Prisoner

The throne room was beyond magnificent. Swaths of red carpets and drapes clung to every surface. Candles sat in candelabras and chandeliers, casting faint, but strange shadows on the walls.

There were no windows. Which was fine- in a kind of creepy way- because allowing natural light to enter would ruin the eery ambiance.

King Garmadon wore his crown as though he'd been born in it. Head held high, hands clasped behind his magnificent black robe. Everything about him- from his shining jewelry to his knee-high black boots- gave him an air of ultimate authority. No one would dare cross a man like him.

Kaytake stood on the King's left, arms loose at his sides. He wore black as well, embroidered with silver thread that matched the hue of the diamond-studded earring in his left ear.

His eyes met Kai's, and a thousand thoughts and emotions passed between them. Hurt. Betrayal. Disappointment. Grief. And somewhere, buried so deep in Kaytake's hazel pools that Kai had to really dig hard for it, he found love. A longing for them to be together again. They had already lost Nya, why must they lose Kai as well?

Kaytake broke away first, and he nodded to Julien, who was in the process of bowing before Garmadon. Once Lord Julien stood straight, he returned the nod. He and his two children approached the King. They looked out of place in their vibrant whites and blues- but then again, they weren't in mourning like the King and Kaytake. It was all right- good, even- to look so out of place.

Kai knelt and lowered his head in respect to the King and four nobles. It felt strange, having to bow low like a commoner. Get used to it, Kai. You chose this boat. Pay the price.

"Rise," Garmadon said. His voice carried through the throne room, so powerful that Kai felt his heart tremor.

Kai obeyed, but kept his head low.

"Why is he here?" Garmadon asked, theatrically bored. "He has no place among us."

Kai felt as though he were naked under their stares. This had been a bad idea. What had he hoped to accomplish by coming here for Malian's trial? Nothing! All he could do was risk exposing Cyrus' doings to the world.

At least he'd left Cole, Jay, Kyle, and Varasach out in the city. Cyrus had less of a chance of being found out with just one ex-noble prying in nobles' business.

"He insisted on coming, Your Majesty," Julien said. "Said that Malian was his friend, and he wanted to-"

"To watch him be killed?" Garmadon said. "How fitting. The deserter comes back just in time to watch his comrade die a shameful death." He slammed an ornamented fist into his palm, making his wife beside him jump with fright. "Were you in on the traitor's plans, Kai?" The way he said Kai's name made the brunet cringe internally.

"No, Your Majesty," Kai said. "I knew nothing of Malian's supposed involvement until yesterday."

"Supposed?" A snide smile lifted Garmadon's lips. "There is no doubt in the matter. My cup was poisoned while I was in a private meeting with my wife, Lord Julien, Lord Kaytake, and General Malian. He's the only one who could have done it. Kaytake claims to have seen Malian handle mine and Julien's cups before we drank."

Kai's eyes flitted to his father, and his heart pounded. What had possessed his father to do something like this, and then frame his most trusted General for it?

Then again, who said that Kaytake had done it? Kai was basing his word off of a passing comment the Overlord had made while gloating in his fortress.

Kai looked away from his father. "I am not saying that you're wrong," he said. "I just mean that until I have the evidence, no one is guilty."

"No one?" Garmadon raged. "Look at my face. My skin. My eyes. Tell me honestly. Is someone guilty?"

Garmadon's eery red eyes sent a shiver down Kai's back. A deep crimson, so dark and intense that the draperies were dull and faded by comparison. Eyes filled with hatred and wickedness. Skin as pale as death, contrasted by his black clothing.

"Yes," Kai said finally. "Yes, I'd say someone is guilty. But we don't know who-"

"Shut up," Garmadon said. "You have no right to speak that way in my presence. Not after all that you've done." He nodded to a Guard at the door. "Fetch the traitor, would you?"

Kai opened his mouth to ask what exactly he'd done to deserve this treatment, but a look and a subtle head-shake from Zane stopped him.

