I cut through the air with my fans, letting anger completely take over my action. Ever since my idiot siblings decided to harass me with their elemental weapons, I’ve stopped talking to them entirely. I can’t waste my time with them. They’ve caused enough trouble. Especially after everything I’ve gone through.

I breathe heavily, taking a momentary break. As much as I hate taking breaks, I know have to because my child body can only handle so much.

Stupid tiny body.

But, of course, a memory decides to slither its way into my mind.

I gotta say, I hate when it does that.

~

"Get out! I don't want to see any of you anymore! Leave me alone! I'm never forgiving any of you for what you've done! I hate you all!" I shout out angrily at them, throwing one of my fans at them.

Kai barely manages to move out of the way in time as it cuts off some of his hair.

The fan is deep inside of the wall now.

Their eyes widen in terror, staring at me in fear. They quickly scurry out of the room, leaving me alone.

Well, except, I wasn’t alone.

Zane stands by my doorway, somehow completely unfazed by my attack

We lock eyes with each other as he

slowly approaches me. I watch him carefully, his entire physique completely cool. It makes me nervous really, especially since I can’t read him so trying to figure out his next move is always… hard.

I just try to prepare myself for anything, but, before I know it.

He hugs me.

A warm, gentle, and apologetic hug.

"I'm sorry."

And, as swift as the wind, he’s gone in an instant.

Now, I’m left alone in my room with so many conflicting emotions.

~

I sigh, letting the memory replay once more in my mind. I was really hoping I repressed those emotions so I can keep on being angry at them… Maybe I was too harsh with them... They did do it because they were worried about me… But, still! They had no right to do that! I was still healing over what happened with the snakes and Lloyd… Plus! Sure I can handle the elemental weapons one at a time but not all of them at the damn same time! Though… I should’ve probably talked to them… It’s just so hard… I don’t know why but it is… Sure, Zane and Nya are the easiest to talk to since I’m the closest to them, and yet…

“Damn it! I hate my thoughts!” I shout out angrily.

I shake my head before my thoughts decide to run wild again. I need to keep my head clear if I want to save Lloyd.

I can’t fail.

My stomach growls softly, reminding me that I haven’t eaten yet today. Guess it’s time for my lunch. I sigh because I really don’t want to leave my room. I don’t think I can handle seeing anyone just yet. Plus, I’m just feeling way too lazy to leave my room now.

My stomach growls once more as I groan annoyingly. Why do humans have to eat? I walk over to the door as I swing it open, expecting to find the hallway empty.

Of course, to my terrible luck, Nya’s there with food.

She knows my hunger schedule way too well.

We stare at each other for a moment before she finally speaks up. “Hungry?”

I nod sheepishly, letting her in my room as she hands me the tray of food. We sit down on my bed, letting myself to finally eat after so long. Eating bread for the past two days is nothing compared to Zane’s cooking.

This tastes like the Golden Grasslands.

Nya smiles softly, watching me munching on the food enjoyably. Her smile fades though, knowing that’s not why she really came. “Y/n. We need to talk.”

I immediately stop eating, my anger rushing back to me. “Talk about what?! You guys attacked me with the Golden Weapons! I can take the four ninjas on any day! But, when they have their weapons activated and at the same time?! I could never last!”

“We wanted you to open up to us! You barely even talk to us about these things!”

“If you guys really want me to open up then give me the time I need! I don’t even know when I’ll be ready!”

“Y/n, you’re only a kid still. Even if you’re advanced in almost everything you do, you’re still a child. You’re too young for this kind of mental struggle.”

“How can I even talk to you guys about it when even I don’t understand what’s happening?! Sure, my life is being messed up but it’s not like it matters! Plus! I’m a ninja! Ninja are strong, right?! They don’t have internal problems right?!”

We stare at each other for a few moments before Nya gets off of my bed, kneeling down to my level. "We're only human. You're allowed to have emotions and problems. Everyone is, including ninjas. Look, I may not know exactly what's going on but you can depend on us. We only did that because we're worried about you, and I admit, it's wasn't the best idea, but still. I don't want you to go through something alone especially since I know what it was like going through something alone at your age. You are never alone when with us. So, I’m sorry."

