Ninjago Dragons Rising: the Off-Screen Moments

What A Good Friend Should Be

In which Sora confesses to being a bad friend to Arin. It backfires.

Take places after the events of Season 1

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Days have passed since the defeat of Empress Beatrix. New Imperium rose with the redemption of the aristocracy, bright, young leaders creating a newfound democracy from corrupted dictatorship.

The Ninja have taken their time to relax after traveling and fighting for what seems like forever. Mr. Frohicky managed wonderfully in keeping the Monastery in shape, so all everyone had to do was wait for Arin to bake them delicious pie to fill their empty stomachs.

Well, most everyone.

Lloyd and Nya had volunteered to check on the fresh, new leaders of Imperium, to be sure their kingdom is running smoothly, and in a few hours they will arrive. Arin decided to begin his cooking now so they won't have to wait any longer for food.

In the meanwhile, Sora continued to practice on her Elemental Power. She figured out why it was difficult to activate her power without Riyu's help, but lately it seems like she was right back at the beginning of her training: doubtful and hesitant. Despite Riyu's earnest purrs and nudges, Sora was still determined to gain her true potential back without help. Yet she had no idea what was still holding her back from regaining it again by herself. Stressed and frustrated, she plopped down beside her dismantled Mech, Riyu snuggling close to her.

"Ughhh! Oh Riyu, how do I get my true potential back?" She sighed, exasperated. "Maybe I should've told Lloyd to stay behind. He would've given me good tips on focus and concentration."

Arin entered the courtyard, his forehead creased with worry seeing Sora rant her problems to Riyu. He had an idea why she was so upset. Maybe her mind was clouded with her parents rejection. Although the chaos of the Merge Storm was drowning their voices, Arin knew in his heart there was tension between her and her parents that she finally ended in that moment. Because of that, she was probably doubtful about who she should turn to now. He was kind of sad she forgot about him to a certain degree, but what was more important was that she was feeling down, and Arin had the best method to cure it.

"Hey there, Sora," he greeted her. "I brought you a glass of water, if you need it. I thought maybe something fresh and cold will clear your mind." He handed her a cup of water, which she took gladly.

"Thanks Arin!" She devoured a few gulps of the water. "How's the pie project going?"

At least she didn't forget about that. "Well, I forgot Riyu eats more servings now, and that there are more dragons to feed, so I'm prepping extra just to make sure I add up," he replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "How about you? How's the. . .getting-your-true-potential-back project going?"

Sora chuckled hesitantly. "Uhhhh, not so well, unfortunately."

"Well, if you need me, I'm going to be in the kitchen," he told her, enthusiastically. "Good luck, I guess!"

"Good luck!"

Arin left the courtyard, leaving Sora to her thoughts. She scratched Riyu's neck, and he nudged her back like he was scolding her.

"I knowww, Riyu!" Sora exclaimed. "What am I doing?"

Riyu growled and purred firmly.

"Exactly! Arin needs me in there, yet here I am, complaining about not having a family anymore. He's been with me for the longest time since the Merge, supporting me and comforting me when I needed it. How did I ever forget I still had him?"

Riyu gazed at her sympathetically, cooing and brushing her softly.

She stifled a sob. "I should go talk to him, should I?"

He growled excitedly, leaping around in circles.

"Alright, alright! I get it," Sora laughed. "I will go."

Riyu nudged her again as she walked onto the porch.

"Thanks, Riyu," Sora smiled. "I'm gonna need it."

She entered the kitchen, gazing at Arin chopping meat for the dragons' pies. Sensing her presence, he turned around, causing her to snap out of her trance.

"Oh, Sora! I didn't expect you to come," he said. "What do you need?"

She sighed deeply, walking closer to his place by the counter. "Arin. . .I'm sorry I -- I wasn't being a good friend to you."

Arin was shocked. Sora being a bad friend? Not to him.

"Sora, no! Don't say that," he pleaded. He placed down his knife and grabbed her arms. "What do you mean by, 'I wasn't being a good friend to you'?"

"I -- It just seems like you're always chasing after me, trying to prove yourself to me because I'm not returning any of your kindness towards me. I'm afraid I'm not living up to your expectations."

"Sora. . ." Arin began. "You are what I expect. Actually, more than I expect! Ever since the Merge, I've always wanted someone to love, someone to hold, and you have fulfilled my wishes. You never closed yourself off to me, you never refused my affection, and you are willing to give your life to save me. You are all I ever wanted."

Sora opened her mouth, but no words escaped. Tears were streaming down her cheeks.

"Arin, no one has ever said that to me," she sobbed. "All my life I've been trying to prove my worth to no avail. But now, with you, I don't even need to try."

Arin embraced her, and she hugged him back, crying into his hoodie.

"You don't have to try with me," he told her, patting her head, "just do."

"But how can I repay you? You deserve as much love for you as you give me. I want to do my best for you."

Arin hummed in agreement. "You're not wrong." He pondered her words. "How about you help me prep some more ingredients for the pies?" He motioned to the counter, packed with flour and meat and all other things he needed for the said pies.

"I'd love that," she answered happily. "I need a break from my practice anyway."