"What- no, Dad," Lloyd stuttered in disbelief. He looked to the others on the Bounty, hoping they'd see reason.
"Son-"
"You can't leave me again," he cut his father off. Tears were starting to form in his eyes.
"Lloyd, I'm sorry but this is the only way," Garmadon put a hand on his son's shoulder, the other holding the spellbook. Lloyd hugged his father as close as he could. In an instant, Lloyd snatched the book and summoned his dragon.
"LLOYD NO!" Garmadon pleaded. It was too late, Lloyd was already flying up, far out of their reach. As he flew, Lloyd spotted his brothers fighting on the ground. From this height, they looked like ants but the bright colors of their gi were unmistakable. If he didn't do this, they'd die. There were no alternatives.
He took a deep breath and began to recite the spell.
Kai shot fire at yet another cultist, feeling a morbid joy when they screamed from the pain. How could he not when they were the ones who'd imprisoned his brother and turned the rest of them against each other. Fighting right beside him were Jay, Cole, Zane and-
Wait
Where was Lloyd? Kai yelled the question to Cole.
"I don't know!" Cole shouted over the fighting.
"He's up there!" Kai turned to his other side to see Jay pointing up at the sky. They saw Lloyd's dragon climbing higher into the sky. When a new shade of green that definitely didn't belong to Lloyd started to swirl around his dragon, he froze with terror.
"LLOYD!"
Lloyd heard his brother's shout and paused the incantation, only to start again a moment later. This way the only way to protect them, and Ninjago. As Green Ninja, it was his responsibility to do whatever was necessary to protect his home. Even if it meant he'd be cursed forever. He realized he wasn't sure how he'd know if the Anacondrai Generals would take his place. Lloyd focused his mind on them, that was all he could do.
He spotted a bright red dragon flying towards him. It was too late to dodge. He didn't stop chanting.
"LLOYD!" Kai yelled, "You can't do this!"
"I'm sorry Kai," Lloyd was tearing up again, "I have to protect you, and Ninjago!" He resumed chanting, the spell was almost done.
"Lloyd please,"
Lloyd finished the spell and tried to focus on the generals instead of his brother's yells.
Kai felt hopeless as he watched Lloyd's dragon evaporate as his little brother was dragged upwards into a portal. He tried to fly after him but the winds pushed him back.
"LLOYD!" He screamed again. Lloyd disappeared into the portal. A second later, five ghosts descended from it. The Anacondrai Generals were here.
But Lloyd was gone.