***(Jay's POV; song for this chapter: "Count On Me" by Bruno Mars)***

"Nya?" I hear Lloyd answer the phone.

 It unravels me from some dream I was having about Paul and Holly from Breakfast at Tiffany's. I was Paul, though, and Nya was Holly. It makes me want to laugh. Nya is too intense to be Holly, for sure. And I am definitely not as confident as Paul.

"Skylor – what?" Lloyd shrieks. "Nya, please repeat that all over again. I think I heard you wrong." He puts the phone on speaker, just so he can hear better.

Nya's voice fills the room. "The Sons of Garmadon got to Skylor," she says solemnly. "They stole her power. She's...I don't think she's going to make it, Lloyd. Taking so much from her at one time..." She heaves a sigh.

Wait – the Sons of Garmadon couldn't take Skylor's power! That would kill her!

"Okay, where are you at?" Lloyd asks, taking charge.

"I'm at school. I threw up when I saw her."

Lloyd scrunches his face. "Eww. TMI!"

"No, it's not. The nurse excused me for the day. Unfortunately, I'm stuck here without Kai. He rode the ambulance with Skylor." There's a long pause. "Can you pick me up?" The words are small and miserable.

"Of course, Nya." Lloyd takes the phone off speaker and mutters words of reassurance.

I race to pull on my socks with one arm. I wish she would've called me. I know Lloyd doesn't have an arm injury that prevents him from driving, but I still could've helped her emotionally.

"If you ever find yourself in the middle of the sea,

I'll sail the world to find you.

If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can't see,

I'll be the light to guide you."

Oh, who am I kidding? Nya doesn't really like that kind of thing. She doesn't want someone to take care of her.

Lloyd hangs up, and I smile at him. "Ready to go?"

He rolls his eyes. "Stay here, Jay. I can tell your arm is paining you."

"You know what's paining me even more? Not being there for Nya."

He plants his hands at his waist. "Jay, this is a fake relationship, remember?"

Oh, right. He still thinks that. I'm horrible at lying, though! "Oh, y-yeah. But I'm still going to go." My cheeks are bright red.

"If that's what you want. I'm going to go tell my mom about the goings-on."

"All right. I'll let Cole know where we're headed, so there'll be someone to wait for Sensei Wu."

We each head off in separate directions. It's probably better that way, at least for now. I can't stand lying to Lloyd, and I'm pretty sure he despises my presence. We have to work out our friendship somehow. I miss my brother.

My thoughts drift to Skylor. She's always seemed so tough, but I guess a weapon that uses your strength against you must be pretty devastating. I hope against the odds that she'll be okay. I never thought the power-stealing operation would hit this close to home.

Once I've found Cole and given him the rundown, I grab my phone and call Nya. I really need to hear her voice. I'm sure she's fine, but – I need something to worry about besides Skylor, I guess.

"Find out what we're made of

When we are called to help our friends in need.

You can count on me like one, two, three,

I'll be there.

And I know when I need it I can count on you like four, three, two,

You'll be there,

'Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh yeah."

"Jay?" Nya questions over the speaker.

"Yeah, it's me. I heard about what happened."

She sighs. "It's horrible. Skylor was supposed to be reading Harumi's mind, and I was going to be there to back her up, but then I got called to the principal's office to confirm Kai's alibi for my tardiness. I got done as quickly as possible, but when I came out...there she was, lying on the floor." She inhales. "I'm worried, Jay. I think Skylor's reaction will be worse than Neuro's, since she's having withdrawals from every substance around her body – what about water? People naturally have water in their bodies! What happens if you're allergic to yourself?"

That was a lot of words at once, but I'm used to talking nonstop. It's not so hard for me to soak in. "I don't know, Nya. We'll just have to hope for the best."

"How do you stay positive?"

"Because there's nothing else I can do."

She giggles a little bit. There really isn't anything to laugh about, but I'm happy to hear this change. "I can't reconcile your positive thinking with your signature Jay freak-out moments."

"I can't, either. I guess positive thinking is what I'd like to preach, but I still freak out more often than I practice it."

