Alright, alright, alriiigghht! My bad, I've been watching a lot of Kevin Hart recently anyway I'm so glad everyone is just as pumped as I am about this book, once again you guys are absolutely awesome! I know it will start out a little slow, but the action will begin soon enough. For some reason, I feel…anxious about Ebony she is by far the most mysterious of the kunoichi, so I hope I can do this right. *Takes a deep breath* Alright, enough procrastination let's do this!

Please read and enjoy!

Chapter 2

(Twilight City at Starlight Orphanage)

(Ebony's POV)

Today is my eighteenth birthday.

I lay spread out comfortably on my bed, one arm nestled behind my head the other draped carelessly over the side.

The slow rotation of my overhead fan is my only viewing pleasure at the moment as I contemplate what this particular day meant.

Easy, this day marks the ending of one life and the beginning of another.

I will leave the only home I've known and embark on a pilgrimage to my past.

I sit up and remove my blood red amulet from my pocket.

I stare at it intently and sure enough a sense of longing enters my heart.

I…I want to find the person who left me this. It has to mean something for it is my only lead.

I have examined this amulet many times over the years hoping to find more clues, but my search is futile.

The crimson gem is encased in a Silicate mineral which I believe is some variety of quartz, but that is all.

There are no markings, no text, nothing else to go by.

I trace my fingers over the smooth surface of the gem and it emits a faint glow like it always had when I touch it.

Nothing else matters, I don't care if my quest is for naught at least I will not regret not trying at all…

*light scratching against glass*

I turn my head to the source of the noise coming from my small window above my dresser and see a black cat calmly scratching and pawing the glass.

Mydnyte…

I stand up and stride over to the window and let my friend in.

Before she enters, she leans close and nuzzles my face affectionately. A small smile grazes my lips as her long whiskers tickle my face.

"Hello Mydnyte," I greet amiably and she purrs deeply in response.

Deeming my pleasantry satisfactory, the forest green-eyed Bombay leaps nimbly from the windowsill onto my dresser she then turns towards me and stands up on her hind legs with purpose stretching out to me.

I tilt my head in signal for the okay and she immediately jumps up and curls her body around my shoulders. I reach up and scratch her in between her ears and her eyes crease into content slants.

I continue my ministrations to her and look out my window to witness the last touch of rich gold the setting sun presents marking the ending of day and the beginning of night.

Mydnyte first started to visit me six years ago on this very day actually. I was having a particular bad time, I had overheard some of the other children talking behind my back commenting that today was a very depressing day, the day that "Snow White" was born. The decorous, but still cruel alias no longer angered me as it once did when I first heard it. Now, it only saddened me and when I had gone to confront the defamatory children I saw their eyes widen in fear and trepidation. I did not say or do anything to cause them to flee, but they fled regardless without having me say a word.

I never understood why it was so difficult for me to make friends needless to say I stopped trying altogether that day and confined myself in seclusion and solitude building a fortified wall around my heart to protect myself from further pain and heartache. Their judgment was based on my appearance alone never taking the time to get to know who I really was. I returned to my room and was welcomed by the sound of thunder and lightning, soon the distressed call of a kitten alerted me to my window.

The quivering ball of black fur was desperately clawing and wailing to get in to seek shelter and I had opened that window and welcomed her with open arms. I never gave her a collar nor did I feed her, but still she sought out my companionship and that alone I am forever grateful for. Whether or not Mydnyte will choose to follow me out of Twilight tomorrow is her decision, if she does stay I know I will miss her greatly…

*knock knock*

"Ebony?"

Mydnyte leaps from my shoulders and trots over to my bed.

"Yes, come in Sister Ophelia," I call back.

My door creaks open and Sister Ophelia's serene face appears.

She enters my room with her hands behind her back.

"Happy Birthday Ebony," she says sweetly and presents a small chocolate cupcake with a single candle aflame through it.

My personal smile I reserve only for her lights my face as I walk briskly towards her.

