Chapter Text
As the sun dipped below the horizon,bathing the city in its golden light. You sat perched atop the edge of a building. Your gaze fixed intently on the hustle and bustle of life below. You bit the inside of your cheek carefully inspecting anyone you could see.
There were people dining outside of the restaurant. People getting in their cars, or people just walking in the nearby park.
Undoubtedly you took great interest wondering how everyone’s life could be so different. This made you look down at her hands, as a way to let herself know that you are
“right here” you huffed. carefully you counted your fingers, a habit that would ground you when your thoughts became too heavy. “One, two, three…” you whispered softly under your breath, your fingers brushing against each other as you went. It wasn’t just a habit—it was your anchor, solid proof that you existed in this moment, no matter how fleeting it felt.
The city around buzzed with life, the kind that felt far away, like you were watching through a pane of glass. Your heart ached, an unfamiliar heaviness settling in your chest. You couldn’t help but wonder if you’d ever truly belong in a world that seemed so…extraordinary.
You snapped your fingers quickly, a reflex born from years of practice. The sharp sound was followed by a flicker of black sparks, crackling like miniature lightning before disappearing into the air. It wasn’t much—at least, not to anyone else—but to you, it was everything.
The black sparks were your mark, your proof that you weren’t just another face in the crowd. You had an element, though your power had always been…different. Not flashy, not world-shaking like others you’d see on the news. No firestorms, no lightning storms, no raging earthquakes . Just these fleeting sparks, unpredictable and sharp.
Your“extraordinary,” as you liked to call it, was more of a quirk than a gift.
Or at least, that’s what you told herself.
You snapped your fingers again, watching the sparks dance across your skin like fleeting shadows.
They were beautiful in their own way, but they were also a reminder—a reminder of the things you could never quite control. The sparks seemed to dim a bit as the sunset was finally turning into the calm night. You went back to watching the city, wanting to prove to yourself that with your quirk, you could do something. Something helpful, something that could inspire.
It had been long since you’d taken the initiative to show your powers. Embarrassed and rather ashamed of your quirk, you hid them, not wanting any of the attention. If it wasn’t for a certain muse you had, then this would have not happened. You smiled to yourself as you quickly reminded yourself of your purpose.
You didn’t need to be grand, proving yourself to the world. You were perfectly fine with being a small vigilante. You wanted that small satisfaction of just being you. Smiling to yourself, you opened your eyes, engulfing the cool breeze of Ninjago City. For the first time in years, your quirk didn’t feel overwhelming.
With your muse and purpose, you felt like you were capable of more. You was ready to take the leap. Unsure of where this path would go, you’d walk through it with confidence. No matter how wavy or rocky the path would be. Your determination shone.
Your suspicion grew as you noticed a group of people with black hoodies making their way across the street. They seemed to be eyeing an older male. You knew it was time, and you quickly turned to the stairs, starting to run to the first floor. Your pace quickening as your mind started to play scenarios on how the fight would go. At least if it were to come to it.
Making your way through the doors, you quickly looked at the older male being apprehended.
“Hey!” you confronted the group, your heart pounding in your chest. It was a sight to see; you were wearing your handmade gi, looking straight out of the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man movies when he had his ‘silly costume.’ One could say you looked clueless about what to do next, yet somehow, you confidently swaggered your way up to face the masked people. Internally, your head was panicking.
“Pfft, what are you supposed to be? A ninja?” one of the masked figures sneered, clenching their fists.
You squared your shoulders, ignoring the wave of doubt crashing against your resolve. You were fully committed to your part, even though the group was completely mocking you.
“Are you going to take us down with your… karate moves?” the masked individual taunted, making chopping movements that earned snickers from the others.
Your heart pounded. ‘Remember why you’re here, y/n.’
Glancing at the older male, he seemed a bit curious. He wasn’t too concerned about what was happening, even if one of the hooded figures was holding onto him. Did this happen to him often?
