Two days had passed since the chaos. The ninja were gathered in a quiet, luxurious chamber deep within Borg Tower, its wide windows overlooking the neon-lit skyline of New Ninjago City. The usual hum of city life below felt distant and hushed, as if even the world itself held its breath.
Jinx lay unconscious in a large bed, his frame still and wrapped in fine silks that felt too pristine for someone who had just torn open the veil between worlds. Around him stood his allies, their faces heavy with concern. The room smelled faintly of medicine and old ozone—lingering energy from the battle no one was ready to forget.
Lloyd stood closest to the bed, arms folded tightly as if holding himself together. He didn't look like a kid anymore. "Any change?" he asked, not looking at anyone but Jinx.
Zane, who had just completed a diagnostic scan with a soft whirr of his internal systems, stepped back and shook his head gently. "His condition is stable," the nindroid said, his voice calm but lacking its usual clinical detachment. "But only just. The damage to his body is significant. The Megaweapon's energy—combined with the essence of the First Spinjitzu Master—is not compatible with the elemental makeup of darkness. Jinx's element acted like a conduit, but it came at a cost."
He paused, his blue eyes dimming. "Tearing a hole to the Departed Realm affected both the present and the past simultaneously. The temporal-spiritual backlash was immense—likely more taxing than anything Lord Garmadon himself ever attempted."
Kai leaned on the wall, scowling. "So you're saying this hurt him worse than Garmadon ever got hit?"
"In a manner of speaking," Zane nodded. "Yes. But it wasn't just physical. Garmadon's manipulation—his use of Jinx's... fixation on his mother—left his mental state vulnerable. The moment he exploited that bond, he shattered Jinx's focus."
Cole frowned. "You think Garmadon meant for that to happen?"
"It is likely," Zane confirmed. "Garmadon knew exactly how to distract us. He may have counted on Jinx's emotional instability to open the rift. He likely hoped that Jinx would not only destroy himself in the process, but take us down with him."
Silence settled over the group like a weighted blanket.
Jay finally broke it. "So what now? We just wait?"
Lloyd's eyes didn't leave Jinx's face. "No," he said quietly, a storm behind his words. "We help him heal. Garmadon tried to use his pain against him. We won't let that be what breaks him."
The room, bathed in soft golden light, was filled with unspoken promises.
Jinx's breathing was steady. But the battle inside him was far from over.
Jay shifted uneasily, eyes flicking between the monitors and Jinx's still form. The silence had stretched too long, heavy with a question no one wanted to voice—until Jay finally did.
"So… what could possibly heal him?"
Everyone turned to Master Wu.
The old Sensei stood quietly near the window, hands folded in front of him, his expression unreadable beneath the wide brim of his hat. The fading sunlight etched his profile in gold, but there was no warmth in his voice as he answered.
He shook his head.
"Nothing we know," Wu said solemnly. "My father's power was beyond what even I could ever fully understand. He could create anything—worlds, weapons, life itself. And he poured a sliver of that ability into the Golden Weapons, dividing his might into the Four Elements of Creation."
He looked at each of the ninja in turn—Kai, Zane, Cole, and Jay—then let his gaze settle on Lloyd.
"With those four elements combined, you can restore balance to nearly anything corrupted or broken. In time, and with Lloyd's help, you four should heal—physically, mentally, spiritually."
"But Jinx…" Wu's voice trailed, heavy with regret. "His element—darkness—may complement yours in balance, but in purpose, in nature, it is utterly opposed. The power of creation gives, while darkness… takes. It is entropy, decay, the stillness beyond the veil. At a fundamental level, your energies cannot stabilize him. They will only reject each other."
A hollow quiet followed his words. Then Wu gestured gently toward the bedside.
"The only thing keeping him tethered… is that."
The ninja followed his gaze.
Lying beside Jinx on the bed, half-sheathed in a black lacquered scabbard, was his sword—Silence. The katana pulsed faintly with a muted hum, and a thin, inky-black tendril of shadow reached from its hilt to Jinx's hand. It wasn't a chain, but something deeper—more primal. It looked like a vein made of night itself, running from the blade directly into him.
Cole took a half step forward, uneasy. "That… can't be healthy."
"No," Wu agreed softly, "but it is necessary. The sword is more than steel. It is his anchor, forged with his essence. It absorbs the backlash of his power—stores it. Without it…" Wu didn't finish the thought.
