Unexpected

by Mad Betrayal

When one relationship ends, another can begin. Follow two best friends as they endure many trials and hardships together, and fall unexpectedly in love with each other. Rating may change to M for later chapters. Warning: Will contain shonen-ai/yaoi DON'T LIKE, DON'T READ!

24. Sacrifice

Author's Note: Sorry for the delay, everyone! I got sick again, and then I got busy with life while I was sick. FUN TIMES! Anway, I'm back with another chapter for Unexpected. I've been concentrating on this particular story due to A) popular demand, B) crucial plot points are up ahead, and C) my own eagerness to get more of this story told. But don't worry! I haven't forgotten about Ninjalogy at all. I have been working a little here and there on it and plan to release the finale of Look But Don't Touch in all due time. So please, I ask for your continued patience and support. Thanks for all the awesome reviews, favs, and follows too, people! I love ya!

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Unexpected

By: Mad Betrayal

"There is a magnet in your heart that will attract true friends. That magnet is unselfishness, thinking of others first; when you learn to live for others, they will live for you…"—Paramahansa Yogananda

Chapter 24 ~ Sacrifice

Jay sat on the surface of an examination table near topless, having shrugged off his ninja robes and tunic, leaving him in nothing but his fishnet tank. Lieutenant Steiner ambled about the room collecting various supplies and electrical equipment, while Liam Foxworth—the young soldier previously assigned to the Ninja's quarters to be Jay's informant, and subsequently have been tagging along with the blue ninja ever since—stood on alert at his post by the door.

Jay observed the freckled-face soldier with a fair amount of amusement as the latter fidgeted near the door. Quite often he would "subtly" glance in Jay's direction, blush, and then quickly avert his bright green eyes to his boots, only to repeat the whole process all over again a few seconds later. So yeah, the lightning master found the soldier amusing.

He honestly didn't understand what the guy's deal was. But since he was feeling playful and had nothing else better to do at the moment while he waited for Ada, he decided to call the other man out on his strange behavior. Jay leaned back and braced his hands behind him on the table while crossing his long legs in a relaxed manner. "Yo, Foxy! What's up, man? What's got you all hot and bothered?"

At this, the young soldier sputtered almost incoherently. "N-Nothing, Jay—sir! I-I-I ju—just… Well, that is to say… It—It's a…"

Jay's scarred eyebrow lifted as a teasing smile graced his baby pink lips. Gary's flustered mannerisms felt familiar somehow, though he didn't know why. But nevertheless, they were a sight to lo and behold. "Are you always this articulate?" He asked coyly, and the young soldier's countenance flushed the deepest shade of red Jay had ever seen.

"What?! Yes! I-I mean, no! No, I mean…" Liam suddenly heaved a defeated sigh and turned his head away from Jay, his eyes shifting despairingly to the floor. "Never mind, sir…" he said quietly. "Please, just ignore me…"

Jay's smile instantly fell away as he gauged the other man's obvious misery. "Hey…" he sat up straighter and uncrossed his legs, his concern winning over his need to rib, "…is something troubling you, Liam?"

However, any answer to the azure ninja's question was less than forthcoming as the young soldier refused to relinquish a single syllable his way. Lieutenant Steiner, having gathered all she needed, placed her tray of supplies on the neighboring table beside Jay. She glanced over her shoulder at her subordinate, her expression detached. "Foxworth, if you cannot conduct yourself in a dignified manner, then wait for us outside. You are dismissed."

Liam didn't even try to argue. He simply saluted his superior and left the room. Jay frowned as the door closed with a soft click behind the soldier, before turning to regard his future in-law. "I don't think you had to go and kick the poor guy out like that, Ada. Wasn't that a bit mean?"

But the lieutenant shook her head, a few of her wavy, raven tresses falling against the rim of her frames from the action. "Trust me, I did it for his own good," she explained stoically. "Besides, you saw him. His emotions were all over the place."

Well, Jay couldn't exactly argue with that piece of logic. "Yeah…but I wonder why…?"

"Can you really afford to be worrying about someone else right now?" Ada countered harshly, and Jay eyed the dark scowl suddenly shadowing her once fair visage. "You're about to go up there and be in the midst of some sort of violent…hellstorm, Jay. Facing the wrath of one of Mother Nature's most deadly calamities! Alone! Like the rest, I understand your plan, and it's a plan that I am grateful for but…like Hayabusa said… You all may have special abilities, but you're all still human—still flesh, blood, and bone like the rest of us…still fragile…"

"Ada…" Jay watched as the female soldier removed her glasses and wiped the wetness from her eyes. But instead of putting them back on, she lifted her glistening honeyed orbs back up to meet his. And the blue ninja was able to see just how truly beautiful his cousin's fiancée really was.

"Mein Gott, I don't like it… Nein, there has to be a better way. Surely we can wait out the shower and then send up a team when it's less dangerous…"

"C'mon, Ada, you know better than that," Jay refuted gently. "We have no way of measuring out the duration of the shower right now. And even when meteors are just passing by our orbit, the phenomenon has been known to last for hours upon hours on end—and in rare cases even days. We can't afford to wait. Twelve hours might seem like a long time, but in essence it's not. B'sides…" Jay puffed out his chest and gave a hearty thumbs up and a toothy grin, "…I'm the designated badass in my clan. So you best believe I can pull this off no sweat!"

At her future in-law's boisterous attitude, Steiner couldn't help but chuckle and shake her head. "You and Aaron… You're so much alike. I feel foolish for not seeing it before…" Her grin stayed in place as she peered at Jay with nothing short of fondness and earnest. "I wholeheartedly admire people like you—people who can walk through hell with a smile. Very few are born with such spirit and bravery."

The blue ninja flicked his bangs in a showy manner. "Well, as my Grammy Pearl used to say: Wherever there's a Walker, there's hope—"

"And a smile," Ada finished softly. "Aaron says that a lot. It's obvious he takes great pride in his family…and it looks like you do too."

Jay took a moment to reflect on Steiner's words. While he did sometimes feel embarrassed by his parents and the fact he grew up in a junkyard, he loved and respected his family and had greatly cherished all those years he had attended the Walker Family Reunions before becoming a ninja.

Mom…Dad… Every family is known to go through their own trials and tribulations in life, regardless of how close-knit they are. And his parents' current plight was one such trial. Jay's mind drifted. How was his mother faring through all this? Was she safe and sound within the bowels of the house's fallout shelter? Braving the shower alone and in the dark without knowing the whereabouts of her husband and son? And what of the cerulean ninja's father? Where was he? Did he return to Edna or was he far away taking refuge in some random shelter of some city or village? He couldn't find out now, of course. But as soon as the shower settled, he was going to discover some way to contact his parents. …I wonder if Cole is worried about his dad too…? Tch! What am I talking about, of course he is…

He regarded Ada calmly, his smile ever present. "Yeah, I do."

