NYA

A/N This is my favourite chapter in this story. I had a lot of fun with the group's dynamic. And Kai, Jay, and Nya make such a fun trio. Also, there may be some Jaya... maybe. Don't get your hopes up. 

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy this one!

Nya could've done without the rollercoaster of emotions. She heard Jay call her (Happy) but wasn't able to find him (Worried). Then Lloyd informed her that Jay was in the clutches of a dragon (Fear). She tried to summon her dragon to save him but couldn't (Anger). Her view of the Bounty didn't allow her to see what was happening (Frustration). P.I.X.A.L. informed the team that Jay was safe (Relieved). But the moment Nya settled her anxiety, she watched her brother fall (More Anxiety). Then the Bounty's anchor dropped (Confusion). So many emotions in a few minutes!

P.I.X.A.L. had to explain the situation: Jay saved Kai by dropping the anchor. Which meant Kai and Jay were back in Okuura.

It was a mess. And the worst part: she was idle. If she was on the front lines, she'd help. Rather than listening to other people give reports on Jay's whereabouts, she'd be there. A dragon swooped down to where the anchor fell. Jay and Kai were in trouble.

"I'm going to get Jay and Kai," Nya said into her earpiece.

"Okay. Still haven't found Zane," Lloyd said.

Nya followed the dragon as it flew over the streets. She moved stealthily through the village, closing in on the dragon. She crouched in the shadow cast by the eaves of a house, listening to the sound of the dragon snort. She glanced around the corner and made eye contact with the fire dragon. It was right there. Nya pulled away suddenly pressing herself further into the shadow. She put her hands against the wall of the house.

The dragon had a rider. Someone using a vengestone chain to make the dragon do his will. Her mind began running scenarios trying to figure out how to free the dragon. The dragon stuck its head around the corner and growled at Nya.

"Ah, poor hiding spot, Jay," the rider said. The rider must've not seen Nya and assumed she was Jay. But the dragon didn't care who she was. Nya backed away, ready to sprint.

A flash of lightning struck the dragon. Jay! He was nearby. The dragon snapped his head towards the source. It lept away from Nya, towards the source of the lightning.

Nya leaned out, trying to catch a glance at anything blue. But she couldn't see anything.

A hand wrapped itself around her mouth. She jabbed her elbow into the stranger.

"Shh," Kai said. Nya glanced back. Kai snuck up on her. He retreated his hand, allowing her to speak again.

"What was that?" she whispered, "I could've hurt you!"

"I didn't want you to make happy noises when you saw me," Kai said.

"I think I could've controlled myself," Nya said dryly, "Where's Jay?" Kai stuck his nose in the air.

"I wanted to have a sibling reunion. We can't have nice moments because you're-"

Nya interrupted Kai, not wanting to hear about how much Kai didn't approve of Jay.

"Where is he?" Nya repeated, forsaking whispering. Kai put his hand on her mouth again.

"You're going to give away our hiding spot," he said. She already revealed her hiding spot.

 Nya licked his hand. Kai recoiled.

"Gross." Kai wiped his hand on Nya's gi.

"Answer my question," Nya said.

"He's distracting the chief," Kai said, gesturing to the dragon that was now a few streets away from them, "He saw you here and sent me to save you while he dealt with the dragon. We're going to regroup in the Observational Room. Zane's there. You just need to tell Lloyd and Cole to meet us there."

"He's not coming with us?" Nya said.

"He'll meet us there," Kai said, "He's rocking this mission so far. He's not going to let you down."

Nya squinted at Kai. That was weird. That was really weird. He complimented Jay. Nya debated whether this was a trap. Maybe the Dragon Clan brainwashed him to capture her.

"I'll help Jay," Nya said, "You go on ahead." Nya rose from her hiding spot.

"Okay, you want the truth?" 

Nya raised an eyebrow. Kai turned his head away, staring at the wall of the house.

"I'm too weak to take care of myself," Kai mumbled, "I need someone to help me make it to the rendezvous point."

"Then we'll find Jay together," Nya said. Kai huffed.

"You're impossible." Kai struggled to get to his feet. Nya helped him up. He yawned and stretched.

