A Deadly Fate

Traumatic Pride

Chapter 22

Kai woke up suddenly as if it was a new daily routine with his heart beating out of his chest. Air not reaching his lungs, he held himself with one arm and the other gripped onto his hospital bed rail. He gasped for air and his mind could only visualize the raging water from the bottom of the gorge.

"Kai," a voice whispered. "It's ok. Open your eyes."

He flinched at the voice and squeezed his eyes shut even more. A cold but calming hand touched his arm.

"It's alright. You are safe." The voice said and Kai relaxed his shoulders.

Kai opened his eyes but couldn't mask the fear that lingered. His eyes met his friend Zane and he took a shaky breath. "Zane... I-I'm sorry"

Zane's mouth twitched to smile for a second. "You have nothing to be sorry for."

Kai glanced around the room and noticed Zane was the only one there. Even Cole's hospital bed was gone. He felt panicked.

"Wah- where's Cole? Is he ok?" Kai felt sick thinking about what could have happened.

Zane smiled again and his eyes had a twinkle in them. "No need to worry. Cole is getting his final check up and he will be discharged. You will also be discharged by the end of the day."

Kai felt an overwhelming feeling of relief. "Isn't it a little soon?"

With a slight hum Zane looked in the distance. "We all agreed that it was best to continue your treatment at the Bounty. We will be bringing a few things of equipment from the hospital."

Kai avoided his eye contact. "Is it because of my nightmares?" He whispered embarrassed.

Zane sat on the bed and ran his hand over the top of the hospital sheets. "Partly. Cole said the hospital bed was hurting his chest and he couldn't sleep. With a little talking to the doctors they agreed it was safer for you two to continue your healing process at the Bounty." Zane couldn't help but lie a little about Cole's sleep. It was best for Kai to believe that Cole was also the reason why they were leaving the hospital.

Zane cringed slightly, "Also despite our announcement to the public about privacy, there are still some citizens giving the hospital trouble. We are going to relocate so the hospital can begin operating normally." That wasn't a lie, the ninja didn't want to stay much longer with the crazed fans still waiting outside to see the ninja.

The injured ninja gulped and felt how dry his throat was. It was painful and it made it seem like his windpipe closed from the dryness. Kai sucked in air as quickly as he could and instantly regretted it. He started to cough as if he was just washed ashore again.

"Kai I know you do not want to but I recommend drinking something. I have an idea if you are willing to give it a try." Zane reached for a clear cup that had nothing in it. Kai focused on what Zane was saying and soon his coughing stopped. Zane gave Kai a reassuring smile and he turned his attention to the cup. He twisted his hand so it was pointed inside the cup and he used his elemental power to form small ice cubes. "This should be a good start. Please don't crush the ice or swallow it whole. Just allow it to sit in your mouth till it dissolves or if you are uncomfortable you can spit the cube out if it gets too small. It's ok to say no if you don't want to try."

Kai gave a shy nod. "I'll try it." Ice sounded amazing to Kai. It wasn't water and it would hopefully soothe his throat. Zane passed the cup to Kai and glanced at his bandaged hand.

Zane mentally face palms. "Please let me know if you need help. How is your hand feeling?"

He slightly shook the cup and watched the ice swirl around. "Feels a little stiff. Probably scabbing over the burns."