Children of Destiny

Well folks! Here's the next chapter!

The new generation will get more stuff for them to get ready for their journey. I'm also sorry for those who want to see action but I'll try to get to it in the next chapter. For now, read on.

Chapter 6: Final Blessings

Before the new ninja and kunoichi were the Gold and Silver Weapons.

They never thought they would actually wield them, having no idea of fate's plans for them.

"These weapons are very important not just because your parents used them," Lloyd began, "In the very beginning, before time had a name, my grandfather, the First Spinjitzu Master, created these weapons because he knew he can't protect Ninjago forever. He forged these weapons so Ninjago will still have those who can protect it even eons after his time. Your parents used the Gold and Silver weapons to do so many years ago and now, it's time for you to take the helm."

The new generation were told which weapon they will wield, such as Melody getting the Whip of Oceans and Kyle inheriting the Steel Kunai. Upon holding their new weapons, each new ninja and kunoichi can feel something awaken inside of them. It was as if their souls was a completed puzzle save for one piece but that piece was just found.

"You still have much to learn so training will continue tomorrow." Lloyd told his students.

"But what about us?" Leon and Willow asked, noticing they didn't have any weapons.

"You two are a special case," Lloyd answered his children, "Both of you have unique powers."

"Stay here," Iris got up, "There's something I must show you."

The former kunoichi retreated into her room and opened the chest in the back of the room.

Inside was the very item she was saving for this day…

Iris soon returned to the meeting room and placed the object in front of her daughter to see.

Laying before her was the Platinum Bow of Hours.

"Is that… for me…?" Willow asked.

"Yes," Iris nodded, "I used this very same bow to help your father defeat the Overlord and now, it's your turn to do the same."

The twelve-year-old girl cautiously held the bow, her innocent violet eyes echoing her mother's filled with awe.

"What about me?" Leon asked.

"Unlike your sister and teammates, you don't need any weapons," Lloyd answered, "The same happened to me when I was young. I had the powers of the other elements without using any weapons. After I found my true potential, they developed into their own unique element."

"And that is…?"

"The golden power only the chosen ones can wield when the world needs them. Leon, you may be the next chosen one to defeat the Overlord. I know this may be a lot, especially for someone your age, but you must always remember that you're not alone. You have your sister as well as the other ninjas and kunoichi to support and help you bear the weight."

"Really? Will you all help me through all this?" The new green ninja asked.

"Of course," Akira placed his arm over his shoulder playfully, "We'll always do things together! We're like family!"

The new generation began training with their weapons to prepare for their upcoming quest and it was also a way for them to kill time while the next Destiny's Bounty was being built.

"What do you think we'll be up against?" Liana asked.

"I'm not sure," Chris answered, "But knowing Sensei Lloyd, we'll have to take things way more seriously. Who knows when those guys will try to take my sister?"

"Melody, you're up!" Lloyd summoned the new kunoichi of water.

The ebony-haired girl was a bit cautious on trying out her new weapon. She trained with a whip before but this one had the powers of her element already dwelling within it.

What if she can't control it?

"This is your first time using an elemental weapon so I won't expect you to have full control of it on your first day." Lloyd said.

The new kunoichi nodded and gave the whip an experimental swing, causing it to produce the sound of waves splashing upon the shore, even if there was no water. She tried again and this time, a tiny current of water was created by the whip but it ended up splashing her.

"That's enough, Melody," Lloyd offered her a towel, "I don't expect you to be good in a flash. It will most likely take time before you can fully control these weapons."

The raven-haired girl silently pouted and left to go dry herself while Lloyd called for her sister to try out the Scythe of Quakes. The new kunoichi of earth imagined that her new weapon would be heavy but it didn't feel as hefty as it looked in her hands but it was probably because of her element. Cautious of what her new weapon can do, she made sure everyone stood back before striking the ground with the blade. Deep cracks formed on the earth, creating tremors so fierce everyone else had trouble standing.

The auburn-haired girl immediately grew concerned for her teammates and completely forgot about her training session and rushed to their side.

Unfortunately, the blade of the scythe was still buried in the ground and the earthquakes grew out of control.

"Amy! Focus!" Lloyd reminded his student.

Realizing her folly, the new kunoichi rushed over and picked up the scythe but it seemed stuck to the ground! Even with her elemental strength, she can't get it out!

"I can't!" Amy panicked, "It won't come out!"

Knowing what to do, Lloyd summoned his unique golden powers to lift the Scythe of Quakes off the ground and halted the earthquake before anything serious happens to the monastery.

