Panther island.
On their way to the island Zane took time to bond with his father. And Julien got himself familiar with the ship and everyone on it.
He was a huge help on keeping the bounty steady on the trip and Wu and Julien loved to swap stories about Zane that embarrassed the white ninja.
Maya had to laugh about Zane's childlike days. But she also ended up flushing when Julien decided to join Wu on his campaign for grandchildren.
"And I thought my mother was bad." Maya sighed as she sat on the couch with Zane.
"True, when we told her of our engagement her first question was if we would be giving her a third grandchild." Zane chuckled.
"Don't you go getting sucked in. I want to wait a bit for that." Maya sighs.
"It is probably for the best. Have you drawn anything recently?" Zane held her close.
"Some ideas for the wedding, and maybe a place of our own." Maya bring out her sketch book.
"A place of our own?" Zane looks confused.
"We can't stay on the bounty forever Zane, it's not big enough." Maya frowned sadly, she didn't want to leave the bounty but it wouldn't work well for a married couple.
"I suppose you are right, but living without the others would be so strange." Zane frowned.
"I know. If only we still had the monastery, it be easier to live together." Maya sighs.
"Why don't we?" Zane smiles at the idea.
"How, we don't have the money for everything?" Maya looks confused.
"No but we have an earth master to make the walls, Jay and Nya are great at technology for conveniences, and my father would help as well. Sensei Wu knows the lay out…" Zane starts.
"You know that would be a good idea. We should talk to everyone about that." Maya smiles.
"Talk about what?" Kai asks as he walks in.
"We were thinking that perhaps we could rebuild the monastery, that way Maya and I would not have to move away from everyone when we are married." Zane smiles.
"That be great. We'd have to tell the others as soon as possible." Kai smiles.
Before more could be said though Nya called everyone on the voice intercom "We're approaching." They headed to the monitor room at that.
As they entered and looked at the screen from the falcon's vision, they could see the large island with sandy white beaches and lush green jungle.
"It's amazing." Julien said shocked.
"It truly is." Wu nodded.
"So, this is where my powers come from." Maya holds her necklace. 'How will the people react to me?'
Zane held her hand and said "We shall stay together." This calmed her and she nodded.
"There will be much for us to do once we arrive so everyone…." Wu start but as he did his eyes widened "No…"
At that they all looked to where he was looking and gasped, they saw a horrible black smoke rising within the middle of the jungle and Wu said "Nya…."
"On it Sensei!" She saluted and booked it.
They all held on and hoped they made it in time. They soon where hovering over city of stone with a huge palace all covered in vines. But the beauty was tarnished as the stone army attacked the wonderful place and the people.
"They need our help." Zane said in a leader like tone.
"We're with you frosty." Cole and the other put on their masks and head out. Nya getting her exosuit.
They all grabbed their vehicles and fell. Once on the ground everyone looked shocked but there was no need as the ninja began to fight off the stone army. What surprised them more was that Maya jumped off the bike and using her full potential started knocking aside the stone army.
"The protector has arrived!" one called.
They all cheered at this and began to rally against the stone army. Using their panther like ability to help them fight the back.
Maya didn't' know why but as they landed something in her took over, the necklace glowed within her and she felt an energy within her take over as she hunted down the stone warriors one word came over and over again in her 'Protect.'
She Roared fiercely at them making them get blown back. The others looked on shocked at this.
"Wo, I haven't seen her this pumped since she reached her full potential." Jay said shocked kicking a stone warrior away.
"It is the necklace. It is telling her to protect her land." They all turned at that and a woman with gray hair in a braid to the side clawed some stone warriors away and landed on all fours in front of them.
"Are you Misako?" Kai asked.
"Indeed I am." Misako smiles.
They could not say more as the stone warriors came upon them again and had to continued fighting. Zane found that they just kept coming. 'We have to end this.'
Meanwhile….
Garmadon has been on the rampage with the stone army 'Now you shall all feel my wrath, but where is she, where is Misako?'
Then the ninja attacked.
'Not them, not when I'm so close.' He glared.
He tried to fight but it was no used, then he saw Misako. 'There, there she is. And just as beautiful as I remember.' He sent his warriors after her, but as he did, he also noticed someone else.
"Pesky green ninja. I will end you now." He growled.
Back with the ninja….
