Haunted: Collapse into Caliginosity

by runaway00

She loves him, but only as a friend. He wants something deeper, but is faced with rejection. Being distracted by petty problems gives the entity the perfect opportunity to take what belongs to it. Sensei Wu knows something evil is upon them all, and he knows its success will lead to the end. Will it take its host and devastate one of the strongest people in Ninjago?

60. Chapter 59: Pick Your Poison

==Hi, everyone! It's me again! I'm officially out for Christmas break as of Friday. So, I want to post at least three times, but I'd love to do more if I can. Unfortunately, I have to also apply for scholarships during these next three weeks. That means I have to write essays! Yay! (Not!) But I also want to warn you all that this upcoming semester will be just as hard as this first one, so updates for this story won't come quicker. Maybe this summer will be different, but I can't promise anything. I still have college to think about, after all. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter. It's super long, I know, but it was necessary for the dance battle. I used a lot of old content, but I also fixed and added a lot of things to make it better. Please enjoy! :) ==

Chace & Moksi - "Lucky" feat. Yade Lauren

I was on my own lane, convinced it was forever. Knew that I was lonely. So long, I can't remember. It's only when you're kissing, you know what you've been missing if you didn't make a wish to fuel the flame. It's only when you let go, climb over that rainbow, you can open up your heart, don't feel the change.

Haunted: Collapse into Caliginosity

Chapter 59:

Pick Your Poison

We were posed while confetti snowed from the busy ceiling. The first few rows got covered with the thin, rubbery rectangles as they happily applauded us, but the stridency of wall-shaking cheering for the show we just put together was proof that the potential fiasco was an absolute success. The performance itself wasn't an impromptu situation, but the time constraint we were under made it stressful. Our sponsors put a lot on the line for us. If it didn't end up well, we would've been in the hole.

That whole scenario was avoided, luckily. All that was left was the big thank you to finish with. Trent took care of that for us, grabbing a microphone and making the comment. Meanwhile, the rest of us started grabbing equipment and putting it back in the car. A lot of brooms showed up to move the confetti off the platform row by row, and sweep by sweep. The lights dimmed out again; the audience silenced. It was time for Poison Posse and Hood Ratz to go their separate ways. As the team video for Hoodratz began, we sat down on opposite ends of the platform. I took my new Poison Posse shirt for this year and wore it over my Zane tank top.

Most of us may have been paying attention, but when I gazed around to give my neck a break, I made eye contact with Rollin. He was a silhouette in the darkness. The whites of his eyes gleamed as he mysteriously stared at me. Our earlier encounter was still fresh on my mind, and I knew the same applied to him. I remember when I first met him, he was someone ordinary, but now I think he's changed. There wasn't an intention back then. Now it seemed like he was out to get me, to be his girlfriend, of course. In fact, that seems to be all he wants from me. Maybe, in the beginning, there was a genuine calling to be friends, but now it's different. It was kind of sad. He was nice, but if he wanted to skip over the friendship part for us, I couldn't be around him. Try as he might, he can't win me over with kisses. I deserved more than that. This may be the last time I saw him. After this battle is over, I'll simply tell him goodbye and leave. That will be the end of it. I won't let him have my phone number so he can't contact me.

The resumed clapping from the audience broke my gaze from him. The projection above us showed Rollin, Kyle, and Peter in their frozen frame with "Hoodratz" labeled above their heads. Phase one of pre-battle was over. Silence ensued once more when our video began with its darkness and deep dubstep beat. Suddenly, as the bass dropped, Linus was sitting on my famous golden throne, its detailed engravings towering above him. He didn't say a word. All he did was stare into the camera with a grimace as the beat seemed to zone out.

The screen flashed.

With the return of the beat, there were different angles of Linus shown. His muscles were very noticeable and his face showed no fear. Every angle presented what a true leader should look like.

Flash.

Then he was standing up with the camera revolving around him. Beside him, his anatomy made its appearance. Height: six feet, four inches. Weight: one hundred-sixty-four pounds.

One last glare into the camera. "Linus" formed above his head. Then he was gone.

The dubstep pulsated, creating a vibe of suspense.

Trent was sitting on the throne now, his face not giving a hint of friendliness. The questionable glint in his blue eyes made me shudder. He was nothing but menacing.

Pulsate.

Trent's body was full of muscle. It made him look big and powerful. The lit cigarette in his mouth made him seem so different than how I knew him.

Pulsate.

He stood up with the camera doing what it did with Linus. Height: six feet, eight inches. Weight: one hundred-eighty-three pounds.

He scowled into the camera. "Trent" formed above his head. Then he was gone.

The dubstep stopped. The screen went black again. A gun reloaded.

The bass dropped.

I covered the whole screen. There I was, on my throne, lifting my head to stare into the camera. My fitted hat shaded my face. My eyes unblinkingly gleamed with pure hazel. All I did was sit there, unmoving so that the audience could absorb what they were looking at. It was a collaboration of scariness and beauty.

The bass dropped.

