Flames of the Past #4: A Tangle of Lies (A Ninjago Fanfiction)

Chapter 8

"No, nothing's wrong," Kai replied to Skylor's question.

Skylor smiled in relief. "As I was saying," she began again, moving over to the crowded table, "I've been trying to salvage our research by memory."

Kai followed her, observing the books, scrolls, papers, and pens all over the table. "What's this?" he asked, picking up one of the scrolls.

Skylor looked up at him. "That's what I wanted to show you," she replied. "That scroll is where I've written down everything I remember about the book you discovered in Shillvaron's library, since it..."

"Went up in flames," she and Kai repeated in unison.

Kai smirked and Skylor blushed a little as she turned toward the table. "But... two memories can salvage more than one," she murmured, passing Kai a pen.

Kai stared at it a moment before taking it and clicking it open. "Alright, let's see here..." He scanned the scroll and what the princess had already written. He read:

"To make sure the truth is never forgotten, but kept safe and alive. Accounts from the Guardians"

Ross F. Snakes

The princess of Trynia betrothed to prince of Shillvaron

After thinking a few moments, Kai added his own words: King Brutus and Queen Marissa: rulers of Shillvaron before they disappeared.

Energy Crystal successfully stolen (Snow)

Protected the green ninja's daughter for the time being (Beech)

Kai slowly stopped writing. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" he asked Skylor. "That book burning means its secrets are safe from our enemies. But anyone could take this scroll."

Skylor smirked and stepped closer to him. "Well, then we just won't let them," she said, taking the scroll from his hands.

Kai gave a soft scoff as she placed the scroll back on the table. "What did the books say about Shillvaron?" he inquired.

"Surprisingly, nothing special," Skylor answered. "Aided in wars, helped the economy—but I always assumed my ancestors were... more rash. My father said his temper and hard-headedness ran in the family." She shook her head. "And he definitely almost started a few wars because of it."

Kai glanced at the rows of bookshelves. "Well, maybe we can find a few more books about it," he offered. "Like that one, 'Legends of the Six Kingdoms?' I'm guessing by the title it mentions all six."

Skylor followed him into the aisle. "Rinedelle and Ollander, correct?"

"Um... sure," Kai mumbled, glancing up and down the bookshelf.

Suddenly, somebody behind them cleared their throat.

Kai and Skylor turned around to find that it was Chester. The prince's arms were folded across his chest and his eyes were darkened. "Well, well, well," he growled, "what do we have here?"

Kai furrowed his eyebrows, immediately irritated, as Skylor's eyes widened in fear.

"What's up with you two always sneaking off to the library?" Chester challenged, advancing toward the red ninja. "Is there something going on that I should know about?"

"I-i-it's not like that, Chester," Skylor fumbled, nervously smiling at the prince.

Chester whipped his head around to glare at her. "You don't get an excuse!" he snapped. "I told you to stay away from this ninja!"