"Well, I met you... that has to mean something..."

He couldn't get it out of his head.

He'd thought sleeping it off would erase the memory somehow. But when he awoke from the previous night, it was still all he could think about. All throughout today it was sitting in his head, bothering him to the point where he couldn't seem to get anything done. At one point in the afternoon, he had to escape to splash cold water on his face. That didn't seem to do anything either.

It was irritating yet so... amazing. And confusing. Very confusing.

He'd been rewarded for being bad his whole life. Why was this one good act something that made him want to...?

Lloyd groaned, slamming his head on his desk. He was out of his mind.

The button that the pretty girl had given him lay in front of him. He'd been staring at it for the past hour wondering how he should get rid of it. It was obviously this token that was making him so out of sorts. It couldn't stay here. And it was just something so simple... so small... he didn't need it.

Still, there was a part of him that wanted it. Just a little while longer.

Conflicted, Lloyd risked another peek at it

Kill Borg ... he pondered the thought, feeling sick to his stomach every time he'd sat long enough to do so. Why was this so hard? He'd killed much more innocent of people. Why was he hesitating now?

Lloyd knew the answer was his mother. Somehow in just the matter of months that he'd known her... she'd made a part of him soft. He'd never used to care before... but now, seeing her so weak and fragile... he couldn't bear to see others the same way.

But he had to kill him.

Unless...

The thought passed just as quickly as it came.

"Stupid..." Lloyd muttered, so frustrated with himself. He ran a tired hand through his already tousled blond hair, finally turning away from the silly button. "That's stupid."

So immersed in his thoughts, Lloyd almost jumped, hearing someone knock.

The boy wasted no time answering, glad for an excuse to stop thinking about last night's incident and the coming task he had yet to perform. However, he was none too pleased to see Mr. E standing there, waiting for him.

The lieutenant held out a portable hologram port, and Lloyd eyed the images. A man, seemingly young he supposed, stood outside a bar, hands in his pockets. He was waiting for something. His eyes scanned the area almost anxiously, wary of anyone who passed. It was indeed suspicious, and Lloyd had a sure feeling that this was their current target.

"Cole?" He asked E for confirmation. The lieutenant nodded.

"And that's right now?"

Another nod.

Lloyd was faintly agitated that once more, Mr. E didn't seem to have much to say.

Sighing, he thought through the situation. Cole was their number one priority right now. And now they'd just happened to catch him on camera... this might be their one chance to get in there, capture him, and get answers. Or perhaps Walker was there too. Making sure this mission was a success was mandatory. If not... Garmadon would not let him walk free for much longer.

But he also needed to get to Borg before his father discovered he'd been stalling this past day. Maybe it wasn't his priority, but he needed to get this right. Maybe...

He took a glance back at the button sitting atop his desk.

FSM he was so going to regret this.

"You go," he said, having an idea as to how to execute this. With Mr. E off his back for the night, Lloyd could surely get away with anything. "I have to take care of Borg. Hover for a while and see if you can find out who he's associating with. Then apprehend. Bring him back alive."

Mr. E never questioned orders. Especially ones as crucial as this. After all... they were both counting on this mission. Should they fail, neither would be seeing daylight for much longer.

As the soldier took off, Lloyd released his breath, closing the door once he was sure no one else was around.

What he was about to do would be undermining the Emperor. No one could know. And after last night... Lloyd was certain that if he played his cards right that no one would.

He scooped up the button, cradling it in his palm before using his dagger to slightly slice into his black and purple robes. He fingered for a few pieces of string that would be strong enough to hold it. Once successful, Lloyd weaved them around each other before stringing them through the button, securing it around his wrist and cutting the excess off. It was easily hidden beneath his sleeves and slightly covered by a black stone bracelet, given to him by Garmadon eight years ago when he had released him from the Underworld. Lloyd knew no one would notice, and that gave him a surge of energy that felt... almost exhilarating.

This was unlike him, he knew. But it made it somewhat all the better. He would finish this task and then things would return to normal. He swore it. But just this once, he needed to do this. For Misako. And for that girl. He needed to prove that it wasn't just a fluke. He could be good if he chose to be.

Setting out into the night, Lloyd closed his eyes, hoping this wasn't a huge mistake.

