Ninjago: The Cursed Spirt Arc (5)

Chapter 95: Stiix Showdown: Phase I

As time wore on, chaos continued to grip Stiix tighter, its people either imprisoned or hiding in fear. The Soul Archer approached Morro with an air of urgency 

"The gateway is becoming more stable. Soon," he reported.

Morro glanced around, his expression darkening. "Any sign of the ninja?" he inquired.

Wrayth shook his head solemnly. "No, but we have eyes in every corner of this place. Even if they appear, any of us they strike down can return through the portal. You're invincible, Morro," he assured.

Morro bit his lip thoughtfully. "I thought that once before. Let them revel, but we must not let our guard down." he cautioned.

"Don't worry, Morro. Soon you will wield the power of the Green Ninja, and then the sixteen realms will kneel before us," The Soul Archer reassured, his voice unwavering.

Morro remained silent, gazing out over Stiix with a mix of determination and apprehension.

At the main entrance of Stiix, Bansha spotted a few noodle trucks approaching. A wicked grin spread across her face as she saw Wu and Misako.

"Wu... A special delivery, I presume?" she hissed. Ghostly figures checked the trucks, finding them empty except for a fine layer of dust.

Wu stepped out of the truck calmly. "Let me speak with my pupil. This doesn't have to end in bloodshed," he urged.

Bansha closed her eyes briefly, then reopened them, now bearing Morro's steely gaze. "Sensei. I wondered when you'd finally arrive," Morro's voice came out cold and harsh.

"Morro," Wu said softly.

"You think I'll just let you walk in here? Your wisdom betrays you in your old age," Morro taunted.

"Last chance, Morro. You may no longer be my pupil, but I still can 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." Wu warned.

Morro's brow furrowed in anger. "Seize them!" he commanded, and his ghosts swiftly grabbed Wu and Misako. "I will never allow the ninja to infiltrate MY city. You underestimate me, old man," Morro hissed.

-

Meanwhile, Kai had disguised himself as a civilian, distributing food to some of the hungry ghosts.

"I'm starving. I'm so hungry. Give me food. Burgers. So good," they clamored eagerly, devouring the provisions Kai offered. He tapped his communication device discreetly.

"Anyone have eyes on the Realm Crystal?" he inquired.

"It seems to be inside what was Ronin's pawnshop, right in the heart of town," Zane replied from his vantage point on a nearby rooftop. "Morro's there right now, and security is tight."

"Do you think we can lure Morro away long enough to get Lloyd in there to destroy it?" Jay pondered aloud, his cover as a crane worker allowing him to observe discreetly.

Cole nodded resolutely. "That's the plan. Is everyone in position?" he checked.

Anna, camouflaged as a beggar with a straw hat shading most of her face, nodded back determinedly. "Let's do this."

Kai then took a teapot and walked over to the table of ghosts "Tea, anyone?" he asked?

"Yes, please," The ghost nodded. Then Kai pours it on him, making the ghost explode "Uh, oh,"

"You imbecile!" another ghost exclaimed, and they all lunged after Kai. Meanwhile, Lloyd pulled on his hood, before slipped from under the slats and onto the dock, stealthily making his way toward the heart of the city. He paused abruptly upon spotting three ghosts in his path.