Chapter 17: Versus and Ninja Roll
"Next! Nu-uh. Nothing for you." The Cultist said to Garmadon as he came next for food. After what the team saw last night they were keeping an eye on what Chen's doing. Cinder looked at the cultist as he brought his tray up, seeing he won't get food like the Sensei. But was confused when he was given a piece of raw meat. The cultists chuckled with a smirk but Cinder ignored it and walked away with his "Next!
"...you may not be served creamy biscuits." Garmadon said as the dragnet sat down. He could feel Sparx grumbling from the noise. Cinder looked at the meat and looked around, knowing he can't use his powers or dragon form. But Kai noticed his situation and used his Fire to cook it and Cinder smiled in gratitude and dug into his food., sneaking a few pieces to his Uncle.
"Well, I know what we are being served. A whole bunch of baloney. This isn't a fighting tournament. It's an alibi for Chen to steal everyone's powers. But we still don't know why." Lloyd noted
"Isn't it obvious? Chen wants to destroy New Ninjago City. I don't know what it is, but that place has had a string of bad luck." Kai remarks
"I'm not so sure. From what Sensei G's told us about him, I have a feeling it's something far more sinister." Cole commented
"And may I remind us, we still don't know where Zane is, which is why we all need to take care of our first rounds to give us more time. Don't look at me. I've already moved on." Jay imply
"Your opponent got himself kicked out." Cole utter with annoyance.
"Hehe, either way, it's my day off." Jay said and turns to the Cultist. "Extra creamy biscuits. And don't skimp."
"Taking a day off? And here I thought ninja never quit." Cole points out
"And I used to think a ninja wouldn't steal your girlfriend." Jay shot back and Cinder groaned, knowing what's happening and wasn't liking where this is going.
"Whatever you have to say to each other, say it now, because harboring grudges hurts no one but yourselves." Garmadon questioned
"He's right. You should be preparing to fight your next opponent, not each other." Lloyd commented
"What grudge? I already dropped it." Cole said
"I dropped it first." Jay argued
"Did not!" Cole argued back
"Did too!" The two continue arguing, with Jay dropping his biscuits and drink off the table. Cinder finally had enough of them bickering and silently used his Fear element to shut their mouths. The two looked at the disguised dragnet and saw his expression. He was angry and could see bits of smoke coming off him, and the two stayed quiet. The others saw this and Garmadon gave a disapproving look.
"The tournament will test them, Cinder. Either find a way for them to make peace, or neither of them will move on." Garmadon remarks and the dragonet nodded and calm down. He could feel his Uncle shaking in surprise by the shift in temperature and he'll explain to him later once they're alone. Then the intercom came live as Chen voice came as he announced
"The tournament of Elements continues. Fun time! Would the following Masters please make their way to their assigned arena? Speed, Gravity, Smoke, Nature, Mind, oh, and last and hopefully not least..."
"Huh, maybe we all got the day off." Jay uttter but spoke too soon.
"...Fire! Remember, only one can remain."
Then the intercom went silent. Kai looked at Jay with a deadpan look.
"You have to jinxed it, Sparky?"
"Hehe... uh... sorry?"
—-
After breakfast was over Cinder told the others he was a little tired and was gong to take a nap. But while he said he was tired, he was going to look for Zane while they watched the rounds. He snuck around looking for an entrance to get to the cave system but was having no luck. So he scanned the area carefully, once knowing no ones around, and Shadow-traveled through the shadows and came out into the caves. He then lets Sparx out and watched him scan around the area, then turned back to the dragonet.
"Ok kiddo, before we look for your friend. I want to know what happened back there with Lightning Mouth and Hardhead at the table."
Cinder sighed and explains what happened a year ago and was surprised when his Uncle said that his dad have the same ordeal as him. The dragonfly told the dragonet how he gained that dark form by accident and almost lost himself to it, but his mom saved him from it and saved all three from being crushed by rocks.
After their conversation they began their trek through the caves. Unfortunately they didn't find Zane, but did found the noodle factory where Karlof was located and continued looking. Soon enough Cinder returned back to the surface before anyone noticed his absence. He went into his brother's and pretended to come out rubbing an eye and went to see the others, hoping Kai won his round.
—-
The ninja approach the Elemental Masters, who are gathered around the bracket.
