Well, take this long ending chapter, because I'm now working on the next book! I won't be posting for a while, since I'm not very far ahead in it.

The room I was in was pretty simple, a couch with some end tables and a small coffee table in front. There was no TV, but a painting of Lloyd and his father replaced that spot. To my right was the doorway to the kitchen and a bathroom, while the door to Lloyd's bedroom was to the left of the painting. The kitchen was small, more like a hallway if anything. A few closets were in the main living room, but otherwise I saw very little storage space. There was no second floor or basement, just the bare essentials to a living space.

The walls were quite plain in their color, a light shade of grey-blue. The floors were also just as simple, a fake tile that would be easy to clean. Lloyd had obviously strayed away from the bright green of his clothing, with very few items in the shelter being green. Otherwise, it wasn't a bad place at all. Of course, I didn't know what Lloyd's room looked like. I'd have to wait until I unlocked the secrets of being a ghost before sneaking in there.

I wondered if the Ninja had figured out that they'd need backup to fight me. I may not be entirely in control of being a ghost, but my speed and stamina? Boosted immensely. My strength was also improved, basically making my formation a bonus for my physical body. Mentally, I was more detached and was easily able to compartmentalize my life and thoughts than before. It was almost like I hadn't experienced emotion, and instead had returned to my old mindset when I first came to Ninjago. While I did care, it was never as strong as it was around season three. That was my emotional peak.

Perhaps it was my attempts at relationships with others that affected my ability to emote. Without someone I felt inclined to trust at the drop of a hat that I could call family, my ability to identify my own emotions, or even feel them seemed to be faded. Whether I would get the chance to have someone become a sibling again was a question in a whole different league.

Eventually, I just decided to put myself on an autopilot that I often relied on when I started waiting. I didn't want to risk being caught trying to control my powers again. However, my eyes remained on the door to Lloyd's room, caring enough to watch it to make sure he didn't sleep-walk out of there.

After a while, Lloyd stumbled out of the door, completely awake. Groggy and tired, yes, but one hundred percent conscious. He glanced at me, but paid no attention to my existence. He still carried the deepstone dagger, I suppose he didn't feel secure without it.

He shuffled into the kitchen, pouring cereal and milk into a bowl for breakfast. Lloyd ate at the coffee table, and I was careful to stay away from the milk. If that dagger hurt, imagine some other liquid landing on me that can't easily be removed. Another new threat to my existence, I suppose. Once he finished, Lloyd put his bowl and spoon into his small dishwasher and turned to face me.

"Well, I told you that you'd be working. So I guess it's time I show you exactly what you're going to do." Lloyd hummed, pulling out a sheet of paper from an end table drawer. I shrugged, not really caring if I had work to do. If anything, it made my day more interesting than sitting and staring at a wall. When I stared at the paper, I found he wanted me to stand out on a pole a short ways away from Stiix. I squinted, unsure why he would want me to go there before I realized.

Strangleweed.

Kai was almost drowned by it, and if I even so much as touched the water, I'd be screwed!

He wanted me to build the dock that the Ninja couldn't build during season five! I sighed, knowing that I had no choice in the matter, and struggling would only make everything worse. Staring at Lloyd, I gestured for him to lead the way.

"Just get in the jet on the roof. It's already programmed to take you to Stiix and I'll know when you're finished. Because, you are allowed to leave the barrier to work on the dock in Stiix, and when you are finished, get back in the jet and inform me of your work. I've got a list of things for you to build." Lloyd commanded, and I followed his demands. Hopping into the jet, I pressed the obvious button that said 'GO.' In fact, it was even in English. How odd.

Moving on, I let the jet do its thing and fly me off to Stiix. I stared outside, noting the sun was barely rising. It was a pretty sight compared to the dull green of the Cursed Realm. That giant ball of fire in the sky marked time, which this realm was lucky to have. Trees and mountains eventually appeared, but only for a short while. Mostly, it was flat a bright green meadow below me.

At least it was something new. I stared at the brightening sky, watching it become a bright shade of blue. How pretty compared to the green that never changed. Perhaps residing in Stiix for a short while would be nice. Lloyd would not be around me, and when work was called out for the day, I would be able to wander.

As the landscape slowly changed into mountains, I recalled that Ronin lived in Stiix. At least, that's where his shop was. His shop had the aeroblades the Ninja used against Morro's friends in the original timeline. If Ronin viewed me as a threat, then it may be dangerous for me.

And as far as I knew, I couldn't poof. Should something made of deepstone hit me, it'd stay until something took it back out.. I hadn't touched water yet… But I had a sneaking suspicion that it would be the same. Both were unfavorable traits of being a ghost, or at least a Solenade with someone controlling me.

I felt the jet slow, and I turned to face the outskirts of Stiix. It seems I would be moving in myself. I pressed forwards, watching as citizens would shriek and run in fear. I merely walked in, moving towards the unfinished dock. Passing by several shops, I noticed Ronin's place. Oddly enough, he was staring out the window, a grim look on his face. Turning away, I concentrated on my surroundings with a new vigor.

Obviously, Ronin did see me as some sort of enemy. I was at risk of being hit with one of those stupid blades. For now, I moved on and continued to follow through with Lloyd's orders. More and more citizens continued to run in fright until I arrived at the dock. I frowned, unsure of how I would be able to communicate.

