SUMMARY: This is more angsty, and takes place before New Year's Day. Cole has always wondered what life would be like after his time as a ninja was over. But what's holding him back? I got the inspiration from the beginning few minutes of the final episode of season 6 of The Next Step, the moment between Noah and Jacquie, and while writing that final moment, all I could think about was the song above.

"Cole? A moment of your time?"

Nodding, I pushed my chair back, and stood, before following Wu to his meditation room in silence. Wu closed the door and gestured for me to have a seat. I plop myself down on a cushion, as my master seats himself opposite me.

"It's only a matter of days until New Year's Day."

"I'm aware. The guys and I were planning on putting on fireworks to celebrate."

Wu stares at me, brows furrowed as he pours out steaming tea into two china cups, handing one to me with a pot of sugar cubes.

"That seems...interesting, however I wanted to ask you a question. I've been having one-on-one time with all my pupils, and asking each of them a single question, crafted specifically for them."

"O-Oh. Is it my turn now?"

"Yes. Cole, you are the rock of the team. The glue holding it together. This...actually is more of a two part question, if that is okay with you?"

"Um...yeah, sure, it's fine."

"Okay then." He clears his throat, before staring at me with concentrated eyes, "What are your thoughts for the future? Your hopes, your dreams?"

"Uh..." I'd actually never thought about that, in all honesty. I was more of a go-with-the-flow type of person. And after I became a ninja, I sort of assumed my future was set, "My future? I want to...grow as a ninja, and improve too...and develop my skills, and learn more."

Wu chuckled, "While that is very well answered, I have to admit...Cole, there's absolutely nothing left for me to teach you."

"What?"

"You are only wasting time each day you spend here. You have a whole future ahead of you, and crime has been down for a ridiculously long time here."

I bite my lip. Has time really gone by that fast? It only felt like yesterday when we were formed as the ninja.

"What about the others?" I ask, swallowing down saliva.

"They still have a long way to go. But you have set the expectations high, and I couldn't be more proud of you. I've overheard you talking about what you would like to do in the future..."

This must be the lead-up to the second question.

"...So what's holding you back?"

DAYS LATER, BECAUSE I'M LAZY, AND OVERFLOWED WITH HOMEWORK TO FILL THIS IN:

It was the 31st of December, a frosty night, thanks to Zane, and the last of the Christmas decorations were going down. All of my luggage was packed up into my car, ready to go.

Seliel looks at me silently from the other side of the room. We've been on this...silent-treatment for a while, ever since I told her that I was thinking of leaving.

I watch as she tosses her phone on the couch and heads outside. Shoving the tinsel into Lloyd's hands, I mutter, "Hold this," as I chase after my girlfriend.

She's outside, leaning against the mural, staring into space.

"Hey." I catch her off-guard, but she still responds.

"Hi."

I head towards her, my feet getting heavier each time.

"Are you still thinking about it?" she asks, "Leaving?"

"Y-Yeah. Listen, I'm sorry-"

"No. I'm sorry. I was thinking about me, and how you leaving would affect me, that I didn't even consider what you wanted. But...what made you want to go?"

I shrug, "It's just time."

After everything that went down at Shintaro, it all became clear. I didn't owe anybody anything. I was free.

I cup Seliel's chin, before murmuring, "I got offered a place at a travelling dance show. It's...it's incredible, Sel, they go all around the world!"

"That's a really good opportunity for you." She whispers, holding back tears. I could see the pain in her eyes, and my heart broke.

"We can make long distance work, I'll try and fly over as much as I can...we can still be together-"

"Cole, stop." Her eyes are glassy, "When Wu took you in for your one-on-one, I heard what he asked you. What was holding you back? It's me, isn't it? I'm holding you back."

I never properly thought about that question. However, Seliel has a point. If I'm tied to her, I'm tied to the Monastery, and Wu said in order to let go, all ties must be broken. For good.

"No, no no no, you are not holding me back-"

Tears pool down her cheeks, "Yes I am. I can't hold you back from this."

I could feel the tears in my eyes, "So this is it for us then?"

"It is."

I think she is right. We do have to let go of each other. If I'm going to leave, then I need to leave. Stepping forward, I take her hands in mine, "I love you."

"I love you too, so much."

She places her forehead against mine, as we both sob silently. Gently, I lift her head up and connect her lips with mine, feeling the rush of adrenaline flow through me one last time.

I love being on the team, but being on the team with Seliel, I love it so much, I can't even explain. It takes my happiness to a whole new level.

I'm never gonna get that feeling anymore.

It was nearing midnight, as the city started it's twenty second countdown, which can be heard all throughout Ninjago City.

20...

19..

18...

We pull away, as I see the rest of my teammates huddled on the steps, looking at me sadly. This was it. The end of the road.

17...

16...

Lloyd gives me a teary smile, and I wave back, crying as it hits me how much he's grown.

15...

14...

13...

Nya gives me a two fingered salute, breaking down more as she rests her head on Jay's shoulder.

12...

11...

10...

Jay holds his hand up in a fist, and I do too, as we do our special handshake long-distance, for one last time.

9...

8...

7...

Zane puts his hand over his heart and nods solemnly, as do I.

6...

5...

4...

Kai never cries, so this was a truly rare sight to see, as he waves at me too. I look into the brightly lit window, to see Wu staring at me sadly, though he gives a little nod of approval, which I return to him.

Turning on my heel, I exit through the double doors, making my way down the steep mountain steps at the final seconds pass by. Leaving the Ninja is bittersweet, but I know it's for the best.

3...

2...

1...

This isn't goodbye. Not yet.