The trip went over without much issue. The issues resumed when they arrived and were trying to decide on bedrooms.
"So, the ninjas who share their rooms are Kai and Cole, Jay and Nya, then Lloyd and Zane," Wu explained to the group.
"Absolutely not," Cole interjected. "I will not share with anyone, especially him."
"Well, you're gonna have to share with someone," Nya interjected, rolling her eyes. "He just said there are only three rooms and six of us."
"I'd prefer Zane to stay with me," Pixal cut in from her spot at the controls. "I can continue repairs better with the supplies in my room."
"Ok, so that's five of you to split between three rooms," Wu sighed, shaking his head.
"So I get a solo room, and you four figure it out," Cole announced.
"How come you think you get it?" Nya growled.
"Because I'm the Prince and the odd one out," Cole countered. "You all know each other from what I can tell. It makes sense."
"What would make sense is for the girl to room alone," Kai interjected.
"Excuse me?" Nya scowled. "I don't need my room. I can be responsible."
"Yeah, sure," Kai rolled his eyes. "Like you won't be trying to get it on with your boy toy."
"How dare you!" Nya snapped, while Lloyd just looked on offended.
"How dare me?" Kai yelled. "Did you stop to think what Mom would say? There's a reason she won't let you spend the night."
"Yeah, because they live in the City," Nya retorted. "He's allowed to stay at our place, and they have no issues."
"Because they can keep an eye on you, duh?" Kai retaliated.
"Enough of this," Wu snapped, silencing the two. "You aren't going to agree."
Wu leaned on the table, rubbing his temple in annoyance. This was a major headache, especially when the group couldn't stop arguing.
"If I may suggest a solution," Pixal cut in.
Wu turned to her, motioning for her to go on.
"Kai and Jay seem to be the match with the least issue," Pixal started. "Considering Kai's argument, though, I'd suggest Kai room with Lloyd, and we put Jay with Cole. Then Nya can have a room to herself."
"But I wanted to be with Kai," Jay mumbled, looking down.
"The only other option I see is Kai and Jay together, but then we would have Lloyd with Cole, which you two have also started fights with since you've gotten here. Jay is the only one not to have fought with Cole, so it makes sense," Pixal explained.
"I'm with Jay; I'd rather room with him than Lloyd," Kai countered.
"I don't wanna be with the spoiled prince," Lloyd frowned.
"Well, you don't get to sleep with my sister either," Kai growled.
"We are going with Pixal's idea," Wu declared. "Kai and Lloyd will be in one room, Cole and Jay in another, and Nya will have her own. That is final."
The group started arguing, but Wu silenced all of them. They finally arrived at the monastery, and Wu made sure each went to their designated rooms before going to bed himself.
The following day at breakfast could have been more comfortable.
The trust issues for the teens continued. No one entirely knew how safe the food was. It looked like the food they were usually served, but it still didn't ease their nerves.
Jay gave into his hunger first, trying the pancakes Pixal made. Kai followed shortly after, and before long, everyone was eating.
Pixal and Wu discussed the next steps and repairs. Kai and Jay were rambling about theatre stuff and trying to make plans for the day. Jay had convinced Kai to explore their new world and check things out if they were stuck. Lloyd and Nya were considering an outing to the city to check things out.
Cole was the only one silent through breakfast. He stared at his plate, poking at his food and moving it around the plate. He'd glance up whenever someone made a joke or laugh before looking away again. He felt so awkward.
Eventually, Cole excused himself. He asked if he could take a shower and get a change of clothes. Sensei agreed and accompanied the teen to show him everything.
Pixal disappeared shortly after to check on Zane.
Kai and Jay helped Lloyd and Nya clear the table before taking off to explore, leaving the couple to do the dishes.
Which neither minded.
"So, are we going to talk about it?" Nya asked, leaving over to her boyfriend.
"Talk about what?" Lloyd asked, never looking up from the sink.
