Author's Note: You guys really know how to flatter someone. I was blushing up a storm from reading your reviews! My goodness! I just like to write, that's all. I have a pretty wild imagination, I admit, but what writer shouldn't? But I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words and praise. You guys are my inspiration, and your support helps to keep my drive going. *bows deeply* Thank you so much, everyone! Please continue to enjoy my work.
Unexpected
By: Mad Betrayal
"Where would you be without friends? The people who pick you up when you need lifting? We come from homes far from perfect, so you end up almost parents and siblings to your friends—your own chosen family. There's nothing like a really loyal, dependable, good friend. Nothing…"—Jennifer Aniston
Chapter 25 ~ Saving the One Who Matters Most
"Shit! Walker, come in! Come in! Do you copy?!"
The line continued to static and drone despite Commander Hawkeye's urgent persistence. And Cole's anxious gaze fell on the main monitor's environmental display of New Ninjago City—the blipping point that had once signaled his best friend's location, abruptly snuffed out like a candle…like a life.
"Save your breath, Bill!" Aaron shouted from beside Ada. "Communication's been cut! He was in Relay Station 1 and we all heard that explosion in the back ground." The blonde's cobalt blue eyes hardened as his mouth set into a grim line. "The tower most likely collapsed…and with Jay in it."
"Mein Gott…" Ada whispered brokenly, but the Danish man shook his head.
"No, it's not over! I don't care if the last transfer was a complete success! As far as I'm concerned, this mission isn't finished until we get back who was lost!" His fierce gaze met Cole's with nothing short of determination. "Enough with sitting on our asses while someone else risks their lives for us. We need to act…now."
Cole said nothing in response, for there was nothing to say to Aaron's words of fortitude. Actions would always speak louder than words after all, and in this instance that idiom was more than pertinent. Jay was at the forefront of the ninja leader's mind just as he'd always been since the climax of their match at the Elemental Tournament. The Master of Lighting had unexpectedly become the love of Cole's life. And thus, there was no one who mattered more to him. No one.
Just then the intercom that connected downstairs to the Generator Room blared out both furious and fearful voices. (Ah…s-sirs?! I think we may need a little help with—)
(Somebody unhook me right now from this goddamn thing!) It was easy to make out Lloyd's angry bellow over all the others. (I have to get up there! He needs me! My mother needs me!)
(We can't just "unhook" you, Lloyd!) Kai shouted, sounding just as frustrated and angry as the younger ninja. (It's going to take a few minutes, and Zane and Nya are working as fast as they can!)
(He doesn't have a few minutes! Didn't you hear?!) Disbelief and sadness encompassed the green ninja's voice as he started to sob. (He…He could already be…)
(No, Lloyd! Jay's not dead! I know he isn't!) Brad… The long-haired raven had insisted on being near the green ninja during the mission, despite not playing an integral role. (I…I can feel him…I think… This feeling… I'm sure it's Jay-Seonbae! It's weak and flickering, but…not gone. He's alive… Cole! You're going, right?)
The Master of Earth pulled his hood over his head. "Damn straight I am." Besides, Cole wanted to hear the words Jay had started to say before the transmission was cut, and there was still so much that he wanted to say to Jay as well.
(The spores he mentioned… No…no, just focus on bringing Jay back.)
(Kaasan…please hang on…)
(Bring him back, Cole!)
(You must retrieve our brother, Cole!)
(Cole…please…)
The desperate pleas of his clansmen stoked the ninja leader's heart like a fan to a flame. Jay was alive! Cole wanted to say he felt it himself, but he couldn't be sure—not when the distance between them was so great. Well…not for long…
"Wait, Belmonte," Commander Hawkeye said, his tone stern as always. "If you are going topside, then you'll need to be properly suited. Walker mentioned something about spores and the pollen they release. We can't ignore that. He's already been exposed and is now deemed a carrier—a possible cause to an epidemic."
Aaron whirled on the older man, cobalt eyes livid. "Do you really think any of that matters now, Bill!" He exploded. "We have to move now! Not later! We don't have time to take radiation showers or be fitted in some bulky, constricting suits!"
Hawkeye's rebuttal was swift and harsh as he glared at the Danish man. "You are a doctor. So I suggest you start acting like one instead of like an emotional train wreck. We know nothing about those plants. So what say you if Belmonte and Walker return and infect all the citizens in the Honeycomb in one way or another? Do you think finding a cure to an unknown pathogen would be easy? We need to think cautiously here. For this is bigger than just saving Walker. The sustainment of the populace is at stake as well."
Aaron growled, his face dark with a belligerent scowl. But he knew the commander was right just like Cole did. The black ninja eyed the military man. "You can quarantine Jay and me once we get back. I can't wait to get prepped. I'm leaving right now."
"As am I," Aaron snapped. But as soon as the blond turned around, Cole placed his hand on his shoulder to halt him.
"No, Aaron, I need you to stay here and get prepped," he said firmly.
The other man blinked, clearly incredulous at the notion. "What?"
"Hear me out," Cole insisted, his emerald gaze hard and locked on Aaron's. "I understand where your heart and mind are. Trust me I'm right there with ya. But it wouldn't be good for a doctor of all people to get infected by…whatever it is that's up there."
Ada nodded and reached out to touch her fiancé's arm. "We'll both get ready and geared-up. We'll assemble a team and travel to entrance five, where we'll wait for Jay and Cole."
Aaron looked at Ada then back at Cole…then back again. Worry rolled off the Danish doctor in waves for his younger cousin's safety, and the feeling of helplessness was blatantly reflected in his eyes. But at last, the tall Nordic shook his head and sighed in acquiescence. A dour expression took over as he peered at Cole. "He'll most likely be hurt. You may need to apply first aid." At the wary shift of the black ninja's green eyes, Aaron's lips quirked a bit. "Don't worry. Now that the Honeycomb's at full power, interference or not, we should still be able to communicate regardless of your location via CB. I'll be at the ready to advise you accordingly."
"But how is Cole supposed to get to the surface? Or any of us for that matter?" Gary put forth. "All the bullet trains are in safety mode right. They won't go anywhere near the entrances."
Cole showed his back to them all and headed for the door. "Who said anything about taking a bullet train?" He stopped at the exit and glanced back at his comrades over a shoulder. A fierce light burned within the crushed jade irises. "I'll get up top my own way."
Sensei Garmadon nodded, easily interpreting his pupil's words. "We are surrounded by your element, Cole, and if the meteor shower is, indeed, reaching its climax like Jay said then…" the grandmaster's silver gaze shined with knowing and certainty, "…you are the best one suited for this mission. It's much too soon for Jay's legacy to passed on to the next generation. He is still needed among us."
And Sensei Wu concurred. "Go and retrieve Jay, Cole. Make our clan whole again."
