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Acronix has been acting quite strangely for the past few days. He was unusually quiet, distant and even seemed a little depressed. But as soon as Krux asked him about it, he waved it off and claimed that everything was fine.
Krux was sure his brother was lying. But why? What was he hiding from him?
He didn't behave any differently today either. He shuffled around like a zombie, as if the whole world was weighing on his shoulders. Krux sighed. This has to stop, he would have to talk to him.
Krux stood in front of Acronix's door and knocked. "Can I come in?"
“Sure,” was the quiet answer. He entered and spotted Acronix sitting on the bed. Krux could clearly sense that something was wrong.
Acronix looked at him questioningly as his brother sat down next to him. "Whats wrong with you?" He got straight to the point. His twin blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?" Krux sighed again. "Don't play dumb. You know exactly what I mean."
Acronix tugged at the sleeve of his sweatshirt, avoiding his gaze. "You're acting completely different than usual," he continued. "So...cheerless. Why?"
As his little brother didn't answer, he continued to ask: "You're not sick, are you?" He shook his head. "Any sign of pain?" Another headshake. "Acronix, talk to me," Krux asked gently. "I'm starting to worry about you."
Acronix pressed his knees to his chest. "I don't wanna talk about it..." The elder frowned. "Why not?" He hesitated. "You'd think it's silly." Krux's eyes widened. "Why should i?" He shrugged his shoulders.
Krux suppressed an annoyed groan. This conversation was tough. Acronix could sometimes be as stubborn as himself. It was difficult to get a proper word out of him. But he had to remain patient. He wanted to help him because he couldn't bear this sight any longer.
“You know you can talk to me about anything,” Krux tried again. He smiled warmly. "Twins aren't supposed to keep secrets from each other, hm?" Acronix looked at him. He shifted unsteadily and took a deep breath. "Lately...I'm not sleeping well."
As tired and pale as his brother looked, he had almost suspected that. Otherwise he was rather hyper and could hardly sit still. But now he seemed weak and just lounged around in his bed.
“Why is that?” Krux wanted to know. Acronix hesitated again. "I...I have nightmares." The elder raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Nightmares?" The younger one hunched his shoulders. He could tell, that he didn't like talking about it.
"It's usually the same one," he began tentatively. "It's the day from forty years ago, when we traveled through the time vortex and..." he swallowed, "...I keep seeing that terrible moment in in front of me as you...are torn from my hand and...fall into the depths."
Krux shuddered slightly as this scene played in his head. He could remember every single detail as if it were just yesterday. He actually vowed never to think about it again and had hidden it in the deepest, darkest hole in his brain.
Apparently Acronix hadn't processed that day yet, which wasn't surprising. It wasn't as long ago for him as it was for Krux.
"It was my fault, wasn't it...?" his twin whispered, so quietly, that he could barely hear him. "What do you mean?" he asked confused. "It was my fault you didn't make it through the time travel," Acronix said bitterly. "If only I had held your hand tighter, none of this would have happened."
Krux frowned in concern and gently touched his shoulder. "Don't say things like that. It's not your fault." The younger looked at him sadly. "You're just say that..."
"No, I'm not just saying that. I mean it!" His voice became serious. "It's Garmadon and Wu's fault, don't forget that."
Acronix looked away again and took a shaky breath.
“Does that bother you that much?” Krux wanted to know. His brother nodded silently.
"Why didn't you tell me this sooner?"
"I thought it wasn't that important," Acronix replied with a shrug. "And I didn't want to get on your nerves with that." The older man blinked in surprise. "Acronix, your problems are also my problems. You shouldn't keep something like that a secret from me."
"I know..." he murmured. "Sorry." He could see that he was fighting back tears.
Krux wrapped an arm around him and pulled him closer. "When did the nightmares start?"
Acronix rested his head on Krux's shoulder and thought for a moment. "I think about a week ago." He sighed heavily. "But actually, I've been feeling like shit for a while now. Ever since I came back to Ninjago."
Krux raised an eyebrow. "In what way?"
"I...I'm exhausted, confused...and just plain tired." Acronix looked up. "Don't get me wrong, I love this modern world!" There was that sparkle in his golden eyes again that always appeared when he was excited. "It's just...I'm feeling a little overwhelmed."
Krux could understand that. After all, this was all new to Acronix. This journey through time must have been tiring for him. Then there was the fight against Wu and the ninja - Acronix had to be completely shattered.
Suddenly Krux felt guilty. Why hadn't he noticed that earlier? He was so fixated on the plan to reclaim the time blades, that he hadn't even noticed how badly his brother was feeling.
"I'm sorry," Krux said sincerely. "I should have been there for you." Acronix stared at him in surprise. "You don't have to apologize! It's not your fault. I probably should have just told you earlier. But..." He trailed off and shrugged.
Krux sighed softly. "I can understand that it is not easy to talk about your problems. But you should know that you can tell me anything and that I will always listen to you."
Acronix smiled softly. "Thanks, bro. That means a lot to me." Krux patted his head. "No more secrets, okay?"
"Okaaaay...I promise."
The elder nodded contentedly. "Are you feeling better now?" His brother hesitated. "Well...a little bit...I think." Krux blinked thoughtfully. A little bit wasn't enough for him. He sighed and stood up. "Come."
Acronix looked at him confused. "If you sit in your room all the time, you won't get any better," Krux said. "You have to go outside." He grabbed his hand and pulled him up.
Acronix grumbled. "Do i have to...?" Krux grinned slyly. "Absolutely. Fresh air will do you good." With a sigh, the younger one gave in and followed him. "Fine..."