Fin Argus - Ship in a Bottle

I feel scared and I'm starting to sink

And I only sink deeper the deeper I think

Oh, captain, make up your mind

Before the salt burns your eyes and you run out of time

'cause you're popping the cork, you get lost in your brain

And you lose touch with all the things that made you feel sane

—

A/N: Added some lore, and let's just say Dr Julien lives past S2. : )

On feathered wings, a bird flew above the sand, soaring past all who stood below. Near it, The Falcon took off, heading over the waters towards the Dark Island, gradually growing distant before its form was swallowed up in the shadows of the stormy clouds looming on the horizon.

The two birds flew in opposite directions, the feathered bird setting off to the remains of Ninjago City, smoke still rising from rubble piles and desecrated homes. Though in the city's heart, a building still stood tall, albeit its pillars had been damaged by stray Stone Warrior sword slashes.

The Ninjago Museum of History.

Its walls stood the testament of time, for they would never fall as long as the second Curator stayed within them. Tess shapeshifted back into her human form, landing at the top of the steps.

She glanced around, ensuring she was alone and continuing forward, heading inside. Lit candles lined the floors, the lights off with their switches taped over. An odd choice, but Tess understood why.

She wouldn't be here for too long, otherwise, Wu would get suspicious. Stepping out of the shadows, an old man with circular glasses perched on his crooked nose and long grey moustache held a candle, its wax dripping into the pan. He regarded her with weary dark eyes.

''I need what you hid from her.'' Was all Tess needed to say. He turned back into the darkness from whence he came, returning when he carried a box in his hands.

''Thankfully, I scoured the archives beforehand.'' The man stared down at the box. ''Misako is persistent, I'll give her that.'' He frowned, handing the box over.

Tess scanned the box in her possession, noting the ornate bronze detailing on each of its four sides and streaked with veins of vibrant cobalt. Bits of dust covered it, which Tess quickly wiped off for closer inspection.

The man cleared his throat, jolting her out of it. Begrudgingly, she hugged it close to her chest. Murmuring thanks and goodbye, she turned on her heel, heading towards the exit.

''Keep it- keep them safe.'' Tess heard behind her.

T̷h̸i̵s̷ ̶t̴i̶m̷e̴,̵ ̴s̵h̶e̵ ̷l̸i̷s̷t̵e̵n̴e̴d̶...

—

While the others were busy talking about something concerning the Green Ninja prophecy, you were busy fiddling with your necklace, the conversation long gone out of your mind. Though the arm gripping the scroll began moving without you wanting it to, suddenly you started opening it, about to look at it.

'I have to see this.' Morro spoke urgently. You mumbled curses, trying to fight his hold on your arm but he proved to be more experienced.

Someone else's hand touched yours, forcing you to pull your hand away and snap out of your thoughts, moving your gaze to find Cole trying to grab the scroll from you. You were quickly drawing attention to yourself but more importantly the scroll as well.

Jay noticed the commotion and looked over, stopping the others from continuing. ''What's that?" Cole's hands immediately fell away from yours, while you hid the scroll behind your back.

Albeit, Kai snuck up and took it from your grasp.

Darn it.

''Hey! That's mine!'' You stepped towards him to get it back, but he took a few more steps and lay it down on the table for all to see. Once he unfolded it, you glimpsed Cole's eyes widening at the edges of your vision.

Misako gazed at it in interest. Remo appeared on your shoulders, also looking at it in intrigue. He then turned his eyes back to you, tilting his head slightly.

''Where'd you find this?" Cole questioned, gesturing at the seemingly ancient piece of parchment. Jay shoved aside Kai to look at it before something caught his eye.

A picture of a fox featured on the parchment, behind a dark orange silhouette. Lines resembling a bright flash of light also were present, surrounding the fox and silhouette and glimmering in the dim light overhead.

Multiple fox tails surrounded it, each featuring a picture. Jay inspected it closely, noticing a tail with a blue background and a simplified rollercoaster with someone keeping the rollercoaster cart from going any further down the track. Lightning symbols surrounded the blue silhouette, a darker shade of blue than the background.

Jay's eyes widened, he knew what he was seeing. Kai then pushed him aside, noticing something else on the parchment.