The female soldier breathed a deep sigh, and finally willed her hands to start prepping Jay for his mission. She wiped her glasses on a stray cloth and placed them back on her face. "I hope I'll be able to make a good first impression on the rest of the family," she shared honestly with a slight grin on her lips. "I know I can come off as stern and unapproachable at times."

Jay watched as she took his issued CB radio and plugged two wires into it. "Hey, as long as you don't pull a gun on any of them you'll be fine!" He winked playfully and gave her a nudge. "But seriously, Ada, just be yourself and don't put on airs… I learned that golden rule myself a few years back…"

Nya… He was grateful to her and still was for showing him the error of his ways—that putting up false pretenses was no way to gain affection.

"I like you best, when you're you…"

Those sweet and treasured words…and followed by a chaste kiss to the cheek to boot. It had been his official beginning to forging a new romantic relationship with Kai's younger sister, as well as the unlocking of his True Potential. His heart had never felt so light and clear, nor had it sounded as happy as it thundered in his chest.

But now… But now…she had left him—left him for one of his dearest friends. And that same friend…was the one his heart was now reacting to. Only, there was a shocking, unfathomable difference: More thunder emanated from his heart, more clarity cleansed its surface and made it flutter, more power overwhelmed his body, more gravity pulled at him to get closer, and ultimately…more affection and love conquered his soul.

The Master of Lightning lowered his head, his once bright, sapphire eyes clouding over until midnight indigo triumphed. To be in love with someone as you still loved someone else who left you for the person your heart now throbbed for…surely there was no greater pain…

Soft fingertips suddenly smoothed through his bangs, prompting Jay to lift his head and meet Ada's inquisitive, honeyed gaze. "…Your eyes tell a story…a sad one. I hope that someday you will come to trust me enough to share it with me."

With trembling hands, Jay haphazardly stitched up the tear that was threatening to rip his heart in two and smiled at his future in-law, the troubled indigo dispersing to reveal those one-of-a-kind sapphires once more. "Only time will tell, right?" He said with as much optimism he could muster. "And I'll make sure we'll have plenty of that."

Ada hummed her affirmation as she fastened the microphone end of a wire onto Jay's fishnet tank. She then gestured for him to finish dressing while she attached the modified CB radio to an electronic waist belt. "While we don't know what type of communicational interference you'll run into up there, we'll at least be able to track your movements as you travel to each relay station. Once you enter each one, your CB will automatically pick up the transmitter waves within and send a signal back to us. We should be able to communicate after that. Also, there's a knob on the belt to adjust the frequency if needed."

Jay fitted his robes back into place and put on his black leather gloves once more. Hopping off the table, he then snapped the belt around his waist. He was ready. Lieutenant Steiner touched his arm. "Though this doesn't have to be said, I'll say it anyway…" The soft honey of her eyes turned to liquefied amber as she regarded him stonily. "If the stations have been demolished, don't dawdle up there. Come immediately back to the Honeycomb, is that understood?"

Jay nodded. "Yeah, I got it."

Ninja and soldier both headed for the door with Jay opening it first in order for Ada to pass through. Liam immediately saluted the two upon their exit. "At ease, Foxworth," the lieutenant said, and then looked at Jay. "If you want, I can ride with you as far as the fifth entrance?" She suggested, but Jay shook his head.

"Nah, I'll be fine on my own. You should get back to Aaron and the others. At times like this, it's best to surround yourself with your loved ones."

"Then, does that qualify me to accompany you at least, sir?"

Jay and Ada both turned their attentions to Liam. Gone was the blush and air of nervousness. Now all that remained was a staid soldier. "My family doesn't reside in New Ninjago City, but in a small fishing village off the coast of the White Sea. I am a new recruit also—just a private. I have no affiliations with S.W.A.T. or any other higher ranks. So, will you allow me this honor, sir?"

Now Jay would never claim to have a sixth sense like Zane, but for some reason he felt it was important not to refuse the young soldier's offer. He gave a glance at Steiner, only to see her shrug. "Up to you," she said. "I will relieve him of temporary duty if you want him to go with you."

He turned back to Liam, a small grin in place. "What did I tell you about all that "sir" stuff with me, Foxy? Yeesh! Must I teach you everything?" The blue ninja sighed dramatically for show and crossed his arms in mock-reprimand. "Alright, I'll let you tag along. But only as far as the entrance and only if you promise to a higher power that you will never address me as "sir" ever again."

Jay didn't care if it was out of respect or whatever, it still made him feel like he should be asking for a senior discount somewhere. Hints of a blush returned to the young soldier's face—just a ghosting of red across his freckled cheeks. "Thank you, Jay. And I promise to God that I will never address you as "sir" ever again."

"Alright! Now that that's settled, let's mosey on over to the bullet train!" But before Jay could take a step, Ada grabbed his hand and forcefully turned him around. The lightning master gave a slight start when the woman suddenly embraced him tight. But the astonishment faded like a whispering breeze as his body instantly relaxed, and he returned the raven-haired woman's sentiment.

Her soft, glossy locks tickled Jay's cheek, and her voice rose to his ear with a quiet ferocity. "I want to see you again very soon. Do you hear me? I want you to attend me and Aaron's wedding. I want you to welcome me to the Walker family at the reception, as I will welcome you to mine."

Jay patted her back and chuckled. "Damn, that's a lotta wants there, Ada," he chided playfully. "You sound kinda selfish."

She pulled back to look at him. "Yes, but it's okay to be selfish sometimes, as it's another one of those things that makes us human."

"Yeah…I hear ya… See ya soon then, Ada."

*~XxX~*

Jay and Liam boarded a bullet train shortly after and headed for the fifth entrance. Every train within the infrastructure of the Honeycomb was completely automated with set destinations for each one, and they soon discovered that it would take only twenty minutes to reach the drop-off point. As soon as the soldier decided on a seat—which happened to be across from Jay—the train jerked to life and they were on their way.

The screech of metal upon metal… The soft, guttural hum of the transport's heart… It was sort of strange for nostalgia to set in. But it did. And as if to capitalize off the ambiance, the utter emptiness of the mile-long passenger compartment radiated a solemn loneliness. The silence was another thing—the lack of human voices. The rhythmic clickety-click of the train's locomotion was the only thing that filled the void… Jay could actually time it with his own beating heart. Again. Strange. Was this something one would call the "calm before the storm"?

Jay looked to Liam curiously. Why the other man wanted to come with him and why he hadn't refused him was a mystery. The soldier was a little strange in his own way. Not only in regards to his youthful appearance and the lack of rugged gruffness that the other soldiers seemed to emit, but also because of his…aura of innocence. Not an aura a soldier should have frankly, but it only made Liam that much more of an enigma.

