#ice prince zane au

[amarioe]

Just some miscellaneous Ninjago TIP au and Red Son stuff i drew!

[feliks-grayscayl]

some ninjago fic recommendations i have

I've been writing down ninjago fics on ao3 in my notes app and i might as well post them here. there is about 75 of them as of now idk

i will be adding as i read

NO LLORUMI OR LLOYD X NINJA

some of these you'll need an ao3 acc to access

‌"Meet Again" by northpen - Zane and Cole can't die. They can be killed but not die of natural causes. 3000 years into the future they meet their friends again [this fic left me in shambles for a few days in the best way possible] (https://archiveofourown.org/works/12308709/chapters/27981705…)

‌"The Grass is Always Greener" by Sunnylighter - pre-tea Lloyd switches places with post-movie Lloyd, now show!ninja and movie!Lloyd have to find a way to the movieverse; a lot of references to different media along the way (https://archiveofourown.org/works/18779539/chapters/44553559…)

‌"If you could date any of the ninja, which one would you date?" by Pyr0_Kat - movieverse pre-movie, the exact question gets asked during a class (https://archiveofourown.org/works/13661316#main…)

‌"Green Empathy" by Nation_Ustria - movieverse 3 oneshots series pre-movie and pre identities reveal, Lloyd Garmadon is both the Green Ninja and the most hated person in Ninjago City and also an empath (https://archiveofourown.org/series/2178393)

"Visionary" by K1ngtok1 - the ninja are forced to see, spectate the events that blocked their Full Potentials. They talk it out (https://archiveofourown.org/works/38732838/chapters/96844887…)

"Those Linked By Destiny" by Leonardo_Charles_BlueWood_21 - movieverse, how the ninja met even before they were ninja (https://archiveofourown.org/works/26303986/chapters/64045669…)

"Unfamiliar With What's Not Mine" by AlexaAffect - after Tomorrow's Tea Lloyd feels like his body isn't his anymore. Kai helps him see it is; brotherly feels (https://archiveofourown.org/works/37520761)

"An Impromptu Little Brother" by Leonardo_Charles_BlueWood_21 - set in s1, Kai decides to become lil Lloyd's big brother (https://archiveofourown.org/works/26238865)

"A Strange Bet" by ilovelegendsalot - the ninja make the bet that whoever finds out the samurai x's identity is the Green Ninja. While staying at the Bounty with Nya, Lloyd starts to notice a few things (https://archiveofourown.org/works/15715200)

‌"The Sun Rises Every Single Night" by Fabro-de-omres (Fabro) - time travel, post s6 Lloyd lands in s2 time (https://archiveofourown.org/works/28530306/chapters/69911859…)

"Ruler From Another Realm" by CyberSearcher -Nice Ice Emperor AU, when Zane lands in the Never Realm he doesn't immediately find and try to repair the mech, instead he finds a village (https://archiveofourown.org/works/23239126/chapters/55643689…)

‌"Land Of The Living" and "Shores of Restless Souls" by CaptainBrookeworm - Morro is brought back to life by a scientist using Lloyd's energy; eventual cousins vibes; Morro redemption with Lloyd and the team (https://archiveofourown.org/series/2524495)

‌"Prodigal Prince" by TeuthidaRegina - movie verse au, Lloyd lives with his father. Has hybrid features but can shift into a human form. As Lloyd he's a feared warlord in the making, son of Garmadon. As Green he's Ninjago's greatest hero and protector. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/41470281/chapters/103999554…)

‌"Reference Letters" by Fabro-de-omres (Fabro) - movieverse pre-movie - Kai is tasked by Green to find someone who could join the Ninja Force. He thinks Lloyd is a perfect candidate (https://archiveofourown.org/works/41823636)

"You Give Me The Strength I Need (To Cry)" by fruitcasket & "And there you were" by Cherry_dynamite - we touch on Lloyd's trauma and him seeing Kai as a father figure (https://archiveofourown.org/works/35553694/chapters/88633630…) (https://archiveofourown.org/works/39483225/chapters/98822580…)

"Secret Flame" by ObsessedBee - college au, no powers, everyone is human, lavashipping getting together; **warning for sexual themes** (https://archiveofourown.org/works/31559843/chapters/78080618…)

"Fear and Loathing" by ObsessedBee - series of one shots to "Secret Flame", the main 7's problems, bad habits and traumas and them sorta dealing with them; **mind the warnings** (https://archiveofourown.org/works/38156269/chapters/95323741…)

"Just a Little Bit Before" by Evil_Potato Ninja - Morro is back as a ghost before s1 and finds lil Lloyd living on the streets; green cousins (https://archiveofourown.org/works/44882287/chapters/112927045…)

"forget-me-not" by lloydenthusiast - greenflowershipping one shot, after 10 years they meet again (https://archiveofourown.org/works/45058972)

‌"marigold" by lloydenthusiast - greenflowershipping, probably post crystalized, Lloyd struggles with a lot, he and Brad meet by accident. They both struggle with a lot; **mind the warnings** (https://archiveofourown.org/works/45814168/chapters/115296334…)

‌"Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die" by BumblebeeEnby - Morro centric, eventual citrusshipping, he's brought back but literally into his own skeleton; Morro redemption (https://archiveofourown.org/works/29320173/chapters/72007536…)

"Taking Shape, Letting Go" by BumblebeeEnby - set after "Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die", having discovered his dragoni origin Lloyd's body starts suddenly changing (https://archiveofourown.org/works/46434775)

"Way of the 21st century ninja", sequel "Born to be a 21st century ninja" and other works in series "The Surprising Life of Jesse Marvel" and "Legacy Sidestories" by weekend-whip (nightbreakers) - all are mix of show and movie verses, canon rewrite with attention to a lot of minor things and very interesting concepts expanded upon, Jesse is an oc however he fits into the story amazingly (https://archiveofourown.org/works/28742124/chapters/70476210…) (https://archiveofourown.org/works/34013053/chapters/84598372…) (https://archiveofourown.org/series/2946552) (https://archiveofourown.org/series/3113685)

"Undo the Golden" by GigglingAsIfIdidntWriteThis - crystalized ended BADLY and Lloyd managed to go back in time to the beginning of s1 to try and save everyone including himself (https://archiveofourown.org/works/45778291/chapters/115202566…)

"The Color of Glory" by banannamuffin - AU, Lloyd is an orphan in the foster system where he meets Harumi who he now sees as a sister. Then he finds out he's supposed to be the Green Ninja and that a group called Sons of Garmadon is on the rise (https://archiveofourown.org/works/44138211/chapters/110989083…)

"On the Outside" by SunflowerAro - set in early s1, lil Lloyd doesn't trust the ninja he has to live with. Slowly that trust is built and traumas acknowledged (https://archiveofourown.org/works/44929669/chapters/113050273…)

‌"All of Their Interests" by ilovelegendsalot - ninja bonding with lil Lloyd over things they enjoy (https://archiveofourown.org/works/18958873/chapters/45014614#workskin…)

"All the work, None of the money" by SirShroomie - short, kai-centric, we delve a bit more into his life and struggles before he became a ninja (https://archiveofourown.org/works/42818652/chapters/107565903…)

"Five Times Everyone Thought The Green Ninja Was Dating Lloyd Garmadon" by Anonymous - movie fic, secret identities au, exactly what the title says (https://archiveofourown.org/works/44554888)

"Lloyd Gets a Ransom Note" by BumblebeeEnby - post crystalized, Lloyd gets "invited" to a dinner with his dad and Vinny; survivalshipping (https://archiveofourown.org/works/45267544)

‌"we've all got scars" by brainrotprofessional - short Lloyd and Kai brothers trans interaction (https://archiveofourown.org/works/45679432)

"Shogun: Becoming" by NickelWick - instead of Zane being sent to the Never-Realm, Kai is sent into the movieverse (https://archiveofourown.org/works/44418760/chapters/111722089…)

"Enchanted Opportunities" by Arco_Harrison03 - if marrying a Djinn gives him unlimited wishes, what happens to you when you kill one? (https://archiveofourown.org/works/42570066/chapters/106927911…)

‌"Thank You, For Giving Me Wings" by weekend-whip (nightbreakers) - Wu POV of how he's come to see the ninja as his kids and they him as their father figure (https://archiveofourown.org/works/39650496/chapters/99260295…)

‌"Say You Won't Let Go" by orphan_account - as Jaya wedding gets close everyone tries to get Kai and Cole together bc apparently they don't know they love each other and everyone else does; lavashipping (https://archiveofourown.org/works/18606391/chapters/44112619…)

"We Saved Each Other" by orphan_account - continuation of "Say You Won't Let Go" but about a year later. now it's Cole's time to ask the question; lavashipping (https://archiveofourown.org/works/19191547)

‌"Everybody Talks Too Much" by letters_from_elwind - lavashipping one-shot taking place in s8 together with the scene where Cole sings but it's "Everybody Talks" instead (https://archiveofourown.org/works/38946051#main…)

"Everhearth" by Butterpony100 - takes place after Nya is brought back but the Crystal King doesn't happen; seabound Kai au with lavashipping (https://archiveofourown.org/works/42634206/chapters/107094609…)

"The Rights Of A Nindroid" by Anonymous - what if after Dr Julien's death, the government considered Zane its legal property, he's a robot afterall; **mind the warnings** + with a sequel (https://archiveofourown.org/works/28669479/chapters/70281465…)

"just the two of us (we can make it if we try)" by writing_hat - lavashipping fic, pre and post s7, two pining idiots; **mild sexual content** (https://archiveofourown.org/works/47800510?view_adult=true#main…)

‌"The little things" by newtlovesyouso - lil Lloyd starting to trust the ninja as he lives with them. Should be early s1 but the small events indicating the timeline are all over the place, still very much readable; background lavashipping pining (https://archiveofourown.org/works/44529601/chapters/116416195#main…)

"Would You Like To Enter Stardust?" by AureAllegories - what if Jay became part of Prime Empire upon entering it? minor bruiseshipping (https://archiveofourown.org/works/37798150/chapters/94374718…)

‌"Play to Win" by sadisthetic - s6 oneshot, what if after Cole, Lloyd and Nya are caught, instead of having them walk the plank, Nadakhan decides on another round of Scrap-N-Tap (https://archiveofourown.org/works/46263796#main…)

‌"Son of Garmadon" by orphan_account - movieverse au, Lloyd was raised by his father who has now captured the ninja and left Lloyd in charge of them (https://archiveofourown.org/works/18226388#main…)

"Cool Down" by Leonardo_Charles_BlueWood_21 - Kai's emotions are tied to his powers, Zane helps him cool down with hugs (https://archiveofourown.org/works/25916767#main…)

"Echoes of a Broken World" by Stargaze_Sunflower - a few weeks after s6 the ninja find out about the erased timeline (https://archiveofourown.org/works/29410818/chapters/72252897…)

"Little Brother" by SummerStormFlower - s1 Lloyd learns that he's loved and wanted (https://archiveofourown.org/works/22261093#main…)

"Home Is Where You Are" by lloydshoulddyehishair - movieverse pre-movie oneshot, Morro helps his cousin after he got stabbed (https://archiveofourown.org/works/29490180#main…)

‌"The Master of Fire and the Cold Don’t Mix Well" by Nation_Ustria - a series of oneshots of what the title says (https://archiveofourown.org/series/2154861)

"late night bathroom sibling therapy" by YouAreDeadRetry - s1 trans Lloyd, Kai catches him cutting his hair and decides to help out gaining a lil brother in the process (https://archiveofourown.org/works/28855188#main…)

"Oh, can I be your Bibilly Hills?" by Fabro-de-omres (Fabro) - movieverse pre-movie, after finding out that their leader is Lloyd and seeing the bullying up close, the ninja decide to make a surprise blanket fort for Lloyd (https://archiveofourown.org/works/27822187#main…)

‌"And the Vocab Word of the Day Is..." by fishoutofcamelot - early s1 before Zane regained his memory but with Lloyd living with the ninja, someone taught Zane how to swear (it's a funny oneshot) (https://archiveofourown.org/works/36502231#main…)

"Devil's Horns" by TeuthidaRegina - au and sorta rewrite of s10, the cloud has a bit of an effect on Lloyd and his oni traits start showing; background survivalshipping + with a sequel (https://archiveofourown.org/works/38756427/chapters/96906630…)

"The Not-So-Warm Winters." by JayJay_07936 - short oneshot of everyone cuddling up to Kai on a cold winter night; some lavashipping (https://archiveofourown.org/works/33884434)

"Four Nights, Three Crushes, One Bed, what else do you need" by fizzysugarwrites - polyninja, jay pov; the title is pretty explainatory (https://archiveofourown.org/works/25866772/chapters/62850451…)

"Masking and Unmasking" by HelloThere3306 - movieverse, Lloyd accidentally loses his mask during a fight and the team finds out his identity. He runs (https://archiveofourown.org/works/42865698#main…)

"Kind" by Leonardo_Charles_BlueWood_21 - movieverse au, the words people think about you appear on your skin, Lloyd decides to do some good with that (https://archiveofourown.org/works/26722576)

