A/N: And here we are at Chapter 3!


Chapter 3

I can barely contain my excitement! Who would've guessed that my first mission as a kunoichi would be a solo mission?! True, I've gone lone wolf before during my time as Samurai X, but after that whole spill about teamwork from yesterday, I was sure I was going to be part of the chain gang with Jay and everybody else. At least until I'd had proper Shinobi training.

"Wait a minute, Sensei." Jay's hand lightly touches my shoulder. And when I look up at him, I can easily discern the worry in his sapphire depths. "Nya has to go alone?"

"Yeah, shouldn't one of us go with her to watch her back," Kai chimes in next, just as concerned.

But despite their words, Sensei holds steadfast in his decision. "That won't be necessary. I am confident Nya can complete this mission on her own." His head dips in approval at me, and I'm at once swathed with this great feeling of pride. It feels good that Sensei Wu believed in my abilities enough to send me to…

"Uh…where exactly am I going, Sensei?"

"Right below us," he affirms, tapping his stick on the ground, "to Ninjago City."

Zane looked skeptical. "But Ninjago City is so immense. How will she find the next Master?"

"With this." The Bo Staff of Waves suddenly materializes into Sensei's hand. "It will serve as a beacon and pulsate when the Master is near. Also, I am sure Tempest will help guide you as well."

Tempest… The spirit within my bladed gauntlets. Will it really help me? It knows about my mother, claims that she was its former master. I look down at my new arsenal to wield. The airy and whimsical voice has been silent since yesterday. My mind still stews on the possibility of learning more of what it knows. But I was told to wait. To wait to hear the words from the Goddess of Wind herself. I stare hard at the yin and yang symbol etched into the platinum. Will Lady Sylph really reveal all? Just what lies ahead on this road paved before me?

A light squeeze from my shoulder rouses me from my inner musings and I look up to meet Jay's fretful blues. "I'm confident in your abilities too. I just wish there was a way for us to—" His eyes suddenly widen. "—oh wait, there is! I can't believe I forgot about them!" He pulls away from me and holds up his hands. "Wait here, guys!"

When my boyfriend dashes off, we all glance at each other confusedly. What was that all about…?

Kai turns to Cole. "You know anything?" He asks, but Cole just shrugs.

"Hasn't said anything to me. But you know Jay; he's probably been tinkerin' away with something or other."

I smile. That's true. Compared to me, Jay likes to experiment more than I do. While I like to sketch plans before doing the chore of building, Jay brainstorms while he builds. And it's a marvel to watch. I can recall finding him on more than one occasion, hunched over some scraps of metal with different gears and wires strewn all around him. And I have to admit, when Jay becomes serious and focused on something…he stops being cute. He becomes unbelievably sexy…

Before my mind can wander and I start to drool, Jay returns with a bundle of devices in his arms. "I've been working on these bad boys for months! And I just finished putting the finishing touches on 'em!" His eyes sparkle as he proudly gives us each one.

"They're devices programmed to track and display their wearer's movement," he explains, motioning at the small screen on his own gadget. "And not only that, but we can also communicate with each other just by pressing the color-coded button of the person you want to talk to."

Hums of approval and intrigue billow in the room after Jay finishes, and I at once feel my heart thunder in my chest as I continue to peer at him. He really is amazing…

"Wow, that's really cool, Jay. This will definitely help communication amongst the team." Cole, ever the serious and responsible leader, was no doubt thinking up ways to implement Jay's newest invention in a life or death struggle.

"Yeah, do you have a name for them yet?" Kai asks next, looking up from his.

Jay puffs out his chest. "Sure do! I like to call 'em, Portable Motion Sensors, PMS for short." My mind comes to a screeching halt as he blinks innocently at us.

Wha… What…?

We all just look at him. Well, all except Zane.

"Hmm, yes…the acronym makes sense." His matter-of-fact and pleasant cadence is almost as staggering as Jay's oddly-named invention!

"Okay…" I lift an eyebrow as well as the device up at my boyfriend, "…I for one, am not calling it that."

Cole mutters something in assumedly Italian and concurs. "Yeah, we'll just call it your little doohickey or somethin'."

Jay's bright-eyed expression dims. "What's wrong with PMS?"

Doubly perplexed, Zane throws his two-cents in. "Yes, PMS is—"

"STOP SAYING PMS!" Kai and I explode together. Gawd! Just who in their right mind would ever name something after the female condition?! Regardless if it's an acronym or not!?

An echoing slam of a stick onto the hardwood floor immediately makes us all jump. "Focus, Shinobi!" Sensei Wu shouts belligerently. "Now you all have your missions. Jay will escort Nya down to Ninjago City. And when he returns, we will then head for Temblor." He hands me the heavy Bo Staff and leaves the dining room in a few brisk strides.

