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Chapter Text

 Lloyd hid a flinch as a paper ball hit his head roughly. He decided not to show how much it stung. He knew his father made the people of Ninjago absolutely hate him, but his father didn't even know Lloyd existed and was the unlucky recipient of all their ire.

Being unable to harm my dad, makes them want to lash out at a relative of his that's weaker than the rest. Lloyd used that excuse to cover up how much it hurt for them to laugh and mock him.

 His father being a Mer made people even more suspicious. Mer's were highly dangerous on their own, and his mother had worked tirelessly to hide that Lloyd had a tail like his father.

 Although, Lloyd had found his own special magic that made hiding all the easier. Early on, people found out that water reveals a mer's tail. Lloyd, discovered a strand of magic that could keep his tail tucked away in the water, and he could activate his tail whenever he wanted. His tail wasn't hidden by a glamour, as he had no experience in that, but it was hidden by magic. The magic let Lloyd swim in water with his legs, and it was basic transformation magic he attributed to his Oni side. He only used that strand for summoning and dismissing his tail.

 Lloyd walked along the hallway in deep thought, so he didn't notice when his usual bully came out of his hiding spot to press Lloyd against a locker.

"What'cha up to Garmadon's Heir?" Asked his short-tempered bully. He was the only one that called him, "Garmadon's Heir" and not 'Garmadork' like his other bullies.

"It's nothing, Kai. Just going to class." Lloyd murmured. The older boy had a way of burning Lloyd without fire, and he didn't want to stick around to get another handful of first-degree burns.

"It's not nothing. Garmadon hospitalized both my parents in his last attack!" Kai growled under his breath.

 Lloyd stiffened. "I'm sorry that happened. But why me?" He expected Kai to deflect the question like all the other bullies, but Kai surprised him with a brutally honest answer.

"It just feels easier to get back at Garmadon if I target his son. I don't know why, it just does." Kai growled in a quiet whisper.

 Lloyd didn't know why Kai was so honest with him, but he also overheard him talking to his friends loudly about his false reasons. He lies to his friends, but is honest to me. Why?

 Lloyd didn't want to think it was the only other power he inherited as a Mer, but the situation made it more and more likely. A gift few Mer had, and fewer could even use or access, was that humans felt uncontrollably safe nearby. All humans distrusted Mers and no one trusted them, but few had that ability. Lloyd just felt trustworthy and safe to every human that approached, which was probably why they were so unnerved near him. The ability was so rare, that not even most Mers knew it existed at all. Lloyd's ability seemed to work on a select few people, but he didn't know who they were. He couldn't train his power, so he couldn't stop it from flowing out of him.

"I'm sorry." Lloyd said again quietly. "I don't know why he does it...but I hope it stops."

 Kai growled, but the bell blessedly rang and Kai detached from Lloyd. Lloyd let out a breath of relief as Kai moved out of sight and walked to his next class.

------

 Kai groaned as he looked at his reflection. No matter how hard he tried, he felt guilty for burning Lloyd. He could never seem to think of him as Garmadon's son, only seeing him as Lloyd.

 He recalled Lloyd's sincere apology and yanked at his hair. Why can I never feel good about hurting him?! My parents are practically dead and he just apologizes like that changes anything!

 Kai let out a frustrated huff. If I don't stop feeling this way about Lloyd's innocent face and youthful eyes...he's too young to be blamed for everything his father does. He's practically still a child! Kai slapped himself. No. Lloyd- Garmadon's son, is the enemy. Chen said so. Skylor's father wouldn't lie...would he? Kai thought about Skylor's eccentric snake-loving father. He...probably would...to someone else. I'm his daughter's boyfriend. He wouldn't lie to me.

 Kai scoffed at his thoughts. Skylor would've warned him if her father lied...would she? She'd lived under her father's thumb for her entire life, so why would she rebel to point out her father's lie? Kai shook his head. No. Chen's trustworthy...right? Kai pressed his forehead into his palms. He doesn't feel like Lloyd. Lloyd feels like comfort and safety. Chen...wait. Why am I comparing Chen to Lloyd? Lloyd's an immature baby. Kai cringed at the rude thought.

No one deserves to be thought of like that. Not even Garmadon's little son. Kai sighed. I'll try to treat him better...but I can't reveal to my group what I'm doing. They'll ruin my reputation for years...

 Kai shook his head as he forgot what he was thinking. He didn't notice the red flash coming from his eyes. What was I thinking? Right. Lloyd is a bad person, like his father. Chen is very kind for letting me and Nya stay with him while our house is out of commission...Lloyd? Kai was pulled from his thoughts as Lloyd walked into the bathroom. The red flickers disappeared in his presence.

Little baby Lloyd! He's so sad...I should comfort him- The flickers altered his thoughts. Lloyd. Ask what he's doing near me.

 Kai frowned at Lloyd as the flickers faded from visible sight. "What are you doing in here?" Kai sneered.

 Lloyd looked up and their eyes met. Kai almost fell back a step as he saw the storm in Lloyd's vivid green eyes. Lloyd's eyes widened at something and Kai looked behind him. What is it? He turned back and Lloyd was gone.

Am I imagining things? Kai rubbed his fingers over his closed eyes. I'm tired. Whatever I saw in Lloyd's eyes chased away the fogginess in my head. I wonder what I was doing before he came in...

------

 Lloyd was breathing heavily as he ran out of the school. It was over by then, but Lloyd was terrified. When he met Kai in the bathroom, he saw glints of red that were unnatural in his eyes. Someone was manipulating him. He was familiar with manipulation magic because his mother warned of the signs and effects of it.

 Lloyd wanted to find out who was manipulating Kai. Even as a bully, Kai was honest and knew when he pushed too far. He was kind, but being manipulated could go around your morals unless they push too hard.

 Lloyd shuddered at the thought of being manipulated.

 He spotted Kai moving slowly as he got outside, and he quickly shuffled off to hide. He spotted his uncle approaching and swiftly left before his uncle pointed out his presence.

My uncle went to visit someone? Why? I'll speak to him later. Lloyd decided firmly. Lloyd trudged to his house past the glares of pedestrians forced to walk or take the bus. He gulped as he finally made his way to his front door.

I'll speak to Mom and then I'll go visit Uncle. I need to see what he needs. Lloyd shifted through his belongings to find a green gi on his bed with a note from Uncle Wu.

My Dear Nephew,

 I give you this to wear when you visit, as I'll have others in the warehouse to train with you. Teach them what you know and I will fill in the rest. Be wary of the waters though you have removed the trigger. My brother is getting more risky by the minute.

From your uncle,

Wu.

 Lloyd knew the unspoken drill in case the inspectors looked through his house again. Burn every letter and picture you have that reminds others of your relation to Garmadon and Wu.

 Lloyd started the small fire and set the letter on it. He'd already memorized the words. The fire burnt out swiftly and Lloyd changed into his new gi.

 He arrived an hour early to meet first-hand the new recruits.

Chapter Text

 Lloyd shifted his stance as he waited to meet the other ninja. He picked at his sleeve as a nervous habit he developed. I'm not supposed to know their identities...remember that. Lloyd sighed underneath his mask.

 Lloyd knew they wouldn't know who he was, but something else he knew was that looks can be deceiving. He lifted his eyes to the darkening sky. He didn't want to feel lonely in the dark.

 He watched the little diamonds in the sky as they looked at him. He stiffened at the sound of badly concealed footsteps. The stars twinkled above him and he entered the warehouse.

 He sighed as the footsteps followed him. "You can't hide, ninja." He called out.

 He heard a muffled sound and grabbed the sleeve of the closest person. They yelled loudly as Lloyd tossed them inside the warehouse.

"Who are you?" The multiple colored ninja asked.

"I'm supposed to be called, 'Green'. What about you?" Lloyd responded. Wu walked in with his special staff. "Greetings, Sensei." Lloyd gave the customary bow to his elder.

 The ninja followed Lloyd's example hesitantly.

"I heard your introduction, Green. I will introduce the rest of you." He pointed at the red-clothed ninja with his staff. "You are Red." He tracked the side of another guy. "You are Black." Lloyd stifled a laugh. That sounded racist. Wu bonked the head of the white ninja with his staff. Lloyd was impressed when the boy didn't flinch. "You are White." That also sounded racist. Lloyd commented in his head. Wu poked a guy in blue. "You are Blue." Wu fancily twirled his staff and motioned to the only girl in the group. "You are Cyan." She nodded her head in respect at the address. "You may all call me Sensei Wu." Wu spoke to the other ninja, as Lloyd already knew the title.

 Wu pointed his staff to Lloyd's favorite training course.

"You all must complete a lap about the course. Don't and you fail. I must assess your skills, as Green knew you were following him. You must continue clearing the course until you falter, as it gets harder every time you pass." Wu explained calmly. He pointed to Red. "You will go first."

 Red nodded and ran towards the course. Lloyd was impressed Red cleared the first two areas. He winced as Red got knocked into a ring on the third.

"Fail." Wu called out.

 Lloyd grimaced. Uncle isn't going to go easy on them... Lloyd watched as Black tripped on the first area.

"Fail."

 White managed to clear the first three, but fumbled into a pole on the fourth.

"Fail."

 Blue managed to pass the first course, but fell over the side, into the water. Lloyd winced, as it was cold and the water was freezing...not that I can even feel the temperature of the water...Lloyd grimaced. He was thankful the mask hid his expression.

 Wu nodded towards the fallen Blue. "I will be your proud teacher." Lloyd knew that now that Wu had spoken, everyone would obey. Lloyd glanced at the stars in the sky outside the window. It was getting pretty late. Misako would be home by then.

 Blue whooped as he climbed out of the water. "That was like beating a videogame!" Lloyd shook his head with mirth.

 Cyan managed to pass most of the course, but landed short of clearing it.

"Less of a fail than the other boys." Wu admitted. Cyan looked like she was grinning. Lloyd found her joy spreading far enough to make him smile.

 Lloyd shifted his shoulders back and let the rhythm of the course wash over him in familiarity. He unknowingly cleared the course several times as Wu called for him to stop when he finally cleared it again.

 Lloyd blinked at the ninjas expressions of awe and surprise. (Not that he could see them much, it was more of the aura he felt radiating from them.) He glanced at the difficulty bar and found it on MAX.

"Oh...I did it again?" Lloyd called to Wu.

 Wu nodded and Blue exclaimed, "AGAIN?! You've done this before?!" The other ninja were pulled from their shock at Blue's exclamation.

"He did this before?"

"Green passed it more than once?"

"This isn't a fluke?"

"He's that cool?"

 Lloyd flinched at their excited chatter. They are very...loud. I hope Uncle doesn't mind all the noise. Wu was also a Mer, but he didn't have a tail like most of them. He was sensitive to noise and smells, like a shark. Lloyd mentally shook himself. If I think about our heritage, there's a higher chance it will slip.

 Lloyd took a deep breath and approached them. "Please, be quieter." He spoke to the ninja in a plainer tone. He smiled. "I appreciate the enthusiasm, but Sensei doesn't like noise very much." The ninja visibly winced.

 Cyan apologized. "Sorry. I didn't know I was being loud."

 Lloyd gave her a gentle smile. "It's alright. He's just more sensitive than most, but he wouldn't tell you off about your volume when you're getting excited, so it's up to me to inform you."

 Red nodded. "I get it. Some people don't like to worry others when they're suffering."

 Lloyd gave Red an inquisitive glance. "You know someone like that?"

 Red sighed. "Yep. My sister. She never wants me to worry more than I have to."

 Lloyd pat Red's shoulder hesitantly. He whispered to Red. "Don't reciprocate the touch. I don't like it. I'm just comforting you." Lloyd whispered to Red so he wouldn't alarm the team.

 Red gave Lloyd a puzzled look, but nodded slightly. Blue groaned. "Aww man! Garmadon's approaching the city!" The ninja looked at Blue. "What? Don't you have a foreboding sense of danger too? Specifically honed to Garmadon?"

 The other ninja shook their heads and Black laughed. "I think it's just you."

 White gave the ninja a precursory glance. "Be that as it may, we should give the thought some lenience and check for Garmadon."

"Your reasoning has some merit. Ninja, into the mechs. Since none of you are experienced enough fighters, hopefully some of you can drive." Lloyd called.

 The ninja hopped into their specific mechs. Cyan had a water-working mech, while Red's mech was accustomed to fire. Black's mech seemed sturdy on the ground, while White's mech had frozen canisters. Blue had less of a mech, and more of a fitting jet. Lloyd's mech was to look like a Chinese dragon from mythology.

 The ninja 'ooh-ed' and 'ahh-ed' at his cool mech. Lloyd fumbled to disguise his blush from embarrassment. "We should...hurry. We should hurry."

 The ninja launched and searched for Garmadon in the waves. Lloyd knew that underneath the silly decor, Garmadon was scheming.

------

"My Lord!" Called Garmadon's General No.1.

 Garmadon looked over at the crab-decorated General. "What is it?" He demanded without delay.

"I suggest we attack the blacksmith shop. If they can't make weapons or armor, Ninjago is defenseless!" General No.1's proposition had a proper plan of attack.

"Hmm...why did you suggest that? Out of all places?" Garmadon asked curiously. He feigned boredom.

 General No.1 planned for Garmadon's question. "Because Ninjago needs weapons and armor to fight, and if they don't have that, you can conquer easier." He didn't want to tell Garmadon the real reason. The men under General No.1 were assigned to watch over Lloyd and find out who was bullying him. Garmadon didn't know about his son's bullies. The most recent bully was Kai Smith, whose parents worked at the blacksmith shop.

 Garmadon smirked. "Very well. We attack now!"

------

 Lloyd was impressed that Blue was right about Garmadon's attack. It seemed the boy had a good sense of oncoming danger.

 Blue shivered in his mech. "What is it, Blue?" Lloyd asked, as he could sense the boy's nerves from the comms Wu had given them.

"I feel like Garmadon's attack is going to target one of our families." Blue admitted shakily.

 White gave a hum of agreement. "I also feel that."

 Lloyd glanced at Garmadon's shark mech. The Oni-man had no qualms about using his Mer form, and had the hull filled with water. Red commented, much to Lloyd's dismay, about the water and Garmadon. "Garmadon really does have a Mermaid tail."

 Lloyd longed to correct that since Garmadon was a man, it was a Merman tail. In general, a Mer's tail. He was relieved when White explained for him. "Actually, Red, since Garmadon is a male, it is a Merman tail. You can also call it a fish tail or a Mer tail."

 Red was contemplative. "Hmm. I wonder if Lloyd Garmadon has a tail."

"I wonder that too!" Blue commented.

 Cyan and Black agreed. "Same."

 Lloyd turned to White for some sense. He was thoroughly disappointed. "I wonder that as well."

 Lloyd muffled his groan. His team sounded curious when Cyan asked, "Green? Don't you wonder either?"

 Lloyd decided to be honest. "No. If he wants people to know, he would reveal it. If you're curious, ask him yourself. It's Lloyd's business whether or not he tells if he has a tail. I, personally, wouldn't. I would never want to be similar to Garmadon in any way."

 The team hummed that they were considering his words, but were cut off as they had to focus on the fight.

Thank goodness. I hope they don't approach me about that again. Lloyd shivered at the thought.

------

 The ninja watched as Garmadon retreated, with minor damage to the blacksmith shop. "Hey, Green?" Red asked.

"Hmm?"

"Do you wonder if Garmadon will ever be stopped?" Red questioned.

 Lloyd thought about it. "Probably if you take something precious to him and use it to your advantage. I don't know what, though." Lloyd admitted.

 The team quieted and Lloyd looked at them in question.

"What?"

 Cyan shook her head. "Nevermind. See you later, Green." She departed the warehouse and Lloyd watched the other ninja.

"Bye, Green." Black exited as well.

 Lloyd shook himself. "I gotta go. My mom will be worried." Green swiftly left and stealthily entered his house, using Spinjitsu to switch his clothes.

 He sighed and flopped onto his bed. "Lloyd?" Called Misako from downstairs. Lloyd grumbled, but changed into his pajamas and walked down the stairs.

"Yeah, Mom?" Lloyd asked.

"Thank goodness you're here. There was an attack earlier." Misako looked like she just arrived home.

"You were late, Mom." Lloyd decided to test if she arrived just now, or if she had been waiting for him. His guess had been correct as she sighed.

"I know. It was a rough day at work." Misako yawned and Lloyd helped her upstairs.

"Get some sleep, Mom. You have work tomorrow and I have school. We both need sleep." Lloyd yawned lightly. He padded over to his room and fell to sleep as soon as his head hit his pillow.

Chapter Text

 Lloyd flinched at the jeers from the other students. The hate got worse after Garmadon's attacks. It always got worse. Lloyd bit his tongue to keep from emitting any noise that might bother another person.

 Lloyd spotted Kai walking with his group of followers. Please don't notice me...please don't notice me... He repeated in his head. He tensed when Kai's glance caught Lloyd's gaze, but to Lloyd's surprise the older boy ignored Lloyd.

 Lloyd released a sigh and would've melted onto the floor if the bell didn't ring. Thank you! Whoever it was that caught Kai's attention, thank you... Lloyd trudged forward to his next class.

------

 Jay flinched as Garmadon's son sat in the only chair left available. Next to Jay. Lloyd didn't speak much, except to answer the teacher.

"Demon. What is the answer to four hundred seventy-three times two hundred eighty-seven?" The teacher asked. Jay blinked. Demon? Who...oh...I feel a bit sorry now. No one deserves to be called that. Jay looked over at Lloyd soon enough to see the wince Lloyd hid quickly.

He...oh. I'll...do something. Protect Lloyd? Yeah. Good idea. Jay's emotions bubbled at the teacher's insensitive comment and the other students' poison. Jay hid his scowl under his scarf and listened to Lloyd's answer.

"Four hundred seventy-three times two hundred eighty-seven equals one hundred thirty-five thousand, seven hundred fifty-one." Lloyd mumbled confidently.

 Jay quickly scribbled the equation and gaped at his answer. He scowled at the teacher as she said, "Wrong!" Jay looked back at his equation. It's right.

 The teacher frowned at the students chittering. "I will give you a redemption question, Demon. What is thirty-three thousand, seven hundred forty-two, times twenty-five thousand, nine hundred eighty-five?"

