"New Ninjago City is now under control of its new leader, Emperor Garmadon and his legion of warriors known as Garmadon's Fist, previously known as the Sons of Garmadon. It seems all of Ninjago has lost hope as Garmadon continues to take over countless villages and populated areas across the map. We estimate that it will be only a matter of days before every populated town, city, or village bares the flag of Lord Garmadon."
Lloyd Garmadon sighed and rubbed his forehead in frustration and exhaustion. He grudgingly reached for the television remote and switched it off, setting the remote back down on the counter. Leaving the kitchen, he walked over into the living room where his teammates were wiped out. Lloyd resisted the urge to chuckle at the sight. Nya was laid rather lazily on the sofa, her raven hair in a mess, and her face pressed into the pillow. On the other couch was Skylor, who was laid more comfortably on the other couch, but loose strands of her bright red hair brushed across her face as she lightly snored. And seated Indian-style on the floor was PIXAL, who was contently powered off, probably to save power.
If only the guys could see this… Lloyd thought to himself with a sad smile. It had now been two weeks since the death of Zane, Cole, Kai, Jay…and even little baby Wu. Such a tragic event had crushed the remaining members of the team, which now composed of Lloyd himself, as well as Nya and PIXAL, and now Skylor had basically joined the team as well in this past mess of events. Too bad Kai never got to see her accept his offer to be a ninja…
Lloyd walked over to Skylor and pulled a blanket over her small body, and then doing the same for Nya. Lloyd looked at PIXAL for a few moments, knowing that a blanket would make no difference for the android, but he did it anyway. Soon all three of the young women were snuggled under the blankets, and Lloyd felt content with leaving them here to get their rest.
Switching the lights of the apartment off, Lloyd walked outside and locked the doors, walking into the brightly lit city. It was already about 2:00 in the morning, but Lloyd knew this was the only chance he would get to look around New Ninjago City. The girls would have forbidden it. He walked down a few blocks until he reached an old garage out back behind the Auto Body Shop. He had "borrowed" the space ever since Garmadon had taken over, and for good reason.
Unlocking the garage, the doors swung open and Lloyd was greeted by a huge item concealed underneath a large brown cloth. Pulling it off, Lloyd took a good look at his favorite car, the Ninja Nightcrawler G-5. The large green and gold vehicle was a bit dirty from its previous battle at Kryptarium Prison back when Garmadon and Harumi took over the place, yet it still held it's futuristic, yet cozy charm. Lloyd disputed with himself on whether or not to take it out for a spin, but it was so large and obvious that some of Garmadon's Fist would definitely recognize it on the streets of New Ninjago City. Lloyd didn't want to admit it, but he may have to get a new ride if he ever wanted to move faster than a running pace again. Which was a shame, considering how awesome his current ride was, and how difficult it was to get it back from Kryptarium in the first place.
A few moments went by before the dirt and grime that coated the armored shell of the car began to annoy Lloyd to the point that he grabbed a rag and a bucket of water from a nearby closet so he could wash it all off. Maybe one day he'd get to ride the Nightcrawler again, but for now he may as well make it look presentable.
He washed up and down and all around the car, making sure to clean off every little speck of dirt and sand. Eventually the car began giving off that shiny green color once again, and Lloyd was satisfied with his work. Placing the rag and bucket back in the closet and throwing the large cloth back over the car, Lloyd exited the garage, locking it up.
CRICK!
Lloyd froze, his heart pounding and his mind racing. What had made that noise? Had it been a member of Garmadon's Fist? Was it one of the girls who had heard him leave the apartment?
It took a few seconds before he realized that it was footsteps…outside the Auto Body Shop. Lloyd slowly made his way around the shop until he could get a good look. He lifted his hood over his head, hoping that it would help him blend in more. Unfortunately, green wasn't exactly the best color for that job. Maybe in the jungle or forests, but certainly not here in the lower levels of the city. He inched his head around to get a good look, and instantly swerved back behind the wall as he realized who it was.