"Oh, I don't know," Nya hummed, "maybe how the old guy looks like your uncle?"
"You mean Uncle Wu?" Lloyd asked, glancing up.
"What other uncle do you have?" Nya asked. "Unless Dareth is your uncle after all?"
"Nya, he is not my uncle," Lloyd groaned. "He's just a good friend of Dad's."
"Are you sure?" she teased, knowing Lloyd always got annoyed.
"Yes, Dareth is not my uncle."
"I would hope not; otherwise, Wu and Garmadon would have some explaining."
Lloyd and Nya turned, seeing Misako and Wu walking into the kitchen. Lloyd smiled, quickly recognizing his mom and running to hug her.
"Hey, Mom," he smiled, pulling away from the hug. "Where's dad?"
Misako froze, looking at Wu for a moment. Lloyd's gaze bounced between the two, trying to figure out why his mom wouldn't know and had to ask his uncle.
"Is Dad ok?" Lloyd asked. "Did something happen at the Dojo?"
"Lloyd, what do you remember about your father?" Misako asked.
"He has a Dojo in Ninjago City and teaches there," Lloyd frowned. "He taught Nya, Kai, and me about our powers. Is he ok?"
Misako sighed, dropping her gaze.
"Wu told me you weren't my Lloyd, but I didn't realize how different your life was," Misako sighed. "Sounds like what your father would have done if he were still around."
"What does that mean?" Lloyd asked, backing away. "He's not dead, right?"
"Yes and no?" Misako replied hesitantly.
"Now I'm confused," Nya spoke up.
"Where is he," Lloyd demanded, backing away from his mom.
"No one knows," Wu answered. "He left shortly after the battle with the Oni, and no one has seen him since."
Lloyd stared at Wu in shock, processing everything. His father just left? That's not right; he wouldn't do that. Sure, he was closer to his mom, but he still loved his dad. His dad loved him. He wouldn't just leave.
"Lloyd, honey-" Misako placed a hand on his shoulder, freezing when he jumped.
Lloyd looked up, meeting his mom's gaze. The tension in his shoulder's relaxed as he looked between the two.
"Your father is waiting for you back in your world," Misako hushed. "He's with my son; they'll be ok."
Lloyd nodded, clearly in a daze. Nya walked up and pulled Lloyd into a hug, rubbing his back to comfort him.
"How about we go out for a walk and see what we can find," Nya hummed. "Maybe we can check out some comic stores?"
"I'd like that," Lloyd hummed.
"You two go out and enjoy yourselves," Wu nodded.
The two nodded, disappearing into the hallway. Misako turned to Wu.
"I know you said he's not my son, but what's happened to him?" she asked. "The scar across his face is huge. Like something attacked him."
"I wish I knew," Wu sighed. "They are all very different from our ninjas. I just hope our ninjas are alright in their world."
"Check this out, Nya!" Lloyd beamed, running over to his girlfriend. "It's Fitz Donegan, but it's a completely different story from the one back home!"
"Cool," Nya smiled.
She smiled as Lloyd scanned the shelves for the rest of the series, pulling each as he found it. She wasn't a big comic person, but she knew her boyfriend needed something to distract himself, and this did just that. Lloyd was now hyper-fixated on the shelves of comics in the small store, trying to figure out how to best spend the money he was given.
"Did you figure it out?" Nya asked.
"No," Lloyd huffed.
Nya walked over, glancing at the shelf her boyfriend was focused on.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Well, they have a bundle with all the comics, but I'm still about ten dollars short," Lloyd huffed.
"I'll cover it," Nya smiled. "It's fine."
"Are you sure?" Lloyd asked.
"It'll cheer you up, so of course," Nya reached down, grabbing the packaged collection off the shelf. "Now, come on."
The two paid for the books and left the shop. They wandered for a while before recognizing a familiar building.
"That's Dad's Dojo!" Lloyd cried, running down the street.