 Jay flinched and looked at Lloyd. He was startled to see Lloyd didn't have any paper.

"Eight hundred seventy-six million, seven hundred eighty-five thousand, eight hundred seventy." Lloyd answered clearly.

 The teacher paused and checked her notes, then scratched out the question. "Wrong!" She shouted.

 Lloyd flinched at her volume, and even Jay couldn't hold his wince. Jay marked the question down on his paper and looked over the answer. He said 876,785,870. Right? Hmm...he's correct. Jay marveled at it. Lloyd, with no paper, knew the answer after moments to calculate. Wow. I'm impressed! Jay looked at Lloyd with stars in his eyes. He's a math wizard! Jay imagined Lloyd being a wizard and torturing monsters with math. He giggled quietly.

 Jay froze when he realized Lloyd was looking at him. He gave the younger boy a small wave, which seemed to shock the son of Garmadon. Lloyd tentatively fumbled to return the wave, which made Jay's heart break. Lloyd didn't seem to know how to wave properly. His hand was stiff, and he only wiggled it a bit.

 Jay motioned to his hand and demonstrated a wave again. Lloyd copied him and Jay watched Lloyd's smile bloom. Poor kid. He didn't even know how to wave. Jay's smile grew sadder at the thought. I hope the team doesn't go through with it. I'd hate to see the poor boy get hurt by accident...

 Jay regretted agreeing with the plan as he watched Lloyd admire the way Jay was waving to him, like no one ever had before...which was probably the reality of it.

I'll just teach Lloyd how to socialize! Not that I know much about it. I feel guilty about watching him get bullied and never standing up for him. Jay winced and focused back on the teacher as she handed out the latest test results.

 She approached Jay and Lloyd and slipped it on Jay's desk. Jay watched her dangle it over Lloyd's head like a dog. Jay's fury built. He's a child younger than you! How can you do such a thing?! Lloyd's previous smile disappeared as he tried to reach for his test results. Jay could only watch.

 When she finally relented and gave him the test, the class was almost over. Jay looked at his green 87% and grinned. It was his average and he was glad it didn't go down.

 He looked over at Lloyd's and almost fell over in shock. He knew the teacher didn't like Lloyd, but how could she give him an obviously inaccurate score? Jay scowled at the red 4% on Lloyd's paper.

 Lloyd looked away and jumped as he realized Jay was watching him. Jay was about to speak when the bell rang and Lloyd skittered out of the classroom.

He's being failed by the teachers. I saw him get the answers right, so their failing him on purpose! Jay's anger mounted and he stayed silent to stew until he could calm himself. I will not help the others if they try to hurt him. He doesn't need more stress!

 Jay scowled into his scarf as he passed his locker. He opened it and saw a small note. He brightened instantly as he remembered the first time he got a note. It wasn't a note from a secret admirer, just from someone who wanted to boost Jay's happiness. He met his best friend through those notes. Cole. Cole had gotten notes similar to Jay's as well as slices of cake with some of them.

 They met and bonded through those notes, and Jay couldn't be more grateful. He read the latest note of encouragement.

Do your best, no one can claim to be doing their best if they don't give more than 50%. Be yourself to others, no one can be just like you.

 Jay smiled at the sweet note. It was a blend of several famous phrases, but it was more encouraging like how he read. Jay found Cole to show him his latest note.

"That's great, Jay. I also got a note today, but I lost it somewhere in my backpack. I also got cake!" Cole supported Jay, even when he was afraid of the world.

 Jay heard a scuffle and turned to see someone pinning a blonde against the lockers. Cole shifted and mumbled nervously. "We should get out of here, Jay." Cole glanced at Jay as Jay stalked towards the bully, to see the victim. "Jay? Jay!" Cole scurried after his friend.

 Jay peered over the bully's shoulder to see Lloyd. Jay's stilling anger boiled at the sight. Lloyd was one of the sweetest people Jay had ever met! How dare this guy bully Jay's little bean.

"Hey! Leave him alone!" Jay called to the bully.

 The bully turned his head to see Jay, but scoffed and focused on beating up Lloyd.

 Jay scowled and repeated. "I said. Leave. Him. ALONE!" Jay heard the clap of thunder in his ears and saw the lights flickering. The bully shrieked and ran. Jay's nerves calmed and the sizzling he heard stopped. He saw Lloyd slumped on the floor and hurried over. Jay got on his knees to check Lloyd. "Hey, you okay?" Jay asked as Lloyd groaned.

 Lloyd blinked and yelped when Jay came into focus.

 Jay laughed. "Hey, it's alright. The guy's long gone by now."

 Lloyd shifted and tried to scoot back.

 Jay clamped a hand on his arm to steady him, but Lloyd tensed and thrashed wildly. "Hey, hey! It's fine. See?" Jay slowly released Lloyd. Lloyd was breathing heavily. "You good, Buddy?"

 Lloyd slowly nodded.

"Can I help you up?" Jay probed.

 Lloyd hesitated, but gave Jay a brisk nod.

 Jay leaned closer for Lloyd to put an arm over his shoulder. "There. You're up." Jay stood and Lloyd slowly broke away from Jay.

 Jay smiled calmly. Lloyd faltered and gave Jay a slight return grin.

 Cole walked closer to Jay. "Oh! Cole. You know Lloyd, I think." Jay fumbled. Cole nodded and edged back a step. Jay swatted Cole's arm. "Don't be like that!" Jay grinned at Lloyd. "Lloyd, this is my bestie, Cole!" Jay tugged Lloyd closer to Cole.

 Lloyd hesitated, but practiced his wave. Jay would've squealed if he thought it wouldn't frighten Lloyd away. Cole returned the wave slightly and gave Lloyd a hesitant smile.

 Jay grinned and tugged Lloyd away. He turned to Cole to say, "We'll hang out later, Cole. I want to check to make sure Lloyd's okay!" Cole nodded consent to the idea and Jay started walking Lloyd to the nurse's office.

"Sorry, Jay," Lloyd spoke for the first time. "But the nurse doesn't like me."

 Jay frowned and hummed. "Hmm...I think I have the answer! You can come to my house and we'll patch you up, or I can take you to a desk in an empty classroom to start your check up. You decide."

 Lloyd didn't hesitate. "The classroom." Jay nodded.

"It's fine if you don't want to meet my parents, but you should get a proper check up." Jay said.

 Lloyd sat comfortably on the desk. "You should be quick. The school's closing soon for the evening." Jay smiled.

"Don't worry! I'll be fast." Jay ran through the check up list mentally. First, the heartbeat. Then, the eyes, the ears, his vocals. Then, his reflexes. After, his blood pressure. And last, a quick check to make sure his bruises are minimal.

 Jay had gone to the hospital often enough to know the gist of the procedures. He had plenty of supplies in the science lab.

 Lloyd flexed his wrist when Jay finished. "Thanks. I guess you aren't so bad after all."

 Jay disguised his squeal of delight that his little bean complimented him as a cough, which was difficult to do. Lloyd eyed him and shrugged.

Okay. I really, one hundred percent, regret the agreement. I repent. I want to undo time. Please don't make me hurt the bean! Jay panicked internally, but was glad nothing ever showed on his face.

 Lloyd left calmly and Jay followed after. I absolutely hate my past self. Why did I ever agree with the other ninja to kidnap the bean?

------

 Lloyd groaned as he came to. Someone had ambushed him and it took all his strength and willpower to not reveal himself. He found his hands tied in front of him.

"Shh! He's awake!" Whispered a voice that sounded suspiciously like Black's.

"It is imperative that we get the answers quickly." Said a voice with the same tone as White.

"No one cares, White!" Said a voice that, according to the context of the sentence, was Cyan.

 Red's voice came from behind Lloyd. "What can we even do if he wakes up?"

"Why did I ever agree to this?" Wailed Blue. "I don't want to hurt him by accident!"

"Shut up, Blue! What are you even talking about? It's Lloyd Garmadon, who are you worried about?" Cyan reprimanded.

"I'm worried about my precious bean, obviously!" Blue retorted.

"Who?" Red asked.

"Lloyd!" Blue responded cheerfully.

...What? Lloyd was unironically confused. "Please. Whatever I did, let me go!" Lloyd spoke finally.

 Blue gasped. "My bean!"

"What...is he talking about?" Lloyd questioned the ninja.

 Black rumbled. "I have no idea. He was the normal yesterday, and then, after today, he was super caring."

 Lloyd puzzled through the comment as Cyan poked his side. "Alright, Garmadon's son! Spill!"

 Lloyd furrowed his brow. "Spill...what?" He questioned.

 Cyan muttered something, then spoke again. "You don't get to ask questions!"

 Lloyd looked at Red. "What is she talking about? Spill what?"

 Red shrugged. "Just answer one question, Cyan." Red asked the other ninja.

 Cyan glared at Red, then moved her glare to Lloyd. "Why'd you tell Garmadon to attack my parents workplace? How important are you to Garmadon? Did you tell him to launch another attack?"

 Lloyd blinked. Oh...it's about what I said. Before. They think that Garmadon cares about me. Their mistake. "I didn't say anything to anyone about my bullies." Blue's expression darkened dangerously. "I've never actually met Garmadon, so I didn't tell him anything."

 Red's question exploded out of him from curiosity. "Do you have a tail?"

 White interrupted Lloyd before he could answer. "Green isn't responding back. How will we make a move against Garmadon without our leader?"

 Lloyd was confused. "You think of the Green Ninja as your leader?"

 Red hissed. "Shh! Don't respond!"

Why didn't I know about this? Lloyd shook his head. "I don't have a tail."

 Cyan scowled, at least Lloyd thought she did, and barked out, "Prove it, Lloyd." As she kicked him into the water behind him. Lloyd yelped as water rushed up around him.

Thank you for the gills hidden by my hair. Lloyd was grateful about the placement of his gills. He tweaked the strand of magic and kicked with his tail to launch him upward through the water. Before reaching the surface, he used the magic to hide his tail again. He dramatically gasped for air as his head broke the surface of the water.

"Oh. He's telling the truth." Cyan said blandly with a hint of remorse on her face. She shrieked as Blue dove into the water to 'rescue' Lloyd, as he still had his hands tied.

"Don't worry, Lloyd. You'll be safe." Blue said as he tugged Lloyd onto the dry land. Lloyd found, after everything, he believed Blue. Blue turned to Cyan with a storm in his eyes. "Why'd you do that?" He asked.

"Do what?" Cyan baited.

"You know what I'm talking about. Why'd you kick Lloyd?" Blue growled. Lloyd heard buzzing as Blue's anger rocketed.

"To see if he was telling the truth, of course." Cyan rolled her eyes.

 Blue's fingertips started sparking, but it fizzled out when Red stood beside him. "That was really mean, Cyan. He could've drowned!"

 Cyan looked hurt. "Really? You side with him over your own sister?"

Sister? What...if it was the blacksmith shop...Kai? Nya? Lloyd looked at Red. "Kai?" He whispered. Lloyd whimpered and edged away. Red's eyes flickered with pain and guilt. The red disappeared a while ago.

"I...I'm so sorry, Lloyd." Kai said sadly.

 Blue looked at him and his fingers sparked again. "Why are you sorry?" He said thunderously.

 Kai sighed. "I was one of his bullies before I became a ninja."

"Was?" Blue probed.

 Kai nodded. Nya ripped off her hood. "Since you obviously know Kai and I, then tell me. Why did Garmadon attack our parents' workplace?"

 Lloyd groaned. "Obviously because your parents make weapons and armor and Garmadon knew that attacking their shop would drastically crash Ninjago's defence against him?"

 Nya paused. "Oh...Oh! I am so sorry, Lloyd!" She cringed as she saw a scratch on Lloyd's arm. "Was that from falling?"

 Lloyd and Blue blinked at the scratch. Blue shook his head. "No. That was an injury from the ambush."

"Shouldn't we be worried that Lloyd knows two of our team's identities?" Black asked.

"I do not believe that is a problem." White said.

"Why not?" Blue asked.

 White replied faintly. "Because he is not in league with Garmadon, so he would not reveal our identities."

"I don't think I would even if I knew all of them." Lloyd muttered.

"Why not?" Kai echoed Blue's earlier remark.

"Because if I ever spoke willingly to my father, I would run myself through with a sword." Lloyd spoke clearly.

 White yipped in surprise. The ninja turned to look at him. "What is it, White?" Black asked.

"Lloyd...you are serious?" White asked.

 Lloyd knew what he was talking about. "Yes. I would never reveal your identities or heritage."

 White nodded. "My scanners indicate that Lloyd wasn't lying about running himself through."

 The ninja gasped, but Lloyd remained unmoved. He had already been suspicious about White being a nindroid, he just admitted it.

 Lloyd thought about the amount of secrets uncovered. "I have an idea. Since everyone has revealed a secret except for Black and me...Kai and Nya's identities, White being a nindroid, and Blue having powers," Lloyd pointedly looked at Blue's still-sparking fingers. "I'll reveal something about myself. Black, you too." The authority in his voice took the ninja by surprise, but they obeyed. Lloyd covered his eyes as the ninja led him to the warehouse.

 The ninja obviously didn't suspect who he was, so Lloyd was going to reveal that. Black chimed in, "I...am...an elemental master of earth." Black motioned his hands and they glowed the color of molten lava. A few loose rocks levitated in the air.

 Lloyd was impressed he had also discovered his elemental power. He belatedly realized the ninja were watching him. Blue moved to get Lloyd's wrists untied, but Lloyd stood from his position and did Spinjitsu to release himself and change into his gi. "What did I miss?" He spoke as Green.

 The ninja froze, all thinking the same thing.

We kidnapped Green?!

Chapter Text

 Kai choked on his breath as Lloyd used Spinjitsu, something none of the ninja knew how to do yet, and came out with a green gi.

"Green?!" He managed to cough out.

 Green pulled back his hood and gave the team a shy smile. "I surprised you...right?" He picked at his sleeves nervously and Kai grimaced at the memory of Lloyd's burn over that area.

"I'm so sorry, Lloyd." Kai apologized for the...second time? He didn't remember how many times he apologized to Lloyd.

 Nya frowned at Kai. "For what?"

 Kai sighed and approached Lloyd. Lloyd stiffened, but slowly relaxed as all that Kai did was pat his head affectionately. "For your burns."

 Lloyd gave Kai a loose side-hug and murmured his forgiveness. "I told you, I would forgive you."

 Nya looked at Kai and Lloyd. She turned her gaze to the other three ninja who had yet to reveal themselves. "Alright boys. We showed our faces, you show yours."

 Blue's arm twitched and Black shifted his feet nervously. White was as still as a machine, which was accurate.

 Kai frowned at Nya. "They can reveal themselves tomorrow. We gotta go back to Chen's place." Nya flinched but nodded.

"We should hurry." Nya agreed.

 Kai looked back at Lloyd's nervous form. "Bye, Lloyd! See you tomorrow!" He called as he left the warehouse.

 Kai and Nya exchanged wary glances, but nodded their agreement. They made their way to Chen's house.

 Nya slowly cracked the window to their borrowed bedroom open and lifted the edge. Kai snuck in and swiftly changed his clothes. Nya followed as well.

"I hope Chen doesn't-" Naya cut off when she heard the familiar footsteps of Chen.

 He thrust the door open and widened his eyes dramatically at Kai and Nya. "Ah! My daughter's friends! You are back. How was school...?" He probed with a charismatic grin. His charm was the reason most people didn't mind his eccentricity.

"Hey Mister Chen." Kai greeted cautiously. He didn't want to go near Chen's illegal staff again. Chen used that staff to poison Kai's mind against Lloyd, but the little green bean's courage shook the staff's affects.

"Hey..." Chen frowned, but covered it with his usual smirk. "Has my daughter finally bought your loyalties?"

 Kai hid his shiver. He spoke about Skylor like a tool, and whenever Kai was breaking through the control of the scepter, Chen reworked the staff's power.

 Nya blinked and looked between them. "We have to go to school in the morning. Good evening, Chen." She settled with a firm finality.

 Chen grumbled quietly as he left and Nya cornered Kai. "Alright, Kai. What was that about?" Nya questioned.

 Kai tried to squirm out of her strong grip. "You don't need to know!" Kai murmured.

 Nya scowled at him. "I will take out my dagger! Don't make me threaten you!" Kai frowned.

"That dagger was a gift from Dad! Don't you dare!" Kai growled.

 Nya huffed angrily. "Then tell me what that was about. Was it the manipulation you mentioned before?"

 Kai didn't speak, which Nya interpreted as agreement.

"What did Chen do?" Nya snarled in a low voice. Kai blinked at her dark expression.

"He has an illegal staff. He used it to control me and pit me against Lloyd. The bean's presence is what cleared the effects of the staff." Kai admitted.

"The bean? Lloyd? What does his presence have to do with the staff's affects?" Nya interrogated.

 Kai shrugged. "Lloyd has a calming presence. Like you can trust him with anything. That safe feeling is what broke through the fog. The staff also made me loyal to Chen. I don't get why."

 Nya sighed. "So he feels like that to you too?"

 Kai nodded mutely.

 Nya groaned. "If anyone tells him, we're doomed."

 Kai grimaced. "Lloyd would use that to his advantage to calm us from attacking him. But then...why don't his bullies stop?" Kai mulled over the question. His eyes widened. "Does Lloyd have a special ability like Blue and Black? But it's more specialized?"

 Nya gasped. "What if he doesn't know how to use it, and that's why he gets hurt?"

 Kai and Nya frowned in thought. "We should probably leave this place. One of our friends could take us in for the night, and then we room with Lloyd?"

 Nya grinned. "You read my mind. Let's leave this dump!"

 Nya positioned herself to the window and leaped out in her casual clothes. She motioned for Kai to follow. "Skylor's gonna be so mad! But, she has a very manipulative dad." He decided quickly and jumped out the window onto the neighboring rooftop.

"We should be quick, Kai. Only the ninja know who we are." Nya whispered.

 Kai nodded. "This is one of those times I'm grateful to Lloyd that he broke the effects of the staff."

 Nya made a noise of agreement, but otherwise stayed quiet. Nya led the way to her friend, Vania's, house. She lived in a more...high-quality house. Technically, it could pass as a castle.

