" Where is he?!" Nya asked, bursting into the room with Kai at her heels.

Mia pointed to the bed, and Nya ran to it and laid her hand on his face.

" He's burning! Oh, what has he gotten himself into now?"

" He-"

" He was jumping from building to building when he was hit by some laser- beam- thingie." Lloyd interrupted Mia, not knowing he had cut her off.

" Who was it?"

" It was-"

" It was the Mechanic. Somehow, he is more powerful than the last time we had encountered him." Cole replied, anxiously looking at Jay's unconscious face.

" Nya, he'll be fine. He's been transported to the best hospital in town, they're sure to find a cure for him." Kai gently laid a hand on her shoulder.

"Nya, I-"

" We should get a doctor to check on him. Zane?" Kai stepped aside, and checked Jay's vitals.

" He is stable, for now." Zane replied.

While everyone else was talking about how to care for him and whatnot, Mia slipped out of the room. She balled her fists and took large, angry steps as she walked across the corridor. Her anger simmered beneath the surface like a volcano on the verge of eruption. She couldn't shake the feeling of being ignored, of her voice being drowned out by the concerns for Jay's well-being.

"I bet Jay LOVES to be a baby," she muttered bitterly to herself, her words laced with sarcasm. "Always getting all the attention while I'm left in the shadows."

She bumped into a nurse carrying medical tools, but she barely noticed and walked on.

" I just joined a ninja team. A ninja team, I tell you! But no. It's always Jay. Jay, Jay, Jay. And that's not even the worst part. They keep cutting into me. I mean, am I invisible?! Can you not see me? Or am I too nice? Should I hit your head with my staff? Get my Queen stuff? Split into two, and pretend to be the advisor while the other me punishes you?" She growled, walking blindly into a door and bumping into it head-first.

" Ow..." She mumbled, rubbing her now sore nose. Then, curiously, she opened the door, to find her horse, Cumilo, happily eating some hay. She whinnied when she saw Mia.

" Hey, girl." Mia whispered, petting Cumilo's shiny white coat.

Just then, she saw the Mechanic, swinging from building to building, wearing a sinister smile.

" Oh, no." Mia quickly mounted onto Cumilo's back and grabbed the reins.

" Go, girl! Go!"Mia exclaimed. Cumilo burst into a gallop, eager to get away from the sterile environment. The sanitizer smell was bothering her nozzle, and she did love a good run. Mia leaned in as Cumilo jumped over benches in the park, her brown hair swaying in the breeze.

All too soon, the Mechanic was in their view.

"We're almost there, Cumilo! Keep going!" Mia encouraged, her voice filled with determination.

But just as they were about to catch up to the Mechanic, Mia realized with a sinking feeling that he was stronger than she had anticipated. Despite Cumilo's speed, the Mechanic seemed to effortlessly outpace them, his sinister smile never faltering.

"We need to find a way to stop him," Mia said, her voice tinged with frustration. "But how?"

Cumilo snorted nervously, sensing the urgency of the situation. With each leap and bound, they drew closer to the Mechanic, but it was clear that their adversary held the upper hand.

"We can't let him get away," Mia muttered, her eyes narrowing with determination. "We have to find a way to stop him, no matter what."

Suddenly, Cumilo came to an abrupt stop, and Mia was thrown forward, hurtling through the air towards the Mechanic. With lightning-fast reflexes, she twisted in mid-air, instinctively creating a web to catch herself before landing gracefully in front of their adversary.

"Whoa!" Mia exclaimed, her heart racing as she found herself face-to-face with the sinister villain. "That was unexpected."

The Mechanic's eyes narrowed as he regarded Mia with a mixture of surprise and amusement. "Well, well, well, what do we have here?" he sneered, his voice dripping with malice.

Ignoring his taunts, Mia focused on the task at hand. With a determined glint in her eye, she summoned her elemental powers, creating a web to ensnare the Mechanic and render him powerless.

The air crackled with tension as Mia and the Mechanic engaged in a silent battle of wills, each determined to emerge victorious. Just as it seemed all was lost, Mia quickly held her hand up, and her staff fell into it. She pointed the tip to the Mechanic, and a sticky substance enveloped the Mechanic.

"Gotcha!" Mia yelled triumphantly, her voice echoing through the air as she held the staff in the air. "You're not going anywhere now!"

The Mechanic scowled, realizing he had been outsmarted by the young ninja. "You may have won this time, but I'll be back," he growled, his threat hanging in the air like a dark cloud.

Just then, the police arrived and began to take the Mechanic into custody, and Mia watched with pride.

Then, a police officer turned to her.

" Thank you, whoever you are. But, civilians shouldn't take part in crime catches like that. Especially someone as young as you."

Mia's patience snapped.

"You know who I am! The Wind Ninja, Mia! Jay's younger sister," she growled, her voice laced with frustration.

But to her astonishment, the police officers looked at each other in confusion, clearly unaware of her identity. The realization only fueled Mia's anger further, and without hesitation, she summoned her staff and swiftly used it to chain them to a nearby tree.

"I'll deal with you later," Mia muttered darkly, her eyes flashing with determination.

Turning her attention back to the Mechanic, Mia marched over to the jail cell and locked him inside with a resounding clang.

"You won't be causing any more trouble for a while," she declared, her voice firm and unwavering.

Shouting from the now-secured jail cell, the Mechanic roared, "You may have won this round, little ninja, but this isn't over!"

Ignoring his threats, Mia stormed towards Cumilo, who watched the entire scene unfold with wide, worried eyes. She hopped into the saddle with a determined scowl and gripped the reins tightly.

"Come on, girl," Mia urged, her voice tight with barely contained anger. "Let's get out of here."

Cumilo whinnied in response, sensing the urgency in Mia's voice. With a powerful burst of speed, she launched herself forward, leaving the shouts of the bewildered officers behind them in a cloud of dust.

They tore through the park, the wind whipping through Mia's hair. The city lights blurred into streaks of color as Cumilo pushed herself to the limit. Finally, the hospital came into view, its windows glowing warmly in the twilight.

Mia pulled on the reins, slowing Cumilo to a trot as they approached the entrance. Dismounting, she patted Cumilo's neck reassuringly. "Good girl," she whispered, a hint of a smile playing on her lips for the first time since facing the Mechanic.

Bursting through the automatic doors, Mia scanned the lobby. Relief washed over her as she spotted Zane and Cole huddled by the elevators. Their faces were etched with worry, and upon seeing her, they both perked up.

"Mia!" Cole exclaimed, rushing towards her. "Where have you been? We were worried sick!"

Mia crossed her arms, her defiant stance belying the tremor in her voice. "Dealing with things you wouldn't understand."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Zane interjected, his metallic brow furrowed in confusion. "Jay's in surgery, and you just disappear?"

Mia opened her mouth to retort, then slammed it shut again. She wasn't sure how to explain her feelings, the frustration and anger that had boiled over. Instead, she took a deep breath and forced herself to speak calmly.

"He's going to be fine, right?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Zane softened his gaze slightly. "The doctors are doing everything they can," he replied. "But listen, we need to talk about what happened. Where did you go?"

Mia hesitated, then sighed. Knowing she couldn't avoid the conversation forever, she decided to tell them at least part of the truth. "I saw the Mechanic," she admitted, her voice low. "He was heading somewhere, and I had to stop him."

Cole's eyes widened. "The Mechanic? Are you crazy? You could have gotten yourself killed!"

Ignoring his outburst, Mia continued, her voice gaining strength. "He's more powerful than before. But I stopped him. I caught him." Then she eyed them. " And, without you guys."

Then Nya and Kai burst out of the elevator, and Mia's attention immediately shifted to Cumilo's agitated snorting. Sensing her loyal companion's unease, Mia rushed to her side, placing a comforting hand on Cumilo's neck.

"What's wrong, girl?" Mia murmured, her brow furrowing in concern.

Cumilo tossed her head, pointing her nozzle towards the other ninja with a sense of urgency. Mia glanced over her shoulder, meeting the questioning gazes of her teammates.

"They wouldn't understand," Mia muttered, her voice tinged with frustration and exhaustion.

Before anyone could react, Mia swiftly mounted Cumilo's back, her movements fluid and practiced. Cole and Zane exchanged worried glances, their concern for Mia evident in their furrowed brows.

"Mia, wait!" Cole called out, his voice tinged with urgency.

But Mia didn't pause. With a determined set to her jaw, she urged Cumilo forward, the powerful horse surging beneath her.

"Come back!" Zane shouted after her, his metallic voice filled with concern.

Ignoring their calls, Mia and Cumilo raced out of the hospital, leaving her teammates behind in a flurry of confusion and unanswered questions.

As Cumilo slowed to a stop in the tranquil woods, Mia felt a moment of respite wash over her. The dense canopy overhead filtered the moonlight, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. But before she could fully relax, her gaze fell upon the familiar figure of Master Wu seated on a fallen log, his wise eyes gazing serenely into the distance.

Mia's frustration bubbled to the surface once more. "Can't I even get time to myself?" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with exasperation as she dismounted Cumilo's back.

Master Wu regarded her with a calm expression, his hands folded in his lap. "My dear Mia, there is rarely a moment when one can truly be alone," he replied sagely, his voice carrying a soothing cadence.

Mia clenched her fists, her impatience growing. "But I need—"

Before she could finish her sentence, Master Wu raised a hand, silencing her protests. "Patience, young one," he said softly. "There is much you have yet to learn."