"Lloyd, hold on a second!" Nya shouted to deaf ears, watching the blonde sprint.
Nya sighed, shaking her head and jogging after Lloyd. She knew he was at least partially correct; this was his father's Dojo. In their world, not here. In this Ninjago, it could be a store, or a restaurant, or-
"Grand Sensei Dareth's Mojo Dojo?" Lloyd read in confusion. "Like, dad's assistant Dareth?"
"Maybe? I mean, how many Dareths could there be?" Nya asked. "It's not that common of a name."
"Hey there, guys," a voice called.
Both looked up as a middle-aged man walked out of the Dojo, fitting the 'mid-life crisis' look.
"Dareth?" Nya asked.
"The one and only," Dareth announced. "Wait, what's up with you two? You know me. We've known each other for years."
"About that-" Nya started.
"And why aren't you in your uniforms?" Dareth continued, ignoring Nya. "Are you guys undercover? If you're undercover and looking for a hiding place, you came to the right place."
"No, that's not-" Nya injected, only to be cut off again.
"Is my dad here?"
Dareth frowned, looking at Lloyd. "No, he's not."
Dareth looked between the two, trying to understand what was happening. That's when he started noticing the differences. Especially Lloyd's scar. And Nya's hair was blue. And Lloyd looked younger.
"Hold on, what's going on?" Dareth asked, now just as confused as the two before him. "Are you imposters? We already have the ninja; we don't need fakers."
"That's not what this is," Nya snapped. "Now shut up for a second."
Dareth stepped back as Nya turned to Lloyd.
"Lloyd, we aren't in our world," she spoke, her voice hushed so Dareth wouldn't hear. "Your mother just explained that your father isn't around. We know this. It's why we went for comics."
"I know," Lloyd sighed.
"Am I going to get an explanation?" Dareth asked.
"And why do we need to explain anything to you?" Nya asked.
"You are the ones who came here in the first place," Dareth frowned, crossing his arms.
"We also have no idea who you are," Nya retorted. "Especially since you aren't the Dareth we know."
"And what does that mean?"
"Well, the Dareth we know is a lot fitter," Nya looked at him. "No offence, but you don't look like you lift anything besides food to your mouth."
"Well, I do take offence to that, thank you very much," Dareth stepped back. "And I'll have you know I've been cutting back on going to Chen's Noodle House."
"By how much?" Nya laughed. "You look like you still go twenty times a week."
"I'll have you know, I only go once daily," Dareth retorted, thinking it was impressive.
"So you go every day?" Nya laughed.
"I mean, that place is good," Lloyd hummed. "Great, now I'm hungry again."
Nya groaned, turning away. "You know what, we'll go there for dinner. If it gets me out of the conversation, I don't care."
Nya stormed off, Lloyd following behind. Dareth watched the two in disbelief, still trying to understand what he just witnessed, before returning to his dojo.
Lloyd quickly caught up to his girlfriend, slowing down to walk beside her. He glanced up, seeing the frown on her face as she clenched her fists.
"I'm sorry," Lloyd mumbled.
Nya's gaze softened as she turned to him. "Sorry for what?"
"Sorry that I ran off and thought I'd find my dad," Lloyd replied. "I just keep forgetting."
"It's ok, Lloyd," Nya sighed. "No one got hurt, right?"
Lloyd nodded.
"Then we'll leave it behind us and go get food," Nya smiled.
Lloyd returned the smile, nodding.
Both looked up as two loud voices rang out down the street. They could see Kai and his friend, Jay, about three stores down, walking out of a store. They were both laughing like crazy.
"Are we sure that's your brother?" Lloyd asked.
"Pretty sure, but I haven't ever seen him this happy before," Nya hummed.
It was odd for sure, but she didn't mind. She wasn't used to her brother being this relaxed and enjoying himself. Nor had she ever seen him with this guy, so Jay probably helped Kai open up.
