Chapter Text
The specter of Misako's threat loomed over the ninja like an executioner's sword, but not wanting to alarm Lloyd, they were all forced to keep up appearances. The energy master himself made their task easier, walking around with a constant smile, practically glued to the fire master.
The mere sight of the young omega's smiling face made Kai feel a pleasant warmth in his heart, which was unfortunately quickly replaced by the burden of knowing what would happen to his child if they failed to defeat Misako, if she actually took legal action against them. And the red ninja had no doubt she would try.
“Maybe she'll realize how absurd this is and give up?” Cole asked one evening with quiet hope as Zane browsed the profiles of various lawyers.
“I seriously doubt it.” Kai muttered, peering into the living room, where Jay and Lloyd were playing video games.
“Every time I see that woman, I want to murder her, and I'm not the one she's picking on. I don't know how you resist, Kai.” Nya sighed, stirring her coffee and glancing at the laptop screen over Zane's shoulder.
“Lots of self-control exercises, dating Jay, the fact that I've already punched her in the face once, twice actually, and the fact that I didn't want to upset the pup.” Kai listed.
“Pfft, Jay never got me half as worked up as Misako does constantly.” Cole snorted with amusement, shaking his head. “Why do you think she won't give up?”
“On the one hand, because she believes in this whole ideology of alphas being superior to everyone and omegas being subservient, and on the other, just to annoy me.” Kai sighed, sinking into a chair and starting to explain. “The fact that she could never influence me because I'm a ninja and Wu wouldn't listen to her no matter what, and that even when she tried to break us up, you stood by me, always annoyed her. And she never hid the fact that if she had the chance to hurt me, she would take it. And now she has the perfect combination of business and pleasure. She'll drive Lloyd to his 'destined' state, get revenge on me now that she knows I care about him, and she'll even get paid for it.”
“This is wrong on so many levels. She's booked in hell right next to the Overlord.” Cole declared.
“That's insulting the Overlord. Even he wasn't that bad.” Nya snorted. "Did he cause death? Yes. Did he manipulate people? Yes. But he never looked at gender, age, or anything other than a person's potential. At least he had some minimal respect for such values."
"Your moral compass worries me, sis." Kai said half-jokingly.
"Thanks, brother, and I'm trying to help you keep your son." The water mistress rolled her eyes.
"I'm not saying it's bad. It's just that it worries me." the red ninja laughed, smiling at the woman's description of Lloyd.
"But honestly, what chance does Misako have of winning in court?" Cole asked.
“Unfortunately, I'd say it's equal to ours. If not greater.” Zane interjected. “The courts prioritize the reunification of blood-related families, especially when there's no evidence of prior offenses, which unfortunately can't be said for us.”
“Burglaries, property damage, and illegal activities?” Nya asked anxiously.
“I meant more about documented violence, threats, or problems with…” Zane glanced anxiously at the only omega in the kitchen.
“Alcohol?” Kai asked quietly, and the nindroid simply nodded.
“But that was a long time ago!” the Earth Master immediately became indignant. “Kai had a problem, but that's over now!”
“I'm well aware of that, but I suspect Misako might try to use that fact to her advantage.” Zane explained calmly.
“And we can fight this. We just need to prove I've kicked that habit and been clean for a few years. That must count for something too.” Kai replied with determination.
“We have to hope that's enough.” Nya whispered, glancing into the living room, where Lloyd was laughingly celebrating his victory over the lightning master.
“Hope isn't enough. We need proof that Misko is unfit to be a parent.” Kai shook his head.
“So we need witnesses.” Zane announced calmly. “And they can't just be our allies, because then Misko could accuse them of bias.”
“I have an idea, but I don't know if you'll like it.” Cole suddenly said uncertainly.
“Go ahead, these are just ideas for now.” Kai waved his hand.
"We know someone who doesn't exactly like us, but he had a very close relationship with Misako. And he always cared only for Lloyd's well-being..." the Earth Master began, avoiding his partners' gaze, and a lightbulb went off in Kai's head.
"No, please. Don't tell me you're talking about who I think you are." the Omega groaned.
"What?" Nya asked suspiciously, missing the hint.
"Garmadon." Zane whispered questioningly, and the Earth Master nodded.
"He's not even the same person he used to be! That guy started learning about goodness a while ago, and it was only thanks to the kindness of that, er... er..." Kai began, forgetting current Master’s of Darkness and Destruction, roommate's name.
“Vinni. It's true, Garmadon isn't the same, but Cole might be right that if he agreed to testify, it could work to our advantage.” Zane informed.
“That guy again? I don't want to traumatize Lloyd.” the fire master declared, reluctant to accept his loved ones' idea.
“Kai, if we don't win and Misako manages to implement her plan, trauma will be the last of Lloyd's worries.” Nya whispered softly.
