According to Kai, "Evil never sleeps." Apparently, that also means no one else should sleep, because he wakes Nya up ungodly early.

"Rise and shine, packing time!" he sings through the door.

Nya groans, burrowing further under her blankets.

Kai is chipper. This is terrible. This is, like, rarer-than-a-blue-moon level of freakish. When Kai is chipper, he's annoying. Because usually, he's chipper about things that he should not be chipper about.

A few hours of sleep has not put enough distance between Nya and the unscripted kiss. She's far too aware of it. And too aware of the fact that she's moving away.

Kai has no problem reminding her anyway.

Constantly.

He's all "the monastery is the coolest!" and "wait til you meet Sensei!" and "we finally made it, Nya!"

Kai makes a few trips to the aforementioned monastery, loading their scarce belongings onto Flame's back. He returns only to check Nya's progress—she assumes he's hanging with his new pals in the meantime.

They have to leave the furniture behind, and anything else that's too big for dragon transportation. Nya tries not to dwell on it.

Instead of helping him, Nya busies herself with creating small messes here and there. Causing minor problems when Kai's not paying attention.

She opens all the cabinets. Dumps water on the floor. Lights the forge. Anything to prolong the inevitable.

Nya unpacks her single suitcase, like, four times. If she can delay them even a little longer . . .

Maybe Kai will get a clue and change his mind.

Ah, who is she kidding? Kai's mind is the only thing that isn't changing.

While her brother is gone on another "drop-off," Nya is struck with a jolting realization. She can't bring her samurai equipment with her.

"Oh no," she laments, yanking her closet open. Her suit is so close to completion, but it still needs some significant improvement. How's she supposed to work on it if she has to leave it?

Nya combs through the possibilities, deciding she'll just have to make a trip back here sometime. Without Kai, of course, since he can't know. But maybe she'll get lucky and one of the other guys will—

"You ready?"

Nya yelps, spinning to find Kai in the doorway. He's always popping up in doorways when it's least convenient.

Conspicuously, Nya slams the closet shut.

"Yeah. I guess. I mean, physically, yes. Mentally, I'm still kinda on the fence about it. Not—I'm not talking about the actual fence, obviously, I just have a lot on my mind, y'know—"

"I get it," Kai chuckles amusedly. "You got everything out of your closet?"

Shoot, she always rambles when she's nervous, Kai knows her too well. He knows she's hiding something, she's done for, she may as well give up now—

Nya swallows. "Yep. Yeah, it's all—packed and ready to go. Totally empty." Stop talking. "Completely . . . hollow."

Kai's eyebrows draw together in that slow, mature way of his as he nods.

"O-kay then. Wanna head outside? I'll meet you in a sec."

"Sure."

Nya follows her brother out of her room, but she has to take one last look. One final glance at the bed frame and tiny table, no more lights or picture frames. Just memories, waving goodbye. She knows she'll be back . . . but that doesn't make it hurt less.

Out in the yard, Flame is pawing the ground and suspiciously eyeing a bird. As Nya steps over, the dragon looks down at her.

"Hey, bud," she greets, reaching up to pat his snout. "Ready to be with your friends again?"

Flame gives an excited snort, as though he understands her. Nya wonders if he can. The stories she remembers placed more emphasis on mythology and fiction, not actual encounters. There must be scientific studies, right?

Man, if Walter were here, he'd be rattling off facts left and right. He always had something to say about everything.

A spear of guilt pierces Nya's abdomen. She didn't get to say goodbye . . .

"You got a saddle now, huh?" She dazedly admires the new addition, tracing a hand over it. Where had Kai found a dragon saddle, anyhow? Miracles never cease.

Nya scrambles up onto Flame's back just as Kai emerges from the house, looking a little wet under the eyes. Perhaps the changes are hitting him extra hard today, too.

He climbs up in front of her, but they linger a moment. Kai blinks at their empty home. The dark forge, the closed doors. It looks like it had when they first arrived, years ago. Abandoned. Sad. A little spooky.

Kai looks over his shoulder at her.

"We'll be back."

"I know."

"It's still our house."

"Yeah."

