It all happened so quickly.
One minute, we were defeating another villain.
The next, Lloyd was gone.
While in another Realm, the legendary green ninja fell. And all hope was lost.
This event takes place after Crystalized, where the merge did not happen.
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Ninjago; Echoes of the Fall
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Chapter 1: If you are listening
Kai's POV
Lloyd was always a good kid. He did what he was told to do, he trained with all the strength he had. He was my little brother.
That night, when we were so far away from home, when the world was at stake once again, he fell. That awful brute dropped him from off the highest peak, choking him in the process.
Sometimes I wonder if it's my fault.
I was supposed to protect him, to make sure that no one would hurt him.
Why? Why did this happen?
I sigh and splash my face with cold water.
It's now been 5 years since Lloyd has been gone, and everything has changed. Master Wu made me the leader, he made me take responsibility. Why me? Why didn't he choose Zane, or even Cole? When I first started training I would of loved this, but now it just feels like torture.
I turn off the water and try a smile in the mirror. My face is crooked and the bags under my eyes seem even bigger today.
I never wanted this.
"Kai? Can you hurry up? The ceremony is about to begin!"
"Coming Nya!" I shout. I grab my sword and take a deep breath. Everything is fine.
Zane's POV
I sit down next to PIXAL like every other year. This time I bothered to turn on my emotions. Lloyd was our leader, he always looked out for us and made sure that we were behaving. What irony. He never got to live his childhood, he was not even an adult when-
I would be crying.
But my hard metal body cannot do that.
PIXAL holds my hand.
"It's starting." She whispered. I glance around at everyone that is here. Skylor, Garmadon, Misako, Dareth, even Harumi. We look up to the podium that Master Wu had set up.
"Ahem." Master Wu cleared his voice, calming down the voices that were heard around the monastery.
"As you know we are gathered here today to mourn the loss of Lloyd Garmadon, and share the impacts that he had on our world. Lloyd, if you can hear me. We are sorry. I am so sorry nobody was there to lift you into their arms. The way you lifted others into yours. We couldn't save you then, and we can't now but, Lloyd, if you're listening we all miss you. We all know that you weren't supposed to die on that fabled day."
Again.
I would be crying
"Would anyone like to say a few words?"
This part went on for hours. Everyone, (including myself,) raised their hand.
TIMESKIP 6HRS
"Thank you all for attending. We hope the words spoken today will guide you in the right path."
After everyone leaves, Master Wu looks to the rest of us.
Misako, Skylor, Harumi, Nya, Jay, Cole, Kai and PIXAL.
"Would anyone like to say a few words?" Misako shakes her head, crying on Garmadon's shoulder.
Kai raises his hand. Master Wu nods and gets down from the podium.
"Lloyd, I'm… I'm sorry I didn't protect you. I'm sorry I didn't make sure that you were ok. I'd like you to know that we took down that…that idiot and now no one will have to worry about him anymore… and Lloyd. Thank you for being such a good little brother.
We miss you Lloyd."
Harumi raises her hand to speak and Kai shots her a look of disapproval and walks back to his seat. Harumi gives him a guilty look before taking her place at the podium.
"I know most people here hate me. But I'm going to say what I feel. Lloyd, I'm so sorry…for everything I did to you. I'm so sorry I ever put you through that pain, through that misery. I'm so sorry. You only wanted to help. Lloyd, without you here…I feel empty. But I also feel like there's a flame inside me that will never die. I am going to make sure that no one has to go through the pain you went though. What we went though."
And with that, the ceremony finally ends.
And I can finally turn off my useless emotions.
