Madrigal Granchildren Timeline

Madrigal Granchildren Timeline

Okay, so I recently grew obsessed with my timeline from my headcannons with my last Encanto post, and I wanted to pan it all out, name my oc’s and maybe flesh out the itty bitty backstories? Link for the headcannons down here.

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Headcannons for the Madrigal grandchildren couples

Author's Note: Everyone here is 15 or older LONG POST Isabela & female character Dolores & Mariano Luisa & male character Camilo & fema

Ninjago Pokémon 

I have no idea where this came from but let’s just go with it, okay?

Warrior Cats Human AU

I am aware that some of these images are racially incorrect for genetics - for example, I pictured Crowfeather and Leafpool as caucasian, but they have Hollyleaf, who is African American and Jayfeather is tan, and Lionblaze has golden hair and eyes. Just for safety, I mean no offense, this was just how I pictured the characters. 

All art isn't mine.

The Prophecy Begins

The New Prophecy

The Power of the Three

Omen of the Stars

Warrior Cats Human Headcannons - Through The Generations

- Bluestar thinks of Fireheart as the son she never got to raise - she would constantly give him advice on warrior and personal life

- When she found out Oakheart died, she locked herself in her room for days and cried. The entire clan was worried and thought she was grieving over Redtail - which she was. It broke her heart when she found out how 2 people she loved died in the same day

- Whenever she would meet with Crookedstar during a Gathring he would quietly whisper how her children were doing. Bluestar could never convey how grateful she was for that. 

- She and Yellowfang would often hang out together - first out of courtesy, then as genuine friends. Bluestar appreciated her scathing honesty

- She and Whitestorm use to pass time by looking over the clan and telling each other who would end up with who. Bluestar could already tell when Graystripe was meeting up with Silverstream - after all, she fell in love with a Riverclan person as well. Whitestorm and her automatically agreed that Sandstorm would fall for Fireheart first, and facepalmed at how oblivious he was. 

- Firestar sometimes has PTSD nightmares about Tigerstar and the only thing that can calm him down is Graystripe

- Fireheart and Graystripe patiently listened to Ravenpaw as he would ramble on and on about Barley when they visited him. They were the ones to help him come out and encouraged him to confess 

- Him and Sandstorm have the Hiccstrid vibe. She is the only one who has the brain cell between him and Graystripe

- When Firestar and Sandstorm got together, Graystripe pulled her aside and tried to give her the “you break his heart and I’ll break your neck” speech. She couldn't hold in her laugh and he was humiliated. Still, she promised to take care of him 

- Firestar cried when Cloudtail and Brightheart got married - so did Couldtail as his future wife walked down the aisle like a beautiful warrior princess. He couldn’t stop himself from telling her how beautiful she was over and over again. When they were pronounced husband and wife the whole Thunderclan was crying. 

- Leafpool and Squirrelflight are twins. Squirrelflight is a daddy’s girl and Leafpool is a mommy’s girl. Sandstorm and Firestar were so proud when Leafpool said she wanted to be a medicine person. Squirrelflight had rolled her eyes while having a gazillion twigs and leaves in her hair

- Squirrelflight was that hyperactive little kid you could never take your eyes off of or else she'd kill herself. Loved giving Firestar heart attacks and gave Sandstorm her first grey hairs. Leafpool was an angel sent from Starclan 

- Squirrelflight was 17 when she ran away to go on the journey. Brambleclaw had just become 19, Tawneypelt was 19, Crowfeather was 17, and Feathertail and Stormfur were 18. 

- All of them have the friendship of the Breakfast Club - you wouldn’t expect it, but they have that bond for life.

- Brambleclaw was Squirrelflight’s first kiss. It was in the heat of the moment where Brambleclaw had nearly died, and it was like fireworks had gone off

- Everyone was heartbroken when Feathertail was killed. Stormfur lost his sister. Crowfeather lost his first love. Tawneypelt, Brambleclaw, and Squirrelflight lost a friend

- Leafpool and Crowfeather began growing close on the journey to the lake. She wanted to get closer to him out of sympathy, he resisted (naturally), but soon he was opening up to her. He would tell her his deepest feelings and she would confess things she hadn't even told her own sister. By the time they reached the lake, Leafpool realized she had feelings for him and Crowfeather was already in denial.

- Squirrelflight had no idea what Leafpool saw in Crowfeather, but they brought out something beautiful in each of them. Feathertail had softened Crowfeather’s heart, but Leafpool opened it. And Leafpool … Squirrelflight didn’t know what Crowfeather did, but she saw something new in her sister that made her heart swell and ache.

- Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw decided they didn’t want to get married. Leafpool had just rejoined the clan after running away, and was considered a disgrace to the clan. Having her sister get married right after was … Squirrelflight didn’t want to go there. Instead, she and Brambleclaw got matching tattoos.

- When Leafpool found out she was pregnant, her whole world came crashing down. The clan was finally starting to trust her again, Firestar and Sandstorm had stopped looking at her with pitying looks, and the clan had stopped looking suspicious when she said she was going to collect herbs.

- Squirrelflight immediately sensed something wrong and got the truth out of Leafpool. She offered to help and told Firestar that they would be gone on a journey because Leafpool had a vision. They both hesitated at the idea of telling Crowfeather, but ultimately went to the Windclan border to see him. Leafpool was heartbroken and Squirrelflight was outraged when they found out that he was with Nightcloud.

- "HOW IN THE NAME OF STARCLAN DID CROWFEATHER GET 3 GIRLS?!" – Squirrelflight

- Jayfeather, Lionblaze, and Hollyleaf are triplets and grow up under the assumption of Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw as their parents.

- (You know how the rest goes)

- For a long time Jayfeather refused to have a cane to help him walk because he thought it would make others think he is weak because he is blind. It was only when he found “The Stick!” when he decided that that would be his cane. No exceptions.

- When Jayfeather officially became a medicine person his grandpa Firestar constantly came by to ask him if there were any herbs to cure his wrinkles. He even got Graystripe and the elders in on it to ask him if there are any herbs to cure their oldness. Jayfeather hates them a little more each time.

- Jayfeather learned to swear from Squirrelflight. She would curse, he would repeat it, and Brambleclaw would just be like, “Why?” Jayfeather gets immense joy whenever he makes Hollyleaf swear, she thinks she’s so much better than that.

- When Jayfeather was an apprentice he would be sent to the elder’s den to “think about what he’s done.” Jayfeather would seethe, but he eventually he actually liked being with the elders. He would sit and complain, and the elders would back him up 110%. Firestar regrets everything.

- Before, Jayfeather hated how he was defined by his blindness. Growing up, it made him bitter and desperate to prove himself. Now, he just wants the clan to remember he’s blind. He’s contantly asked if he can check something out, if he can read this writing, ect. The whole clan forgot he’s blind and he’s irritated at their stupidity.

- After Jayfeather got his full name Hollyleaf took the opportunity to gift him the feathers of a blue jay and spent time braiding them into his hair. Hollyleaf also has a holly tied into her ponytail. Lionblaze was feeling left out so they made him a bracelet.

- Lionblaze and Hollyleaf fought like cats and dogs when they were apprentices, and made it the whole clan’s problem. Sandstorm had to break up the fights because she was the only one they listened too.

