A/n- kind of long to set the stage

First off: lots of callbacks to Forged arc, On a Wing, and Between a Rock. Also lots of time jumps.

Brief timeline recap (according to my scale)

-Master of Ice disappears only a few years after the Serpentine Wars. A couple months later Wu tracks his trail to the woods where he meets Zane who unknowingly possesses Ice. Several years pass before Julian's supposed death and Zane goes into 'low power mode' for a time before waking up with amnesia. Zane wanders off and Wu lost him again for a while. Wu doesn't know Zane is an Android, he just suspects Zane hasn't aged much because of being an elemental master despite having met him long before the other masters are even born.

-Sometime shortly before Julian's death Libber vanishes with no trace of what happened to her baby. A distraught Cliff claims no knowledge of what happened to them. Jay is around ten when Wu finally gets a positive ID on him.

-Four years after losing track of Libber, Ray and Maya completely disappear. It only takes a few weeks to find Kai and Nya in the foster system, though Wu briefly loses them again when they run away. After finding them again on the streets, Wu keeps a very careful eye on them over the years.

- Ten years after Smiths disappear, Lilly dies. Wu has been able to keep tabs on Cole throughout all his endeavors.

-Two years later: story starts...

.

.

Wu sat cross-legged on the floor. In front of him a fire overlaid with herbs sent large curls of smoke into the air. The only sounds in the old building came from the occasional popping of sparks and the wind blowing past the mountain top. It had been this way for many years in the monastery- quiet, lonely, and devoid of life since Morro left.

But not for much longer...

Pictures began to form in the smoke above Wu's head. That in itself was nothing new, but the pictures shown stirred equal parts of hope and fear within the old man's heart. Images of young adults- children even- in brightly colored gis, working together to face a black horde threatening to overwhelm them. What's more Wu saw himself alongside them- training, teaching, guiding. And all the activity swirled around a detailed likeness of the very monastery where Wu now sat.

He sighed, a deep rush of air that stemmed from the very core of his being. Memories of the last group gathered on this mountain top haunted him. People he considered friends- nay family- broken and splintered apart because of evil they could not overcome. Would this group be any different?

Not that Wu didn't know who these prospective new heroes would be. Having kept tabs on the masters of his generation, he knew their offspring and had watched over them through the years. There had been times, much to his chagrin, where he lost track of all of the core elements except earth. However, given he had a measure of the element Creation itself, he'd managed to locate the missing elementals. The reasons for their disappearance sent more blows to his heart with four more of his close friends presumed or confirmed dead- five when the news of Lilly's passing came. And now the training of their children (or successor) fell to Wu with none of the new masters knowing their heritage.

And he thought the circumstances and dynamics in the Elemental Alliance had been difficult.

But it was time. The coming darkness was growing exponentially and there had to be a group of people willing to stand up to the rising tide. He had a team to collect.

.

Only a few days later Wu found himself on a mountain top. Given that he lived (most of the time) amongst various peaks the scenery wasn't that different, but the young man pulling himself over the ledge certainly was.

The young man's elated grin faded to a confused frown when his eyes landed on Wu. "How did you-?" He trailed off, glancing behind him before looking back at Wu. "What-? I'm sorry I wasn't expecting to see anyone up here." Tilting his head to the side he asked, "Why are you up here?"

"I think a better question would be why are you up here?"

"Uh," His eyes flashed with pain before being hidden by his bangs as he looked at his feet. "I was in the area and well, I felt like climbing the mountain today."

"This is not a well known peak for adventurers, even for the experienced rock climbers."

Shrugging he looked up and met Wu's eyes briefly. "I felt like I needed to."

"Hmm I suppose I can understand that. But tell me young one, do you climb to reach a goal, or are you climbing to avoid what is behind you?"

"I-I-" He paused, his face crumpling. Wu waited patiently and the young man fiddled with his climbing gear before taking a deep breath. "I guess you could say I'm running." He muttered.

"What does one such as yourself have to run from?"

He let out a long sigh. "You got all day?" The question came out bitterly. "Unrealistic expectations, and the pressure of being something I'm not, an empty home... After- after my mom died my dad, well he's always gone. You'd think I'm dead to him too with how little he pays attention to me. I don't get how he can be off singing and dancing all the time when it still hurts so much." He sniffed and turned away.

