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unconditionally. | garmadon x reader | chapter ii

𝚊/𝚗: 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢’𝚜 𝚖𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝, 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚞𝚖𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚢 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎.

unconditionally. | garmadon x reader | chapter ii

“So, my mom fought against the Serpentine?” Lloyd wonders as he glances up at Sensei Wu, clutching his blanket with small fists.

Wu chuckles lightly, staring down at his young nephew with a soft gaze. Gentle, golden light flows from Wu’s lantern, casting the boy’s face in a warm glow, his eyes reminding Wu of her.

Remaining silent for a moment, Wu nods as a soft smile appears on his face. “She did, and she fought valiantly. She was able to wield her magic in a way I have never seen. Paired with your father, the two were immensely powerful.”

“Whoa…” Lloyd mumbles, looking down at his hands in awe.

“I sense you carry that same trait, young nephew.” 

“What trait?”  

“The power your mother held – I sense its presence within you, waiting to be released,” Wu explains as he sips his tea, savoring the warmth it grants.

“Huh? What power?”

“Only time will tell. As I was saying...the darkness tainting your father’s veins did its best to separate your mother from him. But she was well aware of its intention. While your father was experiencing one of his episodes, he hurt her.”

“What? What did he do?!” Lloyd questions.

Wu sighs, setting a hand on Lloyd’s head and patting it slightly. “I will tell you the full story when you are old enough. For now, though, all you need to know is that the darkness attempted to part your parents however it could. That corruption sensed the light your mother brought to Garmadon’s occluded heart, and it despised her. So, it wormed its way into their personal lives, figuring out what her worst fear was...” 

...

How long has it been?   

Your eyes settle onto the snowy ground beneath your feet, the cold lapping at your skin and gradually draining the warmth away. Judging by the shared silence looming throughout the line of exhausted Elemental Masters, you’re not alone.   

Last week was tough on everyone. After barely managing to drive the Serpentine out of Jamanakai, it had been a process trying to figure out what to do next. Now, having received word of an incoming tribe, your group is lined up within the depths of the Birchwood Forest with your unit of the Ninjago Guard stationed towards the back. There is no need to give a command, for they understand what is to come. Not a single word shatters the overbearing silence as everyone stares ahead, gazes glassed over.

The quiet atmosphere is almost eerie – this group of rambunctious elementals, all stoic and tense. The chilly breeze flutters past the lot of you, eliciting more goosebumps to arise on your skin. How long would this take?  

Despite the current situation, you know this war will not be fought for much longer. From your years of experience, you can tell that it is finally drawing to a close. No matter how bleak its outcome may be.

The Anacondrai are coming, and they will not back down.  You begin to doubt your own ability to fight them as uncertainty creeps throughout your chest. Last time, your weapons had little to no effect on them. What were you to do now?

Your thoughts are silenced when a newfound warmth blossoms within your hand, causing you to glance down. You spot Garmadon’s fingers intertwining within yours, the fabric of his kimono allowing him for better heat retainment. You smile softly, giving his hand a soft squeeze. The gesture reminds you that even if you fail here today, you’ll have him at your side when the worst rears its ugly head.

The two of you stay like that until the distant sounds of hisses echo within the forest. Garmadon reluctantly slides his hand out of yours, going to grip his bamboo staff while your hands idle at your sides.   

As the echoes become louder, you unconsciously slip into your fight stance, magic beginning to simmer within your veins as your heart starts racing. Everyone else tenses as figures become visible through the snow.

“Get ready, but do not attack until I say so,” Wu advises calmly as you all brace yourselves. This isn’t going to be easy.

Soon enough, the tribe of Anacondrai finally stops a few feet from you all. The warriors hiss as their haunting red eyes stare your group down. Despite their advantage, you don’t deter from your stance. The Elemental Masters stand their ground.

“Remove yourselves from our path immediately, or we will have to resort to a fight,” their general hisses.

“We are here to warn you,” Wu states, tone strong. Stronger than you feel. You admire him for holding himself together for the sake of the team, but you know he’s exhausted too. “Chen is using you and your men to his advantage. We wish to keep the peace and recognize who the true enemy is – him.”

“We have seen the proof,” General Arcturus hisses. “You are all threats to us. We must whittle your force down.”

“Please, listen to us,” Wu pleads, a smidge of desperation lacing his tone. It’s likely undetectable to people who don’t know him as well. “Chen has forged documents and evidence on both of our sides. He was the one spreading rumors about the attacks-”

“No. I am convinced of your part in this war.”

Wu sighs, and that’s when you realize that your chance for peace is lost.

“Then a fight’s what you’re going to get. I was hoping we could simply talk this out, but it appears you leave us no choice,” Wu responds.

“Chen is playing you all,” Garmadon adds, stepping next to his brother. “You’re on the wrong side.”

“We do not concern ourselves with Chen,” General Arcturus spits as he points the tip of his weapon towards your group. “We concern ourselves with our kin. You are obstructing us – ergo, we will destroy you! Attack!”

With that, your magic bursts through the dam, overflowing across your body like a waterfall. Its light envelopes your figure, taking over as you leap into battle.

You kick off of a birch tree to gain more momentum, hoisting yourself into a front flip. A thin film of magic energy courses over your body, covering your figure in a bright light as several of your swords appear around you, all immediately taking off among the crowd of Anacondrai warriors.

You land on a tree branch, spying your friends following your lead. Shouts ensue as the swords collide against the Anacondrai’s, the sound of metal on metal echoing throughout the forest. You take advantage of their momentary distraction to requip once more:

“Requip - Armor of Gaia!”

A suit of armor as black as the midnight sky appears on your figure as you sail down, warhammer in grasp as you slam it down into the middle of the forest, its impact initiating an earthquake that manages to catch the Serpentine off balance. The other Elementals immediately go at it.

Wu and Garmadon waste no time in using their Spinjitzu to knock down as many Anacondrai as they can. Maya summons a puddle underneath several of the warriors, allowing Robin to electrocute several of them at once.

To your dismay, the Anacondrai begin rising once more. One hisses as it slashes its sword towards you. You flip backwards, narrowly avoiding the attack as your requip takes effect once more.

Hardened red armor appears over your figure as you raise your sword in an attempt to block a different Anacondrai’s strike. A cry escapes you as something hits you on the small of your back – hard. The force sends you stumbling to the ground as your breath escapes you, sword sent skittering away. One of the Anacondrai flicks it farther away with its tail as they circle you, all hissing and pointing swords at you.

You glance around, trying to figure out the best course of action. The idea comes when an Anacondrai comes up behind you, grabbing you roughly by the arm and holding a sword to your neck.

Okay then, here goes nothing.

In an instant, you manage to gain a hold on the Anacondrai’s sword-bearing arm, backing your hips against its as you jerk it down over your shoulder, effectively flipping it onto the ground.

“Requip - Armor of Auriel!”

Before the requip is even complete, you enact the spell, knowing that you have to do this as fast as you can. The chant leaves your lips faster than you thought possible, encompassing the battlefield in an unnaturally bright light that leaves the Anacondrai temporarily blinded.

To your delight, you spot a few of the Elemental Masters taking the opportunity to use their Spinjitzu across the field, knocking down several of the Anacondrai. It’s something, at the very least.

As the spell dies down, though, you feel something scaly coiling around your neck. Just as you realize what’s happening, the tail tightens around your neck, lifting you off of the ground. Your hands go to attempt to pry the tail off, but something else catches your arms.

Pressure begins building in your head as your vision starts going fuzzy, lungs desperately trying to inhale but failing as the pressure grows stronger with each passing second.

You’re about to accept your fate when a flash of purple invades your vision, followed by a crashing noise. Finally, the pressure lifts as you collapse, vision gradually clearing up as you suck in a much-needed breath. Dizziness overcomes as you regain your bearings.

“Can you hear me?”

“Huh?” you mumble, turning your head towards the source of the voice. It’s Maya, gazing at you with a grim expression.

“We are routed,” you hear someone else say. “Fall back!”

It’s then you notice the biting pain emanating from your nondominant arm. You realize that you can’t move it.

Another earthquake rocks the earth as large pillars of stone form around your group, eventually forming a wall and closing you off from the Serpentine. You hear them yelling as they hit the barrier with their swords.

The barrier blocks off the sunlight, shrouding you all in darkness. Ray lights his fist on fire, granting enough illumination for you to see Garmadon walking towards you with a concerned expression. It looks like he’s in about the same shape as you are – he's leaning on his bamboo staff, clutching his ribs with his other hand.

“Garmadon,” you mutter as he approaches you. You hug him with your good arm, fighting back tears as you try to be careful with his injuries.

You feel Garmadon pressing a gentle kiss to the top of your head as he looks up. “Brother, where are we to go? They’re going to break through the barrier eventually.”

“We will use the traveler’s tea that Mystake gave us,” Wu announces. “Come, everyone. Envision Jamanakai Village as you step through the portal.”

…   

“Fuck!” you curse, entering a vacant building and leaning on your sword as you clutch your other arm. Garmadon enters from behind you, gently shutting the door for some much-needed privacy.   

“I can’t believe this,” Garmadon mutters from beside you. You sigh, setting your back against the side of a building as you slide into a seated position. “We couldn’t do anything. We couldn’t even slow them down.”   

“I know,” you mumble, using your healthy arm to rest the other on your lap. “How can we possibly hope to defeat a force like that? It hadn’t even been ten minutes before the majority of us were too injured to effectively fight!”

“We have to show them that Chen has been deceiving them,” Garmadon mumbles, setting his staff aside as he props an arm against the wall. You watch as he leans his forehead against his forearm. “I can’t think of anything else. We don’t stand much of a chance against warriors of their nature.” 

You sigh, rubbing your forehead with your good arm. He’s right – how else could you hope to compete with the Anacondrai? They’re a force like you’ve never seen. Even after all of your years of fighting...you couldn’t defeat even one.

After being driven out of the Birchwood Forest, Wu called for everyone to retreat and convene in Jamanakai Village in order to come up with a new plan. Fighting wouldn’t cut it – the Anacondrai were simply too strong a species. Now, here you are – taking cover in an empty building so you can gather your thoughts and what’s left of your energy – which is hardly any. The plan now is attempting to recover and build a new strategy in the short amount of time available. It’s only a matter of hours before they find the village.

Garmadon steps in front of you, frowning as he kneels in front of you. “Let me have a look at your arm.”   

“Garmadon, I’m fine,” you assure, smiling softly as his eyes scan your arm.    

“No, you aren’t. Your arm is most certainly broken!” Garmadon replies, frowning as he glances up at you.   

“I’ve had worse,” you say. “Please. I’m alright.”   

He frowns, dark eyes laced with concern as he fiddles with the belt of his kimono. “Hold on.”   

“Huh?” you mumble as he opens his kimono, revealing the shirt underneath. He shrugs his kimono off before wiggling out of the shirt. You admire his torso in silence, studying him as he approaches you with the shirt. He has a deep gash in one part of his abdomen, garnished with other cuts and bruises about his skin. He pays no attention to them as he kneels next to you.  

“Here. Let me at least do this.”   

You nod as Garmadon ties the shirt into a makeshift sling, gently setting your injured arm in it. Even though it still hurts, the pain seems to have lifted a little bit for the time being.   

"How’s that?” he questions. “Too tight?”   

“It’s better,” you say, smiling gratefully. “Thank you.”   

“Of course,” Garmadon replies, slipping his hands underneath your chin. You sigh in relief, grateful for the quiet moment as you gaze at him with hazy eyes. His fingers gently run along your skin for a few moments before he presses a gentle kiss against your forehead. That alone is enough to make you smile uncontrollably as a soft warmth spreads across your cheeks. “Now, let me help you up. Go slow now – we don’t need you falling and further injuring yourself.”   

“I wish we could just stay here forever,” you mumble, looking down with a sigh. “I know we can’t avoid it, though…”   

“I know. I feel the same way, but this is something that must be done.”   

He scoots over to your opposite side, gently sliding his arm around you. Though unneeded, you can’t help but smile at his antics.   

“You know…just because I have a broken arm doesn’t mean I can’t walk,” you tease, grinning as he turns to glance at you.   

“Maybe I just want to hold you,” he replies, voice low as he gazes at you with a sweet smile that melts your heart.   