Zane stepped closer, scanning the sword now. "The energy signature is complex. It resonates not only with Jinx's life force, but with the rift to the Departed Realm. I believe... it's containing it."
"Containing it?" Jay asked. "Like… if he lets go, the rift opens again?"
Zane nodded. "Or worse."
Kai clenched his fists. "Then we better make sure he doesn't let go."
Lloyd looked at Jinx's hand—how tightly his fingers clung to the sword even in unconsciousness—and felt a chill run through him.
"He's fighting," Lloyd said quietly. "Even now."
And none of them doubted it.
The City of Ouroboros baked under the relentless sun, the stone ruins shimmering with heat as two Venomari warriors clashed in the center of the Slither Pit. Dust spiraled into the air as scales slapped against scales, the crowd of serpentine spectators hissing and cheering in excitement.
That was, until the whirring thunder of rotor blades cut through the desert silence.
A Rattlecopter descended with a harsh wind that blew sand into every corner of the pit. The duel stopped instantly as the serpentine fighters shielded their eyes. All heads turned toward the chopper as it touched down just outside the arena.
From its hatch emerged Chokun, waddling forward with a ridiculous sense of ceremony. He unrolled a red carpet, set up a folding chair, propped up an oversized parasol, and—after plopping a cup into the chair's armrest—delicately dropped a cocktail umbrella into the drink with a flourish.
"Yup," Chokun chirped proudly. "Ready!"
Lord Garmadon stepped out next, clad in his dark armor, the sunlight making his blackened skin seem even more unnatural. He squinted up at the sky with visible distaste.
"Ugh. It's so bright," he muttered, settling under the umbrella with a frown. "I never understood how your kind could live in such heat."
Skalidor emerged from the crowd, bowing slightly with mock respect. "Lord Garmadon," he said, his gravelly voice edged with suspicion, "what brings you to our humble dwelling?"
Garmadon leaned back, savoring the brief shade. "The ninja may have destroyed my Mega Weapon," he said, voice low and venomous, "but I have an ingenious new plan. One that's far easier now that the strongest ninja is out of commission… or dead."
Skales, watching from the side, hissed quietly to Skalidor. "Are we ssstill allowing him to be in charge of us?"
Garmadon turned his head sharply, lips curling into a grin. "Earlier, when the pirates mutinied and locked us in the brig, I came across Captain Soto's journal. He mentioned a legendary place—an island forged from darkness itself."
He stood now, his presence commanding. "This 'Dark Island,' as he called it, is said to be infused with concentrated evil. The kind of power that could help me—us—conquer all of Ninjago!"
Skales raised an incredulous brow. "Oh, please. Now you're having us chase after fairy tales?"
"Not fairy tales," Garmadon said, his voice gaining an edge. "But a real place. One that existed before even the Serpentine crawled out of their burrows. A place dripping with evil."
Skalidor's eyes gleamed. "Untold power, you say? Count me in!"
"Evil," Garmadon intoned again.
"Sounds nice!" Skalidor agreed enthusiastically.
Garmadon looked around, his four arms spread wide. "I'm looking for a few brave snakes. Who will join me?"
Fangtom stepped forward, followed by Acidicus and then Skalidor again. "Aye!" they all barked.
Skales hesitated, then threw his arms up in frustration. "Oh, fine."
With the matter settled, they boarded the Rattlecopter once more. Its blades roared to life, kicking up dust and scattering loose debris across the pit as it ascended toward the heavens and the unknown.
Meanwhile, aboard the Destiny's Bounty…
The ship rocked gently on the wind, drifting peacefully through the clouds. All was calm—until the alarm clock blared like a siren.
Cole groaned, cracking one eye open before sitting up too fast and smashing his head on the bunk above. "Ugh…"
Jay, already halfway in dreamland, jolted upright with a shriek—then promptly rolled off his bed and hit the floor with a loud thump. "Ahh—ow!"
Kai, clearly the most annoyed, grabbed the nearest object—a boot, possibly—and hurled it with practiced fury at the clock. It ricocheted off the wall, hit a vintage gramophone, and somehow made the alarm even louder.
"Mmph… seriously?" groaned Cole.
The ninja groaned in unison, all except Zane, who lay peacefully with his eyes open. As a nindroid, the blaring noise didn't seem to register as anything more than ambient background sound.