"Those are heavy burdens to carry. And indeed everyone grieves differently. Some sing and dance, others climb mountains."

Wu watched the younger man's eyes go wide, as if he hadn't thought that before. The information seemed to settle and he tilted his head before slowly asking, "Why did you climb the mountain?"

"To find you, Cole."

Cole stumbled backward a pace. "How do you know my name? Who are you?"

"My name is Wu and I was a friend of your mother's many years ago. She told me about you."

"But-but-"

"You said that you have been feeling pressure to be something you didn't want to be. If you could choose, who do you want to be Cole?"

Shaking his head, Cole sighed again. "I don't know. It'd be enough to get the chance to figure it out. But I do know I want to make a difference."

Wu nodded. "Understandable. With that in mind I have a proposition for you. There is a rising tide of darkness coming for Ninjago and I am searching for those willing to help me combat it."

"What do you mean by darkness?"

"A literal meaning. The King of Shadows, Lord Garmadon, has grown impatient with his exile in the Underworld. He is gathering his strength to return to our Realm."

Cole was quiet for a moment. "Why would you want me though? Sure my dad is famous, but I'm a nobody."

"No one is a nobody." Wu corrected sternly. "But have you ever noticed you're more sure footed than others around you? Or times the earth vibrates in response to your emotions... or that your strength far surpasses that of those around you?"

"You mean I didn't imagine those things..." Cole rested his head in his hands. "All this time I thought I was going crazy..."

"Cole you have been given a great gift. I would like to teach you how to harness it, and in turn you will be able to help many people with it."

"You think so?" The question came out barely above a whisper.

"If you are willing. It is not an easy calling, but you will not be alone."

Cole squared his shoulders. "I know I'm only getting a tiny snippet but I just... I feel like this is what I've been missing. Mr. Wu, if you'll have me I am willing to train to be a defender for those who need it."

"Very well. Do you have anything you need to gather?"

Scoffing, Cole tugged at the straps of the backpack on his shoulders. "The only things I need are already with me. I don't have anything tying me down."

"Then let's be off. There is much to learn and I'm afraid not as much time as I would like to do it in."

Cole nodded resolutely and together the two made their way back down the mountain.

Wu had to admit he'd forgotten how refreshing spending time with a young person could be. While Cole was a quiet companion, his energy and eagerness put a spring in Wu's step that he hadn't felt in ages. Not since his last student. Sighing quietly at the thought of Morro, Wu caught the quick look Cole sent his way. However the young man didn't verbalize his thoughts and Wu didn't offer his own.

Gradually grassy plains gave way to forests before the terrain became rugged again. Cole didn't complain at the pace Wu set and Wu had to admit he was pleased with the endurance his newest pupil already had. It would serve him well for the training regimen Wu was planning. As they walked Wu began with a basic introduction into stealth.

"To be an elemental master means not only honing in on your own element, but also being aware of the elements around you. In this line of work you need to be acutely in tune with your surroundings. A ninja might have their own tools of the trade, but a defining characteristic is being able to use what is around them to accomplish their task." Cole nodded thoughtfully but didn't interject. "Much of what we do to keep people safe will rely on the ability to stay in the background until needed. You've already demonstrated that you're able to go extended periods of time listening to what's going on around you. Now I'd like you to try and feel the earth to make your steps as quiet as possible."

Cole furrowed his eyebrows and looked at the ground before glancing back at Wu. "The earth is your domain, Cole." Wu answered the silent question. "While any ninja needs to be light and quiet of step, you have the advantage of the earth being yours. Close your eyes and concentrate on what you feel beneath your feet."

Cole complied. He stood still, a light breeze pushing at his hair. "It's vibrating." There was a note of wonder in Cole's voice. "It's like the ground is alive."

"I want you to focus on that feeling and walk for the next few minutes without physically watching where you're going."

Cole briefly squeezed his hands into fists before nodding resolutely. Without another word Wu resumed walking. Hesitantly Cole followed. The pace Wu set wasn't as quick as when they'd first started, but he still pushed Cole faster than the young man probably preferred. However, no complaints were verbalized.

