1. The Dark Side of Destiny: Beginnings

Epilogue

Years had passed since Garmadon finished his mission to scatter the golden weapons, and now it had been so long that he could almost forget that there was ever any danger. Even his guilt didn't haunt im as much and he thought of his brother less these days. Now his hair was gray, his mind perhaps wasn't as sharp, though he often denied it, and he was beginning to slow down. Even his son – his dear, beloved son – was training ever day in preparation for his destiny. But Ninjago, at least, was at peace.

However, peace was not to last forever, and one day, as Garmadon meditated amongst the spirit smoke, a vision came to him.

In his mind's eye, he could see his brother clearly. He was barely recognizable, now that the evil within was reflected just as strongly on the outside. Beside him stood four young ninja warriors. Garmadon inhaled sharply when he realized that these four, these protégés of his twisted brother, were masters of the four elements. They each had the power to wield one of the weapons. Garmadon knew that, with their help, there would be nothing to stop Wu from achieving his goal.

Or so it seemed. The images shifted before his eyes. Now there were four more ninja, each clad in bright colors, locked in battle against his brother's dark pawns. They fought to protect the golden weapons. They fought for peace.

Garmadon's eyes snapped open. His heart raced and his breath was labored as if he had been a part of the fight he'd just witnessed.

The message was clear: His brother was going to return, sooner rather than later. Though the Final Battle was far off, Wu still posed a threat to all of Ninjago.

But, at least Garmadon had some warning, and now he knew what he had to do. If Wu had found master of the elements to fight for him, Garmadon would find the same. Balance was key, and if there was to be peace in Ninjago, there would have to be more than one old man to defend it. 

. . .

Quick announcement: I will be starting Book 2 the week after next, on the 17th. Just to give myself a slight break, and also I plan to do some teeny tiny minor edits to this one (of course the story won't change at all, it's just small stuff I noticed after posting).

But what I will do next week is post the cover image for Book 2 on my Deviantart. So you can check that out if you're interested in getting another little hint as to what, or who, it will be about. Although you can probably already guess . . . I'm so excited! If you've enjoyed this at all, I think you'll love the next one even more! I'll see you there!