He can't help but feel an odd, tingly sense of nostalgia as he glances at the black fedora residing on the ground in front of him. Pulling his dark jacket around him tighter as the wind blows faster, he tries to stop himself from shivering in the cool, autumn afternoon.
There aren't many people out in the park today, Lloyd notices as he sweeps the park with his bright gaze, searching the quiet park for a potential owner of the article in front of him. He doubted it belonged to the elderly woman strolling through the grass, or the young man sitting on a nearby bench. Did the owner already leave? It was very likely, considering that the lunch rush was commencing by now.
But…who would leave behind such a trusty fedora like this? Lloyd shook his head; the owner probably just forgot it, is all. Maybe he should put it somewhere where it won't be stepped on or ruined? Oh, but the wind might blow it away…
Finally, the green ninja decided to place it on the bench, but he secured it under a fairly-heavy rock he found near the base of a pretty oak tree. Nodding at his work, he reluctantly pivots and sulks away.
As much as Lloyd likes to stay inside and play video games, read, or train, he admits that he enjoys walks like these every now and then. For an understandable reason, he feels at peace with the elements he was blessed to have been granted control over. It's a nice, welcome feeling that he doesn't experience often. The chilly breeze isn't too cold thanks to the sweater his mom had made for him, and it feels about at the right temperature for him.
He catches sight of a brightly-colored store from the corner of his eye. A smile forms on his lips as he makes his way to the candy store. He doesn't think that he's been here before, but he doesn't mind that fact as he steps inside, the scent of sweets invading his nose.
Lloyd picks out a wide variety of treats, from rock candy to chocolate-covered strawberries. Making his way out after he purchases the candies, he momentarily pauses at the sight in front of him.
The fedora he had found earlier rests on the sidewalk in front of him. Confused, he looks around, wondering if this is a joke or something of the like. After a short sweep of his surroundings, he finds that no one is in sight, save for a few pedestrians. He glances back down to the fedora, a small burst of white catching his eye. He narrows his eyes before bending down to pick the hat up.
Attached to its side is a note written in small, neat handwriting.
Green Ninja, take this. It's not much, but please see it as a token of our gratitude for the service you've displayed to our city. Please take care of it! We think it will serve you well!
A little smile graces his lips as he takes the hat into his hands, rolling it around as he checks the inside. It looks pretty comfortable, he notes as he tries it on.
It's a perfect fit.
Smiling to himself, Lloyd tucks the note into the bag that's carrying his sweet treasures. The brim of the hat blocks just enough sunlight to help him see a little bit better. He grins, continuing along with his journey as he saunters down the sidewalk with his newly-obtained friend.
Hello! I've had this particular oneshot in the making for a few months now. I'm glad it's finally finished!
For those of you not following my 30 Day challenge, I announced a new story that's in progress. I'm not going to post it until it's finished, but it's called All Levels at Once. Obviously, it's going to be CoNya! It's actually my rewrite of BID.
And, as for the challenge itself, the next chapter should be up in a week or so. Hopefully!