Chapter 15

Cole never would've thought two years of high school could fly by so fast. He had no idea how quickly time passes when a person busies themselves with one thing after another. In his case, schoolwork always helped his GPA remain at the top, placing him in the top ten ranking students in his graduating class. His testing scores were also through the roof, but he knew nobody could beat Harold West, the biggest nerd in school. Fortunately, Cole ranked fourth in the class.

Summers also kept the master of earth busy as he continued training at the Monastery of Spinjitzu, keeping his powers in check and being sent out on random missions with his team. But even though Cole is finally a high school graduate, that didn't dismiss him from continuing his training. But Wu was nice enough to offer Cole the summer off to spend time with his parents before heading off to college.

During senior year, Cole got accepted into Chitow City University. He had thoughts of attending Ninjago City University to remain close to his parents, but CCU offered him a full tuition paid scholarship he simply just couldn't turn down. They also offered him a chance to work as a student aid beside the head of the theatre department. The money he makes through there will go along to pay for the fees his scholarship doesn't cover.

Cole was in the middle of packing his things he chose to take with him while his mom was doing everything she possibly can to spend time with her only child. As much as Cole was annoyed by her spending every little moment with him, he couldn't really blame her. Once he places himself and his belongings in his car and drives away, she'll be alone at home with nobody to take care of until his dad finishes up his day at the theatre, giving her the attention she needs.

Cole sighed, watching his mom sort through one of the boxes of old toys he used to play with when he was little. "Mom, I know you're stressed out about me leaving and also wishing I was a baby again. But even though I won't be here physically, I'll still be around in your head. Besides, I'll come to visit as often as I can."

Lilly set a stuffed giraffe back in the box, standing up. "Sorry, I was distracting myself. I actually came in here to talk to you. There's something I should've told you about a long time ago and I think now is the best time. You may want to sit down for this."

Cole placed himself on the edge of his bed, bare from any bed clothes since he plans to take his bed spread and sheets with him. "What is it, Mom? I'm all ears."

Lilly took a deep breath, directing her eyes right at her son's. "Honey, this has something to do with your powers. It's time you knew they didn't just come out of the blue. You actually inherited them...from me."

Cole will admit this was shocking news, but he knew better than to grow upset about the issue. Instead, he nodded, then asked, "How come you never told me when I first became a ninja?"

Lilly sat next to her son. "Well, I'll admit that I wanted you to grow strong on your own. I figured if you ever had any trouble or issues with your powers, I would help you when you needed it. I've never wanted to be the mom who coddles her son whenever he's out fighting evil. I wanted you to do it on your own because that's the first step to help you grow up."

Cole understands why his mother never said anything. The first step in every child's journey growing up is learning to be independent. Even though she was still there when he needed her, she never coddled him when training to hone his earth powers. She was there in his heart, which is more than he could ever ask from her.

Which is exactly what will happen when he heads off for college. He'll admit that he's afraid. Not only will there be schoolwork to juggle, but also cooking his own meals, cleaning up after himself, doing his own laundry, and working part-time. It feels like too much and makes him think he won't be able to do it on his own. And it won't be anything like living at home with his parents.

But even though neither of them will be right beside him, they'll be there in his heart. That's what will give him confidence to continue moving forward in life on his own. He can do this. He had to keep telling himself that. College is the first step into adulthood and he's ready to walk into it. If there's one thing he's learned as a ninja, he's ready for anything someone throws at him.

The next day, Cole and his parents packed everything into his car, making sure it's all secured in the trunk.

Lou couldn't help but bring his son into a tight embrace. "I don't think I've ever been more proud of you than I am right now, son. We're really going to miss you around here. It feels like yesterday your mother and I brought you home for the first time. Now look at you. Strong, successful and ready to take on the world. Good luck out there, son. We know you'll do just fine."

Lilly also embraced Cole, kissing his forehead multiple times. "Be careful out there, sweetie. The world isn't the safe and happy-go-lucky place we all wish it could be. But we know you can take care of yourself. And never forget to protect others out there who need it the most."

Cole nodded. "I will. Well, I best be going. It's a six hour drive and I don't wanna get stuck in traffic. I'll come back to visit soon. I love you guys."

"We love you too, sweetie."

With that, Cole climbed into his car and drove off, taking a glimpse in his mirror to see his parents watching him go. A single tear fell from his eye, but he ignored it. He wouldn't hide his feelings. He would allow them to flow as he made his way to Chitow City, on his way to college.

On his way to fulfill his dream to become a theatrical director.

On his way to fighting bad guys in secret.

On his way to write his own life's story.

Look out world. Cole Brookstone is coming through and he's not stopping.

THAT'S RIGHT, WORLD. MAKE WAY FOR COLE BROOKSTONE.

NO REVIEWERS. THOUGH I JUST POSTED THE LAST CHAPTER YESTERDAY AND FINALLY HAD SOME TIME TO WRITE THIS ONE AND POST IT. SORRY IF IT'S SHORT, BUT I HOPE YOU STILL ENJOY IT.

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