Lloyd groggily fluttered his eyes from the increasing orange hues threatening his vision. With a mew of protest he reluctantly awoke to his bed in the monastery, grimacing as he pushed out the remaining sleep in his features. He forced his arms outward, concaving his back to stretch his appendages like a feline would, releasing the strain from his muscles. He let his leg fall over the side of the bed and slowly rolled over to transition his weight onto it. Surveying the room he quickly noted that his team had all woken up and made their way downstairs.

Save for the redhead Kai, a peaceful shroud graced his features as he rested in his bed. His form subtly rising and falling with each gentle breath - rather contrary to the brash and determined persona he so often wore. Lloyd didn't have the heart to wake him up though, even if he did he was well aware that waking the redhead shouldn't be done without caution.

With much exerted effort and a substantial push, he heaved himself off the bed, readied himself for the day, and maneuvered his lethargic muscles on his path towards the common area.

Lloyd proceeded to the door frame leading into the main room - it was a rather large area with a gray hue to the walls.

'Wait, wasn't it tan? Or am I just forgetting…'

He shook his head, quickly dispelling the thoughts before he eventually stepped past the threshold. He was quickly greeted by the face of his brothers - excluding the sleeping Kai.

Jay was talking to Nya while holding some sparking electrical components in his hand, presumably a bit dangerous, though he didn't seem to care. They were probably talking about adding new upgrades to her transportation tech or potentially some new features to one of Jay's inventions.

Lloyd rolled his eyes with a smile. Poor Nya. Jay was a hard man to sort with, his strokes of 'scientific genius' seemingly erupted from nowhere and demanded his undivided attention. He always came up with the oddest things too, ranging from inventing genuinely useful flying contraptions to constructing a mechanically operated sandwich mayo spreader. Nya never seemed to complain though, she would patiently sit by his side as his mind was occupied and engage in her own tinkering. But Lloyd wasn't an idiot; he was certain he caught her gaze, occasionally drifting off her own work to appreciate the brown locks drifting over Jay's eyes or the way he wrinkled his nose and bit his lip in concentration. Those weird things that girls always seem to pay attention to, 'ug gross'. Still it was nice that they enjoyed each other's presence, it was sweet... Not that he was a fan of that touchy stuff though.

His eyes were brought back up towards the room and he noticed Cole. The raven-haired brother was the only one actually eating breakfast during breakfast time. Setting the example as always, although it was most likely because he had been stuck with cooking duty today and well… not many would dare to stomach Cole's 'food'.

Lloyd internally smiled. For as much of a wet blanket as he was, Cole was arguably the fulcrum of the makeshift family. He knew how to be quiet and to listen like Zane but had an adamant protective streak like Kai. As Jay had put it he had 'old people energy', a statement which earned Jay a slap to the back of the head from Cole. It wasn't entirely wrong though, at least in Lloyd's perspective, the dark clothed brother never really talked much about himself but often gave advice, regardless of if it was warranted. It was sort of like a father reprimanding his son, he could be harsh, but sometimes it was necessary.

Zane sat next to Lloyd's father - Garmadon. Both were silent but seem to be enjoying reading through pages of old texts.

Zane was the more methodical one of the group. He was slow to anger, although he was also slow to most emotions - partially as a result of his robotic nature. He may not have been entirely human, but in his heart - where it really mattered - he was far more human than most. He could recall the nights or he'd been overcome with work and responsibilities and without a word of protest or even a cry for help, the white haired brother had stepped away from whatever task he was doing and offered to assist: 'Tasks are far easier when working together'. The white-haired man would send a loving smile just happy to be of assistance.

Garmadon was a special case - being Lloyd's own father he held an irreplaceable notch in his heart. He had unconditional love for his son and would do anything for him. He was married to Misako - Of course being Lloyd's mother, she had often traveled to do different types of research into the history of Ninjago. It was a loving group, they had all gone through so much. They had all gone through...

For some reason as he thought about his family there was something touching at the back of his head, a fire had surfaced in his mind burning away his thoughts. 'What?' He was reaching for a specific memory but for some reason every single time he tried to grasp a memory involving his father it was like grasping at air. The strange heating sensation in his head roared. His emerald eyes crinkled as he winced in the pain.

His distress must have alerted Cole. The raven haired brother caught him from the corner of his vision and quizzically tilted his head towards Lloyd - a touch of concern in his ashen eyes. Lloyd took note and sent him a reassuring smile from across the room. It must have been enough for now as Cole returned the smile and resumed eating.

