"There we are!"
In The Dark Island, night began to blanket the shantytowns, as people began to drift off to sleep, save for Zane, Nya, Jay, and Tonya. While Borg would've stayed up to catch the thief who had been stealing the parts he needed to create a body for P.I.X.E.L, he was getting old rather quickly, and wished to stay on a tight sleep schedule. Jay watched as Nya and Zane set up several cameras around the docks.
"I don't get what good cameras are when we already know The Tinkerer guy's gonna be here anyway. We might as well just hide out and see if we can't jump them." Jay said, munching on some chips.
Zane gave him an odd look. "No offense Jay, but I do not believe you would be a useful asset in a stealth mission. Especially if you plan on continuing to eat those chips."
Jay put the bag away, and gave an unamused look back. Nya shook her head with a smile. "The Cameras will let us watch from as far as we'd like. It's better."
"Ahhh.. The stars are so pretty this time of night." Tonya said, staring up at the sky. "Any of you ever want to become an astronaut growing up?"
Each one of them thought for a second. Jay was the first to respond. "Me! I always wanted to be an astronaut! Just like Fritz Donegen!"
"You're always going on about that Fritz Donegen character. Is he still around?" Tonya asked. While she knew who he was, she wasn't much of a comic fan.
"Nah. The actor died.. He wasn't even that old. Strange.."
"That is strange.. What was the cause of death?"
"Beats me. Heh.. Maybe he died after the critical reception of his last movie. "Fritz Donegen 7: Fritz conquers The Martians!" He was so proud of it. Everyone hated it though, feel bad for him."
"I liked it. It's the one we watched on DVD a bit after we got here right Jay?"
"No no, that was Fritz Donegen 6: because space quota"! It stunk too. But Cliff Gordon hated it too. At least the comic was good."
"Sorry.." Nya said. "I get out dates mixed up sometimes."
"Speaking of dates?" Tonya said, pulling Nya aside, as they began a whispered conversation. Jay looked to Zane, who only shrugged, not knowing either.
"You have to tell him now Nya!"
"Wh-what!? I can't!"
Tonya frowned. "Then when are you gonna tell him?"
"I- I don't know.. I need some time to think."
"Ok." Tonya turned back to Jay and Zane. "Me and Nya are gonna go to the shore a bit. You think you can handle the Stakeout for the time being?"
"Of course." Zane nodded, getting back to work. Jay walked up to Nya with a look of concern. "Nya- are you ok? Was it something I said?"
Nya gave a sorrowful smile. "No, I'm ok. Thanks for asking." She and Tonya exited through a small gate attached to the walls, as they made their way onto the beach. Nya looked out into the vast oceans before The Dark Island, as she sat down. Tonya sat next to her, as they both looked out into the distance.
"I can't do it.. I just can't do it Tonya!"
"Are you afraid of losing him as a friend?"
"I guess.. He's funny, he's kind, but he doesn't challenge me! He doesn't take me seriously anymore. I want someone who treats me like I wasn't the one who failed to save everyone. Like I'm not just 'The Girl Ninja' in a group of all boys. I don't want to feel judged everytime I walk into town. I want to be ok.. But I'm not. Nothings ok!"
Tonya put her hand around Nya. "It's ok. I know it will be hard, but maybe it will go better if you understand why you want to do it?"
"What do you mean? Of course I know why.."
"Sometimes a little extra thinking helps you come to a better conclusion. Have you fallen out of love with him because you don't want to look weak, or because you feel like he isn't right for you?"
Nya hadn't thought of that. "A bit of both.. I guess it's that I found someone I care about more. Ok well, not really 'more'.. But in a way I never could with Jay."
"And who would that be, if it's alright to ask?"
Nyas face turned a bright red. "Well- you Tonya! You've helped me go through one of the most difficult parts of my life. I feel like I can be myself around you.. But.. I understand if you don't feel that way or your creeped out-"
"Nya don't say that! You don't need to victimize your feelings. Regardless of how you feel about me, or anyone else, it's important you make decisions that make you feel like you're happy, not decisions that are only made so people don't think of you less. Breaking up with Jay may be hard, but you deserve a chance to be happy, and so does he."
"So.. Do you feel the same?"
Tonya looked down for a second. Her face was starting to glow red like Nyas. "I'd be lying if the thought didn't cross my mind. I admire you a lot, but maybe it'd be a good idea to wait a bit. I'd still be open to the idea!"
"So should I tell him now or-"
"Take some deep breaths Nya. As long as you tell him soon. I can help the best I can. Ok?"
Nya smiled, and nodded. "Thank you Tonya… I love you."
Tonya smiled back. "Me too."
As they headed back to the docks, Nya saw several more cameras placed. Zane approached them to report on their success. "We have all of the cameras ready. If i'm correct, The Tinkerer will arrive in less than 20 seconds."
"Oh thats-" Nya and Tonya looked worried, as they already saw Jay hiding, motioning them to get undercover as well.
"Zane! Why didn't you get hidden quicker!?"
"You told me it was necessary that all of the cameras were up. Though you are right." Zane jumped behind cover with Jay, as Nya and Tonya did the same on the opposite sides.
The docks were quiet. Not a single word or sound was exchanged as Zane monitored the cameras through his network. Jay, Nya, and Tonya looked around, waiting for something to happen, as they all stayed hidden behind cover. Just then, a steady set of footsteps was heard coming from down the way, as a cloaked figure, who was noticeably short, made their way to the scrap-heap the gang had set up. It got on one knee, grabbing bits and pieces, before all 4 of the gang sprang out, and took positions around the stranger.
