The Sea Calls Me Home

Untitled Part 7

Well... It's been a long, long time since I updated this, and I'm not sure how many of you are still around... But for anyone who has been enjoying this story! Here's a new chapter! Sorry it took so long. Life kinda happened in a lot of ways. Anyway, enjoy!

Nya drifts awake to the distant sound of voices.

"Ten bucks says Lloyd just dreamt it all," one says. Nya lays there, eyes still shut.

"You're on," another replies. The voices sound familiar. Shifting positions, Nya finds herself oddly dry. Almost as though she isn't at the bottom of the ocean. Is she dreaming?

"I'm telling you. She's really here!" A third voice insists, closer than before. More awake now, Nya opens her eyes. "I'm.. home?" she whispers to herself, sitting up. Yesterday's events come flooding back to her. The intensity of breaking free from the water. The ride to the monastery with Nyad. Finally seeing her family again, safely tucked into bed.

Her room looks exactly how she left it. Nya soaks in the familiarity, finding it energizing. The sunlight streaming through the window feels so good on her skin.

"It seems someone has finally noticed your arrival," Nyad comments as Lloyd comes flying into the bedroom like a child on Christmas morning.

"Lloyd!" cries Nya, sweeping him into a hug. She's pretty sure they're both crying within seconds, but she's certainly not going to be the one to point it out. It's been so long. Too long.

"I've missed you so much," Lloyd mumbles. He returns the hug so fiercely, Nya wonders if she'll need a crowbar to remove him. In the background, she's pretty sure she hears Cole curse. Looking over at him, Nya sees him pass something to her brother, who looks just a bit too self satisfied.

"It's not what it looks like," Kai blurts, seeing her expression.

"As if I'd ever believe that," Nya laughs, "now get over here."

She drags both Kai and Cole into the hug, marveling at how good it feels to be near them again.

Pixal and Zane join them a short while later.

"I saw you on the Samurai X security footage this morning," Pixal explains.

"It's a very good thing we never changed any of your passwords," Zane adds.

"I don't know if you meant to do that or not, but I'm glad you didn't." Nya gives them both a hug.

"We had made the choice to honor the legacy of the original Samurai X in your absence," Pixal explains with a smile.

"Well, thank you," Nya says, returning the smile gratefully, "Oh! It's so good to see all of you again!"

"And I am very glad to finally meet the master of water's friends. She speaks quite highly of you all," Nyad cuts in. The others stare, as if only just noticing her presence.

"Nyad, I presume?" Zane inquires. Nyad nods, giving a little bow.

"Indeed I am,"

"I would never have made it out of the ocean without her-" Nya starts. There's so much to tell everyone. And so much to catch up on.

Just then, another figure appears in the doorway. For a moment, all is quiet.

"Jay!" Nya exclaims, moving to greet him. But he looks less than enthusiastic about her presence.

"Oh, no. I'm not doing this right now," he says coldly. And just like that, he's gone. Nya stares after him in shock.

"Are you sure this Jay is worth all the praise I have had to listen to when you speak of him?" Nyad asks, looking equally shocked and a little unimpressed.