Darkness from Within #1: Twisted Paths (A Ninjago Fanfiction)

Chapter 6

Lloyd sat in the corner the next day, chin resting on his hands. He didn't have enough motivation to do anything else. Even when he was given food, he pushed it away. He wasn't hungry. He wasn't anything but grief-stricken as he thought about everything he'd never see again.

Throughout the day, Phil had been watching the green ninja, his heart heavying as Lloyd's solemn silence dragged on without so much as a whisper. Ironically, on that day, it was Phil trying to press a conversation with Lloyd. But the green ninja barely paid attention.

Phil's stomach twisted. He couldn't bear to see the talkative, optimistic ninja like that. After all, what had Lloyd done besides shown him friendship and compassion? That's it, Phil thought, making up his mind. He pushed down his fear and replaced it with determination. I'm gonna bust Lloyd out of here.

* * *

Lloyd dragged his fingers over the ground, sighing. It was nighttime now—or at least, he guessed it was. It was hard to tell in that dark cell of his.

He lifted his head as his cell door creaked open. By the way it was opened, Lloyd could tell whoever it was that was on the other side wanted to slip in without anyone knowing, so he guessed it was his mysterious carer. But instead of being intrigued, Lloyd felt completely uninterested. Who cares who this person is? he thought glumly. I'm going to die here anyway. What's the point anymore?

"Lloyd!"

Lloyd looked up again as he recognized Phil's voice. "Phil?" he asked as the Baddie slipped into the room. "What are you—"

"Shh!" Phil hissed, tossing Lloyd a cloak. "Put this on and follow me."

Lloyd rose to his feet and wrapped the hood around him. "Where are we going?" he pressed, befuddled. The Overlord?

Phil headed back over to the door. "Come on, we have to hurry," he told him, ignoring the question.

"But what are we doing?" Lloyd prompted, eyeing the open door warily.

Phil glanced back at him, eyes twinkling. "We're busting you out of here."

Lloyd's eyes widened. "We're what?"

Phil slapped his hand over the ninja's mouth. "There's no time for questions," he hissed. "Shut up and follow my lead."

Heart racing, Lloyd hurried after him as he slipped out of the door again. Are we really doing this? he thought. Phil's really helping me?

The building was dark and empty. Phil stuck close to the wall as he started down the hall, gesturing for Lloyd to follow him. Glancing around warily, Lloyd slunk after him.

"We'll get out through the vents," Phil whispered over his shoulder.

Lloyd opened his mouth to reply, but went silent as Phil gave him a warning glare.

Creak.

Lloyd froze, gaze shooting downward as he realized he had stepped on a loose floorboard. Phil halted and winced, glancing back at him, eyes flashing with frustration. Lloyd smiled sheepishly, then glimpsed around to see if anyone had heard. Phil did the same, eyes slightly more alert. After a while of silence, he nodded and continued down the hall. Suppressing a sigh of relief, Lloyd followed him.

"We're almost there," Phil said, rounding a corner. "We'll follow the vents out and then—"

His voice suddenly broke off and he halted. Lloyd gasped as he nearly rammed into him. He skidded to a stop and followed Phil's gaze to the shadows of the hall.