Chapter 8- The Incredibly Unlikely Magic Teapot

"It's a teapot. Not a lamp. But it's the same deal. Three wishes."

"I heard you actually get unlimited wishes, if you're lucky enough to find it."

"It'll give you anything."

"Did you hear Turner found it? They say that's the only reason he graduated last year."

Jay heard these rumors and more through the week, as people who had no idea what they were talking about pretended they did. The further the stories spread, the more wild they became. Half of his grade was now convinced Principal Garmadon was actually immortal, and that he was the teapot's original owner.

And that the engineering teacher, Borg, had lost his legs due to a wish gone terribly wrong. Jay even heard rumors about Cole himself, and how his charms and skills were nothing more than magic.

He did his best to ignore the stories. They would die out, as everything did. Whoever had actually found the teapot would ultimately run out of wishes, or realize that it wasn't worth the trouble. Then all would be well again.

And even if things didn't die out, it wasn't like Jay was personally responsible for the teapot. Yes, he'd been the one to bring it (and lose it) within the school. But the teapot and the Djinn within it had been around for centuries. It was unfair to pin the task of keeping an eye on it on any one person.

Despite the rumors filling him with bleary foreboding, Jay was having an excellent week. Cole had permanently joined their table during lunch, despite Kai and Zane having returned to their original seats.

There was a tension between the three friends after the loss of Spin Harmony, causing them to drift further and further from one another. Jay hated seeing Cole pretend he wasn't torn up about the fact, but he couldn't deny having Cole so close by was intoxicatingly amazing.

"So." Nya spoke loudly, demanding attention of her friends. "I'm sure by now, we've all heard of this magic wishing lamp."

Jay swallowed a bite of his food before correcting. "Teapot."

"Teapot." Nya nodded. "What do you think about it? Do you think it's real?"

Cole thought for a moment. "No. People make things up all the time. I mean, magic wishes? It seems. . . far-fetched."

"I think it's real." Lloyd said. "I mean, I'm sure my dad isn't some sort of immortal being, and some of the things people are saying are definitely lies but. . . You can't have these many people talking without there being some sort of truth."

"Exactly!" Nya's eyes shone. "I'm with Lloyd. I've been trying to track the rumor down to a source but. . . it's no good."

Cole turned his head in Jay's direction. "What do you think, Jay?"

Even after spending a good amount of time with Cole, Jay still felt a flutter inside each time the guy said his name. He looked up at his crush. Cole sat across from him, giving Jay both an excellent view, and closeness that wasn't too uncomfortable.

"I don't think it's real either." Jay lied. The more distance between himself and the teapot, the better. "It seems silly."

"You're just agreeing because you li-"

Jay stomped on Lloyd's foot hard, stopping any more words from flowing out of his friend's mouth. "Because I'm being logical about this."

"Jeez," Lloyd complained, squinting his eyes towards Jay. "Yeah. Logical. That's so you."

"Well, let's pretend we all agree it is real." Nya pushed on. "What if we found it?"

"Why would we want to do that?" Jay muttered.

"Why wouldn't we want to do that?" Nya countered. "You're the one that was bringing up wishes the other day. Why the sudden anti-magic?"

Jay shrugged. Nya and Lloyd continued to exchange rumors, working together to single out the main source. Jay half ignored them and continued to eat. Cole did the same.

"I'm glad I'm not the only sane one around here." Cole joked, giving Jay a small smile.

"And I'm glad you're sitting with us." Jay spoke without thinking, then fumbled to fix his blunt statement. "So that I'm not the only one that's- You know, so we can be, so we can team up. Against them. Lloyd and Nya."

"Heck yeah." Cole held up his hand for a high five, which Jay dutifully gave. "We make the best team."

"I've heard the rumors going around school."

Jay looked up from his notebook. Mrs. Garmadon seemed to be looking straight at him. "About a magic teapot, moving from student to student. Granting wishes and such. Well, whoever started this tale I hope you guys know that the artifact is very much real. The Teapot of Tyrahn. It's got a good story attached to it."

"Oh, and the rumor about Garmadon? Don't tell him I told you, but it's definitely true."

A couple of people snickered. Jay watched his teacher intently, wondering what she was leading up to. "Either way, this whole thing gave me a great idea for a project.

"There are plenty of places throughout Ninjago that are a big part of its history. I want you all to go to one of these places, and find out as much information as you can about them. Take pictures. Write up a good report about it. Then I'll let you teach the class about whatever you chose.

"So make sure to talk amongst yourselves, so that none of you pick the same place. You can work with someone in a different class if you would like, but it the end I want it to be your own words I'm hearing.

