Lloyd POV
Amidst the darkness that engulfed the room, I summoned a flicker of flame, igniting the air with the warm glow of fire. Kai mirrored my actions, casting his fiery light into the shadowy space. All around us, pairs of eyes watched intently, their expressions a mixture of confusion and apprehension. Despite the chaos, a smirk tugged at the corners of my lips as I vowed to apprehend the spy responsible for our predicament.
"What happened?" Mr. Pale's voice cut through the darkness, laced with both annoyance and concern. "I thought you were going to fix it, not destroy it."
"Calm down, it's fine," I reassured, my tone steady despite the tension. "It's just a technical error. I'll have it sorted out in no time."
After sending a surge of electricity coursing through the machine, I watched as the lights flickered back to life, illuminating the room once more. The generator hummed with renewed energy, its mechanical hum a testament to my success. Despite the relief of restoring power, a nagging sense of frustration lingered in my mind. How had the spy managed to sabotage the generator so quickly and discreetly?
As I surveyed the crowd, I mentally cataloged potential suspects. Skylor and Kai are likely culprits, their innocence evident in their actions. Similarly, Camilla and Mr. Pal appeared innocent, likely spared by Master Chen's desire for intrigue. The pulsing headache that throbbed behind my eyes served as a cruel reminder of my limitations- I couldn't rely on my ability to read minds to identify the spy.
"Let's just head to the next task," I sighed, the weight of uncertainty heavy on my shoulders. "Hopefully, it will be less problematic, and we can finally uncover who this pest of a spy is."
As the group murmured amongst themselves, doubt still lingered in their eyes despite lacking evidence to accuse me as the spy. Nonetheless, they had no other viable suspects, and we couldn't vote until the third completion of the third task, affording me some time to clear my name. But the burden of removing doubt from the group weighed heavily on me, and I forced a smile for their benefit, through frustration simmered beneath the surface.
"What's the next task?" I inquired, turning to Mr. Pale, who consulting the paper in his hand.
"We have to go to the dining room and take the dishes to the kitchen," he announced.
Master Chen's penchant for tasks involving breakable objects did not escape my notice. From malfunctioning generators to fragile dishes, it seemed he was orchestrating scenarios to implicate certain individuals. However, his plans would not ensnare me, as I had a strategy in mind to thwart his schemes and uncover the true spy.
…
Heroes POV
Kai's unease deepened as suspicion clouded his thoughts. The timing of the power outage was far too convenient, occurring precisely when Lloyd attempted to revive the generator. It was a blatant maneuver, orchestrated to cast doubt upon Lloyd and divert attention away from the true perpetrator- the spy lurking within their midst.
The realization gnawed at Kai, stirring a mix of frustration and disbelief. Were his fellow contestants truly willing to sacrifice honor for personal gain? The notion repulsed him. Accusing an innocent person solely to further their interests was a betrayal of trust and integrity. Yet it seemed some among them were willing to stoop to such depths, driven by jealousy and insecurity.
As Kai observed the accusatory glances directed towards Lloyd, a sense of indignation welled with him. He couldn't fathom how his peers could so callously target someone based on mere conjecture. Loyalty and fairness should have prevailed, but instead, selfish motives tainted their actions, threatening to fracture the bonds of camaraderie forged amidst the competition.
Kai's internal conflict intensified as he reflected on his past actions. The memory of stealing the Jadeblade from Karlof weighed heavy on his conscience. While he justified it as a means to save Zane, he could not shake the realization that he had resorted to deception and betrayal- actions that mirrored those of the contestants silently accusing Lloyd. The hypocrisy of his actions left a bitter taste in his mouth, and he couldn't help but clench his fists in frustration.
As the group made their way to the dining room in somber silence, Kai couldn't ignore the heavy atmosphere that hung over them. Each challenge seemed to grow more arduous, and with every elimination, the tension mounted. It was a stark reminder of the high stakes of the competition and the ruthlessness of those competing within it.
Amidst the palpable tension, Lloyd's voice cut through the silence, offering a semblance of reassurance. "Don't look so gloomy, we're on camera," he said as he walked next to Kai. "I knew this was going to happen."
The smile Lloyd gave him felt strange, it was one filled with sadness, "I'm used to being abandoned and betrayed it's just that it still doesn't get easier."
The tightness sensation in Kai's chest persisted despite Lloyd's attempt at reassurance. If anything, it only exacerbated his unease, as he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that Lloyd's nonchalance masked a deeper vulnerability. The thought that Lloyd might fall victim to the scheming contestants, or worse, have his power stolen unnoticed, weighed heavily on Kai's mind.
He considered voicing his concerns to Lloyd, but the ever-present threat of surveillance loomed large, stifling any inclination to speak freely. Instead, he opted for a terse response, careful to keep his words guarded in the presence of potential informants.
"Lloyd, just take care of yourself," Kai said, his tone measured. "Don't let them get to you."
Lloyd's smile remained intact, but Kai couldn't shake the sense of melancholy that lingered behind it. Despite the facade of confidence, Kai sensed a vulnerability lurking beneath the surface, a vulnerability that mirrored his own.