Jay recalled their first meeting. While it was true he had felt emotionally drained from his encounter with the masked deity, Apollo, he couldn't relax enough to slip into a deep sleep. Thus, he had only managed to doze—cat nap. Something he had always had trouble doing in the past…and apparently Cole too. He had slipped in and out of consciousness frequently, until one time when awoke…he had realized he was alone. He could no longer hear the soft murmurs of his extended family from beyond the door. His clan had vanished from their apartment. He hadn't panicked. In fact, he did the exact opposite. He had relished in the absolute silence and solitude, and closed his eyes again to seek comfort in darkness.

The interval in which he slept next was much longer than all his previous ones. However when he had awoke again, it was from pure instinct—a need to protect himself from a stranger getting a little too close. A kunai had been in his hand in an instant as he leapt from his bed and tackled the unknown intruder to the floor. A frightened yelp had escaped the other man's throat and rough pants had soon filled the silence as Jay's suspicious and alert sapphires found round from fear lime-colored eyes.

Now that Jay thought about it, Liam had gone from pale to pink in the matter of seconds while he had him pinned. The stutter of broken sentences that had followed upon the blue ninja's harsh request to identify himself was also reminiscent. But it was difficult to discern much more than that, for he had been in full "ninja-mode". His only instinct and logic being the protection of his own life and deciding whether or not the stranger at his mercy should live or die.

"Hey, um…Jay? Could you not—y'know…stare at me like that? You're making me more self-conscious than usual…"

Jay blinked out his stupor and eyed the now thoroughly flushed Liam Foxworth across from him. "Oh, my bad. That wasn't my intention, man. Sorry."

Liam gave the blue ninja an assuring half-smile. "It's okay. I bet you're pretty curious as to why I requested to come along, right? Well…the thing is…I wanted to voice my own thoughts on your bravery, Jay. Not to get you worried or anything, but I heard from some of the other soldiers that things sounded pretty bad up top. You really have some guts to do this…and alone to boot."

The infamous "calm before the storm" so to speak was steadily enveloping Jay, and his previous giddiness and gusto was being replaced with a sort of resigned tranquility. "Ah… Personally, I don't think "bravery" has anything to do with it. I'm simply doing what I think is right. Not to sound cliché or anything but, with great power comes great responsibility. No one can do this but me."

Liam stared at him. "Just as I thought…you are amazing… And beautiful…" he ended as a quiet afterthought.

"Huh…?"

The soldier quickly averted his eyes to his boots, his face instantly red. "No, I… I didn't mean to say that out loud! I… Oh shit… Jay! Wait! Listen! I—Oh man!"

It was then in a startling form of clarity did Jay finally understand what was going on with Liam…and why his mannerisms felt so oddly familiar. It was a crush. Liam Foxworth was displaying the tell-tale signs of a crush…and it was being expressed towards him. Yes…of course… The soldier was acting the same way he did during his first encounters with Nya and even the girl before her while he was attending high school in Dialchrome City. The stuttering, the high-pitched squeakiness, the utter awkwardness… He displayed all of this when he confronted a girl he liked. But to be on the receiving end, well…that brought forth a whole different slew of memories—his junior year to be more precise. He had been rendered speechless and embarrassed to find the multitudes and varieties of gifts littering his locker during the year by his alleged "suitors". But he had only experienced absolute terror once, when a particular "suitor" had tactlessly tried to kiss him. He had been scared shitless when that random asshole had grabbed him so roughly, and if not for his best friend—Elliot Hawthorne's timely intervention, who knows what would've happened. His last memory from that horrid experience was passing out in Elliot's arms.

Jay had to admit that he felt a little foolish for thinking about all this now. But in the face of Liam's gratuitous drivel and diatribes towards himself, it seemed rather justified. Not only did the train bring Jay nostalgia, but the young soldier, Liam Foxworth, did too. And looking at the other man now: flustered, red-faced, and clearly on the verge of hyperventilating. Jay realized how very uncool this all looked.

I was like this too once upon a time… Wow. But even as he thought this, he couldn't help but smile. For the reason that, in spite of Liam's "uncool" approach, Jay also found it endearing, if only for the sake of its honesty. But the azure ninja soon found it high-time to save Liam from his lack of breathes between sentences, so the other man wouldn't pass out.

"Hey, uh…Foxy?"

"Argh! I feel so stupid! How could I say all that out loud?! What the hell?! Do I belong on a sappy sitcom or what?!"

"Liam?"

"Fuck! At this rate, I really am gonna die a virgin! Thanks, big brother!"

"LIAM!"

At Jay's piercing shout, Liam's rambling tirade stopped instantly. He stared at Jay—wide-eyed and abashed as his chest heaved with harsh, anxiety-ridden pants. The Master of Lighting proceeded to calm the soldier further with his words and placating gestures. "Calm down. Breathe deeply… It's okay."

Doing as the other man instructed, Liam's countenance lost its unhealthy shade little by little. And once it returned to its normal hue, he visibly swallowed and looked away. "Jay…I'm sorry."

Jay shook his head, an easy smile touching his lips. "You only said what you were feeling. No reason to feel ashamed about that. But Liam…while I am flattered, I'm sorry. I can't."

The soft sincerity of Jay's voice had the soldier smiling despite himself. "I guess it's not so bad to be rejected in such a kind way. But if you don't mind me asking…Are you just not interested? Or are you with someone else?"

It was the brunet's turn to look away. His heart had been sending him so many mixed signals as of late that it was hard to conjure an absolute answer. Thus, he settled for a rather dull reply of: "I'd rather not say…"

"Oh…" A moment of silence elapsed between the two. Clickety-click… Clickety-click… "Wait…the one in black, with the black hair… Are you and him together perhaps?"

Jay's heart gave a resounding throb and he stifled a wince. "What… What would make you assume something like that?" He asked while feigning nonchalance. His gaze was still astray, though now slightly narrowed.

He saw Liam shrug from his peripheral. "Well, in the CCC he seemed pretty protective of you and voiced his resolve adamantly about going with you. And you—"

"You misunderstood." Jay's tone was harsher than he intended it to be, which was easy to deduce from Liam's flinch. He took a breath and released it shakily. "Cole's my best friend," he began in much softer pitch. "And we promised to always be there for each other. But other than that, there's nothing else…"

Jay ignored the belligerent throb of his heart and forced the words from his mouth. "…He… He would've reacted the same way if anyone else in the clan was going and not him. That's just the type of guy he is—a self-sacrificing bastard." A bitter albeit fond smile formed. "Best friends not lovers."

"Oh…" Liam muttered again, and another beat of silence ensued. "Sorry, Jay. I just thought I felt something stronger than friendship between you two, but I wasn't sure so…"

A cataclysmic boom suddenly reverberated throughout the train, startling the two men.

