if I cut in?"

Skylor glanced at Kai. "Do you mind?"

He shook his head. "Not at all." To his credit, he seemed completely unfazed.

She smiled. "I don't mind either. Thank you for the dance, Kai."

"You too. It was fun." He grinned. "See you around."

"You too." The lieutenant held out his hand, and she took it. Kai turned and left, approaching his team on the edge of the ballroom. His thoughts were swirling as he walked from the floor toward them. When they saw him, they waved.

"Kai, hey! How was it?" Cole asked knowingly.

Kai rolled his eyes, trying to formulate a response. "It was good."

"You two looked like you were having a lovely time," Zane commented.

"Yeah, she's a good dancer. Good sense of humor, too."

"When did you learn to dance like that?" Lloyd asked, more curious than anything. "You can't seriously have been holding out on us."

"What?" Kai laughed. "I learned after 'the end of the world.' Don't you remember?"

"No, that's why I asked!" Lloyd crossed his arms.

"Fair enough." Kai shrugged. "She had to go, so… I guess that's it. I went and talked to her, Cole."

Cole raised his hands defensively, grinning. "Hey, was it really all that bad?"

"No, it was fine." He grinned back. "Seriously, though, stop trying to set me up. You're the perpetually single one here."

"I haven't met anyone who's right," Cole responded. "Different issue."

"Not even Seliel?" Zane asked.

"Who?"

"Seliel. The daughter of the mayor of Nom?" the nindroid prompted.

"Oh." Cole shook his head. "Nope, nothing there. Didn't I already say she wasn't my type?"

"Nah," Kai said. "You just never said anything about her, so we figured it hadn't worked out."

"Am I missing something?" Lloyd asked. "Who's Seliel?"

"It's a long story," Kai began.

Cole cut him off. "We'll tell you later, green bean. For now, who's up for something to eat? I've been hungry since before the ferry landed."

Lloyd grinned. "You're asking us that? Come on!"

"We may as well," Zane commented. "Kai?"

Kai shook his head. "Go on without me. I'm gonna go chill on the balcony."

"Suit yourself!" Cole called. "Just don't get lost."

"Who, me? Lost? Come on!" Kai laughed. "I should say the same for you!"

"Yeah, yeah, sure!"

Kai rolled his eyes as he watched his brothers walk off, laughing and joking together. Then he turned and walked out to a balcony on the side of the ballroom. It overlooked the tropical forests of the island, with lights strung along the railing. If it weren't for the tall walls around the estate, Kai would almost think it was a palace, but there wasn't much that was palatial about spikes for trespassers. No, it was Chen's estate, a place that was not truly benign.

As the cool air hit his skin, Kai sighed. This trip wasn't really the sort of thing he was usually interested in, but Sensei had insisted anyhow. What was it with dragging them along for seemingly pointless reasons? Was he expecting a fight? Was it so they could reconnoiter?

For a few minutes, Kai stood alone, entrenched in his thoughts. There was no way that Sensei Garmadon had really expected a fight; he wouldn't have told them to dress formally if he did. He must have told the truth about their reason to visit, although it still struck him as odd.

As Kai let his thoughts wander, the sound of heels clacking on the floor drew his attention. He turned, expecting to see some wandering partygoer entering the balcony. Instead, he was meeted by the sight of Skylor, put-together as ever. She smiled when their eyes met. "Hello again."

"Hi!" he exclaimed, immediately regretting it. "What brings you out here?"

"Fresh air, mostly. You?"

"Same thing, actually." All the charm he'd had earlier felt like it was slipping away. "I guess great minds think alike."

"I guess they do." She came to stand by the railing next to him, not too far apart and yet not too close. "Too bad that's not the end of the phrase."

"There's more?"

"Great minds think alike, but fools rarely differ." Her eyes twinkled. "I wonder which we are."

He paused. "...Definitely great minds. We don't need fools."

"I was thinking the same thing." She smiled again and turned, leaning her arms on the railing.

Kai hesitated, but he copied her movements, leaning against it and tapping his fingers on it. "How's your night going so far?"

She hummed. "A bit better than I expected it to. How about yours?"

"Pretty much the same. Had a bit of fun dancing." He winked.

She winked back. "Same here. Only really had one good partner, though."

"That new guy wasn't any good, huh?"

"Not really." She shook her head. "Too busy talking about himself, trying to climb the ranks. People are like that."

"They are." Kai shrugged. "Seems like a waste of a life. Doing your own thing is better."

"You'd know all about that, I suppose." Skylor smiled and looked back over the nighttime forest. "Some people put too much stock in what other people want. It would be better to be independent."

"Yeah." He struggled to find something to say to that. "Can't be independent from everyone, though. There's got to be someone who's worth sticking around for."

"You think so?"

"Sure. I've got Nya. Other people have families too. Friends."

"I find it hard to believe people would stay with their friends simply because they call themselves that."

"Good friends are hard to find, what can I say?"

"You're right about that." She looked back at him, searching his features. "Like I said before, you'd know all about that."

He shrugged. "I dunno. I'm always looking for more."

"Aren't we all." Skylor smiled and pushed herself off the railing, standing tall again. "A secluded island isn't the best place to find more."

"Maybe it's time to stop being so secluded, then." He shrugged.

"You think so?" She studied how he stood, so relaxed. Was he ready to spring into action if needed? He was so willing to talk about these things, which her father had always said were to be private. Did normal people share this much with strangers?

"Sure." Oblivious to her thoughts, he stood himself back up, facing her with his hands resting lazily in his pockets. "What's stopping you?"

She hesitated, not knowing how much she really should tell him– after all, he was the student of her father's student-turned-enemy. "A few things."

"Things that are worth it?"

"Depends on what you value." She shook her head. "I'd rather not talk about them."

"Fair enough. Maybe you'd prefer to dance some more?"

Skylor raised an eyebrow. "You have an odd way of asking to dance."

"What can I say? Normal is boring." He held out a hand, smirking. "How about it?"

She laughed and took his hand. "Why not. May as well show off a bit."

Kai grinned. "Exactly!"

Together, the two walked back to the dance floor, drawing a few pairs of eyes. That didn't stop them, however. For Skylor, it was almost an act of rebellion, and she found herself enjoying every moment as they dived back into the dancing, carried away by the beat, the music just beginning again.

As they kept to the beat, Kai found himself leading her again, their movements dramatic and wide-ranging. They took up plenty of space on the floor, but other pairs made space for them, and Skylor laughed as he swung her widely out and in. They were having the times of their lives, and she wondered if maybe she'd been missing out for living on the island. What if this was what she could find on the mainland?

Eventually, her mood darkened. Kai took notice, and as the tune changed to something slower, he took the opportunity to ask. "What's wrong?"

Skylor found it difficult to meet his eyes, but she spoke anyway, drawing on the topic that was surest to further the conversation. "Once your sensei's business is done, you'll be leaving. It's a bit of a shame to lose a dance partner."

He frowned. "Oh. Yeah, that's a thing."

"It is. I've been enjoying hanging out with you."

"Me too!" He grinned, and as they box stepped, he squeezed her hand. "We could see each other again, you know. It's up to you."

"You'd want to?" She looked at him questioningly. "Your sensei and my father have a complicated relationship at best."

"Not like they run our lives."

"Depends on how you mean," she edged. Spending more time with him sounded good, but what if it was not what he made it out to be?

Kai nodded. "Yeah, but really. May as well get some of that independence we were talking about and be rebellious, right?"

"Not a bad idea." She was about to reply when she stole a glance at the grand staircase, and her heart sank traitorously. "It seems like our time is already over– they're done."

Kai looked over. "So they are. Think we can finish our dance? It's almost over."

"I don't see why not." Her eyes were twinkling as she met his, amber meeting rusty brown. "Lead the way."

Kai grinned, and after a few more steps, he twirled her. She smiled as she did, and when she came back to meet him, he put his hands around her waist and dipped her. It wasn't very deep, and it wasn't very slow, but it was perfectly in character for him (as far as she knew), and she had to laugh. She held on tightly to him, and when he brought her back upright, she was hesitant to let go. When she did, however, he bowed melodramatically.

"It was a pleasure to dance with you, Skylor." His smile was lopsided, and it filtered into his voice cheerfully.

Skylor smiled back and curtsied, theatrically sweeping her skirt back.. "It was indeed. Thank you for a lovely evening."

"It was great, wasn't it?" His eyes were twinkling, just like hers. "I hope to see you soon."

"Likewise." It was probably foolish, but Skylor leaned forward, kissing his cheek chastely. She could feel how his cheek heated up a great deal, no doubt as a consequence of his connection to fire, and chuckled quietly. "Until next time."

"Yeah…" He smiled, watching her twinkling amber eyes. "Until next time."

Footsteps could be heard behind them, and Kai turned to see Sensei Garmadon coming up behind him. Garmadon nodded at him. "Kai, there you are. It's time to go."

"Yeah, of course. Just a second." He turned back to Skylor. "It was really nice to dance with you."

"You too." Skylor smiled and put a hand into her pocket. She felt a piece of paper in it, and instinctively knew what it was– something she had put there earlier that day, with this scenario in mind, just in case she needed it. She drew it out and took Kai's hand, where she put it and closed his fingers around it. "Have a good night. You as well, Lord Garmadon– or, I suppose, Sensei."

Garmadon nodded, slightly uncomfortable. "Thank you. You as well, Miss Chen."

Kai smiled as they walked away from Skylor, holding tightly to the paper, not looking back. "So, how did your meeting go?"

"It was better than expected. I believe we have reached a compromise, as incredible as that sounds." Garmadon seemed impressed. "I hope his daughter did not make you uncomfortable tonight."

