A/n- It is in my own opinion that poor Cole does not get the love or attention he deserves (and sadly that is true so far in my story too). He's the first leader of the team, which the comics flesh out more than the show. But still, it majorly bugs me in S5 when all the ninja try to be leaders and Cole's plan fails as hard as the others. Sure plans don't always work the way intended... Anyway enough ranting (and S13 was a good start to making up some ground)
So I really really loved how the writers gave Cole a special interaction with little Wu over S8-9. This just expounds on that further. Also I don't see Cole even considering leaving a baby in the SoG's clutches so...
"You have got to be kidding me!" Cole exclaimed as he looked down.
The so called 'key' gurgled back at him happily.
"A baby. You're a baby! How are you supposed to be some key to the last mask?"
The baby shockingly didn't answer and Cole placed the blue blanket back over the cradle. He glanced at the door behind him then back at the baby. While getting out of here... wherever that was... and getting back to the ninja with this whole 'key' information was a priority, Cole knew he couldn't leave the baby there. Locking up a precious, inanimate, key made some amount of sense- keeping an infant in a dungeon did not.
'These people are all sorts of psycho!' Cole grit his teeth. Even if it made getting out of here more difficult there was no way he was leaving this helpless little one in the SoG's clutches. The very fact they'd locked the baby down here showed they didn't care much for... him? The baby's swaddling clothes were blue so that's what Cole was going with. And Cole did not have the time (or comfort level) to fact check that right now. So a him the baby would be.
But this was not going to be easy. Making up his mind Cole awkwardly gathered the baby in his arms.
"Let's get the both of us out of here."
"Or not."
Cole whipped around to see Ultra Violet standing in the doorway, sai glittering in the dim light. 'Oh, crap.' Cole barely had time to think before she charged.
"Hey, watch it!" Cole twisted sideways and risked a glance down at the baby.
While he might not know much about how to take care of an infant, Cole was pretty sure body slamming into one ranked high on the 'do-not-do' list.
"Then give him back!"
So the baby was a him. Good to know.
"Yeah, not gonna happen." Hopefully. Ultra Violet still stood between them and the door.
Screeching in anger she extended a sai and lunged forward again. Cole backed up and quickly jumped to the side. Her attack left a path open to the door. Without giving her a chance to recover Cole threw himself toward the door, tripping over his feet in the process.
Twang!
A sai buried itself into the wall where Cole's head had been only seconds earlier.
"Jeez lady!"
This woman was insane! Cole had to get out of there before she hurt either of them. He dove out of the room curling to protect the infant from impact. Rolling on his back Cole saw Ultra Violet pull out a second sai and brandish it in his direction.
"Lord Garmadon will not be stopped!" She howled and leapt towards them.
Cole spun and kicked the door shut- right as Ultra Violet slammed into it. A choked moan came from the inside of the cell and Cole heard her hit the ground with a thud. He sat there panting for a moment until the infant stirred in his arms. Snapping out of his thoughts Cole looked down at him. The baby stared up with what seemed to be a question in his eyes.
"Yeah, you're right we need to keep moving. And don't worry, she's too thick-headed to die from something like that." The baby let out a giggle and Cole couldn't help smiling with him. "That was kinda funny, wasn't it? What do you say to the two of us busting out of here?" The baby gurgled happily. "I couldn't have said it better myself."
A/n PSA: Please don't fight over a child by pulling on hem and throwing them into the air. While in cartoon land that might not cause any ill effects I assure you a human baby is not so resilient. Hence why I don't have Cole and UV literally fight over Wu like what is depicted in the show. And back to your regularly scheduled one-shot...
Cole glanced toward the cell block entrance. No one could be heard approaching to check out the noise. Cole's ribs chose that moment to throb and he frowned remembering Ultra Violet's visit after Zane's yesterday. The guards were probably used to a wide assortment of noises from down here.
Or Zane mentioned something about riding with the gang. Maybe most of the members had cleared out. Only one way to find out. Staying low to the shadows Cole was thankful for his dark clothing and hair. Normally he wouldn't care if it came to a fight, but right now he had more than himself to think about.
"I need you to stay quiet." Cole gently traced the baby's nose. "Please."
It wasn't like the infant could understand him but after the demonstration Ultra Violet gave, Cole wouldn't risk the baby falling back into their hands. But to his surprise the baby stared up at him with eyes that seemed way too old for an infant. He then snuggled against Cole's chest without so much as a sigh.