Lloyd returned back to his thoughts. Or at least he would have if he could have remembered what he was thinking about.

'What is it I'm forgetting? I should probably just go and clear my head.'

"Hey guys," Lloyd called out to the room, "I'm heading outside and doing a little bit of personal training for a bit, I'll be ready for group training when it's time."

"Training?" Garmadon looked up from his paper, sending him with a quizzical glance, "training for what?" A purple flash fluttered across Garmadon's eyes going unnoticed by his confused son.

Lloyd tilted his head and stared, didn't his father know about the… Wait a minute…

The thought was escaping him floating out of his head like a hot steam, He desperately tried to cling on to it. It was important. Wasn't it? "You know the-'' The steam had surged into a fire. It erupted in his skull and his thought process grew scrambled like an egg in the heat. He quickly maneuvered himself over to the stool by the table and set himself down "You know how we have to fight the- uh" Lloyd grew deeply confused, It was like his head was throbbing. Who exactly was it they had to fight again? He had to fight... Something. Or was it nothing? No it certainly had to be something.

Lloyd brought his hands up to his temples as the strain grew

"Lloyd, did you get into a fight with someone?" Nya said in an accusatory tone.

"No, no I didn't." 'At least I don't think so', What was it he was forgetting? "You know to protect… Ninjago!". The word flashed into his head then receded the moment it left his mouth

Jay looked up from his equipment to add on, "What exactly are you talking about? Ninjago's been at peace for like, ever".

"Well technically since the dawn of the first spinjitzu master," Zane continued reading his paper but effortlessly joined into the conversation, "historical data indicates that there were multiple regional conflicts prior, but I believe Jay is implying that there hasn't been any recent conflicts".

Jay nodded and took the wire into his hand again, "Yeah, basically what he said''.

Cole swallowed his bite of food and looked with a troubled expression, though he didn't say anything. He was methodical, thinking. Choosing to wait for Lloyd's own response.

'That's right… fought what?'

'I never fought anyone.'

But why did processing the idea hurt so much? He never fought anyone in his life. He clenched his eyes tightly for only a second trying to ease back the upcoming headache.

Lloyd's father looked at his son with an air of worry, slowly turning into a face of understanding and he chuckled slightly "I think I understand. Is it that new video game thing? Honestly kids these days get so obsessed with that stuff."

Lloyd's mind jumped at the explanation - clinging onto it.

'Of course! I'm talking about games, that makes sense'. The raging pain in his head subsided as he accepted this new reality.

"Yeah I've been getting better recently but I want to try to grind a bit more, I mean someone's got to beat Jay". Lloyd politely chuckled at the end as his blue clothed brother let out an indignant "Hey!" In the background. he brought his hand up to the back of his head. He couldn't remember what game he was actually talking about but he was certain he'd remember when he saw it. Why was he having such a hard time remembering? "Guess I'll be heading off then".

"Well if you really want to beat my score good luck then. I guess if anyone can it's probably you" Jay turned to him and smiled. There was no hint of sarcasm or malice in his voice. If Lloyd wasn't focused on the strange feeling that had passed through his head, he might have found it odd.

Zane simply nodded, "I wish you the best of luck, If you get stuck perhaps I can provide you assistance later today".

"Don't forget to eat some food if you're hungry I made plenty" Cole lifted up his plate for emphasis and to Lloyd's surprise it actually looked good. 'Since when did Cole know how to cook?' Lloyd simply smiled back trying to avoid a response as he quickly shuffled away. Just because it looked good didn't mean it tasted that way - he definitely wasn't going to take his chances.

Lloyd reached into the cupboards pushing the doors open as his hands sifted through different materials in search of a game cartridge. He lifted the contents towards the sides with his hands, neatly stacking them as he swiftly perused through the items within. While pushing a rather large book towards the corner a luminescent, pearl-shaped sphere tumbled to the ground.

'Huh?'

Lloyd looked down towards the small gemstone, carefully picking it up into his hands and running it through his fingers.

'How strange? Surely someone would have remembered losing this.' Placing the pearl between his fingers he lifted it up towards the window and watched as the light glinted off of it in a marvelous display of its luminosity.

'Perhaps it's something from Garmadon? Maybe some artifact he's researching. Or maybe it's Nya's? Girls like gems right?'

'Nya would probably kill me for thinking that but hey, it's not like I really know many girls myself.'