Mia's frustration peaked, and without another word, she turned on her heel and marched back towards Cumilo, determination etched into every line of her face. With a swift movement, she mounted the horse's back once more, ignoring Master Wu's calls for her to stay.

"Mia, wait!" Master Wu's voice carried through the stillness of the woods, but Mia paid it no heed.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

The rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore welcomed the duo as they strolled into the beach. As Mia dismounted Cumilo, her eyes fell upon her friend Nelson, who was engrossed in building an elaborate sandcastle.

"Mia!" Nelson exclaimed, his face breaking into a wide grin as he rushed over to help her off Cumilo's back. "You're here!"

Mia returned his smile, feeling a sense of warmth wash over her at the sight of her friend. "Hey, Nelson," she greeted, her voice tinged with relief.

Before she could say another word, she was enveloped in a tight hug as Nelson's twin sister, Rose, came running towards her, her blonde hair bouncing with each step.

"Mia! You're back!" Rose exclaimed, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement as she wrapped her arms around Mia.

Mia returned the hug, feeling a sense of comfort wash over her in the presence of her friends. "Hey, Rose," she said, her voice soft with gratitude.

Nelson asked, " Mia, what brought you here, anyway? Are you okay?"

Mia nodded, offering him a small smile. "Yeah, I'm okay," she replied softly, through her eyes betrayed the turmoil swirling within.

Rose, who stood nearby, glanced between Mia and Nelson, her brow furrowing in concern. "It's about your brother, isn't it?" she asked, her voice gentle yet probing.

Mia hesitated for a moment before nodding silently, her thoughts racing a mile a minute.

Sensing Mia's inner turmoil, Nelson and Rose exchanged a knowing glance. They possessed the unique elemental power of reading minds, a gift that had bonded them since childhood.

"Well," Rose began, her voice trailing off as she considered her words carefully, "you could always strike them with your Queen stuff."

Mia's eyes widened in disbelief at the suggestion. "What? No!" she exclaimed, shaking her head vehemently. The idea of resorting to violence went against everything she believed in.

Rose sighed, her expression sympathetic. "I know you don't like the idea, Mia," she said gently, "but sometimes being too nice can be your downfall. You need to stand up for yourself and show them you're not to be underestimated."

"I'll find another way," Mia declared with determination, her voice firm as she addressed Rose and Nelson.

But before she could take another step, Nelson's expression suddenly shifted, his eyes widening in surprise. "Uh, guys..." he began, his voice trailing off as he glanced over Mia's shoulder.

Mia turned to follow his gaze, only to find Cole standing right behind her, his brow furrowed in concern.

"Okay, what do you want?" Mia demanded, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "I am here with my friends, and I just want some alone time."

Cole opened his mouth to respond, but Mia cut him off with a dismissive wave of her hand. "I don't want to hear it," she said firmly, turning on her heel and beginning to walk away.

As she started to leave, Rose called after her, her voice filled with concern. "Mia, wait! Cole wants to ask you something."

Mia paused for a moment, her resolve wavering. She glanced back at Cole, her expression guarded. "Well, tell him I am not open for visitors anymore," she replied curtly, before continuing on her way, leaving Cole and her friends behind in a cloud of confusion and frustration.

Mia marched away, her frustration mounting with each step, but she was suddenly brought to a halt by Lloyd, who jumped in front of her with a determined expression on his face.

"Oh, really?!" Mia exclaimed, her voice sharp with irritation as she glared at him. "You just can't be satisfied with my brother?!"

Lloyd raised his hands defensively, his eyes wide with surprise at Mia's outburst. "Mia, wait," he began, his tone pleading. "It's not about Jay this time. It's about—"

But before he could finish his sentence, Mia pushed him aside with surprising force, her anger boiling over. With a determined set to her jaw, she continued on her path, leaving Lloyd behind in her wake as Mia hopped onto Cumilo and guided her towards the monastery, Mia's thoughts still swirling with frustration and anger. As they arrived, Cumilo trotted into the stable, and Mia dismounted with a heavy sigh.

"Thanks, girl," Mia murmured, patting Cumilo's neck affectionately before leading her into the stable.

Once Cumilo was settled in her stall, Mia made her way to her own room within the monastery. With each step, her frustration seemed to weigh heavier on her shoulders, dragging her down with its relentless grip.

Finally reaching her room, Mia flopped onto her bed with a defeated groan. She buried her face in her hands, the events of the day replaying in her mind like a broken record.

"I just don't understand," Mia muttered to herself, her voice muffled by her hands. "Why does it always have to be like this?"

Despite her exhaustion, sleep eluded Mia as she lay there, lost in a whirlwind of emotions. The weight of her responsibilities as a ninja, coupled with the constant pressure to live up to others' expectations, threatened to overwhelm her.

Mia lay on her bed, lost in her thoughts, when the door to her room creaked open, and Zane entered with a concerned expression on his face.

"Mia," Zane began softly, his voice gentle and reassuring, "are you alright?"

Mia sat up abruptly, her frustration simmering just beneath the surface. "Please," she said, her tone pleading, "all I ask is for peace. Every time I try to speak, you all cut me off. Just go to your ninja duties and leave me alone."

Zane's brow furrowed in concern as he took a step closer. "But Mia, Jay's out," he said gently, trying to reason with her. "He's back from the surgery. But he's still in the hospital, and he needs us."

Mia's patience snapped, her frustration boiling over into anger. "I don't care!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with frustration and exhaustion. "I'm tired of being pushed aside, of being ignored. I just want to be left alone!"

Zane recoiled slightly at Mia's outburst, his expression one of shock and concern. He took a step back, unsure of how to respond to her sudden outburst.

"Mia, I..." Zane trailed off, at a loss for words as he watched Mia's emotions swirl chaotically around her.

But Mia didn't wait for him to finish. With a frustrated huff, she turned away, her back to Zane as she buried her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking with pent-up emotion.

Zane stood there for a moment, his heart heavy with concern for his friend. He wanted to reach out, to offer comfort and support, but he knew that Mia needed space to sort through her feelings on her own.

With a heavy sigh, Zane turned and silently left the room, the door clicking shut behind him. As he made his way down the hallway, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air, knowing that Mia was struggling and unsure of how to help her find her way back to peace.

As Zane shook his head solemnly, the others exchanged worried glances, uncertainty hanging heavy in the air. Nya, ever the determined one, stepped forward, her eyes alight with resolve.

"Let me try," she said, her voice steady as she looked at Zane.

Zane's expression remained grave as he cautioned, "I would not do that if I were you."

But before anyone could respond, the peaceful silence of the monastery was shattered by the sound of Cumilo's whinny echoing through the halls. Mia's head snapped up, her heart pounding with anticipation.

"What is it, girl?" Mia asked, rushing out of her room to find Cumilo standing there, her suit held firmly in her teeth.

Mia's brow furrowed in confusion as she approached her loyal companion. "Oh, what's the point?" she muttered bitterly, her frustration bubbling to the surface once more. "Ninjago has six other ninja who know how to speak. They also know how to get their publicity."

Cumilo snorted softly, as if in response to Mia's words, before nudging the suit towards her with her nose. On it, Mia noticed a letter, neatly folded and addressed to her.

With trembling hands, Mia reached for the letter, her heart pounding with anticipation. As she unfolded it, her eyes scanned the familiar handwriting, and her breath caught in her throat.

It was from Jay.

With a whoop of excitement, Mia quickly hopped onto Cumilo's back, her heart racing with anticipation. Cumilo surged forward, her powerful strides carrying them swiftly towards the hospital where Jay was recovering.

As they arrived, Mia's eyes scanned the building anxiously, searching for any sign of her brother. Spotting the familiar figure of Zane standing by the entrance, Mia urged Cumilo forward, her heart pounding in her chest.

Zane's eyes widened in surprise as Mia approached, her face lit up with joy. "Mia, you're here!" he exclaimed, stepping aside to let her pass.

Ignoring Zane's words, Mia bounded up the stairs two at a time, her anticipation growing with each step. Finally reaching the floor where Jay was being treated, she burst through the door of his room, her heart soaring at the sight of her brother.

"Jay!" Mia cried out, rushing into his open arms.

Jay's face broke into a wide grin as he enveloped Mia in a tight hug, his arms holding her close. "Mia, you're here," he said, his voice filled with relief and gratitude.

Tears pricked Mia's eyes as she buried her face in Jay's chest, overwhelmed with emotion. "I missed you so much," she whispered, her voice choked with tears.

Jay squeezed her tighter, his own eyes shining with tears of happiness. "I missed you too, sis," he said softly, his voice filled with love and warmth.

As Mia and Jay embraced, relishing the moment of reunion, the others entered the room, their faces brightening with smiles as they saw Jay sitting up in bed.

"Good to see you, Jay," Kai said, grinning from ear to ear as he approached.

"Yeah, we were worried about you, buddy," Cole added, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Jay's eyes flickered with curiosity as he noticed Mia's gaze lingering on the others. "What happened?" he asked, his brow furrowing in concern.

Mia hesitated for a moment, her thoughts swirling with conflicting emotions. "Oh, nothing," she replied, forcing a smile as she turned away.

Jay's expression softened as he reached out to gently touch her arm. "Come on, Mia," he urged, his voice gentle but firm. "That doesn't look like nothing."

Mia sighed, feeling the weight of Jay's concern pressing down on her. "It's just..." she began, trailing off as she struggled to find the right words.

