Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Arin blinks, watching the room glow brightly and the heat rise, warming his cheeks and making him feel toasty all over. “Uh, Wyldfyre? I don’t think this is what Lloyd meant by “learning to train your flame.” he glances over to her, grimacing.

“What do you mean? It’s perfect-“ she grins, eyes glinting.

“I don’t know. This is pretty lit.” Sora chuckles, leaning against her best friend.

“WHY is there a fire in the dojo!?”

The three whip around, staring at Lloyd’s panicked face.

“Training.” Wyldfyre answers simply, shaking the fire off her palms. “Much nicer, isn’t it?”

“Everything is on fire!” Lloyd exclaims, pulling on his hair. “This is almost as bad as what happened when Jay-“

“-trained in the south wing.” Sora mumbles. “We know, Lloyd. You’ve told us that story ten times now.” she sighs, watching him and Arin work to put out the fire. “Can you give us something else to do? Like maybe fixing the new bounty or helping Riyu with his scale shedding?”

“Yeah, sure.” Lloyd sighs, stomping the rest of the fire out. “I’m gonna go look at some scrolls. And Wyldfyre, please no more burning things till I come back.”

Arin watches their teacher go then turns to the others. “Come on guys, we need to train seriously.”

This is all he’s ever wanted.

To be a ninja- to help people.

He keeps messing up though.

He doesn’t want to waste his only shot.

Especially now that he’s actually in the legendary monastery itself.

“I was.” Wyldfyre grumbles, staring at the lightly toasted floorboards. “I made the fire work for me, but he didn’t care. I’m his least favorite student.”

“Come on, Fy. That’s not true.” Sora says, placing a hand on her shoulder softly. “He just isn’t used to teaching people and your fire is pretty strong.” she glances to her best friend.

“Sora is right.” Arin chimes in, coming over. “I think he’d be much more understanding if it wasn’t inside the monastery.”

Wyldfyre nods slightly, sighing. “Okay, I’ll burn the training course.” she says, pulling away.

The two friends glance at each other before quickly following.

*****

Arin slowly packs away the weapons and other equipment, putting it away in the closet.

The whole place has been lightly burnt, while other parts more severe. Hopefully Lloyd won’t notice.

Glancing at the rising moon, he smiles slightly. The light and shadows it casts are oddly comforting.

He locks the front gate then goes inside the monastery, following the smell of soup- burning soup. He sighs and goes inside, watching Sora and Wyldfyre stare at the pot. “Couldn’t of waited for the chef?” he chuckles.

“Chef?” Wyldfyre questions.

“Yep, lemme show you how it’s done.” he comes over, leaning by the oven. “This is too high of a setting. You want it on medium.” he adjusts it with a hum. “The stove top controls will warm it up perfectly to be served.”

Wyldfyre nods, but a frown is present on her face.

Arin looks back to the soup, watching it slowly heat up. “You know…you are the one with fire powers.” he glances at her with soft eyes. “Why don’t you warm it up?” he smiles, switching the stove off.

“I…I don’t want to ruin it.” she mumbles, shuffling her feet together.

“You won’t and if you do, we can try again.”

Wildfyre glances at him and a small but sure smile crosses her face.

“And if it really comes to it we can eat ice cream for dinner instead.” Sora chuckles, peeking inside the freezer. “Ew never mind, it’s strawberry.” she sticks her hand in her mouth, making a gagging sound. “Who eats strawberry?”

Arin laughs, beaming when Wildfyre joins in.

“Alright, Arin, you know what to do.”

“Roger that, Sora.” Arin chuckles. “I’ll make a nice warm pie but first, soup.” he turns to his friend. “So, Fy, you want to heat it up?”

Wyldfyre takes a deep breath in and out and nods, carefully lifting her hand up and using her powers.

Arin smiles, watching her focus.

She has so much power and it’s so strong.

Both his friends are so strong.

It makes him feel a little weaker, but seeing them smile when they excel at something means everything to him.

“Arin-“ Sora pulls him back from the pot which bursts into flames. “Pay attention, dude.”

“Right, sorry.” he glances at Wyldfyre he steps back, powers fading from her hands with a sad face. “Hey, it’s alright. Why don’t we try again?”

“It’s…alright. You’re the chef, you should do it.” Wyldfyre murmurs, turning away. “I’m going to see what Lloyd is doing.”

Arin frowns, glancing at Sora then back to where their friend went. “She’s really powerful.”

“She almost burnt you.” Sora wraps an arm around his shoulder with a heavy sigh.

“It’s not her fault.”

