Alright, everyone, take five." Dareth called the ninja once again for another shoot. Their show had been running for a while now, and they were seriously considering that it was time to move on from the entertainment industry.

"I'm seriously getting tired of these shoots," Lloyd said as he sat down on his chair. Out of all the members of his team, he was the one with the most workload. He had recently started his training as a sensei, while still continuing his ninja training. The shooting sessions only added to his plate.

"I'm getting ticked about it too," Nya replied as she chugged her water bottle. After she and Jay got back together, Jay convinced Dareth to make Nya part of the cast.

"We'll talk to Dareth to see if our contract could be terminated as early as possible," she continued. Just then, the others arrived overhearing their conversation.

"Terminated?!" Kai spat out. "What do you mean 'terminated'? My Kai action figures are selling so well!"

"What's going on, Nya?" Jay asked his girlfriend as he prompted to sit beside her.

"It's just that I think we need to move on to more important stuff. We've cut down our ninja training because of the show, and maybe we'll lose our edge. When was the last time we faced a villain?"

"Well, there was that one time with Nad- ow!" Jay received a pinch on his arm given by Nya. They had agreed to keep their memories of the Sky Pirates to themselves. It's been months since that fiasco and no one seemed to have a clue that that actually happened.

"Nad-what?" Cole asked

"I meant near death experience with the Preeminent from the cursed realm," Jay salvaged his answer.

"And that was months ago," Lloyd added. "We never know when the next villain will strike; so we can't lose our edge."

"Come on Lloyd," Kai told him. "We were out of action when we became teachers for who knows how long and we still defeated the Overlord after. So I don't think we'll be jeopardizing ourselves any time soon."

"Okay, but seriously, this is getting a bit tiring. All the meetings, the interviews, the fans," Nya pointed out.

"Oh come on, the fans are the best part!" Kai stated. Clearly, he's the only one enjoying the attention.

"But don't you miss walking down the street without people crowding once they see you?" Asked Lloyd.

"Why walk down the street when you have a dragon?"

"You know what Lloyd meant Kai," Cole countered.

"Yes, it would indeed be refreshing to go from place to place without being mobbed," Zane commented.

"Yeah, I miss the old days when everyone treated us like heroes, and not like TV celebrities," Jay added.

"Says the guy who hosted a TV show," Kai commented. Jay just stuck his tongue at his brother. Kai then turned to Lloyd, and then gave a smug look. "So, speaking of which, how's Lyn been doing?"

"Oh, she's doing okay," Lloyd plainly replied. He knew Kai was just trying to get to him and there was no way he would let him win. "We're not really keeping in touch at the moment, coz she asked me not to text her at this time."

"Aw, why not?" the guy with auburn hair pressed on. "Did you guys fight?"

"What? No, it's finals in NCU and she needs to concentrate."

"When do you plan to see her again?" Cole asked. Lloyd gave out a huge sigh.

"Are we really having this discussion?"

"What? We were just asking. You're the one putting malice on the question, buddy," the ninja of earth responded.

Lloyd gave a "hmph" before looking back at his recently pulled-out phone. It's been a month or so since Lyn and him met up. As promised, Lloyd did not text Lyn the whole time. With his weekends free again, he devoted his time to his sensei and ninja training, much to his uncle's satisfaction.

After their shoot ended, followed by a visit to the museum to meet with schoolchildren, the ninja flew back to their home of a ship. Sensei Wu was at the deck waiting for them. When the others landed, they each gave their teacher a bow. It was time for their ninja training once again. They sparred in the training room, meditated and tried new combat methods whilst discussing it with their mentor. By 7pm, Wu released them, allowing Zane to head to the kitchen to cook dinner. This was how they moved about ever since their presence was demanded much more for their show. Zane, being a nindroid, did not experience fatigue, allowing him to go the extra mile at home, much to everyone's relief. By nightfall, everyone but a Cole would take a quick shower before lying on their beds.

"So tired," Lloyd mumbled.

"I can't feel my legs," Jay said, laying his feet on top of his pillow.

"Maybe we should consider that contract termination after all," Cole spoke up as laid on his bed. As a ghost, he wasn't as tired, but he was getting hungry.

"That's starting to sound like a good idea, honestly," Kai admitted while lying on his stomach. "I don't know how much more I can keep this up. I love my fans, but…"

"We'll talk to Dareth next meeting," Jay replied. Suddenly, Lloyd's phone vibrated. Lloyd lazily reached for it and groggily looked at the screen His head shot up when he saw who sent it.

Well, it's done.

Lloyd's lips instinctively formed a smile, one Kai didn't fail to notice.

"I see someone's received good news," the fire ninja teased. Lloyd looked at him and stuck out his tongue at his brother before turning his back on him. He then typed a reply.

