Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Nya fought with Kalmaar and Wojira, but was defeated, the water master was struck by the Merlopian trident, which caused her to lose consciousness and fly into the water. Jay was the only one who saw what happened to the brunette, the lightning master jumps after her, hopes that he will save her, hopes that she is still alive.

The ninja pulls her out of the water on her hands, climbing higher on the roof, the brown-haired man began to check her pulse:

— No... Nya... please... don't leave me again!.. — almost crying, the lightning master pleaded, the rest of the team, noticing the loss of friends, begin to search, but when they find them, their gaze falls on Nya lying on the roof and Jay mourning her.

— Jay, what happened?! — Kai slowly approaches them, his heartbeat accelerates, his breathing slows down, it becomes harder and harder to speak, fear comes to the fore. — Jay, don't be silent! Please! — Kai wants to hear joyful words, which makes him shake his friend by the shoulders.

— Nya... - with a heavy pain in his heart, Jay begins to speak. — She fought Kalmaar, but lost to him… She was hit by a trident... — the speech slowed down, Jay could not speak calmly.

— Well, don't be silent! Tell me what's wrong with her! — The fire ninja shook him by the shoulders again.

— Nya fell into the water! — Jay shouted at him. — I rushed after her and pulled her out... — the voice became quieter.

— Take her inside! Hurry up! Hide the transport! — Wu ordered, running up to the team, without hesitating for a second, the teacher took control of the whole situation. Everyone nodded in agreement, Jay picked up his Yang in his arms and carefully carried her inside, accompanied by the master, Pixal and Bentho.

By the time Nya, Jay, and the rest of the rescued citizens entered the shelter, the ninjas had already hidden their bathyscaphes, leaving the ship to drift calmly through the flooded city.

— Nya! You can't hide from me! This world doesn't belong to you anymore! He's mine! — Kalmaar shouted from Wojira, tracking them down.

— «How he pisses me off» — Jay's gaze fell on Nya lying on the couch, Benthomaar was looking out the window nearby, the master and Pixal were discussing something aside, only briefly Jay heard his and Nya's name.

***

— How is she? — The fire master asked, approaching Zane.

The Nindroid was conducting diagnostics.

— The condition is serious, but she is stable, now she is unconscious, it is possible that she will wake up soon, — the ice master replied.

— That bastard almost killed my sister! He's going to pay for this!" — a fire was lit in his hands. — I'll kill him myself! — Smith said.

—Hush, Kai, don't get too excited, we'll figure out how to deal with Kalmaar, but first we need to help Nya. — Lloyd tried to reason sensibly until Kai lay down next to her.

Looking out the window, Jay saw Benthomaar standing on guard, releasing the girl's hand, he approached him.

— Benthomaar, how did Nyad defeat Wojira? Do you remember, you told us — the brown-haired man asked, which distracted the Prince of Merlopia for a second.

— She sacrificed her body and merged with the sea — the Merlopian replied, sighing heavily, he was not looking at the sea or even Jay, who did not ask a question, his gaze was directed at Nya.

— Merged? But how exactly? — The blue ninja continued to ask insistently.

— She absorbed all the power of the ocean, she became a part of it, and he became hers! — the brunette also replied coldly, already looking at him. Jay thought about it, Benthomaar quickly figured it out. — Don't even think about it! Although Nyad defeated Wojira, she eventually died… It was a one-way ticket… She disappeared… Forever! — The Merlopian threatened the lightning master, but Jay didn't take it as a threat, it was a challenge.

— «Nyad could not cope with the power of the received force, but I will cope, I will do everything for Nya, for the sake of our future with her!» — Jay no longer listened to Bentho, his thoughts were occupied only with a plan that will bring peace to everyone. — «None of my friends are going to die today, only Wojira is going to die!»

— Benthomaar! Zane is calling you — Cole has disrupted their completed dialogue. Nodding, the Merlopian left the boys alone. Seeing the displeased look from his friends, Jay stepped back a little.

— Uh..Is something wrong, guys?.. — The lightning ninja asked them, smiling stupidly, occasionally a chuckle slipped through.

— Jay, we heard about your conversation with Benthomaar... — the second brown-haired man replied.

— And we won't let you do that! — The lightning master's face changed at the same moment. — Don't even think about it! — The brunette continued. Jay became serious.

— You can't stop me from doing that! Perhaps this is the only way to help her! — the winner of the «Prime Empire» rebelled.

— Jay — was just about to start Lloyd.

— What's Jay?! — The lightning ninja was no longer panicking, he was throwing out all the pain on his friends.

— Zane said that Nya is stable, she will wake up soon — the blond man slowly approached him.

— Yeah? — Walker said without emotion. — I was there too, if you haven't forgotten, I also heard these predictions ... — the ninja took a pause, gathering his thoughts. — And you know what? These may be her last breaths, I already tried to start her heart, I tried to revive her before you came — the team started listening even more attentively from that moment on. — But I couldn't! She didn't take a single breath, nor did she open her eyes! Nothing happened! Do you understand, Lloyd? She needs to be taken to the hospital, but they are all flooded, and the only way to revive her without a doctor is to defeat Wojira and Kalmaar! — Jay pointed to the sea outside the window.

— Jay, but this is not the only way! — The master of energy did not believe in these words himself, and Jay only looked at him sadly, nodding.

— You heard what Benthomaar said, didn't you? When Nyad merged with the sea and defeated Wojira, she died! If you do the same, you could die too, Jay! Do you understand that?! — almost shouting ninja fire supported the leader.

— What would you suggest? Do nothing?! And wait for Kalmaar and Wojira to notice us and destroy us?! — freckles asked.

— Of course not! But maybe there is still another way to defeat them? — The earth ninja asked anxiously.

— I'm listening to your suggestions — Jay said calmly.

— Vania — it dawned on Cole. —She said if we ever needed help, she'd call the whole army to our rescue, and — Zane interrupted him.

— We can't contact Shintaro, not with our situation — the ice ninja looked at his friends with sympathy, Cole just sighed heavily.

— Maybe. — Lloyd wanted to suggest another option, but was interrupted by Jay.

— Lloyd, admit it... we're powerless here, the only way out is for someone to sacrifice themselves for all of us... — Jay looked around at everyone present. — For Nya ... — the last words sounded in a barely audible voice that not many people caught. — Nya would have done the same if anyone else had been in her place, each of us can do it — Jay approached Wu. — Master Wu, you taught us to protect Ninjago, to protect those we love — the gaze fell on Zane, who drooped, remembering his self-sacrifice during the time of the Golden Master. — Who we value — gaze fell on Nya and Kai, who also became sad, remembering how he rescued her from the captivity of skeletons, and then saved Lloyd from a volcano. — You prepared us for this, taught us to look fear in the eye, overcome barriers, be ready for anything — The Master drooped.

— I hoped that this would never happen ... never ... — the master hesitated, lowering his head, realizing that Jay was right a thousand times.

— I understand you, Jay. You're worried about her, just like me, because she's my sister... — Kai paused, the words touched him to the depths of his soul. — Maybe you're right, but please don't do this! And in this form, you're not going anywhere, you're tired, it's not you who's talking, but fatigue, why don't you rest? — Kai suggested, hoping to postpone this dialogue at least until tomorrow, to come up with arguments in opposition to this. — After all, tomorrow we will have a hard day — the elder Smith sighed. He nodded in agreement, exchanged glances, Kai and Cole smiled and left, leaving Jay alone.

— «We may not live to see this tomorrow, Kai, we need to do it today» — Jay replied to himself, clenching his hand into a fist, looking after them. — «Everything will be decided today, and tomorrow we will celebrate another victory and rebuild the city» — his intentions were as unshakeable as his zeal for victory. — «I'll be back, Nya, wait for me» — the ninja headed in a direction known only to him.

The brown-haired man sneaks onto the roof while his friends are considering a plan without self-sacrifice.

— «I hope they won't bother me, forgive me for that» — Jay mentally said goodbye to his friends, jumping into his Sub car, the lightning master turned on full speed and sped off into the depths, leaving friends was a difficult but right decision, but not harder than what awaits him after.

Floating near the city center, Jay climbs a multi-storey building and looks around the city.

Everything was covered with water, but Kalmaar's voice could not be heard, and Wojira herself was nowhere to be found.

— «It's too late to retreat, too much is at stake» — emotions and excitement overwhelmed the lightning master, his heart was fluttering faster and faster, there was a desire to retreat inside, and in his eyes there was a determination to end this once and for all. Gathering his thoughts, Jay began to put his plan into action — Kalmaar! Wojira! I'm here! — the blue ninja shouted with all his might, and at the same moment a bright blue lightning flashed in the sky, followed by another flash, after which Jay took out his nunchucks and prepared for battle. — «Did they really not notice me?!» — panic appeared in his eyes. — «What if he's already found Nya and the others and they're in danger now, what if I'm late and Lloyd and the team are in trouble now, and I'm on the other side of Ninjago City?!» — eyes darted from side to side, looking for answers, Jay listened to every rustle around.

Suddenly, a glow appeared from under the water, and Jay froze in place. There was a splash in the water, after which a huge sea serpent climbed out of the water, towering over the ninja — it was she, the master of the Endless Sea — Wojira, two amulets were on her forehead: Waves and Storms, and near one of the amulets stood the Self—proclaimed King of Merlopia — Kalmaar.

Jay's face changed in an instant, fear faded into the background, his hands involuntarily tightened on the weapon, the ninja got into a fighting position.

— Where is that stupid girl?! — Kalmaar was angry, looking around to see if this was a trap, although what kind of girl could we be talking about when you control the most powerful being alive in this world.

— Nya is not here, I will be your opponent instead! — Jay declared, taking a step forward.

— You?! — Kalmaar chuckled.— You are a nobody, a weakling, a pathetic and worthless hero who is looking for his death. — What can you do against me? — The King of Merlopia laughed.

— What can I do? — Jay began to play along, pointedly thinking about his question. — I challenge you to a fight! One on one! — The lightning ninja spoke loudly and clearly in a confident tone, Kalmaar was very surprised and laughed.

— You?! Are you calling me?! Who are you to fight the king?! You're nothing, just a land dweller, and I'm the ruler of all Ninjago! — King Kalmaar laughed. — Wojira, destroy the insolent man! — The King's trident was pointed at Jay.

— Do not rush to conclusions, Kalmaar — Walker decided to dare to say goodbye. — Yes, I am a resident of the land, I am an ordinary guy from a landfill, but that's not all. — Jay put on a mask. — I'm a ninja! I'm a lightning master! — Jay braced himself for the impact.

The sky darkened, it began to rain, thunderclaps sounded and lightning broke out among them, striking the brown-haired man, the first blow was the most powerful, it was he who served as the impetus for the counterattack.

At the moment of lightning hitting him, Jay felt it in every limb, in every place in his body, he did not fall, he stood up, the force that hit him began a metamorphosis:

Jay's body sparkled like lightning on the body of an electric eel, his eyes changed color to blue. His whole body began to transform, his skin turned purple, Jay rose into the sky, and Kalmaar rejoiced, seeing only some sparks of lightning, but when the smoke from the lightning strike dissipated, the sparkling lightning ninja appears before the villain.

— WHAT?! — Kalmaar's face was stricken with surprise, but soon changed to the usual displeasure.

— Did you want the lightning? So get it! — Jay concentrated a fireball in front of him and released it directly into the creature's face, the flash blinded Kalmaar for a short period of time, while Kalmaar was unaware, the ninja took advantage of this and rose into the sky, releasing a new discharge, but at Kalmaar himself. The King could barely resist.

A blow with the trident forced the beast to obey again, Wojira used her breath and a powerful wave was released at Jay, the ninja moved to the creature's forehead.

— Do you think that merging with the force will give you an advantage?! I'm driving a Wojira! The most powerful beast in the world! — The King was rising again.

— Then I'll take it away from you — Kalmaar fired several shots at Jay, but he didn't even try to dodge them, the elements simply dispelled the physical attack. — You wanted to know what a simple inhabitant of the land can do? — Jay came up close to the king. — We can do a lot, and now I'm not fighting on my own behalf, now I'm going to defeat you on behalf of all the inhabitants of the surface, and bring back dry land and peace to the world! — Jay released the force, the Merlopian tried to block the attack with his father's trident, but he could not withstand the onslaught and was broken in two. Wojira immediately freed herself from Kalmaar's control and rebelled against him, once the former king became a snack for her, Jay was more lucky, he managed to teleport from there with the help of the elements, Wojira, having lost control, began to rampage that even all the Merlopians fled to the sides, high-rise buildings that were not absorbed by water, the sea serpent simply destroyed them and their fragments fell into the water.

The ninja flew to a safe distance and saw what his decision to avenge Nya had led to.

— «My actions only made it worse, it seems that to stop all this, I need to destroy the amulets on her forehead, the only way to stop her, the only way to save Ninjago» — Jay fired several powerful lightning bolts into her neck, attracting the creature's attention to himself. — Wojira! I'm here! — the next blow was right in her face, but her breath swallowed him up, just a little more and he would have reached him, water and lightning are incompatible, especially if they are two pure forces.

Jay dodged her attacks and released his own, the sea snake did what it dodged or attacked from under the water, where Walker could not descend or approach.

At the main moment, the lightning master is transferred to her forehead and inhabits the amulet of the Storm, destroying it, because of this, Wojira roared and leaned out of the water at full height, lightning flashed, and she disappeared, and the Endless waters began to leave the lands of Ninjago, returning to their former borders, the team that already they have been watching this for a long time, fighting with the Merlopians, covering their friend's back, after defeating Wojira, they climbed onto the roof, where Jay was already hanging in his elemental form.

The elemental ninja turns to his friends and looks at Nya lying in Kai's arms, Jay flies up to her and touches her chest, a light current passes through her body, after which Nia opens her eyes and begins to breathe, clearing her throat, greedily gulping air.

— Nya! — A joyful Kai hugged his sister.

— Well done, Jay! You did it! — the earth ninja wanted to hug his friend, but the lightning strike did not give, the earth master quickly moved away.

— Jay, you can be yourself again now — Master Wu said politely.

— Jay?! — didn't understand the ninja. — Who is this guy?! — the question baffled the ninja.

— That's your name — Cole said hesitantly.

Wu looked at him sadly.

— Do you recognize us? — the question is quite stupid for the team, but the answer was the most unusual.

— I do not know you, but I know that you are good ... — the ninja said slowly.

— What does this mean?! Jay, stop fooling around! — friends did not understand what Wu had already realized.

— Jay — Nya called him softly, leaning on Kai, she came up to him.

— I'm glad you're alive — Jay said, and in a moment looked up at the sky, where lightning was flashing.

— Do you hear that? — Jay asked them, looking at the lightning.

— What are you talking about, Jay? — the brunette did not understand what her Ying meant.