Luckily, a child had dropped some of her supplies, including a crayon and some paper. While I was restricted from pens and things that could be used as weapons that were not imperative to my mission, crayons were free game. Besides, crayons and paper were a very minor thing that could easily be replaced. No one was going to try and fight me for that.

Searching for anyone around the dock, I frowned and flew upwards. I glanced down, finding one man behind a large crate. Settling back down on the docks, I walked around the crate with my hand outstretched and a smile on my face. Of course, the construction man curled up in fear and started shrieking. Rolling my eyes, I sat down in front of him, and began to write out my message.

May I build the unfinished dock?

I held the paper up for a long while until the man realized I was doing absolutely nothing. He read the paper and stared at me in confusion.

"What?" He gulped, and I motioned to the paper.

"Can't you talk?" I shook my head, holding a hand to my throat.

"What are you?" He sputtered, and I wrote ghost on the paper.

"So you're a ghost, and you want to build that dock? Specifically?" He laughed, and I nodded.

I don't really have a choice, but yes. If you are afraid for your workers, don't be. I have no interest in hurting anyone. I'm just here for the dock and then I'll leave.

"You must be stupid to think I'll put some supernatural creature on duty to build the dock!" He shouted, pointing at me angrily. I frowned and looked out at the sea.

Look. If I hurt anyone intentionally that is not out of self-defense, I give you the permission to splash water on me. Trust me when I say it feels like I'm on fire.

"I stand by my decision. I'm not letting you build it. I'll find someone else." The worker refused, and I huffed.

I'm still going to build it, with or without your permission. I cannot avoid making that dock. You can hide your materials or do whatever, but I am going to finish it. Superior's orders.

"Oh? And who's your superior? I'll talk some sense into them!"

The green ninja.

The man burst out laughing, and I hissed angrily. If he refused to let me build the dock, I would do it on my own! I turned away, walking out to find the supplies that the construction man would not let me have.

"Wh-Hey! You can't go-" I turned to him with a dark look. Whether he liked it or not, I was ordered to build that dock. Even if he managed to get rid of every single piece of unused material, I still had my portals. They didn't always drop what I needed, Earth had a lot of useless junk, the portals would eventually give up the things I needed.

Walking away, I continued to look for any sort of large piles of wood. Quickly, I found it and smiled. I could build the dock in about… Five normal work days if I worked alone. Enough time to regain a bearing on myself and my new situation, but not too much free time for Lloyd either.

Then a revelation hit me.

How could I have not noticed! Lloyd sending me away to Stiix was the worst choice he could've ever made! Now that I was in a populated town with no orders against sending mail, I could write a message! Oh, the possibilities! I silently cheered with huffs of air, just about ready to dart off and find a store, when the gruff voice of Ronin rang out.

"What brings a ghost like you here? Wait… You're the Solenade the green one was talking about huh?" Ronin noted, and I twisted to face him sharply. I did a quick rundown on what he was doing and finding and aeroblade pointed at my throat was not a particularly pleasant experience. Staring at the shuriken, I frowned.

"Right. Greenie didn't want you talking, did he?" I nodded slowly in response, careful not to touch the deepstone of the weapon.

"Well, you're right on time for his bi-monthly schedule. Never missed a day for about three years." Ronin glanced in the direction of where I knew the jet to be. Squinting at Ronin, I wanted to ask if he was Lloyd's dealer, but I hesitated. Not yet, I needed to get out a letter first.

"Got something on your mind shorty?" Yes, yes I did but I had no time right now to pay attention to you. Slowly pulling out and writing on the previously crumpled piece of paper, I made a short message.

Need to write letter. Need to build dock. Can't stay with you right now.

"You better bet I'm watching you. Greenie's just a kid, he isn't going to realize what you're capable of. But I'm sure he guaranteed you can't hurt anyone." Ronin scowled, and I smiled. Oh how little he knew.

Dashing through the air, I found a small store nearby and found it all locked up. Right, ghost thing. Glancing at the door, the hinges were on the outside and appeared to be a bit loose. Ha! Strength boost, let's test you out!

Grabbing onto the small pins that held the hinges, I pulled out a total of three and with ease. I guess with being in the Cursed realm, I never really focused too hard on the bonuses of being a ghost. While being alive is kind of a downside, I couldn't really do much about it. All that I could do was just be left alone in the Cursed Realm to make other's lives easier and never be remembered.

Pulling the door's now free hinges, I carefully brought the door down and peered inside. Finding a thick stack of blank paper in a nearby package, I smiled. Grabbing a few more crayons on my way out, I set them outside and put the door back. While feeling a bit of guilt for stealing, this was for a good cause. Stealing paper and crayons versus stealing free will and doing pretty much slavery illegally. Take your pick over the more serious crime.

Floating into an alley so people wouldn't find me, I began to frantically write down a message to get it out as soon as possible.

Alright, get this to Zane so he can translate to English, I'm quite paranoid about this letter.

Real letter starts here:

Okay. Right now I'm in the small water-village of Stiix. I won't be here for long, but I can guarantee you I'm due east of the village in some sort of meadow-like area. Currently, I haven't done much. Once I'm finished with this letter, I'm building a dock here in Stiix. Lloyd's orders. First of all, I need you to get backup from the Cursed realm, preferably Morro. Second, NO MATTER HOW PROUD YOU ARE AND THAT YOU THINK YOU CAN SAVE LLOYD YOURSELVES, GET BACKUP. I have no decision in fighting you, and trust me when I say I will not hold back. I have noticed my boosted stamina, strength, and speed. As of yet, I don't know how to manually turn invisible, become intangible, or possess anything. However, if I do I will use them against you if Lloyd says so.

