𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐔𝐆𝐀𝐑, COLBY MADDEN

2x03: Dojo Mojo

The morning sun streamed through the lockers, casting long shafts of light across the quiet hallway as Amy, Y/N, and Jake stepped in. The first thing they noticed was Milo, crouched down in front of Amy's locker, tape measure in hand, and a small pile of colorful objects surrounding him.

"Mornin', ladies," Jake said cautiously, leaning against the wall.

"Morning," Y/N mumbled, her backpack slung over one shoulder.

Milo didn't look up. "Amy, why are you letting me measure your locker?" he asked seriously.

"Wait... Milo, why are you measuring my locker?" Amy finally stepped closer, tilting her head. "If you're wondering whether something will fit, I can help you figure it out. Since we're friends now, you wouldn't mind sharing space, right?"

Milo's eyes gleamed. "Wha—? But you already have a locker. Why do you need mine?"

"For my overflow," Milo said, gesturing to the pile of objects at his feet. "A collection like mine doesn't stay contained in one small locker forever."

Amy bent down and squinted at the items. "Wow. That is... a lot of toys."

"Bite your tongue!" Milo snapped, his little hands gesturing wildly. "These are vintage collectibles, not toys! You call them toys, and people at the Collector Con down at the Valley View Motel conference room will have my head!"

"Oh... okay, fine," Amy said, holding up her hands in surrender. "But fair warning: I'm not responsible for any of the... heinous things your little dolls are gonna see in there."

Milo gasped, clutching a small action figure. "Wait... is that a Starling action figure?"

Amy squinted. "Yeah... why?"

Milo's eyes lit up, and he picked up the figure reverently. "Cool. Let's see if this version can fly, too. Oh, baby girl! What did that weird woman do to your beautiful plastic body?"

Amy blinked. "Uh... you're welcome, I guess?"

Milo waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, okay, I guess you're welcome too! But seriously, none of you are welcome! I welcome no one! This... is why I slam the door in people's faces. Politeness is... wasted. You know? Being nice is just ignored."

Jake tilted his head, raising an eyebrow. "You shouldn't be nice expecting something in return," he said thoughtfully. "You should be nice because you want to be."

Amy groaned. "I will never understand your logic. Being nice is just making you look weak. Everyone treats you like a doormat."

Jake shrugged, a little embarrassed. "Well... in Centropolis, people knew Chaos had super-strength. Not only did they fear me, they respected me! Here, I'm just... the guy everyone knocks into."

"Well, if it makes you feel better," Amy said, smirking, "it's fun to watch."

Jake scowled slightly. "I'm done being the joke around here. I might not have my super-strength, but I'm gonna find a way to get people to respect me."

"After-school activities?" Y/N suggested. "Maybe there's something you could join that fits your style."

Jake's face brightened. "Oh... let's see. Community theater, candle making, a stand-up comedy class..." His eyes widened. "Wait—karate! That's perfect. I can use my villain-fighting skills to show I'm tough without using my super-strength. People will finally respect me!"

Amy blinked. "You know what... I'll join too."

Jake's face lit up. "Really? To... support me?"

"Nope," Amy said coolly, folding her arms. "I'm joining so I can knock somebody out. Consequence-free."