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Chapter Text

Hi!

Welcome to this fanfiction about Lego Ninjago : Dragon Rising.

Here is some little information about my fanfiction…

- I don’t own any of the original franchise and give the credit to the creator of this cartoon that I appreciate a lot.

- Important to say that as Dragon Rising season 3 just came out, it will possibly contain spoilers for the first chapters about the episodes of Part 1. But also informations about his part 2 leaked (11-18). So read at your risk, you have been warned.

- I may add tags in the future to precise more the story and its content. Or make modifications once in a while. But I will keep the story consistent.

- Upload isn’t going to be regular. But I will do my best to upload when I have time. I fancy quality over quantity and regularity.

- English isn’t my first language. So yes, maybe some errors can be spotted about grammar, syntax, etc. I know English well enough to manage, but it's still a challenge. Like, I use Google Tranduction sometime to help me…

- There may be some changes to the original franchise that made it easier to create my fanfiction. It's a bit difficult to understand some things in the lore, even if you know the elements that make up the story.

- There will also be minor inconsistencies with the original story.

I will do my best to include them in the author's notes to better understand why certain things exist.

Thank you very much!
Let’s begin this story!

Chapter Text

Finally.

Thunderfang is finally defeated.

He won't come back. That's for sure.

He was surely their most powerful enemy since their adventures and missions as ninja.

But that's in the past.

As Thunderfang let out a loud cry in anticipation of his impending disappearance, everyone watched the scene speechlessly. When he was finally gone, confirmed to no longer be a ghost, a Source Dragon, or a being of flesh and blood, cheers were heard from where the battle had taken place.

A sigh of relief, the ninjas and all their helpers and loved ones embraced, happy that it was finally over.

Yes they lost powerful allies, like Morro and Wu. But at least they know of their fate and can move on.

Even the Arc dragon of Focus, having done his part, leaves quickly.

-

Arin (Not sure) : Is this really the end?
Sora (Big smile as she hugs her best friend) : Yes! He's gone! Gone! What could be better than that?
Wyldfyre (Pop up behind) : A good meal of slugs and mud soup!
Frak : Yeah, I don't really agree.

Smiling broadly at being reunited and still all alive, the four young ninjas embraced for a group hug.

They stayed like that for several minutes until voices were heard approaching them.

Kai (Smirk) : Look at them. Aren't those young ninjas adorable? You'd hardly believe they just saved the world.
Nya (Soft punch on the shoulder) : Leave them alone, Kai. This is their victory, they deserve it.
Jay : Man, I wish I had a bigger role.
Cole : Just the fact that you avoided getting eaten is a great achievement.
Zane : Says the person who got turned into a Hollowed One.
Cole : Zane!? Why are you always against me?!
Frak (Excited) : If all ninja adventures are like this, I'm not likely to be bored! I'm already looking forward to the next adventure!
Sora : And me too! I never thought I'd become a ninja apprentice.
Kai : How about a break first…
Pixel : Ninja never quit.
Jay : But I need to rest…
Wyldfyre (Looking at Arin) : Well, aren't you saying anything, Arin? You should be the most excited.
Arin : About that...

The young teenager had to share his decision to leave the ninjas. Indeed, he had already told his former teacher earlier that he planned to leave once all this was over to return to a quieter life with his newly found family.

The reactions were mixed, but more precisely, divided.

Sora (Shocked) : Arin? Is that really what you want? Not that I don't want to believe you, but...
Frak : To all of us, you've always been the one who most wanted to become a ninja. Wyldfyre : Where did your sense of adventure go? Did Thunderfang eat it before disappearing?

While the younger ones were having a heated discussion, the older ones watched calmly.

Arin : L-Listen...! I've always wanted to be a ninja, it's true. But by living adventures with them, I realized how difficult it was. The fear of losing someone, of risking your life for strangers, the misfortunes that can happen at any moment... I don't think I'm as strong to overcome that burden anymore.