 Nya motioned to the entrance. "I called Vania earlier to tell her the situation. She'll let us in as she owns the house since her father's passing."

 Kai and Nya paused at the front entrance. Nya knocked politely and the butler opened the door. "Friends of the Mistress, I presume?"

 Nya nodded. "Hi. I'm Nya, and this is my brother, Kai. Vania said we could stay here for the night."

 The butler eyed them, but otherwise let them in. "Your Majesty, Miss Nya and Master Kai have arrived." He called out.

"Ooh!" Kai spotted the young owner of the large mansion. She was blonde and remarkably pale. Her blue eyes twinkled as she spotted Nya. "Bestie!" She cried out.

 Vania hurried down the stairs in a way that still looked elegant, and tackled Nya in a hug. "Ooh, Bestie! I missed talking to you in school! Where have you been?!"

 Nya laughed at Vania's enthusiasm. "So you're a queen now?"

"Yep! Of all of my father's companies and workplaces. He owned the area of Shintaro, a vast amount of land on our continent. It's large enough to be a kingdom, with all the citizens and workers, so, I'm the queen now!" Vania spoke quickly in her excitement.

"I'm Kai. Nya's brother." Kai held out a hand to Vania.

"Ooh! Nya, this is him?" She shook Kai's hand swiftly when Nya nodded. "Hi! It's so nice to finally meet you! Nya talks about you a lot! Oh! Cole's gonna call me later, so Sir Hemeris can take you to your rooms." She motioned to the butler who showed them in and he gave them a low bow.

"Pleasure. This way please." He led Kai and Nya through the vast hallways.

This...is definitely more than I thought it was.

Chapter Text

 Lloyd shifted his backpack as he made his way to school. He was looking forward to seeing Kai and Nya, as they were the only friends that knew he was...him. Lloyd spotted a Shark Army General. It looked like Garmadon's current General No.4. Lloyd could mostly tell from the sticker on his vest, but what was he doing in Ninjago City?

 Lloyd had to decide between going to school or investigating the reasons behind the General's visit. He huffed and switched into his ninja gi. Between going to school and getting bullied or investigating crime as Green, the choice was obvious to him.

 Lloyd hid in the shadows like Wu taught him, and stalked the General sneakily.

 The General shifted nervously but waited in an alleyway for someone. Lloyd waited to hear whatever conversation he was going to have.

 General No.4 breathed a sigh of relief as General No.1 arrived in the alley. "Sir. I have yet to reach the school, is there a reason you have pulled me from my assigned task?"

 General No.1- Actually Lloyd was going to give them official names. General 1 looked like a...Jeffrey. General 4 looked like a...Timothy? Lloyd mentally cringed at the names, but decided they were best.

 Jeffrey spoke to Timothy calmly, but quietly. "Garmadon still doesn't know, okay? So, make sure you stay under the radar. Hmm? Be wary. The staff is always on edge and suspicious of every movement. Watch out for Lloyd. Whoever bullies him next, research their family and contact me immediately. The boy doesn't know, and neither do the students. I need better reasons to convince Garmadon to attack."

 Lloyd paused his movements. The Generals...care for me? Garmadon doesn't know about them watching over me? He doesn't know about my bullies, but the Generals punish them? Are you kidding me? This whole time, the Generals have watched my bullies? No wonder they're being targeted! Lloyd shook his head with a small smile. Even if he didn't personally know Jeffrey and Timothy, it was heartening to know someone cared about him.

 Lloyd spotted the time distantly and panicked. AH! I'm gonna be laaAATEEE!!!!! Lloyd shouted as he fell out of the alleyway. He hissed at a pain somewhere and rubbed his ankle. Ahh...that's gonna hurt for a while...uh oh... Lloyd looked up at the faces of Jeffrey and Timothy. "Uhhh...Hi?" Lloyd yelped as one of them tried to spear him with their...weapon...

 Lloyd rolled out of the way and got to his feet with a slight wince. He ran (sort of) to his school, which was only a few blocks away. He pulled himself on the roof, somehow, and hid in one of the shadows. He used his Spinjitsu to change his clothes again, and steadily climbed down to the ground. He limped to his classroom and sat in his seat just as the bell rang.

The perks of Spinjitsu. Speed. Lloyd hid his grin and focused on the class.

------

 Cole received a text from his girlfriend just as Lloyd Garmadon ran into their English class. Hmm. He almost got late. Cole's eyes widened as the bell rang the moment Lloyd sat down.

 Cole subtly peered at his phone to read the text from Vania.

My bestie and her brother came over last night. We're heading to school now!

 Cole gave the message a sappy smile as he saw the heart and kisses emojis. He responded quickly.

You're late, love.

 Cole returned the message with a heart emoji of his own.

"Mister Brookstone! Your attention!" The teacher demanded roughly. Cole focused on the lesson, and not on his phone buzzing quietly with Vania's messages.

 Cole understood how Jay felt the day before with his protectiveness of Lloyd. Lloyd was being glared at by the teacher when his answers were correct. Lloyd was rarely wrong in his answers, but the teacher was failing him.

My poor little green bean...uh oh. I'm starting to sound like Jay! Cole smirked at the thought. He watched Lloyd through his peripheral as Lloyd's posture grew sadder and heavier. If class doesn't end soon, I'm dragging Lloyd out of the school and straight to my house! Luckily for the class, the bell rang quickly, which made the teacher grumble about faster timing.

 Cole exited the class and realized with a start that Lloyd was way ahead. Woah! The little bean is fast! Cole grinned and sped up to catch up to his leader.

"Lloyd! Hey!" He called to Green.

 Lloyd jumped. He was obviously startled to see Cole.

"Hey buddy! Is Jay around?" Cole asked, trying to melt the ice.

 Lloyd looked around sharply, and Cole wondered if it was just him, or if Lloyd actually sniffed the air. "Not yet. He's late." Lloyd answered with a mumble.

How could he possibly know that? Can I actually trust my eyes? Cole frowned and decided to bug Lloyd. "So! How are you?"

"...Fine." Lloyd spoke quietly and clung his books closer to himself.

"If you remember, I'm Cole! We met yesterday." Cole stuck out his hand.

 Lloyd didn't take it. "Actually, we met three months ago when I transferred to your English class shortly after school started."

 Cole blinked. "You remember that?"

 Lloyd nodded, confidence edging back into his stance. "Yeah. We officially met when you got a rock in your shoe and tripped during P.E. You fell, which made Madison fall, which made Everly fall, which made Harrison fall, which made Cameron stumble. I was ahead of you."

 Cole sputtered a laugh, which surprised him. "You remember who they were? Aw man! I have to make apologies now! I didn't before because I forgot who they were!"

 Lloyd shrugged. "My memory isn't that impressive compared to others." It took Cole a few moments to realize Lloyd stiffened.

"You good?"

 Lloyd slowly relaxed. "...Yes...I think. I just saw Juniper."

"Juniper?"

 The innocent bean nodded. "Mhm! She's a subtle bully. The girl with red hair who always wears purple sneakers. She wears lenses to change her eye color constantly. It's hard to tell if she's manipulated."

"What does that mean?" Cole (ever the oblivious one) asked.

 Lloyd sighed. "Manipulation can be mental or magical. The common one is with naive people who trust to easily. Magical manipulation is much harder and requires more focus."

 Cole narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Why did we assume we can trust this innocent-looking green bean? He knows about manipulation? "Explain how you know this."

 Lloyd groaned and planted a palm to his forehead. "My mom taught me how to distinguish if someone is being manipulated by magic, in the case I am ever in danger of being manipulated. It's not a strand of magic I know how to use. She warned me so I can identify it and help others. Being aware of it makes me less susceptible to it."

 Cole relaxed his stance. "That explains a bit." He didn't delve into what Lloyd meant about him knowing how to use strands of magic...maybe he was just jumping to conclusions like he did when Lloyd first mentioned manipulation.

 Lloyd shrugged. "Glad I could be of assistance." He turned away to go to his next class. Cole saw him slightly tilt his head up and Lloyd turned back to Cole. "Jay just came in." He said without preamble.

 Cole turned to the entrance, and sure enough, he saw Jay. He waved goodbye to Lloyd and approached Jay.

"Cole! Hey!" Jay smiled brightly.

"Morning, Jay!" Cole grinned.

 Jay gave Cole a tight hug. "Great to see you when I walk in!" Jay plodded to his shared class with Cole.

 Cole hesitated to bring it up, because he could be wrong. "Hey, Jay?"

"Mhm?"

"You know the bean?"

 Jay gasped. "Lloyd? Where is he?!" Jay scoured the room as far as he could see.

"He can identify manipulation magic."

 Jay narrowed his eyes at Cole. "You aren't pitting me against my bean. Explain." Cole gulped as Jay's eyes flashed dangerously.

"He said his mother taught him to identify when someone is being manipulated by magic, so it doesn't affect him."

 Jay tilted his head in confusion. "So...why are you telling me this?"

"Because, Blue, the Green bean mentioned knowing how to use magic." Cole probed.

 Jay gasped and whispered, "Black? You're Black? And my Green bean knows magic? Epic!" (That still sounds so racist.)

 Cole grinned. I knew the gamble would pay off. "I'm wondering if Green can teach us to identify magic in general, as well as manipulation."

 Jay was barely containing his excitement. He froze suddenly, which grounded Cole. "You said Lloyd knows magic? How exactly? Humans can't use magic as properly as other-world creatures unless they have the proper tools."

 Cole gave Jay an exasperated look. "If his father is Garmadon, he has Oni or Mer blood."

 Jay grinned sheepishly. "Oh. Right. I forgot that my little innocent bean has the most dangerous father in the world that could kill him with a single strike."

"Obviously." Cole groaned. "But Lloyd could teach us to sense when there is magic at play, so we don't run afoul darker magic."

 Jay nodded exuberantly. "We can find Red and Cyan, and find White to confirm!"

"Find White to confirm what, exactly?" Said a familiar voice.

 Jay and Cole spun around to see the student body president, Zane Julien.

 The best friends spluttered to find something to say as Jay abruptly whispered, "You're White?"

(TBH, that still sounds racist.)

Chapter Text

 Lloyd carefully maneuvered his way past Juniper to avoid being spotted. He was relieved Cole didn't catch the exact phrasing he'd said before he introduced the guy to Juniper.

"My memory isn't that impressive compared to others." He internally cringed. Humans didn't have accurate memory like Merfolk did, so in saying his 'detailed' (in human terms) memory was average, he was acknowledging to being part of the Mers' society. Or in his case, as he had never met a Mer in person, he was acknowledging to being part Mer.

 Lloyd went as stiff as the metal pillars keeping the school up when Juniper, wearing green lenses that day, called him. "Hey, La-Lloyd! Are you going to say hi to me?"

 She acted friendly when they were nearby others to keep her social status as 'kind' and 'a total sweetheart' for students and teachers. Alone, however, was when she showed her true face.

"Juniper! H-hey!" Lloyd smiled woodenly.

 She tutted her disapproval. "I already told you to call me Juni!"

 Lloyd forcibly kept his smile wide. "Right! I forgot!" (There was no way he forgot, with his accurate memory.)

 Juniper rolled her eyes in mock annoyance. At least, she wants her followers to think it's mock annoyance. Knowing Juniper, she's genuinely irritated and if I keep ruffling her feathers, I may end up scarred. Or worse. Lloyd plastered his smile on his face to cover up the wince he kept hidden.

 Juniper grinned widely, making sure her smile sparkled in the artificial lights. It hurt Lloyd's eyes, but made several soft-boys swoon. Juniper was someone you would call a classic heartbreaker. Her brightness almost worked on Lloyd once, in his first year.

 It was a time he never wanted to remember.

 Lloyd was saved by the school bell ringing and the scent of Kai and Nya approaching. They smelled as though they'd been in the company of Shintaro's new queen. Her scent was also mingled with Cole's, so he was probably Queen Vania's boyfriend.

 Lloyd turned to greet the siblings warmly (at least warmer than Juniper's cold reception) with a sunny smile. "Kai! Nya!" He waved them over and Juniper hid her scowl as they approached and she had to leave for her class.

 Kai tackled Lloyd in a tight hug after he spotted Lloyd. He blinked at Nya for an explanation.

"We came with Vania to school. We spoke to White, Black, and Blue. You might know them as Zane, Cole, and Jay, also." Nya informed him wearily. "I'm just exhausted from the back-and-forth running to find you."

 Lloyd's expression was deep in his confusion. "I was right here, though? Also, Kai- what are you doing?" Kai had yet to release the green bean.

"We were told you could see manipulation magic. So, you know it wasn't me?" Kai looked at Lloyd's eyes for an answer.

 Lloyd patted Kai's back, as one would to soothe a child. "Of course I did. Your tone also implied that, as you spoke to me." Lloyd gave Kai a smirk that mirrored Kai's usual one. "You called me by my plain name. No strings attached. Also, your eyes kept flickering. I can only assume it's because you feel safe with me! As manipulation magic fades the longer you are in the presence of someone that makes you feel safe...or the object that started taking your free will was broken?"

 Lloyd gave a questioning glance at Kai as he broke away from the firm hug. "His staff is still intact, so it was you." Kai admitted briskly.

 Lloyd grinned like he was years younger. "Glad to hear it!" Lloyd squeezed Kai in a hug only little siblings could give.

 Kai pat Lloyd's head. "We're still in public, Garmadon." He said affectionately.

 Lloyd stifled a yelp and broke away quickly as Nya laughed loudly. Lloyd gave Jay a quizzical look as he approached her with a sappy expression.

He's probably flustered.

"Hey, Lloyd?" Spoke the student body president with Cole behind him.

 Lloyd looked up at the taller student. "Yes?"

"It is a pleasure to meet you outside of our training." Zane gave Lloyd a waist-deep bow.

"Should we...talk elsewhere? I...overheard someone." Lloyd kept his voice low.

 The ninja nodded unanimously.

 Lloyd looked around the corridors and opened the janitor's closet. "It's safer in here, anyway."

 Zane smiled while Kai and Nya dragged Cole and Jay inside. "It seems the most private place here. But, how did you unlock the door?"

 Lloyd grinned shyly. "I'll...I'll tell you when the door's closed."

 Zane shrugged, but allowed Lloyd to close the door behind them.

 They were all plunged into darkness.

------

 Kai reviewed what he'd learned from a scroll, while Lloyd was away from the warehouse one of the days Wu was training them. Kai searched within him and held up a hand, palm facing the ceiling. He noticed a heating in his core, and channelled it to his hands.

 Kai opened his eyes when he felt the flame activate.

 He gaped at the fire crackling in his open palm. The ninja were looking at the flame with bewilderment in their faces. Kai smirked. "Guess I unlocked my elemental power first."

 Cole, Jay, and Zane looked at each other with mirth. "I'm afraid not. Zane actually unlocked his first, then Jay, then Cole." Lloyd informed him.

 The three mentioned looked at Lloyd. "How could you possibly know that Zane unlocked his elemental power?" Jay asked.

 Lloyd shrugged casually, but Kai detected a hint of tension set in his shoulders. "I can sense the elemental energy within you. You three had it flowing freely before Kai freed his. Nya has one too."

 Even Nya gave Lloyd a perplexed look. "How could I possibly have one? Isn't there only one elemental master at a time?"

"You don't have fire. You have water." Lloyd informed them with a grin that revealed Lloyd's pure innocence to the world.

 Kai ruffled his hair with the hand that wasn't on fire. "You're our green bean. What power do you have?"

 Lloyd froze and Kai felt the tension seep into the rest of his body. "What do you mean?"

 Kai hesitated, but finished explaining. "If Sensei chose all of us when we all have elemental powers, then you should have an elemental power too."

 The tension leaked out of Lloyd as he relaxed. "Oh. That's simple to explain. Sensei Wu is my uncle."

 That shocked the ninja, evident by their shouts and yells of 'What' to Lloyd.

 Zane was the only calm one, given that he's a machine, and pointed something out that the others forgot. "Does that not mean that Sensei is Garmadon's brother? We already knew that. Obviously, he is Lloyd's uncle. But Sensei also has Mer blood, given that Garmadon has some as well. Do you have the blood?"

 Lloyd laughed nervously, but Zane continued speaking. "Sensei has the blood, as he has sensitive hearing and smell like Lloyd previously said. So Lloyd must have some amount of Mer blood. Sensei also doesn't have a tail."

 Lloyd narrowed his eyes dangerously at Zane as his pupils thinned into slits, much like a cat's. "How could you possibly know that?" His whispered words reeked of venom.

 Zane shrugged robotically. "Sensei demonstrated for us some maneuvers in the water."

 Lloyd calmed slightly and his pupils returned to the regular state.

 Kai pointed out something the others didn't seem to have noticed. "You have Mer blood. No human pupils slit like that."

 That startled Nya. "You have Mer blood? You were dunked in the water!"

"Who's fault was that?" Lloyd muttered sarcastically as he looked down. The others looked at Nya with an expression like, 'really?' and Nya blushed with embarrassment.

 Jay pat Lloyd's shoulders and squeezed him in a side-hug. "It's alright little green bean. Mer blood or not, you're our brother."

 Lloyd looked at him with a tight smile. "Really?"

 Jay nodded with a firm smile. "Mhm!" The other ninja echoed his affirmative.

 Lloyd's eyes were glossy and Kai worried he was about to cry. Until Lloyd shoved Jay's arm and said in a mockingly venomous, "Now stop calling me green bean!"

 Jay yelped at the strength of Lloyd's shove as he crashed into Nya on the opposite end of the closet. Nya held firm and caught Jay before he fell. "You alright?"

 Jay stammered and blushed bright red. Lloyd giggled and the ninja turned to look at him. His giggles were so cute! Jay snapped out of his embarrassment with his crush to awe at Lloyd.

 Lloyd stopped and looked at the door. What is he looking at?

 Kai was about to ask, when Lloyd held up a hand. "Shh...someone's walking outside."

 Kai bent closer to listen, but didn't hear anyone. The others gave a look of similar conclusions. Kai looked at Lloyd. "What do you hear?"

 Lloyd growled in a tone that promised more danger than the voice he asked Zane with. "Juniper." He snarled and Kai thought that if he had a tail, it would be lashing wildly.