'Alrighty then...' Was that normal baby behavior? Cole shook his head. Now was not the time to sit and wonder about that.
Stealthily Cole slipped around the corner to the cell block. A long brick hallway greeted him. Cole grit his teeth. Zane could have been a lot more helpful through this whole thing. Sure he'd won over the gang's trust, but it wasn't doing Cole any favors. He rubbed his head ruefully. The bump from whoever creamed him two days ago was still there. If he ever found out who did it... they had an earth punch with their name on it.
But where had the gang taken him and the baby? Zane had mentioned something about a station. What kind of station though? They were obviously underground... subway! That still didn't mean Cole knew where in the city he was, but it was something to go on.
"And it's time for the master of earth to do his thing."
Cole extended his senses into the tunnel around him. He could feel it stretch on almost endlessly with several corridors branching off this main tunnel. One about 100 yards away caught Cole's attention- it's trajectory went up. 'Hopefully to the surface.' However he couldn't tell if anyone stood between him and there.
"Here goes nothing." Cole encircled his arms around the baby one more and started quickly down the hall.
"Stop right there!"
'Uh, oh.' Cole broke into a run trying to keep from jostling the baby too badly. He risked a glance backward and saw two gang members sprinting in his direction. They looked pretty low level but after his scuffle with Ultra Violet (autocorrect wanted her to be Ultra VioleNt XD) it was obvious these guys didn't care if the baby came into the line of fire. Cole picked up his pace.
Seconds later he reached the spot where he'd felt the ascending tunnel. A thick metal door stood between him and freedom. Cole tugged at the handle but it didn't move. 'I don't have time for this.' The shouts behind him grew closer but Cole blocked them out.
Taking a deep breath Cole focused on his element and felt its power rise within him. His arms glowed brown and Cole punched the door. It shattered beneath his fist. The baby stirred, but seemed more interested than scared by the noise. 'Take that not vengestone door.' He thought with grim satisfaction. His cell might have been elemental proof but these guys had no idea who they were dealing with.
Bolting up the stairs Cole burst through the second door stumbling out onto a crowded sidewalk. Cole threw a hand over his eyes to ward off the bright sunlight and a couple passersby let out grunts of surprise at his sudden appearance. The baby whimpered and Cole realized he was probably blinded too. Carefully Cole folded a corner of the blanket over the baby's eyes to give him a chance to adjust gradually to the light. Who knew when he'd last been topside.
Cole felt someone close in from behind and jerked around. The two guards had just reached the top of the stairs. Not willing to wait and see if they'd try attacking him with so many witnesses around Cole resumed his sprint down the street. Shouts of surprise rose around him but after a minute Cole didn't hear any sounds of pursuit.
Ducking around a street corner he slowed to a stop and carefully looked around. No leather-clad bikers in sight. He let out a sigh of relief and tried to get his bearings. A row of apartments lined one side of the road while restaurants and stores sat on the other.
The baby babbled something and Cole looked down. In Cole's recent run the infant's eyes lost their blanket shield and Cole found the baby studying him intently.
"Well we did it 're safe."
For now. But the question remained of why the SoG wanted this baby so badly.
"We need to find the others. Maybe they can help me figure out who you belong to." The baby puckered at that and began to cry. Cole nervously held him at arms length. "Was it something I said?"
Pulling the baby close Cole rocked him, noticing a prominent squishing from his diaper. "Uh, you're going to have to wait a bit for that."
His wallet had been left back at the Bounty, but even if he had money there was the matter of not knowing how to change a diaper. 'I need to call the others pronto.' But his comm link had been taken by the SoG. (Which hopefully Zane stole back- otherwise Jay and Nya would have a lot of overhaul work to create a new broadcasting frequency ASAP for their team). With no other option Cole ducked into the nearest store. It happened to be a coffee shop. Only a couple patrons were inside and teen a couple years younger than Cole stood behind the register. His mouth dropped open upon seeing Cole and the baby.
"You-your the black ninja."
Cole gave a wry smile. "Cole. Sorry to be so abrupt but do you have a phone I could use? I need to contact the other ninja right away."
"Of course!" The young man looked a little star struck. "There's a desk phone around the corner. I'm Jerry by the way."
Cole let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks Jerry." Still rocking the fussing baby Cole quickly dialed the Bounty's direct line.