Kai spotted a tail featuring a red background with the shape of a volcano erupting in the background whilst a silhouette in red hovered towards a flying ship. Flame symbols surrounded the red figure and they seemed to be holding someone in their arms.

Zane sighed, pulling both Kai and Jay away from it. The nindroid turned his gaze to the yellowed paper, finding a tail with an icy blue background, and birch trees dotted here and there. He saw himself, arms outstretched with the Shurikens of Ice in his hands, facing the Treehorn Queen. Symbols of his element were also there.

Cole plopped himself into a seat while the others moved away slightly, resting an elbow on the table. He spotted a grey background, with a black silhouette and in the background, the Scythe of Quakes glowing brightly. He used his hands to shield his eyes from the blinding light. The others looked on in confusion, some with questioning gazes as to why he did so.

Nya rolled her eyes, leading the boys out of the room for some time away from them. She returned to take a look at the scroll while you pored over it, sitting at the table as you examined it.

''Don't look too closely or you'll need glasses.'' Nya teased, a gentle smile on her face.

''Bold of you to assume I don't already have prescriptions.'' You lightly joked. Though your expression changed when you looked back at the scroll, the answers became clearer. However, there were still questions to be answered. ''I find it strange that it doesn't show the Green Ninja.''

''Neither does the first scroll show the Orange Ninja.'' Nya pointed out.

She brought the Orange Ninja scroll closer to her, noticing a fifth tail with a silver background. A giant blue-grey wave rearing up with foam at the tip took up most of it. A silver silhouette stood on what looked to be boat docks.

''What's that?" She questioned. You leaned in for a closer look, lifting an eyebrow.

''Whatever it is, the others don't know yet.'' You reached forward, rolling up the scroll. ''I think it'd be better for this to be kept away from them, for now, since they're busy with the Green Ninja prophecy. One thing at a time.''

Jay poked his head inside the control room. ''Are you two going to help? This ship won't just move with us boys.''

You and Nya looked each other in the eye, knowing what had just been seen needed to be kept a secret. Nya looked at Jay and nodded.

The Lightning Boy smiled and disappeared. Both of you followed him out the door, almost immediately spotting Cole attempting to push the ship into the water on his own. Nearby, Kai sat in a chair, wearing sunglasses and trying to get a tan.

Zane stood leaning over Kai, seemingly while trying to convince him to help. It didn't seem to work. Nya looked at you, and you looked back at her, knowing what to do next.

Porcupine was unprepared to find you and his sister storming towards him with mad looks on your faces when he tilted his sunglasses. He scrambled to pull off his sunnies and throw them aside, folding up the beach chair. ''I'm helping!'' He shouted, before tripping on a rock in his way and plummeting face-first into the soft sand.

You couldn't help but laugh at Kai's predicament, and Nya joined in. Kai lifted his head and spat out sand, earning a few 'eww's from an onlooking Jay. You walked over to Kai, offering a hand that he took, letting you lift him back onto his feet.

You dusted off the sand on his clothes, a small smirk appearing on his face as you noticed a slight blush on his face. ''You look like a tomato, especially with your gi. I think it suits you.'' You told him. The Fire Ninja's expression became surprised, and if possible, his blush grew more intense.

His lips then curled into a smirk, and you could almost hear the sound of his ever-growing ego. Kai then leaned his hand against the hull of the Bounty and Cole pushed it at the right moment, causing Kai's hand to slip and once again, fall onto the sand.

Jay stood on the ship's deck, gazing out towards the sea. You looked back up at him, picturing yourself in his place. You quickly got your wish, replacing him in the spot where he once was, the Lightning Ninja ending up on the sand where he was a moment ago, stumbling out of surprise.

''What the-'' Jay exclaimed, falling back onto the sand, his hair getting the worst of it. Nya helped him back up, putting him on his feet. ''Thanks.'' He rubbed the back of his neck.

Nya lightly punched his arm. ''No problem.'' Jay oww'ed, rubbing the arm she jokingly punched. The others and Nya and Jay turned their gazes up to you, surprise showing on their faces though Zane seemed to be the exception, a small smile on his face.

Seeing Cole struggling with getting the ship into the water, the others helped, and soon, it was in the water.

