Heroes POV
Lloyd's eyes were glued to the monitor, his heart pounding as he watched the finished commercial. The dimly lit chamber on-screen crackled with energy, filled with the clash of weapons and the eerie glow of elemental powers. His teammates moved like a well-oiled machine, their years of training evident in every fluid motion.
Kai's fire sword blazed through the darkness, casting flickering shadows as he sliced through skeletal opponents. Jay was a blur of motion, his nunchucks crackling with electricity as he whirled through the air. Cole's scythe cleaved through bone with earth-shattering force, while Zane's shurikens flew with icy precision, freezing foes in their tracks.
Just as the last Skulkin warrior crumbled, Samukai himself appeared, his four arms brandishing wicked blades that glinted ominously in the low light. Lloyd watched himself step forward, hands glowing with vibrant green energy. With a powerful blast that lit up the entire chamber, he sent Samukai flying, ending the fight in seconds and leaving cracks in the ancient stone walls.
The scene cuts to Lloyd triumphantly holding up the Golden Scroll, its metallic surface reflecting the light like a beacon of hope. But as he examined the ancient text, confusion clouded his features. "I... I can't read it," his on-screen self admitted, disappointment evident in his voice.
As the commercial ended with the ninja's cheesy pose, Lloyd couldn't help but cringe. His smile looked forced, his stance awkward compared to the others. A knot formed in his stomach as he realized how out of place he seemed.
The studio lights flickered on, jarring Lloyd back to reality. The set burst into a flurry of activity, crew members rushing about and chattering excitedly. He blinked, trying to adjust to the sudden shift from the focused intensity of the commercial to the chaotic energy surrounding him.
Lloyd's gaze drifted to his teammates, huddled around the director. Their excitement was palpable, faces glowing with pride. Kai was gesticulating wildly, reenacting his favorite moves. Jay cracked jokes that made Nya roll her eyes even as she smiled. Cole and Zane discussed technical aspects, their pleased expressions barely contained.
But Lloyd felt... off. The disconnect between the heroic figure he'd portrayed on screen and the uncertainty churning inside him was jarring. He should have been celebrating with them, basking in their shared accomplishment. Instead, a growing sense of unease tightened in his chest.
Suddenly, a hand clapped down on Lloyd's shoulder, startling him out of his spiraling thoughts. He whirled around to find Dareth grinning at him, the brown ninja's enthusiasm practically radiating off him in waves.
"How are you holding up, Lloyd?" Dareth asked, his voice booming in the relatively quiet corner where Lloyd had retreated. "Got an epic idea for the next commercial. It's gonna be huge!"
Lloyd steeled himself internally, forcing a smile onto his face. "What's the idea?" he asked, trying to inject enthusiasm into his voice despite the growing discomfort in his gut.
Dareth leaned in close, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Word from the Ninja is you've got two abilities," he said in a conspiratorial whisper, studying Lloyd intently as if trying to uncover hidden power beneath his calm exterior. "That true?"
Lloyd frowned, confusion clouding his features. Another ability? He racked his brain, searching for any hint of a second power, but came up empty. His memories felt fuzzy, like trying to grasp smoke with his bare hands. Maybe he was just tired from the long shoot, the bright lights and constant takes taking their toll. But if the others said he had another ability, it must be true... right?
"Yeah," Lloyd finally said, choosing his words carefully. He didn't want to admit his confusion, to show any weakness. "But if you're thinking about me showing off in the commercial, I'd rather not. This is about reading, you know? Don't want to overshadow everyone else."
Dareth's eyes lit up at this idea like fireworks on New Year's Eve. "But isn't that a good thing?" he pressed eagerly, clearly not ready to let the idea go.
Lloyd hesitated, feeling increasingly uneasy about where this conversation was heading. "What do you mean?" he asked cautiously.
"If you show how powerful you are," Dareth explained, puffing out his chest proudly, "criminals would be too scared to act up! Crime rates would drop like crazy! Imagine it— you standing tall with your powers on full display! Bad guys would think twice before even jaywalking!"
Lloyd frowned, considering. It simplistically made some sense, but something about it felt fundamentally wrong. The image of himself radiating power and deterring crime was appealing on some level—but an uneasy feeling gnawed at him.
