(i just want to know if anyone know what person is Jinx connected to and how they are connected and if you know write a commet and the first person that get it correct i'll just put as a new elemantal master for season 4)
The city of Ninjago was slowly but surely recovering. The once chaotic streets, littered with debris from the battle with the Great Devourer, were now filled with the sounds of hammering, lifting, and rebuilding. Smoke still curled into the sky, a lingering reminder of the destruction, but the spirit of the people remained unbroken. The ninja worked tirelessly alongside the citizens, putting the city back together, brick by brick.
Cole wiped his brow, stepping back to admire their handiwork. His muscles ached from hauling rubble all day, but at least things were finally coming together.
"Ugh, finally," he groaned, stretching his arms. "All fixed up and Serpentine free."
Beside him, Kai let out a frustrated growl, clenching his fists. He focused, trying once again to summon his elemental power, but nothing came. He thrust his hand forward with force, expecting the familiar surge of fire—only for a weak puff of heatless flame to sputter out and die.
"Aargh!" Kai shouted, his face twisting in irritation. "This is frustrating."
As if the universe was mocking him, a nearby street sign wobbled and tipped over.
"Aah!" Jay and Cole yelped in unison, leaping back just in time to avoid being smacked by the falling metal.
Kai groaned, rubbing his forehead. "Our weapons are gone, and most of our elemental powers are barely working. I mean, we can still do Spinjitzu, but..." He clenched his fists again and tried once more, but the only flame that appeared was from Zane's blowtorch as he worked on repairing a broken structure.
"I just feel so—I don't know—limited," Kai admitted, frustration thick in his voice. "And thanks to the Devourer, our tank's out of commission, our dragon's hurt, and now the Bounty is destroyed. We don't even have a place to sleep."
Zane, ever the voice of wisdom, lifted his welding mask and turned to his friend. His face was calm, a stark contrast to Kai's frustration.
"No one ever said being a hero is easy," Zane said simply. "Though our good deeds may never make us rich, they make us rich in other ways."
Kai scoffed. "Yeah, well, I don't feel rich."
Above them, lazily floating in midair with an air of absolute nonchalance, was Jinx. A pair of dark-rimmed glasses sat on his face, making him look comically studious despite his relaxed pose. In one hand, he casually sipped on an Oreo milkshake, the creamy drink swirling through the straw with an obnoxiously loud slurp. A small, darkness-shaped umbrella hovered above him, shielding him from the sun as if he were some sort of royalty.
"Well, it's ya dumbasses' fault for relying on your weapons so much," Jinx remarked, adjusting his glasses slightly.
Jay, who had been pushing a pile of bricks into place, sighed heavily. "Ugh. I, for one, enjoy pitching in, Jinx."
Jinx, without even looking, lazily flipped Jay off.
Jay sputtered, throwing his arms in the air. "Seriously? Rude."
Shaking his head, Jay looked around, suddenly noticing someone missing. "Uh, speaking of which, anyone seen Nya? She said she was gonna help."
As the question lingered in the air, the rebuilding efforts continued, but in the back of their minds, a sense of unease gnawed at them. Where was Nya?
The distant roar of an engine echoed through the city streets, growing louder by the second. Before anyone could react, a sleek motorbike shot around the corner, kicking up dust as it screeched to a halt in front of them. The rider leaned forward slightly before smoothly dismounting, removing her helmet with a confident grin.
"And I have," Nya announced, shaking out her hair. "I may have found us a place to live."
Jay's eyes widened. "Really? But there's a waiting list a mile long to live in Ninjago City. How did you do that?"
Nya smirked, waving a small pamphlet in front of him. "I know a guy, who knows a girl, and she knows this girl who knows a guy. Well, this guy knows a girl who's a real estate agent, and she can help you find a place—if you catch my drift." She flipped the pamphlet into Jay's hands with a flick of her wrist.
Jay blinked, looking down at the colorful advertisement. "Patty Keys, Real Estate Queen." He read aloud, rubbing his chin. "Huh. This is exactly what we need. Once we get a roof over our heads, we can start properly training Lloyd."
Before Nya could respond, Sensei Wu swung one leg over the back of the motorbike and settled in behind her. His usual calm expression was lit with amusement as he adjusted his hat.
"We have to find a couple of components to fix the ninja tank," Wu explained, stroking his beard. "And my dragon ointment has finally arrived. It's a day's trip, but once we get back, he'll be flying again. Also..." He let out a chuckle. "I love scenic drives."
Then, to everyone's shock, Wu grinned mischievously and declared, "Haha! Punch it, Nya!"
Nya grinned. "Aye aye, Sensei!"
With a loud VROOM, the bike peeled away, leaving a trail of dust in its wake.
As Jay was still flipping through the pamphlet, a voice lazily cut through the moment.
"Oh, yeah, I know her," Jinx remarked, floating effortlessly nearby. His glasses had slipped down his nose slightly, and he casually adjusted them as he continued sipping on his Oreo milkshake. "She helped me buy a large plot of land in the Sea of Sand."
Jay nearly dropped the pamphlet. "Wait, what? Really? Where'd you even get the money for that?"
Jinx took another slow sip before shrugging. "Well, the mayor said I could have a couple plots of land along with some other benefits."
There was a moment of stunned silence before Kai practically exploded. "Really?! And you're just now telling us?!"
Cole sighed, shaking his head. "Look, it doesn't matter, 'cause if we know Lord Garmadon, he's not going to be taking any breaks." His tone turned serious. "And let's not forget, the Serpentine are still at large."
The weight of his words settled over them, the celebratory mood shifting slightly. The battle was far from over. They had won a fight, but the war for Ninjago's future had only just begun.
Near the wreckage of the Destiny's Bounty, the Serpentine gathered in the dim moonlight, their scales glinting under the pale glow. Their once-proud ranks stood disorganized, their spirits fractured. Without a leader, they were little more than exiles with nowhere to turn.
Skales slithered to the front, his yellow eyes scanning the restless crowd. He raised himself high, his forked tongue flickering as he addressed them.
"Serpentine, we've been exiled for the last time. Fear not—I will lead you!"
A murmur of doubt rippled through the gathered snakes. Mezmo crossed his arms.
"Lead us? To where?" he questioned. "The City of Ouroboros has been destroyed. We have no home."
"You want to lead us so badly?" Fang-Suei added, stepping forward. "Why should we trust you?"
Skales narrowed his eyes. "Because I was the one who told you in the first place not to awaken the Great Devourer. But no, you listened to Pythor!" His words carried a sharp edge, a reminder of their greatest mistake.