But before she could continue, Jay's attention was diverted by the TV suddenly turning on, displaying the antics of them. Mia seized the opportunity to change the subject, her heart heavy with the burden of her unspoken frustrations.

"Look," she said, forcing a lightness into her tone as she gestured towards the screen, "you guys, being ridiculous again."

As the encounter with the police aired on TV, Mia's heart sank, her discomfort evident as she watched the events unfold. With a swift motion, she shut off the TV, her frustration boiling over.

"You know what? Let's forget we even turned the TV on," Mia said, her voice tight with emotion as she tried to brush off the uncomfortable situation.

But Jay's reaction was immediate and fierce. "What?!" he exclaimed, his eyes blazing with anger. "How dare they?!"

Mia's frustration bubbled to the surface as she turned to face her brother. "You know, they kept cutting me off," she said, her tone accusatory as she pointed towards the others.

Jay's expression hardened as he absorbed Mia's words, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. "Cutting you off?" he repeated, his voice low and dangerous. "That's unacceptable."

Lloyd, ever the peacemaker, interjected gently. "Let's calm down, Jay," he suggested, reaching out a hand in a gesture of peace.

But Jay's anger flared, his emotions raw and unfiltered. "Calm down?!" he exclaimed, his voice rising with each word. "My sister was trying to speak, and you guys cut her off?! Out of everyone, she's the only one who knows me."

As Jay's anger crackled through the room, the other ninja shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. Nya, ever the voice of reason, stepped forward to explain.

"Mia," she began, her voice calm and measured, "we weren't trying to ignore you. We were just worried about Jay, and the situation with the Mechanic was chaotic."

"Exactly!" Cole chimed in, his voice defensive yet tinged with apology. "We didn't even know you were gone until you came back with the Mechanic captured."

Lloyd, looking sheepish, added, "And when you did talk, we were focused on Jay's well-being. It wasn't our intention to cut you off."

Kai, ever loyal, placed a hand on Mia's shoulder. "We care about you, Mia. You're a vital part of the team."

Mia listened to their explanations, her initial anger simmering down but replaced with a deep-seated hurt. "But you never listen," she mumbled, her voice barely a whisper.

Zane, the logical one, spoke up next. "That's not entirely true, Mia. We listen, but sometimes with the adrenaline pumping and danger around us, communication breaks down."

"Maybe," Mia conceded, her voice quiet. "But then afterwards, it's always about Jay. How is he? Did he make it? Did he need anything?"

A heavy silence descended upon the room. They all knew Mia was right. Jay often took center stage, leaving Mia's contributions, while valuable, sometimes overlooked.

Wu, who had been silently observing the exchange, spoke in his usual cryptic manner. "Patience, young ones," he said, his voice carrying a gentle wisdom. "Every member of a team has their own voice, and sometimes it takes time for those voices to be heard clearly."

Frustration bubbled back up in Mia's chest, hot and acidic. Master Wu's calm demeanor, which usually soothed her, now felt patronizing.

"Patience?" she snapped, whirling around to face the old master. "How much patience does it take to be seen? To be heard? I stopped the Mechanic! By myself! While you were all..." she trailed off, unable to articulate the jumble of emotions churning inside her – fear, anger, and a deep sense of betrayal.

Wu's gaze remained steady, his brow furrowed in concern. "Your actions were brave, Mia," he acknowledged, his voice calm despite her outburst. "But being a ninja is not about individual feats. It's about teamwork, about trusting your teammates and knowing they have your back, just as you have theirs."

Mia scoffed. "Trust? Team work?" she repeated, her voice laced with sarcasm. "All I felt was confusion and dismissal. Like I was invisible."

Wu's eyes softened with understanding. "Sometimes," he said gently, "we fail to see what is right in front of us. But that doesn't mean it's not there."

The air crackled with tension as Mia, her frustration simmering down but not extinguished, raised her hand. Her instinct was to grab her staff, a weaponized extension of her emotions, but before she could reach for it, a warm touch landed on her shoulder.

It was Jay. His grip wasn't forceful, but it held a grounding presence that calmed the storm brewing within Mia. She cast a sidelong glance at him, a question lingering in her eyes.

"Easy there, sis," Jay said softly, his voice laced with a hint of amusement and a whole lot of understanding. "We're all a little shaken up, that's all."

His words, delivered with a familiar ease, chipped away at the remaining shards of anger clinging to Mia. He wasn't denying her feelings, he was acknowledging them.

Mia lowered her hand, the staff momentarily forgotten. She met Jay's gaze, a silent conversation passing between them. There was a shared frustration at the team's obliviousness, but also a flicker of hope ignited by his touch, his understanding.

"Maybe," she conceded, her voice softer now, the harsh edge worn smooth by Jay's presence. "But next time, try listening before things explode, alright?"

A sheepish grin spread across Jay's face. "Deal," he replied, squeezing her shoulder gently. "Now, how about we get you something to eat? You look like you could use some fuel after all that ninja-ing around."

Mia couldn't help but smile back, a flicker of warmth chasing away the remnants of her anger. Food and a chance to talk with her brother, to truly be heard, sounded perfect right about now.

"Sounds good," she agreed, her voice lighter.

Mia held up her hand, the familiar weight of her staff tempting. Jay's touch, though, was a grounding anchor. "Easy there, sis," he murmured, his voice a soothing balm.

The anger simmered down, replaced by a dull ache. She wasn't ready for a full truce, not yet. "Fine," she muttered, letting her hand fall limply to her side. Without another word, she turned and headed towards the door.

Jay watched her go, a worried crease forming between his brows. He wanted to say something, to bridge the remaining gap in their communication, but exhaustion overwhelmed him. With a weak, "She'll come around," he slumped back against the pillows, his eyes fluttering shut.

"Jay!" Nya's scream ripped through the tense silence. Panic surged through Mia as she whipped back around. Jay lay pale and motionless in the bed.

"The Mechanic," Mia gasped, remembering the villain's parting threat. She didn't hesitate. Rushing out of the room, she found Nya hovering over Jay, fear etched on her face.

Mia threw on her ninja gi in a blur. Spotting Cole by the window, she grabbed his arm. "Giddy up, girl," she said, her voice tight with urgency. "We have to go to the prison."

The playful nickname sounded wrong in the tense atmosphere, but it jolted Cole into action. "The Mechanic?" he asked, already reaching for his weapons.

Mia nodded grimly. "Looks like he's got one last trick up his sleeve." Together, they raced out the window, leaving a trail of unanswered questions and a single, unconscious ninja in their wake.

Mia, fueled by a surge of urgency and a flicker of remaining anger, didn't waste time explaining. Instead, she channeled her connection to the wind, whipping her hand through the air. A swirling vortex of white light materialized above them, condensing into a fluffy white cloud.

"Hold on tight, Cole!" she yelled, the playful nickname completely gone from her voice. Without waiting for a response, she leaped onto the cloud, her hand outstretched towards him.

Cole, wide-eyed and sputtering, barely had time to register the bizarre mode of transportation before Mia yanked him onto the cloud behind her. He yelped in surprise, flailing for balance as the cloud rose rapidly into the sky.

"Whoa! Whoa! Mia, slow down!" he shouted, his voice laced with a mixture of fear and exhilaration. "What is this? Where are we going?"

Mia gripped the leading edge of the cloud, her face set in a determined scowl. "The Mechanic," she said grimly, the wind whipping her hair around her face. "Looks like we're taking the express route."

Cole clung on for dear life, his earlier bravado replaced by a healthy dose of respect for Mia's wind manipulation skills. They were soaring through the air at breakneck speed, the world blurring beneath them. He could only trust Mia to get them to the prison safely, while a knot of worry tightened in his stomach over Jay's condition.

The prison loomed ahead, a stark contrast to the fluffy white cloud they rode in on. As they neared the ground, Mia expertly lowered the cloud with a gentle swirl of her hand. Cole, shaky but relieved, hopped off, his legs wobbly from the fast-paced flight.

"That was..." he started, searching for the right words.

"Crazy?" Mia supplied a humorless smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She didn't wait for his response. Her focus was singular – finding the Mechanic and stopping him before it was too late for Jay.

With a determined glint in her eyes, she sprinted towards the prison entrance. Bursting through the doors, she ignored the startled looks from the guards and civilians milling about. Her voice, usually melodic, cut through the air with a sharp urgency.

"The Mechanic!" she bellowed, her voice echoing through the halls. "We need to find him, now!"

Disappointment washed over Mia as the police officers led them to the Mechanic's cell. The urgency that had fueled her wind-cloud creation began to curdle with dread. Reaching the cell, she saw the Mechanic through the thick metal bars. He wasn't injured, just radiating a smug confidence that made her blood boil.

"Well, well," he sneered, his voice dripping with mock surprise. "Look who decided to grace me with their presence. The little Wind Ninja, all grown up and playing hero." His gaze flickered to Cole, a cruel amusement twisting his lips. "And who's your slowpoke sidekick today?"

Mia gritted her teeth, forcing down a wave of self-consciousness that threatened to engulf her. She wouldn't let his taunts get to her. Not now. "Where is it?" she demanded, her voice tight with controlled anger.

"Where's what, little ninja?" The Mechanic feigned ignorance, his eyes gleaming with malicious delight. "Lost your precious brother's favorite toy, have you? Don't worry, I'm sure you'll find a new one to play with soon enough."

Cole, ever the hothead, lunged towards the bars, his face contorted in fury. "You leave Jay out of this!" he roared.