"Thank you very much sister," I say gratefully with a nod.

"Go on, make a wish," she orders with a soft smile while lifting the cupcake closer to my face.

I close my eyes and comply, blowing out the candle with a single breath.

"What did you wish for?" She asks with the same soft tone.

"You ask me that every year and every year I give you the same answer, my wish…has not changed and it never will until I see it granted."

She nods and removes the snuffed candle then hands the chocolate morsel to me.

"I know I ask you every year, but this time will be the last Ebony and I just wanted to hear your answer one last time."

I savor each deliciously moist bite of the cupcake as I always do for I only receive the sweet delicacy once a year and I may not have the chance to enjoy one for a while.

She is silent for a moment and just looks at me with a caring smile then sweeps her gaze around my room in melancholy retrospect.

Sister Ophelia…

She is my favorite of the six nuns that run Starlight Orphanage because she had always been there for me, she never oppressed me only encouraged me to look towards the future and fulfill my dreams. She is the one who gave me my existence, my name. "Ebony" because she found me in a pitch black woven basket wrapped securely in a silk cloth as dark as night. My surname was broken into two separate parts "Young" for I was the youngest one to ever grace their steps since the beginning of their management and "Blood" for the crimson red amulet that was tucked in with me. She was getting on in years, but she was aging gracefully her eyes still as sharp and refined as brilliant topaz. The beginnings of laugh lines and crow's feet only made her appear more regal in stature and may her voice always carry that prolonging wisdom I've come to respect so much.

I finish my cupcake and wait for her to speak.

"Your room has always been so dark and bare Ebony although it is only befitting. The color noir is associated with power, elegance, formality, and mystery. Characteristics that describe you perfectly child, but take heed even though you set out on a journey to discover your past that same road may intertwine with your future, a future you should not spend alone," she voices cryptically while lighting the back of her fingertips down the left side of my face.

I furrow my brow in thought at her words and do not respond.

What does she mean…?

She accepts my silence with a smile and speaks once more.

"Are you prepared to leave tomorrow morning?"

"Yes, you know I don't have much just the funds I've accumulated over the years and the basic essentials," I reply stoically.

"And your amulet."

My answer is a brief nod.

"Ebony, if you don't mind there is one final errand I wish for you to run for me."

I left my eyebrows in question and she takes my quick expression as a cue to continue.

"We are in need of medical supplies for Gabriel, he is still running a high fever and I fear his condition will only worsen if we wait any longer. He needs the antibiotics Dr. Morris prescribed and the Pharmacy on Crow Valley Street is our closest supplier. Will you go?"

"Of course I will sister. You need only ask."

"Here is the money then," she hands me multiple bills and I store them in a separate fold in my wallet, "and please make haste the sooner we have the medicine the sooner Gabriel will recover."

"Understood."

I turn my head slightly for a second to check on Mydnyte and see her curled up in a ball on my bed sleeping peacefully.

I return my focus to Sister Ophelia and nod once more before pushing past her gently out the room.

As I make my way through the orphanage the only sounds I hear is the chiming of my belts and buckles as they move against my waist and the rhythmic click and tap of my boots upon the tiled floor.

It's "Light's Out" for the children the only ones still awake now are the five remaining nuns patrolling the halls searching for the "undisciplined" scurrying around looking for trouble.

I see Sister Abigail near the entrance walking towards me as she nears she dips her head in acknowledgment and I respond in kind.

I reach the door leading outside and push through into the brumal cold of the winter night air.

The sudden rush of wind causes my braid to sail briefly to the west then settle over my shoulder. I can only tolerate so much wintry frost and make note to purchase a decent jacket before leaving town.

I have never gotten sick however, so I have faith in my strong immune system to keep me healthy during my travels, I think resolutely as I make my way with poise down the snow and ice covered steps.

I begin my trek towards Crow Valley and the Pharmacy and look up at the shining stars.