"Oh, no. Not at all. She's–" He struggled to find the proper words. "She's very pretty," he eventually said.

Garmadon nodded, now nonplussed more than anything. "That may be, but she is a Chen. You would do well to be careful with her."

"I dunno, she didn't seem all that bad." Kai shrugged. "She was really nice to me."

Garmadon shook his head. "Perhaps you are right. In the meantime, let us collect your teammates and be on our way. I would rather not spend any more time on this island."

"Right." They walked together to the side of the room, where all the others were congregated. Jay and Nya were as side-by-side as two could be, Cole had his tie undone and cast around his neck, Zane was as put-together as always, and Lloyd looked extremely bored; together they were quite a fitting combination.

As they approached, Jay waved. "He returns! How was it?"

Kai grinned. "It was awesome."

Cole laughed. "We saw you two dancing from all the way over here. Looked like you were having fun."

"Shut up, Cole. You don't get to talk."

"Ooh, touchy! Something good must have happened."

"Heck if I know." Kai opened his hand and looked at the piece of paper. It was folded in half, and he unfolded it carefully. A smile grew on his face as he spied a familiar pattern of numbers. "I guess so."

"Did she give you her number?" Lloyd asked.

"What?" Jay squawked.

"Her cell phone number?" Zane clarified, causing Jay to splutter more, not that anyone paid attention.

"What? No way." Kai rolled his eyes. "I didn't say that."

"Yet your dispute is weak."

"I just said no!"

Zane raised an eyebrow. "Then what was it?"

Kai folded it up and put it in his pocket. "Not that. Let's just get going, okay?"

Cole snickered. "Uh, yeah. Rule one of getting out of a hole: stop digging! Whatever happened to smooth Kai?"

"Nothing happened! I just don't want to say!"

Nya snickered. "Well, whatever it was, it's definitely not a phone number. Let's just go home."

Jay slung an arm around her shoulders, which she didn't seem to mind much. "Yes please! This place gives me the creeps!"

"Everywhere gives you the creeps," Lloyd prodded.

"Not home!"

Kai rolled his eyes as his family began to argue pointlessly. He put his hand back in his pocket and took the paper in it. It brushed against his fingers, and he was unable to keep down a smile. Maybe this errand to Chen's island wasn't so useless after all. Perhaps something good was coming? The only way to find out was to text her, he supposed. After that, anything could happen...

[only-lonely-stars]

A Shintaran Gala

Oneshot – (FFN) (AO3)

Summary:

In Shintaro, a gala is hosted every year to celebrate the holiday season. Vania looks forward to it every year, and now that she is the one to host it, she's invited Cole, her dearest friend, to join her. However, both of them know they want something more than friendship, if they could only find the words to tell each other.

Cole Brookstone stood in his room, adjusting his suit in front of the mirror, feeling like something was off. He tied his tie, then retied it, finally getting it tidy, but still felt wrong. He finger-combed his hair into place for the millionth time, getting the sweep away from his face perfect, but it still wasn't good enough. He straightened his jacket, making it hang just right, but it didn't fix the problem. Finally, he groaned and left the room, knocking on Jay's door.

"Jay? Can you help me out for a sec?"

"Come on in!" Jay called. Cole opened the door to see him sitting on the floor, mashing buttons on a controller as enemies went flying in Prime Empire. When he heard Cole come in, he paused the game and looked up. "Woah, what's with the suit? You going to dinner with your dad or something?"

Cole shook his head. "Nope. The Shintaran gala is tonight."

Jay whistled. "I forgot about that. It lasts all night, isn't it?"

"Yep. I'm pretty sure it does, anyway."

"You leaving soon?"

"Yeah, but something's not right. Can you help me or get Nya or something?" Discomfort crawled up Cole's spine.

"Why? You look fine. You sure you're not just nervous?" Jay asked, still sitting on the floor.

"Yeah, I'm nervous, but still. Can you just… make sure I didn't forget anything?"

Jay rolled his eyes and got up. "Fine." He scanned Cole briefly. "Seriously, you look just fine Cole. Your nerves are just getting to you."

Cole sighed. "Yeah, you're probably right. It's just weird going back for something so fancy."

"I haven't seen you this nervous in a long time. Just hang out and enjoy getting to catch up. Dance!" Jay grinned. "Maybe you can dance with Vania."

Cole flushed. "If she wants to, maybe."

"As if she wouldn't. Besides, you clearly do."

"Am I that obvious?"

"Oh yeah."

"Ugh, okay." Cole sighed and resisted the urge to mess up his hair. "Just gotta stay cool... I'd better get going."

"Have a good time!" Jay said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Say hi for us."

"Will do. See you tomorrow." Not more than five minutes later, he was on his dragon and flying over to Shintaro.

-----

On the ground in Shintaro, a whirlwind of activity had come to a stunning conclusion. Queen Vania looked over her palace with a satisfied smile, ignoring her exhaustion in favor of enjoying the fruits of her and her staff's labor. The holiday gala had come together with nary a hair out of place, and she could finally relax and enjoy it with possibly her favorite person in the whole world, Cole.

At the thought of him, she smiled even more. Despite her albeit childish hopes, during the Ninja's first visit to Shintaro, nothing had happened between herself and him, so she'd done her best to put away those hopes for the time being and focus on her people's best interests. She hadn't seen him for a long time, anyway. However, that was changing. This gala was a celebration for the people of Shintaro, and it would only make sense for her to invite one of their saviors to celebrate– why not the one who had singlehandedly brought down her father? It was the perfect opportunity to see if there was any potential for something meaningful between them, and more importantly, if he wanted it to. If not, well, it was still good to see him.

As the time of his arrival came nearer and nearer, she eventually went out to the gardens, amongst the beds of flowers and shrubs. In the back of the garden was a particularly large open space, where she had told Cole in a letter that he should land. It was just large enough for Chompy to land when he was large, so she knew it would fit his earth dragon, and it was wonderfully private. In only a few minutes, he would land there before her. Sure enough, while watching the sky and considering that night's upcoming events, she spotted his incoming brown figure, flying in through the beginnings of the sunset.

When Cole landed his dragon on the ground, Vania did her best to slow her heart and breathe deeply, attempting to keep her composure. Nevertheless, she grinned when he dismounted, letting the dragon dissipate into the air. Then he stood before her, wearing a black suit and tie that fit him perfectly, just as tall and strong as she remembered, with not a hair out of place. Not for the first time, she silently thanked whomever had made him the Black Ninja for his or her taste, for it suited him so well. He was smiling as if nothing had ever bothered him in all his life as he came to meet her, and she could barely believe he was even there.

She watched him approach, barely containing her excitement. When he got to her, he waved. "Hey, Vania!"

"Cole! It's so good to see you!" She threw self-control to the wind and put her arms around him in a hug.

"You too!" He laughed and hugged her back. Warmth flooded through her. "I missed you."

"I missed you too." He stepped back after a few moments. "Happy holidays."

"Happy holidays!" As they parted, she kept hold of his hands, but only for a moment. "You look so handsome in a suit."

"Thank you." He grinned, looking the smallest bit awkward, but spoke softly anyway. "You look beautiful, Vania– not that you don't usually, but… really beautiful."

"Thank you." She smiled, touching the fabric of her skirt nervously, the champagne fabric shimmering in the fading light. Silently, she thanked her stylist for suggesting going for a lower neckline, despite her misgivings.

"You're welcome." He smiled, so sincere and genuine that it almost hurt.

Her heart pounded. "I'm so glad you could come tonight."

"Me too. How have you been?" he asked, taking her hand. "It must have been so much work to put this together."

She laughed. "I'm exhausted! There's always something to do or fix." She looked behind her and through a great doorway into the ballroom, where quiet music was playing and a few stray couples were beginning to dance. "At least it turned out well."

"I'll say. Time for your day off." Cole grinned. "Want to join the party?"

"That sounds great." She laced her fingers through his. "Let me show you around a little bit."

"That sounds great, your Highness."

She smacked his arm lightly. "Okay, Sir Cole. Are you gonna be like that all night?"

"If you'll let me, maybe."

-----

The whole time she showed him around the palace, Cole couldn't help but marvel. Every room was bedecked in the loveliest of of decorations, with lights and garlands hanging from every high point. As the sun set, pink and orange light streamed in the windows. Glass and crystal prisms caught the light and reflected a million rainbows across the room, accenting the sparkling decorations of every color and shade. Chandeliers hung low from the ceilings, even more crystal adding to the grandeur of the moment. Every inch of the palace was gorgeous, a testament to Vania's hard work.

Cole would never admit it to himself, but if he wasn't looking at the palace, he couldn't help but look at her. Instead of her normal whites and golds and blues, she wore a dress the color of champagne that shimmered in the light, reaching all the way down to the floor. The sleeves hung just barely off the shoulders, exposing her pale skin to a greater degree than he'd ever seen, and he struggled not to stare. As they walked and talked, he tried to look anywhere but her, but failed every time, only barely paying attention to their conversation.

"...I told the Upply that we needed to make this place classy, but Korgran just didn't understand! The others got it, though," she was saying as she showed him the main ballroom. She pointed up at the very top of the grand ceiling. "Adam was the only one who could get up there to hang those lights."

Cole smiled. "I bet. I think I see webs he left."

She groaned, crossing her arms and peering up intently. "Really? I told him not to leave any! Adam!"

He laughed. "I'm kidding, it looks fine." He grinned at her. "Everything looks amazing, Vania."

"You think so?" She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Yeah." He looked around one more time. "I think so."