—

Lloyd sat at the reins of Ultra, flying the four-headed beast through the skies, going towards the boat dock where the Destiny's Bounty sat, awaiting departure yet it still had time for its occupants to say their goodbyes.

The blond boy gazed down at the figures standing in clumps, some denser than others when Rocky's head deeply growled. ''Whoa, boy!'' Lloyd clenched the reins tightly as the Ultra Dragon's heads bit empty air, where a passing sparrow had narrowly avoided jaws filled with teeth.

If the bird hadn't been so lucky, or if Ultra had been quicker to react, he might as well have said bye bye birdie.

Down at the docks, families were saying their goodbyes, or at least to those who had one.

''Now promise me you'll eat your vegetables,'' Edna told Jay, placing her hand on his arm.

''Mum!'' Jay groaned in frustration, embarrassed.

''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.'' Edna looked back at her husband.

''Uh, do what your mother says,'' Ed replied before smiling at his wife.

''I don't know what to say,'' Lou admitted, hugging his son.

''You don't have to say anything,'' Cole told him.

''You're right. I don't have to say anything. But I do have to sing.'' Lou replied, the Royal Blacksmiths beginning to hum beside him before he too, sang. ''Who's gonna save Ninjago's hide? Who's gonna make a dad swell with pride? Cole is! Cole does! Cole, Cole, Cole.'' The singers finished with a round of applause from an onlooking audience.

Cole sniffled. ''That's the sweetest thing I've ever heard, Pop.'' He hugged his father one last time.

''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?'' Kai questioned Dareth.

'He sure is going to be in his element when tending to the dragon.' Morro mused while you stifled a snort at that.

''I won't let you guys down. Did you hear that? I'm officially the Brown Ninja!'' Dareth turned to the crowd as they all cheered for him. He turned his eyes back to the Porcupine. ''Oh, what's my elemental power?''

''Uh, hot air?'' Nya suggested, unsure.

'Such a ripoff-' Morro huffed.

''So I command the wind. Cool.'' Dareth said, and you noticed the wind stilled, if only for a moment.

'I will remember this. You will pay, Dareth.' Morro spat the man's name venomously as the wind picked up again, a leaf flying on it and into an unsuspecting Dareth's face. The man stumbled, Kai grabbing his arm before he could fall off the dock.

Your parents walked over, your father wearing a rust-red turtleneck sweater under a dark argyle vest and faded blue sweatpants. While your mother wore question mark earrings, a mauve cardigan over a white t-shirt and navy blue loose jeans along with a backpack with different dinosaurs all over it.

''Don't even bother hugging us goodbye.'' Your mother told you a bit too sharply for your liking. ''Because we're coming too.''

''Then, where's Cami?" You questioned, wondering where your sister had run off to. As much as you didn't like her, the idea of just leaving her behind wasn't something you wanted on your conscience.

''She told us she was hanging with her friends.'' Your father explained. Remo, curled around your arm, appeared, looking at him expectantly. He sheepishly grinned, pulling out a plastic container and then a ham sandwich from that. The little snake slithered onto your shoulders, anticipating what your father did next.

Remo's eyes lit up as he tossed it in the air, springing himself off your shoulders and devouring it in one gulp, falling back onto your shoulders perfectly, yet you could tell he wasn't fully satisfied by the way he stared at your father.

Though, your father chuckled, showing he had no more left to give. The little snake lowered his head and sadly groaned, so you gently patted his head until his eyes closed, falling asleep quickly.

Above, Lloyd sat at the reins of Ultra Dragon, while the four heads roared. ''You need to stay here, big guy. These people need your protection.'' The Green Bean told them.

Zane stood alone on the deck of the Destiny's Bounty, leaning on the railing and sighing as he looked at everyone else who were in the middle of saying their goodbyes.

Wu approached him from behind. ''Is there anyone you would like to say goodbye to?'' He asked the nindroid.

''My only family is my Falcon. And my only memory of my father 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.'' Zane answered his Sensei.

''Well, my Nindroid friend, there are a few people who would like to say goodbye to you.'' Wu pointed with his Bo staff, letting Zane see a mob of fans cheering, some with signs decorated with his symbol and hearts.

Their cheers grew louder upon Zane looking back at them and Mother Doomsday pushed himself through a few of them, standing at the front of the crowd.

''I love you, you stupid Nindroid.'' Mother Doomsday told him.

''Pupils, it's time we set sail,'' Wu announced to all of the ninja. Everyone began saying their goodbyes while your parents walked onto the deck alongside you.

Your father mumbled a few things under his breath before raising his voice enough to be coherent. ''M' neck's stiff.'' Your mother's eyes shot over to him.

''If you need us, we'll be below deck.'' Your mother smiled warmly at you before gently guiding your father down the stairs. Together, Jay and Cole pulled open the Bounty's sails by tugging on the rope while Nya steered the ship into deeper waters.

Everyone began going up the stairs to the ship's back rail, as the Destiny's Bounty sailed further and further away from the dock.

''Jay! Did you make sure to pack clean underwear?'' Edna asked as she shouted to her son.

''Yes, Mum!'' Jay shouted back, burying his face in his hands while everyone else laughed at him.

—

The ocean waters turned into liquid amber by the light of the setting sun, with Nya, Wu and Misako on one side standing at the bow of the deck while the rest of the ninja stood on the other, separated by the dragon figurehead.

''We still have a long journey ahead of us,'' Wu spoke, looking ahead. Zane trudged up the steps onto the deck, head hanging low. Cole turned to face him.

''Still no word from your Falcon?'' Cole asked.

''Not yet,'' Zane answered dejectedly, walking in between you and Kai.

Kai gazed towards the horizon. ''I wonder what's on the island?''

''An entirely new ecosystem?'' Zane wondered.

''Never before seen creatures?'' Cole questioned.

''Oh, vegetables that taste like dessert?'' Jay's eyes lit up with childlike wonder.

''Darkness and suffering?" You questioned, almost instantly receiving surprised stares from your fellow ninja, save for Jay. You nervously chuckled.

''I hope the Stone Army is there. They may have gotten the best of us once, but never again.'' Kai said determinedly, shrugging your answer off.

''You said it,'' Cole replied.

''Hear, hear,'' Jay added.

''I wonder if this is the end of our destiny,'' Lloyd replied, looking at you and the others.

''If it is, there isn't anyone else I'd want on by my side.'' Kai looked at the Green Bean before his gaze flickered over to you.

''Hear, hear.'' Jay once again added.

''You said it.'' Cole spoke.

Zane's eyes glowed a vibrant blue out of nowhere, his posture straightening. ''My Falcon has arrived at the Dark Island!'' He announced, and you rushed with him and the others to the control room where he plugged himself into the computer so the rest could watch it through his eyes. ''There, now we can all see.'' Suddenly, a Stone Warrior threw a circular blade that hit the Falcon, forcing Zane to hurtle back and the others to gasp. ''He's...he's gone.''

You went to his side, helping the nindroid up with a sigh.

''We don't know that.'' Wu tried to reassure him.

''Oh, Zane. I'm so sorry.'' Nya came to your side, both of you looking at the nindroid worriedly.

''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.'' Kai promised him.

''Well, that's going to have to wait because right now, we're sailing straight for a storm. All hands on deck!'' Misako pointed to the storm outside, dark clouds nearing with flashes of lightning.

—

Everyone struggled to keep the Bounty stabilised in the storm, save for your parents and Jay, the former currently below deck doing who knows what. You tightly gripped the rope holding the sails up, straining to hear some of the things the others said above the noise of the pealing thunder.

Not to mention the rain bucketing down on you along with the winds turning the brine into salty whiplashes and making it harder to focus your hearing.

''Hold the line!'' Cole urged, holding his part of the rope.

''The winds are too strong!'' Lloyd panicked, hanging onto the near end of the rope.

'I would appreciate someone's help.' You thought, digging your heels hard into the deck. No answer from Morro just yet.

''We need everyone's help, Jay!'' Zane looked back at the Lightning Ninja who stood huddled near the stairs, undercover.

''But I don't wanna get wet. I...I only have one pair of underwear.'' Jay tried to convince him.

'Don't think about it. Otherwise, I think about it too.' Morro's words did little to dispel the thoughts in your mind.

'Yeah, I get it, Morro.' You rolled your eyes, keeping a foothold on the deck.

''Jay, this is no time to be making jokes. The Bounty can only take so much!'' Porcupine told Ginja, raising his voice.