Before anyone could respond, a slow clap echoed through the air. The Serpentine turned, startled, as a tall figure emerged from the shadows. His four muscular arms crossed over his chest, his long dark robes billowing slightly in the night breeze. His red eyes glowed ominously.
"You want a home..." Lord Garmadon's voice was smooth, yet laced with something sinister. "I'll give you a home."
The Serpentine recoiled slightly, recognizing him instantly.
"Lord Garmadon!" Skales hissed, his tone wary.
Garmadon stepped forward with a smirk. "Forgive me, I haven't been myself lately. But now that I have the Golden Weapons..." He raised them slightly, their golden sheen casting eerie reflections over his twisted grin. "...it's time I got back to my roots."
He began pacing slowly, his words deliberate. "If I'm going to rule Ninjago, I know I can't do it all by myself. The Skeletons served their purpose, but..." He turned his gaze to the Serpentine, his smile widening. "I've always been partial to snakes."
The Serpentine exchanged glances. A hushed anticipation settled over them.
"If you want someone to follow, follow me."
A sudden roar of approval erupted from the Serpentine. They hissed and cheered, chanting his name.
Skales' expression twisted in fury. "You are to follow me, not him!" he snapped, but his words fell on deaf ears. The Serpentine slithered past him, gathering around Garmadon with renewed fervor.
Garmadon turned, lifting the Golden Weapons. With a powerful surge of energy, he aimed them at the remains of the Destiny's Bounty. A dark aura enveloped the wreckage as the weapons glowed brightly.
The ship groaned as its shattered pieces twisted and reformed. Wood fused together, metal melted and reshaped, sails stretched across the masts once more—only now, the vessel was no longer the proud airship of the ninja. It was something darker, something corrupted. Its hull gleamed with an ominous black sheen, the sails as dark as the night sky.
"You want a home?" Garmadon declared, his arms spread wide as the ship's transformation completed. "I give you a home."
The Serpentine stared in awe.
Mezmo gulped. "The power... of the weapons..." he muttered, barely believing his own eyes.
Garmadon smirked. "I give you the Black Bounty!"
A deafening cheer erupted from the Serpentine.
Skales, standing alone in the chaos, clenched his fists. His tail flicked in frustration. "Imbeciles!" he growled. "Do you not remember he was just helping the ninja?! Now you blindly follow him because of his wizardry?! He's not even Serpentine!" He jabbed a finger toward the ship. "And what about the cowardly snakes who abandoned us? We must stand united! Rule with me, and we rule as brothers!"
Garmadon turned his head slightly, a dangerous glint in his eyes. Slowly, he pointed the Sword of Fire directly at Mezmo.
"Rule with me..." his voice dropped, thick with malice. "...or else."
A deadly silence followed. Then, one by one, the Serpentine bowed.
"All hail Lord Garmadon!" they chanted, their voices rising into a chorus of submission.
As the Black Bounty lifted off the ground, Skales watched in stunned silence. He gritted his teeth, fists shaking.
"Oh, darn! Ugh!"
Mezmo hesitated before cautiously approaching Garmadon. "Your eminence," he began carefully, "excuse my ignorance, but... why is it we fly in the opposite direction of the ninja, when you have the Golden Weapons in your possession?"
Garmadon's lips curled into a knowing smirk as the Black Bounty vanished into the night.
Garmadon let out a low, dark chuckle. His crimson eyes glowed as he turned, addressing his warriors with measured authority. "Because they have my son... and it is written that he will one day defeat me." His voice was calm, yet it carried a weight that silenced the Serpentine instantly.
The words lingered in the air like an unspoken curse.
Chokun furrowed his brow. "Then we destroy Lloyd."
A surge of fury flashed across Garmadon's face. His grip on the weapons tightened as his body tensed.
"Aargh!" With a swift motion, he pointed the Sword of Fire at Chokun, the blade glowing ominously. "Lock him in the brig!"
The Serpentine gasped as Skales and Fang-Suei quickly seized Chokun, dragging him away despite his protests.
"No one will touch my son," Garmadon continued, his voice a growl of finality. "But by ridding myself of Sensei Wu and those pesky ninja, Lloyd will never reach his full potential. The prophecy will never be fulfilled... and Ninjago will be mine."
He turned back to the vast night sky, his lips curling into a wicked grin. "Forever."
A brief silence followed, only to be broken by Fang-Suei scratching his head. "Uh, but why are we flying away?"
Garmadon exhaled, his patience thin but intact. "Because," he said, stepping forward, "we are flying to the Golden Peaks—the birthplace of the Golden Weapons. Even they have secrets yet to be unlocked."
A murmur spread through the Serpentine ranks. The Golden Peaks were more legend than reality, spoken of in hushed whispers.
Garmadon turned, his gaze burning with ambition. "And once I uncover their full potential..." He raised the Golden Weapons, their glow intensifying against the dark clouds. "...nothing will stand in our way."
A wicked cackle echoed through the night as the Black Bounty pressed forward, vanishing into the storm.
(Back with the ninja, Patty Keys is showing them a worn-down apartment.)
Patty: This one-bedroom, one-half-bath is a cozy dream. Who needs extras when everything is in arm's reach? Now, wait until you see the lighting. (Turns on the light, but the bulb flickers, burns out, and falls to the ground.) Uh, who needs lights when you have this view? Heh. (Opens the window blinds, but the view was actually a brick wall.)
Lloyd: Uh, why do I smell old people?
Patty: (Annoyed.) Look, doll. I'm trying to work around your budget. This is all you can afford.
Cole: Uh, this looks...promising. Remember, guys, Sensei told us our main objective is to train Lloyd, not kick our feet up in some swanky suite. If this is all we can afford, this is all we can afford.
Jay: Whoa, whoa, whoa, let's not rush into any decision. I mean, if it's really all about Lloyd, don't we need to live in some place that'll make training easier?
The group of ninja stood in the doorway of a cramped, dimly lit apartment, their expressions ranging from forced optimism to outright horror. The place smelled of mildew and something suspiciously close to old socks. Patty Keys, an enthusiastic but slightly frazzled real estate agent, gestured grandly toward the single, peeling wall that barely held up the ceiling.
"This one-bedroom, one-half-bath is a cozy dream," Patty declared, sweeping her arms around as if presenting a palace. "Who needs extras when everything is within arm's reach?"
To emphasize her point, she reached for the light switch. A weak flicker sputtered from the ceiling before the bulb gave one last, pathetic glow, burned out, and promptly dropped to the floor with a tiny plink.
Patty chuckled nervously. "Uh, who needs lights when you have this view?" She rushed over and yanked open the blinds with a dramatic flair.