I quickly hug her tightly, taking her by surprise. "You're right… I should've relied on you guys more and talked to you about this. But, I can't. Just not yet. Just give me time please. Besides, I’m just not ready yet."

Nya smiles softly, knowing that somehow she’s gotten through to me. Still, trying to force her to open up so early wasn’t the best idea…

“Sorry again, Y/n.”

I hesitate for a moment as I sigh. “...I forgive you. Can’t stay mad at my favorite sister forever heh.”

“Thanks.” Nya smiles, patting my head before taking her leave.

I smile softly, feeling a lot better already.

Although I do have a lot of things running through my mind, feeling a lot, and trying to make sense of my life, it’s nice knowing I have one less thing to worry about it. Still, that doesn’t mean I’m happy with the boys besides Zane. They have yet to apologize for their actions.

I stare at the crumbs on my plates sighing. I place the plate on my bed before continuing on with my training.

I have to get stronger if I really want to save Lloyd, fix my problems, and hopefully have a normal life for once. Gotta reach my full potential one way or another right?

~

I grab my bottle of water as I begin to quickly drink it with all the desire in the world. I guess it’s finally time to get out of my room for once. I want some dessert! Then maybe I’ll go stop by Sensei’s room. He usually checks up on me so it’s my turn to check up on him!

About to finish my bottle of water, I hear their voices walking down the hallway. I stop for a moment, hearing them get closer and closer to my room.

The moment they reach my door though, all noise immediately stops.

None of us dare to make a sound.

“Keep on walking because I’m in no mood to talk!”

I hear them sigh from behind the door before their footsteps get quieter and quieter. Hearing a door shut, I take that chance to actually go outside of my room and to the kitchen.

I know Cole always has a piece of cake ready to eat whenever he’s craving some. And I’m going to eat it. I haven’t had any of his cake in a while!

~

They start talking about their training regiments. They enter Sensei’s room as Zane talks about push-ups. "Well, every morning I do five hundred push-ups."

Kai scoffs. "Five hundred? Ha, try a thousand."

"Hahaha, I do a thousand and one," Jay laughs.

"What is this, amateur hour? Sounds like my warm-up. Sensei, what does True Potential look like if—" Cole stops speaking, seeing Sensei Wu putting away his old sword. The same one he used to use when training with Garmadon.

Zane quickly bows, along with the other three, apologizing. "Our apologies, Sensei. We've interrupted you."

Sensei Wu sighs as he stands up. "I'm sorry if I've been distant lately. My mind has been elsewhere since Lloyd has gone missing and you’ve all made Y/n stay inside of her room. What can I help you with?"

They cringe a bit before Cole shakes his head. "Sensei, what if we've done enough training? What if we've reached our True Potential? What if we're ready?"

"Hm. You might have reached peak physical condition, but you've yet to reach your inner potential. In each and every one of us, there are obstacles that hold us back. Only when you conquer that fear will your heart be free. Only then will you reach your True Potential. Only then will we have a fighting chance to stop the Serpentine from releasing the Great Devourer." Sensei informs them.

Zane notices something off about Sensei Wu, now curious. "There's more to the Great Devourer than you've led on, isn't there, Sensei?"

"I too have obstacles within my own heart. There's a story I've never told you four. Only Y/n has heard."

~

"Long ago, when I was a young boy, and I were more than brothers. We were the best of friends." Sensei Wu narrates.

~

Jay quickly interrupts his flashback moment. "Wait a minute. Now, I know you two were brothers, but really? The King of Cruelty, the Doer of Destruction, the Captain of Chaos, and you two were friends?"

"Please, no interruptions."

~

Young Wu and Garmadon are seen training outside of the courtyard. The First Spinjitzu Master watches over them while staring at an old photograph of a young woman. He sighs before putting it down, turning his attention to the Golden Weapons.

The two young children smile at each other as they train. But, unfortunately for Wu, he loses his concentration for a moment allowing Garmadon to knock his katana away from him and over the Monastery's wall.

Both of them, knowing their father would be mad, Garmadon tells Wu to get it but he refuses.

"I can't break the rules Garmadon! I don't want to get in trouble!"

"Never put off for tomorrow what must be done today."

And with that, Garmadon is sneaking out of the Monastery to retrieve his brother's sword.

