The Book Of Forbidden One Shots | SLOW UPDATES

The Earth Ninja

April Angst Week Day 2: The Art of Perfection

"Why is it so hard for you to honor this family?!" Lou yelled, his face contorted with anger but Cole simply crossed his arms.

"Can't you see how dysfunctional this family is?" He spat back and that was all it took for him to be out the door in seconds.

Cole climbed. One hand to reach for a new ledge, one foot to keep himself steady, Cole pushed himself up the side of the mountain. It was a windy afternoon, the clouds covered any trace of the sunlight that dared to leak through.

He didn't mind. In fact, Cole didn't even bother to put his shirt on when he started at the foot of the landscape. With a blue sash around his body, Cole pushed himself to climb higher. Just a little more. He would tell himself every time he felt his muscles ache.

There was no telling when he'd reach the top or what he'd do when he got there. All he cared about was climbing higher and higher, thinking that the more distance he placed between himself and the ground, the further he would be from his father.

In all honesty, they were already drifting away from each other. With his father going on tours with his band, singing and dancing around Ninjago City, Cole was stuck at home. Left with the cleaning duties, cooking, and his school, the boy couldn't help but build up some resentment for his father.

How could he?! He thought, lifting himself higher than before. With his mother gone, it seemed like she was the only thing keeping them together. That she was the only reason they ever tolerated each other in the place. But Cole knew that wasn't the case.

Because even before she had left this world, Cole's relationship with his dad was stronger than any friendship he's ever had. Of course, his father often tried to influence him into the art of singing and dancing—despite Cole's obvious reluctance—and he had spent most of his time trying to convince his father otherwise.

His mother was always proud of him. With every little accomplishment he had, she would praise him for a job well done and Cole couldn't help but build a sense of confidence during those times.

That confidence died with his mother.

"Stupid rock!" He called out, feeling the prick of the sharp tip of the stone he accidentally grabbed. There was a pulsing pain through his palm but Cole didn't care. He pushed himself to climb higher.

Looking up, he could see the edges of what looked like a mountain ledge, it only motivated him to go faster. His father had made his life unbearable, and Cole wanted a break. He needed a break. Before he would start saying things he doesn't mean.

And what better way to cool off than from the heights of the mountains?

His mother always told him about how climbing heights and getting in touch with the earth had brought a sense of peace and calmness into her mind and heart.

"There's just something about being at such a height that makes you appreciate your life." Lilly smiled from where she was crouched down over a set of potted plants.

She had a straw hat to cover the top of her head and shield most of her eyes from the sun. Her body was covered by an apron, in case the dirt would splash onto her clothes, and her hair was tied up in a usual bun.

The six-year old boy held out a pot filled with dirt. "Aren't you afraid of falling, mom?" He had the same attire as his mother, only smaller in size to fit his figure.

Lilly took the pot from his hands. "I am." His mother nodded. "But the fear only makes it more worthwhile. It shows that when you get past that fear, it is only then you will truly experience the joys of living."