A/N: And here it is! The finale of Black Squall. Enjoy Sasha's new Trial everyone! By the way, I did some research on the Destiny Bounty's design. And as you can probably guess, it doesn't make much sense as a ship with just one sail, especially if it's going to accommodate as a living quarters for more than two people. The scale of the ship changes when they go in and out of it from episode to episode and it's really confusing. I don't know. Maybe it's magic. So in my series, the Bounty's about the size of a brig or a merchant ship of old. Think the Black Pearl from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Because, screw it! That's what I'm doing.

Chapter 12

"NO!" My shout is coupled with the roar of thunder and lightning as I race for the deck door. I grab the handle and pull, but it doesn't budge. There's no lock on the outside, so I know something's off. Is the wind just that powerful, or…

"It has the makings of a storm…"

What? I cut my attention to Nya. She touches Jay's arm. "Wind, thunder, and lightning… But now we're on the water. This is a black squall. I can hear the howling of the wind."

"But something's wrong," Jay says. "Our elements are being down-played. Water is the dominant force of nature out there."

"Then…is it really right for us to interfere?" Zane asks quietly.

"Oh c'mon, guys!" Kai snaps. "Since when have we ever just sat quietly on the sidelines twiddling our thumbs when one of our own is in danger?!"

"But Kai, remember what Sensei Wu said—"

"Of course, Nya," I intervene, pulling my hood over my head. "But Kai's right regardless. Sasha's one of us now. She may have said that this is her "Trial" or whatnot. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be facing whatever's out there with her and lending our support." I focus on the element quaking within me, that raw power that I'd inherited from the mighty Atlas himself. "Now everybody stand back! This door's coming down!"

Summoning forth my True Potential, I pull back my fist and slam it into the door. The wood splinters sharply as the entire thing flies off its hinges and into the black storm raging outside. Needles of rain and screaming wind slam into me, but I barrel forth regardless. Nothing will stop me. This feeling inside…does nothing but flourish.

*~Elements~*

(Sasha, the mainsail's struggling! You have to pull harder!)

I'm trying! I grit my teeth and pull the rope with all my might, but the goddamn wind fights me for dominance. My feet slide precariously upon the slippery deck, disrupting my footing. The wind pulls harder. "No. No!" Panic and anger strikes me as the rope slips out my hands! But then there's another—a black-gloved hand extending from a black-clothed arm grabs the rope before it can be swept aside by the wind.

I can't hold back my surprise. "Cole?!" Behind a pitch-black hood, emerald-green eyes flash in the beam of a lightning strike.

"Don't worry, Sasha! We got this! You get up to the helm and keep the Bounty steady!" He has to yell to make sure his voice is heard over the deafening elements. His gaze cuts to behind me. "Jay! With me! Kai! Zane! Secure the foremast!"

Streaks of red and white zip passed me, leaving me in a whirlwind of bemusement. Aren't I supposed to be alone? Isn't it my responsibility to protect them?

(Protect them, yes. Alone, no. You wanted answers about your family, did you not? Well they can be found within this black squall.)

Answers? I look around, to the dark waters swelling with the chaotic timbres of the tides. Can answers really be found in this cacophonic slew of water, wind, and lightning? Of death? Someone grabs my hand, rousing me from my tumultuous thoughts. I turn to see Nya's wide, soft chocolate eyes. Though her mask covers the lower half of her face, I can easily discern the anxiousness of her gaze as she looks up at me.

"Sasha! Are you alright?!"

I need to focus. There's no time for doubt and hesitation. I nod. "Yeah! C'mon, I could use your help!"

Together, we rush towards the upper deck where the helm sits. I grab the handles and fight to bring the Bounty more towards the wind than against it. "Nya!" I point towards the whipping topsail. "Southeastern wind! Can you do it?! That would put less pressure on the sails!"

"Yeah! Leave it to me! Let's do it, Tempest!" Nya's body flares purple as she performs an elegant flashkick that sends a wide crescent of magenta energy towards the sails. Pillowing greatly from the force of the makeshift wind, the Bounty rights itself and surges forth at a blazing speed.

