Katy Perry - Chained to the Rhythm (ft. Skip Marley)

Ay, up in your high place, liars

Time is ticking for the empire

The truth they feed is feeble

As so many times before

—

Not long ago, you lost the wheelchair to the serpentine. Today, another sat in front of you. With a sigh, you put down the note that your mother had yet again scribbled her words- that being 'the doctor did suggest this but that ''friend'' of yours beat me to it'.

You didn't want to ask how significant the consequences would be if you broke this one. It would be better off not poking that beehive. As much as your mother was lovely there were times when she wasn't, especially the case with money.

Remo yawned, briefly showing his sharp fangs, turning his eyes to the wheelchair. ''I'm gonna bet my last ham sandwich that it lasts a month-'' He eyed you briefly while not meeting your gaze. ''No, wait, a week.''

''Don't jinx it. For my sake...'' You groaned, bringing the wheelchair closer to then sit in it. The little snake looked at it for a bit longer before going onto your shoulders and settling there as per usual.

Together, you went to the control room where the others were. Something under the covers sat on a table, which Nya uncovered, showing it to be a serpentine skeleton.

''Some villagers unearthed the remains of this Fangpyre a few miles away. It predates the Golden Age and must be hundreds of years old.'' Nya informed the group. ''Although the venom in the fangs of the Fangpyre genetically mutate human cells into reptilian, I've learned there could be a way to stop the effects without having to create an antivenom.''

She then brought out a laser pointer to aim at the skeleton's long fangs, while you sat there listening to her every word.

Some of the boys weren't as interested, her brother leaning back in his chair, a pen in his grip. Zane was listening and taking notes while the falcon sat there. Cole drew on his paper, him with his scythe fighting, while in the background was a figure clothed in orange. You eyed the drawing for a moment, the Earth Ninja turning his gaze to you questioningly.

You cleared your throat. ''Just curious.'' Something about that drawing sparked a kind of hope in you. It wasn't something that was supposed to happen, was it? Your chances of achieving it were crushed when your legs were injured. But the thought still prevailed, despite your situation.

Wheeling forward, you put down some paper and decided to draw the falcon just to get your mind off certain things. While you did that, you also took notes so Nya's lecture wouldn't go to waste.

''If one is able to wildly raise their heart rate, hypothetically it could reverse the venom's effects.'' Nya began before her cheeks turned pink. She then sniffed. ''Resulting in...diminished, uh, excuse me, is someone wearing perfume?'' Nya questioned, looking your way, then to Jay. ''I'm severely allergic to perfume.''

''You and I both know I don't wear that, ever since that fire-'' You began before stopping yourself as you looked away.

''Heh.'' Jay then turned to Kai, voice dropping into a whisper. ''You told me it was men's cologne.''

''Meh, I get them mixed up.'' Kai dismissively replied. The others but you, Jay and Nya laughed. You looked over at Zane as he opened a panel in his arm, revealing switches underneath. He flicked one, turning the humour switch off, then closed the panel.

''What?'' You lifted an eyebrow, muttering. ''Did I miss something?"

''Ah, looks like class is over. Time to start stomping some Serpentine before they find any Fangblades.'' Cole spoke, closing his book and standing up, the other ninja doing the same.

''Sounds like a plan,'' Kai replied as Zane went to go out.

''I'm excited to join,'' Zane added, being the first to walk out. You followed them out, turning a bit to look at Jay who was staring at Nya. Lowering your head, you exited the room.

''Uh, hey uh, Nya, I'm sorry. The reason I was—you know—I went to Kai because—look. What I'm trying to say is—'' Jay nervously stuttered while trying to explain.

''I know. It's just a cruel joke. I should be fine. Please, go fight snakes.'' Nya replied as she turned to him.

''No, no, no, no. I was trying to impress you.'' He told her. ''Before Sensei left, he said our heart was the key to unlocking our True Potential.''

''Impress me? But-'' Nya began, glancing to the doorway and then to him.

''You look fantastic.'' Jay smiled at the girl. ''Look, maybe, if you'll let me, I can take you to some big fancy restaurant. You don't have to if you don't want to...''

''You mean like a date?'' Nya inquired, slightly confused.

''Um, yeah?'' The Lightning Ninja awkwardly replied.

