After Koji- Part 13 On the Mend

Jinpei entered the flight deck with his hand full of weapons… "Here you go! One for you…"he tossed Joe his gun.

"One for you…" Jinpei then flicked Ken's weapon to him.

"And…one for…hey, where's sis?" He looked puzzled.

"She's down in sick bay…she fell out of the whirlwind formation…she's unconscious right now…" Joe answered Jinpei in a very matter-of-fact way.

"I'm sure she'll be alright, Jinpei, she's just a little weak right now…" Ken glared at Joe for his brashness and attempted to reassure the little Swallow. "C'mon, let's go check on her."

As they entered the sick bay, they saw the thin form of the Swan, laying on the gurney.

"Sis? Sis? Please wake up! You can't die! You're my only sister! I need you, Sis!" Jinpei dissolved into tears at the sight of his unconscious sister. Still clutching her yo-yo, he hugged her and cried.

It was tough for the Eagle to take. He had a huge lump in his throat, trying to fight back tears. What has happened to her? What will become of the team? What will I do if she doesn't wake up? I don't want to admit it, but I need her, too…I…love her.

"I'll give you some time, Jinpei…" He turned and headed back for the flight deck.

Joe noticed the emotion on the Eagle's face. He decided it was best to say nothing. The flight deck remained quiet the rest of the way home.

After a thorough examination, the Doctor released Jun from the hospital ward. It was decided that she only suffered from mental and physical exhaustion. Because of this, she was allowed to recover in her room on base. Doctors would be standing by, in case they were needed. Ken offered to keep watch over her that evening.

He paced around the room, looking for any sign that she'd awaken. Finally, Ken sat down in a chair next to the bed. He watched her breathe softly. She looked so peaceful, so beautiful. He hoped she was finally having dreams instead of nightmares. Perhaps maybe even dreaming about him.

"If you only knew how much you mean to us, Jun…" He spoke softly. Leaning back in the chair, he whispered, "I love you." Then he drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, he heard Jun's voice. "Ken, what are you doing here?"

He sat up, startled, unsure of what to say.

"You…were unconscious…you fell out of the whirlwind formation…remember?" Ken shifted in his seat. He suddenly felt uncomfortable.

"I don't remember much…just being captured and thrown into that prison…I feel so stupid for believing that Koji was alive. I'm a detriment to the team. My emotions get in the way too often. Ninjas aren't supposed to let that happen…" She sat up, keeping her eyes fixed on the floor and removed her bracelet.

"I'm sorry for putting the team in danger. I'm going to resign." She handed Ken her bracelet and got up to leave.

Ken blocked the doorway. "Jun, you can't leave like this. I don't want you to. You are a human being above and beyond being a ninja, and that emotion you feel is your strength. It's what holds our team together. We need you. I…need you."

He looked deep into her eyes. He could see a spark was still there. "I couldn't tell you before, but I have feelings for you, Jun, and as your commander, I can't act on them until this damn war is over. But until then, please remember this…I love you…"

He cupped her face with his hands, leaned in, and kissed her lips passionately. They both felt a charge electricity between them. "We'll get through this…together." He smiled, handed her bracelet back and walked out the door.