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Once upon a time, the First Master took the world out of chaos and brought it to a new era of peace for humanity. He left it in the care of his two sons, who both ruled in harmony to maintain the balance.
The oldest raised the moon and the youngest raised the sun, thus continuing the cycle of harmony their father envisioned.
However, as time passed, the eldest grew jealous. All the humans loved and admired his brother's sun, basking in its light. But they slept through his beautiful night...
Soon that jealousy turned into anger and bitterness which culminated one fateful night, when he refused to lower the moon. His younger brother tried to reason with him but the older ignored him, vowing to cast the land into eternal darkness, the only light being his beautiful moon.
The younger brother knew what he had to do. Reluctantly, he used the Elements of Harmony and cast his brother away, trapping him in the moon.
“...he took over raising the sun and moon, and the world was brought back to harmony once more,” - Lloyd closed the book, furrowing his eyebrows. - “Elements of Harmony… I swear I’ve heard about those somewhere before. Was it from mom?”
He moved his notes on top of the hardcover of the book, writing down some key information he read. Someone cleared their throat above him. He looked up, slightly annoyed at the disturbance. - “Lloyd. It’s the weekend, what are you doing here?” - One of his teachers was standing over him, tilting her head in confusion.
“Just studying.” - The blonde shoved his things into his bag. - “The school courtyard is free to be on whenever, no?”
The woman slightly frowned but nodded. - “It is. Ah, are you perhaps waiting for Mister Emily’s birthday?” - She lit up at the idea that the boy wasn’t there just to study.
Lloyd gave a confused look. - “Brad is having a party out here..? No, no I’m not. In fact, I’ll be going now.” - He stood up, giving a polite bow.
“Do you not wish to stay? Perhaps you could make some new friends, or grow closer with your fellow classmates.”
“Yeah… no thank you. Plus, I have an awful lot of studying to do today. Simply can’t make it.” - He turned on his heel, running off. - “Goodbye!”
The teacher watched him leave, sighing. - “Does that boy do anything other than study?”
***
Lloyd ran down the street towards his house, unlocking the door as quickly as possible. He was home alone, which means he could study without any disturbances. - “Elements, elements, elements…” - The blonde threw his bag onto his bed and looked through his bookshelves, getting more annoyed the longer he couldn’t find the right book. - “Ugh where is it?! Who the hell organised all these boo— aha!” - He took out the book. - “Thank FM I’m good at organising my books. Now let's see… Elements of Harmony.”
He pushed some of his papers away to make room on his desk, setting the book down and flipping through it. - “See: The Man In The Moon.” - Lloyd hesitated before shaking his head. He leaned in even closer to the book. - “The Man In The Moon was once a powerful sorcerer who wanted to cast the world into complete darkness and rule over the world. Using the Elements of Harmony he was trapped in the moon. However, legend says that on the night of the tenth anniversary of his banishment, the longest day of the year, the stars will aid in his escape and he will bring about darkness to the world once again!” - Lloyd took a step back, panicking. - “That’s the day after tomorrow!”
He grabbed some parchment paper and a quill, shoving the book away and sitting down. - “Dear Uncle Wu,” - He wrote as fast as he could. - “My studies have led to a discovery that we are on the brink of disaster. On the day of the Summer Sun Celebration the Man In The Moon will return and threaten darkness to the world again! Something has to be done to prevent this disaster.” - Lloyd stood up again. - “Your most faithful student, Lloyd.”
He lit a candle and took some powder out of a small bag on his desk, throwing it into the flame. It turned green and Lloyd put the rolled up parchment paper up to the candle, instantly burning it up and returning the flame to its normal colour.
“Now, hopefully he will respond soon…” - A green flame appeared on his desk, going out and leaving behind a neatly wrapped up parchment paper. - “Oh! Very soon!” - He grabbed it and opened the letter, walking around his room as he read it.
‘My Dearest Lloyd,
You know that you are my most trusted student and I hold you in very high regard.’
Lloyd smirked. - “Haha… I know I am.”
‘But you simply must stop reading those dusty old books!’
“WHAT?!”
***
“The Summer Sun celebration is a fantastic way to meet new people.” - Lloyd leaned against the carriage, glaring out of the window. His mother was sitting in front of him, reading out loud the letter his uncle sent him. - “And a very good opportunity to take a break. So I am sending you to Lumina Village where it’s taking place this year. Your job will be to go and supervise the school that will be organising the event. I have made sure to get you a dorm room with the most bookshelves as well as the one closest to the library. But I also have one more job for you,” - Misako hummed happily. - “To go make some friends!”
“Ughh…” - Lloyd slid further down in his seat. - “Why do I have to go to a new school for a few days? This sucks.”
“I think this is a wonderful opportunity for you! This is a very well regarded public school, with lots of successful sorcerers. You might learn something new.”
“Yeah right!” - The boy’s sour look got stronger when their carriage slowed down, meaning they’ve arrived. - “This is such a chore.”
Misako shook her head, leaning over and placing a comforting hand on his lap. - “Just see this as doing your uncle a favour.”
Lloyd shook his head, opening the door. - “Alright… love you mom.” - She smiles back at him with a nod, waving him goodbye.
He got out, looking up at the castle that was the school building. It sure looked impressive… but old. Lloyd has gone to only the best and top quality schools his entire life due to having money and high political power. His current school was much smaller than this one, yet it had the best teachers, all students had the best grades and everyone was well respected.
Now, Lloyd wouldn’t call himself a rich snob. His mother brought him up well, especially considering she did it on her own. But… he just felt out of place here. More than he already does back home.
He looked back and watched the carriage ride away, leaving him behind. This is… fine. Yeah, this is fine! Lloyd will just get through checking on the preparations as fast as possible and then go to his dorm and continue his research. This isn’t over yet.
The blonde walked into the school, looking down at the list he was given by Uncle Wu. Right, first he needed to check on the food. He looked up from his paper, only to stop dead in his tracks. Wow, this place is even bigger on the inside! How will he figure out what is where? The blonde looked around at some of the students walking by, noticing one walking towards him. He has a blue vest under a short black robe, a big orange scarf around his neck and comfortably sitting on his shoulders, covering a bit of his face. It was a bit of an eyesore, but the chestnut brunette weirdly pulled it off.
Clearing his throat, Lloyd walked up to him, stopping the brunette in his tracks. - “Um, hi! I have a question. Where can I find the school's kitchens?—”
The blue-eyed boy gasped when he saw Lloyd, grabbing his hand, shaking it, before running away without uttering a single word.
