Chapter 7: NinjaBall Run & Child's Play

Cinder sat in amusement of seeing what was in front of him. He have woken up this morning to see that the others weren't in the apartment. Knowing that they were at Dareth's dojo he did his morning routine and went to the dojo. Thinking of not paying for a bus fee Cinder jumped and flap his wings and took to the skies and was at the dojo a few mins later.

What he saw when entering was to see Lloyd upside down and using one hand to support himself with the others on top. He have Zane on top of him with Kai and Jay on his arms, and his brother on top of Zane's head. Sensei Wu was on top of his brother's shoulders and Cinder could tell that the ninja were nervous.

"Focus." Wu said and proceeds to pour some tea. "In order to bear the fate of Ninjago on your shoulders, you must first learn to bear the weight of all of us."

"Sensei, I'm starting to think this was a bad idea." Jay said

"Yeah, Sensei, he's just a kid." Cole said

"In order for him to succeed, we must all trust one another." Wu said as Cinder nods noting that piece of wisdom. He heard a noise coming outside but ignore it watching the others with the training. Then he got himself ready to train as well but then a wrecking ball slams into the wall, making everyone fall and land on the ground. Cinder squawk in surprise by that and was now annoyed.

"What was that?" Cole said

"What do you think bro? They're doing demolition on the dojo." Cinder said irritated at this and got up as the others were up and see a builder and foreman, wearing hardhats, who unexpectedly notice the ninja and dragon. Cinder watched as Dareth ran into the room towards the construction workers.

"WHOA, WHOA, WHOA! This wasn't supposed to happen until tomorrow!" Dareth said angrily

"Tomorrow?" The foreman said and looks to the builder. "Let me see that order." Cinder watched as the builder hands the foreman the order slip. "Oh, yeah. My bad. Sorry 'bout that. We'll be back in the morning." The foreman said and both leave. Dareth groans as he picks up one of his "trophies," which is bent. Cinder snorts as he remembers of some rewards he got when in school.

"At least they're are legit than fake as to his "trophies"."

"Uh, Dareth, what is this all about?" Cole asked breaking Cinder out of his thoughts. Seeing the man so upset of his place being raking down

"Well, I fell behind on some of my payments and some developer named "Darnagom Enterprises" is buying the entire block to put in some stupid frisbee-golf course. They say if I don't come up with 50,000 by tomorrow, the dojo is gone."

"But, we already lost the Bounty. We can't lose the dojo now." Jay said devastated

"My trophies. Oh, my fakes trophies!" Dareth said and sobs. Cinder, on the other paw, was now thinking of this "Enterprise".

"Wait a minute. "Darnagom"? When you rearrange the letters, it spells—" Zane said but was cut off by the blue ninja.

"O grandma?" Jay said but Kai hits him on the head and Cinder face-pawed at the blue ninja's cluelessness

"No, bolt head! Garmadon!" Kai said

"Right." Jay said and laughs. "That would make more sense."

"Um, my dad is behind this?" Lloyd groaned at this

"If he destroys the dojo, where will we train Lloyd?" Cole sad worryingly. Cinder thought worrying of where they would train and looked at everyone of thinking the same thing,

"Any chance you got 50,000 in that teapot of yours." Dareth asked Wu

"Worry not, Dareth. You're not in this alone. We're all with you." Wu said but then Cinder sees Nya come in.

"Did someone say 50,000—?" Nya said before being cut off

"You didn't happen to win the lottery?" Jay gasped in hope

"No, but I heard about Ninjaball Run!" Nya said

"Ninjaball Run?" The four ninja said except for Cinder

"Oh! The Ninjaball Run! I heard about this race. It's so cool to watch it." Cinder said excitedly and the Samurai smiles

"It's the biggest road race in Ninjago, with a prize of 100,000 big ones. And it's tomorrow." Nya said and Dareth was crying with happiness and hope.

"I thank you, little lady fighter, but you're talking about the most dangerous race known to man. Only the most serious of racers even stand a chance." He said

"But didn't you just do a few upgrades on our Ultra Sonic Raider? Maybe we might stand a chance." Kai said confidently

"And I can enter with Ultra. You did say I needed the practice." Lloyd said and Cinder walk over to the young green ninja

"I'm joining you on Ultra. With me helping with translating between yuu and Ultra we'll win easily." Cinder said happily

"So it is agreed. You will all enter this "Ninjaball Run" to save the dojo." Wu said and Dareth was still sobbing

"Are you still crying?" Nya asked concerned

"Yes. But these are happy tears." Dareth said

The next day was the race and Cinder and Lloyd were getting prepared on getting Ultra saddled up. Knowing that a big crowd will be there as they get to the starting line. Soon Ultra was in the air and headed towards the race. Cinder can see several racers are waiting in line along with the Ultra Sonic Raider. He hear the two announcers making commentary before the race start.

"Welcome, everyone, to the 14th annual Ninjaball Run!" The first announcer said

"The Grand Prix where it doesn't matter how you get there, as long as you get there first." The second announcer said as the crowd cheered. Meanwhile Wu, Dareth, and his students Jeff and Phil join the crowd.

"Well, let's take a look at the racers." Annoucer 1 said

"I see the starter's line. We have a few familiar faces." Announcer 2 said

Ultra then lands down onto the ground, accidentally scaring the Postman next to us. He jingles his bicycle bell before falling off his bike from Ultra's landing.

"Watch it, you big oaf!" The postman said angrily

"Sorry there sir." Cinder said apologizing and looks around seeing the crowd. He felt nervous of a huge crowd watching him in his dragon form. He can see some people looking at him with interest of him on Ultra and squeaks in anticipation and listens to the conversation from his brother to Lloyd.

