Autumn Leaves (A Llorumi Fanfiction)

Revised Chapter 18

Lloyd's POV

"The Emperor is involved with the Gang that has been wreaking havoc," I announced to the gathered ninja, carefully studying their faces to see their reactions. Jay's shoulders slumped, though he didn't seem the least bit surprised.

"Great, another messed up royal heir," he mumbled. For a second, he froze, then cleared his throat. "Not that... Harumi is one anymore," He nervously laughed. I ignored it and decided to continue.

"Harumi is the one who revealed the information to me and I am certain we can trust her," I say before any protests could be made. "She had discovered Leo helping with the gang and is not sure if he is the leader of it or if there is anyone above him calling the shots. Either way, he seemed to have some kind of role in it-"

"Wait, how does she know all this?" Cole cut across, his eyebrows furrowing with curiosity. I bit my lip, thinking of some excuse. Harumi had revealed to me how she came across the gang the other day while relaying the information. It took some prodding, but I eventually worked the truth out of her. Even though she randomly decided to sneak out of the palace and ride off with a bunch of random motorcyclists, I trusted her instinct and didn't let it hinder the rest of the information.

But of course, I didn't think the rest of the ninja would have the same reaction. Whether or not they decided she could still be trusted, I decided to twist the truth slightly.

"She noticed Leo being suspicious and decided to follow him and eventually came across the gang," I excused. Everyone seemed to know there was more to it, but since nobody said anything, I continued. "Right, so, Harumi and I started to form a plan w-"

"You guys made a plan without us?!" Jay interrupted. My face began to heat up, but I pushed past it.

"We started one. It's just a general idea, I still have a lot of ends to work out with you guys," I say quickly. I didn't miss Kai's smirk and wiggle of the eyebrows, which made my face flush even more with embarrassment.

"Can we move on please?" I asked. I let out a sigh and ignored the faces Kai was now making. "Like I was saying, we still need to find out why Leo is doing this and if it has much to do with his job as emperor. So we've decided- KAI stop! So I've decided that Zane could use his disguising ability to take the place of a certain guard that Harumi determined would be the best to replace." I was about to continue when Zane interrupted.

"That won't be possible, Lloyd," I looked at him with a frown.

"Why not?"

"My disguise unit was damaged during the last prison escape. While we were fixing it, Pixal and I decided to give it a few upgrades. We've estimated that it won't be functional for another two weeks," He revealed. I groan, putting a hand to my face while thinking it over.

"That just ruins a whole piece of the plan," I mumbled. "Okay, time to rethink this." I heard my Father loudly cough, revealing that he had been standing in the background the whole time. I looked up and glared at him, which he took no heed of.

"If you all have already forgotten, I am Oni and can shapeshift," he said, smirking as my face lit up. Shapeshift...

"I don't think that's a good idea," Nya remarked, looking my Father up and down with eyes of suspicion.

"I still don't even trust you with a pillow," Kai added. My Father was about to retort, but I cut in.

"No! He has a point! If you can shapeshift, Father, then can I? Could you teach me?" My previous excitement resurfaced as a new horizon of ideas popped into my head. My Father seemed hesitant.