"Are you who they call 'The Tinkerer?'" Zane questioned.
"Huh? No! Please don't hurt me! I am built to protect and never to steal!
"Built… to protect?" Zane pondered over the phrase he knew all too well, as Jay began to deconstruct the stranger's logic.
"Hah! If you aren't built to steal, then what are you doing, pint-sized?"
The cloaked little stranger crossed their arms. "It's for a good cause! I don't have to listen to you! You smell like mustard!"
"It's not wrong.." Nya muttered.
Jay pulled the cloak off, revealing what sort of looked like a Mini-Zane, wearing a helmet with a red visor. "Give me my coat back! I'm cold!"
"Robots don't get cold-" Jay was about to say, before Zane stopped him, retrieving the coat, and giving it back to the Mini-Zane.
"Some of us can feel temperature, Jay. Now, who are you, my little friend?"
"Father calls me Mimi-E! I don't know what it means though."
"And who is your father? May we speak to him?"
"Hmmm… Ok!" Mimi-E picked up his load of scrap metal, before Zane put a hand on his shoulder, pointing back to the pile he had gotten it from. "You're gonna have to put those back, my friend."
"Awww… But Father needs them!"
"Hey Zane?" Jay interrupted. "Are we not gonna address the fact that he looks EXACTLY LIKE YOU!?"
"If I had wanted to know that right away, I'd have asked. Though that is a good question. Do you know the answer?"
Mimi-E shaked his head no, as he switched on his visor, and started walking away. Still forgetting to put the metal back. Zane shrugged, knowing he could get it later.
As the group followed Mimi through the forests of The Dark Island, they passed the ruins of The Stone Warrior Camp, still having not been settled by New Ninjago citizens, but in the works. "So. I am guessing your father does not live there, little one?"
Mimi-E shook his head no. "Nope. He says 'Grandfather' fought with brave heroes to destroy it! I hope I meet them someday!"
"Grandfather eh? The plot thickens." Jay said, clearly unamused. "Lemme guess. You have a secret uncle that may or may not be someone we know?"
"Yep!"
Jay wanted to scream.
"Just kidding!"
Jay still wanted to scream.
As the group continued on, they passed The Temple Of Light, which Wu often went to pray to his father. And continued up the mountain until they saw the entrance to a cave.
"Curious. I do not remember there being a cave here, did your father make this?"
"Nope! He found it!"
As the group followed Mimi-E in, he ran over to a bed. On the bed sat a strange, oddly familiar face. One lost to time, but easily recognizable. As Zane looked at the stranger, he stared in awe, as his own face stared back at him.
"... Zane! My brother! I've found you at last!"
(In Ninjago . . . )
Harumi and The Beckoners walked around the sewers below the city, careful to avoid a ghost foolish enough to cross paths with them. Harumi wore her Oni mask, painted black in honor of her new master. Kilo had his on hand, just in case they ran into trouble. Light chatter was exchanged among the group, as they continued on.
"So. Why'd you decide this was a good use of my time?! I could be joyriding around the subway right now!" Ultra said. Harumi rolled her eyes, annoyed at Ultra's eagerness to get into trouble.
"I know you're crazy, but your shtick gets old quickly."
"At least I have personality! You barely ever take that mask of yours off."
"It's a personal choice. Deal with it, or you're out."
"Whatever." Crossing her arms, she poked Kilo in the shoulder. Whispering in his ear, she continued talking. "You know why we're here? She hasn't told any of us!"
"Eh- i'm not too sure myself. Hasn't told me either!"
"Cut the chatter you two! Everyone stop! Harumi yelled. Everyone stopped to see a large opening in front of them. A blue-ish hue was seen from within, as it emitted a green fog. "We're here."
"And where's here, Harumi?" Ultra questioned. Harumi herself didn't entirely know. All she knew is that The Overlord thought it'd be beneficial to forge an alliance with afterver lived down here. While they knew of the snake that joined forces with The Resistance, they knew nothing of Acronix, Krux, or their allegiance. The Overlord did, though he knew telling Harumi right away would put her off to the idea of teaming up with them, given their reputation as tyrannical anarchists.
As they stepped up, they found themselves flanked on all sides by the strange snakes. Some were red, others were orange. Some were armor that appeared to be made of Deepstone, others wore normal metal armor. As Harumi and the others took up defensive positions, two figures entered the horde. They appeared to be the men in charge. Wearing similar helmets, and rusted armor depicting gears and clocks, they smiled as they gazed upon their next victims.
"Hah! Fools from The Resistance trying to find our hideout? Cute." Acronix said. Brandishing a green gauntlet.
"We aren't of The Resistance. We come in peace. As long as you're willing to supply it. We wish to forge an alliance. In order to destroy The Resistance, and The Preeminent!" Harumi bargained. Raising her voice.
"Hmm.. we'll think about it!" Acronix said, confidently.
"WHAT!?" Krux said, looking at this brother in anger. "Think about it!? We have them surrounded! They have nothing to offer!"
"At least let them into the swamp!"
"That's a foolish idea! Do you understand what this could do to us? Our plan relies on stealth brothers! And these fools have discovered our base of operations! Do you really think whoever these upstarts are wont run off and inform The Resistance, or even The Preeminent itself?! Their leader has barely spoken and you-"
"Easy brother! Alright! I get your point."
Krux sighed. "I suppose you're not entirely incorrect.. We need allies. Alright, strangers. Welcome to the swamps. We'll see what you have to offer us."