Everyone leaned forward.
Instead of a stunning skyline or even a half-decent street view, all they saw was a brick wall.
Lloyd wrinkled his nose. "Uh... why do I smell old people?"
Patty let out a long sigh, rubbing her temples. "Look, doll, I'm trying to work around your budget. This is all you can afford."
Cole crossed his arms, glancing around the small space. "Well… this looks promising."
Kai shot him a skeptical glare. "Promising?"
Cole cleared his throat. "Remember, guys, Sensei told us our main objective is to train Lloyd, not kick our feet up in some swanky suite. If this is what we can afford, then this is what we can afford."
Jay stepped forward, shaking his head. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, let's not be too hasty. I mean, if this is really about training Lloyd, shouldn't we be somewhere that actually makes training easier?"
Kai nodded in agreement. "Jay's got a point. If we're supposed to get Lloyd ready to fight his own father and save Ninjago, shouldn't he at least have his own room?"
Zane, ever the logical one, started, "Technically, the size of a room has no bearing on one's ability to—"
Kai gently elbowed him.
"We're only thinking about the children," Jay added quickly, flashing Patty an exaggerated grin.
Patty pursed her lips, tapping a manicured nail against her clipboard. "Alright, alright, I see what you're saying. Lucky for you, I do have another property that you'll just love."
A Little Later…
The elevator doors slid open with a soft ding, revealing a breathtaking penthouse atop a skyscraper. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the sleek modern interior in warm sunlight, offering a panoramic view of Ninjago City. The floors gleamed, the walls were pristine, and the air smelled like expensive furniture polish instead of someone's expired laundry.
The ninja stepped in, their jaws collectively dropping.
"Whoa."
Jay let out a stunned breath. "Oh, man."
Patty smiled proudly. "Now, this is the eight-bedroom Hero's Suite. Floor-to-ceiling windows, digital wall television, state-of-the-art gaming console…"
Jay's eyes twinkled with awe. "I could live here."
Cole, however, shifted uncomfortably. "Uh… this seems a little out of our price range."
Patty waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, sure, it costs a little more, but let's be real—you deserve it."
The ninja exchanged hesitant glances.
"I forgot to mention…" Patty added with a coy smile, "there's also a Dragon Keep on the roof."
Kai nearly choked. "Nice."
Jay clapped his hands together. "Okay, maybe we can work something out. I mean, what if we got a hero discount? After all, we did save the city."
Patty arched a brow, smirking. "I thought Lord Garmadon saved the city…" she said playfully, "…along with Jinx."
The ninja turned their heads toward Jinx, who was casually floating mid-air, lazily sipping an Oreo milkshake through a curly straw. A small, darkness-shaped umbrella hovered over him, shielding him from the nonexistent sun. Noticing the attention, he raised a hand, flashed a thumbs-up, and went back to sipping.
"Which means," Patty continued, "I could give you a 20% discount… also because Jinx is a long-term client of mine."
Kai crossed his arms, thinking. "We could get day jobs to pay for the extra expenses…"
Zane nodded. "We have always said we could use a little more responsibility."
Kai hesitated. "But we still have to train Lloyd."
Patty tapped her clipboard with a knowing smirk. "Did I mention the in-house training facility?"
The ninja turned to each other.
A beat of silence.
"We'll take it!"
Jinx, still floating, lazily flicked his wrist. "Suck-ups."
The unmistakable beat of "Ninja-Go!" blared through the city as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over Ninjago City. The streets bustled with activity—pedestrians hurried home, vendors shouted their wares, and traffic hummed steadily. Against this backdrop, the ninja were hard at work, balancing their everyday jobs with their mission to train Lloyd.
Jay zipped through the narrow alleyways on his delivery scooter, dodging cars and pedestrians with practiced ease. A stack of pizza boxes sat securely on his back, the scent of melted cheese and pepperoni trailing behind him.
Jay's Boss barked from the shop window. "If you're late, no tip!"
Jay gritted his teeth, punching the accelerator.
Meanwhile, Cole stood stoically in a crisp security uniform, guarding the entrance to Ninjago's central bank. His muscular frame and imposing presence deterred would-be troublemakers, and he stood as unmoved as the stone pillars framing the bank entrance.
Zane worked meticulously in the kitchen of Iron Chef's Delight, expertly plating dishes and maintaining the kitchen's precision. The rhythmic clatter of knives against cutting boards and the hiss of searing woks filled the air.
Kai, in stark contrast, was decked out in a bright, sparkly party entertainer costume, complete with oversized gloves and a matching hat, entertaining children at a birthday bash with magic tricks and balloon animals. His usual fire-element intensity was replaced by an exaggerated grin and a flair for the dramatic.
As the final notes of "Ninja-Go!" faded, the ninja regrouped at their modest new home—the eight-bedroom Hero's Suite, courtesy of Patty Keys' generous discount. They were exhausted, sweat glistening on their foreheads, but there was a quiet satisfaction in the air.
Cole exhaled deeply. "Oh…" The simplicity of the word carried the weight of exhaustion and relief.
Lloyd, undeterred by the rigors of the day, focused on a punching bag hanging in the training area. Determined, he launched a series of strikes with impressive speed and precision. However, on his latest punch, the bag swung back violently, catching Lloyd off guard and knocking him squarely onto the padded mat.
Lloyd groaned but quickly scrambled to his feet.
From across the room, Jinx's laughter erupted, sharp and hearty, echoing off the walls. The mischievous grin on his face was impossible to miss as he wiped tears from his eyes.
Jinx, still chuckling: "Oh, man! Classic rookie mistake, Lloyd!"
Lloyd shot him an embarrassed glare but listened intently as Jinx approached.
After regaining composure, Jinx knelt beside Lloyd and began to explain the intricacies of harnessing elemental power—something Lloyd would need to master if he was to confront his destiny.
Jinx: "It's all about control and focus, kid. You can't just punch at the bag; you have to channel your energy properly."
To demonstrate, Jinx raised his hand confidently. A swirling orb of dark purple energy coalesced around his palm, crackling with raw power. The glowing sphere expanded and contracted rhythmically, casting eerie shadows across the training room.
Lloyd's eyes widened as Jinx manipulated the ball effortlessly, shaping it like molten smoke—its surface shimmering with streaks of black and violet. The sheer force of the display sent chills down Lloyd's spine, but it ignited something within him.
Lloyd, voice trembling but determined: "I… I can do that."
Lloyd clenched his fist tightly, closing his eyes to focus. Concentrating on the lesson Jinx had just imparted, Lloyd summoned every ounce of willpower he had. Slowly, a faint green glow gathered around his hand—small, flickering like a candle flame in the wind, but unmistakably there.
