Misako flipped through the book, then set it down. She picked up a scroll next, unrolling it, and skimmed its contents. She sighed wearily. She closed it and set it down, on the growing stack beside her.

There was nothing on the element of blood. Or, almost nothing. A few sources claimed the element was cursed, that it was obtained through sorcery. Otherwise, the element was surprisingly unheard of.

She picked up another book, flipping it open. Why had Wu thought this would help anything? Searching for how Ichor was alive…it seemed irrelevant. Garmadon was still missing. They had searched today as well, but still, nothing.

Misako bit her lip. She breathed in slowly, shutting the book. She would be fine. This wasn't the first time Garmadon had left. He'd left plenty of times, so it shouldn't be bothering her.

But this time, he was back to his normal self, not being controlled by the venom or his oni side. He'd left on his own free will.

She sighed again, setting the book down. The museum's library wasn't very helpful. And it didn't help that it was late at night, and she was exhausted. The only reason she'd agreed to come here, to search up the element, to work so late, was because…she didn't want to think of him.

Of Garmadon.

And research helped her to leave the world and get lost in the facts and her work. It had been her coping mechanism for years, and it had served her very well.

Misako skimmed the books on the shelf, searching for another. Her chest tightened, and she swallowed. Why did this bother her? Why did this hurt?

Her grip tightened on a book, and she pulled it out—a bit more forcefully than she'd intended. She flipped it open.

The door creaked.

Misako glanced back. The doorway was empty. She ran her finger along the page of the book, heart quickening slightly, before looking back at it. She must be paranoid.

The book was older, it seemed, a small tear in the page she was on. It spoke of elemental power, ancient lore, but nothing about blood. Plus, the author seemed to prefer theory rather than facts. She shook her head, placing the book—

Cloth wrapped tightly around her mouth.

She sucked in a breath, eyes widening. Misako jerked to the side, struggling to turn around, and swung a punch back.

The assailant quickly tightened the gag, the cloth pressing into her mouth painfully, and then slammed her to the floor. They grabbed her arms, pulling them behind her roughly, and started tying a rope around her wrists.

Misako gasped, jerked violently. She tried to speak, ask who they were, but the gag made her unable to form intelligible words. And not scream either, other than a muffled whimper.

The person dragged her to her feet, yanking her back once as a warning. They checked her pockets, taking her phone out, and tossed it to the floor. They ground their heel into it, cracking it. Then they ushered her to the door.

She stumbled, breathing hard. She bit down on the gag tightly, trying to quell her panic, ground herself. She needed to think logically and clearly if she was going to escape this. Misako glanced around, seeing three other men with the assailant. They wore all black, ninja hoods over their heads to conceal their identities.

She was dragged out and down the hall, along a red carpet and wood flooring. A few paintings were on the walls, and doors were on either side. She knew the building of the museum well—she'd worked there for over a decade.

Misako struggled again, kicking down hard at her captor's ankle.

They jerked, then slammed her face-first into the wall. A dagger was pressed to her throat. "Try that again, and you'll have a quick trip to the Departed Realm."

She sucked in a gasp, then gritted her teeth, eyes narrowing.

The man yanked her back roughly, continuing to drag her down the silent hall. Only their footsteps echoed, though softly.

Her thoughts started to race, heart thumping rapidly. Tears pricked at her eyes as her situation became apparent, but she blinked them back, face hardening. She would not give whoever this was the satisfaction.

But why kidnap her?

She wasn't exactly famous, and she didn't have many enemies besides the villains the ninja faced. Who could possibly be after her? And why?

She decided to work on slowing her breath, keeping her breathing even. She needed to stay calm.

Then something struck her. These men…they resembled the man who had tried to kill Lloyd. Her eyes widened. Were they…did they intend to kill her? But why? Was it just because she had a connection to Lloyd? Were they trying to get to her son?

Her throat tightened.

They reached a metal door, a back exit. One of the men pushed it open, and her captor dragged her through to outside.