"Good." She smiled and looked away, glancing at the ballroom floor. On the floor, a number of Shintarans, Geckles, and Munce were dancing together, laughing and cheering to their heart's content. However, the music was changing. Idly, Cole noticed that it was in waltz tempo, but he tried to ignore it, like all the things he'd learned about music. Vania looked wistful.

"What's up?" he asked.

She looked back at him. "What?"

"You looked like you were thinking about something."

"Oh." She smiled. "I just was thinking about the dancing. I used to look forward to the gala every year just for it."

At this, Cole had to smile. "Dancing? I didn't know you danced."

"Of course I do! I'm a queen, Cole. What queen doesn't know how to dance?" She nudged him jokingly.

"Good point." He looked at the dance floor, then back at Vania, and a probably foolish idea came to his mind. "Do you want to?"

She blushed a little, pink settling over her cheeks. "I don't have a partner..."

"Sure you do." Cole grabbed her hand, ignoring his rising heart rate. "What do you say?"

After a moment, she grinned. "I'd love to."

Together, the two walked hand-in-hand to the dance floor. Out of the corner of his eye, Cole spotted a few people watching them, but he ignored them in favor of Vania, who still held his hand. They reached the center of the floor without much ado, and he put his free hand on her waist, while she put hers on his shoulder. As they waited for a fitting time to start dancing, their eyes never left each other.

The music dipped suddenly, the tune starting again, and they were off. One, two, three, the music told them where to go, and they spun and twirled around the floor.

In and out she swung, going to and from his arms seemingly every moment. For a moment, she brushed against his arm, close for milliseconds before she flew out again. A point of emphasis came in the music right as she came back to his arms, and he dipped her, causing her to start laughing. As he righted her, the music suddenly slowed, and the two of them began to box step, laughing in glee and unable to look anywhere except at each other.

"Where did you learn to dance?!" Vania asked. "You're amazing!"

Cole grinned and spun her out once more, slower. "My dad taught me when I was a kid. What about you? You're beautiful!"

She stifled more laughter. "Private tutors. You would not believe how much spinning Chompy endured while I practiced in my room."

"Oh, I believe it." The two of them twirled, her skirt flaring out widely. "My dance partner got so dizzy back in the day."

"Your dance partner?" she asked.

"My next-door neighbor." He grinned. "She's wasn't very nice to talk to."

Vania laughed at that, the bright sound like bells as it drowned out the music for a moment. "I'll take your word for it!"

The music picked up, and the two began to dance again, faster and wider. At one point, Cole put his hands both on her waist and lifted her up into the air, swinging her around nearly a full circle before sitting her down. For a moment, she felt like she was flying, and she told him so. Then, she asked another thing, which struck him to the heart.

"Did you mean to call me beautiful?"

His face heated up and his breath caught in his chest. "You heard that?"

"Yeah, I did." She looked away, smiling bashfully.

"Oh." He almost froze, but managed to spin her again, the music slowly climbing to its highest point. "Yeah, I did. You really are beautiful, Vania."

She blushed prettily. "I guess that means I can call you dashing, then. I've never seen you so dressed up."

"Me neither, but I'll take it." As he said it, the music reached its climax, and he dipped her low, such that she could almost reach the floor. She leaned into him, and as he lifted her back up she put her arms around his neck. Their eyes met, and she smiled.

The tune was over now, and those who weren't dancing were applauding the musicians. There was a quiet rustling as sheet music was flipped, and the two were unable to break the moment for a few seconds. When they did, it was reluctant. Vania lingered in his arms, and Cole wondered whether he was imagining it. What if she really wanted something between them? Could he be that lucky?

"That was the most fun I've had in a while," she eventually said, happiness filling her voice.

"Me too." He smiled, fondness taking over his whole body. "You're a lot better than my old partner."

She snickered. "I would hope so! You're more fun than my old teacher."

"Good to know." The first strains of music struggled to be heard over all the sound of speech in the ballroom, but they picked them up anyway. In a fit of drama, Cole took her hand and kissed the back of it, intent on being chivalrous tonight if he couldn't any other time– if he could pretend that she was his for a night, maybe she'd one day want that for them. Slowly, he bowed his head, then looked up at her. "Another dance?"

Vania smiled bashfully, transfixed on him. "I'd love to."

-----

Vania and Cole danced for hours, whispering as they turned and stepped. At the beginning of every tune, he would step back and kiss her hand, before asking to dance again, ever the picture of gentlemanly charm. She would smile and say yes, and they would step out in time, beginning a new dance for each that only ended when the music did. It was like a dream to them, and Vania thought it had to be some perfect version of a romance.

As the evening passed them by, the sun slowly sunk under the horizon. The rainbows cast by the crystals faded, being replaced by soft lighting afforded by the chandeliers. The golden light diffused throughout, making the place feel otherworldy, as if enchanted by fae to be inescapable, such that no one would ever dream of leaving. The whole scene was too captivating to forget.

Idly, Vania thought that she never would leave that night behind, even if she wanted to. That night, as short as it was, would have to be her eternity, because Cole held her close, whispering words of admiration and adoration in her ear as she spun and they twirled together. More than once, she expected him to do something rash– he would stop their dancing, lift her out of a dip and kiss her softly– but it didn't happen. It was hard for her to feel upset about that, though, when they never stopped spinning.

After a couple of hours of bliss, however, they tired a bit. Laughing, they escaped the ballroom hand in hand and found a quiet terrace outside the ballroom. There, in the trailing flowers that threatened to overgrow their beds, they sat on a bench, still laughing over some odd joke as they caught their breath.

When she could finally speak, Vania found herself almost at a loss for words, so she leaned against Cole and smiled to herself. "I haven't had that much fun at one of these events in so long."

He laughed quietly. "You sure were having a good time. I haven't danced that much in years."

"Why not? You're so good at it."

He turned his head to look at her. "Guess I've never had the opportunity. I don't do many events like this, y'know?"

"That makes a lot of sense. They're pretty rare even for me."

"Makes sense, considering all the planning that went into it."

Vania met his eyes, examining how their dark brown variegation. They betrayed only happiness, except for something she couldn't quite name. All night, she'd been unable to figure out what she had been noticing, but it was even more poignant now, and she saw it in him. As quiet settled in, she felt an incredible urge to break the tension and ask him if he knew what it meant.

After a minute of stillness, she spoke, but not about the mystery of that intangible something. "You have such beautiful eyes," she said instead, transfixed. "I don't know why, but they're just… gorgeous."

Cole raised his eyebrows and blinked, looking at her in surprise. "...What?"

"Your eyes. They're beautiful."

He was quiet for a few moments, and she tried to shrug off the feeling of having done something irreparably stupid, but then he smiled, sweet and true. It was a smile that exuded happiness, and she knew it was sincere within an instant. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." She beamed at him.

Cole glanced away, then back at her. "...You're beautiful, Vania. Just... in general. Especially tonight."

Heat came to her face. "You really think so?"

"Yeah." He waved his hand, gesticulating widely. "Everything tonight is gorgeous, and it's all because of you. You worked so hard on this gala." His smile turned bashful. "I really missed seeing you."

"I missed you too." Her heart clenched. "It's been so long since you were here."

"Being back is worth it." He grinned. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world; you're one of my closest friends."

"I am?" She tried to ignore how that phrase both excited and devastated her.

"Yeah. I was really happy to get your invitation."

Her stomach flipped, and she decided to be bold. "You were the only person I really wanted to invite. I'd happily just have a gala for two. It would have been just as fun."

It was Cole's turn to blush, his cheeks turning a moderate red, and she wondered if he might be thinking what she hoped– that they might have a chance. "A gala for two sounds really nice. It'd be a nice day off."

She smiled and scooted closer to him on the bench. "It does, doesn't it? Plus, all the dancing we could want." She turned and pretended to put a picture frame around the ballroom. "Food and drinks, too! It would be perfect."

Cole laughed. "Lots of cake. We wouldn't be able to eat it all!"

"Oh, no. Not at all. That's what makes it sound so good!" She grinned at him, and he only laughed more. "Are you laughing at me?"

"No, not at all," he lied.

"You are!" She smacked him lightly on the shoulder.

"The queen's attacked me! I'd better flee the country!"

"Oh no, you're not leaving yet! The gala's not even half over!" She bumped him with her shoulder. "You're staying, you here me? Royal order."

He crossed his arms. "I'm not sure I want to stay somewhere I'll be unsafe."

"Oh come on. I was kidding!"

"I know. So am I!" He chuckled. "Really though, I'm staying. How long is the gala supposed to go?"

"All night– as long as people can stay awake. I stay up all night every year."

"Do people dance that whole time?" he asked, incredulous.

"Some of them." She laughed. "You don't have to. If you need to go to bed, nobody will stop you."

He took a moment to think, but then grinned and nudged her. "I'll stay up with you. I want to remember tonight."

"Remember it?" she asked. "That can be arranged."

"I'm counting on it." He took her hand again and kissed it, just like he had so many times before as they danced. "Everything with you is memorable."

"Likewise." She beamed, and for a moment, it felt like her hopes weren't unfounded. Now was the perfect time to tell him, if she could only find the words. Would he be surprised, or would he expect it? Could he ever reciprocate? She didn't know, but she almost thought it could work. Just as she was building up her courage, however, he spoke instead and dashed her hopes.

"You know, there's a lot of this palace I never got to see last time. Would you show me around again?"

After a moment of silence for mourning her lost nerve, she smiled. "I would love to."

-----

For hours and hours, the unlikely pair danced, a ninja and a queen creating something beautiful out of nothingness. They stepped and spun, and whenever he could, Cole would dip her lower than the last time, so her hair would brush the floor. She'd laugh every time, and every time the music stopped, they'd start another dance, spinning again with only the music to guide them, as if they'd never have to stop.

