Feral
They decide to stay the day before heading to the bounty. They left Cole and Lou alone so they could catch up. They rest of them looked around the town for a bit and hang out.
They soon did have to go back to the bounty, and they had to catch up on some training. Lloyd was happy to have them back and it seemed Nya had been giving him some extra training while they were gone as he was almost ready to do spinjitsue.
But they were all still worried. Still none of them had found a fang blade and they still couldn't figure out where the next one would be.
One day as they tried once more to figure this out Maya felt frustrated. She was looking at the orb that she had taken from the snakes and wanted to figure out if there was anything useful about it.
"You are determined to figure out something useful out of that artifact." Maya jumped but then turned and sighed.
"Zane you scared me." Maya frowned.
"I did not mean to surprise you. I sense you're frustration and came to check on you." Zane holds her hand.
Maya sighs "You're too good to me."
Zane looked confused and said "I believe I have bean good at the appropriate lever."
Maya chuckled "It's a figure of speech of sorts. But anyway. I guess I just want to feel useful and I thought cracking the code on that thing would help." Maya sighs once more.
"You do more than enough for this team. How about a break. We have landed near a forest and perhaps a walk will help settle you." Zane smiles kindly.
"You know what, that would be nice. Maybe we could race each other." Maya smirks.
Zane smirks back "Yes let us see who is faster. Ice or panther?"
Maya laughed at that, the informed the others and headed off. They had just laughed or smiled at the two glad to see they were doing okay.
As Maya and Zane entered the forest Maya said "Okay, what our end mark?" Maya looked ready.
"There is a lake on the other side, that would be a good place to finish our race." Zane points over the forest.
"Perfect. On your marks, get set, go!" Maya shouted.
The two rushed in Maya using all four and Zane only using two for the time being as they went further in Zane started using his ice to make a path for himself and skate ahead.
Maya saw this and took to the trees so she could jump from branch to branch. The two where about neck to neck they saw the lake. They two looked at each other with determined looks but smiled as they picked up speed.
Zane used his full potential to blast off "Hey no fair!" May shouted as she glared.
Then she let out her panther energy and started almost flaying through the top of the trees.
Zane was about to exit the woods when suddenly Maya pounced on him and the two fell to the ground in a tumble.
The two laughed as Zane realized he was on top of her. He felt his eyes widen as he saw the way Maya laughed, some green leaves in her hair. Maya then saw Zane's stare and flushed.
Maya started to sit up a bit, but Zane suddenly felt himself drawn in and they kissed. For a moment they just stayed there, eyes close and the word not existing. After a moment Zane got off and Maya, a bit dizzy from the kiss sat up and leaned into Zane.
"That was new." Maya smiled loopy.
"Did you not like it." Zane flushed; afraid he had gone too far.
"No, it was nice." Maya snuggles into him, taking in his mint like scent.
Zane smiled, happy everything was fine. As they looked at the lake everything felt calm.
Maya then said "We should have brought our bathing suites. It be fun to swim in there." Maya smiles.
"it does look very clean and calm. Should we return for them?" Zane looks curios.
"No we can swim tomorrow. Lets just enjoy ourselves here." Maya smiles at him.
Zane nodded, glad she was happy. But, neither of them new that getting closer was a familiar enemy.
Skales hissed at the other side of the lake and said "I'll get you purple ninja. Even Pythor wants revenge for his humiliation. But I'm sure this will help show those ninja how much of a beast you are." Skales laughed as he bought out a dark with a strange liquid in it.
Maya decided to look into the water and put her hands int and yipped "It's so cold." She laughed.
"Really, it does not feel so cold to me." Zane put his own hand in.
"You don't get cold easily remember." Maya shoves him slightly.
Zaen smirked then splashed her face lightly with the water.
Maya gasped "Zane!" Then splashed him back as well.
Zane shook his head shocked and was about to grab her but Maya yelled and ran away. She was not going in for a dunk. Zane ran after her, the two laughing.
Being so distracted as they were they never noticed Skale approaching, he hissed silently as he grabbed the blow dart and tried to aim as well as he could.
"Closer, closer." Skales glared as the two ran about, but in an instant….
"Zane do you sense something." Maya smelled the air.
Skales took the shot.
"Maya!" Zane he noticed Skales though the shrugs with a blow dart. But it was too late Maya had fallen to the floor and Zane rushed to check on her, taking out the dart.
"Yes, I did it, my revenge is complete!" Skales cheered.
Zane glared at this and called "What have you done!" his power activating.
Skales saw this and ran off as fast s he could. Zane wanted to fallow but felt Maya groan and struggle. He go after Skales, later right now Maya needed medical attention.
He picked her up and ran as fast as he could "Hold on Maya, we shall get you better as soon as possible."
