"Garmadon?"

Garmadon jerked awake, eye snapping open as he tried to scramble away from the voice. Then he paused, now sitting, scooted to the far side of the couch.

Wu stood there, teacup in hand. He looked…concerned again.

What now? "What?"

Wu frowned, blinking. "Um…you realize when I said you could sleep on the couch, I meant you could have like…a pillow and blanket too, right?"
Garmadon blinked uncomprehendingly. "What?"

Wu's face became even more concerned. "We do have spare blankets and pillows, you know…"

Garmadon squinted at him, then looked away. "It's fine. I don't mind."

"…You thought since we had no spare rooms, that there were no spare blankets or pillows?"

Garmadon frowned.

"…Or did you just think you couldn't use them?"
Garmadon picked at his sleeve, not replying.

Wu shook his head. "Well…" He sighed. "I'm sorry, I should have been clearer…"

Garmadon shrugged. "I'm fine. I'm used to it."

Wu frowned. "No, I don't believe that's any excuse… For next time, you can have a blanket and pillow, alright?"

Garmadon nodded. "Fine." There was a pause. "…Thanks."

Wu gave him a faint nod, then started to leave. "Everyone already ate, but we saved you some. I considered waking you, but…you looked exhausted."

Garmadon heard him shut the sliding door softly. He frowned, looking down. Last night had been…well, he'd slept well, for once. He'd blacked out the moment he'd lied down.

He must have been more exhausted than he'd thought…

And Ochre was still missing. He clenched his teeth. He needed to find him. Whenever he had the chance…

He stood, wobbling slightly, then headed for the door, sliding it open. The hallway was empty.

He remembered what Wu had said, about breakfast. His stomach rumbled. He winced. Maybe he could—

No. He'd already received more hospitality then he ever deserved. He couldn't take any more from them. He could survive a couple days without food.

And then he could go find Ochre. Wu had said he only had to stay a couple days.

He glanced both ways, feeling undecided. Then he headed for the courtyard.

As he neared the end of the hall, he paused. The ninja—they were out there. Training, it sounded like…probably wasn't a good idea to go out there right now. He turned around, instead going right. Wu had said he could explore, right?

Garmadon swallowed nervously. It would be fine. Wu said he could.

He didn't open any doors as he walked. That was too risky. He didn't remember where any rooms were, other than the kitchen and living room.

Eventually, he made it back to the living room. Sighing quietly, he sat down on the couch. His leg was hurting again…

He folded his hands, staring down at them, fiddling. What now?

Lloyd blocked a blow from Nya, then back flipped away from her. Training was eerily silent.

No…more awkwardly silent. He could feel his friends questioning gazes on him, could feel their concern and see the burning questions in their eyes.

Lloyd tried not to growl. He didn't want to talk about it. He lunged at Nya again, going low, his sword at her heels.

She leaped away from him, yelping, then took a swipe at him with her spear. "Hey, easy, Lloyd!"

Lloyd shook his head, backing a few feet away, his sword slightly lowering. "Sorry…" He looked away, jaw clenching.

Nya sighed, relaxing a bit, her own weapon lowering. "It's okay… Maybe we should just call it a day?"

Lloyd scowled, shaking his head. "No." He took another lunge at her, Nya just barely managing to block him.

"Hey! If you need a break, we understand—" Nya blocked another blow from him— "but don't take it out on us!"

Lloyd winced, guilt clenching his gut. "Sorry…" He backed away, both of them circling each other.

Kai looked over, leaping away from a blow by Cole's large hammer. His katanas were raised, but both of their focus seemed to be on Lloyd, not training.

Their sparing went on for another five minutes.

Lloyd took another swipe at Nya, trying to disrupt her balance—

His gaze was suddenly turning to the murals.

His father. Four arms, red eyes, black skin. Almost…staring at him. Taunting him.

"This is the new me!"

"I have played many roles. Worn many masks. Father. Husband. Brother. Teacher. But only ONE was summoned back—destroyer!"

"Youthful ignorance! People don't change—they only reveal who they truly are!"

"Sentimentality is a weakness. If you wish to defeat the oni, you would do well to banish such feelings."

"Don't just sit there—get up and fight!"

"How did you ever defeat me in the first place?"

"Every moment you delay risks our survival!"