I stood with the camera revolving around me. Height: five-foot two-inches. Weight: one hundred-seventeen pounds.

I blinked my eyes open to the camera, sending out a frightening expression. "Macca Soxx" formed above my head. Then I remained where I was standing.

The camera zoomed out, revealing Linus, Trent, and I standing in a triangle. At first, we just stood there as the music changed. When we danced, it was basic tricks and combos. They got more difficult as the video progressed.

After twists and flips and powerful moves, the video switched to our workout routine at a hardcore gym. Linus rolled up onto his shoulder blades, quickly hopped up to his feet, got down to do a push-up, and then jumped and grabbed a bar to do a pull-up. Trent strapped a heavy weight around his waist and then lifted his body up and down while gripping parallel bars. I wrapped my hands around a thick steel bar, which could hold up to half a ton, backward with the front of the body facing the ground, my arms stretched out all the way so I could work my core. More clips from the gym played, including some of the three of us doing workouts together without hesitating to stop.

Footage of us from earlier battles in the tournament gave the audience a preview of what they were about to witness.

The last shot was of us staring into the camera together. Not a single word was spoken. "Pick Your Poison" melted into place above our heads. And then it was all over.

More clapping and cheering commenced. The lights turned back on, allowing us to return to our feet. Camera crews crowded the areas behind our two sides of the platform. Three judges took their seats beneath the DJ's booth. The venue's manager took the center stage. "Make some noise for Hood Ratz!" he said loudly through a microphone, gesturing in their direction.

The audience cheered loudly.

"Make some noise for Poison Posse!" he mimicked.

The audience cheered again, but louder. This was already a losing battle for them, and they knew it.

"The battle begins now!"

Trent immediately bounced on his toes to the soundtrack of the music we had practiced to altogether. We had ten minutes to compete in four categories. The projection kept a timer and materialized the slots for Foundation, Originality, Dynamics, and Execution. Foundation was based off who danced to the music best. Originality was based off who could perform their own stunts best. Dynamics was based off who had the most energy. Execution was based off who messed up the least. Whoever claimed the most categories would win; however, the judges were the ones who decided that.

Kyle gestured towards Linus. "Show us what you got, hotshot! I pick you!" he said.

Linus went in full blast. I couldn't even tell how he twisted his body while holding himself up with his palms against the floor. He gracefully tossed his legs into the air and spun until his toes touched the floor again. Next thing I knew, he was on his side, one hand holding his body up, and the other resting on his hip. Then he was spinning on his back. His legs levitated into the air due to the momentum he was building up. I caught a glimpse of him using his head to hold him up for a quick moment in time. He did this so he could have both hands on the floor where he needed them. He spun his legs around his body while lifting an arm so his legs could pass under them. His next move was flipping his body so that the back of his head was resting on the floor. While his hands kept him balanced and his legs spread out in front of him, he suddenly came back up. He spun on his back once, propelling himself up until he rolled and landed on his back again. He repeated this one more time.

Linus came up to his feet to start his next set of moves. Trent and I cheered him on as best as we could. Linus moved his feet to the music. Before I could comprehend his move, he was on the floor again, his legs arched above his head and a hand held him up, and he lowered his body down to show off great strength. He rolled on his ankles to do a couple confusing tricks. Suddenly he was on his head again. His shirt slid down his torso. He used his hands to spin himself, only to give his feet a little kick and stayed there for half of a second.

Trent and I both said, "OH!" towards Hood Ratz.

Linus spun two more times before returning to his feet. He tucked his knees into his chest when he jumped, giving Hood Ratz a face of intimidation.

Kyle took the floor now, but Linus didn't take the time to give it to him; he just stood and watched. After a roll, Kyle jerked his legs in the air, supporting his body with only a hand. Linus got down on one knee, pretending to observe his movements, as Kyle got to his feet. Linus shook his head as if he'd already seen it all before. Meanwhile, Kyle danced in a circle around Linus, like a shark circling its prey. Linus came back to Trent and me after that.

The Hood Ratz leader pressed his palm against the floor as he took hold of his ankle. He let go of his ankle to let it slide under his body. He rocked back onto his shoulder blades and twisted. He strained his hands to the side, quickly, so he could lift his body back up to his feet. Instantly, he crouched back down. He swung his legs through the air, almost doing a cartwheel. He did a front flip. When he touched the floor, he spread his legs to finish his move with a twist. He then forced his body into the air by putting pressure on his foot. He landed on one extended hand. The other pressed against the hat on his head as he slowly spun. He returned to his feet after Peter and Rollin cheered him on.

Kyle danced with the music as he prepared his next set. He got on the floor with one knee and a hand. I was expecting him to twist in the air, but he rolled in the opposite direction, onto his back. He kicked with the bottom of his feet so he could land on his back. He gripped an ankle and kicked his leg once. He rolled and danced in our direction. Then he grabbed the bottom of his foot and rolled again, spinning his body once until a hand held his body up and his legs were in the air again. He spun once more, then kicked back up to his feet. He looked me straight in the eye. "Peter wants you next, Macca Soxx," he taunted, laughing and stalking back to his team.

