Review Replies
Lynkoln: Funny you should mention that, because I have this running gag in one of my other self-inserts that Morro and Abby do not give a single crap about Destiny, lol. But yeah, don't worry, it will be addressed. *aggressively side-eyes the Cloud Kingdom*

Footsteps snapped me out of my brooding, and I looked up as Misako re-entered from the back room, followed by… My stomach dropped, and I swallowed nervously. It was Sensei Wu. So far, the Ninja had been too polite to pry into my business, but Sensei Wu might be more curious and, unfortunately, perceptive. It was with a sense of wariness that I watched the elderly pair approach, though I kept my expression carefully schooled into impassiveness.

Misako smiled warmly as she walked over with a tray in her hands, bearing a steaming teapot and a couple of small cups.

"This should warm you up," She said as she set the tray on the counter and started pouring a cup of tea, "Are you feeling any better?"

"Much," I replied with a smile, "Thank you." Then, because I felt like I had to, I added, "My name is Abby, by the way. I realize I didn't get the chance to really introduce myself earlier."

"That's quite all right, dear," Misako laughed lightly as she plunked a teabag into the cup, "I'm Misako, and this is Wu."

She nodded to the bearded man, who seemed to take this as his cue. The smile I gave him felt a little strained as he stepped forward, regarding me with piercing yellow eyes. (Dang, his eyes were yellow, that was coooooll…)

"Nice to meet you, young lady." Wu said, his voice kind, "Misako was just telling me how you came to find us. If you are feeling up to it, I would like to ask you a few questions. Do you mind?"

At this, I felt a flash of apprehension; there was that curiosity I was expecting. But… he had asked plainly. No trying to probe or interrogate. Besides, I knew Sensei Wu. He was secretive, and I didn't always agree with his judgment at times, but when it came down to it, he always put other people first. I could trust him. I could trust all of them. I didn't think I was ready to tell them about the future-thing, but I realized it couldn't hurt to tell them about home. Perhaps Sensei Wu knew a way back.

After a moment's thought, I nodded, "Sure, that's fine."

Wu smiled and nodded gratefully. Meanwhile, Misako finished fixing the tea, and she turned to hand it to me.

"Careful," She said as I gingerly took the cup from her, "It's hot."

"Thank you," I said, cradling the cup in my hands to warm them. I didn't have the heart to tell her I didn't drink tea.

After that, the woman quickly retreated. She murmured something to Nya as she passed, and after a moment, the girl nodded. The two then left the room, leaving me with Wu. Once again, I felt anxiety creep into my throat, but I did my best to ignore it as Wu pulled up a chair and sat across from me. He let out a soft sigh as he sank into the chair, and he leaned his staff against the counter.

"So, Abby," He began, picking up the teapot to pour himself a cup of tea, "Perhaps we can start with how you came to my shop? Misako told me a bit of the story, but I would prefer to hear the whole thing."

"Of course." I replied readily, "Although there isn't much to tell. I woke up around noon on a hill maybe… a mile from here? I have no idea how I got there. The last thing I remember before waking up was going to bed last night. When I climbed the hill to get a better view, I spotted your shop and thought I'd find help here. So I walked and…" I shrugged and chuckled a bit, "Here I am."

"Hm," Wu frowned as he thoughtfully stirred a teabag through his cup, "And you're sure you don't remember how you ended up here?"

I didn't reply immediately as I wracked my brain, trying to think of anything that might have happened the night before… But all I drew was a blank. Finally, I shook my head.

"I'm sorry, si—Sensei." I stumbled a bit over the unfamiliar word, "I really don't."

He hummed again, "That is all right. Where do you live?"

"Um…" Here was where things got complicated. I bit my lip, my gaze dropping to stare at the man's hands as I explained awkwardly, "Well, the thing is… I'm not from Ninjago."

"Really?" I could hear the note of surprise in Wu's voice, but I didn't dare look up as he continued, "What do you mean?"

"I mean I'm from another world." I admitted, fiddling with the string of my teabag, "I didn't realize it until I came here and saw the Ninja, but… yeah." I paused briefly before I added, "Of course, that makes me think that whatever brought me here can't be normal, right?"

"Indeed." Wu said musingly. I could feel his gaze boring into me, sharper and more piercing now, but I kept my eyes firmly fixed on his hands. He took a sip of his tea before he asked, "I am curious; what is it about the Ninja that triggered your revelation? As far as I know, the Ninja are heroes only of this realm. I did not think they had much of a presence elsewhere."