Third. BRING A DOCTOR. Lloyd is currently on pills of some sort, and I'm sure you remember your last encounter with him. These pills are changing him, causing him to forget core things about me. If he really was fine in the head, I'm sure he'd remember that working and building is one of my strong points! If you can't find a doctor, get Zane to research and download any sort of sources on addiction and how to get people off of it.

While I do want to get Lloyd off the pills myself, he knows that I'm probably going to be the one who sabotages his supply. There isn't anyone else but us in the meadow, he's only got one person to blame.

Also, please note that I do not want a war between realms. Consider yourselves all off the hook, but I must admit I stole this paper and crayons. Not allowed to touch a lot of stuff under Lloyd's orders. A huge setback, but once again Lloyd isn't thinking correctly by sending me here.

Fourth. REMEMBER YOU HAVE THE REALM CRYSTAL! Lloyd left it at your place, thinking he wouldn't be discovered. He was, and you have the upper hand. You have the chance to summon anyone from any realm. Please get someone from the Cursed Realm to help, because even I don't know everything to being a ghost.

If somehow the Realm Crystal is compromised, try and get to the Ninjago History Museum. It has a piece called the 'Allied Armor.' It can summon allies when you believe you are in danger. You can use that to get messengers between realms. For now, this is all I can think of, and I leave it all to you to get me and Lloyd out of our compromising conditions.

Don't screw up.

-Myrana

I finished, folding the papers together in order to send it. Hastily flying it into a nearby mailbox, I grinned in relief. There was a good chance I was going to be free soon! Hoping that the Ninja still had their superhero mojo, I headed back to the docks. The construction man was attempting to mobilize his material with a large crane. He wasn't building the dock, just trying to get the material away from me. Seeing wood placed in the crane's claw, floated up and detached the small stack of wood. While not building the dock would be nice, I don't have a choice in whether I build it or not. If I start defying the order, then I can guarantee pain for me.

The very thought had my scar heating up in warning.

Bringing the wood to the ground, I stared out at the unfinished dock. It appeared that all the support posts were in, but the wood flooring was not. Squinting, I guarded the small pile of wood as I looked for nails and a mallet.

"I thought I told you, you aren't building that dock!" I heard a shout. Ah yes, it was the construction man again. I chose to sit on top of the pile of wood to show my defiance against his statement.

"What kind of ghost wants to build a dock?" He grumbled loudly, and I frowned. I pointed at my scar which spelled out Etkados.

"Oh. Oh." The construction man became even more frightened than before. How did he not notice my scar before? Perhaps there was something instinctual to avoid acknowledging my scar. Nonetheless, it seems I had his attention.

I pointed out at the dock, showing I was going to get it done.

"You were… You think that with that marking, that anyone would want you around here? You were outcast by society! There is no way anyone should allow you here!" Oh how I knew. I knew no one wanted me here, including myself. I shrugged, having no choice. Then the construction man glared at me, pulling out a small canteen.

Not good.

Sharply standing up, I huffed angrily at the container. There was bound to be liquid on the inside. Not once did I take my eyes away from it. I only promised to be hit with water if I intentionally injured someone!

"Yeah. Told me it feels like fire, right? Not your best idea. Try and build this dock and you'll be getting a face-full!" He threatened, and I found myself in a sticky situation. I had to build the dock but doing so would end up in severe burning for a long while. Whether my scar or the water was worse was yet to be tested. In all honesty, I didn't want to know. Deepstone by itself was bad enough.

Slowly, I stood and floated back into the alley I left the papers and crayons in. This time, I would wait out building the dock. Tonight, I would find the supplies. Tomorrow, I would build as much of the dock as I could. Reasoning with the construction man was now out of the question.

Sitting in the dark corner, I glanced back at the paper and crayons. Perhaps I could draw, because I didn't really want to write. Besides, I doubted I would get this chance again. With that trait of thought, I began to draw out a picture. Fitting it to my mood, the picture was filled with strings and tangles around a center core. The core was a simple brown, more of a tan if anything. Neutral. The strings however… All green. Tight, thick and suffocating around the core.

It was a web. A web of suffocation, pains, regrets. The core was trapped in an endless tug of war with the strings, unable to escape. It was caged in a prison made of memories and mistakes.

Once the piece was finished, I let it fly free. Whether the paper would land in the water or not was not important to me. I couldn't keep it, and no one would want whatever I draw. I'm a ghost and a Solenade. There is no place for me here.

However, people did start coming back out of their houses. Each one would carry a water bottle with them, a defense against me. I had to admit, the construction man was smarter than he looked. Staring down at my papers again, I decided to draw him. A smart man deserves a reward.

He was a simple guy, wearing a white hard hat and a bright yellow vest. Wearing jeans with a few pockets holding radios and pens, the drawing became a detailed symbol for what little I knew of him. Mallets of steel were placed behind him, showing his stubbornness and somewhat quick reactions to the face of the unknown.

Once again, I let the paper fly away, and I continued to doodle until sundown. I drew all the people that I knew, letting each one float away into the small breeze. Maybe it wasn't really letting go of the people I knew and regret, but it at least provided a small comfort.