At that thought he suddenly felt an inexplicable feeling of anguish wash over him. He didn't know why but his eyes grew misty and a feeling of betrayal and hurt clogged his senses. Yet as instantly as that wave broke against his head, it receded back into the oceans of his mind.

He shook wildly

'What's wrong with me today? Why am I acting like this?'

Having one mental freak out is a bit off, but two of them was just downright weird.

"You know what no game today, I need to go for a walk, a long walk" Lloyd convinced himself. Anything to clear the mess that was taking over his conscience. He quickly pocketed the pearl and proceeded on his way.

The blond took a comforting breath as he stretched his muscles on his walk. It was a beautiful day for the vast streets of Ninjago. The sun was a perfect yellow cast against the ocean of blue that was the sky, and strewn about was a fair amount of people on the road. They were all going about their own business, smiling cheerily and happily greeting him as he walked by.

"G'morning Lloyd"

"Hello Lloyd"

"Beautiful day isn't it Lloyd?"

Lloyd didn't actually remember half the faces of the people he was passing but surely he just met them before and forgot. A bit embarrassing, admittedly. Still, he politely smiled to each person welcoming him.

He wasn't exactly sure how long it had been but his muscles had started to get a bit tired. in the distance Lloyd caught sight of a man dressed in a brown outfit, fiddling with some metal scraps and fasteners.

"Dareth!" Lloyd called out, the man clothed in brown was standing next to a bench and at the sound of Lloyd's words, jumped erratically.

"Ahh!" Dareth shook slightly, taking on a defensive stance.

Lloyd raised a quizzical eye towards the man, "Calm down, it's okay Dareth, it's just me-".

Dareth brought his eyes up towards Lloyd and he quickly recognized the others' faces. "LLOYD!" Dareth's mannerisms instantly changed. No longer shrinking himself down, he jumped up and embraced Lloyd in a tight hug. "Man, am I glad to see you!". The sudden gesture threw Lloyd off balance.

"Woah," He wobbled to regain his footing, after a second or so he repositioned himself and continued "Yeah I'm glad to see you too?" Lloyd was slightly taken aback by the gesture though he was well aware of the eccentric nature of his friend, "so, what's with all that metal and stuff?" Speaking in reference to the different scraps that the brown clad man was holding.

"Oh!" He looked down as if just realizing that he had it in his arms, "Oh yeah, that's not important, not right now. No Lloyd, you need to hear me out," He put the scraps on the ground temporarily. Lloyd could see that the other man's palms had cuts and scrapes that were bleeding slightly presumably from handling the bent material. But why have some of them scarred already?

"Huh? What are you-"

Dareth took Lloyd off guard, gripping him on the green man's shoulders turning his pink knuckles a shade of white, The cuts that laced his hands dribbled out more of his sanguine fluid, flowing down to the green of Lloyd's own shirt. He then snapped his neck up towards the sky, "Look. At the colors - they're wrong!"

Lloyd was no expert when it came to behavior and people, but he was fairly certain that this was not normal, "Um, What are you saying?"

Dareth lowered his eyes back down towards Lloyd, "Just look. look at the colors". Humoring the other he brought his eyes up towards the sky. It was exactly the same as it was before, nothing strange about it at all. "Yeah it's blue and yellow? I'm afraid I don't quite understand what you're getting at".

"Exactly, it's blue!" Dareth had shook Lloyd's shoulders with vigor, The blonde haired boy was getting really 'really' worried for Dareth, "It's blue but it's 6:00 p.m. The sun should start to set around now, but it's not. The colors are all wrong. It's all wrong!" Dareth's eye was twitching a bit and his face displayed an utter sense of fear.

"Dareth… I uh, are you sure you're okay? It's not even 6:00 p.m. I've only even been awake for like 3 hours. Did you eat the wild mushrooms again?

Dareth released his grip on the other man and looked at him straight in the eye, "Okay well firstly that was one time - I was really hungry so sorry if I'm not a mushroom expert," He mumbled out that last part before returning to his normal voice, "and secondly it is 6:00 p.m." Dareth took out a watch from his pocket and held it up to Lloyd. "See 6:13 p.m., and that's another problem I've been losing track of time, seconds have been like hours and hours have gone by like minutes. I thought it was going crazy so I had to start keeping a watch on me, no one else thought it was strange", Lloyd took the watch into his hands and observed it.

