He had been back on the Bounty for four weeks and in that time Zane had helped in his recuperation, Jay was almost ready to leave the infirmary, he had been in a constant state of sedation for over two weeks owing to pain and tissue healing. Normally a patient with injuries as severe as Jay's would have warranted a long stay in hospital, involving such teams as physiotherapists and counselling but as it was, the hospitals had been infiltrated by serpentine who were bent on revenge...not just for Jay but the entire ninja team.
No one was safe so the only option to ensure complete recuperation for everyone meant a long overdue trip back to the coast where the calming and crisp sea breeze would waft through the flying ship. Jay had only been awake for one week as pain medication had kept him effectively sedated, a chemical coma was what Zane had recommended and it was his reasoning that made the other ninja agree with him.
Sensei Wu had returned from his travels, he had spoken in great detail to everyone about new prophecies involving his students, he had also spoken to Jay once he was strong enough, the talk was calming and held no anxieties for Jay as he was almost at the stage Wu had told him to prepare for, his ultimate elemental form.
"How's the patient Zane?" Cole asked as he approached the bed which held a sleeping blue elemental ninja, "when can he come outta here...he's been here for a month now" he whined as he gently grasped his sleeping best friends hand.
"When he wakes up, we'll see how he tolerates some exercises...he will tire quickly so we will need to monitor him closely, but he is otherwise healthy now."
"Cool...ya hear that Jay, you can get outta here today, maybe join us on the deck and watch me kick fireboy's ass" Cole chuckled into Jay's ear, stroking an errant brunette hair from Jay's vision. Cole noticed that Jay's hair had grown longer and he remembered back to that fateful day when they were all fresh faced and heading to the cupcake shop after watching a movie. Jay had only had his hair cut the day before it happened because he wanted to look smart for Nya. But then their whole world was turned upside down as Cole found out just how badly Jay was hurt, he died...twice in one day. Cole's heart felt like it had been ripped in two when it happened, he stood there and watched through the semi frosted glass helplessly as they performed cpr on Jay...his best friend and his brother.
He could briefly remember the events that led up to the hospital trip but lots of it was still a blur as he lost consciousness along with his brothers, he watched as Pythor shot in their general direction but he thought he had missed as all his brothers were still standing strong. It was only then that he saw it, he turned his head to his far left and saw Jay looking painfully at his chest, he was sweating and a large wet patch was slowly appearing on his chest moving downwards, his red hand covering it...wait red hand...is that blood? Jay was deathly quiet yet his mouth was moving...no-one could hear him, but before Cole could say or do anything Skales had pressed another button and everything after that was fuzzy.
Cole shivered as the memories came flooding back and with that, he sat back with Jay's hand still in his, he wasn't willing for anything else to happen to him, Jay had been through enough.
They needed a plan, Cole wanted revenge on Pythor and Skales, he and his brothers were made to watch as the snakes ruthlessly stripped Jay of his element and then tried to kill him again but with a captive audience, he sighed deeply "oh Jay."
"Hey C-Cole snap out of it would ya...you're gonna make me cry" Jay giggled as he opened his eyes as saw his black haired friend sitting right next to his bed. He adjusted his position slightly and stretched his leg out "what time is it anyway?"
"It's almost lunchtime...surprised you can't smell it actually...Lloyd seems to be adept at making tempura prawns and sushi so that's what we're having today" Cole said licking his lips in anticipation.
"Well I guess it saves us all from your cooking" Jay teased and sat up on his bed, letting go of Cole's warm hand. He jumped out of bed energetically and did a final stretch but winced when he pushed it too far, there was still still pain in his chest where his stab wound was located. Zane had forewarned him that the scar tissue within could take months to completely heal.
"Hey no fair...my cooking skills are getting better" Cole said as he noticed Jay grimace in pain, he jumped to his feet and bent down next to him and noted his quick pained breaths "Jay take it easy bro...slow breaths...there ya go" He helped straighten Jay up and walked him out of the infirmary and into the breakfast area where Lloyd, Kai and Nya were already eating.
"Morning Jay feeling better today" Kai said with a smile as he motioned his blue brother to join him on the breakfast bench as Cole went to retrieve a plate for both him and Jay.
"Yeah I am feeling better, just gotta remember not to stretch out too much" he said as he rolled his eyes and pointed to his covered up scar, Kai smiled gently at him.
"It'll take time...that's all besides this sea air will having you feeling better in no time."
"Urgh it smells like the tide is out...I hate low tide, smells kinda fishy" Cole said as he eyed the raw sushi and pushed it away favouring the cooked tempura battered prawns.
"Well how's about a nice stroll on the beach Jay, exercise those legs otherwise the muscle will waste" Zane said as he stood towering over his seated brothers, "I believe a change of scenery would be a good exercise, it will help improve your stamina...maybe a team building exercise should be in order."
"Oh god Zane what are you planning" Lloyd cringed as anything involving the sea usually meant feeling sticky and salty afterwards.
"A relay race...three hundred metres run on the sand and hundred and fifty in the sea"
"Cool can we pick our own teams" Kai piped up "I pick Zane."
"I'll pick Nya then...you ok with that Nya?" Lloyd squeaked as he waited for her to respond.
