Always you

03 Surprise

"No Cole! And that's my final word!" Without looking at Cole, Master Wu poured himself another cup of tea.

Cole already guessed the old man was angry at him for being so presumptuous to ask for a week off. But that didn't really matter. It was necessary and he even suspected it could be a question of life and death.

Jay had been acting odd since he had come back from the hospital. His wounds were healing great but his soul seemed to suffer. He didn't sleep well, ate just enough to not starve and he denied any form of social interaction that was beyond training. And to speak of training: He was so indifferent and at the same time careless, that he had to see the hospital more than once. Even when Jay told everyone he was alright, he definitely wasn't. Cole knew he lied.

He took a deep breath and gritted his teeth. Why didn't Sensei Wu notice what was happening here? Jay definitely needed a break! But instead of being alerted, he just claimed that the team must stay at the monastery and be ready to kick every villains ass at any god damn time.

"No, sensei!" he heard himself saying. "It wasn't a real question. We will go. With or without your permission."

The old man finally raised his gaze over the edge of his cup. His eyes were terrifying black orbs. Never had Cole ever talked back like that and it seemed like he was about to be in big trouble. Nevertheless Cole didn't flinch back.

"Jay needs a break or he will ruin himself one day. I've watched him doing all this self-destructive behavior for a long time and now it's enough. We will go weather you like it or not."

His master sighed heavily. "Cole, you are a ninja and so is Jay. You have to be here and be Ninjago's guards. Every time and under any circumstances. Or do you think our enemies are on holidays just to do you a favor?" He chuckled a bit but his eyes still had a dangerous glimmer.

Cole knew he shouldn't ask or push his master more but what would happen with Jay when he backed away now? "With any given respect Sensei but I don't give a fuck! A dead Master of Lightning is of no use for anyone."

"Cole," the old man yelled sharp. "Watch your mouth! No one is going anywhere. Jay is not your child. You're just overreacting, and now go and dedicate yourself to your training!"

For sure he must thought this must have been his last word. But Cole huffed and shook his head. "You're right sensei. He's not my child. He's yours. We all are kind of your children since you took us in, so you should bare in mind what's best for us too. I'm going, and I'll take Jay with me."

Sensei Wu's eyes were widened and his face pale but before he could intervene, a person emerged from the shadows behind him. Concerned looking green eyes danced between the Master of Earth and their sensei back and forth.

"Cole," Lloyd said and shook his head silently pleading. But it didn't matter that his team leader was here. He had made a decision, so he turned around, ready to leave his chosen family. He was aware of the consequences and his heart ached when he imagined he was about to lose everything he had gained over the past years. But he couldn't even imagine how bad it was to lose his best friend. It didn't hurt – no! – It made him feel numb, hopeless and weak. The sole thought of losing Jay when he could have prevented his death was unbearable.

"Wait," the green ninja demanded. "I don't allow you to leave now."

"So? What will you do? Tie my up, Greeny?"

"No." Lloyd bit his lower lip. This was the only sign he was nervous and it made Cole proud to see how much their youngest team mate had grown. "I want you to take a break and return afterwards."

"I already said no, nephew," their sensei chimed in.

The green ninja nodded. "You are our Sensei, uncle, but I am their leader. Yes I heard what you said. Nevertheless I have to watch out for my team. We all know that Jay is going through a difficult time right now. I trust Cole's intuition. When he says something is odd, I believe him."