Heroes POV
Lloyd was relieved to sneak away from his teammates momentarily, his heart pounding with anxiety and determination. He needed to talk to that person—the other clone—even if the very thought made him uneasy. Something in his gut, an instinct honed through going through so much shit, told him they were far from winning this fight against Nadakhan. The djinn's power seemed impossible, and with each passing moment, more of Ninjago crumbled away. Still, Lloyd refused to give up. He wanted to give his friends a chance, however small it might be.
He stood before the entrance of the bunker's entrance Ninjago's tumultuous past that now served as a secret base. The heavy metal door loomed before him, its surface scarred and weathered by time. Lloyd's emerald eyes scanned the area, hoping the other clone was nearby. He knew time was of the essence; every second counted in their fight against Nadakhan.
Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Lloyd grabbed the heavy handle. The cold metal bit into his palm as he pulled, the door groaning in protest as it swung open. A rush of stale air hit his face, carrying with it the musty scent of disuse. He was grateful that this area hadn't broken off from Ninjago like so many others; if it had, he didn't know what he would do. This bunker might be their last hope.
Without wasting a moment, Lloyd hurried down the old stairs, his footsteps echoing in the confined space. He flicked on the lamps as he descended, warm light chasing away the shadows. The room at the bottom of the stairs looked just as it had the last time he and the ninjas used it—a time that felt like ages ago before everything had gone so wrong.
His eyes swept across the room, taking in the familiar sights. The old planning table still stood in the center, its surface covered in maps and diagrams. Weapons racks lined the walls, though many were now empty, their contents taken for the ongoing battle. In the corner, a communications setup gathered dust, a relic from a time when they still had allies to call upon.
Lloyd approached a nondescript cabinet in the far corner, his heart rate picking up as he reached for the hidden latch. With practiced ease, he opened the secret hatch concealed within. He had discovered this hiding spot weeks ago and had planned to show it to the others. But at the last moment, he held back. Something—instinct, perhaps, or a lingering sense of self-preservation—had warned him against it. He didn't want to anger the original Lloyd, whose presence seemed to loom over everything, even in his absence.
From the hidden compartment, Lloyd pulled out a worn leather notebook. Its pages were filled with the original Lloyd's neat handwriting, detailing information about significant events—both those that had already come to pass and those yet to unfold. He had found it during one of his many searches for anything that could shed light on the original, but instead of answers, it only raised more questions.
Lloyd's fingers traced the embossed cover, his mind racing. Where did the original Lloyd get this information? How could he have known about events that hadn't yet occurred? The implications were staggering, hinting at powers or knowledge far beyond what Lloyd himself possessed.
That was just one of the many things he wanted to ask the other clone. From what little interaction they'd had, it seemed the original had talked to him, maybe even trusted him. The other clone always appeared so knowledgeable, so sure of his place in the grand scheme of things. A small sting of jealousy pricked at Lloyd's chest, catching him off guard.
Why did he feel this way? Lloyd wondered, his brow furrowing in confusion. Was it because the original hadn't trusted him enough to reveal that he wasn't real? The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth. Yes, that must be why he felt so strange, so out of place. He was a copy, a reflection, never privy to the full truth of his existence until it was too late.
"Are you looking for someone?" a familiar voice interrupted his spiraling thoughts, causing Lloyd to whirl around, his body instinctively dropping into a defensive stance. "It seems like you need help."
There, at the bottom of the stairs, stood the other clone. It was as if Lloyd's thoughts had summoned him into existence. The newcomer wore a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, an expression that was both familiar and alien on a face so similar to Lloyd's own. It was an odd sight, but right now, it was exactly who Lloyd needed.
"I need your help—and the Outcasts," Lloyd said firmly, straightening his posture and meeting the other clone's gaze. He could feel the weight of the notebook in his hands, a tangible reminder of the secrets and responsibilities thrust upon him. "Nadakhan the djinn is trying to destroy Ninjago and create a new realm to replace his old one, which is now destroyed. I don't think the original would be pleased to return and find his realm in ruins."
The other clone stared at him for a long moment, his expression unreadable. The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words and shared history. Finally, he responded, his voice carrying a note of resignation. "I was about to reject your request, but you're right about one thing." He walked over, his movements fluid and purposeful, and took the notebook from Lloyd's hands. "The original won't be pleased." His red eyes—so different from Lloyd's own—glared with an intensity that made Lloyd want to step back. "But there's a problem."
