Nice try, Jay. Don't go into therapy. Please.
The next morning, Jay went onto the deck to see if Zane had gotten out of his slump. But Zane was nowhere to be found. Jay only found him when he heard a faint whoosh above his head. Zane had learned to fly. He had already learned basic flight, he flew smoothly enough. He was diving, and attempting to stop right before he hit where he was aiming for. The others joined Jay in amazement. Zane didn't notice the crew staring. He was circling a mountain, making his pattern tighter and tighter, until he was practically touching the rocks. He only stopped when Lloyd stifled a laugh as he hit a rock, sending him tumbling through the air. He regained his balance and dropped onto the deck.
"What is so amusing? Did me hitting a boulder entertain you?" Zane growled, and leaped off the Bounty again, spiraling downwards.
"See what I mean? He's being a total grump." Jay sighed.
"Let me see if I can calm his nerves." Sensei said, and slid down the anchor chain. He saw Zane sitting in a tree, whittling a stick into a dagger. If that was showing Zane's thoughts, this could be harder than he anticipated. Zane glided out of the tree, the dagger in his claws. He settled on a rock to admire his handy work. He was so absorbed that he didn't notice Sensei approaching him from behind. His sixth sense alerted him, however, and he turned to face Wu.
"Good morning." Zane said sweetly. Too nicely for Sensei to buy into it.
"What is troubling you? You are normally not like this." Sensei sat down next to Zane, nervously eyeing the sharp dagger. He never believed Zane would ever hurt him, but his sudden outbursts were worrying.
"Afraid I might use it on you?" Zane read Sensei's expression. "Don't worry, I wouldn't waste my efforts."
"Never for a minute would I believe that you would harm me." Sensei put his staff down.
"If you've come to spout wisdom, I do not wish to hear it." Zane's eyes flicked away.
"Why not?"
"Simply put, it will not help. Words may cover the pain, but will not heal the scar." Zane fiddled with the dagger.
"I see. Instead of speaking, perhaps I should try listening. What is on your mind?" Sensei rested his hand between Zane's wings.
"I am not sure." Zane took aim, and lodged the dagger into a nearby tree, it hitting the center of a knot. "Bull's-eye." Zane smiled with a sense of satisfaction.
"Not sure? From what I hear from Jay, that's not the case." Sensei Wu had a firm lock on Zane's arm, preventing him from simply flying away.
"Where am I going to stay on the bounty?" Zane said quietly. "I can't stay in the room, and I certainty can't sleep out on the deck."
"Hm. We could always return back to the site of the monastery." Wu suggested.
"Are you suggesting what I think you are?" Zane sighed.
"I most likely am." Sensei smiled, and gestured to Zane to follow him back to the bounty. Zane shook his head, and followed closely behind.
Zane flew alongside the balcony, the breeze lifting his wings. As hard as flying was, it was worth it. The view was incredible, and the feeling of freedom incomparable. Zane wasn't sure if this was the thinking of a ninja or dragon, but he enjoyed it nonetheless. Jay was watching Zane soar from the deck. It was the first time Jay had seen Zane happy since he stuck the flash drive in him. Jay decided to test his limits.
"Hey Zane!" Jay called out. Zane stopped in midair, then folded his wings in and let himself drop on the deck.
"Yes?" Zane smiled.
"Would you mind taking me up there with you?" Jay asked.
"I suppose I could try." Zane extended his wing out for Jay to climb on, and the two were off. Zane flew in loops, corkscrews, circles, anything that Jay wanted. The others ran outside to the sound of Jay hollering with excitement, which made Sensei smile.
"Does this mean he's cheering up?" Cole hoped.
"I hope so. It's about time." Kai grumbled.
"Enough. Let Jay enjoy this. He earned it." Sensei smiled.