"What's all the commotion?" Jay asked and the team gasp when they see Cole and Jay on the same bracket.
"No, he can't do this." Cole said aghast
"He already did." Lloyd confirms
"We gotta fight each other." Cole utter in shock
"But why does it say I have to fight Cole? It didn't say that before. I'm not ready to fight. It was supposed to be my day off!" Jay complained
"I tried to warn you, but you never listen. Talk, yes. Listen, not so much." Cole replied
"Is there a problem, ninja?" Clouse said oily
Cinder stood back from the man. He shuddered as he could feel the darkness on him thickly. He left the man come to the others near the brackets.
"You cheated! You changed the brackets." Cole sad angrily
"Oopsie." Clouse laughs and walks away.
"What do we do? They can't fight each other. We came here to become whole, not fall further apart." Lloyd said worried
"You can't undo what's been done. My only advice is to be at peace with it." Garmadon imparts
"Peace? One of us has to lose! Oh, my gosh. It's totally gonna be me. He's got super strength and what do I have? Quick, tell me! What do I have!?" Jay starts to panic
"Don't listen to my dad. We find Zane, then none of us have to battle. Your fight isn't until tonight so we still have time to figure out what Chen's up to and stop this." Lloyd said calming the Lightning Ninjas down
"I think I know just the person who can help. And I think he already knows." Kai said smirking and left the area, the others following. A few hours later nighttime came, the team met up and went to see Neuro.
"We need your help, Neuro." Lloyd asked
"You think I can get close to Chen to read his mind, so you can find your robotic friend and not have to fight." Neuro discloses
"Don't forget—" Kai remarks but was cut off.
"You still need to know what Chen's up to because he's hiding something." Neuro said
"That's really impressive, Nerdo." Jay said
"It's Neuro, Master of the Mind. And Cole thinks Jay won't last long in a fight." Neuro discloses then looked at Cinder.
"You should be careful with your dragon and his abilities. There are others that have those same Elemental Powers."
Cinder growled.
"I know that there are others. But I'm sensible to not show it because Chen doesn't know. I'm a wild card that the man doesn't know."
"Pfft. You think that?" Jay said ignoring what Cinder was saying.
"You just said it yourself." Cole claims
"But you didn't have to believe it." Jay argued
"Don't be offended, Cole. Jay here thinks you're the least valuable ninja." Neuro said
"You don't say." Cole said and the two start pushing each other. They both then stop as shadows came up and grab their limbs, trapping them. The Master of Mind could see their reaction of fear and nervousness and look to what their minds were thinking. Cinder was standing there with his hand out, emitting shadows in them and his eyes glowing an off white but his green eyes appearing in and out. A shadowy aura swirl around and over the disguise dragonet.
"You two done arguing?"
The two ninja nodded silently, knowing they should stop. Cinder left the shadows, released them and took a few deep breaths and his eyes returned to their original green and shuddered with fear. The Master of Mind looked at Lloyd.
"Sorry for that. He can't takes it with their arguments over an issue a year ago. This is a consequence if he loses himself, if gone too far he'll go on a rampage with his anger, fear, and sadness fueling it with no way of stopping him. His power he has is very powerful, same level as the First Spinjitzu Master." Lloyd imply
"Duty noted. I see why he's keeping this secret under wraps." Neuro muttered in awe and fear of hearing that someone so young has that much power.
"Yes, this is why we're keeping quiet on our teammates powers. We wanted you to help, Neuro, not make things worse." Lloyd remarked
"But why would I help? You're competition. The sooner you're out, the better for me." Neuro implies
"If you want what's best for you, just look into my head and you'll see what this tournament is all about." Lloyd said letting Neuro looked. After a few seconds he came back eyes widen and looks at the Green Ninja. "It's only a matter of time before Chen steals your power too. So are you in?"
—
That night, Jay and Cole prepare for their fight. Kai with Jay and Lloyd with Cole. Cinder sat with Garmadon in the stands while the Fire and Energy Ninja tried to comfort the Earth and Lightning Ninja over the cheating Chen made against them. Cinder sat with the Sensei and whispered to him what transpired earlier. Garmadon was disappointed but dropped it when the disguised dragonet explained that Clouse's aura was tainted and was disgusted. Soon Lloyd, Kai, and Neuro came up to the seats and sat down, while Neuro sat with the others. Kai told everyone what the Master of Mind found.
