On a String

Chapter 14

"I pity the townsfolk if you're in charge," Kai gave a small roll of his eyes. He'd missed mucking around like this, although it still felt quite unfamiliar. "Do you spend more time leading them or nicknaming them?" he mumbled.

Sensei Wu, who had been watching the exchange with confusion, decided it was time someone sensible stepped in. "What on Earth are you boys playing at?"

"Oh! Howdy, partners!" Cole cried, shooting the assembled crowd in the doorway a pointed look. Don't question what I'm doing. I know I look crazy. Just play along. "Yer all a ready to take this here criminal down? He's broken several laws about hair styles. Animal impersonations ain't allowed in this town!" he drawled, gesturing at Kai.

Jay was the first to catch onto Cole's game and reacted fast. "Oh no, buster! Us townsfolks are a believein' it's time for there to be a new sheriff in charge. You're all hat and no cattle!"

Cole's eyes widened. "Oh no, a revolution!" he cried in mock panic, waving his imaginary hat in the air with one hand. "This don't look good! I've a gotta head outta here!" he paused to look around. "Where's my noble steed? Lloyd? Here, Lloydy! Heel boy!"

"I am not your horse!" Lloyd cried indignantly, clambering up off the floor and stomping towards Cole. "My name is not 'Lloydy'! And, that's not how you call a horse, either!"

Cole looked at the younger boy and shrugged. "Oh, pity. You would've made a good pony with that beautiful hairstyle... it's sort of like a mane...shaggy,"

"Gee, thanks. It's only like that because of the pillow fight. I though animal hairstyles weren't allowed!"

"Well, I can make a few exceptions for my blind and devoted followers..."Cole chuckled, ignoring the dirty look Lloyd gave him.

"Pine tar and feathers time, boys!" Jay cried, picking up a nearby pillow. "Well, feathers, anyway. We're a little low on pine tar... Kai! Help me take this loco bronco down!"

Kai looked at him briefly and nodded, heading closer to Cole and Lloyd.

"Quick, Lloyd! Cut them off at pass! Hold them up while I skedaddle!" Cole grinned, shoving his imaginary hat back on his head and clicking his heels together as if he was wearing boots. "This here rodeo looks like its 'bout to get a little too loco!"

Lloyd scowled at the taller Ninja. "What? No way! I'm not sacrificing myself for you!"

"Well, darn. I was hoping you'd be one of those unquestioning, blind, faithful followers which make taking over incredibly easy to do," Cole moaned. "Why'd you have to go and get wise?"

"Hey!" Lloyd gave Cole a shove. "For that, you can be my horse!" he smirked, leaping onto Cole's back and giving him a small kick. "Giddy up, horsey!"

"Okay, fine. We'll skedaddle together," Cole rolled his eyes and helping Lloyd into a piggy back position. "Hey, don't kick me! I know what to do!" he exclaimed, charging around the outskirts of the room. "Look at me! I'm a gallopin'!"

"Kai! Go, go go!" Jay cried, dashing across the room. "Let's give chase and catch those tumble weeds! Zane and Nya, head around the room and head the runaway off! Kai! You and I will follow him! Let's make 'em chew gravel!"

Kai nodded, rolling across the room and leaping over a couch. Jay followed him, throwing a pillow at Cole's legs as he went.

"Hey!" Over the other side of the room, the Master of Earth stumbled slightly over the plush obstacle and shot Jay a disapproving look. "Don't interrupt my lopin'! I've just gotten this horsey strutting thing down pat!"

"Yeah, don't trip him! My horse has feelings!" Lloyd chipped in, still clinging onto Cole's back. "Yee Haw, look at me! Ride 'em cowboy!"

Kai threw his own pillow at Cole and due to his accuracy, the black Ninja had no choice but to skid to a halt or fall over. Everyone else promptly took the chance to catch up with the 'loco broncos' and surrounded them.