Important Authors note: A couple things guys, I changed the layout of the story to make it less complicated or jumbled and i have a question for you guys. Should I cut back on the writing? I noticed that it takes a lot of reading to even make it to the part where the characters interact. Am I adding to much useless information? honest question. I apologize for any spelling, grammar errors. If you guys have any questions feel free to ask. I don't think this chapter is that good so again I apologize.

(Kai pov )

  Things have been different the past week, ever since Lloyd joined us on the bounty, becoming a permanent resident. I honestly can't remember a time the ship was this quiet, hell even Jay's been tight lipped. I should congratulate him on his record silence, because it has me in awe. The guys mouth never stays closed, he even talks in his sleep. We don't call him motormouth for nothing. Although the somber atmosphere was foreign, it left us a bit tense, unable to detach from our own thoughts. I was unable to relax, no matter how hard I willed my body too. The images of Lloyd's delicate features covered in welts and bruises still fresh in my mind. My emotions got the better of me and I had to leave the gaming room, having the urge to burn a training dummy to the point of cremation. I was infuriated at the person who had brutally beat someone so helpless, unable to defend himself. I felt guilt for our rash behavior when we first met him at the corner store. Our boisterous and cocky attitudes setting a bad first impression. Most of all I felt saddened. It kills me to see him in such a state of fear. My visits to his room are short. They consist of me bringing him food or checking his condition. His injuries were worse then I had originally thought. After his examination...which almost gave him a heart attack from what Zane had said. Image waking up in an unknown room, only to find some guys eyes mear inches from yours, giving you a wide eyed, blank stare as he poked at you're face. Zane dodged a few clumsy swings as Lloyd flailed around, almost falling off the infirmaries table in panic. It had taken him a while to calm down enough to treat his wounds. He had kept his eyes closed tight, cowering down through the entire procedure. He had a few cracked ribs which explained the laboured and painful breathing, his left eye looked like it had been grand slammed. Small amounts of blood became viable in the eye itself and he was sensitive to light. We had wrapped it to keep him as comfortable as possible. The eye was completely black but the swelling was going down. He was given 17 stitches for the cut on his head, 5 for the wound on his eyebrow and 8 for the one on his cheekbone. His knee practically almost blew out. It was popped out of place and horribly swollen, most likely a previous injury that had gotten worse with all the movement, along with falling down 3 sets of stairs. Lloyd had cried his eyes out when Zane had to reset it and it broke my heart. Seeing the tears staining his beautiful face as I had to hold him still. His stress levels were through the roof. Lloyd hadn't allowed us to remove his shirt. He hugged his body tightly, proventing us from lifting it, so we worked around it. It was easy to find the cracked ribs. Lloyd would let out a whimper as soon as any pressure was applied to the area. Me, Nya and Zane are the only ones who even go in his room. Sensei Wu says he wants to give Lloyd his space but I don't entirely believe that. I don't think Wu is ready to see his nehpew. I don't think he could handle the guilt of seeing Lloyd in that physical and mental state, so he has us report Lloyd's condition back to him. Jay doesn't really know what to do or how to help so he tries to stay out of the situation as to not make things worse. Cole's first impression was less then stellar, and Lloyd fears him the most. I volunteer to do most of the runs to Lloyd's room. Every time I enter I get a little more angry, for Lloyd keeps his head down, avoiding eye contact completely. His body shakes as if my presence in the room is to much to handle. He keeps his distance and flinches in fear of being struck whenever I move too close too him too quickly. I vow to rip the head off the bastard who hit him, though Lloyd hasn't told us who that person is, or where he's been for the last ten years. He hasn't said much of anything. He's still in shock and I dont blame him, we practically committed kidnapping. Sensei Wu hasn't taken things well. Though he tries not to show his emotions, you can see the sadness in his eyes. His missing nephew has been found beaten and mentally scarred from his traumatic upbringing. I think the lack of kindness and love in his life has messed the poor kid up, unable to trust anyone. I've considered talking to Wu about getting Lloyd the help we can't provide here. Whether it be therapy or medication to help with his obvious anxiety. At least something to ease his intense panic attacks. This is all new to us, I mean how do you approach an abuse victim, how do you deal with a situation like this without adding to the problem? We didn't exactly get off to a good start. I hear Lloyd cry out at night, so encased in his nightmares. It takes all of my being to stay in my room and ignore his sobbing. I feel that if I did go in and try to comfort him, it might make things worse. I am a stranger after all, who kidnapped him. Things are hectic and I don't think he's coping well. Discovering that he has an uncle, becoming housemates with the four guys who chased him around town. Hell, I'd run too, if four brutes like us, with their tough guy persona acts radiating of them had me corned. To him everything is different. In his eyes we are dangerous and could easily harm him. His whole word perception is different. When bringing him his food, I can see curiosity flash in his eyes, before they quickly dart away from me, focusing on anything other then my eyes. Someone must have had him cooped up somewhere. I just wish I knew what happened. I was in the training room, rapidly firing at one of the training dummy. My fire encasing the room in a red glow from the fire, letting out all the rage that had built up over the past couple days. Once the figure looked more like a pile of ash then what it actually was, i decided to walk back inside. When I arrived through the door I was greeted by the lovely sounds of Jay and Cole arguing over who knows what. I walk in the game room to see Jay putting a game in the console.