Lloyd couldn't help but sigh, a mixture of frustration and weariness washing over him. There was always a problem, always some new obstacle to overcome. It seemed the universe itself was conspiring against them. "What is this so-called problem?" he asked, bracing himself for the worst.
The other clone's expression shifted to one of cool indifference, clearly unimpressed by Lloyd's reaction. "The original ordered me to ensure that the Outcasts and the ninjas don't cross paths until the time is right. If I allow you to use the Outcasts, it will enrage him."
Lloyd felt something snap inside him. The pressure of the past weeks, the constant battles, the weight of responsibility—it all came crashing down in a wave of frustration. "Does that even matter?" he burst out, his voice rising with each word. Being a clone already made him feel weak and inadequate, and now he had to worry about what the original thought. It was too much. "I think he would understand since we're trying to save his home realm! What do you think is more important—keeping him happy or saving Ninjago?"
The words hung in the air between them, charged with emotion. Lloyd's chest heaved as he tried to regain control, surprised by his outburst. The other clone stood there, motionless, his face a mask of contemplation. For a moment, Lloyd feared he had pushed too far, that his chance at help would slip away.
But then, slowly, almost imperceptibly, the other clone nodded. "I guess," he said, each word measured and deliberate, "I can allow you to use at least three of our best operatives."
Relief flooded through Lloyd, tempered by the knowledge that this was only the first step in a long and dangerous journey. As the two clones began to discuss plans, the weight of the notebook seemed to grow heavier in the other clone's hands. Whatever came next, Lloyd knew that nothing would ever be the same again.
…
Lloyd POV
This was truly a strange sight to behold, one that left me feeling both intrigued and unsettled. What was he doing here? I had predicted that Lord Wu wouldn't show himself, given that he was the antithesis of the Wu I knew - the wise, kind, and hospitable master. So why was he present at this dinner, breaking all my expectations?
There, at the head of the ornate mahogany table, sat Lord Wu—a man I had assumed would never grace us with his presence. The dining room itself was a study in opulence, with crystal chandeliers casting a soft glow over the polished surfaces and intricate tapestries adorning the walls. But all of this paled in comparison to the imposing figure at the table's end.
Lord Wu was partaking in his meal, a Japanese roast chicken that looked and smelled divine. The aroma of soy, mirin, and ginger wafted through the air, making my mouth water despite my apprehension. He was cutting into the tender meat with practiced precision, his movements fluid and graceful. To an outsider, it might have seemed like just another ordinary day. But to Noah and me, this scene was anything but ordinary.
I couldn't help but study Lord Wu as he ate. His features were sharp and angular, a stark contrast to the round, jovial face of the Wu I knew. His eyes, a deep crimson that seemed to glow in the dim light, were focused intently on his plate. There was an aura of power around him, palpable even from across the table. It was clear that this was a man accustomed to being obeyed without question.
An uncomfortable silence blanketed the table as everyone focused on their meals. The only sounds were the gentle clink of silverware against fine china and the occasional sip of wine. I kept my thoughts to myself, continuing to eat while my mind raced. Now I understood why the eerie butler, Arthur, had insisted I dress nicely. He had known that the uncle would be joining us for dinner. It was a test, I realized, one that I was woefully unprepared for.
"What is this mission about?" Lord Wu broke the silence, his deep voice cutting through the air like a knife. He addressed Noah directly, barely sparing me a glance. "Is it something of interest?"
I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, my fork pausing halfway to my mouth. Why was this man inquiring about confidential information? Surely he knew that the school forbade us from divulging such details. It was a blatant power play, I realized, a way to assert his dominance over us.
"They want us to retrieve the Shadow Artifact for reasons unknown to me," Noah replied without hesitation, his voice steady and respectful. "They informed us it's located on the mountain."
I watched Noah carefully as he spoke, noting the way he held himself. There was tension in his shoulders, barely noticeable unless you were looking for it. It was clear that speaking to his father made him uncomfortable, though he hid it well.
Lord Wu simply nodded and returned to his meal, seemingly satisfied with the answer. But I could see the wheels turning behind those crimson eyes. He was processing the information, fitting it into some grand scheme that I couldn't begin to fathom. I knew this man was evil; I shouldn't have been surprised if he was already privy to everything occurring at the school. The thought sent a chill down my spine.
