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Chapter Text

Chapter 16: A Light Hope

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO” cried Lloyd as the Monastery went up in flames. Purple aura encased his arms and eyes.

“ARRRRRRRRRR” he yelled as he punched the door of his cage, making it fly off. Lloyd launched himself out of the cage and slammed Harumi into the ground. Pythor smirked and disappeared, but Lloyd still grabbed him and slammed him into the large computer. Lloyd grabbed Harumi by the neck. 

“P-please. D-don’t” she choked out. Lloyd's eyes widened and the purple faded. He dropped her, only to get blasted by Mr E. Lloyd fell unconscious on the ground in front of her.

“He spared me,” said Harumi in shock. She was grabbed by the throat again, this time by Pythor.

“I told you not to hesitate. Your disobedience will be punished” he warned her before throwing her onto the ground. 

“My purpose is to destroy Lloyd. Not the rest of the Ninja” she said, but he scoffed at this.

“We are destroying him. By destroying everything he stands for. Come girl, there is much to do” said Pythor as he slithered away. Harumi followed, but not before hesitating. 

The Time Twins were approached by Gripe.

“Thank you for the assist. Now, we can make our move on Marlopia” he said, but this just made the twins laugh.

“What makes you think we'll help with that,” mocked Acronix, shocking Gripe.

“WE HAD A DEAL” snapped Gripe.

“You have outlived your use” said Krux as he raised his hand. The Iron Doom responded, and rose up. 

“NOOOOOO” yelled Gripe before he was crushed by the meck. His trident landed next to Robofriend’s body. The other Marlopans fled into the sea. 

“Come brother. We have more to do” said Krux as he held out a crystal and opened a large portal.

“Yes, there is,” said Acronix as they left with the Iron Doom. 

Gripe's trident sparked, before the electricity went into Robofriend. The lights came on, and the drone slowly rose up. It looked around, before diving into the water. Sparking and dying, it grabbed Jay. It saw the others, and grabbed them too. With the last of its power, Robofriend brought its friends to safety. It fell to the ground, and sparked out for good.

Skylor gasped and choked out water. She looked around and saw the others laying there. 

“No no no no no no no” she panicked as she pushed on Kai's chest. After a few pushes, he gasped.

“KAI” she exclaimed as she hugged him. It was short lived as she grabbed Jay’s hand next.

“Please work” she said as she gave him a small shock.

“AH” he yelled as he shot up, his heart restarted. 

“NYA” he yelled as he ran over to her. He shocked her. Once. Twice.

“Come on Nya. Don't give up now” he begged her as he shocked her again. This time, it worked. She gasped as she sat up.

“J-Jay” she mumbled before he sucked her into a hug. 

“Finally, I have you back” said Jay as he sobbed. Kai and Skylor joined the hug and held each other tightly. Finally, they are together again. 

In the ruins of the Monastery, multiple pieces of rubble were thrown away. Cole stumbled before turning around and pulling Akita up. 

“Are you ok?” he asked her. She weakly nodded before looking around. 

“Where are the others?” she asked. 

“Somewhere under all of this,” he said.

More rubble was pushed around and two metal hands broke through. 

“I SEE THEM” called out Cole as they ran over. Using his powers, Cole was able to remove the rubble. Zane and Wu crawled out, and they hugged.

“Pixel, Misako and Dareth are still under there” said Zane. But right as he said that, Pixel bursted out and fell on the ground.

“PIXEL” yelled Zane as he hugged her. Dareth came out after her, carrying Misako in his arms. 

“No,” said Wu as he dropped to his knees. 

“I'm sorry. I'm so sorry” said Dareth with tears welling in his eyes. Zane took Misako as Dareth fell to the ground.

“Sh-she threw herself on top of me. She's dead because of me. It's my fault” said Dareth as he cried. Cole put a hand on his shoulder. 

“It wasn't your fault. The Overlord is to blame” said Cole as Pixel was trying to comfort Wu. 

“We should lay her to rest. Come on” he said. 

Behind the ruins of the Monastery, everyone stood in front of a single tombstone. 

RIP Misako Garmadon. A mother, and a hero. 

“I didn't know her for long, but she was always so kind to me. She treated me like a daughter, and she loved Lloyd. She was everything Lloyd said she was” said Akita as she placed a flower on the grave

“She saved me. The only reason I'm here is because of her. She was always so nice. I'm sorry, I don't know what to say” said Dareth as he placed his flower. 

“Misako was always a voice of reason, one who cared about everyone. Her loss is a great one” said Pixel as she placed her flower.

“She was always there for us. If it wasn't for her, we wouldn't be where we are now. We never would have made it this far” said Zane as he placed his flower.

“This fight is now for Misako. We will defeat the Overlord, no matter what. He won't take anyone else away” said Cole as he placed his flower. Last, was Wu.

“Misako, you and I have been through a lot together. I fought over you, I fought besides you. I never imagined our time together would end like this. But I swear to you, I will look after your son. It's the least I can do” said Wu as he placed his flower. They stood in silence, unsure of what to say.

“Now what?” asked Akita. 

“We keep moving forward, no matter what. We have to stop the Overlord from doing this to anyone else” said Wu.

“I'll return to Ninjago City,” said Dareth.

“You’re not coming with us?” questioned Cole.

“No. I'm going to prepare the city for war” said Dareth, making the others nod.

“Be careful,” said Zane.

“I will,” said the Brown Ninja. 

“Ok, let's go,” said Cole, the leader. 

Lloyd opened his eyes, only to see that he was being dangled down by a vengstone chain. 

“He's awake, good,” said Pythor as he slithered up to him. 

“I'll kill you” said Lloyd, but Pythor just laughed.

“You're too weak” he said before the rest of the Crystal Council walked in. Including the Time Twins. 

“Looks like the mighty Green Ninja has fallen” said Vex as he smirked at Lloyd. 

“We'll have plenty of time to torcher him later. For now, place the weapons around the crystal” said Pythor. The four golden weapons were placed around the crystal, and the reversal blade was placed in front of Aspheera.

“Begin the ritual” said Pythor, to which Aspheera nodded. She started chanting as her staff started to glow. 

“Now, DNA from the one with the blood of the first master” said Pythor as he ripped a hair out of Lloyd's head. The weapons started to glow as Pythor placed the hair on the massive crystal.

“CRYSTAL KING” called out Aspheera as she struck the reversal blade. The light shot out of the crystal, crashing into the Crystal Council. They started to glow and gain purple aura and crystal armor.

“NO” yelled Lloyd, but it was far too late. The Crystal King emerged from the crystal. Lloyd struggled against his chains, but couldn't do anything besides squirm. 

“Hello, Lloyd” said the Overlord as he grabbed Lloyd by the chin. 

“It's over” 

Chapter Text

Chapter 17: The Crystal King 

The Overlord smirked at Lloyd before letting him dangle.

“I have been waiting for this moment for many years” he said as he looked at his Council, who all bowed.

“For your loyalty, you will become the rulers of my new world. We will destroy the light, so that there will be no more conflict, and no more suffering” he said, making the villains smirk.

“You shall have your revenge on the Ninja as Ninjago will fall. Then, we shall conquer the other realms” announced the Overlord as he raised his arms and power erupted off of him. The temple they were in rose into the sky, something that could be seen from all around. 

“But first, I give you the death of the Green Ninja, Lloyd” said Overlord as he made a crystal dagger in his hand and walked up to Lloyd. 

“Wait!” called out Harumi, surprising everyone. 

“Why kill him now, when we can make an example out of him. Kill him in front of Ninjago, so they can watch their hero fall” said Harumi, making Overlord smile.

“Very well. When Ninjago watches its hero fall, it will follow” he said. 

“No. I won't let you win so easily” snapped Lloyd as he struggled against his chains, but this just made the villains laugh. 

“There is nothing you can do against us. Just give up” said Overlord as he grabbed Lloyd by the throat.

“It is over” he said before throwing Lloyd. But the Green Ninja used the momentum to swing over to Vangiles and kick his weapon into the air and into the crystal.

“NO” exclaimed Overlord as the island tipped over. Purple aura exploded off of Lloyd, letting him break free. 

“It's never over” said Lloyd before he dove down the hall.

“AFTER HIM” yelled Overlord as Vangelis got his weapon back and the Crystal Council chased after Lloyd. Vangelis shot multiple blasts at Lloyd, but the Green Ninja was too agile.

“There has to be an exit somewhere” said Lloyd as he lost Vangelis down the many halls. Now, he just had to find a way out. 

Jay hesitated, but let Nya go. 

“Now what?” questioned Skylor as they looked around the deserted island they were on. 

“I have no idea,” said Kai as he took her hand. Jay looked at the destroyed boat and seemed to be thinking.

“Jay, do you have an idea?” asked Nya.

“I might” he said as Kai and Skylor walked up to them.

“Let's hear it,” said Kai. Jay took a deep breath before looking at the others. 

“We can use the remains of the boat as a raft. Nya and Skylor can propel us all the way to Ninjago City” said Jay, making the others smile.

“Jay, that's a great idea” said Nya as she hugged him, making him smile.

“Come on, let's get out of here,” said Kai with a smile. They ran over to the biggest part of the ship and jumped on. Nya and Skylor high fived before they used the water to move them forward. 

“Hang on everyone, we're coming” said Jay as he looked at the horizon.

Wu, Cole, Zane, Pixel and Akita were in their new base, the Samurai X cave. Pixel and Zane were on the computer, looking for any leads on Lloyd. 

“I'm so worried about him,” said Akita as Wu rested a hand on her shoulder. 

“Lloyd is the strongest of us all. There is no one who can bring him down,” he said, making Akita smile slightly.

“I know, but he's not well. He hasn't been, and I can't imagine how bad he's gotten” she said. Wu didn't really know what to say to that. 

“Guys, check this out,” called out Zane. They ran over to the computer and saw an image of the floating temple. 

“The Oni temple” said Wu as he gripped his staff.

“Lloyd must be there. Come on” said Akita as she ran off. 

“Akita wait, we can't just rush in” said Cole as Pixel pushed a button. A platform rose up to them.

“We can with these” 

As Lloyd ran through the halls, he saw a bunch of vengstone statues that looked like warriors. 

“That’s bad” he said before he ran away. The halls were confusing, and unfamiliar. He had no idea where he was. He slowed down to a walk, confident that he lost the villains a long time ago. His mind was still spinning, and not in a good way. 

“This is all my fault. Everything that's happened, it happened because of me” he mumbled to himself. He thought back to how his mistake is what ultimately led to all of his. 

He wondered, how many people were caught in the middle? Harumi, Kuzo and Trustable were all the way they are because of him. It was his fault, everything.

“There you are” came the voice of Harumi. She pointed a sword at him, but it was clear she was afraid. Lloyd took a deep breath and clenched his fist.

“Harumi, stand aside,” he warned her, his voice dangerous. Her arms shook as she slightly backed away.

“I-I can't. I don't want to know what Pythor would do to me” she said in fear as she stood her ground. 

“Don't do this Harumi. You don't have to do what Pythor says” said Lloyd, his voice becoming more gentle. 

“Destroying you is my purpose” she said, but it was clear she didn't really believe this anymore. 

“You are you, an individual with their own free will. You don't have to do what you were programmed to do” said Lloyd. Harumi took a deep breath, but didn't move. 

“I can't let you pass, I'm sorry” she said, making Lloyd sigh. 

“I'm sorry too” he said before he blasted her with purple aura, sending her into a wall before he ran down a hall. 

When Harumi pulled herself up, Pythor, Aspheera, Mr E and Vangelis were there. 

“Where did he go?” asked Pythor. There were two paths. 

“That way” she said as she pointed down the wrong one. The others nodded and ran down the path. Harumi ran down the right path until she found Lloyd at the mouth of the temple. 

“Lloyd, stop. You can't win, just give up” she said to him. He turned around and looked at her.

“You know I can't do that” he said as he took a step back. 

“LLOYD, DON'T. You'll die if you jump” she called out to him. 

“Why do you care?” he asked her. Harumi had to think, not really knowing why.

“Without you, there is nothing for me” she said, but Lloyd wasn't hearing it. 

“Stop lying to yourself. You know you don't want to do this” said Lloyd as Pythor, Aspheera, Mr E and Vangelis arrived. 

“Harumi, stand aside,” demanded Pythor. She hesitated.

“DON'T DISOBEY ME” he yelled, making her flinch and back away. 

“It's over, Lloyd,” said Pythor with a smirk. Lloyd took another step back. 

“If you jump, you die” said Pythor. Lloyd took a deep breath, before stepping off.

“LLOYD” exclaimed Harumi. But what no one was expecting was for Lloyd to fly back up, being carried by a black figure. 

“DAD” exclaimed Lloyd as he saw his father in his Oni form. 

“Hello son,” said Garmadon with a smile.

“GET THEM” yelled Pythor as Vangleis and Mr E flew at them. The two villains shot at the heroes, but Garmadon avoided the blast. 

“How did you find me?” asked Lloyd.

“Not the time! Focus” snapped Garmadon as he blasted Mr E. Lloyd nodded and blasted Vangelis. But Lloyd watched on as the rest of the Crystal Council flew at them on Gargoyles. 

“We can lose them in the jungle,” said Lloyd. Garmadon nodded and they dove down.

“I DON’T CARE WHAT IT TAKES, WE WILL FIND YOU” yelled Pythor as they dove below the trees. 

Chapter Text

Chapter 18: Father and Son

When Lloyd opened his eyes, they were met by the eyes of his father. The older man was in a new form, one that looked more peaceful and had two arms.

“Wake up” snapped Garmadon as he shook Lloyd awake, causing the Green Ninja to jump up.

“What happened?” he asked as he looked around the jungle they were in. 

“You passed out,” said Garmadon as he tossed Lloyd a katana. 

“How did you find me?” asked Lloyd as his father walked past him. 

“Stop asking questions and just follow me if you want to survive” snapped Garmadon as he started walking. Lloyd clenched his fist as he followed.

“NO. You disappeared for over a year and then just showed up. You WILL give me answers” snapped Lloyd as his eyes flashed purple. Garmadon’s face changed to a softer one.

“Ok, I'll tell you everything. But we do have to keep moving” he said, making Lloyd nod. 

“After we defeated the Oni, I didn't know what to do with myself. Part of me wanted to conquer Ninjago again, but another part wanted to understand you weak humans. In the end, I listened to the second part. I'm not sure why, but I did. So I sought out the wisest person I know” said Garmadon as he thought back to that day. 

Vinny was in his apartment when there was a knock on the door. 

“Hello, Vinny from NGTV, are you there?” asked Garmadon. Vinny heard this and started to freak out. Who wouldn't.

“You once told me that there are more important things than survival. I want to learn. And you seem to be the only one who can teach me” said Garmadon. Vinny hesitated, but opened the door. Garmadon gave a creepy smile, making Vinny even more nervous.

“Wait, who's Vinny?” asked Lloyd, earning a glare from his father. 

“The cameraman from NGTV. Do you really not remember him?” questioned Garmadon.

“I have a lot going on, ok. I have to save Ninjago like, once a week” said Lloyd, making Garmadon roll his eyes.

