Internally ranting to himself How selfish can someone be her and those friends of hers made life hell for me they even almost killed me ! I can't believe I actually thought we were friends back then
Saiori's POV
So stupid how could I be so insensitive just acting like nothing happened we could've killed him that day I'd still be bitter too but it seems that it really still bothers him especially to see me and that hateful glare . We hurt him so bad
Placing her head on the desk and fighting against her eyes to not spill the tears welling up in her eyes saiori remembering the hair tie she's grown to love rightfully belongs to JinSol this gives her the resolve to talk to JinSol once again to make peace
the next morning*
Okay last team selection the siblings Luci and Renji, then Saiori and last JinSol you all will be team 10 with Tenzo of the elite guard
Your instructors will meet with you in the meantime get to know your teammates
Saiori takes this as a chance to talk to JinSol again
Standing overtop of Jin with a large welcoming smile trying to make him feel comfortable enough to talk to her Saiori asks Jin if they could speak privately
JinSol reluctantly agrees and steps into the hallway to face what he assumes will be another attack from her friends
Look if you and your friends are planning on luring me out here to jump me think again I'm not the same kid anymore I'm gonna fight back and now I'm damn good at it
This statement wiped the smile off of saiori face and replaced it with a sad frown
Hey Sol
Don't call me that, only friends can use it directing a glare at Saiori
Not that I have any friends to begin with JinSol thinks to himself
and you showed me a long time ago that we weren't friends JinSol says every word like a shock of electric
Fighting to talk through tears saiori speaks I know you have every right to not trust me maybe even hate me but I really wanted you to know how sorry I am for what I did
Fully bawling at this point ever since that day I've felt so bad I wanted to come to you sooner to apologize and make it up to you but I never seen you and the rumors that you died didn't help either so I've been keeping this in your memory
Saiori unties her hair revealing to JinSol his red hair tie that he lost as a after the attack. Saiori looks up to see a shocked and stunned JinSol
JinSol shocked to hear saiori openly spilling out how bad she felt for what she did and seeing how distressed she was he couldn't bring himself to continue his verbal lashing
Hey hey stop crying your gonna cause a scene I can't be known as the jerk who made a girl cry on the second day JinSol said in a panicking voice
Helping Saiori back to her feet they take a walk to talk it out
I appreciate that you realized that you were hurting people and stopped afterwards and it means a lot that you held onto my hair tie but you made a vow to protect others so that means it belongs to you and I want you to keep it
Why are you being so nice to me saiori asks
Because people make mistakes and I believe that when people make an effort to change their ways they deserve a second chance
Saiori starts crying again how could I have been so mean to someone so nice
Don't say that saiori the past is in the past you heartfully apologized and that's all that matters to me and besides we're teammates now so we have to watch each others backs and your very strong I wouldn't have it any other way JinSol says.