As I took another bite of the exquisitely prepared chicken, I couldn't help but think that I really should have waited until summer ended in my world before venturing into this one. The stress of navigating this unfamiliar terrain, coupled with the presence of individuals far stronger than me, was proving difficult to handle. Every moment felt like walking on a tightrope, one wrong move away from disaster.
"Who is this boy accompanying you?" Lord Wu inquired again, this time capturing my full attention. His gaze swept over me, analytical and cold. "I don't recognize him at all."
I felt exposed under his scrutiny, like an insect pinned to a board. My heart rate quickened, but I forced myself to remain calm, keeping my expression neutral as I chewed slowly.
Once more, Noah answered promptly, his tone unchanged. "This is Abaddon, a student I've been paired with to retrieve the Artifact."
Lord Wu's crimson eyes fixed their gaze upon me, and I felt the full weight of his attention. It was like being under a microscope, every flaw and imperfection magnified. I realized that my attempt to maintain a low profile had failed spectacularly. There was no hiding from those eyes.
Swallowing hard, I stood up and bowed, drawing on every ounce of etiquette I could muster. "Hello, Lord Wu. I am Abaddon, and I thank you for allowing me to stay in your humble abode." The words felt hollow in my mouth, a pale imitation of true respect.
Lord Wu remained silent, his expression unreadable. The silence stretched on, becoming almost unbearable. Finally, unable to stand it any longer, I sat back down, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. So much for politeness. I wasn't being compensated nearly enough to deal with all this nonsense.
I resumed eating my meal, though the food had lost its flavor. Each bite felt like ash in my mouth as I struggled to process the situation I found myself in. I was eagerly anticipating the conclusion of this uncomfortable dinner, longing for the relative safety of the library where I could delve into the mountain's history and, hopefully, find some answers.
As the meal continued in tense silence, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was woefully out of my depth. Lord Wu's presence had thrown everything into chaos, and I knew that from that moment on, nothing would be as simple as I had hoped. The mission to retrieve the Shadow Artifact suddenly seemed far more complicated and dangerous than I had initially believed.
…
"So this is the infamous mountain that I have to climb," I muttered to myself, scanning through the ancient scrolls laid out before me. The dim light of the library cast long shadows across the parchment, adding to the air of mystery that surrounded these texts. "This is troublesome."
The mountain had a name, which surprised me—it was called Tenebris Peak. I reread the scroll, mouthing the words under my breath as if trying to grasp their full weight. The Latin name sent a chill down my spine; "Dark Peak" seemed fitting for a place shrouded in such ominous legends.
"Tenebris Peak... a mountain of shadows and secrets, where so many have come but none have returned," I read aloud, my voice barely above a whisper. "Legends whisper of echoes and anguished cries rising from its depths, warning those who dare to climb with its cliffs and treacherous paths, alive with peril and ancient forces that test the spirit, reflecting our deepest fears—what truth lies hidden in this darkness?"
I paused for a moment, letting the ominous description sink in. The words seemed to dance on the page, each one carrying the weight of centuries of fear and mystery. My fingers traced the faded ink, feeling the indentations left by the scribe's quill. How many others had read these words, I wondered, and how many had ignored their warning?
"I can't shake the feeling that I need to uncover its mystery myself," I murmured, a mix of determination and apprehension coloring my voice. "And if it takes every ounce of courage I possess, I will."
With a heavy sigh, I carefully rolled up the scroll and placed it back on its designated shelf. The library was silent around me, filled only with the faint rustle of paper and the soft creak of old wood. The smell of aged leather and parchment hung in the air, a scent that usually brought me comfort but now seemed to carry an undercurrent of foreboding.
I felt a sense of helplessness creeping in; all the knowledge I had accumulated in my life—both present and past—seemed utterly useless here. This world was nothing like what I had experienced before. The rules were different, the dangers unfamiliar. I was a stranger in a strange land, about to embark on a journey that had claimed countless lives before me.
My eyes drifted to the window, seeking some comfort in the familiar night sky. Outside, it was truly late; the moon hung high in the sky, full and bright, casting a silvery glow over everything without a single cloud to obscure its light. The estate grounds stretched out below, bathed in an ethereal light that made everything seem slightly unreal. The manicured gardens and towering trees cast long shadows, creating a patchwork of light and dark that seemed to shift and move in the corner of my eye.
