Of Milk and Cookies

Awkward

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Lloyd aggressively swept the broom he was using towards the broken bits of glass that had resulted from yet another failed attempt at learning to control his newfound power. He wondered if the others had completely forgotten he was still in the room. Were they seriously not going to ask him before making the decision to return to his former school? It was all fine and dandy that they had been invited to some fancy ceremony, but Lloyd had no intention of returning to Darkley's School for Bad Boys. Ever. Thank you very much. Growing up there had left him with little love for the gloomy halls, certifiably insane teachers, and bratty children with way, way too much time on their hands and far too few positive role models. The more time he spent with the ninja, surrounded by a positive environment and people who truly cared about his wellbeing, the more he realized just how sketchy Darkley's had really been. Unbidden memories of being painfully shoved into dark closets and left there for hours on end, of cackling laughter as someone's foot caused him to faceplant onto the grimy floor of the cafeteria again, filled his head, causing him to shudder slightly. No, the day he stepped foot in that horrible place willingly would be the day that Cole gave up cake.

"Lloyd's change inspired them..." Yeah, right. This was totally just a setup - a new way to humiliate Lloyd. And this time, it would be in front of people whose opinions actually mattered to him. His uncle was just too blind to see it, and so were the ninja. Going to the ceremony would not end well for him. Of that he was sure. The small boy's grip on the broom handle tightened. Snap! He looked down in surprise to find that he'd somehow managed to break the piece of wood in half. Huh. He hadn't known he had that kind of strength. If only there was a way to make them understand! Growling in frustration, Lloyd leapt forward, ready to take out his emotions on the punching bag... Only to end up headbutting it in a gloriously ungraceful manner. The others just stared, probably questioning how they'd ended up saddled with someone as uncoordinated as him. Lloyd scrambled to pick himself up off of the floor, careful not to show any lingering pain from hitting his head. Slightly woozy, he punched and kicked at his target, muttering to himself about the unfairness of life.

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It didn't take long for Kai, Zane, Jay, and Cole to get ready to leave for the 'ceremony', the promise of glory - and cake - motivated them far more than mere words could. But, they noted as they waited impatiently by the door, Lloyd didn't seem to share their excitement. He had not moved from his station in the corner of the dojo they were currently using as training headquarters in lieu of the Destiny's Bounty, which had been destroyed by the Great Devourer not long before. Rolling his eyes, Jay tried to get the fun sized Green Ninja's attention.

"Lloyd, you gonna be ready to leave soon? We really don't want to be late..."

"Every second we stay here is one less second we get to enjoy the world's most amazingly delicious pastry - cake..." Cole added. Lloyd sighed loudly, but made no move to join them. The older ninjas glanced at each other.

"Oh, c'mon. Really?"

"Can it, Jay. I'll handle this." Kai said, opting to play the role of the responsible one since his sister had already left for the auto body shop - she'd wanted to see them off, but couldn't afford to show up to work late. He ushered the others outside before making his way over to the clearly unhappy child.

"So... What's all this dramatic sighing about, then?" Kai asked him. Lloyd crossed his arms.

"Maybe I don't want to go back to that stupid place...Did'ja ever think of that?"