6 years later

The cafeteria buzzed with chatter as the students took advantage of their short break between classes. Midterms loomed in the coming week, but for now those thoughts could be shoved aside. Fat puffy flakes fell from the sky and even in a school for evil, excitement bubbled for the upcoming winter holidays.

The administrative department struggled under the onslaught of early Christmas presents and letters with families' upcoming plans. One such unfortunate teacher currently balanced a towering stack of packages, made his way about the room delivering the day's mail.

Lloyd watched from the corner of his eye. A sour taste rose in his throat but Lloyd forced it down. There wouldn't be anything for him, like usual. It wasn't worth the effort to get his hopes up, only to have them dashed again. No, emotional detachment would serve him much better. If only he convince himself to follow through. Some little piece of him continued to want some form of acknowledgement from his parents, never mind he hadn't seen hide nor hair of either parent since his mother dropped him off years ago.

Shoving those thoughts away Lloyd forced a smirk on his face and turned to Brad, "Bet you I can make him drop everything from here."

"You're on!"

Lloyd reached into his pocket and pulled out a slingshot.

"That's cheap!" Brad complained.

Lloyd smirked. "I never said how I'd do it." Mr. Argent turned so his back was to Lloyd. "Piece of cake."

Pulling the slingshot Lloyd aimed for the small of Mr. Argent's back. He released it to a bullseye. The man lurched forward, packages scattering across the table and floor sending food flying in all directions. Disgruntled shouts and yelps filled the room.

Lloyd cackled while Brad shook his head. "Alright. Alright. That was a good shot."

"Thanks." Lloyd gave a small bow. "I do what I can."

Brad rolled his eyes. "Whatever-"

His words were cut off when someone shoved both his and Lloyd's heads forward into their plates.

"Hey!" Lloyd's indignant cry came out muffled from mashed potatoes and corn.

Mocking laughter came from behind them. "Look what we have here. Two little kids making messes with their food." Reed's no longer squeaky voice filtered into Lloyd's ears.

It wasn't unexpected, in fact Lloyd was surprised he'd gone until lunch without incident. Sighing Lloyd reached for a napkin. Reed continued droning but Lloyd tuned him out. It would be the same old taunts, same old dance. After six years he'd have thought Reed would get bored of it, but nope. Lloyd supposed it gave Reed some small measure of accomplishment in his life. Especially if the rumors of Reed's grades were to be believed. Brad mentioned he thought Reed only stayed in classes because his dad was on the board for the school.

That didn't mean Lloyd didn't want to punch him in the face.

But with ten inches and sixty pounds on him, Lloyd knew it would just be inviting trouble. There was no fear of repercussions from Lloyd's parents... Lloyd jerked that train to a stop before it could continue.

Once Reed left Gene leaned over from across the table. "With your continued lack of resistance you have a 98.9% chance his interactions will only escalate."

Gene was a fellow middle schooler in age alone. He was something of an evil genius. And way too smug about it for most of the student body's taste.

Lloyd rolled his eyes. "You think? I've dealt with him for so long that I know it's not worth it."

"If you wish to be perpetually humiliated the choice is solely yours."

Clenching his teeth Lloyd forced out, "He's only got one more year, then he'll be gone."

"Not sure if his grades will agree with that," Brad muttered.

"Don't jinx it."

The bell rang, interrupting their conversation. Lloyd stood turning his back to Gene. 'Just enough time to get cleaned up.'

Leaving Brad behind at the table Lloyd hurried to the bathroom, ignoring the glances of passing students. Unfortunately this was a common occurrence.

The warning bell had just rang when Lloyd ducked into his next class. Though the school taught the ways of evil, tardiness was still strongly frowned upon. And given Lloyd's interactions with his classmates, his record was long enough.

Mr. Rikards stood at the front of the class. His eyes trailed Lloyd as he hurriedly made his way to his seat. "Today we'll be talking about how to locate hidden cameras and how to get into their blind spots..."

An hour and a half later the bell rang and loud chatter filled the room as everyone started packing up.

"Lloyd wait a moment!" Mr. Rikards called before Lloyd could leave.

