Author note:

Thanks for the reviews! They're all so kind. I just wanted to say to Bookwarrior12 (because they have turned off private messaging) that that is an amazing idea and that it really inspired me and gave me ideas for the story. I also wanted to say thanks to a special friend that has helped me so far with ideas and support.

SPOILER WARNING

CRYSTALIZED SPOILERS

The rest of the ninja had gone to sleep long ago. I tried to sleep but my thoughts about our loss against the crime group kept me awake. I desperately wanted to sleep, but I fought it. What if there's something I haven't thought of? What if new leads appear? What if...

Trying to sleep was hopeless. So I pretended to go to sleep. I didn't want the rest of the team to worry about me so as soon as I was certain that they all were asleep I snuck out and into our not-so-secret base under the monastery.

After we lost the battle against the crime organization in the warehouse (and after a little outburst courtesy of myself) I have had many restless nights. What were they planning to do with the assortment of random objects they acquired? Nothing made sense.

I was staring at the information we had about the crime group. It was absolutely hopeless. They had managed to cover their tracks quite well, as nothing linked up. It was a mixture of random facts and suspicions.

The short naps I began having during the day kept the exhaustion away for moments. But the lack of proper sleep was daunting.

I felt my eyes close, and I slipped into sleep for a second…

No… I must fight the sleepiness… I forced my eyes wide open.

I must stay awake, and keep looking for ideas on what the crime group is planning… maybe they are stealing blankets and pillows to have a nice…

long…

rest.

I felt my vision growing blurry, and I fell into a peaceful slumber. I found myself in a vast, lush field of emerald green grass. I looked around frantically, Where am I? What is this place? Why am I here? I thought. I felt at peace here. The tranquility was a nice change from the chaos of my life. I couldn't help but lay in the grass and let the quiet wrap around me like a cuddly warm blanket.

I noticed that there was a tall figure approaching me.

"Wh-who are you" I stuttered

"Do you not recognize me?" it asked

It came closer and closer, until it was right in front of me, towering over me so that I felt like an ant.

It had gold armor so shiny I could see even the tiniest speck of dust on my green gi. I noticed the eye bags that had formed, and how pale and tired I looked. The person had an assortment of green embellishments and four arms. It had long horns and weird pink eyes. How odd, I thought. I feel like I recognize this strange figure. This feels like somebody that I should know…

It hit me at a million miles per hour.

That was me. In my Oni form.

I let out an audible gasp.

"Wh-what are you d-doing here? W-why are you here?" I fumbled whilst searching for words

"I am you. A part of you. You can't get rid of me. And I came here to give you advice. You must accept your Oni side. It is a part of you. You cannot change that," it replied monotonously

"B-but I hate you. You are a part of me that I despise. I-I will never a-accept you," I stumbled on my words

"We are both Lloyd Garmadon. I am you and you are me. We are the same person," it stated

"NO! I refuse to believe you. I will hold you back. I will fight you! I won't become a monster like… like YOU! I am the Green Ninja. I am not evil and… and cruel!" I yelled

"I am not a monster like you say. I am a part of you. No matter how hard you try, you can't get rid of me. You must come to terms with yourself. You are Lloyd Garmadon. Part Oni, part dragon, and mostly human."

"I can't change it. I know that. But I can resist it. And I will resist it. For as long as I possibly can," I responded

"If you resist it anymore, you will only end up in suffering. In pain," it spoke

I shot up.

I checked the time.

2:38am. How long was I asleep? I should keep looking for leads on the criminal group, there's no time for rest now

But I couldn't work properly. My thoughts were going too fast. I couldn't push the odd encounter I just had away. No matter how much I want to forget it…

But what if he was right?

No. I don't want to believe him. We aren't the same. He is an Oni. I am the Green Ninja.

But, there was a small part of me that wanted to believe him. That wanted to not hold back. That wanted to feel free.

Swiftly, the warm blanket of slumber enveloped me yet again.

Author note:

As always, if you have any feedback or suggestions then feel free to leave them :)