#ninjago is my special interest... sorry gang

[sleeping-at-sea]

Having had took like... a year or so to step back from Ninjago, the hyperfix has slowly started to creep up on me again. With this, I've realized a lot of my headcanons and opinions have changed as I've shown interest in other things and tried to make connects between my fandoms.

Something I've realised, and remember having been vaguely mentioned to me before, was the servre mischaracterization of the main 6. Personally, I've always been a huge Lloyd fan and he's the one I hyperfixate on the most, so I can confidently say I know how INSANELY he's been mischaracterized (at least in my opinion).

Also, putting this out there, I will mostly be referencing stuff from like... 2022-2024 fandom and not stuff within the last year or so... bcs like I said, I've just recently started incorporating myself back into it fully. But anyways!!!

I don't want to yap too much, but something that I feel like I have the strongest opinions about is Lloyd's softness. Lloyd is most definitely not as soft as the fandom portrays him as. As someone though who was apart of the infantization of Lloyd, I am also judging myself here!!

I just remember reading so many fics and comics, and Lloyd would always be crying, or just in an extremely fragile emotional state. Now, I'm not saying Lloyd doesn't have issues, I'm just saying... it's not as servre as some people write it as. Lloyd is a character who we've only seen cry TWICE through the entire show, --Unless he's cried within the past 2 seasons of DR... -- and those were both extremely important scenes for his character, because Lloyd isn't someone who cries. He's always there for others though. Yes, Lloyd's been through TRAUMATIC shit, but he's also a me tally strong character. Maybe not the strongest, but he's also not the weakest.

I don't know what else to say really... thats just... I NEEDED to get that out 💔

I hope y'all liked my yap! I'm sorry if it sounds a bit bland and quick at the end but it's literally 12:49 am

[caramellody]

As someone who hasn’t watched ninjago since like,, the green ninja was revealed .. what the FUCK is going on in the show? Idk abt spoilers bc I’m so bewildered and can’t piece anything together

Yeah, I think of ninjago kinda like rvb in the sense that the moment you drop off of ONE season, the later seasons are so buckwild and a mess to keep up with. I’ll definitely try and give as best of an explanation but I am also prone to rambling myself (there's like 11 whole seasons since I'm assuming you fell off after late season 1 to go though) so i’ll put this in a read more. I’m also assuming you don’t care about spoilers but just for others who might(?) know i’ll be talking spoilers for almost everything, there may be somethings i don't mention because, there's a lot, but just as a precaution i gues dhfijkhfdsj

EDIT: this actually turns out to be VERY long even when opting certain  things out in order to make it shorter

-Season 1 and season 2 (Rise of the Snakes and Legacy of the Green Ninja) are easily the most straight forward episodes of the series. it’s all about training Lloyd in being the green ninja to defeat his father. Lloyd grows up at one point? it’s so buckwild because its in the episode where the OG 4 turn into kids (and yes theres a reason) and Lloyd has to use this tea to turn them back (as well as make a revived monster go extinct) and as a result he ages up like the rest of them. Aside from that and the inclusion of the overlord (an even worse villain who actually possesses Lloyds dad), season 2 is all about prepping Lloyd up for that final battle

And TECHNICALLY, season 2 was where it was gonna end, the franchise was basically discontinued after season 2, but then was brought back up for a 3rd season, which is where things get more character-focused.

-Season 3 (Rebooted) revolves around technological advances (you might even consider it cyberpunk-ish in concept) and the main villain is the overlord who has basically taken over everything in the city. this season introduces P.I.X.A.L whos clearly set up as Zane’s love interest. There’s also this REALLY stupid love triangle between Nya, Jay and Cole that everyone pretty much unanimously hate because its done so forcefully and is really there just so that jay and any could have romantic drama (which. is dumb even for 2014 standards). it ultimately culminates to Zane fuckin DYING (but its okay he's a robot) in what is still such a banger of a theme. the end of the season teases that he comes back. Also Garmadon isn’t a villain and is easily one of the best characters in that season, he acts like the father Lloyd needed for so long, its not overtly important to the plot but it’s a big dynamic shift compared to S1 and S2.

-Season 4 (Tournament of Elements) takes place months (it's not explicit but it's assumed that its a year) after s3 and the gang have all broken up, but Lloyd tries to bring them back together. they all get invited to a tournament that claims they have Zane (that gives me mortal Kombat vibes) with all the other elemental masters (by this point they are able to use their elements without the need of weapons as a proxy like in seasons 1-2). Zane’s revealed to be back and in a new robot body and the main bad is the guy running the tournament. 

-Season 5 (Possession) is all about ghosts! the gang meets Morro, who was a former student of Wu who was training to be the green ninja but never became it because that was lloyds spot. he then ran off on his own to change fate but died and later comes back as a ghost to take over Lloyd. this season also has Cole turn into a ghost and Nya officially joins the team as the water ninja. 

