Cold Winter (Cole x Kai)

Burn Marks

The room was quiet except for the panting noise coming from under the blankets. Three layers of sheets weren't enough to keep the fire bender warm nor did the heating pads help him to not feel cold.

The body is capable of protecting its vital organs by increasing the blood flow there leading to less blood flow in the extremities.
This phenomenon was beautifully visible in Kais present state.

Shivers ran down his back and his lips turned blue like a ripe plum. His fingers and nose were ice cold and felt as if they could break off similar to fragile glass that breaks if handled roughly. His whole body was shaking trying to keep itself warm but with no success.

Kai was grinding his trembling teeth and blowing into his hands. It's not new for him to feel extremely cold but it was never to this extent except for that one time last year. With another desperate attempt to blow at his hands he eventually gave up seeing how it didn't work.

He wrapped his arms around himself and curled up into a ball trying his best not to feel anything. But that failed miserably and Kai couldn't keep it together anymore. Tears began rolling down his cheeks while he hugged his trembling body as if he was attempting to comfort himself.

He was wishing for someone to be snuggled up by his side to feel their warm body on his. „...Cole.." Kai whimpered and shut his eyes close. He was rethinking if he should go to him but that thought didn't last long. He was craving for Coles closeness and yet he still didn't want the earth boy to think he was desperate for him. „Stupid stonehead." Kai managed to say in between his sniffles.

His sobbing got louder and more severe as he hid his face deeper in the mattress. This situation took place while the others were enjoying the food and company in the dining room not aware that Kai was suffering at that exact moment.

After a while Kai was tired out. The crying died down slowly until only quiet whimpers were left. Kai was this exhausted that he didn't even know for how long he's been out of it. But what he knew was that he felt a lot better now.

He couldn't explain why but his body felt a lot warmer that he was even feeling comfortable. „The crying must have helped...I should cry more." Kai thought while sniffling and was convinced that it truly helped.

In fact Kai was feeling so warm and cosy that his mind was noiseless and peaceful. His body was light as if he was floating over soft clouds.

Kai removed the sheets and sat up. His vision was blurry and in slow motion but it felt good that way. He was almost happy if it weren't for that tingling feeling on his arm distracting him from the calm moment. A bit annoyed Kai held his arm up in front of his sight to see what has been bothering him.

„A...burn...mark..?" Kai slowly talked in confusion. This couldn't possibly be a fire bruise was what he thought but then he led his eyes to his hands realising that there was fire surrounding them. Not only his hands but also the room he was in was on fire.

At such a moment a person would panic and try to leave the room. Then again Kai was feeling good almost secure. Leaving the room meant for Kai he had to freeze again and that wasn't going to happen. He closed his eyes and listened in on the sounds the fire made. The crackling and sizzling noises were calming and the warmth was dreamy. He could stay like that forever.

Meanwhile Lloyd was on his way to his bedroom while humming a song. Arrived at the door he grasped the door knob only to flinch back again. „What the..it's hot ?" Lloyd confused looked at the door and it didn't take long for him to put two and two together. „KAI!!" Lloyd yelled and took a few steps back to blast the door open. The door flew open and smoke crawled out of the room into Lloyds face making him cough.

This didn't stay unnoticed and Zane and Cole who were the closest got out of their room to see what the loud noises were only to see Lloyd coughing from all the smoke that was filling the hallway.

They didn't hesitate and ran towards the room to stop the fire. Zane took out his weapon and threw it towards the fire creating snow that covered the aggressive flames within seconds. Cole ran into the room with a cloth covering his mouth and nose as protection from the toxic gases only to find a unconscious boy with bruises and blood running down his body laying on the bed.

„Kai!" Cole yelled and sprinted towards him. He carefully grabbed the fire boy and carried him out of the room. He didn't stop and ran to Garmadon knowing that he's like Wu an expert in situations like that.

At Garmadons room arrived Cole aggressively knocked on the door with Kai in his arms and shouted for Garmadon to come out. The other boys followed behind in panic and worry. This time even Nya and Jay were there. „What's going on? Why is there smoke in the hallways?" Jay asked while coughing a bit until he saw Kai in the arms of his best friend.

That sight made his heart drop seeing his teammate in this state. Just a moment ago they were all out on a mission and later on chit chatting and having fun. Such a turn in the events was unexpected and out of nowhere. „KAI!" Nya yelled and ran towards him. She looked at her brother in shock trying to reach out for him but scared she might hurt him. „What happened to my brother?" Nya whimpered as she moved a strain of his hair away from his face.

Her brother was covered with black dust, his clothes had burned holes revealing bruises underneath and blood was dripping from his body and yet there was nothing she could do. At that moment she felt helpless and just wished for her older brother to be alright again so that he can comfort her and reassure her that he is fine; that everything will be fine.

„What's with that ruckus..." Garmadon finally answered as he opened the door but caught up quickly to the matter. „It's Kai! Please help him father!" Lloyd cried out and was clearly devastated.

With a motion he led Cole in and ordered him to put Kai on the bed. „Don't worry I'll take care of him." Garmadon stated and moved Cole out of the room closing the door behind him.

Cole still in shock remained in front of the door and didn't move an inch. It was dead silent with everyone staring with eyes wide open at the door also not moving even a bit. They all were shaken by what had happened and needed time to process it.

Cole stood there in silence while his heart was pounding with intensity. He looked over to the others but seeing everyone in shock and disbelief didn't make the situation better. „Can anyone please tell me what had happened to my brother..." Nya broke the silence with her desperate look and stinging question to which Lloyd replied with a traumatising look.

„And when I felt the burning sensation I knew right away it had been Kai...but I don't know what exactly made him do this. Maybe...he lost control of his powers?" Lloyd speculated and shook his head to this thought. „Or perhaps he was in danger..? Something could have attacked him...like a ghost." Jay guessed making everyone feel at edge and look around in caution.

All those assumptions didn't bring them any closer to the truth but made them only worry more. „Let's not talk about this anymore. Kai is in good hands now and hopefully we will hear the real reason from his own perspective once he's feeling better." Zane said and put his hand on Nyas shoulder who couldn't keep her tears from falling down.

It was midnight and all were tired from this eventful day. Jay put his arm around Nya leading her back to their room and Zane invited Lloyd to sleep in their room since his room was burned down.

Cole on the other hand stood still with his thoughts racing through his head. He looked down at his shaking hands that weren't going to calm down any time. „This is my fault."