Twilight City…

It was given its name because the city lights do not obstruct the beauty of the night sky and her blanket of stars. It is with pride that I say this city is the most environmental friendly of all the cities combined in Ninjago. The smog and pollution rate is only a mere seventeen percent due to the city's worldwide known use of only hybrid vehicles.

I focus once more on the street in front of me and quicken my pace to a light jog knowing my responsibility is urgent, but I can't stop thinking about what Sister Ophelia said before…

"…that same road may intertwine with your future, a future you should not spend alone."

Sister, you know I can only thrive in solitude, so why would you think that would change…

"NO STOP PLEASE SOMBODY HELP THEIF!"

The frantic fearful shout of a woman alarms me to turn my head in the direction the cry of distress.

A man in black had snatched the young lady's purse and was sprinting towards the alleyway near Crow's Valley.

A harsh scowl overtakes my once stoic expression.

…It's on the way, so why not…?

I place my primary objective on hold and begin my pursuit of the crooked thief.

This notorious alleyway laced in shadows is known for its discombobulating twists and turns which I reckon the man uses in hopes of losing any who might pursue.

…Hmph, perhaps this tactic would work if anyone else was pursuing him…

One of my many occupations over the years was that of a courier and I would deliver packages all over Twilight for those who didn't trust the postal service.

Sister Ophelia really did me a solid…

This ominous beautiful city is my playground, I think as I trail behind him quietly using the dark glooms for easy concealment.

He keeps looking behind him to see if he was being followed and by the greasy smirk on his face I know he thinks he's home-free.

He stops suddenly and four more men join him.

I halt as well and further envelop myself within the shadows of the wall to watch.

Five, I'll have to be careful on how I deal with them. I can't allow these punks to surround me.

"I think we hit the jackpot boys! Check it out, Gucci!" Thief number one exclaims proudly holding up the expensive purse.

The others crowd around thief number one excitedly which I suspect to begin rummaging through the hand bag.

While they're distracted I take a brief survey of my soon to be rumble zone.

The alleyway is bit constricted as long as I can keep them in front of me during the duration of the brawl and counter accordingly then I'll be good.

…Sigh…let's get this over with…

"You shouldn't take things that don't belong to you," I call out steadily as I reveal myself to the small band of thieves.

The group turns to face me immediately.

"What the," thief number one begins with apprehension, but then that stupid greasy smirk forms once again, "hah, listen gorgeous if you know wh—"

"Spare me the theatrical nonsense," I interrupt coldly, "I have an errand to run, so if you want some…come get some."

The smirk vanishes instantly and I see him motion to the four other buffoons behind him.

*the sound of bottles breaking*

"Kill her boys make it quick, attack her all at once!"

The four idiots line up in front of thief number one with broken bottles in hand.

I adjust my gloves and lower my stance some to maintain good balance.

Wait for them Ebony let them come to you…

"GET HER!"

The imbeciles charge, but only two can reach me because of the alleyway's constriction.

Perfect…

They attack simultaneously aiming for my body, their movements are quick, but I see them clearly.

I place my hands on each of the wrists holding a jagged-edged weapon and redirect their attacks towards each other while using their own speed and power against them.

Their attacks connect…upon themselves…

"AHHHHHHH!"

"DAMMIT MAN, WHY THE HELL DID YOU STAB ME!"

They both fall to the ground bleeding heavily from their chests and begin to inch away from me while staring wide-eyed in shock.

"You moronic jackasses! It's only one girl kill her!" Thief number one bellows angrily and the other two charge as well.

One quickly thrusts his weapon forward and I retaliate by grabbing his arm while twisting my body so my back is to him. I then bring his arm down with as much force as I can muster over my shoulder and a sickening crack resounds in my ears.

I've broken his arm.

He screams in torment and collapses as well the broken bottle falling to the ground uselessly.

I whirl around to face my other assailant he hesitates with obvious fear, but attacks ruthlessly none the less.

