Apologies for the long wait! This has kind of been on a back burner for many months now, since I had everything planned out and knew where I wanted to go with this chapter, but have had both limited time to actually write and a whole lot of stuff going on in my life as of late.

What honestly surprised me about writing this was just how devoted and attached to both the characters and storyline of this fic I've become- how quickly I have fallen in love with it and how much fun I have had writing. This is one of my favorite projects currently because it takes a lot of elements from a roleplay that my sister and I have been doing for years now, which is where a lot of Lloyd's (and the others') character development or even a few character arcs come from, and also because I'm really excited about the storyline. 

It's been a ton of fun delving into Lloyd's mindset, backstory, motives, and emotions for this chapter, and I hope that you all enjoy it.  Pay attention, this is pretty full of important details regarding the overall storylines and characters, and it really sets the groundwork for the rest of the story. Thank you for sticking with me this far, I appreciate each one of you! <33

trigger warning for mentions of both verbal and physical harassment, references to injuries, struggles with living two different lives and having two different identities, and pretty depressing vibes throughout most of this chapter (it's from Lloyd's POV- what do you expect?).

{ 🍃 • 🐉 • 🍃 }

( lloyd )

As the sun sank lower on the horizon, its fading light bathed everything in brilliant shades of orange and red, giving the city an almost peaceful, beautiful look that starkly contrasted the broken buildings, the people scurrying about as if they were scared of being carried off by some evil enemy, and the mile-long lines of cars that wove their way through an all-too familiar maze of debris, multiple construction sites, and road closures.

I could see it all from my vantage point up on the roof of one of the taller buildings in downtown Ninjago City, this particular place one that I often frequent for my patrol runs specifically because of the view.

A quiet sigh escaped my lips as I leaned my head forward to rest it in my palm, green eyes trained on the cityscape below.

No matter how many times I saw it, the view never ceased to amaze me. It was so fascinating to be able to watch everyone without them even knowing that I was here.

And with being a an outcast of sorts, it could be thought-provoking to have the chance to kind of take a step back, both literally and figuratively, and to see if things were any different without me in the picture.

The only sad thing was that sometimes, most of the time if I was being honest, I couldn't help but wonder if they were all better off without me.

It would be hard enough having a secret identity, but when that identity happens to be the legendary Green Ninja, Ninjago City's biggest hero and role model, it makes it all the more difficult to go about my daily life, where almost everyone treats like a worthless piece of trash simply because of the choices my father has made.

Sure, they're the kind of choices that level cities and terrorize villages, destroy countless families (including our own), and consistently cause chaos and fear wherever he goes, but it isn't like I have any part in that.

Truthfully, most of it started long before I was even born, but because people are people, they still choose to treat both me and the broken remains of my small family with as much contempt as possible, no matter how many times we've proved that we're nothing like my father. And to a lesser extent, even my friends, just for associating themselves with me, receive the same treatment as I do.

The people that the other ninja and I fight for with every fiber of our being, risk everything for, bleed for, heck, even die for  are the same people who spit on us in the streets, curse us, leave threatening notes, beat us up behind the school building at the end of the day, refuse to even be seen with us, and verbally harass us far too frequently.

It's sobering to see just how differently they treat us as soon as we have a piece of cloth over our faces. We're still the same people, the only difference is that we have a mask on, and a secret identity to hide behind.

It doesn't matter how many times we've kept quiet, or are kind to everyone else who treats us so horribly, they just see us as weak and pathetic, unable to defend ourselves. But at the same time, if we retaliate at all, even for the right reasons, everyone loses their minds and adds it to their list of grievances against us.

That was something that I especially have been forced to deal with a whole lot more than the others have, as far back as I can remember. I've gotten used to it, the insults didn't hurt as much (at least initially) as they used to, but no matter how many times I see it happen, watching my friends and family being treated so horribly because of me cuts so much more deeply. And then the guilt comes creeping in.

So many times I've laid awake at night, unable to sleep, my mind swirling with those dark thoughts. It pains me to know that my friend's discomforts and struggles are mainly due to their relationship with me and with my family.

I've tried so hard to persuade them to leave me, to give themselves a chance at living a normal life, but they refuse each and every single time.

I've cried, begged, pleaded from of the very depths of my broken heart even when it was the farthest thing on earth that I would have wanted. But still, they choose to stay by my side. Even Lizzy, even when it had cost her everything.