“I know. She needs more training though, before she hurts someone…”

Chapter Text

Wyldfyre softly knocks on the large wooden door to the scroll room. “Lloyd? Can I…speak with you?” she presses her head closer, listening harder, but hearing nothing. “I don’t think I’m quite cut out for this. I’m not like Arin or Sora, I’m…different.”

Beyond the door is still silent, awfully silent and Wyldfyre reaches for the handle, hesitating a bit.

She could just go-

She could leave and not come back.

It’d be easier for everyone for her to go.

Arin could’ve gotten hurt.

She doesn’t want to hurt anyone, especially people she considers friends.

“Lloyd?” she swallows and pushes the door open a smidge.

Through the crack of the door, she can see him, just slumped on his desk. He’s in a weird position though…a pretty uncomfortable one too.

“Master Lloyd?” Wyldfyre tries again, walking inside. She steps on the very ancient looking scroll and grimaces, taking the next few steps carefully. “Are you- awake?” she leans in close, tapping him on the shoulder.

Lloyd barely shifts, making a face of discomfort.

Wyldfyre very carefully presses her palm against his head, frowning at the warmth under her fingertips. Other humans she’s noticed don’t share the same body heat as her, yet Lloyd’s forehead is quite hot.

“Unnatural.” she murmurs, tilting her head a bit.

She knows dragons get cold when they’re sick.

Lloyd isn’t cold, but he’s not a dragon.

He’s a human.

Should humans be this warm?

“Hello? Lloyd?” Wyldfyre’s frown only deepens, poking him in the shoulder hard.

Lloyd whimpers, curling up more.

He’s acting like a sick dragon.

Should she heat him up?

No, he’s already warm.

What do sick humans need to survive?

Wyldfyre glances around, eyes setting on a small cot on the floor. She carefully reaches out, grabbing Lloyd by the shoulders and slowly pulling him towards it. She hears him shift a bit and groan. “It’s alright.” she softly sets him on the cot, feeling his temple again.

Very feverish and he’s shivering now too.

“I will be right back.” Wyldfyre pats him on the shoulder then gets up, quickly running down the narrow hallways. “Guys?!” she screeches to a halt in the kitchen just as Arin sets the soup pot onto the table.

“What’s wrong?” Sora asks, taking the words right from Arin’s mouth.

“It’s Lloyd- he-he’s sick. I think- I’m not used to human illnesses.” Wyldfyre mumbles, glancing to the side.

Perhaps she’s wrong.

Perhaps she knows nothing about being human despite supposedly being one.

“Let’s go.” Arin takes her hand, pulling on her and running after Sora who’s already taken off.

The monastery floorboards creak loudly, not used to having three teenagers racing across it in many a year. Not since five very loud color coded ninjas who would never let the place rest or go quiet for that matter.

The three screech to a stop in the scroll room and go inside, all crowding around Lloyd.

“What do we do?” Arin questions, carefully brushing some hair from their teacher’s temple as he checks his temperature. “He’s got a fever. A bad one.” he glances at Sora who leans in close.

“We need to cool him down. Arin, go get a damp rag. I’ll make sure he doesn’t have any untended to wounds.” Sora says, watching her best friend take off. She slowly lifts Lloyd up, checking any obvious spots for injuries. Frowning deeply, every time Lloyd whimpers in discomfort.

“I don’t see any infected wounds. He probably just have overworked himself.” she carefully sets him down and looks to Wyldfyre. “I’m going to search for some herbs I can give him to help bring down the fever. Stay with him.”

“What am I supposed to do?” Wyldfyre questions, a panicked look spreading across her features.

“Be comforting.”

“How?”

“Just treat him like a sick dragon.” Sora calls, before running out the door.

Wyldfyre sighs, turning back to Lloyd.

Comforting..

Like a sick dragon…

She can do this.

Carefully, she readjusts his position, setting his head on the pillow and sitting close to him.

The room is suddenly so very quiet.

It’s strange…

She’s not so sure she likes it so much.

She’s too worried to be calm or even relax a bit for that matter.

Why couldn’t she have a power like ice or water?

Something that could help bring down a fever-

Something helpful and not destructive.

“Wyldfyre?”

“Lloyd?” she glances down at her teacher, watching his hazy eyes try to focus on her. “It’s alright. You are safe.” she sets a hand on his shoulder.

Like a sick dragon.

“Where’s Arin and Sora?” Lloyd asks, coughing a bit. “W-We’re not under attack r-right?”

“No, we’re safe. You’re just unwell.” she offers a small, half smile, squeezing his shoulder lightly. “You should rest. Arin and Sora will be back soon with something to cure your fever.”