Mia placed a hand on his arm, calming him with a look. They needed answers, not a brawl. Turning back to the Mechanic, she narrowed her eyes. "We know you did something to Jay," she stated, her voice unwavering. "Tell us what it is, and maybe, just maybe, we'll go easy on you."

The Mechanic threw his head back and laughed, a harsh, grating sound that echoed through the cell. "Easy on me? You naive child! By the time you figure it out, it'll be too late for your precious brother." His laughter died down, replaced by a chilling smile. "But hey, at least you'll have someone to practice your little wind tricks on, right?"

Mia's self-consciousness flared again, his words hitting a raw nerve. She was the Wind Ninja, a vital member of the team, and yet here she was, reduced to a child playing with toys in the eyes of this villain. But this time, the self-doubt was quickly overshadowed by a surge of protectiveness for Jay. She wouldn't let the Mechanic win. Wouldn't let him break them. Taking a deep breath, she steeled her resolve.

Raising her hand, she wasn't reaching for her staff, but channeling her connection to the wind in a way she never had before. The air around the Mechanic's cell crackled with energy, forming a swirling vortex of wind.

"You want to play games, Mechanic?" Mia's voice was a low growl, laced with the power of the wind itself. "Then let's see how you like a taste of my truth!" With a final, forceful push, she directed the swirling vortex towards the cell.

The wind slammed into the Mechanic, a concentrated blast that knocked him off his feet and sent a shockwave through the cell. He gasped, his eyes wide with surprise and a flicker of fear. For the first time, his smug facade faltered.

"What... what was that?" he stammered, clutching his head as the wind subsided.

Mia stood tall, her anger a controlled force now. "That," she declared, her voice echoing through the cell, "was a taste of the truth. And the truth is, you've lost."

With a final glare at the bewildered Mechanic, Mia whipped around and stormed out of the cell. Cole hurried after her, the unsettling silence hanging heavy in the air. They exited the prison, the weight of the Mechanic's cryptic words pressing down on them. What did he do to Jay? How would they find a way to save him?

As they stepped out into the cool night air, a soft whimper caught Mia's attention. Crouched by the prison entrance, shivering and alone, was a tiny puppy. Its fur was matted and dirty, its eyes wide and filled with fear.

Mia's heart tugged at the sight. Despite the urgency of their situation, she couldn't ignore the helpless creature. Bending down, she scooped the puppy into her arms, its small body trembling against her chest.

"Hey there, little one," she murmured softly, offering a reassuring stroke to its head. The puppy whimpered again, then nuzzled closer, seeking comfort.

Cole, ever the pragmatist, looked at Mia with a raised eyebrow. "Mia, we don't have time for this right now."

Mia met his gaze, a flicker of defiance in her eyes. "Maybe not," she said, her voice surprisingly gentle. "But maybe this little guy needs us right now too. We can't save the world if we can't even help the creatures right in front of us, can we?"

Cole sighed, a small smile playing on his lips. He knew she was right. Besides, the puppy's pitiful whimpers were hard to resist. "Alright, alright," he conceded. "But we find Jay first, then we worry about your new... pet?"

Mia grinned, a spark of hope rekindled in her eyes. "Thanks, Cole. And who knows," she added, looking down at the puppy nestled in her arms, "maybe he'll bring us some luck."

The puppy, sensing his amusement, wagged its tail with all its might, its entire tiny body wiggling with newfound enthusiasm. It wriggled free from Mia's arms and clumsily attempted to climb Cole's leg, showering him with clumsy puppy kisses.

Mia watched the scene unfold, a genuine smile gracing her lips. It had been a while since she'd seen Cole so carefree, his usual stoicism replaced by a playful grin as he wrestled with the overeager puppy.

"Looks like he's already chosen his favorite ninja," Mia teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

Cole, now sporting a wet nose courtesy of the puppy's enthusiastic greeting, mock-glared at her. "Hey, it's not my fault he has good taste," he retorted, scooping the puppy and scratching the puppy behind the ears. The puppy rewarded him with a blissful sigh.

" Well, since you love the dog, here you go." Mia gave Cole a baby carrier and focused on making another cloud. When she turned, though, it was a disaster.

Mia's smile just had to widened at the sight of Cole struggling with the baby carrier. It was a makeshift solution, a repurposed backpack with straps and buckles that vaguely resembled a carrier, but to Cole, it looked like a medieval torture device.

The little puppy they'd rescued was no bigger than Mia's hand. He yapped excitedly, tail wagging furiously as Mia secured him snugly in the makeshift carrier on Cole's back.

"See?" Mia said, patting the makeshift pouch. "Nice and secure. Now you can focus on using your Earth powers to track Jay, and the pup can keep you company."

Cole eyed the contraption warily. "This feels... wrong," he mumbled, tugging at a strap awkwardly. "And where exactly am I supposed to put my arms?"

Mia chuckled. "Just relax and let him do his wiggling," she advised, already conjuring a swirling vortex of wind beneath her feet. "Hold on tight!"

Before Cole could protest further, Mia launched them skyward on another cloud creation. This time, however, the mood was lighter. The puppy's happy barks filled the air, and even Cole cracked a smile as he felt the wind whipping through his hair.

"Alright, alright," he conceded, shouting over the wind. "Maybe this isn't so bad after all. Just don't expect any fancy Earth jutsu maneuvers while I'm juggling a puppy."

Mia laughed, the sound echoing through the vast expanse of the sky. "No worries," she replied. "We'll improvise. Together."

Cole, still struggling with the makeshift puppy carrier strapped to his back, could barely hear himself think over the whistling wind. He fumbled with the phone in his hand, finally managing to connect the call.

"Kai! We need your help!" he shouted, his voice barely audible over the roar of the wind.

"Woah, woah, slow down Earth-mover," Kai's voice crackled through the receiver, amusement clear in his tone. "What's the emergency? Did Nya finally convince you to take up knitting?"

Cole gritted his teeth. Teasing was all well and good, but right now, every second felt precious. "No, it's about Jay. We paid the Mechanic a visit, and-"

"Whoa, hold on," Kai's voice sobered instantly. "What did the Mechanic say?"

"We don't know exactly," Mia cut in, expertly navigating the wind currents. "But the Mechanic is involved, and he's acting... strange." She recounted their encounter with the Mechanic, the cryptic threats, and Mia's display of power.

Kai listened intently, the amusement gone from his voice. "That doesn't sound good. We need to get to the hospital and figure out what's going on with Jay. Where are you guys?"

"We're just outside Ninjago City," Cole replied, glancing at the approaching cityscape dotted with twinkling lights. "We'll be there in a few minutes."

"Alright, meet me at the entrance. And hey," Kai added, his voice softening, "don't worry. We'll get Jay back on his feet. Literally, hopefully."

A flicker of a smile touched Cole's lips despite the seriousness of the situation. "Thanks, Kai. We appreciate it."

As they landed on the hospital rooftop, the puppy in the makeshift carrier yipping excitedly, Cole could see Kai waiting for them, his brow furrowed with concern.

"There you two are," Kai greeted them, his gaze immediately falling on the puppy. "And who's this little furball?"

"Long story," Mia replied, unfurling the makeshift cloud. "Let's just say we couldn't leave him behind."

Kai chuckled, his usual lightheartedness returning a bit. "Alright, alright. But first things first, Jay."

They hurried inside, the weight of the unknown pressing down on them. The sterile scent of the hospital filled their nostrils, a stark contrast to the fresh air they'd just been flying through. As they reached Jay's room, they found Nya pacing outside, her face etched with worry.

"Nya!" Mia exclaimed, rushing to her side. "How is he?"

Nya shook her head, her eyes welling up. "The doctors don't know. His vitals are all messed up, and they can't figure out why." She looked at Cole, a desperate plea in her eyes. "You have to find out what the Mechanic did to him."

Cole squeezed her hand reassuringly. "We will, Nya. We promise." He glanced at Kai, a silent question hanging in the air. Kai nodded grimly.

"Alright, team," he said, his voice firm. "Let's split up. Cole and I will pay another visit to our friend the Mechanic. Mia, you stay here with Nya and Jay. If anything changes, you call us immediately."

Mia hesitated, then nodded. "Be careful, you two."

With a determined glint in their eyes, Kai and Cole turned and headed off, the weight of their mission heavier than ever. The little puppy whimpered in the carrier, sensing the tension. Cole reached back and scratched him behind the ear, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Looks like we have another teammate now," he murmured. The puppy wagged his tail enthusiastically, a spark of hope flickering in the face of uncertainty.

" You go question him again. I'll stay here with him." Mia scooped the pup into her arms and cuddled him close.

An idea popped into her head, and she looked at the puppy in her arms. "Hey, little guy," she cooed, stroking the puppy's soft fur. "How would you like to help me out with something?"

The puppy cocked his head to the side, his bright eyes filled with curiosity. He gave a tiny bark, as if to say, "Sure, what do you need?

Mia's smile turned mischievous as she whispered her plan to the puppy. He seemed to understand, wagging his tail eagerly and giving a playful yip in response.

Zane hovered beside Jay's bed, his metallic hand hovering cautiously over his friend's forehead. Concern radiated from his normally calm blue eyes.

"Hmm," Zane murmured, his voice a gentle whir. "His core temperature is elevated, but not excessively. Respiratory rate appears normal..."