The pinpointed individual on the opposite side of the platform motioned me over to him.

I gave Peter a little step, throwing my arms out. Then I got down and rolled over and over again on my hands and feet. When I stood up, I put a little groove in my shoulders. I quickly crouched and stood back up, making the impression that a shockwave was traveling through my arms and shoulders. I skipped once. Then I sidestepped towards the three of them while rolling my fists past each other in a circular motion. I danced to the music like Linus did. Trent laughed when I put my hands on my hips and protruded my butt out. I brought my hands to my stomach when I thrust the air once.

I decided I had done enough fooling around as an introduction. I pointed to Peter, showing him to watch carefully for what I had planned for him. I did a tad bit more dancing to prepare my quick set, crouching but slowly rising with my fingers spread out. With a hop, I danced just a bit more. As I spun to start, I heard Peter say, "How about you stop being pathetic and actually dance!"

I turned to look at him with a surprised expression. His acting was good. I shook my head and threw myself forward, using the top of my head as a resting place on the floor in the middle of a front flip. The audience let out an unexpected cheer as I pointed in his face. Then I did a backflip, landed on my feet swiftly, and then quickly threw myself into the air again to break my fall with my hands before my chest hit the floor. I did a little roll and used my hands to boost my upper body off the floor, leaning back significantly but yet also balancing temporarily on my feet. I stroked both of my hands down my exposed stomach, pulling down my shirt naturally. Then I went back down to complete the rest of my set. I spun on a knee before sitting speedily to hold my body into the air with a hand. Resting on my shoulder blade caused me to roll back on my feet. As fast as a penguin zooming through the ocean, I ran, stepped up to Peter and clapped once right in his face. I quietly laughed, the audience screaming in delight, and walked back to my team, receiving a high-five from both of them.

Peter came charging onto the platform with a cartwheel. When his feet touched the floor, he launched himself into three twists in midair.

I waved him off and shook my head. He couldn't compare to me, but the audience loved him already.

Peter danced a little bit. I made a face when he grabbed the bottom of his second shirt that was underneath his Hood Ratz one. He wrapped it around the back of his neck and maneuvered himself onto the floor to make him spin easily on one hand. That's when I understood: He was going to show off the fact that he can one-hand most of his set.

He spun on his shoulder blades until he could lift himself up with his free hand. His legs were in the air. He balanced his body to be upside down with his free hand and head. Trying to keep the momentum up, he pushed his body to spin with his hand, forcing the top of his head to hold all of his bodyweight for just half a second. He repeated this only one more time. With his hand still holding the shirt, he stood and bounced slightly. He returned to the floor with the heels of his feet and his free hand holding him up. Then he quickly twisted around, reached across his chest, and rolled as his palm made contact with the floor. His body was now being supported by his feet and the back of his head as he pulled his shirt down and waved with his free hand. He rolled again onto his free hand. With a secret boost, he threw his lower body over his head and balanced with his forearm on the floor. As he lost balance, he let his body fall so he could catch himself without falling, which made him seem very strong. I could tell his arm couldn't handle the weight anymore as he kicked a foot under him to stand up. He didn't even acknowledge us when he returned to his team.

Trent could've taken the opportunity to do a solo set against Rollin, but he nudged Linus and me to start a new sequence of events together. "Show them how much stronger we are," he urged, basically pushing me to the center of the platform. I glanced over at my friends as they anticipated greatness.

Sensei Wu sipped tea from his blue cup. The sight confused me. Did he bring his teapot with him? I didn't remember him holding anything other than his bamboo staff.

The bearded old man met my gaze through the shadow of his rice hat, his eyes almost verbally speaking to me.

Keep fighting, they challenged.

I looked back at Trent. "Strength?" I clarified.

"You choose, we'll follow," he explained.

Alright then, I concluded.

The first thing I did was launch myself into a roll. When I landed on my stomach, I started doing one-armed push-ups. Linus and Trent came to my sides to count how many I was doing.

Rollin laid down on his stomach in front of me. "No dancing?"

"Can you do better?" I imposed, narrowing my eyes.

A smirk came across his face. The audience chanted for someone to make the first move, so Rollin took the opportunity to top me by holding his body parallel to the floor. Kyle and Peter took his sides to verbally support him. Before he could add more to it, I also lifted my body from the floor and commenced more push-ups. The audience oohed and awed with excitement.

My strength dominated. For a moment, I thought he had nothing else to show. But he had the audacity to pull his lower body above his head like a scorpion's tail. The muscles in his arms flexed under the weight and pressure of keeping his balance. The overly attractive man winked at me and did more push-ups. The audience erupted, amazed at the stunt.

I released the strength in my own arms and laid back on the floor. The reactions I got weren't pleasant, but I had something up my sleeve.

Quickly, I strut over to my Ferarri and opened the passenger door. The three judges eyed me curiously, probably getting the wrong idea. The window rolled down, giving me a place to rest my hand. With the other holding onto the roof's frame, I gathered enough strength to lift my feet off the floor. My back curled with a single heave to make my legs travel horizontally...then vertically.