Kai's doing his best, he really is. So Nya gives him her bravest smile and a nod of approval.

With a nudge of Kai's heel, Flame lifts off into the air, briefly turning Nya's stomach as she adjusts to the sensation. She squeezes her eyes shut until they're in stable motion, then opens them to see the autumn countryside passing below. Streaks of brown and orange blur into a melancholy palette. Will she be able to see the trees from the monastery? Will she experience the seasons there?

Four Weapons shrinks to a speck on the hilltop. Nya feels her heart clench.

She does like flying, though. Even though she's clinging to Kai and trying to look straight ahead. The whip of air against her cheeks and the steady weight of Flame's wings on either side—it's something out of a vivid, technicolor dream. This part? She could get used to it.

But it's so not fair that the boys have their own dragons now. One more stupid ninja rule. Stupid ninja and their stupid exclusive club.

The ride to the monastery is longer than Nya expected, but she's content to admire the scenery. Find shapes in the clouds. Peek at the patches of forest whizzing beneath them.

Soon, she spots a little dot poking out of the clouds below them.

"Is that . . . ?

"It is," Kai says, and Nya can hear the smile in his voice.

Flame, clearly eager to be reunited with his dragon buddies, picks up speed. He changes course, titled drastically downward as he races to the monastery. The nosedive jerks Nya so suddenly that she nearly tumbles from the dragon's back, but Kai reaches behind him and catches her arm.

At the last possible moment, when it looks like they might actually crash, Flame spreads his wings out and lands near a winding path of stairs. A custom dragon stable has been built into the mountain.

While Kai messes with the reins, Nya hops down, knees wobbling. Falling from Flame's saddle would've been a long drop, but falling from here? She'd evaporate before even hitting the ground.

Carefully, Nya steps around the dragon's tail and presses her back to the stone wall. She's never been particularly afraid of heights, but now she's considering it.

They're living up here? In the clouds?

Not that the view isn't nice and everything, but—geez. One wrong move and you could lose your footing, go crashing down the side of the mountain.

After Kai finishes situating Flame in the stable, he sidles up next to Nya and nudges her.

"Cool, huh?" He looks out at the sky. "We get to see this every day."

"Yeah. Cool." Nya hopes she at least sounds excited, because she's pretty sure her face is still twisted in concern. But Kai only grabs her hand and starts leading her up the stairs, rambling on.

"This is where the First Spinjitzu Master raised Wu and Garmadon, which is, like, insane. It's built on the tallest peak of the mountain range. The Mountains of Impossible Height."

"That's . . . fitting."

"Sensei Wu and the guys are really looking forward to meeting you. Just—try not to look Jay in the eyes, y'know? He's obsessed enough as it is—"

"Kai. Shut up."

"Just saying."

They approach the enormous gate, then, and Kai heaves it open. Apparently their ninja headquarters is severely lacking in security measures. No booby traps, trip wires, cameras . . .

Nya doesn't know whether to be relieved or alarmed.

The two of them enter an empty courtyard. Inexplicably, Nya was almost expecting some sort of welcome party, but they're alone, minus a curious dragon statue.

The architecture is fascinating, Nya has to admit. Red and gold, built to showcase the type of traditional, eastern style she doesn't see very often. The shingled roof and intricate detail keep Nya's eyes occupied while Kai wanders up to the next set of doors.

"You coming?" he calls.

Nya runs over just in time to see Kai yank the doors open. An avalanche of abstract karate noises tumbles out, along with what sounds like video game effects. Nya frowns, casting Kai a wry look.

"Jay better not touch my high score," he mumbles as they walk in.

He guides her down a hallway, lined with more doors on either side. Behind one of them, the clamor is noticeably louder.

Nya's not a fan of new social experiences. Like meeting people. Or interrupting people. Especially people her own age.

Kai has no such qualms; he barges right in. Nya halts where she is, frozen.

"Kai!"

"Back for good, this time?"

"Finally. Took you long enough to move in."

Nya hears his teammates' enthusiasm from the hall, but she can't bring herself to join them. It's just too weird. They don't know her, she doesn't know them . . . and if anything, they probably hate her for getting snatched by skeletons. Kai and his friends were the ones who had to run all over Ninjago to find her.