Zane started finding himself being swarmed by the stone warriors in fact they started puling him away from the others.
"Zane!" Called Jay .
This caught Maya's attention. "NO!" She called and rushed after him. She was able to jumped over them and as the two locked hands they felt a surge over them and the stone army fell on it's back.
With Garmadon…..
"No, no, no. Those two can not be together. They'll ruin everything!" He glared then got an idea.
"Perhaps it's time they take a break." He chuckles and commands his general.
Back with the ninja….
Maya and Zane looked on shocked at this then Zane was nocked out from behind. "Zane!" Maya called but was picked up and pushed away, at this several stone soldier began to crowed her, she began to try and fight them off but as she did she saw in horror as Zane was picked up and taken.
"No, Zane!" she shouted, roaring at the army as they fell once more and she chased after the larger warrior but as she tried to find it, she found that there was no scent. 'Zane…' she whimpred and fell to her knees to cry.
The others rushed over, as the stone army retreated. Wu rushed over asking "Maya where is Zane?"
"They took him, they took him." Maya cried into his shirt.
The others looked shocked at this, things ha just gotten more dangerous than they had ever been before.
As they returned to the village the people cheered but Maya ignore them. The same man that had been with Misako at testing Maya and seeing if they should let her and Zane be together, a man with reddish brown hair, a large build, and a guotie came up and said "Protector, you arrived just in time."
Maya looked up sadly and said "Please don't call me that."
The man looked shocked and said "If that is what you wish. I am Jag. One of the high leaders of panther island. We thank you for you and the ninjas help in protecting the city."
"Sadly one of the ninja has bean taken." Maya cries slightly.
The man looks around and his eyes widen "The green ninja."
"We have to get him back." Kai said determined.
"And you will, we will all help you. But first you must learn how to defeat the stone army. Come, if you have the orb our palace will hold the answers." Jag pointed to the magnificent palace.
The ninja wo at this but Maya had seen in her dreams several time and could not enjoy it now with her love in danger. But to save him she became determined and said "Let's go." And marched off. Jag nodding as he showed them the way.
At this Lloyd and the other came down and as Lloyd came down he saw the women with the braid and said "Mom?"
"Oh Lloyd I…" She wanted to come near but stopped as she said.
"You probably don't want me so close after abandoning you. I'm sorry. It was so wrong of me to do that. I should have taken you with me I should have protected you I should have…." Llody just ran up to her and making her stop.
"I know why you did it. But please, don't leave again." Lloyd looked up pleadingly.
Misako smiled and nodded as she hugged him. Manny people glared at the boy for he was the son of their mortal enemy.
Maya noticed this and growled at them, they backed off easily. 'At least this protector statues is good for one thing. Really, poor Lloyd wouldn't of bean safe even here.' She frowned at the idea and made sure no one would mess with him while they were around.
Once inside the palace the came to the middle of a very designed center with several panthers chasing each other in a circle and a pedestal with a small round spot waiting to be filled.
"Please, place the orb in." Jag smiles.
Wu gives the orb to Maya and she nods as she walks up place the orb. As she does a projection shows all the ninja together.
"Hey that's us." Jay called.
"I didn't know we be part of this too." Kai looked shocked.
"It seems the last protector changed the legend as a way to defeat the stone army indefinably." Jag looked on shocked.
Then the four ninja formed the tornado of creation.
"But we tried that, the best we could do was send them into the ocean." Cole groaned.
Suddenly Maya appeared on the screen in her full potential and going into the tornado, a large explosion racking the tornado and destroying the stone army.
At this they all looked shocked. "What but we can't do that. We where told never to do that!" Jay jumped in shocked.
"I too am confused, this is far too dangerous." Wu looks on worried.
"It could very well destroy our city and good chunk of the island." Jag looked on with pain.
"Then we lead the stone army to the caves." Maya frowns.
At that they all looked shocked. "Maya…." Misako looks worried.
"The caves are where the islands power is but so far the power of this island has cause trouble, will it trouble cause an damage to your home to have that place destroyed?" Maya looks stern.
Jag thinks on it "Truly, no. It has been abandoned after its power became dangerous and we feel like the power is no longer connected to the island. Perhaps it is for the best." Jag nods.
"Then that's what we'll do. Garmadon is most likely there. Trying to get stronger, that's where he's most likely keeping Zane as well." Maya frowned.
