(AN- So yeah, you should know some weird writing I'm doing. Like the thought the Ninjas thought. Like Kai flashbacks. Try to read carefully how the characters act. I used to do this Example: 'How is it possible?' he thought. Yeah, not in this story.

I do NOT own Ninjago!)


-The Present-

When the sun finally pierced through the clouds, well, some of them went through. The clouds still cover the sky above. A sign of skeletons, of course. The bounty park their anchor on the plains and in front of their view is Ninjago City. It was 7 a.m. Zane meditate in the center of the control room, eyes closed. Cole sat on the chair snoozing on the counter, arms cover his head down on the counter. Jay sleep quietly soundly on his make-shift bed. Zane falcon sat quietly outside the rail of the bounty to wait the owner to wake from his nap. They been awake until 2 A.M for a plan to find the clue and Ninjago City.

Cole was the first to wake because how he slept uncomfortable on the chair. As he moaned lightly, he lift his head warily and eyes still close. He straighten his back and leaned against the chair and stretched. Opening his eyes, he twisted his body to see his brothers are perfectly normal.

While Cole tries to stand on his feet, he straighten his feet and suddenly felt searing on his feet. Immediately, he fell and crashed his whole body to the floor holding his feet crying.

Zane woke up by a sound someone crashing to the floor. He open his eyes and saw Cole on the floor. He crawled to him hurriedly calling his him in worry.

Zane on his knees grabbed Cole to make him sit on the floor. "Cole, what's wrong? Why are you on the floor?"

Cole form tears near his eyes. Clenching his teeth, he open his eyes and answer "My feet hurts."

FUC- No.

Keep it together!

The past already happening to me.

Zane nodded and helped Cole to the chair. Zane carefully place the Earth Ninja back to his chair. "Let me see, stand still Cole."

Cole nodded while Zane remove one of his tabi boot. Cole gritted his teeth to withstand this pain. Zane remove his tabi boot and saw something terrifying and how is it possible. Cole saw it himself.

"Burn marks, as it seems it hurts. Let me get First Aid Kit." Zane said. He hastily exited out the control room.

As for Cole, he glanced at his feet. It was badly burn. Leaving burn and see his skin look like dip in red dye color with veins shown through his skin.

How does this happen? Is the past start to affect me? What about Zane?

What the fuck? What kind of past is this?

Zane returned with First Aid Kit on both his clutch. He went on his knees and place the kit on the side to remove his other tabi boot. A same condition as the other one. Zane open the kit and reached out an ointment to ease the burning sensation. The nindroid grab one his feet and use the balm start rubbing his foot while Cole bite his lips. He finished and start on other one.

"Don't worry Cole, just a little more." The Ice Ninja apply.

What does this burn mark came from? My theory, my brother Cole start the effect of the past. I am also feel myself faded...

Zane place down the ointment jar aside and reached the cloth bandages to wrap his leader burn feet. While Zane progress aid the Earth Ninja, Cole finally spoke.

"Zane, do you feel any effect... also?" He nodded "Yes, Cole."

"What is it?" The Master of Earth question to the Ice Ninja.

Zane look up to his leader with emotionless face "I am losing myself. I mean, I can feel I am losing something important. But I don't know what it is,"

(Broken.)

Cole don't want to lose Zane. He already loose Kai, Sensei, Lloyd, Nya, and maybe Jay. Finally, Zane cut the cloth and patch the cloth firmly. He put on his leader tabi boots with a reply.

"I'm sorry Cole, if I do change, I merely cannot help you." The Ice Ninja said.

Cole shook his head "No, not you-" Zane interrupt "Cole, I cannot control this. The past is the problem. If we do not find the source, then it will be the doom for all of us."

Cole sigh. He reply "Then we better hurry. Zane, use your falcon to find Nya and Lloyd."

The Master of Ice nodded. He rose while holding the First Aid Kit and place it on the counter. Zane implied his leader with news.

"Cole, you can stand now." Cole smile and thank him. He propel by grab the chair back and rise. Amazingly, Zane was right. Now he can walk. Still had to take things slow, of course. Zane watch his leader rise and so he left the control room to met with his falcon.

The Master of Earth went to Jay. Sleep peacefully over their conversation. He ignore and went outside the bounty to the training deck. Don't try to bother waking him up.