Cole focused forward once more. "Hai."
"As for us, we'll just have to override the security system," Ada said, and turned her hardened honeyed stare to the ninja leader's back. "We'll be there."
His soul ablaze with determination, Cole dipped his head and rushed out the door. The soldiers roaming the halls quickly darted out of his way as he sprinted forth. Not one daring to impede his path. Exiting the CCC entirely, Cole wasted no time in summoning his elemental dragon and jumping off the bridge and onto the saddle. Rocky released an earth-shattering roar that shook the very foundations of the Honeycomb and its inhabitants. The people down below gawked and pointed up at the enormous and fearsome dragon, wondering where it could've came from. However, Cole paid the rising chaotic cries of the populace no mind and grasped his dragon's reigns tightly.
He looked up. Approximately six miles beneath New Ninjago City was where the Honeycomb was built. Gaining a bit more altitude, Cole soared beyond the blaring artificial light until he was out of sight and hovering over the underground city. The shelter's support structures seemed to stretch for many miles, forming a dome-like barrier of protection around the Honeycomb. Rocky gave a low growl, obviously sensing the hard-packed earth suppressed by the metal support beams. I have to be careful… I don't want to cause a massive cave-in or anything… But Cole also knew he couldn't hesitate any longer.
He patted the dragon's glowing, rock-edged neck. "Okay, Rocky, you ready to get diggin'?" The earth-imbued dragon roared in delight and Cole gathered his own power within. I'll be sure to seal up the earth behind us as we travel upward…
Jerking on the reins, the black ninja yelled his order to his trusty mount. "Let's go, Rocky! Up, up, up!"
Howling, the dragon's body went into a drilling corkscrew and pierced the dirt and rock above with gratuitous enthusiasm. The earth crumbled away like granulated sugar, giving way for dragon and ninja to travel upward at a blazing speed. However, as the wide tunnel was formed, Cole commanded his element to re-pack itself behind them as to not allow any damage to the Honeycomb. Dirt and rock was everywhere amongst the blackness, hitting the ninja leader repeatedly as their ascension to the surface continued. Cole screwed his eyes shut in both concentration and perseverance, his heart beginning to pound in his ears at the unnatural velocity Rocky was exceeding.
Geez! A mole doesn't have anything on him!
It wasn't long before the earth dragon pierced through gravel, dried tar, and concrete, breaking through a street and into the open air of New Ninjago City. The dragon gave a surprised shriek just as Cole opened his eyes. "Rocky!" Quickly tugging on the reins, Cole sent his summon into a tight barrel roll to dodge the incoming meteorite. The gargantuan rock collided with the ground behind them, sweeping the pair up in its violent aftershock. Rocky was sent spiraling through the atmosphere uncontrollably until his hulking mass crashed against the side of a damaged building, devastating the structure further and making it topple over with a creaking screech.
The dragon collapsed heavily onto the cracked street, spraying a cloud of dust. But then resiliently righted himself on his claws and shook his horned head with an indignant growl. Cole grunted and gritted his teeth when a painful jolt traveled up his spine and settled at the base of his neck. Talk about a rude awakening! He wasn't expecting to see a giant, burning rock come hurling towards him as soon as he arrived on the surface! Shaking his head to clear it, Cole looked about himself to gauge his surroundings. They had landed some ways away from the impact point of the last meteorite. And taking in the city now, it was definitely safe to say that Jay hadn't minced his words about the once proud metropolis' state. New Ninjago City was absolutely crippled.
"Damn…reconstruction's gonna be a bitch…" Cole observed, frowning under his hood and Rocky huffed in agreement. The air was dense with fog and dancing ash, limiting the ninja's visibility. "How in the hell am I supposed to find my way through this…?" He wondered aloud. With the skies raining flaming death, he doubted scaling any buildings (if he could find any suitable for climbing) would be the best idea, and flying with Rocky was definitely out too. But then what options were left? Stumble around blindly in the mist? Or…
Suddenly, Cole's ears perked, as did Rocky's head shoot up in attention, his large fin-like ears twitching as they caught a distinctive sound on the wind. "Is that…a dragon's howl…?" The distressed cry sounded again, casting a despairing echo across the ashen and shattered city, and penetrating Cole's heart.
"Wisp!" Unbidden by his rider and friend, Rocky gave a returning howl and darted forth on all fours in the direction of the suffering wail. Cole grabbed hold of the reigns once more and spurred his dragon on. "Cmon, Rocky! You have to find Wisp!"
A tremor of fear suddenly coursed through the black ninja's body at his own foreboding words, for he instantly remembered saying the exact same thing in his dream… Cole's mind flashed…images of a darken mountain top… A crack of sapphire lightning and the rumbling growl of thunder… Jay's forfeiting smile and soulful blue eyes wet with rain and tears… His element piercing the heavens above and…tearing him asunder… A biting cold gripped Cole's body beneath his robes and freezing rain pierced through his hood and pricked his face… Emerald eyes widened with terror as images of that horrible nightmare invaded his mind's eye, causing them to bleed in with his reality.
No… No… No! Is not the same! It's not! The Master of Earth winced as if struck soundly over the head as he fought through the banes his mind threw at him. Jay is not plagued with despair! There is no rain—no lightning! He needs me! NOW!
"AAAAAHHHHH!" With Cole's scream, his mind snapped back into focus, shoving the nightmare back into the deepest, darkest pits of his subliminal regions. Rocky's claws dug into the pavement as he rounded a corner onto a street ravaged by jagged fissures. He leapt onto the unharmed side of a building and pushed off and over a particularly wide chasm. He landed heavily with a grunt and continued to run. The weeping howls were getting closer…much closer… The earth dragon gave another earsplitting shriek, and amidst the thinning fog and decrepit scraps of a broken tower was the bright, sapphire panzer of a dragon.
"Wisp!" Jay's dragon was trapped under a mountain of debris and two large slabs of concrete. He floundered wildly as he tried to push himself to his claws, but the remains pinning him down proved much too heavy and he collapsed in a heap with a pitiful whine. Rocky rushed over and Cole dismounted from the saddle. However, even at the sight of familiars, Wisp didn't appear to be comforted. He continued to thrash around even while Rocky was trying to free him. He roared and huffed with frustration, stretching his neck out and pointing his long snout at a pile of rubble underneath a curved hunk of stripped concrete and metal.
Meeting the dragon's pointed, and flaring blue stare, realization dawned. "Jay!" Running to where Wisp had indicated, Cole eyed the fractured consoles and electrical equipment about. Yes, of course! He knew Jay had to be here! The ground shook, signaling another impact from a shooting star some miles away. The black ninja got to work quickly, calling out his best friend's name every few seconds as he dug through the wreckage. He coughed and sputtered as dust clouds seeped through his hood, but he didn't stop. Wrenching and shoving away a broken support beam, Cole gasped as his gaze fell upon a black gloved hand lying limply atop of some strange, cylinder-like structure with a triangular tip.