"Hello?" Lloyd's voice sounded tense.
"Lloyd it's me. Zane's distraction worked for me to get out and I brought another prisoner with me."
"Another prisoner? Where are you now?"
"Uh, one sec." Cole turned to Jerry, who still stood at the counter but kept shooting glances at Cole. "Can you tell me the address? Actually can you tell him?" Cole handed the phone to Jerry.
"Sure, uh this is Bridgeside Coffee." He then gave the address. Cole couldn't hear Lloyd's response but Jerry's jaw dropped even further. "You-your welcome!"
'He must have recognized Lloyd's voice.' If Cole wasn't in such a rush he would have chuckled at the look on Jerry's face. Jerry handed the phone back to Cole.
"Got what you need?"
"We'll be there in ten minutes. Nya's just delivered a bike to Zane. Their so-called race is still going on." Lloyd added grimly.
"So far he's okay?" There was a poignant moment of silence that made Cole's heart stop. "What is it?"
"Something or someone tipped them off. Zane told us as soon as he resurfaced. They know he's one of us."
"And he's still riding with them?" Cole burst out. "These people are dangerous!"
"He doesn't have much of a choice." Lloyd didn't elaborate and Cole didn't ask for more details.
The baby squalled again and Cole remembered what else he needed to bring up. "Before you get here I need you to make a stop at the grocery store."
"We have food on board."
"No, not that... We're gonna need diapers, wipes and formula."
"WHAT?"
Cole jerked the receiver away from his ear. "Ow. You know that other prisoner I mentioned? I'm pretty sure he's not even one."
"Why do you have a baby?!"
"I think the better question is why did the SoG have this baby. Look we can hash this out when you get here but I think he's getting hungry and I know he needs a change."
"Okaaaaay." Lloyd drew out the word. "We'll stop. Be there soon. Don't move unless you have to."
"Copy that." Cole hung up and turned to Jerry. "Thanks. You cool if I hang here til the others arrive?"
"Of course!" Jerry bobbed his head emphatically.
The baby let out another loud cry making Cole grimace.
Jerry cocked his head. "If you don't mind my asking why do you have a baby?"
"That's what I'm trying to figure out." Cole sighed. "Short answer some very bad people are after him."
"If you want there's a break room in the back, out of sight from the windows. Also, if you want, I brought a banana with me today that the little guy could have. He sounds like he might be hungry."
Cole glanced from the baby to Jerry. "Uh, I'm not sure if he's old enough for food-food yet."
"My sister and her husband just had a baby, and he," Jerry gestured to the bundle in Cole's arms, "is a lot bigger than my niece. Plus my sister told me if they're too little for solid food, their tongue will just push it out."
"I'd really appreciate that."
Jerry led Cole toward the back to a small room with a table and a couple chairs. "You're a lifesaver."
Jerry grinned bashfully. "I'll be right back with the banana. There's probably a spoon around here somewhere too."
He ducked out of the room and reappeared a minute later with the banana, a spoon and a plastic bag. At Cole's confused look Jerry explained, "To put the banana in so you can smash it."
The baby let out another scream and Cole hurriedly took the items. "Thanks!"
"Holler if you need anything. I'll let the ninja know where you are when they get here."
He returned to work and Cole quickly peeled the banana and started pounding it to a pulp. Seconds later he had a bag of yellowish white paste.
"Alrighty, I hope you like fruit." Cole dipped the spoon in then held it to the baby's lips.
Almost instantly he stopped crying and opened his mouth. Cole gently put the spoon in and the baby swallowed. Cole let out a sigh of relief. "Good, huh?"
The baby giggled. In a matter of minutes the banana was gone. Cole tensed, wondering if he'd cry again but the baby sighed contentedly and nestled back against Cole.
"Uh, Cole... I think your ride's here!"
Leaving the backroom Cole joined Jerry at the counter. Sure enough a giant shadow covered the front window. As the two watched a line descended from above and a blue-clad figure swung down.
"That'd be Jay." Cole turned to Jerry. "Thank you again so much for your help. You really saved my bacon."
"You guys have done so much for us, I'm just happy to do something in return."
Cole nodded to him and with a final wave jogged to the door. Jay met him on the sidewalk.
"I was hoping Lloyd was joking when he said you had a baby, but I guess not." Jay looked at the baby.
