The anticipation crackled in the air as I followed Pluto to the training room, the weight of the upcoming spar heavy on my shoulders. Clad in the school jumpsuit, I stood before the imposing entrance, steeling myself for what lay beyond.
"This is the training room," Pluto's voice broke through my thoughts, his words grounding me in the present. "I have to go to the bleachers, so good luck."
I offered him a nod and a smile, though I knew luck had little to do with what was to come. With a final glance, Pluto jogged away, leaving me to face the challenge ahead alone.
As I entered the room, I couldn't help but notice the sea of faces that greeted me. It seemed like the entire school had gathered to witness the spectacle. Ignoring the weight of their expectations, I made my way to the stage, where Noah awaited.
Mister Glasses approached me, flanked by two individuals carrying a crystal ball. His smile was disarmingly pleasant, though I remained wary of his intentions.
"Did you get a good night of sleep?" he inquired, his tone casual.
"I rested up fine," I replied, my voice steady. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at his theatrics. "What is that crystal ball?"
Mister Glasses feigned hurt, extracting a tissue to dab at his eyes. "You never laugh or smile at me, how heartless are you?" he teased, though his eyes betrayed a hint of amusement.
I remained unimpressed. "The day you make me laugh is the day dolphins start walking on land," I retorted bluntly. "Now, answer my question about the crystal ball."
He chuckled, seemingly unfazed by my response. "This is an ability detector," he explained, gesturing to the crystal ball. "It will show us what type of ability you have."
As the two individuals placed the crystal before me, I steeled myself for the revelation to come. Placing my hand on the cool surface, I felt a surge of energy as dark, purplish smoke began to swirl within the crystal. The screen glitched momentarily before displaying the words, 'Ability: Destruction'.
The room fell silent, the weight of the revelation hanging heavy in the air. Mister Glasses nodded in acknowledgment before addressing the crowd. "This will be an interesting spar," he declared before departing the stage, leaving me to face Noah and the challenge ahead.
…
Heroes POV
Noah just stared at the screen, his heart sinking as he realized the implications of the dark-haired guy's ability. It felt like a dagger piercing his chest as he peered at his opponent. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, reminding himself of the hard work he had put in to reach this point. He was determined to give his all until the very end.
The dark-haired guy stood a few feet away from him, and Noah scanned him, his expression furrowing in thought.
"I hope you improve after our last meeting," the dark-haired guy replied coolly. "I want to have an actual fight this time."
Confusion momentarily clouded Noah's mind, but it quickly turned to fear when he witnessed the dark-haired guy activating his ability, his hands glowing with a blackish-purple hue. Frozen in place, Noah felt the weight of the impending danger. The guy's dull eyes seemed to convey a desire to end the confrontation swiftly, urging Noah to defeat him before he could utilize his ability.
Summoning the dragons they had befriended when they obtained the golden weapons, Noah watched as they attacked the guy, but to no avail. Unfazed, the guy remained motionless, prompting Noah to take action.
Dashing to his opponent's blind spot, Noah ambushed him, only to be caught off guard when the guy deftly caught his fist and swiftly countered, using his feet to kick Noah across the stage. As Noah struggled to regain his bearings, the guy spoke.
"Your first mistake was to assume that I would be too busy dealing with the dragons," he remarked.
Noah's glare intensified. "What are you trying to prove?"
The guy continued, his tone matter-of-fact. "You are at the first stage of your ability. The dragons may look real, but they are illusions, am I correct?" His brow furrowed. "I noticed that the dragons had no shadows, and since they are not real, they are unable to do any real damage."
As purple flames ignited on his right hand and red ice began to form on his left, Noah realized the extent of his opponent's power. The guy was already in the second stage of his ability. Then, to Noah's dismay, Brian activated a force field that covered the entire stage. It was clear they anticipated the scale of his attacks. Feeling cornered, Noah knew he had to resort to his last option, one he had vowed only to use if absolutely necessary. With a clap of his hands, the entire stage plunged into darkness.
"You created a black zone to blind me," Abaddon remarked, his eyes glowing red. "Too bad it won't work on me."
