Chapter 19

Cole

    He couldn't stop sobbing. It was too much. He didn't even get all flushed when Kai hugged him. He just cried in the fire ninja's shoulder.      Kai guided him to the side of the clearing, his arm around his shoulders. Cole sniffled and wiped his eyes. The two boys sat down, Cole resting on the shoulder of Kai as he rubbed his back affectionately.      "There's nothing you could have done." Kai said at last.       "I know. But I just miss him so much."        The ninja in red sighed as he hugged him tighter. They sat in a comfortable silence, watching their teammates as they searched around for the teapot, looking into every nook and cranny. Harumi was tied up to a tree, a frown present on her face. The villagers helped clean, laying the dead bodies of their once warriors in rows as they started to dig holes for burial. Cole set his brother next to Catori.      "I found it!" Jay yelled, waving the teapot in Nya's face. "told ya I'd find it first."     She just crossed her arms and pouted, sticking her tongue out at him. Kai stifled a laugh, thinking it was an inappropriate time to do so.       Lloyd was also feeling down in the dumps, seeing Catori die and all. Zane offered to help him through it, so the two brothers took their dragons and flew somewhere to talk in private.      "We should uh, probably go," Kai pointed in the direction of Jay and Nya, the immature, engaged couple fighting over the teapot. "before Jay breaks it or something."       Cole nodded solemnly as he got up and walked over to the group. Pixal rolled her eyes once Kai and Cole came over.      "These two won't stop fighting over the teapot. I suggest we summon your mother before one accidentally drops it."      "Uh yeah, good idea," Kai cleared his throat. "guys, we're gonna start."      Jay stopped flinging it around and carefully handed it to Cole. He took it with shaking hands as Pixal fished for the canteen in her backpack, pouring the magical water into the pot. Sensei brought out his blue teacup, setting it on the floor while Cole delicately took the leaves from the pouch. He let the leaves float down into the contents, the aroma already filling his nose. Let's see if this works.       Cole closed his eyes and formed the words in his head, reaching out to his mother. He hoped that since the Overlord was gone, her connection would come back.Mom? Are you there? Silence. Cole tried harder this time. Mom? Can you hear me? Yes, I can finally reach you. What happened? Cole felt a knot form in his stomach. He held back the tears from falling and shut his eyes tighter. Uh, I'll explain when we're done. You ready? Yes. Cole shivered as his mother detached herself, the green aura glowing off her pale skin. He forgot how beautiful she really was; no wonder why her father married her. Not to mention how sweet she is. Cole handed her the cup as she drank the magical tea. Slowly, her body came back to life, and the discoloration faded away. Once she finished the last drop, the ghostly feel was completely gone, green mist and all. They instantly hugged as Cole spilled his tears on her silk white dress. "Cole, baby, what's the matter?" she stroked his hair. "Ethan h-he's... gone." Abigail seemed to stare into space for a while, not believing one word Cole was saying. "What do you mean, gone?" "He's gone mom, gone! Like not here, not on this Earth, never coming back..." he was fully sobbing now, unable to finish his sentence. His shoulders flinched up and down violently, uncontrollably, not able to stop. "He's really gone?" Abigail questioned to herself as her eyes filled with tears. "gone forever, not coming back?" Cole nodded while burying his face into his mother's dress.      He could feel her beating heart, full of pain and relief at the same time.      "Well good thing I didn't loose you." she kissed the top of Cole's head.         He didn't respond. It was great and all, but he knew his life would be much more different now that Ethan was gone, and there was nothing he could do to change it.

       The rest of the day consisted of burial rituals the villagers held and emotional breakdowns. It was the end of the night once they stared heading back towards the Bounty, saying their goodbyes to the villagers and promising to give them a visit sometime.      They insisted to take Harumi in and change her, the white haired girl gratefully taking the offer instead of spending the rest of her life in Kryptarium Prison. She promised to be good and change once the ninja came back, but Lloyd just rolled his eyes and left.

