Heart of the Artisan

Act I Ch. 2: Technology Rises

Jay was the first to leave the elevator, and he dragged you along inside. "Oh, my gosh," Jay began stumbling over his words. "You— You are...! I can't believe it! You're...!"

You gently bumped into Jay's arm to silently tell him to get it a bit together.

Cyrus held a small smile. "Cyrus Borg?" He inquired. "Yes. Unfortunately, when my parents came up with a name like that, my future in the field of technology was predetermined!"

Jay gently chuckled. "Well, hey! They definitely picked a fitting name!"

"Oh," A thought popped into your head. "How is Arche—?"

A door flew open, startling you from your question. "Ah, (Y/n)!" A voice happily called as a human of metal rushed to your side. Arche stood before you, their long hair of metal wires tied back in a messy bun as they offered a wide smile. "Great seein' ya, again."

"How have things been?" You inquired.

"Ah, besides the dark problems we've had to work around, it's been alright," For a moment, a flicker of anxiety appeared within Arche's eyes, though it disappeared in a moment. "Never had so much fun working with technology before."

"Is the Golden Ninja not with you five?" Cyrus had asked the five of you.

"Oh, uh, no," Cole shook his head. "His hands are a bit full, but we could definitely tell him to stop by."

"As long as you don't mind him bringing friends and family with," You spoke up with a small smile. "He and Harumi refuse to head out without one another, and Pirate, Polar, and Acrylic have been keeping watch over them."

"Ah, I wouldn't mind at all. And it is completely alright. I'm glad it's just you five," Cyrus shook his head. "You can catch up with Arche, (Y/n). As for you four," Cyrus gently wheeled himself back, "I have a gift for you."

"Ah, a gift?" Cole held a grin as he followed after Cyrus. "It wouldn't happen to be cake, would it?"

You watched your friends head farther into Cyrus's office, where a rather tall object stood, hidden underneath a large sheet.

"You have been... doing alright, right?" Arche gently asked. "Ever since the... last problem."

"I've been doing better," You replied with a small smile. "It's been odd, adjusting to all the new things going on, but everyone has been so kind and helpful..."

Cyrus pulled the sheet off of his gift, revealing a golden statue of himself. "The future is what we make it!" A recording of Cyrus's voice spoke from the statue.

"Oh, uh..." Kai glanced at his friends in uncertainty. "It's a statue. Of yourself."

"Oh, that's so cool!" Jay beamed. "Are we really allowed to have this!"

"Certainly!" Cyrus held a big smile. "It is my way of thanking you for all you've done for Ninjago City."

"Hey, (Y/n)..."

You turned your attention back to Arche. "Yeah...?"

Arche appeared a bit fearful, though they were doing their best to keep it under a guise. "...Can you promise me something?" They inquired.

"...What is it?" You gently asked.

Arche seemed a bit lost in thought as they tried to form their next question. "Could you... promise to look after yourself? As much as you do the little ones? You're..." Arche exhaled, "You did a whole lot for everyone, recently. At least, I heard from Cap and their sibling..." They offered a short shrug, "Next evil that comes up... take care of yourself, too, okay?"