Jay would have liked to say it was a day of accomplishments, but that would've been the overstatement of the millennium. And it would've been very wrong.

When he ticked off their to-do list items in his mind, the boxes for both "Find Master Wu" and "Secure Passage on a Ship" remained blank. Even "Get Some Lunch 'Cause I'm Starving" and "Find Somewhere to Take a Shower" were left unchecked.

Still, Jay couldn't help but smile as he strolled down the waterfront. Because Cole was fine now—more than fine. He was getting over his fear of water, which Jay hadn't even known he'd had in the first place. It makes sense though, all things considered.

While it had been fun to splash around in the water, the feeling of his sandy gi was starting to get annoying. The normally soft material was only half dry, thanks to the sun, and he was certain it was chafing his skin, though he wasn't about to check. Not when he was set to meet back up with Cole five minutes ago.

You should've been back on the beach already!

Hey, it's not my fault that lady wanted to talk my ear off.

He could almost visualize his brain smirking down at him—and it wasn't a pleasant picture. Now you know how it feels… How annoying it—

Oh, knock it off. Cole's probably running late, too.

Probably not, though. I mean, if we're being honest…

Pushing his legs to go faster, Jay flew across the sand. Late, late, late!

You're not gonna find Master Wu by being—

"Whoa! Where are you going in such a rush?"

Jay skidded to a stop in front of Cole, spraying him with a small wave of sand.

"Hey!"

"Sorry! Sorry, I just didn't want to keep you waiting."

"So you decided to give me a sand bath?"

Jay smirked. "Think of it as payback for what you did to me earlier. Now we're even."

"Right. Well," Cole began, brushing the sand off his damp gi, "any luck?"

"Nothing." Jay let out a deflated sigh. "Except this lady who talked my ear off. I think she was trying to sell me something, but I don't know. She was kinda wacko." Cole gave a small chuckle. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing," Cole replied, waving a dismissive hand, his amused smile still intact.

Jay crossed his arms, but didn't pursue the subject. "What about you? Anything?"

"Yeah… sorta."

"Sort of? How can you sort of find something?"

"Well, it's kinda crazy, I'm not gonna lie."

"Cole, we're kinda crazy. The Ninja were built on crazy! I think I can handle whatever sort of crazy thing you found to ferry us across the ocean."

"Okay." Cole shrugged. "Don't say I didn't warn you, though."

"Finding Master Wu is the main objective. Whatever we have to do to get there doesn't matter."

"I was hoping you'd say that." Then, Cole grabbed his hand. "Come on. They're docked a little further down."

"So, you're okay with sailing now? Even though it's on the water?"

"I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm okay with it. But… I think I'm on the verge of being at peace with it. Thanks to you."

"Hey, all I did was splash you with a little water."

Cole chuckled again. "You did a lot more than that."

"If you say so," Jay replied with a smile and a shrug. "And seriously, you don't know how much easier it's gonna be searching for Master Wu when we can fly across the waves."

Waves. Oceans. Water. It all reminded him of Nya and he briefly wondered how she was fairing on her own search. I hope she's okay…

This was, perhaps, the reason he wanted so badly to sail—because he could be close to her. In a way. Close to her element. Closer to her…

Jay's words dried up the second he saw the flag.

Pirates.

If his heart were to stop completely right then and there, Jay didn't think he would mind. In fact, he'd welcome the darkness as he fainted into oblivion. Anything was better than the sudden onslaught of memories.

"Wouldn't it be so much easier to simply wish it all away…?"

A cold shiver ran down his spine, and while his heart never truly stopped, it certainly felt like it did—a feeling that made it difficult to breathe properly.

"Jay?" At the sight of Cole's confused expression, Jay realized they were no longer moving; that his feet were planted firmly in the sand. "What is it?"

"You never…" Jay swallowed, forcing his voice to remain steady. "You never said it was a pirate ship."

