Lloyd POV
The leather couch in Mister Glasses' dimly lit office creaked beneath me as I shifted, my mind a maelstrom of confusion and self-doubt. The air hung heavy with the scent of old books, dust, and something indefinably arcane - a mixture of incense and ozone that seemed to cling to every surface. Shelves lined with ancient tomes and bizarre artifacts loomed over me, their shadows dancing in the flickering light of an antique oil lamp on Mister Glasses' desk.
"What's happening to me?" I muttered, more to myself than to Mister Glasses. My fingers traced the worn leather of the couch, feeling every crack and crevice. "I used to be feared, respected. Now look at me."
The soft ticking of an ornate clock on the wall seemed to mock me, each second a reminder of the precious time I was wasting. I caught sight of my reflection in the darkened window—my mismatched eyes, one green and one red, stared back at me, a physical manifestation of my internal conflict.
His attention finally drawn from the stack of papers before him, Mister Glasses peered at me over his thick lenses. The lamplight glinted off his glasses, momentarily obscuring his eyes. "You've been sitting there for nearly an hour, Lloyd. Care to share what's troubling you? It's not like you to brood in silence."
I took a deep breath, inhaling the musty air of the office. "It's about the ninja. I had the perfect opportunity to eliminate them, and I... I let them go. Even suggested we try to get along. What's wrong with me?"
Mister Glasses raised an eyebrow, his forehead crinkling in a way that made the light dance across his glasses. "Indeed, that doesn't sound like the Lloyd Garmadon I've come to know. Tell me more about what's holding you back."
"I know that in my world, I had to maintain this facade constantly," I said, sitting up straighter. The leather groaned beneath me as I leaned forward. "Now, it's like I can't shake it off. I'm hiding my true abilities, always looking over my shoulder." I paused, feeling the weight of my next words. "With Noah and his future self gunning for me, I need to complete this mission. But this... this fear is paralyzing me. And worse, I think I'm starting to care about people."
Mister Glasses leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Tell me more about this Noah. Why does he concern you so much?"
I hesitated, surprised by the sudden tightness in my chest at the mention of Noah's name. "It's... complicated. Back in my world, I ruined Noah mentally. I made him weak, and pathetic. He was no threat to me." I clenched my fists, remembering the satisfaction I once felt at Noah's broken state. "But now, he's with his future self, getting stronger. They're both out to kill me."
"And this frightens you?" Mister Glasses asked, his tone neutral.
I laughed bitterly. "That's the thing - it shouldn't. I'm stronger than Noah and always have been. But..." I trailed off, struggling to articulate the fear that had been gnawing at me.
"But?" Mister Glasses prompted gently.
"But I can't shake this fear," I admitted, the words tumbling out now. "Noah and the ninjas, they killed me once before. I died, Mister Glasses. And even though I'm back, even though I should be over it, I'm terrified they'll do it again."
Mister Glasses nodded thoughtfully. "Ah, I see. Death is a powerful motivator, even for those who've returned from its embrace. Tell me, Lloyd, do you think this fear is holding you back from your true potential?"
I nodded, feeling a strange relief at finally voicing my concerns. "I know I'm stronger than Noah. I know I could crush him and the ninjas if I wanted to. But this fear... it's like a chain around my neck, holding me back. I don't understand why I can't just shake it off."
Mister Glasses stood up, pacing the room as he spoke. His footsteps were muffled by the thick Persian rug, its intricate patterns seeming to shift and change in the dim light. "Fear, Lloyd, is a complex thing. Even the most powerful villains can fall prey to its insidious grip. But recognizing it is the first step to overcoming it." He stopped, turning to face me with a determined expression. "I believe I can help you conquer this fear, to reclaim the ruthless villain you once were. Are you willing to take that step?"
I felt a spark of hope ignite in my chest. "Yes," I said firmly, standing up to meet his gaze. "I'm tired of being held back by these pathetic fears. I want to be the Lloyd Garmadon who struck terror into the hearts of his enemies again. What do I need to do?"
Mister Glasses smiled, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "My boy, I have just the thing. But I must warn you - the path to true villainy is not for the faint of heart. Are you certain you're ready for this?"
I stood up, my resolve strengthening with each passing moment. "I've never been more certain of anything in my life. Whatever it takes, I'm ready."
"Excellent," Mister Glasses said, moving towards a hidden door I hadn't noticed before. It was concealed behind a bookshelf, blending seamlessly with the wood paneling. "Then let's begin your transformation back into the true Lloyd Garmadon - the villain this world deserves to fear."
