The Crane Wives - Counting Sheep

Something in you's fast asleep

Afraid to be who you will be

It's a losing battle, so why are you still fighting?

When the wool is off your eyes

You'll stop counting sheep at night

—

Without using the wheelchair, you traverse the endless night. Streets, cold and damp lined your vision, dim lanterns hanging from posts. You knew you were dreaming, simply a dreamception.

Tick.

You didn't need your special senses to tell that someone else was also present, the hairs on the back of your neck prickling. Paying them no mind helped soothe your racing pulse. While the wheelchair was nowhere to be seen, a cold wind brushed the side of your neck. You shivered.

Tick.

Pale figures materialised on the sidewalks, becoming clearer, darker for some, as the scenery changed to Ninjago City. One person in particular, a child with white hair appeared on the crosswalk with an older person guiding their way.

Tick.

You went to get their attention but they walked through you, continuing on their way. The surroundings brightened, turning greener as stalks of grass hugged your calves, swaying in the gentle breeze. A verdant field, dotted with vibrant flowers while their stray petals floated on zephyrs lay in front of you.

And there, a lone figure stood, short hair dark as oncoming storms with a green streak. His skin was translucent with a green tint, letting you see through most of him. Adorned with a worn traveller's cloak while a tattered gi lay underneath, the 'stranger' kept his gaze on you.

From what you could tell, anyway. His eyes were obscured behind a blurred screen, darkened and deceiving of his true nature. His gaze, albeit obscured, was powerful.

''Whatever form it takes, I will always be there for you,'' Morro promised. Though, in his words, in the locked away parts of his conscience, like what you had also done, where you couldn't reach was a darker emotion present.

Tick.

Your surroundings changed again, but you were alone. Underfoot, the smooth mosaic tiling was slippery and didn't hold much comfort. Gazing around, the statutes that lined the walls and the pillars that supported parts of the ceiling met your gaze. The Ninjago Museum of History.

Tick.

Tick.

Moonlight streamed in from the skylight, washing the tiles where it touched in silvery grey colour. Where the light did not touch, the corners were shadowed and seemingly hid secrets of their own. Footsteps echoed throughout the exhibit gallery, approaching.

Tick.

Tick.

Tick.

They were coming from behind. Attempting to move, your limbs wouldn't respond, your brain screaming at them to obey but they refused every single command. Locked in place, the footsteps paused, and silence fell.

''A kitsune should have nothing to hide. Only cowards hide.''

The voice that spoke was cold and unforgiving.

''Face me, kitsune. Of everyone you know, you should know better than to turn your back on others.''

Slowly, while your limbs were being freed from immobility, you turned to face the source of the voice. A frail figure stood before you, but you were unable to discern any further features they possessed, except for the expression on the lower half of their face. They scowled.

''Perhaps soon, the strings will be loosened and then cut. But who's to say you'll truly be free? That's for her to decide... it's risky.''

Your blood ran cold at their words. They only offered a smile in return as everything began to melt away. Through the skylight, a green light flashed across the night skies.

You jolted up, beads of sweat trickling down your forehead while the bedsheets covered your numb legs. The ticking from the depths of your dream still resonated in your ears, gradually fading into relieving silence.

Pulling the covers from yourself, you swung your legs over the side of the mattress, letting your feet dangle a bit while you looked at the others with Lloyd training.

The place was much better now with some renovation the brick wall view outside the window was replaced with a fairly decent painting similar to that of a highrise apartment overlooking Ninjago City.

Fairy lights draped the walls, an idea of Lloyd's that was further encouraged by Kai who took well to the decoration if the red light setting was on for half of the time while your (f/c) lights took the other half. You had to give in eventually.

'The hell were you dreaming about...?' Morro inquired. You shook your head vigorously to get rid of any remaining fatigue and stretched your arms.

'Weren't you there?' You lifted an eyebrow.

'For some of it, yeah.' Morro's clearly puzzled, then brushed the matter off. 'Just another day in your head, I guess.'

''...Whoa, grasshopper. You're not even ready to face my pinky toe.'' Kai told the young Green Ninja, sitting against the wall after Lloyd kicked him to it, ending the conversation in your mind.