Mr. E, Killow, and Ultra Violet.
All three of Garmadon's top gang leaders…here at the Auto Body Shop. Lloyd supposed it shouldn't be such a surprise that bikers came to an Auto Body Shop, but still…all three in the same place at once? It had to be something really important.
He peeked his head around once more, and noticed another important detail. Both Mr. E and Killow were holding their respective masks. The Mask of Vengeance and the Mask of Deception…both of those gang leaders were known for using the masks very often in battle, which made them extremely feared among the people of Ninjago. But Ultra Violet didn't have the Mask of Hatred…in fact, neither of them were holding that all-too familiar purple Oni Mask. Only one answer came to mind.
Harumi.
Harumi tended to use the mask even more than Ultra Violet did, and it seemed at this point to match her personality, so why not? Her heart had been hardened ever since she was a little girl and eventually it grew into pure hatred towards Lloyd and everything he stood for. Lloyd would have felt sorry for what she went through as a child if she hadn't let it consume her like this.
I need to get out of here…
Lloyd thought to himself and slowly backed away from the shop, before he bumped into something behind him. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was. He could just tell.
"Hello again, Lloyd," Harumi's fake-sweet voice came back to haunt him once again, and Lloyd lightly winced as he wondered how long it would be before she sicked Mr. E or Killow on him. Or Ultra Violet. She's a crazy one…
"What do you want, Harumi?" Lloyd spoke brashly and almost darkly, wanting more than anything to be back at the apartment with the girls.
"I believe I should be the one asking you that question," Harumi pointed out. "After all, you were spying on us."
Lloyd slowly backed away from her, making sure to still stay out of sight of the gang leaders in the shop. Yet the snow-haired girl followed his every step, making it so that Lloyd could never enlarge the gap between them. His eyes narrowed as he spotted her hand slowly pulling the Mask of Hatred into view, and Lloyd held out his own hand in warning.
"Don't," he spoke gravely, shaking his head slowly. "You look far better without it, trust me."
"Sometimes beauty must be sacrificed for power," Harumi shot back softly, her silky voice playing at the blonde just as it always did. Even now, she had her ways of getting in his head. "But I will honor your request," She added, throwing the Mask of Hatred down. "This time."
Lloyd shook his head once more, his eyes widening. "Harumi, please…We don't have to fight…"
"Don't worry, sweetheart," She purred, walking in a slow circle around him, a playful smile on her face. "I won't call out the gang leaders on you. This time, I want it to be just us…"
Lloyd wasn't sure if he should be more surprised at the fact that she wasn't going to call someone like Killow out to pummel him or that she called him "sweetheart." Yeah, it was probably a bit of both.
He was quickly snapped out of his thoughts as her gloved fist came hurling towards him. In a swift move, he caught the fist in his own hand, slowing her attack. Yet she used the opportunity to send her knee up and slam into his stomach, then pulled his right arm behind his back. Lloyd was surprised by her strong grip, but that didn't stop him from loosening up and sliding out of her hold – a trick Cole had taught him – and sending a kick at her stomach, causing the girl to fall to the floor. Lloyd couldn't help but smirk at the thought that he still had it in him, even without his power.
Harumi wiped away a bit of blood from her bottom lip with a smirk and lunged back at Lloyd with a series of punches. Lloyd managed to block or dodge them, before she sent one last punch that unexpectedly hit him in his side. His hands naturally fell down to touch the bruised spot, which gave Harumi the opportunity to send a kick at his head. Luckily, Lloyd was able to catch her leg just in time, and it was at that moment that Harumi knew she screwed up.
Lloyd swung Harumi over his head, causing her to be thrown against the side of the brick wall. Lloyd slightly winced, almost regretting having done that.
Hopefully she didn't break any bones…er, uh, why should I care? Lloyd groaned to himself.
Rather than screaming in pain or at least crying out in anger, Harumi laughed it off. Yet this time, it wasn't dark or evil like before. It almost sounded like she was having…fun. Like, actually enjoying this for the sake of having someone to spar against. Not that Lloyd didn't enjoy it too...
