Ninjago: The Tribes AU

"Leaves of Jade"

Five days passed of the gang traveling to the jungle, and finally, they arrived at the edge. Lloyd’s eyes lit up as they began to walk under the jungle canopy; excitement rising. At long last, he did it! He was SO close to home! So close to showing his father all he had learned and accomplished!

"Woah..." Cole stared at the surroundings in awe. "I've never seen this much green in my entire life!"

"Nor have I..." chimed in Zane.

Morro and his tribe looked around in wonder as they walked further into the jungle. It looked just like their island- except... well, not dead and dying. It was truly beautiful... every shade of green imaginable covered the landscape, and the sun shining through the trees created a spectacular pattern that shown down upon them. Even in their weakened state, the Wind Tribe looked overjoyed to be somewhere that felt like home. Lloyd traveled slightly ahead of everyone else; jumping through the canopy just like he would always do. Suddenly, an arrow flew through the air, Zane only just using his powers to deflect it from his face. Jay looked at the weapon confused. It wasn't anything like the Fire Tribe was known for using. Before they could question it, a figure jumped down from the treetops. They wore a mask seemingly made from tree bark, and the armor was made from the same material. The markings that covered their body were nearly identical to Lloyd’s camouflage paint, except for a few more details, and it was in a lot more places. They pulled back the bow, aiming it at the group again, but Lloyd quickly jumped in between them. The figure lowered the weapon when they spotted the green ninja. Lloyd growled at the stranger, but quickly took notice of their bandaged torso. Lloyd’s emerald eyes scanned the person for a second before tilting his head. "Brad?"

The figure pulled their mask off with a look that was a mixture of shock, anger, confusion, and speculation. However, it quickly turned into more of anger when Nya moved slightly. His arrow aimed directly at her head once more. "Lloyd. Step. Away. From the monsters."

"What?! No! These are the other tribe leaders that father requested to meet. And they're not monsters- they're actually very nice people."

Brad snarled at the group, still looking upset by their presence and Lloyd’s willingness to side with them. "Do you not remember what happened last time someone from another tribe entered our village?"

The green eyed boy glanced down at his bandaged torso. Of course. How could he forget what happened last time? It was traumatizing. Poor Brad was all burned and bloody last time they saw each other. True, he was up moving now, but clearly he was still very upset about it. Who would blame him? Regardless, he was definitely extremely adamant about letting them through. Zane did a respectful bow and began to introduce himself to show he meant no harm, but all he got was the bow pointed at him. Lloyd began to beg Brad to put the bow down, but was cut off by a mighty voice calmly telling him to stand down. The group watched in awe as a man walked beside Brad. His messy silver hair reached halfway down his back, and his eyes were an astounding swirl of green and purple. Like Lloyd and Brad, he too was decorated in paint. Though, his markings had a lot of purple ones mixed in; as a posed to the others who had only shades of green. The green ninja lit up as he ran out and embraced the older man. "Father!!"

The man hugged him back; stern demeanor slowly melting away for a moment. It slowly returned however when he commanded Brad to let them be. He called them guests, and that seemed to annoy him, because he ran off without another word.
Garmadon looked around at the leaders with a hint of confusion. "I take it that you five are the leaders of your tribes?"

The group nodded and they began to introduce themselves. Garmadon still looked slightly confused though.

"Father." Lloyd spoke up. "The previous elemental masters you had told me to find were killed last time the Fire Tribe attacked. These are their children. They've taken on the duty of leadership, and I've seen them fight... they're amazing, I promise you."