"So, like on a scale of one to ten, how attractive?" Nya asked, sipping from her drink in a manner of boredom. First Spinjitzu Master unprecedented, she was ashamed to admit that the alcohol was growing on her. The girl had Harumi to thank for that. Nya tended to be crazy with determination sometimes, but Harumi could drive her up the wall with some of her ideas.

Nya had still agreed to be here though. Try as she may to get the girl to understand the urgency of her plans, Nya just couldn't let her wander out here all on her own.

Plus... she was starting to understand. The more Rumi talked about it, the more it made sense. She really was starting to think that maybe- maybe- this could work. Heavens, it was the most doomed idea in the history of Ninjago, but maybe it was a step that someone had to take.

"It was hard to tell in the dark," Harumi said, in her far-off world again. Nya sighed. Harumi had been blabbering about last night pretty much all day. All she gathered was there was trouble and there was a guy. Which was kind of annoying. Nya didn't care much for boys, and she knew for a fact Harumi was the same to a certain degree. Sure, Rumi had gotten somewhat intimate with Kai some few years back, but that was hardly anything. Much less something that got her giddy. So, she didn't see why some guy in the dark who had supposedly saved her got her so excited.

"Well, if you can't even tell if he's attractive, why are you all over the idea of him?"

"I'm not all over him," Harumi scoffed. Nya held back a snort. "There's just something about him, I don't know... I think maybe he can help us. He fought off Garmadon's men like he was an expert or something."

"Huh." Nya mused. Sounded like Harumi's type. If Harumi even had a type. "Well, I hope you got a name or something then. Cause I don't think you'll have any luck finding wonder boy any time soon if you're looking for someone with dreamy eyes and probably blond hair, knowing how cliché the universe is."

Harumi blushed at that part. Or maybe it was the alcohol making her flush. Probably both. "Blond is accurate. But I... didn't...actually..."

"Typical," Nya almost laughed.

"Yeah, whatever," she grumbled, doing another sweep of the area.

Nya followed her gaze, trying to see if anyone had shown up. So far, it just seemed like the same ol' flow of people coming in and out, drinking and enjoying themselves. No one seemed to be in a particular hurry to find anyone.

"Do you think they'll come?" she asked, looking back to her friend.

"He has to," Harumi mumbled, even though every second they waited she was starting to sound less and less sure of it herself. Nya could see how desperate she was. She wanted, maybe even needed, to make something out of this. Otherwise, this was all just a waste.

And then suddenly, there was someone. He could have easily just passed as someone insignificant. He wore a hood to cover his features, walking around slowly to examine the area. Harumi zeroed in on him as soon as her eyes caught sight of him, and suddenly he spotted them too. The man made his time, not directly approaching, and then he was there, sliding next to their booth casually, hands in his pockets, looking at the other booths as to make sure they were alone.

"Jade?" He asked, turning to look them over.

Nya eyed Harumi only to see her nod.

With the confirmation, the man smiled, sitting next to Nya and removing his hood. And goodness, it took her by surprise. She had expected sketchy and criminal... not, well...

He had that sort of edgy feel, but Nya wasn't lying when she admitted he wore it well. Too well, even. He practically owned the word "dark", tanned caramel skin bleeding into the black waves of his hair. A few strands seemed to fall into his face, which he brushed away from his brown eyes that reminded her of dark chocolate. A piercing shimmered for just a second in his ear, as he brushed those strands back. An odd choice for sure, but still, it suited him.

And even beneath his dark grey sweatshirt, Nya could tell he was fit. There wasn't much else to say other than no one had any business being that muscular. As Nya tried to take it in, she saw Harumi flash her a snarky smile, and she gestured for her friend to zip it, smothering a blush knowing she had been caught staring for a few seconds too long.

"So..." he started, looking comfortable already. Nya could tell just by that fact that he'd been doing this business for quite some time. Strangers were his normal. The girl noted his voice, which had the tiniest bit of rasp to it but still managed to remain soothing and smooth. She liked it more than she wanted to admit. "You came after all. With company, I see."

"I filled her in," Harumi explained before he questioned it further. She had been told to come alone, and she was almost terrified that bringing Nya along would end the deal right there. He smiled at them though, not seeming to mind.