The dragon had moved on during Kai and Nya's discussion. She cautiously stepped out into the rain, searching for the red beast. How does a dragon disappear? Nya could hear the crackle of lightning. A flash appeared a few blocks away. Nya needed to see what was going on before she ran in.

She turned to face Kai, who was still hiding under the eaves. He stepped out from the shadow.

"Give me a boost, Kai," Nya said.

"What? Why?" Kai said as Nya ran towards him. He had no choice but to follow his sister's command. He knit his hands together and created a foothold. Nya pushed off of Kai's body and into the air. She grabbed the corner of the roof and heaved herself up.

"He'll see you," Kai hissed.

"Good. Then I'll see them too." She stood, scanning the horizon. The dragon was flying now. It hovered over the streets. It would swoop down, slashing its talons against the walkway. In an impressive manoeuver, Jay continued to evade the harm of the dragon. The person on its back sprouted the usual cliche villain lines. If you heard them once, you heard them all.

Nya had to help Jay. He was on the run. But he couldn't run forever.

"Pix, I need a distraction," Nya said.

"I can provide such," P.I.X.A.L. said. Nya expected P.I.X.A.L. to rain cannon fire down on the village. Her distraction was, instead, nothing...

"Can I see?" Kai said. There wasn't much to see.

Nya helped her brother onto the roof. He wasn't kidding about being weak. It took three attempts for him to be able to run up the wall high enough to grab onto Nya's hand.

After he did succeed. Nya used all her strength to pull him up. He was no help! Kai lay on the roof, heaving from the experience.

"Pix?" Nya said, as no distraction had arrived.

"I've recruited help," P.I.X.A.L. responded, "Arrival in approximately seventeen seconds."

Nya searched her surroundings for her distraction. A blue and golden suit was flying towards her. Samurai X was coming. But wasn't he supposed to be watching Timmy? Nya didn't question it. She knew that Samurai X wouldn't leave a child unprotected (even if he did steal her suit. She wasn't bitter though). 

Samurai X attacked the dragon. Perfect.

Nya sprinted, leaving Kai behind. She jumped along the rooftops, getting closer to where Jay was.

"Jay!" she shouted. Jay's head snapped towards her. A massive grin spread across his face. Nya's eyes began to water. He gave her a little wave.

Nya's heart melted with happiness. It was almost perfect. But there was still a little distance between them. Nya stopped at the corner of a rooftop and fell to her knees.

"Jay!" she shouted again, reaching out her hand toward him. He nodded, then he sprinted toward the house. He ran a few steps up the wall of the house, leapt off and reached for Nya. She grabbed his hand. He dangled from the roof.

"What did you want to ask me?" Jay said.

"What?" She struggled to respond as she held Jay up. She planted her feet on the roof and heaved him upward. He helped her by pushing himself off the walls. Which was more than Kai did. He finally got a grip on the corner of the roof. He spoke as he pulled himself up.

"Before we got separated, you wanted to ask me a question," Jay said. Nya panted as she tried to remember what Jay was talking about. Nya had completely forgotten about their last conversation. Was Jay worried about her question when it was so petty? All she wanted to know is if he'd be offended if she finished their engineering project without him. But she did finish it. Without learning if it would offend him.

Jay opened his mouth to elaborate. Of course, he wanted to say more words (he never ran out of things to say). But before he could say anything else, Nya grabbed Jay's face. His eyes widened as Nya pressed her lips onto his. His body tensed from surprise. But he quickly relaxed, wrapping his arms around her torso. Nya retreated. But she didn't give Jay a chance to catch his breath. She held him close to her with all her might. Her chin rested on his shoulders. The tips of his hair tickled Nya's nose but she didn't care. She squeezed her eyes shut. The sounds of chaos around her seemingly disappeared. All she could hear was the patter of rain, the soft rolling of thunder, and Jay's accelerated heart rate.

"That's not a question," Jay whispered in her ear.

"I was going to ask if you were feeling up to being kidnapped by an evil clan," Nya said. Jay's body shook as he laughed. Jay's embrace was so warm. She wasn't sure how long she hugged him.

 Eventually, she let him go and stared into his electric blue eyes. His dishevelled hair obstructed his forehead, hiding the slit in his eyebrow. There were bruises all over his body. She ran her fingers over one of the many tares in his gi. But despite all that, he had a massive smile plastered on his face. Nya couldn't help but smile back at Jay. His joy has always been contagious. 

Now, everything was perfect.

"Thank you for coming," he said. Nya scoffed. Jay's smile dropped, replaced with a look of terror.

"I mean- wow, Nya you're so strong and independent and I don't know what I said to make you mad," Jay said.

"'Thank you for coming?' Like I wouldn't come! Like I didn't drive myself insane trying to find you again! You, Jay Walker, are the most stupid person I've ever met," Nya said. Jay laughed nervously.

"Thank you?" he said.

"Hello!?" Kai complained loudly, still standing where Nya left him. She was about to sass Kai for ruining her moment with Jay. But Jay beat her to it.

"Hi," Jay said in a bubbly tone, waving at Kai. Nya giggled. Kai stomped his feet.

"Can't you take anything seriously?! You left me!"

As much as Nya wanted to continue her moment with Jay, she had to focus on the mission. Samurai X was still holding back a dragon for them. And now that she was looking at her angry brother, she realized that having a reunion on the rooftops was not a good idea. Kai looked obvious, wearing bright red while standing on the roof. (But any reunion with Jay was better than none.) She was so anxious to see him again that she didn't think through her decision to move to higher ground.

They needed to return to the shadows.

"We should get out of sight," Jay said, echoing Nya's thought.

"Can you help Kai get down?" Nya said, hoping Jay would deal with him.

"He's your brother," Jay mumbled.

"I helped him up. It's only fair that you help him down," Nya said.

"I vote to let him faceplant," Jay said. Nya fought the urge to giggle. If she giggled, then Jay will think she was not serious about wanting him to help Kai. If she laughed, it was banter, not a serious request. She couldn't help herself. Jay caught onto her stifled laughter. Without a word, he jumped to the ground, claiming victory over Nya. He could have it. Nya could babysit Kai a little longer.

It was even more of a nightmare helping Kai down from the roof, than getting him up. Nya wanted him to jump down. She didn't think the request was that hard since he was a fully trained ninja. However, he was paranoid about the prospect of breaking his face if he didn't stick the landing. Which made it impossible to convince him to jump. No matter how much Nya assured him that he would be safe, he believed that because of his tiredness, he didn't have good balance or precision. Therefore, he'll break his nose. After a short and painful debate, Nya pushed Kai off the roof. As she predicted, he rolled to break his fall. But after rolling, he laid on the ground.

Jay chuckled, running up to Kai.

"I could've hurt myself," Kai growled.

"Sorry," Jay said, amidst his laughter.

"Did you hurt yourself?" Nya jumped down next to Kai.

"Maybe," Kai said. Nya glanced at Jay. They took a moment to shake their heads at Kai's demeanour. Something they did often.

"In other words, no," Nya said. Jay helped Kai to his feet.

Nya was, finally, able to give Jay an earpiece. She also gave one to Kai, who was still verbally complaining about Nya pushing him off a roof.

Jay told Lloyd and Cole to meet at the Observational Room. And then Jay dashed away, leading Nya and Kai to the muster point. He weaved through the village, past the walls, to the compound. He burst through the doors. Nya noticed Kai was falling behind. She grabbed his arm and pulled him behind her, trying her best to keep up with Jay's manic energy.

"Slow down, Jay," Nya said. Jay skidded to a stop in the hall. He waited for Nya and Kai to catch up then continued to run.

"Did he have caffeine recently?" she asked Kai.

"I think he's just Jay," Kai said. Nya didn't sense any underhanded meaning in Kai's tone.

"Okay!" Jay yelled, coming to a sudden stop in front of a door. Nya crashed into Jay, knocking him to the ground. She helped him to his feet while Kai opened the door.

Zane stood near the doorway. An elderly woman sat on the floor.

"Hi Zane, hi Eyre," Jay said, bounding into the room, "Any problems with Soren?" Zane gestured to a man tied up in the corner of the room.

"He was apprehended before our arrival," he said.

"Convenient," Jay said, "Hi Soren."

"Jay," he said, "I was hoping Chief Moses had you killed already."

"He tried," Kai said.

"I got struck by lightning," Jay said.

"You what?!" Nya said. Jay came to the woman's side and crouched down to be at eye level with her. That must be Eyre.

"Eyre, this is Nya! She's really special to me," Jay reached out to Nya and gestured for her to step forward. Nya approached Jay and grabbed his outstretched hand.

"And you said you'd never see her again. How foolish," Eyre said in a raspy voice.

"I know," Jay said, squeezing Nya's hand, "You should've told me that sooner."

"I did," she said.

"Huh. I'll try to listen next time." Jay rose to his feet. He looked past Nya to Zane.

"Should I be jealous?" Nya joked. Jay only gave her half of his attention, still looking at Zane.

"I was thinking of adopting Eyre to be my grandmother. But if you are interested in that position, I guess you can have it," Jay said, releasing her hand.

"I'll pass," Nya said. She liked being Jay's girlfriend just fine.

Jay took out his earpiece. Nya began to protest. This entire mess started with Jay losing his headset, she would not allow him to give it up.

Jay handed it to Zane.

"I want you to be with P.I.X.A.L. again," Jay said. Nya frowned. Zane could connect with P.I.X.A.L. without an earpiece. Despite that, Zane gazed at the earpiece like it was made of gold.

"I am most grateful," Zane said. He looked up at Kai and Nya, "And I apologize."

"You don't have to be forgiven for having your programing messed up," Kai said. His eyes were droopy. Nya gave Kai a little shove to keep him awake.

"It's okay, Zane," she said. Zane nodded. He put the headset to his ear and took a nervous breath. Jay put his hand on Zane's shoulder.

"P.I.X.A.L., I missed you," Zane said, "And I'm sorry I allowed the Dragon Clan to deceive me." Without missing a beat, P.I.X.A.L. responded.

"Zane, I-"

The door swung open.

"We're here!" Lloyd declared. He and Cole barged into the room. Nya was tempted to push Lloyd and Cole out of the room. Just so Zane and P.I.X.A.L. could have a moment together.

Lloyd patted Jay's shoulder, acknowledging his return.

"Hey, the entire gang is here," Cole observed. He looked more exhausted than Kai.

"What's your brilliant plan, Jay?" Lloyd said. Zane accepted his moment with P.I.X.A.L. was over. Neither of them complained. Nya would've thrown a fit if she were in their shoes.

"Right. It's not a good plan though," Jay confessed, "It is just a plan."

"When have you ever had a good plan?" Cole said.

"Kai needs to give up his Elemental Powers," Jay said.

"Bad plan," Kai said without skipping a beat. The rest of the group stared at Jay with a loss of words.

"Let me explain-" Jay said.

"No, I know what you're thinking," Kai said, "Bad plan."

"Is it possible to bring us in on this conversation," Lloyd said.

"Jay wants me to give up my power because apparently, you can send it to yourself," Kai said,

"Which you can't. That's not a thing."

"I did it!"

"You did what?" Nya said.

"I gave up my Elemental Power and sent it to myself," Jay said. Nya's jaw dropped. She missed so much. Why would Jay even think of giving up his power?!

"Impossible," Eyre said. Jay held up his hand. Electricity surged through his fingertips. Eyre narrowed her eyes, trying to make sense of Jay's demonstration.

"The dragons only exist for as much Elemental Power is in you. Once it's depleted, they turn back. And then the power slowly flows back to you. Cole ran dry, Zane ran dry. The only one who still has their power is Kai. He needs to give up his powers to turn all the dragons back. Then the Dragon Clan is just a bunch of people. And we can take them."

"Can't he allow the dragons to take his power... faster?" Lloyd offered.

"How?" Jay said. Lloyd shrugged.

"Knowing Kai, he probably has a mental block stopping the dragons from taking all his power," Lloyd said. That was a good observation. Everyone gazed at Kai.

"No. Nope. I will not be giving up my power. Or letting the dragons take it faster!"

"My plan will work! I can coach Kai through my thought process. I promise it won't be forever! He'll get his power back," Jay insisted.

"You told me you had no idea what you were thinking while you gave up your power," Kai said. Jay faltered.

"I know enough to guarantee your power will return," he stammered, "Kai, I wouldn't suggest this if I didn't know it would work. Come on! The faster we get this over with, the faster we get to play video games."

"Alright, I have a headache. So we're going to wrap this up," Cole said, "Jay, we're not doing your plan."

"But-"

"I'm not done talking," Cole said firmly, "The little contrivance you found in the transferring of power is a Jay Loophole." Jay tilted his head to the side.

"A what?"

"A Jay loophole. Those annoying little things you find, that only you can find. It's how you solve problems so fast," Cole said, "None of us can do that. No matter how great your coaching is, Kai will never be able to figure out how to send himself his power. That's something only you can do."

"I-I solve problems?" Jay said, "I thought I created problems."

"You do," Nya said, "That's why you're so great at solving them."

Jay stared at the team in awe.

"We need a new plan," Lloyd said. The conversation shifted its focus as the team started a frantic brainstorming session. But Jay was enveloped in his own thoughts, not listening to the discussion around him.

Nya leaned towards Jay.

"You okay?" she whispered while Lloyd and the others brainstormed.

"You solve problems too," he said, "And Zane."

"Own it, Jay," she said, "You're something else."

"I have another plan," Jay mumbled. He wasn't talking to the group. No one heard his quiet voice over the debate.

"Jay has another plan," Nya said louder. All eyes slid to Jay. However, it didn't seem like Jay noticed the attention was back on him. He still was processing the situation.

"We need to get Eyre out of here. Cole, Kai, and Zane aren't at full capabilities, so they should go with Eyre. We'll send them through the tunnels. P.I.X.A.L. can send the Bounty about a half a mile east of here to where the tunnel lets up. Samurai X is here, so he can help keep the dragons back. And we should probably send someone with them to make sure Cole doesn't pass out," Jay said, sounding like he was thinking out loud. It wouldn't surprise Nya if he made up the plan as he was talking.

"I can go," Lloyd said. Jay snapped out of his introspective state.

"Then Nya and I are on distraction duty," Jay said, "Keeping the dragons from following the Bounty." Just the idea of Nya and Jay being partnered up brought him back to reality.

"I think between the two of us, we can be a little annoying," Nya said.

"Two of you?" Cole scoffed.

"A little?" Kai added.

"One of you is enough," Lloyd said.

"Distractions were always the forte of the Masters of Lightning," Eyre said.

"Does anyone else want to throw in another insult before we go?" Jay said, "Zane? You've been quiet."

"I have no reason to slander you," Zane said, "I'm very fond of you."

"We're happy you're back," Lloyd said, "The team isn't complete without you."

Nya leaned over and kissed Jay on the cheek. His face turned as red as Kai's gi. Jay ducked his head away, flustered by the affection. He turned around and focused on Soren.

"Soren, can you please guide my friends through the tunnels?" Jay said.

"And how do you know I won't lead them into a trap?" Soren said.

"Because I know the difference between an enemy and a friend. And deep down, you know that we are friends," Jay said.

"That and we are all Masters of Spinjitzu," Zane added, "It would not be wise to betray us." Soren sighed in defeat. He agreed. Although by his tone, Nya didn't think he was trustworthy. Yet Jay trusted him. And she trusted Jay. Therefore, she made peace with the situation. (And it brought Nya comfort knowing Lloyd could destroy Soren without breaking a sweat.)

With the plan made, the team separated again. But Nya was with Jay. So she wasn't bothered by splitting up.

Lloyd fiddled on the computer. The far wall displaced, revealing an entrance to the tunnels. Zane took Eyre's hand and guided her out of the room. Cole followed. Lloyd brought Soren to his feet and escorted him out.

Everyone was gone. Except for Kai. He remained behind.

"Any chance you need help?" he said.

"You should go, Kai," Nya said, "You look like you need the rest."

"I want to help," he said, "Ninja stick together. They never quit."

Nya looked over to Jay. He shrugged.

"I'll babysit him," Jay offered.

"Babysit?" Kai said in disgust.

"Alright, but you have to remember to feed him and water him and take him for walks," Nya said, patting the top of Jay's head. He had a smitten expression as Nya touched his hair. She loved his adorable face.

Nya ran out of the room, pulling her hood over her head.