Flames of the Past #7: Seeds of Deceit (Ninjago Fanfiction)

Chapter 22

The rest of the day wasn't too eventful. Lloyd stayed close to Cole and avoided Kai, speaking few words to only Cole or Chelsea. He'd been introduced to Misako and Laurie, although he'd hardly recognized Misako, and Laurie's presence had only confused him. His confusion always led to panic, so the others didn't let Laurie around him for too long.

The monastery was shutting down for the night now. Cole was inside Lloyd's bedroom, struggling to get the green ninja to go to sleep. The lamp on the night table was on, providing a reasonable night light for the green ninja. Laurie was sleeping with Misako that night, for Lloyd was still too unstable to leave her alone with him.

"Look, Lloyd," Cole said, "nothing is going to happen here. You have a light right next to you and it's not going to shut off."

Sitting up in his bed, Lloyd looked warily at the lamp. "Are... Are you sure?" he asked quietly.

"Yes, I'm sure. Now lay down, okay?"

"Um... okay," Lloyd stuttered. He shifted onto his side, pulling his blanket over his shoulders.

Relieved, Cole turned and walked toward the door. After babysitting Lloyd all day, he was exhausted and ready to have a good night's rest. Now that he's finally settled, I'll—

"Cole!" Lloyd gasped out.

Cole halted in his tracks. Suppressing a sigh, he turned back around to see the green ninja sitting up again. "What?"

Lloyd's eyes were wide with desperation. "I... I-I don't want to be all alone," he whimpered.

Cole had known this was coming. "I'm not staying with you again," he huffed, tugging at his necklace. "I know Kai likes to baby you, but you're too old for this. All of us are nearby. And look." He peeked out the door and pointed down the hall. "I'm sleeping right there, okay?"

Lloyd's eyes flicked back and forth as he processed his words. "But... But..." He tightened his fingers around his blanket, gulping. "But I don't wanna be alone. Not again... Not again..."

Cole couldn't hold in his sigh. "Lloyd, what do you think is going to happen?" he prompted.

"I... don't know..."

Cole wished he could just shut the door and run, but Lloyd would be on his trail in seconds. Why, why did Sleete have to do this to the green ninja?

"What's going on?" came Chelsea's voice.

Cole turned as the girl entered the room, glancing at Lloyd with a frown. "He can't be left alone," the black ninja explained.

"Alone," Lloyd repeated shakily.

Chelsea's heart softened as she gazed at the petrified green ninja. She had never seen him like this before. It was painful to watch after knowing how cold-faced he used to be. "I'll stay with him," she offered.

Cole looked back at Lloyd. "Is that okay?" he asked.

Lloyd stared at Chelsea, blinking slowly. He thought for a few moments, then gave a nod of his head.

Cole let out a breath of relief. He stepped out of the room and glanced back to say, "Goodnight." And to Chelsea, he added, "Good luck."

Lloyd watched the black ninja until he disappeared from view and Chelsea closed the door. "Cole..." he whispered. The black ninja would come back... right?

He switched his focus to Chelsea as she skipped over to him. "Cole's such a tough guy, acting like he doesn't care and all that," she laughed. "I bet he's tired. You must be, too, with all this activity going on."