Ninjago: The Wishing Arc (6)

Chapter 107: Ninja vs Pirates, Round Two-2

Cole and Morro were dodging the chaotic swings of Dogshank, desperately trying to avoid getting crushed beneath her massive fists. As Cole saw an opening, he attempted to kick her in the head, but she staggered back, catching him off guard. Seizing the moment, he lunged at her again, but Dogshank was quicker; she grabbed him mid-air and flung him like a rag doll, sending him crashing onto the deck of the ship.

Cole groaned as he got to his feet, shaking off the disorientation. Then, glancing at Dogshank, he realized something. "Oh, thanks!" he called out sarcastically, appreciating the unexpected boost.

Morro, who had been observing the whole exchange, couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Sure, just leave me with the eyesore," he muttered under his breath

-

Jay and Kai raced along the ground, their hearts pounding as they desperately tried to catch up with the fleeing ship. The chaos around them was palpable, with explosions and the sounds of cannon fire filling the air. "Look out!" Jay shouted, Just in time, Kai leapt over an explosive barrel, narrowly dodging the blast that followed. However, Jay wasn't as fortunate; he sprinted off in the opposite direction, his foot catching on something unseen. "Ugh. I'm okay!" he called out, 

"I'm going after that lantern!" Kai declared, and agilely got on the rooftop.

"Wait! We're supposed to stay together!" Jay yelled, exasperation creeping into his tone as he hurried to catch up with Kai. Just as he reached his friend, the air shimmered ominously, and Nadakhan materialized in a swirl of orange energy. In an instant, he teleported Kai away, leaving Jay standing in shock. "No! Kai!" he shouted.

Meanwhile, Kai blinked as he landed in a strange place, it was fimaller, or he just couldn't remember "Huh? Where are we? What did you do?" he demanded, his anger boiling over as he glared at Nadakhan, who floated nearby with an infuriatingly smug expression.

"I thought a little privacy might be in order," Nadakhan replied, his voice dripping with amusement. "You were in such a rush. For what? Let me help you. You can wish for it."

"The only thing I wish is for you to take me back," Kai shot back.

Kai found himself standing in what appeared to be a version of Ninjago City, but one that felt deeply rooted in the past. "This isn't Ninjago City. This isn't my wish. I told you to take me back," he protested, confusion etched across his face as he scanned the surroundings.

"Ah, but how far back?" Nadakhan replied, amusement dancing in his eyes. "This is Ninjago City. Dare I say, the humble beginnings of it." His tone was mocking, clearly relishing the discomfort he was causing Kai.

As Kai's gaze swept over the streets, he spotted a younger figure carrying weapons—his father. "Wait a minute. Is that..." he trailed off, disbelief mingling with recognition.

"Your father? Yes. I believe he is around your age now. A little more pathetic," Nadakhan said, his smirk widening.

Past Ray stood outside a door, knocking with an earnestness that made Kai's heart ache. "Well, pirate activity is on the rise. Protect yourself with a custom-made weapon and—" The homeowner abruptly slammed the door in his face, leaving Ray looking deflated as he dropped his weapons with a sigh of frustration. "Ugh. A little help?" he pleaded to the closed door.

"Ugh. This isn't what I wished for," he muttered, disappointment flooding his voice, and a feeling of shame in his heart.

"Why won't you help your poor father? He's right there. You could spend some quality time," Nadakhan taunted, his voice filled with mockery as he reveled in Kai's discomfort.

Past Ray's helplessness was palpable as he implored, "Please, friend, I just need a hand."

"Dad?" Kai grunted, frustration bubbling to the surface as he watched his father's struggles. "I wish you could take me back. Back to when things were good. Back to before all this mess, when people liked us and bad guys like you were never a problem. Back to the days when girls were crazy for me."