Shadowed Hearts

by Snuggleink

Summary:

“It's as if the shadows have engulfed our hearts, once full of light, now shrouded in darkness.”
-
- The brave ninja team infiltrates a
dangerous forest where a gang of bandits trades illegal weapons and drugs in Kryptarium Prison in Ninjago.

Tension arises as Nya is paired with her ex-boyfriend, Jay Walker with the Overlord now after the Samurai, X and the Ninja team.

Can they set aside their differences and succeed?

Chapter 1: Grumpy Beginnings

** Nya’s Pov **

 Lightning's elemental power is an awe-inspiring yet perilous force. 

Being the source of life itself, it cannot be confined to the confines of human beings and instead manifests as colossal, devastating entities with wings resembling a thunderstorm. 

Only the most proficient practitioners can harness this power, wielding it with precision and control. 

However, as I recall from the stories of previous elemental masters, wielding such power can be a double-edged sword, with the potential to turn on the wielder and cause harm.

Numerous stories have been written about the great elemental masters, which were either shared in private or by the masters themselves. 

The thought of possessing such power has always intrigued me. 

My brother, who held the element of fire, once described the sensation as “being inside an oven.”

I've also heard stories from other masters about their experience with their elemental powers. 

It's almost as if you cease to exist. 

The events occur at such a rapid pace that your body feels more detached than the air surrounding you.

The energy seems to move faster than the speed of light, leaving you with a sense of disconnection. 

Most elemental masters find that this is where they belong, and they seek to disappear.

I am a Samurai and I don't hold any power or any type of elements. 

The Elemental of Fire is Kai my brother. I study the Katana in my hand. It is blue and sharp, and it makes me feel cool whenever I hold it. 

The metal shines like polished jade under the light, making it the perfect sword for a samurai. The sheath seems to stretch into a larger space within my hand, and the grip feels firm and secure. 

As I breathe in the cold air, the sound of the wind blowing through the trees feels like laughter. I know I am not one of the masters who can wield magic. 

No matter how strong I am, I know it won't protect me. 

At times, I even feel jealous of my brother who can wield magic too.

Every time he touched the handle, he looked at it in awe and excitement. It was something he loved to show off whenever we sparred. 

I couldn't help but envy him, but at the same time, I respected him for his skills. 

That is when I began to feel a certain presence in the distance my heart started to beat faster by the second my stomach begin to feel like, they had butterflies in them.

I couldn't keep still. 

The adrenaline pumping through my veins caused my fingers to twitch, and my chest rose and fell rapidly. As I heard his laughter, I realized he was close, the one who I had romantic feelings for, or at least I thought so. 

He turned his gaze towards me, with those....deep blue eyes that always seemed to draw me in. 

I remember the first time I kissed Jay. 

It caught me off guard. 

We were washing dishes together after a dinner we had cooked. Jay did something mischievous and put soap on me while laughing. 

I tried to get back at him by doing the same thing, but then he just ended up laughing. 

We wiped the soap from our hands and faces, and then we continued washing the dishes in silence. 

That's when he turned around, grabbed my hand, and pulled me in for a kiss. 

It was unexpected but also sweet.

However, as he recognized me, his expression turned from joy to confusion, and I knew it was my fault for hurting him...

Looking back, I was just a confused teenager, unsure of my feelings. 

Three years ago, when that “perfect match” machine at Borg Tower told me that Cole was my match, I panicked, and I didn't know what to think.

There were a few instances when I had turned down his advances because I was unsure about my feelings and just wanted to maintain a friendship. 

It left me with a terrible feeling.

Strangely enough, every time I rejected him, I found myself becoming more attracted to him. 

I recall a mission we were on in a frigid part of Ninjago, where icebergs were scattered everywhere and the temperatures were below freezing. During the mission, I had fallen into icy water and only Cole had a spare set of clothes. 

After I woke up shivering from the shock, my hair plastered to my face, and experiencing my first ever panic attack, Cole gave me his warm clothes. 

His kindness was the only reason I didn't freeze to death.

After I got separated from my group, my brother Kai caught up to us in a state of panic, wondering what had happened to me. 

He used his elemental powers to warm me up and make sure I was okay. It made me wonder why Jay never tried to help me. 

Maybe he didn't think he could or maybe he didn't know how. 

Either way, Cole seemed to be the one who cared the most about my survival and was focused on keeping me alive, which I was grateful for.

After our mission, I took his clothes to the cleaners and there was no further discussion about it. 

He could sense that my feelings for him were not romantic, and he respected that. 

Cole was always a caring person and didn't mind putting himself in emotional danger for others. He would do anything for the people he loved, and his compassion was truly unique. 

I've never fully comprehended my own emotions. Sometimes, I feel like I'm searching for my purpose in life. 

However, knowing that there is someone who cares for me in a special way makes me feel secure even when I'm faced with uncertainty.

”Alright, listen up, guys!” Lloyd exclaimed, brandishing a map covered in a web of lines. We all gathered around, intrigued by what he had to say.

As Lloyd pointed to the various lines on the map, we understood that they all led to the same destination, but each represented a different approach or had no specific starting point. 

The objective, however, remained clear to us all.

We found ourselves at the base located in the forest of the western Ninjago mountains. 

This place had a notorious reputation for harboring bandits, especially when prisoners from Kryptarium Prison managed to escape and regroup in the forest, causing havoc.

We were well aware that the gangs operating deep within the forest were involved in illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and weapon dealing. 

What made matters worse was that there was someone within Kryptarium Prison's ranks who was protecting these criminals, making it nearly impossible for us to gather any leads.

In light of these circumstances, the commissioner had requested us to go undercover and infiltrate the bandits to uncover the truth. 

We understood the gravity of the situation and the need for extreme caution.

Lloyd pointed out the red lines on the map, indicating the most probable locations where the bandits were hiding within the dense forest. 

As he did so, I ensured that I was fully equipped in my Samurai X armor, while the rest of my teammates donned their Ninja Gi's. 

Admittedly, my black boots were uncomfortably tight, but we knew it was necessary to blend in seamlessly with the bandits.

Lloyd emphasized the fact that the bandits were experts in covert operations and shadowy activities. 

It was crucial for us to avoid drawing any unnecessary attention to ourselves while we carried out our mission.

With an air of seriousness, Lloyd continued to give us detailed instructions. He stressed that our main role was to observe and gather information, only engaging in direct confrontation if absolutely necessary. 

The tone was set, and we were prepared for the dangerous task that lay ahead.

”We will be working in pairs for our undercover mission,” he declared, his voice filled with a sense of unease as he absentmindedly ruffled his tousled blond hair. 

My gaze narrowed, suspicion flickering in my eyes as I tried to decipher the thoughts swirling in my younger teammate's mind. 

And then, in a moment I had been dreading, he blurted out the fateful words that hung heavy in the air. 

”Cole will be paired with Kai, Zane with me,” he hesitated, his fingers instinctively reaching up to pinch the bridge of his nose, as if attempting to alleviate an oncoming headache. 

“And... Nya….will..work..with Jay.”

The words hit me like a bolt of lightning, and I couldn't help but gasp, my heart skipping a beat as his final words echoed in the confines of the briefing room.

Chapter 2: The Big Reveal

** Nya’s Pov ** 

“And... Nya….will..work..with Jay.” The words hit me like a bolt of lightning, and I couldn't help but gasp, my heart skipping a beat as his final words echoed in the confines of the briefing room.

As I looked at Jay, my cheeks started to burn and I could sense the intensity of his apologetic gaze.

“Seriously, Lloyd?” I exclaimed, feeling a mixture of frustration and embarrassment.

Kai attempted to intervene, suggesting that he should go with Nya instead, but Lloyd was firm in his decision.

He shook his head and crossed his arms, refusing to change his mind.

“Nice try, Kai,” Lloyd responded. “I understand that there's some history between these two, but this mission is supposed to bring the team together. 

It feels like it's tearing us apart.”

Cole, Jay, and Zane stood there in uncomfortable silence, and I couldn't help but feel shocked. 

Had our actions really made things this uncomfortable for everyone else?

Zane cleared his throat and unintentionally said something surprising. 

“I agree with Lloyd, I think this could be a great opportunity for Nya and Jay to bond. 

Their success rate is 75%, higher than ours.” I cursed silently, frustrated with Zane and his obsession with odd numbers. 

Shaking my head, I didn't want to show any sign of weakness or complexity, so I reluctantly said,

“Fine.”

Lloyd smiled and adjusted his green ninja Gi. 

“Alright, it's settled. We'll begin tonight. 

Be careful and stay safe.”

I walked away from the group, cursing under my breath. 

I could feel a mix of complicated emotions swirling inside me as I realized that Jay and I were going to be undercover together for the next few weeks. 

The thought of it made my heart race and my mind race with thoughts of what lay ahead.

As I lifted my gaze, I was met with a pitch-black night sky. 

The sun had long disappeared, leaving only darkness in its wake. 

The cool breeze that swept through the air sent a shiver down my spine, causing the leaves nearby to sway gently in response.

My eyes were drawn to the horizon, where the moon held it’s place with a sense of pride. 

Its radiant, full moonlight bathed the surroundings in an ethereal glow, casting long shadows in every direction.

Jay and I had willingly taken on the dangerous task of infiltrating the bandit hideout. 

Without being caught.

It was a mission that required utmost stealth and cunning, skills that I knew I lacked. 

The realization of my limitations only added to the weight on my shoulders, making this endeavor all the more daunting.

But despite the odds stacked against us, we had no choice but to push forward. 

We knew that failure was not an option. 

So we made the decision to remain hidden, biding our time until the perfect moment presented itself to strike while we waited for the others to group at the bandits hideout.

Jay's voice barely registered, its volume barely audible as he stared at the ground. 

The gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air, and we both understood the risks we were about to face. 

The dramatic tension was palpable as we prepared ourselves for the challenges that awaited us.

“This isn't as easy as I expected it to be,” he murmured. I looked at him questioningly, my grip tightening on my katana, ready to defend ourselves against any unforeseen danger lurking in the surrounding forest.

As Jay voiced his concerns about the mission, I couldn't help but agree with him. 

The realization that this task might be more challenging than we anticipated sent a shiver down my spine. 

It was a daunting thought, the fear of failure and the consequences that would follow if we were caught.

“I know,” I replied, my voice trembling slightly. But we have to try. It's not just a mission; it's our duty. We must find the person responsible for selling drugs to Kryptarium Prison and halt their operations before more innocent lives are ruined."

In that moment, I pushed aside any thoughts of my crush and focused solely on the task at hand.

Our personal feelings had no place in this dangerous mission. It was a game, but losing was not an option for me. I couldn't bear the thought of letting down the people counting on us.

Jay comforted me, his hands firmly resting on my shoulders. 

“You know we've faced tougher challenges before. Just stay calm, alright?”

His words had a calming effect on me, and a glimmer of confidence started to emerge.

I took a deep breath, surveying our surroundings. Nature seemed to carry on, oblivious to our predicament. 

A deer gracefully passed by, and foxes and coyotes scurried under the bushes. 

But amidst the serenity, I noticed something off. 

Jay hadn't moved. He stood there, staring blankly ahead, lost in his thoughts.

Confusion welled up within me, and I questioned him, unable to comprehend his sudden stillness.

”What are you doing? 

Why aren't we moving?”

He blinked, as if snapping out of a trance, and shook his head.

“Yeah, you're right. Let's keep going.”

There was a hint of distraction in his eyes, but he was back in the present.

Before I could inquire further, a beep from his communication device interrupted us. 

Lloyd's urgent voice crackled through the speaker, providing us with an update. 

The drama of our mission heightened as we prepared to face whatever lay ahead.

Lloyd informed us that we were in the right location in transmission. 

The guards at the camp were relaxed and waiting for the drug shipment to arrive. 

Jay speculated that the drugs would be sold here, but they hadn't received any information about the shipment's arrival time. 

I agreed, but it was clear that we couldn't waste any more time standing around. 

“We need to move now if we want to catch the supplier,” I said, feeling uneasy about the situation. 

Suddenly, Kai's voice came through the communication device, reminding me to be careful and stay safe. 

Jay looked worried, and I reassured him that we would both be okay and that nothing would happen to me. 

Kai interrupted, his tone serious, “oh Jay one more thing If anything happens to her, Jay...” 

Before Kai could finish his sentence about his threat to Jay about keeping me safe a loud crash interrupted the transmission.

Chapter 3: Above 16

** Nya’s Pov ** 

Kai interrupted, his tone serious, “oh Jay one more thing If anything happens to her, Jay...”

Before Kai could finish his sentence about his threat to  Jay about keeping me safe a loud crash interrupted the transmission.

I felt my eyes widen in fear as the transmission went silent. 

What had happened? 

Was my brother and Cole alright?…

I turned to look at Jay, who had a shocked expression on his face. “I'm sure they're alright, maybe it was just a lost connection,” he said, adjusting his blue mask.

“We need to find a place to rest tonight,” Jay said, adjusting the blue bag he had brought with supplies for our mission.

“But what about the bandits? 

We haven't even reached our area yet, and what if Cole and Kai are in trouble?”

I asked, growing worried as Jay ventured deeper into the forest in search of a resting spot. Jay shook his head. “We can't check up on them,” he whispered.

My eyes widened in shock. 

What?

“Nya... if we get caught too, there will be fewer of us to make it to the base where the suppliers distribute drugs to the innocent and criminals,” Jay explained, his words sinking in.

“Take my hand,” he said suddenly, catching me off guard. I blinked, unsure of what he meant.

Huh?

Without hesitation, he grabbed my hand and swiftly climbed up a tree, while I clung to him for dear life.

“Wow, would you look at the view,” I exclaimed, letting go of him momentarily to take in the sight. 

We could see the moon and birds in the dark distance, along with three majestic mountains. 

It was truly breathtaking.

“Why don't we camp down in the forest?” I suggested, still in awe of the scenery.

Jay shook his head, carefully sitting on the tree to avoid falling, and pulled out a rope from our bag.

“If they spot us while we sleep, they'll kill us,” he stated matter-of-factly, his words sending a shiver down my spine. 

He blushed and glanced at me.

“What?” I asked, curious about the sudden change in his demeanor.

“Um... we might have to sleep close tonight on the tree so that I can tie the rope around us and ensure we don't fall,” he explained, his cheeks turning even redder.

Oh..

I blushed too, my cheeks turning a deep shade of red, as I realized that this moment would be the closest Jay and I had been since our breakup. 

With both of our faces flushed, Jay gently tied the rope around us, creating a sense of connection and vulnerability. I laid my head down on his chest, finding comfort in the familiar scent and warmth. 

As I leaned against his chest the tall tree trunk, behind Jay exhaustion washed over me. 

It had been a long few months filled with back-to-back missions, leaving me drained and in desperate need of sleep. 

With my head resting on Jay's chest, I could hear his steady breathing, just like I used to when we slept together. 

What intrigued me the most was the faint sound of sparks and crackling electricity, a manifestation of his unique lightning elemental power.

As I listened to the mesmerizing hum of electricity emanating from Jay's chest, my eyelids grew heavy and began to slowly close. In the quietness of the moment, I could hear Jay's soft whisper.

“Goodnight, Nya.”

And with those tender words, I succumbed to sleep, carried away by a mixture of emotions and memories.

When I awoke, the gentle sound of birdsong filled the air, signaling the start of a new day.  As I slowly opened my brown eyes, I couldn't help but groan, feeling the weight of sleep still lingering.

Blinking away the remnants of slumber, I realized it was early morning, with the sun already casting its warm glow upon the world. And then it hit me—I was nestled next to Jay, his arms loosely wrapped around me as he peacefully slept.

A blush crept onto my cheeks as I mentally acknowledged the somewhat awkward situation we found ourselves in. Gathering my courage, I tapped Jay's shoulder, gently rousing him from his slumber. 

He groaned and blinked his piercing blue eyes, clearly still half-asleep.

“Huh, what?” he mumbled groggily.

“Come on, Jay,” I began, trying my best to sound determined. “It's morning, and if we want to reach our destination, we need to keep moving.”

“Oh, right,” he replied, rubbing the sleep from his weary eyes. 

With a swift motion, he untangled us, and I hopped onto his back as he effortlessly leaped down from the tall tree, resembling a nimble ninja.

The tone of the moment was undeniably dramatic, adding an exhilarating edge to our adventure.  

And so, with the sun rising and our determination fueling us, we embarked on the next leg of our journey.

As I walked through the forest, a heavy silence hung in the air, punctuated only by the distant calls of animals. I couldn't help but wonder why Lloyd had chosen to pair us together. 

He was aware of our history, the painful breakup that still weighed on my heart. Although Lloyd was like a younger brother to all of us, I sometimes questioned his judgment.

My mind couldn't help but worry about Cole and Kai.

At this point, I desperately hoped they were safe and unharmed. After all, we were all assigned on a dangerous mission.

As a hero, the looming presence of danger was always at the back of my mind, especially when it involved the well-being of my friends.

Jay appeared concerned as well, but he tried to maintain a facade of strength for my sake.

We couldn't risk a rescue at this moment.

I could sense a hidden relief in Jay's eyes, knowing that immediate danger wasn't present, even though his worry for our safety remained.

As we pushed through the dense foliage, I couldn't help but ponder what my life would have been like if Kai and I had never chosen the path of fighting crime.

Being a hero was undeniably exhilarating, but it demanded constant sacrifice for the greater good of others and the world.

As I stepped into the clearing, my eyes were immediately drawn to a horde of bandits. They stood in a tight circle, their boisterous voices filling the air. Laughter echoed through the scene, creating an eerie atmosphere.

What caught my attention was the diverse range of colors adorning their clothing. 

Some wore vibrant hues, while others donned darker shades. It was a peculiar sight, as if each bandit represented a different race or background.

Yet, what struck me the most was the unmistakable scent of alcohol that hung in the air. 

It was evident that they were deep in their revelry, their intoxicated state adding to the already chaotic scene. 

The tension in the clearing was palpable, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.

I swiftly unsheathed my katana, ready for action. But Jay, my loyal companion, swiftly intervened, pulling me behind the safety of a sturdy tree. His mask came down, giving me a sense of urgency as he whispered to me,

“Do you remember what Lloyd said? Are you crazy? These guys despise us and won't hesitate to attack us.”

I tried to resist his protective grip and replied, attempting to calm the tension, “Relax. They have no idea we're here. They wouldn't dare attack without the others knowing."

Jay shook his head, reminding me of the mission we were on,

”Remember, this is a stealth mission. We need to stay hidden.”

My heart skipped a beat, realizing the truth behind his words. The gravity of the situation sank in as I nervously gulped,

“Do you know what they do to people like us?”

I remained silent, my thoughts consumed by the potential consequences that awaited us.

The sound of raucous laughter echoed from the group of menacing thugs, their presence a chilling reminder of past encounters where I narrowly escaped harm's grasp. 

As a samurai, I prided myself on my ability to face danger head-on, whether it be battling snakes or facing other mysterious creatures. But now, uncertainty clouded my mind, leaving me unsure of what was to come.

Jay and I made a joint decision to camp for the night near the bandits, but not where we could be easily spotted. 

We found a suitable spot up in the trees in the deep forest. 

Jay tied the rope to our bodies and secured it to the long, tall tree we were resting on. 

Before leaving our base, we had made sure to bring adequate water supply, food, and other necessary accessories.

As we watched the sun set for yet another day from our perch high up in the trees, deep within the forest, I could feel exhaustion creeping in along with a sense of anxiety and worry. 

The constant missions into the unknown were starting to take their toll on me. Jay interrupted my thoughts, saying my name softly and prompting me to look at him. 

We sat there, still wearing our armor, as he took my face in his hands and gazed into my eyes. His bright blue eyes looked like the ocean.

“What's wrong?” he asked, concern etched on his face.

I was never good with emotions, especially since I grew up with only one brother. 

I had to learn how to deal with everything on my own, including girl problems. Kai tried his best to be there for me, but emotions weren't his strong suit, and I respected that.

As I gazed at the beautiful sunset near the mountains, I couldn't help but sigh. 
Nature was truly a beautiful thing to behold. 

“It's...” I trailed off, turning to look at Jay's waiting blue eyes. 

He wanted me to continue with what had been troubling me.

“It's just everything. This mission has been exhausting. 

I haven't had a break in months,” I groaned, running my hands through my hair and tugging on my tight ponytail.

“Oh Nya... I know you…and the guys are exhausted, and so am 

I. But we're heroes, Nya. 

There are times in life where we have to make sacrifices,” 

Jay said to me as he pulled me in closer, brushing a few stray hairs out of my face and wiping away some tears that had fallen from my brown eyes.

Jay paused for a moment, gazing out into the breathtaking sunset.

I couldn't help but raise my eyebrows in concern. 

“What's on your mind?” I asked, my curiosity getting the best of me. Jay let out a deep sigh, his vivid blue eyes reflecting a mix of anger and confusion.

“It's this damn mission. Ever since Lloyd paired us up, I can't shake this feeling... well,” he trailed off, struggling to find the right words.

I let out a sigh of my own, understanding exactly what he meant. To my surprise, Jay's eyes widened in response to my statement.

“Do you?”

He asked me. I nodded as Jay bit his lip, scratching his head.

“Maybe it's time...”

He questioned, his gaze locked with mine, searching for answers. I could feel my heart race as I lifted my face to meet his intense stare. 

“Time for what?”

I inquired, my voice filled with anticipation, deep down already sensing the weight of his words.

A frustrated sigh escaped his lips as he muttered, “To talk about us.”

My eyes widened, a surge of anxiety rushing through me. 

“Shit,”

I whispered, the weight of his words sinking in, realizing that a crucial conversation lay ahead. 

The dramatic tension between us hung heavy in the air, signaling a turning point in our relationship.

Chapter 4: Payback Points

  Flash Back 

---

** Nya’s Pov ** 

“Damn this stupid piece of junk!” I exclaimed, my frustration boiling over as I kicked the Destiny Bounty in anger.

“Whoa, what did the ship do to deserve that?” Cole asked, appearing behind me in nothing but black shorts.

I couldn't help but wonder if any of the boys knew what proper clothing was. Shaking my head, I adjusted the goggles over my eyes, trying to focus on the task at hand.

These malfunctioning parts were driving me crazy, and I feared they might be the death of me. 

The engine was completely fried, and I had no idea if it was even fixable.

The controls were in shambles, leaving us stranded. “Yeah, it looks like we might be stuck here for a few days,” I grumbled, leaning against the Destiny Bounty in defeat.

Cole raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by my predicament.

“Oh, but I thought you were the famous builder now,” he teased, a chuckle escaping his lips.

I glared at him and flipped him off, my frustration bubbling over.

“I'm joking, I'm joking,” he quickly said, raising his hands in surrender.

Should I bring it up?

The nervousness must have been evident in my posture as I held a tool in my hand.

“What's on your mind?” Cole asked, his eyebrows raised with curiosity.

Through my goggles, I took a good look at his toned body, evidence of years of training and mountain climbing paying off. It was distracting, to say the least. 

He walked closer, placing his hands on my shoulders.

I shivered slightly as he brushed a stray piece of hair out of my face, still wearing my goggles.

“You have something right there...” Cole said, using his gloved hand to gently wipe dirt off my face.

My eyes widened in shock at the unexpected intimacy between us.

Suddenly, Jay and Kai appeared out of nowhere.

Jay looked at us with wide eyes, clearly confused.

I took a step back, chuckling lightly, and adjusted the goggles on my eyes.

It had been a close call. 

“Has the ship been fixed yet?” Kai asked, as I groaned in response.

End of FlashBack

---

Have you ever wanted to be in a real relationship before but just never had the time or patience for it?

After the love triangle between Cole, Jay, and me a few years ago, I was done with dating.

I decided to focus on myself.

Just me.

My own personal growth and my engineer skills.

For a few months or more, things were awkward between Jay and me. We made sure not to let it interfere with our work together. 

But, going on missions with your ex-boyfriend?

Sometimes there are things that you don't get to discuss as a hero.

“Maybe it's time...”

Time, it's always a factor, and sometimes it seems like it's working against us.

“Nya?”

Jay's voice broke through the silence, just as the sun disappeared behind the trees, casting an eerie glow over the forest. 

The only sounds were the faint chirping of birds in the distance. 

My words stumbled nervously as I tried to respond. “I, um...”

Jay let out an exasperated sigh, his face displaying clear frustration. “I miss you... I miss what we had,” he muttered quietly.

Feeling the same way, but unsure of the right course of action, I hesitated before speaking. “I feel it too, Jay, but now just isn't a good time for us...”

Cutting me off, Jay sneered, his irritation evident. “It's never the right time with you, is it, Nya?”

Confused and caught off guard, all I could manage was a bewildered, 

“Huh?”

We found ourselves perched high atop the tree, our bodies securely fastened to the rope to ensure we wouldn't plummet to the ground below. 

The eerie silence of the dense forest enveloped us, broken only by the distant calls and rustling of birds and creatures.

As the moon emerged from behind the clouds, its radiant glow illuminated the towering trees around us. 