"Look what you’ve done // Fucked up, hope you’re proud" by Just_ATrigger - Sora blames herself for creating the Photac. Lloyd talks to her (https://archiveofourown.org/works/47996062#main…)

‌"Real Life" by Anonymous - Sora is curious about Zane and asks some questions which make the other ninja worried; master of tech and a guy made of tech? yeah (https://archiveofourown.org/works/47781802/chapters/120452491…)

‌"There's Always Tomorro" by Leonardo_Charles_BlueWood_21 - Morro redemption fic (a lil Morro apologist vibe? might just be me. still a good read), Morro living with the ninja after s5 and slowly becoming part of the family (https://archiveofourown.org/works/27635941/chapters/67617703#workskin…)

‌"she was my sister before she was your lover" by SeraStars - set at the very beginning of s15; Kai tries to help still mourning Jay and push his own grief away but eventually snaps (https://archiveofourown.org/works/39271809#main…)

"Piggyback" by Echo_K - Kai gives Lloyd a piggyback ride to a candy stash to cheer him up, first after he finds out he's the Green Ninja and second after they put Garmadon in Kryptarium (https://archiveofourown.org/works/36230257#main…)

"lloyd garmadon discovers the ninja's inability to bargain with vendors" by sanology - exactly what the title says with some RG brothers (https://archiveofourown.org/works/39982485)

"lloyd garmadon makes kai smith cry on his birthday" by sanology - exactly what the title says with some RGB siblings and found family (https://archiveofourown.org/works/40838994)

‌"69 boughs of mistletoe on the wall" by lloydenthusiast - polyninja; Lloyd is tired of the ninja dancing around each other so he buys some mistletoe (https://archiveofourown.org/works/36942319#main…)

‌"The Candy Aisle" by VioletPixels - lil Lloyd gets lost in the store looking for the candy aisle and the panic ensures (https://archiveofourown.org/works/32092543#main…)

"The Idiots' Guide to Not Despising Your Cousin" by lloydskywalkers - green cousins go for a road trip (https://archiveofourown.org/works/24932815#main…)

‌"All the Little Things" by IAmStoryteller - a few drabbles of Kai being Nya's parent; mostly set before canon (https://archiveofourown.org/works/22992283/chapters/54970162…)

‌"The Skirt" by Spinchip (Thatkindghost) - Zane would love to wear a skirt but boys are not supposed to wear girl clothes, right?; gnc Zane oneshot (https://archiveofourown.org/works/30447384#main…)

"Stormbound" by Taddy_Maesson - post s15, sorta Seabound Jay AU; Jay hears the call of the storm and decides to follow it, however, doing so has its own consequences (https://archiveofourown.org/works/44427397/chapters/111745534…)

‌"the flames in the hearth" by sanology - post s7; the ninja get invited over by Ray and Maya who want to spend some time with their kids and their friends, but Kai and Nya are not little anymore and their parents forgetting about it grates on Kai (https://archiveofourown.org/works/39025779#main…)

"Bucket List" by Mattecat - after DotD Morro stayed in Ninjago, after s7 he stumbles onto Kai who lets him possess him for 2 weeks so he can live a life he didn't get to when he was alive (https://archiveofourown.org/works/18925009/chapters/44928871…)

‌"Days Go By" by thahash - lavashipping, coffee shop au; barista Kai and fashion designer Cole meet after Cole moves to Ninjago City and continues his routine of morning coffee (https://archiveofourown.org/works/47334079/chapters/119270812…)

"Lloyd’s guide to surviving the merge (and finding new family through it)" by BlueberryPeach - Dragons Rising AU where Lloyd met Arin and Sora shortly after the merge,,and kinda adopted them (https://archiveofourown.org/works/48632041/chapters/122672911…)

"you're on your own, kid (yeah you can face this)" by chaniinobu - the 5 times lloyd got sick and didn't ask for help and the 1 time he did (https://archiveofourown.org/works/48855328)

"Tend to the Flame (Lavashipping)" by Pieris_rapae - series, pirates and mermaids au; after his encounter with a pirate named Cole who steals and loses Kai's (a merman in the hiding) pendant, he, together with some others, ends up on a pirate ship (https://archiveofourown.org/series/3627736)

"Autopilot" by swordofsanctuary - greenflower, Brad and Lloyd finally manage to meet up again. Brad asks Lloyd for some help

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/46044562/chapters/115905625)

"King's Gambit" by shoepermario - citrusshipping, Echo finds half dead (even more?) Morro post s5. With no one else in the lighthouse they become close

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/46453207/chapters/116962000)

"The Struggles of having an Alter Ego" by ladc70_2003 - movieverse, the ninja don't know each other's identities and sometimes that might lead to a few problems. Delves into every ninja's life and their issues

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/39497796/chapters/98859363)

"Coinverse" by Mattecat - a series, after getting resurrected by Lloyd, Morro is given into Borg's care. It's a free child to adopt

(https://archiveofourown.org/series/1062602)

"Morro's Spooky Cafe" by coa_trees - movieverse au, Lloyd and his friends are regulars in Morro's cafe. He starts to care for the kids. Unfortunately they're also the ninja

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/48071317/chapters/121213048)

"Starlight, Heritage, and Stupid Self-Sacrificing Humans" by WritingMadness13 - Lloyd, Arin and Sora end up in season 9 Ninjago

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/49201786/chapters/124146586)

"i'm scared cause it means / i'm a little bit soft" by shoepermario - citrusshipping drabbles

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/51316885/chapters/129664270)

"Got Room For One More?" by kooki18 - polyninja, after getting into a fight at his new school Kai is sent to help out at a ranch for the summer to avoid suspension. Too bad he falls for 3 other guys there who are already in a relationship

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/46583272/chapters/117307066)

"moonlit mugs and tacit love" by holographicknife - lavashipping, a two-shot of the two ninja pining and then being an adorable old couple

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/39431094/chapters/98685285#workskin)

"No Wu AU" by IdkWhereIAmWhatAmIDoing - the ninja found each other by pure coincidence (and Lloyd in a trash can) without Wu, they also found out they have powers. Quite a rewrite fic

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/42440016/chapters/106583067)

"Post-Crystallized Sillies" by shoepermario - post-crystalized, one shots focused on Harumi, Echo (Mr E) and Morro (sorta set in an au?, check out @ataraxixx love his take on the papaja trio)

(https://archiveofourown.org/series/3769057)

"A Dance" by GravyHoney (@gravyhoney ) - bumblebeeshipping, while Arin makes a list of things for Percival to do after Beatrix's defeat, he decides that dancing is a pretty good start

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/51849733)

"look to the rising sun" by stars_brownies_and_metaphors - Arin and Sora chat and some coming out happens

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/47611363)

"cold nights and starlight" by stars_brownies_and_metaphors - Lloyd and Sora have a discussion about some habits current and past; **discussion of sh, mind the warnings**

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/47811133)

"Ice Skating" by phantombasketofmuffins (@phantombasketofmuffins ) - bumblebeeshipping, short oneshot of Arin and Percy ice skating :3

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/51944410)

"Hoodie stealin'" by RoseLock22 (@roselock22 ) - bumblebeeshipping, oneshot; Arin can't find his hoodie and calls Percy to see if maybe he knows where it went

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/51977005)

"The Junkyard" by citrus_stoner - oneshot; after Jay and Nya go to see a movie while visiting Ed and Edna, Ed and Kai talk, set after s1

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/52226914)

"May I request him by my side?" by Tensoserensei - greenflowershipping oneshot; the ninja are invited to a fancy party, Lloyd finds Brad working there as a server and just this once decides to use his status

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/51954877)

"Blue and Green Make Aquamarine" by Finn_M_Corvex - greenflowershipping oneshot; Lloyd tries to figure out what to gift Brad back

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/52597663)

"A song and a spin" by RoseLock22 - bumblebeeshipping oneshot; Percival comes over to the Monastery to help Arin with training. One thing leads to another

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/52487443)

"Dancin'" by RoseLock22 - bumblebeeshipping oneshot; Arin teaches Percy how to dance

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/52737436)

"Starlight, Heritage, and Stupid Self-Sacrificing Humans" by WritingMadness13 - Lloyd, Arin and Sora land in the past during s9

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/49201786/chapters/124146586)

"Permanently Marked" by Tensoserensei - canon divergent, some bumblebeeshipping; Beatrix manages to capture Percival when he was leading the ninja into the resistance hideout. Percy doesn't want the facial markings that would give him a role in Imperium. Too bad that's about to be his punishment for being a traitor

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/53284189/chapters/134845183)

"Sacrificial Jacket" by Tensoserensei - greenflowershipping; Lloyd is hanging out with his old friends from Darkley's when suddenly his period hits. Brad helps out

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/53689999/chapters/135910720)

"Here We Go Again" by Inverse_Me - Cole ends up in the "monastery", a 'last chance' group home for,,special kids with lots of heavy issues **mind the warnings**

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/49937371/chapters/126074998)

"Getting that Couples Discount" by Tensoserensei - greenflowershipping, lavashipping; there's a couples discount in Chen's noodlehouse for Valentines. It stacks up with more couples in the group. But Kai, Cole and Lloyd aren't dating anyone. Fake (?) dating ensures

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/53914618/chapters/136466293)

"What Does it Take for a Hero to Break?" by Blue1Phoenix - oneshot, DR; despite it having been years, trauma from Morro's possession still has some grip on Lloyd. A wrong question from Arin sets it off

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/54227413)

"Wobbly Hearts" by Leonardo_Charles_BlueWood_21 - movieverse soulmates au; Kai doesn't like soulmates. He knows he has three of them but he doesn't need them and they don't need him. High school is hard enough with letters floating off the page and writing anything being an almost impossible task. Too bad the universe doesn't care

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/53062414/chapters/134249821)

"you're on your own, kid (yeah you can face this)" by chaniinobu - the 5 times lloyd got sick and didn't ask for help and the 1 time he did

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/48855328)

"Lloyd after Seabound" by Tensoserensei - series, Lloyd dealing with Nya's sacrifice post-Seabound, eventual greenflowershipping

(https://archiveofourown.org/series/3721519)

"I Still Remember (All the People I Love)" by shoepermario - post-s3, Lloyd is cooking with Sensei Garmadon, it reminds him of Zane

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/53273923#main)

"We were supposed to be training, weren't we?" by RoseLock22 - bumblebeeshipping, boys in love during a break in training

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/55050013)

"Recursion" by shoepermario - s5, Swap AU where instead of Morro possessing Lloyd, Zane gets possessed by a different ghost

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/55143352/chapters/139831132#workskin)

"steadier footing" by cherieflower - movieverse, pre-relationship greenflower; Lloyd is not used to cute boys being nice to him

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/55385479)

[rosewalkersjayaforever]

⚡The Lightning Choice⚡

(Sorry if my English is bad. I am Russian myself, and so I used a translator. Unid and Mina Allison helped me, thanks to them for that. If you liked it, put the like button, it will be very pleasant for me and them)

AU, where Jay merges with his element / lightning instead of Nya in season 14. Possible ❗❗spoilers⚠️

Nya fought with Kalmaar and Wojira, but was defeated, the water master was struck by the Merlopian trident, which caused her to lose consciousness and fly into the water. Jay was the only one who saw what happened to the brunette, the lightning master jumps after her, hopes that he will save her, hopes that she is still alive.

The ninja pulls her out of the water on her hands, climbing higher on the roof, the brown-haired man began to check her pulse:

— No... Nya... please... don't leave me again!.. — almost crying, the lightning master pleaded, the rest of the team, noticing the loss of friends, begin to search, but when they find them, their gaze falls on Nya lying on the roof and Jay mourning her.

— Jay, what happened?! — Kai slowly approaches them, his heartbeat accelerates, his breathing slows down, it becomes harder and harder to speak, fear comes to the fore. — Jay, don't be silent! Please! — Kai wants to hear joyful words, which makes him shake his friend by the shoulders.

— Nya... — with a heavy pain in his heart, Jay begins to speak. — She fought Kalmaar, but lost to him… She was hit by a trident..." — speech slowed down, Jay could not speak calmly.

— Well, don't be silent! Tell me what's wrong with her! — The fire ninja shook him by the shoulders again.

— Nya fell into the water! Jay shouted at him. — I rushed after her and pulled her out... — the voice became quieter.

— Take her inside! Hurry up! Hide the transport! — Wu ordered, running up to the team, without hesitating for a second, the teacher took control of the whole situation. Everyone nodded in agreement, Jay took his Yang in his arms and carefully carried her inside, accompanied by the master, Pixal and Bentho.

— Nya! You can't hide from me! This world doesn't belong to you anymore! He's mine! — Kalmaar shouted from Wojira, tracking them down.

— «How he pisses me off» — Jay's gaze fell on Nya lying on the couch, Benthomaar was looking out the window nearby, the master and Pixal were discussing something aside, only briefly Jay heard his and Nya's name.

***

— How is she? — The fire master asked, approaching Zane.

The nindroid was running diagnostics.

— The condition is serious, but she is stable, now she is unconscious, it is possible that she will wake up soon. — the ice master replied.