-Season 6 (Skybound) is all about sky pirates, after being released from his lamp, djin Nadakhan tries to find his old crewmates. he also finds out that his homeland was destroyed as a result of the events of season 5 and goes all out to make the ninja criminals for what they (unknowingly did), this is by all means a Jay and Nya season about their own struggles but its also one of those seasons that never happened because jay literally WISHES to retcon all of season 6, so this season never ‘technically’ happened

-Day of the Departed is a special that mostly focuses on bringing back old villains who were killed, but mostly focuses on cole slowly being forgotten.this special is specifically important because Cole becomes corporeal again (and he gains a new ability)

-Season 7 (Hands of Time) is a time travel season, theres things relating to Kai and Nya’s past and their parent’s connection to the main threat in the present (I'm sorry if i don’t sound as enthusiastic compared to other seasons season 7 is imo my least favorite so there’s not a lot i can say about it) it’s also the last season were the original designs are used!

-Season 8 (Sons of Garmadon) is the first season that came out AFTER the Ninjago movie (which for the record takes place in a separate universe, the characterizations are different despite their appearances being similar.) it revolves around a gang (called the sons of garmadon) trying to collect the three oni masks in order to revive lord garmadon again (and they’re successful too)

-Season 9 (Hunted) takes place RIGHT after S8 (specifically a week after). Lloyd and any are forced into hiding while the original 4 ninja and wu (who is a baby, this is a plot point that begins at the end of season 7. they find a baby in s8 and that baby ended up being their original master) are trying to escape the realm they ended up stranded in after the events of s8

-Season 10 (March of the Oni) another that takes place right after season 9, the oni (who are hellbent on destruction) basically invade all of ninjago and the ninja have to stop them. this is a simple 4 episode season that really acts more like a movie than a season.

After S10, the series sorta gets a soft reboot. the previous seasons are still canon, but there's a clear tone shift (and animation shift) in the show overall)

-Season 11 (Secrets of the Forbidden spinjitzu) is broken up into two parts

(The fire Chapter) revolves around the ninja trying to find something to do and ultimately opening up an ancient tomb where an ancient group of snakes lives 

(the Ice chapter) builds off of the fire chapter, zane was sent to a different realm and the gang goes out to save him, but the realm they end up in is controlled by a powerful Ice emperor who is trying to freeze the entire place.

-And finally, Season 12 (Prime Empire) is a tron-styled season where Jay goes inside a video game, the gang goes out to look for him before finding out that the A.I in that game is trying to get out and forcing people to get trapped in the game in order to leave.

Season 13 (Master of the mountain) is the upcoming season, and it seems to be very DnD aesthetic, and all about cole which is gonna be exciting 

And that's all there is to it dbhubjfdsbhjdsj idk if you expected me to go on a FULL ON ESSAY and for that i apologize in advance, but...there's a lot going on in this series and it's such a wild ride

[eyeofthewolfe]

Evil Zane Fanfic (Part 1)

Prologue and Chapter 1

For @valerei but also for the fandom who loves Ninjago and the concept of Evil Zane. More to come!

Prologue

               A computer’s hard drive is dependent on every single part working together to achieve power and stability. Then the software delivers an elaborate code that determines the purpose of the programming which gives the computer “life”. Within the “life” of the computer comes possibility. But the possibility is bound by one string: motive.

               Robots, as more humanized computers, have achieved a greater purpose in Ninjago than arguably the standardized computers. Assistant Lifeforms have provided aid through their motive of assistance. Small mechanical robots provide an unbeatable work ethic with their motive of work. Nindroids destroyed New Ninjago City, attacked civilians, and brought fear across Ninjago with their motive of following direct orders from the Digital OverBorg. And the first known android, deemed “Nindroid” from its, or his, friend, protects the people and peace of Ninjago because of a simple motive- “to protect those who cannot protect themselves.”

               For years, decades even, the young-looking android had followed his motive directly until it drove his hardware to the grave.

               However, the software remained in a digital state, letting the robot be reborn in a new body. The software was scrambled but fixable, the code still in effect. The motive of the nindroid still was bound to his possibility…but something-someONE- was after it. With no motive, there is no possibility.

               But with a new motive…. comes new possibility.

  Chapter 1

“Kai- look out!”

Kai swerved his elemental dragon to the left to dodge a cannon ball that soared right past him. He steadied the dragon and peered up at Cole. “Thanks for the warning! That came out of nowhere.”

Cole chuckled as Jay let out another huge sneeze causing his dragon to spew sparks. The water dragon drew back from the sparks, but then flew in close. “Do you feel worse?” Nya called out to her boyfriend.

