We have two songs in this chapter.
Well..... you guys got something of an answer on their relationship. (for now at least.)
Nalia has set a goal for herself when this adventure is over.
____________________________________________________________
Nalia was sitting on the upper deck of the Bounty, still recovering her energy after having used so much a few hours ago. She hummed softly as she watched the others working on the ship.
"I knew my singing could heal people, but I never thought it could heal the enemy. I don't have as much control over my powers as I thought. I hate to admit it, but I need more training. If we survive this, I'm going to put more focus into singing," Nalia thought to herself as she pulled out her diary, where she had put all the agency cards she had been given.
"It looks like it was a good thing that I saved these cards, but the bigger question is, which of these so-called agencies should I go with?" Nalia looked through each card, thinking carefully about her choice.
She was so focused on picking an agency that she didn't hear footsteps coming over to her until she heard someone let out a cough, which got her attention. She looked up and saw that it was Lloyd.
"I thought you were meant to be resting, not wasting energy on looking at some random cards," said Lloyd, taking a seat next to her so he could see what she was looking at.
Nalia closed her diary but still kept the business cards out. "It's boring not doing anything while I rest, so I wasted my time thinking about something else."
"Like, thinking about what?" Lloyd asked, taking one of the cards.
"The future; what do I wanna do when all of this is over," Nalia told him, resting her head on his shoulder while looking at the cards.
"And these cards?" Lloyd asked, holding up one of the cards he had taken.
Nalia let out a giggle. "Business cards for some agencies that make music, singers, idols, and everything else in that area."
"Hmmm." Lloyd gave her back the card and took her free hand in his. "Talking about the future, I want to talk about us."
Nalia looked confused, raising an eyebrow to see where he was going with this. "What about us?"
"Li-Nalia, you've been the best friend I've ever had, and I'm thrilled that we met, even though it wasn't the nicest start." Lloyd scratched the back of his head.
"Yeah, you were kind of rude when I was just trying to help you, but I still forgave you for it," said Nalia, smiling at him. "Which reminds me, why did you use my nickname, Lia, instead of my name?"
A slight blush grew on Lloyd's face as he smiled. "I found your name a little hard to say, so I just went with Lia, as it sounded easier on the tongue."
Nalia raised her eyebrows in confusion. "How is my name hard to say?"
"I don't know. I was a kid. I was being stupid at that time," said Lloyd, clearing his throat. "Anyway, your name isn't what I wanted to discuss."
"So, did you guys figure out where we are going next?" Nalia asked, wanting to change the subject to something else.
Lloyd looked over at her with a raised eyebrow. "Don't try and avoid the question, Nalia, I'm being serious here."
Nalia let go of his hand, got up from where she was sitting, and began walking away from him and over to the railing. "Seriously, where are we going next, Lloyd? If it's a long journey, I should probably get some more rest."
"Nalia," said Lloyd in a serious tone, walking over and having her turn around to look at him. "I'm serious here; we need to talk about us."
Nalia let out a heavy sigh as she finally looked at him. "I can't give you an honest answer, Lloyd. I'm just beginning to learn about feelings and all kinds of stuff." She turned her focus up to the sky.
"There is still so much I want to see and learn. I can't tell you how I feel about you without knowing what feelings mean. If I say those words to you without knowing their deeper meaning, it wouldn't be fair to you." She turned to look back at Lloyd with a sad look.
"I need more time to grow, Lloyd. I've lived in a cave for so many years my whole life. I've yet to learn everything this world offers me, so I'm asking you to wait until I'm ready to be honest about my feelings for you." She gently took his hands in hers as she looked him in the eyes. "Please, just wait for me."
Lloyd watched her closely as he listened to what she had to say, and to be honest, he was shocked to hear those words coming from her, of all people. "Okay, I'll wait for your answer, Lia." A soft smile grew on his face as he pulled her into a hug. He would have kissed her, but he didn't see that as being fair on her part when she didn't know her feelings yet.
Nalia wrapped her arms around him as they hugged. "Thanks, Lloyd." She rested her head against his chest and listened closely to his heartbeat.
"As to your question earlier, we are heading to the Dark Island," said Lloyd, still holding her close, wanting this moment to last a little longer.
"What?" Nalia looked up at him with worry in her eyes.
