Author's Note: Hey, everyone! How are you all during? Summer break going okay so far? This is a longer chapter than the previous one, so I'll let you jump right into it. As always, thanks so much for reading and reviewing my story, as I am glad you all are enjoying yourselves. Have a great read and keep doing you!

Unexpected

By: Mad Betrayal

"If it's very painful for you to criticize your friends—you're safe in doing it. But if you take the slightest pleasure in it, that's the time to hold your tongue…"—Alice Miller

Chapter 28 ~ Outside the Clan

"Mein Gott… That poor boy… I shouldn't have asked," Ada whispered sullenly, watching Lloyd's back disappear into the dark hallway, the blond having briskly decided to trail after his friend.

Aaron's brow furrowed slightly, the unorthodox frown on his face not leaving any time soon. Ada knew that look well, though, for it was a visage that adorned her fiancé's face only when he was either neck deep in a serious case or on the verge of diagnosing something critical. "His condition could be serious."

"What condition!" Kai snapped, his head jerking back to Aaron so fast Ada was surprised he didn't get whiplash. The female officer observed the spiky-haired brunet intently. The gritted teeth, the clenched fists, the indignant and challenging golden-amber glare that could burn holes through steel… Hm, to be a ninja he certainly was riled easily. But then again, Kai seemed the type to fit the protective older brother role supremely. And not just to Nya, but to every member of his clan…no matter if they were a newcomer or not.

The fire ninja's withering stare bounced off Aaron harmlessly, though—having never been easy to intimidate—as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Brad had exhibited signs of having PTSD. It was obvious he was living his own personal nightmare while recalling his parents' murders. But his expressions throughout is what really bothers me… Immense confusion, thunderstruck—like he was tethering on the precipice between reality and dream." He looked around at the members of the Ninja Clan. "How has he been coping since being in your care?"

"He hasn't," Zane answered immediately, surprising everyone. And with continued initiative, he elucidated further. "Although I haven't been in his presence as much as Lloyd, Brad's soul has been sullen ever since his awakening. I could always sense a great lost emitting strongly from within him, regardless if his lips turned up a grin or not. When he first told us of his past, it was with burning resentment, anger, and hatred towards his captor. We have witnessed those destructive emotions diminish over time, but the sorrow remains intact…and has now flourished." The white ninja turned his head, a strange brightness in his hazel gaze as he looked to the dark connecting hallway. "But now that it has, it'll be good for him to face his grief. I sense we needn't worry anymore. Lloyd will tend to Brad, and he has us as well to fall back on for guidance and support. He isn't alone."

The rest of the members of the clan dipped their heads in unison to Zane's assertion and Ada was left to marvel again at how close they all actually were—just like a true family…a family bound by more than mere blood. She wanted to smile, but found it difficult when her mind began to reflect upon her own family. With supreme militaristic lifestyle in one hand and strict Japanese nobility in the other, her upbringing lacked the warmth and closeness of a typical family. Her father, Adalhard Steiner, was the Grand Commander of Aflairia's entire military power, the proud and stoic nation nestled in the northwest quadrant of Europia's bosom. And before meeting her father, her mother's maiden name had been Sanada—Ina Sanada. Her mother hailed from a prestigious family of aristocrats that resided here on Ninjago, and was known to be a prodigy. And as such, it was only natural for her to be a renowned and cherished psychiatrist and mathematician.

Yeah…only natural… Ada thought bitterly. She was an only child, so, of course, a lot of pressure was placed upon her. Having such great parents, it was only natural for her to be great too and follow in their footsteps in one way or another. She didn't complain, though, because she wanted to be a daughter her parents could be proud of and feel that having one successor would be enough. She grew up in a very authoritarian household and although she loved her parents dearly, sometimes they could be… No. Ada quickly dismissed that train of thought. Now was not the time to drudge up past grievances. She had more important things to worry about at the moment.

"But, Zane, if you knew about Brad's withdrawal, why didn't you say something sooner?" Aaron asked. His tone was more inquisitorial than accusatory, but the white ninja still looked sheepish.

Zane shook his head. "Ah, My—My apologies. I am still ascertaining when and how to reply to social cues and constructs. Differentiating the multiple layers of emotion one can exhibit is difficult for me."