"You look nervous, Lloyd. You okay?" Cole said

"N-n-nervous?" Chuckles "Maybe for you guys." Lloyd said and Cole looks at Cinder to see him nervous as well.

"Ok there bro?" The black ninja asked concern and the young purple dragon nods his head

"No, I'm so nervous for this and also since a lot of people are looking at me. I don't like all the attention on me." Cinder then felt a lick from somewhere to look to see Ultra getting him a bathe down. Cinder giggles from it and tries to move away but couldn't.

"Hey young one. Don't get overwhelmed by this. Others have this sort of thing from time to time. Especially us, we get overwhelmed by ourselves protecting the weapons for years and it gets lonely without another dragon to communicate. So don't worry and try to help Lloyd with controlling the reins on the saddle, ok? We don't want him messing up this race now, won't we?" Rocky said and Cinder smiled at that but a loud noise was heard and Cinder looked over to see Brad Tudabone, in a modified school bus revving the engines, loudly and Cinder saw they were intending to do it while Nya was telling the ninja what she did on the Ultra Sonic Raider. Cinder was annoyed, looked at Lloyd who nodded of his intention is, and roar imbedded with his Fear element to stop the revving. That shut them up after that and were looking at the purple dragon in fear and stop being jerks. The others have a grateful smile to Cinder for halting them of their foolishness.

Cinder then sees a familiar face coming on a pickup truck. It was his dad and the Royal Blacksmiths! Cinder was surprised his dad was in the race with them but was happy about racing against his dad. His brother saw him as well and smile

"Look, it's my dad. They entered too?" Cole said and Cinder listened to them sing and then waves at them. His dad saw that and smile but surprise to see him and the bigger dragon. Cinder smile and shoot out rocks. A few seconds later he sees the familiar vehicle of Jay's parents coming and watched as Jay noticed them

"Oh, no." Jay said embarrassed

"Jay! Jay! Oh. Oh, look, he sees us, Ed." Jay's mom Edna said happily

"I see him, Edna. You don't have to embarrass the boy." Jay's dad Ed said and chuckles

"Oh, is there anyone we don't have to compete against?" Jay asked and Cinder face-paw in knowing the blue ninja jinxed it because then a portal soon appears and two skulkin come out of it, in a skull based vehicle, next to the pirate's van. Cinder sighed and listens to what the announcers will said.

"Wait a minute, it appears some skeletons have crashed the party. Is this against the rules?" Announcer 2 said

"Rules?!" Announcer 1 said and Laughs "There's only one rule in Ninjaball Run, and that is cross the finish line first. Let's take a look at the course. The first gruelling leg starts on the streets of Ninjago City and empties out into the treacherous Sea of Sand. Racers, look out for the dangerous crater way known as Crash Course Canyon, where the slightest mistake can be your last! The next two legs of the race take us into the winding maze known as the Birchwood Forest, and then through the perilous and icy Glacier Barrens. Finally, in the fourth and final leg, racers must beat the desert heat in the Badlands, which then takes us back to the finish line here in the heart of Ninjago City!"

"Ready to win this Lloyd?" Cinder said looking at the 10 year old

"Ready as I can be." Lloyd said and readying the reins

"You ready as well Ultra?" Cinder said to the four-headed dragon.

"Yes." All four heads said

"One final word: let's have a good clean race! So good luck to everyone." Announcer 1 said

Cinder snorted and watched as on a nearby TV, a red light appears, Cinder feels Ultra readying to launch and heard everyone start their engines. A yellow light soon appeared.

"On your mark, get set," A green light soon appears. "Ninjaball GO!" Announcer 1 shouted and everyone took off. Cinder feels Ultra take into the air watching Lloyd holding onto the reins

"Come on, boy! Whoa!" Lloyd said and then Cinder hears a shout and turns his head to see that the ninja's vehicle left traction was off. Seeing that he turns to Lloyd

"Keep up with racers! I'm going to help them get that fixed!" Cinder said

"What about helping with translating with Ultra to me?" Lloyd said nervously

"Don't worries! He will make sure to follow the others! I'll see ya soon!" Cinder said and jumped off and flew towards the Raider. He landed and ran up to them to see where the problem lies at. While doing so he hears what the announcers were saying.

"Ooh, things just got interesting. And it seems some new competitors have entered the race. Meanwhile, the ninja remain at the starter's line in dead last!" Announcer 1 said as Cinder help

"Oh, great! We're already out of the race!" Jay said irritated

"We can't quit now, not with everything that's on the line. Help me lift this thing. Bro you too, we need your strength for this." Cole said and Cinder nodded and he grabbed the traction support with his brother and Zane as Jay and Kai soon straighten it and get in, causing the crowd to cheer louder.

"So that's how this is gonna go. Alright, boys, let's do this!" Kai said and looks at Cinder "You are coming along. Lloyd's going to need help with Ultra."

Cinder nods and got on the top of the vehicle and the others were in the cockpit and they rake of after the other racers.

"Yeah! We're no longer in last! Things are looking up." Jay said chuckling and Cinder smiles happily. They were trying to catch up to the other racers and by themselves, they were able to get to Crash Course Canyon and passed two racers who were out of the race. They then entered the canyon. Cinder then noticed a shadow on them and looks up and his eyes widen. Garmadon ship was above them and squeaks in panic. Kai hears Cinder to look up as well and gasps

"Oh, no, Garmadon!" The red ninja said

"What?!" Jay said shocked

"That's what Kai said Jay!" Cinder said panicking

"Ah, we're sitting ducks! There's nowhere to run!" Jay said and Cinder watched the ship fearfully as the cannon aimed at them. He sees Garmadon with the strange weapon again in his hands. He can see Garmadon's eyes widen on seeing the dragon and smirks

"Goodbye, ninja." Garmadon said and laughs as Cinder closes his eyes for their eternal doom and whimpers, but then...