"Well, regardless, we're limited on time. I'm Coal by the way. Like the rock," he said to Nya, with a small chuckle. She shrunk, unprepared for his sudden attention towards her. "We go by codenames here."

"I gathered," she nervously replied, reaching for her drink to take a sip. "I'm... uh..."

"Just pick a letter of the alphabet or something. Easier to remember."

"X," she said, as the first thing to come to mind, and she was too nervous to think of anything else. Oh well. Harumi snickered. Nya sulked.

Coal nodded, turning his gaze back to Harumi and forgetting about Nya for the time being. Thank goodness. "I'm really sorry for the delay. It's getting harder to make sure no one follows."

"Don't apologize," Harumi said, her friendly manner slipping through her 'all-business' showcase. She quickly corrected that, fixing herself. "So... what did he say?"

Nya had no idea what was going on, but Coal seemed the tiniest bit sorry. He sighed, looking around, before leaning in. "Look, I tried to convince him. But what you've given us is hardly any information to go off of. We know our way around, but what you're looking for simply isn't there, if it even exists. Walker and I agreed that it's not in our best interests to risk going back in."

"He said no?" Harumi paled.

He shot her an apologetic look. "Sorry, kid. I understand that we all want Garmadon off the throne, but there's nothing we can do about it right now."

Harumi was... speechless. From the moment he'd showed up, she'd been set on the fact that his appearance had to mean something. It had to be good news.

But Walker declined?

Her shock turned to anger in a matter of seconds, watching both Nya and Coal give her that familiar look of pity. She hated it, and she was determined not to let it stop here. She'd worked too hard to get this far. She was not stopping just because some hacker who refused to show his face said he wanted to stay tucked away in his comfortable little secluded world where no one could hurt him, while people- her people- were dying. This was not something anyone could say no to.

"Dont ..." Nya warned with a low hiss, eyes going back and forth between Coal and Harumi. Rumi knew she only meant well and that getting heated here would not make things better. They needed to be discreet, but Harumi was blowing that to hell. She was going to make them listen.

"No, I'm sorry, but you're a coward," Harumi whispered with authority, pointing an accusing finger at Coal. He seemed a bit surprised by the reaction, but soon that was replaced with a look of coolness as if he was unfazed. He was probably used to angry clients. But Harumi was no mere client. "You say there's nothing you can do, but that's a lie. There is something you can do. Right now, a tyrant sits on that throne, and I swear on my life, that I'll keep fighting until he's gone. And when that day comes, and I get my rightful title back, so help me I will make you regret the day you decided to let millions suffer because it's not in your best interest to help."

Nya facepalmed, knowing it was only a matter of time before Harumi pulled that oh-so-familiar card. Gosh, this was not going to end well.

To Nya's utter shock though, Coal looked like he'd just seen a ghost.

"Wait, hold up..." He held up his hands nervously. "You're...?"

"Yes ." Harumi said. "Princess Harumi of Ninjago. The rightful heir to the throne. And if you honor my family's legacy, you will reconsider your answer."

Nya groaned, burying her face in her hands. And there it was. There was no going back from this. Princess Harumi was officially undead, and they were all screwed.

"I-I..."

The man seemed at a loss for words, taking in Nya's reaction, and Harumi's sternness. He stared at the girl for what seemed like forever, trying to figure out what to say. He was undoubtedly still loyal to the royal family and was in no position to argue with someone who could very well sentence him to death one day. But he also valued his life, just like any sane person would. He also had a partner to think of. He couldn't just say "yeah sure, screw it, we're doing it your highness."

"Well?" Harumi raised a brow, suddenly softening.

Coal seemed to regain some dignity and stressfully trailed a hand through his black hair as he let out a puff of air. "Well, this really changes things."

"Please," Harumi reiterated, dropping the sternness and replacing it with a touch of sweetness. Her desperation made her crack, and her voice fell into a plea. She pushed past her drink, and touched Coal's hand, looking straight into his eyes. Nya had to hand it to Rumi. She really knew her persuasive methods. Throw in one bat of her pretty eyelashes, and he'd be wrapped around her finger just like that.

Coal blushed, rubbing his neck.

"I don't want to argue with you, your highness. I'll... I can try and talk it over with Walker. Maybe with this new development... he might change his mind."

Satisfied with that answer, Harumi gave him the most appreciative smile she could muster. "Thank you. Thank you so much, Coal."