      The deck was covered in dead leaves and small bugs, especially spiders, big ones at that. Apparently, Kai was afraid of them, which Cole was surprised about, knowing the fire ninja acted all cocky and tough when deep down inside he knew he had a soft spot. It was amusing to see him jump around the deck, and try to climb as high as possible away from the spiders. It sort of made his day better.        They took off around a quarter to twelve, the ninjas sighing and settling down for Zane's dinner. They'd been cleaning all night, making sure bugs and spiders weren't crawling around when they sleep.        Given they didn't have much ingredients, the titanium nindroid was only able to make rice and beef with some Chinese broccoli, but it still tasted good. He promised a full meal once the ninja got home, and added cake to make Cole feel better, which worked.      The ninja discussed the confusing lines of the prophecy that suddenly made sense, the missing puzzle pieces finally falling into place.       "So we know that the person that gets 'devoured by the darkness and evil every hour' is Cole," Lloyd concluded. "and the 'brother that perishes and stops it all', is... Ethan." Lloyd cautiously stated and sideglanced at the earth ninja as Cole looked down. Kai, who was sitting next to him rubbed his back for affection.       "Agreed. And 'she' is Abigail." Pixal chimed in.        Zane nodded and added to the conversation. "'One that returns and is not destined to be shall finally fall and forever rest in peace' is the Overlord."       "'Someone who has been left astray will be revealed after revealing their evil ways' is Harumi." Nya plainly said with no emotion, crinkling her nose at Harumi's name.       "Is that it? I feel like there's more." Jay looked at his teammates confused. Lloyd broke the eye contact as he stood up, grabbing everyone's attention. "Um, before we left the village, Catori's father received a dream that she was part of the prophecy. There is a last verse," Lloyd's teammates looked at him encouragingly, urging the green ninja to keep taking. Cole knew it was a touchy subject to talk about; they had lost many people that day. "she read, "On your journey to the river, you'll meet another element to consider. During the greatest battle and her final breath," he hesitated. "On the last day, she'll follow a legacy of death." Sensei put a gentle hand on his shoulder.       "It is okay nephew. Why don't you go to bed early and sleep; it's been a long day." Lloyd nodded with his head down, slowly walking out of the dining room.      The ninja were silent for a while before the normal conversations started up. Abigail absolutely loved Zane's cooking, and asked if he could teach her one day. He smiled and offered to start tomorrow, which would be good so that she could keep her mind off things.       Cole jumped in the shower immediately once he was done with dinner. He couldn't take it; he hadn't really cleaned himself in more than a week, well except for when they stopped at the village.      It felt good again to feel the warm water run down his body, washing away the dirt and blood.      Once he was done, he threw on his pajamas and walked outside to the controls deck, seeing if Nya needed help with anything before he hits the hay. She didn't need any, and said Jay had already checked the computers while Zane made dinner, so nothing else had to be done. He nodded and turned on his heel to check on his mother when Nya called his name. Cole turned and looked at her questioningly.       "Uh so you know, I realized you really like Kai..."        Cole blushed the darkest he's ever had before and opened his mouth to explain when Nya put her hands up to elaborate on her comment further. "W-what I mean is that I'm okay with it and..."        "And?"       Nya brushed her fingers through her dark hair. "He's gonna kill me for this."       "Kill you for what?"        "Kai, he, he really likes you too." Nya blurted and immediately put her hand over her mouth.        Cole didn't believe what she just said.  Who would like me? I'm an emotional wreck, not to mention how much more Kai deserves.         "Pfft. Okay funny joke Nya," Cole crossed his arms. "If you noticed then you could have just asked me."       "No no, I'm being serious."         "Ok whatever." Cole turned and walked away.         Nya face palmed and sighed. "Kai's really gonna kill me now."