"LEAVE THEM AND THE LITTLE ONE ALONE!"

Then a big smash could be heard and Cinder opens his eyes to see Ultra hitting the flying ship, making the cannon missed its target, allowing the Ultra Sonic Raider to pass through the smoke from the explosion and Ultra passes the ship as well. Cinder sighed in relief "That was too close." He though and watched as Lloyd slipped and hanged over them by the reins on Ultra

"Nice going, Lloyd." Kai said

"You saved us!" Cole said

"I did? I mean, yeah, I did! Hey, what do you say we work together?" Lloyd said happily

"Yeah, I say let's show 'em what we ninja are all about." Jay said slyly

"Ninja, go!" The four ninja and drive off with Cinder back n Ultra with Lloyd. Cinder purrs happily.

"Thanks for saving us Ultra."

"Your welcome little one. You were in danger, and you didn't have enough experience and your size to deal heavy attacks, so it was our duty to protect you."

"Still, thank you for saving us from that." Cinder said and looks at Lloyd "You did very well without me helping. Very good!"

"Thanks Cinder!" Lloyd said his cheeks flushed in embarrassment but smile with pride

"Now... Let's catch up with the other racers shall we?" Cinder said and Lloyd nods and Ultra, with the ninja in the Ultra Sonic Raider below, headed on along the course of the race

Cinder shivered as the coldness hits his body. They have enter into Birchwood Forest as the third part of the track for the race. After leaving Crash Course Canyon and away from Garmadon and his army they were able to catch up to the other racers before entering the snowy forest. Cinder remembered that his brother told him that Zane used to live here with his dad before he past away and set Zane's memory switch off not knowing he was a Nindroid.

Cinder wonders what his life would be like with his biological parents. Being loved by them and teaching him his elemental abilities would be amazing. But he knew that in the note that was on the egg saying a war was going on and they didn't want to lose their first child, so sending him to another world to be safe from the war, and he hatched in Ninjago with a family that adopted him. He'll never forget how they took care of him as well as Cole being a big brother to him. So the choice his parents made was for love of saving their child from being killed in the war and Cinder hoped that he will see them one day.

Right now Cinder was looking at the trees , wondering if he can come back here to play, when he saw a vehicle in a snow drift. Looking closer he sees that it was the truck that his dad and the Royal Blacksmiths were using. Seeing that they were ok Ultra continued flying, Cinder seeing Cole disappointed at that, and continued onward.

"We'll never get through those trees to catch up." Kai shouted and Cinder hum in agreement, these trees are hard to get through but then he sees Lloyd's eyes lit up

"I'll find a shortcut. Up, Ultra!" Lloyd saids and Ultra flies up. Lloyd and Cinder looked down for a path. Lloyd then sees another path and they head down to the ninja. "Follow us!" Lloyd shouted and they turn right, down the path. "Whoo-hoo!"

"Ah ha!" Cinder said as well from the speed

"Wow, he's getting the hang of it." Cinder hears Jay said

"And it looks like we've made up the lost time." Cinder hears Cole said

But before they got through halfway in the forest something grabbed onto Ultra's leg. Ultra roared in agony at that, making him lose control and crashed into the ground. Lloyd fell out and landed into a snow drift while Cinder held on Ultra's back. Cinder shook his head and looked at Ultra. The white dragon whimper in agony from the sudden attack and Cinder coo'ed and warbles to calm down. Cinder saw Lloyd coming up to the injured four-headed dragon.

"Are you okay there, Ultra?" Lloyd asked and Ultra nods one of his heads. Lloyd look ahead as he watched the Raider far away "We got them back in the race."

"Indeed, i hope they can win it." Cinder said and looks at Ultra. "But are you really ok? That fall right there wasn't soft?"

"We are fine young one. That hard landing only gave us a few Brian's scratches. But a day's rest and we'll be good as new." Ultra said and grabs Cinder by the neck, the purple dragon warbles happily from it, and starts to clean Cinder off the dirt and dust from his scales as Cinder purrs contentedly from it. Then Cinder hears a familiar voice coming and looks over to see his dad. His dad was amazed by the bigger dragon and was trying not to chuckle, knowing what Ultra is doing.

"Hello son, how have you been? Having fun right now?" Lou said chuckling and Cinder whines at that accusation

"Dad! Stop it!"

"Sorry son I just couldn't help it." Lou said then he looks at Ultra. " I see you found a friend, who is he?"

Cinder looks at Ultra and smiles then turn back to his dad.

"Dad, this is Ultra and Ultra, this my dad, well my foster dad, Lou."

Ultra said hello but to Cinder's dad it was a grunt. He was confused and Cinder laugh.

"He said hello to you."

"You can communicate with him?" My dad said amazed

"Yes, and he's been a great teacher to me as well. Taught me how to fly and used my elemental breaths, well four of them, which are Earth, Fire, Lightning, and Ice. The other four were taught by Lloyd's father Garmadon which are Wind, Poison, Shadow, and Fear." Cinder said and seeing his dad's face hearing Lloyd's dads name. "Don't panic, he only taught me how to wield them, that was the only things he taught me. I learn those four on my own and gotten good at using them."

Seeing his dad relax from assuring him that Garmadon didn't do anything else he comes closer. Then he was grabbed by Flame who brought him over to Cinder and put him next to the purple dragon. Cinder chuckles at his dad's surprise look from being grabbed by Ultra.

"Hi!"

"Uh... hi again son. What's just happened?" Lou asked still shocked from that.