''You think I'm trying to be funny?'' Jay shot back. Hearing laughter, he clearly thought it was directed at him. ''Okay, laugh all you want, but we'll see who laughs last when I have to go commando.''

''Who's laughing?'' Kai questioned, glancing at Jay.

''Not me.'' You grumbled, rain soaking your clothes.

Nya struggled to steer the ship while Misako struggled to keep her footing behind her. ''Ugh. It sounds like some of us are getting a kick out of this.''

''That's not laughter,'' Misako answered. At this, you turned your head up to the old woman.

''What is that sound?'' Wu questioned.

Misako spotted orange creatures that appeared similar to starfish latching onto the back window, revealing their ghastly undersides as cracks formed in the glass. ''Starteeth.''

''Uh, guys, why is the sea laughing at us?'' Kai asked the others.

''And why do I have a feeling we're not gonna get the joke?'' Jay questioned as several Starteeth landed on the deck.

''Hey, what's that?'' Cole let go of the rope to inspect the newfound creatures, sending all of you sliding across the deck without his strength helping. You hissed at the pain as the rope slipped between your fingers.

Jay rushed over, grabbing onto the rope before it could slide any further. ''I'm coming! I got it!''

''About time, Jay!'' Kai yelled.

A wave crashed onto the deck, splashing Jay with water. ''Oh, perfect!'' The Lightning Ninja whined.

''Now's not the time to worry about that, just hold on!'' You gritted your teeth, gripping the rope tightly.

''I AM holding on!'' Jay shot back.

''It looks like some sort of a, hmm, fish.'' Cole intelligently observed, picking up the Starteeth and examining it, revealing the creature's circle of sharp teeth on its underside.

''Wait! We must not let the Starteeth on board. They devour ships and won't stop until we sink!'' Misako warned from the top of the stairs.

The Starteeth in his grip flipped, biting the unfortunate Earth Ninja's hand. ''Aaaah! It bit me!'' It leapt off his hand, joining the others and jumping onto the mast's rope. They successfully bit through it, the mast destabilising.

More Starteeth swarmed the deck. ''Huh, get these things off the ship!'' Kai ordered, pointing to them. A few more jumped onto him from the side. ''Aargh. I'm starstruck! Unh, good riddance, water vampires!'' He threw one that had landed on his knee overboard.

''Faster! Or we'll sink!'' Lloyd urged, grabbing a few to toss them off as well. You put your arms out, letting electricity from the storm gather in them before you unleashed a shock onto a group of Starteeth, Jay coming along and tossing them off for you.

''Get off there!'' Jay peeled off a few from the mast, though he quickly became horrified when he realised some remained on his back. ''Oh, my! Aah! Get them off! Get them off!'' He screamed, hopping on the spot.

You tried picking a few off but it was hard with Jay being unable to stand still, one of the Starteeth hopping on your hand and biting it. Baring your teeth, you angrily ripped it off and kicked it into the ocean where it belonged.

''Use your Spinjitzu!'' Kai yelled to Jay, seeing a few still there.

Jay whirled into Spinjitzu, however, his efforts were useless when he found they ended up on the sail instead. ''Okay, bad idea.''

Everyone else except for you and Jay whirled into Spinjitzu, collecting the annoying Starteeth and tossing them in the water.

''Sink your teeth into this!'' Kai told the Starteeth, looking over the railing.

Jay's eyes landed on the Starteeth latched onto the chain, gasping. ''They eat through metal too?''

''Uh, guys, I think we have a bigger problem,'' Luh-Lloyd spoke, looking down at the side of the ship. You followed his gaze, groaning when you spotted a constellation of Starteeth creating a hole in the side of the ship that you couldn't reach.

''Oh, I should have brought an extra pair of underwear,'' Jay grumbled.

—

Quite a few hours passed, the night turning into day. The priority now was to scoop water out of the ship using buckets, in the hopes that there would be something that could be done about the flooding below deck.

Your mother pitched in as best as she could but with your father having to stay put on the couch due to personal health reasons, you decided to put in most, if not all of your energy into helping the others out. At least the sea had calmed now.

''Ah, this is hopeless! Now that we have no rudder we've been drifting aimlessly and we'll never get to the Dark Island.'' Kai said. His confidence had slowly dwindled in the past few hours.