“In that case, you won’t hear me complaining,” you murmur, laying your head on his shoulder as the two of you exit the building. After weaving your way through the crowd of worried villagers, you finally make it to the rest of the group.   

One aspect of combat you had yet to conquer was the eminent adrenaline crash after the fact. After every battle, without fail, you were far too vulnerable to that immediate collision of absolute exhaustion. It seems as if Garmadon is faring just as you are – both quiet with droopy eyes, dampened spirits, and weak limbs. You find yourself resting your head on his shoulder, feeling his head lowering on top of yours. 

Soon enough, the two of you approach the rest of the group. Everyone else seems to be in a similar state – quiet, worn out, and likely injured in some form or another.   

Wu stands in front, donning a deathly serious expression as he addresses everyone. “I know we were overpowered, but we cannot accept defeat this time.” 

“Then what do we do?” Maya questions from a few feet away. “Look at us, Wu...most of us are injured and running low on magic power.”  

“Not to mention that our powers are basically worthless!” Ray adds, arms folded. “Hate to say it, but all the outcomes I’m thinkin’ of are pretty bleak.” 

“Please! We cannot give up hope yet!” Wu responds. “Our first priority is evacuating the village. From there, we’ll…”   

“Brother,” Garmadon interrupts, slipping his way through the crowd. “I have an idea that may be worth hearing.”   

“Please share, then,” Wu replies as the crowd turns to eye him.   

“We have to prove to the Anacondrai that Chen is using them. It’s our only hope right now. We have to gather all of the evidence that Chen forged, and prove that he did it-”   

“What if they don’t listen to us?” the Master of Earth – Onyx – questions, others piping up in agreement from across the room.   

“Then…we will do what we can with what we have,” Garmadon answers, dropping his gaze to the ground. “Let us hope there is still a part of them willing to listen to reason.”   

“I certainly hope they do. Everyone – rest and tend to your wounds as best you can. We may still very well have a fight in our midst.”   

…   

Half an hour passes. You find yourself aimlessly wandering the village, becoming too jittery to sit still. You’re exhausted, and your arm is aching, but you can’t stop picturing potential scenarios. What if they win? What would happen then?   

Despite your injury, you know you can’t accept defeat. This war isn’t over just yet.   

A few minutes later, you find yourself stumbling as you absentmindedly walk into someone.   

“Huh?” you mumble, taking a moment to regain your bearings. “Oh, sorry. Wasn’t paying attention.”   

Wu smiles, but you can’t help but notice how gloomy he seems. You know he’s doing his best to hold himself together – just as his brother is – to keep the Alliance in one piece.   

“That’s quite alright. I can’t say I blame you, after all.”   

You nod, releasing a shaky exhale. “Yeah.”   

“Although…I must admit… Even when taking in our current situation, I can’t help but fear for the wellbeing of my brother. Tell me – have you noticed any changes in his behavior?”   

“He’s more distant as of late,” you recall, remembering the various times you had noticed that faraway haze laced within Garmadon’s stare. Something about how glossed over his gaze seemed...it was almost eerie, in a way. “Other than that…nothing too out of character lately.”   

“Indeed. He hasn’t been able to meditate lately, which means his inner balance is beginning to shift once more.”  Wu goes quiet for a moment, eyeing you. “But...I also need to warn you.”

“Warn me?”

“I have noticed that...the darkness tries to isolate Garmadon from the positive influences in his life by hurting others. Even after all of this time, we have remained by his side...but you’re different. When the evil takes over him, he’s going to be after you. The darkness is going to want to hurt you, and you’ll have to fight him.”

“I had a feeling,” you mumble, averting your gaze. “I hope it doesn’t come to that. But...you think he’s going to have another episode soon?”   

“I know he will. It is only a matter of time.”   

That sends chills coursing throughout your body as you briefly consider the thought, shoving the image away eagerly. “So…what should I do if that happens?”   

Wu sighs, running a hand through his hair as he glances away. “Truth be told, we have found no remedy other than letting it pass. Though, they grow longer and more violent every time. I don’t know how much longer he can retain control.”   

Your teeth gnaw on your lip for a bit as you furrow your eyebrows. “Dammit…”   

Wu raises a hand and sets it on your shoulder. “Please know I will be at your side when it happens.”   

That makes you crack a small grin as you raise your stare back up at him. “Thank you.”   

…   

Weeks of fighting. Weeks of injury. Weeks of destruction...only to find out that the Anacondrai have a single weakness that had been right under your nose the entire time.   

“All of this just to find out that their weakness is a fucking flute?” you mutter.   

“It is a bit ridiculous,” Garmadon notes from your side as you lean against him, the two of you observing Wu as he plays a soothing melody from a flute. In a haze, the Anacondrai all file into a tomb in which they would become sealed for what you hope to be eternity.  The Generals have been imprisoned so that they may face trial, and their tribes are being banished in separate tombs so that they will never unite again.

“I’m sure as hell not complaining!” Ray yells as he promptly headlocks your man, causing you to stumble as Garmadon claws at Ray’s arm. “That means it’s over now!”   

“Ray, be careful!” Maya admonishes as she darts next to you. “Stars, I’m so sorry. Are you okay? Did he hit your arm?”   

You chuckle, grateful for the gradual return of the team’s usual energy. “No, I’m good. He seems almost back to normal. So fast, too…”   

She giggles sheepishly, raising a hand to the back of her head. “Yeah. That’s…probably because of me.”   

“What happened?”   

A warm, rosy tint envelopes her cheeks as a genuine smile crosses her face. “Well…I just learned that I’m two weeks pregnant.”   

Your eyes widen as you step back. “What?!”   

She nods, tears building within her eyes as she places a hand on her tummy. “Yeah. When the medics came to check on all of us, they told us and did a check-up on the baby right away. He’s just fine.”   

“Oh, Maya...I’m relieved to hear that. Your kid’s gonna be resilient as hell. Also…’he’”?   

“I just…know that I’m going to have a little boy,” she replies, her smile not fading. “I just know it.”   

“Maya…” you mumble, words failing you as you go to pull her into a half-hug. “I’m so happy for you. Congratulations!”   

“Thank you,” she murmurs, remaining mindful of your arm as she pulls away. “I’m just…so ecstatic. After everything that happened…I wasn’t so sure we would be able to have a family. But now…”   

You nod, grinning as the two of you watch Ray attempting to instigate Garmadon into a fight. “Now it’s a reality for you two.”   

“I know,” she mumbles, going to your good side and hugging your arm. “I can’t wait.”   

“Are you scared at all?” you question.   

“Very. I know it’s going to be challenging, but...I can’t help but feel it’s going to be well worth the effort.”   

“I know it will,” you reply, a newfound easiness settling within your chest as Wu guides the last of the Serpentine into the tomb. Ray finally releases Garmadon, the two going to help Wu seal the entrance of the tomb.   

“Maya, I could use your help to seal the edges,” Ray yells, beckoning the Master of Water over. “But don’t strain yourself, okay?”   

“I’ll be okay, dear,” she assures as they begin working. You approach Garmadon and Wu, a soft smile lining your lips when you feel Garmadon wiggling his hand into your good one.   

“Did you hear the news?” Wu questions, voice slightly hushed.   

“Yeah, about Maya?” you wonder, turning towards Wu, who nods in response.   

Garmadon’s grip on your hand tightens a bit. “They’re having a baby.”   

“I know! I’m so happy for them!” you comment, leaning your head on his shoulder a little bit. The three of you remain quiet as Maya and Ray continue sealing the tomb together, their distant chatter the only noise.   

It takes you a moment to realize that you’re smiling. The news of her pregnancy was (aside from your victory over the Serpentine) the happiest news you’d received in a while. The more you think about it…   

Would you ever have a baby?

Hm. That’s a question you’d have to think on later.   

About two more minutes pass by the time the couple finishes. They join you, Garmadon, and Wu, with Maya eyeing you and your man with a small smirk.

…

A gentle sunlight descends from the windows, casting the courtroom in a warm glow. You stand alongside the jury, arms folded as you stare at General Arcturus. The Anacondrai General holds his head high, knowing the fate that must await him.

Garmadon, Wu, Mystake, and the General are all seated at the front of the courtroom, with the General reading through the charges. Once he finishes, he glances down at the five Anacondrai warriors.

“Arcturus. Have you anything to say for yourself?”

“We ask for mercy,” the Anacondrai states.

“Mercy? Never heard of it!” Mystake snaps.

“In that case, it is time for us to give the ruling,” the General replies, standing alongside the other three. “You and your Generals are to be banished to the Cursed Realm so that you will never step foot in Ninjago again. Your tribes have already been disbanded and sealed away. Chen and Clouse have been exiled. You five are the only loose ends that remain.”

Garmadon opens a book, flipping through the pages until he finds the correct one. He begins chanting.

Partway through the chant, a blue portal appears on the ceiling, and the Generals are sent floating up into it. With that, the portal snaps shut, like nothing had even happened.

Relief floods through your chest as you smile smally, grateful that this chapter of your life is done with. Just like that, the greatest stressor you’ve ever experienced has been dealt with. The people of Ninjago would no longer live in fear of war.

“I believe there is no more to be said,” the General states. “We have won, and our land is safe once more.”

...

Even more months pass in a blur.  

You find yourself back in your usual spot with Garmadon. It’s a cool, summer night, not a cloud in the sky as the two of you discuss the different shapes you see the stars forming.   

“What about that one?” you ask, laying on his chest as you point up in the direction of a particular group of stars.   

“Hm...that one’s tricky. I think I see a bird.”   

You study it for a few moments before nodding. “I could see that.”   

The conversation trails off for a few moments as you snuggle against Garmadon further, enjoying the feeling of his hands coming to rest on yours.    

A soft silence overcomes the two of you as your eyes flick from star to star, eventually turning so that you’re facing Garmadon.   

“What is it?” he questions, studying you.   

“I just love you,” you mumble, the extent of your words not hitting you just yet.  

Garmadon’s eyes widen slightly as it finally catches up to you, a soft blush lining your cheeks as you avert your gaze. “Oh, uh, I-I...” your voice dies in your throat.  

“You…love me?” 

You nod, returning your eyes to him as you try to gauge his reaction and electing to remain quiet. Your hopes rise as you spot a grin forming on his face.  

“I love you too,” he mumbles, turning over further on his side so he can press his forehead against yours.  

You can’t help but laugh giddily, pressing one of your hands against his cheek. He trickles his hand to your waist, pulling you closer. Your lips tingle with the warmth of his breath, nose brushing against his as you slip your grip to his neck, pulling him forward so you can kiss him chastely.  

Your momentum causes you to fall onto your back, with Garmadon now on top of you as he deepens the kiss. Your hands are around his neck, trying to pull him even closer.  

A deep sigh escapes you when he pulls away, his hands coming up to grab yours. You’re breathless for a moment when… 

…a chill courses through your body as unease piles in your stomach, alarms bells sounding in your brain as you open your eyes. 

Something’s wrong.

Nothing around you seems off at first, so you remain silent for a moment, realizing that something is just...off. It’s then you notice that Garmadon’s grip has moved to your wrists, pinning them against the grass.  

“Garmadon?” you question, voice faltering when he hums lowly, almost seeming like...a growl? A shudder runs across your spine as your heartbeat picks up. 

Your eyes widen as the pressure on your wrists increases, noticing how he has shifted his gaze towards you. Your heart nearly stops as you notice the red that has overcome his pupils, realizing what’s happening. 

“Look at you...” he mumbles, voice dangerously low as he dips down, pressing a kiss to your jaw. You freeze for a moment, mind stuck on what to do.  

You had never experienced one of his episodes before. Wu said this would pass with time, but how long...?  

“So frail and vulnerable beneath me...oh, the things I want to do to you...”  

That snaps you out of your fear as you grit your teeth, slamming your knee into his ass. A grunt escapes him as he lurches forward, allowing you to take the opportunity to use his momentum against him as you buck your hips and hit his side, effectively flipping him over.  

Once you’re on top, you scramble to your feet, immediately making a dash towards the path to the monastery. You hear Garmadon cursing behind you as heavy footsteps begin crashing against the ground, urging you to run faster. 