The estate was quiet, its inhabitants—Noah included—likely fast asleep. I envied their peaceful slumber, wondering if they too were plagued by the weight of tomorrow's journey. The thought crossed my mind that I should be resting too. Tomorrow would be the day we set out for Tenebris Peak. I would need all my strength for what lay ahead.
Yet something deep inside told me that rest would be elusive once we reached that mountain. Its mysteries called to me, promising both danger and revelation. As I turned away from the window, a shiver ran down my spine—not from fear, but from anticipation. It was a feeling I knew well, the mix of excitement and dread that came before any great adventure.
I knew that whatever awaited us on Tenebris Peak would test not only my physical endurance but also my resolve. The mountain would challenge us in ways we couldn't possibly prepare for. Would we face physical dangers—treacherous cliffs, unpredictable weather, wild beasts? Or would the true test be psychological, forcing us to confront our deepest fears and insecurities?
And what of my companions? Noah, with his barely concealed hostility and mysterious past. How would he fare on the mountain? Would our uneasy alliance hold in the face of whatever Tenebris Peak had in store for us? And the others who would join us—what secrets did they harbor, what strengths and weaknesses would they bring to our team?
Despite the uncertainty that lay ahead, one thing was clear: I had to be ready for anything. I couldn't afford to let my guard down, not for a moment. The stakes were too high, the consequences of failure too dire to contemplate.
I left the library, heading to the guest room. Fatigue weighed heavily on me, my limbs feeling like lead after hours of poring over ancient texts and cryptic scrolls. The hallways of Lord Wu's estate seemed to stretch endlessly, shadows dancing on the walls from the flickering torchlight. I knew there was no point in endless speculation; the library had yielded nothing of concrete value, just more questions, and ominous warnings. All I could do now was trust my wits and skills, honed through years of training and countless battles. Sometimes, preparation meant knowing when to stop preparing and start acting.
As I approached my room, the plush carpet muffled my footsteps, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over me since dinner. The encounter with Lord Wu had left me on edge, hyper-aware of every creak and whisper in this unfamiliar place. I finally made it to my door and was about to turn the ornate handle when something inside me—a sixth sense honed by years of training and survival—screamed at me to stop.
There was someone in my room. I could sense their energy, a presence that was distinctly not Noah's. It was foreign, calculated, dangerous. The air seemed to thicken, charged with an unseen tension that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. My heart rate quickened, and adrenaline began to course through my veins.
I took a step back, my mind racing through possible scenarios and outcomes. What should I do? Face them head-on and risk an immediate confrontation? But what if they had a way to overpower me? In this strange world, where my usual powers and allies were absent, the risks were too great, the stakes too high. I thought of the mission, of the Shadow Artifact, of the mysteries of Tenebris Peak that still needed solving. In this moment of uncertainty, caution seemed the wisest path.
My muscles tensed, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. I began to turn, planning to retreat and reassess the situation, when a voice behind me froze me in place.
"You are a lot more talented than I expected," the voice spoke, smooth and calculated. It was a voice I didn't recognize, carrying notes of both admiration and threat. "I never expected you to detect him."
I started to turn to face the speaker, my mind already formulating a response, a plan of action. But before I could fully rotate, before I could even catch a glimpse of my assailant, I felt a sharp impact strike my upper spine. The blow was precise, calculated to stun without causing permanent damage. It was the work of a professional, someone who knew exactly how to incapacitate without killing.
My body betrayed me instantly. Muscles refused to respond, nerves misfiring as the precise strike did its work. I felt myself falling, unable to even throw out my arms to break my fall. The world tilted and spun, the ornate carpet rushing up to meet me.
"Sleep tight," was the last thing I heard before darkness began to encroach on my vision. The words were almost gentle, a stark contrast to the violence of the attack. As consciousness slipped away, one final thought flashed through my mind:
I'm screwed.
The darkness consumed me, and I knew that when I woke up—if I woke up—everything would have changed. The game had shifted, the players revealed, and I was now a pawn in someone else's machinations. As I slipped into unconsciousness, I couldn't help but wonder: was this part of Lord Wu's plan? Or was there an even greater power at play, one that I hadn't even begun to comprehend?
The questions swirled in the encroaching darkness, unanswered and ominous, as I fell into a forced slumber. Whatever awaited me on the other side of this darkness, I knew one thing for certain: I was not going to get out of this unscathed.
