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The full force of his mental fortitude wasn't strong enough to withstand the searing pain ravaging Cole's body. It was as though a dagger had been plunged into his abdomen and twisted until the blade could turn no more.
Cole stumbled his way through the mercifully empty passageways of the Destiny's Bounty. Each and every step shot a renewed stab of pain through his being; even with one hand bracing himself against the bulkhead, it was a monumental effort to keep himself standing, let alone walking.
At long last, he was greeted by the open entryway of his destination. Slamming the door behind him, perhaps a bit too forcefully, Cole slumped against the first surface to greet his open palm.
The bathroom countertop did not make for an especially comfortable resting place, but its cool finish was a welcome reprieve from the pain threatening to overwhelm him. Unfortunately, it wasn't long before the wooden counter had absorbed a good amount of his excessive body heat. Shifting as much as he dared, Cole's hand wandered across the counter and turned the first knob he could grip, hoping desperately that he would be rewarded with fresh, cool water rather than a face full of steam.
Cole moaned, a fresh stab of pain shooting through him as he rose enough to free his arms. Despite the lukewarm temperature, he couldn't help but let out a sigh of short-lived relief as the liquid splashed from his hands and mixed with the sweat beading down his face. Anything was better than whatever curse was tearing his body apar—
He jolted.
Someone was knocking on the bathroom door.
Cole swore silently to himself. He had been certain no one else would be awake at this hour.
"Cole?" Jay's muffled voice floated through the door. "You in there?"
"Yeah."
"Is everything alright? It sounded like you were having some trouble getting down the hall."
"I'm fine," Cole lied.
"Cole," Jay sighed, "I know Zane told you not to eat so much."
Cole groaned. Not in pain, this time, but in annoyance.
"Pretty sure Kai also told you not to eat so much. And Nya." Jay paused. "I definitely thought about it."
"I didn't—" a small belch interrupted him, "I didn't eat too much."
"If you're not going to listen to us, at least think about what kind of example you're going to set for Lloyd. Sensei Wu isn't going to like it if the Green Ninja starts eating candy until he throws up all because he saw you eat your weight in cake."
Cole smirked to himself, the sharp pain in his gut stronger than ever.
He had no regrets.
That cake was worth it.