— Lightning… It's so fast… Such a formidable... — the lightning master answers her, mesmerized.

— It's calling him. — The Prince of Merlopia replied sadly.

— I have to go — Jay suddenly said, walking somewhere.

— Wait, buddy. You do it first — Cole wanted to put his hand on his best friend's shoulder, but she passed through him like a ghost, electrocuting him. From this, the black ninja gasped, looking at his hand, like everyone else.

— Jay, wait! Where are you going?! Jay! You have to come to your senses, you have to come back to us! — standing in front of Walker, the ninja of the water said, but her beloved did not seem to listen to her and also went through. The girl hissed in pain, turning around, she saw that Jay was already at the edge of the roof.

— Jay, I don't understand what's going on, but I only know one thing: We will find a way and we will definitely bring you back to normal, just please don't leave — the fire ninja said proudly.

— My time in this world is running out, maybe one day we will meet again. — The elemental ninja said with a smile.

— What does it mean in this world?! — Kai approached his friend.

— Jay, Ninjago is your home, our home — Lloyd also joined the conversation.

— Your house, but not mine, flaws are calling me, I have to go, it's hard enough to be in this shell, goodbye! — a flash flashed in front of friends

— I'm sorry, my friends, but it's no use.… If a person merges with his element, he begins to lose himself over time: Who he is, does he have friends, family, acquaintances — all this, he will forget as if it never happened and is unlikely to ever remember it — Benthomaar spoke with pain in his voice and the soul.

Realizing this, Nya was speechless, tears involuntarily ran down the girl's face, falling to the ground.

— Jay, I beg you, so that you don't hear, so that you don't experience. Fight it, Jay. Remember who you are, always remember that! — the master's last instruction was the hope of bringing their friend back to life. Wu sincerely wished and hoped that Jay would overdo himself and stay, but unfortunately, this did not happen.

— I'm Jay. And I am lightning. We are one — looking back at his master and friends, the guy says, smiling.

— Jay… I ... I love you ... — the brunette said sadly, deep down she hoped that he would wake up, remember what he was doing it for, remember everything, in response to this Jay only smiled sweetly at her.

— Farewell, heroes — these were the last words of the savior, the ninjas froze, at the same second each of them wanted to take off and jerk and stop by force, but the body seemed to refuse them this, they could only watch him rise into the sky, and then disappeared, with the last lightning that appeared in the sky before the clouds finally dissolved.

— JAY! NO!!! COME BACK!!! — Nya exclaimed, taking off and running to the edge of the roof, but it was too late, Jay flew away, and the clouds became ordinary white clouds, as before.

Everyone was looking at the sky where Jay was, even after he was gone, no one started moving or saying anything, everything was clear without words.

***

— Today we honor the memory of Ninja Jay, who saved our city by sacrificing himself. — Master Wu, like the whole team, stood at the porch of the monastery, where residents from all over Ninjago, all their friends and acquaintances, all fans of ninja and Jay gathered. — This day will be a day of mourning. — Wu finished his long and sad speech. — And now I give my word to Nya— the water master came forward.

— Jay… He... — It was difficult to start talking, especially about someone who is no longer there, all the residents were looking at her right now, but it was not this that worried her more, but the fact that his parents were among them and not somewhere, but in the very first row, closest of all, Ed — Jay's adoptive father, comforted his adoptive mother, Edna, who cried so bitterly over the loss of their son, they, like Nya, know the truth that Jay is not their own son, but the pain of his loss only increases. — Jay was a joker, it was his thing, he tried to look for nothing but to put it on everywhere, he could cheer everyone up, and even if sometimes his jokes could offend, but everything he did, including his act today, he wished for you, for us, I had never met such a thing before Like Jay, he always helped and supported anyone who needed help, he was not just our friend, not just a ninja, he was something big for everyone here, and I would like to tell you all that despite the fact that he is no longer there, we will continue that What he gave his life for, We will continue to fight for Jay, for everyone who needs help, and let every resident of Ninjago sleep peacefully today! — Nya finished her speech with difficulty, returning to the others.

During her performance, she endured, endured the pain that was inside, held back tears and pain, pain turning into a tsunami that covered her head.

Upon completion, Nya returned to the monastery, and stood near the frame with their joint picture with Jay, only after making sure that she was alone, she let all the pain out, falling to her knees, allowing emotions to take over. Maya and Ray came to her.

— Nya, are you okay?.. — Maya carefully approached her daughter, and when she heard her mother's voice, she quickly removed her tears, getting up from her knees.

— Oh, hi, mom, I'm just dusting, I think I got dust in my eyes ... — the water ninja replied with a smile.

— It's all right. — The elder Smith said, putting her hand on her daughter's shoulder.

— I didn't even have time to say goodbye to him...— Nya tried to hold back her tears.

— Nya, I'm sure Jay will remember you and the others. You and Kai and your friends will save him and you will be together again — the elder Smith tried to comfort.

— I hope so, Mom.… I hope Jay comes back.… I hope that we will definitely bring him back to normal. — Maya's daughter could hardly hold back her tears, trying not to cry again, but her mother silently hugged her, and the water master did not respond with a hug from her mother, but she was not going to push her away.

— It's the time. Are you coming, Nya? — the father asked, Nya only nodded, Ray understood how much she was in pain, they felt the same pain when Krux threatened them with violence against their children.

When the Smiths went outside, the girl looked up at the sky, it was already dark, there was no moon or stars in the sky, just blackness, candles were lit all over the training hall, it was very quiet, as if the monastery was empty or extinct. Each of the residents, the ninja, and Jay's parents had lanterns in their hands.

Ray gave the lanterns to his daughter and wife, and he lit them for each of those present, Kai also took part in this.

And when the last lantern was lit, it was clear the number of those who went out to say goodbye to the hero who fell in battle, only now did Nya realize that the whole of Ninjago City went out into the street with only one single purpose — to say goodbye to the one who gave them peace and hope for a happy and peaceful future. Very soon, all the lanterns one by one were released into the sky, someone was letting out of the windows, someone from the top of the roofs, even the lantern from the Borg building was visible in the sky, this sad and dark night was covered with bright light in an instant, Nya looked at her lantern for a long time, she was the only one who still he did not launch it into the sky, but soon she finally decided and let it go, looking at him with a sad look. Kai was by her side all this time, there was no one closer to him, seeing Nya's condition, with sadness on his face and pain in his heart, he looked at her ... The Fire Ninja hugged his sister.

It was so warm... The brunette remembered how her brother supported her if she couldn't cope and Jay... Remembering her lover, Nya cried again and cried into her older brother's shoulder, the fire master calmed his sister, sharing her heartache, stroking her back and whispering in her ear that this was not the end yet and they will definitely save him, find a solution, find a way, sooner or later it will happen, and when Jay remembers them and returns, he will start joking and telling different stories again, even if sometimes they are not always so funny. Soon, the water master calmed down, she was grateful to Kai and everyone who went outside to support her lover and honor his memory:

— Thank you for being with me this day, thank you to everyone who is next to me now — the brunette whispered, Kai only smiled in response, hugging her again, and Nya only snuggled closer into him.

Kai and Nya's parents looked at their children with a smile, their friends came to the Smiths, everyone looked up at the sky with a smile, illuminated by lanterns, watching as they moved further and further away, flew higher and higher, imperceptibly disappearing one after another.

They will definitely bring their friend back, they hope that they will find a way to return him to his former form, they hope that Jay will return to them soon… And until that happened, the team had to go through personal problems, as it had before, on the day of Zane's death.

To be continued.

Chapter Text

It's been a week since Jay left, merging with the lightning. It was hard for the ninja to lose him and they couldn't come to terms with it. Sometimes the ninjas trained without Wu, the master himself was looking for a way to return Jay to his previous state with the help of scrolls, but there was no information in them, the teacher did not give up and continued to search.

In the morning, Nya woke up very early, the sun had just risen, the heroes were still sleeping sweetly and peacefully in the monastery, the water master decided to have a snack, the dream seemed to be sleeping with his hand, making a sandwich and tea, the girl sat down to breakfast, when Kai entered.

— Nya? — Kai sounded worried and worried. — Are you up yet? —The girl nodded. — I didn't expect you to wake up so early, and also first. Would you like a sandwich? — The elder Smith asked, looking at the preparations lying on the table, the younger one shook her head, Kai thought it was strange, as if Nya had lost her voice, not paying attention to it, Kai took a sandwich and began to eat, licking his fingers.

— Are you all right? —Nya raised her head, and then Kai saw the bruises under her sister's eyes, immediately changing her face. — Oh, my God! Nya! Are you even sleeping?! — The fire ninja shook her by the shoulders, his sister's face showed no emotion — Do you hear me? Please answer me! — The older brother panicked.

— I'm fine, Kai. It's okay, I just had a nightmare... — About Jay?.. — The brunette nodded, rocking slightly forward. — Jay called me, asked me to find him, I was next to him… And then... — tears welled up in my eyes... — A flash, and he's gone… I was left alone, and in its place was a crater from which water was pouring out like a fountain.

— What are you saying, Nya?! There is always hope! — Kai tried to calm his sister by wiping tears from her face.

— What if there is no hope?.. Master Wu was looking for a way with the scrolls, but he couldn't find it!.. It's just a waste of time! I can't live like this anymore.… I can't live without him anymore.… I feel bad, Kai! Every night I try to fall asleep, thinking that something will change in the morning, and he will appear, or the master will find a message, but as soon as I close my eyes, I see the whole same situation, over and over again, the empty streets of the city where I walk, then a flash, I run to her, and there he stands, I run up to him, but before I can say anything to him, he disappears, and every time he says the same thing: «Help me, Nya! Save me!» — the water master gave free rein to the emotions that overwhelmed her. — I can't live without him! I want to see my Ying again! — The water ninja started crying again. Kai silently hugged his sister, to which she shuddered.

— I want Jay back myself... but what if there's still a way to get him back? — Kai did not believe in his own words, but tried to make them sound convincing, at least for the Research Institute.

— Maybe you're right.… But I can't do without him.… I feel so bad!.. I do not know what to do, Kai! — the ninja of water almost shouted.

— I know, Sister… I know, but I assure you, we will find a way to get him back! I promise! — With hope and fire in his eyes, Smith smiled as he walked up to his sister, putting his hand on her shoulder, forcing her to look at him.

— Thank you, brother! Thank you for your care and support, thank you for always being there for me, thank you for not leaving me — Nya snuggled up to her brother, and he hugged her back, still keeping a smile on his face.

 The days passed, each of which was harder and harder than the previous ones, Zane cooked breakfast every day, Lloyd continued to train his friends, Kai tried to be closer to Nya, but no one could deny the only fact that without Jay everything was not the same, not so good, not so fun... funny... as if the monastery had died out, and with it the whole mood, it became more and more difficult and painful to communicate, Nya looked at their photos from the past more and more often, there were fewer and fewer missions at all, heroes began to be noticed less and less on the streets of the city, they were remembered, they were on the news, they talked, they read, discussed, and sympathized, but it didn't make it easier for anyone.

Although Jay often annoyed many with his jokes, but despite this, he still continued to be loved and honored, supported and helped, his speed of genius had no limits, he always saw only advantages in everything - Nya remembered how she used to be angry at Jay, but now she couldn't even remember why And what was it about?! What was the reason? She caused the lightning master so much pain, she was not ready to forgive herself, she thought that after these cases, Jay would hate her and maybe stop loving her, but Jay still loved her, despite the pain that she created and was surprised by this, Jay always joked, no matter how bad it was No matter how close death was, he was always an optimist, always looking for a way out, always trying to bring joy into their lives… Into their relationship. A memory popped into his mind with his last wish.

«— Oh, Jay, if I had known that everything would end this way, and we would switch places, and there would have been a chance to change the course of time and events, I would have done everything to avoid this, I would have fought Nadakhan again, sat down at the same table with him, and that's it to save you, I would give everything I have, I would be ready to give up my power, become the same as everyone else, become ordinary, but if only you were alive, and you were created by me, if only there was a chance, I would do everything...» — as tears unwillingly welled up in her eyes. «But I can't...» — a tear fell to the floor. — I know that you did this in order to save me, to save us all, but if you can hear me now, then please give me a sign that you're still alive, give me a chance to see you again, please, Jay… I wish more than anything in the world to meet you again, I wish that you would become a man again, and that we would be together again, as then ... before, so that you would be there, please me with your jokes, make me laugh, as then ... — Nya sat down on her knees, crying softly. — How do I miss you, why exactly you, why everyone who was dear to me always leaves so early, first Zane, then Cole, then Master Wu, then Cole almost died again, then Lloyd, my brother, and now you, Jay, why do those who always suffer Dear to me?! I became a Samurai X to protect my friends from serpentines, then I became a water master to protect Ninjago from ghosts and the Preeminent, no matter how hard I try to become stronger, I still can't protect everyone I care about! — Nya raised her head, looking up at the sky.

She was very lucky with him, and he was lucky with her.

Everyone claimed that the lightning and water are not compatible, but what about them? Always together, always help each other, even when they fell from the clouds, created together a dragon with the lightning and water. And now, when Jay merged with his element, sacrificing himself, the world collapsed for Nya, as if her heart had been broken into many pieces.

Why is fate doing this to them? What did they do? Why couldn't they be happy, together to the end, without these self-sacrifices, as if they didn't deserve it, as if she was laughing at them, making it clear that there wasn't always a happy ending? It's just not fair.…

When the team left the training hall again, only Zane and Nya were left on the court again.

— It's your turn to wash the dishes today, Nya — the ice ninja said, causing Nya to leave her thoughts.

— Okay, Zane, I'll take care of it... later — was all she said. The Nindroid looked at the girl with pity, but soon left, leaving the younger Smith alone with her thoughts.

Nya returned to the kitchen and began to wash the dishes to get at least a little distracted. Zane was with Pixal in the Hangar Bay, repairing equipment, Lloyd and Kai were in the library, and Cole was playing «Prime Empire.»

Sometimes Skylor came to them or the ninjas came to her noodle shop, although she had little contact with Jay, but the red-haired woman understood how hard and painful it was for them to lose this loss and a close friend.

Skylor tried to comfort them, saying that it was necessary to move on, it had to happen someday, realizing that it was not so easy to do, you can say anything, but to do it, it's not so easy, the heroes only nodded, not trusting their voice, the amber master hugged Kai tightly, and The fire master himself was surprised at first by such a sharp surprise, but still hugged her back.

Skylor also communicated with Pixal and with Nya, noticing the bags under the latter's eyes, she shuddered a little, she did not ask, and without words it was clear that the loss of Jay had the strongest and hardest effect on her, Nya and Jay were much more than a couple, and what was said in the news about her It wasn't even close to the truth, it was much worse.