That bastard almost killed my sister! He's going to pay for this! — a fire was lit in his hands — I'll kill him myself! — Smith said.

— Hush, Kai, don't get excited, we'll figure out how to deal with Kalmaar, but first we need to help Nya. — Lloyd tried to reason sensibly until Kai lay down next to her.

Looking out the window, Jay saw Benthomaar standing on guard, releasing the girl's hand, he approached him.

— Benthomaar, how did Nyad defeat Wojira? Do you remember what you told us? The brown — haired man asked, which distracted the Prince of Merlopia for a second.

— She sacrificed her body and merged with the sea — the Merlopian replied, sighing heavily, he was not looking at the sea or even Jay, who did not ask a question, his gaze was directed at Nya.

— Merged? But how exactly? — The blue ninja continued to ask with insistence.

— She absorbed all the power of the ocean, she became a part of it, and he became hers! — the brunette also replied coldly, already looking at him. Jay thought about it, Benthomaar quickly figured it out. — Don't even think about it! Although Nyad defeated Wojira, she eventually died… It was a one-way ticket… She disappeared… Forever! — The Merlopian threatened the lightning master, but Jay didn't take it as a threat, it was a challenge.

— «Nyad could not cope with the power of the received force, but I will cope, I will do everything for Nya, for the sake of our future with her!» — Jay no longer listened to Bento, his thoughts were occupied only with a plan that will bring peace to everyone. — «None of my friends are going to die today, only Wojira is going to die!»

— Benthomaar! Zane is calling you — Cole has disrupted their completed dialogue. Nodding, the Merlopian left the boys alone. Seeing the displeased look from his friends, Jay stepped back a little.

— Uh..Is something wrong, guys?.. — The lightning ninja asked them, smiling stupidly, occasionally a chuckle slipped through.

— Jay, we heard about your conversation with Benthomaar... — the second brown-haired man replied.

— And we won't let you do that! — The lightning master's face changed at the same moment. — Don't even think about it! — The brunette continued. Jay became serious.

— You can't stop me from doing that! Perhaps this is the only way to help her! — the winner of the «Prime Empire» rebelled.

— Jay — was just about to start Lloyd.

— What's Jay?! — The lightning ninja was no longer panicking, he was taking out all the pain on his friends.

— Zane said that Nya is stable, she will wake up soon — the blond man slowly approached him.

— Yeah? — Walker said without emotion. — I was there too, if you haven't forgotten, I also heard these predictions ... — the ninja took a pause, gathering his thoughts. — And you know what? These may be her last breaths, I already tried to start her heart, I tried to revive her before you came — the team started listening even more attentively from that moment on. — But I couldn't! She didn't take a single breath, nor did she open her eyes! Nothing happened! Do you understand, Lloyd? She needs to go to the hospital, but they are all flooded, and the only way to revive her without a doctor is to defeat Wojira and Kalmaar! — Jay pointed to the sea outside the window.

— Jay, but this is not the only way! — The master of energy did not believe in these words himself, and Jay only looked at him sadly, nodding.

— You heard what Benthomaar said, didn't you? When Nyad merged with the sea and defeated Wojira, she died! If you do the same, you could die too, Jay! Do you understand that?! — almost shouting ninja fire supported the leader.

— What would you suggest? Do nothing?! And wait for Kalmaar and Wojira to notice us and destroy us?! —Freckles asked.

— Of course not! But maybe there is still another way to defeat them? — The earth ninja asked anxiously.

— I'm listening to your suggestions — Jay said calmly.

— Vania — it dawned on Cole. — She said if we ever needed help, she'd call the whole army to our rescue, and — Zane interrupted him.

— We can't contact Shintaro, not with our situation — the ice ninja looked at his friends with sympathy, Cole just sighed heavily.

— Maybe.. — Lloyd wanted to suggest another option, but was interrupted by Jay.

— Lloyd, admit it... we're powerless here, the only way out is for someone to sacrifice themselves for all of us... — Jay looked around at everyone present. — For the Nya ... — the last words sounded in a barely audible voice that not many people caught. — Nya would have done the same if anyone else had been in her place, each of us can do it — Jay approached Wu. — Master Wu, you taught us to protect Ninjago, to protect those we love — the gaze fell on Zane, who drooped, remembering his self-sacrifice during the time of the Golden Master. — Who we value — my gaze fell on Nya and Kai, who also became sad, remembering how he rescued her from the captivity of skeletons, and then saved Lloyd from a volcano. — You prepared us for this, taught us to look fear in the eye, overcome barriers, be ready for anything — The Master drooped.

— I hoped that this would never happen ... never ... — the master hesitated, lowering his head, realizing that Jay was right a thousand times.

— I understand you, Jay. You're worried about her, just like me, because she's my sister... — Kai stopped, the words touched him to the core. — Maybe you're right, but please don't do this! And in this form, you're not going anywhere, you're tired, it's not you who's talking, but fatigue, why don't you rest? — Kai suggested, hoping to postpone this dialogue at least until tomorrow, to come up with arguments in opposition to this. — After all, tomorrow we will have a hard day — the elder Smith sighed. He nodded in agreement, exchanged glances, Kai and Cole smiled and left, leaving Jay alone.

— «We may not live to see this tomorrow, Kai, it needs to be done today» — Jay replied to himself, clenching his hand into a fist, looking after them. — «Everything will be decided today, and tomorrow we will celebrate another victory and rebuild the city» — his intentions were as unshakeable as his zeal for victory. — «I'll be back, Nya, wait for me» — the ninja headed in a direction known only to him.

The brown-haired man sneaks onto the roof while his friends are considering a plan without self-sacrifice.

— «I hope they won't bother me, forgive me for that» — Jay mentally said goodbye to his friends, jumping into his Sub car, the lightning master turned on full speed and sped off into the depths, leaving friends was a difficult but right decision, but not harder than what awaits him after.

Floating near the city center, Jay climbs a multi-storey building and looks around the city.

Everything was covered with water, but Kalmaar's voice could not be heard, and Wojira herself was nowhere to be found.

— «It's too late to retreat, too much is at stake» — emotions and excitement overwhelmed the lightning master, his heart was fluttering faster and faster, there was a desire to retreat inside, and in his eyes there was a determination to end this once and for all. Gathering his thoughts, Jay began to put his plan into action — Kalmaar! Wojira! I'm here! — the blue ninja shouted with all his might, and at the same moment a bright blue lightning flashed in the sky, followed by another flash, after which Jay took out his nunchucks and prepared for battle. — «Did they really not notice me?!» — panic appeared in his eyes. — «What if he's already found Nya and the others and they're in danger now, what if I'm late and Lloyd and the team are in trouble now, and I'm on the other side of Ninjago City?!» — eyes darted from side to side, looking for answers, Jay listened to every rustle around.

Suddenly, a glow appeared from under the water, and Jay froze in place. There was a splash in the water, after which a huge sea serpent climbed out of the water, towering over the ninja — it was she, the queen of the Endless Sea — Wojira, two amulets were on her forehead: Waves and Storms, and near one of the amulets stood the Self—proclaimed King of Merlopia - Kalmaar.

Jay's face changed in an instant, fear faded into the background, his hands involuntarily tightened on the weapon, the ninja got into a fighting position.

— Where is that stupid girl?! — Kalmaar was angry, looking around to see if this was a trap, although what kind of girl could we be talking about when you control the most powerful being alive in this world.

— Nya is not here, I will be your opponent instead! — Jay declared, taking a step forward.

— You?! — Kalmaar chuckled.— You are a nobody, a weakling, a pathetic and worthless hero who is looking for his death. — What can you do against me? — The King of Merlopia laughed.

— What can I do? — Jay began to play along, pointedly thinking about his question. — I challenge you to a fight! One on one! — The lightning ninja spoke loudly and clearly in a confident tone, Kalmaar was very surprised and laughed.

— You?! Are you calling me?! Who are you to fight the king?! You're nothing, just a land dweller, and I'm the ruler of all Ninjago! — King Kalmaar laughed. — Wojira, destroy the insolent man! — The King's trident was pointed at Jay.

— Do not rush to conclusions, Kalmaar — Walker decided to dare to say goodbye. — Yes, I am a resident of the land, I am an ordinary guy from a landfill, but that's not all. — Jay put on a mask. — I'm a ninja! I'm a lightning master! — Jay braced himself for the impact.

The sky darkened, it began to rain, thunderclaps sounded and lightning broke out among them, striking the brown-haired man, the first blow was the most powerful, it was he who served as the impetus for the counterattack.

At the moment of lightning hitting him, Jay felt it in every limb, in every place in his body, he did not fall, he stood up, the force that hit him began a metamorphosis:

Jay's body sparkled like lightning on the body of an electric eel, his eyes changed color to blue. His whole body began to transform, his skin turned purple, Jay rose into the sky, and Kalmaar rejoiced, seeing only some sparks of lightning, but when the smoke from the lightning strike dissipated, the sparkling lightning ninja appears before the villain.

— WHAT?! — Kalmaar's face was stricken with surprise, but soon changed to the usual displeasure.

— Did you want the lightning? So get it! — Jay concentrated a fireball in front of him and released it directly into the creature's face, the flash blinded Kalmaar for a short period of time, while Kalmaar was unaware, the ninja took advantage of this and rose into the sky, releasing a new discharge, but at Kalmaar himself. The King could barely resist.

The blow with the trident forced the beast to obey again, Wojira used her breath and a powerful wave was released at Jay, the ninja moved to the creature's forehead.

— Do you think that merging with the force will give you an advantage?! I'm driving a Wojira! The most powerful beast in the world! — The King was rising again.

— Then I'll take it away from you — Kalmaar fired several shots at Jay, but he didn't even try to dodge them, the elements simply dispelled the physical attack. — You wanted to know what a simple inhabitant of the land can do? — Jay came up close to the king. — We can do a lot, and now I'm not fighting on my own behalf, now I'm going to defeat you on behalf of all the inhabitants of the surface, and bring back dry land and peace to the world! — Jay released the force, the Merlopian tried to block the attack with his father's trident, but he could not withstand the onslaught and was broken in two. Wojira immediately freed herself from Kalmaar's control and rebelled against him, once the former king became a snack for her, Jay was more lucky, he managed to teleport from there with the help of the elements, Wojira, having lost control, began to rampage that even all the Merlopians fled to the sides, high-rise buildings that were not absorbed by water, the sea serpent simply destroyed them and their fragments fell into the water.

The ninja flew to a safe distance and saw what his decision to avenge Nya had led to.

— «My actions only made it worse, it seems that to stop all this, you need to destroy the amulets on her forehead, the only way to stop her, the only way to save Ninjago» — Jay fired several powerful lightning bolts into her neck, attracting the creature's attention to himself. — Wojira! I'm here! — The next blow was right in her face, but her breath swallowed him up, just a little more and he would have reached him, water and lightning are incompatible, especially if they are two pure forces.

Jay dodged her attacks and released his own, the sea snake did what it dodged or attacked from under the water, where Walker could not descend or approach.

At the main moment, the lightning master is transferred to her forehead and inhabits the amulet of the Storm, destroying it, because of this, Wojira roared and leaned out of the water at full height, lightning flashed, and she disappeared, and the Boundless waters began to leave the lands of Ninjago, returning to their former borders, the team that already I have been watching this for a long time, fighting with the Merlopians, covering their friend's back, after defeating Wojira, they climbed onto the roof, where Jay was already hanging in his elemental form.

The elemental ninja turns to his friends and looks at Nya lying in Kai's arms, Jay flies up to her and touches her chest, a light current passes through her body, after which Nya opens her eyes and begins to breathe, clearing her throat, greedily gulping air.

— Nya! — A joyful Kai hugged his sister.

— Well done, Jay! You did it! — the earth ninja wanted to hug his friend, but the lightning strike did not give, the earth master quickly moved away.

— Jay, you can be yourself again now — Master Wu said politely.

— Jay?! — The ninja didn't understand. — Who is this guy?! — the question baffled the ninja.

— That's your name — Cole said hesitantly.

Wu looked at him sadly.

— Do you recognize us? — the question is pretty stupid for the team, but the answer was the most unusual.

— I do not know you, but I know that you are good ... — the ninja said slowly.

— What does this mean?! Jay, stop fooling around! — friends did not understand what Wu had already realized.

— Jay — Nya called him softly, leaning on Kai, she came up to him.

— I'm glad you're alive — Jay said, and in a moment looked up at the sky, where lightning was flashing.

— Do you hear that? — Jay asked them, looking at the lightning.

— What are you talking about, Jay? — the brunette did not understand what her Ying meant.

— The Lightning… It's so fast… Such a formidable...— the lightning master answers her, mesmerized.

— It's calling him. — The Prince of Merlopia replied sadly.

— I have to go — Jay suddenly said, walking somewhere.

— Wait, buddy. Let it be you — Cole wanted to put his hand on his best friend's shoulder, but she passed through him like a ghost, electrocuting him. From this, the black ninja gasped, looking at his hand, like everyone else.