Looking over at the others, Jay held an oversized spoon, Zane had a pink apron on and for some reason, Cole looked happy to have a cooking pot upside-down on his head.

''I see the student has become the teacher. You will learn fast, Lloyd, with lessons from the four ninja.'' Wu observed after a sip of tea. His nephew turned to face him.

''Great, now that lesson is over, how about some target practice...on Kai?'' The Cake Devourer questioned, gazing at the Fire Ninja.

''You'll each get your turn, but first, I don't want you to be late for your next lesson with Nya,'' Wu informed.

''Aww, but when will I learn Spinjitzu?'' Lloyd whined, upset.

Wu only sighed. ''Patience. It will only be unlocked when the key is ready to be found.''

Lloyd groaned, walking away to find Nya. His gaze briefly met yours but he shook his head to himself, stepping out.

''Ha, sounds familiar?'' Cole questioned the others.

''I wasn't that whiny.'' Kai countered.

''No, you were worse,'' Zane added on.

''Much, much worse.'' You grinned, the others looking at you, sharing some laughter.

''Hehe. I know we're trying to prepare Lloyd for the future, but it's hard to give him the best training in these conditions.'' Jay said.

''Jay's right.'' Cole agreed. '' I miss the Destiny's Bounty. Too bad it's gone.''

''Hmm. I see your point. Perhaps we could find somewhere else to aid his journey.'' Wu mused. Your chest tightened at the concept, so you grabbed ahold of the sheets to ground yourself before the feeling could worsen.

''Hey, before we think of leaving this behind, could we at least ensure we have a place to go to? I'd hate wasting the effort.'' You voiced your concerns to them, suppressing the urge to shiver as your eyes briefly met theirs.

''I see no problem with that.'' Zane warmly smiled.

''We could keep this as a backup, just not one to train Lloyd.'' Jay scratched his nape. ''If that's okay with you.''

Wu looked at Cole and Kai expectantly.

''I'm fine with it.'' Cake Devourer replied.

The Fire Ninja turned his gaze to the fairy lights. ''As long as we get to keep those, I'm in.''

Wu nodded. ''Then it's settled.''

—

''It's time we search Ninjago City for a more suitable place to train Lloyd,'' Wu announced, cars driving past and blocking out parts of his speech. Remo rested on your shoulders, slightly irritated as his forked tongue flicked in and out. You had your wheelchair's brakes on to stop you from rolling down the hill.

''Oh, but Sensei, Ninjago City is huge. It'll take us all day to find it on foot.'' The Mouth of Lightning complained to his Sensei.

''And without our Golden Weapons, we have no Spinjitzu vehicles. How are we going to get around town?'' Zane inquired.

''You'll learn to travel with these.'' Wu held out a coin with a hole in its centre, the ninja stepping closer to get a better look.

''What are those?'' Cole questioned. You snorted while Remo's head lifted, looking over at the Cake Devourer.

''Not Crocs obviously,'' Remo answered matter–of–factly. ''I can't wear those, 'cause well, I'm a snake.''

''They can transport you anywhere you want to go in the city,'' Wu told Cole as the other's eyes lit up excitedly.

''Like a magic portal?'' The Earth Ninja asked.

''Ooh! Or a Spinjitzu vortex?'' Motormouth guessed.

Cole took the coin from his Sensei to examine it. ''Hey, wait a minute, these are bus tokens.''

You and Wu shared a chuckle, while you held up a bus token.

''Welcome to the club.'' You told him, flipping the token once and catching it.

—

The bus unfolded the wheelchair ramp, with you getting off first and the others following behind you. Cole gazed up at the sign jutting out from the building that read 'Grand Sensei Dareth's Mojo Dojo' with a white ninja silhouette.

''This is where Lloyd is going to train?'' Cole questioned.

''Hehe, it's better than our apartment,'' Jay replied.

Cole helped haul your wheelchair up since it was only a short flight of steps. Heading inside, you found the interior coloured in different shades of brown, except for the bead curtains that covered a doorway.

