Author's note: It wouldn't let me put in the whole chapter title, so here's the full name: "Day 2-Murderer, Monster, Villain".
Lloyd walked through the hall, one hand gripping his hair. Training hadn't lasted long today. Wu had come out, then immediately told them all to meditate because they apparently weren't focused enough.
He growled. He had been focused just fine! He rounded a corner.
Stupid uncle—
He yelped as he rammed into someone, the other person yelping as well—
Wait. No no no—
Of all—
Lloyd backed away, eyes wide, failing to hide his surprise and panic.
Garmadon backed away as well, looking just as surprised and panicked to see him.
Lloyd's mouth went dry. He'd been trying to avoid him, not—not literally run into him!
Garmadon looked away, eye darting.
Lloyd managed to swallow. He was about to just walk around him, but… The first time he'd seen him, he hadn't…really looked at his face…
Well, he had, just…not really looked… What in Ninjago had happened to him…?
He shook his head, blinking.
Garmadon looked back at him, swallowing. "I—uh—sorry…" Glancing around again, he went back the way he'd come.
Lloyd watched him go, frowning. He didn't seem evil…but then again, it could be a trick… Kai had said—
He shook his head. Why was he listening to Kai?
Sighing, he continued on to his bedroom, intending to read a few Starfarer comics and get his mind off of all this…
Lloyd crossed his arms, glancing away.
"Can't we just, like…kick him out?" Kai asked—quietly, so Garmadon wouldn't hear him.
Nya glared at her brother, her own arms crossed. "No! That would be rude!" she hissed.
Kai shrugged. "So? He's like, a murderous villain!"
"He seems to be good to me," Zane said.
Kai rolled his eyes. "Yeah, Zane—you are very gullible and believe everything anyone says."
"That is not true. I—"
"Kai, I'm pretty sure that's Jay…" Nya interrupted.
Jay opened his mouth in shock. "I…what?! Do not!"
Kai huffed. "Yeah…right. But Zane is still very similar. He's too naive. Remember how I'm always the one who tells you guys not to trust Garmadon? Because he's always up to something?"
"Yeah, but Kai, he doesn't look like he's evil right now. Or even acts like it!" Nya narrowed her eyes.
"I can't believe you're actually defending him—!"
"Can we get back on topic?" Cole asked.
Kai rolled his eyes. "Yeah, well, we're obviously not playing video games today. Not with him in there—that is, unless you let me kick him out."
Cole rose an eyebrow. "No…"
Jay opened the door a slit again, peeking in. "He's just sitting there… Are you sure we can't just ask him to move?"
Kai scoffed. "Yeah, right. Like that'll work."
"Guys, let's just forget about it, okay?" Lloyd looked at them, having been silent in the conversation until now. "He's probably not gonna move, and I don't feel like causing drama over it."
They exchanged a look.
Kai shoved Jay out of the way, peeking in. He narrowed his eyes, then huffed.
"But I wanted to play Prime Empire…" Jay slouched, pouting.
Cole patted him on the shoulder, sighing. "Me too, buddy…but I don't think it's happening today."
"Is that all he does is sit there?" Kai asked. "Has anyone even seen him leave?"
"Yeah…" Lloyd looked away. "But not much…"
Kai huffed again. "I'll bet he's planning his grand scheme… Probably plotting against us."
Nya grabbed his shoulder, yanking him away, Kai yelping in surprise.
"Hey!"
"Kai, come on! Quit spying on him!" Nya growled.
Cole shook his head. "Didn't Wu say to avoid the living room, anyway? Because Garmadon's staying here?"
Kai shook his head, crossing his arms. "Yeah, so? We live here, not Garmadon!"
"But we should obey Master Wu…" Zane's eyebrows scrunched in worry and confusion.
"Yeah. So let's go." Lloyd turned, heading back down the hall.
They all exchanged a glance again, then reluctantly followed him.
"Ah, goodbye, sweet video games…" Jay bemoaned dramatically. "But we will meet again soon!"
Kai rolled his eyes, but Cole shook his head.
"Yup…guess I'll have to beat your high score another day…"
Jay gaped at Cole, putting a hand to his heart. "Ah! You wouldn't!"
Cole grinned, laughing. "Would to."
"Don't you dare—!"
Garmadon stared down at his hands, wringing them. He listened to the ninja's footsteps as they left, their chatter also growing faint.