“...uh.” - He stood awkwardly with his hand still stretched out. - “Well. Wasn’t that just amazing. How could I possibly not make many many friends when everyone here is so polite!” - He shook his head, turning the opposite direction of where that weirdo ran off to.
It took a while but eventually Lloyd found the kitchens, sighing in relief. Let’s just get this over with. He walked up to a dark-skinned ravenette who had an orange apron on with a black doublet under it.
“Hey, are you the lead baker for the event?” - He walked up to the guy, slightly taken back by his height and sheer build. He looked like a bodybuilder instead of a baker. Apparently the lead baker was a human alchemist, instead of an esper. Alchemy used to be pretty popular and was still an obligatory subject, but now it was mostly picked up by humans who didn’t have natural born abilities or ones who didn’t want to learn artificial magic. This guy didn’t look like an alchemist… maybe this was the wrong person?
“Oh yeah, that’s me!” - The boy held his hand out to shake. Oh, okay then. Lloyd shook the hand politely, list in his other hand. - “Cole.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Lloyd and I was sent here to oversee all the organisation for the Summer Sun Celebration.”
Cole hummed, nodding to himself. - “Yes, the teacher mentioned someone coming over. You want to see what we got?” - He smiled, clearly excited to show what they made.
“I would–” - Before he gets to finish he’s dragged away by the taller to another part of the kitchen. It was a very long table, all lined with food. Lloyd would be lying if he said it didn’t look mouthwatering.
“Puddings, tarts, crustards, patties, wafers, doughnuts, pancakes, marzipans…” - Cole continued to list off. - “Do you want a sample?”
The blonde's head was starting to spin. - “M-maybe?” - A doughnut is shoved into his hands, Cole staring at him expectantly. Lloyd internally groaned but took a small bite. His annoyance quickly turned into bliss. - “Wow, this is amazing!”
“Woo!” - The baker cheered. - “You want more? Everyone worked really hard on these.”
Lloyd shook his head. - “Sorry, but I have an awful lot to do.”
Cole frowned, shoulders dropping. - “Oh…”
“...” - He looked around, a bit awkward, before focusing back on the other. - “Ugh, fine. I’ll try a few more samples. Only if it doesn’t take too long.”
***
It took roughly two hours.
Lloyd was absolutely exhausted. And stuffed. He doesn’t think he’s ever eaten so much sugar, which is impressive, because Lloyd has the biggest sweet tooth in the land.
Ultimately he managed to leave without upsetting anyone in the kitchens, running off into the courtyard. Okay, now he was going to make sure he finished this list in record time, no distractions. Next on the list was the weather. He looked up, frowning. The sky was full of clouds! Who the hell was the guy with this task? He was doing an awful job!
Lloyd was about to turn around and find a teacher to complain too, when all of a sudden the wind was knocked out of his chest as someone rammed into him from the back. It sent the two of them tumbling against the ground, eventually stopping against a tree. Lloyd groaned in pain as he got up, the person next to him following his lead.
“Ow… hah, sorry.” - Lloyd glared at the person apologising. It was a girl with half of her hair up in a ponytail. She was wearing black robes with cyan highlights and a few pieces of silver jewellery. - “Didn’t see you there, shortie!”
His glare only got stronger, dusting himself off. - “Great, I’m covered in mud now.”
The girl stood next to him, clapping her hands together. Lloyd gets why he was called shortie now, the girl was almost a head taller than him. Is everyone here so tall? The only guy his height literally ran off the moment he saw him. - “Don’t worry! I got this.” - She dragged the blonde over to a small pond, taking a deep breath and focusing. She moved her hands up and slowly lifted a ball of water from the pond, moving it over Lloyd’s head. Before he could say anything, the water dropped over him, absolutely drenching him.
The girl blinked at the sight, before chuckling again. - “Whoops! I may have overdone it a little there,” - Lloyd continued glaring at her, fists tightening. - “Hang on! I got this, I got this!” - She rubbed her hands together, focusing even more this time. He could feel the wind around them slightly picking up before she suddenly pointed her finger at him, sending a huge gust of wind his way. It was so strong that it almost took Lloyd off the ground. But when it was over, he was dry. Except his green and white robes (which were expensive by the way!), were all messed up and his hair was standing on its ends.
Lloyd was finally able to open his eyes, blinking owlishly at the girl. She stared back, covering her mouth as she tried to hold her laughter. Ultimately the dam broke and she burst out laughing, turning away.
“I-I’m sorry! Pfft- hahaha!!! Oh, you just look great!” - She continued laughing, ignoring the frown she was being given.
“...right.” - Lloyd crossed his arms. Yep, he officially hates artificial magicians. Maybe some people shouldn’t be allowed to use magic. - “Just– don’t touch me again,” - The girl raised her hands in surrender. - “My name is Lloyd and I’m here to check on how the event is coming along. Do you know where I can find the student in charge of the weather?”
The ravenette grinned, pointing at herself. - “You’re looking right at her! The name’s Nya.”
“...” - Oh dear. - “Well then, when are you going to clear the skies?”
“Later, later! When I’m done practising.” - She waved her hand dismissively.
“Practising?” - He raised an eyebrow. - “For what?”
“The WonderBolts!” - She grinned, stars in her eyes.
Lloyd stares for a few seconds before snorting. - “The WonderBolts? The biggest athletics team in the land?”
“Uh-huh! They’ll be performing here for the celebration! And I want to join them one day!”
“Hah!” - Lloyd smugly smirked. - “Why would they ever want a girl on their team who can’t even keep the skies clear for one measly day?”
Nya glared. - “I could clear the skies in ten seconds flat.”
“Oh yeah? Prove it.”
The girl huffed, turning to the sky and taking a deep breath. It took her a few moments to gather her thoughts before suddenly she moved her arms to the side, the clouds in the skies instantly clearing with one swift sweep.
Lloyd’s jaw dropped as he stared, eyes wide.
“What did I say! Ten seconds flat!” - Nya turned to him. - “Easy!” - She walked up to Lloyd and chuckled, ruffling his hair. It makes it look even more like a bird's nest. - “Haha, your face is priceless! Aw, Lloyd I have a feeling we are going to be great friends!”
Lloyd suddenly felt weak.
“...I need to go.” - He moved back. - “Where is the hall where the event is going to take place…?”
Nya pointed with a smile, waving as Lloyd quickly ran off. That was horrible. And he looked like a mess now! It’s fine… no one here knew him anyways. They’ll forget about his existence when he leaves. He made his way inside and ended up in the huge hall, beautifully decorated windows reaching the roof and the whole room looking as grand as it should. Finally, something that pleases him!