'6:13p.m., but how? It has to be broken or something'

Dareth continued, "And thirdly, I'm perfectly fine, and I think you are too, it's everyone else that's the problem." Dareth persisted as if Lloyd had any idea what he was talking about. "I even can't find a hammer Lloyd! A HAMMER!"

Lloyd looked at Dareth's expression. His eyes were shaken up but beneath them was a sense of genuine fear. He brought the back of his hand towards the skin beneath Dareth's hairline. "Your temperature is fine but that's not necessarily the only indicator of health, you might want to get checked out at a doctor".

"No can do Lloyd. Everyone's almost, what's the word? cattonic? No, catotonic, um oh yeah! catatonic. I'm definitely not the one that needs the doctor here. Ya have to listen to me, everything is wrong. The colors are messed up. Everyone is acting strange - they're too..." Dareth appeared to be straining for the right word, "nice."

Lloyd tilted his head slightly. A tingling sensation forming in his head as he started to sweat through his palms.

"What are you talking about? Ninjago is a welcoming city, people are always nice here. I mean for the most part at least. I think you need to get a bit of sleep or something." Lloyd had started breathing more heavily but bit back his pants as he moved to lead Dareth towards his dojo, he needed to get him home and into bed at the very least. Luckily the dojo was about less than a block from where they were. Dareth quickly picked up the scraps that were on the ground and followed Lloyd hoping to talk more.

"I don't know Lloyd, they're nice, sure. I just don't think they're nice like 'this'. I've been looking for supplies and noticed everyone's just happy and nice. Everything is safe, I can't even find a hammer. I haven't seen a single cop car drive by for- for I don't even know how long, before I started keeping track of time. Lloyd I can't think of the last time I've seen any crime here, that just isn't right, I mean I know most people are too afraid to attack 'the brown ninja'," Dareth put emphasis on the title he had given himself when working at the dojo. "But I'd expect some crime in the city"

Lloyd was slightly curious as to what was happening with the watch - he was sure he woke up early in the morning. It was impossible that it was around 6:00 p.m. already. But the burning headache that was returning to his own head wasn't allowing him much critical thinking. "You're really overthinking all of this Dareth," He pushed him to the front steps of the dojo and opened the door, setting him inside, "take a nap and then rest for a bit. If you need help you can contact me and I'll be here, but please make sure you get some good sleep first". There was genuine concern in Lloyd's features, but right now he needed to get away. Anything to stop the burning.

"I don't think sleep will help." Dareth looked back as he shut the door and placed down the scraps he had been carrying.

On the other side of the door Lloyd held himself still, taking deep breaths to regain his composure.

'Gosh, why is my head burning so much? Maybe I'm the one with the fever?'

Following the strange encounter Lloyd found that his thoughts were only more mixed up. Looking for something to focus on his mind had drawn back to the strange pearl in his hand. Upon closer inspection he realized it was warm. Radiating some gentle heat into his body.

Lloyd could probably analyze it better on a full stomach, considering he didn't have any breakfast today. Eyeing the streets he noticed a local tea shop from a small, wooden sign draping over its awning.

The door rang with a sweet chime as he entered the building and was greeted by the kind lady at the front. Towards his left he heard yapping and tilting his head he discovered three schnauzer puppies near the side of the shop. He sent them a smile as they played about before bringing his attention back to the lady.

"How are you doing today, miss?"

"Absolutely marvelous Lloyd, and how are you today?" She smiled deeply with an almost painted expression. Lloyd stumbled a second in his mind.

'They're too nice' Dareth's words echoed in his head. 'No, she's just being polite, no surprise to see a fake smile in customer service.'

Though it was a bit strange how she worded the sentence, and, 'wait, had I told her my name?' He didn't remember coming to this shop in the past. He must have met her somewhere before but forgot her name. Embarrassing but hopefully he could just avoid using it.

'Didn't I also forget the people who greeted me by the street?'

"I'm… fine. Just trying to do a bit of research into something but I think I'll do better after I get a cup of chai tea."

"Of course" the lady spoke through her grin. She grabbed the cup and a few leaves, then after preparing them she seeped the dry leaves into the water - percolating their flavor. Lloyd casually shifted his fingers in his pocket against the pearl.

"By the way Lloyd," She lifted her head towards him as she was preparing the drink and looked into his face. Lloyd almost jumped backwards, her eyes looked far darker than before and all the emotion on her face had drained into emptiness. She stared at him as her hair fell to the front of her face like the fur of an animal. Despite the sudden dark appearance, her voice maintained the sickly sweet tone, "Are you happy?"

