DARK SIDE

Chapter 9: The Falcon Returns

The falcon flapped his long, powerful wings. It zoomed across the beautiful cloudless sky, giving a triumphant cry as it spun in midair. Suddenly it folded in its wings and dove towards the ground. The falcon narrowed its eyes and swooped back up at the last second, skimming the ocean water and sending spray flying. It flapped once more before flying back up into the sky. An island came into view, and the falcon started to fly faster. 

"Well done, my feathered friend," a voice boomed in the falcon's receptors. "You have found your destination." The bird of prey cawed affectionately in response as he glided through the sapphire sky. 

———-

The sitting room was nice and cozy. Two crimson couches faced each other on a plush rug situated on a redwood floor. A small table sat between the couches. The walls were a cream color, with paintings hung carefully around. The domed ceiling made the room look bigger than it really was, but gave it an airy feeling. 

Cole was sitting on one couch with his feet propped up on the table. He was enjoying a light conversation with Nya, who was situated on the other couch. Jay had fallen asleep with his head in Nya's lap, and his body was curled up against her. He was drooling a bit out the side of his mouth. Nya was unconsciously stroking her fingers through Jay's auburn hair. 

This was the scene that Garmadon walked into a few minutes later. He looked rather amused when he saw Jay drooling into Nya's lap, but he quickly rearranged his features into a straight face. The moment wasn't lost on Cole, and the ninja of earth grinned at the sensei. 

"Hi, Garmadon! We're just catching up on what's been going on. You'll never believe what Nya here had do go through to get in here!" Cole exclaimed, casting a fond glance at the black-haired girl. 

"I'm sure it is a thrilling tale," Garmadon said with a grim face. "But we have more pressing matters." 

"Like what?" Nya asked, looking concerned. 

The sensei sighed. "I have informed you about there being an antidote, have I not?"

Nya gasped, but Cole's eyes lit up. "Yeah Sensei! But... but you said that it would be impossible to find." 

"And so I did," Garmadon nodded. "Because it is indeed very rare to find. But there could be a chance that you could find it, with the help of our missing friends."

Nya joined in. "But Sensei, how are we going to find Zane and Lloyd? I thought they were still in the lowest levels of the dungeon?"

Suddenly, Jay groaned in his sleep and all three of them jumped. 

"Mmm.... Nya...." he muttered. "The.... Falcon...."

"J-Jay?" Nya looked worried again. "Are you—"

"Falcon..." he murmured a bit louder, starting to stir in his sleep.