''Sure! I'd love to. But I have to go now before the perfume toxins enter my bloodstream and I go into shock. See you tonight.'' Without another word, she exited the room before Jay could say anything else.

''Yes!'' Jay cheered, overjoyed while laughing. Dancing around, he accidentally pricked his finger on the fangs of the skeleton. ''Ow! Aw man!''

You reentered the room to retrieve something, causing Jay to look your way while nursing his hurt finger. He hid it behind his back, nervously smiling. ''What do you need, (Y/n)?'' The mouth of lightning questioned.

''I'm just grabbing something. I think it was the falcon sketch.'' You glanced around for the item you were looking for.

Jay's gaze moved to the table. Spotting the sketch he grabbed it and handed it to you. ''Is this it?" He questioned.

In the corner of your eye, a drop of liquid fell from the fangs of the skeleton. You took the sketch, smiling as you did. ''Thank you.'' Your eyes narrowed when your gaze landed on Jay's injured hand. He wasn't good at hiding it. ''Are you alright?" At this, he moved his hand to where you couldn't see it.

''Yeah, yeah, I'm fine!'' Jay's voice went up a bit. ''Uh, do you have any advice I need? 'Cause, it'd help. A lot.''

''I don't know if my advice is good enough to save your date now.'' You shrugged. ''But I'd suggest being yourself and not listening to Kai for advice next time. If there is a next time.'' You muttered the last part.

''(Y/n)!'' Jay groaned at your words, shoulders slumping. ''Too late now.''

''As I've said. And, are you going to try curing yourself of that Fangpyre venom?" You questioned, glancing at the skeleton and then back to him.

''I'm sure it's fine.'' Jay attempted to reassure you, making you roll your eyes. ''Now, I'll go prepare myself for my date. Bye.'' The Lightning Ninja broke into a jog as he exited.

—

Jay reentered the control room, wearing a blue suit with a red and blue striped scarf around his neck. Cole took notice of his attire. ''Whoa, where are you going, Mr Fancy?''

''Didn't you hear? I'm taking Nya to a nice restaurant. A really nice restaurant.'' Jay confidently replied.

''You might wanna change your plans. The bridge just picked up evidence of Serpentine activity over at Mega Monster Amusement Park.'' Kai informed as he showed a photo of Skales taking a photo of Pythor, his neck stretched out like a giraffe and posing with a family.

''Hey, that's Pythor,'' Jay told the others, easily recognising the Anacondrai.

''Pythor would not be there for fun. We believe a Fangblade may be buried underneath the park.'' Zane spoke, making the others look at him.

''We can't let them get it! Oh, but my date...'' Jay despaired.

''Jay, if they get all four of them, Pythor can unleash the Great Devourer. Get your priorities straight, man.'' Kai reminded him.

A lightbulb seemed to light up over Jay's head before he rushed out of the room.

—

Carefully, you brushed through Nya's hair as the latter sat on a chair in front of you. ''I'm still confused about why you don't want to use the mirror.'' She told you, staying still. You gritted your teeth when the brush encountered a particularly challenging knot in her hair.

''Okay, this is gonna hurt.'' You attempted to avoid the question. Nya winced as the brush tugged at the knot, then broke it. She relaxed, leaning back. ''Are you sure you want to go on this date?"

The girl stiffened. ''It's hard to say no to him. He's adorable and smart but... I don't know if I want to disappoint the guy.'' Nya answered, ashamedly averting her gaze. ''He seemed so eager too.''

''You can't be leading him on, otherwise, his heart will be broken when he finds out. If he finds out, that is.'' You told her. Footsteps came from down the hall, which you heard before Nya did. You did the finishing touches on her hair, then spun the chair around to fix up the makeup.

''I can't do good makeup to save my life,'' Nya admitted, getting up once you were done. She dusted off the powder that had collected on her clothes carefully. ''How do I look?"

You sat back, admiring your work. Nya's breath seemed to get caught in her throat. ''Are you checking me out?" Her jaw dropped slightly. Your eyes went wide as you vigorously shook your head.

''Yeah, uh, good luck with your date.'' You quickly wheeled out as Nya watched. Her samurai helmet was still in sight when Jay knocked on the door.

