Sorry, guys. I just like thinking of lots of ways he can come back

" Aunt Mia, does Daddy hate us?" Stevie innocently asked one day.

Mia, who was drinking water, choked.

" No, dear. Why would you think that?" She asked weakly.

" Because daddy hasn't come back."

Mia gasped and hugged her nephew.

" Stevie, daddy loves you very much. Remember how Kai came back after a while?"

" I remember." Fireball piped up. " Real well."

Mia sighed, remembering the day.

"What is that?!" Mia exclaimed, pointing to the big rip in the sky.

" I don't know, but it looks dangerous. Stay close." Jay said, gripping her arm.

" We have to go rescue the people!" Samantha said, running to the Bounty. Nya stopped her.

" You and the others are too young, Sam. Go to your mom's room and wait."

" I'm not gonna let you guys go into who knows what alone!" Stevie exclaimed.

" Neither are we. If the end is coming, we'll face it on our feet." Fireball said confidently.

Mia smiled. " I'm afraid you have to. This is too dangerous, and you haven't even finished training."

" But-" Samantha cried, but Mia stopped her.

" No, sweetie. Go to my room."

Samantha's lip quivered, and Mia hugged her.

" Be strong, my dear." She whispered.

" Mom?" Samantha asked, breaking her out of her transe.

" Nothing, Sam. Nothing." Then, she took a deep breath. " Why don't we go play with our animals? We can take them for a stroll in the garden."

" Can I bring Orky?" Samantha asked.

" And Leia?" Swallowtail said shyly.

Mia nodded. " Yes."

The group of children eagerly gathered their stuffed animals, preparing for an adventure in the garden. Mia watched them with a warm smile, feeling a mix of pride and worry. The other Ninja, now back from their mission, joined her outside.

"Orky, stay close!" Samantha called, holding her stuffed orca tightly.

"Leia, you're coming with me," Swallowtail said, gently cradling her koala.

Stevie clutched his panda, named Pandy, while Fireball held his duck, Quackers, aloft. "Let's go, team!" Fireball cheered, leading the way.

As they walked through the garden, Blackie the cat followed, occasionally making sassy remarks. "You know, Samantha, Orky could use a bath. He smells like fish."

Samantha giggled. "That's because he's an orca, Blackie!"

Mia stayed close, keeping an eye on the children. "Everyone, stay together. The garden is big, but we need to stay where I can see you."

Lloyd, who had been silently watching, came over and placed a hand on Mia's shoulder. "You're doing a great job with them, Mia."

Mia smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Lloyd. It's just... Jay. I worry about him. And the kids miss him so much."

Lloyd nodded, understanding her concern. "He'll be back. Jay always finds a way."

Kai, holding little Fireball's hand, joined the conversation. "In the meantime, we're all here to help. These kids are tough, just like their parents."

Nya, walking beside Stevie, added, "And they're never alone. We're family, and we stick together."

As they continued their stroll, the garden filled with laughter and playful shouts. The children ran ahead, their stuffed animals in tow, while Blackie made sure no one got too far.

Suddenly, Stevie stopped and looked up at Mia. "Aunt Mia, do you think Daddy will come back soon?"

Mia knelt down to his level and gently brushed his hair. "I believe he will, Stevie. Your dad is a hero, and heroes always find their way home."

Stevie nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "I'll be brave like Daddy."

"That's the spirit," Fireball said, patting Stevie on the back. "We're all brave, and we'll keep each other safe."

As the afternoon sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the garden, the group made their way back to the house. They settled into their evening routine, with the children playing quietly and the adults sharing stories and plans for the future.

Later that night, as Mia tucked Samantha into bed, she whispered softly, "Goodnight, Sam. Remember, no matter what happens, you're never alone."

Samantha hugged her stuffed orca tightly. "Goodnight, Mom. I love you."

Mia kissed her forehead and smiled. "I love you too, sweetheart."

As Mia left the room, she glanced back at the peaceful scene, feeling a renewed sense of hope. Jay would come back. And until then, they would keep the family strong, together, and filled with love.