When he spots the sword and reaches for it, however, a snake comes out of nowhere as it bites his hand. The venom quickly seeps into his blood, he collapses onto the ground.

After some time, their father finds Garmadon unconscious and gravely ill. He brings him in quickly, noticing the bite on his hand. The bite of the Great Devourer. The bite can turn even the purest things wicked, and unfortunately, that was the case for the young Garmadon. The venom slithered its way to his heart and corrupted the child. And, even though it took many years for the venom to truly take over him, nothing would ever be the same again.

Wu watches his father tend to Garmadon, but he's struggling against him with all of his might.

"Leave it. Leave me alone. I don't need you. I hate you!"

The First Spinjitzu Master tries to calm down his son but's no use. It's beginning to take effect.

“How did she even do it?...” Their father mumbles.

"Aah! It hurts! It's all Wu's fault!"

Wu sees his brother's eyes turn red, frightening him before he running off to his room.

~

"It is the snake that took my brother away from me," Sensei Wu finishes his story.

"So the Great Devourer turned your brother into the Dark Lord?" Kai asks.

"It was all my fault. You five have finished your training. You must now focus on stopping Pythor from collecting the Fangblades. But never lose focus on the obstacles that lie within each of your hearts that hold you back from true greatness. Unlock your True Potential. And currently, a big and obvious obstacle is the fact that you all have yet to made up with y/n"

They all sigh, knowing it's true. Only Zane has really attempted to reach out to her but other than that, it's been silent. It won't be an easy rode to forgiveness after all. Not at all.

Zane looks at Sensei. "But how are we supposed to do that, Sensei?"

"It is up to each of you to discover a way to make it up to her and from there, unlock your full potential. Now I must go on a personal journey of my own."

"Where are you going?" Jay quickly asks.

"To a place, you cannot follow."

Cole quickly interjects. "If you're going for Lloyd, the City of Ouroboros is filled with hundreds of Serpentine. You'll never do it alone."

"I am going to find someone who can be of aid. The Serpentine has united and grown stronger and we will need all the help we can get."

~

I hear footsteps outside of the kitchen, leaving me in confusion. I step into the hallway, seeing everyone walking up deck with Sensei Wu.

Cole sees me as he sighs. “Sensei Wu’s leaving.”

...

“What?!"

~

I stare at Sensei Wu, saying his goodbyes to everyone. I would be lying if I wasn’t devastated. Tears form in my eyes as he stands in front of me, trying so hard not to break down.

He kneels down to my level, giving me a soft smile. “I’ll be back soon Y/n.”

“Are you sure I can’t come with you?”

“I’m sure, you’ll be okay with them.”

I hug him tightly, a few tears slip out. Not having Sensei Wu around for a while just feels wrong… I’ve never been without him and now. It feels strange. I hate it.

We eventually let go of each other, smiling at all of us. He soon walks away from all of us, down the mountain eventually disappearing behind some rocks.

We stay silent for a few moments before I feel someone touch my shoulder. I quickly wipe away my tears turning to the person behind me.

Zane.

I sigh, feeling unbothered by everything. Everyone stares at the two of us, wondering what's going to happen.

He finally speaks up.

"Although you're mad at us, and Sensei Wu’s gone now, you can always talk to us. At the very least, to me. Orphans gotta stick together, right?"

...

I look away from him, sighing. "Right."

~

Somehow, we ended up in a small village hanging up posters for the missing Fangblades. I’m not sure if this is an incredibly smart or stupid idea. Still, I can’t believe they forced me to come with them! It’s bad enough I have bangs, but now being forced to do this with them?! I can stay calm with Nya and Zane but with the other three?! Just my luck.

"This is a stupid idea. I hope you all know that,” I say as Zane agrees with me.

"You two have any better ideas?" Cole asks.

Jay, trying to be an optimist, says, "Hey, maybe Sensei is gonna go get the Samurai for help."

Kai interjects. "The Samurai? I'm sure she's—"

Nya and I quickly glare at him as we shake our heads, basically telling him to stop talking.

"I mean, he's busy looking for the Fangblades as well."

"Uh, is everything all right?" Cole asks Kai.

"Yeah, yeah. Why wouldn't it be?"

"One hundred percent. We're not hiding anything." Nya adds in nervously.