 Cole spoke up. "Juniper? Isn't she the popular girl you said was your bully? How? She's so sweet, even to you."

 Kai would've shared Cole's thoughts had he not bullied Lloyd himself or met Chen. "There's a chance she's pretending Cole. Like Chen."

 Nya scowled at the brought-up name. "I knew he was a no-good, lying-" She was cut off by Lloyd's hand in the air.

"You want to know my secrets? Fine. I won't be like Chen or Juniper." Lloyd scowled, and it made him look more adult than he was...but no less cute and childish.

 The ninja nodded hesitantly.

 Lloyd sighed. "Nya, grab one of those large buckets and fill it with water."

 Nya gave Lloyd a curious expression, but obeyed reluctantly.

 Lloyd hopped in the large bucket, much to the ninjas' surprise. He didn't have a tail. Nya pointed out Kai's observation. "So, we already know you don't have a tail..."

 She trailed off as Lloyd closed his eyes. He took in a deep breath and Kai felt stirrings of something in the air. It wavered and the ninja gasped at the sight of Lloyd's very-much-a-mer-person's tail. It was mainly green, with vibrant gold scales lacing around in ornate patterns. Dotted near the gold were purple scales, which was hued in a color Kai couldn't quite name.

"You do have a tail!" Jay exclaimed in a reverent whisper. "Admittedly, it's much prettier than Garmadon's." The ninja laughed as the tension in the air ebbed. Even Lloyd joined in with his cute laughs.

 Kai knew Garmadon had several abilities other than the visible tail, so he decided to ask. "Do you have any other abilities other than your cool tail?"

 Lloyd looked at his tail and a look of wonder crossed his face. "To be honest, I've never really looked at my own tail...oh! But, I do have other abilities!" Lloyd shook his head and looked back at Kai. "It's the reason the manipulation magic came off of you. You know how some Merfolk have manipulation magic they use? Those are known as sirens. Other Merfolk have different abilities. Every Mer has an innate magic strand. Some have several, which is rarer. I'm one of those. I know a strand of magic that can glamour my tail..." He trailed off to demonstrate his tail's disappearance and reappearance. "I also have an ability none of them know how to use, not even me...it's a kind of comfort magic...I don't really know why it works on a select few..."

 Lloyd looked up at Kai. "It's what made you feel so safe that it broke the manipulation."

 Kai thought about the occurrences and how he felt before and after meeting Lloyd for the first time. When we first met, I hated him. I hated him with a vengeance. Then, we bumped into each other, I've never seen Garmadon's son before...so I didn't know it was him. He was gentle and sweet...and I felt a bit bad when someone jeered about him being the dark lord's son. I realized who he was and edged away, but I noticed the smidgen of sadness that entered him, before I looked away. It made me feel terrible, and after that, I met Skylor, who introduced me to Chen, who used the staff to make me hate Lloyd again...but I couldn't hate him. Not personally.

 Kai grinned. "I think I know how it works."

 Lloyd was shocked that Kai didn't recoil which was understandable. "How did you figure it out?"

 Kai looked at the other ninja, who were paying attention. "You said it only works for a select few. Are they people who don't hate you?"

 Lloyd frowned, but gave a small nod. "You five, mainly. Plus my mom and Wu."

 Kai felt a pang of remorse for the bullying he did, even if it was out of his control. No one should have only seven people that cared about him. "Well, I think, your ability is always active. If someone feels the slightest bit comfortable near you, your power works to make them feel like your the safest haven around. If people hate you, it can't latch on to their feelings of security around you."

 Lloyd slowly nodded as realization dawned in his eyes. "I get it! You started feeling more safe when I was Green, which made my ability easier to use!"

 Kai smirked. "And to think, it was all because of me that you figured it out- OW!" Kai grabbed his head after Nya smacked him. "What was that for?!" He scowled at her playfully, like they used to before Chen got in their business.

"For being so self-absorbed." Nya turned to Lloyd. "Do you think we can get to class and test out your ability more?" She asked gently.

 Kai mock scowled at Lloyd for having all of his sister's brotherly affection. He looked at Jay with a harder scowl, which prompted him to ask, 'What?!' when Kai glared at him.

 Nya frowned at Kai and shook her head affectionately. Even if she got impatient with Kai, she still loved her infuriating brother. She was just starting to love her little brother more.

 Nya heaved Lloyd out of the large bucket, which involved the floor getting soaked and Lloyd being sopping wet. Kai noticed Lloyd's shivers and put his fire next to Lloyd so he could dry off.

 Lloyd sighed at the warmth and leaned into the hug the ninjas gave him. "I'm glad none of you hate me. I'm happy you all accept me for who I am. All of me."

 The ninjas smiled, but the bell rang again, signaling the end of the second period of classes...and some other friends might start to wonder where they were.

 Kai and the others backed away and Lloyd rustled in his backpack. "What are you doing?" Jay asked.

 Lloyd pulled out a change of clothes and grinned at them. "I never leave home without a change." He went into his Spinjitsu and came out wearing the other clothes. "The perks of knowing Spinjitsu."

 Nya gaped. "You can do that?! Guys, we need to learn Spinjitsu!"

 The ninja laughed, but slowly exited the janitor's closet into the waves of students outside. They were all thankful that no one noticed them exit...until several school jocks noticed Lloyd in the hallway.

Chapter Text

 The ninja were lost in the mob of students, so Wilson and Theresa snatched him from the halls. The twins scowled at him as they found a private area to shove him outside.

 Lloyd sputtered as he pushed his face away from the ground. He twisted around to face the siblings. "What do you want?!" Lloyd asked. He was tired from all the emotional rollercoasters and was sick of everyone (except his friends and family- excluding Garmadon of course) treating him like he was worth nothing more than dirt.

 Theresa curled her dark blonde hair with her finger and eyed Lloyd apprehensively. She snapped the fingers on her other hand for Wilson's signal to lift Lloyd by his shirt collar.

"Listen here, Garmadork! You aren't supposed to be making friends with kids who'll protect you!" Wilson growled in a low voice. Lloyd clawed desperately at his fingers to release him, as he was pressing his knuckles into Lloyd's throat, effectively cutting off oxygen...not that he really needed it, as a Mer...but it would reveal his heritage and he'd become hunted.

 Lloyd was surprised by the spots of black in his vision, until he remembered...if there wasn't air or water, he couldn't breathe. Panic was starting to take hold of his mind as he scratched Wilson's fingers, earning him a snarl from the human and a kick in the side from Theresa.

 He was starting to black-out.

------

 Kai looked around the halls again, double-checking. He still couldn't find Lloyd, as they got separated by the crowd.

 He glanced at the positions of the other ninjas, but they shook their heads when they noticed him looking. This isn't good. Where's Lloyd?

 He frantically glanced over the dozens of students, until he felt a sense of panic. He looked around. The ninja seemed to have felt the same. It didn't feel like his own emotion, more like it was forced upon him. It wasn't his panic.

 Kai knew that there was only one person who could send emotions to others who trusted him. Lloyd!

 Nya nodded vigorously. As if to say, I feel it too!

 Kai swept his gaze through the windows, as it felt a bit distant. His eyes narrowed in on Lloyd, partially hidden by a tree...but much higher up than his height was supposed to be.

 Kai motioned for the other ninjas to follow and they darted outside. Perhaps that wasn't quite the word to use...as they shoved their way outside.

"LLOYD!!!" Kai heard Jay shout, very loudly.

------

 Lloyd's vision came back into focus as his friends neared. He could take from their oxygen from their connection? He didn't want to accidentally drain them, but there were five of them, so he was taking equally.

 Wilson stumbled back a step as Lloyd's sight cleared. He looked terrified, and Lloyd noted that his lungs weren't pressing. Oh. I'm not breathing because I'm taking oxygen from a different source?

 Wilson glanced nervously at Theresa from underneath his strawberry blonde hair. She scowled and glared at Lloyd, which seemed to toughen Wilson.

 He pressed his knuckles harder into Lloyd's throat, but the boy didn't feel anything. Oh. I guess because they're so close that I'm constantly healing? Is that a power Merfolk even have? Maybe it's a branch off the safety feeling, but they never learned because they never made the connection? I should probably make secret notes to give to any of my descendants. Or not, cause Garmadon could take them...not if they're well hidden...

 As Lloyd lost himself in his thoughts, Cole tackled Wilson while Nya punched Theresa in the face. Lloyd broke out of his thoughts in concern for his friends as he landed in the grass, and Jay looked at him with amusement. "Glad you care, Green Bean." Jay commented with a smile.

 Lloyd paused. "You can feel my emotions? Because of the bond?" Lloyd whispered as Jay helped him up.

"I think so. It started after you trusted us with your secrets." Jay helped Lloyd stand as Lloyd took in breaths.

"I think, while you were approaching, that I was siphoning off your oxygen." He looked at the others that were defending him. Even Zane was looking to make sure no one could catch them. "In general. Mutual trust seems to be something Merfolk never get. Hm. Mutual trust." He gave Jay a wry smile. "That's something Garmadon could never get."

 Jay chuckled quietly, as the others were beating the bullies to a pulp.

 Lloyd tilted his head. "I probably shouldn't tell them about the other bullies, then."

 Jay looked at him with a storm brewing in his gaze. "Others?"

 Lloyd gulped at the carnage he knew he just inadvertently caused.

Chapter Text

 Lloyd stuck with Kai as he glowered at every single student that tried to come close to Lloyd. "Kai. Just, calm down. Please. You don't need Jay to look at the cameras. You don't want to hurt them!"

 Kai looked Lloyd in the eyes. "I...will only leave them alone...if you punch them and actually defend yourself. If they try to suspend or expell you, we have your back."

 Lloyd cringed at Kai's wording. Kai didn't promise.

 Lloyd sighed and yelped as Kai grabbed his shoulder to pull him in front of him. "You aren't leaving my sight, young man." Lloyd groaned. It was bad enough to not have a father. It was worse when your friends tried to pretend to be one.

"Fine. Dad." Lloyd muttered quietly. Kai grinned.

 Lloyd folded his arms and felt Kai's anger lessen. He mumbled several words he hoped Kai wouldn't catch, as they were plans to tie up his friends and make them forget him so they would leave him alone.

 Lloyd noticed Skylor to the side and glanced back at Kai. Kai was watching Skylor with sad eyes, as her father had tricked him. Lloyd watched curiously as Kai shook his head and focus back on Lloyd. "What?"

 Lloyd tilted his head. "If you love her so much, tell her that. She shouldn't have to choose between you and her father. Take his staff or hide it or something. She might be under the same spell you were in."

 Kai blushed profusely and Lloyd turned away to continue walking the halls. Lloyd would've scowled if it wouldn't make the other students hate him more. My brother is going to be the death of me. Lloyd grumbled in his thoughts. He blinked.

Brother? Hm. I can be their brother. I'd love to have siblings. Lloyd smiled at Kai. "You're my big brother, right?"

------

 Kai paused in his step and looked at Lloyd's youthful face. He was smiling so brightly, even if it was small. Kai cared for Lloyd like he cared for Nya. As a little sibling who must be protected.

 Kai grinned. He was having a hard time not giving in to Lloyd's demands with his cute little face. "Yeah. I'm your big brother, Greenie."

 Lloyd frowned as Kai messed up his hair, again. "Stop it! I told you already!" Lloyd groaned in exasperation and Kai barked a loud, lighthearted laugh.

"But, you're the green bean." Kai teased.

 Lloyd couldn't help his smile and Kai brightened instantaneously. Lloyd's emotions were stronger the closer you were, and Kai could feel the happiness and joy just radiating off the boy.

"Fine. I won't murder anyone...just defend yourself. I won't try to convince the others, cause that's something you need to do. And with your presence, I would be less effective. You could convince them to burn the school...?" Kai made it sound like an example, but it was more of a suggestion. He wanted to burn the school of bullies, but that would only serve to make them hate Lloyd more.

 Lloyd yawned. "I'll talk to them in a moment. Could you make sure that I wake up before the teacher gets here? I need a nap." Lloyd walked into their classroom and sat at a desk in the back corner, near the windows. Kai sat beside him and kept a firm watch.

------

 Kai had shown Lloyd that the next person he should talk to was either Cole or Jay. Lloyd voted Cole, because if Jay saw him, he would be clingy and keep Lloyd in his sight for hours. 

 Apparently, Kai had spoken to Cole, because after class Cole was there to take him to the next. He was waiting with Vania by Lloyd's lockers, and as she didn't know what Lloyd looked like, he was safe.

 Lloyd was short for fifteen, but Vania was tall for seventeen, as she was almost two inches shorter than Cole's massive height. Kai spoke to the two. "Take care of my little brother, please. I don't want anyone bullying him while I'm gone."

 Lloyd didn't want Vania to ask why he would be bullied, so he asked Kai a question in a slightly whining voice. "Where are you going?"

 Kai looked back at Lloyd. "To either go get ice cream, or commit a felony. I'll decide in the car."

 Lloyd let out a sound of distress and Kai ran back to pat his head.

"Hey! It was just a joke! I'm only going to get you some ice cream for your lunch." Kai explained. Lloyd looked up at his eyes and slowly nodded.

 He forgot that Cole and Vania were there and watching.

------

 Cole heard Vania whisper to him. "You guys are in a group. Right? Where you bond and any relatives are the rest of the group's relatives?"

 Cole hesitated. "Sorta. The rest of us decided to adopt him as our little brother since...he gets bullied a lot and he feels the most safe with us."

 Vania let out a small squeal. "Ooh! He's so cute. Can I keep him? I want him over! He's gonna be my little brother too now!" Vania's rush of words were too quiet for Lloyd and Kai to hear, but Cole still heard her.

"You want my little brother?" Cole asked in a teasing tone.

 Vania nodded fervently. "Yes, yes, yes! He's so cute! I can't help it! I love cute things! Maybe he would like meeting Chompy?"

 Cole still hadn't met the elusive Chompy. "Remind me what he is?"

"He's just Chompy." Vania shrugged the question off.

 Lloyd glanced up at Cole and Vania. He couldn't help trusting the little bean.

"Aww!!!" Vania leaned down so she was eye-level with Lloyd, who was only a hand's length shorter than her. "You're so cute! Wanna come to my house?"

 Cole could see the panic in his eyes. "Um...I don't have to...do I?"

 Vania tilted her head. "Well, no. But I want you to meet Chompy!"

 Lloyd hissed silently. "Do...do you know who I am?"

 Vania waved a hand. "Of course I do. Do you know how many pictures there are?"

 Lloyd tensed, then slowly relaxed his muscles. "If you know who I am...why are you so nice?"

 Vania squeezed Cole's arm and Cole looked at her face. She was genuinely enjoying her interaction with Lloyd. "Because, little Lloyd. Cole thinks of you as a brother, and if Cole likes your company, I want to try too. Cole's a good judge of character. He's the one who discovered my father was evil...but he died before his arrest."

 Lloyd slowly gave Vania a hug. "I think a lot of people can claim to have an evil dad...but your pain makes it more real." Lloyd said quietly.

 Cole thought about. "Maybe the reason you wanted to get to know Lloyd, was because he also has experience with having a villain father." Cole said to Vania. She brightened and looked at Lloyd, her eyes sparkled brilliantly.

"That's actual a good theory! Why would someone with a bad father judge you for having the same? It would make them hypocrites!" Vania giggled and Cole loved hearing the sound.

 Lloyd smiled shyly. "Thanks for giving me a chance." He murmured as he looked at the ground.

 Vania pat his head and Cole gave up the idea of revenge against Lloyd's bullies. Lloyd looked up abruptly and Cole grinned at him. He must've felt the loosening anger, then.

 Cole knew Lloyd had no reason to worry about him. He made his peace now.

------

 Kai came back with ice cream for everyone at their table. Which included Vania and P.I.X.A.L., Zane's girlfriend. Zane had told the ninja earlier that Pixal was a robot like himself, so it calmed their nerves.

 Lloyd eyed the hard glimmer in Zane's metallic eyes. He was angry, Lloyd felt it, but he didn't want to spook Lloyd or the other ninja. Lloyd didn't have to do much to convince Zane to release his anger, as he knew Zane would never hurt innocents.

Does he think they're innocent, though? Lloyd suppressed a shudder. He would talk to Zane privately, to convince him.

------

Zane heard Lloyd's footsteps behind him. He also felt Lloyd's emotions strengthen as the green ninja drew closer. Zane turned his head to look at the boy the team called 'the green bean' both in and out of his presence.

 Zane wanted to follow their new tradition. "Hello, green bean."

 Lloyd groaned as he stepped in time with Zane. "Not you too."

"Hm?"

 Lloyd shook his head and looked up at Zane, as his creator had built Zane as tall. "I don't think hurting people is a healthy way to release anger."

 Zane tipped his head in acknowledgment. "It is not the most ideal way, but Garmadon uses it."

 Lloyd's step paused for a split moment. "It wasn't Garmadon. He didn't know. It...was the generals...for some reason."

 Zane studied Lloyd's expression. He looked like he was remembering an encounter with Garmadon's generals. "I see. So they are the example."

 Lloyd violently shook his head. "No. You're not getting it! Hurting others because you're angry makes it worse!" Zane noticed a flash of purple shift his green eyes to look eerily similar to Garmadon's. Does he know he's part Oni? Or does he only know about his Mer part?

 Zane opted to mull over the situation quietly.

 Lloyd sighed. "Sorry. I just...don't want anyone to get hurt because of me..."

 Zane's anger seeped away slowly throughout their conversation, as he had been in the presence of the team's little bean. "I do not believe I can feel anger anymore, as your presence has removed it."

 Lloyd blinked at Zane's phrasing, then beamed brightly, causing Zane to smile in return.

------

 Now Lloyd just had to convince Jay and Nya...and hopefully they never told Wu.

Chapter Text

 Lloyd heard Jay tinkering with something a moment before he entered the room.

"What are you doing?" He looked down at Jay kneeling on the floor, trying to reach something that rolled underneath the counter.

 Jay looked up and brightened. "Lloyd! Can you get the thingy out so I can use it to rework the metal on that over there?" Lloyd couldn't tell what Jay was saying, as he never learned how to engineer.

