Heroes POV
It was summer, and the sun hung high in the sky, with not a cloud in sight, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets of Ninjago. The city vibrated with life—the complete opposite of the chaos Lloyd found himself in. After all the hard work of completing their first year at the Elemental Alliance Academy, he deserved a proper break. Instead, he found himself racing at high speed across rooftops, each leap reminding him of the weight of his responsibility.
Lloyd held his breath as he cleared another rooftop, his heart racing with every jump. This wasn't how he envisioned his summer break. After everything that happened with Nadakhan, he had desperately hoped to unwind and leave the past behind. Yet here he was, memories flooding back, especially since Evil Lloyd had somehow revealed details about it—a revelation that stirred confusion and concern within him.
He couldn't shake the question: how did Evil Lloyd know things he shouldn't? The incident rushed back into his mind as if it had happened just yesterday. He remembered sitting in the dimly lit bunker, summoned by a letter claiming that he was a clone and that they knew where the real one was. He didn't want to believe it, but his curiosity always had a way of getting the better of him—better out in the open than festering within.
Upon arriving at the graveyard, he realized not only did the bunker exist, but there was someone else who looked exactly like him, too. The other Lloyd explained that they were all clones; he had been programmed to observe the ninjas while this clone was designed to infiltrate the Outcasts.
"Got to be kidding me," Lloyd muttered, rolling his eyes as he sank further into the chair.
"Even though this is like your second time hearing this, you're still shocked," Evil Lloyd said, shaking his head in disbelief. "But again, the blue one did undo everything that happened."
Lloyd sat up, frowning. "The blue one? You mean Jay? But what do you mean by undoing everything?"
Noticing the confusion on Lloyd's face, Evil Lloyd explained, "An evil djinn named Nadakhan was released from his Teapot by Clouse. He tried to tear Ninjago apart while marrying Nya for infinite wishes." He paused to sip lavender tea, as if the whole thing was casual. "Jay used his last wish to undo everything after Nya died."
Surprised, Lloyd pieced it together. That would explain why Nya and Jay had suddenly started dating, despite their earlier arguments. Ninjago had become a place where navigating such absurdities was painfully normal, a city perpetually teetering on the brink of disaster. Its heroes were ever prepared to face whatever chaos came their way.
"If the event was undone, then how come you remember it?" Lloyd pressed. If Evil Lloyd spoke the truth, how could he possess memories that should have been wiped away?
"Oh, that." He pulled out a golden necklace with a strange medallion. "I went to where the original Lloyd resides and took this medallion. It prevents my memory from being wiped. The original left behind so many useful things from Grandpa."
"Grandpa…?" Lloyd hesitated, not wanting to dwell on the implications. "You mean… The First Spinjitzu Master?"
"Yeah," the evil clone nodded as if it was the most ordinary thing. "You know, I should take you to him one day. You're the only one who didn't get the chance to meet him."
That was the gist of it. Evil Lloyd didn't seem entirely evil until he and the Outcasts started pulling heists—stealing, destroying, and hurting people. So, it was only natural that Lloyd found himself hot on the heels of Evil Lloyd once again.
"Stop right now, you villainous scum!" Lloyd shouted as he propelled himself over another rooftop. "You won't get away with this!"
Evil Lloyd merely turned his helmeted head, the tinted visor obscuring his expression. Lloyd had spent months pursuing these thieves, becoming adept at each of their distinguishing characteristics. Meanwhile, the other ninjas were far behind, still scrambling to catch up, if they even could.
"Even though we are alike!" Evil Lloyd taunted, his voice echoing. "You really are quite slow."
That jab pushed Lloyd to run even faster; he had to prevent his other half from causing more destruction throughout Ninjago. Although the original Lloyd had given orders to Evil Lloyd, an overwhelming need surged within him to step in. This was his opportunity to try out a new skill he had been practicing.
With a quick backward motion of his hand, he launched himself up using the flames at his fingertips, propelling himself forward at blinding speed. It felt exhilarating—more than just running, in fact—but he couldn't quite gauge how fast he was going yet. In a split second, he was barreling directly toward the other Lloyd. Suddenly, they collided and tumbled off the roof together. Thankfully, a mound of trash below cushioned their fall.