"You tried your best, the rest is up to them." Garmadon advised
"I hope they can see that too." Lloyd sighs in resignation. Kai silently told the dragonet, Sensei, and Green Ninja on what Neuro found from Clouse.
"A spell?" Cinder questioned and scratched his head in confusion. "Why does Chen want everyone's Elemental Powers for a spell?"
"I don't know, but with Chen, he's like a snake. Keeping his plans close to his heart." Garmadon imparts
"Well... guess I'll be going for that spell book then." Cinder said
"Hey, at least let me do something Cin?" Sparx asked quietly from his shirt.
"Ok, you can be my distraction while I go for the book." Cinder chuckled and Sparx crossed his arms indignantly. Then Chen made his announcement
"Let the tournament continue! Jay, Master of Lightning, versus Cole, Master of—"
"Haha! That's all you've got? Least valuable ninja!"
"Eat dirt, Blue-belle!"
"Oh, Clouse, go get me popcorn. This is turning out better than I anticipated." Chen shout with excitement
—
Jay and Cole continue their fight. Using their Elemental Powers to get an edge of winning the round. Cinder wasn't paying attention to it. He didn't want his anger to come out and accidentally release his Elemental Energy. But he listens to the commentary between the two.
"Stronger than you thought, eh? That's your betrayal flowing through my veins."
"I'm looking forward to the peace and quiet when you're out of the tournament." Cinder felt the ground shake from his brother's earthquake attack. But then he heard him paused.
"What are we doing? I don't want you out. You're not my enemy, Chen is."
"Oh, sure, lower my guard by pretending to be my friend, then swoop in to steal the prize. Typical Cole maneuver."
"I never meant to hurt you, Jay. If I knew it would destroy our friendship, I'd take it all back."
"Well, if we're being honest, I was upset about losing Nya, but I take blame for that. I was more upset about losing you. We used to be good friends."
"The best! Right? We should've been honest with each other instead of bottling this up."
"Agreed. But how are we supposed to stop fighting? We can't both win."
"Well, maybe we can draw it out till they call it a tie. Quick, attack me. But not hard."
Cinder looked up smiling as he saw his brother and Jay fighting, but not fighting for blood at each other, but fighting as ninja. They fight without their Elemental Powers.
"Ah, what is this? Pattycake? I'm bored. Release the Condrai Crushers!" Chen shouted angrily
"Whoo hoo! Go Cole! Go Jay!" Cinder cheered as he watched the two back up each other.
"I got your back."
"And I've got yours."
"Ninja, go!"
"Ah, they fight together. Good work, son." Garmadon clap his son's shoulder appropriately.
"Yeah, I do listen to you every once in a while." Lloyd smiled at his dad. Jay and Cole work together to defeat the Condrai Crushers. Jumping over and dodging their blades, they wreck each one at a time until all are nonfunctional.
"Enough! I know what you are trying to do. If neither of you will win, then both of you will lose!" Chen yelled angrily and activated a button. The floor on the battlefield starts to fall. Cinder could see that Jay was going to take the loss for Cole, but his brother being a brother and ninja throws the Jade Blade to Jay.
"Winner! Loser! Master of Lightning moves on." Chen announces and drops Cole in a trapdoor. "About time. Phew."
"Cole may be gone, but he did not lose. Let what he did here today be a lesson for us all: know thine enemy, but more importantly, know thy friend. He fought like a true ninja." Garmadon imparts
"Agreed dad." Lloyd said
—
The next day at the palace, Chen announces the competitors for the next match. After losing Cole the team was down to four, and Cinder was trying to go down again into the caves. But with Clouse keeping a close eye on the team he couldn't go and search. But he has his Uncle to help him out, and sends him to go search for Zane. The dragonfly returned telling him that Cole is ok, but is being forced to work in the noodle factory. Right now he was watching with the others on the next round.
"Skylor, Master of Amber, versus Jacob, Master of Sound. Fight! Fight!" Chen announced
"Eenie, meenie, minie, moe. Catch a Jadeblade by its toe!" Skylor said as the two masters start fighting.
"Master of Sound's gotten stronger since the last time I saw him." Garmadon noted as then Kai finds his way to the arena.
"Excuse me. Excuse me. Uh, don't mean to block your view. Just passing through. Sorry, all of these temples look the same. Did I miss anything?"
"Ugh. By the looks of it, you didn't miss much." Jay mentioned and pointed to everyone he upsetted. "Maybe we shouldn't be sitting together. I mean, the more they think we're a team, the bigger targets we put on ourselves." He points out.
"Don't say that, we are a team. Sure we just lost Cole and still can't find Zane, but we're a team. Just smaller. All the more reason to stick together." Lloyd asserted
"Skylor's fighting?" Kai exclaims in surprise and excitement. Cinder face-pawed.
"What has him so excited?" Garmadon questioned
"He had a crush on her until he found out they might be related." Jay remarks
"Her element isn't Fire. She's the Master of Amber, power of absorption. She can emulate the power of anyone she's touched." Garmadon advises causing the Fire Ninja to perk up.
"You're telling me we're not related?!"
"Oh, boy. Here we go again." Jay muttered as Cinder sighed with irritation at the Fire Ninja's excitement. Soon Skylor was able to confuse Jacob and grab the Jadeblade. Everyone cheers for her.
"Yes! Go Skylor!"
"Winner! And loser." Chen declared and opens a trapdoor for Jacob. "I hope the Tournament of Elements has entertained you as much as it has me. To thank you, I wanted to give everyone fancy jewels and untold shiny things." He pulls out a box of jewels. "But then in yesterday's battle, Master Jay and Cole tried to undermine me by teaming up and refusing to fight each other. And that made me very upset. For their insubordination, all of your fancy quarters will be taken away, and tonight everyone must sleep together in the chow house! That is all. Thank you, you can go."
"Nice one, Jay!" Kai groaned
"Whoa, easy, Romeo." Jay said putting his hands up in defense.
"Don't worry about them. We aren't here to make friends, just to save ours." Lloyd reply confidently
"Yes, but your exclusion of others has only made enemies. Beware how you treat those around you, for they will treat you the same." Garmadon imparts
—
The ninja wake up. It was nearing midnight and all of them couldn't go to sleep, worrying over their teammates. Cinder have to keep his Uncle wrapped tightly in his shirt to block the lighting he emits so he won't get caught.
"Couldn't sleep either?" Jay whisper
"Not when we still have to get Zane and Cole back." Kai whispered back
"Speaking of backs, these new beds are the worst. All right, let's do—"Lloyd was cut off as a cultist bangs on a gong and the lights turn on.
"Quick, back in bed." Kai whispered quickly and all jumped back into bed.
"Good morning, fighters. Oh, that's right, it's the middle of the night." Clouse said as cultists put skates on the Masters.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Lloyd questioned
"Do you know what time it is?" Jay grumbled
"Roller skates? Whoa, aah!" Kai shout and falls, but Skylor helps him up. "Thanks."
Cinder was also surprised as a cultist came over with a pair of skates and started to put them on his feet. He was confused, he wasn't competing so why was he getting a pair as well?
"Uhh... why am I getting a pair? I'm not a competitor, so why I'm participating?"
"You'll see." Clouse said oily
"Let me guess, another one of Chen's impromptu battles?" Lloyd claimed
"Oh, roller skates. I love roller skates!" Jay exclaimed excitedly
"We should be getting used to this by now." Lloyd wondered while the others were trying to use them. Cinder wasn't used to skates before, but compared to Kai he can learn the skill necessary for this round. He roll around the room, learning what muscles and body movement to get momentum. Soon he got the basics on moving around, but knowing this would involve Elemental powers he'll be at a disadvantage if he can't used his abilities.
"Did I ever mention I once placed first in the Mother-Son Skate-Off? Hehe. I should have never admitted that." Jay spoke out breaking the disguise dragonet out of his thoughts.
"Weirdo." Master of Light mutter
"Master Chen wants everyone in the Royal Arena. I wouldn't be late if I were you." Clouse indicated
"If most of us have already fought, why are we all in skates?" The Master of Amber questioned
"Only two of you will be fighting, but the rest of you will have a chance to affect the outcome." Clouse announced
"Who's fighting? Tell us now." The Master of Speed demands
"The Green Ninja versus the Master of Form." Clouse declared then leaves.
