Sorry about the delay everyone, but THIS IS IT! THE FINAL CHAPTER OF BEYOND THE FLAMES! Oh, I'm so happy and so sad that this will be the end of "Elements", but this final chapter will be a profound turning point that will segued nicely into "Trials and Tribulations". I cry happy tears seeing the 250+ reviews of positive feedback and I hope I can continue to please everyone in the future. Now, the lemon poll is down and I have tallied up the results from here and on DA, so the results are…A TIE! Wow, 40 people voted "yes" and 40 people voted "no". Geez, I need to find a way to break this stalemate…I GOT IT! I will accommodate both parties, the first set of short stories after "Elements" will NOT have lemons, BUT the next set of short stories after "Trials and Tribulations" will have lemons. So those of you who are looking to read lemons from me will have to wait a little while longer, okay? Furthermore, a little warning for this chapter there is CHARACTER DEATH!

Please read and enjoy!

Chapter 18

(Ebony's POV)

"Ane!"

I gently pull away from Kai as the others join us. Lloyd joyfully throws his arms around my middle and I return my sibling's embrace.

"Ane," Lloyd begins in a quiet muffled whisper, his face pressed firmly against my navel. "I tried to get out and help you, really I did. I even tried to use my powers, but nothing worked…I…I…"

"Shhhhh, it's over now otōto and everything's okay," I soothe and pull back to gently wipe away the beginnings of tears that had begun to form in the corners of his eyes with my thumb.

He releases me and looks up with a small smile and gives a firm nod.

You're becoming so strong, Lloyd…

"My precious student!"

Unexpectedly, I'm swept up in the arms of none other than the azure ninja's.

"It's alright; Sensei Jay is here, so you'll never have to be put through something so morbid again!"

My arms are completely limb at my side as Jay hugs me tightly while petting my hair. My voice is locked since the lower half of my face is obstructed by his shoulder, but I manage to look confusedly over it to see Kai's shocked features. Nya stands beside her brother and wipes a few loose tears away with a relieved grin.

"That's all this guy's been hollering throughout your entire Trial," Cole states from my left. "Even when you didn't get hit it was always: "Watch out my precious student!" "Get out of the way my precious student!" "Nice hit my precious student!" It was beyond maddening having to listen to him shout whenever you moved."

I close my eyes momentarily and release an internal sigh. Oh Jay thanks for caring…you ignoramuses, I thought fondly as I bring up my arms a bit hesitantly to pat my "Sensei" on the back in a comforting manner.

He gives my body one final squeeze then liberates me from his hold. He grins cheekily and reaches up to ruffle my hair teasingly.

He knows I detest that action, but just this once…I'll let him get away with it.

"It was indeed unnerving having to observe your Trial from afar," Zane says as well and I turn to see him standing beside Cole. "To watch a comrade and friend in need and not being able to do anything to aid them it's…it's an experience I wish would stop occurring."

His compassionate expression warms my heart and I give a smile to him then respond.

"I'm the last kunoichi of the Counter-brink Elements, Zane. So, I'm sure that this is the end of it. Also…thank you…not only for your support tonight, but for your intervention in guiding me away from the path of destruction."

His hazel eyes widen in reaction to my gratitude followed by a subtle smile. Ayane and Sasha soon flank me and lay their hands on my shoulder.

"But, is it truly over?" Ayane questions from my right.

"Oh it better be," Kai growls and suddenly turns to look up at the God of Darkness who has been eerily silent during our reunion.

"I swear if you weren't a God I'd come up there and rip that stupid ring right from your nose!" Kai shouts up angrily at the powerful deity.

My attention immediately drifts to Lord Diablos' calm visage as he looks down at us from his throne in absolute boredom.

He lifts an eye ridge at Kai's threat whilst his third eye blinks lazily and retorts back in a taunting manner.

"Yes, I'm shaking in my hooves up here you little firecracker. Now if this tearful reunion is quite finished I have something to say to my very first Advocate. Come forth Cereza, Princess of Darkness."

My sisters' hands fall from my shoulders as I make my way to the front of my gathered friends and family. I peer up into the menacing acid gaze of my God, awaiting his words.

"It fills me with deep…melancholy to have to have waited countless centuries for a worthy Master of Darkness, but now that you are here I intend to utilize you for the present, the future and the many years to come for there is much to be done to guarantee the security of the remaining Realms not just Ninjago. Now is the time to bestow upon you your Ascension, receive these additional powers of the Abyss, so that the Prophecy of Phoenix may be successful."

"My Lord, I'm sorry, but the Prophecy of Phoenix is not my concern," I voice steadily, however Lord Diablos' eyes narrow somewhat and he counters with sternness.

"Well I suggest you make it your concern."

Andwith an echoing snap of his clawed fingers, my body is lifted off the ground. Spectral shadows engulf my form and my eyes close of their own accord. The intense pressure emitting from my retinas is incredibly painful, but from that pain I am imbued with magnificent dark power. I feel the soft pull of gravity as I am lowered and below Noctis stands proudly, I sit comfortably on his saddle and open my eyes.

"Wait, what is this?!" Kai says in alarm, but for some reason or other I cannot move my head to face him only stare blankly ahead. From the staggering precision of my new vision, the others come within my line of sight, their expressions…fearful and concerned.

"The markings of the Ascension are supposed to be the color of the Chosen One's corresponding Element. So then, why are Ebony's markings…red?" Sasha inquires nervously, her storm grey eyes fretful of my current state.

"What follows war, but ruin as what follows death but despair…battles overshadow this Realm of Ninjago. Is there a way to change one's fate or will crimson tides and viscera soak the earth? We shall see, won't we…sister of Grimfeld. Oh yes, and I have not forgotten about you Ninja. I shall bestow upon you all upgrades to your armor…receive it now and be gone from my sight."

All of the Ninja including Lloyd are suddenly levitated in the air then cloaked in spheres of nothingness.

Lord Diablos' diabolical laughter resounds through the atmosphere and everything fades to black.

Within moments, my vision clears once more and all of us are gathered on the bluffs overlooking the great chasms of Willow's Gorge, the coliseum is gone.

The mark of Thanatos is upon thee…the Wayward Soul will be watching…what balances "Death" and "Destruction"? By any means necessary ensure Ninjago does not fall to ruin…and despair.

The last of Lord Diablos' words enter my mind and conquers my soul as the throbbing from my eyes recedes, leaving me to feel exhausted and fatigued.

"Oh man, thank Thor we are out of that hellhole," I hear Jay groan and my sisters and I focus on the men as they climb to their feet.

Impressive…

While they still adorned their respected elemental colors and armor plating the stylish addition of black gave their attire a polished finish and Cole's suit held dark shades of silver to match the armor aligning his shoulders.

"Whoa guys check us out!" Kai exclaims excitedly and each ninja in turn looks down at their new attire.

"I finally received a blessing!" Lloyd shouts while jumping up and down with joy.

My kunoichi sisters remain silent at my side simply looking at the Ninja, the barrier of their masks makes their expressions unreadable, but I have my suspicions from their stoic eyes. The guys soon realize this and fall silent; the tension between my sisters and their partners is palpable, expediting to uncomfortable levels.

All is still not forgiven…the wounds of distrust are still fresh, but I am confident that they will heal with time. My eyes lock with Kai's and I can tell from the lights of them that he is unsure of what to do.

I decide to break the silence.

"The Trials are over, but what awaits us now?" I ask from atop of Noctis. The air remains still and quiet as a new day emerges from the horizon.

I'm so tired…

Lloyd turns distractingly from the split congregation and points to the west.

"I think we're about to find out, ane. Look, the Bounty!"

As one we all cast our gaze in the direction Lloyd is pointing and see an incredibly long snake fortress parked right beside our home.