You raised your hand, making a quick snap to show your quirk. “No,” you said firmly, your voice steadier than you felt. “But I’ll give you one chance to walk away. Right now.”
“Tricks don’t scare me,” said the leader, stepping even closer. “You don’t look like you know what you’re doing. You sure you wanna play hero tonight, little ninja?”
You swallowed hard. You didn’t know what you were doing—not completely. But you couldn’t back down now. Not when someone needed you.
“I’m sure,” you said, forcing yourself to hold his gaze. “So unless you want to find out what else I can do, I suggest you let him go.” The sparks danced more brightly around your fingertips, crackling like a warning. For the first time, you saw hesitation flicker in the leader’s eyes. He glanced back at his group, then at you again.
You braced yourself, your fingers twitching, ready for anything. ‘If this is going to be my first fight,’ you thought, ‘then I’m not going to lose.’
The leader lunged at you, and you quickly noticed he took out his knife. Carefully, you stepped out, dodging it. The air whooshed past your face as your body twisted almost gracefully. Smiling a bit, you swung your arm wide, aiming for the hooded male’s back, causing a slight spark to light his back.
The male grunted, stumbling a bit before quickly turning towards you. You felt a pair of hands grab your arms. Panic shocked through you. Instinctively, you snapped, causing the light to blind them before elbowing the other members’ ribs.
Breaking free, you stood your guard.
“Not bad, little ninja,” the leader said, still holding out his knife. Spinning it, he smiled, amused by this interaction. “But you’re out of depth.”
Your chest felt heavy. “Maybe,” you admitted, shifting your weight as he approached. “But I’m not giving up.”
He rushed you, the knife being thrown. Quickly, you kicked the knife with your foot. Your steps became quick. It all seemed so seamless; your movements entered some sort of time dilation.
You ducked low, your foot sweeping out to catch his ankle. He went down with a thud. You turned with no hesitation, “Time bullet,” you mused, clicking your tongue, proud of your quirk move. “Who’s next?” you challenged.
The others looked at each other. “I’m not fighting just because I’m holding this old man,” one of them said. They all scattered, including the leader.
You chuckled a bit before seeing the older male there. He just stood there, with a curious glint. As if he was trying to study you.
“Thank you for that,” the male said as he bowed in gratitude.
He straightened, his posture calm yet commanding, and the faintest smile tugged at his lips. “You have a wonderful element,” he said, his tone even and deliberate. “May I ask what it is?”
You hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal. But his kind expression put you at ease. You smiled back, a hint of pride flickering in your chest.
“Oh, I’m the Element of Darkness,” you said lightly, your sparks crackling faintly around your fingers.
For a fleeting moment, the man’s eyes darkened, a glint of something unreadable flashing in his gaze. You tilted your head slightly, as if his words had struck a chord deep within you.
“Darkness, you say?” he murmured, his voice almost too soft to hear.
You nodded, missing the subtle shift in his demeanor. “Yeah, it’s… not exactly the flashiest element, but I’m learning to make it work.” You chuckled again, trying to play off your lingering nerves.
The man’s smile returned, though it carried an edge now, a weight of understanding that you didn’t notice. “An extraordinary gift,” he said smoothly. “One that carries immense potential.”
By no means did Lord Garmadon underestimate your potential. Your powers were raw, unrefined, but the way your sparks crackled with dark energy intrigued him. There was something different about you. Something… untapped. He had seen many elemental users in his time, but your power had an unpredictable quality that piqued his interest.
It was clear to him that you were self-taught. The way you hesitated before each action, the way you weren’t fully in control—it all spoke of someone who had only scratched the surface of what you could truly achieve. Garmadon could sense that, despite your natural affinity for the darkness, you were struggling to harness it fully. The potential was there, yes, but it was like watching a storm waiting to break, just not yet having the right conditions to truly unleash its fury.
Yes, he thought to himself, as he walked away from your brief encounter. You have potential, but you’re limited by your own uncertainty. With the right guidance…
His mind already raced with possibilities. Your power could be molded, honed into something far greater than you ever imagined. And what better way to teach you than to do it personally, under his careful tutelage? You seemed eager enough, and Garmadon was no stranger to bringing out the best—and the darkness—in people. Besides, working closely with you would also have the advantage of keeping you away from the current ninjas. He had no need for interference from them, not while his plans were unfolding.
Garmadon’s lips curled into a quiet smirk. If you learn quickly enough, you could be a valuable asset to my cause. And… the faster you learn, the less likely you will be to defy me. I’ll have your loyalty, one way or another.
He paused in his steps, his gaze cold and calculating. A little mentorship could be exactly what you need.
You were rather confused as the individual seemed to walk away but stopped halfway. With his hand on his chin, deep in thought. You weren’t too sure on what was going on as you were about to walk away, the male started.
“Would you want to reach your full potential?” The male said as he turned. You turned as well, looking at the old man.
“My full potential?” You were dumbfounded, your voice laced with equal parts curiosity and caution. What could he possibly mean?
“Yes,” the older man replied, his tone calm but firm. “Your powers—while impressive—are raw, untamed. You’ve barely begun to scratch the surface of what you’re capable of.”
Aelin tilted her head, studying him. “And you think you can help me with that? Why would you care?”
He stepped closer, his movements deliberate but not threatening. “Let’s just say… I have experience with darkness. I’ve seen what it can do, both at its worst and at its most powerful. You, Aelin, have potential unlike anything I’ve seen in years.”
The way he said your name sent a chill down your spine. You hadn’t told him who you were, had you? “Who are you?”
The man’s expression softened slightly, but there was a flicker of something deeper in his eyes—a quiet intensity. “Someone who knows what it’s like to wrestle with darkness. Someone who can guide you to control it, before it controls you.”
You hesitated. You wanted to brush him off, to tell him you didn’t need anyone’s help. But his words gnawed at you. He was right—you had been holding back. Fear and doubt had kept you from pushing your limits, and you couldn’t deny the allure of reaching your full potential.
“And what’s in it for you?” you asked, crossing your arms, trying to sound braver than you felt.
“Nothing more than the satisfaction of seeing you succeed,” he said with a small, cryptic smile. “Your strength will speak for itself.”
Your eyes narrowed. You didn’t fully trust him, but something in his tone, his presence, made it hard to dismiss him outright. “If I say yes… where do we start?”
His smile widened, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “We start with trust. Trust in yourself—and in me. Everything else will follow.”
The weight of his words hung in the air as you considered the offer. Something told you this was a turning point, a step into the unknown. With a deep breath, you met his gaze.
“Alright,” you said finally. “Show me what I’m capable of.”
The man nodded, a glint of approval in his eyes. “You won’t regret this,”
———
“How much longer of this do I have to endure!” you whined, your voice cracking as your legs trembled beneath you. The sweat dripping from your brow stung your eyes, but you refused to lower your staff. Your body ached from weeks of relentless training, your muscles protesting every movement.
“It’s been almost a month, and I don’t think my body knows how to rest anymore!”
“No whining,” Garmadon snapped, his tone calm but unyielding as he struck with his staff again, aiming low this time. “You chose this path. I’m not here to coddle you. You’re doing this for yourself, remember?”
You gritted your teeth as you parried the blow, the sharp crack of wood against wood ringing out. Your hands screamed in protest, raw and blistered from hours of gripping the splintered staff.
“Still!” you growled, barely dodging his next move. “I could really use a break after two hours of this torture.” Your frustration bled into your movements, and though your body begged for reprieve, your attacks grew sharper, your dodges swifter.
“Good!” Garmadon barked, a flicker of approval in his eyes as he pressed you harder. “Harness that anger. Let it sharpen your focus, but do not let it control you. You control it.”