He checked off a few things on his list, stopping when he heard humming. Lloyd looked up only to see a student at the end of the hall, humming a tune and looking through a few decorations floating all around him. Finally, an esper just like him. He could feel the magic from the guy.
What confused him however, was the other kids' appearance. The brunette had a messy, almost spiky mullet and black robes that were longer in the back with red designs all over them. The robes were hanging off of his shoulders and around his elbows, a hand up to his chin as he pondered, gold jewellery also beautifully complementing the outfit.
Long story short, this guy looked too cool for Lloyd. And too cool to be decorating the hall. This guy is who Lloyd imagines would break every single rule in the books! No! Turns out it’s random girls who laugh at you for being short!
“Excuse me?” - He walked up to the brunette, who raised his hand.
“Just a second… I’m in the zone.”
Lloyd tilted his head curiously, watching as the other stopped at a red ribbon and grinned, all the other items around him dropping.
“Red! It’s always the answer, is it not?” - He put his hands on his hips. - “Now, what can I do for yOUAH?!” - The boy jumped back when he saw Lloyd. - “What happened to you?!”
“Huh?” - Lloyd looked over himself, pocketing his list. - “Oh, It’s a long story. But it doesn’t matter. My name is Lloyd and I am here to see how the preparations are coming along. You’re in charge of decorations, aren’t you?”
“Yes yes that’s all cool! Whatever!” - He grabbed both of Lloyd’s hands. - “We have to do something about the way you look though! Can’t have a new person walking around looking like this!”
The blonde made a confused sound as he got dragged over to a chair and forced to sit down, the other standing in front of him with a determined look.
“Guess Kai will just have to help you!” - He clapped his hands together just like Nya did before before taking out a hairbrush.
“Wait, where did you get that?– ow!” The other started brushing his hair and messing with different styles, ignoring any protesting Lloyd made.
When they finally finished, Lloyd’s clothing was somehow neater than ever before and his hair had never been this soft. He doesn’t know what the brunette did, but it must’ve been magic. He just had to miss it or something.
Kai was still looking over him, a few things floating all around him. Jewellery, hair pieces, etc. Lloyd still doesn’t know where he got all this from. - “Now, while I think about this, tell me where you’re from.”
“Well, I’m from Luora and only here for a few days—”
“Luora!” - Kai stared at Lloyd with a seemingly newfound respect. - “That’s where all the rich and powerful people are from!”
“I guess–?”
“I am so jealous,” - Kai sighed. - “Never needing to worry about finances and having all the riches in the world and where all the most powerful sorcerers are…”
“I think you have a very misleading understanding of people in Loura.”
“You are going to tell me all about it!” - He grinned wickedly before turning around. - “Okay, how about we try green hair clips next?”
The moment he could Lloyd stood up and bolted. - “Sorry I gotta go right now bye!!!” - He ran out to the courtyard again, this time from the side closest to the Everfree Forest that sat behind the school, hiding behind a pillar. All these people were insane… every single one of them! Even the ones he thinks are cool! The blonde groaned, bringing out his list. Just one more thing Lloyd, one more thing. And then you can go to your room and study. Yeah, that sounds nice. Now, the last thing on the list was…
Lloyd looked up when he heard birds singing. He slowly walked closer, smiling a bit at the tune. It was the same song Kai was humming, and the birds sung it absolutely wonderfully. When he rounded the corner he saw a tall blonde standing in front of a tree with birds on it, seemingly conducting.
“Wow!”
The taller froze and the birds flew away in fear. He slowly turned to Lloyd, who covered his mouth.
“Oh, I’m so sorry!” - Lloyd shook his head. - “I didn’t mean to scare off your birds.” - He walked up to the boy, offering his hand to shake. - “My name is Lloyd, I’m supervising the event. I came to check on the music, but I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. Your birds sounded wonderful!”
The blue-eyed boy was wearing white robes with a few black and grey pieces, neat white hair and a perfect posture. He tilts his head at Lloyd, not saying anything.
“...um, what’s your name?” - Lloyd politely smiled.
The taller blinked. - “You want to know my name?”
“Yes?”
Suddenly he leaned in, making Lloyd jump. - “My name is Zane. Nice to meet you.” - He stares at him with unblinking eyes. - “You’re not from here. You are an important figure though, no? Once again, it is very nice to meet you. Are you going somewhere right now?”
“Uh..” - Lloyd bit his lip, slowly backing away. - “I’m going to my dorm now…”
“I hope you don’t mind me joining then! I have a lot I would want to talk about with a new person. No one has ever approached me from their own free will, you see, and…”
Lloyd started walking, the boy right beside him, yapping on and on and on…
***
“..and that’s the story of my life, until today!” - Zane folded his hands politely in front of him, the duo stopping by Lloyd’s door. - “Do you wish to hear about my day today now?”
“Actually! I have to go now, I’m really busy!” - Lloyd awkwardly laughed. - “I’ll for sure see you around though!” - He quickly opened and slammed shut the door to his room, letting out a deep sigh.
“Finally, I’m alone.” - He mumbled to himself, walking further into the pitch black room. - “This took so long.. Too long! Time to gather my thoughts and just forget all these people exist. Now, where are the candles?”
Suddenly the light came on, blinding Lloyd for a few seconds before looking around, only to realise there had to be about fifty people in his room right now.
“SURPRISE!!!”
….Lloyd is going to kill himself.
“Hey! Your name is Lloyd, right?” - The blonde turned round to face the boy from earlier. Way, way earlier. The curly-haired brunette that ran away from him. He was once again holding Lloyd’s hand and furiously shaking it, a huge smile on his face. - “We met before, remember? You– my name is Jay! I saw you and realised I had never seen you before!” - This guy was talking too fast for Lloyd to keep up. - “And– and– and that’s just insane! I know literally everybody here! SO, if I don’t know you, it means you must be new!”
Lloyd roughly pulled his hand away and started walking over to get some water to maybe help his ever growing headache. Jay followed him. - “And I just felt bad for you! You’re completely new with no friends and you must feel so lonely! So I threw you this surprise party! Are you surprised?”
“Yes! Very.” - The blonde stopped by a table with drinks, blindly reaching for some water. - “I just… shouldn’t you be preparing for the Summer Sun Celebration?! It’s happening in just a couple of hours!”
“Oh– oh don’t worry, we’re all set!” - Jay waved his hands as Lloyd took a sip of his drink. - “And now you’ll get to enjoy the celebration with lots and lots of new friends!”
