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Mirror - We are born of love; love is our mother
Morro had always believed – or rather, he'd thought he'd known – that he'd been abandoned by his parents, but he'd pushed that aside in his need for survival. And then Sensei Wu had found him and things had changed for a short while. He'd had a home, where his belly was always full, a room that was all his own, and a closet of clothes just for him.
But he'd been abandoned – no, that wasn't right, he'd abandoned Wu, in his pursuit to be the Green Ninja, but he'd thought it an indisputible fact. His parents, or maybe just one, had abandoned him in the streets of Jamanakai Village. And now . . .
When Morro had first looked at that picture, it hadn't seemed all that special, but when he had looked closer to see the Master of Wind . . . She had looked nothing like he imagined, all things considered. When he'd imagined the previous Masters of Wind, they hadn't looked so . . . kind, or gentle. They'd always looked mean, or stone-faced, in his imagination.
Eteri – his mother, the one he'd thought had abandoned him – had looked so kind, more like Lloyd with his bleeding heart, rather than Morro. Rather, he looked more like Aryan, the Master of Smoke, with his downturned brow, and sharp, angular features.
He couldn't take it, so he fled, but he only found himself in a wing of the Monastery that had more drawings of the previous Elemental Alliance. Not all were of them in their GI's, and he found hinself staring at one in particular.
Eteri was sitting against a cherry blossom tree, cradling a baby in her arms, looking down with a smile and adoration in her eyes. The picture was done in watercolor, and he wondered what his mother would have looked like in real life.
Her hair was the same inky black as his, with pale green streaks the color of jade – which were darker than his own emerald streaks –, falling around her face in slight waves. Her eyes were grey – no, green or . . . They looked like river stones covered in dark green moss, so different from his green-black eyes of rotting undergrowth.
Her skin was a beautiful shade of light brown with a reddish undertone the near opposite of his own sickly white pallor. In all, he didn't think he looked anything like her and his heart burned as if he was being dragged beneath the waves of Stiix again.
Biting his lip in his efforts to keep himself from crying, he didn't notice the blood beading or Garmadon coming around the bend. Morro's entire body tensed when the man came to stand at his side, looking at the picture with an exhaustion and an ache.
"You look so much like her, I am surprised I did not realize who you were sooner," Garmadon admitted, seemingly not noticing how his words – those simple words – had Morro's lungs freezing.
"I think you've gone blind!" Morro snarled, forcing hinself to speak past the lump in his throat. "I don't look anything like her!"
Garmadon turned to look at him, dark brown eyes glinting with a dark red sheen that seemed more threatening than ever, "I fought alongside Eteri for nearly 23 years, spent more time than I can remember training with her or simply spending time in her company. You look very similar to Eteri."
Morro drew himself up . . . to what? Yell and scream? When had had that helped? When had it become so much harder to be angry?
"How? How do I look like her?"
"Your eyes are the same," Garmadon began, smiling slightly at the sneer he recieved. "I do not mean color. Eteri was the gentlest of us all, until she was pushed and then all bets were off. You could always see every emotion going through her mind in her eyes, just as I can with you."
Morro reeled back, confused, before he remembered all the times Lloyd would stare into his eyes and then, he would either push harder or back off, as if he knew which one he needed.
"You are taller than she was, but otherwise you could be siblings. I have no doubt in my mind that she's smacking Aryan around for making her son so tall," Garmadon laughed to himself.
"What happened?"
That took the mirth out of Garmadon.
"The Emporer sent an army, and we attacked to keep them away from the Monastery but we didn't realize it was a trap. He had some of his soldiers sneak into the Monastery in the hopes of taking away the two babies that lay within. You and Lily. They only succeeded in taking you, and for that they suffered."
"Never had I seen Eteri so angry. Jiang was as well. Together they summonded a storm so powerful that no soldier from his army survived that day. The rivers were dies red for days from the massacre but we succeeded in weakening the Emporer. Over half of his force had been apart of that army and we began to prevail."
