Nya awoke the morning of her wedding, wishing she could have spent the night with Jay. Unfortunately, royal tradition had to be adhered, and Nya had to spend the night before their wedding alone. Still, sleeping in a warm bed was more than she could ever ask for, even though she wanted her love to spend it with.

She rolled over and played with the silk sheets, smiling to herself. Jay was now crowned king, and soon, she would be his queen. Although the title wasn't official, Jay had insisted on calling her his princess. Weeks before, such a nickname would have embarrassed her.

Nya's smile faded away as a sudden cold feeling swept over her whole body. It wasn't unpleasant, but it certainly startled her. She was about to dismiss it, when-

"Nya."

The purr of Nadakhan's voice filled the room. Nya's eyes widened as she glanced around the room. "N-Nadakhan?" She stuttered, wrapping a blanket around her shoulders. "Is that you?"

"Yes." His voice answered, much more loudly. "I apologize if my presence has startled you. I came to speak with you."

Nya swallowed. Although matters with Nadakhan had ended on somewhat positive terms, she still felt uncertain about his return.

"What is it?" She asked quietly, not wanting to wake anyone passing by her room. Was anyone even able to hear him? The sorcerer's voice was practically booming through the walls.

"First, a message from your mother. She was unsure of how to approach you, since her soul is protecting yours, so she sent me instead."

Nya's heart fluttered at the mention of her mother. "Oh... what does she have to say?"

"She wanted to give you her congratulations, on the wedding and your upcoming coronation." Nya could hear the smile through his voice. "And I wanted to congratulate you as well."

Nya smiled, feeling warm. "Tell her I said thank you, and..." She hugged her body. "I love her and I miss her, and father too. Every day. Oh, and Kai... I'm sure he'd want to say the same too." She smiled towards the ceiling, unsure of where to look. "And thank you, Nadakhan."

"You are welcome. I... suppose this may seem... strange to you..." His voice trailed off, as if he was backing away from her.

"Nadakhan?" Nya stepped closer to the window, the light, hoping to hear him better. "Your visit?"

"Yes, and... what I am about to propose."

"...What?" Nya shook her head. "Nadakhan, we... we don't need anything else. Jay and I... we're happy, the way you left us and for evermore."

She could hear Nadakhan inhale sharply, and Nya's heart skipped a beat. Was he growing impatient with her? Was he going to... punish her?

"Nya..." Nadakhan began slowly. "Jay never made his final wish."

A terrible chill ran down Nya's spine, but the fire within her burned brighter than her fear. "Nadakhan, if this is some sort of trick-"

"It is not a trick." The sorcerer crept on. "I... it..."

"...What?"

"Nya, this may seem like the incorrect thing to say, but this is for my own interest..."

"Nadakhan..." Nya warned, pacing around the room. "Tell me, now."

"It is only way to lay my soul to rest. I cannot leave you and Jay be until I receive my final orders. Jay was my last master..."

Nya relaxed slightly. "Okay... but... what do you want him to wish for?"

"Whatever he'd like." Nya heard him swallow. "I... I cannot tell him what to choose."

"Give me a suggestion then, because it seems like you want something out of him."

"I really mean that. Nothing will change about my fate, no matter what he wishes for."
With those words, a series of images began to flash through Nya's head.

A warm scene unfolded before her, the king and queen, slightly older, playing with young children on the palace floor.

"He could wish for a happy, healthy family... Your children will continue your family's reign for generations... his parents will live longer, you and your husband will live longer, your servants, your brother..."

Nya stepped closer to the family, stunned. It all seemed so real.  She watched Jay tell a dark-haired girl, their daughter, a wild story, a story that seemed all too familiar.

"... and before you knew it, the young warrior's love transformed the serpent into a prince!"

The little girl was laughing, a laugh almost identical to her father's. "That really didn't happen, daddy."

Nya watched herself smile at Jay's story, bouncing a little boy on her lap.

Jay tapped his nose, deep in thought. "Perhaps, little one. You never know."

Nya, Queen Nya, rolled her eyes, although her cheeks were burning up. Nya winced. Do my cheeks really get that red when I blush?

She heard Nadakhan chuckle softly, and the scene faded away. Nya reached out like a child, wanting to see more.

"They will be there." Nadakhan reassured her. "But remember, they may not live as long as you may wish."

"Don't say that." Nya whispered, suddenly feeling sick. "You can't possibly know when we'd live or die."

"Neither can you."

Another scene was shown before Nya could even react. Whipping around, she became stunned as an even happier scene took place.

The whole kingdom was practically glowing, with improved structures and gorgeous gardens everywhere. A large celebration was being held, with blue banners flying about. People were in the streets, cheering, singing, dancing...