Lloyd spat out his drink the moment he heard those words, covering his mouth. He didn’t even turn to look at Jay, instead running towards the stairs and climbing up to where his bed was, refusing to greet anyone. Once he got up he immediately got into his bed, groaning as he hid his face in the pillow.
He lay there for a few hours, hiding away from the party in general.
This day was awful. Absolutely awful! He didn’t have even a second to himself! No time to study the Elements of Harmony. Lloyd turned towards the big window by his bed, looking up at the moon. On the longest day of the year, on the tenth anniversary of the banishment of The Man In The Moon, the stars will aid in his escape.
“I can only hope Uncle Wu was right.” - He ran a hand through his hair. - “Maybe it is just some stupid old legend…”
“Lloyd!!!” - Jay’s voice called from down below. - “The celebration is about to start! You can’t miss it!!”
The blonde groaned, looking at the moon for a few more seconds before getting off the bed and slowly getting down. He reached the big hall along with a few other students, doors wide open to the courtyard too. It was jam packed with other people. The skies were all clear, the room was wonderfully decorated, beautiful music played and lots of snacks lay all around. Everyone did indeed do a fantastic job, even if he hated admitting it.
Soon enough the chatter died down as everyone stood by the stage, music picking up. Zane stood to the side with the birds, leading their song as the principal came forward and cleared her throat. - “Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you all for coming! I am excited to announce that we are about to celebrate the longest day of the year!” - Everyone around cheered, but Lloyd couldn't help but bite his cheek.
Everything seems fine now… and soon he’ll see Uncle Wu on that stage, raising the sun and proving his worries wrong.
“Now, may I present to you our protector, son of the First Master, the one and only: Protector Wu!” - The curtain behind the principal drops as the music swells, revealing…!
…no one?
Gasps sounded throughout the hallway as the music stopped, everyone looking around confused. Including Lloyd. Where was uncle?
“Um.. calm down everyone!” - The principal got down from the stage, waving her hands. - “I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation for this!”
She was cut off by a scream from Jay who was standing near Lloyd. He was pointing to the stage where a sudden dark smoke appeared, making everyone cower in fear. A figure started forming before a man appeared, made of shadow. He had four arms and red piercing eyes, a bone crown sitting on top of his head. He chuckled deeply, voice booming across the hallway
“Greetings my loyal subjects!” - He greeted, both pairs of arms extending. - “It has been so long since I have seen you!”
“What did you do to our protector?!” - Nya yelled from the crowd, getting held back by Kai.
“Am I not good enough?” - The man glared, looking around the room. - “Do you not know who I am?! Do you not recognise me?!”
Everyone backed away even more at the yelling, shaking in their places. Only Lloyd stepped forward, absolutely furious. - “I know who you are!” - The man's gaze snapped to the blonde. - “You were banished a decade ago and forgotten by your own people! You are The Man In The Moon!” - He glared at him. - “Lord Garmadon!”
Lord Garmadon smirked. - “One of you recognizes me, I see!” - The smoke around him intensified. - “Remember this day everyone! For it was your last! From now on, the night will last forever!” - Everyone gasped and Lloyd turned around to run out, Lord Garmadon laughing maniacally in the background before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.
***
“Elements, elements… ugh, isn’t there any book around to help me?!” - Lloyd threw all the books around in his dorm. - “I need to find the Elements of Harmony and stop him!”
“And just what are the Elements of Harmony?!” - Lloyd gasped and turned around, only to be faced with Kai, towering over him in anger. - “And how did you know about Lord Garmadon?! Just who the hell are you?!—”
He’s suddenly yanked back by Nya who was taller yet younger than him, but seemed to hold more power over him right now. - “Calm down, brother! You have no right to yell at people like that!” - She glared before turning to Lloyd with a serious look. Behind them stood Cole, Zane and Jay. - “But he is right. Just what aren’t you telling us?”
Lloyd looked between the five, hesitating before sighing. - “I read all about Lord Garmadon and tried warning our protector of him. But he didn’t listen.” - He walked up to the window, looking up at the night sky. - “The only way he can be stopped is by using these mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony. But I don’t know where they are or what they do!” - He groaned, covering his face. - “I don’t know where to even start looking.”
“E-elements of Harmony, a complete guide.”
Lloyd’s head snapped to Jay who was standing by a bookshelf, book in hand. - “Where’d you find that?!”
Jay shrugged, passing the book over. - “It was under ‘E’.”
“...oh.” - Lloyd’s eye twitched but he pushed his annoyance aside, instead opening the book. - “The Elements of Harmony. There are six elements yet only five are known. Honesty, loyalty, generosity, kindness and laughter. The sixth is a complete mystery,” - Everyone else gathered around him. - “It is said that when the five elements are united, a spark will cause the sixth to reveal itself. The last known location of the Elements of Harmony was in the first home of the two brothers, located in… oh no,” - Lloyd groaned. - “The Everfree Forest.”
“Everfree Forest?!” - Jay jumped, hiding behind Cole. - “That– that place is terrifying! And us students are banned from going there!”
Lloyd scoffed, slamming the book shut. - “Then it’s a good thing you’re not going.”
“But—”
“I don’t need any more obstacles in my way today!” - He grabbed his bag. - “I’m getting those Elements alone, and that's final.”
***
“You all have got to be the most stubborn people I have ever met.”
Nya chuckled, ruffling Lloyd’s hair again. - “Don’t worry, we won’t let you down! We’ll make sure to stick together! Right, guys?!”
The other four nodded in agreement, earning a groan from Lloyd. Nya was the first to walk into the forest, everyone else quickly following her with Lloyd being last, who was frowning. He’d seriously rather do this alone.
“So, have none of us ever actually been in here before?” - Cole looked up at the tall trees, a weary look on his face.
“Are you kidding?” - Kai hugged his robes tighter around himself. - “Who the hell would ever come here willingly?”
Lloyd walked up the side of a cliff, looking down at the forest to try and spot the old castle, ignoring the others talking.
“H-haven’t you heard the stories?” - Jay was hiding behind Zane this time, due to the fact that the student seemed the least scared out of everyone. - “They say that those who come in.. never come out!”
The ground beneath them suddenly shook before the cliff they were standing on broke off, taking them with it as it crumbled down. The group yelled, sliding down the side of the cliff, closer and closer to an even bigger drop.
Nya was the first to grab onto a tree root sticking out from the ground, stopping her fall and quickly grabbing the arm of her brother, holding them both up. Kai tried to grab Zane but missed, the other sliding down until he hit a rock he could stop by. Cole managed to grab on next to him and Kai was finally able to grab a screaming Jay.