You’re trying your best to watch for obstacles, but with the leaves blocking patches of moonlight, a root catches you off guard as you trip, falling onto your stomach. Your head hits the ground hard, and the breath is knocked out of your lungs as you roll over, trying to both catch your breath and figure out where Garmadon is all while attempting to get to your feet. 

It almost works, but you’re too unsteady. You lean against a tree for support, finally spotting the clearing that leads to the monastery steps. Vision going blurry, you make your way out, heart sinking when you hear Garmadon chuckling darkly from somewhere around you. 

Your heart pounds as you blink away tears, a sharp pain shooting through your ankle. Willing yourself to calm down, you push on to the staircase despite realizing that you’re not going to make it to the monastery. Not injured and with Garmadon on your tail. Your second option is your magic, but…something’s wrong. 

“Trying to use your magic? Don’t bother.” His voice seems to be all around you, almost…tauntingly close, in a way. “I snuck a sigil of muting onto you during our little kiss, you see. Your magic is void until I remove it.” 

A gasp escapes your lips as a hand coils around your bicep, the grip tight enough to leave bruises. “See? This sigil here?” You spot the purple magic circle burned onto your arm with horrified eyes. He chuckles, pushing you to the ground and looming over you. 

“Don’t think you’ll get away with disrespecting me so easily,” he coos, kneeling down and forcing you onto your back. Tears prick your eyes as you weakly try to swivel your legs towards him, but he grabs your knee before you can establish a guard of any kind. 

You’re about to attempt an elbow, but Garmadon notices this and catches your arm before you can hit him.

“G…Garmadon…” you mumble, a tear slipping from your vision. “Snap out of it! I don’t want to hurt you! I know this isn’t you!”

“You’ll quickly learn, you see,” he mumbles, ignoring you as he straddles you, his fists alight with purple magic. “There is no disobeying my command. Your powers are nothing when you belong to me.” 

Your mind races as he chants quietly. You have no idea what spell he’s about to cast, but you’re not about to wait around and find out.

“Let him go,” you hiss lowly.

“Or what?” Garmadon questions breaking the chant as he raises an eyebrow. “What are you going to do? You’re helpless.”

You remain quiet for a moment as he shifts into a different position – this time, you can tell he’s about to summon something. However, he’s made a grave mistake and your muscle memory picks that up instantaneously.

With a shout, you snap your right leg over his shoulder and next to his neck while your left leg drapes over his shoulder and onto your other foot. Simultaneously, you snatch his right arm as you pull it across his neck. Thankfully, despite his jerking, you’re able to maintain your hold on him as you squeeze your knees and thighs, praying to the First Spinjitzu Master that this works.

Moments later, you feel him going limp. You don’t immediately release the choke, just in case. After a few more seconds, you stop squeezing tentatively. You roll out from underneath him, watching as his body falls to the ground.

You turn back towards the steps to the monastery, going up them as fast as you can. Your hope is to get at least within shouting distance of the building, but with how badly your ankle is hurting, though, it’s not looking promising. Even so, the determination to make the most of his unconscious period drives you to press on.

Minutes later, you spot movement out of your peripheral vision. To your horror, Garmadon is awake once more. A few tears slip down your cheeks as you realize that your only chance of escape might have been wasted.

You glance around, finding that there’s not much around except for a few chunks of rock lying on the steps. You swipe the biggest one, deciding that’s better than nothing.

A glance behind you reveals that he has spotted you. Garmadon is silent as he slowly treks up the stairs, burning red stare not shifting from your figure.

You speed up, trying to make as much progress as you can. You know that he’s just toying with you, waiting to see what you’ll do and how far you’ll go.

“You’re going to regret that,” he notes calmly, now only a few steps down. You don’t answer, instead attempting to gain as much distance from him as you can.

Something collides into your back, causing you to fall as you cry out. You hit the stairs harshly, the jagged edges of the concrete slicing your skin in places.

You grit your teeth as your grip on the rock tightens. You stay in your downed position as you listen, waiting for an opportune moment.

Once his footsteps close in, you whirl towards him before attempting to slam the rock into him. To your dismay, he catches your wrist just before you can make impact.

You wince from the grip he has on you, trying to yank your wrist out from his grasp but failing. Your body desperately tries to detect some sort of opening, but it seems that Garmadon has learned his lesson. The rock in your hand tumbles to the ground as he raises his other hand, connecting it with your cheek hard.

Your breath is knocked out as he kicks you in the ribs, the sounds of rancorous laughter echoing in your ears as you feel your eyes getting watery. Moments later, a warmth around your throat spirals into mounds of pressure as your vision gets blurry. The only shape you can make out is Garmadon’s silhouette, those indelible scarlet eyes scorching their way into your memory.

Is this it...?

The thought resounds within you as the pressure eases, ears ringing as you try to decipher what happened. Someone’s calling for you, but...

You blink a few times, vision gradually beginning to clear as your surroundings come back into focus. It’s then you realize that Garmadon is the one calling your name…but something’s different.

You snap out of your haze, finding that Garmadon is now a few feet away from you, on his knees as he clutches his head. 

He says your name again. “...you need…n-need to go…can’t hold it…” 

Your eyes widen as you stumble to your feet, the pain in your ankle drowned out by the adrenaline when you realize that the sigil on your arm has been removed for the time being. You hold your arm out, channeling your magic power: 

“Murasame.” 

A katana appears in your grip, its long, red handle inscribed with deadly symbols. You lower it, allowing its tip to nick Garmadon’s shoulder once. 

Once was all it needed.

The advantage of this particular katana was unique: it was infused with a poison that would be fatal to most people. You know for Garmadon it won’t be fatal - it’ll only weaken him significantly. If he could fend off the venom of the Great Devourer for so long, then this wouldn’t kill him. 

He immediately recoils, eyes back to red as he clutches his wound. “What have you done?!” 

Your name is called again, this time from someone else. You see Wu and Ray descending the monastery steps, both eyeing Garmadon with shocked expressions. Relief floods through you as the katana fades back to its pocket dimension, your knees buckling. The two are quick to catch your arms, softening your descent somewhat. 

They’re quiet for a moment, eyeing Garmadon and then your tear-stricken face. Paired with your injuries, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out what happened. 

Wu kneels beside you quietly as Ray silently studies you with a worried gaze. You collapse into Wu’s arms as the adrenaline fades, leaving you exhausted. 

Ray remains quiet as he turns towards Garmadon. “I’ll take care of him. Take her back up.” 

“Thank you,” you mumble, gratefully. He nods in response before approaching Garmadon, who seems to be stunned from the poison. You’re not sure how long that will last, though.

“Can you stand?” Wu questions softly. 

You shake your head. “My…my ankle…” 

“I understand,” he says. “Ray, help me get her on my back.” 

The fire elemental obliges, gently lifting your arm around his neck as he pulls you up so that you can stand on your good foot. Wu turns, allowing Ray to lift you onto Wu’s back. You secure your arms around Wu’s neck while he takes your legs in his arms. 

With that, you press your head against Wu’s shoulder as he carries you up, quietly allowing you to cry as you wonder what’s to come. 

… 

Your surroundings pass by in a blur as Wu ascends the stairs. Soon enough, the two of you finally make it to the monastery gate. 

“Open up!” Wu shouts, the two of you glancing back down when you hear what sounds to be an explosion of some sort. Oh stars… 

Seconds later, someone from inside pulls the gate open. Wu wastes no time in entering, spotting Maya standing there with the other elementals, all with worried faces. 

Maya is the first to realize your face is stricken with tears, immediately coming to you.  

“Set your good foot down,” Wu instructs. You do so, Maya supporting you as you slip off of his back. 

“Thank you,” you mumble.

“Of course. Now, we need to figure out what’s going on down there,” he replies. “Robin, see if you can figure out where Garmadon and Ray are.” 

“On it,” replies the Master of Lightning. She scales the wall with help from her lightning boosts. 

“Wu, what in the hell is going on?” questions Onyx, the Master of Earth. 

“Garmadon turned again,” Wu answers. “He’s after her. We need a plan. If he’s still evil, he’s going to be up here soon.” 

“I was able to poison him,” you say. “I don’t know how much effect it’ll have, though.” 

“Wait…if Garmadon’s already weakened, we could use the sedative again,” Maya suggests. 

“Again?” you question. 

“We figured out last time this happened, a normal dose of sedative medicine wasn’t enough to affect him,” Maya explains. “But…if he’s already poisoned, that’ll work in our favor.” 

“If no one else has any ideas, then I’m afraid we’ll have to stick to this theory,” Wu says, glancing around. No one else speaks up. “Very well.” 

Robin leaps back into the courtyard. “Wu! Garmadon’s coming up, and he has Ray! He doesn’t look conscious!” 

“Ray…” Maya mumbles. 

“You two, get the syringe and head to the safe room. Onyx, help them get there then come back. We’re going to hold him off as long as we can,” Wu instructs. 

Suddenly, you’re swept up in the arms of Onyx. Maya follows the two of you into the monastery. 

“The sedative is in the infirmary,” Maya says, the three of you rushing towards the intended destination.  

She pushes the door open, immediately going to search a filing cabinet, fishing around inside until she grabs something. You realize it’s a syringe. 

“Here, you should take this,” she replies, handing you the syringe. “Since you’re important to him, he’s going to be after you when these episodes happen. You can stab it anywhere, so it doesn’t have to be in a vein or anything like that.” 

You nod, taking it and tucking it under your sleeve. “Okay. Thank you.” 

You’re about to ask something when you hear a crash outside. Your eyes widen as you realize what’s happening. 

“Oh stars...they’re fighting?” you mumble. 

“This is usually how it ends,” Maya affirms with a downcast expression. “Garmadon is very strong, and his episodes make him feral when he’s in combat.” 

“Come. The safe room isn’t far,” Onyx adds. “We can’t waste time.” 

The safe room turns out to be located beneath the bathroom. Due to your angle, you can’t see whatever switch or button Maya hits, but it causes the floor of the shower to slide back into the wall, revealing a hidden passage. 

The three of you descend the stairs quickly. The path turns into an open room with concrete walls. Racks of weapons are lying on the walls, with a single table in the center surrounded by a few chairs. 

Onyx gently lowers you into one of the chairs. “This is as far as I go. I need to go help them,” he says. “Remember: this isn’t Garmadon. Do whatever you must to get away from him. And take this.” 

Onyx hands you what seems to be a handmade knife - its blade looks to be carved of obsidian, with a clearstone handle. Under different circumstances you would have complemented its beauty, but for now, you just smile weakly. 

“What is…?” you mumble, trailing off as you take it into your grasp.

“Your last resort,” Onyx answers simply, his blank expression telling you everything you need to know. “Obsidian is a guardian stone that shields against negativity. May it serve you well.” 

You exhale shakily, nodding. “Right. Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome. Now, we’ll be back. Don’t open this for anyone.” With that, he exits the room, closing the entrance. 

You flip the blade closed, tucking it away for the time being. With the syringe hidden in your other hand, you take a second to wipe away the sweat that’s beading on your forehead. 

“Is this what it’s like every time he’s turned?” 

Maya chuckles humorlessly. “You know…in comparison to this, it wasn’t that bad in the beginning. He was just irritable. Would call us names, got mad at Wu a lot, you know. Nothing like…this,” she says, frowning. “But it progressively got worse. The last few episodes have involved him getting violent.” 

“This is horrible…” you mumble. 

“I know it is,” she replies. “He’s such a good man…and to be infected as he is? It’s been tearing the team apart, I think. Some of us want Garmadon gone. Some of us want him to stay.” 

A tear escapes your eye as you sniffle slightly. “He told me he loved me before he turned. But...after what he did while he was evil…” 

“You don’t have to talk about it, love,” she mumbles. 

“I just…I don’t know if I can look at him the same way again. Knowing he could turn at any second? Remembering how easily he overpowered me despite my training?” You shake your head, sighing. “This is more horrifying to witness than I ever could have imagined.” 

Maya nods, about to respond when the sound of a door slamming shuts the both of you up. You remain silent, eyes wide as you glance towards your friend. She simply shakes her head. 

You swallow nervously, hand clutching the syringe tighter as heavy footsteps creep across the floor above you. Suddenly, you regret coming down here - there aren’t any exit points, it seems. There are plenty of weapons on the walls, but you’re not familiar with many of them. You take a quick glance over at what’s available in case Garmadon disables your magic again. 

