Panic welled up inside Pixal. Where was Mr.E? She couldn't see anything. Had he already destroyed her? What happened?!

    Soon, in the mysterious darkness, she saw a pinprick of light. Instinctively, she began to move towards it. In an instant, the light washed over her, causing her to shield herself from the sudden exposure. When she looked again, right there in front of her stood Zane. Her Zane.

    'I must be dead. Mr.E killed me.' thought Pixal. There was obviously no other explanation to account for seeing a deceased loved one.

    Interestingly, Zane seemed as shocked and confused as she was. He spoke tentatively, "Pixal?... What are you doing here?"

    "I am unsure," replied Pixal honestly before asking aloud to confirm her fears. "Are we both dead?"

    More bewilderment shone on Zane's face. "No, I am pretty certain this is a vision. I am stranded in another Realm with my brothers."

    Sensibility told Pixal that she must be dead and that this manifestation was a mere creation of her desire to see Zane alive. However, hearing him say that he was alive sent a surge of hope through her system. She still hesitated to draw closer to him. "But... we witnessed your demise at the hands of the Colossus."

    Zane turned his head away, looking bashful. "Oh," he chuckled nervously. "I suppose it did seem that way to everyone. But, uh, it turns out that appearances can be deceiving. I assure you, I am alive."

    Perhaps this was all just wishful dreaming, but Pixal couldn't help herself as she quickly closed the reserved distance between her and the-completely-not-crushed Titanium Ninja. She hugged him tight and momentarily, all was perfect. She fearfully repeated his words as if he could suddenly disappear or change his mind about his current state of being. "You are alive," breathed Pixal, staring happily up at Zane. 

    As worried as she was, something in her heart firmly assured her that this no hallucination.

    Zane returned her embrace and offered her a soft grin. "Affirmative."

    "How did you survive and why are you in another Realm?" questioned Pixal, still holding tightly onto Zane. 

    "Mystaké gave us Traveler's Tea and—" 

    Zane was interrupted by an angry gasp from Pixal. "Mystaké never informed us about that!"

    "Really?"

    Now Pixal looked angry. She pushed away from Zane and anxiously twisted a lock of her silvery hair. She paced in small circle, venting her thoughts, "How could she not have at least given us the hope that you could still be alive?! She knew and yet did not tell us. Lloyd, Nya, and I are so obviously distressed at the fact of losing you and the team. Why in Ninjago would she keep this from us?!"

    As she frantically spouted off questions, Zane couldn't help the proud observation that slipped through his head. 'She is having a very "human" reaction.'

    He placed his hand on her shoulder to stop her pacing. "At least now you can notify Nya and Lloyd that we are working to find our way home." He promised her determinedly, "I will see you again."

    Pixal smiled at his reassuring words and then frowned as she mentioned something that made Zane's mood darken significantly, "I certainly hope I have the opportunity to, as long as I can survive my encounter with Mr.E."

    "Mr.E attacked you?" said Zane in an almost growling tone.

    "Is attacking," corrected Pixal. "He was about to critically wound me with his katanas when this happened." She motioned toward Zane and the odd darkness surrounding them.

    Zane glowered. As he felt his rage towards Mr.E build, a glowing white aura shone around him.

    Pixal's optics grew wide as she backed two steps away from him. "Zane? What is happening?"

    "I... do not know," answered Zane, staring at his arms in awe.

    When he looked up at Pixal, he was stunned to see her beginning to glow as well. He felt a coolness in his core as it too started to shine. On its own accord, his Element produced ice. It coated the empty blackness surrounding them, making for an fantastical scene as the frozen crystals sparkled in the growing radiance of the robotic pair.

    Once the ice reached Pixal, it sent jolt of extreme cold through her system and her core shone too. Reflexively, they reached for each other. As soon as their fingertips brushed, the steadily increasing brilliance surrounding them exploded into a blinding flash.

    When their overwhelmed optics recovered, their significant other was nowhere in sight. For Zane, he awoke in the First Realm just as his fellow Ninjas were groggily stirring. Sadly, he was left with no sign nor recollection of his encounter.

    For Pixal, it was clear that that was no simple hallucination. Before her stood Mr.E with his blade mere centimeters from her, completely encased in a thick layer of ice. Fissures quickly forming along the ice snapped her from her overjoyed amazement and made her hurry in her escape. Unfortunately, while she did grab her samurai helmet, there was no time for her to retrieve her missing katana or the misplaced Mask of Vengeance.

