Ninjaronpa, Masters of Despair

by JayReid

Summary:

After being summoned to some sort of Prison Island, the large group of ultimates find themselves in a killing game. will they find their way off the island? or will they fall into despair?

Chapter 1: Prologue

It all started with a letter.

I was in Medalonia, helping out locals after a rock slide when I noticed some strange individuals nearby. Suspicious, I went to investigate.
I didn't find the people I was looking for though, I found… bigger problem.

"That is… odd" I mutter to myself as I approached. There was a table with fortune cookies, insence, and a letter ""Take cookie?""

I picked one up and broke it open ""You are invited to Monochen's island to partake in tournament. Don't bring weapons and come alone" Tournament?"

My better judgement told me not to go, but my curiosity wasn't so lucky, so here I am at the boat

As soon as I and a few others boarded, everything went fuzzy.

.
.
.
.
I woke up in a metal room with a splitting headache. Slowly sitting up and stretching, I looked around "Where in world is Karloff?" I got to my feet and headed to the door.

I was in a temple or palace of sorts, rooms everywhere. Downstairs I could see a Group of people slowly gathering as they too emerged from their rooms.

"I don't know where we are or how we got here, but something isn't right-" A small kid dressed mostly in green stated, looking around "Does anyone remember anything?"

"I remember the boat" a red haired and very beautiful woman spoke up "And a letter inviting us here"

"But where is here exactly?" A gray skinned man asked

"By my readings, we appear to be on a prison island, 6000 miles from Ninjago city" a robot explained.

"Do… you think we should investigate? Or at the least introduce ourselves?" A black haired dame suggested

"Very well, I shall begin." An old man with white hair spoke up "greetings everyone. My name is Wu. My talent is tea making. I suppose you can call me the ultimate tea maker."

A grey haired man with a black robe spoke next "hello everyone, I'm Wu's brother. My name is Garmadon. I am the ultimate sensei."

The blonde from before went next "Hello, I am Lloyd Montgomery-Garmadon. I am the ultimate team leader"

"Wait your last name is your father's first name?" Someone asked

"It's complicated -" Lloyd chuckled nervously

"Sup, name's Kai. Kai Smith" A spiky haired brunette spoke. His face was half covered by a mask. Around the edge of it you could see what looked like a scar. "Ultimate blacksmith!"

"And I'm his sister, Nya Smith." the black haired woman spoke "ultimate swimming pro."

"And I'm Jay Walker. Ultimate mechanic." A short boy with wild auburn hair and bright blue eyes spoke.

"Cole Brookstone, nice to meet ya!" A muscular figure spoke. His shoulder length hair was tied up in a loose ponytail "Ultimate moutain climber."

"You look not so tough" I taunt. Cole only smirked in response.

"Yeah? I wanna put you up to that challenge later."

"Anyway." A woman with red hair interrupted "My name is Skylor."

"What's your talent, Skylor?" A purple haired woman asked with slight annoyance in her tone.

"I- I don't know." She held her head "other than my first name, I'm drawing a blank-"

"You don't know?"Lloyd gaped "what's the last thing you remember?"

"I- remember the note that invited me here. Inviting me to a tournament. But other than that it's just…. Fuzzy white noise"

"Don't worry Skylor!" Kai beamed "we'll help you get your memories back."

"Thanks-"

And I am Zane, the ultimate robot." The robot spoke. "pleasure to meet you all."

""Ultimate robot"?" Skylor chuckled "Is your talent just that you exist?"

"It's a bit more complex than that" Zane smiled. "My technology is extremely advanced, to the point of self-reassembly may the situation arise to it."

"Not that formal introductions matter, but we're not impolite." An older man with a long moustache spoke, cutting off Zane

"But allow us to make aquaitance." A younger man with long black hair added in.

"My name is Krux Clockworth, and this fine fellow is my twin brother Acronix." The older one spoke again

"Yes, it is hard to believe that two men looking so different in age could possibly be twins, but it's true" Acronix grinned "some just age better than others I suppose"

"Much like our lives are synced, like the hands of a clock, our talents are as well" Krux continued

"My talent is the ultimate technician" Acronix added "I specialize in designing and building modern technology. Best there is, even besting Cyrus Borg."

"And I am the ultimate archaeologist." Krux explained. "I concern myself more with the ancient ways. How they ran, how they evolved. My brother is more modern, I am not. We are opposite hands on a clock "

"So you're the… time twins?" Lloyd asked hesitantly

"Absolutely not, do not call us that." Krux scoffed

"Alright, I suppose I can go next." A Green haired girl grinned. "Hello everyone. My name is Toxikita Ward. Ultimate potions master. Please, call me Tox."

"Potions master?" Kai asked

"Yup! What? Do I not look like a witch? Do I need a broom? Maybe a cat?" She grinned

"There's no such thing as potions. Don't be foolish." A man with pale skin and black hair spoke.

"Denial doth not make a thing untrue!" Tox winked. "I don't suppose your talent is the ultimate stick in the mud."

"Don't be stupid. My talent is ultimate exorcist."

"You don't believe in potions but you believe in evil spirits?" The purple haired girl spoke. "Are you sure you're not the ultimate hypocrite?"

The man scoffed

"Anyway Vlad, what's your name?" Skylor asked

"My name is Shade Shadowman. Do not insult me with juvenile things such as that."

"Such as what? A nickname?" Skylor scoffed

He rolled his eyes

"Aaaanyway." The purple haired woman rolled her eyes. "my name is Chamille Forma. I'm the ultimate cosplayer."

"Ooohhhh! Chamille like chamilion!" Nya gaped "I dunno if that's intentional or not but that's so fun."

"Right-" Chamille scoffed.

"I'm next!" A floating fedora spoke.

Wait…

a floating what???

"Who- or what- are you?" Acronix asked, analyzing the floating clothes.

"My name is Elliot Pale. Everyone calls me Paleman though."

"Fascinating. Though you're a little beyond pale you're straight up invisible."

"Heh- yeah- if it helps, my talent is ultimate illusionioist."

"So your form is an illusion? How does it work? Some sort of device?"

"It's a long story. But I'll tell you this it isn't smoke and mirrors like what most people think."

"Fascinating."

"Bah, technology is stupid." A bearded man scoffed

"Surprise surprise the hobo hates technology." Chamille crossed her arms. "Talk bud. Who are you?"

"My name is Bolobo Becker, and I am not a "hobo". I'm a gardener. The ultimate gardener in fact"

"Oh can I go next??" A brunette with bright red sunglasses raised his hand. "My name is Griffin Turner, ultimate track star! Super fast. At my best you'll hardly see me coming!"

"Alright Speedy Gonzales, how fast can you go?" Paleman mused

"Eh-" he paused to think, as if this knowledge isn't there right now. As if he can't remember. He recovered well though. "Ah who keeps track. It's so fast they can't measure it"

"That just makes you sound like a liar." A man with black and white hair spoke. "Hello everyone, my name is Noah Pathis, but please, call me Neuro. and I'm the ultimate clairvoyant. I can predict the future and have an accuracy rate of 60%."

"Future telling? Witches, demons? Bah. You all sound absolutely insane." Krux scoffed. "this was all myths of the ancient days, there is less evidence in the modern day because people should know better."

"I wouldn't be too certain my friend." Garmadon mused "my brother and I have seen some interesting things in our youth, and the serpentine are real as well."

"Funny that he shouts such disbelief while I'm in the room too." A pale young boy with black hair grinned. "because I'M a ghost."

"You're dead??" Nya gaped "how??"

The boy glared at Wu. "It's a real mystery ain't it? Anyway, my name is Morro. I'm the ultimate anthropologist. I died exploring a set of catacombs. Had an unfortunate run in with lava. Turns out you don't slowly burn until you die or get out and the fire stops hurting you, you just die."

"What?" I ask, to which the boy just laughs to himself

"I suppose I should go." A man who, despite his gray hair, looked to be no older than 40, spoke. He was heavily scarred, including two interestingly shaped ones on his chest. "I am Ash Solis, ultimate karate master. I've been training hard all my life, so whatever this "tournament " is, there is no contest. Might as well hand me the prize now."

"Getting a little overconfident, are we?" A man with a turban spoke. "We don't know what the competition is, so you may not stand a chance at all. Heck you could probably lose to any of the children over there. Now, I believe there's only three of us left, let me go first. I am Naven Gravis, the ultimate acrobat. And before you ask, yes I AM aware of how ironic my name is"

"My name is Jacob Pevsner! Ultimate musician." A man in flashy clothes with a large afro spoke soon after "I AM blind, but I never let that stop me from playing my lute. I just adapted, practiced. My wife put braille on each fret to number them for me as well."

"That's amazing!" Nya gasped as she looked at his instrument. "How well can you play?"

"I'm not the ultimate musician for nothing sweetheart." He grinned as he started playing.

We all watched in awe at the soft melody he strummed out, then clapped when he was done.

"Alright just one person left." Skylor crossed her arms while looking at me.

"Da- Uh- name's Ivan Alexander Karlof. Call me Karlof. Ultimate welder. Not very interesting-"

"So… what should we do from here?" Skylor asked, looking around. Things got a little awkward after my introduction.

Before any of us could answer her question, however, there was a noise from up ahead

*Ding dong Bing bong*

"Ahem, attention residents of the island. This is your host speaking. Please proceed to the dining hall for a meeting"

"So, guess that answers our question-" Chamille remarked as she walked away.

We made our way over, looking around for any signs of who our host might be. We didn't have to search very hard though, for he rose right into view.

"Greetings residents!" A black and white robot greeted us "And welcome to Monochen's island!"

"Monochen?" Kai scoffed

"Yes! Monochen! That's me! I'm your fabulous host on this island! Now I bet you're wondering what that tournament I called you for was. Worry no longer! I'm not hosting a tournament!"

"Then why are we here?" Shade growled. "Is this all just a waste of time?"

"A waste of time? Goodness no! But I'll let you in on a liiiittle secret. You're never leaving this island!" He beamed

"What???" Jay gasped

"Unless~ you wreak havoc."

"Like what?"

"Hm… let's say… murder."

"Excuse me??" Skylor glared "you gathered us here to kill each other?"

"I did!" He beamed "if you murder someone and don't get caught, you, and only you, can leave the island. If you fail, and you are caught, you will be punished."

""Punished"?" Krux questioned

"What? Like imprisonment?" Acronix followed up with.

"No, something more….. direct."

"Direct?" Morro asked.

"Something like….. execution, perhaps~"

"W-what do you mean, execution?" Zane asked wearily

"Execution. Exactly what you think. Ex. e. cu. tion. Electric chair, lethal injection, hangman's noose-"

"We get it-" Kai huffed "why would we even do this?"

"It makes sense, no? You may all think you're goody two shoes with a high moral compass, but even the toughest nut cracks under pressure."

"Scoff- you think you know so much about us, don't you?" Gravis crossed his arms. "We'll find our way off this island, and you won't be able to stop us when we do."

"Ohhh?" Monochen asked with a tilt of his head

"What?"

"I wouldn't be too certain of that."

"What's that supposed to-"

"On this island there are rules!" Monochen cut him off, ignoring him. "You all have been given Chen books, located in your pockets. Be certain not to lose them, they're the keys to your rooms. If you will please pull them out and read them! That would be fantastic!"

I pulled mine out and was greeted by my name.

"Ivan Karlof- ultimate welder"

"Hm-" I opened up the rules tab

"Rule 1: Violence against the host is strictly prohibited and will face immediate punishment
Rule 2: Lights out is at 11 pm and wake up call is at 7 am.
Rule 3: some areas will be closed at 11 pm, be sure to stay out of locked areas or you will be punished.
Rule 4: after a murder occurs a certain amount of time will pass before the trial begins.
Rule 5: If the blackened is discovered he or she alone will be punished, if the blackened is not discovered and the vote is wrong everyone BUT the blackened will be punished.
Rule 6: Suicides will not be counted as murders. Any and all suicides will have no trial and the body will be swiftly disposed of after discovery"

"Of course most of the rules are about murdering each other-" Morro scoffed. "What are you hoping to gain?"

"Ohhh nothing much, just fun" Monochen shrugged

"You're joking right?"

"That does it! I'm not gonna entertain this crackpot any longer!" Ash cracked his knuckles before approaching Monochen.

"Wait! You idiot you're gonna get killed" Tox warned

Before Ash could even approach the beeping started. A slow, quiet beep, that sped up over time.

Beep beep beep beep

"Get down!" Garmadon tackled Ash to the floor just as Monochen explodes.

The smell of gunpowder burned my nose, my ears ringing. I’ve never seen or heard an explosion before. It was so much worse than I could have imagined.

We opened our eyes as the smoke cleared, worried, but relieved that they’re both okay

"Oh my god he explodes!" Monochen popped up with a shocked expression. "just kidding! I'm perfectly fine! But let that be a warning to you! I won't be so nice next time."

"You blew up! If this is nice I'd hate to see you angry!"

"That's the spirit!" And with that he disappeared

"W-what the hell-?" Kai stared at the now empty stage with shock and anger.

"We're all gonna die here-" Jay muttered, voice barely a whisper. "I don't wanna die here-"

"No one's going to die here." Nya assured. "We'll find a way off the island. We'll get home safe." She didn't sound like she believed herself.

That night I returned to my room, still struggling to process just what I got myself into. We're here to die, kill each other, but why? Who could do this? Who's behind this? So many questions and so little answers. Hopefully tomorrow our investigation will lead us somewhere.

*Ding dong Bing bong*

"Ahem ahem. Greetings residents! It is now Eleven ó clock, and officially lights out. Some areas are now closed for the night!"

This doesn't seem real. A part of me is hoping that I'll wake up home in bed, safe and sound off this nightmare prison. Another part of me wishes to be so naïve.

"Tomorrow we investigate island, hopefully we get out before anyone dies-" I lay down on the cold metal bed, trying to fall asleep.

Next morning I head to the dining hall for breakfast. There is a wide variety of noodles and soups, not typical breakfast foods. There are a few people eating but not very many.

They were focusing on something more important

"After breakfast we will leave this temple and explore the island, surely there's a boat somewhere. That is how we got here" Wu suggested. "We've been here for no more than 2 days. Surely a boat isn't that easy to dispose of."

"I agree, dear brother. But on the other hand, I'm not all to sure. Monochen seems much too clever to forget something like that. It would have to be on purpose if there was one lying around."

"If it's damaged I can fix it." Jay volunteered "yes I specialize in planes but I've fixed boats before."

"If we find a plane, that would be ideal. But a boat would be the most likely to be found" Zane explained. "My scanners pick up very dangerous waters, potentially filled with harmful sea life."

"So what you're saying, is even if we boat out of here there's a minimal chance of getting back to Ninjago safely?" Neuro asked

"Precisely."

"And why would Monochen HAVE a way off this island for us?" Acronix scoffed "Unless they're booby trapped to kill us the second we try, he won't just have escape routes Laying around."

"So we really are doomed-" Chamille sighed. "What are we gonna do?"

"Only thing we can do." Cole paused his eating to speak up "Try to figure out who brought us here. Someone is controlling Monochen. We need to learn who, and why, and put a stop to it."

"You think there's some sort of mastermind?" Kai asked.

"Exactly. We should still investigate the island, even if not for a way out."

"Then we shall begin after breakfast" Wu nodded.

"I know none of you wish to eat right now, but no use in going hungry. Get your strength up." Garmadon added

"Way ahead of you!" Cole beamed through a mouth full of noodles

I swallowed and nodded looking at my food and poking at a dumpling with my chopsticks before eating.

Chapter 2: Chapter one daily life: With great power

Summary:

The motive has been presented. What will happen? Will anyone give in? Will anyone despair? Ah what the hell it's Danganronpa we all know that answer

We set out to begin exploring the island.

I set off with the green and black haired boy.

"This is so stupid." Morro grumbled. "We're trapped in a stupid island surrounded by stupid water by a stupid robot wanting us to kill each other. What did we do to him? Kill his grandma or something?"

"Karloff has… no idea."

"So- where to first?"

"How about temple? First floor is open to exploring."

"I guess-"

We walked down the hall across from our rooms.

"Talent labs?" Morro looked at a sign. "What? So we don't get bored?"

I looked at the signs, looking for my own. We reached the end of the hall before we could though.

"I guess with the amount of people here only so many rooms can fit on one floor." Morro shrugged. "There were 8 rooms on this floor. So depending on how many floors there are there may be 8 on each, or there's 8 on this floor and 4 on 4 more floors.

"What rooms were here?"

"Kai, Shade, Nya, Jay, Cole, Bolobo, myself, and-"

We got cut off by a scream coming from Nya's lab

"What the fuck?" Morro turned his head before running down the hall.

We opened the door to Nya staring in horror at…

"An aquarium???" Her jaw dropped "I'm not a fish!"

"You screamed over an aquarium?" Morro facepalmed. "We're in some fucked up killing game. I thought you were being murdered."

"I might as well be! Look at it it's hideous!" Sigh "I guess it has to do though- it's no pool but- at least it's something."

"You idiot." He shook his head "if he cheaped out on your "talent lab" like this it makes you wonder what he did to the rest of them"

"Karloff doesn't think this is cheaped out" i thought out loud. "this looks like set up for crime scene. If someone is killed in pool, they’d be visible."

"So he wants us to kill each other in these labs?" Nya asked

"Or just rooms full of weapons" Morro pondered, turning to leave

"That's messed up-"

I followed Morro to the room next door, which is Kai's lab. It was a full blown forge, with metal of every shape and size, heavy machinery for pressing metal, mallets, an oil bath, molds for completely molten metal, it had the works in here

"Woah! Kai would love this place!" Nya gaped as she looked around "So would my father."

"Love what?" Kai asked as he walked in with Lloyd "Woah, sweet forge!"

"And all I get is a crummy aquarium-"

"Makes you wonder-" Lloyd hummed softly "what would a talent lab for someone like my dad or I even look like?"

"I guess all we can do is find out right?" Nya smiled, turning to walk away.

"Ah- you won't see room yet-" I spoke up "Green haired boy and Karloff discovered there's only 8 rooms, and none of them belong to him"

"Oh?" Nya walked along the hall before returning with a perplexed look. "you're right- and the hall ends at the final lab, so there's no more around the corner. But why only on one side of the hall? What's along the other wall that makes rooms unable to be installed?"

"I can't tell you that silly! That would be a spoiler!" Monochen seemingly popped out of the ground with a cackle.

"What are YOU doing here? Kai snarled

"Aw do you not want me to? I'm hurt." Monochen pretended to pout before giggling "fuah ha ha, I'm getting bored. I was expecting a murder by now. There are certainly capable people here. Makes you wonder… oh that's right! I haven't given you a reason to! Meet in the dining hall in 15 minutes!" He sunk away

"A reason? He's gonna go make a motive, isn't he?" Nya sighed. "I don't want someone to die-"

"No one's gonna die, I promise" Kai assured, holding his sister close. But even his eyes are unsure. Monochen is right, there are plenty of capable people here.

15 minutes later everyone was gathered as instructed.

And there was Monochen, waiting for us. Waiting to give us reason to kill our friends

"Fuah ha ha! Hello lovely residents!" He beamed, a box beside him. "I bet you're all wondering what I have here"

"Considering the conversation from earlier it's safe to assume that's a reason for us to kill each other." Lloyd scoffed

"Precisely! In this box is a lovely little motive~" he opened the box to reveal a bunch of VHS tapes.

"Bah- all this technology. Disgusting-" Krux muttered under his breath.

"Agreed." Bolobo nodded "I still have yet to use my Chen book"

"Wait you still haven't opened yours?" Skylor asked. "What about the rules?"

"You're gonna do something stupid and get killed-" Morro added

"AHEM!" Monochen cleared his throat. "Back to the motive!" He pulled out a VHS tape at random. "Ooo~ who's will it be who's will it be~?"

He put it in.

"Karloff, ultimate welder, local hero of the island of Medalonia. Everyone adores him… but he has no one of his own to call family."

The black screen lit up to show an image of the island. There were children laughing and running around, people buying from the market, everything was peaceful

"Ahhh what a beautiful village. It would be a shame if something were to happen. Would anyone ever notice if it were to…"

The camera went to black

"Disappear?"

The village was left in ruin, buildings destroyed, streets empty. It looks completely deserted.

"Karloff disappearing left everyone vulnerable and alone. But what happened to this once peaceful island?"

"Find out after graduation"

"W-what-?" I could hardly speak, in utter disbelief.

"You're taking hostages?" Bolobo asked, equally as stunned "MADMAN!"

"Fuah ha ha! There's one for each of you in this box. And it is of your best interest to get things started by midnight tomorrow. We wouldn't want anything to…. Happen do we?" He cackled maniacally and sunk away.

My body felt ice cold. My ears were ringing. My vision blurred. Medalonia is … No- I can't be thinking like that. It's a lie. It's fake. It has to be.

"Did he destroy our homes?" I heard someone, possibly Nya, ask behind me.

"Why would there be a time limit of tomorrow night if it was already done?" Acronix this time, I believe.

"If we don't watch the videos, we won't have a reason to kill" Garmadon added in

"But we also won't know what he's planning. What he did." Chamille crossed her arms "if we ignore it, it could be worse than if we don't, right?"

"Okay, here's an idea." Kai suggested "all of us take turns watching our videos, everyone else waits outside. Then we know our motives but no one else does"

"Karloff thinks that is best idea you've had all day" I smirked

"Oh fuck off" he grumbled "who's first?"

Lloyd walked forward and everyone else left.

One at a time we walked in and walked out. Everyone left with angry or somber looks on their faces

Except for Skylor.

"My motive was blank-" she muttered. "No one, not a hope at my memories, just nothing"

"So it wasn't just me-" Morro sighed softly

"Mine was my mother -" Lloyd muttered quietly
"Mine was your mother as well." Garmadon added
"As was mine." said Wu

"Mine was my dad" Cole crossed his arms, sighing softly

"He has Nya and I's parents." Kai hugged his sister close

“But we don’t know how-” Nya shook her head, confused

Everyone shared their hostages one by one, except Bolobo

"My hostage is none of your concern."He just turned and walked away.

"He kidnapped everyone important to us to use them as leverage -" Tox fussed with her hair "That is majorly fucked up. What's he gonna do after the time limit?"

"Do you really need to ask?" Neuro sighed "He's gonna kill them."

"No! No he can't do this! What did we do to him?? I need to save my parents!" Jay hid in his hands, body shaking.

"Jay, listen to me-" Cole held his hands "No one has to die."

"Don't lie to him, Cole." Lloyd spoke up. "One of us has to die to save the lives of many. I don't know what psychopath is behind this, but false optimism is only going to make things worse when the inevitable happens."

"Wh-" he looked at his friend with shock "Lloyd?"

"What? You think everyone here should pretend things are okay?" Kai asked. "we're here to die. That's not a secret. Nothing about this is okay. Trying to convince us that everything will work out in the end is the exact type of blind stupidity that gets you killed."

"Everyone calm down-" I butt in "Arguing will only divide us more."

"But what if Monochen doesn't honour his word? We'd just be slaughtering people to save corpses." Shade crossed his arms

"So we're all just…. Damned if we do, damned if we don't huh?" Griffin ran his fingers through his hair. "Wow- Uh- yikes-"

After a little while we went our separate ways to try and clear our heads from the situation at hand.

I ran into Lloyd sitting outside of the dining hall

"What is little green boy doing here?"

"I- Uh- went to watch my tape again, maybe see if I recognize where my mom is or to see if I could determine if it's fake."

"Well, what did you see?"

"Nothing. It looks real and the room was too dim to see. I just don't know what I can do."

"Why don't you tell Karloff about mother?"

He looked up "Uh- well, she abandoned me when I was a kid, to this weird boarding school. But then I found her again years later with my friends."

"Really?"

"Yeah. She apologized, said if she could change the past she would. You know, the standard excuses."

"Apologies for sounding rude, but why so upset if she hurt you so much?"

"Because she's my mom? I dunno- I don't remember why she left me but I remember her feeling terrible for it. I think a part of me wants to ask her why, and a part of me is telling me I'll never get the chance."

"Karloff has no family." I spoke "Karloff was also abandoned when I was young boy in Medalonia. Parents left to fight in war and never came back. Part of Karlof knows that it wasn't their fault, but part also wants to tell them it hurt. That's how Karlof started welding. Was taken in by nice family and worked in their shop"

"Wow- We have more in common than I thought we did, huh?"

"Amazing what conversations can do." I smiled

I felt myself growing closer to Lloyd today

After sitting in comfortable silence I left him to explore.

I was walking down the hall towards the talent labs when I heard a voice

"Seriously, what is this door for?"

I followed the sound to see Morro at the door to the final lab

"What is problem?" I ask as I approach

"The door isn't labeled. Every other lab is labeled, meaning this one isn't a talent lab, but then I have no idea WHAT it's for. I can't open it and I can't phase through it, it's like deepstone or something. You think this is where the mastermind is hiding?"

"UH OH it looks like you are trying to enter a restricted area!" Monochen popped up "best skedaddle before I have to punish you."

"He did this when I first touched the door too. Definitely something suspicious. C'mon let's go explore outside."

We walked outside and I shielded my eyes from the light. It's been a few days since I've seen the sun. When they adjusted I looked in front of me in shock

"This place ginormous, how is Karlof supposed to find clues?"

"Uh, hello! Ultimate anthropologist right here!" Morro crossed his arms “Half of the job is exploring.”

"Didn't you die exploring cave?"

"Oh haha." He rolled his eyes and we started our mission, where we ran into Jay and Cole exploring a boat shed

"These are no good- motors are gone and the plug holes are damaged. Even if we find the parts we can't put these boats on the water-" Jay sighed "Like sure I could build something but it won't work without a motor-"

"Come on, where's the optimism I've grown to lo… tolerate-"

"Gone, with our chances of getting out of here with it-"

"No luck huh?" I ask

Jay jumped and turned around "By the first spinjitzu- you scared the crap out of me!"

"Sorry, sorry." I chuckled a little "uh, so. Any luck in the boat?"

"No! The motor is gone, there's giant holes in the back of it, and there's nothing, or at least nothing I've found, that can repair it! And even if I do there's no paddles!"

"I see-"

"Ugh- water." Morro shivrered "I hate it-"

"You'd get along great with Kai." Cole chuckled "his hydrophobia is so bad he brings a snorkel to the tub in case he goes under."

"No it's not that, water's the only thing that can kill a ghost…. And why did I tell you guys that on a murder island great I'm so fucking dumb-"

"Don't worry your Secret's safe with us." Cole assured.

"Ugh anyway if you don't have anything useful here we're leaving. Come on Karlof."

"Good luck on search!" I call back as I'm dragged off

We came across Zane in front of a sealed cave

"It says we cannot enter due to a collapse, but my sensors don't pick up any cave-ins."

"Maybe this is where the hostages are!" Morro perked up. "If we can find a way in-"

"Negative. I don't pick up any signs of life. And even if we did find a way in I think we'd all be severely punished for entering."

"So cave out of reach?" I sigh, removing my helmet to rub my head. "We have found dead end."

"Maybe, maybe not. There is still a lot of this island to explore, even if we don't explore it all today."

"But we're running out of time!" Morro groaned "someone is going to die by tomorrow night whether it's one of us or someone's family."

"Apologies for a blunt question, but if you do not have a motive, and are unable to be killed, why are you so worried?" Zane asked

"Because people are going to die?? Don't get the wrong impression I do NOT like you guys-"

"I didn't get that impression don't worry." he chuckled softly.

"Also, I don't think Monochen overlooked a ghost being on this island. There are things I can't touch or phase through. But when ghosts die they completely vanish so what would Monochen even do in that instance?" He ran his fingers through his hair "would I just disappear and have no one notice?"

"Interesting question I might have an answer for!" Monochen popped up "in the instance of Morro being murdered there will be no trial! I would simply reveal the blackened!"