I facepalm mentally. I knew the Smith siblings were bad liars, but I didn’t realize they were this bad! Spinjitzu, I just want to go back to my room because being with them all for so long feels… strange. As much as I love that they care, they went about it the completely wrong way. I still can’t believe Jay was the one who came up with it!

I sigh.

Whatever... It doesn't matter anymore. When did life become so complicated?... Damn it! Lloyd what did you do to me? I-

I hear some papers fall onto the ground, interrupting my thoughts. I turn to the origins, finding Zane looking at something.

Is he- Wait.

I follow his line of eyesight, seeing the infamous falcon.

“The falcon…”

Jay notices the papers on the floor, turning his attention to the white ninja. "Zane, what's the deal?"

Zane points towards the Falcon as everyone looks at it surprised. "Ah! It's the Falcon! Oh, my gosh! Every time we follow it, it leads us to good fortune!"

We all get serious, knowing we’re about to go on another mission.

Kai turns to Nya. “Head back to the Bounty and wait till you hear from us."

"But where are you going? What about Y/n?" Nya asks.

"We're gonna follow the bird. Who knows, it could lead us to the first Fangblade! As for y/n." Kai scoops me up from my spot and starts following the Falcon with everyone else. "Cya sis!"

"Kai! Let me go! Right now! I'm going to rip off your hair!"

~

Luckily, Zane’s the one who’s carrying me now after I attempted to pull out some of Kai’s hair. But, we’ve been running for hours and the terrain we’re on, we can’t exactly their Golden Weapon’s vehicles. So, they’re getting tired from running easily.

I hear Jay panting as we all turn to him.

"Keep going. I'll...I'll catch up later."

We look at each other in concern before nodding and continuing on.

He always did have the lowest amount of stamina.

~

As we keep on running through a different terrain, Cole is the next one to take a break.

"I'm good. Just...just taking a breather. Uh, I'll meet up with you shortly."

We nods before continuing on. We can’t afford to lose the falcon now.

~

Finally, we reach a winter terrain as Kai pants heavily. "Good thing...we're in… peak… physical… condition. Gosh, that bird just keeps going."

That’s when he notices a sign in front of us, trying to read it. "Hey, what do you two make of this?"

Zane only is able to read out some parts of the sign. "I am not familiar with a Treehorn."

"It's some sort of warning for treehorns?" I say.

"It's probably just some wild squirrels, heh. Well, don't lose him. I'll wait for the other guys to catch up," Kai tells us as he sits down.

We nod before continuing on, deeper into the winter forest. The falcon sure is taking us far.

And then there were two.

~

I look around the Winter Forest, in complete awe over the scenery.

Zane notices my better mood, using the opportunity to talk to me. "It's beautiful, right?"

"It really is... I wonder why the falcon brought us here of all places though."

"That I do not know the answer of just yet. But, I'm sure our feathered friend will take us to the place soon."

We stay silent for a few minutes before he speaks up once more.

"I’m sorry for what happened you know. I should've known that the plan wasn’t a good idea. You can only handle so much after all. I'm worried about you. And that goes for everyone else too. We simply want you back to your old self. I can't speak for our brothers, but I can speak for myself. I'm sorry."

I stay silent for a few moments contemplating his apology. Finally, I speak up. "I… I accept you're apology. Yeah, I know you guys are worried about me. It’s just that this is all new to me and before, it wasn’t all so complicated. Just give me some time until I can fully talk to everyone about everything please… And thanks."

Zane smiles softly, nodding in understandment. I smile, knowing that little by little things will hopefully get back to normal.

We keep on following the falcon as it takes us down deeper into the forest. But, suddenly, it stops flying midair as it plummets to the snowy ground.

Our eyes widen as we see it twitch violently. Zane puts me down before making sure I’m behind him and carefully approach the bird. It twitches more, sparks comes out of it crazily. That's when everything clicks.

"The bird's a robot..." We say at the same time.

I walk over to the bird as I pick it up and study it carefully. Zane walks to my side, getting ready to study it as well, but he hears something coming from behind us.

"Intruder! Intruder! Prepare to be terminated!" A giant robot shouts out, armed and ready, approaching us quickly.

"Y/n! Move!”