Garmadon chuckled. "I've done a lot of checking on you and the new crowd you call your friends," he said. "Shall I tell you what I know about them?"

Before Kai could say no, Garmadon began. "Jay Walker. A vigilante who rescues the slaves that appear mysteriously on my island. Covers his tracks by pretending to be a thief. An incompetent, sloppy thief who has slipped by only because of his dear, self-proclaimed guardian, Cyrus Borg."

After a pause, he grinned. The air was tense; no one knew how their King would behave while in one of his less-lucid fits.

"Then there is...Besai," he said. "The Overlord's favorite whore. You rescued her. She was so starstruck by you and your gentlemanly ways that she immediately shifted her affections to you, no questions asked. Absolute trust. Heart, mind, soul, and body. And...oh," he laughed breathily. "I see your earring. How quaint. Her seductive powers must be strong if she convinced you to go against even your father's wishes."

Kai's hands balled into tight fists at his sides. Oh, how he wanted to rush forward and break a few bones in this corrupted King's body. Teach him not to talk about people in such a demeaning way.

But that was what King Garmadon wanted. Kai could see it in those eyes, red as an iron pulled from the fire. He was daring Kai to attack him.

"And now we come to Kyle," Garmadon said. "The mysterious man with no past who appeared out of the blue hardly three weeks ago. My guess? He's a Nindroid, made from the blueprints Cyrus stole."

Lord Julien cleared his throat. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, I don't care who Kyle is. You had no business arresting him. He was in my jurisdiction, not yours-"

"Are you contradicting my authority?" Garmadon asked. His voice sounded like a snake- quiet and deadly. "As I was saying, Kyle has been sneaking around the North with an antidote made from illegal substances, including trace amounts of human blood. Human! If that is not inhumane, I don't know what is."

"The blood was mine," Kai said. "I gave Cyrus permission to-" He bit his lip.

Garmadon smiled. "Oh," he said. "And I get a confession. You have been working with Cyrus. And I have a room full of witnesses to prove it. Thank you, Kai."

Stupid, Moonsong said.

"You have no proof that Kyle was carrying an antidote," Kai said. "You can't arrest him based on an assumption."

"Oh, I have proof," Garmadon said. He dug into a pocket in his black coat and held out a vial. "A man in the North gave this to me. He said that two young men named Kyle and Kai healed his daughter with it. He traded this vial for some rice. The next day, he came straight to me."

Kai was flabbergasted. He remembered that night. The girl's name was...Josi. They hadn't asked for the father's name, and the mother had died before they reached the house.

Why would anyone inform on them like that after being saved?

"We are...saving peoples' lives," Kai said. "How can you possibly call us criminals for doing something so innocent?"

"Innocent?" Garmadon bellowed. "You really have no idea, do you? When a legendary rebel is healing the people, spewing propaganda about how helpless the government is, the state is weakened! Order collapses! You are left with, at best, a fragile peace. At its worst, we could have war! Bloodshed! The burning of villages and...oh." He shook his head. "Right. That already happened in Genesan, didn't it? No, don't deny it. I know you were there. We found the body of a stone warrior. A body! That can mean only one thing."

He stepped down from his platform and examined Kai from head to toe. "You have Blades. All four of you, I suspect. And you are powerful enough to fight the Overlord. That begs the question." He lifted a finger and ran it along Kai's shoulder, flicking away an invisible speck of dust. "What are you doing here, when you should be fighting for your King and country? Why are you hiding in Cyrus' lair, helping him instigate a rebellion, instead of doing what I commanded you to do?" His finger went to Kai's lips, condescendingly. "Don't answer that. I already know the answer."

He shrugged. "But never mind. Allow me to push us back onto our original topic: Analyzing your crowd. The sorts of companions you have picked up."

He went back to his platform and stood beside Queen Misako. "Cole. An enigma I spent many nights unraveling. He is gifted with the ability to play music on any instrument he touches with enchanting beauty. As a child he was, as they say, a genius. A prodigy."