"There isn't! Why do you persist in denying your heritage? Embrace your oni side."

"Let your anger loose. Let it make you stronger."

"I have no son!"

Lloyd suddenly felt himself being slammed to the ground. He gasped in shock, the breath knocked out of him.

Nya's face was suddenly above him, eyes worried. "Lloyd? Lloyd, are you okay? I'm so sorry, I thought you saw it coming!"

Lloyd blinked, staring up at her a moment. "I…I'm okay…"

Nya bit her lip. "Are you sure…?"

Lloyd nodded, then slowly sat up, rubbing his forehead. Ow… That must have been where he'd been hit…

Nya took his arm, helping him up. She still looked worried.

Kai marched over, hands clenched and eyes narrowed, an accusing look on his face. "I think we need to address the elephant in the room."

Lloyd looked away, glaring off to the side, jaw clenching.

"Lloyd! You could have gotten seriously hurt!" Kai snapped.

Nya nodded. "Yeah…"

"I'm fine."

"No, you're not! Obviously, you're distracted because of your dad." Kai crossed his arms.

Lloyd scowled. "I am not distracted because of Garmadon. I'm fine!"

"Lloyd…" Nya's voice turned gentle. "We get it, okay? But pushing yourself to train when your mind's somewhere else isn't safe. I could have hurt you."

Lloyd shook his head, turning to her, raising his sword. "No. I'm fine. Let's just train, okay?"

"I have no son!"

Lloyd blinked. "Please, guys? Really, I'm fine!" Just please distract me so I don't go insane…

His friends exchanged looks.

"Lloyd… I think Nya's right…" Cole's gaze bore into him. "It's not safe. If you need time, we can—"

"I said, I'm fine!"

"You don't sound fine…" Jay mumbled.

"I agree." Zane nodded. "You are obviously stressed and unfocused."

Lloyd shook his head, then took a swipe at Nya. "No. I'm fine. Let's just keep going."

Nya blocked him, looking uncertain.

His friends exchanged another look.

Lloyd took another swipe at Nya, causing her to take a step back.

The other ninja backed away, still looking uncertain.

After a few more swipes, Nya finally engaged him, though—Lloyd realized in frustration—she was definitely going easy on him.

The others went back to training as well, still casting glances at him.

A few minutes passed in silence.

Lloyd made sure to focus this time, keeping the murals to his back. He tried to go a little easier on Nya, and not let his frustration out on her. She was also still going easy on him, but…he supposed that's what he got.

He tried not to growl.

"What do you think Wu's going to do about Garmadon?"

The quiet voice belonged to Kai, talking to the others. Probably thought he couldn't hear him.

Lloyd took another jab at Nya.

She barely managed to block him again, then sent Kai an annoyed look.

Jay shrugged. "I don't know. Why was he here again?"

"Because Master Wu said he found him in Jamanakai and invited him here for a few days," Zane said.

Kai scoffed quietly. "Right. Like Lloyd needs that."

Cole almost landed a blow on Kai. "Maybe not, but I'm sure he has his reasons."

"I don't know, his judgment's been flawed in the past." Kai swiped his katanas at Cole before quickly back flipping. "I don't trust Garmadon. I'm sure he's up to something. Why suddenly show up now, after he'd been missing for what, six months?"

Cole shrugged. "Dunno."

"Exactly!" Kai hissed. "I think Garmadon is planning something, there's no other reason he'd suddenly—"

Lloyd grit his teeth, spinning around towards them. "Hey! What ever happened to focus?!"

There was immediately silence.

Jay laughed nervously, avoiding his gaze and rubbing the back of his head.

Lloyd turned back to Nya, taking a deep breath. She was gazing at him in concern. He shook his head, then lunged at her, sword barely being deflected by her spear.

Nya shook her head as well, looking a little frustrated, and then their sparring started up again.

There was silence for the rest of the training session.

"Garmadon?"

Garmadon's head snapped up, jumping. Wu stood to the right end of the couch, tea in hand.

About four hours or so had passed since Garmadon had sat there. The ninja, he assumed, had been training during that time.

When Wu didn't say anything at his silence, Garmadon asked, "What?"

"It's lunch time."

Garmadon frowned, his gaze returning to his hands. He nodded.

After a beat of silence, Wu said, "Are you coming…?"