"If we show off all our skills," he countered, his voice growing more confident, "the villains will know exactly what we can do. They'll find ways to counter us. I think surprising them is better than trying to scare them."
Dareth opened his mouth to argue further, but before he could speak, Kai stepped in. The fire ninja's presence was like a warm shield against Dareth's relentless enthusiasm.
"Dareth, leave Lloyd alone," Kai said firmly but kindly. "If he doesn't want to use his other power, he doesn't have to."
At the mention of "other power," Lloyd felt a chill run down his spine—a visceral reaction he couldn't explain. Why did that affect him so strongly?
Lloyd shot Kai a grateful look, silently thanking him for the intervention. The fire ninja gave him a subtle nod, understanding passing between them. "Why don't you grab a snack, and take a quick break?" Kai suggested, gesturing towards the craft services table. "I'll handle Dareth."
As Lloyd headed for the snack table, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was very wrong. Why couldn't he remember that second ability? And why did the mere mention of it send such an unsettling chill through him?
He reached for an apple, its red skin gleaming under the studio lights, but hesitated. Suddenly, images flashed through his mind – purple energy crackling around his hands, buildings crumbling at his touch. He jerked his hand back, heart racing. What was that? A memory? A nightmare?
"You okay, Lloyd?" Nya's voice cut through his spiraling thoughts. She stood nearby, concern etched on her face. "You're looking kind of pale."
Lloyd forced a smile, grabbing a bag of chips instead of the apple. "Yeah, just tired," he lied, hating how easily the deception came to him. "These long shoots, you know?"
Nya nodded sympathetically, but her eyes held a hint of suspicion. "If you say so. But remember, we're here if you need to talk."
As she walked away, Lloyd couldn't help but wonder – what exactly had he forgotten? And more importantly, why? He tore open the bag of chips, the salty crunch a welcome distraction from the turmoil in his mind. One mystery at a time, he decided, pushing the unsettling thoughts aside. For now, he had a job to do, a team to support, and an image to uphold.
But as he stood there, surrounded by the bustle of the set, Lloyd couldn't shake the feeling that he was missing something crucial. Something tied to his very purpose, lurking just beyond the reach of his fragmented memories. The truth about his abilities – and his past – would have to wait. But for how long?
Lloyd sighed, his shoulders sagging under the weight of unseen burdens. The bright studio lights and constant chatter of the crew had left him feeling overwhelmed, his head pounding with a dull ache. He turned away from the bustling set, seeking a moment of respite and a drink to calm his frayed nerves.
The craft services table beckoned like an oasis in the desert of his discomfort. As he approached, the scent of fresh fruit and coffee wafted towards him, a small comfort in the chaos. Just as he reached for a glass, a shadow fell across the table. Lloyd froze, his ninja instincts screaming danger.
"Here, have this," a voice said, low and muffled. A stranger materialized beside him, holding out a paper cup of water. The man's face was obscured by a mask, his eyes hidden beneath the brim of a low-pulled hat.
Lloyd blinked, taken aback by the man's sudden appearance. How had he not sensed someone approaching? His training should have alerted him to any presence. "Oh, thank you," he managed, accepting the cup with a mix of gratitude and confusion. Their fingers brushed for a moment, and Lloyd felt a jolt, like static electricity, but stronger.
As the stranger melted back into the crowd, Lloyd's gaze followed him, noting the purposeful stride and the way others seemed to unconsciously part before him. An uneasy feeling settled in Lloyd's stomach, coiling like a serpent. Why had this man singled him out? Was there a hidden message in this seemingly kind gesture?
Lloyd raised the cup to his lips, the cool liquid a balm to his parched throat. As he drank, his eyes caught something on the side of the cup. Bold letters, hastily scrawled in permanent marker, stood out starkly against the white paper:
'Don't forget your purpose.'
The words hit Lloyd like a physical blow. His heart raced, pounding against his ribcage as if trying to escape. What did it mean? The message felt heavy with significance, laden with a meaning just beyond his grasp. Fragments of memory flashed through his mind – a purple energy crackling around his hands, buildings crumbling at his touch, a deep-seated anger towards Noah.
