Cole sat with the other ninja at the study table, watching as Nya and Wu explained to them the best way to defeat Craglings.

Cole couldn't help feeling bored, as he always had, during the classes.

"If you can hit them hard enough," Wu was saying, "they can be destroyed instantly."

Nya nodded. "Now, we need to talk about where they might have taken the Armor."

"The Dark Island is the most logical place, seeing as that was where the densest population of warriors was." Wu told them. "The only problem is that they'd likely be expecting us. We have to be at our best before we attempt infiltration."

"But we have to get there as quickly as possible, before they use the Golden Armor," Jay protested.

"Destiny said it was in a box," Wu answered. "Borg confirmed that this was an extra protection measure. It will take them a few days to be able to open the box, so we have some time to prepare. We'll leave for the island in two days. In the meantime, go and train. Sharpen your skills as much as possible." He turned away, and Cole knew that the ninja were dismissed.

He jumped up and followed the others towards the training yard. When they emerged, he was slightly startled to see Destiny sitting on a bench. He walked over to her, gently asking, "Feeling better already?"

Destiny looked up, seeming startled. She had her knife and a rock in her hands. "Yes, my father gave me this tea that helps mend your wounds, so I used it, and it's helping."

Cole nodded, smiling at her. "We're heading to the Dark Island in two days. Wu wanted us to train until we head off. If you wanted, I could help you. Or if you want to sit out today, you could watch me beat the other guys."

"Or you can watch me beat you." Destiny said, giving a smile.

He tilted his head with a mischievous grin. "You're on."

She stood up, and Cole backed away, checking that the other ninja weren't sparring or training too closely to them. Then he returned his gaze to Destiny, lifting his fists. He felt the familiar hum of the earth underneath his feet and smiled to himself. I'm so glad I have control of my powers again. He watched as Destiny got into a battle stance. A few seconds later, she sprinted towards him, faster than he would have expected of someone who was injured. He felt his eyes widen as her leg lifted, and he caught her foot in his hands. After barely a moment, he pushed it upwards. She started to fall and arched backwards, following through with a handstand to land neatly back on her feet. He was surprised at her agility, and he stomped, sending a semi-circle of rock spires up behind her. After they were in place, he rushed at her. When he got to her, he expected to hit her, but he passed right through her and crashed through one of his spikes. He stumbled slightly, attempting to correct his footing when he felt a heavy weight pushing suddenly against his back, and he found himself falling forward. He quickly ducked into a roll and stood back onto his feet, turning quickly and throwing a blast of dirt into the air around Destiny. He rushed into the cloud, aiming a punch at her stomach before hesitating. The dust was clearing quickly, and he grabbed her shoulders, pushing her without much effort. She fell onto her knees, and Cole increased the pressure to get her down the rest of the way. Suddenly, he felt nothing beneath his hands, and he fell down to the ground, landing hard on his stomach. He puffed and rolled onto his back, watching breathlessly as Destiny stood over him with a smile.

When he'd gotten his breath back, he said, "Have I told you that you look beautiful yet today?"

"Did I tell you I would beat you?" She replied with a laugh.

"That you did," he admitted. "You just got lucky. I was distracted by the prettiest girl I've ever seen."

"You're probably right. But I don't know what girl you could be talking about." Destiny said, holding her hand out.

Cole took it and she helped him up. "You, of course." He smiled and lifted her hand, kissing it. "I'm lucky you love me."

She bowed in a joking manner, then stood back up. "Yes, you are. But not as lucky as I am that you love me."

He chuckled. "We could argue about this all day."

"You're right, again."

"Really? Can't you two do this somewhere else?" Cole startled as Kai appeared at the edge of his vision.

"You're just jealous." Destiny told him, grinning.

Kai rolled his eyes. "Sure."

Cole chuckled. "At least I'm on task during missions," he teased.

"Hey, hey, hey," Kai protested. "There's nothing wrong with multitasking!"