The orb was tiny compared to Jinx's, barely the size of a tennis ball, but it hovered steadily above Lloyd's palm, pulsing softly.
A flash of pride crossed Jinx's face as he saw the green light.
Jinx, nodding approvingly: "Not bad, Lloyd! You've got spark, kid! Keep at it—soon you'll be throwing energy like a pro."
Lloyd beamed, pride mingling with the sweat on his brow. For a brief moment, the weight of his destiny seemed lighter, tempered by the support of his friends and mentors.
The evening air hung heavy over Ninjago City as the ninja trudged back to their modest Hero's Suite after an exhausting day of work. The quiet hum of traffic buzzed faintly in the distance, mingling with the distant chatter of late-night vendors closing shop. Inside their shared space, the weight of fatigue settled over the team like a thick fog.
Cole sat heavily on the worn couch, rubbing his legs with a grimace. "My feet... I can't feel my feet." His voice was strained, betraying the muscle aches from standing long hours guarding the bank.
Kai flopped onto a nearby chair, his party entertainer costume damp with sweat and stained with the remnants of cake frosting. He ran a hand through his messy hair. "There were so many of them... And they wouldn't stop." The exaggeration in his voice made it hard to tell if he was complaining or just melodramatic.
Zane, methodically maintaining his mechanical precision even when tired, sat on the floor near the kitchenette. He unscrewed the compartment on his arm, applying oil with clinical efficiency. "Ugh, my gears locked up several times. I didn't even know my gears could lock up." His tone was dry, but the frustration was unmistakable.
Jay, the picture of exhaustion, collapsed onto the couch, arms flung over his eyes. "I don't even have enough energy to play video games." He exhaled sharply and let himself sink into the cushions, utterly defeated.
Lloyd, fresh-faced and eager despite the late hour, stood at the edge of the training area, arms folded. "Oh, but I thought you were going to train me when you got home." His voice carried the innocent resolve of someone who believed anything was possible with enough effort.
Cole straightened slightly, trying to muster whatever remaining strength he had. "Sorry, champ, but we can't. Not until we make rent." His words were firm but laced with regret. He glanced toward Jay. "How close are we, Jay?"
Jay sat up slowly, rubbing his temples as he reached for a glass jar resting on the counter—their makeshift rent fund. He peered into it, eyes wide with dismay.
"Huh, is this jar getting bigger?" Jay gave the jar a light rattle, half-joking but unable to hide his despair. "We're not even close! Even with Jinx's discount..." His voice trailed off into a defeated sigh.
Jinx, lounging casually against the doorway with his signature mischievous grin, chimed in without missing a beat. "You guys suck at this. Also, by the way, Cole, nice uniform—you look good in it." His tone was teasing but delivered with a wink, as if trying to lighten the mood.
Cole, rubbing his sore muscles, glanced over at Jinx, shaking his head with a smirk. "Thanks, Jinx. Appreciate it. But... why don't you get a job?" His voice was laced with equal parts sarcasm and genuine curiosity.
Jinx straightened, eyes gleaming with playful pride. "Umm... first of all, it's your fault, idiots, for not training your elemental powers well enough to get better jobs. And second..." Jinx paused, glancing over his shoulder with a flourish. "I got you guys a discount."
Jinx's grin widened, but inside, he thought, Even though I could afford this all by myself. He took a moment to relish the small victory of helping his friends, even if he'd never admit the truth.
Cole let out a tired laugh, shaking his head. "Thanks, Jinx. You're... something else."
Jay leaned back, voice muffled by the couch cushions. "At least we've got the discount. But we need to up our game if we're going to make this work."
Kai sat up straight, determination rekindling beneath his exhaustion. "Right. We can't let this stop us. Lloyd's counting on us."
Zane, finishing his maintenance routine, nodded. "Indeed. Rest is essential, but we must remain committed. Training cannot be sidelined."
Lloyd looked around at his team—exhausted, battered, but resolute. A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Then we keep going. We'll find a way."
The room fell into a comfortable silence as each ninja absorbed the weight of Lloyd's words. Jinx, still leaning casually against the doorway, allowed himself a rare moment of genuine pride. "Atta boy, Lloyd. We've got this."
The dim glow of the city's streetlights filtered through the windows of the ninja's Hero's Suite, casting long shadows over the weary faces of the team. The hum of distant traffic served as a quiet backdrop to the tense conversation unfolding inside.
Cole sat on the edge of the couch, rubbing his sore legs as the weight of exhaustion clung to him like a second skin. "I can pull a double shift," he offered, voice thick with fatigue but resolute.
Zane, meticulously checking the alignment of his gears and applying oil to his joints with mechanical precision, nodded. "And I can do overtime. Efficiency is key."
Jay, sprawled across the couch with limbs akimbo, lifted his head slightly, voice muffled by the cushion. "Maybe I can sling a few more pizza pies. I mean, I am fast—on my best day." He laughed weakly at his own joke but immediately regretted it, sinking back into the cushions.
Kai sat on the floor, wiping sweat from his brow with a rag. He hesitated, shifting uncomfortably, before blurting out, "And maybe I can make a little extra if I do the human piñata."
The room froze.
All eyes turned to Kai in unison, their expressions ranging from disbelief to mild horror.
Kai, sensing their reactions, pressed his hands to his head in defeat. "Ugh, don't ask." His voice cracked slightly, betraying the hint of embarrassment he tried to mask.
Cole blinked slowly, processing the suggestion. After a beat, he let out a short, humorless laugh. "Great. Then our priorities are set. Tomorrow... we make rent." His tone carried the weight of the team's grim resolve.
Lloyd, standing nearby with quiet determination, hesitated before asking, "And... uh, what about me?"
Cole shot him a tired smile, attempting to reassure the boy while fighting off his own weariness. "How about you help out and fetch me some more ice, huh? We'll need it after tomorrow." His voice was gentle but firm, emphasizing the collective responsibility.
From the doorway, Jinx, leaning casually against the frame with his signature mischievous grin, chimed in. "Also, I've got some business, so I won't be able to help."
The ninja stared at Jinx for a moment, a mixture of exasperation and mild amusement on their faces. Jinx, of course, seemed unfazed, casually sipping from a flask and giving them a thumbs-up.
Meanwhile, beneath the city's bustling streets in the grim depths of the subway tunnels, the serpentine generals convened in a dimly lit cavernous chamber. The air was thick with the scent of damp stone and rust, mingling with the faint hiss of subterranean pipes. The serpentine leaders paced anxiously, their scales glistening under the harsh, flickering lights.