"Woooooo! Nice one, sweetheart!" I hear someone shout loudly. It had to be Jay. I steer the Bounty over a rising wave, struggling to see beyond the flurry of wind and rain. My heart steadily pounds in my chest. An hour or so ago, when I had left the deck with Nya to return to her room, I had taken her up on her offer to take a long soak in the tub instead of my preferred shower. And during it all, I had fallen asleep. And the dream that had transpired…was incredibly strange—stranger than the one I had last night. It was ambiguous and abstract. I could tell that I was underwater (again)…but I didn't quite feel like myself…

And…I thought I heard…Daddy's voice…

"Sasha! Look! On the rise!"

Returning abruptly to the present, I follow Nya's finger out into the abyss of clandestine darkness. Flickers of light are conceived through the timely growls of thunder and cracks of lightning, giving me a chance to possibly perceive what's on the dark waters' horizon. The tides swell like a bloated pimple on the verge of popping. And when it does… What in the ten seas…?

In the flickering white light, breaking apart the swells is a long, gargantuan curve. It shifts through the water with undeniable grace, before disappearing under the depths once again. My insides quiver. Not with fear, but with…astounding gratification. I can only describe the feeling as if seeing a long-lost lover in this distance. And he was coming back to me. My god… Is it really…?

(Our lord is here…and he is watching…)

Cries of indignation blasts through my ears, shocking the thrill right out of my system.

"Sasha!"

"Sasha, where's Nya?!"

"What the fuck?! Sasha?! What the hell happened?!"

Confused, I turn to the female in question…only for the thunder to boom and reveal her disappearance. What? Wasn't she right here beside me? "Nya?!" I call out, looking around. But it's like my fellow kunoichi and new friend had simply vanished. Which means…

At once, the men rush my position with Jay in the lead, his blue eyes wide with shock and fear. "Nya! Oh my god! Where is she!?"

The others check all over the upper deck and over the rails, while my mind reels. Did we hit something? But I didn't feel anything, and what was there to hit out here? But still, I feel wholeheartedly responsible. Even if only for a few seconds, because I had let my euphoria over seeing my lord for the first time divert my attention from my responsibility of keeping everyone safe, Nya had most likely been tossed overboard.

My anger at my negligence spikes my resolve and I turn sharply to the nearest ninja beside me. Which just so happen to be Zane. "Take the helm! Turn her around!" Before he can respond, I shout to get the others' attentions too. "Reign her in to half-sail! And brace for the impacts of waves! I'm going in after her!"

"What?! Sasha—"

"No questions, Cole! Just do it!"

I rush back down to the lower deck, knowing the others are on my heels. I begin pulling on the ropes to stunt the heeling of the ship and thus, lowering its speed. The others follow my lead, taking over. And before waiting for anything else, I go into a mad dash and dive off the starboard side and into the violent dark waters below. I can only hope and pray that Nya hadn't been knocked unconscious by her fall.

Submerged in my element once more and in pitch black, I quickly detach the Bo Staff of Waves from my back. Waves, can you locate Tempest?

(Yes. Just give me a moment…)

The staff suddenly emits a brilliant shine, creating a sufficient sphere of light around me. Not wasting any time, I start swimming up and forward. Adrenaline pumps heavily through my veins, setting my core ablaze with determination. The currents are strong as expected, but I feel no fear. Nya is my top priority. I must find her no matter what.

(I have her! Turn slightly to your right and press onward!)

I due as instructed, letting go of Waves so that I can swim more quickly. Past letting anything faze me at this point, I'm not surprised when the staff starts moving on its own beside me. I swim for what seems like an eternity, but soon catch a violet aura pulse and brighten in the distance.

Nya! I kick my legs harder. She's not moving, I notice right away—just drifting amidst the sea, only inching upwards at a snail's pace. The violet aura surrounding her unconscious form flickers desperately. Was Tempest trying to help her? I reach her, wrap an arm around her tightly, and make quickly for the surface. Our heads break through the swells just as another bolt splinters through the sky. The cold rain is a stark contrast from the warm depths. I blink rapidly and turn my head this way and that, trying to locate the Bounty.