An immediate crease of bewilderment tore through Ada's forehead at that. What did Zane mean by that, exactly? Was he a recluse or something? "Huh? What do you mean?" Aaron asked, clearly just as baffled as she was. Something passed across Zane's face, though, it was difficult to discern. He seemed hesitant to answer, but the crimson ninja beside him moved to shield him.

"That's not something you two need to worry about," he said simply, those sharp golden eyes sharpening further as if daring either of them to suggest otherwise. "Is there anything else, Aaron?"

Well that was just a tad bit suspicious. Then again, it wasn't as if Zane owed them an explanation or anything, especially if just to satisfy their curiosity. Everyone had their secrets and she and Aaron had only known the Ninja Clan for what? Short of twenty-four hours? Hardly long-time friends. Ergo, it was none of their business to delve into Zane's personal affairs, even more so with Kai on the lookout.

Aaron shrugged, seemingly reaching the same conclusion as her. "Health-wise? No. Both Jay and Cole are resting well. Only…there is something else—something about Jay that has happened…" Now, it was Aaron's turn to hesitate.

"What happened, Aaron?" Nya asked with mounting trepidation.

Ada noticed the quick side-glance her fiancé gave her before opening his mouth. "Well, to put it simply…he caught on fire."

"WHAT?!" Everyone exclaimed, mortified. Shouldn't that have been something he mentioned in the beginning?! Aaron lifted his hands in a placating way. "Easy now, the fire did put itself out on its own within a few seconds," he said, grinning slightly. "Plus, it wasn't your average fire. For one, it was concentrated and ignited only on a specific part of his body. And even more unorthodox was that it was blue in color."

"What the hell?" Kai frowned, a mix of worry and confusion. "And what does that mean?"

"I cannot say for sure," Aaron replied. "But what's got me intrigued is what the flames left in their wake." Bright blues darkened a tint to resemble his cousin's own pure sapphires. "Jay now has a clear depiction of a six-point star and angelic wings encircling it."

"Six-point star? You mean the star of creation?" Garmadon asked and Aaron nodded.

"It was seared onto the flesh above his right clavicle along his neck and shoulder."

"Hmm…and can we surmise that Jay's exposure to the Mana Cetra is what caused this phenomenon?" Zane asked.

"That would be my assumption, yes."

Nya suddenly stepped forward, her eyes wide and desperate. "Then what about Cole? What will happen to him? He went topside too without any protection."

"Nothing as of yet," Aaron answered calmly. "We won't know for sure if anything's been altered with their biochemistry until we start running some far more extensive tests. And we can't do that until their physical conditions improve."

Ada's heart went out to Nya as the other woman gave a short strangled sigh and shook her head despairingly. And Kai, ever the caring big brother, saw this too and went to his sister's side to place his hand on her shoulder comfortingly.

Wu passed Nya her own cup of tea. "Thank you, Dr. Walker. Know that we all appreciate you coming here on your own to give us the facts," he said, dipping his head once.

Aaron waved his hand dismissively. "Ja, ja, no prob. It's something I always do, family or not."

"Well in any case, it looks like we have a game-plan set," Kai declared with finality and turned to look at Ada. "Zane, Brad, and I will be going with you on the expedition—oh, and possibly Lloyd too. And—" He then quickly shifted his gaze back to his sister. "Actually, Nya, why don't you come with us? It might help you take your mind off things."

But before Kai could even finish his sentence, the raven-haired woman was already shaking her head. "No, I need to be down here just in case anything happens." She swallowed with effort, her chocolate eyes glistening with barely suppressed tears. "I can't leave him."

Him? Did she mean Jay or Cole? Ada gave Nya an evaluating once over. Such obvious distress could only be conjured from a strong surge of emotion. Of course she was worried about her two friends just like everyone else, but did she have a closer relationship with one of them? Her mind traveled back to Jay's last communication. The blue ninja had gone down the line when expressing his appreciation and fortitude to everyone within his circle of relationships—even the new recruit, Gary Foxworth, got an honorable mention. But when he had gotten to Nya's name, Ada had noticed how strained and wavering Jay's voice had become. He had called her "sweetheart"—a title one wouldn't dub a mere friend. So then…would it be safe to assume…? Wait! There was something else… Jay had utilized the same timbre when addressing Cole too. But wasn't it just because they were the best of friends? Or maybe…

Honeyed orbs shifted from Kai to Zane—the former whispering words of encouragement to his distraught sibling while the latter looked on with concern and sympathy. No, she didn't have enough information to just "assume" things. Although, the existence of an underlining subtext stabbed at her from what she'd both seen and heard over the last twenty-four hours. Then again, maybe she was just being over-analytical…again. Argh! Damn her second major in psychology and her curiosity!