Your breathing was ragged, your vision blurring at the edges. Your movements became almost instinctual, the staff spinning in your hands like an extension of your body. The air around you seemed to hum with energy, dark sparks flickering faintly at your fingertips as your emotions surged.
“Focus!” Garmadon commanded, his voice cutting through the haze of your exhaustion. “Your power will only grow when your mind is clear. Anger is a tool, not a master.”
With a sharp inhale, you forced yourself to center, grounding your spinning thoughts. The sparks dimmed slightly, your grip on the staff steadying. You lunged forward, your strike aimed precisely at Garmadon’s side.
To your surprise, he didn’t block it. The staff struck his ribs with a dull thud, and you stumbled back, wide-eyed.
“Better,” he said, stepping away as if nothing had happened. His gaze was sharp, assessing. “But you’re still holding back. Your body can endure far more than you think—it’s your mind that’s weak.”
You scowled, rubbing your blistered hands. “You sound like you enjoy watching me suffer.”
A ghost of a smile tugged at Garmadon’s lips. “Pain is the best teacher. Now, again.”
You groaned but readied your stance, determination burning through your fatigue. You weren’t going to let him—or yourself—win this fight without giving it everything you had.
“AAA!” you yelled as you sprinted toward Garmadon, your confidence surging. Adrenaline pumped through your veins, and with a powerful leap, you activated your time bullet. Your movements became a blur—fast, fearless, and almost flawless. For a moment, it wasn’t just you fighting; it felt as though your shadow was alive, moving in tandem with you.
Garmadon observed with a sharp eye, his satisfaction growing with each strike you delivered. Your control over your element had improved exponentially, but something about your fighting style caught his attention. It was as if an unseen force fought alongside you, complementing your every move.
You were progressing far quicker than he had anticipated. The time had come to prepare you for the next phase. You needed to be introduced to the ninjas, especially when the group had split up. His only question was—but how?
“Break!” Garmadon commanded, his voice cutting through the air like a whip.
You didn’t hesitate. You let your body collapse onto the ground, groaning in relief as the tension left your limbs. If you had the energy, you might’ve kissed the floor. Finally, stillness.
Your breathing came in heavy gasps as Garmadon tossed you a water bottle. You caught it midair, fumbling slightly before taking a long sip.
“You’re improving,” Garmadon said, a rare smile playing at his lips. “But there’s more to this than just mastery of your element. It’s time for a test.”
You groaned internally but forced yourself to sit up. “A test?”
Garmadon nodded, his expression unreadable. “Yes. It’s time for you to step into the larger world. You’ll need to work with others who share a similar purpose.”
He already had a plan forming in his mind. Introducing you to his son, Lloyd, would be the perfect opportunity to see how you integrated into a team dynamic. But he wouldn’t reveal the truth just yet. It would be far more valuable to see how you interacted with Lloyd without knowing his true identity.
You pushed yourself to your feet, wobbling slightly but bowing deeply in respect. “Yes, Sensei. I’m ready for whatever it takes.”
Garmadon’s smile widened ever so slightly. “Good. Let’s see if you truly are.”
——
You sat on the park bench, your MP3 player playing softly in your ears as the breeze carried strands of your long black hair around your face. Something about your posture and presence seemed to exude a quiet, mysterious allure.
You shifted slightly, glancing at the path ahead. Garmadon had mentioned something about a “test,” but he’d been unusually vague about what it entailed. You hoped it wasn’t anything too complicated—you wanted to prove yourself, but the unknown made you anxious.
Your thoughts were interrupted when you spotted him in the distance, striding toward you. Beside him walked a blonde-haired boy, younger and with a striking resemblance. You raised an eyebrow, curious but wary.
Garmadon caught your gaze and gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. You stood up, brushing off your pants and tucking your MP3 player into your pocket. Your eyes flicked toward the boy as the two approached, his presence piquing your curiosity even more.