Lloyd was still tumbling down, screaming. He managed to grab on with his hands at the last second, legs dangling off the edge. - “Help– help!!!”
Cole’s eyes widened, repositioning himself before letting go. - “Hang on! I’m coming!” - He slowly slid down until he was in front of Lloyd, grabbing his hands. - “I got you!”
The blonde gripped onto him like a lifeline, shutting his eyes in fear. - “What do we do?!”
Cole looks around and over the edge, pausing. He took a deep breath, looking back at the kid. - “Lloyd, listen to me. You need to let go.”
“What?! Are you insane?!”
“I’m not!” - Cole shook his head. - “Let go.”
“Do you want me to die?!”
“You won’t die. Lloyd, look at me.” - The blonde slowly opened his eyes, looking at Cole who was giving him a smile. - “Everything I say is the honest truth. I promise nothing will happen to you. Let go.”
Lloyd hesitated, studying Cole’s face. He took a deep breath and let go. Lloyd immediately started falling, yelling his lungs out. He’s going to die he’s going to die he’s gOING TO DIE—
His fall suddenly slows until he’s no longer plummeting to his death. Lloyd made a confused sound before opening one eye, looking down. He’s floating. Lloyd is floating in the air.
The other four are safely on the ground, Kai and Nya using their magic to gently lower Lloyd. The boy let out a huge sigh of relief, looking back up to where Cole is. The ravenette was slowly climbing down, using his strength to safely get to the ground next to Zane and Jay. When Lloyd was down he immediately fell due to his weak knees, getting caught by Kai from the back.
“Are you okay?” - The brunette asked, earning a nod.
“Thanks.” - Lloyd breathed out, standing up.
Cole made his way over when he’s also safe, placing a hand on Lloyd’s shoulder. - “Told you you’d be safe.”
The boy shook his head but smiled, starting to walk again.
“We were awesome!” - Nya cheered, grabbing her brother's hand and raising it. - “We safely got Zane and Jay down and then boom! Used our magic to get Lloyd down! Mid air!”
Kai grinned right back at her. - “Yeah we were!”
“Yes, yes, I know.” - Lloyd shook his head, pushing some branches out of the way. - “I was there.”
Nya opened her mouth to say something else but she got cut off by a roar. The group turned only to be faced by a lion with the head of a man with a lion's muzzle and with horns, and the tail of a scorpion. Lloyd backed away, moving his hands to use his magic. - “A manticore! It’s a dangerous creature, we have to get past it!!!”
Zane hesitated. - “Wait–”
“Let’s do this!!!” - Cole ran, the alchemist taking out a potion and throwing it at the beast. It caused a cloud of smoke to appear around it, disorienting it for a split second before it attacked Cole. The ravenette barely dodged. He stumbled on his feet before its tail whips at him, throwing him back to the group, falling on top of Jay. - “Ow..”
“Hold on–”
“You’re gonna regret that!” - Nya used her magic to blow some wind at the beast, making it stumble back. - “Kai!”
“I’m right behind you, sis!” - Kai summoned fire and threw it, the manticore dodging it and waving its paw at the duo. The siblings gasped, trying to attack back but getting knocked away, the two falling by Lloyd’s feet. The blonde glared at the lion, helping the two up as he positioned himself to run.
“Let’s all go at it at the same time! We can definitely beat it!” - Everyone around him nodded except Zane, all following his lead. - “Ready?! Three, two, one!—”
“STOP!!!”
The five of them halted when Zane ran in front of them, all shocked at the sheer volume of his yell. Lloyd has never heard anyone yell so loud.
Zane took a deep breath, turning to the manticore and walking up to it. The beast roared at him as the five stared, huddled in together. The roaring and thrashing didn't deter Zane. - “Shh.. it’s okay. It’s all okay.” - He smiled up at it, offering his hand to sniff. The manticore leaned in, hesitating before pressing its muzzle up against it. Zane hummed, gently petting it. - “Aw, you’re just a cute little baby, aren’t you?”
Kai made a face. - “Cute?”
Cole had the same face. - “Little?”
Lloyd stared in absolute disbelief. - “Baby?”
The manticore purred before showing its paw to the white-haired student. It had a huge thorn stuck in it, slightly bleeding. Zane frowned, nodding. - “You poor thing… here, I’ll help you. This is going to hurt for just a second.” - He used artificial magic to cool his hands as he held the beast's paw. He grabbed the thorn and suddenly pulled it out, the manticore roaring at him in pain.
“ZANE!!!”
Zane giggled as the manticore started licking his face in gratitude, purring like a big cat. - “Oh– oh, you’re welcome!”
The group sighed in relief, slowly walking past the beast and Zane. Lloyd stopped to look back and wait for the taller who was eventually let go, waving to the manticore. - “You okay?”
“Huh?” - Zane tilted his head. - “Yes, of course I am.”
“How did you know about the thorn?”
“I didn’t.” - Zane smiled, wiping his face. - “Sometimes, all you need to show is a little kindness.”
Lloyd stared, confused, glancing back at the beast before shaking his head, slightly smiling. How strange. But Lloyd couldn't call it stupid, because Zane just saved their lives.
The group walked further into the forest, the trees thickening and slowly covering the moon's light, engulfing them in darkness.
“Uh, can anyone see anything?” - Cole mumbled.
“Ow! Zane, you stepped on my foot!”
“That wasn’t me, that was Nya.”
“Sorry lil bro!”
“How will we find the castle if we can’t see anything?”
“Hold on.” - They all stopped as Kai made a small light in the palm of his hand. He held it up to look around, only for an uncanny face to appear. The group screamed, backing away into another tree, another face on it. They continued yelling in fear.
Their screaming dies down when someone starts laughing. Kai turned his flame around, pointing it to Jay who was standing by a tree and laughing at it.
“What are you doing?!” - Lloyd yelled in disbelief.
“Laughing at their stupid faces!”
“You should be the most scared!” - Cole was hugging Zane’s arm. - “You’re a scaredy cat!”
“When it comes to actually scary things, yeah!” - Jay crossed his arms. - “ If I was truly a scaredy cat I wouldn’t have come here! Even then, you have to be brave and stop being scared! And there’s only one way to do that!”
“There is..?” - Nya furrowed her eyebrows, jumping when the boy suddenly appeared next to her.
“Laughter!”
“...laughter?!” - Kai stared at Jay like he was a lunatic. - “There’s nothing to laugh at though!”
