The Crazy Art Called Love

17 | The Concept of Blackmail

~~Ultra Violet's POV~~

"Are you sure this is all of it?" I asked as I held the photographs in my hand.

My last encounter with the princess did not go as I expected. But I did learn some valuable information before I left. Lloyd Garmadon was in love with her. He even brought over some flowers. How pathetic.

"Yes, ma'am. Our members have followed them everywhere they went and took photos." One of the members of my g**g reported.

A little birdy told me that the Green Ninja and the Jade Princess have been going out on dates. I assumed the princess sneaked out each time since there were no guards present.

Their latest? A beach day. I instructed two bikers to follow them in a disguise and take some proof. Luckily, being a diving instructor and a boat driver were the perfect cover. In my hands was a really clear photo of the green-loving couple cuddling on the boat. I gagged at the sight but it was perfect.

"And the others?" I looked up to find Mr. E bringing in a box of photographs. Each captured the activities that the two had together. "Excellent work, Mr. E."

"What do you plan to do with these, Quiet One?" Killow asked as he picked up a photograph.

"If little miss princess doesn't want to give me the information, perhaps her parents would be happy to know she had been sneaking out with a particular ninja." I rubbed my hands. It was the perfect plan.

"What happens if the Green Ninja finds out?"

"Let him. In fact, send it to him right now."

~~Lloyd's POV~~

I had just finished dinner with the team and we were all huddled up in the living room.

"I can't believe you went swimming at this weather!" Nya exclaimed and I chuckled.

"Are you sure you're not sick?" Kai asked with worry.

"I'm fine, Kai. Nothing to worry about." I assured him.

"Any suggestions?" Cole held up some old DVDs and we started debating on what to watch.

"Definitely a horror movie!"

"No way. That thing gives me nightmares."

"I do not understand how you enjoy watching the same film over and over again."

"Fritz Donnegan's movies are awesome, Zane!"

As I listened to them bicker, my phone vibrated in my pocket and immediately went to check it.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx: If you don't want the princess in trouble, you better not interfere.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx: We have proof that you have been sneaking her out the palace.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx: I would stay away while I could if I were you.

Me: Who are you? And how did you get this number?

Xxxxxxxxxxxx: Let's just say we have our ways, Green Ninja. Besides do you really want these out in public?

The stranger proceeded to send photos of every single activity Harumi and I had done. Even a particular moment on the boat which made me blush as I remembered what happened. I knew that instructor was hiding something.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx: No one shall know about this, if you choose not to interfere with our plans.

"Lloyd? Hello? What's wrong?" Jay waved a hand in front of me and I looked up from my phone to find them all staring at me.

"Your fist is turning pale, Green bean." Kai pointed out and I looked down at my hand. I never realized my hand was closed and I let go of all the anger I had in it.

I bit my lip and contemplated for a bit. Whatever they had against Harumi and I or whatever their plans were, I'm going to get to the bottom of it.

I handed them my phone and waited for their reactions.

"Uh, first of all, you two are adorable!" Kai exclaimed before Cole hit his shoulder.

"This is a total violation of privacy!" Nya crossed her arms.

"Zane, can you track down the source?" Jay suggested and Zane took my phone.

"I am afraid the location of this message is not on my database."

"They probably used a burner phone!" Cole suggested.

"What do we do?" I placed my face in my hands.

"Wait, did they just say Harumi is a princess?" Kai gasped as he reread the text messages. Oh no. "Did you know about this?"

I looked over to Cole and Zane who both nodded.

"Actually, we found out at a charity event when she went missing." I explained.

"Wow. So are we supposed to call you Royal Green Ninja now?" Kai teased with a smirk and I groaned.

"No, Kai. You are not."

"I can't believe Ninjago has a royal family." Nya was focused on other matters apparently.

"Guys, focus! The blackmail, what do I do?" I snapped my fingers to try and get their attention.

"Tell your girlfriend, silly." Nya laughed and I tilted my head in confusion before I realized what she meant.

"Oh. OH!" I took my phone and ran to my room before dialing her number.

"Hey Greenie!" Harumi greeted me with a smile. I could see she was in her pajamas.

"We need to talk, Rumi." I wanted to get to the point immediately.

"Ooh, what about, Lloyd?" She laid on her stomach and rested her face on her hand while I sat on my bed.

I sent her screenshots of the conversation and I gave her time to read through it. I knew she was done when she bit her lip.

"Lloyd.."

"I think this is the same g**g that trashed the streets the other day. We tried to track down the number but it was already gone from the maps." I explained. "Maybe we could find the phone they used? But we have theories that it was a decoy."

"Lloyd!" She yelled to get my attention when I realized I was rambling.

"Yes?"

"I think I know what their plans are." She let out a deep breath and I raised an eyebrow. "I didn't want you to worry because I was able to handle it myself. But the only reason that girl talked about my parents was because she wanted to get in the palace."

I didn't know how to feel. I know Harumi is perfectly capable of handling herself. So why was I upset she never told me sooner?

"She asked me for a map of the place in exchange for information on my parents. I don't know what she needs it for but I swear I never gave it." Harumi continued to explain what happened.

"When was this?" I asked when she finished.

"When you got me those flowers."

I smiled at the memory. I never thought I would get a girl flowers before. But that moment just proved me wrong.

"Thank you for telling me, Rumi. And don't worry I'm not mad." I assured her and she instantly released a breath she was holding.

"Thank goodness. I really don't know what I'd do if you were mad at me too." She giggled.

"We still have bigger problems, Princess. It seems we have a stalker."

"I suggest we keep our guard up. They could be anywhere and the best thing we could do is wear disguises."

"I tried! And they still recognized me." I groaned at the memory.

"That's because you were dressed in green, Lloyd! No one in Ninjago is that dedicated to one color except for you." Harumi laughed and I grinned in response. She was right. It was too obvious.

"I have no other clothes." I rubbed the back of my neck.

"All your clothes are green? Wow, I didn't know you were really living up to the title."

"I can't help it! Everyone here kind of has their own color."

"Once I get out this place, I'll be in charge of your disguises." She winked before laying down. "I need to get some rest. I had fun today."

"Me too, Rumi." I grinned.

"I'll see you tomorrow. Greenie."

"Goodnight, Princess."

The call ended and I went back to the number of the person who tried to blackmail me. I know it's wrong, but I saved the photo of Harumi and I cuddling on the boat ride.

"Ready to watch, buddy?" Cole called from my door and I got up from my bed.

"It better not be anything scary." I warned.

It was.