(I suggest you check out parts 1-72 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)
(With Willow and Shancai)
Everyone had went to go rest up after the sparring they were going to the markets later. “Hey…where’d Vinny go? He disappeared” Willow spoke up to her brother as they walked together.
“I am unsure…though Nya did go somewhere, I presume she knows?” Shancai answered, his sister nodded and grabbed his hand and tugged him towards a different hallway. “Where are we going?” He asked.
“We’re gonna go ask her if something happened, he wouldn’t just leave like that” Willow spoke, receiving a nod from her brother. They continued to walk down the halls before knocking on the door, Jay opened it.
“Oh hey” Jay spoke, clearly surprised to see the two.
“Hey, can we just borrow Nya for a second?” Nya asked as she peeked the in the room and looked at Nya who was laying on the bed.
“Uhh, sure?” Nya spoke up as she stood and went to the door allowing Jay to go back to the bed and rest there. “What’s up?” She asked as she stood at the door.
“Is…everything alright with Vinny? We noticed he was missing and you also went off…did something happen?” Willow spoke up, Nya let out a sighed as she rubbed her temple and her expression softened.
“Yea…he just has a lot on his mind” Nya replied, she didn’t know Shancai and Willow knew about Vinnys’ relationship with Garmadon.
“Should we check on him?” Shancai asked.
“I…don’t think so…he really wants to be alone” Nya answered.
“We know about his relationship with Garmadon” Willow whispered just loud enough for Nya to hear, but not Jay. The water ninja looked surprised hearing that and looked back at Jay before turning back and exiting the room and closing the door slightly.
“He told you?” Nya aksed, as the two nodded, “I…don’t know if I should tell you…” she sighed.
“Please we’re begging you” Willow begged.
“I…fine” Nya sighed, “Garmadon…wants a break from their relationship and Vinny isn’t taking it well…” she confessed, causing Willow and Shancais’ eyes to widen.
“H-how was he when you checked on him?” Willow asked, concern etched on her face.
“He…looked like he’d been crying” The water ninja spoke quietly as she looked at the ground.
“He wishes to be left alone?” Shancai questioned, receiving a nod for Nya, “Would checking on him be fine?” He asked.
“Should be…from what I’ve seen he enjoys both your company, might be sleeping maybe” Nya answered.
“R-right…” Willow sighed, “Thanks for your help” she added as she smiled softly.
“No problem…if anything happens, please tell me if you can…and I’ll tell you whatever I can” Nya answered.
“We will, I swear” Willow spoke.
“Bye…” Nya spoke softly as she watched the two leave and wave. The water ninja sighed to herself and rubbed her temples before going back into the room.
Willow and Shancai began making their way to Vinnys’ room, “Well he’s definitely gonna be quiet” Willow spoke.
“As expected…he didn’t seem to expect this to happen” Shancai answered.
“Enji’s…taken a toll on him…” The nature elemental spoke her voice quieter than before, Shancai stopped in his tracks and let out a shaky sigh.
“I know…” He spoke as he stared at the ground, Willow put her hand on her brothers’ shoulder.
“I know it’s hard…” She spoke softly, “Vinny’s gonna find out sooner or later…if you don’t tell him Enji will” she added.
“How am I meant to tell him?” Shancai asked, distress in his voice, “How would he react when he finds out?” He added.
“Shanni…he’d understand…and plus this was when we were kids, you didn’t know what would happen” Willow spoke in an attempt to comfort her brother.
“I could’ve stopped it though” Shancai retorted.
“You and Enji were kids, dumb kids…as much as you hate Enji now you still have some care for him, because he was your friend” Willow spoke her voice more harsh but still caring, “You can’t change the past…” she spoke quieter.
“Don’t remind me…” Shancai mumbled before walking ahead, Willow sighed and went quiet. They walked the rest of the way in silence before reaching Vinnys’ room.
Willow gently knocked, “Vinny? You in there?” She asked, no answer, she knocked again and waited a while, “I’m gonna come in” she called our, before opening the door and looking around.
“Where is he?” Shancai asked, as he stared at the empty bed and empty bathroom.
“Maybe he went for a walk? We can ask a servant if they saw him” Willow suggested receiving a nod for her brother, “I’ll go one way you go the other” she spoke as she exited the room and closed the door.
“I’ll see if his friends have seen him” Shancai spoke as he walked one direction while Willow went the other.
As Willow walked near the exit to the garden, she saw a group of servants, “H-hey, sorry for bothering, but have you seen a man here?” She asked one.
“Uhh yes yes, he was staring at the garden” one spoke with brown hair.
“And someone we didn’t recognise spoke to him, she had bangs that covered her eyes” Another spoke with blonde hair spoke, Willow’s heart dropped.
“D-did he go in the garden?” Willow questioned.
“Yes, he’s been there for a while, is everything alright?” Another with black hair spoke.
“Y-yea…everything’s fine…” Willow replied, “C-can you make sure no goes in the garden at all for me?” She requested.
“Of course” they spoke in unison.
“Thanks you” Willow spoke shakily, before bolting off towards the direction her brother went, she went down hall after hall, before finally spotting her brother, with Kai, Lloyd, Zane and Pixal. “Shanni!” Willow called out as she ran towards her brother.
“What? Did something happen? Are you hurt?” Shan is asked with worry as he made sure his sister wasn’t hurt.
“I-I’m fine” Willow spoke as she began to catch her breathe.
“Then what happened? You look like you ran across the whole palace” Kai spoke.
“I-I think he went into Rushifa’s part of the forest!” The nature elemental blurted out to her brother, her face was red from the running, she was taking deep breathes and she looked scared really scared. As Shancai heard those words his heart dropped. “I-if he went in there h-he might die!” She added.
“Who’s Rushifa?” Lloyd asked.
“In short words a serpentine with a hypnotic voice and invisibility” Zane spoke, receiving a nod from Kai and Lloyd.
“Are you sure?” Shancai asked.
“Y-yes, I asked people a-and they saw someone they didn’t recognise t-talk to him a-an-and-“ Willow was hyperventilating and Shancai noticed this.
“Calm down…we’re gonna go check…” Shancai spoke softly as he attempted to comfort her.
“What’s going on?” A voice spoke as Wu, Garmadon and Cole entered the same hall as them.
“Vinny might be in danger…” Lloyd hesitantly spoke as he braced himself for his fathers’ reaction.
“What!?” Garmadon hissed, they may he having a relationship break, but just as he said he still loved him.
“He might’ve went into the part of the forest I told you all about” Willow spoke to Wu and Garmadon, “And if Rushifa gets her hands on him who knows what might happen” she added, as she allowed her brother to lead them all one way towards the garden.
“Are we all coming?” Cole asked.
“If you want” Shancai spoke, as he summoned his spear.
“I’m gonna go get Nya and Jay” Kai spoke up as he ran towards his sisters’ room in a different hall.
“If he has a scratch on him then so he-“ Garmadon grumbled.
“Calm down…he’s still upset from the your conversation before, seeing you overprotective might upset him more” Wu whispered the his brother.
Kai came back with Nya and Jay, “You’re sure he’s in there?” Nya immediately asked.
“Yes” Shancai spoke, as he went down the pathway into the forest. Willow was terrified.
“She’s relentless…might toy with him till she’s bored and kill him” Willow whispered to her brother.
“Don’t dwell on those thoughts…he’ll be fine…I’m sure” Shancai whispered comfortingly.
As they stopped at torn away vine and shrubs from darker side of the forest, Willows’ heart dropped, “There…we’re wolves too…” she spoke shakily as she observed the bites and tears of the vines.
“There’s no blood though? Meaning he couldn’t be hurt?” Jay spoke up.
“Yes…but he didn’t go back into the palace either…” Willow added as she controlled the wines to create a bigger opening.
“It reeks…” Kai muttered.
“That’s the smell of rotting bodies…” the nature elemental admitted, “If you see one don’t touch it” she added, as she entered.
“T-this Rushifa…is there anything else we should know?” Lloyd asked.