The days went on, harder and harder each time, more and more painful. Once Kai was upset about something, he began to drive at Cole, shouted that he was not the only one who was close to Jay and was suffering for him, Cole's anger seemed to take over his mind, clenching his fist and using his element, the earth master hit Kai with great force, which is why Kai crashed into the door after breaking it, Cole and the others were scared, the rest of their team gathered around the victims, Nya ran to her brother rather, along with Lloyd, helping her up, Kai winced in pain, touching the place where the Bucket hit, Kai was not angry at Cole anymore, he looked at his friend in fright, and Nya glared at the brunette. Seeing this look, the earth ninja immediately figured it out, Kai is afraid of him, he almost killed Smith, looking at his hands, Cole could not restrain himself, he closed his eyes and walked away into the depths of the monastery, Zane and Pixal ran after him.

— What's gotten into you, Cole?! You could have killed Kai! — The ice ninja raised his voice.

— I know, Zane! I feel sick without you… It's just that Kai... started pumping his rights here, and I got angry..Hit… I really didn't want to! I didn't want to kill him! — Cole tried to hold back his tears and not break down again.

— We know, Cole. I scanned Kai's body, you dealt him such a powerful blow, but fortunately you got off with just a big bruise — the earth ninja was horrified when he heard his friend's words.

— What have I done… I hurt Kai! He's going to have a bruise now and it's all because of me! — The brunette was angry at himself.

—Cole, we're asking you to calm down — Pixal began to say.

— How can I be calm if I almost killed my friend?! — Bucket was angry.

— Cole... just don't think about it, first of all, don't touch Kai yet and give him time. It will take days until Kai is lying on the bed, then you will apologize to him, but again, give him time so that he can forgive you — Zane tried to calm down.

— You're right.… I'll do that.… Thank you — the earth master thanked, smiling.

Nya was with Kai in his room all the time, learning about his condition and bruise, although the girl was angry at Cole, but at the same time he did not want to kill her brother, he could just talk, not swing his fists. The brown-haired man himself said that he would soon recover and the bruise would disappear, it hurt, but you have to believe in the best, and Nya again choked with her own tears and cried into Kai's shoulder, Smith himself stroked her back and comforted her that it was not worth crying because of him, if she continued to cry, then And he starts, he doesn't like to see his sister like this…

Cole apologized to Kai, saying that he did not want to and would not do it anymore, the brown-haired man himself could not easily forgive him, he needed time, and the brunette nodded in agreement, but noticing Nya's displeasure, Cole got goosebumps, but then he excused himself that Zane was calling him and left the room rather Leaving the Smiths alone, Kai turned to Nya, saying that it was your doing, but that she only refused, shrugging her shoulders. Kai soon had a huge bruise that Cole had made, he thought and thought, and still forgave his friend, but he just smiled and threw a hug, Smith only objected that he had not fully recovered, he quickly apologized and helped him get up.

Nya kept having the same nightmares about Jay asking for help from a girl, a flash... and he was gone. And so it went on day after day, until one day this nightmare turned into something different, unlike the others:

As she got closer, Nya noticed a familiar silhouette.

— Jay?.. It's you?.. What are you doing here? Are you back? For me, for our team? — The water ninja began to speak. — Not believing that it was a dream, everything was so realistic, as if in reality.

— For you and the team? I left, and you couldn't even stop me, neither are you a ninja! You just stood there and watched and did nothing! — the elemental ninja hissed, Nya did not understand at first what had come over her beloved so sharply and why he was behaving like this.

— But Jay… We couldn't have prevented it! It would have been worse for you if you had stayed.

— A lie! You could, but you didn't! You didn't give a damn about me!

— What kind of nonsense is this, Jay?! Of course not… We…

— Look what you've done! Because of you, I've become like this now! I can no longer return as a human, now I have become one with the lightning! It's all your fault! No one else but you! — Suddenly, Jay, standing in front of her, increased in size to a height of more than five floors, and Nya staggered back.

— Maybe you're right, we couldn't help you then, we didn't know what to do, but now, now we're doing everything to get you back! Believe me! We will do it, no matter what it costs us!

— I don't see that you're trying... did you see what happened to me?! If it wasn't for you, this wouldn't have happened! — still talking in his new size.

— Jay, I'm so sorry!.. I didn't really want to… I didn't want this to happen! I love you, Jay! Sorry! — Nya started crying again, Jay shrank and became a normal size, suddenly he came up to Nya, she looked at him through tears.

— It's too late to apologize.… You can't fix it now. — The lightning master began calmly. — You look pathetic, you crybaby! — Suddenly Jay started laughing.

— Jay?.. What… What's wrong with you?..

— You're useless and pathetic, Nya... You. You just watched your friend leave! You don't care!

— It's not like that! There was no other choice, Jay! Please come back to us! Come back to me! My beloved, my Ying — the water master pleaded, approaching him, but he backed away, releasing several thevlightning bolts at her feet, forcing her to move away.

— Don't you dare come near me.

— Jay… I... — the water master held out her hand to him.

— SHUT UP! I AM NO LONGER YOUR BELOVED AND YING!!! IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT, NYA! YOU'RE USELESS!!! I'M SORRY THAT I MET YOU!!! I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU ANYMORE!!! — Jay raised his voice, which made the brunette flinch, finishing her speech, there was another flash, and Jay was no longer there.

— NO!!! JAY!!! PLEASE! DON'T LEAVE ME AGAIN!!! PLEASE!!! — Nya fell to her knees and started crying loudly, she tried to calm down, but it turned out very badly — I'M REALLY SORRY! SORRY!!!

Nya woke up in an icy sweat, there were no words, it was not like Jay at all, especially since this nightmare was different from the others that she had dreamed. The water masters's tears started flowing again, trying to drown out the screaming and crying so that no one would hear her and Nya herself did not want to wake anyone, even her own older brother.

In the morning, everyone started to gather at the table again, but Kai was nowhere to be found.

— Good morning, Zane, where's my brother? — Hello, Nya, Zane spoke in an unusually cold voice.

— Are you all right? — Nya peered into Zane's face.

— Yes. I turned off my emotions, now my performance has been increased by two hundred and eighty percent! What do you want for breakfast? — Zane began to answer like a machine.

— What? B... But why?! — the girl did not understand this decision.

— Read this! — Zane took a small note from the refrigerator, pulling Nya.

The envelope had her brother's handwriting on it, and the water master slowly opened the letter:

«Dear sister, I can't stay in our monastery anymore, that quarrel with Cole showed what we are like, we can't get along here anymore, losing Jay was an unexpected blow for all of us, I'm very sorry that I'm leaving you in such a difficult hour, but I can't do this anymore I really hope that this letter gets to you, and you can tell Lloyd and the others my decision. 

Without Jay, our team is strong, but not as strong as before, first of all, I need time to gather my thoughts, figure out what to do, when I come up with something, I will definitely come and send you an email, of course I regret my decision, but this can't go on anymore. 

Don't get me wrong, sis, I didn't leave because of Cole, not because of Jay, and certainly not because of you, I left to find myself and my inner peace, I think much better with a fresh head than with a hot one, I hope you have the strength to forgive me for this decision...»

Kai Smith.

Nya, having read the letter to the end, at the same moment her hands trembled, she did not have enough strength to tear the letter, the tears that flowed from her eyes fell on the letter, wetting the sheet of paper, the water master crumpled the letter and threw it towards the porch and ran to her brother's room, to mourn his departure, past her Lloyd was walking, Nya almost knocked him down, the energy master just looked at her in surprise, and went to Zane to find out what happened to her, but besides the nindroid, his gaze is attracted by the «trash» lying near the porch.

— Who didn't clean up after themselves? — Lloyd picked up the crumpled piece of paper and unfolded it, starting to read it. Zane stared coldly after Nya, and then at Lloyd's surprise.

— No, well, it must be so! You're Kai, I didn't think you could do that. — Lloyd crumpled up the piece of paper again and threw it in the trash in the kitchen. — Zane, I'm not hungry today. — After glancing at him briefly, the master of energy ran into the room to Nya Institute for a conversation with her.

— Nya! Are you here? — The leader exclaimed, not finding the girl in the room, Lloyd thought about it.

— Maybe she's in Kai's room? It's worth checking out. — closing the door, he headed to the elder Smith's room, finding Nya sitting on the floor.

— Oh my God, Nya! It's cold — the energy master rather ran to her — Is everything okay?

— HOW CAN IT BE GOOD, LLOYD?! TELL ME! DID I DESERVE ALL THIS?! WHY DOES EVERYONE ALWAYS LEAVE AND LEAVE ME ALONE?! DID I REALLY DESERVE THIS?! — The water master raised her voice sharply, which made him shudder.

— I don't understand you, Nya… You didn't deserve it, it had to happen and... — the blond man began to speak, as he was interrupted.

— It's me.… It's all my fault! If it wasn't for me, this wouldn't have happened, it wouldn't have happened to Jay! — Nya started crying again.

— What makes you think you're to blame for Jay's departure? — the leader did not understand the brunette.

— I had nightmares about Jay.… Every day, but this night I had a different dream, I saw Jay, tried to talk to him, and he said that it was my fault for this, only I did not do anything when he left, stood, looked that he was no longer my Ying and beloved and that he did not want me to see! — She answered her friend with a heavy pain in her heart.

— Nya, but there was no other way out, Jay had to leave, no matter how he was stopped, he merged with his element, and his flaws were called… We were powerless here to help Jay in any way, to stop him, so all we could do was watch him fly away with the last lightning bolt to the others. It's just a nightmare, Nya! Jay would never say such a thing and blamed others for everything, I know and you know it — comforted his girlfriend, who was like a sister to him.

—But...— she began to say, as she was hugged.

— Please calm down, it had to happen, there was nothing we could do about it and don't even dare to think about it, that it's your fault! Please, Nya!

— Maybe you're right, Lloyd. — The grey ninja somehow calmed down and snuggled into the embrace of the green one.

The days passed, the ninjas gradually began to leave one by one, first Kai, then Cole, then Nya after another nightmare, Lloyd wanted to stop the latter, but she quickly summoned her water dragon, casting a tearful look, then said that she was tired of all this, she no longer wants to be a ninja, but to be as usual, she asked to tell Wu that she was very sorry, but there was nothing more they could do, then she flew away, and Lloyd looked at her with a sad look. Soon he left himself, realizing that the responsibility of the leader was too heavy and that he blamed himself, he could not stop Jay, allowing him to merge with the lightning. Only Zane, Wu, and Pixal remained in the monastery.

Master Wu came to the training hall, checking if the ninjas were training, not noticing his students, the teacher arched an eyebrow, then Zane came.

— Oh, Zane! It's good that you came. And where is the whole team? Why don't you train? Or do you want me to get angry again and get a staff from me? — The FMS's son grinned.

— What kind of team are we talking about, if one left, followed by others, Master Wu — the nindroid also replied coldly, he was surprised, especially by such a tone.

— How is that? I do not understand… Are you okay, Zane? — The teacher asked.

— I turned off my emotions, Master, because Jay left. While you were looking for ways in your own scrolls, we quietly leave, first Kai, then Cole and Nya, then Lloyd. Since there is no more Jay, there will be no more team — after finishing, the ice master went to Pixal, and Wu himself was shocked to hear how Jay's departure affected them, then he began stroking his beard, thinking.

Last year, the ninjas went their separate ways due to the fact that they could not come to terms with the loss and the loss of their comrade. Kai followed the path of the red shogun, Cole flew to Shintaro, unable to come to terms with Kai's departure, Vania was with him, which comforted the brunette and distracted him from the pain in his heart and a stone in his soul. Nya, unable to come to terms with her brother's departure and the loss of Jay, left the monastery in tears, everything reminded her of Jay, but the eternal nightmares tormenting her, the pain from these dreams, it was unbearable to endure, and when it was raining or a thunderstorm outside, Nya constantly tried to catch up with her and talk to Jay, hoping that he was there, and not someone else, so the water master went to a place where she was at least a little bit calmer, eventually settling at the Echo Zane Lighthouse, it was there that storms and thunderstorms most often happened, there she felt like herself, there was a chance that she could meet Jay there, If he remembers anything else, the water master would give anything to have Jay back, even a slim chance, that would be enough for her. And what happened to Lloyd? — It was hardest for the Master of energy when the heroes left the monastery, one by one, Lloyd tried his best to persuade them to stay, said the strongest and most encouraging speeches, but it was all useless, it was hard to light an extinguished spark, and only a chance to save Jay could give something, but no plan, no clue they had absolutely nothing, the master disappeared for days in the library and archive of the monastery, but eventually, when the scrolls ran out, the last hope faded by itself, the master was exhausted no less than the heroes themselves, that day will remain in the memory of the ninja forever:

— Master Wu, what's the progress? — Lloyd, like the rest of the team, stood at the library, anxiously looking at the teacher, eyes sparkling, hearts fluttering, but Wu's face instantly blew out their candles in their eyes, the last hope was killed not by the villain, but by Master Wu himself in his own words:

— I looked through all the scrolls, every single one, studied every line and every word, everything that could help us ... — the master took a pause, at that moment the ninja's breathing stopped, everyone was waiting for the continuation. — But in none of them could I find a clue or a clue to Jay's return. — Wu spoke slowly, it was obvious from him that he was tired, that he was ill.

— B... but these same scrolls were compiled by your father, can it be that he did not provide a solution, maybe it is encrypted? Is it on the surface or at the bottom, but we just don't see it? — Cole tried to cheer up the master, but it was useless.

— No... he's not here, I've studied everything, revised, rechecked all possible and impossible options, but there's no answer, it seems even my father couldn't find a solution... — Wu sighed heavily.

— If the First Master didn't find it, then how do we find it? — Cole asked, confused.

— Are we just going to give up and accept that this is impossible? Surrender — Nya was angry at everyone that day. — I DON'T BELIEVE IT! — she shouted. — We are ninjas, and ninjas never give up! — The water master declared.

— I'm sorry, Nya, but I don't see a solution to our problem — Wu slowly went to his dojo, and the students went to their rooms, it was the last day when they were still a team.

Lloyd, who could not keep the team, packed up his own things with the departure of the Nya, after which he looked at his uncle's dojo, he did not even come out to say goodbye to him, Lloyd slowly left the monastery, having previously passed all the places, only the emotionless Zane and sad Pixal remained, Lloy did not even say goodbye to them, they were too busy, the ninja went out into the yard, and went out the gate, closing the doors behind him, mentally saying goodbye to the house.

«It's better this way, I can't be a leader without a team anymore… It's too hard.… I can't lose friends anymore, it's better not to have them at all than to mourn their graves, it's better to be alone, and an unknown and unnecessary person, than to experience grief over and over again.» — Lloyd began to descend the stairs thinking about his decision, and with each step he convinced himself that this was it was the right decision, and there was nothing else for him to do here, in the end he decided to become the most ordinary janitor, who does not care about anything except the streets and garbage with foliage.