He sighed. He…would have moved….but…
He shook his head, closing his eye. No.
He didn't know…he wasn't sure why he didn't say anything…
"Coward."
He grit his teeth. NO. He was not—
"Weak. Helpless. You are a very sorry excuse for a villain."
Garmadon shook his head, lying down instead. He put a hand to his head, clenching his hair tightly.
"Are you crying? Wow… I thought you used to be LORD Garmadon? And then, the mighty EMPEROR Garmadon? What happened to your power?"
Garmadon sighed, instead dragging his hand down his face and staring up at the ceiling.
He would be fine. Ichor wasn't even here—
"What? What do you mean you ran into Garmadon?! What did he do?!"
Lloyd took a step back, hands raised. Why Kai had even bothered to follow him after the others went to the kitchen for a snack was beyond him—and especially just to have this conversation. "Relax, Kai! It lasted like, two seconds! Chill!"
Kai huffed, crossing his arms. "Sorry, but I'm the Master of Fire. I literally can't chill."
Lloyd rolled his eyes, crossing his arms as well. "Right…"
"Are you okay?"
Lloyd looked at him. "Yeah, I'm fine. How many times do I have to say it?"
Kai snarled. "He shouldn't even be near you! Not after what he's done! And he should know that!"
Lloyd was tempted to roll his eyes again. "No, Kai, it's fine. I think it was an accident."
"Accident? I don't think so…that guy doesn't just have 'accidents'. I'm sure it was purposeful. Probably wanted to assess you, see if you had any weaknesses. He probably thinks you fell for his 'weak' facade—"
Lloyd growled. "No, Kai! Now you're just making things up!"
Kai huffed, heading for the door. "We'll see…"
Lloyd rolled his eyes again.
Kai turned around, hand on the door. "I'm not letting him hurt you again. Whether you believe me or not, he's up to something. And I'm going to find out what it is."
Lloyd opened his mouth, about to retort—
Kai left, closing the door behind him.
Lloyd frowned, looking at the floor. Garmadon…he wasn't up to something, was he? Kai was wrong. He knew it!
This time would be different—
Who was he kidding?! Kai was right! Garmadon never stayed for long. He always left! He didn't care…not about him, not about anyone. He only cared about himself—he'd proven it too many times to count.
Lloyd took a shuddering breath, closing his eyes. He sat down, leaning against his bed, knees pulled up to his chest.
A strangled sob escaped him. He tried to stifle himself as he broke down.
Garmadon abruptly stood, shaking his head. This was ridiculous. Ichor wasn't even here, so why was he letting him taunt him?!
Because you deserve it.
He blinked rapidly, sucking in a breath. He did deserve it, didn't he? He shook his head again, then started for the door.
"Murderer."
No no no—
Garmadon quickened his pace, jaw tightening.
"Monster."
Garmadon blinked, throat tightening.
"Villain."
He ripped open the door, stumbling out—
Then immediately stopped, almost ramming into Misako.
Misako's eyes widened in surprise, taking a startled step back.
Garmadon took a step back as well, trying not to gape in shock.
This was not supposed to happen—
No, this was bad—
No no no—
Misako just blinked at him a moment, still looking startled.
Garmadon looked away, eye darting around the hall. Maybe he'd just—
Misako swallowed, suddenly giving him a barely noticeable nod. "Garmadon…"
Garmadon winced, giving her a nod in return, and then hurried off down the hall stiffly. Jaw clenched, he tried to calm his breathing down, tried to stop the panic—
"Garmadon, is the village in danger?"
"He's dead? How?"
"I can't believe they'd turn on you like that…"
"Lloyd…It's perfect."
"You're finally cured… I…I almost can't believe it…"
"There's…something wrong. What aren't you telling me?"
"You're my husband. I know you better than that—there's something else."
"Of course. Those words you wrote—it was the reason I fell in love with you."
"That letter was not—"
"I already have."
Garmadon shut his eye, taking a breath.
He would be fine.
Misako watched Garmadon hurriedly leave. He looked…tense. She swallowed uncomfortably, letting out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.
What had happened to him…? Wu hadn't really said much, only that he'd found him in Jamanakai. And that he didn't look…evil anymore.
But his face…
Misako bit her lip. Why had she not gone to see him? If he was good? He certainly didn't look evil…
Maybe she should go talk to—
No.