"Master of Form? Who's that?" Lloyd pondered as Cinder watch a lady shifted into Kai.
"Hmm... she has the element of form, meaning shape-shaping. This could worked well if I played right without getting caught."
"You haven't heard? I hear she can look like anyone. She'd be right under your nose, and by the time you figure it out, she's discovered all your weaknesses, then it's game over. But you're the Green Ninja, what weakness could you have?" "Kai" said
"Ugh. Aside from the sore back, not many." Lloyd said not realizing he's talking to the Master of Form.
"Thanks." "Kai" grinned
"Whoo-hoo-hoo!" Jay cheered Ashe skated around like a professional.
"Skates." Kai mutter as he came up next to the fake him.
"Kai?" Lloyd questioned he believed he was talking to Kai, but wasn't,
"Why did it have to be skates?!" Kai cry out and falls. Cinder watched the "Kai" turned back to the lady, spoke harshly at Lloyd and skates off. A few mins later the Elemental Masters skate toward the arena.
"I don't like the look of this." Lloyd said with caution
"Don't worry, we got your back. Aah! Ugh." Kai said but falls again. Cinder looked around the arena, the outer loop was turned into a skating rink. He could see Chen, Clouse, and Garmadon standing on a stand in the middle of the arena.
"Welcome to my favorite event. Thunderblade!" Chen announced loudly.
"Hey, I know this game. It's just like—" The Master of Speed was cut off
"No, it's not like that! This is my game. I made it up! Fully original. A Jadeblade for you, Lloyd, Master of Energy." Chen said and tosses him a Jadeblade and a green helmet. "And another for Chamille, Master of Form. Where—Where are you?" Chamille reveals herself. "Oh, there you are." He tosses her a blade and orange helmet. "Haha. Rules are simple. Each lap you complete with your blade in possession, a point. Most points before time expires, you win."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. What about us? Are we supposed to just stand here?" Griffin questioned
"Also, why I'm participating? I'm not an Elemental Master?" Cinder asked
"You get to help anyone you wish, or hurt for that matter. You're free to choose sides. I'm not a dictator." Chen said and turned to Cinder. "As for you, since you were a spectator and watched everyone else compete, it wouldn't be fair for a young man like yourself to have some fun."
Cinder nodded to his reason, meaning he can help Lloyd out. After the speech everyone but Jay, Kai, and the dragonet chose to side with Chamille.
"What was that you said about us having targets on our backs?" Lloyd said sarcastically
"Don't worry, we're still a team—" Kai saids but falls again. "Argh!"
"I gotta be honest. This doesn't look good." Jay sighs as everyone takes their position.
"Lloyd, Master of Energy, versus Chamille, master of Form. Most laps with their Jadeblade when time runs out wins. Loser is out. Thunderbladers on your mark, get set, good luck to everyone, but mostly Chamille because we all want the Green Ninja out. Now go!" The two get a head start. "Oh, how about some spectator ambiance?" He presses a button to make the speakers cheer. The others take off.
"It's us against the world, Kai, Cinder. If Lloyd has any chance of moving forward in the tournament, it's up to us three." Jay said
"Lloyd's your greatest competition. If he loses today, what's left to stand in your way from winning it all?" Skylor questions
"I'd never think of it." Kai answered
"Maybe you should." She pushes Kai out of her way, making him fall again. Cinder kept his pace up with the others and thought of how to get Lloyd ahead of the others. Jay sees everyone pushing Lloyd.
"We have to give him room."
"And just how are we supposed to do that?" Kai said angrily
"I got an idea. Don't touch anyone." Jay said and skates up towards Lloyd
"Then who am I supposed to hold on to?" Kai said scared but Cinder grabbed him.
"Got ya man."
"Thanks."
"Yep. I got a plan, sorta. It would help Lloyd."
"Ok, what's the plan?" Kai asked Jay shocks the competitors.
"Thanks." Lloyd said grateful as then Cinder and Kai rocketed past them, with Cinder holding Kai as he used his Fire to propel them forward.