"You're getting better at this, I can tell," Harumi cracked her fingers with a smirk, turning her shoulders in preparation for Lloyd's next move. She continued approaching him, as if she expected him to be the next to attack. When he still didn't send any blows towards her, she extended two fingers towards him, making a motion to "come and get it."
So Lloyd did. He sent a few punches towards her, yet she was able to dodge every attack. He sent a few more blows, yet she expertly swerved away from each one, tiring him out.
"Exhausted yet, Lloyd?" Harumi purred. "That's a move that your father taught me. The Art of the Silent Fist. To fight-"
"-without fighting," Lloyd finished for her, his heart sinking. "He taught me that one too…"
"Listen here, Lloyd," Harumi began, moving closer to the green-clad blonde. "Despite what you may think, I don't hate you by any means. In fact, I used to admire you when I was a little girl. Before the Devourer took my parents from me…" She sighed. "Look, to be honest…" She trailed off, looking around her as if she didn't want anyone listening in. "I never wanted to hurt you…"
"You killed my brothers and my uncle," Lloyd spat out venomously. "And stop with the 'playing nice' stuff. It might have worked on me before, but it doesn't now."
Harumi sighed, placing a gloved hand on her forehead. "You just won't understand…" She lunged at Lloyd once more, causing the Green Ninja to once more swerve out of her way. She grabbed him by his shirt, pulling him close. "Look, I didn't want to kill anyone. I certainly wasn't thinking on the day my parents died as a child, that I wanted to kill the ninja. I looked up to you!" She sent another punch towards him. "I was a little girl who thought maybe one day I could be just like you!" Once more, she struck at Lloyd. "But your father killed the Great Devourer, not you."
"Did you even see what happened?" Lloyd shook his head in disbelief. "He killed that beast in cold blood! And then he ran away with the Golden Weapons so he could turn Ninjago into his own image! My father…er, Lord Garmadon, was dead before and so was Sensei Garmadon. Bringing him back was playing with a power that cannot be controlled!"
"But sometimes, things must be sacrificed. Ninjago needed order, and to be under the control of those who deserved that position," Harumi folded her arms against her chest, blowing a stray white hair out of her face.
"So you killed the Emperor and Empress, and even Hutchins, so you could give Garmadon that position?" Lloyd's eyes widened, and his shoulders slumped. "And just how long do you think he's gonna listen to you? You gave him the throne, and it won't be too long before he realizes that you're expendable!"
"I am not expendable!" Harumi yelled, poking a finger at Lloyd's chest. "I was the one who brought him back, and I am the one who gave him his empire!" She pulled Lloyd in closer to her, and stared at him with narrowed eyes. But that playful smile returned yet again. "And if you had only joined us, I could have given you so much more."
Lloyd shut his eyes, turning away from her, but she persisted on. "Whether you want to admit it or not, Lloyd, we truly have fallen far…for each other." Lloyd shifted lightly, and Harumi placed her hand on his shoulder. "Clearly, my sweet charm and flirtations must have done the job, because my, my, you were quite obviously in awe at the point we were alone in Strangler's Path. And while I admit that some of my flirting and teasing was because I needed to get you wrapped around my finger…I found that I liked you too."
Lloyd, in a blushing mess, stuttered a few times, yet no actual words could come out. "Well…well, it's a bit too late to be telling me this now, Harumi! I gave you a chance, and you abused it. You've killed innocent people, you resurrected my father in his darkest form, you probably are partly responsible for my powers disappearing, and you have quite simply doomed Ninjago! You have some nerve!" He pulled away from Harumi and walked farther away.
"Look, I'm sorry…" Harumi started, walking after him. "I know you probably don't believe me, but…"
"I don't care, Harumi!" Lloyd shouted angrily, whipping around to face her. "Sorry doesn't cut it for all you've done! You're only saying this because you-" Lloyd trailed off, and Harumi smirked.