 Lloyd crouched down and spotted what Jay was reaching for. He looked at Jay beside him. "A recharge coil?"

 Jay grinned shyly. "Yeah...I can't get my fingers to reach..."

 Lloyd rolled his eyes. "I'll help."

 Jay shifted back to give Lloyd more room. Lloyd turned his palm to the ground and inched it underneath. He made a small energy sphere and tossed it towards the coil gently. It wrapped around the coil and floated back into Lloyd's hand. Lloyd pulled his hand out and showed Jay the retrieved item.

"Yes! This is it! Thanks, Greenie." Jay gave Lloyd a quick hug before he could get uncomfortable. Lloyd blinked in surprise.

"What...?"

 Jay waved him off. "It's your official title now. The whole team agreed."

"Why...?" Lloyd still couldn't come up with an eloquent question to explain his confusion.

 Jay gave him a blank stare. "You're our leader, as well as the cutest. You deserved a nickname."

"But...Greenie? Really?" Lloyd knew he couldn't dissuade Jay from thinking of him as a child.

 Jay shrugged with a hint of a smile. "Kai came up with it. I thought of Green Bean."

 Lloyd groaned and audibly smacked his forehead. "No...I'll be mercilessly teased about it!"

 Jay laughed freely. "Fear not, Kai wouldn't dare face our combined wrath!"

 Lloyd blinked at Jay. "Combined? Our? Who's?"

"The whole team! It's why we're so dangerous!" Jay's eyes lit up at the thought of vengeance for Lloyd.

 Lloyd laughed nervously. "Hahah...yeah...so. Could you not hunt down my bullies?"

 Jay's eyes glinted darkly. "Why not? They hurt you, and others have tried to kill you."

 Lloyd shook his head. "As heroes, it's against our moral code to hurt others."

 Jay frowned and looked away from Lloyd. "Even so. They didn't have enough morals to stay away from you."

 Lloyd flinched at the sudden darkness emanating from Jay. "You know...with dark emotions, someone could take control of you easier."

 Jay gasped and whipped around to face Lloyd. "Do I have the colors?!" He let Lloyd examine his eyes to verify if the magic color was embedded in his eye color.

 Lloyd shook his head with a firm smile. "You're fine. But we should probably warn the others." Jay's emotions smoothed into brighter ones. He was relieved and glad that Lloyd was there, as well as the permanent feelings of safety and security that accompanied Lloyd's very presence.

"I should finish this device then..." Jay trailed off and peaked Lloyd's curiosity.

"What are you making?" Lloyd finally asked. Jay's smile of pure joy lit up the room with his explanation.

"It's a device to help me and the others breathe underwater! It's still in the Beta stage, but I'm working faster now that I know about...you know. In case you ever need underwater assistance and our mechs can't help too much. It'll also make us faster swimmers so we can keep up!" Jay finally stopped for a breath of air.

 Lloyd's eyes widened as he took in the entirety of the device. "Wow. You've really thought this out. Thorough. You have managed to impress me, yet again, Jay."

 Jay squeezed Lloyd in a second hug and displayed how to attach it and activate it. Lloyd was enraptured by the performance and didn't notice the time going by until the bell rang.

"Sorry, Jay. Bring it to practice and we can show the others while you finish working on them!" Lloyd suggested.

 Jay nodded. "I'll finish this prototype so I can copy the wiring for the others."

 Lloyd didn't quite know what he was talking about, so he let it slide. "I gotta go. Hurry up!"

 Jay shuffled the things in his backpack and slipped it on to follow after Lloyd.

------

 Nya grumbled as she slashed through her target. The ninja were practicing in the warehouse after a long day at school. Nya was very upset about the people that attacked Lloyd earlier in the morning.

They better not come near my green bean. Otherwise, they're gonna taste the metal in my sword. Nya struck the wooden dummies as the others waited at the door for Lloyd to come. He was late, for some reason.

"You should probably worry about leaving an opening during your strikes. You're blows are too angry and that can cause heavy slip-ups." A familiar voice said from somewhere behind her.

 Nya gasped and spun around smoothly. "Green?"

 Jay yelped as someone tied him up by his feet to the ceiling. Nya whirled in his direction. "Show yourself! I'm armed and highly dangerous!"

 Cole was taken next, as he was tied up and stuffed in his locker. "You should think about it. Hero or villain. Ninja or not. No one should harm Ninjago City or its citizens." Lloyd's voice echoed strangely and Nya couldn't pinpoint where he was.

 Zane gave a muffled cry as he was tied and thrown into someone's mech, as it was too dark to see who's it was. From the shape, she guessed Kai's. "Green! Come out!" Nya called to him.

 Kai was tied before he could call out for help and stuck to the ceiling beside Jay. "Hhy Je." His voice was muffled, but she thought he meant, "Hey Jay."

"Green! What are you doiiiiNGGG!!!! AAAHHHHH!!!" Nya screamed as she was tied to the ceiling. She glared at the ground and looked for Lloyd.

"You guys had an hour before I showed up, and none of you were training properly." Lloyd said sadly as he stepped into the light wearing his green gi.

"Green. Get us down!!!" Nya shrieked.

 Lloyd shook his head. "Sorry. Can't. You haven't released your ideas of revenge against the bullies, so I tied up everyone so they can't help you down."

"GREEN!!!" Nya shouted.

 Lloyd shrugged. "You can keep screaming. I'ma get a cup of tea." Lloyd went to Wu's break room and came out with a steaming cup a few minutes later. "The good thing about being his nephew. He won't get mad at me for getting tea."

 Nya tried to hold onto her anger at Lloyd and his bullies, but she couldn't help how cute Lloyd looked as he sat and drank his cup. He blew on it and took off his hood. Nya could see his messy hair and stifled the urge to laugh or fix his hair. Nya sighed as the anger and aggression leaked out of her and she just watched Lloyd's behavior. "Fine. You win."

 She could feel Kai's eyes on her. His shock was apparent. Nya never gave up without a fight, but why would she fight the green bean?

 She noticed Lloyd blinking up at her, and spotted his smile as he felt her emotions. Before a second could pass, she was falling to the ground.

 Lloyd used his Spinjitsu to catch Nya and went on to release the other ninja. "That was great! I got to test your slow reactions for Uncle!"

 At that moment, Master Wu walked in from the break room Lloyd went in for tea. "Well, well. Green, I see you showed them some restraint in their knots and spaces."

 Lloyd grinned up at Master Wu. Nya bowed her head in a respectful nod to the wise master.

 Master Wu glanced at Lloyd. "Do they know...?"

 Lloyd nodded his head. "Mhm! I thought, if we're to make a good team, they should trust me!" His enthusiasm had Nya biting back a smile.

 Master Wu smirked. "You held back to show them mercy. What about pitting them against..." He trailed off as Lloyd gave him a scowl...which was uncharacteristic from the bean.

"No. They will not fight 'random' citizens of Ninjago after I convinced them to settle for peace!" Lloyd eyes flickered purple and gold as he stood straighter. Nya would've been amused that he was trying to intimidate his uncle, who was taller than him, but the flickering colors startled her and she was growing worried.

 Nya winced when she felt his anger boil. She looked at the others and noticed similar expressions. She turned to Lloyd. "Green. You need to calm down."

 Lloyd blinked as he faced her and his eyes settled to their usual green color. "Right...thanks."

 Master Wu sat on a bench and sipped his tea as he waited for Lloyd to refocus. "Are you finished, Green?"

 Lloyd blew out a breath as his shoulders sagged. "Yes. I feel better now." Lloyd rolled his shoulders back and stretched.

 The ninja glanced between themselves. Did we miss something? Lloyd glanced at them. "You guys should probably stretch too. Don't wanna pull something during our duels, you know."

 Nya looked at her brother and smirked at him. I'm winning my duel, Kai. Kai gave her a smug grin filled with his usual self-confidence.

 Master Wu broke the team into pairs for the duels. Jay against Cole. Kai against Nya. Zane against Lloyd. Master Wu called for the training session to start and the ninja cut off their thoughts to focus.

------

 Wu glanced at Lloyd as he faced off against Zane. If you do not want any of the hardened citizens to be brought to justice for the harm they caused you...I will not pretend to understand. I only hope your decision will not negatively impact our future. I will trust in your judgment, young nephew.

 Wu shook his head and began to correct Kai's posture and Cole's footwork. The ninja had much more training to do before they could finally defeat Garmadon.

I only wish we had enough time for them to finish.

Chapter Text

 Lloyd tensed as the ominous feeling of darkness encompassed him. The ninja immediately sensed his discomfort.

"Lloyd?" Kai spoke as if his voice was submerged.

"What's wrong?" It sounded vaguely like Jay as sounds buzzed in Lloyd's ears.

 Lloyd glared at the slight waves on the water visible from where he stood. His vision locked on the dark mass beneath the water. "Garmadon." Lloyd hissed at the foaming sea.

 The ninja tensed behind him and Jay pulled out something from his pocket as Garmadon leaped out of the water and onto the shore of Ninjago City's beach.

 Lloyd growled as his territorial instincts locked onto the intruder. Outsider. There shouldn't be an outsider. Intruder. He lost the right to be in my family's home. Get. Rid. Of. Him. He tugged his hood onto his head as Garmadon twisted his mech towards the warehouse.

"I see Green!" He taunted as he brought the mech closer. The metal plates gleamed in the waning sunlight as Garmadon approached the warehouse.

 Lloyd recollected his thoughts and asked Jay. "Blue. Did you finish that device?"

 Jay's eyes widened and he nodded. "I set them in everyone's hoods. Why?"

 Lloyd narrowed his eyes towards Garmadon as his instincts lashed. "I need them activated. We're going to find Garmadon's underwater power source and stop him from entering Ninjago." Otherwise there might not be one after my Mer instincts kick in...

 Jay's eyes brightened and he gave the ninja orders to click the button on their hoods before submerging.

"Guys...?" Lloyd started as Garmadon's mech came closer.

 The ninja spoke about the proper procedures for whatever Jay's devices did.

"Guys! Garmadon's coming! We gotta move now!" Lloyd barrelled into them and shoved them aside in time as the leg of Garmadon's mech crashed through the warehouse's ceiling towards where the ninja stood moments before.

 Lloyd was tossed into the churning waters and yelped as the ninja splashed in after him. He noticed the device was still off and quickly pressed the button for them. He didn't notice any visible changes until he felt them breathing easier. Whatever that device does, I'm glad they survived this part of the sea. Lloyd grimaced beneath his hood when he realized the ninja were unconscious from the fall.

Great. Just great. I'm gonna have to shift my power to swim better with all their weight. Lloyd sighed bubbles into the water and glared at Garmadon's rampage from below the surface. Lloyd's Mer instincts thrashed at his home being invaded by someone who wasn't welcome, and he wanted desperately to rid the city of the threat. Calm down. As the others would say, stay calm Green Bean. Oh no...I just called myself a green bean. Is the nickname contagious?!

 Lloyd tugged the ninja deeper and lined them up. He pinched their sleeves away from the skin of their wrists and tied them around the waist of the unconscious person in front of them. First, Cole, as he was the heaviest and needed the most help with controlling his sinking. Lloyd tied Cole's sleeves around Jay, as they were best friends when he met them. He tied Jay's sleeves around Kai, and Kai's around Nya, and Nya's around Zane's. For a nindroid, Zane was incredibly light.

 Lloyd wrapped his arms around Cole and flicked his tail in the water. It feels weird to freely swim after hiding it for so long. Lloyd shook his head and focused on keeping them upright.

This is our first mission. Destroy Garmadon's power source and return to Ninjago City. We're entering the Merfolk's territory as we swim in the water...but hopefully they won't bother me...

 Lloyd grumbled under his breath and more bubbles of air streamed out. Lloyd couldn't help his giggle at it. He slowed his descent into the deeper waters when he felt he was being watched. After ignoring my instincts for my entire life, I feel the presence of someone. Like me.

 Lloyd smacked the water with his tail and vaguely felt the shadowy impression follow them. After a few more feet of diving deeper into the water, Lloyd noticed the presence approach.

 Lloyd released Cole and spun around to face his adversary. He yelped when he got a Trident to his face and some Mer guards taking the ninja from him.

No. NO. They won't take my friends! They're MINE! Lloyd growled and lashed out at the approaching guards. His anger and protectiveness fuelled his instinctual Mer fighting style.

 He defeated several Mers and reclaimed his team as they floated in the water. He gently checked them for any marks, as they had yet to wake up. Did falling really make that much of an impact? Lloyd tried to shake off his worry.

 He continued downward until he ran into another Mer. Lloyd slowly turned his head to find the Mer aiming the weapon at Lloyd.

"Who are you?" His voice reverberated in the water. "And why have I never seen you before?"

Chapter Text

"I-I-I...I'm Lloyd..." Lloyd floundered for what to say.

 The Mer eyed him skeptically and glanced behind him. "Why are you dragging surface-dwellers here? They cannot survive!"

 Lloyd glanced at his friends. "They can. I made sure of it. See? They're breathing." Lloyd motioned to the ninja at his back and shifted so the Mer could see his friend's breaths.

 His eyes widened as he looked from Lloyd to the humans, then they narrowed. "Who are you and why are you here with surface-dwellers? I've met every Mer of our kingdom. It's the only one, anyway."

 Lloyd sighed and the bubbles raced to the surface. "As I said. I'm Lloyd. These are my friends, and we're trying to stop Garmadon from destroying Ninjago."

"Why would a Mer care about Ninjago?" He asked curiously, which just irritated Lloyd's frayed nerves.

"Why would you care about the place you live? It's home. Simple as that." Lloyd growled. A loud swish from his tail could be heard from far away.

 The Mer tilted his head. "A Mer who claims Ninjago as home. I see how the appearance of a foreigner in your claimed territory can open spots for instincts."

 Lloyd groaned. "Well, can I have your name and get going? I'm trying to stop Garmadon from destroying my home ever again."

 The Mer laughed sheepishly. "I am so sorry. I forgot to introduce myself in the blur of questions. I am Benthomaar. Adopted son of King Trimaar of the Endless Sea."

 Lloyd shifted his hold on Cole and grimaced. "I apologize for my abrupt arrival. I've never met a nice Mer, other than my uncle. He doesn't have the tail, though."

 Benthomaar chuckled. "Neither do I. You'll find that most Mers do not have one like surface-dwellers expect...or like you do. I have never seen a Mer with a tail like yours. Usually, our tails are more octopus tentacles. And that's only the royals. A tail like yours...is unheard of. Garmadon is the only Mer I've seen or heard of with a tail, but it's mostly made out of Oni illusion magic."

 Lloyd paled. If I'm the only one with a tail...how am I going to go undetected? There's a higher chance my friends can than me!

 Benthomaar swam backwards with a few swift strokes. "It will be alright, Lloyd. But you should guard your friends. My brother does not like surface-dwellers and isn't as tolerant as I am."

 Lloyd's aggression coiled dangerously. "He wouldn't dare touch my friends, Benthomaar."

 Benthomaar sighed and pat Lloyd's head. "Calm yourself youngling. Kalmaar won't hurt them if he can't find them. And please, call me Bentho."

 Lloyd scrunched his nose. "Calamari?"

 Benthomaar laughed. "No. Kalmaar is the heir to the throne."

 Lloyd frowned at Benthomaar. "Don't call me youngling. You look just a few years older than me!"

 Bentho smiled mysteriously. "The ocean makes Mers age differently."

 Lloyd tilted his head and squeaked in surprise when Bentho started swimming away. "Ackkk! Wait for me, Bentho!" Lloyd called as the prince swam farther away.

 Lloyd grunted and swished his tail in double the speed to catch up.

"Why are you swimming so fast?!" Lloyd shouted above the roaring current that covered him.

 Bentho looked back and started. "How are you swimming so fast?! I'm the strongest swimmer in the kingdom! Everyone says so!"

 Lloyd smirked. "It's because I have a tail!"

 Bentho grinned. "That does seem a trifle unfair!"

 Lloyd laughed and waded through the deep water. He clutched Cole and glanced at the train. Whew. Still there. I just got to get them to an oxygen-filled room and they can recharge the devices.

 Lloyd faltered for a moment and Bentho gained space between them. "Hey! Wait! Does your castle have air-filled rooms?!"

 Bentho spun around and swam backwards. "What?!"

 Lloyd muttered a string of angry words that no one would count as real cursing. "Pineapple-peach tart fudge on flipped banana pancakes." He grumbled in anger. He calmed and shouted aloud. "DOES YOUR CASTLE HAVE AIR FILLED ROOMS?!"

 Bentho shouted back. "YES!"

 Lloyd's rage decreased and he focused on catching up with Bentho. Bentho dove into a tunnel suddenly and Lloyd yelped as he was thrown after him.

"AAAAHHHHHHH!!!" Lloyd screamed as he plummeted. He hit the ground hard from the force of the current and floated up softly with a groan. He shook his head slowly and twitched his tail. "That hurt." He spun around and checked his friends. Are they okay?! He scanned them critically and deducted that they had received no damage.

Phew. They're fine. Now. Where's Bentho? Lloyd glanced around and spotted Bentho watching him with an amused look.

"What?" Lloyd growled.

 Bentho held up his hands in mock surrender. "I had no idea you could scream so loudly. And for five minutes without breathing."

 Lloyd blushed from embarrassment. "SHH!!! Don't tell them!"

"Tell who?" Bentho asked with a growing smile. Lloyd sighed.

"I am doomed to be embarrassed by older siblings!" Lloyd whined dramatically in a way Kai would be proud of.

"Siblings?" Bentho asked. Lloyd hid his flinch skillfully.

"Not really. They just think of me like a little brother." Lloyd said quietly.

 Bentho looked mournfully. "I wish my own brother treated me like one. You are lucky that people unrelated to you act like you are."

 Lloyd studied Bentho. "You love your brother. But he doesn't love you back?"

 Bentho shook his head forlornly. "No. He just treats me like a nuisance."

 Lloyd hesitantly slipped away from his friends to give Bentho a small hug. Bentho blinked at Lloyd in surprise. "You shouldn't have been treated like that. My brothers and sisters tease me from time to time and bother me a lot...but they don't treat me like I shouldn't exist. Well, they used to. When they thought I was evil."

"For being a Mer among humans?" Bentho asked curiously.