- As much as they hate to admit it, the three of them feel a connection to Windclan. It happens with all half-clan, where they feel the longing towards one Clan while the other is drawn into the one they’re born in. Hollyleaf always felt this need to run, as fast and hard as she can. Jayfeather likes the open space, the vastness of the land and moor. Lionblaze likes the feeling of wind, how it can be gentle or harsh against his skin.

- Dovewing and Ivypool are twins and the younger cousins of Lionblaze, Hollyleaf, and Jayfeather (idk, maybe 2nd cousins or something). Lionblaze and Dovewing are best friends, Ivypool is Hollyleaf’s favorite cousin, and Jayfeather, well … it’s been 0 days since they last sassed Jayfeather

- They are heartbroken when they find out Hollyleaf is “dead” because they were just about to become apprentices and Hollyleaf promised to be there.

- Dovewing has always had enhanced hearing, so she always assumed that everyone can hear what she did but never talked about it. When she was younger, she would talk about faraway things she’d heard but everyone thought she was just imagining.

- Dovewing doesn’t get overwhelmed by the noises she can hear because she’s had her powers since she was born. She’s learned how to tune it out/in. However, she hates loud noises. They take her by surprise and makes her feel like her eardrums split open.

- When that happens she sometimes goes to Jayfeather to help her out. He has a calming presence and the quiet and gentle brushes of herbs soothe her. He doesn’t say anything and neither does she. There’s no need.

- Part of the reason that Ivypool became so jealous of Dovewing was that all of the sudden her cousins would have secret discussions with Dovewing and exclude her. Hollyleaf would never have done that if she was still alive.

- Ivypool used to have hair past her shoulders, but had it cut in a pixie style after a Dark Forest warrior pulled on it to expose her throat. After the Clans defeated the Dark Forest, she grew it out to her chin as a sign of healing and moving on.

- After they became warriors, Dovewing, Ivypool, Briarlight, and Blossomfall became roommates. After Briarlight’s accident she moved in with Jayfeather, but sometimes she comes in to have a girls night.

- Briarlight and Jayfeather are opposites but compliment each other in the best way. She is bright and happy and he’s calm and collected. Jayfeather is a pessimist and she’s an optimist.

- All of the medicine people from the Clans always ask about Briarlight, she has them wrapped around her finger. They always sneak extra sweets for her whenever they visit Jayfeather

- Briarlight considered it a personal win when she finally got Jayfeather admit that they were friends. Jayfeather was overwhelmed by the swell of happiness that radiated from her the rest of the day.

- They have a saying that they use when no one is around. Whenever one of them is having a bad day, they go and cheer each other up by saying, “I’ll be your legs.” “And I’ll be your eyes.” They help each other and its beautiful.

- Briarlight used to love singing and dancing when she had her legs, so when she lost them she was depressed. After Jayfeather helped her out of it, she began humming and singing again

- The first time Jayfeather heard her sing his head whipped around because it was the most beautiful sound he’s ever heard. And for the first time in forever, Briarlight was happy as she restocked herbs while singing.

- Jayfeather grumbles about the noise but still encourages her to sing because it’ll help clear her lungs. Secretly, he likes hearing her voice. Briarlight knows he likes it.

- Jayfeather has too much pride to actually confess his feelings and Briarlight is afraid to ruin their relationship. Both are so awkward with their feeling but they don’t even realize they act like a couple until Lionblaze or Dovewing points it out. Sometimes when Leafpool watches them she’s reminded of her and Crowfeather

TOTAL DRAMA REUNION 

Ok I know I’ve hopped on this train too late, but I wanted to list all the profiles of the TD characters in Reunion cause I couldn’t find good ones

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Alejandro Burromuerto

10 years after Total Drama, Al has become a successful movie star. However, following an unpleasant break up with his former flame Heather Kasuga, he has not been quite the same. Good thing he’s an actor. Alejandro is just as cunning and charming as he was during his time on Total Drama and he is ready to win it all. On Total Drama Reunion, will Alejandro play the game to his favor … or will he realize that some things may just matter more?

Beth Sweetwater

10 years after Total Drama, Beth is still a sweet and trustworthy woman who is independent and can stand up for herself. She is married and has a son who she raises on her farm. She’s still best friends with Lindsay Hirding and often travels around with her. Now on Total Drama Reunion, will Beth have what it takes to hold her ground? Or will she fall back into old habits like before?

Bridgette Summers

10 years after Total Drama, Bridgette is quite a busy woman as a professional surfer and a part-time animal rescuer. One of the few couples to actually survive the show’s drama, Bridgette and Geoff are happily married with 2 spritely children, Henry and Shelly. Now Total Drama has been renewed for one final season, and Bridgette is swept up in the season with a promise to return to her children.

Courtney Prescott

10 years after Total Drama, Courtney has changed a lot since she was a teenager. She has gained humility after the “unpleasant incident” with her lawyers and accepts her losses and shortcomings maturely instead of throwing fits like a 5 year old. Total Drama brought out the worst in her and she realized that her relationships were more important than the game. Now, she has reconciled with Gwen and has a successful career as a lawyer who represents the cheated and abused by game shows and reality TV networks. Before his release from prison, Courtney served on the prosecution team during Chris McLean’s trial. Now a new season of Total Drama has begun, and the resurfacing of a former flame threatens to stir up trouble and Courtney’s post-drama life. On Total Drama Reunion, Courtney will forge unlikely friendships and meet those who hold grudges. How will Courtney navigate these dangerous waters of her past? And will she return to the way she was before?

Cody Anderson

10 years after Total Drama, Cody now has a stable lifestyle. He is an accountant, has a now-stable Sierra as a girlfriend, and could have everything he ever wants. But … he’s bored. He wants a thrill, an adventure. Will Total Drama Reunion help him prove he has what it takes?

DJ Benson

10 years after Total Drama, DJ is still the sweetheart with 200 pounds of muscle. A father of 3 now, Kerry, Christopher, and Laura, DJ is the best dad he could be. He owns a restaurant called “Mama’s Gravy” and helps animals at the local shelter. Now on Total Drama Reunion, DJ will reunite with old friends. Will he be able to survive this season’s drama, or will his kind heart be his downfall?

Duncan Jones

10 years after Total Drama, and after finally being released from prison after All Stars, Duncan has largely moved on from his delinquent lifestyle. He now lives a simple life in Ontario as the owner of a vehicle repair shop. However, Duncan finds his new life upended when Chris McLean is released and Total Drama is renewed for a final season. Duncan agrees to join the original cast to pay off a few debts, unaware of the last-minute inclusion of his old rival-turned-lover, Courtney Prescott. Although she is less than thrilled to be reunited with her ex, Duncan sees this as an opportunity to make up for his past mistakes and re-stoke the fire of their romance.

Eva Garren

10 years after Total Drama, Eva has come along way since enrolling in anger management classes. After the show was canceled, Eva began to reinvent herself as a world-class heavyweight lifter and a personal trainer. Although she still has an occasional angry outburst, Eva has grown into a more levelheaded person. Now she is drafted back onto Total Drama Reunion. Will Eva return to the rage-filled teenager she once was, or will she finally get the chance to shine?

Ezekiel Miller

10 years after Total Drama, Ezekiel has gone completely feral. Isolated from humanity and left to rot on Boney Island has mutated and damaged Zeke more than could be imagine. With the original cast back on the Island for Total Drama Reunion, will they run into Zeke? Will they recognize him? Will they realize the impact Chris has left upon him? And will they help him reclaim his humanity, or will he be left as a monster?