"MINOR TURBULENCE FROM AN UNKNOWN FORCE. ALL PASSENGERS ARE TO PLEASE REMAIN SEATED UNTIL WE REACH THE STATION. FIVE MINUTES UNTIL WE REACH DESTINATION."

"Minor turbulence" my ass… Jay thought vehemently, and ignoring the androgynous computerized voice from the loud-speaker, he righted himself and stood up.

"Holy shit! What was that!?" Liam cried, rising to his feet as well.

"Repercussion from an impact most likely," Jay replied, throwing his hood on. He turned to the soldier, eyes intense. "Sorry, Foxy, change of plans. No seeing the entrance for you."

Liam tightened the strap on his helmet, frowning. "No way, man. The deal was the entrance, and I plan on upholding that promise."

"Don't be foolish!" Jay countered furiously. "It can only be dangerous from this point on, and I can't afford to be worrying about you! You will stay on this train and head back to the Honeycomb! Got it?!"

The blue ninja's aura had changed, enough so to get the young soldier nodding numbly in compliance. Jay braced his hands on his new friend's shoulders and gently urged him to sit back down. Smiling beneath the mask of his hood, Jay unfastened the strap of the other man's helmet and took it off, revealing a curly crown of reddish-ginger hair.

"J-Jay…?"

The train shook violently from the aftermath of another impact and the exit doors slid open to reveal a devastated station. Jay kneeled down in front of the other man. The lights of the train flickered.

"WE HAVE ARRIVED AT DESTINATION: ENTRANCE FIVE. SENSING DANGER. WILL CLOSE DOORS AND RETURN TO STATION TWELVE IN TEN SECONDS. TEN…NINE…"

"Jay, this is a bad idea!" Liam's lime green eyes were as wide as saucers, his face so pale and colorless that his brown freckles looked unnatural. "We can think of something else! Let's just go back!"

"EIGHT…SEVEN…SIX…"

"You're a soldier, Liam. I'd expect you'd be a lot braver than this."

"This isn't about me! This is about you! I don't want you to go up there! Not alone!"

Same as everyone else. Jay continued to smile. "Have ye a little faith. I'm coming back, and everything will be as right as rain again. I promise."

"FIVE…FOUR…THREE…"

"You…you promise…? Okay, I'll believe you then. I'll have faith in you to keep your word."

Jay leaned up and placed his masked lips against Liam's forehead. "See ya later, Foxy," he whispered in farewell.

"TWO…ONE…"

With an effortless burst of lightning speed and agility, Jay slipped between the cracks of the train's closing doors and traversed the demolished station. Hurdling and flipping over fallen debris, he made a quick turn and sprinted up the stairs to reach the entrance tunnel. The fifth entrance… He and Lloyd hadn't come through this tunnel. Theirs was the seventh—the closest entrance from Booster Park.

Jay slowed his pace to a brisk jog, not wanting to dip into much of his powers and stamina from the start. He would gauge for himself how to proceed once he reached the exit. The tunnel was shaped in a winding incline. It was supposed to be lit, but it seemed the blackout took care of that little "nuisance" and more than likely killed the entire city.

The long stretch of darkness coupled with a tentative silence that could be disrupted at any moment by a tremor… Jay couldn't hear his footsteps, nor could he hear himself breathe. He kept himself calm, unwilling to give in to any bouts of anxiety. His heartbeat pulsed serenely in his chest.

Absolute silence…

The Master of Lightning grinned broadly beneath the mask of his hood. He was just as competent in Ninjutsu as he was in Spinjitzu. He was a great and powerful Shinobi. Thus, he couldn't fail in his mission, he refused to fail. Too many people were counting on him. Too many lives were at stake.

Ah…there it is… Soft, pastel light filtered in from the end of the tunnel. Jay slowed his pace even more. He could see the dust particles floating within the cascading nuance. He walked into the luminescence, squinting as his eyes adjusted from the never-ending darkness. He stopped as he reached the mouth of the cavernous exit…and at once…took in the state of New Ninjago City.

Oh shit…

War-ravaged was the first word to come to mind—or maybe post-apocalyptic. Just how was one to describe such ruin and devastation? Jay stepped further out into the open, leaving the darkened tunnel that led to safety to brave this new and terrifying city. Buildings lay wasted and crumbled into ashen chunks, though there were still some that loomed overhead, casting long shadows of their splintered and skeletal structures over the blue ninja as he ventured on. A busted fire hydrant lay over yonder, spraying a heavy deluge in a wide arc onto the mangled and cracked street. Jay peered within the falling, glistening droplets, spying the beautiful palette of a rainbow. Ironic.

Just then, a horrible stench wafted into Jay's nose, causing him to flinch back as if struck. He coughed and looked around the scattered rubble along the sidewalk until his searching gaze fell on a mangy, bedraggled tail. The mudded and graying hindquarters of a dog stuck out from beneath the shattered remains of a convenience store. A haunch had been sliced open—a new wound perhaps made during the poor creature's rush to find shelter from the shower? But nonetheless, it only served the gluttonous purpose for maggots and worms now, which looked long-settled in their feeding of the half-exposed corpse. A broken pipe had been ruptured nearby, adding a sickening, green slush to the brownish-red of the dog's old blood.

The smell of death was near overpowering—nauseating him. And Jay couldn't suppress the shudder that suddenly wracked his body from stem to stern. Bodies submerged, drenched, or exposed to wet elements for long periods of time would surely turn insipid and decompose quicker. His mind flashed. In Booster Park… Amidst the thunder and rain… Countless bodies sprawled on the cold, wet grass… Jay hadn't had time to bury them… Were they still there…? After being pelted by rain and then hammered by hail…? He should've at least buried the boy—that one little boy… He couldn't save any of them from that masked devil… That pure white mask and that single, deep blue eye staring hatefully back at him… Crimson lightning…haunting music…

Jay emitted a sharp gasp as a piercing ring assaulted his mind, and he grasped his head as white-hot pain gripped him.

"Still no pulse, Doctor!"

"Ed…*sob*…our baby…? Where's our second little boy…? Where's Jacob…?"

"…Doctor…?"

"…I'm…I'm sorry… He's gone… We tried…"

"No…"

"No…NO! THEN TRY HARDER! WAIT! WHERE ARE YOU TAKING MY BABY!?"

"All deceased infants must be transported to the Purgatory Ward for immediate release. You signed a consent form, remember?"

"No! Not for this! We want both! We have to give Jacob a proper burial! He's still a Walker!"

"I'm sorry…"

"TO HELL WITH YOUR SORRIES! GIVE ME BACK MY LITTLE BOY! GIVE ME BACK MY JACOB! AAHHH!"

"EDNA!"