 Lloyd hesitated but shook his head. "No. No one knew about that."

 Bentho studied Lloyd closely. "Then why? You are a perfectly nice surface-dwelling Mer."

 Lloyd hung his head and backed away slowly. "For being Garmadon's son."

 Bentho gasped and Lloyd looked up to see his expression. He was shocked, that was certain, but there was an unreadable expression on his face. "That's why I've never seen you before! You were born on land!"

 Lloyd was puzzled. "What? You don't hate me for being Garmadon's son?"

 Bentho waved a hand in dramatic gestures. "You're a pleasant person to be around! Why should I condemn you for who your father is when I've never met mine or am biologically related to my new one?"

 Lloyd shrugged. "I dunno. People usually do."

 Bentho gave Lloyd a tight hug that shocked a small yelp from him. "You are a good person, Lloyd. You have a feeling of safety around you. Is that your inherent magic?"

 Lloyd shrugged again. "I dunno. I have several strands."

 Bentho smiled. "Can I see?"

 Lloyd held out a hand. "Be my guest. I want to see the effects of this underwater." Lloyd activated a small burst of energy and shrieked as he was flung backwards. He swished his tail to right himself before he hit the wall.

 Bentho gaped. "That was elemental power!"

 Lloyd nodded. "I have Mer abilities too."

 Bentho eagerly glanced around to spot whatever he was looking at. Lloyd activated a glamour to conceal himself. Bentho jumped from where he stood and floated in the water for a moment before settling down and seeing Lloyd. Lloyd cast off the glamour and remembered what Bentho said about safety. Lloyd thought of things that unsettled him and made him angry and Bentho shouted in surprise.

"What- What magic is this? I've never heard of a Mer being able to send their emotions to another!"

 Lloyd frowned at his hands. "It's just that rare magic that no Mer knows how to use. You need to bond with others in order to use it."

 Bentho nodded slowly. "That makes sense as to why it worked for some and not others."

"The bond needs to be both ways in order to locate another person." Lloyd glanced away. "Or for them to locate you."

 Bentho blew out a breath that summoned a swarm of bubbles that barraged his face and made him splutter. Lloyd giggled and Bentho frowned and wiped his face with the ocean. "The Merlopians are having a meeting. I can introduce you to my father and you can tell him about you and your friends' woes."

"Merlopians?"

"What did you think 'Mer' was short for?"

"Merfolk."

 Bentho blinked. "Yes. Makes sense."

 Lloyd shifted towards his friends and noted that their devices needed to be recharged soon. "We should hurry. The thing that's allowing them to be underwater is running out."

 Bentho nodded and led Lloyd to a cavern that revealed just how massive the underwater city was.

Chapter Text

 Lloyd gaped at the gigantic undersea city. It was about the same size as Ninjago City! Lloyd flinched when Bentho tapped on him. "Are you alright? We must be going or your friends will drown. Will they not?" Bentho asked with his unflinching curiosity.

"Sorry. Yes, I am fine." Is his speech pattern rubbing off on me? Lloyd hid a wince. "My friends will drown. So, please hurry. Where exactly are we headed?"

 Bentho swam forward through the deep water and yelled for Lloyd to hear. "The infirmary is where we take sailors before they can drown!"

They save sailors? If the sailors are conscious when they find the Mers dragging them through the water to the surface...it would explain how the sailors survived and told stories about the sea people. Lloyd was thrilled that the Merlopians weren't actually bad. Some, like Kalmaar, didn't care about what happened to the humans while others, like Benthomaar, were sympathetic to the land-dwellers' plight.

 Lloyd swished his powerful tail and wove through the water after Bentho. His friends were being dragged behind him. He flicked Cole with his tail to keep him upright.

"Are we close?! It's getting harder to tell if the devices are still active!" Lloyd was feeling more and more nausea as his friends weren't breathing deep enough.

"We're here!" Bentho declared abruptly. His sudden stop made Lloyd lurch and spin back around to locate Bentho.

 Lloyd looked at the large structure. "This is?"

"Mhm!" Bentho grinned. "I'll take them inside. You can help make sure they are still breathing."

 Bentho took Lloyd's position with holding Cole. Lloyd checked Zane and the rest in between their train and smiled tightly. They're not breathing properly. Lloyd pushed on and pressured Bentho to go faster. Bentho relented, as he recognized there was no real irritation, just worry for his family friends.

"I'll get the healer, then I will take you to Father for official introductions. It isn't likely that he didn't sense your presence in the water." Bentho instructed cautiously.

 Lloyd was hesitant to leave his friends, but decided they were better left with a healer who could take care of them. "Alright. I will meet the king."

 Bentho nodded. "King Trimaar. My father. He would be in the throne room as of now. I will lead you to him."

 Lloyd followed Bentho as he wound through the winding corridors. The air in the room buzzed in Lloyd's ears, but it was probably because of the little circulation for the oxygen. Bentho led Lloyd to two intricate doors and greeted the guards warmly. The guards looked like sea serpentine, which was odd enough. The guards' reaction to Bentho was warm, meaning that they enjoyed the company of the adopted prince.

"I am here to take the visitor inside. He's to meet the king." Bentho explained vaguely when they asked. The guards accepted this reasoning and allowed them entry.

 Bentho pulled Lloyd forward when he froze at the intimidating sight of the king. He was partly octopus, with his tentacles, and his purple-hued skin glistened in the flickering torchlight.

"Father! I returned with a visitor!" Bentho grinned and skipped up to speak with his king.

"A visitor. A surface-dweller? How did he ever get here?" King Trimaar asked.

 Bentho's smile widened. "He's of the Mers! But unlike any I've ever seen! He has a tail, Father!"

 Lloyd watched the exchange curiously.

"A tail? Like mine and Kalmaar's?"

"No! He has a real tail!" Bentho jumped slightly with bursting excitement that he got to tell his father the news.

 A third voice chimed in from behind Lloyd. "What's this about a Mer with a tail? And why is there a surface-dweller here?"

 Lloyd spun around and instinctively entered a fighting stance. He paused and saw the Merlopian's resemblance to the king. "Are you Prince Kalmaar?" Lloyd forcibly relaxed his muscles.

"Why, yes. You have heard of me?" Kalmaar looked almost pleased.

"Yes. From your brother, Bentho." Lloyd tilted his head to watch Kalmaar's reaction. He wasn't disappointed by the slight green that entered his skin for a brief moment.

"Not my brother." He muttered quietly. It was almost too quiet for Lloyd to catch.

"Ah! Kalmaar. I see you have exchanged greetings with the foreigner." King Trimaar smiled at his son.

"Not willingly." Kalmaar again muttered quietly.

 Bentho smiled, a hint of sadness crept in that Lloyd could feel in his core due to his power and their new connection from the journey. "Kalmaar. Always pleasant to see you!" Bentho kept up his happy face for his father.

 King Trimaar smiled at his sons. He turned his attention to Lloyd. "Bentho here tells me that you have a tail. You are a surface-dweller with Mer-blood?"

"A tail? Only full-bloods royals have those." Kalmaar scoffed and a tentacle squirmed beneath him. It was a dig at Bentho, that was certain.

 Lloyd hid a scowl and defended his new friend. "I do have a tail. My Mer-blood comes from my father."

 Kalmaar eyed him. "You don't look like you have a tail."

 Lloyd rolled his eyes. "And you don't look like a prince." He muttered under his breath.

 Bentho whispered something to his father and King Trimaar looked pleased. "Excellent suggestion Bentho. Guards! Submerge the throne room!"

 Lloyd glanced at his feet as something wet his shoe soles. He noticed water rapidly covering the room until the entire room was underwater. Lloyd's tail was still glamoured, so he undid it and revealed his glimmering tail.

 He heard gasps from the royals and the guards in the room. Why are they so surprised? What's so significant about my tail? He heard whispers about the First Spinjitsu Master's bloodline.

Oh. Does my tail have significance because I'm the grandson of the First Spinjitsu Master? His question was answered in a moment.

 Kalmaar glared at Lloyd's admittedly dazzling tail. The water in the room decreased as the guards refilled the room with air. "I thought only the FSM had a tail. I still think that, but then why does this surface-dweller have a blessed tail?!"

OH! He's jealous! Lloyd stifled the urge to smirk or retort, which is something Kai definitely would do in his situation.

 Lloyd decided honesty was best, like with Benthomaar and his own friends. "Because my father is Garmadon. Son of the First Spinjitsu Master."

Chapter Text

 Nya slowly blinked awake as she regained consciousness. Her breathing was level and she was taking in plenty of oxygen. She heard voices from outside the white of the room. There were veins of aquamarine and gold on the white curtains. They looked oddly pleasing.

"Lower your voices. The surface-dwellers that Prince Benthomaar allowed in are waking up from recovery. If they wish to recover fully, they must rest. I have no idea how the shrapnel was embedded into their backs, but thankfully it wasn't deep enough to draw blood. Probably due to Garmadon's surface attacks?" One voice instructed.

 Nya slowly sat up. The pain in her back had dissipated from when she had hit the surface of the water. The surface of the water? Where am I? A healer's tent? Where are the ninja? Where's Lloyd? Nya slid out from her covers and gingerly placed her feet on the ground. She gently opened the curtain to see four people she could easily identify as Mers. "Where am I?" She decided to not be hostile. If Lloyd was a good Mer, could others be?

"Ah! The female surface-dweller is awake." The first voice motioned to one of the guards Nya hadn't noticed. "You. Go tell Prince Benthomaar that his guest's friends have awoken."

 The guard bowed and left his post. Nya was confused. A prince's guest? Who's awake? Wait. The only one who can breathe underwater, obviously. The green bean. Nya smiled at the thought that Lloyd brought them there. It probably took a while to learn where the healers were. Wait. He's the guest of a prince?! How did Lloyd befriend a prince?!

 Nya sat on a bench outside her curtained-off room and pondered at how her little brother could've befriended a prince. She spotted a curtain shift from her peripheral and knew another ninja had awoken.

------

 Jay stretched his arms and frowned at the dull ache that reverberated in his back. He remembered getting hit by Garmadon's explosion and hitting the surface of the water with a splat, but he couldn't remember activating his oxygen device. Lloyd did that, probably. Jay took in his surroundings. Wait. Where in the Starfarer world am I?!

 Jay limped to the curtain in front of his bed and opened it with shaking fingers. Where's Lloyd? He would never leave us alone! He spotted Nya on a bench to his left.

"Nya!" He whispered fiercely.

 He limped towards Nya, as most of the shrapnel from the explosion had gotten his leg. Nya scoot over to give Jay room and Jay sat down with a sigh of relief that the weight had gotten off his leg. Nya gave him a tight hug that made Jay squawk in surprise. Nya giggled and relaxed her tense muscles.

 Jay scanned the room and noticed several closed curtains. Must be the other ninja. He counted and found they were one short. "Where's Lloyd?"

 Nya responded and Jay jumped, as he hadn't meant to ask out loud. "I overheard the nurse talking. She said that their 'Prince Benthomaar' has a guest. The prince's guest had friends in the recovery room. I'm guessing Lloyd befriended the prince."

 Jay's eyes widened. "The bean is friends with Mer-royalty?!" He whispered roughly, as his throat craved water.

 Nya handed him a cup of water and Jay drank it. He breathed out and continued. "I can't believe the green bean is friends with Mer-royalty. Especially the prince. And that he's a guest and managed to get us doctors to heal us."

 Nya shrugged. "I know! I can't believe it either, but that's what it sounds like!"

 Another voice piped in. "Well, it sounds epic to me!"

 Nya and Jay turned to see Kai awake and heading over to them. "Kai!" They exclaimed.

"I know. Miss me?" Kai asked with a smug grin.

 Nya swatted his arm when he came close enough. "As if! We were unconscious like you! How can we miss you if we aren't awake to notice you're gone?!"

"Ouch, Sis. Didn't need to be so harsh."

 Nya huffed. "I did. I really did."

 Cole's voice broke their fighting. "Did what? Did I hear right that Lloyd's the guest of a prince?"

 Jay hugged his best friend and confirmed what Nya had told him. "Uhuh! The bean's moving up in life!"

 Cole grinned and leaned against the wall.

 Jay looked at the ninja and back at the curtains. "We're all here and awake now...but where's Zane?"

 Cole walked over and opened the curtain to reveal Zane. Zane was messing with his arm and tweaking a few gears here or there. He glanced up to see the ninja watching him.

"Oh. Hello. I see you have all woken up. Your awareness seems to be at an average of eighty-three percent. Good. I heard the healer speak about Prince Benthomaar being the adopted younger prince, but the King loves him greatly. Lloyd is the guest of Benthomaar and got us to the healing ward. I do not believe Lloyd actually checked to see if I was awake. I was. I heard everything they said."

 The ninja looked at each other in surprise. Zane smiled as he casually told them about Lloyd testing his magic with Benthomaar.

Chapter Text

 Lloyd fiddled with his sleeve, as it was becoming a habit for his nerves. He waited for Benthomaar to end his conversation with the guard. Lloyd knew it had something to do with his friends because he remembered the Mer guarding the healer's ward.

 Lloyd was fidgeting with his nervousness and was acutely aware of Bentho approaching to tell him the news. "Well? What is it Bentho?" The king had left to search for more accounts that told of a Mer with a tail like Lloyd's and had yet to return.

 Bentho gave Lloyd a slight smile. "Your friends have awakened. We can go to inform them on what they have missed."

 Lloyd practically jumped. He smiled widely and ran back to the healer's ward.

"Lloyd! Slow down!" Bentho called with an exhausted wheeze as he chased after Lloyd and his infinite stamina.

 Lloyd skid to a stop in front of the healer's entrance and almost smacked his face against the wall from his speed. Lloyd eased the doors open and glanced at his friends crowding around Zane's room.

"Guys?" Lloyd whispered weakly as his strength failed.

 The ninja turned and looked at Lloyd with wide eyes. "Lloyd!" They called out. Nya ran over to hug him, as she was the only one that could run.

"Nya! You're all awake!" Lloyd returned her hug. "Oh! Careful. The shrapnel may not have been deep but it still left marks."

 Jay limped over. "We kinda know that, Green Bean." He said with a painful smile.

 Lloyd gently released Nya and flicked a glamour over her ninja gi to disguise her identity. It changed to her usual school clothes and Lloyd was relieved. He moved over to Jay. "I'm so sorry. I'll be disguising your gi to protect your identities." Lloyd shifted a glamour to disguise Jay.

 Jay blinked at his outfit and glanced at Nya to see the same. "Wha- that's awesome, Lloyd! Go ahead. We need the anonymity to fight Garmadon!"

 Lloyd moved on to Kai, who spread his arms to see the glamour take effect. Lloyd pat Kai's gi and activated another glamour. Kai blew out in a whistle to indicate how impressed he was. "Great work, Greenie!" He praised.

 Lloyd hid a blush of embarrassment. He had never been praised for his Mer abilities, so it was a nice change of pace. Lloyd approached Cole and lowered a glamour to show his school outfit. "Cool! Thanks, Lloyd!"

 Lloyd smiled and moved on to Zane. He noticed that the nindroid was looking at the glamours on the others and holding a screwdriver over his arm. "I cannot detect the glamours. It is very powerful, as most glamours have a faint trace in my vision."

 Lloyd grinned sheepishly. "Um...thanks, Zane. Do you want one too?"

 Zane nodded and directed his attention to Lloyd's eyes. "It would be wise to retain our anonymity to defeat your father. But I would like to finish my arm first."

 Lloyd understood what he wanted. "I'll close the curtain so you can reinstate your holographic imaging when you're done."

 Zane gave Lloyd a smile that seemed more human than robotic. "Thank you for your consideration, Lloyd."

 Lloyd smiled and glamoured himself as he exited. He closed the curtain on his way out. Benthomaar was speaking to his friends when he returned.

"Lloyd! Your surface friends are so intriguing!" He smiled when Lloyd came closer.

 Lloyd laughed and stopped in their circle. "I'm glad you think so too, Bentho. They're pretty great."

 Nya punched his arm weakly. "Aw! Stop praising us so much! You're our little brother and nothing can change that!"

 Bentho watched the exchange curiously. "Is it a common practice to...punch...your brother?"

 Lloyd laughed wildly and Nya joined in. Jay had to explain with his slight limp as he stepped forward to translate their laughter. "No. Nya just shows affection like that."

 Cole snickered. "If anything, Jay shouldn't want to be on the receiving end."

 Jay blushed and Nya smothered her laughter as her own blush rose in her cheeks. Lloyd giggled at their expressions as they both looked away from each other. Kai looked furious at the thought of his baby sister in a relationship, and Bentho was lost.

"Am I supposed to be able to comprehend your surface-speech? Although this was an interesting experience." Bentho muttered.

 A guard ran in a few moments later with an exhausted breath. "Your Highness! The king requests you and your guest's presence immediately!"

Chapter Text

 Lloyd shifted as Benthomaar dashed towards the guards to question them. "Is my father alright? Is he well?!" The panic in his voice and expression made the guards glance at each other as they shifted on their feet nervously.

"We were only told to escort you and the guest to the throne room. On orders of King Trimaar." The first guard said sternly. His eyes betrayed the sympathy he felt for Bentho's worry.

 Lloyd noticed Bentho's uncertain glance towards him, and he gave him a subtle nod of permission. Bentho straightened and ordered the guards. "We will be right there. Take us to the throne room."

 Lloyd smiled at his team as they shuffled their feet nervously. They followed Benthomaar and the guards quietly. Jay leaned on a fully-repaired Zane as he limped after them. Lloyd slowed his steps to match their pace. Using a skill Lloyd had mastered quickly because of the bullying and knowing his mother would fret for hours or days, Lloyd healed Jay's leg gradually as they approached the next turn towards the throne room.

 Jay's eyes widened as he leaned more on his injured leg. "It doesn't hurt anymore...Lloyd?" He stared at Lloyd with stars in his eyes. "You can heal?!"

 Lloyd gulped as the ninja stared at him with awestruck expressions. "How come you never told us?!" Nya asked in a shushed whisper.

 Lloyd gave them a weak smile. "Was there really a lot of time since you discovered I'm a Mer?"