"What the—!" Evil Lloyd bellowed as he landed face-first into the garbage.
Lloyd landed on his back with a groan. "Oof!" The impact shook him, but he bounced back to his feet quickly.
They both struggled to rise, a laborious process to say the least. Yet, in the end, it was Lloyd who managed to straighten up first, brushing the litter off his clothes. His gaze locked intensely on his opponent.
"I got you now, Lloyd B," he yelled, sparks of energy crackling in his hands. "I guess I was the faster one."
"Lloyd B?" the evil clone stared, dumbfounded. "Where did you come up with that?"
Lloyd smirked. "I call you Lloyd B since you're literally the bad Lloyd. The 'B' is for bad."
"Well, I guess that makes you Lloyd G then," Evil Lloyd shot back, finding a glimmer of humor amid the tension.
"Whatever, I still caught you!" Lloyd pressed on, firming his resolution to end this chase. "You are not getting away!"
"But what do you think the original Lloyd will feel?" Evil Lloyd's taunt struck a nerve. "I doubt he'll appreciate one of his clones being locked up while the world learns about our existence."
Lloyd's confidence faltered at this. How would anyone react knowing they'd been living with a clone? The original wasn't exactly a model citizen. People knew his misdeeds—the incident in the local prison, the harm to Noah, and his cheating ways in Master Chen's tournament. The implications of his dual identities swirled ominously in his mind.
This nagging doubt could mean Lloyd G would have to let Lloyd B slip away again. After weeks of chasing, he was finally this close. What would he tell the ninjas? Explaining this convoluted situation to his friends felt daunting, especially given their intricate relationships and the trust they had built over time.
"It's not good to be distracted," Evil Lloyd said, seizing the moment to blast Lloyd with dark energy. "You could end up hurt."
Lloyd G managed to block the attack, but the impact sent him crashing to the ground. That misstep gave Evil Lloyd the perfect chance to make his escape.
"Come to the bunker later today at 8 PM!" Lloyd B shouted back, a smirk hidden behind his tinted visor. "You'll get the chance to meet the original!"
And with that, he was gone to cause more chaos, leaving Lloyd G with nothing but frustration and the foreboding task of wrapping up a report. At that moment, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of jealousy towards his arch-nemesis. Being a villain seemed so exciting—freedom from care and the relentless burden of always having to be a hero.
…
"I can't believe he managed to get away again!" Kai muttered, frustration spilling from his pen as he scrawled through the report. "The first time I lay hands on that leader of theirs, it will be no escape this time."
They all agreed—summer vacation did not feel like a break at all. The Outcasts had dominated Ninjago's headlines, their criminal antics at an all-time high. And here they sat in the monastery, burdened with the task of documenting their latest encounter.
"I know, right?" Jay chimed in, staring at the scant details on his report. "We've been chasing them for weeks, and yet we know almost nothing about them. They're ridiculously good at escaping." Admiration seeped through his annoyance.
Cole drummed his fingers on the desk, caught in a whirlwind of determination and frustration. "Yeah, they're the slipperiest of the bunch." Suddenly, he slammed his fist onto the desk, the sound echoing through the quiet room. "And the worst part is, Lloyd is usually so close, yet that leader somehow always slips out of reach!"
Cole's comment made Lloyd G choke on his water; the rest stared at him in alarm. As the newest member of the team, the weight of expectation seemed to grow heavier with each passing moment.
"Is everything alright, Lloyd?" Nya asked, concern etched upon her face as she eyed him. "You need to drink more slowly." Her gentle smile managed to ease some of his tension. "We all know you do your best to catch the leader."
Lloyd G wiped water from his face, trying to gather his composure. He knew the team wouldn't take it well if they learned the truth—that he was constantly letting Lloyd B slip through his fingers. "Yeah, it's just that I had him today," he replied, forcing confidence into his words. "I could've captured him if he hadn't used his ability."
"Of course, we're not blaming you, Lloyd," Zane offered, his calmness a solid anchor amid the rising tension. "It's a challenge to battle someone who can seemingly match your abilities."
That struck a nerve. Beneath the surface, he simmered with guilt, especially since the other ninjas thought he was just as capable as the original. In reality, only the original Lloyd could wield both Energy Manipulation and Destruction. Lloyd G possessed only Energy Manipulation, while Lloyd B commanded the destructive powers. That secret weighed heavily on his conscience.