He clasped his hands behind his back and began to pace back and forth in front of his throne. "He lived with his family: his mother Aika, Lou, his father, and his baby sister, Viola. A happy family for many months after Viola was born. But then, tragedy struck."

Kai did not want to pry further: he knew doing so would betray Cole's trust. Garmadon was standing in a sacred garden, trampling its foliage without regard for how the gardener- Cole- would react. And worse, he was inviting- no, forcing- Kai to join him. This was a stone best left unturned, at least until Cole felt ready to turn it himself.

"A fever," Garmadon said. "Poor little Viola, the sweet little infant, died within a week of contracting the illness. Needless to say, the family was devastated. To distract himself from the pain, Lou sold their home in here in the Middle- which still stands not more than an hour's ride from here- and traveled with his wife and son. They performed at inns and taverns, trading entertainment for food and lodging. All was well, and the pain of loss dulled. Until two years ago."

Why was he talking about this? What could he possibly hope to gain by spilling Cole's closely-guarded secrets?

"You could say that Coleman-"

"Coleman?" Kai asked.

"Cole's full name. Didn't you know? Don't interrupt me. Coleman got ensnared in the Overlord's business; learned some things. Did some other...detestable things. He made a mistake on the job. And to pay for it, he was forced to become the Overlord's slave for one full year.

"But he rebelled. Because of this, Lou and Aika were taken and tortured as punishment for his sins. They died. And then Coleman met you."

He had reached the end of his tale, and now waited for Kai to comment.

Zane and Kai exchanged looks, both unsure of what to say. Pixal seemed lost, but not entirely impassive.

"Why..." Kai cleared his throat. "Why are you telling me this?"

"To make a statement," Garmadon said. "You never know- actually know- who your friends are. I did not even go into detail on what his 'detestable deeds' were. Would you like me to?"

"No," Kai said quickly.

"I did not think so. If you knew, you might not hold him as close as you do." He pointed a finger at Kai. "Watch your step. You are never safe in the company you've chosen." He looked past Kai and smiled. "Oh. Here comes the traitor."

It was as though the Guard had timed it so he would arrive with Malian right at the end of Garmadon's speech. They walked up the long hall and stopped before the King.

Kai could not help the look of shock when he saw the prisoner. "Malian?" he breathed, unable to believe this was him.

Malian did not raise his head. He looked like a man straight out of a war zone, with his uniform torn and soiled with blood. His hands were shackled behind his back in chains that jangled every time he was prodded by the Guard.

Had they been torturing him to try and force a confession out? Kai wouldn't put it past the King or his men.

"Have you decided to confess yet?" Garmadon asked, stepping down from his podium toward them.

Malian said nothing.

What happened to the Malian that Kai had known? The one who would look both his enemies and his friends in the eye. Who would stand tall against his opponents as though that mop of golden hair on his head was actually a crown, and he had no reason to fear?

He was broken. Betrayed. One look in Malian's downcast, shallow blue eyes said it all. He knew that Kaytake was to blame for this mess. He knew who was guilty and who was innocent. He knew he was going to die today.

And yet he protected the very man who had betrayed him. Kaytake still stood tall on that podium between Queen Misako and Lord Julien, living a life of riches instead of facing judgment for his own crimes.

Hypocrite. Kai wanted to snarl at his father, but he refrained. Instead, he put a hand on the bulge in his pocket- Moonsong- and drew in some of its power. Then, tentatively, he reached out with his mind and entered Malian's mind. It wasn't important, but for some reason Kai knew he just had to speak to Malian.

"You know why you are here," Garmadon said as he approached them. "In fact, you have been here many times before. This is the fifth time that we have tried to get a confession, yes?"

Again, Malian said nothing. He did not even lift his head.

"Fool!" Garmadon screamed. "This is your final hour. Everyone knows it. After this trial you will be hung in the Square. Hundreds of people will be there to watch you in your shame. And still you say nothing?" He reached out and slapped Malian with the back of his hand.

Now! While Malian's face was turned in a look of pain and surprise, Kai spoke.

Malian. Don't be alarmed. It's me.

