Back again! Let's not waste any time and get straight into chapter 17.

"You're what?" Chase was so bewildered, he wasn't even sure if he'd heard right.

"I'm Scarlet," Kara repeated.

"But–but–how? Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"I didn't want to give it away just yet. I wanted to keep an eye on you."

"You were in your fox form the night the ambush happened and I went to save the ninja, weren't you? Because I'm 99% sure that the attack wasn't 'on the news."

"Yeah."

"So, why did you want to keep an eye on me?"

"I knew you had potential."

"Are you like some Elemental Master?"

"No, not an elemental master, but I am something called a formling."

"A formling?"

"Yes, it means I can shapeshift from an animal form into a human one."

"Wait, if you're a formling, you must not come from Ninjago, right?"

"No, I come from a realm known as the Never Realm."

"The Never Realm? Really? I heard the ninja talking about that place."

"It's quite nice. But recently, the government was overthrown by a jealous general, or so I've heard. Not really updated on what's going on there."

"Have you not been there in a while?"

"Oh, no, it's been several years since I last set foot in that place."

"Why is that?"

"Something inside of me was drawn to Ninjago, like there was something important I had to do. I think that mission was to watch out for you, the heir to wield great power."

"You think I have potential to have great power?"

"Absolutely. But I think my purpose is to make sure you use that power for good and not evil."

"Why would I use it for evil?"

"Some hearts change after gaining such great power. Only the truly good will remain good after being tested with such power. You may think you will stay good, but you'll only know when it happens."

"Ahhh, I see. So, one quick question. Is your name actually Kara?"

Kara chuckled. "Yes, Chase, my name is actually Kara, but while in my fox form, you can call me Kara, or I do quite like the name Scarlet. Whichever you prefer."

"Okay, then, I'll probably stick to Scarlet for the fox since it will disorient me to know that you are the fox. Wow." Chase shook his head, still in disbelief. "Wait, so you're a good guy, right?" He wanted to make sure he wasn't mingling with a villain.

"Of course. Although I guess that's what I would say if I were a villain." Chase laughed, but his mind was reeling. What if she really is just faking her identity?

"So…you think I could help with your whole ninja mission?" Kara asked. Chase wanted to say "yes," but he wasn't sure if he fully trusted Kara yet, especially since she had been acting suspicious that one day in school. But maybe it was just to hide her fox identity. So he decided to give her a shot.

"Okay, I guess. Just be our eyes for now. Look out for any potential signs of danger, like Garmadon's forces approaching, and things like that. Got it?"

Kara nodded enthusiastically. "You bet. Kara Fox, at your command."

"Is that your last name, Fox?"

"No, it's just something I like to go by since, you know, I am a fox formling." Then she squealed, a little too loudly. "Eeeh! I can't believe I'm actually sort of part of the ninjas' mission! This is so cool. I've always been huge fans of them, and now, I'm basically friends with one!" She points to me excitedly.

"Uh, I'm not a ninja."

"Well, yeah, but you basically are!"

"Not really. All I do is live with them. I don't go on their missions or anything."

Kara's shoulders slouched. "You're killing the vibe. I mean, maybe you're not a ninja, but you are an Elemental master! The Elemental Master of Time! How cool is that?"

"I guess that's pretty cool. I've also got mixed mind and water powers too."

"Oh, yeah! You're like an apprentice to being a ninja. That's still really cool."

"Yeah, I guess it is. Well, see you tomorrow. Gotta get home so my folks don't get too worried."

"It's so cool to say that your family is the ninja." Chase never realized how obsessed Kara was over the heroes of Ninago.

"Well, see you tomorrow, I guess." Kara waved, and Chase waved back, right before opening the door and walking into the fresh air outside.

The streets were pretty much empty now, as everyone had already left school. He walked down the sidewalk back to the bounty, not sure if he should tell the ninja about how his best friend at school was also his animal best friend. He decided against it, at least for now, as there was no use to doing so.

But Kara had said something that got him thinking. Was he an apprentice to being a ninja? If so, he was thrilled. But was he ready? Well for now he was a self-claimed apprentice.

Ninja Apprentice. Boy, did he like the sound of that.

Chapter 17, complete! Hope you enjoyed it. If you did, leave a review with any feedback or anything. I'd really appreciate it! Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more.

Ducky :)