His swings are too uncoordinated to do me any real harm and I easily take him down with multiple hard palm-thrusts to his ribs once I confiscated his weapon.

I feel a sudden slashing pain to my lower back and quickly recoil from my fallen opponent to face the last one standing.

Thief number one…armed with a knife dripping with my blood.

I grit my teeth at the lingering burning sensation and prepare myself for his onslaught.

I don't have to wait long…

He attacks with actual style however I can still see which way he will swing before the blade slices through the air making my evasive maneuvers manageable.

"DIE YOU WHITE-HAIRED FREAK!" He yells with scorn while still keeping up his assault.

I glare at his hate-filled face before crouching low to evade his horizontal overhead slash.

I grasp his leg tightly and pull up while forcing the limb to the left making him twist in mid-air as he loses his balance.

He lands on his stomach hard.

I pant as I watch the other four get to their feet shakily then flee.

Leaving the purse forgotten on the pavement…

Thief number one doesn't stir and that's when I notice the pool of crimson forming underneath…

…He must've impaled himself when he landed.

I have to get out of here…

I hastily run and grab the purse leaving the alleyway behind from which I came.

I exit and look around to see if the lady is still in the vicinity.

…There she is, I think as I run to her.

"Yes, he was about six feet tall and dressed in all black, he—"

I thrust her handbag in her face and she gapes at it in astonishment.

"Here…"

"Um, never mind," she says shakily into her cell phone and closes it.

I put the purse in her trembling hand then turn and sprint the rest of the way to the pharmacy.

I've wasted so much time.

Once I reach the building I yank the door open and it gives a welcoming chime at my arrival.

Jason the clerk immediately perks up and looks my way.

"Ah, Ebony what brings you b—you know, you should really wear a jacket it's freezing outside," Jason advises with a raised eyebrow.

"I know, it's on my "to do" list," I retort stonily stopping in front of him, "listen, I need the medicine prescribed by Dr. Morris, the antibiotics for Gabriel."

"Hello to you too," Jason replies calmly turning to his computer, "let's see hereeeee…Starlight Orphanage medical supply orderrrrr….ah…here it is."

I hate when he slurs and over annunciate his words…

"That will be fifteen dollars please."

I take out my wallet and hand over the bills wordlessly and he presents the small medicine bag with a smile.

I take it and turn to leave.

"Thanks Jason," I say softly over my shoulder and jog towards the exit.

"You're welcome Ebony and don't forget to cover up next time though I don't mind the view!" He calls after me happily, "Wait, what happened to your—"

Whatever…

I push the door open and I'm once again besieged by winter's unfathomable hold accompanied by thick falling flakes of white.

I hate the snow…

I take off for home in a hurried gait…

*EXPLOSION*

What the…

I stumble forward, but right myself quickly.

Screams, mayhem, and complete anarchy occur consecutively within just a few seconds.

People are rushing and tripping over each other trying to get away from…

…from what exactly…?

*ROOOAAARRR!*

My heart pounds as I turn abruptly to the fearsome bellow.

Giant metallic serpent-like contraptions were attacking Twilight…

The orphanage!

I evade the terrified masses and resume my sprint towards the only home I've ever known clutching Gabriel's medicine tightly.

I look up as I come nearer to my block…

Smoke…

No…

I will my legs to go faster and as I round the corner to my home…

I hate the snow, but I hate the flames of fire even more…

Man, why is adrenaline rushing through my veins? I must begin writing the next chapter immediately! Now that the introductions are out of the way, action-packed combat is on the way readers and Kai and the ninja make an epic entrance. Well…Kai does anyway, all I can say is it's about to go down! I will try to get chapter three up by either Sunday or Monday. Oh and…the name Mydnyte is the name of my beloved recently deceased black dwarf rabbit. I couldn't really picture Ebony with a bunny, so I gave her a cat instead. You must be clairvoyant luxsamee, so KUDOS my friend!

Please read and review!