Second Wind

Well, what do you know? I'm actually updating again XD

I'm so happy this story has so many fans. It's my favorite that I've written so far and I'm thrilled you guys like it :)

Also I have to apologize for my still somewhat short chapters. I'm going to try to make each one at least 1000 words (not including AN's)

To iluvninjagothenextstepgirl, and anyone else who was wondering, Zane is the titanium ninja still and Cole is a ghost. Always forget to mention that XD so some stuff may not make complete sense, i.e. the socks thrown in chapter 2 would pass right through him. Sorry about that!

Anyways, I hope you enjoy!

P.S. Congratulations FirstFandomFangirl, Kairocksrainbow, and Kai's Girlfriend, you were right! They were playing Mario Kart :D


Chapter Six

The door to the game room swung open.

"Hello, my students," an elderly man greeted the six ninja.

"Hey, Sensei," they all replied in unison.

A woman who looked about the same age as the Sensei entered the room.

Lloyd jumped up. "Mom! You're back!" He bolted over and hugged her.

"How was your vacation?" Jay asked.

Sensei turned to the blue ninja. "Misako and I had a very...fun time," he said.

Lloyd looked up at him, suspicious. "What do you mean, 'fun'?"

He smirked. "Let's just say I got to try some things. Things I hadn't done in years."

Misako quickly interjected. "What he means to say," she addressed her son, "is that it was an interesting trip. Your uncle hadn't eaten fondue in a long time, so we tried some. Things like that."

The green ninja nodded, but Kai could see his face fall. Lloyd walked away from Misako and sat on the couch beside the master of fire, who gave him a reassuring hug.

Jay noticed the exchange. "So Sensei Wu got his groove back," he remarked.

Kai gave him the death stare before grabbing Lloyd's hand and pulling him out the door. The others watched them leave in silence.

Cole glared at the blue ninja. "Nice going, Jay," he said sarcastically.

"That was quite rude, brother," Zane added.

Nya shook her head, looking away from her boyfriend. Wu and Misako glanced at each other uncomfortably. The room was silent for a few moments until the door opened once again and in strolled the dark-haired guest.

"Hey guys," Morro greeted as he entered the room. "What did I miss?"

Wu turned around and gasped. "Morro?"

"We may have forgotten to mention something," Cole piped up awkwardly.

Morro blinked his grey eyes, looking at the Sensei. "D-Do I know you?"

The man opened his mouth to reply, but closed it quickly and thought for a minute. "No," he sighed, uncertain. "No, you don't."

The former ghost tilted his head. "You seem...familiar," he said slowly.

Wu glanced at Zane, who shook his head. He turned back to Morro. "I—No," he replied. "I'm sorry."

"No, really," Morro pressed. "I know I've seen you before."

"Probably on TV," the Sensei lied. "I've been on the news a few times."

"Oh, were you at that Stiix place when it was attacked a while ago?"

Wu looked away. "Uh, yes. But that's not important." He walked slowly out of the building, Misako following close behind.

"What was that all about?" Morro wondered, confused.

Nya shrugged. "Who knows?"

"Old people, am I right?" Jay laughed awkwardly.

"Just forget it," Cole told him. He picked up a controller and handed it to Morro. "Wanna play another round?"


Kai walked into his room, still holding Lloyd's hand. He closed and locked the door behind them as the green ninja sat down on his friend's bed and buried his face in his hands.

The brunette sat down beside the green-clad boy and slipped his arm around his shoulders. Lloyd didn't respond. He didn't even look up.

"You okay, buddy?" Kai asked softly.

Lloyd shook his head. He started to tear up but fought back the urge to cry in front of the fire ninja.

Kai pulled Lloyd into another comforting hug. The slightly younger boy gave in and started crying faintly.

"How could they?" He wondered. "My father's gone. I don't know if I'll ever see him again. I would think my mother would be at least a little upset." His gaze hardened. "But what does she do? Runs off and hooks up with my uncle!"

"Whoa," Kai said calmly. "We don't know what happened between them. Why expect the worst?"

Lloyd looked up at his spiky-haired friend. "I know them, Kai," he snapped. "And trust me, I know for a fact that they weren't just 'hanging out'." He shook his head sadly. "I can't believe it."

Kai brought the smaller boy onto his lap. "I'm so sorry, Lloyd," he breathed.

The green ninja buried his face in Kai's chest and continued crying quietly. Kai held him in silence for what seemed like ages. He didn't mind, though. I'd do anything for him, he thought. I won't leave 'till he feels better.

After about an hour, Lloyd lifted his head, looking up at Kai with his big green eyes. "What happens now?" He asked.

"I-I don't know," he replied. "Do you want to talk with Misako and Sensei about it?"

"No!" The blonde boy exclaimed. "I'm never talking to them again."

Kai ran his fingers through Lloyd's soft hair. "That's a little much, don't you think?"

Lloyd glared at him. "You know what I'm just realizing now? My mom left me. She left me alone when I was just a kid. And she didn't even come back for me."

Kai raised an eyebrow, confused. "She's here now."

"She came back for him," he finished bitterly.

"That's not true," Kai tried to reassure him.

It didn't work, as Lloyd just sighed and turned away. Kai wrapped his arms around the green ninja's waist, but he pulled away.

He looked back into Kai's brown eyes. "Kai, you're my best friend, you know that. But look what's happening right now. Love is a mess. I can't fall in love."

Kai stared back, eyes soft. "Why not?"

"If other people's relationships are screwing up my life, then just think what one of my own would do?"

The red ninja blinked. "I'd never let anything hurt you," he said.

Lloyd smiled. "I know," he replied. "But I just can't. Not right now."

Kai's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Wanna be friends with benefits, then?"

Lloyd hit him playfully. "Shut up!" He laughed. His voice grew more serious. "I can't fall in love. If I keep this up with you, I know I will. But don't worry, I'll let you know when I'm ready for a real relationship." He kissed Kai on the nose. "I promise, you're the first one I'll come to."

The red ninja grinned. "I'll look forward to that."


Please please please review! Your reviews make my day. And it's currently 90 degrees where I live, so pray for rain XD