For anyone wondering, Nova is hiding her tail and horns, so if no one mentions it that's why.
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*At Ninjago City Bank, at night.*
"Damn it's been a long while since I robbed anything." Nova thought as she had just snuck into the vault of the main bank of ninjago.
Nova had sent one of her shadow clones to handle the security while she was inside the bank, picking up some money into her bag until she had enough for her liking, and it was just in time as the alarms went off.
Nova used the shadows to easily get out of the building, and outside to her bike that she had been working on when she was still living with Ronin. Though she never got to test it out before having to leave ninjago to train on the Dark Island for a whole year. By Mystake's orders since she needed to better connect, and control her powers without closing control and put others in danger.
Making sure everything was clear she got on her bike and started driving it down the alleyways until she got to the main road. "Wow, I've missed this place. It has really changed a lot since I was last here, I wonder what season we are in or are getting into."
As she was driving she began noticing fireworks going off and into the night sky. "Wow what a great sight, I'm guessing they are holding a celebration of some kind." Nova noticed someone in her rear view driving right towards her.
"What the fuck?! Watch it asshole!" Nova screamed as someone on a bike drove right by her at full speed, only to then see a green car following right behind it also getting too close for her comfort.
"Wait.....a green car following a bike...Arrh! You've gotta be kidding me, it's already season eight and by the looks of it this is the first episode. I've been gone for one season and this is what I come back to. I love this season but by the motherfucking Overlord, that means fucking Harumi bullshit." Nova thought angrily.
Nova picked up the speed on her bike as she went on to follow them.
*Lloyd chases down the leader, with Nova hot on their tail.*
"Who am I chasing?" Lloyd asked while driving.
"He or she is not in our database." said P.I.X.A.L.
"Whoever they are, they're good. I need backup." said Lloyd.
"All of the others are on active missions throughout Ninjago. You are on your own." said P.I.X.A.L as the leader, still in possession of the Mask, escapes with a parachute with the Sons of Garmadon logo on it. "Master Lloyd, are you all right? Are you there?"
"Yeah, I'm here. It's time to get the team back." said Lloyd before he noticed a bike stopping right next to his car.
"Stop right there, not another move." said Lloyd getting in a fighting position watching the hooded figure get off their bike.
"Wow, the first meeting after such a long time, and that's how you greet me. Shame on you greenie, shame on you." [robotic] said Nova shaking her head.
It took Lloyd a hot minute until he finally took notice. "Wait Delta? Is that really you?"
"Well will you look at that, so the green booger does still have a brain." [robotic] said Nova giggling before taking a good look at him.
"...He has grown taller and...more handsome...shit even his voice changed, that's gonna take a while until I can get used to that." Nova thought while blushing behind her mask.
Lloyd smiled running over and pulling her into a hug much to her surprise and it didn't help with her blushing.
"Wow Delta, it's so good to see you, but I think you lost some hight since I last saw you. Did you take a shrinking tea or something?" Lloyd teased asked with a smug smile on his face.
Nova narrowed her eyes at him and she gently punched his shoulder. [robotic] "Hey! I did grow a little, it's your fault you wouldn't stop growing so fucking tall. Let alone having your voice changed."
"What's wrong with my voice?" Lloyd asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh nothing is wrong with it. It's just changed....a little is all. I'm sure the ninja will notice." [robotic] said Nova.
Lloyd gave her a look that seemed a little offended by that comment.
Nova rolled her eyes. "Relax Lloyd, that wasn't an insult. This time at least." [robotic] She said with a teasing look on her mask.
Lloyd once again gave her an offended look before changing the subject. "So where have you been these past two years? We could have actually used your help."
"I had some things I had to take care of by myself, and for the last year I've been on the Dark Island so sadly no internet service or any way for me to use my phone." [robotic] Nova explained.
"Oh yeah that's understandable, but why were you on the Dark Island?" Lloyd asked.
"I needed to learn how to better control my powers, without losing control of myself and going all crazy. I didn't think it would take me a whole year until now." [robotic] said Nova with a shrug.
"So you just returned tonight?" Lloyd asked until he only now noticed the somewhat big and heavy bag on her bike. "You've gotta be kidding me." He let out a groan as he facepalmed himself.
Nova had a nervous look on her face as she tried to act all innocent.
"You just returned and you've already committed a crime!" exclaimed Lloyd looking at her.
"Calling it a "crime" is a strong word, I'll rather call it a little accident." [robotic] said Nova.
"....Bruh."
Lloyd looked at her as if she had grown a second head.
"You can't be serious Del, even after all this time and with you helping us, you still haven't stopped stealing stuff." said Lloyd as he facepalmed himself once again.
Nova gave a nervous giggle. [robotic] "Sorry greenie, I can't help it. If I see a chance I just can't resist it."