Lloyd, the last to stir, rolled over and raised a glowing hand. A pulse of green energy shimmered from his palm, and with a click, the alarm shut off.
He sat up, rubbing his eyes. "Is it Wednesday already?"
The sun hadn't even crested the highest peaks of Ninjago when Jay stumbled groggily into the training deck, eyes barely open.
"Sunrise exercise," he muttered, dragging his feet. "I hate sunrise exercise…"
Before anyone could reply, a cheerful chime cut through the morning haze—ding-ding-ding! Master Wu entered the room, ringing a miniature gong with far too much enthusiasm for such an early hour.
"Ah! Good morning, morning, morning!" Wu beamed. "Up, up. It's a new day, students!"
The ninja groaned in dismay.
"Before we begin our sunrise exercise," Wu continued, stroking his beard, "I noticed the dragon made another mess outside. Quite the disaster zone. Looks like… a two-person job." He chuckled knowingly.
Cole squinted at him. "Uh… what was that, Sensei?"
Kai, catching on instantly, faked a sudden alertness. "Did I hear an SOS call come in?"
"I sense," Zane added calmly, stepping back toward the hallway, "that I need to be somewhere else."
Jay nudged Lloyd with an exaggerated smile. "Haha, Lloyd. Buddy. I'm sure you've got this one."
Lloyd folded his arms. "Aww, come on! You could get away with dumping chores on me when I was smaller, but I'm grown up now! That's not fair!"
Kai sighed dramatically, putting a hand on Lloyd's shoulder. "You're right, Lloyd. It's time we settled this like men." He raised his hand. "With a round of Rock, Paper, Clamp! Alright, on three! One… two… three!"
Lloyd threw out rock.
The others, grinning, all threw paper.
"Ha!" Jay declared. "Paper beats rock!"
Lloyd groaned. "How does paper beat rock? That doesn't even make sense!" But with a defeated slump, he grabbed a bucket and brush. "I always end up doing the dirty work…"
Cole leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Hey, having a pet dragon comes with a lot of responsibility."
Jay leaned in, teasing. "Didn't your mom ever let you have a pet or something?"
Lloyd paused.
"I don't remember my mother," he said quietly. "She abandoned me when I was really young."
That hit the room like a dropped shuriken.
Kai's voice was suddenly gentler. "She just… left? Who took care of you?"
"I spent most of my life at Darkley's Boarding School," Lloyd replied, his eyes distant. "Then after that, I was just… drifting. Wandering across Ninjago. And then…" A small smile touched his lips. "Jinx found me. Took me under his wing after Pythor betrayed me."
The room fell silent for a moment. None of them pushed further.
Then, with a soft thud, Nya suddenly slid down the anchor line from above, landing cleanly on the deck in a crouch.
"Morning," she said, brushing off her hands. "I've got a mission for you guys."
Jay perked up instantly. "Please let it involve punching something."
"It's the Museum of Ninjago," Nya said. "They've asked for you all. Something strange has happened."
Kai narrowed his eyes. "Strange how?"
Nya shrugged. "You're gonna have to see it to believe it."
Lloyd, eager to escape dragon duty, handed her the cleaning bag with a cheeky grin. "Here, Nya. Hold this."
She caught the bag mid-air, then blinked at it. "Wait a second. What am I supposed to—"
The dragon lumbered into view behind her, snorting a little puff of smoke and leaving a trail of scorched footprints. Her eyes widened.
"Oh," she said flatly. "That's what."
The others burst into laughter as Lloyd jogged past, already halfway out the door.
The ninja landed at the steps of the Ninjago Museum of History, their boots clicking against the marble as they stepped through the grand archway. The air inside was still and musty, the kind of silence that felt heavy with secrets. Before they could even take in the space, a frantic voice called out.
"Oh, thank heavens you're here!"
A middle-aged man with a thin mustache and a panicked gleam in his eyes came rushing toward them. His name tag read simply: Curator.
Master Wu gave a polite nod. "We heard there was an emergency?"
"Yes, yes—come, come, quickly. This way," the curator gestured wildly, leading them down a hallway lined with ancient relics and banners from Ninjago's distant past. "The Stone Warrior exhibit opens to the public tonight, and this couldn't have come at a worse time!"
Kai frowned. "Uh, what couldn't have come at a worse time?"