With the sun setting, many of the bustling and vigilant people had retreated to their wooden homes, the artificial lights from inside going out one by one. When the moon had reached about a quarter into the sky, I flew out and went off to find the supplies that I'm sure the construction man hid. Careful to not make any noise, I hovered above the wooden planks that made up the entire town. I darted from building to building, trying to find one large enough to hide the materials in.

When the moon was at it's peak, I found the materials in one of the medium buildings, surprisingly far from the dock site. Someone must have been looking after me, for I once again had the opportunity to remove the hinge pins and open the doors. I knew I was short on time and I estimated I would finish one out of the five sections of the dock before sunrise.

Pulling out all the materials I thought I could use and finish, I floated back and forth to get the supplies where I needed them. Trying to hammer in nails with a mallet quietly was a challenge, with lights occasionally turning on nearby. Yet, I continued on with my work, slowly satisfying Lloyd's command.

The sun eventually started to brighten the sky, but it hadn't peeked over the horizon just yet. I had a few more planks to go, and I doubted I would finish them before sunrise. Despite the new complications with my limited time, I kept my steady pace. Quality over quantity after all. After a good while, the sun bloomed over the horizon, and I had one last plank left. I hammered the wood into place, then went to hide in the nearby alley once again.

This time, I chose not to draw, and instead watched the citizens of Stiix shuffle about slowly in the early morning. Of course, each person that walked through continued to carry water. However, there was one exception to that rule.

The mailman was biking through town.

His appearance was quite a shock for me. I didn't expect for him to be here so quickly! Honestly, I believed he would grab my letter when I left town to get back to Lloyd. Maybe fortune was finally looking out for me!

Tonight was my last night. I had finished four sections of the dock, but it had taken longer than usual. The construction man, who's name was fittingly Dan, put out night watches. I had to convince every night watcher that it was going to be okay from the shadows. Doing so was not an easy feat! It's like a robber saying if you leave your store for a bit, he won't steal anything! It was a setback, but also an advantage. The more time I had in Stiix, the more likely I would get rescued.

Right now it was a sunny afternoon, with the citizens hustling about in a less frantic state than the first day I saw them. While each citizen was still careful to carry water, they were much more relaxed and unguarded than before.

"Of all the places you could've been, you had to get sent here." A familiar and whiny voice spoke from behind me. I spun around fast enough to give any normal person whiplash! Right in front of me was Morro, the backup I desperately needed. I whistled a high pitch, latching onto Morro with an iron grip. Whistling random notes of excitement, Morro laughed and pried me off after a short while.

"This is going to be kind of weird, so please don't freak out…" He warned me, and faster than I thought possible, he had a knee on my back and both arms bent behind me. I twitched uncomfortably but didn't struggle. Whatever he was doing, I had to trust him on it.

"Jay and Zane are out finding and fighting Lloyd. Cole and Kai are here in Stiix for backup. It must've been tough to fly all the way here, since I didn't see one of your fancy 'jets.' I keep hearing about." Morro commented, and I froze. The jet was never supposed to leave without me!

OW! GOT TO GET TO LLOYD, THE NECKLACE IS AT RISK!

OW OW OW OW OW ! GET TO LLOYD NOW!

FORGET THE DOCK, PROTECT THE NECKLACE!

OW OW OW OW OW OW OW OW OW OW OW OW OW OW OW OW OW!

IT'S WORSE THAN THE DAGGER!

"I know, I know it's going to suck for a little bit, but don't worry. They're getting the necklace, and all your orders will be gone." Morro cooed, trying to make this experience better.

IT HURTS IT BURNS IT HURTS HURT HURT HURT GET TO NECKLACE!

DEFEND LLOYD AND THE NECKLACE!

Then as fast as the pain came, it left. My ghost body ached all over, leaving me with a feeling of exhaustion I hadn't felt in a while.

"What's my name?" Morro asked, and I tried to reply.

Except I couldn't.

"Myrana?"

I glanced back up at Morro with worried eyes. Grabbing a red and black crayon weakly, I waved it pathetically to warn him of what's to come.

"Oh no." He realized what I implied and hauled me onto his back. Speeding away, he brought me to a small food shop where Kai and Cole were buying some candy.

"So did it work?" Cole asked, and Morro shook his head.

"Myrana still can't talk. If Lloyd beat the strategic best opponents, we're in trouble next."

"And we were about to buy food for you two, in a parting gift way. You ghosts have one heck of a appetite." Kai tried to joke, but it just wasn't the right time.

"This isn't a time to joke around! Your precious green ninja just managed to knockout Zane and Jay within minutes! If you count how fast your fancy flying things go, he's probably going to be here in less than a few minutes!" Morro hissed, and Cole nodded.

"Let's get back to the Earth-rider and get out of here." Cole ordered, and now all four of us were racing to the outside of the village. Well, I kind of had a piggyback ride but it was still at quite the pace. Yet, even in our haste things suddenly started going south.

A crater stood in the place of the supposed escape vehicle. A black, charred, and still warm crater.

"He's here." Morro whispered, and proceeded to glance back at me. It was a look of fear and worry, and his grip on me tightened. With a soft sigh of regret, Morro pushed me back down onto the dirt, pinning me to the ground.

"We can't stay! We can just run y-" Kai shouted, and Morro shook his head.