Lloyd's eyes darted around the set, searching for the mysterious stranger, but he had vanished as quickly as he had appeared. The crowd of crew members and extras suddenly seemed menacing, any one of them potentially harboring secrets or ill intent.
Questions swirled in Lloyd's mind like a tempest. Had he done something in his past to warrant this cryptic warning? Or was it a threat? The gaps in his memory yawned wide, a chasm of uncertainty that threatened to swallow him whole.
He tossed the cup into a nearby trash bin, his hand trembling slightly. The cheerful chatter of his fellow ninja seemed distant now, separated by an invisible barrier of secrets and unease. Lloyd took a deep breath, trying to center himself. He was a ninja, trained to face any challenge. Whatever this mystery was, he would unravel it.
But as he turned back to rejoin his team, Lloyd couldn't shake the feeling that he was standing on the edge of something monumental. The truth about his abilities – and the secrets buried in his past – loomed before him like a gathering storm. For now, he had to focus on his role, on being part of this team. But the nagging sensation that he was missing something crucial, something tied to his very purpose, refused to leave him.
The lights of the studio seemed to flicker for a moment, and in that brief darkness, Lloyd could have sworn he saw a pair of eyes watching him from the shadows – eyes that held knowledge of things he had forgotten, or perhaps had never known.
…
Lloyd POV
I walked through the crime-ridden streets, a smirk playing on my lips. This wasn't what I expected, but the chaos around me felt oddly comforting. The air reeked of decay and desperation - a mix of burning rubber, sewage, and fear. It was like the government had been overthrown, with anarchy reigning supreme. Now I understand why they called this an inverted universe.
Glass crunched under my feet as I made my way down the trashed sidewalk. Graffiti covered everything, its bright colors clashing with the grim surroundings. The few people I saw either huddled in doorways or darted between shadows, their eyes constantly scanning for danger. Perfect. They wouldn't notice another shadow among them.
As I passed a group casually burning down a building, I couldn't help but admire their work. Flames licked the sky, casting an eerie orange glow over the street. The arsonists laughed and cheered, their faces lit up with a twisted joy that sent a thrill down my spine. It hit me then: if everything here was the opposite, Noah and his pathetic friends must be the bad guys. And if they were evil, did that make me... the hero? The thought was as amusing as it was strange.
I paused, watching the fire consume what looked like it used to be a school. In my world, we protected places of learning. Here, they celebrated destroying them. The contrast made my head spin with possibilities. How much easier would my mission be in a world where chaos was normal?
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Where would I find the Golden Weapons in this twisted version of Ninjago? The school was out now. The monastery? Maybe the Destiny's Bounty? Each option seemed more unlikely than the last in this upside-down world, but I had to start somewhere. The Abyssal Devourer's hunger nagged at the back of my mind, reminding me why I was here.
A police siren wailed in the distance, but instead of being reassuring, it just added to the creepy atmosphere. Who knew what the cops might be up to in this world? I tensed, ready for a fight, but the sound faded away.
"What's a little boy like you doing here?" a gruff voice called out, interrupting my thoughts. I looked over to see a man sitting on a nearby rock. His clothes were torn, and an ugly scar ran down his face. "Didn't your parents warn you about being out alone?"
I frowned, not surprised someone had noticed me. It was about time, though I wasn't thrilled it was one of these lowlifes. Still, I could use this to my advantage. Information was power, after all.
"Don't have parents," I replied coolly, trying to sound innocent. "I'm on my own, but I can handle myself." I stood up straight, projecting confidence that came naturally, even in this strange place.
The man licked his lips and nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving me. He was sizing me up like a predator eyeing its prey. If only he knew the real predator standing in front of him.
"I see," he drawled. "So what brings you to this part of town?"
I was tempted to tell him the truth - that I was here to find the Golden Weapons and feed them to the Abyssal Devourer, unleashing chaos across all dimensions. The bracelet on my wrist pulsed ominously, and a tendril of dark energy curled around my fingers before I could hide it. Instead, I shrugged, trying to look casual. "I'm looking for some people who might have something I need."