A chorus of "Ooooo's" rose from the class. Puffing out a sigh Lloyd ignored them. This was also nothing new, but it seemed to be happening with greater frequency this year. He loitered in the front row. The remaining students trickled out leaving the two alone.

"Sooooo...?" Lloyd drew out the word.

"Lloyd," he reached into his bag and pulled out a piece of paper. Lloyd looked to see one of his assignments staring back at him, a large red 'D' scrawled across the top. "While I admit your was the most... innovative paper I've had in my ten years of teaching, I'm afraid a plan to steal all the neighboring town's lollipops isn't quite the caliber of evil we're wanting you to strive towards."

Lloyd kept his gaze on the paper. He'd thought that had been one of his better plans.

"I know you're trying. Your effort outweighs a lot of others in the class, but I've noticed you seem to have lost some of your evil creativity."

Shrugging Lloyd didn't bother offering a response.

"Lloyd, you have to work with me."

"I don't know... I just haven't been able to focus much lately."

"Any particular reason why?"

Other than the fact that Lloyd was feeling more and more like an outsider and not finding the interest in the subject matter like in the past? Other than the other kids picking on him more and more even though whispers were starting to trickle in that Garmadon was on the move- and hadn't made any attempt to contact him? Nothing much.

"Just ready for break I guess."

Mr. Rikards stared at him for a long minute. "Alright. But I do need to talk with Principal Tryble about your performance."

Lloyd flinched. That wasn't good. Especially when his History of Ninjago's Criminal Underlords said the same thing earlier in the week.

"M'kay." Was all he managed to get out.

Mr. Rikards sighed, somewhat sadly. "You can get on to your next class."

Without a backward glance Lloyd made for the door. Hurrying around the corner Lloyd stopped and watched as Mr. Rikards left the classroom, heading toward the principal's office.

Lloyd bounced on the balls of his feet. He really shouldn't, but... it was a school for bad boys after all. And they were encouraged to practice their material, right? Turning on his heal he hurried toward the supply closet. The tunnels and passageways within the school was one secret Lloyd held close to his chest. Days like today made holding it in well worth it.

With practiced steps Lloyd made his way through the dark halls. After so many years exploring them he could get almost anywhere in the building within a couple minutes. Fortunately the principal's office was only a few seconds dash from the closet entrance.

A knock sounded on the door just as Lloyd reached the peep hole. Principal Tryble looked up from where he sat at his desk. "Come in."

Mr. Rikards poked his head in. "Do you have a minute?"

He glanced at the clock. "I do."

"Good." Mr. Rikards sat down across from Principal Tryble. "It's about Lloyd."

Tryble looked up and raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"He's failing my class, and from what I understand most of his other core classes too." Leather squeaked as Principal Tryble shifted. "He's bright and a quick study, but not in the areas that matter. All his attempts at being evil are just pranks, minor inconveniences, not megalomaniac plans."

"I'm afraid I've noticed that too. I had such high hopes for him. Especially since we started him so young. But in the last couple years he hasn't been progressing the way I hoped." Principal Tryble sighed. "Part of me wonders if it's in any of our best interest to keep him enrolled here much longer."

Lloyd stifled a gasp. No! They couldn't do that to him. This was his home. Or the closest thing to it. The ringing in his ears was so loud he missed the next couple sentences.

"-is father may be Lord Garmadon, but it seems he has too much of his mother in him. He just doesn't have his father's evilness. And to be frank Garmadon's been gone so long we don't know if he's alive. The skeletons could be using his name to increase their reputation. He's certainly not been asking us about Lloyd." There was a long moment of silence. "Anyway, I'll give it until the end of the year. We can reevaluate the situation then.

Mr. Rikards nodded thoughtfully. "Sounds reasonable. I have to get to my next class, Keith."

Tryble smiled grimly. "I won't keep you."

He sat still for several minutes after Mr. Rikards left. Finally he sighed, "Oh, Lloyd, Lloyd, Lloyd. What am I going to do with you?"

Not wanting to watch any more Lloyd turned down the hall. Well, more like stumbled down the hall. His feet felt heavier than they ever had, and he almost fell before leaning heavily against the wall. He had the presence of mind to be thankful no one was in the classroom on the other side.