"Sure," Destiny said, copying Kai.

The hothead rolled his eyes again and turned away. Cole looked back at Destiny and gently pulled her closer to him. "Want to go for a flight?"

"Sure," Destiny replied with a smile.

Cole kissed her forehead and released her, summoning Slate. Morpheus appeared beside her, and Cole hopped up onto Slate's back. He saw Destiny glance at him from atop her dragon, taking off. Cole smiled and flew Slate up after her. He stood on Slate's back as she soared higher, above Morpheus. He saw Destiny stretching one of her hands out, and he smiled a bit. After a moment, he dropped down from Slate, landing behind Destiny. She looked behind her, and Cole grinned. He waited for Morpheus to soar before stepping out carefully onto his wing, turning and backing slowly away from Destiny, his arms spread for balance. Destiny looked at him, her face worried. After a moment, he dropped down from the dragon, falling face-up. He saw Destiny peering over Morpheus' side, and he laughed a moment before Slate swooped down, falling with him. Cole reached out and touched Slate gently, and she flared her wings, catching him on her head. Slate flew him back up to beside Morpheus, and Cole stood once more, reaching out from Slate's head to touch Destiny's shoulder. She'd dropped her head into her hand, and he couldn't help chuckling at her. She rolled her eyes at him and then tilted her head, and Cole worked his way back to Slate's reins. He sat down and watched Destiny.

He watched as Morpheus dove suddenly, and he leaned over to watch, a grin on his face. He started to get a little worried as she approached the water, but she pulled up from the dive at the last moment. Morpheus skidded along the water, speedily approaching a clump of rocks. Before he even had time to panic, the two phased through and kept flying, and he laughed.

Then Morpheus flew above him, and he tilted his head back to keep watching. Destiny let go of her dragon, and he expected her to fall, but instead she drifted down in controlled flight to land behind him on Slate. He grinned at her, thinking, Impressive, madam. She smiled at him, and he released Slate's reins carefully, turning around on her back to watch Destiny more comfortably. He heard Slate rumble affectionately beneath him, and he chuckled as he joined Destiny in standing. He reached for her hand and asked, "Can I take you to meet someone?"

She took his hand. "Sure, but who do you want me to meet?"

He smiled. "The key to my true-potential."

"I guess it's a surprise then," she replied, rolling her eyes. She let go and jumped from Slate, and he reached after her for a moment before she landed on Morpheus. He smiled and sat back down on Slate, taking her reins and pointing her in the direction of New Ninjago City.

When they arrived, the sun was on its way down the horizon. Cole directed Slate carefully through the tall buildings and smiled when the condo he was looking for came into view. He landed Slate in an open spot and jumped from her quickly, knowing it could get busy fast. He watched as Morpheus landed, Destiny also jumping down quickly. He smiled at her and walked up to the condo, pressing the doorbell.

He flinched slightly as the snazzy "Wel-come" played, and he glanced, slightly embarrassed, at Destiny. "Sorry. He has a thing for theatrics."

Destiny glanced at him. "He?"

Just then, the door opened, and Cole's father peered out. He looked pleasantly surprised and stepped forward to give Cole a hug. The Earth ninja felt a huge smile come to his face.

"Cole!" his father said happily. "I wasn't expecting you."

"Surprise?" Cole chuckled.

Lou gave a laugh and then looked behind Cole to Destiny. "And who's this?"

"My question exactly," Destiny said, looking confused.

Cole smiled and waved her closer. "This is Destiny, my girlfriend. Destiny, this is Lou, my dad."

Lou grinned widely. Cole saw surprise flash over Destiny's face, and he couldn't help laughing a little. Destiny walked closer, and Cole took her hand.

"It's nice to meet you," Lou told her. "Come in, both of you. It's quite busy outside."