“Just– just think about it!” - Jay snickered. - “If someone tries to bully you, the best way to make a fool out of them is to laugh at them! And their stupid faces! Just like right now!” - He pointed to the scary trees around them.
“That… has got to be the stupidest thing I have ever heard.” - Cole shook his head, yet snickered while saying it.
“Come on! Look at their faces, they’re so stupid! Aren’t they?” - He tried mimicking one of the faces on the trees.
Nya burst out laughing. - “You’re stupid!”
“Nuh-uh!”
“Yuh-huh! And you’re doing the face wrong!” - She leaned in, making the face herself.
Jay laughed at her along with Kai. - “You– you look so dumb!” - Kai was hysterically laughing at her sister's face.
“You try then!”
Kai pulled a totally different face, Nya and Jay pointing at him while laughing, Lloyd and Cole joining them. They all continued making faces at each other, until Zane stepped in.
“Stop!” - All five of them turn to him. - “You’re all doing it wrong. This is the face.” - He pulls a stupid face and everyone laughs even harder, Zane soon joining them.
They continued walking through the woods, getting to a clearing as they continued laughing to each other. Jay walked first, rounding the corner before coming to a halt, the other five bumping into him.
“Hey, why’d we stop?” - Lloyd looking over his shoulder only to gasp. They were by a river, waves crashing. - “What?! How will we get through?” - He hugged himself, turning to Nya. - “Can you calm the waves?”
“They’re way too aggressive.” - The girl shook her head. - “I am not powerful enough.”
Lloyd bit his cheek, looking at Kai. - “What about lifting us across?”
The brunette jumped. - “No way. I can only hold a person up for so long, and this is way too big of a distance! And how would I get through? I haven’t learned how to lift myself up yet. And unless you can also lift people up, that is not an option.” - Lloyd shook his head with a frown.
“Hey guys… do you hear that?” - Cole spoke up, causing everyone to go quiet. There was crying in the distance. The group walked towards the sound, only to see someone in the water, sobbing.
“A nymph,” - Lloyd mumbled. - “But… she looks weird. Nymphs usually have blue and green scales.” - The crying woman has charred scales. - “Nymphs have water powers. She must be causing the waves.” - The group walked up to her, Zane clearing his throat.
“Excuse me! Why are you crying?”
The nymph looked up, hands up to her face. - “Do you not see?” - She sobbed. - “My scales, my beautiful scales… a man of shadows whizzed past me and ruined my scales! And now I’m ugly, so ugly!!”
“Lord Garmadon…” - Cole mumbled.
“All this trouble, just over some scales?” - Lloyd sighed, rolling his eyes. - “If she won’t stop and let us swim through then I’ll make her.” - He pushed his sleeves up, only to get stopped by Zane.
“Your lack of empathy is concerning, Lloyd.”
“We don’t have time for this!”
“Lloyd,” - Kai glared at the boy, shaking his head. - “Can’t you see she’s hurt?” - He turned around, thinking for a moment before walking up to the edge of the water. - “Ma’am, I think you’re still very beautiful!”
The woman sniffled. - “You do?”
Kai smiled, nodding. - “Yes! I can tell you take great care of yourself! And I understand the pain you must be in! Wonderful scales, ruined.” - He frowned, sympathising.
The nymph sobbed. - “Oh it’s true, it’s true… It will take so long for them to grow back!”
The brunette hesitated before taking his beautiful robe off, holding it out. Underneath he had a black shirt of which sleeves barely covered his shoulders, doing a poor job of covering his bruised arms. - “Would this be a good substitute for now?”
The nymph gasped, reaching out and gently taking the robe. - “Oh, what fun silk! And such detailed embroidery… do I really get to keep this?”
“Of course.” - Kai grinned, cocking his head to the side. - “I think it would suit you wonderfully!”
“Oh thank you, thank you!” - The woman immediately put the robe on, a grateful smile on her face as the waters calmed.
“Kai.” - Nya put a hand on her brother's shoulder. - “You spent a lot of months making that.”
“Are you sure you’re okay with just giving it away?” - Lloyd asked, confused.
“It’s okay.” - The brunette continued smiling. - “I can always make another one. And she needs it more than me. Besides, a little generosity never hurt anyone.”
Lloyd was rendered speechless. Saying this was generous seemed like almost an understatement. - “Wow.”
The brunette looked at everyone, slightly backing away. - “Stop staring at me like that!” - Kai shivered, rubbing his arms. - “And let's go, it’s getting cold!”
“Aw, aren’t you cute!” - Nya hugged her brother, keeping him warm as he groaned.
“Please, let me help you!” - The nymph spoke up, stopping the group from getting into the water. She used her powers to part the water, leaving a clear and dry path for them to pass.
Lloyd grinned, walking over. - “Thank you miss!” - The nymph happily hummed.
The six of them walked across the river, waving to the nymph as they continued on. They walked through the forest, reaching another cliff. On the other side of it, Lloyd could barely see the ruins of a castle in the fog, but there was no doubt about it. They found it.
“There it is!” - Lloyd pointed, the others around him cheering. - “We just gotta get through.”
“Look.” - Nya walked up to the rope bridge, one side hanging to the side, definitely untied on the other end. - “It’s broken.. Too dangerous to walk across.”
“Are you kidding me.” - Lloyd groaned, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his hands.
The girl brought a hand up to her chin before turning to her brother. - “This is a much smaller distance than the river. Think you can carry me over?”
“Are you sure you aren’t going to get dropped?” - Jay frowned, hesitantly looking over the edge.
“Don’t worry, I trust my brother.” - Nya cracked her knuckles. - “Once I’m across I’ll use my powers to get the rope and tie it to the pole. I’ll tell you when you can safely walk.”
“Ughh.. don’t jinx it.” - Kai rubbed his hands, taking a deep breath before slowly lifting her up. Nya used her powers to summon some wind and help push her forward. She safely made it over, looking back only to see her brother get held up by Zane, such excessive use of his powers exhausting him. Nya got the rope just like she said she would, pulling at it.
“Nya…”
“Huh?” - The girl looked around, a voice coming from the fog. - “Who’s there?”
Three hooded figures stepped out from the fog, wearing all blue short robes, under which they had athletic wear. - “Hello, Nya.” - The woman in the middle spoke, a small smile peeking out from under her hood. - “We are… the ShadowBolts.”
Nya blinked, confused. On the other side of the bridge Lloyd furrowed his eyebrows before gasping, putting his hands up to his mouth to yell. - “Nya!! Nya, don’t listen to the–...” - His voice faded away, the other side of the bridge covered by the growing fog.