"Wait really? That's it?" He crossed his arms

"Yup! Or release the security footage, all depends on how you're killed!"

"That's so lame! Ugh boring -"

"That is not response Karlof expected-" I scratched the back of my head

"Everyone else gets a trial! This sucks-"

Monochen laughed "Such enthusiasm over something so terrible. I like this kid! Buh bye!" He disappeared

"Ohh is this a little meeting at the spooky cave?" A voice called from the distance. "What are you boys doing? Planning a murder?"

"Don't be stupid" Morro scoffed "What do you want, Tox?"

"Wow, so rude!"she faked offense "Chamille and I were looking for someone who set off warning bells earlier, but we couldn't find him anywhere."

"Come to think about it, there are a few people who seem to have vanished -" Chamille thought to herself as she approached. "Maybe they went to their rooms, but you'd think with a very sure time limit we'd all be working harder to get off this island."

"Who set off warning bells?" I asked

"There's a couple of people actually. Lloyd and Bolobo especially, but Krux and Acronix are definitely up there too."

"Why Lloyd?" Zane asked

"Well! You know him better than the rest of us in this little group you tell me. Is he acting strange at all?"

"Well- uh-"

"I'll take that as a yes. I know you may not wanna believe it, and I don't blame you. Just keep an eye on him okay? Tell your friends as well."

"Yes, I'll do that."

She walked away, with Tox following like a lost puppy

I left Morro and Zane to find Nya looking out at the water

"If I knew how far away we were from land I'd try swimming-"

"Karlof would… advise against it." I chuckled softly. "you're awfully pretty, it'd be shame if you got hurt."

"Uh- thanks?" She looked away from me.

"Hey!" Kai snapped as he approached "You better watch how you talk to my sister, got that??"

"Eh? Is there problem?" I crack my knuckles

"Oh my god Kai I can handle myself." Nya huffed "listen bud, I'm not interested. Not now, not ever. Buh bye" she walked away

Kai watched her leave and turned to me. "Listen here pal. I don't like you. At all. You stay away from her, and me, and there will be no issues. Got it? Good." And he shoulder checked me as he walked away

"I leave you for 10 minutes and you get in a fight huh?" Morro walked over "With someone half your height too."

"Shut up" I rub my arm "the sun is setting we should get inside."

I lay down in my cold metal bed and sigh. The clock is ticking, what are we supposed to do?

My eyes slowly flutter shut before I fall asleep completely.

Chapter 3: Chapter 1 deadly life and trial

Summary:

I have never written a trial before so I apologize. have fun.

DING DONG BING BONG

"Ahem ahem.
GOOD MORNING EVERYONE! This is your host speaking! It is now 7 am! All restricted areas are now open."

I woke up with a sense of dread. It's today. Midnight tonight is the end of the line. Someone is going to die. Time is almost up.

I made my way to the dining hall, where everyone was eating breakfast. The energy in the room tells me they're all feeling the same way.

A few people were eating.

Some were picking at their food.

Others still weren't touching anything at all.

Kai glared daggers at me while eating his rice. I avoided his glare and sat at the end farthest from him, beside Garmadon

"I heard about the stunt you pulled yesterday," he stated bluntly. "It was pretty ballsy of you to sit beside me."

"Karlof not expecting that sentence from you-"

He chuckled softly. "I'm old, but I spend a lot of time around teenagers." His tone grew more serious. "Now, I'm a nice guy so I won't intimidate you or try to pick a fight, but I will say this in a way you understand. If I hear you trying that on ANY girl, not just Nya, there won't be a trial because they'll never find you. Understand?"

I just nod and turn to eat.

Lloyd walks in late, looking exhausted.

"Morning Lloyd, not sleep?" Paleman asked

"I couldn't help it, I couldn't stop thinking about my mom being locked somewhere we can't save her -"

"I couldn't sleep either-" Krux sighed.

"Neither could I-" Jay ran his fingers through his hair.

"I kept him company, so at least it wasn't boring" Cole shrugged as he ate "Also, thinking about my dad being taken hostage because I'm on a murder island didn't help."

"The time limit is almost up-" Gravis reminded everyone

That feeling of dread… of despair… increased.

After breakfast everyone went their separate ways.

I ran into Chamille, who was leaving Kai's talent lab

"What are you doing?'

"I thought I saw someone come in here, but when I walked in I didn't see anyone, it was really bizarre."

“Hm.. Karlof wonders…”

"What?”

 

“Could there be secret entrance between labs?”

“What? Why would Monochen design it that way. I could just be imagining things.”

“Does it hurt to try?”

“I… guess not-”

We searched the entire lab, finding nothing in the end.

“See? I was just seeing things. I didn’t sleep well either.”

“Wait- look up.” I pointed above the forge. “There is air duct. If someone escape without being seen they would use those.”

“Huh? You’re right.” she looked at it “It’s pretty small, but there are quite a few people on this island who would fit inside. I'm gonna climb in and see where it goes." She opened the vent and poked her head in.

"Well, what do you see?"

"A vent. Duh." She looked down with a look of annoyance. "It look like the vent goes towards the weird room at the end of the hall. I dunno if I should risk it, or just turn back-"

"Is there other direction you can go?"

"Uh… yeah. The opposite direction. Hold on." She climbed in fully.

I waited for a few minutes before she turned back

"It completely dodges every other lab and goes straight towards the kitchen. If it wasn't the mastermind who crawled through there then that's where they went."

We ran towards the dining hall, which was the only entrance to the kitchen.

It was a mess.

"What- happened-?" Chamille looked around. "It looks like there was a struggle."

"Karlof will go check kitchen- you go get help just in case."

"Got it-" she ran out of the room.

I slowly opened the kitchen door….

And froze in place at what I saw.

The body of Lloyd Montgomery-Garmadon, ultimate Team Leader, hanging from the ceiling

Chamille came running in, Garmadon followed right behind her

"L-Lloyd-?" He let out barely a whisper

*DING DONG DONG DING*

"A BODY HAS BEEN DISCOVERED! PLEASE MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE KITCHEN!"

"What's going on?" I hear someone speak from the hall, but my body doesn't move to look at who was talking. It wasn't until I heard someone shout that I snapped out of my trance

"HOLY FUCK IS HE DEAD???" Morro shouted

"Oh good! Everyone's here!" Monochen appeared

"GOOD?? SOMEONE'S DEAD!" Ash yelled, balling his fist. "Why are you here?? We all know you're behind this!"

"Me? Behind this? Don't be silly!"

“Oh yeah?? If it wasn’t you who did it??” Kai growled, hands shaking as his eyes narrowed.

“I think you all know that answer.” the humour in Monochen’s voice disappeared, his robotic face growing serious.

“There’s no way.” Cole snarled. “There’s no way it was-”

“It was one of you.” Monochen beamed again.

One of….. us? No- it's impossible. Who would kill Lloyd? He didn't hurt anyone, he was just a kid.

"Who…?" Wu asked quietly, making us all turn to him. "WHO DID THIS?? WHO KILLED MY NEPHEW??"

"Hmph- and I expected you to be level headed about this." Shade scoffed. "Guess I shouldn't assume someone isn't pathetically weak just because they act old and wise."

"Level headed? Our friend is dead!" Kai growled

My eyes darted to Garmadon, who stood frozen, staring at the hanging body of his son.

"Who would do this-?" Cole asked, cupping his hand over his mouth

"I have here in my hand everything you need to get this trial started!" Monochen beamed, handing out files "These are your Chen files! They have inside them the victim, the cause of death, time of death, and last words! Now after every body discovery, a certain amount of time passes before the trial. You may use that time to investigate."

"Trial?" Jacob asked

"Yes! Remember! You have to get away with the murder in order to escape! What better way to determine if you got away with it than a trial? Now the clock is ticking! Buh bye!"

Nervously, I open the file in my hand

"Victim: Lloyd Montgomery-Garmadon
Cause of death: Strangulation
Time of death: 5:49 pm
Last words: "Okay."
The victim has a few injuries around his face, neck, arms, and torso."

"Neck makes sense, but face? And torso?" Griffin asked "What do you think happened-?"

"That's what we must figure out." Chamille stated plainly.

Chen file #1 has been added to your truth bullets

"I think we should have someone stay with the body while we investigate, just in case the killer tries to tamper with evidence."

"I'll do it." Garmadon offered.

"Are you sure you can handle it?" Nya asked. "if you want we could -"

"I'LL do it." He repeated, more forceful. "My son is dead. I want to stay with him while everyone investigates."

"I'll stay behind too." Kai spoke up "As much as I hate to admit, I probably won't be very useful. I'm not really…. The observant type- besides. Lloyd's my best friend. If guarding him helps us catch the bastard who did it, good."

"Then it's settled." She looked at me and nodded towards the dining hall.

"What is it?"

"While everyone is distracted in the kitchen, I think you and I should talk about what we saw. That vent leads to the kitchen, where we saw Lloyd. What if the killer used the vent to hang him?"

"What do you mean?"

"Lloyd's time of death! It was 5:49. We found him at 6:00! That's an 11 minute window, and I saw that figure 5 minutes before you showed up. That gave the killer five minutes to run from the kitchen, to Kai's lab, and climb in the vent."

"But when you were in vent, did you see Lloyd?"

"Huh?"

"If your theory is correct, you'd see him right?"

"Still, can't be a coincidence-"

Mysterious vent has been added to your truth bullets

"Wait- look over here-" she glanced over to a knocked over table. Something wet and shiny caught her attention.

I walked over and moved the table a bit.

"What-?"

A small pool of blood surrounding a knife was found.

"A knife? But wasn't Lloyd strangled?" Chamille asked

"The Monochen file did mention him having other injuries." Cole mentioned as he walked over. He looked down at the blood and shuddered, looking away. "i-is that his-?"

"Yes, I'm sorry. This must be super difficult for you guys-" Chamille stood up "I can't imagine what you're feeling, finding your friend in this condition."

"Well, all the more reason to get to the bottom of it, right-?" He smiled a little, expression forced. "Take whoever did it down."

Bloody knife was added to your truth bullets

"Karlof knows it's difficult, but did you see anything suspicious within the past hour?"

"Well, I was in my lab earlier today, to blow off steam. There's a rock climbing wall inside, and a rope climb right beside it. The rope was gone."

"Is it the same rope that's hanging Lloyd?" Chamille asked.

"I think so- I couldn't bring myself to look that close-"

"I understand. When did you notice the rope was gone?"

"I think around 5 ó clock?"

"Could you maybe describe the rope?"

"It's big, and definitely heavy. Most people wouldn't be able to carry it around that's for sure."

"Thank you Cole."

Climbing rope was added to your truth bullets
Cole's testimony was added to your truth bullets

"Should we go check the body out?" Chamille asked me.
I nodded, following her to the kitchen.

The sight is just as sickening the second time. The small figure hanging limp, the expressionless, blank hazy stare looking at nothing. It's terrifying to think of what he might have been thinking about in those last moments.

Hesitantly, I approach the body, looking him over.

"That is… odd-" I mutter out loud.

"What? What is it?" Garmadon asked.

"Well, if green boy was strangled by being hung, there would be wounds on his fingers."

"What do you mean?" Kai asked

"It's a natural human response." Chamille explained. "If you're choking, you reach for your throat, and if something is choking you, you pull on what's choking you, leaving wounds. His hands are spotless."

"So he wasn't killed by being hung?"

"Or it killed him instantly. Is his neck broken?" Garmadon asked.

I shook my head

"But if hanging didn't kill him, why is he he like this-?" Chamille ran a hand through her hair

Uninjured hands was added to your truth bullets

I noticed something tangled between Lloyds fingers as I moved to look away. "Is that hair?" I mutter aloud while pulling it loose, ignoring the nausea in my stomach at the lingering little bit of warmth in his body slowly leaving as I did so. The strands were long and thick, and we're a darker shade of brown.

Hair was added to your truth bullets

Chamille climbed up onto a counter to untie Lloyd, lowering him down gently

Garmadon flinched away.

I knelt beside Lloyd, gently removing the rope.

"Uh oh! Are you tampering with the crime scene?" Tox grinned as she walked in "what's the point in changing how the body was found now? We all know he was hung."

"Will you shut up for ten minutes??" Kai growled "Someone's dead! Take this seriously!"

"What's with the hostility Kai?" She grinned "Guilt eating you up? Did you kill him?"

"How… dare you?"

He lunged at her, but was caught by Bolobo, who walked in the room soon after Tox

"Enough! This is what Monochen wants! Everyone fighting!"

"I'm gonna FUCKING kill you Tox!"

"I SAID ENOUGH!"

Kai growled and backed down, kneeling beside Lloyd with me.

There were bruises on Lloyd's neck, which were oddly shaped and didn't look like rope burns.

Bruises were added to your truth bullets

But so far I haven't found where the knife injury was. If he was stabbed, then his bright green sweater… wouldn't still be bright green.

I roll him over on his back, and I find it. The stab wound is between the shoulder blades. Poor kid.

"I came in to tell you all something." Bolobo spoke. "When we were in the dining hall, earlier today, I was watching people's body language to see who may be plotting something, and there was one person setting off my warning bells."

"Really? Who?" Chamille asked

He looked around "Gravis. He sat isolated from everyone else, and kept making glances at the rest of us. Watch out for him."

I nodded

Ding dong dong ding

"Ahem. Has everyone gotten a grasp at the whole investigation? Good! Your time is now up. Please make your way to the large doors located directly below the suites."

"Trial time?? Already?? We haven't gathered all the evidence!" Chamille looked up at the loud speaker with worry

"Wait- wait no I don't wanna leave him! I don't wanna leave my son!" Garmadon pleaded as Wu walked in to guide him away from the crime scene

We all gathered at the doors, nervous as to what may be waiting for us on the other side of that door.

"Oooh I'm so excited! Monochen popped up. "I've been ITCHING for a trial! And it's finally here!"

"You're a sick bastard." Gravis scoffed.

"Sticks and stones."

The door opened to reveal an elevator.

"An elevator-?" Jay asked "where are we-" he turned to ask Monochen, but the robot had disappeared. "I… guess we just go on it?"

So we did, slowly one by one, we boarded the elevator that would lead to be the elevator to a battle between hope and despair. The elevator led us to…

"Welcome to the island trial!!"

"What?" Skylor asked, looking around confused. "What is this?"

"The island trial, like I just said. This is where you will vote on who Lloyd's killer is. Let me explain how it works!" He pulled out a comically long piece of paper. Or at least it would be comedic, if it weren't for why we're here. "Ahem! The rules of a class trial! Everyone will stand at their podium. You are not allowed to leave until a vote has been cast. Everyone will discuss clues they've gathered until a verdict is reached on who the blackened is. The trial will be a free for all discussion, and when your vote is cast, the blackened will be executed. If you fail however, and vote for someone else OTHER than the blackened, the blackened will be set free, and the spotless residents will be executed instead."

"Spotless?" Bolobo asked, a tone of annoyance in his voice

"Yes! The spotless residents are the ones who had no hand in the murder. There's no metaphorical blood on their hands."

"What is that?" Nya asked, pointing to a portrait of Lloyd. The photo's crossed out with pink samurai swords

"It'd be rude to leave him out just because he's dead! So I figured I'd involve him in spirit!"

Everyone took their spots on their podiums.

"Alright! You have two hours to come to a conclusion! Let the trial begin!"

"Perhaps we should start with the crime scene." Krux suggested.

"So, we all know Lloyd was found in the kitchen." Chamille began. "But was that where he was killed?"

"Of course it was." Morro crossed his arms. "There's no evidence to suggest otherwise."

"NO THAT'S WRONG!" I shouted, making him jump

"Jesus dude you don't need to yell-" he held his head "what do you mean I'm wrong?"

"There is evidence that green boy may have been killed in Dining hall, not kitchen."

"What?" Garmadon gasped softly. "What evidence?"

"Blood. We found blood in the dining hall.”

He flinched "Oh-"

"But bleeding out or whetever didn’t kill him, he was Strangled." Kai but in "So how does that prove anything?"

"Pointless speculation." Bolobo scoffed "as far as we know he retreated to the kitchen to escape."

"Then how did he wind up in that position if he escaped?" Nya asked.

"Perhaps he committed suicide."

"Lloyd would never! Don't you dare speak ill of him!" Zane snapped

"Yeah! How dare you!" Cole clenched his fists

Wait… something doesn't seem right. Lloyd couldn't have committed suicide.

Why couldn't Lloyd have committed suicide?
It was against his character
It was against the rules
There was nowhere for him to do it

"Karlof underand!" I looked up "It's impossible for Lloyd to have committed suicide. It's against rules. Everyone who read Chenbook knows that."

"Eh-!" He paused. "Bah- stupid technology."

"Also, we discovered a possible sign that the rope isn't what strangled him." Chamille added

"Wait, you mean… someone strangled him… then tied him up later?" Griffin asked "I think I'm gonna be sick-"

"No! That is so unbelievably cruel I will not believe that to be true-" Zane clenched his fist.

"Yeah! Why would anyone do that to him?" Jay pleaded "Tell us!"

"There were bizarre bruises on his neck that don't seem to add up-"

"I WON'T LISTEN TO THIS ANY LONGER!"

We all jumped when the voice interrupted us, turning towards Wu.

"S-sensei-?" Cole stared at him in shock

"I won't sit here and listen to you make wild accusations like this! Why would anyone want to hurt him in such a cruel way?"

"The bruises on his neck indicate he was Strangled with Someone's hands!" Chamille explained. "They were too large to be from the rope."

"Lies! Give me the evidence! I need the evidence!" He started spiraling. "You're making things up! How do we know YOU didn't kill him?? Who would do this??"

"That is solution!" I snapped my fingers. "Green boy's fingers were clean."

"What?" Kai asked

"Yeah what does that have to do with anything?" Morro asked

"There were no signs of clawing. When someone is being strangled, instinct has them reach for what's choking them. If weapon is rope, especially one so large, then fingers would become raw and bloody. Green boy's fingers spotless, meaning this wasn't case."

"But if he was clawing at someone's hands, they might have scratches on them." Chamille explained "of course, if he was unconscious when this happened then everything we stated is moot, but there's no evidence to suggest that. The marks on his face were too minor to suggest head trauma."

"There is something I'd like to discuss, however." Zane spoke "About the condition of the dining hall. It suggests a fight, surely someone must have heard it if it was as bad as it looked."

We all shook our heads, completely in the dark about what might have transpired. This just drive Zane deeper in thought.

"I see, which means that my next question is aimed at Monochen."

"Huh-? Whazzappening?" The robot looked up from….. a phone? When he heard his name.

"Monochen, is the dining hall soundproof?"

"Hm? Why do you ask?"

"Well, if no one here heard anything, then that is the only logical solution, correct?"

"Eh-? Well if you must know… the answer is yes! Every room on the main floor except for one are Soundproof."

"Which one isn't soundproof?" Nya asked

"That's a secret. I can't just reveal the room and not have you find out on your own can I? It's a cliche, I know. But what are you gonna do? Now back to the trial before I get bored!"

"So that's the answer, the room is soundproofed." Krux crossed his arms "So? What does it prove? That Lloyd was violently beaten around before he died and no one knew? We already figured that out."

"One thing I don't understand though, is why the kitchen door was broken when Lloyd died in the dining hall? What CAUSED this damage?" Griffin asked

"That's simple." Acronix scoffed "there's a possibility that no one here is considering. Lloyd was the aggressor."

"Never. Say that again. Or the next body discovery is yours." Garmadon growled

"Don't misunderstand, I'm not villanizing him." Acronix continued. "he's a scared, desperate child given an easy out. Commit murder and get away with it. If he killed someone, Especially with friends to back him up, he wouldn't even BE a suspect. He'd sell everyone here out to save the hostages. Or, alternatively sacrifice himself to save them."

"Stop it- he clenched his hands in his fist.

The aggressor? Would Lloyd really do that sort of thing? Are there any clues pointing to that possibility
Broken door
Air vent
Knife
"Now Karloff understands!" I look up "the air vent."

"What?"

Everyone turns to me. I fidget with my fingers as I think of how to say this.

"There is air vent in Ultimate Blacksmith Lab. Purple saw person run in and followed but found no one. We looked for possible escape when we discovered vent. It goes straight to kitchen."

"Lloyd is small, meaning he could easily fit inside." Chamille sighed. "I tested the vent myself."

"This is all just speculation! Doesn't mean he did something wrong!" Jay slammed his hands down. "I won't sit there and let you be mean to him! Especially when he can't defend himself!"

"Jay-" Nya reached to take his hand but he stopped her.

"No! I will not sit here and listen to you accuse Lloyd of attempted murder! He wouldn't do that!"

"Jay, relax. It was a simple speculation. No one's actually accusing him."

"I'm accusing him." Acronix shrugged "But I can see it in your eyes boy. You're only getting defensive because a part of you knows I'm right."

"Shut up!"

"Enough! Stay on track or I'll end the trial now and execute you all!" Monochen snapped

Everyone fell silent for a moment before Chamille cleared her throat. "I think it's time to discuss the dining hall."

"What is there to discuss? Lloyd got stabbed, thrown around and Strangled, it's pretty obvious." Bolobo crossed his arms.

"Wait…" Morro paused "When did we ever establish Lloyd was stabbed? I was under the impression he was just bloodied from a tussle."

"Wait- Lloyd was stabbed? I didn't even notice-" Jay fumbled with his hands.

That's right. There's only three people who knew about the knife used to stab Lloyd. Me, Chamille, and…

"Cole."

"Huh?" Cole looked up towards me

"Cole, was with Karlof and Chamille when we discovered knife. No one else was there. So Bolobo shouldn't have known."

"Wh- are you mad?? You think I murdered a child because I speculated him being stabbed??"

"No one said that, I think you're projecting." Shade smirked

"And, you DID state it as fact." Tox grinned. "I dunno about you but that doesn't sound like mere speculation to me"

"Bolobo, did you kill Lloyd?" Krux asked, crossing his arms.

"Wh- of course not! That's crazy! You're all crazy!" He slammed his fist down on the podium. "Why would I ever do that? You have no proof!"

No. That's not entirely true is it? I have one piece of evidence that may lead to Lloyd's killer.

"That is… not entirely true." I speak, making everyone look "Karloff found hair at crime scene."

"So? Everyone has hair." Bolobo crossed his arms "Doesn't make them a murderer."

"This hair was long. And brown."

He tensed then growled "Yeah?? And?? Makes Kai just as suspicious as I, doesn't it?"

"Except for one crucial detail." Chamille pointed out. And I'm sure we can all come to the same conclusion."

"Well I can't?? So just tell me! Why do you think I'm so guilty?!"

"You have a beard." She said plainly. "Lloyd's bruises indicate he was being choked with Someone's bare hands while facing them. The blood at the crime scene indicates he was laying on his back. The bruises on his chest indicate he was being knelt on to hold him down. Considering the fact that kneeling would also suffocate him, he probably lost consciousness fairly quickly."

"Da, which is why none of us have any scratches from him fighting back." I agree. "But if Lloyd grabbed at attacker with last bit of strength, he'd get tangled in the only thing he can grab."

Acronix scoffed "That's circumstancial evidence at best. Are you REALLY willing to gamble your lives on some hair?"

"but there's only two people here with long brown hair. Only ONE of them has it stuck to his face." Tox chimed in

"I can't exactly speak on appearance, so I'm no help there, but I am willing to say that's really risky." Jacob added in.

"Are you kidding me? Y'all are talking about this as if you can't decide between some guy and Lloyd's friend as to who killed him!" Nya cut in "one of those individuals seems more likely to be the one to kill him then the other!"

"You put too much faith in what desperate people are and are not willing to do." Shade crossed his arms. "You said it yourself that your parents were at risk."

"So! We've come to a stand still huh?" Monochen beamed as he pressed a button.

The eight of us who were arguing yelped and gripped our stands as the court room split and pulled us to the middle. Chamille, Nya, Tox and I on one side, and Bolobo Shade Jacob and Acronix on the other.

"What the-?" Acronix looked around "What happened?"

"Why'd we move? What's going on?" Jacob was still holding his stand.

"This is what's called a scrum debate!" Monochen beamed "When 8 or more people come to an indecisive conclusion to a point the room will split and the two talking points will face off and make their case. The teams are team Aqua and team Smoulder. Team Aqua is debating why it's Bolobo's hair, and team Smoulder is debating whether it's Kai's."

"Why it's Kai's should be obvious. He's close enough to Lloyd to be able to lure him to the dining hall." Shade crossed his arms

"Hold it! There's no conclusive evidence that Lloyd was lured. He could have just been wrong place wrong time." Nya pointed out.

"Gambling everyone's lives over the fact someone has a beard is foolish." Acronix scoffed. "give more conclusive evidence."

"For him to lose consciousness as fast as he appeared to have, he'd need a lot of body weight. Kai is too small and too light to do so effectively." Chamille crossed her arms.

"Just because no one has scratches doesn't mean he lost consciousness quickly." Bolobo slammed his hands down "The killer may have been wearing gloves! And who has gloves in their shop? The blacksmith maybe?"

"Gloves have yet to be relevant to the case until now. That's more circumstancial than the beard hair." Tox grinned

"I just don't know how a strand of hair is the decisive factor in all this." Jacob fumbled with his sleeves

"Which is fine, but technically music man is doing the same by writing off evidence as risky." I point out

"And THAT'S why it can't be Kai. You understand?" Chamille asked the group. Jacob and Acronix agreed, while the other two merely scoffed in annoyance.

Without any warning the room rearranged itself and we were pulled back to the positions we were before.

"So that's it huh?" Garmadon snarled "We got the bastard? We can vote for him to die now?"

"No. I'm still not satisfied." Chamille crossed her arms. "Nya brought up something in the debate I wish to address, and that's why Lloyd was there in the first place. If he was lured, wrong place wrong time, or a third reason we might have overlooked."

"Overlooked? What do you mean?" Kai scoffed "You can't be implying that Acronix's accusation earlier was right. Lloyd wouldn't do that!"

"Also remember what I said about desperate people." Shade pointed out. "He could have planned to kill anyone and someone just beat him to the punch instead. Fear and desperation are terrifying forces to be reckoned with."

"And, as stated before, Karlof and I discovered a vent in Kai's lab, it leads to the kitchen. Directly to the kitchen. It's small, so most people here wouldn't fit. But Lloyd definitely could."

"Why were you even looking in the first place?" Kai crossed his arms

"I saw someone go in your lab, and no one was in there when I looked"

"So we figured secret entrance was most likely." I agreed.

"But for that window of time for them to vanish, wouldn't they need to already know about the vent?" Paleman asked. "Wouldn't that just make Kai more suspicious?"

"I don't think so." Zane spoke "It's Kai's lab, he wouldn't NEED to hide in the vent. He'd be the least suspicious person to find in his lab. And if he was luring Lloyd he wouldn't need to sneak around. As stated before they're friends."

"Are you guys forgetting that Bolobo basically confessed to stabbing him what even is this conversation right now?" Morro groaned.

"Yeah seriously! Why are we even still debating this?" Jay huffed. "I'm ready to cast my vote come on!"

"That sounds like my cue! Everyone ready to cast their votes?" Monochen beamed

"HOLD IT!"

We all turn to see Bolobo, looking like he's ready to snap.

"I'm not backing down yet! I'm not just gonna lay down and die!"

"Bolobo it's over." Skylor crossed her arms

"IT'S NOT! NOTHING IS OVER!" He growled.

"This is just sad to watch-" Cole crossed his arms "I dunno if I can vote to kill a guy-"

"I can do this. I have no remorse, either." Kai said plainly.

"NO! GIVE ME ONE REASON! ONE SOLID BIT OF PROOF AS TO WHY I DID IT!"

"Bolobo, we already established the hair, the grip on his throat, the fact that he has no signs of fighting back from the rope, and how Lloyd got to the room. What's left to discuss?" Garmadon groaned, getting frustrated and angry

"Wait- there's one thing we're overlooking." I perked up. "it's very important information too."

