CHAPTER NINE- Cause and Effect

AFTER

"Oh. Yeah. I lost your hoodie."

Jay leaned against Cole's side, snuggling up into his warm arms. They'd both found a somewhat comfortable couch, precariously placed atop a mound of junk. It was probably not the safest place to sit, but passing up the view was impossible.

"Really?"

"I mean, I didn't lose it. I guess Krux took it when he was looking for the drive." Jay fidgeted with his own shirt as he spoke. It felt weird, not having the extra layer of security. But he supposed he didn't need it. Cole's arms were infinitely better.

"You'll just have to buy me a new one sometime."

"Aye, aye." Jay said. "Has Kai called you back? Did he find Nya?"

"I'm sure they're fine. Nya wasn't at OverCorp so I imagine Ronin just left her behind. She wasn't his assignment after all."

"You sound like you know him."

"Sort of. I mean, he's a reliable guy. As long as you pay well."

"He's mean that's what he is." Jay thought about the familiarity of Ronin's voice. He thought about mentioning it, but what was there to say? Every time Jay tried to tie the voice to a memory, he just wound up with a headache.

As the clock ticked, Jay's eyes began to droop. He was so tired. But he didn't want to stop talking. There was so much he wanted to know. "How did Garmadon find you? Help you? Hire you? Whatever?"

"He'd had his eye on me for a while, apparently. Not sure if I should find it flattering or creepy, but I'm happy enough to have gotten the job."

"And another chance at life."

"That, yeah."

"Can you . . . Can you ghost yourself, whenever? Or is there like a certain requirement?"

"Whenever."

"How come I never saw you, if you were keeping an eye on me?"

"I don't have to be visible if I don't want to be."

"Hmm," Jay's eyes shut, but he kept his mind from following. "What's- What's going to happen now?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean . . . am I supposed to stay hiding, forever? My parents may have- may have kept me safe but . . . Krux or Wu or Garmadon, couldn't they have followed us? Couldn't they find us? I don't want my parents hurt because of me."

"I won't let them get hurt."

"I don't want you hurt because of me, either."

"I won't be."

Jay made a soft sound of disapproval, but he wasn't awake enough to argue. "The news report. How did you fake that?"

"Oh, that was all Zane. One of my dad's friends did the acting, then Zane broadcasted it just for the people we needed to trick."

"I get that you would have needed proof for Garmadon and Wu but . . . I already believed it. You didn't-" Jay jolted up, a rush of adrenaline snapping his consciousness awake. "Wait. Wait. Your dad. He knew!?"

"Oh. Well. Yeah."

Ugh. People were far too good at lying for Jay's comfort. He nuzzled himself further into Cole's body with a pout. "Of course he did. Man. I'm an idiot, aren't I?"

"You're not. You're not the only one that believed it. But you are the only one to find the truth on your own."

"I guess so."

With nothing more to say, Jay's mind managed to finally sleep. Real, peaceful sleep, not the forced oblivion he had been dealing with lately. No car accidents, no being knocked out, just him, and his boyfriend's arms.

The sleep didn't last long. Or at least, it didn't feel long. All too soon, Jay felt his shoulder being firmly shaken, tentatively at first, then with more urgency. Cole's voice followed. "Jay."

Jay didn't answer. Maybe if he ignored it, he'd be allowed to keep sleeping.

"Jay, we gotta go."

"Hm?"

Cole forced Jay to sit up. Jay wobbled, struggling to force his eyelids to part.

"What?" Jay rubbed his eyes as they adjusted to the rising sunlight. Cole stood beside him, squinting at the edge of the junkyard. Jay followed his gaze. There were small shapes approaching. Many of them. But he couldn't make out what they were.

"Sorry. But I think they found us."

"So soon?"

"Can you fight, do you think? I don't think running will work. There's nowhere to go." Cole's eyes shifted, as if he were weighing many sets of options. His features were scrunched up with worry.

"I mean, I can cause damage somewhat intentionally. But I'm not too sure I'd call my awkward flailing fighting."

"It'll have to do. Come on."

