Ninjago: The Wishing Arc (6)

Chapter 99: Public Enemy Number One

Anna walked through the bustling streets of Ninjago City, her head down and her thoughts heavy. She had swapped her attire from Stiix for a grey shirt and black pants, topped with a brown cotton coat, blending in with the crowd. A cap pulled low over her face shielded her from prying eyes, concealing her identity.

As she reached into her pocket, her phone buzzed softly. "A notification?" she murmured to herself, glancing at the screen. The sight of the message made her pause, a quiet sigh escaping her lips. With a renewed sense of purpose, she turned her steps toward a familiar place, her old home-the Monastery of Spinjitzu.

-

Meanwhile, in Ninjago City, the media frenzy surrounding the ninja had reached a fever pitch. Reporters swarmed the police commissioner, bombarding him with questions. "The ninja are still at large and public enemy number one," he announced grimly.

"Did fame turn them?" a female reporter asked, thrusting her microphone closer. The commissioner, visibly irritated, replied, "We've taken their ship as well as secured their known hideouts. They will be caught and pay for their crime spree. I bet my reelection on it." Another reporter followed up, "Can you tell us what's being done to find them?" The commissioner stiffened, answering, "We have installed local checkpoints around Ninjago City and within a thirty-mile radius outside."

Sensing his discomfort, a third reporter pressed, "Is that all? Aren't you going to assign special forces to the matter? Or do the ninja not pose much of a threat?""Flustered, the commissioner quickly ended the conference, "No more questions," and retreated into the police station.

-

Anna finally made it up the long, worn steps, her breath slightly labored as she stepped into the monastery's courtyard. The once grand and serene place was now a shadow of its former self, a reminder of the battles it had endured. The air was thick with memories, and Anna couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia as she took in the scene.

Lloyd's voice broke through her thoughts, expressing relief that she made it despite not having mastered her elemental dragon. "You made it," Lloyd said, a hint of concern in his voice. "I was a bit worried since you still haven't figured out your elemental dragon." Anna shrugged off his concern, her tone nonchalant. "I'm used to walking anyway." She noticed his smile falter slightly, but before he could respond, she asked, "So what are we all doing here?"

As the group gathered, Zane took the lead, projecting security footage he had discovered of Wu at the Library of Domu. The footage showed Wu speaking to someone off-screen, raising more questions than answers. "I came across security footage of Sensei at the Library of Domu. He was not alone," Zane explained, his eyes narrowing as he projected the footage.

"What happened? Who was he looking at?" Kai asked, a frown creasing his brow. Morro chimed in, "We don't know, but as far as I know, there have been no reports of him anywhere in and outside Ninjago City."

Zane continued, "The library database indicated he had checked out a book about the Teapot of Tyrahn. We originally thought we might be dealing with Clouse, but it appears to be far worse. We may have a djinn on our hands."

Anna tried to recall what she knew about djinn, saying, "I think I've heard of those before, but I'm not sure I remember much about them."

Jay, ever curious, asked, "A djinn? Like a genie?"

Nya explained, "Only when he grants you wishes, you'll be wishing you never met him."

When Anna suggested heading back to town to gather more information, Cole quickly pointed out the risk of being arrested if they traveled together. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. If we head back together, the police will arrest us on sight. We should split up," Cole argued. Kai immediately countered, "But anyone caught alone with this djinn suddenly disappears."

Lloyd proposed a compromise."Then we travel in pairs. Zane, you and I will head to the library to see what else we can find," he said.

Jay, planning his next move began walking toward her, only to be intercepted by Cole. "Yeah, yeah. And Jay and I will look for clues at the scene of the crime where he framed us. What do you say, buddy? Just like old times?" Jay laughed sheepishly, "Ah, sweet. Who doesn't love old times, eh?"

As the group discussed the remaining pairings, Anna suggested, "Kai and Morro can see what else is out there while Nya and I will try to look for Wu." This idea was met with immediate resistance. "No!" Both Kai and Morro shouted in unison. Cole interjected, "Putting them together isn't really a good choice, especially since they don't get along," Cole said

"All the more reason they should go together," Anna said. "No, no, no, I am not going anywhere with that thing," Kai stated, looking at Anna with seriousness in his eyes, Morro clenched his fist, "Did you just call me a thing? hedgehog," he asked

"So what if I did?" Kai shot back,

Anna sighed, realizing the tension between Kai and Morro was too high. "Fine, Cole's right. Putting them together isn't much of a wise decision."

"Exactly, it's like pairing a panda with a person." Morro scoffed.

"Just to clarify, I'm the person." Kai shot back.

"If we want to clear our names and get Sensei back, we need to work together," Lloyd said, his gaze shifting between Kai and Morro. "We find more about this djinn and take him down. We'll meet back here at sunup."