"Sure thing Lloyd, lets see what you're made of" she chuckled and joined his side.
This left Cole and Jay and Cole looked weary all of a sudden as he stayed in his seated position, "Hey it's ok Cole, seriously stop worrying so much...I can do this...besides you heard Zane it'll be good for us and for me." Jay said as he messed up Cole's hair with both hands and then ran off giggling with Cole hot on his heels.
Jay ran into their shared sleeping quarters and sat on his old bed, he hadn't slept on it for over a month now and he missed it as well as his brothers friendly banter. Cole came storming in and jumped next to Jay grabbing his head and ruffling his hair until it resembled a mop.
They both tussled for a while and Cole tickled Jay in his ribs being careful to avoid his injured areas, Jay giggled and put his hands up in defeat.
"Ok, ok, ok you got me haaa" Jay panted with a slightly flushed face "Are ya missing her yet...you've been cooped up on this ship for so long now...you've started flirting with me" Jay teased.
"You mean Rose? Yeah I am, I phone her every other night...but what can I do...I need to stay here besides Sensei would be annoyed if I wandered off for the night."
"From what I heard it was most of the night and early morning...you're giving us guys a bad name Cole..." Jay smirked.
"Hey you still got that nurse right, you heard from her recently?"
"Yeah she sent me some photos last week and yesterday...I think she misses me hehehe."
"Hey no fair what photos let me see" Cole quizzed as he wrestled Jay for his phone, Jay watched as Cole's eyes widened "WHOA, whoa Jay this is positively pornographic" Cole says as he tips his head sideways to get a better view whilst biting his lip "mmmm fine...very nice dude...looks like she wants something from ya bro" Cole said tossing the phone back.
"Take it you'll be seeing her soon then?"
"yeah I will be... I've explained what happened, she was devastated...she cried... I don't know Cole... I mean she's hot and all and she's pretty good at what she does both physically and professionally but I just don't feel like she's the one...I mean I'll definitely arrange another night with her but I don't think I love her...just love her body and how she makes me feel." Jay frowned and shrugged his shoulders.
"Ahh that sucks Jay, but no strings relationships aren't that bad...plus side it's a repetitive one night stand with no guilt...so cheer up dude, you've still got it."
"I'll be meeting up with Rose next Friday, going to a little bar in the city if you wanna come...hey you should invite Skye even if you guys aren't serious you can still have some fun with her."
"Hehe fine I'll think about it"
"Right this relay thing...you don't have to do it however myself and Zane believe it would help to strengthen and increase your lung capacity." Cole said changing the subject somewhat whilst putting his leader of the team head on.
"No I can do it...but I want a head start and I want the run not the swim..cos ya know electricity doesn't mix well with water"
"Hmmm not too picky then sparky...fine I'll do the swim, get your exercise clothes on and meet us down on the sand when you're ready."
Cole grabbed his back shorts and figure hugging t shirt and hoodie before leaving the room leaving Jay to madly scramble for his exercise clothes, it had been a while since Jay had done any physical activity and he was a little anxious, he leaped of his bed and rummaged through his drawers, sourcing his favourite vest shirt and blue shorts...don't think I'll need a hoodie though considering I'll be running hehe.
Jay walked out of the bedroom and out onto the deck, he peered over the edge and saw everyone on the beach below, the weather was grey and cloudy but it wasn't cold, he slowly lowered himself down the chain rope to the floor below, he wasn't as quick as his brothers owing to his recent injuries but he was slowly getting back to full fitness. Each day more strength training and stamina exercises specifically tailored for Jay, no sparring allowed at least until he could protect himself.
"Hey, glad you could make it" Nya squeaked as she saw Jay approaching "remember it's just a bit of fun, so don't over do it" she added and touched Jay's upper arm as he obliviously walked past her.
"Y-yeah ok, thanks Nya" Jay said absentmindedly as he looked into her brown eyes remembering how heartless she had been a few months ago when he'd been shot. Nya was trying to get closer to him now Cole was showing no interest in her, Kai had given up trying to stop her from dating each of his ninja brethren for fear of breaking up the team. But Jay wasn't interested, Skye gave him everything he desired in the bedroom, Nya always played hard to get and then she did the lowest thing possible, she played both Jay and Cole off against each other.
Misako explained the rules to the teams, Lloyd had set up the cones to mark out running areas and Nya had set up water buoys to mark out the water course.
"Ok, listen up...because I will not be repeating the rules, the runner will run two hundred metres up to the shoreline where they will tag their team mate, the team mate will swim out to the furthest red buoy and then back again as fast as they can, once they are back on the shore line they will tag the runner who will run the remainder of the course, which should be approximately two hundred metres again."
"Oh man...I didn't realise I'd be running four hundred metres maybe I should've chosen the swim" Jay whined as Cole nudged him.
"Hey no backing out now bro...this'll be good for ya" Cole giggled "Seriously though Jay don't push yourself too much ok, if it begins to hurt, or you feel pain, then stop, don't battle through just stop ok!"