    She called her mech to her and speedily clambered in. Relief flooded her when she flew over the wall and found Neuro, though slightly bruised and battered, still alive. She helped him fight off the remaining Sons of Garmadon.

    As the last two members began to retreat, Pixal decided to test something. She reached out her hand and concentrated. Surprisingly, a stream of ice burst from her palm, sending the two men sprawling to the ground on the slick surface before freezing them completely. 

    Not wanting to take the chance of hanging about any longer, Pixal did not celebrate or dwell on this odd, new power. She ordered the older Elemental Master, "Hurry, climb on."

    As Neuro situated himself on the mech's shoulder, he stared at the samurai in astonishment. This wasn't the same Master of Ice he had met in the Tournament. Out of respect, he refrained from reading the stranger's mind. "How did you do that?"

    With her helmet on the fritz from Mr.E's hit, Pixal answered with honest uncertainty in her actual voice. "I do not know. Perhaps it is because of my close relation with the Ninja of Ice."

    After saying that aloud, she berated herself for her wording. She hoped Neuro would not think she was a relative of Zane's instead of his significant other. 

    Hearing Pixal's true voice threw Neuro for a loop. So Samurai X was female and close to the Ice Ninja? Interesting. Also, it seemed she was surprised by her Elemental abilities? Could Elements jump from Master to Master? 

    "Did you know you could do that?" questioned Neuro. 

    Pixal shrugged. "It was an experimental hypothesis... Something extraordinary occurred during my confrontation with Mr.E. I will explain more once I relay this information to my friends."

    Neuro kindly didn't press for more details after the vague answer though he was still intrigued. In a way, it was fortunate he was preoccupied with this puzzle. It gave him something to mull over and distracted him from his fear of heights while riding on the samurai's mech.

    For the first time since the Resistance had been formed, Pixal felt hopeful as she sped toward New Ninjago City. She could hardly wait to inform the others that the Ninjas survived! Also, it was time that Mystaké answer some questions.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

    While returning to the hideout, Lloyd got sidetracked at the sound of a motorcycle patrolling a bit too close for comfort in their territory. Curious, he followed and hoped to have the opportunity to lure whoever it was away.

    His heart twisted when he caught sight of Harumi's distinctive white hair. What was she doing out here and all alone? Was this a trap?

    Against his better judgment, he followed her. It didn't look like she was with anyone, but she was definitely snooping. Every so often, she would pause, suspiciously observing the alleyways and darkened buildings. 

    Deciding to take a chance, Lloyd set down the many weapons he had on his back and gracefully hopped down in front of her. Coming face to face with her so soon after his brothers' and Uncle's deaths made bitterness well up within him. He couldn't stop the patronizing words that slipped out. "Isn't it a little late for the Emperor's little advisor to be taking a nighttime stroll all by herself?"

    For a moment, Harumi stared at Lloyd, stunned by his sudden appearance. Soon though, she curbed her expression and answered with a snarky question of her own. "I don't know. Isn't it more dangerous for the powerless green rebel to be out right now?"

    Deafening silence settled between them as Lloyd chose not to reply, only stare with with a stern, slightly disconcerting gaze. It felt like ages before his eventually face fell in despair as he asked her in a small voice, "Why are you doing this?"

    "Isn't obvious? You deserve to feel the pain I've felt since the Great Devourer," snapped Harumi spitefully. "Consider it a mercy I'm not calling my troops right now to take you straight to Emperor Garmadon. But I think I'm actually enjoying this game where, in the end, inevitably, you and everyone you love lose and suffer."

    Though she would never admit it, Harumi felt guilty as she saw Lloyd's stricken countenance. How sickly sweet. It looked like he still cared for her. Too bad she didn't. She deepened her glare. She didn't. Not one bit.

    "Is all this just game to you?" spat Lloyd in a crueler tone than intended which surprised Harumi and himself. 

    "Actually, no. It's about correcting Ninjago. With Emperor Garmadon on the throne, he will fix everything. If you and your stupid 'Resistance' would just quit, we can make Ninjago perfect," explained Harumi. 

    Lloyd motioned to the filth surrounding them. "Does this look perfect?"