In any case, Ada extended an invitation to her fellow female. "Nya, why don't you stay with me in our quarters tonight? I'd imagine it would be rather cramped in here." The lieutenant knew that every apartment unit (on this side of the Honeycomb anyway) could barely house three let alone seven—or nine if Jay and Cole were here. Perhaps she could pull some strings to allow the elders their own room. Yes, she'd call the commander to make it so before she departed for the expedition, as it only seemed right after what they did to help during the crisis.

Nya's lips parted, clearly taken aback by the female soldier's enticement. "Oh, no, I couldn't possibly impose on you and Aaron like that," she said aghast, looking back and forth between the engaged couple.

Aaron chuckled good-naturedly. "It's fine. I'll be sleeping over at the infirmary for the next couple of nights since I'll be on call. So you two can have the run of the place."

Ada inclined her head to her future spouse in acknowledgment. She had anticipated this. "Thus, the offer still stands, Nya."

Something in the other woman seemed to deflate and she looked to Ada graciously with a small smile. "Thanks, Ada. Really."

This time, the lieutenant's cheeks did rise to return a grin before she let it fall. Short and purposeful were her displays of emotions…just the way her parents had taught her. She then looked to the other members of the clan seriously—mainly Zane and Kai. "I will come to retrieve you at approximately 0600," she announced, letting her more authoritative tone commandeer her voice. "Be sure to rest well before then."

"Well you heard the lieutenant," Garmadon said, getting his clansmen's attention. "I bid you all goodnight. But, Kai, before you turn in, please do me a favor and check in on Lloyd and Brad for me. Just…make sure they're comfortable."

"Hai, Sensei," Kai responded respectfully, and after giving his sister a hug, he and Zane dispersed from the group and into the darkened hallway. Sensei Wu then turned to the other grandmaster, his deep onyx depths critical and circumspective.

"Brother…? What is it? You are…distracted."

Garmadon expelled a short hum of a chuckle. "Observant as always, Wu."

Sensei Wu responded with a simple shrug. "I try. Though I tend to try a little harder when it comes to family," ending the gratuitous comment with another sip from his still steaming mug.

"Yes, well, I am just going to exert some of our newly acquired privileges and venture further into the Honeycomb…" An unruly fringe of silvery locks fell over half-lidded smoky eyes as Garmadon's voice became laced with sudden discord. "Even though we are no longer man and wife, I feel compelled to see to her safety. That is…if you haven't already…"

Ada easily ascertained the slight tightness of Wu's fingers as they gripped his mug, and the audible *clink* as he set it back on its saucer was not as smooth as prior displays. Onyx met metallic. "No. I have not. However, if those are your intentions, then may I request to accompany you? I would like to be sure of her safety as well."

Garmadon had no physical reaction, only a verbal one. "Of course." But when he shifted his gaze to affix on the remaining three, Ada almost—perhaps imperceptibly—flinched. Her heart trembled in her chest as those twin gunmetal optics sliced through her soul. Something dark, cold, and shrouded with multiple undertones swirled within Garmadon's eyes. But just when the urge to blink seized her…warm smoke returned. She inhaled a short, quick breath. Did she just imagine it? Or…

"By your leave," Garmadon said evenly, gesturing towards the door expectantly.

"Oh! Uh…yeah! Right!" Aaron abruptly turned to his fiancée, though his gaze flickered back to the two elders with nothing short of nervousness. It appeared he too felt a tremor of unease after being the focus of Garmadon's quick dark stare. "I'll go ahead and escort you two back to our apartment. There are a few things I need to pick up before returning to the infirmary."

*~XxX~*

Aaron and Ada shared their temporary abode on the next strut beside the Ninja Clan's—so within walking distance. Despite the Honeycomb's overall design to accommodate and provide for the great influx of citizenry in face of a disaster, it lacked the life and vitality of an actual city. Maybe it was the claustrophobic feeling of being deep underground, or the lack of a blue sky or a refreshing breeze that could easily make one feel isolated and imprisoned. Or maybe it was because it had the pristine cleanliness of a hospital, and walls doused in drab white with only splotches of color to indicate navigation if one lost their way.