Jay wiped his nose with his mask. “No, I’m fine.” Jay weakly responded, his voice tight and clogged.

“You probably have a cold, Jay,” Zane remarked, flying a little distance away. “You need to-“

“I’m fine, shiny,” Jay snapped back. “The mission is too important.”

With that, another explosion came from under them and Cole easily dodged a speeding cannonball.

“Jay’s right,” The ex-ghost ninja proclaimed. “We can’t let those thieves get away with their bounty!”

“And Lloyd!” Kai added, his fist on fire.

Earlier that week, the ninja got word that a gang of criminals had escaped Kryptarium Prison led by no other than the Mechanic. They had all gunned for the ninja, but the Mechanic had special interest in the green ninja. They had set a trap at the Ninjago City Bank, activating security, winning the attention of the ninja, and then capturing Lloyd with vengestone. The ninja had tracked the crooks to a rocky terrain where they were currently speeding away shooting cannonballs at the ninja. Lloyd, in vengestone crafted handcuffs, was located in the first car’s passenger seat- side by side the Mechanic.

“Alright team,” Cole directed as substitute leader, “We know the battle plan. Overthrow the vehicles and extract Lloyd. Kai, be careful with your flames and the cars. Nya, don’t get the terrain wet, we don’t want any slipping on these cliffs. Jay, take it easy. And try not to sneeze. Zane, you take the lead car. I’ll fly ahead and make a wall to cut them off. Watch each others backs!” Cole commanded before speeding ahead.

Nya glanced at Kai. “He makes a pretty good battle plan.” She remarked. Kai shrugged before leading the dive.

The four ninja dove towards the line of weaponized cars that sped off across the rocky cliffs. Explosion after explosion rocked the terrain but the ninja were ready to attack. Kai and Jay landed on the last car, Nya on the middle, and Zane on the front.

“It’s the nindroid!” The Mechanic roared. Zane put up his fists, ready to fight. “Leave ‘im as unharmed as possible boys…I want a few spare parts.” The mechanic sneered as the crooks cracked their knuckles.

“Cracking knuckles is actually bad for your finger bones,” Zane commented. One of the men opened his mouth to beg to differ but Zane was too quick. He kicked the guy off the car and turned to the rest.

Nya landed softly on car two and swiftly punched two unexpected crooks off the car. With a quick spurt of water the third crook-who was a nindroid in a undercover sweatshirt- flew straight off the cliff. “Whoops,” Nya whispered before turning to deal with the driver.

“A pajama woman!” Cried out Captain Soto as he waved his hook in the air while driving. “How dare ye plunder my mechanical vessel!”

“Soto?!” Nya cried out. She hesitated, remembering when he was an ally against Nadakhan. But then again, that timeline never existed so technically he was never an ally. Nya sighed, sad to hurt an out-of-time friend. “Sorry Soto, wish we could be friends!” She kicked the ancient pirate out of the seat and took over as driver. She placed her hand on her right ear, activating her fabricated communication device. “Middle car has been overthrown. Kai, Jay, what is your status?”

“Not good!” Kai screamed in response as a bearded criminal clicked the safety off on his revolver. Jay was not the best partner, for his punches were weak and his actions were dizzied. Kai had thrown off three men but including the driver they had to deal with four more. Kai had to worry more about sick Jay then his own safety.

The bearded crook lifted his gun to level with Kai’s head. “Any last words, red head?” he smirked, ready to fire.

“How about Ninja-GOO!” Kai yelled before disappearing into his spinjitzu tornado.

The bearded man screamed as the tornado flung him off the car. Kai managed to knock off two others before spinning to a stop. Kai glanced back at the criminals rolling in the dust behind the car. “Why does everyone assume I’m a red head?” Kai pondered before turning to the blue ninja.

Jay and the last criminal were hand in hand, struggling on top of the moving car. Jay, dizzied by the movement, was weak in his struggling, causing the young criminal to back him up toward the edge of the car.

Jay sniffled, his head screaming in pain. “You are…really strong….”Jay wheezed. The criminal laughed. “Someone seems a little under-the-weather!” He laughed, ready to push the ninja off the car.

Jay laughed weakly. “Ha ha…that’s..fu- uh-uh-ahCHOO!” Jay sneezed, sending a surge of lightning through his opponents’ body. The man screamed and collapsed off the car, almost taking Jay with him. Kai snatched Jay at the last second.

“Thanks…Kai,” Jay coughed. Kai placed Jay down and quickly clicked a seatbelt on him. “Stay here,” Kai directed. “You’re too sick to fight.”

Jay nodded before feverishly rambling about water. Kai shook his head and turned to deal with the driver.