Uncle!

"SENSEI WU!" Everyone else cries out worriedly.

I rear Noctis and steer him towards the Bounty in a steady gallop, grabbing my otōto's hand when he reaches for me. I swing him to sit behind me then urge my mighty equine to pick up speed down the rocky slopes.

I know the others are on my six aboard their Guardians and Spinjitzu Vehicles, following me as we race towards our home. As we near, Pythor leaves the ship's cabin with the final Silver Fang Blade in his clutches, slithering quickly to board the serpent fortress. The engines roar to life and the trails of tires burn rubber as the fortress shoots out across the desert road, heading in the direction of…Ouroboros.

Kuso!

Noctis comes to a halt beside our vessel and I look over my shoulder to address Lloyd.

"Go inside and find out what has happened to our uncle!" I order tersely and Lloyd jumps off the saddle and sprints up the ramp of the Bounty. Kai's Blade Cycle stops beside me and I soon hear Jay's voice call over the PMS speaker.

"Did you guys see that!?" He shouts with disbelief, "Pythor has the fang blade! What the hell are we waiting around here for!?"

"We have to make sure Sensei Wu is alright first!" Cole's voice crackles over the line, his Tread Assault parked beside Zane's Snowmobile.

"Then you guys can wait for Lloyd, the rest of us will pursue the Serpentine!" Sasha shouts from the air on the seat of Nagendra. Nya flanks her on the left with her Guardian, Valefor and the massive celestial wolf, Shiranui brushes Noctis' right side, letting me know that Ayane is alongside me.

"Wait! Sasha!"

"Let's go ladies!" Sasha commands, ignoring the vexed call of Cole. Nagendra gives a fearsome roar and powers after the disappearing tail of the serpentine fortress with Valefor a wingspan behind her.

"Ebony, let's ride!" Ayane yells and speeds off with Shiranui kicking up dirt and groves of assorted flowers in his wake.

I turn back to glance at Kai and know he's about to say something despite his face being covered by his hood, however I don't give him the chance.

"Catch up later." With that I take off after my sisters, my fatigue pushed to the recesses of my psyche. After all, there ain't no rest for the wicked.

Clouds of white miasma disperse all around me as Noctis gallops at top speed after the enemy fortress. After a while, we manage to make it within the range of the train. Ayane steers Shiranui to the right of the immense serpent tail to evade the whipping motion of its attack.

Noctis snorts in belligerence as his stride elongates, easily evading the crack of the tail whip and runs along the left of the caboose. A turret abruptly emerges from the top-hatch manned by a Fangpyre. He swivels his gun in my direction…

"ARRRGGGHHH!"

A royal purple slice of wind cuts through the turret and the serpentine. The force of the gale sends his corpse through the air to an unknown destination.

"Thanks Nya," I speak into my PMS, making sure to press the speaker button.

"Not a problem."

"We need to find a way to get on board!" Sasha speculates, "If not all of us, then some of us!"

"Um, girls…we may be in a sticky situation!"

Ayane's voice calls urgently as a few cars down, ramps lower and snake motorcycles race down and towards me.

Sigh…perfect…

The roar of an engine sounds at the back of me, soon after fire in the shape of a lion's head blazes forth and smacks one of the snake vehicles head-on causing it to topple and explode in a fiery blaze. The other enemy feels the effects of the violent aftermath of his comrade, but manages to recover and speeds towards me.

A gather my dark power and prepare to hurl it at my assailant when Kai's Blade Cycle rushes pass. He unsheathes a steel katana from one of the slots of his Spinjitzu Vehicle and engages the Constrictai as the black serpent readies his own blade.

"Ebony, save your energy!" Kai yells over the line as his weapon clashes with that of the Constrictai's. "When the ramp lowers again take the chance to get inside! I'll join you as soon as I can!"

"Alright! Ayane, did you hear that!"

"Yeah, let's do it to it!" My Sister of Light shouts excitedly.

"I shall clear the path for you, Ayane!"

Through the windows of the car I'm near I can see Ayane on the other side. Zane's frost freezes the incoming Serpentine motorcyclists that were just released on their side. Ayane then fires two shots of light in rapid succession that shatters their figures into gleaming ice shards.

"Pick up the pace, Sharanui! Let's get in before the ramp closes!"

Ayane then leaves my line of sight as she disappears further ahead.

I return my focus to the front to see Kai plunge his sword through the chest of the Contrictai. He then removes the blade swiftly as the fallen snake slouches over his dashboard and his cycle loses control. The bike somersaults and flies directly towards me.

Shit! I can't steer Noctis out of the way in time!

A devastating blast of lightning strikes the battered cycle and its dead rider, splintering the contraption until it erupts into smoke and flames. I shield my face with my forearm as Noctis runs through the lingering smog.

"YEE-HAW! I GOT MAD SKILLZ WITH A "Z"! EBONY, HIT THE TAUNT BUTTON!" Jay's voice blares over the speaker of my PMS and I look up to see his Storm Fighter barrel-rolling overhead, a dome of electricity encircling it.

"I'm not yelling "can't touch this", Jay," I retort with a roll of my eyes.

"Aww, you're no fun," he sulks in return.

Three turrets appear on the roofs of the cars all aimed at the Ninja of Lightning.

"Gah! Why can't anyone play fair!?" Jay roars in indignation and dodges a few shots fired his way. The fearsome roar of a dragon reverberates through the atmosphere and soon a tsunami spills forth from the mouth of Nagendra, causing sparks to fly from the guns and the protective glass to break from the brute force of the tide. The drowning Serpentine try to recover by regurgitating the water that filled their lungs, as the snakes continue to cough and vomit, the Tread Assault falls from the sky, but before it lands a golden light flashes and Cole appears with his Scythe of Quakes in hand poised for attack.

He lands on the roof of the car with a loud thump in front of the first recovering Serpentine and decapitates him before he could react.

"Everyone in the air get down here! We should be able to enter the fortress through the hatches on the roofs!"

A dark blue flash lights the sky revealing Jay and he dispatches the rest of the recovering Serpentine as soon as his feet touches the metal surface with swiftness and finesse. Sasha and Nya leap off their summons and land on the car in front of Cole behind Jay.

"Kai , Zane, follow Ebony and Ayane once their safely inside!"

"Right!"

"Affirmative!"

I narrow my eyes in concentration as the ramp ahead lowers once again, discharging more of its motorcycle "captives" to head towards Kai and me. Kai unsheathes a second sword and bursts of fire shoots from his cycle's tailpipes when he charges to engage them. Noctis gives another explosion of speed as we race after Kai en route for the lowered ramp. I draw one of my sais after Kai's swords collide with the deadly axes of the two enemies simultaneously. During their deadlock, I pass one of the reptiles and skewer his exposed back with my platinum weapon, puncturing his right lung.

I pull my weapon out and press on, knowing Kai can deal with the last one remaining with little difficulty. The ramp was beginning to close, so I get Noctis as close to it as I can and leap from his saddle. I tumble through the opening into the well lit car just as a beam of light sails over my head piercing a Venomari in the heart who was about to attack me.

I get to my feet with a quiet sigh of relief.

"Are you okay?" Ayane jogs to my side armed with her bow, her eyes alight with concern.

"Yes, thank you," I reply with a nod and direct my attention to the door connecting to the next car. "Let's continue to advance forward; the others will come sooner or later."

The sound of a door opening comes from behind and Ayane spins around with a light arrow cocked and ready, the low hum of power music to my ears. I draw my other sai and turn as well prepared to engage the enemy.

Kai holds up his hands in a surrendering fashion.

"Whoa, whoa, Ayane don't shoot. I don't want to know what gettin' blasted with holy light feels like."

"Yes, I gather you would explode into flames upon impact," Zane comments as he squeezes by Kai through the doorway.