Every once in a while, however, they would steal away to some new and hidden place to rest for a time, telling stories and jokes and reminiscing. With each passing moment, it seemed like they would tell their most pressing secrets, but they somehow remained unsaid, though many others were. That intangible feeling only grew, but it was so impossible to address it... Nevertheless, they grew closer and closer, until it was nearly impossible for them to part.

"I can't believe you ran away!" Vania exclaimed at one point while they hid in a little alcove off a hall, pressed almost together in the small space. "Your dad must have been furious!"

Cole laughed awkwardly, sweeping his hair back with one hand, knowing it hadn't looked proper in quite a long time. "He was angrier about the fact that I didn't tell him I was a ninja– he found out when I accidentally told him I was going to steal a trophy to stop the Devourer."

"You were going to steal the Blade Cup?" She stared. "Everyone says that you competed for it!"

"We did! Then he didn't mind."

Vania laughed. "There's always some secret side to the stories people tell about you, you know that? It's so much better hearing them from you." She leaned against him, and his heart took off at high speed. He had known that she wanted to hear their stories, but was that the reason why she cared?

"Some of them aren't very interesting," he muttered. "People like to embellish, too."

"It's hard to embellish anything when you ninja are involved!" She poked him.

He rolled his eyes. "You'd be surprised. Some people absolutely swear that huge chunks of Ninjago were just lifted into the air and made into some new continent where sky pirates lived. So far that hasn't happened."

A look of disbelief overtook Vania. "How does that… how do you even make something like that up?"

"Beats me."

She chuckled. "Well, okay. Even so, there are some things you just can't make up– that one not included."

"You sure? It's pretty easy to just lie." Cole examined her, trying to figure out what she was thinking.

"Yeah! Like… I can't make up how I didn't know Chompy could grow so huge when he gets angry, and you can't make up how you found your mom's temple!" She smiled, and then gestured between them. "We can't pretend about our friendship."

Cole had to smile back at her, unable to decipher all the emotions he was feeling. The opportunity was coming, if he could only get the words out– if he could just tell her! He could tell her, here and now, about how he felt. Was it the right time, or would it ruin everything?

"I guess you're right about that," he eventually said. "I wouldn't want to, anyway– being friends with you would be impossible to fake. Better just to actually know you. You're too unique to fake."

"Are you saying I'm weird?" she asked, squinting.

"Indescribable," he corrected, watching her reaction as she let her jaw drop in shock, mixed emotions filtering through her dark eyes. As she grappled for words, he explained. "Honestly, you're incredible. You're really strong, and smart, and you can fight. Everyone says you're an amazing queen, and they're not lying! You'd run the world if you could."

She watched him in growing surprise. "You mean all that…?"

"Every word. You're really special to me, Vania." He couldn't say anything else.

She floundered for words, but he didn't press her. When she finally had them, she took his hand. "Cole, I don't know what to say. I should be the one to say you're incredible! You're a hero– you're smart, a leader. You never give up! You've saved the whole world… you saved me. I can't compare to that." She ducked her head.

"You don't have to compare anything. I just want you to know what I think about you." He rubbed his thumb along the back of her hand soothingly.

She smiled and looked down, the fact that she was smitten obvious to everyone but him. "I think a lot of you, too. You're my best friend– I care about you a lot."

Something flip-flopped in his chest. "I care about you, too." He wondered what it meant.

For a few moments, they didn't speak, but then she lifted his hand to her cheek and pressed it softly there. "I don't really know how to handle what I feel for you. I missed you so much when you were gone, Cole. Tonight's been a dream come true... I don't want to forget any part of it."

Cole took his hand from her grasp and cupped her cheek fully, as gently as possible, trying to impress how he felt without having to verbalize it, if only to make it easier to explain the unexplainable. "I don't either. I've never felt this way for anyone– I don't even know what it is. Maybe…"

"...Maybe we feel the same?" she finished.

"Exactly." He smiled, painfully sincere, hoping this was the moment. "Vania, you make me feel so many things I can't even name. I don't know what comes next."

"Me neither." She nestled into his touch. "All I know is that I want to dance with you all night."

"I think that can be arranged." Cole laid his forehead against hers, the little hiding space they inhabited so small he felt he could have heard her heartbeat if his wasn't so loud. "We have all night to talk about this."

"We do." She looked up at him and smiled. "I'm so happy."

"Me too. I'm happy being with you."

-----

The night was no longer young, but it didn't matter. With the moon high in the sky, the gala was less crowded, as even most of the young and fit had left, only the most dedicated revelers remaining. The holiday was passing, and celebration was still in full swing throughout the city, only visible through the great windows to the ballroom. Outside, people cheered and danced in their own spaces, lights and decorations strung all across the ivory flagstone streets.

After the a few hours of the gala, the live musicians had left, but music kept playing through speakers, so the dancing continued. Now the music turned more informal, switching genres frequently. Cole and Vania found themselves doing whatever suited them, whether it was waltz or swing or no choreography at all, just having a good time with the others who celebrated. The unexplainable feeling had somewhat subsided, but it clenched in their chests every time they came together in their dances.

At one point, the music shifted back to a sort of waltz, just a bit faster than the live music had been. Vania cried out in laughter as they spun, twirling in and out of Cole's arms fast enough to make her head spin, the music their only guiding star. The music rose and rose, and Cole couldn't help but laugh as they took up the entire dance floor, others stepping away to give them room. Neither took their eyes off the other, too transfixed to notice the small crowd that had gathered to watch them until near the end of the piece, when a pause came in the music.

When they noticed, they locked eyes. In moments, a silent agreement was made between them, somehow in perfect clarity. With no hesitation, they threw themselves into the dance in impossible synchrony and danced with yet more spirit.

The music crescendoed, and deceptively it seemed to reach its climax, energy building higher and higher. Cole put his hands on Vania's waist, and as the highest note was struck, he lifted her up and spun her. Her skirt flared out as he did, and she laughed. It only lasted a moment, and as she came back down to earth, the music began to swell again.

The final climax was coming, so the two came back to dancing hand-in-hand again, their movements ever more dramatic. The end came incessantly forward, and for a moment the music stopped, the sound of breathing and hearts beating drowning everything out.

Then the end came, and Cole dipped Vania deeply. She leaned against his arm, hands clasped tightly together, breathing hard. He leaned down, holding her safe and steady, for once happy that his father had made him take so many lessons. He held her low for a surprisingly long time, as their audience watched in suspense.

As the suspense slowly lapsed, some of those who watched them began to clap, appreciative of the show. Slowly, Cole lifted her back up to a standing position, gently supporting her. As Vania gained purchase and stood on her own, they slowly came closer together, and the others in the ballroom began to cheer rowdily as they stood only inches apart.

Cole grinned, and Vania grinned back. They looked around at the other people, some of whom were drinking some sort of fizzy drink and cheering without inhibition, and then back to each other. After a moment they bowed and curtsied to the group, and Cole chuckled quietly. "They liked the show," he said under his breath.

"So they did. Want to take another break?"

He grabbed her hand tightly. "Let's find somewhere private."

She grinned, heart racing. "I know the perfect spot. Follow me!"

Before anyone could follow them, they left the ballroom, and Vania led him into a side room and shut the door. Once inside, they paused, staring at each other in partial awe at what had just occurred.

Then they began to laugh. They laughed for a long time, only stopping when their stomachs hurt. As they calmed down, however, a heavy sense of reality descended upon them both.

Their eyes met, an unspoken question passing between them. They had felt that undeniable something during that last dance, but it seemed to have no name. What could it have been? Maybe it was the exhaustion and their emotions playing tricks on them, but maybe it was what they had been hoping for– maybe it was what they longed for– maybe it was a possibility.

It was a long time before either had the strength to speak.

-----

The sun peeked over the horizon once again in its own due time. Its pale light shone into the palace, striking the garden and illuminating the vibrant greenery. Rays passed through the crystal chandeliers, too, creating minute rainbows that slowly scattered across the ballroom, shining onto the faces of sleeping and waking revelers. Not many remained awake, but those who did smiled at the reappearance of the light. The holiday was over.

For the last few hours of the gala, the music did not play at all. Those that remained awake talked, laughed, and joked to pass the time. Some drank that fizzy drink that had lowered their inhibitions. Some drank too much, and there were many foolish moves that had been made, such that the beauty of the ballroom was marred by the chaos they enacted. None of the mess bothered those that did not slumber, however– despite it all, they still remained.

Cole and Vania found themselves sitting together in one of the vacated palace rooms, leaning against one another, with Vania practically in Cole's arms. They had spent the hours telling jokes and stories. At one point, they had each drunk some of the fizzy beverage, leading to a barrage of compliments and jokes, not the least of which could have construed as anything other than veiled romantic attention. However, nothing had come of them, and the drink had worn off. Now that the morning had come, they roused themselves from half-sleep, ignoring how they ached to stay next to each other and spend the day asleep.

As the morning came into its own, the hired palace staff began to tidy up the gala's mess, and it was time for many to go home. Those who had eventually slept were awoken, and all were slowly sent away with holiday well-wishing. Cole, however, stayed close to Vania, nearly hand-in-hand. As her obligations came ever closer, however, it slowly became clear that he would have to leave soon.

When they finally had to part, Vania walked with Cole to the gardens, hand in hand. Among the greenery and flowers, where they were alone, she put her hand to his cheek, stroking gently with her thumb, looking into his dark brown eyes.

"I'll miss you," she murmured. "Come back soon."

Cole put his hands on her shoulders, still bare from her dress, and no less distracting. "I'll miss you too, Vania. Maybe next time you can visit Ninjago."

"I'd love that." She smiled at him, her eyes heavy but her heart full, and his just the same. "Show me everything?"