— Jay, wait! Where are you going?! Jay! You have to come to your senses, you have to come back to us! — standing in front of Walker, the ninja of the water said, but her beloved did not seem to listen to her and also went through. The girl hissed in pain, turning around, she saw that Jay was already at the edge of the roof.

— Jay, I don't understand what's going on, but I only know one thing: We will find a way and we will definitely bring you back to normal, just please don't leave — the fire ninja said proudly.

— My time in this world is running out, maybe one day we will meet again. — The elemental ninja said with a smile.

— What does it mean in this world?! — Kai approached his friend.

— Jay, Ninjago is your home, our home — Lloyd also joined the conversation.

— Your home, but not mine, flaws are calling me, I have to go, it's hard enough to be in this shell, goodbye! — a flash flashed in front of friends.

— I’m sorry, my friends, but it’s useless... If a person merges with his element together, over time he begins to lose himself: Who is he, does he have friends, family, acquaintances — all this, he will seemingly forget this never happened and is unlikely to ever remember it — Benthomaar spoke with pain in his voice and soul

Realizing this, Nya was speechless, tears involuntarily ran down the girl’s face, falling to the ground.

— Jay, I beg you, so that you don’t hear, so that you don’t experience. Fight it, Jay. Remember who you are, remember this always! — the master’s last instruction was hope for their friend’s return to life. Wu sincerely wished and hoped that Jay would overcome himself and stay, but unfortunately for him, this did not happen.

— I am Jay. I am The Lightning. We are one — turning to his master and friends, the guy says, smiling.

— Jay... I... I love you...— the brunette said sadly, deep down she hoped that he would wake up, remember why he did it, remember everything, in response to this Jay only smiled sweetly at her.

— Farewell, heroes — these were the last words of the savior, the ninja froze, at that very second each of them wanted to take off and rush and stop by force, but the body seemed to refuse them this, they could only watch him rise into the sky , and then disappeared, with the last lightning appearing in the sky before the clouds completely dissolved.

— JAY! NO!!! COME BACK!!! — Nya exclaimed, jumping up and running to the edge of the roof, but it was too late, Jay flew away, and the clouds became ordinary white clouds, as before.

Everyone looked at the sky where Jay was, even after he was gone, no one began to move or say anything, everything was clear without words.

***

— Today we honor the memory of Ninja Jay, who saved our city by sacrificing himself. — Master Wu, like the whole team, stood at the porch of the monastery, where residents from all over Ninjago, all their friends and acquaintances, all fans of ninja and Jay, gathered. — This day will be a day of mourning. — Wu finished his long and sad speech. — And now I give my word to Nya — the water master came forward.

— Jay… He... — It was difficult to start talking, especially about someone who was no longer there, all the residents were looking at her right now, but it was not this that worried her more, but the fact that his parents were among them and not somewhere, but in the very first row, closest of all, Ed — Jay's adoptive father, comforted his adoptive mother, Edna, who cried so bitterly over the loss of their son, they, like Nya, know the truth that Jay is not their own son, but the pain of his loss only increases. — Jay was a joker, it was his thing, he tried to look for nothing, but to put it in everything and everywhere, he could cheer everyone up, and even if sometimes his jokes could offend, but everything he did, including his act today, he wished for you, for us, I had never met such a thing before like Jay, he always helped and supported anyone who needed help, he was not just our friend, not just a ninja, he was something big for everyone here, and I would like to tell you all that despite the fact that he is no longer there, we will continue that what he gave his life for, we will continue to fight for Jay, for everyone who needs help, and let every resident of Ninjago sleep peacefully today! — Nya finished her speech with difficulty, returning to the others.

During her performance, she endured, endured the pain that was inside, held back tears and pain, pain turning into a tsunami that covered her head.

Upon completion, Nya returned to the monastery, and stood near the frame with their joint picture with Jay, only after making sure that she was alone, she let all the pain out, falling to her knees, allowing emotions to take over. Maya and Ray came to her.

— Nya, are you okay?.. — Maya carefully approached her daughter, and when she heard her mother's voice, she quickly removed her tears, getting up from her knees.

— Oh, hi, Mom, I'm just dusting, I think I got dust in my eyes...— the water ninja replied with a smile.

— It's all right. — The elder Smith said, putting her hand on her daughter's shoulder.

— I didn't even have time to say goodbye to him... — Nya tried to hold back her tears.

— Nya, I'm sure Jay will remember you and the others. You and Kai and your friends will save him and you will be together again — the elder Smith tried to comfort.

— I hope so, Mom.… I hope Jay comes back.… I hope that we will definitely bring him back to normal. — Maya's daughter could hardly hold back her tears, trying not to cry again, but her mother silently hugged her, and the water master did not respond with a hug from her mother, but she was not going to push her away.

— It's the time. Are you coming, Nya? — the father asked, Nya only nodded, Ray understood how much she was in pain, they felt the same pain when Krux threatened them with violence against their children.

When the Smiths went outside, the girl looked up at the sky, it was already dark, there was no moon or stars in the sky, just blackness, candles were lit all over the training hall, it was very quiet, as if the monastery was empty or extinct. Each of the residents, the ninja, and Jay's parents had lanterns in their hands.

Ray gave the lanterns to his daughter and wife, and he lit them for each of those present, Kai also took part in this.

And when the last lantern was lit, it was clear the number of those who went out to say goodbye to the hero who fell in battle, only now did Nya realize that the whole of Ninjago City went out into the street with only one single purpose — to say goodbye to the one who gave them peace and hope for a happy and peaceful future. Very soon, all the lanterns one by one were released into the sky, someone was letting out of the windows, someone from the top of the roofs, even the lantern from the Borg building was visible in the sky, this sad and dark night was covered with bright light in an instant, Nya looked at her lantern for a long time, she was the only one who still he did not launch it into the sky, but soon she decided and let it out of her hands, looking at him with a sad sight. Kai was by her side all this time, there was no one closer to him, seeing Nya's condition, with sadness on his face and pain in his heart, he looked at her ... The Fire Ninja hugged his sister.

It was so warm... The brunette remembered how her brother supported her if she couldn't cope and Jay... Remembering her beloved, Nya cried again and cried into her older brother's shoulder, the fire master calmed his sister, sharing her heartache, stroking her back and whispering in her ear that this was not the end yet and they will definitely save him, find a solution, find a way, sooner or later it will happen, and when Jay remembers them and returns, he will start joking and telling different history again, even if sometimes they are not always so funny. Soon, the water master calmed down, she was grateful to Kai and everyone who went outside to support her lover and honor his memory:

— Thank you for being with me this day, thank you to everyone who is next to me now — the brunette whispered, Kai only smiled in response, hugging her again, and Nya only snuggled closer into him.

Kai and Nya's parents looked at their children with a smile, their friends came to the Smiths, everyone looked up at the sky with a smile, illuminated by lanterns, watching as they moved further and further away, flew higher and higher, imperceptibly disappearing one after another.

They will definitely bring their friend back, they hope that they will find a way to return him to his former shape, they hope that Jay will return to them soon... But until that happens, the team had to go through personal problems, as they did before, on the day of Zane's death.

[zebaji]

Okay, I feel like i didn’t talk much about Zane in the first post for this au, but that’s because I have so many ideas for this guy

So after Julien gets kidnapped by the Skulkin, Zane is left in the Birchwood forest with the juggernaut to protect the tree base from the treehorns.

Since Pixal is the Master of Ice, there’s no reason or person guiding the Ninja toward the forest, so they never discover Zane.

When Morro and his team go to the Dark Island to fight the Overlord, however, they find Echo Zane along with Dr. Julien.

Dr. Julien believes that the Skulkin destroyed Zane and the rest of his former inventions after they kidnapped him, which makes him super sad, and therefore doesn’t return to the forest.

So Zane– still built with the intention to protect those who cannot be protected– has nothing and no one to protect all with having no memories to boot.

Until a runaway child finds himself in a forest where giant tree-like monsters roam, and suddenly Zane has a reason to live. To protect this child who in his eyes is pretty unprotected, especially when the child says he’s a prince.

So Zane takes Lloyd back to the palace and stubbornly becomes Lloyd’s bodyguard and primary caretaker since the royal family isn’t exactly a great place for nurturing children.

Everyone besides Lloyd doesn’t know that Zane is not human and thinks it’s odd that some random teenager decided to willingly attach himself to a royal brat child. 

Lloyd thinks that his self-appointed older brother is so cool, and they bond over not being human.

The nindroid is Lloyd’s number one supporter and is willing to go to any lengths to protect his gremlin charge.

Does that mean when Lloyd explains how he wants to bring back his dad Zane starts a cult-like biker gang to help? Yes. Yes, it does.

Zane does know that other Nindroids like him exist, and he does want to meet them because he’s lonely and wants to befriend people like him.

But then again, if they found out about Lloyd, they’d probably try to stop him, and Zane knows that if it came down to the other Nindroids or Lloyd, he’d pick Lloyd every time.

A side note here, I’ve always headcannoned that Mr. E is Echo Zane. But since Echo Zane is with the Ninja in this AU, there is no Mr. E. 

Instead, there IS Snake Jaguar, and the only reason that it’s Zane’s biker name is because Lloyd thought it would be funny.

Speaking of Echo Zane, he’s not exactly with the Ninja, but after Dr. Julien passes, he helps Cyrus Borg out since Pixal is busy with Ninja stuff. Echo Zane and Pixal have a sibling bond, and during Rebooted, Cryptor and the other evil nindroids are based on Echo Zane. It makes the Ninja’s life a tad bit easier.

Later, when Zane reveals who he is, Echo Zane and Pixal try to convince him that what he’s doing is wrong, but Zane is a little bitter over the fact that he got forgotten about.

Not too bitter, but enough that it takes a looong while for the other Nindroids to convince him that they’re family.

If you want to see the first post: X

If you want to see a little excerpt that I wrote: X

[that-one-i-think]

Another Prince Lio Au thing - This time Zianna and Vylad mention, yaaay

A big part about this AU Garte is that he loved all of his kids and his wife dearly. During the period following Zanes birth and before Vylads birth, Garte had a major power hunger phase, which caused him to be very tough on Garroth and Zane during training by encouraging sibling rivalry. After Vylads birth and Zianna's confession of an affair, Garte had a come to Jesus moment and started being a better parent and all-around trainer to his kids. (Though, in Zanes case, damage had already been done)

After Vylad's death, Garte did another 180 and went back to being a power hungry dickwad, the only difference being the encouragement of Zane. Zane had his own goals by that time, and using Garte for power fit them perfectly. Garroth faking his death, leaving him the only viable heir, was just icing on the cake.

That being said, it does mean that Garte knows his kids' exact strengths and weaknesses. Even in his old age, he could still harm if he did not win a fight against them. He was a knight of his own right and a respected warrior and general. After his capture by Tu'la, his only activity to do in his free time was train a small Liochant, who was both a lot more limited and a lot more versatile than his kids.

I don't think Garroth would notice that Liochant was trained by Garte since Liochant uses a pole arm weapon. Garte trained him to use a sword and shield, and while Garroth knows how to defend against other weapons, he doesn't see the connection. Zane doesn't either because combat was never his interest, pure and simple.

Vylad and Katelyn would both have an inkling. Liochant and Vylad are built somewhat similarly, so they move have some shared moves that tip Vylad off. Katelyn has a feeling because she also trained with Garte as part of the Jury of Nine and has seen Garte train others. Neither have a full-on guess, just a deja vu type feeling.

Zianna would be the only person to immediately get it, though, because long before Garte was a lord and when he was just a knight, Garte used to particular weapons beside his shield. A battle axe and a warhammer. Heavy pole-arms that Garte used whenever he decided he didn't need armor, weapons that kept enemies far away much like Liochant's spear. She spots it the moment she sees Liochant weilding it because she remembers the few times where Garte would come home, doused in blood and shirtless, smiling like a dog completing a hunt with a battle axe strapped to his back.

[only-lonely-stars]

A Bride for the Prince (Chapter 6 - Hide and Seek)

[Prologue] // [Chapter 5 of 9] // [Chapter 6 of 9 - you are here!] // [Chapter 7 of 9] – (FFN) (AO3)

Part of the @ninjago-fairy-tale-au!

Summary:

Once upon a time, there lived a faithful and hardworking girl named Pixal Borg, who worked every day to satisfy her demanding stepmother. For years, she cleaned and cooked, giving no argument, until the day came when she met the prince. A Pixane Cinderella retelling.

Chapter summary:

The third day of the festival arrives, and Zane asks an important question.

On the third day of the festival, Pixal acted as she had the two days prior, her family none the wiser. The previous night, she had concocted a plan for her day, and she was determined to see it through.

As first order of business, she helped her stepmother and sisters prepare for the festival and saw them off. Columbine and Begonia spat yet more biting remarks about Pixal and how they were to catch the prince's eye, but Pixal shrugged them off. Unbeknownst to them, they meant nothing to her; the prince could not care less.

As they were about to leave, Amaryllis stopped Pixal in her tracks just as she was about to turn and go back to her basement room.

"Pixal, wait."