“She had a stinger at the end of her tail…how? I don’t know…but it’ll paralyse you and in rare cases kill you, her having the voice of a siren she can control animals too…more specifically the snakes” Willow answered as she remained on guard leading with ever brother.
“Wow…I wish I didn’t know that…” Jay whined.
“What are the chances he isn’t hurt?” Cole asked, receiving glares from everyone, “N-not badly hurt, maybe a scar or something…he’s a guy with a broken arm…he’s only weapon is a dagger that we don’t even know he has” Cole added.
“Best we don’t think about it, and make sure he comes out alive” Shancai spoke up.
“Uhh guys…” Kai spoke shakily as he picked up torn fabric off a jagged tree branch. “This is definitely new…” he added.
“At least we know he’s here” Pixal spoke, it was true at least they knew he was in the forest and not blindly walking.
This was gonna take some time…
(I suggest you check out parts 1-70 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)
“Is there a training grounds here?” Nya asked, Shancai nodded in response.
“We could use some training…fighting against someone we don’t know due to our new threat” Lloyd spoke.
“New threat?” Willow muttered to Vinny.
“Enji…” The cameraman whispered back, Willow made a ‘oh’ sign with her mouth and nodded.
“How about we finish eating then we can go?” Wu asked, receiving nods from the others.
“Where’s your mother?” Jay blurted out to Willow and Shancai, they both shrugged.
“I saw her earlier…but she was busy with something…” the nature elemental spoke, Vinny and Shancai exchange worried looks, wondering what was up with Deity.
They all finished eating and began making their way to the training grounds. When they went by Deitys’ room Vinny paused, he wanted to see her. “Everything alright?” Kai asked the cameraman noticing he stopped walking.
“Uh…yea, go on without me I’ll catch up, just gotta do something” Vinny answered receiving nods from the others as they began walking again, Willow and Shancai staring as him curiously, Vinny pointed to Deitys’ door and they both realised what he was doing and nodded, then walked off.
Once he was alone, he worked up the courage to gently knock on the closed door. He didn’t hear anything and waited a bit more, thankfully the door was opened and Deity stood there. She looked overworked…was that chest Enji took worrying her that much?
“Morning dear…” Deity spoke softly as she gave him a small smile, it was obviously forced and didn’t carry the same comfort of one true smile.
“Morning…” Vinny replied, “Sorry…for bothering you, I just wanted to check on you” he added, Deitys’ expression softened hearing that.
“I’m well dear, did you rest well?” She questioned.
“Yea…I wanted to thank you too, talking to you helped…” Vinny spoke to her, when he spoke to her, he felt like the weight of the world was lifted off his shoulders.
“It’s no problem dear…talking to you helped me as well” She answered, “Is everyone awake?” She added.
“Yep, we were going to the training grounds, Willow suggested Shancai spar with the others and he took up on the idea” Vinny replied.
“That’s good…” she sighed, “I checked up on you early this morning…you weren’t in your room, but then I went to Shancais’…I was surprised seeing you all bunched up together…” she chuckled.
“I wasn’t planning on it…me and him were up and we must’ve woke Willow up, but she came in and suggested a sleepover…it was really nice” Vinny answered, his expression softened at the thought.
“I also happened to check again and find Willow purring makeup on you two” Deity teased, causing Vinny to blush.
“Y-yea she did…but it was funny…” Vinny spoke through embarrassment.
“Best you be off, before you lose your way” she teased.
“R-right!” The cameraman laughed out as he looked back in the hallway, “I’ll see you later” he added, Deity waved goodbye and watched Vinny run off into the hallway and try to catch up with the others.
Vinny was out of breath as he finally made it back to the others, “Look who decided to grace up with his presence” Kai teased as he allowed Vinny to lean against him and catch his breath. Garmadon looked at the cameraman and sighed, he wanted to talk…but how…?
“Those…” Vinny panted as he pointed to the halls, “Are some long ass hallways” he breathed heavily.
“That’s why you walk in them” Shancai spoke as he summoned his spear and gently bonked Vinnys’ head.
“I had to catch up!” The cameraman answered, “And I was not going to talk to someone to find you all!” He added.
“Idiot” Nya teased, as they all exited the palace into a large area.
“Here we are!” Willow spoke joyfully as she pointed to the area, it had archery targets, hay targets and all types of training equipment.
“Sometimes I forget we’re in a huge kingdom…” Cole spoke as he stared into the large area. They went down the stairs and designated one area to their training.
“Shall we warm up?” Zane questioned.
“Stretch” Shancai spoke, “You two may not pull a muscle” he pointed to Zane and Pixal “but they will” he added as he pointed to the rest who are not nindroids. “You’re not fighting I take it?” He asked Vinny.
“I would pull a muscle with or without stretching” Vinny chuckled, and sat down where Shancai pointed. Wu and Garmadon sat on the side.
“Shanni! Take off your armour, you’re sparring!” Willow begged her brother, Shancai rolled his eyes, before taking off his top armour piece, he was wearing a black compression shirt underneath. Goddamn did he have muscles.
“I do not want to fight him…” Jay muttered to Kai and Cole.
“Agreed…” Kai and Cole spoke in agreement, Shancai rested his armour piece next to Vinny, who just stared at it and tried poking it…never again…that’s heavy…
“How about we just do weapons first?! Then we can have on with you all using your powers!” Vinny suggested.
“That’s wise” Zane spoke.
“Very well” Shancai answered as his eyes scanned his spear for any damages, the other ninja nodded in agreement.
As the ninja finished stretching and warming up, they debated who was sparring Shancai first, “I say Jay goes first” Kai suggested.
“W-what why me?!” Jay answered, clearly offended.
“Cause if you can beat him we can” Cole teased, he was just playing along with Kais’ teases.
“He won’t kill you!” Willow called out from next to Vinny in an attempt to comfort them, “Not sure about hurting though!” She added, she wanted to mess with them.
“He’ll hurt them?” Vinny asked her.
“Nah, I’m just messin’ with em’”Willow answered, causing the cameraman to snicker. “How about you all go at it?!” She called out.
“What?” Lloyd asked curiously.
“You all attack him with weapons!” She answered.
“A-are you sure? Maybe that’s too much” Nya questioned.
“What’s that meant to mean?” Shancai questioned, to him it sounded like he was being underestimated.
“N-nothing!” Nya spoke immediately.
“Sure…we can do it…?” Lloyd replied, causing Willow to smile happily.
“You sure this is good?” Vinny asked.
“I know my brother and his limits…and he knows them too” Willow replied to Vinny.
They all positioned themselves, Shancai in the middle surrounded by the others, Vinny, Willow, Garmadon and Pixal all sitting out. Kai attacked first, lunging forward with a sword, the prince dodged with ease, moving with grace. He used the blunt end of his spear to knock the others away.
As Jay attacked with nunchucks Shancai used the spear head to lodge it in the chains of the nunchucks and pull it out of Jays’ hands throwing it to the side. “Cocky” the prince spoke as Kai attacked again, “Slow” he spoke to Cole, who was using a scythe, “Aggressive” he said to Nya, who growled at him.
“I’ll show you aggressive…” Nya grumbled, Cole managed to grab Shancai from behind using the spear to keep his arms back, while Lloyd put a sword to his neck, they seemed to have let their guard down slightly.
Shancai jumped off the ground and used Zanes’ chest for power as he knocked off it, freeing his arms from Coles’ grip and landing behind him, “Save your celebrations till after all escapes are blocked” the prince spoke as he knocked Jay to the ground and held the spear to his throat.
“Geez okay!” Jay spoke with fear, he didn’t like this, Shancai sighed and got up.
“You spend too much time calculating every possible outcome, remember you don’t know your opponent you’ve never fought me before” Shancai spoke as he used his spear to point to Zane.
“I like him…” Wu muttered to Garmadon, Wu clearly liked his teaching style and how he critiqued their flaws.
“You put too much power in your hits and that slows you down” Shancai spoke as he pointed to Cole, “Too confident in yourself…you don’t know your limits” points to Kai.
“He didn’t kill them…but he killed something” Vinny muttered to Willow who laughed.
“Aggressive, something spoken that you dislike you’re triggered” Shancai spoke and pointed to Nya, “And you’re not confident enough” points to Lloyd.
“Geez…harsh much” Kai spoke, with fake offence.
As Shancai began helping better their techniques Wu got up and began helping as well, they did get along quite well. Pixal joined Zane in seeing how she can better her techniques.
“Gonna go see what he says about me” Willow spoke to Vinny as she got up and went to her brother Vinny nodded. Now it was just Garmadon and Vinny sitting out.
The cameraman tried to ignore Garmadons’ presence and focus on what Shancai was doing, but it failed…because Garmadon sat next to him, “Hey…” the oni spoke quietly.
“Hey…” Vinny replied bluntly, he didn’t want to talk, but he missed him.
“I…need to talk about something…” Garmadon mumbled, his voice becoming quieter and sadder.
“If it’s about my health then no we won’t talk about it…” Vinny sighed as he looked at the ground.
“It…isn’t…” The oni whispered, Vinny looked at him curiously…what could it be about…?
“Alright…I’m listening…” the cameraman sighed.
“I understand…the past few days haven’t been the best for both of us…” Garmadon began, Vinny nodded in following, “I love you…I really do…” he added quietly, the cameraman looked at him curiously…where was this going…?
“What’s wrong…?” Vinny asked, he was impatient, he was scared, nervous and terrified…
“A break…” Garmadon confessed quietly, Vinnys’ heart dropped.
“A-a break? What’s that meant to mean?” The cameraman asked, he needed to make sure it wasn’t what he thought it would be…
“We need a break Vinny…” Garmadon repeated as he stared at the ground, he couldn’t bring himself to look at Vinny.
Vinnys’ heart dropped heading those words, his mind just turned off, “I-is it me…?” He managed to whisper out.
Garmadon immediately panicked seeing Vinnys’ reaction, “N-no…it’s not…we just need…some space from each other, you need space…” Garmadon answered, as he looked at Vinny.
“R-right…just a break…” Vinny breathed out sharply.
“I…I still love you…I do, though having a relationship at the moment isn’t working for us…” Garmadon confessed, it clearly pained him to say all this.
Vinny just nodded, he couldn’t speak, he couldn’t think, he couldn’t move…what was happening…?
“Are you a-“ Garmadon cut himself off as Vinny got up and walked away. He really didn’t know what he was doing…he wanted to keep Vinny safe…but nothing was working…
Vinnys’ mind and body worked in auto pilot as it just walked back inside the palace. Nya, Wu, and Lloyd noticed this and turned their attention to Garmadon, who was looking at the ground rubbing his temples and stroking a hand through his hand.
Vinny just kept walking and walking…where was he going…? No idea…did he want to know? No…all he knew was that his life just collapsed in the span of 3 minutes…
(YA’LL I CRIED WHILE WRITING THIS)
(I suggest you check out parts 1-68 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)
As Vinny finished getting dressed he wondered if Shancai was still awake. He hesitated for a moment before leaving the room and going over to the princes’ room. The cameraman stared at the closed door before taking a deep breathe and gently knocking.
He heard some rustling from inside the room and the door opened, Shancai was awake. “Is something wrong?” The prince questioned, there was no annoyance in his voice.
“Just wanted to check if you were up…” Vinny spoke awkwardly, Shancai nodded in understanding before moving to the side offering Vinny to enter the room, “A-are you sure?” The cameraman questioned, the prince nodded. He didn’t talk much, unlike Willow they were like polar opposites, but they were both likeable.
The cameraman entered the room and looked around, it was more decorated than his room, which made sense he was in a guest room. Vinny noticed that Shancai had a shit ton of hair products, some organised while others just put on the dressing table. The prince pointed for Vinny to sit on the bed, which he did.
“Did you bathe well?” The prince questioned as he went to the dressing table and took off the bonnet, placing it to the side, he made sure to hold up his hair so it doesn’t reach the ground. Vinny pulled out the dagger and began fidgeting with it.
“Yea…it was really relaxing…how about you?” Vinny responded, as he watched the prince start to put other products on his hair, Vinny suspected that Shancai didn’t put them in before, because he had to make sure the cameraman didn’t die in the bathtub.
“It was well…do you like your hair?” Shancai questioned once more, he didn’t seem the best at conversing with others.
“Yep, it’s nice, I was gonna get a haircut later this week…but then I ended up here and it just slipped off my mind…” Vinny chuckled awkwardly, the prince nodded in acknowledgment and continued fixing his hair. “You’re hair’s really nice…” Vinny blurted out without thinking.
Shancai paused for a moment, “Thank you…” he finally spoke up, cussing Vinny to let out a shaky breathe he didn’t even know he was holding.
“Do people normally compliment your looks?” The cameraman hesitantly asked.
“Occasionally…not necessarily my body marks, but mostly my hair and eyes…” Shancai answered.
“R-right…so your body marks…not the vitiligo, the patterned ones…where are they from?” Vinny asked.
“I am…unsure, my mother said I was born with them…I’ve never really…believed it…” Shancai replied, his voice becoming quieter as he looked at his arm covered in those patterned marks.
“Should I not ask these questions? I don’t wanna press on if you’re uncomfortable…” Vinny spoke as he looked at the prince worriedly.
“You are free to do so…it’s not often I’m questioned about myself” Shancai spoke as he looked at Vinny.
“Alright…you don’t have to answer everything if you don’t want to” Vinny spoke before taking a deep breathe, “Was it…hard growing up with those marks? I don’t know much about the kingdom and it’s people…but back in Ninjago people are really judgy…”he asked.
“It was…though I had a friend, he assured me of everything…and he was the closest I’ve ever been with someone I wasn’t related to…. Shancai confessed, the cameraman looked at him curiously.
“What happened?” Vinny asked.
“He…disappeared…” Shancai sighed as his eyes flicked down to the dagger that was in the cameramans’ hand.
“Oh…” Vinny spoke, he was about to say something, but was cut off by the door opening.
“Are you seriously still awake…?” A familiar tired voice spoke as the two turned their attention to the door. Willow…wearing a shirt and shorts as she rubbed her eye from exhaustion.
“Yes I am…” Shancai spoke to Willow who blinked for a couple of seconds before turning to Vinny.
“Are you having a sleepover?” The nature elemental spoke, “I’m hurt I wasn’t invited” she added as he made a dramatic pose, Shancai rubbed his temple while Vinny chuckled.
“We’re not…we were just talking” The cameraman spoke to Willow.
“We should have one, all three of us!” The nature elemental spoke, her exhaustion disappearing.
“I wouldn’t want to intrude and this is your brothers’ room” Vinny spoke, as he looked towards the prince who was putting his hair back in the bonnet.
“It is fine with me…as long as someone actually sleeps” Shancai spoke as he looked towards Willow who smiled sheepishly.
“I’ll sleep I swear!” Willow laughed out as she closed the door.
“Alright then” Vinny spoke as he smiled, Shancai nodded in agreement.
“Shanni! Please I am begging you can we make a blanket fort!” Willow begged her brother.
“Seriously?” Shancai sighed, the nature elemental nodded desperately.
“He wants it” Willow spoke as he pointed to Vinny who was silently laughing at the two siblings.
“Fine fine…” The prince answered, Willow immediately jumped towards the bed and grabbed the pillows and blankets.
“Help me you two” she spoke, the two nodded and did as they were told. Setting the blankets and pillows in ways that made a roof and and soft makeshift floor bed. It took around 10 minutes and then they laid in it.
“I haven’t been able to convince Shancai to do this since we were kids” Willow told Vinny as she relaxed in the blanket fort.
“That’s because it’s childish” Shancai spoke.
“Childish? This will never become childish!” Vinny laughed out, he really enjoyed their company, Willow was the perfect amount of fun and childish while Shancai was the perfect amount of mature and serious.
“See? Even he gets it!” Willow said to her brother who rolled his eyes playfully. “Admit it! You’re having fun!” She begged her brother.
“Alright…” Shancai sighed, “Maybe I am enjoying this a little bit” he added.
“A little bit?” Vinny teased as he laid on his side and stared at Shancai.
“Maybe a lot…” the prince looked at Vinny and corrected himself.
“Yes you are!” Willow laughed before she playfully ruffled her brothers’ hair, only to have her hand knocked away.
“This is the best I’ve felt in a while…” Vinny sighed as he relaxed onto his back.
“With the whole Enji thing?” Willow asked.
“Yea…you two really make me feel better…” the cameraman sighed.
“Well I knocked two birds with one stone!” Willow teased Vinny and Shancai, “You’re both so moody” she laughed.
“Yes yes…” Shancai sighed as he bit back a smile, “Now sleep…mother doesn’t like us staying up” he added.
“Correction…she doesn’t like you staying up” Willow spoke, “Me and Vinny are fine” she added.
“Yea, I slept before” the cameraman teased Shancai.
“Well if we don’t sleep then how would we be able to show Vinny around the kingdom tomorrow” The prince spoke, clearly knowing his sister well. Willow put her hand up to retort, but stayed silent.
“Fine, you win!” She laughed out as she playfully punched her brother.
“Who’s turning off the light…?” Vinny asked.
“Shanni…” Willow instantly spoke, Shancai looked at his sister, before sighing and getting up then turning off the light and laying back down.
“Now we sleep…” Willow yawned as she rolled to her side, the other two nodded and Vinny hugged a spare pillow. “Night everyone…” she added.
“Goodnight…” Shancai spoke in response.
“Night…” the cameraman yawned in response.
Silence filled the room, it was a comforting silence…the sound of the wind gently howling from outside as it entered the room and gently hit against their bodies. Willow was first to fall asleep her soft breathing, then it was Vinny and finally Shancai…
Vinny liked this…he liked this kingdom…he liked everyone he’s met here…they make him feel safe…
(MY FAVOURITE TRIO….these three are meant to be a sibling trio and I absolutely fucking love them…)
(I suggest you check out parts 1-67 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)
Vinny began to stir awake mumbling incoherent words as he did. As his eyes fluttered opened he stared out the window, it looked late maybe 11pm or something. Why was he up? How did he get to bed? Where’d Deity do? When did he sleep? Questions ran through his mind, but it faded when he realised how fucking thirsty he was.
The cameraman sat up in bed and brought his arm up to rub his eye, but as he did so he realised he had the cast on. “Forgot about that…” he spoke to himself before stretching and getting out of bed. Maybe he could find a servant and ask for water, he put his shoes on and left his room, the door clicking as it was shut.
The halls were lightly dimmed and isolated, just the faint burning of some candles and the wind blowing outside. Vinny began walking down the hallways, dehydration continued to catch up to him as he licked his chapped lips. As he continued walking he began admiring the paintings on the walls unaware of what was in front of him.
He let out a grunt as he bumped into something, more someone. “Sorry…” Vinny apologised as he realised he bumped into someone, his gaze going up as he went to look at the person, Shancai? Why was he up? The prince looked down at Vinny, he was still wearing his full suit of armour and had his spear out.
“Why are you up?” Shancai questioned the cameraman who was just as confused as he was.
“Uh r-right, I’m thirsty…was trying to find some water…” Vinny replied awkwardly as he balanced on his heels, “What about you…?” He added, he wanted an answer, but didn’t make it seem too forceful.
“Just returned from patrol as well as my room being this way…and as for your thirst I can guide you” Shancai replied.
“Thank you” Vinny spoke with full joy, “Patrol? It’s late, are you usually gone this long?” He questioned, as he began following the prince who walked down the hallways.
“Depends…I usually have shorter patrols, but when I found you all it cut it short…and since you mentioned Enji, I wanted to make sure he wasn’t going to attack the kingdom! Shancai answered as he closed his hand tightly on his spear and it disappeared.
“R-right…guess that makes sense, how does your spear…do that?” Vinny questioned once more as he pointed to the princes’ now gone spear.
“Enchanted…my mother said it belonged to my father” Shancai answered, “Unlike my sister, I’m no elemental and unlike my mother I’ve never taken interest in learning magic” he added, Vinny nodded in understanding.
“Did Willow come to find you?” The cameraman questioned.
“Yes…did my mother tell you?” Shancai sighed.
“Sort of…Willow took me to your mother and she just told her to find you” Vinny replied, receiving a nod from the prince.
“Did you and my mother speak? She helped your arm, correct?” Shancai questioned as he went down a shorter hallway into a larger room which seemed to be a large kitchen.
“Yea…we spoke for a while, she’s really nice…” Vinny answered as he watched Shancai grab a glass cup from the cupboard, “I think I fell asleep there and she took me to bed” he added.
“Any reason you slept?” Shancai questioned as he filled the glass cup from a tap, more specifically a filter.
“I opened up a bit…must’ve started crying…” The cameraman sighed as he gave the prince a small smile as he was handed the cup of water.
“Your friends are elementals, correct?” Shancai asked, receiving a nod from Vinny, “Are you not one?” He added.
“Thankfully no…I would never be able to handle that…” the cameraman confessed as he drank the water quickly.
“Then you and I are alike…” Shancai spoke.
“Not really…you seem like really fucking good at fighting and really brave” Vinny replied awkwardly as he filled up his glass again after Shancai allowed him.
“Skills don’t determine one’s alikeness” the prince spoke, “You’re brave for putting yourself in the frontline of death with Enji” he added, that’s what Vinny constantly heard…but it sounded different from everyone…Shancai’s was a praise, Willow’s was a comfort and Deity was lovingly, he loved it all though…
“It’s…just what I need to do…” Vinny sighed.
“You’re in a relationship with one of the, correct?” The prince asked.
“Willow told you?” Vinny chuckled, Shancai nodded, “Your mother asked me the exact same thing…and I’ll give you the same answer, yes I am…the last one that was with me” The cameraman added, pain constantly tainted with his voice.
“I’m not one well with relationships…he worries for you?” The prince asked as he grabbed a spare metal bottle and filled it up from the filter.
“Yea…so does everyone…” Vinny answered, he’s had this conversation like two other times with Willow and Deity.
Shancai just nodded as he closed the metal bottle and handed it to Vinny, he didn’t seem to press on with questions. “Best we off to bed?” The prince spoke, receding a nod from Vinny as he took the bottle.
The two silently walked back to their rooms, before they stopped at the doors. Vinny was relieved they were right next to each other and that Willow was there as well. “You are aware the closest contains clothes?” Shancai questioned as he pointed to Vinnys’ messed up hair and clothes.
“T-they do?” The cameraman spoke, clearly surprised.
“Yes…go have a shower, I can bring you something to cover your cast” Shancai answered.
“Ohhhh thank you thank you” Vinny repeated, “You’re the best…” he added, he was really grateful, Shancai seemed surprised by the comments.
“It’s…no problem…” the prince spoke awkwardly, he didn’t seem used to to praise, but he quickly went in his room and grabbed a plastic bag of some sorts and came back out. “Would you like help putting it on?” He questioned, Vinny nodded happily and Shancai quickly put it on.
“Thank you…” The cameraman sighed once more before going in his room.
“I’ll most likely be awake once you finish, you may come see me if you need anything” Shancai spoke before walking into his room, Vinny waved bye and closed his bedroom door.
He stated towards the closet and opened it, there were different types of clothes, more modest ones for going out, cozy ones and then there were silk pajamas that looked so fucking comfy. Vinny had never worn silk before so when he felt it he immediately was gonna wear it.
As he entered the bathroom he was jaw dropped, it was huge. A large bath and a sheer with a rainfall shower head and a normal one. What else did he expect? It was a kingdom after all. He stripped, making sure to take the dagger out of his pocket and put it on the sink. He then spent the next 5 minutes debating if he should bathe or shower…the bath seemed so fucking comfy….
“Screw it…” Vinny chuckled to himself before turning on the bathtub. He was gonna spoil himself he fucking deserved it, anyone that disagrees is an ass. As the tub slowly filled up, Vinny stared at the different bath salts and oils. When was the next time he was gonna get an opportunity like this? He read the instructions of how much to use of the lavender oil and bath salts and put it in.