Everybody witnessing the phenomenon went mad. My abdominal muscles tightened. Blood pumped through my veins as I concentrated on my powerful form. My eyes wandered back to Rollin, who had given up my challenge against him. Never before had a woman out-performed him.

Just to rub it in, I also lowered my legs until they were nearly horizontal and did more push-ups. When I took a great spring forward, the door closed behind me. My arms refused to ache as they continued to bolster my bodyweight.

Throwing my legs over my head again, I scuttled back over to the platform like a demonic creature. My biceps bunched up and launched my body sideways. I was in midair for less than a second, but I still - surprisingly - covered a lot of ground. The audience roared when I made my landing. My legs still levitated and I was still holding myself up with my hands. My legs slightly lowered in reaction to the sudden stop, but I used that reaction force to throw them above my head. I quickly readjusted the positioning of my hands so I could hold myself up without falling on my face. The whole stunt was a success.

Rollin took the platform to take the attention away from me. He danced. I pretended to throw a kick at him in retaliation. He instantly stopped dancing and slowly threw his head back as if he'd taken the hit. He used this to add his set. He jumped backward, his upper body falling faster. He hit the floor on both his shoulder blades and with both his hands tucked into his chest. He popped up with his legs sprawled out and gave the air a couple swings with the same fist. Next thing I saw, he bounced off the floor so he could lift his spread legs out above his head. One hand was behind his back, the other held him up high. He brought his legs down and stood up to continue with something new.

He enjoyed the audience's attention for a moment. He leaned forward to go in the direction of performing a handstand, but instead, he twisted to lay on his back. He jolted his legs as if a wave were passing through his entire body that ended at his head. He jolted his legs again so he could balance upside down on his whole right arm and side of his head. Then he lifted his body up with his forearm. He lost his balance, so he added half of a leg spin. He supported his body with both his feet and a hand. He rolled on his shoulders until both his palms pressed against the floor. He lifted his legs up and took hold of a foot. His body rose from the floor with only one hand. Then he used his hands and feet to roll twice.

I poked Trent. "Go interrupt, Trent. The judges will love it," I claimed.

He smirked and stepped onto the platform. Hood Ratz gave him dirty looks as he took the spotlight without permission. Not wanting to do anything really spectacular yet, he simply danced enough to keep them from trying to steal the platform back. It was his until he gave it back to them.

He swung his legs around his body once after he was on the floor. He twisted to spin on his shoulders. Suddenly he was holding his legs up in front of himself and levitating off the floor with both hands holding him up from behind his back. He pushed off the floor and ended up on his feet to stand, took a few steps back to dance again, and devised a plan.

He was on the floor again, doing little tricks to get ready. Eventually, he ended up holding up his entire body with only a forearm. He added his other hand and began to lightly punch the floor with one fist after the other, temporarily holding his whole body up with each set of knuckles. His legs bent over his head, returning to his feet, and hopping back to the center of the platform. He launched his body to the floor again, spinning on his shoulders and biceps. During the process, he pulled down a wristband Linus had slipped him just a minute ago down to the center of his hand. Without warning, he was spinning with that particular hand pressing against the floor. His legs never touched the floor.

The audience cheered loudly at his stunt. Linus and I slapped the floor like gorillas to cheer him on.

He stood up and flipped both middle fingers towards Hood Ratz. That caused them to approach him in a challenging manner. Of course, Linus and I had his back. We all taunted in each other's faces. The three of us didn't waste much time with them. We knew we had to let them dance.

When we returned to our side of the platform, Peter didn't hesitate to officially start their team set. He did a front flip and then sat down, kicking his feet against the floor so he could slide back with his arms bent at ninety-degree angles. Kyle grabbed his hands and threw him upward while leaning back so that Taylor's back could touch his torso. Kyle let go to allow Peter to roll forward. Peter came to his feet. He threw us a hand signal before doing two backflips.

Kyle was waiting for him. Peter wrapped an arm around his neck as he caught him in the air. After absorbing his weight for a second, he guided Peter back to the floor on his stomach. Peter rolled. He held his body up above his head with his forearm. He hopped to his feet.

Rollin appeared on the platform. He took Peter's hand and then did a backflip. When he landed perfectly on his feet, he swayed onto his rear to lay down. Peter leaped over him and then laid on the floor, too. Peter guided Rollin over him as Rollin rolled over him once. Rollin got to his knees, and as Peter shoved his hands against the floor behind his back, forcing his legs into the air, Rollin grabbed his right foot. He brought the foot down sideways as Peter twisted his body around. They both followed each other's movements from there. They performed various moves all at the same time. They both did cartwheels off the platform.

Kyle entered the platform. He danced while pointing at us. Then he got down on his hands and shimmied across the floor without the use of his legs or feet. Once he was directly in front of Trent, he laid on his side and shimmied back towards his team. He did leg spins, except his feet tapped the floor every single time. Then he loosely wrapped his arm around his knees and then brought the arm out. He repeated this twice as Rollin and Peter cheered him on with each swing of his arm.