It’s light cast an enchanting ambiance, accentuating the intensity of our surroundings.

Jay remained patiently by my side, waiting for my response, eager to engage in a conversation about the tumultuous events of our shared past. 

The weight of our relationship hung heavily in the air, adding an extra layer of tension and drama to the moment.

As the moon cast its dim light through the dense trees of the forest, my heart pounded with tension. 

I stole a quick glance at Jay, feeling a mix of emotions flood my mind as memories of our past relationship resurfaced. 

I tried to suppress these emotions, but as we moved in sync, a connection began to rekindle within our souls.

Taking a deep breath, I turned to face Jay, my eyes filled with a vulnerability I had long kept hidden. 

“Jay,” I whispered, barely audible over the rustling leaves. "There's something I need to tell you."

Jay's gaze met mine, his piercing blue eyes reflecting curiosity and concern. 

I felt a warm smile spread across my face as Jay's eyes met mine. 

He had been eagerly waiting for this moment throughout our entire mission. 

His voice was filled with anticipation as he asked me a question that held a special significance between us.

 "Do you like Blue?" 

Jay's question caught me off guard, causing a rush of heat to flood my cheeks. 

I couldn't help but close my eyes, as the memories of our first meeting came rushing back. 

 “It’s my favorite color.”

I admitted, my voice filled with a hint of nostalgia. With closed eyes, I let the vivid memory consume my thoughts once more.

He could sense the weight of my words before I even spoke them. Swallowing hard, he nodded, silently urging me to continue.

“Do you remember when we were fighting those robot things in your parents' junkyard?”

I asked gently, looking at him with a mix of nervousness and confusion. 

“Well, you were trapped in that machine with Cole, and I had to choose whether to cut the blue wire or the black wire...”

I huffed nervously, realizing that I had sworn never to discuss this with anyone, not even Pixal or Skylor.

“I... I cut the black wire,” I admitted, growing even more nervous. 

“When you and Cole were being crushed by that machine, I chose to cut the black wire.

It meant cutting ties with Cole.”

“I wanted it to be you,” I confessed, watching as Jay's eyes widened in shock.

Chapter 5: It All Starts Here

** Nya’s Pov ** 

“I wanted it to be you,” I confessed, watching as Jay's eyes widened in shock.

I stared into Jay's eyes, my voice trembling as I revealed the truth to him. “Jay... I was the one who cut the black wire... when you and Cole were trapped under that crushing machine.”

In that moment, I made the decision to cut the black wire, symbolically cutting ties with Cole.

As the weight of my words sank in, Jay's eyes widened in shock, his expression mirroring his disbelief. 

The intensity of the situation seemed to overwhelm him, evident in the wavering tone of his voice as he struggled to find the right words to respond. “Nya, I...”

Feeling a mixture of shame and vulnerability, I couldn't bear to meet his gaze any longer. 

My eyes darted away, my face flushing with embarrassment at having shared such a pivotal revelation with him. 

The atmosphere was thick with drama, the weight of our emotions hanging heavily in the air. 

There's no need to say anything, Jay," I reassured him, my voice filled with confidence. 

Suddenly, the communication device blinked, indicating that Zane and Lloyd's voices were coming through. “Hello, brother and sister. Have you reached the bandits' hideout yet?”

Zane inquired through the device.

“Yes, we're here, and so far, everything seems normal,” Jay replied in code. 

My concern grew, and I couldn't help but ask Zane, “Have you heard from Cole and Kai?” Lloyd's voice chimed in, trying to offer reassurance. “No, we haven't been able to contact them yet, but don't worry, I'm sure they're alright.”

“Don't worry, Nya,” Jay assured me, though I could sense his own anxiety. “We've done this sort of mission before, so we know what to expect. 

Lloyd and I should arrive at our destination and line by morning,” Zane stated firmly.

“Let's hope so,” I responded, my voice tinged with a hint of doubt. Zane and Lloyd ended the call, leaving us with a dilemma. 

“Well, we can't rescue my brother and Cole from sitting in this tree now, can we?” I told Jay, starting to untie the rope he had wrapped around us. Jay's eyes widened in shock. 

“Nya, didn't you remember what Lloyd said?” I nodded slowly, making my way down the tall oak tree.

With a loud thump, I finally reached the ground. “Are you coming or not?” I asked Jay, looking back at him. 

He had a stunned look on his face, but then he raised his eyebrows and smirked, lowering his blue hood jumping down from the tree.

Jay and I found ourselves at the bandits' hideout once again. 

The bandits appeared to still be intoxicated from their successful partying. I turned to Jay and asked, 

“What's the plan?” Jay looked at me, wide-eyed, and responded, 

“Wait, I thought you were the one with the plans?” As I scanned the bandits, a sense of urgency filled the air.

I pointed towards the massive building ahead, noticing a conspicuous air vent. “If we manage to sneak into the building through the air vent without alerting anyone, we can investigate if Cole and Kai are held captive inside,” I declared, adjusting my Samurai mask for added stealth.

Jay chimed in with a concerned tone, dampening my enthusiasm. “There's a major flaw in that plan,” he interjected, causing me to let out an exasperated sigh. 

“And what might that be?” I inquired, eager to hear his perspective. 

Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, Jay responded, “even if Cole and Kai are indeed inside and captured, entering through the air vent would lead us directly into their trap.”

Curse, I knew he was right.
I replied, my voice filled with determination, as I slowly made my way towards the building. Leaving the forest behind, I scanned the bandit camp. 

It was a chaotic scene with all kinds of vehicles, weapons, and empty beer bottles scattered around. 

These bandits were nothing more than wannabe criminals.

Silently sneaking past the intoxicated bandits, Jay and I finally reached the building. 

“We gotta get up to the roof,” I whispered to Jay, who nodded in agreement. With his ninja training skills and elemental power, he effortlessly jumped to the roof.

“Race you to the top,” he laughed mischievously, catching me off guard. My eyes widened in surprise as he took off. 

I cursed under my breath and quickly grabbed my grappling hook from my belt, which held some of my Samurai weapons. 

Determined to catch up, I swiftly ascended to the top of the building while Jay snickered.

Once we were both on the roof, Jay used his elemental power to open the air vent, while I used my grappling hook to lower us down inside. 

The tension in the air was palpable as we prepared to face whatever awaited us in the depths of the building.

As we descended, the sight that awaited us was shrouded in darkness. 

I called out to Jay, urging him to illuminate our surroundings with his electric powers. 

With a laugh, he obliged, casting a brilliant glow that pierced through the gloom. It revealed that we had touched down in a dilapidated hallway of an ancient, forsaken structure.

As we stepped further into the abyss, the creaking of floorboards echoed ominously beneath our feet. 

Shadows danced menacingly along the decaying walls, whispering secrets of forgotten tales.

A chill ran down my spine, as if the very air itself held a malevolent presence. 

The flickering lights above us added an eerie ambiance, casting elongated shadows that seemed to reach out to us with bony fingers. 

I couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding, as if the darkness around us was alive and watching our every move. 

Jay's electric powers illuminated the path before us, revealing the intricate details of the ancient structure. 

Broken windows shattered by time and neglect allowed faint beams of moonlight to pierce through, creating an ethereal glow in the dusty air.

As we cautiously made our way through the labyrinthine hallways, the silence weighed heavily upon us. 

Each step we took felt like a betrayal against the haunting stillness, disturbing the slumber of whatever spirits may lurk within.

Jay's voice broke the silence, his words carrying a tremor of unease. “Man, this place sure gives me the creeps,” he whispered, his voice barely audible over the symphony of whispers that seemed to surround us.

The rustling of unseen creatures in the dark corners of the building sent a shiver down my spine. 

I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched, studied by unseen eyes that observed our every move.

We walked in stealth mode, keeping our senses heightened and our instincts on high alert. 

The echoes of our footfalls seemed to resonate indefinitely, a constant reminder of our intrusion into this forgotten realm.

With every passing moment, the weight of the unknown pressed upon us. It was as if time itself had paused within these ancient walls, trapping the echoes of a long-forgotten past.

Though fear gripped us tightly, curiosity pushed us forward. 

We continued our exploration, determined to uncover the secrets that lay hidden within the shadows. 

“I knew bandits never cared about tidying up the place but this is just ridiculous.”

 I stated noticing beer broken bottle’s on the floor in the abandoned warehouse As I explored the abandoned warehouse, I noticed several signs of the bandits' presence. 

There were scattered empty food wrappers and discarded cigarette butts, indicating that they had been using this space as a makeshift hideout or meeting point.  

I also found some crude drawings on the walls, depicting symbols and maps that seemed to suggest their plans or territories. 

Additionally, there were shattered glass bottles and broken furniture, suggesting recent acts of violence or confrontations. 

Overall, it was clear that the bandits had been using this warehouse as a base of operations, leaving behind various clues and remnants of their activities. 

“Hey Nya, check this out!” Jay whispered yelled, his voice filled with excitement and curiosity.

I turned to face Jay, my eyes drawn to the wall he was pointing at.

It was covered in intricate writing, as if someone had imprinted their thoughts and secrets onto the stone. 

I couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue, my hands instinctively reaching out to touch the mysterious markings.

“Is it another scroll reading?” I asked Jay, my voice filled with anticipation. I wanted to decipher the meaning behind those cryptic symbols, to uncover the hidden knowledge they held.

Jay nodded, his eyes scanning the wall intently. 

“It seems to be some type of prophecy,” he mused, his voice tinged with both wonder and longing. “Only if Zane were here to read it.”

My gaze lingered on the enigmatic writing, each stroke of ink seemingly pulsating with mysteries yet to be unraveled. 

The colors blended together in a mesmerizing dance, creating a tapestry of unknown significance. 

It was a language foreign to both Jay and me, leaving us grasping at straws in an attempt to comprehend its message.

As the gravity of the situation sank in, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation mixed with a hint of trepidation. 

The dramatic tone of the moment mirrored the weight of the words etched onto the wall, as if the fate of our world hung in the balance.

With a determined glint in my eyes, I turned to Jay. “We can't just leave this here,” I said, my voice resolute. “We need to find a way to decipher this prophecy, to understand its implications.”

I nodded in agreement, my eyes reflecting the same determination as Jay's.

“I'll call Zane!” Jay exclaimed, pressing a button on his communication device.

“Zane Lloyd, come in. Hello, are you guys there?” he asked anxiously through the device.

Unfortunately, there was no response.

“Maybe it's just a bad signal,” Jay laughed nervously, but I couldn't help narrowing my eyes in suspicion.

Before I could say anything, both Jay and I gasped as we heard a voice.

”Hey, what are you punks doing in here!”

The tone of the situation suddenly became dramatic, and we knew we were in trouble.

Chapter 6: The-Not-So -Grand Entrance

Notes:

Hello Loves please read author note at the end of the chapter >

** Nya’s Pov **

Startled by the sound of someone else in the building, Jay and I quickly spun around to face the intruder. 

To our dismay, it was one of the bandits we had been trying to avoid. 

This particular bandit was adorned in a peculiar type of armor that covered his entire body, and his face was concealed, save for his piercing eyes and tanned skin. 

Standing before us was a tall, muscular figure, adorned with mysterious tattoos on his arms. 

Without a doubt, he looked like a hardened criminal.

"Ah, great. Our cover is blown," 

Jay groaned, his frustration evident. I shook my head, determination surging through me as I drew my katana from its sheath at my side.

As the bandit took a step forward, a mischievous grin spread across his face, a stark contrast to his intimidating appearance. 

“Well, well, well," he chuckled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Look what we have here, a couple of wannabe heroes. 

You really thought you could outsmart us, didn't you?"

Jay and I exchanged a glance, our nerves tingling with a mix of fear and excitement. 

I couldn't help but let out a nervous laugh. "Well, it seems we underestimated your infamous gang of bandits. 

But hey, we're always up for a challenge."

The bandit raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by our audacity. 

“Oh, you're brave, I'll give you that. But let me warn you, crossing paths with me doesn't end well for most people."

Jay grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Oh, we're not most people. 

We're a dynamic duo ready to take on any obstacle. 

Besides, we could use a little excitement in our lives."

The bandit chuckled, his deep voice reverberating through the room. "Excitement, huh? Well, you're about to get more than you bargained for."

With a sudden burst of energy, the bandit lunged towards us, his movements swift and calculated. 

Jay and I sprang into action, dodging his attacks with a mix of skill and luck. 

The room transformed into a chaotic dance, with Jay's acrobatic flips and my precise strikes creating an unpredictable spectacle.

He let out one final laugh, his eyes twinkling with a mix of defeat and admiration.

“Well played, my comedic adversaries," he chuckled,“I suppose I underestimated your abilities. Consider me impressed." 

“You thought that was impressive. Just wait," Jay said, a mischievous glint in his eyes as sparks of electricity crackled and danced at his fingertips.

He aimed the electric power at the bandit, but to my shock, the bandit effortlessly blocked it with a surge of his own power. 

The air crackled with tension as the two formidable forces clashed. 

The bandit's ability to resist Jay's elemental power left us all stunned.

Jay's eyes widened in disbelief. 

He had never encountered someone with such a strong defense against his lightning. “How..." he questioned, his voice filled with perplexity, as a wicked smile crept across the bandit's face. 

It was apparent that he had been toying with us all along.

In that split second, Jay's sharp instincts kicked in, and he shouted, "Nya, watch out!" 

My heart raced as the bandit's gaze shifted towards me, his malicious intent apparent. 

I barely had time to react as he lunged towards me, his weapon gleaming in the dim light.

With a surge of adrenaline, I mustered all my strength and skill to block his strike, but his force was overwhelming. 

I stumbled backward, my foot catching on one of the abandoned railway tracks. 

Pain shot through my body as I crashed to the ground, desperately grabbing onto the railings to steady myself, crying out in agony.

The world seemed to fade into a blur. 

The battle between Jay and the bandit continued, each displaying their unique abilities with unyielding determination. 

As I gripped the rail tightly, My heart pounded in my chest as I watched Jay, summoning all the strength I had left, I pushed myself up from the ground, gripping the railings tightly.

I let out a groan as the excruciating pain in my ankle pierced through me like a thousand needles. 

“Ah, ah, ah," I groaned, attempting to push myself up but being overwhelmed by the agony. It felt like my ankle was shattered, and with every movement, the pain intensified, threatening to consume me whole. 

The world around me seemed to fade into a hazy blur as I focused all my energy on overcoming this torment.

As I struggled to rise, I could hear Jay's taunts towards the bandit, their voice dripping with confidence and triumph. 

Their words pierced through my pain, a stark reminder of how helpless I was in this moment. 

The sound of laughter followed, mocking my feeble attempts to stand. 

It echoed in my ears, amplifying my frustration and fueling my determination.

Meanwhile, beads of sweat trickled down my forehead, mingling with the tears of pain that streamed down my face. 

Each labored breath I took was a battle, as if the air itself had turned into a thick, suffocating fog. 

My heart pounded in my chest, matching the rhythm of the pulsating ache in my ankle.

As my vision blurred, my eyes snapped open in disbelief. 

A surge of shock coursed through me when I heard the wicked laughter of the bandits echoing in my ears. 

Jay, my companion, succumbed to their attack and collapsed, and in that moment, I too was thrust into the abyss of darkness. 

I found myself lying on the frigid, shattered ground, consumed by the weight of despair. 

Notes:

Sorry for all the confusion loves I have decided to add the other Ninja Povs has well in the series with still adding Jay’s and Nya’s Pov since they are the main characters, in this

Love you all and feed back and kudos are appreciated

Chapter 7: The Darkest Cell

Notes:

Please read the note at the end of the last chapter

** Jay’s Pov **

I anxiously walked back and forth in the cramped cell that confined me.

Cole and Kai, were seated in the cell adjacent to mine, providing some solace amidst this dire situation.  

I was relieved to see them unharmed, but my mind couldn't help but worry about Nya.

"Hey, Jay," Cole called out to me, his voice filled with concern. "I'm certain they haven't laid a finger on Nya. 

They wouldn't want to deal with a wrathful Ninja like us." 

Despite his attempt to reassure me, a sense of unease engulfed me. 

Something felt off about this whole predicament. 

Cole and Kai had explained how they were captured, inadvertently alerting the bandits to our presence. 

This meant that they now knew Zane and Lloyd were on their way, which only heightened the urgency and danger of our situation.

I stand there, my bruised chin throbbing with pain, and try to make sense of what just happened. 

How did that bandit sense us so easily? 

And more importantly, how did he manage to defend himself against my powerful lightning bolt? 

The weight of concern for Nya hangs heavy on my mind, but I can't afford to waste time pacing around aimlessly. I need to find a way out of here.

"Jay," Kai's voice breaks through my racing thoughts, but I can't fully process his words. 

The weight of the situation presses down on me, causing my heart to race and my mind to scramble for a solution. 

The urgency to escape consumes me, and I urgently convey my thoughts to my brothers. "We have to find a way out, no matter what. 

These cuffs, they're made of vengestone. We're trapped." My voice trembles with a mix of frustration and desperation, knowing that time is running out for all of us.

A surge of frustration rises within me, and I let out a frustrated groan. “We're trapped, and Nya's ankle is severely injured.” My hands clench into fists, my nails digging into my palms. 

The pain grounds me, reminding me of the stakes at hand. We can't afford to fail.

Fear and determination fill my voice as I whisper the words to my brothers. 

The weight of responsibility sits heavy on my shoulders, but I refuse to let it crush me. 

We can't just sit here and hope for rescue. 

We can't rely on someone else to save us. 

We need to find a way to save her, to save ourselves.

The room seems to close in around us as I contemplate our dire situation. 

The walls feel like they're closing in, suffocating us with their suffocating presence. 

The bandit's presence lingers like a dark cloud,

"I urgently exclaimed, 'We must warn Lloyd and Zane!' Cole questioned me, 'But how?' With a hint of frustration, Kai replied, 'Yeah, they took everything while we were unconscious.' 

I crossed my arms tightly over my chest, a sense of helplessness washing over me. 

It was true, they had confiscated all of our supplies and communication devices, leaving us with no way to reach Zane and Lloyd.

Cole, with a calm yet determined tone, piped up, 'Our only hope is that Zane and Lloyd realize it's a trap.' 

He smoothly crossed his arms, bound by the unyielding grip of Vengestone cuffs. 

As I pondered our dire situation, Kai added with a touch of desperation, leaning against the wall, “I truly hope they manage to uncover the truth.” 

Shaking my head, I said, "Well, I, for one, sure as hell don't like to give up, and neither do you two." I pointed a finger at both of them. 

Ever since Sensei Wu passed away a few years ago, it's been quite hard on all of us. 

We've kept busy, going back and forth between missions, looking out for Lloyd and facing all types of dangers. 

And now, on this undercover mission, here I am, seeing Nya again after being separated since our breakup.

My mind drifted to Nya. 
Memories of our past flooded my thoughts, a mix of love, pain, and regret. 

Was she alright? 

What if the bandits did something to her? 

The thought of her in danger sent shivers down my spine. 

The weight of the past and the uncertainty of the present pressed on my shoulders, 

What if...? 

I couldn't even bring myself to finish that thought. The fear of losing her again gnawed at my soul. 

What if...? 

Startled by the presence of someone walking down the hall towards our cell, we all shared eye contact, feeling the tension in the air.

I stood my ground, staring at my brothers who appeared ready to attack if necessary. 

The atmosphere was tense as a masked figure approached our cell, their presence shrouded in mystery, only their purple eyes visible. 

“Enjoying your stay," they sneered, their voice distorted, making it impossible to determine their gender.

"Not entirely," I coldly replied, refusing to show any signs of weakness.

"Well, Ninjas, I hope you don't plan on escaping anytime soon. 

Now that I've captured all four of you, I'm just awaiting the arrival of the other two," the masked figure taunted, crossing their arms. 

"Leave them alone!" Kai interjected, his voice filled with determination. "And what have you done to my sister?" he demanded, his concern evident.

"Oh, so that little samurai is also your sister? Huh, I thought she was just the blue ninja's love interest," the figure chuckled darkly. 

“Well, since you asked so nicely..." 

Suddenly, I found myself in a moment of disbelief as the unexpected unfolded before me. 

My eyes widened in shock as an evil laugh echoed in the air. 
I could hardly believe what I was seeing - the once light brown eyes had now transformed into a piercing purple, accompanied by jet-black short hair. 

It was as if the light that once radiated from within had been extinguished, leaving behind an overwhelming darkness. 

Chapter 8: The Soul-Word Concept

** Lloyd’s Pov **

I carefully calculated our location, Lloyd, and it seems we have arrived at the bandits' hideout. 

However, there are no signs of the others," Zane responded to me as I brought the binoculars to my eyes, zooming in on the camp. 

Dressed in my Green Gi and with our supply backpack strapped to my back, I scanned the area once again and let out a sigh.

"Do you think they might have been captured?" 

I pinched my nose, feeling frustrated. 

I had instructed everyone to be completely stealthy. 

Zane put a finger on his chin, deep in thought. "That is a possibility. 

Ever since Sensei Wu's passing, we haven't been ourselves."

I sighed, knowing he was right. Maybe we weren't ready to take on another mission. 

After my uncle's passing, I felt the need to keep the team busy. 

But perhaps we hadn't properly addressed the loss and grief we were all going through.

"We need to get into the building. 

If they're captured, they could be injured," I urgently told Zane, my voice filled with concern. 

He shook his head, clearly hesitant. "If they're captured, that's exactly what they want us to do.  

It could be a trap," he warned, his gaze shifting to the bandits guarding the entrance. 

“The chances of it being a trap are about 75%," he added, his tone filled with caution. Frustration welled up inside me. 

“Thanks for your optimism, Zane," I replied, dripping with sarcasm. 

He couldn't help but grin in response, seemingly entertained by my remark.

“Well... regardless, we can't do much deep in the forest. Skylor and Pixal are all the way back at the monastery, and it would take them about five days to reach our destination. 

Unfortunately, we don't have that much time," I explained to Zane, who nodded in agreement. 

“But maybe we can kidnap one of the bandits at nightfall and get them to talk."

I clenched my fists together, a determined look on my face. 

“If they've captured my friends, they're in for a rude awakening when they face the legendary Green Ninja," I declared to Zane as I stood up from my stealth position. 

“So it's settled then. By nightfall, we capture one of them and find out what happened to the others."

As the moon shone brightly in the night sky, signaling the arrival of nightfall, Zane and I positioned ourselves, ready to capture a bandit. 

The bandits were indulging in drinks after a long day of work, gathering supplies for shipment through the forest. 

It was the perfect time to strike. 

“Are you ready?" 

I whispered to Zane as a group of bandits passed by the building. 

He nodded, gripping his Shurikens tightly. 

With lightning speed, he attacked one of the bandits who had come too close to our hiding spot, now perched up in the trees.

"Excellent job," I commended Zane, leaping down from the branches and rushing over to the defeated bandit. 

The masked figure was adorned in purple and black attire, adding an air of mystery and danger.

“Now we just have to wait for answers when he wakes up," I said, my tone laced with a sense of anticipation and urgency. 

Zane, standing beside me, nodded in agreement. 

His gaze shifted towards the defeated bandit lying on the ground.

"Do you think the others are okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

I took a moment to ponder his question, my mind racing with worry. "I sure hope so, Zane," I replied, my words tinged with a mix of hope and anxiety.

As the bandit slowly began to open his eyes, I could feel the adrenaline rushing through my veins. 

Zane and I had just finished tying him to a sturdy tree, ensuring he wouldn't escape easily.

Curiosity fueled the bandit's aggression as he yelled at us, "What's going on here?"

With a smirk on my face, I responded, determined to assert our authority, "You will answer our questions!"

Defiantly, the bandit chuckled, his voice dripping with defiance, "I'm not answering nothing!"

I crossed my arms, maintaining a dramatic stance, and turned to Zane. 

Locking eyes with the bandit, Zane asked him with unwavering intensity, “Who do you work for?"

The bandit's evil chuckle sent shivers down my spine. "Ah, there's so much you young ninja haven't discovered," he said, a wicked laughter escaping his lips.

Unease washed over me as I glanced at Zane, who shared the same intrigue as me. 

It felt like a dark secret was about to be unveiled.

 “What do you mean?”

 “What don't we know?”

I asked, my voice filled with a dramatic sense of urgency.

"Time is upon you, young Ninja," the bandit sneered, his voice dripping with malice. 

“An old darkness is rising once again, and there is nothing you can do to stop it." 

With each word, his laughter grew more sinister, echoing through the air.

"But remember, without darkness, there can't be light," he taunted, his eyes gleaming with wicked delight. 

“All of Ninjago will crumble and fall, reduced to nothingness. 

Not even your mighty elemental powers can save you now."

The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, filling the atmosphere with a sense of impending doom.

“What has risen! How do we stop it?" I asked, my voice trembling with a sense of urgency and fear.

"You can't," he replied, his smirk revealing a glint of gold teeth. 

I glanced at Zane and nodded, silently communicating our plan. 