Without their friendship, though, it would have been a miracle for me to have made it through high school, let alone make it to where I am today. Not a day, not a moment goes by, where I'm not grateful for my friends and my family. Everything I do is for them, and I honestly wouldn't be here now without them.

Another soft sigh escaped my lips as I yanked off my mask, rubbing my forehead with one hand as I tried to relieve some of the pain and tension there, wishing that I could just smooth away all of the bad memories and depressing thoughts with something as simple as the motions of my fingers.

When I glanced back down at the city below me, I was relieved to find that it was still as busy as it had always been, and things seemed normal enough. Hopefully Garmadon had the sense to stay back in his evil lair for the rest of the day. One attack was plenty.

Absentmindedly, I watched some of the billboards that were on the buildings not too far from where I sat, waiting for them to reveal the time. I didn't have my watch with me tonight, which complicated things a bit. I'd left it back at the warehouse by accident.

7:37. "Shoot. I'm going to be late again," I muttered, grabbing my mask and tugging it back over my face as I jumped to my feet.

I paused for a moment, allowing myself one last look out over the city, which was always so beautiful at this time of day, then tapped the small communicator nestled in my ear.

"Hey Kai, this is Lloyd. Everything's clear here for the time being, so I'm gonna head down to Chen's. You still good to step in?"

A moment of silence passed, then the Fire Ninja's familiar voice could be heard through my earpiece. "Roger that, Lloyd. I'm on my way."

I smiled a little despite myself, my mood instantly lifting as I heard my friend speak. "Great. Thanks, Kai."

"No problem, Lloyd! Say hello to the girls for me, will ya?"

I laughed softly at his words, shaking my head in amusement as my eyes remained fixed on the city below.

"I'll be sure and tell them that you said hey. You really should stop by more often, you know."

He chuckled at that, the sound bringing a smile to my face. My expression softened a bit, however, as he spoke a moment later.

"I know."

The Fire Ninja's voice was quiet, an audible hint of regret lingering amidst those two words. "Maybe sometime later this week, if homework and job stuff aren't still kicking me in the butt."

I hummed in agreement, knowing all too well how he felt. Balancing school, work, and just life in general can be quite a challenge, but especially if you've got family to take care of on top of that or a secret identity to maintain.

"Well, you know that you're always welcome at our place. Just do let me know in advance, so I'll have something other than peanut butter and jelly available," I joked, attempting to lighten the mood.

Laughter could be heard from the other end. "Will do! Have a good night, Lloyd."

"Thanks, Kai. You too," I replied, a smile lingering on my face as I switched off my communicator and grabbed my faded green backpack. After taking a second to gather my thoughts, I stepped up to the edge of the building, then carefully jumped down to the rooftop below me.

Most of the buildings in Ninjago City were scattered about in no particular order, a jumbled mess of both older and newer ones (mostly new though, as a result of Garmadon's frequent attacks), and though it can be difficult to navigate for a lot of people, I know my way around the city almost as well as the back of my hand. I've been doing this since I was ten, after all.

It's weird to think about how far I'd come since then. My first patrol run, I was just a scared little kid, and deathly afraid of heights. I remember being up on top of one of the grocery stores, one of the ones that isn't even here anymore, and thinking it was the most difficult task I'd ever accomplished. And when I finally did make it up there, I almost ended up throwing up, I got such bad vertigo. That was not a fun day.

Yet here I am, more than a decade later, confidently making my way around (and over) the tallest buildings in the city like someone who owns the place, while being able to fight bad guys and do cool flips and expert ninja moves in the meantime. Kind of like Aladdin.

It's weird how after all this time I've just gotten used to living my double life, bouncing back and forth between ninja stuff and everything else has become almost second nature to me.

Sure, it isn't easy being both the Legendary Green Ninja and Lloyd Garmadon, Son of the Evil Lord Garmadon. My life is anything but perfect and I'm hated by almost everyone on this island, but I'm grateful for the few precious things that I do have, especially my friends and family.

At the thought of them, my face brightened under my ninja mask. Even on the darkest days, they never ceased to bring so much joy into my heart, and gave me purpose. Letting those happy thoughts occupy my mind, I continued to weave my way in and out of the buildings, eventually making it to the edge of the city where our secret base, actually an old warehouse, is located.

It was quiet when I got there, since everyone else is either off on patrol or doing important ninja things, and Master Wu is probably still out on the water on the Destiny's Bounty, having his evening cup of tea right about now.

