Author's Note: I'm falling behind a little here. Sorry, I was helping-still helping-a friend move so my bad on the lateness. Give me a little bit to get the next chapter out please. And sorry I don't have time to answer reviews from the last couple of chapters. but I did read them all.

Unexpected

By: Mad Betrayal

"There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship…"—Thomas Aquinas

Chapter 11 ~ Clearing up the Confusion

"Would you two stop it?! What's going on?!"

Kai growled as Nya stepped in between him and Cole. The Master of Fire was completely livid. While he was here wasting time arguing with the black ninja, Zane was chatting-up Jay! Golden-amber eyes glared furiously into the narrowed green ones of his leader and brother. Though his anger was, in fact, directed at Cole, he was more upset with Zane.

It had finally clicked in his head what his opposite had been insinuating between him and Lloyd, and Kai wanted to clear-up the misunderstanding as soon as possible.

Zane thinks Lloyd and I are together! That's why he's been so sassy and cold towards me! Hell, that's probably even why he stiffens up and gets all nervous when Lloyd comes around us when we're alone!

If Kai were to stop and think about it, it was almost comical that Zane would even get intimidated by the younger ninja, especially since the latter had always regarded each of his protectors with respect and admiration. And if the fiery ninja was completely honest with himself, a sassy Zane was an equally sexy Zane. However, he wanted to bring out that side of the ice ninja on good—not to mention sensuous—terms not on fallacy.

Damn, I have to get to him!

Kai glanced down into the questioning chocolate eyes of his little sister. "Good timing, sis. Could you distract Fred Flintstone over here?" He sniped, nodding towards a frowning Cole. "He's getting on my nerves."

"I'm gonna do more than that if you don't tell me what's going on between you, Zane, and Lloyd," the ninja leader shot back, his tone low and threatening. "You've got both of us—especially Jay—really worried."

At that, Kai felt some of his anger dissipate. Though with his diminished irritability, curiosity arose. "Why would the two of you be worried about us?"

Cole's posture also began to lose its tension and he folded his arms. "Jay," he clarified simply. "He figured something was up, and he noticed how sad Zane was getting as of late."

Kai instantly showed his back to the two, his fists tightly clenched at his sides. His anger had been rekindled, although this time it was aimed directly at himself. Why hadn't he figured it out sooner? If the reason for Zane's melancholy was truly because of the disillusioned notion of him and Lloyd, then it was all the more urgent for Kai to get to him.

"I'll take care of him, so don't worry," he said, and left it at that.

The brunette's strides were long and quick as he made his way back towards the Bounty's deck door, his blood pounding in his ears in both determination…and hope. Kai knew he was attracted to Zane. Physically, would be expected considering how both beautiful and handsome the silver-blonde was. But of course, the ice ninja didn't just thrive in the looks department. He was suave and eloquent, but socially inept which made his overall demeanor incredibly cute, and the multitudes of fangirls and fanboys Zane had accumulated over the years would most definitely agree with him. Kai had seen the websites, and after doing so had thanked God plenty of times for blessing their clan with a mobile headquarters. Yes, Zane's fan base was just as crazy and scary as his.

But Kai had to smile. Zane was wondrously unique. How was it possible for someone to be wise and knowledgeable in some areas, but oblivious and lacking in others? Everyone has taken turns teaching Zane the most common of social cues, and the nindroid's high acumen made him a quick learner. However, there were still some things the Russian hybrid failed to understand, like the usage of slang or even commercial endorsements. But all of that just added to Zane's charm and proved that despite being an android, he was far from perfect.

And the fact that Zane was a robot meant absolutely nothing to the fire ninja. He had told Zane a long time ago that no matter what he was made of, he was still their brother and would be treated just the same as he always had. And that mentality still applied to Kai even though his feelings now ran deeper. Recently, he had been trying to invoke as many different emotions as he could from the ice ninja, and his efforts had more or less been rewarded. Zane's laugh was one such prize, a crisp and melodious sound that Kai would kill to hear again. But the crimson-clad man wanted to hear more, to learn more, to feel more.