Well, the good news is that you have somewhat of a plan laid out - Garmadon made it perfectly clear that he wants to kill you. Even though the idea of going through that again makes you want to cry…you could also use that to your advantage should the elementals fail to stop him.

And if that fails? Then, like Onyx said…you have a last resort. A very, very last resort option. 

Neither you nor Maya dare to utter a word as the footsteps hover right over the two of you. You hear someone - a male - shouting. A sudden mini-earthquake makes you realize Onyx must be fighting Garmadon. 

You snap your gaze from the ceiling when you feel Maya’s hand wiggling into yours. You glance over to her, offering her a weak smile. She returns it as the two of you turn your stares back up to the ceiling. 

The sounds have stopped for the moment. Now, it seems like they’re talking. Your heart pounds as you strain to listen, not able to pick up anything coherent. Seconds later, the conversation stops as an eerie silence ensues. 

That is, until a deafening blast throws both you and Maya backwards, the ceiling collapsing from above. You’re thrown against the wall, debris crashing down around you. You cover your head in hopes that you won’t be crushed. 

Your ears are ringing, vision going blurry again as darkness shrouds your vision. Your hands numbly fumble for the ground, attempting to find some sense of steadiness through your aching head. 

“M…” your voice echoes weakly throughout your ringing ears as you push yourself into an upright sitting position, head spinning. Your thoughts are tumbling over each other, failing to become comprehensive. 

A figure is approaching you - merely a few feet away, it seems. Stepping over the debris, kneeling down to you. You recognize the silhouette, mind falling further and further behind as a distant touch pressing against your cheek guides your thoughts back to the present - at least, as much as it can. 

Breaths uneven, you try to study the gaze of the person in front of you. The hand is familiar. Calloused. Uncannily cold. You vaguely feel the tips of his fingers dragging across your skin, stopping when they reach the back of your neck. He pulls you forward, a chilling shade of red the only thing you see before your lips connect. 

The red shade dances around your memory, the image eliciting an uneasy feeling within your stomach when - 

- it clicks. 

You keep your eyes closed, realizing that this is your chance. Keeping your lips pressed against his, you slowly raise your syringe-bearing hand, ensuring that his eyes remain closed while you jam the syringe into his neck, pushing its contents inside. 

“What...” he mumbles, eyes widening before the contents take effect and he closes his eyes, collapsing onto the floor. 

You drop the syringe with shaky hands, using the wall so that you can stand, immediately trekking your way through the debris as you search for Maya. 

You finally spot her, lying on her side across the room. Ignoring the splitting headache that consumes your head. 

“Maya,” you say, voice hoarse as you kneel beside her. She groans lightly, turning over to you. Your heartbeat quickens as you check her over, finding no immediate injuries save for a few scratches on her head and legs. 

“I’m okay,” she mumbles, cupping her tummy. You help her sit up. “We have a protective rune for the baby.” 

“Okay, well, let’s get you checked out anyway,” you insist, helping her stand despite the pain flooding throughout your body. 

“Come on,” she mumbles, the two of you stepping over Garmadon’s unconscious body. 

You curse yourself for crying as you do your best to help her up the stairs, your body begging you to rest – but you can’t. Not yet. Not until you know you and Maya are safe. Once you reach the top, you find yourself absolutely dreading the thought of having to figure out a way to open that heavy trap door. 

Thankfully, you don’t have to. Voices emanate from the other side. 

“Wu?” you call weakly, voice beginning to break when you hear the door beginning to slide open. 

Thankfully, standing on the other side are Wu and Onyx. The latter immediately comes to pick Maya up while Wu approaches you. Your knees buckle as the events of the evening begin falling into place. Wu catches you before you can hit the ground too hard. 

“Come on,” he whispers. “Let’s get you patched up.” 

... 

Hours pass as you and the rest of the team get treated for any injuries. Thankfully, everyone is okay – including Maya’s baby, much to everyone’s relief. Even so, the memory of seeing many of the Elementals knocked unconscious has burned a haunting image into your memory. Every time you think about it, shivers dart through your spine.

The early morning hours have approached when you find yourself back in Garmadon’s spot, sitting by the pool of water with your feet dipped in as you reflect on the events of the day. 

After sedating Garmadon, you’d found the rest of the Elementals were in a similar state – either injured or unconscious. It wasn’t until you were staring at the mass of Elemental Masters that it truly hit you:  

Garmadon is dangerous. 

He only ever showed a certain part of his personality. The fact that he was gradually turning evil was known to you, yet it just didn’t...feel real, in a sense. Until today, you would have even thought it could have been a joke. But, now...?  

Tears drip from your eyes as you glance down at the small pond, watching as your tears join your reflection. Why Garmadon? He was such a loving man, and to be eaten away as he is? Wielding an element that’s already difficult enough to bear? It’s not fair, and it’s even more horrifying to watch than you initially thought.

A deep sigh escapes you as you try to sort your jumbled thoughts, without much success. You begin to wonder how this is going to affect your relationship with him.  

“Care if I join you?” 

You turn, seeing Wu standing at the perimeter of the forest. You smile sadly, shaking your head. He returns a grateful nod, coming over to sit a few feet away from you. 

“I know tonight has been difficult,” he begins calmly, gazing at the water. “But...even so, I am seeing a shred of hope.”  

“What do you mean?”  

“Ever since my brother met you, there has been a significant decrease in the amount of episodes. This is the first one he’s had in months,” Wu replies before his expression darkens once more. “But...it has been the worst yet.”  

You wipe a stray tear, averting your gaze. “Wu, how can we stop this? I can’t bear to watch this happen to him.” 

“I fear I do not know. Please trust me when I say that we’ve been searching for some type of cure for years, but with no luck.”  

You sigh. “I had a feeling.”  

“That being said...my prediction is that we will not see another one for quite some time...”  

“But when we do, it’s going to be bad,” you finish, heart sinking.  

“Yes. I will try to utilize the spirit smoke more often. I hope that it will warn us of that time.”  

“Me too,” you mumble. “Um...but how is he doing now?”  

“He has returned back to normal for the time being,” Wu replies. “Though, we are keeping him restrained for a few more hours.”  

You nod. “Okay.”  

“How are you feeling?”  

“Truth be told? A lot,” you mumble. “Before it happened, he told me that he loved me. And then he turned, and I just...” you trail off, unsure of how to phrase the way you’re feeling. “And seeing him actually turn just kind of...really made it click, you know? That there’s always a chance he could turn, even if we do think it won’t happen again for a while. But...I love him, and I want to stick by him, of course, but...I can’t deny the fact that he really scared me...and actually, I would say that ‘traumatize’ is a better word. I mean...he almost killed me, and he would have if you hadn’t intervened. I don’t know if I can face him just yet. I don’t know if I’ll be able to face him for a while.” 

“I’m so sorry,” Wu mumbles, scooting over a bit closer so he can wrap an arm around your shoulder. “I wish there was more that I could do. I wish there was more that I could say to help you, but...” 

“You don’t have to say anything,” you say quietly, leaning your head on his shoulder. “It’s not your fault. It’s not any of our faults. I’ll be okay, but I just...I need some time away from him, I think. I need to sort my thoughts. I feel like my mind is too jumbled for me to make sense of anything.” 

“Take as much time as you need. My brother is...well, he’s not taking any of it well. I fear he’s going to leave us when we release his restraints.” 

“Leave? Like...permanently?” 

“I’m not sure, but I think it’s very likely judging from the way he’s reacted in the past. I also know that most of our team wants him out now.” 

You nod, biting your lip as you realize you’re unable to respond. You hate to say it, but...you don’t blame them. Not one bit. After all of that...? You’re not sure about having him around yourself. 

That thought alone elicits a round of tears from your eyes, making you sniffle as Wu encircles you into a tight hug. You turn, snaking your arms around his neck as you cry into his chest. 

“I hate this, Wu,” you admit through a sob. “I love Garmadon so much, but he’s...I can’t...I...” 

Your words are too tangled for you to form a coherent sentence as you completely break down, tears soaking Wu’s shirt as he silently holds you. 

You’re not sure how long you stay like that, but the tears seem to go on for a while. Wu doesn’t say anything – he just lets you cry for as long as you need, accompanying you back up to the monastery when you’re ready. 

… 

You try to lay down after that, but you can’t. 

Part of you is apprehensive about being alone. Part of you wants to check if Garmadon has returned back to normal. Part of you wants to avoid him at all costs. Part of you is about to pass out in exhaustion. 

You find yourself wandering out into the living area, where Ray, Maya, and Wu are talking quietly amongst themselves. 

They all glance up at you, greeting you with hushed tones. You return the greeting, wordlessly sitting down next to Wu after that. 

“Can’t sleep?” Wu mumbles. 

You shake your head. “Nope.” 

“Neither can we,” Maya replies. 

“How are you all doing?” you question, mainly eyeing Maya. 

“We’re fine,” Ray answers, one of his hands settling on top of Maya’s. She nods in agreement. “All three of us.” 

“Me too,” Wu adds. “Just worried. We have no idea what to do.” 

“Has Garmadon returned back to normal?” you wonder. 

“He has, but we’re waiting to let the restraints loose for a few hours,” Ray says. 

You nod in acknowledgement, not knowing what to say to that. It seems as if the exhaustion has tainted all parties, because no one says anything after that. You feel your eyes fluttering shut, leaning your head on Wu’s shoulder again – even though you wished it could be Garmadon’s. 

Even so, you feel your thoughts finally drawing to a pause as you gradually fall into a light slumber. 

... 

Daylight approaches sooner than you like. 

You squint through your exhausted eyes, wishing the sunlight would just fuck off for once and let you sleep. Groaning softly, you open your eyelids. 

Unfortunately, the events of yesterday are the first to come to mind as you sit up, realizing that you have a massive headache. Your fingers come up to massage your temples as you glance around, realizing that the other three are gone. Wu’s shoulder had been replaced by a couch pillow.

You sit up slowly, rubbing the sleepy out of your eyes and wincing at a pain within your ribs. Ow.

What time is it, even? You’d all gone to sleep fairly late last night. You’d probably got two or three hours max, if that.

You decide to go freshen up, knowing that there’s no use in moping around. After making it to your room, you go through your morning routine. Once that’s done, you flop onto your bed again face first. 

“Ugh…” you groan, stuffing your face into your pillow. What to do? 

The answer comes to you when your nose detects the smell of something yummy drifting throughout the air as you find the rest of the group already up, all murmuring among themselves. 

“Hey, guys,” you say, voice hoarse and quieter than normal. You smile weakly as you take your normal seat. A chorus of greetings sound, all less enthusiastic than normal. 

“How are you doing?” Maya questions from beside you. You shrug, not really sure yourself. 

“I’m here. Just thinking,” you answer. 

“Welcome to the club,” Ray replies. 

You chuckle humorlessly, realizing that a heavy silence has settled among the table. Garmadon’s usual seat next to yours is vacant, leaving you in somewhat of a saddened mood as you stare at your plate, tuning the chatter out. 

Soon enough, breakfast is served. You don’t have much of an appetite, though. 

“I believe it’s time we address the elephant in the room,” Wu states suddenly from the head of the table. Everyone glances up at him. “Garmadon is still asleep, but the sedative will wear off shortly.” 

“Wu…what are we going to do?” Maya asks quietly, her hands perched atop her swollen belly. “Garmadon always learns the tricks we use against him. We won’t get away with sedating him again.” 

“I know,” Wu replies, a bitterness lacing his voice. “We need to develop another plan.” 

“I feel like we’ve exhausted all of our plans,” Ray admits, rubbing his forehead. “You saw him yesterday, Wu. It’s a miracle he didn’t kill any of us.” 

“There has to be something,” Wu mumbles. 

“That reminds me,” you speak up, grabbing everyone’s attention. “How were you guys awake when we came back yesterday? It was pretty late, was it not?” 

“Because, Maya woke us up,” the Master of Lightning replies. 

The woman in question nods from her seat beside you, causing you to turn to her. “How did you…?” 