"U-uh yeah" something was off, as he trembled he dropped the pearl back into his pocket and in an instant her face returned to its loving glow.

"That's good to hear dear," She handed him the tea and after paying he quickly slipped out of the building.

'That was really weird.'

Perhaps it was about time he returned back to the monastery. His journey for reflection only left him more confused. Dareth's paranoia and the shopkeeper's odd mannerisms was enough strangeness for one day, it left him with a terrible headache too.

His musings were interrupted when a young boy with onyx hair caught his eyes from the side of what appeared to be a boarding school of some sorts. The child lifted his right hand in the air and waved with a smile "Hello Mr. Lloyd" The boy greeted, Lloyd recognized him instantly - Brad.

The young boy was known for a mischievous streak. They had met each other… in school? No that certainty wasn't right he was far older and the Raven-Haired boy clearly attended the building he was currently standing by. 'But then where did I meet him…' heat swarmed in his head once again forcing him to dispel his train of thought.

'Surely it's not important.'

The boy joyfully rushed to the side of the older blond friend. "Soooo tell me what are you doing" Brad stared intently waiting for a response.

Lloyd figured that he was desperate for entertainment, more precisely for an excuse to avoid doing his work "Not much I'm afraid, mostly just walking, and you?" he lifted his eyebrow sending a slightly accusatory glance, "Trying to skip out of class again?"

The boy feigned hurt, bringing his small hand to his chest and gasping at his senior. "You wound me Lloyd, have you no respect for me?"

When Lloyd's stare didn't falter, the younger boy quickly put up his hands in a defensive position.

"Hey I'm being honest for once there's no class right now anyway" Lloyd kept his eyes glued tightly on Brad, he wasn't letting up now.

"I mean it", The young boy looked up sincerely, "New Year, new me. Er, I mean I guess It's not really the new year yet but whatever. New me."

Out of creepy customer service workers, doomsday preaching Dareth and the potential possibility that he was losing his own mind, this was by far the most unrealistic thing he'd seen today. "You, 'Brad Tudabone', Actually trying in school? Excuse me?"

The kid sent him a confident smirk forcing Lloyd into pure confusion. "Wow, so the world really is ending?"

Brad rolled his eyes and gave a defeated sigh "If you insist on knowing it's 'cause teachers have been getting on my back, been really annoying. Long story short it's probably just easier if I actually do the work at this point or else I might get into more trouble."

"That's more like the brad I know"

"Shut up,"

"Don't swear"

The student huffed in exasperation, "'Shut up' is not a swear you prude."

"Yes it is and you know full well that if you said that in class you'd get in trouble"

"I hate you sometimes"

"I know you don't"

Brad seemingly allowed Lloyd to win the argument for now. He sighed, and gave a thoughtful glance into the distance, not really focusing on anything in particular, "It actually hasn't been so bad though, I mean I definitely like hanging out with you more, but overall it hasn't been half terrible I guess".

Now that surprised Lloyd - albeit pleasantly, but the idea of his young friend taking enjoyment in his education was foreign to him, he found it far more plausible that he was using sweet talk to change the subject. "I'm happy for you, but I just don't believe you."

Brad was quiet for a moment. Only for a few seconds, but it felt like minutes to Lloyd. His voice was somewhat softer when he responded."You know I thought it'd be terrible, but honestly... It's kind of relaxing." Looking upward he squinted his eyes in thought, "I mean I guess there's one thing I'd prefer to be doing."

"Oh? And that being?"

He looked up as if it was the most obvious thing in the world "Spending time with you. Just said that".

Lloyd found that even harder to accept: "Okay? What are you up to Brad?".

"Nothing, I just like spending time with you. Who doesn't?". Lloyd recalled the countless people on the street bidding him a good day. Perhaps he was more influential than he thought - couldn't fathom why though.

Or they are 'too nice' Lloyd shook his head he wasn't going to let Dareth's paranoia ruin this moment.

"Your weird Brad".

"And you're a prude". Despite the wording, the young boy gave a genuine smile to Lloyd, the blonde man couldn't help but smile back.

"Don't you at least have homework to be doing?"

"Perhaps…"

"Aha! Now shoo, get your work done".

"Yeah fine, whatever, have a good evening, see you around." The young boy skipped off towards the distance without another word.