After all these years, Kai had never touched Zane's bare skin. What would it feel like to hold his hand? To stroke his cheek? To kiss his lips? What sounds would careen up from that perfect, pale column of Zane's throat if Kai were to pepper kisses along it? Would he gasp or moan? What would his icy, vanilla skin taste like? Kai wanted to be the one who found out all of these things…and be the only one who knew.

But the spiky-haired brunette had to wonder: Does Zane feel the same way I do…? Does he what to turn our friendship into something more too…?

Questions gone unanswered would not suffice, thus Kai would have a nice long talk with Zane and clear up any confusion…while keeping Lloyd's secret—well…a secret. As soon as Kai reached the access, he was surprised to see Sensei Wu appear from behind it.

"Oh Sensei, my bad. I need to go so…" Kai made to bypass his teacher when the elder's voice halted his steps.

"I do not want you to disturb Zane and Jay at the moment, Kai."

The fire ninja whirled around to gawk at his teacher. "Wha? How did you—"

Aged onyx eyes thinned slightly. "For they are currently in my brother's chambers caring for an ailing young man by the name of: Brad Tudabone."

Kai's heart nearly stopped. Oh shit…

"Brad?" Cole cocked an eyebrow and stepped around Nya. "You mean the little boy—Lloyd's classmate from Darkley's?"

"Hmm…" Sensei Wu inclined his head. "Though he is not so little anymore…" Wu kept his penetrating stare on the fire ninja, and Kai shuffled his feet nervously.

"Uhh…I can explain Sensei," he started, scratching the back of his head, but the long-bearded master raised an authoritative hand to silence his pupil.

"No need. I will hear all of it from Lloyd's mouth since this dangerous manner of subterfuge was undoubtedly all his doing." He then turned and beckoned to Cole and Nya. "You two come along, for this is a matter that concerns every member of the clan."

Leading the way, Sensei Wu reentered the Bounty's cabin and ventured to the back of the ship. Once reaching the two adjacent bedchambers of the clan heads, the small group found Lloyd pacing restlessly back and forth in front of Sensei Garmadon's door. Upon seeing the other members of his clan, Lloyd stopped and turned fearful eyes towards his uncle. Swallowing thickly, those same dark rubies darted from Sensei Wu to Kai. The fire ninja nodded gravely at the younger ninja, and Lloyd heaved a heavy resigned sigh.

"Lloyd, please tell us what you know about our guest," Sensei Wu said. "And why you had Kai keep it a secret."

At his uncle's reproachful tone, a certain defiant rigidness stiffened the green ninja's shoulders and for a moment he looked torn about divulging such information. After his brief internal debate, however, he glanced worriedly back at his father's closed door before facing his extended family once more.

"…On the last day on Chen's island, do you remember giving us the order to search it for any leftover prisoners or information?"

Sensei Wu nodded once.

"Well…I found a hidden passageway within the deepest part of Chen's dungeons and discovered some type of lab. The computers were still somewhat functioning and I was able to enter a folder entitled: Mana Project, and that's when I saw Brad's picture…from when he was…still young."

"Mana Project? What's that supposed to be?" Cole asked.

Lloyd shook his head. "A lot of sections of the folder were blocked by passwords, but from the single one I was able to access, Chen was researching a forbidden element known as "Mana". And he was gathering people from all over Ninjago who had the closest genetic signature to match "Mana's" unique coding." Forlorn ruby eyes closed briefly. "There had to have been maybe hundreds of entries labeled "specimen"—human test subjects."

Nya gasped in horror. "You mean…Chen was kidnapping people from their homes all over the world and experimenting on them? What happened to them?"

Lloyd grimaced. "I scrolled down through every entry, but…all of them had been faded and… "x'ed" out. All except one."

"Brad." Cole confirmed quietly and Lloyd nodded, running a hand through his wavy platinum blonde locks.

"As it turns out, he was Chen's greatest success. He was able to effectively bring out Brad's hidden affinity for "Mana" without killing him, unlike all the others. But there were two side effects that were documented: "advanced aging" and something called "precognition"."

"Precognition… So kind of like Zane's sixth sense?" Cole asked, but Kai shook his head.

"Not exactly. Zane can't predict the future which is what precognition is, to my understanding anyway." He eyed Lloyd. "But the reason for Brad's current appearance is because of Chen's experiments—he's aged and looks to be about eighteen or nineteen now."