On the training deck, Cole prepared his scythe and Zane with shurikens. The falcon on the owner shoulder poring his movement. Once the ninjas prepare their weapons, Zane close in to his leader.

"Ready Cole? Our plan is to pursuit in Ninjago City?" Zane replied while he use his index finger to pet his falcon.

Cole turned and look to his brother "Yeah, get your falcon ready to search them. He will be our watch on the sky."

"Yes, should we go on foot? But your injury, it will be fine if we walk there instead of running." Zane said.

"Yes, because I don't want to wake up Jay." Master of Earth said.

It's... for the better.

Both acceded. Zane look at his friend "My friend, find our family somewhere. Be our watch," Zane lift his shoulder and the falcon spread its wings and rapidly shake it. Soaring the sky, it went to Ninjago City right in the view.

Cole and Zane nodded and both climb down the anchor and strolled on the outskirts road of Ninjago City. Where the dark clouds above the largest city awaits for the remaining Ninjas for answers.

For 40 minutes of walking since Cole mysteriously injured on his feet, finally enter the city. The first thing, the Ninjas saw the skeletons scout around the street and saw the terrifying citizens concealed their entrance and window. The ninjas went above the building rooftop. It's now the safe area for now.

Leap building to building. Balance themselves on the wires to another building.

Poring the skeletons walking on Ninjago City road and they continue. Traveling in the shadow, the Earth and Ice Ninjas stumbled on the dark fog. The team immediately paused because they can't verify what lies ahead. Taking a view on top of the building roof where they stood, a thick smog circling around something.

"Zane, could you see through this fog?" Cole said, while he stared at the purple-ish fog.

"No, but I could light up the fog to guide us." The nindroid said while he open the panel on his arm.

Cole grabbed Zane shoulder, shaking his head "No, it might blow our cover. Let's be careful. What lies ahead, could be our answer."

Zane closed his panel and continue with Cole. Both Ninjas nod and Cole enter the smog while Zane tailing him from behind.

Inside the smog, the Ninjas tried to see through. Zane narrowed his view and his leader for cautious steps. One mistakenly step would be the end. Still in the smog, Zane glanced on his right to see skeletons have not found them yet. Suddenly, he heard his leader coughing. Zane conceded why the leader is coughing because of this smog damaging him inside? He took a light whiff and scan the smog status. He saw Cole collapse and cough violently. Zane finally analyzing and then glanced to his leader. He raced to him and grab his waist when Cole on his knees and Zane wrap his arms on him. It seem Cole became faint when Zane carried him away from the smoke and how he easily carry him.

"Cole! Are you alright?" Zane whisper to his leader while he tried to get out of the smog. It seems Zane doesn't have effect on the smog. He can't turn back since they reach that far.

Cole didn't reply. Zane knew he had to get out this smog immediately. Dashing through the smog, he saw a light ahead of him.

I got to move, quickly! I sense Cole is not used of this smog.

Finally, Zane exit out the smog carrying his leader limp body. He place his leader down gently and look at his face. Look pale. He shook his head if he might lose his leader. He shook him calling his name for any answer. But in the corner of his eye, he rose from Cole to see what is unbelievable.

"The Dark Castle? Was it from the Underworld? How does it go above ground?" Zane mumbled to himself.

What is going on here?

The dark castle? How-

("Think Zane, the skeletons, Lloyd, Lord Garmadon Mega Weapon, Cole been injured and Jay, and Kai my brother is gone in our era.")

He paused when he heard a violent cough behind him. He twisted his body and sees his leader propeled himself halfway using his elbow. Using his fist and pound his chest. Zane ran to his leader and knelt near his side.

"Cole! Are you okay?" Zane said in worry.

Cole nodded and answer while he coughed painfully "Zane... Argg, my chest burns!"

"Cole, the smog are poisonous. What happen to you? There is a reason the smog circling in one spot. Come," Zane said while he help his leader to his feet.

"All I remember my vision beginning to fade and my body, I can't feel it. What did you find?" Cole said.

Zane show Cole the Dark castle. His eyes widen to see why the smog circle. Why for what reason? With that information gather and how only Cole get the effect.

"I think I know why this smog protecting the Dark Castle. Remember Zane, you are not human. The skeletons are already dead and they don't need to breathe. But only effect me. It's a barrier for not allow living things enter."