With his pulse racing and fear gnawing at his stomach, he lifted and moved more of the damaged rubble off his best friend's body. "Jay…" A sad, murmuring gale careened upon the pair as the blue ninja's body was finally revealed. The lighter brunet's ninja robes were ripped and dirtied, with pieces of the tattered garments buffeting in the melancholic breeze as he laid face-down in the ground. "Shit…" That's when Cole saw it… The top of Jay's hood was stained red with his blood. And with trembling hands, the earth ninja gripped Jay's shoulders and—as if holding a newborn baby—gently turned him around and cradled him in his arms.
"Jay…?" Looking at his battered best friend, there seemed to be no life left in him. His eyes were closed in a serene way as if he was merely sleeping. But there was no rise and fall of his chest, no indication of breathing or… Cole's fingers snaked under Jay's hood to press along his neck… No pulse. Dried and crusted bloody rivulets veined over the blue ninja's closed eyelids and seeped into the edges of his hood under his eyes. Not only did elemental exhaustion render Jay unconscious, but the head injury he sustained as well was what most likely caused death to claim him. Was Brad wrong, after all? Was he wrong?
Cole's breathing turned sporadic as panic struck him like a hard punch in the gut. No, no, no! This can't be happening! "Jay!" He screamed, and it was at that moment when the CB radio attached to his sash screamed at him.
(Cole! Cole! Did you find him!? Did you find Jay!?)
Aaron's anxious voice pierced through the frantic fog that was clouding Cole's mind, and with keeping one arm wrapped around his limp friend, he fumbled for his radio attached to his sash. "I—Ye-yeah, I did." Cole cringed at his broken slur of stutters. But try as he might to gain a bit of calm, his voice still shook uncontrollably. "I-I-I have him. He's…he's…I don't…"
(Cole? I need you to focus. Calm down. Take some deep breathes…) Aaron's tone was low and soothing as if he was trying to bring tranquility to a crying child. But nevertheless, Cole took comfort in the other man's caring accent. Green eyes fell back on Jay's hooded face. I'll… I'll save you… I promise… As his heart slowed its pace and his breathing calmed, the ninja felt determination and resolve swell within him.
Gripping the radio with a sure hand, Cole's voice came from his lips steadily. "What do I do, Aaron? He's not breathing—no pulse either and…and it looks like something might've hit his head…" he swallowed back the lump in his throat, "…Most of his hood is wet with blood."
(Possible traumatic brain injury and concussion…) Jay's cousin surmised. (Won't know for sure until I see him myself, though… We need to focus on getting him conscious and breathing again. Take off that hood, but be mindful of his head and neck.)
"Okay." Cole stood the radio up beside him and carefully peeled back the soaked through blue hood from Jay's head. The strong, hot tang of blood flooded up to Cole's nose then as he took in his friend's paling countenance. Chestnut locks were now sullied with a more russet and coppery tint from the result of the wide pool of caked on blood covering his crown, matting and sticking to the strands like syrup.
(Is the head wound still bleeding? Do you see it?)
It was so hard to tell. Jay could almost pass for a redhead with the amount of blood soaking his hair, but it all looked dried and sticky to Cole. And with his limited medical knowledge, was it really wise to go prodding around to find the wound?
As if sensing the ninja leader's uncertainty through the line, Aaron vanquished the course of action. (Never mind. I don't want you to start poking his head trying to find it if it's not visible. We need to get resuscitation going. Get him in a flat, lateral position.)
Cole cleared out some space, so that Jay could be laid out on more even ground. Spying a thick, flat piece of shiny metal, he moved it under his friend's head, hoping it would serve as at least some support. He thought it had to be better than being propped up by a mound of dirt or some jagged chunks of cement.
The overhanging structure above them provided a makeshift shelter for the time being, but at the next snarl from the earth, Cole knew time was running out. For Jay…as well as for him.
(You need to perform CPR. Do you know how?)
Cole berated himself again for not paying closer attention to Sensei Garmadon's medical advice some time ago. He knew how to slap a band-aid on a bleeding scratch and perform the Heimlich maneuver, but that was the extent of his first aid knowledge. It was Jay and Zane who had taken a keen interest in the medical sciences, while the rest of them were bored out of their minds during it all. He and Kai were confident in their abilities to not get hurt enough to even warrant first aid. In short, though, they were just a couple of bulls. Even Lloyd knew more about this stuff than he did!
"No," he answered shortly. "What do I do?"
Aaron's instructions were instant. (Begin with chest compressions. Position yourself over him and place your hands—one over the other—in the center of his chest. Push down two inches thirty times. Pump hard and fast. If it helps, on time with your own heartbeat, it should be faster than one pump per second.)
Cole did as instructed and leaned over Jay's prone body, resting his hands on the center of his chest. In time with my own heartbeat… The ninja leader concentrated on the rhythm of his life blood coursing through his veins and the organ that made it all possible. At once, he began thrusting down on his best friend's chest at a steady pace, not too hard, not too soft. His lips moved to count the pumps out loud.
"…three, four, five, six…"
(After that, tilt his head back and lift his chin. Pinch his nose closed and cover his mouth with yours and blow until you see his chest rise. Give two breaths. One breath should take one second.)
"…twenty-seven, twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirty…" Cole, throwing his hood off, moved and again followed Aaron's orders. As soon as the younger man's chapped lips parted, Cole bent down and covered his mouth over Jay's, expelling his breath into his body. From his peripheral, he saw the slight rise of Jay's chest and pulled back, only to repeat the action a second time.
He pulled back again and waited… Nothing. "Aaron!"
(Keep going!) The doctor commanded sternly. (Rinse and repeat, Cole! You have to get him breathing! We're on the bullet train now and should be at the fifth entrance in about twenty minutes, but Jay can't wait that long! He's most likely been unconscious since the transmission was cut! And how long ago do you think that was?!)
Cole's eyes widened fearfully, and he rushed back to his previous position before to resume chest compressions. "One, two, three…" It's been over twenty minutes since then. How much time did Jay have left? A cold sweat immediately wetted the black ninja's body at the prospect. He fought hard to keep his senses about him—his heart calm, and his pulse steady.
The ground below him gave another growl of contempt and shook, but Cole ignored his survival instincts and focused solely on reviving his best friend—the one who had captured his heart. He shifted again to give his breath to Jay, feeling the other's unresponsive lips touch his. How ironic… He had been yearning for over ten days now to kiss Jay…but not like this. Not for the desperate sake of survival.