''We only know what is foretold will happen. Not when it will happen.'' Misako replied, holding a few scrolls in her arms.

Zane's eyes widened, jaw-dropping as he let go of the bucket with a clank. He turned, stepping towards the massive hole in the side. Worried gazes including your own landed on him, watching his movements.

''What is it, Zane?'' Wu questioned.

''I sense something,'' Zane answered, taking a look outside the hole. His words were met with questions.

''Is it the Falcon?''

''Is he all right?''

''No. It's...something else. Brace yourselves!'' Zane warned.

You grabbed onto a wall just as the ship hit something solid, forcing you onto your back. Land? You shakily stood, heading over to the hole. Land! A small island with many steps leading up to a lighthouse towered over the Destiny's Bounty.

''Who would build a lighthouse way out here?'' Lloyd asked once most of the people in the Destiny's Bounty exited the ship through the hole, now standing on the sand.

''It's not a lighthouse. It's a prison.'' Zane simply answered, beginning to go up the long flight of steps. One by one, the group followed up the steps after him in a single file. Nearing the top, a deep rumbling growl came from the sea. Where the Bounty still sat, you glimpsed movement.

''Oh, I should have brought an extra pair of underwear.'' Jay nervously spoke, searching the seas for the source of the sound.

''Mysterious. We better keep going.'' Wu advised.

Reaching the top of the stairs, a door stood in front of Zane. Above it, a camera sat, its lens facing the group. It then focused on Zane as the nindroid looked back up at it, silent.

Jay noticed it too. ''Uh, should we smile?'' He inquired. A series of locks came undone from the inside, and an old man with white hair and glasses opened the door with an excited look on his face.

''Zane! Is it really you?'' The old man questioned before joyfully throwing his arms around him in a hug. ''You found me!''

''Uh, do you know him?'' Lloyd confusedly asked him, moving aside a bit to look at the man.

The old man quickly adjusted his glasses.''Of course, I know him! I built him, for heaven's sake!'' Zane's creator, or rather father, in your eyes, admitted, looking at the Green Ninja.

''But my memory tells me that you have passed,'' Zane told his creator in disbelief.

Hearing footsteps behind you gradually coming nearer, you found your mother hauling your father up the stairs with her- except what you saw surprised you. He held on tightly, piggybacking her and clearly having a bit of fun despite the issues he still faced.

You turned your gaze away before your gaze met your mother's, following the others into the lighthouse, up another flight of steps that clung to the walls, thankfully not too steep this time, something your mother seemed to be grateful for. Your father's head lifted, looking around and seeming to hear something, yet his head fell limp, groaning with the noises of the others talking.

''Please, please have a seat. You must be thirsty.'' Dr Julien gestured to his workspace, a giant light taking up most of the area.

''Seat, where?'' Zane confusedly questioned, scratching his head.

His father pulled a lever, making the floor open up and for the giant light to disappear into it, being replaced with a table with enough spots for all to sit down. ''There, of course.''

''Wow, that's pretty smart.'' Nya walked over to her spot, while your mother gently let go of your father, walking over as well.

Just as Wu was about to sit next to Misako, your mother plopped into the spot where he hovered over, giving the old woman a sly grin. Misako returned the favour, only a bit more irritatedly.

When he thought no one was watching, Jay snagged a pair of blue underwear with yin-yang patterns from a clothesline wire overhead. You snorted, making the Lightning Ninja's eyes land on you with an embarrassed look.

Deciding to silently reassure him, you made a gesture of zipping up your lips and throwing away the key- all the while you used your illusions to help sell the act. Finally, both of you sat down. Dr Julien pressed a switch, and everyone then quietly observed a small rusty robot as it appeared, holding a stack of cups.

It jumped onto the table, setting the cups down in front of each guest. Hopping off, Jay's eyes failed to stay away from it, the robot grabbing a teacup and coming around again. Filling most of the cups, Jay warily eyed it as it came up to him.

Attempting to outsmart it, Jay began moving his cup around while the robot tried to fill it, though his efforts were fruitless in the end as the robot gave up trying and instead poured the piping hot tea into his lap. Jay yelped and screamed, hopping around on one foot while the others laughed.