He got into the bath and almost let out a soft moan at how relaxing it was. If he ever done this again it probably wouldn’t feel the same…cause hopefully he wouldn’t have fallen out of the sky, had a broken arm, and was being haunted by some man.
Vinny made sure to keep his broken arm out of the water, it was a shame he would’ve loved to have his whole body in the water, but beggars can’t be choosers. He cameraman shut his eyes and inhaled the soft comforting scent of lavender.
He jolted up by knocking against the door, his eyes were droopy, did he fall asleep? “Who is it?!” Vinny called out.
“Shancai…wanted to make sure you didn’t drown” the prince spoke from the other side of the door.
“I’m fine! Thanks for checking!” The cameraman called out.
“May I come in?” Shancai requested, Vinny was weirded out by this request, but sighed.
“Uhh…sure?” The cameraman answered awkwardly as he sat up properly and closed his legs
The door opened and there Shancai stood…he definitely showered as well, he was wearing dark emerald green silk shorts and button shirt. Vinny noticed how much of his vitiligo trailed across his body…but he also noticed other marks, patterned marks that moved all over his body. The patterns were like flowers, but very intricate designs.
“My apologies for the intrusion” the prince spoke, Vinny looked up at him and had to hold back a laugh, he was wearing a bonnet…not that it was bad it was really fucking funny.
“N-no problem” Vinny answered as he stared at the prince.
“You are aware you’ve been in here for an hour and a half” Shancai added.
“W-wait really?” The cameraman answered, he was clearly surprised maybe he did fall asleep in here.
“Yes…your hair’s a mess…” the prince sighed as he grabbed the dagger from the sink, “Would you mind if I cut your hair a little?” He added.
“Uhh…not really? I doubt it can get worse than this…” Vinny replied awkwardly, the prince nodded and came over turning Vinnys’ head to the side as he used the dagger and cut of pieces of hair.
Vinny was nervous, but his hair was an overgrown mess. Before he could think of anything else, Shancai was done, he put the dagger back on the sink, “Finish up…I would let you stay in here longer, but if you fall asleep again I don’t trust you not to drown” the prince spoke as he left and closed the door.
Vinny nodded even though Shancai left, he quickly washed up and got dressed and damn were those pajamas comfy. He looked in the mirror, Shancai did a good job cutting his hair. Vinnys’ body hurt less, his muscles ached less and everything seemed better.
(I suggest you check out parts 1-65 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)
Vinny laid on his bed for a while before there was a knock at the door, “Come in!” He called out before sitting up as the door creaked open, Willow was there.
“Sorry for the intrusion! But, Shanni had to go on patrol again, he told me leave you for a while before coming to get you, so my mum can check on your arm…she also wants to ask a few questions about Rida and Enji” Willow spoke, her voice wasn’t as happy as before, it was clear she felt bad for Vinny.
“Patrol? It’s getting dark though” The cameraman spoke, as he got up from the bed and looked out the window.
“Trust me, I know, but he’s just like that” The nature elemental spoke, as she wrapped on arm around Vinnys’ neck and walked him out of the room closing the door behind her.
“Is…everyone else settled in?” The cameraman questioned.
“Yea, they’re all doing well, can I ask something?” She replied, Vinny nodded in response. “Y’know the tall one? Garmadon was his name? Are you and him dating?” Willow questioned.
Vinny blushed, “I-I uhh, where’d you get that idea from?” He asked awkwardly as he looked away.
“Aww! You are! That’s cute, but did you two have a fight?” She questioned once more.
“I…yea…my attitude started changing after I met Enji…he noticed and constantly asked me questions and then we had a small fight…” The cameraman replied, his voice hinted with sadness.
“Oh…” She spoke, “Hey, don’t worry! We’re gonna help fix this” She spoke as she tried to comfort him.
“How…? I’ve constantly lied…and hell I’m the reason we’re here!” Vinny replied, Willow turned her head to the side curiously.
“How exactly did you get here?” The nature elemental questioned.
“Yesterday, Rida accidentally left an enchanted mirror shard, when Enji came to me, I asked him about it. He said it was faulty and didn’t work properly and then this morning I was looking at it and then the ground warped and we ended up here…” Vinny sighed.
“Oh wow…you’ve got it bad…my mum’s knows more about enchanted objects then me, be sure to ask her anything you’re curious about” Willow spoke as they stopped outside a room.
“Yea I will…and, can you tell me where you’ll be…I might wanna come find you after” Vinny spoke, she smiled to him.
“I’ll probably be in the garden, it’s just down that way down the stairs” she answered happily, as she opened the rooms’ door and waved to Deity who was on the ground.
Vinny nodded in response before walking in, “Willow, if you’re brother’s not back in an hour go get him for me” Deity spoke softly, Willow nodded in response before closing the door and leaving.
Deity patted the floor, signalling Vinny to come and sit next to her. The cameraman did as he was signalled and sat down, “She told you why I needed to see you?” She questioned, Vinny nodded in response.
She held out her hand, silently asking for permission to see Vinny’ arm. The cameraman carefully extended his arm to her, wincing as he did, he couldn’t really straighten it. Deity gently took off the makeshift jacket arm sling and put the jacket to the side.
“It’s swollen…” She spoke softly as she gently squeezed the swollen arm, Vinny nodded in response, “Here…” she added as she handed a plate of food to him.
“N-no I’m not hungry really” The cameraman spoke, he was lying he was really hungry, but it was just how he reacted he politely rejected.
“I have kids, I can tell when they’re hungry” she chuckled as she offered the plate once more, this time Vinny took it.
“T-thank you” The cameraman sighed, as he rested the plate on his lap and ate with one hand while the other one was observed. It tasted delicious, probably, because he hasn’t eaten all day, but it was still delicious.
Deity moved his arm in a certain way that made him wince, “Sorry” she apologised, with slight guilt, Vinny gave her a soft smile in return.
“It’s broken…” She spoke.
“You can tell just by looking at it?” He asked curiously.
“I have a unique ray of abilities alongside my magic” She chuckled before she began putting something on his arm, most likely a cast.
“Can I ask some questions dear?” She asked softly, Vinny nodded.
“Willow told me…that Enji took a chest and key, can you describe it for me?” Deity questioned,
“Yea…it was a small chest, armoured too, it had a flower design? Like the kingdoms’ one and some did the key” Vinny replied, causing Deity’s breathe to hitch. “Is something wrong?” He asked worriedly.
“That chest is hidden for a reason…” Deity sighed, stress evident on her face.
“Is it dangerous?” Vinny questioned.
“Not to others…but to the kingdom yes” She replied, the cameraman looked at her with confusion evident on his face. “You can’t tell anyone till I’m cause what it is…” she added, Vinny nodded.
“I swear I won’t tell anyone” He spoke.
“Good…the kingdom’s life force is in it…if that force is destroyed then so is the kingdom…” Deity spoke, her voice dropping to a whisper just as loud as Vinny could hear.
“O-oh…” the cameraman spoke, his eyes widening, “What could they want with it…?”
“Just Rida…He’s been trying to destroy the kingdom for years…” she replied, “Though unlocking the chest is interesting…”
“How?” He questioned.
“Rida already knows how…but you need the family blood…mine, my kids and…” she voice abruptly stopped as her expression saddened, “and…my husband…” she eventually continued.
Vinnys’ expression softened, he hadn’t heard any mentions of her husband before, Willow and Shancai never mentioned their father before either. “Your husband…is he-?” The cameraman hesitantly asked, but didn’t finish the sentence.
“I…I don’t know…my kids don’t know him…” Deity confessed as her voice broke.
“Was he…nice?” Vinny questioned.
“Nice…he was more that nice…he was an angel, I loved him…” she spoke quietly, Vinny put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
“What was he like…?” He asked as he relaxed next to her, wanting her to become more comfortable.
“He was brave…a lot like Shancai…except, he was more lively…Shancai got his vitiligo from him…” She spoke, she seemed to love her husband a lot.
“He sounds nice…” Vinny spoke.
