Kai, Jay, Cole, Zane, and Lloyd use their Elemental Dragons to capture a Fangfish that had been terrorizing a nearby village. They are successful in their efforts and return to the coastal village.

"Looks like we made this place safe to fish again." Kai smiles. "If your father was still here, he'd tell you he's proud. You've become a great leader, Lloyd"

"No, we're a great team" Lloyd corrects him. "Can't say I don't miss him though."

The fish is put into a tank, splashing water on everyone, the Ninja laugh.

"You know with my dad gone, sometimes I question where I'm going," Lloyd admits. "Sometimes I worry about who I might become..."

"I know how that feels, after I lost my dad, I lost my way. But I was lucky to have my sisters to watch over me. So, don't worry, big shot," Kai playfully gives him a noogie. "I'll watch over you from now on."

"Hey, no one messes up my hair," Lloyd playfully mocks Kai before looking away.

"Is something wrong?" Kai asks.

"No," Lloyd shakes his head. "It's nothing."

"Hey, you two gonna get in the picture? No one's gonna believe this. This is awesome!" Jay calls out and the two head over

"Back. Back just a little further. Just a little further" Zane directed the photographer

The photographer snaps a photo before falling in the ocean "Hehe, you guys!"

The Fangfish splashes water on the Ninja, and they shout. Lloyd moves his hair out of his face as he looks out at the sun above the water. Later that day, the ninja lands their Dragons outside of Steep Wisdom.

"Oh, who am I kidding? I'm tired of waiting. I'll put the Ninja to work" They hear Wu say as he picks up a box "Ninja, you need to find customers."

"No 'hello, how's it going, glad to hear you saved the day...again?'" Jay questions

"Yeah, Sensei. We're all a bit tired" Cole says "You mind if we handle this tomorrow?"

"We all have a share if this business succeeds. How else do you expect me to be able to afford all your new uniforms?" Wu puts down the box and opens it "Which reminds me, your new ones arrived."

The ninja sees their outfits, but they are shirts with the Steep Wisdom logo "Huh?"

"Those do not appear to be Ninja uniforms." Zane says, "They resemble work attire."

"We must focus on furthering brand awareness. And here are the fliers I want each of you to pass out in the city" Wu says handing them fliers.

"Ugh, If I have to pass all these out, I may be the one passed out" Jay whines

The phone rings.

"Oh, that could be our first order! Shh!" Misako picks up phone "Steep Wisdom, how may we serve you?"

"Aren't we going to look kind of dorky flying up on our Power Dragons with these things on?" Kai asks.

"You won't be flying on anything. We're selling tea, not magic." Wu lectures "Besides, you all have been relying a little too heavily on your Elemental Powers lately. Real powers come from the inside."

"It would be our honor, Sensei" Lloyd replies, nodding his head.

"Hm," Wu turns to him. "Are you alright Lloyd?"

"Me? I'm fine," Lloyd replies looking confused.

"The look in your eyes tell all nephew," Wu states. "You carry a look on uncertainty and bewilderment."

"...It's just a few dreams I've had lately," Lloyd waves his hand "It's fine though. I've been having them for a while."

"Dreams you say?" Wu questions "What kind of-"

"Thank you, I'll let him know right away" Misako puts down the phone and turns to the ninja.

"Is it a big order?" Nya asks.

"It's the police, they've asked for Lloyd." Misako tells them "There's been a break-in at the museum."

Everyone but Misako gasps.

"Go on, I'll take your share" Cole offers.

"Thanks, I owe you one" Lloyd smiles handing Cole his fliers.

"Aren't you going to kiss your mother goodbye?" Misako asks as Lloyd turns to leave

Lloyd's face turned red in embarrassment "Mom, we've...we've talked about this. I'll catch you on the way back."

"I see, you're too old to kiss your mother now?" Misako questions with a smile.

"Mom," Lloyd looks embarrassed before rushing off, Misako laughs.

Wu turns to the ninja "Remember, no powers."

The Ninja groan and head off as Misako approaches Wu with a serious look.

"Wu," Misako says "Do you think.."

"I don't know," Wu shakes his head. "He hasn't made contact with her yet, and we must ensure they never meet."

"Um, what are you guys talking about?" Nya questions. "Are you worried about Lloyd meeting with the Empress of Del?"

Wu and Misako turn to look at her, their face full of shock.

"How do you know of her?" Misako asks.

"Well.. you see.." Nya rubs her neck. "She was kinda, at Chen's Island."

"Did you all see her?" Wu asks looking concerned.

"She never made an appearance to the fighters," Nya shakes her head before shivering. "I think I'm the only one who saw her."

"Are you alright?" Misako asks, taking her hand.

"Y-Yeah," Nya laughs it off. "It's just.." She looks down "I can't get her eyes out of my head. She emitted the aura of someone... unbeatable. Chen and her got in an argument a-and I couldn't breathe. It was like she poisoned the air."

"You poor thing," Misako rubs her hand.

"We are lucky you are still here," Wu says. "It appears after all these years; she is still a foe to be reckoned with." He looks at Nya before walking back towards the shop "But if she was at Chen's Island it could only mean one thing..."

"What?" Misako asks.

"She's bored," Wu replies as he walks into Steep Wisdom.

-

Reika stood silently with Hanabusa and Kaname, as they watched the Empress stare out at her kingdom. The people who inhabited the Del empire were far from ordinary. Many had ears of an animal, while others possessed brute strength, or magical abilities, even serpentine resided in the kingdom.

