Tiny Troubles

Part 1

It was known among the ninja that Cole was a very private person. He rarely talked about his childhood, and usually kept to himself if there was a problem. Considering that majority of his early years consisted of him doing something that he didn't want to do, the ninja learned to leave certain topics alone. Despite having known the black ninja for almost two years, his teammates knew very little about him. He never told them when his birthday was, and his exact age was unknown(though most of them believed that he was around 17 or 18).

Still, the other ninja knew that they could count on Cole when there was a problem, whether it be a dastardly crook or an argument between them. And they hoped that he knew that he could count on them when there was a problem.

But a few days ago, Cole started acting...different. He started spending more time away from the rest of them than with them. Sure, he would still show up to train, but the minute training was done, he would disappear for hours at a time. He had also started eating less, which was alarming considering his normally voracious appetite. Even worse, his temper was starting to rival Kai's, which was highly unusual for the second most-patient ninja(Zane has "most patient" ninja).

The other ninja had tried their hardest to figure out what was bothering their leader, but with little success. Cole could be really stubborn when he wanted to be, and refused to tell anyone what was wrong.

Things finally came to a breaking point late one Friday night. After a particularly lackluster performance from the black ninja, Kai paused the game and fixed Cole with a glare. "Alright," He said. "What's eating you, Brookstone?"

"Yeah," Jay piped up, concern all over his freckled face. "You usually do much better than this."

Cole let out a sigh and shrugged. "Sorry guys," he mumbled. "Guess I'm just not feeling it today..."

"You haven't been 'feeling it' for the past three days," Lloyd retorted, also concerned.

Cole shrugged again, putting aside his controller. "Maybe I should turn in early tonight."

"You have been going to bed 1.57 hours earlier for the past four days on average," Zane said. "This is not normal for you Cole. Tell us, is there something wrong?"

Cole scowled and turned away from his teammates. "It's nothing, guys," he reassured them. "I'm fine."

"You're not fine, Cole," Jay protested. "You've been avoiding us almost all week!"

"You have not eaten much this week either," Zane added.

"You passed up on dessert last night, and Zane made your favorite, marble cake!" Lloyd exclaimed.

Cole winced, but stayed firm. "Guys, it's nothing," he insisted.

"It's not nothing Cole!" Kai exclaimed, fed up. "You're not you! Whatever is bugging you, it's having an impact on you! Just tell us what's wrong!"

"I'm. Fine," Cole growled through gritted teeth, standing up. "I'm going to bed," he declared, storming towards the bedroom.

Kai grabbed the black ninja's arm, stopping Cole. "You're not going anywhere until you tell us what's wrong, Cole!" The red ninja said.

Cole scowled even further. "Leave me alone, Kai," he hissed.

"Just tell us what's wrong, Cole!" Kai replied.

"There's nothing wrong!"

"Yes there is!"

"It's none of your business!"

"Ah hah! So you admit that there's something going on!"

A strangled scream of frustration made its way out of the black ninja's throat. "Just—Just Leave me alone!" He yelled, ripping his arm from Kai's grasp and racing towards the bedroom.