He chuckled. "That'll take more than one visit, you know."

"I'll just have to come more than once."

"That sounds good to me." He took her hand away from his cheek, and for a final time he kissed it, like he had so many times that night. "Thanks for the dances, Vania. I'm not gonna forget this anytime soon."

"Me neither. Have a safe flight home."

Vania watched as he slowly walked away from her, trying to memorize the moment. When he was at a safe distance, he summoned his earth dragon, its form becoming corporeal just as he jumped on, despite his tiredness. From his vantage point, he waved to her, and she waved back. Moments later, he took off, his dragon launching itself off of the ground.

Vania watched him go. He disappeared slowly, and when he was but a speck in the sky, she put her hand to her lips and kissed it softly where he had, already telling and re-telling herself the moments from that night. The next time she saw him, she'd tell him how she wanted to share something with him. She'd find a way to explain that mysterious feeling, even though she already thought she knew. Then it was his game... then she would wait for him again.

As he disappeared over the horizon, she smiled. "I'll see you soon, Cole… maybe I can tell you then."

-----

When Cole returned to the Monastery, he landed his dragon in the courtyard, the weight shaking the building. He sat on its back for a few moments, gathering his energy, and then dismounted, letting it dissipate back into nothingness as he entered the building, yawning widely.

As he passed the dining room, a voice called out to him. "Cole, you're back!"

Cole ducked his head in to see Zane, decked out in his old pink apron and making breakfast. "Hey, Zane." He yawned again, trying not to let his exhaustion show.

"You look exhausted. Why have you returned so late– or should I say, early?" Zane asked, blunt and to-the-point as ever.

Cole shrugged. "The gala lasted all night. Why are you up so early?"

"It is seven in the morning. Is that not a respectable time?" Zane asked.

"Nah, it's fine. I'm gonna go to bed. See you later."

"Sleep well." Zane smiled graciously, a twinkle in his mechanical eye, and Cole took that as a ticket to go straight to his room, avoiding the others.

After changing quickly into something more comfortable and far less formal, Cole laid down. He stared up at the ceiling, replaying all the moments from that night over and over in his mind. He put his fingers to his lips, trying to remember what it felt like to be with Vania, and smiled at the memories.

Maybe there was a chance for them after all. He knew what he had been feeling, even though he'd never felt it before. One day, he'd tell her– he'd tell her that he'd come back to her every time.

After that, anything could happen. All Cole knew was that he was looking forward to it.

[only-lonely-stars]

Hello, My Baby

Drabble, Oneshot – (FFN) (AO3) (AO3 Drabble Collection)

Summary:

Zane is a lovely singer, with a flair for romantic barbershop staples. Pixal thinks it's adorable.

"Hello my baby, hello my honey, hello my ragtime gal," Zane crooned, twirling a boutonniere rose between his fingers as he held it out to Pixal. "Send me a kiss by wire; baby, my heart's on fire," he continued as she smiled– if she could, she would have blushed.

"Zane, what are you doing?" Pixal asked, laughter evident in her voice.

Zane smiled at her, his twinkling eyes giving away his mirth. "Do you not like me singing to you?"

Pixal laughed, covering her mouth with the hand that held his flower. "No, I do. Where is this coming from?"

Zane smiled in response, a tad sheepish. "I just thought you'd like it. I thought you'd like a romance like in the movies."

Pixal smiled. "Is that what this is about?" She pinned the rose back into his lapel. "Zane, I like everything you do."

He grinned. "Then you must know... If you refuse me, honey, you'll lose me, and then you'll be left alone. Oh, baby, telephone and tell me that you're mine." He took her hand and kissed it oh-so-gently. "I love you, Pixal."

Pixal smiled, putting her other hand on his cheek. "I love you too, Zane." She kissed him gently. "I love every part of you."

[only-lonely-stars]

Splintered Ice

Oneshot – (FFN) (AO3)

Summary:

For all intents and purposes, the Ice Emperor is dead. However, his ghost remains, in icy joints and frosted eyes. How can Zane trust himself not to become him again? How can he heal? How could anyone begin to forgive him?

Ice cracks. It splinters. It shatters. Zane shivered; every movement, punctuated by the sound of fractures. What was it like to move freely- to not be frozen to his seat? To feel human, instead of frozen? To feel alive…

Crack, crack, crack, snap. The cold anthem of his existence. An orchestra of fractured glass. Horrible, beautiful.

Everything was white and gray. What did color look like, again? His mind was sluggish. No matter where he looked, the world was hidden by a panel of frosted glass, shielded from his tyranny. Maybe it was better that way.

The door creaked open, and Zane's frosted eyes slowly panned to it. He started, edging away as Pixal approached him with a plate of hot food and a sympathetic smile. Whatever she was saying was lost to his ears; he backed away, trying to tell her to flee. What if she froze? What if there was no way for Kai to thaw her? What if he controlled her?

No sound escaped his throat; only the sound of cracking ice. Pixal smiled gently and nodded; she gave him space but stayed in the room. How foolish. Zane shivered violently, snowflakes falling from his hair. Why wouldn't she leave? Didn't she value her safety?

Logically, Zane already knew the answer. She was a nindroid, like him. She believed he wasn't a threat. But what if he was? What if she was wrong?

Something clinked loudly on the ground; an icicle, falling from his hand and joining the pile below.

Was it just Zane, or did it feel like the world was tilting off its axis? He leaned on his hands, trying to support himself as the world spun out of order. What was happening to him? The warmth of the sun streaming through the window felt far-away, glinting off his metal in a painful glare on the permafrost.

Pixal shielded her eyes, and Zane felt pure, unadulterated guilt. It swelled up in his stomach, hot and painful and unnatural. He hated it. How could he let this happen?

Zane hugged himself tightly, attention turning inward. Maybe he deserved this, as punishment for freezing the Never Realm and all its people. Because he believed Vex. Maybe he deserved this for so blindly thinking he could safely reboot that accursed mech. It- it was all his fault, anyway! If he hadn't dragged it into that cave, or hadn't tried to fix it, or had looked around before he interfaced with it, or had backed up his memories again, or had just thought twice about what Vex said, this wouldn't be happening!

He heard a muffled voice, murmuring comforting words, but he knew he didn't deserve them. Pixal was always so compassionate. Too compassionate for a slow, outdated droid like him. An old operating system in a new body- a relic, whose only value was his power source.

Was he always like this? Maybe the veil had just been lifted away, showing the true horror of his nature– his inhumanity, finally on display for an entire world to see. It was all he could do to afford himself the mercy of gratitude that it wasn't Ninjago that saw his awful nature. They used to know him as a beacon of justice, light, and truth. What was he now? A tyrant? His memory banks were empty of decades of information. What had he done for the past twenty years? Thirty, perhaps? Maybe even forty? All of it was blank, wiped from his mind by the very staff that corrupted him.

Where was that accursed staff, anyway? Had he truly broken it? Even now, he could remember the feeling of it in his grip, heavy and slick. It released hidden power– did it also release hidden intentions? Maybe he had always wanted to rule. He still felt its heavy weight in his hand, cold and cruel.

Zane shivered again, and more snowflakes fell into the food before him. The world had stopped spinning, leaving him feeling numb. The plate of food in front of him was no longer steaming, having its heat sapped by his ice.

The frost over his eyes was thicker, but he saw Pixal, edging closer to him. She put her hand on his, and Zane felt even more numb. She had to know he was going to freeze her, right? Did she really trust him enough not to be afraid? He frowned, unmotivated to correct her mistaken trust. She would see eventually. He remembered so little about her anymore, but he remembered that she would never budge when she chose to do something. She was grounded. He didn't remember being like that, even though he knew he was once. Didn't someone once tell him that time erodes memory and mind alike?

Maybe it would be okay to submit to her affections, just once. Surely it wouldn't hurt her, right? Slowly, he knitted his fingers together with hers, as small chunks of ice splintered from his joints. She held his hand tightly, and murmured in his ear. Zane shook his head, clearing the frozen fog for a moment. He needed to eat; as one of the perks of being Borg's most advanced machine, he ran almost like a person would. Including digestion.

Pixal raised a piece of warm bread to his mouth, and he ate without tasting. The warmth radiated through him, gone too quickly. He ate more, giving her a faint, frostbitten smile. She was too good for him. How did he deserve her care?

The food was gone before Zane realized. When was the last time he had eaten? Either way, the room felt less cold. Stable. Almost like home. With Pixal, anywhere felt like that, he was remembering. He felt safe.

He blinked slowly, watching the frost on his eyes break off as ice and fall. His ears were ringing- weird. Pixal took the dishes and kissed him on the cheek, but he was unable to look at her; as he tried to turn his neck, the sound of ice breaking heralded his effort. Instead, he focused on clearing his mind. A few deep breaths brought a sense of calm, and Zane relaxed a little. He hadn't hurt Pixal. She was safe from him.

A few more bits of ice fell out of his hair, looking akin to diamonds. Zane smiled for a fleeting moment. He would be okay, right?

He sighed. "Okay" was a relative term at best, after all. For now, for his own safety (and more importantly, for everyone else), he would stay isolated. He laid down, looking at the ceiling as tendrils of frost again invaded his vision. Just for now, he would wait…

It wasn't hiding, right?

No, it wasn't. It couldn't be. It was really self-preservation.

Zane smiled faintly, closing his eyes. It was a good idea to stay away, just for a little longer. Even if it meant locked, icy joints. Even if it meant an inability to sit up. Even if it meant disappearing. It was in everyone's best interests. It was a good thing.

[only-lonely-stars]

The Gift of New Life

Oneshot – (FFN) (AO3)

Summary:

Zane had sacrificed himself to save all of Ninjago from the Overlord. Pixal didn't go to his funeral. Instead, she went to the factory floor. Zane, of course, didn't stay dead, but how he lived afterwards is yet a mystery... Here is one possible story of his rebirth. aka, "How Zane Defied Death (the first time)"

Anyone who said "time flies" was wrong; Pixal had never felt time move so slowly. It had only been one week since the end of the Overlord's second attempt to conquer Ninjago, but the world had changed immeasurably, and no less with the loss of Zane. As she thought about it, Pixal's half of a heart hurt. The very one who had given her his heart was gone– cast into oblivion– dead and buried. Even the memorial service was too painful for her. Instead, she stayed in Borg Tower and watched as the Ninja said their last words to their beloved steel friend.

"You are Zane, a droid like me. What does Zane stand for?"

"I stand for peace, freedom, and courage." How long it had been since Pixal heard those first words. They almost felt like she was hearing them again.

"Your hardware is outdated, and your processor is slow and incompatible." Pixal once didn't know how beautiful Zane's differences were; once, she mindlessly followed her code, not her heart.

"Why are you so different?" If only she could hear that voice speak to her again. She turned from the window with an unnecessary sigh (no droid could need air) and looked toward Borg's computer. There, on the screen, was a camera feed from the day she met Zane. Hadn't it been blank just minutes before?

"We're all different, but I don't feel so different around you." Pixal gasped and ran to the computer.

"I wasn't recalling that voice! Zane, is that you?" Was he here, with her, somehow? She had always known him to perform small miracles.

"You are vital to me." There it was, the voice speaking again.

"You are vital to me," she replied, quiet. "Are you… here?"

"I shall see you again," the videos replied, before switching to a view of the nindroid assembly line. Pixal nodded before running to the elevator and slamming the call button. As she descended within it, she hardly dared to breathe. As soon as the elevator doors opened, she bolted out onto the conveyor belt, watching as the robotic machines turned their eerily human heads toward her. She held her breath, waiting for a signal.

"Are we compatible now?"

-----

Clank, clank, clank– the sound of a hammer rang throughout the factory. Three weeks had passed in a flash, so unlike before, but this time the distorted passage of time was a good thing. Pixal had been working non-stop trying to rebuild Zane's body, while he worked from inside the digital systems of Borg Industries to reconstitute his mind. A few small memories were lost, like Cole's favorite type of cake, but he was alive and intact, so it was good enough. Pixal had run a diagnostic on him at the beginning of the process, and she shuddered at the cold feeling that sprung up along her spine at the thought of Zane's untimely end. How awful that had been…

"Have you finished it, Pixal?" Zane's voice echoed from speakers, with a camera trained on her to act as his eyes.

"Oh, yes! It's all in place. I just need to finish the chestplate."

"Wonderful." Zane smiled, and despite him being the Ninja of Ice, it was like sunshine on a spring day (in Pixal's unbiased, logical opinion). She gave the hammer one final strike before putting it aside.

After fastening the plate to his new titanium body, Pixal turned to the computer, where a digital avatar of Zane waited. "Are you ready, Zane? You can commence the upload at any time."

"Yes, let's begin. Thank you, Pixal." Zane's avatar fizzled out immediately after.

A robotic voice echoed loudly in Pixal's ears. WARNING. Certain files are incompatible with newer BorgTech™ systems and may not properly align. Commence upload anyway? Pixal shook her head and pressed a button.

"Upload will commence in 3… 2… 1… Do not disconnect the power source."

-----

Aquamarine eyes flickered to life as a viewscreen displayed diagnostics. A titanium body sat up, creaking from its newness. A hand stretched out. "Pixal…?"

"Zane. Welcome back." Pixal took his hand and pulled him to his feet. "I have missed you."

"I have… missed you too, but I cannot remember why… Was I gone?" Zane blinked owlishly at her.

"Do you not remember it, Zane? You sacrificed yourself in order to freeze the Overlord." Pixal took Zane's other hand. "You saved everyone, including me."

Zane shook his head. "I feel out of sorts. It must have been the upload. I do not think this disorientation will last very long."

"I am inclined to agree with you. We should go meet with the Ninja and tell them the good news– they have not yet been informed of our project, in case something went wrong." While she did not say it, Pixal's fears were palpable; if they had failed, how would she have told them their brother was gone a second time?

Zane nodded. "Let us be glad it succeeded." He took Pixal's hand, and a pleasant staticky feeling ran up Pixal's arm. She smiled, but Zane's returning grin was short-lived. "I cannot remember some things, Pixal. Some of my memory files are missing or corrupted. I am concerned that perhaps the upload was not as successful as we thought it was."

Pixal's eyes widened. "You have more missing memories? What is the magnitude of their severity?"

"I do not think they are severe at the moment, but they may worsen. I am afraid only time will tell if they are resolved. We should meet my brothers and tell them; perhaps Jay or Nya can help." Zane sighed– to Pixal's ears, it seemed oddly mechanical.

"Very well, then. Shall we go?" Pixal held her hand out to Zane, who took it with a smile.

"We shall." Moments later, his vision turned black, consciousness lost.

-----

Zane blinked rapidly, his new eyes flickering slightly as he came to full consciousness. He looked around frantically, spotting Pixal shut down in a corner. "Pixal!"

"Hey, tin can, you're awake! Welcome to my humble abode," an unfamiliar voice called.

As Zane looked around, he saw no identifying markings of any kind; only the walls of a warehouse. He tried to stand, only to find that his hands were tied to a post, making that impossible without help. "Who are you?" He struggled against his bindings.

"That's not gonna work, buddy. You're well and truly stuck there." The stranger approached, remaining half-clad in shadow. Only half his face was visible, the other half obscured by a bandanna and an eyepatch with a telescoping lens. A wide-brimmed hat cast long shadows on his face, belying creases on his face. "Besides, we wouldn't want you getting hurt. You're worth an awful lot of money."

"You kidnapped us? Do you not know who we are?" Zane protested.

"Of course I do! That's the point. Too bad you're easier to transport in hibernate mode; you're such a bundle of joy to talk to." The man stepped closer. "I suppose it doesn't matter anyway; I can just switch you off."

"Don't do it!" Zane shouted, trying to lean away. "What have you done to Pixal?"

"Nothing that can't be undone," the man said with a chuckle. "Same with you." With those final words, he reached out; Zane shut his eyes tightly, and then he felt no more.

-----

Pixal blinked several times and sat up, raising her head to look around her. In front of her stood Zane, looking frightened for his life. "Zane? What happened?" She shook her head. "It seems I have been hard reset. Do you know who did this?"

"It was a stranger, Pixal. I do not know his name. He did the same to me." Zane kneeled before her, a hand resting on her cheek. "He has taken us hostage. My global positioning system says we are currently off the eastern coast of the mainland, on an unmarked island."

Pixal nodded and looked around. "Where are we? Some sort of holding cell?"

"We are in the back of a truck, I believe. It has not moved for some time." Zane glanced at the door. "I cannot access my elemental powers at all, and I am unarmed; with my neural drive's current state, I am also unable to open the door. We are trapped." He looked back to Pixal, a deep frown upon his artificial features. "I am terribly sorry you were dragged into this."

"Do not apologize, Zane. It was unavoidable, and I would have it no other way. I am glad I am with you." Pixal smiled sadly, taking Zane's hand in her own. "After all, we are compatible."

Zane smiled. "Yes, we are." As if to punctuate his statement, a loud thump occurred against the wall of the truck. "It seems we are not alone."

A voice rang out, muffled by the truck walls. "Gah, stupid cultists! Can't even carry crates right! This deal had better be worth it."

Pixal locked eyes with Zane. "How is your neural drive? I hesitate to believe we will be alone for long."

Zane shook his head. "It is in a bad state. I seem to have even more corrupted files. It will take a long time to dredge the backups from my hard drive."

Pixal frowned. "It will have to do for now."

The voice outside the truck shouted again. "Hey, watch it! That's valuable cargo, straight from Stiix!" It paused, then took a different tone. "Ah, Chen. There you are."

A whiny voice shouted in return. "There you are, Ronin! Do you have the robot?"

"Yes, I have the nindroid," the first– likely Ronin– responded.

"Let me see him!" the whiny voice, which must belong to Chen, shouted. "I need to know you kept your deal!"

"Hey, hold it," Ronin responded. "Give me the money first."

"Yes, yes," Chen replied, his tone off-handed. "Clouse, give him the money. I want to see the prize!"

"I brought Borg's droid too. The nindroid's smitten with her. You never know how helpful it is to have a bargaining chip."

"Yes, you're right! Clouse, add an extra three hundred for her. It's a pleasure doing business with you, Ronin."

"Yeah. A pleasure." The voices fell silent, and Pixal nodded at Zane.

"Here's our chance," Pixal whispered.

Zane nodded and stood, helping her stand up too. "We won't get a second. Ready?"

"Ready." The two of them stood apart, ready to fight. A minute later, the door creaked open, and Pixal launched herself at the men opening the door. After landing a kick, a man with a sort of telescoping eyepatch grabbed her foot and threw her onto her back.

"You're a feisty one, huh sweetheart? Careful, don't hurt yourself," the man snarked.

Pixal sat herself up abruptly and pushed herself back. After managing to stand, she glanced at Zane, only to find him frozen. "Zane…?"

Zane shook his head rapidly, looking confused. "What is going on? Did I miss something?"

Pixal's eyes widened. "Oh, no. Your neural drive!"

The man in the hat laughed harshly and turned to a man next to him with facial hair and a large purple boa. "Well isn't that handy. Look, Chen. He can't even fight you off! I'd say that's a deal for you."

Chen laughed. "Yes, yes, you're right! Clouse, get our men to take them to their cells!" Another man, this one with a greasy mustache and slicked hair, nodded and gestured to several tattooed men wearing skulls, who entered the truck. Pixal edged away from them with Zane, but they hit a wall and the men grabbed them by the arms.

"Zane!" Pixal called frantically, struggling unsuccessfully to free herself. "You must fight back!"

Zane shook his head and pulled his arms free, only to have another man pin them. "My d-defensive programs are not respon-ponding! I-I-I-I am unable to fight th-th-them!" His voice glitched painfully, displeasure evident on his face. The men wrenched his arms behind him and began marching him out of the truck. "Pixal!"

Pixal stared in horror as her own captors marched her in the same direction. As Zane glitched erratically, she tried to defend herself, but she could only watch as they were brought to two identical cell doors. Zane was thrown in the right, and she in the left.

Zane shouted as he was thrown against a wall and shackled. His captors immediately slammed and locked the door, as Pixal was locked in her own. "I am unharmed. Are you?"

Pixal ran to the window connecting their cells and shook her head. "I am as safe as I can be. You are shackled, Zane!"

"Yes," he replied with displeasure. "I will be able to cut them, I believe, but not any time soon. The saw in my arm will suffice."

Pixal nodded. "Very well." As soon as she said that, the door to her cell slammed open, revealing more of the tattooed men. She gasped and backed up to the wall, frantically searching for an opening for escape, yet finding none. "Do not touch me!"

The mustached man approached from the back of the group and grinned. "I find it difficult to see the power behind your words, robot."

"I said, don't touch me," Pixal exclaimed. "I am a droid, and I can defend myself!"

"Well, that poses a problem," the man simpered. "But that can be remedied." He gestured to her. "You know what to do." With that, the men advanced.

"Stop!" Pixal held out her arms in protest, only for the men to encircle her and remove her arms at the shoulder sockets. Red warnings flashed across her visual interface.

"Pixal!" Zane exclaimed, pulling uselessly against his chains. "What are they doing to you?"

"T-they are disconnecting my body!" Pixal replied. "They have taken my arms- You can't take that ou-" Her voice cut off abruptly.

"PIXAL!" Zane cried, but there was no response other than simpering laughter.

"My mistake. I seem to have removed her neural drive. Such a pity for that beautiful body to be useless." The mustached man came to the window. "Let this be a lesson, nindroid. Fighting back will only result in pain."

Zane shook his head. "You can't do this."

"You misunderstand, nindroid. I can, and I will." With that, the man stepped away.

Zane shook his head, his eyes falling to the floor as he uselessly tried to sob. His digital breath hitched, and he almost laughed; they had forgotten to add tear ducts to his new body. A fresh wave of emotion washed over him, pushing against his skull, and warnings flared across his vision. Warning: intense emotional experience will increase file corruption. Calm down. Zane laughed emptily and continued to silently sob, the warnings multiplying. It didn't matter that his files were slowly corrupting and disappearing; Pixal was gone, and nobody even knew he was alive again. There would be no rescue for him. He hung his head as his eyes closed, the warnings dyeing his vision red. Let him forget; it would hurt less.

[only-lonely-stars]

Good evening! I have reposted more of my fanfiction on AO3! Here is one of them - back when I wrote it, this one made my beta reader cry. Would you like some Zangst?

[only-lonely-stars]

It's Sunday afternoon! Today may be the day of rest, but I find writing restful. Let's get this fic written!

0/500 words

[only-lonely-stars]

FIC FEST PROGRESS

aka I need to be kept accountable or I won't actually start drafting this fic! Check-in due date is June 1st, submission deadline is June 30th!

Today's goal: drafting 500 words!

Progress: 0/500

[only-lonely-stars]

Hair As Gold As Straw (Prologue)

[Prologue - you are here!] // [Chapter 1 of 9] – (FFN) (AO3)

Part of the @ninjago-fairy-tale-au!

Summary:

Once upon a time, Princess Vania of Shintaro lived in an ivory castle in an ivory city. Her father, King Vangelis, kept her safe in her tower, where no one could hurt her and she could not hurt herself... until the day when she ran away. A Colania Snow White retelling.

It was the middle of winter in the Kingdom of Shintaro, and the queen sat in the window. She gazed out the window at the slowly-falling snow. The snowflakes shrouder her kingdom in a welcoming blanket, concealing the ivory and gold in purest white, as if to erase them. Stars twinkled through the gaps in the clouds, silently gazing down. The queen smiled at the sight.

In the arms of the queen laid a baby girl, snoring near-silently. Her wispy, straw-yellow hair barely concealed the top of her head, and her skin was pale as ivory. She happily slept, unconcerned with the world outside the window. Her mother rocked her gently, humming quietly. The snow muffled all outside sound in its gentle embrace.

There came a quiet knock at the door. The king came inside the room and greeted his wife.

"Dearest, there you are. The doctors said you were not in bed."

The queen smiled. "Vangelis, you worry too much. I simply came to watch the snow." She rocked the baby gently, enjoying the smile it elicited. "I had hoped that Vania would be lulled to sleep by it, and I was right."

"I worry the right amount, my love. You have been weaker by the day since our daughter's birth. I do not wish to see you suffer."

"My husband, I am not suffering: I am caring for our child." The queen smiled. "If it will please you, I will come to bed, but only if you join me."

"Very well," the king conceded. He took Vania from her arms, gently lifting her with the care of a father's love. "It is late, in any case."

For the next few years, the king and queen of Shintaro. lived happily with their daughter. Peace and love reigned over the ivory kingdom of Shintaro, and prosperity touched every man, woman, and child. However, after a few years and as winter's cold grip weakened to springtime, so did the queen's health.

"Vangelis," the queen called weakly from her bed. "You must promise me."

"What must I do?" the king asked his wife. He took her hand in his.

"I have one final wish, husband. Protect our daughter; she will be rash, and curious. Unknowing of the world. Keep her safe, here in Shintaro." She breathed weakly. "Our child must not grow up in the knowledge of our world's hatred."

"I will take care of her, my love." The king kissed her. "I will keep her safe from herself."

The king stayed with her until her breath ran out, and then she lived no more. All of Shintaro mourned their gracious queen, rich in mercy and compassion.

So it was that Princess Vania of Shintaro grew up in the loving watchfulness of her father, King Vangelis, knowing no pain nor suffering, nor anything of the outside world. She grew up to be a beautiful young woman, with skin as fair as ivory, and hair as gold as straw. She dreamt of new worlds, of open skies, of flight with wings that she was denied, and of freedom.

[only-lonely-stars]

Hair As Gold As Straw (Chapter 4 - Entry to the Mountain)

[Prologue] // [Chapter 3 of 9] // [Chapter 4 of 9 - you are here!] // [Chapter 5 of 9] – (FFN) (AO3)

Part of the @ninjago-fairy-tale-au!

Summary:

Once upon a time, Princess Vania of Shintaro lived in an ivory castle in an ivory city. Her father, King Vangelis, kept her safe in her tower, where no one could hurt her and she could not hurt herself... until the day when she ran away. A Colania Snow White retelling.

Chapter summary:

Who knew that Prince Charming was just... a man? Can he manage a task that others have already failed?

For a time after the three adventurers were sent below the city of Shintaro, there was no news. Their visit was forgotten as monotony set in, cushioned by the luxury of the ivory city. The people lived their lives without ever knowing of the adventurers' fate, Hailmar assumed his poorer role, and the king stewed. He sent no more guards below, instead choosing to wait for the next adventurer to come.

One evening, however, the monotony was broken.

A figure dressed in black and armored with gold entered the city. His face was masked so only his dark eyes were visible, and on his back he carried a shining golden scythe. He moved with purpose, treading the ivory flagstone streets toward the castle, the sun to his back. Every eye turned to him, and he in turn looked at the city's opulence with appreciation.

At last, he came to the castle gates, and he rapped on them loudly.

"Let me speak to the king! I'm here to answer his summons!"

-----

The king welcomed the stranger in his throne room like he had welcomed the previous three.

"Welcome, stranger, to the city of Shintaro. What is your purpose here?"

The black-clad man bowed. "I'm here to save your daughter, your Highness. I heard about your request."

The king nodded. "Very well. Please, take off your hood so I may see your face. Tell me who you are."

The stranger did so, revealing black hair and tan skin, which shone in contrast to his golden armor.

"My name is Cole," he said. He stood tall with an imposing presence.

"Are you seeking a reward?"

"Not really. Getting your daughter back is just the right thing to do," he said with a smile.

The king nodded amenably. "You are the first to come with such noble intentions, but rest assured that you will be rewarded handsomely." He came to stand before Cole and put a hand on his shoulder, almost fatherly. "Tell me, Cole. Are you the sort of man who cannot stay in one place?"

"That depends on what you mean. I haven't stayed anywhere long since I left my father's house."

"Then let me amend my question. Do you believe in the value of having a home?"

"Of course."

"Then I am sure you understand why I am so anxious to have my daughter returned to me." The king stepped away from him. "All others who have tried to rescue my daughter have failed. To aid your journey, I will give you a valuable artifact."

The king reached behind his throne and retrieved a wooden box. He opened it and took out a mirror, putting the box back. He put it in Cole's hands, and its silver frame felt frozen in his hands.

"This mirror will show you my daughter, to guide you around the dangerous pitfalls below. All you must do is ask it to show you. Use it wisely."

Cole accepted it hesitantly. "Thank you." He put it in a pouch on his belt. "I will bring your daughter home, no matter what."

"I am sure you will. When you do, I would like to propose an arrangement."

"What would that be?"

"When you bring my daughter home, you may have her hand. She is intelligent, but unfit to rule, like many royal women tend to be. She will need a strong husband to guide Shintaro– a man of action and of courage."

Cole hesitated. "You want me to marry your daughter?"

"When you bring her back, if you will have her. It is a fitting reward."

Cole stepped back, shaking his head. "No, your highness. It's a flattering offer, but I just want her to be home and safe. That's enough for me."

"Are you certain?" Vangelis asked pointedly.

"Yes. I don't want to be tied down, and she deserves a chance to be independent."

The king hummed noncommittally. "Very well. Regardless, you will be well rewarded. For tonight, rest yourself, so you may make the hard journey."

That night, Cole rested fitfully. He dreamt of his father, of bones, and of captivity. He woke several times, imagining he was locked in his room, but found nothing. Regardless, in the morning he awoke and prepared for his venture below the mountain.

-----

Cole steeled himself against the cold as he entered the mines. Behind him, two of the king's guards re-fastened the gate, blocking any unlikely Shintaran entry and likewise closing him in. He took one look behind before turning to the dark and raising his torch.

The cold and dark of the tunnels enclosed upon Cole, but he walked forward anyway. He did not fear the mountain nor the dark– instead, he forged ahead, feeling in every way like he was coming closer to what he sought. Into the blackness and dark, every guideless step took him deeper, farther from all company.

Eventually, he came across a fork in the path. The tunnels were identical, both stretching into faraway blackness. For a time, he thought about he paths, trying to choose one to take.

After some consideration, he reached into his pouch and brought out the mirror. It felt warmer than it had previously, but it unnerved him. Regardless, he gathered his courage and spoke to it as the king had instructed him.

"Show me the princess."

The mirror glowed a fluorescent green, which faded into an image of Vania, hefting a pickaxe. In bemusement, he watched as she dug, speaking to someone he could not view as she did so. Above her, stalactites glowed and shined with moss and gems. Slowly, the image disappeared, leaving nothing but Cole's reflection behind.

With more questions than answers, he stowed the mirror away, resolving himself to find her once again. He looked between the two identical tunnels, having no more guidance than before he used the mirror. He turned to the tunnel on the right and began to walk again.

While he walked, the knight was engulfed with memories, if only to break the monotony of his trek. He thought of his mother, whom he had lost, and her last words to him. His father, grieving and sinking into his work, had sent Cole away to a faraway school. Cole had left that school as quickly as he came and found a master to teach him his ways, learning all the things his father would never teach him. Then still a boy, he had learned all the ways of chivalry and stealth his master would teach, achieving greater things than those which his father dreamt for him.

Continuing on, Cole thought of the places he had lived and learned since his master's tutelage and of his aimless travels. In his mind's eye, they were as vivid as when he had lived those days, with blazing sun and burning sand. As he was preoccupied with his reminiscence, he did not see how the ground opened up in the middle of a passageway, and stepped in.

Cole stumbled and fell into the hole. He cried out, trowing out his arms to grasp anything that would keep him from falling, but felt nothing. His yells echoed through the tunnels, the sound of air rushing past his ears deafening. Just as he re-oriented himself, he winced as he hit against something elastic which bent and snapped beneath him. He hit another and another, each reaching the same fate, before he finally fell against one that did not snap.

Cole laid on his back, catching his breath. He opened his eyes to see a high stone ceiling riddled with webs in every crevice, blanketing it in enough white to turn it a faint gray. After a few moments, he looked around and was filled with dread, seeing an enormous web beneath him and multiple bodies and skeletons. Some were webbed up, like they were trapped by spiders, while others were simply stuck to the strands and stared off into oblivion.

Cole struggled against the web's stickiness, trying to pull himself free. It clung to him with surprising strength, restricting all movement. Finally, he managed to sit up so he could look around, only to see a spider the size of a large boulder sleeping on edge of the web.

The spider was the largest creature the knight had ever seen. It was hideous, having large mandibles and teeth, as well as many closed eyes. Its legs were long and jointed, tipped with blade-like ends. Its enormous thorax rested against the cave wall, showing off fearsome markings. Beneath its body ran a line that went under Cole, which made him wonder why it did not awake from his fall. However, he disregarded that fact in lieu of the current issue; freeing himself.

Cole slowly pulled himself free of the adhesive, grimacing at the disgusting feeling of it pulling at his clothes and armor. Slowly he pried himself away. He searched for a suitable, non-sticky place to stand, but was unsuccessful. In exasperation, he resolved to slowly walk off the web into a corridor near one side.

The corridor was bedecked in webs, but Cole entered it anyway, feeling braver once he touched solid ground as he always did. He walked carefully, looking for holes and webs, but found none to trip him. An opening came up, and he passed through it to find a smaller, less-webbed cave. Inside this cave was another sleeping spider, but it was much smaller than the other. Its marking were purple to the other's gray-black, its legs were much shorter, and it had strange white markings on its head. It sat in the middle of the web, but that was also different. Cole noted that it lacked the bodies and bones of the previous.

Cole sighed and examined his surroundings, looking for another exit besides the tall ceiling above the spider's nest. He could not turn back, nor could he scale the smooth walls. However, just past the web was another corridor, which was much less webbed than the one he had just come through. It was doubtlessly the best option, if not for the fact that it required passage over the web in order to access it.

The knight pulled his hood over his head, determined to be stealthy. The skills he had learned from his old master served him well as he crept across the web, approaching the spider. Halfway across, however, his foot slipped on a non-sticky thread, and he fell.

The spider started away and looked around frantically, searching for the intruder. Cole laid still as it relaxed and then spotted him. The spider seemed startled, as it jumped away from him and skittered to the edge of the web. Cole pushed himself up as best he could, fighting the stickiness as he reached for his scythe. The spider, to its credit, backed away. It held up its two front legs, as if to show its innocence, before shooting a web upwards and pulling itself away from Cole's reach.

Cole watched it ascend. The spider, for whatever reason, did not want to hurt him. All around him were discarded web wrappings, as if they had once encased creatures which the spider had preyed upon, but there was no evidence of any human death. The thought of safety from the spider eating him was comforting, but he did not stay; instead, he moved as quickly as he could and left the cave, watching his back. He kept moving, trying to find his way back to larger caverns.

-----

Hours after his altercation with the spider, Cole was only marginally successful in finding the princess. Once or twice he had spotted the luminescent moss, living on cave walls or stalactites, but it was never the surroundings he had seen in the mirror. Eventually, he tried the tool again.

"Show me the way to the princess."

The mirror glowed much like before, and gave him a new picture. In it, strange teal creatures fought in a room with a long and low wooden table. It was a banquet table, the size of which he had never seen. The creatures shouted silently and threw things, hitting each other with clubs. A wooden throne was at one end of the room, and a female creature of their kind sat in it, looking bored. She spoke inaudibly to someone next to her, looking bored. Just as she got up to shout at the other creatures, the image faded, and Cole saw his reflection again. He put the mirror away.

The way seemed obvious enough; find the creatures and the moss, and the princess would be there. He resolved once again to find her and bring her home, and set off through the tunnels.

-----

Another hour passed, and Cole found himself once again at the fork in the tunnels that he had reached earlier that day. By all estimation, it was likely afternoon or evening outside the mountain, but he did not stop to rest. Instead, he took the other path at the fork and continued walking.

After only a few minutes, Cole knew that he was on the right track. The moss showed up in little patches and only glowed faintly, but it was still what he had seen. He followed its trail and eventually came upon a door set into the wall. He slipped inside and found a large cavern, filled with mud and stone buildings that lined the walls all the way to the ceiling. Tools and weapons were everywhere, as were bones and dirt, giving the place a feeling of messiness. Cole found it almost comforting as he snuck through it.

Eventually, he found a group of the teal creatures. One was talking to a few others and hefting a pickaxe. It acted as if it was telling them a story, and as he crept closer he caught a few words.

"Then it was urgh, and I did agh, and the rocks fell! Many gems behind."

"Many gems, but Mimble still have more," another said.

"No, Molt does!" a third replied, hitting the second on the head with a club. "Molt have all the gems Munce need today."

Cole's foot hit a bone, and it clattered against the ground. The creatures turned and looked at him.

"Another from above the mountain!" one said. "Like Korgran!"

Cole looked at him warily. "Who are you?"

"I am Murt! Best miner of the Munce." The creature looked proud.

"I'm Cole. Have you seen a girl anywhere? Pale skin, yellow hair?"

The creatures muttered to themselves. "Why ask?"

"I'm looking for her. She needs to come home."

"She is no Munce. She is not here," Murt said.

"You're called Munce?"

"Yes. Better than the nasty Geckles!" Murt cried.

His friend elbowed him. "They are not nasty, Murt. Mimble knows."

"Right," Cole said. "Do you know where she is?"

"We can not tell you," Mimble said. "She does not want to leave."

"Why not?" Cole asked.

Mimble shied away like he had said too much. "No telling. You find no help from Munce."

"You won't tell me where she is?"

"No. Munce no help."

Cole sighed. "All right. That's fine." He turned to leave them behind and spotted a pair of tall doors. "Where do those go?"

Murt put a hand on his shoulder. "We no go there. That is the way to Geckle caverns."

"I'll take my chances." Cole went to them and pushed them open, slipping through and closing them quietly as the three Munce protested. The passageway had many more stalactites covered in moss, and he looked up at them, as if they showed the way. Sure enough, at the end of the tunnel was another pair of doors, which were closing. As he approached he spotted a flash of white, as pale as the princess, in the doorway.

"Princess Vania?" he called. The door shut hastily with a resounding thud.

"Princess Vania, wait!"