Coal stuck his hands back into his pockets, shrugging. He looked so boyish then that Nya realized he was just about their age. It hadn't struck her before, as it was hard to tell with city folk.

"Well ... still no promises. Don't thank me yet."

There was a hidden resolve in his tone, however. Something hopeful. Maybe just moments ago he thought Harumi's plan was a lost cause. But her being the former heir? Well, that made this all worth something.

Nya was almost impressed. Could this actually work?

Looking at the determination radiating in Harumi's jade eyes, Nya felt that they actually had a chance.

They started to leave, casually making rounds at the bar to avoid any suspicion. Harumi slipped a 10 onto the counter, waving off to Dareth for what might be a while. The location for each meeting changed every time, and Harumi was sad for it. The lively place would be missed.

They treaded behind Coal, making eye contact with victorious smiles. Harumi's soon turned amused.

"On a scale of one to ten, how attractive?"

"Shut up." Nya hissed, eyeing to make sure Coal hadn't heard. He didn't react. The girl huffed, relieved. "I'd say eight."

Harumi exploded into laughter, and Nya herself was struggling to maintain hers, shushing Harumi as they exited the bar.

However, the lightened mood did not last long. Before any of them had time to react to Coal's sudden scream, a knife struck the wall in front of them. Nya gasped, as it narrowly avoided her face.

Everything happened so quickly.

The man in black had appeared from nowhere as if invisible, landing a punch in Coal's face. He was caught off guard, which was the perfect opportunity for the masked man to put him in a confining hold, dragging him away.

"Coal!" Harumi called out, trying to run to where he was thrashing and kicking.

"No, Harumi! " His voice came out frantic, panic settling in. "Run !"

She was just about to do the opposite and continue running at him before something held her back.

"We have to go!" Nya cried, pulling at Harumi's wrist.

But it was too late to make an escape. More men arrived, wearing that familiar insignia that made Harumi's stomach quench. She was petrified, terror creeping down her spine as she remembered just yesterday being subdued by men like these. But there were more than three this time. And there was no mystery man to save her. They were cornered and outnumbered, five to two.

Worse still were Cole's cries of protest as he was dragged away, angrily clawing at his captor.

Harumi suddenly wanted out.

They fought, using what little strength they could muster, only to be rendered completely useless against their size. As soon as she threw her punch, it was caught, like she was nothing more than a child. The man who had done so then pushed her to the ground. Harumi grunted at the impact, her cheek scraping against the cement, and jagged surfaces of stray pebbles digging into her hands as she tried to fumble her way back up. However, she was kicked down once more, looking up to see his gun pointing at her head. Civilians who were watching from afar screamed as he had drawn the weapon, beginning to run away from the scene before things got messy.

But Harumi couldn't run. All she could do was stare him down.

So this is it.

Just as quickly as the attack had happened, a sudden flash of red swooped through the scene, drawing everyone's attention upwards. There, simmering with heat and scales gleaming scarlet was a dragon; teeth bared and claws ready to attack. It roared with a burst of majestic might and fury, sending a gust of warm air in their direction.

Atop of it sat a rider, red-clad and hooded. They swiftly jumped from the back of the beast, drawing their weapon and sparing no time in racing after Coal.

Harumi grinned from where she lay on the ground.

She could always count on Kai to be there when it mattered most.

The men that had since surrounded her and Nya had taken off as soon as the dragon arrived, knowing nothing they had could compare to the will of a dragon. Smart of them too.

"Cmon!" Nya called, hoisting her up with hardly a warning.

"Right!" Harumi shook her head, wondering where she had gone wrong tonight. She needed to get it together. The stakes were still high. And if Kai couldn't get to Coal before he would undoubtedly be taken before the Emperor, this would all be a bust.

They climbed the dragon, Harumi settling in front before extending a hand to help Nya slide in behind her.

"Where is that idiot?" Nya grunted as she did so, struggling to see over the fire dragon's head.

Harumi pointed ahead, to the red figure in the distance that had finally reached Coal and the other soldier. "There!"

As if protecting Kai was a mere instinct, Flame took to the air just briefly. He hovered over the fight, tail raised in preparation to attack and protect his owner. And just as the tail whooshed over them, Kai pulled Coal away from the grasp of the enemy, throwing them both to the ground as the impact tossed the soldier into a building, where he collided with the wall with a concerning crack.