"The Dark Island, that's where we believe my dad is, but also something called the Temple of Light. Where me and the others should be able to unlock our powers." Lloyd explained.
Nalia bites her lower lip, nervous about this news. "How are we gonna get there? The ship can't even fly."
"It's still a ship; the others are already working on getting it ready for us to sail through the ocean," said Lloyd.
"Okay." Nalia slowly pulled out of the hug, "I'm gonna get a bit more rest before we leave." She left and headed down to the lower deck and into the ship while thinking to herself. "What am I gonna do? The old man told me never to go anywhere near the Dark Island unless I was ready and had my full strength. Most of all, should I ever meet the Overlord, I should avoid him so he can't use my powers for evil."
*Later, with the Bounty set on the dock, the ninjas say goodbye to everyone before heading off.*
"Now promise me you'll eat your vegetables." said Edna.
"Mom!" said Jay.
"Oh, I mean it. You get sluggish when you don't get enough vitamins. Ed, tell him if he's gonna save the world, he has to eat his vegetables." said Edna.
"Uh, do what your mother says." said Ed.
"I don't know what to say." said Lou.
"You don't have to say anything." said Cole.
"You're right. I don't have to say anything. But I do have to sing." The Royal Blacksmiths hum while Lou launches into a song. "Who's gonna save Ninjago's hide? Who's gonna make a dad swell with pride? Cole is! Cole does! Cole, Cole, Cole." Everyone applauds.
"That's the sweetest thing I've ever heard, Pop." said Cole.
"Now, Dareth, as the honorary Brown Ninja, we're entrusting you with protecting Ninjago and tending to the Ultra Dragon. Are you up to the tasks?" said Kai.
"I won't let you guys down. Did you hear that? I'm officially the Brown Ninja!" Everyone cheers. "Oh, what's my elemental power?" Dareth asked.
"Uh, hot air?" Nya guessed.
Nalia sent a small glare over at Nya, though she didn't notice it.
"So I command the wind. Cool." said Dareth, before he noticed a small glare from, Nalia, scarying him a bit.
Nalia couldn't help but get a little upset when others tried to use the wind since her brother was the master of the wind.
"Good luck! Yellow Ninja!"
"I hope to hear another song from you!"
"Please be safe out there!"
Nalia turned her attention to some of the people in Ninjago and smiled at them as she waved to them.
Lloyd came riding the Ultra Dragon. "You need to stay here, big guy. These people need your protection."
Zane sighs as he looks at everyone spending time with each other.
"Is there anyone you would like to say goodbye to?" Wu asked.
"My only family is my Falcon. And my only memory of my was nearly erased. I will miss Ninjago for it's all I know, but I am excited to see what the future has in store." said Zane.
"Well, my Nindroid friend, there are a few people who would like to say goodbye to you." Wu points to a mob of fans cheering.
"I love you, you stupid Nindroid." said Rufus.
Nalia smiled and took a deep breath as she started singing.
(the song she is singing.)
(link to song)
"Where did it come from?
Where could this wind be taking us?
I look up to the sky hoping for answers
But there's no reply
Where will it end up
This song that I've been a vessel for?
I look within, knowing I'll find the answer
Even on my own
Let's row out to the open sea
Far as we can go
To the unknown.~"
Nalia started glowing as she waved at the people, with stars dancing around her.
"Pupils, it's time we set sail." said Wu.
"I've got to keep on dreaming
No surrendering, go on
Hoist the sail inside my open heart
And let me heed the call of the sea.~"
"Goodbye!" shouted Jay, waving at his parents and the people.
"I've got to keep on singing
Until you feel it, just hold on
Oh, the winds will change, I promise you
My voice will see us through to the end.~"
"See you!" shouted Cole, waving to his father and everyone.
"All of us searching
Trying to find our happiness
Our hands reach out, and all we find is pain
Still, we must try again.~"
"So long!" shouted Kai, waving at everyone.
"What if that sorrow
Becomes the strength that we're lookin' for?
Then we can weather any storm that comes
Ready for what's in store
When all is said and done
I hope that we will meet again
At the ending.~"
Dareth blows toward the ship's direction. "You see that? It's working!"
Everyone cheers.
Nalia smiled as she took Lloyd's hand and began dancing around with him, which she hadn't done for a while, so he was a little surprised by this.