Well, whatever the case, it was made clear from the passing people's faces (the limited few that still roamed about at this time of night) that the Honeycomb would take some time getting used to. They were grateful, yes, but to be prematurely stripped from a normal life above ground and relocated to a sterile doomsday shelter below it was naturally disconcerting. Officers and soldiers alike took up orderly patrols and stopped to salute Lieutenant Steiner when the trio happened to pass along their route. How long did it take for her to gain the respect she received now? How long did it take for her to prove that she was more than just a "General's Daughter"? So many years… No. All her life was more accurate. Since Ada was born, she lived within the confines of her parents' perfectionist ideologies: Etiquette. Intelligence. Status. Power. They demanded this of her, and she did her utmost to deliver.

After Ada had graduated from her high school as valedictorian, she immediately enlisted to join the military…much to the delight of her father. Her mother was most pleased as well, especially when Ada had announced that she would take a double major in psychology and chemistry. Whether it was working up the ranks in the military, or achieving superiority in academia acumen, Ada had worked continuously and tirelessly to bring pride to the Steiner name. Yes, pride… But there was something else she wanted her parents to feel for her…love.

She had understood from a very early age that her parents were not the most affectionate people. After all, it was the servants and maids within her childhood home who had always been the ones to provide even a semblance of affection. Her parents on the other hand acted more along the lines of drill sergeants, their faces blank and stoic as they issued out their commands for her to follow. And if she did happen to do something that pleased them, she was met with either a gruff "Not bad." or a sultry "It's only natural." Nothing more than that. Not even a pat on the head or a small congratulatory hug. Nothing. It was like they had an aversion to touch and recoiled from any and all physical contact that wasn't professional. It had made Ada wonder why her parents even got married at all.

It had been two years ago, in fact, when she had presented this question to her mother. And the answer she had given, served to further prove Ada's childhood assumption:

"Ho ho! Your father was of prime breeding stock, my dear. Something as mundane and fickle as "love" was never part of the equation. We both knew this. And we both agreed upon it. And that is why we have been able to thrive like we have. It is also how you—a prodigy—has come to exist. You would do well to learn and exercise this when picking your own spouse."

So, yes, they were lacking affection…a great deal of it too. Toward her and toward each other. Ada's mother had wanted her to "learn and exercise" this methodical choosing of spouses, to marry out of convenience and calculation not emotion. However, the very notion just didn't appeal to her. How could someone defend such a callous way of thinking? To omit the feelings of the heart and rely solely on the calculations of the mind? No. It didn't appeal to her. This concept had been the one and only aspect of her following of her parents' footsteps that she had decided to rebel against. If her heart had allowed it—if it wasn't too hardened and frozen over from her parents' stoic ways, then she would marry out of love. And by achieving this, she would undoubtedly surpass her parents by experiencing something they never did. Even if they didn't approve…

A larger hand suddenly encased around Ada's, and she looked up in surprise—roused from her musings. Aaron looked at her with caring warmth. "We're here, babe. You were just about to walk right passed our apartment."

Ada blinked. "Oh." But then a small, wistful smile tugged her lips upward. "I'm sorry. My mind was elsewhere."

"Yeah, I could tell." Keeping a hold on her hand, he used the other to remove his key card from his coat pocket. "Hold on. Let's get inside first."

The trio entered the dark apartment, with Ada flicking on the light switch near the door. Nya looked around the now adequately lit room. "Oh, so it's just like ours only flipped."

Ada nodded. "Yes. Although we had our choice, we decided on this apartment due to its closeness to the infirmary."

At the mention of the Honeycomb's hospital, Ada noticed the other woman's expression shift from appreciation to sadness. Nya wasn't doing anything to hide her worry for her friends. She approached the younger woman and rested her hand on her shoulder, mirroring the actions of her brother, and offered her a kind smile when she met her gaze.

"Why don't you take a nice, long bath and try to relax," Ada suggested. "You'll find appropriate sleep attire in one of the cupboards in the room adjacent to the bathroom, and feel free to use the chamomile and vanilla bubble bath. It will undoubtedly help soothe you."