The curator didn't slow down. "Ninjago City owes you all a great debt for defeating the Great Devourer some time ago, but… it seems its toxic venom has seeped into the city's sewer system. And it's had the most unusual aftereffect."
They turned a corner and instantly recoiled.
"Augh!" Cole gagged.
"Ugh," Kai groaned, waving a hand in front of his face. "It stinks!"
The smell was like burnt rubber and sour milk—thick and pungent. Zane tilted his head, analytical sensors blinking rapidly. "There are high traces of mutated venom in the air. It's... unstable."
The curator flung open a set of double doors. "Behold," he said with a sigh. "The gift shop."
The ninja stepped inside and stared in disbelief. Rows of merchandise—plush toys, plastic figurines, T-shirts—had come to life. They bounced off shelves, snapped at displays, and scurried around in chaos. A stuffed Nya doll launched itself off a hook and tackled Zane square in the chest.
"Ah!" Zane grunted, stumbling back.
The curator clasped his hands. "They've been completely unruly. I just… I didn't know who else to call!"
Jay stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "Don't worry. I think we can handle a few angry action figures."
The curator smiled in relief. "And please… could you keep the damage contained to this room? The new exhibit opens soon and—well, the insurance only covers one disaster per quarter." With that, he gently shut the doors behind them.
Inside, a toy Lloyd lunged at the real one, only for Lloyd to sidestep and swat it across the room. "Whoa! Stupid little guy."
Kai pulled down his bandana with a grin. "Alright. Playtime's over. Ninja—go!"
He spun into his fiery Spinjitzu, scattering merchandise like bowling pins.
"Ninja, go!" Jay, Cole, and Zane joined in, their elemental energies blazing. Lightning cracked. Earth rumbled. Ice surged.
A moment later, the entire gift shop looked like it had been hit by a miniature hurricane.
Zane came to a stop, blinking at the destruction. "Uh... oops."
In the chaos, one of the toys—a laughing, cackling figurine of Lord Garmadon—sprinted between the debris and darted through a crack in the wall. Wu spotted it and narrowed his eyes.
"Oh no, you don't," he muttered. "Come here, you little—"
He gave chase down the hall, footsteps light and silent despite his robes. He cornered the toy near an open door and raised his foot with precise discipline before stomping it flat with a satisfying crunch.
"Hah! Got you—" Wu paused, his expression softening.
From the doorway, a familiar figure had emerged. A woman with kind eyes, dusty robes, and long auburn hair tied back in a braid. She stared at him, emotion flickering behind her gaze.
"...Misako," Wu said quietly.
"Wu."
The air between them thickened with unspoken history. Then the sound of footsteps broke the moment as the ninja arrived, their expressions ranging from puzzled to curious.
Jay was the first to speak. He cleared his throat awkwardly. "Sooo, uh… you gonna introduce us?"
Wu nodded slowly, his voice measured. "Yes. This is Misako… Lloyd's mother."
The silence that followed was deafening.
Lloyd's eyes widened. "My… my mother?"
Misako stepped forward, her eyes already brimming with emotion. "Lloyd? My little boy… You've grown so much."
Lloyd stared at her, chest rising and falling. "Yeah, well… it's been a long time."
"I didn't want us to meet like this," she said, voice trembling. "There's a reason I've been away. I wanted to explain—"
"I don't wanna hear it," Lloyd snapped. His voice cracked just slightly, but the weight behind it was sharp. He turned on his heel and walked away, his cape fluttering behind him like a final word.
"Lloyd, wait—please!" Misako called after him.
But the door closed with a click, leaving only silence behind.
High above the Endless Sea, the rattlecopter cruised in wide, fruitless arcs, slicing through cloud and salt-scented air.
"The Endless Sea," Lord Garmadon muttered, arms folded in irritation as he paced the cabin. "I don't get it."
"It's because," Skales hissed from his seat, "there is no land beyond Ninjago. We've been searching all day."
Garmadon's eyes narrowed. "The island must be out there. We'll do another lap."
Skales turned to the other Serpentine generals, his voice a low whisper. "He's without the Mega Weapon. That makes him vulnerable."
Skalidor leaned in, the scent of damp earth clinging to him. "So how do you propose we get rid of him?"
Unaware of the quiet coup behind him, Garmadon pointed to the front. "Turn around, Snike. We find that island today."
"Yes, Lord Garmadon," the pilot replied.
