Nyssa 'Nia' Russell was the top of her class and in line to be a guardian. So it was no surprise when the Headmaster called for her.
"Not again..." Her sparring partner groaned, as the spectral caracal relayed the message in Master Mao's voice.
"Don't worry. I won't miss our date, RJ." Nia smiled, giving him a quick peck on the cheeks and following the spirit to one of the various mazes in the grounds.
The mazes were there since the creation of the Nexus Dimension. Due to it's magical nature, it was ever changing and led to different destinations each and every time... one of the reasons the Ninjas chose it for their headquarters. They could have access to different parts of the world and even different dimensions within seconds.
Nia was startled when she found herself in a darkened room full of unfamiliar faces. She was keen on following the caracal and didn't really notice where she was heading to, till it disappeared.
"Oh, hello ?" She asked nervously, her eyes falling on the different unknown faces, some of them looking at her eerily. She had seen many crazy things in her time at the Academy but she still did a double take on seeing a blue skinned woman in white garb smiling at her. Though she supposed in a world with ninjas and spirits, almost anything is possible. After all, if the rumors were to be believed, the Masters could access a hybrid form between beast and man.
"Hello Nyssa" A woman said. "I am Diana Raynes, headmistress of the Celestial Academy"
She looked around, her eyes zoning in on the various ninja crests of the various individuals present.
"Why are all of you here ?"
"To meet you of course. You look so much like your mother. Though you have your father's eyes." Diana smiled.
"You knew my parents ?"
"We all did." Omino said. "They are two of the greatest ninjas to walk amongst us."
Then suddenly, a burst of blue light enveloped the chamber and three others appeared in the vacant seats.
"Master Mao !" She exclaimed. "What is going on ?"
"Relax child. This is the Council of the Ninjas. And I'll explain everything." Mao said calmly.
"No you won't. There's no point anymore !" Talia snapped before glaring at Nia. "So, you are Nyssa Russell, the one they gave it all up for. Did anyone tell you that you were named after my wretched sister ? But you don't look any special. Let's find out !"
"Talia !" Mao warned as Talia threw a shuriken at her, which she barely dodged. Nia turned around to see it hit the wall.
"You got nice reflexes, but not like your mother or my sister for that matter." Talia sneered.
"What the -" Nia gasped, looking at Talia. Her eyes narrowed on seeing the leader of the shadow ninjas. "It's you. Aunt Nyssa told me you were one crazy bitch."
She threw her hands forward, sending a blast of purple lightning at Talia, who summoned a katana to block it, only for the katana to shatter and the lightning hit her, pushing her back.
"Impressive. You're not a waste after all-" Talia smirked.
"Talia, stand down !" Mao roared. "If you ever attack my students again, you'll find your membership in this council revoked. I'm sure you'll not be pleased if your sister take over as the Headmistress of the Shadow Academy."
"Take a breather, Mao. I was just testing her. And you're one to talk. You were planning on sending her headfirst into danger."
"Master Mao, I'm quitting the Academy." Nia announced, pulling out the Pai Zhuaq crest from her suit and throwing it aside.
"Nia, wait." Mao said.
"No !" She glared at him. " You allowed this woman to try and kill me. Any of you could have stopped this but you didn't just to check if I can defend myself or not. And I'm not some pawn of your Council."
"Let me explain." Mao started.
"Try explaining this to my parents. And rest assured Talia, Aunt Nyssa will go for your head when she hears about this." With those parting words, she ninja-streaked out of there, leaving a speechless Council.