"What are you doing jay?" Asked Cole as he lay sprawled out on the couch. Eyeing the blue ninja as he waits for the disk to be swallowed up, with his eyebrow raised.

"Gee, I don't know. What could I possibly be preparing to do with the game I just placed in the PlayStation". Jay replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

" shut it Zaptrap, it was just a question". Cole sat up from the couch, giving jay the biggest stank face.
 
"Yeah, a stupid one question".

"Will you two get a room already. You know if you walk down the hall far enough, you'll find one". I suddenly cut in. They must not have been aware that I had walked in because they jumped and quickly turned to me. Eyes piercing my skull.

"Screw off Kai!! They both yell at once. I just shrug and put my hands up in defense.

"Damn Jay, ever heard of say it don't spray it, chill I just call it like a see it and I see a lot of pent up tension. Maybe you guys need to let off some steam". The smirk on my face couldn't get anymore smug at this point.

"Ahhhh!!! Dont you have somewhere to be right now? Jay shouted while covering his cherry face with his hands.

"No, but you do", I say casually, leaning against the door frame.

"What do you mea-" just as he was about to finish, Nya comes in the room yelling Jay's name.

"Hey jay! I need you to replace the toilet in the lower deck. She spoke

"Wait why me", jay whined, still sitting in front of the PlayStation.

"One, because you're our unofficial maintenance man who just became official and two, someone has been flushing Coles chili. She
Says, pronunciating the word someone very slowly while eyeing jay.

"What do you mean someone? I thought everyone did that". I say chuckling to myself. Cole's expression immediately turns sour.

"Oh hardy fucking har kai. Don't act like you're meals are five stars". Cole grumbled, wrinkly his nose at me".

"Yeah but mine don't eat you're stomach lining or back you up for weeks". Nya tried to act annoyed with our aggravated banter but could not hide the smile that threatened to show.

Once Nya had gained her composure, she turned her attention to Cole. She cleared her throat before speaking. "Cole, you help Jay. Its a two man job".

"Wait a minute, why me?! Why not make Kai do it, since the wise guy wants to keep cracking jokes". Cole angrily folded his arms huffing, turning his head away.

"Because I have another job for Kai". Motioning me to follow her, I push myself up from the wall I was leaning on. Jay and Cole watched curiously as I made my way towards Nya. "You're going to help me make Lloyd a nice breakfast". She leans closer to me before continuing in a more hushed tone. "Maybe a warm meal will lift his spirits, even if its just a little. I don't think he's feeling well".

  Seeing the concerned look on my sisters face I instantly tensed. Feeling the knot in my stomach tighten. Ignoring the stares from Jay and Cole, I follow Nya to the kitchen without another word.

(No pov)

"Wow, not one complaint from Kai? No irritated mannerisms? He really seems to have a soft spot for the kid. He's never acted that way towards anyone". Jay said, turning to look at Cole with a puzzled face.

"I know, I've never seen him so willing. He's taking things serious". Cole spoke scratching his head. "I wish he was that determined when it comes to following instructions". Cole stood up and stretched before walking out of the room with jay close behind.

(Kai pov)

  Making breakfast was surprisingly a quick process, with the help of Nya of course. I had chosen to make pancakes because of the kids obvious sweet tooth. Pancakes happened to be one of the easier things to make so it would have been hard to mess up. I wanted Lloyd to feel comfortable here, this is his new home and I see him as part of our makeshift family. I know it will take him a while to adjust and heal. Learning to trust others is a big factor and is potentially something he may struggle with. Abuse isn't something you can just bounce back from after a week, especially when you've spent most you're life receiving that kind of treatment and have come to expect being hit. I can tell the kids been in a dangerous living environment for a while. He tries to hide how much he's truly afraid of everyone, he turns away as if he is ashamed but the fear is very clear. He's afraid of us and that only fuels my rage for the unknown foe who laid his hands on him. I thank Nya for the help and grabbed a small cloth, soaking it in warm water. It would hopefully help relieve some of the soreness in his eye. Afterwards I headed towards the spear bedroom, which is now occupied by Lloyd. While walking I almost run into Jay and Cole who are carrying a toilet up the stars from below deck, arguing the entire way.