"Because I like you?" She spoke for him. "Lloyd…you may think I'm a bad girl but…" She walked right up to Lloyd, making the gap between them even smaller. "I'm still human, and I still feel regrets, okay? I…did some things I shouldn't have. And I know I could never make up for all of it…but all I want is for you to forgive me. That's all I want…" Her arms snaked their way around his neck, and Lloyd fought back the urge to pull away.
"You want me to forgive you?" Lloyd asked, staring her down. "You can start with putting an end to this. Go back to Garmadon's Fortress, defeat him, and then we'll see about me forgiving you."
"Oh, Lloyd, you know I can't do that…" Harumi purred, hugging him closer. "He's reached his True Potential. He's too powerful. And I don't have any powers…"
"Well, neither do I, thanks to you. And here I am with the remainder of my team, which isn't much by the way, and yet I still haven't left the city, because while I know the odds of me beating him are slim to nothing…I have to stand strong for my home. Otherwise, I could never even forgive myself…" He sighed, looking back at her. "And I know you'd never stand up to him anyways. You did all this for revenge, Harumi. And as long as my father satisfies that hunger, you're perfectly content with being his puppet."
"I am not his puppet-"
"Yes you are, Harumi!" Lloyd yelled at her, quite frustrated. "You may think you control him, but it's the other way around! He will not let someone be in higher position than him. I of all people should know that. And like I said before, he will get rid of you when he pleases. And people like Mr. E and Ultra Violet may follow. He will only keep those who are the most powerful in his roster. And without him, you have no power."
Harumi groaned, staring down at his feet and hers. "I didn't want it to be true…"
"It is, Harumi. But it doesn't have to be like this. You can join us, join me. Every volunteer can help our little rebellion. I can help you to redeem yourself, to become a better person. You have hurt me and my friends in the past, but I believe that deep down is that little girl who was happy. Before her parents died, back when everything was sunshine and bubbles. When she knew how to love, knew how to be happy."
"Hmm…I'll think about it," Harumi purred, bringing her face closer to his. "But first, you've got something on your lip."
"What?" Lloyd asked, moving his hand to his face. "I don't feel anyth-*oof*!"
Lloyd was cut off instantly as Harumi pushed his arm away, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. Lloyd couldn't move, couldn't speak, couldn't think…but his reflexes finally kicked in. He kissed Harumi back, stroking his right hand through her long white hair. Her arms wrapped tighter around his neck, and Lloyd couldn't help but grab her by the waist as they stood there in the light rain.
Far from their knowledge, they were currently being watched as the three gang leaders peeked around the corner. Mr. E, as usual, stood there staring off into the distance, and Killow scratched his head. "The Quiet One found the Green Ninja! Should we help?"
"No, Killow," Ultra Violet shook her head, watching as the two lovestruck teenagers kissed outside the shop. "You don't interrupt a girl when she's having her fun. The Quiet One has this under control, believe me."
"But-"
"Shut it, Killow!" Ultra Violet whispered as the three gang leaders walked off towards their bikes.
Lloyd muttered between Harumi's kisses, "I heard bikes in front of the shop. Should I be concerned?"
"No, sweetheart," Harumi purred, pausing to look into his eyes. "Right now, all you need to do is focus on us." She smirked as she pressed a kiss against his lips once more, until Lloyd shook his head and pulled away.
"Harumi, we shouldn't be doing this…" Lloyd started, shaking his head slowly. "As far as anyone's concerned, we're enemies. We're on different sides."
"But as far as I'm concerned, none of that matters right now," Harumi once more held Lloyd closer to her, moving in closer for another kiss.
"What if my team were to see us? What if anyone were to see us? Harumi, this is beyond wrong for us to be within 10 feet of each other, let alone making out."
"Making out?" Harumi laughed. "Oh, Lloyd, we were just getting started. That wasn't even close to making out."
"And that's as close as it's getting," Lloyd stubbornly decided, staring her down once more. "We may…like each other," he struggled with the word, "but I refuse to be doing this with the enemy."