"A rapid jump from twelve," Nya muttered sadly.

"Yeah…" Lloyd concurred, equally remorseful. "Anyway, as soon as I clicked on Brad's file the back of the lab lit up and I was able to see large spherical containment units where they had to have kept each individual prisoner hostage, and that's where I found him. He was suspended upright and his sphere contained some kind of glowing green liquid. I tried calling out to him multiple times, but he didn't respond. I knew I had to get him out, so when I couldn't find a "release" switch or anything I used my power to free him myself."

Lloyd threw another look at Sensei Garmadon's door and began pacing again. "After that, my actions must've set off some kind of back-up security measure, because the facility was then set to self-destruct. So, I wrapped Brad up as best I could and got out of there as quickly as possible."

"So that's where that small tremor came from," Cole mused out loud. During that time, the Ninja had split up to search different key locations of the island, and the earth ninja had sensed a seismic shock reverberate through the ground at one point which, consequently, must've signaled the destruction of Chen's lab.

Lloyd nodded vaguely and carried on. "I had tried to sneak aboard the Bounty, but…Kai caught me." He then stopped and gave his uncle an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, uncle. But when I saw that it was Brad I…I don't know honestly. I just got it in my head that he was my friend and therefore my responsibility. I wanted to take care of him, and I have up until now…with Kai's help. So please, don't punish him for my wrongdoing. He wanted to tell you all, but I made him promise not to. I'm sorry…to all of you."

Sensei Wu had listened quietly throughout his nephew's tale, and stroked his long white once before speaking. "So in retrospect, you two have been taking care of Brad for a little over a month now without anyone finding out. Where has he been kept this entire time?"

Kai smirked knowingly when Lloyd unexpectedly blushed. "Ah—um…in…in-in my room, uncle."

Sensei Wu fell silent, and Kai inwardly chuckled. It was so easy to piece together. When Lloyd brought Brad aboard over a month ago, he wasn't in the best of shape. His hair was matted in clumps, his body was grimy and slick from the mysterious liquid he had been placed in while being held captive. But Lloyd did all the work himself in cleaning his friend up. He bathed him, washed and combed his hair until the raven locks were impeccably straight and free of tangles, clothed him, and brushed his teeth—which was tricky—the whole nine yards. Kai had watched him do all of this except for the bathing part. Apparently for some reason or other, Lloyd didn't want Kai to see Brad in all his naked glory. The only thing Kai really helped out with was keeping Brad hydrated. Lloyd needed help in getting the water down the long-haired man's throat without him choking, which was very time-consuming and tedious, but was absolutely necessary.

"I see…" The aging Spinjitzu Master said at last. "Though your heart was in the right place, Lloyd, your mind was not. You still should've informed us of the young Tudabone's predicament and boarding, especially if he was ill."

Guilt and sadness shadowed over the young savior's face. "Yeah, I know that now…"

"Good, thus I think that is punishment enough," Wu declared. "What is most important now is your friend's condition."

"Don't worry, Lloyd," Kai piped up, wearing an encouraging smirk. "Our three best medical hands are with him. He'll be fine."

Not as soon as Kai spoke up did the door to Sensei Garmadon's room open, and Zane and Jay stepped out, both appearing haggard and confused. Lloyd immediately released a flurry of questions.

"What happened?! How's Brad?! Is he alright?!" He even went as far as to grab Jay's shoulders in the midst of his fear and anxiety, and Kai saw the almost imperceptible shadow of disapproval cover Cole's frowning face at the green ninja's action.

Hmm…? What's with the scary look, bro…?

Jay smiled tiredly and touched one of the hands that gripped his shoulders. "Though it was a tense and harrowing twenty minutes, Brad seems to be in the clear now," he reported.

Lloyd's hands slid from Jay's person as the pent-up tension left his body. "Thank goodness."

Kai watched as Cole visibly relaxed as well, and his features smoothed out. Looks like everyone's relieved that Brad's okay… But Cole…is there more to your relief…? What's up with you…?

"Yes," Zane chimed in smoothly, bringing Kai back from his reverie. "It appears Brad is somewhat anemic due to the distortion of his Chi according to Sensei Garmadon, and he went into cardiac arrest as soon as you brought him in, Lloyd."