A grunt came from behind Wu and he turned in time to see Cole trip over a root, barely catching himself from falling on his face. Cole opened his eyes and let out a short breath. He glanced toward Wu, who watched impassively.

"Again. You will get better with practice."

Scowling slightly, Cole nodded. He took a deep breath and the two started off again.

This time Cole went five minutes before stubbing his foot on a rock. A small squeak of pain escaped him, but this time he didn't wait for Wu to start back up before he resumed walking. Though Cole couldn't see it, Wu gave an approving nod.

Slowly over the course of the next few hours Cole went longer and longer stints without tripping over anything. By the time evening came Cole and Wu reached the pace at which they'd started before the training exercise. Wu slowed to a stop in a clearing and only had to wait a few seconds before Cole also stopped.

"We'll stop here for the evening. Tomorrow should see us to our destination."

Cole opened his eyes and blinked sharply against the light. Once his vision adjusted he looked around, taking in the mountainous terrain he hadn't seen yet.

"You did well today, Cole. It's not everyone who's able to excel that quickly at such an advanced task."

Cole's face flushed, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Another pang went through Wu, this time since it was obvious Cole hadn't had much experience with receiving positive feedback. The young man had a lot of years of conditioning that needed to be unraveled. Wu planned to work at it, one day at a time.

.

"This is where we will stay. I have plans for others to join us in due time, but until then I will work to train you one on one."

Cole looked around the monastery, his gaze catching every detail. A question sparked in his eyes and he looked up hesitantly at Wu.

"Go ahead." Whatever Cole's question was, he obviously didn't know what Wu's reaction would be.

"I know some people might come to a place like this to be alone, but the building seems like it is made for more than one person to have been living here. Why is that?"

Though he didn't show any outward reaction to Cole's question, Wu felt as if the words carried a physical blow. "You are right that this building is not made for just one person. Long ago it was the training ground for a group of individuals who did what we now must do; train to defend the citizens of Ninjago from an evil they cannot face on their own."

Cole nodded, though more questions danced in his eyes. Wu waited, but it quickly became apparent Cole wasn't going to ask anything more. A heavy sadness wrapped itself around Wu's heart. For so long Cole's voice had been stifled that the young man no longer saw much use in attempting to use it. Well, Wu would work to change that.

"Was there more about the history you wished to know?"

"What- what happened to them?"

Wu smiled grimly. "When the current evil was defeated everyone went their separate ways. That was many years ago."

There were many details left out of Wu's explanation and, though Cole seemed to realize the story had more to it, he didn't ask any further questions. This time Wu didn't offer answers to potential questions Cole might be thinking.

"Your room will be here." Wu led Cole through the building to a simple bedroom. "I would recommend resting well. Tomorrow training really begins."

"Thank you."

Wu nodded and left Cole to settle in. Though only Wu might have suspected it, that night was the first of a new chapter not only in his and Cole's life, but also for the entire population of Ninjago.

.

Two Weeks Later

Cole leapt through the spinning wooden dummies, keeping his head low and his limbs close to his core. Rolling to the side he flipped over a protruding post. He landed neatly in a low half-crouch before using the momentum to launch himself forward. With a final flip over a swinging wooden arm he fell into a summersault and came up on his feet next to Wu's seat on the stairs. Breathing heavily Cole waited for Wu's evaluation.

Wu kept his face impassive but inwardly he felt a swell of pride for his student. "Well done Cole. I believe you have learned all the obstacle course can teach you. I would like you to continue running through the course daily, but we can now devote more time to other areas of training."

A large grin broke out on Cole's face and he bowed to Wu. "Thank you Sensei. Though I think it's due to your teaching. I never would have thought I could do something like this."

"I am not the one flying through the course, Cole. It is your hard work and effort that has carried you this far." Cole flushed slightly at the praise. "It's nearly noon. Go ahead and break for lunch. I'd like for you to work on your scythe forms afterward."