Garmadon just shrugged. "I'll…eat later. I got up late."

He could feel Wu's frown at that. "I see… Alright, then."

Garmadon heard Wu's retreating footsteps, then the door slid closed. He sighed.

Garmadon cautiously walked outside. A soft breeze blew, some leaves swirling in patches around the monastery. Somehow he had a feeling that the ninja were supposed to sweep those up…

He glanced around, his gaze landing on the murals. After hesitating a moment, he walked over.

The first two featured him. Red eyes, black skin. In one he was holding the Golden Weapons in his four hands.

He crossed his arms, sucking in a breath. He shook his head, then continued on, staring at the other murals one by one. He suddenly paused, gazing at the one with him in it, the one where he was good, finally. When he'd been cured of the venom. He frowned. His gaze then traveled to Chen, and the Cursed Realm.

He involuntarily shuddered.

The dripping noise never seemed to stop. It just kept going—drip. Drip. Drip. Over and over and over again.

Garmadon grit his teeth, shifting. It was very irritating. Though that was probably intentional. His chains seemed to dig into his wrists. He would have tried to ease it, but he knew it was useless—the chains were too tight to do much about.

"Hello, Garmadon."

His head jerked up. Then he growled under his breath. "Wrayth. What do you want?"

Wrayth grinned, making his ghastly appearance all the more evident. "I have news."
Garmadon rose an eyebrow. "News? Of what?" Anxiety was suddenly swirling in his gut. This didn't sound good…

Wrayth's grin widened—though, not that he could see it under the ghost's mask. Or hood, whatever it was… "Of your son."

Garmadon stiffened, eyes widening.

Wrayth's head rose—proudly. "Yes. Remember how you were banished here?"
Garmadon narrowed his eyes. "Yes. What does that have to do with him?"

Wrayth laughed, echoey and hollow. "You opened the doorway!"

Garmadon blinked. Doorway? "What are you talking about?"

"You let him out. He's been trying for decades, now."

"Who?"

"Morro."

Garmadon tensed. He knew that name. "Morro? As in, that stray Wu took in?"

Wrayth's eyes pierced into his. "Yes. Him. And you know what you did?"

Garmadon blinked again. His hands clenched. "What?"

"You let him out." Wrayth cackled. "And now, YOUR SON is paying the price!"

Garmadon's mouth dropped in shock. No—! He shook his head, then scrambled to his feet, lunging at the ghost. "What did you do?!"

Wrayth's cackles ceased, though he still chuckled hoarsely. "I didn't do anything. Morro did."

"And that is?!" Garmadon swallowed, feeling his legs and hands start to shake. He…he didn't cause…he didn't cause more pain, did he…? How could he, here? He was a prisoner!

Wrayth's grin returned. "Morro possessed your son. His body is under his control, now. He's a pawn."

Garmadon gaped again.

A few seconds passed.

"WHAT?!"

Wrayth laughed. "Just thought you should know." He turned to leave, floating a few inches above the ground, moving smoothly over it.

Garmadon struggled, trying in vain to keep the rage down. "Let him go!"

The ghost didn't even look back, just disappeared around a corner.

Garmadon gasped, choking. "No…" He shut his eyes, ducking his head. The terror and fear for Lloyd… And the guilt… What have I done…?

"Be strong, son…"

The scene suddenly changed, being replaced by Lloyd, though Garmadon was still in the Cursed Realm, chained inside of it.

"But…if I destroy it…it could…destroy you…" Lloyd gazed at him uncertainly, looking torn.

"Whatever happens to me, wherever I am, I will always be with you." Garmadon gave him a reassuring smile.

The scene changed again, Lloyd now gone.

Water. It filled the large space, flowing everywhere, drowning hundreds of victims—or at least killing them, since they were ghosts.

Garmadon struggled against his chains, knowing that it was probably useless, but he had to try. For Lloyd.

The water rose, slashing against him wildly. Garmadon choked, coughing. His feet no longer touched the ground, the waves rising with terrifying speed and force. Garmadon tried his best to swim, but with his wrists still chained…

He was suddenly jerked to a stop. The chains tightened, not allowing him to rise any more. The waves didn't stop, however, climbing, climbing, climbing…

Clinging. Drenching. Killing.