The earth ninja's body soon geared itself into automatic as he went back to repeat the previous steps again. But in the midst of his intense concentration on his task, amidst the background sounds of grunts, roars, and howls of the dragons, and tumultuous groans of the earth, his mind was sent into sweet reminiscence. He and Jay's time at the Sea of Sand… So brief and yet so impactful and momentous. It was when the denial shrouding Cole's heart disappeared in gratifying wisps. The realization of how deep his feelings ran for his best friend. He recalled the feeling of Jay's warm, lithe figure enveloped in his arms and the way their bodies had fitted together like pieces to a puzzle.
He could almost hear it…the steady synchronization of their combined heartbeats. He had nuzzled that fair neck, felt the tickle of chestnut strands against his face, and inhaled that sweet, nostalgic scent of baked apples spiced with cinnamon. Jay was home, and home was where the heart was. Thus, without Jay…where was Cole to go…? What was he to do…? The onyx ninja moved again and covered his mouth over his friend's. He could feel a stirring inside him and a whisper in his head, trying to reach out and connect with the one below him. A quick breath careened from his lungs and transferred over to fill Jay's.
You're still here…I know it… You're just lost…and trying to find your way back to me…
Ba-dump…ba-dump…ba-dump…
You can hear me, can't you…? You can feel me… I'm right here… Please, Jay… Please come back to me…
Ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump…
With a strangled gasp and a wheezing cough, Jay's body jerked to life. Cole reeled back with a cry of surprise, his best friend's name staggering from his lips. "Ja—Jay!" The blue ninja convulsed on the ground, his eyes squeezed shut in pain and discomfort as he expelled cough after cough after cough. Careful with his head, Cole got a supporting arm under Jay and gently hoisted him up to a sitting position.
"Jay…" Cole's gaze grew hazy with tears, but he sniffed to keep them from falling. The younger brunet had quieted somewhat. However, he would cough and groan in pain every time he tried to move. He soon started to shiver, and Cole finally realized with a start just how cold it actually was up here. He hadn't even noticed before, his thoughts having been consumed with Jay's well-being.
"C-C-Cole…?" Jay's voice was a raspy whisper, his dry and cracked lips clearly struggling to form his best friend's name. Bloody eyelids quivered and dark lashes fluttered as they worked to reveal slivers of beautiful, deep blues. Cole cradled Jay as closely as he could without hurting him, his face brightening with utter happiness at seeing those flawless sapphire jewels peer groggily up at him.
"Yeah, it's me," he breathed and swallowed his tears quickly. "I'm getting you outta here. We're getting outta here, okay?"
Jay's only response was a moan and a sharp cough tumbling from his mouth, his head lolling on Cole's shoulder. This wasn't good. Though now coherent, Jay was still severely injured. He needed to get to Aaron and fast. They had to get to the fifth entrance.
(Hey, Cole! What's going on?! An update would be nice!)
Cole blinked and turned his bewildered gaze to the source of where Aaron's voice emitted from. He had completely forgotten about the little radio in his relief to see Jay come back to the realm of the living. He immediately hollered back excitedly. "He's awake! He's alive!" At his volume, however, he noticed Jay wince. "Sorry, Jay," he uttered, and carefully reached over to pick the radio off the ground.
Aaron's voice sagged with relief. (Ahh…thank God. Heh, no Valhalla for you yet, cousin. Okay, we're nearly at the fifth entrance. Once there, we'll fan out a bit, but we won't travel too far. You're over at Relay Station 1, right?)
Or what's left of it, Cole said to himself, looking around the demolished area. It seemed like the entire city had been reduced to a world of gray. The vibrant colors of Christmas stripped to blackened ash in the wake of the meteor shower. There would be no Christmas Jubilee this year… "Yeah," Cole answered instead, for there was no need to comment on the devastation around him. After all, Aaron, Ada, and whoever else was with them would soon find out for themselves.
(Okay, then the fifth entrance is going to be about twenty miles or so southwest from there. Get a move on. Oh, and one other thing, Cole. You have to keep Jay conscious. He's gonna be tired, but you can't let him sleep just yet. It's very important that he stays awake for as long as possible. Kan du høre mig fætter? Hold dig vågen. See you guys soon.) (You hear me, cousin? Stay. Awake.)
Cole clipped the radio back on his sash, and got his other arm under Jay's knees to carry him comfortably. He pushed himself to his feet with no effort, the other man weighing close to nothing in the face of his strength. He smiled down at his precious charge. "Light as a feather, Jay."
The other ninja didn't reply, his eyelids steadily drooping. Cole hurriedly called out to him. "Jay! C'mon, stay awake with me. You heard Aaron, right? You can't go to sleep yet."
Jay's face scrunched up painfully, a crease appearing in his brow. The sapphires clouded with indigo as they struggled to focus on Cole. "Cold…" he whimpered miserably, his body wracking every now and then with shivers. "…T-Tired."
Cole's heart clenched at the sight. He had never seen Jay like this before—so helpless and vulnerable. "I'm sorry, but I promise we won't be out here long, okay? Stay with me. We—"
Cole was suddenly interrupted by a loud crash. Over yonder, Rocky had finally managed to dig out Wisp from under the clutter of debris. The glowing blue dragon nodded his thanks to his kin and limped away from the destruction and towards the pair. He huffed and puffed with each aching step, his right wing twisted and dragged at his side like a dead tree branch. Growling with concern, Rocky stayed close beside Wisp, ready to lend his support if needed. Nearing, Jay's summon gave a soft whine as he sniffed at his injured master, scenting the blood. His giant maw then opened to release a heavy gust of hot air over the ninjas, instantly casting away the cold and warming them.
"Wi-Wisp…" Jay lifted his hand weakly towards his dragon's general direction, and Wisp lowered his head in response, letting Jay's hand rest against his snout. "What are you… You're not supposed to be here…" Wisp gave another whine and closed his eyes, a contented hum rumbling from his throat. The connection between dragon and rider was a direct connection between souls as all Elemental Masters knew. Wisp must've sensed that Jay was in danger and risked his life to stay by his side in hopes of protecting him. He couldn't just leave his master behind.
Jay must've realized this too as a tired smile slowly formed on his lips. "Thanks, bud…"
Cole looked to his own elemental dragon. "Rocky, take Wisp and get outta here. You two have done enough." Flaring blues immediately snapped open and glared at him, but Cole persisted assuredly to the protective summon. "Don't worry, Wisp. You can leave Jay to me. I'll take care of him. You go with Rocky and let him tend to your injuries."