Lloyd missed talking to him, It always reminded him of his own childhood - the last minute projects he threw together, the strange people he'd meet, gosh - he missed it. He could hardly remember most of it but it felt like it all went by so fast, too fast. 'Wish I could go back for just a day.'

But the young child bid him a good evening for the day, and Lloyd ought to return back to his own responsibilities at the monastery. He was about to turn heel and resume his walking when his eyebrows lifted slightly in a moment of realization.

'D-did he say evening?' Lloyd's eyes drifted up towards the sky which hung in a brilliant shade of blue. His fingers fell to his pocket touching the warm crystal.

Dareth's words reverberated in his head, 'The colors - they're wrong'

Perhaps it shouldn't have been bothering him as much as it was, but the discrepancy left a stinging sensation in his mind.

6:13 p.m. 'It was impossible.' It had to have just been some misunderstanding. He'd check the time for certain once he returned back. Hopefully such assurance could be the panacea for his ailments. He quickened his pace - the sooner he returned the better.

By the time he laid foot back at the entrance of the monastery Lloyd's wrist had ached from polite waves. It wouldn't surprise him if the entire city had bid him a fair day as he passed by - it certainly felt like it. He must have been more popular than he thought - or the town was simply more cheerful on this particular day.

The blond man was once again reminded of his friend's words, 'They're too nice'. It was like Dareth to jump to extremes, sometimes people are just nice. There was no deeper explanation. Of course there wasn't. And he would quell the rest of his worries once he checked the time for himself.

Stepping inside of the building he moved his way towards the clock housed in the center area. Most of his brothers seemed to be out, though upon entering the room he noticed Kai mulling about in the corner.

"Hello Kai" he politely greeted as he made his way towards the clock.

"Sup Lloyd," his brother smiled then quickly added on, "Oh yeah, the rest wanted me to tell you that they left to head out to a museum or something.," He rolled his eyes, "Honestly though kind of happy you left for the day - gave me a good excuse to not go". He cleared his throat and recounted his statement for Lloyd, "'I'd go but I think someone ought to stay to tell Lloyd where you guys are once he gets back'".

Though his mind was partially absorbed by his task he couldn't help but let out a tiny smile of empathy for Kai. When it came to museums Jay and Nya loved the old technology, Zane enjoyed pretty much everything, Cole liked going along to make sure no one did anything stupid, Kai and Lloyd on the other hand - well… to put it simply they found more enjoyment in watching the same infomercial for the third time in a row.

Lloyd didn't respond however, his thoughts were mostly entrapped by the clock.

Lloyd's fingers brushed over some fabric which had been strewn over the face of the clock. Moving it towards the side his fingers chilled against the smooth glass surface covering the ticking arms.

8:00 p.m.

"Kai… is the clock broken?"

"Uh no, I mean I'm pretty sure it's not.". The red clothed brother lifted himself up and moved over towards Lloyd. "Looks fine to me".

"Kai, It's sunny outside".

"Yeah it's a nice day isn't it".

"At 8:00 p.m."

Kai appeared to be straining his head for a second but came back with no answers, "Afraid I'm not really picking up with your laying down here".

"The sun should have set by now"

The red clothed man brought his hand up to his chin in thought. With a voice that was strangely eerie - ever so slightly different from his normal tone he responded: "Lloyd, don't worry about it too much, it's probably not important".

And with those words started a tiny flame in the back of his mind that slowly grew. The fire erupted back into his head reprimanding him for his thoughts. Burning away the memories as if to purify him. It wanted him to forget.

'No no this is important.'

He fought the fire clutching at his temples and grimacing as it roared throughout his head. He was going to fight. It wasn't going to lose this time. It hurt, It hurt badly and with a shriek bellowing across the entire room Lloyd started to scream the pain becoming all encompassing.

Overcome by state of shock, Kai flipped back to his normal voice and rushed over to Lloyd "Lloyd! Lloyd, are you okay?!" Worry permeated throughout his entire body, his own hands grabbing Lloyd - one up towards his forehead immediately reeling back upon feeling the heat radiating from his skin. "Owch! Lloyd, Lloyd You're burning up, talk to me!".

Hh could feel himself losing the memory slowly discarding itself. 'This isn't right. If my head wants me to forget this much I have to remember.'

And then there was a light.

There was a heat. But not a burning heat, a gentle heat.