'Why? They can't- they can't just let me go.' Thick pressure built in his throat. 'No. No! I won't let that happen.' Forcing the emotions down Lloyd swiped at his eyes. 'I will show them I can be evil. I will!'

Three months later

'Loser

Freak

Abandoned

Charity case'

The principal's warning had somehow circled the school. In all honesty it wasn't much of a surprise, not much stayed secret at the school for future villains.

With practiced ease Lloyd ignored the whispers and taunts. The weather was finally warm enough for Lloyd to enact on his plan. All of them would see how evil he really could be. Principal Tryble included.

Lloyd grimaced as memories of his meeting with the principal ran through his mind. During winter break, when Lloyd was practically the only student still on campus, he'd been ushered into an 'official meeting' to explain the situation. Even though Lloyd figured it was coming it wasn't hard to act like it was his first time hearing the principal's ultimatum; improve your grades or else- in so many words.

He really was trying, but the added pressure wasn't helping his concentration. Sure he'd pulled most of his grades up to a 'C,' but being the son of Garmadon he knew everyone here expected better than that. After today they'd all know he had it in him. Hopefully.

It was Saturday. A little gray and overcast but that meant fewer people out and about. Which was good since no one knew what he was up to. Leaving campus without permission was a definite no-no, but that wouldn't matter if everything went according to plan.

Slipping outside Lloyd pulled his hoodie tight over his ears. The spring air still held a chill but he shivered now from excitement. It only took two minutes to slip out of the grounds and begin his way down the mountain. From there it'd be a half hour walk to the nearest village, but that was pretty manageable. Especially if this worked the way it was supposed to.

Woods lined the road for miles in each direction, which was helpful when Lloyd didn't want to be seen by any potential passersby. The last thing he needed was some concerned citizen wondering why he was walking around by himself in the middle of nowhere.

Keeping the road in sight Lloyd hiked his way through the dense underbrush. Excitement propelled him forward even after his legs began to protest the long walk. 'It'll be worth it.' Lloyd assured himself.

As he continued on, he went over the plan again in his mind. Schematics of Jamanakai Village included where the small town's market area was. And conveniently for him the toy store sat next to the candy one.

His thoughts came to a halt when one second he was walking under the cover of trees, then the next standing in a meadow under a weak spring sun. Blinking under the sudden intrusion Lloyd forgot for a moment what he was doing. Distant sounds of people and cars filtered in his ears and Lloyd looked up to see the small houses compiling the village atop a nearby hill.

Lloyd frowned, he'd be in clear view as he came into town. Hopefully the village was big enough that Lloyd could slip in without attracting too much attention. Keeping his head down Lloyd walked pretending he was invisible. It seemed to work, if anyone looked at him they didn't spare him a second glance. Internally grinning he wandered deeper into the village. If this village was so laid back this endeavor would be easier than Lloyd could have imagined!

The market was in the heart of the village. Thankfully the shops Lloyd targeted were on the periphere. Finding the back of the candy store Lloyd casually glanced around for an observers. He was in the clear. Almost bursting with anticipation Lloyd put his hand on the doorknob and started to turn it.

"What do you think you're doing?" A stern, deep voice asked. The question was accompanied by a heavy hand on Lloyd's shoulder.

Just like that Lloyd watched his dreams fizzle into nothingness.

Land sped by as the Tread Assault made the return journey much quicker than Lloyd could have on foot. The trip would have been awesome- if Lloyd wasn't internally terrified about the fate that awaited him. Not only did he break a cardinal villain rule of being caught, but it was by one of the ninja no less.

Why the black ninja was in Jamanakai wasn't really answered. Lloyd supposed it didn't matter, not really. He sure though, Principal Tryble was going to be livid. Darkley's, for all its faults, would no longer be his home.

The black ninja braked hard sending Lloyd spilling forward. It would have been less embarrassing if the ninja hadn't chosen that moment to also make the vehicle vanish leaving Lloyd's less than graceful tumble in full view of the students who'd gathered to see the Tread Assault. Just because they were villains in training didn't mean they couldn't appreciate a sweet ride.

Lloyd groaned under his breath. This day just kept getting better and better. The ninja took him by the arm and firmly led him to the front steps. Student parted for them, leaving a wide, silent path.