How much older are they? Have they been to school—real, actual school? High school? What if she's just some little thirteen-year-old nuisance getting in the way all the time?

What if she's annoying?

Nya swallows, horrified. This is a disaster already.

Kai is laughing with everyone, exchanging playful remarks, when—

"Hey, I thought you were bringing your sister."

Your sister.

Nya feels like bursting into tears. Do they even know her name?

There's a pause, like Kai's realizing she's not in the room with them. "Yeah, she's—Nya, c'mon. They don't bite."

Agitated, Nya takes a deep breath. Then she pokes her head through the doorway, quickly scanning the room.

Kai's friends are sprawled across the floor, clutching game controllers and, in one guy's case, a slice of pizza.

Nya's in the middle of wondering how they ordered pizza from way up here when she notices something else. The boys are all missing their conveniently color-coded outfits. Instead, they're wearing casual hoodies and jeans. She can't quite recall who's who.

Thankfully, Kai makes the official introductions.

"Nya, this is Zane, Cole, and Jay."

He points to them respectively as they stand, pausing the game. Zane offers a friendly smile, Cole waves, and Jay does both.

"Greetings, Nya," Zane says, giving her hand one firm shake. "It is a pleasure to formally meet you."

Okay, a little on the proper side, but not the worst.

"Yeah," Cole says, "Kai's told us a lot about you."

Good things, hopefully.

Jay reaches out like he's going to shake her hand, then reroutes and throws both his arms to the side. "Hey, nice to see me again! I mean—you, not me. I mean—ugh. Hi." He drops his arms.

"Hi."

Nya can't help the little laugh that sneaks out. She can feel Kai's warning glare on the back of her head, but that only reinforces her amusement.

Jay wins Best Welcome Award. She smiles at him, hoping to convey an approachable, appreciative vibe. Holding the back of his neck, Jay grins sheepishly.

"Smooth," comments Cole.

"Can it, dirt clod—"

"Make me, zaptrap."

Zane watches, aghast, as the other two dissolve into quiet bickering until Kai bites out, "Guys."

Jay and Cole fall silent, but they can't resist giving each other one final elbow to the ribs.

"Nice to meet you guys under . . . non-life-threatening circumstances," Nya manages, after a beat of silence. "Thanks for—helping Kai find me. And stuff. I appreciate it."

There's a round of "no problem" and "you're welcome," then Kai, eager to keep things moving, claps Nya on the shoulder.

"Alright, sis, lemme give you the tour."

The other three return to their video game, but Nya catches Jay saying, "Get ready to eat pixels, Cole. Zane, take notes."

As they head down the hall, Kai chuckles oddly. "I know the guys are a lot, but they mean well."

Nya just nods.

Kai shows her the kitchen and where the bathroom is. On their way back, he points out the center room, which apparently belongs exclusively to the sensei. There's an ancient-looking wardrobe and a cushion in the middle, the scent of incense drifting from under the door.

"I think it would be best if you called him Sensei," Kai instructs.

Nya frowns. "Why? He's not my teacher."

"Well—yeah, but it's respectful, I think. Like how you wouldn't call your parents by their first names."

Nya gives her brother a sideways glance that says we don't even have parents, so he amends with, "Just 'cause you're not a ninja doesn't mean Sensei has nothing to teach you."

The logic is sound enough for Nya not to argue. Besides, she can't afford to accidentally slip up and reveal her general displeasure about being here. Sure, Kai's friends seem nice enough—if not a little dim-witted—and the monastery is beautiful, but . . .

It's not home.

There's no weather-beaten "Four Weapons" sign, or rolling pastures, or iron anvils waiting to greet Nya in the morning. No more forge, no more knocking on the wall between her and Kai's rooms—

"Wait," Nya stops suddenly. "Where am I s'posed to sleep?"

As though it just occurred to Kai as well, he pauses.

"I . . . don't know," he finally admits. Before Nya can pummel him, he adds, "Don't worry, okay? We'll figure something out."

That's not comforting.