Unfortunately, a soul wasn't the only thing Jay and Wisp shared. Looking insulted, Wisp growled at Cole and snapped his jaws obstinately at Rocky when the other, much bigger dragon tried to touch him. A massive tremor suddenly shook the ground underfoot, causing cracks to appear right beneath the black ninja's feet. The ground abruptly sloped, but before Cole could even begin to slide into the abyss below, he leapt over to even surface again.
"Rocky! Grab him and go now!" Cole ordered fiercely. And heeding his master's command, the earth dragon wrapped his wings around the roaring and bucking Wisp and they both disappeared in flashes of bronze and blue. The seismic shock continued to quake the ground, giving birth to more cracks that soon matured into fissures, breaking the streets apart.
The fog was beginning to thicken again, creeping up and ensnaring the pair of ninjas in its ghostly grasp. Cole squinted into the misty gray, barely able to make out the throng of crippled buildings down the street. Meanwhile, his instincts screamed at him. High ground! Get to high ground! Regardless of him being the Master of Earth, he knew the ground wasn't the best place to be right now. With his arms filled with his injured friend, Cole had no choice but to scale the nearest building with his legs alone.
Grunting, his bounded up the side with the agility and effectiveness of a puma climbing a mountain, utilizing the footholds provided by the window sills. The building groaned as if burdened by the weight of the ninja and his bundle, and soon its cemented foundation started to sink into the widening jaws of the angry earth. Having reached the top, Cole rushed to the opposite side of the structure and jumped, the mist giving way to a sturdier roof on the other side. He landed gracefully and skidded to a stop. The building he had leapt from sinking into the unknown. A strange feeling suddenly stirred his spirit, and a sensation like a quivering reverberated through his heart.
"Cole…? What's…that noise…? What's happening…?" Cole broke his stare from the crumbling building and steered it to the one who mattered. Jay blinked blearily up at him, his cloudy, indigo gaze half-mast. Cole secured his grip on the other man.
"Glad to see your eyes are still open. We're just moving that's all. Don't worry about anything else, Jay. Just keep talking to me." Cole raised his gaze to scope out the area around them. It was a good thing he had shot off in relatively the right direction; otherwise he'd be faced with a conundrum. The tremors soon ebbed, from the outside…and from within.
"…Talk to you…? But…but I thought…you didn't like it…when I talked…too much..."
Cole's lips curved softly into a small smile. "Jay, I think I told you this before, but I'll go ahead and say it again. I don't like it when you're quiet for too long. I don't think I would even like it if you were gone for too long. I need to hear the sound of your voice. I need to feel your presence near me. I need you, okay? I need you…just you." He took off again, having gained his bearings enough to keep moving.
"Mmm…sausage…?"
"What was that?" Cole asked, his sights on the half chomped mess of the next building's roof.
"Sausage…" Jay repeated. He sounded mystified, like he only had a vague grasp of the words coming out of his mouth. "…I added it…in the turkey stuffing for that umm…other dinner… Can't think of the name right now… And you liked it… Ate most of it… Want me to… What—make it again for that umm…Jesus-fellow's birthday…?"
Cole laughed outright. Jay… Oh Jay… "Yeah, please. That was delicious… I love your cooking." He wondered if Jay would remember all of what he was saying now. He landed on the next roof without incident and kept making his way southwest. "Do you still plan on helping me improve my cooking?"
Cole felt Jay finger the "Earth" emblem on his chest. "…Just add flavor and love… That's all you need… Flavor and…" Jay trailed off, and Cole gave a quick glance down to see the blue ninja's eyes completely closed.
"Jay! Not yet! Stay with me! Talk to me!"
The fingers suddenly gripped his emblem tight. "C-Cole…my head…it hurts…everything hurts…"
Cole willed his legs to go faster. "We're almost there, Jay! Just hang on!" At least he hoped they were. Aaron had said twenty miles southwest from their location, and by now they had to have shaved some of those miles off. The roof unexpectedly gave a hard jerk, the tremors starting up again with a vengeance. Cole briefly lost his footing and stumbled forward, but quickly righted himself and sprinted to the edge of the dilapidated roof.
The fog was unrelenting in its endeavor to hinder the ninjas' progress and converged around the pair, covering the landscape like a thick blanket. But Cole couldn't afford to stop, the building they were on beginning its wailing descent into the oblivion below. Taking a leap of faith, Cole jumped from the crest. Sadly though, his landing was nowhere near as graceful as the last… Misjudging the lower height of the adjacent building, he twisted his ankle on the roof's angled slant.
He crumbled hard to one knee, eyes shut and wincing in pain. Shit! He cursed to himself and opened his eyes. He could barely see the space in front of him, much less the rest of the steep slope. The earth roared beneath him, opening its jaws and drawing the weakened structure into its bowels. Cole struggled to his feet, having to manage his weight on one foot as well as balance himself across the irregular surface.
Jay's voice was nothing but a whisper, but Cole heard it as clear as day. "Cole…drop me… Save yourself…"
The ninja leader grunted in exertion, keeping his hold tight and firm on his best friend's body. "You don't listen to me when I talk, do you? I said I need you, Jay. Either we make it together or we don't make it all. But we are going to make it!" Sweat quickly gathered and poured down the earth wielder's face as he hobbled as quickly and carefully as he could, the rumbling making the trek more difficult than it already was.
He kept his gaze trained on the ground as he inched his way forward, halting as the roof splintered off and crumbled away. A rickety fire escape became vaguely visible then, from his building to the heartily standing one next to it. Seeing no other alternative, Cole carefully repositioned Jay to his shoulder, the other giving an aching groan at the change, and clambered briskly onto the wobbly railings. Frowning determinedly, he crawled across the bridging ladder, as the building continued to sink. The metal creaked and cried under the two ninja's combined weight and started to slide haphazardly towards the opening pits below.
Coiling his muscles, Cole launched himself from the failing fire escape and grabbed onto the railings of the next one. Jay's hands feebly grasped at Cole's back to keep from sliding off as the black ninja began his ascent up the more stable building's roof. Reaching the top, he sprung up onto the building's perfectly propositioned surface. Cole breathed heavily as he readjusted Jay in his arms for the latter to be more comfortable again. "See?" He panted and grinned broadly down at his best friend's flushed face. "Haa… No problem."
Jay said nothing. Perplexed indigos slowly blinked and flickered about in question. "…You hear that…? The wind… A voice…"
"Huh?" Cole frowned at Jay's ominous words and looked around the roof they were on. The fog was still playing its game of inconsistency and appeared to be thinning… Wait… No, this was something most peculiar… The fog was actually moving—slowing circling them like a predator would do to trapped prey. Wary, Cole limped forward a few paces, watching suspiciously as the circling mist moved with them, keeping them surrounded in a neatly practiced way.
The ninja leader's senses pricked. He and Jay weren't alone anymore, that's for sure. He rooted himself defensively, ignoring the pain of his ankle. He listened for the whisper of the wind—for the supposed voice that Jay heard, but caught nothing. The air was still, the world enveloped in a deathly silence.
