Autumn Leaves (A Llorumi Fanfiction)

Revised Chapter 1

* A/N hola! If you've read the description, then you know I'm rewriting this whole book.  This is the first rewritten chapter. Others will slowly be updated later on. Let me know what you think! Enjoy! *

Lloyd's POV

Sunlight streaked across the city, casting shadows, and lighting the sky with a burst of color. Citizens slowly came awake, moving about and starting the hustle for the day. Shouts of good mornings and greetings could be heard.

Two months had gone since the Overlords third attack, and it amazed me how some citizens could still laugh. Life seemed not to change much for them, despite the damage. I guess after living in Ninjago for years, they're used to having their homes destroyed.

I moved quietly through the city, disguised in a black hoodie. Wearing a color other than green did wonders to keep from being recognized. People pushed past me without a second glance, maybe calling an early morning greeting as they went. No one saw the Green ninja, and I wanted it that way. Today I only wanted a break from my duties, a time to observe and not jump into immediate danger.

A part of me felt guilty for hiding out like this, yet another part didn't care. I was tired. It had been attack after attack with no rest for the ninja and I. The others had encouraged me to take a vacation day anyway, so I finally took them up on that offer.

I continued to walk through Ninjago aimlessly, enjoying the cool autumn breeze that blew and the busy, non dangerous atmosphere. I was supposed to not think of my job, yet as I walked, I found that was all my mind could focus on. My failures as the leader crowded my brain, the unfinished jobs left to do, the villains that may attack. It went on.

"Good morning Ninjago! Today we will finally see the trial for Harumi Jade, previously known as the Quiet One."

I whipped around and walked to the store front where the tv was spilling the news. Just hearing her name sent emotions tumbling through me. So today was going to be her trial?

"After helping Garmadon take over Ninjago once, the Quiet One later returned with the Overlord..... " The announcer continued to list Harumi's crimes, which I tuned out. I had been there for every crime she committed. Felt every dagger she thrust at me. A picture of her flashed on the screen briefly, one with her still as the Quiet One. Grief ran through me when I saw her face again. It was already emblazoned in my mind, the red paint, terrifying smirk, wild eyes. I stepped away from the screen, my day ruined.

"Many are calling for the former Jade princess to receive the ultimate punishment....death." The announcer whispered. Death? I continued walking, my thoughts flying. We've had a lot of nasty villains over the years, but I guess Harumi takes the cake as the most hated. Never did I recall a villain being sentenced to die.

My heart pounded harder as I thought of her again. She brought grief yes, had been the one to hurt me the most, but she also had shown me who I actually was fighting for. She reminded me of the pain I inflict every time I fail my job.

I remembered the moments when I was happy around her, when I believed she was like me. Her image flashed through my mind, the "good" version. Snow white hair pinned back, lips curved into a soft smile, and eyes that held so much mystery. She had been caring and thoughtful.

I recalled our brief moment after the Overlords defeat. She actually apologized sincerely. I knew it had been genuine because she didn't beg or plead for me to get her out of jail. She only walked away quietly, regret clinging to her like a cobweb. The most significant sign of her switch was when she kicked the Overlord, saving me.

Death....I couldn't let her die again. I had failed Harumi twice already, I was not letting her down a third time.

A gust of wind suddenly blew, knocking down the hood that hid my blond hair and face. People turned and pointed, instantly recognizing me.