Rivals {Ninjago AU}

Chapter 10

***EDIT: I put it as chapter 11 instead of 10-

YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! This is the first chapter in a (sort-of) double update. I have the second update finished, but it needs some heavy editing. I'll also be doing a voice reveal in that chapter as my 400 follower special ;) You can expect it tomorrow or Saturday.

BE READY FOR DRAMA TO GO DOWN IN THAT CHAPTER (but this one includes some much-needed details and plot ;)).***

***(PIXAL's POV)***

I pick out a lovely shade of pale pink polish for my nails. "So tell me what happened when you interviewed at Ridgewood, Nya," I bid her.

It's Thursday evening, and Nya invited me over so just the two of us could spend some time together. I think she knew that my dad would be on an overnight business trip tonight, so I understand why she invited me over. And I'm grateful for it.

I'm just confused as to why she didn't invite any of our other friends.

She sighs, rubbing a turquoise nail polish between her palms. "I went to interview Ridgewood on Tuesday morning."

When she doesn't continue, I ask her carefully, "Why did Wu ask you to interview the morning after the bombing at Ridgewood?"

She frowns. "Skylor was spreading too many bad rumors about Ridgewood. Someone had to dissipate those, and Wu and I both thought an article might help. When people believe the wrong things, it makes them do the wrong things." She sighs. "Skylor is a prime example of that."

I nod slowly. "You mean when she confronted your brother at Ridgewood?" I've only heard bits and pieces of the interview story, but it sounds like a mess.

"Precisely." Nya rolls her eyes. "Like I need him to be any angrier with me."

I bite my lip. "Has he done anything to you since he figured out about the interview?"

"He hasn't figured out anything," she replies, massaging her temples. "Lloyd and his friends made it out that Skylor was lying when she told Kai about me being at Ridgewood. I have no idea if he believes her, though, because he hasn't spoken to me since he got home from school that day."

"And do you think he's seen the article you published yesterday?"

"If so, he hasn't mentioned it. Even my parents don't know I published that article. I couldn't have them telling Kai about it." She brushes a piece of lint off her shoulder. "On the bright side, I think the article may have helped Graceton-Ridgewood relations...at least for those who don't worship Skylor, anyway."

Those who don't worship Skylor probably comprise about five percent of the Graceton student body.

I take her nail polish and unscrew the cap. "I can't imagine keeping so many secrets from your parents and brother, Nya." I tell my father everything.

Well, actually...that's not true.

I haven't told him about signing up for dating a dating app so I could find him someone to keep him company.

Something on my face must give away my unease, as Nya catches onto it quickly.

"What's up?" she asks. "You look a little on edge."

I sigh, steadying my hand so I can paint her nails. "Have you ever just wanted someone in your life to be...happy?"

"Yeah, plenty of times." She rubs her arm with her free hand. "I've known a number of people over the years who" – she pauses, searching for the right words – "didn't live in ways that would bring them long-term happiness."