"Now that you mention it, Zane," Cole interjected, furrowing his brow with curiosity. "How is it possible for the leader of the Outcasts to use Destruction?" The gears began turning in his mind as he contemplated the implications.
Zane shrugged, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "According to my calculations, it's impossible for anyone besides Garmadon and the original Lloyd to manipulate Destruction." His analytical nature tackled each detail, but he added, "Unless Garmadon had another child we're unaware of, it simply can't be."
"Well, that's just not good enough, Zane," Jay snapped, frustration bubbling over. "There has to be someone out there who can wield it, and we have no clue who they are!" His exasperation seeped through, directed at the pressing danger and the lack of answers.
"Shut it, Jay," Kai interjected, rubbing his temples. "You're too loud." As he set his pen down, he added, "Lloyd is here and Garmadon is dead, so there shouldn't be anyone else tapping into Destruction."
Jay shot an annoyed glance at Kai. "Haven't you heard anything I just said? Someone's out there, and he's not exactly making life easier for us."
Kai's frustration rose again. "Unless you have an explanation, there's no point in speculating." Tension hung thick in the air, enough to cut with a sword.
Lloyd G felt the atmosphere tighten uncomfortably. He was unsure whether this tension stemmed from Jay's annoyance with Kai or if it was just Kai's worry for his sister, Nya. Either way, he sensed a need to de-escalate the situation before it spiraled further.
"Maybe the guy has a copying ability?" he blurted out, grasping for a plausible solution. "Maybe he somehow copied L— I mean, my other ability." He tried to sound convincing, though the weight of his deception twisted like a knife in his gut.
Kai and Jay focused their attention on him now, arms crossed, weighing his words skeptically. "But how could he have copied your ability?" Kai challenged.
Lloyd G clenched his jaw, irritation simmering. He hated lying to his friends, but the need to protect his secret pushed him forward. "Maybe he was at Master Chen's tournament? There were a ton of combatants invited, so I'm pretty sure he managed to copy my ability there."
It made a certain kind of sense; Master Chen's tournament had hosted a diverse group. The ninjas, often wrapped up in their own drama, might easily have overlooked the leader of the Outcasts sneaking in and gleaning insights into Lloyd's abilities. Yet, deep down, Lloyd G felt like he was just constructing a façade to mask the truth.
"I could check the footage from Master Chen's tournament," Zane said, breaking the tension. "It's lucky he put everything on live television."
Lloyd G nodded, though it made little difference. It wasn't like Lloyd B had existed at that time. The more he thought about it, the more his situation grew complicated, and the isolation from his friends tightened.
"You do that. Come on, let's finish our reports, and maybe we'll be lucky enough to get a small break to relax…" he suggested, hoping for a fleeting moment of peace. But peace felt like a distant dream in the current atmosphere.
Just then, the alarm blared, signaling another crime in Ninjago. The sudden noise jolted them back into urgency.
"You're freaking kidding me!" Jay said, sulking his head onto the desk. "We just got back!"
"Now, now," Nya cut in, standing to see what was happening on the computer. "It may not be the Outcasts this time; it could be any random villain." She began typing furiously. "If it was so serious, another hero would have it dealt with already."
But a few clicks later, the smile faded from Nya's face. "Never mind. It is the Outcasts, and it looks like they've broken into the Ninjago museum."
A collective groan filled the room, except for Lloyd; he already sensed their next move. What on earth could the Outcasts be after this time? Was there something specific they aimed to steal, or was it just another mindless act of vandalism?
"Come on, guys," he said, determination fueling his voice as he got to his feet. "Let's handle them as soon as possible so when our second year starts, we can get our hero costumes and keep our place in the Elite classes." His resolve was evident on the surface, but beneath it lay a wrestling match of self-doubt and the moral complexities of his situation.
If only Lloyd G knew how to deal with Lloyd B without dragging his fellow ninjas into a mess. All the intricacies of his world weighed heavily upon him, yet he knew he needed to stay focused on what lay ahead.