Wu, Pixal and Zane became the only inhabitants of the monastery, remaining in the Hangar Bay, working on equipment, Pixal often left the almost empty house, often looking into the Borg Tower, helping her father with inventions, comforting her mental pain, working «at home.»

Wu continued to meditate, Jay's search now became useless, there were no more students, now his thoughts were hovering about what would happen next, and what to do when darkness descended on Ninjago, when evil returned to the streets of the city again, and the world plunged into chaos, the master became the only defender, excluding Pixal and the emotionless Zane He began to worry about the future of this world much more than the fate of his students and his nephew, the master gave them enough knowledge, they were able to protect themselves if they wanted to, but Ninjago? Without heroes, this city is unlikely to be able to hold out for long.

***

Miss Demeanor made a deal with a henchman about the Vengestone.

 — Do you see? Everything is in place. Two tons of vengestone!

— Jackpot, the boss will be delighted. Pay him! — Miss Demeanor declared.

Miss was about to pay him off, but several shurikens land in front of them, which suddenly exploded, knocking them away.

— What are you waiting for?! Grab him! — the girl commanded to find her minions, but they are not given, as the new ninjas are dealing with them.

— I was waiting for you when

I can fight you again! — releases several distracting fireballs.

— What else is this? Who are you guys? — The red—haired woman asked.

— Wherever the criminals show up — the orange ninja began to speak.

— Wherever the bandits show up — said the fuchsia ninja.

— Wherever the criminals show up — said the yellow ninja.

— We will come to the rescue. — Finished the teal ninja — We are the new ninja! — they said in unison.

— Are you kidding me?! — releasing the fireballs again, displeased. — I've devoted my whole life to crimes! — I carry explosive gas cylinders on my back! And that's the attitude towards me?! I won't even fight real ninjas!

— Watch out, orange ninja — teal suggested - Thanks for the warning, teal ninja — orange thanked.

— Teal?! — it's not even the main color! — the criminal said irritably. — It's beneath my dignity! I refuse to honor you with the honor of joining a duel with me! Next time, send real ninjas! — Miss Dynamite told them before running off with the Vengestone.

— Eh, she ran away — the orange ninja said sadly.

— Nothing, next time. Remember: «Ninjas never give up!» — encouraged teal.

Soon, several police cars and Gayle Gossip arrive.

— Who are you guys? — when the Police Commissioner saw them, he began to ask, wondering what was going on.

— We are the new ninjas! — The guy in the teal kimono explained, then he and his team disappear using a smoke bomb.

— New ninjas? What happened to the old ninjas? — The Commissar pondered, a look of bewilderment on his face.

***

In the Hangar Bay, Pixal and Zane are working on their machines.

— Yesterday, an attempt to smuggle the Vengestone was prevented in this place, and all thanks to a group of daredevils who call themselves the «New Ninjas». The newly elected Ulysses Trustable made a statement about this a little earlier — Gayle Gossip said.

— It's been a year since the last time the ninjas were seen, and to be honest, wherever they appear, they immediately cause multimillion-dollar damage, so I'll tell you what, it's time to find new heroes. — at that moment, a cat climbed onto the table. — Not now, Mr. Fuzly Fuzly. — carefully pushing the cat aside, Ulysses Trustable returned to his statement — Perhaps from these guys, there will be less harm — said the mayor.

— He's right, the probability that the new ninjas will surpass us in terms of causing damage is extremely low — the ice master said.

— Oh, Zane... — Pixal whispered, sighing heavily.

— If he's not okay… Oh, I was hoping that the Elder Quanolish's scrolls would help us get Jay back, but Quanolish turned out to be a fool! — when the nindroids came into the room, scrolls with boxes were laid out, they saw Wu. The elder himself was probably still finding a solution with hope, how to return his student who saved Ninjago, which would force the others to return here, but it seemed like this was another dead end.

— If there were answers there, you would have found them long ago. You've read these scrolls hundreds of times — the nindroid said, and the teacher took a deep breath.

— I should have gone with Misako to the library of Domu, they have a bigger meeting there — Pixal put her hand on the teacher's shoulder.

— Master Wu, I think it's time to assemble a team. I have a bad feeling about the Vengestone.

— The Vengestone? What are you talking about? — the teacher did not understand what the girl wanted to say.

— Yesterday they brought another batch of the Vengestone, and we still do not know who is behind it — after Julien's words, who turned off his emotions, Wu thought.

— There is cause for concern, the Vengestone is able to neutralize the power of the elements.

— That's right, and the one who collects it is up to something bad.

— I think you're right. It looks like we need to assemble a team — the son of FMS agreed, waving his staff.

***

After completing the dialogue with Master Wu, Zane and Pixal set off to gather friends and become a team again.

When Zane sacrificed himself, the ninjas also split up and went their separate ways: Kai is the red shogun, Jay is the TV presenter, Cole is the lumberjack, Nya stayed on the ship «Destiny's Bounty» with Wu, and Lloyd gathered the team, he also told the others where they were.

The Nindroids first went to look for Kai, Zane thought, he believed that Kai went into the snake pit again and became a red shogun again, warning his girlfriend, they went there.

Arriving at this lair, they saw a familiar crown, as they got closer, they noticed Kai drinking apple juice, thinking about something. Turning around, the red dragon noticed Pixal and Zane.

— Zane? Pixal? What are you doing here? — The brown—haired man asked, frowning.

— We assumed that you would come here again. We're putting together a team, will you come with us? — The nindroid girl asked.

— Pfft, the team? — Smith grinned. — There is no more team! Which team are we talking about?! — He looked displeased.

— We understand how hard it is for you, Kai, all of us, we could not come to terms with Jay's departure. — Kai raised one eyebrow. — Why are you talking like that? — Did he turn off his emotions, Kai by choice after that departure, as well as the others — did Nya leave too? — Everything, Kai, even Nya, only me, Zane and Master Wu remained in the monastery, he continued to look for ways to bring Jay back, but it was all in vain, no answers — But this is not the most important thing, remember Miss Demeanor? She and her minions brought one batch of the Vengestone yesterday, but we still don't know who is involved in this — the ice master said, to which Kai chuckled.

— The team needs you, Kai, we need a fire master.

— There is no fire master anymore, Pixal. I'm a red shogun now, and where's the lightning master? He merged with the lightning, defeating Wojira, and then left… And I'm here… I had to…

— What were you supposed to do, Kai? — the nindroid asked, narrowing her eyes.

— I should have sacrificed myself instead of Jay and left ... — he sighed and washed down the juice again to somehow distract himself.

— Don't say that! None of us should have sacrificed ourselves! Do you think Jay would want to hear that? I can imagine how you feel, but your self-sacrifice couldn't have been easier! Did you even think about it, did you want to just leave it like that? Your sister? To say nothing of us, we would miss you too, and no less, Kai. Is that really what you wanted? — Pixal's words made him think, and really, was it better? What about Nya? And the parents? Did he want to leave them, and for them to behave in a way that we can't accept the loss of Jay? What if Nya does something to herself? He can't even imagine it.

— It's no use, Pixal. Let's better not disturb Kai and go collect other ninjas — putting his hand on his beloved's shoulder, the ice ninja said, she nodded and as soon as they were about to leave, the brown-haired man stopped them:

— Wait! I'm coming with you!

— Are you sure? — Nindroid asked.

— Of course, and how will you cope without me, huh? — Kai grinned, showing off, Pixal smiled.

— This is our Kai, I'm glad of it. Let's hit the road! — said the green-eyed one.

Next, they decided to go in search of Cole, the master of the earth disappeared, he went into the mines, his heart became as stony as his body, Jay was his best friend, and only his jokes could cheer him up, but now that he is gone, Cole has lost his joy, and to somehow get rid of In pain, he went where he had gone in the days when he lost his mother. The mountains always pulled him like a loadstone, and with them the feeling of pain.

With each blow of the scream, he vented his anger more and more, worked himself to exhaustion to relieve his soul and body, to vent the pain.

 — Cole? — Zane's voice was ignored, he stopped paying attention to noise and other irritants, having lost the meaning of life, he lost the desire to communicate and make friends, he was the foundation of the team at one time, and when everyone dispersed, he became unnecessary, and left, he still performed his function, but in another place, Jay literally merged with his element, but Cole, he became callous, like the stone that he mines.

— Cole! — Kai shouted, and only then did the earth master turn around.

— What are you doing here? The mine is not a place for people like you, don't you have other things to do? — It was clear from his voice that he was not happy, but there was no feeling of irritation.

 — And yours? You're not a miner, Cole, remember who you wanted to be? Remember your vocation — Kai decided to hammer into his head about the past.

— Ninja?

— Yes, Cole, the ninja.

— No, I'm not a ninja anymore. Now I'm a miner, leave me alone! — Cole was angry.

— Cole… I understand you, because Jay was your best friend, but this can't go on anymore. A year has passed, and the criminals, along with Miss Demeanor, brought the stone of the resurrection, we need to stop them! — the brown-haired man declared, clenching his fist.

— Stop them? There are the police and these «new ninjas» — I put my fingers in quotes — They coped with them without us, and I don't care about that!

— The police can't do it on their own without us, especially since these new ninjas will only hurt themselves. Come on, Cole, we'll also find a way to get Jay back! — The red shogun smiled.

— Why do you think we're bringing Jay back? Master Wu looked for ways in the scrolls, but it's useless now… We can't help Jay in any way — the brunette sighed and lowered his head, upset.

— We're ninjas, aren't we, Cole? We've been through a lot, and I didn't say it would be easy— after a friend's words, Cole wondered — What's your answer, buddy? — putting his hand on the shoulder of the brunette, he said, Kai.

— I'm coming with you — turning around, the master of the earth declared, Kai and Pixal smiled, only Zane did not express any emotions — And I understand you went down the path of the flaming shogun again, right? — Bucket grinned.

— I am not a flaming shogun, but a red dragon! Is it so hard for you to remember it?! — Nya's brother protested, and Cole laughed.

— Relax, hothead, I'm joking — From this joke, Kai just rolled his eyes irritably and clicked — Okay, guys, there's no time to chat, let's go gather the team further — the rest nodded, agreeing.

«— We will always remember you, you mouthy joker… Our team, your family, Ninjago, all of us. We will never forget you, even I» — the brown-eyed man said in his thoughts, holding back his tears, no, he does not want to be weak and be a whiny boy, but sometimes he want to, especially when you have lost your own mother and now your friend, you want to scream, because it hurts so much and you can not do anything about it accept it.

***

— Seriously, Lloyd did this, why didn't you go to him right away? Isn't he in the palm of your hand? — Kai was amazed.

The team began to get closer and closer to each other.

— If you have come about the return of the team, then you can leave immediately, I will not return! — the janitor, near whom they were standing, was sweeping the path, standing with his back.

— But why? — After these words, Lloyd turned around.

— Because I am tired of everything that is happening, tired of losing friends, tired of the responsibility that is imposed on me, I am tired of everything around me depending on me, first this fate that gave me strength and a green kimono, then the prophecy that deprived me of childhood, then the fight with my father, death Zane — a sad look fell on the ice master. — I would now gladly give Morro this very kimono, this status, I no longer need it, like my friends, now I am Lloyd Garmadon — the janitor, and I am responsible only for myself and the cleanliness of this yard, even if a shadow falls on Ninjago, the end of the world will come, which happens almost every the Overlord take it every weekday! — Lloyd started to put the leaves in one pile. — If you really need a leader, let Kai or Zane become one, no, finally decide for yourself, you don't need me. — The former green ninja turned his back on his friends again.

— But that's the thing, the darkness is just around the corner, and we need you to drive it away — Cole walked up to Lloyd and turned him to face him, holding him by the shoulders.

— Someone is secretly the Vengestone the place, and not in small quantities, and most importantly, no one knows where and for what. — Kai joined the conversation.

— So what? I don't care about this, there are new ninjas in Ninjago, new heroes, and they are dealing with this — the former team leader said emotionlessly. — to say that they were shocked is to say nothing. — My task is to put this yard in order, if you want to stop these carriers, go ahead, but only without me, you will do it perfectly, I believe in you — the green ninja said in a slightly emotionless tone. — And I have to work. — having detached himself from everyone, Lloyd returned to work.

—Come on, it looks like it's useless, and we really lost our Lloyd — Cole said in disappointment.

— Without him, our chances of Jay's return have significantly decreased to three point nine thousandths of a percent — the ice ninja said mechanically.

— Yes, and don't remind us about it, Zane — Kai sighed heavily, realizing that that letter was the worst mistake he had ever made.

***

A year ago, to distract herself and get rid of nightmares, Nya went to the lighthouse, where she was with Jay a few years ago, when Nadakhan and his team were looking for them, climbing here, she remembered Jay and wanted to cry again, but she did not, she cried too much, because It was painful, she couldn't come to terms with Jay's departure, she held on as best she could, but still it didn't help to improve her condition. It hurt so much. Why did you take him from me, First Spinjitzu Master? We promised each other that we would be together forever, until the day we died, but Jay didn't keep his word. It reminded me of the moment when everyone thought that Zane died sacrificing himself when he fought the Overlord golden master, but soon they found out that he was alive and they were happy, but the situation with Jay was different and nevertheless difficult. No, Jay didn't die, he just became one with the lightning, but he didn't die, he just left, leaving them alone, brown-haired is alive, probably happy, he is no longer with them, with his team, but still it's her fault, it should be her, it should have happened to with her, not with him. And she continues to blame only herself, she allowed it, what happened to her Ying. She's made a mess and let her sort it out. The ninja of water wanted a happy life with him, not wanting to part, but the lightning master decided to leave, leaving her and the others alone, to accept his loss, but they did not, they grieved why Nya could not accept his choice, she hoped that Jay would reappear, as in her nightmares, but this did not happen and the nightmares haunted her again, she was tired of it all… But she was waiting for his appearance, knowing that he would not come, but it was worth a try, she loved not only the sea, but also thunderstorms. The girl saw a familiar nindroid: Echo Zane, she threw herself at him with hugs, he smiled.

— It's good to see you again, Nya. It's been so long since our last conversation. Something happened? — The rusty nindroid asked. 

— Echo Zane? — the brunette was surprised, having shed a few tears. — A lot has happened since that day, Echo... Jay... he.... — she stopped abruptly.

— Have a seat, my friend will buy you tea. — Gizmo appeared, the girl also remembered about him, especially when Zane's father was still alive. A small tea robot took a cup and poured a sweet drink into it.

— Thank you... — said the blue-eyed one.

— Now can you tell me what happened to Jay? If you don't want to, I'll… —

— I fought with a Merlopian named Kalmaar, but failed, he pointed his trident at me, I lost consciousness from it and fell into the water, then Jay helped me, he pulled me out of the water, but I was still unconscious... — It was hard to say this, but she continued — Then Jay merged with his element to save me, he defeated Kalmaar, even though he became a dish for the sea snake — she grinned, but the smile quickly slipped away — he defeated Wojira, destroying the amulet of the storm and she disappeared, then Jay revived me with his element, and then…

— Then what? — Echo asked, perplexed, everything seems to be fine, but he can't tell from the look of it, Nya felt depressed, sad, worried about something.

