Only One Can Remain ► Ninjago [REWRITING]

| XII | Helping Out

   *No POV*

     Just before dinner, Scarlett walked to Neuro's room. She wanted to find him before Turner and Camille caught up.

     Hearing a knock, the mind master opened the door. "Hello, Scarlett. Is there something you needed?"

     "Promise you'll keep this between us." After receiving a slow and confused nod, she continued. "My friends and I need your help."

     "You're talking about the fight between Jay and Cole, yes?"

     "Oh my god, stop going into my mind you bully."

     Neuro chuckled, now leaning against the doorframe. "What do the ninja need?"

     "We all want to stop the fight. I... I can't stand to see them go against each other. They already have a rough friendship, this only fuels it." Scarlett sighed, holding her elbows. "The boys think you can help. They haven't given me all the details yet, but..."

     "Hmm... helping the ninja. What's in it for me?"

     "You'd be doing it for me." She took his hand in both of hers, pleading. "Please, Neuro?"

     After a sigh, he nodded. "Alright... fine."

     "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Scarlett practically jumped on him, engulfing him in a hug. "You're the best."

     Neuro returned the hug, chuckling. "Now, what is it the ninja need help with, exactly?"

     She pulled away, rubbing the back of her neck. "Before I tell you that... there's something you should know. The guys found out last night... Chen's stealing powers."

     The four ninja waited outside the temple, the sky already darkening. Jay had his arms crossed, tapping his foot impatiently. "God, how long does it take her? The fight's gonna start soon!"

     "Here they come," Kai said, pointing to the two.

     "Hey, guys..." Scarlett smiled a bit. "I... filled him in on everything."

     "It was hard to believe... she says you have proof," Neuro said to the boys, his voice stern and his arms crossed.

     Lloyd stepped forward, crossing his arms too. "Just look into my head and you'll see what this tournament is really about."

     The mind master did just that—he closed his eyes, reading Lloyd's mind. He saw Chen holding his staff, using ice to absorb Karloff's power, and frowned.

     "It's only a matter of time before he steals your power, too. So, are you in?"

     Neuro hummed, opening his eyes. "If it means keeping my power... I'll help you."

     "Thanks, Nerdo!" Jay grinned.

     "It's Neuro," he corrected. "And Cole thinks you won't last long in a fight."

     "Pfft... you think that?"

     The earth ninja put his hands up in defense. "You said it yourself!"

     Jay slapped him on the chest. "But you didn't have to believe it!"

     "Don't be offended, Cole," Neuro continued to read the minds of the ninja. "Jay here thinks you're the least valuable ninja."

     "You don't say..." Cole huffed, shoving Jay. The two were then fighting once again, hitting each other.

     "Neuro, you didn't have to do that." Scarlett sighed, pulling on his arm. "We wanna stop their fight, not rush it."