"Well Ultra grab you and brought you over to me. That's what happened." Said Cinder

"Ok...?" Lou said as Ultra continued cleaning Cinder. Then there was 4 other voices coming from the truck. Coming out of the trees Cinder see the other members of The Royal Blacksmiths and truck driver. When they all saw Ultra they stop, standing a few feet from the white dragon, seeing Lou under Ultra. After Lou explained to them about Ultra and Cinder being taught by the white dragon they came closer to Ultra. A few hours later Ultra told Cinder that his leg is feeling better but still needed to be careful being on it both ninja and dragon jump up onto Ultra's back. Cinder looks down at his dad as Ultra got ready to take flight.

"See ya dad! I'll call you after the race is over ok?"

"Of course son, be safe!" Lou said as Ultra took off into the skies.

"I hope the ninja won the race." Thought Cinder as Ultra flew towards Ninjago City

Cinder looked at what he saw: the ninja along with Garmadon were at the finish line with the ninja lifted by the crowd cheering them. Cinder then looks at the flier, seems like what Nya was talking about on the Raider was this, making them be able to fly. Then Cinder felt Ultra landed on the Bounty with a thud without Garmadon noticing.

"Yeah! I knew it would bring us luck!" Cinder hear Jay said as he was holding what looked like a headlight of a car.

"No! That's not fair! That wasn't even part of the vehicle in the first place! It's not even street legal! My ship was—" Garmadon said but Cinder cuts him off

"Your ship?" He said surprising Garmadon as the four-armed dark lord looks up to see his son, Cinder and Ultra on the deck of the ship. "I believe this belongs to us." Cinder said with a growl

"No! No! No!" Cinder watched as Garmadon begins to cry in anguish as sirens are heard. Then a officer came up to him.

"Alright, Garmadon, you're coming with us." The officer and before the officer could handcuffed the dark lord the serpentine came in their Fangpyre bus, blocking the officers' way as Skales opens the door.

"Look who needs who now." Skales said as Garmadon quickly gets on before the bus drives off.

"Somehow, Sensei, I don't think that will be the last we're gonna see of him." Nya said shaking her head while Cinder came down to see the others and looked at Dareth looking at the trophy, full of money

"We did it! We did it! Ooh-hoo! We saved the dojo! Oh, look what I can do. CANNONBALL!" The man shouted as he jumps into the trophy, and some money falls out as everyone soon laughs. Cinder smiled: they won the race, save Dareth's dojo, got their home back, and now they can finally trained properly for Lloyd and him. The dragon have fun celebrating with the ninja's winnings.

"Well... this is awkward." Cinder said dryly as he watched the situation in front of him. After the Ninjaball Run and saving Dareth's dojo they were able to get back the Bounty from Garmadon and the Serpentine and moved back into their old base. During the time back on the ship Cinder was learning what he can with his abilities, the ninja teaching him how to fight while human form, and sometimes go into the city to explore. This morning he trained with Sensei Wu watching over it and later went into Ninjago City to explore. He first went to the library to see his friends and former coworkers and talked. Then he went to a mall to look for something he was interested in but unlucky to find it but got something to eat. After that he went back to the Bounty to relax and then meditate on his thoughts. But what he saw when getting back to the ship was to see Lloyd bored and uninterested with the ninja's teaching. Cinder watched the interaction between them.

"Lloyd? Lloyd! Concentrate!" Kai shouted at the green ninja who just looks at him.

"Now that the Bounty is in our possession again, we can train you more effectively. But you'll have to focus. One more time." Zane said

"Oh, but we've been training all day." Lloyd said bored

"It's all to get you ready to face your father. Now, in position." Cole said and Cinder sighs at the four ninja. They are good teachers but they don't realized that at Lloyd's age he wants to have fun and not train every day till you exhaust yourself. Cinder watched as Lloyd walked over to the middle of the deck and the four ninja put their hoods on and yawns before posing as they did so as well.

"Whatever." The green ninja said and sighs as Kai charges at Lloyd first, but he punches him, knocking him back and yawns again. Zane and Jay soon come at him from the air.

"Ninja, go!" Lloyd said and does Spinjitzu, knocking the blue and white both down. Cinder walked over as Cole comes up to Lloyd from behind and slide kicks him, but the purple dragon jumps over Lloyd and knocking the black ninja to the floor. Soon after that the others stop and took their hoods off to walk over to Cinder. Cole took his hood off, annoyed of Cinder interrupting the training for Lloyd. The young boy walked over and scratched Cinder's head making him purr happily from the scratches.

"That was fun. Are we done?" Lloyd said bored but smirks at them of Cinder coming in

"Oh, come on. You're better than this. And Cinder, don't you know that you shouldn't interfere in Lloyd's training?" Jay said and Cinder snorted at him annoyed

"Well, you guys should know that pushing Lloyd to train every day is going to tire him out more. I'm interfered because he wasn't interested in the training right now because he's a kid." Cinder said but before any of the ninja said anything the young dragon used his Ice element to freeze their mouths.

"Let me finished. Yes I know that he will have to fight his dad but that's in the future. He needs to be a kid and have fun and not being trained to death every single day!? You understand what I'm saying?" Cinder said and the four ninja nodded. Then the purple dragon looked over to Lloyd

"What's on your mind?" Cinder asked concerned

"Well...The latest issue of Starfarer just came in at Doomsday Comix and it's a limited run, so if I don't go out and get it, it's going to sell out. Last they left off, intergalactic rogue Fritz Donnegan was surrounded by the Imperial Sludge, and if I don't find out if he gets out alright, I think I might have my own doomsday."