Zane swiftly withdrew his Shuriken, channeling his elemental power of ice to encase our adversary in a frozen prison.

Now, faced with the immobilized threat, Zane turned to me, his voice filled with concern. 

“What do we do now?" 

He asked, his tone reflecting the gravity of the situation.

In that moment, the weight of our mission pressed upon me, but I refused to let despair consume me. 

Chapter 9: The Void

Notes:

Kudos are appreciated

Flashback a few days ago

---

** Cole’s Pov **

Walking through the forest with Kai, I could feel the anticipation building within me as we made our way towards the bandits' hideout. 

The tightness of my Ninja Gi was starting to become bothersome, and I found myself tugging at it from time to time.

As we walked, Kai turned to me and asked, "How do you think the others are doing?" 

I couldn't help but smirk at the thought. "Jay is probably giving Nya a headache with his non-stop talking," I replied. "And Zane, well, he's most likely bombarding Lloyd with facts about all the trees and nature in this forest."

Kai chuckled and removed his mask, revealing a hint of exhaustion on his face. 

“We should find a spot to camp for the night," he suggested, shivering slightly as the temperature dropped. 

“I don't want to catch a cold because of this weather."

I let out a sigh and reluctantly agreed. "Alright, let's find a suitable spot." 

We continued our search, and after some time, we stumbled upon a cozy spot near a cave in the heart of the forest. 

It seemed like the perfect place to rest.

Using his elemental powers, Kai conjured up a small fire while I gathered some wood for fuel. 

As the flames flickered to life, I couldn't help but be overcome with a sense of melancholy. 

The dancing flames reminded me of Sensei Wu, who had passed away a few years ago. 

It was a shock to all of us, but it had hit Lloyd, our youngest and most vulnerable, especially hard.

"Lloyd has matured so much," I remarked, my voice filled with a mix of pride and sorrow. 

Kai nodded, his gaze fixed on the fire as he tended to it. 

“It's truly amazing to see how far he's come. I just wish..." He trailed off, letting out a heavy sigh. "I know, Kai. We all miss him," I replied, my voice filled with understanding and empathy.

As we sat by the fire, the crackling of the flames providing a comforting soundtrack to our thoughts, 

"It feels like it's been an eternity since we last laid eyes on him," I whispered to Kai, my voice filled with a mix of sadness and longing. 

He nodded in understanding, his expression mirroring my own grief. "I miss him dearly.”

His untimely passing was something we anticipated, but never did we expect it to happen so soon."

As the weight of the loss settled upon us, I nodded in agreement with Kai's sentiment. 

The memory of discovering our Sensei in his final moments, helpless to prevent his demise, still haunted us. 

It felt like just yesterday when the world around us shattered, forever changing the course of our lives.

The sense of tragedy and the weight of the unknown hung heavy in the air, casting a somber and dramatic tone over our conversation.

“I miss the way we used to yell at each other during training, constantly reminding ourselves to clean up after ourselves," I chuckled in response to Kai's words.

"He definitely had a knack for yelling at Jay," I commented, as Kai shook his head.

 Memories of the funeral flooded my mind. The scene was filled with an air of solemnity and the weight of grief hung heavy in the air.

I vividly recall the beautiful display of white and pink flowers gracefully floating down the river. The sun slowly rose, casting a breathtaking pink and orange hue across the sky, creating a dramatic backdrop near the monastery. The river, nestled below the towering Mountains of Impossible Height, added a sense of grandeur and majesty to the setting.

The combination of the mournful occasion, the serene river, and the majestic mountains created a truly unforgettable and emotionally charged atmosphere. 

We should probably get some sleep," I said, yawning tiredly. 

I could feel the exhaustion weighing down on my eyelids, urging me to close them. 

Kai nodded in agreement, understanding the need for rest. 

As we both settled down to sleep, the tension and drama of the day slowly faded away, replaced by a sense of relief and anticipation for what tomorrow would bring.

As the sun rose once more, its warm rays gently kissed the earth, awakening nature from its slumber. 

The melodious songs of the birds filled the air, their cheerful melodies echoing through the tranquil forest. 

The mist gracefully danced between the towering trees, adding an ethereal touch to the early morning.

"I'm gonna check on Nya and the others!" Kai exclaimed, pressing the communication device to signal Lloyd and Zane first.

"Hello, brothers!" Zane greeted cheerfully through the communication device. "How has your destination been?" 

"We're getting there, Zane," I replied. "And how are you and Lloyd?"

Zane smiled and said, "We got much-needed rest, as I hope all of you did. Who knows when we'll be able to sleep next." 

His tone changed to worry, adding a touch of drama to his words.

“Well I'm glad you guys are alright!” Lloyd's voice came through “Lloyd!” Kai and I smile. 

"Kai and I are just about to witness daybreak, and we should arrive on time," I said to Lloyd through the communication device.

Kai asked Zane, "Have you spoken to Jay or Nya?"

Zane replied, "Yes, surprisingly those two have made it farther than all of us."

"Damn it!" I exclaimed, and Kai groaned, "We were hoping to get there before those two."

Lloyd chuckled and said, "I know, just imagine how Zane and I feel."

Kai's gaze shifted towards the dense forest as the sun rose higher in the sky, casting a warm glow on the surroundings. 

The morning fog had dissipated, revealing the beauty of the landscape.

With determination, Kai reached for the communication device and pressed the button, initiating a call. 

Jay's voice resonated through the device, filling Kai's ears with familiarity and reassurance.

"Kai?" Jay's voice echoed in Kai's arm, wrapped in his gi.

"Jay! How are you both holding up?" Kai inquired, concern evident in his voice. "I hope you're doing okay and how’s my sister?”

Have you reached your destination yet?"

Kai's frustration grew, and he placed a hand on his forehead, letting out a frustrated groan. 

The situation was becoming increasingly tense.

"Nya, please tell Kai to relax," came Nya's voice through the communication device. 

Kai had been talking to his sister through the communication device.

"Sis, I'm glad to know that both of you are okay," Kai said.

"You as well," she commented. "Are you two almost at our destination?" she asked Kai.

Kai groaned in response, "No, we took the longer route, sis. We should be there by nightfall."

Kai told his sister, "Oh, Jay, one more thing. If anything happens to her, Jay..."

That is when a mysterious shadow figure showed up within the trees, taking us by surprise. 

My eyes widened in shock as Kai and I fell into the darkness.

End of flash back present time 

Notes:

That gave me goosebumps I just started a new job this week so hopefully I’m more motivated to write more in the future what would you guys like to see?

Chapter 10: The Voice

** Nya’s Pov **

Inside of me, there was a chilling darkness that I couldn't quite comprehend. 

I knew that something terrible had occurred, but I couldn't put my finger on it. 

Surprisingly, the pain in my ankle had vanished, and I felt a newfound sense of control and strength.

However, my vision was distorted, not as I had hoped it would be. 

Everything appeared dark, tinged with shades of purple. It was evident that something was wrong. “You are correct, something is indeed wrong,” A mysterious voice resonated within me, sending shivers down my spine.

Confusion overwhelmed me. Where were we headed, and who was this enigmatic figure hidden behind the mask? I couldn't help but demand answers. 

"Who are you?" I asked, my voice filled with urgency and determination.

“I am merely a part of you... well, the enhanced version, if you will... my master has set me free,.”  the voice replied cryptically.

Master? 

The mask figure? 

My mind raced with questions, desperately seeking clarity.

"Leave my body! What is it that you want from me?" I shouted, my desperation evident. ”Oh, Nya... can't you see? He only desires what is best for you," the voice responded, its tone filled with dramatic intensity.

I found myself trapped in a dimly lit cell, surrounded by the echoes of unfamiliar voices that seemed to originate from outside my own mind. 

"Nya, this isn't you!" a voice called out, and I instantly recognized it.

Jay? 

Was that really him? 

I strained my senses to focus on his presence, but my surroundings appeared distorted, bathed in shades of purple, as if under some dark spell that held me captive.

"The girl you knew as Nya is gone," I spoke to Jay, my voice filled with a mix of desperation and resignation. 

But wait, I'm still here! I desperately tried to reach out to Jay, to let him know that I hadn't vanished completely.

"I'm here, Jay!" 

I screamed, hoping that he could hear the words reverberating in his mind. 

But something was wrong, my mouth remained motionless, failing to convey the thoughts and feelings I so desperately wanted to express.

”I'm in control now, child,” a sinister voice taunted, its presence seeping deeper into my consciousness. 

The voice's words echoed within my mind, sending shivers down my spine.

"Get out of my head!" 

I roared, frustration and anger surging through me. 

But my battle cry remained confined within the confines of my mind, unable to break free.

In that moment, it felt as though I was caught in the midst of a fierce war, a battle between this intrusive voice and my own self. 

The struggle was intense, the stakes high.

I watched, trapped within my own body, as my hand gently touched Jay's face, his wrist cuffed to Vengestone. 

The voice continued its taunting, revealing secrets and twisting the knife deeper into my already wounded heart.

”Oh Jay, it's a shame that she never even loved you,” the voice sneered, its words dripping with malice. 

My vision, tainted with shades of purple, distorted the scene before me.

Desperation clawed at me as I fought against the overpowering force taking hold of my body. 

I wanted to stop it, to regain control, but the voice proved too powerful for me to resist.

Then, a familiar voice cut through the chaos. "Sis! Snap out of it!" It was Kai, my brother, his voice filled with concern.

“Don’t you see Nya! Is gone!” 

I screamed, my voice filled with desperation. Jay's expression shifted to one of pain, sadness, and anger as he processed the devastating news. 

“I'll kill you, I swear!” Jay's voice trembled with rage as he directed his threat towards the masked figure standing beside me. 

In that moment, the figure calmly placed his hand on my shoulder, a sinister smile spreading across his face.

"She belongs to me now," he taunted with an evil gleam in his eyes I could see through his mask. 

“Boss! We've got trouble!" A bandit burst into the cell, his eyes fixed on the masked figure standing behind me.

"What is it?" The boss turned his attention away from me and the ninja.

"Two more ninja have infiltrated the facility, one in green and one in white," the bandit reported.

The ninja couldn't contain the ninja excitement and exclaimed, "Yes!"

The masked figure glared at them and commanded, "Silence!" He unleashed his dark energy field, causing all of us to writhe in pain and groan.

"He's hurting them!" My inner thoughts screamed, as I remained under his control and the influence of the new voice in my mind.

“Good...” The voice in my head whispered with satisfaction.

"Go to the entrance and stop the white ninja," the masked figure ordered the bandit. Then he added, "But what about the green one?"

The masked figure chuckled lightly and venom dripped from his words, "Leave the green ninja to her..." He placed his gloved hands on my shoulders.

"I believe you know what to do, don't you, my new apprentice?" He said, staring at me. My eyes glowed with a sinister purple hue, and I smiled wickedly, fully under his control.

"Yes, master," I replied, while the others, including Jay, looked devastated.

I glanced at Jay one last time, his face filled with heartbreak, his blue eyes pleading with me not to go.

I didn't want to go! I didn't want to help the boss! But I felt an undeniable force controlling me, along with the voice in my head!

As I walked through the cell, I paused at the doorway, ignoring Jay's pleas, and stepped out, leaving him behind. 

Chapter 11: New Apprentice

** Lloyd’s Pov **

As we navigated through the eerie halls, my green energy power illuminated the surroundings, casting an eerie glow on the broken windows and scattered beer bottles. 

It was evident that the criminals responsible for this mess didn't bother to clean up after themselves. 

Zane commented on this, and I silently nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, Zane called me over to a section of the wall where he had discovered something peculiar. 

Using his flashlight, he revealed ancient writings etched onto the surface. 

I approached him, my curiosity piqued.

"What does it say?" I asked, standing beside him.

Zane focused his scans on the writing, attempting to decipher its meaning. 

With a hint of excitement in his voice, he replied, "It seems to be some form of ancient script. Let me try to translate it into English."

We both held our breaths, eager to uncover any clues that would lead us closer to our friends and unravel the mystery that lay before us.

 “Here lies the prophecy of a Hegemonic Dark Form who enjoys the corporation of sending evil over Ninjago for centuries.” 

 As I laid my eyes upon the ancient scroll, my heart skipped a beat. 

The words etched on its delicate surface unraveled a haunting tale of a Hegemonic Dark Form family, notorious for their sinister desire to unleash chaos upon the realm of Ninjago for countless generations.

In that moment, my gaze shifted to Zane, his expression mirroring the weight of my realization. "Dark form?" I whispered, my voice filled with a mix of trepidation and awe. 

“Could this scroll hold the secrets of the Overlord himself, the embodiment of darkness and malevolence?"

The air around us grew heavy with the weight of ancient prophecies, weaving a web of uncertainty and impending doom. 

We stood on the precipice of a perilous journey, where the forces of good and evil clashed in a battle for the very soul of Ninjago. 

Little did we know, our destinies were intertwined with the fate of this dark legacy, and the outcome would determine the course of our world.

"Who are all these people working?" I exclaimed, my voice filled with astonishment and curiosity as I turned to face Zane.

Zane looked equally perplexed, his voice reflecting a sense of wonder. "I am unsure myself. These ancient writings have never graced my optics before. They must have been hidden away for countless millennia."

Desperation tinged Zane's voice as he called out to Pixal through our communication device. "Pixal, come in! Pixal, we need you to perform a scan."

Pixal's voice crackled through the device, filled with relief and concern. "Oh, Zane! It is a relief to hear your voice. I was growing increasingly worried."

Zane's response was laced with remorse and affection. "Forgive me, my love. I never intended to cause you worry. We have been on a crucial mission for weeks now."

Upon hearing Lloyd's name, Pixal gasped in disbelief. "Lloyd is there? What about the others?"

A surge of frustration and anger coursed through me as I uttered a curse. "They have been captured."

The atmosphere thickened with tension as the gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon us. 

The fate of our friends hung in the balance, and a sense of urgency enveloped us, Pixal's words hit me like a bolt of lightning, causing my eyes to widen in shock. “It says here that this scroll is the origin of the Overlord," she informed us.

Zane's voice, filled with surprise, echoed my thoughts. "So these bandits are working for the Overlord? I thought he was defeated."

"Yeah, me too," I chimed in, memories of our previous battle with the Overlord flooding back. Both Zane and I had managed to defeat him back then.

Zane's observation struck a chord with me. "This can complicate things. If the Overlord knows we're here, there's a chance he knows we've been here for weeks."

Cursing under my breath, I acknowledged Zane's astuteness. "We have to find the others and regroup quickly."

As we walked down the hallway, guided by the soft glow of my green energy light, I turned to Pixal. "Hey, Pix, is there anything else you can tell us about this scroll along the way?" I asked, hoping for any additional information that might aid us in our mission.

I stood there frozen in shock as Zane was struck by an unknown force, collapsing in the hallway with a pained groan.

My eyes widened in disbelief, and before I could react, someone used a powerful purple Spinjitzu to stop me in my tracks.

"Zane!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with worry and fear. I desperately tried to reach him, but this mysterious person blocked my path.

Frustration and confusion consumed me, and I couldn't help but yell out.

“What's going on?"

Suddenly, my gasp escaped my lips as I recognized the person who stood before me. 

“Nya?….” I questioned.

It was,

Nya. 

The realization hit me like a tidal wave, adding another layer of complexity to the already dramatic scene unfolding before my eyes.

 

 

Chapter 12: Betrayal

** Lloyd’s Pov **

I couldn't believe my eyes. She looked angry and completely different. Her pale complexion and purple eyes were a stark contrast to how she usually appeared.

Something felt off about her, and to make matters worse, she was attacking us.

"Hey, it's me, Lloyd!" I shouted desperately, trying to get her attention.

But, she continued her onslaught, wielding a deadly katana. Zane was already down, and I knew I had to be careful not to hurt my own family member, who I considered to be like an older sister.

I quickly dodged her attacks, frantically thinking about what I could do.

I didn't want to harm her, but I also needed to check on Zane, who lay lifeless on the floor.

The situation was tense and dramatic, and I had to think fast to find a way to resolve it.

"Zane?!" I exclaimed, my heart pounding as I saw him lying motionless, his eyes closed.

"He can't help you now," Nya said to me, her voice filled with a mix of sadness and anger. I turned to her, my voice trembling, "What did you do... it's your friends! Your family!" I shouted at her, unable to hide my disbelief and betrayal.

She glared at me, her expression cold and distant. "I have no family," she spat, her words sending shivers down my spine. 

Gripping her katana tightly, she prepared to fight me again. I desperately tried to evade her attacks, not wanting to use my green energy against someone I once considered family.

As we clashed, I could sense her growing frustration with my defensive strategy. "What's the matter, green ninja? Scared of hurting a girl?" she taunted, her words meant to provoke me.

"I am more powerful now than you or any of the other ninjas!" she sneered, unleashing a burst of purple energy towards me. 

Once again, I managed to dodge her attack, refusing to succumb to her attempts to provoke me.

"Is that what this is all about? Who has more power?" I shouted at her, my voice filled with a mix of anger and confusion. She paused for a moment, her eyes locked with mine, before finally speaking.

"I have a little message for you, Lloyd," she said, dismissing my question as she gracefully executed a kick in the air. My heart raced, unsure of what she was about to reveal.

“Do you know why light always manages to see another day?”

“It’s because wherever there is light darkness, will always follow.” She said, her words echoing in my mind. It was in that moment that a memory resurfaced - a battle I had fought years ago against a familiar dark entity who had uttered the same phrase.

It was the Overlord!

"You're working for him?!" I spat at her, my voice filled with a mix of anger and sadness. "It's the Overlord, isn't it?! How could you betray us?" I cried out, feeling the weight of her betrayal crushing my spirit.

As the room began to spin, a sense of unease crept over me upon hearing the news of the Overlord's return. But I couldn't afford to be overwhelmed by fear. 

"Snap out of it, Nya!" I shouted, desperately trying to reach my friend. That's when I saw her purple energy swirling towards me, a powerful force that I attempted to evade. But it was too late. 

The energy struck me, knocking me off balance and sending me tumbling over the railing.  I let out a groan, struggling to catch my breath. “This was too easy," she taunted, her laughter echoing through the room.

As I reluctantly tapped into my green energy source, I knew I had to protect my sister at all costs.

With no alternative, I made the difficult decision to escape with Zane and find the rest of our group.

Suddenly, a haunting laughter echoed through the air, revealing the presence of someone sinister.

Caught off guard, I realized that Nya had the advantage, and my world plunged into darkness, engulfed by a sense of impending doom.

---

 I groaned, my eyes begging to awaken as I looked around.

My vision was blurry, and I couldn't remember what had happened. 

Trying to move my hands, I realized they were bound together by... Vengestone? Ugh, I hated that stuff. It always messed with our powers. “Lloyd, buddy, are you there?" 

I heard a voice, and as my vision cleared, I saw Kai and Cole standing over me with worried expressions on their faces. Jay was attending to Zane's repairs. Were we trapped in some sort of cell? I didn't know.

"What happened?" I groaned, touching my head and noticing a few drops of blood. "You got hurt pretty badly, kid, but it's alright," Kai reassured me.

My eyes widened as I remembered the fight with Nya. The Overlord! I looked over at Jay, who was sitting on one of the benches in the cell, his face filled with anger as he helped Zane with the repairs. He looked distraught.

"She didn't mean it," he said to me. "She's not herself; she's under..." He couldn't bring himself to finish the words.

"The Overlord's control," I whispered, completing his sentence. He nodded in agreement.

"At least we now know who is responsible for this operation," Zane remarked, wincing as Jay worked on his repairs.

"How do we put a stop to him?" Cole asked, clenching his fists together.

"We need to come up with a new plan," I said, attempting to get up but wincing in pain.

"Take it easy, we need to get you healed first," Kai said calmly.

I shook my head, determination in my eyes. "I have to stop him, I have to!"

Kai shook his head, concern etched on his face. "What you need right now is rest. Once you're better, we can regroup at the monastery and find a way out of this forest."

I groaned, my voice filled with frustration. "We can't retreat," I said to my loyal companions who had stood by my side for years.

"We have to," Cole stated firmly. "I'm ready to end this. I agree with Kai, we should head back to the Hangar Bay, regroup with Pixal, and plan our next move without Nya..."

Jay interrupted, his voice filled with fear. "No, I'm not leaving her behind!"

Kai nodded, his resolve matching Jay's. "We can't abandon my sister," he said, supporting Jay's plea.

The tension in the air was palpable as we all grappled with the difficult decision before us.

"We're not abandoning anyone, just regrouping," Cole declared to his loyal and trusted brothers. I nodded in agreement, adding, "As much as I don't want to leave a good friend behind, I still need more repairs from Pixal."

I looked at Cole, who acknowledged my words, and then turned his gaze towards Kai and Jay. "I know you two don't want to leave Nya behind, but what about us? 

How can we help her if we're captured here? We need to escape and regroup; it's the only way we can save her. She's a close friend of mine too."

A deep sigh escaped my lips. "It's settled then. We need to find a way to break out of here, even though it may be hard due to the Vengestone. 

Our first priority should be finding a way to free ourselves from this stuff." I stated, my tone filled with determination.

I glanced around anxiously, desperately seeking inspiration from my brothers. "It's terrible," I thought, "we're two teammates down and Nya is under the control of the Overlord."

Jay, growing more frantic by the minute, paced around the cell as the rest of us tried to block out his panic attack.

"Does anyone have any ideas?" Cole looked to me, Kai, and Zane for answers. Zane's eyes widened and a faint smile appeared on his face.

"Actually, yes, I do," he said confidently.

Chapter 13: GoodBye Sensei Wu

  Flash Back a few years ago

---

** Nya’s Pov **

Looking around the mess hall in the monastery, the energy in here could be cut with a knife. Tears welled up in everyone's eyes as their faces remained glued to the table. My heart ached as I looked at Jay, his blue eyes streaming with tears, and his hands glowing with blue electricity. 

Sensei Wu was gone... 

Sensei Wu, the person I looked up to like a grandfather, was no longer with us. It felt like a piece of my soul had been ripped away. 

Our beloved Sensei was gone, and there was no hope of him ever returning.

Lloyd, the person who I saw has a younger brother, had his head bowed, his blond hair hiding his eyes. The room felt like a never-ending nightmare, with grief and despair consuming us all.

"How did this happen..." I heard Kai, my brother, start to say, his voice filled with anguish.

"What?" Misako, Lloyd’s mother, asked, wiping away her own tears.

"How did he die?!" Kai shouted, slamming his fist on the table. "He was fine! I brought his plate to him last night, and he was perfectly well-" Cole interrupted, his voice filled with frustration. 

"You know that's not true, Kai!" he shouted, leaning against the counter next to the stove. 

"We all knew this day would come," Cole added, his words heavy with sorrow.

"We have to move on, it's what he would want us to do," Cole replied, wiping the tears from his eyes.

"How can you say it so easily!" snapped Jay. "You think this is easy for me?" Cole said.

Jay glared angrily at Cole. "Oh, here we go again, the sad runaway from home story."

Cole clenched his fist. "At least I'm not making myself desperate for a girl who may or may not be into me," Cole responded back coldly.

He crossed his arms, his eyes widening at the mention of my name being brought up into the conversation.

"Enough!" the redhead Skylor got in between the two of them. "This bickering of yours has gone on long enough. Can't you see we're all hurting?"

She crossed her arms over her chest. 

Cole glared at Jay “I cared about him to you know… he was like a grandfather to me.”

He told him has Jay blue eyes looked guilty “I’m sorry.. Cole I didn’t mean it.” He replied.

Cole smiled “I know Fratello.”
I smiled has the two made up finally getting along. 

Skylor exhaled a sigh of relief. “Good.” Jay looked at me with a look his blue eyes showing off his emotions, “Since we’re all here, we need to figure out what to do going forward.”

Kai nodded “I think we should have a memorial for his death family..only… It’s the least we can do for him” everyone nodded in agreement.

I glanced over at our youngest, Lloyd, his head resting on the table, his green eyes filled with sadness. 

It pained me to see him like this.

Closing my eyes, I couldn't help but remember the moment when he found our uncle lifeless on his bed. 

It was a devastating sight, one that no one should have to witness.

"Oh, Lloyd... I'm so sorry," I whispered to myself, the weight of the situation settling heavily on my shoulders.

Jay caught my eye, his expression a mix of understanding and concern. He mouthed the words "need to talk," pointing towards the courtyard. My eyebrows furrowed in curiosity, wondering what he wanted to discuss.

"Excuse me, everyone," I said, addressing the others at the table. 

My brother, Kai, raised an eyebrow inquisitively as I made my way out of the mess hall.

As I stepped into the courtyard, I took a moment to adjust my jet black hair, which was pulled back into a bun.

Straightening my white tank top and grey sweatpants, I let out a sigh, the weight of the situation heavy in the air. The monastery seemed quieter and more solemn than ever before.

The tension was just getting to much and the loss losing Sensei Wu….

As I gazed upon our youngest, Lloyd, his head resting on the table, a profound sadness reflected in his green eyes. 

The weight of his uncle's lifeless body, discovered by Lloyd himself, weighed heavily on my mind. 

