I sat in the second waiting room, just staring at my hands. I couldn't believe it. All this time, all these trials, and I finally get my spirit...and it's a tiny snake. I mean, I'm so happy that I finally have a spirit, but I wish I could have gotten a stronger one. As I sat and watched, more children trickled into the room, taking their seats and staring at their hands, same as me. Eventually, my father entered the room, followed by Master Shibo. "Well done, students." My father said, a large grin on his face. "This year, you all managed to pass your Trial. Now, you are official members of the Ryu No Jūnjo, the Order of The Dragon. Starting tomorrow, you will begin lessons with each of the Masters. For now, return to your dormitories and enjoy your last night of relaxation." A slightly sinister grin crossed my fathers face. "Because tomorrow, the real work starts." The now terrified students scrambled out the door. I went to follow, but my father grabbed my shoulder and stopped me. He turned me to look in his eyes, a big grin on his face. "Ryu, I'm so proud of you. Tonight, let's head out into the town by the mountain, and get a special treat for you. Okay?" I looked up at Dad, confused. "Why are you so happy? I didn't get a strong spirit." I said, looking down in shame. My dads hand lifted my chin up to look him in the eyes. "Ryu, it doesn't matter what your spirit is. I'm just glad you passed the Trial. I know you've been down because of failing it repeatedly, and now you've passed. So, let's replace that depression with some treats, okay son?" My dad said, a smile on his face. I felt a small grin spread over my face. "Okay dad." My dad wrapped his arm around my shoulders and led me outside.

The next morning, I woke up in the Beginners dormitories, my hair absolutely crazy. I groaned as the large amounts of ice cream I had eaten last night started trying to escape. I rolled over in bed, only to fall out of the bunk. "Ouch." I pulled myself to my feet and walked over to my chest. I pulled it open, and smiled at the pairs of Apprentice robes inside my chest, ALL with the symbol of a snake wrapped around a leaf on them. I pulled out a pair of robes and changed quickly, while the other new Apprentices kept sleeping. I walked outside, and took a deep breath of the cold crisp morning mountain air. I always woke up early in the mornings with my dad, at least until he became one of the top masters. Now I just do it on my own. I walked into the garden near the Beginners dorms. I sat down on the grass, and crossed my legs. I closed my eyes, and began meditating. I let my spirit reach out of my body and become one with nature. The bond seemed to come more easily this time, and it also seemed stronger. I somehow knew that even if Jake tried to attack me today, I would sense him first. I opened my eyes, and for the first time, I saw everything. I saw how nature flowed into every living thing, and the energy of life permeated it all. The earth pulsed in time, like a heart beat, pumping out power every second. The creek running through the garden ebbed and flowed, the power of life running through it quickly and powerfully. And the trees...the trees were practically glowing with power. All the elements, united as one, to create this work of art. Created by the world, tamed by man, or so we thought. I could see now, that the power of the world was wild, and full of raw energy. There is no way anyone could possibly control all of this. We merely offered up ourselves to the power, and it agreed to let us be its  conduit. As my vision of the power began to fade, I was stunned by the sheer magnitude of power that I had seen. It was...beautiful. I was calm, and truly at peace. And it was all ruined by a stream of water crashing into my face. I fell onto my back, but quickly leapt back to my feet, water dripping down my face. Jake walked towards me, laughing like crazy. "Well well, looks like you're still as pathetic as ever." Jake sneered. "Hey, how'd you manage to cheat the Trial? I know there's no way a weakling like you could possibly pass." I growled, clenching my hand into a fist. Jake smirked. "I'm surprised your dad even still puts up with a weakling like you." Those words ripped through me like a chainsaw. Rage filled in the holes, and I growled. "Take that back, NOW." "And why should I, weakling?" Jake smirked, confident in his own idiocy. "All I'm doing is telling the truth. Just leave. Get out of the temple. Nobody wants you here." Suddenly, Jake froze, fear covering his face. "Wha, wha, how are you?" I roared out in rage, lifting a hand to punch him, when I heard a rustling sound behind me. Confused, I turned around, but I was not expecting what I saw. Hundreds of leaves had ripped themselves from the trees, and were floating behind me, glowing green. I felt a smirk spread across my face. I turned back towards Jake, who was lying on the ground, shock and fear still evident on his face. "Now, are you going to take back what you said now?" I felt a small sensation on my right arm, and looked down to see the snake from my vision coiled around it. Jake used my distraction to get up and run as far away as he could. I let him go. There was no reason to chase him. I knew he was wrong, and that's all that matters. Slowly, the leaves lost their glow and fell to the ground, but I gathered up a few and put them into a pouch on my waist. The snake slowly uncoiled, and flew off of my arm, flying around my head a couple times before landing on my shoulder. I reached up and stroked the spectral serpent, a small shock shooting up my hand with each touch. It wasn't unpleasant though, just odd. I lowered my hand and set off towards my first lesson of the day, a big smile on my face.