Ninjago:Rising

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The final battle raged on, a clash of swirling shadows and piercing light. The once-bustling streets of Ninjago City were silent, emptied as the fight between Lyra and her former allies intensified. Her army of twisted shadows moved with purpose, their glowing eyes locked onto their targets as they surged forward.

The team fought with everything they had. Kai's flames roared, scorching the dark figures, but more took their place. Nya sent waves of water crashing into the shadowed army, pushing them back momentarily, only for them to reform. Jay's lightning streaked across the sky, striking with precision, but the power seemed to fade against the darkness. Zane's ice created barriers that shattered under the relentless pressure, barely holding long enough to regroup.

Lloyd's green energy slashed through the chaos, his mind racing as he searched for Lyra. Every strike, every burst of energy felt like a small dent in an unbreakable force. And then, suddenly, Lyra raised her hand, and her voice echoed above the din of battle, cold and unwavering.

"Enough."

A wave of dark energy surged from her outstretched hand, slamming into them and scattering them like leaves in a storm. Lloyd hit the ground hard, the breath knocked from his lungs. When he looked up, Lyra stood at the center of the chaos, eyes glowing with dark power, her expression unreadable.

The others struggled to rise. Nya clutched her side, gasping for breath. Jay was leaning heavily on Zane, barely able to stand. Kai pushed himself to his knees, determination blazing in his eyes. But it was Harumi who drew Lloyd's attention. She lay crumpled on the ground, her face pale and her breaths shallow. Ever since Lyra had taken her powers, she had grown weaker, but now, after that attack, she looked on the verge of breaking.

Lloyd rushed to her side, heart pounding with fear. "Harumi, stay with me," he whispered, his voice shaking.

She opened her eyes, her voice barely more than a whisper. "I'm still here..."

Nya knelt beside them, her face tight with worry. "We need to get her out of here. She won't survive if this continues."

Lloyd nodded, glancing up at Lyra, who watched them with detached indifference. The glow of dark energy surrounded her like an aura, and she raised her hand once more, power sparking at her fingertips.

"This ends now," she declared.

Kai forced himself to his feet, a flame flickering around his fists. "Lyra, this isn't you! You're stronger than this. Don't let it consume you!"

Lyra's expression faltered for just a moment, something unreadable flashing in her eyes. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by a cold smile. "This is who I am now. If you stand in my way, you will fall."

Lloyd stepped forward, desperation clawing at him. "Lyra, please, we can help you. You don't have to do this."

For a moment, silence fell over the battlefield, tension thick in the air. Lyra's eyes narrowed, flicking between Lloyd and Harumi's weakened form. A shadow of doubt crossed her face, but it disappeared as quickly as it came.

"I don't need saving," she said, her voice as hard as steel. "Accept it, or be destroyed."

Before Lloyd could respond, Kai stepped forward, determination burning in his gaze. "Then I challenge you. Just you and me. One-on-one."

The team looked at him in shock. Was he serious? Challenging Lyra at her peak was reckless, bordering on impossible.

"Kai, don't!" Nya cried, reaching for him. But he shook her off, his eyes locked on Lyra.

"This isn't your fight, Nya. It's mine," he said, voice unwavering.

Lyra tilted her head, a smirk playing on her lips. "You think you can stop me, Kai? After everything I've become?"