A/N: I really need to work harder on getting these out here sooner. I wasn't expecting so many readers already! Seriously, you guys rock. Thank you so much for your support! I apologize for not posting this chapter sooner, I suffered a concussion last week because of my older brother.. Fortunately, there was no bleeding in the brain, however, it was bad enough to be taken to the hospital immediately for cat scans. Still pained with severe headaches, otherwise I should be fine. I couldn't focus for a good week or so, and I am currently still trying to recover, so please spare me for the bad chapter; I did the best I could with a damaging blow to the head XD

Again, this will drag on to be another one of those boring early chapters in the story; Although, it is an important piece that will set the scene and prepare you for the upcoming madness in chapter three. I'm super excited to post it, especially because it was my first time packing action and suspense into my writing. Surprisingly, I'm pleased to say the rough draft turned out decent enough to use- well, at least I thought it did XD Sorry for the wait, I have quite the schedule this month so I am planning on updating anytime within the next two weeks. Be looking out for it!

Ninjago City

The express train screeched to a grinding halt, reviving the dizzied travelers crammed within its endless chain of cars. Tearing herself out of a light sleep, Misako peeked an eye open to catch a glimpse of the subway's determined passengers tussling for the exit in disarray. It was midday, the worst possible time to arrive. The musty air was heavy and smelled of diesel, making it impossible to breath. The place was swarming with single-minded commuters impolitely pushing and shoving with aim to escape the congested arrival station. Drowning in the crowds of chaos, her only option was to follow the hanging overhead signs, which would direct her toward an escalator dumping loads of noisy citizens to their desired levels. It wasn't until she had reached the ground floor when she heard her name rising above the pandemonium.

"Misako!" A spirited young woman with shoulder length, jet black hair stood at the station gates, drawing the light brunette's attention with flailing arms. The teenager's face lit up in relief as she closed the distance between her and her best friend; both girls squealed with excitement as they rocked one another in their arms.

"I thought you'd never make it out of there alive!" The stunning Silvia squeezed Misako tightly before pulling away with an ear-to-ear grin, "So how was the trip?"

"Longer than I expected." Misako blew out her breath, "I'm just glad to finally use my legs after two and a half hours."

"One day you'll look back and realize it was all worth the hassle." Silvia smiled and bent down to handle her friend's luggage, "C'mon, let's head home. You must be exhausted after all of that." Misako gladly followed her roommate through two sets of doors to uncover the extraordinary outside world of Ninjago's illuminated metropolis.

Although her eyes had soaked up the heart-stopping sight once before, her jaw habitually fell agape, releasing a soft gasp in unmitigated amazement as the bustling city's glittering lights exploded in a breathtaking spectacle around her. Jumbles of ultramodern skyscrapers and towers stretched toward the afternoon sky above, shadowing the countless buildings with a series of interlocking roads and alleyways twisting throughout the heart of Ninjago. Overpopulated and flushed with life, she made the connection as to why the city was never known to sleep with such blasts of vibrant lights threading through the continuous rows of buildings stacked three to six stories high.

Silvia stole a sidelong glance at an astonished Misako as they strolled down the mobbed sidewalk, "So what do you think?"

"Is it always this crowded?"

"I would say it is. Especially on days like today, everyone's out enjoying their Saturday afternoon shopping sprees." The darker haired female gazed up at the flashing show of colors reflecting off the skyscrapers' advertising boards, "It's really something, isn't it?"

"It's everything I could have hoped for," Misako breathed in incredulity.

"Believe me, you haven't seen anything yet," Silvia eagerly hooked arms with Misako as they crossed the booming street at a leisurely walk, "Just wait until I show you the main square!

On the bustling roadways, inching traffic and transportation systems crawled impatiently; while on the cobbled side streets, seas of shoppers flew in and out of cafes, open markets, boutiques and florist shops. The sidewalks were completely flooded with people. Most were sightseers visiting from all corners of the land; after all, Ninjago City was a renowned tourist attraction, and was often visited during the Summers.

The girls stood at a street curb, flagging down the nearest taxi cab pulling up just moments to their wave. Silvia paid their ride and forced Misako's luggage under her feet; the cab, careless rather its passengers were situated or not, peeled out onto the overcrowded street with a shrill. Misako watched the city turn into a blur of motion, and slowly turned her head away, uncomfortably sinking into the cold leather. Silvia witnessed the anxiety glazing her friend's eyes. She leaned forward with a sympathetic smile, "You're unusually quiet over there. Is everything okay?"

A slow nod, and she blinked, "A little overwhelmed I suppose."

"And that's normal, Misako. It's a huge transition moving all the way from Jamanakai Village." She delicately patted the other's arm in comfort as the taxi rolled to a stop behind uncontrolled lines of traffic. "All you need is some adjusting, and you'll be warming up to urban life in no time at all."

To Silvia's avail, Misako returned a closed lip smile, and then rolled her head back towards her window suddenly erupting in spasmodic blazes of light coruscating off the bordering towers. Her breath completely taken away, she pressed her forehead against the tinted glass for a clearer view, "Is this the square you mentioned earlier?"

"You bet it is." Silvia found amusement in her friends's speechless reaction, and bent over Misako's lap for her own share of the sight, "We'll have to come back out here for dinner tonight. You won't believe all the restaurants and bars this place has!"

"Well, then dinner will definitely be a tough decision to make." Misako laughed, "I've been looking forward to eating out all day."

"We have the whole night to tour, so just tell me what you're hungry for and I'll help you narrow the choices down."

While chatting over popular diners, the girls watched hundreds of pedestrians mob the vast intersection each time the crossing light turned green. An incredible backdrop of scintillating advertising boards flared multicolored glows off the towers overlooking the prominent landmark. With unblinking eyes, Misako could hardly believe what she was seeing. Every radiant electronic board commanded her attention, and it was all too much to wrap her mind around.

As their taxi crawled forward, she suddenly caught sight of an immensely booming video screen pumping neon lights through a powerful animated display of two masked vigilantes coiled defensively in pose. Both athletically built ninja were embodied in a fearsome attire of silver and dark slate; Their flesh completely hidden, all except for a small slit around their eyes.

Misako leaned back with a feeling of reverential wonder. She had an idea of them, but just to make certain, she pointed out the electronic screen to her friend, "Who are they?"

Silvia followed her finger with wild eyes, "Oh, my gosh. You're killing me. You don't know who they are?"

She burst out laughing, "I was just clarifying-"

The other didn't even give her a chance to answer, "The Garmadon brothers? Ninjago's new defenders? What planet are you from? They've been the talk of the city since they made their first appearance here last week."

Abruptly, the video display flickered to a different scene, and multiplied its projection over every billboard decorating the square. With unblinking eyes, Misako curiously studied a close up view of the two ninja's faces pressing the boards. The eyes remained closed for a moment and, followed by an erupting sound effect, simultaneously broke open to reveal two fiery sets of eyes. One caribbean blue and the other indigo violet. Their irises were so detailed and mesmerizing, Misako lost herself as the cab sped ahead.

A/N: I'm afraid some of you may not have made it all the way through. I warned you XD I promise chapter three will make up for it! Speaking of the next chapter... As I mentioned before, I will always give you a warning of the possible intense content within chapters. Chapter three will include extremely harsh, persistent violence throughout the entire chapter. Who knows, maybe those mysterious ninja will make a second appearance sometime soon XD Alright, I gotta get off before I spill.. Have an awesome weekend!