—

While the others were occupied with their mission, with Jay and Nya out on their date, you decided to keep yourself busy at Mega Monster Amusement Park. Sure, it wasn't the best, you had to put a little hat on Remo so he would be able to tolerate the noisy area.

You spotted Nya rushing out of the restaurant, so you stopped her. ''Trouble?" You questioned. Nya nodded.

''Go and keep Jay busy while I handle this.'' She told you before running off.

''Gotcha, captain.'' You saluted before wheeling into the restaurant.

Jay walked out of the bathroom, seeing Nya gone. ''She left? Nya?" He looked around. His skin was tinted green, with a few scales. You wheeled up to him.

''I saw her leave in a hurry. Don't know why but I couldn't stop her.'' You informed him, telling half the truth.

A person cried out. ''Snake!'' They pointed at Jay. Remo vanished in his place on your shoulders.

Everyone else in the restaurant stopped to look at the boy, while a woman held a piece of bread in her hand, which she raised above her head once she noticed the ninja slowly turning serpentine. The crowd inside the restaurant began to circle Jay, while you spread your arms, attempting to shield him from them.

The woman with the bread began to hit you on the head with the bread before Remo appeared, shoving her away and tripping the customers with a ham sandwich on a stick. He then threw it into the air and consumed it, stick and all.

''Remo! Be careful!'' You warned him, covering your head with your hands. Getting out there was harder than you initially thought but when you did, Jay made a break for the door of the bathroom he came from, coming out with his scarf wrapped around his head.

''Do not go in there. He bites. This is not dinner theatre, people. It's real! Arm yourselves.'' He told the crowd, while you followed him to the exit in your wheelchair.

Jay glanced around to look for Nya once you were outside. The Lightning Ninja was unable to spot her. You looked at his back, seeing a green snake tail beginning to grow. Remo made a hiss that sounded like a laugh at the sight of it. ''Not the time, Remo!''

You turned your head, seeing a group of Serpentine with Pythor holding up a Fangblade, Jay followed your gaze, eyes widening. ''Hey!'' The Lightning Ninja called out, making them turn to you and him. Jay swung around his nunchucks but the group caught sight of his snake tail beginning to grow.

The serpentine were unable to take him seriously, laughing at his condition. ''Oh, what happened? Snake bite your tongue?'' Pythor inquired, holding the Fangblade.

''Oh, you-'' Your eyes narrowed, but a scaly hand dragged you from your wheelchair. You let out a cry while Remo attempted smacking the Constrictai holding you captive in the face. This proved useless as you were wrapped in chains and put into the seat of the rollercoaster behind Nya. ''Seriously?!"

Pythor smirked while watching you unable to escape, then signalling the Constrictai to turn it on. ''Later, alligator. Let's go, boys.'' He slithered away with the Serpentine. Jay leapt onto the ride, holding onto a handlebar.

''What happened to you?'' Nya asked him. You bit your lip, silent in thought.

''What happened to you?'' Jay questioned, looking at the girl, then ahead, where the track was broken with a ring of fire. He attempted to first get Nya out of the chains, then you. ''Unh, we have to get you two out of here.''

Nya glanced over at him, spotting his snake tail. ''Were you bit? Take off your headscarf.'' She told the boy.

''I prefer not. I was meaning to tell you, but I didn't want it to ruin the date.'' Jay replied.

''Oh, that's so sweet. Hey, you were the first in your 'Lil Scouts group to get your knot badge, right?'' Nya questioned.

''Yeah, about that, I made that up just so I could impress you. I was never in 'Lil Scouts.'' Ginja admitted.

''You weren't?'' The girl asked in disbelief.

''Hold on!'' You called out to the two, tightly gripping the handlebars.

''What? You have an idea?'' Jay turned his head to look at you.

''No, hold on!'' Nya replied, the track dipping down. Jay's scarf came undone and you ducked so it didn't hit your face. The three of you screamed as the cart sped along the track.

Jay felt his face. ''Aah! Don't look at me! I'm a monster. Though I hate the Samurai, where is he when you actually need him? Samurai! Help! Help! Samurai!'' He shouted.

''I think it's about time you tell him.'' You told Nya, whose eyes shot to the boy.

''Jay, I don't think the Samurai is coming,'' Nya informed him.

''Why?'' The Lightning Ninja questioned.