"He'll find us too fast. It's too late. All we can do is fight." He refused.

A blade from nowhere flung itself at Cole, barely missing his face as the Ninja of Earth dodged with graceful precision. As the blade embedded itself into the trunk of a tree, Lloyd stepped into the open with another sword. A new dark splotch of clothing paint adorned his outfit, but whatever the object was I could only guess.

Lloyd was muttering loudly, his speech slightly slurred but definitely angry. The necklace that controlled me shimmered brightly against Lloyd's neck, a glint of doom dancing across the small edges of the liquid turned crystal.

"Lloyd?" Cole stared at the shaky form of the green ninja.

"I hoped that I could do this the easy way. Get Myrana to build a couple of things and maybe do chores, but no. She has to always ruin my life by being a burden! I give her permission to come to Stiix alone, but of course she has to do everything to break that trust!" Lloyd screeched, his rant completely off topic from what Cole probably wanted or expected.

"Seriously Lloyd, you've been acting nuts lately! You can't just do this or control another person like that! The last thing that controlled someone was the Overlord!"

"DON'T COMPARE ME TO HIM!" Lloyd shrilled, his blade immediately aimed for Kai. Kai pulled out his own sword, and Cole brought out his scythe.

"Look, just take off the necklace-" Cole began but Lloyd was having none of it.

"NO!"

And the battle for my freedom was in effect, and I felt my scar heating up and then-

OW OW OW OW OW OW OW!

GET THE RED AND BLACK NINJA!

PROTECT LLOYD AT ALL COSTS!

PROTECT THE NECKLACE!

OW OW OW OW OW OW OW OW OW OW OW!

THE PAIN IT IT IT IT IT I CAN'T THINK!

GET THE NECKLACE, STOP THE ENEMY!

GET UP GET UP GET UP GET OUT GET OUT GET OUT!

"I can't let you go. I'm sorry, I wish I could." Morro whispered again.

DON'T CARE NEED NECKLACE PROTECT LLOYD!

NECKLACE.

NECKLACE.

NECKLACE.

NECKLACE.

NECKLACE.

NECKLACE.

NECKLACE.

NECKLACE.

"Agh!" Morro shouted out, his pin down weakening enough for me to get away. The deepstone dagger implanted deeply into his right shoulder.

PROTECT LLOYD!

I raced to fight off Kai, as Cole had already long fallen. With the whistle of the wind around me, I dived at Kai's side while he was busy blocking Lloyd. My ghostly speed was too fast for him to react, and I hit him with all the force I could put into my flight.

"Mmph!" Kai's voice was muffled by the dirt I had smashed his face into. The divebomb was a devastating blow, as Kai was unable to try and get me off of him. He was likely injured pretty badly, but I relaxed as my unspoken order was fulfilled, and I collapsed on the ground next to Kai.

I glanced over at Lloyd, and his expression radiated danger. Rage poured off him in waves, and he turned to face the shaking and weak Morro. The dagger was still in his shoulder, and Morro was doing nothing but screeching quietly. The whines and whimpers he weakly gave off was heartbreaking, and I had no energy to help. I had to recover from my own two episodes of extreme pain.

Menacingly, Lloyd slowly stalked behind Morro. The paint I recalled on Lloyd's outfit became a solid object, and what I saw would make me pale if I could. It was a chained collar! I wouldn't doubt that it's made of deepstone and it would be painful to touch alongside nullifying elemental powers.

Lloyd stood above Morro ominously, the collar in his right hand. With his left hand, Lloyd grasped onto the dark-colored deepstone dagger.

"AUGH!" Morro screamed, the miniscule movement making the pain unbearable.

Lloyd swiftly removed the dagger from Morro's shoulder, and as soon as the blade was gone, the collar immediately replaced it. Morro's shouts of pain were heartbreaking as Lloyd yanked on the chain harshly. He was forced to stand and his hands were trying to grasp at the restraint, but every time his hands got too close, he had to push them away to avoid even more pain.

"GAH!" He screeched as Lloyd pulled the chain to get him to walk towards me.

"Get up." Lloyd's voice was low and hardened. In all honesty, I was afraid. Very, very afraid. This might have just pushed Lloyd off the edge, and he could come up with many different ways to punish both of us.

Floating off the ground slowly, I hovered barely an inch above the ground.

"You get to keep him under control. Don't let him leave the barrier. Should be a simple enough order for you to follow." Lloyd growled, forcing the burning deepstone chain into my hands. Quietly submitting to his command, I wrapped the ever-scorching links around my wrist. I glanced back at Morro, his gaze unfocused and breathing heavy. I tugged on the chain gently, and he didn't move. Tugging harder, he whimpered and barely shuffled forward. The painful chain wasn't enough to get him to follow me.

Stepping behind Morro, I picked him up and hauled him over my shoulder. He screeched in pain at his wound moving but remained limp anyhow. Flinching at his soft wheezes of pain, I floated us behind Lloyd, but far enough not to bother him. We moved for a short while, before arriving at the jet. Lloyd glanced back at me, his expression still comprised of rage.

"Just get in the back, and don't touch anything. Use your words and tell me where we should hide." Lloyd demanded.

"Hide at Zane's father's lighthouse." I replied carefully, floating with Morro into the back seat. Putting Morro in my lap, I checked his wound. His was healing a bit slower than mine, and I assumed it would be two more hours before the wound would close up.