Neither is the double lap around the monastery, in which Kai inspects every room, closet, and corner, evaluating what could be turned into a makeshift bedroom. Nya's not fond of any of the options, but she will not explode, not here.

This is Kai's team. He has special powers and new friends and they get to save the world. So—Nya's gonna be supportive if it kills her.

But the frustration is boiling just beneath the surface, masking what is evidently something very sad and painful.

Nya's familiar with this feeling by now.

Eventually, the siblings wind up in front of what Kai calls the "bunk room." It's really just a narrow, rectangular space crammed with beds and a dresser in one corner.

Nya knows what Kai's about to say, and he proves her right.

"I mean . . . you could always sleep in here. Just til we find something else."

Nya observes the room, noting the two bunks and hardwood floors.

"Where? Looks like there are only enough beds for you guys."

"Well—someone can sleep on the floor, I guess."

Kai doesn't specify who, but Nya assumes no one's going to be happy about it.

First, though, she has to survive a treacherous milestone—something Nya's been dreading since she got here. Something so horribly uncomfortable that she tries to get out of it, but Kai holds firm.

Team dinner.

"Kai, I don't want to," Nya protests as her brother drags her into the kitchen. "I'll just wait! I'll eat later!"

"You're going. It's gonna be—"

"If you say fun, I'm suffocating you in your sleep."

Kai glares. "Noted. You're gonna have to get used to it, though. You gotta—y'know. Shove the fear down."

Nya wants to tell him exactly where he can shove that comment, but they're already passing through the dining room doorway.

There's a long table in the middle, surrounded on all sides by cabinets. A stove and fridge are wedged Tetris-style into a corner, but just like the other rooms, there are no signs of personalization. Just bland wooden walls.

All of Kai's friends are seated at the table, except Zane, who appears to be tonight's chef. Whatever he's cooking smells great, but Nya's too busy searching for the nearest exit to care very much.

Her anxiety is rocketing off the charts, ricocheting off the inside of her skull. This stress is rapidly being converted into anger. Nya swallows stiffly.

Kai leads her to a seat and pushes her down into it.

Everyone is talking, exchanging stories and jokes, completely absorbed. They're not looking at Nya, no one's paying any attention to her. And why would they? They don't know her.

Kai jumps into it easily, happy to be among his equals. Nya blinks uselessly at the wall, hoping the floor will be kind enough to swallow her today.

Calm down. Don't be so weird. Just laugh. Chat. Smile.

"So I was like, you and what army?" Cole says, and the others laugh in chorus. Is this an inside joke, too? A familiar story? Nya forces a tight smile but feels no real emotion behind it.

Pretending only makes her feel worse.

This is what she's been dreading all along. Moving? Fine, she can deal with that. It's doable. After all they've been through together, Nya's willing to do just about anything to make Kai happy.

If being a ninja is his destiny or whatever, she's willing to support that. Even if she's out of her element. Kai's happiness means everything to her. She barely knows this youthful, bouncy version of him. Growing up, Kai was under too much stress to be happy.

Lately, the smile on his face has been real. If Nya has to sacrifice her own comfort to keep it that way, so be it.

She just wishes she'd get a little acknowledgement for it.

When it was just the two of them, Nya always expressed her gratitude for Kai and all the things he did on his own. She would've preferred to help, but Kai never let her. So she showed her appreciation when she could.

But this one time, when Nya has a chance to take one for the team (quite literally), it goes unrecognized.

Because if she were honest with Kai, she'd risk his peace of mind.

At some point, Zane has dished out tonight's dinner. Her plate is piled with food that's sure to surpass her expectations. But Nya doesn't eat. She can't. Not with all these people buzzing around her.

Nya doesn't know why her heart's beating so fast or why her tongue is plastered to the roof of her mouth—

Suddenly the lights are too bright and her stomach is somersaulting and tears are burning behind her eyes—

"Did you try the lemonade?"

Nya blinks, turning to Jay. "Wh—what?'

He holds up his glass, swirling the liquid inside. "I made the lemonade tonight, but I'm kinda scared to try it."

Nya tries to fix her wide-eyed expression. She tunes out whatever the others are jabbering about and grabs her own cup, examining it.