"What is it? Spit it out! This trial is going in circles." Ash massaged his head "it's like watching monkeys talk politics."

"The rope that hung Lloyd!" Chamille perked up "of course! How could we look over something so major!"

"What about it?" Bolobo snarled.

"Cole told us that it was taken from him, around 5."

"So?"

"He also said it's a very heavy bulky rope."

"So someone strong took his climbing rope from his lab? Is that what you're saying?"

"I- didn't say what the rope was from?" Chamille blinked

"You REALLY need to think before you speak dude that's twice now." Morro scoffed

"Okay I'm getting bored of this hollow back and forth, let's just vote." Neuro said "Monochen, if you please."

"Of course!" The robot pressed a button "Just press the right button on the tablet in front of you to vote."

We all voted and a spinning wheel appeared from the floor

"BOLOBO: GUILTY!!"

Garmadon nearly pounced on the man but was held back by three people "HOW DARE YOU??? HE WAS A BOY! A CHILD! HOW COULD YOU KILL HIM???"

We all looked at Bolobo, looking for an answer. He just scoffed. "If it eases your nerves a little, I do have regrets that I'll take to my grave. And I know this is the last thing you want to hear, but there is truth in what was said. Our brawl was a matter of life and death."

Wu scoffed. "You defended yourself from a child by wounding him and killing him?"

"The wound was accidental. The choking was mercy. Let me explain."

"I had received a note telling me to meet him in the dining hall. I have that note right here. It reads:

"There's only one solution to this motive. Meet me at the dining hall to explain."

And so I did, I met at the dining hall to see Lloyd kneeling on the floor with a knife in his hand."

"Lloyd was what?" Cole gaped

""What is this?" I asked him. "What are you doing?"

"The solution is to kill someone right?" He looked up at me with cold, emotionless eyes. "I'll take the hit. Kill me. Save the hostages."

"Are you mad? I can't kill a child!"

He chuckled, a dry, empty laugh. "Okay."

He got up, seemingly going to walk away but he grabbed the knife and lunged at me. That's when our fight broke out. And that's when it happened. His body twisted and formed this vortex of pure green light. It was breath taking at first until it grew out of control and tore up the dining hall completely. Lloyd came out of it, confused as to what happened, without a knife in his hand, and very dizzy. He stumbled to the floor, landing on the knife that was now embedded in his spine. In an act of mercy I strangled him to end his suffering and went to retrieve the rope, removed the knife, and tied him up in the kitchen."

"But why. Why would you hang him up like that?"

"I was hoping that if it looked like a suicide, there would be no trial and no one else would die. It appears I was wrong however, because the one that is going to die now is me."

"You make me sick." Kai snarled. "You don't get sympathy from me. You don't get to play victim here. You still chose to take his life."

"Oh yeah! Lloyd's injury was non-fatal he would have been fine in the long run!" Monochen beamed

Everyone turned to him horrified.

Especially Bolobo, who looked down at his own hands in horror. "No-"

Kai snarled "I hope you think about that guilt every second. I hope you suffer."

"Kai enough!" Nya looked at her brother with a look of anger, but her gaze softened as she watched her brother tremble. It’s not just anger, we all know that.

"No. It's alright I deserve every second of it." Bolobo sighed softly and stepped off his podium. "I'm ready. Where do I go for punishment Monochen?"

"I'm not done with you!" Garmadon snarled. "You could have gotten help for him. You could have done something to help instead of killing him. What was it? Opportunity? I need a reason!"

Bolobo let out a shaky sigh, slouching a little. "My hostage is my wife. She's the only important thing to me. So yes, there was that brief thought of opportunity behind it." He straightened back up. "Well, I suppose this is it, isn't it. I hope to see you all again, in another life perhaps, or perhaps in the cursed realm." his eyes shifted over to someone in particular at that last statement, but i didn’t quite catch who.

"Alright everyone! I have prepared a special punishment for Bolobo Becker, the Ultimate Gardener! Let's give it everything we got! It's punishment time!!"

Notes:

So, we know who did it. Who killed Lloyd. What punishment awaits for him?

Chapter 4: Chapter one execution and end trial

Summary:

this chapter is short, but i wanted it to be separated from the trial, just for the little bit of suspence

As soon as Monochen hit the button a long heavy chain latched around Bolobo's neck

"Wait-! WaitwaitnoIchangemymind-! NO!" He was yanked back, being dragged by a chain

As soon as he disappeared we saw him appear on the screen.

Bolobo was dragged into a greenhouse, looking around.

"Vines of wrath- execution for Bolobo Becker, the Ultimate Gardener"

There were potted plants surrounding him and a sign that said "pick one". He approached one cautiously, reaching for it. Just before he grabbed it a vine shot out of it and wrapped around his wrist, yanking him into the air. Another vine wrapped around his other arm, and two more around his legs. He fought with them to let go, until one wrapped around his neck and squeezed. He squirmed and choked until the plant he reached for burst up in the air, impaling him through the stomach.

We watched in horror as his body went limp, suspended in midair by the plants until the screen shut off

"Oh my God!" Skylor gasped

"Yo what the actual fuck??" Morro fussed with his jacket sleeve

"Got what he deserved" Kai scoffed, turning to leave.

"Got what he deserved?? Kai you just watched a man get brutally slaughtered!" Cole called after him

"Let him go, he's upset." Gravis placed a hand on Cole's shoulder.

"I feel ill-" Neuro held his head "This is all just too much for me-"

"I think it's time we go, try to get some sleep-" Ash rubbed his neck. "Emphasis on try. I don't think I'll be sleeping tonight-"

We all nod in agreement before going our separate ways.

Morro walked beside me as we headed to our rooms

"How you feeling?"

"What does you mean?"

"You were like- the main driving factor that lead to the end of the trial. You and Chamille. I was seeing if you were okay."

"No." I replied, sighing in exhaustion. "Karlof never had to sentence someone to death before- it was worse than could've imagined- Don't want to go through that again if possible."

"Yeah- I know a lot of us were…. Really quiet throughout the trial but what can you really say in this situation? A kid died and we had like an hour to gather all the clues to solve his murder then talk it out until we had someone else to kill. Or we were all gonna die-"

"Yeah-" Morro fazed through my door like it was normal as I was reaching for it. I kinda froze, forgetting that he was dead for a second.

"You coming or what?" He asked as he poked his head out, only to realize what was going on "Oh- right. Haha forgot most people aren't used to seeing ghosts. Sorry." He disappeared again and I walked inside.

I sat at the bed and sighed, drained. "I hate it here-"

"Wow your bed is solid metal? That looks so uncomfortable." Morro knocked on it

"it is-" I groaned "What does your room look like?"

"Well for one it doesn't have a doorknob so only I can go in. And the best way to describe it is…. Stereotypically gothic, but green codes? You know what I'm saying? Spider web bed sheets, ghostly curtains. Stereotypical stuff. I don't even sleep. Why do I need a bed??"

I chuckle softly, making him smile.

"But- Uh- if you're not gonna sleep tonight I'd happily keep you company."

"Karlof is alright. Perhaps check on Chamille-"

“Are- you sure?”

“Yes- Karlof would… rather be alone right now-”

He nodded and left

Chapter 5: Chapter two: Tea parties and homicide daily life

Summary:

And here's the daily life of chapter two down! as I get more comfortable with writing these chapters will get longer I promise. I'm still not used to writing these characters yet so bear with me! Enjoy

No one talked at breakfast. Nobody looks like they even slept.

Especially Garmadon, who isolated himself from everyone.

Another observation I have is Morro wasn't there, and neither was Chamille.

Feeling a sense of dread and fearing the worst I promptly turned and left, looking for them.

I found an entry way to the second floor.

Wait entry way?

I nervously started upstairs, bracing myself for Monochen to pop up and declare that I'll be punished, but he never came.

"I guess he opened up the floor after the trial?" I hear Chamille ask from down the hall. I follow her voice, entering a very impressive looking roller derby ring.

"Wow. That is most impressive." I gasp in awe as I walk in.

"Oh hey!" Morro waved "Check this shit out! It's HUGE!"

I nod as I pick up a very beautiful decorative sword up off the wall

"Woah! Is that thing made out of jade?" Chamille gasped as she analyzed the blade. "It's gorgeous!"

"How did you two find this place? Or discover upstairs was open at all."

"I noticed it on my way to Chamille's room last night." Morro shrugged. "she wasn't tired so we've been exploring all night. This rink was off limits overnight though so we had to wait til morning came around."

"Speaking of the subject of this floor, there are more labs on this floor." Chamille fussed with her hair "And we were thinking you might wanna come with us to look."

Confused, I followed.

"Oh-"

And stood at the door to a lab that will never be entered by its intended recipient. The lab of the ultimate team leader.

The lab of Lloyd Montgomery-Garmadon.

"Should- should we go in-?" Morro asked. "Like - Lloyd is dead so- is it really okay?"

"We're going to have that same thought process with everyone that dies, but there's really no good answer to the question." Chamille crossed her arms "Like certainly if we want to we can go in, presuming there's no rule stopping you from doing so. But- morally? I'm not quite so sure."

I just stare blankly at the door, my brain going fuzzy. It might be the lack of sleep, or possibly the lack of eating but I suddenly don't feel good. I lean on the wall behind me, squeezing my eyes shut as images flash in my mind. First of my motive video, then the conversation I had with Lloyd, how scared he was. Then his body just…. Hanging there. I didn't even realize I had fallen to the floor until…

"Karlof?"

My eyes snapped back open to see them both staring at me with looks of worry. My throat stung, like I was screaming.

"What's going on big guy? You okay?" Morro asked as Chamille helped me to my feet

"Uh-" I blink a few times "Da- what happened?"

"You were staring off into space before just collapsing to the floor and started screaming-" Chamille stated plainly. "There's an infirmary on this floor maybe you should go lie down-"

"Niet- Karlof doesn't need to-" I gently nudge my hand away and look at the other labs, interest peaked when I see my name.

"Hey Hey! This floor is open now?? Neat!" I hear someone say before I can open it.

"Hello Griffin." Chamille said flatly, crossing her arms

"Howdy beautiful. How's it going?"

She groaned and rolled her eyes.

"Hey handsome how's it going? Why don't you take off your glasses so I can look at those beautiful eyes of yours hm~?" Morro cooed, reveling in the discomfort of Griffin.

"Uh-"

"Nice hair~ god you're hot"

"Dude what-?"

"Not fun being hit on when you don't like it, huh? Good. Now stop doing it to her."

Griffin, red in the face, just turned and walked away

"Thank you but I didn't need your help."

"You're welcome. I understand how it feels being hit on by….. people you're not attracted to-"

"Yes. Ahaha-" Chamille looked away awkwardly. "He's not my type- hehe-"

"So what is your type?" He grinned "Green hair and crop top?"

"Oh shut up" she flushed and walked away

Once alone again my interest spiked and I returned to my door. I opened it slowly before walking in.

"There must be mistake-" I look around. "What is this-?"

"What's up big guy?" Griffin walks in behind me. "Woah this place looks wicked yo."

"Da, it is nice, but… looks exactly like ultimate blacksmith lab."

"He just copied Kai's lab? But aren't welding and blacksmithing completely different?"

"They are- something is off here"

"Are you questioning my superior design skills?" Monochen popped up out of the ground

"Da. What is reason for this? It look exactly like blacksmith lab."

"Ahaha! You expect me to come up with 21 completely unique and exciting labs? Especially with a talent as dull as yours? Besides they're not completely identical you have different tools. Maybe you'd know that if you didn't just immediately judge it the second you walked in."

I just huff before blurting out the question that's been eating at me "Uh- is entering dead people's labs against rules?"

"Hm? Why do you ask?"

"Uh- Lloyd-"

"Ohhhhh right! I forgot about Lloyd. Yeah it's totally fine!"

My breath caught in my throat. Should I go in? Should I invade the space of the recently dead? Should I just leave it alone? Let his father be the first one inside. I still remember what he said when we explored just a couple days ago…

"Makes you wonder-" Lloyd hummed softly "what would a talent lab for someone like my dad or I even look like?"

A question that he’ll never have answered.

I walk out of my lab to see Garmadon, standing where I stood with what I’m assuming is the same expression I had. I walk over to him.

“It hurts, you know. Knowing my son will never see this room. As a father, I can’t bear to imagine what was going through his head. I just wish he spoke to me, maybe he’s be here, Maybe he’d be alive.”

“It is no-”

“I know it’s not my fault, spare me your sympathy.” He stated flatly. “But it still hurts, seeing the state of my only child like that. I haven’t lost hope, however. This just made me more determined to get the bastard who caused this.”

“Monochen said it’s alright to enter.” I speak gently, knowing that he’s angry and in pain. Last thing I should do is make him mad.

Garmadon’s eyes flicked up to the name plate on the door, contemplating. He nodded and reached for the handle.

The room was set up like a dojo. Bamboo mats and practice swords hung neatly on the wall, a punching bag to the side as well as gym mats. Garmadon looked around fondly before looking at something.

“A jade blade? I saw one of these in the roller rink before.” he picked it up. The cold stone sword seemed to be heavy, because he almost dropped it. “I’ve seen these before, but… where?”

“Perhaps ultimate archeologist may know? He said he studies artifacts.”

“Krux?” he chuckled faintly “Maybe, but he might not talk to me. He and I aren’t exactly… friends.”

“What does you mean?”

“It’s simple. We both were soldiers in the serpentine war. As was his brother. My memories are fuzzy so I don't remember all the details but I know he and Acronix turned on us soon after.”

“Was your brother soldier too?”

“Yes, I was.” Wu walked in with a cup of tea. “That was a long time ago, I’ve since retired and taken up tea making.” He handed Garmadon a cup of “calming tea” as he put it

Drinking the tea, Garmadon’s posture laxed a bit. “What kind of sick motive do you think he’ll have for us this time? Holding puppies at gunpoint? Lock up the boys? Some sort of psychological warfare?”

“I don’t think we should talk about this.” Wu sighed. “Not yet. We’re all still shaken from what happened yesterday.”

“Do you want me to pretend it didn’t happen?” Garmadon snarled, making both of us back up in fear.

“I don’t think is what he meant-” I try to speak up, but quiet down when he glares at me.

“It’s alright, Karlof. He’s grieving. It will take time for him to feel better.”

“Feel better?? My son was murdered! This isn’t something I can just get past!”

“I understand that brother I was trying to-”

“Trying to what, Wu?? Make me feel better?? Congrats you did a wonderful job!”

“Karlof should go-”

“I’ll join you, he needs time.” Wu spoke as he followed me out. His hands shook as he walked, forcing down his own emotions.

“Are- you-”

“I’ll be fine.” Wu sighed “My brother’s temper isn’t new to me. But he has come so far from the angry child he was, that seeing him like this is…. Hard.”

“Karlof understands. Being young boy in Medalonia, Karlof was very angry. Karlof once hurt brother by accident. Never forgave myself-”

“Apologies for the question but Monochen’s video said you had no family-”

“Not anymore. After parents abandoned Karlof I was taken in by nice family. Worked in their shop. One day there was fire. Karlof was only one who got out-”

“I’m so sorry.”

After talking for a while, I felt myself growing closer to Wu.

We parted ways and I stumbled upon Kai and Nya, who were exploring the infirmary.

“There seems to be some over the counter pain killers on this shelf.” Nya said, reading a bottle.

“This shelf has poison.” Kai said flatly. “Of course. Monochen can’t have even a room for healing free of murder weapons-”

“Oh, hello Karlof.” Nya smiled kindly at me, but looking at the siblings they both look exhausted. Not that I blame them.

“Da- hello. Karlof is here to see how you are doing-”

“As well as can be expected.” Kai sighed. “We haven’t even been here a week, but I’m so tired. Tired of death- I want Lloyd back.”

“Karlof understands. I can’t imagine what you are feeling right now, but is here if you need support-”

“Thank you” Nya smiled. Kai just huffed.

 

*Ding Dong Bing Bong*

“Ahem! Attention residents! Please make your way to the dining hall for an island meeting ASAP.”

I felt myself tense at the announcement. Another motive. With a pressure in my chest i follow Garmadon out and downstairs, where everyone was meeting

“Gooooood morning everyone!” Monochen beamed. “I see you all noticed the extra space upstairs!”

“What’s it about?” Cole questioned “You didn’t say anything about it before.”

“Oh come now, it’s more fun if you figure it out yourself.” the robot laughed, to the amusement of nobody. “But that’s not the only reason you’re here.”

“It’s about a motive, isn’t it?” Neuro asked.

“Precisely! And a motive i have.” He pulled out a staff. “This is called the Staff of elements.”

“You want us to kill each other over a stick?” Shade scoffed. Kai’s eyes were locked on it, eyes expressing an emotion i don’t recognize

“Not just any stick. A stick storing your elemental powers.”

“Our what??” Skylor exclaimed

“Yes yes! You are all elemental masters! Your powers were stolen from you when you arrived, and I have them stored in this staff. Whomever is the blackened this time will get their powers returned.”

“This has to be bullshit, right?” Ash scoffed

“Whazzat?”

“He has a point, despite how… crudely he said it.” Neuro crossed his arms “If we had powers, wouldn’t we know about them?”

"Maybe, maybe not. But isn't the curiosity growing? Who are you really? Don't you want to take back what is RIGHTFULLY yours? Don't you want to know the truth?"

“STOP LYING TO US!”

We all jump and turn, seeing the trembling form of Jay Walker. This poor kid has been holding it together for so long.

“What do you mean, lying to you?” Monochen mused. “If you want to believe it’s a lie all the power to you, but soon you’ll have to face the truth.” with that Monochen disappeared into the shadows.

“Jay, maybe we should go for a walk on the beach, yeah?” Cole spoke gently, leading the trembling boy out of the dining hall.

“He’s- he’s lying right?” Nya played with her ponytail. “There’s no way we- i mean come on we’d KNOW, right?”

“I dunno Nya, my head is still so fuzzy about how we got here, how do we know it’s a lie-?” Griffin rubbed his head

“Our father created ninjago-” Garmadon spoke “But to my knowledge he never shared his abilities with anyone. He took them to his grave-”

“So this staff might be holding the power of the first spinjitzu master himself?” Shade asked, a look of intrigue in his eyes.

The more everyone spoke, the more i realized… this very selfish motive is much more powerful than i thought.

I walk out with Morro and Chamille, who are talking amongst themselves.

“I mean, it’s obvious bullshit right?” Morro chuckled. “Like- he used Karlof as an example last time, but he literally gave no proof this time. As far as we know the motive is just a stick with bioluminescent algae or something. We ARE on an island.”

“I dunno. I think that’s part of the temptation. The raw desire to gather the truth. Even if it is bullshit, we’re on an island full of selfish people.”

“Karlof does not want to go through trial again-” I shudder, still remembering Lloyd’s body, and Bolobo's execution. “That boy was so young- and to pull what he did-”

“Lloyd had this… i don’t wanna say saviour complex, but-” Cole walked over, holding Jay close. The smaller boy was still shaking. “He had this deep internal desire to save others, even at the risk of his own life. We always knew he’d get into trouble one day but… no one expected this-”

"We know you guys are taking it hard." Chamille's usually stern voice softened, sympathising with the two teens. "I can't imagine finding your friend like that."

"I can't speak for everyone but I'm more determined to defeat this mastermind now. I won't let Lloyd's death be in vain." Cole snarled.

I feel ill the more we talk. I hadn't eaten breakfast, and so much has happened. I feel like I'm suffocating.

"Karlof needs to lie down-"

I didn't give anyone a chance to respond before I nearly ran away, going downstairs. I slam my bedroom door and slowly slide to the floor, taking deep breaths.

I can't give in… I can't allow the despair to reach me. I can't….

The next thing I knew I was waking up, face to face with…

"Goooood morning sunshine!" Monochen beamed, startling me.

"GAH! Сукин сын… what does robot want?"

"Fuah ha ha! Is that any way to greet a friendly face?"

"высокомерная машина you are anything but a friendly face-"

"How rude… and all while I politely came to personally wake you up…"

"Why?"

"Because nothing gets me going more than your complete and utter despair!"

"I'm not in-"

"FUAH HAHAHAHA! You've been crying all night! Curled up against your door like the pathetic loser you feared you'd become. I can't pull you into despair my friend you are already there. The mastermind is going to enjoy seeing you BREAK!"

His laughter filled my head, not stopping. I feel like I'm going insane but-

My eyes shot open, seeing I was alone. It was a nightmare… just a nightmare… I got up slowly, legs sore from being on the floor for so long. I have no idea what time it is.

I walk out into the hall to see a figure running down the hall.

Chapter 6: Chapter two deadly life and trial

Summary:

Who was killed? Who killed them? let's find out

I have to swallow the dread in my stomach to run after them. But I'm not very fast, so I lose them rather quickly. Who was that? Were they running from something? I walk down the hall to see where they might have gone.

 

I find myself at the end of the lab corridor. There's nothing here. Yet again there's nothing here! Even if they took the vent from the blacksmith lab I would have seen them leave the dining hall. Did I see the mastermind? 

 

I turn around to walk back into my room when I realise… I shouldn't check where they went I should check where they came from.

 

I walk down the opposite hall to the stairwell. 

 

I look around, trying to find something when I hear a splash. 

 

It looks like there's water flowing down the hall from the talent labs, because I'm standing in a puddle.

 

I ran down the hall to find the source. The ultimate teamaker lab. With a deep feeling of dread I open the door…

 

There was blood, but there was no body. That just makes it worse. The water seems to be coming from a broken faucet, spraying water everywhere.

 

I shake my head and keep looking. Should I get help? Is anyone even awake at this time? 

 

I ignore the gut feeling to run back to my room and search the second floor. I enter the roller rink and that's where I saw it

 

The body of Sensei Wu, slumped on the wall

 

I didn't get a good look but I ran downstairs to get anyone. I pounded on the first door I saw. 

 

"What the hell do you want?" Krux scoffed, standing in the doorway "it is the middle of the night."

 

"Karlof-" I pant "found body - upstairs-"

 

"What?" His expression went from anger to concern quickly "where?"

 

"Upstairs- roller rink -"

 

He nodded "I'll go up to confirm that's what you saw. You wake the others"

 

I nod and go to the next door over.

 

Soon enough everyone was gathered upstairs.

 

Jay clung to Cole. Kai stayed with Nya. Garmadon scanned everyone's faces, his face falling dark when he realised "Where is my brother? Where is Wu??"

 

Krux stepped out of the rink, looking nauseous "I warn you all, the sight in this room is not for the faint of heart."

 

We all head inside. I hear a scream. It was Nya, who was getting her vision shielded by her brother

 

*DING DONG DONG DING*

"A BODY HAS BEEN DISCOVERED! After a certain amount of time a class trial will begin. Good luck"

 

"No! Brother!" Garmadon ran forward, cradling the corpse in his arms. "No, I can't lose you too… No!"

 

I can't look at this. The condition he's in is… horrifying.

 

He's missing an eye, his shirt and beard are caked in blood, possibly from a slit throat, his arm was broken, his face is severely burned, and severely battered. Whoever did this didn't kill without a fight.

 

"I think I'm gonna be sick -" Griffin had turned away fairly quick, going pale in the face.

 

“Ooo I’m not gonna lie! This really caught me off guard!” Monochen popped up.

 

“You… You did this! YOU let this happen! WHY?!” Garmadon growled. “First my son, now my brother! What is wrong with you??”

 

“FUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

 

That sick, twisted laughter filled our heads. What have we done to deserve this? What is happening? 

 

"Anyway! I'm here with your Monochen File! It has the basics blah blah blah you get the point." He disappeared just as suddenly as he arrived.

 

I suppressed the urge to vomit as I read the file.

 

Monochen File #2:

Victim: Wu Garmadon - Ultimate Tea Maker

Time of death: 10:59 pm

Time of discovery: 5:06 am

Last words: "What are you doing?"

The body belongs to the ultimate tea maker Wu Garmadon. The victim suffered numerous injuries such as a broken arm, burned face, numerous blows to the head and a slit throat. The victim died due to blood loss.

 

Monochen File #2 has been added to your truth bullets.

 

I stared at the file, a numbness forming that led to me dropping the file on the floor.

 

I look up to Chamille assigning two people to watch the crime scene while Garmadon was escorted from the room by Cole, who was also struggling to keep it together.

 

Morro stared forward blankly. 

 

"We should - start investigating, yeah?" He asked, voice flat. I just nod, looking around the large room.

 

I start with the body, scanning over every injury. I feel sick looking at the once lively old man now cold and empty. I just spoke with him last night damn it!

 

Swallowing down the guilt, I analyse each injury.

 

Huh?!

 

I look at his arm and see something shiny. I carefully look at it, noticing the green colour. Is this… jade?

 

‘Jade flecks’ has been added to your truth bullets.

 

The next thing I looked at was his neck, my hand trembling as I moved his bloody beard out of the way. The wound was rough and jagged, like it was sliced with something that wasn’t very sharp. 

 

‘Neck wound’ has been added to your truth bullets

 

I had avoided looking until now, but I looked at the wound in Wu’s eye. What caused this?

There are scratches Along the socket, like something wide but sharp was…. I feel nauseous… i need to make the note and back away-

 

‘Eye injury’ was added to your truth bullets.

 

I need to step away from the body, so I get up and examine the rest of the room. 

 

The rink has very little damage, but the jade blade on the wall was shattered. There was a lot of blood. Whatever happened here, Wu went down with a fight.

 

Broken jade blade has been added to your truth bullets.

 

I look around the room, looking for anything else that could be of use 

 

"Karlof, I found something." someone called me over, I turned to see Tox. Odd, when did she cooperate?

 

I walked over to see what she found.

 

"Blood, over here at the door. See?" She gestured to bloody handprints on the door. "Do you think they're from the victim?"

 

"Karlof is… not sure. It is too soon to tell. But I will keep note."

 

Bloody hand print has been added to your truth bullets 

 

"Where did all this water come from?" Nya asked from the hallway. 

 

Morro climbed onto a railing. "I don't know but you guys keep it away from me! Have fun investigating. I'll stay alive thank you."

 

She laughed a little, though there was no emotion behind it. I joined her to follow the water back to the lab of the ultimate tea maker. Chamille was already in there poking around 

 

I hadn't noticed it before, but there was blood on the broken sink faucet. Is that what was used to- I shudder.

 

"The tea pot is missing." Nya pointed out, looking at Wu's tea set. "I see broken ceramic pieces so I think it might have been shattered at some point, but if that's true where is the rest of it?"

 

"That is bizarre…" I stroke my beard, thinking. 

 

Missing tea pot was added to your truth bullets.

 

"Karlof, can you come here for a second?" Chamille beckoned me over. "Take a look at this."

 

I lean over to where she was as she plucked a torn piece of fabric off of the display for the jade blade on the wall.

 

"It's white fabric, which I'm feeling doesn't belong to the victim." She explained. "There's no signs of tearing on his sleeves."

 

Torn fabric has been added to your truth bullets 

 

"Who do you think did this?" Nya asked, her voice tired. "I mean- who would do something so horrible? Sensei Wu was a kind man."

 

"Karlof is… not sure. There is no suspicion I have right now-"

 

"I hope the bastard rots-" she snarled, clenching her hand in a fist. "who would kill over…. A stick?"

 

“From the looks of how violent this crime is, I almost feel like the motive was an excuse, not the reason.” Krux walked in. “Karlof I have a question for you.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“What were you doing up at 5 am to find the body?”

 

“Well-”

 

*Ding dong bing bong*

 

“I’m getting bored. This investigation is taking much too long. Please gather at the elevator on the first floor for the island trial!”

 

“Tsk- we’ll go in a moment, answer the question.”

 

“Karlof was woken up by nightmare. Walked out of room to see someone running down hall. Chased them down the hallway but they disappeared so Karlof went upstairs to find the water. Followed it to lab to find blood but no body. Found roller rink door open and looked inside. That’s how I found body.”