Skales' slitted eyes sharpened. "Ooh, there! Is that the island?"
Garmadon lunged toward the window. "Where?"
With a sudden shove, Skales pushed him out of the open hatch.
"Aah!" Garmadon's voice echoed briefly before he crashed into the churning waters below.
Skalidor grinned, stepping forward. "About time we had a Serpentine back in charge!"
"All hail Skales," came the chorus.
"All hail, leader of the Serpentine!" Skales stood triumphant as the generals cackled behind him, the copter banking away from the sea.
Back at the Museum of Ninjago, the halls were eerily quiet—until the slam of a door echoed through the main floor.
"Lloyd?" Misako called, her voice anxious. "Lloyd!"
The group finally found him standing before a large display in the dimly lit Bottomless Pit exhibit. He stood close to the edge, staring into the abyss as if hoping it would give him answers.
"I'd watch your step," Misako said softly, approaching him. "That sinkhole has no bottom, son. It's where I found the first Stone Warrior."
Lloyd didn't look at her.
"Son?" he repeated bitterly. "You've been gone my whole life. There's nothing you can say that will change that."
Misako didn't flinch. "Well, I'm going to talk anyway." She stepped closer, her voice steady but full of pain. "You want to know what I've been doing all this time? Before Wu ever suspected who the Green Ninja would be, I knew. And I knew that one day, you would have to face your father."
Lloyd's eyes twitched, but he remained silent.
"I left you at the boarding school so I could study the prophecy—so I could find a way to stop the final battle from happening," Misako said. "All this time, I've been trying to save you and your father."
She stepped back, looking at the exhibit as if it were a relic of her own burden. "Long before time had a name, Ninjago was forged by the First Spinjitzu Master—"
Lloyd scoffed. "Yeah, yeah, we've heard that story a hundred times."
"But you've only heard half of it," Misako said, firm now. "You know how the First Spinjitzu Master created Ninjago—but in order for there to be light, there must be shadow. And within shadow, a deeper darkness. An evil spirit born at the dawn of creation itself. The Overlord."
Zane stepped forward, tense. "Did you know about this, Sensei?"
Wu looked away. "I hoped… if I never spoke his name again, the Overlord would remain forgotten."
Misako's voice dropped to a whisper. "The balance was always fragile. Their war could've lasted forever, but the Overlord created the Stone Army—indestructible soldiers of dark essence. The Spinjitzu Master knew he couldn't win. So he split Ninjago in two… and vanished."
Kai clenched his fists. "So that's why the battle never ended. It wasn't finished."
Cole nodded. "But where is this Dark Island?"
"Gone," Misako replied. "Hidden, maybe forever. The legend says that as long as balance is kept, the Overlord remains trapped. But your father's ambition threatens that balance. That's why he must be stopped."
Wu turned toward Lloyd. "The power of the First Spinjitzu Master lives on—first through the elemental weapons, now in you. That's why only you can face this ultimate evil. Or all of Ninjago will fall."
Misako's voice trembled. "Leaving you was the hardest thing I've ever done. But I had to. For you—and for everyone."
Lloyd, who had remained stoic through it all, finally stepped forward. His eyes locked onto Misako's with a sharp glint of curiosity.
"You said the Overlord was a spirit of darkness," he said. "And that he imbued his power into his soldiers… Was he an Elemental Master?"
Misako hesitated, surprised. "In a sense, yes… but more than that. He and the First Spinjitzu Master had command over elemental essences. Powers beyond the elemental spectrum—forces of creation and destruction."
Jay raised a brow. "Wait. But Jinx is the… Elemental Master of Darkness."
Misako turned to Wu in alarm. "Who is Jinx?"
Wu sighed and stepped forward, folding his hands behind his back.
"Jinx was found by Zane, after the Serpentine burned the monastery. He had arrived with the Bounty, unannounced. Soon, we learned he wielded both Wind and Darkness. He quickly proved himself… and established that not even Lloyd, as he is now, could match him. He's trained for twelve years."
Misako's face paled. "Someone who wields the same power as the Overlord… and he's with you?"
Jay finally broke the heavy silence. "Not anymore."
Misako turned sharply. "What happened?"
Jay looked away, voice dark. "Garmadon used the Mega Weapon—the combined form of the four Golden Weapons. It can grant any wish. He used it to go into the past, to stop us from becoming a team. That way, we'd never train Lloyd—and the final battle would be delayed."