…
They finally arrived at the Ninjago Museum, where most of the Outcasts were in attendance—a spectacle, to say the least. Some of the Outcasts were searching for something, their movements methodical and purposeful, while others stood ready to fight if necessary. Hosts were present to hold off the ninjas, their frightened faces grim reminders of the seriousness of the situation.
Lloyd G frowned at the sight from the roof of a building across the street. What on earth was Lloyd B planning this time? He knew enough about Lloyd B to understand that he wouldn't act without reason. If he or the ninjas interfered with what the Outcasts were doing, it might be him who got into trouble. His situation was so complex; he felt caught between his duty as a ninja and his secret connection with Lloyd B. Suddenly, a hand tapped his shoulder. It was Kai.
"Are you okay?" he asked in a concerned voice.
It felt strange to be around the people who considered him a friend. "Yeah, I'm just thinking about how we should deal with the situation," Lloyd G replied, his eyes still fixed on the museum. His voice was tight, filled with frustration and strategic thoughtfulness.
"Let's just do what we normally do," Cole suggested, eager to take action. "We burst in and take them out." This was typical of his eagerness, but Lloyd G knew how disastrous that would be.
"No!" Lloyd G yelled, nearly making Cole fall off the roof, where Zane quickly steadied him. "I advise against that."
Zane looked at him in confusion, eyebrow raised. "May I ask why?" His inquiry reflected his foundational instinct for logic, undeterred by the urgency of the situation.
"There are hostages," Lloyd G pointed out, still staring at the museum. "If we burst in, they might get hurt." That was partly a lie. Sure, he didn't want the innocents to get hurt, but to be honest, he didn't really care about them. Which was weird because he was supposed to be the good guy. Maybe it had something to do with the original Lloyd? He hated everybody in Ninjago, so it wouldn't be a stretch to think OG Lloyd had just given up on trying to make Lloyd G care.
Deep inside, he knew he didn't want Lloyd B to get caught; otherwise, it would be over for both of them. It was too soon for Lloyd B to be caught. If the original Lloyd returned, they might be removed from their positions, but until then, he couldn't afford for anyone to find out.
"That's a good call, Lloyd," Nya said, bringing him back to the moment. "Not only that, but the Outcasts outnumber us."
Lloyd G exhaled loudly, frustration mixing with relief. "Yeah… that too." He cleared his throat, trying to stay focused. "They have hurt people before—like that cult incident that was demolished while you guys were trying to save Noah." The memory of Noah still stung; they missed him deeply. He had left on his mission, but it didn't stop them from wondering how he was faring.
The mention of Noah shifted their mood; they all felt the absence of their missing friend. Lloyd G tried to push past their expressions of sadness. "So, we can't treat them like we do other villains. They need to be dealt with in a special way."
"Okay, we get it!" Jay replied, his voice laced with impatience. "We're not going to burst in! Then what do you suggest we do, rookie?" Jay's urgency was understandable, given their circumstances.
That made Lloyd G smile lightly, a rare moment of levity in the tense atmosphere. "We're going to do something the police do often," he suggested, pulling out a phone that the school had given him. "Negotiation."
It seemed almost laughable considering their usual methods, but Lloyd G remained persistent. Sometimes, resolving a situation required careful planning and diplomacy. In this case, negotiation might just be their best chance to save the hostages and avert further harm.
Lloyd G took a deep breath, preparing himself for the sensitive task ahead. He knew how negotiations could unravel quickly, but this was their best shot at a resolution that didn't involve bloodshed. The Outcasts were a volatile group, and any misstep could result in disaster.
He slipped his hand into his pocket, dialing the number with an air of determination, his heart racing with anticipation. It was a gamble he had to take. Lloyd G only hoped that Lloyd B understood the gravity of the situation and wouldn't escalate things further while they sought a peaceful resolution.
…
Villain POV
Lloyd B stared through his tinted visor as the Outcasts went methodically through the museum, their movements increasingly frantic as the clock ticked down. They examined every artifact, searching meticulously for something crucial, while the air around them thickened with tension. Only the quiet rustling of papers and an occasional murmur broke the silence as each exhibit came under their scrutiny.
He observed the priceless artifacts surrounding him, noting how little of their true importance was known. The unpredictability of Ninjago had sharpened his instincts; he had grown accustomed to it, keeping him on his toes. Lloyd B sidestepped to avoid bumping into one of his members as he continued to keep the search seamless and effective.
