26 Letters, 26 Stories – Determination

One evening on the Bounty, Cole was preparing a bowl of Violet Berry Soup. Well, trying to at least. All of his cooking skills were from Marty Oppenheimer School of Performing Arts, though he'd never admit it to the team.

His friends continually insulted his cooking skills. Cole shuddered at the memory of a few days prior, when Lloyd had thrown in extra spices and ruined his 3 day Violet Berry Soup preparation. Now, as Sensei was going to get help, Cole was tasked with running the team. Zane had only unlocked his full potential just yesterday, which left Kai bitter.

"Even if I'm not the best cook, I know one thing: Determination is an important ingredient in Violet Berry Soup," Cole said to no one in particular as he was stirring the soup. "The ultimate dish, only for those who have perfected their cooking skill. One fatal flaw, and the whole dish collapses."

He picked up a nearby metal spoon to taste the dish, and was met with joyous results. "IT'S PERFECT!" Cole couldn't resist doing a little happy dance, and in his excitement, forgot to continue stirring the soup, causing the violet berries to sink to the bottom of the bowl.

After a final quick stir, Cole shouted, "DINNER'S READY!"

The other ninja sat around the table, wondering what monstrous nightmare Cole had constructed this time.

The ninja of Earth came into the dining area, carrying a large bowl of purple liquid. He joyfully served a few ladle-fulls to each of his friends and to himself. With a delighted smile, Cole took a bite of his creation. The mix of violet berries, water, apple juice, carrots, condensed milk, Mixed Berry Fruit Roll-Ups, and sugar delighted his taste buds.

On the other hand, Jay was trying not to gag as the food went down his throat. Zane's circuits were overloaded with confusion for the horribleness of the concoction.

"Cole?" Kai timidly asked, eying a silver-colored object in his soup.

"Yeah Kai?" Cole replied.

"Why are there clumps of violet berry and sugar in my bowl, as well as a half-melted spoon?"

Note: I don't own the cover art, but it was what inspired this edition of 26 Letters, 26 Stories.