Since I have temporarily given up on my other Ninjago fanfic "A Glimpse into the Past", I figured it was only fair to make a new one. (I will be re-writing "A Glimpse into the Past" soon however :D) Anyway, here you go. I hope y'all enjoy!

The world had been saved once again, thanks to the ninja. The Overlord had been defeated and the city was rebuilt. There was little to no crime and the ninja didn't have much to do. Lloyd found himself trying out new hobbies, not sure what to do now that there was a lack of missions for the ninja team to explore. No new hobbies stuck, however, and Lloyd was back to his old ways: being lazy. The other ninja had returned to the habit almost immediately after the fall of the Crystal King. At first Lloyd was disappointed in them, but after every hobby he tried failed to entertain he joined them, playing video games and eating junk food just like before.

Master Wu was not impressed. He would walk around the monastery and sigh at the ninja whenever he saw them playing Lava Zombies or grabbing a snack. Lloyd didn't enjoy seeing his uncle upset but also didn't know what else to do. There was always a new villain after some time, but who knows how long that would be? Didn't they deserve at least a little relaxation after the big battle?

About two weeks after the fight with the Overlord, however, Lloyd didn't feel the same. He felt like his hearing had increased but he didn't know why, and he found himself more tired than usual. At first he blamed it on the increased laziness, but as the days went on Lloyd couldn't help but suspect some other cause. He didn't know what to do about it however. There was not much he could do. He was now beginning to take routine afternoon naps, and would wear earplugs to muffle the noise of his companions' beeping games. None of the ninja questioned it, so Lloyd didn't bring the topic up. He did notice that Wu was gaining suspicion of him, however, and tried to stay out of his uncle's view so as not to draw attention. Unfortunately that didn't turn out, and they soon ran into each other again.

"Lloyd, I haven't seen you in a while. Where have you been?" Master Wu asked, his yellow eyes squinted at the Green Ninja. He held his staff in his left hand, it outstretched to prevent Lloyd from proceeding back to his bedroom.

"In my room," Lloyd admitted, glancing at his uncle slightly before looking away again.

Please don't ask any more questions…

"So you, like the other ninjas, have once again become too good for training?" Wu sighed, frown barely visible beyond his long, white beard.

"It's not that, it's just…" Lloyd began, scrambling for an answer that wouldn't draw more unwanted suspicion.

"It's fine. At this point it does not matter. At the end of every mission you six always become unnecessarily lazy. It is a disappointment, and I am afraid you will never learn," Wu explained, lowering his staff slightly. Lloyd was relieved, hoping that his uncle would soon end the confrontation.

"I- I'm sorry," Lloyd apologized, attempting to slip past his uncle's staff. Now aware that Lloyd was attempting to exit their conversation, Wu raised his staff and held it firm, preventing him from passing. Now tense, Lloyd was worried.

He's on to me…

"Why do you feel the need to leave so soon?" Wu asked, staring Lloyd down. Feeling incredibly uncomfortable, not to mention tired after missing his afternoon nap, Lloyd couldn't think of anything to say in response. Instead he sat there, quietly stammering and awkwardly avoiding eye contact with his uncle. Wu's frown grew, but Lloyd couldn't tell if it was from disappointment or worry.

"Is something wrong? I feel you have been avoiding me," Wu queried, concern a now more visible expression on his face. Lloyd still had no response, not even attempting to make noise at this point. He soon realized his mouth was still open however, and quickly shut it. "Not even a response?"

Lloyd was at a complete loss for words. He didn't know whether or not to share his condition with his uncle. He didn't know if it wasn't a big deal or not, and he didn't want it to seem stupid if he expressed concern over something that might just be a cold or a mild ear infection.

Maybe it is just an ear infection. Should I have Zane check?

"It's fine, you don't have to tell me. I am just worried about you. Staying cooped up in your room for hours is not healthy. Perhaps you could join me on a walk this evening?" Wu offered, but Lloyd knew it wasn't just a suggestion.

"Sure," Lloyd whispered, and was relieved when Wu returned his staff to an upright position before walking away. Lloyd rushed into his bedroom and flung his sheets aside, crawling into his bed. However sleep didn't come upon him like it did most afternoons. Instead he was left wondering and thinking about all the ways this evening stroll could go wrong.

Sorry this one's kinda short. It could've been longer, but it's basically just to introduce the story and timeline... anyway, please leave a review, it helps a lot when I make new stories or update old ones. YOUR OPINION MATTERS is what I'm saying, so please, please, please leave a review! I'll come out with a new chapter very soon! :]