"Who's he?"
Nya looked in concern at her master, as he looked out to shore with a blank expression. On his face. Wu had a bad habit of leaving out important details from his life. Acronix and Krux were one of those details. He assumed that telling The Ninja about them would only further himself from them. That if they found out about yet another failure of his, they wouldn't trust him. Wu planned to tell them about things like Asphera, The Time Twins, and Morro eventually, but as it became more evident, things wouldn't be so easily hidden.
"There's no time to explain. Call The Mayor and tell them to get the Council together for an emergency meeting. I fear the return of yet another grave threat. "
Nya nodded, grabbing Tonya's hand as she ran over to a phone. After calling The Mayor, all of the high-ranking members of New Ninjago's society appeared in a small gathering hall, which had been named after Lloyds late mother, "Misako Hall", just big enough for all of them. This Council consisted of The Ninja, The Commissioner, several officers, Jerry The Skipper, who was the leader of The Fishing Department, Ronin, and Cyrus Borg. Zane and Borg arrived together, still having no luck in creating a new body for P.I.X.E.L. Zane sat next to Nya and Tonya, who had arrived long before them.
"Hey Zane- I thought you were playing chess with Cole instead?"
"I was." Zane nodded. "However I was able to win in 1 minute and 27 seconds, so, after Cole started to freak out, I went on to Cyrus Borg."
"Eh- yes! About that-" Borg stuttered.
"No luck huh?"
"I'm afraid not. P.I.X.E.L is a highly advanced A.I, no thanks to her boost in overall functions and consciousness thanks to Zane giving half of his Elemental Power Source to her back when they first met. Putting her in a fragile body could risk the possibility of forcing her A.I into a permanent state of rebooting. However, whenever we get our hands on the tools or parts we need, they vanish!"
"Thieves? On this island? After everything that happened?! The nerve!" Tonya said. While the criminals of Ninjago had been taken with them, there were no reported breakouts of the new prison they constructed. So the idea of a regular citizen creating such chaos was a horrible though for Tonya. She was about to keep complaining, before Nya put a hand around her shoulder.
"Hey.. It's ok. We'll figure it out. K?"
Tonya smiled. "Though I am your therapist, I am glad you're here to calm me down."
An old, cranky voice called out from the row in-front of them. "Heh! So ye' been missin' em' parts eh? Seems the ol' Lighthouse Tinkerers been at it again! Hehhah!
Everyone looked to see Old Jerry, the manager of The Fishing Department. He had a raspy voice, and was often subject to scrutiny over his outrageous claims and stories. While he was a bit looney, he still provided a useful resource to New Ninjago.
"I'm sorry, who is the 'Lighthouse Tinkerer?' That sounds.. Familiar to me." Zane said. He had remembered the lighthouse his creator was forced into by Samukai all those years ago. Remembering father would have brought Zane a tear, but he was unable to cry. Regardless, the companionship of Cyrus Borg filled the void that Dr Julien left after his departure.
"Aintchu' ever heard' em' legends they tell?"
"I find it unlikely the people of Ninjago would have already come up with urban legends. We haven't been here for that long."
"Well this one ain't no legend! Gather in. Ol' Mayor Selchi's been holding up trying to get Trustable out of her way. Lord knows we don't want that fool as mayor. Gather around and ill tell yer' gang of Ninja the tale."
Cyrus, Zane, Tonya, and Nya leaned in, as Jerry began his tale.
"Back when we first settled these lands, the harbor was a popular place. Guess people liked the idea of being right by where we first settled. Being able to peer into the distance, back at the green clouds above our old island. I ain't much of the sentimental type, but I do remember I spent a lot of time there."
"Where does this tinkerer come in"
"Bahhh I'll get to it Nindrain!" Jerry bonked Zane on the head with a stick. Zane felt his head in a slight bit of pain.
"It's Nindroid. And Please don't hit me again, sir."
"Heh. Anyways, one day, me and the boys see this little boat row into the harbor. We expected it to be some kind of Ghost Vessel, but when we approached it, a strange little robot popped out. He sorta looked like you, Zane. But more rusty. Like a grandfather clock that fell off a Yacht. Anyway, he sprang up, said he was lookin' for a Dr, Julien."
Zane gasped. How could it be? Father- hes-
"He started helpin' out round' the marketplace. He'd usually work for a full 24 hour shift, before disappearing for a couple days. Says he was 'looking for father.' Guess he really wanted to find em, because about 4 months ago he disappeared."
"This… Other me, he is 'The Tinkerer?'" Zane asked.
"Guess so. Lots of important bits and pieces have gone missin' as of late. Some of the superstitious folks say it's this Nindroid feller tryin to keep himself alive. Others say he's bringing parts to this 'father'.."
"Please! Do you know where he went?"
"Rumors of him somewhere in the old Stone Warrior Camp. Not much there anymore, would be a good place to hide out." Jerry looked back and forth before leaning in. "Sometimes I swear I see him at midnight in the market. If you want to find em' quick, that's your best-"
"ORDER!"
A booming voice came over the group as everyone turned to attention. The Mayor, an aged man named Selchi, who had won the election against opponents like Ulysses Trustable several times now.
"Master Wu of The Ninja has called an emergency meeting to discuss an influx of Temporal Energy in Old Ninjago, and to discuss the growing threat of The Preeminent. Master Wu, you have the stand." The Mayor backed away and sat down, as Wu stepped up.
"Recently, a rise in Temporal Energy has arisen in Ninjago. I fear time travel may be at play. However, we do not have the current capabilities to-"
Ronin raised his hand.
"Yes Ronin?"
"If we don't have the ability to deal with it, why should we care?"