Silence quickly fell at his words. No one could really contradict him. He was right. And he had the right to feel that way. It somewhat shattered the celebratory atmosphere of their victory over Thunderfang. Realizing his mistake, Arin tried to make amends.

Arin : But, hey, hey! I don't want to influence any of you. If you want to stay, nothing's stopping you, and I'll be your number one fan!
Sora : I don't really know what to say, Arin. I mainly joined for you...
Arin : Sora, if you want to continue, go ahead.
Sora : But I want to stay with you.
Arin : But I sense that you want to stay in the ninjas too. And besides, just because I'm leaving doesn't mean we won't see each other anymore.
Frak : But Arin!
Kai (Interrupt) : Frak, no.
Frak : Kai?
Nya : If that's what he chooses. We have to respect that.
Jay : And we understand.
Wyldfyre : Weren’t you all the ones that say that a ninja shouldn’t never quit and blabla?
Pixel : True, but he is human with emotions.
Cole : We've all had times when we wanted to leave too. And there have been times when we've gone our separate ways.
Zane : It's definitely a difficult and hurtful choice, but we have to listen to him and not force him into anything.
Kai : That's what makes us different from many others. Just like Lloyd said.
Sora : Oh! Wait! Did you tell Lloyd? We were finally reunited, and he's going to lose you again.
Arin : Actually, I spoke to him first.
Cole : How did he react?
Arin : I think it came as a shock...

That heavy silence again...

Wyldfyre : You're such a party pooper! We should be going back to the monastery to celebrate.
Arin : Wyldfyre is right. Let's celebrate!
Jay : Now we're talking!
Nya : We'll celebrate our victory, but also your departure, Arin. You've been a great asset to us.
Arin : Thanks...

-

While the others chatted a little longer, Sora had stepped aside to reflect on her best friend's words about his departure. It was a familiar hand that broke her from her thoughts.

Arin : Hey Sora...
Sora : Hey Arin...
Arin (Pointing from place beside her) : Can I?
Sora: Oh sure...

Arin sat down next to Sora. She looked at the ground, playing with some branch, drawing with it. Arin glanced at her from time to time, but instead looked up at the sky. He couldn't really bear that there wasn't a discussion. He knew it was his fault for how she felt.

Arin : I'm sorry, Sora...
Sora : For what?
Arin : For having to make you choose. I know the decision is yours, but I feel like I'm the one triggering your indecision.
Sora : ...
Arin : I won't force you into anything. And like I said, I'll keep seeing you. I have no intention of disappearing from your life again. But it will be on two different paths.
Sora : But it's hard. You're my first friend and someone I've ever considered family. And I have to choose between you and those who gave me a home, adventures, and a fulfilled family.
Arin : I didn't want this...
Sora : I know. But either way, I feel like I'll regret the decision.
Arin : ...
Sora (Stands up) : I want to take my time choosing. Would you be able to wait for my final answer?
Arin : I've made you wait for so long. I think I can just as well wait for your answer. Take all the time you need.
Sora : Okay, let's join the others and make the trek back. And... I need advice from Lloyd. You'll owe him a proper talk too.
Arin : I know... I disappointed him. And I'm abandoning him after he welcomed me with open arms. I wasn't even able to thank him enough for his kept promise, or apologize for my betrayal. He even says sorry to me when he has done nothing wrong.
Sora : Then let's go find him. I haven't seen him since.

Sora extended a warm hand to Arin, which he took without hesitation. The two friends headed towards the rest of the group. The discussion seemed a little... tense.

Arin : You're making funny faces...
Sora : Is something wrong?
Kai : Have you heard from Lloyd?

Arin and Sora looked at each other before turning their heads back to the group of adults waiting for their answer.

Arin : Not really.
Sora : We even needed to talk to him. We wanted to know where he was. Because we couldn't see him.

The looks full of hope for a positive answer were replaced by disappointment and worry.

Cole : But where is he then?
Jay (Deamden into his radio) : Hey Lloyd, can you hear me? Please answer.

But the static keeps coming, and no answer is coming.