Maya whimpered though as she felt strange form the effects of the serum. Zane looked more determined as he used his powers to skate across the land back to the bounty.
Meanwhile…..
"Those two have bean gone for a while." Cole smirks.
"Well when a man is in love he tends to lose track of time." Jay sighs.
Kai rolls his eyes at that "Still they should get back soon, we don't know what's out there."
"Their ninja Kai they can handle anything." Cole waves it off.
That's when Zane jumped on board holding Maya "My friends. Skales attacked up and hit Maya with some sort of dart. She needs medical attention!" he panicked slightly.
At that they all jumped. Cole and Kai getting the med bed ready and Jay going for Nya.
It wasn't long till they where in the monitor room. Maya on the bed and with a syringe as Zane looked over the dart.
"What do we have?" Nya came in determinedly.
"I do not know. This was all that was left behind." Zane brought up the dart to show Nya.
Nya took it and began to do some tests on it. "I've never seen anything like this before, it seems to have a type of adrenaline boost though."
"Why would Skales want to boost up her adrenaline? Doesn't that just make you fight harder?" Kai looked confused.
"It does but too much of it can cause someone to go into shock or get sloppy when fighting. It also tends to put you in a zone where all you can think about is one thing." Nya frowns.
"What do you think he wanted to her concentrate on?" Cole looked worried. Not just for Maya but for Zane.
He hadn't left Maya's side at all and was holding her hand in worry as Maya seemed to twitch in her sleep and sometimes growl.
"I'm not sure. I need to run a few more tests. I'm going to need a blood sample but in the state she's in she might attack. I'll need you guys to hold her down." Nya looked worried.
"Oh sorry Maya." Jaya looked worried as he held an arm, Kai took the other and Cole took the legs.
Zane decided to be emotional support as he said "It will be over soon Maya, do not worry we are here for you."
Maya seemed go calm at this, but she still struggled as the blood was drawn. Once down Nya jumped back and said "Okay let her go."
They all jumped back accept Zane who held her hand tighter. Maya seemed to sense this and brough his hand up to snuggle it. Zane flushed but was glad she was calmed by him.
"Okay, you boys take turn looking over her vitals, I'm going to run some tests on this." Nya heads out of the room to her own where she had a chemistry set that could help her figure a few things out.
At that moment Lloyd rushed in "What happened is Maya okay?"
The guys looked worried at him and Zane said "Nya is checking on her blood now. Bother I will look after Maya, please watch over Lloyd." Zane begged.
"But I want to check on her too." Lloyd rushed up to grab her other hand and she shifted some.
"Hey she's tough, she'll be okay." Kai tries to comfort Lloyd.
"Come on we should keep up your training. Maya would want you ready for anything." Cole tries to smile.
Lloyd looked on worried but nodded as he was lead out by the guys. Jay saying "And if you do a good job we may even have time for some video games."
Lloyd smiles lightly at that but still a bit sad. Zane had to smile at his brothers attempts but he still was worried as he held on to Maya and said "I will stay here with you till you are better." Zane kissed her hand, catching the scent of sakura off of her.
Sometime later in the night, Zane had fallen asleep as he kept holding on to Maya. Nya was close to figure out what was wrong with Mya but had fallen asleep form exhaustion, and as for the guys, well they had all fallen asleep on the couch after playing several hours of video games.
Maya on the other hand, she felt herself getting somewhat wrestles. A whimper coming from her though, then she opened her eyes, but something about them was different, more wild. As she looked about she seemed confused till a whiff of the air made her settle down.
Then she noticed Zane, she smiled and purred as she nuzzled into his head. Zane seemed to smile and shift slightly. At that Maya took here hand back and then landed on the floor on all fours. She looked around and then began to walk about silently.
She came across Nya's room and found her asleep. She smelled strange chemicals coming from the rooms and snuffed at them as she shook her head. Then she headed on, as she did she came to the game room.
She found the boys passed out, she then noticed Lloyd knocked out on the couch and a bit cold. She grabbed a blanket in her mouth and covered him till he smiled with content.
At that Maya decided to head back to her room, she batted at the doorknob and as it opened. she jumped to her bed and curled up into a ball. Ready to sleep for a while.
The next day….
Zane had been sleeping peacefully when suddenly his dreams turned sour. Maya was walking about on all four, growling at someone, as if they were going to hurt her.
Zane gasped as he awoke at this and as he looked around his eyes widened. Maya was gone. At this he jumped and headed off to find her.
Nya woke up sometime ago and was working again and gasped. She thinks she's figured out what was wrong with Maya but, how could it be possible?
Someone knocked on the door furiously and as she came to find Zane she said "Zane good I think I just…."
"Maya is missing." He said worried.
Nya looked surprised and said "Tell the others. I'll see if I can find her."