"Because! This is important!"
"Aye! I'm with the crook on this one! I say we vote. All in favor of ignoring the issue?" Jerry said. Everyone except Wu raised their hands.
Wu sighed, and continued. "Alright, then has anyone figured out a way to counteract The Preeminent's presence in Ninjago?"
"I think I may have come up with a solution. Oh- may I?" Borg asked. Wu nodded, stepping back, as Borg rolled to the center of the room in his wheelchair, and activated a hologram that displayed a large rock-like material.
"The Preeminent is an extension of The Realm Crystal's ability to keep it within Ninjago. The Realm Crystal was a creation of The First Spinjitzu master, which is why we choose to settle this island and not simply vanish into the seas. The Realm Crystal in all respects is its own elemental power. Destroying The Crystal would be difficult, and useless, as it'd allow the - "
Kai yawned. "You gonna get to the point anytime soon?"
"Yes yes of course. Long story short, if we captured its Elemental Energy after using it on The Preeminent, we could trap it within the portal between realms, as without the energy, it wouldn't be able to escape the realm within realms."
"But how? Vengestone isn't strong enough to absorb elemental energy." Wu said, concerned. "The only thing that'd be able to do such a thing would be-"
"Chronosteel!"
Wu shook his head. "Chronosteel is a very rare ore! All remnants of it lost their power long ago. We don't even have any!"
"That is correct, Wu! While Ninjago Islands Chronosteel was mined long ago, The Dark Island still has a massive reserve left, after The First Spinjitzu Master split the original island. After we mine it, all we would have to do is to awaken its energy, absorb The Realm Crystal while sending it into a portal, and wipe out any remaining ghosts!"
"Creating a Chronosteel Vessel that large could KILL someone! Elemental energy requires continuous focus. Chronosteel requires such focus for days, without breaks!"
"That is what I feared… We would need a Ninja skilled in Blacksmithing. I understand Kai and Nya have that experience?"
Kai stood up. "Me and Nya would be honored to craft the Chronosteel!"
"Then it's decided!"
"Now wait-" Wu was drowned out by the cheers of the crowd. Kai noticed Wu's disappointment, as people began to leave. Kai approached Wu.
"You ok, Master?"
"I'm fine Kai.. I'm just upset that the artifact my father spent so much time creating will now be sucked of its power. I can only hope he will not look down on me for it."
"He'd be proud of you. You're doing your best."
"That's kind of you to say Kai."
Meanwhile, Tonya, Nya, Borg, and Zane were discussing Jerry's story.
"I'm not sure what to make of it. Father was a quiet man, and didn't talk to many people. Sure he was famous after his aiding of our cause before his death, but.. I don't know."
"Why don't we set a trap? See if we can't find this 'Tinkerer'?" Nya asked.
Zane nodded, and the others agreed. Tonight, they'd be ready to encounter the strange Nindroid, and to uncover the mystery that had presented itself.
(In Ninjago . . . )
Harumi, Kilo, Ultraviolet, Soto, and Whiplash returned to their lair within the ruins of The Ninjago Palace. All but Harumi were upset that they had fled so quickly.
"It's your fault! You're the one who told us the ghosts were coming!" Ultraviolet pointed at Soto, pinning the blame on him.
Soto, offended, pointed at Kilo. "I'm surprised you haven't given him any flak, seeing as how he bashed yer brain into the wall!"
"It was an accident! You think I'd do that on purpose?!" Kilo pulled The Oni Mask off. Whiplash would've said something too, but he was just glad nobody called him out. Harumi walked up to the group, breaking up their fight.
"It was nobody's fault. Besides, we have plenty of vengestone to last the rest of the week. I'm going to my room."
"And what the hell do you want us to do in the meantime!?" Ultraviolet questioned, tossing around a discarded rock for fun.
"I don't know! Train! Go hunt ghosts! Normal stuff!" Harumi slammed the door of her makeshift room. Growing frustrated with the incompetence of her crew. She pulled out the purple crystal The Overlord had given her, and placed it on the ground, as it transformed back into The Overlords orb.
"Harumi… Give me a status report."
"The fight has gone well. The Ghosts and Resistance are at equal power, and we managed to retrieve another Oni Mask. Once we locate the last one, we'll be able to summon The Oni to destroy the other two groups."
"That is most fortunate… I have been most upset at your failures lately."
"Master, the resistance has the power of The Djinn, and several Elemental Masters. The strongest asset we have right now are the two Oni Masks. Unless you have a better idea, then-"
"Oh don't worry… I do in fact have an idea. Though it is risky. And you will have to play your cards carefully, Harumi." The Overlord swirled around Harumi, as she turned to look at it.
"Yes, Master?"
"Deep below the streets of Ninjago, the sewers fester with the stench of snakes…"
"Serpentine remnants?" Harumi questioned.
"No… Something more sinister is in the works… Two men plot down there. They aren't aware of the full extent of our existence.. Let alone my existence. Go to them. Propose a truce.. And an opportunity to team up."
"Right. I can do that. Is there anything else I should know?"
"The men… Elemental Masters… Former, that is. They betrayed their kind. And if the deal is accepted, they will at some point decide you are no longer of use. Do not allow yourself to be tricked by them. Use their wealth, their army, and their weapons to weaken The Resistance and Ghosts, then unleash the Oni when they are least expectant."
"Yes my lord." The Overlord turned into a Crystal, as it landed in Harumi's hand, leaving her room. She shouted out to The Beckoners. "Beckoners Of The Oni! It's time to ride!"
Shouts and cheers came out of the crowd, as Harumi and The Beckoners boarded their bikes, riding off into the sewers of Ninjago, in search of The Vermillion Army.