Speaking of strong how did you get so good last I remember you hadn't tapped into your chi saiori said
Yeah about that after the situation my guardian moved us to the outskirts of the kingdom to get away from everything and because I was to begin my training. that's probably why everyone thought I was dead I didn't bother coming into town
Did you not come to town to avoid seeing us it's okay if that's the case I don't blame you
Scratching the back of his head and laughing was it that obvious JinSol chuckles out
Well I'm happy to have you back JinSol ( grabbing and holding onto his arm while they walk) JinSol notices and blushes trying to look away so saiori doesn't notice to no avail
Making their way back to the waiting area they notice that their team is all that's left and following them in the room is their new instructor
Hello my name is tenzo and I'll be your instructor for the foreseeable future follow me out back to the training ground so I can see your lack of skill
Getting glares from 3-4 of his students intrigued in not getting a response from JinSol Tenzo proceeds in taunting the group riling them up
Okay this is gonna be a combat test all 4 of you come at me together or separate it doesn't matter your choice
Without a moments notice renji and luci launch themselves at Tenzo engaging in hand to hand until luci attacks from above with a devastating wind attack to the head that Tenzo dodges into the air , Renji also being adept in wind attacks repels the blast back to Tenzo who dispersed it with his own defensive wind attack
JinSol and Saiori join the fray with fire and lightning strikes drawing the attention of Tenzo allowing luci and Renji to attack from behind landing decisive blows to Tenzo who uses his chakra to substitute with a large rock that takes the brunt of the conjoined attack
Alright twerps I've seen enough and I can honestly say that I'm impressed 2 wind users 1 fire and 1 lightning user lots of potential in this squad my two main nature affinities are wind and earth Luci and Renji we will hone your abilities with wind until you both can cut wind with wind confusing them both
it will make sense in due time
However fire and lightning I have low experience wielding them both but learning my earth element will help in strengthening
Both of your fire and lightning and since lightning is a sub element of fire you two will be working closely together to evolve your skill in the elements
Saiori and JinSol look at each other for affirmation earning a big smile from Jin and a curt nod from Saiori
Alright your all dismissed I suggest you all spend some time together to get to know each other better I suggest getting a meal together
With that Tenzo leaves his team to their devices
Where do you guys want to eat at asks Renji
It doesn't matter to me I'm not picky jin says quietly
Huh I can't hear you Renji says loudly
It's okay JinSol we're teammates now we're all gonna hangout all the time I'm sure we'll all become best friends Luci proclaimed
JinSol nods in agreement to this
Let's just walk until we smell something good how does that sound Saiori says
Everyone nods in agreement
While walking through town master pakkun can be heard calling out to Jin
When jin sees master pakkun and a wave of relief washed over him
Master pakkun you came jin shouted and ran shocking the rest of the group
That's the most energetic he's been all day what the hell says Renji
I guess they're really close maybe he's a relative says Luci
No that's his master and guardian I don't know what happened to his parents but when we were kids I would see JinSol with an adult it was him said Saiori
Master Pakkun me and my friends are looking for a place to eat what's a good place to eat
I know the perfect place my treat
Wow really that's so cool thank you so much
Hey guys Master Pakkun is gonna take us to eat
Wow that's really nice Master Pakkun Renji yelled out
I like this kid where'd you find him JinSol
They're my teammates we just finished a test fighting against our team instructor and they're all really strong
That's even better but let's head to the restaurant before it closes
Location change to restraunt*
This place is really nice and the food is so good you really didn't have to it probably cost a lot said Saiori
Nonsense it's the least I can do for you guys after all Jin isn't a very social person and it seems like you guys had an impression on him since he referred to you guys as his friends
The attention turned to JinSol
Jin felt his face heat up in surprise and embarrassment
Yeah it was kinda hard for me to make friends as a kid and I was bullied some times
Those jerks were any of them in the class with us Renji said with gritted teeth
That's so sad JinSol is so nice who would do that Luci said
Saiori only looked down and didn't say anything because she knew exactly what he went through
JinSol seen this and went into action
but I feel comfortable with you guys all of you looking at Saiori making sure to make eye contact both of them smiling
Master Pakkun also sees this interaction
After more time of bonding and getting to know each other the team starts to head their separate ways
Alright guys it's getting late you guys should start headed back to the barracks
Yeah your right thanks again for the meal see you later master Pakkun the twin wind users said at the same time confusing him before they challenged each other to a race taking off in the direction of the barracks
Those two have a lot of energy they'd have fun learning to manipulate lightning Twin lightning bolts master pakkun chuckled
Wow how can you tell we haven't trained with you and they both have wind affinities with their chi
It's actually pretty simple you see
For some reason the month you were born correlates with your chi affinity says master pakkun
I thought you said I could learn to use any element just by studying the element, I wanted to learn them all jin said disappointedly
You can learn any element I wouldn't make that up but there is a limit to how much you can improve techniques whos element is opposite to your primary affinity
So if your primary is fire then water attacks will be harder for you to master no matter how much knowledge you have on the element master pakkun states
Okay that makes sense but how could you tell they have wind affinities they didn't tell you that
Oh I'm just really good at sensing you'll get used to it maybe you'll be as good as me one day pakkun say's cockily
Show off JinSol scowling at pakkun
And I never forget a chi signature for example your the little girl how came find me for help after Sol had his accident which also reminds me of seeing a girl who looked an awful lot like you hanging out with that group that was giving Sol a hard time care to explain young lady ?
