Darkness from Within #5: Uneasy Trust (A Ninjago Fanfiction)

Chapter 5

A week went by. But Lloyd's attitude didn't seem to change as Wu and Garmadon had hoped. Lloyd was constantly snapping at everyone and pushing everyone around, not caring if he hurt them. The others had practically given up on trying to change him and forced themselves to get used to his new personality.

The four ninja were now gathered in Kai's room. They were often talking together now, as if the situation with Lloyd had brought them closer.

"This is getting crazy," Cole muttered. "I don't think any of us realized what amount of trouble we would have to deal with when we brought Lloyd home."

"He's trying, Cole," Kai put in. "I think if any of us is struggling right now, it's him."

Cole stared at him. "What?" he exclaimed. "He's the one going around, doing as he pleases, while we have to deal with his inconsideration!"

"I see your point, Cole," Zane murmured. "But Kai's right. Lloyd's been through a lot, and he's obviously trying hard to fit in again."

Cole crossed his arms and didn't reply.

"If we're being honest," Jay spoke up, "I kinda like the new Lloyd."

Cole scoffed. "Are you serious?"

Jay shrugged. "He's more confident and sure of himself," he explained. "And you gotta admire his fierceness."

Zane tipped his head. "He's just so different," he added. "It's hard to believe he's the same Lloyd he was before."

Cole turned his head away from the others. "A little too different," he whispered.

Kai gazed at Cole. "Don't worry," he said. "Things will get back to normal eventually."

Cole turned back toward them, eyes blazing. "Look, I know Lloyd used to be our brother, but he's more than that now," he stated. "And I don't like having a thief and a murderer in our house!"

The others went silent and looked at their feet, unable to respond. Kai felt unease swarm inside of him. He had been overjoyed when Lloyd apologized to him, but after that, the green ninja acted as if it had never happened. Kai wanted to trust Lloyd—he did, but Cole's words really got him thinking. Was all of this just a big mistake?

* * *

Lloyd halted beside Kai's open bedroom door when he heard voices from inside.

"Look, I know Lloyd used to be our brother," came Cole's voice, "but he's more than that now."

Lloyd clenched his fists. Here we go again, he thought. They just can't stop talking about me, can they?

"I don't like having a thief and a murderer in our house!" Cole spat.

Lloyd sighed and rolled his eyes. He walked forward and leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. "Some things never change, huh?" he murmured.

Zane, Kai, Cole, and Jay jumped in alarm and their heads shot toward the door. They tensed and glanced at each other guiltily, realizing they had just gotten busted.

Zane turned back to Lloyd. "Lloyd, we didn't mean—"

"No, no," Lloyd interrupted with a sigh. "I don't mind."

Guilt weighed on Kai's shoulder. "But Lloyd—"

"Oh, it's fine," Lloyd muttered, turning around. "Not like I care." Then he was gone.

The four ninja glanced at each other.

Jay scoffed. "As if I'd believe that."

Kai rose to his feet. "I'll go talk to him," he murmured before racing after Lloyd.