Nya, perched on the edge of the bed, her hand intertwined with Jay's limp one, cut him off with a worried frown. "Normal? Zane, he's pale as a sheet and hasn't spoken a word since the fight!"

Zane's brow furrowed, gears whirring softly in his head. "Indeed. The medical scans reveal no physical injuries, yet his body seems to be in a state of...stasis."

He sighed, a wisp of cool air escaping his vents. "The only anomaly I can detect is a faint... hum emanating from within him. An unfamiliar energy signature."

Nya's eyes widened. "A hum? Like what the Mechanic was using with his new weapon?"

Zane's shoulders slumped. "The possibility exists. If the Mechanic managed to transfer some of his residual energy..."

He trailed off, the weight of the situation settling heavily on him. Jay, their teammate, their brother, lay motionless, a victim of the villain's latest scheme.

Suddenly, a new, high-pitched whine joined the hum Zane had detected. He whipped his head around, his sensors focusing on a tiny bundle nestled in Mia's arms. The puppy, rescued earlier that night, whimpered and yipped, its tail wagging frantically.

A spark ignited in Zane's eyes. "Wait a minute," he whirred, his voice gaining a spark of excitement. "The puppy! It's also emitting a faint energy signature, but...different. Perhaps..."

He reached out a hand, not towards Jay, but towards the puppy. Hesitantly, Mia lowered the bundle closer. Zane's fingertips brushed against the soft fur, his internal scanners whirring to life.

"Fascinating," he breathed. "The puppy's energy...it seems to be counteracting the Mechanic's somehow. A weak resonance, but a resonance nonetheless."

Hope bloomed on Nya's face, a fragile flower pushing through the cracks of despair. "You think the puppy can help him?"

Zane's expression remained thoughtful. "It's a possibility. The exact nature of the puppy's energy and its interaction with the Mechanic's...uncertain. However, it warrants further investigation."

The little puppy, oblivious to the tension in the room, wriggled excitedly in Mia's arms, his tiny tail drumming a happy rhythm against her chest. Mia couldn't help but smile faintly at his innocent enthusiasm. It was a stark contrast to the sight that greeted her when Kai and Cole stumbled back into the hospital room.

Both ninjas looked rough. Kai sported a nasty gash across his cheek, and Cole limped slightly, wincing as he put weight on his leg. Their usual bravado was replaced by a grim determination etched on their faces.

"Any luck?" Mia asked, her voice a touch strained.

Cole shook his head, his voice gruff. "Not exactly. The Mechanic wouldn't budge. Kept spouting nonsense about vengeance and Jay being 'part of his grand design.'"

Kai scoffed, wincing as the movement pulled at his injured cheek. "Vengeance for what? We locked him up, remember? Unless breaking a few jailhouse rules is his idea of a grand design."

Mia pursed her lips. The Mechanic's words echoed in her mind, his smug smile a chilling image. "There's more to it," she said, her voice firm. "He wouldn't be this confident if it wasn't something serious."

A flicker of hope sparked in her eyes as she looked down at the puppy, who continued his happy tapping against her. Remembering her plan, she leaned closer and whispered in his ear, "Alright, buddy, it's time for your part."

The puppy, sensing the seriousness in her tone, tilted his head and let out a small, inquisitive bark. Mia grinned, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"See, Kai, Cole," she said, her voice gaining a newfound confidence. "We might just have the key to saving Jay right here."

She gestured towards the puppy, who, as if on cue, let out a series of excited barks and wiggles. Kai and Cole exchanged bewildered glances, then looked back at Mia, waiting for an explanation.

Mia, a playful smile dancing on her lips, launched into her plan. Her voice, usually filled with the power of the wind, now held a hint of playful secrecy. As she spoke, the puppy listened intently, his ears perked up, his tail wagging even faster.

By the time she finished, a shared look of understanding passed between Kai and Cole. A mixture of skepticism and cautious optimism flickered in their eyes. "Are you sure this will work?" Kai asked, scratching his head with his uninjured hand.

Mia shrugged, a playful glint in her eyes. "There's only one way to find out, right?" she said, her voice tinged with a newfound determination. "Besides," she added, looking down at the puppy with a warm smile, "sometimes the smallest creatures can hold the biggest surprises."

With a whir and a puff of cool air, Zane turned away from Jay's bedside. "I will delve deeper into the available data," he declared, his voice resolute. "There must be a way to counteract this strange energy signature."

Nya nodded, squeezing Jay's hand tightly. "Thank you, Zane. We appreciate everything you're doing."

Zane dipped his head in a gesture of acknowledgment and swept out of the room, his metallic footsteps echoing in the sterile hallway. Mia watched him go, then turned her attention to the other two ninja who had just returned, worse for wear.

"Alright, you two sit down," she said, her voice firm but laced with concern. She gestured towards a couple of empty chairs near the window.

Cole winced as he lowered himself into a chair, his leg protesting the movement. Kai followed suit, wincing as he gingerly touched the gash on his cheek.

Mia busied herself rummaging through a bag she'd brought, pulling out antiseptic wipes, bandages, and a bottle of pain medication. "Looks like you two had a rough encounter with our jailbird friend," she remarked, her voice dry.

"Rough doesn't even begin to describe it," Kai grumbled, wincing as Mia cleaned the gash on his cheek with a gentle touch. "The Mechanic's gone completely batty. Spouting all sorts of crazy threats."

Cole grunted in agreement. "He wouldn't tell us anything useful, though. Just kept rambling about some grand design and how Jay was part of it."

Mia finished cleaning Kai's wound and applied a bandage. She frowned thoughtfully. "There's definitely something more to it," she said. "But at least Zane's on the case. In the meantime," she added, handing a bottle of water and some pain relievers to Kai, "we take care of the wounded."

Cole chuckled, taking the water and pills she offered him. "Seems like the roles are reversed this time around, huh? Usually it's us patching you up after a mission."

Mia grinned. "Well, someone has to take care of the caretakers," she said, her eyes twinkling. She glanced at the puppy nestled contentedly in a makeshift bed of blankets on a nearby chair. "Besides, I have a feeling our little friend here might be playing a bigger role in all this than we think."

Mia fussed over Kai's bandages, her touch gentle despite the seriousness of the situation. Cole, propped up in another chair, nursed a sore leg and a bruised ego. The little puppy, christened "Spark" by Nya for his energetic personality, snoozed peacefully in his makeshift bed.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and a familiar figure shuffled in. Master Wu, his beard as white as ever and his staff tapping a gentle rhythm against the floor, surveyed the scene with a twinkle in his aged eyes.

"Well, well, well," he boomed, his voice surprisingly strong for his age. "What do we have here? A wounded reunion, a slumbering spark, and a brewing... concoction?" His gaze landed on a steaming mug of tea Mia had been attempting to brew on a portable hot water heater.

Mia, startled by his unexpected arrival, nearly dropped the teapot. "Master Wu!" she exclaimed, setting the pot down with a clatter. "What are you doing here?"

Master Wu chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Sensei always knows when his students are in need of a little... guidance." He gestured vaguely at the room, taking in the worried expressions and bandaged limbs.

Kai, ever the jokester, despite the throbbing pain in his cheek, piped up, "And a lecture on the importance of proper training, no doubt?"

Master Wu wagged a finger at him playfully. "Perhaps," he said with a mischievous grin. "But perhaps there are other lessons at play today. Lessons about patience," he added, his gaze flickering to Spark, "about trust," his eyes lingering on Mia, "and about the unexpected heroes who sometimes emerge from the smallest of places."

He ambled towards a chair near Jay's bed, his staff tapping a soothing rhythm against the floor. "Now," he continued, settling into the chair, "tell me everything. Every cryptic word from the Mechanic, every strange hum emanating from your friend here."

Mia, Cole, and Kai launched into a detailed account of their encounters with the Mechanic and the discovery of Jay's condition. Master Wu listened intently, his expression unreadable. When they finished, he stroked his beard thoughtfully.

"Hmm," he mused. "The Mechanic's motives remain clouded, but one thing is certain: he underestimates the power of a united team, and the resourcefulness of a determined spirit." He shot a pointed look at Mia, who met his gaze with a determined nod.

A comfortable silence settled over the room, broken only by the rhythmic beeping of Jay's heart monitor and the soft snores of Spark. Master Wu's presence, though unexpected, offered a sense of calm amidst the chaos. His cryptic words, while not providing immediate answers, fueled a renewed sense of hope.

Suddenly, Master Wu's eyes widened, his gaze darting towards the window. "Speaking of unexpected heroes," he declared, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "did someone order a flock of messenger pigeons?"

Mia, Kai, and Cole exchanged bewildered glances, then followed Master Wu's gaze to see a flurry of white wings descending towards the hospital window. Master Wu chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that filled the room. "Looks like we have a lot to discuss," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Mia, surprised by the sudden influx of feathered friends, cautiously approached the window. Master Wu shuffled over beside her, his staff tapping a gentle rhythm.

"Don't worry, child," he chuckled, his voice a low rumble. "These are my messengers. They'll cause no trouble... unless you forget the sunflower seeds."

Realization dawned on Mia's face. Carefully, she cracked open the window a fraction, just enough for the pigeons to squeeze through. A flurry of white feathers and cooing filled the room as the birds fluttered in, their beady eyes scanning their surroundings.

Mia quickly grabbed a bag of birdseed she kept on hand for emergencies (courtesy of numerous rooftop picnics with Nya). She sprinkled a generous amount on the windowsill, watching as the pigeons descended upon the tiny feast with gusto.

