Disclaimer: I don't own Ninjago

After the slaves told Lloyd what to expect from Karloff, he began to train for the rest of the night. This continued into the morning before the battle as well. All the slaves in the dungeon were watching Lloyd train for his upcoming battle. He changed from one workout exercise to another in seconds. He'd be doing push-ups, then squats, then sit ups, then pull up and so on. All the slaves saw was just a blur of motion in one spot which moved to another. Lloyd was moving too fast for anyone to see him, but he still performed his workout.

Outside, the sky grew darker. Grey clouds covered the sun and thunder was heard in the distance. An awning was placed about the arena seats, so that the crowd wouldn't get wet from the upcoming rain. Many took their seats, waiting for the battle to start. All over Ninjago, people heard rumors of the upcoming battle. Some were more farfetched than others, but some were true.

"Green Ninja vs. Karloff Metal Master."

"Master of Metal vs. Master of Power."

"Green Ninja is going to destroy Karloff."

"Karloff is going to rip his head off!"

"The Green Ninja ran through the sun, he's gonna win."

"Karloff can control the metal in Lloyd's blood, he'll win!"

Lee and the other slaves were worried about Lloyd though. He may have defeated his past opponents, but Karloff was known not to leave any survivors in the arena, unlike Lloyd.

"Lloyd, you can train all you want, but Karloff is unbeatable!" Lee exclaimed.

"Yeah will so am I." Lloyd told him.

"Karloff is the strongest fighter here, maybe stronger than you! His temper knows no bound." Lee warned.

"I appreciate your concern, but you guys have nothing to worry about. I'll be fine." Lloyd said.

"It's time." The dungeon master said as he opened the cage.

Lloyd walked out and followed the dungeon master through the doors. Meanwhile, the other slaves were lead out to the arena to watch the upcoming battle. Lloyd stood on the platform and was then risen up through the ceiling. Once again, Lloyd saw thousands of people today. Everyone was cheering with excitement and anticipation. Master Shang walked into view and everyone grew silent. He had a glass of wine in his hand.

"Bravo. Bravo. Our hero has arrived. Applaud for another bastard child of an elemental master!" Shang said, clearly drunk. "Just in time for the final act."

"Shang." Lloyd said.

"You look terrible, son." Shang said. "Still wanting to free these worthless slaves?"

"I do and will." Lloyd said.

"Why? They're hopeless. Here they have a home, but out there, they will die. Their fear consumes them." Shang said.

"Their fears will be put to rest when they are free." Lloyd told him.

"I'll drink to that." Shang laughed and then chugged down the rest of his wine.

"Well, are we going to have this battle or not?" Lloyd asked.

"My anticipating the battle are we? Ha! Very well." Shang said.

With that, the master's assistant pushed a button on his wrist and a cage door in front of Lloyd opened up.

"Destroy him." Shang said as he sat down.

Large pounding footsteps echoed from the tunnel in front of Lloyd. It was covered in darkness, but Lloyd could sense the presence of another elemental master in there. Soon, Karloff was in view as he stepped out of the tunnel, into the view of everyone. Karloff was easily another foot taller than Lloyd, he wore a black helmet, which matched his black metal armor covering every part of his body. On the armor was a silver printing on his chest which matched his silver shoulder armor. He wore no gloves on his hands. He also had a small beard covering his chin and thick black eyebrows. On his chest armor piece were four large claw marks.

"Hello…Lloyd." Karloff spoke in a deep Russian accent.

"This is not between us, Karloff." Lloyd said.

"Isn't it? You have become the master's favorite." Karloff said pointing at him.

"The air up here has clouded your thinking, Karloff. The master has no favorite." Lloyd told him.

"Doesn't he? Think about it Lloyd: While I was stuck overseeing the cleaning of his horse stables, he had you destroy the second and third greatest fighters here!" Karloff started.

Lloyd was unfazed.

"Not convinced? While you were being crowned as the second greatest fighter here, I was stuck getting him an apple. An apple! And he called them labors. Perhaps he did allow me to kill the Demon Lion, but he made your name known amongst the people! A boy made man, a man made ninja, A NINJA MADE A GOD!" Karloff shouted which echoed throughout the mountains.

Everyone in the arena was silent, mostly scared. It began to rain some, but only got harder during the conversation.