Garmadon coughed again, spitting out a mouthful of water. He sucked in a strangled breath, but all that entered was water, salty, burning his lungs.

He choked, spluttering, struggling desperately now.

If Lloyd saw you now…how frail and weak you are…

He shook his head, choking again, squeezing his eyes shut. The water rose higher.

A whispering, echoey voice wisped past him. "Don't you want to see your son again?"

Garmadon tensed, eyes darting wildly around as more water gushed into his mouth. "Who—"

He choked, then gasped, more water gushing down his lungs. More waves splashed at his face, finally rising above his mouth.

"Do you?"

Garmadon shook his head, gasping in another mouthful.

"I can help you."

Help?

"Yes. You can see your son again. You just have to say the word."

Garmadon choked, a strangled, barely audible "yes" escaping his lips. The world started to darken, black dots appearing, everything fading away.

The thing chuckled. "I shall see you soon, then."

Something touched his shoulder. Garmadon jumped, whipping around.

Wu took a step back, one of his hands raised. The other held tea. "It's alright, it's just me…"

Garmadon frowned, trying to relax and calm his breathing. His throat felt too tight to speak, so he just turned back to the mural. Then he shook his head, continuing on to the next one.

Wu followed him. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing." Garmadon almost cringed at how tense and high-pitched he sounded.

Wu looked at him in concern. "Are you alright?"

Garmadon nodded. "I'm fine."

"Don't you want to see your son again?"

He shook his head, blocking the voice out. It was just an hallucination, or something. Nothing more. He'd been drowning. Of course he'd been out of it!

That's what he'd told himself, anyway.

Wu took a sip. "If you say so…"

Garmadon lay on the couch, staring up at the ceiling. A blanket was under him this time, and he had a pillow as well—Wu had seen to that.

He frowned. Blinking, he sighed, looking to the side. The large TV sat there, screen black and blank. He could faintly see his reflection. The metal on his face, the scars.

He shook his head, looking away.

"Ever wondered how pirates feel?"

Garmadon shuddered, closing his eye tightly. No no no—

"Grab his face."

Garmadon sat up, hands gripping his hair, trying to shut it OUT—

Crack.

Laughter. Taunting.

Wet. On his face.

Garmadon abruptly stumbled off the coach, staggering, then headed for the door. He had to get out of here, or move, or something—

He slammed open the door, sending a soft breeze that quickly vanished. The voices stopped.

Garmadon sighed, one hand going to his head, gripping his hair.

He. Was. FINE.

He walked into the hall, keeping his footsteps light. He tried to avoid any floorboards that creaked, but since he hardly knew the layout, he only sort of managed to keep that.

A few minutes later, he opened another sliding door, revealing the courtyard.

Garmadon breathed in the fresh night air in relief. The walls suddenly weren't closing in on him anymore, and he could suddenly breathe better. He walked out.

Stepping into the courtyard, he found his gaze returning to the murals. He shook his head, shutting his eye. No, he was not doing that again—

He headed for the doors, leading out. He needed air.

Once he reached the big red doors, he opened one as silently as he could, slipping out. He shut it behind him, then walked over to the left, on the rocky mountain top. He gazed out, seeing clouds. The moon shown faintly down, though everything was still shrouded in darkness.

He sighed, then sat down, near the tree and the ledge. He wrung his hands, staring out at the seemingly endless view. The stars glittered brightly. He could see the tips of other mountains as well, peeking above the clouds.

It was a beautiful view. Peaceful.

He missed Ochre…the dog loved to sit with him. Especially as Garmadon gazed at the nature around them—Ochre would lay there, his head on his knee.

Garmadon bit his lip. He'd find him.

Tomorrow was his last day. Then he could go find Ochre. Wu had said two days only. Two.

Garmadon just hoped he'd let him leave. He still didn't know what he wanted.

The sun came up the next morning, bright white. Pink was painted across the sky, mixed with yellow. The clouds reflected the bright colors, almost making them seem to glow.

Garmadon was still awake, gazing at the sky. He had an arm on his raised knee, his chin resting on it. He was exhausted. He hadn't slept at all, not with these nightmares.

He sighed. He should probably go inside.

Garmadon slowly stood, wincing as his leg throbbed. It had definitely gotten worse after his long trek…

He turned, heading inside. Wu should be up by now.