That's good. How you holding up?

I'm good. I just finished my last exam this morning, as well as passed my last project.

How's work?

It's okay too. Dad gave me some time off to study. Good thing too. Thought I was gonna fail one subject because it was so difficult.

No worries. Knowing you, you go that in the bag.

Hehe thanks. Hey remember I told you I'm bringing you to NCU?

Yeah?

Well, get your disguise on. We're going for a visit. When are you free?

Lloyd thought for a moment. He's been quite busy with showbiz and training. He needed to know when he could go out.

"Hey, Jay?"

"Hm?"

"Are we doing anything this Sunday?"

The Blue Ninja cupped his chin. "No, I don't think so. Sunday's our free day, except for training of course. Why do you ask?"

"Oh nothing."

"I'll bet it's because Lyn's asking him out," Cole casually replied, his nose pressed to a comic book.

"Bingo!" Kai exclaimed. "Seems like she's moving faster than you are, Lloyd." Lloyd just buried his face on his pillow.

"What did she say anyway?" Cole asked.

"She wanted to tour me around her university," Lloyd mumbled from his pillow.

"And?" Jay probed.

"That's it okay? Just drop it." Lloyd went back to texting.

Is Sunday morning okay with you? About 10 am?

10 am it is. I'll see you then. Drop by the tower. Then we'll head to the campus.

Got it. See ya

"At least treat her to lunch," Jay told him.

"Why?"

"We're guessing you'll meet up in the morning, so take her to lunch," Cole added. His brothers knew him too well.

"Fine, whatever," Lloyd replied. He then turned over and closed his eyes. After a while, Zane called them for dinner.

The following Sunday, Lloyd waited at the bottom of the skyscraper for Lyn to come out. When she arrived, she handed him a pair of glasses.

"What's this for?" The blonde asked.

"You can't enter campus with that hat. It's too suspicious. Mess your hair a little." Lloyd led the girl to the abandoned alleyway and removed his fedora. Taking the glasses, he put them on and realized they had no grade. He then ruffled his hair, causing his bangs to fall to his face, almost touching his eyebrows.

"Perfect. Now you look like a random college student," Lyn told him. Lloyd rolled his eyes and prepared to summon his dragon.

"Uh-uh," Lyn stopped him gesturing towards the street. "We're taking the bus."

Lloyd raised a brow. "Won't a dragon be faster?"

"And where do you plan to land? The university is mostly open space. There's no way you'd get around unnoticed." She then exited the alleyway and headed for the nearest bus stop. Sitting on the bench, she gestured the Green Ninja to sit beside her.

"Is this how you always go to school?" the boy asked. Lyn nodded.

"I thought you'd have a driver, or perhaps drive your own car." The girl shook her head.

"I'm just a regular girl with regular needs. I don't need a fancy car to take me to campus. And I don't need the other students to think I'm a snob. So I take the bus."

Lloyd was impressed. Even if this girl had all the comforts she could want, she never abused it, and was still willing to live like a simple citizen. Most people will almost immediately jump at the chance of the most luxurious asset they could get their hands on. But not her.

After ten minutes the bus finally arrived and both of them hopped on. The ride only took about twenty minutes to get to the university. Lyn offered to pay for the fare, but Lloyd insisted to pay for himself. He was getting embarrassed that Lyn was always paying for him. They got off at the drop-off point and stopped at the gate, where security guards were stationed. Lyn presented her ID to one of them. The guard gave it a short look before returning it to her. He then eyed they blonde boy with glasses.

"Where's your ID, kid?" He gruffly asked the Green Ninja. Lloyd froze, unsure what to say. Being in a boarding school before, they weren't really required to wear ID's. Unsure of what to do, he looked to Lyn for help. She was calm however. Putting on a regal air, she spoke to the guard.

"He's a friend of mine who's looking to see if this school is to his liking. Could he please be given a visitor's pass for today?" She spoke with such confidence and her face showed she meant business. The guard stared at her for few more seconds and shifted his eyes to Lloyd one more time. He then took a card from his drawer and handed it to Lloyd.

"Enjoy your visit," He simply stated. Lloyd clipped the guest ID to his jacket and proceeded inside with his friend. When they made distance between them and the guard house, Lloyd let out a breathe he didn't know he held in.

"And that's how you get inside campus," Lyn proudly said, holding her head high.

"I thought for sure he'd kick me out," Lloyd told her.

"The guards can be a bit strict, but that's just security protocol," Lyn told him. "If you came here in a gi, I'll bet they'd let you in without a second thought."

"Hey, maybe I should," Lloyd joked as he pretended to remove his glasses.

"I wouldn't do that if I we're you," Lyn warned. She turned to see that the campus grounds were still filled with students carrying luggage, boxes, and some even carried compact furniture.