"Even so I can't let this slide Del, I'm sorry but I'm gonna have to take you to the police." said Lloyd.
"....Bruh."
Nova looked at him very much offended and a little betrayed at that.
"Come on Lloyd just this time please, I will even make a deal with you to never do it again." [robotic] She said.
"Why does it have to be a deal? Can't you just make a promise that you wouldn't do it again?" Lloyd asked, crossing his arms.
"Promises you can easily break, but deals you can't break them. That's what Ronin always told me." [robotic] said Nova.
Lloyd looked at her for a moment as an old memory of this scene had happened before but with Nova when she was still "alive."
He let out a frustrated sigh. "Fine, I'll let you go this time, but only once. Don't think I'm gonna make this a habit of mine."
Nova smiled happily behind her mask even if he couldn't see it he could get the feeling coming from her relaxed stand.
"Thanks Lloyd, so where are the rest of the team?" [robotic] Nova asked.
"Everyone is out doing their own mission, ever since we lost Master Wu. It just hasn't been the same." said Lloyd.
"What happened to Wu?" [robotic] Nova asked.
"While you were gone, we were fighting these two time twins and the only way to defeat them. Was for Wu to take them on by himself, but in doing so he got lost in time. So far Cole and Jay have been trying to find him." Lloyd explained.
"Oh....I see well I'm sure you guys will find him." [robotic] said Nova.
"Are you saying that because you saw it with your future sight?" Lloyd asked.
"No." [robotic] She told him with a blank look on her mask.
"I'm saying this because you guys never fail." [robotic] said Nova.
Lloyd let out a small chuckle. "Well hearing that from you means a lot, but you know my offer still stands with you joining the team. Don't think I've forgotten about that."
Nova rubbed the back of her neck. "....I'll think about it, but don't get your hopes up. I'm only saying this so you'll stop asking me this." [robotic] She moved her hands behind her back trying to keep her tail still, which was wrapped around her waist under her clothes.
*Jumping to later the ninja eventually grouped up. Lloyd and Nova joins them.*
"Hey, there he is. You're late. And is that Delta?" said Kai.
"Kai was late too, if it is any consolation. Also it's nice seeing you again Delta." said Zane.
"Thanks for meeting me here. It's been a while since we've all been under one roof." said Lloyd as Nya giggles while Cole nudges Jay. "What?"
"Are we gonna talk about it?" Jay asked.
"Talk about what?" Lloyd asked.
Nova giggled a little watching this.
"Your voice, it's—"
"Lower." said Zane in a deep voice.
"Sounds like our little ninja's growing up." Kai laughs.
Nova giggled gently, punching Lloyd's arm. [robotic] "See I told you it was different, but in a good way."
"Leave him alone." Nya sighs. "Any word from your mother?"
"Not since she went searching for Master Wu. I don't know where she is." said Lloyd.
"She'll come back, Lloyd. And so will Wu." said Cole.
"Not everyone comes back, Cole. But that isn't why I called you here. I called you because of this." Lloyd shows them the logo on his phone he saw on the parachute.
"Your father? Lord Garmadon?" Cole questioned.
"After poking around, I've learned it's the symbol to—"
"The Sons of Garmadon. A mysterious criminal syndicate growing in prominence in Ninjago City." said Zane.
"Seventy two hours ago, they stole a powerful relic from Cyrus Borg. Some mask—"
Hutchins walks in. "Not "some" mask. The Oni Mask. There are only three in existence."
"Whoa, I'm confused. How can there be three masks when you just said it's the only mask?" Jay asked.
"Not "only," Jay. "Oni." [robotic] said Nya and Nova in unison.
"The Oni are said to be all-powerful beings. Demons that predate Ninjago." said Zane.
"Well that hits way too close to home for me." Nova thought.
"Each mask embodies one of the three Oni warlords. If all three masks are united, whoever owns them will wield tremendous power." said Hutchins.
"Ninja, this is Mr. Hutchins. Master at Arms and Counsel to the Royal Family. I've asked him here." said Lloyd.
"The Royal Family?" Kai asked.
"Apologies if you aren't familiar. They honor their privacy, as they do for the safety of Ninjago." said Hutchins.
"Let me guess, they have an Oni Mask too." said Cole.
"Two? Now there's two?" Nya covers Jay's mouth.
"The Emperor will be delivering a public speech tomorrow, and I'm worried the Sons of Garmadon may try to steal the mask. We could use your assistance, that is, if you can keep a low profile." said Hutchins.
"We are ninja. No one will know we are there." said Zane.
"Just let us know where and when." said Lloyd.
"Well, looks like this should be interesting." [robotic] said Nova.
"You coming too? I thought you weren't a "team player" as you put it." said Lloyd.