As Mister Glasses disappeared into the other room, I felt a mix of anticipation and gratitude. For the first time since arriving in this twisted world, I felt like I had an ally who truly understood me. Whatever Mister Glasses had planned, I knew it would be the key to overcoming my fears and reclaiming my villainous glory.
"Mister Glasses," I called out, curiosity getting the better of me. "Why are you helping me? What's in it for you?"
His voice drifted back from the other room, muffled but still audible. "Let's just say I have a vested interest in your success, Lloyd. Your potential is... intriguing. Plus, I've grown rather fond of our little chats. You remind me of myself at your age—full of potential, but held back by unnecessary doubts."
He returned moments later, a sleek ray gun gleaming in his hands. It looked out of place in the antique-filled office, a piece of futuristic technology amidst relics of the past. "This," he explained, a wicked gleam in his eye, "can remove doubt, fear, even your humanity if you so choose." He demonstrated the dial, each option more tempting than the last. "We can erase your fears and doubts, returning you to your former glory in an instant."
I was impressed despite myself, setting down my glass to examine the weapon more closely. "Why do you have something like this?" I asked, unable to hide my curiosity. "It seems too convenient. Almost like it was made for this exact situation."
A flicker of vulnerability crossed Mister Glasses' face, so brief I almost missed it. "Because I was once like you," he admitted, his voice softer than I'd ever heard it. "To become a true villain, I needed to... adjust my moral compass. This device helped me overcome my doubts and fears. It's been my little secret for years."
"And it worked?" I pressed, both fascinated and apprehensive. "You just zapped yourself and became... this?" I gestured vaguely at him, encompassing his whole villainous persona.
"Look at me now," he said with a smirk, spreading his arms wide. The lamplight caught his glasses, turning them into twin mirrors. "Do I seem burdened by morality or fear? But I'll tell you this, Lloyd—it wasn't easy. The path to true villainy never is. But it was worth every moment of struggle."
With a nod, I took the gun and set it to 'fear'. The weight of the decision pressed down on me, but I knew what had to be done. "I guess I just shot myself in the head, then? Seems a bit... dramatic, don't you think?"
"Correct," Mister Glasses confirmed, a hint of excitement in his voice. "But be warned—the effects are temporary. You may need multiple treatments until you can maintain this state on your own. Think of it like training wheels for your villainous psyche."
I hesitated, the gun hovering near my temple. The metal was cool against my skin, a stark reminder of the magnitude of what I was about to do. "And there are no side effects? No catch? It seems too good to be true."
Mister Glasses shrugged, the movement causing shadows to dance across the walls. "Nothing's perfect, Lloyd. But ask yourself this: is the risk worth reclaiming your true self? Is it worth becoming the villain you were always meant to be?"
I pressed the cold metal firmly against my temple, a shiver running down my spine. This was it—the point of no return. "Here goes nothing," I muttered and pulled the trigger.
The sensation was indescribable. It was as if a veil had been lifted from my mind, revealing a world of crystal-clear possibilities. The fear that had shackled me dissipated like morning mist, replaced by an icy clarity I had almost forgotten. Colors seemed brighter, sounds sharper, and every sensation amplified.
A wicked grin spread across my face as I lowered the gun. The world around me seemed to pulse with potential, teeming with opportunities I had been too afraid to seize. I felt powerful, and unstoppable, like I could take on the entire ninja team single-handedly and emerge victorious.
"Well?" Mister Glasses asked, leaning forward with anticipation. His glasses slipped down his nose, revealing eyes that glittered with an almost manic excitement. "How do you feel?"
I stood up, feeling power coursing through my veins like liquid fire. The room seemed smaller now, too confining for my newfound sense of self. "I feel... liberated. Like I've finally woken up from a long, confusing dream. No, more than that—I feel invincible."
"Excellent," Mister Glasses said, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. He looked like a proud father watching his son take his first steps. "And what will you do now, Lloyd Garmadon? The world is your oyster, ripe for the taking."
"Now," I said, my voice resonating with newfound confidence, "I'm going to remind those ninjas exactly who they're dealing with. No more hesitation, no more doubt. It's time to show this world the true face of villainy." I clenched my fist, feeling energy crackle around it. "They thought they knew Lloyd Garmadon? They haven't seen anything yet. And Noah? He won't know what hit him."
As I strode towards the door, my steps purposeful and determined, Mister Glasses called out, "Remember, Lloyd. The effects won't last forever. Use this time wisely. And when you feel the doubt creeping back in..."
I paused at the threshold, looking back at him with a smirk. The office that had seemed so imposing before now felt small, insignificant compared to the vastness of my ambition. "Oh, I intend to make the most of every second. And when it wears off? I'll be back for another dose. After all, why settle for temporary when I can make this permanent?"