She sucked in a breath, then let it out slowly.
It wasn't cowardice.
She turned, walking back down the hall.
She tried to shove down the thoughts, the hurt. After everything that had happened…it made sense, right? She…she wasn't sure—
It was not cowardice. No.
Then why was her heart pounding so fast?
She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a breath.
Then she opened the door to the scroll room, walking in.
She felt hurt. And…scared.
Of what?
Misako pulled a scroll off the shelf, making sure to walk around her growing piles, and then unrolled it on the table near the window.
She blinked, sucking in a breath. No, she was afraid…
She shut her eyes, feeling the sting of tears. She bit her lip again, trying to stop the trembling.
Taking another breath, she quickly swiped at her face, then started reading the scroll.
She needed to do some more research.
To distract yourself. From him.
Misako grit her teeth, ignoring the voice.
Are you really going to abandon Lloyd again? Like last time? He needs you.
No.
She almost furiously grabbed another random scroll, opening it almost harshly.
She immediately reprimanded herself. Gentle, Misako! These are almost a thousand years old!
Misako blinked, shaking her head. Let's see… 'The founding of Jhamkiki village was in the year —
Garmadon tried to calm his strides. It was just Misako. Why was he so panicked?
Because you almost killed her.
"He was my husband. I'm up for anything."
There was a pained grunt, then a yell.
Garmadon shut his eye, taking a deep breath.
Just calm down. It'll be okay.
He was fine!
Why do you keep saying that?
Shut it.
Garmadon shook his head, blinking. Why am I talking to myself now…?
I really am insane…
Maybe he should just go outside, get some air. Forget about—
There was a flash of red.
Slam!
Garmadon blinked, choking and letting out a terrified gasp of shock, trying to breath—
Kai narrowed his eyes at him, glaring daggers. His grip on his gi tightened, pressing harder, his elbow digging into his ribs.
Garmadon tried to stifle the pained gasp.
"What are you doing here?" Kai hissed, growling, his other fist lighting up with bright yellow flames.
Garmadon just blinked a moment, too stunned to respond.
"Well?!" Kai gave him another slam into the wood wall, eyes seeming to be on fire, searing into him. "Answer me!"
Garmadon let out another strangled choke. "I-I…Wu… I-I'm sorry…"
Kai's eyes narrowed further. "I am not falling for that. Why are you really here, Garmadon?!"
"I…" Garmadon blinked. "I…"
"At a loss for words, huh? Thought I was stupid enough to fall for this?" Kai snarled in his face. "News flash, I'm not stupid. So GET TALKING!"
Garmadon opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He vainly tried to ease away from the red ninja, trying to quell his already panicked mind—
The red ninja tightened his grip. "You're not going anywhere until I get answers!"
Garmadon flinched. "I…"
Kai shook his head, scoffing. He suddenly released him, causing Garmadon's legs to almost buckle.
Garmadon pressed his back to the wall, tense, ready to bolt. He felt the wall with his hands, feeling the smooth wood, trying to ground himself, his heart now thudding—
"Fine. Keep up your facade. But I'm warning you—" Kai put his face into his again— "stay away from Lloyd. He doesn't need you. And if I ever find out you hurt him, I will personally hunt you down. Got that?"
Garmadon opened his mouth, then closed it. He gave the barest of nods.
"I have my eye on you." Kai let him go, backing away.
Garmadon stared at him, trying to stop himself from shaking. It was only Kai, Ichor wasn't here—
Kai gestured towards his eyes with two fingers, then at him—the sign that he was going to have his eyes on him. "You'd better watch yourself, Garmadon. I'm onto you." He turned, walking briskly away.
Garmadon sucked in a strained, choked gasp again, shaking, trying to relax.
He was FINE.
He shook his head, one hand clutching his chest now. Blinking, he turned, heading for the courtyard. Hopefully it was deserted—
He gasped again, a fog seeming to come over his mind, making everything seem far off and muddled—distant. His breath became sharper, more ragged.
He suddenly realized he couldn't breathe.
No no no nO NO NO NO—
A frightened mantra started playing, repeating the same thing over and over and over again, like a broken record.
He sucked in another gasp, straining for air. His vision grew blurry, and his eye stun. He blinked rapidly.