Nova shrugs. "I have been gone for a whole year, and hanging around you guys isn't that bad sometimes." [robotic] She said.
"Say Delta, when are you gonna stop wearing your mask all the time? Along with that voice changer?" Kai asked.
Nova got a little nervous about that question as now everyone was looking at her.
"Yeah so far we haven't actually seen your face, nor heard your actual voice besides that one time we heard you sing." said Jay.
"You know you can trust us right? We wouldn't judge how you look or what you sound like." said Zane.
"Ummm well I...I just-well you see—" [robotic] Nova tried to explain but was cut mid sentence by Nya.
"Guys drop it, she is clearly not comfortable about revealing herself to us yet. Let's just leave it be until she is ready herself." said Nya with a soft smile at Nova.
"Nya is right, we can't force her to reveal herself until she is ready. All we can do is just be patient." said Lloyd.
Nova smiled a little behind her mask as she started to relax a bit.
*The ninja and Nova hide while the Emperor delivers his speech.*
"As many of you know, my family has kept a private life. We aren't interested in meddling with current affairs. But as crime has risen, so has our concern. So it is time to step out of the shadows, and into the light." said the Emperor.
"I don't like this one bit. If the Royal Family likes their privacy, why give such a public speech?" said Nya.
"I think it's nice. They're reaching out to the people." said Jay.
"Why all the hate, sis? You just don't like getting gussied up." said Kai.
"All that gold and glitter is for show. The Royal Family are figure heads. They don't have any real power, what purpose do they have?" said Nya.
"Their purpose is to be protected, as do all of our traditions. I believe Master Lloyd has spotted something of interest." said Zane as they see Lloyd staring at the Princess.
"Looks like he's got an eye for the Princess." said Kai.
"I guess green is her favorite color." said Jay.
"You do know I can hear you, right?" said Lloyd.
Nova was growling quietly in the shadows behind them as watching this was annoying her so much.
"I think someone here is jealous." said Cole as the ninja besides Lloyd, looked over at the head of Nova being the only thing that wasn't inside the shadows.
"I'm not jealous." [robotic] said Nova.
"Doesn't seem like it, by the rage slowly coming from you." said Kai.
Nova glared at Kai before taking a deep breath. [robotic] "I'm not jealous, guys, I'm just getting a bad feeling is all."
"We must continue to be vigilant..." said the Emperor.
Lloyd simultaneously said. "The Emperor is almost finished. Let's just do our job."
"...and always stay united." The crowd cheers.
"Be on the lookout." Lloyd spotted a balloon with the Sons of Garmadon logo. "I see a—" They hear popping sounds and the crowd panics. Lloyd tackles the Princess and Empress to the ground while Hutchins did the same for the Emperor. "Is the threat clear?" Nya sees firecrackers going off.
"Huh. Firecrackers. False alarm." said Nya.
"You protected the Royal Family. You have their gratitude. You are invited to be their guests in the palace." said Hutchins.
"Heh. No one ever gets invited into the palace. Are you sure they meant us?" said Jay.
"It's just a palace. Once you've seen one, you've seen them all." said Nya.
"We'd be honored." said Lloyd before turning towards Nova who had stayed mostly in the shadows. "Try not to steal anything Del."
Nova rolled her eyes while crossing her arms. "I'll try." [robotic] She said though a little grumpy.
*Later that night, the ninja and Nova enter the palace.*
"Welcome to the Royal Palace, also known as the Palace of Secrets." said Hutchins.
"Ooh, why do they call it the Palace of Secrets?" Kai asked.
"If I were to tell you that, then it wouldn't be a secret now, would it?" The ninja, except Nya, and Nova gasps in awe.
"Look at that." said Kai.
"I already feel royal." said Jay.
"It's beautiful." said Zane.
"Yeah, I could really get used to living in a place like this." said Cole.
"Well, don't. We're only here as guests, then back to protecting Ninjago." said Lloyd.
"Hmph. Too much gold in my opinion." said Nya.
"For once I have to agree, while I like stealing stuff this is too much for me." [robotic] said Nova much to everyone else's surprise.
"I present to you the exalted Emperor and Empress of Ninjago, and their daughter, the Jade Princess, Princess Harumi." said Hutchins.
Nova had to hold in a growl as she glared at Harumi.
"We are honored by your presence." said the Emperor.
"The honor is all ours." said Lloyd as he and the others bow before them.
"I have read much about you. Your heroics will surely become legend. Kai, the hothead who acts without question. Cole, the rock and foundation of the team. Jay, the joker whose mouth is as fast as lightning. Zane, the cold and calculating android." said Harumi.
"Nindroid, your highness." said Zane.
"And Nya, the girl." Nya looks with disappointment. "The girl I've wanted to be ever since I first heard about her. With her mastery of Water and her skill that could rival any master."
"I like her." said Nya.