The king and queen were among them, dancing and laughing with their family and everyone within the castle. The whole kingdom was beautiful, even the outskirts of Jamanakai, the poorest parts of Ignacia...

"He could wish for a utopia. Your kingdom, the greatest of all. No poverty, innovation everywhere, sickness is gone. A celebration every month, just like this. A faire every other week."

Nya hugged her body, "Nadakhan-"

Another scene flashed before her. "World peace! Your kingdom becomes peaceful, no wars between nations!" Another. "Wealth! Immeasurable wealth!" Another. "Everlasting love!"

Nya covered her ears, trying to block out Nadakhan's voice. Finally, when she could handle no more, she screamed;

"NADAKHAN!"

Silence. Absolute silence.

A moment later, her door was practically broken in. "Nya?" Jay's voice frantically called out her name. He gasped and rushed to her side, holding her. "Where is he? What did he do to you?"

Nya turned around and faced him, her eyes still wide in fear. "Jay?"

He hadn't slept. Dark circles surrounded his eyes, the brilliant blue now dull and almost lifeless. He was immeasurably angry, his face twisted in almost a blind hatred.
He looked terrifying.

"Jay... I'm alright." She traced her fingers along his cheek.

Her prince growled, darting his eyes about the room. "If he hurt you, I swear I'll-"

"Jay." Nya took his face with both hands. "Look at me. I'm okay."

"I..." Jay took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. I thought that if I had just kept it to myself, then you wouldn't get hurt."

"...What?" Nya sat up, holding Jay gently. "Kept what from me?"

By this time, the rest of the castle had flooded into her room. Kai dashed up to Nya, his hair dripping wet from the bath. "Nya! Christ, are you... are you okay?"

"It's Nadakhan." Jay spoke out. "I'm sorry everyone. I thought that if I didn't tell anyone, he would just grow tired of me and go away. I didn't want him to bring any more harm upon this house because of my foolish actions..."

"Nadakhan has returned?" Zane asked, kneeling beside the royals. Pixal soon followed, dabbing a wet cloth across both of their heads.

"Thank you, Pixal." Jay mumbled. "Yes, but I thought he was only appearing to me. You saw him too, right Nya?"

Nya nodded. "I heard him. He was telling me about my mother, and then he told me you had one last wish."

"My final wish." Jay shook his head. "I can't do it anymore. I know he won't leave me alone until I do it, but I can't do this again. I don't want to hurt anyone again!" He burst into tears, holding his head in his hands. "I can't make another mistake! I can't!"

"Jay..." Nya held him close, stroking his back. "Jay, please, listen to me... Everything is going to be alright. I promise."

Jay nodded, sniffling into her shoulder. His arms were wrapped around her waist.

"Oh, love..." Nya held him tightly, feeling his heart pound. "I'm so sorry. This was why you couldn't sleep..." She concluded softly.

He nodded once more, sniffling. "I'm sorry. I should have told you. I should have told everyone."

"You only wanted to protect us." Nya sat him up straight and wiped his tears away. "That is the bravest thing anyone could do for someone else, let alone his entire kingdom."

"What am I going to do?" Jay bit his lip. "I've been so hopeless. I can't think."

"There must be something." Cole piped up. "Like... an extra beautiful wedding! A massive one, where everyone attends!"

"Thank you, Cole." Jay sighed. "But I think we'll already have that covered. You sent out the invitations, remember?"

"Oh yeah, I gave them to the entire kingdom." Cole nodded, embarrassed. "Forgot, sorry."

"Well, what about a long life?" Kai shrugged. "Or like, your family lives a long life?"

"Nadakhan showed me that outcome." Nya started. "He didn't exactly show me the far future though..."

"I'm sure he'd find a way to twist that around." Jay chewed on his lip. "He'd probably turn us into the undead to make us immortal."

"Perhaps something small?" Wu suggested. "For instance, a pot of tea, or something to eat? Something disposable, in case the object becomes cursed."

"I feel like he'd find a way to turn someone into that object." Jay sighed. "I'm sure I'll think of something, everyone." He suddenly slapped a hand to his forehead. "Damn it!"

"What?" Nya asked, helping him up.

"Our wedding is tonight, Nya! We weren't supposed to see each other until the ceremonies..." Jay sighed and shrugged. "It was for the best though."

Nya nodded and squeezed his hand. "Royal tradition can wait. I'm just glad you're safe."

The Lady Misako, Pixal following close behind, approached Nya. "This was perfect timing. I believe we should get you in your first dress for the evening."

"My... first dress?" Nya blinked. She could hear Kai stifling his laughter in the background.

"Of course. Your first dress is for the ride to the chapel, then your dress for the wedding, your dress for the reception and ball, and of course, your nightgown."