Cheeks burning in shame Lloyd kept his eyes fixed firmly on the ground in front of him. Brown polished shoes met them at the door and Lloyd didn't have to look up to know it was Tryble.

"I didn't think you had any field trips in Jamanakai today. So I figured I'd spare him the walk home." The ninja wasn't trying to talk loudly, but his deep voice carried through the quiet yard.

"You were correct. Thank you," Lloyd couldn't remember Tryble ever saying thank you, "I can take it from here." Tryble opened the door and ushered Lloyd leaving the ninja to see himself off.

"Office. Now." There was no room for argument in his tone.

The click of the door shutting made Lloyd flinch. He sat in the same chair that he first sat in all those years ago.

Tryble let out a long sigh. "Lloyd, what were you thinking?"

Lloyd shrunk back in his seat. He shrugged.

"No. Lloyd you tell me, what do you think you were doing?"

"I wanted to prove myself!" The words burst unbidden from his mouth. Well there was no going back now. Lloyd dared to glance up at Principal Tryble. "I thought I could show that I- that I'm evil."

"So you thought leaving school grounds without permission, walking six miles to the nearest habitation and then in broad daylight walk up to the employee entrance of a candy store expecting to what, just be let in?"

Lloyd clenched his jaw, "Well when you put it like that..."

Shaking his head Tryble leaned backward. "You have spirit, but this just proves to me you're not for Darkley's." Tryble's eyes took on a softer expression in them, pity maybe. That was the closest thing anyone at Darkley's came to kindness. "I know that's not what you want to hear, but you just don't have the amoral ambition to become one of tomorrow's masterminds."

It suddenly felt like the walls were caving in on Lloyd. He fought to breathe past the weight crushing his chest. Even though he knew it was coming, part of him still didn't think it would actually happen.

"-ere until the end of term, but we'll work to set up living arrangements for you once summer begins."

Lloyd could only nod numbly, the nausea churning in his gut gave his face a green sheen.

Tryble seemed to catch his shellshock and changed the subject. "You're back in time to join the Saturday detention group. No matter your reasons, leaving the school grounds was a foolish thing to do."

"Yes, sir." Lloyd whispered.

Sliding from the chair he was about to walk out when Tryble's spoke again, "We will figure out the next step for you Lloyd, I promise."

Not looking back, Lloyd left the room. He exited to the stares of his classmates. Ignoring them he started toward the math room that served as the detention room.

Seconds later Tryble's voice sounded over the speaker, "Leith Jones I need you in the office."

Lloyd only paused for a second. If the records worker was being paged he had no doubt they were going to talk about him. 'Screw this, it's not like they can do anything worse to me.'

Scurrying away from the lingering gazes Lloyd made his way to the closest passage door, this one in the art room. Thankfully no one was in the room, though at this point who cared if the other students found out. Lloyd wouldn't be needing the information anymore.

The adults were already talking when Lloyd reached the office.

"-tried reaching out to the mother, but as with any previous attempts I haven't heard anything from her. Garmadon himself is still, ah, unavailable. I'm not sure where we'd send the boy, his file doesn't report any other next of kin or frankly even emergency contacts." Mr. Jones sounded frustrated.

Principal Tryble sighed. "I'd prefer if social services isn't involved. That's a whole hassle we don't need since they don't exactly appreciate our area of study to begin with. If Lloyd gets put in the system I doubt having attended here for the better part of his life would be of service to him."

"We haven't had to do this before but I'll try to see what I can find out. Avoiding social service would probably be wise. He doesn't just have Darkly's in his record, but his last name isn't one the general populace would want to associate with."

"True. Well let me know what you're able to find."

With a nod Mr. Jones left the room.

Lloyd had heard enough. The story of his life continued- no one wanted him, his parents included. Well there was no point in waiting around for a solution everyone knew wouldn't come.

Today proved Lloyd could get away from the school grounds easily, though he'd have to work on the 'staying away' part. However being officially kicked out he wouldn't really have to worry about it. One more month here wouldn't make a difference. And he didn't want anyone else's pity. Maybe he could preserve a fraction of his dignity if the students thought he'd run away instead of being dropped from the school.

So that night as the school slept Lloyd packed his few belongings and stole out into the dark to forge his own way.