Skales stood at the center of the serpentine council, his sharp eyes reflecting the dim illumination. His tone was harsh, determined. "Our fellow Serpentine have chosen to follow Garmadon. If we are to win back their respect... if we are to reclaim our rightful place, we must do something truly diabolical. Something unforgettable."
The generals nodded solemnly, their reptilian faces set in grim determination.
Skalidor, a hulking figure with jagged scales and an ever-present scowl, spoke up, voice dripping with menace. "Release the Devourer!"
Skales slammed a fist into his palm, frustration boiling over. "No, you idiot! We've already done that. We nearly lost half our kind. Do you want another catastrophe?" His voice rang sharp, echoing off the stone walls.
Acidicus, coils writhing with uneasy excitement, hissed, "Then release the swarm of evil bees."
A heavy silence followed. Skales threw up his hands in exasperation. "Ugh, where would we even get evil bees?!"
Fangtom, arms crossed, his scales bristling with disdain, glared at Skales. "I don't hear you offering any ideas."
Skales groaned, the sound low and ragged. He paced impatiently, snapping at the air as if the frustration could manifest physically. The serpentine generals looked on, the weight of failure heavy upon them. Skales knew the stakes. If he failed to rally his kind, all would be lost—not just their pride, but their survival.
"We need a plan. Something Garmadon can't counter."
As the serpentine leaders murmured among themselves, plotting dark deeds in the shadows of the subway tunnels, the ninja team prepared for another grueling day—one where the battle for Ninjago's soul and Lloyd's future would be fought on all fronts.
Jay stood behind the counter of Thunderbolt Pies, adjusting his cap as he tapped his fingers anxiously against the register. The scent of melted cheese and spicy pepperoni filled the air, a cruel reminder of how long it had been since he'd had time to eat. Before he could dwell on his grumbling stomach, his boss, a burly man with grease stains on his apron and an ever-present scowl, shoved a pizza box into his hands.
"Pizza delivery. 21st and Union," the boss barked, wiping his hands on a rag. "Get it there in time, or else it's on you."
Jay gulped. "Uh, how much time do I have?"
His boss checked the large, flickering clock on the wall. "Five minutes."
Jay's stomach dropped. "But I'll never get across town in five minutes!"
The boss smirked, arms crossed. "Then I guess it comes out of your pocket. Now get going!"
Before Jay could protest, the man turned back to the kitchen, already barking new orders. Jay sighed, clutching the pizza box to his chest as he sprinted out the door, hopping onto his bicycle.
The cityscape blurred past as Jay pedaled furiously, weaving through narrow alleys and dodging honking cars. His heart pounded in sync with the rhythm of his frantic movements. Just as he rounded a corner, a massive tanker truck barreled into his path.
"Oh, no! Aah! Aah!"
Jay yanked the handlebars to the side, skidding dangerously close to the curb before barely managing to regain balance. He exhaled sharply.
"Okay, new rule: No dying before payday."
Just as he caught his breath, a cry pierced through the night.
"Help! Help!"
Jay's head snapped toward the sound. Down a shadowy alley, three figures loomed over a frightened woman.
"Huh?" Jay muttered, slowing his bike.
The muggers chuckled darkly, one of them twirling a blade between his fingers.
"Mind your own business, ninja," the first mugger sneered.
Jay's grip tightened on the handlebars. "No way."
The second mugger smirked. "It's three blades against none."
Jay's eyes flicked between them and the woman clutching her bag in terror. Then, he grinned.
"Blind alley, guys."
Before they could react, Jay kicked off, accelerating straight toward them.
"Attack!" he yelled dramatically.
The muggers barely had time to process before Jay barreled into them, his bike knocking one clean off his feet while another stumbled backward, dropping his knife with a startled yelp. The third took one look at Jay—his speed, his confidence—and decided he wanted no part of it, bolting in the opposite direction.
The woman gasped, clutching her reclaimed purse. "Thank you..." she hesitated, eyes flicking to his uniform. "...pizza ninja?"
Jay smirked as he adjusted his cap. "All in a day's work, ma'am." He gave her a quick salute before pedaling off at full speed.
By the time Jay reached 21st and Union, his legs burned, and his lungs begged for air. He skidded to a stop, glancing around.
"Uh... isn't this 21st and Union?"
A man sitting on a nearby stoop looked up from his newspaper. "Sure is. But there hasn't been anything built here in ages."
Jay frowned. "Huh?" He held up the pizza box, confusion growing. "Ugh. Hello? Anyone here?"
A faint voice echoed from behind an old, half-collapsed structure.
"...So, after you rob the bank, we embark on phase two. Ingenious!"
Jay's eyes widened. He ducked behind a stack of crates, heart pounding.
"Rob the bank?" he whispered.
From his hiding spot, he peeked around the corner. There, in the shadows, Skales stood at the center of a huddled group of Serpentine warriors. His yellow eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he gestured toward a crude map scratched onto the dirt.
Skalidor scratched his head, looking up from the plan. "But boss, when are we going to get pizza? I'm hungry."
Jay barely suppressed a groan. "You've got to be kidding me."
His quick delivery had just turned into a high-stakes stakeout.
Jay crept backward, heart pounding, as the weight of an unseen presence loomed behind him. A cold, slithering breath brushed against his neck.
Before he could react, a clawed hand clamped down on his shoulder.
"Uh, uh, uh," Acidicus hissed, his forked tongue flickering near Jay's ear. "Where do you think you're going? We haven't given you your tip."
Jay yelped, instinctively flailing. The sudden jolt made his grip loosen, and he watched in horror as the pizza boxes tumbled from his hands—right into an open manhole.
"No! My delivery!"
A delighted chuckle echoed from the shadows.
"Oh, pizza!" Skales grinned, peering down the manhole as the boxes disappeared into the depths. "This mission just got even better."
Jay barely had time to groan before Acidicus tightened his grip. "You're coming with us, ninja."
Jay groaned, wiggling against the ropes binding him to a rusted metal pole in the depths of an abandoned train station. The dim glow of flickering overhead lights cast eerie shadows along the cracked floor.
"Oh, come on, Jay," he muttered to himself. "You gotta warn the others. You can figure a way out of this."
He struggled, twisting and grunting as he attempted to free himself—only to stop when the ropes refused to budge.
"Okay, maybe not." He slumped in defeat.
As his eyes adjusted to the dim light, something caught his attention. A tattered map lay discarded beside him, a jagged red line tracing a path from the subway tunnels straight to the city bank.
His stomach dropped.