  Cole eyed the first car as it slid around the corner a mile or so away. At the top of the peak, Cole saw the titanium ninja easily holding off the many men on the lead car. Lloyd was still gagged and handcuffed in the passenger seat with the Mechanic was at the wheel.

Cole lifted his fists as he caused massive rocks and boulders to climb from out of the ground right behind  him. He kept his power going until the rock wall lifted for a few dozen feet high. He dropped his fists and clapped the dust off of his hands.

  Zane swung the last thief off the car as the ground shook. The robot turned and watched the rock wall grow only hundreds of feet in front of him. The Mechanic slammed his fist on the wheel and screamed in rage for he knew he was defeated. “You nasty ninja!” He screamed, turning to the metal android. “You wanna play dirty, then I’ll play dirty too!” The mechanic lifted his foot and before Zane to react he kicked Lloyd straight out of the car and off the cliff.

“NO!” Zane bellowed and then lunged off the car after him. He rolled in the dirt causing a cloud of dust, but Zane wasn’t fazed. He peered over the edge.

“Zane!” Lloyd screamed. The red bandana fluttered in the breeze, undone from the sudden movement, but it had miles down to travel before touching the ground. The bandana would be fine, but Lloyd would not.

The handcuffs had snagged a ledge just an arm reach away from the top of the cliff. Lloyd dangled helplessly for if he fell, the vengestone would not let him create his dragon. “Zane!” Lloyd screamed again, his green eyes bulging with pain.

  Lloyd stared at the glittering robot that was staring back at him. The robot fell on his stomach and extended his arm to grab the chains.

But then he stopped. The robotic arm went stiff, and Zane glared transfixed on the green ninja.

“Zane, what are you doing?!” Lloyd gasped, his wrists exploding with pain. The robot just stared back with an empty expression.

The ledge cracked under the weight of the handcuffed ninja and Lloyd screeched. Lloyd still hung vulnerably in the air, seconds away from falling to his death. “ZANE!!” Lloyd yelled, tears starting to stream from his eyes. “ZANE, HELP ME!!!”

All Zane did was cock his head a little, his blue eyes flickering as if his battery was dying.

Lloyd stared at his friend as the ledge broke into pieces.

  Nya watched as Lloyd slid off the cliff and Zane lunge after him. “Zane’s got him,” Nya murmured to herself as she stepped harder on the gas pedal in pursuit of the Mechanic.

  Kai and the driver struggled with the wheel but Kai had enough control to dodge Zane who was lying next to the cliff. Kai, who had more important things to worry about, didn’t think twice about Zane.

  Cole watched Lloyd fly out of the car and Zane jump after him. Cole tensed, ready to run to help, but then paused. The Mechanic was headed right to him, and was that a rocket launcher?

“Zane, I’ve detected an unknown virus in your-“ P.I.X.A.L. chimed in, her voice synthesized with worry.

“Not now!” Zane interrupted as he lunged toward Lloyd as he slid off the edge.

  The ledge broke, and Lloyd screamed his friends name one more time as his body jerked downward.

And then stopped moving.

Immense pain shot through his wrists as Zane caught the handcuffs. “Lloyd?” Zane asked, looking down at the now-injured ninja.

“Who else?” Lloyd gasped as Zane dragged him back on top of the cliff. “What happened?”

Zane stared at Lloyd. “What do you mean?”

Lloyd cradled his wrists. “You froze, like you didn’t recognize me or you…didn’t want to save me.”

Zane lost eye contact for a second. “I have…no recollection of that. I reached down, the ledge broke, and I caught you.”

Lloyd shook his head and opened his head to speak but he was interrupted by an eruption and a giant quake down the road.

  Kai took control of the vehicle as the rock wall ahead of him burst apart. He slammed on the breaks and skidded to a stop. Jay made a disgusted sound, then turned and threw up over the side of the car.

  Cole saw the rocket fire straight over his head. Without thinking twice he hurled himself over the edge of the cliff as the wall exploded behind him. He powered up his dragon and swooped upwards, but there was something there to meet him.

A boulder, a basketball sized chunk of rock from the rockwall, slammed into his head knocking the earth ninja unconscious. The dragon blinked away with Cole’s consciousness and the ninja dropped like a stone.

Nya saw and felt the wall explode and watched Cole jump to safety. But she saw the boulder and she saw Cole get hit.

She instantly hopped out of her seat and jumped after Cole, her water dragon activated. Within seconds her dragon had caught Cole and turned back to the rest of the team.

  The team was hit badly. Zane was wrapping Lloyd’s broken wrists while Nya was re-hydrating Jay. Kai sat next to Cole, who was clutching his head and groaning.

“The Mechanic got away,” Kai pointed out, but nobody responded or even acknowledged that he had said something. He sighed, leaned back, and waited for the Destiny’s Bounty to find them.