“Enough about me…what about you and your friends? What are they like?” Deity questioned, seemingly wanting to get her mind off her husband.
“They’re nice and outgoing, brave too…I wish I could tell them about all this…” Vinny sighed.
“I understand dear…I keep secrets from my kids…ones that would possibly ruin our relationship…though yours is a different case…they’ll probably find out eventually…” She spoke.
“I-I know…but I c-can’t not yet…I don’t want them getting h-hurt…Enji…he always threatens them, and it’s k-killing me…” Vinny whimpered as his voice broke, Deity’s expression softened as he pulled Vinny into a hug.
“I know dear…I know…” she spoke in a comforting tone as she affectionately rubbed Vinnys’ back…her touch was motherly…
“I-I…wanna keep them safe…but it’s ruining me…” He whimpered as he held onto her tightly.
“And it would’ve kept ruining you if you were alone…” She spoke, as she stroked his hair, “You have me, Shancai and Willow…you don’t have to keep secrets…we won’t let anyone do anything to you or your friends…” she added, her voice was so comforting…she didn’t sound like there was a double secret in her words like Rida…
His tears began to stream down his cheeks as he began to cry, he was a broken man…his sanity slowly deteriorating away the more he saw Enji…
“You’re tired…rest dear…” she comforted him, letting him let our choked sobs before his eyes drooped down and he passed out.
She sighed softly, “Rest now…you deserve it…” she whispered as she stood up and picked him up, taking him to his room and gently putting him on the bed.
“You remind me of my kids….” She whispered to herself as he looked down at him before leaving and closing the door.
(DEITY IS SUCH A MOTHER)
(I suggest you check out parts 1-64 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)
(With Garmadon and the others)
As they walked and walked they eventually followed the nice pathway, “How far is it?” Pixal questioned.
“Just down this path, then we’re in the palace gardens” Willow replied happily as she walked down, vines that protected pathway were retreated by Willow as she kept walking.
As the pathway came to an end they found themselves in an large open area, bushes nicely trimmed into stars, roses, violets and all types of flowers were bloomed around.
Their attention was stolen from the garden as a staircase led up to presumably the entrance to the palace. “Is this the kingdom?” Wu asked, receiving a nod from Willow as he went up the staircase followed by the others.
“Fascinating” Zane spoke as he stared at the interior, they continued to walk, but stopped when they saw a wall, with colourful glass mosaic art, Willow realised they stopped and looked back at them.
“Something wrong?” She questioned.
“Who’s in this?” Wu asked.
“That’s my mum, me and my brother…it’s old” Willow replied, as a small smile appeared on her face as she looked at the mosaic. It was a woman holding two babies.
“It’s nice” Garmadon spoke as he looked at it, before they began walking again.
“It is” Willow replied, joy tainting her voice as she went down a hallway.
She entered a room and was a bit surprised when she saw her mother and brother with a bunch of other people in the room. “Are these your friends?” Willow asked, receiving nods from Zane and Wu. The ninja let out a sigh of relief as they saw Wu and the others enter.
They all bunched together Vinny stayed next to Shancai, “Introductions would be nice, I’ll start I’m Willow” Willow spoke.
“Oh right! I’m Lloyd that’s Kai, Jay, Nya, Cole, and Vinny” Lloyd spoke to Willow as he pointed to each of them, before turning to Shancai. “That’s Garmadon, my dad, Master Wu, my uncle and Zane and Pixal” he added, receiving a nod.
“This is Shancai, my brother I was telling you about” Willow spoke to Wu and the others she was with, they nodded as they studied Shancai’s unique appearance before Garmadons’ eyes landed on Vinnys’ arm and his eyes widened.
“And this is our mother” the nature elemental spoke happily as she pointed to her mother on the ground who gave them a soft smile.
“What happened to his arm?” Garmadon questioned Lloyd quietly, discreetly pointing to Vinnys’ arm.
“We fell out from the sky” Lloyd replied bluntly, receiving a worried look from his father. “It isn’t bothering that much, he might’ve fractured it” he added, receiving a nod and sigh from the oni.
“An explanation would be nice…” Deity spoke, her voice soft and sweet like honey as she stood up from the ground, the scrolls scattered around immediately rolling up and being placed neatly on a shelf.
Their jaws dropped…she was tall…taller than Riad taller than fucking Garmadon. She would be shorter than Garmadon with 4 arms though, but she was still tall…everyone was surprised other than Willow and Shancai, seemingly used to their mothers’ height.
“You’re tall…” Jay spoke bluntly, causing Deity to chuckle slightly. No one could really protest with his statement. She was at least 6’8 to 7’0.
“I get that quite a lot” Deity spoke softly before she settled down on a large flower, Willow formed behind her. “Now then…what can I do for you?” She questioned.
“I-uhh right…” Lloyd spoke as he stuttered out a bunch o incoherent words, trying to recover from this.
“They need help getting back home” Shancai spoke, Lloyd just nodded a little relieved he didn’t have to handle the embarrassment of stuttering more.
“Where is this home?” Deity questioned.
“Ninjago, you’re highness” Nya spoke, she didn’t know what to call Deity, she was the empress after all.
“Please call me Deity dears…Ninjago you say…I’ve been there before, though at the moment my magic ability is a little limited at the moment, I can get you home just not yet” Deity spoke.
“We don’t wish to strain your abilities” Wu spoke, receiving a soft smile from Deity.
“It might take me a week or so” Deity spoke.
“That’s alright, we’re just thankful for your aid” Wu spoke, his voice relieved they were able to get back home.
“In your time being here, you’ll be treated as guests, any questions you have, you are free to ask” Deity spoke.
“W-we wouldn’t want to intrude” Vinny spoke up, receiving a sigh from Shancai.
“Not necessarily intruding anymore, if you’re considered guests” Shancai spoke.
“Well then it’s settled, Shancai and Willow can show you to your rooms, and if you’re hungry you may ask anyone here, they’ll assist you” Deity spoke.
The group thanked her and they were sent off with the siblings to be taken to their rooms. Vinny was practically stuck to Shancais’ side, there was something comforting about him. Sure he looked cold and intimidating, but he seemed to know about Enji and Rida and despised them.
“Soooo, is Shancai older?” Kai asked.
“Hah! Nope, we’re twins and I’m a minute older!” Willow boasted smugly, Shancai rolled his eyes.
“Older than me, but still act like a child” Shancai spoke, it was clear who was more mature.
“If you’re mother’s that tall why aren’t you?” Jay asked Willow.
“I-I’m not that short!” Willow defended herself, as her face flushed in embarrassment.
“Yes you are” Shancai muttered as he kept walking, Willow just pouted.
One by one, they were given rooms, now it was just Vinny and Garmadon that needed one.
“You okay…?” Garmadon asked Vinny.
“Yea…” the cameraman replied, Willow and Shancai let the two walk as they went ahead.
“There’s something going on between them” Willow whispered to Shancai.
“They’re just talking?” Shancai spoke with confusion.
“My love meter is tingling, they’re definitely dating” the nature elemental spoke once more, causing her brother to sigh.
Garmadon and Vinny asked each other a bunch of questions, making sure they were safe and unharmed.
“Do you two want to share a room?” Willow eventually asked the two, causing Shancai to rub his temples in annoyance.
“N-no thanks…” Vinny spoke as he looked away awkwardly.
“We’d prefer to be separated” Garmadon added, receiving a nod from the two siblings.
Eventually Garmadon was given a room, “I’m staying for the night, the Grove can last one night without me” Willow spoke.
“Mother would be happy to hear that” Shancai spoke, “Now then, I would like a truthful answer from you” he added as he looked a Vinny, the cameraman took a sharp breathe.
“Did I miss something?” Willow asked with confusion.
“He has Enjis’ dagger for some reason” Shancai replied plainly.
“Really? How’d you get that buddy?” Willow asked worriedly.
“I won’t inform your friends, but I could recognise that dagger in a row of a thousand copies” Shancai spoke.
“Geez, bragging much” Willow spoke, “But really bud, how’d you get it?” She asked, Vinny was really nervous.