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean!?" Kai counters with a raised eyebrow.

I instantly relax my posture, but keep my weapons drawn. Ayane slowly lowers her bow and dispels her arrow. She turns her head away as Zane approaches us, his hazel eyes focused on Ayane.

The white ninja stops in front of her.

"Thanks…for earlier," my golden-haired sister whispers to Zane. Her eyes are downcast, refusing to meet his.

"You do not need to thank me for something I promised to forever do for you," is Zane's smooth reply and he gently places his gloved fingers under Ayane's chin, subsequently guiding her head to face him. My sister's mismatched irises were misted over as if she was spellbound by Zane's words and touch, but suddenly the mist lifts and her eyes harden to fine cuts of diamond. She steps away from the Ninja of Ice and straightens her posture though the same diamonds are filled with melancholy.

"I won't forgive you in just three days, Zane…not for what you did…"

She turns completely away from him and begins to walk towards the door to the next car. I can tell Zane is hurt by Ayane's words, his hazel eyes dimming in pain and regret. I know all the Ninja are trying to redeem themselves, so that their partners' eyes will shine in their favor once more only…how far are they willing to go to achieve this? It seems like absolution will not come under normal circumstances, they will have to go through greater lengths than mere apologies.

I turn to follow the Kunoichi of Light when Kai comes up beside Zane to place a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Then I will wait…for as long as it takes."

Zane calls quietly after her and Ayane hesitates before opening the door. Her hand remains gripped on the handle of the entry as she leans against the right wall and I copy her movements, leaning against the left with my sais seized firmly in my grasp. Kai joins me and Zane stands next to Ayane. Even though I hear no movement coming from beyond the door, I display three fingers to Ayane to signal she open the access on three.

One…

Two…

Three…!

Once the door opens, Kai follows me in our weapons held at the ready. My eyes scan the car carefully, scouting for the Serpentine…empty.

"Well, that's surprising," Kai voices and walks ahead of me. "Hey Zane, contact the others to find out where they are."

"No need…" Zane retorts and points up at the escape hatch further along above us.

I stare at the hatch with scrutiny until suddenly the golden blade of a scythe pierces through.

"Fine, you goddamn hatch you don't have to open for me, see if I care."

Cole's voice grumbles through the roof and I hear Jay slightly snicker at his leader's expense. The blade starts to move in a can opener-like maneuver as it starts to cut the outline of the hatch.

"I'll make my own—aahh—freakin' opening and laugh it up, Jay just remember you and I spar tomorrow, so keep on…I want you to."

"Heh, do you have any idea how funny you look though? You remind me of that goofy-looking bird on "Rock-A-Doodle" when he was trying to get inside that trailer with a giant can opener. Why don't you sing while you—"

"Please be quiet, Jay," Nya's voice speaks softly, so I barely heard her, but regardless Jay quiets down instantly.

"Aha! I got it!" Cole's scythe completes its square-shaped journey and the lid is lifted for entry, letting cool morning air filter through.

"Wait Cole, maybe going inside isn't the best idea after all." Sasha's voice is clear as the barrier of the hatch is lifted, but the others and I remain where we're standing to listen to the overhead conversation. This wouldn't be the first time Sasha disputed Cole's schemes and it most definitely wouldn't be the last. Sometimes he would listen…and other times he would not, the team never really suffered from these altercations only the Brazilian strategist's methods were a bit more…complicated at times although very logical and feasible.

"I think our best bet is to continue advancing from up here, ponder it for a sec, and say we meet up with the others down below. How are we to fight effectively as a team if we're all confined in such a tight space?"

"There is no flaw in her logic," Zane states from behind me, "and we would not be forfeiting any time."

"…Like we are now…" Kai mumbles and I push his shoulder a bit, the action meaning "be patient". I hear him only sigh in response.

"…Yeah, I see your point…," Cole answers with little hesitation. "Alright, we'll continue advancing from up here. We aren't too far from the head of this thing and the others should be fine, but damn. Did I just do that stupid wibble-wobble dance with my scythe for nothing?!"

"It would seem so."

That's another thing I've taken into account about the Kunoichi of Water, during a mission she is cold and calculating. No taunting, no fancy maneuvering, just practicality…she acts and fights the way she needs to…no games unlike some of the others, mainly the guys. I would never admit this to anybody unless they asked me, but…when Sasha is on the battlefield I am…slightly fearful of her. I keep an ear-out for her voice just in case she shouts an order or observation; I don't want to receive that tap on the shoulder from her Bo staff and the pointed look that follows when you turn around. I've always translated that expression as "What were you doing? Were you not listening? Prepare for a reprimand later." I've never received "the tap" and I don't want to for according to Ayane and Nya the reprimands are long and daunting.

"Okay, well let's press on."

The transfer of movement above tells me they're about to leave, but I rush to the opening and call up to them. No one has spoken a word about Lloyd or my uncle…

"Cole, Sasha, wait!"

All four of them stand around the hatch opening and peer down at me.

"Good to see you Ebony, what of the others?" Sasha questions just as Kai, Zane, and Ayane join me. "Oh, never mind then."

"Cole, where is Lloyd? Where is my uncle?" I ask a bit hastily and the black ninja's eyes shift in uncertainty.

"Lloyd is still on the Bounty and he's going to meet us at Ouroboros to serve as back-up if we need it, but Sensei Wu was nowhere on board. I have no idea where he could be," he finishes with a shake of his head.

"Plus, Sensei doesn't have a PMS, so no shot there," Jay adds in as well.

"What…?" This doesn't make any sense. Why would uncle leave the Bounty unprotected and without securing the fang blade, a lapse in judgment perhaps? No not likely, then maybe…

"I…I can sense him…"

My head swivels to Zane and so does everyone else's. His eyes are closed and his brow is furrowed in concentration. "He was here…within the last few minutes he was in this very compartment. His lingering Chi is distorted as if something weighs heavily on his mind…a burden…"

Without waiting for the others, I quickly turn and exit the door to the next section.

"Ebony!"

I cease all movement when my eyes gaze upon the sight before me. Kai enters shortly followed by the others. A gasp of shock leaves Ayane's mouth.

"What…what are these…?" She asks breathlessly, but I do not answer only stare transfixed at the corpses of three female Serpentine. Their helmets shattered and their throat sacs punctured, the grotesque sight of their dark green blood splattered against the windows.

"These are…well were female Serpentine warriors, Ayane," Zane responds while Kai and I venture forward, stepping over the first yellow and white female, her jaws agape and her eyes wide in alarm, her expression forever in suspended animation. "Did you not encounter any during your missions with the other kunoichi?"

"N-No we only saw the regular male grunt soldiers. I knew of their existence because of what you all told me during the conflict two months ago, but…this is the very first time I've seen one for myself."

Kai kneels down beside a royal blue one and lightly touches her right arm.

"They're still relatively warm. They've only been dead for about ten minutes or so," he observes and rises back to his feet, his sight fixed on the next door onward. "Sensei Wu must've taken them out and left."

Uncle, what's going through your mind right now…?

"C'mon let's go!" Kai takes off and the rest of us chase after him, filing into the next car.

"Well, well, look who has come to crash the party."

There standing only a few meters away wielding a pair of cruel scimitars…was the two-headed snake general who led the attack on my orphanage and also the one who gave Kai his scar.

"Fangtom…" Kai growls deeply and rotates his Dragon Sword of Fire with readiness. "I've been looking for your sweet and sour chicken-ass!"

The jagged scar along the side of his left head stretches when he smiles.

My mark of retaliation…

"The Day of Reckoning is at hand, soon our God will return to devour all of mankind and Ninjago will be ruled by the almighty Serpentine!" Fangtom bellows triumphantly, crossing his blades over his heads.