A chubby man with a brown coloured gi, brown pompadour-styled hair, pale skin and dark brown eyes to match his attire appeared, walking through the bead curtain. ''Welcome to Grand Sensei Dareth's Mojo Dojo. I am Grand Sensei Dareth, and I Dareth you to join my dojo. Heeya!'' He grunted, attempting a kick as his fake gold chain necklace with a star on its end clattered.

You and the others watched blankly as Dareth attempted a few moves, each failing ridiculously and ending up with him getting tangled in the beat curtains behind him. The group collectively sighed as the man then got out.

Dareth walked over to shelves lined with trophies. ''Face the wall of karate trophies. If you look closely, my name is on all of them. That is because I am a highly skilled karate machine.''

''I'm sure he got them from Ronin.'' Remo reminded you. ''They're fake...''

Dareth ignored this.

''Look, Dareth, we're wondering if we could share your dojo. You see, we've been put in charge of training this little guy to become the greatest ninja in all of Ninjago.'' Kai faced the ''Brown Ninja'' while Lloyd glanced at the floor.

''Not possible, for I am the greatest in the land. How many trophies do you have?'' Dareth questioned while clasping his hands together behind his back.

''Look, pal, we're the guys that just saved the city from that giant snake.'' Cole pointed out while Jay folded his arms together.

''Ha! Am I looking at Lord Garmadon? Because unless I'm stupid, and I'm not, Lord Garmadon destroyed the Devourer.'' Dareth told him.

''Hehe. That's been a huge misunderstanding. Actually, we were the ones who dest—'' Jay went to correct him.

''I'll let you train here but only on one condition. You can defeat me. If you succeed, we will share the dojo. Unh! That's right. I, Grand Sensei Dareth, master of all animal fighting styles, challenge one of you to a battle.'' Dareth proudly announced. ''I know the tiger. Rawrr. The python.'' He hissed, waving his arms around while Remo stared. ''Penguin. Awk, awk!''

Kai whirled into Spinjitzu, using it on Dareth. Stunned, he lay on the floor, looking up at Kai. ''How did you—'' His jaw dropped.

''You might know animals, but we know Spinjitzu,'' Porcupine replied.

''You can train in my dojo anytime.'' Dareth got to his feet, bowing.

—

Ginja and Green Bean balanced atop some wooden beams. Lloyd lunged forward but Jay leapt back to dodge his move.

''You must be light on your feet. Hi-yah!'' Jay exclaimed, returning Lloyd's strike but the Munchkin Blond dodged.

''When you strike with your fists, concentrate. You may be small, but you're strong.'' Cake Devourer advised the young prophesied ninja, stacking a board on a pile of wooden boards.

While you did a handstand on one of the beams, eyebrows knitted together deep in concentration, ignoring the other's looks as you hopped from beam to beam thanks to your upper body's strength.

Lloyd jumped up, raising his fist as he struck down, the boards and consequently, the floor below damaged by the impact. You didn't have enough time to react as something slammed into you, knocking you off the beams and onto the floor.

Coughing, you looked up, finding yourself looking into Jay's electric blue eyes. His eyes widened, the boy muttering apologies as he offered his hand to help you up. Taking it, you settled into a sitting position, dusting yourself off as the others talked while Jay's face felt like it was on fire.

''That was the power of the Staff of Quakes. And you did it without the Golden Weapon!'' Kai exclaimed as Lloyd looked at his hands, then at you. You gave him a reassuring thumbs-up.

''That must be why you have the potential to be the greatest ninja. You can harness all of the Elemental Powers.'' Zane pondered.

''Really?'' Lloyd asked. ''Cool.''

''With this power, you must be careful. You must control it before it controls you.'' Wu cautioned, sitting in the corner with his tea.

''I have to admit, not bad for a kid. But instead of ten boards, how about fifty? Stack 'em, boys.'' Dareth ordered the two boys that followed him in, holding two board stacks as Wu sighed. ''And perhaps if I, Grand Sensei Dareth can break through them all, you will allow me to join your team and become...'' The man put on a gi hood. ''...the Brown Ninja!'' He announced.

''Zane, prepare the ice.'' You muttered to the nindroid, whose curious eyes landed on you.

