Ninjago: Hidden Secrets

Separated

     I walked along the treehouse absentmindedly, noticing out of the corner of my eyes the Hypnobrai working about on building what Lloyd had explained to me a 'treehouse'. It was weird, to say the least; a house up in the trees. I've never heard of them. Truthfully I don't really know many things. Only two things: Always keep moving and, most importantly, don't trust anyone. Lloyd was an exception, however. I felt like I could trust him. But that might be because he helped me out at Jamanakai village and now I have nowhere to go. Not like the second reason was any different though.
     As I rounded a corner I heard two voices speaking. One, I realized, belonged to a Serpentine named Scales. I decided to listen in on their conversation. Gathering information had become a habit of mine over the years. It helped me out a lot when trying to find my way around.  

"I can't believe you hypnotized one of the ninja! Does the General know?"

"Of course not!" Scales hissed, "He's been put under the control of Lloyd! And I plan to use it for my best interest."

Well that's only half true: Technically Lloyd didn't hypnotize him, he (the general) did it to himself. I heard another snake come in as he spoke in an authorizing tone, "Everyone works while you two slack. Get to work!"

"Yes, general. But, sir, you know I am most loyal to you, but I must question this childish agenda. The ninja have stolen our staff, and yet, you instruct your army to construct this playhouse for Lloyd? he said, his voice hinting slight venom. "Snakes don't belong in trees."

"You know better than to question my judgement, Scales." Slithraa said in a harsh voice. "I'll pretend you didn't ask."

I didn't get to hear the rest of the conversation as Lloyd yelled from below on an elevator, "Hey! If we plan to rule Ninjago from here then this elevator needs a trapdoor! I want more booby-traps!"

"As you wish, young Garmadon." I peeked out and saw the general waving off Scales to go and work as he replied with an icy tone, "As you wish, General."

I hid in the room behind me as he walked by. That was close--

"Hey Ayata!"

I nearly jumped when Lloyd called me out. "What' cha doin?"

I quickly composed myself, "Nothin' much; just watching. What about you? You seem pretty happy about this treehouse of yours."

He immediately lit up at my sentence, practically cheering every word out. "Yeah! It's really cool isn't it! Nothing you've ever seen before, I bet."

"Yeah," I said nonchalantly. Actually it's the first treehouse I've ever seen. I wouldn't tell him that though; he's just start asking a bunch of questions why. "Looks like it's getting late."

I looked out the window and saw that Lloyd was correct. The sun was setting, bathing the once-blue sky in a mixture of pink, orange and yellow. It was actually really pretty. I was snapped out of my thoughts when a hand clapped in front of my face along with Lloyd yelling my name. "Ayata! I've been saying your name for a while, are you ok?"

I shrugged as I turned to face him. "Yeah...." His face held a sort of confusion but it left as soon  as it had came. "Hey, it's turning dark; let's try and find a place to sleep." he said, grabbing my hand and leading me around the treehouse to find a vacant spot. Sadly, the only space not occupied by the Hypnobrai was the roof. At least it wasn't raining. There wasn't even a single cloud, revealing the twinkling stars lighting up the twilight sky. Only the full moon rivaled the stars as it shone brighter than any.

Though it wasn't that dark, it was a tad chilly; but nothing I couldn't handle. I lied down and was about to fall asleep when Lloyd gently shook me. "Um...Ayata...."