"Yes, Stepmother?" Pixal asked, dread roiling in her stomach as her traitorous mind told her every way Amaryllis could have learned her secret.

"I want you to be studious in your cleaning today," Amaryllis said. "Prince Zane may show interest in one of your stepsisters yet today, and should that be the case, I will not be shamed by a dirty home."

Pixal faltered for a moment. "I understand."

"See to it that the estate is spotless!" her stepmother continued. "I have not missed how things have deteriorated in my absence. Scrub until even the floors shine."

"I will," Pixal responded, the lie sitting on her tongue with its coppery taste. "Enjoy the festival."

"We will," her stepmother retorted. Then Amaryllis turned and left, entering her carriage and settling herself between her bickering daughters. Within mere minutes, Pixal was alone once again, and the next part of her day's plan could begin.

For her second task, Pixal pilfered another forgotten gown from one of her sisters' closets and donned it. This gown was unlike either previous one, having more fabric and detailing than either, and it flattered her figure such that she scarcely recognized her reflection.

The gown was a pale blue, embroidered with white and green thread in an intricate pattern on the skirt and sleeve hems. Pixal twirled in front of the mirror, watching the hem as it swirled and turned. Unlike the others, this dress was quite low-necked, yet not so low as to be uncomfortable nor too revealing– completely ladylike in all aspects, but so lovely that Pixal scarcely believed either sister could discard it. However, that worked to her benefit, so she thanked them for it. After she was satisfied with her choice, she donned her snowflake necklace and did her hair, making her appearance into that of a proper lady.

There was but one final addition to her person. It was a blue scarf the color of ice, made of a gauzy fabric, which Pixal set in her pocket for later use. It had belonged to her mother, Astrid, and she had almost forgotten about it after Begonia had snatched it for herself when they were children. Now, however, she would be taking it back.

As the third and final step in her plan, she needed to transport herself to the festival. Pixal took her spellbook and another bunch of herbs and prepared her spell, creating the plume of sparkling smoke with which she had become so familiar. She stepped in without reserve, boldly facing the smoke as it enveloped her, but then stopped short on the other side.

Despite everything being identical to the previous day, at least to her knowledge, Pixal was nowhere near the pavilion where she had found herself the previous two days. Instead, she was by the jousting arena, across the festival grounds. While the location was not as it had been the previous two days, it would be workable.

A smile made its presence known on her face as she reasoned through the matter. If things progressed today as they did the previous two, then this was the most convenient place to be when she returned, since she could stay to watch the tournament. Perhaps she would be able to watch the evening jousting and see the prince there! Then she could give him a favour and somehow be able to watch him joust with it, showing it off to all those who attended.

Once she realized how her thoughts had turned, embarrassment filled her. The prince was not a quarry for her to pursue, and she knew that very well. She had to remember that he was simply someone with whom to share the last day of the festival. She would not delude herself into thinking that she could somehow cultivate a real relationship with him, nor develop feelings. That would end poorly and painfully. As such, she would not allow herself to hurt either of them in such a manner.

After hiding the spellbook, Pixal wondered what she should do next. It was most logical for her to return to the pavilion where she had met Prince Zane both days prior, to continue the pattern. It was a fair walk from the arena, although manageable, and would not be a hardship. By all reasonable estimation, she would have to travel quickly if she were to get there as early as she had been the day prior, so she did not delay in beginning her trek.

As she had suspected, the time it took Pixal to walk to the pavilion was long enough to throw off her timing from the prior day. When she reached it, however, she found it just as it had been the two previous days, filled with whirling colors and people. Though she found it less tempting, it was nevertheless still enticing, and she considered joining the dancers for a few moments. She searched the crowd and saw no sign of the fair-haired prince, and her heart sank.

Pixal looked everywhere in the nearby area, but did not see Zane. Her heart sank the longer she searched, but she did not allow it to discourage her, and searched more carefully. A little while later and after seeing her distress, an organizer for the festival came up to her and cleared her throat.

"Pardon me, young lady. Are you looking for someone?" the woman asked, her gravelly voice sounding aged.

Pixal turned in surprise, then nodded. "Yes ma'am."

"Might I be of some assistance?" the woman asked, silver hair close to falling in her face as she smiled.

"Perhaps." Pixal smiled self-consciously and looked down, a light blush dusting her cheeks. "I fear you would judge me for my answer."

"Nonsense, dearie. Tell me about your trouble."

"Very well." Pixal looked up to meet the woman's gaze. "I'm looking for his Highness, Prince Zane. I had the pleasure of meeting him the previous two days, but not today, and I expected to find him here."

The woman nodded knowingly. "Of course. Every marriageable lady here seeks to meet him– that is understandable."

"It isn't like that!" Pixal protested, raising her hands. "I simply wish to talk to him– I know he would never consider me, nor I him."

The woman hummed in contemplation. "Ah, very well. I can help you, young lady, but you must help me first."

"What kind of help do you require?" Pixal asked. "I can do whatever you need."

The woman beckoned her near. "Come with me, and I will tell you. If you are so considerate of the prince, then I'm sure you will be very happy to help me with this task…"

-----

On the third day of the festival, Prince Zane found himself anxious as he waited for the day to begin, unable to focus due to his preoccupation.

He woke early in the morning, fretting about how best to present himself. He washed himself in freezing water, dressed, and visited the memorial to his brother. The sun was barely risen, but he left the castle anyway, eager to supervise and perfect everything before the time came for him to meet up with Lady Pansy.

For several hours, Zane burned the time he had by working, hoping to ease his nerves. Despite everything that would assuage him, he found himself adrift on a sea of anxiety, so incredibly unlike himself. He tried to reason through it, and for a little while it worked, but only so long as he did not stop to think about Pansy.

When the time came, Zane rushed to the pavilion, although doing his utmost not to appear too quick to arrive. His heart beat loudly in his chest, louder with every step, every breath feeling colder even as he grew warmer and warmer.

When he arrived, however, Pansy was not there.

Concern worked its way into the prince's mind as he searched, looking into the crowd of dancers as he tried to catch a glimpse of her fair hair. Where was Lady Pansy? From what he could tell, it was not her habit to be tardy.

Perhaps he had come too early. They had not set a time to meet, and he had been awake since before dawn.

The city clock tower struck ten, discarding that idea. It was not too early, for this what when they had met the day before. Still, he did not find her.

After a little while of searching, Zane went to explore the near area, hoping to spot her. As he went farther from the pavilion, the sound of the music faded, replaced with speech and children's laughter, distracting yet not unpleasant. The latter grew louder as he walked, and Zane stopped to look at its source.

A hundred feet from him, a crowd of children laughed and cheered, having been playing games. They crowded around each other and pushed toward several adults who supervised. These adults were giving them treats- candied fruit, toys, flowers and more.

As Zane watched, he smiled. Then, his heart began to race, as he noticed one of the adults had the fairest hair he'd seen that day. The woman turned to speak to some children in his direction, and Zane knew immediately that it was Lady Pansy. She smiled and spoke to the children, giving them treats and paying compliments that sent them into happy peals of laughter. When her basket of gifts was empty, she put it aside and spoke to an old woman with gray hair, who dismissed her.

Pansy turned, but then paused as she caught sight of Zane. She smiled, and Zane had to smile back. Cautious of the children under foot, he approached her, and when he reached her, he kissed her hand.

"Lady Pansy. I was wondering where I might find you," he greeted.

She smiled, embarrassed. "My apologies, your Highness. I did not intend to make the task difficult for you."

"It was no issue for me," he replied, already putting his trouble finding her behind himself in favor of the current moment. "You are a lover of children?"

"I am. They have such potential," Pixal replied, glancing at the children playing with a smile.

"They do." Zane smiled back. "I take it that you volunteered to help?"

"Madame Mystake asked for my help, and I could not say no." Zane's smile made Pixal feel lighter than air, and she did her best to hide just how happy it made her feel. "Do you love children, too?"

"I do, though I fear I am not as capable with them as you are, my lady."

"Perhaps so, perhaps not." Pixal looked off into the distance, in the direction of the dancing pavilion. The sun reflected off her snowflake necklace, and its appearance brought a smile to Zane's lips. "There have been many things during this festival that I am not accustomed to."

"The same is true for me. A festival of this magnitude is rare." He offered his arm. "Perhaps, if I might be so bold, you would accompany me for its final day?"

"I would be honored, Prince Zane," Pixal said, taking it.

"You may call me by my given name if it makes you comfortable, Lady Pansy."

"You wish for me to call you such?"

"Indeed."

"Then you may call me by mine, Zane."

The two shared a smile. "Very well, Pansy." With that, the two set off.

-----

For several hours, the two walked and talked, just as they had the previous two days. They spoke of many things, not the least of which family and love, although never in such terms as toward the other. Throughout the day, they spoke of all lovely things, and shared many anecdotes from their lives. Questions were frequent, and answers were entertaining. However, Pixal felt as though she could not truly share some things, for shame of her true position in her household, so she carefully told her stories as to not betray her status.

Despite Pixal's carefulness with her stories, however, she found herself ever closer to the prince. For the majority of their time together, they walked arm in arm or side by side- if not those, then they sat right next to each other, no farther than a few feet apart. Their tendency toward connection was unmistakable.

As their day passed, Zane took mental note of the qualities he saw in Lady Pansy. She was reserved, yet had interesting opinions and did not hesitate to speak her mind. She was clever and wise, yet did not boast in herself. She was hardworking, yet gentle, and though strong, not brash. In every aspect, he saw the most remarkable things, and in such fell deeper into admiration for her.

As the sun reached its zenith, high above the earth, Zane knew it was time to ask her one of the most utilitarian of his questions. Thus, as they sat together underneath a maple, he brushed her hand with his to catch her attention.

At the touch, Pixal turned to look at him. He seemed anxious to some degree, though she could not fathom why.

"Pansy," he began, his usual surety missing from his voice.

"Zane? What is the matter?"

"I must ask you a question, though I fear I should have asked this earlier of you."

"I am sure your timing is no issue," Pixal assured him. "What is your question?"

Zane felt chilled, but pressed on despite how belligerent he felt, and took her hand in his. "Pansy, if I may be so bold as to ask, you have not told me your family name. Might I know what it is?"

For a brief moment, Pixal's heart stopped. "You wish to know my family name?" she clarified.

"If you would let me know it, yes. I wish to know of your family."

Pixal could not meet his eyes, her mind racing. "I do not mean to assume, but Zane- Prince Zane- there would be but one reason for asking in this context. You couldn't possibly mean such a thing. It does not make sense."

"I know what such a question means." He sought out her gaze. "Lady Pansy, you are a most remarkable woman. It is a pleasure to simply know you, despite how slim our time has been. I would think no more nor less of you for your name."

"No, you most certainly would think differently." She broke away from him again. "I cannot tell you. You cannot know."

Zane's heart sank. "Pansy…" he uttered, the name sounding like a plea.

Pixal's heart clenched in her chest, the sudden reality of emotion clearer than a summer sky, her mind the eye of the storm. "Zane, you are a prince. My prince. If you are to- to consider a lady, she should be from some high and respectable station! I have no such thing."

"I do not care for station! Neither does my father." Zane took her hand in both of his. "Pansy, he declared this festival such that I might meet someone fitting, regardless of background."

"That matters little to me, either, but you would not find a proper lady in me, should you know my family. You would not see the woman you wish to see."

"The eyes deceive. Pansy, do you think I am shallow?" he asked, pain in his eyes.

"Of course not, your Highness." She drew away from him. "You are a man with integrity. I am not a lady to meet such a standard."

"How many times must I say it? The standards matter little to me." He put both of his hands on one of hers, enclosing it.

"I know this," Pixal said, looking down at their hands. "Nevertheless, you deserve better than me."

"I hardly believe such a woman could exist."

Pixal looked up sharply, and the intensity of Zane's gaze was nearly too much to bear. So much emotion was on display, she could not comprehend it, only knowing that it was tender, with his heart on his sleeve. She sighed, breath catching in her chest, feeling as if her spirit was caught in his gaze.

"You are not the kind of prince I believed our kingdom to have," she said after a few moments.

Zane chuckled, caught off guard. "What kind would you believe, Pansy?"

"None so willing to follow what he seeks, despite rebuff," she responded, a smile pulling at her lips. "Zane, you are… extraordinary."

"As are you," he responded. He gently raised her hand to his lips, kissing it. "Pansy, is there no way I might convince you? At the very least, I would like to continue our friendship, even if you wish for nothing more."

The gesture made Pixal feel flushed, and she racked her mind for an answer. She had no heart to deny such a plea, but no strength to allow him to see her true colors.

"I suppose there might be one way," she eventually whispered.

"What might it be?" he asked, hope coloring his voice as it bloomed in his chest. His grip on her hand became stronger.

She sighed gently, gears in her mind turning quickly as she concocted a plan. She spoke softly as she told him. "If you are able to find me, then you may know my name."

"Find you? Where? How?" He bowed his head toward her, ever so slightly.

She smiled despite herself. "I live on an estate not far from here. If you are able to find me, then you shall know." She tried to ignore how guilty it made her feel to grant him such a task, and worse, for him to still not know her first name– the one she still kept.