His gaze had fallen down to his pocket where the strange gem from earlier was radiating a brilliant shade of yellow. His fingers fell down to caress the object. To feel the loving warmth. And in an instant the raging fires in his mind we're doused in the blinding radiance almost like a wave of clean water on top of a tiny flame.

The head was saved, the light fending it from the onslaught of burning rage that had attacked.

Lloyd panted with heavy breaths. His body worn by the fight against the fire and the screaming having hurt his lungs.

Kai looked at Lloyd. "What was that?!".

"I-I don't know…" his fingers grasping the pearl pulled it out of his pocket.

In an instant Kai's eyes locked onto the gem like a vice and he spoke - to Lloyd's horror his voice returned to that strange eerie cadence. The concern drained from his features. "Lloyd, give that to me".

"Kai?" The red clothes brother leaned closer to him. Lloyd was suddenly more aware of the hand that rested on his shoulder.

"Lloyd, I need that gem. It's mine.", He lifted his face towards the other, his eyes shrouded with a crazy hysterical air, "Lloyd. Give it to me.".

Lloyd was well aware that he was not the smartest, But the alarms that resounded in his head right now couldn't be mistaken by anyone. This was wrong. This was dangerous.

"If it's yours where did you get it? What is it?"

"It's mine", Kai's voice had grown more gravely like an animal had taken over his own vocal cords forcing its way through his lips. A dark substance had started to leak from the corners of his eyes, flooding his face, "And you're going to give it to me".

Overcome with a sense of fear, Lloyd stood his ground "And if I don't?".

In an instant the hand which rested upon his shoulder slid up towards his throat. Kai forced him into the wall behind slamming his head against a mantle which rested behind him. His other hand raced towards lloyds fingers - intent on prying the pearl out of his grasp.

Lloyd choked. Lifting his leg he tried his best to kick at Kai, but he was worn from fighting against the fire and the older brother had always been the stronger of the two. Kai simply tightened the grasp of his hand around Lloyd's thin throat. The dark substance drained down his face giving him a terrifying appearance.

It hurt. It hurt really bad. And yet Lloyd didn't know what to do. Even if he was able to fight against Kai he wasn't certain if he could truly bring harm to his brother.

"Kai please… k-kai"

The gem was finally thrust out of his grasp. But the choking didn't stop - it only grew tighter as the elder brother's fist tightened into a vise around his lungs. Depriving him of any oxygen.

"Cuh, p-please, ugh"

The Pearl held by Kai had shimmered one more time. It radiated a violent blinding light, encompassing the entire room, illuminating the darkest corners of the abode. It shined so brightly It burned. Kai's own hands were getting seared from its heat but he didn't drop it.

But the pearl grew. Larger and larger in size till the red man's fingers simply couldn't hold it anymore It burst from his grasp and formed into its own shape of a figure.

A man. An elderly man. 'Sensei Wu'. And instant it was as if the new light had radiated within his skull as if it was a flash of recognition and he remembered. He remembered his life. He remembered the ninja. He remembered his age. He remembered the attacks. He remembered the good. He remembered the bad. He remembered the fate of his father.

He remembered the serpent lady.

He was overcome with a hundred different emotions at once stimulating his senses in a way never thought possible. He wanted to laugh. He wanted to cry. He wanted to scream. And yet she was still so confused. Looking up towards the elderly man - sensei Wu - he knew one thing for certain

He knew he would trust him with his life.

The man stepped towards Kai and with a fist tightly bound to a staff held in his hand he brought it down hard onto his head. Kai screamed in pain as the force of the hit sent vibrations through his body, he contorted himself almost breaking his bones as his arms reached around the staff. Bending in a way that shouldn't have been possible. He lurched towards the man, his mouth open like a hungry animal, fingers lashed towards the chest of the elderly figure.

Then Wu turned the staff around towards the back. And thrust the sharp end deep into the other's abdomen.

Kai fell. A black fluid oozed from the open wound in his chest as he coughed it out. He trembled on the ground, shaking ever so slightly until after a minute his muscles no longer moved. He looked at Lloyd, reaching out towards him, eyes mixed with a gaze of terror, sorrow, and fear. The evil air surrounding him vanished as his breathing grew labored.

"Lloyd I- ". His lungs choked as his fingers fell from his brother.

And then:

He was dead.

Lloyd saw his brother's corpse, tears started to swell in his eyes, he shook as he stood, "Y-you killed him!"

The elderly man spoke with no remorse: "Lloyd. We have to go".