He couldn't have this now, not now, not now not now—
No no no no—
He at least had to get away from here, out of the monastery—
Garmadon quickened his pace, stumbling, shaking terribly. His legs felt weak, like they might buckle beneath him, and his sharp gasps weren't helping. Adrenaline coursed through him, his heart thudding madly, so hard he'd be surprised if no one could hear it.
Stumbling, he finally found the door. Shakily, his fingers gripped the edge, and then he flung it open. He gasped in the fresh, cool air as it hit his face.
He tripped out into the open, then shut the door. Garmadon practically stumbled down the stairs.
Almost there. Don't break down now, not now not here—
He gasped again, swiping a sleeve over his eye.
It seemed to take forever, but he finally reached the large red doors. He slid one open, slipped through, then stumbled to the left. He went to the side of the monastery—as far as he could go, anyway, with it being on a mountain and having a far drop off a cliff.
His legs finally buckled, and he collapsed, half sitting next to the monastery wall, a choked sob escaping him as he tried to breath.
Just relax! You're FINE!
He choked back another sob.
ICHOR ISN'T HERE!
"Ever wondered how pirates feel?"
He sucked in another sharp gasp, one hand still gripping his chest tightly.
BREATHE—
"Grab his face."
"No—" Garmadon shut his eye tightly, trying to block it out, anytHING—
"There we go. See what I have? It technically belonged to you. Except that you are mine."
No no no—
"Please, no—" Garmadon sucked in another gasp.
"Hold him still again."
Blackness started to come over his mind. He shook his head, one hand gripping his hair now.
Why couldn't he BREATHE—!
He choked again, curling into himself tighter.
There was an agonized scream.
His.
Garmadon suddenly felt himself tilting—
Everything turned black.
Garmadon opened his eye, blinking. He realized…he was lying down, on cold rock. He shuddered, feeling stiff, lightheaded, and shaky still.
But he seemed to be able to breathe now…or at least, better than before.
He sighed, curling into himself.
He was okay.
It was gone, now.
He bit his lip till he tasted blood.
Garmadon sucked in another breath, then let it out slowly.
He suddenly realized he really didn't want anyone to find him like this…
Slowly, he moved his arms, then shoved himself up, shaking terribly. His limbs ached, screaming at him.
He blinked. He was utterly exhausted…
Closing his eye, he sat up, leaning his back and head against the wall. A soft breeze blew, blowing his hair slightly.
He took another breath, this one deeper, then let it out slowly.
He was so exhausted…
He wondered what time it was.
Garmadon sighed. He didn't really care…
An hour later he finally stood up. He still felt shaky, weak, and exhausted, but at least terror wasn't clawing at his mind. He headed into the monastery.
He walked down the hall, trying to keep a normal pace and not a snail's. His legs almost felt like lead, heavy and hard to lift. His mind almost felt…numb. Like a haze.
"Garmadon? There you are!"
He almost tripped at the voice. Garmadon turned around, seeing Wu hurrying towards him.
"I haven't seen you in a while. I was getting worried… Where have you been?"
Garmadon blinked. He didn't even seem to have the energy to reply, like his mouth wouldn't move. He shrugged.
Wu rose an eyebrow, still looking concerned. "…Are you alright?"
Garmadon nodded. "Yes…" He barely managed to choke the word out, but at least it was intelligible. He turned, continuing on. He really didn't feel like having a conversation right now…
Thankfully, he didn't hear Wu follow him.
He suppressed a weary sigh, heading for the living room.
Garmadon gasped, jerking, eye snapping open.
"Murderer. Look at what you've done."
He sat up, gripping his hair with one hand, the other white-knuckled, gripping the couch. He took a shuddering breath.
"Monster. Look at what you've become."
Garmadon shook his head, jaw clenched. No no no—
"Villain. Look at what you are."
He abruptly stood, stumbling, and headed for the door. The darkness shrouded the room, shadows burying everything. Garmadon tried not to trip as he walked, even knowing nothing was—
A flash of silver.
Garmadon jerked back.
Then blinked. It was just a throwing star, probably one the ninja had forgotten there.
He thought Wu was supposed to keep a handle on them—
Garmadon shook his head. No. Now he really was going crazy…
He was seeing things.
He continued on, trying not to rip the door open. He needed air.
Taking a step into the hall, he started for—
No… Not the courtyard this time.
He turned.