I closed my eyes, unable to escape the sorrow that enveloped us.

Jay, with a somber expression, caught my attention once more. 

His eyes silently conveyed the need for a conversation, pointing towards the quiet courtyard. Perplexed, I raised an eyebrow in inquiry.

"Excuse me, everyone," I uttered, addressing the room. My brother, Kai, raised an eyebrow in response as I made my way out of the mess hall.

I adjusted my jet-black hair, previously tied up in a bun, and straightened my white tank top and grey sweatpants. With a heavy sigh, I stepped into the monastery's courtyard.

The tension in the air was suffocating, amplified by the profound loss of Sensei Wu. The weight of the situation pressed upon my heart, adding to the dramatic atmosphere that surrounded us.

Why Master Wu? 

Why did it have to be me, witnessing them carry his lifeless body? It was absolutely devastating.

I turned around to see Jay leaning against one of the pillars by the steps leading inside the monastery. 

His light brown hair looked wavy as it was brushed out, and he was dressed in dark blue sweats with a matching blue tee. His blue eyes held deep concern for me.

But why was it me? 

Why did I have to bear this pain?

I tried to hold back the overwhelming emotions and be the strong and brave Samurai X warrior that everyone expected me to be. But as I heard the rumble of thunder outside, signaling an approaching storm, and saw the raindrops falling, my eyes welled up with tears.

Jay's eyes widened with empathy, and he reached out his arms to me as I rushed into them, crying uncontrollably. "Shh...shhh," he whispered softly, trying to comfort me as the rain poured down, silencing my sobs.

"I... I touched his lifeless body," I sobbed, my voice breaking.

  End Of Flashback Present Time 

---

** Jay’s Pov **

I remember that night vividly, as if it happened just yesterday. The shock and disbelief washed over all of us when we discovered that our beloved Sensei Wu was truly gone. 

It was a realization that he wouldn't be coming back this time.

Sensei Wu had passed away from stress and a heart attack in the middle of the night while we were away on a three-day mission. Nya was back at the monastery, taking care of Lloyd. 

I can still hear her panicked voice when she called Kai, her brown eyes welling up with tears. 

We had to abandon the mission and rush back home.

As ninjas, we were no strangers to seeing lifeless bodies. It was a part of our job, something we had grown accustomed to. 

But seeing Sensei Wu in that state... It was something I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy.

"Hey, buddy, are you okay?" Cole's voice broke through my thoughts, and I blinked, realizing that the Vengestone was no longer on my wrist.

"How...?" 

I questioned, looking at Cole, who smiled in response. "While you were lost in thought, Kai and Zane managed to remove the Vengestone. 

They used a hot metal rod to melt the stone, so we didn't want to disturb your thoughts."

"But now, it's time for us to break out of here, buddy," he added with determination in his voice.

"So Zane, go over the plan again?" Kai asked, as our other teammate Cole got his super strength ready, punching his fists together and lowering his mask.

"Right. According to my calculations, there is enough weakness in the wall to hit the center," Zane explained, walking over to the wall and using his scans. "Here," he said, touching it, "it should be shallow enough."

Cole smiled and laughed, "Sweet, finally get to hit something. I've been holding in some anger for weeks." He laughed loudly, making an 'ah' sound, and punched the wall once.

Zane raised an eyebrow. "Again," he said. "But this time, be a bit quieter. We're trying not to get caught, remember?"

Cole nodded and continued hitting the wall, laughing each time he made contact. Finally, he hit it hard enough that we could see the exit outside of the warehouse.

"Zane, you're a genius, a freaky robot nindroid genius," I said, laughing as we all made our way out of the cell one by one.

While Cole and Kai closed the wall back up as best as they could, Lloyd commented with a pained look on his face, "It appears to be nightfall." His hands rested on his ribs, and he seemed to be in pain.

"We have to keep moving," stated Zane, and we all lowered our masks and walked away from the warehouse, into the forest.

Before I entered the forest, following my brothers, I turned around and looked at the warehouse once more, sighing deeply.

Nya... I couldn't leave her behind, not after everything we had been through.

Looking at the warehouse and then back at my brothers, who were already hiding in the forest, Kai whispered-yelled to me, "Come on, Jay! I care about her too, but we're in no condition to stay and fight! We will see her again!"

I closed my eyes as electricity flowed through my clenched fist.

"I will come back for you, Nya... I promise, and I will make things right between us for good this time."

I ran back into the depths of the forest with my brothers, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

 

 

Chapter 14: Fragile State Of Mind

** Nya’s Pov ** 

"How could he leave me!" I cried out, my voice filled with panic, desperation, and fear. The promise he made, that we would be together forever, echoed in my mind as I closed my eyes.

But his words meant nothing.

"It's because he doesn't love you, child..."

The voice, a sinister presence still under the Overlord's control, whispered, pulling me further into darkness.

I could feel myself losing touch with who I am, with my own identity. I am Nya...

"Are you?" The voice sneered, an evil laugh escaping its lips.

"The man who swore to care for you has once again failed and abandoned us!"

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to deny the truth. "He didn't mean it!" I protested. "We can't love him!"

The voice hissed with cold venom, "Our new love belongs to nothing other than our master."

Frustration filled the air as the Overlord bellowed, "How could they have escaped?!" Anger consumed him. "Search this entire forest! I don't care if every tree needs to burn, find them!"

The bandits, overwhelmed by worry and fear, nodded quickly. "Yes, my lord," they stammered, scurrying away to gather their vehicles and hunt down the ninja.

I stood behind the Overlord, waiting for his next command, as his malevolent dark form growled in frustration.

"Come here, my child..." he beckoned, his voice tinged with a sinister power. My eyes turned a haunting shade of purple as I felt a strange control taking hold of me.

I walked toward the dark figure, aware of the evil influence clouding my judgment.

Closing my eyes, I vividly recalled Jay's words to me as we stood on the tree tops. The memory of watching the sun go down, painting the sky in hues of purple and orange, felt like a scene from a movie. But now, I found myself trapped in a fragile state of mind, unsure of my own body and who had control over me.

Suddenly, the Overlord appeared before me, his dark, black-purple form sending shivers down my spine. He beckoned me closer, his voice barely above a whisper, "I have a special mission for you, my child..." As he drew near, my breath caught in my throat.

I could feel his hand, as black and dark purple as his form, gently tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. 

The voice echoed in my mind once again, "He has a job for us. Isn't this great?"  

The weight of the words added to the dramatic intensity of the moment, leaving me wondering what awaited me on this mysterious mission.

“Bring the Green Ninja to me unharmed.” He also added “do whatever you please with the others but the green ninja is mine.”

It laughed evily has well has the voice did but on the inside was screaming fighting for a way out.

“Oh Jay… why did Do you leave me?” I questioned.

---

** Jay’s Pov  **

“Jump back kick around and spin and we do it again.” Kai sang has I worked on the last few parts of the Destiny Bouny broken engine.

“They must of found our campsite and destroy everything.” 

Zane commented  “no you think?” I stated sarcastically.

“Woah who peed in your Cheerios?.” Cole asked me crossing his arms.

“Us leaving Nya behind did!” I snapped continuing to work on the Destiny Bounty for we can head back to the monastery.

“You know we had no choice Jay!” Lloyd commented helping me fix the spare parts.

“Wait are you two back together?” Cole asked looking me questionably I looked at him and sighed.

“It’s complicated….” I stated to my brothers scratching my head with the power tool in my other hand. 

Cole crossed his arms with a small smile he said  “well I’m for one am happy for you guys whatever happens in the end and I hope you two can make it through. 

He put his warm hands on my shoulder.

I was so relieved when Cole and I finally managed to mend our friendship.

It had taken months for us to work through the issues between us, especially because of the whole "perfect match" situation.

A smile spread across my face and I couldn't help but laugh when I saw the Destiny Bounty back online.

It was a sight that brought me great joy.

"We're back online!" I exclaimed with a smile, addressing Lloyd. "Great job on those repairs, Lloyd. I'm truly impressed."

Just as I was enjoying the moment, Kai gasped and looked out the ship's window with Cole. Something was clearly amiss.

"Uh guys, we better take to the air soon because we've got company," Kai warned urgently.

As Zane and I started the engines, it became apparent that we were being ambushed. The tension in the air was palpable.

And then I heard it, an evil laugh that sent shivers down my spine. I immediately recognized that laugh.

"I know that laugh..." I muttered to myself, my heart pounding.

My eyes widened in utter disbelief as I saw her on deck with an evil smile on her face, surrounded by bandits. It was Nya.

"Nya!" I exclaimed, my voice betraying a mixture of shock and hurt.

"You weren't about to leave without a goodbye kiss, were you?" she taunted, laughing. My face turned red as the others looked at me, ready to fight, their hoods lowered.

I watched in horror as Kai was thrown onto the deck, wincing at the impact. It was clear that today was not going to be our day.

"Today is not our day..." I grumbled, my frustration evident. I gasped and instinctively ducked as Nya charged at me out of nowhere, her once brown eyes now a menacing shade of purple, filled with hatred.

"You were going to leave me!" she spat, swinging her katanas at me with fury. "No, Nya, let me explain," I pleaded, using Spinjitzu to create distance between us, not wanting to harm her any more than I already had.

"I would never leave you," I desperately tried to tell her, as she glared at me with anger in her eyes.

"What's the matter, Jay? Do you not like who I've become? This is me now," she spat at me. I couldn't help but notice how her once pale skin now appeared gray, and her black tube top and black shorts with combat boots. It was clear that she had fallen under his control once again, and he was hurting her.

I quickly ducked, trying to avoid any incoming attacks, as I saw my brothers engaged in a fierce battle with the other bandits. I cursed under my breath, knowing that the Destiny's Bounty couldn't handle any more damage. 

We had to find a way to escape.

Then, an idea struck me as I saw the bandits being taken care of and thrown off the ship. I watched my brothers unleash their Spinjitzu powers, and suddenly, the Bounty started to lift into the air as Zane activated the emergency air lift button.

I looked at my brothers' determined faces and sighed sadly. "I will look after her, Kai. I promise," I muttered to myself, knowing that I had to protect Nya from further harm.

With all the strength I could muster, I performed a round kick towards Nya, causing her to groan in pain as we both fell off the deck of the Destiny's Bounty, plummeting towards the ground below.

Chapter 15: Author Note: Not an Update!

Author note please read :

---

Hello my loves, 

Not an update however, I was just curious to see what you guys would like added to this story in some of the next chapters ??

Also don’t feel hesitate for criticism and feedback. It really is appreciated. I just stated a new job the last few weeks and it’s been going so well :) 

How are we liking the Jaya drama so far? And are we excited for Dragon Rising Part 2 I’m missing Cole and Jay :(

Be back soon with an update bye for now loves :) 

Chapter 16: Shadowed Hearts

 FlashBack

---

** Narrative Pov ** 

Young, Libber Gordon had a worried look on her face as she carried her only child, just born, in a basket covered with a blanket. She rode behind her former husband Cliff Gordon's vehicle in the treacherous desert known as the Sea Of Sand. 

The weather had started to worsen, with lightning and thunder echoing through the air as rain poured down. The engine of the vehicle hummed, adding to the tense atmosphere.

As the baby continued to cry in the basket, Libber desperately tried to soothe him. Tears welled up in her blue eyes, reflecting her growing anxiety. 

Cliff, her former husband, shared the same worry for their newborn child and Libber, his former fiancé. “Have you thought of a name for him?!" Cliff yelled over the rain as they neared their destination. 

Libber shook her head, her face and blond hair disheveled, dirt and bruises indicating past battles.

"No, not yet!" She shouted, struggling to be heard over the rain and the howling wind. "Well, better think of one soon... we're reaching Ed and Edna's Junkyard," Cliff replied, his voice filled with concern.

Libber glanced down at her son, his sparkling blue eyes and tiny freckles making him truly beautiful. 

A smile formed on her face as an idea struck her.

"Jay..." she said softly, her own blue eyes now glistening with tears of joy. "Jay... Jay Gordon." She told Cliff, who turned back and smiled. 

The name was perfect. 

The journey, through the stormy desert had been filled with tension and uncertainty, but now, with a name for their child and a glimmer of hope, Libber and Cliff pressed on, determined to face whatever awaited them at Ed and Edna's Junkyard.

The engine roared as it came to a complete stop. Cliff and Libber had finally arrived at Ed and Edna's Junkyard, seeking refuge from the Vermillion Warriors who were hot on their trail.

"We have to be quick before they catch up to us," Cliff said urgently to Libber, who nodded in understanding. 

She carefully took the basket in her  hands and swiftly hopped off the motorcycle, racing towards the trailer located within the junkyard.

Once there, she gently laid the basket on the steps and whispered softly, "I love you Jay... we love you." The baby giggled in response as she kissed their little head. Libber then knocked on the trailer door, the lights still on inside. 

The rain had started to ease, but the weather remained gloomy with occasional thunder.

With a sense of urgency, Libber ran back towards Cliff, who was waiting on the bike. 

They swiftly rode off into the desert, glancing back at Ed and Edna's trailer. 

Libber couldn't help but smile through her tears as she saw the surprised expressions on Ed and Edna's faces upon finding a baby on their doorstep.

"They will take care of him... I just know it," Cliff reassured her, his voice filled with conviction. 

Libber nodded, tears still streaming down her face, as they rode further into the unknown, hoping for a brighter future for their child.

End Of FlashBack

---

** Jay’s Pov **

As I heard Nya's piercing screams echoing through the air, my heart raced with fear. We were hurtling towards the ground, the wind whipping past us violently. Desperately, I held onto her tightly, refusing to let go despite her demands.

"Let me go!" she grunted, her voice filled with panic and desperation. But I knew that releasing her would only result in her demise.

"No! If I let go, you will die!" I yelled back, my voice strained against the force of the wind. 

Drawing upon my elemental powers, I summoned a majestic dragon to aid us in our fall. It took every ounce of concentration to maintain control.

In that terrifying moment, I could have sworn I heard Nya's plea for help, barely audible as she muttered into my chest. 

The sound of rushing air drowned out her words, but her desperation was tangible.

The air rushed past our ears and stung our faces, intensifying the gravity of our predicament. 

The world around us blurred as we descended at an alarming speed, the ground approaching rapidly. 

As we rapidly descended towards the ground, my elemental dragon took shape with a deafening roar. Its blue sparkling electricity illuminated the day, creating a dazzling spectacle.

"Good boy..." I whispered, my hand caressing the dragon's scales, while holding Nya tightly as she resisted our descent.

"Good boy, Wisp," I praised my dragon, feeling its purring vibrations as it growled, gently bringing us closer to the ground.

"Let me go!" Nya shouted, striking me as I struggled to retrieve some rope and eventually managing to tie her wrists together.

"I wasn't going to leave you!" I shouted in anger as I set her down gently next to a tree deep in the forest. The air crackled with tension as we stood face to face, the darkness of the forest surrounding us.

"Like hell you weren't!" she retorted, her voice dripping with scorn. "I saw you start the Bounty, you guys were leaving! What's the matter, Jay? Afraid of what the Overlord can really do?"

I clenched my fists, my anger boiling over. "This isn't about the Overlord!" I snapped back, my voice trembling with frustration. "This is about me and you being under his control."

Nya's gaze turned icy as she glared at me, her once brown eyes now shimmering with a haunting shade of purple. "I'm not under his control! I happen to like this new me," she spat, her words filled with defiance. But I could see through her facade; I knew her too well. She was lying to me. 

The real Nya was still in there, trapped behind a wall she had built to protect herself.

A mix of relief and worry flooded through me. 

My brothers had managed to escape, and the Bounty was once again soaring through the skies. 

But what did the Overlord want? 

That question hung in the air, casting a shadow of darkness.

"It's as if the shadows have engulfed our hearts, once full of light, now shrouded in darkness," Nya murmured to me. "But we will put an end to him, Lloyd will too," I assured her.

"He wants... He wants," she groaned, closing her eyes and clutching her head in pain.

"It's the voice, it won't let me defy or betray him!" she cried out. "Please, Jay!" I gasped, finally hearing Nya's true voice.

"Nya?... I'm here!" I gently brushed a strand of her jet black hair away from her sweat-drenched face.

"Sorry to interrupt the party, but you aren't the one I was hoping my child would capture..." I heard an evil voice laugh. I gasped as Nya's smile turned wicked once again.

As I tried to summon my elemental powers, I gasped in shock as the Overlord chuckled darkly. 

The bandits, all with purple eyes, closed in around me, with Nya's grin widening. Slowly, my vision faded, and my world turned black.

Chapter 17: Standing Alone

** Kai’s Pov ** 

"This is bad... This is really... bad." I exclaimed, feeling a surge of panic coursing through me as we soared through the air aboard the Destiny Bounty, high above the dense forest, making our way back to the monastery to regroup.

"The Overlord has Nya and Jay!" I continued in a panicked state, pacing around the control room while Zane skillfully piloted the ship. 

Lloyd and Cole exchanged worried glances, understanding the gravity of the situation.

"Kai, try to calm down," Cole attempted to soothe my escalating emotions. But I couldn't contain myself. "No, no, no! That's exactly what you said to Jay when we were stuck in our holding cells, and look what happened!" I gestured wildly with my hands, emphasizing the severity of the predicament.

"That inhuman, dark and formidable creature, our arch-nemesis, has taken my sister and Jay!" I pointed accusingly at Lloyd, the frustration and anger evident in my voice.

I let out a frustrated yell, unable to comprehend the dire situation we found ourselves in.

Cole chuckled, "You're starting to sound like Jay." Cole and Lloyd both chuckled, but I couldn't find the humor in the situation. "This isn't funny!" I expressed, pointing at Lloyd. "He's more your enemy than any of ours."

Lloyd crossed his arms, his green eyes glaring at me. His face was still scrunched in pain, and his side was wrapped up in bandages. "I can't defeat him," he muttered.

Cole and I gasped. "Sure you can, Lloyd! Remember? The Green Ninja? Master of Energy?" I crossed my arms, trying to encourage him.

"I know who I am, Kai," he commented angrily. "But for some reason, I feel like this battle isn't meant for me."

Zane, Cole, and I were shocked by our younger brother's words. "Lloyd, what do you mean?" Zane spoke up. "You're not going to fight the Overlord," Cole asked, raising his eyebrows.

Lloyd scratched his blond hair, contemplating his decision. "No... I know he's after me, but I believe this is Jay's and Nya's fight. You're right, Cole. 

We need to regroup back at the monastery and help them win this and stop the Overlord and anyone else involved."

Lloyd's determination filled the air as he made his decision. 

"He must have wanted Nya to capture Lloyd," Zane commented. "What for?" Cole questioned. "Maybe to drain his powers?" I suggested to the three.

"I see the Bounty in sight... welcome home, Ninja. I'm opening the hangar doors now," Pixal said through the monitor speaker. Her face appeared on the monitor screen with a small smile and wave.

As we descended into the caves below the monastery that sat atop the tallest of the Mountains of Impossible Height in the South of Ninjago, we smiled and watched Zane rush off the Destiny Bounty to greet Pixal in a hug and a kiss. "I have missed you, beautiful," he told her as she giggled. "So have I. It's been a long time," she said, hugging him back.

"Gross," I stated, chuckling. "No, but it's good to see you, Pixal." She smiled. "You as well, Kai. Zane and Cole have informed me of Lloyd's injuries, and Jay and Nya, and we will stop the Overlord."

She sighed. "We have stopped him before we can do it again, Pix," Lloyd said, smiling, as we walked into the Hangar Bay.

"Oh, I completely forgot to mention that Skylor is warming up some of her renowned noodles that she brought from the restaurant," Pixal exclaimed with delight. 

Cole's face lit up with joy as he exclaimed, "Noodles! Oh man, I haven't had a proper meal in weeks!" Laughing happily, he sprinted towards the elevator, eager to make his way up to the monastery.

My eyes widened slightly as I processed the news. "Skylor is here?" I asked, seeking confirmation from Pixal. She nodded, her eyes filled with concern. "She's not in a good place, Kai... especially after... well, the breakup. Be careful around her," Pixal warned, causing me to groan and bury my face in my hands.

"Let's make sure you're okay, Lloyd," Pixal said, taking charge and guiding Lloyd towards our small medical room in the monastery. 

The tension in the air was palpable as I declared, "I suppose it's time for me to retreat to the showers." I informed the duo, making our way towards the elevator that would lead us to the monastery. 

The dramatic atmosphere consumed every step we took.

** Zane’s Pov **

"I have missed you, my beautiful. The past few months have been incredibly challenging with our ongoing missions. 

My brothers seem distracted, but they put on a brave face," I confided in Pixal as we sat on the steps of the monastery courtyard, gazing at the moon.

"I'm worried about Jay and Nya. I feel guilty for leaving them behind," I expressed with a hint of sadness.

Pixal let out a sigh, attempting to reassure me. "We all do, Zane. But you can't blame yourself for what happened."

I made a pained expression. "I know, but what if the Overlord-"

Pixal interrupted, shaking her head. "We will regroup and rescue our friends, I just know it," she said, gently resting her head on my shoulder.

After dinner, we managed to tend to Lloyd's injuries and he is now resting. 

The others have also showered and are taking their rest.

"We should go to bed, my beautiful," I whispered to her softly. "I'm worried about Jay and Nya too. They are like family to me," she replied, sharing my concerns.

"Have you ever thought about him?" I asked her, to which she nodded. "It feels like he was just a dream," she told me.

Sensei Wu's passing is something that will forever be etched in our memories. His presence still lingers in our hearts.

I can never forget the mission where Pixal, Nya, and Lloyd were left alone to discover his lifeless body. 

The worry on Pixal's face and the tears streaming down Nya and Lloyd's cheeks... it's an image I never wanted to relive.

"Protect those who cannot protect themselves," I whispered, closing my eyes and recalling the words of my master.

To my dearest and oldest companion, It has been a few years since his departure, yet I can still feel his essence within the walls of the monastery.

It sends shivers down my spine because as a nindroid, I will never have the opportunity to grow old alongside my brothers. 

I will always stand alone.

But thankfully, with Pixal and my siblings by my side, we will ultimately be alright. 

I have a strong belief in this, regardless of any challenges that may arise.

"Take each day as it comes," I whispered to her as she bid me goodnight, gently kissing me before returning inside the monastery.

As I gazed at the moon, a sigh escaped my lips, accompanied by an idea that entered my mind.

Activating the communication device on my arm, I called out, "Nya... are you there?" I received only silence and static in response.

"Jay...?" I inquired once more.

"Jay... Nya... are you there?" 

Still no answer. I let out a sigh, resting my head on my knees.

Notes:

Hello loves I know this chapter is short loves, however, I wanted add in Zane’s POV asap next chapters will be longer :)

Kudos and feedback are appreciated

Chapter 18: The Master Of Water

** Cole’s Pov **

As I sifted through the ancient scrolls of our revered monastery, frustration welled up within me, and I couldn't help but let out a vehement curse.

"Damn it! There must be some hidden knowledge left behind by Master Wu to help us defeat the Overlord once and for all."

Lloyd shook his head, flipping through yet another book of scrolls.

"We've all familiarized ourselves with these stories countless times, but something crucial seems to be missing."

He scratched his head, and I couldn't help but notice the weariness etched in his young face, his once vibrant green eyes now showing signs of exhaustion. 

He wore bandages to heal his wounds and a pair of green sweatpants, a testament to his rapid growth. 

As we witnessed Lloyd's growth throughout the years, it became painfully clear how valuable time is. We were reminded of this even more when we tragically lost Sensei Wu, an experience we never wished to endure again.

Master Wu had faith in us, knowing that we would protect Lloyd and the people of Ninjago at all costs.

A surge of pure delight washed over me when I entrusted Lloyd with the responsibility of leading and training as the new Master.

Learning the ways of the Green Ninja and becoming a Sensei must be an arduous journey. 

As I surveyed the library, books and scrolls lay scattered around, some haphazardly strewn upon the shelves. 

These documents contained knowledge of spells, elemental masters, and the enigmatic villains we faced.

What could be missing? 

I groaned in frustration, and a book slipped from one of the shelves, falling onto the floor with a thud.

It was a blue book, adorned with beautiful shades of dark and light. Intricate cursive writing in dark ink adorned its cover. I studied its mesmerizing appearance.

"This book belongs to the former Elemental Master of Water," the words on the cover proclaimed.

My eyes widened in astonishment. How is it possible that we had never heard of this Master of Water?

Curiosity getting the better of me, I exclaimed, "What's this?" Suddenly realizing Lloyd was in my presence.

"I've stumbled upon a book about one of the previous elemental masters," I explained.

Lloyd gasped, his curiosity piqued. "Which one?" he inquired eagerly.

"The Master of Water," I replied. "We should bring this to Zane or Misako; they might possess more knowledge about it."

With the book securely in my hands, I made my way out of the room, determined to uncover the secrets hidden within its pages. 

The air was thick with anticipation and a sense of urgency.

** Nya’s Pov ** 

I yearned for liberation from the incessant voice that continues to haunt me. 