He initiated Spinjitzu, the dark aura swirling around him, its instability evident. Before Noah could react, the darkness erupted in a massive explosion.
...
Lloyd POV
The illusion dissipated, revealing the aftermath of the destruction I had caused. The entire stage lay in ruins, shattered by the force of my attack. Had Mister Glasses not activated the shield, the consequences could have been catastrophic. As the dust settled, a tense silence filled the air, broken only by the sight of Noah lying motionless on the floor.
Mister Glasses deactivated the shield, allowing Kai to leap down from the bleachers, followed closely by Nya, Jay, Cole, and Zane. Kai rushed to Noah's side, shaking him in an attempt to rouse him.
"Noah, wake up!" Kai's voice was filled with urgency. "Don't tell me you're dead?"
Healers rushed onto the damaged stage to tend to Noah's injuries, while I stood there, contemplating my actions. Had I gone too far? My irritation with Noah had clouded my judgment, but surely I hadn't intended to cause such devastation. Rubbing my neck, I felt a pang of guilt as I turned to leave, wondering if Melony had awakened yet.
But before I could make my escape, Kai's voice cut through the air like a whip.
"Are you crazy?" Kai's hands ignited with flames. "This was just a test! Why did you try to kill him?"
I felt the familiar surge of anger rising within me, and I summoned the purple flames in response. "Do you want to go?" I challenged him.
Before the situation could escalate further, Mister Glasses appeared between us, wearing a calm smile. "I think you've had enough excitement for one day, Mister Smiles."
Kai's flames extinguished, and he stared at me with a mixture of horror and disbelief before turning away. Rolling my eyes at Mister Glasses, I decided to offer a false name. "My name is Abaddon," I lied smoothly.
With that, I continued on my way back to the dorm, relieved that no one had attempted to detain me this time.
But my solitude was short-lived as I heard hurried footsteps behind me. Glancing back, I saw Pluto racing to catch up, his eyes filled with curiosity and admiration.
"How on earth did you do that?" Pluto exclaimed, his excitement palpable.
I shrugged nonchalantly. "Defeating him was easy since he was only at the first stage of his ability. If he had been at a higher stage, it might have been more challenging, but I would still have prevailed."
Pluto nodded in understanding but then expressed his concern. "It doesn't matter if you win; what matters is your ability. But now I'm worried they won't accept you into this school."
His words gave me pause. "What do you mean?" I asked, unlocking the door to our dorm and stepping inside.
Melony was still asleep, so I took a seat, eager to hear Pluto's explanation. "Mister Glasses mentioned that he and the other teachers would discuss which class I would be placed in based on my performance."
Pluto corrected me. "Mister Glasses? You mean Brian?" His expression grew serious. "They don't just consider your ability; they also evaluate your character. After all, you're known as Mister Smiles, the one who almost killed Noah before."
I nodded slowly, realizing for the first time how my actions were perceived by others. While I viewed the fight as a clean victory, others might see it differently. Sinking further into my chair, I contemplated my uncertain future. "Well," I said with a hint of optimism, "I have a feeling I'll be accepted into whatever class you're in."
Pluto raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "And what makes you think that?"
I shrugged, offering a simple explanation. "I made a friend who really likes me."
…
Heroes POV
Noah stood amidst the desolation of what was once Ninjago, a once-thriving city reduced to ruins. There was an eerie silence that hung heavy in the air, broken only by the occasional creak of collapsing structures. His heart sank as he surveyed the devastation around him, realizing the enormity of his failure to protect his home. The weight of guilt settled upon him like a suffocating shroud, making it difficult to draw a breath.
A cold chill slithered down his spine, causing him to instinctively seek refuge behind a pile of rubble. From his hiding spot, he could hear faint footsteps echoing in the distance. Peering cautiously through the cracks in the crumbling walls, he caught sight of a shadowy figure moving amidst the destruction. It was difficult to discern any features, shrouded as it was in a cloak of black smoke. His pulse quickened as he watched the figure approach a heap of debris, transforming it into a makeshift throne upon which it seated itself, an ominous observer of the city's demise.
