Alternate title:
Return to Ouroboros
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
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(3rd POV: Akira)
Akira reclined comfortably on the command center's couch within the Shift-wing, her serpentine tail gently thumping a rhythmic beat against the cushions.
Her amethyst eyes were focused intently on the vibrant screen before her, her fingers flying across the controller as she navigated the intricate melodies of Sitar Legend, a rhythm game she and Lloyd had enthusiastically played the day after their successful prank-filled morning.
Suddenly, the flow of the game stuttered, the screen freezing mid-note.
Akira's amethyst eyes narrowed slightly, a subtle twitch betraying her focus being drawn elsewhere as a small pop-up overlaid the game's interface, displaying a live exterior feed. The view was undeniably peculiar: a man wearing a traditional conical hat and carrying a large, brown mailbag pedaling a bicycle with crudely attached wings that flapped with surprising, if slightly ungainly, coordination beneath him.
"Wait up! Slow down! I have packages for Akira and Sensei Wu!" the mailman called out, his voice slightly winded as he vigorously rang the bell mounted on his handlebars.
Akira's gaze flickered a soft magenta, and as if in response to an unspoken command, the Shift-wing began to decelerate smoothly, adjusting its speed to allow the determined, if somewhat eccentric-looking, cyclist to catch up. A section of the ship's sleek hull on the port side silently shifted open, revealing an entryway for the unexpected visitor.
(Scene break)
"First, I'll stomp on his tail," Lloyd began, engaged in a friendly but earnest debate with the ninja about the most effective way to stun a Serpentine.The door slid open, and Wu walked into the kitchen, holding a small, grey box. Akira slithered in behind him, carrying a slightly smaller, identical box.
"Then when he turns, a thunderclap to his ears. Then, while he's stunned, I'll disarm him," Lloyd continued energetically, as Akira settled at his end of the table and Wu moved towards the other.
"Too late, he's already hypnotized you, and now you're under his control," Cole countered with similar enthusiasm. "Or he's already got you in a squeeze," Zane added, clenching his fist for emphasis.
"Or spit on you with his hallucinatory venom. Trust me, bad stuff," Kai said, shaking his head at the unpleasant memory.
"Ah, Uncle," Lloyd asked, slightly bewildered by the ninja's varied and alarming scenarios as Wu sat down, placing his box on the table, "what is the best way to stun a Serpentine if you don't know what kind they are?"
"Sadly, it was the Sacred Flute you four carelessly lost," Wu answered with a sigh, a hint of disappointment in his tone as he pointed out the ninja's recklessness. "Hey, no, no, no, we didn't lose it. Pythor stole it," Jay protested defensively.
"Whatever the case, without it, I fear we have nothing to effectively combat their powers," Wu continued, reaching for the tea kettle and pouring himself a cup.
"We may have prevented them from uniting in the past, but they will try again, and one day they will be stronger." He added, taking a thoughtful sip of tea.
"Don't worry, Sensei. I've almost reached my full potential," Cole began with characteristic enthusiasm. "And when I become the Green Ninja, we're not gonna need any magic flute!" He proclaimed boldly.
"You're gonna be the Green Ninja?" Kai rebutted, a sarcastic laugh escaping him. "Ha-ha-ha! Don't make me laugh."
"I thought it was decided that I was destined to become the Green Ninja," Zane stated matter-of-factly. Jay laughed, clapping a hand on Zane's shoulder. "Oh! The only thing decided about you, Zane, is that you're weird." He said, referring to Zane's often-unconventional behavior, as the ninja began to bicker amongst themselves.
Lloyd hopped up from his seat. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. What's in the box?" He walked towards Wu, his curiosity piqued.
"Your new uniforms," Wu answered with a small, somewhat weary smile.
The ninja gasped, their previous argument forgotten as excitement washed over them. "Whoa! They've got, like, armor!" Jay exclaimed, eagerly grabbing his new suit.
"I love the gold highlights," Kai said, admiring his new suit's design, picking up the neatly folded garment. "Battle claws!" Cole declared with delight. "The material feels remarkably light and breathable," Zane commented, examining the fabric of his new uniform.