Cinder listened as Lloyd talk about wanting this but unfortunately Cinder's temper went up from the red ninja as the ice have melted off during his talk with the blonde.

"The fate of Ninjago rests on your shoulders. As the Green Ninja, you have a giant responsibility to hold. I'm sorry, but you don't have time for such childish things." Kai said but he suddenly dodge a ball of shadows in surprise as Cinder growls angrily at him

"Other kids get to play and have fun. All I ever do is train." Lloyd said sadly as he went looking over to the railing. Cinder sighs at Lloyd's sadness knowing that those four won't listen, he'll make them see reason. But for now he will have to wait then as he saw Nya coming up from below deck.

"Guys, there's been a break-in at the Ninjago City Museum of History and the security cameras picked up you-know-who." Nya said as everyone know who's she talking about

"Garmadon!" Cole said

"We have to stop him before he uses the Mega Weapon to start another one of the dilogicbal plots." Jay said and Cinder sees Lloyd come up to them, but looking at their faces Cinder knew that they won't agree. Seeing that Lloyd saw this causing him to sigh.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I can't go and it's safer if I stay here and train." Lloyd said dejected and they nod causing Lloyd to fold his arms in disappointment. Several minutes later, outside Ninjago City, the ninja are in the Ultra Sonic Raider. Cinder watched them go on their mission.

"We'll meet up at the Bounty as soon as we're done." Kai said

"We'll be waiting for your safe return." Nya said and they soon take off.

"Too old for comic books and too young to fight. When are they gonna make up their minds?" Lloyd said and sighs

"Come on, pint size. Show me what you got." Nya said but was interrupted

"Actually Nya, maybe Lloyd should take a break right now. I seen those four pushing Lloyd hard on training the past few days. I think he should take it easy from today, ok?" Cinder said hoping that she'll allow this, which worked

"Oh... alright, I guess that tonight be a chill night alright?" Nya said

"Thanks Nya, and thank you Cinder." Lloyd said grateful

"Your welcome, those four need to chill down on pushing you on the training." Cinder said to Lloyd slyly. "Besides... I do have something for you."

"Oh, what is it?" Lloyd asked curiously and then Cinder pull out a comic book and Lloyd's mouth opened and closed like a fish seeing what Cinder was holding in his paw.

"Is... is that the new limited Starfarer comic book!? Where did you get it from?" Lloyd asked shocked and the purple dragon smirked

"Well... I heard you complaining of wanting this comic soooooooo... I went to Doomsday Comic. By the way the owner there was surprised by my appearance, asking why I was there and listened as I explained about you wanting this. Also he knew I was a member of the ninja so I purchased the comic and well..., here we are." Cinder said and then was hugged really hard by the 10 year old

"Thank you so much Cinder for getting this!I'm totally going to be reading this!"

"Ugh..." Cinder thought as he got out of bed from his slumber. Last night was decent but relaxing with only him, Lloyd, Nya, and Sensei. But Cole, Kai, Jay, and Zane haven't returned yet from their mission and they were getting worried. Right now Cinder was coming out and into the bridge to see Sensei and Nya

"Oh, they should be back by now." Nya said worried

"Oh, I fear something horrible has happened to them." Wu said and turns to Lloyd, who was eavesdropping "Lloyd, Cinder." Lloyd gasps before quickly switching his comic book for a lesson book. "You two are in charge of the Bounty while Nya and I have a look around town."

"Uh, yeah. Sure thing." Lloyd said

"Of course Sensei." Cinder said and watch as Wu walks away and Cinder looked over at the satellite map and wonders what his brother and the other ninja are doing right now.

"Let's see? How to get this without messing up here?" Cinder as he worked on a wood carving. The carving he was working on was of two dragons, one male and the other female, and was trying to get a way of doing the "jewelry" on the female. He has been doing this for awhile as a hobby to occupy himself while the ninja were doing missions. He loves doing this as a way to focus and also have his talons sharp. But these two carvings however were different because he have a dream of them one night and couldn't get them out of his mind. So he made them with the male first because of zero items on his body and the female second with the jewelry she's wearing. He was figuring out how to do so when he hear the phone ring. He sighed and went to see who was calling. When he entered where the phone was at he sees Lloyd trying to get while playing his game. Cinder chuckles as the green ninja attempts to grab it. Cinder grabs it and puts it on speaker for Lloyd to hear as well.

"Destiny's Bounty."

"Cinder, it's Jay! Let me talk to Sensei!"

"Jay? Where are you? Why haven't you returned? Sensei's out looking for you." Cinder asked wondering why they haven't returned

"Apparently, you need parental permission to take the bus and we can't seem to get out of the city!"

"Uh, what?" Cinder was confused with what Jay was saying

"Oh, never mind, it's a bit complicated. Just meet us at Buddy's Pizza in ten minutes. And bring our weapons."

"Weapons?" Cinder said and was even more confused by Jay. They need their weapons? But what happen to the one's they were carrying. He shook his and look over at Lloyd who falls off the seat. Cinder sighs

"Come on, let's see what's going on?" He said and both dragon and boy left the Bounty with him carrying the weapons on his back.

-—

Cinder looked around as both him and Lloyd enter Buddy's Pizza. He look for where his brother and the others be at but doesn't see them anywhere. Then he heard a familiar voice at a booth close by.

"Really? Of all places we could meet, you pick this place?"

"What? I like their pizza."

"Psst, Lloyd, Cinder." Cinder turn to see a young kid around Lloyd's age in a booth with three others wondering what he looks so familiar. But to Lloyd he doesn't recognizing who this kid is.

"Beat it, brat. I'm on a mission." Lloyd said and move on but Cinder stood still looking at the four kids.

"It's me, Kai." The kid said and Cinder looked closer and eyes widen in surprise of seeing his brother and the other three ninja, all as young as Lloyd, wondering what happened.

"Whoa! What happened? You're, uh, uh, small!" Lloyd said surprise but Cinder shush him to be quiet from not having everyone in the restaurant look at them.

"Keep it down. We're trying to lay low." Kai whispered and went back to normal volume. "Your father's Mega Weapon not only turn us into kids, but unleashed a creature whose sole purpose is to hunt down ninja." He said

"Typical Garmadon." Cole said

"And now, every time we try to tell someone, they won't believe us, 'cause we're kids." Jay said while Cinder puts the weapons on the table and Lloyd laughs.

"What's so funny?" Kai said angrily as Lloyd stop laughing and Cinder sighs at the idiocy

"Well, I guess you now know what it feels like to be treated differently." Lloyd said at them and Cinder looks at them sternly

"This is what Lloyd is talking about. I get that you need to train him, but he also needs to take breaks compare to you four training every day. Like I train as well but take breaks to catch my breath. Also going out to explore to relax and have fun but I know when to have fun and when to do work. You get that?" He said and all four nodded and Cinder smile

"Still, this is serious. If we don't turn big so that we can use our Spinjitzu, we don't stand a chance against the Grundal." Zane said seriously and concerned of the situation at hand

"Well, what about me? I know Spinjitzu." Lloyd said

"And me as well? I can fight and know Spinjitzu and have my elemental breaths to back up as well." Cinder

"Yeah, but you two don't know the Grundal. We all need to be at full strength. What we need to do first is to find someone who might know more about how to defeat one of those things." Kai said and Cinder nodded wondering where they can find someone knowledgeable on this creature. He noticed Lloyd looking at a kid reading a "Starfarer" comic.

"Lloyd, focus." Cole said but Cinder growled at him

"Bro hush, I think Lloyd has a idea." Cinder said to his brother and looks at Lloyd. "What you got in mind?"

"I think I know just the guy to help us." Lloyd said with a smirk

Cinder looked at Lloyd with a deadpan look as they walked up to a comic book store. After they left the pizza place Lloyd led him and the ninja to the guy to help them with the Grundal. 30 mins later after walking they came up to the comic book store and on top of the store was the store's name which was called "Doomsday Comix" and enter it.

"You brought us to a comic book store?" Cole asked annoyed

"Trust me. If there's anyone who knows how to defeat a monster that doesn't exist, I know just the person to talk to." Lloyd said to the black ninja and they start walking along the store. Cinder warbled in agreement

"I think Lloyd's correct on this guy besides that, some comic books used info on real-life creatures so he probably has info on the Grundal." But Kai didn't know what Lloyd was doing and stops him.

"We're not coming to pick out your stupid comic, Lloyd! This is serious business." But then Jay gasped as he grabs a comic book.

"Oh, look. A first edition "Daffy Dale." I used to love that nut growing up." He laughs before he soon clears his throat. "So juvenile."

Lloyd guides his embarrassed friends and Cinder to the register, where a man with a ponytail and beard sits.

"Fellas, meet Rufus McCallister, AKA Mother Doomsday." Lloyd said and the guy turns around in his chair to see them.

"Well, if it isn't Lloyd "Hemorrhoid" Garmadon." Rufus said whike Jay catches up with the others. "Sorry if you came looking for the latest "Starfarer," I'm all sold out."

"No worries, someone got me a copy" Lloyd said and the four ninja looked at the blonde in astonishment; Lloyd looked over at Cinder who smiles at them. Cinder looked at Lloyd then to the man who was looking curiously at him. "If you are asking to see if this a costume or not? This isn't a costume, I'm a actual dragon."

The man was surprised by this and turn to Lloyd. "Who is this dragon Lloyd."

Lloyd smirked and turn to Cinder. "Rufus, this is Cinder, the younger brother to Cole. He is a actual dragon and well he is a great friend to have."

"I see. May I feel your scales." Rufus asked

Cinder was surprised by that request but nods, allowing the comic book man to touch him. He smirked as he watched Rufus' expression as the man touched his scales.

"Wow... these scales feel like legit. You didn't lied, you are a real live dragon." Rufus said amazed

Cinder smiled and blushed "Thanks."

"Now, onto other things. What are you here for? Any other books you're looking for?" Rufus asked

"Uh, actually, Mother Doomsday, we need help."

"Well, color me intrigued." Rufus said

"We have a problem. There's a Grundal on the loose and we need to know how to deal with it." Lloyd explained

"Oh, a theoretical question." Rufus said misunderstanding what Lloyd said

Lloyd looked at him Rufus nervous "Yeah, theoretical. Can you help?" He asked

Cinder watched as Rufus lowers his seat, gets off and comes out from behind the register. He over to Lloyd, Cinder, and the ninja.

"Dromaeosaurid Theropod Grundalicus. Phew! Although extinct, there has been a plethora of film, television and comics exploring the mythology around the primordial predator." Rufus said and grabs a nearby comic, showing the Grundal. "Supposedly, they always get their prey." He said

Kai looks surprised by that "Sounds like he knows his stuff." He said but was shoved by Lloyd as he pushes through Zane and him to Rufus "Can it be stopped?" Lloyd asked

Rufus thought of Lloyd's question and answers "First thing you need to know is its thick shell-like hide is invincible to swords, scythes, nunchucks, and throwing stars. So your cheap imitations will do nothing to slow him down." He said looking at the weapons on the young ninja.

Cole have a annoyed look on face hearing that "Swell."

Rufus continues talking "Second of all, it's nocturnal and will only hunt at night."