 

Krux nodded and we headed downstairs.

 

Everyone filed into the elevator, which is emptier than before. 3 people. 3 people are dead. We entered this killing game with 23 people and, after this, there will only be 19 left. 

 

We walk into the trial room, feeling dread in our stomachs as Monochen greeted us inside.

 

“Hello hello!” He beamed. Two new portraits popped up where Wu and Bolobo once stood. 

 

We take our seats as Monochen prepares to begin.

 

“Okay, so, allow me to begin with a brief review of the class trial.” He started. “You have 2 hours to discuss the case. Everyone is to stand on their podium until a vote is cast. If you vote correctly the blackened will be executed. Vote wrong and everyone but the blackened is executed.”

 

“So, where should we start?” Acronix asked.

 

“We should start with the body.” Tox played with her ponytail. “He was in such a bad state, what caused it?”

 

“Well it’s obvious right?” Neuro crossed his arms. “He was in a fight with someone.”

 

“Yes but why?” Nya asked, hugging herself. “Why would someone do this?”

 

“That is the question isn’t it?” Garmadon sighed. “My brother and I aren’t exactly young, but there’s no way he was taken out so easily.”

 

“We should go over each injury individually.” Zane suggested. “Figure out what caused each one.

Non-stop debate

 

“We should start with his arm.” Paleman suggested. 

 

“Well it’s obviously broken” Kai sighed

 

“The Monochen File says as much.” Chamille agreed. “But how did it break?”

 

“Maybe it’s a defensive wound?” Jay suggested. 

 

“What do you mean?” Kai asked

 

“If someone swung at him and he shielded himself with his arm, it’d take the hit and break.”

 

“Now what broke it?” Krux asked

 

“Well it’d have to be a blunt object.” Zane pointed out “There was no surface wounds to speak of.”

 

“But we didn’t see anything like that at the crime scene. Or in the lab.” Kai crossed his arms.

 

I pause to think, yes, there is something there I agree with, but what was it?

 

“We should start with his arm.” Paleman suggested. 

 

“Well it’s obviously broken” Kai sighed

 

“The Monochen File says as much.” Chamille agreed. “But how did it break?”

 

“Maybe it’s a defensive wound?” Jay suggested. 

 

“What do you mean?” Kai asked

 

“If someone swung at him and he shielded himself with his arm, it’d take the hit and break.”

 

“Now what broke it?” Krux asked

 

“Well it’d have to be a blunt object.” Zane pointed out “There was no surface wounds to speak of.”

 

“Karlof agrees with that!” I smile. “There was broken jade blade at crime scene.”

 

“A jade blade?” Krux asked. “Yes, now that you mention it, I think there was a broken one at the crime scene, was there not?”

 

“But Zane said it wasn’t anything sharp. I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sure a blade is sharp.” Griffin scoffed.

 

“A jade blade is purely decorative, no actual blade to it. It’s a piece of Jade carved to resemble a sword, but isn’t sharp at all.” Acronix explained

 

“Yes, they’re ancient decorative pieces dating back to the ancient serpentine tribes.” Krux nodded. “Anacondrai of high status were gifted them.”

 

“Da, and there were shards of jade on victim’s arm, around area it broke. Most certainly making jade bade a weapon.” I nod,

 

“Great, so we know what broke his arm. So? What about the rest of him? Like his face. What happened to his eye?” Shade asked. “A jade blade wouldn’t do that.” 

 

What happened to Wu’s eye? Yes I did find something that might have caused the injury.

-The tea set

-The door handle

-The sink faucet

-Monochen

 

“That is answer!” I think out loud. “The sink.”

 

“W-what?” Nya paled. “What do you mean?”

 

“Sink faucet was broken. We all saw water. There was blood on faucet, meaning it was used to st-” I suppress the urge to vomit as i finish what i’m saying “stab Wu in eye.”

 

“Oh god-” I see Jacob shiver from beside me. I think for the first time in his life he was glad he couldn’t see it.

 

“Why would someone do that?” Kai growled.

 

“Yeah! Aren’t the rest of the wounds enough!? WHY??” Garmadon slammed his hands on the podium. He was trying to hold himself together since he saw the body.

 

“There was a struggle. You can tell as much from the condition of the lab.” Gravis stroked his beard. “I want to say it was an accident, I really do.”

 

“What about his face? He was burned and beaten. Who would do that?” Skylor asked. “Like- what was he hit with?”

 

Non-stop debate

 

“He has burns and cuts right?” Nya asked. “What if he was hit with something hot?”

 

“Well that much is obvious” Shade scoffed “But what was that object?”

 

“What if he just got burned from the hot water from the sink?” Jay asked

 

“Or had something thrown in his face and the blow to the head happened later.” Kai added in.

 

“It’s possible, but I don’t think that’s likely…” Chamille sighed,

 

She’s right, there’s something that just isn’t adding up. Maybe if I go over it one more time…

 

“He has burns and cuts right?” Nya asked. “What if he was hit with something hot?”

 

“Well that much is obvious” Shade scoffed “But what was that object?”

 

“What if he just got burned from the hot water from the sink?” Jay asked

 

“No that’s wrong!” I speak up

 

“Huh?” Jay jumped “What do you mean?”

 

“Well there was something missing in Wu’s lab, yes?” Chamille pointed out.

 

“Like what?” Cole crossed his arms

 

“Oh! I know what you mean now!” Nya perked up, but then shuddered when the realisation sunk in. “His tea pot-”

 

“What?” Jay gasped

 

“Da- We found some shards of tea pot at crime scene-” I nod. “It's possible he was struck with it while pot was full. Burns may be from tea."

 

Garmadon's face paled. "Wu made me tea last night, around 10 o'clock. He had made me some earlier in the day as well but I yelled at him so he came back to make it up to me. I still wasn't in the right headspace from our fight before so I refused. If I had known it was the last time I'd see him I'd have asked him to stay… maybe he'd still be here if I did."

 

The courtroom fell quiet for a moment before someone finally spoke.

 

"So the tea that burned Sensei Wu, was the tea he made for Sensei Garmadon." 

 

The voice came from Zane, who sounded like he didn't want that to be the reality. It made Garmadon look even more ill.

 

"So, how are we sure that he didn't do it?" Krux accused. "he said himself he wasn't in the right headspace. What if he killed his brother and didn't even realise he'd done it?"

 

"What?" Garmadon gasped

 

"Y-yeah! So far we've had no leads as to who did it! What if his little sob story was a confession!" Tox pointed at him accusingly

 

"He would never!" Cole exclaimed. "how could you suggest such a thing!"

 

"There's no proof to suggest that!" Kai growled. "Sensei cared for his brother! He'd never kill him!"

 

"Under different circumstances maybe not." Shade smirked "But this isn't a normal circumstance. He was the most hesitant to accept what was in that staff, and if the so called powers stemmed from his father, who would be the easiest to lure and kill than his own brother?"

 

"It would be pretty easy to do, right? Just tell Wu he's ready to talk." Griffin suggested 

 

"We went through the same bullshit with Kai last trial we're not pulling this again!" Nya snarled. 

 

"Da! There is no way!" I agree

 

"As Shade said, under different circumstances." Acronix explained. "And also as he said, these are not normal circumstances"

 

"It seems we're split down the middle! I think you all know what's coming next!"

 

We all braced ourselves for the podiums to move

 

"That's riiight! It's time for the debate scrum!"

 

He pressed the button and the courtroom divided. Shade, Krux, Griffin, Acronix and Tox on one side, Myself, Nya, Cole, Kai, and Garmadon on the other.

 

"Alright! You know the drill! Team Smoulder is Garmadon is guilty! Team Aqua is Garmadon is innocent!"

 

Did Garmadon do it?

 

"Well it's pretty simple, He has the motive." Tox began "He himself suggested as such."

 

"We have no conclusive evidence pointing to Garmadon, right now it's purely speculation." Nya crossed her arms

 

"He doesn't have an alibi." Griffin pointed out

 

"No one has conclusive alibies. They have yet to be discussed at this point" Garmadon explained. 

 

"What about the timing? The blow to the head wasn't what killed him, but he died less than an hour after their encounter." Acronix crossed his arms. "It's possible he whacked him on the head well before finally finishing him off."

 

"Why would he clock him on the head and then wait an hour to finish him off?" Kai huffed "That's Just stupid."

 

"None have you have provided solid evidence that he isn't guilty." Shade sneered

 

"No one has proven he is either." Cole ran his fingers through his hair. "so far this is a waste of time." 

 

"Well then let me suggest the motive. Wouldn't he want to know the most about a motive regarding his father's powers?"

 

"Garmadon was most sceptical of motive. Why would he kill over it? Let alone kill own brother?" I conclude.

 

"Sorry to cut in again but I'm still not convinced." Tox spoke up once again. "How do we really know he's telling the truth?"

 

"well since we brought up alibies how about I start with one?" Cole spoke. "I saw Sensei Wu leave Sensei Garmadon's room last night when coming inside from a walk."

 

"Do you have anyone who can prove that?"Acronix pointed an accusing finger at him

 

"Me." Kai spoke "and we can say there's no shadow of a doubt Sensei Garmadon never went with him. And he had no signs of injury."

 

"This it the answer!" We all say at once and the court room returns to normal

 

"I see…" Krux strokes his moustache. "So Garmadon is clear… now where was everyone else last night?"

 

"I was with Chamille in the laundry room until 10, then we went to check on Karlof." Morro explained

 

"Karlof is also clear because he was laying on the floor in front of his bedroom door." Chamille added in

 

"Wait if the door was blocked by him how do you know?" Nya asked

 

"I'm a ghost? Hello?" Morro gestured to himself 

 

“Right, sorry.” She played with her hair.

 

“As said before, Cole and I were out for a walk.” Kai explained. “Jay was there too. We were going for a walk to clear his head because he’s been stressed out a lot lately.”

 

“I was in the kitchen getting a snack.” Nya spoke. “But- no one else was in there so I don’t have a conclusive alibi-”

“I was having a shower.” Tox smiled. 

 

“I was doing laundry.” Griffin ran his fingers through his hair, which caught Skylor’s attention.

 

“Wait what?” Skylor asked. “Because, I was doing laundry, and Ash can testify for this. You weren’t there.”

 

“I mean, yeah, he wasn’t. But we could have been there at different times, yeah?” 

 

“Well, yes I suppose, but we were going back and forth a few times. We didn’t see anyone’s laundry, and with the timing he wouldn’t exactly have an alibi.”

 

“So, so far, Griffin and Nya don’t have alibis. Anyone else?” Chamille asked.

 

“My brother and I were together.” Krux crossed his arms. We were in my room until 11 o’clock, when Acronix went to bed.”

 

“I went to my room around 7.” Zane explained. “I simply had nothing else to do and powered down for the night. I walked over with Neuro, who was heading to the dining hall.”

 

“I was in my lab until 9.” Gravis spoke up. I went to the kitchen for coffee then went to bed.”

 

“Did anyone see you?”

 

“No.”

 

“So we narrowed our suspects down to Nya, Griffin, Neuro and Gravis.”

“Wait, why am I a suspect?” Neuro asked

 

“Because 7 and 10 are hours apart. Unless you have any other people who can clear you, you're a suspect.”

 

“Tsk-”

 

“So, let’s go over the evidence again to try and narrow it down further.” Ash spoke. “Uh…. where do we start?”

 

“I have something.” Chamille spoke. “A piece of evidence left behind at the crime scene I’m sure went unnoticed.”

 

Went… unnoticed?

 

“What does you mean?” I ask

 

“I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. Think about it Karlof.”

 

The piece of evidence that might lead to the culprit? Of course! That must be…

 

"That is the answer!" My head snapped up "Torn fabric!"

 

"Huh?" Nya asked 

 

"There was torn piece of fabric at crime scene"

 

“So?” Neuro huffed

 

“Well, fabric eliminates Nya as suspect.”

 

“What? Why?” Griffin growled

 

“Simple, it was white fabric.”

 

“That’s enough!”

 

“Huh?” I look up, looking at Griffin staring me down. 

 

“How does a piece of fabric prove Nya didn’t kill him?” he growled. “Hello?? Wu wears white!"

 

"There are no signs of tearing on his clothes. And robe too thick to match thinner fabric found at crime scene."

 

"Still, this piece of fabric is purely circumstantial. Think about it, so many people wear white here and the labs aren't exactly private. Where was it found?"

 

"On the display. The jade blade display in Wu's lab" Chamille explained. 

 

"Wait but that makes no sense" Ash spoke up. "that implies that Wu was attacked by the jade blade in Wu's lab, but the broken jade blade was in the roller rink."

 

"There is something else at the scene of the crime that makes no sense to me too." Tox added in. "I found a bloody handprint on the door to the rink, but I don't think the victim left it."

 

"Why would you say that? He was beaten to the edge of his life by the time he was in there right?" Shade stated "he had plenty of blood to smear"

 

No, Tox is right. There's no way the handprint was left by the victim. But why?

-monochen did it

-there was no other blood at the crime scene

-the handprint smeared the wrong way

 

"Now Karlof understands!" I thought out loud "Blood smear was wrong way."

 

“What?”

 

“Look at the blood smear. It’s going out of the roller rink, which Wu never exited, If he left the smear it would be going the other way.” Tox crossed her arms

 

“Ohhh I get it! We match that handprint we have our killer!” Cole smiled. “Great so we just need a template of the smear and we’re good to go!”

 

“I’m already way ahead of you.” Chamille smiled, pulling out a piece of paper. “The blood was smeared so this will not be 100% accurate, but whomever is closest is our biggest suspect.”

 

“Wait- wait before we do this something is bothering me.” Skylor cut in “We still don’t know what killed Wu. We talked about the tea burning him, and what broke his arm, and the eye situation, but his throat was slit. That’s what killed him.”

 

“She’s right.” Krux sighed “We completely glossed over the most important part of this case.”

 

“Well, the wound was very unusual, wouldn’t you think?” Chamille asked. “His throat couldn’t have been slit by something very sharp, because the wound would have been clean.”

 

“Oh I see what you mean. The wound is rough and jagged, like something dull was used.” Ash nodded

 

“But- a jade blade wouldn’t have pierced the skin, and even after if broke it wasn’t sharp enough to break skin.” Griffin thought 

 

“But there is something that WAS, right Karlof?” Chamille turned to me again.

 

Something sharp enough to break skin but not very well? That might have to be

-Jade blade

-ceramic shards

-sink faucet

Monochen’s tooth

 

“Now is understood!” I look up :”Ceramic shards. Big enough piece could be used as weapon.”

 

“What? But we didn’t find any.”  Nya looked up.

 

“Yeah, there was what? A few little bits?” Griffin spoke

 

“Huh?” Chamille spoke up “How do you know that?”

 

“What do you mean? There were two crime scenes to investigate.”

 

“You were put on guard duty, you never left the rink.” Skylor crossed her arms. “You and Kai.”

 

“Do- do we seriously have another blackened just giving himself up?” Cole asked

 

“You people are so dumb-” Shade shook his head

 

“Wh- oh you can’t be serious yo! I was making an educated guess based off of Nya’s comment! You can’t prove anything!”

 

“Griffin, may I see your hand?” Chamille asked.

 

“What? Why?” He growled

 

“If you’re as innocent as you claim, let’s see if you match the handprint.”

 

“Wh-”

 

“If you have nothing to hide, prove it.” Morro sneered

 

Chamile pulled the paper back out. Griffin’s hands trembled before he growled 

 

“Fine! You win!”

 

“Wait- he actually did it?” Nya gasped quietly.

 

“It definitely sounded like a confession to me.” Acronix agreed.

 

Griffin panted softly, hands still shaking, He reached for his sunglasses and took them off, showing his full face for the first time. “It is- I… can’t do this anymore. Get it over with Monochen- start the vote…”

 

“You’re just giving up?” Paleman asked, appalled. 

 

“Yeah man, I am- I can’t do this anymore.”

 

“That sounds like my cue!” Monochen sat up and pressed a button, raising up our voting panels. “Remember to vote, everyone!”

 

After the last vote was cast the spinning wheel came out of the floor once more

 

“GRIFFIN TURNER: GUILTY!”

 

“But why? Why would you do that? That was horrifyingly gruesome!” Tox played with her hair “Even for me that was too much.”

 

“It wasn’t all on purpose. He tried defending himself so I reached for the first thing I could and clocked him with the teapot. The jade blade was the intended weapon, but hen it didn’t do anything but break his arm I had to figure something else out-”

 

“And the sink??” Kai snarled. “His eye! What did you do to him??”

 

“He stumbled after I hit him with the teapot. The sink broke in the struggle and- it was horrifying. But I was too far in to stop what I was doing. He ran out of the room and I grabbed a shard from the teapot and chased him, following him into the rink where I finished him off. I didn’t know he hadn’t died yet. I was just trying to hide what I did so I swapped the jade blade in his lab for the one in the rink, hoping to clean everything up in the lab before I could get caught. I got rid of the teapot, the jade blade, and some of the blood but I heard someone and ran downstairs. Now I know it as Gravis leaving his lab- when I left the tap wasn’t spewing out water, but it was also 11 at that point so water was shut off.”

 

“Why did you do it? Did you really believe that bullshit motive?” Garmadon snarled

 

“I- I don’t think it was bullshit…” Griffin rubbed his arm. “Remember? When you guys asked what my top speed was and I didn’t know? I think it was because I couldn’t remember. Like that information was taken from me. If I was like- an elemental master, and it relate to my speed- I needed to know. I didn’t want him to suffer, I wanted it to be quick- everything just went wrong…”

 

“You killed someone to know how fast you were?” Skylor asked, appalled

 

“I killed him to learn the truth! But it doesn’t even matter because I’m going to die and I KNOW Monochen isn’t gonna tell me before I do.” he hid in his hands, shaking. “I just wanted to know who I really am- And I’m gonna die never knowing.”

 

We all just stared, listening to him cry. None of us know what to do, or what to say.

 

The silence was broken by a voice.

 

“Aaaaaalright everyone! I’ve prepared a special punishment for Griffin Turner, the ultimate trackstar! Let’s give it everything we got! IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT’S PUNISHMENT TIIIIIIIME!”

 

“No! Nononono!” Griffin sobbed, gripping onto the podium for dear life when the chains flew out and clasped around him. “NO! PLEASE!”

 

All we could do was watch as he was dragged off.

Chapter 7: Chapter seven: Chapter two execution and end chapter

Summary:

Between vines of wrath and achilles heel, i think this one is my favorite so far. I'm so excited to write more and I hope you enjoy

Achilles heel, execution for the ultimate track star Griffin Turner

 

Griffin was at the starting line of a race track. A timer was above his head. As he stared at the goal in front of him he realised what he had to do and ran forward. The timer counted down quickly. He had 30 seconds to reach the other side.

 

Traps opened up around the course, spike traps, arrows shooting at him, fire.

 

He was hit, over and over again but he pushed forward. 

 

15 14 13 12

 

Almost there, he's almost there… then an arrow shot into his heel, making him fall to the ground. 

 

10 9 8

 

He crawled forward til his fingers were bloody. Almost there

 

6 5 4

 

His strength gave out, RIGHT in front of the finish line. He reached desperately but …

 

3…

 

2…

 

1…

 

*Bzzz*

 

The ground opened up below him and he fell, a burst of flame shot up…

 

And the screen went dark.

 

We all just stood there in shock.

 

That was awful to watch. To die in such a gruesome way is-

 

"This is cruel-" I growl, my hands clenching in a fist.

 

"Wazzat?" Monochen tilts his head in confusion

 

"This is cruel! MONSTER!" I roar, not caring what happens to me at this point "WHAT DOES YOU HOPE TO GAIN?? TAKING LIVES LIKE THIS!"

 

"Karlof-" Chamille steps forward, but she's stopped by Tox.

 

"Uhuhuh~ temper temper~" Monochen taunts

 

"Karlof doesn't care!" I clench my fist and run at him, attempting to punch him.

 

Monochen got out of the way but my fist collided with something else

 

Or should I say someone else?

 

"You really must learn to control your temper." Shade sighed, catching my fist. "You're just going to get yourself killed."

 

I blink a few times, processing what happened before snarling and storming off, taking the elevator alone. I'm getting tired of this. I don't know how much more I can take. I just want to lie down and sleep, and pray once again that this is all a nightmare and I'll wake up in Medalonia with the village being okay and safe.

 

I lie down on that slab of metal I call a bed and try to sleep but

 

*Knock knock knock*

 

I groan and begrudgingly open the door.

 

"Karlof, can we talk?" Garmadon asks, his old eyes tired from stress.

 

I nod and let him inside "da, come in."

 

"I'm worried about you." 

 

"Huh?" The comment caught me off guard.

 

"You've been on edge from the very beginning and I don't blame you, but… lately your attitude has turned into snide, impatient or even straight up aggression. Chamille told me about the panic attacks you were having yesterday and I want you to know, I do not blame you for Lloyd's death, and no one blames you for Griffin or Bolobo either. You have a lot of willpower Karlof, don’t let Monochen break you.”

 

“Karlof is….. Tired- of all of this- Tired of death, tired of pain. Tired of blood. Karlof wants to go home.”

 

“We will find our way home, son. I promise. But not if you get yourself killed for doing something as dumb as attacking Monochen.” He stood up

 

“Where is you going?”

 

He looked at me with a sad smile “I think I’m going to have some tea.”

Chapter 8: Chapter 3 daily life part one: Love and despair

Summary:

After getting their motive unserimoniously soon after the last trial, everyone needs to learn how to adapt to the conditions they were forced to be put under. How long will they be able to do it?

I woke up with a splitting headache as I got out of bed. I haven’t eaten anything for almost two days and I think it’s time I fix that. 

 

I slowly shuffle down to the dining hall where everyone is talking idly. Chamille and Morro notice me and beckon me over.

 

“Hey, how are you feeling?” Morro asked quietly. 

 

“Hungry-” is all I can mumble as I take a bowl of ramen and start eating. 

 

“After you stormed off yesterday everyone was worried about you. We were gonna check on you but you seemed like you needed space.” Chamille played with her chopsticks. “If you don’t wish to go right to exploring today it’s fine.”

 

“Niet- we have to find way home.” I say quietly.

“Cole I’m fine you don’t have to worry.”

 

I turned my head to see Jay, who was getting his forehead checked by Cole.

 

“Are you sure? You’ve barely eaten anything- are you feeling sick?”

 

“No! I’m fine-”

 

“But your face is flushed”

 

“I-”

 

The two of them stopped their little squabble when they noticed everyone looking at them. Jay went more red and turned away from Cole.

 

Zane also did a once over on him to be sure.

 

"You seem to be in good health, but you also appear to be exhausted. Did you get any sleep last night?"

 

"Jay couldn't sleep so he stayed in my room last night." Cole explained. "I tried to help him sleep but it didn't seem to work very well."

 

"Interesting, what method did you use to help him?"

"MOVING ON!" Jay spoke up, his whole face red

 

"What do you think is opened up now?" Skylor asked. "Like, yeah probably another floor, but what else?"

 

"What if the cave outside is open up?" Nya asked "what do you think would be inside?"

 

"Fascinating!" Garmadon rubbed his chin "the caves might lead somewhere important if they're opened."

 

"And if they're not?" Krux asked "Let's not get our hopes up just yet shall we?"

 

"Agreed, we should begin with upstairs." Acronix nodded

 

"Jacob and I can wander around the second floor to check if anything is new." Paleman offered. "It's not a whole new floor so might as well not dwell on it too much."

 

"I'll do the same on the first floor." Neuro smiled

 

"Jay and I can wander the rest of the island!" Cole beamed

 

"How romantic " Kai teased, his sister laughing beside him. He got a dumpling thrown at him and he lowered his mask, but held a napkin in front of his mouth to hide, to eat it "thanks Cole!"

 

"You're a little shit Kai"

 

He laughed and got up "I'm going to check upstairs now bye! C'mon Zane!"

 

Zane followed, rolling his eyes a little.

 

Nya giggled "I think I'll take a shower before I investigate."

 

Kai and Zane are ushered back into the dining hall by Monochen. The good mood immediately disappeared.

 

"Good morning everyone!" The half anacondrai beamed "having a lovely meal?"

 

"What do YOU want?" Shade crossed his arms, glaring at the robot.

 

"Is that any way to treat a friend?" Monochen hung his head sadly

 

"It isn't, but we're not addressing a friend." Gravis sneered.

 

"How rude-" monochen pouted before shaking it off "How's breakfast going? Is it good?"

 

"Where is this going?" Neuro asked

 

"Oh, it's quite simple. You see, supplies are running low and I haven't gotten to restocking yet, which means that we're almost out of food."

 

"What??" Cole gasped

 

"This wasn't planned, I admit." Monochen chuckled "But I'm a man of opportunity so, let's just say it's your motive ."

 

"What? So soon?" Paleman gaped, holding his head

 

"Food will not be replenished until someone dies! Tick tock!" And with that he disappeared.

 

"We're going to… starve?" Chamille held her head.

 

"This isn't a fair motive-" Morro crossed his arms "Not just because it's extremely cruel but- it doesn't affect me or Zane at all."

 

"So, what do we do?"

 

"We ration, try to survive as long as we can." Shade sighed.

 

"But- with 17 people who need to eat, how much rationing do we have to do?" Nya sighed

 

"Uh hello! We're on an island! We can fish!" Kai pointed out.

 

"Oh my god you're right! And there might be animals to hunt ON the island!" Skylor beamed "We might be able to go without a restock after all!"

 

With a little more optimism we head out to explore, but we're faced with a problem. 

 

I go to open the front door, to explore the island but-

 

"It's locked??" I say, pushing on the door

 

"What??" Chamille gasped, giving it a try too

 

"This isn't good-" Cole runs his fingers through his hair. "Monochen had this planned out from the start."

 

"So his "unplanned" motive was a lie-?" Jay asked softly, holding onto Cole's arm

 

Stuck? Are we really stuck? Locked in this… temple of despair until we die?

 

Are we never going to see the sun again?

 

I can't think about this right now. I need to make it to the third floor to investigate. I walk away from the small group of people at the door, trying to clear my head as I wrap my head around everything.

 

Why? Why is this happening? Why so soon? The trial concluded not even 12 hours ago and we've already had another motive thrusted upon us before we can even explore the new floor. I feel ill as I climb the stairs

 

The third floor…

 

I take off my helmet and rub my head. At a quick glance there's only 3 halls. One is labelled as labs, the other two aren't labelled. At this point I don't care what each person's labs look like, so I turn to the opposite hall, down the left side.

 

I run into Kai and Zane, who are standing outside of a room, talking

 

"Listen, Zane. I know what you're saying but-" Kai sees me and tenses his shoulders, glaring. "What do you want?"

 

"Karlof is just passing through, calm down." I roll my eyes. "what is this room?"

 

"We're trying to figure that out" Zane explained. "Kai thinks it's Monochen's office but if it was we wouldn't be able to enter, right?"

 

"Yes sir! My office is off limits!" Monochen popped up "but this ISN'T my office."

 

"What IS it then?" Kai demanded

 

"It's a library!"

 

"Really?" Zane peeked up. "I haven't gotten a chance to read in a long time."

 

“Yes yes it’s really exciting. If you think an unlocked room with books in it is my private room, I question your intelligence.” Monochen scoffed before disappearing.

 

Embarrassed, Kai and Zane walk inside, leaving me in the hall. Sensing that I'm unwelcome, I keep walking. A little farther down the hall is a chem lab. I walk in with intrigue

 

“What is… chemical lab doing in temple?” I ask myself, reading a bottle on the shelf. I see poison, and vitamins! That’s good at least. I should keep note of this for when we meet up later. With vitamins we can at least stay healthy a little bit longer.

 

The poison doesn’t surprise me as much. It makes sense to a degree not to have it stashed in random rooms, but still. A chemical lab in a temple is bizarre.

 

“So you found it too, huh?” 

 

A voice behind me made me jump and drop what I was holding. I turned my head to see the floating clothes of Elliot Pale

 

“Paleman- hello-” I hold my chest, still a bit shaken from the startle.

 

“Sorry didn’t mean to scare you.” the figure walked over, walking up to the shelves. “This is a weird addition to the temple, but why? If we’re going to be stuck here til we starve, why so many supplements?”

 

“Da, Monochen could easily hide them but chose not to-” I mutter, picking up the pill bottle i dropped. “And to mix them in with poisons, this has to be intentional-”

 

He nodded “But this stuff could be stashed in the infirmary downstairs, right? There has to be another reason for a full blown lab. What else is in here?”

 

“There is… typical stuff-” I look around “Beakers, flasks, stethoscopes…” my eyes wander around the room. “Nothing stands out.”

“Those things can hardly be used as weapons.” Paleman rubbed his head. “I still don’t get why Monochen bothered at all-”

 

Feeling like this conversation was just going in circles, I gently dismiss myself and continue exploring. At the end of this hallway is…

 

A warehouse.

 

I go to turn the door but it’s locked. I look through the window and see it stocked with food.

 

Huh? Wait, why is it stocked with food? Aren’t we running low? Why is it locked? I jostle the handle more and more, trying to get it open, but nothing.

 

I shake my head a little. This is a trap, I know it. I just have to let it go for now- our motive is to kill for food. This is here to tempt us, just like the Chem lab-

 

I head back down the hall to explore the second hall, in the middle of the corridor 

 

There are only two rooms.

 

One is labelled "Surveillance room."

 

I perk up and try to open it, but of course it's locked. Angry and frustrated, I punch the door

 

"GCK-!" My entire body tenses as a strong shock courses through my body and I fall to my knees. Did the door just electrocute me?

 

"Karlof?" I hear a voice but I can't make out who it was. After what just happened all my senses went numb. 

 

When I finally processed what was going on I noticed I was on my feet, being held up by Krux and Acronix

 

"What happened?" Acronix asked. "Why were you on the floor?" 

 

I blink a few times before finding my voice "door, shocked me-"

 

"What?" Krux's voice was confused as he turned to the door "what did you do?"

 

"Karlof is, frustrated with locked doors so I hit it-" I explained "next thing Karlof knew, was on floor."

 

"So it has a security method." Acronix guesses. "Then this room is important to the mastermind. Are you alright?"

 

"Da, more shocked than anything-" I think I was trying to make a joke, but no one was laughing, especially myself. "Karlof thinks he'll lie down."

 

I'll help you, don't exactly trust you with using the stairs like this." Krux supported my arm around his shoulder and we headed downstairs to the infirmary, which was far easier than carrying me to the first floor. 

 

Instead of just leaving me alone we sat and made idle chitchat over what we saw

 

"So you're saying there is a warehouse, jam-packed with food, but it's locked?" He asks me, his tone gentle because my head hurt, but he looked annoyed

 

"Da- Don't think motive was unplanned at all-"

 

"Doesn't seem that way, no." 

 

"This is so bizzare-" he ran his fingers through his hair. "So, what my brother and I found was-"

 

"How is he, brother?" Acronix asked, walking in the door.

 

"He'll be fine, it'll just be a bit before he composes himself." Krux sighed "Nothing makes sense right now. He found food but it's locked away."

 

"Monochen said he's almost completely out of supplies, maybe he forgot the food was there?"

 

"I don't think so. I think it's on purpose, remind us WHAT we're here to kill for."

 

I just nod along, listening to the brothers talk. 

 

After a while they left and I laid down, staring at the ceiling…

 

Ding dong Bing Bing

 

"Attention everyone! It is now 7 am.  All restricted areas are now open."

 

I open my eyes and blink a few times. I must have fallen asleep. Slowly crawling out of the infirmary, I head downstairs. 

 

“There you are! You vanished yesterday, where were you?” 

 

“Oh- Morro- hello.” I rub my head. “Karlof was- resting in infirmary and… must have dozed off.”

 

“What? Are you okay?”

 

“Da- there is door on third floor… security measure on it- electrocuted me-”

 

“What? Dude, are you sure you’re okay?”

 

I just nod “Fell asleep, but still tired.”

 

“Maybe you should go back to your room.”

 

I shake my head, stomach growling as I go to the dining room.

 

“Karlof! There you are!” Chamille perked up “I was worried, we went to check on you but you weren’t in your room. We thought you might have been-”

 

“I told you it was too soon. We haven’t even run out of food yet.” Kai scoffed

 

I had noticed the buffet was vastly more scarce, most people only having a bowl of ramen. Is food depleting that quickly? Or are they just cautiously rationing?”

 

I sit next to Chamille and take one. “Is this-”

 

“All that’s left? Yeah. I think we all took too much advantage of the midnight replenishment.” Garmadon sighed. “With 17 mouths to feed, we run out fast. There might be one more meal before we’re out.”

 

“That explains why Monochen had a LARGE buffet last night despite everything.” Cole poked at his food “Use up as much of the supplies at once as he could.”

 

“Karlof found warehouse on third floor-” I pause to choose my words carefully. “Door is locked, but food is inside.”

“We will not be busting down any doors, if that’s what you’re getting at.” Shade sighed. “Krux and Acronix told us what happened to you last night at our meeting so surely you know what happens if you attempt to break into things you’re not allowed to enter.”

 

I look away, humiliated. Part of me just wants to go sleep in my room but the hunger pains and the fact this might be my last meal here makes me stay and eat.

 

“What do we do? Sit and wait to die?” Paleman asked. “We can’t leave, we can’t get any food. There’s no loophole, no second option. We’re doomed.”

 

“No, this can’t just be it, can it?” Nya laid her head in her hand

 

We part ways and I move right to the third floor chem lab. Something is still bothering me. These vitamins, it can’t be that easy. I open one of the bottles…

 

“Knew it-”

 

The bottle was empty. I check a few other vitamin bottles, but same thing

 

Wait, but that's not right! I dropped a bottle last night and it wasn't empty then!

 

Did someone take all of the vitamins?

 

Curiosity got the better of me and I opened a poison bottle. The seal was still intact. I just sigh and put it back on the shelf

 

"Knew it wasn't that easy-"

 

"What? What wasn't that easy?"

 

I quickly turn my head in shock to see Monochen with a smile on his face

 

"There were vitamins here. Where are they?"

 

"What? You expect me to just LEAVE something that could help you all survive longer? SURELY you know me better than that!"

 

"Then why leave empty bottles? To play with heads? Is that why warehouse is locked?"

 

"Karlof old chum you flatter me. You think I remember where everything is? The warehouse was purely coincidental."

 

I chuckle tiredly, annoyed "liar."

 

"Yes well we all have our faults!" He beamed as he disappeared 

 

I shake my head in exhausted annoyance as I head out of the room and to the library, a room I haven't gotten to see yet.

 

I open the door to walk inside

 

"Eh?"

 

 

I stood there stunned for a second at what I walked in on. Cole and Jay quickly turn their heads, Jay red in the face, Cole's hand resting on the shorter teen's cheek. They were so close to each other you'd think they were literally attached at the hip.

 

"Oh, sup Karlof?" Cole grinned.

 

I chuckled softly "That wasn't what Karlof expected to find in here. But can't say it's surprising."

 

"Sh- shut up-" Jay hid in his hands, much to the amusement of us both. "We came here for privacy-"

 

"Well, pardon intrusion, didn't get chance to enter yesterday-" I rub the back of my helmet and wander the library, being polite as to not look towards the boys in the middle of the library.

 

A lot of books on the shelf are of fictional crimes. There's various murder mystery novels, such as "The life and crimes of Genocide Jack", or "Dangan ronpa" or "Sparkling Justice, a killer or a hero?". All childish fiction. I keep walking along the shelves, analysing each book. One book catches my eye. 

 

I picked it up off the shelf. It's a beautiful hardcover book with a painted drawing of an anacondrai. The cover sleeve is leather and scale patterned. I open it out of fascination and start reading before something makes me jump

 

"I KNEW YOU WERE GAY!"

 

I turn my head to see Kai, standing in the doorway, while Jay hid in his hands and Cole, equally flustered, was ready to clock him

 

"Shut up Kai-!" 

 

Kai raised his hands defensively, laughing "I'm just teasing don't kill me-"

 

Cole huffed, backing down. "the only reason we came in here was because there's no camera."

 

Huh?

 

I look up and look around. He's right. There's no camera here. Why?

 

I go to put the book on the shelf when I see it 

 

"come here for second." I beckoned everyone over

 

"Huh? What is it, big guy?" Cole asks, walking over

 

Kai glares at me and didn't budge, turning back to Jay

 

"I found button-" I pointed to the gap in the books. We work together to clear more books out of the way.

 

I pressed the button and stepped back, the book shelf opening up to reveal a secret area full of spell books. I walk inside…

 

And wake up in my room.

Chapter 9: Love and despair daily life part two and deadly life

Summary:

Mild trigger warning: There is a mention of vomiting so people with emetophobia be careful

This chapter also contains: Intrusive thoughts, and obviously murder

sorry about the wait I was working a lot but here we are, chapter 3's victims have been revealed

I woke up in my room, with no recollection of how I got there. I remember being in the library, and reading that book, but anything beyond that is a blank. What happened in the library?

 

I walked out of my room to find Kai doing the same. Swallowing my pride I go to talk to him

 

"What do you want?" He scoffed, glaringly angrily at me

 

"Da- Uh- does you remember what happened in library?"

 

"Why should I tell you?"

 

"Because Karlof doesn't. He just remember reading book and waking up in room."

 

Kai's eyes widened, I could tell he was surprised by my statement

 

"Wait, it wasn't just me?" He gaped "the last thing I remember is teasing Jay about a hickey and then I was waking up in my room."

 

"We's should go find them."

 

Kai nodded and beckoned me to Cole's room where he knocked on the door

 

But it was all the same. None of us remember anything that happened and it's really strange. 

 

Hoping to clear my head I walked into the kitchen in the dining hall for water. There was no food left. We were officially out. The breakfast this morning was the last of it.

 

"Oh, I didn't realise someone else was in here." Paleman spoke as he walked in "you also trying to scavenge for food?"

 

"Just water-" I sighed "this morning really was last of it huh?"

 

"This morning?" Paleman's head seemed to tilt, according to his sunglasses and hat "dude that meal was yesterday morning are you feeling okay?"

 

I dropped the glass in my hand, listening to it shatter in the sink "what??"

 

"Yeah man, it's like - 9 in the morning. What's wrong?"

 

I held my head "so confused-"

 

He rests his hand on my shoulder "here, I'll bring you water, you go lie down in your room."

 

I shake my head "Just confused- maybe it's hunger clouding brain-" 

 

"I was in the chemistry lab earlier. All the vitamins are gone."

 

"Da, Karlof noticed earli- er… yesterday- monochen said it was because he can't leave stuff that will help us survive hanging around"

 

"So basically he lied and this was all on purpose-" he sighed 

 

I nod and clean up the glass out of the sink

 

"Jay??"

 

Paleman and I turn our heads towards the door before running.

 

Right outside of the dining hall, Cole and Zane were coddling a collapsed Jay, trying to get him to wake up.

 

"Jay, c'mon you have to wake up!" Cole pleaded, gently tapping the smaller teen's face. Jay's breathing was laboured and shallow 

 

"His blood sugar levels are plummeting, and his vitals are unstable-" Zane pet Jay's hair "I didn't see him actually eat at breakfast yesterday, and he hardly ate at dinner the night before. With how light he is, that would be enough to impact his health."

 

"What?" Cole's face was desperate "What do you mean yesterday? Breakfast was just a few hours ago!"

 

Zane shook his head "Cole are you alright? Our last meal was yesterday morning. That was over 24 hours ago"

 

"This- doesn't make any sense- and you're all certain there's NOTHING left? He needs something I can't lose him!"

 

"I'm sorry Cole- we've checked multiple times- it's all gone-"

 

"No-" he held Jay close. "No!" 

 

"He's dying?" Paleman gasped "So quickly? 

 

"Does you think he was holding off on eating to save food for someone?" I ask, trying to think.

 

"What?" Cole went pale, holding Jay close "Jay you idiot-" he planted a gentle kiss to his forehead. 

 

"The vitamins!" Zane perked up "The vitamins upstairs! Maybe they-"

 

I shake my head "they're gone"

 

Cole whimpered softly "I won't leave him- I'm gonna be at Jay's side the entire time until…." He shuddered "I don't want to say it-"

 

Zane helped him up and they headed to Jay's room.

 

Biting my tongue, I head back into the kitchen, hoping to find something, even the Smallest thing. I ignore the sharp pain in my abdomen. I have to help Jay.

 

"Karlof what are you doing?" I hear Chamille speak from behind me.

 

"Trying to find food-"

 

"Karlof I know you're hungry we all are but there's nothing -"

 

"There has to be something!" I slam my fist on the counter "Without food Mechanic boy will die!"

 

"Someone is dying already?" She gasped 

 

"Karlof suspects he won't make it past the day-"

 

"Oh my god- but how? We only ran out of food yesterday!"

 

I don't answer her, I just angrily storm into the walk-in freezer to search. Nothing. I dug through the fridge. Nothing. There's god damn NOTHING! I hid my face in my hands, shaking a little. 

 

Chamille helped me up, and we left the dining hall entirely

 

"You disappeared yesterday, what happened?" Chamille asked. Her tone is gentle but her face is a mix of concern and annoyance

 

"Karlof couldn't tell you-" I rub my head "One moment in library and another in bed-"

 

"Karlof I'm serious"

 

"As am I."

 

"Karlof I'm not joking around."

 

"If you's don't believe me then don't. But Karlof is telling truth."

 

"Then we're going to the library come on." She dragged me upstairs

 

We walk in the library and look around. The shelves are torn apart, and a button was visible on one of them.

 

"What happened here?" Chamille asked, looking to me for answers, but of course I had none.

 

We make our way to the shelf and press the button, the wall opening up. There's nothing here, just empty shelves and a table in the middle of the room. Whatever MIGHT have been in here was gone, and recently too 

 

"There is no dust on shelves-"

 

"This is so weird. Do you even remember leaving the library?"

 

I shake my head "It is possible We stumbled on this room, but after that there is nothing."

 

"You think the mastermind took your memories of discovering this room?" Chamille asked, trying to search for something left behind

 

"It's possible, but reason for doing so is unknown-"

 

"Do you think-" she gasped "oh my god! This might be one of the mastermind's rooms!" 

 

"Karlof will keep note.of room's existence, but for now can we leave? Something about this is making me uncomfortable-"

 

"Of course." She smiled, guiding me out the door

 

My stomach growls as we walk, all the wandering around has been making this whole thing go by faster than it should be.

 

Chamille meets up with Tox and they head off somewhere, leaving me alone.

 

"You look white as a ghost big guy." Nya catches up to me, inserting herself into idle chit chat "What's wrong?"

 

"Has you ever lost memory of important thing?" I ask "like, days worth of memory?"

 

"I can't say I have, no."

 

I sigh. "Don't call Karlof crazy, but after certain period of time yesterday, can't remember anything. In library one moment, in bed next."

 

"Kai was telling me about that. Apparently he was teasing Jay about something, and woke up in bed."

 

"Da he told me. Jay had "Hickey" on neck or something."

 

"Yeah, so I was told-" she sighed softly. Was that jealousy in her tone?

 

"Cole and Jay had similar experiences." I add in, trying to brush past the topic of Jay and Cole's…. Connection, because it seems she wants to.

 

"Something weird is going on with that library then-" she sighed "listen Karlof I gotta go we can talk later."

 

Nya disappeared into the nurse's office to meet with Zane. Feeling like I had no business being there, I kept walking. Walking downstairs, legs shaking, alone with my thoughts.

 

"It wouldn't take much right?" I think to myself as I grip the railing. "I could slit Acronix's throat. I could drown Nya, I could shove Kai down the stairs, and smother Jay." these thoughts are making me ill. "Kill one to save the others. It wouldn't be hard. I could do it easily."

 

I can't shake these intrusive thoughts out of my head. The hunger is starting to get to me. I don't even know where I'm going until I'm there, standing in the kitchen in front of the knife display.

 

"Take one!" My brain screams at me "Use it! Kill!"  

 

I reach forward with shaking hands before a voice snaps me out of my delirium.

 

"Karlof what are you doing?" Morro gaped, seeing the knife inches from my fingertips. He sounds hurt, confused.

 

I freeze in place, refusing to turn and face him.

 

"Were you going to kill someone? Karlof, what?"

 

"I-I-" I can't look him in the eyes, he sounds so betrayed. I stumble, clutching my stomach. It hurts. I need to eat but there's nothing to eat! I need to get out of this hellhole!

 

"Karlof, snap out of it, hey!" His form is solid, holding my hands "I'm not gonna let you do something stupid, okay? I'm here for you. You got this."

 

My grey eyes meet his green ones. In my delirious state I almost think I'm looking at that boy, Lloyd. I failed him, and now I'm failing the others. 

 

"Karlof is- so sorry- I'm in pain- everyone is in pain-"

 

"Elliot told me about Jay. It's terrifying watching everyone wither away. I can't imagine how scary it is to experience it. My death wasn't painless but it was quick. The seventeen of you aren't so lucky." His cold ghostly hand pressed against my cheek. "You need rest, come on."

 

I follow him upstairs to my room, my legs shaking. I'm tired, so, so tired. But I'm scared. If I fall asleep now, will I wake in the morning? Will JAY wake in the morning? 

 

I collapsed onto the slab of metal I call a bed, intrusive thoughts swarming in again

 

"If suicide wasn't against the rules I could just slit my own throat. Or hang myself in Cole's lab. Drown mySELF in Nya's aquarium. I could just end my life for the others but I'm going to be forced to end someone else's instead."

 

Hours into the night I still haven't slept, I haven't shut up the voices. I need it to stop

 

I need to kill someone 

 

I headed upstairs to the third floor, running on autopilot at this point, searching for a weapon, but I noticed something wrong.

 

A familiar, metallic smell in the air.

 

Blood.

 

The intrusive thoughts shut up instantly and I'm sprinting down the hall 

 

"No. No no no no nononononoNO!"

 

I don't know why but my gut is telling me to go to the chemistry lab

 

And before I even open the door, I see blood. There's a few specks on the floor. 

 

Bracing myself, I place my hands on the door, and push it open…

 

And see before me, the body of Elliot Pale, the ultimate illusionist.

 

Or at least, what can be seen of him any other time, plus his pool of blood.

 

He's laying on the ground in a heap, according to the pose I can see with his suit. His fedora is on the ground next to him, his sunglasses broken. Suppressing the urge to vomit, I run over to the figure and try to find his neck to feel for a pulse. Nothing. Just the faint whispers of lingering body heat. I hate getting used to the feeling of a dead corpse, but his body temperature implies he's only been dead for an hour at most. My eyes wander over to something large thrown under a tarp, a negative feeling pooling in my stomach. I notice a blue trickle of something so of course I get up and follow it to the sheet, which I grip and pull up, revealing the second victim of this case

 

Zane Julien, the Ultimate Robot

 

Head literally smashed in, great first spinjitzu master this would be brutal on a human being.

 

 Before I even realise what I'm doing I'm checking him for a pulse too, only to remember robots, in fact, don't have pulses. 

 

Once I process what just happened, I stumble backwards from the corpse, from the ROOM, in shock. Two bodies… why? Why are there two bodies?? What's happening??? Zane? Paleman?? What??

Before I realised it, I was screaming.

 

“Karlof!” I hear Morro’s voice, but I don’t notice him approach. “Karlof what’s wrong? What happened?”

I just stare forward, eyes never leaving the chemistry lab. 

 

“Holy shit- I’ll go get help, you stay here okay?”

 

I don’t respond, i just stare. The only thing that snapped me out of this daze was

 

*Ding dong dong ding*

 

“You’re not going to believe this everyone, but two bodies have been discovered! Please make your way to the third floor chemistry lab.”

 

“Huh-?” I blink, realising Kai was in front of me. He turns his head, blue-amber eyes glaring daggers in my direction. “You. Did you do this?”

 

“N-niet-”

 

“Then why were you up here, huh? Planning a murder of your own?” He grabbed me by the shirt, forcing me to my feet. For such a small boy he’s strong

 

“Kai that’s enough!” Cole pulled him off of me. 

 

“That’s right! You don’t really wanna fight on an empty stomach, riiiiight?” Monochen popped up, holding a basket and a Chen file in his hands

 

“What is that?” Gravis asked, eyeing the basket

 

“Well we can’t have all of you keel over in hunger during the island trial right?” Monochen cocked his head “So I got you all a little something something.”

 

He handed out the contents of the basket: small portions of curry, rice cakes, and tea. All of us eat desperately, relief washing over the crowd as we do.

 

“Geez-” Morro shuddered. “This makes me glad I died before I could starve this is disturbing-”

 

"Wait, what about Jay?" Nya asked "If he's down for the count right now, will he be forced to attend the trial?"

 

"Oh right, the mechanic." Monochen shrugged "I'll deal with him. If he's there for the trial he's there for the trial if not oh well. Though I have a feeling he won't wanna miss this one." 

 

And with a cackle he left

 

"Hey get back here-" Cole reached for him but it was no use. "What do you think he meant by that?"

 

"I dunno, but there's something weird going on here…" Tox crossed her arms. 

 

"Two bodies-" Skylor walked inside. "Not to sound rude but why does Zane count? He's a robot. He's not dead, just broken."

 

"Hey! He's just as much a person as you and I!" Nya growled. "he had feelings, he hurt, he loved,he cried. Just because it's oil running through his body, not blood, doesn't mean he's not a person!"

 

"Yes yes very emotional but this is a murder investigation, can we get on with it?" Shade sneered, approaching Paleman. "I will admit it, this killer is quite smart."

 

"How so?" Krux asked, kneeling down beside him.

 

"Take out the robot, who we would even question the legitimacy of the murder, and the invisible one, who we can't investigate for additional injuries and have to put blind faith in the Monochen File for accuracy. Whomever did this to them is quite intelligent."

 

I took deep breaths, trying to stop the nausea pooling in my stomach. The metallic smell of blood is dreadful enough, but the guilt I was feeling was somehow making it worse.

 

Trying to shake it off I approached the crime scene.

 

Shade put on a glove and felt the blood on Paleman's head, looking for a wound

 

' nope nope nope nope nope' I think to myself, looking away 'Not gonna look not gonna look not gonna look'

 

"You're a strange man for touching a wound with little hesitation." Krux sighed

 

I look over to see that Shade's usually steel cold expression has softened, not into a look of empathy for the deceased, but to a look of disgust for the fact that he's feeling up a wound.

 

"Interesting- I feel fracturing on his skull. This injury had to come from a high impact blow to the head. The amount of fracturing suggests blunt force trauma was the cause of death, and possibly instantaneous." His voice isn’t stable. He’s trying to hide his demeanour but he really isn’t a good liar

 

"We might wanna check the Monochen File to be sure, but I'd agree with that assessment."

 

Shade’s account has been added to your truth bullets

 

Right, the Monochen File… I pull it up on my Chenbook

 

“Victim: Zane Julien

Cause of death: Bludgeoning

Time of death: 2:08 AM

Last words: “Please-”

Zane Julien was killed by a repeated blow to the head, approximately 6 blows were dealt. No other injuries are to be found”

 

“Victim: Elliot Pale

Cause of death: Blunt force trauma

Time of death: 2:20 AM

Last words: 

Elliot was killed by a single hard blow to the head. No other injuries are known. Death was instantaneous”

 

“Huh?” I scan the file over and over, but it doesn’t change what I saw. “There is information hiding here-”

 

“What’s wrong?” Acronix asked, walking away from Zane to where I stood

 

“Look at Pale man’s file.” I point out. “Last words have been a part of every file, Including Zane, but is missing here.”

 

Missing information has been added to your truth bullets

Monochen File #3 has been added to your truth bullets

 

My eyes scan the room, still not able to look at the bodies yet. My eyes fall on something in the corner.

 

Chamille saw it too.

 

“Is that a broken microscope?” She asked, picking it up. “It’s covered in blood.”

 

“Safe to say is murder weapon-” I sigh, taking a closer look… “Da, look, blue. Like oil from Zane-”

 

Broken microscope has been added to your truth bullets.

 

"Have you looked at the bodies yet?" Chamille asked "I mean- other than when you discovered them- I saw you trying to avert your gaze before."

 

"Karlof feels ill-" I shook my head

 

"Do you wanna sit this one out? Let me lead the trial this time?"

 

"Niet- we need to work together-"

 

"Karlof-"

 

"I said no!" I clenched my fists. Everyone turned to look at my shaking frame. I looked around the room and sighed "Let's just… keep investigating-"

 

I walked over to Zane, investigating his body closely. Nya was right beside him, holding his metal hand as if to comfort his still frame.

 

"Zane's made of a highly durable metal. In the years I've known him he's never once been dented or scuffed. Whoever did this wasn't just strong, they were tall. To get the leverage needed to do this-"

 

"So suspect list is narrowed down to every tall person-" I mutter

 

Nya's account has been added to your truth bullets

 

I look at the tarp on the floor, trying to see if I could figure out where it came from. There wasn't a tarp in here before, was there?

 

"Huh?"

 

I see a logo on one of the corners. It says 'auditorium' on it. There's an auditorium? Where?

 

Tarp has been added to your truth bullets

 

"What's so weird about the logo?" Skylor asked "the auditorium is at the end of the middle hall did you not notice it?"

 

I shook my head "Karlof never made it past surveillance room-"

 

"Right, I forgot you got zapped. But if that's where this is from, maybe you should go check it out, yeah?"

 

I nod and get up, legs still a little shaky. As I head out I jump at a hand being placed on my shoulder

 

"Would you like someone to accompany you?" Neuro asked me, a gentle smile on his face. 

 

I sighed softly and nodded

 

We enter the auditorium and look around.

 

"Look, over here." Neuro beckoned me over "Over by the stack of chairs there's a blue foot print."

 

Blue footprint has been added to your truth bullets

 

I approach and swipe my finger on one of the chairs "No dust. Tarp must have been from chairs."

 

"So they walked in, took the tarp off the chairs, threw it over Zane and then killed Paleman? Why?" Neuro scratched his head.

 

"We'll discuss during trial, but is bizarre." I cross my arms "Why only cover one body?"

 

*DING DONG BING BONG*

 

"I'm getting so boooored. Everyone make your tay to the elevator so we can get this show on the road already!"

 

"That was annoyingly short-" Neuro sighed "So, shall we get going?"

 

"Da, let's go downstairs and send another friend to their death-"

 

"When you phrase it that way it sounds unnecessary." Neuro crossed his arms and looked away, but his voice had no emotion behind it. "if we don't do it we'll all die. It's a necessary sacrifice because we don't have a choice."

 

"Niet- none of this sacrifice is necessary." I walked away and headed downstairs, pausing as I passed the dining hall.

 

"You okay big guy?" Morro asked

 

"Here's last place Karlof saw them alive- was only yesterday-" 

 

"This game is cruel. Anyone you get close to could be the next corpse you're investigating."

 

"Da-" the nauseous pool in my stomach has been fighting me this whole time, but something about what Morro said was what finally made me rush to the nearest garbage can.

 

There was a gentle hand on my back, rubbing circles.

 

"Deep breaths, you'll be okay."

 

I look up to see Cole, one of the few people here I really didn't want to see me like this.

 

"Sorry-"

 

"You don't need to apologise, it's difficult I know." He helped me to my feet and we headed over.

 

Nya was hugging herself, Kai right next to her, as we waited for everyone to board the elevator. I can't imagine how hard it is for these children to see death time and time again

 

"This is bullshit-" I hear Ash grumble, talking to Gravis. "these kids especially shouldn't be going through this. This is cruel-"

 

Garmadon, who hasn't uttered a word up until now, is staring at the door "Neuro is late again-"

 

"Again? He was late last time?" Skylor asked

 

"Perhaps I was the only one to notice, but yes."

