I keep Harumi on the workbench for the next few days until the scrape on her head closes. We get to talk a lot. I learn things about Ninjago that I have wanted to know for some time. I also show her things I can do. She seems very interested about mechanics and what I am capable of, but I don't mind. She is fun to hang around with, and I find myself spending more time with her than Gizmo.

I'm sitting next to her bedside. She's telling me the story about a snake called the Great Devourer.

"…The snake entered the city," she is saying, very animated as she tells the story, "eating as much as it could, growing bigger with each car or building it consumes."

I am at the edge of my seat, eager for the end of this exciting story, "Does it eat all of Ninjago?"

Harumi giggles, "I can't tell you yet, wait for the end."

I laugh and hold my tongue.

Harumi smiles, "Now where was I? Oh yes. The Great Devourer was consuming everything. But then, out of the mist the all mighty Lord Garmadon comes to the rescue, stabbing the beast with the four golden weapons."

My eyes light up, "I should've known! Garmadon saves Ninjago a lot. First from the evil Master Wu, then the ninja's evil schemes to take over Ninjago."

Harumi nods, "You could say he's Ninjago's protector. Until he was killed."

I gasp, "What?"

"The ninja banished him to the cursed realm," Harumi looked me in the eyes, "no one comes back from the cursed realm."

"Who's going to protect Ninjago?" I ask fearfully.

A strange smile forms on her face; "I am going to raise Garmadon back from the dead."

"What?"

"And not just good Sensei Garmadon," her face glows with an eerie light, "a Garmadon fit for ruling Ninjago!"

"Rule?" Something doesn't seem right.

"Yes," A strange light consumes Harumi's eyes, "and I will rule by his side and watch the ninja fall."

I back up, "Fall? Like… killing them?"

"Exactly!" She grabs my arm with surprising strength.

I try to shake her off, but she holds on firmly, "Why?"

She chuckles and lets go of my arm, "you have no idea what the ninja have done to me. They killed my PARENTS!" she screams, then falls back into her pillow.

I stand silent, not sure what to do. I knew the ninja were evil, but killing them seems too far. And I know resurrecting someone never turns out good.

"Harumi, I don't think that's a good idea," I warn carefully.

"Why not, Echo?" her head snaps in my direction, "Are you afraid of death?"

I can't answer.

She chuckles again and closes her eyes, "Oh, Echo, you have such great potential. You're blocked by the emotions your father programmed into you."

Now she's gone too far, "I am not blocked by emotions. My emotions make me human."

"Is that what you want, Echo?" Harumi looks into my eyes and smiles, "Do you want to be human?"

I turn my back to her. I can't face her like this.

Harumi sits up straight, never taking her eyes off me, "Why be human when you can become better that them?"

I turn back to her curiously, "Better?"

"Right now you are lesser," she explains with a devious smile, "but you can be upgraded to a higher level than anything humanly possible. Echo," she leans forward, "resurrect Garmadon. Save Ninjago with me. You could do anything you wanted. You will earn the love and respect you've always wanted."

I remain frozen for a second. Then I lower my head, "I can't."

"Why?" Harumi begs.

I close my eyes, "I don't want to better than humans, and I certainly don't want to kill anyone. I can't. I'm built to protect, and that's all I'll ever be. Goodnight, Harumi."

"Echo—" Harumi begins.

"I'm sorry," I escape down the stairs, unable to look at her. If I do, I'll probably turn around and tell her of course I want love, of course I'll come with her to Ninjago to become a better droid. But I keep walking. I will never turn my back on my father. I have to trust him, trust that he knew what he was doing when he programmed me. But the seed of doubt has been planted, and I can't help wondering if I've made the right decision.


AN: Thank you for reading these chapters! Always feel free to comment any complaints, recommendations, or complements in a review. Your feedback is always appreciated!