"But this time, Lloyd, this time I will kill you and take the Green Ninja title for myself!" Karloff declared with a smile.

"You aspire to rule up here, yet this arena will be destroyed this time tomorrow." Lloyd told him.

Many of the commoners began to talk amongst themselves after Lloyd said this.

"We will see about that. Kill him!" Karloff said as he turned around and jumped up to Shang's spectator box.

A number of soldiers then ran into the arena, armed with a number of different weapons. Lloyd quickly grabbed his Jade Blades and back flipped into the air. He landed behind the army and swung his blades. The soldiers turned around and blocked the attack, but felt a strong vibration in their weapons. Lloyd was able to attack, block and defend himself against the soldiers. One soldier swung his sword at Lloyd, but Lloyd broke it in half with his Jade Blade. Lloyd lifted his fist and blasted his green energy at five of them. They were all taken down. Lloyd then launched his blade at one soldier. The chain wrapped around the soldier's ankle and Lloyd swung him into the other ones standing. Very quickly, the others were knocked out, only one remained. He charged at Lloyd with a spear in hand. Pointing the spear forwards, hoping to thrust into Lloyd's chest, he charged still. Lloyd, however, grabbed the spear and lifted it and the soldier into the air. Lloyd then through the soldier into the wall, knocking him out. Karloff was furious.

"Enough of this! I will take care of him myself!" Karloff declared.

Two soldiers appeared in front of Karloff, each holding a massive silver gauntlet. Karloff held out his hands and they placed the weapons on his hands. Karloff pulled his arms back and then punched the soldiers in their faces, sending them flying off the balcony and into the arena below. The fall didn't kill them, but the punch did.

Karloff jumped off and landed in the arena, causing a large boom sound when he landed. Lloyd put his Jade Blades away and waited for Karloff to come to him. Karloff charged at Lloyd with anger in his eyes. Lloyd held up his fists, ready to fight, but became distracted when Karloff punched his fists together during his charge. This caused Karloff to grow a few inches in size and have his entire body covered in a metallic silver gray metal. Lloyd's eyes widened because he has never seen anything like it before. During that distraction, Karloff punched Lloyd. Lloyd's entire head turned in that direction and spit flew out of his mouth. Hamato and the slaves all gasped when they saw this. Karloff chuckled and repeatedly punched Lloyd in his face. The sound of heavy metal echoed through the arena.

"When I'm through with you, the master will reward me!" Karloff said between punches.

Karloff threw another punch, but his fist was caught by Lloyd. Karloff threw another punch, but Lloyd caught his hand again. Karloff tried to free his hands, but Lloyd didn't let go. Lloyd lifted his head to meet Karloff's eyes. Lloyd then jumped and kicked Karloff in the chest with the bottom of his feet. The kick sent Karloff flying into the wall. Now everyone's mouth was hanging open when they saw this. Karloff laying on the floor when he lifted his head up to see Lloyd. He slowly got up.

"You really are strong." Karloff said amazed.

"Oh, you're pretty strong too." Lloyd smirked as he rubbed his cheek.

"Attack!" Karloff yelled.

More soldiers jumped into the arena. They all went after Lloyd and Karloff followed them. Lloyd decided to focus only on Karloff. Lloyd ran up to him, jumped in the air and kicked his face. This caused Karloff to fall on top of two soldiers. Lloyd landed and then fought off more soldiers. Karloff shot his head up and roared.

"Are you alright?" A soldier asked.

Karloff then grabbed his leg and threw him at Lloyd. Lloyd quickly grabbed the soldier and then threw him into two more soldiers. With his back turned, Karloff grabbed Lloyd by the hair and through him into the ground, repeatedly. All the soldiers backed up and everyone was on the edge of their seats. After leaving a few craters in the ground, Karloff lifted up Lloyd, who was seemingly knocked out. Karloff laughed and stopped when Lloyd opened his eyes which were now glowing green.

"Burn." Lloyd said.

Lloyd blasted his heat vision at him. Karloff backed up when the heat was pushing him back. Lloyd stopped and Karloff fell on one knee. He was panting out of breath. He lightly touched his orange glowing chest and felt the pain of the burn. Lloyd then flew right towards him and threw him into a wall. Karloff was stuck slightly when he tried to move. Lloyd grabbed Karloff's shoulder armor and ripped it off of him. Karloff got free and punched Lloyd in the face.

