Chapter 13: Aftermath

Sorry for the delay. Here's chapter 13. Please read and review.

Jayden didn't know what to think when he woke up in the infirmary room at the Shiba House. Mike had kicked the Nighlock away from him when he went down, and he needed to talk to him. Mike can't just blatantly disregard his own safety to protect Jayden. Jayden didn't want to lose anyone. He couldn't take it if any of them got hurt, because he wasn't strong enough to protect them. It was strange. Mike was terrified of him, but he was so willing to stand between Jayden and the Nighlock.

"I'm glad to see you awake," said Ji.

"How are they?" Jayden asked.

"They are fine. Just very worried about you," said Ji.

"We need to teach them to morph, especially if they are going to jump between me and a Nighlock," said Jayden.

"I didn't get the story," said Ji, "What happened?"

"I left them behind to help with getting citizens out of danger, because they told me they couldn't morph," said Jayden, "I haven't fought a Nighlock or anything with that can of stamina since I left to master the sealing symbol. I admit it. I got tired and sloppy. The Spinsword was knocked out of my hands, and the Nighlock slashed me across my chest. I fell. He was going to kill me, and Mike kicked him away and then refused to move when I ordered him to. I stood up and fought the Nighlock until he dried out. I don't know where I found the energy to fight him. I'm exhausted."

"You were protecting Mike. That's what gave you the energy to fight," said Ji.

"I need to talk to him," said Jayden, "but they're terrified of me."

"You need to stand firm, but you just be more gentle with them," said Ji, "You already know this." Jayden nodded. "Would you like to talk to him now or later?"

"Now please," said Jayden, "I don't want him to be worrying about being punished any more than he needs to."

Ji left the infirmary room to get Mike, and Ji sighed. This was going to be hard. Kevin's overprotectiveness was in overdrive. Mikialaya would be in their faces right now for letting her get struck so bad. Mike also would have gotten in trouble for disobeying a direct order. Ji knew though that Mike would not be so willing to jump into danger for Mikialaya. "Mike?" Ji asked, looking into the living room. Mike had his head in his hands, and he was trembling.

"He is not talking to him," said Kevin, standing between Ji and Mike protectively.

"Jayden is not Mikialaya," said Ji, "and I'll be there the entire time."

"No," said Kevin, "Why are you insisting on taking him? Can't you see he is terrified?"

"Jayden just wants to talk to him, Kevin," said Ji.

Mike hesitantly stood up and said, "I'll go. I don't want to get you in trouble too, Kevin."

Ji gently led Mike to the infirmary room. Mike froze in front of the door. "It's just Jayden, remember? He likes you." Mike nodded, but it still took him a minute to get the courage to knock on the door. Mike knocked softly at first, and when Jayden didn't answer, he knocked louder.

"Come in," Jayden called. Mike opened the door and entered. "Hey," Jayden said with a gentle smile, "Come sit." Mike sat down in a chair by Jayden's bed. "Look. You're not in trouble, okay?"

Mike looked relieved, and he said, "Okay."

"Now, I want you to leave when I tell you to leave. You could have gotten seriously hurt, and I don't want anyone of you to get hurt," said Jayden.

"He was going to kill you," said Mike quietly.

"I know, and thank you for saving me," said Jayden, and Mike's head snapped up. He stared at Jayden with happiness, wonder, and awe in his eyes. "But I was terrified something was going to happen to you too."

"You really care about us?" Mike asked.

"Without a doubt," said Jayden.

Review please. Again sorry for the delay.