About five minutes later, Garmadon slid the door open leading to the kitchen. He glanced at the door for a moment, slightly suspicious on why it was closed in the first place, but he supposed the ninja were weird.

He walked in, flipping on the light. The kitchen was still and silent.

Garmadon stood there awkwardly a moment, trying to decide what he should do. Biting his lip, he entered, going over to the table. He glanced around again, then crossed his arms, sighing. Wu would most likely be in here soon to get his tea—

"SQUAWK!"

Garmadon nearly leaped three feet in the air, then almost face-planted as he tried to scramble away from…the thing.

He whipped around, back now to the fridge.

A brown-colored chicken stood on the table, head cocking every which way at him. It ruffled its feathers, letting out another squawk—though this time quieter.

Garmadon sucked in strained gulps of air, trying to calm his now-racing heart.

The chicken took a step toward him, staring at him with those…black, piercing eyes.

Garmadon backed up a little, his back still to the fridge.

The chicken's feathers suddenly rose, fluffing itself up. It squawked again, lifting its wings slightly.

Garmadon swallowed. What in Ninjago—?

Then the thing let out a screech, lunging at him, wings flapping madly. It lit up, electricity sparking through it, turning it a light, bright blue. Its eyes were a bright white—no pupils, just white.

Garmadon yelped, covering his face with his hands, stumbling back.

"Chickenetta! Stop that!"

The bird went over Garmadon's head. He turned, seeing it land in front of Wu. It was back to normal— Er, back to how it been before now.

Garmadon cautiously lowered his arms, staring at it.

Wu glared at the chicken. "That's my brother. He's a guest." He looked up at Garmadon, looking a little concerned. "Are you alright? She meant no harm. I think she just hadn't seen you till now so you startled her…"

SHE startled ME! Garmadon kept his mouth shut though. He shook his head, trying to breathe. "I—" Then he blinked. "Wait, why do you have a chicken…?"

Wu adjusted his hat. "To keep the ninja on their toes. They'd gotten quite lazy."

Garmadon rose an eyebrow. "So you…got one of those things…?"

Wu nodded, a small, pleased smile appearing on his face. "Yes. Genius, isn't it? I found her wandering the mountain one day, and she sparked a wonderful idea."

Garmadon frowned uncertainly, much less pleased about the "wonderful idea". "I see… And you actually named it…?"

Wu almost looked insulted. "Of course!"

Garmadon blinked. "And you came up with Chickenetta…?"

Wu huffed. "Chickenetta Betty, actually."

Garmadon blinked again, now a little bewildered. "….What? That is…that's unoriginal…"

Wu scowled, huffing again. "Well, she happens to like it just fine."

The chicken squawked, seemingly in confirmation.

Garmadon rose an eyebrow. "If you say so…"

Wu then frowned. "She…didn't hurt you, did she?"

Garmadon shook his head. "No, I'm fine…"

Wu looked relieved. "Oh, that's good…" He walked past him, the chicken following at his heels. He reached into the cupboard above the stove, taking out a small box of tea.

Garmadon walked over, eyeing the chicken nervously.

Wu started a pot, then turned to the shelves next to him, taking a large bag from near the top.

The chicken squawked, flapping its small, useless wings.

The bag turned out to be chicken seed…or food, whatever it was. Wu poured some of it into a red bowl, the chicken immediately starting to peck at it, gobbling it down.

Putting the bag back on the shelf, he turned to Garmadon. "How did you sleep? You're up early, compared to yesterday."

Garmadon looked away, shrugging. "Fine."

He could feel Wu's skeptical gaze, but then his brother went back to his tea. "I'm glad you slept well."

Garmadon gave a slight nod.

"What would you like for breakfast? Or did you want to wait until Zane makes something?"

Garmadon looked up. Food again? "Um…" He glanced at the fridge. "I'll…I can wait…"

He quickly exited the kitchen, right before his stomach complained. He winced, staggering a bit, black dots in his vision. His head swam, and he leaned against the wall.

He blinked, squinting, but then continued on, towards the living room.

He would be fine.

Author's note: The part in here where the thing says, "Don't you want to see your son again?" I got from one of my favorite art pins I found on Pinterest. So I wanted to give credit to whoever made that for that small part there (: