Here it is! The first official chapter of Power of Aura! I'm totally psyched to get the ball officially rolling now. Thank you everyone who took the time to review my little prologue. I know it wasn't much, but it was necessary I assure you. The last chapter of Careful Planning will be posted a little later than expected. It's very long also it contains the debut of my very first lemon, so I want to take my sweet time with it and make sure I get it right. Thanks for your patience! I'm determined to complete the last two remaining short stories before I start on Book Two: The Corruption. I know I can do it! You guys root for me! I always appreciate support!

By the way, I know a lot of you are peeved at me for killing off Sensei Wu in Beyond the Flames, but I have my reasons. I've shared with some of you my vision for this series, but I'll recap now. I wanted an excuse to revamp Lloyd's character. I was dissatisfied with how he was portrayed in the show. I mean as a kid he was a brat/delinquent which was okay then he joined Sensei Wu and the others and he became averagely entertaining and then…he became a teen. Now, I can't be the only one who thought this but, when he hit that magic growth spurt he turned into a typical goody-two-shoes and we as the audience had to be reminded constantly that he was a very major character. Ugh! He was just so bland and had a cookie-cutter personality. He had no substance that gave him his own individual essence that would've made him more memorable like the rest of the cast is. Now, don't get me wrong. I like Lloyd. Lloyd's character while overdone is still an interesting concept, however the creators (in my opinion) got a little lazy with his development and tried to make him appear as the "tragic hero" when he wasn't. He pretty much faded into the background and guess who took his place? Yep, MISAKO! I kid you not! Time it! I did! From the moment Misako was introduced and Lloyd became a teen, she had more screen time than he did! WTF! Does this make sense to you? Why did Lloyd have more screen time as a kid than as a teen? Why did the creators treat Lloyd like an afterthought? He was nothing more than an key plot hole filler and I find it stupid and sad that they wasted a character that had the potential to be something much more. Although let me say this, his comic book adaptation is phenomenal! And I mean that! READ THE COMICS BECAUSE THEY ARE EPIC!

In regards to the new season, can someone take it upon themselves to inform me if Lloyd has a distinct personality change or if he does something remotely interesting? I would really appreciate it!

Anyway, I want Lloyd to undergo a different transformation. I want to see if I can successfully write the story of a naive and carefree child stripped of his innocence and forced to see the world in a darker much crueler light. And you are going to see this with Dominique as well. I won't say anymore than that, you'll have to read this entire series and judge for yourselves if my interpretation is successful. So, let me go ahead and say this now: LLOYD WILL BE OOC FOR THE MOST PART! THANK GOD! Now let's begin!

Please read and enjoy!

Chapter 1

A lone hooded figure descended gracefully down a flight of white marble stairs, her footfalls soundless against the polished mineral floor. Having reached her desired destination, pallid eyes scanned the tranquility of Eden's Garden. The Kingdom of Heaven stretched far and wide across the Universe above the realms of mortals, but the ethereal being knew she would find the person she was searching for here, for he spent most of his time in the garden absorbed in deep meditation.

With a soft sigh, she began her trek quietly across the sacred grounds. Beautiful otherworldly flora embellished the landscape and a river of stardust paved a careful trail amongst swaying jade grass. She followed the stream of sparkling water until it led her to the one she sought, who was currently sitting on the bank of the river.

A formidable man who looked to be in his prime sat in the lotus position with his eyes closed and his hands folded comfortably in his lap. His stark white yukata kimono contrasted attractively against his tan skin, the roaring depiction of a golden dragon embroidering the stunning garments and a makeshift wind tousled a neat mass of platinum blond hair.

The white-eyed woman said nothing as she sat down beside him and removed her hood, letting her long inky black tresses blow freely in the divine breeze. Her seemingly sightless gaze scrutinized the man's handsome profile for a time before she decided to speak.

"So, how are they?" She asked him and the man's eyes finally opened to reveal supremely sharp and wise onyx depths.

"Balance has been restored between the Natural and Counter-brink Elements and their bonds have strengthened considerably."

"And yet…you are still worried."

It was a keen observation with no trace of uncertainty in her voice. The man turned to face his companion, black eyes meeting white.

"Great peril and strife looms in the near future for my students and although I have faith in their abilities, I also fret for their safety. The Dark Days ahead will test not only their resolve, but their fortitude, and strength of spirit. But, there is no one I fear for more than my nephew, Lloyd…"

The man in white focused his gaze ahead, his ruminating stare exploring the holy garden before him. With lush rolling hills in the distance and endless groves of assorted flowers, Eden's Garden was truly a mystifying sight to behold. The river of stardust trickled on and onyx eyes watched intently as pinpoints of light lifted from the numinous water. Hundreds of thousands of these miniature spheres levitated over the stream and as one, flew a short distance to hover over a spacious field of flowers. In a brilliant flash, the lights produced new life and multitudes of beautiful luminescent butterflies filled an ailing sky that beckoned the coming of ethereal twilight.

