To all of you FTAU fans who loved OUAD and CB, congratulations, you get Kai and Lloyd being brothers! This is set over a period of six months after OUAD, which is great for a little time skip and an introduction into Invasion, our next planned novel in the AU! See if you can spot some hints to what it may be about.

Thank you all so much for the love, and please drop a review if you like it!

Kai,

I hope you got back to Skytarin safely. I never received your letter, so either those mail thieves we used to joke about when we were kids are back, OR you forgot. It was probably the latter.

Anyways, I am back in Vanterra and my father was extremely grateful that I was home. I'm honestly not sure if it was because I was going on a dangerous quest or if it was odd not to have me there helping as much as I normally do. I have no idea, honestly.

This whole thing with Harumi and I is really complicated, and I'm sure you'll have lots of questions. I know Nya did. Anyways, feel free to ask about anything, it's a bit too complicated to explain all in one chunk.

I hope Skylor is doing well and that your parents are also well. Please give them my regards. Write back as soon as you can, it's only been a few weeks and already I miss having my older brother around…

Anyways, I hope you are well and that your journey went smoothly. Write back as soon as possible.

Sending lots of hugs,

Lloyd

Dear Lloyd,

All right, you got me. I may have forgotten to write that letter until a day before yours came, and then it was too late to send it. No mail thieves. That said, in my defense, Mother and Father were furious about me being gone so long after what happened with Lady Debora and all that. (I'm still getting the stink-eye.)

Did you tell your father at all about our quest? My memory of being in Vanterra is a blur; all I remember is visiting with your grandfather. Speaking of your grandfather, how did he react to the news? Has he gotten a chance to see Harumi yet? If so, how was it?

I'll admit that I'm confused about what you're doing with Harumi. You both clearly have feelings, and she's beautiful, and smart! Don't you want to get married really soon? Spend as much time together as possible? I know Sky and I did. We spent a long time getting comfortable with each other, if you know what I–

(Hello, Lloyd. This is Skylor. What Kai means to write is that we spent a lot of time together immediately after our engagement. I'm sure you and Harumi would want to as well? I send my love.)

As I was saying…

My parents are doing well, but they're still not endeared to Skylor. Breaking off the betrothal to Debora and marrying Skylor didn't exactly make them like her, princess of the mer kingdom or no– and that's a secret, so don't go around sharing that! Mother will barely speak to her, but it's getting better. Maybe by the next time you're here they'll actually talk to each other like normal people.

I'll end it there, as I'm running out of paper. Write me back soon! I want to know all about what's going on with you in Vanterra.

Your big brother,

Kai

Kai,

I knew it! I could have told you that you were going to forget! It's a good thing I at least remembered, hm? It's too bad about those mail thieves though, for the longest time I was convinced that they were real… drat.

Anyways, it's my opinion that your parents need to accept that you married Skylor and "make the best with what they have". Honestly, adults act so immature sometimes (and I can still say that because I'm legally not an adult yet, so HA).

I did tell my father about our quest, but he was very preoccupied at the time and kind of waved it off. I think he remembered when he got the news about the curse being broken.

Grandfather hasn't met Harumi yet, but she's visiting Vanterra in a fortnight to see around. I'm going to surprise her with it, I don't think she's connected the dots quite yet. I get the feeling that it'll be just a bit emotional on both ends.

Quite honestly, the whole situation with Harumi and I is very complicated. After all of you left, we went up to the wall around the kingdom and talked for a little while before I headed home myself. Both of us agreed that it would be best to wait on… well, just about everything right now. She needs to be able to adjust and learn how to rule, and I don't want to stand in her way because of something fate decreed. If it is meant to happen, it will. There isn't much more to it at this point.

I completely agree that she is beautiful (very beautiful) and smart (incredibly so), but she's been through so much right now, and I can't- in good conscience- push her into anything right now. Not only is it not gentlemanlike, I can't do that to her. On the count of getting married soon… we'll see. As of right now, neither of us have any plans towards that end.

I still think it's ridiculous for your mother to not just accept that things are how they are. It's kind of ridiculous. Let's hope that it works out eventually.

As a closing note, have I ever not kept a secret of yours? Honestly Kai, it is almost like you have no faith in me. I won't tell anyone, I promise.

Write back when you can and I'll keep you updated on the whole thing with Harumi.

Your brother,

Lloyd

Little brother,

Times have changed and so have we. It's no wonder the mail thieves are gone; it's a sign of the times!