"I'll be right back. Seems I'm going to need a bigger package this month. Don't move from the jet or move the jet itself." Lloyd hissed, walking away into town. I frowned, watching him walk off. I had truly made him suffer, hadn't I? Glancing back down Morro's wound, I realized something.

Lloyd had finally broken.

He finally turned into the monster that is me.

Apathy to those you fight, driven to do everything your way only, detached from the world and everything around you… He had finally become what he hated. He became me.

I curled up around Morro, careful not to move his wound. If ghosts were able to cry, I would've. Instead, I settled for quick huffs of air and a tight hold of the only friend I had in the Cursed Realm.

This was it, I supposed. The Ninja were unable to help me, and if they couldn't beat Lloyd, who could? We're about to be put on a small island prison, with nothing but water for miles and miles! We'd both be at Lloyd's mercy. No escape, no way to get help. Lloyd probably wouldn't let me go out again until he made a complicated set of orders to follow that had no loopholes.

What he might do to Morro was a whole new question. Unlike me, Morro was not a Solenade. Even if he was, everyone that could control him would likely be dead. Lloyd wouldn't be able to control Morro without force. The chained collar around his neck was proof. It still burned to the touch, but I had long let go. Morro was not as fortunate.

He would be stuck with this collar until Lloyd saw fit. With deepstone both burning and cancelling out elemental powers, he had no defense. One advantage he did have was the ability to speak. I couldn't talk unless Lloyd let me.

"Sorry." Morro whispered through his whines and sharp breaths of pain. I pet his left arm in response, not wanting to irritate his wound. It wasn't Morro's fault. All of this was mine. Everything that has happened is all because of me.

I swore to make sure that Morro would at least live as best as he could in the tower. If he needed something, I'd get it. If he needed someone to rant to, I'd be there. If he got hurt and needed someone to comfort him, I'd be there.

It may not be a sibling relationship, but it was the least I could do for him. Morro didn't deserve to be treated like this, especially when he didn't know me all that well.

Lloyd walked back towards us, a small suitcase in his hands. His face was still stiff and angry, and for once I was silent willingly. He glanced at Kai and Cole, who were both still knocked out. Lloyd had to have done a number on Cole to keep him down so long. I already knew that Kai probably had a number of injuries thanks to my attack.

As he got closer to the jet, I felt Morro try to stand up to go and fight him, but I held him down gently. He hissed as I held him close, refusing to let him or his arms move. Lloyd was dangerous right now, this was no time to try and fight against him.

Once Lloyd jumped into the jet, Morro squirmed angrily against my hold. I kept him in place as he muttered gibberish alongside pained whimpers. Lloyd only glanced back and squinted at me in a silent warning to keep Morro in check. The jet began to start up, slowly speeding upwards and towards the ocean.

Morro felt the strange force of acceleration, stilling and giving up. I still held on tightly, unsure if he was really submitting to the hopelessness of this situation. Either way, we were both doomed. This was going to be a frightening chapter of both our afterlives.

Lloyd only continued to just stare out and guide the jet, but then he spoke.

"You are both in serious trouble. You're going to regret ever trying to get away." Lloyd seethed, and I held onto Morro a slight bit tighter.

Was it bad to have comfort in the fact that someone was with me? Was it bad to enjoy the fact that I could hang onto someone who was going to just a terrible fate as I?

Maybe it was, but there was no going back, no matter how hard I wanted to. Now we both were going to have to face the dark future whether we liked it or not.

Looking at Morro's wound again, I saw it had a good while left to heal. I wished I could heal him in some way shape or form. Even now I could still feel Morro's slight tremble as his wound inflicted nothing but excruciating pain. I knew that the pierce of that dagger was so painful and agonizing that you just kind of stopped thinking. There was nothing that you could focus on other than the ache and burns of the wound.

All I could do was hang onto Morro as he continued to suffer. How he managed not to scream often was incredible, and depressing. Chances are he's probably felt this pain before and knows how to handle it better than I. To think that this may not be his first painful injury was a saddening thought.

Occasionally, I would glance at Morro's wound to guess how long we've been in the jet. The sun was only really helpful for large time estimates. It took us about an hour to get to the lighthouse, since Morro's wound was about half the size it was in Stiix. Lloyd landed us right at the front of the stairs, and I hauled Morro out.

Of course, I did have to warn Lloyd about Echo Zane, otherwise he might just kick the innocent bot into smithereens accidentally. I set Morro down, and jumped up and down on the first stair.

"What? Speak." Lloyd growled.

"Echo Zane still lives here, he's what built out of loneliness before Zane found him here." I replied.

"How many people am I going to have to take care of?" Lloyd muttered, pulling out his suitcase. In response, I just picked Morro back up and floated beside the large staircase. At least Lloyd knew about Echo Zane now, it wouldn't be a surprise.

Lloyd began his trek up the stairs as I followed behind him with Morro. As Lloyd stepped up, I could hear the sound of what I assumed to be a massive number of pills in his suitcase. I still hated those things, and that Lloyd was taking them. One could easily see that it as doing something horrible to him. Lloyd was irritable, controlling, and much less kind than he used to be.

Once we reached the front and only entrance to the tower, Lloyd pushed the unlocked door open. Seagulls squawked upstairs, and something crashed. Lloyd took a deep breath, putting on a mask of kindness against his anger. At least he had some sort of a standard.