"I'll kill you!" Karloff screamed.

Lloyd's eyes began to glow again, but Karloff grabbed his head, covering his eyes. A small explosion went off in his hands when the heat vision had nowhere to go. Karloff dropped Lloyd and his eyes were smoking.

"Can't beat me with the same trick twice." Karloff told him.

Now Lloyd was in some small pain, but he was recovering. However, Karloff stepped on his face, pushing Lloyd deeper into the ground. Karloff removed his foot and then punched Lloyd until he stopped moving completely. Karloff rose out of the ground and looked down at his opponent. He then spat on his face.

"I win." Karloff declared.

Hamato and all the slaves were silent when the crowd erupted into cheer. Even Shang was clapping along. Karloff stood in front of the spectator box when his metal form disappeared.

"Do you see how he dies?" Karloff laughed to Shang. "I am the greatest fighter in all of Ninjago!"

"You have done well, Karloff." Shang laughed.

"I will give the boy credit: He really was strong." Karloff said.

"Stop, you're gonna make me blush." A voice from behind said.

"What th— "Karloff said turning around.

He was interrupted when Lloyd punched him into the gate in front of him. The gate bent noticeably when he fell on top of it. Before Karloff could say anything else, Lloyd jumped on top of him and kneed him in the face causing his helmet to fall off. Lloyd jumped back and watched Karloff stand up.

"AAAHHH! Armor is for weaklings!" Karloff declared.

He then ripped off the upper half of his armor, leaving his skin exposed. He jumped up and slammed on the ground with his metal fists. This Caused the arena floor to crack and make Lloyd fall over. Lloyd jumped up and grabbed his Jade Blades. With Karloff running towards him, Lloyd stood his ground with his blades in hand.

"Here I come! Ready or not!" Karloff screamed with his hands open to Lloyd.

Lloyd ran forward too, swung his blades and ran past Karloff. They both stopped running when they ran past each other. Lloyd turned around and waited to see what Karloff would do. Karloff turned around next and on his chest were two long bleeding cuts made from Lloyd's blades.

"I'm gonna rip your head off and squeeze it until it's nothing but a bloody paste!" Karloff yelled.

"Eww." Lloyd said disgusted.

Karloff jumped in the air and landed in front of Lloyd, where he punched the ground. Lloyd slid to the left and when Karloff's hand was still in the ground, Lloyd stabbed his Jade Blade through Karloff's bicep. Karloff roared in pain and then Lloyd twisted his blade to the left. This caused Karloff's hand to become free of the gauntlet. Lloyd then threw him into another wall and placed his right hand inside of the gauntlet. The gauntlet closed off so it would fall off Lloyd's hand. Lloyd lifted it up to see that it was lighter than expected.

Karloff watched this happen and couldn't even believe it. No one, other than metal masters, have ever worn the gauntlets. Karloff has brought great shame to him, his family, his element, and his ancestor's name. Karloff was ready to go with another punch, but Lloyd was quicker and punched him instead. The punch was so strong, due to Lloyd's strength combined with a giant metal gauntlet, that Karloff's left gauntlet fell off his hand. Not wasting any time, Lloyd put that gauntlet on his left hand. In the afterlife, the First Spinjitzu Master couldn't contain his chuckles and laughed uncontrollably, much to the anger of the First Metal Master.

Karloff was humiliated now, but wouldn't accepted defeat. He charged at Lloyd again, but Lloyd was the one who controlled the beat down now. Karloff's blood spattered everywhere with every punch that was given to him. He always wondered what being punched with his gauntlets felt like, now he didn't anymore. When he finally had a second, Karloff grabbed Lloyd's chest and threw him to the other side of the arena. Lloyd hit the stone railing pretty hard that it cracked some. He looked over his shoulder to see the height that they were at. Although the arena was circular, the crowd stadium was in U shape with the open part looking over the cliff. Shang had it designed that way in case any slave wanted to kill themselves or is anyone wanted to throw anyone else over. It's also a great way to get rid of trash.

With all of his remaining strength, Karloff picked up a stone pillar shoved it right into Lloyd. Lloyd was pushed over the edge, but he held on to the pillar. On the other side of the pillar, Karloff was struggling to pick up one side to push it over the edge. Karloff pushed a few centimeters of it every 5 seconds. Lloyd once again looked over his shoulder to see the height. That's when he got an idiotic idea.