Zane contemplated this answer, wondering about her motivation but finding no sufficient answer. "You wish for me to seek out your home...?"

"That is correct." She nodded. "If you find me, then you shall know my name- then, too, you will also know all the other things you seek."

"I accept your challenge," Zane responded at length. He looked into her eyes and their emerald hue, memorizing the patterns of their variation. "I will find you, Pansy. No matter the difference in station, I believe we are compatible."

"You and I are compatible?" she parroted.

"That is what I said."

"Oh."

He laughed quietly. "Is that your only response?"

She blushed, her traitorous heart beating loudly in her chest. "Zane, I do not know what to say." The distance between them seemed small, and for a few moments it felt like she did not need to hide. "You are… simply incredible."

"As are you," he murmured. "If I may I even say it, you are the most beautiful flower I have ever laid eyes upon. If pansies are to indicate thoughtfulness, I can think of no more fitting owner of such a name."

She blushed and looked away. "You flatter me, Prince."

"Perhaps." He smiled. "I will find you, Pansy."

Her heart clenched in dread and anticipation. "I'm sure you will." She looked back at him, unwilling to consider her emotions any further. "Tell me, the day is still young. Might we enjoy it a little longer?"

"By all means." He offered his hand. "It would be my honor to continue such a fine day with you."

"The honor is mine." She took his hand and they both stood, so close and yet so far apart. "It is a privilege to have met you at all."

"I must say the same."

-----

The day's hours came and went, their daily pattern uninterrupted by the chaos in the hearts of men and women. Birds sang, the clouds drifted, and the wind blew. Even the insects kept to their habits, with bees in hives and ants in nests. Mankind was not so affected, either, for the festival continued in its pattern, with cheerful people doing business and having fun. Dancers danced, merchants bought and sold, and celebrators milled about.

For the rest of the day's younger hours, Pixal and Zane still did not part. Despite how much time they had spent together the past two days, they found themselves to be closer still, unwilling to attend to any business besides each other. Despite the mysteries between them, each found their bond to be enticing enough to tempt half-thought impulses which they studiously ignored. Several times that day, Pixal found herself needing to re-fasten her hair clip, finding it loose and slipping from her hair. Despite her troubles, however, it did not fall.

Throughout the day, they talked and walked, often stopping in shaded places. At one point, they returned to the pavilion for a few dances. Faster than either would have liked, the hours passed.

When the sun dipped near the horizon and the bell tower rang, both knew it was time to separate. At that time, Pixal took Zane's hand, deciding to ignore the inevitable.

"You are jousting again tonight, are you not?" she asked him.

"I am." Zane turned his hand to clasp hers. "Will you watch me?"

"I will. I have something for you." She smiled and put her free hand into her pocket, pulling out her blue scarf. Melded with white and sparkled with silvery thread, one of her last mementos from her mother, it sparkled like ice and snow.

Zane looked down at it, then up at her. "You would favour me?"

"I would." She put the scarf in his hand and clasped his fingers around it with utmost gentleness. "I do."

Zane held it gently. "You honor me, Pansy," he said, voice hushed like prayer.

"It is the other way around." She smiled. "Care for it well?"

"I will." Zane folded it gently and put it in his pocket.

"I will watch your jousting, and I wish you luck." With that, she threw caution to the wind and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Now you may show the world."

The smile on his face made Pixal's heart race. He brushed a lock of hair from her face, his touch gentle and light, almost worshipful. "I will, with pride." Then he took her hand and kissed it. "I will find you, Pansy."

"I know you will," she responded, trying not to dread such time as he was right.

-----

After leaving Pansy's side, Zane moved quickly. Their parting had taken longer than he expected, but he still had a bit of time before he had to begin jousting. As such, he hurried to prepare himself, but he could not stop smiling.

The day had not gone entirely to plan, he supposed as he entered the arena. Pansy had been so resistant to telling him her family name, to the point that she had fully refused to do so. He wondered what it could mean. Was her family disgraced, or of low stature? Perhaps she believed the caste system was valuable, and such, she was not of high enough upbringing to be an acceptable princess. If such an idea was the reason, then he simply could not believe it, for she was too well-mannered to be such.

What was the reason, then? Embarrassment? She clearly did not dislike him, nor was she reciprocating his advances out of fear of refusal. No matter how he framed the idea, he simply could not find a suitable reason for her refusal.

With so many thoughts swirling in his mind, Zane entered the room where he was to dress himself with his armor. There, Cryptor awaited him again, already holding the armor.

"There you are, Prince Zane!" he greeted. "You have cut your time closely today."

"My apologies, Cryptor." Zane bowed his head hastily. "I was preoccupied."

"I'm sure you were." Cryptor stepped forward, holding out the first pieces for Zane to step into. "Were you with Lady Pansy again?"

"As a matter of fact, I was," Zane replied, buckling on the armor.

"That would be the explanation, then. Would it not?" A smile was evident in his voice, even though Zane could not see him.

"Yes," Zane admitted.

"Have you learned about her family, then?" The advisor brought the next piece for Zane to don and buckle. "You were most adamant to do so when we spoke yesterday."

Zane hesitated. "No, but I will learn it soon."

Cryptor sighed. "The festival is nearly over, and I doubt the lady would stay past the jousting to speak to you, no matter how willing or unwilling she is. How will you find a chance?"

"She asked me to find her, Cryptor. She said that if I did, she would introduce me to her father." Zane sighed faintly. "Unfortunately, I do not know why she said to do so."

"Perhaps because she is ashamed?"

"Perhaps."

"Have you any leads, then? Something to start your search?"

Zane ran down the list on his fingers before putting on his gauntlets. "She lives near the city, in an estate. She mentioned no family, but fair hair and green eyes is a rare combination. That should be at least enough to narrow down my search."

Cryptor buckled on his breastplate. "If it is not, you will not find her. I trust that you know that."

"I do." Now fully armored, Zane took his lance in his hands. "I also know that she is not fully against the idea."

"How might you know that? She has not yet given you a favour."

Zane smiled. "In that, dear Cryptor, you are mistaken." He took Pansy's scarf from his pocket.

Cryptor examined it in interest, feeling the soft fibers. "I stand corrected. This is a fine gift– she could not possibly be from any lower station than a minor noble."

"I agree," Zane replied, tying it to the lance. "I have no reason to suspect she is of low stature, but even if she was, I would not think any less of her."

"Then you will look for her?" Cryptor asked. "Even if the nobles of our kingdom find fault with her?"

"I choose my bride, and no other," Zane responded, taking the opportunity to mount his stallion, Shard. "They will simply have to accept the lady I choose."

Cryptor smiled. "You are more certain about this decision than many I have seen you make, Prince Zane. The confidence suits you well." He put a hand on Zane's knee. "Have a good joust, your Highness."

Zane nodded in thanks, bringing down his visor. "Thank you, Cryptor. For everything."

"You are most welcome, though I suspect I will be helping with your search."

"Most likely." Zane chuckled, the sound echoing in his helmet. "The lady is elusive."

"She is indeed." With that, Zane trotted onto the jousting field, to the sound of the cheering crowd, lifting Pixal's favour high into the air.

-----

The sound of the festival crowd was loud enough to shake the earth. It was an unabated roar such as Pixal had never heard, louder even than the bear that had once wandered onto the Borg estate, and fiercer than her father's cry of war as he drove it from the property. She covered her ears as she adjusted to the feeling.

The jousting tournament had been going on for a while before she arrived, yet there was still a place low in the stands where she was able to stand. Unbeknownst to her before she found her space, she was near the king's viewing box, making space rare and highly sought. However, not one man nor woman inconvenienced her, nor asked for her to move, which she considered providential. From her vantage point, she saw every joust at a prime view.

The first of the few jousts Pixal saw was between two experienced knights. The first knight bore a favour in the form of a red veil on his lance and a crest belying the Gordon family– it was emblazoned with stars and moons, with a mace in the center. The knight had to be Sir Cliff, patriarch of the family. The other bore no favour that she could see, yet held his lance high. His crest was that of the Powers– a compass and quill next to a pike, making him none other than the newly-knighted Sir Clutch.

The jousters came at each other at the sound of a loud bell, lances raised. Sir Cliff scored a solid hit on Sir Clutch's shoulder, but the knight did not fall. Instead, he rolled his shoulder as they came about for the next impact.

The next strike was Clutch's, upon Cliff's chest plate. The sound of the strike rang out, and the crowd cheered. In his reeling from the force, he tumbled and fell to the sand.

Pixal marveled as Cliff got up and dusted himself off, the joust already over. He bowed to the king's viewing box and then to the crowd before re-mounting his horse, then rode off to an opening in the wall and exited.

The speed of the joust took Pixal by surprise, even as the crowd lauded him. She watched in quiet awe as Clutch took off at a canter, circling the arena and raising his lance high. When he came closer, she realized he had a minimal gray scarf tied to the handle of his lance. Then he pointed it at a lady in silver in the stands, indicating she was the owner of the favour.

Pixal froze. She had given Zane a favour, thinking it was anonymous, and had not told him where she would be as she watched. Would the prince find her and single her out? Her family would know she had lied if they saw her. Would they recognize her scarf? How could she do anything to protect herself from their wrath?

As she contemplated this, a flash of silver caught her eye. Another knight entered the arena, clad in shining silver armor, more ornate than any she had seen before. It boasted strong, artisanal plating, and the pauldrons bore a crest. So too did the shield, and as he neared, she recognized the falcon and falling snow. Finally, upon his lance was tied a blue and white scarf, matching the paint of his crest.

Pixal's heart caught in her chest. There was Prince Zane, in all his glory, bearing her favour proudly. Strong and resilient, despite being hidden from head to toe, he was the model knight. The crowd grew wilder than any she had heard so far, and she heard murmurs from women near her about the scarf. Some shouted, others whispered, and all mentioned Pixal's scarf.

Zane canter around the arena, circling to a place before the king's box- and despite his lack of knowledge, before her. Pixal watched as he paid respect to his father, and resisted the urge to wave at him, giving away her position. Nevertheless, it felt like his gaze was fixed upon her, and a chill ran up her spine.

After the few moments had elapsed, Zane turned and went to his mark, where he waited to joust against Sir Clutch. According to a herald, they were one of the final pairs for the tournament, and it was to be Sir Clutch's last joust of the night.

A bell sounded, and the two were off, Pixal's heart beating faster than their horses' hooves.

With a mighty clang, Zane's lance struck Clutch's chest. Clutch was knocked back, but stayed astride his steed.

The crowd cheered. Pixal whispered a silent prayer for Zane.

The second attack was much like the first, loud and majestic. Clutch was struck on the helmet, and his head turned fiercely, but he did not fall. Both jousters stayed upright.

Zane returned to his mark at the sound of yet more thunderous support. Pixal watched her scarf flutter in the wind.

The third attack began, and this time Zane was struck, the blow glancing off his pauldron.

The crowd gasped as he was pushed back in his saddle, and he put a hand to his shoulder. Pixal breathed a quiet prayer as he looked as if he was to fall. Then, after a moment, the prince righted himself, triggering more cheers, and Pixal sighed in relief.

The fourth attack came with undeniable finality, as Clutch was struck fully in the chest and fell to the side off his mount. From the force of his attack, Zane continued forward, circling around the rail central in the arena.

Pixal watched in openmouthed awe as Zane slowed to a stop, the crowd quiet. He turned his steed around, and the horse neighed in the empty air. The prince was still for a few moments, and then slowly raised his lance, scarf fluttering.

The crowd exploded into cheering. Pixal applauded him, heart pounding, as he came before the king. Zane looked up at his father and bowed his head. The king raised his hand in approval, clearly proud. The crowd celebrated again.

A smile crept into Pixal's face as she watched Zane. For a few more rounds, he jousted several knights. Not once did he fall, and only once more did he stumble, completely sure in his skill. The crowds celebrated him every time, and every time he would circle back toward his father, as if he knew she were up there, watching. At the end, he spoke in the ear of a servant, who ran from the field, and she wondered what he said.

To Pixal's joy and dismay, the tournament did not last forever. She knew she was on borrowed time, for her family would return home soon, so she readied herself to hastily leave the arena. As such, she was just about to escape when the king made an announcement, hushing the crowds as he dismissed the same servant from before that had been whispering something to him.

"My people, I thank you for your enthusiasm for this tournament," the king began. "I hope that you have enjoyed the festival!"

The crowds roared in appreciation.

"Good, good! There is one last announcement for you, on behalf of my son, Prince Zane." Pixal's heart caught in her throat as she struggled to spy the king's smiling face. "He would like to inform the world that he has chosen a lady, but that he cannot find her."

Chaos exploded in the arena. Pixal heard several cries from nearby women. She watched, heart pounding, as the king explained the prince's search for her.

"Now, my people, please. I will tell you what she is like, that you may help my dear son. The lady he is seeking has the fairest of hair and green eyes. He does not wish to disclose her name– let it only be known that the name is short. He seeks to return her favour, as thanks for the luck it brought him. Anyone who aids in her discovery will be handsomely rewarded."