Nya gawked, a bit taken aback at the display of power. Harumi too wondered if they had just killed a man. But everything was moving much to quickly to dwell on it. Kai had already swung himself onto the saddle in front of her, giving Harumi nothing more than a subtle glare behind his mask as he steadied the reigns of the dragon.

As Kai prepared to take off, Nya attempted to quickly hoist Coal up. He gripped her hand like the world was ending right then and there, knuckles turning white as he squeezed in next to her.

He was tense. Scared. But relieved.

They all were.

And then they were airborne, taking off into the night; Slipping through the fingers of the Empire once more in order to fight another day. Or so they all hoped.

Nya and Harumi met eyes, sharing the same look of regret after the events of tonight. Coal was shaken and had nearly gotten captured. Had Kai not showed up... maybe they would all be dead.

Was this a mistake?

As the dragon retreated, flying the targets far away from the eyes of the Empire, Mr. E collected himself. His joints creaked ominously, however his functions remained intact. His helmet was cracked, obscuring his vision. He removed it, throwing it to the ground in frustration and watching it roll away. It had been a long time since his own eyes were exposed to the world. It was almost disorienting. But regardless of how different things looked, he was able to retain focus on his task.

They had gotten away. Had he failed?

A falcon screeched from above where it circled the scene, drawing his attention away from the dragon. Crystal blue eyes set with determination, Mr. E pointed at the faraway figure of the dragon, signaling for it to follow. The falcon did as instructed, giving one more shrill cry before following after the targets.

He smiled. He wasn't going down without a fight. His opponents were far from skilled; the only reason they had gotten away was because they had taken him by surprise. And that would not happen again. Not with the falcon involved. They'd have their task completed soon enough.

And, based on what he'd heard from tonight, the Emperor would be very interested in knowing exactly who he had just encountered.

This was no defeat. It was actually quite the victory.

"It is done?" The Emperor inquired the moment his son had shown his face. Though, it was less of a question and more of a threat. Lloyd could feel it, and he balled his fist, fearing that the weight of Garmadon's stare could kill him right where he stood.

The assassin's eyes were downcast.

"Yes."

Garmadon's lips curled into a snarl, as Lloyd just stood there. He was hollowed and empty in his presence as if drained of all life or hope. Normally that would have brought him pleasure; his own son cowering before him, just an empty shell for him to use as he wished. This time, however, something felt off. It felt forced... almost fake...

He was lying.

"Oh, really?" the dark lord said, doubtfully.

"Check the news reports if you don't believe me," the boy snapped, fixing his father with a sharp stare.

Garmadon frowned, not particularly pleased with his son's sudden nerve. The assassin was compliant... back when this all started that boy would have done anything Garmadon had said without a second thought. He was too easy, always chasing approval and validation without knowing the costs. Pathetic. But now his reluctance to kill Borg in the first place and this sudden streak of disappointing Garmadon were all clear signs that perhaps Lloyd was straying too far for his influence.

The Emperor debated confronting Lloyd about his sudden off behavior, figuring he'd touch on it later. Lloyd was weak but he was not dumb. He was clever enough to know the costs should he attempt to defy Garmadon. Even he wouldn't attempt to even scratch the surface of disobedience.

He let it go, giving a curt nod to his son. "I knew I trained you well. I suppose your minor disagreement can now be pardoned... under the condition that it never happens again."

And there was the real threat. Lloyd inhaled angrily, clenching his fists.

He had been putting up with this for years. Why was it only just now getting to him?

Garmadon watched him as though entertained by this frustration, and that only aggravated Lloyd more. FSM, he lived to see Lloyd squirm in his invisible grasp, struggling with staying silent under his endless threats that had never once been acted upon until just recently. It was a game to him... a twisted game to get a reaction that would be reason enough to kill him for.

Lloyd couldn't do anything but nod.

"Yes, father."

"Good," The Emperor pushed as he swept past his so, dark robes trailing across the floor as he started to march away. Lloyd ducked his head, knowing his father had already pushed him to the back of his mind, forgetting about him again. Lloyd felt a pang of hurt, heart twisting as his father walked away. He wondered when, if ever, Garmadon might stop and think... he was proud of the man he had raised. Even though Lloyd himself wasn't quite sure if he was.