"So, Master Wu," Kai piped up, a hint of amusement in his voice, "what exactly are these messenger pigeons going to deliver? Top-secret ninja intel pecked onto tiny scrolls?"

Master Wu's eyes twinkled with mirth. "Perhaps," he said mysteriously. "Or maybe just a friendly reminder that even the smallest creatures can play a crucial role in the grand scheme of things." He cast a knowing glance at Spark, who perked up at the mention of his name and let out a curious bark.

Cole, ever the pragmatist, chimed in. "But seriously, Master, what's the plan?"

Master Wu straightened his robes, his expression turning serious. "Patience, young Cole," he said. "The pigeons will deliver their message, and then we will formulate a course of action. In the meantime," he added, his eyes softening, "focus on your friend's recovery. Remember, even the mightiest ninja needs time to heal."

_________________________________________________________________________________

The moonlight cast a silvery glow across the hospital room, painting sterile white walls with an ethereal sheen. Mia tossed restlessly in her bed, the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor a counterpoint to the frantic drumming of her own heart. Sleep, that elusive visitor, refused to grace her with its presence.

She peeked over at the others. Nya, curled up in a chair beside Jay's bed, her brow furrowed in worry even in sleep. Cole, sprawled on a makeshift cot, his chest rising and falling with each deep breath. Even Master Wu, usually a picture of stoic serenity, seemed to have succumbed to sleep, his breathing a soft rasp.

A frustrated sigh escaped Mia's lips. The weight of their situation pressed down on her like a physical force. Jay, their teammate, their brother, lay motionless, a victim of the Mechanic's machinations. The doctors were baffled, Zane's research yielded only fragments of information, and Master Wu's cryptic words, though offering a flicker of hope, did little to quell the storm of worry brewing inside her.

Restlessness gnawed at her. She needed air, needed to escape the confines of the sterile room. Throwing off the thin blanket, Mia crept towards the window. The cool night air kissed her skin as she cracked it open a sliver, the sounds of the bustling city below a distant hum.

Taking a deep breath, Mia glanced back at the sleeping figures. A silent promise flickered in her eyes - she'd be back soon. Stepping onto the fire escape, her heart pounded a frantic rhythm against her ribs. With a silent leap, she dropped down onto the soft grass below.

Spark, startled by the sudden movement, whimpered and emerged from the room. He yipped excitedly, his tail wagging furiously at the sight of Mia. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Hey, little guy," she whispered, scratching him behind the ears.

The little ball of fur nudged her hand playfully, his bright eyes shining with curiosity. As if sensing her need, he tilted his head towards the towering oak tree bordering the hospital grounds. A mischievous glint sparked in Mia's eyes. Maybe a little escape was just what they both needed.

"Alright, Spark," she said, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. "Let's see what kind of trouble we can get into."

With a burst of agility honed by years of training, Mia launched herself towards the tree. The rough bark offered purchase for her hands and feet as she scaled the branches with ease. Spark, however, hesitated at the foot of the tree. He looked up at Mia, his tail wagging tentatively, but the first branch seemed a daunting leap.

Mia chuckled, a sound that was both relieved and playful. "Don't worry, little buddy," she reassured him. "I won't leave you behind." Reaching down, she extended a hand to the little puppy. Spark, emboldened, took a running leap and landed squarely in her palm.

Gently, Mia hoisted him up until he was within reach of the lowest branch. With a determined yelp, Spark launched himself, his paws finding purchase on the rough bark. Mia watched with amusement as he scrambled upwards, his little body surprisingly agile. Soon, he was perched beside her on a sturdy branch, his chest heaving with exertion.

Settling in comfortably, Mia gazed out at the city sprawled beneath them. The weight of her worries seemed to lessen under the vast expanse of the night sky. Here, nestled amidst the leafy canopy, surrounded by the soft chirping of crickets, the world felt a little less chaotic.

" You know, I never thought the day would come when I have another pet. Besides Blackie." Mia whispered, petting Spark. Spark cocked his head, unsure of what she was saying. Seeing this, Mia decided to tell him a bit more.

" My cat. Hername is Blackie. And boy, is he sassy! She can talk, but she doesn't like doing it in front of others. Actually, she's only done it a few times. Other times she's like a normal cat. Yep, a normal cat that rolls her eyes everytime I do something. That's normal, isn't it, boy?"

Mia chuckled softly, the memory of Blackie's judgmental eyes bringing a smile to her lips. Spark, ever the attentive listener, tilted his head further, his big brown eyes searching hers. The moonlight filtering through the leaves cast an ethereal glow, making them look like conspirators sharing a secret.

"She's a handful," Mia continued, her voice barely a whisper. "But a loyal one. When I was little and scared of the dark, she'd curl up beside me, purring like a tiny engine. Made all the monsters under the bed seem to disappear."

A comfortable silence settled between them, broken only by the rustle of leaves and the distant hum of the city below. Mia, lost in thought, traced patterns on Spark's soft fur. The little pup, sensing her melancholy, nudged her hand with his wet nose, a silent offering of comfort.

Mia chuckled softly, the memory of Blackie's antics bringing a smile to her face. Spark, sensing the shift in her mood, whined playfully and licked her hand with his rough, puppy tongue.

"Don't worry, buddy," Mia reassured him. "You're definitely more my style than a sassy cat who judges my every move."

Suddenly, a rustling sound came from below. Mia instinctively tensed, her hand instinctively reaching for the shuriken pouch strapped to her thigh. Spark, too, perked up his ears, his playful demeanor replaced by a watchful alertness.

A figure emerged from the shadows of the trees below, his form obscured by the darkness. Mia narrowed her eyes, trying to pierce the veil of night. The figure stepped into a sliver of moonlight, revealing the unmistakable form of Zane.

But something was different. Zane was bundled up in a winter coat, a garment that seemed ridiculously out of place in the warm spring night. The coat looked at least three sizes too big, swallowing his normally slender frame and making him appear like a marshmallow on stilts.

Mia burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the quiet park. "Zane? What are you wearing?" she spluttered between giggles.

Zane, ever stoic, ignored her initial amusement. He shuffled towards the base of the tree, the oversized coat billowing around him like a cumbersome parachute.

"Greetings, Mia," he said, his voice muffled by the thick layers of fabric. "I apologize for the unorthodox attire. However, the situation requires..." he paused, his metallic brow furrowing, "extreme thermal regulation."

Mia raised an eyebrow, her laughter subsiding into a curious grin. "Thermal regulation? Zane, it's like, seventy degrees out there."

Zane reached into the depths of his coat pocket and pulled out a small, handheld device. It crackled with energy, displaying a series of holographic projections.

"According to my calculations," Zane explained, "the readings emanating from Jay have taken an unexpected turn. His internal energy signature is exhibiting a...fluctuation." He gestured at the device, the holographic image shifting to show a spiking graph.

Mia's smile faltered. "Fluctuation? Is that good or bad?"

Zane's blue eyes flickered with concern. "The data is inconclusive at this point. It could be a sign of his body attempting to fight off the Mechanic's influence. However, it could also indicate..." his voice trailed off, a metallic whirring emanating from his chest cavity.

"Great," Mia muttered, a knot of worry tightening in her stomach. "Just what we need. More uncertainty."

Spark whined softly, nuzzling his head against Mia's hand. She offered him a reassuring scratch behind the ears, drawing comfort from his warm fur.

Zane cleared his throat, the sound muffled by the layers of his winter coat. "Regardless," he continued, "Master Wu believes this new development necessitates immediate action. He has formulated a plan, which..." he fumbled with another device hidden within the depths of his coat pocket, "seems to involve... messenger pigeons?"

Mia's laughter died in her throat as a sleek black blur shot past the base of the tree, a frantic meow echoing in its wake. Perched precariously on the branch beside her sat Spark, ears perked and eyes wide with surprise.

"Blackie?!" Mia exclaimed, scrambling down the tree with surprising agility. Spark, emboldened by her lead, clattered down after her, yipping excitedly.

At the foot of the tree stood none other than Blackie, her normally pristine fur ruffled and her emerald eyes blazing with something akin to feline fury. In her mouth, she held Mia's signature weapon – the Cyclondo staff.

"There you are!" Blackie hissed, dropping the staff at Mia's feet. "You and your disappearing act have caused enough trouble! Don't you know what's happening?"

Mia stared at her sassy feline companion, dumbfounded. Blackie, the epitome of aloofness, was not only talking, but exhibiting a level of urgency she'd never witnessed before.

Zane, still bundled up in his oversized winter coat, shuffled closer, his metallic brow furrowed in confusion. "Intriguing. A...vocal feline companion?"

Blackie, momentarily forgetting her anger at Mia, whipped around to glare at Zane. "Yes, thank you for stating the obvious, walking refrigerator!"

"Refrigerator?" Zane whirred, his voice laced with bewildered amusement.

Mia, finally regaining her composure, knelt down to scoop Spark into her arms. "Alright, Blackie," she said, her voice calm despite the swirling questions in her head. "Slow down. What's going on? And how did you..." she gestured at the staff, "get a hold of this?"

Blackie scoffed, her tail twitching in irritation. "Don't you listen to Nya at all? The pigeons! They delivered a message, one that only I, with my superior feline hearing, could decipher."

Mia's eyes widened. The message from the pigeons, Master Wu's cryptic words – it all clicked into place. "The pigeons," she breathed. "They had a message for you, Blackie?"