"Shut up and kiss me," Harumi groaned, pressing her lips against Lloyd's once more. And once more, she had the blonde wrapped around her finger. They continued like that for what seemed like forever, until Lloyd pulled away again.
"Harumi…"
"Lloyd…" She purred, raising a brow. "Come on…"
"Harumi, just stop it. I…I thought maybe I could save you like I did for my father. I thought maybe you could be turned back to the light. Maybe I was wrong…" He turned away, but Harumi grabbed his wrist, holding him back.
"Maybe you're not," Harumi whispered, causing Lloyd's eyes to widen. "Like I said, I'll be thinking about your request. But for now, I guess we'll be stuck playing this giant chess game we've gotten ourselves into, huh?" She smiled at the Green Ninja, and he found himself smiling back. "In the real world, when we're around other people, we may be sworn enemies but…here, we've got something special."
Lloyd was too shocked and too flustered to speak, so he just nodded. No matter how stupid that must have looked.
"What should we call it then?" Harumi purred, looking deep in thought, yet teasing. "Certainly not boyfriend and girlfriend yet, so maybe 'enemies with benefits'?" She laughed, and Lloyd blushed. "Just teasing you, Lloyd. Oh, and also, tell Nya I said hi."
Lloyd rose a brow, but was stopped short as Harumi placed one last kiss on his lips. He opened his eyes, and she was gone. Completely gone.
Was it a dream?
Was it a vision?
But deep down, Lloyd knew – it was reality. Too real to even be understood.
As he turned to leave, he heard footsteps behind him, and his eyes widened as he realized who it must have been.
"Lloyd Montgomery Garmadon!" Nya shouted, rushing up to him. "I can't even believe what I just saw! Do you have any idea how dangerous that girl is? She's a killer, Lloyd! She's hurt you so much, how could you just kiss her?" The Water Ninja shouted in Lloyd's face, yet sorrow and worry was painfully instilled in her eyes.
Lloyd then noticed Skylor and PIXAL standing behind Nya, but Misako wasn't there. Thank the First Spinjitzu Master…
Skylor looked less angry, and much more concerned, and it showed violently in her face. And PIXAL…she just stood there next to the Orange Ninja, with her head slightly cocked to an angle, confusion quite evident in her face.
"I'm sorry, Nya…" Lloyd whispered, staring at the ground. "I can explain…"
"You can't explain anything, Lloyd!" Nya screamed, looking about ready to tear her own hair out. "She killed Jay! She killed Kai! She killed all of them! And you think she's worthy of your affection?"
"Maybe not, but…"
"But what?" Nya groaned. "Have you been seeing her often? Have you been sneaking out every night so you can kiss with your girlfriend in the street?!"
"Yes, I've been sneaking out, but this is the first time I've been even talking with her since Garmadon took over. I've been sneaking out so I can try and find some valuable supplies for the rebellion, Nya…"
"Rebellion?" Nya yelled. "You think we can just waltz up to Garmadon's fortress and defeat him? I'm the only one of us left with powers! You've lost yours, and Skylor doesn't have hers anymore either from what I can tell!"
"Actually-" Skylor started.
"Not now, Skylor," Nya huffed, not turning her eyes from Lloyd. "We don't even stand a chance! And you're willing to risk our lives to stop your father?"
Lloyd shook his head. "No, I'm expecting you to risk your own lives to stop all of this. Look, what happened to that Nya who would never give something like this a second thought?"
"That part of me died, Lloyd!" Nya yelled. "It died when I lost Jay! When I lost my own brother! And apparently you've lost a part of yourself too, because you had the nerve to kiss that witch after everything she's done! Why do you always have to be so forgiving? I don't know what fantasy land you're living in, but Harumi is beyond saving at this point! She deserves to die!" Nya angrily stomped her foot against the ground, using her powers to throw a blast of water at a pair of birds sitting on a clothesline.
"Nya…"
"Just-!" Nya stopped with an angry huff, walking away in the direction of the apartment.