''Why?" The Ice Ninja questioned.

''He's gonna need it.'' You gestured to Dareth.

Jay snickered. ''The Brown Ninja? You gotta be joking!''

''Sorry, pal. Club's already full.'' Cole told him.

''Okay, okay. Then maybe this demonstration of my superhuman strength may persuade you. Jeffy, Phil, are we ready?'' Dareth questioned his companions.

''Yes, Grand Sensei Dareth.'' The two kids answered.

''Observe. I call upon the greatest animal to give me strength, the Dragon. Heeyah!'' Dareth struck the stacked boards with all his might, ending with the poor man screaming in agony as he grabbed his injured hand, hopping around.

''That ice would be convenient now.'' You took the small icecubes from Zane, waiting for Dareth to settle before you offered them to him. When he did, you held up the melting icecubes and he stared at them in confusion.

''Huh?" He stared down at you.

''I know it's not much, but if it still hurts just take these and they'll numb the pain for a bit.'' You offered. Dareth blinked owlishly before taking them, applying the ice cubes to his injured hand, sighing in relief.

''Feels a bit better already.'' He grinned.

''No problem, maybe just know your strengths... that would help.'' You cheekily grinned.

—

Screams from outside and the sound of familiar boosters brought the group out to see a flying ship much like the Destiny's Bounty, only with darker colours.

Jay pointed at it. ''Oh, that's our ship!''

''But pirates?'' Lloyd confusedly asked.

''Pirates haven't been around for centuries,'' Cole answered, glancing back at Lloyd.

''I sense Lord Garmadon is somehow behind this,'' Zane observed.

''How are we gonna follow them?'' Lloyd questioned.

Porcupine held out a bus token. ''Perhaps this can be of some use.'' A bus conveniently arrived at the bus stop as the others got on, but you remained off it. Laughing, you began wheeling away, the slope helping speed up your wheelchair but even without it, you were practically zooming down the streets.

The bus barely kept up but was stopped when an old woman began crossing the road. The boys watched, jaws dropped as you sped away in the wheelchair. Remo whooped in his place on your shoulders, blowing a raspberry before you rounded a corner.

Your little snake buddy kept an eye on the flying ship above while you were focused on keeping up. He then pointed you in the direction of an alleyway. Sticking out your arm, Remo launched himself off it and into the face of a thug who was about to try and take you out.

Cue the surprised screams and Remo having the time of his life taking them down instead.

When all of them lay on the ground unconsciously (you made sure to check), you grabbed what you had judged as a pipe good and strong enough for what you were about to do.

Lining yourself up with the walls of the alleyway, you worked yourself into overdrive as you wheeled forward, sticking the pipe into the ground when you had built up enough momentum and vaulting into the air.

Thankfully you landed on a flat roof, panting slightly while your gaze fell on the corrupted Destiny's Bounty that was to bypass your spot. Remo loosened his grip, uncoiling from your neck.

'For FSM's sake, save your energy.' You could've sworn you heard a hint of concern in his voice.

Rolling your eyes, you built up your lightning powers in your hands, focusing before letting it all out, propelling you forward to close the gap, and falling onto the deck. Exhausted, you hid behind some barrels, peering through the gaps.

Dareth landed on the deck, still wearing his Brown Ninja gi. ''Heeyah! Surrender, or face the Brown Ninja.'' He challenged the pirates before him.

''Pajama Man! Get him!'' Soto ordered his crew as they pointed their cutlasses at Dareth.

''The wolf.'' Dareth howled. ''The spider.'' He chattered, crawling like a spider. ''The hippo.'' He snorted but Soto sliced open his shirt with his cutlass. ''Those swords are really sharp.'' The man was then tied down. ''Aw, nuts.''

''Mates, keep an eye out for any other silly masked pajama people,'' Soto informed his crew.

''Oh! Please! Help!'' Dareth begged. You sighed. At your command, Remo slithered through the gap, keeping low to the ground and vanishing for a few seconds, reappearing on Captain Soto's non-peg leg. The pirate captain's head turned to the snake, who grinned back up at him.

