Chapter Nine: Disciple Of Zhongnan

As they rested in the cave, the group of children started to discuss their martial clans. Hana was from the Wudang Sect, Kenji from the Shaolin Temple, and Hiro from the Zhongnan Sect. Nibiru was the last one to speak and he hesitated before revealing that he was from the Mount Hua Sect. Hiro's expression changed as soon as he heard that.

"You're from the Mount Hua Sect? We're rivals!" Hiro exclaimed.

Nibiru frowned. "I don't see why that's a problem. We're not in our respective sects anymore."

Hiro stood up, his fists clenched. "I don't care. I won't stand being around someone from our rival sect."

"You're being ridiculous," Nibiru said, standing up as well. "I'm not going to fight you just because of our sects."

"You can stand to be a coward & abandon your sect! But even if I am in this hell, I remain a disciple of the Zhongnan Sect!" yelled Hiro in a fit of rage.

Nibiru sucked his teeth in annoyance, "That's fine & all but we don't have to fight, can't you understand that?" he proclaimed.

But Hiro didn't listen. He launched a punch at Nibiru, who managed to dodge it easily. Nibiru punched back, but Hiro managed to block it. The two boys continued to exchange blows, with Hiro being aggressive and Nibiru using his agility to dodge and counter.

However, Nibiru was quickly gaining the upper hand. He was faster and more flexible than Hiro, and his punches were more precise. Soon, Hiro was on the ground, bloodied and bruised.

The other children rushed over to stop Nibiru from continuing his assault on Hiro. Hana and the two boys tended to Hiro's wounds while Aiwa approached Nibiru.

"Why did you do that?" Aiwa asked.

"I didn't want to fight him," Nibiru replied. "He attacked me first."

"You didn't have to beat him that badly," Aiwa said, shaking her head.

Nibiru sighed, looking at his fists. "I don't know what came over me. I just couldn't stop."

The group of children decided to rest for the night, with Hana and the other boys taking turns keeping watch. Aiwa suggested that she and Nibiru take a walk to clear their heads.

As they walked through the wilderness, Aiwa spoke up. "I know you didn't mean to hurt Hiro that badly. But we have to be careful. We can't let our emotions get the better of us."

"I know," Nibiru said. "I'll try to control myself better next time."

They walked in silence for a few moments before Aiwa spoke up again. "I was wondering... do you think we have a chance of making it out of here alive?"

Nibiru paused before answering. "I don't know. But I do know that we have to try. We have to keep fighting."

Aiwa nodded. "Agreed."

As Nibiru and Aiwa walked further away from the cave, they both remained silent for a few moments, taking in the fresh air and scenery around them. Finally, Nibiru spoke up.

"I'm sorry about what happened back there," he said, his voice filled with regret.

Aiwa smiled reassuringly at him. "Don't worry about it, Nibiru. You couldn't let him talk to you like that. It's just a shame that things had to turn out that way."

Nibiru nodded, grateful for her understanding. "I just hope he'll be okay," he said, glancing back at the cave.

"He will be," Aiwa replied confidently. "We'll all get through this together."

Nibiru smiled at her, feeling a warmth inside him that he couldn't explain. He had never felt this way about anyone before, and he wasn't sure what to do with these new emotions.

Yet he closed his eyes & took a deep breathe, reaffirming his resolve to survive. He put his emotions to the side & suggested they return back to the Cave.