A Crystallized Heart |Ninjago Fanfiction|

Chapter Eighteen

Nya

I was out of breath, bruised, and sweaty, but that seemed to be nothing compared to the turmoil Kai was going through. 

We had followed Skylor to the Oni temple and managed to get inside without being spotted. The goal of this was to try to find Skylor and Lloyd alone so we could break their bracelets and end the crystallization. However, when we had found both of them alone, their conversation basically rendered Kai useless. His eyes were so wild and frantic, I thought he was going to pass out. 

There weren't many places to hide, but we found the metal support beams that criss-crossed the roof was a good place to stay unseen. Only downside was the amount of strength we had to have, let alone speed. Our crystallized friends were "walking and talking" as Lloyd had put it, wandering the halls of the Oni temple.

I still didn't get that part. Why would they completely remodel a temple built for the Oni? I thought Harumi was past that phase. But nevertheless, blast marks patterned the floors and roof. Actually, I think that's why the support beams are there, to keep the temple standing even after countless demolitions to the previous interior.

"It's not like I meant to-" Skylor said, "I just- I've been undercover there forever."

Undercover? So that's what they told her. Lloyd tensed at the mention of her being undercover.

 Did he- No... Lloyd knows about Skylor's crystallization? But wait, if he knew and we've tried to convince him that he was crystallized, wouldn't he have figured it out by now? Maybe the Crystals do more than we thought.

"No," Lloyd sighed, "no I get that."

"RIght?" Skylor continued," I just- don't know what to do."

I adjusted myself, trying to see Kai's expression. He looked conflicted, but also hopeful.

"What makes matters worse is that my mind is acting all weird" She paused, "Well, more than normal anyway."

So the bracelets do affect their minds directly, not just their memories.

"Yeah," Lloyd chuckled, "I get what you mean."

Lloyd stopped and his smile quickly turned into a stunned look. I thought his eyes flashed green, but only for a moment, then his smile and eyes flicked back to normal.

"what was I talking about?" He asked, shaking his head.

"huh?" Skylor said, "oh nothing!"

Skylor had a nervous face, as if she knew something Lloyd didn't. Oh right, I'm an idiot Skylor knows Lloyd's crystallized. Wait- Lloyd knows Skylors crystallized.

"Kai," I whispered, trying to get his attention.

I looked over to him and his head was turned in my direction, but Kai's gaze was still focused on the people below us.

"Kai, they know the other one is crystalized!" I whispered again.

His gaze darted towards me, his face stunned.

"Wha-" He started to speak, but he lost his grip and fell to the floor.

I bit my tongue, trying not to draw attention to myself. Kai hit the ground and grasped his ribs with his right arm, grimacing. Skylor and Lloyd looked at him, stunned silence filled the air.

"Uhm- that one." Skylor said, pointing to Kai.

"Yeah." Lloyd said after a moment, "Of course it is."

Kai gave a small wave, a fake smile on his face.

"Hi."

Skylor started to speak but Lloyd held up a hand, signaling for her to stay quiet.