"My... nightgown?" Nya glanced around the room, confused. Kai, Cole, and Ronin doubled over in fits of laughter. Jay's face was burning red.

"Erm- I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that out loud." Misako shook her hands, shooting the boys a pointed glare. Nya still glanced about in confusion.

"Ah... For the honeymoon." Pixal whispered in Nya's ear. Nya's face grew hot.

"Oh... oh..." Nya smiled nervously, trying to hide her face behind her hair. "Well, I, um, I suppose we should... get me.. dressed..."

"Hey 'Sako, can you make me a nightgown too?" Ronin smirked. "A real frilly one?"

Misako promptly launched one of her heels at Ronin.
-
Nya took a deep breath as her head was sprinkled with water. The chapel was small and silent, with only the royal family and the household attending the christening.

She glanced at Jay from the corner of her eye, watching him wince at the cold water. His curls were smoothed down, and, despite his lack of sleep, he looked much sharper than he did earlier in the morning. He was dressed in a white suit, a royal blue cape almost as long as her veil clasped to his shoulders.

"You look like an angel." She whispered to him, smiling.

"You look..." He gazed at her fully with soft eyes. "Oh Nya, you look beautiful..."

Nya blushed, looking down at her first dress. A white gown, simple, lacy. It was perfect, and a shame she would only wear it once.

The minister smacked Jay on the back of his head. "Eyes forward, child."

Jay rolled his eyes and shifted on his knees. Nya understood his pain, her knees aching from a hour of kneeling.

Finally, the first ceremony had passed, and still no sign of Nadakhan. Nya gathered her skirts and stepped into the carriage with Pixal and Misako. Half an hour down to the castle, half an hour to change, and then she and Jay would finally be married.

While changing into the extravagant wedding dress Misako had tailored for weeks, Nya couldn't help but stare at herself in the mirror.

"So much has changed." She breathed in awe, allowing Pixal to touch up her makeup and place more flowers in her hair. Misako pinned the massive veil onto Nya's hair, topping it off with a small tiara.

"You look beautiful." Pixal kissed her cheek lightly. "How I will miss the first day we met."

"Pixal." Nya giggled. "Wasn't that an awful time?"

"Yes, I suppose." The maid smiled, clasping a string of pearls around Nya's neck. "But that day will forever live on in my memories. I cannot thank you enough for coming into our lives."

Misako faced Nya now, hugging her tightly. "My child."

Nya hugged her back, about to cry. "Lady Misako... I can't believe this is really happening." She breathed shakily, pulling away and dabbing at her eyes, not wanting to ruin her makeup. Makeup. "I'm so happy... and yet I'm so scared..."

"Your fear will pass." Misako smiled sadly. "I remember when I married my husband, the Lord Garmadon. I was terrified, and yet, so excited for what the future would hold."

"Oh..." Nya had never asked about Misako's husband. She had only known him as Wu's brother. "Misako..."

"He died when Lloyd was a baby." Misako wiped a stray tear. "That is in the past, dear. I want you to be happy today. No more worries."

Nya nodded, turning once she head the distant bells from the chapel. People had flooded inside the great hall. Pixal and Misako helped her carry the veil, following her to the entrance.

A little blonde girl was carrying a basket of rose petals, standing next to Lloyd, the ring bearer,  proudly. Lloyd beamed as Nya approached them, nudging the little girl. "Rumi, look! It's the princess!"

"She's a queen." The girl corrected him.

"Eh, technically I'm... neither?" Nya grinned awkwardly, trying to keep the peace between the two children. She knelt to the floor as Lloyd hugged her tightly.

"You look so pretty, Nya!" He whispered, grinning. "This is Harumi, by the way." He pointed to the flower girl.

"Hello." She bowed before Nya. "Um, you can call me Rumi." Harumi smiled shyly, glancing to the floor. "I hope I don't mess up... my parents wanted me to help out..."

"You're going to do an amazing job, Rumi." Nya smiled. She placed one of the white roses from her hair into her basket. "But just in case, here's one for luck."

Harumi smiled proudly, tossing petals down the aisle as the organ began to play.

Nya was led into a rowboat, pushed towards Jay on a small marble island. Kai joined her side, Ronin rowing her along.

"Mom and dad would have loved this." Kai spoke softly, patting her arm. "Nya, I never really got a chance to tell you..."

"Tell me what?"

"Nya, I'm so..." He swallowed, hiding his tears. "I'm so proud of you. You're going to do amazing things." He hugged her tightly. "Just don't forget about me, alright?" He laughed, kissing her on the forehead.

Nya held back tears, holding her brother tightly. "None of this would have happened without your help, you know. I love you, Kai. Of course I'll never forget you."

"Good. I think it's time to get off. Your prince is calling." He smirked and escorted her off.