"That was too close!" Forrest sighed in relief once he was sure it was all over.

"Amy, I understand how concerned you were for us earlier," Lloyd began lecturing the kunoichi of earth, "Selflessness is also important but you can't be everywhere at once. You have to focus on what's in front of you and keep your mind on the task at hand."

"Yes, Sensei Lloyd." The green-eyed girl bowed.

The other new ninjas and kunoichi gulped as they waited for Lloyd to choose the next student to test their new weapon.

This is going to be harder than they thought…

Back in Ninjago City, Jay was given a large working space to build the new Destiny's Bounty but he wasn't alone. He had his former teammates and most importantly, his wife.

"How's the new Bounty coming along?" Nya asked her husband while working on the turbines.

"Just fine." Jay responded while welding another piece of metal for the vessel's structure.

The other original ninjas were also more than willing to help out with the construction.

Being a lumberjack, Cole was able to supply plenty of lumber to build the ship. Even Zane lent a hand by helping him design a main computer for the new ship that will be much more advanced than the one they had on the original Bounty.

"I was looking forward to this day but at the same time, I never wanted it to happen." Jay said.

"Same here." Kai added.

"I know how you feel," Cole nodded, "It's also been pretty tough on Luna. She's been taking it pretty hard…"

"I understand," Zane also gave his say, "Heather and I were also upset when we got the news."

"But it would've happened sooner or later. At least our kids were old enough to understand it all when it did…" The ever optimistic blue ninja said.

"But that doesn't mean they're ready," His brother-in-law spoke back, "Akira and Alex still have a lot to learn before they can reach their true potential."

"We were the same," The ninjas' former leader responded, "We still weren't fully mature until we found our true potential and now, it's our children's turn. We have to trust them."

"I do have faith in my children yet I still worry for them." The former nindroid confessed.

"Parenting is never easy," Heather joined his side, "But neither is being a ninja or kunoichi and we're both."

"Yeah," Kai agreed, "Even if it's my kids fighting out there, I will fight by their side."

"Me too." Jay added.

"We all will," Aria said, "It's our responsibilities not just as ninjas but as parents to be there for our children when need be."

"Ja," Luna admitted, "As fearful as I am for them, I still want to give my daughters my blessings. It's my duty as a mother to always support them, no matter what."

"I too agree with your words." Zane nodded.

"Guys, we have to get back to work," Cole got the other ninjas' attention, "Who knows when he plans to make another move."

"Right." The ninjas and kunoichi immediately went back to building the Bounty.

It's been nearly a month since construction on the second Destiny's Bounty began and the kids continue to train with their new weapons. They were all showing gradual progress but they still have yet to do Spinjitzu. Jay also claimed that the vessel will be ready in a few days so the kids have time to hone their skills with their new weapons.

"How's the construction going?" Lloyd asked the ninja turned inventor from his phone.

"Just adding some finishing touches," Jay answered, "I promise, it'll be ready more quickly than you can say 'Ninja-Go'!"

"Ninja-Go!" The hero of Ninjago said his team's 'motto' in a half-assed manner.

…

"Now is it done?" The aged green ninja asked with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

"Goddammit Lloyd." The inventor grumbled.

Even to this day, Lloyd was still a snarky guy and would tease the ninjas.

"Stop whining," The green ninja dismissed Jay, "Just get it done soon. Our kids must get ready soon or he'll only cause more trouble."

"Understood."

After hanging up, Lloyd gave an exhausted sigh.

Even the new vessel's progress wasn't enough to get his mind out of the possible dangers Leon and especially Willow will face at such a young age. They were still so naïve and would have to give up their chances of a normal childhood much like their parents had. He kept telling himself that they'll eventually have to face their destiny but as their father, he can't stop worrying and fretting over his children's wellbeing.

Damn parental anxiety…

Iris found herself in the same black abyss she was trapped in during the final battle against the Overlord. Even her own body was the only thing she can see as if she was glowing.

'What's going on?'

The Russian woman can barely see a small puddle laying out before her. When she took a look, her reflection surprised her. She looked just like the way she did during her adventures, from her unique pink kimono-like uniform to her hair being in a half-ponytail.

"What happened to me…?" Even her voice sounded much younger than it is now.

She never felt so confused in her life but it was no use asking questions if there was nobody and nothing to answer them. With nowhere to go, the kunoichi of time wandered about, calling out for her husband and children but her echoes were the only answers she got.

The feeling of loneliness in oblivion began to frighten the grown woman, causing her to panic.

