The ninja and co stood with the citizens of Ninjago as they waited for Aria. She was making a public announcement today and that made everyone nervous. For the past couple months not much had been changed and everything was running smoothly, but now it was time for her to announce new regulations and policies.

Everyone was talking amongst themselves.

"Guys I'm worried" Lloyd tells the ninja "did I really do the right thing by destroying the Overlord?"

"Of course you did" Cole answers "my uncle was a bad guy, if he regained power he would've used it to take over the city and manipulate Aria"

"Now all that's left is to deal with the new Dark Lord" Kai adds "not saying we have to kill her, but we can't let her take over the city"

"Uh.. didn't she already do that?" Jay asks "she's the empress"

"Yes and no" Wu replies "the city is not yet shrouded in darkness, when she does that then you must stop her"

"But what if Aria takes her anger out on the citizens of Ninjago instead of us" Lloyd says

"Then you protect them" Misako speaks "like you always have"

The Vampire Knights started filing onto the balcony and around everyone, this however was common, they are diligent in making sure no harm would come to Aria from anyone. Then, it went completely silent when Hanabusa and Kaname stood next to the balcony doors, and opened them.

The ninja look up as Aria walks out and looks down on all the citizens of Ninjago. Everyone waited in anticipation for her to speak.

"Welcome everyone" Aria spoke "I'm glad you all can make it"

"Not that we really had a choice" Lloyd mutters

"Hanabusa" Aria looks at him "please read the new regulations"

"Yes your majesty" Hanabusa steps forward "All Ninjago citizens must be in their homes by 8pm and will not be permitted to leave until 8am"

Everyone started talking about it.

"Hey that's unfair!" Kai shouts "You-"

"It is to keep everyone safe" Aria simply says

"That being said everyone will receive a schedule, it will tell you what job you do and when you do it. It will include times you may go shopping and things like that. Obviously emergencies will be an exception, but if you are not dying then their is no excuse" Hanabusa continues "all main doors of houses and apartments will be redone with a special lock where we can lock and unlock it"

"This is ridiculous" Jay says to the ninja

"If anyone is caught out of your living area after curfew then of course there will be punishment" Hanabusa finishes "you will all be receiving your schedules shortly, thank you for your time"

Wu sighs "this is not good, it's starting"

"What's starting master?" Zane asks

"From here, things will only get worse" Wu tells them "we must prepare, for a battle against Aria"

Lloyd's eyes widen and he looks at them "Is it really necessary, maybe we can talk to her"

"Lloyd I know this is hard for you, you and Aria have been friends since you were babies" Misako puts her hand on his shoulder "but you two were born with different paths and you can't let her do this to Ninjago, it may seem small now but this will only get worse and we don't know how Aria will punish the citizens"

"right" Lloyd nods "let's prepare.. for the final battle"