Cole added grimly, "We tried to destroy it, but Garmadon tricked Jinx… showed him his greatest desire. Jinx tore open a hole through space and time into the Departed Realm."
Wu bowed his head. "The First Spinjitzu Master intervened, barely stopping him."
Kai picked up the thread, his voice low. "We didn't think there was much damage. But when we returned to the present… we learned the truth. Jinx's powers were destabilizing. They were unraveling Ninjago—not just the city, the world."
Jay nodded solemnly. "His desire to see his mother again… it nearly destroyed him. We destroyed the Mega Weapon before it could get worse. But the damage had already been done."
Zane's voice, usually emotionless, softened. "He's been in a coma for two days now. And we still don't know if he'll wake up."
The Museum of Ninjago had never been this loud. The crowd swelled near the entrance of the new exhibit, buzzing with anticipation. Near the center, the Curator anxiously waved down the approaching group of ninja.
"Oh, thank heavens you're here!" he gasped, leading them down a corridor at a brisk pace.
Wu nodded, his face calm but alert. "We heard there was an emergency?"
"Yes, yes—quickly now, follow me," the Curator said, pushing open a side door. "The Stone Warrior exhibit opens tonight, and this could not have happened at a worse time."
Kai frowned. "What couldn't have come at a worse time?"
They moved through a side hall that stank of mold and something far worse. The air reeked.
"As you know," the Curator began, "Ninjago City is grateful for your help in destroying the Great Devourer. But… it seems its venom seeped into the sewer system over time, and the results have been… unusual."
The ninja all winced at the stench.
"Ugh! It stinks!" Kai gagged.
The Curator opened the door to the gift shop—and chaos greeted them. Shelves were overturned, plastic swords whizzed by like shuriken, and miniature figurines scuttled across the walls with eerie liveliness.
"The venom's toxicity somehow brought our merchandise to life!" the Curator exclaimed. "They're completely unruly—I didn't know who else to call!"
Thunk!
A small toy smacked Zane in the face.
"Ow," he muttered.
Jay rolled up his sleeves. "Don't worry, sir. We've got this. We can handle a few possessed toys."
The Curator clasped his hands in relief. "Wonderful. But please—contain the fighting to the gift shop? The exhibit opens soon." He quickly slipped out, leaving them to it.
Lloyd stared as a plastic figurine kicked him in the shin. "Whoa! Stupid little guy!"
Kai drew his weapon. "Alright. Playtime's over. Ninja—go!"
With a flash of light, the four ninja spun into their Spinjitzu forms, whirling through the room like a tornado of color and fury—obliterating shelves, walls, and unfortunately, the entire gift shop.
Zane landed in the rubble. "Uh… oops."
One last figurine cackled and darted through the far door.
"Ha-ha! Whoo! Catch me if you can!"
Wu gave chase. "Come here, you little—" crack! He stomped on it mid-run, then paused as a familiar voice echoed from across the hall.
"Wu?"
He turned, and his breath caught. Misako stepped into view, her expression unreadable.
"Misako…" he said quietly.
"It's been a long time," she replied.
Footsteps echoed as the ninja arrived, slightly battered but alert.
Jay cleared his throat. "Sooo… anyone wanna introduce us?"
Wu collected himself. "Yes, of course. This is Misako… Lloyd's mother."
Everyone froze.
Lloyd's eyes widened. "My… my mother?"
Misako approached slowly, eyes filling with emotion. "Lloyd? My little boy… you're so much bigger than I remember."
Lloyd looked away. "Yeah, well. It's been a long time."
"I never wanted us to meet like this," Misako said softly. "I had a reason for staying away."
Lloyd's voice cracked. "Well, I don't want to hear it." He turned and walked out, the door closing sharply behind him.
Misako lowered her head.
"I'm sorry about what happened to your friend," she murmured. "And I promise—I'll help find a way to wake him. But for now… you have a job to do."
The Stone Army exhibit buzzed with excitement. The Curator addressed the audience with practiced grandeur.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the museum's greatest find! Discovered right beneath this very building—an ancient Stone Samurai Warrior!"
The curtains parted. Gasps echoed through the room.
Just then, a thick drop of glowing green venom seeped from the ceiling and landed squarely on the warrior's stone helm.
A man screamed. "It's alive!"