With another smile Cole nodded and went to wash up. Wu watched him go, a thoughtful frown coming to his face once Cole was out of sight. The last couple weeks of one on one training for Cole had been very needed for the young man. The rate at which he'd absorbed the teaching had been remarkable even by elemental master standards. While there was still more Cole could learn in the present arrangement, the time had come for the next stage of his and, according to the visions he'd seen that morning while meditating, another young man's training. Which would be sure to yield interesting results, especially at the beginning.

Wu waited until the few lunch dishes had been put away to speak to Cole about his plan.

"This afternoon I'll have you work on forms alone. When I first spoke with you on the mountain I told you I was looking for individuals who would fight alongside me. This is something greater than even the two of us can face and I plan for others to join us here."

Wu didn't miss the flash of apprehension in Cole's eyes even as the young man gave a tight smile. "Makes sense. Do you have anyone particular in mind?"

"That is what I intend to find out this afternoon."

Cole nodded and didn't press the point. It wasn't unusual for him to keep his thoughts to himself, but Wu saw a tenseness in his features that hadn't been there since before they'd met on the mountain. Given how Cole had been treated by his peers over the years, Wu privately didn't blame him. Wu didn't expect Cole's fears to be founded, but Cole would have to find that out for himself.

.

True to Wu's vision he headed home that day with another teenager in tow. However, in a drastic contrast to his trip to the monastery with Cole, this trip was anything but quiet. Jay chattered at a rate of one million words a minute. Though very different than the lifestyle Wu had become accustomed to, he found he didn't mind Jay's exuberance and less than he minded Cole's quiet countenance. Plus he expected nothing less from Libber's son- even if Jay himself didn't know that.

A fresh pang of sadness hit Wu as his mind turned again to his fallen (missing?) friends.

"Ooo is that it?"

Jay's question broke Wu out of his thoughts. He looked up to see that, indeed, they had reached the mountain.

"Whoa. That's a lot of stairs."

Hiding his amusement, Wu started upward with Jay following quickly behind. Soon the enthusiastic teen was huffing loudly.

"Why... are... there... so many... stairs?"

"It keeps the salesmen away."

Jay didn't have anything more to say, or rather didn't have the breath to say anything more, until they reached the top. There Jay collapsed to his knees, breathing heavily. It seemed Wu would have a little more work cut out for him in the physical portion of Jay's training. He waited while Jay regained his strength. When Jay stood up Wu gestured around the courtyard.

"This is where your training will begin. Right now I have only one other student living here-" As if summoned by his words, Cole poked his head out the main door. "He'll be able to show you the ropes of the daily routine. I'll go check on dinner while he shows you around."

Cole had reached the pair and nodded at Wu's words. He stuck out his hand, "I'm Cole." Wu doubted Jay could see the guarded look in Cole's eyes.

"Jay." The younger teen grabbed Cole's hand and shook it vigorously.

Some of the tension in Cole's shoulders relaxed and his smile became more genuine. "We can drop your stuff off in your room and I can take you around the rest of the place."

Wu left them in the courtyard, thankful that the boys' first meeting had gone as well as he could have hoped.

.

"How have you never seen the Star Farer movies?"

"They never seemed that interesting. Plus I never had much down time." That simple sentence carried more pain than Jay probably picked up on.

Wu cleared his throat, cutting off Jay's next incredulous statement. "If you both are finished you have a kata you're supposed to be demonstrating."

"Sorry Sensei." Cole bowed at the waist and resumed a ready stance.

Jay mumbled the same and followed Cole's lead.

"Begin."

Wu watched critically as the boys moved into a rhythm of punches, kicks and blocks. Cole's form spoke of one accustomed to training the body. Training that Cole probably never thought he'd actually be able to put to good use. Jay's movements were much sloppier, and most of the time he appeared to be watching Cole out of the corner of his eyes. While Jay's actions lacked Cole's precision, his enthusiasm to learn helped make up the ground he lacked.

"Cole, remember to lead with your heel when doing your side kicks. If you strike with the pad of your foot you risk going off balance. Jay you're stopping your low blocks too soon, that won't do you any good if a strike is made to your leg. Practice five times more together and then I want you to take turns watching the other's technique. This offers another way to memorize the kata as well as learn from each other's style."

