Chapter 7 of The Ninja Who Survived out now!
“Hey,” he said in a quiet, hoarse voice that sounded like his throat was full of sand, “Couldn’t wait for me, huh?” His laugh sounded like the raspy wheeze of a dying animal.
Nya and Zane’s only response was stunned silence. Nya covered her mouth, blinking rapidly as though she were trying to stop herself from crying. Zane just gaped at Cole, his wide, icy-blue eyes bright as headlights through the dark fog. He was staring at Cole with the shock and wonder of someone seeing the sun for the very first time. Tears blurred in Cole’s eyes as his heart swelled, almost painfully. But it was a welcome pain. Eager to rejoin his friends, Cole pulled himself out of the Earth Driller, grunting from the effort. He swung his stiff legs over the side and, with a single, strenuous movement, jumped to the solid ground. He was relieved that he stuck the landing, his legs miraculously refusing to give way. Then black fuzz began to cloud the edges of his vision, like static threatening to take over his mind. Cole staggered, but he caught himself on the side of the Earth Driller and managed to focus on Zane. Cole’s vision cleared as he kept his eyes on his nindroid, who stood only a few steps up.
Warmth again flooded into Cole’s stomach, washing away his dizziness and spreading to his legs. Cole stood up straighter. He took a step up, never taking his eyes away from Zane, whose face was still coated in disbelief and awe.
“Hey, Zane,” Cole rasped softly. The corners of his mouth raised into a weak but sincere smile. He took another step up, holding his hand out to Zane. Zane gazed down at him, and in a flash, the nindroid’s face contorted into an expression that Cole could have never imagined would ever be directed toward him.
