"I'll let you suffer—let you realize how much you've hurt your family. See how much they hate you now. Watch as you sink further and further down. Eventually, you'll come running to me, begging for me to punish you for what you've done when you fully realize the pain you've caused."
Garmadon shut his eye tighter. Ichor's words haunted him—not like that was new, though.
"Ever wondered how pirates feel?"
"Now, grab his face. Hold him still."
"You know, I wouldn't have to do this if you'd listened to me. If you'd just taken your punishment."
"Got you."
He sat up, blinking, trying to suck in a strained breath.
The whole occurrence earlier haunted him.
I thought I was safe…safe from Ichor.
Garmadon gripped his hair in one hand, shutting his eye.
The scoop shot towards his face—
He flinched, jerking, blinking again.
Ichor isn't here!
Why was I so naive? Of course he couldn't escape Ichor! What had he been thinking?!
So what if he's here now? Watching me? Waiting—
Garmadon's gaze flicked around the room. There was no movement. Just dark shadows.
Possibly concealing something—or someone.
He shook his head, looking back down at the couch. Now I'm just being paranoid. Ichor isn't here. He fiddled with his sleeve, biting his lip as his heart sped up.
There was a faint creak from somewhere in the monastery.
Garmadon jumped. It was just… The monastery is old, of course it makes weird noises!
But, it had been recently repaired.
He blinked rapidly. It was fine. He was fine! Just chill already and go to sleep!
…Why did he sound like a child?
Why was he so terrified?
Garmadon shook his head. Just ignore—
Another creak.
"Enjoy your stay at the monastery. I'll be watching."
Garmadon stumbled to his feet, almost tripping, and started for the door. That was the last straw—maybe he should just wait out the night in the courtyard or something. Obviously, he wasn't getting any sleep.
He slid open the door, walking out into the hall.
There was the steady sound of water all of a sudden—
Water gushed into his lungs. He struggled, gasping again even though he tried not to. He strained against the cold metal around his wrists, watching the surface bend and distort—but there was faint light up there.
There was air.
I'm going to die—
Bubbles floated up to the surface as Garmadon watched. Black dots appeared, his lungs burning. The black void of the water clouded his mind, closing in on him.
He was trapped.
Ichor's going to kill me—just like I did to him. This is his revenge.
I deserve this.
A faint picture of Lloyd wavered into his mind. He was grinning, crookedly—he'd inherited his father's signature smile.
Wu had used to tease him about that smile—said his face was crooked. Of course he'd grown out of that, and it was only in fun, not meant to be mean.
Though Misako had said she liked his smile. And had said the same of Lloyd, when he'd been born. His son's first smile had revealed the signature grin—Garmadon remembered how happy they'd been.
He choked, coughing as fire screamed through his lungs.
I'm going back, back to the Departed—
There was a tug on his wrists. And then the chains on his legs loosened.
Confusion clouded his mind.
And then he was suddenly being pulled, up towards the surface, towards AIR—
Garmadon gasped, then choked, coughing up mouthfuls of water.
The was taunting laughter, sounding muted and far off.
He was finally able to suck in a gasp of air. And then another, and another.
"Enjoy the swim?" Ichor walked to the edge.
He could hear the glee in his tone. Garmadon coughed again, shaking. Blinking the water out of his eyes.
"I know it's not exactly like the Cursed Realm, but I figured it was close enough. I don't want you dead—I just want you to suffer. To break." Ichor knelt, his gaze boring into him, though he didn't look up.
Garmadon struggled to breathe, feeling the chains dig deeper into his wrists as he practically hung there, still mostly in the water.
The water—
He tried not to panic. The Cursed Realm was gone, and besides, he'd never been afraid of water anyway—
"Look at me." There was a jerk on the chains.
Garmadon blinked, then slowly lifted his head. He blinked, staring into Ichor's cold, unforgiving eyes.
Ichor smiled. After a moment he said, "I hope you're enjoying your session today." He looked behind himself. "Put him back in."
Garmadon tensed—
And then the chains were tightening again, dragging him back in, towards the water—
No no no—
Not again, I can't—
Flashes of the Cursed Realm and his death flooded his mind, blinking in and out with the water.
The thing came back, whispering to him, telling him to—
Garmadon gasped, blinking. The water faded, Ichor's voice growing dim. The courtyard stood before him, dark and shadowy—aside from the monastery's lights shining into it. But that seemed to enunciate the shadows even more.