“Y/N! Nice to see you here,” Garmadon greeted, his tone as casual as ever.
You gave a small nod, your focus split between him and the boy. Something about the younger one felt… notable, though you couldn’t quite place why.
“I’d like you to meet my son, Lloyd,” Garmadon said, nudging the boy forward slightly.
“Hi,” Lloyd said simply, his voice quiet but steady. His green eyes seemed to study you intently, as though trying to size you up.
“Y/N,” you replied, your voice calm as you kept your hands tucked into your pockets. Meeting new people wasn’t your strong suit, and your protective nature made your guard shoot up instantly.
“She’s been helping me with some personal projects,” Garmadon added, his sly smile betraying nothing. “I thought it’d be good for you two to meet. You’re around the same age, and—well—you could use the company. You’re a bit of a loner.”
You shot him a sharp glare, your jaw tightening. Was this test just about making friends? It felt almost insulting.
“Well, it’s nice to meet you,” Lloyd said, his tone warm but tinged with curiosity. His genuine smile softened the tension just a little.
You hesitated for a moment before giving a slight nod, your eyes narrowing slightly as you replied, “Yeah… nice to meet you too.”
You forced a smile, though your mind was racing. Why is he keeping things vague? Is Lloyd not supposed to know? Your eyes darted briefly to Garmadon, who gave you a subtle look that seemed to say, Don’t blow it.
“So,” Lloyd said, shoving his hands into his pockets, “what kind of projects are you working on?”
“Nothing too exciting,” you said quickly, shrugging. “Just… learning to be better.”
“At life skills like gardening,” Garmadon interjected, his smirk widening. “You’re a fast learner.”
You shot him a quick glance, wondering if he was trying to bait you into saying too much. You pressed your lips together, deciding it was best to stay quiet for now.
“Well, my dad doesn’t bring people around often,” Lloyd said with a chuckle. “You must be pretty impressive.”
“Or quite persistent,” you huffed, feeling every ache in your sore muscles.
“Anyways, y/n! Why don’t you accompany us on some errands? It’s perfect timing, and you don’t have any plans, right? Of course, you don’t. Come on,” Garmadon said, waving his hand as if your agreement was a foregone conclusion.
You blinked at his abruptness before glancing at the blonde-haired boy beside you. “Is your dad always like this?” you asked, your voice laced with curiosity.
Lloyd shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. “He sure has a way of doing things,” he replied, still studying you with quiet interest.
You couldn’t help but furrow your brow. What was this supposed to be? You’d thought the “test” would involve a serious challenge or a fight. Now you were tagging along on errands with Garmadon and his son. Was the friends comment earlier just a joke? Either way, you couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to this.
The group eventually arrived at a small corner store. It was quaint and cozy, with wooden shelves and a warm atmosphere. There were only a few people inside, making it feel peaceful. You immediately liked the place—its understated charm suited you.
You stopped near the produce section, where Garmadon pulled out a list. “Wait here, you two. I need to grab some limes,” he said, not even glancing up as he wandered off.
Lloyd’s gaze fell to the pile of limes. After a moment of intense scrutiny, he carefully picked one up, turning it over in his hands with an air of satisfaction. He held it up to show his father, his expression beaming with quiet pride.
Observing from the side, you couldn’t help but notice the small imperfection on the lime Lloyd had chosen. With a slight smirk, you stepped forward and picked up another lime. Testing it in your hands, you nodded to yourself, satisfied.
When Garmadon returned, he glanced at Lloyd’s lime first. Shaking his head, he placed it back on the pile. Then, he turned to you and took the lime you had chosen. After giving it a quick squeeze, he nodded approvingly and dropped it into the basket.
Lloyd watched the exchange, his proud expression faltering. Your smirk only widened into a Cheshire grin, a playful but unmistakable challenge shining in your eyes.