"I… Um…" My chest tightened, and I felt frozen stiff as my thought train spiraled. What was I supposed to say? If I told him about the TV show and that I knew the future, I might be expected to use that knowledge to help the Ninja, which I still wasn't sure was a good idea. Even worse, they might blame me if things went sideways. I had no idea if I was ready for that level of responsibility.

The silence stretched on, and I knew I should say something, but it was like my mouth had glued itself shut. For the longest time in which I couldn't bring myself to speak, Wu finally broke the silence.

"You should drink your tea before it gets cold." He suggested gently. As though to emphasize his point, he took a long sip of his own tea. At this, I managed to raise my eyes and give the man an apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry, Sensei," I said sheepishly, "I didn't really have the heart to tell Misako, but… I'm not much of a tea drinker."

I worried the man might be offended, but he only continued looking at me calmly.

"That is all right," He said, "But I would suggest giving it a try anyway. It might help calm you."

I couldn't argue with that. Tentatively, I raised the cup to my lips, but stopped before I drank any.

"Is this…" I swallowed, "I hate to ask, but this isn't some kind of magic truth tea, is it?"

Wu's eyes twinkled, and his beard twitched as he seemed to smile.

"No," He replied with a soft chuckle, "Do not worry. It is just a bit of green tea."

I searched the man's face warily, but he showed no sign of deceit. I felt a bit guilty for asking. This was Sensei Wu. He could be cunning, yes, but towards his enemies, not some random girl. I had to trust him.

With a smile and a nod of acknowledgement, I ventured to try the tea. It was strangely bitter at first, which caused me to screw up my face involuntarily. Once I got over the initial taste, however, I found the drink wasn't half-bad. I sipped on the tea carefully as Wu spoke, "If what you say is true, then I understand this is a lot of you to take in. I will not force you to disclose secrets you do not wish to share. For the time being, you may stay here at the shop with us."

"I… Seriously?" I couldn't help but blurt out. While one part of me was unsurprised and relieved, another side couldn't help but feel astonished.

"Why?" I ventured tentatively after a pause, "I mean, of course, I'm grateful! I can't thank you enough! I just don't understand why you would believe me so easily. My story isn't exactly typical."

"That's partly why I am so ready to believe you." The man replied simply, "If you were attempting to trick us, I imagine you would come up with a more plausible story. But I will admit," He added, his beard twitching again with a smile, "When you live as long as I have, you learn to read people. While you are holding back, I sense what you have told me is truthful. Your attitude and demeanor seem genuine, and I will not lightly turn away a person in need. If you are willing, I will arrange for your accommodations. I will also help you research a way to return home."

I ducked my head, overwhelmed by the man's gentle words. This was a side of Wu I hadn't seen much of in the show, and I felt a deep sense of gratitude toward him.

"Thank you," I said quietly, raising my head after a moment, "Your kindness is more than I could have asked for. I'll do everything I can to be helpful around here. I don't want to be a burden."

"Your help would be much appreciated." The man replied, setting his empty tea cup aside. He grabbed his staff and stood, and I put my half-empty cup on the counter as I followed suit.

"As you can no doubt tell," He continued, drifting toward some of the open boxes, "We are in the middle of getting the shop ready for use, and there is much to do. My Ninja would not mind the extra hand."

"I bet not. So how far out are you from having the place up-and-running?"

I phrased the question casually, keeping my tone level so it sounded merely like an off-handed comment. Thankfully, Wu didn't seem to pick up on my probing as he answered, "I have planned to open it in a month, when the weather gets colder and tea will be in high demand. But do not worry," He added, no doubt misinterpreting my expression, "There will be plenty for us to do in the meantime."

I answered with a smile and nod, but on the inside, my stomach was churning.

A month, I thought as Wu and I went to find someone to show me my room, I can do that. I'll figure out whether or not I actually want to tell the Ninja about this, and if I do, we'll still have time to prepare. It'll be fine… It'll be fine.

I kept telling myself this as I followed Wu into the back room, but despite the repeated mantra, I couldn't help but feel sick. Because there was a small part of my brain that said things were absolutely not fine.

AN: I occasionally see Wu-bashing in other fics, mostly stuff like making him out as some kind of control-freak just because he doesn't tell the Ninja about things, which I honestly... don't agree with? Like, have you ever considered that half the stuff he doesn't tell the Ninja is either extremely personal (i.e. Morro & Aspheera) or generally unlikely to come back and haunt him (i.e. the Overlord)? The only time I didn't get it was with Acronix. Honestly, Wu, you should know better by now.

Anyway, can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts. Please review!