"Aryan and Eteri worked tirelessly to find you . . . And that was their downfall. I do not know all the details, but I know they were outmatched and exhausted but they won. It came at the cost of their lives. When we found them, Aryan – Aryan was already gone, and Eteri begged Keahi to find you, for her."
"He died searching for you."
Morro frowned as the image of red, bloodstained and cracked armor flashed in his memories. "He– Did he wear a necklace with a jade amulet?"
"Yes. How did you–"
"He got me to Jamanakai but he died from his injuries," Morro said, giving a bitter laugh. "I thought he was just someone I'd dreamed of but . . ."
"Keahi was your godfather, and he loved you as his own."
"Yeah, lot of good that did him." Once again, Morro stalked off.
Instead of wandering in the Monastery, he left, unable to be in this place that had once hosted his parents, his family.
Jiang Kai | Kai Kalama
Reader rushed around the room with the other designers, placing the models clothes in their respective dressing rooms as they prepared for them to arrive. They hadn't yet been informed of their models so the room was filled with a nervous energy.
"So, who do ya think you're gonna get?" Alyssa asked, wiggling her brows teasingly.
"How am I supposed to know?" Reader retorted, bumping their hips together. Alyssa looked around conspiratorially, leaning in closer as Reader continued organizing her models chosen clothes.
"Well, from what I've heard–"
"Overheard, you mean."
"Hush. From what I've heard one of the ninja are coming to model for the company, to help raise money for that Charity you like so much."
"The Charity for Rebuilding?"
"Yeah, that one."
Before Reader could ask if she'd heard anything else they were called together.
"Alright! Listen up! Here is the list of designers and who your model is," Directin Lin announced, holding up said sheet. Alyssa leanes forward eagerly as Reader snickered at her friends eagerness. As the youngest designers it was doubtful either of them would get the higher ranking models.
Everyone surged forward to look at the paper but Alyssa and Reader held back for a moment. They both noticed how people kept glaring back at them for some reason but . . .
Shrugging it off they finally got a chance to see the list. And right beside Readers name was Kai Kalama, the Fire Ninja.
Freezing, both her and Alyssa just stared at the name. "I knew I had an effect on the ladies, but I never realized just how bad it was."
Whirling around they found Kai standing behind behind them with a smug look. And that was all it took for Reader to know how the rest of the day was going to go.
The entire session was filled with flirts and compliments that made her cheeks darken even when they didn't give him an actual response. Kai was not one to give up, but they liked his charm and hoped she'd get to see him model again.
Zane Julien
Reader sat in the shade of one of the large trees of the park, leaning back against its trunk as she sketched a rough outline of the beautiful fountain just across the way. Humming to herself she finished up for the day before carefully putting her sketchbook in her bag.
Done for the day, Reader wondered if they should have brought the car since she needed to go grocery shopping soon. As her mind wandered, she did not realize someone was heading right for her until she was slammed into and her bag ripped from her hands.
"Hey!" Reader shrieked, stumbling for a second before taking off after him. "Get back here!"
The man outpaced her but she didn't stop, her sketchbook was far too expensive for her to stop. Ice suddenly formed on the grass, and the man lost his balance tripping over his own feet and faceplanting into the ground, much to Reader's delight and shock.
Stopping before the ice, she doubled over as a stitch tugged painfully at her ribs. Another man, her age wearing a sweatervest surprisingly, came and retrieved her bag to hand to her.
"Are you alright, miss?"
"Umm, yes, thank you . . ." Reader trailed off, unsure of his name. She recognized him as one of the ninja but she'd never had any reason to remember their names.
"Zane, the White Ninja."
"Oh, well then thank you, Mr. White Ninja," Reader thanked, swinging her bag up onto her shoulder.
"I shall take him into custody and inform the police of his attempted crime. I do not believe it shall require your attention," Zane stated, turning to do so. "I hope the rest of your day is well."
"Uhh, yeah, I hope you have a good day as well," Reader said, taking a step away as Zane went to sling the man over his shoulder.
'Damn, love to watch 'em walk away,' Reader thought, before shaking her head. 'Oh my dragon, what am I thinking? That is so rude of me!'
Reader rushed away before she could become even more mortified by her thoughts, quietly hoping to see the very handsome man again one day.