Saiori looks down replaying that day over in her mind. Yes it's not a day I like to remember but since then I've learned from my mistakes I'm really very sorry I know I don't deserve to call JinSol a friend Renji and Luci would be justified if they feel differently about me if they find out starting to sob saiori feels a hand grab and hold hers
Following the hand back to its owner she found it belonged to JinSol and he was smiling this is the first time she's seen him smile catching saiori off guard and causing her heart to flutter a bright blush creeping onto her face
I know you apologized to me 100 times that night I could see you felt bad and you were scared yourself but I also have to apologize to you saiori master pakkun said
I kept Sol away from town afterwards so much he was too scared to go anywhere without me and terrified of other people besides me and my wife
But it seems like he's found a great friend in you please take care of Sol asked master pakkun
Yes master pakkun of course Saiori says with much vigor
Okay kiddos time to head to the barracks go straight there and no funny business because I'll know, you kids can't hide anything from me now go on and head to the barracks before cerfew
Both Sol and Saiori blushing heavily and still holding hands evacuate the building to run from their embarrassment
Hey JinSol saiori said softly
Yeah what's up
I'm sorry for abandoning you back then
This sent JinSol spiraling into painful thoughts and memories
( flash back 7 years ago)
Why do you hang out with him Saiori he's weak!! 7 years old and can't use his chi at all that's so pathetic no wonder the adults say that he's an outsider
Your wrong when I can use my chi I'll be so good the kings will want me to be on his personal guard out of the academy I'll show all of you JinSol screamed at the group of bullies surrounding him. His knees were shaking and his fighting stance was easily breakable but he stood firm
Opposite of the intended effect of making the bullies see it his way only made the group angry
The pseudo leader of the group jameel steps up to JinSol wearing an intimidating grin on his face and without any words or warning starts to lay into JinSol
Leave him alone jameel Saiori shouts
After seeing that he wouldn't listen to her she calls out to JinSol in a deafening tone Fight back Sol ! this seemingly falls on deaf ears
Ending his assault with a kick to the ribs that produces a sickening crunch jameel stares down at JinSol on the floor bleeding and crying. Before leaving with his group of goons jameel leans down looking JinSol in the eyes and with a vicious bark he says know your place in the dirt you scum before kicking dirt into JinSol's open wounds and face
Why don't you fight back, how can you say you'll be the strongest if you refuse to fight back, letting people walk all over you that's so lame Saiori said irritatedly
I'm sorry Sai I was scared they were all….Saiori cuts him off
That doesn't matter but what does matter is that your a coward
This hits JinSol's heart 100x harder than anything jameel could dish out to him
I'm sorry Sai I… JinSol was cut off again
Don't call me that I can't hang out with you anymore and stop following me around it's annoying
JinSol's entire world was crashing down around him but there would be many more bad days to come
Almost a year has gon past since I made saiori not want to be my friend
Ever since Saiori started hanging out with jameel and his friends , she even joined in on them beating me up after a while which made it all the worse
they all can use their chi and are all pretty strong but I won't let that stop me from challenging jameel to show Saiori that I'm not weak
I still can't use my chi but master pakkun still says that I'm just a late bloomer
im getting better at hand to hand combat and swords training but I'm not sure if I'll win but I know I'll be able to hold them off and prove myself to Saiori
After searching for hours JinSol finally spots jameel and his group atop an abandoned building not surprised to find Saiori with them.