It seemed as if I had lost touch with my true self, and it had been an eternity since I last enjoyed a satisfactory meal, aside from a few meager rice bowls.

To ensure Jay and I stayed hydrated, I had to collect drinking water from the river, as dehydration threatened to overtake us quickly. 

I couldn't even recall the last time I indulged in a proper shower, resorting to cleansing myself in the river instead.

Occasionally, I could sense the looming presence of the Overlord. 

His ominous, dark purple hand resting on my bare shoulder sent shivers down my spine, yet it remained indifferent to my discomfort.

The voice within me would not permit disobedience, leaving me with no choice but to comply. 

With a heavy sigh, I filled two water bottles for Jay and myself by the river in the dense forest, accompanied by a bandit sent by the Overlord.

"You should consider yourself fortunate to have someone who actually cares about you," it sneered in a chilling tone.

"I can't believe you're trying to justify this as caring. It's nothing more than kidnapping and imprisonment," I retorted to the voice, which let out an exasperated sigh. "You were always the judgmental one."

The voice continued to taunt me with its cruel words, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of hurt. "Maybe so, but do you really miss being the girl they overlooked?" It spat at me.

"I've earned my place. I've trained just as hard as anyone else, but I did it on my own," I stated defiantly to the taunting voice within me.

As I walked back to the warehouse with the bandit trailing closely behind, carrying the water bottles, I let out a deep sigh. I longed to escape, but I felt trapped not only within my own mind but also in this forest with the Overlord.

Jay had been captured, and I felt utterly helpless. I despised the feeling of helplessness, but there was nothing I could do to save him.

Walking down the halls of the warehouse towards the holding cells below, I couldn't help but reflect on Jay's and my past. "He doesn't care about you, child," the voice sneered once again. I sighed, gazing at Jay trapped in Vengestone, his lifeless eyes filled with sorrow.

"I brought water..." I spoke calmly, using a different voice that didn't sound like my own. Jay looked at me with sad blue eyes, and a small smile formed on his lips.

As I opened the cell doors, I held the water bottle in my pale hands, inserting a straw for him to drink slowly. "I'm scared..." I confessed to him in a worried whisper. He looked at me, void of any emotion, but his eyes displayed a deep sadness.

"I know I am too. I know you're in there, Nya. I couldn't leave you behind again, I just couldn't," Jay said, his words carrying the weight of his love for me.

"More like he wants to see you fail," the voice taunted. "Do you still think this man loves you?" 

It giggled.

My eyes turned a shade of purple once again, feeling it’s control over me. "Oh, Jay... if only you knew..." I said, laughing as he glared at me.

A wicked smile played on my lips.

"This is just the beginning..."

Chapter 19: Dark Secrets

** Lloyd's Pov **

"What's the plan?" I inquired as I entered the Hangar Bay, feeling refreshed after a shower. 

Upon seeing my presence, Pixal and Zane greeted me with smiles, and Cole was already in the room. 

"The reason I asked you guys to come down here instead of Kai is because I've conducted some research on the book you and Cole discovered," Pixal explained, pulling up old documents and scrolls on the monitor screen. 

According to our calculations and discussions, it appears that the former Master of Water was..." Pixal was interrupted by an unknown presence in the hangar. 

"Stop!" We gasped upon hearing Kai's voice. His panicked tone filled the hangar as he entered, wearing a simple red tee and black shorts, with a worried look on his face. 

His eyes betrayed his panic and worry as Cole gently placed a brotherly hand on his shoulder. "Kai? What aren't you telling us?" Cole asked, his eyes filled with fear. 

"I did it to protect her..." Kai whispered in panic. Pixal and Zane exchanged a concerned glance. "Did what, Kai?" they both asked slowly, with empathy in their voices. 

"Sensei Wu was supposed to hide this." Kai snatched the book from them, his grip tight. "Where did you find it?" He glared at me and Cole. 

We exchanged a guilty look. "In the library scroll room..." I answered calmly. 

He continued to glare at us, clutching the book tightly. "Stay away from the book," he spat, walking away with the book in his hands. 

As we all looked at each other, a sense of guilt washed over us. 

** Cole’s Pov ** 

“What just happened?" 

I thought to myself, my eyes fixed on Kai as he walked away. I shook my head in disbelief. Finally, we had a lead that could potentially save Nya and Jay, and now Kai was taking it away from us...

I quickened my pace, determined to catch up with Kai before he disappeared into the elevator. As I entered, he gave me a cold glare. The frustration bubbled inside me, and I couldn't hold back my anger any longer.

"What gives, Kai?" I spat out, my voice filled with rage. "We finally have a lead to save your sister and Jay, and you just rip it away... Why?" I demanded, pressing the button to stop the elevator from moving.

Kai's expression softened slightly, and he clutched the book tightly to his chest. "You don't understand," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

I crossed my arms, leaning against the elevator doors. "Okay, then tell me what I don't understand," I challenged. "Because frankly, I'm running out of ideas. Jay and Nya are trapped deep in the forest, in the clutches of the Overlord, and we're here with no plan on how to save them. 

This book could be our only lead." Kai sighed heavily, his voice choking up as he tried to hold back his emotions. 

“Before... Before Sensei Wu passed away, Misako and Master Wu confided in me about something a few years ago," he began, his gaze fixed on the floor. "I didn't tell anyone because I was protecting 

Nya. No, I was protecting all of you. I thought Misako or Sensei had hidden the book, but it turns out he didn't have time to..."

He trailed off, wiping away a few tears. My eyes widened in astonishment. There was a secret that none of us knew about, a secret scroll.

"I'm waiting," I said, my voice laced with impatience. Kai looked at me with pleading eyes, but eventually he realized he had no choice but to continue.

"You... You know how this book belongs to the former Elemental Master of Water?" he asked slowly, taking deep breaths to steady himself.

I nodded, urging him to go on.

"Maya Smith... She was the former Elemental Master of Water," he revealed, his voice filled with sadness. "Maya Smith was Nya and my mother."

I gasped, unable to comprehend the weight of his words.

"Your mother?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. Kai nodded solemnly. "I guess, as I was destined to take after my father's elemental power, it meant that Nya was supposed to take after our mother. But when Sensei Wu died, I didn't know how to tell her..."

The atmosphere grew heavy with emotion, and the revelation sank deep into my heart.

However, after Sensei Wu's passing, I struggled with finding the right words to let her know that she was meant to be a part of our group. 

She appeared so content as a samurai, as it was something she had built for herself. 

I was afraid of how she would handle discovering her powers and potentially losing herself in the process...

He paused, wiping away a few tears. "I've already lost both my parents and now Master Wu. I can't bear the thought of losing her too. If keeping this secret can help me protect her from the cruelty and shallowness of the world, then I will do it without hesitation.”

 FlashBack 

** Kai’s Pov ** 

As I walked into the monastery after a long outpost mission, I entered the mess hall to find Skylor warming up some noodles. Seeing her presence, I couldn't help but smile. Her red hair was tied up in a clip and she was wearing a red top and black shorts.

"Hey..." I whispered quietly, causing her to gasp and turn around. "Kai!" she exclaimed, glaring at me. "You scared me..." she whispered, leaning against the counter.

I nervously laughed, realizing that running into my ex-girlfriend was something I knew would eventually happen upon returning home. "Yeah, my bad... I..." I trailed off, looking at the ground with worry, unsure of how to approach the situation.

"Are we good?" I asked her gently, remembering Pixal's advice about being cautious.

She blinked at me, a mix of anger and hurt in her eyes. "You ditched me for months, didn't return any of my calls, or stop by the restaurant at all.

You dumped me without a trace of knowing where you were... and now you're asking if we're good?"

I groaned, acknowledging my mistakes. "I know I messed up, but..." I paused, gathering my thoughts. "It's good to see you again..."

With a sad smile, she looked into my eyes and said, "I understand that Sensei Wu's passing was incredibly difficult for you, Kai. I couldn't help but worry about you all these months.

The others mentioned that you even went on solo missions. Is that true?" As she spoke, she handed me a comforting bowl of warm noodles.

Sighing heavily, I took a seat at the dinner table in the mess hall. "It was... everything," I murmured, the weight of the loss evident in my voice.

“When Sensei Wu passed away, I was completely shattered. I didn't know how to cope. He was like family to us..."

She offered me a sympathetic smile, sliding onto the bench beside me and placing a warm hand on my shoulder. "I understand, Kai. I saw firsthand how deeply his passing affected all of you."

Her gaze shifted to one of the Koi fish paintings adorning the wall, the vibrant colors of the fish shimmering in the water. It was a beautiful representation of resilience and strength.

"His teachings, lessons, and presence continue to resonate within all of us," she expressed with concern. "I'm worried about Nya and Jay," she confided in me. "Nya is under the control of the Overlord, and Jay is alone in the forest."

Feeling the weight of her words, I sighed and lost my appetite, gently pushing my food away as I rested my head on the table.

"I share your concerns," I murmured. "Nya is my sister, and Jay is like a little brother to me." She offered a sad smile, running her hand through my hair.

"I should go now. I need to close up the restaurant as two of my employees' shifts are coming to an end," she mentioned, her voice filled with resignation, causing me to sigh as I straightened up from the table.

Looking into her warm brown eyes, I returned a sad smile as she leaned in to kiss me. I felt the warmth of her lips against mine, and I instinctively placed a comforting hand on her cheek, deepening the kiss.

"Do you think we'll meet again soon?" she asked, leaning her head against my forehead after our first kiss in months.

I nodded and whispered, "I promise to stay in touch more often." Watching her slowly rise from the table, she walked towards the door and gave me a sorrowful smile.

"Goodbye, for now," she uttered as I smiled and waved goodbye, watching her exit the mess hall and disappear down the monastery halls towards the hangar.

End Of FlashBack 

I closed my eyes, reminiscing about the conversation Skylor and I had just a few days ago when we discussed our return. As I glanced at Cole, the truth lingered in my mind. We were trapped in an elevator, and it was him who had stopped it from moving. Clutching the book tightly, I couldn't help but feel fearful that he might try to take it from me.

I knew I had made a mistake by keeping secrets from my brothers and sister. I never intended to cause any harm; my actions were solely meant to protect them. But now, it was apparent that I had screwed up. 

He glared at me, his anger evident as he hissed, "You and Master Wu knew about this secret of there being another elemental among us, and you didn't think to inform us?!"

With a heavy sigh, I confessed, "I didn't... I didn't mean to. I was only trying to safeguard the team!" 

His gaze remained cold and venomous as he demanded, "What other secrets have you kept?" 

"Cole, I..." I began, but he cut me off with a fierce glare. "That book could be the key to helping us. I won't pry into your personal life, and I won't reveal Sensei Wu's dark secret to the others because it's clear that you don't trust us as much as I thought you did. 

Just know that there's a lot at stake here. 

Jay and Nya have been captured, and they're in the clutches of the Overlord. He's back and after Lloyd, and all of us!" With his words still lingering in the air, he pressed the elevator button, signaling for it to resume its ascent.

As the elevator doors finally opened, and Cole made his way into the monastery, a look of pure frustration etched on his face, I let out a deep sigh. 

The situation had become increasingly dramatic, and the weight of the world seemed to rest heavy on our shoulders.

Chapter 20: Shattered Hope

** Narrative Pov **

It was a mission filled with dread and despair, a nightmarish undertaking that no one could have anticipated. The valiant Ninja - Jay, Cole, Kai, and Zane - hurried back home, their faces etched with worry and their bodies drenched from head to toe. 

"Can this wretched contraption go any faster?" 

Kai complained bitterly about the dilapidated vehicle they were using to return to their monastery.

They had received an urgent call from Lloyd and Kai's sister, and the urgency weighed heavily upon them.

Upon reaching the once tranquil Monastery, an overwhelming sense of darkness descended upon them.

The wailing sirens outside only amplified the feeling of impending doom. The commissioner of Ninjago City, with a sorrowful expression on his face, greeted them.

Lloyd and Nya, their beloved family members, were nowhere to be seen. The group exchanged concerned glances, desperately searching for any signs of hope amidst the grim surroundings.

Then, Jay's eyes caught sight of a distraught Nya. She stood in the Monastery courtyard, her appearance disheveled, clad in nothing but a tattered blue tube top and shorts. 

Her jet-black hair was haphazardly tied up in a bun, evidence of the tears that had streamed down her face uncontrollably.

Their younger brother, Lloyd, the chosen Green Ninja, clung to Nya as if his life depended on it. Jay and Kai rushed over, their hearts pounding with fear and anguish.

"Nya!" Jay's voice cracked as he called out to his girlfriend, rushing towards her with a mix of trepidation and desperation. Kai, too, sprinted towards his sister and Lloyd, his face contorted with worry.

"Jay! Kai! Guys!" Nya's voice trembled as she rushed into Jay's comforting embrace, and then into the waiting arms of her brother, Kai.

The atmosphere was heavy with an overwhelming sense of foreboding, as if the very fabric of their world was unraveling. 

The Ninja stood united, bracing themselves for the dark and harrowing journey that lay ahead.

** End Of Narrative Pov **

** Nya’s Pov **

End Of Flashback present time

Have you ever experienced a gradual fading of hope, to the point where it no longer feels present? It's as if hope has been completely shattered.

I was aware that the Overlord had something big planned for Lloyd and the others, and it seemed that he wanted me to be a part of it.

The question was, what did he want me to do?

He desired to drain the power of light that he knew Lloyd possessed, the power of boundless hope. This power could be easily crushed by darkness, just like broken glass. 

As Jay and I spent more time here, the weather began to grow colder and colder.

I was certain that the Overlord was preparing to launch an attack on the City, and I believed that my former family must have devised a plan of their own by now.

"That would be destroyed," a taunting voice echoed. 

I let out a sigh of frustration as the voice echoed in my ears once again. "Don't you ever get tired of tormenting me?" I questioned, exasperated.

The voice chuckled, a sinister laughter filling the air.

 "Oh, how amusing, child. But I must remind you that I can delve into your thoughts as well. I know what you're thinking," it taunted.

I shook my head as I entered Jay's cell, cautiously glancing around for any approaching guards. With a sense of urgency, I removed the Vengestone from Jay's hand, causing him to slump to the cold, grimy floor with a groan.

"What...?" he mumbled, his exhausted and dazed eyes reflecting confusion. "What are you doing?" The voice lashed out angrily, displeased with my defiance of the Overlord's control.

"I may not be able to defy the Overlord myself, but Jay can. We're getting out of here," I declared defiantly, addressing the taunting voice in my mind.

Gently lifting Jay and placing a hand on his chest, I carefully carried him out of the cell, my eyes scanning the area for any patrolling guards.

"What...?" he blinked, his voice filled with confusion as he recognized me. "Nya...?" he trailed off.

"We need to find the others and escape," I urged urgently, the weight of the controlling force pressing down on me. "I won't be able to resist much longer. I'm sorry, Jay."

Tension filled the air as we made our way towards the secret passages, leading us to safety in an underground warehouse.

I had uncovered the dark secrets of the Overlord's plan, and I knew that the Ninja could put a stop to "You think?" The voice sneered. "You do realize he'll punish you." I trembled in fear at the thought of facing the Overlord's punishment. I could still feel his icy hands on my bare shoulders and hear his chilling voice whispering in my ear.

"Jay, come on, wake up," I urged as he drifted in and out of consciousness. 

He finally woke up, fully aware of what was going on. "Nya..." he muttered.

"We need to get you back to the others," I said.

"You can't defy me!" the voice spat.

"No, I'm not leaving you," Jay said, exhausted and weak. "I'll be fine, I know you'll come to save me," I reassured him.

Jay was still weak, but he believed he could manage to contact the others. Once I had safely led Jay out of the warehouse without alerting any guards, I guided him through the forest.

"You have to go," I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes. "But Nya..." he protested, gently wiping away tears from my cheeks. "I can't leave, Jay. Not while I'm still under his control. You have to find the others, get Lloyd, and stop him."

Jay's blue eyes glistened with tears, as we both struggled with the effects of the Overlord's control and the ordeal with the bandits.

"I promise, I'll come back for you," he whispered, planting a tender kiss on my lips.

I couldn't be sure how long we had been on this mission or in this place, but in that moment, as his lips met mine, I finally felt like myself again.

I smiled, wiping away my tears, and noticed the sunlight streaming through the trees in the forest.

"I know you will. Now go," I said, watching him disappear into the forest to regroup with the others.

 

Chapter 21: Helpless

** Cole’s Pov **

I stared at Jay in the infirmary, a sight that filled me with anger and despair. His tired, bruised, and malnourished state was a painful reminder of the Overlord's cruelty.

As Kai, Lloyd, and I sat on the wall by the door, worry etched on our faces, Zane and Pixal tended to Jay's injuries. The sight of him lying on the small, sterile bed only intensified my anger.

"Nya must have helped him escape," Kai muttered bitterly. "If I know my sister, she's stubborn enough to defy the Overlord."

I nodded, my mind consumed with concern for Jay. "Lloyd, I know you don't think you're meant to fight the Overlord, but Jay and Nya can't take him on in this condition. They're going to need our help."

I said to Lloyd, who nodded, his green eyes filled with determination. "We have to head back into the forest before he takes over Ninjago with his army," Lloyd said grimly. "We don't have time to waste, but I'm afraid if Jay doesn't heal fast, we'll all suffer."

"So, what do we do now?" Kai asked, his gaze shifting back to Jay and the ominous beeping of his heart monitor.

"We have to defend the people in Ninjago City and make sure the Overlord doesn't release any more criminals. From there, we can regroup," Lloyd said, his voice laced with worry. "But he'll be after me, primarily..."

"We won't let that happen," I declared, clenching my fists tightly.

"After what he did to Jay, he has a wrathful ninja to deal with," I seethed, addressing the team.

"Agreed," Zane said, walking out of the infirmary with Pixal by his side, both wearing expressions of deep concern.

"How is he?" Lloyd asked, and Zane shook his head, his eyes filled with worry.

"He's resting and stable, but severely dehydrated with bruises. He'll recover, but it won't be easy."

We all let out a collective sigh of relief at the prospect of Jay's eventual recovery.

"Guys, come quick!" We turned to see Skylor's panicked voice echoing through the hallway. "Sky..." Kai uttered, using the nickname he had given her months ago.

"What's wrong?" he asked, catching the redhead in his arms. "It's the Overlord."

Her voice filled with panic as she exclaimed, "He's launching an attack on Ninjago City! And he's freeing all the criminals from Kryptarium prison with the assistance of the escapees!"

Our eyes widened in shock as the gravity of the situation sank in. "We have to take action!" I declared, bracing myself to confront the minions of the Overlord.

As we hurried through the hallway, our urgency was interrupted by Lloyd's anxious voice.

"Wait! This is exactly what he wants us to do!" Lloyd warned, his voice tinged with worry. We all halted, turning to look at him, seeking guidance.

"Sorry, shorty, but we can't just stand by and do nothing. The City needs us," Kai protested, still clutching onto Skylor.

As my gaze fell upon them, I couldn't help but wonder what was going on between the two of them. Perhaps I should inquire about it later.

Maybe one day, I hope to experience the same kind of romance that Kai, Zane, and Jay have found.

I paused for a moment, wondering why I had said that. But as a ninja, I knew I couldn't dwell on those thoughts right now, especially not after the passing of Sensei Wu a few years ago.

My family needed me more than ever.

"Let's go to the city," Kai said urgently. "I'll take care of Jay..." Pixal spoke up, looking at Zane. "They need your help."

Zane nodded and embraced her. "I'll come back for you, my love," he promised, and she nodded in understanding. "I know you will," she replied. Meanwhile, Lloyd stood nearby, watching us.

"Are you coming or not? We have a job to do," Kai asked Lloyd. Lloyd shook his head, his green eyes filled with worry. "Of course I'm coming, but..." he trailed off, his own eyes widening. 

“I have an idea, and I need you guys to trust me," he said.

We all exchanged glances, curious about his idea. 

“What idea?" 

We asked in unison.

** Nya’s Pov **

I let out an exasperated sigh as yet another brutal blow landed on my already battered body, courtesy of the sadistic Overlord. 
 
The pain seared through me, a constant reminder of my defiance.

"Oh, look who's surprised," the mocking voice jeered, reveling in my suffering. "I warned you that this would happen..."

His words dripped with icy venom as he towered over me, his hands pulsating with a malevolent purple glow. His blackened skin marked him as a true embodiment of evil. "You had the audacity to aid an escaping ninja!" he barked, his rage evident in his monstrous form. "How dare you challenge my authority!"

A scream erupted from my lips as his foot connected with my already bruised ribs. 

I squeezed my eyes shut, my pale skin marred with bruises, and silently pleaded for Jay's presence. In the midst of the pain, I longed for his comfort and protection.

But instead, all I felt was another vicious kick to my ribs, as the bandits circled around me in the dark forest.

They reveled in my torment, their cheers fueling their master's sadistic delight.

Little did the Overlord know, his control over me was slowly fading. 

With Jay's guidance, I was regaining control over my own body, bit by bit. Yet, the haunting voice still echoed in my mind, taunting me, reminding me of his lingering influence.

Darkness surrounded me, both physically and emotionally, as I fought to break free from the Overlord's clutches. 

Every fiber of my being screamed for liberation from this oppressive nightmare.

"I spat out the words, feeling the metallic taste of blood on my lips. "My friends will stop you..." Blood dripped from my battered face as I glared at him.

"Your friends belong to me now," he smirked, his gaze shifting towards my bruised body.

Stepping back, he prepared to deliver a speech. "Ninjago City shall crumble!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the room. 

The criminals cheered, reveling in their perceived victory, while I clenched my eyes shut, enduring the pain.

“We will assist in the escape of every criminal from Kryptarium prison, shaping Ninjago City in our own twisted image!" His laughter filled the air, brimming with malevolence.

"Head for the vehicles!" he commanded, pointing towards the waiting conveyances. "We are ready!" The criminals erupted in cheers. 

With a sinister grin, he looked at me and taunted, "Say goodbye to the green ninja and your feeble friends." 

The bandits joined in his laughter, their malicious intent palpable.

"Take her with us," he ordered, turning his attention to two henchmen. 

They approached my battered body, their touch aggressively violating my boundaries. Groaning in pain, I pleaded for the first time, feeling utterly helpless. 

As their chilling hands reached lower, I begged, "Don't..." My voice trailed off, suffused with desperation. One of them sneered and jeered, "Don't worry, sweetheart.

We won't do anything... yet." Their laughter pierced through the air, intensifying my despair and agony.

Chapter 22: Lloyd’s Great Plan

** Skylor Pov ** 

"Is this really the brilliant plan you came up with?" Kai questioned Lloyd, while the two of us were disguised in criminal attire and Lloyd's hands were bound behind his back.

As we escorted him towards the newly constructed fortress of the Overlord, which he had built with his army in the heart of the city, Kai couldn't help but express his frustration. "We're essentially just giving him exactly what he wants," he muttered quietly. "I have to agree, Lloyd. 

This idea seems incredibly risky," I added, my voice laced with worry.

"Yeah, I'm not sure how I feel about this one," Cole chimed in through Kai's communication device, perched atop a nearby building disguised as a criminal.

The Overlord had successfully taken control of the city, thanks to his army, and chaos ensued both in the prison and throughout Ninjago City, where everyone had been transformed into dark reflections of the Overlord. 

It was a bone-chilling sight to witness the once vibrant and radiant city submerged in darkness once again. "I had hoped we would never have to witness it like this ever again," Kai lamented, gazing upon the city now surrendered to the shadows. 

With sorrow in my eyes, I glanced at the people under the control of the Overlord. "Trust me, guys. I know what I'm doing.

I just need you all to distract the Overlord and the criminals to cause a diversion," Lloyd informed us as we approached the heavily guarded gate.

The fortress loomed before us, a massive structure tainted with criminals and dark purple magic. It was truly a horrifying sight, and the sound of creatures roaring confirmed our presence.

"State your business at the Overlord fortress," one of the criminals asked from atop the gates. "We have the green ninja captured, sir," Kai replied, causing the guard's eyes to widen.

"The green ninja?" he asked, and we nodded in confirmation.

"Let them through! They've captured the Green Ninja! Let the Overlord know!" he yelled to the other guards, who promptly opened the gates to the imposing fortress.

"Let me go, you criminals!" Lloyd screamed as we escorted him inside, taking in the dark evil that permeated the fortress.

"I can feel his dark energy in here," I whispered quietly to Kai, who nodded in agreement. "I can feel it too. He's definitely here."

"Well done, you two. We'll take him from here," the guard said, leading Lloyd to meet the Overlord.

We nodded, knowing that this was going to be a challenging and dangerous journey.

** Zane’s Pov **

While the others stayed undercover, working with Lloyd's plan, I had one objective: to rescue my friend Nya, with Cole by my side. We decided to split into groups, with Cole meeting up with me after creating a distraction.

"Good work," I told Cole, who nodded in appreciation. "Thanks. It wasn't easy, but I think the rest of the guys have everything under control."