“We’re not working with them, quite the opposite” Shancai spoke, causing the cameraman to look at him curiously.
“Enji and Rida are the kingdoms number 1 enemies…more specifically Enji, he attacks most, Rida plans” Willow sighed, and Shancai nodded to confirm it.
“Listen…whatever they want with clearly will affect the kingdom in some way…we just need you to tell us anything they do” Shancai spoke, as he put a comforting hand on Vinnys’ shoulder.
“I…they both showed up one night…Rida was messing with my dreams, I went to the bathroom and Enji, he used some illusions to transform into me and haunt me in the mirror, one time he stabbed my hand and foot and he keeps threatening on hurting my friends” Vinny confessed, slightly hysterical.
“They play mind games on you…have they done anything else?” Shancai asked, Willow had a worried expression.
“Y-yea…yesterday, Enji went on a mission, he got some chest from there, though Lloyd and the others got a key from there…” Vinny replied, “And well…he came to me at night and made me get the key for him…” He added, guilt in his voice.
“A chest? I can ask mum if she knows anything about that” Willow spoke.
“Strange…those two have never involved themselves with others unless they didn’t have a plan…Enji would, but not Rida, he’s too cautious” Shancai spoke.
“That day as well, I went out and stayed alone, Rida hanged out with me saying how Enji was getting something that was rightfully his…” Vinny added.
“Wow, this is weird…they definitely are planning something…” Willow sighed receiving a nod from her brother.
“Enjoy stabbed you with the dagger?” Shancai questioned.
“Yea, then another time he was about to hurt me again, but Rida came, he helped me bandage my hand then gave me the dagger” Vinny replied.
“Willow, go tell mother…” Shancai spoke, Willow nodded and ran off, “If there’s anything else I should know then tell me” he added as he looked at Vinny bending his knees to be closer to Vinnys’ height.
“I-I will…I swear…” The cameraman replied, his voice breaking.
Shancai opened a bedroom door for Vinny letting him look in it, his voice hitched as he looked at the mirror, “He can’t get in through the mirrors, I made sure of it” Shancai spoke, causing Vinny to let out a breathe he didn’t even know he was holding.
“My room’s next to yours and Willow’s next to mine…if anything happens come to us or my mother” the prince spoke, Vinny just nodded and watched Shancai walk away.
The cameraman sighed and went in the room, closing the door behind him before dropping on the bed.
Was he meant to trust these people…?
(I suggest you check out parts 1-63 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)
(With Garmadon and the others)
They all just followed Willow, she occasionally brought down tree branches and ate fruit from them. Her was a white and silver like colour with black tips.
“The Ivory Kingdom has never been mentioned in any of my scrolls, it sounds a lot like Shintaro” Wu spoke, as he broke the deafening silence.
“Shintaro? I think I’ve heard that before…but the Ivory Kingdom’s is in it:s own secluded area, my mum’s said it’s been a secret place for years” Willow replied as she looked back at them.
“Your mother…she sounds like an important woman, and you said she could get us back, does she possess of any powers?” Garmadon questioned, he did seem quite curious about this place.
“She’s amazing! Power wise she does magic, and it’s where me and my brother got our eyes and the mark” Willow replied happily, she seemed to love her mother a lot.
“Magic? Dark magic?” Zane questioned.
“No silly! Normal magic, she doesn’t do anything bad unless it’s for a good reason” Willow laughed.
“What’s her and your brother’s name?” Pixal questioned.
“My brother’s Shancai while my mum is Deity” The nature elemental replied as they all continued walking.
Wu and Garmadon were exchanging thoughts through their expressions, still silently talking about the magic part.
A shiver ran down their back as they passed a darker area of the forest…vines blocking the entrance…dead shrubs and trees while a repulsive smell caused slight nausea. It was like night and day between the sides…the lush and lively side compared to the dark, and rotten side.
“What’s…there?” Wu hesitantly asked as he pointed to the area, Willow’s expression hardened as she stopped walking and stared into the dark side. Vines began to cover more of the entrance as she let out a shaky breathe. The change in her behaviour created uneasiness in the others.
“That…is where my enemy lives…” Willow eventually replied, her lively and friendly expression gone replaced with a cold, and fearful expression.
“Your enemy? What’s this enemy like?” Garmadon questioned.
“A snake…part anacondrai and hypnobrai…but she’s blind so can’t really use hypnotism” Willow confessed, her voice feigned with malice and annoyance for this snake.
The rest of the group looked surprised, anacondrai and hypnobrai…that’s a dangerous combo…”This snake…is there anything else important about her?” Zane spoke.
“She has the voice of a siren…listening to it is basically just as worse as a hypnobrai…” She grumbled, “Blind as a bat…her name’s Rushifa…”
“She sounds…interesting…” Pixal spoke.
“But don’t worry! All you have to do is stay out of that area and cover your ears if you here singing…she will eat you” Willow spoke a little awkwardly.
“She doesn’t come out from there?” Wu questioned.
“Not really…she stays in the forest that’s for sure, but there’s idiots so she gets a free meal…” Willow spoke before she began walking again, expecting the others to follow. The others did follow and quite quickly as well.
“I don’t know how I feel about this place…” Garmadon whispered to Wu.
“Me neither…on one hand it seems nice and then there’s places like that…” Wu responded.
“Let’s just hope the others landed somewhere safer than us…” the oni sighed as he thought about Vinny.
“Agreed…I’m sure Vinny’s safe, the others have taken quite a liking to him” Wu spoke in an attempt to comfort his brother. It was true though, the ninja really did like Vinny, who could blame them?
(With Vinny and the rest of the Ninja)
As Vinny trudged next to Shancai, occasionally looking back at the others, who were staring at him worriedly wanting to pull him away from the man, but didn’t. Shancai seemed like a strong person, one that they didn’t know the full potential of yet.
“I’ll have a look at your arm at the palace” Shancai spoke to Vinny, there was no emotion in it, he seemed good at remaining stoic. The cameraman just nodded, he seemed a little relieved to have his arm taken care of.
“Lloyd tell me you have a bad feeling about this guy…because if you had a bad feeling about Vania and not him then there’s something up with you” Cole shouted in a whispered.
“Geez okay, I really don’t like him…” Lloyd confessed quietly.
“He scares me…” Jay whispered.
“He looks…very unique…in a good way” Nya spoke, “But what does he want with Vinny?” She added.
“How are we meant to know? Vinny happens to have the worst luck ever…” Kai sighed, looking at the cameraman with sympathy.
“Which is sad cause he’s a great guy…” Cole chimed in, receiving nods from the others.
They continued walking down a path before entering two large gates…made out of an interesting stone. “Woah…” Vinny spoke quietly as he stared at the gates that towered over them.
A man looked over the gates, “You’re back early Shancai!” The man spoke from above as the gates began to open.
“There’s some people that need to see my mother” Shancai plainly replied as he walked through the gates followed by the others.
“Must be important if you decided to accompany them” Another man spoke from above the gates as well, Shancai just nodded before he continued walking.
They walked through an area which seemed to be the slums, young kids and elderly people waved towards Shancai, and he gave them a warm smile and nod, the only emotion he seemed to show so far.
“So he can show emotion…” Jay muttered, receiving a gentle hit on the head from Nya.
Vinny seemed surprised as they walked through most likely the markets, stalls upon stalls stood next to each other as people held out their merchandise while buyers attempted to bargain with the owners.
Everyone seemed to have some jewels with them, whether it be diamonds, emeralds, sapphires or rubies, everyone in the market seemed to have one…though there was something that was used to buy merchandise…is was a red gem…not quite a ruby. But it was a currency, and it seemed familiar reminding Vinny of the gems on Shancais’ spear.
The cameraman was a bit surprised as he bumped into Shancai’s arm which was in front of him, stopping him from walking. Vinny was going to question him before he saw a bunch of kids run by with what seemed to be a new kite.
“This place is amazing…” Cole spoke happily as he laid his eyes on a food stall, only then did he realise how fucking hungry he was, so did the others. Especially Vinny, he regretted skipping breakfast this morning.