“Anyway, back to my story. Vinny started to teach me the way of the weak” he said as he thought back.

Garmadon looked out the window at all of the people below.

“What are they doing?” he wondered out loud. 

“They're just living their lives” said Vinny as he handed Garmadon a can of soda. 

“But their lives look so unimportant,” said Garmadon. Vinny sat next to him on the couch.

“Not everyone lives a life like you and the Ninja. Most people just live normal lives, day to day. And that's ok” said Vinny. Garmadon took a sip of his soda as he thought.

“So, these are the people that my son is trying to protect,” he said as he watched a father and son walking hand in hand.

“It was at that moment where I realized that ordinary people were more than I expected. I realized that it was important to fight so they can go on living their lives, unaware of everything else” said Garmadon.

“That's not exactly why we fight, but close enough” said Lloyd as he smiled, something that his father returned.

“Unfortunately, to protect them, I had to fight. It took me a while, but I returned not long before you were captured” said Garmadon before Lloyd interrupted him. 

“Wait, where were you?" asked Lloyd, making Garmadon groan in annoyance. 

“I was in another realm, if you must know. The Wildness, I believe. I learned of something that was coming that I was going to talk to my brother about, but then I heard you were captured, so I focused on saving you” said Garmadon as he walked ahead. Lloyd couldn’t hide the smile that crept onto his face.

“I didn’t think you cared about me, being an Oni and all,” he said. Garmadon blushed slightly as he kept his back to his son.

“Vinny has been teaching me how to care. Besides, if we are going to stop the Overlord, you need to be alive” said Garmadon, making Lloyd’s smile fade away. 

“How can I do that? I tried, but he just came back?” asked Lloyd. Garmadon turned around and gave him a serious look.  

“By embracing your Oni side” he said before he continued, leaving Lloyd’s thoughts swirling. 

“B-but there has to be another way” said Lloyd as he caught up to his father. 

“The only way to defeat the Overlord is with the power of the Oni” said Garmadon before he grabbed Lloyd and pulled him down. 

Flying above them on top of their Gargoyles, was the Crystal Council. 

“Keep looking. I don't care how long it takes, we will find them” snapped Pythor. 

“Why does it matter? It's not like the two of them are any threat to us” questioned Nadakahn. 

“You might not remember, but you NEVER underestimate the Ninja” snapped Pythor.

“Yeah, but there's two of them. It took all 6 of them to defeat any one of us” said Vex. 

“ENOUGH. THIS ORDER COMES STRAIGHT FROM THE OVERLORD HIMSELF. SO YOU BETTER OBEY” yelled Pythor. The others flinched and kept going. All but Harumi.

“But, the Overlord never gave that order” she said, but a single glare from Pythor shut her up. 

Lloyd was taking deep and rapid breaths. 

“Lloyd, what's wrong with you?” questioned Garmadon. But Lloyd couldn't respond. His breathing only grew more rapid.

“Lloyd” snapped Garmadon as he shook his son, snapping Lloyd out of his minor panic attack. 

“S-sorry. I just, I just don't know if I can do this. I lost everything, including Akita” said Lloyd as tears welled up in his eyes. 

“What's an Akita?” asked Garmadon. Lloyd’s eyes widened as a purple aura surrounded his fist. 

“WHAT DID YOU SAY?” he snapped. Garmadon face palmed as he saw a Gargoyle fly over.

“I FOUND THEM” yelled out Krux as he and Acronix flew over. Lloyd snapped around and growled.

“GO AWAY” he yelled before he blasted Acronix out of the sky. Krux had to catch his brother, allowing Garmadon to grab Lloyd's arm and run.

“Clearly this Akita is very important to you,” said Garmadon as they ran. Lloyd was able to calm down enough to run himself.

“She's everything to me” said Lloyd as two more Gargoyles flew down at them, Aspheera and Clause. 

“REVENGE” called out Aspheera before the two were blasted out of the way by Lloyd.

“She looked familiar,” said Garmadon before they had to stop. They were at the edge of the jungle, and a massive cliff was in front of them. Garmadon entered his Oni form as Lloyd was almost completely consumed by purple aura. 

“Looks like this will be our final stand” said Garmadon as each member of the Crystal Council landed on their Gargoyle. 

“Lord Garmadon. Looks like I will finally surpass you” said Clause with a smirk. 

“Hello again, Lloyd. Time to get my vengeance on you for taking my empire away” said Vex. But the one with the biggest smile was Pythor.

“It ends here, Green Ninja. You shall fall by my hand” he said. But before he could attack, the ground in front of him was blasted. He looked up, and he couldn't believe his eyes. 

There were two jets. One silver and white, the other pink and purple. 

“NO” he yelled as Lloyd looked up. The purple faded away as he looked in shock. Then, from the casem below, the Bounty rose into the sky. 

Lloyd smiled. He couldn't describe how he was feeling, but his smile kept growing. A massive black and orange mech jumped off the bounty. 

But the person Lloyd was happiest to see was the one on the cannon. 

Akita. 

Chapter Text

Chapter 19: The Beginning of the End 

Akita aimed the cannon at the Gargoyles before pulling the trigger, causing them to fly into the sky. 

“Come on” said Garmadon as he grabbed Lloyd’s arm and jumped, snapping him back to reality. Garmadon dropped Lloyd onto the deck of the bounty before flying into the fight.

“AKITA” yelled Lloyd as they ran at each other and hugged. 

“I thought I lost you” he said while tears were pouring out of his eyes. 

“I'm here Lloyd, I'm here” she said as she hugged him. The two let go of each other and looked at the battle. 

Cole grabbed the Gargoyle Krux was on and threw him into his brother. But then Vangelis’ Gargoyle slammed into Cole, sending him off the cliff. However, Cole shot into the sky and grabbed the Gargoyle.

“Miss me” he mocked Vangelis, who growled in response. Cole threw the Gargoyle into the wall of the cliff before flying away. 

“KILL THEM. KILL THEM ALL” yelled Pythor before he had to fly away from Zane. Nadakahn disappeared from his Gargoyle that got shot by Pixel before reappearing by Lloyd and Akita. 

“Ninja. It's time for you to pay for what you did to my home” he said as he spawned three swords.

“Sorry, I don't remember ever fighting you” said Lloyd as he threw multiple blasts at Nadakahn who poofed away. 

“Of course not. The only reason you won was because you were cowards and reset time” snapped Nadakahn before he poofed away from Akita. 

“You can't fight what you can't catch,” he said as he poofed away again. But this time, he was hit in the back by Wu.

“Study his movements” he called out, making Lloyd and Akita nod. Nadakahn grunted and poofed over to Akita, who blocked the attack. 

“Who even are you?” he asked before he poofed away. Lloyd dove out of the way of his attack before turning around. 

“You can't beat us,” said Lloyd before he grabbed Akita’s hands. The two nodded and did spinjitzu together. This made a bigger and faster tornado that slammed into Nadakahn, knocking him down. 

“WU” yelled Aspheera as she jumped off her Gargoyle. Once she landed, she shot multiple blasts at Wu who cut through each of them. The two then did spinjitzu against each other, canceling each other out. Aspheera swung at Wu, but he jumped away and kicked her in the face. 

“Revenge will be MINE” she called out before she got blasted by Lloyd. 

Garmadon shot a blast at Mechanic before he was hit by Mr E’s laser gun. 

“I thought I ripped you apart” he said as he faced down the Nindroid. Mr E didn't hesitate and flew at Garmadon who punched him in the head before having to duck away from Pythor. 

“It looks like you're losing” mocked Garmadon as he dove away and up to Pythor. 

“NO. I've had years to plan this. You WILL fall” he yelled out as he knocked Garmadon away. 

Vex and Clause landed on the Bounty with their Gargoyles. 

“You can't win” called out Vex.

“You've thought that before” said Akita as she jumped away from the Gargoyle. 

“This time, it shall be different,” said Vex. But Akita didn't hear him. Instead, she saw her. The one who has hurt Lloyd the most. 

“HARUMI” she yelled as she turned into a wolf and jumped off the Bounty, tackling Harumi off her Gargoyle. 

“AKITA” yelled Lloyd, but he had to focus on not dying. Harumi pushed Akita off, who turned back into a human.

“You, YOU WERE THE ONE WHO RIPPED HIS HEART OUT” she yelled before she charged. Harumi tried to dodge, but Akita’s knife sliced her forehead.

“No, I'm not the original. She's dead” she said. Akita’s grip loosened slightly, but she still dove forward and grabbed Harumi by the collar. Harumi’s eyes were filled with fear. Akita's eyes widened, and she dropped her and backed away.

“Why did I do that?” she asked herself as her hands trembled. Harumi's Gargoyle tried to blast Akita, but she was able to avoid the attack and turn back into a wolf. She ran towards the Bounty and jumped up. Lloyd grabbed her leg and threw her at Vex. 

The Overlord walked into the hall that was filled with Vengstone Warriors. 

“Once I crush the light, there will be peace in the dark” he said before he awakened his army. 

“We shall bring about the end of light” he called out.

Countless Gargoyles flew out of the flying island, looking like a swarm of insects. The Ninja looked on in horror.

“YES. YOU SHALL ALL FALL TO THE CRYSTAL KING” yelled Pythor as he laughed. Wu was the first one to snap out of his shock.

“NINJA, we need to retreat” he called out as he jumped to the wheel. The sudden jerk of the Bounty threw the villains off. 

“AFTER THEM” called out Aspheera.

“No” rang the voice of the Overlord in the heads of the villains, making them all stop.

“Let them think they won today. It will only make their defeat all the more satisfying” he said as the Ninja flew away. Although many didn't agree, they knew better than to question the Overlord.

Once the Ninja got far enough away, Cole landed on the Bounty and jumped out of his meck. 

“COLE” exclaimed Lloyd as he hugged his earth brother. 

“Good to see you, little buddy,” said Cole before the two pulled away. 

“I saw the Monastery get blown up. Is everyone else ok?” asked Lloyd. Everyone hesitated, but Wu came forward.

“Lloyd, I'm sorry. But Misako, she didn't make it” said Wu as he rested a hand on Lloyd's shoulder. Tears welled up in Lloyd's eyes as he shook.

“No,” he said. Akita held him as he cried over his mother.

“I swear, I'll make him pay,” said Lloyd before his father landed on the Bounty and turned back to normal. Rage filled Akita, but she pushed it aside in order to comfort Lloyd.

“Brother, what are you doing here?” asked Wu as he walked up to Garmadon. There was a thick tension in the air.

“I came here to save my son. But I also have a warning for you, brother” said Garmadon as he crossed his arms.

“A warning. About what?” asked Wu. 

“Now is not the time. Right now, we must stop the Overlord from plunging all of Creation into endless darkness” said Garmadon.

“Yeah, no pressure,” said Cole. Lloyd stood up, the tears still clear on his face.

“We can't give up, no matter what. We have to keep fighting,” he said, giving everyone the encouragement they needed.

Nya and Skylor were pushing them forward as Jay and Kai sat next to them.

“I'm so happy you're back” Jay said to Nya, making her chuckle.

“I know. You keep saying it” she said, making him blush.

“Sorry. I was just so lost without you” he said. 

“Don't worry. We'll never be separated again” she said as he rested his head against her leg, making her smile. 

Kai and Skylor were having a more serious conversation.

“Do you think everyone else is ok?” he asked her, making her sigh.

“I'd be lying if I said yes. But I'm sure they're alive” she said confidently. 

“The Time Twins can't be the only villains that are back. Aspheera and Vangelis probably were sprung from prison. Pythor and the Mechanic are likely involved too” said Kai as he clenched his fist.

“The one I'm afraid of is the Overlord. I hope he's not involved, but who else could be behind all this” said Skylor. 

But before Kai could respond, the water began to shake.

“Great, this can't be good,” said Kai as he and Jay stood up. From the depths below, multiple tentacles bursted up, surrounding them. 

“OH SHI-” yelled Jay but was drowned out by a mighty cry from the beast. One of the tentacles had multiple eyes that looked down at them. The Ninja each got ready to fight, but the creature didn't attack.

“Wait a minute. Isn't that the monster that was keeping Zane’s father captive?” questioned Nya as she dropped her stance. The creature brought its eyes down, allowing Nya to touch it. 

“Does it want to help us?” asked Jay. Nya closed her eyes and brought it closer. After a second, it grabbed their boat and started swimming.

“I guess it does,” said Skylor, making everyone smile. 

“We need to reach the others as fast as possible. Who knows what's happening” said Kai.

In the quiet rice fields outside of Ninjago City, the people were simply going about their normal lives. That was until the shadow of the Oni Temple crept over their land. When they looked up, they gasped in horror. 

There was a swarm of Gargoyle flying above the temple as the Vengstone Warriors rained down from above. 

Ninjago was at war.

Chapter Text

Chapter 20: The Crystal Invasion 

As Lloyd and the others flew on the Bounty, they watched in horror at what was coming. 

“There's so many people down there. They don't stand a chance” said Lloyd. 

“We have to help them,” said Cole as he jumped back into his mech.

“Cole’s right. But focus on saving the people, not fighting the Overlord’s forces” said Wu, making the Ninja nod. 

“Master Wu, what about you?” asked Akita. In response, Wu hit his staff against a button on the deck. A flying lifeboat detached from the Bounty, letting Wu jump on.

“I'll go to the Samurai X Cave to set up a base. I'll try my best to contact our allies” said Wu before flying off. 

“Ok then. Zane, Pixel, let's go” said Cole as he took off into the sky. 

“I think you're foolish, trying to save them” said Garmadon as he crossed his arms. 

“Saving people is always worth it” said Lloyd as he glared at his father. 

“Very well” is all Garmadon said before changing into Oni form and flying off. Lloyd jumped up to the wheel as Akita joined him.

“Together, we can do this,” she said, making him smile. 

Zane and Pixel flew at the temple and shot at everything that moved. But when they got close, their engines cut out. 

“CODE RED CODE RED” yelled Pixel as they tried to reset the engines. They were barely able to before they crashed.

“Bad news everyone. We can't get close to the temple” said Zane over the coms. Cole dove down and grabbed a family of 4 who were running in fear. He flew up to the Bounty and put them on the deck. 

“Ninja, what's happening?” asked the dad. But before Lloyd could answer, a Gargoyle blasted the dad. 

“DADDY” yelled the teenage girl in fright. Crystals grew all over his body and his eyes turned red. The mother slowly walked up to him.

“NO, DON'T TOUCH HIM” yelled Lloyd, but it was too late. As soon as she touched him, she was infected too. The girl and her younger brother backed away in fear.

“LOOK OUT” yelled Akita as she tried to get to them, but they were also blasted. Akita backed away in fear as the family slowly crept towards her. 

“Don't you see Ninja? It is over” the voice of the Overlord echoed from each Gargoyle and Vengstone Warrior. 

An army of 20 Vengstone Warriors landed and began to fire at the people. When they were hit, the people were Crystalized.

“NO” yelled Cole as he dove down, but he was rammed by multiple Gargoyles. When he hit the ground, they were about to shoot.

