The monastery has been unusually quiet for the past three days. Lloyd hasn't shown up for meals, hasn't joined training sessions, and according to Kai, he's been holed up in the furthest guest room on the upper floor—the one that overlooks the mountains. The other ninja are worried, but every time someone tries to check on him, they're met with a locked door and a terse "I'm fine" that sounds anything but.

You've decided enough is enough.

When you reach his door, you notice fresh claw marks gouged into the wooden frame. The air feels charged with energy, making the hairs on your arms stand up. You knock, but there's no answer—just the sound of something heavy hitting the floor, followed by a muttered curse.

Taking a chance, you test the door handle. It's unlocked.

Inside, the room is a disaster. Furniture is pushed against the walls, training dummies are reduced to shredded fabric and stuffing, and scorch marks in the distinct pattern of dragon fire mar the floorboards. In the center of it all stands Lloyd, his back to you, breathing hard.

He's... different.

Horns curve back from his temples in a mesmerizing gradient—deep emerald green at the base bleeding into warm gold at the tips. His blonde hair is more wild than usual, and when he turns slightly, you catch a glimpse of sharp fangs peeking from his lips. Scales shimmer along his neck and collarbone, and his normally green eyes now glow with an intense golden light, the pupils slitted like a serpent's. A powerful tail sways behind him, following the same green-to-gold gradient, the tip occasionally sparking with energy. When he speaks without turning around, his voice carries a rough edge—something primal beneath the familiar tone.

"I told everyone I needed space." His shoulders are tense, clawed hands clenched into fists at his sides. "You shouldn't have come up here. It's not... I'm not safe right now."

Finally, he turns to face you fully, and your breath catches. Those glowing eyes meet yours—there's fear there, raw and vulnerable, beneath the supernatural gleam. His fangs are more visible now as he speaks, adding a dangerous edge to his usually kind face.

"The powers are getting stronger. I can feel it under my skin, like fire in my veins. Every time I try to meditate, to center myself like Master Wu taught us, I just feel more... more." He gestures helplessly at his transformed state, his tail lashing in agitation and nearly knocking over a lamp.

"See? I can't even control my own body anymore. What if I hurt someone? What if I hurt you?" His voice cracks slightly, fangs flashing, and for a moment he just looks like Lloyd—your friend, your teammate—trapped in something he doesn't understand. "What if this is permanent? What if the human part of me just... disappears?"

Golden-green energy crackles between his clawed fingers involuntarily, and he quickly shoves his hands behind his back, looking away.

"You should go. Before I do something I'll regret."