We all bow to his retreating form. "Yes, Sensei," we say in unison.

"No breakfast again…" Jay observes with a sigh as we straighten up.

Cole frowns. "Yeah. He's been skippin' breakfast for about a week now. Then takes a light lunch, and then an even lighter dinner."

"What's he doin'? Fasting? Is he amidst some sort of spiritual ritual?" Kai speculates.

Zane hums thoughtfully. "Though fasting is not an unorthodox method to those seeking spiritual enlightenment, I do not think that is the case. Sensei has been meditating for longer durations than usual as of late. Sometimes I sense his soul's inner turmoil…and sometimes I don't sense it at all…"

We all gawk at the white ninja, astonished. "Are you serious, Zane?" Cole questions, and the eldest inclines his head in a firm nod.

"Yes. And because of his recent behavior, I have also observed that he has lost a few pounds as well."

I gasp in horror. Sensei Wu is no spring chicken, and thus weight loss is inevitable. When lost naturally. But if he's shedding the pounds on purpose—pounds he can't afford to lose, then we have to do something! "We have to talk to him!" I blurt out anxiously. "This isn't healthy! He could get sick if this continues!"

The others rouse in agreement with me, but Zane shakes his head. "I have already tried on multiple occasions, Nya. And he repeats the same thing: "My mind and body has never been healthier. I am well, Zane." As it may pain us to think otherwise, we must trust our mentor. For his wisdom surpasses ours."

"Doesn't sound very wise to me," my brother mutters, and I can't help but agree with him.

Cole's hard frown doesn't waver. "Yeah, but unfortunately we don't have time to contemplate his reasoning." He heads for the door. "Let's get going, guys. Might as well see Nya off before we have to make tracks ourselves."

This newest revelation has put a damper on my spirit, but I follow Jay and the others regardless as we leave the dining room and head out onto the deck. The sky that welcomes us is a blatant contrast from yesterday's lovely blue. Cumulous clouds blot out the sun, leaving the heavens grey and murky with palpable humidity. Rain. Heavy rain was on its way, as it wouldn't be long before the skies opened up to relinquish their plentiful bounty.

I sigh unenthusiastically. How befitting…

"You be careful down there, Nya," Cole says, still frowning. "And keep in touch."

Zane smiles his gentle smile. "Yes, good fortune on your mission."

Next, my brother steps up. "Sis, do you. I know you got this." His infamous smirk uplifts me a bit and I embrace him tight.

"You got it." We part, and he ruffles my hair affectionately before moving away. "Let's go, Jay." I place the Bo Staff of Waves on my back and move to stand beside him as we approach the railings. The wind is nothing more than a whisper, a barely discernible sigh in my ears. But in spite of that…something still tugs at me.

Jay gives me a smile and wraps an arm around my waist. And together, we leap off the Bounty to descend towards the multitude of skyscrapers that littered the largest metropolis in the world. A flash of sapphire light smoothes our descent as Jay's Storm Fighter materializes. But the transition is short-lived and we land on top of a building near a lively shopping district.

The hustle and bustle of the populace down below is drowned-out by the honking of impatient drivers on the congested roads. I pay the droning wanes no mind, however, and focus my attention skyward at the dreary heavens. It's fine…just normal rain… I shrug passively. "Sun's barely hanging on. Looks like we're in for a downpour." Just as I lift my hand to smooth-out my slightly mussed hair, Jay grabs my wrist and turns me swiftly around to face him. And before my mind can even register what's happening, his lips are upon my own.

A sweet kiss this morning, and another shared now.

I get over my initial shock quickly and melt into my beau, feeling hot blood rush to my cheeks. Our height difference is apparent as he has to crane down a bit, but hell, I'm a happy helper! Thus, I arc up on my toes and wrap my arms around his neck for better balance and leverage. I press deeply into the kiss, wanting to taste more of that sweet coffee, mocha flavor from those baby pink curves. A wanton moan unwittingly escapes me as he begins to suck gratuitously on my lower lip. My body trembles in delight of this new ministration. But before I can return the favor, he pulls away, leaving me flushed, dazed, and blissfully unaware of anything else besides him.

Beautiful sapphire blue floods my vision and I blink owlishly to reign in my attention. "I want to stay with you…"

Uh-huh…yes, please stay… "I-I'll…I'll be fine…" Despite my breathless stammer, my pride could not be so easily thwarted.

"Call me if you need me… I'll be here before the others—you know I can and will…"

"I will… I know…" I can feel his breath against my lips. He's still so close… Close enough to… I kiss him again. Those silky, chestnut locks are mine to grab, and I do so in order to keep him in place, not wanting the kiss to end until I was satisfied. But it doesn't happen. The more I continue to kiss Jay, the more I want of him. His hands around my waist are tight, just as tight as I'm gripping his hair. He wants me just as much. He's in love with me just as much.