It was hard not to join in, especially with how silly he looked. Eventually, Jay's screaming and jumping around came to an end, the Lightning Ninja sitting down once again as the others chatted with each other. Misako didn't seem pleased with the fact she sat next to your mother.

Jay furrowed his eyebrows in thought, getting up despite having sat down a minute ago, standing at the glassless window and pointing down at the Destiny's Bounty. ''Could you repair the rocket boosters on our ship?''

''That sailing ship has rocket boosters?'' Dr Julien appeared delighted at the concept.

Nya got up and joined the pair. ''Well, the rotors and gears are shot.''

Zane's father waved his hands around dismissively. ''Eh, pish posh. No matter! I'll have your ship airworthy by dawn!'' He confidently replied.

This moment was cut short when the deep, rumbling growl returned, followed by the floor trembling beneath your feet. The cups rattled in their places on the table.

''It's an earthquake!'' Cole yelled.

''No, it's much worse! He's here. Everyone hide!'' Dr Julien informed, whisper-shouting. Your heart sank, hearing something emerge from the water.

Everyone rushed to find a place to hide, your mother taking her husband and jumping into the rafters to hide alongside Jay. You put your palms out, shrouding yourself in illusions merely seconds before the leviathan peeked in, a few eyes near the tip of a tentacle.

When it noticed the various cups on the table, Dr Julien rearranged them and made it look like he was playing them like drums.

Satisfied, the beast receded into the waters. You waited a few more seconds to check if the coast was clear before you let the illusion melt away with a relieved sigh. Everyone else came out from their hiding spots.

''If we're gonna make something and get out of here, we're gonna have to hurry before it comes back,'' Kai informed.

—

Eventually, the skies darkened once again, and everyone worked on the ship and did their part to help out. Narrowly avoiding a prick on the finger from the needle, you wiped the sweat off your brow, Cole whistling a familiar tune beside you. He was faring well with his sewing, though his whistling made Lloyd's and the other's heads turn towards him.

''What? It's catchy.'' He defended. You tried whistling the same tune, only getting a few notes in before it went flat.

''Right you are.'' You grinned at him.

Another growl came from the seas, shattering the peace you had mistakenly taken for granted. ''Everyone aboard! It's coming!'' Dr Julien rushed down the stairs with his son in tow, surprisingly not tripping.

You looked over at the water, stiffening as a blue tentacle rose from it. Then another. And a third as well until all of them were lifted from the sea.

''It's here!'' Kai shouted, pointing to the leviathan.

''Get us out of here, Nya!'' Jay called out of the girl who rushed up the ramp, running to the control room to pilot the ship. Everyone else followed suit.

''I hope she's ready!'' Nya took control of the steering wheel, grunting as she pulled a lever. The ship rose into the air, forcing you to grab onto the railing or risk falling over. ''Come on!''

''Giant octopus, or giant squid?" You asked the others, though it was for mainly Jay.

''Octopus, but that's not important right now!'' Jay answered whilst shouting.

Before the Destiny's Bounty could escape, the leviathan latched onto the ship, beginning to drag it down towards the water. You gripped the railing tightly, hearing screams from the other ninja behind you. Your mother held onto the railing on the other side, frowning while she held tightly onto Misako.

The ship sharply tilted downward, forcing Jay, Cole and Kai into the steps that led below deck. You accidentally let go, landing beside your mother and Misako, the former having released her hold and still remaining on deck.

''Lloyd! Use your Elemental Powers!'' Wu ordered his nephew.

''As you wish, Sensei! Release us, you monster!'' Lloyd summoned a glowing sphere of pulsating emerald light, firing it into the air to where the leviathan let go.

''Well done, Lloyd!'' Wu told the boy. His efforts were wasted as the tentacles latched onto the ship once more.

Zane gazed over the side, noticing something. ''It's chained!'' He shouted, getting up onto the railing. You looked at him in surprise.

''Zane! What are you doing?'' Julien questioned his son.

''The Leviathan won't let us leave. I think I know a way I can help.'' The nindroid replied.

''But you can't jump in. These oceans are filled with Starteeth.'' Dr Julien told him, running towards his son.

''I know.'' Zane dove in.

''Zane! No!'' Dr Julien cried out.

In a moment of heroism or rather, stupidity, you got to your feet, glancing back at the others. You took in a big breath before vaulting the railing and diving in after the nindroid. The water wasn't cold as you expected, more so lukewarm.