Blackie rolled her eyes, a feat that never failed to amaze Mia. "Obviously! Now, come on. We don't have time for your slow human deduction skills. We need to get you back to the hospital. There's a whole... situation... going down. And anyway, I'm bored."

Mia blinked, momentarily stunned by Blackie's sudden shift in demeanor. One moment she was a fierce warrior queen barking orders, the next she was complaining about boredom?

"Hold on," Mia finally managed, processing the situation. "You... you understood the message the pigeons brought? And you're complaining about being bored?"

Blackie huffed, her emerald eyes narrowing. "Of course I understood it! Pigeons are notoriously bad at delivering complex messages, but their squawking managed to get the gist across." She nestled further into Mia's arms, her usual aloofness momentarily replaced by a hint of vulnerability. "While you were off being all heroic and getting yourselves captured, I've been stuck at home. The only exciting thing that's happened all day is the mailman nearly tripping over the welcome mat."

Mia couldn't help but chuckle, a warm wave of relief washing over her. Blackie's blatant disregard for anything mundane, even in this chaotic situation, was strangely comforting.

"So," Mia said, hoisting Spark securely in her other arm, "you snuck out to find some excitement?"

Blackie scoffed, though a playful glint flickered in her eyes. "Nonsense. I simply sensed you needed help, and a bored cat with exceptional hearing is a powerful asset. Besides," she added, a mischievous grin spreading across her face, "I couldn't let you have all the fun, could I?"

Zane, ever the observer, cleared his throat, the sound muffled by the oversized coat. "This... feline seems to possess a rather extensive vocabulary."

Blackie whipped her head around, her green eyes flashing. "And you, walking ice chest, seem to have a rather large vocabulary for someone dressed like a walking marshmallow."

Zane whirred softly, processing Blackie's words. "Marshmallow? Perhaps more... streamlined thermal solution is in order."

Ignoring their bickering, Mia started walking towards the hospital, a newfound sense of determination filling her steps. Blackie, nestled comfortably in her arms, purred contentedly. Spark, perched on her shoulder, wagged his tail excitedly.

"Alright, Blackie," Mia said, her voice firm. "Tell me what you know about this situation. What message did the pigeons deliver?"

Blackie adjusted her position in Mia's arms, her tail swishing disdainfully. "Honestly, the pigeons were about as clear as Nya after a particularly spicy tuna surprise. But here's the gist, as best I could decipher from their cooing and disgruntled squawking."

She paused dramatically, her emerald eyes narrowing. "Apparently, the Mechanic's up to his usual tricks, only this time he's concocted some sort of hairball-inducing potion he's planning to unleash on the entire city!"

Mia snorted, nearly tripping over a rogue root. "Hairball potion? Seriously, Blackie? That's his grand plan for revenge?"

Blackie scoffed. "Don't underestimate the power of a good hairball, human. It's enough to bring even the mightiest ninja to their knees, trust me. Just imagine, the entire city doubled over in agony, hacking up fur-balls the size of bowling balls. Chaos would ensue!"

Spark, perched on Mia's shoulder, tilted his head and let out a confused yip. Zane, ever the logical one, chimed in with a metallic whir.

"While the concept of a mass hairball outbreak is... unconventional, it could potentially disrupt public order."

Blackie rolled her eyes, a feat that always managed to amaze Mia. "Exactly! Now, the pigeons mentioned something about a counter-potion, brewed from the tears of a heartbroken... walrus?"

Mia burst out laughing. "A heartbroken walrus? Where are we supposed to find one of those on short notice?"

Blackie shrugged, her tail flicking dismissively. "Beats me. But hey, at least it's more interesting than chasing after a rogue laser pointer all day." She shot a pointed look at Zane, who whirred defensively.

"Laser pointers are a valuable training tool for feline reflexes!"

Their bickering filled the night air as they hurried back towards the hospital. Despite the absurdity of the situation, a flicker of hope ignited in Mia's chest. Blackie, with her unexpected intel and sassy demeanor, might just be the secret weapon they needed. With a mischievous grin, Mia clutched her staff tighter.

"Alright, team," she declared, her voice echoing with newfound determination. "Hairball potion, heartbroken walrus tears – sounds like just another day in the life of a ninja. Let's do this!"

" Woah, woah, where do you think you're going? You would need a beautiful sorceress to find those things!" Blackie said.

"Great! Where do we find one?" Mia asked.

Blackie rolled her eyes. " You're talking to one."

Mia sputtered, nearly dropping Spark in her surprise. "Hold on a second, Blackie! Spell magic? You never mentioned you knew spell magic! And a heartbroken walrus? That's even more ridiculous than the hairball potion!"

Blackie, nestled smugly in Mia's arms, flicked her tail dismissively. "Details, details. Besides, desperate times call for desperate measures. And trust me, a heartbroken walrus is a lot easier to find than a city overflowing with hairballs."

Zane, ever the voice of reason (despite his outlandish winter coat), cleared his throat. "While the logic behind using feline spellcraft is... questionable, the concept does hold a certain... whimsical charm."

Ignoring Zane's attempt at humor, Mia narrowed her eyes at Blackie. "So, what exactly did you do?"

Blackie smirked. "Let's just say I borrowed a few tricks from your old friend Nya. A spell, a few well-placed cat hairs (courtesy of yours truly), and voila! Instant... transformation."

Mia stared at Blackie, a mixture of disbelief and trepidation swirling in her stomach. Before she could voice any further questions, a wave of dizziness washed over her. Her vision blurred, the world around her warping and distorting.

When it cleared, she was met with a horrifying sight. Her arms were gone, replaced by thick, blubbery flippers. Her reflection in a nearby puddle confirmed her worst fears – she was now a giant, disgruntled walrus.

A strangled gurgle escaped her throat, the sound more akin to a mournful walrus bellow than anything human. Spark, perched on her newly rounded head, yelped in surprise, clinging on for dear life.

Zane, ever the stoic observer, stared at Mia with a look of utter bewilderment. His metallic body, however, seemed to be undergoing a transformation of its own. His once slender form morphed and stretched, his head rounding into a smooth, red blob.

Blackie, the only one seemingly unaffected, burst out laughing. "Oh, this is priceless! A heartbroken walrus and a lovesick... heart? This is even better than I imagined!"

Clutching her stomach, Blackie continued to cackle as Mia, the newly christened walrus, let out another mournful bellow. Zane, now a floating, misshapen heart, whirred indignantly.

"Feline spellcraft! Unreliable and prone to... unintended consequences!"

Mia, unable to speak (or rather, blurt out another walrus bellow), glared at Blackie with her beady walrus eyes.

"Well," Blackie finally managed between gasps of laughter, wiping a tear from her eye. "This might not be exactly according to plan, but hey, at least we're not dealing with hairballs! Now, let's get you two back to the hospital before someone calls animal control."

With a mischievous glint in her eye, Blackie, the sassy feline sorceress, led the charge. The night, already filled with absurdity, was about to take an even more hilarious, and possibly heartwarming, turn. The quest to save Jay, the battle against the Mechanic, would unfold in a most unexpected way – with a lovesick heart, a heartbroken walrus, and a smug feline leading the charge.

The doors to the hospital burst open with a bang, shattering the sterile silence of the night. Blackie, perched atop Mia's now enormous walrus head, sashayed in like a furry queen. Spark, clinging on for dear life with his little legs paddling the air, looked like a lost puppy caught in a sea of blubber.

Cole, who had been dozing on a chair, jolted awake with a yelp. His eyes widened comically as he took in the sight before him. "Mia? Is that... is that you?" he stammered, pointing at the giant walrus.

Kai, ever the jokester, burst out laughing, clutching his stomach. "A walrus? Seriously, Mia? That's your new ninja disguise?"

Nya, who had been staring worriedly at Jay's bedside monitor, whipped around. Her eyes widened in shock as she saw Mia, then narrowed dangerously at Blackie. "Blackie! What have you done?"

Blackie, completely unfazed by the chaos she'd caused, hopped down from Mia's head and landed with a soft thud on the floor. "Well, it seems my spellcraft may be a tad rusty," she admitted with a nonchalant shrug. "But hey, at least we don't have to worry about hairballs anymore, right?"

Master Wu, who had been meditating peacefully in a corner, opened one eye and blinked owlishly at the scene before him. A slow smile spread across his aged face.

"Hmm," he chuckled, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "This is certainly... unexpected. But perhaps," he added, his eyes twinkling with amusement, "a little unorthodox approach is exactly what we need."

Mia, now a giant, frustrated walrus, let out a mournful bellow. The sound echoed through the room, vibrating the very walls. Spark, who had finally managed to scramble onto her back, yipped in encouragement.

Zane, who had somehow transformed into a giant, misshapen heart, floated in through the open window, bumping his squishy form against the ceiling with a soft thud. He whirred indignantly.

"Feline magic! Unreliable and prone to..." he trailed off, his single red eye focusing on Mia. "...aquatic transformations, apparently."

The room erupted in chaos. Cole, still giggling uncontrollably, pointed at Zane. "Dude, you look like a giant, lovesick jellybean!"

Kai doubled over with laughter, tears streaming down his face. Nya, despite her initial anger, couldn't help but crack a smile at the sight of their usually stoic teammates transformed into a lovesick heart and a heartbroken walrus.

Blackie, the instigator of this entire mess, simply sat back and watched the scene unfold with a smug grin on her face. Perhaps, she thought, a little laughter was just what they needed to break the tension.