"Just admit you like him, and I can set you up!" Kai laughed.
"Stop it," Jay hushed. "It's embarrassing."
"But you totally have a crush, dude," Kai grinned.
"I know, but we don't even know his type or who he's into," Jay replied. "He might not even be into guys; worse, he might be taken."
"You'll never know unless you ask!"
Nya and Lloyd exchanged looks as they caught up with Kai and Jay.
"What's all this about?" Lloyd asked.
Kai and Jay jumped, turning to see the couple.
"Nothing, don't worry about it," Jay blurted out.
"Not that you care," Kai grumbled under his breath.
"Either way," Nya huffed, knowing her brother won't say anything. "What are you guys doing?"
"Just wandering," Jay shrugged. "I've been kinda hoping for an arcade."
"I think there was one a block that way," Lloyd pointed to the north.
"Really?" Jay's eyes lit up.
"Yeah! Let's go!" Lloyd grinned.
Jay and Lloyd darted down the street in the direction of the arcade. Kai moved to walk after them but felt a hand around his wrist.
"Kai?"
He turned, seeing Nya looking concerned.
"I-" Nya stopped, hesitating.
Kai waited a moment as Nya let go of his wrist. He turned to face her.
"What's up?"
"I don't know," she sighed.
Her gaze dropped to the sidewalk. She was happy for her brother; she liked seeing him smile and enjoy life. She just….
I wasn't used to it.
"Well, think about it, and we can talk when you're ready," Kai sighed. "Come on, I don't wanna lose those two."
Nya nodded and followed Kai as they walked down the street after the other two.
The monastery was calm and quiet. After a while, Cole found himself bored. Sure, the others were a lot for him to deal with, but they kept him entertained. Now, he was just alone.
So he wandered the monastery looking for something to do. He could play a video game, but he did that with Vania.
He could make something to eat, but Vangelis always tried to keep him from eating out of boredom. He knew his father figure was correct, but it was tempting.
But he opted to go look around outside.
So he wandered out into the courtyard, looking around. It didn't take him long to notice Wu sitting by the entryway with a pot of tea and a couple of cups in front of him as he meditated.
Cole stood, watching for a moment. He debated walking over and asking to join him. But he didn't want to intrude.
"Well, are you going to just stand there?"
Cole straightened up at the voice, watching Wu lift his head and turn to face him.
"Come and sit, my child," Wu smiled.
Cole nodded, shuffling over to sit with Wu. The elder poured a cup of tea for Cole, already having one made for himself. He gently set the cup on the ground before Cole, setting the teapot between them.
"What's on your mind?" Wu asked, looking up to meet Cole's gaze.
"What do you mean?" Cole asked.
Wu picked up his cup, bringing it to his lips and sipping.
"I mean, you chose not to go out with the others," Wu spoke. "And now you wander here like you're lost."
"In a way, I am," Cole sighed, looking around.
"How so? Have you ever been to my monastery in your world?"
Cole shook his head with a sigh. "Honestly, I've only ever heard stories from my mother. She would always tell Vania and me stories about the battles she fought alongside you and the other elemental masters. She spoke of the serpentine war and the time of twin betrayal, among other things," he paused. "She used to say you were brave, fearless leader and wise beyond your years, but something changed. She started saying you were a coward, and you never seemed to understand your place in the world. Then she started changing, disappearing more and for longer, and now-"
Cole sighed, looking away as he blinked away tears. He loved his mother, but she wasn't the person he remembered.
"Seems like your life is quite different from the Cole I know," Wu sighed.
"What's he like?" Cole asked, hoping to change the subject of him, in a way.
"Well, he's a strong leader with our team," Wu smiled. "Always watching out for the others and helping however he can."
"Sounds like he's got his life together," Cole sighed, looking down.
"He does now," Wus sighed. "He has changed a lot since I first met him."
"How so?"