Geoff Algolen

10 years after Total Drama, Geoff has fully devoted himself to his wife, Bridgette, and their 2 kids, Henry and Shelly. Geoff still has his chill attitude from when he was a teenager, but fatherhood has molded him into a man of many responsibilities. Now Total Drama is on for one final season, and Geoff and Bridgette find themselves embarking on a new adventure and reuniting with old friends.

Gwen Ingrid

10 years after Total Drama, Gwen has followed her dreams and is hosting art galleries all over the country, donating the obtained money to charities around the world. Living a comfortable life in an apartment in New York City, Gwen is living her best life with her friends Courtney, Leshawna, and Bridgette, drama-free. Unfortunately, Gwen is tricked into consenting participation for Total Drama Reunion. Surrounded by old friends and enemies, will Gwen have what it takes to make it out of the season unscathed?

Harold McGrady

10 years after Total Drama, Harold is still the same as ever. Although split up, Harold is still keeps in touch with the members of Drama Brothers even though they lead different careers. Now, Harold along with Leshawna have started their own show called “Dance Zone”. With a new season of Total Drama greenlit, will Harold finally be able to show off his many skills and growth, or will he be brushed off like years ago?

Heather Kasuga

10 years after Total Drama, Heather has come a long way. She has become a well-known figure in the celebrity world as both the girlfriend to rising movie star Alejandro Burromuerto, and as “The Heather” that debuted on Total Drama. Using her reputation, Heather became a TV host to her own show, called “The World According to Heather” — popular because of her ruthlessness for answers and her skills as a master strategist. However, some things just weren’t meant to last as the it couple “Aleheather” broke it off on bad terms and unknown reasons. Heather hasn’t been the same since, and even a broach on the subject can make the “Old Heather” come out. Now, the former villainess returns to the show that started it all, Total Drama. In this new season, Heather will forge unlikely friendships, and meet bitter enemies. She will have to come face-to-face with not only her past self and actions, but also those she has hurt as well. Has Heather truly moved on? Or is the old Heather still lurking under the surface?

Izzy Connelly

10 years after Total Drama, Izzy is still as wild as ever. Always liking to be free, Izzy has traveled across the world and went on crazy adventures before she found her passion in producing. She produces the commercials for Owen’s “Choco-Treats” to help him out of his debts. Although she and Owen have an on-and-off fling, right now they are only friends. Izzy is a single mother of 2 crazy, curly red-haired twin boys, Hunter and Patrick. Now on Total Drama Reunion, will Izzy be able to play the game, or will she usurp it all?

Justin Alika

10 years after Total Drama, Justin is still as gorgeous as ever. He has worked his way up in the modeling industry and yes, while still absorbed with himself, he’s still caring to those in his life. He keeps in touch with his Total Drama Brothers and the fellow contestants he was close with. In Total Drama Reunion, will Justin show he’s more than his looks?

Katie & Sadie

10 Years after Total Drama, Katie and Sadie are still BFFFL’s. It is like no time has passed between the girls as they have started their post-drama lives together. Now the whole new season of Total Drama together, will the BFFFL’s friendship survive the turmoil?

Leshawna Edwards

10 years after Total Drama, Leshawna is better than ever. After making a good amount of money from her show called “Dance Zone”, Leshawna was able to move to New York City and start her own dance studio. Now, Total Drama is coming back with one final season, and Leshawna is once again thrown in the ring with both old friends and enemies to square down with. Will she be able to come out on top and earn her crown?

Lindsay Hirding

10 years after Total Drama, Lindsay is living her best life. Now the wife of her boyfriend, Tyler, she is now the mother of three kids, Kayden, Monica, and Sophie. Finally living her life of luxury, Lindsay is a fashion blogger and social media influencer as she travels the world with her best friend, Beth. Now with Total Drama Reunion, will Lindsay be able to show the world she is more than the blonde stereotype?

Noah Mathai

10 years after Total Drama, Noah is living a life he never would have dreamed would be his. After competing in a number of reality TV shows with his best friend, Owen, Noah has settled down, married his lawyer of a girlfriend Emma Park, and is having his son, Kieran. Now Total Drama Reunion has swept into Noah’s comfortable post-drama life. Will Total Drama take it all away, or will he finally get the chance to prove himself worthy competitor?

Owen Whitman

10 years after Total Drama, Owen is still as happy-go-lucky as ever. After competing in a number of reality TV shows as a professional duo with Noah, Owen has earned enough cash to retire. However, after losing his fortune and being in debt due to his excessive eating habits, Owen agrees to become the face of “Choco-Treats Candy Bars”. Thanks for the help of Izzy, Owen’s starred in a multitude of commercials that slowly helped him get on his feet — until Total Drama Reunion, offering a chance to pull him out of his troubles. Owen agrees and returns to show, where he is to be reunited with a few old friends. How bad could this season possibly be?

Sierra Weber

10 years after Total Drama, Sierra has thankfully said goodbye to her fangirl ways. Now a devoted girlfriend to Cody and a dedicated journalist, Sierra just might be the only person to realize how Chris McLean got unwilling contestants to join the show. Now on the outside, Sierra works her way in to uncovering the truth and taking down her past idol. Can Sierra save the old contestants, or will they fall to the dark secrets Sierra will uncover?

Trent Davis

10 years after Total Drama, Trent has been touring the country as a solo act musician. Although he initially kept in touch with Gwen, the two have drifted apart over time. While on the road, Trent has caught the eye of many women before he decided to get married. Him and his partner split up, and Trent realize that no matter how many women he’d meet, none would compare to the steely elegance of his first love. But first, he is left to deal with his young son, Everest. Trent moved on with his life, shoving Gwen in the back of his mind as he channeled all his focus into his music and son. But now, he’s pulled back into a final season of Total Drama Reunion, and the situation quickly becomes uncomfortable as he is reunited with his first love: Gwen.

Tyler Kennard

10 years after Total Drama, Tyler is now the husband of Lindsey and father of their 3 children. He loves to spoil his wife on their anniversaries with lipgloss, flowers, and accessories, and enjoys showing off his athletic skills to his kids. Now, he is swept up in a season of Total Drama Reunion, and Tyler finally sees his chance to shine and show he has what it takes to win it all.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Chris McLean

Imprisoned once again for his cheating crimes against humanity and the environment, legendary TV host Chris McLean is bailed out by the networking and an army of angry fans in a desperate attempt to revive Total Drama and pass on a new season. Chris agrees, and uproots all the original cast from their post-drama lives. As Chris’s mental state deteriorates, is there any chance of redemption for our favorite TV host?

Lifeguard Kailor AU

All Skylor Chen wanted was to relax at the pool so that she could catch a break from babysitting eleven children and to work on her tan. Unfortunately, the hot lifeguard and the meddling sister can’t give her that, can they?

Tags: Oblivious Skylor, Embarrassed/Flustered/Horny Kai, Sassy & Sadistic Little Sister Nya, Elemental Master kiddies, Sexual Tension, Minor Swearing.

Chapter inspired by Here I Go Again, by HeckinaHandbasket

So maybe this wasn’t exactly where Skylor Chen saw her life at the age of twenty.