Both his students nodded. Cole prepared to start again but Jay's voice cut in.

"Can we take a quick water break?"

Cole glanced to Wu, but Wu kept his face impassive.

"Sensei?"

"If you'll excuse me Cole, I have another matter I need to attend to. I'll be back in an hour to check your progress." Wu could feel both boys' eyes on him as he left the room.

Even from the hallway he could hear Cole sigh. "Okay quick water break then back to the form."

Less than a minute later the floor squeaked as Jay and Cole resumed training. "Jay, if you bend your front knee a little more you'll have a better center of gravity..."

Smiling Wu stole softly down the hall. 'It appears Cole is stepping up, just as I suspected.' Yes Cole would do well as the future group's leader. Cole himself just needed the push to realize it.

After dinner Wu purposefully chose not to have any organized training. Though the darkness looming over Ninjago was ever growing nearer, his pupils were still children. They deserved some time to be only that. Against his better judgment Wu had taken the liberty of purchasing a gaming console, which had excited both boys. Wu didn't understand the draw but he definitely had a small zing of happiness run through him at the boys' enthusiasm over the gift.

That didn't mean he was going to try and use the device. So he contented himself to reading scrolls in the kitchen. He did so for over an hour when shouting came from the back room. Instantly on high alert Wu quickly- and cautiously- made his way to the back room.

"-was not my fault! It was yours!" Jay's voice rose in pitch.

"You were the one who tried to get as close to the dragon as you could. Of course it was going to bite you!" Cole snapped back. Wu paused outside the room, realizing there was no current physical danger.

"You were going for its head. Why didn't you warn me that it was coming my way?!"

"How could I warn you when you never stop talking?"

Thick silence gripped the room.

"Jay-"

"I get it." Jay laughed brittlely. "I've heard it my whole life. I think I'm going to head to bed."

The couch rustled as, presumably, Jay stood. Wu backed down the hall but stopped when he heard Cole call again.

"Jay wait, please." Another tense pause followed. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. I'm not used to being around someone my age who actually wants to talk to me, and I'm still learning how to be a friend. Will you forgive me?"

"I- yeah. And I'm sorry too for snapping at you."

Another small smile came to Wu's face and he backed away from the boys' room. Though he was sure more bumps would come, it seemed they were on the right track.

.

Three weeks later

Wu frowned thoughtfully. He'd risen early, well earlier, that morning to think and meditate before the boys awoke. Though there were only two of them, for the time being, quietness had become a rarer commodity around the monastery. Wu didn't mind, but he still appreciated the moments of stillness. It made pondering through quandaries a little easier. Such as the one presented to him now.

An image of Zane walking around in a village. Honestly that was comforting since it had been longer than Wu liked to admit that he had seen Zane. However something in Zane's eyes was... off. Wu had no better word for it, but something within him knew this wasn't quite the same Zane he'd met all those years ago chopping wood. Part of that was to be expected since it had been more than a decade ago. And yet, despite the longevity allotted to elemental masters, Zane's physique looked remarkably unchanged.

Something about the picture left an unsettling feeling in Wu's gut. But that was beside the point. The image made it clear the time to bring Zane in.

Based on Zane's location it would be a day's journey to reach him. Best to set out now. Wu rose from his seat and gathered a small parcel of food. Almost as an afterthought he jotted a quick note to the boys- On an errand. I'll be back tomorrow. Practice your forms.

He left the note on the kitchen table and with a final glance around the room, started out to gather the next member of their little group.

The longer Wu walked, the more the temperature dropped. Dirt pathways gave way to snow dusted until Wu's feet crunched on drifts of snow. Though at this point Wu knew a face associated with anything that would be considered an element, snow in particular reminded him of Eirwen. The former master of ice had been a close friend in their years together in the Elemental Alliance. Though Wu himself was decades older, he valued Eirwen's wisdom and calm presence. The unknown concerning his friend's fate, let alone so many of his other friends, was one of the many regrets Wu continued to carry with him.