This is our relationship now…

The kiss ends somehow. By him or me, I'm not sure. "Nya…" My name is uttered huskily and low, the tone making my knees weaken. His arms circle me more fully, and then he's hugging me. And I embrace him too, letting his lean and muscular frame support my jellied weight. You know that clichéd phrase: Now I can die happy? Yeah…I think I'm right about there. "I think I better go. I think I'm starting to feel Kai's glare burn a hole through the top of my head."

I laugh awkwardly, my brain not quite there yet. He takes a hold of my hands after we part. He doesn't say anything more just…smiles. My lips curve automatically. I know what he's doing. I can tell that he's trying to be supportive without being overprotective. But in spite of his assured grin, I can still see a faint flicker of fear in his eyes. I lift his hands to my mouth and kiss his knuckles. Truthfully, I think he's the one most likely to face danger than I am. "Good luck to you too, Jay."

The light dust of pink on his cheeks is endearing to see. And slowly but surely, his smile becomes more genuine—more at peace. "Yeah…see ya…" A flash of sapphire light seals our farewell, and his Storm Fighter disappears up into the gray in a matter of seconds. I stand alone on the rooftop, demur and loneliness reinforcing the cold that has at once engulfed my soul. I mentally shake myself and take a deep breath. The expanse of the city below is a bewildering sight, and I blink confusedly upon seeing it.

Huh… What did I come here to do again…?

A melodious chuckle suddenly resounds in my head. (I believe we came here to search for the next master, Little Gale…) A twinkle of wind chimes sound again. (OR… you can just contact Jay and ask him to come back and give you another kiss…? Since that is what you truly desire at the moment…)

My cheeks flush in embarrassment at Tempest's teasing, and I pull my mask up in defiance. Tch…you would choose this precise moment to comment, spirit… I dash over towards the edge of the building and flip off into the waiting dark alley below.

*~Elements~*

The roar of applause and plethora of camera flashes assault my senses as my song ends. At Instructor Li's behest, I stay in my pose until the spotlight dims overhead and drape the theater in black. I bow to the audience in the dim evanescence and promptly leave the stage.

"Wonderful performance, Sasha." I can barely discern Instructor Williams' peach pants suit as she bypasses me, the lingering aroma of her sweet-smelling perfume tickling my nose. Her voice carries over to address the audience once she's on stage, rousing the crowd to another upheaval of applause at my exodus and preparing to call out the next act.

"I knew you'd provide a tough act to follow."

I turn to see a ruggedly handsome blond dressed in white leather. Alex Cross, a fellow aspiring musician taking Instructor Li's class. The diamond accents along the shoulders of his jacket twinkle when he tosses his hair. He smiles charmingly as he lifts his fist towards me, and I return his grin and mimic the gesture.

"Nah, I just warmed them up for ya." We bump fists. "Knock 'em dead, Al."

"Ha! Soon, only you and a few privileged others will be honored to call me by that name. To the rest…" he ran a hand through his coolly-styled hair and adjusted his fancy jacket, "…I'm Apollo."

When Instructor Williams calls his name, he strides out on stage, waving confidently at the roaring audience. It isn't long before Instructor Williams leaves him and some diverse pop music begins to blare from the theater's speakers.

"Apollo, huh. Cliché as hell, but somehow I think he'd pull it off just fine."

Standing just as "insanely" tall as me and with her French-tipped fingernails planted firmly on the hips of her hourglass figure, my best friend, Jasmine La Blanc, smirks approvingly at me. "Awesome job out there, Sassy! I wouldn't be surprised if the people downtown heard the cheers from here after your kick-ass performance!"

In proper Jazz-fashion, her grin turns toothy as she thrusts a victory sign at me. Yeah, I call her "Jazz". Well everyone here at the Marty Op does really, both for convenient and befitting reasons. She took to majoring in Jazz (yeah, like I said…) and can scat and tap dance with the best of them, which consequently landed her in the top ten percentile in the school. Upon meeting her, you'd never would've guessed she'd be into the Old Blues, (I know I sure as hell didn't!) but that just goes to show that you can't judge a book by its cover. A lesson I learned very quickly after meeting so many eccentric people at the Marty Op, as well as having Jazz for a roommate for the past four years.

I smile easily at her bubbly antics. "Thanks, Jazz."

She slides up to me and takes a hold of my wrists, her powder blue eyes twinkling under the back stage's fluorescents. "C'mon, c'mon! Let's get you inside the dressing room, so I can get you fitted up for your next act!"

