***Unlike a lot of my other chapters, I've been planning this one for ages. Well, half of it, anyway. I MUST INSIST that you listen to Evie Clair's BEAUTIFUL and HEARTWRENCHING America's Got Talent cover of "What a Wonderful World":

https://youtu.be/DIiD2IfonRU

 It illustrates all the emotion Jay injects into the song for his POV. Of course, I also included the original ;) Louis Armstrong did a FANTASTIC job, just with different emotions than Evie.***

***(Jay's POV; song for this chapter: "What A Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong)***

Nya insisted this would work. Her plan is drilled into my head: Get the staff and return it safely to the monastery. Don't break the staff, or you might release the powers inside. That's how it worked with Chen's old staff. That's how it will most likely work with this one.

"Why wouldn't we want to break the staff?" I had asked her.

I'm glad she was the one making the plan.

"Because then, Libby's power would theoretically return. That could kill her, since there can't be two masters of lightning and you've technically already succeeded her."

I guess the alternate timeline really messed things up.

Breaking the staff means Nya is safe. Her element should return to her. Her withdrawals should cease.

But mom...there can't be two masters of lightning at one time. And she doesn't naturally have the power of mind. Her own harmful element will return; the harmless one will harm her in leaving.

"Mom!" I scream. But it's too late.

The staff fractures, and shards leap into the air.

I see my mom's body begin to convulse. I run over to her.

"Mom, no!"

I'm...shocked. Is there any chance she can possibly be okay?

Sirens wail in the distance. Harumi tries to run.

I guess she forgot she's dealing with speed withdrawals.

Collapsing, she bursts into tears. "Nadakhan, help me!" she whines.

"I'm afraid we must part ways, Quiet One," he laughs. "But it was a pleasure working with you."

He vanishes.

"Mom, speak to me," I beg, falling to my knees at her side.

A weak, jittery hand reaches up to touch my face. "J-Jay," she wheezes.

"Here," Ronin says. "We can't do anything about her mind withdrawals, but we can absorb her lightning power into the staff's remaining chronosteel. She has to touch it directly. That should give her some extra time."

He extends a piece of metal, but my mother doesn't understand.

"Here, mom," I murmur, placing her hand on Ronin's offering. "Zap it. Use your lightning power."

Her forehead scrunches in concentration, but that only produces tears. "I...can't. M-my head."

"You have to," I plead. "Please, for me, just shock it. It'll help you."

I hold her free hand as she uses what strength she has to spark the chronosteel. It glows.

She relaxes back onto the ground.

"Th-thank you," she stutters.

A wet form slumps at my side. It's Nya.

"Mom, why?" I bite out, tears beginning to run down my cheeks.

"B-because I l-love you. E-e-everyone deserves a ch-chance to run b-back." She twitches and cries out.

"But you'll die," I whimper, holding her form close to mine.

"It's o-okay. S-s-s-seeing you ag-gain was a long sh-shot, anyway. I'm g-glad w-we got t-to spend th-this time together." Her eyes light as she gazes at my face. "My b-beautiful baby b-boy, all gr-grown up."

"I am, mom. I am grown up, but not a day went by that I didn't think of you."

"M-me, t-t-t-too."

The sirens come closer.

"They're coming to help you, mom," I smile. "To save you."

She squeezes my hand. "N-no time. S-s-sing to me, Jay."

"No, mom, there is time! You have to – "

"S-s-sing." She shudders.

All songs flee from my head, and I panic. I'm just like Nya. I won't have any words to give my mom as she dies.

"I don't know what to sing!" I shout hysterically.

That's when I feel a gentle rubbing on my back. Nya leans over and whispers the name of a song in my ear.

"P-p-please, Jay," my mom implores me. Her hand trembles in mine.

I take a deep breath.

"I see trees of green, red roses too.

I see them bloom for me and you.

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world."

Her eyes stare up at me with unfading adoration. I don't know that I could keep singing without Nya's gentle presence. She comforts me, encourages me, helps me be strong.

"I see skies of blue and clouds of white,

The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night.

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky,

Are also on the faces of people going by.

I see friends shaking hands, saying, 'How do you do?'

They're really saying, 'I love you.'"

I watch in misery as the light in her eyes dims. She smiles up at me, happy to die if only in the arms of her son. Now the tears trail freely down my face. My voice hits highs I've never known and descends to the very lows of death. If I have to sing my mom to sleep, it'd better be my best performance ever.