"Well, you've certainly helped me. I needed a pep-talk. So, how are we going to help Skylor?"

I smile at her surge of confidence. "We're going to find another way to stop Harumi and her gang."

"We lost our chances of reading anyone's minds, but we can still do things the old-fashioned way. A little snooping never hurt. Plus, it'll give us a chance to hang out without the team. I could really use some one-on-one time with you."

"If you're tossin' and your turnin' and you just can't fall asleep,

I'll sing a song

Beside you.

And if you ever forget how much you really mean to me,

Every day I will

Remind you."

I turn pink. "Aww, Nya, that's – "

Lloyd hits a button on the Ultra Stealth Raider's dashboard. "Hi, Nya. It's your best friend, Lloyd Garmadon. I thought I'd let you know Jay's call is now projecting throughout the car."

She says nothing, and I just know she's at a loss for words.

When we're on the road and she finally speaks, it's simply one angry word: "Lloyd!"

"What? I figured whatever you need to say, you can say it in my presence. I mean, we're all a team."

"Okay. Well, this was a private conversation with one team member, so can you maybe take Jay's phone off Bluetooth?"

"Yeah," I wonder. "How did you even connect it? It's my phone."

Lloyd smirks. "Wow, Nya. That hurts me. I thought you enjoyed my company."

"You know what, Lloyd? You're really being a jerk."

I see his face twist a little in remorse. "Whatever, Nya."

She exhales. "It's okay, Lloyd. I get that we're all grumpy and a little on edge. I guess I'll see you guys at school."

Hope Lloyd doesn't kill me until we get there.

"Don't hang up," Lloyd commands. "If you're alone at school, we should at least keep a line of connection with you to ensure you're safe."

Usually, she would argue about how she would be just fine on her own. After seeing Skylor in such a weak condition, though, I don't know that Nya feels so invincible.

"Whatever," she sighs. "Have you heard from Master Wu?"

"No. I don't know why he'd leave us without telling us where he was going."

"So Misako hasn't told you anything?"

Lloyd runs a hand through his hair. "I'm sure she knows more than she lets on, but my mom and uncle are tightlipped. If Uncle told her not to divulge his whereabouts, she won't do it."

"Yeah, but we need – hey!"

Her voice is cut off, and the silence is deafening.

"Nya?" Lloyd asks.

I freak out. "Nya! Nya, are you okay?"

"Say something," Lloyd orders.

That's when a deceptively sweet voice flows over the line. "Lloyd! Is that you?"

He turns white, and the Raider swerves. "Rumi?"

"Yay, it is you! You didn't call me last night, and I got worried. Why haven't you answered my texts?"

He sighs. "It's complicated, Rumi. For one, the guys and I have been...studying together. A lot."

"Would these 'guys' include Zane and Jay? You know I don't like it when you hang out with them," she whines.

Ouch. What does Lloyd see in her?

"They're my friends, Rumi," he replies. "Um, can you let me finish talking to Nya really quick?"

"You'd rather speak with her than me?" she asks, shocked. Or, at least, feigning shock.

"You know you're the only girl for me," he smiles tiredly. "I was just talking about some important stuff with her."

Harumi releases an exaggerated breath. "Fine. I'll talk to you in a minute. Will you miss me?"

"Of course." Like a bad case of the runs, I'd bet.

. . .

***(Nya's POV)***

I sit here, head between my legs, in the nurse's office. There's something about seeing a close friend writhe on the ground that just makes you want to lose whatever's in the pit of your stomach.

 The nurse just left to write me an excuse to leave school. Yay. Maybe I'll retch all over that, too.

Meanwhile, on the phone, Lloyd makes excuses for why his mom can't help us find Wu, and that makes me even more sick.

I moan. "Yeah, but we need – "

That's when a hand rips my phone away. I look up in annoyance, but my face morphs into disgust.

"Harumi," I growl.

She wiggles her fingers. "I thought I'd come check on you after what happened today. I know you and Skylor are best friends. You must be devastated."

My voice is laced with annoyance. "I am upset. But Skylor and I aren't best friends, Rumi. My best friend is Lloyd." And he's worth much more than this rat.