 The ninja looked amongst themselves. "I...I guess not." The admission came from Kai. He had been quiet the whole journey.

 Bentho didn't give them more time to converse as the doors were flung open and they were admitted inside. King Trimaar smiled kindly at the ninja, while Prince Kalmaar gave them sour frowns.

"Welcome! You are all guests of my son, Benthomaar, and are here at his request." He informed them. His gaze narrowed in on Lloyd and Kalmaar noticed him too, as he could tell by the way his tentacles swished in aggravation. "Now, Lloyd. You claim to be the grandson of the First Spinjitsu Master?"

 Lloyd could tell the ninja had forgotten he was the son of Garmadon by the human gasps that echoed around the room. Lloyd rolled his shoulders back and stiffened his spine to stand straighter. "I do. Because I am."

 King Trimaar smiled and sent Kalmaar a chastising glance. "Very well. We shall test your claims. I have a task for you, Lloyd, son of Garmadon and grandson of the First Spinjitsu Master. Complete the four trials that only he could complete, and your claim is believed. If you don't...well, we've never had a survivor. Kalmaar had suggested the Deep Water Trials, as a matter of fact."

 Bentho hissed in a breath quietly. Lloyd didn't need to glance at him to spot the growing concern inside.

 Lloyd glanced at his friends around him and took in a shaky breath of his own. "I'll do it. As long as we can get help to defeat Garmadon."

 King Trimaar looked curious. "And what business do you have with stopping Garmadon?"

 Lloyd's anger, which was hidden beneath the wonder of the Merlopians' home, roared to the surface. "He's in my home. Don't Mers have territorial instincts or something?"

 King Trimaar smiled. "Some do. It's as rare as your innate ability."

My innate ability? How does he know about that? Lloyd glanced at his friends behind him and noticed their winces from the anger in his core. "Oh!" He turned his anger down and calmed himself. "Sorry." He apologized to his friends. He looked back up at King Trimaar. "Why is it so rare? Don't Mers want to defend their homes?"

 King Trimaar looked out the sea glass window to his left. At the opposite side of Kalmaar, the glass was a pearlescent hue. "Some do. It is only rare because some only want the power of their position. Not many genuinely protect their land for more than it being theirs. They protect to get praised. You, however, protect for no reason except that it has been your home for your entire life. That is why it is rare."

 Lloyd glanced at the Mers in the room. The guards looked either crestfallen or proud of themselves for protecting their king. King Trimaar shook himself out of his sorrow and smiled kindly at Lloyd's friends.

"Your breathing devices are ingenious, and my science team has worked to make their duration for longer...however they need help from the person that made them. You five may use them to watch the trials. If he fails, a guard will accompany you to the surface. If he passes, we will be your allies in the fight against Garmadon." King Trimaar announced.

 Lloyd smirked at Jay. "Well, the creator of the breathing devices is right here." He backed behind Jay and gently pressed against his back to move him forward.

 Jay stammered and stuttered as he spoke to the king. "Erm...yes! Your High- um- Majesty! Uh..." He glanced back at Lloyd. Lloyd gave him an encouraging nod and he continued smoother. "Yes. I created the devices, Your Majesty." Jay managed a smooth bow that Lloyd could tell impressed Nya. "I would be pleased if your team assisted me in changing the duration to last longer."

 King Trimaar nodded slowly. "Very well. Bentho, you know where the team is."

 Benthomaar grinned and tugged on Jay's arm. "This way, surface-dweller!" He said excitedly.

"Um...I'm Jay!" Jay introduced himself.

 Bentho laughed. "Hah! I am Benthomaar!"

 Kalmaar frowned at them and whispered to his father. King Trimaar kept a blank expression, and shook his head to him. "Once your friend completes the devices, you will begin the trial. For now, rest."

 Kalmaar's purple skin turned a tint of red as his fury grew. "Father, that is not what I said!"

 King Trimaar gave his son a level glare. "And I know that. But Lloyd's companions deserve to see how their friend fares."

 Kalmaar tried to respond, but the king dismissed him with a tentacle. Kalmaar stormed off in a furious cloud of purple. This was interesting.

 Trimaar sighed and waved the ninja away. "You may go. My patience has been tested enough today."

Guess I gotta survive these...Deep Water Trials.

Chapter Text

 Lloyd followed behind the guards, his friends trailed behind him like a protective shield. He was silently grateful for his friends' undying support and loyalty. He needed it in the time they were moving towards.

 Kai stuck close to his little brother and scowled at anyone who dared approach the younger ninja. Sure, no one knew he was a ninja, but that didn't stop people from wondering who the stranger was. Especially if the stranger was a guest to their beloved prince.

 Lloyd glanced quietly at Kai, but decided not to bring up his sudden closeness. The ninja were brothers through their strengths, and Nya was their sister...although Jay would disagree. Lloyd muffled his thoughts, as he remembered that some Mers could hear hints of another's thoughts.

 Jay and Nya were separated to be brought by the scientists, and Lloyd wondered if he could hold their glamours from a distance. Kai moved to follow Nya, but Lloyd stopped him. He covered Kai in his feelings of security and assurance, as he knew that Jay would protect Nya.

 Nya had spoken softly of being in robotics and engineering, and someone must've heard her and told the king. She left dragging Jay behind her, and Kai chuckled to himself. His little sister could more than handle herself. She'd been a ninja as long as he had. A couple days.

 Now that Kai thought about it, he realized their training had gotten a bit tangled by the knowledge of Green's identity. He felt worry and warning emanate from Lloyd and Kai remembered that some Mers could mind read, technically, and mind control. Kai stifled his shiver at his haunted thoughts from the time he bullied Lloyd while under Chen's manipulation.

 Kai knew he missed Skylor, but it couldn't be helped. He was underwater now, and she was on the surface. Kai was about to sigh when he narrowly avoided crashing into Lloyd, who stopped walking.

 Lloyd narrowed his eyes at the water outside the seaglass window. "There's someone out there."

 Kai realized it was the first thing he had said since they left the throne room. Kai glanced out the window and critically examined each area of water. "You said someone. So, it could be a regular citizen."

 Lloyd's eyes shifted from his familiar green, to the increasingly familiar purple and gold. "Not just anyone."

 Kai looked back to search for Jay, only to remember that he had left. At least Nya will be safe. "If only Jay was here. He had an extra sense for where Garmadon was."

"It was only ever the darkness coming from his own element, that Garmadon had corrupted for his mechs. He's here."

 Kai searched the murky depths of the waters. "Either, we reveal ourselves, or you continue in the trials."

 Lloyd didn't need to think twice. He wanted to protect his friends' identities as much as possible. "We start the trials." Lloyd hurried to catch up to the guard who never heard him stop. His friends ran after him. Lloyd wasn't as winded as his friends, as he had been practicing his endurance for a long time. Well, Zane wasn't winded, and that was because he didn't need air.

 The guard finally stopped at a large door. "This is where the king said to take you. Surface dweller, inside. The king said for you three to follow me to the overwatch."

 Kai, Zane, and Cole hesitantly followed the first guard, while a second showed Lloyd into the room. Benthomaar waited inside the room, which had a pool in the middle that led down to a dark pit Lloyd couldn't see the bottom of.

 Bentho nodded to the guard, who left. Benthomaar was there to give Lloyd the instructions for the trial. Lloyd felt someones watching him and glanced up to the top left of the trial chamber. His friends were watching with the king, and Jay and Nya were there.

 Bentho began explaining the purpose of the trial. "To explain your task, I need to explain the history. The First Spinjitsu Master came to this room, once, long ago. It was written that the construction of the palace was at work, and they had yet to add the draining system. His tail glimmered like yours, which was as unique to our people then as it is now."

 Lloyd wanted to clear something up. "My uncle is the son of the First Spinjitsu Master, yet he has no tail. I saw Garmadon with his, so I always thought it was like a fifty-fifty chance of a tail or not. I never imagined it had to do with bloodline before coming here."

 Bentho hummed as King Trimaar looked into the water of the pit. "It was written that the Oni blood of the First Spinjitsu Master was so pure, that his Mer blood granted him a tail. Garmadon's is no tail from purity. It is a corrupted deformity, altered from the design of the First Spinjitsu Master. His tail is created from his shadows, not from his light."

 Lloyd took in the information. It now made sense why Wu didn't have one, and why Garmadon's looked vaguely shadowy. "My uncle has Dragon blood. Not Oni. If it was the Oni blood that created the tail, then it makes sense why he doesn't have one."

 Bentho frowned and cleared his throat. "Can I continue now?" He asked in mock irritation. Lloyd could sense he wasn't truly agitated. He gave his friend a nod. Bentho plowed through the explanation. "The First Spinjitsu Master swam down the dark pit, and others tried to follow. It is written that none could survive the pressure, but he swam further. He returned to the surface of the pit with a rock that glowed and glistened. To preserve the rock, the past royal family made the inside of the castle with airways, so the rock never crumbled. Your task is to swim to the bottom, as the First Spinjitsu Master had. None were able to reach the bottom without the pressure harming them, and those who claimed his bloodline before have returned with fatal injuries from the crushing pressure. Bring a rock from the bottom as proof."

 Lloyd sucked in a breath and could feel the caution and concern from his friends above. "I'll go. When does it start?"

 Bentho tilted his head in thought. He glanced up at the king. "Father, he is faster than even me! How long should it take?" The question bounced off the walls and landed in the king's hearing.

"Thirty minutes. Fast or slow, it will take a while to get past the crushing density. We do not need to wait several hours." King Trimaar curled a tentacle around the fence of the overhang. "You may start." He declared.

 Lloyd unwrapped his personal tail glamour as he was pushed into the dark pool. His gills immediately shifted to suck in the water. Lloyd gasped, but swam deeper. He needed to prove himself. He was the grandson of the First Spinjitsu Master, and he would rescue his home from invaders.

 He distantly felt pressure begin to build in his skull, but constituted it as a headache for being in deep water. He swam in the dark for several minutes before he felt his arm brush a rock. He slowed and glanced up, as he had passed it. Lloyd let his hand drift over the rocks to find it. Lloyd studied the small rock, which beckoned him to take a closer look. He tapped the offending rock and gasped when he realized his arm was glowing. He looked around and found himself emanating a stranger green-gold light. He glanced at his tail, only to discover it, too, was glowing. The green scales and gold scales and purple scales. Although, the purple scales were the only things that glowed purple.

 Lloyd snatched the pebble in his hands and found himself glowing ever brighter. He grinned and descended further, only to find himself at the bottom after a minute or so of slamming his tail through the water in harsh strokes. He reached his empty hand to explore the floor for loose stones, and buried his glow-pebble in the dirt. He waited a few minutes for the glowing to recede, and realized there was a glowing rock. Just like the First Spinjitsu Master's. Lloyd picked it up and hurriedly found his glow-pebble to stuff in his zipper jacket pocket. He zipped it shut and the faint glow vanished from him. He swam upwards and brushed his hand along the wall.

 The pebble was probably the reason the First Spinjitsu Master had found the bottom. He had glowed bright enough to illuminate the far walls. Lloyd hesitated as he realized he might need to leave the glow-pebble in the wall, for the future. Lloyd dug his fingers through the approximate spot he had found his glow-pebble. His ran his fingers through the dirt and bumped them against a larger rock. His tail glistened in the sudden light, and Lloyd grinned. He pulled the rock farther out of the wall, so future descendants could bump into it and discover their glow, while Lloyd got to keep his pebble.

 He used all his strength in one swish of his tail, and rocketed upwards towards the increasing light as the distance decreased. He yelped as he shot out of the water and smacked into several guards who had been watching the pit and then backed up to catch him.

 Lloyd glamoured his tail to be out of sight and triumphantly lifted the dimly-glowing rock in his grasp. "I found the bottom!" He called out as the lack of air caught up with him and he fainted.

------

 Kai hopped down the overhang and ran to lift up Lloyd. Lloyd was light, but still strong. Kai rustled Lloyd's hair, which caused Lloyd to unconsciously frown before relaxing into Kai's gentle administrations. "Easy there, Kid." He whispered gently.

 Kai eased Lloyd down as Nya caught up with him. She leaned Lloyd against her side, so he was comfortable. He curled into her for her warmth. Kai chuckled quietly, so as not to disturb the boy, who knocked himself out. Be careful next time, Greenie. We won't always be around.

 Kai felt as though Lloyd had replied in his mind. "But you will...I'll make sure of it. None of you will disappear on my watch." Kai stiffened and studied Lloyd, who was deep within his sleep. How could he have spoken in Kai's mind, anyway? It wasn't the bloody voices, since those didn't sound like Lloyd. Maybe Kai was delusional from all the fretting over his little brother. Kai hugged Nya with Lloyd between them, who didn't mind at all.

 King Trimaar came down by walking around to the main doors, unlike the ninja, who jumped down to rescue Lloyd. "He has done well. I have never seen this before. It looks like a blend of Meridianite and Vensprite. Unlike Vengestone, with its yellow veins piercing the black, Vensprite is white with purple veins. Meridianite is usually a clear, semi-crystalline ore that changes colors to match the crown, which changes color depending on the personality of the bearer."

 Kai blinked up at him, and Jay asked the question. "What exactly is Vensprite. Meridianite is obviously what you Mers use for weapons."

 King Trimaar nodded. "Yes. But it is best you do not discover what Vensprite does, lest you bring it to elemental users on the surface."

 The ninja glanced between themselves. Cole shrugged. "Good thing the only person with known powers is Lloyd, then."

 Kalmaar nodded after being quiet in his corner. "Good indeed."

  Kai frowned at Cole and realized his phrasing wasn't a lie. They didn't really know whether or not they had powers, so the only one with known powers would be Lloyd. Kai his his grin at Cole's rare cleverness. He snapped his mouth shut to keep from saying anything when Lloyd stirred.

"Ow..." He murmured slowly as he came to. He blinked up at the ninja who were crowding him. "Um...personal space?"

 Jay scrambled back and slipped into the pool. He spluttered as he came back to the surface. "Ack! Help! Nya!"

 Nya laughed and tugged him out of the water. He glanced down at himself. "I'm gonna need a change of...Brr!...clothes!"

 Lloyd yawned and waved the guards away. "No need. My magic should do just...fine." Lloyd rubbed his face as his mind woke up. His cheek twitched as he mentally worked something Kai and the other ninja couldn't see. "There. Finished."

 Lloyd shifted his arm and Jay gasped as his clothes dried and his cooled face grew colored with the new warmth. "Wow! Lloyd, how did you do this?!"

 Lloyd yawned cutely and leaned his head on Nya's shoulder. "My magic is a wider branch than many think..." He blinked as Trimaar knelt beside him.

"You have passed the Trial of Depths. Many have not survived, yet you have returned unscathed with a rock that was so deep, I did not know it existed. You may keep the rock, if you would like. But give it to no one. It is yours, as a memento of what you have accomplished this evening." King Trimaar stood and looked at the attentive guards. "The second trial will take place in two days!" With that, the king left with a disgruntled Kalmaar. Kai suspected he had wanted the rock.

 Lloyd shakily stood, but leaned heavily on Cole. "Thanks. Most of my energy is gone from fixing Jay's clothes, both the glamoured ones and the gi, and shifting the glamour at the right time to mask Jay's reaction. Also the warming. I've never done so much before, and warming a person while maintaining five other glamours is a lot."

 Cole smiled. "No problem, Buddy." Kai helped Lloyd straighten.

"You know you can borrow some of our energy anytime." He commented quietly. Lloyd's eyes widened.

"You- you guys felt when...?" Lloyd fumbled his words.

 The ninja nodded and hummed in affirmation. Lloyd sighed, but smiled.

"Fine. I'll take an equal amount since you all are sharing." Lloyd breathed slowly and focused on slowly taking energy from five people, no matter how much his magic wanted to gather from all available sources. He wouldn't hurt his new Merlopian friend.

 Kai tapped Lloyd's shoulder, and he realized he was walking on his own feet instead of being partially carried. He smiled gratefully at the ninja, who cared enough to be his friends. The feeling was reciprocated by the emotions swarming through him and around him.

"Thank you." He said breathlessly.

 They continued to their quarters in silence, as the Merlopians were accustomed to having several separate bedrooms in their suites. It was something Lloyd was grateful for, with Garmadon residing so close. He wanted his friends nearby in case Garmadon came for him.

 Lloyd and the tiring ninja chose to put a ribbon with their colors to tie on the doorknob, so the others would know who's room it was. Lloyd hurriedly tied his mother's green bandana around the knob, leaving the loose ends to hang down.

"Goodnight. Rest well, friends." Lloyd called out with a giddy happiness. His friends reciprocated his well-wishes, all of them felt his unending happiness, and wanted to always keep him happy.

 He fell asleep before he felt their determination to make sure he never had a reason to be unhappy.

Chapter Text

 Lloyd stretched on his surprisingly large bed. Bentho had made sure he and the ninja his friends had comfortable rooms, which was surprising, as they were leagues underwater.

 Lloyd blinked and realized Kai was sleeping on the couch a couple yards away from his bed. Was he watching over me as I slept? Did he lose a game with the other ninja and was given first watch?

 Lloyd closed his eyes as a yawn made its way past. Kai startled awake at the noise, which made Lloyd flush with embarrassment for waking his brother. Kai rubbed his neck from the discomfort of sleeping on a couch, and brightened when he noticed Lloyd was awake.

"Good day, Golden!" Kai called in a funny voice.

 Lloyd blinked in confusion. "Golden? What happened to Green bean?"

 Kai smirked. "So, now you're okay with Green bean? Well, your tail is mostly green and gold, and we can't call you 'Green' below the surface. So, Golden."

 Lloyd groaned and shook his head. "Did I really deserve this?"

 Kai stepped away from the couch and moved to stand beside Lloyd.

"Do you think you could do the glamour on our outfits again, in case it wears off?" Kai settled on as he helped Lloyd stand.

 Lloyd narrowed his eyes at Kai. "I guess I didn't tell you."

 Kai blinked and tilted his head. "Tell me what?"

 Lloyd frowned at Kai. "The glamours don't wear off. It feeds off my power, which I haven't felt decrease too much." He informed his older brother.

"Oh!" Kai grinned and moved back to the couch to apply pressure to his sore muscles. Lloyd was upset that Kai had gotten hurt.