I stumble a bit in my heels when she unexpectedly pulls on my wrists. "What? Jazz, my next act isn't until tomorrow, remember? This is a two-part program now, girl."

My words don't stop her incessant tugging, though. "Oh I know that! But Instructor Beautiful gave me the okay to choreograph the costume you'll be wearing for your singing number! So the fashionista in me is just dying to play "Dress up Barbie" with you! Besides, I need to take your measurements again! I think your bust may've gotten bigger over the last couple of days…"

"Oh shut up!" I growl as she herds me into the dressing room. I don't know why she always says such things. It's not like I'm embarrassed or self-conscious about my body or anything like that. Hell, I'm proud even! After all, my mama always said: "Puffing out your chest is a sign of confidence, baby! And a bigger chest means more confidence to show! So be proud of what Lord Leviathan gave you!" So no, it's not that. I guess it's just the way Jazz puts it—with a double-edged sword context: "Oh now I see why you came to the Marty Op! Too tall and too busty for gymnastics, huh?" Yeah, that type of silver-tongued bullshit. But I know she's not all snark. There are indeed other parts of her personality that I love.

She laughs. "Just sayin'! You've been every guy's wet dream since you've enrolled here. And for you to dance to 'In Regards to Love: Eros' just now, really brought the message home. You're a temptress! Heehee, I'd hate to be the custodian after today…"

"C'mon, Jazz! Oh my god, girl!"

She braces her hands on my shoulders and leads me over to the full-length mirror in the corner of the room. "Oh my god nothin', Sasha! You're the one trying to turn every straight girl into a lesbian! Just look at yourself!"

I've seen myself plenty of times since I've put on this get-up, but I go ahead and amuse her. Normally, I'm not into dresses, because of how constricting they can be. But this one is anything but. It's a long-flowing, black number made of satin that looked like what a woman would wear if they were out to seduce anyone in their path. It's figure-hugging with a slit going high up the left side to allow for free movement as well as get a glimpse at my leg. It only had one strap to hold it up and was appropriately backless. And if the design alone wasn't enticing enough, the little shimmering accents sprinkled seductively along my bust would definitely enrapture and captivate any audience. Coupled with a silver bangle on my left wrist, a silver anklet around my left ankle, silver teardrop earrings, black-heeled sandals, and my little sister's pearl—my most cherished possession—on a black choker around my neck, then I have to admit, you have one helluva to-die-for ensemble.

Feeling somewhat playful, I strike a pose. And my brazenness serves to hype Jazz up further. "See! See! And look at all this lustrous, blood-red hair!" She fluffs my high ponytail for emphasis. "And storm grey gaze that could pierce the heart of any man or woman! Sassy, you are a voluptuous Nubian queen and you know it! Damn! Call Instructor B what you want, be he knew exactly what he was doing when he picked your costume. But you just wait…" she nuzzles my cheek with hers, her strawberry blond hair creating a delicious swirl with my darker shade of red, "…the costume you'll wear tomorrow will blow this one out the water!"

She pulls away and bends down to begin taking my measurements, and I'm glad she doesn't see my smile drop. My mom and sister couldn't make my performance today…and they won't be here tomorrow either. I know Poseidonia can be crazy this time of year, and I know it's hella far from Ninjago City. But I haven't seen them for years now…and I was just hoping… My hand reaches up instinctively to fiddle with Sophia's Pearl. I really miss them. Talking on the phone and skyping just isn't enough. I want to hug them. I want mama to kiss my cheek. I want Sophia to tug on my hair like she usually does when she wants my attention.

I take a deep breath and exhale slowly through my nose. Well…at least I can hope to see them when I graduate this year…

"—and you just know Instructor B is gonna have a talk with you. That primadonna is such a perfectionist that I'm sure he'll find something to complain about. So whatever he says, just let it roll off you, okay? Like the water off a duck's back. Hell, he came after me regardless of how well I did last month during my tap dance performance! Giving me some sorry-ass bullshit about how my single buffalo was off-kilter. OFF-KILTER! A single buffalo! One of the most basic movements in all tap dancing! Sonnuva—I'll tell you what was "off-kilter", his eyesight! That was what was off-kilter! I tell ya, Sassy—"

It became obvious that Jazz was off on one of her little tirades again. So I know if I just agree here and there she won't know the difference. In the meantime, I space out and close my eyes. It's been very dreary all day…a heavy storm is brewing… I open my eyes and cant my head upward towards the ceiling. I can hear it…despite the pumping music in the background…I can hear Lord Leviathan's low growl.

And then…I can hear his tears finally begin to fall…


A/N: Phew! I have to say, I'm much more satisfied with this intro than the original. I hope you all are too. Plus, there's a new take on the action next chapter!