"What?!" The green ninja cried, turning wide and incredulous ruby eyes on Zane. "But he's okay, right?! Jay just said—"

"Yes," Zane interjected calmly, and smiled as he placed a friendly hand on Jay's shoulder. Kai had to feel a little envious when his secret crush gazed at the blue ninja so adoringly. "Thankfully when Brad's vitals dropped to a critical level, Jay was able to bring him back with a few expertly concentrated shocks."

A dust of pink touched Jay's fair cheeks at the nindroid's praise. "Ah well—heh, just call me the Human Defibrillator."

Lloyd quickly embraced him. "Thank you Jay," he said, but then turned his head and gave the lightning ninja's cheek a chaste kiss. The slight blush on Jay's cheeks immediately darkened to crimson as he smiled shyly and returned the blonde's hug. Kai was surprised to hear Zane chuckle, but was even more surprised to hear a low growl from his right.

Cole's face was dark with another scowl again as he glared at the heartwarming display. Kai, with sharp eyes, observed intently as he took in his brother's stiff body language. Jay's mother's Tupperware was slowly but surely getting crushed under the strengthening curl of the earth ninja's arm, as well as the cake within it, however the black ninja didn't seem to notice. There was also the fact that Cole's belligerent, emerald stare was centered more on the back of Lloyd's head than anywhere else.

Wait…before when Lloyd grabbed Jay's shoulders, he didn't like that… And now that Lloyd is showing Jay affection…he doesn't like that either…? What the hell…?

"Cole…? Are you okay?" Nya touched his arm and for another moment, Cole didn't respond. "Cole?" She tried again a little louder, and that seemed to snap the ninja leader from whatever angry trance he'd been in.

Cole blinked languidly, and Kai saw a deep sadness and yearning enter his eyes. "Oh. Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry about it." The way he didn't even turn to look at Nya when she had spoken, made the fire ninja even more suspicious. Emerald eyes had shifted and were now focused solely on Jay.

Brilliant topaz eyes widened with understanding. No freakin' way…

So caught up in this realization, Kai took no notice of Lloyd and Jay releasing each other. "But now that Brad is stable, Sensei Garmadon wants to talk to you, Lloyd—everyone actually," Jay said, and nodded towards the door. "So come on, we don't want to keep him waiting."

*~xXx~*

After everyone had filed into Sensei Garmadon's quarters, they all circled around the prone figure of the comatose young man on the bed. And Lloyd once more explained the circumstances about how he found him.

"Chen…how could you?" Garmadon whispered sadly after Lloyd had finished. He regarded Brad for a time before letting his gaze rest on his son, who had settled down in a chair at his friend's bedside. The fretful expression on Lloyd's face as he stared at Brad's signaled to the wise grandmaster just how fierce his son's concern was for his former classmate…as well as the fact that Lloyd had taken Brad's hand and held it tenderly between his.

His brow furrowed, Garmadon swept his eyes over the others gathered in his chambers. "Mana is not just a forbidden element, it's the forbidden element," he divulged seriously. "It is the source material which composes everything in our world. It is found in the ground we walk on, the air we breathe, the water we drink—everything from man, plant, animal…" He suddenly stopped and looked directly at the Master of Ice. "…and even you, Zane, have Mana within you. For Mana is the very flow of life."

The sudden hush that fell over the room was nearly overwhelming to Kai. His brain was overloaded with questions. He never knew any of this—this "Mana", and what it was. It was never taught, never discussed, never seen, and never hinted at. And now he was just supposed to accept that it existed in—well—everything? It was definitely a lot to swallow. His shoulder brushed Zane's as the nindroid beside him moved, and he chanced a glance at him. The white ninja appeared just as flabbergasted as he was, but there was no doubt that he believed Sensei Garmadon's words. But how much did he believe?

"Now I know what all of you are probably thinking," the silver-haired mentor continued judiciously. "Why wasn't the element of Mana taught in school with all the others? How could something so immensely important not be documented in books or scrolls or any other sort of text? And the answer is quite simple…" Garmadon's voice took on a grave and reflective tone. "Because it was ordained not to be."