Driving a minivan full of children all day, wrangling snacks and sunscreen and a first aid kit whenever the little kids managed to scrape their knees on the playground.

Skylor was supposed to be rich right now. The owner of the most successful restaurant in Ninjago by now. After she turned in her jerk of a father to the police at the age eighteen, she was supposed to take over his business as an heiress to a noodle empire. Which, as it were, a cover up for his criminal empire. 

So that, of course, meant that there was a total amount of zero customers willing to walk into Chen’s Noodlehouse, despite having the most delicious noodles in all of Ninjago. And being sold by his daughter of all things. 

It sucked , because Skylor had found herself broke, almost homeless, and with no one to turn to. It was a shame too, because Skylor thought she was a pretty good cook herself. 

But back then, Skylor was fresh out of options on what to do and was beginning to see the appeal of becoming a criminal just like her pitiful excuse of a father. 

But, before she could do something stupid, she posted a flyer. Skylor Chen’s nanny service was supposed to have been a temporary gig. Something quick and easy to do for cash while she tried to figure out what to do after her dad and the fall of her noodle empire.

She hadn’t expected it to have taken off like this. To turn into a career .

Now, Skylor spent sunup to sundown chasing around eleven eight year olds.

And the worst part was, she actually kind of liked it.

“Alright, brats, time to load up,” Skylor announced as she pulled up to the public pool. She parked the car and immediately the children poured out, Ash, Shade, Chamile, and Tox all shoving each other. They were more rowdy ones amongst the kids, always arguing and wrestling with each other. Gravis, Bolobo and Neuro exited more calmly, thankfully not banging the other cars with the doors. 

Skylor popped open the trunk, and the children each grabbed their respective bags and high-tailed it to the pool, Griffin Turner in the lead. “Look both ways!” She cried helplessly as Griffin did no such thing and raced inside. 

Skylor sighed and grabbed her own pack filled with snacks and sunscreen. She turned to the remaining three kids, Pale, Karloff and Jacob Pevsner. “You guys aren’t going inside?” She asked sweetly. 

“We wanted to wait for you,” Jacob turned his blind eyes upon her, and Skylor’s stupid, soft heart melted. 

“Really?” She asked. “That’s so sweet, thank you.” She slung her bag on her shoulders and took Jacob and Karloff’s hands, walking towards the pool as Pale trotted behind them. 

They joined the rest of the children inside, where they were impatiently waiting as Skylor signed them in.  

She paid for their pool membership out of her nannying fees. She didn’t make a spectacular amount — just enough to scrape by, and a little more for fun — but it was worth it, because...

The gates leading to the sparkling blue pool opened, and with a fierce cry of triumph, Skylor’s kids charged out onto the pool deck like a small army.

Now, they had something to do that wasn’t nagging Skylor, were guaranteed to be tired afterward, and Skylor got to work on her tan. So …

It was worth the money.

So, so worth it. 

Nya, the girl working at the desk today, seemed unusually alert, perking up and dropping her phone the moment Skylor walked in. Now, she leaned on the counter right in front of her, chin propped on her hand, lowering her sunglasses to look her up and down.

Skylor froze, thrown off by the attention. Usually, Nya or Jay would work the counter and made it a point to ignore her when she signed in. They had a good thing going, of pretending the other didn’t exist. It was nice. She liked it.

But lately, the two seemed to actually be looking at her, with the same smug grin whenever she walking in with her usual bikini and sarong. Like they knew something she didn’t. Like a cat dangling a mouse by the tail, slow, savoring, and with entirely evil intentions. 

This was unprecedented and unnerving.

She shifted under her gaze, giving her a cautious glance.

“Yes?”

Nya took this as her cue to jump into conversation like it was something they did every day. She pulled off her sunglasses and began to twirl a lock of black hair thoughtfully, still examining Skylor like a bug under a glass.

“I mean, I get it. With the kids and the face, and all the, you know,” she gestured at Skylor’s entire person dismissively, “You’re pretty. Sweet, funny, motherly. You got the perfect combo going on. It’s not my thing, but I can see why some guys might go gaga over it.”

Skylor stared at her blankly, completely lost. Was Nya trying to compliment, or criticize her? Out loud, for once, since she got the impression that she was always kind of criticizing her and everyone else around her?

She looked back up at her, eyebrows lifted in question. “What?”

It was almost like she wasn’t there, because Nya kept on talking. She would have assumed that she was talking to herself if she hadn’t been studying Skylor like a particularly fascinating slide under a microscope.

“But, I mean, the level of obsession is baffling . I’ve never seen anyone become a goner so quickly. It’s like you cast a freaking spell on him or something. What did you do? Is it just, like, magic or is there a trick to it? Because, let me tell you, if you could bottle and sell what you did to him, you’d be rich as hell.”

Skylor shook her head, trying to edge her way to the gate where the kids were waiting. She had absolutely no idea what Nya was talking about. Skylor would know for a fact if she had enchanted some guy, seeing as she had been seriously lacking in that department ever since it had been revealed that she was the daughter of a criminal.

Skylor wondered if the sun had somehow fried Nya’s brains even though she was indoors. Sure, some smoking hot guy was following her around with his eyes as she was run ragged by a group of little kids and drove them around in her mom van.  

Skylor snorted at the thought and Nya speared her with a direct gaze. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

The younger girl slanted a significant look at her.

“Oh, don’t you, though?”

“No? I don’t?”

Nya stared at her for a solid five second, before something like realization dawned on her. She gasped, hand to her chest as a delighted — slightly worrying — smile crept across her lips.

“Oh. Oh, my god. You really don’t know? Oh, that’s hysterical. Oh my god, thank you! Just wait till the guys hear about this! You’ve just made my day. My whole week. This is amazing, thank you. I’m going to use this against him forever.”

Skylor cocked her head at her, shifting uneasily as Nya began cackling.

“Are you okay?”

Nya rounded the counter to guide Skylor into the pool, following her through. She had a freakishly giddy grin on her face, and as Skylor tried to make her way to the kids faster, she shot a shark grin at the person sitting in the lifeguard chair, watching them with no small amount of horror.

“I’m great! Listen, Skylor, right?”

“Yeah … ”

Nya was practically bouncing alongside her, effervescent with delight. “Well, Skylor, I’m leading a calisthenics class here at the pool, just two mornings a week. I really think you should join.”

Oh. Well, that explained it. 

It was a sales pitch.

Skylor sighed, giving a gentle refusal with a shrug. 

“Oh, I can’t, my kids.” She nodded to the children, who had set up camp in the shade right next to the lifeguard chair. Neuro, bless his little soul, was trying to be responsible and spray sunscreen on Ash. Ash said something that was too far for Skylor to hear, but whatever it was made Neuro spray the little boy in the face indignantly. 

Nya gave a dismissive wave of her hand, like Skylor having to do her job was a minor inconvenience.

“That’s okay. Here, come with me.”

Taking her hand like they were best friends, Nya practically skipped to the concession stand and took out a handful of popsicles. She made her way back to the kids, rousing cheers from them. 

She held them aloft like she was trying to keep a litter of puppies from jumping for a treat, which was … not inaccurate .

“Alright, listen up, kids. Sit here and behave for ten minutes, and I’ll get you another round of popsicles, okay? I need to borrow your nanny for a bit. Very important.”