“Eject eject” he begged as he rapidly pressed the button. He escaped right as the Gargoyles blasted his meck. When he looked up, he saw crystals grow out of the machine as it stood up.

“That's not good,” said Cole as he dove away from the fist. Garmadon grabbed him and flew into the sky.

“I was afraid of this. The Overlord is much too powerful” said Garmadon as Zane and Pixel flew by, being chased by multiple Gargoyles. 

Lloyd was forced to blast the family off the Bounty, but was able to bring them closer to the ground. Him and Akita looked out at the rice fields, and were horrified by what they saw. 

The people they came here to save, men, women and children alike, were all crystalized. 

“This is horrible,” said Akita.

“We couldn't save them,” said Lloyd. Garmadon dropped Cole onto the Bounty before landing.

“We have to retreat. As you are now, you don't stand a chance against the Overlord” he said, but Lloyd didn't want to.

“Bu-” he started, but Cole cut him off.

“Lloyd, there's no shame in knowing when to retreat,” he said. A tear fell from Lloyd's eye before he nodded.

“Alright, fall back. We failed today, but we will be back for these people” said Lloyd before he pulled away. Zane and Pixel flew ahead of them.

“You can run Ninja, but you fail. There will be peace in the dark” the Overlord called out through his army. 

When the Ninja arrived in the Samurai X Cave, they walked in defeated. 

“We failed. We couldn't save any of them” said Lloyd. Akita took his hand, but it didn't help.

“Just like I couldn't save my mother,” he said.

“Brother, I trust you have been useful” said Garmadon, now back in his human form.

“I was able to contact Kai. They saved Nya and are on their way back” said Wu, making everyone perk up.

“Nya’s back. Th-that's great!” exclaimed Cole.

“Yes, it is. With all of us together, we can defeat the Overlord. I know it” said Wu, but this made Garmadon scoff.

“You can't. And even if you do, the Overlord will just come back. Unless” said Garmadon as he walked over to his son.

“Unless what?” asked Lloyd.

“Unless you embrace your Oni side,” said Garmadon. But this didn't sit well with Akita.

“NO. NO WAY” she snapped as she pushed Garmadon away.

“Only the power of the Oni can destroy the Overlord. My power alone isn't enough, we need Lloyd” said Garmadon. 

“I've seen what his Oni power does to Lloyd. I'm not going to let him go through that” snapped Akita, but stopped when Lloyd rested a hand on her shoulder.

“Akita, stopping the Overlord is more important than myself. I'd be willing to make that sacrifice” he said. Akita cupped his cheek and looked into his eyes.

“Lloyd, please don't say that,” she said.

“He’s only struggling with his power because he's fighting against it. If he embraced it, there wouldn't be a problem” said Garmadon in a surprisingly kind voice. 

“I'll try” said Lloyd before the screen flicked on.

“Ninjago, my name is Dareth. I am the Brown Ninja, and the Ninja’s best friend. I have an urgent message for you” 

Chapter Text

Chapter 21: Dareth’s Journey 

“I'll return to Ninjago City,” said Dareth.

“You’re not coming with us?” questioned Cole.

“No. I'm going to prepare the city for war” said Dareth, making the others nod.

“Be careful,” said Zane.

“I will,” said the Brown Ninja. 

“Ok, let's go,” said Cole, the leader. 

When Dareth returned to Ninjago City, his first destination was the Police Station. When he walked in, he went straight to the Commissioner.

“Commissioner, can we talk?” he asked. The Commissioner just looked at him in confusion.

“Who are you?” he asked, making Dareth sigh.

“The Brown Ninja. The Ninja's best friend” exclaimed Dareth as he flexed. But the Commissioner was still confused, making Dareth sigh again.

“The Ninja’s lawyer” he said.

“Ohhh, right. Yeah, I remember you” said the Commissioner before he led Dareth into a separate room. 

“If you're hoping that I have some leads on Lloyd, I'm sorry to disappoint you” said the Commissioner.

“Actually, I'm not here about Lloyd. I'm here with a warning” said Dareth, catching the Commissioner off guard. 

“A warning, for what?” he asked. 

“The Overlord has returned” said Dareth, making the Commissioner choke on his own spit. 

“THE OVERLORD!” exclaimed the Commissioner. 

“Yes. And he's recruited many of Ninjago's worst enemies. Pythor, Aspheera, Mr E-” said Dareth before getting cut off.

“This is terrible. Can the Ninja even win this?” questioned the Commissioner.

“Not alone. They need our help. I came here so you can be ready” said Dareth. The Commissioner nodded and went to his radio.

“I need all units to prepare for war. Get Ninjago City ready for invasion” he said into the radio.

“Also, I need access to Kryptarium Prison” said Dareth, catching the Commissioner even more off guard. 

Ronin was sitting in his cell, looking at a picture. It wasn't a picture of the Ninja this time, but of him and Dareth. But he was snapped out of his thoughts by a knock on his cell.

“Ronin, you have a visitor,” said one of the guards. This surprised him to no end.

“Who?” he asked. 

“I was told not to tell,” said the guard as he opened the cell. 

When Ronin was led into the cafeteria instead of the visitor room, he was confused.

“Why here?” he asked.

“I just work here buddy” said the guard as he pointed to the table. Sitting at it was Dareth. Ronin couldn't help but smile.

“Dareth, it's good to see you,” said Ronin as he sat down.

“Good to see you too. Even though I warned you against that job at the Island” said Dareth with a pointed glare.

“How was I supposed to know the Ninja would be there?” he questioned. 

“Anyway, that's not why I'm here. I've heard that you have a lot of sway with the prisoners here. I need your help” said Dareth, making Ronin raise an eyebrow.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“The Overlord has returned, and has an army of some of the worst villains in Ninjago history” said Dareth, making Ronin's eyes widen.

“That's terrible” he said before thinking.

“But what do you want me to do?” he asked.

“I want you to convince the prisoners to fight with the Ninja against the Overlord,” said Dareth, making Ronin laugh.

“Do I need to remind you that the Ninja put almost all these guys here. There's no way any of them would lift a finger to help the Ninja” said Ronin. 

“Then don't try to convince them to help the Ninja. Last I checked, none of the people here want the world to be destroyed” said Dareth. This seemed to get Ronin thinking.

“I'll try, but I can't guarantee anything,” said Ronin, making Dareth smile.

“That's all I ask,” said Dareth. But Ronin’s face turned into one of concern. 

“You're not putting yourself in danger by doing this, are you? Word has gotten around that Trustable is involved in some bad business” asked Ronin as he put a hand over Dareth's.

“I'm fine. The Brown Ninja can take care of himself” said Dareth with a smile, making Ronin smile. 

When Dareth got into his apartment, he collapsed on the couch.

“Who would have thought that being a hero would be so exhausting?” he said.

“Who indeed?” said another voice, making Dareth shoot up. He snapped around, shocked at who he saw. Sitting on one of his chairs was Trustable. Dareth got into a fighting pose, ready to go.

“Where's Lloyd?” he demanded, but this just made Trustable laugh.

“Even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you” said Trustable as he stood up. 

“What do you want?” asked Dareth, although he already knew. 

“I want you to stop. Ninjago is finally going to know peace, and I won't let you prevent that” said Trustable as he pointed at Dareth.

“The Overlord doesn't care about peace, just destruction” snapped Dareth, but this just made Trustable laugh again.

“I shouldn't be surprised that you can't understand. The reason for all the suffering that Ninjago has gone through is the balance. Once one side overcomes the other, there will finally be peace” said Trustable, but Dareth didn't flinch.

“That's what the Ninja want, for light to outshine the dark” said Dareth. Trustable grabbed a glass and threw it at Dareth. It shattered just above his head.

“THE NINJA ARE TOO WEAK! IF THEY WEREN'T, MY FAMILY WOULD STILL BE HERE” he snapped. Dareth dropped his stance.

“It's because of the Ninja that so many families are,” he said in a compassionate voice, but this just made Trustable even more angry.

“ENOUGH! If you don't stop, my agents will end your pathetic life. This is your ONLY warning” he snapped before walking out, leaving Dareth very much alone. 

The next day, Dareth didn't stop. He told the Commissioner everything, as well as his plan. His plan to send a mass broadcast to all of Ninjago. 

So the two were standing there with Vinny and Gale. 

“Are you sure about this? Trustable will send people after us” said Dareth to Vinny and Gale. 

“We know. But this is the right thing to do” said Vinny with a smile. 

“And I'm not leaving Vinny. I know I don't act like it, but I really do appreciate you” said Gale as she leaned on her cameraman. 

“I have multiple officers guarding the entrance. We should be safe” said the Commissioner.

“Not from the New Ninja. They will come. This might be the last thing we do” said Dareth, but the others didn't care. With one last deep breath, Dareth nodded to Vinny. 

All across Ninjago, Dareth appeared on the screen. His message reached everyone he possibly could.

“Ninjago, my name is Dareth. I am the Brown Ninja, and the Ninja’s best friend. I have an urgent message for you” he started. He now held everyone's attention.

“The Overlord has returned, and has gathered some of the worst criminals in the history of Ninjago, and plans to throw the world into darkness” said Dareth. 

The New Ninja charged at the News Station, attacking the officers who were guarding. Trustable walked behind them, a look of rage across his face.

“But the Ninja haven't given up, and neither can we. If we stand together, not even the Overlord can bring us down. Each and every one of us has something we can bring, something we can do. I know you're all scared, but this isn't over” said Dareth, making the others in the room smile. 

Vania grabbed some wings and her spear. Dareth's message was playing in the background. 

“Hailmar, summon the Upply and get the army ready. We're going to Ninjago City” she said. 

“We can't let fear control us. We can't let the Overlord win. Today, we are all Ninja” said Dareth as banging could be heard on the door.

Borg wheeled over to his computer.

“I won't let the Overlord take the city a second time” he said as he started typing. Behind him, were multiple powerful looking mecks and weapons. 

“Milton, it's time,” he said.

“We are all Ninjas, and NINJAS NEVER QUIT!” called out Dareth before the door burst open and the New Ninja quickly grabbed everyone. The camera fell, and the message ended. 

“NO” called out the Ninja.

Trustable walked up to Dareth, a calm anger on his face.

“I warned you, and yet you didn't listen” he said before punching Dareth as Pink held him in place. 

“I won't let the Overlord win” said Dearth before getting punched again. Teal, the only New Ninja not holding someone, spoke up.

“Boss, this is too much. He's not even a Ninja” he said. 

“DON'T QUESTION ME. I'M THE ONLY REASON YOU’RE A NINJA TO BEGIN WITH” Trustable snapped.

“Right, yes sir” said Teal with a bow of obedience. 

“The Overlord will come, and Ninjago City will finally know peace. Peace in the dark” said Trustable as he looked around the room.

“You're a monster” said Vinny, making Trustable laugh.

“I'm doing what's right for Ninjago City. And you four will be the first to find out” said Trustable as he started to walk out of the room, the New Ninja carrying the others out. He smiled, a mad and evil smile. 

Chapter Text

Chapter 22: Ready for War

There was nothing but silence within the Samurai X Cave as they looked at the screen. Even Garmadon was silent. 

“No, this can’t be happening. First Misako, now Dareth,” said Cole in a heartbroken voice. 

“We can only hope that the Overlord will crystalize him, not kill him,” said Lloyd. This gave everyone a faint hope, but that’s all it was, faint. 

“If you want to stop the Overlord, then you must learn to embrace your Oni side,” said Garmadon as he walked up to his son, who was clearly still hesitant.

“I promise that I will do what I can to be a kind and understanding teacher to you,” said Garmadon, but this made Akita scoff.

“Yeah, I doubt that. I’ve heard about the things you’ve done to Lloyd and Ninjago as a whole,” she snapped. Garmadon crossed his arms and glared at her.

“You may have heard about me, but you haven't actually met me,” said Garmadon.

“I need time to work out a counter to how the temple shut down our engines,” said Pixel, making Lloyd sigh.

“Fine. I'll train,” said Lloyd. 

“Lloyd, are you sure about this?” asked Akita as she took his hands.

“I'll be fine. I have to do this,” said Lloyd before he let go of her hands and walked over to his father.

“Let's start.” 

Kai, Jay, Nya and Skylor were sitting on what remained of their boat while their monster friend pulled them along. 

“I feel like I missed so much. Is everything that Wu said really true?” questioned Nya.

“We have no reason to believe otherwise. Sounds like we missed a lot,” said Kai with a sigh.

“And Misako, she's gone,” said Jay. Everyone bowed their heads in respect for the women who gave her life for this cause. 

“We're going to need all the help we can get against the Overlord and his forces,” said Skylor. This made Jay's head perk up.

“You're right. Nya, do you think you can contact Bentho?” asked Jay.

“I think so. There's only one way to find out,” she said as she went over to the water and used her powers. She stayed there for a moment before turning back to Jay.

“I tried. I don't know if it worked, but I tried,” she said before getting hugged by Jay.

“That's all any of us can do right now, try,” he said as they looked at the horizon. 

Ronin was in an office room, back in his original clothes. Warden Noble walked into the room with clear unease.

“Ok Ronin, all the inmates are gathered in the dining hall,” he said. Ronin stood up and smiled at the Warden.

“Thank you. Let's hope this works,” said Ronin before he walked out of the room and into the dining hall. He stood on top of a table to get everyone's attention.

“I'm sure you're all wondering why you've been gathered here,” he called out before getting interrupted.

“What is this about? You better not be wasting our time,” snapped Ultra Violet.

“It's simple. I'm here to convince you to join the Ninja in the fight against the Overlord,” said Ronin. This caused an uproar.

“Why would we ever fight with them?” questioned Killow.

“Because if you don't, we're all dead. It's a simple situation really. If we help the Ninja, then Ninjago has a chance at surviving. If we don't, then we might as well give up,” said Ronin. He let this sink in for a moment before he spoke again.

“I know you all saw the broadcast. Ninjago is at war. Today is the day that we chose what side we're on. Are we going to help the Overlord destroy Ninjago, or help the Ninja save Ninjago,” he called out. To everyone's surprise, Kozu was the first one to speak up.

“I say we help the Ninja save Ninjago. Maybe if we do this together, they can actually do it right this time,” he said. This opened the floodgates of responses. 

“We can show the Ninja just how strong we are,” called out Soto.

“My cry will fill the night,” called out Fugi-Dove. Eventually, only Ultra Violet and Killow were left. 

“What do the two of you say?” asked Ronin. The two looked at each other before they sighed.

“Ok, we're in,” said Killow.

“But only because we don't want to see the world destroyed,” said Ultra Violet. 

Lloyd jumped over a blast of power from Garmadon before sliding under a punch from his father in his Oni form.

“In order to embrace your Oni form, you must embrace your negative emotions,” said Garmadon as Lloyd snapped up and tried to kick Garmadon, but the Oni simply caught his foot.

“You must look deep within. Deep within your worst pain and embrace it” said Garmadon as he tossed Lloyd aside. Purple aura was beginning to surround Lloyd, but he was trembling. 

“STOP!” yelled Akita as she pushed past Garmadon and ran to her mate. 