"We'll make it due. . . Let's say three weeks from now. That is more than enough time to come up with something good. Blow my mind, please."

For the rest of the class, Jay could hardly focus. Even if the deadline was eons away, he could picture presenting well enough to feel anxious. Not only that, but he couldn't think of a single place to visit.

I'll just. . . tag along with Nya. Jay thought to himself. She was sure to think of somewhere interesting.

At the end of the day, however, Jay received a text that changed his meager plan of action. Jay stared at his phone in disbelief, biting his lips as they attempted to smile. It was Cole. Suggesting they pick a place together. Offering to drive them there.

As the bus began to roll forward, Jay calmed his giddiness enough to try answer.

That sounds awesome! He typed. Then deleted the words

Good idea Delete again

Deal! Jay stared at the word for a while. Then, Nya reached over and pressed send.

"Nya!" Jay's scream was high-pitched and shrill. "No!"

"It was fine. You're overthinking it! You're welcome." Nya smiled but Jay continued to frown.

"Not cool. Don't do that! What if I'd written something stupid?"

"I read it, don't worry."

"Oh so now you're reading my messages? That's even worse!"

"You're literally cramped into a seat with me. What am I supposed to do?"

"Mind your own business, that's what!"

"Okay, okay." Nya held her hands up in defeat. "I'm sorry. I won't peek anymore. But sweet. He's asking you to work with him! That's amazing, Jay."

"It's. . . Pretty cool." Jay admitted, feeling his chest swell with emotion. "You- you could work with us too though if you wanted. I was going to ask you first, actually. But you can come with us!"

"No that's okay. I've got a thick-headed brother to take care of. Seriously, can you believe I'm the younger one? If it wasn't for me Kai wouldn't get anywhere." Nya glanced over at her brother. Since he and Cole were momentarily not on speaking terms, Kai was stuck in the bus. His head was down, and he slumped against the seat in a defeated manner. Nya shook her head. "You need to talk to Cole about Kai. Look at him. He's a mess."

Jay looked. "Why me? I mean, Kai should just. . . Cole should just. . . They should just . . . talk."

"They should, but they won't. Which is why you need to say something. Aside from Zane and Kai, you're the closest one to Cole now. And if he won't listen to them. . . then. . . that leaves you."

"I guess so. I'll try." Jay said. "But no promises."

Cole felt as if each day were stubbornly trying to be worse than the last.

He'd always considered himself to be lucky. Sure, his dad was overbearing, and yes, sometimes he wished he had the guts to step up and take charge of his own life. Generally speaking, however, Cole's life had always gone smoothly. In the end, things worked out.

Not any longer.

Every day it was something. From spilling soda in his freshly washed clothes, to completely forgetting about important assignments. The day simply couldn't go by without making him suffer. It was beyond exhausting.

It was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain a positive attitude. He hated being anything but kind, but Cole's frustrations kept piling up, pushing him closer and closer to a breaking point. He could feel the edge in his voice when he spoke to others.

To top it all off, Kai and Zane were keeping their distance. Cole knew they thought he was upset at them, but truth was, Cole just couldn't find the will to talk through everything, and if they didn't show any initiative to fix things, well, he wouldn't either.

But, well, at least there was Jay.

Cole could feel himself becoming increasingly attached to the guy.

Which was why the moment the project on historical landmarks had come up, his brain instantly hopped to having Jay as a partner. Since it was school related, his father would have no other choice than to let Cole skip all extra-curricular activities for one afternoon.

One whole afternoon. With nothing to worry about. Nothing but Jay's comfortable company.

And well, doing the actual work. But to Cole that was beside the point.

Deal!

The response made Cole smile. He read the word in Jay's somewhat over-excitable voice.

As he drove home, Cole thought back once more at his unspoken question. Do you have a crush on me?

Part of him thought Jay did. Part of him still thought he was being a bit egotistical. And surprisingly enough, there was now a third part. A subtle voice inside him that Cole wasn't exactly sure was real, or simply the result of his overtired mind.

The third part hoped Jay liked him. Because, maybe, Cole was developing a crush of his own.

Could I call you?

Jay sat outside his trailer, staring at the text. He'd mentioned to Cole that he wasn't all too comfortable with phone calls. It had been nothing more than a small, passing comment. Yet Cole had remembered. Jay's insides fluttered with warmth.

The more he got to know Cole, the more his feelings deepened.

Sure, Jay ultimately answered, after overthinking dozens of other replies.

Seconds ticked, and his phone lit up with Cole's name. Jay answered quickly. "What's up?"