Zane nodded and headed to tell his brothers. As he came to the living room he found them all still asleep and called "Brother I need your help."
They all jumped at that. Kai called "What's wrong Zane?"
"Yeah is it a serpentine attack, skeletons….." Jay looked about ready to fight.
"Maya has gone missing. I do not know where she could be." Zane looked on worried.
"Don't worry buddy we'll find her." Cole nods the other agreeing.
Lloyd yawned as he fully woke up, confused by the blanket that was on him 'I don't remember putting this on?'
Then they heard Nya from their commlink "I found Maya, she's in her room."
Zane sighed and rushed off, the others fallowing. As they came to Maya's room, they found her sprawled out on the bed legs and arms limp. They all looked at each other, that was a very weird way to sleep.
"Um why is she sleeping like that?" Jay tilted his head.
"Maya are you oka…." Before Lloyd could come up Nya stopped him and pulled him back.
"Lloyd don't." Nya looked worried.
"Why not, is something wrong?" he frowned.
Nya sighed and frowned "I finally found out what's wrong with Maya. It turned out that that dart held a chemical that's supposed to affect Maya's feral side." They all jumped at that.
"What does this mean then?" Zane looked on worried at a still sleeping Maya.
"It means we have to tread lightly. Maya will be acting like a real panther and even though she's our friend she can be unpredictable in this stage." Nya informed them.
"Is there a way to snap her out of it?" Kai frowned.
"It seems it will just have to go away on its own but it will take a week." Nay frowned.
"A day or two. Oh boy that doesn't sound good." Cole looks worried.
"Will she be okay?" Zane looks worried.
"She should be but she might get into trouble. So I'm going to come up with a cure to fix this sooner." Nya nodded determined.
"Okay sis but get some rest first. If I know you, you stayed up most of the night to figure this out." Kai frowned worried.
"I perfectly…Yawn…fine." Nya said tiredly.
"Nice try, go to bed Nya." Jay shook his head and lead her to her room.
"So, what now?" Lloyd asked worried.
"If Nya is right, we should all stay here and keep an eye on her. Make sure she doesn't get into any trouble." Cole tells them.
They all nod and sit about, Zane wanted to hold her hand but wasn't sure how she react to that. It actually didn't take long for Maya to wake up, but as she did they noticed the wild like look in here eyes.
They all became a bit hesitant at that. Zane was the first to speak up.
"Maya, are you okay?" Zane came up and smiled hoping to calm her.
Maya looked up and smelled him 'Mint. Mate.' She purred and hugged him before nuzzling their heads together.
Jay chuckled "Well we know she recognizes Zane."
Maya then turned to the others and began to sniff them. 'Gum, that is blue. Spicy, that is red. Stone is black and alpha. And sugar is cub.'
Maya purred at them and then greeted each with a snuggle. Giving Lloyd an extra one.
"Um what is she doing?" Lloyd looked confused as the others look a bit red.
"She is in an animal like state of mind. So she is greeting us the way a panther would great someone." Zane explains.
"But aren't panthers solitary?" Cole looks confused.
The other look at him surprised and he frowns "Hey I can know stuff." He cross his arms and huffs.
"That is correct Cole, but Maya is still human, and humans are mostly social beings. So, it seems her mind is somewhat being control by her basic human instincts and her panther side. Which is good for us for if she was fully panther, she be fighting us off the bounty." Zane sighed.
"Yeah that is good. It's just weird having her be so cuddly with the rest of us. It's weird." Jay shivers a bit.
"Um guys, what's she doing?" Lloyd struggled as Maya held him still and sniffed him all over with a displeased look. She then sneezed and shook her head.
"I think she saying you stink." Kai chuckles.
Lloyd frowns then is picked up by the scruff of his ninja suite in Maya's teeth and taken off. The all jump at that and rush to find Maya drop Lloyd in the tub.
"What no I don't want a bath!" Lloyd tried to get out but Maya puts a paw to sit him down and shake her head. She then pressed a button to start the shower.
"Ah! Guys!" Lloyd shouted.
The guys had to laugh at this as Zane came up and said "Lloyd can shower himself, do not worry. And Kai will make sure he does so." Zane smiles.
"What, why me?" Kai frowns.
"Because someone needs to make sure Lloyd does not try to escape." Zane points to the annoyed looking boy.
Kai sighed, it was true. Lloyd hated baths and usually Sensie stood guard when he bathed. So Kai nodded and said "Yeah I'll take care of the squirt."
But it seemed Maya didn't understand this. She just sat there looking at them confused.
"Um so hwo do we get her out?" Cole asks.
"Oh I have and idea." Jay jumps. He grabs a towel with water, gives it to Kai and pushes him to Lloyd.
"Just rub it on his cheek and it will look like your bathing him, you know how like cats like kittens." Jay explains.