"You are right Cole, be extra careful." He nodded.

Both Ninjas contemplating the Dark Castle and take a closer look. Going down the building and sneak to take a perfect view.

Zane and Cole sprinting to wall to wall for closer look inside. Hide from army of skeletons and wait for them to pass by. Climbing wall to wall, the Ninjas pursuit to see inside the plan. They went to the window and peek inside the Dark Castle. What they saw was Lord Garmadon and the skeletons. But what happen to Sensei, Nya, and Lloyd?

"There's Lord Garmadon! But what is he doing?" Zane said.

"Let's hear what they are up to," Cole whisper.

Lord Garmadon and the army of skeletons gather. But of course, the skeletons are not wise. When Lord Garmadon called someone out. That make the Ninjas gasped. The person exit from certain room and enter with Lord Garmadon and skeletons while they stare at Lloyd enter the room.

"Lloyd?! It can't- but-" Cole babbled.

Impossible! Is Lloyd still the same? This cannot be happening. Were losing this battle.

No! I won't-

Zane interrupt "Yes, it is him. But he's... different. The past is changing significantly. Without anything we cannot do since his Mega Weapon disappear and we need Sensei knowledge. How can we find Kai or Sensei?"

Cole tries to think all the common knowledge Sensei has taught them. And something impossible what happen to them. Something impossible Cole wonder. Then he thought something impossible was the time when they became kids. And Zane theory is just a mystery. And what turn them back to normal is the tea. Tea! Of course, usual tea serve in Jarmarnikai Village. Now Cole finally have solve this problem to save their present.

"Zane, I got an idea. Remember the time that we become kids?" Cole said, when he turn his head to Master of Ice.

Zane nodded and reply "Yes, but why are you planning now?" Cole reply while they getting off the Dark Castle and Zane follow.

"Well, Sensei use the tea for us. So maybe Mrs. Takei serve tea that take us back in time when Lloyd join Lord Garmadon. That will work! I know it," Cole said, breathlessly while climbing to the top of the building.

"I hope so," Zane blinked.

Once they reach to top of the building, they face the smog again. Cole paused and stare at it because what just happen to him causing his fellow brother to worry. Zane catch to his leader and rest his hand on Cole shoulder. He look at him with a face say 'I'm not going back in.'

"Hold your breath Cole. I'll guide you." The Ice Ninja calmly said to his brother.

Cole nodded and he inhaled and paused. Both Ninjas charge while Zane grab Cole sleeve to guide him. Dashing through the thick air, Cole tripped and Zane pulled him up and sustains through the death trap. It seem Zane could see through the smog but Cole can't because he's alive.

The smog swirled around endlessly. A blur form inside the smog and the Ninjas exit out the smog. The Ninjas stop and Cole exhale and inhale for air to enter his lungs. Zane wait for Cole to get air. Concerned about the smog might damage him inside. While Cole finally function his lungs, the team plan is to go back to the bounty. Of course, stealth style across Ninjago City.

30 minutes from Ninjago City to the bounty, both Ninjas climb on the anchor and place their feet on the training deck. Cole dusted his ninja garb and implying to his Ice Ninja partner.

"Go check Jay is still asleep, Zane." He nodded and haste to the control room.

Cole stood on the bounty deck and take another look of Ninjago City. Then he saw a blur heading towards his way. He took few steps ahead and smiled because he might return with news. The falcon closing in the bounty and land near Cole left shoulder strangely. He raised a brow.

"Hey feller, did you find anyone?" Cole said to the falcon. It shook his head. Cole sigh and look at the falcon "Okay, scout around the village then."

The falcon spread its wings and hovering while Cole lift his shoulder to let it fly. The Master of Earth stroll to the control room. When he enter the control room, he saw Zane with Jay and call his name to get the Ice Ninja attention.

"Hey Zane your falcon-" He paused when Zane show his back to Cole like he saw something. "Zane?"

Cole take few steps closer anxiously "Hey, are you okay?"

"No, some of my system is missing." Zane announce and turn around and show Cole his panel chest open to him. He gasped because of course Zane wouldn't do this on his own. And Jay is sleeping still. His memory switch is missing and other switch broken.

"Zane, you start to have the effect from the past. What will happen." Cole said in low tone.