 

"Relax I'm here-" Neuro walked into the room "I bumped into Monochen. Jay will not be joining us. He's conscious but not very responsive."

 

"He's not-?" Cole asked, hugging himself.

 

"Hey, it's okay! You'll be able to see him after the trial!" Chamille pats his shoulder before boarding the elevator.

 

"Yeah, let's just get this over with." Kai grumbled. "I'm tired of losing my friends."

 

We all board one by one and the door closes, making its ascent down into the deep pits of despair. Which one of my allies will I be losing today? Is one of us really so cruel as to take out two people at once? Why?

 

As we reach the bottom my heart sinks. This is it. 

 

"Hello Island residents!"

Chapter 10: Chapter three trial: Love and despair

Summary:

The trial begins. Will our players make the right choice or the dreadfully wrong one? Read and find out

We all take our places on the podium as Monochen continues his speech.

 

"I shall begin with a basic explanation of the island trial. After a murder has begun you have a certain amount of time to figure out the clues needed to solve this mystery, and find out who dunnit. If you guess correctly the blackened will be punished, but if you guess the wrong one everyone BESIDES the blackened will be punished, and the blackened gets to go free."

 

"Right, so where do we begin this time?" Ash asks

 

"Well… how about the murder weapon?" Krux suggests. 

 

"The broken microscope?" Tox asked. "What? You think someone just slammed it down on their heads? Those things are like- really heavy."

 

"Not everyone here is weak Tox." Chamille pointed out. "there's quite a few people who could probably lift it no problem."

 

"So what? Take everyone here who's weak off the suspect list?" Shade scoffed "Like sure, we could do that for Zane, but what about the other one? They died at different times did they not?"

 

"Are you suggesting two different killers?" Tox mused "Shade my dear I didn't see you as one to have a sense of humour!"

 

"I'm not joking around, don't be stupid." He snarled, before clearing his throat and adjusting his tie. "think about it this way, Zane's body was covered in a tarp. What if someone killed Paleman, not knowing Zane was already there." His eyes wandered to….

 

"Me?" I gasped 

 

"You were the first person to find the bodies, we all know you're not in the right mindset, and I had a little conversation with your ghost friend before the trial. He told us you had intent to kill last night."

 

"What?" Chamille gasped "Morro what did you do?"

 

"People are dead, I can't just lie!" Morro raised his hands in defence

 

"Painting your best friend as a murderer isn't exactly a good thing either!"

 

"WILL EVERYONE SHUT UP??" Kai shouted, silencing the courtroom. "listen, I hate to admit it, but the body discovery announcement kinda clears him."

 

"Yeah, it went off when Kai looked and he was the first to look when Morro got us, and I'm assuming Morro looked first." Cole crossed his arms. "And before you say it could just be for Zane the BDA specifically only went off once, for both people at once. It said "two bodies were discovered"."

 

"Okay, so Karlof, Morro and Kai are clear." Acronix sighed "Fantastic. So our only leading suspect is moot. Now what?"

 

"How about we take one step at a time and start with Zane." Skylor played with her hair

 

Make your argument 

 

"We all know Zane was killed first, but there was something odd about the scene." Shade tapped his chin

 

"You mean other than the repeated blows to the head?" Skylor scoffed

 

"Yes, you idiot. If both of them were killed in the same room. Why only hide one body ?"

 

"Maybe to cover the fact that there was two victims?" Nya asked

 

"No, I don't think so." Kai crossed his arms. "I think Zane was killed before Paleman even showed up ."

 

"Karlof agrees with that!" I smiled. "There was partial blue footprint in auditorium."

 

"A blue footprint?" Ash asked "What? Like that blue liquid at the crime scene?"

 

"Da, robot equivalent to bloody footprint. There was no actual blood, so safe to assume Paleman wasn't killed yet."

 

"His name is Elliot-" Morro sighed "The man is dead, please."

 

"Sorry- Elliot wasn't killed yet." 

 

"So whoever covered Zane's body never had any intention of there being another victim then?" Neuro fussed with his beard "that also explains the causes of death."

 

"Bludgeoning versus a single blow to the head. Zane was meant to die, Elliot was not." Gravis thought.

 

"But why?" Garmadon asked. "Why would they do this? Why do any of this??"

 

"We were all slowly dying, maybe they thought it was a necessary sacrifice." Neuro suggested.

 

"There you go again! "Necessary sacrifice".There are no necessary sacrifices here! None of this is necessary!!" 

 

Everyone was staring at me before I even realised I was shouting.

 

"Karlof-" Chamille placed a hand on my shaking arm. "Let me take over okay, you just take a breather."

 

"Right- so, anyway-" Tox played with her hair "We're going in circles. Zane's head was bashed in and Elliot got bonked. We're no closer to figuring out the truth."

 

"That's not entirely true-" Chamille sighed. "We eliminated suspects, and identified the weapon, and the fact that Zane was covered before Elliot died."

 

"But why did Zane die? Who killed him? Why was he in the Chem lab at 2 in the morning, why was Elliot? Was he lured? Was it his own free will?" Krux snarled. "We have so many unanswered questions but great! We know the order of which our allies got their heads caved in."

 

"The trial just started, relax." Ash rolled his eyes. "So, what should we discuss next?"

 

"I don't think we're done discussing Zane being covered by the tarp." Chamille thought out loud. "Why go through the trouble of going all the way to the Auditorium just to grab a tarp and bring it back? If the goal was to hide Zane why not move him instead? The chemistry lab has a closet inside of it but it wasn't even touched."

 

"The reason for covering Zane may just be it was a temporary hiding place." Nya suggested

 

"Or, it was someone just being unable to look at the body of their friend." Acronix thought

 

"Oh great here we go-" Tox rolled her eyes "You do this every trial and every trial you're wrong. Zane wasn't killed by one of his friends."

 

"We have to explore every angle, despite how annoying it is." Garmadon sighed "Alright, who do you accuse this time?"

 

"Kai was cleared by the body discovery, So not him." Acronix tapped his chin "How about….. you." He pointed right at Nya.

 

"Are- are you serious?" She sounded baffled "You can't be serious."

 

"Just hear me out."

 

Make your argument

 

"Nya spent a lot of time with Zane yesterday, and the day before." Acronix started. "She's not physically weak, and could easily get him to the chemistry lab."

 

"Nya was with me last night, she wasn't feeling well ." Kai growled

 

"Do you have any proof of this claim?" Acronix sneered. "No? Okay, so this is what happened. Nya lured Zane upstairs. Then she grabbed a microscope, snuck up on Zane, and bashed his head in. "

 

"No that's wrong!" Chamille's head snapped up "Nya's own testimony from before is proof of that!"

 

"What? What do you mean?" Acronix looked taken aback

 

"Nya said that Zane is made of highly durable metal. Someone tall needed to deal the killing blow because they needed the leverage to leave a mark let alone kill him. And I don't know about you, but Zane being 5'10 and Nya being roughly 5'6 is a bit too much of a height difference to deal that sort of blow effectively. And all of Zane's blows are vertical, straight down on his head."

 

"So our suspect is someone taller than 5'10." Skylor tapped her chin. "So we can eliminate every short person. Narrowing the list to Cole, Morro, Karlof, Acronix, Krux, and myself. But Karlof is cleared by the BDA and so is Morro, so the list is narrowed even further to Cole, Acronix, Krux and myself."

 

"This is stupid." Kai sighed "Cole didn't do it. Zane was his best friend!"

"Silence fools!"

 

We all turned to see Krux, standing and waiting for our full attention.

 

"There is a way for someone outside of us four to be the culprit. What if they simply climbed on something for the needed height? The counter perhaps?"

 

"But we didn't find any evidence of that?" Chamille asked in confusion. "What? You think Zane just waited for them to climb on the counter and bash his head in? Or are you thinking they were already there? If so Zane would think something is wrong and leave, he was a smart robot. And there's no blue liquid over by the counter at all; it's all in the back corner with his body."

 

"Eh- Uh- ahem. Very well." He cleared his throat, embarrassed

 

"We're going in circles." Neuro shook his head.

 

"Does anyone have any questions regarding the crime? Any at all?" Nya asked. 

 

"I have something." Garmadon raised his hand. "the footprint. Was there only one?"

 

"Da-" I finally speak, though I'm quiet, trying to stay calm. "There was just one, in front of stack of chairs."

 

"Doesn't that seem like an obvious fabrication then?" He asked "If they were tracking oil, it should have been all the way down the hall."

 

"That's not entirely true." Skylor suggested "what if the killer cleaned them up and just missed one? Or that tarp dragged on the floor and cleaned them up."

 

"The floor is a very deep purple carpet. It's possible the tracks just didn't show up, the chairs are close to the door."

 

"And oil isn't really easy to get off, so it's possible it tracked that far." Chamille shrugged

 

"Do either of you recall how large the footprint was?" Nya asked

 

I shake my head, as does Neuro.

 

"Wow, so our only people who saw the supposed print are a suspect who can't keep his emotions at bay and the dumbest clairvoyant I've ever met." Shade sneered

 

"Don't you dare judge my intelligence over not remembering something I saw once." Neuro glared. "It wasn't a complete footprint, it was rather faded."

 

"This whole trial thing is hard When the killer isn't an idiot-" Tox sighed "I'm stumped."

 

"Then let's take a break from Zane and discuss Elliott." Chamille suggested. 

 

"Well, when I analyzed his body, by touch mind you, I discovered that the blow was to his forehead." Shade began. "Meaning that whomever did this swung backwards and hit him, it wasn't a vertical blow."

 

"We all knew Paleman wasn't intentional, but I assumed it was because he interrupted so the killer made the conscious choice to kill him." Chamille tapped her chin "But it sounds more like he scared the killer, and they swung out of reflex."

 

"So what I think happened was the killer was placing the tarp onto Zane's body, Elliot walked in and said something, and startled the killer, so they just reacted and grabbed the microscope again and swung." Morro thought out loud, running his fingers through his hair.

 

Yeah, that definitely sounds like a possibility, but there's something that's been bothering me about Morro's statement

 

Make your argument

 

"So, the killer was startled by Elliot ." Morro repeated

 

"The blow's location supports that I suppose." Shade nodded "But how was he startled?"

 

" Elliot said something, obviously."

 

"No that's wrong!" I cut in "Monochen File says Elliot had no last words."

 

"Oh, does it say that? Oopsie daisy~" Monochen beamed "Did you not consider that maybe it wasn't included on purpose?"

 

"Why wouldn't you put it in?" Skylor asked "Everyone else had them put in."

 

"Yes but everyone else didn't have the killer's name as their last word now did they?"

 

The room fell silent as the revelation sunk in

 

"There's no way it would be so easy so you left it out." Shade chuckled "Clever serpent"

 

"Aw shucks you're making me blush!"

 

"Can we get back on topic now?" Acronix sneered. "It's 4 in the morning."

 

"But what else is there?"

 

This can't be it, can it? We have no leads. We have 4 suspects but nothing to pinpoint any of them. We have nothing……

 

Wait…

 

It CAN'T be this simple can it?

 

"How tall is Elliot?" I ask

 

"What?" Morro asks "How is that relevant?"

 

"Just answer question."

 

"He was…. I dunno, 5'9? It's hard to tell when you can't see him." Nya shrugged. "Why?"

 

"Karlof thinks he knows culprit-"

 

"What?" Chamille gasped "How could you possibly know who the culprit is from his height?"

 

Was it.... really this obvious?

 

Was it so obvious on purpose?

 

Did he not want to get way with it?

 

"Well? spit it out." Garmadon gleered "Answer her question."

 

"W-well, height is huge factor in case, but so is strength. Who here is tall and muscular, that is on suspect list?"

 

"You can't be saying what I think you're saying-" Kai chuckled a dry empty chuckle. "he wouldn't do this."

 

"Not to quote fellow resident but not under normal circumstance. But everyone was weak and hungry. And holding microscope in two hands is hard enough but one hand is more difficult. Only suspect who fits criteria is… Cole-"

 

Everyone turned to Cole, who's been quiet for most of the trial

 

"Cole! Come on! Say something!" Nya pleaded "You wouldn't do this, right? What about Jay?"

 

Still he said nothing, he seemed to be carefully thinking about what he was going to say next

 

"Cole, please!" Nya pleaded again

 

"If Karlof is wrong Karlof will gladly be told so just say something-" I look at him and briefly, green eyes meet grey

 

"You're right." He sighed "I did it. I killed Zane and Paleman."

 

"Are.you kidding me?" Kai snarled "Are you fucking kidding me??? Zane was our friend! Our BROTHER! WHY??"

 

Cole's eyes saddened "He asked me to. Paleman was an accident, I never meant to hurt him, but Zane came to me with a proposition."

 

"Cole, I have a favour to ask and I can only trust you with it." Zane's voice was calm but I couldn't help but hear the scared tremble in his voice. "Meet me in the chemistry lab at 2 in the morning."

 

I didn't know what he wanted, but I didn't want to leave Jay. He came to me fairly early in the afternoon so I had time to think on it, but in the end I decided to go. I couldn't sleep anyway because my stomach hurt so bad. I entered the room and sure enough he was there. 

 

"What did you want to talk to me about?" 

 

"I need you to kill me." Zane sounded so sure it was scary. "Everyone is degrading rapidly, I suspect the first death will be in a day or two,  and we both know who that will be."

 

"But- I can't kill you you're my friend!"

 

"I'm asking you BECAUSE you're my friend!" He held my hands in his. "If we don't do this someone else will. I will be okay. As long as my power source isn't damaged I can rebuild. I know I'm asking a lot of you but-"

 

"I'll do it." I spoke before I even knew what I was thinking. "For Jay, I'll do it."

 

He thanked me and I grabbed a microscope, because hello! Poison will not work on a robot and that's the only other thing in there and I shut my eyes and kept swinging. I heard his body hit the floor and I opened them back up to see him laying there and leaking a blue fluid I've never seen before. I assumed it was oil but it didn't smell like it.

 

I went to get the tarp because I couldn't look at him I just couldn't. And as I was covering him I heard a voice. I just reacted. He didn't go down immediately. He stumbled, his glasses flying one way his hat another, blood pouring out of the wound, and he collapses. I was horrified. I threw the microscope and ran downstairs, scrubbing the blood off in a public Bathroom because those are the only ones that keep the water at night and went back to my room. After an hour I had Morro run through my wall to tell me there's two bodies and the discovery announcement went off before I arrived. 

 

"I don't understand…" Tox played with her hair "if you were fully accepting death, why wouldn't you just say you did it?"

 

"I was scared. I've seen these executions they're cruel and vicious. I killed my friend to save someone I love and extra blood was spilled for nothing. I got scared."

 

"I'd rather starve to death," Kai snarled "than have to go through another trial. You make me sick Cole."

 

"Kai!" Nya stared at her brother

 

"He killed people, Nya. He deserves to pay for that."

 

"Kai!"

 

"Nya it's fine-" Cole interrupted "He has every right to be mad. I'm sorry I hurt you and betrayed your trust everyone."

 

"Do you have message for Jay?" I ask, tired. 

 

"Tell him I love him, and I'm sorry." He smiled. "Now, if Monochen is ready I believe it's time to vote, is it not?"

 

"THAAAT'S RIGHT~" Monochen beamed "you all know what to do by now! Shall we vote?"

 

We all selected and the giant wheel emerged from the floor, landing on Cole

 

COLE BROOKSTONE: GUILTY

 

"Looks like you all guessed right again! The culprit is ultimate mountain climber Cole Brookstone!" Monochen beamed

 

Cole smiled sadly, a tear running down his cheek "Guess this is it, huh?"

 

Nya ran off her podium and hugged him. “Don’t go! You can fight him you can get away-” 

 

“Nya, it’s okay.” He cupped her cheek. “Listen to me, okay? Take care of him. He’s going to need you more than ever now, you hear me?” He ruffled her hair “I know you won’t disappoint.” he turned to Monochen “I’m ready.”

 

“No! I’m not done with you yet!” Kai got off his podium

 

“Now! Without further ado!” Monochen beamed “I have prepared an extra special punishment for Cole Brookstone the ultimate mountain climber!”

 

“No! Wait!” Kai ran forward and reached for Cole just as the chain clamped on his neck

 

“IIIIIIIIIT’S PUNISHMENT TIME!”

 

Kai just missed Cole’s hand as he was yanked away, watching him disappear from sight. He just stood there, staring at the now empty hallway while the rest of us turned to the monitor.

 

Cole was dropped at the base of a mountain, rubbing his head. He stared up at it with confusion, then his face gre determined. Free climb mountain climbing is what he does, right?

 

He started climbing. At first everything goes off without a hitch but he sees a sign part way up.

 

Watch out for falling debris

 

He stared at the sign in confusion before a rock fell and hit him on the head, making him wince. He shakes it off and keeps climbing.

 

The higher he gets the more rocks fall and hit him. His arms and legs are bruised, he’s bleeding, he’s too high up to turn back. The rocks get larger and larger. 

 

His body freezes when he hears a rumbling sound and looks up. There’s a rockslide heading towards him. He jumps into a cave for safety.

 

He’s panting and sweating, rubbing the blood out of his eyes. When the rockslide ends he can see into the cave properly. There’s bones littering the entryway and a sign that says “Beware the serpent.”

 

Cole looks up to see a glowing pair of red eyes and screams, running out of the cave. The serpent follows him to the edge. There’s nowhere for him to go. The rockslide destroyed his path down and he’s inches away from a giant snake. Cole swallows hard and steps backwards off the cliff, plummeting. The screen goes black.

 

“O-oh my god-” Chamille gasped “What WAS that thing??”

 

“It wasn’t mechanical, that's for sure-” Acronix crossed his arms. “Cole was about to be eaten by a real snake-”

 

“That thing was REAL??” Morro gaped “It’s on the island right now??”

 

“Whaaat the fuck-” Ash ran his fingers through his hair.

 

Nya turned her head. Kai was still staring at the empty hallway.

 

“Kai, c’mon, we should go-” She placed her hand on his shoulder, which he quickly shrugged off. 

 

“Don’t- just… don’t.” he turned and walked away.

 

The ride up the elevator was quiet. No one spoke. No one even looked at each other. We all just leave the meet up room one by one and head to our rooms.

 

Which is where we ran into him.

 

Jay scanned the crowd, searching. His eyes widened when he realised who wasn't there.

 

"No-"

 

"Jay-" Nya was right there to catch him as he collapsed with grief. His small frame trembling as he struggled to process

 

"No- he- he didn't- he wouldn't-!"

 

"Jay, c'mon, let's go back to your room-"

 

"NO! I want answers! Why did he do it?? Why did he LEAVE ME??"

 

Tox, surprisingly enough, was the one to step forward and take his shaking hands in hers. She kept her voice calm as she spoke and didn't force him to look at her

 

"He did it to help you. You were sick and dying and Zane requested him to make this sacrifice to help you. Cole didn't want to leave you. He told us to tell you he loves you and he's sorry."

 

Jay looked up at her words, his tears streaming down his face before he broke down completely, allowing Tox to pull him in a hug as he let his emotions out. 

 

We all just stood, unable to say anything or even move.

 

Eventually he pulled away from Tox and Nya took him to her room. No one wants him alone right now.

 

Morro blocks my path to my room. 

 

"Hey, can we talk?"

 

"What is there to talk about?" I speak, flat and tired. I'm angry with him and he knows it. "About how Karlof was accused of murder?”

“Listen, I know I was in the wrong but can you blame me? I walked in on you grabbing a knife dude.”

 

“If this is apology, it’s terrible one.”

 

“Karlof-”

 

“Goodnight-” I walked through him and into my room, collapsing onto my bed, which felt very comforting for once. Cole was my friend, he was there for me a lot these past couple of weeks. And now he’s gone. I can’t trust Morro anymore, I can hardly call anyone else an ally, all I have left is Chamille. I’m done. I can’t do this anymore. I just want to go home and if everyone else goes down for that to happen that’s just how it’s going to be.

 

Chapter 11: Chapter 4: A twist in fate- daily life

Summary:

TRIGGER WARNING: DISCUSSION OF SELF HARM IN THIS CHAPTER! PROCEED WITH CAUTIONS

The next morning we were greeted to a full meal at breakfast, something most of us expected to never see again, but most of us aren't eating. Without Cole's positive light or the bickering between Jay and Kai it's just gotten quiet. 

 

"Good morning everyone! How's the food?" Monochen grins as he slithers into the dining hall, not just appearing like he usually does. 

 

"What do you want?" Jacob asked, eating his ramen. 

 

"Oh, Jacob, I almost forgot you were here, you're so quiet!" Monochen chuckled "anyway, I'll get straight to business. You all survived another trial, but there isn't much for you on the new floor, just the remaining labs and a green house. But because I've run out of floors, I'll be sharing pieces of information to you instead."

 

"What?" Neuro's head shot up. 

 

"Oh yes, little tidbits of the island or the outside world. But I won't be giving anything too crucial so don't keep your hopes up too high."

 

"What information could we possibly want from you then?" Kai growled

 

"Oh, I dunno, how about…… there's a spy in your group. "

 

The room went silent. The clattering of a dropped spoon could be heard but no one looked away to see who it was.

 

"Is this some sort of joke?" Gravis shook his head "because really, I don't find it all that amusing."

 

"Nope! No jokes here! One of you secretly works for me. And this spy isn't the mastermind so don't get your hopes up there either."

 

He disappeared and we were forced to just sit there and let it sink in.

 

"Why- why does he want to hurt us so badly?" 

 

I finally turned my head to see Jay, who was sitting between Nya and Tox. He looks so tired

 

Morro quickly left the dining hall, a distinct lack of purple with him as Chamille stayed behind.

 

He won't talk to me. I'm glad he won't talk to me. After what he did yesterday I don't want to talk to him either. I understand why he did it but he didn't even let me try to defend myself. He just painted me as a murderer behind my back.

 

I don't leave my room very much anymore. What's the point? Chamille occasionally stops by to bring me food but otherwise I just want to be alone.

 

Three days pass before…..

 

*Ding dong Bing Bong*

 

"Attention residents, please proceed to the auditorium on the third floor."

 

I have no choice. I headed upstairs to see what Monochen wants.

 

"Greetings everyone! Gasp! And Karlof! It is so lovely to see your miserable face again!"

 

"Get this over with-" I grumbled softly, looking away from the staring eyes

 

"Alrighty then! Has anyone ever played the game " two truths and a lie" ?"

 

"What childish nonsense are you planning?" Shade sneered

 

"That's this week's motive! You will get the two truths and one lie from any resident except for yourself. I have all of that prepared right here!"

 

He pulled out a basket and shook it around "Who's first? Whoooo's fiiirst?" He looked around until "Hmmmm…. You."

 

He pointed directly at me.

 

I rolled my eyes and approached, grabbing a piece of paper

 

"Kai Smith two truths one lie

 

• Kai raised his sister from the age of 5

• Kai has secretly been planning a murder this whole time

• Kai is working for the mastermind but isn't the spy"

 

 

I stared at the paper for a while trying to process what it's saying. Two of these statements are true. But which of these statements is a more horrifying truth than the other? 

 

I shook my head and looked up at Kai, who was now receiving his paper. He wouldn't be working for the mastermind he hates all this death. But he also wouldn't kill anyone, he's gotten angry at every killer so far and we all know he's not gotten over Cole's death yet.

 

I scan the crowd to see if anyone was looking at me, maybe they got my paper, but everyone is just staring at theirs

 

"So what should we do?" Krux asked "Share them?"

 

"No, absolutely not." Neuro shook his head. "Sharing them is just going to paint targets on our backs."

 

"The last thing we need is to be divided." Garmadon agreed. "We came to this island a group of 23, and there's only 16 left. The more divided we are the more that number will drop."

 

"What do you suggest then, oh great Sensei?" Shade mocked. "Ignore it? That doesn't work."

 

"What do you suggest then?" Garmadon snapped, making Shade recoil backwards. "Share our motives? Invite ourselves for death? I don't want to lose anyone else. I have three kids left and none of them are my son."

 

"Your emotions are blinding you old man." Shade chuckled darkly "Keep talking like this and it'll be your body we're investigating next."

 

"Is that a threat?"

 

Shade merely chuckled and stepped away, heading out of the auditorium.

 

Jay sat quietly, staring at the paper he received. Nya took his arm and they headed out together. He's been silent since the spy was announced. No one blames him for feeling the way he does. 

 

But I find his silence suspicious. 

 

His last spoken word was in disdain towards the announcement of Monochen's spy. So who's to say it wasn't because he himself isn't the spy? I'm going to keep my eye on him.

 

I see Skylor tap on Kai's shoulder to get his attention, luring him away from the group. What if they're both working for Monochen and discussing a plan to strike? Why am I so suspicious of everyone?

 

I followed them to eavesdrop on the conversation.

 

"Kai, you know you don't need to pretend you're okay." Skylor spoke gently. "we all know you and Cole were close."

 

"Stop it Skylor. I keep telling you I'm fine."

 

"But you're not fine. I saw your arm this morning, your sleeves don't hide as much as you think they do."

 

"Just drop it." Kai turned and walked away, leaving a saddened Skylor behind. 

 

I shook my head and walked away. I had no business with that information so I ignored it. 

 

What's going on with me? Why are my thoughts so…. Negative? It's been four days why haven't I been able to get over things yet? I finally got over that boy, Lloyd. Wu is a distant memory as well, but why can't I get over anything else that happened?

 

I bumped into someone as I tried to walk away from Skylor unnoticed

 

"Oh, it's you." Kai said flatly. "What do you want?"

 

I want to ask you about your paper

 

"Karlof was just wondering….."

 

Go on say it

 

"What? Spit it out already."

 

"..... Nevermind, not important." 

 

"Then leave me alone. I'm tired of this." He turned to walk away.

 

I was standing in the auditorium alone now. Lost in my thoughts. I need to confront him, but who's to say he’ll tell me anything? 

 

“Karlof!”

 

I turned my head to see Chamille running up to me.

 

“Oh- hello.” I forced a smile.

 

“I was exploring the fourth floor and discovered something you’ll wanna see.”

 

“Didn’t Monochen say it was just talent labs-?” I was being dragged away as I spoke

 

She didn’t tell me where she was taking me, she just took me to a lab

 

The ultimate cosplayer lab

 

Her lab

 

And she locked the door behind her.

 

“Okay Morro, come out!” She shouted

 

Morro appeared from where he was possessing a mannequin. Iimmediately turned to leave.

 

“Karlof, please- wait.” He pleaded

 

I sighed heavily and stayed put, but didn’t face him. “What?”

 

“I’m sorry.” He also sighed, but it was softer. Not out of frustration like mine was. “I shouldn't have hurt you- I- I should have had more faith in you, or talked to you first, and I should have kept what happened between us… between us. It wasn’t right and I’m sorry.”

 

“Da, you’re right. It wasn’t right.” I turned to face him. "We're allies. Karlof is supposed to be able to rely on you but can't. What if your betrayal got us all killed?"

 

Morro looked away, a single black tear falling from his eye "I'm sorry. You have every reason to hate me-"

 

"Karlof doesn't hate you-" I sighed "Just hurt, that's all."

 

"Right-" 

 

"I… think we should do something to lift everyone's spirit, get out minds off things." Chamille smiled a little "And I know just the thing!"

 

She didn't tell us at ALL what her plan was, she just pulled out measuring tape and sized us up before sewing. 

 

Three guesses on what THAT entails.

 

After a few hours of small idle chit chat, out cosplays were complete

 

I put on my costume with an annoyed sigh 

 

"Karlof looks ridiculous-"

 

Chamille looked over, hemming the pants on Morro's pants "Nonsense you look great."

 

Morro was trying to get the hat he was wearing out of his eyes but Chamille was telling him it's part of the look. 