Lloyd's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, they look like they're migrating." Lyn laughed at this.

"These students are not from Ninjago City and are going home to their respective villages or cities for the summer. They live in dorms throughout the semester and go home when the year is over."

"Jacqueline! Lyn!"

Lyn craned her neck to see some students waving at her. Lyn grabbed Lloyd's wrist and jogged toward their direction.

"Hey guys," she greeted. "All homeward bound I see."

"Yeah," one of the girls replied. "The dorms are nice and all, but nothing beats the feel of home."

"Got that right," one guy added. "I miss my siblings too. Can't wait to see them again."

Lyn smiled. "Well, don't let me keep you. Have a safe trip home."

One of the girls noticed Lloyd and said, "Hey, I haven't seen you before."

"Oh, he's with me," Lyn replied casually. "I'm just showing him around."

"Oh I see," her friends said. "Well, we gotta go. See ya next semester Lyn!" They all went towards the exit carrying their luggage, leaving Lloyd and Lyn behind. Lloyd realized that Lyn had accepted his challenge and had succeeded. He leaned closer and whispered to her.

"What I tell you? "Lloyd said crossing his arms proudly.

"Yeah, I guess you were right," Lyn replied with a smile. "I didn't want to at first, but I had several group projects and that's when I met them. They're really cool."

"And?"

"And they're different. They don't care about statuses. They told me once that they knew who I was and was worried that I would be a snobby rich girl. Guess I proved them wrong, and they were happy that I did. What I like most, they really focus on their studies, and they do it together. We all carried our weight, and received a good grade on those projects."

"See? Told you it wouldn't be so bad." Lyn nudged him on the side.

"Alright already. Now, on with the tour." The campus was big but Lloyd didn't mind. Unlike Darkley's which was only one building, NCU had several buildings with multiple floors which were all connected by sky bridges, making it easy for both student and staff to cross buildings easily. He listened earnestly as Lyn patiently showed him the classrooms, labs, audio-visual rooms and many other areas. After an hour, both stopped by a vending machine to get something to drink. Both then began catching up, asking each other what's been happening: Lloyd about his training, and Lyn about school and work. She explained how she became swamped with her job and projects. She was right after all. Her father always had meetings to go to and projects to supervise. She would also accompany him to different places in Ninjago City as her father talked with different clients or important business partners. She was getting quite a workout as well, as she was always running here and there, moving from one floor to another to fetch different things for her dad. Mrs. Holley was very patient with her and she always answered any questions Lyn might have, which made her job feel easier.

"Also, I'll be pretty busy during the summer because I'll be taking on a summer job," Lyn finished as she took as sip of her soda.

"Oh. I thought it was until your dad finds a replacement," Lloyd replied.

"He did. But he said I'm doing my job really well, he wanted to expose me more to the company's working environment."

"That's good news. Congratulations."

"But, I managed to ask him if I can take a week off before I return to work. I wanted to hang out with you guys before I get busy."

"Sure, I guess. I'm sure the others would love to."

Lyn paused for a while and pursed her lips. "Hmm, though could you ask them –well, especially Sensei - if they would be willing to take a few days off from training?"

"Why's that?"

"Well, because I was thinking of a place outside of town. I wanted to take you and the others on vacation, to make up for my short visit."

Lloyd's eyes grew wide. "That's really generous of you Lyn but you really don't have to."

"But I want to. It's the least I could do. Just think about it okay?" Lyn drank from her soda bottle again.

Lloyd thought for a while whilst playing with his own soda bottle. He finally replied. "Okay, I'll ask." His face then slowly turned red as he felt embarrassed with what he was going to say next. "Hey. This is awkward, but I need to go to the bathroom."

Lyn choked on her drink in chuckles. She then pointed towards the hallway. "First door to your left." Lloyd gave her a thumbs up before walking away. Lyn shook her head as she watched him leave. As she waited for Lloyd to return, she was greeted by an unwanted voice.

"Jackie? That you?" She cringed at the name. Not again. She crossed her arms, masked on a stoic face, and turned to face the one person she's been avoiding for the longest time.

"What do you want, Vince?"

"I just saw you passing by." Vince simply stated.

"What are you doing here? Asking for extra credit from the professors?"

Vince scoffed. "Naw, I had a meeting with a professor regarding some extra curricular stuff." He eyed the girl and noticed that she was alone. "Are you here by yourself? I could go with you to, you know, wherever."

"No thanks. I'm with somebody. I was showing him around."

"Him huh? Hope it ain't a date, cuz you know I'm the only guy for you." Vince reached for Lyn's arm. Lyn abruptly stood up and moved away from him.

"Don't touch me! Do that again and I'm telling my parents, and they'll make sure you won't even get within a hundred yards near me."