Another gracious glint entered Nya's eyes, and although she was trying to smile, it clearly wasn't working this time. "T-Thanks. That sounds nice… Ada I—"

"You don't need to thank me again. Just go." Ada turned Nya around by the shoulders and gave her a light push toward the hallway. Once she disappeared into one of the rooms, Ada felt a pair of arms wreath around her waist. She instinctively leaned back into her fiancé's warmth, comforted by his scent and general presence.

"And you said, you have a hard time making friends," Aaron said, his lips ghosting against her temple.

"I do," Ada answered shortly. "My lack of bridesmaids is testimony to that fact." She mentally sighed at her own words. What kind of bride has no bridesmaids? Tch! A friendless one, that's who… she thought wryly. Ada already knew she had a very unapproachable aura surrounding her, and had been told more often than you would think that she scowled way too much. Furthermore, during her schooling and military years, she had been so absorbed in her studies and training that she hadn't the time to interact with anyone on social terms. Nor did she really care too. All in all, these factors heavily contributed to her lack of societal relations.

But despite these handicaps, Aaron had still found a way to wiggle into the confines of her heart. And the Ninja Clan was starting to poke their way in as well. It was odd really… Less than twenty-four hours ago, she had been more than willing to end their lives with a pull of a trigger. And now, here they were…trying to find a place in her heart. Especially Jay. She had no idea if it had anything to do with him being a Walker or not (considering if the rest of the family were as energetic and cheerful), but Jay had an infectious and boyish charm about him, making him appear almost innocent. Almost being the key word here. It made her wonder again about how in the world was she of all people supposed to fit in with the Walker Family? Suffice to say, she was both yearning and dreading for July to come.

But her internal woes were spirited away when Aaron's lips pressed firmly unto her skin. "You will," he murmured sweetly. "You're not fighting your kindness anymore. So I have no doubt that people will start attaching themselves to you. Only not too attached, eh?"

Ada blushed freely, and moved to turn around in her fiancé's arms. "Aaron…" His eyes were dark, a fine shade of cobalt. They never left hers as she felt his hand touch her hair and pull on the tie that bound it in its neat bun. Her heavy raven tresses tumbled over her shoulders and down her back like a waterfall of ink. And he at once ran his fingers through it, making her eyes hood at the pleasurable tingles traveling through her scalp. Deprived of physical contact for years before him, her body had become hypersensitive to touch…and Aaron knew this, as it still was even now.

He descended gracefully, capturing her lips in a kiss that made her whimper with need on contact. The arm left around her waist tugged her closer until she was flush against his warm, hard body and cocooned in his scent and security. Ada wrapped her arms around his neck, trying to get even closer, wanting to get lost in this sacred moment of love and solitude. In the distance, she could hear the sound of running water. The kiss deepened quickly, with the couple taking in each other's breath. This released a new fervor within them both as their hands gripped tighter and their hearts pounded louder.

More kisses were shared between breathes: some slow and sensuous, while others chaste and quick. Euphoria permeated Ada's mind as Aaron continued to skillfully massage her lips with his own, continued to slide his tongue over hers. The taste of spearmint enticed her further, and forgetting herself—lost in a sea of need and pleasure, she snuck her hands in the folds of his coat and yanked up his shirt, wanting to feel her beau's smooth, sculpted flesh beneath her fingertips.

Aaron abruptly broke the kiss after that, growling out a shaky and staggered curse. "Lort!" (Shit!)

"Aaron…mein lieber…" (my love) The words came out wanton and breathless as she took the moment to nuzzle her face against the column of his throat, letting her tongue sneak out at the last second to wet his quickened pulse. His skin tasted so good. The Danish man took in a short gasping breath at her gratuitous action, and Ada sighed contently. She could see his Adam's apple bob when he swallowed—his throat tight, his jaw clenched. She had surprised him with her forwardness. And truth be told, she had grown increasing bold over the years they'd been together. For like him, she too wanted to discover all the sounds she could entice from him, what actions she would need to take to thoroughly arouse him.

A small smile graced her kiss-swollen lips. She remembered when she used to be so shy and unsure. "Three days…" Aaron whispered, a palpable strain in his voice. "Lort! Three days! How am I supposed to…"

"We've been out of each other's company for longer durations before, mein lieber," Ada kept her tone soft and soothing, in hopes of bringing comfort to both of them. "Remember last winter when you had to go to a conference in Odell? You were gone for an entire week."

