Chapter 10-The nunchucks of lightning
This time, Wu waited for Lloyd to wake up before leaving. The kid would most likely attempt to follow him, as usual, and Wu would rather keep a close eye on him this time. After all, the ruins of the city of lightning were not exactly safe to begin with. Myths and urban legends had always lingered around the place, all ending with the cliché "no one ever returns" line. Of course, Wu didn't believe in such gibberish, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
Especially if you were in charge of keeping the son of the Underworld's ruler safe.
So Wu waited for his nephew before setting out. When Lloyd's mind finally returned from the dream world, the young boy was far too hyped about seeing a new dragon. His innocent happiness was contagious, and Wu couldn't help but smile. The fact that Lloyd had already seen a dragon before didn't seem to matter at all, he was as excited as ever.
The city of lightning floated a couple of miles above the ground, with a long rusting chain keeping it anchored to the earth's surface. The only way to reach the top was to climb the chain itself. Wu looked at his nephew, then back up at the city. It suddenly seemed to get further and further away.
"Alright Lloyd, what we're going to do is not. . . very safe per say." Wu chuckled nervously, scratching his stubbly blonde beard. "You're going to have to hold on really tight alright?"
Lloyd nodded. "Let's go let's go!"
"Okay," The nervous feeling in Wu's stomach refused to leave him. Maybe this wasn't the best idea. Then again. . . He couldn't leave Lloyd behind. The kid was crazy enough to climb the chain on his own. Wu sighed, getting on his knees so that his nephew could climb onto his back. Lloyd had a tight grip, but Wu couldn't help but fear something might happen. I wish Misako had stayed. Things would've been much easier.
"C'mon c'mon uncle! The dragon will be sad if we don't hurry!"
"Right, Just hold on okay?"
"I am!"
Wu began to climb. His arms and legs moved effortlessly, thanks to the training his father had put him through when he had been young, Wu could easily carry his own weight and more. The length of the chain was not a problem either. The only thing that made every muscle in Wu's body quiver was knowing that Lloyd's life was, quite literally, in his hands. One slip up, one misstep, it would all be enough to erase his nephew from existence.
For a moment, Wu stopped, trying to calm his breath. He had to stop thinking about it. His negative thoughts could only attract negative things. Lloyd was going to be okay. He was worrying about nothing. They were nearly-
"Uncle me arms are hurtin," Lloyd whimpered. Wu's stomach did a backflip when he felt Lloyd's small arms begin to slip away at a slow but steady pace. He climbed even faster, while trying to support Lloyd's dangling legs with his back. It was a painful position, but it didn't matter. His adrenaline kept him focused on one thing only, getting to the city before Lloyd's arms gave up.
It wasn't far now. Just a bit more. The city was close. Closer. They were going to make it. Wu smiled. What had he been worried about? Of course they would make it. The city was-
Lloyd's arms slipped away.
Wu screamed. Instinctively, he reached for his nephew, releasing his hold on the chain. Lloyd's body fell past, just out of reach from his fingertips. Wu's body fell back too, but his right foot got stuck inside one of the chain links, leaving him to dangle in an upside down position. He watched Lloyd fall further and further down while wrestling the chain, trying to break free.
"Lloyd!" Wu shouted desperately, having run out of any other options. His voice was accompanied by a bright flash of lightning. And in the sudden light, Wu saw him.
The dragon of lightning. His dark blue scales blended with the cloudy sky, but his light colored wings caused him to stand out. Wu watched, his head pulsing with a headache due to having been upside down for too long. The dragon caught Lloyd's body just in time. Wu could've sworn he heard the toddler shriek with delight.
Wu continued to watch the dragon, his eyes following the creature as it took Lloyd up to the city of lightning. Using his arms and the tightened muscles on his stomach, Wu recovered his upright position. As his heartbeat returned to a normal pace, he was able to remove his now swollen foot from the chain, then he began to climb upwards once again.
When he reached the city, Lloyd ran towards him, hugging his leg tightly. "Uncle! Uncle the dragon saved me! It was so cool we we flew."
"Yes I saw,"
"I told him we had something for him come ooon!" Lloyd pulled his uncle forward, guiding him through the ruins of the city to where the dragon awaited their arrival.
The dragon stared at Wu intently, his eyes filled with amusement and curiosity.
Wu, keeping Lloyd close to his side, retrieved the nunchucks of lightning from his belt. He was glad he'd decided to tie it to his side instead of bringing his satchel, otherwise the nunchucks would have fallen when the little incident occurred. He set the golden weapons before the dragon, allowing the creature to study them closely.
"This weapon can control lightning," Wu explained. " You know better than anyone that such a power is too dangerous to leave laying around. It would give me great comfort if you agreed to look after them."
Without hesitation, the dragon dragged the weapon towards him. There was a hint of sadness within his blue eyes.
Freeing himself from his uncle's grip, Lloyd ran towards the dragon. He hugged the creature's leg tight, a smile on his face. "Thanks Mr. um. . . Ryan!"
The dragon looked at Lloyd, a smile shinning in his eyes.
"Yes, Thank you," Wu smiled, bowing. "Now. . . I I don't suppose you could. . .give us a ride down?"