"Hello?" Lloyd called out, his tone much gentler than what he was going to do to us for sure. It remained quiet upstairs, and Lloyd repeated himself. Nothing happened, and Lloyd began to climb up the stairwell that led to the only room upstairs.

The wood creaked under his weight, but not a single plank failed its task. Morro also remained silent, still trembling in my arms. Once he entered the room upstairs, he looked around for any sign of Echo Zane.

"It's really clean in here for a tower that left." Lloyd noted, smoothly attempting to get Echo Zane's attention.

"You knew father?" Echo Zane stepped out from behind a crate, his expression curious. In one hand he held a letter, one I recognized from a long, long time ago.

Back during the time of 'The Last Voyage' I wrote a letter to Echo Zane before we left alongside . It was a short little thing, only really saying sorry and hope to see you one day. Seems as if it came true.

"Yeah. Unfortunately, he passed years ago." Lloyd softly replied, putting up a very convincing cover for his anger.

"Oh." Echo looked down, his face falling.

"I'm sorry for your loss." Lloyd spoke, and Echo Zane looked up.

"It is to be expected. He did tell me there was a day he would leave. I hope he is happy." Echo Zane shook his head, then looking at us in confusion.

"Why are you two green and floating? Father never said people could float." Echo asked us, and since both of us couldn't reply, Lloyd took over.

"They're ghosts, people who died and had cursed souls. This is Myrana, and she's carrying someone I don't know yet."

"Okay… Do you think he's Starlord? Someone named Starlord left me this letter…" Echo Zane pulled out a yellowed sheet of paper, staring at the note I had left long ago.

"You wrote that?" Lloyd raised an eyebrow and I nodded.

"You're Starlord?" Echo's voice became slightly optimistic. I smiled, once again nodding to confirm my identity.

"It is wonderful to meet you! I don't know how you managed to draw me without seeing me, but I thank you for your note. It gave me hope someone would arrive again one day." Echo admitted.

"So you're Zane's brother? Sort of?" Lloyd tried to get the topic off of me.

"I am Zane. Built to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Though the letter does nickname me as 'Echo Zane.'"

"He never told you… Wow." Lloyd muttered something under his breath I couldn't hear. I assumed it was something about how being a bad father.

"Told me what?"

"Your father… He didn't tell you that you aren't the first Zane. Back in Ninjago, a big place past the ocean, your father built the first Zane. The one I know. He built the first Zane in the Birchwood Forest, alongside his falcon. Then died, later he was revived by Samukai to build weapons, but was left here in the aftermath. Zane went on to become a Ninja, like me. He's been on a lot of adventures. I could probably take you there someday."

"You could?"

"Easily. You could even live there if you wanted to."

"Would you… Would you mind? I've been here an awful long time with Tai-D. Making chess a story is fun, but it can get a bit old after playing so long."

"When would you like to go? If you want to pack or something…" Ah I see, Lloyd was getting Echo off the island. He'd probably convince Echo not to tell that we took him there or that we're on the island in the first place. After all, if this were to be an example, he's turned out to be a skilled liar over the years.

"All I really need to take is Tai-D. Do you think you could take me now?"

"Yeah. And Myrana will take good care of the lighthouse here while you're gone."

"Why can't we take them with us?"

"The jet is a bit too small to carry more than two. It was really crowded with three. Besides, they'll make sure the lighthouse is taken care of while we go to Ninjago." Lloyd reasoned.

"Will you? Will you take care of the lighthouse without me? I haven't left it since the day I was made…" Echo requested, and I nodded enthusiastically. Even without Lloyd's orders, I would keep this place in shape anyways.

"Then let us depart!" Echo cheered, and I smiled sadly. While Echo's life would be improved, I doubted that mine would. The little tea bot known as Tai-D was picked up and rushed down the stairs.

"You're allowed outside the barrier until I get back. None of you are to leave the island." Lloyd commanded, before following Echo Zane down the staircase as he continued the act of being all kind and such. How he managed to learn how to suppress his anger so well was concerning. I supposed it would be important to learn the warning signs of his anger in the future.

Finally relaxing, I set Morro down on a few ground seat cushions. You know, since Legos can't properly sit on a chair without jumping. His wound still had a while to heal. The best I could do for him now was comfort him through the pain. Morro continued to remain silent.

I watched as his wound eventually closed up, and I assumed Lloyd was probably in Ninjago by now. That meant we probably had another hour before he came back.

"Thank goodness." Morro sighed, exhausted from healing. I merely pet his head in reassurance.

"So I guess we're alone for a little while before he comes back, right?" I nodded as Morro sat up.

"I'm sorry that we failed. I should've brought more reinforcements, should've used my powers, o-" I cut him off with a rough pat on his head and a frown. It was not his fault, it was all mine.

"What are we going to do? Deepstone makes it hard to focus, it's always burning. I can't fly us out of here. Besides, Lloyd made it so you have to watch me anyways." I shrugged in response.

"I remember your letter said you didn't know how to use all your ghost powers, right?" Morro noted, but I tried to show I couldn't possess anything. Lloyd didn't allow me to possess things without his permission.

"Oh, another one of his rules. Well, I can do my best to teach you how to turn invisible. You already learned how to touch things foreign to the Cursed Realm." Morro shrugged, and I tiled my head in confusion.

"Wait, you pick things up without focusing?" Nodding, I grabbed a lamp and held it high.

