Interlude: Double Trouble (Lloyd's POV)

Lloyd slipped out of the Destiny's Bounty early in the morning. If he didn't, his new fans would swarm the second year. Ever since he defeated the dragon with green energy, students from all schools congratulated him, and begged Lloyd to tell them his secret.

He shook his head as he made his way to the library. He didn't even know how he summoned that magic. Lloyd had tried to talk to his uncle about it, but Wu replied with cryptic words like destiny, some old prophecy, the chosen one, and other things that were way over the twelve-year-old's head. Lloyd wanted answers, and no one seemed to have them.

His friends were no closer to solving the riddle of the egg, despite their many promises. Lloyd knew they were trying their best, and it wasn't like he had any better ideas. Although, chucking the egg at the wall was not Kai's best plan.

Lloyd laughed to himself. The sound echoed in the empty library. He turned the corner; his eyes locked on a comfortable chair where a stack of books was already waiting for him.

"Hello, L-loyd!"

Lloyd jumped. His father was leaning on bookshelf, a toothy grin plastered on his face.

He glared at Garmadon. He was the last thing the second year wanted to see. "What do you want?"

"To say to hello to the winning contestant in the Tri-wizard Tournament, of course! We haven't gotten a chance to talk since you defeated that dragon," Garmadon explained.

Because I was avoiding you, Lloyd thought. Out loud, he asked, "How did you find me?"

Garmadon waved one of his four hands. "Details, details. Come on, we have a lot to talk about."

Lloyd glared hard at the former warlord. "You have a lot to talk about. I have a lot of reading to do. So, if you'll excuse me."

He slipped around his dad and walked as fast as possible, and pulled the first book off the stack before he even sat down. The second year felt Garmadon's eyes boring into him, but Lloyd just buried his nose deeper into his book.

"What'cha ya reading?" Garmadon asked.

Silence. Then Lloyd slouched down in his chair. He skimmed through most of the book, and it seemed that this one was no good either. He set it down with a sigh and picked up the next one, and the next, and the next…

"Hey! I was going to read that!" Lloyd demanded as his father snatched the last book in his stack.

Garmadon looked at it for all of two minutes before putting it down, but he didn't give to his waiting son. Oh no. Instead, the dark wizard held the book loosely in his upper right hand.

"L-loyd, do you need help with that little clue?" Garmadon asked causally. "I have a few suggestions—"

"I don't need your help!" Lloyd snapped. "And my name is Lloyd! The second L is silent!"

Garmadon blinked. Everything about him, his stance, his look of innocent surprise, that ridiculous war helmet that he insisted on wearing, grated on the second year's nerves. Lloyd huffed and ran from the library.

He didn't stop running till he made it back to his bed. Everyone was at breakfast so he had the whole place to himself. After calming down a bit, Lloyd reflected on what happened. Perhaps, he had been a bit unfair. It had been weeks since he had first gotten the egg and he was no closer to solving it. He should have at least listened to what his dad had to say.

Lloyd closed his eyes. It was too late now. Besides the next task was still two months away, plenty of time to figure out the clue. He cracked one eye open. The golden egg was taunting him from its place on his nightstand, daring the second year to open it. Lloyd stared at the egg for a moment, trying to work out its secrets.

His stomach rumbled. Lloyd groaned and got out of bed. Maybe he'd go down and get a quick breakfast. He slipped into the Great Hall. Most people had stopped eating, and instead were listening to a public announcement being given by one of the Hogwarts professors.

"As part of the tradition of the Tri-wizard Tournament, we will be hosting the Yule Ball on Christmas Night."

Lloyd snuck in, not really paying attention. He was far too young to be part of a formal dance. The second year slipped into a seat next to Kai and took a sip of the pumpkin juice. The Hogwarts beverage was surprisingly good.

"—and the contestants will lead the dance," the announcer continued.

Lloyd spewed his drink in Jay's face. "What?" he cried.

"Dude! What was that for?" Jay snapped. He had been talking to Nya and wasn't too happy to be interrupted. Lloyd muttered a quick sorry, and then took off after the professor that made the announcement.

"I don't have to dance, right? I'm just a second year!" Lloyd begged.

The professor gave him a stern look. "You are a contestant of the Tri-wizard tournament. You will do as you are expected, unless you want to make an utter fool of yourself in front of the three schools dancing by yourself."

"But—"

"End of discussion."

Lloyd then tried talking to Wu, but he told his nephew that every contestant had to attend the Yule Ball, although he didn't have to get a date if he didn't want to. He sighed. If he was going to the dance at all, he wasn't going by himself.

The second year even went to his dad, desperate to get anyone on his side. However, Garmadon just winked and told Lloyd he could give him advice with the ladies.

Lloyd sighed and shook his head. "No thanks," he muttered.

Utterly exhausted, he collapsed in his bed. It seemed he now had two things to worry about: the egg and the dance. He couldn't decide which was worse.

AN: Sorry this was late! I forgot was day it was since I was off school. This is a bit short-but it's an interlude. The next chapter will be much longer! Thanks for sticking with me! Reviews are always welcome!