My parents are stubborn. You know that about as well as I do. We recently had some sort of holiday, and Skylor had to give a speech… Mother would not smile the entire time. Sky obviously didn't let her ruin it, but she wasn't herself. We both just wish they would let it be what it is, instead what they wanted.

I sometimes wonder what it would have been like if I hadn't been so active against my parents' wishes. I would most certainly be married to Lady Debora, for one, but we already know that would have been a bad match– to say the least. Maybe they would have cast Skylor out. I don't know. None of those alternatives seem ideal.

By the time this letter arrives, Harumi will probably be there! Send her my regards. I hope her visit is as wonderful as it sounds like it will be. I can only imagine how surprised she will be to see your grandfather, alive and well! (One hundred years is a long time for anyone.) Hopefully the shock is not terrible.

You don't need to tell me that you have no plans for marriage. Knowing you. you've been dreaming about it even if you don't say so. Harumi is objectively amazing, so I can't say I blame you for your preoccupation. You'd best make sure she knows of your interest soon! Fate need not apply.

You keep secrets well, Lloyd. If you were not my brother, I would scarcely be able to tell that you keep any at all. That is not so terrible.

No matter what happens with your lady love, for lack of a better term, Nya and I will help you as you need. I'm sure she would be more than happy to help you find a proper time.

You and Harumi seem fated together. I pray fate is kind to you, as it has been to me.

With brotherly love,

Kai

My dear brother,

I'm sorry it took so long for me to write back. A whole lot of things happened all at once, and it was hard enough to keep up.

A day and a half after he saw Harumi, my grandfather died in his sleep. I think he was waiting for her… The last month and a half have been a whirlwind, and I just… I still can't wrap my mind around it. He made me promise to on the quest to save her only a bit before we met as children.

After the funeral, my father met with me and we decided it was time I take on more responsibility for Vanterra. I guess it convinced him that I need to know these things.

Besides that, Harumi's visit was really good. We spent a lot of time together, and wow. She's incredible. We get along surprisingly well (you know, for meeting under such… odd circumstances), and her studies for ruling Ninjago are progressing well. She sends her regards back.

I won't confirm or deny your claim that I've been dreaming about marriage. You have no proof for any of that. Sure, she's pretty, and smart, and so far, it would seem she will be a very capable ruler. I still cannot, in good conscience, ask her about it. Besides, I'm still not sure if we would be a good fit. I suppose we will have to see what the future brings.

I am still so glad you didn't end up marrying Lady Debora. She was just so- ugh- words don't quite express my feelings. I'm quite sure you would never have been happy with her, not like you are with Skylor. Once again, true love triumphs! It would have been all the worse for Skylor as well, which is why I suppose we must thank the FSM that you both came to your senses.

I would write more, but I have a lot of things to do. Please write back to me soon, I miss you.

Your brother,

Lloyd

My brother,

I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather. Lord Samuel was a good man– I would call him King, but you understand why I refrain. Whenever you have the memorial, I will be sure to be there and pay my respects; for now, words will have to do justice. It is fortunate that he was able to see Harumi before he left this earth.

You are both developing in your duties so well. I am taking on more, as well, though you know what my mother can be like when it comes to… everything. Nevertheless, work waits for none. I'm sure the two of you are learning that well.

Your deft deflection does not go unnoticed. You clearly care about her and what she wants; that is the mark of a truly good man. It does me proud to see how you've changed from the Lloyd you were when we were kids, doing whatever you pleased with no thought. I'm sure she sees it too, but the future will bring what it will bring. Perhaps she has had some time to think on these matters since the time she left Vanterra.

Love truly does triumph! I am not ashamed to admit she hammered some sense into my brain. She is no stranger to telling the truth as it is, and heaven knows I needed it. I am certainly not so foolish any longer.

I miss you too, Lloyd. We have been apart for too long already. If it were possible, I would come to Vanterra right now, but there has been a surge in work with the arrival of the spring rains and early harvests, so I have been unable to unbury myself in paperwork. When we are next able, Skylor and I will send word.

May your grandfather rest in peace.

Ever yours,

Kai

Dearest Lloyd,

This is Skylor writing this letter. Kai informed me of your grandfather, and I send my deepest condolences. He will not be forgotten in the sands of time, no matter how numerous they grow.

Enclosed in this delivery, you will find a brooch. It was a gift from your grandfather to the Skytaran royal family, but it is high time to return it to its proper home. I hope this shall remind you of how he will never be truly gone; neither will we.