"Let me keep on living this waking dream
There's no waking me, let's dream on
I see something far ahead of me
A path that's waiting for me just beyond
I'll always be here singing
Until you feel it, just hold on
Oh, my voice will be the wind that fills
Your sails so you can still carry on.~"
"Jay! Did you make sure to pack clean underwear?" shouted Edna.
"Yes, mom!" Everyone laughs at him.
"I've got to keep on dreaming
Never surrendering, go on
Oh, and even if I disappear
My song will still ring out for you to hear
I've got to keep on singing
Want you to feel it, just hold on
Oh, the winds will change, I promise you
My voice will see us through to the end.~"
Nalia finished singing as she let go of Lloyd's hands, smiling at him and everyone before she had to sit back down. She still wasn't at full strength yet, and had just used her healing voice again.
"We still have a long journey ahead of us." said Wu.
"Still no word from your Falcon?" Cole asked, turning to Zane.
"Not yet." said Zane.
"I wonder what's on the island?" Kai questioned.
"An entirely new ecosystem?" Zane guessed.
"Never before seen creatures?" Cole guessed.
"Oh, vegetables that taste like dessert?" Jay guessed.
"Trouble, probably," said Nalia, resting her eyes.
"I hope the Stone Army is there. They may have gotten the best of us once, but never again." said Kai.
"You said it." said Cole.
"Hear, hear!" said Jay.
"I wonder if this is the end of our destiny," said Lloyd, looking at Nalia and noticing how tired she looked.
"If it is, there isn't anyone else I'd want on by my side." said Kai.
"Hear, hear!" said Jay.
"You said it." said Cole.
Zane turns on Falcon Vision. "My Falcon has arrived at the Dark Island!" He plugs himself into the computer so everyone can see what he sees. "There, now we can all see." A Stone Warrior shoots down the Falcon, hurtling Zane back. Everyone gasps. "He's... he's gone."
"We don't know that." said Wu.
"Oh, Zane. I'm so sorry." said Nya.
"Well, he was our friend too, so we're not gonna let him go in vain. If the Stone Army wants a fight, they got one." said Kai.
"Well, that's going to have to wait because right now, we're sailing straight for a storm. All hands on deck." said Misako.
Thunder rumbling and Lightning crackling.
Nalia heaved as she started getting up, but someone touched her shoulder, stopping her.
"Not you, I think it would be best if you went inside and got some rest." said Misako.
"But I wanna help, it wouldn't be fair if I didn't give a hand." said Nalia.
"Nalia, you're almost as white as a sheet. You need rest and let your powers recover." said Misako.
Nalia sighed heavily, not liking that she couldn't help but understand why. "Okay," she said, slowly getting up as she headed inside the ship and to her and Nya's room to rest.
*On the Bounty, the ninjas, except for Jay and Nalia, are trying to stabilize the ship.*
"Hold the line!" said Cole.
"The winds are too strong!" said Lloyd.
"We need everyone's help, Jay!" said Zane.
"But I don't wanna get wet. I...I only have one pair of underwear." said Jay.
"Jay, this is no time to be making jokes. The Bounty can only take so much." said Kai.
"You think I'm trying to be funny?" Jay hears laughter. "Okay, laugh all you want, but we'll see who laughs last when I have to go commando."
"Who's laughing?" Kai asked.
"Ugh. It sounds like some of us are getting a kick out of this." said Nya.
"That's not laughter." said Misako.
"What is that sound?" Wu asked.
Misako sees starfish-like creatures cling onto the window. "Starteeth!"
"Uh, guys, why is the sea laughing at us?" Kai asked.
"And why do I have a feeling we're not gonna get the joke?" Jay asked, as several Starteeth land on the ship.
"Hey, what's that?" Cole lets go of the rope.
"Whoa!"
"I'm coming! I got it!" said Jay, rushing over.
"About time, Jay!" said Kai.
Jay gets splashed with water. "Oh, perfect!"
"It looks like some sort of a, hmm, fish." Cole picks it up, revealing its sharp teeth.
"Wait! We must not let the Starteeth on board. They devour ships and won't stop until we sink!" said Misako.
The Starteeth bites Cole. "Aaaah! It bit me!"
The Starteeth bites the rope, unstabilizing the mast.
