Chapter Text
Ow .
The first thought that ran through Kai’s head as he rolled onto his front. His whole body ached with pain as he gasped for air, winded. Pain shuddered through his shoulder as he rolled onto his front, feeling water soak halfway through his gloves. His left arm almost gave in on itself. He opened his eyes, seeing damp concrete, with pink and blue reflecting off it, looking up and around whilst his head was still spinning, but he managed.
It looked like Ninjago city, but different. He couldn't explain it. Ninjago City. Or, at least he thought it was Ninjago city. It was lit with every colour of the rainbow, drowning out the stars above. The buildings all around him were the size of the tallest buildings in Ninjago City, but they didn’t even come close to the tower in the middle of the city.
Where in Ninjago was he?
It was night, and he was on a roof, overlooking the sea. Wait. Sea? His Ninjago never had a bay of any kind in the main city? You know what? One problem at a time Kai. He sat on his knees overlooking the shimmering moonlit sea, light reflecting and dancing across the surface, only to be interrupted by the throbbing pain from his shoulder, but hey! At least his head was no longer spinning.
He pulled his gi down slightly, seeing the various colours that would make Picasso proud. Sucking in a sharp breath, he felt along his shoulder and the surrounding areas, nothing broken, just severely dislocated, probably from his rough landing into… Wherever he was…
Fumbling with a leather strap for a moment, he pulled out his concealed O Tanto and sank his teeth into the firm, thick, black leather hilt. Ooohhhh, this was going to hurt. Very much bad. Just go to your happy place, Kai, just go to your happy place.
Before he could back out of it or tense back up, Kai yanked his shoulder and popped it back into place with a cringe-worthy snap.
Ow. Ow, ow, owie, ow-ow, OW. Hurting very much bad, ow!
Blinking away his pain-induced tears and slowly extracting his teeth from the small dents - that wouldn't last - made in the hilt, Kai let himself take a moment to shakily suck in sharp gasps of breath. There. He did it. All is well in the Kai world. Maybe. He would have to get back to that later when his shoulder wasn't still throbbing with, though significantly dulled, pain.
He took a deep breath and stood up stumbling backwards slightly in pain. Yikes, his body was going to hurt tomorrow. That was a lot of bruising, but as far as he can tell no broken bones, a couple of stained muscles maybe, but it would be fine… Eventually. Kai made note of his Gi, torn semi-badly in some places, with very light scapes against the skin. They always ended up getting somewhat ripping in mission, some more than others, stitching them back together with correct materials was nothing new. It will last a couple of days if he can’t find sufficient clothing. Oh well, It was well due for a replacement anyways. The fight tape around his wrist and under his gloves was a little loose but nothing he couldn't fix later.
Now that he did the Gi-Identity check and the injury check, he went over the rest of the mental checks.
O Tantos. 1… 2… 3… Check.
O Katana. Check.
Katanas. 1… 2… Check.
Double Edge Katana. Check and Check.
Weapons are all on him. With the two Katana’s making an ‘X’ sheathed on his back, as they are his mains, and the O Katana, (The quality one Lloyd and Cole managed to find for his birthday gift to him.) resting flat on the back of his hip, just above his backside tied to the belt loops, with the handle coming out on his right. The double edge, (One that Jay, Zane and Nya repaired for him) is just below it, the handle coming out on his left side. They were there when he lost grip of one of his mains or when the situation demands it, and it was just easier access than having it swing off his hips. The O Tanto’s were placed, on his thigh, calf and shoe. Right, right, and left respectively. The last one is a ditch effort to have a weapon in case of capture. Kai went over the rest of his checks.
Identity compromised. He was on a roof, in what was presumably the middle of the night. So no. Check.
Elemental Powers. He reached out and a candle flame flickered out from his pointer finger, watching it as it dance over his knuckles as if it were a coin. Check. Kai double-checked, over in his mind again.
Injuries. Only bruises and a mildly dislocated shoulder had been dealt with to the best of his ability. Check.
Identity comprised. On a roof in the middle of the night, so no. Check.
Weapons. All accounted for and in correct positions. Check
Elemental powers. Still there and still have full control. Check.
Gi. Ripped, but nothing he couldn't work with for a couple of days.