''I know this might not be the best time, but I haven't been totally honest either,'' Nya confessed.

''What is it?'' He asked.

''I...I'm the Samurai!'' Nya admitted. Jay's eyes went wide and he then screamed.

''You're the Samurai!? Aah! We're running out of track.'' He looked ahead, panicking.

''Jay, if anything horrible were to happen, I want you to know that you don't have to wear cologne or pretend to be anything that you're not. Because you're the best you when you're you.'' Nya told him while you accidentally touched Jay's hand with your own, awkwardly in the chains.

His skin turned back to normal as he became a human once again. He sat there, stunned for a moment. You looked over at him as best as you could. ''Jay- your face, it's back to normal?!''

''It's just like you said, Nya. You must have raised my heart rate.'' Jay's face broke into a warm smile, glancing back at you, feeling a fluttering in his chest.

''Whatever happens next, Jay, just remember, you are the best you.'' You nodded to him. He stood up, his Nunchucks beginning to surge with more power than they had before.

''What's happening?" Nya asked, confused.

''My True Potential.'' He announced, fully changing into pure electricity and teleporting to the front of the carts, slowing them to a stop before they could reach the ring of fire. He then turned back to normal, exhausted.

You smiled. ''Great work, Jay, take a rest.''

The Lightning Ninja groaned in response, resting his head on the front of the cart.

—

The group gathered outside the entrance to the amusement park. Jay and Nya worked together to get things sorted, including your wheelchair which was relatively unharmed, surprisingly.

''You know what I learned today?" Jay questioned, turning to look at you and Nya.

''What's that?" Nya asked.

''No matter what kind of secret you have, whether you're a snake or a samurai, it's important to be yourself,'' Jay answered.

''Yeah, that's cute, but you wanna know what I learned? The Serpentine now have the first Fangblade.'' Cole boredly retorted.

''But we are getting stronger. One day, we will all reach our True Potential and Pythor will be stopped.'' Zane confidently replied.

''And we figured out all this without Sensei. Pretty good for four ninja.'' Jay spoke, and Nya punched him. ''And a Samurai.''

You almost decided to punch Jay but thought better of it, instead you informed him. ''Don't forget, a person with a dream.'' You smiled.

''I wonder what Sensei is doing now.'' Kai thought aloud.

''Knowing him, he'd probably be someplace drinking tea.'' You replied.

Interest notes

Nya

-Obviously in the lead

-She's got a crush on you and it shows (not always though)

-Nya likes being able to spend her time with someone when things aren't concerning missions

-Since the time you spend with her is special to her, she makes sure to make things count

-It's sort of hard for her to hide her feelings

-So when Jay offered to take her on a date

-She accepted

-It doesn't mean she doesn't like you

-She's just afraid her true feelings would surface

-When she noticed you looking at her she second-guessed taking up Jay's offer

Jay

-He's not sure how he feels, but there's definitely something there

-It's friendship for him at least

-Toiling over that wheelchair had him thinking about you

-When you positively reacted to the wheelchair he made

-He couldn't stop smiling for the rest of the day

-So much it actually hurt

Zane

-Honestly, he's kind of more concerned with figuring out who- or what you truly are

-Suspects there's something more to you than what meets the eye

-But he appreciates you being there for him at times

-Since he found out he's a nindroid, things have been slowly settling into place

-It's only a matter of time until the truth is revealed

Cole

-Did not like you when the two of you met

-At the moment, you're kind of like his buddy, his platonic partner in crime

-That night when you crawled onto the deck you almost scared him to death

-He kind of lost a bit when he saw you messing up things with Lloyd

-Later, when you saved some of his soup from Lloyd for him, that brought him back a little

-For him, it's more like a roller coaster with you

-And maybe a part of him is excited about that

Kai

-This prickly haired b**** is more concerned with the goddamned Green Ninja prophecy

-Never has he wondered why he would want to wear a green-coloured piece of fabric more than anything else

-Unless the rest of the prophecy is considered

-He is scared of what the Venomari spit made him see when he looked your way

-Not ready to know what it was that he saw

???

-Doesn't even know you that much

-But soon will...

-The breeze blows both ways baby

-Almost impressed with Kai's prophecy obsession, more so disgusted

Without further ado,

See ya, Bookworms.

WriterAgreste, over & out!