Royalty

Chapter 8

3rd POV

"7 figures are approaching the castle, Your Majestys." A Figure in a red suit with golden armour informed as he knelt before two royals.

"Allow them to come." The queen ordered.

"You'll lead a small group of soldiers towards the group." The king added as he turned towards a similarly dresses male standing not far from the thrones.

The figure simply nodded before he gestured for the kneeling guard to stand and follow. On their way out, a few other people joined; each adopting different animal like features. They then left the Kingdom's walls and made their way into the Smouldering Woods.

The Ninja Team were back on their journey through the Smouldering Woods. Each and everyone of them were persistent to get to the castle; the ninja to find their friend and for Morro to just get this journey over and done with.

"Hey, Morro?" Cole began.

"Hm?" The latter hummed as he kept his gaze fixated on the upcoming path.

"You don't have to answer, but... How'd you and Vania meet?"

"Well... When I got pulled through the Resurrection Riff, I was left to wander aimlessly around Ninjago. I helped you guys out every now and then. Without you knowing, obviously. When you tried to send a message to Vania for help during the war against The Crystal King, the cell towers were down two minutes into your message. I knew you'd need Shintaro's help so I did the best I could to get there quickly. I passed the message on and they got to you just in time."

"wow...!" Jay gasped. "But what did you do afterwards? Where'd you go?"

"After helping you," Morro continued. "I tried to offer assistance to rebuild the monastery, but it proved difficult to keep outta sight and help at the same time. I then decided to sit on the steps of the monastery. Vania came over and offered me a place to call home. We lived as friends for a few months, before we eventually started to date."

"Who confessed first?" Skylor asked sweetly.

"I did, actually." Morro replied as a blush spread to his cheeks; memory fresh in his mind.

"How Sweet...!" Nya exclaimed.

"Thanks..."

"How much further till we-" Lloyd was suddenly cut off by Morro clamping a hand over his mouth.

"Quite." Morro ordered; voice at a low level, in which caused the others to keep their guards up and cautious. A rustling caused Morro to throw his gaze to the east. "Did you hear that?"

"Hear What-?!" Zane began before they were all suddenly jumped by figures in golden armour.

The Elemetal Masters got into fighting stances. This only caused the mysterious armour clad figures to thrust their swords and spears forward and knock their bows with arrows. Nya took in the attackers' looks; Red clothes with golden armour; some had fur lined collars while some had ascots. Some of their helmets had holes in the top where various animal ears peaked through. They wore golden masks, too. This resulted in keeping the entirety of their faces, exception of eyes, concealed.

Cole called earth to surround his hands, Jay created electricity in his hands, while Zane had snowflakes surrounding himself. Nya found a water source and water balled around her fists, wind whipped up around Morro's feet and Skylor got into a lower fighting position.

"Stand Down!" A muffled voice barked as they came into view. They wore the same armour but had a scarlet red cap on his shoulders with a fur lined collar. Two lion ears swiveled on his head, taking in the noise, while a strong lion tail swished by his feet. "They're Elemental Masters."

The guards stood at ease, but the Ninja were a bit more hesitant to lower their guards, just in case.

"Who are you?" The figure spoke as he stood before them.

"We're the ninja." Zane replied. "The Elemental Masters and Protectors of Ninjago City."

"What business do you have in Kean?"

"We're looking for a friend." Nya began. "My brother."

The guard leader seemed to wear a look of shock but quickly covered it with a frown.

"We haven't had any outsiders come into Kean for years. Not Since the Viperion War."

"O-Oh..." Skylor whispered.

"B-But considering you've all come a long way, it would be disrespectful to our kingdom to turn away visitors. Come."

The man then headed off with his guard following him. The ninja exchanged looks before scurrying after them. They made their way to the front of the group to walk next to the strange figure.

"Could we please ask what your name is?" Zane questioned.

"..." the lion hybrid was silent for a moment before he took a deep breath. "... My name is Kearin. And You?"

"I am Zane. And these are my friends; Cole, Nya, Jay, Lloyd, Skylor and Morro."

"Its nice to meet you."

They wandered for a good while before they made it to the large gates of the high walls of the Kingdom. Kearin grabbed the large circled handles before he threw them open.

"Welcom to the Hidden Kingdom of Rubies!" Kearin exclaimed. "Welcome to the Kingdom of Kean!"