Destinied

Chapter 8

Saya sought a moment of respite from the aftermath of the battle. Distancing herself a bit from the others, she found a serene spot overlooking the ocean, where the gentle daylight cast a peaceful ambiance.

Taking a deep breath of the fresh air, she let her thoughts unravel in the quietude. The rhythmic ebb and flow of the tide matched the cadence of her reflections. The victorious outcome of the battle mingled with the lingering concern for Skylor, creating a nuanced tapestry of emotions.

Sensing Saya's need for a moment of reflection, Lloyd approached her quietly, drawn to the warmth of the sunlight and the peace it cast over the ocean view. His concern for her welled up, and he gently touched her arm. "Hey, love. You doing alright?"

Saya, feeling the comfort in his presence, managed a small smile. "I'm okay, just processing everything."

Lloyd, trying to lighten the mood, flashed a playful grin. "Well, you know, battling evil masterminds before breakfast should be an Olympic sport."

Saya chuckled, grateful for his attempt to bring a smile to her face. "You might be onto something there, Lloyd."

Lloyd, still keeping the tone light, placed a supportive hand on her shoulder. "We'll get Skylor back, no doubt about it."

Their eyes met, and in that shared gaze, Lloyd conveyed a deep connection of love. As the sunlight embraced them, Saya found solace in the understanding that, no matter the challenges, Lloyd's unwavering support was a constant beacon of light in her world.

As Lloyd and Saya stood together, their connection radiating a sense of resilience and love, the rest of the team couldn't help but share a collective moment of pride.

Zane, the ever-observant ninja, appreciated the beautiful synergy between them, a testament to their growth as both individuals and partners.

Cole's eyes sparkled with pride, recognizing the unwavering support they had for each other, a far cry from their early days as a team.

Kai, known for his dramatic flair, couldn't hide the admiration in his eyes. "Look at them, forging their own path together."

Jay, the eternal optimist, joined in with a playful remark. "True love, ninja style! They're like our very own action romance story."

Garmadon, the wise mentor, stood back, a genuine smile playing on his lips as he observed Lloyd and Saya. "Never see one without the other," he began. "They've come a long way. It's not just about battles won, but the strength they've found in each other. I'm proud to see the leaders they've become."

In the shared glance of the team, there was a deep understanding of the significance of this moment. Their pride wasn't just for the love between Lloyd and Saya; it was for the growth of the entire family.

As they witnessed the evolution of their companions into leaders and partners, a profound sense of unity filled the air. The collective pride in their eyes spoke volumes about the strength they found in each other and the unwavering support that defined their journey together.

-

"Chen just figured out Skylor's powers can finish the spell. She's in danger." Griffin informed the ninja as they all got together.

"He's replaced his Elemental staff with the Elements in his daughter." Garmadon realized.

"Where?" Kai asked.

"Other side of the island." The master of speed replied.

"I'm going after her."

"We all are." Saya added, explaining her plan, leading the ninja to explore the jungle, trying to find Skylor.

After searching for a while, Saya and Lloyd returned to their base on the island, Cole right behind them. "Chen escaped, but we'll find him. Did Zane ever return?"

"Metal man? I have not seen him." Karlof replied.

Garmadon joined in on the group. "I don't see Skylor or Kai."

"They said they were on their way."

A sudden wave of pain surged through Garmadon's body, causing him to groan and stumble before collapsing to the ground. As he clutched his back, he felt an intense heat emanating from his tattoo, which glowed with a mysterious purple hue. The realization hit him like a thunderbolt — Chen had completed the spell of the Anacondrai.

Saya and Lloyd rushed to his side, concern etched on their faces. "Papa G., what's happening?" The girl asked, her eyes widening as she noticed the transformation unfolding.

Garmadon, still grappling with the effects of the spell, managed to utter a strained response. "Chen...Anacondrai. The spell is complete," he started. "If everyone with the mark of the Anacondrai is affected, that means..." Not finishing his statement, everyone saw the now transformed cultists freeing themselves.

"Retreat! Get everyone to the palace!"

Everyone arriving in the palace, Jay saw the state of Garmadon and couldn't help himself but complain. "First it was four arms, then you became a dragon. Would you mind picking a body and sticking with it, please?"

"Not the time, Jay." Saya grumbled, helping the other masters to barricade the doors. "Could use a little help."

The ninja, having barricaded the doors to thwart the Anacondrai, exchanged puzzled glances as the relentless attacks suddenly ceased. A hesitant quiet settled over the room, leaving them in suspense.

Cole, curious, approached the door cautiously, but Jay raised a warning hand. "Don't be too hasty. This could be a trick," he cautioned, eying the motionless doors.

Despite the uncertainty, the team decided to investigate. Climbing a ladder for a better vantage point, they were met with an unexpected sight. The Anacondrai forces were retreating, slithering away from the palace under the command of Chen.

Chen's voice echoed through the deserted courtyard. "Take care of the island; it's yours. We'll be taking Ninjago now." The realization hit the Ninja — Chen's plan was to abandon the island, setting his sights on a grander conquest.
The fate of Ninjago hung in the balance once again.

"I'll go alone." Lloyd, determined to face the emerging threat alone, expressed his intention to take to the skies on his Elemental Dragon. However, Saya, understanding the gravity of the situation, firmly refused to let him go solo.

"No," she insisted, her eyes reflecting both concern and resolve. "We face this together. I can't let you go alone. I can summon my Elemental Dragon as well."

Lloyd, acknowledging the strength in unity, nodded in agreement.

Before Lloyd and Saya could take off on their Elemental Dragons, Zane appeared on his own dragon, disrupting their plan.

"Lloyd, Saya," Zane spoke with a calm authority, "you don't have to go alone anymore." The words hung in the air, carrying a profound shift in perspective.

"Oh, Zane, none of us could do that before. You gotta tell us how you did that!" Jay exclaimed.

"I faced my fear. When I realized it wasn't something in front of me that held me back, but something inside me, I found a deeper power. A dragon power."

With a collective effort, each elemental master focused, channeling their powers. One by one, dragons materialized in a magnificent display of unity and strength. Lloyd, initially surprised, smiled at the newfound power among them.

"Together, then."

With the collective power of their dragons, the team ascended into the sky, prepared to confront Chen and safeguard Ninjago. Zane's simple yet powerful statement echoed in their minds, reinforcing the strength they found in unity.

8