Then, he found himself fixated on a flyer—the first thing the original Lloyd had requested. All it was, really, was a slab of stone meant to be framed and honored. Yet, he knew better than to question the orders of the original Lloyd.
"Hey you," he called to the museum director, his voice firm and commanding. "Where is this item?" The director visibly stiffened as Lloyd B approached, fear pooling in his eyes.
He shoved the flyer into the director's face, who paled, realizing how serious this was. "Why are you interested in that?" he stammered.
Lloyd B wasn't in the mood to explain; he had no interest in the director's curiosity. "That's none of your business," he replied, unleashing flames with a flick of his wrist to display Hellfire. The intense heat emanating from his hands served as a stark warning of what would happen if the director didn't comply. "I advise you to answer my questions before things get ugly."
The director's face dripped with sweat as he confessed, "It's… it's in the back! Please don't hurt me," his voice barely above a whisper.
Lloyd B deactivated his ability, his expression remaining unyielding. "If you keep being this cooperative, maybe I won't hurt you." The threat hung in the air, the director absorbing it with a nod.
He turned to Pluto, one of his most trusted members. "You and Stitchface go look for this." He passed the flyer to Stitchface. "Be quick because I bet the ninjas and their little gang are right outside."
Pluto took the paper and scanned it before giving Lloyd B a nod. "Of course." The two of them left to search, their steps echoing through the quiet halls of the museum.
Lloyd B turned his attention back to the hostages, eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. This was going to be a long and arduous task, requiring both patience and precision. The hostages served as leverage, ensuring the ninjas wouldn't interfere too hastily.
"Hey, Leader!" A shout from across the room broke his concentration. "A ninja is calling you."
Lloyd B didn't bother opening his eyes; his voice was cool and calm. "Does it sound like me?" He already knew the answer; the ninjas were always quick to react.
One of the henchmen nodded, making Lloyd B head toward the public phone. He took the receiver, leaning against the wall with a sly smile creeping across his lips, unseen behind his visor. "What's up, Twin!" he called out in a loud, obnoxious tone, sarcasm dripping from his words.
He could almost hear Lloyd G wince from the other end, and that only amplified his mood. "Don't say that out loud!" Lloyd G warned, annoyance lacing his voice.
"Why not? You are literally my other half, so that does make you my twin," Lloyd B shot back with a snicker. Through the nearby window, he saw Lloyd G and the ninjas on the roof, faces steeled with determination. It seemed they weren't planning to attack just yet.
"But anyway, why are you calling me? Are you worried about the hostages?" He glanced back at the captives, their desperation palpable. Their fear didn't faze him; he relished the power it gave him.
"Or do you want something else instead?" he added, the taunt in his tone intentional. He knew that Lloyd G was trying to negotiate a way out, looking for a peaceful resolution, but Lloyd B was not inclined to make it easy for him.
"What are you doing in there?" Lloyd G asked, his voice steady but edged with concern. "What is it that you want to steal to the point you brought your whole gang and hostages?"
Lloyd B couldn't help but stare at the ceiling, mind racing with the reasons behind his actions. Was it simply to do something good for the Outcasts, or was he following OG Lloyd's orders, no matter the cost? The original Lloyd's influence ran deep, and Lloyd B felt compelled to fulfill his demands.
"I don't think that's any of your business. Besides, you've got your own things to deal with while I have mine," he replied, his voice layered with authority.
"And no, I'm not going to release the hostages at all," he added, anticipating Lloyd G's question. "If you want to save them, then you come and get them out yourself."
With a spiteful chuckle, he slammed the phone back onto its receiver. He reveled in the knowledge of how much Lloyd G had to lose—much more than either of them combined. That was enough of a reason for Lloyd G to toil twice as hard to achieve his mission. The stakes were high, and now, Lloyd B was determined to follow through, no matter the costs.
As he hung up the phone, Lloyd B's thoughts returned to the task at hand. He knew the ninjas wouldn't give up easily, and he was ready for a fight. The item they sought was crucial, and he would stop at nothing to ensure it fell into their hands. The tension in the air was palpable, and with his determination in play, Lloyd B braced himself for whatever challenges lay ahead.