The air is sweltering and almost suffocating. I need to run away, but my legs have turned to stone. There are people running all around me, screaming in pain and terror while I just stand here, frozen despite the heat. I open my mouth to yell for help, but the air chokes the words from my throat. Someone's screaming my name from behind me, and when I turn I see my father, standing in a pillar of flame.

"Dad," I cough, reaching out for him. "Help."

He holds his hand out to me, and I strain to reach it. Our fingertips brush against each other, but before I can get a grasp, a wall of flames erupts between us, shoving us apart.

"Dad!" I scream, searching for some sign of him in the blaze. "Dad, where are you?"

The flames close in, pressing against me with their unimaginable heat. I scream again and again, but there's no one to help me. All I can do is cry as the flames completely engulf my being.

"Ash? Ash!"

My eyes fly open and I blink a few times, gasping heavily. When my vision clears I realize I'm in my bed and Cole is leaning over me. My chest is tight, choking any air that struggles down my throat. My vision pops painfully.

"I can't breathe," I cough as my lungs shrivel to raisins. "I can't-"

"Calm down, you're here with us," he says as he takes hold of my arm. "Focus on my voice, okay? Take a deep breath. Pretend you're in the safest place in the world."

I close my eyes and try to slow my breathing, concentrating all of my power into imagining a safe place. I think of my father's dojo, of training there every day with him, but all I can think of when trying to imagine home is the roaring flames. I force my mind somewhere else.

Safe I drum in my head as my throat chokes. Safe.

The image in my mind changes to a much earlier memory- my first breakfast here on the ship. Despite the dread in my stomach I remember the laughter and friendliness and jokes and delicious food that made me forget just for a second about everything horrible the world offers me. My heart slows and I open my eyes as the dots fade from my vision and my breathing finally drops. My gaze focuses on Cole above me.

"You okay?" he asks, and I manage a nod.

"Thank you," I cough in a weak voice. "How did you-?"

"I was walking by when I heard you screaming," he explains. "You were having a panic attack; something I kind of have experience with. Don't tell the others, I'll never hear the end of it."

I laugh despite myself. "Well, thank you," I give him an appreciative smile. "Really."

"I don't mean to be nosy, but are your dreams usually this bad?"

"Usually, no. But it's nothing I can't handle," I add quickly.

"Maybe you should talk to Sensei," Cole says. "He's always telling us how confronting a problem is the first step to overcoming it. He might be able to help."

"I'm fine, really," I press. "I kind of got caught up in the dream is all. It's no big deal."

He gives me a dubious look. "I don't know about you, but I qualify recurring nightmares as a big deal," he says as he reaches out and grabs hold of my arm, which I didn't realize was still shaking.

"I know, but I…" I trail off, forgetting everything I was going to say as I lock eyes with Cole again. His look so much like my father's, but different at the same time. Cole's are calm and depthless, while my dad's were wild and always planning something. My body stops trembling as I let out a breath and relax against his touch.

"Okay fine," I finally cave. "But only because I want a better night's sleep."

The door opens suddenly, making Cole and I jump apart.

"Am I… interrupting something?" Hale raises an eyebrow, his eyes flickering from Cole, to me, and back again.

"No, I just a nightmare," I shake my head and clasp my hands in my lap. "Cole was just making sure I was okay."

"I see," Hale strides into the room. "So what was your dream about, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I think Ash should be left alone right now, I mean, she just calmed down," Cole says as he stands up.

"No, Cole, it's okay," I say, facing Hale's stormy gray eyes. "My nightmares about the accident and losing my dad… I'm dealing with it."

"Are you sure you're fine?" he asks as he pushes past Cole and takes his spot on my bed. He tucks a thick strand of my hair behind my ear, and I swallow a blush. "Would a little training get your mind off things? I know it always helps me if I'm having problems."

"Maybe," I push his hand away as he gets up. "I need to get dressed, so I'll meet you guys on deck."

"Are you sure-"

"I'll be fine, Cole," I give him a smile. "Thanks, though."

He gives me a look like he's still not convinced, but leaves.

"He's a real knight in shining armor, isn't he?" Hale comments as soon as he's out the door.

"He's a good friend," I nod.

"That's how it starts," he mutters to himself.

"What?"

"Nothing," Hale smiles and ruffles my hair a little. I close my eyes as a few scattered strands fall into my face. "Get ready and then we can show each other the progress we've made since we last saw one another."

I manage to smile back as Hale ducks out of the room and leaves me alone with my thoughts.

I sit back against the headboard. My nightmares have never been this bad, even just after the accident. As much as I hate to admit it, maybe talking to someone like Sensei Wu would help. But I remember what Fang said: if I tell anyone what's going on, he'll spill my secret. I don't know if I can sacrifice what control I have over this contract for a good night's sleep.

I shake the dark thoughts away as I pull myself out of the bed and walk over to the small window. I've never really been good with heights, and glancing down I feel a roll of uneasiness in my stomach. Hale was right. I just need something to get my mind off things. Maybe after some training I'll feel better.

Once I dress I head for the door, strapping on my knife belt as I walk. I reach to close the door when something catches my eye. An envelope is stabbed into the wood at my sightline, pinned with a curved snake fang.

My heart plummets into my throat as I quickly snatch the envelope from its perch and tear it open, letting the fang drop to the ground. Inside is a neatly folded letter etched with familiar handwriting. I close the door before I gather myself and start to read.

Good morning, my little spark. I hope this message finds you in good health. I see you've gotten very familiar with your targets. Remember, I'm watching you and I'll know immediately if you try to ask for help. You only have two options here, Ash: kill the ninja, or kill your father. No more distractions.

There are many more things I'd like to say to you in person. Meet me at noon in the forest, and be sure you're not followed. If you are, things will get a lot worse for all of you.

Fang

I drop the letter as my entire body explodes with terrified tremors. I pull my arms around me to stop my shaking, but I can't. How did Fang get a letter on my door? How did he even get into a flying airship when we're floating above the earth, much less know what room I was staying in?

Any sense I had of being safe on this ship is long gone. Fang knows exactly where I am, and he's watching closely.

I collapse against the wall and let my face fall into my hands.

"Is Ash okay?"
"Yeah," Cole answers, balancing his scythe in his hand. "It's those nightmares. I told her she should talk to Sensei Wu, to see if he could help her, I don't know, find balance with her past or something."

"I'm guessing she said no?" Jay asks, and Cole nods. "She hasn't been here long, but she's pretty stubborn."

"And pretty hot."

Everyone turns and stares at Kai, who lifts up his hood. "Come on, I'm not the only one who thought so! You guys didn't see her in the dress she tried on yesterday- she's amazing."

"She's mine."

The ninja look up to see Hale approaching, holding a longbow in his hand that's almost as tall as he is. He walks straight toward Cole, not taking his eyes off him for a second.

"You like her, don't you, ninja?" he grins.

"N-no," Cole shakes his head. "She's a friend."

"So you say," Hale laughs. "Then I guess you won't mind if I ask her out tonight?"

"Not at all," Cole clears his throat and stands up straighter, though Hale still stands a good inch above him. "I don't care."

Hale laughs louder and ruffles Cole's hair. Cole grimaces. "You've really put me in a good mood today, ninja," Hale chuckles. "What do you say to a friendly bet? Whichever one of us can successfully win over Ash's fiery little heart first wins her for good. Loser walks away forever."

"Don't be stupid," Cole shoves his hand away, but Hale just shrugs and laughs again.

"You don't have to accept my challenge now, of course. I'll give you some time to think about it," Hale chuckles as he pulls an arrow from his quiver. "But I warn you, Cole, that I am as good with girls as I am with my bow." Within two seconds, Hale nocks the arrow, draws, and sends it flying toward a target, where it pierces in the direct center and disappears into the other side. Jay whistles appreciatively.

"Cole, you don't really like Ash like that, do you?" Kai asks.

"Of course not," Cole shakes his head as his eyes drift over to where Ash is finally emerging in to the sunlight. "Of course not."