Jay look outside at seeing sunlight still there "Oh, good. It's still daylight, so we can relax for a bit." The others look outside the window before Rufus looks at Jay, suspiciously before Kai clears his throat. "Uh, I meant theoretically."

Rufus finished off the topic with this last bit of info "And the only way to defeat it is with light." He puts the comic back. "Like a vampire, with enough of it, it could potentially destroy him." He goes up to a display. "If I had my weapons of choice, may I recommend the Illuma-Sword?" He opens the display case, revealing four purple bladed Illuma-Swords." These are authentic replicas that would come in handy were you to live long enough to actually face a Grundal. And if swords are your thing. Maybe I can interest you in an authentic ninja gi," He points to another case which has the ninja's ZX Gi inside. "Signed by the very ninja that saved the city."

Kai was surprised seeing their suits here"Uh, we'll just take the light swords." He said and goes up to the fake Illuma-Swords and is about to grab one before Rufus stops him.

"Not so fast. This "Starfarer" combo pack can only be won in the Fritz Donogan Trivia Battle Royale." Rufus said and points to a fan, dressed like Fritz Donogan,talking to some cosplayers. "You have what it takes to be the best?"

Jay encouraged Lloyd on winning this contest "You can do this, Lloyd."

Lloyd looks at Jay and the others to Cinder who gave a thumbs up with a claw and smiles confidently "Sign me up."

Cinder looked at Lloyd and the ninja and thought what Rufus have said. "If the Grundal's weakness is light then fire could worked as a substitute? If those Illuma-Swords fail then I'll need to use my Fire breath to destroy it." He thought and looks over to the others

"Hey Lloyd? I'm going to go call Sensei and Nya and tell them the situation."

"Ok then, go call them." Lloyd said and Cinder walked away to a phone. As he walks away he hoped that Sensei can find something to help them.

Cinder looked around the store seeing what interest him. He likes reading books but comic books aren't ones he'll look to read but respect others who love reading these. Right now at the moment the contest for the Illuma-Swords and the sun was already starting to set. He then went back over to the others to see what happened. He can see Lloyd and the fan on the stand. Then he sees Jay was eating cotton candy and listen in on the contest.

"It's down to the final two. This question is for Lloyd." Rufus said as everyone cheering and chanting Lloyd's name.

"What is Fritz Donogan's famous catchphrase?" Rufus asked

"Fair? Fair is not a word from where I come from." Lloyd answered

"Correct! We're all tied up." Rufus said

The crowd cheers as the fan looks at Lloyd, who smirks at him. As they keep celebrating, Zane looks out the window and turns to Cole.

"It's getting dark. The Grundal will be on the prowl soon."

"Don't worry. I got faith Lloyd can win those Illuma-Swords." Kai said then soon he others hear slurping and turn to Jay, who is eating some cotton candy. "Is this really the best time to be eating cotton candy?"

"It makes me feel young. Deal with it." Jay said defensively and Cinder snort at the blue ninja.

"Final question. The first person to answer this will win." Rufus said and turns to the competitors. "In the latest issue of "Starfarer," how did Fritz Donogan escape the imperial sludge?"

"But I haven't read the latest issue." Lloyd said panicking as he struggled to find a answer.

"By reversing the polarity of the ship's gravity transducer." The fan said confidently

"We have a winner!" Rufus said and everyone cheer. Cinder felt sad for Lloyd, the 10 year old didn't know this question because he hasn't read it yet. That's one of the reasons he wouldn't read comic books is limited number runs of a book. But before he can think anything else, the lights shake before the power goes out. Cinder looked around, compared to the others his advanced eyesight allow him to see in the dark, seeing that everyone was confused by the power out.

"Who shut off the power?" Rufus said and Cinder then heard a a creaking noise above and saw the store sign falls off with everyone else seeing it as well even in the dark. Cinder knew what it was and knows that the others knew what that was too.

"It's here." Kai said

"What's here?" Rufus asked confused

Jay chuckles nervously "You know that theoretical discussion we had earlier?"

The Grundal appears on the glass roof. Cinder looks at it in fear of its size, it was huge! He looked back to the ninja and Lloyd and watched as Rufus saw the Grundal.

"Not the..." Rufus said as the Grundal steps on the glass, cracking it before looking down. "Grundal!" He screamed and everyone else screamed as well. Amid the screaming Zane spoke up to the others

"We've got to get out of here." They run up to the door, but it is blocked by the fallen down sign. "The door is jammed, we can't get out."

"Cinder!? Can you pushed on this?!" Col said and Cinder ran up and tried pushing the door but even he can't open it with his strength.

"I.. I can't open it! It's too heavy for me to push the debris from it." Cinder said and he and the ninja look up to see the Grundal move along the roof.

"Look! It's coming!" Jay shouted as then tne Grundal breaks through the glass roof, landing in the store.

"Agh! We're doomed!" Jay screamed

"Doomed as Britts Subskian in Phoenix War page 15." Rufus said

Cinder was scared seeing this creature. The Grundal was a big dinosaur-like lizard with brown scales and red eyes staring hungrily at its prey. Cinder knew 100% that he has no way to go against this beast. He watched as the Grundal swings its tail at Rufus and the kids, making them dodge as they scream. As it looks at them, the Grundal's tail breaks the glass on the display case to the ninja's ZX gis. Cinder notices this and looks at the ninja

"Quick! This way!" Jay said and they run down a nearby section with Cinder following as the Grundal turns back to where they originally were. Jay grabs Kai's gi as Zane and Kai grab some Illuma-Swords and they immediately glow.