"Okay, but what are we dealing with? I can't- Oh."

Instead of following the mountain of junk, Jay stayed still, rooted to the spot by the sight before him. The shapes were close enough now, to be distinguishable. His eyes filled with both fear and annoyance. Threats just couldn't keep out his way, could they?

Climbing over the walls that surrounded the junkyard, were skeletons. They were all armed with different weapons, each just as sharp and deadly as the last. Their eye sockets glowed with red pupils, and they advanced forward at a steady pace.

"Skeletons. Yeah, okay. Why not at this point, you know?"

"Jay, come on"

Jay teared his eyes away from the sight, and back toward Cole. He climbed to the ground quickly, bouncing on his toes to try and get some sparks flowing. Problem was, he was tired. And, somehow, with Cole beside him, he wasn't afraid enough to trigger anything.

"You know who we're here for." One of the skeletons stepped forward, clearly labeling himself as the leader. He was the largest of the bunch, with four arms instead of two, and a mean, commanding scowl. In one of his hands, he held a pair of handcuffs. They stood out to Jay because they didn't seem to be made of metal.

"There are too many. I counted about thirty of them for each of us. Are you quite sure we should fight?" Zane trotted up to stand beside Cole. He held sharp silver shuriken in each of his hands.

"I'm not sure about anything." Cole laughed, but Jay could see he was afraid. His hands were shaking. "No. Yes. I'm sure. Jay can take them. There might be a lot of them, but they're weak."

"And you would know that how?" Seeing Cole's reaction to the oncoming threat had made him nervous enough to create some sparks. But they were small. Almost harmless.

"Just trust me."

"Alright . . ." But Zane and Jay said the word, both with the same amount of hesitation. The three of them turned to face the oncoming threat.

With a shrill battle cry, the four-armed skeleton rushed forward, followed by all the others. The sight made Jay stumbled back, and he was finally able to conjure up enough lightning to use as a weapon.

Cole had been right. The skeletons were weak. But they were endless. No matter how many Jay broke apart with an electric whip, dozens of others would take their place. He quickly lost sight of Zane and Cole, able to focus only on the threats in front of him.

Dodge. Attack. Dodge again. Jay barely felt the weapons as they grazed him. His skin healed before it even had a chance to bleed. Things felt good. For a moment. Until the fatigue of it all hit.

Jay's arms and head felt heavy. His reaction time slowed. He longed to create a storm above him, to wipe away everything in one fell swoop. He knew he was capable of it. But his body wouldn't listen.

One of the skeletons managed to shove him to the ground. Jay slammed against one of the junkyard's walls, finally realizing how far from the others he'd been pushed. He could no longer hear them.

"Can't we talk about this?" Jay laughed softly, pushing the enemies looming closer with another wave of electricity. It wasn't even enough to hurt them. Just an obnoxious little shove. "You don't have to kidnap me. We could be friends! I'm sure you're all very nice."

The skeletons around him broke into mocking laughter. It was an uncomfortable sound. Jay tried to crawl back further. "Kidnap? We-"

"Duck, Jay!"

The command was so abrasive, Jay wasn't able to question it. He curled further into himself, throwing his hands over his head for good measure. There was a loud explosion. A rush of wind and dirt slammed against him.

Thud! Someone had landed directly before him. Jay uncovered his head, coming face to face with a pair of white boots. His sight continued upward, to discovered that everything his rescuer wore was white. Before Jay could question the odd fashion statement, he reached the face of his new hero.

Familiar features, in the same way that Krux's had been. He'd seen this face on TV and billboards, part of a world Jay had never expected to touch.

Chief Wu reached his hand down to help Jay stand. Jay took it, if a bit hesitantly. He did his best to smile. "Looks like the cavalry arrived just in time."

Behind Wu, the overwhelming number of skeletons was quickly dwindled down to nothing, by the hands of the old man's crew. A shout of Retreat! Echoed through the junkyard. The skeletons did not hesitate to obey.

Jay took a step forward, almost shouting out for Cole. Then he remembered, his boyfriend was supposed to be dead.