Do not fear expressing your thoughts to Harumi. I say this with love: she is intelligent and strong, and will not buckle under the weight of your intentions. Communication is the key to forming any relationship, and she will certainly welcome information freely given, especially considering her history with secrets. I have no doubt that she cares dearly for you, as you care for her, no matter the nature.

Be strong and courageous, Lloyd, indulging in love instead of fear. Despite how little we've known each other, I love you dearly.

Your sister-in-law,

Skylor

Kai,

I am so glad we were able to see each other this past week for the memorial. It truly was good to see both you, Zane, Nya, Pixal, Skylor, and Jay. It was almost like those nights during the quest!

Speaking of which (kinda), I took the advice just about everyone had been giving me and asked to meet Harumi so we could talk. It's so hard to express how I'm feeling properly (is that normal?), and I haven't gotten a letter back from her yet. Perhaps in the next few days. It's only been a few months, and already I can't imagine my life without constant communication with her, or helping her with… well, just about anything. She's more than just a friend now, but how do I communicate that in a way that will make sense? I have no idea.

Please write me back quickly, or I have absolutely no idea if I'll be able to say to her what I'm hoping to articulate. At least, not in a way that will make any sense at all. When we first met, it was relatively easy to talk to her, but now… I get all tongue tied and nervous. I don't know what to think about it and it makes me nervous.

HELP,

Lloyd

Lloyd,

It was so good to see you, too. I wish Cole and Vania had been able to come– these days, it seems we never see them. Then again, I imagine they have their hands full with those border troubles. Nevertheless, it was wonderful, and I'm so glad I got to see my best brother– don't tell Zane. ;)

You're on the right path, Lloyd. It's a good thing you didn't tell her while we were there; she was so clearly upset. She needed comfort, not romance. Now you can tell her how you feel.

The easiest way is just to tell her, without obstruction. Let her know exactly how you feel, and explain why you're telling her now. However, you could (and probably should) do something for her first. A walk at the waterside, an afternoon in the gardens, a private meal together– something. She won't be able to resist it! It has to be something romantic she'll like. Bigger is better.

You need to just tell her. Get it over with and get to the good part. Telling her is just the part you have to get through before you can spend more time with her, and hopefully, start figuring out what you'll actually have together. It's so obvious you have feelings for her, so tell her you love her and see what she says.

Write me back after you do it!

Your wingman,

Kai

P.S. Skylor says I need to be more clear, just in case it doesn't get through to you. You love her. That's been obvious since you two met.

Kai,

Is that what it is? Being in love is an odd feeling, I'll say that… you don't act the way you used to anymore around her, and it's hard to think properly.

I got a letter from her today, sent a few days ago. She was leaving for Vanterra the next day, so she's going to be here this afternoon (I think)! I'm so nervous. Even if my plan was to give her a day to rest and THEN tell her, I don't think I'll be quite able to relax until I just tell her. Ugh, this is hard.

Anyways, I have to go, Father sent a butler to come find me, which probably means that she's here. I shouldn't be as nervous as I am…

Thank you for the advice, and I'll let you know what she says tomorrow!

Love,

Lloyd.

Kai,

She. Said. Yes!

So happy and excited I can hardly think,

Lloyd

Lloyd,

What do you mean, she said 'yes?!' Did you PROPOSE to her?!

Explain yourself! It takes three days for these letters to be sent and my couriers are getting sick of the back-and-forth!

Kai

Kai,

If your couriers are getting sick of the back and forth, maybe you should come here. Just saying.

It's too complicated to explain in a letter, but yes, I did propose and she said yes.

Happy now?

I have to go (there's paperwork practically yelling at me), but I may see you soon? Maybe?

Hugs,

Lloyd

When he read that letter, Kai slammed the lid of his desk open and stowed the letter inside, not bothering to pen a reply. "Sky! We're going to Vanterra!"

Three days later, and with no lack of complaining on Kai's part, he and Skylor arrived in Vanterra somewhat unannounced.

A butler met them at the doors, looking a bit worried. "Prince Kai, Princess Skylor. We were... not made aware of your visit. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Yes, actually. Where is Prince Lloyd?" Kai was tapping his foot in annoyance.

"Probably in his study. Shall I go alert him that you're here?"

"Why don't you," Skylor said with an apologetic smile. "In fact, we should just come with you."