(*) "Pomogite!" She called for help but no one and nothing answered.

Anxious tears pooled up in her violet eyes as she continued begging for help.

A faint slithering sound like an enemy lurking in the shadows reached her ears.

"W-who's there!?"

Slowly but surely, light began to return and revealed that she surrounded by several ruins in the middle of a desert. Upon closer inspection, she realized she had been here before. This was the very same place where…

The slithering sound grew louder, alarming Iris.

The figure came closer until it was just a few feet away from Iris. The former kunoichi shrieked in terror at the sight before her.

It was him except that there was a bloody crushed skull where his face should've been.

Iris fell flat on her bottom but still tried to crawl away from him.

"Nyet! Y-you're supposed to be dead! Stay away from me!"

Unfortunately, she backed up against a ruined wall and was too scared to do anything while the figure crept closer. His hand reached out for her but before he could touch her…

Iris woke up with a loud gasp, covered in cold sweat.

She looked around her dark room and her husband still sound asleep next to her.

'It's just a dream…' She tried to remind herself but what it felt too real.

The sky was still dark but the former kunoichi of time can't bear to sleep another wink. She got up, being careful not to wake her husband, and walked out onto the short balcony, hoping a bit of fresh air can lend some comfort but she still can't any solace in the quiet night. The kunoichi of time was so caught up in her thoughts she failed to notice the person walking up behind her and wrapping their arms around her figure. The moment the person's arms touched her torso, Iris let out a loud yelp and would've fled if not for that person holding her tightly.

"Iris! It's me!" A familiar voice exclaimed.

"L-Lloyd…?" The violet-eyed woman turned around to meet the soft gaze from her husband.

"Iris… you must've had a nightmare." He held her as she sank into his embrace but Lloyd knew his wife was still bothered.

"What's wrong?" Lloyd asked in a gentle but firm voice.

"…He's coming back for me…" The former kunoichi said with wariness in her voice, "He wants to get his revenge…!"

"We already talked about him earlier today."

"I'm not talking about the one orchestrating all these events," Iris shook her head, "I'm talking about… him…"

Lloyd knew exactly whom his wife was referring to and that was enough for the fires of hatred ignite his heart. Even to this day, he despised the one being that started it all for him.

"He wants to take revenge on you for what you've done to him!" Iris began to panic, "He could even take it out on our children and then… he might…"

The grown woman broke down in bitter tears but her husband was there to comfort her much like she would whenever he had his 'evil episodes' before the venom inside him was purged. He kissed away her tears making sure not a droplet completely ran down her cheeks.

"No matter what happens or when it will, I won't let him take you away from me and our kids."

"Lloyd…"

Iris hugged Lloyd so tight he felt like he could suffocate but let her do it anyway. She needed his support more than ever and he was more than willing to give it.

"Iris, I promised on our wedding day to always protect you and our family," Lloyd kissed her on the lips, "And that's a promise I intend to keep."

The next few days have been peaceful but nothing is ever what it seems.

The disappearances have stopped but it offered no relief for Lloyd.

Knowing him, he might know what the ninjas are up to and try to throw them off but the green ninja knew better. He has been defeated before and he can be defeated again.

'Just you wait,' He said to himself as if his sworn enemy can hear him, 'If I was able to drive you back to the darkness for the first time, then the new ninjas can do it too.'

Both ninjas and kunoichi, old and new, as well as the First Spinjitzu Master's family, were now at Ninjago City, awaiting the completion of the new Destiny's Bounty. They stood in front of the gigantic warehouse where the now completed ship was built. Jay stepped out with a big smile on his face, ready to show off his biggest accomplishment yet.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I give you… The Destiny's Bounty 2.0!" Jay unveiled the new vessel for the new generation.

The doors opened to reveal a majestic ship that was even larger than the first Destiny's Bounty. There was no sail yet it already looked like it was ready for taking to the skies. On the bottom of the ship were several large turbines that looked impressive even when inactive. However, the most remarkable feature was the dragon head at the mast of the ship with its fierce expression painted in gold.

"Wow! It's so huge!" Leon stared in awe at the large ship.

"Go on. See for yourselves." Jay pressed one of the switches, activating a ladder on the side of the ship to lower down so the ninjas can come up and look around.

The deck was already wide and spacious but was far from plain. Jay pressed yet another switch and parts of the floor slid back and an obstacle course like that at the monastery rose up from the hardwood floor.

"Whoa!" Akira gasped in astonishment, "It's just like the one at the monastery!"

"Here, you can still practice your ninja skills but there's more to show you."

