Ghost Story ► Ninjago [REWRITING]

| XXIX | Skirmish in Stiix

   *No POV*

     Stiix had been completely overrun by ghosts. While the Ninja returned to the tea shop to work out their plans, Morro had set up camp in the city of water and allowed an army to roam free.

     The people who were unable to escape were put in cages, forced to watch their homes destroyed and taken over by the enemy. Without anyone to put a stop to Morro's current reign, nothing could be done.

     And said leader stood atop the roof of Ronin's pawn shop—that happened to be their base location since the beginning—while staring down at the city. He had his concerns, gripping the Sword of Sanctuary tightly.

     Soul Archer flew up toward him, another ghost following. "The gateway is becoming more stable. Soon."

     "Any sign of the Ninja?" the wind master questioned.

     "No," the second responded. "But we have two spooks for every nook and cranny in this watering hole. And even if they do show, any one of us they strike down can simply return through the portal. You're invincible, Morro!"

     He looked away for just a second, his mind wandering. "I thought that once before..." Before Lloyd came along. Shaking his head and gaining his composure once more, Morro grinned. "Let them revel, but we must not let our guard down."

     "Don't worry, Morro," Soul Archer spoke again. "Soon, you will be the Green Ninja, and then the sixteen realms will be ours." The three ghosts around him were very pleased about the current set of affairs.

     Yet he felt uneasy. Yes... the Green Ninja...

     Noodle trucks crossed the bridge, Bansha allowing them to cross. Morro's dark dragon roared in the sky, leaving all the townspeople uncomfortable and afraid.

     Upon seeing Wu and Misako in the driver's seat, Bansha hissed and stopped them. "Wu. A special delivery, I presume?"

     When the ghosts opened the back of the truck, they found it completely empty.

     "Let me talk to my pupil," the sensei said, stepping out of the seat. "It doesn't have to end this way."

     As soon as he said those words, Bansha's face contorted to Morro's, and he held the same, evil grin as always.

     "Sensei," he began, emphasizing the name. "I was wondering when you were gonna show up!"

     "Morro..."

     Bansha's face returned, yet Morro's voice remained. "You think I'll just let you stroll right in? Your wisdom fails you in your old age!"

     Wu stepped up without a single fear. "Last chance, Morro. You may no longer be my pupil, but I can still teach you a lesson! My Ninja are well-trained and they will defeat every last one of you. Give up now, or forever rest in peace."

     His words were making him angry, but that final set was the last straw. "Take them," he ordered. The ghosts immediately took an unarmed Wu and Misako by the wrists.

     Morro, although in Bansha's being, didn't hesitate to stare down at his former master. "You think I'd ever let the Ninja in my town? Foolish old man."

     However, what he didn't know was that they were already there.

     Kai brought over a glass and some food on a tray toward the table of ghosts. He wore the uniform of Steep Wisdom, although the large pot hat had been replaced with a simple bamboo one. Each ghost shouted rather rudely, though that was to be expected.