Of course, saying not to be alarmed was like telling the wind to stop blowing. Malian's eyes widened and he gasped. A reaction that- to the other people in the room- was attributed to Garmadon's strike.

It's all right, Kai said. No, don't look at me all shocked. It'll give us away.

Malian's head dropped again. He breathed deeply through his nostrils.

"Coward," Garmadon said. "You are a coward. Not once on all of our meetings have you spoken. Only a man in fear would do that. Speak, and reclaim at least a shred of your honor before you die."

Are you all right? Kai asked, allowing his gaze to drift a bit. Best to appear nonchalant during this secret conversation.

Sure, Malian said. The sarcasm was not lost on Kai. What's going on?

Long story, Kai replied. But Cole has a plan. We're getting you out.

Though he tried, Malian was unable to hide his incredulity. What? How?

Easily. We've got tools that the Guards have never encountered. Then we'll take you to Cyrus Borg. He'll make sure you stay free.

Why would you do that? Malian paused. Do you... You know who actually poisoned the King, don't you?

Yes.

And you're not going to expose him, right?

Kai hadn't thought about this. How easy it would be to point the finger at his father. Revenge for the way Besai and he had been treated.

...No, he said. I want him to make the decision on his own.

"What say you, Kai?" Garmadon said. "Look at him. Does he not look guilty?"

Kai looked at Malian, who had not lifted his eyes from the floor. "Guilty," he said. "Malian is definitely guilty."

What? Malian lifted his head. I don't understand-

No. Trust me, Malian. Plead guilty. It's all part of the plan.

Plan? What plan?

Kai hesitated.

By Mena's Blade! If I'm going to put my life in your hands, Kai, I need some answers!

All right, fine. I've got some friends waiting in the square. While you're getting fitted for a new rope necklace, Cole and Jay are gonna cause a ruckus. Kyle and I will 'kidnap' you and we'll all make our escape. It all came out in a rush that took less than two heartbeats to explain.

That's a really stupid plan, Malian said bluntly.

Well, have you got a better one?

"There you have it," Garmadon said, unwittingly interrupting their argument. "Everyone is against you, Malian. Give up. The least you can do for yourself is die in the truth."

Come on, Malian, Kai said. Please trust me.

Malian groaned softly, head low. I hate you so much, Milord, he said.

Yeah...a lot of people say that.

Malian exhaled. "All right," he said. He nodded once and lifted his eyes to meet the King's. "It was me. I...I'm the one who poisoned you."

Instead of looking pleased with this 'confession', King Garmadon looked troubled and contemplative. He directed his attention to Kai and examined him for a long minute.

"I see," he said finally. He nodded to the nobles behind him. "Let it be known, Lord Julien, Lord Kaytake, Zane and Pixal, and Queen Misako. The confessions have been made, and those guilty will pay for their crimes. Yes?"

A murmur of agreement.

"Good." He waved to the Guards standing at attention beside Malian and Kai. "Take Malian to the Square. We will follow shortly. And as for Kai," he smiled again, predatorily. "Lock him up. And make sure he's comfortable, because he'll be in that cell for a good many years."

"W-wait...what?" Kai stammered. "What did I..."

You confessed that you've been working with Cyrus, Malian said as he was dragged off. I hope that was part of the plan because I can count the number of minutes I have left to live on my fingers.

"Your Majesty," Lord Kaytake said, "I don't believe that was a fair trial. If we could-"

"No," Garmadon said. "Kai knew the risks of coming here. He will pay his dues. And furthermore, were you not watching? By all accounts, it is clear that Kai forced Malian to confess. How did he do that, hmm?"

He reached into Kai's pocket and pulled out Moonsong. "Ah. His Blade. What, does it have telepathic powers? Mind control?" He stroked its sheath, but hesitated at the gem. "You know, Zane's Blade is handsome in its own way. But I've always been partial to orange..."

"You can't take his Blade," Pixal said.

Garmadon fingered the gem. "And why not?" he said. "Kai cannot have weapons in prison. It would be a shame to see such a beauty go to waste, especially..."