I just have a bit of time before dance class. Figured I'd talk to you. Cole paused. Jay thought about saying something, but wound up elongating the silence instead. Sorry though! I know you don't like phone calls.

"Don't worry about it," Jay said, then shut his eyes, before adding a final, risky sentence. "You can be my exception."

Sweet! I must be special then, huh?

Jay made a sound which could have been interpreted either way. "So the-um, the project. You got any ideas?"

Actually, no. I'll try to come up with something later.

"I can find us something!" Jay half-shouted, far too eager to be helpful. "I can, I mean I know your schedule gets kind of hectic. I've literally got nothing on my plate. So let me handle it."

That would be awesome. And yeah. Hectic is an understatement. Ever since I skipped school dad has been all over me. Extra tutoring here, which I don't need!, more after-school classes, and he's now taking me to different performances every week.

"I'm sorry. . ." Jay said, and he was. He knew all too well the reason Cole's life was crumbling.

It's not your fault, Cole said, and Jay's heart twisted. I'm the one that thought it would be a good idea to skip school. Not that I regret it. It was the best.

"Hope you've been practicing your gaming skills. I'm testing you next time."

Oh no! Man. I'm definitely going to fail. I haven't had time to go since we went together.

"Well," Jay drew a circle on the ground with his finger. He was sort of glad Cole couldn't see his face. He was sure it was just as red as Kai's favorite hoodie. "You could always bribe the teacher into letting you off the hook."

Bribe, huh? And what does the teacher like?

"W-well, I'm partial to anything that's sweet, if I'm honest."

Well, I'm a pretty sweet guy, so doesn't that mean I'm automatically good to go?

"Maybe." Jay choked on air as he said the word. Was this flirting? Were they flirting? No, right? No. "I'll have to think about it."

Dang it. I've got to go. Cole said, and Jay pouted. I'll um, I'll text you about when we can meet up for the project. I'll have to talk to my dad about it.

"Sounds good. I'll look it- I'll look up things. Look things up."

See ya, Jay!

"Bye." Jay said softly. The call ended. "Cole."

Jay sat in Nya's room, scrolling through different possible places for him and Cole to go.

"There's Yang's haunted temple. That thing is old, right?"

"Yes." Nya laid on the bed beside him, staring up into the ceiling. "Pretty old. It would count. Plus, it's got spooky factor. Excuse to hold Cole?"

"Fair point." Jay allowed himself to giggle at the thought of it, before becoming serious again. "I'll uh- I'll jot it down as a possibility."

"What else you got?"

"There's. . . Ouroboros. But that's way in the middle of the desert. I don't even know if they allow people in there."

"Breaking and entering. Romantic setting for a first date."

"It's not a date." Jay nudged Nya's shoulder, but he couldn't keep himself from smiling. "We're working together on a school thing. That's got to be the furthest thing from romantic."

Nya shrugged, then waved one of her hands, instructing him to keep going.

"There's the underground tunnels, with all those Stone Army statues."

"Hard pass. They only do group tours. You won't have much one on one time."

"That's all I've got so far."

Nya's phone buzzed beside her, and she rolled over, propping herself up on her elbows. Jay waited for her to say something. Her expression went from nonchalance to concern.

"What?"

"Sally Octavius. She's a junior in Lloyd's class. She went missing."

"Missing?"

"Last thing Lloyd heard from her was that she'd found the teapot. They don't actually talk so he just heard it in passing but. . . Heck. It's got to be real."

Jay felt cold and hot all over, and he hoped the expression of terror on his face passed off as concerned for their missing classmate. His throat when dry, and he cleared it forcefully. Missing? It didn't seem right. Yes, he knew the teapot was real. Yes, the Djinn hadn't been terribly friendly. But he hadn't seemed dangerous.

"We can't know that the teapot and her going missing are connected," Jay said at last. "I mean, a lot of people have said they've found it. We can't really trust random gossip Lloyd happened to hear."

"I don't know Jay, there's something about this. I'm telling you. It feels real." Nya bit her lip. "And if it's dangerous. . ."

"All the more reason to not go off looking for it, right?" Jay wondered what would happen if they did find it, and the Djinn revealed they'd seen one another before. He was in no hurry to find out.

"All the more reason to look for it. We can't have something like at school. We've got to get rid of it."

"Why! It's not our responsibility."

"Because it's the right thing to do, that's why." Nya scrambled to her feet, slinging her backpack over her shoulder. She watched as the school bus turned into her street. A determined look flashed through her eyes. "I'm going to look for it."

Jay chuckled weakly. "I really wish you wouldn't."