The girl looked back before turning to the hooded figures again, swallowing thickly. - “...never heard of you.”
“We’re a new athletic group. Which will soon be the best in the world!” - The hooded figure raised her arms, chuckling. Nya just stared, tilting her head. - “However… we need a leader.”
“...a leader?” - Her eyes widened.
“Yes.” - The woman walked up to Nya. - “Someone strong.. fast… talented.” - She stopped by the girl, leaning down. - “We need you.”
Nya grinned at her. - “Oh, I’d love to join a team! Bit weird you’re hiding out here of all places… but I would be so down!” - She walked back to the pole, rope still in hand. - “Listen, I’m in the middle of something, but after I’m done I will for sure come back and talk all this through with you guys and—”
“NO!” - The woman shouted, shutting Nya up. - “It’s either us or them! This is a once in a life opportunity. You must choose now!”
The girl backed up, looking down at the rope on her hands. “...you.” - The woman grinned, before Nya cleared her throat. - “Thank you, I mean.” - She turned around, tying the rope. - “But I’m afraid I have to say no.” - She bowed to them before walking across the bridge. The three figures behind her disappeared into black smoke.
Nya appeared from the fog, waving to the group as she stood on the bridge. - “It’s all safe!”
Kai let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding, first up to his sister to hug her. - “That took way too long! Are you okay?! What did those guys want from you?”
“They wanted me to leave you guys to be a leader for an athletics team... But I would never do that.” - She hugged him back before grabbing his hand and leading him across the bridge, ignoring the confused look Kai gave her, the others following.
“...didn’t you want to join the WonderBolts more than anything?” - Lloyd mumbled, causing Nya to look back at him with a huff.]
“I would choose my friends and family over fame any day. That’s what a loyal friend does.”
The blonde slowly nodded, looking away a bit guilty for ever doubting the girl.
The six of them walked up to the castle in awe, pushing the doors open. Immediately they’re greeted by a stand, which holds five stones, all with engravings in them. - “The Elements of Harmony!” - Lloyd gasped, looking up at the stand. It’s about three times his height. - “Help me get them down.”
Kai used his magic to slowly put them into Nya’s hands, who gently placed them on the ground. Once they’re all down, Jay counted. - “One, two, three, four… th-there’s only five of them.”
Lloyd sat down in front of the stones. - “The book said that when the five Elements are together, a spark will cause the sixth to appear.”
“But what kind of spark?” - Zane tilted his head.
“Hm…” - Lloyd put his hands together. - “I have an idea. I’m going to try something but I don’t know how this’ll work. My advice is to stand back.” - He closed his eyes, a green light appearing in his hands.
Cole motioned to the rest of the group to leave. - “Come on, he needs to concentrate.” - They all left Lloyd alone in silence.
Lloyd furrowed his eyebrows, his power in his hands growing. A black smoke started appearing around him, slowly lifting the Element. When Lloyd felt wind around him, he opened his eyes confused before gasping, letting out a scream. The other five run back into the castle, yelling after him. The blonde got up, running at the smoke. - “The Elements!!” - He jumped at them before the smoke disappeared, taking Lloyd with it.
“LLOYD!!!”
*
Lloyd fell to the ground coughing, head spinning. He opened his eyes and looked up, backing away when Lord Garmadon stood in front of him, the Elements of Harmony all around him. - “You stubbornly got here, despite all the trouble I tried giving you in the forest.” - The man hummed, a slight tint of anger in his voice. - “Are you truly so disappointed at the idea of my eternal beautiful night being here forever?!”
Lloyd got up with an angry scoff, standing strong. - “You really don’t know who I am, do you?” - He barked back, stepping forward. - “This is about so much more than your brotherly feud.”
The Lord raised an eyebrow, red eyes staring right back into Lloyd’s bright green ones. - ”This means a lot to you, doesn’t it..?”
“Of course it does!!” - Lloyd snapped. - “You left me and mom alone for your own selfish gain, dad!”
The two stared at each other, the air of tension around them thickening.
Lloyd took a deep breath, getting into a position to run at his father, slowly summoning his magic. - “And I’m going to stop you!”
“...you’re not seriously about to try and tackle me?” - Lloyd’s glare hardened. - “You’re not SERIOUS?”
The blonde bolted at the man, Lord Garmadon charging at him too. The energy in his hands grew before he let it go, suddenly disappearing. Lord Garmadon halted, looking around confused, turning around when Lloyd appeared by the Elements again, putting his hands together.
“C’mon.. C’mon…” - The energy around him grew, almost fully charged before he’s shoved away, causing him to slide against the ground, yelling in pain. Lord Garmadon stood by the Elements of Harmony, the energy around from Lloyd’s magic still buzzing.
“No!”
“Yes!” - Lloyd got up, holding his breath.
The energy continued buzzing before dying down, the Elements sitting still and doing nothing. Lloyd’s heart dropped and Lord Garmadon's laughter echoed through the room. He used his powers to lift the Elements before smashing them on the ground, Lloyd’s distraught scream getting drowned out.
“You will truly never see your protector or sun again! Nighttime will last forever!!!”
“No…” - Lloyd fell to his knees, looking down. All these years researching about his father… all this effort to get through the forest…
“Lloyd?!”
“Lloyd, where are you?!”
“Are you okay?!”
Lloyd froze, looking behind him. The group was climbing up the tower he was in, searching for their… friend? His eyes widened, a sudden spark dancing across his fingertips.
The blonde got back up, turning to his father. - “...you think you can destroy the Elements of Harmony, just like that?!” - Lord Garmadon was slightly taken aback. - “Well you can’t!” - His friends entered the room, all standing behind him. - “Because the spirits of the Elements are right here!!!”
The pieces of the smashed Elements started floating around Lord Garmadon, earning a confused sound from the man. Lloyd motioned to the students behind him. - “Cole, by reassuring me when I was in danger, represents the Element of Honesty!”
The stone pieces from one of the Elements flew to surround Cole, who smiled warmly. - “Aw.”
“Zane, by taming the beast not with violence, but with care, represents the Element of Kindness!” - Another few pieces float around Zane this time.
“How strange…”
“Jay, by convincing us there is nothing to be scared of by giggling in the face of fear, represents the Element of Laughter!” - The brunette hesitantly smiled, readjusting his scarf.
“Kai, who calmed a nymph with a meaningful gift, represents the Element of Generosity!” - The brunette grinned, crossing his arms.