A bewildered cacophony of voices instantly rang out, but one was especially clear: Jay's. "And whom exactly was the "high, almighty power" that decreed that?" He asked, clearly unsatisfied and upset. "If you're talking about the composition of all life, then don't you think it's worth studying and passing on the knowledge to future generations? Don't you think if we knew more about our world, we could nurture it better?"

There were murmurs of agreement, and Kai's voice was most certainly one of them. Jay had spoken what he had felt, and as he looked over at his blue-clad brother, he saw the firmness of his jaw and the challenge in his deep blue eyes as he faced forward into the wise stare of their most intimidating of two teachers. A swift advent of emotions swelled up in Kai's chest then, a kinship of elation and pride. Jay has always been known as the cheerful, lax one of their brotherhood, but there were times—like this one—where his seriousness was downright awe-inspiring. And it seemed like he wasn't the only one who felt this, for Cole—who stood beside the blue ninja—was gazing at Jay with a hefty amount of fondness and satisfaction. But again, Kai sensed a separate set of emotions from his leader. Those emerald depths spoke volumes about more of what he felt for the man he was so entranced with.

"Yes Jay, but such knowledge could also bring about destruction to our world."

Sensei Wu's calm, but strong voice caused yet another hush to befall the younger members of the clan and the second grandmaster went to stand beside his brother and face their pupils.

"You all have learned of the great war between the Elemental Masters and the Serpentine. As well as the internal strife that followed resulting in the Masters turning on each other. But before all of that, there was something else. A great dispute between the Masters, and as I think hard about it now…" Sensei Wu lowered his head until his wide-brimmed hat shadowed his face. "…It may have been one of the main precursors that led to the internal strife to begin with."

He lifted his head once more and said, "The dispute was about this very subject—the element of Mana. There has never been a Master of Mana—never—regardless of some having the potential to wield it. And those select few with the affinity would spend their entire lifetimes trying to gain at least a modicum of aptitude needed to access their own life force, but to no avail. And simply withered and succumbed to death by their own hands by trying to tamper with the Mana within them.

"And then a question arose: Was it really wise for mere humans to be able to manipulate the very flow of our planet's life force as well as our own, despite having the affinity for it? Given mankind's track record for misuse of power, the question was, indeed, valid. Unfortunately, we are a very fickle race of beings and despite someone's good intentions there would always be an opposing force. As with any argument there were those who contested these views and stated almost exactly what you did, Jay. That it was worth the risk, that having Masters of Mana and studying the element on a more profound level would be beneficiary to the world as a whole.

"And after countless years of feuding between all the masters, there was one man who stepped forward to silence them all…"

Garmadon nodded. "Our father," he said. "The First Spinjitzu Master decreed that all study of Mana was to be halted indefinitely, and for any knowledge of it to be lost in translation. It was simply too dangerous."

Cole folded his arms, his trademark frown in place. "Okay, so what you two are basically saying is what? That if Brad were to master his element—become the first ever Master of Mana—he'd be unstoppable?"

"More than that, Cole," Garmadon stated, looking each of his students in the eye. "He'd be a living god."

Though it was an unthinkable concept, it alas had merit. If a person had the power to control or manipulate a being's very life force, then you were no doubt at that person's mercy. Kai peered down at Brad's sleeping face—blissfully ignorant and serene. At the very beginning when he had taken up the title of: ninja, he had made a solemn vow—they all did—to protect Ninjago and its inhabitants from any and all dangers. And if Brad was a true threat to everyone's well-being, then maybe it would be safer to eliminate the potential threat now.

"Well we don't have to worry about that," Lloyd said evenly, breaking the chilly silence. His eyes were locked on his former classmate's face, his hand clutching the other's firmly, protectively. "Brad is much too kind for something as diabolical as taking over the world."

The green ninja then turned his fierce burgundy eyes towards his clansmen, his tone absolute and unwavering. "Brad is my friend. I know him. He doesn't have the capacity to be evil."

