Ninjago: Hidden Secrets

Growing Up too Fast

"Achoo!"

I sniffled, reaching for another tissue. Ever since that dumb NinjaBall Run race a week ago, Wu thought it'd be a good idea to improve my teleportation abilities with other things. Good news, I think I'm getting better? I haven't been getting sick constantly.

But that's what the bad news was.

Like now.

Another harsh sneeze escapes me. I groan as I shuffle further under the blankets. Why am I so hot, yet I feel just as cold at the same time? And why do my eyes feel like they're on fire?

Being sick makes no sense.

The door opens and I pull the covers over my head to shield my eyes from the invasive light.

"Aya?" came Lloyd's voice. I let out a disgruntled hum. I heard him chuckle, the click of the door closing, and felt the blankets shift as he sat next to me. "I brought you some juice. I couldn't reach the orange juice, so I got apple juice. Hope that's okay."

My hand emerges from my sanctuary and blindly grasp for the juice. After Lloyd gently redirected my hand, I was able to grab it and drag it inside. The cold, flavored water felt soothing as it went down my dry throat. I had to force myself not to drink it all in one go. Gotta save it. 

"I got some crackers, too," he said, the package crinkling as he opened it and set it down. I dragged that inside too. "I know when I'm sick, I'm not a big eater. But crackers are pretty good. Though, these aren't my favorite brand. I mean, I tried one and it wasn't bad, but it could be better, ya know?"

I mumbled some kind of acknowledgement as I slowly ate one. Food is food, and I'm not a picky eater. 

"Man, your training must suck," Lloyd clicked his tongue. "I mean, you're getting sick every lesson."

"Mmm, not much," I said between a bite of another cracker. "Not happening alot anymore."

"Still, it's like they forget we're kids!"

I hummed as I nibbled on another cracker and listened to him rant.

"I was telling the guys about the new limited-edition Starfarer comic that arrived at DoomsDay Comix today that I really want to get! The one I told you about a few days ago. I've even saved up for it! You know what they said? That I don't have time for those kinds of things because I'm the 'Green Ninja'! And then, Nya comes in to tell them about a mission, and they wouldn't let me go because I'm 'too young'! It's like they can't make up their minds. Am I too old for comics, or am I too young to fight? You know what I'm sayin'?"

I let out a hum. Seemed good enough for him as he continued with a sigh, "I wish they understood what it's like to be a kid again. Then maybe they'd let us have some fun. Maybe play some soccer with some other kids?"

"Eh...don't like other people," I muttered lowly, not really thinking. "Don't trust 'em."

He let out a chuckle of "of course you don't". I feel him poke at me and I swat at him from my cocoon. He laughs. The door opens again, and I could vaguely make out Nya's voice through my sleepy haze.

"Come on, kiddo. Let's let Ayata sleep. It's time for your training anyway."

Lloyd groaned before bidding me goodbye, promising to bring another juice box soon, before leaving me in the darkness again.

-------------------------------

I guess I slept through yesterday, because I awoke to Lloyd shaking me awake the next day.

"Hey, hey, Aya, you up?"

I grumbled and swatted his hands away. "Am now. What?"

He had a bright smile on his face, practically hopping on his knees. "Sensei and Nya left to go find the guys, because apparently they didn't come back last night."