The air felt thick with tension as I spoke, and the man's gaze grew more intense. I braced myself, ready for whatever this twisted version of my world might throw at me. My fingers twitched, wanting to use my powers, but I held back. I didn't know the rules here, and showing my abilities too soon could mess up my mission.
"Something you need, huh?" the man chuckled, but there was no real humor in it. He stood up, and I realized he was taller than I thought. "Lots of things people need around here. The question is, what are you willing to do to get it?"
I took a step back, keeping my distance. "Depends on what you mean," I said carefully, my mind racing through possibilities. In my world, I wouldn't hesitate to take out this obstacle. But here, I needed to be smart.
The man grinned, showing yellow teeth. "This ain't a charity, kid. Information, items, even safe passage - everything's got a price. You willing to pay it?"
I swallowed hard, thinking fast. What could I offer in a world where I had nothing? Then again, in a world of chaos, maybe my particular skills would be valuable.
"I... I have skills," I said, trying to sound confident but mysterious. "I could help with something in exchange for information."
The man's eyebrows went up, looking interested. "Skills, huh? Now that's interesting. What kind of skills are we talking about?"
"I can destroy anything," I explained, my hands glowing with dark purple energy. It was deeper than usual, almost black in the dim light. Tiny sparks of destructive power crackled between my fingers, leaving small burn marks on the ground. "If you tell me what I want to know, I can help you with almost anything."
I let that sink in, watching the man's eyes widen with fear and curiosity. The energy around my hands cast weird shadows on his scarred face, highlighting years of hard living.
The man looked impressed, his earlier suspicion turning to grudging respect. "Oh, so you're one of those ability users?" he said, leaning in with new interest. "Shouldn't you be at that villain school, Elemental Chaos Academy? I bet they'd love to have a student like you."
My mouth snapped shut, his words hitting me like a punch. Elemental Chaos Academy? Even the school had been twisted in this backward world. I felt a weird pang of... something. Not quite homesickness, but a strange sense of loss for a place I never really belonged.
Hiding my surprise, I kept my voice steady. "That sounds interesting," I said, careful to sound neutral. "Any chance the ninjas go there?"
"Of course," the man replied with a harsh laugh. "They're some of the top students. Especially, Noah - he's the worst of the worst."
A sudden, sick feeling rose in me at Noah's name. It was a mix of excitement and dread I couldn't quite figure out.
"Noah?" I repeated, trying not to sound confused. "Isn't his power Creation? That doesn't seem very villainous."
The man's face twisted in disgust like I'd said something offensive. "What are you talking about?" he spat, stepping back. "His power is Destruction." His eyes narrowed as he looked me up and down, suddenly suspicious. "Come to think of it, your ability looks a lot like his. Even how you look..."
I froze, my mind reeling from this new information. What the hell was going on? I had to take a mental step back, forcing myself to think clearly through the confusion and rising panic. I knew this was an opposite universe, but why did Noah have my power? If he had Destruction, did that mean the Lloyd here had Creation? I felt stupid for assuming everything would be the same except personalities. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks - everyone I knew would have different abilities here.
The implications were huge. Kai with water powers? Is Cole controlling air? Jay as the master of the earth? And what about Nya? Did she control fire in this twisted reality? I wanted to groan; this was going to be way more complicated and annoying than I thought.
But as the shock wore off, a new idea started forming. If Noah was the master of Destruction here and considered the "worst of the worst," maybe I could use that. I might be able to pass myself off as this world's Lloyd, infiltrate their group, and get closer to the Golden Weapons.
I took a deep breath, centering myself. The purple energy around my hands flickered out as I pulled back my power. "I think there might have been some confusion," I said carefully, watching the man's reaction. "I've been... away for a while. Things seem to have changed since I was last here."
The man still looked suspicious, but curiosity seemed to win out. "Away, huh? Where've you been hiding that you don't know about Noah's reputation?"
I thought fast, making up a story on the spot. "I've been on a solo mission," I lied smoothly, letting a hint of pride into my voice. "Top secret stuff, you know? Looks like I've missed a lot while I was gone."
The man nodded slowly, seeming to buy it. "Well, if you're looking to catch up, Elemental Chaos Academy is the place to start. That's where all the action is these days."
I let a small, wicked smile spread across my face. "Sounds like my kind of place. Any chance you could point me in the right direction?"