"And Delta, the mysterious shadow who has never been caught, and whose identity no one knows. I must say I'm amazed with how little anyone actually knows about you, and yet you always are the ninja's shadow." said Harumi.
Nova was doing everything in her power to control her rage and not attack her right now. She took a deep breath. "What can I say, I like being mysterious. Makes everyone more curious." [robotic] She said.
"And Master Lloyd, the Green Ninja. The youngest but most powerful protector. The chosen one. I too have lost my parents..." said Harumi.
"Uh, heh?"
"...but we're both without family, hm?" said Harumi.
"We adopted Harumi and raised her as our own." Jay looks to the Emperor and Empress in confusion.
"When her parents passed away." said the Emperor.
"Thank you for inviting us into your home." said Lloyd.
"It wasn't us. It was our daughter." said the Emperor.
"And she would like you to stay with us, until the threat to our throne is over." said the Empress.
"These are troubling times, and as long as we have an Oni Mask, we fear our lives are in jeopardy." said the Emperor.
"The masks must never be reunited. Please say yes." said Harumi.
"Then you have our help." said Lloyd.
"Is it too late for me to change my mind?" [robotic] Nova whispered to Lloyd.
Lloyd looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "Yes."
"Great. Then Mr. Hutchins can show you the palace." said Harumi.
"Yes!"
"While you are in our service, you have full access to the complimentary royal buffet. Anything you want is at your disposal. Exotic fruits, assorted vegetables, scones, and all-you-can-eat cake." said Hutchins.
"Ah, thank you, but I gave up sweets. My body is a temple." said Cole.
"Ever since Master Wu went missing, Cole has been a real party pooper." said Jay.
"Party pooper?" Zane asked.
Jay whispers. "I'll explain later."
"The palace is equipped with secret passages to get anywhere fast." said Hutchins.
"Oh, so that's why they call it the Palace of Secrets." said Kai.
"Yes, but as to the locations of these secret passages, only the Royal Family knows." said Hutchins.
"Sure. You mean like right...here?" Kai pulls out a book but nothing happens.
"Nope."
"Or here?" He pulls out more books.
"Not there."
"Or right here?"
"Nope."
"How about here? Here?"
"No."
"Or here?"
"No."
"Or here?"
"No."
"Or this one?"
"Nope."
"Hey, try the book over there." [robotic] said Nova pointing at a red book.
"Okay." said Kai but the moment he pulled out the book, a smaller version of a shadow clone jumped right into his face, scaring the shit out of him as he screamed.
Nova couldn't help but burst out laughing at that. "I can't believe you fell for that." [robotic] She said as she high-fived Jay who was also laughing at it.
"Uh, haha. We'll clean up after ourselves." said Cole looking at all the books on the floor.
"Anyone else think there's something a little off about this guy?" Nya asked.
"He's holding something back." said Lloyd.
"And finally, the reason for your protection: the Mask of Deception." said Hutchins.
"Ugh. A face only a mother could love. Why would anyone want that?" said Kai.
"That's up to us to figure out." said Kai.
"Just being in the same room with it gives me the heebie-jeebies." said Jay.
"If this is the Mask of Deception, what was stolen from Borg Industries?" Nya asked.
"The Mask of Vengeance." said Hutchins.
"And who has the third one?" Cole asked.
"No one knows the location of the Mask of Hatred, but my sensors tell me it won't be lost for long." said Zane.
"Zane is correct. Though no one has found the third mask, it is given the Royal Family little resolve..." Lloyd wanders off and sees Harumi putting her makeup on. He backs away. "...for we know dark forces are looking to acquire it. And that's why we need eyes on it at all times."
"Don't worry, we're ninja. We're experts at this kind of thing." said Kai.
*While the ninja guarded the palace, Lloyd looks into the mask's display case.*
"So, you're the Mask of Deception." said Lloyd.
"Yes, green ninja, and I am here to destroy you." [robotic] said Nova into his ear causing him to quickly jump away, only to see that it was Nova who was now laughing at him.
"Hahaha! You should have seen your face, it was priceless!" [robotic] said Nova while laughing.
"Del don't do that, you almost gave me a heart attack." said Lloyd looking at her a little annoyed now.
"But what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be outside guarding the palace like the others?" He asked.
Nova put her hands on her hips. "Relax Lloyd, I have some of my clones outside watching for me. Besides, I thought it might be safer if two people watched the oni mask." [robotic] She said.
Lloyd was about to say something until he heard glass break and slowly walked toward Harumi's room. With Nova following.
"Princess? Princess Harumi? Are you there?" Lloyd opens the door but her room is empty.
"I've gotta thank Mystake later when I see her, since I haven't lost control on killing Harumi yet." Nova thought to herself while trying to keep her tail from moving too much for anyone to notice.