    Harumi cringed and thought, 'No, but it will be. Just once you and the rest of your disgusting friends are gone.'

    Before she could voice this out loud, Lloyd continued, intensity slowly building with each sentence, "No, it doesn't. I know you're hurting but that doesn't make it right for you to hurt everyone else in Ninjago. I don't know how or why you think that soulless creature you resurrected will help anyone, but he won't. He's a murderer who's hardly better than the Great Devourer!"

    "You're just angry because in your story, you Ninja were the good guys," accused Harumi. She looked away and muttered coldly, "It's not that way for everyone."

    Lloyd's heart clenched at the mention of his fallen brothers, but he took a deep breath and pressed on. "I'm talking about even more recently. You're "perfect Emperor" just murdered two kids. Kids, Harumi. Just because they were spreading hope that there are still people who care in Ninjago."

    He paused, letting that sink in. 

    Harumi shook her head and told him in an uncertain tone, "N-no, I would've been informed." Her eyes hardened as she accused him, "It was one of your people who murdered over ten of my bikers in cold blood."

    Lloyd couldn't believe how someone so deceitful was so deluded herself. "That's because she knew the kids Garmadon killed! Hate me all you want, but I'm telling you the truth. Stop being so blind! You can't truly believe Garmadon cares about being a fair ruler. Trust me, he only cares for himself, and when you're no longer useful—" He dragged his hand across his neck for emphasis. "—you're done for."

    Instead of appearing impacted by his words like he had hoped, Harumi merely smirked. "Aw, are you jealous that the Emperor, your dear father, is closer to me than to you?"

    His words actually did worry her, deep down. Really deep. But at the forefront of her thoughts was, 'Of course, he would want me to believe the Emperor's a danger to me. Ha! As if. I'm the one who resurrected him. I'll always be loved by him.'

    Though her words stung, Lloyd nearly shrieked in frustration and partial desperation. "I'm not related to that thing! And are you serious right now?! I'm trying to warn you."

    He ran a hand across his face, sighing deeply. After composing himself enough to say something, he spoke aloud, more to himself than to the "Emperor's favorite". He was almost hysterical as he chuckled softly, "Heh-heh. Wow... How did I ever fall so in love with you?"

    Harumi quickly tamed her expression lest any unwanted emotion became apparent. He... loved her? Still? His loss. Poor naïve soul. She didn't want his pitiful love. She got what she wanted: Emperor Garmadon. Lloyd deserved all that was coming to him. His love didn't change that fact. Nope, not at all.

    For Lloyd, it was like staring at the Colossus. Stone cold. It was like his words had sucked the life right out of her. He winced when she finally glared at him and growled heartlessly, "That's your mistake."

    Not wanting to hear another word from the oh-so-heroic-and-noble Green Ninja, Harumi revved her bike's engine, tearing off through the dirty alleyways and leaving Lloyd in the dust. Though he could not tell at all from her mannerisms, the blonde boy's words had struck a nerve within Quiet One. She just refused to listen to it. 

    However, as she sped through the streets, her thoughts caught up to her. 'Why would he love me? I'm already done with any feelings I had for him.' The way her heart had beat wildly at his words told a different story. 'No! I don't love him back! I can't! He must be forced to feel the emptiness I've felt all these years.'

    She reprimanded herself, 'Sentimentality will only make you weak! Be like the Emperor, strong and unbending.'

    Besides her conflicted emotions, another worrisome train of thought hit her. 'What if he's right about Emperor Garmadon killing those kids? What then? Am I really that low? But... Emperor Garmadon must have good intentions, right?'

    Lloyd watched sadly as the girl departed. He tried. He really did. At least she hadn't killed or captured him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

    It was a relief when Pixal and Neuro finally entered the hideout in the early hours of the morning. Sneaking back into New Ninjago City had been another difficult challenge. 

    "Pixal!" whisper-shouted Nya. She had just been jolted awake minutes ago by the return of an exhausted, emotionally spent Lloyd. Beside her, he stirred in his sleep as she got up to greet the android and Master of the Mind.

    Quietly, she introduced herself and motioned around the ill-lit and surprisingly filled room. "It's still early so you can just find anywhere to rest for now."

    Neuro nodded and settled down in an empty space between Griffin and a large crate.