"Yeah ok Dad...omg Cole...staaahp already, you don't need to worry about me bro...I'll be fine...Now go and get into your position" Jay sad walking to his starting point and getting into position to run the first long distance to the shoreline, each team mate got into their starting position with their corresponding team mate waiting near the shoreline, Kai was running as was Lloyd, both were extremely competitive neither of them noticed Jay who cracked his knuckles in anticipation of the klaxon being pressed.
Jay realised he would get no head start, maybe they had forgotten...ah well it didn't really matter, he still had to run back afterwards, he smirked as he watched Misako sound the klaxon before he set of at break neck speed down the beach, the sand underfoot was soft and quite difficult to run of but Jay miraculously managed to cover a large amount of ground gaining a good distance between him and his two brothers. Jay saw Cole waiting eagerly to be tagged, he looked impressed as Jay had sped to his current location as if by beams of electricity, blurring out he was going so fast.
'Ahh this feels good...Zane was right...so energetic.' Jay thought.
"Whoa Jay, how did ya get here so fast?" Cole quizzed as he saw Lloyd and Kai looking at Jay in bewildered shock and awe.
"Omg what does it matter...just go..GO!" Jay hissed turning and seeing Lloyd and Kai approach their team mates, both out of breath and panting heavily "omg Cole go already."
Cole swam away as fast as he could towards the first buoy, his muscles beginning to ache as the feeling of lactic acid was building up, the muscle pain spurred him on, he knew how to work through the burn and he did so efficiently. He changed his stroke to front crawl as he swam the last stretch, Nya appeared to be cheating somewhat as she was using her element to propel herself faster so she got to the shoreline first allowing her to tag Lloyd who then starting running back up the steep beach to the finish line.
Cole got out of the water and ran up to Jay who was waiting patiently with a smirk, he winked when Cole tagged him, earning a puzzled but worried glance from the master of earth. "Jay...I mean it...don't push yourself" he shouted to nothingness as Jay promptly sped away disappearing faster than a snowball in hell. He was quick..too fast, he didn't even look like he was trying to race as he ran side ways past Kai and put both his thumbs up with a wink overtaking the ninja of fire before claiming the win for his team.
"Can I get a whoop...yay team Cole...team Jay" he looked around at all of his team mates except for Wu and Misako everyone else was panting and struggling for breath, sweat pouring of Lloyd and Kai, Jay was fine however, he could do it again "whoo can we do it again? that was wicked...I feel electrified whooo."
"Hmmm this is new Jay, I strongly suggest you get some rest, you seem to be tapping into your elemental powers more so than before"Sensei Wu said "I advise caution Jay, if you allow your body to use your power like thus you will weaken quickly and in doing so, you'll be putting your team at risk...you are all finely tuned elemental ninja, your elements work in sync with your body and in conjunction with your brothers and Nya."
Wu said all he needed to before congratulating Jay and Cole on their team working skills before he turned and walked back towards the Bounty.
"You sure you're ok...I've never seen you run like that before" Cole asked looking concerned for his younger blue ninja of lightning.
"Yeah, yeah I-Im fine..." Jay sat down on the sand and lay his head back yawning loudly "just come over really tired though."
"Do you wanna go back to the Bounty then...to sleep it off cos it looks like the guys and Nya are staying down here for a bit?"
"Y-yeah stay for a bit" Jay yawned again stretching out his long legs, he looked up at the sky as the clouds separated to reveal a beautiful blue sky, the beams of pure sunshine creating a golden transparent glittering curtain which rained down upon the beach. The moment it touched Jay he smiled, he looked positively ecstatic and full of energy.
Cole sat next to him and lay down on his side facing Jay "I never told you this Jay but I thought I'd lost you back in the hospital, well both times actually"
Jay didn't respond verbally, he turned his head to Cole as he listened empathetically as his best friend relieved some of his worst memories.
"The first time your heart stopped was after they took the bullet out, the nurses wouldn't tell me anything and then you flat lined in recovery too bro...it was touch and go...I wanted to make those snakes talk, see what the hospital were playing at..I could have done it for you Jay...I could've killed the serpentine"
"Yeah I know Cole" Jay comforted his black ninja of earth "its good to hear you talk about it, I realise it must have affected all of you at some point though"
"Jay you nearly died...I couldn't lose you...I tried so hard to keep you safe, but those snakes had found another way, I should have seen it...ya know been a better leader perhaps"
"Cole you can't blame yourself bro, we had no idea of their plans."
"The last hospital you went to...well the doctor had us try to sign you over to the organ donor register, they thought you were a gonner, they had given up on you. Zane figured it all out though, we had to use the defib paddles and restraints...Oh god Jay it was really difficult to see you like that...I had to trust him though... to save you. But your face and the pain before we did it and during the procedure is something I'll never be able to erase."
"You don't seem to talk about it though Jay...it is good to talk to share...and I'm always here remember, I'm your best friend and I've got your back." Cole said as he stroked Jays upper arm.
"Cole that was deep bro haha, ya know I'm not ready to talk about it just yet...it's still too fresh in my mind, the nightmares...well" Jay stopped abruptly and sighed , the sun light warming him up leaving a rosy glow to his exposed skin "maybe I need a night out...some alcohol would make me open up hehe."