Jay was beaming at her, tears nearly spilling out of his eyes. Nya's heart fluttered, all of her worries slipping away.

The ceremony was quick and coming to a close. After Jay's half-joyful, half-tearful "I do", the minister turned towards Nya. "Lady Nya of Ignacia, do you take the crowned king, Jay of the House of Gordon-"

"Walker." Jay and Nya corrected him at the same time. They giggled at this before composing themselves.

The minister rolled his eyes. "Jay of the House of Walker, to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and-"

A thunderous crash interrupted the ceremony, orange smoke pouring throughout the hall.

Nadakhan floated in, smiling. "I am sorry. I didn't mean to... interrupt."

Everyone except Jay and Nya began to fall into a deep sleep. Nya awoke her mother's power, a white katana blazing in her grip. Jay's hands laced with electricity, his eyes glowing white.

"Now, now." Nadakhan raised his hands. "Your highness, you know I only have one request."

"I don't want to wish anything else." Jay growled.

Nya swayed, suddenly feeling herself grow tired. He's going to leave Jay alone! She gasped, struggling to stay awake under Nadakhan's spell.

"Don't be foolish." Nadakhan snarled. "I would hate for something to happen to your bride."

"I thought you were on our side!" Jay cried out.

"And I thought the same." The sorcerer moved closer to Jay. "Wish for something, anything!"

"I don't trust you!"

"Fine! Then wish it all away!"

Jay's mouth hung open. "I knew it! That's how you trap your enemies, isn't it? Trick them, twist their wishes around, torture them, then once they can't bear it, you make them wish it all away!"

"Jay..." Nya stumbled towards him, trying to stay awake. "Don't..."

Jay rushed to her side, holding her up. "I won't let you take her from me! All of them!"

"Well then, perhaps I should break some rules and do it myself." Nadakhan snarled, raising all  four of his hands.

"Nadakhan, no!" Jay cried out, clutching onto Nya.

Nya growled under her breath. "I wish he would just... leave us alone..." Her voice faded as she fell under the spell.

Jay's eyes widened. He stood, pointing to the sorcerer. "Nadakhan, I wish you would Rest In Peace!"

Nadakhan's entire body shook, as if a great force had taken over him. He blinked for a moment, closing his eyes. And, drawing in a sharp breath, he whispered;

"Thank god..."

Without another word, the spirit disappeared completely. No explosions of light, no dramatics...

Only a peaceful departure.

Nya rubbed at her eyes with a yawn, watching everyone awaken. In the mere minutes she was under the spell, she felt as if she had slept for years. "What... happened?"

Jay held her close. "You gave me an idea. Thank you."

"He's gone?" Nya smiled softly, stroking his cheek.

"Yes." A tear rolled down Jay's cheek. "And the future is filled with endless possibilities."

"We don't need a stupid wish to help us out." Nya concluded, kissing him.

The minister cleared his throat. "Lady Nya, I am sure that can wait until you-"

"I do, I do, alright?" Nya rolled her eyes, running her fingers through Jay's hair. "I've been through hell and back, just to meet, fall in love with, and marry my soulmate. I think I'm ready to kiss him."

"Oh, well then." The minister huffed. "I now pronounce you husband and wife, king and queen of this country, and all along with it. Since you want to speed through it so badly."

"Sorry." Nya smiled sheepishly as the crowd chuckled. The minister joined in as well.

"Your highness, you may now-"

"Yeah, you really don't have to tell me twice." Jay tenderly cupped Nya's face before pulling her in for a kiss, the most powerful kiss a pair of lovers had shared in centuries.
-
In a shining castle, a queen and her king lived happily with their family, people they had cried with, fought with, feared. But ultimately, love had prevailed between them all. Powerful magic of all kinds protected their bond, securing their peaceful kingdom. All broken parts of the kingdom were secure. Celebrations were held frequently, and singing and dancing in the streets was not uncommon.

The queen and king had two happy children, children that loved to play, explore, and occasionally get into mischief with their uncle Ronin. Above all, they loved to invent with their mother and listen to their father's stories, especially his best tale, the tale of the snake prince and the warrior that saved him.

The royal children were not the only ones who loved the tale; the inhabitants of the castle all gathered around to hear the incredible story, sometimes with a little more embellishment than usual, and sometimes with a little less. Soon, people from all across the kingdom wanted to hear the tale. Most believed it to be true. Some still believed it was just a story. Yet, so many people loved it that it was passed on for generations. Multiple plays and books were written about the beloved tale, all adaptations a little different from the rest.

The children had not inherited any of their parents' magical powers, and the queen and king both believed it to be for the best. After all, the most powerful magic kept their family secure and strong, and had once saved them all from an awful fate.

For the most powerful magic of all is love, love in all forms and truer than any tale as old as time.

The End.