Cole walked in after his father, following him into the living room. He sat down on the couch while Lou went to his record player and changed the song, as he always did when he had guests. It was like his father had a specific playlist for every occasion, and it used to bother Cole, even annoy him. But now he smiled and tapped his foot gently along to the lively tune. He saw Destiny looking around, and he smiled.

"Would you like some tea?" Lou asked, drawing Cole's attention.

"Tea sounds great," Destiny replied.

Lou nodded and brought the two of them cups, and Cole took his with a grateful smile. Destiny sat down beside him. His father gave them a few more minutes to settle in, and then asked, "Did you tell her about how you won the Blade Cup?"

Cole gave a light-hearted sigh and shook his head. "No, dad."

"It's very nice to meet you, sir. And I would love to know more about that." Destiny said politely.

Lou nodded and took the framed photo down, handing it to Destiny.

"It was years ago," Cole said, smiling at the picture.

"It was," his father agreed. "It was also the first time he'd seen me in years. They were on a mission to get the Blade Cup, and they were originally going to steal it." He took a moment to frown at Cole.

The Earth ninja cringed sheepishly. "It was for a good cause. We knew them as the Fang Blades. We needed to get them to stop the Serpentine from unleashing the Great Devourer. Which we failed at anyways."

Lou rolled his eyes good-humoredly. "In any case, after I discovered their plan, Cole told me he was a ninja. And then he performed with his quartet." He looked ready to burst with pride as he added, "Cole did the Triple Tiger Sashay, scoring them perfect tens."

"You dance?" Destiny asked him.

Cole nodded, feeling his face heat up slightly. "Yeah, uh-"

"You didn't tell her?" Lou interrupted, seeming amazed.

"I hadn't gotten the chance, really, dad," Cole laughed. He turned, still slightly embarrassed, to Destiny. "I'm from a family of Royal Blacksmiths. So, of course I dance. Not often or anything.."

"Really? Then your father must be a legend." Destiny said.

Lou chuckled and shook his head. "I may have won the Blade Cup multiple times, but I've never done the Triple Tiger Sashay. Cole is the only one, besides its creator, who has ever successfully completed it."

"That's really cool," Destiny said to him. "You'll have to show me sometime."

Cole shrugged, grinning. "My dad makes it a bigger deal than it is."

Lou shook his head. "Sure I do. If she didn't even know you could dance, it's safe to assume you're on a mission of some sort?"

The Earth ninja smiled at his father. "Yes, but our visit didn't have anything to do with it. We're leaving to go to the Dark Island tomorrow."

His father frowned slightly. "Sounds dangerous."

"It is.." Cole admitted hesitantly.

Lou was quiet for a few moments, then said, "Why don't you show her now?"

Destiny glanced eagerly at him. "Yes, why don't you show me?"

Cole felt his face heat up again. "Dad..."

"Oh, come on," his father encouraged. He shook his head slightly, and Lou frowned, changing the record. "At least dance with your girlfriend, or I'll dance for you."

The Earth ninja jumped up immediately and extended his hand to Destiny. "That's not a bad idea," he said quickly.

She took his hand, and he pulled her up gently. He placed his other hand on her waist exactly as he'd been taught and listened to the music for a moment, listening for the tempo and rhythm of the song. Destiny placed her hand on his shoulder, looking a little unsure of herself, and he smiled at her. After a second, he stepped in time with the music, pulling Destiny carefully along with him.

She was following him heavily, but Cole didn't mind; His grin widened as he stepped. After a minute or two, she finally figured the dance out, and Cole felt her subconsciously relaxing. The song melded into the next one in a seamless transition, and Cole slowed the pace, changing the dance into a simple two-step sway. She followed without much difficulty.

The Earth ninja heard the artist begin singing, and, recognizing it instantly, glanced sharply at his father. Lou was smiling at the two of them, tilting his head in time with the song. Cole looked back at Destiny, giving her a smile and leaning his head forward to rest it against hers, pressing her hand against his chest over his heart. He heard her sigh softly, and he started mouthing the familiar words to her.