Cole Brookstone
Reader smiled at the group who had just walked into their store, nodding for Miya to take their orders. The new hire gave them an anxious look, but they were not deterred. The best way to learn was through experience and this was a good start for her.
"Hello, welcome to Fairy Tale's Cakes and Stories, how can I help you?" Miya chirped, smiling through her nerves.
The group of teens was a little rowdy, but they didn't cause any trouble even when they spoke over each other, causing Miya to falter. Once she had finished up their order, the group of seven dispersed and Miya hurried back over to Reader's side.
"How did I do?"
"Really well, Miya. By next week you should be able to man the register without any issue, I just want to make sure you know how to handle any problematic customers," Reader stated, having seen Miya's face drop a little.
"Okay, thank you for this!"
"Of course. Now, why don't you go clean up some of the tables, I'll take the register till you're done."
A customer had walked in while they spoke, a young man on his own who was eagerly looking at the cake display case.
"Hello, welcome to Fairy Tale's Cakes and Stories, how can I help you?"
"Oh, uhh, what's in the Grimm Cake?"
"Its a milk chocolate base, dark chocolate glaze, orange zest buttercream, and a book made of chocolate and filled with orange cream," Reader explained, watching as the man practically salivated at the thought.
"I'll take a whole one!"
"A whole cake?" Reader asked, surprised. Most people only wanted a slice.
"Yes, please!"
"Coming right up."
When he was still there, over an hour later, Miya wondered over to Readers side.
"Is he going to sit there and eat an entire cake?"
"If thats what he wants to do," Reader answered, focused on the grocery list they were working out. The man came up to the counter where Reader was working so they paused in their writing, offering a smile. "How can I help you?"
"I just wanted to come up and say that that was really good! I don't think I've ever had a cake so good! I'll definitely be coming back!" Waving, the man headed back out the door with a bounce in his step.
"Holy shit," Miya whispered, jaw on the floor.
"Miya," Reader warned.
"Did you not recognize him? That was Cole, the Earth Ninja. One of the saviors of Ninjago."
Reader paused in their writing. They had not recognized Cole but they knew of him and his team.
"So, I just had one of the ninja in my shop?"
"Yes!"
"Huh."
They hoped he visited again, and not just because a ninja buying their cakes would boost business.
Jay Walker
Reader was heavily focused on the project Nya had shared with her, working to rebuild this engine piece for one of the ninja's vehicles. She heard Aaron talking to someone, leading them through the garage, but she ignored them for the moment.
"And this is Reader, I believe she was the one you were looking for?" Aaron asked, stopping just before her station, making her pause.
"Yep, thank you!"
Nodding, Aaron left, leaving Reader and the strange man alone. "So, is there something you need me specifically for?"
"Oh, uh, well, heh, Nya actually sent me," He said, smiling awkwardly.
"Nya did? So then you're one of the ninja," Reader realized. He lit up, striking a pose.
"The Lightning Ninja, at your service!" Jay announced proudly, making Reader giggle though she tried to hide it.
"Well then Mr. Lightning Ninja, what did Ninja send you up here for?"
"Oh, she wanted me to check up on the engine for Lloyd's new bike."
"Oh, yeah. I told I'd probably have it done by today, but I ended up having to help with some rich guys car." Reader shook her head at the memory of the rich asshole.
"She said she gave you free reign?"
"Yep. All she wanted was a fast engine for a bike, my specialty." Reader winked making Jay giggle as he went a little red. A good hour passed with them discussing the different engine choices and Jay happily lending a hand.
When he left, Reader couldn't help but miss his presence already. Very few people shared her passion, work ethic, and sense of humor, so Jay was, in her mind, a godsend. She hoped he'd come back one day so they could continue their converaation.
Lloyd Garmadon
Reader was hiding behind one of the numerous sheleves of comics as they put the comics back in their place. She'd noticed Ryker walking in the door and had hurried away to stock the sholves with the new comics.
For the past two weeks Ryker had been stalking them at her job, waiting for her to get off with the excuse that he wanted to walk them home. It was creepy and gross, and Reader wanted nothing to do with him.
