Heart of the Artisan

Act I Ch. 3: Severed

"Our best option is to split up."

Jay rushed ahead and jumped onto a nearby tank, striking its hull with his Techno Blade. A bright blue light washed over him and the tank, vanishing almost in an instant and revealing a blue-and-gold tank. Large cannons rose from the sides of the tank and immediately fired. The ground ruptured, and great walls of seemingly-pure electricity rose, protecting you and your friends from the incoming robots.

"The Overlord will most certainly target the Techno Blades first. They are the only things that can stop him."

The tank's hatch opened, and Jay threw his Techno Blade out. You caught Jay's Techno Blade and spun to meet Wu. Wu produced a long, thin blanket, and you handed Jay's Techno Blade to him.

"But if given the opportunity, he will attempt to capture Lloyd and (Y/n)."

You turned and rushed towards Jay's tank. The walls of electricity dissipated as your friends all split up, and you jumped into Jay's tank. The tank's great wheels squealed as they tried to catch the road. The vehicle spun on the spot, knocking aside a couple of robots before the wheels gained their traction and the tank took off. Jay drove the tank as fast as he could.

"I will carry the Blades, draw the attention of the Overlord to attack me."

"You think this'll work?" Jay nervously questioned.

"It has to, doesn't it?" You softly replied.

"Kai will take the Blades from me once the time is right. The rest of you, escape the city."

Jay swerved the tank left and right to avoid the larger mechs that populated the city streets. You desperately held onto your seat. Many of the mechs purposefully targeted you and Jay. The Overlord must know where you were.

"I just... worry about Sensei, is all!" Jay rapidly replied. "He's not going to get out of here on his own, and I'm... pretty terrified."

"He'll be fine," You reassured. "He wouldn't have done this if he wasn't sure he would be fine."

Jay's swerving of the tank slowly calmed over time, and soon the tank cruised right out of New Ninjago City. You spotted another vehicle high up above. A small jet, and judging by the red-and-black colouring, it had to be Kai.

It seemed the plan had been followed through.

"Do you know..." Jay seemed very hesitant. "Do you know why the Overlord wants you...?"

You mindlessly shook your head again and again. "No, I don't," You partially lied. "I really don't." 

It had to have something to do with Aggie. That was all you could come up with. You weren't supposed to be alive, and the Overlord knew that. He knew that there was some power that brought you back from death, so long ago, and the Overlord wanted it for himself. He wanted to bring him self back to finish what he started.

But that was something you just can't tell your boyfriend out of nowhere.

"Well, let's hope we never find out," Jay stumbled over his words as he spoke rapidly. "It'll be better for everyone!"

"Yeah," You said. "It will..."

The ride continued on in silence. You kept your gaze upon your hands, and your silently moved your thumbs over your fingers. Your skin was dry, and your hands barely trembled. It was so cold within the tank. 

You opened your hands and faced your palms upwards. Small bits of paint began to form across your hands and fingers, and drops began rolling down your hands. They fell upon your lap, staining your clothes as you continued to watch.