Unlikely Allies (Ninjago Season 11)

Chapter 18: Saying Goodbye

It had been done. Sorla and The Ninja had managed to find a way to activate a portal back to Ninjago with berries from Krag's lair and The Traveler's Tree leaves...Now all the Ninja had to do was say their goodbyes before leaving until they returned...If they ever could return.

Lloyd was probably more saddened than the rest of the Ninja. He had formed great friendships and now had to leave it all with the possibility of not being able to return? There was a reason it was named The Never Realm, and that must've been the possibility that there wasn't a way in or out so easily.

"Are you alright, Lloyd?" A voice asked.

Lloyd turned around and saw Akita, who walked over and sat next to him. The Green Ninja sighed. "Yeah, I'm ok...It's just...Sorla found a way to bring us back to Ninjago, and the rest of my team are just saying their goodbyes..."

Akita looked at the ground sadly. "I...I actually know about that. I came to...say goodbye to you."

Lloyd sighed again. "I..I don't wanna leave yet. I've made a lot of friends here, do I really just wanna leave them without a way to see them again?"

Akita became shocked. Lloyd was so determined to get home and save their friend before...Now he wasn't even sure if he wanted to leave?

"'It doesn't make sense, I know." Lloyd said. "But, time works different here...What if I leave, you won't remember me? And if you don't remember me, I'll forget you all too! I don't want that to happen!"

"Lloyd..."

"I know that someone can't forget a friend so easily, but days in Ninjago could mean years in this place! I...I...I don't want you to forget me or think I abandoned you..."

Akita gently grabbed a hold of his hand. "Lloyd, I would never forget you. You saved my brother, you helped me save my people...And you saved me." She said with a soft smile. "I could never forget such an amazing person. I don't want you to leave either, but you have your home to defend, and I have mine....And who knows? We may be able to see each other again sooner than you think!"

Lloyd felt a smile form on his face. "Thanks, Akita."

"Anytime."

"I do feel like I should do one more thing in return for helping me earlier." Lloyd said, feeling heat rise to his face, but a slightly mischievous grin as well.

Akita tilted her head in confusion, the way a dog or wolf would whenever they were confused. "What is it?"

That's when Lloyd grabbed a hold of her arm and kissed her shortly, returning what Akita did to him earlier. 

Akita went wide eyed and froze in response, she didn't know what to say...

"Take that as a thanks for saving my life more than once." Lloyd chuckled, although now his cheeks were beet red.

"Y-You're..." Akita shook her head to snap out her dazed trance. "Y-You're welcome."

A day later, The Ninja had said their goodbyes and were now ready to leave, and Krag, Akita, Kataru, and Sorla watched their saviors and friends leave to their home.

"Well, so long, buddy." Cole said sadly, looking up at Krag. The yeti whimpers, and begs for at least a goodbye hug. Cole laughed. "Alright, bring it, buddy. Give Cole a hug." 

Krag smiles and picks him up happily and squeezes him, practically stealing his breath. "Whoa! Okay, okay. Take it easy!" Cole cried before being let go. He smiled at the yeti and then waved goodbye before leaving...

The rest of The Ninja entered the portal back to Ninjago as well, but there was only one more...

Lloyd turned to Akita, ready to say his final goodbye before he was suddenly embraced in a tight hug. 

"I'll...I'll miss you, Lloyd..."

Lloyd tried to prevent himself from shedding a tear and hugged back. "I'll miss you too...Let's just hope we can see each other again."

They didn't let go of each for a while until Sorla had to interrupt. "Lloyd, you must hurry! The portal is closing!"

Lloyd sighed and let go of Akita. "Stay safe."

"You too." Akita said and watched Lloyd leave, and then felt a saddened feeling grow in her heart, before Kataru stepped in. 

"Come little sister, I know what will cheer you up!" He said, and the two went out for a forest run like they did when they unlocked their forms...

(Akita's POV)

As for Lloyd, my brother thinks I will never see him again. But I think he is wrong.... 'Never' is just a very long time...

The End.