 Lloyd decided to ask Kai what was on his mind. "You didn't have to watch over me, you know. I'm sorry you lost whatever game you were playing and forced to look after me."

 Kai gaped at Lloyd. "I didn't lose any game! I volunteered, you goofball!" He got up and messed up Lloyd's hair further. Lloyd gasped and pushed him back playfully.

"Well now I have to brush my hair!" Lloyd said in a serious voice, which was broken by his insistent giggles.

 Kai chuckled and continued massaging his sore muscles. "Don't worry, big-shot. Nya can brush it pretty fast."

 Lloyd groaned, and a thought came to him suddenly. "How long until the next trial?"

"Uh...a couple hours. Why?"

 Lloyd shrugged. "We can explore, and I want to check out the library!"

 Kai sighed dramatically. "And here, I thought Jay was the bookworm!"

 His comment sent Lloyd into fits of laughter as he slowly tidied up the glamours.

 Kai rubbed the back of his neck. "Guess we're checking out the library..." He muttered behind Lloyd as they walked out of the room to inform the others.

------

 Jay and Lloyd had similar expressions, and the ninja could sense Lloyd's amazement and wonder. Seeing all the books in front of him, Jay ran deep into the library, soundlessly.

 He got himself lost in the history section, which wasn't one of his usual interests...except for the fact that it was part of the green bean's history. He checked through several books, which was super boring, when one caught his eye. It was a peculiar color for a history book, with the main being a glimmering purple that was oddly similar to Lloyd's scales.

 Jay paged through the book and found a section about a law, after the First Spinjitsu Master left the sea to aid the land-dwellers.

The king spoke to his people, which they forgot after so many years, about his idea for the First Spinjitsu Master's lineage. He said proudly, "My people! On this day, I will pronounce a new law that will withstand the boundaries of time like our beloved Spinjitsu Master! Any of his lineage that compete in every trial to prove their blood, and accomplish it, will be crowned the next king or queen of the Merlopians!"

The historians wrote his words quickly, but I believe they left behind a fatal flaw in the law. Every trial must be finished, and last I checked, there were five. Withstanding  one proved them capable of the FSM's lineage, but three proved them of his lineage. To complete all five trials, they would become the rulers of the Endless Sea.

I can only hope that they would not strive to become the next rulers, for if they do...none would have the power to stand against them.

 Jay gaped at the section, which cut off into a completely different historical journal. Each entry was from a different time, but by the same Mer family. As if they were recording every generation.

I thought the king said there were only four trials. What happened to the fifth? Jay gulped and closed the pages on his finger to keep track and show his friends. If I can find them...

 Announced very loudly into the library, they were told that the second trial would be starting soon.

I'll save the book. I have to show them! Jay hurried to check-out the book from the library and rushed our with an urgency that startled the poor Merlopian librarian. Sorry, but this is super important!

 Jay managed to arrive on time to hear the rules for the second trial. The trial of transformation, whatever that meant.

Chapter Text

 Lloyd watched King Trimaar settle into his throne, as the audience came. His ninja team had front seats to a trial Lloyd didn't quite understand.

 Prince Kalmaar and Bentho sat in the royal seats, above the audience. Lloyd waved at Bentho, who waved back enthusiastically. Kalmaar grimaced at his brother and rolled his eyes with a deep scowl.

 Lloyd didn't trust Kalmaar.

------

 Jay attempted to get to Lloyd several times, but was stopped by the Merlopian Guards. Nya eventually pulled him aside for questioning, and Jay was ultimately relieved to see his friends.

"What were you even doing, Jay?" Cole asked first.

 Jay pulled out the book he found and flipped to the page he bookmarked. "It says here that there are five trials, and when all of them are completed–proving his heritage–Lloyd would become king! But King Trimaar only mentioned four trials. Was it forgotten? Or does he not want Lloyd to try becoming king?"

 Nya sighed and brought forth a question Jay hadn't begun to think about. "Would Lloyd even want to be king? Especially after all he's been through? Why don't you first ask him if he does want to be king before jumping into conclusions."

 Kai nodded in agreement with Nya's reason. Zane searched through his memories to see if a conversation about kingship had ever popped up.

"Nya is correct. We do not know if Lloyd would desire the Merlopian kingdom, only that his home is on the surface with us." Zane summarized.

 Jay sighed. "Fine. I'll at least ask him, before showing him. But if he does, at least try to research the fifth trial with me."

 Zane laughed. "I would research it anyway. It has breached my interest."

 Jay shook his head at Zane's cheerfulness. He turned his attention to the second of five—erm, four—trials.

------

 Lloyd listened carefully to the instructions given to him by the Merlopian King.

"In this trial, you will transform into either an Oni or a Dragon. Preferably both! I cannot give you any instructions on how to transform, only what to transform." King Trimaar concluded seamlessly.

 Kalmaar looked bored and glared at the intruder rudely. Lloyd didn't pay him any heed and focused on what he learned about his magic before the undersea adventure.

 He felt a pulsating aura, flowing beneath his skin. It begged for release, as another fought its hold. Lloyd could think of two colors that matched their flows. Purple, and gold.

 Lloyd allowed the gold aura to surface, and felt his skin start stretching as he got used to his new...form.

 Lloyd opened his eyes, as he didn't realize he closed them, and looked at his reflection. It was quiet, and he looked like a dragon.

I...I did it...I am a dragon! And if that purple aura isn't a dragon...it's an Oni... Lloyd gulped and hastily shoved the golden aura back below the surface as his human skin broke out in a heavy sweat.

That...was...suffocating... Lloyd fainted from the stress of the situation, and didn't hear Trimaar announce that he had proven the second trial true.

 He had fainted twice, and Jay still had yet to warn him.

Chapter Text

 Jay reached for Lloyd as he collapsed, only to get pushed back by Cole, who got there first.

"Not again! I wonder why this keeps happening?" Cole muttered loud enough for them all to hear.

 Jay grit his teeth as Prince Kalmaar strode by obnoxiously. "Of course he's unconscious. He has to be by land dwellers all the time, it must be very tiring for him." He commented brazenly.

 Nya wrestled with Kai as she tried to tackle the Calamari-looking prince to the ground. "You rude, unpleasant, ugly, squid-looking, brainless, idiot, ------, ------, ------, ------, disrespectful, ------—------, ------, obnoxious, arrogant prince! Stop bothering Lloyd!"

 Jay knew Nya had a temper, especially when it was her family involved, but that was a lot of insults. Even from her. Kai also looked surprised, although maybe he was more startled that she had the courage to face royalty.

 Cole brought Lloyd to Zane, who stood on standby, and came to Jay to whisper in his ear. "So glad that Lloyd isn't awake right now. He's so curious and innocent, even after he was bullied, that he would repeat all the bad words Nya just shouted."

 Jay smothered his laugh, since it was something Lloyd would do. "We know him too well. He definitely would, and he would ask Nya what it means!"

 Kai kept Nya held back, since they still needed to talk to Lloyd about the missing trial, but his temper was also flaring with Kalmaar's blatant disregard for Lloyd's well-being. At least the king cared.

 Jay studied the chaos around them. He turned to his best friend with a puzzled expression. "Did we forget something on the surface?"

 Cole blinked and attempted to rewind his memories to check. "Ask Zane. We spent too long here for me to remember a lot of stuff. Do you think the school is worried about us?"

 Jay shrugged. "They didn't bother to defend our brother from bullies. I don't care what the school thinks. That reminds me, we were supposed to fight Garmadon, right?"

"Yes. He's the reason Lloyd brought us here, isn't it?" Cole confirmed.

 Jay glanced out at the murky waters past the window. "Doesn't Garmadon have a mer-form too? Why didn't he follow us?"

 Kai joined their discussion after Kalmaar got on his nerves and he released Nya to fight him. The guards would have a tough time taking down a trained ninja. "That's a good question Jay, which I know is a first for you—"

"Hey!" He shouted indignantly at Kai's insult.

"...but you have a point. Why did he leave us alone?" Kai shuddered at thoughts of torture Garmadon could've done had they been caught.

 Jay shivered at a sudden chill. "Just...where is Garmadon hiding?"

 A dark shadow floated in the water. Carrying their words and whispers.

Master will be very pleased with this.

Continue on.

 It laughed, rumbling the waters. The bubbles around the castle drowned out any sounds it made.

Very pleased, indeed.

Chapter Text

 Lloyd woke up surrounded by the ninja, plus Bentho.

 This was starting to be a recurring situation.

 With all the familiar and friendly faces around him, constantly keeping Lloyd engaged, it was hard for him to… think.

 He listened as the ninja filled him in on their thoughts and what they found while he was out, only really half listening.

 He could remember what they said, and respond appropriately, but he needed to think.

 He knew he was Garmadon’s son. That was a clear fact. But he had questions.

 A lot of them.

 Why did he never try to learn at least a little about his heritage? Look for explanations to his powers or something that wouldn’t cloud his head with nasty thoughts.

 Why didn’t he think for moment that his dad—Garmadon, was also part dragon?

 Why was he thinking about their enemy so much?!

 Zane came in, not having been with the others for some reason, and shooed the ninja further from Lloyd so he could recover.

 Jay squawked in annoyance, holding a book from the library as he frowned. His expression darkened as a tightness filled his stance.

 Nya tugged his arm, looking at Lloyd in confusion before shrugging and taking Jay outside the room.

“He needs a proper checkup than what was provided. I am experienced enough to assist. I ask for space to check on Lloyd.”

 Lloyd was grateful that Zane dragged away the other ninja, giving him a momentary peace as Benthomaar lingered quizzically.

“What’s wrong Bentho?”

 Lloyd questioned his Merlopian friend innocently, truly not knowing why he was so distressed.

“Oh, uh! Nothing! Just… be careful in the next trials.”

Well. That sure wasn't cryptic at all. Yippee…

 Lloyd sighed and leaned back against the pillow of his temporary bed.

 Bentho left quickly after responding, with only a few worried glances to tell that something was definitely up.

 Lloyd turned to look at Zane, who was scanning him robotically.

“Well? Any guesses as to why I keep passing out?”

 Zane hummed in thought, speaking slowly.

“I do not know if any of the others noticed, but I have been scanning every living being here in Merlopia  before, during, and after every trial. Including our friends.”

 Lloyd sat up, listening to Zane as he continued.

“What do you mean? Why are you scanning us too?”

 Zane turned his gaze towards the sea-glass window, his eyes glowing eerily.

“Something has been chipping away at our thoughts. It started to happen before the others woke up. And I assume it had something to do with whatever had been injected into our bodies during the blast. I was unable to analyze the pieces, as the Merlopian medics had already removed and disposed of them.”

“Whoa whoa whoa. Slow down a bit. What do you mean something is eating at our thoughts?”

 Lloyd didn’t quite notice how his bloodline powers started to stir, forcing Zane to prod his arm for him to feel the forming scales.

“Ah! Sorry.”

 He didn’t even know why he was apologizing. Zane was one of the nice people.

“Do not apologize. It is perplexing to myself as well. It had truly started tearing away during your trials, but it has no effect on me as I do not have an organic brain.”

 Lloyd was a bit lost. Zane was saying that his memories were disappearing—or thoughts, but he felt just fine.

“Ah. I did not mean Lloyd Montgomery Garmadon’s thoughts were affected, I meant that Kai, Nya, Jay, and Cole are losing parts of their thoughts.”

 Lloyd’s skin prickled as Zane turned his gaze towards the door, slowly freezing it shut to avoid eavesdroppers.

“What?”

 Lloyd spat the word, feeling a strange urge to get rid of whatever is hurting his family.

“It is as I said. They are having their thoughts consumed. I will need a sample of their blood for proper analysis of whatever is corroding them, but I assure you that they will be safe.”

“What thoughts are they forgetting, exactly?”

“I do not know. I am not a mind reader, nor do I wish to be. I only know it is their thoughts as that can be detected by mental wavelengths.”

“Mental… oh! I can check! Most Merfolk have that ability!”

 Lloyd relaxed slightly the tension easing as his scales retracted somewhat.

“What do you think Bentho meant exactly, though?”

“…”

 Zane didn’t answer, only walking to the door as he removed the ice and allowed Merlopian emissaries to enter Lloyd’s bedchamber.

“We have come to collect the princeling for the third trial!”

 Lloyd tensed, still not having received a response as to why he kept blacking out.

 Zane gave him a look that anyone watching would interpret as uncaring, but that look provided Lloyd with a deeply disconcerting answer.

‘I do not know.’

“Welcome back, Prince Lloyd!”

 King Trimaar greeted the teen warmly, causing a scowl to break through Kalmaar’s mask.

 First a peasant and now probably the true heir. The peasant had been more manageable, having always seeked Kalmaar’s approval.

 Not that he would ever grant that blithering peasant anything other than his unwavering disapproval.

 But a semi-Royal was more tolerable than a peasant, even if not as manageable.

 Not to say it was pleasant, however, having two thorns irritating him near-constantly when he wasn’t ‘studying’ to be king.

 The fool of a prince even asked why the king was referring to him as such!

 The servants he called friends arrived after him, including that disrespectful girl from before.

 He didn’t believe for a moment that the land-dwellers didn’t have an ulterior motive for 'befriending' the newly appointed prince.

 All land-dwellers were the same. A blight upon the grand sea.

 King Trimaar continued with the boring rules of the third trial, fully aware of what passing the fourth trial may entail for the princeling.

 Something about family and friends. Something more about enemies… and another something going over a safe aura or some other weird surface-dweller nonsense.

 This… Lloyd felt nothing like safety to him.

 He felt similar to death itself, and Kalmaar couldn’t help but hate the infantile prince’s silent threats to his position as heir.

He must never pass the fourth trial. Or even take it on.

 Kalmaar was not someone afraid of death. Death had no form, so it was nothing for him to fear.

 Until Lloyd came in with the girl. Both reeking of the dangers of the sea.

 Kalmaar gagged at his own thoughts. The sea would never accept land-dwellers as its own.

 Lloyd didn’t quite understand what King Trimaar meant by 'testing the bonds of the sea and fate' with his ominous tone.

 The test hadn’t even started yet, not had he had the time to catch up with the ninja since he woke up.

 He hadn’t even been able to test on of the famous Merfolk abilities to check on his friends.

 The test rules had been unnecessarily vague and hard to even comprehend.

 It sounded like it had something to do with his 'comfort—safety magic' instead of whatever a descendant of the FSM would do.

 Was he supposed to try to strengthen the effects? Or was he supposed to involve his family?

 He wouldn’t involve his family. They couldn’t get hurt because they were involved in his own problems.

 He would find a way to solve this himself.

“What are the guidelines for this test?”

 King Trimaar leaned against his throne with tired eyes.

“A battle arena, as surface-dwellers so called it. You will be allowed three fighters to assist you, but they must volunteer and you must be able to feel their emotions. Truth be told, I know little of what the last section even means.”

 Lloyd stiffened imperceptibly.

 He knew what it meant.

 That was his ability, after all. Sharing emotions.

 Now that Lloyd thought about it, he hadn’t felt the ninjas’ emotions quite as much as before.

 The team immediately all volunteered, except Zane who was still monitoring them.

 The emotions he felt most strongly were Kai’s, Cole’s, and Zane’s.

…I can hardly sense Nya or Jay. Why?

 Lloyd attempted to consciously tug on the blue ninjas’ emotions, trying to figure out why he couldn’t feel them like before.

…

 Lloyd flinched this time. He had suspected it might be the case, but he had dearly hoped it wouldn’t be true.

 Zane hadn’t been affected, and Cole and Kai were the ones who knew the dangers of mental manipulation the most.

 Jay and Nya… their fondness for him was being swallowed by emptiness.

 He bit back the tears that threatened to flow.

 He may not have been the closest to Nya, but Jay had been the first to reach out to him.

 He had thought…

“Kai, Cole. And… Jay.”

 He wanted to believe he could still trust Jay, even if he longer thought of Lloyd as a brother.

 His sadness brushed against the two-way emotional connection with the ninja, making Kai and Cole glance around with threatening looks, trying to figure out why their little brother was down.

 Jay twitched minutely, the darkness eroding his thoughts subsiding slightly.

 He stared at Lloyd’s sweet but heartbroken face, feeling pain in himself.

Why is my… is Lloyd sad? For what reason. Huh. Weird.

 Jay didn’t know what the odd sensation was as his thoughts broke apart unnaturally.

 The shadows trying to overtake his mind were moving too hastily and drawing his attention.

…Melancholic green bean. Funny nickname.

 Jay was curious as to the strange turn of his thoughts as the shadows hurriedly tried to eat at his fondness for Lloyd.

Aw… my little bean… he’s just a baby. He’s the youngest.

 Lloyd felt the connection to Jay flicker, slightly stronger than just a moment before.

 Did, did Lloyd have to act cute to get rid of the darkness?

 That would be mortifying.

 The three came down to the arena, standing around Lloyd as Jay kept glancing at him with obvious questions.

 Thoughts included thinking of memories.

 Lloyd took a shaky breath, preparing himself for the start of the third trial.

 Trial of Bonds, indeed.

 The shadow looming around the waters of Merlopia bristled in annoyance.

Master said not to touch HIM.

 A sickly purple ooze floated through the water, taunting the shadow.

Our Masters differ slightly.

Your Master chose another.

You have been replaced.

My Master has been waiting. You kept Master waiting.

You have forgotten your place.

You are only where the Master wants you to be.

 The shadow slithered around the ooze, attempting to smother the light around it. A voice slightly different from before came from the shadow.

You dare threaten me, child?

I am far older than you.

Your Master has not sent you here.

Nor there.

Why is a child there?

 The ooze dipped slightly in the water before rising again to meet the lingering shadow.

Do not presume.

I am Master’s favorite.

You lay your loyalty elsewhere.

The shadow hummed with a low tune, shaking the water around them before quieting to deign the child a response.

You have touched HIS people.

Will you face the consequences of your foolish choice?

Or will you enslave yourself to a power stronger than your own? Junevir.

 The disgusting purple ooze spread itself into a vaguely feminine shape, reminiscent of a surface-dweller.

Silence, Lord of Shadows. The Crystal King’s power will not be with you forever.

You will not protect that child forever.

His despair will be delectable.