“This is all my fault” mumbled Lloyd as Akita picked him up.

“No, this isn't your fault” she begged him to believe her.

“But it is! So much of what happened to Ninjago can be traced back to me unleashing the Serpentine onto Ninjago,” said Lloyd as he pulled away from Akita, the purple aura flashing around him. To everyone's surprise, it was Garmadon who spoke up.

“If you want someone to blame, blame me. If I didn't let myself get consumed by the darkness, or if I was a better father, you never would have gone down that path,” he said.

“No brother. If I didn't lose my sword over the wall, you never would have been bitten,” said Wu. 

“It doesn't matter who's fault it is!” snapped Cole, making everyone turn to him.

“What matters is that you're all here, fighting against the Overlord to save Ninjago. And if we're going to win, we need all three of you,” he said. Lloyd took a deep breath and the purple faded.

“You're right Cole, sorry about that,” said Lloyd as he took Akita’s hand, making her smile.

“You don't have to apologize,” she said before the screen flipped on and Trustable appeared. 

“Hello Ninjago City, this is your mayor speaking. And I have a big announcement,” he said as he held the camera up to his face. When he pulled it away, it showed that he was standing on top of one of the many buildings in Ninjago City. Above him was the flying Oni Temple. But he wasn't alone. He pointed the camera at Dareth, Vinny, Gale and the Commissioner, who were tied up.

“NO!” exclaimed Garmadon as he saw his roommate. 

“Dareth,” said Lloyd before Trustable started talking again.

“I'm sure you're all wondering what I'm doing here. Well, I'm about to give you all some good news! Ninjago City will finally know peace. Without conflict, there finally will be peace in the dark,” said Trustable as he picked up a crystal spear.

“NO, HE BETTER NOT!” yelled Cole, but there was nothing they could do.

“Let me show you what this peace will look like,” said Trustable before he shot the four people in front of him. 

“NO!” yelled everyone in the Samurai X Cave. Slowly, the four victims grew crystals all over their body as Trustable laughed.

“ALL HAIL THE OVERLORD!” 

Chapter Text

Chapter 23: Brave But Foolish 

The Ninja all stood in silence within the Samurai X Cave at what they just saw. 

“ARRRRRRRR!” cried out Garmadon in a violent rage. Ok, maybe not complete silence. 

“Trustable will pay for this,” said Cole as he clenched his fist in anger. 

“Zane, Pixel, do we have a counter to the Temple’s power?” asked Lloyd.

“Yes, we do. I was able to take the readings and turn them in our favor. Instead of shutting down our engines, they will give us a power boost,” said Pixel.

“That's great, but we only have three vehicles, counting the Bounty,” said Garmadon. 

“It doesn't matter. We have to fight,” said Lloyd.

“Why? You know you can't beat the Overlord,” snapped Garmadon.

“The Overlord is attacking Ninjago City. There are thousands of people in the City who need our help,” said Lloyd, making Garmadon sigh.

“You are brave. Brave, but foolish,” said Garmadon before he turned to his brother.

“Wu, there is something I must speak with you about. Then, we shall charge off into battle,” said Garmadon before walking away. Wu chased after him until they were away from the others.

“Brother, what is it?” asked Wu.

“When I was in the Wildness, I met a being whose power was so great, and so terrifying that it shook me to the bones,” said Garmadon, making Wu’s eyes widened.

“Are you saying there is someone out there who is more powerful than the Overlord?” questioned Wu.

“Yes, there is. If anyone is going to survive his power, we need unity,” said Garmadon.

“Do you mean unity of the Ninja?” asked Wu, but this made Garmadon scoff.

“No, not the Ninja. Unity of the Realms. We need Coalescence,” said Garmadon, making Wu gasp.

“Brother, you can't be serious,” said Wu.

“I am always serious. But first, we need to stop the Overlord.” 

The Crystal Counsel bowed before the Overlord. Even Trustable was there.

“We are so close. Once Ninjago falls, the other realms will fall,” said the Overlord, making his counsel smile. Everyone but Harumi, who just looked scared. 

“But our first order of business is to destroy the Ninja. Speaking of, here they come,” said the Overlord. The Crystal Counsel snapped up and looked behind them and saw the Bounty and two jets flying at them.

“My lord, do you want them alive, or dead?” asked Pythor, making the Overlord laugh.

“I want them crystalized,” said the Overlord. 

“You heard him, let's move!” snapped Pythor. The Crystal Counsel each jumped on a Gargoyle, all but the Time Twins.

“What do you say brother?” asked Acronix with a smirk.

“Yes, we shall,” said Krux as he raised his hand. When he did so, the Iron Doom rose into the sky. The two jumped onto the shoulders of the giant mech. The two sides charged at each other in the sky. 

“FIRE!” yelled Lloyd from the Bounty. The cannons of the Bounty erupted and a massive barrage of cannon balls filled the sky. 

“LOOK OUT!” yelled Harumi in fright. But the Iron Doom flew in front of the cannon balls and blocked the attacks. 

“HAHAHAHAHA! YOU DON'T STAND A CHANCE!” yelled the Time Twins. 

“Since when have the Time Twins been here?” questioned Garmadon.

“You've missed a lot brother,” said Wu. Without another word, Garmadon took off into the sky. This left Lloyd and Wu on the Bounty. 

“Lloyd, are you sure about this?” asked Wu as the Gargoyles began to scatter before they fired off attacks. The Iron Doom was the biggest threat. 

“We just have to hold them off until Akita and Cole can evacuate the city,” said Lloyd before he jumped up and punched Vangelis off his Gargoyle. Pythor and Aspheera jumped off their Gargoyles and landed on the Bounty. 

“Lloyd, how about we finish this,” said Pythor as he pointed his weapon at Lloyd. 

“I agree. We can have our final battle, Wu,” said Aspheera. The uncle and nephew duo looked at each other before shaking their heads. 

“Nah,” said Lloyd before stomping on the ground, making a spring launch the two snakes into the sky.

The harbor, just like the rest of the city, was swarming with Vengstone Warriors. People were running in fright, but they couldn't get away. A tentacle shot out of the water and grabbed the Vengstone Warriors and threw them far into the ocean. Then, another tentacle threw Jay, Kai, Nya and Skylor onto the streets. They turned to a group of civilians who were huddled nearby.

“Get to the boats, our friend will help you to safety,” said Jay. The civilians hesitated as they looked at the giant monster before Nya spoke up.

“Now's your chance, GO!” she exclaimed. The civilians nodded and ran over to the boats. The monster grabbed the boats with its tentacles before swimming off. There was a loud explosion, making them look up. The Bounty and the Iron Doom were fighting in the sky while Vengstone Warriors fell from above.

“This is a nightmare,” said Skylor before Nadakhan appeared before them.

“No,” said Jay as he took a step back out of fright.

“Hello, Jay. I bet you never thought you'd see me again,” said the djinn as he pulled out three swords. 

“I was hoping I'd never see your ugly face again,” said Nya before she tried to blast Nadakhan, but he disappeared. When he reappeared, Kai kicked him in the back.

“Sorry, but that trick won't work on us,” said Kai before Nadakhan disappeared and reappeared above them.

“I underestimated one of your weaker friends earlier, I won't underestimate you. That's why I didn't come alone,” he said before his Gargoyle flew down and shot at the four Ninja. They dove out of the way before Jay and Kai blasted the creature. It was enough power to destroy just about anything, but it didn't.

“No way. How is that thing still in one piece?” questioned Kai as Nadakhan laughed.

“Don't you understand? The Overlord is far more powerful than you. Not only that, but he's winning,” he said as five more Gargoyles flew at them. The four Ninja had to dive out of the way again and take cover.

“You can't hide forever, Ninja,” taunted Nadakhan as another explosion rang out across the City.

Cole and Akita led a large group of civilians towards the exit of the city. 

“The Overlord’s attack will continue throughout the city. But if we can get you out before then, you should be safe from the upcoming fight,” said Cole as they ran through the streets. 

“Ninja, do you think you can beat him?” asked one of the civilians.

“I can't guarantee anything, but we'll try,” said Cole.

“Don't be so pessimistic, Cole. We can do this,” said Akita as she gave him a toothy smile.

“How are you so hopeful?” asked Cole. A shadow crossed Akita’s face for a moment.

“Because Lloyd isn't. He's been struggling recently, so I had to give him the hope that he's lost,” she said as she looked down. 

“Akita, you're not just Lloyd's hope, but all of ours,” said Cole, making Akita laugh.

“I wish, but I'm just another person in this fight,” she said before she skidded to a stop. 

“Akita?” questioned Cole as everyone else stopped. When he looked at her, he saw that she looked terrified.

“They found us,” she said. Sure enough, a large group of Vengstone Warriors rounded the corner. 

“EVERYONE RUN!” yelled Cole as he tried to activate his powers, but couldn't. The civilians ran away as Cole and Akita dove behind a car to take cover from the blasts. 

“I really hate vengstone,” said Akita.

“Tell me about it,” said Cole before they heard a loud horn. They looked around in confusion before they saw a bus drift around a corner and knock away the Vengstone Warriors.

“What?” questioned Cole before the door of the bus opened and someone jumped out.

“Who's that?” questioned Akita as a man with a black ponytail drew a sword and stood before the downed Vengstone Warriors.

“I am Okino,” said Okino, making Cole's eyes widened.

“OKINO!” he exclaimed as he and Akita ran over.

“He's not alone,” came a voice from the bus. Cole looked over and saw a woman with short reddish hair. 

“Racer 7?” he said in surprise.

“It's Lucy now,” she said as the Vengstone Warriors stood up. Cole and Akita did Spinjitzu to knock them away as Okino used his sword.

“Everyone, get in,” Lucy called out to the civilians. Without hesitation, they ran for the bus. 

“Ninja, the girl and I have been evacuating the city ever since we saw the brown one's message,” said Okino as he blocked multiple blasts. 

“Thanks Okino, that means a lot to us,” said Cole as he crushed a couple Vengstone Warriors.

“Of course, it is what heroes do,” said Okino before Akita jumped over to them once they downed their enemies again.

“Now's our chance,” she said before an explosion rang across the city. 

The battle in the sky wasn't going very well for the Ninja. They were outnumbered, and the Iron Doom was very powerful.

“YOU CAN'T BEAT US, NINJA!” yelled the Time Twins. 

“Lloyd, we have to take out the Iron Doom,” said Wu as he flipped over a blast from a Gargoyle. Garmadon flew at the Iron Doom, trying to shoot it down.

“Pathetic,” said Krux before the mech swatted Garmadon away. 

“DAD!” yelled Lloyd as his dad slammed into a building. Purple aura surrounded Lloyd's body as he started to run towards the Iron Doom.

“ARRRRRRR!” he yelled while jumping up and sending a blast into the cockpit before landing inside. 

“Brother, let us take down the Green Ninja,” said Acronix as they both drew their swords and charged. Lloyd blasted Krux before jumping away from Acronix and kicking him in the back. Lloyd then began to blast everything in sight.

“NO!” yelled Krux as he tackled Lloyd, only to be thrown outside.

“BROTHER!” yelled Acronix as he grabbed his brother's hand as the Iron Doom began to fall from the sky. Lloyd stood over the twins with a glare in his eyes.

“Fall,” he said before he kicked them. They didn't fall for long, as Gargoyles caught them. Lloyd jumped out of the falling mech, landing on Zane's jet.

“That's the biggest threat gone. Pixel, time to activate the power up,” said Zane as Lloyd jumped back onto the ship. The two jets zipped around and unleashed an incredibly powerful barrage of blast that shot down multiple Gargoyles. 

Unfortunately, they were fighting an entire swarm. Harumi’s Gargoyle kamikazed into Pixel’s jet right before both women ejected. The Mechanic used his extended arm to grab Harumi as Cole's crystalized mech grabbed Pixel. 

“Let her go,” said Zane as he shot down the mech and caught Pixel on his wing. 

“Pathetic Ninja. You never even stood a chance. There will be peace in the dark,” said the Overlord as his voice rang in everyone's head. The massive crystal in the middle of the Oni Temple began to glow, and a massive bolt of purple lightning shot out and hit Zane's jet. 

“ZANE, PIXEL!” Lloyd cried out as the jet exploded. The two Nindroids then started to fall towards the ground.

“FALL!” yelled the Overlord an even bigger bolt of purple lightning crashed into the Bounty, splitting it in half and making it fall.

“NOOOOOOOOOO!” yelled the Ninja on the ground. 

Chapter Text

Chapter 24: Thus They Fall 

“NOOOOOOOOO!” yelled Kai, Jay, Nya and Skylor as they watched the Bounty fall.

“Don't you see, you lost,” mocked Nadakhan as he laughed. 

“SHUT UP!” yelled Kai as he threw a blast of fire at Nadakhan, but the djinn poofed away. When he reappeared, he grabbed Jay and poofed again.

“JAY!” yelled Nya, before getting tackled away from a blast by Skylor. When Nya stood back up, she drew water from the ocean and washed away the Gargoyles with a wave. However, more came.

Nadakhan reappeared and threw Jay into a wall. Jay quickly recovered and tried to zap Nadakhan, but he poofed away. Jay saw this coming, and kicked Nadakhan when he reappeared.

“You couldn't beat me before,” mocked Nadakhan as he summoned a sword and shot a few blasts at Jay, but the Ninja easily avoided them.

“Actually, we did,” he said before encasing his hand in lighting and punching the ground, making a shockwave that Nadakhan couldn't avoid. 

“It's over,” said Jay as he brought Nadakhan to the ground with a continuous stream of lightning.

“It's, never, over,” said Nadakhan through the pain before disappearing. Jay looked around before getting hit in the back. Nadakhan grabbed him and threw him into a wall before grabbing him again and repeating the process.

“I will have my revenge. We all will have our revenge,” said Nadakhan as he grabbed Jay and disappeared. When he reappeared, he threw Jay into Nya. 

“We have to get out of here,” said Kai as he blasted multiple Gargoyles. 

“I'll give us some cover,” said Skylor before using water and fire at the same time, creating a bunch of steam.

“NO!” yelled Nadakhan. But when the steam settled, the Ninja were gone. 

Cole snuck through the city. His goal was to find Zane and Pixel as Akita was looking for Lloyd and Wu. He knows that they're alive, they have to be.

“Where are you two?” he questioned before he saw something.

“ZANE!” he exclaimed as he ran over to them. Both Nindroids were sparking and holding one of their arms. Cole wrapped them both in a bear hug before pulling away.

“Wh-where a-are the others?” asked Zane as he was glitching. 

“Akita is looking for Lloyd and Wu. I don't know about Garmadon, but I'm sure he's fine,” said Cole.

“W-we need to g-get to my f-father,” said Pixel while she was glitching as well.

“Yeah, but I don't know how,” said Cole as he looked at Borg Industries in the distance. As if to answer their question, a prison bus pulled up to them.

“Oh great,” said Cole as he got ready to fight. But when the door opened, he saw Warden Noble.

“Hello Ninja,” he said before Ronin jumped out of the bus.

“It's good to see you guys,” he said with a smile. Cole let out a sigh of relief and nodded at Ronin.