    When Nya turned back after watching to make sure Neuro found spot, she was curious as to why Pixal was subtly trying to steal away.

    "Pixal, where're you going?" questioned grey-clad Ninja.

    "I must return to the surveillance cameras," explained Pixal. She was proud as she kept her voice even and monotone despite the multiple mysteries flying through her processor at the moment.

     "Alright," acknowledged Nya. "I think Tox might be in there. If she gives you any trouble, lemme know."

    "I will," assured Pixal. 

    As she stepped lightly away, the injury to her leg from Mr.E caused her to awkwardly stumble. She cringed as it drew the Water Ninja's attention. 

    "Pix, you okay?"

    "Yes," lied the android.

    Nya squinted, straining her eyes in the dimness. She was suspicious now, but from Pixal's brief, one-word reply, it was clear she wasn't going to admit anything. 

    "Okay..." dismissed Nya, seemingly willing to overlook the fumble as nothing to worry about.

    Pixal was relieved, believing Nya wouldn't press her. Unfortunately, she was wrong. The samurai had hardly gone ten paces down the hallway when she heard a gasp behind her. 

    "Pixal!" came Nya's reprimanding tone as she marched up to the exposed android.

    Since she couldn't outrun the Ninja, Pixal stood still, begrudgingly complying as her concerned friend examined her battered condition. 

    "How did this happen?" demanded Nya.

    "We encountered Mr.E while exiting Yìshù," explained Pixal briefly.

    "And?"

    Pixal remained silent. From the bags under Nya's eyes, it was obvious there was too much to explain at this time of night.

    "Pix, please," begged Nya.

    In a small voice, Pixal sighed, "Now is not the time. I will inform you and Master Lloyd of everything once you are properly refreshed."

    "Fine," relented Nya. She was still curious, but she trusted that Pixal wasn't trying to be evasive for bad reasons. "At least let me help fix you."

    "That is kind but unnecessary," declined Pixal. "Your sleep and mental health are far more important. I suggest you get some rest. I can handle the repairs myself."

    "Pixal Borg! You better not be doubting your worth!" scolded the Water Ninja firmly.

    Before Pixal could say anything else, Nya pulled her along to a supply room, littered with spare parts and tools. She made the injured Samurai X sit on a crate.

    Pixal couldn't help but flinch when Nya lightly prodded the wires sticking out from her arms. It wasn't that she didn't trust the talented girl. It was just the awful feeling of someone else messing with her body that brought up bad memories.

    Nya paused after the android shied away momentarily. When she asked, the anger in her voice was directed at the masked biker, "Did something else happen with Mr.E?"

    Pixal murmured under her breath, "Yes, a lot." Then, she replied in an audible voice for Nya to hear. "I will disclose the details of tonight once the others are prepared to listen to it as well."

    It was disappointing that Pixal wasn't willing to tell her immediately. Nya could tell that something big had happened. Finally! Some emotion was being shown on the samurai's face, though the Water Master couldn't quite place it. It was a mix of happy, sad, and bewildered. Because of this, Nya didn't press too hard for details even though she wanted to very badly.

    Despite the limited amount of sleep, the Ninja didn't want to remain quiet as she helped repair Pixal. "I guess if you won't tell me about your little adventure, I'll tell ya mine."

    Pixal listened in earnest as Nya told her of the return of Ray and Maya and Jay's letter. It hurt to see the pain in the Grey Ninja's eyes as she displayed the sapphire ring to her. 

    "Do not give up on him. You may still have possibility of seeing Jay again," blurted Pixal encouragingly, even though she knew her statement would cause much curiosity in the Nya.

    As expected, Nya was confused and thrown off by Pixal's words. Typically, the analytical android stood by pure facts and data, not hopeful wishes.

    When questioned, Pixal looked bashful, as though she had said too much. She begged the Ninja, "Please, I promise you I will explain everything once you have attained a reasonable amount of sleep."

    Honestly tired, Nya didn't put up a great argument. Though she was certain the curiosity would keep her up, it didn't. Before she knew it, she had finished patching the samurai as best she could with the limited supplies and equipment. It wasn't anything pretty or refined, just enough for Pixal to function and fight properly. 