Zane wielding ice spoke to desperation on Eirwen's part since he had capable blood relatives to pass the element to. The Treewalker Wood was in the middle of nowhere. Why Eirwen had been there in the first place was another mystery Wu had never uncovered. Additionally, the fact Eirwen hadn't stayed to train Zane was also completely out of character. All together the pieces confirmed to Wu that his friend had passed to the Realm of the Departed. Wu only wished he knew what exactly transpired.

A sudden burst of chatter broke Wu from his memories. He looked up to see the outer gate of the village. Several villagers were gathered around a frozen pond, their attention directed toward a hole cut into the ice.

The dormant veins of creation within Wu flared and he had to shake his head. What was the young master of ice doing?

"Hail traveler! What brings you to the far north?" One of the men called out to Wu.

Wu smiled. "I believe I have already found what I seek. Am I wrong to presume there is someone beneath the water's surface?"

"He chose to 'test his limits' as he put it." Another man hurriedly put in. "We were asked not to interfere unless he appeared in distress."

"Peace friend. I wasn't trying to insinuate you were merely watching someone drown. I wanted to confirm the young man I seek is here."

"You know Zane?" This question came from one of the women. She was maybe in her late 40s and watched the water with a mother like concern in her eyes.

"I do believe he's the one I've been searching for. Has Zane been here long?"

"Why are you looking for him?" A note of suspicion entered the woman's voice

"I've come with a job proposition."

The woman narrowed her eyes and studied Wu for a long moment. Wu waited. Her face relaxed and she nodded as if to an unspoken question. She suddenly took Wu's wrist and led him a few paces from the group. "My name is Khione. Zane has lived in my home for three years now. He was found wandering in the snow, with no memory stretching beyond the last few weeks. He hasn't regained those memories in the time he's been here. Tell me truthfully, have you met Zane before?"

Slowly Wu nodded. "Many years ago. I wish to train him to follow in his forebears' footsteps."

"But he doesn't know who those 'forebears' are." Khione's voice hardened again. "Do you intend to hold the information over him in order to have him come with you?"

"No. It will be Zane's choice alone if he wishes to come with me and it will not be due to blackmail."

"Good." With a nod Khione returned to the pond's edge.

'Interesting.' And not a little disconcerting. Well, there was no more beating around the bush. Taking several deep breaths Wu took one more large one and held it. Then, to the astonishment of the villagers gathered, Wu slipped beneath the water.

Ten minutes later Wu and Zane sat in front of a roaring fire in Khione's fireplace. Both were wrapped in blankets but neither had shivered even before being led into the warm house.

Zane's cool blue eyes studied the flickering flames, having been quiet since Wu's job offer. Wu noticed Khione's disapproving glare when Wu didn't bring up Zane's past.

"Why did you travel all this way for me? I don't even know who I am."

Wu regarded the young(?) man before him. In total he'd interacted with Zane for all of thirty minutes but already he could see a quality in him that, for a probably limited option of a host for ice, Eirwen had chosen well.

"Zane, there are times we're called to be more. Beyond who we thought we were, or even who we knew we were. I believe destiny has called both of us here for a reason and in the short time I've been with you I've seen that you have a depth that not many people have."

Zane looked to Khione. She shook her head. "This is your decision Zane. I'll stand by whatever you choose."

Sighing the young man turned again to the fireplace. He was quiet for a minute and Wu didn't press him.

"I don't know what my past was, but I can still make a future. I'll go with you."

Wu bowed his head. "Thank you Zane. I'm afraid time is off the essence so I hope to leave at first light tomorrow."

Zane nodded. "I will pack my bag. It won't take long."

Rising from his chair Zane left Wu alone with Khione. She wore a frown that she hadn't shown Zane. "Take care of my boy. You can be sure I'll be checking up on him to see how he's doing."

"Of course. I would expect nothing less."

Khione sniffed and turned quickly from the room.

'Yes Zane. You are remarkable.'

.

"Cole, Jay, this is Zane. He'll be training alongside the two of you as the master of ice."

A large grin broke across Jay's face. "Nice to meet you! Come on I'll show you around!" Jay grabbed Zane's wrist and practically dragged him across the courtyard.

Zane shot a panicked look toward Cole and Wu but Cole only shrugged, a smirk playing on his face. That was Jay and Zane would have to learn sooner or later how... enthusiastic the younger teen was.

