1. The Dark Side of Destiny: Beginnings

Chapter 12 - How to be a Leader

The boys did not soon forget their ill-conceived attempt to leave the room that they always trained in, nor their punishment for it. Wu couldn't forget either, and he had begun watching the boys closely. It was clear that they needed a designated leader, someone to keep them out of trouble when he wasn't around, someone with his approval whom they had to obey. Otherwise they just argued and never agreed on anything together.

Kai was clearly too impulsive. He learned quickly, but he didn't always follow orders. Wu would have to work on him for a while yet before he could trust the boy in a leadership position. Jay, on the other hand, was more of a follower. He didn't hold up well under stress. The young ice ninja seemed like a good choice, though. He did as he was told and was cool under pressure. However, he lacked the imagination necessary to account for unanticipated situations.

Finally, Cole, eager to please and equally independent, he usually stood out as the one to attempt to take charge. He lacked experience, which could be fixed in time, though his biggest problem was that the others didn't always want to listen to him. He hadn't quite gained their respect, least of all from Kai, so he could never hold their attention for very long.

Wu had been thinking long and hard about how to test once and for all who would be the best leader, and he had decided that the simplest solution would be the best.

"Cole," he called as the boys were doing their stretches before the training session. He nodded the boy over. "I want to speak with you. Privately."

"Ooh," Kai and Jay sing-songed in unison.

Wu lowered his voice so the others wouldn't overhear. "I trust that you are enjoying what you learn here?" he started conversationally.

"It beats dancing, that's for sure," Cole grumbled bitterly. "I mean, yes, Sensei. It's been great."

"I'm glad you think so. Recently I have been paying extra attention to you, Cole. You're growing stronger every day, and I can see your resolve to improve."

"Thank you, Sensei," the boy answered, obviously surprised.

"And yet, your brothers do not respect your authority. You tell them what to do, and they ignore what you have to say."

Cole lowered his gaze and shrugged. "They'd rather listen to Kai."

"And why do you think that is?"

"I dunno. Because Jay and Zane like him better? Because he doesn't listen to anyone?"

"Because he commands respect. He makes them want to listen by making them believe that he is the best among all of you. Cole, you have the potential to be the best, but you must command respect. Make them listen to you."

"H-how do I do that?"

"Do what Kai does – don't take 'no' for an answer."

Wu then ushered him back to the others. Cole assumed that they would return back to their regular routine, but then Wu said, "Today, you will be sparring against one another. You need to know the strengths and weaknesses of your own teammates if you are to work together as a whole. I will split you up into two teams. Jay and Zane versus Cole and Kai."

Cole groaned to himself. Of course. Now Cole would have to try and put what Sensei Wu had told him into practice.

The two teams separated on either side of the center isle to discuss their strategies. "Alright, just follow my lead," Kai was saying. "Those two don't stand a chance. You get Jay and I'll get Zane. They won't even see what hit 'em."

Cole sucked in a deep breath. "Actually, I have a different plan."

Kai scoffed. "Your plans are no good. They're too complicated. Besides, this is pretty straightforward, what else could we do?"