"Look, I know what you're thinking,"—And Jay had to bite down on his tongue to keep the hysterical laugh from escaping his throat—"but I warned you it was a little crazy. Besides, they're not your typical pirate crew. Okay, well, yeah, I mean, they are pirates, but I talked with the captain and Wu saved his life once a long time ago, so he's more than willing to help us find…"

Cole continued to ramble on, but Jay found it increasingly difficult to concentrate. The world around him was a distorted blur; every sound an out-of-tune symphony he never bought tickets to hear.

And still, Cole tried to explain his decision to team with pirates—pirates! As much as Jay wanted to listen, wanted to know why, it was hard enough just to block out the onslaught of memories.

The ship before him didn't even resemble the Misfortune's Keep, and yet, somehow, it did as every bruise and every cut flashed across his mind. Each and every ache and pain, every bitter insult and failed escape attempt—he felt them all as if it'd happened yesterday.

But it didn't happen at all, did it? So stop acting like it did, suck it up, and find Master Wu!

Right… Right, I have to—

"Your wish is yours to keep…"

A shiver shook Jay's whole body and he clasped his arms across his chest, taking on an involuntary defensive position against the memories.

"Yeah," he said at last, forcing himself to speak, "sure, I'm open to crazy ideas, but not suicidal ones. Cole, they're pirates! Or couldn't you tell by the skull flag flapping in the wind, huh?"

"Jay, calm down. They won't hurt us, okay?"

"Ha! That's what they all say."

"They're old friends of Master Wu! They want him to be found just as much as we do—"

"Doubt it."

"And they aren't on their way to plunder any villages or anything like that."

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" Jay cried, throwing his hands into the air.

"Yes! They offered us a room on their ship. Wasn't that the goal? And they're even going to the outer islands! It's the perfect situation—"

"No, it's not perfect! Come on, Cole, they're pirates! Pirates lie. How do you know the captain's telling the truth? What if it's just a ruse to get two over-eager travelers to board his ship? Well, I'm not falling for it, got that?" I'm never falling for pirate tricks ever again. "So you can go and play pirate if you want, but you'll have to do it without me."

"Jay—"

"You said so yourself: this isn't a game. This is serious, and falling into the hands of pirates is the last thing that'll help us find Wu!"

No way am I walking onto that deck. No way in—

"Jay!"

"What?" Only when he felt Cole's hands grasp his shoulders did Jay realize he was shaking.

Just as Jay was about to shove him away, Cole's eyes softened. "What is it?"

Inhale, exhale… "What's what?"

"Something's wrong," Cole replied knowingly. "What is it?"

"What's wrong is that you're making a mistake. Don't you see? Pirates are no good!"

"Jay, I promise you, these ones are. But that's not the problem, is it? It's something deeper, isn't it?"

Jay pursed his lips and averted his eyes, focusing only on catching his breath and steadying his hands atop Cole's outstretched arms.

"Come on, Jay, what's going on?"

"I just…" Jay blew out a sigh, keeping his gaze fixed on the sand. "I just don't like pirates, okay?"

"Are you kidding me?" Though disbelieving, Cole's voice was still gentle. "Pirates are, like, your favorite thing!"

"They were my favorite thing."

Inhale, exhale—

"Believe me, aboard my ship, you will break."

"What changed?"

"And when the time comes…"

"Jay…?"

"I will be there so you can wish it all away."

Jay shook his head as he broke free of Cole's grip, trying desperately to resist the urge to squeeze his eyes shut. "I grew up, that's what. And you should, too. Pirates are dangerous. End of story. So let's just get out of here and search somewhere else."

But when Jay made an attempt to spin on his heel and retreat back across the beach, Cole's hand landed on his shoulder once more.

"Earlier," Cole began, tone soft yet firm, "all you wanted to do was sail. All you wanted was a ship. Now that we have one, you all of a sudden don't think it's a good idea? If you're that ready to give up now, why'd you even help me get past my fear of water?"

Nothing. Jay felt cluster upon cluster of words pile up in his throat, but it was too constricted to let out any sort of coherent sound, much less words.

Not all pirates are the same. Not all pirates are the same. Not all pirates are him.

Aren't they…?