"That's my boy," Mister Glasses chuckled, raising his glass in a mock toast. "Go show them what a real villain can do."
With that, I stepped out into the hallway, ready to face whatever challenges this twisted world could throw at me. The hunt for the Golden Weapons was about to begin in earnest, and this time, nothing would hold me back. The true Lloyd was back, more powerful and determined than ever, and this world wasn't prepared for the storm I was about to unleash.
As I walked down the corridor, students scrambled to get out of my way, pressing themselves against the walls. I could smell their fear, and see the respect and terror in their eyes. It was intoxicating. This, I realized, was what I had been missing. This was who I truly was.
Let the games begin, I thought, a cruel smile playing on my lips. Those ninja won't know what hit them. And neither will this world.
Heroes POV
The ninjas found themselves in a dimly lit underground bunker that Lloyd had miraculously discovered. The concrete walls were lined with shelves stocked with canned goods and survival supplies, while a few battery-powered lamps cast a soft glow around the room. For a place he'd supposedly just stumbled upon yesterday, it was in surprisingly good condition. That was one thing they all silently agreed on as they took in their surroundings.
"This is quite cozy for an abandoned place," Jay pointed out, his blue eyes scanning the well-equipped interior. He ran a hand along a shelf filled with first-aid kits and emergency blankets. "Can you tell us again how you found this, Lloyd? It seems almost too good to be true."
Lloyd, standing by a small folding table in the corner, was busy preparing a meal on a portable gas stove. The smell of cooking noodles filled the air as he stirred the pot, his back to the others. "I just kind of stumbled upon it, you know?" he answered, his voice carrying a hint of nonchalance that seemed slightly forced. "I was wandering around, trying to clear my head, and there it was. Hidden entrance and everything."
"At a graveyard?" Jay's voice dripped with skepticism, his eyebrows raised high. "What on earth were you doing in a graveyard in the first place? That's not exactly a typical spot for a stroll."
Lloyd's cheeks flushed a deep red as he turned away from Jay, his movements suddenly jerky and uncoordinated. He nearly knocked over the pot of noodles in his haste. "Well, I thought a graveyard would be the last place the police would look, okay?" he snapped, his voice rising defensively. "We're fugitives, remember? Stop pressuring me!"
Jay raised his hands in a placating gesture, taken aback by Lloyd's outburst. "Whoa, easy there. I was just asking, sheesh. No need to bite my head off."
"Yeah, but you make it sound like you don't even trust me," Lloyd muttered under his breath, his shoulders hunched as he turned back to the stove. The weight of being a clone and having to lie to people who had seemingly forgiven the original Lloyd pressed heavily on him. It was a constant struggle to maintain the facade, to pretend to be someone he wasn't. "I thought you guys wouldn't even care since we have a haven. Isn't that what matters right now?"
Sensing the rising tension in the room, Zane stepped forward, his metallic face impassive but his posture radiating calm authority. "Perhaps we should focus on the matter at hand," he suggested, his voice smooth and measured. "I have some information that may shed light on our current predicament."
The nindroid's words seemed to break the tension, and the others gathered around him expectantly. Zane's eyes glowed briefly before projecting a holographic image into the center of the room. "I came across security footage of Sensei Wu at the Library of Domu," he explained as the image flickered to life. "He was not alone."
The hologram showed their beloved mentor, Sensei Wu, standing in what appeared to be a dimly lit aisle of the ancient library. His face was partially obscured by the brim of his hat, but there was no mistaking his distinctive beard and robes. Next to him stood a shadowy figure, its features indistinct but its presence unmistakably ominous.
"That's Sensei Wu alright," Cole muttered, stroking his chin thoughtfully as he leaned in to examine the footage. His thick eyebrows furrowed in concentration. "But what was he even doing in the library? It's not like him to disappear without telling us, especially not now."
"Who cares about that!" Kai shouted, his fiery temper flaring as he pointed accusingly at the image of their mentor. His spiky hair seemed to bristle with agitation. "Who's that creep he's talking to? That's what we should be worried about!"
Cole sighed heavily, his broad shoulders slumping slightly under the weight of their predicament. "We don't know," he admitted reluctantly. "And that's the problem. No one's seen Sensei Wu since this footage was taken. It's like he vanished into thin air."
Zane's eyes flickered as he processed the information, his circuits whirring almost imperceptibly. "The library database indicated he had checked out a book about the Teapot of Tyrahn before his disappearance," the nindroid added, his tone grave. "We originally thought we might be dealing with Clouse, given his past involvement with such artifacts. However, if this is what I think it is, it appears to be far worse. We may have a djinn on our hands."
