Flames of the Past #5: Lost Souls (Ninjago Fanfiction)

Chapter 9

The wind tore through the Bounty's sails as the ninja raced back to Trynia. Kai gripped the railing of the ship, struggling to control his temper. He couldn't believe the man in the mist had been Chester the entire time. If only he had seen it sooner. If only he hadn't blamed his strange feelings about the prince on jealousy, they could have caught him sooner.

But none of that mattered now. All that mattered now was stopping Chester—but not before he took Skylor away from the prince. Kai was taking things into his own hands now. He was taking Skylor with him, no matter what Phil or the other ninja said.

"Keep your head," Lloyd murmured as he came to the red ninja's side.

"My head is fine," Kai snapped back.

Lloyd raised a disbelieving eyebrow, observing how his brother was nearly crushing the wooden railing in his hands. Kai released his grip.

"Don't worry," Lloyd went on. "We're going to make Sleete pay."

"Oh, I'll make sure of that," Kai growled.

They looked up as Trynia's gleaming silver and blue palace rose over the horizon. The Bounty picked up speed as Pixal turned toward it.

The six ninja and Chelsea had filled in the others about their discovery. Chelsea was still with them now, as she had insisted on confronting her twin brother alongside them.

The Bounty landed on top of the hill outside the palace gates. Lloyd and Kai were the first on the ground, followed by the other four ninja and Chelsea following last. They stormed toward the gates; two guards were positioned in front of them. Before the two could even think to move, Lloyd shot energy at them and they flew to the side, knocked unconscious. Usually, Kai would scold the green ninja for acting so rash, but for once he understood his brother's feeling of urgency.

The ninja burst through the gates.

Whether by chance or expectation, Chester was there to greet them. The prince looked toward them from the palace doors and a grin spread across his face. "Hey!" he laughed, walking over. "I was wondering if you guys would ever come back!"

Energy sparked between Lloyd's fingers and Kai gripped his sword's hilt. "No more games, Sleete," Lloyd hissed back. "We know who you are."

Chester blinked, looking from him to the ninja behind him. "Well, I'd hope so!" he grinned.

"You know what we mean," Kai butted in, eyes blazing as he glared at the prince. "Enough of the innocent act. We know what you're up to."

Chester took a few steps back. He seemed to be thinking, his eyes searching for something, but he froze as Chelsea pushed her way to the front of the group. She met his gaze and, for a split second, alarm lit his face.

Then his expression dropped into a smirk. "You look good, sis," he chuckled.

"Spare the compliments, Chester," Chelsea scowled, pounding over to him. "You're unbelievable!"

Chester stared down at her as she stopped in front of him. "What are you talking about?" he scoffed.

"Taking over the world?" Chelsea continued. "Seriously? Don't you remember what happened to Daddy?"

"Daddy made mistakes," Chester shot back. "I know what I'm doing! I didn't need help getting away from Dad!"

"Yeah, 'cause he threw you out!"

Chester winced. "Ouch."

"You're a jerk!" Chelsea huffed.

"Am not!"