— Jay forgot about me, Kai and others, the lightning was calling him, I wanted to stop him, but I couldn't, I still stood and did nothing, and then he flew away — tears started coming again in the brunette's eyes — If it wasn't for me, he…

— Hush, — he put his hand on her shoulder, — You didn't know this could happen, I'm sure there's some way to get it back…

— There is no way, Echo... Master Wu searched, but it was unfortunately in vain… We can't get Jay back, and I don't think we can, especially since I'll never see him again.…

— But it's still worth trying, hoping for the best, even if it's not easy, I'm sure you'll save your friend, if not, you'll have to put up with it. — Echo's face changed abruptly. — For more than five years now, I have been completely alone, only the Gizmo company does not let me get bored, I could only remember our last meeting a few months or days ago, as if someone tried to erase it from my memory — Nya guessed that this was Jay's wish, but it probably worked incorrectly, since he remembers her and remembers the team, maybe there is still a Djinn somewhere, and he remembers it too, but that she has some kind of Djinn now, she would like Jay back.

— Why are you still here? — Nya suddenly stopped talking.

— Where should I go? My home is this lighthouse, here I was created, here I am waiting for my father, wherever he is, and now you are here, we will have fun together, we will play chess, you will tell me everything that is happening there now — Echo involuntarily pointed out the window, another would think that He was talking about the sea, but Nya understood that he was interested in learning about what was happening in the city.

— Of course, Echo Zane, I'll tell you everything — Nya cheered up a little.

— Forget all the bad things, and forget what happened to Jay, it hurts you, I don't want to see you cry. — The rusty droid said with a kind of smile.

— I can't ... let's forget about this topic, I don't want to go on that rake — the nindroid only nodded — By the way, Echo, you ... forgive us that we left you with Jay… I didn't mean it and you're probably angry.…

— I'm not mad at you, Nya — he said with a smile.

— But why? — Grey ninja asked.

— It's simple, my father did not add emotions and feelings, I am still cheerful and I like it better than this hatred, grief and resentment. If you want to hear it, then I've forgiven you — said Dr.Julien's second nindroid.

— I'm glad... — she smiled a little — «I'm glad that you don't hold grudges and hatred against us, but you're so naive… I would like to see how you met my friend Zane, he can sometimes be cold, like his element, does not understand obvious things like moping, but he is kind, smart and always helps» — Kai's sister said in her thoughts.

Soon the ninjas came to the Lighthouse, hoping that Nya was here, they had not been here for a very long time after the death of Zane's father, the titanium ninja was a little upset, but did not show it, he still turned off his emotions. The ninja knocked, the door opened and a nindroid unfamiliar to the ninja comes out.

— Greetings, did you want something? — The stranger asked.

— Eh..Hi, — Kai began, — we need Nya Smith, she's my sister, have you seen her?

— Please, and secondly, yes, your sister is here with me, she's sleeping, should I wake her up?

— Perhaps, but I'd better wake her up myself — the red shogun replied with a smile, he invited them and they entered, the brown-haired man saw a person familiar to him. — Nya! — Kai was delighted and ran rather, hugging the girl.

— What? Where? Kai? What are you doing here? — the girl asked, barely opening her eyes, there were bags under them again.

— You have bruises under your eyes again… Okay, we're putting together a team, since Miss Demeanor and her henchmen have brought a shipment of the Vengestone, we need to stop them and for that we need you.

— And why? There are other ninjas for that, remember? They'll do a better job than us.

— I hear these words again, but really, Nya, we tried to persuade Lloyd, but it was useless, we hoped that you would agree and rejoin the team. Aren't you bored here, especially with this — Cole pointed a finger at the rusty nindroid.

— Of course, I feel good here and it helps me at least to distract myself, I forgot to introduce you, this is Echo Zane, the first creation of Dr.Julien after our Zane. You can just call him Echo.

— Hello, it's very nice to meet you — greeted Echo.

— Very unusual... what else will surprise you?  — The earth ninja asked, as if he was mocking, and Nya just rolled her eyes.

— But my father never told me about him, why am I only finding out now after all these years? — The ice ninja was surprised.

— You see, it was faulty and was eventually sent to the basement, apparently your father forgot about it.

— But Dad didn't leave me, he asked me to wait until he got back from his business, I was waiting for him, but I didn't wait... — the rusty nindroid said sadly.

— That explains everything… Even though I didn't understand anything… So are you coming with us?

— Isn't it clear that I said no? I feel good here, there are Echo and Gizmo here, I have fun with them. I'll join the team and what? What's the point of that? Have you forgotten about the new ninjas? They can handle it without us.

— Do you want to be a replacement? Personally, we don't want Jay to be here, he wouldn't agree with you.

— Just don't involve Jay here, brother — the brunette said irritably — Don't you dare say his name, he's gone, he's gone, now he's happy, because he's merged with his element and I can't do anything, I'm powerless here!

— We understand what it's like for you, Nya. Jay was your boyfriend and Ying, but he also meant a lot to us — said Bucket, she just sighed.

— I know, Cole... and yet, it's my fault…

— What are you talking about? — Kai did not understand his sister.

— But don't pretend you don't know that! Jay left because of me! I should have stopped Kalmaar, but I lost to him.… I had to merged—her brother finally got it.

— Did you know about Nyad, what Benthomaar told you and didn't tell us anything?! — Smith raised his voice, but stopped when he saw his sister crying.

— It was the only way to stop Kalmaar and Wojira… I had to merged with the sea as Nyad did! But I didn't know that Jay was risking his life for me, I didn't want anyone else to sacrifice it, not even Jay! — Nya covered her face with her hands, still crying.

—Nya... — he looked at his sister with regret, he hated watching Nya cry.

— And now I'm having nightmares… Every day and I can't do anything about it, I'm tired of everything, Kai, Jay is right, I'm to blame for what happened to him, he only thought I was to blame, I could have done something to stop, but I just watched him fly away…

— Nya, it's not your fault. It was an accident, you couldn't do anything about it, it had to happen, Benthomaar himself also said that it was useless, Jay forgot about us, and it would be bad for him if he stayed, we had nothing to do but watch ... — said the amber-eyed girl through tears looked at him.

— What if you're saying this to make me feel better and you hate me?

— Nya, I would never hate you, you're my little sister and I love you. Don't you dare say that to yourself, it's not your fault that it happened, it's Kalmaar's fault, it's his fault that he woke up Wojira with the help of amulets, it's his fault that because of him, you almost died, and Jay had to merged, he loves you, Nya, a real Jay would never say such a thing, he is devoted to you and thought you were hot — from this word the younger Smith blushed and laughed, and the red ninja just smiled, he was glad to see her smile a year ago — If it wasn't for Jay, I would have lost you, we would have lost both of you, I would never have forgiven myself if this had happened to you, and when Wojira ate him, that bastard deserved it after everything he did. Jay was and will be a hero, thanks to him, we are alive and Ninjago is not flooded, to be honest, he is strong, he cares about others and sacrificed himself for you, us and our city, I could not even imagine that it was Jay, this blabbermouth can be serious.

— Hey — the brunette said, hitting her brother weakly in the shoulder — Thank you, Kai, you are the best older brother yourself — Nya rather threw herself with hugs, he did not expect — Thank you for everything, you are always there, thank you for lifting my mood, I am grateful to you — the blue-eyed smiled.

— You're welcome, little sister — smiled the red shogun in response — And yet you're coming with us?

— Yes, but I can't leave them alone — the water master said sadly.

— We can take them with us. If they don't mind — Pixal said.

— We just — said Echo and took his little friend in his arms.

— Excellent, then it's time to return to the monastery.

— Wait, what about Lloyd? Isn't he going to go? — Nya was amazed.

— He refused — the earth master said sympathetically.

— And now I take back my words — the master of energy climbed through the window. — I was wrong, and ninjas don't do that, I shouldn't have left, I should have been a better leader, forgive me, guys! — Lloyd spoke sincerely, and there was a smile on the faces of his friends.

— Of course, if you take on being our leader again and lead us to victory — Kai came up and hugged his brother.

— And we're sorry, Lloyd, we were wrong too — Nya said, approaching the blond man.

— Hugs! — Echo and the whole team of heroes hugged Lloyd, and he hugged them.

— For Jay! For Ninjago! — The leader exclaimed.

— For Jay! For Ninjago! — The whole team repeated the cry.

From the window of the lighthouse, a flash appeared in the sky, consisting of a mixture of five elements, like a salute.

To be continued.

Chapter Text

 The team is back together, almost together, because Jay became one with lightning after fighting the sea snake Wojira. After his loss, it was hard and painful for everyone, Master Wu lost a student, Cole, Kai, Lloyd, Zane and Pixal lost a friend and brother, and Nya lost her boyfriend and her Ying.

They still hope that there is still a chance to somehow help their friend become himself again, return to his former state. His sacrifice was not in vain, he was dear to everyone, a cheerful, freckled boy, talked a lot, and also joked, although it was not so funny, but it helped so that as if the monastery did not die out, as if there was no one in it, the ninjas only did what happened, they laughed, Nya kissed Walker on the lips, he laughed sweetly, Smith Sr. turned away, complaining, sometimes teased the blue ninja, but now?

And so it was, all the residents honored his memory, held lanterns in their hands, wrote notes on them, Kai and Ray burned them with their fire, and then released them into the black sky, they flew on and on, higher and higher, until they disappeared from sight. If it weren't for the lightning master, Ninjago City, what's the city, the whole world would have plunged under the water, the sea would have drowned many people and who knows what could have happened next, how would it all end?

Now the ninja with Wu and Pixal were in the Hangar Bay, tracking down where the Vengestone could be, where Miss Demeanor and her henchmen could hide it, but to no avail, there were no answers, not even clues. Skylor was sitting next to them, helping her boyfriend comfort herself and his sister, while at the same time helping them with the investigation. They would have continued their search if the fire master hadn't objected.:

— It's useless! — The brown—haired man with amber eyes rebelled.

— Patience, Kai, perhaps there is still hope, we must show chastity — the elder said, holding tea in his hands and taking a sip.

— Hope? Hope?! We still can't find a place for you! And you're telling me to be patient?! There is no hope since Jay sacrificed himself to save Ninjago by defeating this sea creature. What if these new ninjas — made fingers in quotes — have already completed this task and I guess they don't need us.

— And what do you suggest? — The leader asked.

— I suggest we postpone this matter, maybe we should think about it? For Jay's return?

— But how? Master Wu has been looking for ways to get him back, but there are no answers. I'm already starting to think it's for nothing, we won't be able to get him back now. It's been a year, Kai, he's probably forgotten everything, including us, forgotten me. — the brunette held back her tears so as not to cry — But he is probably happy... there, in heaven... even without us. I'm so tired of all this... Now the team is no longer the same, without Jay, and only in vain did we reunite again — Echo offered her tea — Thank you — the girl smiled sadly.

— You're exaggerating, Nya, there's nothing in vain — Kai waved his hand — That ninjas never quit? Do you want to leave your boyfriend alone up there in the sky? Think carefully before it's too late, if we don't get Jay back, we won't be the team we were before, and we'll have to give up our place to clowns pretending to be us, thinking they're us! — The Red Shogun snorted. — He will have to split up again, months, years will pass, but now he will forget about us, even forget who he is, I don't even want to think about it…

— There will also be cloudy weather today, a storm is promised, we need to come up with a plan soon, — the titanium ninja said emotionlessly.

— I love the rain and I love the sea… And I also love thunderstorms and storms... —Then the smile faded — But how can we get Jay back if he doesn't remember us? And remember how Cole and I tried to stop him, but he just electrocuted us, we need to stay away, be careful and I... I'm not ready to meet him yet… I'm afraid... — the blue-eyed woman looked at the yin-yang medallion, she remembered how Jay asked her to become his Yang when oni attacked and she agreed, it made her smile again, tears welled up from her eyes.

— Don't worry, Nya, I'm sure Jay will be back. When you left the monastery, Zane and I made this invention — Pixal showed them a large capsule — This is an electric cell for absorbing the power of the elements, specifically for the lightning master. We just need to figure out how to make Jay stand still or voluntarily enter our device so that he is here like a hamster cage.

— A cage for a hamster, how brilliant — the red ninja grinned, but stopped in an instant, noticing the fierce look of his sister — And we will definitely think about it. After all, a ninja will never leave another ninja in trouble.

— Be careful with this, ninja, I know that you will succeed, but still be careful until the storm stops. Go save your brother, friend and boyfriend — the teacher ordered.

—Yes, Master Wu — the ninjas said in unison, bowing and setting off.

— We need to make sure that Jay himself ends up in this cage, we need a plan — said the chosen green ninja.

— Of course, it's best for us to split up and be careful, because Jay has merged with his element, he can harm us, we need to be on our guard, — the fire ninja said sternly.

— What if Jay doesn't show up? Or maybe we should hide, and one of us will try to talk to him? — after what Cole said, it didn't seem like such a bad idea either.

— I'm coming, I want to talk to him.

— No, Nya, I'd rather talk to Jay, maybe he's your boyfriend, including Ying, but he was also dear to me, he's my best friend, besides, you're tired, just look at yourself, because of these nightmares you barely wake up, you need to then take a break sometime — the girl sighed — Don't worry, I'm sure you'll have a way to talk to Jay, I assure you — Bucket put his hand on her shoulder, to which the younger Smith smiled a little.

— Just be careful, good luck — blue—eyed hugged, brown-eyed hugged back — Luck will be useful to me, thank you, Nya. — After the hug, the brunette hid, to be closer to her brother, and the earth ninja himself changed his face.

There was a flash in the sky, forcing everyone who was on top of the mountain to close their eyes, when she disappeared, a silhouette similar to…

— Jay?..  — The water master whispered in disbelief. It was him, it was Jay, the real him, his blue eyes and purple skin, it made Nya cry again, but she quickly wiped her tears, waiting for the next events.

— Hey, buddy— Cole began to speak, Jay stared at him.

— Do I know you? — these words seemed to break Bucket's heart into pieces, now maybe he would have thought that his friend was joking, as usual, but this was not the first time, after that incident on the roof, he wanted to stop his friend, but he only walked through him, Cole did little at that moment, but Now he will try to be useful so that Jay can remember him, Nya and the others again, trying to reach out, if something goes wrong, he will never forgive himself.

— It's me, Jay, remember?

— Jay? It looks familiar.… So this is my name? — The elemental ninja asked, still confused.