Lloyd coughs again, body shuddering. “I need to be training you. I c-can’t be sick right now. I have to be there in case you n-need help.”

Wyldfyre glances down at him, staring into his eyes for a moment.

He just wants to protect them.

Teach them to protect themselves and those they care for.

What if she can’t do that?

What if she’s just…

“I’m sorry.” she murmurs, fists clenching. “I cannot seem to get anything right. Not training, not cooking, not protecting. I nearly set fire to the monastery and burnt Arin by accident. My powers aren’t helpful. They are only destructive. I…I am destructive.”

“Wyldfyre,” Lloyd reaches out, setting his hands over her knuckles. “You are not destructive. Destructive people only want to cause chaos and injure others. Your powers you’ve always used to protect your family. Your dragon family member is a perfect example of that. You did everything and anything to keep them them safe.” he squeezes her hand, coughing a bit as he sits up.
“You have such a big heart, but a strong power. It’s not bad. It only needs refining.”

A couple tears drip down Wyldfyre’s face and she smiles, nodding. “Thank you, Lloyd.” she reaches out and carefully lowers him onto the pillow again. “But, maybe rest a bit more before you get up again.”

“I think you’re right there.” Lloyd chuckles, shivering a bit as he closes his eyes.

Wyldfyre sets her hand over his arm, keeping it there as she waits for the others dutifully.

“You’re actually pretty good at comforting people.”

“Sora told me to treat you like a sick dragon.”

Lloyd laughs loudly followed by a string of pained coughs. “Well, you’re treating me awfully normal for a dragon.”

“This is how I treat my dragon family when they are ill.” Wyldfyre murmurs, staring at the door. “I care for them, hold them, wait for them to get better. I will stay even if it takes weeks. I protect them and I’ll protect you too.” she glances over at Lloyd, meeting his tired eyes which are open now. “You may rest. I will be here.”

“Thank you.” Lloyd murmurs, shutting his eyes again and clutching his pillow a bit closer.

“Anytime.”

Chapter Text

Sora quickly goes through the cabinets, cursing when she doesn’t find much.

It doesn’t seem like they’ve had any stock in a long, long time. It’s going to be difficult or even impossible to be able to whip up something for fever.

She pushes her hair back, taking a deep breath in and out.

Calm.

Stay calm.

It’s just a fever.

Her and Arin have dealt with many fevers and they’ve both been okay.

Granted, most of the times they had something to lower it, but not always.

Those nights were the longest, waiting by the other’s bed side, hoping that the fever would break, that the other could at least get some water down.

Watching the clock as minutes pass by, as those minutes slowly turn to hours.

It was hard, but they both lived.

Lloyd will live.

It’s just not gonna be very fun.

Sora searches the cabinets one last time, finding nothing to help with fever, then heading to the kitchen. She bumps into Arin, who nearly drops the damp rag in his hand.

“Did you find anything?” he asks, tone edging with desperation.

Sora looks into his eyes and feels a bit of her heart break off.

She never could bear to see him sad or scared.

He’s so strong- if he can’t be strong then she will be the one to help him.

“No. None of the herbs have been stocked.” she sighs, looking down. “It’s gonna be one of those nights.”

Arin takes a shaky breath in and out and nods. “Okay, let’s get back to him and Wyldfyre.”

Sora nods and the two hastily run back, the dust on the floorboards getting kicked up. She rounds the corner and goes inside, both her and Arin dropping beside Lloyd.

“We’re back-“

Lloyd opens one eye and immediately gets a damp towel dropped on his face. “Little warning would be nice.” he chuckles, wheezing a bit.

“I’m sorry, Lloyd. I couldn’t find any herbs that could help.” Sora apologizes, resting her hands on his arm, Arin and Wyldfyre doing the same, all three teenagers looking over him.

Lloyd slowly lifts the rag with his free hand, eyes widening at their faces. “Its a fever. I’m n-not dying.” he smiles slightly, ruffling all of their hair one by one with a shiver. “You kids go p-play a video game. I’ll just rest here.”

“I’m not leaving.” Wyldfyre pipes up, crossing her arms.

“Me neither.” Arin nods.

Sora grins, pulling the towel over Lloyd’s eyes again. “Rest you will, guarded by your three most loyal students.”

Lloyd sighs softly, but fondly. “Alright. If you insist.”

“We do.” Sora nods and leans against Arin who rests against Wyldfyre, all three waiting and waiting.

Eventually Arin gets bored, reading scroll after scroll and infodumping about every ninja he can think of, mentioning villains too, Wyldfyre being most interested by Garmadon.

