Ninjago Generations: School Stories

Bad Luck Blake: Part 1

Kai's P.O.V.:

I was with my family, including Nya, Jay and their twins, at Blake's basketball game. It was the Ninjago City Dragons vs. the Jamanikai Jaguars. They were deep in playoffs and if they won this game, they would get to go to the championship. The score was tied 22-22 and there was only 11 seconds left in the game. I'll admit that I don't know much about sports, but between Blake and Jay explaining it to me I caught on enough to pay attention in my son's games.

The ball fouled and Blake had the chance to take the shot for the win. The entire crowd was silent. He jumped up and took the shot and the ball went in right as the timer went off. The whole gymnasium was cheering for him. I was so proud of him.

That night we took Blake to his favorite restaurant the Longhorn's Stake Hut to celebrate his big win.

"We're really proud of you son." Skylor said.

"Thanks Mom, but now that we're in the championship, I've got double the practices, so you might have to pick me up two hours later everyday this week." Blake told us.

"Alright but remember you gotta keep your grades up too." Skylor reminded him.

"I remember the deal mom." Blake rolled his eyes. "I'm passing all my classes."

"That's great." I said.

We finished our dinner and went home. Later that night after we all went to bed, I heard someone in the backyard. I looked out the window and saw Blake by the basketball hoop we got for him when he first made the team.

"Blake Raymond?!" I said stepping outside. "What are you doing up? It's like two o'clock in the morning."

"Sorry dad... but I gotta... keep practicing." He said out of breath.

"You can practice more tomorrow, it's a school night and you need to rest."

"No I don't... I need the... practice." He took a deep breath. "Besides, the game was so close today. We're playing the Stixx County wallabers in the championship and they're the only other team to go totally undefeated the whole season."

"I understand that, but you can't focus if you don't get some sleep." I said. "You don't want your coach to see you falling asleep at practice do you?"

"I guess you're right." He sighed. "Fine I'll go to... sleep."

He yawned and collapsed on the ground, using his ball as a pillow, and started snoring. I smiled as picked him up and carried him to his room. I tucked him into bed and went back to my bedroom, being careful not to wake Skylor up.

I was worried about Blake. He usually keeps a pretty good balance of sports, school and taking care of himself, but lately all he's done is practice. I wonder if the only reason he's been practicing so much is because of all this pressure he has of being the best player on the team. He was probably afraid of letting everybody down. I just hoped he had his emotions in check.

The next day...

Skylor and I already gotten the kids up and we were with them eating breakfast. Although Blake could barely keep his eyes open. He fell asleep in his cereal and immediately looked up with milk and bits of cereal all over his face. Amber and Trent were laughing their heads off.

"Alright alright, that's enough you two." Skylor told Amber and Trent to calm down and handed Blake a couple napkins. "Blake honey, did you get enough sleep last night?"

"I'm fine, I'm just worried about the game next week." He sighed and wiped off his face. "The whole school is counting on me to pull out a win."