1. The Dark Side of Destiny: Beginnings

Chapter 16 - Friendly Competition

A/N: I wanted to let you all know that I'll be going on a (very late) vacation soon, and so I might not be able to post the next chapter on Tuesday. I gotta do final edits and make sure its exactly how I want it before posting, so it'll probably pop up later that week. 

Also, just FYI, I think I tried and failed to show this, but the guys are starting to get a little older now. They're still young, but like, not that young anymore. It kind of depends on how old you think they were when the show started, but they're supposed to be getting closer to that age as the story goes on. Just thought I should mention that since I'm worried I'm not showing it well. As always, thanks for reading!

. . . 

As the boys progressed with their training, Sensei Wu assigned each of them a unique weapons and began teaching them individually how to wield them. They didn't get to choose, which Jay had been somewhat disappointed about, but he still liked his new nunchucks.

It was very exciting – usually. But not so much today.

Today, Sensei Wu had dropped by briefly to announce that he had some other business to take care of, and in the meantime they were meant to practice what they had already learned. It was the kind of training that got real monotonous real fast. Naturally, they were finding other ways to entertain themselves, such as showing off how good they were getting. And as always, it was turning into a rather heated competition.

"Why must we go through this again?" Jay was saying. "I'm clearly the best! I mean, look at me!" He whipped his nunchucks around like Sensei had shown him the day before. Perfect! he thought to himself. That move didn't always go as well.

"Impressive," Kai said, pausing with his sword in hand. "But may I remind you, we all have new weapons. So what's your point?"

"Well I –"

Cole walked over to join in the argument, saying, "Jay's only point is that he won last time, so obviously he thinks he'll hold the title of Spinjitzu Master forever!" 'Spinjitzu Master' was a name they'd been using in their competitions, named, of course, after their Sensei's infamous technique. Even though none of them could do Spinjitzu yet, the name had a nice ring to it. The winner would have bragging rights to this title until the next time they held a competition. It was all very prestigious. Better than being "that kid who lives in a junkyard" like everyone else at home called Jay.

"This is highly irrational," Zane interrupted. "We should be training. If Sensei finds out –" Jay glanced at their Sensei's throne, its skeletal structure illuminated by a couple of violet torches. He had a point. It wouldn't go over well if Sensei returned to find them goofing off.

"Well, sparring with our weapons is training," Kai argued.

That was also a good point. Good enough to convince the rest of them.

They established the center isle as the ring and decided that the first one to strike his opponent with his weapon would be the winner. Cole split them up into pairs for a competition.

"Two matches," Cole explained. "And the winners of each face-off for the title. Whoever wins this one will be the new Spinjitzu Master for a month!" The others voiced their agreement and then Kai and Jay met in the middle of the ring.

"Alright, first up: Kai versus Jay." The two competitors respectfully bowed to each other before drawing their weapons. Kai brandished his sword, the silver blade glinting in the purple firelight. Jay just rolled his eyes.

"Ninja-GO!"

At Cole's command, they charged past on another, swinging their weapons through the air. But neither of them managed to leave a scratch. They whirled around to face each other again. Jay whipped his nunchucks around only to accidentally whack himself in the head. He was dazed for a moment before he realized that Kai was about to strike. He blocked the blow just in time.

Alright, no more fancy moves, Jay resolved.

Kai moved around him again to gain a better vantage point, confusing Jay. But Jay caught him and their weapons clanged against each other as he tried and failed repeatedly to hit Kai.

Finally, Kai paused just long enough for Jay to prepare a final blow. He lifted his nunchucks and whirled them high above his head. But before he could execute the move, Kai sprang forward and touched the point of his blade against Jay's exposed chest.

"Kai is the winner!" Cole announced.

"Oh, come on!" Jay groaned. He wanted to argue, but Cole wouldn't hear it. He had no choice but to sit on the sidelines while the next two competitors took their places.

Kai remained in the middle to start the next match. "Next up, Cole versus Zane."

Jay, their only audience, pouted from his seat on the sidelines, hardly interested in the fight now that he had no chance to win.

"Ninja-GO!"

As before, the two bowed and then drew their weapons. Even though Kai had given the word, they hesitated, each studying the other's weaknesses and defenses.

Cole was the first to make a move. He pounced, slashing his scythe, but met only air as Zane leapt out of the way. Then Cole rushed toward him again, staying on the offensive as he bombarded his opponent with a series of blows. Zane was barely fast enough to block them all. He ducked, and then swiftly moved away from Cole. He threw a shuriken and it miraculously sunk into the wooden shaft of Cole's scythe.

Cole stared at the little weapon with wide eyes. Jay, too was shocked. Zane was always so precise, but to strike such a narrow, moving target was something else.

Zane took the moment of distraction to turn Cole's own tactic against him, assailing him with blow after blow. Admittedly, Jay was on the edge of his seat now. It looked like Zane might win.

Zane moved around his opponent, coming at him from every angle. It was all Cole could do to fend him off, until Zane came directly in front of him. Cole then used his scythe to swipe Zane's own feet out from under him. The blonde boy landed hard on his back, winded, and Cole put the blade of his weapon against Zane's throat, claiming victory.

"Cole wins!" Kai declared. Cole graciously helped Zane back to his feet. He then remained in the center of the ring for his next opponent while Zane went to sit beside Jay, who had gone back to his moping, now that the excitement was over.

Cole and Kai bowed and drew their weapons, then waited for the signal to start. When it didn't come, Cole threw a pointed look in Jay's direction.

Jay rolled his eyes and half-heartedly mumbled, "For the prize and the title of best ninja, blah, blah, ninja-go."

The boys didn't waste time getting started. They went back and forth, both of them striking and dodging, hitting nothing but air. Cole back flipped away, but Kai wasn't about to let him escape. He charged forward. Cole had been counting on this and was able to take advantage of Kai and throw him backwards to the edge of the ring. Behind him, Jay was getting wrapped up in the fight again and cheered alongside Zane. Angered by their show of favoritism, Kai got back to his feet and charged forward without thinking. Cole ducked and then jabbed him in the stomach with the top, dull end of his shaft. Kai was doubled over with an "Oof!"and stumbled backwards.

"Ha! Looks like I'm the new Spinjitzu Master!" Cole rejoiced. "You all are no match for me and my trusty scythe!" He sliced his weapon through the air in a display of his prowess.

Kai was rubbing his sore stomach with a sour expression. But then he smirked and said, "Nice run, bro. But we'll get you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Cole froze and looked at him indignantly. "We agreed that the winner was to be Spinjitzu Master for a month!"

Jay took the hint and shook his head. "Nope, that wasn't the deal!"

"I don't recall agreeing to that," Zane added, grinning mischievously.

Cole sighed and rolled his eyes. "Oh brother."