How long had they been waiting now? Weeks? Months? It was hard to say when everyday dragged itself out even more than the last. But neither trying to sleep through the whole day nor throwing themselves into work had helped. No matter where they looked, reminders of his hurried departure remained—small things he'd left behind, both accidentally and intentionally. He had promised to return safely, after all. And Cole kept his promises. That's what they told themselves.

Over the past few days, the atmosphere felt unnaturally tense. An eerie quiet had settled over everything. Even the birds that usually chirped near their home had vanished. It felt like the calm before an earthquake. Until one fateful morning changed everything. Their grim routine was suddenly interrupted by colorful birdsong and vibrant avian life circling overhead. Flowers that had nearly withered yesterday now bloomed brilliantly, while greenery sprouted from the ground in magnificent patterns unseen since the merge. Cole had done it! Whatever evil he'd faced, he had triumphed. As promised. Which could only mean one thing—his return!

Cole spotted them from afar. He couldn't say who started running first. All he knew was the overwhelming need to wrap them in his arms again, to lift them off the ground and spin until they were both dizzy with joy. Teammates' amused glances registered peripherally, but even Kai held back his usual quips. Cole wouldn't have noticed anyway—he had more important priorities. Setting them down, he stepped back to inspect them thoroughly for any harm sustained during his absence, then turned to his team.

"Guys, this is them," he introduced proudly. "Everyone, meet my friends: Nya, Kai, Lloyd, Zane... and that one," he said, pointing toward Jay.

"Hey!" Jay protested immediately, but Lloyd silenced him with a formal bow.

"It's an honor to finally meet you. We've heard a great deal about—"

"Yeah, Cole wouldn't shut up about you, actually," Kai interrupted with a smirk. "Always 'I hope they're safe' this and 'I'm doing this for them' that. Got annoying after a while."

Cole scratched the back of his head, chuckling. "It wasn't that bad. They're exaggerating."

"For once, Kai speaks the truth," Zane confirmed. "Cole thinks very highly of you. Even after our victory, his first priority was returning here, and he wouldn't be dissuaded. Given his injuries, we decided to accompany him—to ensure his safety, of course."

"And to meet the legendary person who's captured our earth ninja's heart," Nya added with a warm smile.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, they sat around a makeshift fireplace. Cole had instinctively chosen the spot beside them. Nya leaned against Jay's shoulder; Kai yawned while keeping the flame alive; Lloyd, exhausted, curled up nearby; Zane stared thoughtfully into the distance. Only Cole and them remained fully alert, the conversation having faded into comfortable silence—a luxury rarely afforded in Ninjago, where crime never truly vanished.

Cole studied his sleeping friends with affection before turning to them, a complex expression in his eyes. They could see the internal conflict plainly written on his face. He didn't need to speak; they already knew what he was thinking.

Standing, he offered his hand. "Let's not wake the others," he whispered, forcing an encouraging smile.

At a safe distance from the campsite, he paused. The words wouldn't come. He didn't know how to begin—or end—this conversation. Heart and mind warred within him. Finally, he spoke, voice hoarser than intended.

"We won't stay long," he admitted, clearing his throat. "I promised to return, and I kept that promise—for both our sakes. But... Ninjago needs me. My friends need me. And I need them..." His smile softened. "But more than anything, I need you to be safe."

He waited, his grip tightening almost imperceptibly, thumb brushing their hand as if anchoring himself. When no response came, he continued, voice thick with remorse.

"I'm sorry."

Still silence. Were they angry? He wouldn't blame them. Returning only to announce another departure—possibly forever. But was this how they'd part ways? In silence? After everything they'd shared? Maybe it was easier this way. At least he'd seen them one last time.

Releasing their hand with a sigh, he prepared to leave when something stopped him. If this was goodbye, he wanted them to remember him smiling, not burdened with regret. Forcing his lips upward until the smile reached his eyes, he raised a hand in farewell.

"I guess... this is goodbye, huh?"