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"One smile can hide an ocean of tears..." -Michael Jackson
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"Hey, Lux! It's looking good on this side, put 'er down!" Kai called from the right side of the ship and nodded to me. My eyes narrowed and I glanced towards Nya.

"Clear?" I called to her, and with a soft wave for the all clear, I landed my ship to nestle in the side of the bay. Around me, everyone sighed and once I climbed down to the lower deck, Kai clapped a hand on my back as Nya, Zane, and Jay followed behind. "Perfect parking as always, sweet Lux." He practically sung and I rolled my eyes.

"I will give you five seconds to get your hand off me." I threatened and his hand quickly retracted from my shoulder. He muttered an apology and I chuckled.

"Zane, who's cooking tonight?" I called back to him as we thundered down the stairs, below deck.

His robotic voice came back quick and crisp with the reply. "I believe Lloyd is helping Sensei today, Lux."

The group collectively grumbled and winced. "Better be better than last week."

I leaned against the doorway to the kitchen/living area as the rest went inside before me. As Jay passed to go in, I followed close behind him.

"You alright? You aren't as talkative as you usually are." I muttered as we slid onto the long bench at the end as the others chatted aimlessly.

He shrugged, and I watched as he dragged his fork aimlessly to and fro on the table. "I don't know... I miss Cole."

The whole table silenced, and everyone looked to me. After a sharp glare, I sent their gazes running and soft mutters of apologies rang out.

"Oh..."
"Apologies, Lux."
"...sorry, L..."

I turned back to Jay, and sighed. "I can send him a message."

His blue eyes widened and he sat up straight. "It's Nya's turn, though. I'm not allowed...."

"Oh hush. I'm giving you a chance, take it." I grumbled, and turned away from him.

"Oh... okay. Um... just, tell him that I miss him. We miss his strength and leadership," I winced, "and his hugs. Tell him about how Nya is now an elemental master, and you're now a ninja, and leader in his place."

The table hushed once more, but if they wanted to listen in, they could. "Jay, I've told him all this already..."

He nodded and wiped a stray tear from his eye. "Uh yeah. I know. Just, remind him. Please, Y/n."

"Sure, big brother."

I balanced the normal gray tray on my arm. I was accustomed to carrying it like this, and I don't think I could drop the tray if I tried.

With the other hand, I pushed the door open, and was met with the pitch black room. "Tonight, we have pork, some green beans, noodles with capers, and the usual olive oil. Sorry, we haven't found a substitute for your hydration yet that has no water in it."

Silence came as my response and I sighed. I nodded and walked over to the nightstand and placed the tray. "Light." I warned him before I flicked on the soft light on the table. His soft green glow bounced off the wall as he leaned up against it. In a quick movement, I got up and sat beside him, letting him snuggle into my side.

"Message?" He asked from his place beside me.

I nodded. "Jay took Nyas place today. I'm telling you this on behalf of him.

After what happened with you, and you shut yourself in, I took your place on the team per your request. We got me my own gi, but I still use your mask because it reminds me of you. I cut my hair short because it's a lot easier to deal with with the mask. Whatever. They trained me to be a fighter and I learned quick. I became leader and they started calling me "Lux" which means light. Our friends are weird. Nya became the master of water, and together we took down the Preeminent and Morro to avenge what happened with you. The team has looked to me since.

Jay misses you. We all do. Um...

He misses your strength and your leadership and your hugs, too. Kai misses fighting beside you. Zane misses his friend who never gave up. Lloyd misses your perseverance. Nya misses your soft side.

I miss you, too. I mean less I guess, because you let me actually see you. But I miss us hanging out and laughing. I miss you as my love. I miss you as my best friend."

I paused and closed my eyes, my head thumped against the wall. "We all want you to get better and get over this slump. I know it hurts but we would keep you safe. I could keep you safe. I love you."

Cole stayed silent, but I knew he heard.

I just wish he listened.