"Now," Cole went on, loosening his grip a little, "unless you want to explain this sudden change to me, we're going on that ship, and we're going to find Master Wu. And we're going to do it together, all right?"

Jay felt his head nod—the traitor—despite the way his tell-tale heart still hammered against his chest.

You're afraid of something that didn't even happen. You erased the timeline, remember? You're afraid of nothing. Got that? nothing! Absolutely no—!

"Come on," Cole urged softly, "you can talk to me. You know that."

The sharp feeling of nails digging into his palm pulled Jay from his thoughts and he straightened to his full height.

Because some things you just couldn't talk about. And I'd rather board a dozen pirate ships than relive the memories.

Somewhere off in the far corners of his mind, a deep, familiar laugh resounded, and it took every ounce of Jay's self-control to keep from flinching.

"Your wish is yours to keep."

"Fine," he said at last, willing his voice not to waver. "We searched all day for a ship, so if this is our only option, let's get a move on."

"Jay…"

"I said, let's go. Come on!"

He barely registered Cole's footsteps kicking across the sand as they made their way to the sea vessel. Jay's legs were on autopilot, his mind engaged in a fierce battle against anxiety.

For Master Wu. This is all for Master Wu. If Cole can sail over gallons and gallons of his deepest fear, I think I can handle a little old pirate ship.

Besides, Jay tried to convince himself, it's no different than the Bounty. Right?

"It's about time you got here!" Jay forced himself to keep going despite the looming pirate that waited for them at the top of the gang plank. "We were all wonderin' how long you two were gonna just stand out there on the beach! Come on! Captain's been waiting to set sail."

"After I take your friends and take your home, Nya will be mine."

By now, Cole had caught up and was riding Jay's heels as they ascended into the ship. He ignored the sideways glances his brother kept shooting his way. There's nothing to talk about. It's fine. This is fine.

Sure, it is. Whatever you say, Jay. Whatever you say…

"Go ahead. Just say it. Just wish it all away."

Clenched fists were the only way to suppress a shiver and Jay wondered briefly if he'd have to deal with any bruises later, considering the way his nails bit into his skin.

"Well, we're here now," Cole was saying when Jay finally tuned back into reality. "Tell the captain he's free to set sail."

The pirate nodded, flashing a crooked smile at the two ninja. Perhaps it was the air of authority surrounding the man, or maybe it was just the vibe he was giving off, but somehow, Jay knew this pirate was the First Mate.

"Perhaps it's time to involve him in some of our on-ship entertainment…"

"You don't mean Scrap 'N' Tap, do you, Captain?"

"... What's Scrap 'N' Tap…?"

"And, if it's not too much trouble," Cole added, and Jay wished he would just shut up so they could get below deck. Get off deck, get off deck! "Could you tell the captain we'd like to see him when he has a minute? I want to thank him for giving us a ride."

Jay's heart skipped a beat. No…

Relax, you idiot, relax!

"If you want," the first mate replied easily, "you can come with me t'see him now. Any friend of Sensei Wu's is a friend of the captain."

"Actually!" Jay butted in before Cole could accept the offer. Get below deck, get below deck! You're safer below— "Cole said something about a room you had for us? Could we see that first?"

If he didn't look at Cole, he wouldn't have to suffer the wrath of his glare. So, he didn't, keeping his gaze on their pirate host.

"Sure thing. I'd take you there myself, but someone's gotta get this ol' girl seabound." After a quick glance about, the first mate let out a shrill whistle and a considerably younger man came scurrying over. "This here's Jamie. He'll show you to your quarters. When you're ready, you two can come back up and join us on deck for some fresh air and clear skies."

"We're looking forward to it," Cole said with a smile. "Thanks."

As the first mate went off to his duties, their guide waved a hand, beckoning the ninja to follow him.

Cabin boy, a voice whispered in the back of Jay's mind and for a moment, he couldn't tell if the voice was talking about him or the kid.

"Here you go," the young man said when they reached a small door at the end of the narrow hall. "Enjoy your stay."