Noah averted his gaze momentarily, overwhelmed by a sense of dread and foreboding. What manner of being was this? When he dared to glance back, the figure had vanished, leaving only a lingering sense of unease in its wake. His heart hammered against his chest, threatening to burst free from its confines. Was he alone in this desolate wasteland, or was something watching him from the shadows?
A sudden rush of hot breath against the nape of his neck sent a shiver down his spine, causing him to whirl around in alarm. There, standing before him, was the enigmatic creature. Its form was indistinct, almost ethereal, as if it were composed of nothing more than swirling air. It lacked any discernible facial features, save for two piercing red voids that bore into his soul with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. Noah's ocean-blue eyes widened in terror as he realized the gravity of his situation.
For a moment, he was paralyzed by fear, his mind unable to process the surreal encounter before him. It was as though time had ground to a halt, leaving him suspended in a void of terror. The creature raised a hand, gesturing towards the sky, and Noah's gaze followed its direction. Horror washed over him as he beheld the unthinkable sight—the moon hurtling towards the earth with inexorable force.
In that moment of pure, unadulterated terror, Noah's primal instincts took over. With a strangled cry of desperation, he scrambled to his feet and fled, his legs pumping furiously as he raced away from the encroaching cataclysm. But his efforts were in vain, for he stumbled and fell with a sickening thud, his body wracked with pain. As he looked down, a wave of agony washed over him—his right leg was gone, severed from his body by the merciless force of the creature.
Paralyzed by both physical and emotional pain, Noah lay helpless on the ground as the creature loomed over him, a silent harbinger of doom. In that final, horrifying moment, as the moon loomed ever closer, Noah's anguished scream pierced the air, a futile cry of despair swallowed by the chaos of the cataclysmic collision that would soon engulf Ninjago in its entirety.
Shaken and drenched in sweat, Noah struggled to catch his breath as he sat up abruptly from the bed. His heart hammered against his chest, its frantic rhythm echoing in his ears. He felt a surge of relief wash over him as he realized he was alive, his chest rising and falling with each labored breath. With trembling hands, he threw the blanket off of him, his body still trembling from the residual adrenaline coursing through his veins. He ran a hand through his tousled hair, his mind reeling from the vividness of the nightmare that had just plagued his sleep.
His friend Cole burst into the room like a whirlwind, his face a mask of concern as he rushed to Noah's side. "I'm going to get Sensei," he declared before darting out of the room with the speed of a bullet fired from a sophisticated rifle.
Noah's mother, Misako, entered the room moments later, her eyes brimming with tears as she enveloped him in a tight embrace. Her relief was palpable, a mixture of joy and sorrow mingling in her tear-streaked face. Noah met his father's gaze, a question burning in his eyes.
"I lost, didn't I?" Noah asked quietly, his voice heavy with resignation.
His father sighed heavily, the weight of disappointment evident in his expression. "Yes, you did, my child," he replied somberly.
Noah's gaze fell to his feet, a flush of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "He used Spinjitzu, and it exploded," he explained, frustration evident in his voice. "But Sensei, you were the only one who taught us that technique!"
His father ran a hand through his beard, his expression grave. "I cannot explain how he knew Spinjitzu, my son," he admitted. "But you must understand that you are not the only one blessed with unique abilities. Abaddon possesses a strength that surpasses your own. Consider this defeat as a valuable lesson—one that will serve to strengthen and refine your skills in the future."
With those words, his father left, leaving Noah to grapple with his feelings of inadequacy. He rubbed the bandages on the back of his neck, the physical reminder of his defeat a bitter pill to swallow.
"Don't take it to heart, sweetheart," his mother consoled him, her voice laced with compassion. "Your father only wants what's best for you, even if his words seem harsh."
With a heavy sigh, she rose from the bed and left the room, leaving Noah to wrestle with his thoughts in solitude. He gritted his teeth in frustration, his mind swirling with conflicting emotions.
"What happened after I passed out?" he asked, his voice tinged with weariness.