After a few minutes, he slid open another door. The kitchen was dark, like the hall and the living room. The small window let a little bit of light in, though—a faint white and silver glow, causing shadows to cast on the floor, spreading almost to the doorway where he stood.
He breathed in a strangled intake.
"Did you really think you could escape from me?"
Garmadon shook his head, then walked in. He went over to the cupboard above the sink, opening it, and took out a glass.
Maybe it would help the nightmares—
He swallowed tightly. When…when had he even gotten a drink last?
He couldn't remember…
His throat was so dry… Garmadon coughed, one hand going to his neck. He really needed some water…
Garmadon tentatively turned the sink on, making only the smallest of streams leak out. He didn't want to wake anyone…
He shakily held the glass under it, watching as it very slowly started filling up.
You don't deserve this.
Garmadon swallowed, blinking.
You've been given more hospitality than you deserve.
He shook his head, closing his eye.
Now you're taking this from them, too?
Thief.
Garmadon sucked in a breath.
No.
He went back to watching the glass. It was now almost a quarter-way full.
That's enough. More than you deserve, anyway.
Garmadon hastily turned the sink off. He sighed in relief when the room was plunged back into silence. He looked down at the glass, drawing it to himself.
This doesn't belong to you.
He shook his head. It was only water…
Water that you stole.
Garmadon shuddered.
But I need it…
You don't deserve it.
It's been shown someone can only survive without water for three days…
So?
And I haven't even eaten anything in…however long…
Think of the guilt you'll have after.
Think about Wu.
Misako.
Lloyd.
Them knowing you stole another thing from them…
NO!
Garmadon shut his eye, stumbling away. His grip on the glass tightened.
Father would be so disappointed in—
He chugged the water down. The dryness in his throat immediately eased.
Then a plethora of guilt slammed into him. He sucked in a gasp, blinking.
His hand shook.
Garmadon walked back over to the sink, shaking his head.
It's only WATER—!
Water that you just stole.
He found himself staring at the sink.
He…he was still a little thirsty…and who knew when he'd be able to drink any water agai—
NO.
He'd taken enough.
Garmadon looked down at the glass.
He did not think this through, did he…
What was he supposed to do with the glass now? Wash it…?
After standing there awkwardly, he finally poured some dish soap on it, scrubbed it—he wasn't quite sure where the sudden burst of perfectionism had come from—and then put it back exactly where he'd found it.
They wouldn't know.
He was safe.
Garmadon backed away from the sink, eyeing it as if it would suddenly attack him.
Then sighed, wearily rubbing the back of his head.
What now?
He couldn't go back to sleep…
"You shouldn't have done that."
Garmadon shuddered. No—
Someone screamed.
Cold laughter.
Wetness flowed, blood seeping—
Screams—
Garmadon jerked back, stumbling.
No no no—
Blinking rapidly, he took another shuddering breath.
He glanced around, trying to find something else to focus on before—
His eyes landed on the cupboard above the stove. Garmadon frowned.
He couldn't…could he? No one…Wu…they wouldn't mind, right?
No no no, what in Ninjago was he thinking?! Of course they'd—
The sound of a saw ripped through the air.
Another scream tore—
Garmadon jerked, stumbling over. He ripped open the cupboard.
He was desperate.
He dug around, moving boxes of tea over, searching—
Garmadon's fingers gripped a small bag, pulling it out. Reading the front, he paused. It wasn't ideal, but…
Pain. So much pain—
He shook his head, then grabbed a teapot.
It will do.
Garmadon sat on the bench, his back to the doorway, tea cupped tightly in both hands. He stared at it, studying the amber color as it slowly swirled.
He took a sip.
It…had helped a little. He felt calmer.
He blinked. Everything suddenly went black—
Garmadon jerked awake.
No. He couldn't fall asleep—
No no no—
He blinked again, rapidly this time. He took a breathe, then tried to stifle a yawn.
What had he mixed in here, again…?
Wait, what kind of tea was this?
Blackness tainted his vision again as his eye threatened to close.
He glanced at the clock—3:45am. It wasn't even that late. Wu would be up soon.
He could stay awake until morning. He still had to wash the teacup and put the teapot away and erase all evidence of him being in here, Wu would not be happy if—
His head almost hit the table.
Garmadon jerked, rapidly blinking again, trying to—
Blackness took over his mind before his head even hit the table.
Everything faded into a numb nothingness.