The Curator laughed nervously. "Impossible! It just looks lifelike—"
The Stone Warrior's arm moved. Then it grabbed the Curator and hurled him into a marble pillar.
The crowd scattered in terror.
Off to the side, Lloyd reappeared. "Have you discovered a way to prevent me from facing my father?" he asked.
Misako shook her head. "Not yet. But there's still hope."
Suddenly, the Stone Warrior crashed through the wall with a guttural growl.
"WHOA!" Jay shouted. "Can someone PLEASE tell me—WHAT THE HECK IS THAT?!"
Misako didn't hesitate. "The Stone Warrior."
Zane scanned it. "The Devourer's venom must have reactivated it!"
Cole groaned. "Oh, great. Kai, you're up."
Kai hesitated. "Me? Uh, okay, blockhead—take this!"
He struck with his blade—only for it to shatter on impact.
"…Huh. In my mind's eye, that played out very differently."
Misako explained quickly. "The Overlord created the Stone Army from an indestructible material. It only exists on the Dark Island."
Kai ducked a blow. "You could've mentioned that earlier!"
"Lloyd!" Wu called. "Use your powers!"
Lloyd focused, sending a powerful burst of energy at the warrior, blasting it into the far wall. The crowd cheered—but the warrior stood up. Barely scratched.
Cole's smile faded. "Wait. We can't even damage this thing?"
"You can't," Misako confirmed.
Jay edged backward. "Heheh… Easy there, big guy. Maybe this is a sign you need to cut carbs—aaah!" He was thrown toward the pit, but Wu extended his Nin-Jô staff just in time. Jay clung to it, panting. "Close call…"
The team was launched from the exhibit hall. They tumbled into the corridor as the warrior followed, relentless.
Cole groaned. "This is a lot harder than bobbleheads."
Jay nodded. "Good thing we're in a museum."
Misako blinked. "Why?"
Jay grinned nervously. "Because we're all about to become history! RUN!"
Lloyd took the lead. "Move, move! The guy's got sneakers on or something!"
Kai glanced over his shoulder. "How is he this fast?!"
Jay wailed, "I wish Jinx were here! He'd wipe the floor with this guy!"
Cole huffed. "Don't we all!?"
The team slammed the exhibit doors shut. The stone warrior pounded on the other side, the wood cracking.
Cole leaned against the wall. "This thing's unstoppable!"
"Indestructible," Zane corrected.
Kai looked at the weakening door. "We're not holding him much longer."
Jay panted. "Alright. Time to settle this like men—Rock, Paper, Clamp. Loser stays behind to fight while the rest escape." He raised a hand.
Everyone joined in—even Lloyd.
Jay smacked his hand. "Nu-uh. Not you, Chosen One."
Kai sighed. "Fine. On three. One, two—"
"Wait!" Lloyd's eyes lit up. "That's it!"
Wu stepped forward. "What is?"
"If you can all keep him busy, I think I know how to stop him!"
Cole smirked. "I say we give the kid a shot."
Jay raised an eyebrow. "You're just scared to face it."
Cole shrugged. "Do you want to face it?"
Jay held up his hands. "Let's give the kid a shot!"
Lloyd darted up a ladder into the air ducts.
"Be careful, Lloyd!" Misako called after him. "And… good luck."
"Thanks, Mom," Lloyd replied before vanishing.
Misako watched the vent for a long moment.
"I still can't believe… that's Garmadon's son."
Wu looked at her gently. "Don't forget—he's your son too."
She smiled faintly. "He's had a good teacher."
Wu glanced at the ninja. "You mean teachers."
Jay stepped forward. "Hey, love the credit, really—but no one's been a bigger teacher to Lloyd than Jinx."
"Really?" Misako asked, surprised.
Kai nodded. "Yeah. Jay's right. Jinx can use his darkness element to mimic parts of our elemental powers. He's been a huge help. Taught Lloyd how to rely on himself, not weapons, to tap into his true strength."
Cole chimed in. "He's been like a father to him. Guiding him. Training him. Taking him across Ninjago—showing him that life's not just battles and prophecy. There's fun out there too."
Misako's eyes softened. "I'll have to meet this Jinx… if you all speak so highly of him. And thank him… for taking care of my son."
Wu nodded quietly. "You'll like him. He's… not what you'd expect. But he's exactly what Lloyd needed."
