Kai watched Skylor drag Lloyd off. Whatever was bothering their fearless leader had affected the day's mission. The head recruit had made a sloppy error that even Kai had caught beforehand and pointed out.
"Guys, something is really wrong with Lloyd."
"Well you can't tell me that you believe his ghost theories."
"I do actually."
"Me too." Kai and Cole shared an appreciative look. It was good to know that neither were braving the path of belief alone.
"Ghosts don't exist!"
"Says who, Jay? Look, we already doubted Lloyd once; and we were wrong. If this were a prank, he wouldn't look as sick as he does."
"His blood pressure's high." Zane revealed, leaning back against the wall with one foot braced against the smooth metal, arms crossed. "I can sense a seventh presence from time to time."
"How would you know about his blood pressure?" Jay asked dryly. He was just going to ignore the sixth sense vibe... that was just a load of hooey.
At that point, Zane remembered the only one who knew that he was an android happened to be Lloyd. The Lloyd his friends were once again at odds with.
"I'm sorry." Not a hint of remorse lurked in his voice. "I believe I forgot to inform you of the fact that I am not human, but rather an android developed by my father Dr. Julian."
"Ha!" Jay cackled, shaking his head and clutching his stomach. "Great one, Zane! Who knew you had such a sense of humor?"
Yeah, telling jokes when the discussion was so serious didn't exactly rub Kai the right way. His eyes narrowed dangerously as he rounded on the blonde. "Is this really the time for jokes?"
"It is no Joke, Kai." Zane pried the panel to His chest compartment open. The others visibly jumped back in shock, Jay's eyes widening in horror.
"How-"
"My father says I achieved sentience nearly two months after my activation. I hope this will not affect our friendships."
"Well you're still... you? I mean, we just know more about you I guess." Cole scratched the back of his head and looked away. He had no clue how to process this.
Kai shrugged. "I already have one friend that's part dragon and part demon. I guess an android only adds to weirdo pot... speaking of dragon-boy..."
"Back to the topic at hand." Cole nodded sharply, piercing Zane with an inquisitive gaze. "Is it true you've sensed another presence?"
"Yes... though it is faint, more a..." Zane scratched his chin. "brainwave. No pulse."
Jay shook his head. "This base is wired with tech. Any number of things could be screwing up your sensors."
"No." Zane shook his head. "This presence is usually in Lloyd's vicinity, and has a very unique brainwave."
Nya quirked an eye brow. "Well I for one knew a ghost in the slums-"
"Who!?" Kai demanded, cutting his sister off sharply.
"Some guy named Cliff Gordon." Good ole' Gordon. Word had it that the retired actor had fought during the Original uprising alongside the first generation elemental masters. Harumi had executed him for treason. "He hung around our block in the slums. Point is, I know ghosts exist. I wasn't sure if Lloyd was being haunted or not... but now I'm convinced of it. If you say there's a ghost, I'll believe it, Zane."
"There is... in fact he's standing here now." Zane pointed to an empty corner. All eyes turned to catch a glimpse of Lloyd's bane. Nothing was there.
"He's gone now." And with that, Zane walked away.
Two hours later, word had spread that Garmadon had returned. Unfortunately that meant combat training resumed... that day to he specific.
They hadn't seen Lloyd, since Skylor dragged him off. But he was already present when they jogged into the massive training station.
With practiced skill, they fell into line, waiting for Garmadon. With a hiss, two sliding doors pulled apart.
Lloyd frowned, looking at the ground. This class held no particularly fond memories for any of the recruits. Silently Garmadon stalked before them, arms folded behind his back.
"As you have noticed upon your return, the training standards have changed. The empire is not your enemy. I want all of you to know that."
Lloyd could practically hear his fellow Ellies scoff internally. Not enemies... sure.
Garmadon stopped when he saw Lloyd. "What happened to you?"
"A rogue ghost."
With a startled blink, Garmadon shook his head. Apparently Lloyd had adopted his uncle's sense of dry humor. It was sad, come to think of it.
"Oh really? Which one? The mailman or the old commissioner?"
"A master of wind." Lloyd deadpanned, eyes watching his father's face for any sort of reaction. A reaction is what he wanted, and a reaction is what he got.
"You dare-"
"You asked." Lloyd replied. "Maybe if you hadn't murdered him, then I wouldn't be haunted by him."
"Silence!"
Lloyd didn't even flinch, just shrugged slightly. Jay blinked slightly, finally deciding that Lloyd may be on to something after all.
{6:33 PM}
"You wanted to see me?"
Garmadon didn't kneel to Harumi, despite being her subordinate. If it bothered the Empress, no one would know it.
Leaning back with crossed arms, Harumi lounged in her throne.
"Yes."
"Well I'm here..."
"I was reading through some of the old scrolls when I came across an old prophecy... it was rather interesting if you ask me. Perhaps you've heard of the legendary green ninja prophecy?"
"Of course. It is the prophecy that foretells my doom." Garmadon snarled in irritation. "What of it?"
"I've been..." Harumi unraveled the scroll and held it up. "Attempting to decipher the identity of this warrior. You see it concerns me. Your fall will ultimately lead to my own."
"Have you had any luck?"
"No... but I have my suspicions. Is it true your son is a first generation elemental master?"
Garmadon narrowed his eyes. "I don't know."
"Hmm... Because the scroll never indicated which element this ninja would have, but... I assume it would be one with power that surpasses all others. It would have to be in order to bring about your fall."
"And what if you happen to determine the identity of this warrior?"
A dark smile flashed across Harumi's face, murderous intent lurking in her dark green eyes.
"I'll kill him."
I realized that Harumi hasn't made an appearance in a while. Zane's secret is out, and more is yet to come... so stay tuned!