She should say something back. Jay's reaching out, trying to make her feel included. That's more than anyone else has done tonight.

"It . . . it looks normal," she ventures.

Jay frowns. "Doesn't taste normal, though?"

"No! I mean—no, I haven't even tried it, that's not what I—"

Laughing, Jay waves her apology away. "Relax, I'm messin' with ya. Cheers."

He reaches across the table, clinking his glass against hers, and they drink together.

And as much as Nya would like to say it's the best lemonade she ever had . . . her face is pinched as she bites the inside of her cheek.

It's sour. Almost unbearably so.

Suddenly afraid she's given Jay the wrong reaction, Nya looks up. But he's wincing, too. Their eyes meet simultaneously.

There's a beat of silence, then quiet chuckles as they both set the cups down and exchange hesitant smiles.

Sarcastically, Jay asks, "That good, huh?"

Nya grins. "It's great."

They push the lemonade aside, silently agreeing to let the others figure it out themselves.

Looking down, Jay twirls a spaghetti noodle around his fork. "Maybe next time you—we can make it together. Ya know? Like—for fun. 'Cause I . . . yeah."

Jay frowns at himself, but Nya finds his awkwardness comforting. It's nice to know she's not the only one floundering a little.

Is this her first friend here? Does Jay want to be friends, or is he just trying to be nice? Nya glances around the table, where the other boys are jostling each other around.

Then she looks at Jay, who happens to be looking at her. Nya zones out for a moment as she admires the bold color of his eyes.

Jay holds out his hand. "I'm Jay."

Nya refocuses. "You, uh . . . you told me already."

"Oh, right—sorry, I—"

Nya grabs his hand and shakes it, smiling. "I'm Nya."

"Sounds familiar," Jay teases, but there's a relieved note to his voice, too.

"Does it? Must be a coincidence."

The two of them laugh, and Nya doesn't even notice the questioning glance Kai gives her. Miraculously, she survives the rest of dinner, and Jay keeps up lighthearted conversation until Zane starts collecting dishes.

Kai tosses his fork at Cole. "You're on dish duty, man. Good luck."

Cole tips his head back, groaning as he steps backwards through the doorway—he'd been on his way out.

"Why can't your sister do it? She's new. Gotta pull your own weight around here."

There it is again. Your sister. Nya bristles.

"Nya," she grinds out.

Cole looks at her, startled. "What?"

"My name is Nya."

She doesn't wait around for a response.

After dinner, Nya discovers another issue: privacy.

Back home, she could just hide in her room if she was feeling bummed. But here, that's not the case. Nya doesn't have a room. And though there are technically plenty of places to hang out, they're all occupied by someone.

Cole is washing dishes in the kitchen, whistling to himself. Zane and Jay are situated in front of the TV, fingers moving chaotically across the game controllers. And Kai has been shuffling around in the bunk room for a while now. Who knows what he's doing, but Nya doesn't care enough to go check. Instead, she wanders outside to the courtyard.

She heard someone mention training equipment, but Nya doesn't see any. Just that odd statue in the center. It's too randomly placed. Too shiny. It's suspicious enough for Nya to step over and circle it curiously, running her fingers across the surface.

Her eyes catch sight of a button, inconspicuous as it is, and Nya briefly considers pressing it. Maybe it'll spice up this ninja horror story.

But she doesn't get the chance to find out..

"Nya!" Kai calls from the other side of the courtyard. "What're you doing?"

She whips around, expecting to be in trouble or—FSM forbid—on dish duty after all.

"Nothing! I was just looking around."

Kai raises a brow at her. "Okay, well, can you c'mere?"

From the tone of his voice, Kai can't mean anything good. It's his reluctant voice. Slightly flushed, a little awkward. Nya pretends not to notice as she meets him on the steps. Kai pulls her in, dragging a hand down the side of his face.

"Don't be weird about this, okay?"

"Weird? Why would I be weird?"

Kai's practically yanking her down the hall, stride so long that Nya is struggling to keep up.

"Just—don't be weird, 'cause it's not weird unless you make it weird, and I think—"

"Kai, what?"

They stop outside the bunkroom and Nya frowns. She has a feeling she knows what's coming.