"No you don't," Kai blurted out impulsively, and all eyes turned to him. "True, you knew him when you guys were kids, but you have no idea what his mentality is now. He's been in a coma for over a month, Lloyd, probably even longer than that. You don't know how long he's been Chen's guinea pig. He may have been brainwashed, and as soon as he wakes up he might—"

Lloyd rose from his chair abruptly and glared murderous, red-hot daggers at the fire ninja. "Kai, if you lay one hand on him I'll—"

"You'll what?!" Kai challenged, equally livid. "Take me out like you took out Chen? Ha! Don't make me laugh!" Golden-amber eyes flashed. "Sometimes, Lloyd, you still act like an undisciplined little brat."

Lloyd growled dangerously, his body already flickering with power. "Well this "brat" can still wipe the floor with your arrogant ass!"

"Enough!" Everyone turned wide eyes to Jay, whose voice struck through the rising tension like a naked bolt of lightning. Pristine sapphires narrowed at Kai and Lloyd as he stepped in between the two. "Like we need this now! What's the point of fighting amongst ourselves about something we don't even know yet?!"

He turned swiftly to Lloyd. "Lloyd, it's all well and good to be optimistic about your friend, but you also need to prepare yourself for the worst case scenario."

The distraught green ninja shook his head roughly. "No! I can't accept that! I—"

Jay's gloved hand lifted and gently caressed the platinum blonde locks, causing Lloyd's unspoken words to lock in his throat. "Calm down," Jay soothed. "No one is going to attack Brad without viable reason. This isn't punch first, ask questions later, okay? Truth be told, Brad's safety is entirely up to Brad."

The vehement fire within Lloyd's dark rubies promptly extinguished, and the gathered power left his body. "Yeah, you're right…"

Jay nodded with a smile at the younger, and then turned to Kai. "And Kai, c'mon man, only asses ass-ume things."

Kai rolled his eyes. "Yeah, whatever—I'm just saying that it's something I've been thinking about ever since Brad got here."

"While that may be so, Kai…" The fire ninja felt a tremor course through his body at the smooth, tender voice coming from his right, a delectable and frosty wind caressing his ear with each word spoken. "…Jumping to conclusions without knowing all the facts is…unwise. It is best to find out everything one needs to know…before deciding a course of action."

Kai swallowed and turned to meet Zane's beautiful pure hazel eyes, a pleasant and self-reflective smile was playing on the nindroid's lips. The Master of Fire searched those eyes thoroughly before finally saying, "Yeah, it's not right to jump to conclusions…" Causing the white ninja to turn shamefully away.

A faint smile of approval crossed Garmadon's lips before he turned serious once more. "Jay and Zane are absolutely right. Brad is in our custody now, and the best course of action at the moment is just to continue surveillance over him and monitor his condition." He turned to his son. "Lloyd, I leave this task to you. Return Brad to your room and continue to care for him as you have, but be forewarned that you are to report even the slightest change to his condition to any of us immediately. Is that understood?"

Lloyd nodded gratefully. "Yeah, I got it, Dad."

"Good," Garmadon sighed and rubbed his forehead tiredly. "Now please, all of you leave. It's time for my afternoon bottle of sake."

"Ah Brother, I believe it is best to mediate this grave matter over a pot of tea not sake," Sensei Wu advised, his onyx eyes glinting with amusement when narrowed silver ones shot him a glare of irritation.

"You can drink all the tea you want, Brother," Garmadon countered easily. "But I prefer not to be an old British person."

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

"Even when we were young boys you had your precious "Tea Time". Why do you think I always called you "Wussy Wu"?"

The younger members of the clan had to snicker at the two elders' playful yet routine bickering. But it was Lloyd who was the most somber about the situation. He gently gathered Brad in his arms and turned to Jay.

"Kaasan—uh I-I mean, Jay? Could…you come with me? I'd like to talk with you for a bit," Lloyd asked, looking at the lightning ninja beseechingly.

Jay's cheeks flushed deeply at Lloyd's slip up at addressing him as "mother", but nodded anyway. "Uh…yeah—s-sure. C'mon, I'll get the door for you."

Kai blinked, peering curiously at the trio as they made their exit. Kaasan…? He mouthed wordlessly. Does Lloyd really see Jay as a mother figure…?

"Jay, wait…"

Kai turned to see Cole with his arm outstretched towards the blue ninja, his green eyes more desperate and yearning then he'd ever seen them.