Vince put his hands up in defense. "Alright alright, sheesh why are you always so defensive around me?"

"Well there's your attitude for one. Your treatment is so intimidating and abrasive, anyone would completely back away," Lyn's voice was getting louder now. She began wishing that Lloyd would hurry up.

"Okay, then. I promise I won't do it again. I'll be the gentleman you want me to be. Just give us a shot Jackie."

The brunette then grimaced. "Okay, you know what, first of all, stop with the 'Jackie'. It's annoying. Second, stop with the 'us'. There is no 'us', and there will never be. How many times do I have to say it?"

Vince swayed his head in a frustrated manner. "Jacqueline, remember what I said: No matter how hard you resist, it's gonna be the two of us in the end."

"No, I don't believe that. I believe we can carve our own paths. I refuse to be bound by that mindset."

"Or," Vince's voice was now smooth and low. He slowly approached Lyn who started moving back, until her back met with the vending machine. Vince moved his face closer to hers. "Maybe because you have your eyes on someone else. Am I right?"

Lyn looked away. She wanted to escape, but she was cornered. She mustered her remaining courage and gave an answer. "Whether or not I have someone else in mind is my business, not yours."

Vince rested an arm on the vending machine, making Lyn's height appear even smaller than his."Oh do tell me. I bet I know him." A hand grabbed Vince's shoulder. The redhead whipped his head around to see a boy with glasses looking at him.

"Please stop harassing my friend," he politely said.

"Butt out shortie," Vince barked. "This doesn't concern you"

"Oh I think it does. As the Green Ninja," Lloyd removed his glasses and fixed his hair a bit. "It is my duty to defend others from people like you."

"Oh jeez!" Vince backed off, allowing Lyn to run behind Lloyd. "You're that same guy from the gala. You were Jacqueline's bodyguard." It was at this moment, that he realized, that he had made a grave mistake. "Look man, I don't want any trouble."

"Then I would appreciate it if you would stop bothering Miss Jacqueline from now on and keep your distance. Or I will be forced to take extreme measures."

"Alright, I back off." He slowly moved back, towards the hallway, his hands in the air.

"You better promise to stop stalking Lyn. Even better, I better not see your face anywhere." Vince nodded. How did he not realize that this was the Green Ninja? There's no way he'd dare cross this guy.

"Know this Vince." Lloyd moved closer to Lyn and puts his arm around her and rested his hand on her shoulder. "Lyn will always be under my protection. And anyone who dares harm her will answer to me." Vince nodded one more time before slowly backing away and finally running off in the opposite direction. When he disappeared, Lloyd and Lyn exhaled loudly. Lyn felt Lloyd's hand still on her shoulder and glanced at it for a while. She didn't mind it one bit; she found it oddly comforting. As for Lloyd, he realized his sudden proclamation and grew a little embarrassed. He removed his hand from the girl's shoulder and laughed awkwardly.

"I guess that was a little too far?"

Lyn gave a little grin and shook her head. "Not at all. And I don't think we have to worry about Vince telling on you."

"Why?"

"If he told everyone who you were, press will eventually find out you threatened him, putting him in a bad light. And I don't think he wants that."

Lloyd chuckled. "I guess you're right."

"Uhm, Lloyd?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you." Lyn couldn't help it. She just had to embrace him. And embrace him she did. She wrapped her arms around him and buried her head in the crook of his neck. Lloyd was startled by her action but soon relaxed and gently rubbed her back.

"You're welcome."

...

"Uhm Lyn?"

"Hmm?"

"You're still hugging me." Lyn realized that she had been hugging the Green Ninja longer than she thought and softly pulled away. Her face grew hot with embarrassment. At the same time, she felt a little sad she had to part with him. Lloyd was turning beat red too. He then started rubbing his arm as he decided to put on his glasses once more and disheveled his hair again. "Uhm on with the tour? Or do you wanna go someplace else?"

"Oh no it's fine. A few more places to visit, then we can go."

"Alright. Lead the way."

Chapter 10 was finished earlier than I expected. So yay!

Thank you to Guest MMM, Jaguarcoco, and Guest EnergyBlast for your reviews.

Guest MMM, well Vince will most likely be pissed. But nothing he can do about it now. I doubt he'd want to compete with the Green Ninja.

Guest EnergyBlast, thanks for pointing out that thing about Nya spoiling Skybound. I totally forgot that they didn't tell the others about it. Buuut maybe we can just say that they tried once or twice going around the streets incognito but not as fugitives? Haha XD. Hmmm, make a sequel involving them in a possible romance stage? We'll seeeeeeeee. Your review as spam? Absolutely not! Your words are very heartwarming and encourage and inspire me to keep writing. So it's a real confidence booster. Thank you!

Till the next chapter ~ SnowflakeShard