Zane followed Cole to the main room of the temple, and the two sat down across from each other, the android's bright eyes boring into those of the ghost, "when did you get stuck here?" he asked, and Cole explained what had happened, Zane listened, matching aspects of Cole's story to his own memories, and occasionally cutting in too question him on various details.
Cole sighed as he finished up the story, "I've been stuck here since then"
Zane nodded in sympathy, he knew what it was like to be stuck somewhere, alone, when your loved ones didn't even know there was anyone to look for.
Cole looked up at him, hopefully, "do you have any ideas?" he asked, "if anyone can think of anything, it's you"
"I am not an expert in ghosts" said Zane, "we will have to do more research into the subject"
Cole sighed, "alright" he said, slumping down in his seat, "uh, Zane?"
"Yes, Cole?"
"Is everyone okay?"
Zane hesitated, "Sensei Wu has been lost" he admitted "we are not at our strongest"
Cole sat up "what?" shock was evident in his voice, he shook his head "no- what-what happened? Oh First Spinjitzu Master, I'm sorry, I should've been there"
Zane shook his head "there was nothing you could've done" he said, "as for what happened, he was lost too time, we do not know if he is dead, but we are trying to find him"
Cole bit his lip. If he hadn't been stuck here, he could've been helping, and maybe they'd have found him by now.
"Our search is very time consuming, but we are not fragmented, I could arrange a time them to meet you"
Meet him. As though he was a stranger. As though he hadn't been a part of the team from the beginning. That's what he wanted to say.
"I would love that" he said instead. It wasn't a lie.
Their conversation continued, Zane filling him in as too what had been happening after he'd been trapped. As dawn approached, Cole stopped him "the suns coming up soon, you should leave"
Zane nodded "of course" he said, getting too his feet, his tone dipped a little, sad that he'd need to go so soon, "our conversation was pleasant, I believe I understand what was missing now"
He paused outside the door, "Cole" he said, looking back to meet the gaze of the ghost.
"yes, Zane?"
"You are the master of the house, correct?"
Cole nodded "I am"
"Then you should be able to change the rules so there is no need to leave at daybreak" Zane's tone wasn't mocking, but Cole still felt foolish. He hadn't thought of that.
"I'll get on that" said Cole, he hesitated a moment, watching as Zane nodded and began to leave, and then added "and, uh, Zane" the android turned, cocking his head at him expectantly, "please visit again soon, its pretty lonely here"
Zane nodded again, "I would not leave someone alone, you will see me again soon"
Cole couldn't help but smile fondly. He waved at Zane as he left, and Zane waved back.
He visited about once a week from that point on, giving him updates on what was going on in the outside world. He'd yet to convince the others to visit, to them, Sensei Wu was more important then checking up on a stranger.
He got it, but it still hurt.
"Jay has agreed to join us"
Cole looked up, a smile tugging at his lips "Yes!" he got to his feet, jumping in celebration, Zane smiled as well, glad to see the news had pleased his new companion, "he happens to be in the area, he will be here tomorrow"
Cole punched Zane's arm, playfully, his fist going right through "I love you, Frosty"