Ninjago: The Tribes AU

"Unite the tribes"

Ninjago… A world of various environments and wildlife. From the tops of the snow-covered peaks, to the windy island shores, this is a beautiful realm covered by nature. And long ago, before time had a name, a being known as The First Spinjitzu Master entered this world. He gave life to two sons as well as 18 other people who had the ability to control the elements. Fire, lightning, ice, earth, water, wind, speed, time, metal, light, shadow, gravity, mind, nature, form, smoke, poison, and sound. He created creatures large and small, some able to shape-shift, some big and furry, and others just humble people. However, creatures from other realms intruded the harmonious land and pillaged it. They called themselves the Anacondrai; snake people that were hell-bent on destroying the peaceful world. The First Spinjitzu Master had passed away only days before the invasion, leaving his two sons to defend the land. The other gifted people, called the Elemental Masters, aided in the fight. The two sons were named Wu and Garmadon, and were both fairly young. Regardless, they were both skilled fighters, and fought valiantly in the war. But rumors began to spread within the elemental masters, and they began to turn against each other. Leading some elements to be lost, along with their users. With the allies breaking apart and vowing to never join forces again, the brothers made a heartbreaking decision. Well, one did. The younger brother, Wu, was able to banish the Anacondrai from the realm, but at the price of his life. The young master died, and his brother grieved, but stepped up as the leader of the remaining survivors that had decided to stay with him. Garmadon set up base in a jungle that his father had called Hiroshi’s Labyrinth. The other elemental masters did the same far away from each other. Hundreds or more years passed, and now each elemental camp had become a tribe of people all lead by the decedent of the elemental masters. Because he was the son of the First Spinjitzu Master, Garmadon's lifespan is incredibly long, so he was still around. He and his son Lloyd both led the Jade tribe together. That honor used to be shared with his wife Misako, but she was lost when a rival tribe attacked. That was only a few weeks after little Lloyd was born. Garmadon raised his son to be a powerful warrior, and in doing so, a great future leader. The young boy showed great potential at only 4 years old, and was revealed to carry an elemental power shortly after. Now, it was his 16th birthday, and the everyone under the jungle canopy was over the top excited. The birthday boy in question was far from his village. Lloyd raced through the lush jungle, feeling the wind in his face. The fresh air was refreshing, and the ground beneath his feet was cool and damp. He hopped from the ground to a tree branch and leapt from that tree to another. Like a leopard, he made his way across the canopy in leaps and bounds. The boy finally came to a stop as he perched on a branch that overlooked a large waterfall. It created a pearl mist as it crashed down. Lloyd looked up at the marvel as he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then something caught his attention. Someone was down by the river that the waterfall flowed into. Two younger people stood below; a boy and girl. The girl looked to be collecting water in a pot, and the boy was talking with her while carrying his own pot to help her. Lloyd recognized them as his two close friends. The girl’s name was Harumi. Her long, braided white hair was tied up at the end with a green string, and her outfit was primarily green; as was everyone’s in the village. They were known as the Jade Tribe for a reason. The boy wore a guard’s uniform; which honestly just meant he wore more clothes and armor than the rest of the tribe; and had his sword sheathed on his hip. He had messy blue-black hair that was mostly medium length, like Lloyd, but had a single longer braid that came from behind his ear and drooped over his shoulder. His name was Bradley, or Brad for short. He was two years older than Lloyd, but he was his best friend. Lloyd jumped down, using the foliage and rocks below. “Harumi! Brad!” He called out as he bolted towards them. “What’s up?”

The two turned to him. “Lloyd? What are you doing here?” Questioned Harumi. “Aren’t you supposed to be at the village preparing for the ceremony?”

Brad looked around then back at Lloyd. “Yeah dude. You’re turning 16 tonight. Doesn’t that mean your father will want you to help get everything ready? You do know if everything goes smoothly tonight, ya can become a guard, right?”
Lloyd had wanted to become a guard ever since he could remember. He remembered the day that Brad finally turned 16 and was accepted as a village protector. The thing was, he wasn’t exactly as strong as his older friend. In fact, Brad could probably kill him if he really wanted to. Regardless, being a protector was his dream, and he was very excited about finally fulfilling it. “Well… you know. Just a little noisy over there, so I figured I’d unwind for a moment before heading back.”

Harumi shook her head at Lloyd with a smile. “Your father’s gonna go all Oni on you if ya don’t hurry.” She nodded her head toward the direction of the village.

“Yeah. You’re probably right.” Lloyd chuckled nervously. He said goodbye and ran off. After a few minutes, he reached the village. The late spring sunlight shown down through the jungle canopy and speckled the ground. The village consisted of tree houses made from the surrounding woods. Rope bridges sprawled overhead, connecting the various sized huts, and torches were placed in multiple locations throughout. Each house was made from bamboo and wood, with the roofs being primarily wood, but covered with straw. A simple sign hung on the front of each one that read the name of who lived there. The largest tree house in the center of the village belonged to the leader; Garmadon, and of course, Lloyd. There were some huts that resided on the ground, but those are mostly for storage purposes, like for firewood, or tools. A small section of the town was completely cleared out for the purpose of farming. And when you’re living in a jungle, you’re constantly fighting against nature, so the farm was crucial to everyone’s survival. Lloyd took in the smell of meat being cooked over the fire pit in the center of town. Everyone was busy cleaning and fixing things up for the celebration later. Two little girls ran up to Lloyd and each handed him a small flower. He knelt down and took the tiny bouquet with a smile. “Oh, why thank you! I’ll be sure to keep them safe.” The two giggled and ran off as Lloyd continued walking.

“Son!” A voice called from the tree tops. The boy looked up. It was his father, Garmadon. He was waving to him from atop a suspended bridge. “Come now Lloyd, we have several things to discuss before tonight.” The boy made his way up the nearest ladder to meet his father. “Lloyd, where have you been? I was looking for you everywhere.”

Lloyd nervously chuckled. “Oh! THAT. Yeah, I- um... was. out… PATROLLING! Yep! I was just making sure our territory was safe from enemy threats for tonight.”

Garmadon raised his eyebrow in suspicion for a moment before snapping into a joyful expression. “Perfect! That’s my boy! Come now son, we have many things to do in preparation for your ceremony.” And the two walked off. They spent the remaining daylight hours doing various things; like getting Lloyd cleaned up and checking on everyone’s preparations. One lady had an entire roast pig cooking over an open fire, and Lloyd’s stomach growled just being near it. Other people had been working on fixing up the towers and support beams, in which Lloyd helped with. Finally, the sun had set, and the village was the most alive it had ever been. The torches illuminated the world in a beautiful sunset gold, and the bonfire in the center was surrounded in families and friends telling stories. Lloyd, Brad, and Harumi all raided the food table and were now scarfing down all they threw on their plate. The three were best friends, and wouldn’t have it any other way. The joked and laughed before the ceremony began. When Garmadon finally called Lloyd to the front of the village, he was arguably very nervous. He made his way up and stood tall next to his father. Garmadon cleared his throat to get the attention of his people then raised his hand in the air. “Good people of the Jade Tribe,” he began. “After tonight, my son will no longer be a boy, but become a young man!” The leader turned and opened a small chest. He pulled out a necklace with a little green gem charm on it. “With this- you, Lloyd Garmadon, are officially a man.” He placed the charm around Lloyd’s neck, and the village cheered. Garmadon looked down at his son with tears of pride, saying how proud he was of him. But the heartfelt, joyful moment was interrupted by a flaming arrow whirling past them and landing on a wooden stool. It caught fire as everyone began to panic and hide. The father and son turned to the source of the attack. Three figures jumped down from the canopy wielding weapons. Everyone backed up slowly away from them. The one in front, who appeared to be the leader, walked closer menacingly. He wore a mask that concealed his face, but the rest of him wasn’t as hidden. He had golden bracelets around his wrists and ankles, as well as a necklace that looked like a dragon wrapping around his neck. He had a pair of baggy crimson red pants that were brought in by a tight ruby circlet at the end. He held out a spear as if he was pointing at everyone.