The next morning, Mia woke up to the sound of giggles and whispers. She found the children in the kitchen, trying to make breakfast. Flour and ingredients were scattered everywhere, and they looked up guiltily when they saw her.

"Uh, good morning, Aunt Mia," Stevie said, holding a whisk.

Mia couldn't help but laugh. "Good morning, everyone. How about we make breakfast together?"

" Yeah, that might be better than spilling things everywhere." Lloyd said.

Mia lifted her arms, and the mess went away.

" Now, what do we have?" Lloyd opened the fridge. There was nothing except Cole's cake. 

And last time they ate that, Cole was beyond angry.

" We'll go shopping. Mia said grabbing her bag and walking out the door, kids following.

At the shops, though, they were in for a surprise of their own. 

Mia caught a glance of agents. 

Administeration agents. 

That wasn't good.

Thinking quickly, Mia raised her hand. "Stay behind me and move according to my instructions," she instructed.

The children obeyed, and formed a single file line behind Mia.

Mia approached a stall and addressed the shopkeeper, "Hey Mika, do you have any spare tin cans filled with onions? Apparently Zane wants them for dinner. I don't know who eats tin cans for dinner, especially with onions, but Zane is certainly unique."

Five nearby agents overheard this and turned their attention to Mia. "Mia Walker, is that correct?" queried an agent with puffy red hair. "In the name of the Supreme Administration, I hereby declare you under arrest."

Mia let out a humorless laugh. "I'd love to see you try. Also, did you forget that I inherited the elemental power of wind, right? Which essentially means I control storms."

"Feisty," remarked another agent, who was, by the way, a cyborg.

This cyborg had been designed by Pixel at the behest of the Overlord.

"Should we call Agent Walker?" inquired another agent with straight, long black hair.

Mia froze. "Agent Walker...?"

"But that's our last name!" exclaimed Stevie from behind Mia.

The agents disregarded him and pressed a button. A portal materialized, and a man with brown hair emerged.

"What is it now?" the man inquired.

Both Stevie and Mia gasped. It was...

"Jay?" Mia whispered.

The man turned towards Mia and raised a gun. "That's Agent Walker to you, ma'am."

Mia's expression hardened. "Have it your way, Elizabeth."

This time, it was Jay's turn to gasp. "How do you know my..."

"I just know things," Mia interrupted.

Stevie stepped forward hesitantly. "Dad?" he asked.

Mia stopped him. "That's not my goofy, building brother. That's my agent brother. An agent brother whose memories I plan on getting back."

Samantha and the others stepped out from behind Mia. "Where there's a lightning ninja, there's a lightning, fire, wind, water welder and four fierce kids," she declared. Then she turned to her best friend, who was shyly hiding behind Fireball. "At least four kids, with one who's fierce at will."

"Exactly," Mia stated, stomping her foot. A geyser erupted from where the agents had been standing.

"Impressive. But can you dodge this?" Jay fired a few bullets at Mia and the kids. Mia used her wind manipulation to dodge them.

"Things are about to get wild. Wildly out of control," she stated, then smirked. "At least, out of your control."

Mia raised her hands, and Jay's nunchucks flew towards her.

"Kids, what did I teach you about the nunchucks and Jay?" Mia inquired.

Swallowtail whispered, "The nunchucks belong to your brother."

"Yep," Mia confirmed, thrusting the nunchucks into the air. They zapped the agents, and she repeated the action until only Jay remained.

She lowered the nunchucks and pleaded, "Jay, please. Remember."

"I'm sorry, but what is there to remember?"

Stevie choked back a sob, and Mia glared at him angrily.

"Me, Nya, Stevie, Kai, Cole, and Blackie," Mia listed. Right on cue, Blackie sauntered through the crowd.

"Okay, what have we here?" a voice boomed from the crowd.

Mia growled. "One brother about to be my dinner... figuratively speaking."

Blackie, the kids, and Jay all gasped in unison.

"Mia, the kids..." Blackie hissed.

"They can learn the value of a good threat," Mia countered.

"Mia, what?! Has the Overlord gotten to you?!"

"You're one to talk, talking feline," Mia retorted.

"Oh yeah, right," Blackie mumbled.

Mia shook her head. "Enough of this. Jay, it's time you remembered."