Jay continued his 'tour' of the new ship, bringing them down into the main room that was wide and spacious.

"Here's the bridge that will be the 'main room'. Here, you can come up with a bunch of plans to kick the bad guys' sorry asses, getting the latest news, and all that stuff."

"What's that?" Willow pointed at the giant screens against the wall.

The screens showed a diagram of the ship with a bunch of glowing dots where the ninjas were, a global map of Ninjago, and even a radar.

"Oh, this?" Jay walked up to the large monitor, "This is the ship's main computer. It gives you all the ship's statuses and conditions and all the info you'll need."

"Really? It can do all that?" Even the quiet Liana was intrigued.

"And this is the best part… it actually speaks!"

Jay cleared his voice before testing out the computer's voice.

"Computer, where are we?" He asked.

"Ship status," The computer's AI spoke in a monotonous feminine voice, "Currently stationed at Ninjago City. No known threats are within proximity of the ship."

"That is so awesome!" Leon gushed at the talking computer.

"Come on, there's plenty more I want to show you!" The ninja inventor beckoned everyone to follow him on the 'tour'.

Unlike the previous Bounty where the ninjas and kunoichi had to share a room, each of the new ninjas had their own room which was empty so they can personalize it however they want.

"Yes!" Akira exclaimed, "No more having to hear Chris snore!"

"Hey! I don't snore!" Chris retorted, feeling offended, "…do I…?"

The new ninja didn't like the silence coming from Forrest and even Kyle, his own brother.

"Moving on," Jay grabbed the ninjas' attention so to keep the tension low, "Next is the kitchen that's guaranteed to never let any of you go hungry."

Not only was the Bounty built as a base but it was also designed to feel like a second home for the new ninjas and kunoichi. The kitchen was fully equipped with a large fridge, oven, and stove so they won't have to worry about going hungry. The living room had a large HD widescreen TV with plenty of video games to keep them entertained when they're not kicking ass. All in all, it was definitely the perfect base for the new ninjas and kunoichi.

"So what do you think?" Jay asked once the 'tour' was finished.

"This is amazing!" Alex exclaimed, "It's not like anything I've ever imagined!"

"This has got to be the greatest thing you've ever built Jay!" Even Lloyd was impressed.

"I gotta say, I'm quite proud of myself on this one!" The former ninja beamed.

But the families all felt a slight melancholy in their hearts.

Tomorrow, the children will be setting off on their journey to destiny…

The day has finally arrived.

The new generation will finally embark on their adventures. Their parents were also present to give them their blessings.

"It's pretty funny how time just flies," Kai looked at his children with pride, "It felt like yesterday when you two were born. Your mom and I couldn't be happier when you came into our lives."

"Yes," Aria nodded, "You two are the greatest things to have ever happened to us and nothing will ever prove otherwise."

"Do you really mean it?" Alex asked.

"Of course," The former fire ninja smiled earnestly at his daughter, "Why else would we say all this in the first place?"

"Good luck out there…" The twins' mother embraced them for what could be the last time for the next several months.

"Liana, Forrest. Will you two be okay out there?" Heather asked her children.

"We can handle it," Forrest said with confidence, "After all you've taught us, we'll be ready."

"Liana, this can also be an opportunity for you to open up," Zane told his daughter, "I know the other children will soon appreciate you for who you are."

(*) "Isä…"

The ex-nindroid couldn't help but chuckle whenever Liana or Forrest spoke in his native tongue. Because of their faint English accents, some of their pronunciations of their vowels were slightly off but he didn't mind. That was who his children were and he can never have it any other way.

"Just have the courage to be yourself, no matter what."

"I'll try…"

"Haukka, please watch over them." Zane said to his ever loyal falcon.

The robotic animal flew from its master's arm to his daughter's shoulder.

Once again, Chris and Kyle had to endure their father's longwinded 'advice'.

"Remember boys, always smile for the cameras but make sure there's nothing stuck in between your teeth when you do."

"Dad, you said that when we came to the monastery." Kyle rolled his eyes.

"He just loves you and I feel the same way," Nya said, "We love you and we just want you to be careful out there."

"We will, Mom," Chris said, "By the way, will you be okay, Sayuri?"

"I'll be fine." The hazel-eyed girl nodded.

Sayuri was still envious of all the adventures her brothers will get to go on but at least she gets to have her parents all to herself.

"Amy, make sure to look after Melody, okay?" Cole told his eldest daughter.

"Okay." The green-eyed girl nodded.

"As for you Melody, I want you to be there for your sister too." He then said to his youngest.