Lloyd narrowed his gaze at you. That grin—it lit a competitive spark in him. Losing to you, even in something as small as picking a lime, wasn’t sitting well with him.
‘Oh, it’s on,’ Lloyd thought, already determined to prove himself.
Whenever Garmadon mentioned needing something, you and Lloyd would both spring into action, each determined to beat the other. You, with your cool and collected demeanor, moved with an air of nonchalance. Even when you won—which was often—you acted as if it was effortless, your calm confidence almost maddening.
Lloyd, on the other hand, approached the challenge with unrestrained energy. Every win filled him with pride, and he wasn’t above sticking his tongue out in childish triumph.
Their contrasting styles quickly got under each other’s skin. You found Lloyd’s childish antics increasingly annoying, while Lloyd couldn’t stand how indifferent you seemed, as if winning against him didn’t matter at all.
Meanwhile, Garmadon watched the dynamic unfold with mild confusion. He hadn’t expected you and Lloyd to act this way, but it was clear that your opposite natures pushed each other in unexpected ways. The tension between you wasn’t necessarily bad—it could even be productive.
By the time you were nearing the end of your errands, both you and Lloyd were visibly worn out, though neither would admit it. Running around from store to store and competing over even the smallest items had taken its toll.
Finally, the last item on the list came into view. Both of you bolted for it, moving almost in unison. When you reached it, your hands grabbed it at the exact same moment.
“Y/N, I’m pretty sure I got this first,” Lloyd said, his tone a little sharper than usual as frustration crept in.
“I’m pretty sure I got it first, Lloyd,” you replied, deliberately emphasizing his name with a teasing chuckle. Your smile widened as you saw his irritation, clearly enjoying the chance to ruffle his feathers.
Lloyd’s green eyes narrowed. “You’re impossible,” he muttered, though there was a spark of determination in his gaze.
You shrugged, your expression unreadable except for the glimmer of amusement in your eyes. “Oh, I could say the same.”
Your banter filled the small aisle, and Garmadon, watching from a distance, couldn’t help but smirk to himself. The test was proving to be far more entertaining—and effective—than he’d anticipated.
You let go of the product with a smirk. “There you go, blondie. You can win this time—I wouldn’t want to hurt your ego.” You winked at him, your tone dripping with teasing charm.
Lloyd blinked in shock, momentarily speechless that you just let him win. Garmadon came into view, nodding in approval as he placed the last item into the basket.
“Well, that’s the last of it,” the older male said, turning to lead you both out of the store, the other two following behind.
You glanced at Lloyd, a hint of interest flickering in your gaze. “You know, Lloyd, I take back what I said. You’re pretty cool,” you said casually, swinging your arms behind your head with a nonchalant grin.
Lloyd couldn’t help but smile, feeling a little warmer toward you. His competitive edge had made him enjoy your banter more than he’d expected.
Lloyd’s lips curved into a small smile, a mix of relief and amusement. “Guess I’ll take that as a compliment,” he said, his voice light but genuine. “You’re not so bad yourself, y/n. You’ve got a way of making things interesting.” He gave a small chuckle, shrugging slightly.
Your usual guarded expression softened slightly, your voice quieter than before. “Friends?” you asked, a hint of uncertainty in your tone but also a small spark of hope. You weren’t used to letting your guard down, but something about Lloyd’s easygoing attitude made you want to try.
Lloyd’s smile grew, a genuine warmth in his eyes. “Yeah, friends,” he said with a light chuckle. “I think we could make it work.”
Garmadon watched the exchange with a subtle nod, his eyes narrowing with quiet approval. He had been observing carefully, and now, seeing the genuine connection between you and Lloyd, he knew without a doubt that you had passed the test. It wasn’t about winning or losing—it was about the ability to trust, to let down walls, and to connect with others. You had done just that.
He didn’t say anything at first, but his slight smile betrayed his satisfaction. Destiny had aligned, and you were closer to being a true ninja.