"So that's the Serpentine master plan." He whistled low. "Wicked!"
He squirmed again, determination flooding his veins. "Guys, I'm coming! Ugh, hopefully Cole can stop the bank robbery."
With an exaggerated grunt, he started awkwardly hopping along the tracks, bound but far from beaten.
Meanwhile, across town, Cole was doing the exact opposite of stopping a robbery—he was sleeping through it.
The soft hum of security monitors mixed with the rhythmic ticking of a nearby clock as he leaned against the counter, arms crossed and head drooping forward. His breath came in steady snores.
A sharp voice jolted him awake.
"Everything okay?"
Cole shot up so fast his chair nearly tipped over. "Aah! Nothing out of the ordinary, boss!"
His boss, an older man with thinning hair and a no-nonsense stare, raised a skeptical eyebrow.
"Thanks for taking the double shift."
Cole quickly nodded, rubbing his eyes. "My pleasure!"
The boss gave him one last scrutinizing look before retreating into his office. As soon as the door shut, Cole let out a heavy yawn.
"And now..." he muttered, stretching his arms. "...for a little more beauty rest."
He was out like a light in seconds.
Unfortunately, he wasn't the only one tunneling into dreamland.
Beneath the bank, Fangtom, Acidicus, and Skalidor clawed their way through the earth, breaking into the bank's lower vault. The moment their claws struck metal, alarms blared to life, their shrill cries filling the night.
"Aah!" Cole bolted upright, hands flailing.
Back below, Acidicus smirked. "Take it all."
Fangtom hesitated. "Shouldn't we wait for Skales?"
Acidicus rolled his eyes. "No, you fool. He's carrying out the rest of the mission, remember?"
Fangtom perked up. "Oh, yeah!"
Without further delay, they each grabbed a sack stuffed with stolen cash and leapt back into the tunnel just as Cole staggered into the vault room.
Blinking, he rubbed his eyes. "Huh?"
He barely had time to process the gaping hole in the ground before Acidicus's voice echoed from below.
"Let's take the subway!"
Cole's stomach sank. "Subway?!"
Meanwhile, across town, Kai balanced a cluster of balloons in one hand while twisting another into a sword shape.
A small child clapped excitedly. "Awesome! Do a dragon next!"
Kai forced a grin, twisting the balloon into something that vaguely resembled a dragon's tail. "Uh, yeah, sure, kid."
Then, out of the corner of his eye, flashing lights filled the street. Police cars sped past, sirens wailing, heading straight for the bank.
His instincts kicked in immediately. "Trouble? Sounds like they need me."
He turned on his heel, ready to sprint after them—only to find a firm hand grabbing his wrist.
"Not so fast," the mother of the child scolded. "I still have you for another hour."
Kai blinked. "Uh, but the bank! People are in danger!"
The woman crossed her arms. "Not until my son is done playing."
Kai glanced between her and the disappearing police lights, then back at her impatient expression.
"Yeah, about that..."
In one swift motion, he dropped the balloons into her hands and dashed off, leaving only a blur of red in his wake.
The mother blinked. "Huh?" She glanced down at the abandoned balloons before scowling. "You're fired!"
The sizzling sound of eggs frying filled the small diner, blending with the hum of chatter from customers. Zane worked diligently behind the counter, his movements precise as he flipped a pancake onto a plate. His synthetic mind processed multiple tasks at once, but a conversation at the far end of the diner caught his attention.
"It's true! At the bank!" a man exclaimed, voice thick with urgency. "I heard they stole all that money, and no one's doing anything about it!"
Zane's mechanical heart stuttered. The bank? A robbery?
Distracted, he reached for the eggs but miscalculated the distance. The carton slipped from his grip, and before he could correct his mistake, a wet splatter echoed through the diner.
A moment of stunned silence followed.
Then—
"WAAAAAH!"
Zane blinked. A young child sat at the counter, his tiny face scrunched up in horror, egg yolk dripping from his golden curls.
"Uh… I'm… I'm sorry," Zane stammered, hastily grabbing a napkin.
The boy's wails only grew louder. His mother shot a glare sharp enough to cut steel.
Zane's boss stormed over, arms crossed, eyes blazing. "That's it! You're fired!"
Before Zane could protest, a soft whirring sound buzzed from beneath his shirt. He stiffened as his synthetic skin flickered at the edges, a faint metallic gleam breaking through.
The mother gasped. "What… what is he?!"
Zane quickly pressed a hand to his face, trying to stabilize his outer layer. "It must be my hard drive overheating. I mean… never mind! I'm going!"
Without another word, he bolted out the door, leaving behind a stunned diner and a very confused, egg-covered child.
Cole stood in front of his unimpressed boss, hands folded in a pleading gesture.
"Look, I know I fell asleep, but I swear I'll make it up to you!"
His boss narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms.
"Hmmm, no. Why don't you go home and get a good night's rest? And while you're at it—go ahead and sleep in. In fact—sleep in ALL DAY for all I care, because YOU'RE FIRED!"
Cole flinched at the sheer volume of the final words, shoulders slumping.
Before he could even respond, the door burst open. Kai and Zane rushed in, both wearing equally guilty expressions.
Kai sighed. "Ugh, looks like we're all in the same boat."
Cole, still processing his dismissal, cracked a smirk. "Eh, that's okay. I hated that job anyway." He turned to the others, determination setting in. "Let's go. They're getting away."
Kai perked up. "Which way did they go?"
Cole scratched his head. "I overheard them saying something about the subway."
Zane nodded. "Good call. Let's go!"
In unison, they clenched their fists.
"Ninja, go!"
As they sprinted into the night, Cole suddenly furrowed his brow. "Has anyone seen Jay or Jinx?"
Meanwhile, back at the apartment, Jinx stood in the kitchen, lazily twirling a spoon in his milkshake as he scrolled through his phone.
Suddenly, his head jerked up, and his dark purple eyes narrowed. A strange sensation prickled at the back of his mind—his instincts screaming at him.
"Why is my Jay-in-danger sense tingling?"
He set his phone down and was about to bolt out the door—
Ding!
The milkshake machine whirred, finishing its blend.
Jinx glanced between the door and the shake, then shrugged. "Eh. He should be fine."
Humming to himself, he took a sip.
Back in the subway tunnels, Jay grunted as he hopped along, his ropes still tightly wrapped around his body. His voice echoed through the empty underground.
"Hello? Anyone? Boy, I think I may have picked the wrong track. I hope I see someone soon."
He sighed. "Or, y'know, ever."