" Cole I swear, don't push me or i won't like you". Jay nervously said as they continued walking up the stairs as slow as possible, while the toilet teeters from side to side unsteadily. Trying not to distribe the water that was still in the toilet. "I don't want shit water on me, I have an image to uphold".

"What image is that? We already know you kiss pillows, I think you're dignitys already dinged". Cole chuckled. Jay narrowed his eyes as he walked faster up the stairs, tipping the bowl to Cole's side. Cole's eyes widened in horror. He quickly lifted the bowl up higher to avoid the dingy water. Which caused them to stumble and fall against the wall.

"Ouch!!! Jay watch it! You trying to break my wrist?"

"Quit being a baby Cole".

"Wow, this coming from you. Cole shot back, making Jay immediately look at him.

"I'm not the one struggling to lift this up the stairs".

"Struggling? Yeah..that's why its still in my arms". Cole roled his eyes, irritation clear on his face.

  I shake my head as I quickly walk past them, not wanting to hear anymore of there blathering. I didn't need a headache, and I didnt want to stand around the two main causes of one. I've been extremely irritable lately. The last thing I want is to walk into Lloyds room pissed off and have him think he is the reason. I turn the corner, my room is closest to Lloyd's. The rest of the teams rooms are down the other hallway, so its just mine and his. Stopping in front of his door, I hold my hand up to knock. I pause for a second, breathing in deeply before softly knocking three times.

  (Lloyd pov)

  I'm a mess. Its been about a week since my escape from Darkely's but I'm not sure whether I should be relieved or suspicious. I had nearly choked on air upon waking up after my fall, to find a stoic metal man staring at me. I was in a medical room, lethargic, in an unpeaceful daze. I wish I hadn't woken up. They hadn't hurt me but tried to heal me. I'm now living with the uncle I didn't know I had....Garmadons brother, oh the irony. Its like the farther I run from my past, the closer it gets. I just don't want to be chained to my father and the nasty image he has made for himself but the more i pull, the tighter the chain gets and in the end, it will hang me. Despite the rigid and nerve-racking events that have taken place, I'm curious about the ninja. They haven't hit me or snapped at me but I can't help but fear that this all might be out of ill intent, which may sound ridiculous and irrational but its reality. Why would they want to help me, I just take up space, an inconvenience. People dont put themselves out like that unless they have something to gain. I'm not worth anything so why save me? I haven't left the room since I got here. I have a bathroom and a small bed, its greatly appreciated. I don't know what to do, unable to bring myself to take a step outside the door. I can't handle all the eyes on me, their big guys and as pathetic as it sounds I'm scared of them, even though theres not a huge age difference. I wanted to keep a strong and level headed composure but old fears come back. Anxiety, dread, sadness shows their ugly and distorted faces and latch on to my soul tightly. Their everywhere I go, suffocating my courage and motivation. I'm left fighting my own battles that I have created inside my head only to lose everytime.  "Desperation for happiness won't counter out the sadness and fear never dies". I was ripped from my thoughts when a knock was heard from the door. Though barely audible, the soft sound echoed in my ears. I stared wide eyed at the door from my spot on the floor in front of the bed. My heart beat rapidly. There was a pause and for a second I thought I had imagined it, until the door slowly opened to reveal a very tall, muscular, spiky brown haired teen, a couple years older then me. He had tanned skin and amber eyes, giving off a warm glow. Something was different about him, but I quickly brushed the feeling in my chest away as fear gripped my shoulders and shook me. Brain telling me to wake up. If I let down my walls, I'm left defenceless and he'll hurt me. My breathing picked up, causing pain. I couldn't move, unable to tear my eyes away. Like a deer in headlights, I continued to look up at him. He must have read my panicked expression, not that it was hard to tell, because he placed the items he had in hand down and slowly walk towards me. I backed away cautiously, my body trembling at his advances. " I-im sorry f-for stealing sir....please don't hit me", my voice shaky and pleading. His face softened and he moved slowly. He puts his hands in front of him, one containing a rag.

"Shhhhh shhhhh......Hey, I'm not going to hurt you Lloyd. You're safe with me, I promise I would never hit you, don't think things like that". It had taken me a second to realize that he had actually said my name. It was foreign to hear it said in such a calm tone. His voice was low but not angry. I flinch anyways, the fear in me taking over. My eye close tightly as my body curls up, knees to my chest.

(Kia pov)

  After I had knocked and got no response, worry set in. I became anxious as my thoughts raced in my head. "What if he left and we hadnt noticed? What if he's hurt himself?!" I took a deep breath before opening the door but immediately relaxed. My eyes landed on the Platinum blond mop of hair that belonged to Lloyd. He was curled up at the front of the bed on the floor, big eyes watching my every move, pupils dilated as they darted around, almost analyzing me. I had set the tray of food down on the nightstand and placed the rag in my hand. Slowly and calming walking towards him. His body began to tremble and he inched backwards. He opened his mouth to speak. Despite the fear that was evident in his voice it was beautiful. So soft and sweet, and had a kind of feminine pitch. I was left to wonder how a boy could be this innocent and beautiful. What he said though, shocked and saddened me. " I-I'm sorry f-for stealing sir......please don't hit me".