"A djinn? What on earth is that?" The question echoed from several of them simultaneously, their faces a mix of confusion and concern.
Nya's face darkened as she stepped forward, her expert knowledge of ancient lore coming to the forefront. "It's like a genie," she explained, her voice low and serious. "Only when he grants you wishes, you be wishing you never met him. Djinns are powerful and cunning, and almost always have their agenda. If one's involved, we're in for a world of trouble."
As the gravity of the situation settled over the group, they all turned to Lloyd, expecting him to weigh in with his usual strategic insight. However, to their surprise and slight dismay, he seemed more interested in his noodles than the problem at hand. He was carefully portioning out the food into mismatched bowls, his brow furrowed in concentration as if this simple task required all his focus.
It was a strange sight that didn't go unnoticed by the team. Ever since Lloyd had apologized and they'd made up, it felt like he'd become a different person. Gone was the psychotic, prideful, and often ruthless individual they once knew. In his place was this softer, more hesitant version of Lloyd. While they appreciated his efforts to change, they couldn't help but think that the old Lloyd might have been better equipped to handle situations like this.
"Are you even paying attention?" Nya asked, her scowl deepening as she watched Lloyd meticulously arrange the bowls on the small table. "I know you're hungry, but I don't think that's going to help us with our current crisis. We need a plan, and fast."
Lloyd's head snapped up at Nya's words, suddenly aware of the expectant gazes fixed upon him. He blinked rapidly as if coming out of a trance. "Oh, sorry guys," he said sheepishly, a faint blush creeping up his neck. "It's just that I'm new to this whole 'being good' thing, you know? It's taking some getting used to."
He turned off the gas stove with a soft click, indicating that the food was ready. "If it was the old me," Lloyd continued, his voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and shame, "I would have just gone straight to the source of the problem and dealt with it, no questions asked. Probably would have caused a lot of collateral damage in the process, too." He let out a humorless chuckle. "But now that I'm hanging out with you guys, trying to do things the right way... I'm still figuring out how to approach situations like this. It's not as straightforward as it used to be."
The ninjas exchanged glances, a complex mix of emotions passing between them. There was concern for their friend's struggle, and understanding of his desire to change, but also a growing worry about how this new, hesitant version of Lloyd might fare against the dangers that lay ahead. They knew he was trying his best to adapt, to be the hero they believed he could be, but they couldn't shake the feeling that this transformed Lloyd might be more of a liability than an asset in the face of this new, potentially catastrophic threat.
As they stood there in the underground bunker, surrounded by the trappings of survival and the lingering aroma of cooked noodles, the team felt the weight of their predicament settle heavily upon them. They had a missing mentor, a mysterious enemy, and a reformed villain-turned-ally who was still finding his footing. The path ahead was uncertain, fraught with danger and difficult choices. But as they looked at each other, a silent understanding passed between them. Whatever came next, they would face it together, adapting and overcoming as they always had.
Lloyd, sensing the shift in mood, cleared his throat awkwardly. "So, uh, who's hungry?" he asked, gesturing to the steaming bowls of noodles. "Maybe we can brainstorm while we eat? I mean, that's what good guys do, right? Talk things out over a meal?"
His attempt at lightening the mood was met with a mixture of smiles and sighs from his teammates. It was clear they had a long road ahead, both in terms of their mission and in helping Lloyd find his place among them. But for now, they would eat, plan, and prepare for whatever challenges lay ahead in their quest to find Sensei Wu and confront this new, mysterious threat.
Villian POV
Eclipse couldn't help but feel a deep sense of unease as he perched atop the bookshelf, his scales prickling with discomfort at the presence of the entity in the room. The ancient tomes surrounding him seemed to whisper secrets, their leather-bound spines a stark contrast to the otherworldly being that occupied the space below. He had overheard that his human master had supposedly created this being in the future, but that knowledge did little to assuage his growing anxiety. The young dragon's tail twitched nervously as he observed the enigmatic figure from his vantage point, its form shifting and undulating in ways that defied natural law.
Regret gnawed at Eclipse's heart, sharp and insistent. He wished fervently that his human hadn't left him behind on this journey. The weight of being alone with this unsettling presence was almost unbearable, pressing down on him like a physical force. Every instinct in his draconic body screamed at him to flee, to spread his wings and soar as far away from this... thing as possible. But loyalty and curiosity kept him rooted to his perch, even as fear threatened to overwhelm him.