"What?" the two exclaim.
"Not for real, just till Maya is convinced you're going to clean him." Jaya adds.
Kai sighs so gets to work cleaning Lloyd face, who looks even more annoyed. Maya watched a moment then walked out on all fours, the others fallowing.
Kai and Lloyd sighed as Kai said "Okay kiddo, wash up and well, we don't' want Maya getting mad." Kai leaves the bathroom and waits outside. Lloyd groans but gets to work.
Maya rushed into he kitchen and then sniffed about 'Food.' She smiled as she headed to the fridge. The other looked on curios as they saw her paw the fridge door then as it opened she sniffed about at the food.
"Guess she's hungry. Hey Maya I know something that will tickle those taste buds." Cole came up and brought out his chilly.
Jay and Zane jumped "Cole I would not advice that….." Zane tries.
But as Cole leans down to give it to Maya, will she took a whiff and growled at cowl, flinging the chili out of his hand.
"My chili!" Cole looked surprised.
"Maya you are my hero." Jay smiled while Maya growled as she stepped away from Cole.
Zane sighed as he came over to the fridge and took out some of the roasted duck he saved.
"Maya try this." Zane sets it down then in front of a defensive Maya btu as she smells the food she walks over and eats happily.
"Hey why does she like your food." Cole crosses his arms.
"It is no offence Cole but, the chili may be too strong for her." Zane tries to put it mildly.
"Or she thought you tried to poison here." Jay smirks.
Zane sighed, that was his true theory but didn't want to hurt his brother.
"Why you…." Before Cole could pummel Jay Maya suddenly jumped on Zane.
They fell to the floor and Maya was snuggling his mercilessly making poor Zane as red as a tomato. 'Thank you for the food mate, you are a good mate.' Maya thought as she snuggled him.
The other two laughed like crazy at this when Kai and Lloyd walked in Kai closed Lloyd's eyes and called "Wugh, kid in the room!"
Maya jumped off Zane at that and Zane sighed "Thank you bother. I do not know how much I could take."
"Sure, that's why you didn't force her off." Cole smirks.
"She is very strong in her panther state Cole and her aggressive affection makes me freeze up." Zane flushed admitting that.
They guys chuckled then "Hey!"
They looked to see Maya sniffing Lloyd then snuggled him.
"Guess he approved of the bath. Um now what?" Kai looked worried.
Jay decided to tell Kia and Lloyd what they missed as Cole just glared. Zane looked at Maya and thought of what else they should do to keep her entertained.
"She cannot be kept inside. Animals do not tend to do well cooped up." Zane frowned.
"Then let's take her out on the deck." Kai smiles.
"If we do that she may run off." Zane frowns.
"We could put the bounty on fly." Jay suggested.
"If we do that it will be more dangerous as panthers do not fly and Maya may have a panic attack. Or worse accidently fall in this stage." Zane frowned.
"Okay land it is. But we'll have to keep an extra eye on her." Cole frowned as he told the others.
They all nodded as they headed to the deck, as they did they brought out some things to train. Kai brought out a practice sword but Maya growled at this and was going to attack "Wough Maya no…"
Kaia tried to back up, but Maya only went to pounce on him. He jumped over her and she turned about, ready to charge again as she roared.
Kai didn't know what to do so he ran up the sail. Maya was about to fallow, the other looked on shocked but then Zane noticed the sword and called "Kai, drop the sword now!"
"What, what if she attacks me?" Kai looks ready to fight.
"She is only attacking because of the sword. She knows weapons are dangerous in her panther like mind they are tools to hunt her. Throw it down!" Zane calls.
Kai looks uncertain as Maya gets closer and growls at him but then drops it. Maya looks on still angry but climbs back down. Kai sighs at that and fallows.
"What was that?" Jay looked on shocked.
"As I said. Maya knows weapons are dangerous and her panther mind sees them as things to hunt her down." Zane tries to explain.
"But we never do that." Lloyd looks surprised.
"We would not, but a lot of people have done that and that is way panthers are an endangered species." Zane sighs.
"So basically, if she sees a weapons she'll go crazy. What if we get attacked?" Cole looks upset.
"I don't think we have to worry about that, not with Maya in this state. She could take anyone out." Kai looked at the now docile women batting at a ball.
They all had to laugh at that, and Jay took a picture for later.
Zane smiled as well but was sad. He missed Maya as she was and was worried about what could happen in this stat. 'I do hope Nya finishes the cure soon.'
Maya could smell Zane's worry and she walked over and put her arms around him to snuggle.
"Seriously again?" Kai looks with a raised brow.
Nya came out and Jay asked "Nya did you get it."
"Not yet, just needed to rest my eyes a moment. How's Maya?" Nya looked worried at a very flushed Zane.
