Chapter Text
It had been a few days since the ninja had begun training under Rontu and Egalt. While their teachings were insightful, the impact they were having on the ninja was questionable, especially in terms of the younger students.
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It was a rare moment of peace. Sora sat by herself, at the edge of her training area, gazing off in to the distance across the vast expanse of surrounding trees.
“There you are!” She turned around and saw Arin approaching her.
“Oh, hey.” Arin sat down beside her. “I uh… heard you got-“
“Yeah, I really don’t wanna talk about it.”
“No, I get it, that’s fine.” Despite having not known him for very long, Sora could tell how heartbroken Arin was when he got knocked down the level one training with Rontu.
“So… how’s your training been?”
“It’s… fine, I guess. I dunno, I just don’t get why I need to learn spinjitzu if I’m not becoming a ninja.”
“I mean, we need as many people as possible to be able to do that rising dragon thing, plus spinjitzu is just a good skill to have.”
“I guess you’re right.” Sora sighed.
“Can I ask why you’re not becoming a ninja?”
“Because I don’t want to. And even if I did, I don’t have an elemental power.”
“I don’t have a power and I’m still training to become a ninja. But you do have a power.”
“No I don’t, it’s Riyu’s. I just channel it from him. It’s simple as that.”
“Okay, then remind me why you started training in the first place?”
“Because-“ Sora looked over at Arin. “Because if I get stronger, then Cole won’t have to worry about me anymore, and then he can be his own person again.” Sora swallowed hard, fighting off the tears welling in her eyes.
“Sora, I don’t think you’re holding him ba-“
“Yes I am! He could’ve found his friends years ago if it weren’t for me, and he wouldn’t have to worry about me before making any decision ever! I just want him to understand that he doesn’t need to worry about me. If undergoing ninja training is the only way to do that, then so be it.”
“Wow, that’s one hell of a motivation.”
“What- is that the wrong reason?”
“No, not at all! It’s very noble. But… have you considered maybe, I dunno… talking to Cole?”
“I would if he were here, but he’s off on some side quest right now. And even if he were here, I don’t think he’d wanna speak to me considering how I acted last time we spoke.” Sora lamented the last interaction. If only she could time travel. (Remind Nya to tell her a story later)
“That was ages ago. He probably forgot-“ Sora did not look amused. “But if he didn’t, I’d say apologize, let him know how you feel, then let him speak.” Arin suggested.
“I keep forgetting how good you are at this.” Sora remarked.
“Well, I have lots of-“ Arin was cut off by a scream, Lloyd’s scream, in the distance. They both hopped up to investigate the commotion.
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Lloyd was hyperventilating, with Kai and Nya at his side.
“What happened?” Arin asked.
“The- the- the blood moon! It’s almost here! The blood moon is coming!”