A hand on his shoulder stopped him before he could move any further. Jay looked up at Wu. The old man's eyes had an intensity that made Jay want to shrink.

"Thank you. For- For, yeah. But I need to check on-"

"Jay Walker." Wu stated his name in a stiff manner. "You are under arrest for attacks on Ninjago city.

BEFORE

It was the final day of filming. And Jay wasn't taking it well.

They'd grown pretty close over the last few weeks. So when Cole had told him this was the last day he'd be at OverCorp . . . Well. Jay had broken into tears.

Cole felt as if he were standing in a very bright and burning spotlight. He was sure that, at any moment, an adult would burst into the room and chastise him for making Jay cry. Cole waved toys in his friend's face, but he was beyond consolation.

"I'm sorry!" Cole didn't even think Jay could hear him. "I'll- I gotta go. Okay? I just- Um. I wanted to- I'm sorry."

Cole took a few steps back. With a sigh, he turned away, and pushed the door open.

Then, he slammed against the floor.

Jay had pushed him! Not just that, he'd pushed past him. In the blur of involuntary tears that washed over Cole's eyes, he saw Jay's small legs rushing down the hall.

"Jay, wait!" Cole stood, wiping away the tears. There was a bit of blood running down his nose, but he couldn't feel it. The only thing in his head was, I'm in trouble. So much trouble!

As he turned a corner, he just caught sight of Jay sneaking into one of the labs. Cole followed him, turning his voice into a hushed whisper. "Jay. You have to . . . go. . . back . . ."

Cole's mouth gaped at the sight before him, words fading into silence. He stepped up beside Jay. A machine towered above them both. Shining metal outlining a perfect circle. A control panel to the side. And within the circle, a swirling green light.

"What is- What is that?" Cole wanted to get closer. But he also wanted to run back.

"It's mom's!" Jay smiled. Aside from the dried tears on his cheeks, there was no sign he'd been bawling seconds before. "It's a time machine."

"Time machine?" Cole didn't believe it. Jay was probably making it up. He had a tendency to do that.

"Yup!"

Cole tugged on Jay's wrist. "We should go back to your room, okay Jay?"

"No. I'm gonna use the time machine so you can stay with me all over again!" Cole doubted Jay knew how to operate the machine well enough to do that. But when Jay stepped forward, Cole pulled back. "Let go! I'm-"

Cole pressed his hand against Jay's mouth. Two shapes were forming within the swirling light of the machine. "Someone's coming!"

Jay struggled, but Cole was stronger. He pulled him back, hiding them both behind one of the many lab tables around the room.

The sound of stumbling steps suddenly crashing against the floor made both Jay and Cole jump. Cole's grip on Jay fell, but his friend made no attempt to move now.

"We're back." Said a voice.

"Seems like it. You know what I have to do, don't you?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I know."

There was a flash of light. Jay peeked around the table, blue eyes glowing as they took in the scene. Cole shrunk further into himself.

"They're going to break it!" Jay's scream was loud. There was no way anyone could have missed it. He then jumped up, running toward his mother's machine.

"Jay, don't!" Cole crawled and stumbled forward, reaching out.

Something had rooted Jay to the spot. Cole was moving too fast to stop. He slammed straight into his friend's back. With a yelp, they both fell forward.

Straight into the machine's swirling lights.

AFTER

Before Jay could speak, Wu slapped a pair of handcuffs on his wrists.

"Wait, no. I wasn't- I mean I didn't- well I did but-"

"It's alright, Jay. I know. I understand. But after what was reported on the news, the people of Ninjago are frightened. Still, you cooperate, and I'll help you." The old man seemed genuinely regretful about the situation. Jay found himself doubting the man's feelings. "Is it a deal?"

"Doesn't look like I get a choice."

Zane trotted up to the scene, freezing to the spot as he took in the sight of Wu. "Jay. You are alright."

"Well, I wasn't torn apart by skeletons. But I'm not sure about saying I'm alright." Jay held up the cuffs, even though Zane couldn't have missed them.