Sora swears she saw Lloyd moving during that part, but didn’t say anything, just resting a hand on his shoulder and squeezing softly, comfortingly, like how Arin would do for her if she was stressing too much over a project.

Once Arin is done talking (which isn’t for another few hours), Wyldfyre joins in, speaking about dragon anatomy and why dragons are better than humans in all shape and form.
By the end of that speech, Arin is half asleep and out in another few minutes, followed by Wyldfyre.

Sora just waits, watching the stars through one of the old windows. It’s so beautiful out there, but so safe in here.
Closing her eyes, she breathes out deeply.

“You’re still awake?” Lloyd asks, voice coated with sleepiness.

“Why aren’t you asleep?” she turns to him, shifting a bit closer.

“I was listening to you guys..” Lloyd mumbles, words trailing off. “You, uh, remind me of my family. They used to be so loud. I could hear Kai from the kitchen and he would be all the way in the dojo and Zane, Zane could talk for hours about his interests. And, Jay, he always knew the most bizarre facts-“ Lloyd’s voice breaks off a bit, adam’s apple wobbling. “Him and Cole were the loudest combine. I miss both of them so much.”

“What…what was Cole like?” Sora whispers softly, leaning closer.

“Strong, kind, always helping, and a fierce protector. He was a true friend through everything.” Lloyd whispers back, matching her tone.

“And Jay?”

“I think you’d really like him. He grew up in a junkyard, always messing with electronics and building things. He’s a little loud and whiny, but in an endearing way.”

“You seemed nervous when Arin talked about some of those villains..” Sora says, voice hushed. “Especially Garmadon. Arin said he was your dad.”

“Yep, that guy was my dad. Not always the best one, but I do treasure the rare good moments we had.” Lloyd murmurs, sounding even more tired than before as he sets his head back against the pillow. “Parents are complicated.”

“You can say that again.” Sora murmurs, resting her chin on her knees. “Wyldfyre, Arin and I are basically orphans for all we know. Honestly, I rather be on my own then with my brainwashed biological mom and dad.”

“I rather you be here, all of you. So, you can be safe.” Lloyd mumbles, eyes sealed shut.

Sora opens her mouth, then stops hesitating before she slowly moves even closer.

He’s basically asleep.

He probably won’t even remember anything she says through his fever addled brain.

“Lloyd?”

“Mhm?”

“Will you be my dad?” she whispers, watching him so, so carefully.

Even if he doesn’t remember, she just wants to know what he’d say now.

Would he say yes?

Could she trust another adult?

Even if he said yes, could she really?

“Yeah.” Lloyd answers softly.

“Cool.” Sora looks to the side, smiling a bit.

Lloyd is cool.

Much cooler than her first father.

And way kinder.

Chapter Text

Lloyd breathes out slowly, pushing the damp rag from his face. It’s a new one this time, much wetter. He’s not even sure how long he slept for, just that he feels much better. Slowly, he sits up, pushing back his blonde curls and glancing around.

He’s wrapped up in a…blanket burrito? Yep, that’s what this is. Around him is a huge nest of blankets and there’s a glass of water beside him, along with a pile of extra blankets.

Lloyd stretches, struggling to get out of the burrito till he finally gets to his feet. He sways a bit, but stays upright. He definitely still has aftereffects from his fever, but again…he feels better.

“Arin? Wyldfyre?” he whispers, carefully taking one step after another. “Sora?”

No answer, just the sound of paws hitting the-

“Whoa-“ Lloyd quickly jerks out of the way, almost being plowed over by Riyu. “Hey, little guy.” he carefully itches him behind the horns, earning a happy squeak. “Where is everybody?”

Riyu squeaks again and runs off, Lloyd following.

The monastery is startlingly quiet which makes him nervous.

He doesn’t smell smoke though..

In fact it actually smells good, like pancakes.

The thought is an immediate gouge to the heart, Lloyd closing his eyes and taking an unsteady breath in and out.

Right after they defeated the great devourer, in the kitchen. That’s where they all were. Zane was making pancakes and Jay kept stealing one before anyone else could which eventually ended in a food fight.

They were all so young then. There was so much that hadn’t happened to them. It was back when they thought they’d be together forever.

Lloyd opens his eyes, wiping a single tear from his face.

They all will be together again.

He’ll make sure of it.

Continuing down the hallway, he peeks into the kitchen, immediately smiling a little.

Sora is setting the table with a few brightly colored plates (they belonged to his mother, Misako), Arin is working on pancake batter and Wyldfyre is helping fry the pancakes.