Two years, an accelerated six years' growth, and an unfortunate stone giant encounter later

After living with the ninja for an extended amount of time Lloyd didn't think much would surprise him anymore. Yet seeing his long lost mother exit from the Ninjago City Museum was not at all what he was expecting that Tuesday. And he'd just sent a two ton anthropomorphic statue hurtling toward the center of the earth.

He'd be lying if a part of him wasn't longing for this ever since she dropped him off at Darkley's. However a larger- angrier- part of him wanted nothing to do with her. After all she'd wanted nothing to do with him- for nine years!

Blocking out his brothers' calls Lloyd turned from the sinkhole- and by extension her- and all but ran out of the museum.

Though the building was situated in the middle of town, a small park sat only a block away. Lloyd's feet took him there as his thoughts swirled tumultuously. 'I don't- She- now-?' This was one battle Uncle Wu couldn't have trained him for. He plopped on a bench seconds before his knees buckled.

Gravel crunched behind him and Lloyd felt a presence waiting to be acknowledged.

"I need a minute- or fifty." He internally winced at the wavering in his voice.

"Isn't nine years long enough?"

Lloyd jerked his head up, Kai's voice had not been the one he was expecting.

It took him a second to find his voice but when he did he practically yelled, "That's just it. Nine years! Why would she do that?"

"If you come back she might be able to answer that." Lloyd stayed silent. Kai sighed and sat down next to him. "That doesn't make what she did right, but- but at least you have an opportunity to see her again." Kai's voice went soft, almost wistful.

Just when Lloyd didn't think he could feel worse. If any of the other ninja knew what he was feeling it'd be Kai. He and Nya had been abandoned too, for many more years than he had, and yet here Lloyd was the one turning down an opportunity to be with his mother.

"I don't- I mean I-I guess, I'm scared."

The admission shamed him. He, the prophesied savior of Ninjago, scared- scratch that terrified- to try and mend the bridge between him and the one person above any other who should have been a constant in his life.

"She didn't want me before, who's to say she won't again?" Lloyd began to shake as years of pent up anger and hurt finally had an excuse to work their way out of his system.

Kai put his arm around Lloyd's shoulder as Lloyd began to sob. And he didn't care. Just because he now looked seventeen didn't mean he felt like it every day and right now... everything was just way too confusing.

After a few minutes he stilled, "Sorry." He rasped out.

Kai shook his head. "You have nothing to be sorry for. It's a lot to take in," he smirked, "Besides Nya tells me emotions are healthy. Though I've yet to take her up on that."

Lloyd managed a snicker.

"It's okay, Lloyd. Or it will be, but I promise you this no matter what happens you have four brothers - and I guess a sister- who aren't going to leave your side. No matter what."

"Thanks." Lloyd was quiet for a minute then sighed. "Before living on the Bounty I didn't have anyone- anyone willing to stick with me. I- it means a lot." Taking another deep breath he looked at Kai, "I think- I think I can do it now."

Kai nodded encouragingly. "Let's head back then. I'm sure the others are worried."

The short walk back seemed to be agonizingly drawn out. Lloyd didn't know how one block could take so long, but he managed to make it back to the museum entrance. The other ninja were standing outside waiting for them. He wasn't sure how he felt when he didn't see Misako with them.

"She is just inside." Zane informed him, noticing Lloyd's curious glance. "We wanted to make sure you were okay first."

"Yeah, I- I can do this."

'I think.' Walking inside Lloyd felt his stomach flip dangerously. The last thing he needed was to puke all over his mother.

There she was, sitting on a bench along the wall far enough out of the way the two could have a conversation without too many observers. Steeling his nerves Lloyd headed her way.

She watched him, almost impassively, but Lloyd saw the tightness in her mouth and slight crease in her forehead. She was scared too. That thought gave him a measure of comfort.

"Lloyd."

He nodded in return, not trusting his voice and not quite ready to call her mom yet. Sitting next to her, he waited.

"This wasn't how I wanted us to reunite, but I'm so glad to see you again." She reached out to touch Lloyd's face but he leaned back. He didn't miss the small flash of pain in her eyes. For a wicked moment he was glad for it.