"Huh, get these things off the ship!" The Starteeth clings onto Kai. "Aargh. I'm starstruck! Unh, good riddance, water vampires!" He throws them off.
"Faster! Or we'll sink!" shouted Lloyd.
*Inside the ship.*
Nalia was trying to get some rest through the storm until she heard the chaos happening upstairs, along with something laughing. It didn't help when the ship moved in a way that caused her to fall out of the bed and down on the floor.
"Yeah, okay. I'm not getting any rest like this." Nalia slowly got up from the floor and headed out of the room to see the chaos.
"Get off there!" They hang on Jay back. "Oh, my! Aah! Get them off! Get them off!"
"Use your Spinjitzu!" shouted Kai.
"Ninja, go!" Jay does so, but they go on their sail. "Okay, bad idea."
"Ninja, go!" Everyone use Spinjitzu and gets them off the ship.
"Sink your teeth into this!" said Kai.
Jay gasps after seeing some bite the chains. "They eat through metal too? Geeze they're like, Nalia."
"Uh, guys, I think we have a bigger problem." said Lloyd as the Starteeth eats through the side of the ship, where the ninjas are unable to reach.
"Oh, I should have brought an extra pair of underwear." said Jay.
"I'm gone for a short moment, and this is what I come back to," said Nalia, walking over to see the side of the ship.
"Nalia!?" Everyone shouted in surprise as they hadn't even seen her because of the chaos.
Nalia used sand to push the Starteeth off the side of the ship. "Great start, everyone."
"Well someone here is grumpy." Kai mumbled.
"Can't blame her, she is tired and still need to let her powers recover." Cole whispered.
"Nalia, you shouldn't be using your powers." said Lloyd walking over to her.
"I know, Lloyd, but you guys couldn't reach that spot, and I'm not taking any chances," said Nalia, looking at him.
"Nalia, I need to have a word with you," said Wu, who had walked up to them without being noticed until now.
"Uh, umm, okay, Sensei. " Nalia was not sure what he wanted to talk about, so she looked at Lloyd before she followed Wu to his room so they could speak.
*In Wu's Room.*
Wu and Nalia sat down as Wu was making them some tea.
As she watched him make them tea, Nalia was getting a little nervous about what they would talk about.
"Nalia, you used your full strength against those stone warriors when you tried to save the people back in the city, right?" Wu questioned as she offered her some tea, which she happily took.
"Yes, Sensei Wu, but I had to do it. Those people were in danger, and I couldn't just sit back and do nothing. I knew I had the power and strength to take them down," said Nalia.
"But you could also have destroyed the world and threatened everyone with your power. Nalia, you still haven't unlocked the rest of your strength, and forcing it as you did has exhausted you," Wu told her as he drank his tea.
Nalia let out a sad sigh before drinking some of her tea. "I just don't want to see people in danger or hurt. I can't handle losing people. Not again."
"Nalia, I understand your past has left you a deep scar that has yet to heal, but until you have recovered your full strength and a good understanding of your powers, you aren't allowed to go all out with your powers unless there isn't another choice and if I say so," Wu told her sternly.
Nalia looked down at her tea, tears slowly forming in the corner of her eyes. "Yes, Sensei." She took another sip of her tea. "Sensei?"
Wu looked over at her as he drank his tea. "Hmm."
"When this is finally over, and Lloyd has fulfilled his destiny. I wanna take a break from being a ninja and become a singer, a voice for the people who can listen to when in need, and explore the rest of the world." Nalia explained to him.
"I see, and that is what you want?" Wu asked, wanting to be sure about her choice.
"Yes, Sensei, I want this. But should the others ever need backup in a fight they can't win, I will be there to help," Nalia told him.
"Though I might have only known you for a good while, Nalia, I can already see you've grown a lot and are much wiser than you give yourself credit for. If this is what you want, I won't stop you from following your dream; tell the rest of the team," said Wu.
A smile grew on Nalia's face as she drank the rest of her tea and got up before bowing to him. "Thank you, Sensei Wu." She left the room and returned to her and Nya's room to sleep.
*The next day, the ninjas are scooping out water from under the ship.*
"Ah, this is hopeless! Now that we have no rudder we've been drifting aimlessly and we'll never get to the Dark Island." said Kai.
"We only know what is foretold will happen. Not when it will happen." said Misako.
