I'm staring at my reflection in the mirror, red eyes even redder from lack of sleep. My hair's a tangled halo around me, and my skin is already glistening with sweat like I've just finished a night of training.

I splash water in my face and take in a deep breath. I've only slept a few hours in the past couple of days. Last night I just stared at the ceiling and remembered the pain Fang's disturbing power brought me, feeling the remnants of agony prickling my face. My stomach growls, but my mouth tastes like sand, another reminder of how long it's been since I've eaten a full meal. I can feel myself wasting away, but I don't know how to stop it.

"You can't," I tell my reflection. "You just can't."

The door to the bathroom suddenly opens and I jump, nearly smashing my face into the mirror.

"Here you are," Zane says in the doorway. His face changes as he catches sight of my ragged appearance. "I'm sorry, did I startle you?"

"No, you're fine," I shake my head as I try to calm my raging heart. "I was just, um, distracted."

"Are you alright, Ash?" Zane asks as he takes a few steps toward me. "I do not mean to pry, but we have noticed that you haven't looked, well, healthy the past few days."

"I'm okay," I push my hair back from my face. "I'm just… stressed. That's all."

"Is it about what's been going on between Hale and Cole?"

"Hale and Cole?" I look up. "What do you mean?"

"You don't know?" Zane sounds surprised when I shake my head. "It seems that the two of them have a bet over who can win you over first."

"What?"

"It seems that the two of them have-"

"No, I know that," I shake my head as I lean against the sink for support. "But why?"

"Hale initiated the challenge four days ago," Zane explains. "Cole didn't accept until later that day."

"So that's why Hale asked me to the amusement park then," I mutter to myself. I said no, of course. I was too shaken up after my talk with Fang to go anywhere except to bed.

"Is that the reason you're upset?"

"No, but it is something else to worry about," I look up into the mirror again. "Fang was right. I am getting too attached."

"What did you say?"

"Nothing," I quickly straighten up. "Now why are you here?"

"Sensei would like to have a word with you if you have the time," Zane answers. "He is in the control room while Nya is out getting supplies."

"A word?" a small shiver rushes down my spine as I remember the man's penetrating gaze. I don't know if I can face it in my condition. "Did he say why?"

"No," Zane shakes his head. "Though it may be about your father. He did say there was something familiar about you when you first met. Perhaps he has found something."

"Yeah, maybe," I say in a blank voice. All I can think about is what Sensei Wu might want to talk to me about. I don't know how he could find out about what I've gotten myself into, much less what I did four years ago, but I still feel terrified.

"Well, thank you for letting me know," I give Zane a smile I hope doesn't look too forced as I start to leave the room. "I'll go see him right away."

"I will see you later then."

I give him another strained smile as I turn into the hallway and slam into what feels like a brick wall.

"Oh, Ash! Are you okay?"

I look up into Cole's dark eyes and let out a breath. "Yeah, sorry. I'm a little off," I shake my head. "Do you need something?"

"No, I mean, yes, well," he runs a nervous hand through his hair. "I never really thanked you for saving me from those thugs, did I?"

"You don't have to," I say. "I did what anyone would do. It's really no big deal-"

"I really owe you though, so I got you this. As thanks," he holds something out to me, but I can't bring myself to look at it as Zane's words replay in my head.

"Cole," I sigh. "I know you're trying being nice, but this really isn't-"

"Ash, you saved my life," He takes my hand and slips on what I realize is a bracelet, and my breath catches when I realize it's an intricately coiled, solid gold dragon. "It's the least I can do."

"Cole, I- this… it's… amazing," I admit, my face flushing with an uncomfortable heat.

"It reminded me a lot of you," he toys with the edge of his sleeve and doesn't look me in the eye. "Ash, I was wondering if you would, oh I don't know, like to go… somewhere… sometime ... with me?"

I want to put my face in my hands. "Cole, I know you and Hale are having some sort of manliness contest-"

"That's not-"

"I'm sorry, but I just… I just can't," I shake my head as I start to pull off the bracelet. "I can't accept this."

"No, it's alright. It's yours, for better or for worse," he laughs stiffly as he pushes it back on. I can practically taste the disappointment coming off him in tidal waves. "I didn't really think you'd say yes anyway."

"Cole, I really wish I could tell you why, I really do, but I can't. I'm sorry. This isn't… I just… I can't. I'm sorry."

"Really, Ash," he gives me a smile that shatters my chest. "It's okay. I have to go, so I'll see you later, okay?"

He rushes off before I can say anything else, and I'm left standing there like an idiot. I look down at the bracelet glistening on my wrist, and I have to force back tears.

"I'm so sorry, Cole," I mutter to myself. "I wish I could make you understand."

When I enter the control room the first thing I see is Sensei Wu's back. He faces a large window that looks out into the darkening evening sky. As the door shuts gently behind me, he turns.

"There you are, Ash," he greets me with a warm smile. A shiver runs down my spine. "Come, watch the clouds with me."

I join him slowly, taking my time to close the space between us. Standing so close to such a big window makes my stomach lurch, but I force myself to ignore it and turn to the old man next to me.

"Zane said you wanted to speak to me," I say carefully. He nods in response.

"Yes," he says.

"Is it about my father?" I can't keep the hope from my voice.

"I'm afraid not," he shakes his head. "There is something else I would like to discuss with you."

My stomach moves in a way that has nothing to do with heights, and I have to swallow the sandpaper that suddenly wraps my throat. "Then what about?"

"I have had Nya look a little ways into your past," he explains. My stomach lurches a bit more. "You survived a terrible ordeal, one that continues to haunt you. I've heard you've been having nightmares?"

"Yes," I manage to nod.

"They've taken quite the physical toll on you," Sensei Wu notes my haggard appearance. "I cannot imagine the emotional damage."

"I'm fine," I say.

"My students are rather worried about you," he says as he turns toward a teapot and cups I didn't notice were on the table. "They have each asked for advice on how to help you."

"Really?" I'm touched, but also terrified.

Sensei Wu nods as he pours a cup of tea. "Would you like some?"

"No thanks," I shake my head. "I don't like tea."

He gives me a look like I've just committed a serious crime. "Pity," he says as he sets the teapot down. "Tea is known for its healing properties, both physical and emotional."

"I don't mean to be rude or anything, but why did you call me here?" I ask. "I know I've been shaky lately, but I've been dealing with it. And I doubt you asked me here to convince me otherwise."

"You're right," he nods as he takes a long drag of tea. "Your nightmares are not why you're here."

"So why am I here?"

"Nya and I have exhausted our energies searching for your father," he says as he sets down his empty teacup. "But we have found nothing. I'm afraid your father either simply doesn't want to be found, or he cannot be found. Either way, we cannot reunite you with him, at least with our current power."

"So that's it," I say blankly. "I'm leaving?"

"That is my question," his eyes lock with mine.

"Excuse me?"

"You've formed a bond with the ninja that is not easily severed," he says. "In your short time here, you've created friendships that could last several lifetimes. As much as it pains me to tell you this, Ash, your father is gone. However, I believe his absence has given you the opportunity to gain a new family. One here, with us."

I open and close my mouth several times. "Wait, you're… inviting me to stay?" Sensei Wu nods. "But you hardly even know me."

"My students would beg to differ," he chuckles. "They've already accepted you, and I believe, in time, you can accept them as well."

"A new family," I breathe to myself, staring down at my wrists where Cole's bracelet glints beautifully in the slipping sunlight. I'd never thought about it that way before. Maybe Sensei Wu's right. As much as I love my dad, maybe it's time to move on. Maybe I can find that same love and warmth here with the ninja. Maybe I can become something more than a freak and a monster.

No, you can't Fang's dark voice hisses in my head. You know what will happen if you try. You're a monster, plain and simple. Nothing will ever change that. Maybe Daddy's gone for good, but soon these people will be too. And they'll know exactly what did this to them.

I shake my head violently, scattering all thoughts to the wind. "I'm sorry, I can't think about this right now," I start to head out of the room.

"Ash-"

"I'm sorry. I can't," my voice dies as I throw open the door and run.