He wavered, looking confused as he stared between Kai and the Blade. "What is it doing?"

The gem glowed redder than Garmadon's eyes. But not in an evil way. It was pure, bright, and filled with a holy rage.

Garmadon's irises paled to a sickly yellow, leaning toward green. "No," he said. "No, no, no!" He threw the Blade to the ground and kicked it away.

"Your Majesty?" The Guard said, confused.

Garmadon closed his eyes, rubbing his temples. "Take them away," he muttered.

"Umm...excuse me-"

"Lock him up!" Garmadon screamed, eyelids opening in a flash, now redder than ever. "Take that Blade and hide it somewhere far away. Get them both out of my sight!"

"But he hasn't had a fair trial," Lord Julien said. "We cannot lock him up unless we are all in agreement on what his punishment-"

"Are you questioning my authority?" Garmadon said.

Lord Julien shied away.

"That's what I thought. Anyone else?" Garmadon looked like a panther with his black clothing and bared white teeth. He grabbed Queen Misako's collar and shook her hard. "Well? Is anyone going to plead his innocence?" He threw his wife aside and turned to Zane and Pixal. "Will you stand by your friend, or are you loyal to your King? Kaytake, what of you?"

Kaytake's face paled.

From the way Garmadon's face twisted, it was evident he knew he'd found a weak spot. "Well, Kaytake?" he said. "Will you say that this man- no longer your son- who has done so much to mar your reputation by eloping with a slave, is not guilty? Oh, don't look at him like that. He doesn't deserve pity. The foolish boy has given up everything. His mind probably snapped while he was being tortured by the Overlord. We-"

"Have I?" Kai asked, bringing the room to silence. "Have I really lost everything? Yes, I lost my cozy, secure home. Yes, I lost my position in society. But what were those things, really? To be honest, I never wanted to become a Lord. That life felt so...empty."

He pressed his palm to his chest and raised his voice. "What I have now, it makes me feel alive. Besai may not have the most expensive dowry, but what does that matter? I love her. I love Ahlie, too. We are a family!"

"Ahlie?" Garmadon raised a brow.

"My daughter." Saying those words out loud was satisfying. It made his chest swell with a pride he wished he could hold on to forever.

Kaytake looked as though he'd started choking. His face went from ashen to flushed in just under three heartbeats, and his Adam's apple bobbed with a short swallow.

"I have rejected power," Kai said. "In fact, the last thing I want is to be associated with you aristocrats." His hands went into the air. "Arrest me, by all means! But I can promise you one thing."

"And what's that?" Garmadon asked.

"My friends will rescue me." And he believed it. Deep down in his heart, he had faith that Cole and Jay would not abandon him.

"That's right," Kai said, smiling as King Garmadon faltered. "And not an army of ten thousand soldiers, or the Overlord, or King Garmadon himself can stand between them and me. Do you realize what we've been through together? Nothing is impossible.

"And they will come. For me, and for Malian."

What Kai did not realize is that, as he spoke, he had been using his Blade's powers to transmit his emotions into their minds. As soulless Nindroids, Zane and Pixal were oblivious, but the humans in the room trembled. Kai's passion was too strong for them to comprehend.

Once Kai realized what Moonsong had done done, he broadened his smile. "Are you prepared to fight this?" he asked.

Garmadon opened his mouth, then coughed on his words. He clenched his fist and pointed to the poor, shaking Guard, who was standing closest to Kai and was therefore receiving the blunt of Kai's power surge.

"Lock him up," King Garmadon whispered. "And make sure he cannot reach his Blade."

The Guard received no resistance as he grabbed Kai's arm and led him down the great hall. Another Guard rushed from a corner and wrapped the Blade in cloth before following his compatriot from the room.

Well done, Moonsong, Kai said as the Blade stopped its energy surge; the Guards visibly relaxed.

Any time, Moonsong replied, pleased. And don't think this little favor has changed anything. I still hate you.

Kai rolled his eyes. I'm sure you do.