She rolls her eyes. "He'd fit in just find with my crowd, so I don't think you should be counting on him as a best friend." She pats my shoulder patronizingly. "Just so you don't get too wrapped up in your ideas."

I direct a venomous glare at this messed up girl, but her voice raises an octave and she speaks into my phone. "Lloyd! Is that you?" she coos.

I try to brush off Harumi's insults. Truth be told, Lloyd really could fit in with the popular kids. I guess this year Rumi finally noticed his shaggy blonde hair, hazel eyes, and lean muscles. Yes, I know my best friend's hot. Yes, I had a crush on him last week. No, I don't anymore.

Instead of choosing to be social royalty, though, Lloyd has always been loyal to his team. Even when I didn't have powers, he still chose to be my best friend.

I smile. Jay is also someone with an impeccable sense of loyalty. He told me last night in the basement that he'd liked me for two years. Two years! I would have given up on me, but not Jay.

Harumi covers the speaker and scoffs at me. "I see that look on your face. You think I'm wrong about Lloyd."

Well, yes, I do, but I was actually daydreaming about Jay. For a moment, I didn't feel like puking.

I don't answer Harumi's accusation.

A wicked smile creeps across her cheeks. "Nya, Lloyd is mine. If you don't understand that, I'm not afraid to break your relationship apart, moment by moment."

I raise a brow. "I'd like to see you try."

Her evil smile never leaves as she replies to one of Lloyd's statements on the phone. Then, she hands the device over.

"He wants to talk to you, Nya. Surprise, surprise."

I know she has something up her sleeve.

Yawning, she picks at a nail. "Just make it snappy. Lloyd and I need to have a conversation of our own."

"Nya? You there?" Lloyd asks.

"What was that? You're breaking up," I complain. In all reality, I can hear him just fine.

"Oh, good, you are there. I just wanted to – "

"Helloooooo? Lloyd?" I pretend like I still can't hear him.

"Nya, what in Ninjago are you – "

I hang up and triumphantly smile at Harumi. If Lloyd's not answering her calls, I'm not going to force him to talk to her on my phone.

"What was that?" she exclaims. "Give me back the phone."

"Oh, I don't think so."

"You will give me that back, or I'll – I'll – "

It's my turn to gloat. "What's the matter? Can't think of anything horrible to punish me with while we're both in the nurse's office?" I lean close and whisper, "Eyes are watching." I incline my head toward the nurse, who's finishing up my excuse behind a glass door.

Harumi's angry gaze shoots fire at me. "Be careful where you step, Nya," she growls murderously. "You may think Lloyd is just like you – nerdy and incapable. And an outcast." She hisses the last word, spitting in my face. "But remember whom he chose, Nya. You do recall that little standoff, don't you?"

I inwardly cringe, but my face is a mask of nonchalance. Harumi knows I liked Lloyd for a long time, due to an unfortunate encounter with her last semester.

Like knives, her words continue biting at me. "He chose me. And he will choose me again, but in order to do that, he'll have to crush you like the little gnat you are." She tosses her head back in a cackle.

I roll my eyes. "I don't think gnats have six-pack abs and can lift their body weight. But then, what do I know? I'm just a nerdy, incapable outcast." I stand up slowly, coming nose to nose with Rumi. "If you're right that I'm a gnat, though, I'd hate to know what you are." It's my turn to spray her with spit. "Oh, and just so you know, I threw up a few minutes ago."

"Girls, what's going on in here?" questions the nurse, reentering the room.

We both smile innocently at her.

"Oh, nothing," I answer. "Harumi just came to check on me because she heard about what happened."

"Yes, and Nya had a secret she was just dying to tell me," Harumi finishes. "I was mad that she didn't tell me earlier, but it's all resolved now."

She wipes her cheek, and I can tell she's itching to run to the bathroom and wash my saliva off with some good old soap and tears.

"You're right, it's resolved," I smile. "I'd hate for anything to come between me and Harumi."

"Right. You'll text me later?" she says with a fake smile.

"Of course. But before you leave, shouldn't we do our secret handshake?"

