Zane POV: Pixal and I had finished searching the last of the northern warehouses without any results. It wasn't the most comfortable feeling, however that did give the both of us the opportunity to help the others. Even though I was starting to feel uneasy from how this situation was playing out. Pixal seemed to understand this, since before we went off she requested to talk on the roof first.

Once there she quickly asked, "Are you doing okay?"

I was a little confused by her question. "Yes, I am okay."

"Zane, I don't think you are. You are worried about Kai, but you are not letting it show. I think that is because you don't want to upset the others. However, that thought is even more harmful to you than you believe." She stated, before gently hugging me.

She was right, of course, and I hugged her back. "I know that what you are saying is the truth. But even so, I must remain focused at this time. Kai needs all of our help."

She pulled away and I was worried that she would be upset by my own statement. Though, the expression on her face was not. She was slightly smiling as she responded, "I know, and I understand. I just wish for you to promise me that once you can, you will take the time to truly let your emotions out. As well as let me know if you are getting overwhelmed."

I smiled back and said, "Very well. I promise." She seemed pleased by that and was going to say something else. However, at that moment our comm link turned on.

"Zane! We need you here now!" It was Jay, and he sounded frantic. Meaning that he and Cole must have found something, or someone.

"Jay, what is going on? Have you found the criminals that captured Kai?" I asked while Pixal and I exchanged glances.

"Yeah, and we found him. But he's in really bad shape. We need you and the Bounty here fast!" The tone in his voice told me that he was being serious.

"Understood, Zane will head there first. I will retrieve the Bounty and meet you all there." Pixal responded before I could. I nodded to her since it was a good idea.

"Okay, okay. Please make it fast." Jay begged before he clicked off. Leaving the both of us surprised. Jay was never one to beg unless it was serious.

We again glanced at each other before I said, "We should hurry."

"Agreed." She quickly said, and we both took off.

Thankfully I knew exactly where they were. All because I had placed trackers in our comms before beginning the search. It was a bit far from where we were, but it wasn't anything too difficult for me to manage. I got there fairly quickly and noticed immediately that one of them was tied up outside. He wasn't paying attention as I walked up to him, as he was mumbling to himself nervously. It was slightly weird, but I have other things to focus on right now.

I went inside and immediately saw both Cole and Jay were on the second level. Jay was pacing around while Cole was kneeling. That sight alone filled me with a sense of dread. I rushed up there and gained Jay's attention.

"Oh thank goodness. We really need your help." Jay said, both relieved and still nervous as he moved out of the way.

As I looked, the dread inside of me grew worse. Kai was on the ground, unconscious and bloody while he was breathing heavily. Cole was trying to stop the bleeding on his shoulder, but there were more injuries than he could handle.

I quickly went to his side and asked, "What happened?"

"It was the boss guy, I think. I'm not exactly sure what he did but…" Cole tried to say, but it was clear that his emotions were challenging him.

I nodded and began to examine Kai with a scan. Immediately I could tell that he was severely beaten with a stab wound going into his shoulder. The angle of the wound suggests that the person must have been standing over him and thrust it down. Though nothing major was hit in the process. However, around then I noticed his arms. They were bleeding profusely through his scorched sleeves. Despite the blood the chain-like markings were still clear. The damage was… extensive and brutal, and will require a long time to heal. Though, that concern is for another day.

I pulled out the small first aid kit and started the process with his arms. I didn't have many, but fortunately I had enough to cover the wounds and I applied pressure. However, they were quickly turning red from how badly they were. Kai, despite not being awake, groaned in pain. It was a good sign that he was able to make noise. Though I do wish that he could have a break from the pain that he was clearly in.

Fortunately, Pixal soon came rushing in and came over to us. "I am here. How can I help?"

"The med bay will need to be prepped. We are going to need all hands to help Kai when we get there." I answered, which is how she noticed Kai.

She was clearly shocked by his appearance, but she nodded. She took Jay with her, which I am grateful for. Then I turned my attention back to Kai. I had to tie off the bandages on his arms and shoulder before we could go. Thankfully, Cole seemed to understand and started his shoulder.

Once we finished we worked together to get him moved safely. We carefully placed his arms around our shoulders, and moved slowly to get him out of the building. When we got outside the Bounty close by, thank you Pixal.

"What are we going to tell Nya and Lloyd? They're going to freak out once they learn about… this?" Cole asked, raising a good point.

I took a deep breath and answered, "We will pick them up and tell them the truth. They would never forgive us if we attempted to hide this from them."

He didn't like that answer, but he also didn't respond immediately. We helped Kai, who was still unconscious, onboard and headed towards the med-bay. Pixal and Jay had finished making up a bed. Though the second he saw us Jay returned to being nervous. It seems that he still wasn't comfortable with Kai's current state. Someone will need to talk with him to help his nerves. Once we are able to stabilize Kai first.

Cole took over and placed Kai on the bed and helped me remove the top part of his ruined uniform, with Kai groaning again from the pain. However, Pixal immediately got started on pain medication. I joined her and started working on the bleeding. It slowed a bit and that made it easier to clean. However, I still had to be careful given how fragile they still were. Cleaning them also made all the damage clear and I could hear a small gasp from Jay.

The chain-like marks were starting to swell and the skin around the wound was clearly burned. Not to mention the heavy bruising that was also starting to become more obvious. Meaning that he's going to need x-rays to check for broken bones. Then there was the stab wound. It was deep and the bleeding was as bad as his arms. Pixal was taking care of it now and she was getting it under control.

"How is he?" Cole asked, and I looked over at him. He and Jay were standing against the wall, worried and nervous.

"Kai will need some time to recover. However, from what I can tell right now, I believe he will recover. Pixal and I simply need time to dress his wounds." I answered, and they both nodded.

Cole patted Jay's back and said, "We'll go get Nya and Lloyd. Do you want us to keep them away?"

I had to think about that question. They both will want to see him, and they won't like it if I say no. Despite that, Pixal and I need to focus in order to properly help him. The both of them are going to want answers right away, but I do not have them at the moment. So that leaves me with only one obvious choice.

"Yes, if you can. Please tell them that I will inform them once they can see him." I said, and Cole nodded. Though Jay seemed nervous about that. Not that I can blame him.

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Cole POV: After we left and I closed the door Jay said, "Okay, so how are we going to do this?"

I didn't even have to ask. "I don't know. Nya and Lloyd are going to freak out no matter what."

"I know, and that's not going to be fun." Jay groaned. We started walking to the command room.

I sighed once we got there and stated, "They appreciate the truth more than anything. They both hate being kept out of the loop."

"But how are we going to keep them out of that room? It's not like they're going to make it easy for us." I sighed after he made that point.

"I don't know, but the truth should work. Maybe." I answered, but I really didn't know.

It might work, but it could also not work. And by the look on Jay's face, he also wasn't confident. Though we can't avoid it for long. Even if I really want to.