What is Forgiveness?

Part 1

Takes place after Crystalized
*Please note that this story may not appease some readers because of certain topics mentioned. Please read at your discretion.*
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It was not long after the release of Harumi from Kryptarium Prison that people started complaining. "Why did she have to be released anyways?" was the common question. "Couldn't they just do a death sentence? It's not fair that the authorities listened to that stupid Green Ninja and let her out of prison like that."

We cannot forget the ninjas. After her release, she had no home to return to, so the ninja took it upon themselves to care for her and keep an eye on her in case she may cause trouble. Infamous as she is, she didn't have the chance to prove herself worthy of receiving forgiveness. And even if she did, she would be dead when the whole realm of Ninjago finally does. This is not just a "forgive and forget" thing. This girl did more than just simple, trivial crimes.

The Green Ninja saw in her eyes the plead for a second chance. He couldn't ignore it since the day she joined their side. Although he had his doubts about whether she even wanted to be good, he still looked for every opportunity there was to let Harumi free to make her own choices -- good choices, to be specific. He begged the authorities to set her free from Kryptarium Prison.

"It is only reasonable," he stated, "that she has a second chance. Did we see her cause any trouble in the rebuilding of our city? No. So it only makes sense that way."

Many attempts were made, although his friends did not always agree, and the judge finally gave in and released her from her bond. She was thankful to be free at last but to be surrounded by people who hate her made her insecure about redeeming herself.

"It would be hard to prove myself trustworthy," she said to Lloyd after her release. "It was easy to be nice in prison and all, but to be in a place where people despise me just makes it all the more despairing."

Lloyd, sorry for the poor girl, allowed her in the monastery, and although it was not easy to see her every day, he and his friends did their best to treat her well. They did not forgive her completely, but as ninjas and good examples, they must not leave her to die without being loved. It is only fair that they treat every person with compassion: they are ninjas, and that's what they do, although not everyone returns their kindness.

Harumi thought she would just be left homeless on the streets to be insulted and soon die. The kindness and sympathy she was shown when she first stepped into the monastery had her amazed and bewildered. She couldn't understand how easy it was for them to be kind and loving to an enemy. Of course, she learned that to defeat your enemy you have to keep them close, but this was the different side of the spectrum. She couldn't help but return their kindness, and that was how she surrendered. She felt good when they treated her well, and she felt even better when she returned the favor, and that was all she needed to know.

As an exercise to help her gain confidence, Lloyd would take Harumi to a little coffee shop every once a week in the greater area, where there are fewer people to encounter. He would go with her to order coffee until she finds the confidence to go herself. It was not easy at first: Harumi shied from the cashier and sat at the nearest empty seat. The employee knew it was her, but not wanting to attract attention and potentially lose a customer, he kept his cool and asked Lloyd for his order.

"What may I get for you today?" he asked politely.
Lloyd, despairing at Harumi's action, let out a deep sigh. "I'll have the Tiger's Eye Latte, and make it tall, please."

Harumi was awed by his confidence. She could never in her whole life manage to tell a stranger her order. When she was a child, she never answered anyone, of course. She couldn't even say her name until the day the Royal Family adopted her. And even if she had the chance to order something behind castle walls, she would only write in words. How she ever had the confidence to start up a rebellion and form the Sons of Garmadon? -- that was a question still to answer. She didn't think she could master it all, even if she tried.