    Kindly, the repaired warrior all but carried Nya back to the "communal bedroom". Immediately, Nya was asleep before Pixal gently set her down.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

    It was an awkward awakening for Nya because the moment she opened her eyes, she was met with Lloyd's anxious emerald green eyes staring down at her.

    "Lloyd... What're ya doin'?" groaned Nya as she tried shake the exhaustion that still clung to her.

    "Pixal said she had something to tell us once you woke up," explained Lloyd.

    That jolted her awake as the memories of last night's injuries came flooding back. "Oh, yeah. She did mention something about that last night," said Nya as she quickly sat up.

    Carefully, she looked around hoping no one else had been weirdly watching her while she slept. Thankfully, most people were doing their own thing.

    Karlof seemed to be piecing together a small, hand-held radio.

    Neuro and Griffin appeared to be having an intense conversation.

    Ray, Maya, Misako, and Mystaké were gathered together having a somber talk it seemed. 

    Shade and Mr. Pale were off in the corner being all dark and gothic while they organized the donated katanas and throwing stars.

    Tox was also in the corner and appeared to still be sleeping.

    Dareth looked like a lunatic as he punched the air while growling like a rabid dog. Apparently he was "training."

    Skylor was oddly nowhere to be seen.

    Pixal was with Ronin, carefully inspecting the replaced bandages around his hand.

    Upon catching sight of the awake Water Ninja, Pixal came over to them. "Good morning, Nya. I am pleased to see you are well-rested."

    Nya spotted the bright sunlight streaming through one of the high windows. "Wait, how long did you let me sleep?!"

    Lloyd looked at Pixal for an accurate answer. "It is currently 11:57."

    Instantly, Nya jumped to her feet. "What?! Why'd you let me sleep so long?"

    "Pixal strongly suggested I shouldn't wake you." When Lloyd saw Nya's unmoved expression, he reassured her. "Hey, I didn't get up until about an hour ago. Don't worry, you're not being lazy."

    While Nya appreciated Lloyd's sentiment, her annoyance was directed more so toward the samurai. She whined, "Pixal, why didn't you wake me up sooner? I'm dying to know what's going on with you."

    Pixal gave a wide grin, baffling the two Ninja. "I assure you, I am equally as eager to explain what I have discovered. I believe I have mostly processed the events that transpired."

    Her expression fell into a more serious look when she added, "However, I must request that Mystaké join us."

    Once collecting Mystaké, they made their way to the surveillance room where Skylor currently kept watch. 

    "Oooh, I must be important if I've been invited to a meeting with the leaders of the Resistance," rejoiced Mystaké giddily as the two Ninja found a seat.

    "No," declared Pixal coldly. She caught everyone by surprise with the harshness in her tone as she wheeled on the old woman and began interrogating her.

    "Were you aware that the Ninja are alive?"

    All the air seemed to leave the room as Skylor, Lloyd, and Nya stared wide-eyed at the samurai. What was she talking about? How could she make such an outrageous claim? 

    Unruffled, Mystaké answered smoothly, "Of course." She pointed at the Green and Gray Ninja. "They're sitting right there."

    Pixal frowned. That was obviously not the reply she was searching for.

    "I am referring to the four Ninja and the de-aged Sensei that were supposedly crushed by the Colossus," clarified Pixal.

    "Oh, them! Well, I mean, who's to decide what's reality and what's fantasy, the truth and the lie, the living and the dead," evaded Mystaké perplexingly.

    Everyone froze, trying to make sense of the mess of words. They peered at the tea lady with confused expressions.

    Lloyd asked what everyone was thinking, "Huh?"

    Pixal was rapidly becoming annoyed with Mystaké's indirectness. "Are Zane, Cole, Kai, Jay, and Sensei Wu still living?"

    "My, you give me too much credit," grinned Mystaké. "I am old and can see a good deal more than most, but my sight is not infinite."

    "Wait! You're saying there's a chance they might be alive?" asked Nya excitedly. 

    Lloyd and Skylor also lit up at this possibility. 

    Mystaké held up her hands and shrugged. "I do not have the power to confirm or deny this theory. Although, it seems your robotic friend here is the one who is most sure of this fact."

    All eyes turned to Pixal.

    "During my fight with Mr.E, a vision overtook me," described the Samurai. "I saw Zane and spoke with him. He informed me that he and the others escaped destruction through the use of Traveler's Tea."