Hey Sai JinSol shouts while waving
What does he want Saiori I thought you told him to stop stalking you jameel chuckled out
I'll go tell him to leave Saiori's said while jumping down to confront JinSol. What are you doing here I told you to leave me alone Saiori's says glaring daggers at JinSol
Not able to meet her gaze JinSol stares at the floor while making his declaration
Jameel come down here and fight me I want my friend back
Saiori is left speechless at his brazen declaration actually worried about her old friend seemingly being an idiot trying to fight someone at such a disadvantage no being able to use his chi
Jameel accepting the challenge jumps down in front of JinSol to engage
JinSol pulls out two kendo short swords holding one in front of his face and the other in a reverse grip poised to unleash rapid strikes to his opponent
You think those will do anything against me? You should get your head checked
JinSol smirks readying himself to take off in a second
Making the first move JinSol rushes in attacking low to take out his opponent's legs looking to immobilize him with a thunderous blow to both legs which is swiftly dodged
Gaining some distance jameel thinks to himself what the hell kind of training did he do if he hit me just now it would've been game over. Regaining focus jameel catches the ghost of a smile on JinSol's face and becomes enraged harnessing balls of fire in his s hands jameel begins to lash out sending a fire storm toward JinSol
Jumping and dashing exerting himself to not be burned JinSol sees an opening to switch to offensive maneuvers he takes the chance
Launching one of his wooden swords towards Jameel through the fire storm it zips past him catching his attention for a second then the next second an excruciating whack to his ribs left him doubled over in pain
He's so fast what the hell is he jameel muttered under his breath while writhing in pain
JinSol stands and looks to Saiori's direction with a large grin on his face
JinSol opened his mouth to speak but was cut off as his world went dark
Why the hell would you do that Saiori screamed
He beat jameel up someone had to teach him a lesson he should've stayed in the dirt like the scum he is
These words rang in Saiori mind. that's exactly what jameel said that day and I abandoned him. My best friend. What have I done.
Saiori dashed toward JinSols limp body viewing the blood pooling by his head and the remnants of a rock sphere technique that crashed against his skull. Shivering with fear Saiori turns to the group seeing them prepare to run away
Come on Saiori we're leaving we don't want to be close. Jameel was shut up by a punch directly to his mouth snapping his head back harshly
What the hell was that you morons could've killed him. He beat you fair and square we all saw it and if he used real blades you'd be dead
Angered Jaleel shouts back he's an outsider I don't give a damn if he lives or dies but if he gets in my way he gets in my way he will always suffer for it but since you care so much you stay and take the fall for this taking off running with his group in tow making sure to bring attention to the alley they currently were leaving
Saiori panicked and took off running without thinking tears flowing freely down her face. Running into the first shop in the area clearly distressed saiori shouts that's my friend is dying in a alley I need help
The shop owner sprints into action following Saiori to try to help
JinSol was already surrounded by people applying first aid to JinSol's head performing CPR which made Saiori's blood run cold . Time moved slowly and before she knew JinSol's body was scooped up to be taken to a nearby hospital. All in front of her was a smudged pool of blood and a hair tie JinSol used to hold up his locs in a samurai top knot style. Picking up the hair tie Saiori begins to walk in a daze. after not seeing JinSol the next day which came to be the next coming weeks Saiori entered a depression that lasted until her vow to protect
(Back to present)
I'm really sorry I always regret what I did and said to you that day I wasn't fair….before Saiori could finish talking JinSol cut her off
Hey can we not talk about that now JinSol said trying to hide his discomfort with the situation
Yeah I'm Sorry I shouldn't have brought it up that was stupid Saiori said while mentally scolding herself
We can talk about it later but not now JinSol said giving Saiori a smile reminding her of how he always smiled when they were kids then after that day he always alone and looked sad
Walking into the gates of the barracks saiori turned to JinSol and launched herself at him in a crushing hug and kissing his cheek making him flush red
Thank you JinSol I'm so happy to have my friend back I missed you so much saiori said
Breaking a way from each other the two walked to their respective dorms but not before catching each other sneaking second looks before disappearing inside the barracks