“I know, but I still don't like it.” the omega muttered, reluctantly agreeing to the others' idea.
Even if he had to beg one of their enemies for help, the red ninja knew Lloyd would do anything.
~~~~~~
Despite the looming threat of trial hanging over the ninja, Kai did everything in his power to keep Lloyd in the dark as long as possible. Thus, a brilliant plan was born in his mind.
"No, I don't want to." the green ninja whined, pulling his hood over his head and trying to negotiate with his parent.
"Lloyd, it's for your own good. You're maturing, and your wardrobe consists mostly of clothes stolen from the rest of us, so we need to do a little shopping." the red ninja announced cheerfully, dragging his child to a clothing store.
"A little shopping? Then why did you take me to the biggest mall we have in Ninjago City?" the boy groaned, disgruntled.
“Because more stores mean more choices.” the fire master replied. “Plus, you have to look good, even when we're incognito.”
“Kai.” the teenager groaned again, but to no avail as the ninja began to wander the aisles, searching for clothes for the energy master.
Lloyd helplessly followed his parent, knowing that further arguments would be pointless, so the best course of action was to patiently wait for the fire master to complete his new mission. Half an hour later, he was considering calling Zane for help when Kai shoved him into a dressing room with a huge pile of all kinds of clothes and ordered him to change.
With a loud sigh, the teenager set out to obey, already dreading the apparel choices the fire master had presented him with. However, as he began to browse the clothes the omega had prepared, he quickly noticed that there was nothing flashy, strange, or generally bad among them. Most were subdued T-shirts in various colors, a few shirts, three different sweatshirts, and a dozen pairs of different pants. To his even greater surprise, none of the fabrics were unpleasant; they all seemed to fit and were pleasant to the touch.
The ninja would constantly appear in a new outfit or style to the fire master, who would either nod with a smile, ponder for a moment, ordering changes, or reject the unsuitable garments. After a while, the surprised teenager found himself holding a large bag containing several clothes he liked and that the red ninja had approved.
“So, was it that bad?” Kai asked with a smile as they both left the store.
“No, it was quite alright... Thank you.” Lloyd replied.
“Perfect, then we’ll go do some shopping like Zane told me to do and we’re ready to go back.” Kai announced happily, enjoying every moment he could spend with his puppy.
Their quick grocery shopping didn’t go smoothly, however. When the ninjas split up, Kai set off in search of his favourite hair gel, leaving the younger one to find cereal, which, according to Zane, contained far too much sugar. Lloyd had received a sign from the universe that being an omega wasn’t all about nests and a loving family.
“By the First Spinjitzu Master, you smell so good!” the smiling man announced, approaching the green ninja who was deciding between chocolate balls and honey cereal discs.
“Uh... thanks?” Lloyd replied hesitantly, unsure of what to say and ignoring the man.
“Really, very nice. And tempting,” the man added, stepping closer to the teenager and trying to get closer to his neck to better access the source of the scent.
“Okay?” the green ninja asked, stepping back to a safe distance, starting to feel a bit uneasy. The man, seeing this, just raised his hands and laughed lightly.
“Hey, don’t move away, I’m not going to hurt you. You should be grateful I’m paying you attention.” the stranger declared arrogantly.
“I didn’t ask for it.” Lloyd replied indignantly, grabbing a chocolate cereal, about to leave.
“Don't be so tense, it's bad for your looks. If you want, I can help you relax.” the man suggested, grabbing the omega's hand.
“Let go of me.” Lloyd ordered, glaring at the stranger.
“Because what?” the man laughed.
“Because he told you to, because he's underage, and because I don't want you touching my child either.” Kai growled, appearing out of nowhere and grabbing the man's hand, which was holding Lloyd's.
“I didn't know he was underage.” the stranger replied, immediately releasing the green ninja and raising his hands in surrender. “He should be wearing some blockers if he smells that sweet.”
“And you should be wearing a muzzle and a sign that says, ‘molesting asshole’.” Kai snorted, immediately turning to Lloyd. “Do you have cereal?”
“Yes.” the energy master nodded, continuing to watch the stranger warily.
“Then let's go.” Kai announced, wrapping his arm around his pup and walking away, ignoring the man's muttered insult. However, deep inside, everything boiled inside him, beckoning him to return so he could use his strength and fists to talk to the man.
“What was he talking about?” Lloyd asked at one point. “I didn't even look at him, and he started commenting on my scent.”
“Unfortunately, this is what happens when you decide not to hide behind blockers or other chemical abominations.” Kai sighed, still irritated. “If you ever find yourself in this situation, immediately tell them you don't want their company and leave; it's the easiest solution. If they don't listen, immediately strike. I don't care about anything else.”
“Why?” Lloyd asked, surprised, not understanding what his parent was getting at.