Lloyd gripped the pillar with his left gauntlet so tightly that it could no longer move with enough strength. Lloyd then released his hand from the gauntlet and placed one of Jade Blades inside. When the gauntlet felt something inside of it, it closed up.

"This is crazy, this is crazy, this is crazy." Lloyd told himself.

Lloyd then jumped from the pillar and pushed the button on his blade that made the chain extend out. Lloyd fell a great distance, preparing himself for what was about to happen next. When the arena looked like a dot in the sky, Lloyd pushed the same button again and was quickly being pulled up the chain. He got faster and faster and the rain made it difficult for him to see what was happening. Seconds went by when Lloyd saw the pillar again. With his right hand, Lloyd punched the pillar with all of his strength. His end was destroyed completely and it made Karloff fall on the ground and his side of the pillar to fall on top of him. Only Karloff's arms, chest, and head were free, the rest of him was trapped. He tried to get free but stopped when Lloyd landed on top of the pillar with his eyes glowing green. Karloff was terrified when a bolt of lightning flashed behind Lloyd and all he could see were his glowing eyes and the outline of his own gauntlets.

Lloyd then punched Karloff over again with his gauntlets. More blood was spilling now and the crowd was cheering. Lloyd punched Karloff so hard that his skull broke! Lloyd stopped and looked at Karloff. He was bleeding from every part of his head, his eyes were black and his teeth were broken. He then looked around to see the crowd still cheering. Lloyd looked up at Shang.

"Finish him!" Shang shouted.

Lloyd's fist began to glow underneath the gauntlet. Karloff was ready to accept his death. Lloyd readied one final punch and then punched the ground so hard next to Karloff's head that it caused all of the water on the arena to rise up and make the rain stop. Karloff looked at the crater next to his head and then up at Lloyd. The crowd was speechless.

"ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!?" Lloyd yelled at everybody.

They were still silent.

"Are you not entertained!? Is this not why you are here?" Lloyd yelled.

The crowd decided to remain silent, but Shang did not.

"Green Ninja, kill that man."

Lloyd looked down at Karloff.

"I will not." Lloyd said.

"You will!" Shang demanded.

Lloyd released his hands from the gauntlets and they fell to the ground.

"No."

"Then you will die!" Shang said.

This time, an army of soldiers surrounded Lloyd. They all had their weapons pointed at him. Shang then used his magic to try and take Lloyd's soul like he did with the others. Lloyd could feel the pain but wrestled for his soul. He and Shang were at a stale mate. The crowd began to grow louder again and talked to each other.

"Aw man, I don't want him to die. He's been a great fighter."

"I am entertained!"

"He was so bad ass."

Hamato could hear other complaints similar to everyone else and decided to help.

"This isn't fair, I've enjoyed these past fights and it's all because of that boy." Hamato said.

"Yeah, but what can you do? Shang wants him dead." An old woman said.

"He wants him dead because he's embarrassed. This arena has never seen this many people before and we're all here because of him!" Hamato said pointing to Lloyd.

"Hey, you're right! Shang listens to his customers because he wants us to be entertained so we'll keep coming here. If he kills him then he'll never get an audience like this again." The woman said.

"Exactly." Hamato said smiling.

Hamato stood up from his seat and began to chant.

"Green Ninja! Green Ninja! Green Ninja! Green Ninja!"

The old woman next to him followed his example.

"Green Ninja! Green Ninja! Green Ninja! Green Ninja!"

A few others around them stood up and chanted with them. Lee, who was on the opposite side of the arena as them, chanted as well. It didn't take long before the other slaves were chanting. Soon, all of them were chanting.

"GREEN NINJA! GREEN NINJA! GREEN NINJA! GREEN NINJA! GREEN NINJA! GREEN NINJA! GREEN NINJA! GREEN NINJA! GREEN NINJA! GREEN NINJA! GREEN NINJA! GREEN NINJA! GREEN NINJA!"

Shang looked around to his standing and chanting audience.

"They're chanting, sire." His assistant said.

"I can hear them!" Shang yelled.

Shang then stopped trying to take Lloyd's soul. Lloyd fell on his knees and panted.