        Cole rounded the corner to one of the many hallways, quietly knocking on the first guest room. Hearing no response, he carefully opened the door and found his mother asleep, the silk covers pulled over her small body. She looked so peaceful, her eyes closed gently and her hands perfectly stacked underneath her cheek. He smiled, so glad to have his mother back and closed the door silently, walking towards the bunks. He grabbed his favorite fluffy, black blanket, retreating out to the deck with the cloth wrapped around his body. Cole didn't want to sleep yet, and too many thoughts whirled around in his head.        Does Kai really like me? Am I good enough for him? How do it tell him that I love him without ruining our friendship?        Cole sighed and ran his hand through his damp hair. The wind from sailing above the clouds made him chilly, especially since his hair took forever to dry. And no, he wasn't going to cut it; he liked it the way it was.       Taking a deep breath in, Cole tasted the fresh air, with just the slightest tint of salt in it. If it's one way to get his mind off Ethan, it's going to the beach. Cole loved the beach, maybe just as much as he loves cake. He loved the way the air felt against his skin, and how soft the sand felt in between his toes. He loved how refreshing the water was on a hot day, and how much fun it was to spend time with his brothers and sisters, pulling pranks on each other and having a splash fight in the ocean. But the best part was watching the sunset; how beautifully the colors blended into each other, red, orange, purple, and yellow. Then after that, the stars came out, and gazing up at them was one of the best parts.       Cole pulled the blanket tighter around himself, rolling into a ball as he stared into the blanket of stars. The moon wasn't full tonight, just a sliver, but it sure was bright. Cole looked down at the bracelet Ethan gave him, frowning and fiddling with the beads. His mind started to wander and think about all the things they could've done. He didn't even notice Kai had sat next to him, calling his name a couple times before he pulled his gaze away.

      "Oh sorry, little distracted." Cole blushed and scratched the back of his head.        "It's okay. I got us some jasmine tea." Kai smiled which made Cole's stomach explode with butterflies.      He grabbed the teacup as their fingers brushed. He smiled at the thought and took a sip of the warm water.       "I'm sorry what happened to Ethan by the way. I know how hard it is to register."        Cole shrugged nonchalantly, hoping to brush the subject off and think more about Kai instead. "It's fine, I just really miss him."     Please don't cry. Please don't cry. Not right here, not right now, not in front of Kai.       "Sorry, I probably shouldn't have brought that up."      "No it's fine, really."        They sat in an uncomfortable silence. Cole really wanted to tell Kai how he felt but he didn't have the guts to do it.        Just do it. The pestering voice said in the back of his mind. Usually he'd ignore it but this time he didn't. Maybe there's a chance of what Nya was saying could be true.       "H-hey uh Kai?" Cole squeaked and mentally smacked himself for stuttering.       "Yeah?"      "I uh, been wanting to tell you this for a long time, like really long, like longer than like four years ago-"      "I get it, a long time." he joked and smiled. "Just tell me, I won't judge."         Cole inhaled silently. Here it goes.       "I-I really like you... a lot."       Kai chuckled. "I like you too-"       "No I don't mean it like that, I mean like more than a friend," Cole exhaled. "Like, I guess what I'm trying to say is, I love you."        Kai stared into Cole's eyes for a good three seconds before responding.       "You do?"        "Uh, yeah... it's okay if you don't feel the same."         Cole started to get up but Kai swiftly grabbed his hand.        "I love you too." he blurted and turned as red as his gi.         "Kai you don't need to joke-"        "No. I'm being dead serious."        "Kai-"        "Can I kiss you?"         "Can you what?"        "Can I kiss you?" Kai repeated and squeezed his hand tighter.         "Uhm, sure?"        And then it happened. Kai kissed him, he actually did. He actually smashed his soft lips against Cole's and kissed him.        Cole had never felt so happy in his life. He never knew he really loved Kai this much. He enjoyed every single moment of it, and would never forget that his first kiss was with Kai Smith. (If only I could do that *cry*)       They broke apart as Kai cupped Cole's cheeks gently, panting and looking into his forest green eyes.       "Cole, you have no idea how much I love you. Why did you think I wouldn't?"      Cole broke eye contact and looked down. "I guess I felt like you were too good for me. I'm weak as heck-"      "Cole, can you even hear yourself right now? Do you know how strong you really are?"      The black ninja shook his head.       "You're one of the strongest people I know, and super talented. I mean I can't draw the way you do."        Cole scoffed in disbelief.       "Really! Look, none of this is fake. I really do love you. They way you protect people, how amazing your body is, how caring you are. You're courage, loyalty, personality, I mean the list could go on forever," Cole made eye contact as Kai placed another kiss on his lips as if to prove his point further. "Cole... man, you have no idea how much I care for you."       The earth ninja smiled. "So none of this is a joke?"        Kai crossed his heart and smiled back. "Not one bit."        Cole beamed and jumped into Kai's arms, knocking him to the floor, both boys giggling and laughing at each other.        "Awwww so adorable!"       The two looked up at Jay and Nya who were standing right behind them.        "Nya!" Kai whined. "why do you have to be here right now?"       "Because I can be and there's nothing that's gonna stop me!" she retorted with a smirk.        "Except for the fact that I'm gonna tickle you to death on the feet."        "Nya's ticklish?" Jay asked, just realizing Nya had a sensitive spot.        "Jay..."        The lightning ninja smirked and chased her around the deck, yells and laughter filling the night sky.        "Kai why did you have to say that?"       Her brother only laughed in response, doubling over and dying on the floor.      Cole wondered if Kai had a ticklish spot...     "Hey Nya!"     "What?" she shouted as she jumped over a crate.       "What's Kai's ticklish spot?"     Kai stopped laughing and wiped his eyes. "Wait what?"      "On his feet, neck, ribs, knees, literally everywhere." Nya replied, shooting Kai an evil smile.       "Cole-"      The earth ninja tackled Kai to the ground and tickled his ribs, the fire ninja exploding into laughter.       "C-Cole st-top! Please! Nya!" he half yelled half laughed. Nya giggled, only stopping for a second when Jay ran into her, not realizing she'd stopped.       "Owie!" Jay exclaimed as he fell to the ground.          Nya laughed and helped her fiancé to his feet. "Sorry baby, you okay?"        Jay nodded. "Yeah, so about that tickle fight..." he wiggled his eyebrows. Nya widened her eyes, knowing exactly what he was implying.        "Jay, no."        "Ugh, you're no fun."       "I'll play video games with you though."       Jays eyes instantly lit up. "I take it back. That might be even better!" he grabbed her hand and led her towards the Bounty. "have fun you two! Guess I didn't have to lock you in a room after all." Cole stopped tickling Kai and blushed. "Uh what?" Kai asked confused. Cole waved his hand off, sending Jay a warning glare. "It's nothing. Now leave us alone!"     "Jeez louise goodnight to you too." Jay sarcastically said as he dragged Nya into the Bounty. Kai leaned against Cole's shoulder, starring up at the stars and enjoying the summer breeze.       "So does this mean we're a thing now?" Kai questioned, looking at Cole.       The earth ninja couldn't help to smile as he placed a chaste kiss on Kai's cheek.        "Yeah. I'd like that."         They laid down on the deck together, Kai resting his head on Cole's chest, hearing the rhythmic beat of his heart.         "I wanna stay out here with you for a little bit, it's really nice outside." Cole put an arm around Kai. The fire ninja nodded and took a deep breath in.        "You smell nice." he said randomly, closing his eyes as Cole's chest rose and fell.       "Well I mean I just took a shower so."      "Yeah but you always smell nice, like sweet."       "Like cake? That sounds really good right now. I can't wait for Zane to make me some cake again."       Kai laughed at Cole's cake obsession. "Yeah. Sure. Like cake," he snuggled deeper into Cole's neck. "goodnight."      "Goodnight." And the fire ninja was already asleep. Cole couldn't blame him. It was a tiring day with lots of fighting and tears and all sorts of stuff.        He wrapped the blanket around Kai and picked him up bridal style, sliding the front doors open. Turning the corner, Cole laid Kai in his bed. The others were already asleep, snoring and resting from their tiring journey. He smiled while laying down himself, hugging Kai's smaller body and drifting to sleep. He inhaled his boyfriend's cinnamon scent, calming his nerves and resting his mind after all the chaos.        Finally, Kai's mine. He really did love me after all, and I couldn't have asked for a better person in my life.

      Cole woke to the quiet creaking of the Bounty, swaying back and forth in the breeze. He noticed Kai wasn't with him, and he was in the second guest room. Ethan's room.       This must be a dream. He thought to himself.       Swinging his feet over the edge of the bed, Cole got up and opened the door, walking silently down the hallways and to the kitchen to get water. The vibe was kind of creepy, silent, and the sound of wind whistling outside. Cole wrapped his arms around himself for warmth and emerged from the doorway into the kitchen. His heart stopped when he realized Ethan was right there in the dining room, peacefully reading a book and sitting in the same spot he always sat. Cole approached his brother, unsure of what would happen.       "Ethan?"         He turned around and smiled. "Hi Cole!" he said cheerfully just like it was any other day. "why you up so early?"       "Could ask the same about you." Cole shot back and sat down smiling.       They sat in a comfortable silence as Cole looked at Ethan's book.       "So you got Kai huh?" Cole's older brother asked with his eyes still on the page. Cole blushed a light pink, nodding his head.       "Yeah. I did. He loved me after all." Cole guessed he tried to deny his feelings for the fire ninja way back when he fought for Nya. It just didn't seem right at first, but it subdued until he realized he really did love Kai. Ethan's mouth turned upwards into a grin.       "See? I told you."       Cole remembered just yesterday they had talked about Cole's crush on Kai.       "Yeah," he paused. "I really miss you."       "I do too," Ethan put the book down. "but you have me here," he pointed to the bracelet. "and here," he pointed to Cole's heart. "remember that." his figure started to fade away.       "Wait no Ethan! I need you!" Cole tried to reach him but his hand passed right through his body.       Ethan's eyes softened and he smiled kindly. "I know you do. And I wish I could be there. But sometimes you have to move on in life. Don't look to the past, enjoy the present."       Cole's eyes started to tear. "But I'm afraid I can't carry the family like you told me to."       Ethan's body was almost entirely gone, only the slight outline of his body.        "You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. I know you have it in you."       "Wait but I-"      Cole jolted awake and sat up in his bed, panting and sweating. Kai was next to him this time, and the rest of his teammates were still fast asleep.        Cole covered his eyes and let the tears silently fall. Kai stirred awake, his words slurred and still groggy from sleep.       "Babe what's wrong?"      "Nothing go back to sleep." Cole turned his body so Kai couldn't see him wiping his eyes.        "Cole seriously, there's something wrong." he rested his chin on Cole's shoulder.        "Just a dream."       "About?"       "Ethan."       Kai wrapped his arms around Cole lovingly and kissed his jaw. "Shhh. It's okay." Cole leaned back against Kai and sighed. "Let's just go to bed. You need your sleep." Cole nodded as they laid down. Kai snuggled against his neck, his warm breath against Cole's skin. The earth ninja was glad he could sleep in an actual bed, with actual padding. But the best part was Kai, how warm he was against the fire ninja's skin, and their legs tangled together.

       Cole woke to the sound of Sensei's gong, the loud crashing noise of metal waking up all the ninja. They all groaned, rolling over and pulling the covers to their heads.     "Rise and shine my students! Sunrise exercise cannot do itself."    Jay whined and threw his pillow over his fluffy hair. "Sunrise exercise. I hate sunrise exercise."

YAYAYAY THE LAVASHIP HAS FINALLY COME TRUE! I absolutely love Cole and Kai sOoOO MuChO and they deserve to be together forever :3 Please remember to check out my insta cuz I'll be posting the illustrated version soon!