Aboveground, Cole, Kai, and Zane sprinted down the station stairs, leaping onto a moving subway train. The doors slammed shut behind them just in time.
A sinister chuckle echoed from the far end of the car.
"Sounds like we have company, boys," Acidicus hissed, leaning against the cold steel railing.
Skalidor scratched his head. "But I only heard three. Aren't there four?"
Fangtom rolled his eyes. "No, stupid. We caught one of them already."
Cole gritted his teeth. "Ugh, isn't there an easier way to get inside?"
Kai smirked. "Not without a ticket."
Just then, Skalidor lunged forward, his massive arm swinging. His claws ripped through the train wall, leaving a gaping hole.
Kai, caught off guard, was yanked through the opening.
"AARGH!"
Cole's eyes widened. "What?!"
Zane adjusted his stance. "I believe Kai just found it."
Cole huffed. "Nindroids first."
Zane smirked. "Oh, you are such a gentleman."
Below, Kai struggled against Skalidor's grip. "Let me go, snake!"
Cole and Zane leaped through the opening, landing inside just as Skalidor sneered.
"Welcome to the part—"
KAPOW!
Kai drove his fist into Skalidor's jaw, sending the snake warrior stumbling back.
Acidicus clicked his tongue. "Care for a drink?"
Before Zane could react, a spray of green Venomari venom hit him square in the face.
His vision distorted instantly, the world shifting into a swirling, mind-warping nightmare.
Zane staggered back, his usually composed voice faltering. "Oh dear… I believe… I am malfunctioning."
Cole's fists clenched. "Not good."
The train rumbled forward, barreling toward an unknown destination—while the ninja fought for their lives inside.
Zane staggered back, blinking rapidly as his vision began to stabilize. The effects of the Venomari's toxin were fading, but a throbbing pain remained in his head.
"Ugh!" he groaned.
Cole glanced at him. "Sorry about that."
Zane straightened his posture, brushing imaginary dust off his uniform. "That's quite alright. Venom can't hurt—"
Before he could finish, a sharp crack echoed through the train car as Fangtom swung his staff, striking Zane squarely in the chest.
"Hahaha!" Fangtom cackled.
Zane stumbled but quickly regained his footing. His icy blue eyes locked onto the snake general. "But that stings a little," he admitted, rolling his shoulders. Then, his expression shifted into a confident smirk. "Let me have this dance, snake."
With a sudden burst of speed, he lunged forward, grabbing Fangtom by the arm and flipping him over his shoulder. The Serpentine general slammed into the floor with a pained grunt.
"Aargh!" Fangtom hissed.
Cole, still mid-fight with another Serpentine, took a brief glance at Zane's handiwork and grinned. "One down, two to go—"
Before he could finish, Fangtom surged back up and landed a punch square on Cole's jaw, making him stagger. The general lunged forward, fangs bared, aiming for Cole's shoulder.
Kai barely had time to intervene, kicking Fangtom away before he could sink his teeth in. "These Serpentine are a lot harder to defeat without our weapons," he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.
Cole rubbed his jaw. "Just keep fighting. We're not gonna let these fools get away with this!"
Fangtom chuckled darkly as he straightened up, his slit eyes gleaming with amusement. "Get away?" he sneered. "We aren't trying to get away. We're just trying to distract you long enough… so that Skales can kidnap Lloyd."
Kai's blood ran cold. "What?!"
Fangtom smirked. "We could care less about the money. We just wanted the boy. Who's the fool now?"
The Serpentine generals laughed wickedly, their voices echoing through the train car.
Meanwhile, back at the suite, Lloyd sat cross-legged on the couch, eyes glued to the television screen. His fingers moved rapidly over the game controller.
"Whoa! Ha! Haha—ugh!"
The boy suddenly froze, his reflection in the television revealing something far more terrifying than his game's final boss.
A pair of slitted yellow eyes gleamed behind him.
He turned his head slowly, heartbeat hammering.
Outside the window, Skales stood with a smug grin, claws tapping rhythmically against the glass.
Knock, knock.
"Hello, little boy," Skales greeted, his voice a smooth, sinister hiss.
Lloyd's stomach lurched. He scrambled back, knocking over his game controller. "Help, me!" he shouted.
The security system chimed in response:
"Door is locked."
Lloyd growled in frustration. "Ugh, I know! I want it open!"
Before he could reach the panel, a deafening CRASH echoed through the room as Skales shattered the window and leapt inside, glass shards raining to the floor.
Lloyd stumbled backward. "What do you want with me?!"
Skales' grin widened. "You seem to be the only thing your father cares about," he said, voice dripping with satisfaction. "But with you as my hostage, he'll have no other choice but to let me lead the Serpentine! Hyah!"
Lloyd barely had time to react before Skales lunged.
"Aah!"
Wu's voice echoed from the hallway. "Hello? What's going on in there?"
Lloyd's eyes darted toward the door. "Help!"
Back on the train, the battle raged on.
Zane dodged a tail swipe and countered with a sharp kick. "Unh!"
Cole gritted his teeth as he grappled with Skalidor. "We have to save Lloyd!" he yelled, pushing against the massive Serpentine's strength.
Kai struggled against Fangtom. "Give me a weapon, and I'll take care of these snakes!"
Zane's eyes flickered with an idea. "Who needs weapons when you can make your own?" With expert precision, he reached for a loose piece of the train's frame, shaping it into a makeshift shuriken.
Cole smirked. "Ha! Smart thinking, Zane!" He quickly grabbed a metal pipe from the wreckage and tossed it to Kai. "Here!"
Kai twirled the pipe in his hands. "Oh yeah, this will do."
Skalidor hesitated, backing up slightly. "Uh… this was all a big misunderstanding."
Kai narrowed his eyes. "Oh, really?"
Before Skalidor could answer, Cole suddenly gasped. "Guys, I think I found Jay!"
Deep in the tunnels, Jay's tied-up form hopped along the tracks, eyes darting frantically around.
"Ugh, finally! The way out, hehe—" His grin vanished as he realized where he was.
A train was barreling toward him.
His entire face drained of color. "Not good, not good, NOT GOOD!" He spun around and started hopping away as fast as he could.
Back on the train, Cole's expression darkened. "Where's the driver?"
Zane examined the controls. "The train appears to be automatically controlled."
Jay's panicked voice echoed down the tunnel. "OH, NO. OH, NO. AAH!"
Cole grabbed the brake lever and yanked it. "It's not slowing down!"
Zane joined him, both pulling with all their might. "Ugh, we're not strong enough!"
Kai rushed over. "I'm coming!"
Despite their combined efforts, the train barely slowed. The Serpentine generals took advantage of the chaos, slipping away undetected.