Del was hardly any different from Ninjago, the people had jobs, ran shops, invented things. The only thing that differed, was their resources. The kingdom of Del was stained in darkness, and miasma covered the land. They were unable to grow crops and as a result, they relied on hunting.

The animals in Del were not very peaceful however, people were lost during hunts, just to secure food for the kingdom. If enough beasts were not hunted for food, people would grow hungry and starved. Fights broke out over scraps of food, and the royal knights would some time have to subdue unstable citizens.

"Tell me," The Empress spoke, not turning to look at her knights. "What is it you see when you look out at the kingdom?"

"Um," Reika glances at the two knights beside her, who wouldn't answer. "People? Your majesty."

"That's right," the Empress turns to look at her. "People, who are being broken down by the day. Losing their hope to live, despite many trying their best."

"There's nothing we can do about it," Kaname states. "We have yet to find substantial resources Empress, we are still trying."

"What's the point?" The Empress mutters. "We're doomed."

"Don't say that your majesty!" Hanabusa shouts. "If you give up hope, then everyone else will too!"

"What Empress has the right to sit on the throne, when her people are dying?" The Empress questions. "If I don't do something soon, I'll be branded worse than a tyrant."

"It's the people of Ninjago who claim you're a tyrant," Reika crosses her arms. "The people of Del know you're trying your best, but we can't step foot into Ninjago as long as the son of the First Spinjitzu Master is alive."

"You're right.." the Empress walks away from the window. "I wonder, what my next move will be?"

"Huh?" Reika turns her head. "Already?"

"In a game of chess, you must make the right moves," the Empress states. "In a timely manner."

The group turn their heads to the door when a guard walked in. Kaname walked towards him and the guard tells him something before bowing to the empress and exiting the room.

"What is it?" the Empress asks.

"There's a visitor," Kaname replies. "And I think you'll want to see him for yourself."

The Empress let out a breath before walking out of the room with her guards following after her. Kaname opens up the door to the throne room, the Empress walks in as the figure turns around to look at her.

"So, you did escape after all," the Empress states with a slight smile. "It's good to see you, Morro."

Morro, having overtaken Lloyd's body, stood before the empress and her knights.

"Interesting choice in vassal I must say," the Empress adds as she walks towards him.

"Um," Reika leans towards Kaname. "Isn't that the green ninja?"

"Because you're human, you can't see the ghostly aura around him," Kaname sighs. "Currently, the green ninja's body is being possessed by a ghost."

"Heh?" Reika tilts her head.

"The ghost's name is Morro," Hanabusa explains further. "He used to be a guard here at the palace."

"So... that's not the green ninja?" Reika asks.

"It's his body," Kaname gives her a look. "But again, he's being possessed" He points at her "By.A.Ghost."

"..mhm mhm," Reika nods before laughing, seeing the annoyed look on Kaname's face. "I get it, I'm just fuckin with you."

"Breathe Kaname," Hanabusa pats Kaname's shoulder before turning to Reika. "You know, Morro's not that different from you. We took him in after finding him in a rough spot, he had been searching for the First Spinjitzu Master's tomb and was close to death."

"Really?" Reika turns back to look at the Empress and Morro talking. "So, I'm not the first stray her majesty's taken in."

"Unfortunately, his desire to find that tomb was what led to the boy's death," Kaname adds. "Morro only stayed with us for 3 years until he left. We trained him, taught him how to defend himself, and let him on his way."

"And he still died?" Reika questions.

"Sometimes, there are situations we cannot prepare you for," Hanabusa says. "We can only teach what we know, and that is limited to the lands around us."

Reika nods before they turn their attention back to the Empress and Morro.

"I came because I need your help Empress," Morro says.

"You know I'd be more than happy to lend you my support, but it depends on what it is you're asking for," the Empress replies.

"I'll be blunt your majesty, I came here for revenge." Morro tells her "My only trouble is, your brother."

"Ah yes," the Empress rolls her eyes. "He would be your biggest problem, he's not too keen on souls escaping from the prison he's so fond of."

"Is there any way you can help me?" Morro asks hopefully. "My plans are my own, and I have no intentions of dragging you into my revenge plot. I only hope to keep the keeper off my tail."

"As long as you are within my borders, he will be unable to get to you," the Empress says. "The trouble is when you are outside my borders, there is nothing I can do within Ninjago."

"Nothing?" Morro questions, a hopeless look on his face.

"The border still stands Morro," the Empress puts a hand on Morro's shoulder. "The only thing I can give you now, is my knowledge."

"What kind?" Morro asks.

"You are looking for the first spinjitzu master's tomb still, are you not?" the Empress smiles. "I know where the map is."

"You do?!" Morro looks surprised.

"Of course," the Empress puts her hands together. "I know many things Morro."

"W-Why didn't you tell me all those years ago?!" Morro questions.

"Because, I didn't think you were strong enough," the Empress states. "I didn't think you would disappear like that either."

"...that.. the fault is mine," Morro looks down in shame.

"You were young, you did not know better." The Empress pats his head. "But now, you have possessed the green ninja. You have a leg up on your competitors," she turns her head "however, the green ninja has only scratched the surface of his power." She shrugs "If only he had a better teacher."

Reika raises her eyebrow at the Empress's out of pocket comment.

"The map to the tomb, lies in the old man's staff," the Empress states as she sat on her throne. "If you get your hands on it, all you have to do is follow the steps."

"Thank you," Morro nods.

"Reika," the Empress looks at her knight.

"Yes ma'am," Reika responds, standing up straight.

"I need you to go into Ninjago and find my brother," the Empress tells her.

"Yes ma-" Reika stopped and blinked, before looking at the Empress. "I'm going to do what now?"