Stevie, tears welling in his eyes, stepped forward. "But he's my dad, and your brother. The one you love."

Mia sighed. "Fine. But he is going to remember, even if I have to knock some sense into him."

"But didn't Lloyd say that forceful memory restoration only works on... Zane? I mean, the Ice Emperor Zane?"

"Yes, he did," Mia conceded.

Then she turned to Jay, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Do you know how to control lightning, Jay? Let's do a little experiment to find out!"

Blackie sputtered again as Mia tossed the nunchucks towards Jay. He reflexively caught them while Mia, with a flick of her wrist, sent the remaining agents flying through a newly opened portal.

"Goodbye," she whispered, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

Jay examined the nunchucks, turning them over in his hands. "Do I just..."

A jolt of electricity crackled between the nunchucks, illuminating them with a vibrant glow. Mia grinned. "Bingo."

Jay's eyes widened with excitement. "This... equipment gives me power."

Mia, meanwhile, began sharpening her knife with a practiced hand. "Blackie, care to elaborate?" she asked, her voice taking on a dangerous edge.

Blackie cleared his throat nervously. "So, Jay, you're the Elemental Master of Lightning, meaning you can control lightning itself. And the lovely lady sharpening cutlery over there is your sister, Mia. Your wife, Nya, misses you dearly, by the way. Oh, and Mia can be quite... persuasive. Don't worry, she's fiercely protective of you, but also a little terrifying. Like, very."

"Good to know?" Jay offered hesitantly.

Blackie continued, his voice a rapid stream of information. "You have a very positive outlook on life, and apparently most of your belongings are decorated with either lightning bolts or smiley stickers. You also have a deep love for Nya, but a special kind of love for Mia, a sibling bond that Nya completely understands. You guys even have sleepovers sometimes, because why not? And let's not forget your love for noodles, pizza, and ice cream. Although, Mia tends to favor some rather... unique ice cream combinations. Cotton candy and chocolate, vanilla and cotton candy, cookies and cream with chocolate - the list goes on. But hey, you secretly love them after trying a bite, right? Oh, and you're a huge fan of games!"

Just then, Mia held up her hand, and with a gust of wind, Jay's previous uniform ( from the time of Aspheera and the Ice Emperor) materialized in her grasp. But that wasn't all. Another object, wrapped in cloth, materialized beside it.

" This is your uniform. Spinjitzu into it."

Jay stared at the clothes in Mia's hand, a bewildered frown creasing his forehead. The uniform looked vaguely familiar. The blue shirt and pants, the vest with a smiley face and lightning badges on it.  But "Spinjitzu into it?" That sounded like something out of a fever dream.

"Spinjitzu?" he echoed, his voice rough with confusion. "What in Ninjago is Spinjitzu?"

Mia rolled her eyes, a hint of exasperation softening the stern set of her jaw. "Seriously, Jay? You don't remember Spinjitzu? It's the ancient martial art we used to train with all the time! Remember? Spinning and stuff?"

Blackie, ever the diplomat, intervened. "Perhaps a gentle reminder is in order, Mia. Jay's memories are clearly fragmented." He turned to Jay, his voice soothing. "Spinjitzu is a powerful technique that combines combat skills with the element you control. In your case, Jay, that would be lightning."

" But in my case, it would be wind."

Jay blinked, a flicker of recognition sparking in his eyes. "Combat skills... lightning..." He hesitantly reached out and touched the uniform, a jolt of electricity crackling between his fingertips and the fabric. His eyes widened. "This... this feels..."

"Familiar?" Mia supplied, a hint of hope creeping into her voice.

"Electric!" Jay exclaimed, a spark of his old enthusiasm returning. "Like it's part of me."

Emboldened, Mia thrust the uniform towards him. "Then put it on! Spinjitzu requires a proper focus, and that uniform might just jog your memory further."

Jay hesitated, his gaze darting between the clothes, Mia's expectant face, and the strange, cloth-wrapped object beside the uniform. Curiosity warring with caution, he slowly began to unwrap the cloth.

It was his Yin/ Yang medallion.

Rather, his Ying ( or is it Yang?!) part of the medallion.