— Yes, your name is Jay. And I'm Cole, remember? Do you remember what we went through? Events? Fights? Anything at all? And our trip to Chen's Island? An tournament of elements?

— Maybe you confused me with another one, I'm sorry — the lightning spirit said sadly.

— No, it's you, Jay, you remember Nya, Kai, Lloyd, Zane, Pixal, Master Wu — he didn't want to mention Ed and Edna, Jay wouldn't have remembered them anyway, it would have hurt even more, even if they were here — Do you remember how you defeated Wojira By destroying the amulet of the storm? I... tried to do something, but it didn't work out, but now I'm doing everything I can to get you back. We need you, Jay, we need the team, your family, the monastery, Ninjago, this is your home.

— But this is not my home, this is — turning around, he pointed to the sky where the storm was — This is my home and even if I wanted it, I can't, it's very hard for me to be here, I have to go back, this place takes away my strength.

— No! Come on, brother, please remember who you are! — the earth master assured, hoping that it would work, hoping that Jay would return to them this time.

— I'm Jay. I am the lightning. And I am one with her — turning to his friend, Walker said with a smile — «No, no, not that! Not again!» — the brunette panicked in his thoughts.

— No, you're Jay, you're not the lightning, you're human! You're one of us! You're part of our team, please come to your senses! You are a master of the elements, but you are not an element!

— But I'm not one of you, even if it was like that once, it won't change anything, now I'm the lightning, I'm sorry — feeling the heaviness, he shook his head — I'm sorry, it's hard for me to hold it back… I have to go back. It's calling me! There's going to be a storm soon! A thunderstorm! I have to be there — it hurt Cole even more, he couldn't bring Jay back, but he had no choice anymore, he took a step back, uttering sad words — «I'm sorry too, Jay». — Cole turned away from his friend, who was now staring at his back with incomprehension.

— What do you mean? — blue-eyed asked, when suddenly a large dome fell on him, the lightning hero wanted to get out, but unsuccessfully, now he is like a squirrel in a wheel, soon other ninjas appeared in different colors, this caused the anger of the lightning master. — What's going on here?! What is this?! — releasing one discharge after another, the lightning bounced off, soon disappearing inside the chamber.

— It's for your safety, Jay! — an old friend urged.

— You tricked me! You only used me for your own purposes, just so that I would end up in this cage! And why did I even listen to you at all?! Now I see what selfish creatures you people are! As soon as I get out of here, I will punish you for this! I will make you regret the day you were born! — Jay didn't stop kicking, straining himself, but the technocell didn't even flinch, Pixal was pleased with that.

— You don't know anything about this! You're talking about something you don't understand right now! — Kai wanted to approach him, but Lloyd's hand stopped him. — «No need, Kai, we'll deal with this later.» — Lloyd humbled his friend with a look.

— That's not true, Jay, I— Cole began to explain how he was interrupted.

— I DON'T WANT TO LISTEN TO YOUR BLATANT LIES ANYMORE! SHUT UP!!! — these words made others flinch, and She froze, this anger, this tone, as it was in her nightmares, as if they had become realistic.

— Jay, we ask you to calm down — Lloyd was interrupted too.

— WHO ARE YOU TO TELL ME WHAT TO DO? ALL OF YOU— pointing your finger at them — ARE NOBODY TO ME!!!!! — Nya had tears, she tried to hold them back, but it didn't work out again, she started crying, while covering her face with her hands — If we once knew each other, it's good that I don't remember you anymore! It's disgusting to know such creatures! — Jay began to sparkle more and more, turning into the lightning, trying to break through the protective barrier.

— Jay! — Nya came forward, wiping tears from her face. — Please! Stop it! Let me help you! — The ninja stopped, glancing at her, sparkling and wanting to incinerate.

— There's still one crybaby here, you're annoying — Jay hissed, rolling his eyes, she looked at him fearfully through her tears — «Crybaby?.. What?.. But it was in nightmares.… It was just a coincidence, wasn't it? Jay would never say that, it wasn't her Jay, whom she had known for many years, not her boyfriend and not her Ying.»

— How dare you hurt my sister?! — Kai exclaimed almost with a scream, coming closer to the cage.

— It's not my fault that your sister is so whiny.… She's just a useless and pathetic girl! — And Walker started laughing, causing the ninja to be stunned, even Kai, again, as in her nightmares, the water ninja was horrified again, no, it's not true, it can't be, how can this happen.

— Maybe Master Wu can help us with this? It turned out to be much more difficult than we thought — everyone else nodded in agreement, confirming the words of a fellow, only one Jay clicked, ignoring them all, while the others went to the spinjitzu monastery, having boarded the cage with the captive the lightning master.

—You're going to pay me for this! I will burn down your house, sink the ships, and turn the city into powder! — it was unpleasant for the heroes to hear such words from a friend.

— Pixal, did you not provide a volume reduction in this ultra-reliable limiter? — Kai covered his ears with his hands. — His speech, unlike his memory and appearance, was not affected. — Pixal shook her head in different directions in response. — It's a pity. — The brown—haired man sighed.

— No, you don't need to turn it off, let him talk ... — Nya suddenly raised her voice. — Let him say not very pleasant things, but... I just want to listen to him, his voice, I haven't seen him for so long… Sometimes. It seems to me that I forget him, and only nightmares do not allow this to finally happen. — Kai looked at his sister sympathetically.

— Okay, Nya, you can talk to him, but if you need anything, I'll help. — Kai hoped that Nya's attempts would be much more successful than those they had undertaken at the top of the mountain, Nya believed that somewhere deep in his soul Jay was aware and understood everything, but he could not help himself, he needed a push, he needed to direct, then he would be able to cope with himself and maybe to regain even his human form, with sufficient control.

***

While the boys were carrying a cage on their shoulders, in which their friend and brother were at the same time, they were met by Skylor and Echo.

— Did you stay too long? How was the mission? — The amber master asked, coming closer to the fire master.

— Not exactly what we planned. Of course, Jay didn't remember us, but he started chasing us, threatening us, saying unpleasant words! And he made Nya cry at all — the brown—haired man was indignant — He will regret it — Smith said.

— You can't prove anything with a fight, Kai, remember the situation with Cole, he almost killed you until he left a big bruise on you and that's enough for me, I've endured so much, but honestly, I'm ready to kill him! — the water master exclaimed, glaring at the earth master, which gave him goosebumps — But I was still able to forgive him, especially since it was a long time ago — The rusty nindroid offers her a cup of tea, but the girl quickly refused — Thank you, Echo, but don't, I don't want to drink, especially tea— she muttered the last words under her breath — Master Wu, do you have the answers so that Jay can remember... at least himself?

— Unfortunately, I don't have any, Nya. But I believe that only you can do this, bring back Jay's memory, you have been together for a long time, you are together as a family, iron sharpens iron, brother sharpens brother. I am sure that you will succeed.

— But how? What should we do to make Jay's memories come back?

— Try to tell him something about the moments that happened many years ago, your battles, events that you remember. And as soon as you do this, then Jay's memory will return — after the teacher's words, the ninjas began to reflect on this.

— I suggest that Cole go and…

— Cole has already done it, but it didn't work out…

— You didn't let me finish, Kai ... — rolling his eyes, the leader continued — I think Cole and Nya should take up this case, since you know Jay well, especially that he is your best friend, and the other boyfriend and Ying, try, maybe this time it will work out.

— Are you sure about that? — The brown—eyed man arched an eyebrow at that moment.

— Absolutely, trust me — the chosen one smiled.

— Well, that's not a bad idea either, I'll take care of this case and hope that I can do it.

— Be careful, Nya — the gray ninja just nodded to her brother and went to the cage, where Jay stood with his back to her. — Jay — said the brunette, to which he turned around, meeting her eyes, which were like the ocean.

— What do you need, crybaby? If you really think you can do it, then you're wrong, I don't know you and I don't want to know you — the lightning hero said, rolling his eyes again, crossing his arms over his chest and turning his back on her again. Nya's heart sank into her heels, but she quickly pulled herself together, coming closer to the dome, she put her palm against the glass, forcing him to look at her again.

— Jay, I know that you don't remember who I am and it's getting painful for me.… Please remember who you are, you are not the lightning, you are Jay Walker, blue ninja, the lightning master, not the lightning itself, you are a ninja like us, you are our friend, our brother, and for me you are Ying and my beloved, remember what we went through together, what villains We won by saving our city over and over again and we will continue because ninjas never quit, never give up! Remember how you asked me out on a date, we were at the Mega Monster amusement park, you were covering yourself with a scarf when you accidentally pricked yourself on the Fangpyre skeleton's fang, forcing you to turn into a snake, how you thought you were a monster, but I didn't care, I don't like it when you pretend to be different, but like this how should you be, be yourself, when I kissed you on the cheek and you became a human again after that, how you discovered your True potential by saving me, how you invited me to become your Yang and of course I agreed, and do you remember our dance in the Prime Empire and we were very happy… Do you remember how you saved me from Kalmaar, you had to merge to save me, residents of Ninjago, all of us, as well as our city and you became who you are now, we couldn't do anything on the roof then, I couldn't stop you, understand, I wanted, all of us, But we couldn't, because you'd feel bad and you'd forget about us.… I only had to watch you fly away. Understand, Jay, we didn't do this, not because you're unnecessary and we don't care about you. No! We couldn't prevent it and there was no other way out, but if there was still a chance or if I went back in time, I could have done something, somehow tried to prevent it, but it was useless! There was no other way out! And I... When I returned to the lighthouse, I was thinking about you all the time, hoping that you would show up and here you are! You are the most precious person in my life to me, Jay. If only they could find a way to get you back to your old self. I am ready to hear you again, how you laugh, how you talk a lot, how you joke, making me laugh too... Please come back to us! Come back to me! I love you, Jay! — and then, as time passed, the elemental ninja began to remember how he met with other ninjas, how they defeated villains such as Pythor, Overlord, Garmadon, Chen, Morro, Nadakhan, the hands of time, Harumi, sons of Garmadon, oni, Aspheera, Unagami, Vangelis, as well as Kalmaar ... The outcome of the battles, what they went through, Chen's island, how they met with other elemental masters, especially he remembered the moments with Nya:

— What's happened? — My True Potential! Thanks to you! 

— The greatest love story often ends in tragedy — Nya dies in his arms from the poison of the tiger widow, getting on her skin, and Jay has a lonely tear and he makes a wish — I wish you would give me your hand and that no one would ever find this teapot... — Only he and she remember this.

— Nya — brown—haired man sat down on one knee - when you are near, I am happy, when we are apart, I miss you so much, as if a part of my body was cut off. Will you become my Yang? — Yes! Of course! Yes yes yes! — The brunette threw herself at him with a hug, making him smile, be happy. 

— No, Nya! I can't do this alone! Don't leave me! I love you! — when the younger Smith turns into an energy cube. And then the moments with Benthomaar, when he asked the prince about Nyad, how he merges with the lightning, fighting Kalmaar, and then with Wojira, how he inhabits the storm amulet, destroying it, how he heals Nya with his element, how his best friend and his Yang try to stop him, but he It just goes through them like a ghost, electrocuting both of them. The way he was on the roof, the way his master responds, and Jay turns to him and his friends with a smile. 

— I'm Jay. I am the lightning. We are one. 

— Jay... I... I love you — his girlfriend says, but he just smiles. 

— Farewell, heroes — JAY!!! NO!!! COME BACK!!!

Brushing away the hot tears, she hears a sound behind the glass, raising her head, she sees it was her Ying's hand, where her hand was.

— Nya... Smith? — The guy behind the glass asks.

— Jay? It's you? Do you remember? — she was amazed, the friends nearby cheered up, as if something clicked inside them or an electric current ran through them!

— Yes. Now I remember the moments that were in my memories, how I destroyed that nasty snake while saving you. How long have I been away?

— Oh, Jay, you've been away for a year, but it doesn't matter now, we're together again, you're here and I'm happy to see you again — the blue-eyed woman smiled.

— Yes, me too. — looking back at his friends, he noticed... — "Echo is here too, but how?" he thought — Oh no, I'm so sorry, I did such a mean thing to you, I'm really sorry…

— It's all right, buddy, it was a shame, but now you're here, your memories have returned to you, now everything is fine and we're a team again, all six of us.

— Welcome back, Jay.… We've missed you so much.

— Me too, Nya, but now I'm here and you won't get rid of me so easily — this made the others laugh, the younger Smith took her hand off the glass, and then our savior himself — But how do we get Jay back to his shape state?

—We need Aspheera — Lloyd suddenly said.

— A... What for? — Red Shogun asks his friend, arching an eyebrow questioningly.

—Do you remember how she took your power away from you? Perhaps she can also help Jay, get rid of his elemental power — the energy master said.

— This is out of the question! There must be another way! — The teacher exclaimed, coming closer to the students.

— Master Wu, for the last year, you've been looking for a way to bring Jay back. Tell me, have you found him? — the younger Garmadon asks his uncle, who just sighed — «No, I didn't find it.»

— Exactly, it's been a year, Master Wu, and we still haven't found a way to get Jay back, we have no choice but to help Aspheera get out of the Kryptarium.

— There is another way, the Vengestone, remember that thanks to it, it prevents you from using your element. He can also take away Jay's element, turning him back into a human.

— But we still don't know where he is! It is unknown where Miss Demeanor and other criminals hid! — Kai objected, folding his arms across his chest.

— If we don't try, we won't find out. Who is in favor of — before the leader had time to say it to the end, as the team raised their hands, Wu sighed, lowering his head — Well, great. We will get Aspheera and the Vengestone and save Jay — the blond man proclaimed, while Zane turned on the hologram, which depicted Aspheera herself.

— For Jay! — the whole team responded, joyfully and seriously, putting their hands in the center, after which they raised them up.

To be continued

Chapter Text

Nya and the rest of the team, Master Wu, Pixal and Skylor were glad and happy that Jay returned a year later and they helped him regain his memory, all that remained was to get the vengestone and Aspheera with her staff, as it was with Kai when the ninjas got lazy, were in the pyramid, released Aspheera, and she took away The master of fire is his element. Right now, it was more important for the team to release Aspheera from the Kryptarium, get her staff and the stone of retribution to help their friend return to his shape state.

Of course it will be hard and difficult, but who is it easy for now? This is how life and their world, as well as fate, are arranged, now the heroes did not think about anything, but only wanted to help Jay, and they knew that Aspheera could not be trusted, because as it says «Never trust a snake» But the ninjas have long established a language with serpentines, when the Overlord, the army of nindroids, Cryptor, techno appeared-blades, Garmadon became back a human and Sensei, and then Zane's death…

So it happened with Jay, Walker did not want to lose his friends again and see their «death», especially he did not want to lose Nya for the third time, first Nadakhan with his wishes, then Unagami, who was created by Milton Dyer, the creator of the game «Prime Empire», and now this Merlopian Kalmaar and a huge sea snake Wojira with amulets of waves and storms, Jay could have predicted that if Nya had merged with the sea, as Nyad did several thousand years ago, Jay would have lost her again and could not accept her loss either, his best friend Cole and the others would also have lost their friend, Master Wu's student Kai would have lost his sister altogether, and Maya and Ray would have lost their daughter.