"Hey, McNasty, I thought ninja were on your menu!" Cole said fearfully while Cinder growled at it. He wanted the Grundal to see he's the bigger threat here and watched as the Grundal turns to the ninja and dragon, the ninja wearing their gis while holding the Illuma-Swords. They wave them in front of the Grundal, who backs away a bit.

"It's working!" Jay said and they start moving forward, waving the Illuma-Swords as they do so before Jay jumps at it and strikes it, but his Illuma-Sword immediately breaks and stops glowing as he slides back. Kai jumps at the Grundal next and strikes, but his Illuma-Sword also breaks and stops glowing. Cinder stands back to figure out how to attack it while the ninja keep attacking it.

"Stupid toy." Cole said angrily and strikes the Grundal at its leg. Zane jumps onto the Grundal and hits it with his Illuma-Sword, but it breaks and stops glowing as he lands near the others.

"Argh! Uh-oh!" Zane said

"Oh. We got a problem, guys." Jay said worryingly as the the Grundal knocks them into the register as Kai, Jay, and Zane drop their broken Illuma-Swords. The Grundal comes up to them as it growls and opens its mouth, causing them to scream. But then...

"Not to worry, I'll take care of this." Lloyd said as he raise the seat behind the register to stand up against the creature

"Lloyd!" The four ninja said as Lloyd summons his Energy power, the light affecting the Grundal as it backs away and the others cheer, but the Grundal soon uses its tail to knock Lloyd down.

"Oh, gross!" Kai said disgusted

"This is the end, isn't it?" Cole said sadly

"ROOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAR!"

The Grundal was then hit by a fireball and turned to a enraged Cinder glaring at it with fangs bare in a snarl. While distracted tne ninja moved away from the creature as they watched the fight.

"You stupid beast! Trying to attack and kill young innocent children as your food to eat!? You are a monster to your kind. Now leave or I'll attack." Cinder said angrily... no, enraged at this creature trying to have them as its food, particularly his brother and friends. Seeing that the Grundal isn't listening, he roared at it and charged. He first head butted the creature's head, making the Grundal scream in pain from the attack. The Grundal then attack Cinder who dodged it and jump up, flap his wings twice, and did a tail strike with his tail blade into the forehead of the Grundal. It screams even more at the second attack. Then the Grundal slap Cinder's side hard and Cinder was throw away from it but recover from the blow. The Grundal then got up close and tried to chomp Cinder. But Cinder opens his mouth and shoot out fire at it, making the Grundal move back in agony from the light.

"Ah ha! I knew Fire can work as light, but how am I going to keep this up." Cinder thought but he then feels something within him open and felt his whole body lit up suddenly like a lightbulb. The Grundal roared angrily from the light and backs away, Cinder smiled at this. "Looks like he'll end this creature once and for all." He thought but then suddenly he was grabbed by the throat and was being choked to death by the Grundal's grip. He thrashed around wildly to escape it but couldn't. He was then thrown real hard towards a window. Cinder roared in agony and pain from the impact and his eyes closed as he went unconscious.

"Uuuuuuuuugh." Cinder moaned as he regain consciousness, his whole body was aching for some reason. He move his head around to see he was in the Bounty and in his room. He tried to get up but a hand came and stop him.

"Whoa bro! You shouldn't be moving with those injuries you received." Said a voice and Cinder turned his head to see Cole as his normal self. He then remembered what happened and gasped in surprise.

"Bro! You're back to your normal self!"

Cole laughed at Cinder's surprise. "Yeah, me and the others are back to our normal age."

Cinder was happy but was confused on his brother and the others were turned back to normal. "How did you guys turned back to normal? I was knock out from the Grundal when it grab me." He asked

"Well, Sensei found a tea called "Tomorrow's Tea" that brought me and the others to our normal ages. But there was a sacrifice for it to worked." Cole said grimly

Cinder was anticipating what his brother woukd said but asked. "What sacrifice?"

Cole shook his head towards Cinder. "Lloyd was with us when the tea hit the Grundal and brought it back to useless bones as a skeleton. But Lloyd aged up as well with us because of the close proximity of the tea's effects."

"So, he's the same age as you guys now?" Cinder asked and his brother nodded his head yes. Cinder sat there thinking of the possibility to be grown up but if he did, he won't be able to hang around with his friends or have fun. He shook his head and sighs and looked at Cole. "So I'm guessing with Lloyd aged up, the battle against his dad is coming closer I bet?"

"Yes." Cole said and Cinder sighs and thought of getting out of here and outside to relax in the sun. He asked his brother to moved him upstairs and being carried up to the deck of the ship. Soon after he was placed down onto the deck where the sun can hit all his scales. He then saw someone that looks familiar but not and once he got a better look of who it was, he gasped. There, standing around still used to their new height was Lloyd, but was way older now than he was once before. Cinder was starting at the green ninja dumbfounded and Lloyd saw him.

"Cinder!" Lloyd said and walk on over to him and sat down next to him. "Hey, how have you been feeling? Body still sore from the battle?" Lloyd asked and Cinder nods

"Yeah, but it's fine really, I came out here to relax and warm my scales up for warmth. But anyways, I can tell that you're way older now than being a 10 year old." Cinder said

"Yeah, I know right? At least I'm can do things as a young adult now." Lloyd chuckles and Cinder smiled but changed to a look of anticipation.

"You know that since you're older, the battle against your dad draws closer now because of this, right?"

"Ugh... I know, its just... I don't want to fight him but I have no choice in the matter." Lloyd said a little frustrated

"I... see." Cinder said and look out towards the horizon wondering what the future would hold for him. He sighed and just curled up, gently not opening his injuries up, and took a nap. Feeling the sun's rays on him as he fell asleep, purring in content as he did, not even knowing that he'll be important in the coming near future.

Chapter 7 Edited and Spell checked