“It's good to see you, Ronin. Can you take us to Borg Industries?” asked Cole.

“Of course, hop on,” said Ronin. The three Ninja got on the bus and gasped at who they saw. Soto, Killow, Ultra Violet, Fugi-Dove, Kuzo and many other thugs were smiling at them.

“I am so confused right now,” said Cole. Kuzo walked over to Cole and held out his hand.

“We may be enemies, but we don't want the Overlord to win. So we're your allies,” he said. Cole smiled and shook his hand.

“Thank you,” he said.

“Don't thank me, thank Ronin,” said Kuzo. Cole turned to the sheepish Ronin.

“I-it doesn't matter. We have a job to do,” he said before they took off. 

When Wu woke up, he found himself in a strange place.

“Where am I?” he questioned as he stood up. He was surrounded by, children?

“Master Wu, thank goodness you're ok,” said Nelson as he walked up to Wu with Antonia. 

“You're the one who told me about the Ninja being in danger before, aren't you,” said Wu, making Nelson's eyes widened.

“You remember me,” he said in shock.

“Wu, what's going on out there? We thought that seeing the Iron Doom fall was a good thing, but then the Bounty fell apart,” asked Antiona. Wu sighed and began to pace.

“The Overlord struck us down. I guess I underestimated how powerful he is, which is foolish. My brother was right, we were foolish,” said Wu.

“Master Wu, maybe we can help,” offered Nelson.

“NO! Absolutely not! I'm not bringing children into something this dangerous,” exclaimed Wu, but this made Antiona cross her arms.

“With all due respect, you don't exactly have a choice. Everyone in Ninjago City is involved in this no matter what. It's better if we work together then if we don't,” she said. Wu looked at her for a moment before chuckling.

“I guess you have a point. The chance of getting anyone else out of the City is next to nothing. Do you have any supplies?” asked Wu.

“We have a radio. Maybe you can contact the Ninja,” offered Nelson. Wu smiled and patted Nelson on the back.

“Thank you, that would help,” said Wu as he went to the radio and adjusted the frequency to the same one he and the Ninja use. 

“Ninja, I hope you can hear me. If so, then come to where the news never sleeps,” he said before looking at the kids.

“Ok, we're going to turn this place into our base of operations,” he said.

Trustable stood on top of a building along with the New Ninja, looking out at the City.

“Finally, after years of people living in fear about when the next crisis will arrive, the people of Ninjago City will know peace,” he said.

“This doesn't look peaceful,” said Teal as he stood next to Trustable. 

“When dark takes over, there will be no more conflict. No conflict will mean no more suffering,” said the mayor. Teal hesitated just long enough for a Gargoyle to land behind them and for Pythor to jump off.

“Ah, Pythor. Did you come to enjoy the view?” asked Trustable, making Pythor scoff.

“I'm afraid I'm here to deliver some news,” said Pythor as he held his weapon. The New Ninja put their hands on their weapons as Trustable just looked confused. 

“And what is that?” he asked.

“I'm afraid we no longer require your assistance,” said Pythor as he pointed his weapon at Trustable. Trustable gasped as the New Ninja charged. Yellow and Orange were the first to attack, but Pythor moved away before blasting them, which crystalized them.

“NO!” yelled Teal before Pythor threw Pink into him. Purple tried to slash Pythor, but the snake did spinjitzu to knock them away before crystalizing them. 

“Teal, get the mayor out of here,” said Pink as he charged.

“I can't just leave you here,” said Teal, as Pink swung his hammer at Pythor, who avoided the attack. Pythor tried to blast Pink, but he jumped over the attack.

“Don't forget our job. The Mayor is our priority,” said Pink as he blocked multiple attacks from Pythor.

“I order you to get me out of here,” said Trustable as he grabbed Teal. Teal hesitated, but nodded.

“Come on Mayor,” said Teal as he led Trustable to the edge of the building and shot a grappling hook to another one.

“YOU WILL NEVER ESCAPE!” yelled Pythor as he knocked Pink down before blasting Trustable.

“MAYOR!” exclaimed Teal as he watched Trustable become crystalized just like his friends. 

“Your turn,” said Pythor as he pointed his staff at Teal.

“NO!” yelled Pink as he jumped in front of the blast.

“Pink,” Teal said weakly. Fighting through the crystallization, Pink looked up at Teal.

“Go,” he said. A tear fell from Teal's eye before he jumped as Pythor laughed.

“YOU CANNOT WIN! ALL HAIL THE OVERLORD!” yelled Pythor. 

Chapter Text

Chapter 25: The True Mission 

Harumi nervously walked up to the Overlord who was sitting on his throne.

“My Lord, if it's ok, I have a few questions,” she said nervously. He looked at her, making a shiver go up her spine.

“What is it that you wish to ask?” he asked. His expression didn't change as he stood up and walked past her.

“This whole thing about finding peace in the dark, where did that come from? From my understanding, you didn't care about Ninjago,” she asked, hoping she didn't upset the being that could strike her dead in seconds. He didn't look at her, instead he walked over to the edge to look out at the city.

“I have spent a long time thinking about what went wrong in my last attempt to snuff out the light. My power is far beyond that of the Ninja, even Lloyd, and I couldn't figure out how I lost. But then it hit me,” said the Overlord before he looked at Harumi.

“It was will. I realized that the only reason I wanted to snuff out the light is because that's what I felt I was created for. I am the opposite of the First Spinjitzu Master. Where he brought light to Ninjago, my purpose was to cast it in shadow. So I took the time to think about why,” he said as he looked at the massive crystal in the middle of the Temple.

“And I found my answer. My purpose isn't just to destroy the light, it's to save Ninjago by eliminating conflict,” he said before pointing out at the city.

“The people who are crystallized will no longer know pain or fear. They are safe, and I saved them,” he said with a twisted smile. A smile that only someone who's convinced that their bad deeds are good could wear. Harumi looked at him with a look of both fear and admiration. 

Wu and the News Kids were setting the warehouse up to try to turn it into a base. What none of them were expecting was for there to be noise in the vents.

“What's going on?” questioned Nelson. The vent bursted open, and Kai, Jay, Nya and Skylor jumped out of it.

“NYA!” yelled Wu. He lost all composure, and wrapped her in a hug.

“Master Wu?” questioned Nya, but she still hugged him back.

“I missed you,” said Wu as he pulled away and wiped his tears. 

“I'm here Master Wu. And I'm not leaving again,” she said. 

“Master, we got your message and came here. Do you have a plan?” asked Kai. Wu looked at the four of them and sighed.

“I'm afraid not. The Overlord is more powerful than ever before. I'm not sure how, but he is. And that's not even mentioning his army and the Crystal Console,” said Wu.

“It's a good thing that Nya sent a message to Benthomar then. Sounds like we need all the help we can get,” said Jay.

“I can try reaching out to the Elemental Alliance,” offered Skylor, but Wu shook his head.

“The Overlord’s warriors are made of Vengstone. The other elemental masters don't have the combat training to make up for this,” said Wu, a truth that was very unfortunate. 

“Master Wu,” came Cole's voice over the radio. 

“Cole, is everything ok?” asked Wu.

“Yes. I was able to find Zane and Pixel. We're going to Borg Industries along with Ronin and some criminals. They're on our side now,” said Cole. Wu hesitated, but nodded.

“Very well. Good luck,” he said. 

“I hope we won't need it,” said Cole as they arrived at Borg Industries. 

“Alright everyone, let's be quick getting in,” said Cole before they ran into the building. But when they entered, they were face to face with multiple Red Visors that were pointing their guns at them.

“Great,” said Cole as he got ready to fight.

“WAIT!” called out the voice of a child. Cole hesitated as Unagami ran over. 

“We're on the same side,” said Unagami as the Red Visors lowered their weapons. 

“Unagami, what's going on?” asked Zane. 

“I created the Red Visors to protect this place. Hurry, Borg and Milton are upstairs,” said Unagami. The Ninja nodded and ran over to the elevator along with the others. 

When they reached the top floor, Borg wheeled over. 

“Zane, Pixel, are you ok?” he asked his two favorite Nindroids. 

“N-not really,” said Zane. 

“Come, I will fix you up,” said Borg as he led them over to an area with other technology. Cole looked around and saw multiple mechs.

“No way,” he said as he looked at each machine.

“This is incredible,” said Ultra Violet with excitement.

“I can't wait to get in one of these,” said Ronin. 

“They're not ready yet,” said Milton Dyer as he was working on one of them.

“There is the small issue of the Overlord being able to crystalize our tech,” said Cole. 

“Don't worry, we've already prevented that,” said Milton with a smile, something that Cole returned. 

“Sounds like a plan then,”

A white wolf ran through the city with one goal in mind, find Lloyd. Akita’s heart stopped when she saw the Bounty fall. So she was running to where she saw it fall. 

When she arrived, her heart stopped again. She tried to follow her nose, but there were too many flames and smoke. 

“LLOYD!” yelled Garmadon as he landed next to Akita and began to dig through the wreckage. The two shared a look before digging together. 

“Help,” Akita heard Lloyd say. She turned into a human and began to dig where she heard him. She grabbed his hand and pulled him out.

“Baby, are you ok?” she asked him as she cupped his cheek. There was a scare on his neck that went up to just below his left eye.

“I'm fine. I've had worse,” he said.

“LLOYD!” exclaimed Garmadon before hugging his son. Lloyd stood in shock for a moment before Garmadon pulled away.

“I told you that you were foolish,” snapped Garmadon.

“You went along with it,” said Lloyd. But before they could continue arguing, Akita grabbed Lloyd and pulled him away from an incoming throwing star. When they looked at where the throwing star came from, they saw Teal. 

“Wherever there are criminals. Wherever there ar-” he said before Lloyd cut him off.

“What are you doing here?” questioned Lloyd. Teal pointed his sword at Lloyd with a furry behind his eyes.

“My orders haven't changed. I'm supposed to take you down,” said Teal, making Akita growl.

“All of Ninjago is on the brink of destruction. You seriously can't still be thinking about that,” she snapped. 

“THIS IS ALL HIS FAULT!” yelled Teal, still pointing at Lloyd.

“Enough of this,” said Garmadon before he shot forward and grabbed Teal and slammed him into the ground. Teal looked up as Garmadon summoned a purple dagger of power in his hand. 

“DON'T KILL HIM!” yelled Lloyd, but Garmadon stabbed down. However, the dagger didn't rip into Teal's flesh. Instead, it tore into Teal's gi, pinning him to the ground. 

“I wasn't going to kill him,” said Garmadon as he looked at Lloyd like it was the most obvious thing in the world. 

“It looked like you were,” said Lloyd, but Garmadon shrugged.

“I'm not a monster. I can tell he's not our enemy,” said Garmadon. Teal pulled the dagger free before standing up, holding his shoulder.

“Um, but I am. I'm fighting against you,” he said, but made no attempt to continue the fight. 

“Teal, you're right. This is my fault. If I never released the Serpentine, none of this would have happened,” said Lloyd. 

“Lloyd, stop blaming yourself. This isn't your fault,” snapped Akita. 

“Your girl is right. You aren't to blame for this,” said Garmadon. Lloyd smiled slightly, but turned back to Teal.

“But right now, at this moment, none of that matters. What matters is that the Overlord is stopped,” said Lloyd. Teal looked to the ground in dejection.

“Pythor betrayed Trustable. The Mayor and the rest of the New Ninja have been crystalized,” he said before falling to his knees with tears in his eyes.

“I was powerless to do anything. I'm just so confused,” he said. Lloyd knelt down and rested a hand on Teal's shoulder.

“You aren't powerless. Help us defeat the Overlord, and we can avenge your friends. Maybe we can even save them,” said Lloyd. Teal looked at Lloyd, and nodded. When the two of them stood up, Teal took off his hood. He looked completely normal, like anyone else out there. 

“VEX!” yelled Akita as she whipped her head around. Everyone looked over at the former emperor, who was smirking.

“Would you look at this, both Lloyd and Akita in the same place,” he said. Akita growled and was about to charge, but Lloyd rested a hand on her shoulder.

“You couldn't beat the two of us with the Scroll of Forbidden Spinjitzu. There's no way you could beat all four of us by yourself,” said Lloyd, making Vex scoff. 

“Who said anything about me being alone,” said Vex as he pointed at the incoming mass of Vengstone Warriors.

“We have to get out of here,” said Lloyd, but Vex laughed.

“I'll follow you wherever you go,” he called out. Teal pulled his hood down and walked in front of the group.

“Go, I'll hold them off,” he said.

“What? No!” exclaimed Lloyd.

“Lloyd, Ninjago is in your hands. This is my redemption for letting this come to pass,” said Teal. Lloyd wanted to argue, but knew he couldn't. 

“This isn't the end,” said Lloyd before he, Akita and Garmadon ran.

“NO!” yelled Vex, but got hit by an exploding throwing star. 

“Wherever there are criminals,” said Teal as he drew his sword and thought back to his friends.

“Wherever there are felons,” he said as he got into a fighting position. 

“Wherever there are convicts,” he said as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Lloyd looked at Teal one last time before going into the sewers.

“You will find me,” said Teal as he snapped his eyes open before charging into a hopeless battle.

Chapter Text

Chapter 26: Battle Up The Tower 

When Lloyd, Akita and Garmadon landed in the sewers, Akita gagged.

“Ugh, it smells terrible down here,” she gagged out, making Garmadon roll his eyes.

“It's not that bad,” he said, earning a glare from the Formling.

“Speak for yourself. I have an enhanced sense of smell,” she snapped. 

“Oh, I suppose that would suck,” said Garmadon sheepishly.

“Come on you two. We need to reach the Serpentine,” said Lloyd as he led them forward. 

“The Serpentine, why?” questioned Garmadon as they moved onward.

“Because we're going to need all the help we can get, and the Serpentine are powerful allies,” said Lloyd as he held Akita's hand in his. Garmadon saw this, his curiosity peaked. 

“Lloyd, I'm going to guess that Akita is how you got over Harumi,” said Garmadon, making Akita sigh. 

“It's more complicated than that. But Akita is the reason I've been able to open myself up to others again. But Harumi's betrayal will never truly leave me,” said Lloyd.

“Emotions are more complicated than that. Even if you do everything right, they don't just go away,” said Akita.

“That does make sense. Even though the only part of me that was brought back was my dark powers, my emotions still came through in the end. First for Harumi, then for you Lloyd,” said Garmadon. Lloyd couldn't help but smile at his father's words.

“I still don't like you, but I can see that you care about Lloyd. And that is enough for me,” said Akita. A small smile spread onto Garmadon’s face.

“I honestly don't care if you like me or not, but thank you,” said Garmadon. They stopped talking when they arrived in the Serpentine’s library, but found it empty. 

“Where are the Serpentine?” asked Lloyd as they looked around. Akita heard something and snapped around.

“No,” she said when she saw a group of crystalized Serpentine tied up in the corner. Above their head was a large note.

“‘We had to retreat in order to regroup. But we won't give up. Take the scroll,’” Lloyd read from the note.

“What scroll?” questioned Garmadon. Akita found one on the ground and picked it up.