A breeze suddenly sounded and scooted some pebbles along the roof. And, what was once an indiscernible whisper grew into sinister clarity.
"Scurry, scurry, little fat rats…
Run, run, from this big bad cat…
For if he sinks his claws in you…
Your blood will spill like sweet fondue…"
On high alert, Cole tried to pinpoint where the voice was coming from, but it seemed to be emitting from everywhere. It soon became strangely apparent that Jay was right. The voice wasn't simply carried by the wind, it was within it. Inescapable.
"What a lame nursery rhyme…" Jay muttered, and Cole smirked.
"Tell me about it." He then called out bravely to the obscurity. "Is that it? Are you just some disembodied voice making bullshit threats that wouldn't ever scare a toddler? Or do you have the guts to actually show yourself?"
The circling breeze soon manifested into a whirling tempest, dissipating the encroaching mist and clearing the view of the entire rooftop. Cole's eyes scrutinized the malevolent, greenish tint of the swirling wind, and his frown only deepened as a jade and black tornado formed in front of him. The trademark of the art of Spinjitzu.
"A disembodied voice? Ha! Foolish rats. I assure you that I am very real…and very much alive."
The first thing Cole saw was the black and green robes which instantly made him think of Lloyd. But of course it wasn't. The man taking shape before them was tall with long black hair that fell just pass his chin. The lower half of his face was covered by a green mask and a black scarf was wrapped snuggly around his neck, leaving the long tails to flutter in the wind. The glare that met his was shaded a dark green—darker than his. Another ninja… "Who are you?" Cole questioned, and the man folded his arms, his gaze hard and mocking.
"How disappointing…" he sighed. "It's not often that I'm wrong, for I was expecting the green ninja. Not a lightning rod and a pile of dirt."
Cole growled. Fist impression…this guy was an asshole.
"I'm not interested in substandard Shinobi-wannabes," he carried on. "But my colleague is another story. Care to meet her?"
"What I care about is you getting out of the way," Cole shot back. "We don't have time to play with you."
"We?" The other ninja released a hearty laugh. "You mean you and your little half-dead bundle of joy there? Ahahahaha! Come now, Apollo…I thought you would've scared him worst than that. But I must admit, blue ninja. Seeing you cringe and panic like a little pussy on the street was a real treat. Hahaha!"
Cole felt his best friend flinch and turn his head slightly away from the open air and into his tunic, his body giving a shiver. Cole held Jay protectively, his anger spiking at his adversary's sardonic laugh at his friend's expense.
The mysterious ninja continued to taunt and chuckle. "Look at 'im! Even now he trembles with terror at his own inner turmoil! How did you like it, Master of Lighting—oh wait…I mean, Jay Walker, when everything you came to know and understand about your past was a lie? That a chapter was missing, the pages blank on the canvas? Did meeting Apollo traumatize you? Did Morpheus' little dream turn your entire world upside down?"
When Jay closed his eyes tight with a whimper of dismay, Cole snapped. "Fuck you!" He shouted belligerently and the other ninja threw out his hands, forming a diamond shape with his black gloved fingers.
"No," he sneered. "Fuck you."
Before Cole could even react, a powerful gust swept him and Jay up in a gargantuan tornado. "JAY!" The sheer force of the spinning gales wretched the lightning ninja from Cole's grasp, and he soon lost sight of him amongst the onyx and jade. On and on they spun, until the tornado abruptly dissipated, flinging them carelessly in a random direction. Cole's body collided brutally with a cupola, tearing through the structure completely. He landed hard on the building's rooftop, the unforgiving momentum sending him into a roll before he slammed up against a transformer.
The ninja leader grunted and shakily got to his knees. He gave multiple wet coughs, expelling blood unto the ground. His ribs creaked; he could feel the fractured bones pierce into his left side painfully. He gritted his teeth and looked around. "Ja-Jay!" A couple of yards away laid his best friend on the same roof as he, on his back and unmoving. Cole tried to push himself to his feet, but immediately crumbled back down to the ground. He sucked air through his clenched teeth as jolts of pain shot up from his right ankle, leaving him immobile for a time.
No… I have to get up! I have to get to Jay! Getting to his hands and knees once more, Cole settled for crawling the short distance to his best friend's prone body. "Jay…ah…" The other ninja's eyes were completely closed. And desperate, Cole placed his hand on Jay's chest. He waited with bated breath, and relief flooded his system when he felt the slight rise and fall of it. "Thank God…" he breathed softly.
"It is dishonorable to kill a defenseless warrior. But I'm afraid that logic doesn't apply to you two scum…"
The earth ninja's head shot up at the voice and he looked around the roof for the source.
"Pitiful murderers will never receive such mercy from me…or any of us. This decrepit and vile city will be your burial ground…and not a single shred of you will be left."
Cole's head snapped to the right, the mist thinning enough to allow him to see the taller, stretch of building neighboring his and Jay's. The voice was entirely feminine, thus it was with no surprise that narrowed emerald eyes fell on the voluptuous curves of a woman. Cole catalogued the features of this new enemy.
Dark skin…long-braided hair…deep scar on her face… Wait, why is her arm up…? Oh shit…
Hovering high above the woman's head was a colossal rock imbued with bluish fire. It hung threateningly in the sky, igniting it with its flames. The woman's full, plump lips pulled into an enraged scowl, her steely glare pinned on her helpless opponents. "My name is Athena, and I am one of Lord Clouse's Seven Deities. I am the embodiment of the sin of Wrath, and I will avenge my father, Chen, by killing all of you. This is the very last meteorite that has befallen this planet, and it will serve in bringing the end of you… Two down…four to go…"
Athena simply lowered her arm and pointed towards them. And in a burning blaze of cosmic power, the meteorite began to bear down on them. Cole immediately crawled over Jay and summoned his element, producing a hardened, protective sphere of Earth around his friend and himself. The meteorite collided violently with the convergence of granite and quartz, and Cole concentrated in warding off the assault as best he could.
The heat from the meteorite was slowly but surely seeping in from between the cracks of the sphere, increasing the humidity and choking the Master of Earth. Sweat streamed down his face in rivulets, but Cole didn't break focus. …Can't…give up… I promised we'd…make it back…! Cole's heart pounded fiercely in his ears as he dug his fingers into the cement on the sides of Jay's head. It crumbled under the strength of his might, and Cole used it to reinforce his defense, pushing it to the top.