With each flap of their breathtaking wings, shimmering fine particles of gold would sprinkle down and kiss the petals of a flower, making them flourish to their full splendor. Witnessing such a miraculous phenomenon would usually awe the man, but alas his spirit could not be uplifted from trepidation.

"Lloyd…the seed of hatred has been planted in his heart and if he chooses to nurture that hate, he will bring ruin to not only himself but to Ninjago as well."

"Hmm, then his saving grace lies within the Prophecy of Phoenix," the woman said and lifted an elegant hand to beckon a butterfly to her. Seeing an opportunity to rest from its hard labor, a brilliant orange one with violet-tipped wings fluttered over across the field and perched gratefully on the woman's fingertip, "or rather…the Phoenix herself."

The man smiled at the heavenly insect as it moved its antennas to and fro in a languid manner. He then mimicked the action of the woman and lifted his own strong hand, his index finger steady and erect. It didn't take long for another butterfly to react to the invitation, but the one that fluttered towards him was a deep emerald green and its wings looked as if the tips were dipped in the richest of wines. It lighted down on his fingertip and almost immediately its antennas wiggled frantically. Could it be frazzled of distressed?

The woman moved her finger closer to the man's so that the two insects could meet. Upon seeing one another, neither butterfly made an effort to greet the other. In fact, the green one completely turned its back to the smaller orange one and intriguingly enough the latter seemed tolerant of the bigger one's behavior, simply placating itself by calmly twitching its antennas. Throwing another tantrum, the green butterfly shifted its antennas violently and beat its wings in rapid succession, sending its precious golden powder everywhere. Clearly startled, the small orange butterfly took flight and hovered for a few seconds before settling down on the woman's delicate finger once more. Tranquil antennas twitched and slowly almost tentatively the small one reached out to touch the wings of the big one with its antennas.

Big green turned around quickly and backed away from little orange. At last however, they were facing each other properly and after an agonizing minute of stillness, they moved closer to bridge the gap between them.

"Little by little, step by step it will happen…" the woman breathed and leaned her head on the man's shoulder. Fire opal with a touch of amethyst reached forward cautiously with its antennas and mapped the huge eyes of its larger counterpart. Emerald dipped in fine wine twitched, but did not react aggressively and allowed the other to prod its face. Moments passed with each heavenly creature growing bolder and more assured of the other and then…the bigger butterfly gradually stretched its own antennas to return the gesture of greetings to the smaller butterfly.

"Balance is everything," the woman continued shrewdly, her astute white irises never leaving the act of socializing between the two holy insects. "Creation begets destruction as destruction begets creation; life begets death as death begets life. This is a fragile cycle that must never be transcended or breached by anyone."

The smaller of the two was the first to pull away and without idle it flapped its magnificent wings to become airborne with the big one taking its cue to return to work. Soon, both butterflies were lost in a sea of vibrant color.

The man sighed heavily, his soul still heavy with anxiety. "Yes, I know, but—"

"Wu…" the woman lighted her fingers across the male seraph's strong chin and gently guided his face to look in her direction, "you know as well as I do that they are going to struggle. The Dark Days ahead will indeed test each and every one of them, but you must keep your spirit strong for them…especially for Lloyd and Ebony."

Wu closed his eyes briefly and took a deep breath. When he reopened them, the onyx irises shined with unwavering faith. "Yes, I know you are right. It was wrong of me to despair…I will take heart for my students and family. I will place my trust in them for they have become stronger in both mind and soul and once they've eliminated the trials and tribulations the Dark Days will bring…they will have the power to save Ninjago. Thank you, Haruka."

The blind kunoichi smiled and rose to her feet swiftly, removing the cloak from her form. Underneath, her toned and supple body was adorned in glistening skin-tight white leather with three silver kunai strapped to the outer seam of each leg and secured to her back was an enlarged windmill shuriken and a deadly katana.

"Let us be on our way, Wu. We have been summoned."

"Yes," the great Spinjitzu Master answered shortly and climbed to his feet with effortless poise, his lengthy pure white robes rustling from the movement. Grabbing his ever prized straw hat and placing it dutifully on his head, he then gave Haruka an indecisive look of bafflement.

"Haruka, before we depart…there is something I want to ask you…"

The dark-haired woman glanced over her shoulder and waited patiently for Wu to continue, her pallid eyes focused on her partner's surprisingly timorous demeanor.

"After our first encounter when you saved my life…I explored the globe in hopes of finding you again. How come I could not…?"

Haruka held Wu's gaze a moment more before facing ahead. "I was there, Wu. You simply overlooked me for another. It seems you were the one who was blind…not I." And with those final words, the kunoichi retraced her steps and ascended the stairs from once she came.

