❛𝖨𝗇 𝖺 𝖿𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘭.
𝖠𝗋𝗈𝗎𝗇𝖽 𝖾𝖺𝖼𝗁 𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋, 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘵.❜
In the bustling streets of Ninjago City, amidst the swirl of colorful banners and the chatter of vendors, Lloyd and Saya's friendship blossomed f...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
The Kabuki served the remaining fighters food.
"Try the horned wasp eggs, dear. Delicious!" Chen bragged.
"Only one person can call me that." Saya grumbled, leaning closer to Garmadon, who put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"I think she'll pass." Lloyd denied the food for her.
"Oh, lighten up, Green Ninja. This isn't a trick. This is a feast to celebrate the nine of you making it to the second round."
Saya started daydreaming at some point and missed most of the ninja's conversation, like Nya being undercover on the island.
-
"Like I said, I ain't joining your little alliance. I'm gunning for that staff." Shade argued.
"This isn't about an alliance. This is about finding out who the spy is. No one leaves this room until we find out who is passing information to Chen." Lloyd replied, fixing him with a look.
"Can you stop behaving like a child for a moment." Saya inserted, for the first time they all were in the room. "It's not really helpful."
Shade turned to her. "And how do we know that you're not the spy?" He assessed her. "Her silence is conspicuous; can we be certain she isn't the origin of this."
Saya froze for a moment, anger rushing through her, whereas Lloyd's jaw clenched, his expression turned steely, the accusation striking a nerve within him.
With a calm but firm demeanor, Lloyd stepped forward, standing tall beside Saya. His voice, filled with unwavering determination, cut through the tension in the air. "She's not defined by such accusation. Don't judge her based on misconceptions."
Though visibly angered by the unjust accusation against Saya, Lloyd maintained his composure, choosing to defend her with words that echoed his staunch belief in her character. His protective stance spoke volumes, reflecting his loyalty and unwavering support for Saya, regardless of the misunderstandings others might harbor.
Saya felt a rush of gratitude and admiration for Lloyd as he stood up for her. Despite feeling hurt by the harsh words, she was touched by his protective stance.
Gently, without a word, Saya reached out and lightly clasped Lloyd's hand, intertwining her fingers with his. It was a silent gesture, a wordless thank-you meant to convey her appreciation and to offer him reassurance. As she held his hand, she sent a subtle message of gratitude and calm, silently urging him to ease the fiery emotions that surged within him.
Lloyd's protective aura softened slightly at the touch, feeling the unspoken support from her. Her simple gesture served as a calming anchor amidst the storm of emotions, reminding him that they stood together, united against the world, if they must. Their entwined hands spoke volumes, echoing their unbreakable bond and mutual support, a silent promise to face challenges together, no matter what.
"Back off." Jay also interjected, protective of Saya. "You should think before you say such bullshit." Kai right behind him, supporting his friend.
Garmadon was proud how they protected each other. "Enough. Everyone who's ever worked for Chen has the Anacondrai tattoo on their back. Find the tattoo, find the spy." He explained, trying to dispose the tense air.
"Anyone object?"
No answer.
"Good."
The ninja checked everyone, but Shade and Skylor. "Well, only two left."
Kai went to Skylor. "Uh, I hate to do this, but it's your turn. Can I see your back, please?"
"How could you not trust me? I came to you with the fortune cookie—" She claimed, offended.
"—I'm sorry, but we have to know."
"Wait. Where'd Shadow go?" The green ninja interrupted.
"He disappeared through his own shadow." Jay noted.
"I ain't your spy, and I ain't your friend either. That staff will be mine," was the last thing he said before disappearing. Lloyd tried to use his energy on him, but a portrait of Kai fell on Jay instead.
"Aah! My leg! Ugh. Get Kai off of me!"
Kai turned to Skylor. "Skylor, look, I'm sorry."
"Don't. And if you still think I'm the spy, watch me walk out that door." She showed him her back without the Anacondrai tattoo.
"Ouch." Saya commented.
"What happened to our alliance?" Jay probed.
"What alliance?"
-
Alone in the solace of Lloyd's room, the weight of the earlier confrontation lingered, casting a shadow over the tranquility of the space. Lloyd, his protective instincts still ignited from defending Saya, approached her with a mixture of concern and tenderness, his gaze fixed on her.
"Saya," he began softly, "Don't listen to him, okay?" His voice was laced with genuine concern as he took a seat beside her.
Saya's eyes met his, finding solace in his caring demeanor. "I'm alright, Lloyd. Your support means the world to me. Thank you for standing up for me."
However, Lloyd's protective nature wouldn't allow him to settle with her reassurance alone. He reached out, tenderly brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, his touch filled with warmth and concern. "I just want to make sure you're not upset or hurt. If there's anything I can do..."
Saya smiled, appreciating his loving gestures. She leaned into his comforting touch, feeling the depth of his caring nature. "Your presence alone makes everything better," she confessed softly, feeling the comfort of being cared for by someone who understood her so deeply.
Lloyd's protective instincts persisted as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her gently into a comforting embrace. His protective stance softened into a warm and supportive presence, conveying a silent promise to shield her from any harm, physical or emotional, while providing a safe haven within his embrace.