Obviously, Kyle had more on his mind. He switched gears and kicked his legs towards us. He rolled onto his side so he could cross his legs and pose. With the help of his right hand, he kicked his legs up and down to move backward. I had to admit that he kind of impressed me by his unique move.

Trent made it clear that it was our turn again. "Let's do Insanity," he suggested.

Linus and I both nodded, thinking about how we practiced it many times before tonight.

I was the one who stepped onto the platform. I did a few dance moves so that Linus and Trent could prepare themselves. They only had three seconds, but that was plenty. I barely looked when I did a cartwheel behind me. I saw two moving bodies on the floor. They were ready. I continued doing cartwheels around them without stopping. In the middle, one slid over the other while the other bunched his body together and slid underneath. They switched each time.

After going around them three times, I cartwheeled off to the side and back behind them to get ready for my next part in the groupset. Linus and Trent stopped what they were doing. They slid on their knees away from each other on their knees. I came running in between them. I, too, slid on my knees towards Hood Ratz. I was only on my knees for a quick second. I got to my feet, only to swing them both away. I was not touching the floor as I stayed sideways. I caught myself with my left hand. It allowed me to quickly go to my shoulder blade. I rolled, my legs not touching the platform. When I rolled onto my hands, I pushed my upper body. My legs came down. I did a backflip and twisted. I landed on my hands and rolled again, my legs not touching anything. As soon as I made it back to my hands, I pushed my body into a series of spins with only my left hand supporting me.

The audience cheered for me.

When I returned to my feet, I ran for Linus. Our set wasn't over just yet. He held his hands out to me.

I leaped.

Linus wrapped his fingers around my left wrist and ankle. He used my momentum and weight to spin us both around in circles. I felt like I was flying. I laughed like a five-year-old. This was really fun.

Soon, I felt the floor under my stomach. I quickly flipped onto my back. Linus adjusted his grip on my wrist. I lifted my legs into the air and did a sort of wave motion. Linus pulled on my wrist to lift my upper body. Like a penguin, Trent glided between Linus's legs and under me. I felt Linus put his arm under my knees. He let go of my wrist but stuck his other arm under my neck. He picked me up and carried me off the platform.

Trent was ready for his part. Linus ran up to him and leaped. He did exactly what Linus did with me and spun Linus three times. Then he just let go. Linus caught himself with his hands. He spun his legs around him.

The audience let out delighted cheers as Trent retreated back to me.

After two full revolutions, Linus used the movement to roll onto his back. He lifted his whole body off the floor in the process. When he rolled onto his shoulder blades, he repeated. He repeated one last time before doing a single leg spin. He rested on his hip for a second. Then he kicked his legs into the air and held himself up with his hands. He did a leg spin and returned to his hip. He hopped and twisted. The side of his head and his right hand propped up his body and kept his legs high above him. He tucked his elbow into his side and gave a hop.

Kyle and Rollin shooed him away to begin their next set. The two danced in sync. Their movements were the exact same at the exact same time. Peter placed a hand on one of their shoulders and jumped in between them to join in. They all danced together in the rhythm of the soundtrack. Then all together, they jumped backward. They all placed their right hands on the floor and cartwheeled. When they returned to standing, they bounced and swung their left legs around them. Their legs crossed behind them, and they lowered their bodies, placing their left hands on the floor. They laid on their backs. They twisted their bodies to the left, kicking out their left legs. They twisted to the right, doing the same thing. They returned to their backs, doing a leg track. All of the bottoms of their feet made contact with the floor. Then they all rolled over to the left, kicking their right legs out in front of them. They rolled until they were on their backs again. The three continued to do tricks. I got lost in thought while watching them. They weren't really doing any spectacular…yet.

The exciting part of their set started when Peter spun his way in front of us and Kyle and Rollin spun their way back to their side of the platform. Peter danced in front of us. Behind him, Kyle reentered the platform. He hopped and bent over, facing the audience, and spreading his legs and resting his palms on his knees. Peter turned from us and headed his way. He jumped high enough so that he could slip through the space between his arm and leg perfectly. Once he was inside of the space that Kyle made for him, he dove into the second space between his other arm and other leg. On his way out, he rolled forward. He exited the platform. Kyle ended his part with a little dance in our direction.

Rollin joined his teammate on the platform. He was turned away from us while Peter was facing us. Almost as if they could read each other's minds, they both fell backward on their rears and kicked their legs so that they slid across the floor. Their backs collided. They spun around in opposite directions and placed their left ankles on the other's shoulder. They laid down, sat back up, lifted their right legs, and twisted them around their own arms for a moment. Then they untwisted their legs and put them in the middle of each other's bodies in the air. The bottoms of their right feet touched each other. Their left legs came down from their shoulders and curled under their right legs. They came up and joined the feet before popping back up. They spread their arms out in front of them and then curled their index fingers around their chins. They danced some more, shuffling into a vertical line and moving through. They ended up in a triangle shape. They spun around. Rollin, who was the top point in their triangle, slid his feet across the floor to go behind Peter and Kyle.