In the midst of the chaos, a soft whimper came from Jay's bed. Everyone fell silent, their attention turning to their ailing teammate. Jay's eyelids fluttered open, his gaze landing on the bizarre sight before him.

For a moment, he stared in confusion. Then, a weak smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Uh, guys," he croaked, his voice raspy. "Did I miss something?"

Mia turned back into a human and ran to her brother's side.

" Jay!" She cried, kissing him softly on the cheek.

But just as it began, it ended, and Mia watched in horror as Jay's eyes fluttered shut again, his smile replaced by a grimace of pain. Panic surged through her, momentarily overriding the absurdity of her walrus form. With a desperate bellow, she jumped into Jay's bed, ignoring the worried shouts of her friends.

Just as she reached his side, a cluster of doctors materialized around her, their faces etched with concern. "We need to run some tests," one of them said calmly, reaching out a hand towards her.

Mia, overwhelmed and frustrated, lashed out. "Tests? He needs more than tests! He needs a cure!" Her voice, though strained, held a raw edge of emotion. The transformation had reversed, but the anger and fear that had fueled it remained.

Master Wu, ever the calming presence, reached out a hand to rest on her shoulder. "Mia," he said gently, "we understand your worry. But lashing out won't help Jay."

Mia flinched, her anger momentarily replaced by shame. But before she could apologize, a surge of primal rage welled up within her. She threw Master Wu's hand off her shoulder, a growl escaping her throat.

"You don't understand!" she roared, her voice cracking with emotion. "He's more than just a teammate, he's my brother! And I won't stand by and watch him..."

The rest of her sentence died in her throat, choked back by a fresh wave of despair. Turning on her heel, she stormed out of the room, leaving a trail of bewildered stares in her wake.

The sterile walls of the hospital felt like they were closing in on her. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision. She needed air, needed space to process the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her.

Just outside the hospital doors, she unleashed her pent-up frustration. A metal trash can went flying, its contents scattering across the sidewalk. A nearby flower pot met a similar fate, its vibrant blooms raining down like colorful confetti. The normally calm and collected Mia was a storm of rage and despair.

Kai, sensing her distress, emerged from the hospital doors. He saw the destruction Mia had wrought, the tears streaming down her face. He understood. He knew the fear of losing a sibling, the helplessness that gripped you when someone you cared for was hurting.

"Mia," he called out gently, his voice breaking through the haze of her anger. "Let's talk."

The rage within Mia roared like a fire. Kai's gentle voice barely registered as she spun around, her eyes blazing. "Who do you think you are?" she screamed, the metal rod she'd ripped from a discarded traffic sign glinting menacingly in her hand. "My mother? No!"

Her voice hitched, cracking with raw emotion. "The only family I have left is Jay!" she choked out, tears mingling with the fury in her eyes. "And if those stupid doctors with no sense of urgency don't find a cure, I'll lose him!"

Kai flinched at the ferocity in her voice, his heart heavy with empathy. He understood her pain, the desperate fear of losing a loved one. But this blind rage wouldn't help. Taking a deep breath, he tried to reason with her.

"Mia, I get it," he said, his voice calm and steady. "We all do. But wrecking things won't bring Jay back. The doctors are doing their best, but healing takes time. We need a plan, not a rampage."

Mia ignored him, her anger momentarily eclipsing reason. With a primal roar, she stormed back towards the hospital entrance, the metal rod raised high like a weapon. The doors whooshed open, revealing the frantic scene within. Nurses and doctors were scrambling, startled by the commotion.

Before Kai could intervene, Mia charged in, the glint of the metal rod sending chills down the spines of the medical staff. Fear and desperation warred in her eyes. She lashed out, not with violence, but with a desperate plea for action.

Her target wasn't the doctors themselves, but the machinery lining the walls. A monitor displaying Jay's vitals went clanging to the floor. A vial of medication shattered against the sterile tiles, the smell of antiseptic filling the air.

It wasn't an attack, but a desperate cry for help, a desperate attempt to jolt them out of their perceived inaction. Tears streamed down Mia's face, her face contorted with a grief so raw it seemed almost physical.

The chaos alerted Master Wu and Nya, who rushed out of Jay's room. Their eyes widened in shock at the scene before them – the normally composed Mia, reduced to a whirlwind of despair, the metallic glint in her hand a stark contrast to her usually controlled demeanor.

Master Wu, ever the leader, stepped forward, his voice calm yet firm. "Mia, stop!" he boomed, his voice cutting through the pandemonium. "Your actions won't help Jay. We need to work together, with clear minds, to find a solution."

Mia's head snapped towards her sensei. Her tear-filled eyes seemed to plead for understanding, for some miracle cure they weren't offering. Seeing the desperation in her eyes, Nya stepped forward, her own voice filled with empathy.

"Mia," she said gently, "we're doing everything we can. But lashing out won't bring Jay back any faster. Let's talk, come back to Jay's side. He needs you strong."

A flicker of reason seemed to pierce through the fog of Mia's rage. Her shoulders slumped, the metal rod clattering harmlessly to the ground. Shame washed over her as she realized how far her emotions had carried her.

Heaving a ragged sob, she dropped to her knees, burying her face in her hands. Kai rushed to her side, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We're here for you, Mia," he said softly. "We'll find a way together."

With a heavy heart, Mia allowed herself to be led back to Jay's room. The fire may have been extinguished, but the embers of her worry still glowed. They had a long way to go, but they would fight for Jay. Together.

Mia burst back into the room, her earlier despair replaced by a cold, steely glint in her eyes. The doctors, just finishing prepping a new machine for Jay, froze in their tracks.

"I knew it!" she spat, her voice laced with barely contained fury. "That's why he wasn't getting better! You were using the wrong tools, the wrong approach!"

The lead doctor, a kind-faced woman with weary eyes, tried to reason with her. "Mia, we understand your concern, but these tests are crucial for diagnosis and..."

Mia cut her off, her voice rising. "Diagnosis? He's fading with every minute you waste on these useless machines! Don't you see that?" Her gaze darted around the room, landing on a metal tray holding various medical instruments.

With a speed born of desperation, she lunged for the tray, her hand seizing a chrome scalpel glinting under the harsh fluorescent lights. The doctors gasped, a collective look of fear flickering across their faces.

"This!" Mia screamed, brandishing the scalpel like a weapon. "This is what you were going to use? Jay's allergic to nickel! This could kill him!"

The accusation hung heavy in the air. The lead doctor paled, her voice barely a whisper. "Nickel allergy? We weren't aware..."

Mia's fury intensified. "Well, you should be!" she roared. "Now, all of you, out!" she gestured wildly with the scalpel. "You've done enough damage. Jay needs someone who actually cares, not a bunch of bumbling idiots with their fancy machines!"

The doctors, cowed by her fierce demeanor, exchanged nervous glances. Despite the unorthodox situation, the raw fear in Mia's eyes resonated with them.

One by one, they shuffled out of the room, their initial frustration replaced by a reluctant understanding. Mia, alone with Jay and her simmering anger, slammed the door shut with a resounding thud.

Turning back to Jay's bedside, she knelt beside him, her voice softening. "Don't worry, Jay," she whispered, her thumb gently stroking his cheek. "I'll get you through this. I promise."

Later

"Jay?" she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep. "You're awake!"

A wave of relief washed over her. She'd barely left his side since he'd been admitted, her worry a constant companion. Now, seeing the familiar spark of life back in his eyes, a wave of pure joy flooded her.

"Yeah," Jay rasped, his voice slightly hoarse. "Thanks to you and the rest of the crew. Especially Zane, that robo-doc has some serious healing skills."

Mia chuckled, squeezing his hand gently. "Don't worry, I made sure to give him an earful about all the trouble you caused."

Jay winced playfully. "Hey, it wasn't all my fault! The Mechanic just had to pick a fight, didn't he?" His expression turned serious. "Speaking of which, did you figure out what his whole plan was?"

Mia shook her head. "Not exactly. Master Wu said the pigeons delivered some cryptic message, but even he's not sure what it all means."

"Pigeons?" Jay raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement playing on his lips. "Sounds like a new addition to the team."

Mia grinned. "More like Master Wu's personal informants. Apparently, even pigeons can be heroes." She glanced down at Spark, the little puppy who was now curled up at the foot of Jay's bed, fast asleep.

"Speaking of little heroes," she continued, stroking Spark's soft fur, "this little guy turned out to be a big help. Zane discovered a strange energy signature coming from him, one that seemed to counteract the Mechanic's somehow."

Jay whistled, his eyes widening in surprise. "No way! So Spark was the key to getting me back on my feet?"

Spark stirred at the mention of his name, letting out a happy whine and opening one sleep-filled eye. Jay reached out a hand, scratching Spark behind the ear. The puppy wriggled in delight, his tail wagging furiously.

"Looks like we owe him a big thank you," Jay said with a smile. He turned back to Mia, his gaze filled with warmth. "And a big thank you to you too, Mia. For everything. You were amazing."

Mia's cheeks flushed pink. "We all were," she replied, her voice soft. "But I'm just glad you're okay."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the steady beeping of the heart monitor a comforting background hum. The ordeal had shaken them, but it had also brought them closer.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Nya burst in, her face beaming. "Jay!" she exclaimed, rushing to his side. "You're awake! I was so worried!"

Jay chuckled, wrapping her in a hug. "Easy there, Nya. I'm not going anywhere."