I don't mind the quiet, it's nice after the long day. Years ago it might have bothered me, but I don't mind the stillness and silence of the warehouse now. It's nice after the long day, and it allows me to collect my thoughts and prepare myself for the long night that's still ahead of me.

Snagging a granola bar from one of the boxes of snacks on the counter, seeing as neither my friends or my uncle were there to reprimand me, I tugged off my ninja mask and took a large bite of the bar in my hands, wincing slightly at the bland and rather odd taste.

A quick glance at the label revealed it was actually one of Nya's Keto bars, which made my nose wrinkle in amusement as I swallowed the bite in my mouth with some difficulty. Not that I would admit it out loud, but I was way more used to the artificial sugars and generous amount of carbs in the stuff I normally bought.

That's what you get for stealing your friend's snacks, I chided myself, shaking my head with a smile as I snagged my backpack from a different countertop with a free hand, the offending granola bar still clutched in the other.

Before I left the kitchen I took an extra bar for good measure, making sure that it was one of the ones either Jay or I had brought. I had been out and about all day working and doing ninja stuff anyways, plus I still had to cook dinner, so it wasn't like eating a little something extra was a terrible idea.

I stifled a yawn with a hand as I entered the bathroom, taking a brief moment to study my reflection in the mirror; noting the faint remainders of the dark circles under my eyes. It's been a long day, I thought with a wry smile, realizing just how much this week had taken a toll on me.

Once I was dressed in 'civilian clothes' again, I stuffed my ninja gi back into the bottom of my backpack and tugged on a jacket, taking several moments in front of the mirror to hide the darkness under my eyes and the beginnings of some nasty bruises on my face with the makeup I kept in a small pouch in my bag for that exact purpose.

I took one last look at my reflection in dissatisfaction, realizing it would have to do for now. I didn't want to be any later than I already was. Popping the last of my granola bar in my mouth, I gathered up the rest of my stuff and left the warehouse.

Outside, the air was still cool, the sky's color more vibrant and vivid than the soft pastels it had been only a few hours ago, but instead of the comforting background noise the city's hubbub had been while I was on patrol, the sounds put me a little on edge now that I didn't have my mask to hide behind.

After one final, wistful glance back at the peaceful warehouse, I began walking at a steady pace deeper into the city, my thoughts swirling around me like autumn leaves in a breeze.

Being a ninja has it perks, such as being able to use my years of attentiveness regarding my surroundings and my excellent hearing to at least attempt to steer clear of as much trouble as I could, avoiding most people as I made my way about the bustling city. Sometimes, if I keep my head low, with my hoodie on they don't even recognize me. At least not at first.

As I made my way down the busy sidewalks, darting in and out of various groups of people and ignoring their dirty looks, the occasional shove or kick aimed in my direction, I found my mind wandering unexpectedly to the young woman I had met earlier.

An amused smile flitted across my lips as I remembered our encounter, embarrassment and shame still lingering at the back of my mind as a result of my part in our unusual interaction.

Granted, I hadn't been trying  to sneak up on and scare her, it just happened, but I had definitely not been expecting the pepper spray. She had guts, I'd give her that. Not many people had the courage to pull that kind of stunt on the Green Ninja.

I would never, ever admit it to the others, but she had given me quite a scare initially. Maybe I was just getting soft, needed to do more training or something, but I had not been prepared for that.

Though this afternoon would probably be burned into my memory forever, I vowed to never mention it to any of the others. Any story about the Green Ninja being so epically caught off guard by someone, but especially a girl, would likely make me the laughingstock of my friend group for a long time. That was the last thing I needed.

Lucky for me, my various tasks as a ninja gave me plenty of distraction from the real world throughout the day, provided something good to do, and even after they were finished, in times like these, they give me something to ponder and mull over, analyze and learn from, instead of being left with my own thoughts. Thoughts that have a tendency to be depressing.

This short period in the afternoon between ninja responsibilities and dinner is probably my favorite part of the day, partly because of the few minutes I have to myself to think over the events that have transpired, but mostly because of the people I get to share it with.

Speaking of which . . .

I found myself smiling again as I caught sight of Chen's Noodle House not far ahead of me, and straightened up fully as I brushed some dirt from the front of my clothes in an attempt to look a little more presentable. To be fair, it was Friday night. Not a whole lot of people looked presentable, so I had no trouble blending in.