" What is this?" Jay asked, feeling the cool metal.

Mia smiled. " This? Oh, it's just a beautiful pin which you gave to your wife, who said yes."

Blackie raised his brows  ( if he had any). " That's a very crude way of saying it."

Mia shrugged, picking her knife up. " You know me."

Blackie sighed. " Yep. I do."

Jay's fingers brushed against the cool metal of the medallion, sending a tremor of recognition through him. He held it up, the symbol etched on its surface vaguely familiar.

"Yin-Yang..." he murmured, the words tasting foreign yet strangely comforting on his tongue. "What does it mean?"

Mia, her gaze softening, knelt before Stevie and placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's a symbol of balance, Jay. Two halves, light and dark, coming together to create a whole." Her eyes flicked to the other half of the medallion, presumably held by Nya. "Like a promise, you could say."

Blackie cleared his throat, his feline eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint. "A very specific promise, actually. A promise you made to a certain red-headed ninja a long, long time ago."

Jay frowned, the pieces of the puzzle slowly starting to click into place. A red-headed ninja... a promise... a Yin-Yang symbol representing two halves... his heart skipped a beat.

"Nya?" he breathed, the name tumbling out on a wave of longing. Images, fragmented and fleeting, flashed in his mind – a fiery redhead ( well, black haired girl, but just red- headed because of her stubbornness) , their hands clasped together, laughter echoing in the air.

"Bingo!" Mia exclaimed, a triumphant smile lighting up her face. "Seems the memory is jogging back."

Suddenly, a loud clanging sound echoed through the marketplace, drawing everyone's attention. A figure clad in black armor, wielding a chained staff, descended from the sky, landing with a heavy thud in front of them.

"Well, well," the figure sneered, his voice distorted by a metallic mask. "Look who finally decided to show his face. Agent Walker, I presume?"

Jay's hand instinctively tightened around his nunchucks, a surge of protectiveness washing over him. He didn't recognize the figure, but the hostility in his voice was unmistakable.

"Who are you?" he demanded, his voice surprisingly steady for someone with such fragmented memories.

The figure threw back his head and laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "The name's Morro," he declared, his eyes glinting with malice. "And I'm here to finish what I started."

A wave of unease washed over Jay. Finish what he started? What did that even mean? He glanced at Mia, hoping for some explanation, but her expression was as unreadable as ever.

"Looks like we have a fight on our hands, Sparky," Blackie quipped, his voice tinged with amusement.

Jay, despite his confusion, felt a surge of determination. He may not remember everything, but he knew how to fight. He wouldn't let this masked figure hurt them.

"Let's do this," he declared, a spark of his old fire flickering in his eyes.

Mia, though, remained rooted to the spot. "Blackie," she said, her voice firm but laced with concern, "take the kids home. Tell the others we have Morro, Master Wu's old student, on our hands. And keep Lloyd safe."

Blackie's ears flicked back in surprise. Morro? This situation just went from retrieval mission to full-blown threat. "Alright, alright," he muttered, his tone serious. He scooped up the children, his form shifting slightly as he assumed a more comfortable carrying position for each of them. "Stay safe, you two," he said to Mia and Jay, his voice gruff but sincere. With one last glance at the tense standoff, Blackie bolted towards the rooftops, disappearing into the bustling crowd.

Mia watched him go for a moment, a flicker of worry crossing her features. Then, her gaze steeled with determination as she turned back to face Morro. "Morro, huh? You've got a lot to answer for."

" What do you mean?"

Mia snarled. " You know. Because of you, Cole was turned to a ghost."

" You also forgot that because of me, Cole is human again."

Mia hardened her face. " Doesn't change the facts."

Then, to Jay, she said, " Jay, this is Morro. He is the first student of the guy who taught us spinjitzu."

Then, she smiled. " He's also the one who released the Preeminent, a villan your wife defeated because she reached her true potential just in time."

Jay's brow furrowed. Preeminent? True potential? The fragmented memories swirled, leaving him frustrated. He gripped his nunchucks tighter, a surge of protectiveness for this "wife" Mia mentioned coiling in his chest.

