Chapter Text
Graduating high school had been a step towards the future for Lloyd, except for the fact that he had absolutely no idea what he wanted to do with his life. His father had been trying to push Lloyd towards a path of law, to follow in his old man's footsteps, but the 18 year old didn't feel like that was the right path for himself. Garmadon, however, would not back down on the idea even when his own wife started to agree with Lloyd. Maybe that's why his uncle had sent that invite. An invitation to stay at his apartment for however long the boy wanted. As much as Lloyd appreciated the offer, it was a little strange to receive a wax sealed letter at his grad party.
Perhaps the man just had a flair for dramatics?
Well whatever the reason was, Lloyd didn't really have a choice in deciding to go. His mother agreed to it almost right away. "It will be good for you to have some time to yourself. Think about what you want to do beyond now." His mother had told him with a smile when he had thrown his bags into the trunk of his car, kissing him on the forehead as a goodbye. He knew she genuinely wanted him to figure out what He wanted to do, not force him to do something his father wanted him to do. He appreciated it. He had given her one last hug before he hopped into the driver's seat of his little car and drove away.
The drive had been about 3 hours long, a silent yet peaceful time.
He didn't know where his uncle lived, so when his GPS told him he had reached his destination- he almost didn't believe it. When he had pulled into the parking lot, he just stared at the worn down building that could be an apartment complex. If it weren't for the crumbling, under construction left side of it, that is. This definitely has to be a prank, he could only think while he got out of his car and grabbed his bags. There is no way this is the actual place, right? Maybe I typed in the address wrong....but a double check of the address from his uncle just confirmed that this was the right place.
Lloyd took a hesitant step towards what looked to be the main doors. Upon closer inspection, he could see cracks stemming through the glass. This place has obviously seen better days. He couldn't help but sigh as he gently, very gently, pushed open one of the doors and entered the....lobby? He couldn't really call it that, as there was really only a spiral staircase leading up, a big steel door and he definitely didn't wanna know what could be behind it, and what looked like a motorbike that was just leaning against the window with no noticeable anti-stealing gadgets on. It was a really nice bike though and as he got closer, had so many tiny details! The paint job was sleek yet showed some sort of sparky energy with a nice glossy finish over it. Looks like it was just polished actually!
"Ahem."
Lloyd startled, whipping his head around so fast he could've sworn he heard a crack. There was a woman standing not too far away, holding what looked to be a rag in her hands- oh shit, was this their bike?
She didn't look angry, more annoyed than anything, with her arms folded over her chest. "Hey I would appreciate it if you didn't touch my bike," She shook her head with a sigh, "I just finished polishing her a few minutes ago."
"Oh! I'm sorry!" He rubbed the back of his neck in a nervous gesture, "I promise I wasn't going to touch it! I was just appreciating the paint job!"
He worriedly looked at her as the frown on her face seemed to deepen- before being completely replaced with a big smile. "Can't fault that! It is pretty cool, huh?" She walked towards him, stretching her hand out in a greeting. "My name's Nya! Nya Smith!" He took the hand, shaking it gently with his own nervous smile forming. "Lloyd."
"Nice to meet you Lloyd! Now what brings you here? Didn't think any new tenants were moving in?" She cocked her head to side, her black falling in front of her eyes which she pushed back with an amused huff. Lloyd gave his own chuckle, slowly shaking his head.
"My uncle invited me to stay with him for a while," He looked around the barren room, a sudden feeling of nervousness washed over him again, "Didn't know he lived here though.."
"Yeah not many people think anyone lives here anymore after what happened," Nya shrugged, lifting her hands to her head in a relaxed position, "But it's nice having only like, what?, 5 other people living here? Well I guess 6 now because of you." She chuckled.
Lloyd could only nod but what Nya has said made him curious. After what happened? Was there an accident? Is that why half the building seemed to be under construction? He hadn't even noticed that he zoned out until an elbow connected with his shoulder in a nudge. He looked back up at Nya, who still had a big smile on her face.
"You said you're here because your uncle invited you, right?" Her smile grew when he nodded in agreement, "So who here is said uncle? ....WAIT! Let me guess!" She looked down at her feet, finger tapping at her chin. Suddenly she looked back up and Lloyd thought he could see stars in her eyes.
"Is it Pythor? Didn't think that crazy snake man had any relatives!" She was basically bouncing on the balls of her feet. She only stopped when Lloyd tilted his head in confusion, "Okay maybe not. Hmmmm.." She went back to thinking, this time taking a bit longer than before.
Suddenly she basically jumped into the air, "Oh I got it! Are you Wu's nephew? I think he's talked about you a bit before... Though you are totally older than the you in his stories."
He could feel his eyes widen just a bit. His uncle told stories about him? He didn't really remember any big memories with said uncle....but maybe his uncle's memory was better than his. "Uh yeah. That's him." He anxiously rubbed the back of his neck as Nya cheered that she got it right.
"Oh you are so very lucky, little man," She threw an arm around his shoulders, the action feeling a lot more friendly than Lloyd would've expected. He did just meet her like a few minutes ago, "Because I just so happen to live right across from good ol' Sensei Wu! So I can help you get to his apartment a lot quicker, if you're cool with it?"
"That would be...really nice actually," He grinned, gently pulling away from her partial embrace so he could get a better hold on his luggage. The effort was futile though as Nya snatched almost all his bags from him in one move, leaving him a bit stunned if he was being honest, "You don't have to carry my bags for me..."
"It's no worries! You're basically a guest in our big apartment complex house, so as your new friend, I can carry your stuff!" She laughed, motioning with her free hand towards the stairs, "Now onwards! To the mysterious Sensei Wu's apartment!"
Lloyd couldn't help but laugh as Nya started hopping up the stairs, whistling a tune as she went. Maybe I will have a nice time. He shook his head with a grin, following after Nya.
This will be a relaxing time. I'm sure of it.