    Much to her disappointment, the others did not seem to share her excitement of this news. 

     Nya exchanged a look with Lloyd that Pixal did not quite understand. She started cautiously, "Pixal, we all want them to be with us now. But sometimes... our grief causes us to see only what we want to see." She nervously rubbed her arm and admitted softly, "I had a dream about Jay and Kai last night, but that's all it was: a dream."

    Pixal's optics widened. "You do not believe me?"

    "No, no. It's just... well, we know last night was pretty stressful for you and—"

    Lloyd was interrupted by the android strongly objecting, "No! I know what I saw. It was no wishful fantasy." She turned to Mystaké. "Tell them! You supplied them with Traveler's Tea."

    "Yes, I did. However, I don't have the power to know whether they actually used it or not," explained Mystaké, not doing much to help Pixal's case.

    Samurai X took note of the disbelief plastered on the other's faces. Why didn't they want to believe her? In a last ditch effort to convince them, she revealed her new Elemental ability.

    "Observe! I watched as he granted me the use of his Element."

    She flicked her wrist and a small sheet of ice formed on the floor in front of her. 

    "This is how I survived Mr.E's attack."

    As much as she wanted to tell them about Mr.E's discovered identity, she couldn't, not with the way this revelation seemed to be headed.

    Everyone's eyebrows were raised. 

    Mystaké was the first to comment quietly, "Wow... truly connected hearts. How rare!"

    Once Skylor got over the surprise, she sucked in a sharp breath. "Pixal, this just proves they're gone. My father obsessed over the Elements. The only time the Elements switch Masters is when the current one either has a younger descendant or... has died."

    Pixal shook her head sadly. "I refuse to accept your denial. I know that I saw the real Zane. I can feel it. I will not give up on them. They will return."

    Before Lloyd, Nya, or Skylor could try to discourage Pixal from this wishful manifestation, Mystaké held up a hand to silence them. "No, let her have this."

    Tension began to grow as Pixal couldn't help but frown and unhappily think, 'They do not believe me. They think I am seeing things.'

    Trying to ease the aggravation radiating from the samurai, Lloyd spoke up, "Well, we know you managed meet Neuro last night. Thanks for bringing one more to the Resistance."

    The silver android sent him a curt nod and pointed out stiffly, "Yes, however I was unable to acquire the Master of Sound's assistance."

    The Green Ninja felt bad. He could see Pixal withdrawing from them again. Everything in him truly wanted to believe her but... there was just no way. Better not to get his hopes up and have them brutally crushed again. 'Just focus on saving Ninjago.'

    "So, Nya, you found your parents last night. And, Skylor, you managed to get Griffin," tried Lloyd again.

    "Eh, more like they found me," came Nya's short reply. Her face fell as she recalled how heartbreaking it was relaying the news of Kai's demise to Ray and Maya.

    "Yeah, I got him. Poor Griffin though. He was really shook up. I doubt the therapists in Ninjago will be out of a job anytime soon once this is all over," half-joked Skylor. Her forced grin faded as she looked at her friends' broken features. Yikes, everyone was messed up.

    Lloyd was beginning to look like a drug addict. 

    Nya looked like a homeless person.

    Pixal returned to her "dead-inside" state.

    Mystaké... eh, she was eccentric.

    And Skylor didn't dare look at herself in the mirror.

    One thing the younger four in the room had in common: broken hearts and spirits.

    Moving on from the awkward pause, Lloyd gave a light, strained chuckle. "Yeah... oh, and while we're on the subject of who we met last night, I—" he quickly mumbled the rest "—kinda, sorta saw Harumi."

    He raised his gaze and winced. Despite his mumbling, everyone had definitely heard him. 

    "What?!" growled Nya. 

    "Don't worry, she didn't do anything. We just talked," calmed Lloyd hurriedly. 

    Nya's features softened as she gently told him though bitterness was apparent in her voice, "Oh, Lloyd. You know you can't trust anything she says."

    "I know," sighed Lloyd. He looked hopeful as he added, "But she did seem kinda surprised and doubtful when I confronted Garmadon's killings and his actions and stuff. Deep down, I think there's still some sort of conscience left in her."

    He chose to leave out the last bit of him half-way admitting to her that he was still in love and her cruel response. 

