Hey everyone! Before I go any further, I'd like to apologize for not updating last week. I was really busy and just didn't have time.

LiaLia15: Thanks so much! I'm glad you're excited!

FanOfJay: Thanks!

LoveTheLord: I'd love to tell you, but I don't want to give anything away, you'll probably figure it out in the next few chapters. I'm glad you're liking the story!

Windy: Thanks for the prayers. To reply to your comment on This Little Child, I did get my license! There was a storm the night before, so a tree was down and a stop light wasn't working, so it was quite the adventure!

IfOnly42: Thanks! Your comment was so sweet! I'm glad you like the story!

Silver Darkness Star: Yeah, I'm trying to get through the set up quick so I can get to the climax. I have it all planned out on paper and am so excited to get to writing it. It's gonna be interesting!

Anyway, here's the next chapter. Enjoy!

For the city, it was actually a pretty low traffic day. Only a few cars buzzed down the streets of New Ninjago City. One of which belonged to the murderer in the alley case striking up quiet a dispute on the news. Although the man knew it wasn't wise to be in the daylight, he had to. He was desperate. He had to see her.

His thoughts lingered on thoughts of the woman in the alley. She was so beautiful, so far away. Where was she? He had to find her. Distracted, the man swerved his car back to his side of the road. He screamed when he saw another car coming right at him. Then just like that, the world turned black. He was dead.

"Okay, so here's the plan. Zane, Jay, and Cole are to head straight to the Melina Middleton's house to see what they can get out of her. Her address is 0507 Hopeful Lane," Lloyd explained.

"Jay, isn't that the same neighborhood where your birth father lives?" Cole asked.

"Used to live. He passed away, didn't I tell you that?" Jay replied.

Kai looked up from his phone, "What? You didn't tell us that!"

"Oh," Jay trailed off, "I thought I did." He looked out the window and there it was again. Her face. It sent oddly satisfying shivers down his spine.

"Anyway, Nya, Kai, and I will go to the police station and then the crime scene. Maybe afterward, we can all meet up at Skylor's for dinner?" Lloyd suggested.

"Sure," Cole shrugged.

"I'm in!" Kai chirped.

"Okay, then it's a plan!" Lloyd stated.

The group split off in opposite directions. Cole pulled his car onto the freeway. Jay sat beside him and Zane sat in the back.

"So Jay," Cole began, trying to spring up a conversation in the unusually quiet car, "when did your birth father pass away?"

Jay sighed, "a few months ago. I thought I told you guys! I swear!"

"Whoa! Sorry Jay. I didn't mean to upset you. I just don't remember you telling us he'd died."

"I thought about going to his funeral you know. Nya even said I should, but I didn't. It's funny, I always wanted to meet him, then I found out he was my father, and all the sudden, I want nothing to do with him."

"I suspect that is normal," Zane stated, "You're still angry at him. You'll feel better in time."

"Thanks guys," Jay smiled meakly.

A few minutes later, Cole pulled into the subdivision, "We're here," he sighed.

The three clambered out of the car and walked up to the door.

Jay gasped. There was Melina standing there smiling at them.

So, I hope you all enjoyed. I should probably make something clear for all of you. This takes place before hands of time since I started this before then, and I can't really make this story work after hands of time. Wu and Misako are just busy at the Tea shop I guess. Has anyone else seen the new Wu's teas video? I found them sort of entertaining but mostly just confusing. They make no sense timeline wise, but fortunately, they make a good reason for me why Wu and Misako aren't in this story. Anyway, have an awesome day! God bless!

#God's Not Dead!