I looked at him and asked, "And Lloyd's plan?" He nodded confidently and replied, "It's going perfectly according to his plan. They took the bait."

I smiled, knowing that we were one step closer to rescuing our dearest friend Nya and regrouping with Kai and Skylor.

I whispered to Pixal through our communication devices, "How is Jay?" She replied, "He's stable. He just woke up and is wondering what's going on."

I let out a deep sigh, realizing the trouble we were all in.

"Jay is awake," I informed Pixal. "Just let him know to stay strong. We'll get through this together."

He said as I nodded.

Cole nodded firmly, determined to liberate Nya from this place of captivity. "Do you think she's still under his control?"

I inquired, fully aware of the last encounter we had with our dear friend Nya, when she was under the grips of the Overlord's influence.

"There's a possibility that she may still be under his sway, but even if that's the case, we can't turn our backs on family," he affirmed, his voice filled with unwavering resolve.

I nodded in agreement, understanding the risks involved but fully committed to rescuing Nya.

** Jay’s Pov **

Groaning in agony I cried out desperately to anyone that was there. My vision was foggy. 

I couldn’t comprehend where I was, or who I was my memories and vision slowly working to regain consciousness.

All I saw was white, and I began to realize I was in the infirmary laying in a white small bed.

I groaned what had happened?

“Easy, easy,” a voice said to me as I begin to panic thinking I was still captured by the criminals.

“No, no, no, let me go!” I angrily shouted at my captives.

“Jay… it’s me Pixal.” Pixal said slowly as I blinked my blue eyes to get more clear vision.

“Pixal?…” I asked slowly as she nodded in worry. “You gave us all a fright there Jay…” she whispered gripping my left hand that was electrifying.

“Your nervous your heart rates going up.” She said noticing the monitor increase heart rate.

The robotic girl noticed my increase in heart rate was getting worse “Jay you have to calm down no one can hurt you… anymore….” She promised me.

Promises were meant to be broken.

Moaning in agony, I cried out desperately to anyone who might hear me. 

My vision was blurred, unable to make sense of my surroundings or even my own identity. 

Memories and sight slowly trickled back, as if reluctantly granting me consciousness.

All I could see was an expanse of colorless white, gradually realizing that I was confined to a sterile bed in the infirmary. 

I let out a groan, my mind filled with questions. 

What had happened to me? 

"Take it easy," a voice spoke, attempting to calm me down. But I couldn't help but panic, still convinced that I was trapped in the clutches of my tormentors.

"No, no, no! Let me go!" I angrily shouted, my words directed at the unseen captors that haunted my thoughts.

"Jay... it's me, Pixal," came the reply, spoken softly and filled with concern. 

I blinked my tired blue eyes, straining to bring the figure into focus.

"Pixal?..." I uttered slowly, seeking confirmation. She nodded, her expression a mix of relief and worry. "You gave us all quite a scare, Jay..." she whispered, clutching my trembling hand.

"You're nervous. Your heart rate is escalating," she observed, her gaze fixed on the monitor displaying my racing pulse.

The robotic girl noticed the alarming increase, her metallic voice tinged with concern. "Jay, you have to calm down. No one can hurt you... anymore," she assured me, her words laced with a solemn promise.

But promises, I knew all too well, were often shattered and left in ruins.

"How did you..." I trailed off, my voice barely a whisper, "find me?" she questioned, her words hanging in the air. 

I nodded slowly, acknowledging her question.

"We found you halfway in the Sea of Sand, as you were returning home. 

You were bruised and beaten, barely clinging to life," she whispered softly, her voice filled with concern. 

Again, I nodded slowly, the memories flooding back.

"And where are the others?" I whispered, my eyes widening as I remembered everything that had happened.

The forest!

Nya taken!

The Overlord!

The criminals!

Our daring escape...

I closed my eyes, tears welling up, as I vividly recalled Nya defying the control of the Overlord to help rescue me. 

I remembered my promise to protect her.

"I have to find the others. We have to stop..." I began to say, but she interrupted me, placing her hands gently on my shoulders.

"Jay," she said slowly, her voice filled with a mix of reassurance and urgency, "the others have already departed to stop the Overlord in the city. 

As we speak, he is attacking Ninjago City and Lloyd has a plan..."

"A plan?!" I panicked, my voice trembling. "Every time we have a plan, it never goes well."

She shook her head, her expression determined. "Lloyd has managed to infiltrate the Overlord's fortress, along with Zane and Cole. 

They are currently rescuing Nya."

Zane and Cole rescuing Nya...?

** Nya’s Pov ** 

How long has it been since I last set foot in this place? 

Aching and battered, I couldn't help but groan in despair. It felt like an eternity since I had seen my family, my brother Kai, and most importantly, Jay. 

Our tumultuous past and the chaos involving Cole had strained our relationship to the breaking point. 

But deep down, I always knew that Jay and I were destined to be together. 

I can sense his presence, just as he can sense mine. 

Every movement was agonizing, my muscles screaming from the relentless beating by the Overlord and the rough handling by the bandits. 

All I craved was a chance to make things right with Jay. 

My hands were tightly bound with unforgiving rope, adding to the despair that consumed me. 

I shut my eyes, wondering if I would ever escape this desolate place. The Overlord's control over me seemed to grow stronger by the day, consuming me with despair. The tormenting voice that haunted me relentlessly suddenly vanished, leaving me alone with my thoughts, drowning in agony. Eyes tightly shut, I fought against the overwhelming darkness, determined not to disappoint Jay or anyone else who believed in me.

As I took slow breaths, I realized I was trapped in some sort of cell within the Overlord's fortress, nestled deep in the heart of Ninjago. With closed eyes and a battered body, I focused on formulating a plan, hoping for a glimmer of hope.

But then, something unexpected occurred. The water that the guards or bandits had left for me in a small bowl began to defy gravity, forming into a small sphere that floated upwards. 

My eyes widened in eternal shock as I questioned if I had somehow caused this or if it was merely a hallucination. Could the water truly be moving in mid-air?

As the water moved closer to me, I was overwhelmed with disbelief. 

I couldn't discern if I was trapped in a dream or if something extraordinary was happening before my eyes. 

 

Chapter 23: The Rise Of The Overlord

** Cole’s Pov **

"Based on my calculations, Nya should be held in one of these cells," Zane informed me as we walked through the dimly lit hallways of the Overlord fortress. 

The oppressive aura of dark energy sent shivers down our spines.

"I can't help but wonder why the Overlord would want to capture Nya in the first place," Zane voice filled with concern.

Sighing deeply, I added, "I'm not entirely sure,” The memories of my troubled history with Kai's sister resurfaced, a part of my past that I preferred not to dwell on. 

It was a chapter I'd rather forget. As I reminisced, the memories of the strain it put on my friendship with Jay after Zane's supposed demise flooded my mind. 

However, the joy of reuniting with Jay brought immense relief.

Aware of the unresolved issues between the two, I could only hope that they would find a way to resolve their past conflicts.

Zane let out a quiet chuckle, catching me off guard. I turned to him, my eyes questioning, although he couldn't see my full expression due to my black and orange ninja gi.

"What's so funny, frosty?" 

I asked with an air of seriousness. "I fail to see anything humorous about this situation."

The White Ninja chuckled softly and replied, "Oh, nothing... I was just recalling the intense fights you and Jay used to have over Nya. I wonder how Jay will react when he discovers that we are rescuing her while the others carry on with Lloyd's plan."

The atmosphere was charged with drama as we prepared to face the unknown and rescue Nya from the clutches of the Overlord.

I shook my head and chuckled as well we were both young confused teenager’s.

“I don’t think I ever loved Nya… that way…” I muttered confessing to Zane.

As my brother nodded in confirmation.

“I love her like family like, a little sister…but I know though two belong together even if Nya doesn’t see it herself.”

I told Zane who nodded in understanding.

** Nya’s Pov **

I was mesmerized by the water, watching in awe as it transformed into a tiny sphere before my eyes.

Could it be possible? 

Did I have the power to manipulate it? 

I felt a sense of frozen fascination, as if I held some sort of control over the water.

Narrowing my eyes, I extended my hand and used it to guide the water, watching as it obediently followed my movements.

Was I an elemental being, possessing the ability to command the elements themselves? 

The realization made me gasp in astonishment.

Suddenly, I was interrupted by the sound of voices approaching. Panic gripped me as I realized I was still in a vulnerable state, nursing the wounds inflicted by the bandits.

Closing my eyes, I couldn't help but recall the brutality they had subjected me to. The memories were still fresh and painful.

"Nya... look up, it's us," I heard voices whisper. My eyes widened when I noticed Cole and Zane, the boys, standing there.

"Zane! Cole!" I exclaimed happily. "I'm so glad to see you guys." They smiled upon seeing me.

I immediately noticed that they were wearing their Ninja Gi's.

"We're glad to see you too, sister," Zane replied. He squeezed through the bars to help me out, while Cole used his super strength to support me, sensing my sore body.

Cole whispered to me, “a certain someone has been asking about you," my eyes widened as I realized who he was referring to.

"Jay!" I whispered, almost yelling so we wouldn't get caught. "Is he alright? The last time I saw him, I helped him escape into the forest."

Cole gave me a small smile. "He's in recovery," he said. Zane joined in, "Your help was crucial. We found him in the Sea of Sand, and luckily, he survived."

Oh, thank the First Master...

I closed my eyes, reflecting on all the battles we've been through. Now, I realized that the most powerful thing in the world wasn't weapons or ninja tactics, but hope. Hope for a better future. And I knew that Jay and I had a brighter future ahead.

"Do you really think that?" the voice returned, causing my eyes to slightly widen.

"No..." I muttered quietly. Zane looked at me, confused. "Please, just go away," I pleaded with the voice, trying to silence its taunting words.

I shut my eyes tightly, blocking out the world around me. 

"What are your thoughts on the Overlord's plans for Lloyd? He will not only kill him but your friends," it hissed, invading my thoughts.

"Get out of my mind! Leave me alone!" I clutched my head, shutting my eyes even tighter.

Zane's icy hand landed on my shoulder, offering support, while Cole steadied me on my feet.

"Are you okay?" he asked, concern etched on his face. I shook my head.

"It's nothing. Let's continue moving.”

** Lloyd’s Pov **

I grunted in discomfort as the handcuffs dug into my wrists, leaving a burning sensation.

"So, our long-awaited meeting finally happens," sneered the Overlord himself, his gaze scanning Ninjago City from the confines of his fortress.

As bolts of purple lightning cut through the darkened sky, an eerie atmosphere settled over us.

"What is it that you desire?" 

I retorted to the demon. "You do realize we have defeated you before, right?"

I stated boldly, feeling the bandit's grip tighten around me.

As the restraints on my wrists were removed, I instinctively rubbed them together, attempting to alleviate the discomfort.

I spoke with a strained voice, feeling the bandits' grip on me tighten.

As the bandits finally released my wrists, I massaged them gently, trying to soothe the lingering ache.

Assuming a battle-ready stance in front of the Overlord, I donned my green ninja Gi and pulled my hood over my head.

"Ever heard the tale of the dark creatures, young legendary green ninja?" he spat at me, a mix of mockery and menace in his voice.

Knowing fully well that he anticipated my response, I shook my head, my silence acknowledging his knowledge.

"Our late Sensei had enlightened us about the existence of dark creatures through his ancient scrolls, and you were one of them..." I quietly confessed to him.

The Overlord glanced back at me, a curious glint in his eyes capturing my attention.

"Leave us," he jeered at the bandits, who promptly fled upon his command.

I couldn't help but think to myself, hoping that my allies had successfully rescued Nya by now... I needed this diversion to continue working.

He chuckled ominously, his voice dripping with dark amusement. "Child, you have yet to comprehend the depths of darkness that lie within the shadows.

I wager you were oblivious to the fact that there is another elemental amongst your team," the demon taunted.

Another elemental?...

Who could it be?...

My eyes widened as I finally grasped the truth.

Nya!

I just have to keep him occupied.

"You underestimate my awareness, thinking that someone as formidable as myself wouldn't catch on to your little ploy," he smirked, taunting me with his words.

My body froze as the realization hit me.  

He knows.

** Jay’s Pov **

I rode through the bustling streets of Ninjago City, completely disregarding Pixal's desperate pleas for me to rest and seek refuge in the infirmary.

I couldn't bear to sit idle while my beloved city, my family, and my girl were in grave danger.

"Jay, you're in no condition to assist the others," she implored, her voice emanating from the monitor screen of the blue motorcycle.

"Sorry, Pix, but I must help," I responded, determined to push past the citizens who fell under the Overlord's control as darkness enveloped the surrendered city.

Ignoring her pleas, I abruptly ended the call, my mind consumed by the impending chaos.

"Team, listen to me!" Lloyd's voice crackled through our communication devices, filled with urgency as we could hear him engaged in a fierce battle against the Overlord.

"The Overlord is aware of our plan. We must protect-" his words were abruptly cut off by the chilling laughter of the Overlord echoing in the background.

 

Chapter 24: Reunited

** Nya’s Pov **

I let out a groan, resting my head on Zane's shoulder, as Cole led us through the Overlord fortress. His army of bandits was closing in on us, and it seemed like an insurmountable number.

"There are too many of them. I'm not sure if we can handle them all," Cole said anxiously, addressing Zane and me.

"We have to give it a shot," Zane declared, pulling out one of his Shurikens while still supporting me.

I surveyed our surroundings and came to the realization that we were severely outnumbered by the advancing bandits.

Closing my eyes, I made a firm decision. I refused to allow us to be captured again. 

My combat boots were completely destroyed, and I was left in my undershirt, which lay beneath my Samurai X armor, along with dark pants.

Taking a deep breath, I could sense the water all around me, causing my eyes to transform into a deep shade of blue.

"No... Stop!" I shouted, noticing that Cole was about to be stabbed by a bandit in the chest.

With my right hand, I summoned water from the ground, striking the bandits in their chests. The others gasped in astonishment.

"When did you learn to do that?" Cole and Zane exclaimed, shocked and bewildered.

I groaned, my eyes returning to their usual brownish color, as Cole and Zane helped me to my feet.

Cole glanced at Zane, letting out a frustrated sigh. "We need to take her to Kai. He has a lot of explaining to do," Cole grumbled, rubbing his tired forehead.

"Nya, have you always possessed the ability to control the element of water?" Zane asked cautiously as we descended the steps.

"Not until recently," I replied, closing my eyes. "It only happens when I become angry. I feel this overwhelming power within me." I explained slowly.

That's when my eyes widened in shock as we received an urgent transmission from Pixal. "Zane, come in," she pleaded with worry evident in her voice.

Cole supported me as Zane prepared to respond to Pixal through the communication device.

"I'm here, Pix. What's wrong?" Zane asked, his tone filled with concern.

"It's Jay!" Pixal exclaimed in a panic, causing my eyes to widen even further as I turned to look at Cole.

"He wouldn't listen. I tried to stop him, but he's on his way to help you guys!" Cole cursed, frustration evident as he punched the nearby wall.

"He's not in any condition to fight," Cole added.

"I know, that's what I told him!" Pixal replied, her voice reflecting her own exasperation. Zane let out a deep sigh.

"This trouble keeps piling up," he stated, his frustration palpable. "Tell me about it. We have two teammates down - Kai and Skylor. They haven't reported back, and we haven't heard a word from Lloyd since our transmission got cut off," he grumbled, his anger building.

I let out a heavy sigh as I gazed down at the frigid ground, feeling a wave of sadness wash over me. 

"Oh Jay, please be careful," I murmured, my voice barely audible as I leaned my head against Cole's strong shoulder

** Jay’s Pov **

I cursed the Overlord under my breath, my frustration mounting with each passing moment. 

I was fed up with this relentless demon, constantly intruding upon the lives of my family and shattering the peace in Ninjago.

The anger burned within me, fueled by the knowledge that Nya was still trapped in the clutches of this malevolent creature. 

My mind raced with worry for my brothers and Nya, and in my panic, I decided to take a different path, avoiding detection.

"I have to find a way in," I muttered to myself, my eyes fixed on the towering fortress that housed the Overlord.

The fortress loomed before me, a colossal structure crackling with purple lightning that illuminated the city. The once-thriving streets now lay empty, their inhabitants either gone or transformed into grotesque manifestations of the Overlord's image. 

I surveyed the desolate landscape, a glimmer of hope shining through as I noticed an entrance along one of the fortress walls.

"The bandits must be preoccupied with the others," I thought to myself, a sly grin playing at the edges of my lips. 

I leaped from building to building, making my way towards the Overlord Fortress.

Dressed in my Ninja Gi, I stealthily infiltrated the fortress, pulling down the fabric to cover my face.

As I walked through the treacherous halls of the stronghold, a sense of unease washed over me, sensing a powerful negative presence.

Suddenly, I gasped upon hearing voices nearby. Reacting quickly, I used my skills to find a hiding spot on the roof.

Preparing to attack the voices, I froze in my tracks when I heard a familiar whisper. It was a quiet voice calling my name - Jay. “Muttering 'Nya?'" I spoke softly, recognizing the voices of Cole and Zane as well.

Zane scolded me, reminding me that I shouldn't be there in my current condition.

But all that mattered in that moment was that Nya, or at least part of her, stood before me.

She had managed to break free from the clutches of the Overlord, but she still bore the physical signs of her ordeal - pale skin, bruises, and cuts on her face.

I cursed the demon responsible, vowing to make him pay.

Cole placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, assuring me that she was okay. Nya embraced me with her small arms, apologizing profusely.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I sighed in relief, holding her tightly in my arms.

I breathed in her familiar lavender scent, savoring the fragrance that I had missed so much during our time apart.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked her how she managed to free herself from the Overlord's control.

She explained that she couldn't quite remember, but it happened when she passed out and woke up slowly regaining her true self.

Though I was overjoyed to be reunited with Nya, there were still pressing issues to address.

Cole reminded us that we hadn't heard from Kai and Skylor, and Lloyd was missing since the plan. And, of course, the Overlord was still at large.

Crossing his arms, Cole emphasized the urgency of our situation, adding a touch of concern to his tone.

"We haven't heard from Kai, and Skylor and Lloyd are missing since the plan. The Overlord is still out there," he stated, his arms crossed in determination.

"I'm really worried about Kai..." Nya whispered, her voice trembling against my chest. "It's so unlike him not to respond," she confided in us.

"Perhaps he's unable to," I reassured her.

"We need to keep moving if we want to help Lloyd succeed," Zane urged.

With determination in my eyes, I retorted, "I'll track down the Overlord and Lloyd. You guys focus on finding Kai and Skylor."

As I tightened my embrace around Nya, fear gripped me, knowing that I might never see her again. All I ever desired was her love and for her to reciprocate my feelings.

Deep in my heart, I knew that we were destined to be together, forever entwined as Yin and Yang.

I yearned for us to leave behind our troubled past and build a future together.

But sadly, there's a chance it may never come to fruition.

"You must be out of your mind," Cole exclaimed.

"We won't let you face the Overlord alone, especially when we're unaware of Lloyd's condition," Zane added, his tone filled with concern.

"Please, you have to trust me..." I pleaded, my eyes locked on both Nya and the air filled with her familiar scent.

She hesitated, her voice tinged with a mix of relief and uncertainty, "I just got you back..."

Regret washed over me, and I let out a heavy sigh. "I understand, Nya, but we need to know what Lloyd's plan is. This is our best shot at finally defeating the Overlord."

My gaze shifted to the rest of the team, who still struggled with the idea of me leaving. However, they understood the gravity of the situation we were in.

"Lloyd has devised a plan to put an end to the Overlord once and for all," one of them finally spoke up.

My head lifted from the cushion of Nya's jet black hair, curiosity burning in my eyes.

"But how? Every time we've tried to destroy him, he keeps coming back," I voiced my concern, watching as Zane and Cole exchanged a knowing look.
 
"Lloyd firmly believes that the power of the Overlord is contained within a sinister amulet. When Kai and Skylor took Lloyd to confront the Overlord, their main objective was to retrieve this amulet. However, we never anticipated losing all contact with them."

Zane stated dramatically crossing his arms.

our memories of that dreaded warehouse resurfaced. The haunting echoes of our separation still lingered in the air, filling us with unease. 

Suddenly, Zane's words pierced the tension, causing my heart to skip a beat. 'We found a prophecy,' he revealed, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

The weight of his words sank deep into my core.

Nya and I exchanged nervous glances, the remnants of the cryptic writings on the warehouse walls etched into our minds. 

We had failed to decipher their meaning then, but now, the urgency to comprehend grew stronger within us.

With a heavy sigh, Zane continued, his voice trembling with worry. The Overlord's sinister plan goes beyond mere conquest.

He seeks to unleash demons of unimaginable power, ones that even we, the elemental masters, may struggle to defeat.'

The gravity of Zane's revelation hung in the air, leaving us on the precipice of a battle that could shape the fate of Ninjago.

Fear and determination mingled within us, as we braced ourselves for the impending storm.

Chapter 25: Finding Peace

** Kai’s Pov **

As Skylor and I stood on the remnants of the fallen temple, memories rushed through my mind like a fierce storm.

Skylor, with a hint of concern in her eyes, questioned the accuracy of the coordinates given to us by Lloyd. 

The sight of insects and rats scurrying through the debris only added to our unease. 

Frustration and sadness welled up inside me, causing my fists to clench tightly.

I couldn't help but doubt Lloyd's judgment as I locked eyes with Skylor. After everything we had experienced, it was difficult to place complete trust in his decisions. However, he was not only our friend but also our soon-to-be Sensei in training. If he believed this was the right place, we had no choice but to trust him.

"I'm worried about Nya," I confessed to Skylor, her brown eyes reflecting sadness back at me. "I haven't seen her since she was captured by the Overlord. I should have been the one to rescue her... I'm her brother," I admitted, my voice breaking with a mix of frustration and sadness.

Skylor placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, attempting to alleviate the weight of my guilt. "Jay is your best friend, but Nya is your sister," she reminded me. 

She understood how painful it was for me to witness Nya's suffering and empathized with my feelings.

As I nodded, memories of Nya's pale skin and purple eyes while under the control of the Overlord flooded my mind. 

The thought of her safety consumed me.

"Do you think the others managed to escape with her?" Skylor questioned, her worry and uncertainty evident. "We haven't been able to make contact with anyone since the attack."

She wore a dark red hood that mirrored the worry and uncertainty weighing heavily on all our hearts. I, on the other hand, was dressed in my usual red fighting Gi, ready for any challenge that lay ahead.

"We need to locate the amulet and then attempt to contact the others," I stated, recalling the arduous journey we undertook to reach this point. Bringing Lloyd to the Overlord had been a difficult task in itself.

Skylor's expression turned grim, her eyes filled with determination. "We won't rest until we gather every last ally, retrieve the amulet, and save our friends," she declared, her voice filled with unwavering resolve.

With each step we took, the weight of our mission grew heavier, casting a shadow of doubt over our hearts. But undeterred, we pushed forward, our determination unyielding as we delved deeper into the treacherous terrain that lay ahead.

In the midst of the howling wind, I mustered the courage to reveal a hidden truth to Skylor. "I have been keeping a secret," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Skylor turned towards me, her eyes widening with a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Nya... she possesses elemental powers, just like our mother, the former Master of Water. That's why I panicked during the debriefing, when Lloyd and Cole discovered the scroll..." Understanding washed over Skylor's features, softening them with empathy.

"I always sensed there was something special about Nya," she remarked, her voice tinged with both awe and admiration.

A whirlwind of emotions played across her face as she pressed on, "But why did you keep this hidden?" Guilt pierced my heart, the weight of my deception hanging heavily in the air between us.

"I kept it a secret because I was afraid," I admitted, my voice trembling with vulnerability.

Skylor reached out, placing a comforting hand on my arm, her eyes brimming with compassion.

As I reflected on the absence of my mother and father, as well as the passing of Sensei Wu, a realization dawned on me - perhaps these losses were not mere coincidences but had a deeper purpose.

I mustered the courage to confide in Skylor, and her expressive brown eyes immediately conveyed her understanding. 

It was evident that she, too, had grappled with the impact of Sensei Wu's departure.

"He was not just a mentor to us; Sensei Wu played a vital role in shaping our lives," I shared with a touch of sadness. Skylor nodded in agreement, and her red hair, neatly tied in a ponytail, cascaded against my shoulder, a gentle reminder of the unity we shared in our grief.

We both knew that Sensei Wu's absence left a void that could never be filled, and his presence was sorely missed. 

It was in moments like these that the weight of his loss became almost unbearable, evoking a sense of drama and profound longing.

I recounted the harrowing experience that Nya and Lloyd went through before we arrived, and how it sent chills down my spine, leaving me with unwanted nightmares that haunted my thoughts.

Now inside the fallen temple, or what remained of it, my once brown eyes now had a vacant, doll-like look, as I had grown more patient in the face of danger.

"Do you feel it?" she asked me, and I nodded, sensing the source of dark energy emanating from the temple.

