DARK SIDE

Chapter 1: Clouded Judgement

Kai turned around with the jade blade in his hand. His lips turned up in a grin, but the smile never reached his empty red eyes. The sinister smirk sent shivers down Jay's back. The ninja of lightning stared into his friend's cold expression, wishing he could disappear like Shade. 

"YOU STARTED THE WHOLE THING," the red ninja growled in a voice that wasn't his own. It sounded hollow and raspy. He pointed the blade at his target, ready to strike. 

Jay backed up a pace. "K-Kai... This isn't you!"

Kai laughed with no sign of humor and drove the blade closer to Jay's rapidly beating heart. 

"Oh, but it is. I'm just a bit..." He dug his weapon into Jay's chest, causing the blue ninja to stumble backwards with a cry of anguish. 

"...different."

10 minutes earlier...

"Hey Kai, I heard that Master Chen is going to call a meeting in a few minutes. You want to get to the arena early with us?"

Cole and Jay stood outside their friend's door, shuffling their feet on the ground as they waited for their friend to answer. 

Jay sniffed, "Are you sure he's even in there? It's not as if he wants to stay in his room all day."

Cole cocked an eyebrow. "Well, do you have a better plan?"

The auburn-haired ninja shrugged, looking at the floor. "...No."

"I didn't think so. Let's wait a few more minutes. If he doesn't answer by then, we'll go without him. He can figure out there's a meeting along with the others."

The pair of ninja waited a few more minutes, knocking on the door once more, before walking to the arena. 

"Hey by the way, where's Sensei Garmadon?" Jay asked, tilting his head to one side. "I haven't seen him since yesterday."

Cole shrugged. "I haven't seen him either. He's probably trying to find something to sleep on. I heard that he has been having to sleep on the ground."

Jay scowled. "I can't believe those jerks had the nerve to refuse to give him a room!"

"Yeah well, he wasn't even supposed to be coming to the island anywa—"

"I know," Jay interrupted. "But it's still really unfair! They could have given him Lloyd's room..."

At the mention of Lloyd's name, they both grew somber. The green ninja had been defeated by Skylor, who had stolen his power. Lloyd Garmadon had been caught unaware and defeated.