After Destiny

I'm back! As you know, this story will focus on the ninjas' lives while they settle in a time of peace. Each chapter will focus on each ninja as they adjust to the next stage of their lives. First up is Akira so enjoy!

Chapter 1: Long Distance

One of the good things about becoming one of the heroes of Ninjago for Akira was all the fame and attention he would receive… at least that's what he used to believe.

The fangirls just won't stop coming and his parents even had to build a fence around the house just to get a little more privacy. The young fire ninja wouldn't have minded but after growing up and learning what truly mattered in life as well as his relationship with Liana, all the adoration and attention was a bit too much.

Then there were those girls he used to go out with before all this had happened…

"That's him! He and I went out three years ago!" One of his ex's bragged once he was in sight.

"I was being immature. I'm a different person now." Akira dismissed her.

"Then we can get back together! We can start all over again!" Another old flame tried to make 'amends' but he fire ninja knew she was just fishing for her five minutes of fame.

"I can't. I'm not interested." He rejected the abhorrent admirers yet again.

"What? Is it about that 'ice queen' of yours?" One of the fangirls hissed and many girls cringed just thinking about the fire ninja's lover.

"What do you even see in that ugly bitch!?" Another jealous fan sneered.

Akira should've known that with all the publicity the ninjas had, it was inevitable that the girls he went out with and those who still chased after him, would learn of his relationship with the kunoichi of ice. He was not ashamed of their relationship and felt a sense of pride whenever he admitted they loved each other. However, there were still some girls who just can't wrap their heads around the idea that the man they're crushing on is taken and he wouldn't cheat on his girlfriend for them.

"Something all of you will never have." Akira said coolly.

"What!? Why settle with her when you could've had me!?" Yet another old flame argued.

"So what if you're with that bitch!? You think we're not good enough for you!?" One fan yelled.

"Yes, and next time you call Liana a bitch, I'm gonna feed you to Flame." Akira glowered at the petty girls who took out their childish jealousy on his girlfriend.

"Come on! You deserve so much better!" The fans were still going at it.

"For the last time, I'm not going to break up with Liana. I'm taken. Live with it." The fire wielder finally said in a firm tone but that didn't stop the psychotic fans from chasing him.

Luckily, all those years of training helped Akira outrun the fangirls. He finally felt grateful for all the grueling trials he faced a few years ago now that it truly paid off and before he knew it, he was back home, safe and sound.

"Look who's back." Kai said in bemusement upon seeing his son return from his little outing.

If Akira's haggard appearance said anything, he had yet another run-in with the crazy fans.

The former ninja knew the crisis his son was going through.

Fangirls are THE scariest people ever.

"So how's your day?" The ninja turned blacksmith finally asked.

"Don't ask." The fire ninja's successor sighed.

"Let me guess. Jealous fangirls want you and Liana to break up so they can have you?"

"Yeah… They just won't leave me alone. I keep telling them I'm with Liana but it seems like they can't even comprehend the word 'no'."

"That's fangirls for you. They only care about what they want. They're always a pain."

"How did you deal with them?"

"Just ignore them. They feed off of attention so stop giving it to them. Eventually, they'll give up and find some other target to bother. After the first defeat of the Overlord, we were hounded to the ends of the earth, even after telling them we had girlfriends."

"Looks like fame does come with a price…"

Kai knew what his son was going through. After the first defeat of the Overlord, he wasn't sure where to go from there but as long as Aria, Nya, and his brothers were by his side, he would be able to find his place in an era of peace and he did. He also wanted the same for his children.

That and he wanted his son to take his time with Liana, not that he didn't approve…

"So how are things going between you and Liana?" Kai finally asked.

"We're doing fine… Though it's not easy keeping a long-distance relationship…"

"I'm sure you'll find a way."

"I guess… But we're still deciding what else we want to be now that the world no longer needs ninjas like us…"

"Don't say that. The Overlord may not have been the only threat to Ninjago. As Garmadon and Wu said, light and darkness must coexist and maintain balance. It's only a matter of time before something will happen to throw it off. When that will happen is uncertain. But there's one thing I know for sure. No matter what happens, we'll make sure there'll still be ninjas for the world to depend on when it does."

"So what do we do now?"

"My father once said the best way to live life is to live like every day is your last. Nobody knows if this day is truly the last. Anything can happen. That's why I say grab every opportunity by its face as soon as it shows up. Whenever you're with Liana, make sure you treasure every single moment with her. Not even I will know how you'll exactly end up. That's for you to decide. But no matter how you'll end up, you'll always be my son and I love you. Never forget that."

"Thanks Dad…"

Akira made a beeline for his room where he can truly be free from the world's prying eyes. The very first thing he got his hands on was his phone and to his delight, he got a message from his ice-wielding lover.

'Akira, it's been a while since we last talked. I was wondering if things are going well for you.'

The fire ninja couldn't help but smile from those words alone. Liana was nothing like the girls he used to chase. She just wanted to be who she was and he grew to appreciate that. Despite the doubts Alex and the other ninjas had, they still loved each other, no matter how far away they were from one another.

Akira may have screwed up with relationships before but he learned from his mistakes and just like his own path, he was ready to face what destiny will have in store for him and Liana…

Yup. Akira & Liana are still together. I've been considering doing a special story for them but we'll have to wait & see. First, I'm having some ideas for a Halloween special, even if it's way too early but here's a hint: it'll involve werewolves.

Anyway, thank you for the reviews & I'll see you all again soon!