How did I…?
Had he walked out here? I don't remember doing that…
Garmadon suddenly realized he couldn't breathe, instead sucking in strained breaths. He had a hand to his chest, leaning against the monastery's pillar.
How did I get out here…?
He trembled, legs suddenly feeling weak. He sunk to the ground, closing his eye, jaw tightening.
The waves rushed over his head, the buffeting noise growing muted—
No no no—
He tried desperately to shut the memories out, tried to think of something else, anything to get them to leave him alone!
How had this even happened? Why am I suddenly panicking? What is wrong with me?!
He sucked in another gasp. Ichor wasn't here. He wasn't drowning!
I'm fine!
Then why was this happening?
Another shudder ripped through him. The water seemed to get louder again, and Ichor's voice returned, tauntingly, accusingly—
No! I…I can't do this anymore—!
Garmadon trembled, clutching his chest and the pillar even tighter .
I'll be okay…
The thing swept passed him, Ichor's voice in the distance—
Wu walked into the hall, hands folded behind his back. He'd decided to go check on Garmadon, still unsure if he was really "fine" as he said he was. He knew it was quite late, at least midnight, but…something was up with his brother. He knew it.
And so, he'd decided to check on him.
As he approached the living room, he paused, gaze traveling to the partly-open kitchen door. It was dark in the room, but he didn't remember leaving it open like that…
Odd…
Shaking his head, he decided to check it out after checking on Garmadon.
He slid open the living room's door, peeking in. It was dark, silent. He carefully walked in, keeping his footsteps light, and then looked over the couch.
Garmadon was gone.
Oh, no…
He had a bad feeling about that. Obviously, that wasn't a good sign.
Wu turned, walking quickly to the door. His gaze briefly traveled to the slit-open door of the kitchen—
He turned, heading for the courtyard first. Garmadon often went there, he'd noticed, so it was a good idea to check there first.
He's probably fine.
He shook his head, feeling worry form in his gut.
A few minutes later, he approached the—
Why was the door already open?
Growing even more concerned, he quickened his pace. He looked out the door, scanning the courtyard—
And then his eyes landed on Garmadon. Not again…
It was like earlier, his brother kneeling on the floor, a hand to his chest, eyes—eye—shut tightly. Almost in… pain.
"Garmadon…?" Wu kept his voice soft, not wanting to startle him like last time.
He didn't reply.
Wu frowned. He stood there awkwardly a moment, not sure what to do. Last time, he only seemed to worsen the situation. Garmadon had said to just let him be, not to do anything.
But I can't just stand here…
He finally shook his head, then took a step towards him. "Garmadon?" When he still didn't respond, Wu walked over to him, kneeling beside him. "Garmadon, can you hear me?"
He still got no answer. Last time, he remembered, he'd gotten no reaction until he'd touched him.
But he didn't want to make this worse…
But I have to snap him out of it.
Wu sighed, undecided, eyeing his brother in concern. "Alright… Garmadon…I'm sorry, but…I have to do something. I can't just…sit here." He reached out a hand, laying it on his shoulder, hoping—
Garmadon flinched, jerking away from him with a startled yelp.
"Brother, it's just me…" Wu kept his voice low. He reached out a hand again, laying it on his shoulder again.
Garmadon was trembling, pressed against the pillar, trying to get away—but then he blinked, staring at him. Recognition flickered in his gaze before he looked to the ground.
"Can you tell me what's going on?"
Garmadon didn't reply, gaze fixed on the floor. His wide-eyed, panicked look almost made him look younger, child-like—which was a look Wu was not used to seeing on him. And certainly not the last time he'd seen him, seven months ago after they'd defeated the Overlord for a third time. He'd seemed unconfident then, but…not like this. Back then, he'd been getting used to being "good", learning how to be…he supposed, human, again. But now…
Wu frowned. He really didn't know what to do. Sighing, he gently rubbed his brother's shoulder. Garmadon tensed, but Wu didn't pull away this time.
Maybe it'll help him…somehow…
Wu eyed his expression, trying to puzzle out the pain in his eyes—eye.
What had happened?
It was twenty minutes later. Garmadon had seemed to calm down, though he was still tense.
"Brother?" Wu searched his face questioningly. "Are…you alright, now?"
Garmadon didn't answer for a moment. "…I'm fine. Please…leave me alone."
Wu blinked. "I…I'm just trying to help—"
Garmadon cringed, flinching. "I…I know… Sorry…" He sounded confused, undecided…
Wu frowned. "Are you going to be alright?"