"Amy, Melody, just be careful out there. Bitte…" Luna wrapped her arms around her daughters.

"We will." The girls returned their mother's embrace.

Even Lloyd and Iris gave Leon and Willow their blessings.

"Now Leon, you may be the green ninja but you must always remember that you're not alone. You have your sister and the ninja and kunoichi to help you bear the weight," Lloyd gave his son some advice, "You can't have all the glory. The others also do their fair share in protecting this world. Don't be afraid to go up to them if you need any help. Do you understand?"

"Got it, Dad."

It was bittersweet for Iris to let her children go out into the real world but she was also proud of them. She can tell they will go on and do some pretty amazing things.

"I'm going to miss you so much," She kissed her children's cheeks, "I know all of you are going to do something extraordinary. I have faith in you."

The Russian woman turned to her daughter. What she planned to do was very important…

"Willow, before you leave, there's something I want you to have."

The former kunoichi took out her crystal heart necklace she always wore since her adventures and placed it around her daughter's neck.

"Mom…!" Willow stared at the heart charm in astonishment.

"Willow, listen to me," Iris bent down to look at her daughter straight in the eyes, "Every time you look into the necklace, I want you to know that it represents my love for you as well as your father's. We want you and Leon to know that no matter where you go and what you do, we will always love you. The heart is the symbol of love and whenever you look into it, you'll know that it's us loving you and it's also our love reaching out to you."

"Mom…"

"Your mother's right," Lloyd added, "We may be far away but we'll still support you."

"Mom! Dad!" Willow hugged her parents with all her might as did Leon.

They couldn't be more grateful to have such loving and supportive parents, especially now that they were going out on an extraordinary quest…

Even though the new generation was ready, they were still missing one thing.

"Before you go, we need to find someone to guide you." Sensei Wu reminded them.

"Nani!?" Akira asked in disbelief, "We can take care of ourselves! Why do we need some adult figure telling us what to do!?"

"But you'll still need someone to guide you. You have proven yourselves before but you should still have an adult figure to look after you in case you have any trouble whatsoever." Iris added.

"How about Gruncle Wu?" Leon asked, "He'd be perfect! He's quiet, wise, and he's the only one who can rock the long beard! Every Sensei has to have a long beard!"

"Don't make generalizations, Leon," Garmadon sternly reminded his grandson that he was also a Sensei but didn't have a beard, "Your father and I are also Sensei's yet we have no beards."

"I guess…"

"But who'll be the one to guide our children?" Luna asked, "We still have our duties at home."

"I'll be their guide." Misako stepped up, much to Wu and Garmadon's surprise.

"Misako, are you sure you can handle it?" Garmadon asked.

"I'm already their tutor and I have my fair share of experiences." The scholar said.

"But what about the arts of self-defense?" Wu was also bewildered but not doubtful.

"I have to admit I'm more brain than brawn, but I can still hold my own on the battlefield."

"Will Sensei Misako be able to help us?" Willow asked.

"I'm sure you'll be in good hands," Haruka told her grandchildren, "Misako is a very intelligent woman and she always knows what she's doing. I've trusted her all my life."

"Thank you, Haruka." The bespectacled woman graciously thanked her old friend.

Now it was finally time for the Destiny's Bounty 2.0 to take flight.

The new generation and Misako got onto the ship but not without saying goodbye first.

"We'll miss you so much." Iris embraced her children before they got on board.

"Good luck, my children." Lloyd gave Leon and Willow his final blessings.

The rest of the parents also gave their kids their blessings as they got on the ship, ready to take on the forces of evil.

The new Bounty was taken out of the garage and the sails unfolded. The pure white cloths had dragon details embroidered on it and it would look like dragons were flying alongside the ship when it sails across the skies.

The one behind all this has no idea what's coming for him.

The new generation of ninja and kunoichi were ready to answer the call of destiny and continue what their families have started.

They will drive back the darkness and bring light to Ninjago once more.

(*) Pomogite = Help (Russian)

(*) Isä = Father (Finnish)

Okay! Now the new ninjas' adventures officially start!

Once again, I'm really sorry for being slow but I want to give this story some 'build-up' before we get to the action. Also, during early planning on this story, I thought it'll be interesting if the new generation had a female Sensei. I noticed that in a lot of anime & TV shows where there's a team of ninjas, martial artists, or anything similar, there's always an old male Sensei so I was all 'Why not have a female Sensei?' so there you have it. Misako will be the new generation's Sensei.

But what sort of challenges await them?

Stay tuned & review!