“Once we get to the palace and inform my mother of your predicament, I’ll have some food prepared” Shancai spoke as he continued walking.
“A-are you sure? We couldn’t possibly, it’s nice enough you’re helping us” Lloyd spoke, as Cole, Jay and Kai glared at him, they really didn’t want Lloyd ruin their chances of food.
“It isn’t necessarily a problem” Shancai spoke, “I am unaware if my mother can even help you get back, though the palace would be open for you all to rest” he added.
“T-thanks…” They all spoke.
Shancai reached a palace…and hell was it pretty…large black tinted windows occasionally placed, multiple guards protecting the place and as they entered long hallways, with white and red curtains draped across the windows while the same colour palette for the carpets. Rooms upon rooms, as what seemed like servants chattered happily as they worked.
“This place is huge…” Kai spoke in amazement, his voice echoing in the halls.
Vinny was just as amazed and occasionally looked up at Shancai, he would sometimes receive a nod of acknowledgment before his eyes flicked back down to Vinnys’ arm.
“Does it hurt?” Shancai questioned Vinny as they walked.
“A little…only when I move it, I can’t really straighten it without pain…” The cameraman responded.
“Most likely a fracture then, keep it still just incase, if it snaps then it’ll be much worse” Shancai responded, receiving a nod from Vinny.
As they entered a room…a woman…sitting on the ground…scrolls thrown across the floor as she read over things. She was quite beautiful…floor long white hair that flowed down before fading away at the ends, black scleras and silver irises just like her son, she had the Yang sign on her right cheek, while she worse a robe with clouds and stars on the end of it as her hair covered her body.
“Mother…”Shancai spoke softly, affection and worry tainting his voice as he bowed down.
(I suggest you check out parts 1-62 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)
(With Vinny and the others)
They all walked through the forest, Vinny avoiding eye contact with everyone. The guilt he felt knowing he was the reason they were all was overbearing, to him he deserved whatever happened to his arm.
Kai seemed to notice the cameraman who was trapped in thought and walked next to him, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. “You look blue buddy, what’s on your mind?” He questioned.
“Of course he’s upset Kai, his arm’s probably broken” Jay spoke, as he rolled his eyes.
“Shut up Jay” The fire ninja replied bluntly. It was a normal response to Jay, he would randomly tell Jay to shut up even when he wasn’t talking.
“Enough you two” Nya sighed as she watched her lover and brother squabble like toddlers.
“Alright alright…back to the questions, is anything on your mind?” Kai as Vinny who was looking away, avoiding eye contact.
“I…not really…just worried about the others…” Vinny spoke timidly as he looked at the ground, it wasn’t really a lie, he was concerned for the others, but he was mad at himself for being an idiot.
“They’re strong, if we managed to be safe this long, they’ll be perfectly fine” Lloyd spoke, “They have most of the brains of our group, other than Nya” he added, causing the water ninja to smile at the compliment.
“We can be smart” Cole spoke, Jay and Kai nodded in agreement.
“Sure you can” Nya spoke sarcastically as she rolled his eyes, causing Vinny to chuckle softly.
“When we get back we’re playing video games…” Jay spoke.
“Definitely” Cole and Kai spoke in unison.
“I still need to reorganise my side of the room” Nya groaned, causing Jay to snicker.
“Should’ve got it done when I did” The lightning ninja teased, receiving a glare from Nya.
“I swear whoever that guy from yesterday was in already a p-“ Kai was cut off as a spear flew by his face, narrowly missing him.
“What the…?” Vinny muttered as he and the others turned around to the spear which was lodged in a tree. Before they could say anything, there was two bangs on the ground that sounded like metal, and the spear exploded.
The cameraman stumbled back and fell onto the ground, his dagger falling out of his pocket, down next to him. The others managed to stay standing. Lloyd crouched near Vinny, holding his arm to help him stand up.
“Who’s there!?” Cole shouted as he banged his fists together, triggering his earth punch. Kai formed a fireball while Jay and Nya pulled out their swords.
As Lloyd began helping Vinny up, he was cut off by a harsh kick to his chest as he was knocked back into Nya, she thankfully caught him and lessened the impact. The cameraman stared back at Lloyd worriedly, but was given a thumbs up from in for comfort.
Vinny looked back in front of him, he took a sharp breathe as he felt cold metal pressed against his neck. It was a spear, which led up to a man…a cold, emotionless expression on his face…
The man was intimidating…black scleras with silver irises that pierced anyones soul just by looking at him, in this case…Vinnys’ soul…scars across his face…not as much as Rida though…a yin sign on his left cheek,…two different skin tones…vitiligo…as well as floor long, fluffy black hair that was tied up in a single bubble braid.
He wore balloon harem pants, with a short waist cloth, armour that looked like it weighed a ton, hardly any of his body shown other than his face. His armour had a flower like insignia which no doubt held some meaning. The spear had some gems scattered across it’s handle as well as the armour. His appearance was interesting…his most striking features, his hair, eyes and vitiligo…
Vinnys’ trembled as the blade of the spear was kept against his neck, he gulped, his adam apple bobbing as he done so. He noticed the mans’ eyes flick down to the dagger which was laid across the ground, a flick of recognition was no doubt in the mans’ expression, before his expression darkened.
“Where’s the dagger from?” The man spoke, it wasn’t a choice to answer he had to. The ninja watched from behind, Nya working up the courage to walk over and crouch next to Vinny knocking the mans’ spear away from his neck.
“He doesn’t have to answer you” the water ninja hissed as she grabbed the dagger from the ground and gave it to Vinny.
“N-Nya it’s fine, honestly…” the cameraman replied a little touched at the care from Nya, considering they’ve only been close friends for a few days, “I-I brought it from somewhere…” Vinny replied to the mans’ question, it was a lie, but it was what everyone believed.
The mans’ eyes sharpened as he grabbed Vinny by the collar of his shirt and pulled him up, “Lying won’t do you any good” He spoke, his voice hid no malice, no threats…no emotion and neither did his expression.
“What would you know?” Kai hissed from the back, clearly ready to fight whenever anything bad happened, the man just ignored Kai.
“I-I’m not lying…” Vinny spoke, his voice was shaking, did the man know Rida and Enji? Did he work with them? Was all that was going through his mind, he couldn’t deal with another like Enji. He looked up at the man, his expression begging for him to stop with the questions, he didn’t want the others finding out he lied.
The mans’ monotone expression faded for a second into realisation, before he sighed and let go of Vinny, and backing away. When this happened the others immediately bunched together. The cameraman let out a shaky breathe one he didn’t know he was holding once he was let go.
“Who are you?” Lloyd questioned,
“Shancai, prince and sworn protector of the Ivory Kingdom” the man spoke before he helped Vinny get up from the ground.
“Hah…that’s nice, but why’d you feel the need to attack us!?” Jay questioned, his rage not well hidden.
“You aren’t from here, technically trespassers” the man spoke bluntly, as he closed his hand around the spear and it disappeared into thin air.
“Ok cool, so where are we?” Kai questioned, as he rubbed his temples.
“As of now, Ivory Kingdom, if you were further into the forest would be the Grove where my sister protects” Shancai spoke as he dragged Vinny to follow him, making sure not to hurt his arm.
“Where are you taking us?” Lloyd asked.
“My mother, she can most likely take you back to wherever you’re from” Shancai replied as he continued walking, he kept Vinny close, glancing at him every now and then, the cameraman stuffed the dagger into his pocket.
“You’re helping us?” Cole asked.
“For now…if I find out you’ve caused trouble in your time of being here I won’t hesitate to change my mind” Shancai replied, as he gave the others a glare.
They continued walking, “I expect a truthful answer when we’re alone…” Shancai whispered quietly to Vinny causing him to take a sharp breathe and nod slightly.
This man definitely knew who Enji and Rida were…Vinny could only hope this man wasn’t working with them…
(I UNDERSTAND VINNY AND SHANCAI HAD A ROUGH MEETING BUT TRUST ME!!! IT WILL GET BETTER IT WILL GET BETTER!!! Also I love Shancai more than all my ocs…he’s so pretty🥺)