Forcing my scattered thoughts to the back of my mind, I tried to focus on the 'now' instead of the day's events as I finally reached the restaurant, switching quickly to 'Dad Mode' as I entered.

The familiar bell on the front door and comforting smells from the variety of foods made me feel almost immediately at ease, the tension in my shoulders lessening as I stepped toward the counter that was located near the front of the building, close to the windows that provided a view of the city.

Ignoring the complaints of the people ahead of me and the glares aimed in my direction, I settled into the small line of people waiting to be shown to a table, my gaze fixed straight ahead in an attempt to locate the red-haired woman who owned the restaurant.

Several moments passed, but she finally appeared from around the corner, exhaustion evident on her features and a tray of silverware in her arms; her amber eyes lighting up when she saw me.

"Hey, Lloyd! I'll be with you in just a moment!"

I raised a hand in greeting in response to her wave, a smile remaining on my face in spite of the grumbling from the people around me.

"No worries- I can wait!" I assured her, taking this chance to step out of the suffocating atmosphere of the line and wait by the window, absentmindedly watching the other people in the restaurant who had calmed down considerately now that I wasn't within immediate earshot of them (or so they thought).

I half listened to their words, able to tune out their unkind remarks regarding me, but still monitoring the people anyways. Old habits die hard, especially when said habits have saved your life on a number of occasions.

After another minute or two, Skylor finally made her appearance, arriving with an empty tray under her arm and a smile on her face.

"Apologies for the wait, things have been a little crazy tonight with all of the hubbub around the city," she said, gesturing for me to follow her as she began leading me to the back half of the restaurant.

My brow furrowed as I nodded in understanding, her words unintentionally another painful reminder of things I was trying to forget.

"It's no problem, Sky. I know with Garmadon's activity as of late more and more people have been displaced, or just looking for a quick meal where they can grab one. It really has been a little crazy."

The redhead pursed her lips as I spoke, an apologetic frown settling on her face. "Sorry, I should have chosen a better excuse. I'll throw in some noodles for you guys to take home if that'll make things any better. I'm sure you've had a long day."

I chuckled, shaking my head as she spoke. "Relax, I meant no offense. Thank you for the offer, I really appreciate it, but I already have dinner planned. I promised Mom I'd make something tonight."

"And by 'something' you don't mean boxed mac and cheese, right?" she joked, elbowing my arm playfully.

"Hey, not everyone can be a great cook like you!" I exclaimed in mock indignation, rubbing my elbow dramatically for good measure.

"One: mac and cheese is great. Two: you can make a healthier, but just as quick version in an Instant Pot. And three: that's not what I'm making for dinner. You're just jealous because I make a wicked mac and cheese and haven't given you the recipe yet."

Skylor laughed heartily, attracting the attention of several customers seated at their tables near us. "In your dreams."

"Fine. You're a better cook than me," I conceded, rolling my eyes in amusement. "There, I said it. Are you happy now?"

"Just peachy," she replied with a satisfied smile. Thus ended our argument for the day.

When we reached the little booth in the back, a small one tucked away by a window and mostly sheltered from the remainder of the restaurant, my attention quickly moved from Skylor to the young girl sitting at the table.

She was surrounded by a pile of napkins and stacks of silverware, next to which were crayons, pencils, and paper strewn about in a messy fashion. An empty backpack and stack of schoolbooks, mostly untouched, joined a well-loved, stuffed kitten on the bench beside just her.

The girl didn't notice me at first, too absorbed in her task of folding silverware, her tiny brow furrowing in utmost concentration and her light green eyes fixed on her work. Her straight hair was tucked behind an ear on one side, brushing her freckled cheek on the other and partially obscuring that side of her face, the silky brown strands having escaped the braids from earlier that morning.

Upon first spotting her an enormous grin broke out on my face, and unable to stop it, I held my arms out for an embrace, opening my mouth to greet her but that was before she noticed me first.

"Daddy!" she shrieked, repeating the term of endearment several times as she dropped what she was working on and jumped from the bench, running and jumping straight into my arms.

I laughed and picked her up, twirling her around once as I held her close, burying my face in her hair. No matter how many times we did this, it never ceased to be the greatest source of joy in my life.

"Hey, Starburst!" I exclaimed, pressing gentle kisses to her forehead and cheeks, which caused her to start giggling as she playfully pushed me away. "I'm back!"

With those words, everything felt complete. 

We were together again, which was all that I ever wanted and needed.