"I'll be fine."
"Are…you going to stay out here?"
Garmadon didn't answer.
"Brother, you need to get some sleep…"
Garmadon grit his teeth, a look of irritation on his face. After a moment, he slowly pushed himself up, staggering slightly before he steadied himself using the pillar.
Wu stood as well. "Are you sure you're alright?"
Garmadon nodded, still avoiding his gaze. "Yes. I'm fine."
"Are you going to try and get some sleep?"
His brother bit his lip. "I…" He paused, clenching the fist he held at his chest—though no longer clutching his gi like a life-line. "I'll try…"
Wu smiled, though a bit strained. He gave him a nod. "Thank you, brother… You…you may feel better tomorrow, after some rest."
Garmadon frowned, a faraway look in his eye, an…expression on his face he couldn't quiet decipher—
Wu realized it was…hopelessness. He frowned, growing more concerned. "I…I'm going to go back to bed, alright? Will you be okay?"
Garmadon nodded. "Yes."
Wu stood there for a moment when he didn't move. "…Are you going to bed?"
Garmadon tensed, then glanced at him. "I…uh… Yes." He turned, hurriedly heading inside.
Wu followed him, shutting the door behind them. He watched as Garmadon walked down the hall, still having that limp he'd notices earlier when he'd come back.
Where had he gotten it?
There were so many questions. So many unanswered riddles.
What is he hiding?
He turned, sighing. Maybe some sleep would help him as well—help him figure out his brother. And maybe, some way to help Garmadon.
With whatever was going on…
Garmadon felt Wu's gaze on his back, questioning, prying—
He tried to tune him out. Tried to only think about getting back to the living room.
He's getting suspicious.
He knew it. But what does he want? Why did he bring me here? Why does he insist that I stay?
Garmadon neared the living room—then abruptly turned, instead heading for the kitchen.
He was never getting back to sleep after that. And he couldn't let Wu find him in the courtyard again. Maybe he could just hang around the kitchen for a bit. Maybe the different surroundings would help—
When was the last time I had any water?
He almost stopped. He realized his throat was extremely dry.
And maybe…maybe water would help him…forget. Forget what had happened, bring him back to reality so he didn't start panicking again, didn't start remembering—
Garmadon blinked. Just get to the kitchen…
It didn't take him long. He noticed that the door was partly cracked. The room was dark, though.
Garmadon frowned for a moment, but then slid it open. It wasn't that odd—with the ninja living here, it really wasn't abnormal. Maybe they'd just—
He abruptly stopped.
Lloyd stood by the sink, clutching a glass, tears running down his face as his shoulders shook. His eyes were shut tight, and he showed no sign he'd even noticed him.
Oh, no—
I shouldn't be here, where's Wu—
"Lloyd?" The words were out before he could stop them, more instinctual, said by someone else—someone he'd buried deep within himself. The one who'd cared about Lloyd, the father-side who would never leave his son in a state like this—
But I disowned him—
Something shattered. Lloyd turned, staring at him with a wide-eyed expression—panic. The glass lay at his feet, shards having slid across the floor like ice.
Garmadon froze as well.
They stood like that for a moment, neither seeming to know what to do.
Then Lloyd hurriedly swiped at his face, almost desperately, trying to erase the fact he'd just been sobbing.
Garmadon swallowed. What was…what was he supposed to do? Try and comfort him?
I…no, Kai said—
And I said I'd keep my distance, not hurt anyone—
Garmadon took a step towards him, again almost subconsciously. Like he wasn't quite in control of himself. "Lloyd…?"
Lloyd still had one arm in front of his face, partially blocking his expression, still scrubbing desperately as if he could erase the tear tracks, the redness from his eyes. His head was turned to the side, away from him.
He was shaking.
Garmadon swallowed again. What do I do? Maybe… Lloyd didn't want his help anyway, he was obviously trying to hide—
He should leave. Lloyd would be fine—
He took another step closer to him, gazing at him searchingly, hesitantly.
I need to go—
I'm supposed to KEEP MY DISTANCE—
"Are you alright?" The words sounded foreign on his tongue—ages old. He didn't even know what he was doing, why he was trying to help, not after what he'd done to him— He didn't even feel in control of himself—
Don't bridge the boundary, stay away—
Lloyd let out a choking sound, shuddering. He visibly swallowed, still wiping at his eyes.