"Who am I dressed as anyway-?" He asked 

 

"You are Shuichi Saihara, from that one manga in the library."

 

"And Karlof?"

 

"He is Mondo Owada, also from the manga!"

 

"What about you?" He chuckled

 

"Ah-" she blushed and muttered quietly "Hatsune Miku-"

 

Morro laughed "Wow, talk about basic babes"

 

She feigned offence before chucking something at him, which of course fazed right through. Morro laughed at the sound of the spool hitting the floor

 

I smiled a little, glad to finally have some peace for once. There's a warmth I feel inside myself. One I haven't felt since before Zane and Paleman's deaths. 

 

Am I… happy?

 

After listening to the two of them go back and forth for a while I excused myself to go get something to eat

 

But in reality I had mustered up the courage to have a conversation with a certain blacksmith.

 

I found him in his lab, jacket off, holding a knife he forged himself.

 

"That won't solve anything."

 

His first response is to point the knife at me, body tense. "What do you want from me? You already bothered me can't you leave me alone??"

 

I sighed, but kept my eyes on the boy. He's scared. No one can blame him for feeling that way. He's already been betrayed by someone he cares about it might happen again.

 

"Karlof is here to talk about motive."

 

"What?" 

 

"Karlof has your paper." I said it plain and simple. "are you working with mastermind?"

 

"You think I'm the spy?" He looked appalled. "I'm stuck here with people I care about and you think I'm the SPY??"

 

"No! That is not what Karlof meant." I showed him the paper, but only the last line.

 

""Kai is working with the mastermind but not the spy" seriously? That's obviously a lie."

 

I felt my face go pale

 Whatever reaction Kai was expecting from me, it's clear that was not it. 

 

"What? What is it?"

 

I timidly unfolded the paper to show him the rest and his eyes widened.

 

""Kai has been planning murder this whole time". Uh- wow, I didn't expect that to be on the paper-"

 

"So it's true?" I asked, my voice shaking.

 

"I-I-" his grip loosened on the knife and he dropped it, letting it fall with a clatter. He took a deep breath to steady himself. "Yeah, it's true."

 

"Why? To get out? Nya will die if-"

 

"Don't you fucking lecture me like you KNOW me, you bastard! I wasn't doing it for me I was planning it FOR Nya!"

 

"What?"

 

"I fucking KNOW that if someone is getting out of here for murder everyone else dies, which is why I was making plans to make Nya the blackened and plant every detail necessary to get mySELF voted. I raised that girl I'd rather die than see her get hurt!"

 

I simply sighed, not wanting to fight him. "Alright, that is all Karlof needed to know."

 

Kai stormed out and I picked up the knife he left behind. Something is telling me he's lying and I'm going to get the evidence I need even if it kills me.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Something is wrong.

 

I woke up, feeling a sense of dread in my stomach. One I've felt before, of course, everyone here has. But I didn't expect to feel it so soon.

 

I climbed out of bed and brushed my hair, getting ready for the day. There's no need to panic unless I find something, correct? 

 

I adjusted my tie and left my room, knocking on the door next to mine. My brother's room.

 

"Good morning brother." Acronix smiled as he opened up. "Right on time as always."

 

"But of course." I smiled in return. "But, I'm afraid I do not feel it will be a pleasant day."

 

"You felt it too, I see." Acronix nodded "Something is off about today. But, let's not dwell on the future yet to come shall we? Let us just go to breakfast."

 

We headed off to the dining hall when a voice called for us.

 

"Hey! You two!"

 

We turned to see Chamille, that purple haired girl who is always hanging around Karlof running towards us. She seems worried about something

 

"I need your help!" She panted, catching her breath after stopping. "Karlof disappeared yesterday, after we hung out in my lab with Morro he left to get a snack and never came back. Morro said he didn't find him in his room and we're getting worried."

 

"No, we haven't seen him" Acronix shook his head. "Apologies. Have you checked the entire temple?"

 

"Yes!"

 

"How about outside?" I suggested

 

"You - think he might be outside?" She thought out loud. "Of course! How could I be so stupid-" she ran off, leaving the two of us behind.

 

We headed to breakfast, scanning the crowd.

 

A shellshocked Jay sat with Nya as per usual, Kai was sitting as far away from his friends and family as possible, and the only people missing were the ghost the Medalonian and the purple one. Perhaps my gut feeling is wrong. Or perhaps one of them will be the corpse I have to investigate.

 

Shaking it off I sat down to eat, grabbing a bowl of miso soup.

 

That's when it happened.

 

"HELP! SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!" 

 

We all looked up to see Morro in the doorway. His ghostly face was panicked, black streaks smeared across his face. 

 

I'm standing before I realise it. "What's the matter?"

 

"It's Karlof! We found him on the beach! He's dead!"

 

What?

 

We all got up from the table and ran outside. And the second we did…

 

*DING DONG DONG DING*

 

"A BODY HAS BEEN DISCOVERED! PLEASE MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE BEACH AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE."

 

Chamille was shaking his still form, trying to wake him up. His stiff, blue-ish figure indicates he's been dead for a while now. At least five hours

 

The blood on the knife in his stomach is almost completely dry

 

Morro gently pulled her away from the body, voices hushed. The only thing I could hear was "he's still wearing it-"

 

And that's when I noticed the ridiculous performance outfit on his body, now soaked in his blood.

 

Just as I knelt down to investigate… he appeared

 

"Wow! And you guys only got your motives yesterday! Congratulations guys I knew you guys could do it!" Monochen beamed as he appeared

 

"BASTARD! WHAT DO YOU WANT??" 

 

We turned to see Kai, who's entire body trembled with rage.

 

"Eh? What do I want? To give you your Monochen files, for starters!" The robot beamed as he passed the papers out. I snatched mine out of his hand and read it

 

"Monochen file #4

Victim: Ivan Karlof

Time of death: 12:07 am

Time of discovery: 7:55 am

Cause of death: Stabbed

Last words: "shut up!"

The victim is Ivan Karlof, the ultimate welder. Minor bruises on his arm indicate he was in a bit of a struggle but the only major wound is one through his chest, which punctured his lung and killed him. He didn't die right away and may have been suffering for at least an hour before his death."

 

Monochen file #4 has been added to your truth bullets

 

"Oh my god-" Tox gasped, reading the file "This is awful! At first this game was interesting but now it's just tragic-"

 

"Who did this?" Morro's voice was small, quiet. He didn't sound timid, however. He sounded furious. And the look on his face is something I'll never forget. "Who killed my best friend?"

 

His eyes turned black, pitch black ooze leaking down his face. It was like his eyes were melting. The only colour left was glowing green dots in place of his irises, but there were no pupils. Everyone stepped back in fear.

 

Everyone but one 

 

"I-I- know this is hard, but we'll get through it, we'll avenge him." Chamille's voice shook. She's also having a hard time right now. "We- have to stay strong."

 

I sighed and approached the girl, Guiding her away. "Now is not the time for letting your emotions control you. Take a walk and come back when you composed yourself. You're no help like this."

 

Having no energy to protest, she kept walking, Morro sticking to her side.

 

I sighed and turned my attention back to the corpse, removing the jacket he was wearing to investigate the bruises

 

Huh?

 

These bruises don't look like defensive wounds. What could have happened here?

 

Strange bruises have been added to your truth bullets

 

"Brother, come look at this." Acronix gestures for me to approach him, away from the body.

 

"What is it?"

 

He pointed at Kai, who was staring at Karlof's corpse. No, he's looking at the knife in his stomach. I nodded to my brother and approached.

 

"What's gotten your attention?" I asked, trying to avoid sounding accusatory

 

"That knife is from my lab-" he said flatly, trying to hold back his emotions. We all know he didn't like Karlof but the fact that another murder happened is affecting us all

 

"When did you last see the knife? Did it go missing at any point?"

 

"Last time I saw it was last night. I used it to…" he paused in the middle of his testimony. 

 

"Used it to what? Commit a murder?" My voice is accusatory not because I suspect him, but because I know angering him will get the answer I need

 

"No you idiot I used it to cut myself!"

 

Oh. That wasn't the answer I was expecting. 

 

"I got the fucking cuts to prove it if you want" he snarled, reaching for his sleeve

 

"No, that is quite alright. Just tell me what happened."

 

"Well, in the middle of me cutting myself he walked in and stopped me. It wasn't out of kindness though he was accusing me of being a traitor."

 

"He thinks you're the spy?"

 

"No, he got my paper in the draw, and was confronting me about a statement said I was a traitor, but specifically not the spy. I told him it was stupid and I wasn't the traitor, he gave me shit over another point on the paper that I had proven true by saying that the other was a lie, and I stormed out in anger. I never saw him again."

 

"Thank you, I will keep this in mind."

 

"Whatever, I'm going to check on Nya." He walked away.

 

Kai's account has been added to your truth bullets

 

Knife from lab has been added to your truth bullets

 

I turned my attention back to the crime scene when I saw something floating in the water. I picked it up, careful not to wrong it out because the state it's in could be a crucial clue.

 

It appears to be a cloth of some sort, like a rag, and it's diluted so it's hard to see, but it's unmistakably covered in blood. Why was this just tossed in the lake instead of the killer taking it with them? It's utterly bizarre, like a spur of the moment choice or an accident.

 

Wet cloth has been added to your truth bullets

 

"Hey! Come look at this!" Ash beckoned me over. 

 

"What is it?"

 

"I found more blood over here."

 

I quickly approached, finding what he was looking at. There was a large pool of blood roughly 15 metres away from the corpse soaked into the sand and splattered on the rocks. This realisation made me quickly run back to the corpse.

 

There wasn't a normal amount of blood around his body. I had assumed his jacket absorbed a lot of it, but he just simply wasn't stabbed in this spot. But the locations aren't that far apart, why was he moved at all?

 

Weird blood stain has been added to your truth bullets

 

"Uh, hey, Krux?" Jacob spoke. "uh, I think I have something that might be useful."

 

"Oh? What is it?"

 

"Well, I don't go outside very much. Navigating a sandy beach while blind is quite troublesome, but I like having my windows open to hear the ocean waves"

 

"Get to the point."

 

"Well, last night I could hear arguing outside. I didn't know who it was, but I could hear lots of yelling. Looking back on it, it may have been Karlof, but I didn't hear the other person at all."

 

"What time was this?"

 

"Oh I don't know, fairly soon after the night time announcement"

 

"With the fact it took Karlof an hour to succumb to his injuries, that might line up perfectly with the time of the attack. Thank you this was very helpful."

 

Jacob's account has been added to your truth bullets

 

I knelt back in front of Karlof, trying to get a read on his body. Something strange is going on here. The blood dripping from his mouth is dry, but that's expected with how long he's been dead for that's not what's wrong. The stab wound? No, because it's in the chest and definitely stabbed a lung, so that's also expected. His position? He's slumped over like he collapsed so that's to be expected…

 

Wait

 

No it's not.

 

His body's position is very strange. He's lying in the recovery position. He was posed this way deliberately. But why?

 

Position of the body has been added to your truth bullets.

 

I need to talk to Chamille and Morro, they saw Karlof last night for an extended period of time.

 

I found them in Chamille's lab, Chamille sadly holding a wig in her hand.

 

"While we were waiting for him to get back I styled a wig for his cosplay." She said sadly, tears in her eyes. "I was gonna get him to try it on when he got back. He never did, and died in the costume I made him."

 

"I'm sorry for your loss." I sat beside her. "When did you notice he was missing?"

 

"After the two hour mark we assumed he went to bed. He was pretty mentally drained-" Morro sighed "don't blame the guy, he's lost almost everyone he grew any attachment to. But when I checked on him in his room he wasn't there."

 

"What time did you check?" I asked

 

"Couldn't have been later than 1 am" he shook his head "maybe if I checked sooner I could have saved him."

 

"And you didn't go outside at all to look?"

 

"We were stuck inside for so long we forgot we could " Chamille played with the wig. "I can't believe he's gone-"

 

"Was he acting strange last night? Like he was gonna do something or he was just on edge."

 

"He's been on edge all week." Morro explained. "Since we had our argument after Cole's trial. Last night was the first time he WASN'T on edge-"

 

"And now he's gone-" Chamille wiped her eyes

 

"Thank you, I'll keep that in mind."

 

Chamille and Morro's account has been added to your truth bullets

 

I should talk to a few more people.

 

I approached Nya, who let Tox comfort Jay for a few minutes so she could get some air. 

 

"Hello Nya."

 

"Hi-" she looked up at me, an annoyed but tired look on her face

 

"You look exhausted, did you sleep at all?"

 

"I mean, not really. I was mainly staying with Jay. But I dozed off for about an hour or two before the night time announcement went off. But that's not exactly a lot of sleep."

 

"You're right. Perhaps after this trial you can get much needed rest."

 

"Anyway what do you want?"

 

"I wanted to ask about your brother's lack of alibi and see if you can help me out."

 

"Why do you think he did it?" She glared "Kai is literally the one most against murder."

 

"The knife is from his lab, he had affiliations with it, and he was alone with the victim."

 

"What?"

 

"He didn't tell you?" I was genuinely surprised "he told me."

 

"What did he tell you?"

 

"THAT is information for the trial, now tell me what you know."

 

"I saw him leave his lab and go upstairs, his jacket was soaked in blood."

 

"What time was this?"

 

"Around 8 o'clock?"

 

So too soon for the murder…

 

"Thank you Nya."

 

Nya's account has been added to your truth bullets

 

Kai's possible alibi has been added to your truth bullets

 

I turned to leave, when she caught my wrist

 

"Please- just tell me what Kai told you-"

 

I paused, thinking about how to put it

 

"I can't tell you, it isn't my place."

 

"I understand-" she looked away, letting go of my wrist.

 

I sighed and left, heading to Kai's lab.

 

I walked in to find small traces of dry blood, only a few drops. Based on what I know from Kai, this is his blood, not Karlof's. 

 

This is the last place Karlof was seen alive? Part of me doesn't believe that, while part of me doesn't want to believe it. I barely knew the man, but anyone could see he was struggling. It's a shame he was murdered before he got the help he needed. 

 

I looked around the room to see if there was anything here to suggest the assailant met up with him here at any point, but found nothing. With a heavy sigh I headed back outside

 

"Hey, gramps, I need to talk to you." Skylor approached me. Resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I faced her.

 

"What is it?"

 

"I saw Karlof last night before the announcement." She explained. "He was heading outside."

 

"What? What time was this? Roughly?"

 

"I dunno, maybe around 10:30?"

 

"What was he doing? Holding? Did you notice anything weird? Anything at all?"

 

"Well he was holding a bloody knife ."

 

"Bloody knife? Was it the one in his chest right now?"

 

"Uh, yeah. Now that you mention it-" she played with her ponytail.

 

"This murder is very strange…" I thought out loud. "thank you Skylor I will keep this in mind."

 

Skylor's account has been added to your truth bullets.

 

knife from lab truth bullet has been updated

 

I was approaching the body when I was stopped by an icy cold hand on my shoulder. I turned my head quickly, startled.

 

"Uh- sorry."

 

"It's fine. What would you like Morro? I assumed you would be staying with Chamille."

 

"She asked me for some space." The ghost muttered, rubbing the back of his head. "I wanted to tell you something, because it would be gone now with all the walking around in the sand everyone has been doing this investigation."

 

"Huh? A clue got erased?"

 

"Yeah, I assuming you saw the other puddle of blood, so I used that as a point of reference for this." He handed me a piece of paper

 

"Huh?"

 

It was a diagram, of where the body was, the pool of blood, and what looked like drag marks. He drew everything in careful detail right down to the cluster of rocks around the second blood puddle.

 

"I didn't look close enough to see if there was any footprints and where, because, well, my friend was dead."

 

"The fact that you remembered in such detail at all is impressive. Thank you, I'll take this as a clue."

 

Marks in the sand has been added to your truth bullets

 

*DING DONG BING BONG*

 

"Ahem, attention everyone! I'm getting so boooored. This investigation feels like it went on for way too long. So hurry up and get to the elevator!"

 

"Gh-!" I turned my head to the monitor and watched the robotic serpentine disappear from the screen. 

 

It's time…

 

But are we ready yet? I still have so many unanswered questions. Why was Karlof in the recovery position? Where did the bruises come from? Why did he have the knife? These questions don't really paint the victim in a very positive light do they?

 

Acronix rested his hand on my shoulder and I nodded, following him to the elevator.

 

No one here looks thrilled. Even Shade's usual smug attitude is dulled. 

 

Jay and Chamille stood in complete silence. Chamille is understandable, she found her close friend dead in clothes she made. Jay's grief over Cole has lasted a long while, so being at a trial without him, knowing that the last trial is where his beloved died, and he wasn't even there, has to be difficult for him. 

 

I made eye contact with Kai, only briefly, before he looked away. 

 

Finally the silence was broken. 

 

"Should…. We head in?" Garmadon asked, also breaking his streak of silence.

 

"Yes, let's just…. Get this over with." Ash sighed. "I just hope I don't have to watch another child get killed. Cole's death was difficult."

 

"Wait, let me say something first." Morro spoke up. "Whoever did this. Whatever your reason is, I don't care. Karlof was the first friend I've had since I was a little boy. Do you have any idea how long ago that was? I will NEVER forgive you for taking him from me. You better hope your spirit is sent to the departed realm because if you're taken to the cursed realm? There will be NOTHING keeping you from me."

 

And with that, he boarded the elevator first.

Chapter 12: Twist in fate trial and end chapter

Summary:

Tw: Minor discussion of self harm

the doodle i have in this chapter is old concept art it's nothing special but i didn't like the art I had planned for this chapter so I put in the execution concept art instead

"Welcome everyone, welcome!" Monochen beamed, seated stop his throne. "As you take your positions, allow me to begin with a brief summary of the island trial!"

 

"We stand in a circle, discuss who did it, and if we're right everyone but the murderer gets to leave we get it just begin." Morro grumbled as he took his place

 

"You stole my spotlight!" Monochen gasped in offence "Fine whatever now, just begin."

 

"Where should we start?" Chamille asked, rubbing her arm."

 

"Karlof was usually the one to kick things off, right?" Ash asked. "Where would he usually start?"

 

"Let's begin by discussing the crime scene." I suggested. "Something has been bothering me for a while. Why was his body moved?"

 

"His body was moved?" Tox asked

 

"How could you tell?" Neuro sneered

 

"Wait, I think I get what he's saying!" Ash smiled

 

Make your argument

 

"Karlof's body was moved." Ash crossed his arms.

 

"But how do we know that?" Tox asked. "Was there anyway to tell?"

 

"Well there was a *lot of footprints* from us walking around the scene." Garmadon sighed "Any trace might have been completely erased. "

 

"No! That's wrong!"

 

Everyone turned to face me as I prepared to explain.

 

"There was a pool of blood at the crime scene, away from where his body was." I began. Indicating he was probably stabbed and then was moved to the place his body was."

 

"How do you know he was moved?" Jay asked. "if he was alive for as long as the file said, couldn't he have just moved on his own?"

 

"I don't believe that's the case, no. If his lung was punctured he'd be slowly suffocating and collapse within a few minutes."

 

"Enough time to move though, correct?" Garmadon asked

 

No, there's something I have that suggests that Karlof didn't move himself. I just hope it's enough to convince them and move on

 

Make your argument

 

"If Karlof had a few minutes before his strength gave out he could easily move himself, right?" Ash asked

 

"Yeah, maybe in an attempt to flee from his attacker." Nya agreed

 

"There was no evidence to prove otherwise , was there?" Kai asked

 

"No, that's wrong!" I cut in before pulling out the paper "I have something here that suggests Karlof was dragged."

 

"What?" Jay asked "What do you mean? It's just paper-"

 

I unfolded it, showing everyone. "This is a diagram Morro gave me of the crime scene when it was first discovered."

 

"It's not really detailed but do you blame me? I was kinda grieving over my friend." Morro played with his hair

 

"How do we know the details aren't fabricated?" Acronix asked

 

"Brother, you can't be serious." I sighed. "you suggest someone close to the victim did it every time and every time you're wrong."

 

"But isn't it strange? A detailed drawing, and it's of a crime scene he didn't get a good look at because the victim was his friend? You didn't find it suspicious at all?"

 

"I can't hold solid objects you twit. I'm a ghost!" Morro grumbled in exasperation

 

"How did you draw this chart then?"

 

"Chamille drew it!"

 

"Can you prove that?"

 

"Can you prove it wasn't?"

 

"Enough!" I cut in

 

This is going nowhere. Until I can get the discussion off of the credibility of this paper, we might never move on. I think I'm going to have to lie.

 

Make your argument

 

"Do we really have any proof this paper isn't fake?" Acronix sneered. " No one saw the crime scene completely in tact."

 

"If they even saw it." Kai crossed his arms. "Morro and Chamille kinda had other things to focus on."

 

"I told you, I can't hold physical objects ." Morro groaned. 

 

"You're a ghost are you not?" Acronix sneered "You could have possessed him and made him stab himself."

 

"Why would I do that?"

 

Okay, there was something in there I can use for my lie, what was it?

 

"Do we really have proof this drawing isn't faked?" Acronix sneered. " No one saw the crime scene completely in tact."

 

And there it is.

 

Perjury!

 

"I saw the crime scene completely in tact." I lied. "I was the first one to reach the crime scene before footprints completely obscured it. My memory isn't very good unfortunately, due to my age, so I asked Morro and Chamille to try and draw the scene."

 

Both Morro and Chamille looked at me in confusion before Morro smiled at me, a silent thank you.

 

Shade also met my eye, but his expression was far less friendly 

 

"Why didn't you say this before, brother?" Acronix asked me "It would have spared this entire argument."

 

"You didn't exactly give me the chance to speak before jumping down the boy's throat." 

 

"So, now that we have the crime scene covered, how about we talk about those bruises?" Skylor suggested.

 

"Why? It's obvious he was attacked, right?" Shade sneered. He's awful quiet today… bizarre.

 

"I… actually don't think that's true-" I thought out loud. "There was something odd about them."

 

"Odd, like what?" Jacob asked 

 

"They weren't defensive."

 

"What do you mean?" He tilted his head

 

"yes Krux, what do you mean?"

 

My eyes met with Shade. He wasn't challenging me with his statement. He seems to be… agreeing with me? Odd.

 

"Well, if he was attacked, his bruises would be on his forearms, from shielding himself. He would also have other wounds from his assailant trying to get him to back down so they could deal the finishing blow. Karlof's bruises are only on his wrist, suggesting it got grabbed in a struggle. But why would the killer grab his wrist to kill him? Unless the assailant was being assaulted."

 

"Wait, are you suggesting that the blackened was the intended victim?" Neuro asked.

 

"I also had my suspicions." Shade nodded "his body placement also suggests that."

 

His body placement? Is he talking about…

 

"Enough of these lies!"

 

Everyone turned to Morro, who's trembling with anger

 

"I fail to see what lies were told." I simply shrugged.i know the truth is hard to hear but I have told no lies about Karlof. There is too much evidence supporting what I said."

 

"You've provided none of it!" He snarled. "Show me rock solid proof!"

 

"The knife is my proof."

 

"What?" He stepped back in surprise. "What do you mean?"

 

"I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, but Karlof lied to you last night." I sighed. "he went to Kai's lab, not the dining hall."

 

"What…?" Chamille gasped. 

 

"You mean you believe the word of some twink over Karlof's friends?" Morro snarled. 

 

"ExCUSE ME?" Kai was ready to throw hands. 

 

"If you shut up and let me explain, I'll tell you what happened." I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Karlof got his two truths and a lie and confronted him. He interrupted him……" I looked to Kai for permission, and he just sighed and nodded "He interrupted Kai as he was… harming himself. He has the cuts to prove it but I will not force him to show you. Anyways, Karlof confronted him about his two truths and a lie and Kai stormed out. Multiple people can confirm bits and pieces of this information but I can see the full picture from these accounts."

 

"What, pre tel, are these accounts?" Morro snarled, not convinced

 

"Well, first I have Kai's account telling me what happened with him and Karlof, then I had Nya telling me she saw him head to his room, blood on his sleeve, at around 8 pm, so way too soon for the murder, then I have Skylor telling me she saw Karlof head to the beach with a bloody knife around 1030 pm, then Jacob told me he heard Karlof shouting at someone on the beach after the night time announcement. All these accounts from multiple different people tells me a coherent story, I don't know about you."

 

"N-no! There's no way! What about Lloyd?? You think he'd do something so stupid after everything with Lloyd?? Or Cole?? Tell me WHY god damn it!"

 

"Morro-" Chamille reached for him but he wouldn't accept this comfort

 

"Everyone saw he was struggling." Skylor stated, voice calm. "He's wanted out of this nightmare since the beginning, we all have. But his breakdowns, his paranoia, he probably just wanted a way out. I don't think this murder was personal if it was even intentional at all."

 

"Shut up! You didn't know him!"

 

"Did you?" Shade asked, catching Morro off guard. "Did you know him at all? Did you see him struggling? The lack of sleep? How little he ate? Did you notice any of that? Or were you so delusional that you just completely missed it?"

 

"I-I-I-"

 

"The man was suicidal. If there wasn't evidence depicting otherwise I'd say it WAS a suicide. I'm sorry to tell you this boy, but your best friend was planning to kill someone last night."

 

Morro's knees buckled and he collapsed on his podium, staring at the floor in disbelief. 

 

"Face it, you didn't know him at all. Your friend wasn't a good person, and we're condemning someone to death for self defence. It isn't fair. This whole game isn't fair. You can cry, it won't change anything. Eight people are dead, more will follow. We can try to change it all we want but it won't end."

 

"Enough." Neuro cut in. "the boy has been through enough."

 

I stood there hoping someone would step off their podium to comfort Morro, but no one ever did. Shade was right. We all knew he was right

 

Is this what hopelessness feels like?

 

"We need to get back on track-" Skylor sighed. "Let's talk about the crime scene. It might lead us to a clue."

 

"We scoured the scene and found nothing." Gravis sighed "is this like the others? We're going to find the truth through sheer dumb luck? Or are we all just doomed to die today?"

 

"No there's something that will guide us to the answer" Tox beamed "we just need to learn what that is"

 

"I might have something…" I spoke up, having everyone turn to me.

 

"What?" Kai asked "what could you possibly have?"

 

I pulled the rag out of my pocket

 

"Is that blood?" Nya gasped

 

"I sure wish I could understand what was happening-" Jacob rubbed his head

 

"I found this rag floating in the water. It had no attempt on it to be submerged meaning I don't think its disposal was intentional. I can't tell the colour of the actual cloth from the stains but it's unmistakably covered in blood. The attacker seemed to be trying to save Karlof."

 

"You can tell by just a stupid cloth?" Kai rolled his eyes

 

"No, there's something else that makes me think Karlof's killer tried to save him

 

What was the proof of this claim?

• Position of body
• Wound was cleaned
• Body was dragged

 

"I got it-" I muttered quietly before speaking up for everyone to hear "Karlof was in the recovery position when we found him. The blood around Karlof's mouth suggests he vomited blood at one point, so the killer probably laid him like that to keep him from choking if he vomited again."

 

"But it's possible the effort just made Karloff suffer longer. Because of the pierced lung he was already in severe pain." Skylor sighed

 

"So by trying to save him, he just suffered more." Jay hugged himself. "Poor guy-"

 

"Don't give him your sympathy Jay he tried to kill someone." Kai snapped, making Jay tense up.

 

"I think it's time to discuss alibies." Acronix brushed his hair out of his face. "I was in the library with my brother until the nighttime announcement. He found a book on anacondrai that he wanted to show me."

 

"Indeed." I nodded "I was hoping there would be information about the temple we're in currently, but we discovered pages were torn out."

 

"I went to my lab." Garmadon mentioned. "I'm not entirely sure how long I was up there or if someone saw me."

 

"After the motive I tried talking to Kai." Skylor started. "But he stormed off before I could say what I wanted to. After that I spent the afternoon in the dining hall with Tox. I left at 10:30 she left at 10. I saw Karlof heading outside as I left."

