Darkness from Within #1: Twisted Paths (A Ninjago Fanfiction)

Chapter 13

"Mmm..."

Lloyd blinked open his eyes. The light pierced his vision and he closed his eyes again with a soft grunt, opening them again only after a minute. Blinking to clear his vision, he gazed around. He found himself in some big room with brown tile floor and red walls. Where am I? he wondered.

His clogged ears picked up a muffled "Lloyd" but he ignored it at first. Screwing up his face, he looked down. Why am I in bed? He took off the blanket. Is it hot in here, or is that just me? he asked no one. Then he sat up and turned his head, finding some elderly man and woman beside the bed.

The man's face was alight with joy. "Lloyd!" he exclaimed, voice pure with relief and happiness. "You're awake! And you're alive! And you're... you're..." His voice trailed off as he caught the expression on Lloyd's face.

Lloyd furrowed his eyebrows. "Who are you?" he snorted almost with disgust. He turned to the woman. "And who are you?"

The adults exchanged a shocked look.

"Lloyd, i-it's me," the man replied. "Your father?"

Lloyd flinched backward. "You don't look anything like my dad!"

The man leaned closer. "Lloyd." His voice cracked. "Don't you remember anything?"

Lloyd gazed from the man, then to the woman, then to the open door on the opposite side of the room. "I don't know who you crazy people are," he muttered, "but I'm not staying here to find out." He got to his feet.

The two adults rushed over to him as if they thought he was going to fall over. Frustration flared inside of Lloyd. "Out of the way!" he snapped. "Or I'll make you!"

"What has gotten into you?" the girl exclaimed. "Lloyd, this isn't you!"

Lloyd clenched his fists. "I said, 'out of of the way'!" Boiling with rage, he rushed forward and shoved the woman to the ground.

The man gasped. "Misako!" He raced over to her.

Lloyd stopped in his tracks. "Misako?" He turned back toward the two. "That's my mother's name!"

Misako lifted her head. "Yes, Lloyd, it's me! Your mother!"

"I don't believe you," Lloyd growled. He stalked toward the man. "What have you done with her? Where is my mother?"

The man's eyes rounded and he walked backward. "Lloyd, she's right here!" he told him desperately. "And it's me, Garmadon!"

Lloyd panted with anger. "Now you claim to be my father?" he roared. "You don't have a thing in common with my father!" His muscles tensed. "My father isn't even here, thanks to those stupid ninja!"

Garmadon's arms flew into the air. "What?" he exclaimed, exasperated. "What are you talking about?"

Fury pulsing through his veins, Lloyd raised a hand and struck the man across the face with such force that knocked him to the ground. Lloyd took a step back, surprised at his strength. He looked down at his hands, a smirk appearing on his face. That's more like it.

Feeling power flow through him, Lloyd straightened up and glared at the two in front of him. "Think twice next time you pretend to be my dad!"

With that, he raced out of the room.

He stomped down the hall, shaking with rage. How dare they pretend to be my parents? he thought with frustration. As he lifted his arm to scratch his head, he noticed for the first time his clothes were bright green. What?

Confused, he looked down at himself. Where did I get these green clothes? he wondered. Shrugging, he continued walking. I guess they kinda suit me.

He gazed around as he went on and suddenly realized where he was. It's those ninja's headquarters! He furrowed his eyebrows, remembering his newfound strength. Now I finally have my chance to get revenge on those pests!

He opened a door at the end of the hallway and found another man pacing the floor. As he turned toward him, Lloyd recognized his uncle.

"Lloyd!" Wu exclaimed and rushed over to him. His face was warm with relief. "You're awake!" He looked down. "And you're walking just fine."

Lloyd crossed his arms. "And why wouldn't I be walking?" he scoffed. "Still think I'm a baby, Uncle?"

"No, Lloyd." Confusion glittered in Wu's gaze. "Why would I think that?"

Lloyd walked past him. "Where are the ninja?" he asked ruefully, ignoring the question.

"I'm not sure at the moment," Wu replied, a bit wary about Lloyd's tone. "They'll be happy to see you awake and well."

Lloyd grinned menacingly. "Oh, they sure will be!" he cackled.

"Lloyd, is something wrong?" Wu wondered uneasily. "You seem... out of sorts. Maybe you should lie down. You've had a rough experience."

Lloyd turned on his uncle. "Lloyd Garmadon doesn't need rest!" he retorted. "I'm here for revenge!"

Lloyd Garmadon? Wu blinked, speechless for a moment. "R-revenge?" he echoed. As a strange chill crept down his spine, he began to walk backward as Lloyd stalked closer to him. Deciding to change the subject, he said, "has Garmadon seen you yet?"

"Has Garmadon seen you yet?" Lloyd mimicked his uncle. Then he scoffed. "Is this some kind of game? Ever since you and your ninja banished him, I've obviously never seen him!" he snorted.

Banished him? With a jolt, Wu understood. "No, Lloyd!" he gasped out. "That was years ago!" Reluctantly, he drew out his staff as he saw Lloyd's muscles tense. "You're the green ninja now!"

"I am not a ninja!" Lloyd howled. "What is wrong with everybody? I'll never join your ninja—never!"

With a screech of fury, Lloyd sprang forward and tried to land a blow on his uncle, but Wu blocked it. "Lloyd, snap out of it!" the sensei said as he defended himself from the boy's blows. "You're not a kid anymore!"

Lloyd grunted with frustration and stepped back when he realized it was useless to attack his uncle. "You're not worth it," he spat. "My quarrel is with the ninja, not you!"

Boiling inside, Lloyd raced out of the room and slammed the door behind him.