“I think it's this one,” she said as she gave it to Lloyd.

“Wait, that was written by Quanish the Elder. He was an old fool,” said Garmadon.

“Like I keep saying, we need all the help we can get. And I trust Skales,” said Lloyd. Garmadon sighed and nodded. 

“Come on, we need to regroup with the others,” said Akita as they left.

Zane and Pixel walked over to Cole, their repairs complete.

“It's good to see the two of you back together,” said Cole as he gave them a hug.

“Yes, it certainly feels good to be put back together,” said Zane as he moved his arms around. 

“Save the teary eyes for when we win,” snapped Ultra Violet, earning an elbow from Ronin. 

“We can't be fighting amongst ourselves right now. This crisis is bigger than your rivalry,” he snapped, making her roll her eyes. 

“I still have a hard time believing that you're really with us,” said Pixel as she crossed her arms.

“Oh please, Ronin has been whining about you guys even since he was imprisoned,” said Killow. Ronin glared at him, but couldn't meet the Ninjas in the eye. 

“Milton, how close are we to completion?” asked Borg as he wheeled over to the other genius.

“Very. But I don't know how much longer we have until the Overlord catches on,” said Milton. Right when he said that, a loud rumble was heard throughout the building. 

“I'm guessing he caught on,” said Cole as there was another rumble. 

“Zane, Pixel, help us finish,” said Borg. The two Nindroids nodded and joined the two geniuses. 

“What about the rest of us?” asked Cole. 

“All we can do is hope that the Red Visors can hold them off,” said Milton.

“There's no way I'm going to stand aside,” said Cole.

“Then let's make a stand,” said Ronin as he pulled a blaster off the wall and tossed it to Cole. 

“Awesome. Who's with me?” he asked as he turned to the criminals. 

“Sorry, no hands,” said Fugi-Dove as he held up his arms.

“I can help up here. I used to be an engineer,” said Kuzo as he joined the others in finishing the mechs. 

“I think the rest of us are with you,” said Ronin as he was passing out blasters.

“Ok then, let's go,” said Cole. 

The main lobby of Borg Industries was packed to the brim with Red Visors. The door was blocked by several chairs, tables and anything else they could find.

“I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE, NINJA!” yelled the Mechanic from outside as Gargoyles blasted the door, but it didn't break.

“This is taking too long,” snapped Vangelis as he stood next to the Mechanic.

“Why don't you just fly up?” questioned the Mechanic.

“I tried, the building is sealed shut. This is the only way in,” said Vangelis as the Gargoyles continued to fire away. Mr E put his hand up, making them stop. He walked up to the damaged door and placed a device on it before backing away.

“What was that?” asked the Mechanic. He got his answer when the door blew up. As soon as it did, the air filled with laser blast from the Red Visors. Mr E ran in, skillfully avoiding the lasers and cutting through the Red Visors. The Vengstone Warriors followed and tried to blast the Red Visors, but their blast did nothing. 

“Nice try, but my Red Visors are immune to your crystal blast,” said Unagami as the Mechanic and Vangelis charged into the building.

“The once great Unagami. You don't stand a chance,” said the Mechanic as he surrounded the kid with Vangelis and Mr E.

“Don't I?” questioned Unagami before his body began to glow and he slowly transformed into his dragon form. 

“WHAT THE FU-” yelled Vangelis before he was drowned out by a roar from Unagami. 

“I didn't know he could still do that,” said the Mechanic before jumping away from the jaw of the dragon. Vangelis flew above Unagami, but was knocked away by the dragon's tail. Mr E skillfully dodged Unagami before blasting the dragon in the face. Unagami shook off the blast and opened his mouth, shooting a stream of fire. Mr E tried to block it, but was pushed back. 

“You shall go no further,” Unagami’s voice echoed across the room as multiple Red Visors took to the air and filled it with laser blast. Despite their skills and power, Mr E, Vangelis and the Mechanic were blasted out of the building. When they looked up, Unagami unleashed a powerful barrage of missiles and lasers. The three of them were prepared to take the hit, but their Gargoyles blocked the attack. The Red Visors and Vengstone Warriors were still locked in battle as the Gargoyles bursted into the building and charged at Unagami. 

“Come on, this is our chance,” said Vangelis as the three members of the Crystal Console ran past the dragon.

“STOP THEM!” exclaimed Unagami before getting hit in the face. Unagami blasted one of the Gargoyles, but the creature still stood strong. Vangelis tried to start the elevator, but it wouldn't move.

“Come on, we'll take the stairs,” said the Mechanic. The three of them ran up the stairs until Mr E pulled Vangelis back. The landing he was standing on was now smoldering from a laser blast. 

“More?” questioned Vangelis, but Mr E shook his head. The Nindroid shot around the corner before throwing a thug into a wall. 

“Gerald?” questioned the Mechanic as he picked up the man. 

“Mike, how could you betray us?” questioned Gerald.

“Mike? Really,” teased Vangelis, making the Mechanic growl.

“I'm not Mike, I'm the Mechanic,” he said before blasting Gerald and tossing him away, letting him crystalize alone. The two men turned the corner and saw that Mr E was standing over a bunch of unconscious and crystalizing thugs.

“That's one scary robot,” said the Mechanic.

“For once, I agree,” said Vangelis. Mr E glared at them before waving them along. When they burst through the door, they were met by Cole, Ronin, Killow, Ultra Violet and Soto.

“FIRE!” yelled Cole. The villains scattered to avoid the massive berrage of laser blast. Mr E charged at Cole, but he power punched the Nindroid. The Mechanic extended his arm to grab Ultra Violet and throw her into Soto. 

“I don't understand, you hate the Ninja. Why are you fighting alongside them?” questioned the Mechanic. Ultra Violet stood up and tried to blast him, but her gun was broken.

“I'm not fighting for the Ninja. I'm fighting so that the Overlord doesn't destroy Ninjago,” she said, making the Mechanic laugh.

“He's not going to destroy Ninjago. He's going to save Ninjago. Not that I care about that. By working with him, I get to do whatever I want,” he said as he grabbed her and tossed her away again, only to get punched in the face by Soto.

“Ye talk too much,” said the Pirate. Killow tried to blast Vangelis, but the former king was too fast in the air. He pulled a small orb out of his pocket and threw it at the group.

“BOMB!” yelled Cole. As soon as the orb hit the ground, it exploded on impact. Everyone was thrown backwards, making Vangelis laugh. 

“How about a warning next time,” said Mechanic as he stood up from being thrown back as well as Mr E. Vangelis just shrugged his shoulders before getting punched out of the air by Cole. 

“I've had it,” growled the Ninja before going into spinjitzu to knock away the Mechanic. Cole shot out of his tornado and into the air, avoiding Mr E’s blast, before punching the ground. Mr E jumped to the side and was about to cut down Cole before he was kicked away by Ronin. 

“Thanks,” said Cole as Ronin handed him his hammer. Vangelis was about to throw another orb, but was shot out of the air by Soto. The Mechanic extended his arm to grab Cole, but the Ninja grabbed the arm instead. When Mr E tried to slash him, Cole used the Mechanic’s arm to block the attack.

“AHHHHHH!” cried out the Mechanic as his arm was cut in half. Cole tried to smack Mr E, but the Nindroid avoided the attack before punching Cole in the gut, sending him flying into Soto. 

“Come on,” said Ronin as he Killow and Ultra Violet charged at Mr E, but the Nindroid gave them the same treatment. Vangelis laughed as Mr E pointed his gun at Cole and the others. 

“You lost, Cole. Finally, I have you just where I want you,” said Vangelis. 

“Think again,” said Zane as grand doors opened and five mechs walked through. Borg, who was in a small hovercraft, flew at the villains and shot a bunch of lasers at them.

“Perfect timing guys,” said Cole as the three villains began to run away. When the villains were gone, Borg flew back to the others.

“With these, we might actually stand a chance,” he said.

“Come on, let's go to the others,” said Cole, getting a roar of approval.

Chapter Text

Chapter 27: The Calm Before The Storm 

Lloyd poked his head out from a manhole cover and looked around.

“All clear,” he said before climbing out. Akita and Garmadon followed before they ran over to the News Kids wearhouse. Lloyd knocked on the door, and it opened slightly.

“LLOYD!” exclaimed Nya as she hugged him. Lloyd hesitated for a second before holding her tighter.

“Nya, I missed you so much,” he said. The two pulled away just enough for Akita to tackle Nya to the ground in a hug.

“Never do that again,” said Akita, making Nya laugh. Garmadon watched on as Lloyd and Akita wiped their tears. 

“Brother, good to see you,” said Wu.

“It’s good to see that you're not dead,” said Garmadon before turning to the others.

“Um, Garmadon? Why is he here?” asked Kai.

“It's a long story, but we need him. We need all the help we can get,” said Lloyd before he pulled out the scroll he found in the Serpentine's library.

“Master Wu, can you decipher this?” asked Lloyd. Master Wu looked at the scroll for a while.

“It's from Quanish the Elder. Quanish was an old fool. Where did you find it?” asked Wu.

“Skales left it for us. And I trust him,” said Lloyd, making Wu nod. 

“I'll try to decipher it, but I don't have much faith in the old fool,” said Wu.

“We need a plan. Does anyone have one?” asked Skylor. But before anyone could answer, there was a loud thud from outside. 

“What was that!” exclaimed Jay. Everyone got ready to fight, but there was a knock on the door.

“Master Wu, can we come in?” asked Cole from outside. 

“COLE!” exclaimed Lloyd as he ran to the door and opened it. Cole, Zane, Pixel, Ronin, Borg and Milton all came in.

“NYA!” yelled Cole, Zane and Pixel before they sucked her into a hug.

“We missed you so much,” said Cole.

“I missed you guys too,” she said. Ronin wiped a tear at the sight.

“Ronin, what are you doing here?” asked Lloyd. 

“I'm here to help you protect Ninjago. Unagami and some other criminals are guarding the building for us,” said Ronin, surprising Lloyd.

“Are you sure we can trust them?” asked Jay.

“They don't want Ninjago destroyed any more than you do,” said Ronin. 

The Overlord called his Crystal Council to his temple. He sat on his throne, overlooking them.

“My Lord, you summoned us here,” said Pythor as he and the others bowed before the Crystal King.

“Yes, I did. I have news that you all need to hear,” said the Overlord.

“Yes, My Lord,” said Pythor. The Overlord stood up and looked down on his council.

“You likely all think that you have failed me, but you haven't. No, I never expected you to succeed in crystalizing the Ninja. But now all the Ninja are in one place, which is exactly what I want,” said the Overlord. 

“You know where they are?” questioned Harumi.

“I always have. Not only that, but they are gathering allies. That means with one big attack, we can crush everyone strong enough to fight,” said the Overlord. The Crystal Council looked up at him and smiled, all but Harumi.

“Good. So that means that is nothing they can do to defeat us,” said Pythor, but the Overlord shook his head.

“Lloyd can defeat me, but he won't. He's too afraid of that power. Pythor, Harumi, stay here. The rest of you, get ready to destroy the Ninja,” said the Overlord before he looked out over Ninjago City.

“Finally, I can serve my purpose. Finally, I can bring peace in the dark.”

“Ugh, Quanish was a fool,” snapped Wu as he threw the scroll to the ground. When it landed, part of it folded over. Cole walked over and picked it up.

“You fold it,” he said as he gave it back to Wu. Wu folded it the rest of the way and read it again.

“It’s in the old tongue. “‘When the allies unite, dragons can take flight. The masters of creation must jump up, kick back, whip around and spin’” read Wu. Everyone was stumped by this.

“What does this mean?” asked Lloyd. But before they could answer, Killow called over their coms.

“Ninja, the Overlord is coming!” he exclaimed. Their eyes widened as they all ran outside, and saw the Oni Temple slowly making its way towards them along with the swarm of Gargoyles. 

“What are we going to do?” asked Jay. Lloyd’s fist tightened as before he spoke up.

“This is our final stand. No more running, no more hiding. I'm going to defeat the Overlord,” he said.

“Not alone. I'm going with you,” said Garmadon.

“Lloyd, no. You could die,” said Akita as she grabbed his hand.

“I hate to say it, but that's true for all of us,” said Cole. Akita hesitated before nodding.

“Come back to me,” she said before they kissed. When she let him go, Lloyd jumped onto a few crates.

“This may very well be our last fight together. And if it is, then we'll go down like heroes. Right now, we are all Ninja!” he called out, getting cheers from everyone.

The final fight was about to begin.

Chapter Text

Chapter 28: The Final Battle Part 1: The Allies Unit 

What no one noticed was that Wu missed something on the scroll. 

“‘Only when dragon and oni are combined in one can the darkness be undone.’”

Cole and Skylor both put their hands on the ground before raising them up, making a wall of earth behind the wearhouse. 

“There. That should keep everything in front of us,” said Cole as he looked up at the coming doom.

“They sure are talking their time,” said Skylor.

“The Overlord is likely toying with us,” said Wu. 

“This is it, our final battle. We either win, or die trying,” said Nya as she held Jay's hand. 

“We're going to win. We owe that to Dareth,” said Ronin as he looked at the picture of the two of them. 

“The Overlord is going to come at us with everything. We can't hesitate or hold back,” said Zane. 

“I've calculated our odds, and they're not good,” said Pixel.

“Who cares? We've beaten the odds so many times,” said Jay, making everyone smile. 

Akita didn't want to let go of Lloyd.

“Please let me go with you,” she begged him with tears in her eyes. Lloyd cupped her cheek and looked her in the eyes.

“I'm sorry, but you can't. Akita, you guys can do this, I know you can. You've been my hope for so long. Now it's time for me to be that hope,” he said. She cried as she hugged him. Garmadon walked over to them with a tender look in his eyes. 

“I know this might not mean much to you, but I will protect him,” he said. Akita looked at him, and smiled.

“I know you will. I trust you,” she said before giving Lloyd a kiss. Garmadon stood there in shock for a moment before Lloyd turned to him.

“Alright dad, this is it. Let's do this,” said Lloyd. Garmadon smiled before turning into his Oni form and grabbing Lloyd's hand and flying into the sky. Surprisingly, they didn't have any resistance getting to the flying island. When they landed, they found out why.

“Thousands of years ago, the First Spinjitzu Master and I fought. He tried, and failed to destroy me. And now, it is time for me to destroy his son and grandson,” said the Overlord as he stood up. Pythor was smirking next to him as Harumi looked hesitant. 

“Lloyd, how fitting that me and you will have our own final battle. It was you releasing me that caused all of this,” said Pythor. Lloyd closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

“I won't let you get to me. This ends today,” he said as he encased his hands in green energy. But this just made the Overlord laugh.

“I'll leave Lloyd to the two of you. First, I want to destroy Garmadon,” said the Overlord.

“Gladly,” said Pythor before he shot at Lloyd. Pythor swung his staff at Lloyd, but he blocked it with his sword before kicking Pythor away. Pythor recovered as Harumi went at Lloyd, letting the snake grab Lloyd by the leg. 

“Not so fast,” said Lloyd before blasting Pythor and doing spinjitzu to knock away Harumi. 