"Well, when I first met him, he had-" Wu froze. He could say Lilly was dead, but he didn't want to further upset Cole. "Recently lost someone he was close to and struggled to grieve and accept it. I took him in and trained him not just to harness his powers but helped him learn to come to terms with how things were."
"Who'd he lose?" Cole asked. "Was it a friend? A grandparent? I don't remember meeting my grandparents, so it wouldn't make it too different."
Wu sighed, "It was his mother."
Wu watched Cole's face fall, very quickly realizing that his mother was deceased in this world. He'd never get to meet her, to know if she was any different or if his parents still loved each other here.
"What about dad?" Cole asked.
"He raised Cole the best he could," Wu explained. "He lives in a village not far from here. My ninjas go to visit quite often. Lou is quite proud of his son and the other ninjas for being their heroes to all of Ninjago."
"Really? He's-" Cole was in disbelief. "He's proud?"
"Very," Wu nodded. "I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you visited and introduced yourself late. You and the others will most likely be here a while."
"I could visit him? Meet my dad?" Cole smiled, overwhelmed with emotion.
"If you want. I can call him later tonight and see when he is available."
Cole nodded, now excited at the chance to meet his father. Well, a version of his father.
"Kai! I said I don't want to yet!" Jay's voice echoed from outside the gate.
"Well, when are you going to then!" Kai shouted back, his voice closer than Jay's.
"Sounds like my peace and quiet is over," Wu mumbled, gathering his things onto a small tray he'd set aside. "Let me know at dinner time if you want me to call your father, alright?"
Cole nodded, standing up. Wu turned to walk inside as Kai came bursting through the door.
"Cole!" Kai grinned, rushing over to him.
Cole watched a panicked Jay bolt in, chasing after Kai with what seemed to be a look of fear.
"I need to-," Kai panted, trying to catch his breath as he stood before Cole.
"Oh no, you don't!" Jay yelled, tackling Kai to the ground.
Cole stepped back, not wanting one of the two wrestling boys to accidentally knock him down. He looked up as Nya and Lloyd walked in, confused and disappointed at the scene unfolding before them.
"Do you know what this is about?" Cole asked the two, motioning to the others in front of him.
"Honestly, I don't know how to explain it," Nya shrugged.
"I still am trying to figure this out myself," Lloyd chuckled.
Cole shook his head with a sigh. He jumped back as Kai shoved Jay off him, jumping to his feet.
"You're gonna have to confess at some point, lover boy," Kai mocked Jay.
"You're one to talk!" Jay snapped back.
Kai stuck his tongue out in retort, only to see Jay getting to his feet. He turned and ran for the door inside, with Jay chasing after him with far more speed.
"Lover boy?" Cole questioned. "Are those two dating?"
"Beats me?" Nya shrugged.
"Aren't you his sister?" Lloyd turned to his girlfriend.
"Just because I'm his sister doesn't mean I know everything about him," Nya frowned.
"She's got a point," Cole agreed.
"Thank you!" Nya grinned, finally having someone agree with her on something.
Lloyd simply threw her hands in the air and walked away. Nya chuckled, watching her boyfriend disappear inside the monastery.
"So, what do you know about your brother?" Cole asked.
"Why are you asking?" Nya replied, crossing her arms.
"No reason," Cole backed away, worried he'd offended her.
"Chill, dude," Nya chuckled. "I honestly don't know much about him or his interests. So if you're interested, that's on you to figure it out. But if you do ask, let me know. I'd love to have another from the community in the family."
"Wait, are you?" Cole asked, unsure how to follow the question.
"I'm bi, through and through," Nya winked. "But I'm also taken, hon."
Cole nodded. "I wouldn't be interested anyways."
Nya chuckled, "I see; good luck to you then."
Then she disappeared inside after Lloyd. Cole didn't know what to think. Either Kai or Jay had feelings for him. Both were attractive, but one caught his eye more than the other.
He could only hope the feelings were mutual.