"Of course. Please follow me." The butler, while he looked a bit freaked out at Kai's expression, showed them to Lloyd's study and knocked on the door. "Prince Lloyd?"

"Come in!"

Kai didn't let the butler take his time, instead storming in. "Lloyd! Explain yourself!"

Lloyd spun his chair around and his expression lit up. "Oh, hey Kai!"

Kai stomped over to Lloyd's desk, all the while Skylor shook her head in bemusement. He slammed his hands down on the desktop. "Explain!"

Lloyd looked from the table to Kai's face. "Question. What did my desk ever do to you?"

"Let you write those stupid letters, maybe! You didn't even say anything!"

"About what?" Lloyd raised an eyebrow, finding it hard not to smile. "I told you, it's hard to explain in a letter!"

"You know exactly what I mean, Lloyd!"

"I don't know, do I?"

Kai stalked around the side of the desk, looming over Lloyd's chair. "Choose your next words wisely."

"Uhh… nice to see you again?"

Kai instantly tackled him.

Lloyd yelped, trying to roll over and pin him down. "Kaiiiii!"

Kai didn't let him up, pinning him down. "You listen here! Tell me what happened!"

"I can't tell you anything if you're on top of me!"

"You're telling me 'no' right now!"

"Like I said, it's complicated!" He managed to roll and nearly get Kai off of him, but no luck. "I'm not saying anything about it, and you can't make me!"

"You tell me what you did or so help me I will drag you all the way to Ninjago and make Harumi tell me!"

Skylor sighed fondly, chuckling. "Lloyd, I can tell you're dying to tell someone. Just tell us what happened."

He blew a strand of hair out of his eyes, trying and failing not to grin. "Maybe if Kai will get off of me."

Kai grumbled. "If I get off you, you have to tell us."

"Okay, fine. Deal."

Kai got off him with a grunt, dusting himself off. "Finally, the man listens to reason."

"So says the guy who literally tackled me!" Lloyd sat up and ran a hand through his messy hair. "You can say nothing."

Skylor came over and hugged Lloyd. "You can't blame us for being curious."

He grinned, embracing her back. "No, I can't. I got a shocked letter from Nya this morning, and I'm sure Zane will have about the same reaction. I'm going to have fun with this."

"You're a brat," Kai grumbled. "Am I getting a new sister-in-law or not?"

Lloyd grinned. "Yep! She didn't even hesitate." He paused. "Also, you're more of a brat than I am, and I'm offended by that."

"Be offended. See if I care." As he said it, Skylor smacked him. "Hey!"

"Go ahead and ask your questions. I'm sure you have plenty." Lloyd grinned, grabbing his chair and setting it upright, but he didn't sit yet.

"How did you do it?" Skylor asked, a twinkle in her eye. "Last I heard, you were simply going to go see her."

"Well, I was, originally. When we started talking more and I finally got the nerve to tell her how I felt, she…" He trailed off, still grinning. "I guess the best way to put it is that she practically admitted she wouldn't say no if I asked. So I did."

"Finally!" Kai grinned excitedly. "That's as good a reason as any to ignore my advice, but finally!"

Lloyd grinned too. "Kai, your advice is either really good or really bad. There is never anything in between."

"You shut your mouth."

Skylor snickered. "No, no, he's right."

"Your wife agrees with me! It's officially true!"

"My family has betrayed me."

Skylor rolled her eyes indulgently and nudged him, signing quickly. "I'll make it up to you later."

Kai grinned. "Oh really? Okay."

Lloyd looked between them in unrecognition. "I saw that. Do I even want to try and guess what you just said?"

Skylor winked. "That depends."

"I–" Lloyd went red. "Okay, then I guess not." Kai and Skylor immediately began snickering. "Stop it!"

"Fine!" Kai rolled his eyes. "You're going to have a lot to get used to."

"Of course I will," Lloyd grumbled, crossing his arms and hating the heat that had come to his face. "It's still going to be a little while."

"Do you know when it's happening?"

"Not within the next few months, that's for sure. No longer than a year from now."

Skylor nodded approvingly. "Good idea. I'll have to send her a letter in congratulations; in fact, maybe I should just visit."

"I'm sure she'd love a visit. She's stressed, due to trouble on the Commonwealth and Shintaro borders."

"What sort of trouble? Is there a border dispute?"

"Not exactly. There have been some attacks on the outlying villages; no deaths, only theft. When the guards get there, the attackers are gone without a trace. Nobody knows where they go."