Nya (Worried) : Lloyd would have joined us. Do you think something happened to him?
Kai (Keeps a strong face) : He would have contacted us if he was in trouble. And we're talking about Lloyd. Our leader, our brother, and the green ninja.
Frak : And mentor.
Wyldfyre : He might be at the monastery celebrating without us.
Cole : Without warning. Never. And that's not our Lloyd.
Jay : We know him better than anyone else.
Zane : We practically watched him grow up and raise him. Even if he can hide things, he wouldn't hide information that concerns security. Or anything that worries us.
Arin : So where is he?
Kai : That's the question we're all asking. And we're starting to worry.

As he searches the combat zone for a clue, everyone assumes the worst. He's injured. He's been kidnapped. So many hypotheses, but no answers. Just panic with every minute that passes without news.

-----

They'd been searching for several hours and still nothing. No sign of him. They'd requested backup from the Finders, the Spirit Dragons, Roby's guard robots, etc.

During their search, everyone's radios emitted an electronic noise. Someone wanted to speak. Wishing it was Lloyd, everyone rushed to answer.

Kai : Lloyd? Is that you, buddy?
Cole : Green Bean, you're not allowed to scare us like that.
Jay : Right, Greenie, you owe us a good explanation.
Zane : Don't listen to them, Lloyd, we just want to know where you are and if you're okay.
Nya : We just want to get to you little brother.
Zane : Talk to us.
Pixal : Say something.
Geo (Timidly) : Sorry to disappoint you…

Everyone sighs in disappointment. Of course, when they began their search, they made sure to give everyone a radio to facilitate communication and not rely solely on the dragon spirits. But since no one had dared to use the radio until now, not wanting to miss a call from Lloyd, they assumed it was him.

Cole : ...What is it, Geo? Need something?
Geo : Well... We might have found an answer about Lloyd.

Eyes wide open, hoping they'd found him, everyone rushed to ask questions to find out more.

Kai : Where is he?
Sora : Is he okay?
Frak : What is it?
Jay : Does he know we've been looking for him for hours?!
Zane : Can you tell us all what you know?
Geo : It's hard to say...
Cole : Please, Geo... Tell us.
Nya : We're worried sick.
Pixal : Can you tell us he's okay?
Arin : But is he with you...?
Geo : I think it's best if you come join us. But I can confirm that he's not with us.

Without any idea why this strange request was made, everyone set off. According to Geo, he discovered something that could tell us his location. Geo and the Finders are currently at the Dragon of Focus Temple. It was here that Arin and Lloyd had managed to summon the mythical dragon to fight Thunderfang. It's a pretty good start, because it was indeed the last place Arin had seen Lloyd. And the last place the others had heard of him.

All in the vehicles, they headed at full speed towards the temple entrance. Once there, they were greeted by Geo and the Finders. Their expressions were unreadable. It was as if they didn't know what to think.

Cole : Hey, we're here! What did you find out about Lloyd?
Kai : Quick, talk!
Nya : Kai, stop rushing him, let him talk!
Geo : I'll tell you all about it on the way. Let's go to the main hall.

Geo took the lead and the others calmly followed.

Cole : So, Geo…
Geo : When you expressed your concern about Lloyd's disappearance, we immediately set to work to help you.
Bonzle : We were worried too.
Fritz : And as Finders, we're used to finding and snooping.
Spitz : When we asked you where you last saw Lloyd, and you said near the Temple of Focus, well, we immediately headed there.
Geo : Because of the battle, it was difficult to search its ruins. But we managed to reach the room. And when we entered, we were surprised by the scene.

Geo and the Finders stopped in front of the door leading to the ceremonial hall. They stared at all the ninjas in front of them very seriously.

Cole : You're starting to scare me, Geo...
Frak : What's going on?
Wyldfyre : So Lloyd was playing hide-and-seek? Very mature of him.
Sora : No time for joke Wyldfyre.

Geo took a deep breath and continued his speech.

Geo : We didn't touch anything. We preferred to let you discover the scene for yourselves, because we didn't know how to react. It looks like a carefully prepared set-up. But here it is...