All eleven kids, who Skylor could barely control on a good day, sat down in unison, wide eyes fixed on the popsicles as they agreed. 

It was eerie, actually. Like a hive mind. 

Nya distributed the popsicles, but before she could say anything to Skylor, a shrill whistle pierced the air. The two girls turned to look as a tall, tan male began climbing down the lifeguard chair and made his way to them.

Skylor’s gut clenched hotly. 

Oh. Oh crap. It was Kai Smith. 

He was the one thing at this pool that she both despised and loved, and for some stupid reason, she kept coming back. 

He wasn’t a new lifeguard to the pool, he was the lifeguard supervisor . Because of course he was, that prick. And for some reason, he seemed to have it out for Skylor and her kids. 

She couldn’t deny, her kids were total hellions and ate brattiness and attitude for breakfast, but that was no reason to be singling them out when there was an entire pool filled with brats. Skylor had once watched one kid sprint into the pool to do a dive while Kai had blown his whistle at Pale for some invisible offense. All while never taking his eyes off Skylor’s. 

It was infuriating. 

It was bullying. 

Skylor had bought the pool membership so that she could relax and the kids could have fun . 

But Kai?

Kai murdered fun. 

With. His. Whistle. 

God, what she wouldn’t give to see him choke on it. 

“Oh, hey, bro,” Nya called cheerfully. 

Right. And he was also Nya’s older brother. 

Kai came to a stop in front of them, arms crossed over his tanned chest, muscles bunching. Skylor swallowed. Nya smirked. 

“ What are you doing?” He growled out. “Get back to your station.” 

“Sorry, dude, I’m on break,” Nya responded easily. “I was just catching up with my friend Skylor, here.” Nya patted her on the back with a challenging look at Kai while Skylor jerked. 

Friend? 

“I saw you take the popsicles and give it to the demon squad,” Kai glanced at said demons before fixing his eyes on Skylor. “Are you paying for them?”

Skylor felt her skin heat and flush as Kai ran his shaded eyes down every inch of her body. Oh god. She couldn’t even see his eyes and they were already doing things to her. 

“No, I’m paying for them.” Nya’s voice broke her out of her thoughts, and Kai and Skylor both snapped their eyes away from each other. Nya watched the two, amusement dancing in her eyes. 

Skylor shook her head, recalling what Nya said. “What? You can’t pay for them,” she frowned. “It’s one dollar per popcicle, and I have eleven kids. And you promised you’d give them another round when they’re done. That’s twenty-two dollars.” 

Normally, Skylor would be happy to freeload off another human being, but being in front of Kai made her feel funny. Like she wanted to try and be an actively good person, not brush it off or act indifferent whenever someone brought up how much she was like her father. 

Plus, this was Kai’s sister here. 

Nya waved her off. “It’s okay, I’d be happy to,” she said. Then she stared at Kai and that shark grin made a reappearance. “In fact, I’d be happy to get you one too. How do you feel about red?” 

Kai made a strangled noise in the back of his throat. 

“I like red,” Skylor said. 

“Great,” Nya grinned. “It’s Kai’s favorite color.” 

Skylor felt heat rise to her cheeks. She had noticed. Kai looked good in red. Red bottoms to be exact. Red bottoms without a shirt and water droplets trailing down his abs if she wanted to be really specific. 

Kai’s face was turning red, Skylor absently noted. His face was all flushed, and she might have written it off as the heat if it hadn’t been for the absolutely murderous look he was throwing his sister. 

Nya kept beaming, tossing Kai a wink and a smile. “I would get back to your lifeguard duties, bro. Don’t want any brats drowning on your watch, do you?” 

Kai grumbled something under is breath as he turned and stomped his way back to the chair. Nya shook her head fondly. “God, he’s like a toddler,” she sighed. “I love poking fun at him; especially when it’s with things he cares about.” 

Before Skylor could wrap her head around that particular statement, Nya turned and beamed. “Now, don’t think I forgot about you! We still have our lesson!” 

“Lesson?” Skylor repeated dumbly. When had she ever agreed to a lesson?

“First, sunscreen. Don’t want you getting burned.” Nya grabbed the spray bottle and spun her around, spritzing her with the stuff so she was practically glistening against the sun. 

“Good,” Nya smiled and grabbed her hand, dragging her to the other side of the pool so they were directly across from Kai’s chair. Skylor stole a glance over her shoulder to see Kai’s attention focused on another family. 

Nya tossed a look at her brother as well, a pleased smile on her lips that glinted ominously in the sun. “Yeah, here is perfect.”

She grabbed Skylor unceremoniously by the hips, putting her back to the pool. “Okay, so you stand here.”

Skylor pried her hands off her hips, already regretting going along with whatever this was. 

“Uh, Nya, I don’t think — ”

Nya’s hands moved to snag the hem of her sarong, untying it and tossing it to the side. 

“And you need to lose the skirt for sure.”

Skylor sputtered and Nya grinned, assessing her stance. “Perfect! Now, we need to see how flexible you are.”

Skylor shrugged. She’d never tried calisthenics before, but she used to do yoga back when she had more free time. Those were the days, weren’t they? Before she started hauling around little hellions and did their every bidding.  

“I’m pretty flexible, I guess. I like to do yoga, sometimes.”

Nya beamed, clapping excitedly and bouncing on her feet. “Great idea! That’s perfect. We can use that.”

Use that? 

“What?”

With a snap of her fingers, Nya pointed imperiously to the ground.

“Okay, first, touch your toes.”

Even though she was confused Skylor bent over, folding in half with effortless grace. Nya’s eyes widened with surprise before she grinned. It wasn’t at Skylor, exactly, but only indirectly at her — like she was grinning at someone right over her shoulder.

“Oh, cool, you’re actually flexible. That’s great! Okay, now spread your legs apart and grab your ankles. Really push into the stretch.”

Kai started to blow his whistle as completely and obnoxiously as Kai could, before it abruptly stopped. The shrill, extended whistling died a sudden and complete death as Skylor pushed into the stretch. Just, cut off completely the second her fingers wrapped around her ankles.

Skylor peered out between her legs to see Kai half-standing from his seat, whistle falling from his lips and gazing across the pool at them rather than the running kid.

He looked like someone had just hit him over the head, opened-mouthed and dazed as he gawked over at them.

Weird.

Nya let out an amused snort and began leading Skylor through more exercises, making her stretch her body to the fullest. The sun beating down on her was making her skin gleam with sweat, and Skylor was happy that Nya remembered the sunscreen. For some reason, Nya kept on giggling uncontrollably, letting out snorts and full-on cackles which seemed to coincide with her glancing over Skylor’s shoulder every couple minutes.

Skylor followed Nya’s instructions to the letter, actually enjoying the stretch. She didn’t get a lot of time for yoga anymore. Maybe she should sign up for the class. 

They had barely finished in time before the popsicles ran out, the kids starting to protest loudly. Skylor stopped her stretches, grabbed her sarong and hurried over to them, hoping to shush them before Kai used his cursed whistle. Nya walked away and returned with more popcicles, this time with one for Skylor. 

“So, what do you think? Want to to join the class?”

Skylor eyed Nya while handing out the popcicles to the kids. “You’re really insistent on this, huh?”

Nya smiled sunnily. “Yeah! I think it’s good for you, and you can use it as some down time from the kids. Your’re pretty flexible already, so it would be nice to see what else you can do.” 

“I’ll see if I can fit it into my schedule,” Skylor promised. It wasn’t an exact yes, but it wasn’t a firm no either, so Nya took it as it was and nodded. 

“Awesome, I hope to see you there. Popcicle?” Nya held out the frozen treat, and who was Skylor to deny a free offering? Skylor unwrapped the popcicle to see it was, indeed, cherry red. She ran her tongue along the bottom, placing it in her mouth and sucking delicately, before she heard a choking sound. 

She turned, concerned to see if it was one of her kids, but found they were all looking up at the lifeguard chair. She followed their gazes, watching Nya’s smile turn full-on maniacal, to see Kai. 

His face was flaming , more red than his swim trunks, and he was practically hacking up a lung as he hit his chest. He was holding something in his fist, and looking closer, Skylor could see it was his —

“Oh my God,” Nya sounded impressed and entirely too gleeful. “Did you just choke on your whistle?”  

Kai wheezed, coughing and looking furious at himself as he tried to catch his breath. Nya burst into laughter, and Skylor couldn’t help but feel a little bit amused. She had been fantasizing about Kai choking on his whistle since the day they met.

And other things, too, to be honest — but that was irrelevant. 

Kai cleared his throat, managing to regain his breath while somehow managing to look like a sexy tomato. Skylor was low-key jealous on how he — and the Smith siblings in general — managed to keep this air of unaffected coolness even when they were in this ninety-degree weather and Skylor was sweating bullets. 

The whistle fell between Kai’s perfect pecs, and Kai ran a hand through his stupidly sexy — or was it sexily stupid? — hair. He had taken off his sunglasses, so Skylor got to see his gorgeous eyes meet her own without the interruption of tinted plastic. 

So maybe Skylor had a tiny crush on him. Sue her. Despite him being smoking hot, Kai had literally seen her being run ragged by the kids and her mom van whenever she pulled up to the lot. 

No way Kai would notice her like that when there plenty of other women who came by the pool to ogle at the hot lifeguard. 

Plus, Kai could be a real ass when he wanted to be. And with Skylor and the kids? The annoyance was enough to overwhelm her unfortunate attraction to him. Most days, anyway. 

“Are you okay?” Skylor asked, because unfortunately, around Kai she actually became a concerned human to people who weren’t her kids. 

“Yeah, I’m — I’m fine,” Kai’s voice was a little breathy, a little raspy from inhaling his whistle. He was still blushing red from all the coughing. He shook his head, smouldering eyes wandering over every inch of Skylor until she tingled . 

His eyes focused on the dripping popcicle in her hand and he swallowed. 

“Uh, Nya, I’m gonna have to go — to the bathroom. Right now. Cover for me?”

Nya’s eyes looked innocent, but her smile was anything but. “How long will you be? Break’s almost up, I gotta get back to my station, remember?” 

Kai growled, looking murderous as he met his sister’s cool, amused gaze with his blazing one. They seemed to have an almost telepathic conversation, before Nya nodded with sly smirk. Kai practically jumped off the chair, still holding his red life raft as he stormed to the bathrooms. 

Skylor shifted awkwardly, not knowing what to do with that . The kids seemed to have enough common sense to keep their mouths shut, watching the whole exchange with wide eyes. 

“ … Thanks for the lessons?” Skylor offered hesitantly. 

Nya smirked.  “No, thank you . Just keep doing what you’re doing, Sky, and I promise you that the rewards with be great for all three of us.” She winked, pointed finger guns at her, and paired that with a smirk.

What.

“That was amazing. Good luck with him — you’re gonna need it.”

Then she just climbed up the chair and blew her whistle at a kid on the other side of the pool.

Skylor turned in a full circle and faced the kids, sheer confusion on her face.

What the hell just happened?

Traitor Lloyrumi AU

Here is something to shed some light on the situation: Ninjago City was taken over. It was overrun by someone called the Quiet One, also known as Harumi. But she didn’t single-handedly take over Ninjago City. No, she had the help of someone else. Someone named Lloyd Garmadon. 

Tags: Toxic Relationships (it’s Harumi), Self Harm, Harm

Chapter inspired by Act Natural, by the-modern-typewriter on Patreon

Lloyd’s new purpose in life was to be entertaining. 

He was locked away in Harumi’s penthouse while she went to work . He was just supposed to be there — warming her bed, waiting for her to get home, cooking her meals, ect. 

It was like a sick version of playing house, with Lloyd as the lovesick husband waiting for his dear wife to get home. 

Lloyd would have preferred torture to this. He supposes this is why Harumi chose this to begin with. 

Here is something to shed some light on the situation: Ninjago City was taken over. It was overrun by someone called the Quiet One, also known as Harumi. But she didn’t single-handedly take over Ninjago City. No, she had the help of someone else. Someone named Lloyd Garmadon. 

Lloyd was a civilian in Ninjago City, but he was friends with the Ninja, the protectors of this city. They had raised him when they found him on the street, and had loved him as one of their own. He wasn’t an Elemental Master like them, so as soon as he was old enough he went on to lead a civilian life — go to school, get a job, ect. 

That was until Harumi came into his life. Looking back, Lloyd should have known that having such obvious connections to the Ninja would lead to trouble. Draw in the wrong types of people. 

The Quiet One was a dangerous figurehead in Ninjago City. They had a name, but Lloyd was finally able to put a face to it one dark night when Harumi slid into his life with dangerous eyes and silky threats. 

She used his fear. She made him her pawn, and used him to betray his family. With inside information from Lloyd, Harumi was able to hit them, hit the city, where it hurts. 

Because of Lloyd, Ninjago City was sent crumbling to its knees and the Ninja were left reeling. Nobody knew if they were dead or alive or if they had found refuge in another city. 

And Lloyd?

Harumi picked him up in the middle of the night, praised him, and then stole him away.

Harumi was away now, dealing with running her new city. Lloyd got out of the shower, steam curling the air as he dried himself on his towel and put on his clothes when — 

Hands seized him from behind, clamping over his mouth before he could yelp and slammed him to a wall.

“Easy, Lloyd. We’re here to rescue you. Easy.”

Lloyd froze. Blinking, stunned, Lloyd whipped around and faced one of the brothers’ he betrayed. 

Kai . 

He looked older than he did when he last saw him. Wearier, more tired, and he had a new scar under his eye that wasn't there before. Lloyd swallowed the lump in his throat. 

He did that. 

It was his fault that Kai was so worn, so battle-torn and rough. Lloyd had betrayed Kai and his family because he was too afraid, too cowardly. 

“What are you doing here?” Lloyd asked. It suddenly occurred to him that Harumi would be back soon, and if she saw Kai standing in their bedroom she would kill him. A sharp spike of fear shot through him. 

“Rescuing you,” Kai said. “You’re our friend, remember? We’re family.”

Another spike shot through him, but it wasn’t fear. It was pain, lancing through his entire being and stealing his breath away. 

“But I betrayed you,” Lloyd hissed. A sudden bout of anger hit him. Why was Kai risking his stupid life for a traitor like him? Lloyd had single-handedly destroyed the city that he and his friends so dearly loved just because he was afraid of dying at the hands of Harumi. Why didn’t Kai get it that he should hate him, that he didn’t deserve to be saved?

