The Crazy Art Called Love

4 | Gliding Down in Style

~~Lloyd's POV~~

The next days have been restless for the team. We had to train the whole day and prepare for whatever danger we might face next. By the time Master Wu gave us a day off, it was when I was going out with Harumi again. It's not a date. I am simply supervising her safety as one of the citizens of Ninjago. Right?

Although in that context that would mean I would have accompany every single person and I certainly did not want to do that. I hopped out of the shower and changed into some more casual clothes. The last time we went out, I was able to attract the attention of the people. Since Harumi made it clear she did not want to be on the news, probably camera or media shy, I respected her wishes and placed on a disguise.

"Where are you off to?" Nya asked from behind me the second I stepped out of my room.

"And why are you wearing a fedora?" Jay pointed out from behind her. I knew it was impossible to lie to them so I told the truth.

"I'm going out with Rumi."

The looks on their faces made me want to run away. There was hope in their eyes and mischeif in their smiles.

"So her name is Rumi?" Nya had a smirk on her face.

"No, it's just a nickname I use for her." I tried to cover it up. Although it was part of her name, I did not want them to find out. Not now at least.

"You're already on nicknames?! Where are you going?" Jay started jumping up and down.

"You'll follow me, won't you?"

"Of course not!"

That was a lie. And I knew I had to divert their attention.

"We're going to a noodle restaurant in Ninjago city." I stated before walking away.

It wasn't exactly the truth but I was picking her up at the same place. I wonder why she insists on sneaking out all the time.

"Hey, Blondie!" I heard a familiar voice and I turned around to find her in the same green tracksuit but this time her hair was tied up in a ponytail. "I almost didn't recognize you. But with all the green you were wearing it wasn't that hard." She laughed which made me smile.

"Hey, Rumi." I went to hug her which she gladly returned. Has she never felt that before?

"Where are we going paragliding?" She asked excitedly before taking her spot in my car.

"To the Mountain of a Million Steps."

I found the source on chirper. Who knew Ninjago offered various kinds of dangerous activities. Like being in peril every day was not enough.

"You're kidding right? Isn't that supposed to take us a long time to climb?" Harumi pondered in the backseat.

"Not when you're with a professional ninja." I tried to joke to calm her and I knew it worked when she burst into a fit of laughter. It was a beautiful sound that I couldn't help but get used to.

"Is being a ninja even considered a profession?"

"Well we don't get paid but helping save the city and provide a future for the next generation is rewarding enough. Besides, the adventures are pretty fun despite having to put your life in danger."

"Slow down there Mr. Ninja. You're going to make me sleepy."

I smiled at her attempts of humor and continued driving.

"Anything else you get to do?"

"We are trained to protect the people which means lots of really cool tricks and stunts."

"I bet! I would love to parkour over the rooftops of Ninjago City."

"I could bring you sometime. If you want to."

The offer got her all excited and I knew we had just created a plan for our next trip.

"You'd do that?" She asked with a glint of hope in her eyes as she leaned forward, her head was now merely a few inches away from my cheeks.

"Of course. It may not be as exciting as the things you want to do but it really gets your blood running."

"What's better than having your dream fulfilled?"

The question got me shocked. I knew lots of kids wanted to be ninja's after seeing the people who idolized us but I never expected Harumi to be one of those people. Why? I do not know.

"You want to be a ninja?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Ever since I saw you defeat the Great Devourer." She smiled.

"I can't wait to introduce you to my team."

"Sure! I just hope they would like me."

"They're not quick to judge, Rumi. They are naturally very nice and really, the best people I have ever met."

It was true. Ever since the ninja took me in when I was a child, I had always looked up to their kindness and made sure I would be the same.

"Any of them into the adventures we do?" She giggled from behind me.

"It's part of the job description." I answered with a laugh but it faded after a few seconds. I wanted to ask. "Why are you really into dangerous things anyways?"

~~Harumi's POV~~

I knew I would have to tell him someday. I just did not expect it to be today. Lloyd and I have really gotten to know each other over the past few days and I knew I could trust him.

"It's my way of forgetting about the pain." I stated. Not nervous at all because I'm sure he would understand.

"I get it. Really. We all have different ways to cope with everything that's happening around us." He nodded, satisfied with my answer. "But why things like this?"

"M-my parents..they.." I was not sure how to finish that sentence. The mere thought of it brought tears to my eyes.

"They're not here anymore are they?" He asked and I could sense that he was already worried. I nodded but I realized he couldn't see me.

"Yeah." I clarified. "They were adrenaline junkies before I was born. The only way I could remember them is by experiencing the same things they used to find fun."

"How is that working for you?"

"Pretty good actually. I understand why they loved it. But I just wish they were here to do it with me, you know? Show me the ropes and what their favorites were."