“I get this…feeling,” Maya replies, eyes narrowed as she recalls the memory. “Every time Garmadon has turned, I feel this…impending sense of doom. Like my subconscious just knows something’s wrong. But…it was even stronger this time. Almost like his energy was threatening my baby…” She shudders, causing Ray to sling an arm around her shoulders. “It made me physically sick hours before he turned. I made everyone stay up to remain on guard.” 

“That makes sense,” Wu notes. “Destruction, when in corrupt form, will threaten the elements. That sense of yours is likely heightened because it’s paired with your maternal instinct now.” 

“That’s weird,” you reply. “I…kind of got the same feeling when he turned. Like there were alarm bells ringing in my gut. I just knew something was wrong.” 

“Wait, so you’re saying we have a way of predicting when he turns, at least?” Ray intervenes.  “Even if it’s only for a short period of time?”

“I believe so,” Wu agrees. “Maya has told me of this feeling several times before. As for you…” He shifts his gaze to you. “I believe, like Maya, this feeling will become keener over time.” 

“Interesting,” you mumble. 

“So we are not at a complete loss,” Wu notes, a shred of hope entering his gaze. 

“Wu...we can’t have this happen again, though...” Ray interjects. 

“But we can’t just give up on him!” someone else yells. 

“What if he’s even worse next time, though?! We have to consider our safety too!” 

Your headache begins to throb even worse as the elementals suddenly erupt into a heated argument. The memory is too fresh in your mind, so you simply get up and walk out of the monastery. 

… 

Days pass in a blur. You find yourself packing your bags one morning, deciding that a small trip is in order for yourself. Even now you still don’t have the courage to face him. 

Still, you’ve had enough time to decipher one matter that bothered you most: the fact that you were weak against his evil form. That much was true. You weren’t prepared to face his full wrath – stars forbid his Oni form... 

That thought sends chills down to your spine as you kneel by your bags in the middle of the courtyard, making sure you have everything you need. 

“Getting ready to leave?” 

You turn, footsteps catching your attention as you spot the remaining elemental masters exiting the monastery. They consist of Wu, Ray, Maya, and Onyx. Everyone else had left following the argument about Garmadon. Even now, Ray and Maya are planning on returning to their blacksmith shop to prepare for their baby’s arrival while Onyx is about to return home to attend his daughter’s wedding.

In other words, once they leave...it’s going to be you, Garmadon, and Wu. That is, assuming Garmadon doesn’t leave, which Wu thinks is highly possible. You’re happy that your friends are settling down, but at the same time...it makes you sad. You wish you could have that with Garmadon. With the way the two of you have been avoiding each other lately, though…it’s not looking promising.

“Yeah...” you answer, smiling sadly at the four of them. 

“I feel like this is going to be goodbye for a while,” Maya confesses. 

You nod. “I think so too. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone, and you three are all about to move, right?” 

“Yep,” Ray affirms. 

“Well...I wish all of you luck. It was an honor working with you guys. I hope I’ll be able to visit soon, once things settle down again. For all of us.” 

“Please do visit,” Maya states, taking your hand in hers. “You’re welcome any time. You don’t need a reason, you don’t need to contact us beforehand...just come down.” It’s then you realize that she had slipped a piece of paper into your hand. Penned in her neat handwriting is an unfamiliar address. 

You nod in response, tucking the paper away in a safe spot. “Count on it.” 

“We are,” Ray replies.

“Where will you be headed?” Onyx wonders. 

“I’m honestly not sure yet. I was thinking of heading back to the General’s camp to see if there are any jobs available,” you explain. “Still, I’m not entirely sure yet.” 

“Well, take as long as you need. We’ll be here waiting for your safe return,” Wu states. 

 You nod, Maya coming to hug you. You smile bitterly, returning the embrace before doing the same for Ray and Onyx.

“Take care of yourself, okay?” Onyx states.

“I will if you will,” you say.

With that, you bid the three farewell as they exit the monastery, all going to pursue their new lives.

A deep sigh escapes you as you stare at your bag for a moment. You’re prepared to leave, but…something feels like it’s missing.

“What’s on your mind?” Wu questions.

“I’m nervous, but…I want to talk to him before I go.”

“I see,” he mumbles, averting his gaze in thought. “If you like, I can bring him out. You two can speak out here and I’ll stay on the other side of the courtyard.”

You nod, smiling weakly. “Please?”

“Of course. I’ll be right back.”

You watch as Wu disappears into the monastery, leaving you alone with your thoughts. It scares you, but you miss Garmadon. It doesn’t feel right to leave without saying anything to him.

The two emerge a moment after, your eyes immediately flicking towards the dark-haired man. Your gaze softens as you turn towards them, Wu nodding at Garmadon before going to sit on the stairs. Garmadon quietly approaches you, expression inscrutable as you walk up to meet him.

“Hey,” you begin softly, standing a few feet away from him.

“Hey,” he repeats, tone somewhat…cautious. Maybe that’s not the right word, but you can’t think of another one at the moment. A foreign emotion is locked behind his eyes - these the color you know and love. They’re such a sharp contrast to that haunting red stare…

You shudder, pushing the thought aside. You’re about to say something when Garmadon turns away, shaking his head.

“I don’t understand why you’re here,” he says simply.

A frown crosses your lips as you settle your hands on your hips. “Garmadon…that wasn’t you.”

“No, it was, and I hurt you,” he mumbles, still refusing to meet your gaze. “I nearly killed you, and I won’t ever be able to forgive myself for what I’ve done.”

“Garmadon…”

“I’m surprised you’re even speaking with me. Why are you even here? I should be locked away somewhere where I can’t hurt anyone.”

“Garmadon.”

“In all honesty, I don’t even know why I came out here. I shouldn’t have-”

You roll your eyes, stepping up to him so that you can wrap your arms around his waist, pressing your face against his shoulder blades. He freezes at your embrace.

“Garmadon…” you say softly. “Please. Look at me and hear me out.”

Garmadon remains frozen for a few more seconds before the two of you pull away, with him turning to look you in the eye for the first time in a while. You wrap your arms around his neck, grateful to be in his embrace once more.

“Listen to me,” you mumble, taking a moment to inhale his scent. “If you expect me to just give up on you, you’ve got another thing coming.”

“What? But I-”

“Nope. You heard it yourself. I love you. And I meant it when I said that. I know you’re worth fighting for and I’m not giving up on you. I know you’re a good man, and that there’s a future destiny has chosen for us. It may not be easy, but I’m not going to let you slip away from me just because of some damned snake bite. It’s not going to separate us,” you say, eyes becoming glassy as you stare at him. “I love you. I’m not going to let you go.”

Garmadon’s eyes are pricked with tears now too as he stares down at you. “But…you’re leaving…”

You nod. “Not forever, but like I said…it’s not going to be easy. I’ve had enough time to realize that I need some space. But we’re going to make it work. Just give me some time, okay? I’ll be back soon, and then we can talk.”

“Okay,” he says, a tear escaping his eye. “I’m so sorry…”

You shake your head. “No. That was not you, Garmadon. I know in my heart that you would never do something like that. That darkness is just trying to drive a wedge between us to further isolate you. It’s not going to work.”

He nods. You smile sadly, wiping the tears away from his cheeks and pressing a soft kiss to his lips. He returns it somewhat hesitantly, but even so you feel like you’ve gotten through to him for now.

“I love you,” he mumbles, leaning his forehead against yours. “Thank you for not giving up on me.”

“I love you too,” you repeat. “Hang in there, love. I’ll be back soon.”

With that, you shoulder your bag, heart a little lighter as you wave the brothers a temporary goodbye.

…

“Welcome back, Commander!”

A wave of nostalgia floods throughout you as you smile at the guards standing about the Ninjago Guard headquarters. It’s been so long since you’ve been back…

“Thank you,” you reply, nodding in greeting to all you see. Wow…things really have changed with the Anacondrai no longer being a threat. Suddenly, it strikes you that the last time you were here…you hadn’t even met the Elemental Masters yet. Wow…

You make it towards the General’s office, gently pushing the door open before stepping inside the office.

Not much has changed in physical terms - same decorations, same layout. You’re having a hard time processing how much lighter the atmosphere is, though. Not that you’re complaining! It’s just weird to see how different things are now.

It’s then you hear your name from the left of the room, directing your attention there.

“General?” you question.

You can’t help but grin as you spot the man himself slowly standing from the corner of the room. He returns your smile, saying your name.

“I was beginning to think you’d left us for good,” he says, tone suggesting that he’s joking.

You chuckle, shaking your head. “No, I just kind of got…caught up, I guess? I feel like the time just slipped away. I had meant to come back sooner, but…”

“I hear that. Things have been busy here, too.”

You nod, watching as he goes to sit at his desk before sitting across from him. “Have things calmed down any since the war?”

He shrugs, leaning back in his chair. “In a way, yes. Now we’ve just been pouring our focus into helping rebuild.”

“Yeah, that’s what we were doing too,” you note, recalling the various occasions where you had joined the elementals in rebuilding efforts. Too bad everyone has gone their separate ways for the time being.

“How were the elementals?” he questions.

You smile, suddenly nervous for some reason. “They were amazing. It was crazy how quickly they took me in. They’re kind of like family now, you know?”

“I’m glad to hear it. You’ve been an immense help here, but I’m glad you were able to apply your skillset elsewhere too. If you don’t mind my asking…are you coming back?”

You bite your lip at the question you’ve been dreading. “I…I honestly don’t know. I think that’s why I came back. Something horrible happened recently, and I just felt like I needed to get out. To take a breather so I can just reset and figure out a few things.”

The General nods in response, gaze somewhat glazed over as he stares off into the distance. “I get it. Maybe a break would help?”

“Actually...I came to see if you have any jobs open,” you respond. “I feel like I need something challenging. Something I can learn from.”

“A job?” he questions, trailing off to think for a moment. “Actually, I have a few open. Let me see...”

He stands, walking over to his desk and grabbing a stack of papers. He hands them to you. “Here, see if any of these catch your eye. They’re all S-Class missions.”

You frown, shuffling through them. “I can do all of these. But do you have anything that’s ranked higher?”

“Higher? I think there was a SS-Class lying around somewhere...” he trails off, going back to his desk. “Ah, here we go. Let me know what you think.”

You nod, taking the paper. “Seems like all of these are within a few days’ travel time. I’ll give them a try.”

The General chuckles, patting you on the shoulder a few times. “It’s good seeing your fiery side again.”

You smile, tucking the papers away in your bag. “Thank you.”

…

A month passes.

You had kept yourself busy, whether the job was slaying troublesome monsters, arresting thieves, or other minor tasks. The jobs weren’t hard, which was a bit disappointing to you. You need something more challenging.

You shrug the thought off, deciding you would figure it out at some point. Now, you realize that you’re close to the outskirts of Jamanakai Village one morning. Well, why not have a look around and see how the citizens are doing?

At first, you’re slightly shocked at just how many people are here – the village is absolutely teeming with life. It's such a contrast to how monochrome the buildings had seemed before. Seeing everyone out elicits a fond warmth within your chest as you walk through, greeting some of the villagers.

One shop in particular catches your eye as you spot someone standing out in front. You realize it’s none other than Mystake herself.

“Are you at your wits' end?” she yells, holding a stack of papers. “No energy? Your master has vanished? Come to Mystake's Tea Shop!”

“Mystake!” you yell, waving at her with a smile as you walk up to her. “Hey!”

She says your name with a warm grin. “It’s a pleasure to see you again. Why don’t you come inside for a bit?”

“Inside? Oh, you have your own shop?” you wonder, taking a look at the store.

“Indeed. I’ve found that my passion lies within tea,” she answers as the two of you enter the shop. You glance around, eyeing the stocked shelves with interest and nodding towards the other associates in greeting. Mystake sets the stack of papers on the counter before gesturing for you to follow her.

“I think it’s great that you’re pursuing your passion,” you reply, somewhat solemnly. “I don’t think I could ever run a shop.”

Mystake chuckles as the two of you enter a small, cozy room complete with chairs, bookshelves, and more shelves stocked with tea jars. “Have a seat. I’ll be right back with some tea.”

“Thank you,” you say, sitting down. After all the walking you did today, it’s nice to have a bit of a break.

Mystake returns a few moments later, bearing a tray with a steaming kettle, two mugs, and a small box. She sets it down on the table, pouring some of the tea into a mug and handing it to you.

You thank her, cupping the mug with gentle hands as you take a sip. Something about its flavor grounds you, eliciting a soft smile from you.

“Of course. Nothing like some Focus Tea to clear your mind, hm?” she replies, pouring herself a cup too. “So, tell me. What brings you all the way out here?”

You shrug, taking another sip. “Just doing a few jobs that took me out this way. I thought that I’d stop here before I return.”

“I am glad you’ve visited,” Mystake admits. “I’ve been hoping to speak with you.”

“Oh? About what?”

Mystake sighs, setting her teacup down. You frown, doing the same.

“I heard about what happened,” she replies, taking your hands in hers. “With Garmadon.”

Your heart sinks as you avert your gaze. “Oh...”

“I know how that must be hurting you, no matter how you may not want to admit it,” she says quietly. “And I want to tell you that I am truly sorry.”

“Mystake...”

“And I want to give you these,” she adds, picking up the small box. She opens it, pulling out what appears to be a necklace comprised of a black chain and a golden chunk of metal. Something about it, though...

“Do you know what’s special about this metal?” she questions, holding it out to you so you can see it. You study it, noting that there are a few inscriptions in it that you don’t recognize.

“Is it the same type of metal that the Golden Weapons are made of?” you wonder. “It has that same glow to it.”

“It is. But there’s something else,” she adds, taking the metal between her fingers.

“Oh, I see. You’re not getting vanquished,” you joke.

“Precisely. You see, it has been blessed with balance – strong enough to ward away darkness, but weak enough so that it won’t disintegrate its wearer. The blessing comes with other perks too, but those are the main ones.”

“So...Garmadon could use this?” you question. “But isn’t he rather resilient to this kind of metal because of who his father is?”

“That’s why it’s blessed with a spell that inhibits dark influence. Paired with the metal’s nature, the two work together to combat darkness in a way that works with Garmadon’s bloodline. You both can wear one,” Mystake replies, pulling a second one from the box. “My hope is that his will weaken the darkness within him, while yours will protect you in the case that it happens again. It’s not a permanent fix, but I hope that it will grant the two of you a bit more time together.”

“Mystake... I don’t know what to say,” you admit, trailing off. “Thank you!”

You go to pull her in for a quick hug, taking one of the necklaces into your hands. The metal hums with energy against your skin. You thank her once more before putting them in a safe place.

From there, the two of you continue talking for about an hour or so before you decide that it’s time for you to be on your way.

…  

A few days later, you find yourself standing in front of the gates of the monastery. A sigh of relief escapes you; it’s been good taking a trip by yourself, but you’re ready to move on.

You take a deep breath before you knock on the gates, hearing footsteps a few moments later.

The gate swivels open to reveal none other than Wu standing there, face lighting up when he recognizes you.

“Wu!” you greet, immediately pulling him in for a hug.

He says your name as he returns your embrace. “You’re back!”

You nod as you pull away from him. “Yeah. How’ve you been? I’ve missed you guys!”

“We’ve been doing fine,” he replies, gesturing for you to enter. You slip into the courtyard as he closes the gate. “Garmadon’s doing a bit better. We’ve both missed having you here, though. How was your trip?”

“It went well,” you reply, smiling. “Feeling a little better now.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” he replies.

You hear the doors to the monastery opening, causing you to turn towards the source. You spot Garmadon there, eyes widening when he sees you.

You can’t help but smile, immediately jogging over him so that you can hug him. He stumbles backwards a little bit, but returns the gesture.

“I missed you!” you say, taking a moment to kiss him gently. He holds you tighter, kissing you back.

“I missed you too,” he replies.

Wu smiles softly at the two of you, quietly entering the monastery. You have a seat on the steps to the door, and Garmadon sits a few feet away from you. His gaze is averted as you settle into your spot. Man, how long has it been since you’ve been able to chat with him like this?

“So...” you mumble, pulling your knees up to your chest as you study him. “How have you been?”

“Alright,” he answers quietly, still not looking at you. “I hope your travels treated you well.”

“They did, thank you,” you reply, frowning. This is so...foreign for you – being so distant from him. It’s not right.

After a few moments, you settle your hand atop his, gently tracing his knuckles. The gesture prompts him to finally glance at you. His dark, chocolate eyes simply stare at you, his expression hinting at the overwhelming emotion he’s hiding.

With that thought in mind, you shift so that you’re facing him fully, a newfound determination coursing through you as you keep a hold on his hand. “Garmadon, I want...I need you to understand that what happened...” you trail off, trying to find the best way to phrase how you’re feeling.

You suck in a deep breath, deciding just to go for it. “It was scary. I did get hurt, and so did the others. But I know you weren’t the one hurting me. I know in my heart that you would never do something like that because I have had the honor of fighting alongside you for...” you pause, huffing a humorless laugh as you think. “How long has it been? Almost a year now? And we’ve been together just under that. I know you. I know that you’ve been fighting this for nearly your entire life, and to see that you’ve gone through this and still haven’t fallen to it? That is incredible, Garmadon.”

He’s still silent, but you think you’re gradually beginning to get through to him. “My point is...we will work through this. Together. One of the things I realized on my trip is that I don’t just want to be with you. I want to grow with you. I want us to sharpen each other, to become stronger as a team, and I want to...”

You stop, not realizing how emotional you were while speaking. You blink a few times, feeling a few teardrops sliding out. A shaky breath escapes you as you feel Garmadon’s hands coming to wipe your tears away, fingers slipping underneath your chin as he tilts your head up.

“I want all of that too,” he mumbles, voice soft as he gazes at you. It’s then you realize that he’s crying too.

You’ve never seen him cry before.

“But I’m scared,” he adds. “I’m terrified that I’m going to lose control again and hurt you. Or my brother. You two are the most beloved people in my life, and I don’t want either of you to live in fear of me. And I don’t want you to be held back or weighed down because of me, either. Because I saw the way the others were acting after...” he trails off, shaking his head as he removes his hands from your face.

“I don’t feel that way,” you note. “In fact, while I was away...it made me realize that I want us to become stronger together. So...let’s sharpen each other. Let’s become more resilient. Let’s live our life the way we want. We’ll figure it out as we go.”

It’s then you’re reminded of the gift Mystake gave you, so take a moment to pull it out of your cast-aside bag. Garmadon stares at you questioningly at you open the box, pulling out the necklaces.

“Mystake gave these to me,” you explain, taking the cords of the article between your fingers before gently looping it around his neck. “Doesn’t that metal feel familiar to you?”

“It’s the golden metal,” he notes softly, taking it between his fingers as it stares at it for a few seconds. “Where did you...?”

“Mystake gave them to me,” you say again, smiling as you slip yours over your head as well. “They’re for protection. She said that they’re enchanted with a special spell to help protect us.”

“I can feel its power,” he notes, studying the metal. “It...it’s comforting...”

“She said that it might help,” you note, situating your necklace so that it rests over your sternum. The metal hums against your skin, warming it slightly. “I hope it does.”

The two of you are silent for a few seconds before you take his hand in yours, prompting him to return his gaze to you as you squeeze his hand.

“I know things are going to be different,” you state softly. “But we’ll work through it. Together. Against the darkness. We won’t let it separate us. I promise you, Garmadon, we will find a way to make things work. I am not going to leave you to fight this alone.”

Garmadon remains silent for a moment, the two of you simply studying each other. You get the feeling that you’re through to him, but he’s still worried.

“Tell me exactly what it is that scares you,” you state.

And he does. He spills every single concern that he has – about potentially hurting you or Wu, about how his relationships have suffered, about how he suspects he might lose control of his magic. And more. You have no idea how long the two of you stay there, simply trying to work through both of your concerns. Ideas are proposed. Worries are discussed. Compromises are reached. Through it all, you find yourself feeling more and more hopeful that things will work out.

By the time the two of you finish talking, nighttime falls over the monastery. You find yourself tired but feeling optimistic and relieved now that you’ve finally had a chance to talk things through with him. The two of you head inside for the night, eventually stopping outside of your room.

“Garmadon,” you question sleepily, stopping outside of your room.

“Yes?” he answers, turning to face you.

You remain silent for a moment before you lay your head on his chest, sneaking your arms around his neck. His eyes soften as the two of you study each other.

His dark eyes relax as you smile smally at him before coming up to catch him in a sweet, needed kiss. You feel him relaxing against you as his hands circle your waist, pulling you closer.

“I missed you,” you mumble, resting your head on his shoulder.

“I missed you too,” he replies.

…

It wasn’t all easy, but things got better after that.

You and Garmadon began talking again, gradually getting back into the flow of life together. Wu was involved too, the three of you deciding to proceed with your training together, as a team.

The days were long – filled with seemingly endless sparring, countless submissions, and learned lessons. You even learned how to do Spinjitzu over the course of the months! Even with the intensity of your training kicking up, you began to feel stronger than ever. It’s almost like you became more in tune with your magic. Perhaps something had been blocking that communication prior?

Either way, you find yourself lounging around in the training yard a few months later, listening to Garmadon argue with Ray about something.

Speaking of the fire elemental, he had come up to visit for a few days. Maya was back at their blacksmith shop, tending to their baby boy with the help of the villagers while Ray went to gather some uncommon metal they needed for a special order.

You sigh, tired of hearing them banter. “Hey, Ray. Tell Maya that I’m sorry I haven’t visited yet. I promise I’ll get there!”

“Not a problem,” Ray comments. “She’ll understand.”

“How’s little Kai doing?” you wonder, sneaking your hand into Garmadon’s. At this point, you had only seen pictures, but you desperately want to visit Maya and meet the newest addition to their family.

“He’s doing just fine. Already got a little bit of attitude, honestly,” Ray admits with a chuckle. “I love the kid to death, though. It’s also kind of scary, though. I never realized I could love something as much as I love him.”

“I bet it’s scary,” you reply as Garmadon squeezes your hand. You’re not sure why, but he’s been a little...distant today. Hopefully everything’s okay? Wu hadn’t seen anything concerning in his smoke visions, though.

“Oh, why don’t we spar before I go?” Ray proposes, perking up at his own idea. “I’ve been so pent up in the shop, I feel like I could use the refresher.”

“That sounds like fun,” Wu notes. “Here, Ray, you’re with me. And since we just studied a new form of knife defense, we will use wooden training knives too.”

Wu tosses one over to you, and you catch it with ease. You grin wickedly, taking a moment to stretch as you and Garmadon step to the other side of courtyard. Once you’re done, you wait for Garmadon to ready himself, studying his expression. It remains blank, making you wonder what’s up with him.

It’s then he turns toward you. A smirk lines your lips as you stare Garmadon down, the two of you circling each other in the training yard. Garmadon has his eyes locked on your figure, both studying each other, seeing who will dare to make the first move.   

“What’s the matter? Scared?” you taunt, walking slowly in that ever-turning circle, each step raising the tension.  

“Yes,” he admits with no hesitation. “I feel like you would find a way to gut me even with it being blunt.”  

You giggle, hand clutching the blunt, wooden training knife that was the subject of today’s training. You twirl it between your fingers, watching him. “I could.”  

“Too bad for you. I’ve got a new move up my sleeve.”  

“Oh, do you now?”  you challenge, intrigued.

“You’ll never see it coming.”  

“I doubt that.”  

He smirks – almost like he knows he’s right on this one despite the two of you having sparred countless times before. Every time he’d said that previously, you’d felt where his “new move” came in because you knew and understood his fighting style by heart considering how long the two of you had been sparring.  

Patience finally snapping, you approach him. Not in a sprint, but with a determined pace. He immediately grabs your knife-bearing hand. Knowing that this would happen, you quickly switch the knife so that it’s in your free hand. You drop all of your weight, falling in an attempt to get him unbalanced. To your surprise, it works, causing him to roll forward. His back is exposed momentarily. Now’s your chance!  

You jump on his back, immediately planting your heels into his hips and slipping your arms around his neck, making mock stabbing motions into his collarbones. You make stupid sound effects too, eyes widening when he catches your wrist, though – that grip is all too familiar. You squeal as he holds onto your wrist as he stands, tossing you over his shoulders and stealing your knife. 

You land on the ground hard, breaking your fall as best you can. Still, you’re a little stunned, and lay there for a moment before snapping out of the haze and getting up. Then...something dawns on you.  

Something feels off, though. Garmadon definitely would have tried taking advantage of that fall to gain the upper hand. It’s weird that he didn’t. You glance around, realizing that he’s created more distance.  

This must be his new move, you think, readying yourself as you back away. He grins, leaping into a forward roll, but stopping once he’s upright. You relax slightly, a bit confused at what he’s doing. 

Now on a knee, you notice that he’s hiding the knife behind his back. Why bother hiding it? It must be some kind of trick. He could have it under his gi sleeve, or inside, or -  

You frown, observing his movements as he gradually brings his arm out from behind his back, revealing...  

...a...box...?  

“What?” you mumble, still slightly weary. That’s when the realization occurs to you, causing your eyes to widen as you raise your hands to cover your mouth.  

Garmadon says your name, opening the box to reveal half of a yin-yang medallion resting inside. You’re frozen for a moment before your brain can even begin to process what’s happening.  

“My love...through my darkest days you have remained by my side, never failing to support me even at your own risk. While I do not intend to let go so soon, I also recognize the fact that things will not always be this way and that there is always the chance I will succumb. That made me realize...when that day comes, will I be happy with the life I chose to lead?” He pauses, his eyes slightly watery (like yours). “And...that made me realize there was but one thing I wanted to change.”  

Garmadon says your name slowly. “Will you be my yang?”  

You’re unable to contain yourself any longer as you launch yourself towards him, forgetting that he’s on a knee. He barely has time to react, catching you but not able to brace himself as you crash against him, taking the both of you to the ground.  

You don’t care, though. You waste no more time as you press a hard kiss to his lips. You feel him chuckling against you as he encircles his arms around your waist.  

“I think that’s a yes,” you hear Ray yelling sarcastically. You break away with a giggle.  

“Really?” Garmadon answers, gazing at you with a soft smile.  

You nod, the two of you sitting up. Garmadon holds the box out, allowing you to take the medallion in your hands.  

“Oh my stars...” you mumble, clutching it to your chest. “I can’t believe it!”  

Garmadon chuckles softly as he buries his face in your neck, arms tightening around your waist. “I can’t either.”

You press your cheek against his head, closing your eyes as you inhale your scent, trying not to cry as you laugh. You can’t believe it. You’re really going to have a shot at starting a life with Garmadon. Nothing is out of reach now. Things might not be perfect, but a chance is all you could ever ask for.

𝚊/𝚗: 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚊𝚕𝚕, 𝚒 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚜𝚔𝚜/𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚒𝚌. 𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢, 𝚒 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚍𝚘 𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚒 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚌𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚙𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚞𝚙𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚜. 𝚜𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢. 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚖𝚘𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚜 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚞𝚎! 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚋𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚙𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘𝚘. 𝚒 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚖𝚢 𝚞𝚙𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛.

𝚊𝚕𝚜𝚘, 𝚒 𝚌𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚏 𝚒 𝚖𝚊𝚍𝚎 𝚊 𝚝𝚊𝚐𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚒𝚌. 𝚋𝚞𝚝, 𝚒𝚏 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚝𝚊𝚐𝚐𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚏𝚞𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝚞𝚙𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚜, 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚖𝚎 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠!

𝚕𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐: 𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚓𝚊𝚐𝚘 𝚡 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚛𝚎𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚗 𝚟𝚒𝚊 𝚖𝚢 𝚊𝚜𝚔𝚋𝚘𝚡; 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚗𝚏𝚘!

#ninjagoxreader #ninjago x reader #garmadonxreader #garmadon x reader #lord garmadon x reader #reader insert #series

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zensations35 · 1 year

Text

Viral Paradox (TVA Loki Part 4)

Alright! Here's part 4! Find part 1, part 2, and part 3 if you want to catch up. Things you'll find in this chapter:

-Heavy caretaking by Bruce, Maria, and Loki

-more Loki/Thor softness

-Tony being a sarcastic sickie

-references to the Loki novel

-emotional Steve whump -Loki singing~

Part 4:

Friday:

Loki’s head cracks against the solid floor, wind gusting from his lungs as he skids on his back. He blinks stars from his vision and lifts his head.

At first he is convinced the last 24 hours were a dream--he never left Stark’s party. Guests mill about, music trickles through invisible speakers, the tinkle of glasses, bursts of laughter all collide together.

Friday. He’s been sent back to Friday.

Loki pushes himself up and winces. He’s sore and the gash on his cheek trickles blood. He brushes magic across it, stemming the flow.

He slides into a nook away from roaming eyes and palms the tempad. His fingers hover over the button when he hears the thunder of his brother’s laugh.

He freezes, the memory of this night electric in his mind. The shooting star. Thor coming to his defense.

Oh. OH. Well then.

Loki replaces the tempad and follows the sound of Thor’s voice. He keeps to the shadows, preying on opportunities. He watches for Thor, ignoring the pulsing in his temple.

There he is, golden hair haloing his head, jaw so square it could mark blueprints, his expression in that gray area of sarcastic and goofy. He is mingling with Stark and having a competition about who’s girlfriend is better. Figures. Thor has to win at everything.

The group fizzles and Thor is left alone to mosey. He wanders toward the window, muttering about his lover, peering out as if searching for her.

He’s alone and no one is nearby. It’s now or never.

Loki glides up behind him and drums his fingers across Thor’s shoulder.

Thor turns and shock lights his eyes like a lantern. His jaw moves but Loki laces fingers across his mouth. He presses a free finger to his own lips. “Shhh…”

Thor wrenches away, grasping Loki’s wrist and snarling. “What the Hel--”

“Did you miss me?” Loki croons.

Thor’s eyes gleam. “I should have known,” he releases Loki. “You were always good at slithering out of trouble.”

“You have no idea.”

“Are you here for the scepter?” Thor flexes, “You will not get it.”

“Oddly,” Loki smirks, “That question has multiple answers.” He tamps down a wave of dizziness, squeezing his eyes shut and drinking in a breath as if through a straw.

Thor’s lips rub together. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Likely everything,” Loki quips.

“I am in no mood for games.”

“Are you ever?”

Thor fists Loki’s shirt and pulls him close, “I will not allow you to harm these people, Loki.”

Loki sputters his lips, bursting with a maniacal giggle. I was just in this situation!

He disentangles himself from Thor’s grasp and ducks away. Thank the Stars it’s dark. Thor hasn’t noticed his injuries.

“You and your associates certainly like to manhandle me.”

“They know you’re here?”

“Only Stark. At least for now. They will all find out soon.”

“What are you scheming?”

“Truly?” Loki brushes his hair back, “Not a damn thing.”

A light flashes outside the window, illuminating the two of them. Loki leans away, but Thor’s eyes are already widening, taking in the bruise purpling under his eye, the gash across his jaw, the state of his disheveled, grimy clothes.

“What--” Thor’s words are mere breath. He flows toward Loki, “in the Nine Realms,” his palm cups Loki’s chin, “happened to you?!” he jerks Loki’s head to the side, inspecting the damage.

Loki wrenches away, batting Thor’s hand. “Nothing to concern yourself over,” he snaps.

“Loki…those injuries…” Thor’s muscles are tight, his eyes livid. “How did you…”

“You’ll find out soon. Tonight, the Avengers will learn I am here, and they will attempt to attack me. I need you to convince them to stay their hands.”

Thor’s jaw clenches, eyes glassy.

“Stark is going to punch the bartender. All will be explained once this happens. But I…” Loki blinks, jaw hinged open with the tail end of the word, morphing into a groan of an inhale. “Hhht--” his knuckles creep toward his nose, “Hdt-ZZSH!” His fingers close around his mouth, “NgSH!”

“Are you ill?” Thor’s voice climbs higher.

Loki scrubs his nose, “Of course, you damn fool. I--HiESZZH!” he stutters forward and Thor wings out an arm to steady him.

Hm. Suppose Loki does get him sick after all…

“Hey, Point Break!”

Thor releases Loki who instinctively melds into the shadows.

Tony thumbs the sitting area, “Come on. It’s VIP hour,” he calls, and, in typical Tony fashion, walks away without waiting for an answer.

Thor turns back toward Loki but the trickster is gone.

Future (TVA)

Loki never thought he’d be happy about a runt of a room within such a massive building. It isn’t even an important room! But when he steps through the portal and the tepid air hits his skin, relief ripples his face and he throws himself into the chair at his desk.

He scrubs a palm over his face and empties his lungs, leaning his head back against the pressure drumming in his head.His face feels thick and cloudy, movement is starting to grow sluggish. He presses his palms to his eyes and moans.

Footsteps tap toward him and he straightens. Mobius stands at the doorway.

Loki’s palm flies up, “Stop.”

Mobius freezes midstep. “What--”

Loki pulls the palm to his face and presses his nose into it. “H-h-Hegssxt!”

“Ah. Caught it, huh?”

Loki massages his forehead. “Obviously,” his voice cracks as it edges into a hitch, “Hhh--ih-EXSZZHH! ISZZHH-iehh!”

“Damn, you’ve got it bad.”

Loki thunks his forehead onto the desk and groans dramatically.

“Are you going to be able to go back?”

“Ng…do I have a choice?”

“I mean, we are time travelers. You could get well and then pop back.”

Loki flaps a hand in the air. “I’ll just get sick again--and that will come with more risks. Best to get it…ehhh…heih..HGXSST! *sndf* Get it done now.” He didn’t move when he sneezed and the desk is now dewy with mist.

Mobius tsks, “Now you’re gonna have to disinfect that.”

“I’ll get to it later.”

Mobius bobs forward, then stops himself again. He rocks back and forth on the balls of his feet, as if itching to inch inside. “If…if you need anything…”

“I’ll be fine,” Loki lifts his head and coughs, the sound raking through his chest. His hair tangles in his face, and it tugs Mobius like a magnet. Loki’s always making sure his hair never covers his magnificent face.

Loki heaves himself out of the chair. “I have to take the antidotes to the Avengers.”

“They all have it?”

“Most of them.”

“Do you have enough for everyone?”

“Hopefully,” Loki measures six vials total. He mentally tallies it out. Stark, Rogers, Banner, Romanoff, Thor, and himself. Yes, that should do it.

He secures the vials in a pouch and preps the tempad.

“Loki,” Mobius calls, “You could rest first.” He juts his chin toward the bedroom. “Take a nap. Then go.”

A smile ghosts Loki’s lips, “Worried after my health, Mobius?”

“I just don’t look forward to doing the paperwork if you bite it in the past.”

“Yes, well, the longer I wait, the worse I’ll get. And I can’t take a dose myself until I’m certain no one else needs it.”

“That’s big of you.”

Loki shrugs, “I also hate paperwork.” He straightens his tie and steps back in time.

Sunday

It’s early when Loki arrives. He makes a beeline for the kitchen to mix one of the antidotes into a beverage. He finds tiny boxes of packaged tea. How very human.

Once the drink is prepared, Loki seeks out Stark. He will need the antidote most.

Tony isn’t difficult to find--Loki needs only to follow the sounds of coughing and complaining. He’s in a bedroom and while the door is ajar, Loki isn’t sure how to approach. He taps knuckles to the wood.

“Stark?” he calls.

The door swings open with Bruce standing on the other side. “Loki, where have you been?”

“Ahm, shopping,” Loki says. He steps inside and sees Tony propped up in what is clearly an uncomfortable position to improve cough and drainage. And it doesn’t seem to be helping. Coughs keep ripping from his chest, each one leaving him more raw and brittle than before.

Loki passes the mug of tea to him, granting him a quizzical look.

“Loki is giving me tea,” Tony squints at him. “Is it spiked?”

Loki forces his face to remain smooth.

Tony sniffs it. “I don’t know how good of an idea it is to accept anything from you. But you bartended my party and nobody died.”

Loki sighs dramatically, swaying his shoulders. “Drink it or don’t, Stark. I care not,” he lies.

It works. Tony brings it to his lips and drinks. “Mm? What kind of tea is this?”

“It is of Asgard. It will…soothe you.”

“Think I need soothing, then?”

“You…hhh--” Loki smushes his nose into his palm, pulling himself away from Tony, “HXssszzh!” his lids flutter and he shakes his head with a sniffle.

“You don’t look so hot yourself, dust bunny.”

Loki frowns. “You’re one to talk. Shall I grab your walker?”

Bruce jumps in. “Wait, now Loki is getting this too?”

“Like that, wouldn’t you? Me, catching a human illness.”

Now they’re both looking at him suspiciously. Tony breaks first, body jarring forward as coughs clang around in his throat, each one shaking the mug of tea. It sloshes over the rim and Loki jerks forward.

“Don’t spill that!”

“Relax,” Tony wheezes, “it’s just a…hhhh…” his knuckles whiten around the mug, “Hdt’SHHH-gh!” another slosh causes Loki to glare at him. Tony tries to sniffle but his nose is too blocked. “Fine, I’ll just chug it.” He tips the drink into his mouth, gasping before he’s done.

“Loki,” Bruce tugs his arm, pulling him to the side. “Do you mind if I take some samples from you?”

“What? Are you insane?”

“Calm down, it’d just be blood.”

“Hah, no. I think not.”

Bruce narrows his eyes. “I just want to figure out--”

Loki silences him with a hand, “You are not getting the blood of a god. You cannot handle it. I do not trust you with it. End of conversation.”

Bruce and Tony share a look, Tony mouthing ‘Wooooow’.

Loki rolls his eyes and points at Tony. “Finish your tea.”

“Yes, Mommy.”

“Eugh,” Loki saunters away, attempting to hunt more of them down. Where is everyone? Shouldn’t a place this vast and mazelike hav a map of some sort?

It turns out to be a simple matter of following the voices of women arguing to find his next target. The door is completely shut this time, so Loki gives the wood a severe knock.

“Romanoff?”

The door clips open and Maria Hill peers out with one accusatory eye in the crack.

“Fuck off, Loki.”

“I’m not here for mischief.”

Nat rumbles something behind her. It’s impossible to make out, her throat coarse as if she were gargling sandpaper.

Maria hurries to her side. Through the door crack, Loki can barely see them. Maria grabs a washcloth from a bowl and wrings it out before holding it to Natasha’s face.

The Widow smacks her arm away. “I can handle it. HHeeehSHhh--!”

“You know, Nat, accepting help doesn’t make you weak. You let Barton help you all the time,” a tinge of jealousy pricks her words.

“That’s different. We’re combat partners. I’d never ask him to tuck me in bed.” Her throat barks with a chorus of coughs, ending in a bristly, “HiYehh-KSSHH’IT-eu!”

“You’re not going to fight or sneak your way out of this cold. Let me help.”

Natasha glowers but she lays back and lets Maria spread the cloth over her eyes and sinuses before returning to Loki.

Her face is a swathe of rage and worry. “Look, I don’t care what you’re here for. You need to leave.”

Loki holds up the fizzy vial, “Have her drink this.”

Maria squints in suspicion. “What is it?”

“It will help.”

“Yeah, right.”

“Very well,” Loki twirls the vial between two fingers.”Suffer well, then.”

A chorus of expulsions mangle Nat’s throat, leaving her gasping and panting. Maria pales, eyes skipping from her to the vial.

“It will really help?”

Loki presses a hand to his heart, “I swear on my godhood.”

“Pfff, yeah, ok.” She frowns, “Will it make her sleepy?”

“Sleepy?”

“Yeah. She won’t rest. Will this make her lay the fuck down?”

Loki’s fingers spark to life and he taps the vial, magic shivering into the liquid. “It will now.”

Maria blinks, as if she isn’t sure whether that makes it better or worse. “Uh, thanks…I guess…”

Loki is already leaving. He trusts Hill will do what must be done. She may not trust Loki, but love is a powerful motivator.

Now he needs to find Rogers. The Captain was hit swiftly, and his illness has progressed so vigorously, Loki can practically sense it hovering at his door.

He pauses before entering, stretching his shoulder, working his sore muscles back to life. Rest will come for him soon. Once this is taken care of, he can rest until worlds end.

Loki tucks the next vial into his inner coat pocket and grabs the handle. He eases the door open. It’s almost pitch black inside. Loki flicks his fingers and several small buds of green light allow him sight.

Steve is splayed out on the bed, white sweat-soaked sheets tangled around his sculpted body. He’s shirtless, skin shiny, the sheets nearly transparent like a sandwich wrapper. He’s face down on a pillow, arm slung out, breaths shallow and thick.

“Rogers,” Loki murmurs.

Steve groans, twisting the sheets as he rolls over. His eyes are glazed with fever, his skin pink and hot. He looks gaunt, shoulders shaking as he squints wearily at Loki.

Steve drinks in a liquid sniff, throat tight and whiny. “Bucky?”

Loki’s brow pinches, “Ahm…”

Steve’s arm flies out, fingers coiling into Loki’s shirt. He tugs, Loki feels the inhuman strength of his pull, “B-Buck,” he coughs, “I had…this dream…”

Loki isn’t quite sure what to do. Stars, this guy got hit with a truck by the virus. He tries to pry Steve’s fingers open but when he hears the sobs, he stills.

“I’m so sorry,” Steven whimpers, breaths coming sharp and fast. “I’m so--hnn--sorry…”

Loki feels a pull in his chest. He recognizes the emotion in those words. He eases himself onto the mattress. “Shhh…” he croons, “It will be alright, Rogers,” he murmurs, “You must drink this.” He uncorks the vial and brings it to Steve’s parched lips.

The second the liquid touches his tongue, Steve’s eyes fly open. He thrashes, caught in a flashback. He knocks the vial from Loki’s hand and it shatters onto the floor.

“F--!” Loki bites off the curse as he leaps up to avoid becoming Steve’s next target. The Captain calms down and folds himself into a crooked crescent moon.

Loki sighs. Well, so much for the easy way. He flicks his wrist, summoning the spilled liquid from the floor and arcing it toward Steve.

“I apologize for this,” he whispers as he takes Steve’s jaw and squeezes his lips apart. He manipulates the antidote down his throat, taking caution so he doesn’t choke. The instant it’s done, Loki careens backwards as Steve sputters, expecting another dazed attack.

But Steve merely coughs, pressing his nose deep into his pillow. His shoulders thicken with a deep inhale, “Hrshh-eh! Hmf-SHH-eh!”

Loki backpedals toward the door, toes sliding across the wood. Mission accomplished. Now, escape before--

“Buck…”

I could still leave. Just keep going--out the door and--

“Please…” Steve snuffles, arm crawling about the bed, searching.

Damn. It really sucks, this empathy thing.

Loki seats himself back on the mattress. “I’m here.”

“S-sing to me,” Steve begs.

Loki makes a surprised noise in his throat. How is this man so soft? After the hells he’s experienced, what shield protects his heart?

“Please, Buck? Like you used to..”

“Oh, ahm,” Loki twists his lips, thinking. “Alright…”

Tra le onde dell’oceano

Richiami al tuo se svelato

Oltre il cielo puro e limpido

Riveli il tuono in me

In un eco di tempesta il tuo

Intenso divenire

La mia fonte di tormento

Passione vera lo ti trovero

Loki sings verse after verse, each word making Steve sink into sleep. Once the Captain is snoring, at least half an hour later, Loki stands.

He manages to slip out and close the door without waking Steve. Thank the Stars because he “Hhh,” needs to, S-”hhh--” neeze.

He grabs the collar of his shirt and jerks it up like a shield, aiming his nose down into it, “Hgx’TSZZ!”

Someone pats his back, muttering a quick, “Bless you” as they pass down the hall.

“Thank--” Loki turns to see empty air where the passerby was. He doesn’t have long to be confused as Pepper Potts turns the corner and marches up to him. Her face is drawn, ponytail swinging behind her.

“Miss Potts, I must thank you for--”

“Did you give Tony the antidote?”

Loki’s face flickers, dumbstruck. “Excuse me?”

“The antidote, Loki. Tony’s sick. Did you give it to him?”

“How do you know about…”

Pepper touches fingers to her lips. “Oh, uhm…” her features trickle into uncertainty and she takes a step backwards. “Nevermind. Sorry.” She pivots away but Loki grabs her arm.

“Potts, what--”

“Loki!” Thor’s voice calls from the other side of the hall. Pepper uses the opportunity to slip from Loki’s grasp and scurry away.

Loki calls out after her but his brother is swiftly approaching. His blue eyes fixate on Loki’s cheek and he nods. “I suppose we have caught up to each other, no?”

“Ah, yes,” Loki brushes the gash with his thumb, “The party. Apologies for that. But I have something for you.” He reaches into his pocket, hunting the pouch.

But his fingers find only the cloth of his pocket.

“No…” Loki plunges his hand into every sleeve on his person. “No, no, no no.”

They’re gone. Where--

“Loki…”

Loki turns his head up, lips pinched in annoyance. “Yes?”

“Where have you been? I feared…”

The crackle of a voice turns all attention to the speakers. Banner announces he needs to speak with anyone able to gather in the common room.

Thor frowns at him. “Why do I have a feeling this involves you, brother?”

Because it very likely does.

In the common room, Maria, Barton, Thor, even Stark, who is improving nicely, are all standing there, milling about as Banner gives his presentation. Rogers and Romanoff must not have recovered enough yet.

“I have information I need to share,” Bruce says. “I’ve been experimenting with this virus. I started because I thought it was strange for it to affect Steve. To affect me.”

Heads turn, everyone thinking similarly--Banner is ill?

Loki attempts to slink away but Thor grabs him by the neck of his collar. “Did you have something to do with this?”

Loki bites his lip, but Bruce continues talking.

“Something seemed wrong with this, and after I noticed that Loki was sick too, I ran some tests with DNA from myself, Steve, Tony, and Thor.”

Loki curses under his breath. Damn Thor. Why would he offer up Asgardian blood so easily?

“The virus is from Asgard.”

Collective intakes of air, a few swears, and all eyes zoom to Thor and Loki.

“I knew not of this,” Thor says. “Loki fell ill after Stark. I assumed…”

“Maybe he traveled into the past and gave it to us.”

Loki sputters, “Impossible. I wasn’t in this timeline until last Thursday. That’s when I first saw Stark, and he was already ill with the virus. I had to drain my powers just to prevent it from spreading through your party.”

Bruce needles him with a look. “So you knew what this was? The whole time?”

They’re all staring at him. Their gazes are white hot, making his neck flush. Loki opens his mouth to explain but all that comes out is a hiss of air. “Hhh-TSZZH! EXgSHT!” They erupt out of him, misting the palm he clamped over his mouth.

“Well said, dust bunny.”

Thor strides forward. “Did you truly know? That we were infecting humans?”

“We got it from them!” Loki spits.

“Are we sure it was him?”

“Who else would it have been?”

“They’re both Asgardian.”

“Loki knew though!”

They all pin eyes on him again. Loki opens his arms, “Look, yes, I did know. But I’ve been administering an antidote to you all. So, really, you should be thanking me--”

“Hah! Classic,” Barton sneers.

Thor’s eyes crimp, “It is not so simple, Loki. These people trusted you.”

“And I did good by them! I saved their lives!” Loki steps toward Tony, desperation clawing his hands. “Stark, tell them--tell them I mean well.”

Tony peers at Loki, his hollow cheeks twitching, gears grinding in his mind. He flicks his gaze toward the group, then back to Loki. He leans into him, breath warming Loki’s ear.

“Is this it?”

Loki jerks back, brow creased. “Is this what?”

Tony’s lips thin. He looks down, fingers brushing something unseen in his jacket. He looks back at Loki, a steely look in his eyes. He claps Loki on the shoulder and nods. “Good luck, dust bunny.”

Loki goldfishes, “Wait, what?”

Tony strides away, Pepper following him. Loki spins his gaze, hoping someone will defend him this time.

No one does.

Bruce shakes his head. “Loki. You should leave.”

“You’re serious?”

A round of nods.

“Don’t send me away. I need to be here to protect the scepter. To protect…”...you!

Barton scoffs. “I think we can handle it ourselves.”

Flames burn in Loki’s gut. Anger is so much easier than despair. “Very well,” he snaps, slamming the buttons on the tempad. “I will leave you to your deaths.”

Barton waves a sarcastic goodbye. And that’s that.

#lo/ki #snz #snz fic #illness #whump #caretaking #hurt/comfort #mcu loki #av/engers #nat/maria #snzfic #angst #for those of you who have stuck with this #thank you so much #I know it's a lot of plot #but I really don't know any other way to write fics #I love me a soft Loki too

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