Kai and Jay explained what happened as Lloyd on annoyed at the couple. Lloyd came up and said "Maya…"
Maya looked down and smiled as she then snuggled Lloyd. He flushed at this but sighed. "Why does she do that?"
"That is how most felines show affection to those they care for." Zane tries to explain.
"So she cares for us, she seems to care a lot about you." Lloyd frowned.
Zane flushed and then leaned down as he said "Lloyd, I sense you are annoyed with our relationship."
"I guess it just feels weird having you two go off and leave us sometimes and then well if you two get married won't you two leave us?" Lloyd frowned.
Zane was shocked at this and said "Lloyd, Maya and I are not ready for that step yet and even if we were to take that step." Zane flushed really red at this. "Maya and I would never abandon you all." Zane tries to calm and smile at him.
Lloyd took this still, still not all certain but nods.
'Why are you so sad cub.' Maya looked on worried, then she got an idea. She picked him up Lloyd groaned "Not again." As Zane chuckled and fallowed.
Maya brought Lloyd to the ball and then started to batt it at him, then waited for him to bat it back. Lloyd looked confused till he saw her expected look and then kicked the ball back, Maya used her hands to thwack it harder and Lloyd smiled as he took it as a challenge the two playing for while.
Zane looked on happily at this, but his mind wondered slightly 'Marriage, that is not a concept I have ever thought off. Does Maya expect us to be closer to that or to wait.' Zane frowned with worry thinking on this.
"Hey Zane we're all starving. Mind making breakfast now." Jay called.
Zane looked over worried at Maya and Kia said "We'll watch her buddy don't worry."
"Or how about I cook." Cole smiles.
They all jumped at that and Zane rushed to the kitchen, if he cooked Maya would attack him and they did not want that.
The others laughed at this as Cole frowned. Lloyd and Maya looked over confused as Nya said "I better get back to work. Now remember watch her. She could run off any time and I don't want to see Zane angry."
"Angry, yeah right. Zane never gets angry." Kai huffs.
"I don't know if that be funny to see or scary." Jay shivers.
"Scary. Trust me you've ever seen that movie Frozen. If Zane got angry then…" Cole starts.
"You've seen frozen." Jay chuckles.
"Don't' laugh I saw you watch it with Nya." Cole glares.
Jay flushes "It's got good music and a strong female lead." Jay shrugs.
"Yeah that's why you watched it." Kai rolled his eyes, still not all accepting of his friend and sister dating.
"I kinda liked the movie." Lloyd shrugged but they weren't paying attention to them as they were now arguing or something. Somehow the topic of frozen ended up turning to a green ninja argument again.
Lloyd sighed and said 'Again?'
Maya saw this and frowned 'The cub needs to train, and they just chat away. What are they even talking off?'
Maya still couldn't figure out human speech all that well but knew they were arguing. Her hair stood at them not paying attention to the cub when danger could be near. Then she looked at the side of the bounty.
'Maybe I should take him to practice hunting.' Maya heads to the edge of the bounty and Lloyd notices.
"Um guys…' He tries to get their attention but of course they were in their fighting zone so they didn't notice.
'Why bother.' Lloyd sighed and went after Maya himself. When he came near, Maya grabbed him from the scruff of the shirt and "Wo!" Lloyd called as Maya jumped form the bounty to the ground.
"Lloyd!" the guys shouted as they rushed to the edge of the bounty to see Maya rushing into he forest with Lloyd.
"Oh no." Jay gulped.
"I heard yelling, what has happened?" Zane rushed out worried.
"Um well you see…." Kai starts.
Zane looked to where they were looking and not seeing Maya or Lloyd, he had a guess. Zane icy blues widened and then turned sharp as the temperature on the bounty suddenly felt like it dropped several degrees.
Zane then charged, they all shouted in shock at this, but nothing happened. They looked to find that Zane was not in front of them, but they heard him land and looked down to see him rushing into the forest. Then they heard a caw and looked up to see the falcon.
They all sighed.
"Saved by the bird." Kai felt relieved.
"I told you scary." Jay shivered.
"Lets all agree to never make Zane mad again." Cole put his hand up.
"Agree." The other did the same and then decided to fallow after the others.
Maya had taken Lloyd to the lake and as she looked around, she caught sight of a bird and smiled. She then put Lloyd down and started showing him how to crouch like a panther.
Lloyd was confused at first then saw the bird "You want me to catch it?"
Maya nodded and Lloyd shrugged. 'Guess this counts as training.' He got into a hunting crouch like Maya showed him but with two legs instead of four. Maya walked forward making as little sound as possible, Lloyd trying to mimic her.
They where getting closer and closer till they stopped about a few feet away, they stayed absolutely frozen.
Maya looked on with full concentration as Lloyd looked at Maya. He wondered what she was thinking as he saw that concentration. Maya lept into the air but "Maya no!"