Skylor reached into her small black bag, the very same one we would have used to carry the amulet if it existed, and pulled out a flashlight. It’s powerful beam cut through the remains of the dark temple caves, illuminating our path.

Approaching one of the walls that bore similar writings to the ones we had seen in the warehouse, I exclaimed, "Hey, I recognize this writing." She turned to look at me, her expression filled with curiosity.

"Back at the warehouse, Cole and I saw similar writings on the walls," I explained, preparing my communication device to contact Zane and the others.

"Zane, come in. Hello, Zane. Nya, come in, guys," I called out through my communication device embedded in my arm, hoping to reach my family. 

My frustration grew when I realized there was no signal. 

"Blast this stupid piece of junk, no signal," I grumbled to Skylor, who looked at me with worry. “I really hope the others are okay," I muttered, my voice barely audible. Nodding in agreement, Skylor whispered, "Yeah, me too..."

** Lloyd’s Pov **

I let out a pained groan as a sharp blow landed on my lower rib, causing my emerald eyes to well up with tears. 

Cursing under my breath, I struggled to get back on my feet, despite the searing pain radiating through my side.

Mocking laughter echoed through the air, accompanied by the taunting voice of the Overlord. "So, this is the so-called destined Green Ninja who is supposed to defeat me," he sneered, his words dripping with disdain. "Haven't we encountered someone like you countless times before?" 

His laughter sent waves of anger and icy chills down my spine.

He knows... 

He knows about the others at the temple. I have to keep him distracted, buy some time. Gritting my teeth, I pushed through the agony, using my latent elemental powers to brush off the dirt that had accumulated on my tattered Green Ninja Gi.

With determination fueling my every move, I lunged towards the Overlord, who effortlessly evaded my attack with swift and graceful movements. "You'll have to be faster than that, little one," he taunted, his condescending tone further fueling my determination to prove him wrong.

As I lay on the ground, coughing and looking towards Ninjago City, the sky above was bathed in a mesmerizing shade of purple.

The people below seemed to be under some sort of control by the Overlord, their movements distant and robotic.

Determined not to give up, I closed my eyes and mustered the strength to get back on my feet. But just as I was about to rise, something unexpected unfolded before me.

My eyes widened as I witnessed bolts of lightning crackling in the sky, all aimed towards the Overlord. The sight was both awe-inspiring and perplexing, leaving me momentarily speechless.

"Why don't you pick on someone your own size?" a familiar voice boomed through the chaos.

Jay? It couldn't be. He was supposed to be recovering, regaining his strength from the injuries we found him with in the treacherous Sea of Sand. How did he manage to make it here?

Surprised and filled with worry, I struggled to rise even faster. "Jay, what are you doing here?" I questioned, my voice betraying my concern.

"What? You think I'd let you face this demon alone?" Jay replied, his voice filled with determination. 

He stood by my side, clad in his iconic blue Ninja Gi.

"But you're still in recovery," I exclaimed, memories flooding back of the bloodied and bruised Jay we had rescued.

Cole and Kai had rushed to his aid, while Zane and Pixal had carefully lowered him onto a stretcher.

"We are family, and we never abandon one another," he firmly asserted, assuming a battle-ready pose beside me. The fearsome demon, known as the Overlord, chuckled sadistically. "Another ninja for me to obliterate. How delightful! I hope he proves to be a stronger opponent than that weak girl," he sneered, causing Jay's azure eyes to widen in disbelief.

"What did you just say?" Jay retorted, his voice dripping with anger as bolts of lightning crackled and danced across his fingertips.

"You remember that troublesome Samurai girl? Somehow, she managed to escape my control temporarily, but I eventually regained dominance over her, forcing her to submit to my power completely," the Overlord gloated, his laughter echoing with malevolence.

A wave of dread washed over me as I glanced at Jay. 

The air around him crackled with electricity, sparks flying from his shoulders, intensifying at the mere mention of Nya's name by the wicked Overlord.

"Leave my girl alone!" He spat out, his voice crackling with the power of lightning as he unleashed his elemental abilities towards the Overlord, charging at him once more in a fierce combat.

"Jay, wait!" I exclaimed, fending off some goons that had suddenly appeared from my right side, all the while keeping a watchful eye on my older brother who fought with remarkable agility, despite still being in the midst of his recovery.

The Overlord sneered, his voice dripping with menace, "You all will pay dearly for defying me." 

My eyes widened in horror as I watched Jay completely unaware of the imminent danger. 

The Overlord's next attack landed with a brutal force, knocking Jay to the ground. 

A pained groan escaped Jay's lips, resonating with me on a deep level.

"Jay!" I screamed in panic, fear coursing through my veins. Channeling my green energy towards one of the approaching goons, I desperately tried to defend myself while simultaneously worrying for Jay's wellbeing.

 The Overlord's chilling laughter reverberated in the air, sending shivers down my spine and intensifying my concerns for Jay.

"You thought you could defeat me!" the Overlord sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance. "I am the embodiment of all darkness. “There is no hope of overcoming the shadows that lie within.”

My gaze shifted towards Jay, lying motionless on the ground. 

The sight of his prone form, appearing almost lifeless, sent a wave of anguish through my heart. 

His breaths were slow and labored, accompanied by small gasps that revealed the extent of his injuries. 

It was clear that Jay had taken a severe beating from the Overlord's relentless assault.

As I desperately tried to reach Jay's side, more goons appeared, blocking my path. Frustration and desperation welled up inside me as I realized the Overlord's intentions. 

He was preparing to strike Jay once again, seeking to deliver a final blow and ensure his demise.

Guilt and determination intertwined within me as I remembered the promise I had made to Nya. 

I couldn't let her down. The weight of the situation paralyzed me, and time seemed to slow down to a crawl.

In that chilling moment, my body froze, unable to move. Everything played out in slow motion, each second stretching out before me. Suddenly, like a ray of hope breaking through the darkness, Nya materialized on the top layer of the fortress. 

With unwavering resolve, she positioned herself between Jay and the imminent threat, shielding him from harm.

The Overlord, his face contorted with malice, unleashed a surge of dark magic towards Nya. 

I watched in suspense as his hands glowed with a sickly purple hue, bracing myself for the impact.

In that one moment the world stood still.

Chapter 26: A Deal Is A Deal

** Cole’s Pov **

"What was that?" I asked Zane, my voice filled with curiosity and awe as we witnessed lightning strikes illuminating the purple sky, a spectacle created by the Overlord's power.

Zane, amidst the chaos of battling goons in Ninjago City, raised his voice to be heard over the commotion. "I'm not entirely sure," he replied, his words laced with uncertainty and determination as he fought off our adversaries. Meanwhile, I swiftly dodged a counter-attack, my senses heightened by the intense situation.

"Could it have been Jay?" Zane questioned, utilizing his elemental power of ice to freeze the inmates running alongside us. 

His words hung in the air, contemplating the possibility that our fellow ninja had somehow become entangled in the Overlord's scheme.

A heavy sigh escaped my lips, acknowledging that Jay's involvement was indeed a plausible theory. Everything felt so cold, both metaphorically and literally.

It reminded me of the chilling moment when we witnessed the Overlord's minions carrying out Sensei Wu, shrouded in a body bag.

The memory sent shivers down my spine, and the sight of Nya and Lloyd, so vulnerable and small, was something I never wanted for my younger family members.

Once again, the haunting memories flooded my mind, casting a shadow over the present.

"We must stay focused, Cole," Zane reminded me, his voice filled with concern and determination. "Our mission is to meet up with Kai and Skylor and retrieve the amulet."

His words carried the weight of responsibility and urgency as I continued driving my earth elemental vehicle through the chaotic streets of Ninjago City.

With a solemn nod, I gazed up at the stormy sky, a fitting backdrop to the perilous journey that lay ahead.

** Lloyd’s Pov **

I stood there, my body frozen, my heart pounding in my chest as I beheld the lifeless form of Nya sprawled on the cold, unforgiving ground of the fortress. Her breaths were shallow, her eyes closed, and her jet-black hair covered her face.

Beside me, Jay wore a hauntingly vacant expression in his eyes, drained of all emotion.  

He stood motionless, his entire being prepared to unleash vengeance upon our enemies. 

As thunder roared and lightning crackled in the darkened purple sky, mirroring the turmoil within our souls, we remainedolute in our quest for justice.

Lightning crackled and surged within Jay's hands, a potent manifestation of his formidable powers, ready to unleash devastation and reveal the true might of the lightning element. "Jay...wait!" I shouted, desperately trying to halt his reckless assault on the Overlord. His eyes glowed with a deep, intense of blue, transforming him into an unrecognizable figure. An aura of sparks, electricity, and dazzling blue energy enveloped him as he relentlessly attacked our enemy.

"We must take him down together!" I exclaimed, channeling my own green energy to neutralize an approaching adversary.

In a frenzy, I rushed to Nya's side, frantically cradling her lifeless body in my arms. 

Panic surged through me as I checked her pulse, and the realization struck me like ice in my veins. 

She wasn't breathing; her lips were tinged with a haunting shade of blue, and her body was chillingly cold, colder than even the elemental ice harnessed by Zane.

"She's not breathing!" I cried out to Jay, desperately hoping to catch his attention. 

But his gaze remained fixed on the fallen Overlord, driven by a consuming rage. 

With a furious energy, Jay had managed to knock down our nemesis, causing the Overlord to grunt in pain, feeling the relentless current coursing through his being.

My desperate pleas seemed to cut through Jay's trance as the electrical storms in the sky subsided, but their residual energy still lingered, crackling ominously over us. 

In an instant, Jay rushed towards Nya's lifeless form, his voice trembling with anguish.

"Nya...baby..." he called out, gathering her delicate body in his arms and cradling her face gently against his chest.

"Oh, God...please wake up," he pleaded, his voice choked with sorrow. "I'm so sorry I left you alone with him..." His words were infused with regret, with the weight of a burden he could no longer bear. 

As Jay and I sat there on the unforgiving ground, the Overlord's grunts of pain becoming mere echoes in the background.

"Why did you do that?" Jay's voice quivered, his words directed towards Nya's lifeless shell. "Why did you sacrifice yourself for me?" His hands clenched, gripping his hair in an act of torment and despair.

"Jay," I whispered, my voice barely audible. I out to touch his trembling shoulder, hoping to provide some small measure of comfort amidst the overwhelming grief that engulfed us both.

"No, no, no, she can't be gone..." Jay muttered, his voice a fragile whisper as he cradled Nya's lifeless form in his trembling arms.

"We never had the chance to share our future, to tell her everything," he lamented, his despair transforming into a hysterical state. Witnessing the sparks of electricity and crackling lightning emanating from him, I realized the danger he posed. If I didn't intervene, his emotions could summon a storm of destructive power.

"Hey, it's okay..." I uttered, my voice gentle yet firm, attempting to penetrate the shroud of grief clouding his mind. I reached out, placing a hand on his shoulder, urging him to find solace in my presence.

"No, he killed her, he hurt her!" Jay's panicked words escaped his lips, filled with anguish and rage.

As we both struggled to come to terms with the devastating loss, the sound of the Overlord hacking and wheezing cut through the suffocating silence. He attempted to sit up amidst the pain that Jay had brought upon him.

Caught off guard, our attention was momentarily diverted towards the wretched creature. "There's... a way... to bring her back," he croaked, his voice a strained attempt at manipulation.

Jay's glare intensified, a potent mixture of disgust and resentment seeping through his gaze. He spat his words at the Overlord, his tone laced with a venomous disdain he had never previously displayed, even in our darkest encounters. "And why should we trust you?" he retorted, the question dripping with skepticism and suspicion.

"Let's make a trade," the vile demon uttered, his voice raspy and strained, as he coughed and clutched his dark, ethereal arm.

"If I assist you in saving her," he continued, his tone icy and venomous, "you must surrender the amulet your team has been utilizing to thwart my existence." His words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of an unthinkable bargain. Jay turned to me, panic etched across his face, silently pleading for my consideration of the Overlord's proposal.

The amulet, the one thing capable of permanently vanquishing the Overlord and ensuring the safety of our realm. Could we truly sacrifice it to save Nya? The thought churned within me, tormenting my conscience.

Faced with the reality of Nya's lifeless body, a cold realization settled upon us.

It was a risk we had to take, a gamble with the amulet's power and our own destiny.

"F-Fine," I stammered, the words shaped by a mix of frustration and determination. "We'll give you amulet. Now, you must assist us in saving Nya." My voice carried a resolute firmness, reflecting our grim understanding that this trade could be the only hope left to bring her back.

Jay carefully cradled Nya's fragile form in his arms, his love and desperation etched onto his face. 

I remained vigilant, utilizing my powers to keep a close watch on the seemingly weakened Overlord, ready to intervene should he attempt anything nefarious.

"If I proceed with this resurrection," the Overlord spoke with a grave tone, his words laden with a warning, "there may be unforeseen consequences." Jay and I exchanged a brief glance, silently acknowledging the risks that lay ahead.

"I don't care," Jay declared resolutely, his voice filled with unwavering determination. "Just do it." His plea pierced through the air, leaving little room for arguments.

The Overlord let out a weary sigh, acknowledging his agreement. With his dark, ebony hand gently descending towards Nya's forehead, a purple glow emanated, gradually transforming into a radiant white.

Our breath hitched as we observed Nya being brought back from the precipice of death. 

The pallor of her skin regained its vibrant hues, a miracle unfolding before our very eyes.

As the final traces of the resurrection faded, Nya gasped for breath, her screams of awakening echoing through the air. 

Gripping her throat in pain, she writhed before Jay, who enveloped her in a protective embrace, shielding her from the harshness of the world that had once stolen her away.

In that moment, I glanced towards the Overlord, silently acknowledging that a deal had been upheld.

 

Chapter 27: Chapter 15: Her Name Is Nya

Notes:

Please read !!

Hello my loves I hope you are enjoying the story as much as I am knowing it is coming to an end

I also did notice that ao3 did not update chapter 15 after the author's note so here is chapter 15 then we will be back in order hopefully

Feedback is appreciated

** Narrative Pov ** 

~ Flash Back ~

Young Maya's breath caught in her throat, a mixture of gasp and relief escaping her lips, as the perspiration formed beads on her forehead. 

The room was filled with an air of anticipation and joy.

"It's a baby girl," the nurse beamed, bringing forth the tiny bundle of joy for young Ray Smith and Maya Smith to behold.

Maya couldn't contain her excitement as she eagerly extended her arms, longing to cradle and comfort her newborn daughter.

"Shh..." she murmured softly, her voice filled with love and tenderness, as the nurse prepared the baby for her mother's embrace.

Ray's face up with a radiant smile as he gazed upon their precious new addition, brimming with happiness at the sight of their little girl.

The blonde nurse, her own joy evident, inquired, "What will you name her?"

Maya's gaze shifted towards Ray, still clad in a hospital gown. "Nya... Nya Smith," she said, her voice filled with conviction and adoration for her daughter.

The nurse nodded, noting the name on the birth certificate with a sense of warmth and fulfillment.

Ray's smile widened as he noticed another small presence beside the doorway, curiosity sparking in the depths of Kai's expressive brown eyes.

"Come here, Kai," Maya and Ray beckoned with open arms, their smiles mirroring one another, inviting Kai to meet his new sister.

~ End Of Flash Back ~

** Nya’s Pov **

"I'm going to be a ninja and train at the monastery, mastering the Element Of Fire." 

If someone had told me years ago that my brother would become a ninja, I would have dissolved into laughter. It would have seemed like a wildly absurd notion.

But now, here I am, under control of the Overlord, fighting against my own teammates. 

In this twisted reality, such a statement doesn't seem as far-fetched anymore.

I glanced at Jay, my former boyfriend, his eyes filled with intense anger as they bore into mine.

"I hate him..." he muttered through clenched teeth. "Who?" I inquired, letting a wicked smile dance on my lips. "The Overlord, for doing this to you once again," he spat, his voice emanating cold venom. 

I couldn't help but giggle in response.

"He only wants what's best for me," I expressed, my giggles escaping like the innocent laughter of a child.

Jay crossed his arms, his gaze falling upon my bound hands. "Look at yourself," he said, I couldn't help but giggle in response.

"He only wants what's best for me," I expressed, my giggles escaping like the innocent laughter of a child.

As Jay glared angerly at me.

"He's a deranged demon, and his only objective is to torment you," Jay exclaimed, his voice filled with anguish and concern. 

The rush of dark power coursing through my veins brought me an eerie sense of pleasure.

"Don't you prefer me like this, Jay?" I asked, my voice filled with a mischievous giggle as I stared up at him with my eyes, once a deep brown, now sinisterly tinted in doll-like purple.

Jay shook his head, a profound sadness etched across his face. "No, this isn't how I wanted things to be between us. It wasn't the future I envisioned, and it's certainly not how I wanted to see you again," he confessed, his words carrying a heavy weight.

Feeling a slight loosening of the ropes binding my wrists, I took a deep breath, grateful for the reprieve it allowed.

"The Overlord will come for me," I warned Jay, a mix of resignation and certainty in my voice. Jay nodded, his expression filled with a bitter venom. "I know he will," he conceded, the words dripping with a chilling truth.

Gazing at Jay's electrifying blue eyes, I held his face and passionately drew him into a deep, desirous kiss. His eyes widened in surprise as I pushed him, backing him up against a towering tree.

"Nya, I can't...not when you're like this..." he protested, but I continued to kiss him fervently, yearning to experience the sweetness of his lips again.

"Please..." I pleaded, backing away and giving him my most irresistible, doe-eyed look.

Shaking his head, Jay calmly said, "You're not yourself..." I clenched my teeth at his words, frustration seeping through. "This is me now!" I retorted, forcefully pushing him back, resulting in a coughed grunt from him.

Jay gazed at me, sadness evident in his melancholic, blue eyes.

** Kai’s Pov **

Examining the Destiny Bounty where Jay and Nya were located, worry consumed me. "Nya! Jay!" I exclaimed, rushing toward the railing. 

Cole and Zane restrained me, preventing any impulsive actions. "Lloyd, we need to leave," Cole pleaded, his eyes filled with desperation, urging me not to jump. "Why are we just standing here? 

They're family, we have to help them. 

“I can't bear losing them too,” I begged, my gaze shifting between Zane and Cole, who shared my heartache. "We care about them as well, but we can't afford any more losses," 

Zane empathized. Although I understood their reasoning, I couldn't bear to abandon my sister, as our parents had done. "I made a promise never to abandon her," I murmured, my eyes fixated on the deck of the Destiny Bounty.

"Abandonment? No, it's more like a strategic regrouping," Zane declared, his voice filled with determination, as Lloyd piloted the Destiny Bounty into the vast expanse of the sky, leaving the dense forest behind.

I let out a heavy sigh, my gaze fixed upon the bandits standing on the ship's deck. With a hint of resignation, I muttered, "I suppose our next destination is Kryptarium Prison." My arms crossed tightly, I pulled down my Ninja hood, causing the bandits to wince in agony.

 

 

Chapter 28: Lost

** Jay’s Pov **

The lifeless body of Nya rested in my trembling arms, a chilling reminder of her untimely demise before my very eyes. 

Her once vibrant lips, tinted with a delicate pink, now bore a lifeless shade of blue.

As Nya buried her tear-stained face into my embrace, her cries filled the air with heart-wrenching desperation. In that moment, I realized with absolute clarity that I yearned to spend the remainder of my days by her side.

She was my soul's counterpart, and I hers. Despite the turbulent history of our relationship, the countless breakups and bitter arguments, I understood that even death couldn't sever the ties that bound our hearts. 

MLove for her would forever course through my veins.

Yet, as I pondered our future together, one unsettling obstacle loomed before us: we had to surrender the amulet, the sole weapon capable of annihilating the Overlord. 

My gaze shifted towards Lloyd, Nya still cradled within my arms.

In that exchange of glances between Lloyd and the Overlord, a sinister pact was silently forged. 

The weight of the unspoken bargain hung heavily in the air, an unshakeable alliance with the very embodiment of malevolence itself.

We were well aware that Cole and Zane had embarked on a perilous mission to retrieve the amulet and ensure the safe return of Kai and Skylor from the treacherous temple. 

The fate of our hearts depended on it, for within that amulet lay the power to vanquish the shadows of darkness that consumed us.

As I gazed up at the sky, a once tranquil blue now transformed into a menacing purple, crackling with eerie lightning. 

The air itself seemed to shiver with foreboding.

"A deal is a deal," Lloyd muttered, his voice laced with determination, while the Overlord grinned wickedly, reveling in the impending chaos.

Nya, held captive and afraid, dared not meet her captor's gaze. "You risked everything to save me..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Of course we did, Nya. You're family," I responded, my anger seething beneath the surface. How could she ever doubt my unwavering commitment to her safety? The mere thought ignited a furious fire within me.

"Lloyd! Jay! Come in, we've located Skylor and Kai. They have the amulet, and we're on our way back to the city," Zane's voice crackled through Lloyd's communication device.

A sinking feeling gripped my heart. Oh no... I murmured, my eyes shifting down to Nya's bruised and battered body, cradled gently in my lap. 

The battle was far from over, and the stakes had never been higher.

** Zane’s Pov **

I anxiously glanced towards Skylor, Kai, and Cole, desperately hoping that my other family members were safe. 

My heart sank as I realized I couldn't establish a connection with Jay, Lloyd, or Nya through my communication device embedded in my robotic arm. Panic began to set in.

"Pix, my love, do you think you can make your way to Ninjago City?" I implored, my voice filled with worry, as her robotic form materialized before me. She nodded, understanding the urgency of the situation. "But please, stay hidden. We can't afford to draw attention."

My eyes shifted to the amulet, securely wrapped in a cloth, clutched in Kai's trembling hand. 

A foreboding darkness emanated from it, like nothing we had ever encountered before. 

The weight of its malevolence hung heavy in the air, a chilling reminder of the imminent danger we faced.

"This amulet, known as the dark amulet, represents all the evil shadows that plague Ninjago," I explained, my voice laced with a mixture of awe and dread. "If we can successfully trap the demon within, its malevolent shadow will be forever imprisoned, locked away for eternity."

"So, it's like a prison for the darkest of shadows?" Cole questioned, his grip on the steering wheel tightening as he navigated the earth vehicle through the treacherous Sea of Sand, our destination clear in our minds - the heart of Ninjago City.

With determination etched onto our faces, we pressed forward, ready to face the ultimate battle against the forces of darkness. 

Our world depended on our success, and failure was not an option.

"Indeed, this amulet has the power to imprison any shadow or demon from all of Ninjago for an eternity," I proclaimed with a sense of foreboding.

Skylor turned her gaze towards me, her eyes wide with curiosity. "I can't help but wonder, what other malevolent entities have been ensnared by this sinister artifact?"

A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I contemplated her question. "I cannot say for certain, but according to legend, numerous wicked creatures have been condemned to eternal confinement within this amulet. They were banished for transgressions against the very laws of the underworld."

Kai let out a dismissive chuckle, oblivious to the true nature of our peril. "The underworld? We've ventured there countless times before. It's nothing to be afraid of."

Shaking my head solemnly, I retorted, "You underestimate the unfathomable depths that lie beneath the veil of the shadowy realm. We have only witnessed a fraction of the horrors that reside within."

Just then, Cole's voice broke the tension from the driver's seat. "Prepare yourselves, everyone. We are approaching Ninjago City. Brace for impact."

As we entered the once vibrant city, now engulfed in the suffocating darkness emanating from the Overlord's image, the sight of it’s transformed inhabitants sent shivers down our spines. 

Kai's voice trembled as he gazed through the window of the vehicle, his words carrying a weight of despair. 

"It's truly a tragedy," he murmured, his eyes fixated on the outside world. "Darkness and light, two formidable forces in the vast universe, forever locked in a destructive dance."

His words hung heavy in the air, and I couldn't help but grasp the profoundness of his statement. 

In that moment, it became clear that these opposing powers, so inherently different yet undeniably potent, were destined to clash and annihilate each other.

The eternal struggle between darkness and light, a battle that raged ceaselessly, spoke of a cosmic conflict that stirred the very depths of one's soul. 

It was a tragedy of cosmic proportions, a relentless fight that consumed all in its path.

As I absorbed the weight of his words, a sense of awe and melancholy washed over me. 

The power of this eternal struggle between darkness and light was both captivating and devastating, a tragic tale of cosmic proportions that echoed through the ages.

** Lloyd’s POV **

"Oh my gosh, what are we going to do?" Jay's voice quivered with panic, his fear echoing through the fortress. His eyes, once filled with determination, now widened with a mix of disbelief and uncertainty.

"You need to find the others and get Nya out of here," I urgently commanded, my voice filled with a sense of urgency and desperation. 

I could see the weight of the situation sinking in as Jay's brows furrowed, searching for any other option. 

But deep down, we both knew there was no other choice.

"No way," he retorted, his voice laced with defiance. He shook his head vigorously, as if trying to shake off the reality of the situation. "I'm not leaving you with that demon," he declared, his words filled with a fierce determination to protect me.

I shook my head, my voice resolute yet tinged with a hint of sadness. "Nya needs Zane's and Pixal's medical attention," I explained, my gaze fixed upon Nya's still, injured body. 

The gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air, and Jay let out a weary sigh, conceding silently to the truth I had laid before him.

I watched as Jay gave a subtle nod, his gaze shifting between me and the formidable Overlord demon.

With a gentle hand, he helped Nya to her feet, wrapping his arm around her for support.

Together, they slowly made their way out of the top layer of the Fortress.

The atmosphere was heavy with tension, as if the fate of the world hung in the balance.

 

Chapter 29: Touch

** Nya’s Pov **

"In the depths of darkness, where shadows suffocate, a single flicker of light pierces through the abyss. It dances and taunts, casting its radiant glow upon the forgotten corners. With each hesitant step, the light reveals the hidden beauty that lay shrouded by the night. The contrast between the two worlds is stark, as if darkness itself trembles in the face of its nemesis. Yet, it is in this battle of extremes that the true essence of life is unveiled. For it is in the darkest of moments that the light shines brightest, illuminating our path and igniting the fire within our souls. So, let us embrace the shadows, for they only serve to amplify the brilliance of the light that resides within us."

"In the depths of darkness, where shadows writhe and whispers echo, I stand alone, a solitary figure locked in a ceaseless battle against the encroaching night. The inky abyss envelops me, its tendrils of blackness clawing at my very soul, yet I refuse to succumb. For within this shroud of gloom, I find strength, a fire that burns fiercely, illuminating the path towards redemption. 

"I long for the intoxicating embrace of love, yearning for its tender touch to heal my wounded soul. Yet, fear grips my heart like icy tendrils, whispering cautionary tales of heartbreak and pain. In the depths of my being, the desire for love battles with the trepidation that lurks within. Like a fragile bird with clipped wings, I teeter on the precipice of vulnerability, torn between the allure of connection and the safety of solitude. Oh, how I ache for a love so pure and fierce that it could vanquish my fears, igniting a fire within that burns brighter than the darkest of nights."

In the depths of my soul, I yearned for Jay. Now, I understand the depth of my desire for his touch, his love. It was everything I craved, a desperate longing that left me feeling helpless, yearning for love. But I needed time, time to find my own path, to discover my destiny. And I believe that moment has finally arrived.

As Jay guided me through the daunting Overlord fortress, we made the painful decision to leave behind our little brother, Lloyd. It was a sacrifice we didn't want to make, but my injuries were too severe, my body aching with pain. Oh, how I missed my brother and my dear friends. It had been far too long since I last saw my brother's face and embraced my loyal companions.

"I have something to confess," I whispered to Jay, his eyes, deep as the ocean, fixed upon me, a brow raised in curiosity.
“In the heart of the Overlord fortress, before you found me, Cole, and Zane, something extraordinary occurred," I revealed, my words hanging in the air, heavy with anticipation.

“I believe... I possess the power to control... the element of water," I confessed, my voice trembling with a mixture of awe and fear. "In a moment of desperation, as Cole faced imminent danger from one of the bandits, I felt a surge within me. Water surrounded me, a force I never knew I possessed, flowing through the walls of the prison cells, even the very bowl of water they brought to me."

The gravity of my words hung between us, the air thick with uncertainty and wonder. And in that moment, the dramatic realization of my newfound abilities filled the silence, leaving us both breathless.

As my eyes widened in shock, Jay looked at me, his expression filled with disbelief. "Are you sure?" he questioned, his voice quivering with anticipation. I simply nodded, leaning my head against his shoulder, feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation coursing through my veins. 

His laughter filled the air as he wrapped his arms around me, a sense of triumph in his embrace. "Nya, that's great!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with joy. "You're one of us now," he added, his smile brighter than ever. But as my smile faded, a wave of uncertainty washed over me, casting a shadow upon my newfound happiness. "What's wrong?" Jay asked, confusion etched across his face. "Isn't this what you wanted?" he inquired, his voice tinged with concern.

I took a deep breath, my voice trembling as I spoke. "Why wouldn't Sensei Wu tell me about this?" The words slipped out, filled with a mix of anger and hurt. "I spent years trying to figure out who I was, becoming the samurai, and for him to never disclose something like this before his passing... It means my mother was the elemental of water before me." Tears welled up in my brown eyes, reflecting the pain and longing I had carried within me for so long. Jay's eyes softened, a flicker of understanding crossing his face. In that moment, the weight of my newfound identity felt heavier than ever before.

Lightning dances across the darkened sky, casting its eerie glow upon the tumultuous waters below. Each bolt of electricity, like a celestial whip, cracks against the surface, illuminating the churning waves with an ethereal light. The profound connection between the untamed energy of lightning and the unforgiving depths of water, reminding me of the fragility of human existence against the forces of the natural world.

My eyes widened in astonishment as I beheld the Earth vehicle crash through the fortress, toppling over the bandits who plagued the city of Ninjago. The once radiant sky now lay shrouded in darkness, with bolts of lightning flashing ominously.

"Guys!" Jay's voice rang out with a mix of relief and joy, as Kai, my elder brother, leaped out of the vehicle and rushed towards me. He enveloped me in a tight embrace, his arms encircling my small frame. "I was so worried, I thought I had lost you..." he struggled to speak through tear-filled brown eyes, and I found solace in his warmth. Those hugs, oh how I had missed them. Ever since we were children, left to fend for ourselves after our parents' abandonment.

Suddenly, Kai's gaze shifted, his eyes narrowing with an intense glare. "I'm going to annihilate that wretched excuse for a human being!" he growled, his anger palpable. Jay chimed in, his voice filled with righteous indignation, "Count me in!" The rest of our team emerged from the vehicle, their expressions reflecting a shared determination.

"Zane!" I cried out joyfully, noticing Cole and Skylor alongside him. I rushed towards them and embraced Zane, unable to contain my relief. "I'm so grateful you guys are safe!" I exclaimed, my words filled with sincere gratitude. "And where's Lloyd? We're here with the amulet," they responded. As Jay and I locked eyes, a flood of memories came rushing back. 

"About that... amulet," Jay chuckled uneasily, his hand instinctively moving to his neck. The tension in the air grew palpable, causing Zane, Cole, and Kai to cross their arms, their faces reflecting the anticipation that this conversation held. But amidst it all, we failed to notice Skylor's approach until she stood behind the others, her presence catching me by surprise. In that moment, I gasped and instinctively wrapped my arms around her, seeking solace in her comforting presence.

"We, uh, kind of have to give it to the Overlord," Jay revealed, his voice laced with nerves, as he kicked at the ground, displacing the dirt beneath his feet.  The room exploded with the outcry of our teammates, their voices echoing in disbelief. “What do you mean?!" they protested, their faces etched with frustration. "That's the only thing that can stop him!"

I could feel the weight of guilt bearing down on me, causing me to lower my gaze to the cold, unforgiving ground. My fists clenched tightly as I battled my own remorse. “It's my fault," I stumbled over my words, unable to meet the gaze of the group any longer. A wave of sorrow washed over Jay's eyes as he looked at me with empathy. "No, it's not your fault. It's the Overlord's doing," he spat with a venomous tone, highlighting our confusion and turmoil.

"Sis, what happened..." Kai's voice broke the heavy silence, his concern evident in his eyes. I sighed, feeling a weight settle on my shoulders as I turned my gaze away from my brother's gaze, unable to find the words to articulate the pain that plagued my heart.

"She died," Jay spoke on my behalf, his voice laced with an anguished anger that crackled in the air, his hands instinctively crackling with his elemental electricity. The fury of his words pierced through the room, resonating with the collective sorrow and despair we all felt.

"That son of a bitch killed her. Lloyd and I stood there, helpless witnesses to her lifeless body falling to the ground. We had to make a deal, a choice between saving Nya or using the amulet to destroy the Overlord. I made a promise to you, Kai. I couldn't bear to lose her again," Jay's voice trembled with a mix of determination and grief, his gaze shifting towards our teammates, who softened upon witnessing the depth of my torment.

Kai's eyes drifted towards me, a profound understanding and gratitude shining in his gaze. He nodded, acknowledging Jay's sacrifice and the love that guided his actions. “I could have lost you..." Kai's voice was filled with a mixture of relief and vulnerability as he enveloped me in a tight embrace once again. The warmth of his hug was a profound solace, and I welcomed the embrace, finding solace in the presence of my brother.

"Lloyd, in the clutches of the menacing Overlord, who demands the amulet as payment for his rescue."

Jay's words dripped with frustration, eliciting weary sighs from the others. "These troubling circumstances..." Zane interjected, his arms crossed in contemplation. "I can't help but feel uneasy about Lloyd being left alone with that malevolent creature. We must act swiftly -" Kai's voice was abruptly silenced by Cole.

"Guys, we have unwelcome visitors!" Cole announced, lowering his hood and alerting everyone to the approaching bandits.

"Ninja, go!" he commanded, springing into action with a swift counter kick and unleashing his powerful Spinjitzu.

"Jay, get Nya to safety," the others instructed, their voices filled with determination as they guided me towards the waiting earth vehicle. "But we have to assist them!" I protested, but Jay shook his head, his gaze full of resolve. "You and I are in no condition to aid the others. They are more than capable."

With a heavy heart, Jay secured me inside Cole's vehicle. As I peered out towards Ninjago city, I watched my family preparing for battle without Jay and me. They needed our support, and yet, we couldn't bear to abandon them... because we were family.

Despite my desperate pleas, Jay remained steadfast, starting the engine and casting a sorrowful glance my way with his piercing blue eyes, which I had come to cherish. "Let's go," he said, driving away from the fortress, leaving our loved ones behind.

The battle intensified, unfolding before my eyes while I sat in Cole's vehicle, filled with a sense of helplessness and aching for the family we left behind.

** Kai’s Pov **

I was angry beyond angry words can’t even describe it how I took out four more bandit. That son of a bitch killed my sister he was going to pay and I’d make sure of it.
Rushing through the fortress “Kai calm down..” Cole’s voice spoke as I chose to ignore him.

“I know your worried about Nya but killing yourself won’t help her.” He said stopping me in my tracks as I tried to go on the top layer were the Overlord and Lloyd was.

“Cole let me go.” I stated looking at him in anger.

“He hurt our sister and that our little brother out their alone with him.” I stated angrily glaring at him as he sighed resting his hands on my shoulder to stop me in my tracks.

“We have to come up with a plan he’s expecting the only thing that can stop him.”
Cole reminded me as I sighed looking towards the fortress.

“We have to help Lloyd.” As Cole nodded “we will we can’t just rush into this when he could easily kill him.”

“What’s the plan..” I asked him than as we heard Zane’s voice spoke up quietly “I believe I have an idea but we have to act quickly.”

As we nodded grinning. 

In the depths of my fury, a rage so consuming that mere words cannot capture its intensity, I mercilessly dispatched four more bandits. That despicable creature, who dares to call himself a man, took the life of my beloved sister. But rest assured, he will pay for his abhorrent actions. And I, oh yes, I will ensure he pays dearly.

With a heart pounding like thunder in my chest, I stormed through the fortress, my every step a declaration of vengeance. "Kai, calm yourself," Cole's voice pleaded, attempting to reel me back from the precipice of blind fury. But I paid him no heed, for my mind was set on ascending to the uppermost layer where the Overlord and Lloyd awaited.

"Let me go, Cole," I growled, my eyes burning with a wrath that could ignite the heavens themselves.

"He has harmed our sister, and our little brother remains in his clutches," I declared, my voice dripping with a venomous anger, fixing my gaze upon Cole. He sighed, his hands coming to rest upon my shoulders, a feeble attempt to halt my rampage.

"We must devise a plan, for he anticipates any feeble attempts to stop him," Cole reminded me, his voice heavy with the weight of our predicament. I exhaled a weary sigh, my gaze drifting towards the formidable fortress.

"We must aid Lloyd," I asserted, my voice filled with determination. Cole nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of the situation.

"But we cannot charge in blindly, for he could snuff out Lloyd's life with but a flick of his wrist," Cole cautioned. His words resonated within me, a sobering reminder of the dire stakes we faced.

"What is the plan, then?" I inquired, my voice laced with both urgency and anticipation. Just as hope seemed to wane, Zane's voice chimed in, almost a whisper, yet carrying an air of possibility.

"I believe I have an idea," Zane spoke softly, the words hanging in the air like a fragile promise. "But we must act swiftly."

With a shared nod and a newfound glimmer of hope dancing in our eyes, we prepared to face our nemesis, ready to seize the chance Zane's idea offered us.

 

Chapter 30: The End Part 1

Summary:

Hello, Loves so sorry about the long wait here is the second to last chapter! :) I can’t believe this story is almost done I’m so happy you all loved it as much as I did and also The End Part 2 will be incredibly long after this story I am working on another story called Twist Of Fate and the main characters will be about Kai and Cole with a bit of Romance with a dark unexpected twist feel free to read it when I upload it

** Nya’s Pov **

"Nya..." Jay's voice trailed off, heavy with concern, as I defiantly shook my head, refusing to yield. "I don't care. We have to help!" I proclaimed, pushing myself upright, despite the residual weakness that lingered from the weeks of incarceration. 

Every fiber of my being strained against the chains of my limitations, urging me forward, compelling me to take action.

But Jay, ever the voice of reason, gestured with dramatic flair, his hands weaved through the air as he tried to bring me to my senses. "Look at you, you can barely stand. Your powers are weakened," he reasoned, his words ringing with caution and apprehension. 

There was a genuine fear in his eyes, one born from love and the desire to protect me from further harm.

His words collided with my determination, sparking a furious internal struggle. I shook my head once more, res in my plea. "Jay, please..." I beseeched, my voice trembling with equal parts desperation and longing. Seeking comfort, I wrapped my small arms around him, drawing him close. 

It was a silent plea, a wordless acknowledgement of the shared bond that grounded us in a world spiraling into chaos.

And then, the crackling voice of a news reporter pierced the air, drawing our attention. 

Their words echoed through the tense atmosphere, announcing the ongoing battle between our brethren, the brave Ninjas, and the ruthless Overlord. 

Jay and I turned, our eyes fixed upon the spectacle before us. 

It was a sight that struck a chord of sorrow within us, an undeniable truth that unfurled before our eyes.

As Jay methodically tended to my battered body, his nimble fingers delicately tracing the cuts and bruises that painted my skin, guilt weighed heavy upon my shoulders. 

In the depths of our home, nestled within the sanctuary of the monastery hidden deep within the heart of the mountains, I could no longer ignore the haunting truth. 

The dangers that had befallen our kin, our fellow warriors, now rested like lead in my heart, searing through my veins with a punishing intensity. 

Though I had insisted, vehemently, that I could handle my wounds on my own, a part of me couldn't help but feel the weight of the guilt that hung in the air, a reflection of the familial bond that tethered us together.

My gaze dropped, fixating on the cold tile floor, as Jay's touch sent tremors of longing surging through my being, an echo of the years we had spent apart, the yearning that had plagued my existence. 

His hand, warm and comforting, rested upon my trembling skin, and for a fleeting moment, it felt like a balm against the unhealed wounds of our past.

"What is it?" Jay's voice cut through the thick silence, heavy with anticipation. 

It was a question he had asked countless times before, a testament to his patient nature, waiting for me to find the words buried within the depths of my troubled soul.

Drawing in a shuddering breath, my voice emerged as a mere whisper, laden with the weight of unspoken fears and resolute determination. "We have to go back..." I uttered, my gaze torn away from the tender moment between us and redirected towards the grim depiction upon the illuminated monitor. 

The once vibrant and bustling Ninjago City, now cloaked in darkness, stood as a stark testament to the overwhelming forces that threatened to consume our cherished home.

** Lloyd’s Pov **

Locked in a stare with the malevolent Overlord, a creeping sense of unease slithered through my veins, coiling around my very being. 

The knowledge of my comrades' proximity, armed with the sole weapon capable of vanquishing this sinister force, offered me a glimmer of solace. 

Yet, an unshakeable sense of foreboding gnawed at the edges of my consciousness.

The atmosphere crackled with an unnerving energy, sparking an involuntary shudder that reverberated down my spine. Doubt intertwined with my every thought, weaving an intricate tapestry of worry and apprehension. 

The weight of what could potentially go awry pressed heavily upon my heart, threatening to suffocate the fragile flicker of hope that still burned within me.

Summoning every ounce of courage within, I stepped forward, my footsteps echoing upon the hallowed ground. Shadows of uncertainty danced across my path, each step mirroring the tug-of-war that raged within me. 

I knew full well the risks we had accepted in striking a deal with the Overlord, bartering for the salvation of our cherished Nya. But the weight of that decision, the gravity of the consequences, cast a long, foreboding shadow that stretched further with every passing moment.

Though the path we had chosen held untold dangers, I clung to the flicker of optimism that flickered within me. 

Deep down, I understood the magnitude of our sacrifice, the profound cost we had paid in granting the Overlord possession of the amulet. 

At the end of this treacherous journey, one truth remained resolute amidst the chaos - we had managed to save a friend, bending the unyielding rules of fate to our will and forging ahead despite the uncertain path that lay ahead.

"Lloyd!" The urgent voices of Cole Kai sliced through the chaos, drawing my attention towards their. 

Worry etched across their faces, mirroring the same fear that coursed through my veins upon witnessing the presence of the unstable demon creature lurking ominously in the distance.

"I'm fine, I promise!" I shouted back, my determination ringing through my voice as I reassured my loyal comrades. 

The weight of their concerned gazes lingered, an unspoken testament to their unwavering dedication to protect me.

But as our eyes locked, I couldn't help but mutter under my breath, the words mingling with the harsh reality that lay before me – if looks could kill. 
The tension rippled through the air, heavy with the weight of our shared mission, as I redirected my focus towards the sinister Overlord.

"Tell me, do you possess the amulet...?" I posed the question, my voice laced with equal parts curiosity andpidation. 

Their synchronized nod confirmed Kai's position as the chosen bearer, thrusting him into the forefront of this deadly confrontation. 

As he stepped forward, the amulet clutched tightly within his grasp, an ominous darkness emanated from its core, accompanied by a haunting hum that sent shivers cascading down my spine.

"The amulet... of darkness," the Overlord sneered, relishing in the twisted delight that danced across his twisted features. 

Fangs glistening in the dim light, his amusement sent a chill through the very marrow of my bones.

"Give it to me," he spat, his demand dripping with venom and arrogance. Kai, steadfast and resolute, shook his head, questioning each passing moment. 

His glare, a blazing testament to his hatred towards the Overlord, pierced the air like fiery darts. And yet, in that critical moment, he turned his gaze towards me, questioning the validity of our decision.

"Lloyd, are you sure?" His voice carried a complexity of emotions, intermingling concern and defiance. 

I met his gaze head-on, a silent affirmation etched across my face as I nodded, acquiescing to the painful reality of our situation.

"A deal is a deal," I whispered solemnly, the weight of our sacrifice coloring each word with a tinge of sorrow. 

I understood that in this desperate battle, with our backs pressed against the proverbial wall, the amulet was our only hope, a fragile beacon amidst the encroaching darkness.

With each measured step, Kai hesitantly distanced himself from Cole and I, striding towards the Overlord, a courageous act of self-sacrifice that would propel us towards our ultimate destiny.

** Nya’s pov **

Clutching onto Jay's back, the vibrations of his modified blue electric motorcycle reverberated through my bones, a relentless reminder of the imminent danger that lurked behind us. 

The desert landscape blurred into obscurity as Jay propelled us forward with unthinkable speed, an electric surge of adrenaline coursing through our veins.

The wind whipped through our hair, carrying with it the scent of freedom and the weight of our mission. 

Jay's jubilant cries filled the air, a testament to his unyielding passion for new machines, his prowess as a master of mechanics shining through every daring maneuver. 

It was times like these when I couldn't help but smile, bask in his infectious excitement, even as the impending doom loomed overhead.

"Ninjago City awaits!" Jay's voice rang out, fighting against rushing wind and peals of thunder that accompanied our rapid journey. 

I nodded, my gesture lost amidst the chaos, and rested my head gently upon his shoulder. 

Even in the face of adversity, Jay's eyes shimmered with a constant worry for my well-being, a love that burned fiercely despite the encroaching darkness.

"Please, don't worry about me," I whispered, my words barely audible amidst the cacophony. 

My gaze met his, an unspoken plea hidden within the depths of my gaze. I wanted him to understand, to know that my only desire was for him to aid the others in their battle against the Overlord. 

The unspoken truth hung heavy in the air, a bittersweet acknowledgement that this might be our last ride together, an opportunity slipping away to express the words I had longed to say.

In that moment, as fleeting as it was, I realized the flaws in my prior convictions. 

The walls I had erected, proclaiming I wanted nothing to do with him, crumbled beneath the weight of shared history. 

Jay, with all his quirks and relentless optimism, was undeniably my other half, irrevocably entwined with my soul. 

And now, confronted with the possibility of our paths diverging forever, I couldn't help but yearn for one final chance to express the depth of my emotions.

In the perilous life of heroes, the specter of death constantly looms, instilling fear within the depths of our hearts.

With a sense of urgency, I raised my voice and asked him, "Do you have a plan now that the Overlord may possess the amulet?" Jay turned his gaze towards me, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Actually, I do believe I have a plan," he replied, leaving me to stare at him with a mixture of curiosity and confusion.

** Kai’s Pov **

A guttural groan escaped my lips as a powerful blow struck my abdomen, hurling me through the air and into the solid frame of Zane. Pain pulsated through my body, each throb a torment that echoed my defeat.

"Ugh... that... that hurt," I managed to gasp, shaking my head in a futile attempt to clear the haze of agony that clouded my senses. Zane, ever composed, nodded in agreement, focus drawn to the malfunctioning systems within his arm.

Systems... they appear to be overriding," he explained, his mechanical fingers deftly working to rectify the issue. In this ongoing battle against the Overlord and his newfound power, even our trusted ally faced the harsh reality of vulnerability.

But before we could regain our footing, our attention was yanked towards Cole, who charged at the Overlord a roar of determination. His lava-infused punch collided with the unyielding force of our adversary, sending him crashing into the unforgiving earth, mirroring our own positions of dismay.

"Okay... maybe not," I muttered through gritted teeth, my frustration lacing each word. Overlord's strength had blossomed, amplified by the despicable amulet that we ourselves had foolishly bestowed upon him. The weight of my own foolishness bore down upon me, clawing at my soul with a bitter tenacity.

Zane, ever the calming presence, utilized his ice powers to soothe the ache in my bruised shoulder. Yet, the pain persisted, a reminder of our shortcomings in the face of an adversary who now seemed invincible.

"This guy... he's unstoppable now. All because we handed him the one thing that could have stopped him," I lamented bitterly, my fist clenching, covered in the mud that symbolized our futile struggles.

A heavy sigh escaped Lloyd's lips, weariness etched across his features. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, as if to ward off the encroaching frustration that threatened to consume us all.

"Well... it seems we are closer to defeating him," he mused his voice tinged with a weariness that mirrored the weight of the battles we had fought. "I thought we'd make progress... once we rid ourselves of that amulet."

Silence blanketed the room, heavy with expectation and desperation as all eyes turned towards me. The weight of their hope bore down upon my weary shoulders, urging me to offer a glimmer of guidance amidst our suffocating predicament.

"Well, if we find ourselves trapped here..." I began, my voice brimming with determination, "we must dare to venture into unexplored territory, to pursue alternative paths." Skeptical gazes met my proclamation, hesitant to embrace the unfamiliar.

Cole, his eyebrow raised in questioning, broke the silence, voicing the doubts that plagued our minds. "Like what?" he challenged, his tone tinged with a touch of skepticism.

A surge of bravery propelled my response, my gaze shifting towards Lloyd, the weight of my words settling upon his widened emerald eyes. "Perhaps we should seek out the one person who possesses the power and skill to defeat him in combat," I proposed, my voice laced with conviction. The room trembled with the unspoken truth, the figure I spoke of resonating within our thoughts - Lord Garmadon, Lloyd's own father, imprisoned for his destructive actions upon Ninjago City.

A reflexive refusal escaped Lloyd's lips, his voice tinged with a mix of uncertainty and stubbornness. "No, I refuse," he protested, aware of the implications that surfaced when discussing the one who had caused so much turmoil.

I rolled my eyes, a silent acknowledgment of his predictable response. "Yes, we all refuse to turn to him willingly," I conceded, my words dripping with frustration. "But think of it logically. We require someone who possesses both strength and combat prowess. Who better than Lord Garmadon, capable of waging battles in ways that few others can? Lloyd, we need him."

I could sense the internal conflict waging within Lloyd, his reluctance clashing with the resounding truth. The room hovered in a vulnerable state, each breath held in suspended anticipation.

The moment hung in the air, pregnant with gravity and uncertainty. Zane's solemn voice broke through the tension, the weight of his words reverberating through the room.

"So then, it is settled," he declared, his voice laced with determination. His steel-blue eyes locked onto each of our faces, unwavering in his resolve.

"We must embark on the daring mission to free Lord Garmadon from the impenetrable confines of Kryptarium Prison."