Ninjago: Crystalized

Episode 34-Safe Haven

The harsh gusts of wind howled even wilder in the absence of upright skyscrapers.

In the midst of molten buildings collapsing like jelly, resulting in thunderous tremors, the arid currents from the desert gushed in, spreading heat and dirt originating from the explosion.

Lloyd planted his feet on the most stable concrete surface he could find. His eyes squinted, viewing what was supposed to be a section of Ninjago City, yet the scenery bore little to no resemblance to anything urban.

The concrete and asphalt had all been mixed up together as one, singular mixture of glowing orange goo, oozing like waves of magma from the mouth of a volcano. The sooty, pungent smell from combusting traffic parts was almost suffocating, almost scorching each breath inhaled.

Even this concrete won't stand for long, Lloyd thought to himself, before leaping off of what seemed to be a deformed building. The fluorescent pink pillars of crystal and crimson molten liquid formed a large contrast compared to the emerald in Lloyd's eyes, and the wilted green in Christofern, which his right hand was holding.

The sky was shrouded in dark purple. The city looked more like a wasteland, and he looked more like a scavenger.

His size paled in comparison to the floating island of ancient, oni origin. Its size celestial, hovering in thin air as fumes of purple smoke gushed out of the oni temple's mouth.

Just then, Lloyd noticed something moving beneath the lava, turning his attention towards the ground instead. Within the struggle of fight or flight, Lloyd decided to halt, seeing a considerable chunk of lava rising up slowly and gradually. The figure began to take shape, as the lava trickled down its form, revealing pitch black skin. Dual horns of a samurai helmet took shape, along with four arms, and a pair of red venomous eyes.

Garmadon emerged out of the pool of magma, completely unscathed. It was as if he belonged to such a destructive environment, he thought to himself, staring at the Oni as he neared him. His stature was truly demonic.

"They're coming." Lloyd spoke to him in an almost solemn tone, one which held no emotional connection, "Let's go."

—

Lloyd had just finished speaking to the others by comm link. Knowing that they were alive, that alone was enough encouragement for him to keep running, although pain was affecting his body. At least they had a clear goal: contact the Serpentine.

They had been running for miles. Recognising the tunnels Skales had mapped, Lloyd knew exactly where they were heading. With a kick of a door, the two barged inside, only to find it completely empty.

Lloyd's heart sank.

Garmadon stepped ahead of him, entering the serpentine's inner sanctum.

"We should leave." Lloyd said, clearly exhausted, "There's no point in staying here."

"No." Garmadon replied as he wandered around the spacious hall with his 4 hands placed behind his back, "You are out of strength. We need rest."

"Rest?" Lloyd exclaimed, "At a time like this?"

"What can you accomplish with a worn out body of yours? I sense you are worried."

"Of course I'm worried! Can you sense Master Wu??"

"I'm afraid not."

Garmadon observed as Lloyd sat down on the ground, his rapid ventilation reverberating in the gloomy cold hall.

"Had only you harnessed your Oni form, Wu would be safe." He coldly said.

Lloyd tilted his head with a slightly agitated glare, "Is this your way of learning how to care?"