“Because otherwise, they'll test how far they can go. Or they'll just jump right into... activities you definitely don't want to participate in.” Kai explained at the checkout.
“But why? Why would someone approach me and act like that? Especially when I don't want them to, or even notice?” the green ninja asked, confused.
“Because you're an omega. For many assholes, for some reason I can't understand, that means they're allowed to touch or comment on you.” Kai sighed. “That's why you can't allow it, because while most are harmless, beyond irritation, there are some who will want to hurt you.”
“That's... awful.” Lloyd whispered, catching the older man's hint.
"Fortunately, you're not defenceless, and one effective punch will take down any idiot who doesn't understand not to approach you." Kai consoled him, but Lloyd shook his head.
"What about people who can't fight? What about omegas who can't defend themselves?" the terrified energy master asked, and the red ninja sighed again.
"You can't help everyone, Lloyd. But when you see something like this, just react. It discourages most and increases omegas' sense of security, which in turn makes them more courageous to defend themselves or resist the next time they find themselves in a similar situation." Kai said, paying for the groceries.
“And how often do you find yourself in situations like this?” the green ninja asked.
“More often than I'd like. But I have a rule that it's better for them to approach me than someone defenceless.” The fire master smiled slightly vindictively, and Lloyd nodded in understanding.
Despite this incident, both ninjas considered their shopping a success and stopped at the bakery for a small dessert on the way back before heading home. Kai only warned his son not to mention the bakery visit to Zane, as the white ninja had become quite strict about sweets in every ninja's diet. And since the fire master had recently had an unexpected craving for sweets, he wasn't about to deny himself any, knowing they'd burn everything off during training.
“We're back!” Lloyd announced cheerfully, entering the monastery, which, despite it being midday, was unusually quiet. The startled ninja looked at each other and headed to the kitchen, where they found most of the team in various states of anger and terror gathered around a table with several pieces of paper on it.
“What's up?” Kai asked, snapping his family out of their trance, who, upon noticing Lloyd, were trying to create a semblance of normalcy.
“Nothing important.” Nya replied quickly, smiling at the green ninja, wanting to change the subject. “How was the shopping trip?”
“Okay, what's the matter? A moment ago, you looked like something bad had happened.” Lloyd replied, eyeing his family suspiciously.
“Nothing important, just some trivial stuff. Boring stuff. Want to play Fire Fist 2? I heard Kai still claims he's the best, how about we rub his nose in it?” Jay suggested, and Kai paled, realizing what he was talking about. He quickly walked over to the table and picked up the discarded papers.
Reading their contents, he had to hold back his breath to keep from burning them to ash when his worst fears were confirmed. Misako had truly decided to go to court to fight them.
“Can someone tell me what’s going on?” Lloyd snapped irritably, seeing everyone around him dismiss the topic and Kai looking like he was about to explode. “I’m not a child.”
“The problem is, you legally are.” the Earth Master sighed.
“Cole!” Kai hissed to silence him.
“Lloyd’s really nothing important, especially not to you.” Jay said nervously, wanting to drag the boy out of the room.
“I think we have to tell him.” Zane suddenly spoke up.
“Zane!” the Thunder Master exclaimed indignantly.
“Tell me what?” the green ninja asked, approaching the table. “I’m not leaving without an answer.”
The ninjas exchanged glances. Cole and Zane looked defeated, Nya was biting her lip nervously, Master Wu stood by the window, gazing wearily into the distance, Jay was shaking his head, silently informing them that he thought this was a terrible idea.
“Kai?” Zane turned to his beloved, who was still flipping through the papers.
Seeing his child's gaze, pleading for answers and realizing that the decision was his, the red ninja growled in frustration and rolled his eyes skyward, trying to calm himself. Unfortunately, anything related to Misako was difficult to ignore and contain his anger.
“Misako has decided to file for custody and forbid you from contacting us. We just received a letter from her lawyer.” Kai announced, and Lloyd, aware of the heavy atmosphere in the room, sat down heavily in his chair.
“Why?” the energy master whispered, terrified. “She hates me.”
“So, she can have complete control over you and decide on your… upbringing.” Cole muttered.
“I'm almost of age! She can't decide for me!” Lloyd exclaimed indignantly.
“That's where the problem comes in. If she wins, she can.” Nya replied with disgust.
“And knowing her, she'll try to incapacitate you because you're an omega. And then it's a sure way for her to do whatever she wants.” Kai explained.
“I don't want to!” Lloyd shouted in horror.
“We won't let that happen.” Jay assured him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
“We expected something like this, so even though we're still upset about her actions, we have a plan.” Zane revealed.
“We won't let her take you away from us, pup.” Cole declared warmly, ruffling the blonde's hair.
“I promise everything will be alright, Lloyd. We won't let her win, no matter what.” Kai promised, striding determinedly toward his child and hugging him. “You're ours. Misako will find that out soon enough.”