Now, as her eyes gently close and I clutch her to myself to keep from losing the mom I only wish I knew, my voice chokes on the final verse.

"I hear babies cry, I watch them grow.

They'll learn much more than I'll ever know.

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

Yes, I think to myself, what a wonderful world."

The emergency vehicles have stopped. Personnel rush over to us.

"I love you, mom," I whisper, giving her the last words Nya wished she could say to her father.

My mother's breathing is shallow, getting shallower. Paramedics rush over to us. They try to pull me out of the way.

"Kid, you need to move," one says gruffly.

"No. That's my mom," I reply.

"I said, move!" He shoves me away.

"No, mom!" I wail.

Nya latches onto my arm. "Let her go, Jay. They're going to try to help."

I reluctantly release my grip on my mother and look down at the girl I love.

"There's nothing they can do," I mumble.

She wraps me in her arms. "Then you can be content knowing you did everything." Her eyes hold me captive, reflecting my own pain.

At that point, I can't take it anymore. I lean down and weep into her hair. Weep for the woman who had the bad misfortune of being lost in time in space. Weep for the woman who loved me above all else. Weep for the woman who sacrificed her life so she could save Nya.

I eventually look up. Nya's face is tear stained, too.

I determine, in that moment, to spend the rest of my life showing her that she's worth dying for.

One of the paramedics walks over to us.

"Your arm is injured," he observes.

"It was a stab wound," Nya informs him. "He'll need to be treated for it."

I watch as the officials who had been trying CPR on my mom lift her onto a stretcher.

I know she's a goner.

I begin to follow the paramedics to their vehicle, but stop short when I see him.

Ronin.

"This is all your fault!" I yell, throwing myself toward him.

Nya restrains me. "No, it's not," she soothes. "Ronin didn't give your mom the power of mind, nor did he break the staff. He didn't even create the staff."

"How do you know he didn't make it?" I demand. "He could be lying to you, as always!"

"Now's not the time to blame him," she whispers. "You're grieving. We can come back to this when you're a little more emotionally sound."

I sigh, knowing she's right, and follow her to the van.

And through the tears that still haunt my eyes, I vow, "I will see that Nya gets every chance to run back, mom. You won't die in vain."

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

I didn't think it was possible to hate myself more than I already did. I was wrong.

Jay's mom died to save me, when I didn't even need it.

She could have lived. If we'd kept the staff instead of breaking it, then brought it to the monastery and retrieved Wu from a dark realm, we could've found a way to save Libby.

But she broke it.

I think about how excited she was when she realized she might see Jay's father again. He would've been much older than her now, since thirteen years had passed for her in three weeks, but she still loved him.

However, the person I feel most sorry for is Jay. He's always wanted to have a relationship with the woman who raised him for only five years. And I, the girl he fell in love with, am the reason she died.

I don't know how he can stand to receive comfort from me right now.

I stay right by his side as we ride the ambulance. A professional cleans his wound and suppresses the bleeding.

As for Jay, he clings to me. He needs me.

I wish it could be that way for us in love, too.

I ask Jay for Ed and Edna's number. He gives it to me, and I call them up. I let them know Jay's okay. That we're headed to the hospital. That we'll all be able to go home soon, given that the Sons of Garmadon have been busted.

I don't mention anything about his mom. I think Jay would want to tell them that story.

Once we arrive, the doctors give him the all-clear. He asks to see Libby.

That's when they give each other that stomach-dropping medical official look. You know, the one that says, "This is really bad news. This is going to hurt."

"Mr. Walker..." the older one begins. "Your mother didn't make it."

This is nothing less than we expected, but Jay still bursts into sobs. He cries into me.

I let him, being the one stable thing in his shipwrecked world. I hold him, whispering words of reassurance. They mean nothing. I only hope they somehow help.

Ed and Edna arrive. They see the horrible emotional condition Jay's in, and we all have one big group hug. I think it's just what he needed. The tears come in spurts now, but he insists on holding my hand.

"Nya, dear," Edna clears her throat.

"Yes?" I look up. I seriously hope they don't tell me it's time for the Walker family to leave. Can't they see I'm the only thing keeping Jay steady right now?

Ed picks up where his wife left off. "We were wondering if you'd be willing to, uh, stay the night with us tonight. Obviously, you would have your own room, and the place is a mess, but Jay..."

I nod wordlessly. Anything for him.

Besides, my other options are to sleep at the hospital or to go back to the monastery. And I am not about to go face my best friend. Not today, at least. Next week isn't looking too hot, either.