"Yeah, and I didn't like it then!" Aaron countered, his low tone going up a notch. "Those seminars tried to kill me with how long and boring they were. The only thing that kept me alive was my thoughts of you."

Another blush crept up Ada's neck until it stopped to burn her cheeks. While some might find such words cheesy or cliché, she was a closet-romantic and cherished them. "We called and video chatted."

"Yeah, but it wasn't enough. Nothing beats having you here in my arms, Ada."

She hugged him around the waist tighter. "Of course not. But we got through it once and we'll do it again." She leaned back and looked up at him. The brighter flare of his blue eyes was returning; the lustful nuance of cobalt slowly but surely fading. "We both have very important missions we must accomplish. You must focus on tending to Cole and Jay, and I must lead the expedition to the surface. We can't afford to falter, Aaron."

"Yeah, I know," he sighed resignedly. "A lot of people are counting on us." His lips quirked up for a moment before the grin dropped. He searched her eyes. "But Ada…what happened earlier? The only time I've seen your face that dark is when you're thinking about your parents."

As if on cue, the raven-haired woman's lips plummeted into a scowl as a dark shadow fell over her face. Aaron winced. "Yeah. Yeah, that's the one. Are you worried about them or something? You know communications are online, right? You tried calling them yet?"

"Yes, and they're fine," she replied stoically, remembering her father's curt and heavily accented baritone in her ear hours ago. "Your mother's and I defense was absolute, daughter, as if mere falling rocks could hope to breach our stronghold." AKA Father speech for: "Your mother and I are alright and the manor is still standing." Truthfully, she expected nothing less. "What about you? How are your mother and father?"

"A little shaken but peachy," Aaron said. "Right now, they're in the process of contacting everyone in the family to make sure they're alright too, which then, of course, includes Uncle Ed and Aunt Edna. I gotta make sure to tell Jay when he wakes up… It was obvious he was worried."

Ada understood. Jay's last communication, the one he had directed to Cole. Which reminded her, what about their parents—Zane's, Cole's, Kai and Nya's? Where were they at? She would have to ask later. She pulled Aaron down for one last, sweet kiss—cautious not to make it too long less she lose herself again—and pulled away completely. "You need to get what you came for and return back to the infirmary. They need you."

"Yeah, I need to go." He took hold of her hands and raised them to his lips. "Get some sleep, and I'll come see you off in the morning."

She smirked. "Hmph…you'd better."

After Aaron had gathered a few overnight essentials and left the apartment, Ada set about attending to herself. Regardless of it being three o'clock in the morning and she had only a few hours remaining for sleep, she still completed her nightly ablutions to the letter. Only difference being, she settled for a shower rather than her usual bath. The room she and Aaron would occupy was sparsely furnished as was to be expected: a single full bed, a lonesome armoire against a drab white wall, and a pair of nightstands stationed at either sides of the bed with lampshades on top.

At one point or another, everyone was supposed to fill-out a form to request specific supplies, which would then be delivered by the Supply Depot Team. This of course pertained to the reason why she had extra clothes, hygiene products, and other indispensables—including the comb and brush she was currently using to maintain her drying hair. Long hair was always a chore to care for in her opinion, hers in particular with its wavy and thick consistency.

Maybe I should cut it the way I had it during my early military days…? She thought with a pensive frown, running her brush through her tresses for the 98th time. (A hundred strokes was a necessary habit her mother had drilled into her.) Finished and more than ready to catch a few winks, Ada tied her hair back into a ponytail and moved to pull back the covers…

*knock knock knock*

Ada stopped and turned towards the door. "Come in," she called, and access opened to reveal her houseguest.

"I'm sorry," Nya began, shuffling into the room. "I know you're tired, but…"

"Can't sleep?" Ada supplied, and the other woman wrung her hands together guiltily.

"Sorry, I know worrying is a waste of time and energy… Maybe I should go with you all on the expedition…"

Ada simply watched Nya for a moment as the other woman stood awkwardly in the middle of the room looking torn and tired. She was wearing similar attire as her: a pair of black shorts and simple white t-shirt. Hmm…looks like the bath didn't help much… Deciding to take action, she called to her fellow raven. "Nya, come sit with me. Let's talk."