Maya landed on nothing as the bird flew off. She growled as he looked up to see Zane run up to them. "Sigh, good I got here just in time."
"I didn't think she actually try to kill it." Lloyd looked shocked.
"She is a feral like state Lloyd, that means she will hunt. And from what I saw she was trying to teach you." Zane looked curios.
Lloyd nodded a bit confused then "Yowl!" They both looked at Maya who looked rally miffed.
"I think you made her angry." Lloyd looked nervous.
"She would be angry with herself when back to normal so for now it will be okay. Maya please calm yourself." Zane put his arms up and tried to go near but May tried to claw at him, but he jumped back, both boys surprised. Then she stalked off to the lake to sun on a rock.
"Wo, she's mad." Lloyd looked shocked.
"She feels disrespected that I messed up her hunt. I will talk with her in a bit. How are you?" Zane looked worried.
"I'm okay, it was fun till the end of it." Lloyd shrugged.
Zane sighed "Hopefully Nya will have the cure soon and…."
Suddenly Zaen sensed something and looked around the trees "Lloyd go with Maya."
Lloyd looked confused but nodded as he headed off to her. Maya was surprised but just nuzzled the boy. Then she smelled it 'Poison. Predator.' She growled.
She looked about but then she saw Zane sneaking close to the foliage and then launch into it. She heard a fight start and wanting to help but she had to protect the cub. So she grabbed Lloyd and brought him up a tree.
"Sigh, this again." Lloyd groaned as Maya put him on a branch and glared at the ground.
Meanwhile….
Zane had snuck over to the foliage as best he could, it seemed Skales had not noticed him as he glared at Lloyd and Maya.
'My two worse enemies in one place. Perfect.' The snake hissed.
Zane could sense the mal intent form the snake and launched to attack.
"Ag!" Skales shouted as the two began to struggle.
Zane used his ice to try and freeze Skales but he used his staff to break at the ice "I am a hypnobry remember. We are used to the cold and fighting with and against ice!" Skale hissed.
Zane frowned as he then did spinjitsue but Skales used his tale to trip Zane. Who fell, but jumped back up only to be wrapped up in Skales tale "Now look into my eyes human."
Zane closed his eyes "Never."
"Your will is strong but how long will it last?" Skales hissed.
"He doesn't need to wait long!" Kai shouted as the three other ninja jumped and Skales and helped Zane escape.
"Brother." Zane smiled happily as Jay helped Zane up, Cole and Kai beat Skales up. Cole almost breaking his tail and Kai using his element to defeat the snake who was not as used to the heat as other snakes. Soon Skales ran off as he found an underground cave to slither into.
"Should we not go after them?" Zane said as he leaned into Jay.
"That doesn't matter right now. Are you okay?" Cole looked over worried.
"I believe my ribs are bruised but nothing else." Zane explained with a flinch.
"Where are Maya and Lloyd?" Kai looked around.
Maya rushed through the foliage with Lloyd by her side "Guys!"
"I'll never wonder off again I promise." Lloyd hugs Kai.
"That's okay we should have bean keeping a better eye on you." Kai sighed as he patted Lloyds head.
Maya rushed up to Zane and cuddled him 'You protected us, I'm sorry I was mad.'
Zane could see the rumors in her eyes and smiled lightly "It is okay. I will be fine."
"I think we should take you back to the bounty to be looked at Zane." Jay looks worried.
"I don't think Maya's letting him go anywhere." Cole pointed as Maya held Zane close but gently so not to hurt him.
"I will be fine. She seems more calm our here anyway." Zane smiles a bit pained.
"I'll go get the first aid kit, how about that." Jay puts Zane down and Maya suddenly becomes his guard as Jay rushes off.
"Guess she's not leaving your side for a while." Kai points to a clingy Maya.
"I believe she is just worried after the fight. She must of taken Lloyd to keep him safe and feels bad she could not help." Zane pats her head as she mews sadly.
"Hey it's okay Maya you had to take care of the squirt." Cole smiles.
Still Maya just rubbed her head into Zane's chest and purred. Zane flushed as the two older chuckled but Lloyd looked away saddened.
Zane sensed this along with Maya, but before they could say more Jay came back with the first aid kit.
"Got it. Maya I just need you to move okay." Jay said a bit worried.
Maya sniffed at this uncertain and worried but knew that Jay meant well and knew that Zane had to get better so she stepped away.
With that the guys helped Jay fix Zane up and Maya looked on sadly. Lloyd came up and hugged her and she smiled. Then she had and idea.
'I should build a den for the cub so he is safe and maybe make it for future cubs as well.' Maya smiled over at her mate who was going to be well, he was strong. She smiled at the idea of their own cubs and lead Lloyd off.