"When fish ride bicycles!" Kai spat back and all of us turn to look at him, the room deathly silent.

"When fish ride bicycles?" Zane repeats in confusion and Ayane's irises are just plain astounded at the Ninja of Fire's comeback.

I release a heavy sigh and turn back to face Fangtom. "Kai…you're really bad at this."

"What?!"

"Perhaps you should confer with Cole on more suitable entrance and comeback verses?" Zane offers sincerely.

"Yeah," Ayane puts in, "how are we supposed to follow that?"

"Listen, there's nothing wrong with my lines, besides it was the only thing I could think of on the fly."

"Hmm, where have I heard that before?" Zane questions, his tone whimsical.

"Hn, you seem to think of many things "on the fly", I comment while lowering my stance and gripping my sais firmly. Fangtom hisses a warning as he gets into his own battle stance, the slits of his eyes savage and hungry for combat.

"Enough of your foolishness Ninja, I will not let any of you ruin our plans—"

The door behind the Serpentine general suddenly opens and the snake whirls around in surprise. A golden light blinds my vision accompanied by a rush of cold wind and I block out the light as best as I can while trying to squint through it.

"AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"

Fangtom voice screams in rage when the light finally ebbs…

The fearsome general had vanished and…

"Uncle!"

"Sensei Wu!"

Bathed in beautiful golden light and dressed in black and white robes bearing the Yin-Yang symbol on his chest proudly was my beloved uncle. He posture regal and straight, the straw hat atop his brow shadows his features somewhat, but I could still distinguish his wise onyx eyes and flowing white beard. His bamboo walking stick ever present…I'm so happy he is unharmed.

"Unc—"

I'm abruptly silenced when my uncle casually lifts his bamboo stick high into the air over the bolt link that connects his car to ours.

"No…"

His stick comes down with precision, dismantling the lock causing the cars to begin to part.

"Sensei, what are you doing?!" Kai explodes in disbelief as we all watch dumbstruck at what just occurred.

"Pythor is my concern young Ninja and Kunoichi not yours. To reach a sense of equilibrium your Chi must return to its original luster…seek that balance…"

The distance between us broadens. He turns away and heads inside the next compartment, one away from the head of the moving snake fortress. For some reason my body is frozen…no…I have to stop him!

"What the hell does he hope to accomplish alone?!" Cole's shout careens through the open door from above…so they're here too.

"This is turning into a habit with him! How do we get off this thing!?" Kai yells, looking down at the rapid pace of the dirt road.

"You don't!"

We turn around just in time to see General Skales disconnect our car from his, then point a massive cannon with a bayonet attached to the top of the mouth at us.

The dark green leader of the Hypnobrai cackles with malicious glee, "Sayonara pests!" He pulls the trigger and a missile that can only be a mini-nuke is launched at us.

"Uh-oh…" Zane whispers.

Shit…is this it?

"Princess Cereza!"

I turn back to the opening of the door to see Noctis and Shiranui trotting swiftly just beyond. I sheathe my sais and grab Kai's hand while Ayane takes Zane's. Time seems to slow as we leap from the trailer onto the saddle of Noctis. Kai grabs hold of my waist and Noctis' speed increases significantly, allowing us to gain some distance before the ear-splitting explosion. Debris and smoke is everywhere and I cough several times to rid my lungs of the harmful fumes. Tears stream down my face and my eyes burn painfully.

I can't see…

"Ebony!"

I continue to cough and use my hand to rub my eyes in a futile attempt to clear my vision, Kai takes over the leather reigns and soon my summon stops underneath me.

"Ebony, are you okay?!"

Kai's voice calls with urgency, but all I can do is gasp and cough violently as my chest tightens further, keeping the smoke in my lungs. I'm soon lifted from the saddle and placed upon the ground.

My head…it hurts…

"*cough cough* Ebony, *cough* are you alright?!"

"Kai, do not lay her flat on the ground, keep her upper body elevated!"

More rapid footsteps…

"What the hell was in that missile!? My eyes are killing me! Damn it, what happened to my precious student!?"

My breath was coming out short and raspy…

"She's going into shock! We have to do something!"

I could feel my mask being removed…then…nothing…

(Kai's POV)

Ebony gave one last strangled breath before her body stilled in my arms. Streaks of soot covered her face and dirtied her once peerless white hair.

I blink rapidly through the tears of my burning eyes and check her pulse with a cough…she had none. Her heart had completely stopped.

Smoke inhalation. The words struck my mind.

Whatever chemicals that missile contained mingled in with the smoke and contaminated it, making the after burn more harmful than it already was. I didn't inhale too much of it, but…Ebony…

"Don't you dare," I manage to gasp out tersely. She's not going to leave me, not after all this stupid shit we've had to go through…what she had to go through.

I gently lay her flat on her back.

Zane's eyes shone in ice blue as his infrared scanners roams the length of Ebony's body and Ayane kneels beside him in front of me. The others remain standing, encircling us on all sides to keep watch over the situation.

The white ninja's eyes return to their true shade and he leans forward to place the heel of his hand on Ebony's breastbone, exactly between her nipples. He then places his other hand on top of the first, palm down. He positions his body directly over his hands so that his arms are straight and rigid.

"Kai, I will need your assistance in performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Keep her airways open and breathe into her mouth when I tell you."

I remove my hood and quickly, but softly place my hand on Ebony's forehead and two fingers under her chin to tilt her head back.

Zane began chest compressions, the rhythm he uses reflects my own heartbeat, but how he knows this timing is beyond me.

"…Thirty, breathe!"

Keeping Ebony's airway open, I pinch her nose shut with two fingers of the hand that was resting on her forehead. I seal her mouth with my own and breathe out slowly, I feel my breath go smoothly into her body and fill her lungs. The slight rise of her chest is proof.

I take another breath and release it into her mouth, then pull away…

Nothing…

Zane resumes his treatment, his brow laced in focus and attentiveness. Ayane gives another small cough and places her hand on Ebony's arm.

This can't be happening…wake up dammit!

The desert air is stale and the temperature was beginning to rise. There has been nothing, but pain and dreadfulness for days now with embers of precious moments of love between Ebony and I. When will this nightmare end? When will we be allowed to rest in each other's arms and recuperate?

"…Thirty, breathe!"

I give my breath to her once more, releasing it gradually like before.

I don't know how much more I can take? Her life just keeps flickering before my eyes like a teasing blow of wind trying to extinguish a candle, but relents at the last second to allow it to keep burning.

Ebony's own breath mingles with mine as she stirs and returns to me.

I sit up, but keep my head down low.

No, I'll protect her…even if it's against her will.

"Oh, thank goodness irmã, you keep giving us frights," Sasha says from above me and Ebony sits up, coughing harshly into her hands while Ayane rubs her back.

"Sheesh, crisis avoided…death just keep nipping at your heels, huh, Ebony?"

My fists clench tightly at Jay's words, at their truth.

"Damn, I don't need any grey hairs at my age," Cole sighs. "But, at least you're okay."

"…What are you all doing?"

Ebony's speech is slightly choked, but her rich undertone is unaltered.

"Why did you all stay with me? My uncle is at the risk of losing his life!"

I remove my PMS from my belt and press the green button.

"Ebony, we're a team no matter what and it would prove counterproductive if we split up. Besides, we're going after Sensei now, right everyone?"

"Not everyone, Nya" I say and put the PMS to my ear once Lloyd's voice crackles over the line.

"Kai, is that you?"

"Yeah, where are you?"

"Yeah, sorry about that. I kinda forgot how to get the engine started to fly, so I'm a little behind, but I'm coming? Have you seen Sensei and where's that crazy snake-truck thing?"

"Don't worry, we're continuing to Oouroboros now, just swing by and pick up your sister, okay?"