 

"It's true, I left first." Tox shrugged. "But I went to bed. I walked past Ash as I did."

 

"I was coming downstairs from my lab. I was working out. I also went to bed." Ash added on. "And I can confirm Garmadon's alibi. Our labs are on the same floor."

 

"Yeah he was pretty sweaty." Tox giggled

 

"I was having tea with Jacob and Gravis in Jacob's room." Neuro smiled. "I left at the night time announcement."

 

"I left right before." Gravis added in. "I wasn't feeling well so I left to lie down."

 

"This is true." Jacob nodded. "And right after Neuro left I heard the shouting."

 

"I was in my room right after I was confronted by Karlof." Kai huffed. "I think Nya saw me go? Krux said she did."

 

"I was with Jay all day." Nya played with her hair. "I saw Kai when I left for some water but it was well before the murder. I went right back to Jay."

 

"I was in my room the whole time-" Jay rubbed his arm. "I haven't really had the strength to do anything since Cole died-"

 

"Morro and I were in my lab all day. Waiting for Karlof to return." Chamile rubbed her arm. "We realized something was wrong around midnight when we checked his room and found him absent."

 

"Someone here committed the murder, but everyone has airtight alibies?" Morro asked in confusion, slowly getting back on his feet. "Is someone lying?"

 

Yes, someone is lying. But who? There's a hole in someone's story… whose story is it?

 

"That's it…" I sighed. "Nya, you're not telling the whole story."

 

"What?" She was taken aback. "what do you mean whole story?"

 

"You better not be accusing her!" Kai growled

 

"Will you listen to what I have to say?" I snapped, silencing the boy. "Nya, you told me before that you fell asleep for a little while."

 

"Yeah? So?"

 

"That gives a, what? 2? 3? Hour window in which Jay has no alibi."

 

"What??" She gasped.

 

"You knew this whole time didn't you?"

 

"No-! No! I didn't- why would he-"

 

"Enough of this senseless babbling."

 

We turned to see Shade, who's grown increasingly frustrated with us.

 

"The boy did it." He said it plain and simple. "I witnessed the whole thing."

 

Jay went pale in the face at the statement, meaning I was correct. It was him.

 

"Jay?" Kai asked, complete and utter betrayal on his face

 

"I-I-" Jay hugged himself tighter, shaking "I-I-"

 

"You don't have to say it." Chamille reached out to him "it was probably traumatising for you."

 

"No, let him speak." I crossed my arms.

 

"I DID IT!" Jay finally blurted out, tears pouring down his face. "He asked me to come outside to talk to him. Having no reason not to trust him because he was close with Cole too I went. But all he wanted to talk about was Kai's two truths and a lie. The only one I would know for certain was that he raised Nya I wouldn't KNOW the other ones. But he didn't like that answer. He called me a liar, he screamed at me, was flailing that knife around. I got scared so I tried to calm him down. He lunged at me. I don't remember much of what happened between that and the killing blow but I remember grabbing his wrist, then blood. That's all." He wiped his tears on his sleeve. "H-he collapsed on the rocks, choking and gasping for air before vomiting blood a-and I dragged him off the rocks to try and do first aid that I knew wouldn't do anything but I didn't want him to die- I took my rag out of my pocket and applied pressure to the wound, begging for him to hold on but he stopped me."

 

"He… stopped you?" Chamille gasped

 

Jay nodded, choking out a sob. "I-I- think as he was dying he had a moment of clarity, o-or he was delirious from blood loss- but he said he was sorry and told me to leave."

 

"He was able to talk with his lungs full of blood?" Gravis asked 

 

"I-I guess-" he trembled. "I was scared- I just lost Cole and now I was a blackened. I didn't know what else to do so I just ran back to my room. Nya saw me covered in blood and knew what happened so she swore she'd cover for me but I don't care anymore! I just want this to be over- let me see Cole again just end this-"

 

"Why…?" Kai asked, voice barely above a whisper. "Why damn it? WHY COULDN'T YOU BE A BAD PERSON??"

 

"Kai?" Nya turned her head to her brother in confusion

 

"You and Cole both-" Kai continued, anger subsiding as he choked on his tears "why couldn't you be irredeemable assholes so I wouldn't have to mourn you? So I didn't miss you… it's-" he broke down, the grief of losing all his friends piling up over time finally toppled over. "it's not fair-"

 

"Kai-"

 

"It seems we've reached a decision!" Monochen spoke up "Everyone turn to the touch screen in front of you and vote for who did it! Will you make the right choice? Or the dreadfully wrong one?" 

 

Everyone cast their votes and the giant spinning wheel emerged once again

 

JAY WALKER: GUILTY!

 

"Correct! The killer of Ivan Karlof was none other than Jay Walker, the ultimate mechanic!"

 

Shade chuckled darkly. "This whole time, you've been so against this little game we're in, and you fell right into its trap. Admit it boy. It might have been an accident but you secretly loved the idea that you were given a chance to escape. You're a human, just like the rest of us. Deep down you're truly just as selfish and cruel as everyone else who's fallen before you."

 

"Don't you dare." Jay warned. "I don't care what you think about me. You can call me selfish and cruel as much as you like, but don't you dare say that about Cole, or the others. We all have our demons and regrets. But Cole did what he did to save your pathetic ass."

 

"Damn the kitten has claws" Skylor crossed her arms, impressed.

 

"Jay!" Nya pulled him in for a hug, not wanting to let go "Jay I'm sorry! I wanted to keep you safe so you could fulfil Cole's wish."

 

Jay hugged her back, tears in his eyes "I know, it's okay. I'll be with him soon, don't worry."

 

Garmadon took his hand in his own, shaking it. "I'm sorry this happened Jay. I wish there was something I could do to help you-"

 

Jay just smiled sadly before his eyes drifted to Kai, who wasn't looking at him. He held his hands until Kai faced him. 

 

"I wish I knew what to say to you-" Kai mumbled. "We've known each other for so long, and…." He teared up "the only goodbye I gave Cole was pure anger. I don't want to do that again "

 

Jay squeezed his hands. "You don't have to say anything. But Kai, can I make a request?"

 

"What?" Kai asked, finally locking eyes with him

 

"Can I see your face? Just one last time? I wanna see my friend in my last memories, not the mask that hides him."

 

Kai nodded and removed his face mask, finally revealing the scar underneath it. A large burn scar stretched across his entire loser half of his face, deforming his lips a little. It's pretty brutal, but it's refreshing seeing Kai show his true self, even for a moment. 

 

"Alright then! I've prepared an extra special punishment for Jay Walker, the ultimate mechanic!" Monochen beamed "Without further ado, IIIIIT'S PUNISHMENT TIME!"

 

Jay went from smiling to horrified as the chain clamped around his waist and yanked him away.

 

We scrambled to the monitor to watch what was going on.

 

FLIGHT TO THE FINISH: EXECUTION FOR JAY WALKER THE ULTIMATE MECHANIC

Jay found himself strapped to a chair, the pilot seat of an airplane that was being controlled by Monochen.

 

He squirmed and fought with his restraints, trying to get free as the plane flew through the mountains, getting closer and closer to crashing before swerving every time.

 

He was being toyed with. But if he can get out he has a chance to make this backfire and steal the plane, so he kept fighting.

 

Finally, he manages to break free using a pocket knife he keeps in his belt and he grabs the steering wheel.

 

Nothing happens. The wheel is fake. Not giving up Jay opens the panel and starts tinkering with the plane, trying to get it working in his favour, but all he does is stop Monochen's control of the plane.

 

Now neither of them are in control and all Jay can do is sit helplessly and watch the plane grow closer and closer towards the mountain. The screen goes dark as it collides, everyone witnessing the explosion.

 

"Holy shit!" Morro cried out.

 

"Nooo!" Nya sobbed, Kai holding her back as her sorrow quickly grew to anger and she tried going after Monochen

 

"Nya! It's not worth it, come on." He held her close "Hey, shh… hey- I'm pissed too but Monochen Will just kill you too."

 

"I don't care! He's gonna pay!"

 

"He'll pay for this When we find the mastermind. Pointless deaths aren't going to help anything." Neuro sighed.

 

"I- great holy first spinjitzu master that kid just died in an explosion that's a horrible way to go-" Ash ran his fingers through his hair. "I think I'm going to be sick-"

 

"I'm right there with you -" Gravis nodded, cupping his hand over his stomach as he suppressed the urge to vomit

 

"I think it's time to go-" Skylor played with her ponytail.

 

I turned to Kai and Nya, who were supporting each other's weight because neither of them is strong enough to go the the elevator alone. Garmadon followed right behind them.

 

Shade's grin was infuriating. He didn't care at all. Acronix was thinking what I was thinking and blocked his path to the elevator.

 

"You're enjoying this tragedy too much."

 

"Tragedy?" Shade asked, chuckling softly "This isn't a tragedy. This is exciting. This is a game! And if you all act miserable the game loses its excitement."

 

"Maybe if we make it boring, Monochen will let us go. Is that what you're suggesting?" I asked, not impressed

 

"Perhaps, perhaps not." He shrugged "or that's what the spy is here to avoid. Kill when things get boring"

 

"You're sick." Acronix sighed "I'm leaving." 

 

The ride up the elevator was silent. No one would talk, no one would look at each other. We all scattered when the elevator opened.

 

I found Kai sitting in front of Jay's bedroom door, his facemask in his hand.

 

"Do you mind if I sit with you?" I asked. He shuffled over wordlessly

 

"I'm not going to ask if you're okay. We both know the answer." I began. "I am, however, going to ask you about that mask."

 

"What do you mean?" He asked quietly

 

"Are you going to put it back on? Or are you going to embrace your flaws?"

 

"I don't know."

 

"You know," I smiled "There are cultures that embrace differences, and find beauty in flaws."

 

"Huh?" He looked at me.

 

"I visited a small village once, and the people there would outline their scars with henna to highlight them. Now I'm not saying we have to outline your scar, I'm just suggesting you no longer need to hide it. Everyone has seen it, no one has treated you differently. Embrace your differences."

 

"Easy for you to say-" he mumbled "your face isn't half deformed."

 

"This is true." I nodded "but I also have a severe burn scar" 

 

Seeing I had his attention I took of my jacket and shirt, showing him the old scar. It reached my shoulder, chest, and back. 

 

"Holy shit-"

 

"I got this burn from a man I knew a long time ago. His name was Ray."

 

"My dad's name is Ray."

 

I chuckled softly and nodded "Ray was a great man and a brave soldier. One day he suggested a new weapon to bring to the table during the war, fire arrows. Well, Ray was great at making weapons. Using them was more often than not another story entirely. He didn't shoot me but he shot a tree right next to me, the flame from the arrow roasting my arm." I laughed fondly at the memory. "I was fine of course, but Maya chewed Ray out for it big time."

 

"Maya? You knew my mom too?"

 

"I certainly did. Those two were inseparable. No one was surprised when we found out they were getting married. I was there when you and Nya were born, by the way."

 

"You were??"

 

"Mhm. Though after Nya was born everyone lost touch. And when Ray and Maya went missing everyone grew worried. I'm glad, that whatever happened to them, didn't impact your ability to raise your sister. I'm deeply sorry for their loss but you raised a fine young girl. You should be proud."

 

Kai sighed and looked away. "You…. Think you can tell me more stories about my parents?"

 

"I'd love to, but another time. We all just had a rough day and I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted."

 

"Yeah…" Kai stood up and headed to his door. "Hey Krux?"

 

I looked over, hand on my doorknob

 

"Thank you."

 

"Of course. Good night."

Chapter 13: Chapter 13: Chapter 5 daily life

Summary:

Hey guys sorry for the long pause I've been working a lot and have been in a major writing funk. This chapter is a little rough but I promise the deadly life part will be better

I had trouble sleeping. Images of that boy fighting for his survival despite knowing it was futile flashed in my mind. His helplessness as he realised he doomed himself faster, the tears pouring down his face as he told us about the attack, it was all too much

 

At around four in the morning I gave up sleeping and headed upstairs to the third floor library, where I saw someone heading towards the surveillance room. I followed the figure, but they disappeared into the room before I could see them. New plan. I sat outside the door of the surveillance room, hoping to catch them. A part of me knows it's pointless a part of me does not care

 

I just stared at the door, not even pausing to blink, until something snapped me out of my thoughts

 

*DING DONG BING BONG*

"ATTENTION RESIDENTS, IT IS NOW 7 AM AND NIGHT TIME IS OFFICIALLY OVER"

 

I blinked a few times, my eyes sore. No one left the room. Maybe if I head downstairs to breakfast I can see who's absent and possibly figure out who went behind the door.

 

I headed downstairs quickly, occasionally checking behind me to see if anyone else ever came down behind me and entered the dining hall.

 

I saw eight other people in the dining hall, nine including myself. Kai, Nya, Morro, Chamille and Neuro were missing. Most of them made sense, but Neuro? 

 

I approached the table to sit down when the man in question walked in, hair a bit dishevelled.

 

"Apologies, I overslept-" he sighed. "No, more like I had trouble sleeping and then trouble waking up when sleep finally came." He looked right at me "you look awful."

 

"He's right, brother." Acronix looked at me "I was concerned when you didn't show up to my door for breakfast,and now you turn up looking like you haven't slept a wink. What happened?"

 

"I couldn't sleep so I went up to the library when I saw someone disappear into the surveillance room."

 

"The one with the secured door?" Skylor asked. "who did you see go in?"

 

"I'm not sure, so I sat outside the door waiting for them to leave but no one ever did."

 

"How long were you sitting outside the door for?" Jacob asked

 

"I'm not really sure- maybe three hours?"

 

"Are you okay, man?" Ash asked, drinking a cup of tea

 

"I don't think so-" I sighed

 

"If you saw the mastermind, maybe we should try guarding the door." Ash suggested

 

"That's not half bad actually " Skylor smiled "If we take turns at the door the mastermind won't have a chance to go in without being spotted"

 

"That wouldn't help us catch the mastermind." Garmadon pinched the bridge of his nose "It just means they'll avoid the surveillance room like the plague."

 

"And if the mastermind is someone in this room they're now aware of that plan." Shade agreed

 

"I don't think it is." I suggested, sitting down. "I wasn't followed on my way down, and Neuro came downstairs too quickly for him to have been in the surveillance room."

 

"Which leaves only four people." Gravis leaned on the table

 

"Two people." Garmadon insisted. "Kai and Nya are clear, I can guarantee it."

 

"So it's Morro or Chamille?" Skylor asked.

 

"What's Morro or Chamille?" Morro asked, walking into the dining hall with Chamille, Kai and Nya

 

"It's nothing important" Shade shrugged him off. "I'm surprised you're here, after yesterday."

 

"Monochen forced us to be here-" Kai sighed, facemask still off. I smiled in his direction, proud of him, but he never meets my eyes

 

"Of COURSE I did!" Monochen beamed as he slithered into the room. "It's time for your end of trial reward!"

 

"What is it this time?" Skylor snarled

 

"Yes yes, let me get there." He cleared his throat, despite being completely mechanical "The spy among you, is completely unaware of their treachery. They have been controlled by the Mastermind and will only strike when told to. So keep on your toes~"

 

Sceptical murmurs filled the room as he slithered out. The spy doesn't know they're a spy? How are we going to find them? If they don't know they're a spy are they really a spy? 

 

I finished my breakfast and went to leave the dining hall when someone grabbed my sleeve.

 

"Uh-" Nya let go quickly and fumbled with a little necklace she was wearing "Kai told me you knew our parents."

 

I smiled gently at the girl and nodded "that's true. We fought in the serpentine war together."

 

"Can you tell me about them? What were they like? I don't remember them very well."

 

"Ah, why don't we go for a walk and talk?" I suggested, nodding towards the outside doors.

 

We walked along the beach as I told her the story of Ray and the flaming arrow.

 

"Yeah, sounds like Kai." She laughed "So I can see where he gets it from."

 

"You're a lot like your mother." I smiled warmly "Level headed but easily tempered, very smart, you even look like her."

 

"Really?" She looked up and I nodded. 

 

"Maya was a very noble person, always did the right thing even if it put her at risk. Ray and Wu had to save her skin multiple times throughout the years. When we found out she was pregnant with your brother we were surprised, because she had little self preservation and Ray spent a lot of time around fire so the two of them becoming parents was terrifying." He laughed "Though seeing Kai took in his father's footsteps is wonderful to see."

 

She smiled "Thank you for telling me about them."

 

"Of course Nya." I smiled.

 

We parted ways and a small throbbing pain in my head started. Not like I was just developing a headache, no. This felt different. Like something in my head was telling me something is wrong.

 

I met up with Acronix for tea in the library briefly afterwards

 

"Hello brother" he smiled, pouring the tea. "How did your conversation go?"

 

"It went well, but there was a part of me not believing my own words, which is bizarre because I was telling her memories."

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"I was telling Kai about the burn on my arm last night, about how Ray burned me with a flaming arrow. I'm not sure about you, but I don't remember him using any sort of long range weapons."

 

"Now that you mention it, that is rather bizarre." He slipped his tea. "I know I'm an inventor, but I'm struggling to think of any inventions of mine. I thought it was my age but now that you brought this up-"

 

"And that's another thing." I stirred my tea "We are completely different ages. You could say that we aged differently but that only would effect so much, especially because we were identical twins all our lives. What is going on?"

 

"I don't know, but we shouldn't share it. Not yet. Not until we know for sure

 

"Are you sure?"

 

"One of us is the mastermind, you think we should share our suspicions Willy nilly?"

 

"Fair point " I nodded, taking a sip "What do you think the motive will be?"

 

"I'm not sure. The past three have been aimed at our memories that I've noticed."

 

I nodded, before a realisation sparked in my brain. "I think our memories have been altered."

 

"Pardon?"

 

"I mean, think about it. It adds up, does it not? Memories don’t add up, ages are different, you can’t remember your own inventions, what other explanation can there be?”

“I don’t know, but we can’t just make claims like this without looking into it more.”

 

“I’m simply giving my hypothesis.”

 

“A crazy one. There’s no such technology to completely erase and rebuild people’s memories.”

 

“How do you know?”

 

“Because if anyone were to invent it it would be me or Cyrus Borg! And I don’t remember doing something like that.”

 

“Do you realise how crazy you sound?” I stood up. “Like honestly? I was trying to share my theory with you and you shot it down on the basis of what? Not remembering if YOU were the one to make such technology?”

 

Acronix clutch his teacup in his hand, taking a deep breath. “I’m going to my lab. Come talk to me when you’re able to talk sense.”

 

He left the library and I sighed, collapsing back into my chair.

 

*Ding Dong Bing Bong*

 

I turned my head quickly to the monitor. It's not theBody Discovery announcement, but it's also not the night time announcement. It's too early

 

"ATTENTION RESIDENTS! EMERGENCY MEETING IN THE DINING HALL ASAP. ALL STRAGGLERS WILL BE PUNISHED"

 

I sighed and put my tea cup down. Figures. Motive.

 

I walked into the dining hall to see everyone is already there. Acronix glared at me and faced Monochen. I sighed and stood next to Gravis instead.

 

"Your brother seems miffed at you. Did something happen?"

 

"I'd rather not discuss it." I sighed. "We argued, that's all."

 

He nodded

 

On the stage is a large rectangle covered in a tarp 

 

"Hello everyone! Welcome!" Monochen slithered onto the stage. "I have a surprise for you!" 

 

He pulls the tarp off, revealing the staff once again, encased in a glass case.

 

"This thing again? You used it already." Nya scoffed.

 

"Let me explain will ya?" Monochen huffed, opening the case. "Before, I promised to return YOUR power. Now, I hold here the prize. The entire staff."

 

"You really expect us to believe this?" Acronix sneered. "It's just a stick."

 

"SILENCE!" Monochen pointed it at him and a blue beam shot out

 

"BROTHER LOOK OUT!" I ran forward and pushed him out of the way.

 

The cold hit instantly and my legs went numb. Thinking I was dying, I looked my brother in the eyes one last time

 

But then it stopped.

 

I looked down to see my lower half encased in ice.

 

"What in the world…?"

 

"Brother!" Acronix scrambled to his feet and raced over to me. "Are you alright?"

 

"I'm- fine… I think?" I'm so confused as to what happened

 

"How did you do that…?" Neuro asked, looking at Monochen.

 

"As I said, this staff." The anacondrai grinned "That was merely a demonstration of its power. If you wish to know just how much it can do, just kill someone and it will be yours!"

 

"Fascinating…" shade whispered in awe. Kai's eyes were locked to the staff, his expression unrecognisable. He's almost mesmerised

 

"Who cares how he did it?? You froze someone! We need to get him thawed out before something bad happens to him!" Nya pleaded, running to my side and trying to break the ice

 

"Oh keep your shirt on will ya!" Monochen scoffed, pointing it at me again. I saw the orange glow and braced myself for impact 

 

The heat from the fire singed my moustache and definitely left some marks on my skin, making me hiss in pain. The ice melted and my legs gave out, Acronix catching me before I fell.

 

"Brother, are you alright?"

 

I couldn't speak. I was in too much shock about what happened.

 

"Hey, let's get you to your room." Gravis took my other arm, helping me me stand as well

 

When we made it upstairs Gravis looked away as Acronix helped me change out of my wet clothes.

 

"Your skin is ice cold. Are you sure you're alright?"

 

"I'd rather my legs be cold than yours."

 

"You're a fool."

 

"Perhaps, and perhaps you're mad at me, but I much prefer you being alive to be mad."

 

Acronix sighed softly. "I'm just glad you're okay."

 

"I'm worried about Kai." Gravis sat down once I was covered with a blanket. "He had that same expression last time we saw the staff."

 

"What do you mean?" Acronix asked

 

"Blank, focused, unreadable. Just completely fixated on the staff"

 

"It was like an obsession." I nodded. "I wonder what it is."

 

"Do you think he'll try something?" Acronix asked

 

Before we could answer, shouting could be heard in the hallway.

 

Gravis poked his head out to see Chamille and Morro

 

"Morro I just can't do this right now okay? Leave me alone!"

 

"I know how you feel, I miss him too Chamille, you don't have to do this alone."

 

"You have no IDEA how I feel right now Morro that's the problem. You, Karlof, and Tox are the only people I care about and now Karlof is gone."

 

"I only had you and Karlof!" Morro pointed out. "AND I'M A GHOST! I can't exactly walk around making friends when you at least have the chance to try!"

 

Gravis shut the door and sighed "That trial really did badly impact all the kids huh?"

 

"I still feel horrible for Jay." I sat up "He lost the one he loved, then got attacked and killed Karlof in self defence. And Morro and Chamille found out their friend lied and broke their trust. I can't imagine finding out your best friend is a bad person after they get murdered"

 

"Kai and Nya only have each other." Acronix pulled out my desk chair and sat down. "Garmadon has been quite distant since Lloyd and Wu died."

 

"Do you blame him?" Gravis asked. "His loved ones were murdered. Over trivial things."

 

"I'd hardly call our motives trivial." I sighed. "Lloyd died to save hostages. Wu died because Griffin wanted answers. Zane and Elliot died because we were starving. Karlof died Because his paranoia consumed him."

 

"And now someone else might die from someone else's greed." Acronix player with the ends of his hair. 

 

"Why Do we have to go through this? Why force us into something so cruel?" What did we do?" I asked quietly, rubbing my legs to try and warm them up.

 

Gravis made me stay in bed for the rest of the night, but in the morning I was feeling better so I slowly, with the help of Acronix, made my way downstairs to the dining hall 

 

Chamille sat as far away from Morro as possible, instead sitting with Tox. Morro sat completely alone at the opposite end of the table.

 

Whatever the extent of the argument was, it didn't end well

 

I sat at my usual spot, everyone staring at me.

 

"Hey, you okay?" Neuro asked, taking the seat beside me. 

 

"My legs are a little weak, but I'll be okay." I took a bite of the onigiri in front of me. "Gravis told me to do some stretches and I should be fine."

 

"Because I've had my fair share of leg injuries." Gravis sat beside Neuro. "I can't speak for having my legs frozen and thawed, but as an acrobat, I've experienced plenty of soft tissue injuries. Stretches, and not straining yourself, are a great remedy."

 

"I'll keep that in mind, thank you." I smiled a little, before finishing my meal.

 

I left the dining hall alone soon afterwards. Acronix offered to accompany me, but I declined, slowly and painfully making my way upstairs to the third floor, where I once again sat in front of the surveillance room

 

It felt like hours before I heard footsteps coming down the hall.

 

"There you are" Morro smiled a little, expression forced "No one has seen you in hours. People were getting worried."

 

That's why it felt like hours, it has been.

 

"I'm fine." I replied instinctively "Tell Acronix there's no need for him to worry"

 

"It wasn't Acronix. Not entirely." He sat down. "Gravis actually was the one to send me"

 

I nodded. "you look troubled"

 

"I can't find Chamille. I know she's mad at me so she's probably just avoiding me, it just feels awful. I went from having two friends to none in a single night"

 

"All I can suggest wait til she's ready, then you two need to sit and have a long talk."

 

He nodded and sighed. "I think I'm going to miss out on dinner tonight. I'm going for a walk."

 

"alright, just be careful." I smiled and slowly tried to stand up, walking to the library to sit down with some tea.

 

"Hey, can we talk?"

 

I turned my head to see Garmadon, who wasn't looking too good 

 

"Yes, I'm free." I smiled a little and poured him a cup.

 

"I apologize, for not talking with you much since we arrived on this island." He sighed, picking up the teacup. "but as you can probably imagine there's been a lot going on."

 

"I'm sorry." I sighed, setting mine down. "Losing most of the people you care about in this AWFUL game must be hell, especially Lloyd and Wu."

 

"It's been hard, I will not lie to you." He sighed, sipping his tea "But, it gives me strength in a way, you know what I mean? Using my losses as a motivation to keep going, avenge their deaths. Find out if my wife is okay. I must do that for them."

 

"That is very honourable." I smiled before finishing my tea "I'm going to get something to eat. Would you like to accompany me?"

 

"No thank you." He smiled "I think I'm going to lie down early."

 

We parted ways and I walked into the kitchen, trying to open the freezer door. It's locked. 

 

"Huh?"

 

"Uh oh Krux!" Monochen popped up "Unfortunately the freezer is broken. It's over freezing so nothing can get stored in it without getting freezer burned. Until I can fix it it is off limits." He slapped a piece of paper onto the door that says "OUT OF ORDER" and shrugged "It's been broken for a while now but I guess it's been a while since you came in here so I don't blame you for not knowing."

 

"Uh, okay?" I sighed and walked into the fridge and grabbed an apple, walking out of the dining hall.

 

"Morro! You're Chamille's friend maybe you can help me!"

 

I turned my head to see Tox running over to the ghost, frantic. Sensing Something was wrong I listened in

 

"Uh- she's been ignoring me for about 3 days now-" Morro scratched the back of his head. "but what's up?"

 

"I can't find her, anywhere. Do you know where she might be?"

 

"Uh- no unfortunately, but I'll help you find her -"

 

"Thank you, I'm getting worried"

 

They walked away and I felt an uneasy sense of dread in my stomach, so I decided to do a search of my own.

 

*Knock knock knock* 

 

"Hm?" Acronix opened his door "Brother? What's the matter?"

 

"There's someone missing. Could you help me wander the beach to find her?"

 

"Of course, let's go."

 

We searched for hours, to no such luck. Where could she have gone? 

 

"It's bizarre that Chamille just up and disappeared." Acronix stroked his goatee. "which unfortunately means she'll either wash up on the beach or never be seen again."

 

"so we both agree she's likely dead-"

 

"Let's not kid ourselves. We've done this four times now." He crossed his arms. It's no shock, but I feel bad for the girl."

 

"It's getting late, we should head inside before night time and continue the search in the morning." I ran my fingers through my hair

 

Acronix nodded and we both went to bed.