Something in Kai’s face shifted, pulling back a little bit to stare at Lloyd’s face. His eyes were soft as he reached forward and put his hand on Lloyd’s face, daringly. The only times Harumi did that was to see his reactions, to bask in every flavor of emotion flickering across his face. 

“We don’t blame you, Lloyd,” he said. 

His heart stopped. “What?” 

Kai put both hands to his face, staring Lloyd straight in the eyes so he could understand. “We don’t blame you. None of us do. You aren’t made to fight monsters like us, Lloyd, you aren’t trained like we are. You weren’t prepared when Harumi came after you, and that’s on us ; we’re your family, and we should have known that relations to us would have consequences. We — you shouldn't have gone through that alone.”

Lloyd blinked rapidly, tears stinging his angry eyes and falling unhindered. 

That had to be the kindest thing anyone had said to him in the months of Harumi’s care. All of Harumi’s kindness and honeyed words had an edge, but Lloyd could deal with that. This kind of kindness — Kai’s kindness — only made him feel unworthy of the sweetness after everything he’s done.

He flung himself at Kai, burying himself in the comforting embrace he had missed. “ I’m sorry,” he sobbed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know what to do — she said she'd kill me all if I didn’t tell her — she said you died — ”

Kai soothed him, rubbing his back like he did when Lloyd was a kid and pulled away. “I know, it’s okay,” he said. “C’mon, we have to go before Harumi gets back. The others are waiting for you.” 

Swallowing the lump in his throat, Lloyd nodded, locking his emotions behind a steel wall. 

Then he followed Kai. 

***

When Kai and Lloyd made their way to the warehouse where everyone was camping out, the first thing he saw was his family. 

Nya, Zane, Jay, Cole, and PIXAL were standing in the dreary surroundings like beams of strength, all dressed in their Ninja gear. 

The minute Lloyd stepped into view, Nya put away her weapon and flung herself into his arms, burying her head into the crook of his neck. She didn’t say anything, but Lloyd could feel her trembling as she squeezed him so tight he hurt. 

Lloyd didn’t do anything but close his eyes and squeeze her back, but he still felt the sharp pain lace his heart as Nya pulled away and wiped her wet eyes. After pulling away Jay took her place, then Zane, then PIXAL, then Cole. 

After his family drew away did Lloyd wipe his tears, feeling more emotion than he had the past few months. 

“I’m sorry,” Lloyd mumbled out. It seemed like he would never be able to say those words enough and not stop the wave of guilt. 

Cole shook his head. “It’s not your fault Lloyd. Not entirely. We should have noticed. You were forced into this. You didn’t have a choice.” 

Lloyd swallowed the bile in his throat. He did have a choice though. He could have chosen to be more brave. He could have chosen to say no to Harumi’s lethal eyes. He could have — he could have — 

He must have seen the millions of thoughts dashing across his expression, because Cole shook his head, eased his grip off his shoulder.

“There’s no time to explain everything,” Cole said. “We don’t have long before The Quiet One gets back.”

Lloyd’s stomach twisted with unease; palms clammy with sweat at the thought. He couldn’t be sure, but he couldn’t help but think that things were going all too smoothly. Harumi was a cold leader, and a calculating strategist. She controlled the city, had eyes everywhere. 

“We had to make sure you were safe,” Jay said, hollow. “You were in the city, and we heard that she took you. We had to find a way into the city. So we studied her. Her strengths. Her weaknesses. And … that was you. Harumi — the Quiet One — she’s … obsessed with you.”

Lloyd swallowed, shifting his feet. He … didn’t know what to think with that. Sure, she was … she was … Harumi, but Lloyd didn’t really think she cared about him that much. There was some level of strong feeling, but Lloyd always thought that was just her being cruel. It didn’t mean anything, not really.

She had always coveted him, desired him for sure, but never as an equal, as an actual person. Harumi doted on him in the way one might treat a beloved pet or a favourite tool. 

Harumi pressed feathery kisses on him, ran lingering fingers over his body, and had always breathed that they were kindred spirits in his ear, but that wasn’t love . 

Right? 

PIXAL spoke up, snapping him from his thoughts. “You are the only thing, beyond her own power, that she seems to care about. That makes you the perfect bait. It might be our only chance to —”

The words cut out with a gasp. PIXAL’s green eyes flashed in the darkness and it took Lloyd a second too late to see what she saw. 

A knife was thrown, deadly and precise as it plunged in Jay’s shoulder. Jay screamed and went down, the sound chilling Lloyd to the bones as blood poured out the wound, turning the cement slippery and red. His blue gi stained dark as it seeped through the fabric. The knife thrown had pinned Jay’s shoulder straight to the ground.

“JAY!” Nya screamed and went to his side, breathing unsteadily as the blood pooled around her. 

“To what? Kill me?” Harumi’s echoey voice rang through the silence. 

She slithered from the shadows, one of her knives spinning in her hand with the utmost grace. Her white hair was the brightest thing in the warehouse, and the warpaint smeared under her eyes was the same shade of Jay’s blood. 

But she was different. Her face was twisted with rage, eyes blazing, looking nothing like the cool and calculating calm that Lloyd had grown used to seeing. Harumi was something wild and savage coiled up in a human shape.

She stalked forward like a wrathful shadow, bent on the destruction and blood of his friends. Her hands were trembling, shaking with fury, and she looked almost feral with the need to kill.

“Hardly. Not when you think it is possible to get away with taking what’s mine.”

Cold plunged through Lloyd. He was on their feet in an instant, heart lurching as he moved between his captor and his friends, arms wide.

Her eyes flicked to him. “And now,” Harumi said, “once again all of your friends will die. Slowly. Painfully. Because of you .”

Lloyd cringed. His breathing turned shallow. He became acutely aware of his friends behind him, desperate. Of Jay bleeding out, shaking. Of all the open spaces where Harumi’s men could take them out.

She lunged forward with bloody intent, knives swinging, but Lloyd moved quicker.

He snatched the blade hanging from Kai’s belt and pressed the sharp edge into his own throat. 

“STOP!”

Harumi froze.

Lloyd took the moment to survey his surroundings: half of his friends had drawn their weapons and the other half were crouching by Jay. He was bleeding, but the knife lodged in seemed to stop it from spilling all out. It was nowhere fatal, thank God — Harumi wanted them to suffer, to have their hearts carved out and leave their corpses soaked in blood. 

Lloyd has never felt so terrified in his life. Not when Harumi first rolled up to him in a limo with her sharp smile. Not when the reality of what he’s done for her came crashing down with the screams of his friends. Not in the moments where there was the quiet before the chaos; when Harumi would wind her arm around his neck, whisper that he was hers, and kiss him senseless. 

But amidst the terror, there was resolve. Lloyd had done a lot of bad things, but maybe this could make up for it. His fear was what led Harumi to manipulate him, his own cowardice leading to the demise of the city and his family. 

Lloyd wouldn’t stand aside and let the same thing happen this time. 

“Let them go,” Lloyd said. Harumi had never told him that she loved him, and he had always thought that her wayward affectionate behavior was just to be cruel, but… “Let them go right now , or I’ll slit my throat.”

But he had to try something.

Harumi’s fingers flexed, ready to pounce, but didn’t move. Her eyes were laser-focused on the dagger by his throat. Her men burst from the darkness, but she held up a hand, stopping them. 