I could feel everyone's eyes on me, especially Ebony's, but I don't give a damn.

"Huh, why? Is she hurt?"

"Yeah, she is—"

"Kai!"

"-so come get her."

I hang up on Lloyd before he has a chance to respond and turn to face Ebony's hard glare. It was her who called my name so viciously, but she says nothing as she gets to her feet and dusts herself off.

I stand as well.

"Noctis, let's—"

I grab her arm roughly and spin her around to face me.

"You're not going anywhere, Ebony. Stay here and wait for Lloyd to come get you." My tone is beyond aggressive, I won't tolerate things as they are now any longer, I refuse to sit back and allow her to send herself to an early grave.

Her one visible garnet eye flashes dangerously in reproach.

"I am my own person and this is my life not yours, so you have no right to try and control it."

"I'm not trying to control it, I'm trying to protect you don't you see that?! My God, Ebony do you not realize that you almost died again?! You need to start considering the consequences of your actions like I have because…it's not just your life anymore…not when…not when I love you this deeply."

She could put up a strong-front all she wanted, her body trembled in crippling exhaustion and the shadows of fatigue swallowed her features, resulting in her beautiful bronze skin to turn slightly pale. Her eyes lose their angry flare and closed as she sagged against me, her temple pressed against my chin.

Cole looks over at Sasha and opens his mouth to say something, but at the last minute decides against it and shakes his head.

"Kai, stay here with Ebony until Lloyd comes," Cole says as he begins to walk away. "The rest of us will go on ahead, take care."

The others follow Cole and soon everyone is gone is pursuit of Sensei Wu and Pythor aboard their Spinjitzu Vehicles and Guardians. Noctis remains where he is and turns back to look at Ebony and I from the side, however he stays silent.

I hug Ebony's body close to mine and let her use my form as leverage to keep herself on her feet.

"I'm…I'm so sorry Kai," she whispers quietly. "It's just…I'm so used to taking care of myself because who else would? Sister Ophelia could only do so much and when it came down to it…I only had myself to rely on…no friends, no family…nothing. I've never really played the role of the protectorate only the protector."

I sigh deeply as I weave my fingers through her long hair; her braid had begun to unravel.

"I know that role all too well, so I know how you feel."

"I don't want to lose my uncle, he's my family. A family I just been introduced to after so long of not knowing anything about them and what of Lloyd? I don't know what— *sigh* I'm so tired…"

"Everything is going to be fine, Shirayukihime and you'll be able to rest soon," I soothe then slowly let a sly smirk cross my face. "And what do you say when I get back we…get to know each other a little better…our bodies, I mean."

Ebony doesn't speak for a time and her body remains lax in my arms. Is she asleep…?

"Sure…"

My eyes widen and my face burns considerably. I-I was only joking, I-I-I didn't mean—I mean not saying I wouldn't want to, but—

"When fish ride bicycles…"

A pleasant laugh escapes me just as the Bounty comes into view. Her thrusters disturb the air around us and send massive gales of blistering sand in all directions as she descends.

Ebony pulls back and gives me a tired, but slightly worried smile, her fringe dancing in the warm wind.

"Kai, promise me that you and everyone else will return home safely."

I wipe a smudge of soot from her face with my finger and answer her with a nod.

"I promise, Ebony and listen I was thinking—"

"Uh, Kai…"

"No, no not that," I rush out and scratch the back of my head sheepishly, feeling my blush return. "I was thinking maybe this weekend, if you're feeling up to it I could take you to the village where I grew up. I would like to show you a few things and there's a nice tranquil forest surrounding it, so maybe we can venture in there ya know and have a picnic or somethin'."

I don't know if I'm moving a little too fast here by showing her my hometown, but I feel like she should know. Hell, I know about her family background now, as depressing and complex as it is furthermore my instincts are telling me I should inch her into my world to give her a sense of normalcy and I always follow my instincts.

And there's that soft smile…

She leans into my embrace once more and pushes up on her toes to kiss the top of my cheek. Her lips linger and she whispers, "I'm sure I'll be well-rested by then. I would love to, Kai that sounds wonderful."

I tighten my hold on her somewhat and utilize the proximity of our faces to capture her lips with mine. Despite her fatigued state, her kiss is strong and passionate. A steady hunger for her grows within me from it, a desire I don't want to quell, but know I have to…I must go to the others, they need me.

I'll return to you, we all will…

"Kai, I'm here and I'm waiting!"

Lloyd's happily, obnoxious tone emits from my PMS and I part reluctantly from Ebony to answer it.

"Yeah, I think we saw you dropping from the sky like a meteorite," I state with a smirk while still keeping a firm hold on my Shirayukihime. "And who do you think you are Sonic the Hedgehog now, what's with the "I'm waiting" line."

"Who do you think you are for hanging up on the Green Ninja?! I didn't appreciate that one bit!"

I pull Jay's invention away from my ear in a wince as the little Yoshi hollers into it, and then press it back to my ringing organ.

"Fine, sorry, but anyway Ebony's coming up now…take care of her for me while I'm gone, okay?"

"You didn't have to say that, of course I will she's my ane."

I remove my PMS and press the green button again to end the call. I then give Ebony one final hug before releasing her completely from my grasp. She wordlessly turns and walks up the lowered ramp of our home and disappears inside the cabin.

Sigh…alright, time to go.

I face the direction of the distant city of Ouroboros to see Noctis was nowhere to be found. Huh, Ebony must've dispelled him telepathically, I thought as I brandish my Dragon Sword of Fire once more. In no time at all, I'm speeding back down the road towards the Lost City.

I narrow my eyes wrathfully as I near…the entire city was at war. The burst of Counter-brink Elements would devastate the atmosphere every few seconds; powerful torrents of water, slicing gales of wind, and scattering shots of divine light. The enemy numbers ranged from the hundreds of thousands it seemed like. I then realize I could make out the metallic, glowing, white form of Zane, his eyes a cold stare of light blue and not just him. All of my brothers were using their true potential to combat the Serpentine.

Well, time to join the fun…

I close my eyes in intense concentration and feel the volcanic power within me surge to staggering heights. I release a crazed roar that would make even Ifrit proud as savage flames encase my body. I launch myself from my Blade Cycle just as I dispel it and my sword reattaches itself to my back. I touch down on the hot sand and dash the rest of the way into the thick of the battle, zeroing in on my first soon-to-be victim…a Venomari. The slits in his eyes dilate in surprise as he sees me, but I leap into a flying knee and crush the bones in his face. The brute force of my attack sends him airborne and he crashes violently into a group of his brethren.

"THE FIRE NINJA IS HERE! ATTACK HIM AT ONCE!"

The random shout from a Serpentine causes a wave of Hypnobrai and Fangpyre to rush at me. I clench my fists tightly and lower my stance into the Peek-a-boo boxing style. I growl deep in my throat as a mace-wielding Fangpyre charges at me, he attacks with a blinding, horizontal swing and I duck underneath it, following up with a well-timed cross hook counter that hits his unguarded face dealing an instant K.O. Another replaces the fallen, but before he can take a swing at me I rapidly close the distance and utilize my shoulder to neutralize any attack he would have used. He staggers back and I send a straight punch aimed at his heart, twisting my wrist at the last moment to employ my corkscrew punch. My opponent spits up blood as his heart ruptures in his chest. His sputum doesn't touch me however as I weave my head to the side just as an axe tries to slash at my throat. I counter with a flaming, short upper that dislocates the attacking Venomari's mandible. As he falls more appear...

Alright, enough of this shit! I'm not getting anywhere here and I can't use my true potential indefinitely! If they wish to throw away their worthless lives, then that's fine by me…I have just the attack!

A rumble of thunder deafens the heavens over the screaming hisses of the Serpentine and a sound of gathering energy comes from behind me. A flash of white light obscures my vision momentarily followed by a resounding crack as multiple veins of dark blue lightning shoot forward to electrocute the vile group of snakes. "Yeah, that's right, do the Harlem shake you suckers!" Jay shouts furiously at the twitching reptiles. A devastating blast of collected lightning strikes the group from above and ends their lives abruptly. Jay's back soon connects with mine, fire merging with lightning.

"You sure took your sweet time in getting here Mike Tyson!" He yells with a pant. I don't know why our voices have a slight echo when we speak in our altered state, but whatever.

"Nothing could keep me from this brawl!" I shout back and survey the battlefield carefully. The smaller Constrictai were forming ranks in front of me now, preparing to engage. "Thanks for the assist Jay, but where are the others?!"

"Ah *pant* before I found you, I located everyone else! They're all okay and Sensei Wu is fighting Pythor near the snake alter in the north; unfortunately I couldn't get to him! *pant pant*"

Jay's voice sounded a bit strained and I could feel his powers begin to flicker and recede. My blue-clad brother may be the fastest of us four, but his stamina was nowhere near as abundant as the rest of us.

The Constrictai were beginning to close in on us…

"Jay, rest for a bit! I got you covered!"

"I'm fine! *pant* Don't worry about me!"

"Yeah, yeah, sure!" I retort back. "Just keep your ass behind me, understand?!"

Without further hesitation, I plant myself firmly in front of the approaching Constrictai.

Let's see if you freaky horned serpents can handle this!

I begin to weave my body left and right, the flames surrounding my form igniting ferociously.

Not yet, faster!

As my impetus builds, I sway my head in a figure-eight in time with my weaving. The Constrictai raise their weapons with a howling hiss and charge at me from the front.

Quick shifting of weight and, from the momentum…slam punches in from the left and right!

It feels like Ifrit, in all his glory is with me as the fire exploding from my hands form savage claws around my clenched fists.

"AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!"

I roar in primal rage as I begin my assault. My first punch connects with the jaws of a Constrictai and I could actually feel his facial bone discs fracturing. The velocity I wield sends him flying to the left and the aftershocks from my attack creates a curved wall of inferno that scorches and evaporates the flesh of the Serpentine in the distance. With each blow I send a Serpentine dies and flames of destruction swallow them whole.

How many, how many?! I can't keep up this speed for much longer!

I keep attacking with the violent passion of a lion, the sweat of exertion soaking my body. The Serpentine…were there no end to them? How many have I killed now…and yet they…

"SERPENTINE, PREPARE FOR VICTORY OUR GOD AND SAVIOR WILL ARISE!"

Shit!

With my last follow-through I stop the newly dubbed "Claws of Ifrit" and watch as the Serpentine begin to retreat to the north towards the altar. They didn't get far though for an eruption of sand and rock blocked their path and standing between them and the altar was Cole. His body encased in opaque bronze and black with wisps of gold encircling his figure and his eyes the same flaring blue as the rest of us.

"I don't think so!"

The Ninja of Earth suddenly kneels down and impales his hands into the hardened sand and stone with ease and begins to lift the layer of ground underneath. The strength he displays is beyond incredible as the Serpentine lose their balance and slip on the sloped surface. With a mighty cry he throws the layer up and it flips, trapping the enemy underneath.

"Zane, seal it now!"

To my right, three spiraling spheres of ice fall to the grainy surface and combine to create a translucent sheet of glacier. An immense icicle then penetrates through the ice mass, standing proud and erect and within it was Zane, his arms crossed in front of his chest and his eyes closed peacefully as if he were sleeping. When the ice blues open the icicle shatters and he levitates, scattering sharp shards of ice in all directions and skewering a surrounding mass of Serpentine. The Ninja of Ice spreads his arms wide as white energy gathers in his palms with a high-pitched resonance, and then he extends them forward to the ground where the Serpentine are trapped. His collected power of ice shoots down in a cool blast and solidifies the ground in thick layers of snow.

Excellent, they're not going anywhere anytime soon.

"YOU ARE TOO LATE FOOLS!" Pythor bellows and turns around to put the last Silver Fang Blade in the gaping jaws of the snake altar. The result is instantaneous; the ground begins to rumble and quake, causing fissures to split the surface.

"JAY!"

I turn around towards Nya's shout and see the blue ninja had fallen to his knees, his True Potential leaving his body completely. Ayane and Sasha are with her as she kneels beside him.

"Jay, are you okay?!" My sister asks desperately to the panting, blue ninja before her. "Yeah, I'm okay," Jay replies breathlessly and peers up to face her, "thanks for caring." "Don't be silly, I'll always care about you," Nya counters with kind eyes.

"ZANE!"

"COLE!"

The remaining Kunoichi rush to the aid of my fallen brothers as pandemonium continues to wreck havoc on Ouroboros. I release my altered state, feeling only slightly winded from the aftermath since I wasn't using it as long as the others. A titanic roar quakes from the earth, causing me to look up towards the acid-dripping fangs of the altar.

"EVERYONE, GET BACK!"

I scream just as the earth shatters and collapses, revealing the gradually rising gargantuan head of a serpent that could only be the Great Devourer and clenched tightly in its jaws were hundreds of corpses of the Serpentine.

My God…

"Do you see what you've done Pythor!"

I turn my head rapidly to the source of the voice.

"SENSEI!"

The old Spinjitzu Master had the Snake King restrained with his bamboo stick, making the glowing, pink-eyed serpent watch the mayhem he had caused.

"You released a power that cannot be controlled or contained! This creature will devour everything including the Serpentine!"

"No…no, it can't be true!" Pythor exclaims in disbelief, his eyes widened in dismay as his God swallowed his mouthful and stretched longer from his meal, then turned his hungry blood orbs on the Snake King and my teacher.

"SENSEI, PLEASE GET OUT OF THERE!" Ayane screamed fearfully and our teacher slowly turned his head and looked at us, his wise onyx eyes saddened, but strong.

"This…is my destiny…as each of you must fulfill yours..."

No…

"Kai, promise me that you and everyone else will return home safely."

Ebony's voice reverberates throughout my mind and everything seems to transpire in slow motion as I try to run to him…to save him. I knew I wouldn't make it and arms grab at me to stop my rush forward. I struggle against their hold knowing my efforts would be futile, but I promised her. I promised her we would all return safely.

The jaws of the Great Devourer closed around Sensei Wu and Pythor, its head disappearing beneath the sand where they once stood. I realize with a shock I was being pulled by Jay and Cole, forcing me to face the front and away from the demise of our teacher.

Everyone was running…

…the remaining Serpentine…everyone…was running for their lives…out of Ouroboros…fleeing from the Great Devourer.

(Ebony's POV)

(Ebony's Dream)

Comforting darkness…delicate glimmers of stardust…it's so peaceful here…sublime…

I lay on my back atop the warm black sand in content, watching the surplus of stars twinkle beautifully overhead in the night sky.

It reminds me…of Twilight…

I sing my mother's lullaby softly "The Serenade of Strega", my voice filling the silence of the endless void.

"You're looking rather serene, my niece."

I blink slowly as my uncle suddenly materializes in my line of sight with a jovial expression. An aura of gold surrounding his body, the attire I saw him in before he left in pursuit of Pythor.

"Uncle…?"

I sit up then stand, turning around to face him.

"Did you find the answers you were searching for from my brother?"

"Yes, and much more."

"Then please, share with me your acquired knowledge. Come, let's go for a stroll."

I nod and together we begin to walk amongst the black sand. The sand shifts comfortably underneath my feet, leaving my steps unhindered for easy navigation. I'm silent for a time, simply enjoying the company of my uncle and the serenity of the landscape.