Sora is humming as usual, sounding very pleased.

Lloyd frowns, he swears he had a conversation with her yesterday night. He can’t seem to recall it fully though. All of last night is blurry. He must’ve had a very bad fever.

“What are you doing out of bed?”

Lloyd blinks, realizing suddenly that Sora is looking at him with her hands on her hips. She looks so much like Nya all of a sudden.

That thought gouges him just a bit deeper.

They haven’t been Sora’s age in so long.

“I needed a stretch.” Lloyd chuckles awkwardly. “You know, after I was trapped in some kind of blanket prison.”

“You move in your sleep.” Wyldfyre remarks. “It was the only way to keep you still.”

“You also talk in your sleep.” Arin pipes up, putting some batter on the pan.

“What did I say?” Lloyd asks, a bit of panic spiking through him.

There’s still plenty of many things he’s never let anyone fully know.

Personal things.

“You kept talking about Kai.” Arin shrugs. “A lot of the ninja actually. Most of it didn’t make sense, but you mentioned Jay and Cole quite a few times.”

Lloyd nods slightly.

Didn’t he talk about Jay and Cole last night?

He could’ve sworn he did.

“Didn’t I mention them last night?”

“Only in your sleep.” Wyldfyre answers, setting another pancake on a plate.

Arin hums in agreement.

Lloyd can’t help but look to Sora, meeting her eyes.

She just looks into his green irises for a moment before looking away, face burning red in embarrassment. “Yeah. It was just in your sleep, sorry Lloyd. You were pretty out of it.”

“Must’ve been.”

Arin peers over at Sora, frowning. “How about we eat breakfast, fam?”

Lloyd nods and the four all sit down, quietly eating.

It’s too quiet.

He misses how loud Kai wa-

“I don’t know how you didn’t wake up. Arin was snoring very loud.” Wyldfyre starts, ripping off a piece of her pancake. “Even louder than a dragon. He shook the whole monastery.”

“Not true.” Arin shoots back. “If anything you were the one shaking the monastery.”

“Nuh-uh, Arin. You were definitely snoring.” Sora grins.

“That is not-“

Lloyd closes his eyes, silently taking a few bites of his pancake. The bickering is relaxing, familiar. It’s so strange to have teenagers in the monastery, but it’s a good feeling.

Hearing Sora’s voice, just makes him frown more.

They definitely had a talk last night.

He’s wracking his brain about what it was about, but he can’t put it together.

“Do you feel that?”

Lloyd blinks his eyes open, feeling the place vibrate a bit and the roar of engines.

“I think the ninja are back!” Arin exclaims and shoves the last of the food in his mouth, racing towards the courtyard, followed by the other kids.

“Don’t run with food in your mouth! You could choke!” Lloyd chases after them, abandoning his pancakes and going with them. They’re definitely faster than him, curse being so sick.

When he finally reaches the door, Kai is already ruffling Arin’s hair and Nya is talking to Wyldfyre excitedly. Zane slides down the plank and Sora greets him with a warm hug.

Lloyd can’t help but stare at the bounty, waiting for Jay or Cole to appear. They don’t, Kai walking over and hugging him. He closes his eyes and buries his face in his older brother’s shoulder, trying not to cry again.

“Sorry, Bud. We couldn’t find them.”

“It’s okay-“ Lloyd’s voice cracks and he swallows. “We will.”

“Of course we will.” Kai whispers in a hushed voice. “Now, let’s get you back inside. I heard you had quite the fever.”

“I’m fine now.”

“Your voice sounds like it’s gone through a cheese grater.” Kai deadpans and presses a hand against his little brother’s forehead. “Yep, still warm. Come on.” he nudges Lloyd towards the living room, setting him on the couch and sitting beside him. “Sora said we were out of herbs. Thankfully, Nya and Zane picked up some on our way back.”

Lloyd nods tiredly, sighing.

“What’s wrong?”

“Sora said something to me last night and I’m trying to remember what it was.”

“You should ask her.” Kai hums.

“I did. She said it didn’t happen.” Lloyd mumbles. “I know it did.”

“If she doesn’t want to talk about it, maybe you should let it go.” Kai says softly. “She ran away from her parents. She probably has trouble trusting adults. I know Nya and I had similar problems too. It was so hard getting our mom and dad back for Nya.”

Lloyd blinks. “Your mom and..?”

Dad.

Sora asked him to be his dad…and he said yes.

“Kai?”

“Yeah?”

Lloyd turns to him with wide eyes. “I think I’m a dad now.”

“WHAT?!”