Ghost Story ► Ninjago [REWRITING]

| XXI | Rising Suspicions

*No POV*

Scarlett found herself on the Bounty, looking around. The sun shone down on her, and for some reason, she still wore her pajamas.

A pair of hands then covered her eyes, making her jump. "Guess who."

It couldn't be.

A gasp escaped her as she turned around, finding none other than Morro. But it was Lloyd's voice that had spoken, and seeing the small smile on his face, she realized that he was in control of his own body.

This was definitely a dream.

"Ah, right... I've still got his look," he told her, scratching the back of his neck nervously. "Sorry if I scared you."

"Lloyd, you..." she began, but found herself unable to finish her sentence.

"Hey, listen... sit down with me for a bit."

Scarlett did so, and the two watched the sky from the deck. It was as if the others weren't even inside, hearing their conversation.

"We're so close, Lloyd," she spoke, a bit of desperation in her voice. "I'm sorry for what I did at the alps... but I promise, we'll free you soon."

"Oh, you mean letting me fall down a cliff? Just knowing Morro failed satisfied me. Although I did get a couple of bruises from that fall."

"God, don't tell me that... I'm sorry."

"I'm just glad you got the sword. That's what mattered," he said with a shake of his head. "Don't worry about me, okay? I may not be strong enough to fight off Morro's possession, but I know you guys will beat him."

Her head drooped a bit. "He just... caught you in a bad time, that's all. Your mental state wasn't as strong, and... I guess that's how he gets to people."

Lloyd now frowned a bit. "Yeah, you're not wrong... if only we were more observant, or... or if my dad had paid attention when he came out..."

"Hey, this isn't his fault at all. And it isn't any of ours, ether—Morro was let out by the Preeminent. I doubt that with our focus on stopping Chen's army we would've noticed somebody who can't face the truth about his destiny."

His face lightened up a bit at her words. "Being able to hear what he thinks... it's kind of hectic. I've known about the Realm Crystal and the Preeminent since the beginning... I just hate putting you guys through all of this."

"It's okay," she assured, taking his hand and holding it in both of hers with a smile. "We're fighting to save Ninjago, like usual... but we're also fighting to get you back. And like I said before, we're so close..."

"Morro's getting more desperate by the minute. He'll eventually pull something extremely drastic... I really hope he's stopped before that happens, but if it does, you be careful."

Scarlett nodded in response. "Of course. We've gotten a bit beat up here and there, but for the most part unscathed."

"Good, but... I mean you. I can't tell if Morro's obsession with you is out of hatred, jealousy, or... literally just an obsession. It's annoying, but I'm more worried."

"Aw." She gushed, hugging his arm. "It's cute when you worry. But I think you're onto something with the jealousy—ah, right. My nonexistent powers, and the fact that I'm stronger than the Green Ninja, apparently. It could also be because of our relationship. My oh so strong devotion to saving you is being used against us! Oh, and he probably teases me cuz I'm a girl. Trust me, if it were Nya instead of me, he'd act the same way."