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Zane didn’t even know why he was helping them, they let a monster loose in the monastery! The logical thing to do is to tell Lloyd so he can stop it. But Zane just couldn’t resist the puppy eyes Kai, Jay, and Cole had given him. Plus, he knows that Lloyd’s gonna kill them if he finds out they let a monster loose in the monastery. So now Zane is on his way to master wu’s study to convince Lloyd (In the most ridiculous way possible) to use his draconus form.
Zane nervously walks into master wu’s study holding his paint, canvas and easel. Master Wu’s study isn’t that big, it’s a circular structured room with book shelves covering nearly every inch of the walls, and a big window that projects the warm afternoon sunlight. Lloyd’s sitting next to the table in the middle of the room, carefully reading very important-looking scrolls. Zane guiltily notes that he looks very focused, but he must stick to his plan, Kai, Jay and Cole are counting on him. He begins to position the easel on the side of the room, trying to make as much noise as possible.
Lloyd looks at him, annoyed. “Zane do you mind? Im trying to-"
“I must paint you!” Zane declares, voice enthusiastic as he cringed on the inside.
“What?” Asks Lloyd, his voice filled with confusion.
“I must paint you!” Repeats Zane, with the same level of fake enthusiasm.
Lloyd blinks at Zane, who smiles sheepishly.
“Oh, the portraits you’re making.” Realizes Lloyd, “Sure, but does it have to be right now? Im in the middle of something.”
“I- have been struck by inspiration! And must work while the artistic vision is still upon me!” Exclaims Zane.
“Oh… well, okay then”
Lloyd smiles awkwardly, and Zane has to hold back actual laughter at his little brother’s confusion. Lloyd may be the master of the monastery now,but Zane still sees him as that wide-eyed, mischievous 9 year old, they took in all those years ago.
“Perfect! Now, make a fist and ease it up under your chin.” Zane says, grinning, as he gives Lloyd an example. Lloyd obeys and does exactly that, still very confused.
“Good.Now, imagine being weightless in the middle of- the ocean! Surrounded by tiny seahorses.” Continues Zane, Lloyd’s expression visibly eases as he imagines exactly that.
“Good. Now, dragon-up”
“Wait what?!” Blurts Lloyd, completely abandoning his pose.
Zane smiles at him as he announces “ It is my artistic vision, that you be- painted with the noble visage of a dragon!”
“Oh, uh- I don’t think that’s a good idea, Zane. Using my draconus form is pretty draining, and I’m still tired from using it earlier today. Plus, it’s really powerful, forms like that should only be used for fighting” Lloyd explains.
“Pleaseee” Zane begs
“No Zane. Sorry, my word is final.”
Zane frowns,deciding it’s time for plan B.
“But Lloyd- ever since you because the master of this monastery,you’ve stopped having fun with us.” Zane says quietly,stepping closer to Lloyd “ you’ve been taking everything so seriously, a-and it hurts to see you like this, someone with far too many responsibilities instead of just our little brother. I- feel like I’m losing you.”
Zane whispers the last part, hoping to make it sound more emotional. It’s not that what he said isn’t true, because it is- sort of. Zane really has been feeling like he’s losing Lloyd, but he did exaggerate it a bit, just so he can convince Lloyd.
“Oh..” Lloyd says softly, his expression sad and guilty.
“Zane, I- had no idea you’ve been feeling that way. I- oh man, I’ve been so busy trying to be a perfect master, I didn’t realize- I’m so sorry!”
Zane smiles softly as he pulls Lloyd into a hug, there’s nothing better than hugging his little brother- Oh, Zane remembers the reason he came here to begin with.
“Soo… can you dragon-up?” Zane asks Lloyd as he pulls away.
Lloyd sighs but nods, and Zane can’t help but feel a little proud of himself. He always knew Lloyd would fall for these emotional talks. Although, he does feel guilty for using his little brother’s emotions against him. But at the end of the day, he is saving Lloyd from the heart attack that he’d get if he if he found out that a monster is loose in the monastery. And, he’s saving Kai, Jay and Cole from a ten hour lecture about responsibility. Zane beams as he feels a refreshing surge of energy wash over him,he looks at his hands (Thats are now claws)and then looks at Lloyd, who’s in his draconus form.
“Perfect! Artistic vision may now commence!” Smiles Zane, as he thinks that maybe, just maybe, he was right to help them.
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Hours later, as the ninjas battle the monster in the ruined and food-covered courtyard after Kai,Jay,and Cole lost it and it came and absolutely ruined their family feast and nearly killed sora’s parents, Zane realizes that he really,really shouldn’t have helped them.