And when I begin to speak, I share with him all that I know about myself and my past, even the secretive details that my father left out all those years ago when my uncle met my mother. After my conclusion, my uncle wears a flabbergasted expression, but soon nods his head gravely.

"I always had my suspicions that my brother was keeping crucial details from me, but know this. I am not so ignorant as to change my opinion of you simply from your origins, although…it would seem you have a destiny of the cruelest nature."

"Yes, unfortunately…uncle, Lord Diablos seems certain that the Prophecy of Phoenix will come to pass. I have reasons to doubt this, but if it does…will that mean…I will have to fight my own people? I don't know if I can, it's against all propriety," I end with a sad shake of my head.

"Sometimes doing what is "right" is not easy, but the greater risk is doing nothing at all. Only you can make that decision and only you will have to deal with the consequences."

I send a fond smile his way.

"Kai is really learning from you, uncle. He said a similar thing to me earlier."

My uncle chuckles in return.

"Then you would be wise to listen."

We both laugh happily at his humor, but he suddenly releases a sigh of despondency.

"What's the matter?" I inquire gently while placing a hand on his shoulder.

His straw hat obscures his expression as he bows his head, then he lifts it with a poignant smile on his face.

"Kai, Cole, Zane, Jay, Sasha, Ayane, Nya, Lloyd, and yourself…You are all very young with plenty of callous trials and tribulations ahead of you. I…I had hoped to teach all of you more, even while knowing the harsh reality of my destiny."

I am confused by this and he sees it clearly written on my face.

"Uncle, what—"

"I know you are at peace here, but the Ninja and your sisters need your help for "balance" must be restored."

He stops walking and I stop with him, giving him my full attention.

"The way of things is "balance" and what balances "destruction", my niece?"

I ponder my answer carefully as he taps my left shoulder with his bamboo stick.

Hmm, what counters "destruction"? The faces of the Ninja soon enter my mind: Cole's "Earth", Zane's "Ice", Jay's "Lightning", and Kai's "Fire" all integral components used in…

"Creation".

"Correct," He says with a firm nod and moves his stick to my right shoulder, "and what balances "Death"?"

This one is common knowledge…

"Life, but what does this have to do with—"

"Tell me what the properties of "Life" are," he interrupts swiftly. I feel like I'm missing something crucial, but I try to answer my uncle regardless.

The properties of "Life"? Does he mean…the Counter-brink Elements?

"Tell me, my niece."

When I think about it I guess it does make sense…

"Nya's "Wind" is the same as "Air" something all living things must breathe, Sasha's "Water" is also crucial to "Life" for nothing can survive without "Water", Ayane's "Light" a nourishment that must exist to help "Mother Nature", but…my "Darkness" doesn't provide "Life"."

"Yes, it does. Concentrate and tell me why."

I shake my head in doubt, not seeing the point of this. I wish he would just tell me if he knew, so I wouldn't be kept in the—

Wait…is that it?

I meet my uncle's onyx eyes albeit hesitantly and give my answer.

"My "Darkness" is precious as well because…there are some creatures and beings that can only thrive in "Darkness" and also…when "Life" becomes too difficult to bear there is comfort in "Darkness", peace in deep sleep."

"Very good, the Great Devourer has been unleashed and though it does bring "Destruction" its true purpose is to bring "Death", so there is only one way to destroy it."

"The Tornado of Life."

My uncle gives another firm nod and I take a step towards him, grasping the sleeve of his robes tightly.

"But uncle, you're safe aren't you? You'll be with the others when I go to them, won't you?"

My teacher and family steps closer to me with pure love in his eyes and encircle his arms around me in an endearing embrace.

Uncle…?

"You must watch over Lloyd for he will need you now more than ever. I will always be with you and your brother as well as the Ninja and Kunoichi, so please fight and live on in my stead. The Phoenix of Prophecy will be young also and she will need you and your sisters' guidance and instruction for the perils to come. The Power of Flare and the Power of Aura…must…coexist…as…one."

No…uncle…

My arms tremble as I lift them to return his embrace, but before I can he evaporates into glowing wisps of gold.

"Uncle…?"

I glance in all directions in search of him beyond the surreal darkness; however my search is for naught.

My uncle is…he's…

"UNCLE!"

(End Ebony's Dream)

I awake in a frantic haze, my eyes moist from crying and my head pounding from the emotional strain of my dream.

Was it just a dream…? Somehow…I knew it wasn't.

My uncle had passed from this world and he came to me before he crossed over to deliver one final message.

However, I have no time to grieve.

I throw off the quilt my otōto had so graciously provided when I decided to rest in the neighboring lounge beside the control room instead of in my own shared quarters with Nya located on the far side of the ship. Granted, I am nowhere near one hundred percent, but I am rested enough to complete the mission my uncle gave me and supply aid to the others.

I rise quickly from the couch and enter the door connecting to the control room.

"Lloyd?! Lloyd, where are you?! Listen, the Great Devourer is heading for Ninjago City! We're going to pursue it, but we need you to get those weapons active on the Bounty! Looks like we're going to need them, the guys and I are pretty much useless against this thing since we used the majority of our power on utilizing our True Potential during the battle in Ouroboros! The Kunoichi are doing all they can with their Guardians, but it looks like their attacks are only making it angrier! So we need you! Did you get all that!? Lloyd, do you copy?! Can you hear me?! Lloyd, please answer me damn it! Lloy—AH SHIT!"

Cole's transmission ends abruptly as I walk over to where Lloyd is stationed. The hands of my otōto were gripping the helm strongly as he stood on the step-stool, to pilot the Bounty. His eyes shut tight and his small shoulders shook as pristine tears rolled down his face. He staggered the sound of his crying by clenching his teeth, allowing only the smallest of whimpers to escape him.

Without a word, a plot a course for Ninjago City and flip the auto-pilot switches. I then pry Lloyd's hands from the helm and gently pull him from the stool and into my arms, his limbs come around my middle instantly and he buries his face in my navel, soaking my ninja attire with his tears.

"A-Ane, *sob* Sensei Wu is—is *hiccup* our uncle he's—"

"Shhhhhhh," I soothe in a hushed voice while combing my fingers through his soft platinum blond locks. "I know, but I'm here and together we're going to get through this."

I pull away and bend down a bit, so that I may look him in the eyes. Rivulets of tears still cascaded down his face and the whites of his eyes were slightly red, his speech hindered by choked sobs and small hiccups.

"It's not fair, why did he just s-stand there?"

"When has life ever been fair, otōto? No one is immune to the trials and tribulations of life and there is no rhyme or reason to why horrible things have to happen, but they do and more times than not we are powerless to prevent them."

"Ane, h-how do you know?"

"I'll explain later once this catastrophe had ended. First, you and I have to get the Bounty prepped for combat, okay?"

Lloyd rubs his eyes with his sleeve and nods his head; his eyes however remain dim with melancholy.

"Stay strong for me a little while longer, Lloyd and then…" I close my eyes briefly in remembrance of my uncle's words of wisdom and his heartfelt hug. I reopen them and let a few of my own tears fall.

"And then…we can all grieve."

I turn my focus to the overhead map projection of Ninjago. The coordinates telling me we are near Ninjago City. I walk briskly over to the controls and peer closely at the dashboard. The weapon controls are somewhere amongst the flashing lights and wiring, but…

"Ane, I think these may be it."

I look over at Lloyd and see him in front of another monitor. He presses the "on" button and a display appears of the blueprints and schematics of the swivels and canons on the Bounty.

He presses another switch and a computerized voice emits from the console.

MOVING ELEMENTAL CANNONS AND SWIVELS TO STATIONED HATCHES IN LOWER DECK.

The sound of moving mechanisms within the ship causes the monitor to flash from blue to green.

