Wisps: Recollection (Ninjago X Reader)

17. Only One Can Remain

The boat's horn blared for the hundredth time and ported next to the stone stairs leading to the palace. Smiling golden snakes curled in on themselves, laying on the mortar walls. Majestic tapestries draped the center, hanging from the many curved roofs holding the entrance. Gates of violet lumber are dwarfed by its walls, yet they stood tall, embedded with gold.

You're here, and there is no going back.

That sick feeling resurfaced. You need quiet from the excited chatter and the chanting mass at the stairs buzzing in your eardrums.

"I need to use the restroom."

Skylor didn't question it.

"I'll wait for you here."

You creaked open the door and fastened it shut. You feel like you want to throw up.

You rest your unsteady hand on the mirror.

Crack.

You take back your hand in shock.

A thin fissure spans the whole length of the mirror, splitting you across the face.

You turn on the sink, splashing water on your face, trying to calm your nerves from becoming shot.

'Calm down. You'll figure something out.'

Rapping on the door dragged you out of your circles.

'I just need to get her off my ass.'

"Hurry up, we got to go."

You dry your skin with a paper towel, tossing it into the wastebasket. You flung the door, irritated.

"Ow, I was behind it!" Skylor hunched over, grasping her bleeding nose.

"Shit-sorry!"

She lightly brushed it and winced, her nose a harsh pink.

"Does it look broken?"

It still held a sharp shape.

"No. Sharp as a pencil."

"...Are you being sarcastic?" She eyeballed you suspiciously, before walking into the bathroom.

'Freedom!'

You're off the boat, catching up with the Ninja, but staying a few paces behind because of Garmadon.

The gates slammed open against the wall. A purple carpet with white, mazelike threading laid out on the stone stairs. The drumming and chanting become more thunderous.

"Ugh. I can't look away for one second with you." Skylor scolded you, running to catch up to you.

"I told you your nose was good."

"Your sarcasm said otherwise."

"You can't tell the difference."

"Uh, that little laugh tells me I'm right."

You stifled your chuckle, listening in on Lloyd over the thrum of the drum.

"...this place, how do you know so much about this island?"

Garmadon reached over his shoulder.

"Because before Chen was my enemy, he was my sensei."

The cloth slipped off his shoulder, a lilac tattooed snake inked into the old man's skin.

Pieces started falling into place.

Her glare is on his back, on the violet ink.

"Keep moving."