(Cole's POV)
I missed the calm, quiet moments I had back at home, where no one would have to worry about me or ask how I'm doing. And if they did, I could always answer with the truth.
As a leader, it is my mission to protect and watch over the other four. Jay, being the most difficult to keep in line. Lloyd wasn't too difficult if you promised him an easy training session. Zane always knew what to do. Kai was always in tip-top shape. It's like a session of ultimate babysitting, but the 'kids' watch over you too.
"Are you okay, Cole?" I snapped out of my thoughts, looking up at Kai. We were in the middle of dinner. I hadn't noticed the food placed in front of me.
No. "Yeah. Why?" I asked, keeping my earlier thoughts to myself.
"You seem upset. You haven't touched your dinner yet." He replied, a worried look on his face. I looked over at the others, noticing that they were watching the small interaction as well. I picked up my fork, forcing a light smile as I started eating.
"I'm fine, thanks. Just had some things to think about." He didn't seem convinced, but he continued eating anyway.
Are you okay?
The question stuck in my mind for the rest of the night.
I was interrupted from my dreams with the sound of Jay's screaming. Unfortunately, Kai had decided that the one night I didn't get much sleep, he'd prank Jay in the morning. "KAI! You poured ice cold water all over me! Are you serious?!" Jay ranted on, screaming about how cold and wet he was. Kai and Zane laughed, watching him stomp around angrily.
"Can you guys shut up please?" I begged, shoving my face back into my pillow. The laughter got quieter, and Jay left to go change out of his clothes. I felt a tearing pain in my head, a large headache beginning to form. I groaned, curling up further.
"Cole, are you okay? You don't sound too good." Kai mumbled, pressing his hand to my forehead once I lifted my head from the pillow. "God, you're burning up!" He gasped, looking to Zane.
"Kai, you dolt, I'm fine." I said, getting up. I did feel incredibly ill once I stood, and I felt myself wavering a bit, unable to stand perfectly still. "We have sunrise training. Go get ready, meet me at the training course." I said, grabbing a change of clothes.
Kai argued, "But Cole-"
"No arguing. I'm fine." I said, leaving the room.
After finishing getting ready, I headed down to the training room to see Kai, Zane, and Jay already training.
Had I really taken that long to shower up?
"Hey Cole!" Jay laughed, putting his arm around my shoulder. The scar on my forehead burned a bit from the headache getting worse. "Teach us, oh wise one." Jay joked.
"Shut up," I forced a small chuckle, "alright. Training. Jay, today you're on the course. Kai, practice your element a bit longer. Zane, focus on your inner elemental state. I'm taking the punching bag today." They all nodded, heading to their assigned stations. I headed to the punching bag, kicking and punching as I felt my power build up. I could hear Jay complaining from across the room.
"Coooole, Kai's being annoying! He set my glove on fire!"
"Shut up Jay, I did not!"
"Please, brothers, focus."
Dammit. I felt my hand slip, punching the punching bag the wrong way, sending pain through my wrist. I squeaked, holding my wrist, hoping it wasn't too hurt.
"Cole?" Jay asked, stepping forward, "Did you hurt your hand? Zane, go get Nya!" Jay ordered, "And grab the first aid kit!"
"No," I said, looking over at them, "I'm okay. It was just a minor mistake." I rubbed my wrist, feeling the pain intensify.
"Are you sure?" Kai asked, worried.
"Yeah." I replied. "I'm going to go get some ice." I mumbled, walking to the kitchen. I felt all their eyes follow my as I moved, wondering if it truly was just a small injury. I knew it wasn't something small, it still hurt.
I opened the freezer, grabbing a small ice pack. I placed it to my wrist, biting my lip as I felt even more pain. I knew it wasn't broken, but a fracture was possible. I felt a few tears well up in my eyes, and I forced them back. "Leaders don't show pain, leaders don't show pain," I mumbled to myself.
I instantly noticed a small noise in Sensei's meditation room. The sound of something falling. For a moment, I felt as if I had to go look. I can't just barge into his meditation room when he isn't there... But... To be fair, he wasn't there to see me enter without permission. I shuffled to his room, opening the door. "Sensei...?" I asked aloud, making sure no reply was heard before I opened the door a bit more and ventured in. I noticed a scroll lying on the floor, instantly captivating my attention. I felt drawn to it.
"I guess I could take a small peak..." I murmured, picking it up. I unrolled the scroll hesitantly, reading the print.
I felt my heart stop, the words sinking in.
No.
I dropped the scroll.
No! No!
"N-no, that can't be me!" I shook my head, backing up against the wall.
NO!
I felt hot tears well up, letting them cascade down my cheeks. "NO!" I yelled, burying my hands in my face. I heard footsteps running to the room, knowing it was the others coming to see what all the noise was about. I sobbed, not caring who saw.
It couldn't be true.
First chapter done! Woo!
I enjoy cliffhangers. And angst. Cole angst. Just letting you all know ;).
Let me know how you like this book so far! I apologize if I get things wrong, I'm just starting out writing on here. Also, this is based after Dotd. Sorry if I get things mixed up, there's a lot to remember.
Thanks for reading!