Kai grimaced. "That sounds like a problem in the makings. Hopefully it can be solved soon."

"Indeed. Either way, does that answer all your questions, or are you going to tackle me again?"

Kai and Skylor smiled at each other. "You may need to take the rest of the day off," Skylor said after a moment.

Lloyd groaned, still grinning. "How many more questions can you have?"

Kai grinned. "Plenty. When you're going to have it, how she reacted, how her visit was…"

"Fine, fine. The forest where she grew up, she was happy and excited, and she liked her visit."

"You have to tell us more details than that!"

"Okay, fine! Here's how it went…"

Lloyd smiled at something Harumi had said, finding himself unable to look away from her. "FSM, she's so pretty…"

"Anyways, Lloyd-" She ran a hand over a leaf, fondling the softness. "What is it you wanted to talk about?"

"Oh boy, the moment of truth… just tell her, like Kai told you to do…" He tried not to think about the butterflies in his stomach, or how he desperately felt like he hadn't psyched himself up for this enough. "I- well, it's a pretty important thing."

"Well then, you'd better tell me." Harumi smiled at him, and just like every time she smiled or laughed, his heart skipped a beat.

He took a deep breath. "Six months ago, we decided that it was a better idea to postpone doing anything with what fate has decreed in order to give you time to learn how to rule Ninjago as the queen."

"Has it really been only six months? It feels like longer than that."

Lloyd grinned. "Yeah, I know right?" He forced himself back on topic. "But… that's kind of beside the point I'm trying to make."

"Oh? Well, now I'm very curious."

He swallowed and turned to face her, gently touching her arm to stop her from continuing walking. "Well, six months ago, I didn't have the feelings for you that I do now."

Harumi looked over at him, curiosity and more than a bit of interest in her eyes. "... really?"

"Really. I- I think I'm in love with you, Rumi."

Her eyes got wide. "I-"

"It's totally fine if you don't feel the same way." He added quickly. "I just… wanted you to know."

"Well… I wouldn't say that I don't feel the same way, really."

"What does that mean?"

"It means that if a… certain young man of my acquaintance were to ask me to marry him, I wouldn't refuse."

Lloyd blinked twice. "Really?"

She looked him in the eyes, muted green meeting neon. "Yes, really."

He couldn't speak, struck speechless by what she was implying. "She'd marry me if I asked? Seriously?" It took a second to get over his shock, but he took her hand, his nervousness slowly being replaced by a fearlessness he had only felt once before. "Harumi, can I be your forever? I know this wasn't what either of us was expecting to happen, but I promise, I will do my best to be worthy of your love."

"I want you to be my forever, Lloyd. I especially want it now. It's been fate all along, we just needed some time."

He smiled a bit. "I think it worked out."

"I agree." She went up on tiptoes and kissed him, ever so lightly. "It really did."

Lloyd raised an eyebrow when he finished. "Are you happy now?"

Kai grinned. "Fine, yes. My little brother is all grown up."

"I don't know about that. If so, reluctantly."

"Ha! Can't be too reluctant, considering that sort of display." He smirked. "He's a ladies' man, Sky."

Skylor rolled her eyes fondly. "What do I do with you two."

Lloyd laughed. "Is that a good 'you two,' or does it mean something more like 'you two are idiots?'"

"You choose."

"That is not helpful."

Kai chuckled. "She means both."

"Oh, it's even worse when it's all four of us. You have to trust me."

"Oh, I trust you. I've seen for myself." Skylor smirked.

"Right." Lloyd grinned. "Nya is going to be angry when she finally gets here. I didn't tell her much, either."

"Perfect!" Kai clapped. "We can bother her as well."

"I'm not exactly looking forward to getting tackled again…"

"Do you expect me to let her know easily when I had to wrestle the truth out of you? A woman or no, she can suffer too."

"Zane as well?"

"Do you have to ask?"

Lloyd sighed. "I don't think he'd tackle me. Boring."

Kai grinned deviously. "I know. That's why we need to tackle him first."

"Do you two do anything but make mischief when you see each other?" Skylor asked with a snicker.

"Not at all!"

"I can only imagine," she sighed.

"Yes. Yes, you can."

Lloyd laughed. "Well then, I'll have a room set aside for you. Nya should be here in the next few days."

Even while joking around with Kai and Skylor, the thought of Harumi lingered in the back of his mind. Beautiful, regal Harumi. It took long enough, but hey, it worked out, just as it always does.