"I'd better make sure Jay doesn't scare him too badly." Cole started to walk away but Wu called him back.

"Cole, please make sure Zane feels welcome here."

Cole cocked his head but only nodded and went in the direction the other two had gone. Sighing Wu resisted the urge to rub his temples. No he didn't think Cole would be anything but welcoming, but with the extra reminder he hoped Zane would quickly be acclimated to life here. Zane's story was his own to tell, short as it may be at the moment, but Jay would be all too curious about where Zane came from. Wu had refrained from mentioning to Zane that he'd met him many years ago. A gut feeling had kept his tongue still when he'd thought to bring it up. So Wu would leave Zane's memory to fate to decide when it would return. But who knew when - or if- that would be...

.

Three Months Later

The three teens looked doubtfully at the large backpacks set in front of them.

"Survival training. Six days of living off the land before you make your way- stealthily- back to the monastery. This will test the lessons you've learned over the last several months as well as your teamwork. You have an emergency beacon but no phones and no help from anyone else."

"Um, Sensei, are you sure we're ready for this?" Jay timidly asked. "We've only had two weeks of outdoors training..."

"I am aware, seeing as I'm the one how oversees your training regimen." Jay winced at Wu's dry tone. "However I would not send you out if I doubted you could do it. I expect it will be challenging but how else are you to test what you've learned?"

"Actually Sensei there are several other methods of determining the level and individual has attained-"

Cole nudged Zane in the ribs. "I think that was a rhetorical question buddy."

Zane blinked as though processing the information. "I see."

"You all have done very well in the months you've been here. I am pleased with the effort and focus you have given and now you will be able to see the fruits of your labor. The three of you have made progress in learning each other's fighting styles and trusting each other to watch your back. These will be vital to you when locked in actual combat." Wu's tone grew serious. "Skeletons from the Underworld are on the move. Things have been set in motion that will change Ninjago forever. You all must be ready for soon, everything you have learned- about fighting, and about each other- will be tested in ways you could never imagine."

Wu's heavy gaze locked on each student in turn. Excitement, tempered with fear, danced in Jay's eyes. Zane appeared thoughtful, characteristically unruffled by the announcement. Lastly Cole met Wu's gaze with a steady confidence. They were a team, and they were going to protect their home and its people.

With a final nod Wu gestured for them to grab the bags and follow him. The four made their way to the monastery's entrance. "A friend of mine waits for you at the base of the mountain to take you to a place I've designated. Be prepared for the unexpected. You are a unit and I look forward to hearing how you acted as one."

Barely before he finished speaking Jay bounded down the stairs, stopping several down to give a final wave to Wu before continuing to run down as fast as he could.

Cole gave a long-suffering sigh before nodding to Wu. "We won't let you down." He adjusted the straps to his backpack and set off after Jay, leaving Zane alone with Wu.

"Sensei? I sense testing of our knowledge is not the only reason you want us to go on this training exercise." Zane didn't appear upset, stating it in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Zane, as usual you are correct. However I'm afraid that's the only reason I'm able to give at the moment."

"Be careful."

A small chuckle escaped Wu at Zane's words. "I believe I'm the one supposed to tell you that. But I will do my best. Now you better get going before the others leave without you."

"That would be highly illogical since you informed us this was a team exercise." Yet Zane started off at a clipped pace down the mountain.

Wu watched them grow smaller in the distance until they became obscured by the terrain. A wave of sadness rolled over him, knowing that very shortly their lives would never be the same. But that wouldn't be a bad thing, hopefully. Just different. New.

An image of a red clad individual came to the forefront of Wu's mind. Unlike the last three visions, this one was tempered with darkness. For reasons only known to destiny, this next recruiting trip was not going to be easy. But when had that ever stopped Wu?

.

.

A/n- I decided to have Wu collect the three boys in the order that they told Kai their backstories. I thought it would be interesting to see both how the first three were brought together and Wu's perspective of it- especially given all the history we know now compared to when the pilots first released.

Also I was very tempted to have Wu quote Nick Fury's monologue about bringing a team of special individuals together but I thought that might detract from the scene XD