Kai gestures weakly to the door. "I set up a bed on the floor, since I figured—"

That's where Nya gets lost. She doesn't hear the rest, because she's fixated on the floor part.

"I'm supposed to sleep on the floor?" she half-yells.

Kai looks at her strangely. "I wasn't done—"

"It's bad enough this is a guy's room for—y'know, guys. But I would've been fine with a couch or something—"

"Well, if you prefer the couch—"

"Why can't we just share a bed, like we—"

Kai shushes her frantically. Nya backs up, scowling. Kai has that look on his face, the one that she's been seeing a lot lately.

"Why're you being so annoying?" Nya demands. "It's like you're—"

And the traitorous realization hits her. Sparks of betrayal dance on Nya's tongue.

"It's like you're embarrassed by me."

Kai's eyes go wide with damage-control-panic. He waves a hand. "Are you kidding? Embarrassed—Nya, don't be stupid."

But Nya's actually not stupid, Stupid happens to be her nickname for him. And this is exactly why she knows what Kai is hiding.

She figured it might happen eventually, but so soon? They just got here and he's already—

He's already leaving her.

"You're unbelievable," Nya says, glaring through Kai's face.

She turns away, heading back down the hall.

Kai calls her name. "Wait! Why're you mad?"

Nya whips back around, stomping right up to him again. "Because your stupid boys' club is ruining my life!"

Too late, Nya clamps her teeth shut. Her own words seem to echo around them, vibrating with violent truth. It's nauseating. The fire that was just blazing in her sternum is extinguished, doused with shame.

Stricken, Kai gives a little shake of his head. "Hold on, I thought—hold on. You said you—"

"I know what I said," laments Nya. Mixed, tangled emotions are clawing at her. "I lied, okay! I lied. I'm a liar. I lied because—"

She tries to look at Kai's eyes, which turns out to be a horrific mistake.

Now Nya remembers why she hates eye contact. She hates it because she can feel Kai's hurt drilling straight through her own forehead and it sucks.

It sucks because she's the one who gets to be upset right now. She's the miserable one. FSM, why does Kai have to steal everything—

Then the anger is back. When Nya's angry, she doesn't want to talk. She wants to scream and throw things.

Screaming and throwing things are not options at this current moment, but Nya knows she's in no shape for a heartfelt conversation, either. So she turns away, speeding down the hall.

Nya's not sure where exactly she's headed; this monastery is built on the top of a mountain, she's not really drowning in options here. But that doesn't stop her from stomping away from her brother.

He calls her name again, sounding wounded, but if there's one thing Nya's good at, it's the cold shoulder. She takes a left turn and finds herself outside once again.

The ninja life isn't all it's cracked up to be. Heck, she's not even a ninja. Just a useless, embarrassing girl. Not even Kai wants her around anymore.

Whatever. That's fine. It's fine. She'll just have to work ten times harder. Prove she can be useful. Prove she's not just Kai's sister.

Nya plops down on the courtyard steps, arms crossed over her knees. Is this pouting? Feels like pouting. But—no, pouting is for kids, and Nya's not—

She's not a little kid anymore. Life has hardly ever gone the way she wanted, and she's always sucked it up and made the best of it. Even if "the best" was scrap projects and dry toast. Make the best of it.

That's all she's ever done, the only thing that kept her and Kai afloat over the years. Life usually sucks. Nya's used to it. And she sure isn't about to cry over it.

Her frown lands on that statue again. Something prickles at the back of her neck, a feeling urging her on. She wants to push the button.

In the movies, nothing good ever happens when you push the mysterious button. But this isn't a movie. That's gotta count for something, right?

Slowly, Nya stands and wanders across the empty courtyard. The motionless dragon column glints in the fading sunlight, inviting her forward. She circles it, searching for the button.

This time, with a quick glance over one shoulder, Nya presses it.

Several things happen at once and Nya struggles to focus on all the moving objects. Giant wooden pillars poke out of the stony floor, nearly impaling her as Nya leaps away just in time. Huge carousels and fight-dummies materialize seemingly out of nowhere—but Nya imagines it all must be hiding underground.