Lloyd sighed, staring down at the ground once more, before he felt a gloved hand graze his shoulder. He looked up, meeting the sorrowful blue eyes of Skylor. She had a sad smile on her face as she gave him a hug, and even PIXAL smiled sweetly a few feet from the two.
"It's okay, Lloyd," Skylor sighed. "Nya has just…been through a lot lately. We all experience loss in our own ways. She just chose to let it out in anger. And what she saw here tonight didn't exactly help her temper. But I completely understand what you're going through with Harumi. I was in the same position as she was, and she does still have a chance if she chooses to take it. I mean, just look where I am now. I'm now a ninja, fighting in this small rebellion against Lord Garmadon. And just a few years ago I was working for that horrible crime lord who I once called 'Dad'. It's okay to feel like you want to bring her back to the light."
"Thanks Sky…to be honest, I was worried that you'd be mad at me too."
"Because of Kai?" Skylor queried, and Lloyd nodded in response. "Lloyd, it's not your fault that they all died, and neither is it Harumi's. Or at least, not completely her fault. I loved Kai, but I know I'll see him again one day. Maybe not in this world, but it really doesn't matter. He would have wanted all of us to move on, I'm sure of it."
"So would have all of them. Jay, Zane, Cole, Wu…" Lloyd trailed off. "They would have wanted us to rebel."
"And that's exactly why we are going to do so," PIXAL added with a smile. "We still have allies outside of Ninjago City, people who can help our cause."
"As long as the people have faith in us, that spark of hope can never be diminished," Skylor laughed, hugging both Lloyd and PIXAL closer. "I have a great feeling about all this, guys. In fact, I don't think I've been more confident in my entire life. But for now, we need to get some sleep."
"Agreed," both Lloyd and PIXAL spoke in unison.
As the three heroes walked off down the street, arm in arm, their spirits were filled with hope and light. They headed back into the apartment to rest, but in the morning, the ninja would be back in action.
For good.
Far above the lower levels of New Ninjago City, Lord Garmadon angrily folded his four arms as Harumi entered the room. "Quiet One, where were you?"
"I was only in the city encouraging some of the people to submit to your rule, my emperor," Harumi spoke softly.
"Really?" Garmadon roared, standing up out of his throne. "Because that's not what Mr. E tells me. He says you were having interactions with my son. Why didn't you bring him in?"
Harumi froze, her eyes wide. "H-he resisted me, my emperor. I tried seducing him, possibly softening him to the point that I could capture him. But he escaped."
"Oh, I don't think you had the intention of capturing him at all," Garmadon boomed, marching over to the girl, making her feel small in the presence of his large build. "You like Lloyd. You were only with him so you could see if he returns your feelings. Gah, you kids are all the same, I swear." Garmadon rolled his blood red eyes, and Harumi let out a nervous laugh.
"Forgive me, my emperor, it will not happen again. Next time I see him, I will capture him and bring him to you."
Garmadon grabbed Harumi by her neck, pushing her body against the large window of his fortress. "Look out there at Ninjago, foolish girl. Millions of terrified, hope-lost souls who have nothing. I don't need you, and I never did. Go find someone out there who is interested in giving you a second chance, I dare you." With that he threw her through the window, the glass shattering all around as Harumi's small figure crashed through, before hitting the ground outside.
Harumi coughed up a bit of blood, too terrified and hurt to get up. She had fallen on one of the porches, and with luck, there were no guards on it. She managed to climb down the stone walls to the ground, and began limping her way into the city, trying her best not to think about how terrible her fate will be there.
So…yeah.
This is most likely the darkest, longest thing I've written in a long time. And I'll probably be continuing it. This may develop into a two-shot, maybe even longer. Updates won't be too frequent, but if I do end up continuing this, additional chapters will most likely be as long as this, maybe longer. Of course, my primary focus will be on my two main fics, but I will try my best to give this one fair treatment. Let me know what you guys thought of this, and if you'd be interested in seeing me continue it in the future!
Until next time,
~EB
