tournament | ninjago {featuring your ocs!}

08 | the fight continues

- Kira minifigure sheet made by me! -

Later that morning, everyone emerges from their rooms and makes their way to the Chow House for breakfast. Kira and Lloyd stumble out of the latter's room, only to be greeted by the rest of their team.

"Sooooo," Kai smirks, wiggling his brows while Jay tries not to laugh. "Wanna explain, lover boy?"

Garmadon's questioning stare snaps to the two teens, making their faces turn obnoxiously red. "I-it's not like that!" Lloyd says quickly. "We just fell asleep together, that's all!"

Garmadon still looks comically suspicious, but he says nothing more as he heads to the Chow House. The Ninja follow him, Lloyd elbowing Kai in the ribs as he goes. "Dude, seriously? Right in front of my dad?"

"What? Not like he's never gotten close with a girl before. How do you think you got here?"

"Kai!"

The fire ninja cackles with laughter, and Jay snorts, much to their little brother's chagrin. Kira giggles, but it dies as she walks past the roster, casting a nervous glance at it. There are two matches scheduled for today, neither of which are her and Lloyd's. Theirs isn't until tomorrow, so perhaps with luck, they'll be able to find a way around it. Her mind wanders to her conversation with him last night.

"Ninja never quit," he'd told her. "And that means we're not gonna stop 'till we make things right."

A faint smile flickers on her face. I hope we will.

"Good morning, Master of Crystal."

She jumps and snaps from her thoughts as Clouse appears, watching her intently. "I hope you had a good night's rest."

The memory of drifting off with her boyfriend warms Kira's heart a bit, but it fades under the sorcerer's gaze. She grits her teeth. "Good morning, Master Clouse," she manages with a polite nod. "I slept fine, thank you."

"I hope you are prepared for the next few events," he presses, eyes gleaming. "I think you will find them quite...interesting." His words send a prickle of unease down Kira's spine. She nods once again before scurrying off to join the others.

What a creep, she thinks as they walk to the Chow House.

"Well, personally, I think pineapple on pizza is a delicacy," Jay says as he and Razhai socialize.

"Um, you're insane." Razhai wrinkles her nose. "If you think pineapple on pizza is good, please seek help immediately."

"Have you ever even tried it?"

"Don't have to. I know it'll be gross."

The two keep up their playful debate. Apollo lurks nearby, pretending not to listen, but still finds himself rather entertained by their exchanges. Across the room, Samuel feeds Noodle some of their rice, laughing as he licks it up eagerly. Lemon and Melody chat with each other as always, while Rain walks around with her tray, searching for a place to sit. She turns, noticing Katlain sitting by herself, and moves toward her.

"Hey," she says, flicking her tail. "Mind if I sit here?"

Katlain shrugs. "Sure."

The wolf-eagle sits down across from her. "We haven't gotten to talk much since we got here," she says, taking a sip of water. "You're fighting today, right? How are you feeling?"

"Like I want to win." Katlain flicks her dark hair over her shoulder. "I'm used to people underestimating me where I'm from. If I win, I prove them all wrong."