"Shhhhh shhhhh....Hey, I'm not going to hurt you Lloyd. You're safe with me, I promise I would never hit you. Don't think things like that". I spoke softly to him, putting on a warm smile even though I feel sadness for the boy before me. I took a step closer and he flinched, his body instinctively preparing for a hit. Closing his eyes tightly, he pulled his legs up to his chest and stayed still. I keeled down in front of him, looking at him closely as he opened one eye to peek at me. I chuckled at his curious behavior. That's when I actually noticed the color of his eyes. They were heterochromia. His crystal like eyes were half red and half green. Bright ruby red, standing out against the dark emerald green. His porcelain skin amplifying the vibrant colors. He put his head down, hiding his face. I moved my hand and carefully brushed his bangs out of his face. Taking my index finger and thumb, I gently placed them on his small chin and turned his face towards me.

"I'm not going to claim to know how you feel or tell you to get over it. I know people have done awful things to you and I dont blame you for not trusting us but believe me when I say that I want to help you recover. Healing may take time but you're not alone....you won't ever be alone again. No one will hurt you here". I slowly place the warm cloth on his black eye and dabbed softly.

  Lloyd winced, a small whimper escaped his lips as he grit his teeth in discomfort. His fangs caught my attention. Besides the sharp eye teeth, unique bicolored eyes and slightly tipped ears, there wasn't any other distinguishable trait Lloyd had inherited from his father.

"We haven't properly met.... im Kai. You don't have to call me sir, my friends mostly call me hot-head or flame-brains. I let out a chuckle seeing the slight smile form on his lips and I couldnt help but smile myself. He looked up at me, both his eye met mine for the first time and stayed there. I felt something warm flicker inside my chest as we shared a moment of silence, looking into his big, entrancing, doughy eyes. Realizing what was happening, he quickly shied away from my gaze, suddenly finding interest in the floorboards.

  I reapplied the cloth, once again dabbing gently knowing how sore he was. I didn't want to push Lloyd too much, knowing he was in such a fragile state, the obvious abuse breaking him, but I had to ask. Something like this cannot be ignored. "Lloyd....who did this to you? Who hurt? I say tilting my head so that I could met his eyes.

   He stayed quiet, a look of dejection and fright flooded his features as he fiddled with the sleeves of his shirt. "T-they....um", he stuttered, seemingly deciding whether or not to tell me. Shaking his head he continued ". The punishment w-was warranted, I....I  deserved it. Circumstances were complicated" . The tears became visible and he covered his face. His sniffles heard though his sleeves.

"Hey...hey ..hey, Lloyd, you listen to me okay? What they did to you was beyond horrible and wrong. You deserved nothing of what happened to you, I don't know the situation but it is not you're fault. We want to help you...please let us". I look at him in the eye, my face serious but kind. "I understand you may not feel comfortable talking about it now so ill give you some space. We made you breakfast". I spoke pointing to the tray of food on the table. "We all care...when you're ready to talk ill be here. You don't have to be afraid". I had reheated the rag using my element, carefully placing it in his shaky hand. I really wanted to hug him, tell him it was going to be okay, show him the love that he has been deprived of, but I knew he could only handle so much at one time. Becoming comfortable with physical contact isnt easy for anyone who has been through a traumatic experience such as Lloyd. So I gave him one last smile before getting up, careful not to make an quick movements so not to frighten him. Upon leaving I took one last glance before slowly closing the door behind me.

(No pov)

   Lloyd sat there in total shock, eyes still fixed on the door. The tone in which he was speaking to him was foreign. No yelling, no snide remarks, no threats, he didn't even raise his hand to hit him. Lloyd slowly stood up, wiping away the tears that had escaped from his eyes and walked over to the plate of food. It looked amazing, he had never eaten anything that looked this good before. He didn't know how to take it, "what if it was a trap". The sweet smell of the pancakes pulled him from his thoughts. He was really hungry. Pulling a piece off with his fingers he put it to his lips and munched it, making him feel a little better. The bread was soft and warm. "Warmth" was something he craved. Its what he saw when he looked at kai. Lloyd reached for the napkin and when he picked it up, something fell. He bent down curiously, looking for what had been wrapped in it. Scanning around the floor for a second before his eye spotted the mystery item. It was a candy bar, the same one he had stolen. Lloyds eyes lit up with excitement, smiling to himself over the kind gesture. For the first time in what felt like centuries, he felt happy.