The two started dancing together. At one point, they were horizontal and holding their bodies up with only one hand. The sides of their feet rested on the floor. They touched the top of their heads with their free hands. They bounced and bent forward at the same time. They ended up crouching and facing each other, a leg sticking out. They tucked that leg back in and rested one of their hands on the floor. They did a leg trick with their free hands over their heads. They did the same for the other side. They spun on their feet, which transformed into two leg spins. They adjusted their hands so that the front of their bodies could face the floor and not their backs. They lifted their legs and rested the top of their heads on the floor. They did leg tricks to show how balanced they were. When their feet returned to the floor, they did mountain climbers. They continued to move their feet as they weaved to the side.

Rollin crossed his arms. Peter and Kyle approached him and did a backflip off from his sides at the same time. Then Rollin pointed to the floor with both hands. The other two collapsed. Rollin did a handstand. He removed his right hand and held it above his head. His right leg came down and wrapped around his neck. He kicked his other leg, making his body bounce.

Linus nodded at me. We were ready to steal the show. We ran toward him and jumped with our limbs either in front of us or behind us. When we landed, we both danced to the beat while spinning. Then we twisted to face Hood Ratz. I got down on my left knee and Linus got down on his right. Trent came from behind us. Linus and I grabbed our nearest hands and also reached under our hands to each grab Trent's hand. When we both popped up, we (after letting go of our grasps of each other's hands) threw Trent forward without letting go. Then – after letting go once more – we tugged him back when we crouched down to our opposite knees. Trent tucked his knees into his chest as he laid on the floor for a moment. Then he threw his legs our Linus and my gripped hands. We both helped guide Trent up and over our hands. When his feet touched the floor again, Linus and I threw our hands that held Trent's hand over our shoulders. Trent rested his arms on our shoulders after we let go of his hands, as he stretched back and forth toward Hood Ratz. Linus and I turned our backs on them. Linus and I both did a handstand that quickly fell back down. Then we used that reaction force to roll forward and back to our side of the platform. Trent on the other hand, also did our falling handstand, except he did it facing forward. He used his reaction force to twist in the air. He stood sideways but then rolled sideways so he could make room for our next set when he stood up.

I ran to Trent and placed my right foot in his extended hand. He grabbed my ankle with the other. I pushed down against the floor with my free foot. As my lower body flew through the air past Trent, Trent let go of my leg. When my feet hit the ground after the backflip, I pressed my left hand against the floor and twisted my body.

"OH!" the audience proclaimed.

I felt my leg go right back into Trent's grasp. With my arms extended, I jumped into the air again, but this time I just let my upper body fall to the floor while Trent held up my legs. My shoulder blades hit the floor.

"OH!" the audience repeated.

Trent went to Linus side and let me have the platform. I did leg spins. Then I rolled with my knees and feet, allowing my left arm to flower out as I rolled. I repeated this three times. Then I stopped and did a powerful leg spin. My legs were suddenly towering over my head. I pushed off with one hand to spin, and then put it behind my back. I started spinning on one hand.

One…Two…Three…Four spins. Then I hit the floor with the front of my body.

The audience loved it. I wanted to astonish them again.

I slid across the floor on both of my knees. Then I clenched one of my feet as my legs raised from my left. I completely rolled in midair until my legs were on my right side. I laid on my side and released my foot. I grabbed my other foot. When those limbs created a loop, I threw my free leg through it. I lifted myself off the wooden floor with my forearm. I quickly landed on my knees and spun around after letting my body fall to the floor. Still holding my foot, I rolled onto my back and put all of my bodyweight onto my shoulder blades. Again, I lifted my body with my forearm, releasing my foot. I was facing the floor now, the palms of my hands pressed against it. I did leg spins. Then I pressed the top of my head against the floor. My knees were tucked into my chest. With a burst of energy, I pushed off the floor. My upper body came up between my legs. I reached my hands in front of me so that I could catch myself. I tucked my elbows into my hips once my hands made contact with the floor. I lifted my legs higher into the air and posed.

The audience went nuts. I returned to my feet and went back to Linus and Trent.