Garmadon paused, shifting nervously. I should really go— "Lloyd…are you alright?"
Lloyd quickly nodded, still not looking at him. His lip trembled, and the hand still clutching the sink's rim tightened, turning his knuckles white.
Garmadon frowned. He took another step towards him—
But hesitated again.
Then suddenly, the old, nagging voice in his mind, the…someone else…took over. He walked slowly over, trying to calm his racing, thumping heart. Adrenaline made his hand shake, but he put it behind him, trying to hide it. "Lloyd…?"
Lloyd tensed, side-eyeing him nervously. He was still wiping at his face, but now it was because new tears were slipping down his cheeks.
Garmadon paused, now about an arms-length away from him.
"W…what do you want?" Lloyd took a shuddering breath, looking away.
Garmadon frowned. What do I want?
I want to help—
No, no, I shouldn't be the one to do this, where's Wu?!
A slight panic started to creep up on him, doubt slamming down on him with the weight of boulders. What am I doing?
"I…uh…" Garmadon glanced away.
Lloyd suddenly stumbled back, shoving away from the sink—then yelped, jerking back.
Garmadon took a step away, looking down, and saw that glass still littered the floor. He swallowed, seeing that Lloyd did not have shoes on.
Ouch… He winced in sympathy, then glanced back up at him.
Lloyd was also wincing, holding his foot up, back pressed against the sink with one hand steadying himself on the rim of it. His other hand held his leg, keeping it up.
"Um…are you okay?"
Lloyd shot him a glance. His eyes showed distrust, but they still glimmered with tears, some still slipping down his face.
It was a child's look, hurt, but pleading for help—
Lloyd looked up, eyes shimmering. The fateful liquid—the signature of crying—leaked down his face. He immediately tried to wipe them away, eyes having widened at the sight of him, but Garmadon quickly strode over to him.
He took his wrist away, Lloyd just looking away and trying to swipe at his face with the other hand.
"Lloyd? What's wrong?"
His son shrugged. "Nothing… I…" He just shrugged again, looking down.
Garmadon frowned, then sat next to him, the bed sagging slightly. He put an arm around him, rubbing his back. "You can tell me you know, right?"
Lloyd bit his lip—then nodded reluctantly. "I…I know, I just…" He shook his head, closing his eyes. His arm slumped down, and Garmadon let go of his wrist as Lloyd moved his hands to his lap, one hand fiddling with his sleeve.
"Nightmare again…?" The guess wasn't a new one—his son had been having nightmares since the Final Battle. Garmadon felt a stab of guilt, again. He tried to shove it down for Lloyd's sake—he was supposed to be helping him, not wallowing in his own problems.
Lloyd blinked rapidly, then nodded again. "Yeah…" He continued to stare at the ground, biting his lip harder. "I'm sorry, I just…I don't know…"
Garmadon looked away. "It's okay…it's not your fault." He glanced at him. "Do you want to talk about it? Talking about these nightmares of yours might help…?"
Lloyd quickly shook his head—then he paused. "I…if that would help, then…okay…" His eyes squinted. "Um…basically, the Overlord takes over you—
"What do you want?"
Garmadon blinked, suddenly thrown back into the kitchen. "I…" Right, Lloyd…the glass… "Um…are you okay?" He glanced at his foot, then down at the floor.
"I'm fine." Lloyd looked away, eyes narrowed, a glare in his gaze.
Garmadon bit his lip, looking back at him. "Are…you sure? That uh…glass isn't very smooth…"
Lloyd jerked his head in a nod.
Garmadon glanced at the glass again. "I…uh…I can clean this up…" He walked across the room, careful to evade the glass. Luckily, he had shoes on, so he didn't get stabbed. He felt Lloyd's gaze on his back as he took out the broom. He turned, Lloyd immediately looking to the floor again. He headed back over, glancing at his foot.
"Is it bleeding?"
Lloyd shook his head. "No. I'm fine."
Garmadon frowned. He could see faint red appearing, so he wasn't very inclined to believe that… He started sweeping up the fragments, careful to be thorough so no one else had an unfortunate surprise in the morning.
"What are you doing?"
Garmadon looked up uncertainly. "Um…cleaning this up…?"
Lloyd blinked, almost uncomprehendingly. "…What? Why?"
"Er…because you can't?"
Lloyd stiffened, though there was still a questioning look in his eyes. "I can do it fine."
Garmadon glanced at his foot again. "Sure…and I think you're getting blood on the floor… Wu uh…may not be happy about that…"
Lloyd blinked, then scowled. His grip below his knee tightened. "I'm fine. And I can sweep it up fine too."
Garmadon rose an eyebrow. "I… Are you sure?"
Lloyd nodded, then limped—
No, he was stumbling, grabbing onto the sink's rim again. He grit his teeth, a frustrated look on his face as he glared at the glass.
Garmadon shook his head, continuing to sweep.
Lloyd reluctantly stayed where he was, scowling. "Why are you doing this?"
"Because…you can't."
"But…so?"
"So, what?" Garmadon looked up, eyebrows drawn in confusion.
"Why do you care?"
Why do you care?
"I…" Garmadon ignored the question, quickening his sweeping. He didn't know the answer…
Or perhaps he did?
I…I don't know, I DO care, but I can't let him down again—
He clenched his jaw, blinking.
Lloyd's scowl deepened, and he looked away, glaring at the wall.
I messed up—
Garmadon tried to ignore his thoughts. Eventually, he got everything swept up. He put the broom away, then walked over to Lloyd with the dust pan. "Uh…" He glanced at the cabinet behind him.
Lloyd quickly moved, limping to the side, one hand on the counter.
Garmadon nodded his head in thanks, then quickly slipped the glass into the trash. He put the dust pan away, then turned to him.
Lloyd was avoiding his gaze, glaring to the side.
Garmadon hesitated. I can't just leave him like this…can I? He bit his lip. "Are…you okay?"
Lloyd nodded—though blood was still dripping to the floor.
Garmadon sighed quietly. He walked to the door, wondering how he'd messed up so badly—
Why did I hurt him?
Why did I…why did I almost KILL him?
"Murderer."
I almost murdered—
Garmadon abruptly turned back to Lloyd, pausing, one hand on the rim of the door. "Nightmare?" The words were out, again, before he could stop them. It was like two sides of him were battling, unable to decide—
No, it was like the venom…but…
Not in a bad way.
Lloyd's head snapped towards him, jaw clenched tightly. Brief surprise shone in his eyes, and Garmadon could almost see the memory playing from all those years ago, back when the nightmares were often, and he'd—
Then he looked away again, the moment gone.
His silence spoke volumes, though.
Garmadon frowned. A nightmare about what?
"Dad, please! You can change!"
"Youthful ignorance! People don't change! They only reveal who they truly are!"
He winced. Probably of him.
Garmadon let out another sigh, then turned. He couldn't help anyway—
Then he found himself glancing back again, pausing. "Can… Is there anything I can do?" It was quiet, but he saw Lloyd stiffen—he'd heard.
"No." Lloyd's hair fell over his eyes, partially hiding his expression in shadow.
Garmadon frowned. He hesitated again. "Do you…want to talk? It might—"
"No."
The abrupt 'no' hurt more then he thought it would. A pain his chest seemed to stab at him, clenching. Garmadon bit his lip. "I… Okay."
There was nothing he could do. I may as well—
"Just…make sure to patch up your foot." Garmadon turned, leaving for real this time. He didn't stop, ignoring the nagging voice, telling him to go back and just help—
I can't!
He shut his eye, gritting his teeth.
I can't…
Lloyd listened to his father's—Garmadon's—retreating footsteps. He clenched his jaw, blinking rapidly. Something slid down his face—
He quickly wiped it away.
I am not crying!
I'm fine!
He shuddered, closing his eyes. What did he even want?
He acted like he wanted to help—
NO. He didn't want to help, he never did, he only wanted something from him. Like always. He only cared about himself.
Not him.
"Just…make sure to patch your foot up."
Lloyd blinked. Did he really care?
The sting in his wound throbbed even more. He looked down, seeing that blood was indeed dripping steadily to the floor. He winced.
I really should take care of that…
Why was I so short with him?
Lloyd shook his head. No, he was thinking about his foot, not him. He limped, back over to the sink, and opened the cabinet below it. He pulled out the med kit underneath, then sat down. Glancing at his foot, he realized that he did, indeed, have glass stuck.
Ouch…
Lloyd's wince deepened. This was gonna hurt…
Good. The pain can distract me.
He shook his head, gritting his teeth. Just stop the bleeding.
Why have I dropped two glasses in one week?
Man, Master Wu was gonna be at his neck…
Lloyd sighed.
Then he swiftly pulled the glass out.
YOUCH—