Okay, he has everything, now time to figure out where he was. Okay, he can do this. They train for these scenarios for nothing. After all, he wasn't the Spinjitzu Master of Fire for nothing.
~~~
Okay, this was Ninjago. Just not, his Ninjago. He had overheard some citizens coming home from what he could assume was their date, based on their clothing that is, and one of them mentioned, quote. ‘How lucky they were to have Garmadon not attack Ninjago whilst they were having their time together.’ He knew for damn sure that they defeated Garmadon years ago and then banished him to the cursed realm. Okay, so an alternate realm perhaps? A similar timeline but with some differences was his best guess. As Kai observed this strange new Ninjago, he decided to take note of everything, whilst running along the rooftops.
He noted no one went near the shoreline, and when they did, if reluctantly, they were paranoid, as if something was coming to get them at a moment's notice. Most of the buildings on the shoreline were either abandoned or destroyed. Great place to set up shop and hide though, Kai noted with some relevancy. Abandoned, no cameras, and barely any other civilians to see him, and if they did, they didn't question it, being as paranoid as they were. A random late-teen popping up out of nowhere wouldn't faze them.
The next thing he noted, was how Garmandon was still, a) alive and b) attacking the city. And for multiple times, for years it seemed like. And c) all the people seemed to hate them, not that he could blame them, Garmadon was an absolute dick before he was changed back. A somewhat loving father, but still a dick nonetheless. Most of the city had flat roofs, with a few curved ones littering here and there, which made it so much easier for transport. This was practically nothing compared to his Ninjago.
It also seemed… oddly quiet, and had a lack of crime. Kai didn't know if it was the constant looming threat of Garmadon over their heads or if was the middle of the night, he didn't know. But he stopped the few muggings he came across without much protest or noise. It seemed way too easy. Either this universe was weak or he had become desensitised to how much training he had.
Kai had also noted the stores and the torn posters hidden in the alleyway. The stores operated much like a market, one that shut down after midnight. The buyers were fairly spaced out, seeing as it was night and most people were in bed, but still somewhat bustling with activity. There were several food stalls, stores and restaurants that seemed to be pretty cheap but still high quality from what he had seen. There was a fabric store, that doubled as a tailor, he might go there if his Gi got any more ripped, as well as several trinket shops and stands and a florist, surprisingly enough, but they were closed due to the work hours he glanced through the window.
The posters, however, were advertising a fight club. A quick way to earn money to pay for any expenses he might have. Might be semi-illegal, but hey, cash is cash. Plus, it was one of the only things he was good at.
He closed his eyes, taking in a breath of the night air, familiarising himself with the area, ninja training at his best when he heard several clangs to his right, close to the market in the alleyway. He ran over, feet not making a sound over the concrete. As he peered over the edge, he saw a young teenager, maybe 15 or 16. With blonde hair, and a green hoodie, pinned to the alley wall, with a knife to his throught, his aggressor, having a black cloth over their nose and mouth, not much of a disguise, but hey, at least they were trying. They were also wearing casual clothes. The kid in the green hoodie, sorta’ reminded him of Lloyd, with the green and the blonde hair, it was pretty close.
A devilish smirk worked his way onto his face, he might as well have some fun while he’s here.
~~~
Lloyd knew he should've been paying attention, why did he decide it was a good idea to walk home from the market alone, but he wanted to prove to the others that he didn't need a constant guard over him. He was their leader for Spinjitzu's sake! He didn't need coddling.
The stone of the building bumping into his back knocked him out of his thoughts, with a wheeze. He should probably be paying more attention to the fact he was being cornered in an ally, stupid boy.
“L-let’s talk this out.” Lloyd stuttered to the figure in front of him. He hated how weak he felt without his mech and gi. He couldn't right now, he was just Lloyd Garmandon. The weak defenceless Lloyd Garmadon is blamed for everything. He glanced at the figure when they didn’t speak, instead pulling out a knife that shone in the moonlight. Lloyd gulped, shoving down the insecurities.
“Th-that’s a nice l-looking knife you have there.” He stuttered. As terrified as he was, Lloyd had to admit, it was expertly crafted. From what he could see, the handle had an elegant plant-like pattern carved into it and beautiful engravings on the blade. It was unfortunate that such a beautiful weapon was being used against him.
“You like it?” The person asked, stepping closer and holding it up. “It’s my father’s.” Ah. Lloyd knew pretty well where this conversation was going. He should’ve just kept his mouth shut. The fistful of fabric that clamped his hoodie keeping him trapped against the wall, tightened.
“Or, rather it was, before Lord Garmadon’s last attack put him in the hospital.”
Yep. There it was. God, why did Lloyd always have to be the target? He saved most of the city for Spijitzu’s sake.
“L-look, I’m sorry, I am, but hurting me isn’t gonna help he-” Lloyd let out a strangled yelp as the person’s hand shot up and grabbed his throat. His hands immediately flew up to try and relieve the pressure, but it didn’t budge. Damn, this person was strong, did they do gym or something?
“Oh, I know that.” The blade flashed dangerously close to his stomach. “Doesn’t mean it won’t make me feel better.” As Lloyd started squirming away from the blade, a figure in dark red dropped from the roofs, a few feet behind the person with the knife. The person whipped around to see what had just happened but kept their hand firmly around Lloyd’s throat.
“I would step away if I were you.” He could see the figure almost clearly, thanks to the nearby streetlight. The top half is still in the shadows as if it were some cliché blockbuster movie.
From what Lloyd could see, at least four swords were strapped to him, two on his back, making an ‘X’ shape, and two on the back of his hip, where his back meets his backside. With a red and black Ninja hood over his head, even in the dark Lloyd could make out the scar that went through his right eye, as well as two surrounding scars. They were slightly angled towards the outside of his face. Honestly, it looked like a glorified cliché cat claw. Lloyd looked at the rest of his Gi. It looked a little more armoured, and a little more traditional than his gang’s Gi’s. Well used and well looked after, the fabric folded around him almost perfectly.
The stranger was wearing some sort of armour-like garb, with a black armour-like plating covering his shoulders and neck area. Black fight tap wrapped around his wrists, securing the fabric to his arms and under the armoured gloves. The belt was black with the sides being red, looped around twice, having a gold buckle and ends. The jacket bottom hung from below it, ending halfway on his thigh, both front and back, black lined with red. Lloyd didn't see the rest as the pressure on his through came back with a vengeance, as tears were threatening to spill from his eyes.
His skin was a dark tan and his eyes were a dark green and set in a harsh glare, anger and annoyance clear for anyone to see. He reminded Lloyd a lot of Kai, except the scar was in the wrong spot, the eye colour was different and he doubted Kai could ever look so angry. Or dangerous.
The stranger with the blade didn’t seem to be as intimidated as Lloyd, as they just scoffed.
“Who are you supposed to be?”
The stranger in red’s glare tightens, staring the man down, almost calculating. Then it hit Lloyd, he was stalling, being a distraction. Analysing the situation before attacking. Smart. Although he looked like he could easily take down the armed man and Lloyd without too much protest.
“Does that matter?” They said, eyes flickering to the knife, Lloyd and directly into the aggressor's eyes, a seething, but controlled flame behind his own. “I’m giving you one last chance to put down the kid and leave.”
Now it was the person with the knife’s turn to look surprised. Heck, even Lloyd was surprised. How did this person not know who he was?
“You’re kidding, right? Don’t you know who he is?!?” They exclaimed. The stranger looked unimpressed.
“Does it matter? Murder is still murder.” The knife stranger pits back, the venom back in his voice and heads for the lower range.
“Of course, it matters! Do you think I’d just threaten any teenage boy?!?” The red stranger looked even more unimpressed. “I mean….” He gestured to the scene before him, almost something akin to boredom flashed on his face before the knife stranger let out a yell.
“OF COURSE I WOULDN’T!” They looked ready to yell more, but instead, they took a deep breath.
“This boy is the son of the warlord who keeps attacking Ninjago City. He’s Lloyd Garmadon.” Lloyd winced a little at all the venom in the person’s voice. He was used to it, but it still hurt a small part of him wished that he was left alone for at least one day. The red stranger’s eyes widened exponentially.
