The Gathering Storm

Griffin's phone buzzed against his wrist as he raced through Ninjago's neon-lit streets. The message made him skid to a stop, leaving white speed trails glowing behind his sneakers.

"All Elemental Masters report immediately. Emergency situation."

He adjusted his wrap-around sunglasses and grinned. Finally, some action.

The meeting point was an old warehouse near the harbor. Griffin arrived to find eleven other masters already gathered, their faces serious. Skylor stood near the entrance, her amber hair catching the light. Neuro sat quietly in the corner, probably reading everyone's minds again.

"Where are Cole and his team?" Griffin asked, bouncing on his toes.

Karlof's metal fist clanged against the wall. "Missing. All five of them."

"Missing how?" Griffin's grin faded.

Shade emerged from the shadows. "Lord Garmadon has returned from the cursed realm. He took them."

The warehouse fell silent except for the distant hum of the city. Griffin felt his heart race faster than his feet ever could.

The Fox's Warning

Griffin's mind raced faster than his feet ever could. "We need a plan."

"Wait." Neuro pressed his fingers to his temples. "I'm picking up something strange."

A red fox darted through the warehouse door, its fur bright against the concrete floor. Griffin blinked. Animals didn't usually wander into their meetings.

The fox stopped in front of Skylor and spoke in a clear voice. "Lord Garmadon isn't just back. He has help."

Everyone froze. Talking animals meant serious magic was involved.

"His daughter Lloyd leads his army now," the fox continued. "She commands the Shadow Stone."

Griffin's heart sank. A daughter meant Garmadon had family fighting for him. Family made people do crazy things.

"Where are Cole and the others?" Karlof demanded.

"Garmadon's fortress in the Dark Forest. But beware—Lloyd isn't like her father. She fights with honor, even while serving darkness."

The fox's amber eyes met Griffin's through his sunglasses. "Speed won't save your friends this time, young master. You'll need something more."

Before anyone could ask what, the fox vanished in a puff of silver smoke, leaving only the scent of pine needles behind.