Nya came forward with no hesitation and joined Ada on the bed, chocolate meeting honey with more than a little expectancy and question. "Are you sure you want to join us?" Ada asked. "Back at you all's apartment, I thought you said you couldn't leave Jay." She supplied her hypothesis on purpose, just to see if she could get a reaction.

"I know it's just…" Nya suddenly stopped, her brow creasing with confusion. "I…I never said Jay."

"Oh? Did I assume falsely?"

"I…" Nya's eyes became downcast as her shoulders lost their surprised rigidness. "No… But that's only because Aaron said Jay's injuries were more severe than Cole's."

"And that's the only reason?"

Chocolate orbs rose once more to meet honey. "Yes."

Now Ada wasn't an expert on love—far from it in fact, but she could easily tell when someone was lying. Known for being blunt and honest, she didn't deter from her character. "You're not being truthful with yourself, but that's okay. Everyone becomes conflicted every now and then."

"No! No, it's not…" The other woman was clearly struggling with herself, her fists balled up in her lap. "It's just…what he said…" Ada eyed the tears that suddenly rolled down Nya's flushed cheeks. "…I can't stop thinking about it. I can't stop thinking about…him."

Hmm… Ada realized right then and there that something had to have happened between Nya and Jay. Nya's heart was hurting and badly. So much so, that she thought she could hear each painful throb reverberate throughout the other woman's chest. "How long have you two been together?" She asked gently.

Nya wiped her eyes and sniffed. "We were together…for two years."

"Were? So it didn't work out?" Two years seemed like a long time to Ada to be in a relationship and not be sure of compatibility. However, with varying people came varying circumstances.

"I wouldn't say it didn't work out just…I think I found someone better. No, I know I found someone better."

"And that someone is…Cole?" Ada surmised next, and Nya nodded silently. Ada frowned, for it seemed dastardly to come in between two friends, and no doubt put a strain on their relationship knowingly. It reminded her of a romance novel she had read three months back, a novel that ended in tragedy… "And how long have you been with Cole?"

Nya released a despondent sigh. "Officially we just started—a little over a week now."

Officially? The word didn't sit well with Ada, as Nya just hinted at a time of her involvement with Cole was unofficial. "So you were engaged in a legitimate love triangle then? You officially dated Jay, while at the same time you unofficially dated Cole?"

"It's not as bad as you may think."

Ada's left eyebrow quirked up. "It's not? You mean it's worse?"

Nya shook her head. "No. The whole thing ended months ago, and nothing bad has come out of the experience. Both Jay and Cole have been behaving themselves, even more so since our last adventure against a past adversary. And Jay took my leaving him for Cole very well, so everything's fine."

"If that's true, then why so melancholy?" Ada insisted. "Jay didn't leave you, Nya. You left him. During his last communication he clearly wanted to let you know how much he loved and cared for you. He wanted you to be happy—He still does. And now you are feeling conflicted about what he said? Weren't you aware of his feelings before? Didn't the two of you grow to love each other over the course of your relationship?"

These were all very simple questions, which apparently Nya couldn't answer. Ada didn't understand her struggle, unless… Unless… Ada stared at Nya, long and hard. "You don't leave the one you love…not willingly. Nor do you cheat on them with their best friend. You didn't love Jay…but now you do, I suspect."

Nya covered her face with her hands and sobbed. And there it was. The unspoken question of: "What do I do now?" Ada didn't envy Nya…not in the slightest. And regardless of what the other woman said—that "everything's fine" was a load of rubbish. Something had to have changed, or was in the process of changing. And whether or not it was between her and Jay, her and Cole, or even Jay and Cole, there would be some consequences. Nothing in this world was so simple and clean.

Ada scooted over toward her nightstand and retrieved a small packet of tissues. She opened it and offered them to Nya, which she took gladly. Given some time to compose herself and dry her eyes, Nya expelled a long, shaky breath. She then swallowed and opened her mouth. "I thought long and hard about my decision, Ada. I really did. I even conducted scientific experiments to help justify my decision."

"Love cannot be categorized as a science, Nya," Ada refuted sternly, a memory of her parents flashing in her mind. "It is an emotion and cannot be inserted into any equation. Truly!" She was scolding the younger woman and she knew it. But the situation was somewhat maddening. Such foolishness! Emotions could never be interpreted as numbers, or measured into kilograms, liters, or even moles! Love was not a calculation of the mind! It was about how one felt! Their feelings! The very definition of emotions!

