The Captain's Bride | Ninjago Jaya AU [Complete]

The Way Home

A/N

Under normal circumstances, this would normally be around the point where I wrap up a story. I usually do this since writing 10 chapter fics is just easier for me to balance alongside life and my original books.

In this case, I want to give you something grander, something akin to all the amazing work the community has been doing lately as I feel like I've been falling a bit behind in quality.

Whether it turns out good in the end, that'll be up to you.

Enjoy <3

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They could only stand there as the King concluded his speech.

"I can assure you that, for as long as I am alive, Nadakhan will not be leaving his cell," he told them. Considering his age, they didn't know whether his words were supposed to be reassuring.

"Thank you, sir, truly," Nya told him, doing a small bow. "For... all of this."

"It's the least I can do to make up for his actions," he said. "I would... consider helping out his pirate friends. If only I knew where they were..."

"Your guess is as good as mine," Jay piped up to say.

After such an exhausting day, all he wanted to do was sleep. And although the mattress in Nya's room seemed inviting, he let her have it to herself, settling for the smaller guest room at the bottom floor instead.

By the time they had woken up, the ship had sailed, and the pirates were gone.

He wanted to be angry; but he couldn't. In a way, Flintlocke kept his promise; he gave them both the freedom they so craved.

But what was only the loss of an acquaintance to him was the loss of a family to her. He didn't understand how she could come to love people like them; but the disappointment in her eyes when he told her they had abandoned them was more than enough to make him forget everything else and focus on her comfort instead.

He looked over his shoulder, at the ship patiently awaiting for them by the shore.

"This gal has travelled by many kingdoms in her prime. She used to carry cargo, but after wearing down, she's best used for simple travel," said the King, placing his hand on their shoulders. "Ignacia should be the second stop if I am correct. It should take some time."

Nya smiled. "I've spent more than enough time on a ship already, I can last a little longer."

"Very well. I wish you two a safe trip," he said. "You will always find shelter here under my rule."

Jay shook his hand. "Thank you, sir."

The guards turned around with him, accompanying him as he left.

The two looked at each other. Letting out a sigh, they too turned around, walking slowly towards the ship.

She was silent, even by the time they arrived at the huge line waiting to go on board. She avoided meeting his gaze.

He tried to search for the right words, but he failed. All he could do was stare at her, study the gem patterns on her new dress. For an apparel provided for free, the King certainly did not hold back on his generosity.

"You must be glad to be out of that wedding dress, at least," he said to lighten the mood. "And you get a new addition to your wardrobe."

Her smile was awkward. "Really? It's... a bit tacky," she said, playing with the soft fabric. The pale gold and red tones alone made her stand out from the crowd (and not in a good way, judging by the weird looks she got). The sleeves were longer than expected as well, leaving her to either toy with them or clutch them as she walked.