His body began to tremble. No, everything did. What was happening? Was it another tremor? My…My heart… My element… Like a boulder rived with chinks, the core of his soul steadily revealed more of itself. This is the last… A distant voice rumbled in his mind. …Earthquakes are now splitting this world apart… Open…and ready to receive…
Startling power ripped through Cole in that instant, and his eyes lost their emerald shine and flared gold and bronze instead. More Earth was called forth from the ground—below the very foundation of the building he and Jay were on. Components of raw minerals surged upward and latched on to Cole's sphere, forming gigantic hands and pushing back the last meteorite.
But the Athena's power was great, and thus wasn't so easily thwarted. Cole could hear her, her voice muffled but powerful. "It seems you are not so helpless after all!" She shouted, her tone resonating with intrigue. "But defense alone is not enough to best me! How long can you keep this up I wonder!"
Pulses of blue starlight rippled from the meteorite and it pressed down even harder against the fending hands made of rock. Cole grunted with effort at the strain. I have to think of something… Quick!
Unbeknownst to the earth ninja, Jay started to stir. Stunning sapphires gradually exposed themselves, the foggy indigo gone. Blue eyes searched the sweat-soaked face above him as if trying to discover what exactly was bothering his friend. "You…" he whispered. "…What are you doing now…? Are you…trying to do everything yourself again…? I'm right here…yanno… You don't have to walk alone…" Slowly, Jay's hands lifted and framed his best friend's face. Flaring golden-bronze eyes snapped open and Cole's mouth fell agape when he saw Jay's lips curve into a happy albeit tired smile. "…Let me help… I want to keep my half of the promise too…"
Jay…
The Master of Lightning's entire body was suddenly engulfed in a deep blue light. Coils of white lightning circled his body and veins of it traveled to Cole and ensnared him as well. Heaven and earth merged. The rocks hands reformed themselves with the sphere and were readily replaced by the white lightning. Sparks and jolts reached for the meteorite, and connecting, Cole's sphere of Earth turned black and dark blue.
"What?! What is this!? I can't—"
"Athena! Let go of it! Get back!"
Powerful and undulating, the combined elements enmeshed the meteorite, drawing it in only to hurl it viciously in a random direction. Gravity Pulse… The name of the technique imprinted itself within the recesses of Cole and Jay's mind. The foundation of the building shook from the repercussions of the seismic shocks of the ninja leader's element, but was held firmly together by that exact same force.
Cole didn't understand fully of what was happening, but Jay's presence was everywhere within him as he was sure that his best friend could feel him too.
(Gravity is the force that continuously brings me closer to you… But the lack of it can also pull us apart… I belong in the air…and you belong on the ground… Maybe…it's safer…not to get too close… Maybe…)
(…Jay…?)
(Cole…can you get us out of here…? I'm…too tired… I need to…sleep…)
(…Okay, leave it to me… I'll get us outta here…you rest… And, Jay…? Thanks…we'll talk later…)
At once, Jay's presence left him. And he opened his eyes just as the coils of white and deep blue light faded from the azure ninja's body. Now lacking the presence of Lightning, the veins of raw power and the black and blue from Cole's sphere evaporated, leaving Earth the only element present. Warm gloves fell from the black ninja's face, but he managed to grasp one before it could hit the ground. Cole watched his best friend for a moment transfixed…the slight rise and fall of his chest signaling that he wasn't in any immediate danger. He wanted to muse over the words that Jay had whispered to him in his mind. However, he knew now wasn't the time.
He kissed the hand in his and reached forward to bring Jay into his arms once more. He rose with renewed strength, the pain from his ankle and ribs numbed and shoved to the back of his mind. The sphere of earth and concrete crumbled away, and Cole at once set his flaring, golden-bronze sights on the duo standing high on the neighboring rooftop.
A stare-down ensued. The earthquakes continued to rage—no longer in the city, but Cole could feel their destructive power. They shook other cities and villages alike and tore through forest regions and mountainous landscapes. The destruction would be great…but not irreversible. Athena glared hard at Cole, but then surprisingly…her scowl lifted, and a glint of respect entered her steel-blue depths. "Not bad, Master of Earth, but I'm more surprised with the one in your arms. Who knew he had that amount of power left in him in that state? And for you two to combine elements to create a new element… Hn…clever."
More like I don't know what happened, Cole thought to himself. But they don't need to know that…
"But make no mistake!" Athena went on, her wrath returning with a flourish. "You cannot hope to defeat me or Zelus on your own. You might be brimming with power, but it is clearly unstable! And I have no intention of letting you escape. The both of you will die here! The Seven Deities will have their vengeance!"
Cole frowned. "You call us murderers, and the Seven Deities are the children of Chen…? Well let me just make one thing clear: We are Ninja, not murderers. And while it may be true that in most cases we have no choice but to take the lives of our enemies, it is never in cold blood. Your father and Clouse threatened our lives and the lives of the people on this planet with their actions. So we had no choice but to stop them by any means necessary. We did what we had to do to protect ourselves and the innocent people of this world."
"Understand, though, that I'm not trying to talk you out of going against us. If all of you feel it in your hearts to seek vengeance on us, then by all means." The ninja leader's hardened expression grew in intensity. "But know that if you do, you are giving us the right to retaliate and protect ourselves. So if you're dead-set on threatening my life and the lives of the ones I love, then I will not hesitate to kill you. It's your funeral."
Athena cracked her knuckles, her body beginning to glow with pale blue and violet fire. "You knew nothing about our father, so all of your words are empty lies. It was a harmless tournament. Clouse reported as such, and father said so as well before leaving us. You and your clan murdered him in cold blood for petty reasons! Such dishonorable deeds shall be met with swift punishment! So let's see if you can back up what you bark, dog!"
As Athena braced herself to charge, she was suddenly halted by Zelus' arm blocking her path. She looked at him incredulously. "What the fuck are you doing!?" She shouted, but the male deity only craned his neck to look up at the sky above.
"These little shits again…" he muttered, and both Cole and Athena looked skyward as well.
Unbeknownst to the warriors as they quarreled, the eerie fog had completely lifted from the city, and the sun above was finally able to swathe its warm beams onto the dead metropolis. However, with the coming of the sun's rays were something else…
Cole gawked. Are… Are those…
Plants shining the most lustrous green danced and twirled down upon the quartet of masters. Their ethereal glow made the cloudless heavens twinkle as they fluttered about. And they sailed even lower, creating a schism between the opposing forces and mingling in with them as well. Some of them touched Athena's bare arms, making her blink and stare at the large spores in bafflement. Others seemed to happily stick to Zelus and even went as far as to perch on his head, dancing and spraying small clouds of golden powder from their crowns.
The clearly unhappy ninja groaned irritably and shook himself, scattering the spores from his body. He grabbed Athena's arm. "That's it, we're leaving. I can't stand these things! They're too fuckin' annoying! They're like mini versions of Eros on crack!"