Speaking of the hospital...I bet Kai's still here.

"Um, would you mind if I first put in a quick visit with my brother?" I request. "He's here with his girlfriend."

Edna nods. "Sure, honey. Do you need to run by the monastery to pick up anything?"

I shake my head adamantly. "Nope. All clear here." Do not get me anywhere near that place.

Jay and I walk hand in hand to Skylor's room. I would've been fine going alone.

He wouldn't have, though.

I knock lightly.

"Come in," Kai calls.

I take that as a good sign.

Jay and I enter to see a tired but happy Kai. And there, sitting up in bed, is Skylor.

But – how did –

Oh, yeah. The staff broke.

"Hey, Sky," I smile, sitting down on the edge of her bed. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better, now that I'm not alone with that insufferable brother of yours." She rolls her eyes, but can't help a blush and a grin.

"Sure. I believe you." I shoot her a wink.

"I'm so glad you guys are okay," Kai sighs with relief. "What's a status update on the Sons of Garmadon?"

I look to Jay and cringe. Not even the team knows all that happened. I did call Cole to let him know we were okay, and that Jay would probably need a shoulder to cry on. I did not tell him about how we got out.

I realize I haven't answered Kai's question. "Um, what did you ask about the Sons of Garmadon?"

"What are they up to? Have you found them yet?"

"We, uh, did find them." I stroke Jay's hand with my thumb. "And everyone should have their powers back."

"Makes sense," Skylor shrugs. "I mean, my mind power must be back, given that I woke up about an hour ago."

"And I've waited a whole hour to do just this," Kai declares.

Oh, boy. What's my flirty big brother up to now?

To everyone's surprise, he gets down on one knee.

Wait, no. He can't be doing what I think he's –

"Skylor," he begins, gazing into her eyes, "I've spent a lot of time reevaluating in the past twenty-four hours."

You and me both, buddy.

"I faked being engaged to you just so I could get in here."

"You...what?" she frowns.

"I knew the only place I wanted to be was at your side. And in that moment, I think I realized it was time."

"I may be able to read your mind, but I'm not even going to try interpreting what that means."

"Skylor," he smiles charmingly, "I am madly, hopelessly in love with you. I want to spend the rest of my life at your side, helping you fight your battles and conquer whatever dragons come your way."

"Are you asking me to marry you?"

He continues without answering. "I know this is fast – like, six months fast – and I totally skipped the yin-yang promise thing, but I don't want to waste another second without you. Skylor Chen, I may not have a ring, but you'd do me the greatest honor and joy if you'd agree to become Skylor Smith."

"A name change? Are you and Nya going to adopt me?"

"Nope. I'm going to marry you."

She taps her chin. "Hmm. Skylor Smith. Not bad, I guess."

"So..." Kai trails off.

"I'll think about it."

His face falls.

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding," she laughs. "Of course, I'll marry you. I don't care if it's fast. I love you, too."

"Oh, well, good. I was about to regret having Nya and Jay watch that exhibition."

I rub my eyes. "I already do regret it." I put an arm around Skylor. "I'll be glad to finally have you as part of the family, though."

I look over at Jay. His face is solemn, and my good mood instantly evaporates.

"Anyway," I say, "it's time for Jay and I to get going. Kai, when will you be ready to move out of the monastery?"

"They're keeping Skylor overnight for observation. I guess it'll be a few days before we're ready to go back to the blacksmith's shop."

"Oh, good. Then you won't mind if I spend the night at Jay's?"

Kai's eyes bug. "What?"

I laugh. "Lighten up. We've had a rough day. Ed and Edna asked if I would be willing to stay with them, and I'm not opposed to a good night's rest."

My brother glares at me.

"We'll have separate rooms. It'll essentially be like staying at the monastery, but with more adult supervision."

He sighs. "Fine, fine. Go."

I place a kiss on his cheek, then turn to Jay.

"Congratulations," he hollowly addresses my newly engaged brother.

My heart breaks.

I toss the couple a wave and exit hand-in-hand with Jay. We're wordless as we approach Ed and Edna, hushed as we get in their beat-up car, silent on the ride back.

Finally, the moonlight illuminates a driveway. I can see a giant metal fence and a large wooden sign out front: Ed and Edna's Scrap n' Junk.

If they have a yard, I can't see it under mountains of spare parts. I don't really care. I'm here for Jay, not luxury.

They park the car and turn off the lights. We all climb out and approach a rusty trailer.

"Home sweet home," Ed laughs.

I smile. "Thank you for letting me stay."

The door squeaks on its hinges.

"Now," Edna says in her best motherly voice, "if you two want to get comfortable, I can go to the kitchen and whip up some snacks."

Oh, yeah. I forgot eating was a thing. It's been too stressful to pig out for the past two days, and now I'm worried about Jay. No, thanks.

But tomorrow night, Kai is definitely taking me out for something delicious, and I am going to feast.

Jay flops down on the couch and motions for me to join him.

"I've got to go set up for a new delivery," Ed frowns. "Will you two be okay in here? I don't want to leave you if – "

"We'll be fine, dad," Jay smiles weakly. It's the first time he's spoken in over an hour.

That's a new record for him.

"All right. Well, if you're sure." The older man opens the door, causing the horrendous squeaking sound yet again.

When he's gone, everything's quiet. Occasionally, we hear the rustling of Edna in the kitchen.

"Thank you," Jay whispers.

I look at his exhausted face. "For what?"

"For staying with me. It means a lot."

I shrug. "It was the right thing to do."

"I confess I've never had friends over, much less girls. I was always too embarrassed by this place." He shakes his head. "Seems foolish, in light of all that's happened."

"I'm glad I'm your first," I smile, brushing a tuft of hair from his face. I think shampoo companies would have to develop a Jay-targeted product just to tame his unruly mop.

"We should go look at the stars," he murmurs.

I'm not in a mood to refuse him, so I nod. He leads the way outside through the back door. Compared to the front, it's noiseless.

Outside, I point to the first clear spot I see. "We should sit over there." I mean, we don't have too many options. His parents own a lot of junk.

"I've got a better idea."

We walk past several mounds of scrap until we reach one particularly large pile. Jay begins scaling it.

I tug on his hand. "Um, are you sure this is safe?"

"I come out here a lot more often than you realize."

"I should warn you, if your intent is to kidnap me, I know Spinjitzu."

"Trust me, Nya." His eyes bore into my soul.

I hastily follow him up the scrap pile.

At the top is an old car. At some point, this thing was probably worth a salvage yard.

Not anymore.

However, Jay crawls right inside through one of the missing doors.

Oh, what do I have to lose? I join him inside.

Once we're settled, I notice it's kind of comfortable. Jay has equipped the seats with a tarp, and there's even a few pillows and a quilt in here.

"Sometimes," he muses, "when I can't sleep, I come out here. It helps clear my mind to see a navy sky dotted with sparkling stars."

"It's beautiful."

"I know they all have scientific names and that sort of thing, but I have my own way of identifying them." He fiddles with the dashboard, reaches inside, and retrieves a hand-drawn, detailed map.

"The connected dots symbolize constellations I made up. See?" With my hand still wrapped in his, he traces the outline of a formation of stars.

"What do you call it?" I ask.

"I call that one Sparky. It looks like a dog."

I giggle a little.

"You should find it in the sky, and you'll see what I mean." Once more guiding my hand, he draws a shape in the night air. "Do you get it now?"

"Yes, actually." I glance back down at the map. "And what do you call that one?"

"Tiffany's," he says softly. "Isn't it shaped like a jewelry box? And this one here" – he points to a round shape – "that one, I call First Kiss."

My eyes meet his. "Jay..."

He sighs and strokes my hair away from my face. "I know, you don't want to hear it."

I snuggle into his side and pull the quilt over us. "It's not that I don't want to hear it, it's just that I shouldn't. But let's not think about that right now."

"You don't want to think that we're broken up, or that I still want you back?"

"Tell me about growing up with Ed and Edna."

His chest rumbles underneath my head as he repositions himself. Now that I'm rested against him and his feet are reclined on the dash, I hear his small chuckle. "Did I ever tell you about the time Edna caught me kissing my pillow?"

We spend around half an hour reminiscing. There's laughter, tears, unspoken words. He tells a story about his birth mom. I share one about my parents.

I can't help thinking this is very different from my night under the stars with Lloyd.

At some point, we both drift off.

"Kids?" Edna says faraway. "Ki-ids? The snacks are ready."

I cuddle deeper into Jay's warm hoodie, wanting to return to dreamland.

"Well, would you look at that?" Ed ponders. "I guess this old car is useful for something. You think we should wake them?"

"Nah, they're already nice and cozy up here," Edna replies. "And they're good kids. We'll get them when it's morning."

Somewhere, in the back of my mind, I hope morning never comes.