Lloyd nodded. I felt a weight get removed from my chest, it felt good to let all of that out.

"Is that why you like sneaking out? Because they're not your real family?" He hesitated at first but I was honestly surprised at how fast he was able to come up with that.

"I never felt at home with them. They adopted me for show. I was never treated like a daughter so if they want me to follow, I demand to be treated like someone that's actually part of their family."

All I wanted was my real parents. My true family. But I know that was impossible now, so I stopped hoping there was a way. After realizing I had been talking about myself, I decided to get to know divert the conversation to him.

"How about you? Why do you come with me?" I was generally curious on why he had agreed to come with me here. I know there's a deeper reason than to just keep me safe.

"I wanted to make sure you wouldn't die under my watch." He shrugged but I could tell he was hiding something.

"This is not going to work if you're going to lie, Greenie." I teased him with a smirk on my face.

"I don't know. At first it really was just to protect you but I found myself enjoying it."

"I told you it would be fun!"

"And you're right. Even though I already get an adrenaline rush from being a ninja, it never compares to the feeling of doing it willingly. I forget that the weight of Ninjago is on my shoulders for a few minutes."

I smile at that. I'm glad he understands.

"Well then, you're lucky my friend cancelled on me that day."

"Or maybe you're lucky I was there to rescue you at the beach."

We both laughed as his car drove through the roads of Ninjago. It didn't take long for us to get to the mountain, thank goodness Lloyd had a fast car.

"What's your plan now, Mr. Green Ninja?" My eyes followed the mountain I could not see the top so I was wondering how we could get up there without wasting the day.

"Hop on." He pointed towards his back.

"You're kidding, right?" My eyes widened at his idea.

"I thought you wanted dangerous and adventurous activities?" Lloyd smirked.

"We could still die!"

"You have to trust me."

I never trusted anyone but Vania. People were just always suspicious of what you're doing it's hard to believe that they can keep your secrets. But I did trust Lloyd, three times.

When he saved me the first time we met, when he drove me to Hiroshi's labyrinth (which was a big deal especially with my car trauma), and earlier. When I told him my reasons. Each time I trusted him, it gave me a good feeling. A happy feeling. So why would I hesitate now?

"I'm in." I say after taking some time to think.

I hopped on his back and wrapped my arms around his neck. He placed his hat on my head and started scaling the side of the mountain.

"Am I too heavy?" I was worried I would tire him out.

"Light as a feather, Rumi. I suggest you eat more." He joked and continued climbing.

Once we reached a certain height, I could barely see the ground. It was terrifying but exhilarating at the same time. We finally reached the top of the mountain and I got a good view of the world that was slightly above the clouds.

"Why would anyone set up a business near the constrictai tombs?" Lloyd questioned as he observed our surroundings.

"Maybe they didn't know. Come on! Let's go paragliding."

I jumped off his back and made my way to the people. There was a small line but the staff made sure that every person took off at the same time. Lloyd thought his disguise would work but the people still recognized him. We both tried to ignore it as much as we can, we can't let rumors ruin our day.

"Let's just take one. I'm sure it won't be that hard." Lloyd stated before we got strapped in a glider with a harness.

I sat in front while he stood behind me.

"Wait!" I said before pulling out my phone.

"Another picture?" He laughed but smiled for the photo anyway.

"It was my parent's tradition. In our old house, we had shelves filled with photos of their adventures." I explained.

It was true. I used to admire the bravery of my parents. They may not be elemental masters or ninja but they were able to find a way to have some fun.

"Well, in that case, take as many as you'd like."

"Thank you!"

The staff let us take off and a soft breeze flew past my hair and my face.

"Wow." It felt like I had nothing to worry about. I could feel my parent's presence as we glided down, our direction guided only by the wind.

"It's beautiful isn't it?" Lloyd smiled from behind me and I tilted my head back to catch his smile.

"Have you seen anything like this before?" I asked to make conversation.

"I always rode on my elemental dragon. But I lost the ability to conjure it."

"I'm sure you'll get it back." I assured him.

"I doubt it. Being able to conjure one means to let go of your fear, but I have too many to overcome."

"Would you mind telling me the story?" I smiled.

"When we get down. Enjoy the view for now, Ru." He told me and I nodded.

The way down was quicker than the way up. Although we did spend 2 hours in the air because the winds were so strong. I could see the ground beneath my dangling feet. It felt like I was floating above the world.

It was a beautiful sight. The sun took its spot between the mountains which made it look like it was from a painting. The air was fresh and we saw some birds fly past us. I decided to let go of the reigns and shout into the distance. After we landed, Lloyd and I walked back to his car.

"Thank you for today." I nudged him with my shoulder. Our footsteps were in sync which made me smile.