Zane drops his bucket.
"What is it, Zane?" Wu asked.
"I sense something." said Zane.
"Is it the Falcon?" Cole asked.
"Is he all right?" Jay asked.
"Please, say he is alright." said Nalia.
"No. It's...something else. Brace yourselves!" said Zane.
*Everyone groans as they crashed onto a small island with a lighthouse.*
"Who would build a lighthouse way out here?" Lloyd asked.
"It's not a lighthouse. It's a prison." said Zane.
"This reminds me a bit of my cave, just more..... safe." said Nalia.
They walk up to the door when they hear growling.
"Oh, I should have brought an extra pair of underwear." said Jay.
"Mysterious. We better keep going." said Wu.
Jay sees a camera. "Uh, should we smile?"
A stranger opens the door.
"Zane! Is it really you?" The stranger hugs him. "You found me!"
"Who is this?" Nalia asked.
"Uh, do you know him?" Lloyd asked.
"Of course I know him! I built him, for heaven's sake!" said the stranger.
"But my memory tells me that you have passed." said Zane.
"Ah, you found your memory switch." They hear another growl. "Hurry, can't know that you're here, or else there'll be dues to pay."
Jay gulps. "It"?"
"I don't wanna know what "it" is." said Nalia.
"I'll explain everything inside, including why it is that you thought I was dead." said Julien.
"Well, the Bounty's sailing days are over." said Nya.
"Come, Nya." said Wu.
Dr. Julien shuts the door while barricading and hand checking.
"Locking, barricading, hand checking." Julien sighs. "I think we're safe. This way." He leads them upstairs. "Please, please have a seat. You must be thirsty."
"Seat, where?" Zane asked.
Julien pulls a lever, revealing a table. "There, of course."
"Wow, that's pretty smart." said Nya.
"That is very cool." said Nalia.
"A technical wizard." said Cole.
Jay takes a fresh pair of underwear.
Dr. Julien presses a switch and everyone quietly watches as Tai-D serves them Tea. Jay decided to mess with it, and it ends up pouring tea on his hand. As he reacts to the pain, everyone laughs except Zane who finds pictures of himself and Dr. Julien from his past.
"Father, I don't understand. I-I saw you pass." said Zane.
"Yes, you did, and believe me when I tell you, I thought I was kaput, but as you know in Ninjago, the past is the past." said Julien.
"And the future..." started Misako.
"...is the future." Wu finished.
"Yes. But after I turned off your memory switch, what you didn't see is bonehead Samukai reviving me with a special elixir. He wanted me to create state-of-the-art war machines for their army. He said if I did, then I would be able to see my son again. And to make sure I didn't escape, he chained a Leviathan to keep guard." Julien explained.
"A Leviathan? That's what we heard in the ocean?" Lloyd asked, as he went to hold Nalia's hand but decided against it.
Nalia noticed Lloyd reaching for her hand but didn't do it. Even though she was still unsure about her feelings for him, she took his hand, which comforted her.
A small smile grew on Lloyd's face when she took his hand, but he didn't say anything about it and just enjoyed the moment.
"Yes. When Samukai didn't return, I thought I would never see you again. But as time passed, I wondered if you would ever want to see me again. I was afraid if you found out what horrible things I've created, you would think I was a... a monster." Julien went on to explain.
"We will get you out of here, Father. Now that we are together, perhaps we can invent a way off this rock." said Zane.
"Could you repair the rocket boosters on our ship?" Jay asked.
"That sailing ship has rocket boosters?" Julien asked.
"Well, the rotors and gears are shot." said Nya.
"Eh, pish posh. No matter! I'll have your ship airworthy by dawn!" said Julien.
The Leviathan growls.
"No, it's much worse! He's here. Everyone hide!" Julien told everyone.
Lloyd didn't think twice as he pulled Nalia to hide in a closet.
"Seriously, Lloyd? A closet? We can hardly both fit in here." Nalia whispered.
"I'm sorry. I didn't think about how tight it would be in here," said Lloyd, giving her a sheepish smile.
"Clearly not," said Nalia, blushing a little at how close they were to each other, but at least it was dark so that he couldn't see her red face.
"I'll give you a mango if you don't mention this to anyone," said Lloyd.
"Give me two, and I'll act like this never happened." said Nalia.