"It seems you have become the favorite, Lloyd. Very well. I will not kill you." Shang declared.

This made the audience cheer. Lloyd stood up on his feet.

"Free. The. Slaves." Lloyd demanded.

Shang stroked his chin until an idea popped into his head.

"Green Ninja! I have a brilliant idea!" Shang said.

"What?" Lloyd asked.

"A wager! Tomorrow morning you will fight in one final battle. You vs. Everything I have in this arena. All my soldiers, animals, and monsters will attack you and try to kill you. If they kill you, my slaves stay here forever!" Shang said.

This made the slaves gasp.

"But…If you somehow defeat every last opponent I throw at you…I will set them free." Shang said.

"I accept." Lloyd said.

"Goody! Tomorrow, one final show, witness the death of the Green Ninja!" Shang told his audience.

They cheered for a final time. Lloyd and the other slaves were then taken to the dungeons and everyone else left the arena. It took ten soldiers all day to finally move the pillar off of the still alive Karloff. Shang walked down to the arena.

"Karloff…lose." Karloff said weakly.

"You failed me, you pathetic worm!" Shang yelled.

"Karloff fight Lloyd again. Karloff win fight…" Karloff said.

"Are you going to take his soul, master?" The assistant asked.

"No. He's worthless to me now. Flush him down the mountain. I don't want to look at him anymore." Shang said as he turned to leave.

Soldiers picked up Karloff and went down into the sewer system of the dungeon. Once there they threw Karloff and his gauntlets into the rushing waters, never to be seen in the mountains again. Meanwhile, the assistant was following Shang as they climbed down a number of stairs.

"Where are we off to, master?" He asked.

"I sent a few soldiers down below to prepare for the release of Asura." Shang said.

"WHAT!?" The assistant yelled. "Master, forgive me, but there must be another way."

"There is no other way! Karloff was supposed to kill that green bastard within the first two minutes of that fight and you saw what happened to him. Asura is my Trump Card, he always has been." Shang said.

His assistant was literally shaking with fear.

"I am aware of what could happen if he's released, but I will not let that boy win." Shang said leaving.

In the center of the mountain, farther down than the dungeon, five soldiers were sent inside to prepare Asura. However, only one is left.

"STAY AWAY FROM ME!" He yelled.

A large figure in the dark turned his head to the soldier. He then punched him so hard, that he exploded when he hit the wall. Asura went back to eating another dead soldier when his doors opened again. Shang walked inside and stood behind a bright yellow line. He looked around to see the soldiers all dead.

"Idiots." Shang said under his breath.

Shang looked forward to see a giant hand reach for him, but stopped when it couldn't reach anymore. Shang sighed with relief.

"Hey, Asura, are you feeling well? It would appear you've killed a few of my guards again. Are you satisfied?" Shang asked behind fear.

"You fool. Why would I be satisfied huh? I've been kept locked up in this mountain for centuries! Chained to wall like an animal! I'm the strongest being in the entire realms!" Asura said as he broke free from his chains.

Shang gasped and panicked when they fell to the floor.

"You were imprisoned because you invaded Ninjago from the Monster Realm. Instead of being sent back there after your defeat, you were locked away in this mountain with self-fixing chains." Shang said.

The chains then were brought back together and locked around Asura's neck again.

"I thought I could control you, but clearly I was wrong. You were too unstable to fight in my arena." Shang said.

"That's because you made me fight those sissy slaves of yours. They were delicious though. I want a fight that's worthy of me! Let me fight Karloff." Asura said.

Shang quirked an eyebrow.

"With his strength, he could actually last longer than anyone I've ever fought! It would be an amazing spectacle too! Asura vs. Karl— "Asura said.

"Karloff is dead." Shang interrupted.

"What?" Asura growled.

"He was defeated earlier today by a new challenger. I had his body thrown away. That's why I'm here." Shang started.

"Why?"

"This new challenger, the Green Ninja known as Lloyd is the strongest person I've ever seen." Shang said when he showed an image of Lloyd through his magic.

"No one is stronger than me!" Asura declared.

"He is, but prove me wrong! I'll release you tomorrow to fight in my arena. Kill the Green Ninja and I'll let you go free." Shang said showing Asura the key to his chains.

Asura's eyes grew.

"Consider him dead!" Asura laughed.