"Hey Reader," Ryker said, having found them while they sorted through the massive amount of Starfarers comics to place on the shelves.
"Ryker, I'm working."
"I just wanted to say hi. You've been ignoring me, and leaving at different times. I haven't been able to walk you home," Ryker complained, his greasy voice sending shivers down her spine.
"I don't need you to walk me home, I'm just fine on my own," Reader snapped, feeling a bit like a chihuahua barking at a rottweiler.
"Oh come on, Reader." Ryker stepped closer, boxing them in, and making her heart rate pick up. "Just give me a chance. Just one date."
"I already told you, no. I'm not going on a date with you," Reader said, trying to sound stronger than she felt.
Rykers face twisted into something ugly, hand reaching out to grab them by the waist. "Really, is that really how you're going to be? A nice guys asks you out and you're gonna be a bitch!"
"Hey!" Someone grabbed Rykers wrist, the one attached to the hand squeezing Readers hip uncomfortably tight, and easily pulled him off. Now, Ryker isn't a small man, nearly 5'11 and 200lbs but the one who'd tugged him off was easily the same height but seemingly thinner. "When someone tells you to back off, you back off."
"Who the fuck are you?!" Ryker demanded, trying to tug his wrist away.
"Lloyd Garmadon, the Green Ninja."
Reader couldn't help the hot flush that spread across her face at the realization of who this was. While her personal favorite ninja had always been Jay, she liked his jokes and attitude, she did admire the Green Ninja. Ryker, on the other hand, seemed to lose all his coloring.
"That-why-what?! Why would a ninja give two shits about some ugly bitch?!"
Reader immediatley lashed out, slapping Ryker with an open palm. She felt a bit more confident with the Green Ninja right there, because what could Ryker do to them with him here. "Don't you ever call me a bitch again!"
Lloyd was a little startled, but he forced himself to not smile at the red mark slreading across his face. "Beat it. If I see you hanging around again, I'll knock you on your ass."
Snarling, Ryker retreated, a coward down to his bones.
"Thank you, for the rescue."
"Oh uh, it was no problem. Always happy to help a pretty girl in need of help." Lloyd froze, mortified by what had just slipped from his mouth. "Oh, FSM! I'm so sorry, that was–"
Reader giggled, holding a hand over their mouth to hide her smile. "No, no. It's ok. A compliment from the powerful Green Ninja. Lucky me."
A shout from the door had Lloyd wincing.
"Sorry, um, my team needs me . . ."
Smiling, Reader stepped forward to press a kiss to his cheek. "Well then you best get going, my hero." Giggling to themself, Reader sauntered away with the box of comics in hand.
Lloyd watched them walk away, bright red, jaw nearly on the floor.
Morro
Reader trembled violently as she and the other workers were lined up in front of the customer by the robber. He had barged in less than five minutes ago, an hour before they opened, barking out orders as he aimed a gun at them, with four others coming in behind him.
While Jason, the baker, might have had a chance at fighting one of them off, the rest of the morning crew couldn't. Reader could feel the tears pooling in her eyes before there was the loud crash of glass shattering as three of the ninja dove inside.
The Black, Blue, and Red ninja had broken through the front window and were taking out the first three robbers while the other two robbers reached out for hostages. Reader cried out as she was violently grabbed by her hair, just like Anya was. Both girls cried out, trying to pull away until the cold steel was pressed against their jaws.
"Please, please," Anya begged, tears pouring down her face as she sobbed. She had only been hired a week ago as a cashier, and now she was being held hostage by robbers.
Two figures came out from the shadows, the Green and Grey ninja.
"Hey, let's talk this out," Green began, holding out his hands, palm up. "You don't have to do this. Just let the girls go, and put the guns down."
"Why the hell would I listen to you!" The robber holding Reader shouted, yanking violently and ripping out some of her hair, making her shriek in pain.
"Let us go!" Anya screamed, and in a moment of brilliant, stupid bravery, she slammed a heel down on her robbers foot, and an elbow into his nose.
"Hey, wait!" Green shouted, lurching forward as Grey tensed.