"I don't know Cole. If I change, then you are on your own. I'm sorry," Zane glanced to his leader low his brow as he close his panel.

Cole rose and rested his hand on his shoulder "We'll get the tea. Soon, we will fix this once and for all."

Zane nodded. "Yes, let's head out to get the tea."


-The Past-

When the sun finally show itself from the horizon, a Ninja have some mission to do. And Kai, from the present, been found by young leader Cole. Both rest peacefully in the Forest of Tranquility. A leaf from a tree sailed to meet the ground. And one land near Cole forehead. He felt something and slowly stretch his legs. Try not to get Charles horse. He rose, he twist his back and forth and rub his eyes. He turn to Kai, but he wasn't there.

Immediately, Cole on his feet in alert stance. He gritted his teeth "I knew he would betrayed! I can't believe I give him a chance to-"

He heard a voice coming to his right. He turn to see Kai, holding a handful of firewood and came to him when he heard the young leader yell. Cole tense his body and eyed to Kai while the Fire Ninja close to him and raised a brow.

"What's wrong? I came when you were yelling. I went to the bathroom for a bit and gather firewood coming back to the camp." Kai said.

Cole met his eyes and look down to the ground "Oh, its nothing. Really."

Kai shrugged his shoulder and knelt to place the firewood down and some on campfire that been depleted overnight. Kai rose and look at the young Earth Ninja.

"Do you have any breakfast?" Said Kai.

Cole look to his bag that sat under the shade of a tree. "We have fruits, and-"

Kai shook his head "Nah, I'm not interested in fruits in the morning. What about meat?"

"Uhh, meat? I don't carry raw meat around me. I do have a net, well, use to capture the skeletons but could used for fishing if you want. Is that okay?" Cole implied while he went to his equipment bag and pull out the net and tried to make into a ball to stable in easy clutch.

Kai congenial with the Earth Ninja decision "Yeah! Well, yeah. Since you said the Ultra Dragon will come at noon so we need to eat something."

Kai rose and help Cole to hold the net together. Both stroll on the forest floor and went to the riverbank to catch a mother-load of fish at least for Kai satisfactions.

Once the Fire and Earth Ninjas near the riverbank, Kai ran to the riverbank and remove his tabi boots and on bare foot. He smiled to the river for fishing. When he was about to stand in the water, Cole stood there paralyzed near the riverbank. Kai noticing he stood there quietly, so he spoke to his young leader.

"What's wrong? Afraid of little water splash on you?" Kai teased.

Cole shook his head and closing in to Kai and give him the net "Here, do it without me."

Kai looked to his leader as he try to hide something. But he does remember the story he told him he end up hurting himself on where? He didn't explain the story what happen, but he will get answer from him. He hurt himself on his feet? Of course, he give him the net and hesitate when he stood there, glaring at the riverbank.

He hurt his feet. I know it-

He didn't take his tabi boots off to join with me. Of course.

"You hurt your feet during a mission?" Kai said, wondering.

Cole didn't answer how Kai still remember what happen to him. Cole sat near the rock and remove his tabi boot without saying anything. He remove it and show his feet is bloody color as his skin been melted into a boiling water. Kai face became a gruesome look. He rose slowly and stop, still his feet in the water with a reply.

"What happen? Cole? Your feet, it- how- what happen?" Kai tone sound weak and shock to see the young leader feet in a bad shape.

"Go fish, I'll tell you then. Since I know you're going to question my injuries." Cole said. Kai nodded while toss the net into the water.

"When we were in the cage that we been capture, Lloyd lower the cage us into the acid pool. When the metal made contact on the acid, we would be dead. Here how it goes..."


Past Cole P.O.V (During the mission a hunt of the 3 fangblades.)

The cage is lowering by Lloyd. Why Lloyd? My family is inside! Our team! Your ally! It's us! You were with your dad and the skeletons. No matter, you betrayed us, that's all!

I saw Lloyd lowering the cage. We grab the bars not to touch the acid pool. My team and Nya are worry. Once the acid pool touch the acid, the bars sink with it. We had to get out or no one not going to make it out alive!

"Anyone got an idea?" Kai said. He glance to me and I shrug.

"There is no way out, brother." Zane said.