“You wouldn’t,” Harumi hissed. She was furious, but if Lloyd didn’t know any better, he would say she looked almost desperate. Lloyd shifted the blade, and he swore he saw fear in her eyes. 

She lowered her voice, making it silky and velvety. Trying to conceal her obvious desperation. “You wouldn’t do it,” she continued softly. “After everything you’ve done? All that you did to save your own skin? You value your life too much to — ”

The knife sunk into Lloyd’s skin, and blood dripped down the stinging wound.

The silence following that seemed like the loudest thing in the warehouse. Harumi shut up, hands lowering. Her and Lloyd never took their eyes off each other, not trusting each other to not do anything. 

“Go,” Lloyd said. He didn’t allow his voice to shake. “Get out of here. Now.”

For a moment, nobody moved. Cole and Nya were crouched next to Jay, frozen. Zane, PIXAL, and Kai were stuck too, staring at Lloyd and Harumi. The Quiet One radiated more fury than Lloyd had ever seen. His fingers ached with how tightly he was gripping the dagger, but he didn’t dare loosen his grip. 

The silence smothered the building, the anticipation suffocating. They were all waiting for Harumi to let loose, to snap and order the guards to kill them all. 

 But she didn’t move. 

Harumi stood still, breathing deeply as her eyes fixed on Lloyd and his dagger. Nothing else really existed at all between them. Harumi wanted Lloyd alive. Lloyd wanted his friends to survive. Harumi wanted them dead and Lloyd would kill himself if she was the cause of their last breath being drawn. 

That left the two of them at a stalemate, at an equilibrium. A new battlefield stretched across the space between them. 

Finally, Lloyd heard the sounds of Nya and Cole hoisting Jay up and dragging him away. PIXAL went after them to scout and protect, but not before looking back with a regretful gaze. 

It hurt Lloyd more than he thought that he wasn’t able to get a final look at his family. This could be the last time ever he was going to see them, but Lloyd didn’t dare look away from Harumi, ready to slice his neck open if she so much as twitched. 

“Lloyd,” Kai sounded pained. Lloyd wanted to close his eyes. Of course, Kai wasn’t one to leave his family. He was willing to die for them. It was probably killing him that he would have to leave him. 

“It’s okay, Kai,” Lloyd said. “Go.” 

The lie burned his tongue and made his stomach roll. There was silence, then the shuffling of feet as Zane dragged Kai out the building to escape. 

Lloyd didn’t move the knife away from his neck. Harumi didn’t move any closer.  The two didn’t take their eyes off each other. 

Time dragged on, the minutes dripping by and the hours dangling between them.

Eventually, confirmation came that the Ninja had left the city limits. Proof came in the form of pictures.

Lloyd closed his eyes. 

Harumi was on him in an instant. Lloyd let her knock the blade aside, and felt the familiar indent of her fingers on his throat. She drove him back into the wall, eyes wild. 

Too many emotions were flickering by too fast: rage and fear and hate and something else. Something powerless. And it made Lloyd feel powerful. Smug, even, because never in his life had he seen Harumi lose so much control. Never seen her show so much as she wanted to show. 

And now Lloyd knew what his greatest weapon was: himself. 

“What are you going to do now?” Lloyd shoved her back, grinning a crazed thing. “Kill me?”

Harumi’s fists clenched, but she didn’t lunge at him again. She looked like she wanted to tear him limb from limb; she looked ready to shred the world and torch its ashes. Harumi lurked close — not as close as she usually was, but closer than an average person would. “Death is not nearly enough punishment for thinking you can walk away from me. You care for them? You’ll spend the rest of your life listening to them scream.”

“You know, it’s funny,” Lloyd began. “You always threaten everyone else. Never me. It’s almost like you don’t really want to hurt me.”

“You are absurd,” Harumi spat. “You really think I’d let you do away with yourself? That pleasure is reserved for me alone. I will kill you for what you’ve done today.”

“No you won’t,” he smiled. It was a cruel thing, but Lloyd didn’t care. After so long of feeling powerless, having power over someone like Harumi was addictive. “No you won’t. You know why?” 

Lloyd takes a step closer, and cups her face. Harumi’s eyes are blown wide as he gently tucks a lock of white hair behind her ear and leans down to whisper in it. 

“ Because you love me.” 

Harumi jerks, slamming her hands against his chest and reeling back. Too many emotions are flying across her face. Too many words were clogging her mouth, choking her. 

It suddenly occurred to Lloyd that their roles were switched; that Harumi was acting like Lloyd and Lloyd was acting like Harumi. Something in Lloyd twisted, but he didn’t care. 

Harumi was right when she called them kindred spirits. They were. And after so long, Lloyd wanted to make Harumi squirm, he wanted her to feel uncomfortable, exposed. Revealed. 

It was wrong, and sick, and some may even call it — him — evil, but Lloyd didn’t care. He was doing this for his family, his friends. Before he was too scared, but he wasn’t anymore. He was doing what Harumi had done to him — using the knifed tongue, and using it where it hurt. 

“It hurts, doesn’t it?” Lloyd said. His voice had changed, growing lower. He didn’t know if the tone was mocking or genuinely soft. “I’m not yours , Harumi. Pawn I may be to you, but I was always theirs . I was the Ninja's first.”

Harumi’s voice shook, but was no less deadly. “Just because I won’t kill you doesn’t mean I can’t hurt you. It doesn’t mean I can’t make you wish you were dead.”

Lloyd laughed. “You think I don’t wish that? I do, with every second I spend with you, my monster.”

Harumi stopped breathing. Words seemed to leave her in an instant. She stared up at him with wide eyes, a hand to her chest. 

She didn’t look hurt, exactly.

For a long minute, they just stared at each other.

“We really do deserve each other, don’t we?” Harumi finally whispered. Her voice was tentative. She looked — sounded — so young. For the first time, Lloyd realized that they must be the same age. 

“You have no idea how cruel you are when you want to be. One of these days we might just kill each other.”

Lloyd’s heart seemed to break. 

“You first, Harumi.”

She closed her eyes at that, and Lloyd felt himself sagging. 

What had the two of them become? 

Lloyd opened his eyes and saw Harumi take his hand, locking their fingers together. “Come on,” she said. “Let’s head back.” 

Lloyd let her walk him back, into the car, until they reached Harumi’s penthouse, his prison. 

Was he seriously going to just walk back in there?

Lloyd came to a stop outside, still linked to Harumi’s hand. He stared up at the tower, then looked down at the girl, who was watching him. 

Then he kissed her. 

It was a sweet kiss, one that mimicked a lover kissing their beloved, and Harumi’s breath seized. She put her arms around his neck, drawing him close as he put one arm around her waist, tangling another in her hair. 

Lloyd wonders when he got so cruel.

As he kissed Harumi, Lloyd knew three things: 

The Ninja had escaped. They were free to try again, and everyone would know they had successfully infiltrated Ninjago City and survived. The people of the city would doubt.

Harumi was in love with him. Or at the very least, she cared about him. What she felt for him was mad, obsessive, toxic, crazy … love. It was wrong, but so were they. Lloyd and Harumi were kindred spirits, two sides of the same coin. They deserved each other. Harumi was in love with Lloyd, and she wasn’t about to let him go. 

Lloyd had and was more than he ever could have imagined.