"You little bitch!!" A gunshot rang out and blood splattered across Readers face, making her scream in terror.
Green lunged for the killer as Grey went for Reader. In a practiced move, he seperated them knocking the gun from the robbers hand before kicking him into one of the other ninja grasp.
Reader collapsed, no longer held up by her hair, and too afraid to stay standing. While she hadn't known Anya very well, the girl had been friendly and Reader had hoped they could be good friends but now . . . Anya would never experience anything ever again.
Sobbing into her hands, she didn't notice when the Grey ninja crouched down at her side awkwardly. "Hey, are you injured?" His voice was gruff, sharp, but Reader didn't seem to hear him, too shocked to take anything in.
Scowling behind the mask, Grey leaned forward. "Hey." Without raising his voice he managed to grab her attention. "Are you injured?"
Reader gasped for breath, scrubbing her tears away as she tried to focus. "My-uhm, my scalp. It hurts."
"Okay. Any other pain?"
"N-no."
Nodding, Grey reached out and easily lifted her to feet, startling her. Unable to stand she just collapsed against him, making him go stiff. "The-the ambulance is gonna be here in a minute to get you taken care of, alright."
"Okay." Reader was thankful when Grey didn't move, simply keeping his hands on her shoulders so she didn't slump back down to the floor. "Thank you. For saving me."
"Its what ninja do."
Once the ambulance arrived, Reader was escorted by the Grey ninja to be checked out. Tugging off his mask, he spoke in low tones to the EMT, before helping get Reader onto the ambulance.
As she was laying back on the bed, a small part of her hoped to see the nice ninja again one day. Even if she didn't know his name.
A/n: Can you tell who my favorite charactors are?
Jiang Kai | Kai Kalama
Kai is Chinese, through his mother, and Hawaiian, through his father, with a little Persian from an unknown ancestor. He is hotheaded, confident, impulsive, determined, brave, loyal, passionate, and caring.
Reader (She/They)
Reader is a fashion designer and frequent protestor for many different things. They are passionate, driven, altruistic, perfectionist, honest, quiet, and reserved towards strangers.
Zane Julien
Zane was built to look incredibly human so he looks African, like his father, with short white dreads. He is strategic, curious, logical, reserved, loyal, and calculating.
Reader (She/her)
Reader is a self-made artist who makes artwork of non-traditional things, to show off how people do not need to be traditional. Also croches and makes little animal plushes for clients. She is very charismatic, smart, curious, passionate, and finds it difficult to focus.
Cole Brookstone
Cole is Italian through both of his parents, and speaks the language fluently though he rarely uses it. He can be competitive, focused, loyal, kind, sensitive, easily annoyed but slow to anger.
Reader (They/Them)
Reader is the owner of Fairy Tale's Cakes and Stories, a café and bookstore passed down to them from their grandparents. Very decisive, organized, practical, loyal, direct, honest, and patient.
Jay Walker
Jay is Scottish Gaelic from his unknown parents. He is curious, energetic, enthusiastic, perceptive, good-natured, and positive.
Reader (She/Her)
Reader is a mechanic for a shop in Ninjago, and close friends with Nya. She is rational, curious, good-natured, energetic, and determined.
Lloyd Garmadon (INFP)
Lloyd is Norwegion with more from his Grandfather, but he does not know. He is loyal, empathetic, gernerous, energetic, adaptable, and passionate.
Reader (She/They)
Reader is an assistant at Doomsday Comix, a place that Lloyd frequents. They are reliable, passionate, altruistic, charismatic, idealistic, and curious.
Morro (ISFP)
Morro has an unknown heritage as he was an abandoned orphan living on the streets. He is unpredictable, passionate, free-spirited, hotheaded, perfectionist, and hard-working.
Reader (She/her)
Reader works as a baker at a popular wedding cake shop, famous for its beauitiful cakes, pastries, and desserts. She is reliable, positive, passionate, altruistic, calm, empathetic, and idealistic.
Chapters
There is a Legend that circles throughout many old villages, those that have yet to make the leap into the New Age, especially those around the base of the Howling Mountains. Elders speak of a hanging Monastery that is protected by creatures of old, creatures that were slowly killed of by people in their fear.