Kyle and Rollin didn't hesitate to dance their entrance onto the platform. Then they spun on their knees. When they faced each other, Rollin rolled onto his stomach and then rolled back. Kyle guided his feet to his shoulders. After he held him in place, Peter came running and did a front flip over Rollin. He crouched in front of us as if he had just blown us out of the water. Kyle stood up with Rollin's feet still on his shoulder. He gently pushed his feet forward, so Rollin could roll in that direction. Kyle ran up to Peter. He stepped and pressed the bottom of his foot against his back. When he stepped back onto the platform, he did a cartwheel and then two backflips. As the audience cheered for him, he ran up to Peter again. A touch to his shoulder made Peter stand up and dance with Kyle. Peter then laid on the floor and rolled toward Kyle. Kyle grabbed a foot and hopped over Peter with his free hand on the floor. He let go of his foot and had his hand join the other. The top of his head rested against the ground as he held his legs above his head. He shifted his body into the leg-spinning position, his legs now behind him. Then he was laying on the floor after having his legs glide underneath him. He rocked onto his shoulder blades. As he rolled over his head and lifted his upper body with both his hands. Rollin grabbed one of his ankles. Kyle swung his free leg under the one Rollin was holding. When he swung his free leg up, Rollin let go of the first one and grabbed the other. This time, Kyle swung his new free leg under his other leg. Rollin forcefully tossed his foot and slid off the platform with the movement. Kyle twisted onto his back and spun on it. He used the momentum to roll in the air and land on his feet for a quick moment without his hands touching the floor. He pushed his feet against the floor to twist his body again so he would revert to his back. He bounced off the floor with his back. I watched in surprise when only the side of his head touched the floor now; it only lasted for a split second, but it was enough for him to be back on his feet. He rolled onto his back and bounced off the floor with it again. He rolled. He landed on his back. When he repeated, Peter and Rollin fell flat onto their backs.

The audience cheered so loudly that it pierced my eardrums. Linus and Trent suddenly stepped onto the platform to start our set, but Peter walked up to them and shooed them away. Rollin still had something up his sleeve.

Rollin bobbed his legs around as he held himself up with his forearm and head. Then he rolled until his forehead rested on the floor and his hands held him up. He pushed off his next roll into the opposite direction. Then he did a leg spin, jerked, and did another in the opposite direction. After rolling onto his stomach, he lifted his body up with his forearm. He returned to his feet, which was the end of his set.

Trent was the one to get things started for us. He faced the audience and danced. I was next in line. I got in position to join him. After Trent did two back-to-back spins, he planted a foot far in front of him and planted the other far behind him, creating a gap for my entrance. I went through head first. As I went to get up, I stopped in a lunge. Linus dove through the gap I made for him. I hopped and then followed Trent off the platform. Linus was left to dance.

Linus got many people from the audience to clap to the beat of the soundtrack. Linus did a few tricks and combos all by himself. Once enough time passed, Trent stepped up. He bent over, bending his knees and touching the floor with his fingertips.

I cupped his sides and hopped up. I let go of him when both my feet rested on his thighs. I was crouched to keep my balance. I hopped again, my feet landing on his shoulder blades. He slowly began to stand up straight. I hopped one more time. My legs draped over his shoulders and I sat on them. He placed his hands on my shins to keep me balanced. Linus continued to dance in front of us. Trent pulled up my feet and bent forward. I went sliding down his back. He let go of my feet. I covered my head and leaned forward. I locked my neck muscles.

Trent reached in between his legs and found my hips. With a heave, he pulled my body from between his legs. When he let go, he toppled backward. I landed square on my feet.

The audience cheered loudly at the unbelievable coordination.

Linus and I danced together until the audience was ready for more. Trent was ready behind us. Linus assisted me in a backflip before retreating. When I stopped dancing, I put my left arm across my back. Trent grabbed my hand. I spun around, taking his other hand. I dropped to the floor. While in motion, Trent tugged my arms to make me spin. I was almost to a full revolution when I stuck my legs through the space between my arms. Trent tugged my right arm to turn me the opposite way. The backs of my knees got caught against my arm. He slightly lifted me and swung me between his legs. When I came back through, he hurled me up until I was on my feet.

The audience cheered at the uncanny stunt.

Linus's part was next. My back was against the front of Trent. I quickly collapsed, falling to my knees and ducking my head. Trent was still holding onto my hands. He created a space with our connected limbs.

I knew Linus dove through the space because of the breeze that went down my back. Upside down, I saw him roll forward on the floor. I rested the top of my head on the floor as I lifted my legs and flipped them through the space. Trent helped guide me through my flip and onto my feet. He released me when I did so.

Trent whipped around to do his next part with Linus. He slid to him on his knees. He returned to his feet when he got as close as he could. He took Linus's hand and twirled him around. He released him to grab his other hand. Both their wingspans stretched as far as they would go. Trent pulled him back towards him. Linus went flying. Trent leaned over so that Linus could twist his body. He rolled across his back. Trent jumped and released him. Linus did a full roll in the air before he landed on his feet and tripped off the platform.

I was to take Linus's place for a moment. I did a bouncing sidestep to Trent. He took my left hand. I jumped and twisted as he slightly leaned forward. My shoulder blades met his shoulder blades. He stood up straight. I felt my legs soar over my head. I clenched harder onto Trent's hand. He guided my flip to my feet. I landed smoothly. I was twirled around. I lifted my leg when I felt Linus touch my shoulder. I let go of Trent and grabbed Linus's hand. Trent grabbed my ankle with both hands. When I jumped, Linus and Trent threw my body up and let go. I rolled and rolled and rolled, and then I stuck the landing.

The applause from the audience was the perfect exit for us. Time was ticking by fast. Hood Ratz got their act in place and sent out Peter to start off for them.