“Harumi, you don't have to do this,” said Lloyd. She looked up at him in shock as Pythor laughed. 

“You keep trying to get her on your side, but you can't. You waste your breath. She was created with the sole purpose of destroying you,” said Pythor before sending a blast at Lloyd, which the Green Ninja cut through with his sword. 

“Don't listen to him. You’re your own person, Harumi,” said Lloyd as he avoided Pythor’s attacks. 

“You can't win, Lloyd,” said Pythor before going into spinjitzu. Lloyd grunted before going into spinjitzu himself. The two tornadoes collided and pushed against each other. When they both came out of their tornados, Pythor swung his staff at Lloyd, but the Green Ninja jumped over it. Lloyd tried to blast Pythor, but he disappeared. 

“Not this time,” said Lloyd before he punched the ground, making a shockwave that hit Pythor. Lloyd charged, but Pythor grabbed him with his tail and threw him to the edge of the island. 

“LLOYD!” exclaimed Harumi before she snapped her hands over her mouth. Lloyd tumbled over the edge, his sword falling into the city as he held on. Pythor slid up to the edge and pointed his staff at Lloyd.

“Looks like it's over, Lloyd. Just like when we first met all those years ago, you never stood a chance,” he exclaimed. Lloyd’s body and eyes began to glow in a purple aura.

“NO!” he yelled before launching himself into the air. When Lloyd landed, Harumi charged at him, but he kicked the sword out of her hand.

“You're on the wrong side,” he said before getting hit by Pythor. 

“Don't listen to him, Harumi. They'll never welcome you. You have the scar to prove it,” snapped Pythor before cutting through a blast from Lloyd and following it up by trying to blast Lloyd. Harumi touched her scar, the one that Akita gave to her. 

“It has nothing to do with being welcomed. By joining us, you'd be doing the right thing,” said Lloyd as he tried to punch Pythor, but the snake disappeared and hit Lloyd in the back.

“Serve your purpose, destroy him,” snapped Pythor before trying to stab Lloyd, but Lloyd jumped up and punched Pythor across the face. 

“It's your life Harumi. What do you want to do?” questioned Lloyd. The fight seemed to fade away as Harumi thought about what Lloyd just said.

“What do I want?” she asked herself. She picked up her sword and looked at Lloyd in the reflection.

“I know what I want,” she said as she rotated her sword, looking at Pythor. 

Pythor knocked Lloyd down and held him at the tip of his staff.

“It's over,” said the snake as he was about to blast Lloyd.

“NO!” yelled Harumi before kicking Pythor away. Lloyd smiled as the purple faded while Harumi pointed her sword at Pythor.

“I won't let you control me anymore,” she snapped before charging at him. 

“I'll leave Lloyd to the two of you. First, I want to destroy Garmadon,” said the Overlord.

“Gladly,” said Pythor before he shot at Lloyd. Garmadon growled at the Overlord before launching forward, throwing multiple blasts of power at him. But the Overlord had no issues with cutting through the blasts with crystal blades. Garmadon summoned blades of his own in his hands before trying to slash the Overlord.

“My father used to tell stories about you. Even with the evil blood in my veins, I was still afraid of you,” said Garmadon as he used his flight to kick the crystal blades away before punching the Overlord in the face.

“But they would always end the same. With your defeat,” said Garmadon as he pointed his blades at the Overlord.

“My defeat at the hands of your father was merely a setback. He couldn't destroy me, and neither can you,” said the Overlord as his hands glowed with power. 

“Let's test that theory,” snapped Garmadon before charging at the Overlord. Garmadon did spinjitzu, but was blocked when the Overlord summoned a crystal wall. 

“This is my domain. I'm more powerful here than anywhere else,” said the Overlord before punching the wall, sending Garmadon flying back. 

“Maybe, but the fight makes me stronger,” said Garmadon before launching at the Overlord again, throwing multiple blasts at him. The Overlord smirked before throwing his arm forward, sending multiple crystals at his opponent. Garmadon cut through the crystals, but was blasted by purple lightning. 

“You fight me, when I was the one who created you,” said the Overlord as he walked over to Garmadon.

“SHUT UP!” yelled Garmadon. The two threw multiple punches at each other, but it ended with the Overlord blasting Garmadon with purple lightning. 

“Haven't you wondered? Haven't you been curious? About that day all those years ago?” questioned the Overlord. 

“ARRRR!” cried out Garmadon as he encased his fist in power and tried to punch the Overlord, but the Overlord grabbed his arm and slammed him into the ground. 

“The reason this all happened was me. I was the one who corrupted the Devourer,” he said. Garmadon's eyes widened when he heard this.

“You've been pulling the strings the whole time,” he said, making the Overlord laugh. 

“I have been using Pythor as my harald for a long time. And even before then, I've been pulling the strings to get us here. To where I can save Ninjago, by bringing peace in the dark,” said the Overlord as his body was surrounded by purple lightning.

“Now it's time for you to die,” said the Overlord.

Once Lloyd and Garmadon left, the Crystal Army was in reach. 

“Is everyone ready?” asked Cole. No one responded, but it was clear that they were.

“Then let's do this,” he said before jumping up and slamming his hammer on the ground, making multiple walls for them to hide behind. The Red Visors who were left took advantage of these walls and shot at anything that got too close, as well as the mechs. Unagami transformed into his dragon form and unleashed a bunch of missiles. But whenever a Vengstone Warrior or Gargoyle was it, they weren't destroyed.

“Master Wu, we can't destroy them,” said Jay as the Ninja also used the cover to blast the Vengstone Warriors. Unagami took to the sky to fight the Gargoyles, which included the ones that the Crystal Council were on.

“Unagami. You used to be powerful, but now you're nothing,” said the Mechanic as his Gargoyle flew into Unagami from above.

“If you're with the Ninja, then you were always nothing,” said Vex before he jumped off his Gargoyle and stabbed Unagami in the jaw. 

“You are the ones who are nothing,” said the mechanical dragon before throwing Vex towards the ground, but his Gargoyle caught him. Before Unagami could react, he was hit by a bunch of blasts from other Gargoyles. Although he tried to fight, it brought him to the ground.

“NO!” cried out Milton before Ronin pulled him to safety. Things got even worse when the Ninja could no longer use their powers.

“Guys, the Vengstone Warriors are too close. What are we going to do?” asked Nya. 

“It doesn't matter, we keep fighting. Remember, Ninja never quit,” said Cole. They got ready to charge into the battle, knowing they wouldn't stand a chance. All they could hope was that Lloyd and Garmadon would defeat the Overlord before then. 

That's when a portal opened above them and dragons flew through. 

“Dragons?” questioned Kai as they watched it shock as the dragons rained their powers down from above. 

“What's going on?” questioned Acronix before First Born flew out of the portal and blasted the Crystal Council off of their Gargoyles. From the Dragons fell multiple steampunk vehicles and people with white skin. From Firstborn, jumped Faith.

“Faith, how did you know?” asked Wu as he ran over to her.

“I didn't know, but Firstborn did,” she said. Before anyone could question, another portal opened. An eagle flew out of it, followed by a bunch of other animals, multiple samurai and a white monster.

“BROTHER!” exclaimed Akita as she saw the massive brown bear. He turned back into a human just in time to give her a bear hug. 

“CRAG!” exclaimed Cole. The yeti grabbed him and gave him a bone crushing hug.

“Good to see you too,” he choked out.

“Grimfax, is that you?” questioned Nya. 

“You bet,” said the true Emperor of the Never Real.

“How did you get here?” asked Akita.

“We've been growing more Travelers Trees. And when Chief Taion saw Vex going through a portal, we knew you'd be needing our help,” said Kotaru. 

“NO. THIS ISN'T OVER,” yelled Vangelis as he took to the sky, only to get smacked away by his daughter.

“VANIA!” exclaimed Cole as Hailmar led the entire Shintaro army forward, including the Munce and Geckos. Vania flew over to Cole and picked him up.

“I was so worried about you,” she said before giving him a hug.

“And she didn't come alone,” said Plundar as he stood with Korgarn and Fungus while Adam and Chompy were in the fight. 

“Wait, can it be?” questioned Jay as he was starting to put things together. A loud horn blew across the city as the army of both the Keepers and Marpolins charged into the fight. Benthomar jumped off Zippy, and hugged Nya.

“It's so good to see you again,” he said.

“It's good to see you too,” said Nya. A manhole cover bursted open, and the Serpentine slithered out of the sewers.

“CHARGE!” yelled Skales as he pointed at the Vengstone Warriors. The Serpentine charged forward and joined the battle. The horn of a bus blew, and Lucy ran over a group of Vengstone Warriors as Okino jumped out.

“Guys, I think this is it,” said Jay as he looked around.

“What do you mean?” asked Kai.

“The allies unit,” said Zane as he picked up on what Jay was saying. 

“Then it's time,” said Wu. Kai, Jay, Cole and Zane jumped up, kicked back, whipped around and spun.

Their bodies glowed as dragonic wings sprouted from their backs and they were bathed in elemental powers. They shot forward and destroyed multiple Vengstone Warriors and Gargoyles. 

“Alright everyone, it's time for us to finish this. For the good of all of Ninjago,” said Wu before turning to the fight.

“CHARGE!” he yelled before charging forward, followed by the team of Nya, Akita, Skylor, Pixel, Ronin, Killow, Ultra Violet, Fuji-Dove, Kuzo, Soto, Borg, Milton, Skales, Faith, Kotaru, Grimfax, Vania, Fungus, Korgarn, Plunder, Benthomar and Okino. 

After blasting through endless Vengstone Warriors, the four original Ninja landed in front of the Crystal Council.

“Just because you grew wings doesn't mean you can beat us,” said Vangelis.

“I don't know, I think it does,” said Kai.

“It doesn't matter. We still outnumber you,” said Krux. 

“Count again,” said Akita as she walked over with Wu, Skylor, Nya and Pixel. 

“This ends now. Ninja vs the Crystal Council,” said Cole. The two sides of the fight charged forward to start their final battle.

Chapter Text

Chapter 29: The Final Battle Part 2: Ninja vs Crystal Council 

As Kai flew forward, he grabbed Nya by the hand and used her to smack Acronix and Krux away. Jay shot a lightning blast at Nadakhan, the djinn tried to poof away, but the blast was too fast. Cole and Zane tackled Mr E and Vangelis away. Pixel activated her gauntlets before punching the Mechanic. Wu and Aspheera locked staffs. Skylor tried to blast Clause as Akita did spinjitzu to knock Vex away. 

Kai and Nya landed in front of the Time Twins. 

“I think it's time we end this,” said Kai.

“Don't think that becoming a dragon makes us afraid of you,” mocked Acronix as he pointed his sword at Kai.

“It probably should,” mocked Nya as she summoned water in her hands. 

“We shall prove that we're the stronger siblings,” Krux. Kai shot forward and grabbed Acronix, taking him into the sky. Nya blasted at Krux, but the older man cut through the attack. Krux tried to stab her, but Nya jumped over the sword and kicked him in the face. 

“We're not going to let you win,” she said before Kai threw Acronix onto his brother. 

“I think we should boil something,” said Kai. Nya nodded, and the two combined their powers, causing the area to be filled with steam. 

“What's going on?” questioned Krux as he looked around.

“I can't see a thing,” said Acronix. Both of the Time Twins were then attacked from the side by spinjitzu, knocking them together. Kai formed a wall of fire around them, preventing the Time Twins from escaping. Nya raised her hands, and every fire hydrant around exploded. She brought the water onto the Time Twins, covering them. Despite the water, fire erupted at their feet. The Time Twins screamed as they boiled, but it was drowned out.

Jay and Nadakhan were fighting above the city. 

“I remember everything about our battle. I remember how you trapped my friends. I remember how you tortured me!” yelled Jay as he blasted Nadakhan. The dijn poofed away and reapered behind Jay.

“I remember too,” said Nadakhan as he tried to slash Jay, but the Ninja disappeared in a flash of lightning. 

“What?” questioned Nadakhan as he looked around. Jay reapered behind him and blasted him until Nadakhan fell to the ground next to a canal of water. 

“But this is different. I won't let you hurt anyone ever again,” said Jay. Nadakhan looked up right in time to get blasted into the water.

“TAKE THIS!” yelled Jay before he unleashed a powerful blast of lightning into the water.

“AHHHHHHHHHH!” screamed Nadakhan in pain as the lightning went through his body. When the attack stopped, Nadakhan’s body floated in the water.

Cole punched Vangelis in the face, making him tumble through the air. 

“You ruined me. You took my kingdom and my daughter,” snapped Vangelis. He threw multiple exploding orbs at Cole, but the Ninja had no issues with avoiding them. 

“Vania left you because you're a monster,” said Cole before grabbing Vangelis by the throat.

“Everything you blame me for, you did to yourself,” said Cole before throwing Vangelis to the ground. When Vangelis landed, he barely avoided an attack from Cole. The Ninja looked up and smiled.

“Why don't you see for yourself,” he said before throwing Vangelis into the sky. Cole raised his hands, making a large crack in the ground. 

“Goodbye father,” said Vania before she smacked her father into the crack.

“NOOO!” yelled Vangelis before Cole sealed the crack with Vangelis still inside. 

Zane threw Mr E across the sky, but the evil Nindroid activated his jet pack. Mr E tried to shoot Zane, but the Ice Ninja has no issues with avoiding the attacks.

“I wish we didn't have to fight,” said Zane as he encased his hand in ice and punched Mr E in the face. Mr E landed on a building and drew his sword.

“But you have proven that you're unwilling to fight against those who created you for evil,” said Zane as he landed across from him. Mr E charged at Zane, but Zane went into spinjitzu and knocked him back. 

“You've caused too much pain for the people I care about,” snapped Zane when he ended spinjitzu and froze Mr E's arms to the side of the wall. Zane then threw his sherigain so that they cut into Mr E's power core. 

“It's over,” said Zane as Mr E sparked out for good.

Wu and Aspheera were a more even fight. Aspheera tried to blast Wu, but the old master jumped above the attack and kicked Aspheera in the head. 

“I WILL have my revenge on you, Wu,” said Aspheera as she smacked Wu with her tail.

“You blame me for what happened to you, but you did it to yourself. You chose to overthrow your leader,” said Wu as the two circled each other.

“NO. YOU BETRAYED ME!” yelled Aspheera before she charged. Wu dashed to the side before flipping over her and hitting her in the back of the head.

“You chose this path for yourself. You just can't accept the consequences for your actions,” snapped Wu.

“ARRRRRRRR!” yelled Aspheera before going into spinjitzu. Wu did so as well, and the two clashed. Kai flew by, a wall of fire burning some nearby Vengstone Warriors. When the two tornadoes stopped, Wu saw the fire.

“It's time for your rane of terror to end,” he said before knocking her into the fire. Her robes caught fire, but she didn't think much of it.

“IT'S OVER!” yelled Wu as he ran up, grabbed Aspheera and jumped into the air. Using all his strength as the son of the First Spinjitzu Master, he threw Aspheera towards a gas station.

