Only One Can Remain ► Ninjago [REWRITING]

| XV | Choosing Sides

*No POV*

No one enjoyed sleeping in the chow house that night. The beds were rather uncomfortable and everyone was close by each other.

Jay was the first to open his eyes, looking over to the rest of his teammates. They all got out of their beds, sleeping the last thing on their minds.

"Couldn't sleep either?"

"Not when we still have to get Zane and Cole back," Kai answered with a stretch of his arms.

Lloyd cracked his back, letting out a small grunt of dissatisfaction. "Speaking of backs, these new beds are the worst."

"Aw, I'm sure you'll be fine," Scarlett whispered, patting him on the shoulder. "So, are we—?"

But before she could finish, a gong sounded from outside the hall. With wide eyes, Kai ushered everyone back in bed and the four ninja jumped under the covers just as the lights flicked on.

Clouse entered the room with Red and a few cultists behind him, the cultists banging gongs and splitting up in each corner. The elemental masters woke up, groaning.

"Good morning, fighters," Clouse greeted with a sinister grin. "Oh, that's right... it's the middle of the night."

The cultists then went to each elemental master, placing something on their feet despite their protests. When they stood up and realized what it was, confusion then rose among them all.

Kai got out of bed, having trouble keeping his balance. "Roller skates?" He easily fell over, Skylor helping him to his feet. "Thanks."

"Let me guess, another one of Chen's impromptu battles?" Lloyd questioned.

Jay was beyond elated as he skated around the room. "Roller skates... I love roller skates! Did I ever mention I once placed first in the Mother-Son Skate Off? Heh... I should've never admitted that."

The Master of Light mumbled, "Weirdo."

"You know, these aren't that bad. Fighting in skates is just... different." Scarlett smiled a bit, slowly skating around.

"Master Chen wants everyone in the Royal Arena... I wouldn't be late if I were you," Clouse explained.

"If most of us have already fought, why are all in skates?" Skylor asked.

"Only two of you will be fighting. But the rest of you will have a chance to... affect the outcome."

"Who's fighting? Tell us now," Turner said, curious.

Clouse made a motion with his hands, telling the cultists to back up. Then, before leaving with Red, he said, "The Green Ninja versus the Master of Form," and slammed the doors shut.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," Scarlett mumbled, frowning.

"Oh, yes!" Camille grinned, her eyes finding Lloyd and she smirked. "This should be fun."

"Master of Form..." Lloyd scanned the room but couldn't find the purple-haired master anywhere. "Where did she go? She was here just now."

"I'd watch out for her, Lloyd. She can look like anyone—she'd be right under your nose, and by the time you figure it out, she's already discovered all your weaknesses. Then it's game over," Kai explained.

He then put a hand on his friend's shoulder, smiling a bit. "But you're the Green Ninja, what weaknesses could you have?"

Lloyd grunted, stretching out his back and hearing a crack. "Uh, aside from a sore back... not many."