    "Lloyd!" groaned Nya, shaking her head. "Are you sure it was just a nice talk? What if she's playing you to lure you into Garmadon's clutches? You can't throw yourself out there like that! What if she'd captured you then and there? It'd be all over."

    Skylor nodded in agreement.

    Lloyd cringed. "Well... now that you mention it. She was kinda nearby to our hideout. I think the Sons of Garmadon are close to discovering us so we'd better be prepared just in case."

    "Aw, man. It was beginning to feel like we were making headway on turning this place into a real HQ," grumbled Nya.

    "While I was refreshing Ronin's bandages, he mentioned to me he finally recalled the place he thought would be good for us to conceal ourselves: the garbage depot," supplied Pixal.

    "If worse comes to worse, sure," shrugged Skylor.

    "Okay, but instead of planning our next hideout, what're we gonna do to fight Garmadon?" questioned Nya boldly.

    A random idea popped into Lloyd's head. "Nya, you still have your Elemental Dragon, right?"

    "Yeah," replied Nya uncertainly. She didn't see his train of thought.

    "You and whatever other Elemental Masters we have can cause a huge distraction near Borg Tower so a few of us can sneak inside," planned Lloyd, his thought process beginning to perk up more.

    "Oof, too bad I never summoned my dragon," snorted Skylor. "That sounds fun."

    Breaking away from his scheming, Lloyd worriedly asked, "But your powers have returned, right?"

    "Yeah," answered the Master of Amber simply. Realizing why he was asking this, she continued comfortingly, "Don't worry. I'm sure yours will return eventually."

    "I hope so." Lloyd bore a sorrowful expression before refocusing. "Okay, but anyways, we keep mentioning how we want people to know we're still fighting so I was thinking what better way than to broadcast it to all Ninjago? It's not like we'll be confronting all my dad's forces in a final battle. Just something low-stakes."

    He searched his friends' faces for feedback. 

    "Hmm. First idea of action anyone's come up with. I'm ready," announced Nya. Finally! Something to oppose Garmadon!

    "I like it," admitted Skylor after a moment's thought.

    "Whatever you decide," uttered Pixal with a subtle trace of tartness in her tone as she simply shrugged resignedly. 

    It was clear they did not believe her with the living Ninja situation so why would they want to listen to the opinion of a "deluded"person such as herself? Hmmph. Yes, she was salty.

    Mystaké chuckled, giving her input, "I do not think this is as simple a task as you make it out to be. You will be risking everything by sneaking right under Garmadon's nose."

    "At least it's something," huffed Nya. "Besides, we've got more allies, even if some of us may be a bit rusty." She couldn't stop herself from casting a split-second glance in Skylor's direction.

    The Master of Amber gave the Water Ninja a not so impressed expression. 

    "I love the feistiness of the plan, Lloyd, but that old man has something planned, something evil. My bones can feel it. Be prepared," cautioned Mystaké. 

    "Don't worry. We will," assured Lloyd. "I really think we can pull this off."

    "Garmadon was in Yìshù when I was there collecting additional Elemental Masters. Perhaps he is still there and not residing in Borg Tower for the time being," mentioned Pixal helpfully.

    Mystaké frowned, murmuring to herself. "Yep, he's definitely plotting evil."

    The reactions from the other three in the room were more optimistic as they exchanged glances between each other. 

    "This means we have an opening now!" declared Nya excitedly.

    "But we don't know when he'll return, so should we go now while there's still a chance?" asked Skylor, looking over to the leader of the Resistance. 

    "Yes, this is the perfect time. We gotta move now," announced Lloyd as he quickly stood. "Let's go grab some of the others to pull this off." He started out the door. 

    "We're gonna hit 'em quick, get out fast."

    Nya and a Skylor followed after him. 

    For a moment, Pixal remained seated, biting back a frustrated sigh. 

    When she began to leave, Mystaké held out her cane and stopped her in the doorway.

    "Don't look so down, girl. Chin up," encouraged the old tea lady, lifting Pixal's bowed head. She found confusion and pain clouding the android's gaze.

    The briefest hint of a relieved smile graced Pixal's features as Mystaké told her. "There is no shame in hoping."

Alright, I think that was a decent chapter. What about you? Comment and vote?

Next up, I think I'm going to do a chapter that focuses on what the villains are up to. Yay.

    "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?" - Romans 8:24 NIV