"I see… You don't expect anything other than picking up things. All you know is to be tangible. Alright, first of all, stop thinking logically. Doesn't like to mix with ghost powers often. Think about how light goes through you, and so can objects." I frowned, then tried to focus on the fact that I was already sort of see through. It made sense to me, I was already somewhat invisible and intangible. It was a new angle I hadn't seen before but seemed organized enough for me.

Continuing to focus on the transparency of myself, I hoped the lamp would hit the floor. I waited a few more minutes, then I eventually heard the lamp hit the floor. I smiled, trying to pick up the lantern again while still focusing on being intangible. My hand passed right through it, and I smiled even wider.

"It'll take a while to learn how to control it. For now, activating intangibility is hard. The more you practice, the better you get at it. Eventually, you kind of come up with some sort of mental command and it works instantly. Same thing with invisibility. Just do that trick but expect light passes through you."

I frowned, since I knew not all light went through a ghost during invisibility. Only visible light did, to my knowledge. Infrared, the light used to see temperature, could still be used to find an invisible ghost. Still, I began to focus again. Doing so was a bit taxing on my mental energy, but it was fine. To learn an advantage before Lloyd could realize was crucial.

Slowly, I waited and waited before I finally heard Morro's clap of confirmation.

"I can't see you! You did it!" He cheered, and I smiled. I glanced down at my hands and found nothing. I supposed I would have to learn how to estimate where all of my limbs were while being invisible. Hard, but with practice could become a viable asset.

Fading back into the visible spectrum, I gave Morro a hug. Even though his collar burned against my own ghostly skin, his teachings were extremely valuable. How sad that I promised to help him, and all he was doing was helping me.

"It's really no problem. We all usually get a mentor in the Cursed Realm for a while before branching off." I stepped back, but still gave him a bow to show my thanks.

"Well, I guess all we can do is just sit here until Lloyd gets back." I shrugged again, sitting next to him. I wished I could speak, because this might be the last time I have a bit of freedom with Morro. With Lloyd's temper flaring at the littlest of things, this could end badly for both of us.

"It's not your fault. I know that face well." Morro frowned, and I looked at him sadly. It was all my fault, he just didn't know.

"It is not your fault." I shook my head in response.

"Agree to disagree?" Morro proposed, knowing that this fight would get him nowhere. I smiled, showing my approval of the statement.

"Do you... Do you just want to enjoy our last moments of peace? I don't know what's going to happen next, and the longer we talk, the more I get worried. Well, it's your lack of talking that makes me afraid." Morro sighed, and I leaned against him It was my attempt at saying: 'Yeah, let's just relax while we can.'

Morro leaned back, understanding there was no way for me to talk and comfort him that way. I tried to think of the good days in my life, wishing that Morro could experience them with me. Closing my eyes, I gave out a sad sigh.

Memories buzzed in my head as I recalled the good things I did on Earth, and how I made friends with Morro in the Cursed Realm. The happy faces of other ghosts as they read their names, or partied hard as if they were drunk, but had nothing to get drunk with. Then I saw a flash of listening to the Harry Potter book I read to Morro, and then all of a sudden Morro jumped away from me.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to, I-I was just thinking about… I didn't mean to I'm sorry…" He continued to mutter and sputter awkwardly as he stepped away from me. His aura was brighter than normal, which confused me. What did he have to be embarrassed of?

"O-oh. That's right… You don't really know what I accidentally did, did you?" Morro shyly asked, and I tilted my head.

"W-well… It's the human equivalent of k-kissing you. It's when you share memories with another ghost just by touching them or h-holding hands or something. Sometimes it can just be like telling a friend a dark secret too, but it's really personal and I'm sorry…" I blinked in confusion. It took me a second to let it all sink in, and then my own aura brightened. Awkwardly, I patted his left shoulder in an attempt to say it's okay for now, but we probably should avoid that in the future.

"Really, I'm sorry. I just haven't really been careful with my memories in the past, and I'm usually alone when I do that, forgive me…" I held onto his shoulder tightly in response while nodding.

"You… You don't think I'm bad for doing that?" I frowned. It was more like I invaded his mind, not the other way around. Personally, I believed that I was in the wrong for taking the memory in the first place. I remembered my anger at Neuro for snooping in my mind, now it was like I was in Neuro's place.

"No no no! It's not your fault, a ghost has to want to project their memories to get it to another ghost. When both ghosts that might be holding hands or whatever, want to share their memories, it kind of just happens. I saw you carving my name in the Cursed realm…" Oh. That makes it a bit more awkward. I tried to signal the Harry Potter book, and eventually Morro understood.

"So you saw when I listened to the Harry Potter books. Okay, I guess we'll just have to be a bit more careful in the future…" Morro reluctantly spoke, and I just nodded in response. Then we heard the jet outside, and both of our auras dimmed immediately. Offhandedly I made a note that auras must change due to emotions, but my mind focused on the fact that Lloyd was back.

After less than a minute, Lloyd managed to climb all the stairs.

Before us was a terrifying sight, as Lloyd carried with him with more deepstone chains and weapons, and a face that promised nothing but pain.

"Both of you are going to regret everything you've ever done."

More ghost culture and Lloyd being a jerk. Honestly, Lloyd's going to be a manipulative jerk for a good long while. Kind of comes with the trauma, you know. Don't worry, it only gets worse! :)

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