Novaturience of a Ninja

Precarious Grounds

As often as he tried to be the foundation for the team, Cole finally started to realize that he couldn't do it forever. Zane's observations and Jay's idea had been correct, unfortunately, and now it seemed it was up to each of them to find the right change. The right change that would snap them back to their old selves, hopefully restoring their former glory as Ninjago's saviors in the process.

Not to mention that this currently seems like a more difficult task than finding some level of our true potential, but hey, just another day in the life of a ninja.

The others, of course, currently all occupied themselves elsewhere. Some of them had even been lucky enough to find a friend to share their troubles with. Cole certainly had his father, but the need to keep his father from being burdened by his own issues was too great. Perhaps there would be time to speak with his father after he discovered his path of novaturience.

What if I don't need change? I know losing Wu has definitely hurt all of us, but maybe we should all handle it differently because of that. I mean, Kai seems happier just to have found a simple change, so what's to say I don't need a change at all?

All alone, he muttered this last part softly to himself, emitting a mix between a sigh and a chuckle.

Earth: the solid, unchanging element. I can do this, I just need to show the others that I can be strong. Like I always am. Like I'm supposed to be.

Despite his silent protests to his still-grieving heart, he could no longer deny that the loss of his master did affect him. Hiding those emotions was something the black ninja was good at. Unlike Kai or Jay. He briefly wondered whether or not he should call one of them to see how they were each faring, but dismissed the idea immediately.

Kai seems a lot better than he has been, and Jay... well, he's probably on a date with Nya or something.

Pacing the empty halls, Cole finally headed out towards the living room area. Or, as Jay had dubbed it, the "dying room."

"It's because it's Yang's Temple? Dying room? Get it?" Jay had explained, smiling proudly at all of his friends.

Despite the groans of annoyance this suggestion had been greeted with, each and every ninja soon adopted this terminology for the room, and that was that.

"It would be nice if it didn't feel so dead. I can't believe even Lloyd hasn't gotten back."

Those last words echoed in the space around him, tinged with a frighteningly fearful tone.

I'm not afraid, I'm never afraid. Well, I haven't been in a while.

The grandfather clock that had been propped in the living—ahem, dying room, ticked sternly through the seconds, then gradually minutes. The bare face glared accusingly down at Cole, the shadows around it deepening as the afternoon faded to evening. The same darkness curled around the couch, even the banisters cast threatening shadows without the sunlight that tamed them.

"I'm not afraid!" he shouted, standing defiantly with his large hands curled into fists at his side.

The words were swallowed up by the all-too-obvious lack of noise, and there was no denying that he finally did feel fear. The fear itself being far more terrifying than anything he could be afraid of, Cole simply stood his ground, inwardly scolding himself and his rapidly beating heart.

I have to stay strong, I am NOT going to change—

"I have to say, I didn't expect to see you in this state. Pardon me, if that came across as offensive, but the Master of Earth I know would face his problems head on, not shirk from his responsibilities."