Wu followed her retreating form with melancholic eyes. He understood her words perfectly and although they weren't particularly harsh they still wounded him deeply. When his father appeared with Misako at the monastery all those decades ago, it was easy for him to transfer his infatuation from Haruka to her. The reason being, Misako was right in front of him and had reminded him of his fateful meeting with the blind kunoichi due to her prowess and strength, but regardless of that fact while he didn't have to chase after her physically like he had with Haruka, he had to chase after her emotionally. He had to compete for her affection against his brother. What made the circumstance so ridiculous nevertheless was that Garmadon didn't even want Misako's love for he had already found his life mate within Karliah. But, she persisted…and so did he.

If there was one thing he and Misako did have in common it was their obstinate determination. In the end however, Misako eventually got what she wanted and was basically content with the one-sided love she obtained from pursuing Garmadon and the two were able to conceive Lloyd. He on the other hand, was left with nothing but a broken heart and solitude.

He had failed miserably in the aspect of love throughout his mortal life and as the years trudged on, he began to lament during his meditations. How he would never have children of his own to pass on all his knowledge and secrets to and how…he would never know the gratifications of having a wife. Someone to kiss and hold during the night and wake up feeling the warmth of their body snuggled against him.

No…Sensei Wu never felt or experienced such pleasures for he had died a virgin.

Wu brought his wide-brimmed hat down lower to make sure his sorrowful expression was obscured. There was one thing that perplexed him though. How did Haruka know about Misako? Did she seek him out like he had with her? Did she really come looking for him, fueled with a desire to meet with him once more? And when she did find him…did she sense and hear him with Misako, professing his love for her? Did she turn away with a broken heart…like he had?

Wu snapped his head upright and peered up the stairs his fellow archangel had long ascended, his countenance contorted with yearning and doubt.

"Haruka…" He shook his head and berated himself harshly.

What difference does it make now? That life has come and gone…it's over. And there is nothing that can be done. I have a duty to uphold here and Haruka sees me as nothing more than a fellow seraph and I must reciprocate.

Folding his hands neatly inside the large sleeves of his yukata, Wu ascended the marble steps at a leisured pace.

I really need a cup of tea…

*~PoA~*

(Lloyd's POV)

I've been surrounded. I know they're out there, hiding in the encroaching darkness. The only source of light I have is from the flame of the candle I'm holding…a flame that all four of my teachers are trying to snuff out. I've been evading their attempts for the past three minutes, so that leaves me with seven minutes to go if I am to pass this exercise.

I keep my stance low to the ground with one hand hovering protectively over the flame, the destructive element of fire constant from my palm. The Ninja Training Hall is so immense, giving the four of them plenty of space to maneuver and plan their attacks accordingly while keeping their steps swift and silent. The hood I'm wearing constricts my breathing nonetheless I keep it as steady as I can, taking Cole and Zane's lessons to heart in maintaining composure in the face of all dangerous situations.

I turn swiftly when I hear the sound of blades slicing through the air from my left and utilize a well-timed roll to avoid the deadly gold shuriken that careens from the shadows towards my candle. Once I'm on my feet again, I realize with shock that Zane's attack was a mere feint to get me to move a certain way because not even two feet ahead of me is Jay.

Dammit!

I quickly decide to adapt to the situation as any good ninja would and rush towards him. An eyebrow arcs, but he quickly twirls his electrified nunchuks and sends quick bursts of wind my way. Ready, I duck and perform a reverse-vertical splits and slide underneath his legs.

"What the?!" Jay calls out in alarm however I've already recovered and armed with three shurikens, each positioned between my knuckles. I fire them into the darkness where I think the other three are hiding, but when I hear no sound of impact I brace myself. I intake a quick breath when the same three projectiles I threw are hurled back at me and launch myself into the air to dodge them.

The flame flickers with the rush of my momentum but remains lit. With one hand, I reach into my sash and equip my shukou spikes and use them to grip the ceiling. It's no use scanning the ground below since visibility is so damn limited, therefore I simply hang like a dead goose from the butcher's shop.

Hopefully the wolves below don't decide to jump up and bite…I roll my eyes at my own foolish optimism, fat chance.

As expected, multiple kunai whizz through the air towards me and I hastily swing my body forward to detach myself from the ceiling just as they embed themselves in the tiles. I land with sufficient balance and once again resume my protective low stance.

The air goes deathly still…

Seconds tick by, but no onslaught is forthcoming from the darkness. No prick at my senses…

Not the waiting game…no stay calm, Lloyd. Now is a test of patience…I can do this!

Two whole minutes elapse and…nothing. My heart becomes the only thing I can hear as my anxiety spikes. I feel a single bead of sweat roll down my temple and into my eyebrow only to spew from the corner and slide down my face. What is this I feel, this massive surge of killer intent around me. It's coming from them, isn't it? Kai, Zane, Jay and Cole…they're trying to scare me!