Throughout the announcement, the crowd stewed in mixed confusion and excitement. After it finished, they vocalized their emotions, such that the king could not calm them. Pixal smiled to keep up her charade, but it hurt to breathe as she listened. Before order was restored, she took her opportunity and left the stands as quickly as possible, running to find the place where she had hidden her spellbook.

Despite her clear memory, the search for the spellbook was not easy. When she at last found it, the stands were mostly empty. Her family was doubtlessly on the way home, before she was, and were likely to return soon! It was clear that her time was running out.

After casting her spell and returning home, Pixal wasted no time in tearing down her charade. First she ran to her sister's room, returning the gown and jewelry like she had found it– not a difficult task, given how messy her stepsisters were. Second, she ran to her own room, taking down her hair and hiding her fine things in the wallboard, which seemed to be looser than it once was and swung quite freely on the connecting nail. Third, she grabbed her cleaning supplies, going for the dirtiest of jobs in order to hide how clean she was and how she had just arrived.

For a little while, a hesitant peace descended upon Pixal's mind as she cleaned, the repetitive tasks soothing her. She began to be able to reason through the ways she would be able to hide, should she need to do so, in order that Amaryllis would not realize her deception.

Finally, Pixal came across a task that she was not strong enough to do, having spent all her energy at the festival, and decided it was the proper moment to use magic to aid her.

It was not until she asked for its help that she realized her enchanted hairclip was gone, fallen from her hair.

[the-ninja-legacy-whip]

Finally finished Team Pretentious (affectionate, and also not actually sdnkfdgsd) for the Royal!Legacy AU, and you can prolly see why they took longer than these guys :V

Lloyd is the High Central Prince, only son to the Emperor and Empress of the Central Kingdom. Their Province is supposed to be dedicated to communications and maintaining stable connections with the other kingdoms, given their perfect geographical positioning for the job, but his father has overly ambitious plans to expand their territory and unite all the kingdoms under one rule instead, which...Lloyd doesn’t entirely agree with. Does his best to maintain good relations with everyone despite his father pushing him to “prove that they’re superior”, and genuinely just doesn’t want to start trouble. He...doesn’t actually that big of a role in the romance side of things (or really at all) but I didn’t want to leave him out ;w;)/ 

Zane is the grandson of the elusive ruler of the Northern Kingdom, a Province that thrives on tactical strategy and battle maneuvers...but doesn’t actually use any of it, instead putting more efforts into just making sure everyone else leaves them alone. But with his grandfather and his father both recently passed, the current Ice Queen realizes that Zane is becoming quite lonely, and to mend the disconnect with the others kingdoms they embark to attend the Western Kingdom’s Spring Festival for the first time in decades...thus, it’s understandable that they may have gotten a little lost along the way. 

Harumi is the adopted Imperial Jade Princess of the East, torn between thriving on her power and despising the expectations that come with it. She believes in the High Emperor’s ambitions for uniting the kingdoms under his name (primarily because she believes it will dissolve the rest of the royals of any proper responsibility, and thus end the obsession with upholding old traditions/keeping up appearances), blind to exactly what the High Emperor would actually do. In the meantime, she’s known for studying up on Deception Magic, and winds up using it to assist Jesse in his pursuits for Cole (mostly to shake everything up a little, but who knows, maybe all the crazy people she gets involved with just might grow on her). 

Skylor is the Princess of the Archipelago, a kingdom that’s had bad blood with the Southern Kingdom in the past. Despite that, they’re also a nation of trade and export, even moreso than the South, leading Skylor’s father to amass a large amount of wealth via the economy + him marrying into royalty, and loves to flaunt it when he can...even by decorating his own daughter to the nines, shoving her off to the latest royal get-together, and hoping she’ll catch the eye of someone equally as influential and powerful. And, if not, he’ll probably send her off to the highest bidder. Too bad she’s already caught the eye of the current heir of the Southern Kingdom, although forced to keep their relationship secret...but, perhaps once she’s inspired by the other royals and one gardener, maybe she’ll make a move to change things?

[coffeeisfortheresponsible]

i can’t find it but someone asked me about my ninjago wings of fire au a while also so here it is!!!

i uhh kind of abandoned this au?? not because i lost interest in it or that i never finished it but just bc i can’t draw dragons lololol

BUT I THINK IT IS SO COOL AND I HAVE SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT

basically each wings of fire tribe/region is associated with a specific season/seasons so!

sea kingdom- seabound + possession

characters:

nya: seawing, princess

maya: seawing, queen

trimaar: seawing, king, dead

benthomaar: seawing, prince

morro: seawing

kalmaar: seawing, prince

misako: seawing

sky kingdom- sons of garmadon + tournament of elements

characters:

kai: skywing, fire-scales

ray: skywing

harumi: skywing

skylor: skywing, princess

chen: skywing, king

amber: skywing, queen, dead

clouse: skywing

garmadon: nightwing/sandwing

sand kingdom- skybound + hunted

characters:

faith: sandwing

ronin: sandwing/mudwing

nadakhan: sandwing, king

delara: sandwing, queen

clancee: rainwing

dogshank: mudwing

doubloon: sandwing

mud kingdom- master of the mountain

characters:

cole: mudwing, prince

lily: mudwing, queen, dethroned

lou: mudwing, king, dethroned, dead

fungus: mudwing, animus

plundar, sandwing

vangelis: icewing/mudwing, king, illegitimate

vania: icewing/mudwing, princess, illegitimate

kataru: mudwing/icewing

rainforest: prime empire

characters:

jay: rainwing

pixal: rainwing

cliff: rainwing, king, dethroned

scott: rainwing

libby: rainwing, queen, dethroned

racer 7: rainwing

okino: rainwing

unagami: rainwing, dictator

ice kingdom- ice chapter

characters:

zane: icewing

dr. julien: icewing, animus

vex: icewing, dictator

akita: icewing/mudwing

outside of kingdoms

wu: sandwing/nightwing

lloyd: 1/2 seawing, 1/4 nightwing, 1/4 sandwing

mistake: last pure nightwing, animus

for clarification,

nya, benthomaar, and kalmaar are siblings

kai and nya are not related and maya and ray have never met

pixal and zane are not robots, zane is still dr. julian’s son, but cyrus borg does not exist

lloyd is still misako and garmadon’s son but is being trained by wu

garmadon and wu are brothers

nightwings are basically oni, and are nearly extinct except for mistake

kataru and akita are still siblings but live in different tribes

jay is the son of libby and technically a prince, but rainwings do not keep track of their eggs and therefore he is not aware of this

garmadon moved to the sky kingdom to train under chen a long time ago, but later left and was cursed by clouse to slowly lose his sandwing traits and turn evil. harumi heard of these stories and left to go find garmadon bc she believes he can overthrow chen and make her queen

morro and harumi are more like antiheroes than villains

there’s like a ton more lore and i honestly have the full thing fleshed out so please ask me questions if you’re interested and i’ll try and make some art for it!!!!!

[general-yasur]

Welcome to my Art (and things) Blog!

Other socials

Commissions: Open!

Requests: Open

Intro:

Aye! I’m Yasur. Currently a college student studying art and animation. At my heart I tell stories and have used just about every medium to do so, writing/music/ and most notably illustrations. I love digital painting/ illustration and use my art to make cinematic pieces that tell stories.

My main interest has been Ninjago and that is where I conjure many stories and ocs in that medium. But I love other stuff that may pop up on here too:

Lego

Marvel

Steven Universe

Legends of Korra

Love Death and Robots

Tangled

Saiki. K

And so many more…

Tags:

#yasursketches

#oc:jorgelash

#ocs

#jorgeninjago

#yasurwrites

#yasurspeaks

#fanseason: neon warfare

Fanseason:

Ninjago: Neon Warfare is a years long 2-part fan-project of mine written entirely in screenplay format. It’s a sequel to season 11 and deals with the aftermath of Zane’s reign as the Emperor when his past leaks into his home realm. His status, relationships, and health are put in jeopardy.

Information on my fanseason can be found on my blog, on ao3 and on it’s website.

Aus:

Ninjago 2510: My cinematic universe where many of my stories and ocs reside in (most notably Neon Warfare and Let’s Play Pretend.) It’s relatively canon-adjacent meaning all the stories and lore should fit in canon.

Let’s Play Pretend: After Crystalized, Lloyds destructive nature finally takes over. Can he be stopped and brought to his senses, or will he be lost to suppressed side of himself?

Golden-Ice-Emperor-Zane: The Ice Emperor is infused by golden power and the Overlords influence. Co-creator: @diisdoodles

Spellbound: A villain casts a spell on all of ninjago and sends them into a world where they believe they are fairy tale characters. Though one individual slipped through the cracks and must make the ninja remember who they are, or all that was is lost.

Fantasy Au: Story that focuses on the beloved Prince Lloyd. When he finds out that he’s been lied to and his father is up to no good, he vows to take over the kingdom for himself, with the aid of the Shining Stallion: Jorge

60 years: Zane tries to survive on his own after losing his memories. On a journey of self-discovery and a search for purpose, Zane gains and loses many families and homes. All the while he dreams of an Ice man with a great big staff, and uses those dreams to enhance his own icy abilities.

Julien and the Prism of Imperium: How a young Julien got ahold of a source of power that he’d eventually use to create his only son. Fast forward decades later, the one who loved and sacrificed themselves to help Julien has survived as a nindroid. They have created a nindroid empire underground, and Zane learns he has not one but 24 other siblings. A certain Cryptor reawakens, seeking to destroy Zane’s new found family.

OCs:

I have many ocs across all my stories and you are welcome to ask me about them, but Jorge Lash is my favorite lil guy. He is a genius inventor who uses his tech to preserve the smiles of the people. More on him can be found all around my blog, but if you’re curious you can send me an ask too!

Warnings:

I do not condone anti-lgbt/racism/abilism/pedophilia behavior at all. You will be blocked

I try to keep my blog mostly sfw but I am 18+ and my art/stories often contain heavy themes. I will use tw: and cw: tags.

Especially where Ninjago is concerned. Do not come to me hating on mine or other peoples headcanons. Be respectful of headcanons within reason.

My inbox is open if you wanna chat! I love hearing about your stories or whatever questions you have about mine. Please do not send me nsfw, request nsfw, or extremely long inboxes.

Do Not Repost My Art.

[creeperknight170]

NINJAGO NEXT GEN AU OCS

My AU takes place 20 years after Crystalized. Lloyd took over the monastery after Wu retired, and is now helping train a new team of Ninja

NINJA

Akari Smith(15): A passionate brawler who fights with punches and the element of fire she inherited from her dad, Kai

Ruby Borg(15): The plus sized fashionista who's a mixture of a world-class engineer and Barbie. She is close with her "cousin" Pixal, and inherited the power of ice from Zane, a close family friend.

Katsuo Smith-Walker(18): The adopted son of Jay and Nya, Katsuo uses his brain and brawn to serve Ninjago as Samurai X. Given his role on the team, it's no wonder that he and Ruby are constantly bickering about the decor in the cave.

His Royal Highness Prince Roland of Shintaro(17): Don't let his title fool you, Roland is an extremely approachable idiot. He's got heart though, and his lack of political responsibility as a second born made him a prime candidate for inheriting his godfather Cole's strength

Ciel Tempest(16): The newest green ninja doesn't have the same powers as Lloyd, but rather is a wind elemental like Morro. They are going through an identity crisis, not about their genderfluid or pan identites, but rather the fact that the mantle of Green Ninja includes some pretty big shoes to fill.

CIVILIANS

Kuro(countless millenia, physically 16): He's literally just the overlord in the form of a dorky teen with a wolfcut. He lives with Harumi and her wife and is overall just trying to make up for his old actions and become a normal person again.

Midori Kodoku (36): Mistake's old apprentice, Tox's little sister, and Harumi's wife. Midori loves weird plants just as much as she loves running the old tea shop.

[amarioe]

Enjoy some random doodles i made between classes because highschool started and consequentially so have my boredom induced mass drawing tendencies, yippee

[assaultvvyvern]

speaking of winx au i already have some things in mind for the gx portion of it. bare in mind i havent met all the characters yet and in still at s1 but n e way under cut!

judai yuki: fairy of elements and secretly the new nymph of souls. from magix city. wanted to be a fairy since he was a wee baby and now he gets to go to alfea! can see people's souls s1!bloom style except i dont drop the idea and it actually goes somewhere

jun manjome-princeton: fairy of thunder, prince of wysperia (THE kingdom of witches) and not in line from the throne unlike his older witch brothers. the first and only fairy being born in the manjome bloodline, he's actually very self-conscious about this but hides it by being the most arrogant bitch ever. his father is the former witch king of callisto, jun got his thunder domain from him (allegedly)

sho marufuji: fairy of machinery, from zenith. from a family of computer techs, he's the first fairy born after a long time. doesn’t really know how he got past the alfea entry exam but suddendly this very excited boy is talking to him and sho clings to him like a lifeline

hayato maeda: redfountain student from melody. didn't want to be there in the first place but his father is an high guard of the emperor of melody and was put there to not "embarass [his] family". he really doesn’t like fighting, but he’s a GREAT mechanic and armor designer! his knight holo-medal color is orange.

bastion misawa: witch of sciences, from espero. one of the two current best cloudtower students and interested in all kinds of magic and how they can interact with his domain. his dream is to live and work on zenith, where he thinks his way of thinking can be truly accepted and appreciated.

asuka tenjoin: captain of specialist team alpha and redfountain student, crown princess of stalax since her brother's disappearance. her weapon of choice is a rhytmic gymnastics-like holo ribbon that acts as a whip and more. very respected student and loved by her team and peers, they call her the "redfountain queen". her knight holo-medal color is ice blue.

zane marufuji: witch of techno-singularity, from zenith, also one of cloudtower's best students! big brother of sho.

general instigating plot is going to be that the schools are working together to improve witch-fairy-knight relationships, and some students move to alfea and viceversa. teams are formed to pass certain challenges and study together. judai + sho + hayato + bastion are one team, while asuka + jun + zane are another.