“Flattering.”
“And Nya, who stayed with her friends despite her heart's desire, represents the Element of Loyalty!” - The ravenette put her hands on her hips, nodding.
“It’s thanks to them, thanks to their spirits, that we managed to pass through every challenge you sent our way!” - Lloyd raised his arms. - “They are the true Elements, and what will beat you!”
“But you still don’t have the sixth Element!” - Lord Garmadon growled, stepping back in fear.
“Oh, but we do!” - The blonde turned back to his friends, taking a deep breath. - “When I heard your voices, I realised… I was so happy.” - He brought his hand up to his chest. - “I was so happy because I made friends. Friends who truly cared for me, who taught me so many lessons!” - He turned back to Lord Garmadon. - “They were here for me. They were here more than you ever were! And that feeling of happiness and love… that’s the spark!”
There was a sudden light that appeared above Lloyd, making them all look up. A stone appeared, an engraving in it too. The sixth Element. Lloyd grinned, holding his hand out as the stone floated down and comfortably sat in it.
“When the five elements are together, a spark will cause the sixth to appear.” - A light started appearing about them. - “And that sixth Element… is Magic!”
The stone in his hand burst into light, the six of them fully getting engulfed by it. The light overtook the whole room, drowning out Lord Garmadon's yelling. His entire vision was covered in the blinding light and soon it passed through his being, destroying the darkness. There was a flash of rainbow before it finally settled down, leaving nothing but silence in its way.
Lloyd was the first to open his eyes, groaning as he sat up. - “Ugh, my head…” - He looked around, realising they’re all on the ground. The rest of his friends were also slowly getting up, all groaning in pain.
“Is everyone okay?” - Cole mumbled, helping Jay next to him get up.
“Yes!” - Kai held up his robe, looking as beautiful as ever. - “I got it back! This truly is magic…” - He hugged it, relieved he won’t have to freeze anymore.
“Oh wow, it’s beautiful.” - Nya smiled at her brother.
“I know! I’m never letting go of my robes again!”
“No.” - The girl shook her head. - “I meant your necklace.”
“Huh?” - The brunette looked down, gently holding up the ruby pendant of a flame. - “It is beautiful… but so is yours Nya.”
“Mine?” - The ravenette looked down, gasping in delight when she saw a necklace with an aquamarine gem wave pendant.
“Look at mine, look at mine!” - Jay pointed to his necklace, a small lighting pendant on it made of lapis. Cole nodded at him, an amber necklace with a stone pendant on his necklace.
“These are truly amazing quality.” - Zane held up his quartz necklace with a snowflake pendant.
Lloyd looked down at his own necklace, an emerald green star.
“You know Lloyd… I thought you were just giving a cool monologue.” - Cole crossed his arms, grinning. - “But maybe we really are the spirits of the Elements.”
“Indeed you are.” - The six turned around when they heard a new voice, the moon outside setting and the sun rising. An old man appeared in the room in front of the window, long flowy beard and a straw hat on his head, staff in hand. Everyone immediately recognized him and bowed, except for Lloyd who gasped and ran up to the man, hugging him.
“Uncle Wu! You’re safe!”
“Of course I am.” - The old man pulled away to smile at the boy. - “I knew you could do it.”
“But… you told me to not believe the legend.” - Lloyd frowned, stepping back.
Wu shook his head. - “I told you to make some friends,” - He looked over all of them. - “I saw signs of my brother's return too, but I knew you had to be the one to stop him. But you could not do so until you let true friendship into your heart,” - Lloyd looked back at his friends, all of them nodding at him. - “Now… I can only hope another man is willing to accept friendship.” - He turned around, looking to the other side of the room.
Lloyd followed his gaze, heart stopping when he saw another man at the end of the room, slowly getting up, clearly hurt. It could only be one person… the blonde looked up at his uncle who nodded with a smile before walking up to the man, standing over him.
“...dad.” - The man looked up at him before looking away, unable to bear seeing his own son. Lloyd crouched down to his level, biting his cheek. - “You know you were meant to protect alongside uncle Wu. You… were meant to be there for me.” - He hesitated before offering his hands to help the man up. - “There’s still time. Please dad… will you accept my friendship?”
Garmadon stared, hesitating before grabbing his son’s hand, letting the other pull him up. - “Yes.”
Lloyd smiled in relief, immediately hugging his father as he sobbed. - “Please.. Please never leave me again, please…”
His father nodded, hugging him tightly. - “I am so sorry son. I promise I will do anything to make up for all the pain I caused.” - The two continued hugging each other as the rest of his friends watched.
Wu smiled proudly at the sight of the two. Nya had tears in her eyes, turning to her older brother who gave her a small smile before they hugged each other. Jay was full on sobbing too, Zane standing next to him and comfortingly rubbing his back. Cole sniffled, wiping his eyes as he looked at the group. - “Well… what now?”
***
“Oh wow.”
Lloyd was taken aback when they all returned to the school only to be greeted by cheering. The whole school was celebrating, going crazy when they saw them. They were all… celebrating them?
Kai shook Lloyd’s shoulders. - “Why the confused face? Enjoy it!” - The brunette grinned, waving to everyone. Lloyd awkwardly laughed, giving a shy wave too.
“They’re happy to see us…?”
“Of course they are.” - Cole crossed his arms. - “We did kind of save the world, you know.”
The blonde was still shocked, looking around. Yeah, that… made sense. It was still weird. Lloyd never had a friend in his life, let alone people who admired him. He turned to look at his father and uncle, his dad awkwardly trying to back away while his brother didn’t let him out of his sight for a second. Lloyd chuckled, glancing back at his friends. Yeah, everything was okay now.
…so then why does he feel so bad?
“Lloyd,” - Uncle Wu walked up to him. - “You look a bit gloomy. Why?” - He smiled, a bit of a knowing look in his eyes. - “You have completed your mission and you get to go back to Luora and peacefully return to your studies.”
“That’s just it.” - Lloyd hugged himself, looking down as his friends stood behind him. - “Just when I realised how much I loved my friends… I have to leave them all behind.” - The five behind him frowned, looking at each other.
Wu hummed, thinking for a moment before clearing his throat. - “Well then.” - Everyone around them stopped talking. - “I, protector of the land, decree that my student, Lloyd Garmadon, continue his studies on the magic of friendship here, in Lumina Village, with his new friends!” - He clapped his hands.
Lloyd gasped, his friends cheering and hugging him. - “I– thank you uncle!” - He hugged his friends back, celebrating with them.
He promises to study harder than ever.