Kai, his friend, jumped to his feet, his expression grim. "Abaddon is Mr. Smiles, the same guy from the prison who tried to kill us!" he exclaimed, his words landing like a heavy blow.
Noah's blood ran cold, his heart sinking at the realization that he had lost to the same adversary twice. Climbing back into bed, he pulled the blanket tightly around himself, the weight of defeat pressing down upon him like a suffocating blanket.
"Don't beat yourself up over it," Nya offered, her voice soft with understanding. "Abaddon was at the second stage of his ability. It would have been nearly impossible for you to emerge victorious."
"I know," Noah muttered wearily, his gaze fixed on the wall before him.
Jay frowned, his concern evident in his voice. "We know you're upset about losing, but you don't have to shut us out," he said gently, his words a silent plea for Noah to open up.
But Noah remained silent, his mind consumed by thoughts of failure and inadequacy. His friends exchanged worried glances before reluctantly bidding him farewell, leaving him alone with his thoughts once more.
…
There were at least twenty-six people crowded into the meeting room, their voices a cacophony of conflicting opinions that echoed off the walls. The night outside was serene, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, but inside, tensions ran high as they debated the fate of one individual.
"We can't let a villain into our school!" shouted the enraged third-year Common class teacher, his voice booming with righteous indignation. "How do you know he won't murder us all?"
"He only killed a few criminals," countered the second-year Advanced class teacher, her tone more measured. "It's not like he's targeting innocent people."
"She does have a point," interjected the fourth-year Elite class teacher, nodding in agreement. "Our students may one day have to confront villains to protect Ninjago."
The room erupted into a chorus of arguments, each voice clamoring to be heard above the others. Brian, the son of the headmaster, watched the proceedings with a bored expression, his eyes scanning the room with detached interest.
"I brought him here. Are you all questioning my decision?" he asked, his voice cutting through the noise like a knife.
Silence fell over the room as everyone turned to look at him, their disbelief palpable. Even Sensei Wu, usually a picture of calm, appeared visibly annoyed by Brian's audacity.
"Brian, your position as the headmaster's son does not give you the authority to make decisions without consulting us," Sensei Wu chided gently, though his tone betrayed his irritation.
Brian smirked in response. "Fine, then let's vote on it. Majority rules."
Normally, they would engage in further discussion, but tonight was different. Each member of the staff hastily scribbled their vote—yes or no—before dropping it into a box. Brian collected the box with a flourish.
"The meeting is adjourned. I'll take this to my father for the final decision," he announced before striding out of the room.
As Brian made his way to his father's chamber, he passed through a door unlike the others—a sliding door reminiscent of traditional Japanese homes. Inside, his father, Salvatore, sat in meditation, his serene demeanor a stark contrast to the turmoil outside.
"Father, do you accept Abaddon into the school?" Brian asked, his tone betraying a hint of impatience.
Without opening his eyes, Salvatore reached for the box and placed it beside him. "Everyone is waiting for your decision," Brian pressed, eager for a resolution.
After a moment of contemplation, Salvatore spoke. "Leave me."
Brian obeyed, exiting the room and leaving his father to his deliberations. As Salvatore considered the votes, his mind replayed the events of the recent fight between Abaddon and Noah. He was impressed by Abaddon's keen observation skills and formidable powers, traits that would undoubtedly benefit the school.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, and Sensei Wu entered, his expression grave. "Are you truly considering allowing Abaddon to attend our school?" Wu asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Salvatore remained impassive. "Let me guess—you want me to refuse."
Wu's brow furrowed. "He possesses my brother's ability. I cannot allow history to repeat itself."
Salvatore's lips curved into a sardonic smile. "Or perhaps you simply can't bear the thought of him besting your son in combat."
Wu's gaze narrowed, but Salvatore waved off his retort. "Why would a villain seek admission to a school for heroes?"
The question gave Wu pause, and after a moment of consideration, he turned and left without another word.
Alone once more, Salvatore picked up the box and emptied its contents onto the hearth. Most of the votes were against Abaddon's admission, but Salvatore wasted no time in consigning them to the flames, his decision made.