[lunar-eclipse-bunnies]

while im on the subject

current ninjago aus goin thru my head:

a villains/reverse au wherein:

harumi is the green ninja with lloyd being disowned by garmadon and misako, and becoming the jade prince

garmadon takes wu's role & wu is evil/bitten by That Fucking Snake, & is banished to the cursed realm instead for trying to take over the world with his assembled ninjas (the Boys we know and love plus nya)

garmadon collects elemental masters to counteract the ninjas if they should return again (and they will! but with snakes! theyll still unleash the great devourer dw)

on a basic one to one, morro replaces cole (preferably an alive and young morro but i'm not picky), kai is replaced with skylar, jay is replaced with benthomaar, zane is replaced with echo and nya with tox

harumi was orphaned by the great devourer's attack, and after having realized the fate of her parents halfway through the battle harumi managed to get her hands on the og ninja's golden weapons and revealed herself to be the green ninja; the boys wanted to take her to retrieve wu from the cursed realm but garmadon killed the snake and got her to his monastery and team before they could get and corrupt her

she now lives with her father figure garmadon, her pseudo-parents morro and echo (I THINK THEY'D BE CUTE and bond over abandonment issues), her awkward but loving older brother ben, and her older sisters skylar and tox

& an atla au, wherein:

lloyd is the avatar (duh, energy bender) but because he was abandoned was originally thought to be a non bender until he unlocked his initial bending, earth bending

past avatars include: the first spinjitsu master (obvi), morro, skylar, etc

nya is a water and blood bender

kai is a fire bender

jay is (exclusively) a lightning bender

zane is (exclusively) an ice bender (and is still a robot but because the spirit world exists lets say doc jules was messing w that to get him to come alive)

cole as an earth, metal & lava bender

wu and garmadon as air benders, with misako as a non bender with earth bender lineage

pixal also as a spiritually fucked robot :)

zane lived in doc julien's abandoned north pole lab where he ran into akita (non bender) quite a few times

kai and nya lived in a village near the swamps of the earth kingdom so as not to arise suspicion (the kids of a fire bender/water bender couple would be the biggest fucking scandal of the century yall)

cole lived in a more modern earth kingdom city with his father (hence why he still went to a performing arts school)

[swampythesweetsketch]

I am making the worst conglomerate Movieverse AU.

Weird stuff happens on all ends and six Ninja from different universes are dropped into the Movieverse and tasked with figuring out a bigger issue or else their timelines will be destroyed and they will forever be trapped in the Movieverse. :]

Himbo Jay - nicknamed Pops aka "Edgar"

His current timeline is set between the Ice Chapter and Prime Empire. He's a father of three and is the only adult of the group at 23. He is the "leader" since his main concern is to look after the others and make sure they don't die.

Ostrich Prince Cole - nicknamed Fluff aka "Jasper"

His current timeline is set right after Tournament of Elements. Born a normal child but cursed after fighting a drunk wizard to become an ostrich. His curse is only lifted at night on the Full Moon and two nights after. 16 years old. Seen as the protector cause his legs can mutilate a fool.

Bby Dragon Lloyd - nicknamed Wings aka "Wally"

His current timeline is after Master of the Mountain. Since he's now 15, he regained enough power to regain his human form but can still take form as a dragon the size of a truck. The spy of the group since he's deemed harmless at first glance.

Clown Kai - nicknamed Tumble aka "Frisk"

He's not actually a clown, he was part of a circus as a fire dancer and street preforms for money. Currently in Legacy of the Green Ninja. 17 years old. The defense of the group as his clowning skills can distract and sabotage Garmadon's army.

Color Swap Zane - nicknamed Pastel aka "Pat"

Current timeline set between Skybound and Hands of Time. About 17 years old. A pink fairy is as weird as a white nindroid and his bubbly personality is hard to get a grip on. The support of the group thanks to their magical abilities to heal.

And

Mythic Nya - nicknamed Wave aka "Finn"

A mermaid with no clear timeline. Currently the second oldest at 20 years old. Since she has no way of becoming human, she spends a lot of her time traversing the water to update the SNF and the Multi Squad on Garmadon's ocean activity. The informant of the group due to also being able to catch local talk/info from the beach.

[terribleninjagoaus]

Demon Kai au

It becomes a running gag that initially all of Kai’s friends or in one case sister want to eat Jay’s soul and parts of his flesh

Poor Jay at least he makes good friends with Cole, Zane, and Nya.

Cole is a pure spider demon.

The son of Lily and the origin behind the Jorōgumo and her infamous cave who claimed a human lover.

Well turns out the human became a spider demon in his love for her aka Lou.

Zane is an ice demon just like his father before him.

He’s been mistaken as a divine spirit before though too due to keeping children safe on his father’s mountain.

Echo is an ice demon as well who enjoys helping his father and brother.

Kai babysits Lloyd frequently because his mother and Garmadon are old friends.

Bratty prince of the fey and Oni Lloyd. He’s seven years old and feral.

Lloyd: Just a tiny nibble please Jay? I’ll only eat your arm.

Jay: NO! Lloyd human limbs cannot regenerate like a freaking lizard.

Lloyd: They do at dad and mother’s court.

Not Lloyd using fey charms and hellish charisma,

Lloyd is the ultimate cuteness machine and he knows it.

There’s not many who can resist his abilities except for Kai and Jay somehow. (Zane can too an extent due to echo’s puppy dog eyes.)

.

[only-lonely-stars]

A Bride for the Prince (Chapter 2 - Festival)

[Prologue] // [Chapter 1 of 9] // [Chapter 2 of 9 - you are here!] // [Chapter 3 of 9] – (FFN) (AO3)

Part of the @ninjago-fairy-tale-au!

Summary:

Once upon a time, there lived a faithful and hardworking girl named Pixal Borg, who worked every day to satisfy her demanding stepmother. For years, she cleaned and cooked, giving no argument, until the day came when she met the prince. A Pixane Cinderella retelling.

Chapter summary:

Prince Zane appears, and the King suggests a celebration to help him choose a bride.

The castle of the Central Commonwealth stood tall above the surrounding towns, the colorful capital city likewise dwarfed by its majesty. Tall towers flanked enormous walls of white stone, silvery in the morning light and dew. Great shadows fell on the far side, and in the shade herds of cattle grazed upon expansive fields. Parapets extended from every tallest point. Many shuttered windows were present on every side, looking at the countryside. The only window without such decoration was a great stained glass expanse, which depicted a falcon flying through snowfall, visible best from the throne room.

Inside the throne room, two men stood, talking intently, one older and one younger. The older had silvery white hair, swept back and pinned down with a simple yet kingly platinum crown. He stood tall, with a presence of intelligence and wisdom and strength. However, his face was lined as a consequence of laughter, belying his wisdom. No matter where he looked, his intelligent gray eyes were intent on anything he saw. The younger man looked just like the older in nearly every aspect, even to his platinum blond hair, likewise swept back and crowned with a simpler silver circlet. His blue eyes were alike to shattered ice, calm and intelligent, and his back was straight as a ramrod. Both men carried themselves with dignity, as befit their royalty, and spoke with fondness to one another.

"How was your journey, my son?" the king asked.

"It was most productive. Our eastern towns shall not go hungry under our care," the prince replied.

"Very good. I am proud of you, Zane. You have grown to be a fine leader for our people." The king put his hand on his son's shoulder. "You bring honor to the Julien name."

Zane bowed his head in thanks. "It is the least I can do for our people. Without them, our rule means nothing."

"You are right; it is by their desire that we govern. I only wish that your brother Echo could have seen the man you have become." The king smiled, a tinge of sadness to his face.

The prince's face fell. The sound of his brother's name was a bittersweet one. After a few moments, he schooled his features back to calm. "What would you have me do next, Father? Shall I go with the diplomatic mission to the southern kingdom?"

"No, they have already departed. I would like to speak to you about a different matter." The king folded his hands pensively. "My son, I am growing older with every passing year. Time has served me well, but I cannot live forever."

Zane nodded. "Has your health suffered while I was gone?" he asked, concern flooding his voice.

"No, thank the First Master. However, I have had time to consider the future." The king met Zane's eyes, every aspect of his countenance sincere. "My son, you are by no means a child any longer. We have reached a point where you should begin considering whom you will marry."

At this, Zane shook his head. "I do not know any noblewomen who would be fit for the task. I cannot take a wife from among them." His eyebrows creased in distaste. "I will not marry a foreigner, either, or any woman who is not of our people. They must be ruled by one of our number."

"Your wisdom is beyond your years, my son. However, you must choose someone eventually, despite your misgivings." The king began to pace. "Perhaps some sort of event might be arranged, that you might meet a fitting woman from among the people. Perhaps a contest, or a ball, where you might meet candidates for the role."

"An event, Father? What sort do you suggest?" Zane's mind whirred. "Perhaps a festival would befit the need better than a ball."

The king smiled. "That is an excellent proposal. We shall host a long festival; three days in which you might meet the women of the kingdom and find someone fitting." The king's eyes twinkled. "I will put you in charge of it, so all the events might fit the qualities you seek in your wife-to-be."

Zane bowed his head in agreement, pushing down his warring feelings of trepidation, dread, and excitement. "I will do my best. When shall it be?"

"The week after next, if you are able to organize it so quickly. Will that suffice for you?"

"It is more than enough time." The prince paused, but came to stand before his father once again. "Thank you, Father, for allowing me to be so particular. I know it has been difficult for you. I will find someone who will rule well, like Mother did."

The king smiled, a slight bit melancholy. "I have no doubt you will search far and wide until you find her, my son, no matter how long it takes. Trust yourself, and it will be easier."

"I will do my best."

-----

In the intervening time before the festival, Prince Zane rarely rested, overseeing every part of the festival planning. During the three days, the population of the capital city and the surrounding towns would be welcome throughout the fields around the castle, where there would be games and spectacles. There would be many things to indulge in, such as delectable foods from all over the Commonwealth, and the finest or artisan craftsmanship where any merchant could sell his wares.

In the center of the field, an arena was set up. It hosted many seats, and a tawny soil floor, such that all the kingdom's knights and squires could do their best to prove their worth. Zane would also compete each day, jousting with the winners of the earlier matches. As per an agreement with his father, he was to take the favor of a woman he saw fit to consider, but no other. Throughout the rest of the tournament, he would also be present, whether as a competitor in the games or an attendee, meeting as many ladies as he could without the fear of appearing as a womanizer.

As the days of the festival approached and the announcements were sent out, Zane's trepidation grew. For years, he had felt free, as the need to find a bride had been a faraway concern. He had been able to travel, to study, to learn, and to begin to rule without concern of a woman who would monopolize his attention. Any knowledge in the world was at his disposal, and even the farthest corners of the world were within his grasp. Now that he had to find a fitting bride, were his days of freedom over? How could he live his life as he had before?

He tried to shake his worries, but they were unceasing. As a husband, he would be required to set aside the time to tend to his wife, and everything that she entailed to him. She would take up his time, energy, attention, and more personal things than those, some of which he feared to even think about. How could he please a woman while also pleasing himself, whether in mind or body? No matter how he considered the problem, it seemed impossible.

In any time he could take to himself, Zane delved into prayer and meditations, but they rarely helped. Instead, his mind was filled with images of his future. Of course, once a courtship began, he was to spend time with his wife-to-be. Then his wedding day would come, with all its trappings and traditions. As of that day, he would be tied to that woman, and there would be no leaving her. The visions he imagined turned toward the further future as he realized that any travels he would take would be with his wife, unless toward war– First Master forbid. His children would be raised to ascend the throne, and would be his pride and joy. When he was aged, one would be crowned…

Slowly, his fears began to slip away. The prince thought about his future, and suddenly felt as if his concerns were small. If his life was to be spent with anyone, a woman with whom he could speak and learn would certainly not be poor. His kingdom would live well under the rule of a learned and graceful woman, if only he could find one.

Despite the prince's warring feelings, time marched on, passing under his nose as the kingdom prepared. The first day of the festival grew ever closer, and Zane could only watch and wonder.