This is surely the training equipment that Kai had mentioned earlier. There are spinning things and weapons and swinging axes and—

Nya grins as the realization hits her.

It's a whole obstacle course.

This must be where the boys train and learn all those fancy moves. Nya eyes it hungrily, itching to test her own skills, but—that's probably not allowed.

It's probably some stupid "boys only" training course. If Kai finds out she used it, will he be embarrassed by that, too? Or maybe the sensei will be mad she didn't ask first. Maybe . . .

Maybe Nya is sick of boys telling her what to do.

Not ten minutes later, Nya's already on her third lap of the training course. Her first two attempts were less than impressive, but she's not familiar with the equipment. Give her a few hours and she'll be as good as the rest of those nerds.

It's just that stupid ax. One of the dangling ax heads on the carousel keeps knocking her off balance. She'll get it, though! Y'know—eventually.

Nya makes four more laps, and each time she's defeated by the ax head. Even though she's expecting it, it manages to catch her and send her careening backwards. She knows bruises are forming on her tailbone already.

Stupid obstacle course, stupid ninja moves, stupid friggin' ax—

The next time Nya is thrown to the ground, she stays there.

"UGGGGHHH." The groan is so loud that she's competing with Flame at this point. Screw this. Maybe she's not cut out for ninja training.

As Nya lies on her back, glaring at the darkening sky, she hears the most subtle of footsteps approaching. They're so soft that she almost doesn't notice, but Nya figures it's Kai. She turns her head away.

"I know, I know. I'm stupid, I shouldn't have touched the button, I'm irresponsible. I get it."

"I disagree. Impatient, perhaps, but not stupid."

That is . . . definitely not Kai.

Nya sits up, eyes going wide when she sees the man standing a few feet away. His beard is pure white and hangs past his waist. He's clothed in garments that resemble the uniform of a martial arts instructor, but more detailed. More formal, somehow. The embroidery is intricate, all whimsical patterns and unfamiliar symbols.

He's not tall, but his presence is firm and commanding. If it weren't for the straw hat on his head, Nya might be inclined to curtsey, or something.

Apologies rush out in a flurry and Nya trips over her feet as she stands. Her pants are coated in dust and she's probably dripping sweat, but Nya has enough composure left to at least manage a small bow. Kai said something about bowing, it's supposed to be respectful. Right?

The sensei waves away her blustering as he chuckles quietly. "Please, no more formalities today. It's a pleasure to officially meet you, Nya." He extends a hand warmly.

Blinking, Nya shakes it. "Y-yeah, you too. Kai's always talking about you."

Immediately, she cringes. Kai probably would've considered that comment a notch out of his street cred. Then again, Nya's mad at him right now, so.

"I'm, uh—sorry about using your training course, I know it's for, y'know—your students. I just—"

"Don't apologize. My pupils practice their skills with a controller more than their skills with a sword." He shakes his head, but smiles fondly. "You are welcome to use the equipment at your convenience."

Nya brightens. "Seriously? Thank you, Sensei . . . ?" She trails off, unsure of what title to use.

"Wu," he finishes. "Sensei Wu."

"Got it." Nya scratches behind her neck. "Think you could . . . give me some pointers? I'm having some, uh—trouble."

Wu takes a seat on the steps, nodding at her. "Why don't you give it one more try, and we shall see what we can do about your balance."

As Nya's smile breaks open, she darts to the beginning of the course, ready for another round.

oOo

Later, when the sun has disappeared from the sky, Nya stumbles back inside, breathless and happy. With the help of Sensei Wu, she was able to make it through the training course without any further bruises to her pride—or tailbone.

He wasn't upset with her at all. In fact, he seemed almost . . . pleased. Nya likes Wu. At the very least, he's approachable and encouraging. Not that the other guys aren't, but—

Well. Nya's never been the best at making friends her own age. Kai says she's unsocial, which is a pretty bold claim coming from him. He's fifteen and hasn't had his first crush yet.

Nya thinks that girls are scared of Kai. It could have something to do with the hazardous hair, or the short fuse, or the hero complex . . .

The only difference is that Kai found friends and Nya had to leave hers in Ignacia.