Jay glanced at Cole over his shoulder casually. "Yeah? What's up?"

Something in Cole seemed to deflate and he lowered his arm gradually with a sigh. He smiled a very hollow smile. "Nah, never mind… I'll talk to you later, okay?"

Something akin to worry flickered in Jay's eyes, but before Kai could decipher it completely, the azure ninja grinned. "No prob. Deuces!"

After the trio left, Cole eyed the slightly dented Tupperware under his arm. "I'd better try to salvage this as best as I can…" he muttered sadly, and Nya giggled, coming to stand by his side.

"Don't worry, I'll help you. Let's go."

Kai cocked an eyebrow at Cole's expression. He looked more like a man resigned to his fate than one elated to be with his girlfriend. He didn't even try to smile. "Alright, if you want."

With Cole and Nya making their exodus, it was just Kai and Zane left in Sensei Garmadon's quarters.

"Is something troubling you, Zane?" At Garmadon's inquiry, Kai peered curiously at the one beside him. The ice ninja's eyes were closed and his mouth set in a troubled line.

Pure hazel optics opened slowly. "Do you truly believe…that I have Mana inside of me?" Zane quietly asked, but instead of answering his question, Garmadon asked a question himself.

"Are you alive?"

Zane said nothing. And Kai, abhorred by his crush's uncertainty, opened his mouth to speak for him, but one look from those imposing silvery eyes had his mouth snapping shut.

"…I…I don't know…" Zane uttered at last. He closed his eyes again in remorse. "I truly want to say I am, but…" Zane trailed off, unable to say more.

"It is an answer you have to discover for yourself, Zane," Garmadon said firmly. "You are who you choose to be. You choose. And once you've decided, let nothing and no one tell you otherwise."

"But…how do I go about finding the answer…? *Gasp*"

Kai's hand took hold of Zane's tightly, and the crimson ninja stared determinedly into startled and unsure hazel orbs. He turned to address his teachers. "Excuse us, but I have something important to talk about with this guy here," Kai said, nodding briefly at Zane.

The two grandmasters smiled. "By all means…"

And with that, Kai made his exit with Zane in tow, stumbling clumsily after him.

"Kai—ah…where are we going?"

Kai smirked at the ice ninja's breathless tone. "Weren't you listening? To talk…privately."

Kai led Zane all the way to the den and settled down on the loveseat, consequently forcing the nindroid to join him. Kai kept hold of Zane's hand and didn't waste a breath in confronting him.

"What is going on with you, why are you suddenly uncertain that you're alive?"

Zane, while still bemused, closed his mouth and averted his eyes. Kai frowned and moved closer. "What is it? Why won't you talk to me?" He questioned softly. "Don't you trust me?"

"I did not say that…I just…I…" A look of internal confliction passed over Zane's face before it quickly faded into nothingness. "…I…I want to return the favor," he got out as quickly and evenly as he could.

The sheer randomness of that statement made Kai blink stupidly. "Huh?"

Zane's gaze returned to Kai's, and the soft smile on his lips derailed the red ninja further. "It would please me greatly if you were to accompany me to the Christmas parade this year, Kai. I want you to take me."

The fire ninja's soul threatened to leave his body at that last statement, but he hurriedly composed himself and scrutinized the one before him. Kai licked his lips. "Don't act like I don't know what you're doing," he said lowly. "You've figured out the truth between me and Lloyd, but you're still hesitating. If you won't take the initiative then I will. I'm going to do all in my power to prove to you just how alive you are."

"Kai…" Zane's widened eyes lowered to their joined hands—both obscured by gloves. He frowned and raised his gaze. "Sensei Garmadon said that it was an answer that I had to find myself."

"Oh and you will," Kai deftly countered. "But I'm letting you know that I'm going to be there with you every step of the way."

The smile that slowly curved Zane's lips was absolutely beautiful, and Kai felt the blood in his veins pump vigorously with fathomless need. "Fire and Ice are harmful to each other. We are opposing elements, and yet…I cannot stop myself from wanting to get closer to you…"

The Master of Fire smirked devilishly. "Of course you can't, Zane… Look at me…I'm far too fetching…"

Author's Note: In my opinion, that was one of Kai's best lines ever. Please leave your thoughts.