"Tell me about it, but we've got to get him somewhere safe. If Ultra Violet's reaction is anything to go by they're going to try very hard to get him back."
Jay frowned. "Because killing the royal family and terrorizing the people isn't enough they're resorting to kidnapping babies too."
"I don't know, Jay." Cole studied the baby again. "They called him a key to the third mask. So whoever he is must be important."
"Hmmm." Jay didn't comment again but Cole could tell he was thinking about something.
He shimmied up the rope and lowered a sling for Cole to hold onto since he didn't have the use of both hands. Lloyd met them on the deck.
"Glad you're okay. Both of you. "
"Me too."
"We got the supplies you asked for. They're in the common room below."
"I think the little guy will be thankful for that. Anything more from Zane?"
Lloyd's face darkened. "No. His comm's gone silent but his last known location was outside the city."
"Let's bring him back. We can find this guy's parents after."
Nodding in agreement Lloyd and Jay returned to the helm but Cole took the baby below deck. Pulling out a dresser drawer, Cole dumped its contents on his bed and lined the bottom with another blanket. 'Not much of a cradle but it'll work.'
Now came the fun part. Maybe he could ask Nya for help, girls were better with babies in general, right? Though Jerry seemed to know a thing or two about them.
Cole stuck his head out of the room. "Nya?"
No answer. 'She's probably up on deck too.'
Grimacing Cole looked at the diapers to the baby. "Please don't kill me."
He tossed the baby's blanket to the side and took a deep breath. Ten minutes later Cole flopped exhausted onto his bed. Who knew babies were so limber? But now he rested clean and dry in his makeshift cradle, giggling at Cole. Shaking his head Cole covered him with one of his own blankets.
"Hey, I never had a sibling so be thankful I was at least able to figure it out." He giggled again and Cole had to laugh too. "I'm glad you don't seem to be too shaken up. I just want to know how you fell into the SoG's hands."
If the baby knew he didn't answer.
"I need something to call you besides 'you.'" Cole frowned.
He probably had a name already but there was no way to know it. The baby had nothing to identify himself with.
"You know, until I know otherwise I'm going to call you Cole Jr. It suits you." The baby laughed. "I think that's a yes. Alright Cole Jr., you need to get some actual sleep."
Cole Jr. nestled into his blankets and let out a yawn. Cole started to slip out but the baby made a little crying noise.
"What? Don't want to be alone?"
An idea crossed Cole's but he shook his head. The guys at the karaoke bar reiterated again that people didn't appreciate his singing. But babies couldn't discriminate...
"Don't tell the others." He jokingly told Cole Jr. Taking in a deep breath he began to sing the same song that'd been his undoing two nights ago. "Shine little glow worm..."
Cole Jr. smiled and somehow despite Cole's horribly off-keyness drifted off to sleep. With a final glance Cole slipped up to the bridge. Everyone else was already then when Cole walked in.
"How's he doing?" Lloyd asked.
"Cole Jr.'s fine. Finally asleep."
"Cole Jr.?" Kai asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Hey, it's a good name. Better than calling him baby or something like that."
Kai and Nya exchanged smirks.
"I think it's sweet." Harumi cut in. Though she had a partial smirk on her face too.
"Still," Lloyd rubbed his chin, "we need to figure out what to do with him."
"What do you mean 'figure out what to do with him?'" Cole frowned. "He has to stay with us."
Uneasy glances were exchanged before Lloyd took a small step forward "Sure I might have just bought a couple things, but by and large we're not equipped -or experienced enough- to take care of a baby. Especially with the SoG after us."
"Don't forget they're after him too, for whatever reason. They were bold enough to take me hostage- with Zane's help, and yes I'm still salty about that- so who else is going to be able to protect him? We're the best chance he has at staying safe."
The declaration was met with silence.
Finally Nya sighed. "I think he's right. We can't let the SoG get their hands on him any more than we want them to have Zane or Cole. Especially if they think he's a key to the mask."
A shrill pinging ended their discussion.
Nya ran to the computer console. "P.I.X what do you have?"
"I've located Zane on the edge of a canyon. His vital signs are not good."
A harsh growl came from Kai. "Let's bring our brother home."
Cole nodded with the rest of them but his thoughts quickly returned to the small child sleeping below. Something he'd never felt before stirred in his chest. 'Don't worry little guy,' he vowed silently, 'I promise I'll keep you safe.'