Spritz, Fritz, Geo, and Bonzle opened the large doors of the room. The orb that could summon the Dragon of Focus Bow had disappeared. It made sense. It had used it. But in place of the altar, there were very familiar objects.

At the center was Lloyd's sword planted in the hard ground. Attached to the pommel was the bandana Lloyd wore during the fight, which is part of his GI. At the base of the sword, Lloyd's radio was intact. As if it had been dropped.

The group approached. Quiet and observant. But also curious and incertains of this meaning.

Kai : What does that mean?

Jay : All this... It belongs to Lloyd. It's his personal belongings.
Cole : You found this just like that?
Geo : Yes.
Nya : For what purpose?
Bonzle : Perhaps this will give you some answers.

Bonzle held out a carefully rolled-up scroll towards them.

Sora : But this is Lloyd's insignia, proving he's the guardian of the monastery.
Frak : And that he's a master.
Bonzle : Take it. I believe the contents of this scroll are meant for you.
Zane : You said you didn't touch anything. How come you have this scroll?
Fritz : When we forced the doors open, the shaking caused the scroll to fall and roll to the ground. We picked it up.
Spitz : We were curious about its contents, but...
Arin : ...You didn't dare open it and read it.
Bonzle : If it's indeed a message from Lloyd to you. It must be personal.

Everyone stared at the scroll, all questioning, but no one dared take it. Paralyzed by what they might discover. As Lloyd's right-hand man, big brother, and second in command, it was Kai who mustered the courage to take the scroll from Bonzle, trembling. He carefully opened the scroll, and something fell out. Jay bent down to retrieve the object. It was a bracelet.

Sora : What is it?
Zane : It's...
Cole : He wouldn't have taken it off. No one does.
Arin : Care to explain.
Jay : It's... Lloyd's bracelet. Kind of like friendship bracelets. We all have a different one, but it follows a similar pattern. Only the color differs.

With that, Pixal, Kai, Nya, Zane, Cole, and Jay removed their gloves and lifted their Gi sleeves to reveal an identical wristband.
Frak : I'd never noticed that.
Kai : As I said, no one takes it away. It's too precious to us. We've had it since we started being ninjas.
Nya : Then why is it there?
Cole : Read the message, Kai...

After breathing in and out, Kai picked up the scroll and began reading...

Chapter Text

I don't know how to explain it or how to announce it... Even though I practiced a lot in secret, it was... complicated. I had to start over many times to make it readable for you, it was so difficult to write every word with trembling hands. But it seems we'll have to deal with it.

If you're reading this letter, then it means I've already left.

It pains me to do this to all of you. And especially to leave when we've just succeeded in our mission against Thunderfang. And we're finally all together again. And I would have liked to be there with you to celebrate our victory. Maybe I'll watch from afar...

I suppose I owe you an explanation... But I can't find the words. I'm incapable of doing it. But at the same time, I can't share anything with you about this decision. It's better this way. I can't tell you anything.

I terribly regret doing this to you... And you can blame me. But I hope you'll be able to understand. Although I know you'll never forgive me. That's okay. I accept it. I surely deserve it.

I wish I could have said a proper goodbye, and announced it in person. But I was afraid that if I had done that, I wouldn't have been able to leave. And you wouldn't have let me go either. That's why it was easier for me to disappear without you realizing it and discreetly without any witnesses. It's a cowardly method, but effective.

Pretend I no longer exist. That I won't be back. That is my final command to you. And I declare Kai, the new Leader, as I will no longer be able to fill the position.

I wish you good luck in the future and continued success. Some may take different paths, others may move away, and others may stay. It's up to you to choose your own path. I only want the best for you. And even if I'm no longer here, a part of me will always be by your side to guide you, reassure you, and encourage you. Whether in the shadows or in the light. Remember that I valued and loved you all. You were my family. My comfort zone. My home. I'm happy with the journey I've taken with you, but it's time to part.

May life be kind and peaceful to you, keeping you as far away from danger as possible.

Lloyd Montegomory Garmadon…