Determining Destiny (Book 3 of the Enchanted DVD Player tetralogy)

6 - The Alliance

y/n's POV

"We've brought you all here to discuss something important," Lloyd says.  "If you value your life and the lives of innocent people in Ninjago, then please listen to what we have to say."

Everybody's gathered in Kai's room, thanks to Skylor's knowledge of the secret passageways in the castle. If it weren't for her, we wouldn't be able to have this meeting without Chen finding out. 

"Chen's been absorbing all the losers' elemental powers into a staff that he plans to use for a spell. We don't know what this spell is for but--"

"Actually, we do," I interrupt, standing up from where I was sitting on the bed. I take a deep breath, and begin explaining. "Chen's going to recite a spell to turn him and all of his followers into Anacondrai warriors." 

There are mummers around the room. 

"How do you know this is true?" asks Neuro, master of the mind. 

"I have no proof," I admit with a shrug. "But I'm going to let you all in on a little secret: I'm not from this world."

People look at me strangely as I say this, and a few whisper to each other, but they allow me to continue. 

"Where I come from, the events that are taking place in Ninjago right now are considered history, as in, they've already happened."

"Are you saying you're from the future?" asks Camille, master of form. 

"Well... close enough," I say, realizing that this is probably the best way to explain it. "Anyway, from my memory, I recall that Chen is going to try to convince you that my friends and I are lying to you about his intent for the staff, but I ask that you don't give in to his deception. He will try to tempt you with 'glory' and riches, but don't fall into his trap. The only thing he cares about is power, and he will stop at nothing to conquer Ninjago."

"This Skylor girl, the one who helped us get here today, she's the daughter of Chen, isn't she?" Harumi asks. 

"Yes," I say, wondering where she's going with this. 

"Well, I don't trust her. She's probably working as a spy for her father, and for all we know, she could be fooling every single one of us!"

"Well, I don't trust you," I reply, crossing my arms. "Up until now, you've been quite the quiet one."

She seems taken aback by my choice of words, which was my intent. I hope she realizes that I'm onto her. 

"What are we going to do?"  Nya asks, her knees pulled up to her chest as she rocks back and forth on the bed. She looks really concerned; she's probably still shaken from the battle she participated in earlier today; she had to face against Jay, who purposely let her win. Now, there's only me, Kai, Lloyd, Zane, Cole, Nya, Griffin, Neuro, Camille, and Harumi remaining. 

"We have a plan," Kai says, speaking up. "Right now, there are only ten of us remaining. The eight that have been eliminated are conversing as we speak to come up with a way to escape. While they are working more behind-the-scenes, it's up to us to act like we're totally oblivious to Chen's plans."

"Right," I conclude. "Now, who's with us?"

Everybody stands up and nods, but Harumi rolls her eyes. Once she realizes we're all looking at her suspiciously, she gets up and does the same. 

"Great," Lloyd says. "We've probably got a big day planned for us tomorrow, so I suggest we all go back to our rooms and get some sleep."

Two by two, everyone steps onto the bed to be flipped into the underground tunnel. Lloyd was going to go with me, but I tell him to go on ahead with Cole and Griffin, since I have something to say to Harumi. 

"I know why you're here," I say to her once the bed rotates for the group of three. 

"What do you mean?"

"Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about," I say with a hint of irritation. "You came to the island to be a part of the Sons of Garmadon."

"You really were serious about coming from the future," she responds, taking a step back. 

"What's going on?" Kai asks, approaching us. 

"Oh, it's just girl trouble," Harumi replies sweetly, then turns back to me. "How much do the others know?" she hisses. 

"Why would I tell you?" 

Harumi scowls. "Okay, fine. I didn't come to compete in the tournament. I planned to get knocked out in the first round so I could find the lair downstairs, but then I realized that I'd much rather have the glory of winning the tournament and from being the one to summon Garmadon."

"What will you get out of bringing him back?" I demand. "I've seen what will happen if he returns, and trust me, it isn't good. Not for us, not for the innocent, and especially not for you."

"Nothing you say will change my mind," she states, and turns to the bed before I can stop her. She makes it turn over, not letting me get another word in. 

"What was that all about?" Kai asks me. 

I sigh. "I'll tell you tomorrow."