The female deity could only gape at her companion as he lifted her completely off the ground and into his arms, undoubtedly mirroring Cole and Jay. In an unexpected flash of dark green, a snarling dragon appeared on the roof beside Zelus. It snorted and growled as its master climbed onto its back, its poisonous gaze glowering at the earth ninja all the while.
Zelus sneered at the ninja leader also. "We'll finish this later," he promised. "And tell the Green Ninja of Creation that I'll be gunning for him when our paths cross." The Master of Wind then snapped the reigns, and with a vicious roar, the black and green dragon took off into the air and away into the distant horizon.
Cole soon lost sight of the deities, but suddenly expelled a small sneeze when his nose caught a sprinkle of golden powder. He glanced about himself in bewilderment as the spores continued their merry journey passed him, with some brushing up against him along the way. Cole shook himself. With the deities gone, now was the time to keep moving! Not get mesmerized with weird, dancing plants.
He turned around and moved to do just that, but… "Where the hell am I…?" He wondered, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. Zelus' tornado had launched him and Jay clear off the path, and he had no idea which direction to turn to correct himself. He looked down at Jay anxiously…and blinked. One of the spores was clearly nuzzling the lightning master's face, making it glimmer with the abrupt burst of golden powder from the plant's flowing crown.
"Hey! Get off!" Cole commanded sternly. Despite their pretty appearance, the spores' golden powder could be deadly. And with Jay having long been exposed to it, who knew what detrimental problems it could cause for his health. And now mine… Cole thought with a frown. The glowing green spore, however, just twirled happily back into the air and came up to Cole's face. The black ninja nearly went cross-eyed as he tried to look at it and leaned back.
"What's your problem? Huh?" He suddenly felt a small caress in his mind—a gentle poke. Was this plant trying to do something to him? Wary and untrusting, Cole rebuffed the intrusion. And before his very eyes, the spore fluttered back down to Jay's face, tapped it with the end of its stem, and then twirled right back up to hover before Cole's. And again, he felt the prodding. It became obvious then that the plant was…dare he think—trying to communicate with him. And…it looked like it was about Jay.
Still cautious, the black ninja decided to open his mind a little to let the presence in. And as soon as he did…
(Hey! What's your problem, ya big pooluka!? I'm only trying to help!)
Indignant, Cole instantly shouted back. "Well how the hell was I supposed to know, bean sprout!? You can't always judge a book by its cover!"
(I'm no bean sprout, ya huge-headed human male.) The child-like voice huffed. (I'm a Mana Cetra! And I wanna help this Destined Marked One! He's much too beautiful to die…)
Confusion at once clouded Cole's mind. "What did you say?" He questioned, and the spore twirled once.
(He's beautiful?)
"No, before that." Another twirl.
(I'm a Mana Cetra?)
Cole sighed exasperatedly. "No, after that," he said as patiently as he could.
(That he's a Destined Marked One?)
"Yes. That. Explain what you mean."
(I mean what I say. This male beauty is destined to be a Marked One. As are many, many, many other human males. It is what we are here for. We were sent by Mother Harmony to come here and bless the human males of this planet with the power to bare young. And just like I told him, I'm telling you that not all human males will change. For example…you won't be affected by us. Just like that other mean male won't be affected by us or any human females for that matter.)
"But…" Cole swallowed noisily, "…Jay will…" Glowing, golden-bronze fell on the sleeping face of his best friend. "…He'll be able to…" The black ninja's mind was suddenly thrust into his most recent dream. Him and Jay coming back from the hospital… The other brunet's fear and denial of what was happening to him… But then…his slow acceptance… He and Jay were married… And they were going to start a family…
…Will that dream…really come true…?
(Oooooo… What's this I sense from you?) The spore suddenly cooed in his mind, dancing to and fro in front of Cole's face and sprinkling golden powder everywhere. (You're burning with warm, tantalizing heat…Oh! Are you in loooove with him? Do you want to have baaaabies with him?)
The earth ninja's face went from pink to scarlet as the little green spore openly teased him. His heart throbbed relentlessly. "D-Do you have to gush like that?" But he quickly sobered as a thought crossed his mind. He eyed the plant suspiciously. "Are you the reason why I'm having these dreams?"
(Hm? Dreams? Nope. Dreams are dreams as far as I know. But…there is someone on this planet you might want to talk to. I feel that he too will become a Destined Marked One… He is the weaver of dreams among your kind…a wielder of pretty sand… Seek him out if you have questions about your dreams… And…I also must warn you, Child of Earth…something I didn't get a chance to tell the Destined Marked One in your arms…)
The spore fluttered about until it perched on Cole's shoulder, and the voice in his mind fell to a frightened whisper. (It followed us…the darkness, I'm so sorry. It followed us here, riding the tails of the meteors. It dispersed, though, in different directions as soon as we entered your orbit. But we know it's here. It's so scary…)
"What's here?" Cole asked, perplexed by the plant's hushed voice. "What darkness? And what can we do to fight against it if it tries to attack us?"
(Yes! Yes! There is a way!) The plant suddenly exploded, regaining its previous glee and enthusiasm. (You all must join together and fight against the darkness that will come! Rely on the wisdom and power of the ones who control Life and Death. One is also a Destined Marked One and the other is a human female imbued with knowledge of necromancy. Oh…?)
The spore suddenly fell silent, and an unexpected swarm of the plant's brethren enveloped the two ninjas, until all Cole could see was green. "Wha—What's going on?!" Cole yelped, alarmed. "What's happening!"
(Oh no! The Destined Marked One is starting to fade! We must help him! Yes, I know! I'm sorry! I know I talk too much, Aeris! You don't have to remind me! What? More humans?! Right! Okay! Keep calm, Child of Earth! We're gonna take you directly to more of your kind! Hooooold on!)
Cole could do nothing but trust in the plants surrounding him and Jay, and in a flurry of golden powder they were gone from the building's rooftop. Coherence was a chore as Cole's head felt heavy and cluttered as multitudes of voices bombarded his mind all at once. He couldn't make sense of what was being said or even…where he and Jay were.
…Jay…I… Cole couldn't finish the thought, only wound his arms more protectively around his best friend, feeling the other man's weight and warmth. Seeming under a spell, his eyelids started to droop without his volition. A feather-like caress touched his face and he gradually relaxed further.
(Please protect this Destined Marked One, Child of Earth… Protect his body…as well as his heart… I'm counting on ya! Sweet dreams! And bye-bye!)
As Cole drifted into darkness, he felt him and Jay being placed on an even surface. More voices rang out…but these didn't explode within his mind. They caught his ears…and they somehow…were very…familiar…
"Aaron…save him…"
Author's Note: Felt good to get that one off my chest. What did you guys think? Please let me know, and see ya next time!