Kicking strongly, you followed Zane down. A pair of Starteeth awaited you, which you grabbed and swam down with to the base of the large chain that kept the leviathan from freedom. Zane turned around, bubbles escaping his mouth, his jaw-dropping at the sight of you.

You smirked, grabbing his hand and swimming towards the surface with him in tow. In the corner of your eye, something other than the massive beast in the depths was present in your vision.

A vaguely humanoid figure floated in the water, transparent and glowing blue with flowing hair that moved with the current. It waved with a small kind smile before disappearing into a cloud of bubbles.

Your head breached the surface, Zane's head doing the same, your lungs burning for air as you gasped while the nindroid stared up at the Destiny's Bounty, the ship about to be dragged into the water. The Leviathan finally let go as the chain that once restrained it, now allowed it to be free.

Smiling at Zane, he smiled back. You flicked some water at him and he laughed, splashing you back. Though your fun had to come to an end before the others thought both of you had drowned (more likely you since you weren't a robot). You offered him your hand, and he took it.

Slowly, you rose out of the water with him holding on tightly, Zane's eyebrows went up as he too floated alongside you, dripping water. You had to preserve the last bits of your energy, grabbing onto the side of the ship and climbing.

''But where is my son?" Julien questioned the others.

''And where's my child?" Your mother asked worriedly.

''I'm here, Father!'' Zane appeared, clambering over the railing. Dr Julien was focused on his son, hugging him so tightly, like he were afraid he'd never see him again. You not so majestically flopped over the better side of the railing, faceplanting.

From you, came a muffled: ''Ow.'' Cole rushed forward, helping you up. He wrapped his arms around you, despite you still being soaked from your dive. His arms were irresistibly warm compared to the water.

''How did you know if you freed it from captivity it would let us go?'' Wu questioned the nindroid.

''Because no one deserves to be held captive. Not even a monster.'' Zane reasoned as the leviathan took great strokes, swimming away from the place that was once its prison. ''Farewell, creature from the sea. Enjoy your freedom.''

In retrospect, how ironic was that?

—

Remo opened his eyes, finding it hard to sleep. He slipped out of bed, double-checking to ensure he hadn't been caught before slithering out. A scent caught him, snagging his attention. The little snake couldn't resist following its trail to the source, ending up in the control room.

His prize sat on the table, alongside some rolled-up pieces of parchment. Still enraptured by his favourite smell, he wound himself around the legs of the table, ending on top. He drank in the scent one last time before digging in, his tail wagging excitedly.

Remo's tail accidentally hit a roll of parchment, sending it off the table. He was too engrossed in devouring the sandwich to notice, though it happened a second time when he attempted to fit a particularly big piece into his jaws. He chucked the final piece into the air before swallowing it whole.

Both the Orange Ninja scroll and the Green Ninja scroll lay uncoiled on the floor.

Yawning from a good meal, he was about to leave when he spotted something glimmering in the pale moonlight that streamed in from the window. He slithered closer, finding a bag decorated with dinosaurs all over it.

Remo's interest was immediately piqued. The middle part had been unzipped, something metallic glimmering in its depths. He dragged it out with his fangs, eyes lighting up at the intricacies of its details.

It came too close to the edge.

The box tipped over, Remo squeaked, it landing on its side as a liquid akin to ink leaked out from under the lid. The liquid snaked towards the two scrolls, staining both of their edges and pooling between them.

Fearful, he turned and fled, not wanting to test that someone would investigate.

Splotches of green and orange appeared in the liquid that stained the sides of the two scrolls, thinning out as it ran along the wooden flooring and seemingly drying out.

Into a third scroll.

Bronze edged the parchment, images yet to form like polaroid pictures.

.nυϱɘd ƨɒʜ γɈiniʇni oɈ ʜɈɒq ɘʜɈ ɈɒʜɈ ϱniwoʜƨ ,ɘno ɘʜɈ lɒɘvɘɿ lliw γʞƨ ɘʜɈ ni Ɉʜϱil A

Y'all might wanna look in a mirror. ^

I am so sorry for the delay! ;-;

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Without further ado,

See ya, Bookworms.

WriterAgreste, over & out!