"I'm glad you had fun." He laughed and nudged me back. "Now that I understand why you like doing this, I'm going to every single activity you want to."

"Really?!"

"Yes, Rumi. I will make sure you're safe and I would also enjoy myself. It's the only time off I get from being a ninja and I'm happy to spend it with you."

I leapt in his arms and gave him a tight hug. No one ever wanted to spend time with me before (well except Vania but that only started 6 years ago).

"What's this for?" He questioned before wrapping his arms around my waist. A small blush appeared on my cheeks which I hope he didn't notice.

"For being here."

"I'll always be here, Rumi." I pulled away and wiped the tears off my cheeks. When did I start crying?

~~Lloyd's POV~~

Why is she crying? Did I do something?

"What's wrong?" I placed my hands on her shoulders as she sniffled.

"I've been alone for too long. I'm just happy."

"Maybe one day I can meet your adoptive parents that made you feel that way."

I wrapped an arm around her shoulders and guided her back to my car.

"I don't think that would be possible." Harumi stiffened under my arm and I went to retract it but she brought herself closer.

"Why not?" I get a feeling of uncertainty and suspiciousness but those are just part of my Ninja instincts.

"They're..strict with guests. Which is why I always asked you to pick me up at the noodle house."

"It's alright, Rumi." I gave her a comforting smile to show her that I understood. "Maybe you could meet my family instead."

"Definitely!" She suddenly got excited and I laughed.

It felt nice to have a friend who knows how to lay back for a bit and truly live life. I knew I was a normal teenager when I was around her.

"Maybe we can get some dinner before you go home?" I turned my head from the road and looked at her direction.

"Sure. I am pretty hungry and I still have time." She checked the clock on her phone before nodding.

"Great! What would like to get?"

We started coming up with different kinds of food we wanted to try. Once we reached the city, I drove past a few restaurants until we picked one.

"Sushi!" Harumi cheered as she picked up one with her chopsticks.

"Have you never had sushi before?" I asked out of curiosity why she was so excited over it.

"I have. But my adoptive parents always insisted on making it themselves. Which tastes horrible by the way." She explained after swallowing the food in her mouth.

"Eat up then. You're already lighter than it is." I pushed a plate of dumplings toward her and ate my chicken.

"So, are you going to tell me your story now?"

"What would you like to hear?"

"Let's see." She took her time to think. "Maybe we can start from the beginning. What are you most afraid of?"

I gulped. I never told anyone about my fears or insecurities to anyone. But if Harumi trusted me with hers, I could trust her with mine.

"Turning into my Father." I admitted rather quietly for I do not want anyone else knowing.

"You mean Lord Garmadon?"

I nodded and bit my lip.

"Your heart is pure, Lloyd. I can see it in you even during the first time we met. You are destined to be the Green Ninja, not your father." She reached out and held a dumpling in front of me with her chopsticks. "And that is a choice only you can make."

I accepted her offer of food before smiling. She spoke the truth. If I did not want to be my father, I have the choice to do so.

"Thank you, Rumi. You're right." I informed her after I swallowed my food.

We continued exchanging stories through the night. I had never felt closer to anyone who understands what I have been through. There really is something special about Harumi. When we finished eating, I was going to take out my wallet when she stopped me.

"Let me pay for this. You've already taken me paragliding, carried me to the top of the mountain, and drove. It's my turn."

I smiled and nodded knowing it was pointless to argue with her. Also a little worried that my allowance from Master Wu would not be enough but she doesn't need to know that. We walked out of the restaurant and I noticed that the sky was already dark.

"I really need to go my adoptive parents would be furious. Thank you for today, Lloyd. I'll call you." Harumi waved before running towards the opposite direction.

"Take care, Rumi." I called out and she turned her head to give me a smile.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The second I got home I was greeted by Jay and Nya. They look exhausted and Jay still had some noodles on his cheeks.

"Where were you?!" Nya demanded with her arms crossed.

"Yeah! We searched all the restaurants in Ninjago twice!" Jay rambled which made Nya place her hand on her face. "Oops. I mean we went out to eat some noodles and you totally missed out."

"I can see that." I pointed towards my cheek to show him that there were still some traces on his face. "I knew you were going to follow me so I gave you the wrong location. We did eat but that was after.." I trailed off and smiled before walking past them.

"After what?!" Jay exclaimed and waved his hands in the air.

"You know, stuff." I shrugged and headed inside for a cold shower.

"Is he serious?!" I heard Nya yell from the courtyard.

"We're never getting anything out of him."

"We're ninja, Jay and ninja never quit."

"You should!" I yelled back to make sure they knew I was not going to let them know about it any time soon.

If they had not pressured me into getting a girl maybe they would have a chance to know what I was really up to.