Jay, still struggling to hop away, cast one last glance over his shoulder and gulped.
This is it. I'm toast.
Suddenly, the shadows behind Jay twisted and darkened.
A pair of glowing purple eyes emerged.
From the inky blackness, Jinx materialized, stepping into the tunnel like a ghost. He barely had time to register the oncoming train before thrusting his hand forward.
A powerful gust of wind erupted from his palm, slamming into the train with immense force.
The tunnel shook as the wind pushed against the speeding locomotive, its screeching wheels slowing inch by inch—
Until it stopped.
Just one inch away from Jinx's outstretched hand.
A stunned silence filled the tunnel.
The ninja collapsed onto the floor, gasping for breath.
Jay, still tied up, blinked in shock. "I… I'm alive?"
Jinx crossed his arms, staring at them with an unimpressed look. "We're going to have to work on your elemental powers."
The ninja groaned. They were exhausted, beaten, and humiliated.
But at least… they were still alive.
The suite was eerily quiet as the ninja stepped inside, their faces heavy with exhaustion and regret. The battle had taken its toll, but nothing weighed heavier than the absence of their youngest member.
Kai's voice was filled with worry. "Lloyd?"
Zane's sharp gaze scanned the room. "He's not here."
Kai clenched his fists. "Oh, we shouldn't have left him."
Cole leaned against the doorframe, sighing. "We shouldn't have taken those jobs in the first place. What were we thinking? Losing Lloyd was by far our greatest loss."
A calm voice interrupted their self-loathing.
"But it could be your greatest lesson."
They turned sharply. Standing in the doorway was Master Wu, and beside him—
"Lloyd!"
Relief flooded their faces as they rushed to the boy.
Kai grabbed Lloyd by the shoulders, scanning him up and down. "You're okay!"
Lloyd crossed his arms, smirking. "I wasn't going to be, but Jinx dealt with Skales before he left to— in his words— 'save your butts.'"
The ninja slowly turned to Jinx, who was standing off to the side, completely unbothered. He simply shrugged.
Nya, having just arrived, surveyed the room before rolling her eyes. "I go away for a day, and everything falls apart."
Kai rubbed the back of his head, chuckling awkwardly. "I guess you could say we learned something today. We don't need all the fancy stuff… we just need each other."
Wu nodded approvingly. "A wise realization. Would you like our help cleaning up?"
Kai exchanged glances with the others before smirking. "Well, we are a team."
Wu's expression turned thoughtful. "Nya, I think it's time for another road trip."
Before she could respond, Cole interjected, holding up a hand. "Hold on, I got a better idea."
Back to Basics
The ninja stood outside their old apartment, staring at the worn-down building with a mix of nostalgia and dread.
The one-bedroom, one-half-bath apartment was hardly the luxury suite they had grown accustomed to, but as Cole threw open the door, he grinned.
"It's not much, but this cozy little dream has everything within arm's reach. Who needs extras?"
Before anyone could argue, Lloyd swung a chair around—completely unaware that Jay was behind him.
CRASH!
Jay yelped as the chair smacked into him, causing him to drop a heavy box straight onto Kai's foot.
"OW, OW, OW, OW, OW!" Kai hopped on one leg, gripping his injured foot.
Jay rubbed his head, groaning. "Hey!"
Then, despite the chaos, he let out a chuckle. "Hah. Feels like home to me."
Nya smirked. "You sure you boys can handle this?"
Jay grinned. "Hey, at least we get to stay in Ninjago City for a while."
Zane, already beginning to organize their space, nodded. "And now, without distractions, we can focus all our energy on training Lloyd."
Lloyd, struggling to move a chair, huffed. "Speaking of distractions—who's there?"
Zane effortlessly lifted the chair and placed it beside the table. "Let's just say you'll be getting a crash course in combat training very soon."
As they settled in, Kai suddenly glanced at Wu. "I know the Serpentine Generals got away, but you never told us—whatever happened to Skales?"
Wu stroked his beard, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Oh, he found a home too… but it's not quite as roomy as here."
In the depths of Kryptarium Prison, a single cell housed the fuming Serpentine general.
Skales paced in agitation, his tail slamming against the stone floor. "Mark my words: THIS WON'T BE THE LAST YOU SEE OF ME!"
The guard outside his cell barely spared him a glance. "Lights out!"
The cell plunged into darkness.
Skales growled. "Oh, very funny! You'll rue the day you made a fool of me!"
Silence.
Then, from outside, the sound of the guard's dry chuckle.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah."
Far from the city, atop the jagged peaks of the Golden Mountains, dark clouds swirled in the sky. The ancient ruins of the Golden Peaks pulsed with a golden glow, illuminating the lone figure standing at its center.
Lord Garmadon's crimson eyes burned with hunger as he raised his hands toward the heavens.
"The Golden Peaks… birthplace of the Golden Weapons."
In his hands, the four legendary artifacts trembled, drawn together by an unseen force. The energy in the air thickened as golden light coiled around his fingers, twisting and molding the weapons into something new—something far more powerful.
Garmadon's lips curled into a sinister grin. "Yes, it's working."
The light intensified, blinding in its radiance. The air crackled with energy as the four weapons fused, their golden essence merging into a single, unstoppable force.
With one final surge, the transformation was complete.
A weapon of unfathomable power now rested in Garmadon's grasp.
The Mega Weapon.
The moment his fingers curled around its hilt, his body tensed. A shudder ran through him, a mixture of pain and ecstasy, as its energy surged through his veins. His breathing hitched, his muscles tensed—
Lasha, watching from a distance, hesitated. "Your eminence… are you okay?"
Garmadon's breathing steadied, and then—
A dark, guttural laugh rumbled from his chest.
"Yes… In fact, I've never felt more powerful!"****"
His laughter grew, echoing across the peaks like rolling thunder. He lifted the Mega Weapon high, its golden glow casting long shadows against the mountains.
"Now, to destroy the ninja… once and for all!"
The laughter spiraled into a booming cackle, growing louder, deeper—until it traveled through the winds, drifting all the way to the city below.
At the ninja's apartment, the city lay quiet under the moonlight. The heroes were fast asleep, their bodies finally at rest after their harrowing ordeal.
But one remained awake.
Wu sat in meditation, his brow furrowed.
And then—
Faintly, as if carried by the wind itself, he heard it.
That chilling, unmistakable laugh.
Wu's eyes snapped open. A deep, unsettling dread settled in his gut.
"I fear there is a great disturbance in the force."
The shadows of the past were rising again.
And soon, the battle for Ninjago would begin anew.