Therefore, to prevent this from happening, Jay is ready for anything, as long as Nya and his family are alive, he is ready for anything, therefore he sacrificed himself for others and for them. It's hard and painful, but what else can you do? And for Ed and Edna, Jay was worried about a lot at that moment, including his parents, they were already in old age, and how they would have survived this loss, Jay was worried about no less than anything else, but losing them is much scarier than giving their lives for them.

Family is sacred, that's what Harumi wanted to show when she embarked on the path of evil, that's what Milton Dyer showed by hiding the «Prime Empire» from the whole world, and Zane when he gave his life in the fight against the Gold Master, Ray and Maya showed their courage when they went to work for the Hands of Time. 

And despite the fact that they were adopted for Jay, he loved them like family, they accepted freckles and took care of him lovingly, for which he is grateful to them. But Jay also really wants to know why his real parents abandoned him and left him in a landfill? They didn't need him? Were they not ready to become parents, or was there another reason? Maybe Jay was in danger, like Kai and Nya? When Krux kidnapped Maya and Ray, when his Jan and his friend were still children.

The boy did not know, he would really like to know this reason, especially to meet his biological mother, he only knows that she was also a lightning master and that she was married to Cliff Gordon (Fritz Donnegan), he does not know anything more about her, but the brown-haired guy would just like to meet her and talk with her, Walker doesn't even know where she is, maybe she lives somewhere? Is she still alive after all this time and years? Everything is so confusing.....

Now the ninjas are coming up with a plan to get Aspheera along with the place. Perhaps the princess (queen) Vania will help them How to work with geckles and munce to get the required amount? But due to the situation in the city, it will not be enough, mass delivery will be prohibited, for which the ninja will be threatened.

The heroes decided to come up with another way out and a way to apply to the Commissioner for permission to obtain the necessary and forbidden material, but the policeman refused them by virtue of his powers and duties, Nya begged him for Jay's sake, for the sake of their team, to help him and the ninja too, but the Commissioner only sympathetically refused them again, not By changing his mind, he will not be able to help them save the hero. Nya and the other team, along with Skylor, Pixal hung up their noses with sadness, leaving the Commissariat, heading back to the city.

— I thought that at least the Commissioner would help us with the stone of retribution to save the city — the red shogun said in frustration, sighing.

— We can't give up so quickly, Kai, the Commissioner is just doing his job and we can't blame him for that — the team leader spoke up.

— What are we going to do, Lloyd? How can we help Jay get him back to his old shape? — Nya was tired after all this, she was terribly sleepy, she got up early and early because of nightmares, but tried not to show it to others.

— Let's go to the mayor? Can he at least help us? — Lloyd suggested, ask his friends.

— And you're sure he'll listen to us and help us?

— ... It's worth a try, Cole…

***

— WHAT DO YOU WANT?! — was the mayor furious at what he heard?! — no! I won't give you my permission!

— But Mr. Mayor! — Nya was indignant. — Jay, he's our friend, our brother, he saved us, you, and the whole city from the Wojira! We have to get him back! — restraining the incoming anger, the water master tried to keep herself in control so as not to say too much and not rush.

— I know what a great sacrifice he made for the good and peace of our city, but I CAN'T give you my permission! This is contraband, and YOU, as LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, SHOULD UNDERSTAND this!!! You can't just sign a decree with a pen and approve it! How do I know what you're going to do with it later? Don't get me wrong, ninja, I want and am ready to help you, and I will help YOU IF YOU FIND ANOTHER ONE! THE LEGAL WAY!!!

— But there's no other way — Cole chimed in.

— Then I can't help you in any way! Goodbye, ninja, all the best to you! — Mayor Ulysses sat down in a chair, taking the cat in his arms.

— But! — they didn't have time to object, as they were immediately kicked out of the office and locked the door in their faces.

— And now what? Mayor Ulysses was our last hope! — Nya despaired.

— And maybe not — Lloyd looked at Kai, a sly grin immediately appeared on his face. — Follow me, I'll tell you everything on the way! — The green ninja exclaimed enthusiastically.

— Lloyd! Wait a minute! Where are you going? — The team exclaimed.

— There is no time to explain, just follow us! — The elder Smith said quickly, following Lloyd. The ninjas looked at each other, not understanding anything, just shrugged their shoulders and followed them, as Kai had said.

***

Now the ninjas were back in the hangar bay, discovering on the computer where they could hide the  vengestone, they continued to search, but in vain, no answers.

— How could such a large amount of vengestone be carried through the city?

— Definitely not by air, they would have been detected by the air control service. Maybe underground? — The nindroid asked emotionlessly.

— Serpentines denied any movement in the abandoned underground tunnels, they would have known — said the chosen one, making hand gestures.

— But they're transporting it somehow, we're missing something — Cole said, wondering where the vengestone might be. — Okay, let's start over.

— We've been racking our brains all day and we end up walking in circles — brown—haired said with a sigh, believing that they were just wasting their time.

— What do you say, Nya? — but Nya did not answer, looking at the glass of water, later the brunette shuddered a little when she felt a touch on her shoulder.

— Nya, is everything okay?.. It's like you're not here, but somewhere far away… Something happened? — The fire master asked his sister anxiously.

— It's okay, Kai, really… It's just... — sigh — I'm so tired of all this that I can't even think, everything is empty in my head, like porridge, my head hurts so much… I feel out of place. — The youngest one spoke up, drinking clear, slightly cold water from a glass, and everyone present looked at her with regret.

— It's all right, Nya… We're not chasing you, you've been through so much and you're not feeling well.… Especially those dark circles under the eyes… Here's what, when this is all over, promise me that you'll rest and get a good night's sleep, okay? — the younger Smith only nodded in agreement, resting her head on her brother's shoulder, Kai only with a sad smile while stroking her black hair and back.

Jay looked at this picture with sympathy, that because of him, Nya now looks and feels like this, and all because of him ... again, as it was with Nadakhan and the pirates. Now curly blamed only himself, he didn't know what to do next in this situation, but he really wanted to help his girlfriend feel better and that

— Jay, is something wrong? Do you have any ideas?

— Yes ... Zane, prepare a map of the underground tunnels of the city — the lightning hero gave his voice, Zane nodded in response, turning to the computer.

— But for what, Jay? We know that the stone of retribution is not transported through tunnels. — The red ninja said, puzzled.

— Not according to those that operate, but the Er(R) line was closed many years ago and it was abandoned, it may be that the city stopped building this tunnel, and someone else completed it — blue-eyed suggested, to which everyone began to think about it.

— It's not such a bad idea, well done, Jay, now guys, we need to come up with a plan. Here's what, we'll split up: Kai, Zane and I are going to free Aspheera from the Kryptarium, Cole, you and Nya will go to the Borg Tower to pick up her staff, and Skylor and Pixal will go through the tunnels to the subway — everyone nodded.

— Lloyd, I don't approve of this, we need another way.…

— What other options do we have, Master Wu? When Nya was in danger and the city was flooded, we also had no other choice, Jay sacrificed himself so that we would all be alive and safe, have you really forgotten that he did this for all of us and the city? He's our friend, our brother, we owe him our lives, we're ninjas and friends, and friends don't leave each other, it can't go on like this anymore, we're a team and we have to stick together. Either that or nothing... — these words made Wu think about it, opening his mouth slightly, the son of FSM only shook his head.

— No matter how much it hurts me, but I will not be able to participate in this and help you, forgive me, students, but I realized the hard way that Aspheera can never be trusted… And I advise you, I know that Jay did this for all of us, I know how close and dear he is to you and he is to me too, he is my student, I was saddened too, I did not want to lose him as well as it was with Morro and Zane, but I will not change my decision ... Do, What do you want… And I need to meditate… — sighing and lowering his head, the elder left the hangar hall with a staff, the ninja, Pixal and Skylor just stared after him, looking at each other.

— We know that Aspheera cannot be trusted, but we have no other ways, the ninjas do not retreat and do not give up, we all act according to my plan and quickly, no one should get caught, we need a complete disguise and no one should find out our names, did you remember everything? — The blond one asks them all.

— YES! — The whole team repeated the whoop, along with Borg's nindroid and the amber master.

— Then let's get to work…

The blue-eyed girl approaches the dome again, putting her hand to the glass again with a sad smile, looking at the red-haired guy.

— We have to go, fulfilling our mission, we don't know how long it will take, but we will try to return earlier so as not to get caught by the police, so wait for us, Jay.....

Jay did the same thing, looking at his love of his life in return — And I know that you all can handle it, Nya… I believe in you — the blue—eyed one gave out, smiling stupidly as usual, making her and others giggle, the team waved to the creatures remaining in the hangar bay, leaving the territory — Good luck to you, guys ... — the elemental ninja wished them, watching them leave.

***

Under the cover of night, a team of five ninjas in black gi left the walls of their native home to penetrate the most guarded and unceasing fortress in the entire territory of Ninjago — the prison of the Kryptarium, a place where the most dangerous criminals are sent, ranging from ordinary-looking people, ending with serpentines and super villains like Mechanic and Ultra Violet.

This prison is guarded by the best of the best police officers who distinguished themselves in the service, there are also former guards of the jade palace who were not on duty on the day of the explosion, or were on a business trip to the other end of Ninjago or outside the city.

The prison is located in the desert, the journey through which can take from one to three to five days! And without water or supplies, it is almost impossible, even in the desert there are huge creatures, a meeting with which may be the last thing you will see, so you can only get there by car or all-terrain vehicle, in the prison itself there is a special regime of visits and transfers, visitors are carefully examined and conducted through a metal detector, and also ask questions for What did you come for and why? The prison has many blocks, and the most dangerous is located in the center, where the leaders of the Garmadon gang are kept, Captain Soto's team with him, an Invulnerable Stone Samurai the size of a one—story building, the last of the Anacondrai clan — Pythor P. Chumsworth, and dealers like Ronin. Skeletons who have left the Underworld, many other criminals who wanted a sweet life.

***

— So, the plan is this, we get into the cell, quietly release Aspheera, persuade us to help with Jay, in exchange for freedom and quickly leave the prison, we do not name names, but we do not attract attention, we act quickly and covertly, as the master taught! — the team of heroes was at the walls of the prison.

— Inside, we'll split into two groups — the first is me, Cole and Kai, the second is Zane and Nya, we'll take care of Aspheera while you turn off the alarm and cameras so that we don't have to worry about being noticed.

— Okay, but first you need to enter. — Nya glanced at the drains of the sewer. — I think I have a great idea — the water master grinned. — Follow me! — the heroes went after the water master.

Julien and Smith made a passage into the sewers, Bucket opened the grate, the team entered the sewer, after which Zane led them by a secret way past the surveillance cameras directly to a secret hatch, through which the heroes found themselves in one of the halls of the prison, where at the same moment the footsteps of the guards were heard.

The masters of the elements immediately hid in the shadows, their kimonos perfectly merged with the surrounding area, and as soon as the guards passed them, pointing their lanterns at those dark corners, they saw nothing and no one, because our heroes had long penetrated much deeper.

— The first stage of implementation went well, now the second one — the energy master seriously declared, indicating the number two with a gesture.

The heroes, nodding to each other, ran away, Zane, taking the form of a law enforcement officer, calmly and coldly went into the server room and turned off the power, by that time Nya had already made her way to the central security post, and while the police were worried about power outages and looking for the cause, the water master quietly crept up to each of them and with a deafening paralyzing movement of one touch.

At the same time, Lloyd's squad invaded an autonomous section of the prison.

— They say this prison is impregnable, but look where we are now! This section is the most difficult. — Kai walked up to a corridor full of lasers and traps and snapped his fingers. — Voila! The red ninja laughed.

— Come in — Cole and Lloyd raced past Kai and got to the locked door, after which the blonde looked directly at the camera, then the door fell off and closed again.

— We're inside, activate the retractable ladder! — The climber's voice came over the comlink.

A moment later, the retractable bridge began to move slowly towards the «glass» dome, where the newly crowned Empress of Serpentines, Aspheera the Great, was watching with interest.

As soon as the bridge finally connected to the island of Aspheera, the snake was pleasantly surprised — there was no one there! Suddenly, very quietly, like mice in front of a snake, three human silhouettes in black kimonos appeared.

— Who are you? — Aspheera said with displeasure. Lloyd took off his mask. — YOU?! — The enraged cobra hissed. — What are you doing here?

— I'll get right to the point, we need your help. — Aspheera hissed in displeasure and crossed her arms at her waist. — You must take away the powers of the elements from our friend in order to return him to human form. — The snake thought about it.

— And what do I get for it? As I see it, you are here secretly. — The Empress glanced up to where the guard, who was not present at the moment, should be sitting. — Which means you're desperate. — Kai snorted.

— What do you want, Aspheera? — Kai was seething from just being next to this serpentine.

— You get me out of here first so that we can make a deal, I need to know what kind of object you want to deprive of strength, then I will tell you more specific terms of our agreement, and yes, you will provide me with safety and comfort until the terms of our deal are fulfilled. — Aspheera looked at the ninja maliciously.

— And we will really agree to these conditions? — The fire ninja was indignant.

— We have no choice — Lloyd sighs heavily.

Aspheera watched with impatience and a victorious expression on her face as the ninjas slowly opened her camera with a laser.

— Break-in escape — the joyful snake came out of the cell. — I wonder what other atrocities you are willing to go to to get your friend back. — There was interest in Aspheera's eyes.

— We are not the villains here, but you! — Kai pointed at her with a laser that accidentally turned on, the queen cobra dodged at the last moment, and the laser burned through the steel cable on which the entire structure hung. — Oh! — the red shogun had just managed to utter, as a moment later there was a crash and the sound of broken glass, the alarm went off, sirens sounded, the retractable bridge immediately began to collapse, and policemen appeared in the doorway.

The team looked at the fire master, who just shrugged his shoulders.

— Let's use the ventilation shafts. — The chosen one pointed to the rope. — Follow me — three masked heroes and the lady of the ancient hypnobrays crawled up while the police were just pushing the bridge, to catch them, but when they reached the severed rope of the kidnappers, there was no trace.

— Close the block! — it was transmitted over the radio. — the cops were running back and forth like ants.

— I hope you have a much better plan of escape in this case.

— We need a way out! — Cole asked on the comlink.

Zane slowly connected to the central server, and in an instant laid out a route bypassing the blocked doors and security posts.

— I'll take you out — the ice master began to dictate the route, as suddenly he was thrown out of the server room and the Kryptarium network. — I'm cut off, I can't reconnect without an access key, there's no time for hacking, I'll have to improvise. — there was a loud knock on the door, followed by attempts to ram it.