Oh how lucky we are

While I give to you and you give to me

True love, true love,

So, on and on it will always be

True love, true love

For you and I have a guardian angel on high

With nothing to do but to give to you

And to give to me, love forever true

The song ended and he stilled, holding Destiny close for a few moments as he heard his father changing the record yet again. Affection for her swelled in his chest, and he smiled. She stood taller and kissed him, and he wrapped his arms around her in a hug. He felt her hugging him back, and he stayed like that for a few moments before pulling back and looking at his father. "You still have that record?"

"Of course I do," Lou told him. "I'd never get rid of it."

"You never play it, though." Cole said, feeling confused. "When I was younger you said there were too many memories."

His father smiled tenderly. "Yes. But not all of them were bad. One day, it'll be yours."

Cole smiled and took Destiny's hand once more. "It was my mother and father's wedding track," he explained to her.

She blushed and said, "It's a beautiful song."

Lou nodded. "It is."

Cole took her back to the couch, settling down once more. "He and my mom used to dance to it each year on their anniversary."

His father sat down in a chair and nodded to Destiny. "A fellow ninja, I assume?" He asked, changing the subject smoothly.

Destiny nodded. "Yes."

"She joined the team recently," Cole told his father.

"That's good," Lou said. "Cole needs someone to beat him up every once and awhile."

"I'll do my best, although Cole is a much more advanced fighter than I am." Destiny said while Cole rolled his eyes. If I could possibly remember your element, I'd have beaten you.

"I'm sure you're a great fighter. Have you ever been to Ninjago City?" Lou asked with a smile.

"Thanks. Actually no. This is my first time here, but I've wanted to come for a long time. It's without a doubt the largest place I've ever been."

His father chuckled. "It is. Did Cole show you around anywhere?"

"No, we came straight here," the Earth ninja said.

Lou rolled his eyes and looked to Destiny. "He's got horrible manners sometimes, despite what I taught him. Are you hungry, my dear?"

"I could eat.." Destiny replied with a smile.

Cole glanced outside and realized that it was dark out. Dinnertime, he thought with a smile.

"Why don't we go get something to eat?" Lou suggested.

"Oh, I know a place," Cole said, grinning.

His father laughed. "Of course you do."

Cole walked hand in hand with Destiny, smiling softly as he caught sight of Zane's statue. Instead of seeing the horrific state it was in now, he was swept up in the memory of what it had been the day of Zane's memorial. The team had nearly been torn apart by what they thought had been his loss. He cringed as he remembered working in the trees. I love fighting. I don't know why I ever tried giving it up. He knew that he remembered why, and he knew that it was how he'd been dealing with grief, but now it seemed like a very rock-headed idea.

Lou said, "I'm glad you found Zane. You missed him so much after the Overlord destroyed him."

Cole nodded in agreement. "The Overlord didn't destroy him, though. Zane sacrificed himself to save us."

He smiled as Destiny touched the statue gently. "I can't believe people let the statue get this way..."

Cole heard the disappointment in her voice, and he took another look at the statue, sighing softly. "None of us would have let it get this way if we hadn't found Zane. This was where his memorial was held. I came here tons of times to clean it and remember him. It's still a special place to all of us, but we just don't always have the time to maintain it."

Destiny nodded, and they set off once again. They reached the restaurant, and Cole smiled. The noodle bowl was lit up in several different colors, and he shook his head, amused. Once they reached the entrance, he pulled the door open, allowing Destiny and his father to walk through before following. There weren't many people; the ninja tended to have dinner rather late, so the rush hour was over. Almost immediately, he spotted Skylor, and waved at her. She looked surprised, but smiled and came over, giving Cole a hug of greeting.

"It's been awhile," Skylor said, seeming pleased. "How's Kai?"

"He's fine. Missing you, though he'd never admit it to us." He smiled at Destiny. "This is Skylor. She's an old friend."