Jay's vision flashed white as he staggered backwards, nearly tripping himself up and falling. He righted himself and stood, gripping his head and staring wide-eyed at nothing as a cold sweat gathered quickly on his body from the mental exertion. Panting, gasping, and trembling he fought through the images flashing one after another in his mind—images of a past memory that had to have been implanted by an unknown entity as they were never apart of his memories to begin with.

He shook his head vigorously. No! Not memories! Not real! They're fake! That monster is not related to me! He's not my brother! He's not my twin! He's nothing but a cruel enemy!

A harsh wind howled, blowing the putrid scent of the dead directly into the blue ninja's masked face, knocking him from his shock. At once, the images faded and the ringing stopped. Deep blues immediately came into focus and scanned the decrepit surroundings skeptically, having felt a brief prick of a malevolent presence. I…I need to get to high ground…get my bearings…get moving…

With a determined grunt, Jay took off in a sprint, going deeper into the destroyed city. His senses continued to prod at him, however, as he traveled. Feeling the constant pressure of a burning stare on his back—someone or something…was following him. Skidding to a stop, he hopped atop of an overturned truck. The stink of oil was thick—disrupting his senses. This wouldn't do. A ninja couldn't afford the inability to utilize his senses.

Jay looked around him again as the icy wind gave a low whistle. It ruffled his robes and disturbed the litter of debris strewn about. The sky…he had yet to see it with clarity, the overhanging fog and wreckage of buildings obscuring his view. But he knew it was still happening…the firestorm—the meteors turned meteorites were still falling. And as if to prove case and point, Jay's ears perked—hearing a far-cry in the distance. An echo of a booming collision reached him, causing the air to shake and the ground to rattle. The truck he perched upon tilted with a groan, and deciding enough was enough, the blue ninja took a leap and scaled the dilapidated remains of a nearby building.

The further from the ground the better…he thought, catching foothold after foothold upward. The fog dispersed little by little as his elevation increased, and during his rough ascension he took notice of a taller structure adjacent from his current position, perhaps able to serve as a suitable vantage point. He scrutinized the precarious and depressing lean of the building, though. As it looked as if it lamented past glories and brilliance, only to be reduced to botched mediocrity by Mother Nature's hands. Jay shrugged carelessly. Oh well…beggars can't be choosers… Mindful of his footwork, the graceful ninja flipped from one building to the next, simultaneously gaining more and more height from each acrobatic maneuver upward.

Having reached the roof and finding even ground (as slanted as it was), Jay stood at a great height, able to take in New Ninjago City for miles around him. But more importantly, the cerulean ninja was able to finally take in the sky…in all its mystifying glory. It was difficult to tell the time of day, though Jay knew it was well-passed dawn. The heavens were scenic, in complete and utter contrast to the desolation below. This is where the devastation hailed from? From so many shades of blues betwixt soft silver and bewitching black? Again, Jay couldn't help but see the cruel irony of it all. And baffling still…

"What the…?" Amidst the swathe of dark beauty above were fluttering will-o-wisps of dazzling green. They could even be misconstrued as otherworldly moving stars against a night sky, but of course, Jay was not as romantic as all that. And as if noticing the azure ninja's presence, a swarm of these glowing emerald wisps fluttered down, prompting Jay to open his hand to catch a single one as the others danced about his form. Up close, it looked more like an enlarged dandelion spore. It pulsed a deliberate and strong warmth—strong enough to penetrate his thick leather glove and touch the skin of his palm.

"Did these things come with the meteors…? Hm…?" Jay could suddenly feel it…a gentle touch caressing his mind. A slight poke but not intrusive, it was as if someone was asking permission to speak with him. But who…? Curious and a little confused, Jay opened his mind a bit and let the presence in.

(Hello! Hello, hello! Please don't push me away! I just want to talk!)

"H-HUH?!" Jay gave a start at the bright and cheerful voice reverberating through his mind. He looked around himself quickly for the source of the voice, but found no one…only the glowing green spores.

(What are you looking around for? I'm the one who's talking to you—right here! In your hand!)

Consternated sapphires shifted back to the little plant-like thing in his hand as it continued to twirl and dance about along his palm, releasing pretty bursts of golden pollen from its crown.

(Oh wow! Look at you! I can feel you! Very strong and healthy! Yes, yes! You'll definitely be one of the ones blessed by us! We'll make your belly fit to grow young once you find a mate! Yes! The first of many! You will be the first of many capable of bringing New Life to this world! If you so choose, of course!)

Bewilderment only clouded more of Jay's mind as he listened to the overly joyous and spunky voice in his head. "What? Wha—Wait a minute! What are you talking about?"

(Why you, silly!) The spore cooed sweetly in his mind. (You and every other human male on this planet. Though I must warn you, the process of your evolution will range from painful to excruciating. Raw fire will mark you—identifying you as a male mother. But you must grin and bear it as your body adjusts to the change, for it is unavoidable.)

Raw fire…? The fuck…? Okay, Jay knew weird. Given his years of being a ninja, he's seen some pretty weird shit: mythological creatures, manipulation of magic and sorcery, humanoid snakes, reanimated stone warriors, and creepy, still walking about skeletons. Hell, he's even traveled to and from the freakin' Underworld for crying out loud! But this…? This was a whole new type of crazy that he wasn't sure he could handle. Though he couldn't deny that he was somewhat intrigued by the little spore's words. "New Life"…he had heard those words before from Brad Tudabone's mouth.

Lloyd's former classmate who was once a mere pubescent, but now aged and altered to resemble a young man reaching adulthood. That was just one of the few crucial results to Chen's experimentations on the youth. Another, was the gift of a soothsayer—precognition. However, Chen's overall goal was to bring out Brad's power over Mana. The long-haired raven was due to become the very first Master of Mana.

But those words… Can't just ignore them, right? They're a part of Brad's prophecy after all… Jay's eyes narrowed on the spore. "Okay, I'll bite. Let's say I believe you. Will all men go through this change? And what about the women and children? How will they be affected by you?"

(Not all human males, no.) The spore chirped, twirling. (Susceptibility depends entirely by chance. Some human males will change; some won't and remain the same. As for the human females, they won't be affected at all by us—no reason to mess with them. But the little males, well… That depends…)

"On what?" Jay demanded, and the spore gave a little chortle, the sound chiming like bells in a breeze.

(Time…and chance.)

The Master of Lightning stayed silent and mused over the mysterious plant's words. In spite of everything, it still seemed too fantastical to take seriously. If he were to interpret the spore correctly, then after some sort of pain and discomfort (whenever that would happen), he would have the capability to get pregnant if he had sex with another man? Preposterous. Men couldn't have babies. It was a well-known and established scientific fact. And no glowing, happy-go-lucky, little green spore was going to tell him otherwise. Heh…either this thing's high or I'm high… One or the other… And since I've never smoked anything in my life…

(I can easily sense your doubt, you know.) The spore gained a little more altitude and hovered in front of Jay's face. (To assure you, I'll give you an example—from this very city no less. You are not alone up here on the surface, you see. For there are two others who brave the showers with you—another human male and a human female.)