My muscles tremble as I make an effort to keep Nya's head above water. Then, I see it! A dark structure braving the waves just yards away! Gritting my teeth, I try to get Nya in a better position as I push against the waves and make for the Bounty. I can just make out yelling—desperate yelling. But the words are drowned out by the raging storm overhead. My body is shaking uncontrollably by the time I reach the portside ladder.

"Sasha! Nya! Oh thank god!"

Jay and Kai are right above me, reaching out their hands from the railing's edge. Breathing heavily, I pull Nya with me up the ladder, letting the guys grab her first. Once the added weight of her body leaves me, I grip the ladder more securely and climb the rest of the way up. By the time I grasp the railing and hoist my body up, Nya is sitting up and coughing violently in her brother's arms. I smile despite my overwhelming fatigue. She's alright… She's alright…

I spot Cole right away, his green eyes bright against the darkness. I reach for him just as he reaches for me. But then, something happens. I feel something pull me from behind—something has the back of my loincloth. My eyes widen in shock as I start to fall backwards.

"Sasha!"

Thunder drowns out the rest as my body hits the water and I'm continually pulled deeper and deeper by my unseen assailant. In my shock, I had forgotten to take a breath, and my body instantly realizes this. My mouth opens behind my mask, causing seawater to fill it immediately. My chest tightens as it fills with water. I can see Waves—engulfed in aquamarine light, but she's too far away. Red cocoons my body as black creeps upon the edges of my vision.

Why…? What…did I do…wrong…?

My heartbeat… I can hear it thud relentlessly in my chest. All wrong. Shouldn't be this fast if I want to survive. But I know it's too late. Daddy's teachings can't save me now.

"Never give up! Trust your instincts, Sasha!"

D…Daddy…? His heavy Brazilian accent bounces off ever corner of my mind, creating a tireless echo.

"You're at home, ain't ya? What's so scary about being surrounded by home and friends?"

…Home and…friends…?

Something nudges my back just then. Something hard and insistent. My eyes snap open, and suddenly I can see everything clearly. The entire sea is alight with dazzling aquamarine! And with it…are its inhabitants.

"Friends…"

Yes…friends…

Schools of multi-colored fish, shimmering eels, majestic manta rays, and sharks…so many sharks. They are all here…and they are all helping me. To live. To breathe. To embrace.

I lift my hand. Waves. The staff appears in my hand in a flash and I grip it firmly. The nudging at my back is near incessant now, and I find myself smiling. Yeah… Thanks… I flip backwards and come in contact with a massive and painstakingly beautiful whale shark. The white spots along its gunmetal back glimmer like diamonds. I grab a hold of its dorsal fin with my other hand and let it bring me up towards the surface. Breaking the swells at a blinding speed, it leaps up and arcs over the Bounty. I stand up on its back in mid air and flip off, landing on my feet upon the Bounty's deck.

"Sasha!"

"Good lord! She keeps scaring me!"

"Anyone else think of Free Willy just now? Only with—y'know…a large, terrifying shark-thing?"

I hear the others, but I pay them no mind. My eyes narrow as I face the front, the sea is still alight. Thus, Lord Leviathan is still here. Just then, the biggest swell I've ever seen begins to rise from the ocean in the distance. Two brutal pairs of silvery-white horns appear first, followed by a long sleek head the size of a school bus. Exotic markings print his face and around his flaring eyes, pulsing the same brilliant aqua as the sea. Lord Leviathan continues to ascend until a good portion of his white neck is visible. And from it sprout two pairs of humongous fins that look like makeshift wings made of flowing silk on either side.

He suddenly throws his head back and opens his great maw, releasing a roar mighty enough to shatter the heavens themselves. The Bounty shakes from the resounding percussions and the others cover their ears. But I listen. It's not over. Sensing a new disturbance from the sea, I break my gaze from Lord Leviathan and turn my head to the left and right. Manifested on both sides were towering vortexes on the verge of a pincer attack on the Bounty.

I don't think so…

Spreading my arms wide and lifting my staff, I focus on my element and push my influence outward. I can feel the pull inside me as I summon my power. The ocean ripples, and slowly but surely does what I command. The tides behind the vortexes swell and swell until they match the heights of the vortexes. Tsunamis. I bring my arms down forcefully and the destructive waves obey, colliding with the vortexes to negate their effects before surging downwards underneath the Bounty.