"Jay said…something similar…" At Nya's crestfallen expression, Ada's anger slowly dissipated. This was unprecedented—her losing her composure this way. And worst still, she was lecturing someone she barely even knew. It was none of her business. Besides, if Jay exposed her folly already…then that's good enough for me. "I really did the best I could, Ada. But…I messed up, didn't I?"

"Yes, and on more than one occasion." Ada spared no one's feelings, just like she wouldn't want anyone to spare hers. If they wanted her opinion, then she would give it without hesitation. Maturity would amount to how one handled criticism, after all. And Nya was a big girl. "But everyone makes mistakes. You can't expect to be perfect."

Nya nodded solemnly. "So then…what do I do?" Her eyes were red and puffy from crying, her cheeks flushed and tear-stained.

It was finally Ada's turn to sigh. "Nya…while I do not presume to advice on such a matter, I'll tell you what I think if you want?" At her fellow raven's inclination, she continued. "You have to try to make your relationship with Cole work. Thinking you can flip-flop between him and Jay is not only foolhardy, but insulting to the both of them as well. Now, you know them better than I do, but from what I've gathered they aren't stupid YES-men." Sharp, honeyed eyes locked with chocolate. "Are they?"

Nya looked slightly taken aback and abashed. "What? N-No, they're not stupid."

Ada dipped her head once. "Alright then. Knowing that, after everything is said and done, and you gave your all to give Cole the benefit of the doubt. If you then find out you're not as compatible as you once thought and you want to resume a relationship with Jay, you're going to have to take his feelings into consideration. If he's willing to listen, then great. But if not, then you need to move on. For being intertwined in this situation, Nya, you have no one to blame but yourself. Now, do you understand?"

Nya's lips thinned as she looked at Ada earnestly. "Yes, ma'am. I understand."

Ada wasn't innately aware of her expression, but she did know she had segued to speaking to Nya as if she was one of her subordinates. Sure she was older than the other woman by some years, but that didn't give her the right to speak so unsympathetically and harsh. But maybe that was what she needed. Had she ever verbally sparred with someone who openly criticized her before? Ada sucked her teeth. Damn those psychology classes! I'm thinking too much...

She had better do the polite thing and clarify. "As I said before, this is just my humble opinion. You are of course free to do as you please. I only ask that you prepare yourself for whatever consequences and repercussions come from your past, present, and future decisions. In other words...take responsibility."

When Nya nodded again, Ada leaned over and grabbed her watch from the nightstand. Her frowned turned into a dark scowl as she stared down at the time: 4:30 A.M. No point in catching any sleep now. Strapping the watch back onto her wrist, she stood up and stretched her arms over her head. Good thing she had ordered a coffee maker, because she was going to need one extremely tall cup of java to get through the day.

"I'm sorry I kept you up so late." Ada peered down at the younger woman, who had remained seated, her pretty features forlorn and guilty.

"Don't worry about it. I've had my share of all-nighters before, so my body and mind will adjust accordingly. I only hope my soldiers are prepared." She suddenly smirked. "Then again, they probably won't notice any difference in my behavior. I'm quite known for being…"difficult," you see."

When Nya's lips quirked up into a small grin, Ada also found hers forming a more genuine smile. "Well, Nya, what do you intend to do? Do you want to join the expedition, or stay here?"

Nya stood up beside her elder, smile still in place. "No, I'll come too. I think it's about time that I joined in on some of the action. Plus, staying here will only serve to convolute my mind further. And I am assured that Jay and Cole are in good hands with Aaron and his team tending to them."

Ada hummed her approval. "Then let's get ready. We have three exhilarating days ahead of us."

Author's Note: I'm gonna save inserting my two-cents until the beginning of the next chapter. I'm interested in reading how you guys respond first. As I've warned you all before, this is a very adult-themed story, and I'm not sparing anybody from any trials or tribulations. If Ninjago has the audacity in insert real-life themes into their fantastical world, then I'm going to treat and respond to such things with real-life scenarios, instead of making the characters react nonsensical. VelvetPersona, I understand this is a kid's show and shouldn't be judged so harshly by adults like us, but I'm sticking to my resolved guns. I respect your opinion, but you also have to respect mine too. I'll talk to you all later on the next installment.