“AHHHHHHHH!” she yelled before the snake and station erupted into a fiery explosion. An explosion that Wu didn't even look at.

Vex tried to blast Akita, but the wolf was able to outrun the attacks.

“You can't win, Akita. You're nothing without Lloyd beside you,” snapped Vex. Akita jumped up, turned back into a human, and did spinjitzu to knock Vex away.

“I don't need Lloyd to defeat you,” said Akita before she charged and slashed Vex in the face, giving him the same scar he gave her.

“FOOLISH GIRL!” snapped Vex before kicking Akita in the stomach. Akita avoided the following blasts before tackling Vex. 

“You're not as powerful as you think you are,” snapped Akita before she threw him into the side of a building, making him drop his spear.

“You've never had real power. All the power you've had, you cheated to get,” she snapped.

“NO! I became the ultimate Formling. I became a DRAGON!” yelled Vex. He charged again, but Akita grabbed him by the throat.

“I'm not like you, Vex. I've learned to move past my anger,” said Akita before throwing him aside.

“But since you think you're a dragon, how about you meet a real dragon,” she said. When Vex looked up, he was face to face with First Born. 

“NO!” was all he was able to say before First Born ate him in one bite. 

Skylor tried to blast Clause, but the ghost was too slippery. 

“I still don't understand why you worked for my father,” she snapped. Clause ran over to a line of cars, and used his magic to turn them all on.

“I was loyal to Master Chen. But now that he's gone, I have my own goals to achieve,” said Clause as the cars drove at Skylor. The orange ninja was able to jump on top of each car.

“And now you work for the Overlord. First you were my father's pawn, now you're his,” she said as she ran over each car before jumping in the air, throwing multiple elemental blasts at Clause.

“I AM NO ONE'S PAWN! I AM MYSELF!” snapped Clause. But as he was yelling, Skylor got close.

“You've never been more than a pawn,” she said before blasting him with water.

“AHHHHHHHHH!” he screamed in agony as he disappeared. 

The Mechanic unleashed his flamethrower at Pixel, but she jumped away from the attack.

“You can't beat me. You're not even a Ninja. Not even a person,” snapped the Mechanic before extending his arm at Pixel. The Nindroid was able to grab the arm with her gauntlet.

“I might not be flesh and blood, but I'm still a person,” she said before yanking on the arm, sending the Mechanic flying towards her.

“And you are a monster,” she said before punching him. He flew back, but didn't give up.

“I'm not a monster, just a guy who joined the winning team,” he said before pointing his arm at Pixel. To her shock, he unleashed a barrage of small missiles at her. 

“No, you didn't. By joining the Overlord, you joined the losing team,” she snapped before charging forward. It wasn't easy, but she was able to avoid every missile and get face to face with him.

“It's over,” said Pixel before delivering the knockout punch to his face. 

The Crystal Council had fallen.

But its leaders were still standing. 

“HARUMI, YOU BETRAYED ME!” snapped Pythor. This distraction was enough for Garmadon to kick the Overlord away. 

“This is the path I choose. I'm not going to let you control me anymore,” she snapped before charging. Pythor tried to blast her, but Lloyd blocked the attacks with energy blasts. Harumi kicked Pythor  before Lloyd blasted him. When he looked up, he was met with a kick from Harumi followed by a punch by Lloyd. 

“It's over Pythor,” said Lloyd. Pythor snapped up and tried to slash Lloyd.

“NO! I WILL HAVE MY REVENGE ON THE PEOPLE OF NINJAGO!” yelled Pythor. Lloyd and Harumi were able to avoid his attacks.

“You're not seriously still mad about the Serpentine war, are you. That was Chen,” said Lloyd before he tried to blast Pythor, but the snake disappeared before wrapping his tail around Harumi.

“OF COURSE NOT! BUT WHEN WE WERE LOCKED UP, WE HAD NOTHING TO EAT. NOTHING BUT EACH OTHER!” he yelled. Harumi was able to fight out of his grasp before Lloyd blasted him.

“In order to preserve my people, I had to destroy them. You have no idea what that's like,” snapped Pythor. He tried to get up, but couldn't. 

“ENOUGH!” yelled the Overlord. A massive shockwave bursted off of him, sending Garmadon flying back. The Overlord went through a terrifying transformation, many of the crystals surrounding him becoming part of his body. He turned into a massive crystalized centaur with dragon-like wings. 

“YES. DESTROY THEM!” yelled Pythor. 

“It's time for you to face my true power,” said the Overlord before the massive crystal in the middle of the island shot its power into him. The Overlord then hovered slightly above the island before blasting Harumi with purple lightning.

“HARUMI!” yelled Lloyd and Garmadon. At first, Harumi screamed in agony. But as the power was tearing her apart, she looked at Lloyd, and smiled.

Then her body disintegrated.

“NO!” yelled Lloyd and Garmadon in shock and horror. 

“YES!” laughed Pythor. But his laughing stopped when the Overlord landed next to him.

“You served me well, but I no longer need you,” said the Overlord before he blasted Pythor.

“NOOOOOOOO!” screamed Pythor in agony before his body disintegrated as well. The Overlord then looked at Lloyd and Garmadon. 

“Now, it's time to die,” he said.

From the ground, Wu looked up. He wasn't sure how, but he knew what was happening.

“The Overlord doesn't want to destroy us, he wants to corrupt the elements of creation.” 

Chapter Text

Chapter 30: The Final Battle Part 3: The End Of All

Lloyd and Garmadon stood next to each other, looking up at the Overlord with rage in their eyes. 

“You killed her,” growled Lloyd as his body became encased in a purple aura. 

“She betrayed me, so yes,” said the Overlord before shooting at them. Garmadon grabbed Lloyd and shot into the air.

“WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?” demanded Lloyd as Garmadon threw him at the Overlord. 

“To save Ninjago,” said the Overlord as he blocked Lloyd and knocked him aside.

“Since when have you cared about Ninjago?” questioned Garmadon as he tried to punch the Overlord, but was grabbed and slammed into the ground.

“It took me some time to realize, but my purpose isn't to destroy Ninjago, but to save it by destroying the light. Then, there will be peace in the dark,” said the Overlord before he got blasted in the side by Lloyd.

“You're lying. All this peace in the dark crap is just you justifying your own terrible actions,” snapped Lloyd. He tried to blast the Overlord, but was slammed into the ground.

“NO! It is my true purpose, my calling. I will SAVE Ninjago,” snapped the Overlord. Garmadon dove down at the Overlord, but was swatted away like he was an insect.

“No, you just believe your own lies,” said Lloyd before he was slammed into the ground again. The Overlord growled before shooting into the sky. His power flowed through his body.

“Goodbye, Lloyd,” said the Overlord before sending an extremely powerful blast of purple lightning at Lloyd.

“NO!” yelled Garmadon. Lloyd couldn't get out of the way, but was pushed away at the last moment. When Lloyd looked up, he saw his father taking the blast for him.

“DAD!” Lloyd cried out. Garmadon looked at Lloyd, and smiled.

“It's ok, Lloyd. I believe in you, son,” he said before he disintegrated. 

“NOOOOOOOOOO!” cried Lloyd in agony as tears poured out of his eyes. 

“First your mother, now your father. They both fell by my hand,” said the Overlord as he laughed. Purple aura swirled around Lloyd.

“ARRRRRRRRRR!” he howled as his body went through a monstrous transformation next to the massive crystal. He grew horns out of his head, an extra pair of arms and his skin turned gold. When his face morphed, his transformation was complete. He had embraced his Oni form.

“NO!” yelled the Overlord in fright as he blasted Lloyd. Lloyd tumbled back slightly, but quickly recovered. 

“You killed both of my parents. You caused all the pain in my life. NOW YOU'LL PAY!” yelled Lloyd as his body became encased in purple aura. The Overlord sent multiple crystals at Lloyd, but the Oni destroyed them with ease. The Overlord tried to grab him, but power erupted off of Lloyd's body, sending the Overlord back. 

“NO! You are too weak to beat me!” snapped the Overlord before blasting Lloyd with purple lightning. Lloyd made an energy shield to absorb the attack, but was still getting pushed back to the edge of the island.

“I will destroy the light. I will finally fulfill my purpose,” snapped the Overlord before adding more power to his lightning, pushing Lloyd over the edge.

Wu ran over to the original Ninja.

“Ninja, the Overlord isn't trying to destroy us, he wants to corrupt the elements of creation,” he said. The Ninja’s eyes widened at this. 

“How do we stop this?” asked Kai.

“You can't. But Lloyd was able to share his power with you. So maybe, you can give it back,” said Wu. The other Ninja didn't hesitate for a moment. They looked up and saw the purple lightning about to crash down on them.

“This isn't the end,” said Kai.

“You're right. This is just another chapter of our story,” said Jay.

“By giving Lloyd our power, we're letting him finish the fight his grandfather started,” said Cole.

“It has been an honor, my brother's,” said Zane. They each sent their power to the sky as Lloyd fell from the island. 

The Overlord smiled as his lightning crashed down onto the city below.

“I WON!” he cheered in triumph. 

“I don't think so,” said Lloyd.

Go

The Overlord stood in shock as Lloyd flew up on a golden, four headed dragon. Oni and Dragon combined in one.

It's time for training and we're getting started. It's on you know. And we wanna see you whip and shout it. It's on you know 

“NO!” cried out the Overlord in fear before Lloyd jumped off the dragon and punched him in the face. The Overlord recovered, but the golden dragon flew into him. 

“I WON'T LET YOU WIN!” yelled the Overlord as he threw the dragon before blasting Lloyd with the same attack that killed his father.

They say, go slow. But everything just stands so still. We say, go go. We're ready for the fight we know the drill.

Lloyd didn't scream in pain. Instead, incredible power exploded off of him, sending the Overlord back. Lloyd jumped back on his dragon and the two blasted the Overlord.

“I will never give up. Ninja never quit,” snapped Lloyd before the Overlord took off into the sky. Without hesitation, Lloyd took off after him.

Monday morning and we feel defeated. Seems so long ago. Tuesday's coming we just keep on beating. Till we're in our zone.

For the first time in his long existence, the Overlord was scared. He flew above Lloyd and summoned a full storm of purple lightning. 

“DIE!” he yelled as his purple lightning struck. However, Lloyd's dragon counted the lightning with a blast of fire, lightning, earth and ice.

Just jump up, kick back, whip around and spin. And then jump up do it again. Ninja go. Ninja go. Come on come on, we're gonna do it again 

The two attacks cancel out, allowing the Overlord to fly away.

“STOP RUNNING!” yelled Lloyd as his dragon chased after the Overlord. With a blast of ice, the Overlord’s wing was frozen. 

We just jump up, kick back, whip around and spin. And then jump up do it again. Ninja go. Ninja go. Come on come on, and do the Weekend Whip

The Overlord fell onto his island before getting up and glaring at Lloyd. 

“You talk big. You act like you're stronger than everyone, but you're not. You're just as afraid as anyone,” snapped Lloyd. The Overlord looked at his shaking hands for a second before snapping his head at Lloyd.

“You're right. I am afraid. I thought I was above those feelings. But thinking that is what led to my past setbacks,” said the Overlord before his body was struck by purple lightning. 

Wednesday morning and we soon discover, we gotta push our game. We slept on Thursday just to get it over, the Whip’s a day away 

“I SHALL RISE ABOVE MY FEAR, AND ELIMINATE YOU! LLOYD, THIS ENDS HERE!” yelled the Overlord before putting all his power into one final blast of purple lightning.

“You're right about one thing, THIS ENDS HERE!” snapped Lloyd before both he and his dragon put all their power into a counter blast.

They say, go slow. And everything just stands so slow. We say, go go. You're going to see us rip into it

The two opposite blasts went against each other. From all across the city, the crystalized people from below could look up and see the powers of light and shadow go against each other. 

And just like Quanish the Elder said, only when dragon and oni are combined in one can the darkness be undone. 

Just jump up, kick back, whip around and spin. And then jump up do it again. Ninja go. Ninja go. Come on come on, we're gonna do it again 

“NOOOOOOOOO!” yelled the Overlord as the power of oni and dragon overpowered his lightning and slammed into him. The power put him in a cocoon that rendered him helpless. Lloyd saw this and channeled all his power into his fist.

We just jump up, kick back, whip around and spin. And then jump up do it again. Ninja go. Ninja go. Come on come on, and do the Weekend Whip

“ARRRRRRRR!” yelled Lloyd as he jumped off his dragon and flew at the Overlord. With all his power in his fist, Lloyd punches the Overlord, making him shatter. Lloyd then blasted the broken pieces of the Overlord until they disappeared in a wave of light. The wave flew off of the island and freed everyone from the crystals. But Lloyd didn't have time to celebrate before he fell unconscious.

Chapter Text

Chapter 31: Epilogue 

When Lloyd woke up, he was in a familiar field of flowers. He looked down and saw he was back in his body.

“Hello, Lloyd,” said the First Spinjitzu Master. Lloyd stood up and saw him kneeling before him.

“You have done what I failed to do. You have destroyed the Overlord,” he said. Lloyd smiled, but his smile turned to sorrow.

“But I lost my father,” he said.

“Do not mourn me, my son,” said Garmadon as he walked up to Lloyd. Lloyd's eyes widened when he saw his father back in his human form.

“Dad,” said Lloyd as his eyes teared up. Garmadon rested a hand on his son's shoulder.

“It is ok, my son. There is a lot I regret in my life. But the one thing I will never regret, is you,” he said. Lloyd pulled his father into a hug.

“I love you,” said Lloyd.

“I love you too. Now go, my son. Go to see her,” said Garmadon. 

When Lloyd opened his eyes again, he was looking into the eyes of Akita. 

“LLOYD!” she exclaimed as she wrapped her arms around him.

“You did it,” she said. 

“LLOYD!” exclaimed Kai. Before he knew it, Lloyd was at the bottom of a hug from his brothers and sister. Eventually, they stood up.

“The Overlord, is he gone?” asked Wu.

“For good, yes,” said Lloyd, making the others cheer. 

“But what about Garmadon?” asked Wu. 

“He sacrificed himself to save me,” said Lloyd. Wu teared up a little, but nodded.

“He will be remembered,” said Wu. Lloyd looked around and saw all their friends, and even some of their enemies standing around. 

“Everyone, we still have work to do. This isn't over just yet. We have to rebuild our world,” he called out. Everyone cheered for this, even the villains.

The Ninja were all in the Monastery, looking at the destruction.

“This is going to take a while,” said Cole. 

“Then it's a good thing I called in back up,” said Dareth. From the door, came all their friends that helped them defeat the Overlord, led by Dareth. The only people who weren't present were Lloyd and Akita.

The two of them were standing before two graves. One for Misako, another for Garmadon. But the look on Lloyd's face wasn't one of pain, but contempt. He'll miss his parents, but he'll make it through. 

At a later time, Wu was surrounded by scrolls.

“If what my brother said is true, then there is something truly terrible coming for us all,” he said to himself as he picked up a scroll.

“Father, I hope you have the answers I seek,” he said before he began to read.

“I need to bring all the realms together. Only unity can save us.” 

End