My chest rises and falls with each of my labored breaths, but I stand my ground and glare fiercely into my lord's flaring depths. "What do you want?" I ask under my breath. "TELL ME WHAT IT IS YOU WANT!"

My lord's gaze is penetrating and unwavering. My soul feels like it's on fire! I want answers. Please. Just give me some answers. His spiked eye ridges slant, narrowing his glare even more.

"You, daughter of Miguel Graciano… You. And…your sister…"

Before I can question what he means, he throws back his head and releases another earth-shattering roar. In a bright aqua flash, the raging storm overhead quells and he disappears into a great starburst of gleaming rainwater that showers us all. The water's effects are undeniably exhilarating. I can feel my strength being renewed and my body rejuvenated. From all around my lord's voice booms.

"I have granted you all amplifications to your elemental powers. Use these gifts well…"

My gaze sweeps over the others around me as I can tell they feel it too. Their bodies glow brightly in their respected elemental colors and pulse in rhythmic heartbeats. I look up to see a waxing gibbous painted amongst silver stars in the blue-black sky. I sigh helplessly at the beautiful sight, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts. My lord…what do you mean…?

(I am sorry, Sasha. I suppose there is still much you have to experience before Lord Leviathan divulges the answers to your questions.)

I close my eyes. No. It's alright, Waves. I can wait…a little while longer. I open my eyes and regard the others. There is still that strange burning behind my eyes and I can still see everything with startling clarity. I peer at each of them one by one, and my lips pull into a heartfelt smile behind my mask.

Regardless if on the land or sea…I have friends and family. I may have just met this wonderfully diverse group of people a mere twenty-four hours ago, but my god. At this very moment…it feels like I've known them forever. And although I don't know what this means and what my future may hold because I have chosen this new and ambiguous path, I am now absolutely positive that I made the right choice to do so.

*~Elements~*

"Goodness…" I hear Zane whisper, which confirms that I'm not the only one seeing this. Sasha… At first, her eyes had just changed colors—into that striking aquamarine. But now, accompanying the flare of her eyes are all of these exotic, tribal-like markings extending beautifully from them of the same shade. Swooping patterns and dancing curves… The designs were mesmerizing. They make her look ethereal, untouchable, unattainable…

She's so beautiful… Like a glowing goddess of the ocean… Atlas, was I even worthy?

"Sasha!" Nya is the first to move, sprinting forward with all the agility of a cheetah—obviously rejuvenated from her brush with death. She jumps into Sasha's arms, but the taller female doesn't waver, only wraps her arms tight around Nya and slowly sink to the ground.

Sasha closes her eyes and presses her face into Nya's hair, the markings slowly ebbing away. "I'm so sorry, Nya," she whispers brokenly. "If I hadn't gotten distracted by Lord Leviathan—"

Nya pulls back abruptly to look at her. "Oh please! A life and death experience is nothing for a kunoichi! And besides, Ariel, I'm the one who pointed him out to you remember?"

Despite the mask, I can tell Sasha is smiling, her platinum irises twinkling with warmth. "Yeah, okay. I'll…I'll just do better from now on."

We all congregate around the two women as they climb back up to their feet. "So that was it, right? That was your "Trial", Kai asks, and Sasha affirms with a nod.

"Yes, I was to be tested by the God of Water…as will all the other Counter Elemental Masters." She looks down at Nya. "Waves says that you're gonna be next Nya."

"Yes, I know," Nya replies, bravely. "And I'll be ready."

Sasha's eyes become glassy again as she folds her arms under her ample breasts. "What is it, Sasha?" Zane asks. "Has Waves divulged anything else?"

The fog lifts and her gaze suddenly turns serious. "Where's Sensei Wu?"

I feel like Jay just touched me as shock funnels through my system. I glance around the Bounty's deck like everyone else, in search of our Clan Head and teacher. But he's nowhere to be found. He had missed Sasha's entire Trial.

Jay eyes us wryly. "You don't think he…slept through all that, right?"

"Surely not," Zane rebukes, folding his arms.

