Departed started off with a very simple premise. I wanted Lloyrumi to get back together, which needed a redemption arc for Harumi. Similarly, Prophecy also had a simple reason for existing. It was so simple that Prophecy and Departed were supposed to be one book.

     I wanted to make some OCs "canon".

     It's a silly reason to write a book. I came up with the idea of Noria and Jordan long before Prophecy, and I wanted to insert them into the show. However, I'm so paranoid about OCs messing up the canon story of Ninjago that I decided the two would exist in the next gen, a realm that wouldn't mess up the canonverse.

     "That's great Squidney," you all say, "but who are the next-gen kids and why do they matter?"

     That's when I would have opened my mouth, raised a finger to protest, searched for nonexistent arguments, then closed my mouth.

    You see, I normally don't like next gen fanfics. If I were a casual reader going through Wattpad, I would ignore Prophecy upon seeing it. But since the whole "but who are the next-gen kids and why do they matter" thing was going through my head as the plot of Departed developed, well... I guess my hand was forced.

     If I wanted OCs in the canonverse of Ninjago, then I had to make the next-gen important. Which meant altering the plot of Departed. Which meant writing another book. Which meant writing the very thing I said I wasn't a fan of.

     In the end, I'm glad I did it.

     I very much adore the characters and worldbuilding that came out of this book, and it has primed me for the other two.

     But more on that later.

     Thank you to all the readers who gave this next gen book a chance (including, but not limited to, PowerParty101 [for giving me reality checks and insight on worldbuilding], kokosoid [for your theories, support for the characters, and discussion on LoK], Liltimmy7 [for your attention to detail and awesome fanfic], the_quiet_jade [for bringing humor to the story], tiredofthesamename [for always coming back to read the next chapter], AestheticStory_Cathe [for theories and love for each chapter], KristinaD_08 [for the shoutouts and reactions ], Alianovna1 [for deep insights into the characters], and frostingbot [for being Ver's biggest fan]). I know you all were kind of obligated to read this because of the ending of Departed, but thanks for still sticking around anyway. Here's some chocolate for your troubles. *sprinkles chocolate around* And if you are a reader who hasn't read Departed and still thought this book would be worth picking up, then you are incredible and deserve a whole box of chocolates. *throws Ghirardellis through the screen*

     Another thanks to Neon (therearenooptions) who endured many a rant on this book AND read it even though she isn't a fan of next gen. We are a lot alike in that sense, so she gets extra chocolate for putting up with Prophecy. *yeets chocolate fountain* (and thanks for creating Zephyrus :D) 

     Esteemed gratitude and salutations to my family, friends, and people I see on almost a daily basis. Most of you don't know what I'm doing with my free time, but thanks for letting me explain anyway!

     Finally, thank you to the One who made it all possible. You helped me write not one, but TWO books, which is little me's dream come true. I look forward to many other writing adventures to come.