The Dark Island
Thunder rumbled over churning waves as Lord Garmadon stood on a jagged cliff overlooking blackened shores. Twisted trees clawed at a storm-choked sky, and sickly mist crept along the ground like a living thing.
He turned in a slow circle, confusion in his narrowed eyes. "Where am I?" he muttered. "This… isn't Ninjago."
A voice slithered from the shadows—low, ancient, and echoing from everywhere and nowhere.
"Ah… I've been waiting for you."
Garmadon froze. "Who are you? Where are you?! Show yourself!"
"You have arrived at the place destiny always intended you to find," the voice said, silken with malice. "This is the Dark Island."
Garmadon gasped, recognition dawning. "The one from Captain Soto's logbook... The island of pure evil."
A shape began to form before him, born of swirling darkness—eyes like shards of corrupted crystal. Its presence was suffocating.
"I go by many names," it said. "But you… may call me the Overlord."
Garmadon's eyes gleamed with greed. "Then I order you—grant me the power to defeat the ninja! Make me strong enough to shape Ninjago in my image!"
But the Overlord only laughed—a sound like cracking ice over a void.
"So eager. So simple. Power is yours, yes… but first, there is something you must do for me."
At the Ninjago Museum of History
The Great Stone Warrior roared, lurching through the ancient halls, its footsteps thunderous and relentless.
Cole spotted a skeleton exhibit dangling above. "Heads up!" he shouted, slicing the support ropes with his scythe. The skeletal model crashed down onto the Warrior's head with a spectacular crack.
Jay whooped. "Direct hit! Haha!"
Kai high-fived him. "Nice shot!"
But their celebration was cut short as the dust cleared—and the Stone Warrior still stood, unphased.
Kai stared. "He's still here?!"
Cole cursed under his breath. "Please tell me Lloyd's ready with his plan…"
They bolted as the colossus gave chase.
Nearby, Misako stumbled, catching herself just before she fell. "I may not be a ninja," she muttered, "but I can take care of myself." With surprising grace, she grabbed a banner cord and slid down to safety, motioning for others to follow.
She ducked behind a pillar—but the Warrior had already spotted her.
"Over here!" a voice called out.
She turned. "Lloyd!"
"Shh." He reached out, pulling her close. "Hey, loser! Paper beats rock!"
The Stone Warrior snarled and charged straight at him—just as Lloyd yanked his mother aside. The creature's heavy bulk smashed through the weakened floor, and with a roar, it plummeted into a bottomless pit.
There was a stunned silence.
Misako blinked. Then smiled, eyes glassy. "Of course… the bottomless pit. I'm so proud of you."
Lloyd turned to her, heart racing. "I guess… the balance brought us back together."
Master Wu approached from the shadows. "Stay with us, Misako. Help us fight the good fight."
She looked at Lloyd for permission.
He shrugged with a grin. "Hey—the more, the merrier."
Back on the Dark Island
Lightning split the sky as the Overlord led Garmadon through twisted jungle paths, each step bringing the warlord deeper into darkness.
"How much farther?" Garmadon growled, sweat glistening on his brow.
"Until I say so," the Overlord replied. "You do want Ninjago remade in your image, yes?"
"Of course! It's all I've ever wanted!"
They came upon a massive boulder embedded with four ancient levers.
Garmadon paused. "Four handles... Four hands. That's no coincidence."
"Destiny," the Overlord whispered. "Nothing more."
With a scowl, Garmadon grasped the switches and pulled. Thunder shook the heavens as the rest of the island surged from beneath the waves like a monster rising from slumber.
The Overlord stood tall as his voice rose. "The ultimate battle between good and evil has been foretold. And with your help... we shall rule this world!"
Garmadon threw his head back and laughed, the sound crackling with madness.
Elsewhere... aboard the Destiny's Bounty
In a lavish room veiled in silence, Jinx lay on a grand bed beneath heavy velvet covers. Moonlight filtered through ornate windows, casting long shadows across the floor. His expression was calm, but pale, as if caught between sleep and something deeper.
Beside him rested his katana, Silence—its obsidian-black blade humming faintly with a spectral resonance. A thin tether of darkness stretched from the sword's hilt to his right hand, pulsing softly like a heartbeat.
Then—his fingers twitched.
The katana quivered.
And from the corner of Jinx's closed eye, a single tear rolled down—black as the void, glistening in the moonlight.
Something stirred.
Something old.
Something coming.