"Of course, Kai," Lloyd replied, his smile unwavering. "I knew what I was getting myself into when I threatened Master Chen, so I must prepare for the risks involved."
As Kai nodded in response to Lloyd's words, a flurry of thoughts raced through his mind. Lloyd's brazen act of threatening Master Chen caught him off guard, though he couldn't entirely fault him for it. After all, faced with the same circumstances, Kai couldn't deny that he might have been inclined to do the same. However, amidst the tumult of challenges, the complexities of friends, and the looming threat of Master Chen's machinations, one question emerged with renewed urgency: How was Zane faring? His mind drifted to thoughts of Zane, Zane's absence had weighed heavily on Kai's conscience.
He couldn't shake the nagging worry gnawing at him, wondering how Zane was faring in his captivity. Zane, with his stoic demeanor and enigmatic nature, had always been a steadfast presence, a pillar of strength for their team. The idea of him being locked away in isolation cut off from the world and them, struck a chord of sadness in Kai's heart.
Despite Zane's often inscrutable persona, Kai had come to value his friendship deeply. Zane's unwavering loyalty and selflessness had been a source of inspiration to Kai, guiding him through countless trials and tribulations. Now, with Zane's whereabouts uncertain and his well-being in question, Kai couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for not having devoted more thought to his friend's plight.
Kai's gaze drifted upward, his thoughts consumed by the memory of Zane, the friend he had lost and yet hoped to see again. There was a weight of regret in his heart, a longing to apologize for not being there when Zane needed him most. He vowed silently that he would never allow Zane to sacrifice himself again, not even for the noblest of causes.
Lloyd, noticing the solemn expression on Kai's face, leaned in closer, his voice tinged with empathy. "Are you thinking about Zane?" His gaze locked onto Kai's, searching for any sign of emotion. "It must be hard being separated from him."
Kai's sudden movement caught Lloyd off guard, his eyes narrowing with suspicion and disbelief. How could Lloyd possibly know about Zane's survival? It was a closely guarded secret, shared only among Kai and his friends. The realization sparked a surge of questions in Kai's mind, each one more pressing than the last.
Turning to face Lloyd, Kai's voice was edged with urgency and confusion. "How do you know about Zane?" His gaze bore into Lloyd's, searching for any hint of deception. "Only my friends and I know he's alive. How could you possibly know?"
Lloyd's expression shifted from confusion to concern, his brow furrowing with genuine worry. "Why are you looking at me like that?" His tone was laced with bewilderment. "I know Zane is gone, but we need to stay focused if we want to succeed in this challenge."
Kai's heart raced as he realized the gravity of his slip-up. He'd forgotten, even for just a moment, that their every move was being broadcast to the entirety of Ninjago. Panic surged through him as he grappled with the consequences of his careless words.
Lloyd's sudden reaction startled Kai, and he found himself being pulled aside into a secluded corner. As Lloyd whispered urgently, Kai could see the gears turning in Lloyd's mind. The shock of Lloyd's discovery mirrored Kai's inner turmoil.
"Zane is alive?!" Lloyd's voice was barely above a whisper, filled with a mix of disbelief and intrigue. "How did he survive being blown up? Well, he is a cyborg, so I guess anything is possible."
Kai's stomach churned with anxiety as he realized the magnitude of his mistake. He'd exposed their secret on live television, and now there was no turning back. He hung his head in shame as he acknowledged Lloyd's pointed question.
"I… I forgot," Kai admitted, his voice barely audible over the din of the room. "I let it slip. I said things I shouldn't have, about Noah and his mother too."
Lloyd's expression softened, a mixture of sympathy and understanding. "Let's play it off as a joke," he suggested, his voice tinged with reassurance. "We'll act like nothing happened and carry on. But Kai, I truly hope you find your friend. I'd like to see him again too."
Kai realized that he was overreacting. It was too late to take back what he just said, but he could change the outcome. He took a deep breath and tried to compose himself, forcing a chuckle as he looked at Lloyd.
"Yeah, it's just that Zane would be the last person I'd expect to die out of the six of us," he said, smiling like nothing happened. He hoped the casual tone would sell the act.
Lloyd caught on quickly, playing along with a laugh. "You're funny, Kai. Zane being alive- what a joke," he said, his laughter ringing out convincingly. "But don't be too sad. That was his destiny after all. I bet he was glad to die such an honorable death protecting his people."
Kai nodded, the smile still plastered on his face. "You're right," he agreed. "Zane always put others before himself. It was who he was."
As they walked back to the group, Kai couldn't help but feel a mixture of relief and anxiety. The slip-up could have been disastrous, but Lloyd's quick thinking had saved them from immediate suspicion. Still, the reality of their situation weighed heavily on him. Zane's sacrifice was a wound that hadn't healed, and the constant pressure of the tournament only made things worse.
The group was already heading toward the dining room, and the silence was heavy with suspense and tension. Every challenge seemed more difficult than the last, and more people were getting eliminated.
Kai kept his eyes on Lloyd, who was now walking confidently beside him. He admired Lloyd's composure under pressure. Despite the facade, Lloyd's earlier words echoed in his mind.