She laughs. "Oh, Nya, that's such a tedious old tradition, though."

"Awww. All right. Can we at least sing our friendship song? The one that's gotten us through so many fights? Here, I'll start."

"Find out what we're made of

When we are called to help our friends in need.

You can – "

Harumi joins in.

" – count on me like one, two, three,

I'll be there.

And I know when I need it, I can count on you like four, three, two,

You'll be there,

'Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh yeah."

Our singing voices both sound mediocre, and when they mesh, the result is less than stellar. I can't help but think this is the most fun I'm ever going to have at Harumi's expense.

That's when a camera flashes, and I know I was wrong.

The aftermath will be the most fun I'll ever have because of her.

A short girl with sideswept maroon hair smiles down at her camera. "Yes! That one will be great for my article on dissolving cliques!"

Harumi laughs lightly. "Oh, Antonia, I'm sure the school paper has better things to write about than a simple song about friendship and forgiveness. The news never sleeps, you know. There's some important stuff to report on out there."

The girl rolls her eyes. "Of course, the news never sleeps. But I think settling our differences in school is, in a small way, a picture of how we can settle our differences with all threats. Ninjago is constantly under attack, you know. It's important to get out the word that forgiveness is better. Later." She tosses a hand in farewell and heads out the door.

"Anyway, I must be going," grins Harumi. "Wouldn't want to be late for Pre-Calc." She speed-walks out the door.

The nurse gives me an odd look, then shrugs and goes back to her paperwork.

I close my eyes and sit back in my chair, once more lowering my head between my knees. I think I might double-barf now. I always knew Harumi was a snob, but now I'm convinced she's the vilest scum in Ninjago. Why does Lloyd put up with her?

Eventually, I get a text. The nausea clears from my head as soon as I can see it.

We're here :) <3 xoxoxo – Jay.

Since neither Jay nor Lloyd are technically supposed to be on school premises while "sick", I get up myself to go find them. They're in the back of the school parking lot. Jay has on a blue beanie, striped jacket, and jeans, while Lloyd sports sunglasses, a fedora, and a green jacket.

I wonder why they think those are good disguises. Their outfits are literally color-coordinated with their usual garb.

I climb in. "We need to get to the hospital, but Zane can't stay here alone."

Lloyd frowns. "Couldn't you have thought about that before you threw up and had to go to the nurse's office?"

"Oh, all right. Next time, I'll just flip my 'Hey, Nya, don't puke!' switch. Oh, wait. I'm not a nindroid. I don't have a switch!"

"Okay, okay," says Lloyd defensively. "Don't Zane's classes end right before lunch? I think he just hangs in the library until the rest of us are done."

I nod. "You're right. He only has another hour of school left. However, he still shouldn't be alone."

Lloyd ponders this. "Maybe he can contact us whenever he's not in class, so we know he's okay."

I pop him a text, wondering if he'll answer. Zane never texts during lectures. That guy is a rule follower.

Call us when u get a chance. - Nya

To my surprise, my phone rings just moments later.

"Zane?" I ask disbelievingly.

"Of course, Nya. Don't you have Caller ID?"

I can't resist a small laugh. "Yes, Zane." That guy's so serious. "Hey, I'm leaving school, but that means you'll be alone."

"Do not fear. I already have a friend watching my back."

"What do you mean?" I frown. "No offense, but I thought your only friends were on the team."

"You are incorrect. Don't forget that Skylor is my friend. I am quite capable of managing relationships with others."

"Um, Zane, whoever this is can't be Skylor."

"It's not. And don't worry, she's actually quite good at fighting. I trust her."

"Wait. You have a girlfriend?" I yell.

"Nya, you and Skylor are girls, and neither of you is my girlfriend."

"Yeah, but we're in relationships! Is she single? Who is she, Zane?"

He sighs. "I'm done talking about her, Nya. Anything else you need to know?"

"Like her identity?"

"Goodbye, Nya." He hangs up, and I stare at the guys. They're watching me with anticipation.

I swallow. "I think Zane has a kick-butt girlfriend he's never told us about."