A/N: So... um... I've kinda felt like writing in this story for awhile, and have been, so I figured I might as well start posting it. I'm gonna update every two weeks to a month until I run out of prepped chapters.
(Also if you saw this in a poll like... 2 years ago, no you didn't)
Two years.
That's how much time Lloyd had to figure everything out.
Two stupidly short years.
The second he turned ten, his entire life would change. Whether he'd be killed, tortured, or forced onto the peacemakers' side he wasn't sure, but he certainly wouldn't be in the Jamanakai foster care system anymore. He didn't know how to fight so that was out of the picture, and running would just bring attention faster.
So here he was, sitting in a stupid, under-funded elementary because the only thing he could think to do was delay the inevitable. At least he had time to try and think up a way out.
His teacher was going on about multiplication, and how two and three make six which made no sense, although he supposed that wasn't important.
When the bell finally rang he eagerly slipped out of the classroom, stopping at the front entrance to glance around for his friend. She still wasn't there. She was a bit young to be suspected of treason, or whatever other crimes people randomly got charged with. Still, it was concerning that she hadn't been around for the past three days. Lloyd hoped she was okay, she was the first new person he'd let himself genuinely like for awhile.
Walking back to his newest foster home, he once again felt grateful it was only a couple blocks away. But it did mean he couldn't wander nearly as much, and he needed to stay fit. Just in case. So he needed other methods to get the exercise in.
Arriving 'home', he was shocked to find his foster parents frantically packing. "Uh, Mr. and Mrs. Treison? What are you doing?"
"Oh, Lloyd. You're home!" Mrs. Treison rushed over, gently rustling his hair. "How was school?"
"Good." The lie was all too easy, all too familiar. "So, what's going on?"
"Nothing, sweetie." They'd started calling him that a month ago, it was such an endearing term. It made him uncomfortable, what with the part of him that longed to give in to the soft affection that had to be fake in some way. "We're just... going on a little trip. That's all."
"Oh, okay." He wasn't too disappointed to be going his separate ways, even though the 'shelter' he'd be going back to was just an overcrowded basement. At least Vinnie actually cared, even if he could barely afford to take care of anyone not currently in a home.
She gave him a hug. "How about you go start packing, hm? We're leaving in three days."
That sounded... "Wait, are you guys... bringing me?"
Her smile turned sad, almost... guilty. "For the most part. Don't worry, it won't be a long trip."
That didn't sound good. He let his best oblivious, concerned, curious look cross his face. "When will we be back?"
"We're not quite sure." Once again, she reached out and rustled his hair. Something was off... too off.
Did they know?
There was no way - no way - but... why else would this be happening? There would be no other reason to leave and bring him along.
Maybe this was why Nya had disappeared.
"Yeah, okay, I'll go pack." He slipped away and into his room, closing the door and leaning against it.
No, no no no. This couldn't be happening. He was supposed to have years before anyone found out. How had they even found out? The Test was supposed to be the only way, unless he'd somehow slipped up. But, he'd have to have slipped up bad for anyone to know - or even suspect - with how young he was.
What was he going to do?
Maybe- he knew running away would be suicide but maybe he could try... after school was out. Run into the woods outside of town and try to make it on his own. He'd been stocking up on well-preserved food anyway, assuming he ate half a can a day he should be able to last almost two months - which would be plenty of time for him to learn how to hunt properly.
He wiped at his eyes, mildly proud of himself for staying quiet enough that the Treisons didn't hear him and come to check on him. (He had to celebrate the little victories, to preserve the few shreds of sanity that remained.) Pulling himself to his feet, he grabbed his backpack and began stuffing it with everything he could, also grabbing his food and water bag from under the bed. He'd have to smuggle it to school, calling it a school project might get him a little ways, but if he said it was a friend-related thing he could definitely get farther. He could probably even tie it into the trip they were taking... say it was presents he made for his class. That should get the bag to class. After that, he'd have to lie to his teacher, maybe claim it was something he was holding onto for... hmm, no, but maybe... a camping trip. One that's after school, too soon after to have time to stop by the house first. It could work.
At least he had a plan, even if it was still in pieces and only covered the very beginning. He was somewhat glad Nya was gone, at least he wouldn't have to try and say goodbye.
All he had to do was survive one day. He'd already survived so many, with so few hiccups. One should be easy, right?
Yes, Lloyd, everything will be so easy.