…
Villain POV
Eclipse stared at the scroll, his serpentine eyes narrowed in frustration. The ancient parchment, filled with cryptic symbols and faded ink, held nothing about the entity he sought to understand. For hours, the young dragon had been meticulously examining scroll after scroll, his claws carefully unrolling each one with a mixture of hope and trepidation. Yet, answers remained elusive, slipping through his grasp like smoke.
How did his human master create such an advanced being? It wasn't something Lloyd could have conjured out of thin air, no matter how powerful he had become. The knowledge, Eclipse reasoned, must be hidden within one of these scrolls. If he could uncover it before Lloyd returned, he might be able to confirm his suspicions about the entity's true nature and purpose. The thought of protecting his master from potential harm drove Eclipse to continue his relentless search.
"Why are you so interested in how I was made?" the entity suddenly asked, its voice unnervingly close. Eclipse felt a chill run down his spine, sensing the being's presence just behind him. "You should be focusing on growing up so that you could be of help to Lloyd."
Eclipse pushed the scroll away, unable to hide his distrust. His scales bristled, a physical manifestation of his unease. "I just don't trust you. You have the human's energy within you." He averted his gaze from the entity's large, unblinking eyes that seemed to bore into his very soul. "If it will harm the human, then I need to stop him."
The entity tilted its head, an unsettling motion that seemed too fluid for any natural creature. Suddenly, its face split open, revealing a maw of impossible proportions. The sight was grotesque, a nightmare made flesh. "Why would I harm the one who made me? You must think that he used his body to create me." A chilling laugh escaped its grotesque mouth, echoing off the cave walls. "I have his energy source because I ate his corpse. I came back here to ensure that won't happen, so don't fret, young dragon. Why did you think I sent him on that journey?"
Eclipse felt a mix of relief and revulsion at this revelation. His stomach churned at the thought of Lloyd's corpse being consumed, even if it was a future that hadn't come to pass. The human hadn't used his body to create this entity, but the alternative was hardly comforting. "I wasn't worried about that," he lied, trying to maintain his composure despite the tremor in his voice.
The entity floated away, its form shimmering slightly as if not entirely solid. "But it truly seems like Lloyd is having some trouble in the inverted world. Should I come to assist him?"
Before Eclipse could inquire further, curious about what troubles Lloyd might be facing, the cave entrance opened with a grinding of stone. The young dragon perched up, alert, his muscles tensing. Only Lloyd knew about this secret place, hidden away from prying eyes. Who could be intruding?
"Wow, the original knows a lot of secrets," a familiar voice echoed through the cavern, tinged with a hint of amusement and curiosity. "I guess he won't mind if I take a few things."
Lloyd stepped into view, but Eclipse immediately sensed that something was off. This wasn't the Lloyd who had left to retrieve the Golden Weapons. This was a clone, a fabricated version of the original. The clone's gaze swept over the entity and Eclipse before settling on the scrolls, seemingly unfazed by the strange tableau before him.
"What are you doing here?" Eclipse demanded, his forked tongue flicking out in agitation. The air tasted of tension and something else—a faint trace of the magic used to create this doppelganger. "I don't think Lloyd will be pleased if this cave gets exposed because you're not following orders."
The clone regarded him with bored indifference as if the dragon's concerns were trivial. "I read Lloyd's journal and decided I should borrow some scrolls to teach techniques to the Outcasts."
Eclipse glared at the clone, annoyed but unwilling to argue further. He knew he wasn't strong enough yet to forcibly remove the intruder, and part of him wondered if this clone might have some authority here. Deciding to retreat, Eclipse curled up in a corner, his scales shimmering in the dim light of the cave.
As he settled in for a nap, Eclipse couldn't help but worry about the real Lloyd. Where was he now? What dangers was he facing in this "inverted world" the entity had mentioned? The young dragon knew all too well Lloyd's penchant for throwing himself into perilous situations if he deemed the reward worth the risk.
Eclipse's eyes began to close, heavy with fatigue from hours of research. His last conscious thoughts were of his human master, hoping against hope that Lloyd would find a way out of whatever trouble he had undoubtedly landed himself in this time. As sleep overtook him, Eclipse's dreams were filled with swirling visions of ancient scrolls, monstrous entities, and a multitude of Lloyds, each one facing dangers beyond imagination.