Darkness from Within #5: Uneasy Trust (A Ninjago Fanfiction)

Chapter 11

Wu's gaze traveled across the ninja in front of him. "As we've heard from Nya, the Baddies tried to steal Kai's elemental sword last night," he began. "But thanks to Lloyd, the sword is safe from the Overlord's grasp." Wu's gaze fell on the green ninja and he gave him an approving nod. "I think it's now clear where Lloyd's loyalty lies."

Lloyd straightened up, eyes glittering with pride.

Cole stared at Wu in horror. What? he thought. That's it? We still have no idea what Lloyd is thinking! He gazed at Lloyd suspiciously. He didn't know what had happened last night, but Lloyd couldn't have been fighting for them—or, if he had been, it must've been an act.

Kai, who was beside Cole, gave the black ninja a poke. "What is it?" he whispered, seeing the distrust in the black ninja's gaze.

Cole turned to him. "I don't trust Lloyd," he hissed back. "I don't."

"What are you talking about?" Kai exclaimed. "If he wasn't to be trusted, he would've stolen the sword last night. But he didn't."

Cole bit his tongue. "He's planning something," he insisted. "And I don't think we should be trusting him again so easily."

Kai rested his hand on the black ninja's shoulder. "I know Lloyd hurt you, Cole," he murmured. "He hurt all of us. But Nya is my sister, and he went out of his way to save her. And anyone who protects my family is a friend to me."

Cole shook his head and looked away, not knowing how to respond. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Lloyd's gaze rested on him. The green ninja's eyes were blank, but Cole could tell he had heard what he said to Kai. Growing anxious, Cole turned his attention back to the meeting.

"We thought the threat had passed," Wu said. "But the Overlord is still out there and thirsting for power. Last night was too risky—we can't let it happen again. That's why we're going to set up guards." He paused. "We'll take turns each night," he went on, "each keeping close watch on the sword. They'll be positioned near the alarm system so they can easily alert the house if anyone breaks in."

Cole saw Lloyd's eyes narrow with every word Wu spoke. The others wouldn't have noticed—but Cole was looking for it, and could see it plainly.

As the meeting began to disperse, Lloyd felt frustration boil inside of him. Thanks a lot, Joseph! he silently spat. Now how am I supposed to get the sword when the ninja are constantly guarding it?

He rose to his feet and spotted Cole at the edge of the crowd. Eyebrows furrowing as he remembered what the black ninja had said, Lloyd stalked over to him.

He grabbed Cole's shirt and tugged him closer until his mouth reached his ear. "I'll deal with you later," he hissed.

Cole gulped, feeling fear rise inside of him.

Lloyd released the black ninja and headed out of the room. He was too frustrated to threaten Cole properly as he realized his mission had just gotten ten times harder.

* * *

In the midst of Baddie Bend, Joseph sighed as he finished wrapping up his wounded arm. He wiped the rest of the blood from his face and stepped into the tavern. He kept his head low as he made his way through the crowd, not wanting certain people to notice him. But there was someone he did want to notice him.

He peered over the people until he spotted Katy near the edge of the room. She caught his eye and stared at him, clearly noticing he didn't have the elemental weapon. Joseph only winked at her before disappearing into the crowd again.

Katy spun on her foot and weaved through the crowd, getting the message. She kept her gaze forward although her eyes were alert all ways. Then she found who she was looking for.