Right now, he was nothing more than a nuisance for Garmadon to bark his orders at. What had happened to the promise of glory?

Following was a relief, as he realized he could retreat to his chambers once more. Lloyd felt it was well deserved. After all, he had done it. And no had suspected a-

The doors to the throne room were thrust open, capturing all the attention in the room.

Mr. E glided through, approaching Garmadon with a bow.

"What is the meaning of this?" He grumbled, glaring at the lieutenant. Lloyd narrowed his eyes, remembering he had sent Mr. E to capture Cole.

And that's when he realized Cole had not been captured.

Lloyd's stomach began to sink, and he felt pale.

Mr. E looked up at Garmadon with earnest, opening his palm to display a hologram port.

There was a fight. Mr. E had successfully grabbed Cole and began dragging him away. "No, Harumi! Run!" the man called in horror, as the supposed girl in question approached with fierce cries of protest.

Lloyd's stomach sank further.

Harumi

Harumi

Flashes replayed in his mind.

.

.

.

Princess Harumi?

"Kill her. I will deal with the imposters that sit on my throne." Garmadon said, engulfing the room in flames and turmoil using the golden sword. Lloyd had felt so small watching the chaos his father had brought upon the palace. And at the same time... he liked it.

He held the nunchucks, hands shaking.

"Help!" a girl cried in the wreckage. Lloyd was frozen with terror. Who was she?

"Don't cry," he whispered. Was it to himself or to her?

He took her hand and ran. Ran through the smoke and debris.

"Don't come back here! Ever!"

"Thank you."

.

.

.

He blinked, feeling his heart stop.

Thank you.

Thank you.

It couldn't be...

But it was...

The girl he saw on that recording was the girl he had saved the previous night. He could still picture her jade eyes glistening with tears; First Spinjtizu Master, why was she always crying? How had he not recognized her?

The girl he was supposed to kill eight years ago; But the one he had saved instead.

She was alive.

She was alive... and now Garmadon knew.

He didn't even get a chance to process the rest of the recording before Garmadon had him in his hold, forcefully pinning him to the wall.

"Why..." Lloyd had never heard his voice like that. Boiling with untamed anger and intensity. Never had Lloyd thought that in one moment he was going to die "has there been evidence presented to me..." The Emperor growled low, tightening his fist. "That the heir to the throne... is alive."

"I don't know!" He lied behind his teeth, gasping.

"You said she was dead."

"I didn't see her in the wreckage! I thought- I thought she was! I-" His esophagus spasmed for air. Garmadon's palm mercilessly burned against his skin, quenching his breath. He was reduced to nothing but another writhing victim, unable to beg for it to just stop behind the slow pain taking his life. Tears burned at his eyes, his vision started to fade, giving way to black.

But then it all came rushing back.

Lloyd could do nothing but cough, enough for blood to stain the floor. He felt sick, and his stomach began to churn violently. He dug his hands into the floor, painfully trying to regain himself, but to no avail, only able to heave for air.

Garmadon watched with detest.

"How disappointing."

"I can-" Lloyd panted, trying to steady himself on all fours. "I can fix this."

"Oh, you will..." The ominous threat lingered, sending a chill down Lloyd's spine. "Next time I will not be so lenient."

Breath heavy, Lloyd helplessly watched as Garmadon simply began gliding away, seething with rage.

"Kill the princess and bring her little friends to me. I want to make an example of them. You are a disgrace... but a valuable asset. I do so hope I don't have to make one of you too."

Mr. E loyally followed after the Emperor, and the doors banged shut behind them. Lloyd was alone. But not in the way he wanted.

He screamed, balling his fists until his nails cut little moon-shaped crevices in his skin. Tears dripped to the floor mixing with the blood. He shook with hatred, regret, hurt, sadness...

And yet, he felt energized, and his hands began to shake with that soft green glow he'd hardly ever seen. The first time had been that day it all changed; the day he killed that boy at Darkley's. He'd never felt so dangerous... so alive.

And now he felt as though it was eating him. Taking every ounce of emotion and channeling it into his element.

Until the stone cuff at his wrist burned at the feeling in his veins, reducing the glow, and leaving Lloyd just as weak as he had started.