Her one friend, anyway. Her one friend who sorta—kissed her. On the mouth. Unprovoked.

Whatever. Nya's still mad at her brother. Clearly she won't be spending the night in the bunk room, but she tromps in that direction anyway. She finds Cole and Jay already there, crawling into bed and conversing quietly.

They stop as Nya enters, avoiding their eyes. She knows which bed is Kai's; she yanks the top blanket off his bunk and snatches the pillow too, for good measure. Then she's gone, stomping out the door and down the hall.

She didn't wanna sleep in that musty, testosterone-saturated room anyhow. Take that.

Nya feels the boys' eyes on her back, but she's out of sight before they can speak. If she'd turned around, she would've seen Jay and Cole exchange concerned glances. But Nya can't be bothered. She drags Kai's stuff all the way outside, where the training course has been put away.

She drops the pillow and blanket on the ground.

Kai would be appalled to find out she's sleeping outside, but Nya figures there's no real harm in it. Is it a bit dramatic? Sure. She knows that. But it's better than sitting curled up in a corner of the bunkroom.

Maybe she wants Kai to be annoyed. Stupid brothers and their stupid masculinity complexes.

She has a lot of feelings right now. Nya just wants to dropkick them at other people.

She lays the blanket out flat and settles in. There's a chill in the air—Nya hadn't factored in their altitude when she decided to come out here. Still, it's not so bad. Nights got colder than this in Ignacia, when Kai had to leave the forge burning so Nya could lie in front of it.

The stars are beautiful up here, too. She can see so many. Four Weapons had the best view of the sky. This one is . . . almost better. If only it felt like home.

"Nya?"

She jumps, heart pounding, to find Jay in the doorway, silhouetted by the lamplight inside. He has a pile of blankets under one arm.

"Jay! What—what're you doing out here?"

He glances around, shrugs. "I dunno. Thought I heard someone come outside and I just—I wanted to—ya know. You okay?"

Seeing as Jay poses no immediate threat, Nya relaxes back on her elbows. She offers a smile. "Yeah, I'm good."

"Stargazing?"

"Something like that."

"Want a partner?" Jay falters, backtracking. "I mean—not a partner as in a date—or, not like a partner as in being together—well, just being together out here, like—y'know, spatially, within a close—"

"I'd love a partner," Nya grins.

Jay tapers off, smiling gratefully. Nya can see the pink creeping across his face, even through the darkness of the courtyard, but it's—well, it's cute.

She's still grinning as Jay tosses his mess of bedding on the ground, casually throwing one blanket at Nya.

"It's cold out here," he explains.

Normally Nya's pride would interfere right about now, but the gesture is sweet. Refusing would be rude.

"Thanks."

The two of them lie back, sprawled like they're making snow angels. There's silence between them, but not the uncomfortable kind. Jay's not cracking sarcastic jokes and Nya's not worried about saying the wrong thing. They're just coexisting. It's . . . nice.

"How're you liking it here?" Jay asks, almost timidly.

The question catches Nya off-guard. She thinks about it, wondering. How does she like it here, really?

For once, Nya erases the response she would've given Kai mere hours ago. The sugar-glazed, optimistic version. This is Jay. Jay's not expecting anything of her, right?

Nya sighs. "Mm, it's . . . different. It's weird, obviously. I'm not used to it, 'cause it's not home. But—I'll get there."

And that's the night in which Nya realizes she can't hide anything from Jay Walker. He sees right through the casual defense seeping through her tone. Seems like he may have been down this road before.

"It's okay to be homesick," he says, so soft it could be a whisper. "I mean, when Sensei found me, I missed home too. Home, my parents, the routine."

"Did it get easier?"

He nods. "Yeah, it did. This place isn't home for me either. But I'm happy here. I hope, maybe—I dunno, you'll warm up to it. Eventually."

It's not a demand, or even a request. Just a lighthearted, good-intentioned wish. He wants her to be happy here. Nya can work with that.

"Thanks, Jay." She rolls over to look at him. He's already looking at her. They blink.

"Hey," he says, reddening.

"Hey."

Nya thinks this is the start of a very beautiful friendship.