"Then that's where we're all going." Kai says determined.
"Not all of us. Only us four. If anyone else comes they could be caught in the crossfire. Last time it was Wu's experience that kept him from being destroyed along with the underground city…. "
"But Maya…." Nya tries to say.
"She is right Nya, this battel is for the ninja alone. I'm sorry." Nya looked down but looked up and nodded saying "Be careful."
"We will sis. Wait for us." Kai hugs her.
"I'll be waiting for all of you, oh and Jay." Nya then kisses him and he jumps excitedly.
Maya smiles 'About time.'
"Okay we should get going and…argh." Maya holds herself by the pedestal and Jag holds her.
"Miss Maya. You are drained from battle. Please at least recover before you're journey." Jag begged.
Maya wanted to protest but "Thank you, it would be best for us to regain our strength before battle." Wu interrupts.
Maya sighs 'But what about Zane.'
Julien looked on worried as well and whispers "But what about Zane?"
"Zane is strong, I worry for him as well but Garmadon will not break him easily." Wu said with finality.
Julien nodded knowing this but still worried, as did Maya. What would she do till they leaved?
Lloyd and Misako decided to catch up, Jay and Nya seemed to be in a mood and decided to have a sort of date, Kai and Cole and Wu went off to see the city and Julien, he seemed to be curios with the castle.
'Maybe I should do the same. I've seen this in my dreams. Might as well see it for real.' She walked about, remembering many corridors and such from her time there in her dreams.
As she walked she came to a familiar spot 'The window, the same place I always woke up in when I came here.'
She came up to it and looked out at the city 'It really is beautiful. Zane I wish you were where to enjoy this with me.' Her eyes teared up.
"Miss Maya, are you okay?" Jag asks as he comes up.
"I just need some time alone." Maya sighs.
"If you need anything you just have to ask. Your room is down the hall at the very end." He nods.
"Thank you." Maya nods back and Jag heads off.
'Maybe some sleep will do me some good.' Maya sighs and head off to the room she was told to sleep in.
Meanwhile….
Zane groaned, his head and he felt like he'd bean rammed int by Cole. 'But I was not training with him I was fighting…'
At that Zane's eyes widened and his blue eyes looked around in shock at the cave he was in. He tried to move but found himself chained to the wall of the cave. He tried to use his powers to escape but nothing came forth. 'Venge stone.' Zane frowned.
"I do so hope you're enjoying my hospitality." Zane glared up as he saw Garmadon walk over to him.
"I suppose this is the best you could do for your enemies." Zane frowns.
"Snippy as always I see." Gramadon growled.
"What do you want?" Zane glared.
"It's obvious isn't it ninja. I keep you and the panther ninja away I keep my stone army. And once I take over the island, I dispose of you and the finale battle never occurs. Easy." Garmaodn smirks.
"Even if I am destroyed the others will fight. And another will take my place." Zane frowns.
"Not if you don't give your power to someone. Or have a child to inherit it." Garmadon growls.
"I believe there is more to it then that." Zane glared.
"Why don't you just give up! You are in no positions to fight me, you are weekend, you're friends are no where to help you? Just accept defeat!" Garmadon growls.
"Ninja never quite." Zane smirks showing he would never give up. "And I will not give up easily, not when I have so many waiting for me." Zane glares.
"So that's what drives you, it always has. What if you had no one to go back to though." Garmadon smirked.
Zane's eyes hardened "This is between the two of us, leave the others out of it."
"It was never about just the two of us ninja. The others have foiled my plans one to many times, and there are two there that I want close to me." Garmadon smirks.
Zane gasped "You said you did not want to harm Lloyd, that he should have his own destiny."
"Oh I would never harm my son. But his own destiny, if I want him to ever be with me then I must have him hear safe and away from you ninja." Garmadons eyes glowed more red at this.
That's what Zane realized it "The venom, it's almost completely consumed you." But it was like Garmadon did not hear him and just went off.
He was tired from using the stone army for a while, but after some rest he be ready.
Zane began to struggle to get free when the stone general punched him and gurgled in an unknown language. Zane glared but realized 'I will have to wait till he is not around or find a different approach.'
Time passed though and Zane found himself falling asleep, not able to find a clue and his guard never leaving him, giving him a punch or kick if he dared tried any escape.