I snapped to my team "We won't give up! Well, there is a way but I had to get out of after I'm done."

Kai grab another bar to get close to me "What is your plan?"

I look down to the acid pool. I know I'm going to regret this... but it's for my team! I close my eyes and I release my grip on the metal bars. I fell and land my feet into the acid. It hurt as fuck! Searing in pain but I had to continue. My team saw what I did but I grab the bars in front of me and I lift the cage to flip it aside. It works, but I can't walk. I felt someone grab me with strong hands on my waist and carried me to the safe ground. It was Kai.

He knelt near me and reply when I cried in pain "What were you thinking?"

"I had to! Or else, no one getting out of here. Go, go get the Golden weapons!" I yelled to my best friend. He nodded and went to Sensei. While I wait, I saw Pythor with the fangblades. I'm not going to let that happen. I rose, my feet burns but I had to stop Pythor. He showed his back so I tackle what I have. He drop his fangblades and I sent him flying. I grabbed the fangblades and now it's in my clutch. He hissed at me and closing in with a sneer.

"How DARE you touch me!" Pythor hissed.

"Poor, poor you the Black Ninja. It isss a sssstupid choice to hit me like that. You're in bad condition for your team? This is ssso easssy to deal with you!" Pythor said.

While Pythor slither close when I'm on the ground, a voice call behind me and leaped infront of me to fortify his will. "I will not allow you to lay a finger on my students!" Sensei said.

Of course, Kai told him to get me out of here while my team deal with Lloyd of his betrayal. Sensei use his bo staff and Pythor glared at me then disappear. Sensei went to me and Zane come and lifted me by my arms. My feet dragged across the dirt as I bite my lips.

Kai ran toward me and give my Scythe of Quakes. Zane hold it for me and went to above ground. I saw Kai, Jay, and Nya stay back to defend while they get me safe. Then Lord Garmadon came out of the shadow and throw a large rock toward Zane. Zane didn't saw him because worried about me. He smash the rock on Zane chest. I heard something broken inside. He collapsed to his knees. But Zane ignore Lord Garmadon assault while I saw him holding his chest.

But for Lloyd, he saw us and use his energy and release it to the ceiling above the entrance. As I thought, he saw us escaping from the battle field.

He hit it; a direct hit. Above us. We were so close! We'll be trapped! But then, Sensei lose grip on my arm and he push us forward. What is he doing?

Zane and I landed on our back on the ground while I watch the large rocks land above him. Is he... dead? No, Sensei has skill to escape in any situation he's in. But it was just me and Zane made it through while the others stuck underneath.

I look at Zane, he look blank. Emotionless face imprinted. Well, of course he's a droid. But this is different. No, Kai, Jay, Nya, Sensei, not Lloyd, and Zane... Then I felt my body is weaken and the next thing, I passed out.

I woke up. I try to regain my focus, I noticed I felt what I lay is rather soft. I take a look around and I notice I'm in a Clinic.

Bu-but where's Zane? And the others? It cannot be.

I went back to the Mountain of a Million steps, and I detect nothing. No trace of my team... gone. This is where I do my stuff for now on.

End of Cole P.O.V


Cole sigh lightly "Well, you know the truth. My feet are sensitive. I been looking days for my team and eventually met Zane. Of course, he didn't remember me. I found Kai and Jay in their side."

Kai didn't say anything while he reel the net full of fishes. Kai gather lots of fish while he stood with a net on hands and feet. The water current going to his direction and fish follow. Basically, Kai got a mother load and strong to carry them near Cole. Kai went to the Earth Ninja and rest his hand on his shoulder.

"I see why you did this for your team. The Cole I know would do the same. And I'm proud of him," Kai smiled to the young leader.

Cole felt better to tell someone at least. Cole put his tabi boots on and sprout from the rock. He came to Kai and grabbed the net and sling it over his shoulder "I'll get it, you did all the work so it's my turn to do the next."

Both Ninjas walk away from the riverbank and head back to the campsite. It seems Cole is talking to Kai he knew as if like good time again as brothers.


(AN- Whoever read my story, I know you're guessing what will happen. But don't worry, the story won't end a cliffhanger. I don't do that, I wanted to finish the story and so do you! And I will! I need time to fix the errors as I can. All I had to say, this will be a long story.

Stay tuned!)