“Lloyd… Garmadon…” The stranger trailed off slowly, in a tone of realisation, as if he was trying to figure out an exceptionally hard puzzle. Clicking his tongue, his eyes darting back and forth between Lloyd and the knife stranger, then to the ground.
The stranger looked back up, his eyes now full of hatred and threatening and rage. If Lloyd weren’t already trapped, he would’ve tried and shied away. Forget Kai, Lloyd never knew anyone could look that angry…. Great. Now that he knew he was probably going to join in, and honestly, the red stranger was much more terrifying,
“I am giving you one last chance.” He hissed, acid dripping from every word. “Leave now, or face the consequences.”
…..what? He…..he still wanted to help him? Even though he was the son of Garmdaon….maybe it was just because he wanted to be close to him. Save his son and get in the Dark Lord’s good graces….yeah. Yeah, that made more sense.
The knife stranger snorted.
“Oh please, what are you-” The red stranger was a blur, in under a second he was on the stranger and the pressure was gone from his neck, and he gasped for the lost air, he saw out the corner of his eye he saw the knife skid to a stop, glinting in the moonlight. In the next second, the now weaponless attacker threw rather harshly against the brick wall hearing him attempt to swallow air in pain before he was being dragged up the fire escape as if he were an empty school bag. In the final second, he felt the curved roof of the building beneath him as the stranger dragged him away via the rooftop.
They ran for several minutes, and even with Lloyd’s ninja training, he found it hard to keep up. His eyes scanned the stranger, the footwork, jumping, flipping, landing looking like he was born to do this. As free as a phoenix, the moonlight gave him an eerie ethereal glow. When they finally stopped, quite the distance from the alley, Lloyd was struggling for breath while the stranger didn’t even look mildly fatigued.
“Injured anywhere?” He asked, and Lloyd could’ve sworn there was genuine concern in his voice.
“I-I’m fine.” Lloyd managed to rasp out. “Geez, how do…..how did you run….so far with….without getting…. tired ….”
“Training.” They answered curtly. An awkward silence set in, only broken by Lloyd’s panting which gradually slowed.
“Do you….” The stranger started. Lloyd looked up at him, confused. “Do you recognize me?”
“Uhhhhhhh,” Lloyd looked at the stranger closely. Nothing seemed to stick out, especially since most of his features were hidden by his armour, gi thing, only now noticed the various rips in it, he had been in a tough battle recently. “Can’t say that I do. Sorry?”
“Right.” He grunted in response, as he turned away and stared at the stars on the horizon. Lloyd saw a flash of hurt in his eyes before it was placed with a saddened acceptance. The silence returned, this time even more suffocating. Lloyd started fidgeting his hands, desperately trying to think of something to say. After all, maybe this person did care, and he wanted to keep it that way.
“I should leave. Crime doesn't stop ya’ know.” The red stranger suddenly said in an upbeat tone, the emotion on his face completely gone, taking a few steps toward the edge of the roof. Either this guy was a master of lying or he… didn't know what else.
“Thank you.” Lloyd blurted. The stranger looked back, slightly surprised. “For helping me.”
His eyes softened and it was clear he was smiling behind the mask.
“It was nothing, kid. I’m sure anyone would’ve.”
Lloyd shook his head and chuckled. “Yeah, I’m not so sure about that.” The smile vanished and Lloyd internally panicked. Shoot, shoot, shoot, he shouldn’t have said that, he wasn’t sure what was wrong with the statement, but it was not right-
The stranger walked back over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. Lloyd fought back a flinch but wasn’t completely successful. He slammed his eyes shut, waiting for the inevitable hitting or yelling.
But it never came, much to Lloyd’s surprise.
After a few seconds, Lloyd hesitantly opened one eye. The stranger did seem to look angry…..instead he looked….sad. And worried. He drew a breath in and patted his shoulder awkwardly, coming up with his other hand to ruffle his hair, it was such a familiar action that it took a moment to register. It felt like action between two people who had seen the other disappear and come back a fully changed person….
“You a good kid, keep yourself outta’ trouble alright?” The stranger pulled away, the smile back on his face. “If you ever need any help, with anything at all, just scream and I’ll be there.” He ran back to the roof edge, but just before he jumped off, Lloyd stopped him.
“Wait!” He looked back again, even in the soft light, he could tell his eyebrow was raised. “What do I call you?” The stranger thought for a second before answering.
“Call me Shogun.” That had got to be one of the coolest names Lloyd had ever heard.
And then he jumped.
Lloyd rushed over to the edge to see where he went but found nothing. There wasn’t a red splat on the pavement or the telltale sound of footsteps on the surrounding roofs. Just vanished.
“Woah….” Lloyd said in awe. His moment of awe was interrupted by his phone ringing. Pulling it out, he recognized the picture as Nya’s.
“Hello?” He asked.
“LLOYD!” Nya shouted. Lloyd pulled the phone away from his ear, wincing at the loud noise.
“WHY ARE YOU ON THE ROOFTOP OF AN APARTMENT COMPLEX!!!”
“I-” Lloyd started, but then realised something. “Wait, how do you know I’m on a roof?”
“NOT IMPORTANT! EXPLAIN!” Nya demanded.
“Uhhhhhh, well you see…..”
~~~
Kai was pacing in the apartment. It had been three hours since the encounter, but he had too many thoughts rushing through his head and couldn’t relax. He needed…..he needed to get his thoughts in order. Yeah. Yeah, that would probably work. Jay always said that organising his thoughts helped, separating what he knew and what he didn’t, things he needed to get done versus things he wanted to get done.
First off, he knew he was in Ninjago City. All the signs had all but confirmed it. But he didn’t know why everything looked so different. He also didn’t know why this entire apartment complex was abandoned. It wasn’t that bad and wasn’t too far from the beach. Maybe the Garmadon attacks had something to do with it? That made the most logical and tactical sense.
Well, at least it was a good place to crash. He didn’t need to pay rent, it was decently insulated, and it could work as a pretty solid home base. He just had to be careful that nobody saw him staying and to not use anything that made light near the windows. And to keep his belongings sparse, in case he needed to move in a hurry.
His alternate Realm theory was looking more and more likely, it was probably an alternate reality that he was thrown into, which made sense. If there was an alternate version of Lloyd, the most likely thing would be alternate versions of everyone here. Including himself. He’d have to be careful.
Kai plopped himself on a crate and looked at the small backpack of things he’d stolen. It had been years since he needed to steal, but without any cash or a job, he didn’t have a choice. It hadn’t taken long to find the rhythm, but once he saw it he slipped into it with ease, his ninja training helping. The backpack contained a change of civilian clothes, a plastic water bottle, a water filter, three granola bars, and a couple of packets of chips. It was all he was able to snatch before the cashier got curious, but it was enough for now.
Then there was….Lloyd.
Lloyd, who seemed to be younger than Kai’s current age, like he grew up naturally instead of tomorrow's tea. Lloyd, who was almost killed in an alley and brushed it off as normal. Lloyd, who didn’t recognize him and thought he was going to hurt him. The last thought made him sick to his stomach. The look of fear in his eyes as Kai stepped toward him, the way he flinched away….. broke Kai’s heart.
Would the others have allowed it to happen? No, no they wouldn’t. But then that would mean that something happened to them. Perhaps it was Garmadon. The person had mentioned Garmadon attacking the city, so it was possible. But then who was defending it? Certainly not the police, they didn’t have nearly enough firepower. Oh no, his family was-
Calm down. Backtrack. Your thoughts are getting ahead of you. What do you know?
He knew almost nothing. He didn't even know how he got here, he knew he was in some sort of fight, but he couldn't remember. He didn't have an inkling of a clue how to get back home either. The hatred of the cursed realm was just getting more and more complicated.
Kai pulled out the small stack of folded pictures from the inside of his gi. It was located right above his heart, the safest possible place. If he was attacked there….. well…. losing the picture would be the least of his worries.
He’d sworn to himself the night he saved Lloyd from the volcano and revealed his destiny that he would do everything in his power to protect his little brother. It didn’t matter the danger, he would be there. He would even give his life if need be, he’d done it so far, to the best of his ability anyway.
Kai pulled out the change of clothes and used it as a pillow on the floor of the apartment, tiredness finally catching up to him.
Tonight, was time to sleep.
Tomorrow? Is Some reconnaissance.