Eyre, Guardian of the East Gate positioned directly behind a cascading waterfall that has led many to their deaths. A Kelpie made of green tinted serpentine rock, teeth bared threateningly as a mane of seaweed falls across its back, and eyes made of rubies gleam whenever the sun hits them.
Cephas, Guardian of the North Gate positioned on the path that leads into the inside of the mountains caves, where bats chase intruders out and stalagmites fall. A Drake made of gneiss with massive claws and teeth bared in threat while its delicately carved tail wraps around the pedastool. It is said that Cephas is more a protector, prefferring to simply stop intruders rather than kill.
Yukio, Guardian of the West Gate positioned towards the snow covered paths that threaten avalanches, and ice covered rocks that are only too easy to slip on. A Kamaitachi made of granite with claws made of blue kyanite, teeth bared in a menacing expression as it prepares to leap into the air and attack.
Notus, Guardian of the South Gate positioned in the open air and only able to be entered by Elemental Masters. The South Gate is the hardest to approach because of the powerful, howling winds that whip by constantly and the dark clouds that gather when intruders approach. A Xexeu made completely of basalt with beak opened wide in a scream of thunder as black wings spread as if too take flight, and eyes made of cracked jade.
The Monastery itself is said to have dragons made of broken jade and pieced back together with silver sat atop its high walls made of polished marble, roofs of gold shingles, and pathways made of granite within the massive courtyard. Towards the North Gate stands a massive garden of all kinds of trees and flowers, several of them edible.
From the East Gate flows a river of crystal clear, drinkable water that provides the water for the entire Monastery. Because of its old age the Monastery had none of the newer technology such as lights, electricity or fridges, but it had bathrooms, running water, and an old fashioned stove.
It was enough for Morro who had, in the short time he'd been brought back to life, yet to truly become comfortable with any of those advancements. When he'd heard the Legend while staying in a nearby village, he'd dismissed it but after hearing it in the next two villages he'd passed through he'd decided to check it out.
Using his wind, he'd approached the Southern Gate and was unsurprised when the Guardian stayed stone and passed by it unencumbered. He did not notice its eyes following his every move as he made his way towards the Monastery's golden doors.
It took him several months to truly outfit the Monastery as he wanted it, though he didn't change much, but one day while he was within one of the nearby villages he heard something that had his blood boiling. Morro found a man beating a young toddler, a kid of maybe four years old, cursing about stolen money as the kid sobbed. Hidden far back in an alley, they were mostly hidden and the kids cries were far quieter than they should have been.
With a snarl, Morro sent the man flying into the wall and threatened to kill him unless he left. At firat the man tried to resist, claiming the kid was his son and he could punish him how he saw fit but Morro was not a forgiving or patient man. His second blow, this time with his fist, had the mans nose breaking beneath his knuckles in a satisfying crunch.
Cussing and crying the man fled as Morro watched with a prideful smirk. A tiny sniffle had him remembering the kid, so he turned to find said kid trying to stand even after being beaten like that.
"Sit back down, brat," Morro snapped, as the kids eyes snapped up to him, wide and fearful. Sighing, he ran a hand through his choppy hair before slowly crouching down. He vaguely remembered Lloyd having several memories of comforting kids, but he hoped it would be enough. "Are . . . Are you okay? He was hittin' you pretty hard."
The kid stared, hands wrapping protectively over his ribs, where several kicks had been delivered. When the silence had stretched on too long, Morro tried again.
"Look, I'm not . . . I'm not gonna be like him and hit you if you respond okay? I don't like men who beat on kids," Morro stated, frowning when the kid continued to stare at him, uncomprehending. "Can . . . Can you hear me?"
This time the kid nodded, slowly, eyes never leaving Morro. "You just don't wanna talk?"
Another nod.
"Fine. Yes or no. Are you hurt?"
The nod was slower as if he wasn't sure.
"Okay. Can I help you?"
The kid stared at him blankly before his lip began quivering, making Morro curse in his head. What had he done to upset the kid? He'd only asked to help . . .