Jay couldn't stop the light scoff that escaped his mouth, earning him a subtle jab to the ribs from Cole.

"Thanks," he heard Cole say as he ventured further into the cabin. "This means more than you know."

It was a tiny room with just two bunks stacked on top of each other and a chest resting in the far corner. But the door had a lock. It was the first thing Jay had looked for when he'd entered the room, and the second Cole stepped over the threshold, Jay bolted the door shut.

"All right." Cole's voice was equally weary and suspicious. "Something's wrong. Spill it."

"What? I just don't trust pirates! And you shouldn't either. That's all."

"No, that's not all. I know you better than that, Jay. These guys are child's play compared to some of the villains we've gone up against. So, come on, what is it?"

"You're asking me what's wrong? I should be asking you! The only thing between us and the biggest body of water in Ninjago is a floating hunk of wood!"

Cole's reply was far too casual. "I know."

"And you're okay with that?"

"I'm…" In the short span of three seconds, Cole's well-built leader facade cracked and he wrapped his arms tightly across his chest. "… Trying not to think about it." And just like that, the concern was back, followed closely by what Jay liked to call the Furrowed Brows of Skepticism. "The less I think about the ocean, the more time I have to think about you and how weird you're being."

Jay brushed past Cole and collapsed under the weight of his memories onto the lower bunk.

"I mean, sure, pirates can be dangerous. But these pirates aren't. At least, not to us. I believe they genuinely want to help us."

"You would believe that," Jay mumbled.

"Come on, Jay! Can't you just talk to me? And don't say nothing's wrong. You know I won't believe it. I opened up to you on the beach… can't you return the favor?"

When Jay exhaled, a shuddering breath filled the room, blanketing it in a heavy silence.

"…Jay…?"

Squeezing his eyes shut, Jay gave the memories one last shove out of his mind before pressing a palm to his forehead.

"I just… My head hurts," he replied softly. "I have a headache and I'm tired from walking every inch of the waterfront twice today."

Silence was the only reply Jay received at first, and for a moment, he thought Cole might have left. But then again, he would've heard the lock click.

Cole's voice, when he spoke at last, barely rose above a whisper. "Okay. If that's how you want to be."

"For now," Jay whispered back, eyes still squeezed shut, "yeah."

"I'm gonna go thank the captain, then."

"You go do that."

"It's all I can do right now, apparently."

"Apparently."

Another beat of silence, then the lock clicked and the door opened, stealing away Jay's sense of security with a single swing.

"It's stuffy down here," Cole declared with a little more force than before. "I don't know when I'll be back. Don't lock me out."

The sharp slam he left behind in his wake went right through Jay and he shivered. Less than five seconds was all he could manage until he couldn't stand it anymore. With a quickness nearly rivaling the Master of Speed, he scrambled across the room and jammed the lock shut.

Still, even after he'd barricaded himself in that small, cramped room, Jay couldn't shake the familiar feeling of terror that plagued him.

Every waking moment—and often in sleep as well—that feeling had held him captive, even after his stay on the Misfortune's Keep had come to an end. Even after the timeline had been supposedly erased.

If it was erased, why do I still have to remember it? Curling back up on his bunk, Jay closed his eyes again and tried to regulate his breathing. Why do the bruises still feel so fresh? Why can I still remember every word…?

Every whispered word, every cruel taunt.

He could still feel Nadakahn's hot breath against his neck, against his face. The way the djinn would always lean in so close, so invasive. Always invasive…

Another shiver wracked his frame and he tightened his fists. Who knew when he might need to use them?

Cole's comment about the room being stuffy started to get to Jay no more than ten minutes into his solitude and it made regulating his breathing twice as hard.

Thanks a lot, Cole. Thanks for finding such a wonderful ship for us.

Yeah, thanks a lot, buddy…

The longer he lay there, however, the more he began to realize that the true fault for it all could only be found in himself.

After all, he was cruelly reminded as the hands of sleep tugged at his mind, I'm the one who made the first wish.

I'm the one who lied.

Another shiver.

I'm the one who ruined everything.