Lloyd thought about it for a second. "No, you're getting one."
"Fine." said Nalia rolling her eyes, but had a small smile on her face.
The Leviathan checks on the window. Dr. Julien whispers. "Nobody makes a sound." He turns to the Leviathan. "Aha, if it isn't my old chum." He arranges the tea bowls and uses chopsticks to tap them. "Hehe, just marching to the beat of my drum. You know, doing whatever I can to pass the time. Since I'm so, you know, heh, alone." The Leviathan goes back into the ocean.
"If we're gonna make something and get out of here, we're gonna have to hurry before it comes back." said Kai, as everyone came out from where they were hiding.
*Everyone starts working on the ship.*
Cole whistles a familiar tune until the others look at him and he stops. "What? It's catchy."
Tai-D picks up Dr.Julien's bowl
Julien belches. "Excuse me, but I must say, I have never had such a meal in all my life. Where did you learn to cook? I never programmed that into you."
"I guess I just picked it up. Father, if I wanted you to make a change in me, would you?" Zane asked.
"A change?" Julien gave him a confused look.
"An alteration." said Zane.
"Heh, but Zane, you're perfect. I could never make you any better than you already are." said Julien.
"But I see no reason for me to have a memory switch. I happen to like my life and don't want to ever forget you again." said Zane.
"Don't worry, my son. We will both never forget. I'm glad you found me." said Julien.
"I'm glad you made me." said Zane.
The Leviathan growls.
"Everyone aboard! It's coming!" shouted Julien.
"It's here!" shouted Kai.
Leviathan screams and growls since the ninjas and Dr. Julien fixed the Destiny's Bounty.
"That's one big guy." said Nalia.
"Get us out of here, Nya!" shouted Jay.
"I hope she's ready!" Nya grunts. "Come on!" The Leviathan grabs the Bounty before it could fly away.
"Lloyd! Use your Elemental Powers!" shouted Wu.
"As you wish, Sensei! Release us, you monster!" shouted Lloyd, using energy on the Leviathan.
"Well done, Lloyd!" said Wu, but the Leviathan grabs them again.
"It's chained!" Zane stands on the Bounty's railing.
"Zane! What are you doing?" Julien asked.
"The Leviathan won't let us leave. I think I know a way I can help." said Zane.
"But you can't jump in. These oceans are filled with Starteeth." said Julien.
"I know." Zane dives in.
"Zane! No!" shouted Julien.
Zane jumps in the ocean and sees Starteeth.
Zane puts the Starteeth on the Leviathan's chain and swims up. The Bounty is being pulled closer to the ocean.
"Help!" shouted Lloyd.
Nalia tried using sand to push the Bounty away from the ocean, but it was like a tug-of-war with this thing.
The Leviathan finally lets go.
"It let us go!" said Kai.
"Finally." said Nalia with a heavy sigh.
"What happened?" Julien asked.
"Zane released the Leviathan, and now it's letting us go." said Lloyd.
"But where is my son?" Julien asked.
Zane climbs back up. "I'm here, Father!"
"Zane! Zane." Julien ran over and hugged his son.
"How did you know if you freed it from captivity, it would let us go?" Wu asked.
"Because no one deserves to be held captive. Not even a monster." The Leviathan swims away. "Farewell, creature from the sea. Enjoy your freedom." said Zane.
Nalia smiled softly at this and took a deep breath as she started singing.
(the song she is singing.)
(link to song)
"Our ship, she dreams
Of wind in her sails
Of wind in her sails
Unfurled.
And shining as
We cross the sea
We cross the sea for home
Then we'll all raise our voices
A song in our hearts
And set our eyes on distant shores
With wind in her sails again.~"
Everyone smiled as they listened to Nalia singing; the song made them all lean back and enjoy the ride to the Dark Island.
A few stars were dancing around on the Bounty to the song.
"There'll be cheering and calling.
No more squabbling and brawling.
When we have the wind in our sails.
When we have our feet on the ground.
We'll sow our good fortune around.
There'll be feasting and pleasure.
No more rationing and measure.
When we have the wind in our sails.~"
The stars slowly faded away as she finished singing. Then, she pulled out her diary and wrote down the song.
"Another song to my list of songs." Nalia thought to herself with a soft smile on her face.