My eyes narrow in determination as I coil every muscle in my body. I hate this. Why don't they attack already?! It's difficult to stay calm when you feel an overbearing sensation of impending death emitting from all around you. And…there's something else I really hate about this exercise. So far, only three of my teachers have attacked me head-on: Kai, Zane and Jay. Cole has yet to show himself. What could he be doing? Is he only directing the others on how to initiate their assaults or is he…

I do a complete 180 degree turn when I feel the hairs on my neck stand up. I utilize my limited flare of light and strain to see into the lurking abyss. When my eyes fail, I extend my senses next, reaching out as far as I can to at least detect their Chi, but all I can sense…is the coming of death.

Okay, Cole has to be the one who's going to come at me next. No, I can't think that way. Any of them could come and I have to be ready for anything!

Though to be honest, I hope Cole remains just an onlooker. I'm not exactly looking forward to a giant wicked scythe appearing out of nowhere and having to defend myself against its powerful wielder. All of my teachers are formidable with their own degree of intimidation, but there's something about Cole that's slightly unnerving. It kind of explains why he and Zane are such close friends.

It's the quiet types who are the most lethal. The ones to be the most wary of…

He doesn't talk and boast a lot like Jay and he doesn't yell and scream in justified rage like Kai. Nor does he have Zane's poetry-in-motion manner of combat. Cole is a phantom of black wielding the weapon of a Grim Reaper. A guy who takes whatever action is necessary in order to get the job done. That's all.

I've watched them all in action from the safety of the Bounty. I've seen their styles of fighting and how they handle themselves on the battlefield. Sure, it was against Sensei Wu's wishes with him wanting to protect my innocence for as long as possible, but what am I supposed to do or think when I see the Ninja and Kunoichi return from battle with rips and tears in their clothes and their weapons soaked in blood and viscera? Pretend that I have amnesia or that I'm blind? Heh…I may be young, but I'm far from stupid.

I understand what we must do to protect and preserve human life. And I also understand that sometimes we have to take the lives of our own species to protect those of our kin who are innocent or too weak to protect themselves.

I glance down at the stable point of radiance from the candle. Its light symbolizes a meaning far greater than this exercise.

The flame of humanity must never be extinguished and I'm the one who's going to guarantee it keeps burning. I'll tear every last Serpentine to shreds and avenge my uncle. I will have blood for blood. And as for my father, I'll become strong enough to make him surrender, and then we can find a way to help him return to normal. I will become humanity's strongest line of defense, so bring it on! All of you! I'm ready!

Fueled by my conviction, I welcome the attack that finally comes. Thunder in the ground?! No way! The hardwood floor underneath shakes uncontrollably until individual planks are pried and splintered from the force.

What the hell is Cole trying to do?! Wreck the ship?! Huh?—AHHH!

My muscle memory is what saves me. My body twists rapidly to the side in a dodge when a controlled burst of wind lurches from the shadows. I land on my back so hard that the air is knocked out of me and it takes a few seconds for me to regain my bearings.

Those tremors were another feint! I have to stop falling for those!

I glance down to find my candle still thankfully lit and try to get up, however it's too late. I moved way too slow…Cole's scythe is at my throat, the curved sharpness a hair length away from decapitating me only I'm not the target. In a blink of an eye, the blade flips positions and slices the top portion of the candle off. Still aflame, it rises while staying perfectly balanced on the scythe until it stops near a black masked face. Dangerous green eyes stare calmly at me before the flame is extinguished by a smooth exhale.

"Game over, Lloyd."

I sigh in frustration as the darkness engulfs me as well.

Sensei Wu's spirit ascended into heaven where he was reunited with the blind kunoichi, Haruka. Because they possess such strong Chi and good will the Celestial grants them the use of their strong young bodies so that they can serve Him as archangels. Wu frets about the darkness of hate growing within Lloyd and confesses his woes to Haruka. He is comforted by her words and the display by the holy butterflies and expresses his gratitude. As it turned out, Haruka's original mission was to retrieve Wu for they had been summoned by the Celestial, but before they depart Wu asks her why he was never able to find her again. In which she replied dismissively, that he was so blinded by his infatuation with Misako that he overlooked her and pursued a one-sided love. Wu then laments about his failure in life in regards to love and speculates how Haruka knew Misako. He reprimands himself for yearning for something that will never be and in resolution departs.

Meanwhile, Lloyd is engaged in training with the Ninja where his tenacity and courage is tested. He thinks about what being a true ninja entails and understands the harshness of reality and what they all must do to protect the innocent and mankind. His lust for Serpentine blood burns with his unwavering conviction to fulfill his destiny as the Green Ninja of Creation and become Sensei Wu's avenger.

Please read and review!