As the man started giving me directions, my mind was already racing ahead, planning and plotting. This opposite universe was full of unexpected challenges, but also huge opportunities. If I played my cards right, I could not only find the Golden Weapons but maybe even recruit some powerful allies.
The Abyssal Devourer pulsed gently against my wrist, reminding me of my true goal. Soon, I thought, you'll have what you want. And when you do, both this world and mine will tremble.
With a final nod of thanks to the man, I set off toward Elemental Chaos Academy, walking with purpose and dark excitement in my heart. Whatever this twisted version of Ninjago had in store for me, I was ready to face it head-on. After all, chaos had always been my element - even before I got the power of Destruction.
As I walked away, I couldn't help wondering about the Lloyd of this world. Was he struggling with Creation like I once did with Destruction? Was he the hero here, fighting against the evil ninja? The thought almost made me laugh. How ironic that in this backward reality, I might end up facing off against a good version of myself.
I approached a random wall, my fingers tingling with anticipation. The power to tear open rifts in space was a new trick, courtesy of the Abyssal Devourer. It was way more convenient than walking, especially in this unpredictable, opposite universe. I didn't want to deal with getting jumped or attacked by some random lowlife trying to make a name for themselves.
Concentrating, I felt the familiar surge of energy flowing through me. Dark, purplish-black tendrils of power snaked from my fingertips, grabbing onto the fabric of reality itself. With a grunt of effort, I pulled, watching with satisfaction as the air in front of me shimmered and tore open like a curtain being ripped apart.
Through the jagged opening, I could see my destination: Elemental Chaos Academy. The sight sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. The building loomed ominously against the blood-red sky, a twisted version of the Darkley's Boarding School for Bad Boys I once knew. But this... this was something else entirely.
The academy sprawled across the landscape, easily ten times bigger than its counterpart in my world. Gothic spires reached towards the sky, their tips disappearing into low-hanging, ominous clouds crackling with unnatural energy. The walls were a mix of dark stone and gleaming metal like the building couldn't decide between ancient evil or futuristic malevolence.
Gargoyles perched on every corner, their stone eyes seeming to follow my every move. I could have sworn I saw one of them blink. The grounds around the school were a maze of obstacle courses, training arenas, and what looked suspiciously like torture devices. In the distance, I could make out figures engaged in brutal combat exercises, the air occasionally lighting up with bursts of elemental power.
A massive gate stood at the entrance, its iron bars twisted into the shape of screaming faces. Above it, a sign flickered with neon intensity: "Elemental Chaos Academy - Forging Tomorrow's Villains Today!"
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead. The air that wafted through the rift was thick with the smell of sulfur and ozone, mixed with something I couldn't quite identify but that made my skin crawl. It was the smell of ambition, cruelty, and unrestrained power all rolled into one.
A smirk tugged at the corners of my mouth as I stepped through the rift. Things were going to get interesting. This was a world where my natural inclinations wouldn't just be accepted but celebrated. A place where I could fully embrace the darkness within me without fear of judgment or consequences.
As the rift sealed behind me with a soft hiss, I felt a chill run down my spine that had nothing to do with the temperature. Something deep inside me, maybe a remnant of the boy I used to be or a warning from the Abyssal Devourer, whispered a dark prediction: I would need to kill someone before this was over.
The thought didn't bother me as much as it once might have. Instead, I felt a thrill of anticipation. In this world of opposite morals and twisted powers, violence was probably the only universal language. And I was fluent in it.
I started towards the main entrance, walking with purpose and confidence. Students milled about, some in heated arguments that occasionally erupted into elemental fights, others huddled in corners whispering conspiratorially. They all paused as I passed, their eyes drawn to the newcomer in their midst.
I could feel their gazes on me, assessing, calculating. In a place like this, every interaction was a potential battle, every conversation a chess match with deadly stakes. I kept my face neutral, but my muscles were tense, ready to unleash destruction at a moment's notice.
As I reached the steps leading up to the main doors, a group of students blocked my path. Their leader, a burly guy with flames dancing along his arms, stepped forward with a sneer.
"Well, well," he growled, his voice like gravel. "What do we have here? A new victim for orientation?"