"What?!" Alarmed, Jay looked to the other fractured rooftops around him. Nothing. Not even a shift of movement. The little spore continued, unperturbed.

(The female has a very strong affinity with the cosmic forces of space. But because she is female, her body will remain unchanged—unaffected by our essence. And surprisingly, this applies to her male companion as well. He is strong and healthy—just like you. As well as very fertile—just like you. But we could tell he wouldn't become a Marked One. Oh! And did I mention he was mean too!? Talk about grouchy! We tried to speak with him like we did you, and he kicked us out! And I think he called us loud and annoying too!)

As the spore continued to prattle on, Jay extended his senses to the area around him. Undisrupted by strong fumes, he could fully concentrate on detecting Chi energy within other masters. And if the little plant was right…then two deities were in the city. Two Elemental Masters. Two very dangerous enemies.

But why…? Jay thought confusedly. Didn't Zane report that all the Seven Deities were retreating from New Ninjago City…? And…didn't Eros say the same to Apollo…?

Jay focused intently on his surroundings, searching for those unique indications of power… There! The blue ninja did a complete 360 degree turn and looked square into the distant mist. He couldn't see anyone, but he was absolutely sure they were there—both of them. Elements that he had never felt before—not even at the tournament—pulsed strongly some miles away south from his location. And it was also quite possible that the malevolent presence he had felt earlier down below could have been one of the deities.

Jay gritted his teeth. No Lightning. Therefore, no Apollo. It was a bittersweet fortune, for the brunet had no desire to confront the masked deity for a second time after their last encounter. But more than that, he was having trouble clearly identifying the two elements he was sensing. All those strange elements Sensei Wu had listed off back at their apartment in the Honeycomb… All of them except Lightning, of course, had been unfamiliar, so was that perchance the reason why? How could an Elemental Master correctly identify and sense an element he had never encountered before?

Then Jay recalled the spore's words from earlier. Didn't it say that there was one who had an affinity for Cosmic…? And that she was a woman…? It was truly disconcerting to think that a mere human could possibly possess power over the cosmos. But it also interested him as to know to what extent? Could she possibly control the meteorites…? He shook his head roughly to dispel such inconsequential thoughts. The bigger question was why were they here…and following him instead of confronting him? What were they up to?

(—the big meanie! What a bunch of mulroot! I feel sorry if he ever does sire any young! Uh…Uh-oh… Quick, destined Marked One! To me!)

Jay turned back around to face one of the many fluttering spores, only one seemed to be twirling quite madly. He had a distinct feeling that that one was his previous confidant… "What is it?" He asked. Then in flurry of brilliant green, the swarm of spores shot off into the air to intermingle with the rest of their brethren high into the sky. Only one spore remained. A quick burst of golden specks and the plant's urgent voice filled his head.

(The break in destruction has passed! The climax of the shower is approaching! And with it, will be tremors so great that they will shake this planet's very core! You must flee to safety!)

Jay frowned, regaining his bearings quickly. The fifth entrance to the Honeycomb stood near the northwestern most of the city. Which meant that the tall tower of the first relay station… Pristine sapphires gleamed as they spied the obliquely-shaped structure of the first relay station in the distance, the miniature satellite dishes jutting from it a dead giveaway of its purpose. The sky suddenly took on a sallow yellow and crimson shade.

"Sorry, but I can't run away just yet. I came up here for a reason, there's something I must do."

(Then please do it quickly then return to your loved ones! It would be very sad for such a beautiful and promising male mother to lose his life in a place like this! All alone…)

Jay's body crackled with fathomless veins of raw power, his eyes showing nothing but blue as he activated his True Potential. "I don't plan on it." An echo had entered the elemental master's voice as he spoke with determined absolution. He placed his palm under the base of the mysterious spore's stem and guided it upward. "Just focus on keeping yourself out of harm's way… See ya…"

In a glint and a flash of white, the cerulean ninja disappeared from the slanted roof completely, zipping from rooftop to rooftop in a blink of an eye as he raced to his first of three destinations. But even as he traveled at his break-neck speed, the little spore's energetic voice filled his head and parted a final plea.

(LIVE! LIVE! LIVE! DESTINED MARKED ONE! LIVE AND BE HAPPY! BYE-BYE!)

Jay stripped all wayward thoughts from his mind. The distant presence of the two deities didn't matter. The glowing, emerald spore's bewildering words didn't matter. Even the woes of his heart and the lingering turmoil of his psyche did not matter. All that mattered at this moment—all that was at the forefront of his mind from now on was the mission. And nothing—absolutely nothing was going to stop him from completing it.

A mere blue and white blur to the naked eye, the lightning master propelled himself without falter. The miles between him and his destination dwindled rapidly until the relay station was a single leap and bound ahead. Knowing the control panel he would need to access in order to begin the transfer of power to the Honeycomb was at the highest point of the tower, Jay aimed his breakthrough there. The barrier between him and the generator room was nothing more than glass, and the blue ninja crashed through with no effort.

He lighted down, his body still crackling and pulsing with bolts of lightning. And in response, the dead machinery within gave an elongated drone and sparked to life, filling the room instantly with brilliant light. As I thought, relay stations are naked receivers… Doesn't matter if they're source of power's been cut off, they'll still react to any presence of energy… External or otherwise… But unfortunately, my presence alone won't be enough to charge the generator…

The CB radio attached to Jay's belt suddenly began beeping and within a moment a plethora of voices crackled through the speaker.

(Jay! Jay!)

(Mein Gott, Jay! Thank goodness!)

(Are you alright, cousin?! You're not hurt, are you?!)

(You made it! I knew you were amazing, Jay!)

(Walker! What's the status of your—Goddammit! Would you all stop talking at once?!)

Jay had to smile. It was great to hear the voices of his friends and family. Even Commander Hawkeye had a hint of relief in his irritated bellow. A momentary quarrel ensued between the commander, Aaron, and Cole from what Jay could tell, with the frequency giving distorted bouts of static every now and then. The blue ninja's fingers reached for the knob along his belt to adjust the signal strength of his connection. And after a moment of fiddling, he was thankfully able to get a clear and loud signal.

Commander Hawkeye must've won the argument since his voice reigned predominately over the line. (Walker! What's the status of your position? We have a clear tracking feed of you inside Relay Station 3 on our monitor, but we don't have any video footage. How does everything look?)

Jay walked further into the room, eyeing the computers and other machinery as he passed. "The tower was in good shape before I entered, so likewise on the inside," he reported.

There was a pregnant pause before Hawkeye started speaking again. (…Your voice, Walker. Why is it…? No, never mind. That's not important… And on the way in? How does the city look?)