Kyle and Rollin came onto the platform with front flips. When landing for the final time, they both mirrored each other with spins, bouncing on their heels, and dancing. Both of them crouched down on opposite sides, looking at each other for a split second. Then they threw their legs in front of them and crab-walked to each other. Kyle rolled over Rollin and Rollin did the same to him. They lifted their right legs into the air to wrap them around the other's waist. They lifted them back up to lock ankles and grab the other's foot. After moving their grasped feet to one side, the other feet popped up and switched wth the others to set them free of the pretzel they created with each other's legs.

Kyle laid flat on his back while Rollin twisted around to grab a hold of his ankles. He lifted his body off the floor and dragged his legs behind him for Kyle to hold. Then Rollin would pick up a leg to move it, move the other in the same direction, and repeat.

The audience cheered as they revolved around in a slow-moving circle.

When they let go of each, Rollin hopped down to lay on the floor, too, but face-down. Suddenly, Peter came rushing in to hold his body in a vertical position on one hand and hopped between their bodies without losing his balance. Kyle and Rollin got up with an uproar of cheering to give Peter some credit for his unexpected move.

As Peter continued to bounce on one hand, he spread his legs to make it an obstacle. Kyle and Rollin hopped through them one after the other, knocking down Peter so he could do a graceful cartwheel.

Now it was our turn. We had way less than a minute left in the battle.

Time to mop the floor, guys.

Linus and Trent danced together onto the platform as Rollin went back to Hood Ratz. They moved their feet till they were far apart from each other, but then came closer like a magnetic attraction. Both of them pointing at Hood Ratz indicated my part of the set. I entered the platform after they switched places by going in between them. I crouched onto one knee and held up my arms as if I were showing off my muscles. I knew that Linus and Trent were mirroring my arm movement behind me. I hopped a bit to switch knees and changed my arms' position to curving down as if I were flexing my muscles. Linus and Trent were at perfect speed with me when I turned around. They both held up their legs that were closest to each other. I grabbed both those ankles and ran forward, placing the bottoms of their feet against the floor and making them crouch down onto their knees. Then I rolled off the platform. Linus and Trent reached across their chests and grabbed hands under bent legs. Then they rolled their other legs over their heads. They faced each other and nodded. Still clenching each other's hands, they turned their bodies so that their backs were touching. I ran up to Trent and leaped, wrapping an arm around his neck sideways. My legs flew under his arm as he reached his free hand under my armpit to support me momentarily. That was when they let go of each other. I felt Linus hug my knees tightly. I released Trent. Linus swung me around until I extended an arm and broke my fall with ease. Trent slid underneath me when I raised my hand into the air. Linus put my legs down and helped me up so that Trent could wrap everything up for us.

His legs were high above his head when I glanced at him. He spun once on one hand while the other was pressed against his knee. He hopped into the air when his feet landed. Then he danced a little bit to continue. He got down on his hands and spun his legs. He used a foot to push off in the middle of it. As he spun, his legs spread wide and his hands easily held him off the floor. He repeated this four more times. Next thing I knew, he was rolling across his shoulder blades. And then he kicked a leg out. I watched him retract his body until his back touched the floor. He used his hands to roll over and over again. Finally, after a couple more stunts, Trent was back on his feet.

"TIME!" the venue manager announced.

Hood Ratz stepped onto the platform to shake hands with us. The audience cheered as the projection transformed as the judges gave their final decisions.

---

All of us linked arms as the first category appeared on the projection. A music note symbol covered the screen. "Foundation goes to...Hood Ratz!"

A portion of the audience cheered at the surprise. My eyes widened. "What?" I choked.

A paint tablet covered the screen. "Originality goes to...Poison Posse!"

More of the audience cheered.

An energy bolt covered the screen. "Dynamics goes to...tied!"

"Oh my god," I moaned.

This can't be happening.

A target covered the screen. "Execution goes to...Poison Posse!"

The audience cheered again.

A chess pawn covered the screen. "Battle goes to...Poison Posse!"

The arena erupted in loud noise over the results. We were moving on in the competition. Hood Ratz was out until next summer. Linus, Trent, and I were congratulated by Kyle, Peter, and Rollin, but Rollin's way of showing that to me was picking me up to press his lips against mine. I pushed away at first, but he had me to where I couldn't get away. One hand held the back of my head while the other wrapped around my waist. I tried pushing against his chest to make him stop, but I was stuck. He only stopped when I relaxed against him and kissed back.

Linus and Trent were confused. They didn't notice I was struggling against him, but they also didn't notice I accepted his affection once again. I told myself I didn't want him after today, and I don't, but maybe this one last time wouldn't be so bad...

Away from me was Zane. He remained seated, not clapping, not cheering, but observing Rollin and me. He lowered his gaze, feeling defeated. The Ninja of Ice had run out of time.

I am posting this at 2am :D I hope you enjoyed reading! Thank you SpitfirewaterNinja and RandomDragon for leaving reviews. I will try to post again in the next 2-4 days!