"Please." The kids voice was so small and weak as if he never used it. Morro was viscerally reminded of himself when he was on the streets, chased off and beaten whenever he chose the wrong trashcan to raid.
"I'll help you. And I won't make you go back to that asshole either. But you have to come with me for that to happen."
Blinking wide, dark green eyes met pale jade as Morro held out his hand. It took a few minutes but eventually the kid made a decision and reached out for his hand.
Smirking, Morro led the kid from the alley and back to the shop he'd just left. He'd need some first aid supplies for this.
While he was inside picking up bandages, he felt the kid gently tug at the base of his GI. "What?"
"Nico."
Morro's brow furrowed and he looked down at the kid, who still looked guarded but far more relaxed than he had been in the alley. "Nico? Is that your name kid?"
Nodding, Morro huffed and hesitantly ruffled his hair. "Guess I didn't introduce myself, huh? Morro, kid."
And so began Morro's journey. Not as the Green Ninja. Not as the Forgotten Ninja or Vengeful Ghost. But his journey as a Sensei and a Parent for Nico was not the only child he rescued.
Maya, an 11 year old girl on the streets struggling not to become a prostitute.
Wren, an 8 year old living in an abandoned house on the forests edge.
Cassey, an 17 year old forced into prostitution to protect her younger brother, Liam, a 7 year old.
Lady, a 6 year old on the streets.
Casper, a 9 year old caught stealing from houses.
Sammy, a 15 year old who tried pickpocketing Morro and had successfully been pickpocketing others.
All eight kids lived in the Monastery alongside Morro, who they saw as their brother and Sensei since he was so insistent they learn to protect themselves.
Cassey and Sammy were incredibly helpful for a young man who had barely taken care of himself while out in the world, but he learned.
--------------------2 Years Later------------------------
Four kids snuck through the halls, using the stealth skills Morro had recuntly begun implementing in their training. Quietly, Casper pushed open the door, grinning when it didn't creak upon opening.
Slowly they crept towards the occupied bed, before climbing onto the foot of the bed pausing anytime the person stirred.
Unknown to the four, their target was wide awake and simply waiting for his moment to strike.
"Ready?" Wren asked, eager as ever.
"Ready."
"Ready."
Nico giggled to himself, and nodded.
"3 . . . 2 . .-"
Casper yelped as his legs were swiped out from underneath him and he landed on the bed with an oomph. Lady and Wren quickly followed, landing on top of the poor boy as Nico was swept into Morro's arms with a laugh of delight.
"And just what were you four doing?" Morro asked. To most he would sound furious and angry but that was simply his voice for them.
"Cassey sent us to wake you up," Lady pouted, sitting up. Morro raised am eyebrow at the three before glancing down to Nico, the weaklink of their little group.
"Nico?"
"You needed a wakeup call she said," Nico admitted, voice as quiet as ever. Morro sighed, rolling his eyes.
"Disrespectful. All of you."
All four giggled as he swung himself out of bed. "All right, beat it. Go eat. I'll be there in a minute."
"Okay!"
Lady, Wren, and Casper left but Nico simply sat on the bed, attached to Morro's hip as always. Ruffling hia hair as he passed by to get his closet, Morro reached for his Sensei robes. For know he wore only the under layers and pants leaving the top for when training actually began, after breakfast.
"Alright kid, let's go see what Cassey cooked up."
Nico giggled, reaching out for Morro who gave a put upon sigh. "I hope you know how spoiled you are," Morro stated fondly as Nico smiled wider. Since Nico had been in his life, Morro had let go of many of the angers he'd held to focus on bringing him up the way he wished he would've been.
And with Lloyd's own experiences still in his memory, he had a pretty good idea of what he shouldn't do.
Nico seemed to think he was doing pretty good based on his massive grin whenever he was with Morro. After being so painfully shy and terrified those first few months, Morro was relieved and proud of the smiles and infectious happiness the 6 year old radiated.
"What do you wanna watch today, kid?"
Nico thought for a moment, sticking the chew necklace he wore in his mouth. "Bluey," He mumbled.
"Alright, Bluey it is."