"It's nice to meet you." Destiny said, recognition flickering in her eyes. "Jay's told me about you."

Skylor nodded. "It's nice to meet you too..." She tilted her head slightly. "I'm sorry, I don't recognize you."

"Sorry, my name is Destiny. I'm new," she replied.

Cole chuckled. "I'm showing her around Ninjago City."

Lou coughed. "Sure."

"Shush," Cole hissed. "Anyways, it's around dinnertime, and-"

"This is your favorite place," Skylor finished with a smile. "I know the drill. I'll send your favorite out right away." She winked and backed away.

Cole grinned at Destiny and sat down in a booth, sliding in to make room for her while his father sat down across from him.

"We're seeing Ninjago City now?" Destiny asked him skeptically.

"The most important parts," he told her with a grin.

She rolled her eyes and replied snarkily, "I see. I guess we'll be heading to see Dareth's Dojo next then? So that you can brush up on your penguin technique."

Lou snickered and Cole smiled. "That's actually not a bad idea. I'm sure Jay must have told you about how we trained Lloyd there?"

"He did, but I would never dare enter a place so honored by the ninja. Especially if it's home to the brown ninja."

Cole scoffed in amusement. He glanced at the conveyor belt of food and felt his mouth watering. "Did you want anything specific?"

She looked at the food as it passed. "Could you pick? I don't really know what's good here."

"It's all good!" He told her, laughing. "It's Master Chen's!"

"I didn't say it wasn't good, I just don't know what to pick. And since you appear to be well acquainted with the menu, my dinner is in your hands." Destiny laughed.

"Oh, I'm more than well acquainted," he told her with a wink. He glanced at the conveyor belt and saw several foods he loved, but grabbed a simple plate of puffy potstickers and placed it in front of Destiny. "Here, we'll start small. Everyone loves the puffy potstickers."

His father chuckled, then brightened. "Cole, could you grab me those horned wasp eggs?"

Cole rolled his eyes and made a face, grabbing the bowl from the belt and sliding it over to Lou. He watched as Destiny tentatively took a bite, and he asked, "Good?"

"Yes. I see why everyone loves these."

Cole grinned and took his chopsticks, snatching a potsticker from her plate and eating it quickly. Mouth full, he replied, "Mhm!"

"Hey!" Destiny swatted at him, and he ducked away with a muffled chuckle.

"Cole, don't spoil your appetite," Lou chided, laughing softly.

Cole swallowed and replied, "Pff, as if that's ever happened."

Destiny rolled her eyes and kept eating. Cole smiled at her and grabbed his own bowl of moo shu wu shu, offering her some to make up for his thieving.

Destiny refused with a polite, "No thanks."

Cole nodded and heard a crackle from his communicator, and he frowned slightly as Kai's voice came nervously through. "Uh, are you and Destiny okay?"

"Yes," he replied. "Why? Did something happen?"

"Other than Wu wanting to punish you for running off all day without telling him your plans, no."

Cole gave Destiny a woeful look. "We'll be back soon," he told Kai. "Try not to let Wu think of the worst punishments."

"I am not sticking my finger into that beehive. You have to deal with him when you get back."

Cole sighed and gave Destiny a half-hearted grin. "We'd better go soon."

"Yeah, Sensei will probably kill us if we're too late. And I'd rather face any other villain than Sensei Wu mad." Destiny said, and Cole knew exactly how she felt.

He finished his food and watched as his father stood. He waved to Skylor and she came over. "Finished already?" She asked, looking in surprise at Cole.

Lou nodded with a chuckle. "They have to get home. How much?"

Skylor shook her head. "Don't worry about it. You brought me a new customer." She smiled at Destiny.

Cole laughed and stood up behind Destiny. "It was nice to see you again, Skylor."

She nodded and left them.

Cole sighed softly. "Time to deal with our angry Sensei." They dropped his father back off at his home and summoned their energy dragons, riding as quickly as they could back to the monastery.