Lloyd looked into the now empty box, his face falling slightly. "Oh. Nothing for me?" he asked, a hint of sadness in his voice.
Before Wu could offer an explanation, Akira spoke up, opening her package. "Here, Lloyd, I believe this is for you." She said, pulling out and unfolding a green hoodie with vibrant purple highlights, a striking golden serpent design emblazoned on the front, and the Ninjago symbol for dragon rendered in sleek silver on the back.
Lloyd's eyes glistened with pure joy as he rushed over to her, grabbing the hoodie with both hands. "Whoa! It's so cool!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with awe. "Thanks, Akira!" He added, throwing his arms around her in a tight hug. Akira froze for a fleeting moment at the unexpected physical contact before gently returning the hug with a soft, genuine smile. "You're welcome, Lloyd."
Suddenly, the piercing wail of the ship's alarm sliced through the comfortable atmosphere of the dining room. The ninja, Wu, Lloyd, and Nya instantly reacted, a surge of urgency propelling them towards the bridge. Akira, however, moved with a more deliberate pace, pausing to retrieve a second, larger garment from the open box before following.
The bridge hummed with the low thrum of the Destiny's Bounty's engines. Cole was already at the main console, his fingers flying across the controls. "Sorry to break up the moment, boys," he announced, his voice overlaid with the urgency of the situation, "but a small faction of our slithering friends are stirring up trouble over at Mega-Monster Amusement Park." The main screen flickered to life, displaying a chaotic scene within the amusement park: serpentine figures slithering through crowds, sending panicked park-goers scattering.
Just then, Akira glided into the bridge, now adorned in a striking new outfit. A purple, tunic-like top with sharp, asymmetrical panels draped elegantly over her serpentine form. Long, slightly baggy sleeves billowed gently with her movement, and intricate gold and silver accents shimmered against the darker fabric. A bold gold dragon design coiled across the front, and a sleek black sash cinched her waist.
"Amusement park? Can I go? Can I go with you, please?" Lloyd exclaimed, his earlier disappointment instantly forgotten, replaced by unrestrained excitement. He zipped around the ninja, Wu, and Nya, his small voice filled with pleading energy. "Let me make things up! I can help!"
Wu sighed softly, a hint of regret in his voice as he looked at his nephew. "I'm sorry, nephew. You will stay here, where it's safe." Lloyd's shoulders slumped, the vibrant energy draining from him. "Ninja get all the fun," he grumbled under his breath.
Akira moved gracefully towards the dejected Lloyd, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. He looked up at her, a flicker of surprise in his eyes at her new attire. "I will take you to the amusement park later, okay?" she said softly, her amethyst eyes warm with reassurance. A spark of his previous excitement reignited in Lloyd's expression.
"What do you say, guys?" Jay chimed in, a wide, eager grin spreading across his face. "Time to try out the new merchandise?"
A short while later, the ninja emerged from the changing room, each clad in their striking new uniforms.
Zane was the first to appear, his movements fluid in the primarily white suit. The flexible material hugged his form, accentuated by the elegant gold segmented armor plates that covered his shoulders. A matching gold sash draped diagonally across his chest, adding a touch of refined protection to the otherwise minimalist design. Black gloves completed his look.
Next, Kai strode out, a vibrant flash of red. His new suit featured a high collar and a streamlined cut that spoke of agility. Like Zane, he sported segmented gold armor on his shoulders, and intricate gold patterns adorned his chest, catching the light with each movement.
Jay followed, a bolt of blue and silver. His suit, crafted from a similar flexible material, also incorporated segmented silver armor plates on his shoulders, offering a sleek and protective silhouette.
Finally, Cole's imposing figure filled the doorway. His black suit was accented with sturdy-looking gold and grey. Segmented gold armor covered his broad shoulders, and a grey sash was slung across his chest, adding a rugged touch to his powerful build.
"Well," Cole quipped, striking a pose, "Ready to rock these new threads?"
(Scene break)
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The previews are just something I'm doing now