"I'm sorry, I-" it was her turn to take a deep breath, "I know you must have a lot of questions for me, but know this Lloyd I've never stopped loving you."

A snort made its way out before Lloyd could stop it. "Really? How can you say that? You abandoned me! How is that any better than him? At least I know my father had a decent excuse- being banished to the Underworld and all that. At least he actually cared enough to set aside his personal vendetta when I was in trouble and actually come help me. But where have you been the last few years?" Once the words started Lloyd couldn't hold them back.

"Lloyd I was afraid-"

"Of what? Me? That I'd turn out like, like father?" Lloyd didn't care he was yelling. Let the other patrons stare for all he cared.

"No!" Misako shook her head emphatically. "Never of you, only for you."

That wasn't quite what he was expecting to hear, but he still wasn't convinced.

"For me?"

"A mother has a certain six sense with her children. I knew you'd be the green ninja. I knew the prophecy said you'd have to face your father and I couldn't- I didn't want you to have to do that. I left to find a way for you to avoid that fate."

"And look how well that turned out." Lloyd muttered, but he could hear the earnestness in her voice. He still had more questions though. "But why leave me behind? Or at least why not leave me with Uncle Wu?"

Lloyd's voice cracked with pent up emotion, but he couldn't bring himself to ask the next question; why in the world had she dropped him off at Darkley's- especially when he now knew his dad didn't want him to turn out evil, or at least wanted him to be able to choose his own destiny?

"I-I was mad at him," Misako's face flushed red. "Your father and uncle had just fought violently over the Golden Weapons leading to your father's banishment. Selfishly I blamed him for your father being gone and I didn't want to look weak crawling to him for help."

"So you left me at a boarding school for next generation criminal masterminds. So much better." She flinched and Lloyd felt a tinge of guilt but forced out, "Why did you leave me there?" Not giving her a chance to answer he plowed on, "You never even came to check on me. The office couldn't find you when they planned to kick me out. You said you wanted me not to face my father. Is that why you left me at a school that makes no secret about trying to train up future villains? Did you want me to become a villain so I would join him?"

Misako's eyes swam with unshed tears, "No, at least not really. I took you there because I knew the name Garmadon wouldn't hurt you there. They wouldn't look at you differently because of your father. You'd be safe."

"It's been a long time since you were in middle school." Lloyd muttered, but he shook his head. "Why though wouldn't you visit? Or send a letter or- or something?!"

"I planned to at first, but time just kept moving and... it was easier not to." Misako laughed humorlessly. "I was a coward. I didn't have anything that would help and by the time I realized how long my search would be I thought you'd be better off without me." She leaned forward staring into Lloyd's eyes. "I know it was faulty reasoning but I was scared you wouldn't want me back and I didn't try. I'm so sorry Lloyd. I know it was wrong, and- and if you're willing I'd like to try and start over."

Lloyd was silent, thinking. A lot of years and a lot of hurts spanned the last time he'd seen her. She was practically a stranger, but maybe that was alright. It would make starting over... easier wasn't the right word. Okay?

"I-I'd like that." He tentatively offered a smile.

The tears she'd been holding back fell unhindered, and Lloyd felt more prick the back of his own eyes. Drawing Lloyd into a hug she held him close for a long minute.

Moving forward would be tough- he didn't always appreciate the 'mothering' of the ninja and Uncle Wu having spent most of his years fending for himself. Lloyd also wasn't sure she quite had all her mother rights back.

It would be awkward- he hadn't seen her in nine years. That was a lot of time to catch up on. Especially when they had to contend with Tomorrow's Tea being thrown in the mix.

But, hopefully, it'd be worth it.

A/n- Part of this arc stemmed form a comment the ninja make in S1 when the audience meets Lloyd for the first time; that Lloyd has run away from school again. So there's some sort of past interaction there. Plus in the Ninjago comics (admittedly I'm not sure how canon they are but Seliel's stuck around...) there's a greater period of time between when Lloyd leaves the Serpentine due to Pythor's betrayal and when he starts living on the Bounty

Also in the show Lloyd and Misako seem to patch things up in two minutes when she's reintroduced into his life, and no further issued crop up from there. But where's the fun (or realism) of that?