Ninjago: Elemental Tournament Arc (4)

Chapter 56: The Invitation

Lloyd moved quickly through the jungle, his eyes scanning for any threats. Just ahead, a group of Nindroids blocked the cave entrance he was aiming for. With a quick breath, he launched himself forward, yelling, "Ninja, go!" and unleashed Spinjitzu on the Nindroids, dismantling them in a whirlwind of green energy. Dust settled as Lloyd dashed further into the cave, only to spot a large rock rolling his way. Thinking fast, he tied a rope around himself, and as he dropped into a safe nook just in time, the rock thundered past.

He spotted a glint in the darkness and climbed toward it, only to see the golden armor shimmer before disappearing. Frustrated, he stood up as he heard a familiar voice behind him.

"You got closer than I thought you would," Cyrus Borg called out, stepping from the shadows, "But then again, I didn't think you'd be quite so rough on my security droids."

Lloyd dusted off his jacket and walked over, eyebrow raised. "If I can't steal the Golden Armor, I'd be surprised if anyone else could. It's secure, but...where's the real one?"

Cyrus only offered a slight smile. "Some secrets are best kept safe."

Just then, Wu's voice echoed through the cave as he joined them, gaze steady on Lloyd. "Where are the other ninja? I asked for all of you to take part in this test."

Lloyd scratched the back of his head, making his hair even messier. "Uh, they, uh... they really wanted to be here, but they, uh... all had other plans."

Wu's face softened, understanding the weight Lloyd was carrying. "I understand perfectly well. The loss of Zane has affected us all. I haven't even heard from my assistant P.I.X.A.L. since his memorial. It's... heartbreaking." Cyrus sighed, voice heavy with sadness.

Wu nodded, placing a hand on Lloyd's shoulder. "If we dwell too long on what's missing, we fail to see what can be gained. The absence of Zane will either tear you four apart or bring you closer together. The choice is yours."

Lloyd nodded slowly. "I'll do what I can, but it won't be easy."

Wu's eyes held a calm certainty. "The greatest lessons never are."

Meanwhile, Jay stepped onto a brightly lit stage, taking in the roaring crowd and banners of "Most Ultimate Extreme Ninja Challenge Ever!" He lifted the mic to his mouth with his signature smirk, "I'm Jay, Ninjago's most lovable ninja!"

A kid in the crowd nudged their friend. "He's the most lovable ninja?" they asked, looking skeptical. The friend only shrugged.

Jay flashed a grin. "Here before the Gauntlet of Humility to see who will be Ninjago's next hero, and whose dreams will be gone in a flash!" With a quick surge of lightning, Jay leapt to a higher platform, catching the mic mid-air. "I'm here with Cathy, tireless mother of four, pillar of the PTA, and returning contestant. Tell me, Cathy, after being humbled by the Gauntlet last time, what makes you think this'll be any different?"

"Because ninja never quit!" Cathy shouted confidently into the mic, her voice ringing with determination.

Jay chuckled, though he looked a little thrown off. "Okay, Cathy. Start the doomsday clock!"

As the timer started, Cathy made her way through the obstacle course, but fell just before the finish line. She laughed, brushing herself off. "Heh, I got farther than last time!" The crowd roared in support.

After the show, Jay returned to his dressing room, shutting the door behind him and slumping down. He gazed at a photo of all eight ninja on his mirror, running his finger over it. "Ninja never quit, huh, Zane?" he murmured to the picture.

The silence was broken by a familiar voice behind him. "The team needs you now more than ever."

Jay turned quickly, startled to see Lloyd standing there. "How did you get in here?"