"Um Maya we shouldn't go too far." Lloyd looked worried.
Maya purred at the worried cub but they only went a few feet away to some nearby tree with open roots. Maya then started to dig in the dirt and make a large whole, Lloyd looked confused but decided to help. It was better then nothing.
Maya nuzzled him and thought 'You are such a helpful cub.' They continued to dig till they where dirty. Maya looked upset at this and tried to clean Lloyd with her sleeves as beast she could.
'Great she's going to make me take a bath again.' Lloyd groaned at this.
Once Maya was satisfied, she looked at the den and thought 'Need something to keep it soft.' She looked at some fallen leaves and threw them in with her hands. Lloyd decided to help as it looked fun.
Then Maya grabbed some flowers to decorate the den as it looked boring, now Maya may be in a panther state of mind but she still had some human instinct and she wanted her den to look nice.
Lloyd chose some moss to make it look cool. Maya liked the soft substance and purred in congratulations. Lloyd smiled proudly at this.
Then the ninja came over and Cole said "Hey seems you two have bean busy. What you make."
"Some kind of hole Maya's bean obsessing over." Lloyd shrugged.
"A hole?" Kai looked confused.
Maya then went to Zane and hugged him, she then took him from the other and settled him near the den as she showed him round and purred.
"Um it is very lovely Maya, you and Lloyd did a great job." Zane smiled, he didn't quite understand why she was happy but something about the way she looked at him and purred at times mad him nervous.
Maya saw the way he seemed confused and decided to show him what it would be used for. She grabbed Lloyd and put him in.
"Hey cool this place is pretty big. It's almost as cool as a tree house." Lloyd popped his head out with a smile. Maya nuzzling him as he laughed.
That's when Zane's own eyes popped out and his face went all red 'Wait she did not make a whole she made a den a den is for cubs and the way she was looking at me…..'
Maya came over to Zane and nuzzled up to him as she laid next to him in a comfortable manner. Zane jumped slightly hurting his ribs.
Maya looked shocked and worried as she mewed "I am okay Maya just my ribs."
Maya nodded and then heard the call of a bird and went after it.
"Great now we have to find her." Jaya frowned.
"NO!" Zane called.
They all looked confused at this and Kai asked "Why, what's wrong."
"She will return to this spot, trust me but we need that cure now." Zane shivered.
"Wough Zane calm down you look like you've seen a tree horn." Cole raised a brow.
"I have just realized what that 'hole' is for a. in fact it is not a hole at all it is a den, for cubs." Zane was almost as red as Kai's suit.
At that they guys all looked on wide eyed. Till Jay smirked "So should we start calling you daddy Zane."
"Jay!" Zane said angry.
"Wait if she's making a den does that mean…." Kai's eyes widen.
"NO! What kind of man do you take me for." Zane looks upset that they even consider it.
"Okay, okay, Frosty calm down. We where just wondering." Cole but his hands up in defense.
"What are you guys talking about." Lloyd looked confused.
The ninja all jumped and Kai said "Nothing important don't worry. Jay go till Nya and tell her we need that antidote pronto. We'll stay here and make sure everyone behaves."
"Kai!" Zane glared.
"Roger." Jay mock salutes and rushed off.
"So Maya wants cubs?" They all looked to see a sad Lloyd.
"Hey buddy she's not thinking strait." Cole pats his shoulder.
"Yeah once she's back to normal I'm sure that will be out of her head." Kai smiles.
Zane then thinks 'But what if it is not. I have never asked Maya about any of this. And what do I want?' Zane frowned, he never even considered these things. Now?
Lloyd frowned and said "That's not true. Zane and Maya are dating and are always all gushy with each other. Which means one day they'll get married and have kids right!" Lloyd frowned.
"Wough Lloyd that a bit early to be thinking about, they just started dating." Kai looked on shocked. 'Hope Jay and Nya aren't thinking of that anytime soon.'
"How do you know, have you asked them?" Lloyd glared.
At that the two looked over at Zane, what did he think of this.
Zane looked down and said "I do not know actually. I have never even considered the thought before. But I am not apposed to it, when I am unsure. And as for Maya, I have never asked." Zane looked up worried.
They all looked surprised and Lloyd shouted "See I told you!"
Lloyd was about to run and the others were going to chase after him but Maya grabbed him before he could. "Let me go, let me go. You don't care about me, just Zane." Lloyd cried at this.
Maya nuzzled him and pursed to try and make him feel better.
"Lloyd you cannot think that." Zane looked on surprised.
"How would you know?" Lloyd looked angry.
"Because Maya was the one who knew that we needed to take you in from the beginning and she's tried to get you back every single time. Not only that ever since she woke up, she has been worried about you and diligent on your care. Do you think she would not care for you if she did not do all she did?" Zane said with a worried look.