The silence in the room was oppressive, broken only by the occasional rustle of ancient pages turning by themselves or the settling of old wood as the sanctuary creaked and groaned around them. Eclipse had almost managed to lull himself into a false sense of security, his breathing slowly steadying, when the entity's voice suddenly cut through the quiet like a knife, causing the young dragon to start violently.
"Why did that man build this place?" the entity mused, its voice carrying an otherworldly timbre that sent shivers cascading down Eclipse's spine. The words seemed to echo from everywhere and nowhere at once as if the very air was speaking. "I guess he didn't trust his kids to not touch his stuff."
Eclipse stared at the entity, his luminous eyes wide with a mixture of fear and curiosity. The casual way it spoke of the First Spinjitzu Master, one of the most revered figures in Ninjago's history, was deeply unsettling. It spoke as if it knew him personally as if the legendary creator was nothing more than a paranoid father hiding his toys. After a moment of hesitation, during which Eclipse wrestled with his fear, the young dragon found his voice. "What do you know about the First Spinjitzu Master?" he asked, his words tinged with both wariness and a desperate need to understand.
The entity's head turned slowly, unnaturally, until it faced Eclipse. The motion was too smooth, too precise, like a machine rather than a living being. Its gaze, if it could be called that, seemed to pierce right through the dragon, as if seeing not just his physical form but the very essence of his being. Eclipse felt exposed, vulnerable, as if all his secrets were laid bare before this inscrutable creature.
"Oh, it is you, Eclipse," it said, a note of recognition in its eerie voice that chilled the dragon to his core. "I had forgotten how small you were back then."
A shudder ran through Eclipse at these words, his wings rustling involuntarily. The implication that this being knew him - or would know him - in the future was deeply disturbing. It spoke of time as if it were a book it could flip through at will, past, and future all the same to its unfathomable perception.
But there was something else, something that set all of Eclipse's senses on high alert. An energy emanated from the entity, familiar yet wrong, like a corrupted version of something he knew intimately. "Why do I sense Lloyd's energy within you?" he demanded, his wings flaring slightly in agitation, scales shimmering with a mix of fear and defiance. "I want an explanation."
The entity tilted its head, the motion too smooth to be natural, as if it were mimicking the gesture rather than performing it instinctively. "I told you people that he made me," it replied, its tone maddeningly calm, almost amused at Eclipse's distress.
Eclipse's patience wore thin, his fear momentarily overcome by frustration and a desperate need for answers. He flapped his wings, drawing closer to the entity despite every instinct screaming at him to keep his distance. The air around the creature felt wrong, charged with an energy that made Eclipse's scales itch and his head spin.
"That is not possible," he insisted, his voice growing stronger with conviction. "It doesn't matter if Lloyd made you. Everyone has their energy; it's like their fingerprint. You shouldn't have Lloyd's energy at all. It goes against everything I know about the fundamental laws of creation and energy in Ninjago."
For a long moment, the entity simply stared at Eclipse, its gaze unfathomable. The silence stretched between them, taut as a bowstring. Then, it spoke again, its voice dropping to a sinister whisper that seemed to echo in the very marrow of Eclipse's bones. "Let's just say that Lloyd got exactly what he wanted," it said, each word dripping with dark promise. "Sometimes, our deepest desires have... unexpected consequences."
The implications of those words hung heavy in the air between them, a palpable weight that seemed to press down on Eclipse from all sides. The young dragon felt a cold dread settle in the pit of his stomach, a feeling of wrongness so profound it made him physically ill. His mind raced through the possibilities, each more terrifying than the last.
What could this entity mean? What dark secret lay behind its creation? And most importantly, what did this mean for Lloyd? Eclipse's thoughts whirled in a panicked frenzy. Had something happened to his beloved master in this supposed future? Had Lloyd's desires somehow manifested in this abomination before him?
As Eclipse hovered there, locked in a silent standoff with the enigmatic being, he realized that the mysteries surrounding this entity ran far deeper than he had initially thought. This wasn't just about understanding a strange visitor from the future. This was about uncovering a truth that could shake the very foundations of their world.
The young dragon steeled himself, drawing on every ounce of courage he possessed. Whatever the truth was, he knew instinctively that uncovering it would be crucial to understanding the dangers that lay ahead - not just for Lloyd, but for all of Ninjago. The fate of their world, of time itself perhaps, might hinge on the secrets this entity held.
With renewed determination, Eclipse prepared to press the entity further. He would not rest until he understood the nature of this being and the ominous future it hinted at. For Lloyd, for Ninjago, and for the sake of all he held dear, Eclipse would face this terror and unravel its mysteries, no matter the cost.