"Zane." Wu spoke the name with respect. There was clearly a bit of history. "Is my brother here?"

"No. It is only me. I was tasked with keeping Jay safe." Zane lied quickly and efficiently. Or. Well. Jay supposed it wasn't too much of a lie. He had been tasked with keeping Jay safe. Just not by Garmadon, as Wu probably believed.

"Well, I'll take it from here. I hope that won't be an issue."

"It is alright." If Zane was worried, or startled, or anything, he didn't show it. It freaked Jay out. Was everyone this good at hiding their feelings? "Jay, I will keep in touch."

"O-okay."

Wu led Jay to his car, giving swift orders to the people he'd brought with him. Drive here, check this, fix that. Everything Wu said was then executed to perfection.

The first thought Jay had about Wu's car, was that it was considerably smaller than Garmadon's limousine. Jay wasn't the tallest person around, by any means, but his legs still felt awkwardly cramped in the backseat.

Wu sat on the driver's seat. Jay fiddled with the handcuffs. " I didn't know people in private organizations could make arrests."

"We can, in special circumstances. And you, Jay, are nothing if not a special circumstance." The old man gave a soft chuckle. "But you don't need me to tell you that, do you?"

Jay shrugged.

"Why didn't you come talk with me at the hospital? We could have avoided these unpleasantries. I know you're not really a threat, Jay. I don't think you meant to harm anyone."

"Harm? What?"

"At the hospital. You caused a bit of damage. There was brief blackout. Luckily the back up generators kicked in quickly but . . . " Wu shook his head. "There were some casualties. With a bit of control though, Jay, you could be good for this city. You have more than enough potential."

Jay leaned back against the seat. He didn't really feel like he could be good for anything. Not only that, but he was getting really tired of being told what to do. Who he should be. Of being a means to an end, a pawn in plans he didn't understand.

"Wouldn't you like to protect Ninjago, Jay?"

"The only thing I'd really like is to lose the handcuffs."

The moment they arrived at Ninjago's police department, things became a blur. Pictures were taken, papers were signed, rooms were traversed. Through it all, Wu stuck by Jay's side, trying to be a reassuring presence. But he didn't make Jay feel any better. Not with his endless commentary, on how much potential Jay held beneath his skin.

When Jay was finally left behind in a holding cell, he felt almost relieved. It was cramped and uncomfortable and stinky, but it was quiet.

Jay sat back against the bed. It felt like nothing more than a slab of steel, even with the mattress. The cuffs were gone now, but they'd left a thin red line around his skin.

"Now what?"

That was the question, wasn't it? Voicing it didn't give Jay any ideas. He guessed the only thing he could really do now, was wait. Cole would probably show up sooner or later.

Doing nothing was agonizing. Jay paced the length of the small holding cell. He laid on the bed, quickly discovering there was no comfortable way to do this. He moved to the bars, leaning as far forward as he could. Trying to make out his surroundings

A door opened somewhere to Jay's right. He couldn't see anyone yet, but his mind flipped through a sea of names and faces. Cole? Zane? Kai? Nya? Dareth? Garmadon? Wu?

Snake?

Clancee. Jay remembered the name of the serpentine as he stepped closer. He wore an officer's uniform, but Jay couldn't see how it could have fooled anyone. With the fangs and the bright green scales, there was no chance for Clancee to blend in.

"I have a m-m-message for you." Clancee spoke softly, his head shifting from one end of the hall to the other. He then searched through his uniform, which was too big for his small frame. The sleeves had been folded over more than once. "Here you go."

The snake held out a small note. Jay didn't take it. "From who?"

"Who else? Krux! He w-wanted me to tell you, you need to make a choice by the end of the day." Clancee waved the note forward, urging Jay to take it. "C-come on. I don't- I don't have all day to just stand here."

"Make a choice? How am I supposed to choose anything if I'm stuck in here?" Jay grabbed the note. He unfolded it carefully.

There wasn't much to it. But even with seven words, it was enough to make Jay sick.

Let's make a trade. You, for Cole.