Kai POV: After the others left Wu guided me back to his room. And I already have a feeling about what's going on. It wasn't that hard to figure out, but strangely I was calm about it. It was weird, especially since everything else that has happened, but I tried to not think about it. Eventually, we were at his room and I followed him in. He gestured for me to sit as he went for his teapot. Wordlessly, I did as he wanted. But now I was getting nervous for some reason. I just hope that he doesn't ask me to describe the monsters, because that I know I can't do. It's a line I was never going to cross, and I hope that he knows that too.

But despite that thought, Wu just placed a cup of hot tea in front of me. I took it, but I didn't take a sip with him. I was just waiting for him to start.

Finally he said, "How are you adjusting?"

That was a new one. "As well as I can. They're all watching over me like a hawk." I responded, then I took a sip.

"Kai, that's not what I mean. I have noticed that you have been quieter than usual." He commented. I wish he wasn't right about that.

"I… I guess I have been." I don't know how else to respond to that.

"That alone isn't too much of a concern. However, it is clear to me that you are holding back. In more ways than one." He explained, but that confused me.

"Holding back? What do you mean?"

He took another before saying, "Now that the others know about your past you believe that you can't continue as a ninja. But that is not correct."

"Maybe. But I can't ignore the fact that things are different now. Or the fact that they're walking on eggshells around me." That came more aggressive than I wanted, but I couldn't help it.

I didn't really feel it before, but now I'm just frustrated by all of this. The last thing that I wanted was being treated like a little, fragile kid. That's not what I am and I've worked too hard to be treated like that. Though, I do understand that they don't know how to act around me anymore. I just wish that they would ask and get it over with. I've always preferred that method.

Sensei just raised an eyebrow and took another sip. Then he said, "Have things really changed?"

"Well… I don't see how they could stay the same." I said, but what was he trying to imply?

"To me. The others still do think that you're strong. They still think of you as their brother, and they still wish to help you." he stated, then poured himself some more tea. He really does like his tea.

"Yeah, that is still the same. But everything else-"

"I'm not saying that nothing has changed. However, I do believe that you're overestimating what those changes are." he interrupted.

"What?" I immediately asked.

"You think that everything has changed, but I say it hasn't. Yes, the others are having trouble knowing what to say. And yes, adjustments are going to have to be made. However, you are still the same young man that I met in that blacksmith shop. You still have the same fire inside of you." he explained, setting down his cup.

Then he stared me right in the eyes and continued, "You are still the Master of Fire and a member of the ninja. You have, and will, continue to fight with everything you have. Yes, now your trauma has been made known. And yes, they wouldn't ever be able to forget that part of you. But don't think that they will forget everything else that you are. They won't be able to. And I have no doubt that you will remind them."

I didn't know what to say… He wasn't wrong, he actually was pretty spot on with what he said. And I wasn't sure how to feel about it. All this time worrying about how things have changed I haven't thought about what hasn't. Why didn't I think of that?

I stared at my tea cup and took a deep breath. "I… I appreciate that. I do, but…" Why was it so hard to say? It shouldn't be this hard.

Wu noticed this and gently sighed before he said, "When you bottle up how you feel for so long you forget how it feels to let it out. Especially if you do it in order to protect yourself."

"That… makes sense." I said quietly. I see what he was saying. I just didn't think I was like that until now.

He stood up and walked over to me. He patted my shoulder and said, "Your strength comes from many things. Your love for your family, your fierce determination, and your powerful will. You pushing through such trauma is another one of those strengths, if you let it."

I didn't know how to respond, again, but he just patted my shoulder again and sat back down. I took a deep breath and finally took a drink. It wasn't very hot anymore, but it was still hot enough to be soothing. It actually helped with the numbness, and so did Wu's words. It was actually making me feel really relaxed, and that felt really good. It was the most normal I've felt since this whole thing started, which was really nice.

And of course that's when the alert went off. We both reacted quickly and I ran to the command room. Maybe I wasn't the best with technology, something I will never admit, but I knew how to run the computers. It was the head prison guard that was calling, which isn't a good sign. Wu came in as I answered and pulled up the facecam.

"Red ninja! Thank goodness you're there! The other ninja have become trapped inside the prison!" He yelled, showing the prison. It was just a dark red drome that they definitely went into.

So this was really bad.

"What exactly happened?" I asked, ignoring the dread building in my stomach.

"They went in to confront Hry after they arrived, but we lost contact about five minutes ago." He did not at all calmly explain. Still pointing the camera at the prison.

"Has anyone come out since then?" I asked, but he vigorously shook his head. Really not a good sign.

I really didn't want to go in and risk seeing those monsters again, but they were in trouble. As if I was going to leave them there.

"I'll be right there. Keep the area secure." I said, and hung up after he nodded. He kinda calmed down when I said that.

But before I turned around Wu came up to me and said, "Will you be alright?"

I knew that I was going to be internally panicking throughout this whole thing. I just knew that for a fact, but again I couldn't walk away from this. They needed me and Hry wasn't going to be the one to take us down. Not like this and I won't let it. Not after how much we've all been through and how hard we've worked and fought.

"I'll be fine. Have PIXAL on standby just in case, though." I suggested. It can never hurt to be extra careful.

"Of course. She will be ready, as will I. I hope that you wouldn't need us though. You are more than capable if you let yourself be." he said, and I smiled and nodded.

Then I rushed out to the deck and grabbed my swords. But I noticed that my hands were shaking, and it wasn't difficult to figure out why. I took a deep breath and placed them on my back. I'm going to be fine. Not just for me, but for the others too. They need my help right now and that's what I'm going to do.

I took a step up on the railing and looked down at the dome. Hry probably thinks he's the king in there, but he was about to be proven wrong. I'll make sure of that. And I won't let my fear stop or control me.

I jumped off and aimed right it.

This time is going to be better. I swear it.