— It's time for us to leave this place too. — Nya concluded. — Go ahead! Through the emergency exit — pointing to the door with a gesture, the two ninjas hurried to unlock it. 

— They're in the server room! — there were already at least a dozen law enforcement officers outside the door.

— Zane, hurry up — on emotion, Nya accidentally uttered the name, fortunately no one except her and the named comrade.

The ice master only turned his head in the direction of Nya and back, after which the lock was opened and both heroes began to run, while the surveillance cameras were chasing them, trying to fix them, Zane had to turn on the stove so that he would be mistaken for a living person, otherwise there would be suspicions.

Both groups were running headlong, and suddenly the tunnels connected and the ninjas crashed into each other, knocking Aspheera down as well.

— Where are you going, the police are there! — Kai exclaimed.

— And we're being chased! — There was a distinct rustle of footsteps behind the titanium and gray ninja.

Lloyd looked at this impasse.

By the time both groups of police officers arrived, the ninja was already gone.

— This is a dead end!

— Hurry to the exit, they can't be allowed to leave! — after a short change, the prison guards rushed away.

The heroes, along with Aspheera, jumped off the pipes located under the ceiling.

— Phew! We almost got caught—Cole wiped the sweat off his mask.

— Soon they will figure out where to look for us, we need to get back to the sewers faster, there we can break away from the pursuit. — The green ninja declared.

— Do you ninjas always have things wrong? — Aspheera hissed.

— Don't worry, we'll get out soon, I promise! — The blond guy said firmly.

— Lloyd, Cole and I are going to the Borg tower to get the staff of Aspheera, you and the rest go to the monastery for now — the gray ninja gave a voice, warning.

— Okay, we'll be waiting for you in the hangar bay, remember, no one should know your names, don't get caught — green—eyed instructed.

— That's right! — Both of them said in unison, heading for the tower while Lloyd and the rest of the remaining team with Aspheera go to the monastery.

***

— While our friends are getting Aspheera out of the Kryptorian prison, we are sitting idle! — Skylor was very worried about Kai and the others while Wu talked privately with Jay, helping him remember the past and bring him up to date.

— We won't stay away for long — Pixal said.

— What do you mean? — Puzzled, Skylor approached her friend.

— I found something on the smuggling of the place. — having driven away from the monitors, younger Borg let her red-haired friend go to the monitor.

 — What is it? — Skylor looked at him questioningly.

— These are mining sites known to the government, we need to infiltrate the ranks of workers and take several copies for ourselves, the task is also not easy, each mine is closely monitored from towers, and the security post at the entrance knows the staff in person, now production is stopped, the mines are closed, but not all, due to with the current situation, there is only one mine outside the city, since iron ore is also mined in it, only for this reason it has not yet been closed, but the selection of tas personnel is tough, if we do not pass, then nothing will come out, you cannot get through the fence because of the dogs, and they constantly patrol all territories.

— Then we need suitable costumes and an image.

— I have already compiled a resume for us, it remains only to join the ranks and get the necessary amount of the stone of retribution.

 — Then let's get to work.

After purchasing mining uniforms at a workwear store, the girls changed into them, wearing helmets, Pixal changed her appearance to a less attractive one, while Skylor had to use cosmetics and dark hair dye.

Having dyed her curls black, the red-haired girl gathered them first into a high bun, then secured them with several hairpins from behind, and on the contrary did not style her bangs, which is why she occasionally fell out on her face.

— Kai will be shocked when he sees me in a new color — the amber master was correcting her bangs.

— You wait a little longer with this, we need to complete our image — Pixal put two buckets of sand in front of Skylor. — Put this on so as not to get into your eyes and ears — Zane's girlfriend handed her glasses and earplugs to her friend.

Skylor put on the protection, after which both poured buckets of sand on themselves, shook off the excess. 

— Now we're definitely laborers — Pixal laughed, Kai's girlfriend in response, giggling.

***

While the ninjas escaped from the Kryptarium with Aspheera, Pixal and Skylor secretly squeezed into the crowd of workers, the smell was impossible, sweat, dirt, garbage, soot, dust around.

— It seems that we poured those buckets on ourselves in vain, there is so much dust and so much sand that you will turn to stone by the time you reach your destination. — The amber—eyed one covered her face with her hands, as many did, while the green-eyed one tried to hide behind her friend's back.

— I can feel my systems filling up with sand, depriving me of the ability to move, slowing down many functions — Pixal said in a stuttering voice.

Soon the girls saw the source of that very storm — the engine of an excavator connected to a conveyor system, the engine and ore from the mine developed almost the entire territory from the entrance to the mines themselves.

When our heroes entered the mine itself, there were not so many of them in this area — about three to four large and a couple of small ones, plus one crater ten kilometers deep, where the previous shift has already finalized its norm.

— We should stick together, there is no need to hurry in this case — Chen's ex-daughter whispered, to which Borg's daughter nodded positively.

— It will be easier if we go deep into the mine, where there is practically no one, so production will be much faster.

— I don't know about faster, but about what is hidden, it is quite possible.

All the workers were given picks and shovels and distributed among the sites, the girls were lucky that they were just put together, but just not at that mine, it turned out that the extraction of vengestone was not conducted here due to the current situation, but the mine in which they were supposed to work was laid parallel to the one in which they we tried to get in, but there was one more thing:

— It is forbidden to leave the schedule from the planned path! During these days, you must fulfill the daily norm, you will be personally responsible for violating the rules of mining and safety! Everyone is in front of me!

— Did he say a day? But it's too long, we need to find a way to leave their territory without getting caught, and take out the necessary amount of vengestone for our friends.

***

Meanwhile, in the monastery, only Master Wu, Echo Zane and Jay remained. The elder was in his dojo, meditating, candles were lit on the floor, the master began to pour hot black tea into a cup from his teapot, blowing so that it would not be so hot or burned, drinking his sweet, hot and favorite drink, sighing. 

The teacher thought about his students, how they were there, did not get caught, whether they were doing well, he knew that they could, they did not get out of such cases, he did not trust Aspheera, but she is the only one who knows and knows how to handle magic and understands how the stone of retribution works, who can return the human the appearance of his disciple, having taken away his elemental power, if not her, the master did not want to lose Jay, just as it was with Morro, when the wind master went to look for the tomb of the First Spinjitzu Master alone, Wu continued to wait for him, but Morro never returned, there were no leads or news, so that's it, he lost his first student.

The bearded man believed and trusted his ninjas, they are not only a team together, but also a family, they have experienced and gone through so much together, for which Garmadon's younger brother appreciates it.

In the meantime, Jay and Echo were the ones who still stayed in the hangar room.

— If you want to ask for forgiveness, then know that I forgave you and Nya a long time ago, I do not have those human emotions, since my father did not add them — the lightning spirit breathed a sigh of relief, he is glad that Echo does not hold grudges against both of them, but he still feels these feelings that he left his many years ago, when this story with a nasty and sneaky djinn began.

Jay couldn't get rid of it, especially what happened on his ship, how he was tortured, bullied, which caused him to get injured (trauma), he didn't tell anyone, not even Nya, Nya had gone through so much without it, especially this 400th djinn wanted to marry her just because she looks like Delara.

Especially for friends, they still do not remember this moment, they still had no idea how Nya learned to make airjitsu, how they first quarreled, and then got back together, they asked them, but they kept silent or did not finish, maybe the time will come when Jay and Nya decide on it themselves they hope that the guys will understand and believe them, it's still too early now and without this they have so many problems and little time.

— Echo, tell me, how come you remember about that time, but they don't? — Jay was struck by the fact that Echo understood and not just remembered that day and that time as if there were no jumps and rewinds!

— What do you mean, I remember? — Echo Zane considered Jay's question incorrect. — Can you clarify it?

— I'm talking about the time when the genie invaded your lighthouse, and you, along with me, Gizmo and Nya, helped repel this attack.

— And why should I forget about it? — the gears in his body have been turning fast, and without squeaking, since he got here, Nya and Zane finalized it a little, but the girl decided to keep silent about the fact that Echo is Zane's brother, because the ice master is not himself right now and his reaction to the fact that his brother's Echo cannot be displayed on him in this situation, and she did not want to upset her friend and explain the reason for Zane's behavior.

Jay moved closer to the edge of his cage.

— You see, when I made my last wish to the djinn, it turned out that only me and Nya were left to remember about it! No one else remembers that day — Jay explained.

At these words, Echo Zane thought about it.

— I don't fully understand the phenomenon of desire, so I can't tell you exactly why I remember it, but I can assume that I remember it because I'm a robot—nindroid like Zane.

— That's the point, Zane doesn't remember anything from those times, the events with Nadakhan were erased from his memory as well.

— Then maybe I remember because I'm old and he's modern.

— Don't talk about yourself like that, you're not old! You're a rarity! Remember that you are alive! Don't underestimate yourself, the time will come and you will understand everything yourself. — Jay tried to cheer up his friend, but Dr.Julien's first nindroid didn't fully work, because compared to him, everything here is much more modern and multifunctional, unlike himself.

— Master Wu! We're back! — suddenly, Kai's joyful voice sounded throughout the Hangar Hall, followed by the rest of the students, along with Aspheera, who was slowly crawling, examining the Ninja Hangar Bay.

The master joyfully hugged the students, then looked at Aspheera, the ninjas stepped aside.

—Aspheera — the son of the First Master said emotionlessly.

—A liar — the snake hissed, narrowing its eyes intently.

Garmadon's son got between them — There's no time for that now, deal with it later, we don't have time to figure out the showdown.

— Good… Where are Nya and Cole?

— They went to the Borg Tower to get Aspheera's staff, we hope that everything will go well this time.

— Me too, Skylor and Pixal haven't returned yet, they went after the place, just so they wouldn't be discovered or they wouldn't get caught themselves.

— I don't want to get into where I don't need to, but since we all really don't have time, so why are you standing and chatting? Rather, let's show me the object from which I have to take away the power.

The ninja, exchanging glances, nodding, gestured at the cage in which lightning master Jay Walker himself was located, the snake witch was extremely surprised, looking at him from head to toe, since the last meeting he looks like a man now, but like the truth lightning or storm, it's purple skin with patterns and blue lightning eyes, the queen has now turned back to the team.

— And what exactly happened to him?— Aspheera began to ask the others.

— In short, Jay merged with his element when the city was almost flooded — explained the grandson of the First Master.

— That's it, I've never met such a thing, I didn't even think it would be possible to merge with element.

— We thought about it too, but as you can see, it's possible, faced with this, we need your help, Aspheera, Jay did it for all of us, the city, the whole world, he saved everyone's lives, even yours, if this hadn't happened, we wouldn't all be talking about it now, please help him get rid of his elemental powers, as you did with Kai, so that he becomes the same as before!

— One for all and all for one, right? Hmm, I would be happy to help you, but then I had a staff, and without a staff I won't be able to help your friend — the former leader of the fire snakes stated.

— We know that, Nya and Cole went after him, we just have to wait — the team leader said.

— They will try, otherwise I will not be able to help Jay in any way — Aspheera had a sly smirk on her face, to which the ninja team and their teacher frowned except for the rusty nindroid, who still did not understand this situation.

***

The masters of water and earth almost reached Borg Industries, both held boxes, changed their clothes, Bucket changed into a pizza deliveryman, and younger Smith into an inventor, also making cosmetics so that they would not be declassified and recognized, otherwise it would be worse, harder and difficult

***

— Nia, do you remember what password Pixal told us? And then I... — before Cole could finish, looking back at the girl, the brown-eyed guy noticed that the brunette was sleeping quietly, leaning against the wall, the earth master only smiled faintly, letting her sleep a little, not wanting to disturb her, It was bad enough, she looked terrible: pale skin, like two, very strong dark bags under her eyes, she didn't feel or look well.

This is obvious, the brunette woke up all the time before in this form from nightmares with her beloved, she did not even try to consult with them, especially with her older brother, it is impossible to constantly pretend that everything is fine, the daughter of Maya and Ray did not know how to pretend.

The earth master tried to call Pixal again, but she was not in the access zone, which surprised Cole a little, the ninja tried to call her again, but still there was no signal.

— «The Abonent is not in the access zone, please call back later» — Damn, and what should we do now? — The black ninja looked at the combination lock. — Should I ask Borg? He knows him for sure — Cole dialed the inventor himself, but did not dare to press the call button.

At this moment, Nya wakes up abruptly.

— Cole? Did you need something? — Nya says these words in a thin and quiet voice.

— Yes, Nya, I wanted to know if you remember the PIN code from the vault — the master of the earth removes the handset of the phone from his left ear, turns it off and puts it in his pocket, turning his gaze and head at the master of water.

— Yes, now. — slowly, the younger Smith rises, leaning on the wall with both hands, slowly starting to enter the desired code.

— Nya, you don't take care of yourself at all! — her friend says critically, shaking his head. — You should have stayed at the monastery with Master Wu and had a good night's sleep, not strained yourself.

— Cole, it's okay, thank you for your concern, of course, but I can't sleep knowing that Jay is still not with us, not in the guise in which we are all used to him, and until he becomes the same Jay, my nightmares will not give me rest for a single night! — Cole was surprised, not expecting this, but didn't argue with her, the girl was already much worse without it. With sadness in her eyes and sadness in her soul, Nya unlocks the lock and opens the vault.

— Is it empty?! — Cole is surprised. — But how? Why? The most powerful and dangerous artifacts from all over Ninjago are also stored here! Where did they suddenly go? — The earth master didn't understand anything.

— They're probably being transported to a safer place if they haven't already — Nya suggested, yawning. — Judge for yourself, Cole — The Borg Tower is the most famous of all the buildings in the city, which has been attacked and captured more than once, the same Oni! No wonder it was decided to take them to a safer place and less recognizable.

— What's wrong with Hiroshi's Labyrinth? —It was a great place! — Cole was perplexed, but Nya shrugged in response.

— Apparently, the mayor of the city considered that project not so reliable. 

— If that's the case, then where might the staff of Aspheera itself be? — the brunette asked, scratching the back of his head, still looking back at the empty vault. 

— Most likely, only Cyrus Borg himself knows this — the blue—eyed girl suggested, her gaze also fell on the warehouse where Bucket was looking. 

Maybe it's true..... 

To be continued

Chapter Text

[~⚠️Bad English⚠️~]

Hello everyone who has read this fanfiction, I want to say that the sequel will not be released yet and we will have to wait a year. The fact is that I did this work with my friend on another site, namely in a ficbook, here I only translate. And this person(my friend) went into the army for a year and it is when one year has passed completely that he will return and continue the fanfiction, don't worry, the continuation will still come out, but such circumstances have come out. Thank you for reading this

Good luck🍀🤞

Bye 👋

👀🙌💫🛐✨~