Jay grimaced, though it would be pointless to sugarcoat the truth of the state of the city. He reached the main control panel in the room and booted it up. "As to be expected, parts of the city have been demolished. The wreckage stretched for miles from the fifth entrance. So even after the shower finishes, it's safe to say the people won't be able to return immediately to their homes. I don't know how you guys plan on prioritizing construction, but the city is definitely going to need a lot of it. The destruction is way worst than when the Great Devourer attacked."

(…Yes… We have anticipated as much.) Hawkeye said shortly. (Exactly the reason why the Honeycomb is so integral. Anything else?)

Jay's electrified fingers commenced in their rhythmical manipulation of the console until a panel in the center of the room opened, and a cylinder structure erected from the floor access. "Yeah…" he began slowly, peering at the generator's rising core. "Something's hitched a ride on the meteors. Plants—spores most likely. They're fairly large and emit a greenish glowing tint. They also spurt golden powder from their heads." Jay made a point not to include that he actually spoke to one. Keeping that bizarre occurrence to himself seemed like the best thing to do for now.

This, of course, baffled the commander. (What do you mean? What about fumes? Were they toxic—goddammit, Belmonte!)

There was a bit of a scuffle in the background until Cole's voice rose anxiously to Jay's ears. (Jay! Are you alright?! You still haven't confirmed that yet!)

Jay resisted the urge to roll his eyes, though a smile touched his lips regardless. Such a worrywart… "Yeah, I'm good, Cole. I'm setting the core up now to get ready to charge it…WHOA!"

The tower suddenly gave a violent shake, a crippling explosion sounding from a distance. (What was that?!) Cole cried, and the blue ninja hurriedly made his way over to the center of the room where the core awaited.

"It's not safe up here! The shower will be reaching its climax soon! Where are Lloyd and the others?! Are they in position?!"

(Yeah, they're down in the Generator Room below, ready when you are. They can't communicate directly with you like we can from the CCC, but they should be able to hear you just fine… Yep! Ada just confirmed!)

Jay gripped the triangular point of the core's cylinder top. "Okay, Lloyd, let's do this. I'm gonna start now. For the transfer of power to be a success, you have to be in synch with me during most of it. Have your element build up slowly…feel me. You are the conduit. I'm gonna need you to give your all, but be careful. Kai, Zane…watch over him."

Another mighty tremor reverberated through the tower, but Jay paid it no mind as he closed his eyes to concentrate. All outside sound was forcefully blocked from his senses. All he focused on was the sporadic zap and jolt of his element from his body. Deep inside him was the powerful essence attached to his heart and soul.

The electrical storm from earlier… I can still feel the overwhelming effects from it…though something's amiss… Ah, no… There's no time to have any doubts…

Pulling his element from his heart with earnest, Jay poured his power into the relay station's generator core. The entire tower was soon engulfed with sapphire currents, the contraptions and mechanisms within feeding greedily from the energy like a newborn from its mother's teat. The surge grew greater still and the gracious humming of the generator soon graced the blue ninja's ears. But there was also something else Jay felt—another element… Lloyd…

Engulfed in his element and feeling the flourishing synchronization from another, Jay's vision flashed to a stark white as the core reached its zenith. Still and empty, all Jay could hear was his heartbeat.

(Ugh…what happened…? Where am I…? What is this…?)

(Kaasan!)

(Lloyd…?)

A warm presence embraced his psyche, and Jay immediately relaxed and returned the heartfelt synergy.

(You're power is amazing, kaasan… You're amazing.)

(Lightning is simply Energy in its rawest form, Lloyd. You and I are kindred spirits in that sense.)

(No. Our bond goes beyond and much deeper than that, Jay. You are my mother—my true mother. I don't care about blood or the fact that you're a guy. My dad and uncle understand this, and you do too, right? You understand that I want to protect you the way a son must protect his mother, right?)

(Yeah, I understand, Lloyd. Perfectly. And I'm honored. But you must also understand that I must protect you too. Now calm down some, okay? Your element feeds off your emotions.)

(Alright… Hurry on to the next relay station, kaasan. I don't want you up there any longer than you have to be.)

Jay gasped as his mind was brought back from the void of his element, and he released the core, having given it sufficient power. It emitted a pure white light, glowing as if it was a radiant beacon of hope against the despair of the dark and withered city. The azure ninja stared at the lovely sight with satisfaction.

"One down…haa…two to go…"

(Excellent work, Walker! The transfer was a complete success! Now get to the other two relay stations ASAP! Commander Hawkeye over and out!)

Wasting no time, Jay exited the tower the way he came. The air shook all around him, that last collision had been close. A sea of embers littered the crimson sky and swarms of glowing green spores sailed about. No choice! I have to move faster! Concentrating, Jay decided to try a new technique. Curling his body into a ball, Jay dematerialized into a mass of sapphire light and streaked across the sky for the northern point of the triangle of relay stations. He arrived at his destination in an instant.

Reappearing in the generator room at the top of the tower, Jay stumbled to the ground and fell to his knees. He had never tried that technique outside of theory before, and now it felt like utilizing it had some sever consequences. Jay panted harshly and grasped his chest, his heart hammering and sounding loud in his ears. A metallic bitterness suddenly clotted in his mouth and he swallowed it down, horrified at the taste of his own blood and bile.

He coughed and climbed achingly back to his feet. I…I can't do that again… My body can't take it… At his waist, his CB radio buzzed to life. (Walker! *zzzt* How'd you get there so fast!? *zzzt*-teleport!?)

More or less… Jay thought wryly. His hand shook horribly as he fumbled about his belt to find the knob, his other coming to rest on the control console. He blinked several times to relieve his vision of the tiny black dots dancing before his eyes, and with a growl of annoyance, he focused on the terminal's screen. His fingers felt as if they were made of lead, stroking the necessary keys with the sluggishness of a sloth.

…Shit…

(Jay?! Hey, why aren't you saying anything?)

Jay's chest felt tight, breathing was becoming a problem. His body flickered with his element, his True Potential still active and electrifying his form. Cole's voice was distracting him from his mission. He had to focus. "Exposing the core… Haa…haa… Lloyd, get ready."

The lighting master removed himself from the console and made a haphazard trek to the center of the room when the core revealed itself. (Fætter, behøver du ikke lyde så godt. Føler du dig okay?) (Cousin, you don't sound too good. Are you alright?)

Jay took a few breathes, his lungs constricting from the effort. "Jeg er okay ... Ikke bekymre deg ..." (I'm okay… Don't worry…)

(Jay! Why do you sound so tired? Is it too much? Are you using too much of your power?)