The moon shown above, a sliver in the sky, and grass and weeds rustled gently. Before them stood the back parking lot, parts of it cracked but otherwise in good condition. No cars were there—Misako had parked her car in the front. A cool breeze blew, a few strands of her hair moving into her face.

She needed to get help.

Misako kicked her captor's ankle again, aware of the risk, aware of his earlier threat. But if she allowed herself to be taken, who knew where she'd end up. It would most likely be worse. And she couldn't put her son in a position like that, having to rescue her, and worry unnecessarily.

"Hey!" Her captor jolted her head back by the gag, snarling. "Stay still and don't move."

She swallowed, wincing, but struggled even more, mumbling muffled words for help. She jerked to the side, trying to offset their balance.

Her captor stumbled slightly, then pressed a dagger to her throat again. The sharp edge cut her neck, but not deeply, leaving a stinging throbbing. "Don't move or I will kill you."

She froze, breathing hard. The rope dug into her wrists, probably leaving burns by now, and the gag started to get soaked with saliva, her mouth aching with how tight it was pressed into her mouth and against her cheeks.

"Now get walking, or this blade will claim another victim."

Garmadon walked through the city, through an alleyway. The smell of garbage and rot permeated the area. The cracked ground was slightly uneven in places, great for tripping on. The buildings closed in on either side unnervingly, but it also meant almost no one would see him.

He sighed, closing his eye. He glanced at Ochre, then stroked his head.

The dog had shown up shortly after he'd entered the city, tail wagging. He must have followed him.

Garmadon was extremely grateful for that—he wasn't completely alone like he thought he'd be.

Ochre licked his hand, then sniffed along the ground. His ears then pricked, head rising, suddenly rigid. He whined, tail wagging slightly.

"What is it? Hear something?" Garmadon glanced around.

His dog whined, then trotted off.

He followed, frowning.

Ochre's ears pricked again. He broke into a run, sprinting away through the alley.

Garmadon gaped, then ran after him. "Ochre! Where are you going?"
The dog didn't slow down, skidding and turning a corner.

He stumbled, following.

"Hey! Stay still and don't move."

Garmadon stopped abruptly, eye widening. That…that was… He swallowed, then bolted after his dog. "Ochre! Ochre, stop!" He tried to whisper-yell, not wanting Ichor to hear, wanting to just turn back—

Then he stopped again, sucking a breath. Before him lay the road, no cars at this time of night. Beyond that was the parking lot to the museum, the building standing tall and dark.

But by the museum, partially in the shadows, Misako struggled against Ichor. Around him stood three of his men, wearing all black.

Ichor pulled out his dagger, pressing it to her neck. "Don't move or I will kill you." A few droplets of blood appeared by the blade, slipping down her skin from the cut.

Misako froze.

"Now get walking, or this blade will claim another victim." Ichor jerked her forward.

Garmadon stepped back, chest tightening. He had Misako. He…he was…

Run—

Something urged him to turn around, to bolt. His fists clenched.

But this was Misako.

She squeezed her eyes shut, body tense, as Ichor and his men roughly jerked her forward.

Something twisted in his gut, boiling. His teeth gritted, heart quickening, gaze staring straight at Ichor.

He can't do this.

Misako didn't deserve this. Maybe he did…but not her. This was wrong.

Ochre looked back at him, tail wagging uncertainly.

Garmadon made up his mind. He ran along the sidewalk, crossing the street a few seconds later, and then hurried across the parking lot. He kept far enough away to not be seen, nearing the museum. Ochre followed at his heels, hackles raised in anticipation.

He slowed, eye on Misako and Ichor.

Ichor led Misako away from the building, knife still at her throat.

Garmadon slid against the museum's wall, now unable to see them. He walked silently until he could peek around the corner. He tensed, heart racing madly, hands clenching and unclenching, gut twisting. Could he really attack Ichor? Was that a wise thing to do?

Misako looked terrified still, but remained rigid, trying to hide her fear. Ichor still had the visor over his eyes, ninja hood over him, completely concealing his expression—but Garmadon knew it would be cold, merciless.

He watched Misako again.

A resolve came over him.

Yes, he would attack Ichor. For Misako. I…I do love her. His doubts about it vanished. And even if their friendship, and their marriage, had been broken a long time ago, he would still do anything to protect her—including risking his own life.

Garmadon waited for a moment, then silently fired up his power in his hands. Then he lunged at Ichor's face.

Ichor blinked, eyes widening.

Garmadon blasted him.

His grip on the knife broke as he collapsed, one hand clutching his face. The dagger clattered to the ground.

Misako stumbled, sucking in a breath.

Garmadon bolted to her side, quickly untying the gag.

She spit it out, coughing, then jerked her head towards him. "Look out!"

He stumbled to the side, barely missing a kick aimed at his head.

Ochre lunged at the man, teeth bared, sinking his fangs into his arm. The man gasped, kicking at him.

Ichor stumbled to his feet, grabbing his dagger, gaze glaring like flames at Garmadon.

Garmadon looked at Ichor, swallowing.

Misako turned, solidly kicking another man in the chest.

They stumbled back, coughing.

Ichor strode over to Ochre, then kicked him swiftly in the head. The dog collapsed limply.

"Ochre!" Garmadon's mouth went dry.

The man that had been attacked by Ochre lunged at Garmadon, dragging him to the ground with both arms wrapped around his chest. The blood on his arm still leaked out, making his grip slightly loose.

Ichor spun around, tornado-kicking Misako in the jaw.

She sucked in a gasp, collapsing.

"No!" Misako! Garmadon struggled, choking as his throat tightened. This wasn't supposed to happen, he was supposed to rescue her! He abruptly twisted, flipping over and throwing the man off. He staggered to his feet, blinking dazedly.

Ichor strode towards Garmadon, straight and cold.

He stumbled back, eye widening. Now he was gonna to get it—

Ichor swiftly grabbed his arm, twisting it and throwing him to the ground.

Crack! Garmadon gasped, face now pressed into the cement, head spinning. He felt Ichor's knee dig into his back, the elemental pulling his arm back tightly to pin him.

"Well, well, well…seems you've gotten really insubordinate since I last saw you. Have you forgotten your training? Your punishments? What you deserve? What you are?" Ichor hissed at him, leaning down towards him threateningly.

He whimpered, trembling. Had this been a bad idea? Had he made—

NO. No, this had been for Misako. He was trying to save Misako. Because he loved her and didn't want her to get hurt, especially not by Ichor, she didn't deserve that like he did. She was innocent.

"Maybe I should give you some more punishment, hmm? This is the second timetodayyou've blasted me in the face." Ichor jerked on his arm, pulling it tighter.

He tensed, gasping. His arm felt like it might snap at the pressure.

"What about the ice cream scoop? Or, I'm sure I could find another saw. You don't need your other arm, do you, Garmadon?"

He sucked in a breath, blinking back tears. He would be fine. He would be fine.

"Tsk. You can't even answer me? You're pathetic."

Garmadon looked at Misako and Ochre. They both lay still, breathing evenly. Misako had a thin trail of blood leaking from her mouth. His gut twisted, and he bit his lip.

He'd really just made this whole situation worse, hadn't he?

Misako shifted, groaning softly.

Garmadon blinked, eye widening.

One of Ichor's men saw her move. He immediately ran over, grabbing her arms and retraining them behind her as he pinned her down.

Misako stiffened, blinking. She struggled a little, gaze falling on Garmadon. Her eyes widened.

Ichor laughed a little. He gave another jerk on Garmadon's arm. "It really was foolish of you to come alone. And attack me like that." He shook his head.

"Let him go."

He looked at Misako, eyes narrowed. "Why should I? Why do you care?"

Garmadon grit his teeth, breathing speeding up.

Misako watched Ichor steadily, unflinching. "Because I told you to. What do you want? Who are you?"
Garmadon remembered Ichor had a mask over his face. Misako had no idea who he was. He bit his lip.

Ichor laughed. "Told me to? I listen to no one. Besides, really, why do you care?" His knee dug further into Garmadon's spin. "He lied to you, for years. Remember that love letter?"

Garmadon froze, sucking in a breath.

Misako frowned.

"Wu wrote it. But Garmadon signed his name." Ichor chuckled. "What a mess."

"How do you know about that?"
"I just do. My point still remains, why do you care?"

She frowned.

"Thought so. Tsk." Ichor yanked Garmadon onto his back instead, pinning him down. He gestured two of his men over. "Hold him still."

They both came, taking Garmadon's arms from Ichor and helping pin him.

Ichor pointed his dagger at Garmadon's face. "Sit still now, will you? You deserve this."
Garmadon swallowed, the men's rough grips digging into his skin, the cold cement beneath him starting to chill him to his bones. A soft breeze blew, the silence of the night sending shivers down his spin instead of peaceful quiet.

"What are you doing?" Misako jerked against the man holding her.

Ichor smirked darkly. He grabbed Garmadon's jaw, tightening his grip painfully. He put the tip of his dagger to his cheek, then started slowly moving the blade.

Garmadon winced, choking on a whimper. He sucked in a breath, holding it, feeling the cold sting slice across his skin.

"Stop it!" Misako started struggling violently, trying to yank away from the man's hold. "Stop it, what are you doing?!"

Ichor ignored her, continuing slowly.

Garmadon felt the warmth of blood start to run down his face, the stinging throbbing increasing. He shuddered, shutting his eye tightly. He could bear it. He would be fine. Ichor would soon get bored, right? Besides, he might release Misako if he was subordinate.

"Garmadon!"

He started a little at Misako's yell, gritting his teeth.

"Fight him, you can get away! Use your power or something! Flip him! Please, do something!" Her voice cracked.

Why was she pleading with him? He deserved this, she understood that! He couldn't fight Ichor. He was helpless against him. Didn't she know that?

"Garmadon! Why are you—?" Misako yanked away from the man.

One of the men holding Garmadon lunged for her, grabbing her arm. She struggled, the other man quickly gripping her other arm again.

"Let me go!" She kicked at them.

They held her firmly, but struggled to hold her still.

Ichor jerked his head at the man still holding Garmadon. "Let him go. Let's show her how pathetic he is, hmm? He won't run."

The man smirked, releasing Garmadon and stepping back. "Sure thing, boss."

Garmadon swallowed, shaking. He lay still, now fully on his back against the cold cement, Ichor kneeling above him.

Ichor stared coldly down at him. His dagger tip still pressed against Garmadon's face, and he started sliding it again.

"Garmadon, run! What are you doing?" Misako jerked towards him, but the men held her firmly.

Garmadon shut his eye, fists tightening and jaw clenching. Tears pricked his eye, but he couldn't run. He couldn't escape Ichor. Misako didn't understand that.

Besides, he deserved this. For everything that he'd done. He'd murdered Ichor. Wu hated him now. He deserved this. For Lloyd.

The knife cut across his face. Then it disappeared. Blood ran down his face, feeling almost like tears. He cracked open his eye hesitantly.

Ichor grinned above him gleefully, bloody dagger in hand. "How does that feel? Satisfying?"

He shuddered, swallowing.

Misako continued to yell at him, pleading, but her voice got drowned out by Ichor. It sounded like she was speaking through water.

Ichor started to cut his face again, slowly. "Blood is an interesting thing, isn't it?"

He shut his eye tightly again, taking the pain. This was nothing compared to the lab. He could survive this. It was fine.

Everything was fine. He deserved this.

Ichor suddenly stood.

Garmadon looked at him, tensing.

He sheathed his dagger, smirking. He kicked him roughly.

He gasped, curling up and clutching his stomach.

"Stop it!" Misako elbowed one of the men in the gut.

The man gasped, jerking her roughly. "Knock it off, lady!"

Ichor kicked Garmadon again, and again. The other man who'd been waiting, watching, joined in.

Just take the pain. Take the pain. He would be fine. Garmadon clamped his mouth tightly, eye shut, rigid.

There was a sudden, angry snarl.