"Waves's being vague…again," Sasha says, resting a hand on her jutted hip. "She says that Sensei Wu knows something—something about a Prophecy."

"You mean about the Legendary Green Ninja?" Kai puts forth. "We already know about that."

And we still don't know who or where they are… I think with a frown. But Sasha shakes her head.

"No, not about a green ninja. It's a about a phoenix—the Phoenix of Prophecy."

Jay cocks his scarred eyebrow. "So a legend about a mythical…bird? What?"

"Like I said, vague as hell," Sasha sighs. "She only says to look to him for answers on the matter."

"Seems there's more than one thing he's keeping from us…" Kai grumbles sourly. "But before we go and confront him, I wanna know what the hell that sparkling rain was just now. Did Leviathan say that he amplified our powers? And also, was that your True Potential, Sasha? Summoning those two tsunamis?"

Sasha's brow furrows in confusion. "True Potential? I have no idea. I do feel stronger, but…" she trails off and then shrugs.

"Sasha has just joined us, Kai," Zane says, glancing over at our brother. "Thus, her journey of self-discovery is only beginning. If it was, however, then I am very much intrigued. It just goes to show though that there is much we have to discuss with Sensei."

Just then, a loud grumbling could be heard emitting from Jay's stomach, aptly breaking the tension. We all stare at him as he chuckles and scratches the back of his hooded head sheepishly. "Uhh—heh heh…isn't it about supper time?"

Zane removes his hood, his lips pulled into a smile at our younger brother. "Yes, I suppose I could prepare us something, as well as assess the damage done to our home."

"Chikushō! (Oh shit!)I forgot about that," Kai bemoans, but then smirks as he conjures up a blaze of fire in his palm easily. He starts heading for the interior. "Eh, whatever. I'm feelin' too damn good to care right now. True Potential, here I come…"

Zane turns to Sasha and bows politely. "Sasha, may I ask for a…raincheck for our culinary competition?" Jay and I both roll our eyes. Zane and his puns. Though he does come up with some clever ones from time to time. Sasha and Nya giggle regardless, though.

"Of course, Zane," Sasha says with mirth still twinkling in her eyes. "You and I will have our cook-off some other time…and soon. I don't want that tide grouper to go to waste."

Zane smiles then turns to leave also, touching my shoulder as he passes me. "Good luck, brother," he whispers. My heart immediately starts throbbing. I look over at Jay distractedly. For someone who had claimed to be hungry, he doesn't seem eager to leave the deck. Instead, his gaze moves skyward, that silent and contemplative demeanor taking over once more despite the absence of rainclouds. Nya sees this and goes over to him. "Jay? Are you alright?" She asks, resting her hand on his arm.

That seems to bring him back and he grins down at her. "Oh yeah! Never better, sweetheart! C'mon, let's go inside. Kinda cold out here, ain't it?" He wraps his arm around her waist and goes to lead her inside, grinning happily all the while. He bumps my hip as he passes me and leans close. "Try not to be too uncool, eh fratello?"

"Che palle! (What balls!) Get outta here!" I hiss back, which only makes him laugh.

"Oh, and we'll be sure to check up on your ducks, Sasha!" Nya hollers over her shoulder.

Once they leave, it's just me and Sasha left on the deck. The Bounty rocks gently in the calm waters and the winds continually caress us with its chilly gales. Sasha looks away from me as her hands go up to rub at her bare arms. In truth, she is kind of scantily dressed. But I don't have anything to give her to help ward off the cold.

Well, all except…

I remove my hood as I look at her, my eyes never straying from her voluptuous form. She peeks at me from her peripheral, confliction plainly seen in her eyes as a light dusting of pink touches her cheeks from the edges of her mask. I say nothing as I approach her and pull her into my arms, sharing my warmth with hers and sliding my hands up and down her back in a soothing manner.

I hear her moan breathily in my ear, her arms wrapping around me too. All is quiet between us as I relish the feel of her in my arms for a second time. I don't think I'll ever grow tired of this feeling—the warmth, the endearment…the love. I don't fight the blush that warms my face. Nor can I steady the mad thumping of my heart. I don't want to for one. And I don't need to for another.