"Preeminent? Wife?" Jay sputtered, the confusion evident in his voice. "What are you talking about?"

Morro, however, seemed to relish Jay's confusion. He threw his head back and cackled, a sound that sent shivers down Jay's spine. "Oh, the amnesia is a convenient plot device, isn't it, Walker? But fear not, your memories will return soon enough. Especially when I unleash my full power!"

He raised his chained staff, the metal glowing with an ominous purple light. A tremor ran through the marketplace as a dark energy crackled in the air.

Mia's eyes narrowed. "Morro, you wouldn't dare unleash the Cursed Realm again."

Morro's laughter died down, replaced by a chilling smile. "The Cursed Realm? Naive, Walker. I have something far more potent this time. A power you won't be able to comprehend!"

Suddenly, the air shimmered and distorted. Grotesque figures began to materialize around them – skeletal warriors with glowing purple eyes, their forms reeking of decay.

Jay felt a surge of primal fear. These creatures looked vaguely familiar, but the specifics remained frustratingly out of reach. He clutched his nunchucks, a desperate need to protect himself and Mia rising within him.

"Looks like we have our work cut out for us, Sparky," Blackie's voice suddenly rang out from a nearby rooftop. He had doubled back, his feline form crouched low, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Mia and Jay exchanged a surprised glance. Blackie returning so soon was unexpected, but a welcome sight nonetheless.

"Blackie!" Mia exclaimed, relief flooding her voice momentarily. "We need a plan!"

"Plan?" Blackie chuckled. "We have a ninja and a soon-to-be-remembering ninja. That's all the plan we need!"

Morro let out another chilling laugh. "Foolish fools! You cannot stop the inevitable!"

With a roar, the skeletal warriors surged forward, their glowing eyes fixated on their prey. The battle was about to begin.

Blackie chuckled, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Jay, remember what Mia taught you about Spinjitzu."

Jay nodded, the spark of determination flickering brighter within him. He glanced at Mia, who gave him an encouraging nod.

"Focus, Jay," Mia said firmly. "Remember the moves, feel the energy."

Jay took a deep breath, grounding himself. He closed his eyes, recalling the countless hours of training, the feel of the nunchucks in his hands, the electric energy coursing through him. Slowly, he began to spin, the nunchucks creating a blur of motion. Sparks of lightning crackled around him, illuminating the darkening marketplace.

Morro watched, a sneer of disdain on his face. "Pathetic," he spat. "You think a few parlor tricks will save you?"

But Jay's focus remained unwavering. As he spun faster, the energy around him grew stronger, more intense. The skeletal warriors hesitated, sensing the growing power.

"Now, Jay!" Mia shouted.

With a final, powerful spin, Jay unleashed a surge of lightning, the energy arcing outwards and striking the skeletal warriors. They disintegrated on impact, their forms dissolving into wisps of dark smoke.

Morro staggered back, his sneer replaced by a look of genuine surprise. "Impossible!" he hissed. "How did you...?"

Jay stopped spinning, panting heavily but victorious. "Because I'm not just some agent," he said, his voice strong. "I'm Jay, the Lightning Ninja."

Mia grinned, pride shining in her eyes. "And don't you forget it."

Morro's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing with fury. "This isn't over," he growled, raising his staff once more.

But before he could strike, a burst of water erupted from behind him. Morro turned, eyes widening in shock. Standing there was Nya, her eyes blazing with determination.

"Enough, Morro," she declared, her voice ringing with authority. "This ends now."

Morro snarled, but before he could react, Nya unleashed a powerful blast of water, dousing him and extinguishing the dark energy surrounding him. He stumbled, the staff slipping from his grasp.

Jay stared, his heart pounding. "Nya?" he whispered, a flood of memories rushing back. Her smile, her strength, their love.

Nya turned to Jay, her eyes softening. "Jay, it's me. Do you remember?"

Jay's eyes filled with tears, a mixture of relief and joy. "Nya... I remember."

Mia watched, a smile of pure happiness spreading across her face. "Welcome back, Jay."

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the scene, the family reunited, their bond stronger than ever. And though challenges still lay ahead, they knew that together, they could face anything.

Because in the end, love and family were the strongest powers of all.