Stricken and anxious. Where was Cole's cool composure? He was their leader. And as such, he should be always calm and collected, not fretting over him during a mission. He was strong, he was competent. Thus, there was no need to worry. "I'm fine," he said shortly, calmly. "Commencing with—haa…charging the generator's core."

Jay gripped the triangular tip of the core and closed his eyes. His element jumped from his body and surged into the core with startling fervor. And again, the blue ninja felt Lloyd's persistent presence, his own element pressing against his and trying to find equilibrium. The synergy was abrupt and at once, his charge's warmth flooded his mind.

(Kaasan! This will be the last time! You're weakening! Keeping up this amount of power and then traveling from one place to another with your element still active would be draining for any master!)

(Haa…haa… Just one more time…haa… We have to save the people, Lloyd.)

(No! Two generators have given the Honeycomb enough power! And if it isn't then screw it! It's not our problem! I'm not letting you die up there!)

(Lloyd! Have you already forgotten what you told Cole?! We're Ninja! We protect and serve the people regardless of the odds for survival! Don't renege now!)

(How can I not, Kaasan?! When it's you… I can't lose you…)

(Oh, Lloyd… I'm very proud of you. Haa…I'm happy I had a chance to be not only your teacher and protector…but your mother as well… Now we have one more… So let's finish things off with a bang, huh? And remember…you'll never lose me… Even if…I'm not around…you'll still be able to count on me… I love you very much, Lloyd… Never forget that…)

(Kaasan…? KAASAN!)

After the transfer was complete, Jay immediately crumbled to the ground in a heap. He had never felt such exhaustion before in his life. The struggle to take in oxygen was even more of an issue now than it was before. A numbing throb pounded at his temples, and he sniffed, feeling a liquid attempting to leak from his nostrils. The back of his tongue recognized the metallic tang. More…blood…

(Walker! Do you copy?! Are you alright?! What's your status?!)

Jay struggled to stand and gripped the core for support once he did. His vision swam—vertigo steadily setting in, but still the Master of Lightning persevered. Glowing sapphires closed in serenity and resignation. I understand… If I pull forth so much of my element again…I will lose consciousness… And out here without help…I'll most likely die…

He reopened his eyes, the sweat of exertion soaking his body as he fought to stand up properly. But I can't stop now… I made a commitment…and I'm determined to see it through to the end… I will not hesitate… I will be brave… He then turned his head to look out the tower's surrounding windows, the blood-soaked sky beckoning. Wisp…I need your help… I know it's dangerous for you right now, bud, but…it's only for a little while…

The connection of souls between human and dragon erupted, and in a flash of blue light, Wisp materialized outside the tower with a fearsome roar. Jay smiled behind his hood as he met his long-time friend's glowing, sapphire stare as the mythical beast hovered beyond the glass barrier, one that matched his own in every way.

Thanks, bud… He then opened his mouth, a smile ever-present touching his lips and serenity lacing his voice. "I'm off to the last one… Soon…everyone will be able to breathe easy…"

And before anyone could say a single word in reply, Jay used his True Potential to teleport the short distance to his dragon's saddle outside. Gripping the reigns, he steered Wisp to the direction of the last relay station and took off. The heavens were furious with chaos. As if in a last ditch effort to destroy all they could, the meteorites plummeted from the skies in volleys of blistering balls of fire. Wisp howled in distress, but Jay kept the dragon on course and pressed him to fly faster.

Almost there… Almost… Jay could finally see it…the last relay station standing erect and pristine against the blood-red sky. It amazed him that they were all spared from destruction, but he had no time to dwell on the fact. Just need…to get in there before something does happen… Positioning himself as he neared, Jay launched himself from his saddle and crashed through the window at the top of the tower.

He grunted as he landed hard on his feet, but wasted no time in making his way to the control console. The station reacted to his presence immediately…as did the CB radio attached to his belt. (Jay…Jay, you have to come back. Come back right now.)

The terminal's console blipped on as Jay's fingers played a practiced song on the keys. "I can't do that, Cole."

(Lloyd says you're weakening!) The earth ninja snapped. (He says that if you do this, then your body will give out! You can't afford to be rendered immobile, Jay! You can't! You'll—)

"I understand that by doing this that I'll be breaking a lot of promises…" Jay interrupted suddenly, his voice strong and his fingers continuous and swift against the keyboard. "But I can't back down and run away just because things look bleak and uncertain. I refuse. I'm stronger than that."

The lines of numerical data on-screen continued to stretch…line after line. Wouldn't be long now. "I am just one life… My death will save thousands of others… So when you look at things that way…it's fine… I don't mind..."

Multiple deafening explosions sounded from outside, causing the tower to quake horribly. The lights flickered, but thankfully the console stayed functioning. Jay's vision blurred with tears. And although his throat felt tight, he fought to keep his voice steady and a smile on his face. "I know it's not good to pass on with regrets…and I have so many… I'm sorry everyone… I'm so…so very sorry…"

The floor panel in the center of the room creaked open, and like an ominous harbinger of death, it arose from the ground slowly and deliberately. Jay moved away from the console, his steps evenly spaced as he walked toward the generator's exposed core. Taking a breath, he grasped the triangular tip with sure hands. "Lloyd…you and Brad take care of each other… Kai, Zane…I'm really happy for you guys… Even though the two of you are as different as night and day…there's no doubt in my mind that you'll make it… Sensei Wu, Sensei Garmadon…I wouldn't be the man I am today without your tutelage and guidance…so thank you…"

The tower's luck of being spared from destruction soon dissipated, as a meteorite tore a massive chunk through its base. The building itself seemed to scream as its foundation splintered and shattered. Support beams crunched and loosened overhead, and the cemented walls crumbled in on itself from the shock of the impact.

Jay continued to smile. "Liam…keep your head up, cutie… I'm sure you'll find someone much better than me in due time… Aaron, Ada…make our family big and diverse… Live happily… Nya…sweetheart… Please just allow me to call you that one last time… I'm sorry… Know that all I ever wanted was for you to be happy… So…I hope you will be… Oh and uh…happy birthday…"

"Cole…" The tears finally fell. "Cole…go to my parents…make sure they're okay… And please…take care of Nya…"

Jay closed his eyes and at once let his element imbue the generator's core. The tower continued to quake until it finally began to lean, but Jay kept his balance—kept his concentration. And as his power continued to surge, the Master of Lighting saw the images of his life flash one after another within his mind's eye.

So many broken promises…

So many regrets…

But if there was something that he regretted more than anything else…

Jay felt it… Cole's lips touching his… His best friend's arms wreathing protectively around his body…

I never heard the words… Not even from Nya… Cole was about to say them…but I stopped him… If only I hadn't… If only I had heard those three sweet words just once from someone my heart throbbed for…

Jay swallowed once and opened his mouth. "Cole…I…"

*CRASH!* *zzzzzzzzt-*

Pain.

Cold.

Nothing.