Soto began trying to shake the silver snake off but it was no use while you snuck out from behind the barrels, crawling over to Dareth as the pirates were concerned about getting Remo off their captain's leg.

The Brown Ninja's eyes widened, going to speak but you gestured for him to keep quiet as you were untying him. At this point, the crew hadn't noticed the sneaky second intruder. Remo was flung off Soto, landing on No-Eyed Pete who screeched much like his bird while trying to get him off.

''Left! No, your other left!'' His parrot uselessly squawked, too busy with keeping its owner out of harm's way to peck at the attacking snake. You breathed a sigh of relief when the ropes that kept Dareth tied came undone.

The pirates turned their gaze to you when that happened.

''A landlubber!'' A pirate pointed out, making you turn around in alarm.

''Son of a biscuit eater.'' You muttered under your breath.

—

The plank jutted out from the flying ship, the air whipping strands of your hair around as you clung to the sides of the plank. Perhaps it was a mistake, rescuing Dareth. You were only in a worse situation than what you started in, all because you wanted to join the action.

And if you fell, you'd lose not only the use of your remaining limbs but your life as well.

Though behind you, a few familiar voices chatted amongst themselves, their gazes on you.

''Who here wants to see them go splat!'' Soto yelled to his crew. He was met with loud cheers from them.

''Who here wants to see them live?" Jay yelled out. Your heart skipped a beat, but you didn't glance back as to not blow their cover. Motormouth's yell was met with cheers, though they died down quickly as the crew looked at each other in confusion.

Soto knelt behind you to meet your unfortunate self, his cutlass moving closer to your neck. You gulped at the blade's metal sheen, seeing yourself in its reflection.

You turned your gaze, your eyes briefly meeting the boys. A distant whoosh of wings came from below. ''Maybe, but here's a reminder: Samurai beats Pirate.'' You winked at the boys, shoving Soto back enough for him to stumble and let the cutlass move from your neck before slipping off the plank.

Closing your eyes, you ignored the deja vu that came from it, the beating of wings coming closer. When you found you were no longer falling, you opened them, finding yourself being held by Flame's head holding you by the ropes, who let out a puff of warm smoke that hit you in the face as if to say 'Just this once'.

''Lloyd! Nice timing!'' You smiled while the boy flew the dragon. Ultra then flipped you into the air, catching you on the saddle beside Lloyd. ''And great flying too.''

''Thanks!'' The blond gremlin beamed. He leaned over, untying you from the ropes that bound you. He then pulled at the reins, making Ultra ascend over the corrupted Destiny's Bounty.

Without warning, the boy slid off. Mouth agape you did the only logical thing: fall off after him.

The upward draft pushed against your chest as you fell, the Green Bean grabbing a rope and swinging like Tarzan onto the deck, taking Soto and an unfortunate Zane down. You had to expend some energy to use your electricity and push yourself forward to grab one as well.

You yelped as the rope slid through your fingers, almost letting go but clutching it last second, landing on the deck after Lloyd. When would you ever learn? A cutlass fell onto the deck at your side that you grabbed.

''Pirate, go!'' Soto exclaimed, going to strike at Lloyd but Kai intercepted him in time, fighting off the pirate captain with his sword.

''Hey, that's our saying!'' You scoffed, swinging the cutlass around and making the approaching crew back away warily.

''Lloyd! (Y/n)! You're not supposed to be here!'' Kai shouted upon noticing you two. He grabbed Lloyd, putting him into a barrel. The boy moved it onto its side, getting to his feet and ramming the pirates with the barrel armour. Unfortunately, Kai was pulled into his shenanigans, being pushed off the ship by Lloyd.

You met a pirate's cutlass with the one you found, gritting your teeth as you attempted to match their strikes to defend yourself. Captain Soto began trying to hit Lloyd, but the Green Boy evaded his slashes. While in the barrel, he spun, whirling into Spinjitzu for a brief moment.

''Whoa, Spinjitzu! I just did Spinjitzu for the first time!'' Lloyd's eyes were bright with joy at the achievement, placing his hands on his hips. Soto harshly elbowed him.

Within seconds, you were there, glare pinned on the pirate captain as he was suddenly attacked from the deck, holding out your stolen cutlass. Soto backed away quickly, placing a hand on his back as he parried your hits.

Unknowingly, Lloyd saved the anchor with Kai on it from hitting a gas tank when he accidentally hit the lever again. Garmadon peered from the doorway at the bottom of the steps, spotting Lloyd facing Soto. ''My son, he's getting stronger...''

The Green Bean grunted as he summoned a massive sphere of shining green energy, being surrounded by it easily.

''Lloyd! Don't! Your powers are too uncontrollable!'' Kai warned but it fell on deaf ears. The ball of Energy shot towards Soto but at the last moment, it bounced back, phasing through the base of the mast. The mast fell onto the group, pinning you under it. Attempting to crawl out from under it, a clank made you look up.

On the fallen sails, the pirates stared back down at you, Soto hitting the blade of his cutlass against his hook. ''You lose, Pajama People.'' He aimed his cutlass at you and the others. You moved onto your back as the others did the same, staring back at the pirates as they aimed their blades. ''Now you're walking the plank.'' The pirates laughed with him.

Thump. A pirate looked at their rum as it shook in its cup. The pirates screamed, fleeing as the Samurai Mech appeared, grabbing the fallen mast to then whack it against the deck, making a few pirates fall over. It then put the mast back where it belonged.

Zane helped you along as the others walked over to meet the girl, who jumped out of the mech to use her circular blade to get down, tearing the fabric of the sail in the process and landing on Soto before he could get back up.

''Who wins between pirates and ninja? It's Samurai!'' Jay exclaimed. You met the girl's gaze, breaking into a grin while both of you chuckled, high-fiving each other as well.

''I told you so.'' You lightly elbowed Jay.

—

The pirates were placed into the cars and an officer stood near the group. ''Good work, team.'' He congratulated the boys.

''Don't forget to include these two.'' Kai looked at you and Lloyd, bringing the Green Bean closer a bit to give him a noogie. The boy laughed. Since you were back in your wheelchair you weren't as easy to grab.

''Uh, that your ship?'' The officer questioned, pointing at the Bounty.

''It sure is.'' Jay proudly replied.

''Then why do I see Garmadon standing on it?'' You questioned.

Garmadon stood on the deck, gazing down at the group. ''Sorry, you snooze, you lose.''

After Lloyd stepped closer to the group, Garmadon flew away on the ship, laughing as he did so.

Dareth casually whistled, sneaking up behind Jay. When he tried to attack him, Jay grabbed his arm, flipping him over the shoulder with a grunt.

''Oh, come on, guys. I Dareth you to forgive me.'' The man said, and the others laughed.

—

Leaning against the wall of the dojo with a cushion to support your back, you read through a book you had found. Though there was a page filled to the brim with a language you did not recognise nor was able to read without getting a headache. When you were about to search for one you could read, Morro's voice stopped you.

'The kitsune, a fox with more than one tail.' Morro spoke.

'What?' You arched an eyebrow, pausing. The only thing on the page you could understand were the detailed drawings.

'Known to have powers such as creating illusions so elaborate they are indistinguishable from reality, lightning and/or fire powers, flight, invisibility, shapeshifting, mind control, and more. These mischievous creatures are known as tricksters, using their ability of illusions to prank people, wherever it be malicious or benevolent. They are also known as guardians, and the Zenko, (good foxes)-'

Morro fell silent, your eyes trailing down the page to where an ink blot hid the rest of the passage. Groaning in frustration, you closed the book.

'That was a whole goldmine of info.' You stared at the leather covering of the book adorned with faded orange and blue swirls. 'And a stupid ink blot had to ruin it.'

Unable to find further answers, you closed your eyes, drifting off into sleep.

Just a note, what I have in mind for the ninja is a masked AU of sorts, (though the ninja aren't the best at hiding their identities), which may work out as an interesting plot point in the future if I get around to it. Also, next chapter may just be fun. Or the one after that. 

I yearn for sleep, so-

Don't forget to vote, go wild with your comments and share this story if you love it. ♥️

Without further ado,

See ya, Bookworms.

WriterAgreste, over & out!