With Maya…
Maya had tried to rest but could not, she looked round the whole palace and was greeted by many, she looked to see what the other where doing and smiled to see them happy. But she just couldn't find a way to keep herself calm.
As night came she finally decided to find some sleep. But as she did her heart felt heavy, he looked out the window and sighed as she sang….
"When you try your best but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse."
That's what she felt, she had tried her best and lost Zane in the prosses, now she felt like she was just going backwards in everything. She finally let her tears out, at this, she couldn't keep up her strength.
'When the tears come streaming down your face
'Cause you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
What could it be worse?'
'No it can't be that my love has gone to waist, it hasn't I wont' give up on Zane I wont.' Maya resulted as she let her tears just fall.
'Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you….'
Somehow at this thought she felt herself calm and suddenly she felt herself haze and fall to sleep.
She found herself at the panther temple and sighed 'Why am I here?'
'Maya?' At that she gasped and turned around to find none other then 'Zane!' she rushed into him and cried.
Zane held her close and kissed the top of her head and then face 'Maya, Maya is it truly you?'
'Yes Zane, but how can this be? Are you real? I just fell asleep and…' Maya felt her tears calming.
'As did I. Are we, sharing a dream?' Zane looks confused.
'How is that even possible?' Maya looks shocked then she felt her necklace and looked down 'The panther necklace!' they said at the same time.
'I remember seeing into your mind once, when you chose me as the green ninja. It was only at the end but, it must be part of our bond.' Zane held her hands up slowly with a smile.
'It looks that way. Zane are you okay?' Maya looked shocked seeing his wounds.
'I am okay. Garmadon has a guard on me and I cannot escape. He has tied me with venge stone.' Zane sighs.
Maya rubbed the bruised on his face 'It's okay, in the morning we'll come to get you. But Sensei saw how exhausted I was and…' She frowned.
'It is understandable, you're powers can take a toll on you and the battle was fierce. Please rest for me. I wish to stay with you in this dream, but I am afraid to keep you from rest. And you must be ready tomorrow. Garmadon is planning to attack the city again and capture Misako and Lloyd.' Zane looked on angry at this.
'Sensei, Nya, and your father will stay back to protect him. But the rest of us are going as soon as possible to you. In fact we should go now, if he plans to attack….' Maya tries to awaken.
'No Maya, you must be at full strength. I wish I could stay but…' Zane frowns.
'No Zane! Stay with me for as long as you can. I can't stay calm, not without you. I'm so scared.' Maya holds on tight to him.
Zane frowns sadly at this and holds her tight as he says 'I am also scared. I cannot seem to find peace without you near me. At least not at this moment. But remember, as long as the ice on the ring holds, you will know I am still breathing.'
'At least this way I will always have a piece of you near.' She snuggles him.
They sit down on the floor and Zane decides to help calm her 'She always loved to hear me sing. But what should I sing?'
He thought on it then smiled as his voice carried out in their minds.
'I walked across an empty land
I knew the pathway like the back of my hand
I felt the earth beneath my feet
Sat by the river, and it made me complete.'
Maya sighed, ever time Zane sang she felt this type of calm wash over her. it felt like he was truly there with her, in a sense he was. But if only he could be there for real, and safe.
'Oh, simple thing, where have you gone?
I'm getting old, and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired, and I need somewhere to begin'
The song made them think of all the things they went through, the things that help them grow close to each other. The paintings, the letters, and the comfort they gave each other.
'I came across a fallen tree
I felt the branches of it looking at me
Is this the place we used to love?
Is this the place that I've been dreaming of?'
Around them the world seemed to change, snow was piling around them like when Maya found Zane was the green ninja. But more was changing, it was changing into the tree house.
This was where they admitted their love for each other. This was their beginning. They both looked shocked at this but smiled non the less.
'And if you have a minute, why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go
Somewhere only we know?
Somewhere only we know'
Maya felt saddened by these words but knew he would never give up and she would do the same. They held each other close, feeling the sense of sleep coming over them soon. But they wanted to hold on, just a little.
'This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go
Somewhere only we know?
Somewhere only we know
Somewhere only we know'
Zane kissed her at the end and Maya wanted to kiss back but the sense of sleep took over and the two faded from the other's minds. Rest taking over.