"…Cole, I…uh…"

"I thought I had lost you when you fell," I begin softly. "And I had to be stopped yet again from jumping in after you…"

I feel her fingers press into my shoulders. "You…you did…?"

I unconsciously tighten my hold and nuzzle my face in her red, wet tresses. "Yeah… Only I fought harder this time. The desperation, the anguish had hit me so hard that I couldn't think. I didn't care about my own safety at all… I only thought about you." My next breath comes out brokenly. "Sasha…I—"

"Cole, stop. Stop." She leans back and looks at me desperately in the eyes. "This is too soon, you understand? We shouldn't be feeling this after just a single day. It's—"

"We…shouldn't be feeling this…?" Those translucent pools of soft rain widen considerably, and I use a finger to tug down her mask so that I can see the entirety of her blushing face. "…Sasha, I know this is fast, but…I don't want to fight it. I never once forgot about you. Even though I thought I'd never see you again…my mind always drifted back to you." Her slack-jawed expression is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Being able to make such a fiery, sassy, and beautiful young woman speechless and have her look at me with such fervent rapture fills me with blissful gratification. "I'm not the most articulate guy, but please, listen to me…" I stop to lick my lips and take a breath, and I see her eyes become half-mast as they follow the motion. "…Now that you're here with me—in my arms, I don't want to let you go…ever."

"Wha? Huh?" Her gaze immediately shoots up to mine and stills. I let my thumb trace over her lower lip, marveling at its plumpness and wondering how it would taste.

"I want to get to know you too. Inside and out…mind, body, and spirit. I really want this connection. I don't want this feeling to ever stop, just flourish." Somehow, I think I can hear her heartbeat. And it thumps just as relentlessly as mine. "…Sasha…I'm in love with you…as you are with me."

"Oh, Cole…but…"

"Are you afraid?" I whisper to her, staring into her conflicted irises. "Are you afraid of the feelings we have for each other?"

She stares at me silently for a time, her lips drifting shut and her eyes becoming half-lidded once more. "I…I should be…" Lovely platinums shift upward to stare fearlessly into my eyes. "…I should be…but I'm not… Life's all about taking risks, right?"

I light my forehead against hers. "Yeah, but is this truly a risk…?"

Those beautiful lips pull up into a sultry smile. "Hmm…let's find out…"

One of her hands move to the back of my head. And needing no other sign than that, I bridge the last few remaining inches and connect my lips with hers. My eyes drift shut immediately after the initial contact. She tastes better than I could've ever imagined—sweet and juicy like pineapples. She moans as I ravish her lips gluttonously, pulling me even closer by wrapping her arms around my neck. The passion I feel seems limitless. Her lips are so soft and so succulent, her scent intoxicating and undulating until it engulfs my entire being.

The kiss ends briefly only for another to start again a millisecond later. I cant my head at an angle this time, wanting to go deeper. Her breath hitches as I nibble gratuitously on her lip, and her mouth opens just enough for me to get my tongue inside. "Mmmm…" Was that her or me? I'm lost at this point. Sharing her breath ruptures my soul as I kiss her with everything I have. And she responds in kind. The wetness of our lips produce a sensuous and gratifying *smack* as the kiss ends a second time. The wind feels cool and refreshing on my overheated face. And just by looking at Sasha's dazed and happy expression, tells me that she's just as heated.

I cup her cheek and watch transfixed as she closes her eyes with a sigh. "…This…is only the beginning, Sasha…"

"Yes…" she replies breathlessly, "…just the beginning…"

A/N: And that's all she wrote. God, what a feeling! I thought I'd never get done with this! Thank you all again for being so continually patient and supportive. I really appreciate the encouragement and praise that you sent my way since I left the U.S. to start a new life overseas. I honestly have no idea how the future will pan out with the release of these books. But I want all of you to remember that I'll never stop. It may take time, but I'll never forsake this series come hell or high water! As always, I implore you all to leave your thoughts and tell me if you like this new rendition of Dance with the Earth. Oh and as for Sensei Wu's whereabouts, that will be revealed in the prologue of the next book: My Quiet World of White.

Thank you all again! VP over and out, baby!