"Ah ha! Good idea Cin! This would help us." Jay said
"Well we both aren't great, but working together we're a team. Now let me and Kai go in for the charge." Cinder said smirking as he moved forwards. Soon a few laps later Chamille was in the lead with Lloyd behind by a point. Cinder and Kai were working really hard together as the duo attacked their opponents.
"Grab my hand! I'll whip ya!" Jay said and does so, but it was Chamille impersonating Lloyd.
"Aw, his back is hurting him. Shadow, strike his back." Chamille mocked as the Master of Shadows disappeared
"Wait, where'd the Master of Shadow go?" Jay questioned as Shade hits Lloyd's back and Mr. Pale grabs his Jadeblade. Jay pushes him and grabs the blade. Who then get hit by Cinder and Kai. The dragonet got back up and continues skating, leaving Kai behind.
"You didn't learn that in your Mother-Son Skate-Off, did you?" Lloyd asked and Jay shook his head
"It's a fierce competition, Lloyd, and this isn't the time to judge. It's the time to skate faster." He jumps over Kai and Griffin, who fall. "Haha! Watch out for the Poison cloud!" He and Lloyd skate around it but Kai goes into it.
"Thanks for the warning." Kai said queasy from the poison.
"Release the buggy!" Chen shouted
"Look out, Lloyd!" Jay shouts and pushes the Green Ninja out of the path of the Jungle Raider. Lloyd then sees Chamille holding on to the buggy.
"She has the lead and she gets a lift? I know Chen wants me out, but this is getting ridiculous." He exclaims in anger
"Sorry, Tox." Jay said and pushes Tox. "Must be my allergies kicking in."
"Check this out." Griffin said as he and Neuro grab the Lightning Ninja.
"Gotcha." Neuro said as Griffin uses his Speed and pushes Jay into Lloyd.
"We are so not loved." Jay groaned
"You're very convincing. In no time, Lloyd will be out." Skylor said as she skated off. Meanwhile Cinder was skating along by himself when he sees the buggy coming towards him. He knew Chamille was on it and slowed down. Once the buggy was close enough he turns around and jumped onto the buggy. Once on he jump over the driver and punched the Master of Form in the head and grab her Jade Blade. Then did a back flip and onto the ground and skated away quickly. He then passed the others who were getting back up. He then sees Skylor eyes widen when seeing the Jade Blade and skated after him. He was ahead of her, but knew the others have noticed him with the weapon in hand. Cinder kept his senses on high alert, especially against Skylor. He didn't want want her touching him to found out he has Elemental Powers.
"By the First Spinjitzu Master and the Ancestors, please don't make me get exposed in this race."
Fortunately Skylor couldn't get him because Kai ricochet into her. Cinder was relieved and thanked the Ancestors and First Spinjitzu Master for helping him. Suddenly he was then surrounded by Shade, Griffin, and Chamille. He blocked Griffin's attacks with the Jade Blade and spun low under Shade's punch, then swept a leg out, tripping him. He then held the blade behind him as Chamille punched him in the chest, but held in the pain. He knew he couldn't last long without usage of his powers, so he decided to do one thing so that he could make up an excuse for learning it because he was interested. So when he saw all three lunged at him he slowed his breathing and spun...
"Ninja-GO!"
He then used Spinjitzu as the three attacked, his bright purple and magenta red tornado swirling rapidly with energy. Cinder then used it to suck them in and throw them out as he did so. Once he stopped using it he moved quickly, not wanting the other Elemental Masters to attack him. But he didn't need to worry as suddenly he saw Lloyd pass him in the buggy he jumped on, in the colors of his suit. Cinder grinned at him and raised the blade up victorious.
Soon after what Lloyd did, with driving around the rink to catch up, and was now winning. A few mins later the race was over and Lloyd was the winner. Chen was outraged by the sudden turn of events, but with Lloyd winning, Chamille was disqualified. Soon after the dragonet was cornered by Clouse, questioning how he knows Spinjitzu thinking he's an Elemental Master. Garmadon came in to save Cinder but the dragonet said he saw his brother do it and asked Garmadon's brother to teach him. Also people with no powers can learned Spinjitzu. Clouse growled but left him along with the Sensei, who was impressed by the half lie he made. Cinder still wonders what Chen's game plan is, but seeing how dangerous the man is with his traps. He wonders what else the man has in store.
—
Chapter 17 edited and spell checked