"Well no." Lloyd sniffed.
"Maya loves you kiddo. Just because she loves Zane and may want kids of her own one day doesn't mean she'll care any less about you." Kai tries to smile though he couldn't admit he didn't feel the same way with Nya at times.
"Yeah kid. And we're here for you as well, we're not always the best but we promise to always do our best. Okay?" Cole smiles patting his back.
Lloyd seemed to smile and nodded, then he went to Zane and hugged him lightly as he said "I'm sorry about that. Guess I've just bean jealous."
Zane patted his head and said "It is okay little brother. I will always love you and you bring up some good points that I need to talk with Maya about. Thank you for brining these things to my attention."
Lloyd smiled lightly then Jay and Nya rushed in "I heard. I finished up as best I could. This should do the trick. Um guys…Where's Maya?"
At that they all jumped, its bean a while since she left. Then the falcon landed on the tree and Maya crashed through the foliage and growled. The falcon then flies off and Maya huffs as she lays down, tired.
"It seems my flying friend has bean keeping her busy." Zane chuckles.
"Well we can give her the cure now. Here Maya." Nya tried to get close to give her the cure.
But when Maya smelled it she growled and backed up. Nya jumped away and said "Okay maybe a needle then…."
"Don't!" They all called and Jay explained what happened while Cole looked contemplative.
"Hey Zane I got an idea." Cole smiled as they all turned to him and then he whispered to Zane who became rosy red.
"Cole where did yo uleanr such a thing!" Zane looked shocked.
"Saw it in a movie. Come on Zane you want her back right?" Cole pointed to a still glaring Maya.
Zane sighed and said "Fine but you all must leave." Zane pointed towards the bounty.
"Fair enough." Cole shrugged as he took the cure form Nya and handed it to Zane. "Come on guys let's go."
"Why do we have to leave?" Lloyd looked confused.
"Just trust me kid." Cole smirked.
The other looked confused but trusted when Cole said it was best they leave. Especially if Zane wanted privacy. They call when they where ready to come back.
Once gone and Zane new they where far away. He sighed and said "Maya, please this will help you." He looked at her with begging eyes.
Maya looked uncertain but she trusted Zane and the look in his eyes made her want to make sure he was okay.
Zane sighed as he put the medicine in his mouth and then kissed Maya as he helped put it in her mouth. Maya's eyes widened as the medicine went down her throat. Maya jumped back and gagged a bit but then she felt a bit dizzy and then she sighed and panted a bit and finally she looked up and said "Zane…"
"Maya you are back." Zane smiled happily.
Maya then looked shocked and covered her face as she covered her scream.
Zane jumped as he asked "Are you okay…."
"I remember everything. Oh Zane I, I….." Maya flushed as red as Kai's gi.
Zane smiled slightly and said "It was confusing and embarrassing at times but I am just glad you are back." He put his arm out invitingly and Maya leaned into him a bit hesitantly but then they just calmed after a bit of silence.
"Maya. I want to ask you somethings." Zane looked serous.
"Is something wrong?" Maya was worried 'Does he not want to be with me anymore after what happened?'
"I wanted to ask you if, if you ever thought about marriage?" Zane flushed.
Maya looked surprised "Well I have thought about it, but since we started dating it wasn't something I was looking for exactly." Maya flushed.
"So you do not wish to marry me?" Zane tilted his head.
"That's not what I mean, I just. We just started dating and I have thought of you and me and what could be." She looked down flushed.
Zane smiled, flushed as well as he said "Really?"
"I just think it's kind of early." Maya looks up.
"I'd have to agree. We are still getting to know each other and the dating process is quite fun but one day. I do not think I would mind being more then what we are now." Zane flushes.
Maya smiles and says "That would be nice, someday."
Zane smiled back and said "I also am not apposed to children but I agree it is too early." Zane flushed.
"Way too early. Wait the den, what did the guys say?" Maya raised a brow.
"I rather not say." Zane became scarlet.
Maya looked ready to hunt "They asked if we've been together haven't, they."
Zane just nodded.
"Yeah there's no personal space on that ship, that would not be possible." Maya grand.
Zane frowned and said "Very true. And they know that we would never do such a thing."
"They can be so annoying." Maya sighed.
"Maya. Is there anything else you want to talk about? Anything at all we should think on?" Zane looked curios.
Maya thought on this and said "1-3 would be nice." Maya smirks.
Zane was confused then he realized what she meant and smiled "That sounds perfect." Zane leaned into Maya. The two decided to just watch the stars for now. They would later go back to the bounty and Maya would talk to Lloyd.
Lloyd would feel better after the talk and Maya felt honored that Lloyd felt so close to her but she never wanted him to feel he was not important to her. And with that everyone felt they had a stronger bond now. But those bonds would be tested with what was to come.