"I knew this was going to happen," Lloyd had said. "I'm used to being abandoned and betrayed; it just doesn't get easier."
Kai clenched his fists, the weight of their mission pressing down on him. He glanced around at the faces of his competitors, the distrust evident in their eyes. He knew they were all trying to figure out who the spy was, just as he was. But amidst the chaos, he couldn't shake the feeling that they needed to stick together.
As they entered the dining room, the clatter of dishes and the murmur of conversation filled the air. The task ahead was simple in theory: take the dishes to the kitchen. But Kai knew better. In Master Chen's twisted game, nothing was ever as straightforward as it seemed.
"Let's just get this over with," he uttered to Lloyd, who nodded in agreement.
They approached the table laden with dishes, each plate a potential trap. Kai's eyes scanned the room, wary of any sudden movements. He didn't trust anyone, and he knew that trust could be their downfall. He had to stay focused, not just for his sake, but for the sake of his friends and Zane.
As they started to pick up the dishes, Kai caught Lloyd's eye. There was a determined glint there, a silent promise that they would get through this. Kai felt a surge of resolve. They would finish this challenge, find the spy, and Zane. They had to. There was no other option.
"Just keep your head in the game," Lloyd reminded him softly.
Kai nodded, gripping the dish in his hand a little tighter. "Yeah, we'll get through this. Together."
…
Lloyd POV
I couldn't help but chuckle at how stupid Kai was. How did he forget that everything was being recorded for the entire world to see? But that fact worked in my favor; I could make him be on my side just by using his vulnerability and a few sweet words.
I looked over at Elijah. I hadn't seen much of him, but since he was here, it seemed like he was doing well. I stopped myself from picking up a pair of chopsticks and recalled the day Mister Glasses gave me Master Chen's invitation. He didn't mention once that Elijah had gotten one too. I had just assumed that since we both went to the same school. Did Master Chen make him deal like Kai and his friends?
As Elijah picked up the plates, I watched him closely. I should start investigating.
"Hey, Elijah," I greeted, startling him so much that he almost dropped a plate. I quickly grabbed it before it touched the ground. "I didn't get to see you much since the first day. How are you doing?"
Elijah recovered from the shock I gave him and looked me in the eyes. His gaze narrowed as he snatched the plate from me with disgust and annoyance.
"Why are you talking to me, Garmadon?" he spat out.
I blinked in confusion, taken aback by his hostility. Why was he so angry? Maybe he didn't realize earlier that my father was Garmadon. But it seemed like he had beef with my father. I couldn't help but internally curse m father- what did he do to make this guy hate me? I forced a smile, trying to diffuse the tension.
"Just making small talk, you know?" I said simply. "Besides, we do go to the same school, so we should get along."
I'm speaking bullshit. I don't give a damn about this dude, but I have to make sure he won't become my enemy. Not knowing anything about him makes things more complex. I couldn't help but sigh. Why is this tournament so hard?
Elijah looked enraged, almost to the point that where he seemed like he wanted to cast harm on me. "Well, I don't, so can you shut the fuck up and let me handle this challenge in peace?"
I scanned him head to toe, trying to gauge his motivations. "Did Master Chen give you an offer to attend his little tournament?" I asked, "Does it involve a family member?"
For a moment, the look in his eyes startled me. He looked like an animal with rabies, wild and unpredictable. Everyone knew that Elijah had a temper and had preferred to be alone, but I never seen him like this. His eyes were filled with bloodthirsty rage, and I knew not to push further.
"Why do you care, Garmadon? Trying to play the hero now? Mind your own damn business," he splats, his voice dripping with venom.
I raised my hands in surrender, taking a step back to defuse the situation. "Alright, alright. Just trying to understand, that's all," I said calmly, keeping my tone as non-threatening as possible. I didn't want to provoke him any further.
Elijah's glare didn't waver, but he didn't say anything more. Instead, he turned his attention back to the task at hand, clearly eager to end the conversation. I watched him for a moment longer, noting the tension in his shoulders.
I grabbed the plates and bowls closest to me and started heading to the kitchen. My suspicion of Elijah lingered, but I knew he was the type to do something so cunning. The kitchen was not far from the dining room, so the walk was short. As I entered the room, the emptiness struck me- no staff members, no one from my group. I scanned my surroundings and then placed the dishes next to the sink. It seemed like there was no one here to frame me this time.
I could finally breathe easier. Trying to get along with Kai while figuring out who the spy was had been draining. Kai didn't seem as loyal as the rest of his friends; the fact that he could be swayed y good looks and sweet talk proved it. I couldn't help but smirk- Kai's little slip-up might prove useful for my revenge. My mind wandered to my lesson with Skylor; I still couldn't figure out how to use Form.
As I was lost in thought, a small rustle behind a counter snapped me back to reality. Instinctively, I grabbed a knife and threw it at the source of the noise. A small yelp followed, and I could feel my eyes twitch in irritation. The audacity of this spy to immediately try to sabotage me after their last stunt.
I made my way to the other side of the kitchen, ready to confront the intruder. To my surprise, what I found wasn't what I expected at all.