PREPARATIONS COMPLETE. IMBUING ELEMENT OF CURRENT USER INTO CANNONS.

Lloyd's body suddenly glows a dazzling green and his essence flows flawlessly into the console.

CANNONS LOCKED AND LOADED. SENDING FIRING DISPLAY NOW. WARNING WARNING ENTERING TURBULENT ATMOSPHERE. SHIELD OPERATIONS COMPLETE. PROVIDING SHIELD.

A low hum discharges from the weapons station and a clear screen of Ninjago City appears. A steering handle with triggers burst from it as well and into Lloyd's hands. The Green Ninja moves the handle experimentally and multiple crosshairs glide throughout the screen.

"Oh, I get it. It's just like Ace Combat: Assault Horizon. I can do this!"

More turbulence shakes the Bounty as a giant serpent demon erupts from the ground in between some buildings. My eyes narrow as I glare at the over-sized snake with loathing and contempt.

Great Devourer…prepare for your slow descent into Hell.

Let us go then, Mistress. I'm getting excited…

"Computer, can you steer the ship while I handle the guns?!" Lloyd shouts strongly and the helm moves on auto-pilot and begins to circle the city.

AFFIRMATIVE. ANOMALY DETECTED. PERFORMING EVASIVE MANEUVERS.

"Cool! Alright ane, I got this! I'll provide cover fire while you drop down to the others. Let's kill this thing!"

I smile as I adorn my mask once more and Lloyd pulls up his hood.

I usually don't say this because I find it unnecessary, but what the hell…

"NINJA-GO!" Lloyd and I both shout ecstatically as I sprint out the control room and onto the deck. The air is fresh and calm. I take a deep breath as invigorates me into action.

Let's do this!

I run over to the railings and leap off into the atmosphere. Catastrophic damage has already befallen the city, sending its citizens in a confused panic. A stream of green energy shoots from my right and hits it's mark right between the eyes.

"Nice shot, otōto!" I yell into my PMS, pressing the speaker button.

"Yeah Lloyd, nice—EBONY?!"

The Great Devourer roars in pain and aggravation, swaying to collide into the side of a building with a massive crash.

"NOCTIS!"

A fog a white miasma engulfs my being as the powerful black stallion appears underneath me with an earth-shattering neigh. I straddle his saddle just as we land on the roof adjacent to the recovering serpent with a mighty clop of hooves.

I quickly initiate my mother's incantation and fire the deadly spell into the gaping jaws of the Great Devourer as it tries to take a snap at me. It recoils forcefully, bellowing its agonizing song to the heavens. It's dark green blood gushing up from its mouth like a grotesque fountain.

Sweet music…

I quickly dispel my Aga form not wanting it to sap my energy needlessly when Shiranui and Ayane leap up onto the roof to join me.

"Oh Ebony, you don't know how happy I am to see you!" Ayane cries happily.

"How happy we all are to see you," Sasha says as Nagendra flanked by Nya and Valefor join us.

"Come now, I wasn't gone for that long. Only a few hours at best," I try to keep my voice indifferent, but the heat of a blush creeps onto my cheeks in spite of my efforts to quell it.

Thank goodness I have my mask…

"The Kunoichi are reunited and I think it's about time we end this stalemate!" Nya shouts with vigor and Sasha joins her.

"Yes, now is our chance to turn the tide!"

"Yeah, but…how do we do that!?" Ayane questions with a look of bafflement in her eyes.

"With the Tornado of Life," I answer her and dispel Noctis, so I'm standing facing the still dazed snake demon. The others follow my lead and soon we are all standing spaced apart, side-by-side facing the Great Devourer.

This is for you…uncle…

"Wind!"

"Water!"

"Light!"

"Darkness!"

"NINJA-GO!"

I could feel our Elemental Tornadoes combine, creating a massive vortex of our coalescent powers.

And during it all…I could feel the presence of another…blood-red orbs observing everything intently…father…?

"There! I see it! Everyone, aim for its weak spot on top of its forehead!" Sasha yells strictly and I resume my focus on the urgent matter at hand.

The Tornado of Life lifts and overwhelms the Great Devourer from above. The harmonious scream it roars is the last song of its life as it explodes, showering blood and viscera in all directions.

There…it is finished…your death has been avenged…Uncle Wu.

Our powers split as we come apart once more and land on the city streets. I survey the destruction of the massive city with dismay.

If only I hadn't been so weak, no…there's no use dwelling over the past. What's done is done and there's no rectifying it. Besides, a city can always be rebuilt, but the loss of a life…cannot…

Unbearable pain suddenly secretes from my retinas and I just know my Ascension is activating as well as my sisters' as they buckle then right themselves. My body stills as we form a circle, our eyes bearing the exotic, ancient markings of the Ascension. A picture though distorted at first gives clarity and a small girl is shown, her eyes a stunning vivid violet; however her lack of pupils is unnerving. Short cinnamon sable, loose curls fall to the nape of her neck and in her lap she strokes a small fox.

"WELL DONE NINJA AND KUNOICHI, BUT NINJAGO HAS NOT BEEN CLEASED OF MALEVOLENCE JUST YET. AS WE SPEAK THE WAYWARD SOUL MARCHES TO REMOVE THE SEALS AND LIBERATE THE CORRUPTION. IN THIS REALM'S DEFENSE IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU SEEK THIS GIRL, MY CHOSEN, DOMINIQUE, FOR ONLY SHE CAN RID THIS REALM OF THE EVIL THAT STILL HAUNTS IT."

The picture of the girl fades as well as the powerful voice that could've only been The Celestial, Himself.

My Ascension powers leave me and I could feel my legs begin to give out underneath me, however I do not fall.

Strong arms lift me completely off the ground and in my stupor I see my sisters in the exact same predicament, being held securely in the arms of their counterparts.

An eruption of cheers sound from all around me, but I pay them no heed only turn my face away into the strong chest of Kai.

The flashes of cameras obscure my peripherals, so I bury my face deeper until nothing but soothing darkness and Kai's scent caress my senses.

"I can't believe this, Jane! Real, live Ninja! The mysterious beings people have only seen a glimpse of! Please tell me sir how does it feel to be a hero of Ninjago?!"

A man was talking to Kai, but he didn't respond…no one did.

These people don't understand…we don't do this for any type of compensation or labels or titles or even gratitude.

Nothing like that…

"Um, sir? HEY—!"

A rush of wind later and I know I'm moving. I'm positioned comfortably in Kai's lap, the captivating beat of his heart, the warmth of fire, the sound of an engine purring.

I've come a long way to be who I am today, no longer is my vision clouded with the darkness of solitude.

Now, I am born anew to look towards a new future. A future that will indeed be full of trials and tribulations, but I want to see pass those.

I want to see Beyond the Flames…

And there you have it good readers, the epic conclusion to Beyond the Flames. I know this could've easily been split into two chapters, but I really didn't want to do that and I'm glad I didn't. Within a few days time I will be releasing a one-shot titled: Good-bye Sensei Wu… and it will the thoughts and opinions of all the Ninja and Kunoichi about their beloved teacher, a funeral of sorts if you will. Then after that I will begin the short stories starting with Cause and Effect, YAY! Lastly, please check out my profile and place your votes on my new poll for the upcoming short story Lost Chapter: Freaky Friday. I always want to include the opinions of my readers and write what you guys want to see…to a certain extent XD!

Please read and review! Until next time, VelvetPersona over and out!

P.S.

Special thanks goes to Burning_Rage619 for suggesting Kai use the Peek-A-Boo Boxing style and also for suggesting that he use the Dempsey Roll as an attack. Kudos man, please feel free to send me anymore suggestions you may have of fighting styles and I'll wholeheartedly give you credit for them!