Chapter name: She Knows He's Suspicious...But Wu Does Not

Garmadon sat in the chair across from Phil, fiddling with a Jenga block. He'd kept his head down this session, anxiety still thrumming through him and making him jump at EVERY. SINGLE. NOISE. It was frustrating. He knew Ichor wasn't around here—he was back at the monastery.

But with Garmadon here and Ichor there, he had no idea what he was up to. He couldn't make sure he didn't hurt anyone. And, really, he had no idea if Ichor would have followed him to eavesdrop, either.

"Garmadon?"

He jumped, gaze snapping towards the therapist. "W-what?"

Phil frowned, a worried look in his eyes. "You've been awfully quiet and distracted today. Did something happen?"

"Er…no. I'm fine. Sorry."

"Trying to say this as gently as possible…but if you were fine, I don't believe you'd be here today. Talking about things that are bothering you, or are making you anxious, is what this place is for. I can't help if you don't talk to me."

Garmadon stared at the table again. What was he supposed to say? 'Oh, Ichor tortured me for six months and now he's at the monastery pretending to be all nice like in the Serpentine War but really he's still torturing me in secret'? No one would believe him, that was for sure. Wu was stuck on the idea that Ichor was good, that it was just in Garmadon's head and that they needed to talk it out. Ichor was too cunning to let Garmadon say anything anyway. If Garmadon said something…Ichor would have every reason to take him back to his lab once his cover was blown. He doubted anyone would be able to track them down and find Ichor's lab.

They had never found him when he was first kidnapped eight months ago.

If they'd even looked. Which he doubted.

"Hmm…you're not too into Jenga today either, are you?"

His started, gaze snapping to Phil once more. "Er…what?"

The therapist starting putting the blocks away. "It's alright. Maybe we could try something else?"

"Like…what?"

"I have puzzles, fidgets, a few other games. Whatever you'd like."

"What is a fidget…?"

Phil pointed to a spot on the bookshelf, where some things that looked like toys sat. "They're stress fidgets, mostly. But some are for ADHD or anxiety as well. They basically help focus your mind." He looked at him. "Would you like to try one?"

Garmadon bit his lip. "I guess…" He didn't get how a toy would help, but Phil probably knew more about this stuff than he did.

Phil stood, walking to the shelf, and grabbed a few. He walked back over and sat down, spreading the toys on the table. "Any look interesting?"

"Um…" The toys were small, no bigger than you could hold in your hand. A few were fold-able, one was a stress ball, one was a cube with buttons and switches and things, and a couple others were metal puzzles that you could figure out how to take apart. He picked up one of the fold-able things, realizing it could unfold into a line and fold back up. Each piece was a blue, green, or purple triangle.

"Try that for a few minutes." Phil started putting Jenga away again.

Garmadon fiddled with the toy awkwardly.

"If you'd like to talk, let me know. Otherwise we could use the rest of our time with these." He gestured to the fidgets, then stood. He put Jenga away.

He nodded, folding the toy back up again.

Ochre poked his head up, sniffing it.

Garmadon let him, stroking his head and relaxing slightly at the soft fur against his hand.

Phil sat down again and started showing him the other fidgets.

Garmadon and Phil left the hall, walking into the small waiting room. One other person was there, sitting in a chair, but otherwise it was empty today.

Misako stood, Wu following.

"How did it go?" she asked.

"Fine…" Garmadon pet Ochre's head, staring at the floor.

She frowned, watching his anxious posture. Something was wrong—she just wished she knew what. And how to help. Or that Garmadon would tell her, instead of having Wu and her guess.

Phil nodded. "It went well. Tomorrow again, then?"

Wu nodded. "Yes. Thank you."

The therapist nodded, then turned, heading back down the hall.

Wu turned to Garmadon, putting his hand on his shoulder. "Let's head—"

Garmadon jumped at the touch, stepping back quickly.

He frowned. "What's wrong?"

Garmadon opened his mouth as if to respond, then shut it again. He pet Ochre. "I-I…s-sorry."

Wu watched him for a moment, then headed for the door. "It's alright. Let's head home."

She watched him follow Wu, the dog at his heel. She frowned. He was much jumpier than usual.

Ever since Ichor had shown up, actually.

Her eyes narrowed.

"Ichor, I'd like to speak with you."

Ichor paused, looking at her. He held a dagger in his hand, having just been staring at the blade blankly. "Yes? About what?"

Misako walked down the hall over to him, stopping a couple feet away. "A few things."

"Hmm…" He nodded, sheathing the dagger. "How did Garmadon's therapy go?"

"It went fine. Why do you ask?" She hadn't tried to sound snappish, but she'd responded rather quickly. Maybe it was unease about this man…he seemed…off.

"I was curious. I never hated Garmadon, you know. But for some reason he never liked me."

Her eyes narrowed. "He's seemed much more anxious since you've arrived."

"Maybe it's guilt at what he did." There was a hint of a scoff in his voice, but his expression never changed, staying the same eerily, strange, almost emotionless calm.

"I considered that. And it is possible."

Ichor nodded, thumb rubbing against the dagger's hilt now.

"How are you here, exactly, if Garmadon murdered you? Most people wouldn't be here if they were dead."

He shrugged. "I'm the Master of Blood. I simply pulled myself together after I was murdered."

"How?"

"It's…complicated. The element of blood isn't simple."

She crossed her arms. "And I'm not stupid. I've known Wu and Garmadon for forty years, and they're the sons of the First Spinjitzu Master. And you're doubting that I would understand elemental power? The ninja are elemental masters, and so is my son."

He rose an eyebrow. "I do see your point."

"Then explain."

"I don't know how. It just sort of happened."

"Oh, really? Elemental power doesn't just 'happen' usually."

His eyes narrowed. "Yes, it does. But I'm not going to argue about it. Why are you suddenly interrogating me?"

She stepped towards him. "Because you're awfully suspicious. Garmadon seems to be scared of you. Have you noticed that?"

Ichor rose an eyebrow. "I know about his anxiety issues. Wu explained that. But it isn't my fault. Why are you suddenly blaming me?"

"Why are you here?"

"Because Wu is a friend of mine, and I wanted to visit."

"After forty years?! Where have you been, then?"

"Busy."

"Doing what."

"Things. I don't have to explain any of that to you."

"I think you don't want to say because you know I'm right. You're hiding something."

"I'm not hiding anything. I thought you were more mature than this, Misako?" He shook his head. "Blaming others just because you can't figure out Garmadon's issues? That's low of you."

Her fists clenched for a moment. I need to calm down. He's right. She didn't usually get so worked up like this. It was unlike her. She took a step back, taking a slow breath. "Alright. Fine. Maybe you didn't do anything…but I'm keeping an eye on you."

Ichor smiled a little. "Have fun with that, but you won't find anything. I haven't done anything wrong, and I don't intend to."

Her eyes narrowed.

He waved, just a small movement of his hand. "Anyway, I'll be going now. I have things to do."

Misako felt her heartbeat quicken slightly, a strange nervous feeling going through her body, almost unnaturally. She frowned, suddenly uneasy.

Ichor turned, heading down the hall again. His hand went to his dagger, fiddling with the hilt.

"…Did you hurt Garmadon?"

"No."

Misako frowned more, watching as he opened the door and walked into the courtyard. He disappeared from sight when he shut it.

She stood there silently, mind spinning. Something was wrong. Was Ichor lying? He was Wu's friend…she shouldn't doubt Ichor so much. Or Wu's judgment—he was her closest friend, and he knew what he was doing.

Most of the time.

Misako turned, heading down the hall. She needed to tell Wu about Ichor. His 'friend' was hiding something, and she had a hunch it had to do with Garmadon—and possibly about what had really happened during the war.

Misako walked into the kitchen. "Wu, I need to talk to you."
Wu looked at her, a cup of tea in his hand where he stood by the stove. "About what?"
"Ichor."
"What about him?"
"He's suspicious."
He frowned. "How?"
"I think Garmadon is scared of him. I…caught him trying to leave earlier, but I was able to convince him to stay. But Ichor won't say how he's alive, or where he's been the past forty years, or why he hasn't visited until now."
"Leave…?" He frowned more. "That's concerning…but I don't find Ichor suspicious. There could be multiple reasons why he wouldn't say anything on how he's alive or where he's been." He sipped his tea.
"Like what?"
"He could have been busy with other things, and maybe how he's alive is a sensitive topic for him. Garmadon doesn't talk about when he was resurrected."
"I know…but he doesn't talk much about anything lately. Besides, what could Ichor have been busy with?"
"I don't know…maybe I could ask."

"Maybe you should. How well do you know Ichor?"

"I knew him for a while during the war."

Her eyes narrowed. "How long is a 'while'?"

"…About six months, I believe. What does that have to do with anything?"

"So you're saying you barely know him?"

Wu frowned. "No. I do know him."

She crossed her arms. "What do you know about him, then?"

"He's a blood elemental who helped during the war, when he could have done his own thing and not helped. That shows good character, and I don't think he's suspicious."

Misako frowned. "You really don't think he's suspicious?"

"No. I believe Garmadon is just feeling guilty over what he did. It would make sense. That's why I want them to talk. I think it would help."

Her stomach twisted uneasily. Would that really be a good idea…? "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Misako hesitated, then turned, walking out of the kitchen. "If you really believe that, then fine."

Wu didn't reply, but she knew him well enough to know he was frowning. She headed down the hall, biting her lip. They didn't usually disagree on things. But she knew that something was wrong, and Wu was being stubborn. Or he really couldn't see that Ichor was suspicious.

Either way, she would figure it out.

"Garmadon?"

He jumped, turning to look at her. He sat on the couch, picking at his glove, with the dog curled up by his feet.

She watched the dog, then looked back at Garmadon. "How are you doing?"

"F-fine…"

She frowned. "I had some questions."

He looked uneasy. "About what…?"

Misako carefully sat on the couch beside him. "It's about Ichor."

He stiffened.

This time she wasn't sure if it was because she'd mentioned Ichor, or because she'd sat next to him. "Has he done anything to you?"
Garmadon blinked, staring at her for a moment, before quickly looking away. "I-I…no."

She frowned, crossing her legs and folding her hands in her lap. "Are you sure? You seem anxious…of him."

He stopped picking at his glove, his grip tightening around his wrist instead—the robotic one. "I-I'm not anxious of him."

"Why are you more anxious than usual then? This started after he got here."

Garmadon frowned. "My anxiety has just been worse than usual. I don't know why."

Her eyes narrowed for a moment, a tight, anxious feeling in her body. She tried to relax, taking a slow breath, and gently took his hand. "Garmadon…I want to help you. But it's hard to when you won't tell me anything."

He stiffened more, but a light blush crossed his cheeks. "I told you what I know. I don't know why I'm more anxious, but it isn't because of him."

She blinked, watching him. "Alright…are you anxious because of what you did to him? Do you feel guilty?"

Garmadon stared at the floor for a moment, frowning. "…Yes. I wish I could change what happened."

She nodded, then stood. "If you're sure that's all, then alright. But please talk to me if something is going on between you two. I…don't trust Ichor."

He looked at her, eye widening a little. "You don't? Why?"

Misako avoided his gaze, staring at the wall. Her voice lowered, as if saying it out loud would make something bad happen. "There's something…off about him. Have you felt it?"

Garmadon blinked. "Off…?"

She shook her head, looking at him again. "I'm sorry. Maybe it's just me."

He shrugged, then stroked Ochre. The dog sighed happily, stretching out onto his side. "I wouldn't say there's something off about him…but I guess he can seem like that because of his power maybe?"

It seemed like a hollow excuse. And it sounded like he was lying. Her eyes narrowed, the suspicion returning even more. "Maybe?"

He shrugged.

I'm not getting anything from him, am I? "Alright…but please be careful." She turned, heading for the door. She should have expected he wouldn't say anything. At the door she paused though, glancing back at Garmadon.

He kept his head down, most likely fiddling with his hands, though she couldn't see. He sat still, unmoving, probably thinking about what she'd said.

Something wasn't right, and they both knew it.

"Misako?"

She paused, having gotten no more than halfway down the hall from talking to Garmadon. She looked to see Wu walking toward her, frowning. She blinked. "Is something wrong?"

"You spoke to Ichor?" He stopped by her.

She hesitated, noting what sounded like irritation in his voice. "I did. Why?"

"I know you don't trust him, but I don't appreciate you interrogating him. He's a friend of mine, and a guest."

Misako crossed her arms, eyes narrowing slightly. "Is he your friend? You barely know him, Wu. Garmadon seems to be scared of him, and Ichor will only answer in vague responses that don't make sense. Actually, he avoided most of my questions."

Wu's eyes narrowed. "He doesn't have to reply to any questions. I know him well enough. He told me about your questions, and I believe you're being insensitive."

"Insensitive?! There's something wrong here! Have you not listened to anything I've been saying?!"

"I have listened. There's no need to yell."

"Then what, exactly, have I said?"

"That you're suspicious of Ichor, that Garmadon is scared of him, and that there's something wrong."

"That isn't all I've said!"

His eyes narrowed more, and he paused to take a slow sip of his tea. "Misako, Ichor is my friend. I trust him. I told him he could stay here since we haven't seen each other in so long. I have never known you to be immature in matters like this."

Did he just—?! She gaped, anger and hurt bubbling in her chest. "I am NOT—"

He held up a hand. "Misako, please. He's my friend."

"Maybe you should consider the fact that you have other friends beside him who know what they're talking about. Do you not trust me at all?"

"I do trust you, but—"

"Why is it that Garmadon is scared of him then? Why is Ichor dodging my questions? Why is he so suspicious? Do you notice the strange foreboding feeling about him? Why has he suddenly come here after forty years? How is he alive? Why is it that he's wearing the same sort of outfit that figure wore who tried to kill Lloyd in that car? Why does it look so similar to Garmadon's?" She took a breath. "Do you not find that suspicious at all?"

He frowned. "Lots of people wear black outfits. And he has no 'strange, foreboding feeling', either."

"They look awfully similar, don't you think?"

"I suppose so…but black is a common color."

"Wu!"

"What? It's true. Please stop jumping to conclusions."

"I just told you my evidence! I am not jumping to conclusions, those are facts!"

He took a breath. "I don't want to argue with you."

"I don't either." She looked away for a moment, trying to calm down, before facing him again. "But, there is something wrong. You care about Garmadon, right?"

"Of course I do. He's my brother."

"Then will you please at least consider what I've said?"

Wu frowned. "Alright. I will. But please don't interrogate Ichor again."

"I didn't. I was simply asking questions."

"He told me it felt like an interrogation, and based upon what he said, I agree."

She huffed, face flushing in anger. "You're really going to believe him over me?"

"You're not giving me much choice. You don't normally act like this…are you alright?"

I suppose I am a little more tense than usual. But still… "Just because I'm suspicious of someone doesn't mean I am acting strange."

"Hmm… Are you sure you're alright?"

"I'm fine! Are you?!"

He sighed, then headed down the hall. "I think we should try having this conversation again later, when you've calmed down."

"I am plenty calm!"

"Try having some tea, and then read a book. In the meantime, I'm going to get Garmadon and Ichor to talk. This conversation seems to be proof that it's needed, and I want this resolved. They've avoided each other long enough. Or at least, Garmadon has avoided Ichor for long enough…"

She gritted her teeth, then blinked. "What? Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"Yes. They need to sort out what happened during the war, forgive each other, and move on."

"But what about what I said?"

"I'll keep it in mind." He turned a corner, disappearing.
Misako realized her hands were clenched tightly, and she painfully flexed her fingers a few times. I can't believe this. Wu had always listened to her in the past. So why not now?

And Garmadon and Ichor having a talk sounded like a very bad idea.

She frowned. Was it possible that…Ichor was manipulating Wu? Was— No. She shook her head. Wu was smarter than that…wasn't he? Turning, she headed the other way down the hall. Maybe she needed to keep on eye on Wu around Ichor as well…

The living room door cracked open, and Garmadon hesitantly looked out. "Is everything okay…? Were you two arguing?"

She frowned tensely. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to raise my voice. Wu is being stubborn again."

"Okay…that doesn't surprise me." He opened the door the rest of the way. "What about this time? You two rarely argue…at least, not seriously."

Misako sighed. "Ichor."

He blinked. "Oh. What about him?"

"It doesn't matter. I'll figure it out." She stopped beside him. "Could you…keep an eye on Wu?"

"I…guess so. Why?"

"I'm worried. Ichor…he's…something's wrong."

"Wrong?" His eye narrowed.

She shook her head. "Anyway. Wu is going to have you and Ichor talk."

Garmadon paled. "Er…what? Now?"

"Soon. Probably in a few minutes. I know you don't want to, but Wu isn't listening to me so I can't do much about it."

He swallowed. "Oh."

She sighed. "I'm sure it will go okay." She headed down the hall. "In the meantime, I have some research to do. But let me know how it goes, alright?" She glanced back when he didn't respond. "Garmadon?"

He blinked, looking at her. "Oh. Yes. Okay."

She nodded, trying to sort through her thoughts and Garmadon's anxious look. He was scared of Ichor—she knew it. Something was wrong.

And I'm going to find out what.

Garmadon swallowed, watching Misako turn a corner. Talk with Ichor? Now? He backed into the room, trying to breath through the tightening in his chest. This couldn't end well.

What would Ichor say?

What would he twist? Or would he "emotionally" torture him like he'd mentioned yesterday? Would he threaten him? Order him to come back to his lab?

His hands shook, and he quickly clenched them, jaw tight. Just breathe. Everything will be fine. Ichor can't do much to me here anyway, right? Not with everyone else around.

Wu stepped in the doorway. "Hello, brother."

Ichor came up behind him, eyes cold and blank, gazing at Garmadon with an unreadable expression.

"I want you two to talk."

Author's note: Yes, I need to write chapters faster XD Sorry I'm so slow! I recently started college, so I'm trying to get into a good schedule with that. I hope it was worth the wait. Thank you to everyone who's stuck around this long!

I posted a one-shot about Ichor about a month ago, if anyone is interested in checking that out. It's called Paralyzed. It shows some background into Ichor's past and his thoughts (: It is OC centered though, which I know a lot of people don't like, but I figured I'd post it because why not? XD

I also recently started a blog! :D I'm very excited about it. If you like my writing, you can check it out. It's centered around psychology, specifically abnormal psychology, which is mental disorders, trauma, and neurodiversity. It's called the Brain Nerd.

Here's the URL:

I also have a newsletter for it, which you can find with this URL:

Anyway, thanks for all your continued support of this fanfic! It means a lot to me (: