Archive of Our Own

Nostalgic.

That was the only way to describe it. A quiet buzz within the room while the smell of incenses dancing from corner to corner. It was an earthy smell, one that was familiar—seeing as it was the most preferred between the two brothers. Hands calmly sat in laps, lotus positions from across one another with lowered heads. The smallest sounds of breathing could be heard from another—the other being the barely audible echo of the wind whistling outside. The Monastery was silent, a rarity nowadays. A group of young heros rushing in and out of the building caused quite a ruckus, believe it or not. In a way, it was almost calming; the way loud sounds of banter bounced down the hallways, followed by a scream of freight as a prank was once again pulled—it reminded the man of an older time. Garmadon hummed, fingers clasped within another; peaking one eye open at his brother, Wu, who sat still as could be. How long had it been? How long had it been since they’ve just been together, no fighting, no threat on the world, but just them. Two brothers, polar opposites, enjoying one another’s company.

The Oni had been destroyed, and with such victory—something had clicked within the other’s whisked and churned mind. It was like watching through a cage, forever stuck in the back of his own head as the only part of him alive was the very one he feared. Watching with horror what that thing—for Garmadon could never own that part of himself—did to the city, to Wu, to the Ninja, and to his son. No, no, he couldn’t bare the thought of it. Which, is why, after such a defeat..realization seemed to dawn past the curtains of his own eyes. Finally, had an ounce of control reached through the bars as he desperately grabbed onto it; nearly, had it slipped away from his fingertips. With a plea to his brother, he remembers distantly a hot pain shooting throughout him. The next thing Garmadon could recall, was waking up with his hands over his chest—two hands, not four, as he was covered in a papery sheet. An IV stuck through his arm, the regular tone of his arm—no white markings in sight.

Human. He was human now. Thanks too some strange ritual, one that he would forever be in debt to Wu for.

How long had it been since he was truly, human?

The first few weeks getting used to having control back over his life was..difficult to say the very least. Multiple times had he woken up in a sweat, the image of his son’s fear filled eyes flashed in his head—followed by him toppling out of bed with a startled yell. But alone he no longer was, as Wu was by his side the entire time; comforting words of encouragement as he aided his brother in his recovery. The Ninja, how many apologies has he spilled couldn’t be counted on even the four hands he used to have. They had promised him, it wasn’t his fault, he wasn’t in control of himself—it wasn’t ‘ Sensei G, but Lord Garmadon!’ As they claimed—it was silly, but he supposes it made sense. The Ninja were welcoming, it was awkward, but routines were set and everything was normal. Small criminals spout up in the city, but nothing so world ending to truly cause concern. Garmadon, though never voiced, couldn’t help but feel proud of his younger sibling for what amazing Ninja he had taught. His son and them were the face of protection across Ninjago, a dream too good to be true.

Lloyd.

Father’s Sake—Lloyd.

Garmadon could hardly look his son in the eye, and it seemed his boy couldn’t either. How they avoided each other like the plague, no matter how much they knew and were told it wasn’t the same Garmadon that hurt him—it was still his face, though disfigured, that had looked at him with such hatred. It was his voice that spoke such venomous words, he could sense the hurt in Lloyd’s actions as he awkwardly shuffled every-time he would enter a room. When was the last time he called him, him, Dad? When was the last time he had ever given his son a hug? It was horrific to think about, how many years had been lost. His son, such a beautiful, strong boy now. Hardly turned seventeen—thanks to that potion he was told about..if only he could go back, stop himself from releasing that monster that in turn led the steps to Lloyd loosing his childhood. He had made him more then proud, words couldn’t even begin to describe how amazed he was. The things he’s been through, unable to help, it seemed his entire life he was trapped to watch his family suffer.

The Great Devour’s venom, Chen’s manipulation, The Banishment and abandoning his only child, The Overlord, The Island—The Cursed Realm…and finally, himself.

A bird that had been caught too long in a cage, almost forgetting how to use its wings to fly.

But that was all then. And this, is all now. Garmadon hummed; trying to regain his focus as he shifted in his seat—legs having gone numb hours ago. The Ninja had left sometime before they’ve started mediating, a small criminal—if he remembers correctly, had threatened the city. They should’ve been home earlier, but Wu had calmed his nerves; saying that people their age might’ve just gone to celebrate or have gotten distracted. Too which, the man sighed and resumed the silence within the room. Pixal—was that her name? Really, he must get better at names, the other nindroid had popped in a moment before. Alerting them of the time, it was getting late, the sun from the windows growing dark as it dwindled beneath the mountain’s horizon. It was clear their time was coming close to an end, and at their age, it’d be best to be well rested. Almost comedically, as he stretched out his arms—his back let out a small ‘pop!’ He huffed, Wu chuckled from across from him and gave his older brother a sly grin.

“I sense that the oni-side of you hadn’t halted the aging?”

“Oh, har-har, Wu. I don’t see myself with a cane, hm?”

His brother laughed; the two rising from the lotus position with a small smile lingering on their faces. The banter, so old, yet so familiar. It was nice just too jab at each other, just like they did when they were little. Distantly, Garmadon could almost imagine Wu yelling for their father—especially when he couldn’t come up with a retort back to his insult. Annoying then, humorous now. His brother leaned down, grabbing the burning incenses and blowing them out. The smell still strong as Garmadon pulled open the shoji for the two of them; leading out into the hallway. Though Wu told him not to worry, he still wondered what could possible be taking the Ninja so long. Suddenly, like fate had been reading his mind, the sounds of the monastery’s gates were thrusted open with what he could only assume be frantic force. Multiple footsteps—only five, he worryingly noted, stepped through the stone and the main doors were thrown open. Wu and Garmadon immediately dropped everything and rushed down the hallway; the Ninja, standing there battered and bruised. No doubt that this ‘criminal’ wasn’t just a mere weekday villain—seeing as how Jay was currently cradling his nose, Cole leaned on Zane for support, Nya stood in front of Kai with a small cut across her ripped gi—and..

“What happened to you all?” Wu interrupted; reaching a hand out to take the earth ninja from the other. Cole whimpered quietly; squeezing his eyes shut as his foot—which they now noted had a not so great looking bend too it. The Ninja shuffled awkwardly, and looking towards the ex-villain in the room. Garmadon however, could only focus on the fact a certain blonde was missing..and how the fire ninja currently was refusing to face their two sensei’s. Head lowered and murmuring something under his breath.

“We believe too have..underestimated this villain. No worries, Sensei Wu. As they had been rightfully put away.”

“No worries!? Look at you all—Jay, your nose!”

The ninja in question perked up at his name. Awkwardly laughing. “I-it looks worse then it is, promise!” Too which, he hissed through his teeth. Nya rose an arm and he leaned into her side, the two sent a glance back at Kai, who still stood with his back turned. Arms crossed over something. Shoulders shaking nervously. Finally, Garmadon spoke—voice a little louder then the others as he questioned. Catching all their attention, as well as single handily making Kai jump.

“Where is my son?”

They went quiet. Nya bit her lip, eyes flickering between her team as she rose her hands. Acting as those she was trying to calm down a wild animal—though, the fear and concern of a parent wouldn’t be that different.

“Sensei Garmadon, you gotta promise too not be mad.”

“Where is my son.” He repeated. Already, chest tightening as those horrid images of his son being harmed replayed in my mind. For his Father’s sake, if anyone dare hurt his boy, this world would crumble beneath his boot; Lloyd might hate him, rightfully so, but he swears on his cursed soul that no one, absolutely no one would come near him again. Then, Kai coughed; they all turned to him..and Garmadon was ready to grab him by the shoulders if he had anything to do with his son’s missing spot in the battened team. Slowly, the fire master turned—his arms wrapped around something, no, someone, leaning against his chest with legs wrapped around him. A mop of poorly bleached blonde hair, dressed in a green gi, peacefully snoring.

“Lloyd?” He breathlessly whispered, before Jay immediately shouted a rant of words. Spewing out of him like a faucet.

“We are so sorry, Sensei G! T-they villain shot Lloyd with this weird ray gun, it blinded all of us and next thing you know Lloyd’s a kid again! He didn’t even know us! He freaked out and we had to chase him all across Ninjago City while the police arrested the villain. A-and he just collapsed and passed out! We are so so sorry! Don’t kill us, please!”

They all blinked, Garmadon sucked in a breath. His eyes locked onto his son, now a decade younger, back when he had just been found by his brother—back when he had just been chosen by destiny. His ears; not smoothed out over the years of the green energy shaping him, they had that point on the edges, the same one he shared with his own. His hands, so soft, no longer were they rough from all the missions this line of work caused them. The tiniest tooth stuck out from his lips, sharp like those of a canines. It was like looking through a film of the past, he hadn’t even realized it—but his hands were already out, reaching for his boy and hesitantly Kai handed him over. Lloyd, shifted in his sleep as his hands uncontrollably latched onto the first thing, that being the man’s own kimono. Fists curled up within the fabric, the room could only silently watch as a father gazed at his son. Eyes, confused, loving, worrying, full of many emotions they couldn’t possibly begin to understand.

“Brother?” Wu asked hesitantly; raising his free hand to place upon his shoulder. Garmadon tightened his hold on his son; and turned to look at him. “Are you alright?”

He paused before answering. “It’s not everyday I see my son de-aged, how did this happen again?” He questioned; turning to the Ninja who all let out a collective sigh of relief. Internally glad they wouldn’t have to deal with the wrath of an angry father, specifically relieved to not deal with the wrath of an angered Garmadon.

“He jumped in front of Kai, in the process being shot with a beam—it was like it completely reversed the Tomorrow’s Tea effects! Only problem..” Nya trailed off, turning to Zane as the nindroid continued. “We theorize it not only has de-aged, Lloyd; but rid him of his memories before he met us. The only thing he talked about before falling unconscious was..” He gestured to Garmadon. “You.”

Maybe it was a little selfish too think about, especially during this very shocking situation—but the image of his son, scared and frustrated shouting for him, his father, made his chest swell with warmth. The same Lloyd that couldn’t bare being in a room with him for more then ten minutes, the same Lloyd who shivered every-time his voice rose even the slightest while training the team with his own ways of a ninja. Calling too him, because his son knew he would protect him, that he’d be safe with him. Reasonably, he knew that he didn’t remember what he had done to him while his mind was plagued over—but still, it was still Lloyd who actually wanted to be with him. Garmadon glanced down at the messy mop of hair smushed against his chest, the boy yawned as wide as a feline would, before nuzzling back into his kimono. It was adorable, seeing his son, there wasn’t fear in his body language, but just relaxation..content. He snapped himself out of the small day-dream when Wu asked, tone firm with concern.

“Is there a way to reverse this?”

They all simultaneously nodded; their frames seemed to droop without the tension and adrenaline keeping them up. From the corner of his eye, he could see Cole begin to nod off against his younger brother—Wu keeping a steady hand against his student as he listened to the others. Kai’s voice, shaky with clear distraught at the outcome of this mission spoke through. “Zane said the weapon the guy used would only be temporary..but..we shouldn’t be so sure.”

“And if it isn’t temporary?”

The nindroid’s eyes flickered, unbeknownst to the others that he was scanning the image in his mind. “It is possible to take the containments of the weapon and attempt to make it’s opposite..though it is unclear whether it would work or not.” The air was thick, the weight of it all laying heavy over their shoulders. What was suppose to be a simple mission, a normal day, turned to be something that could change the ever foreseen future. Terrifying, it was, terrifying. All the while, Lloyd slept like the most intense thing he did that day was brush his teeth and make his bed. Wu hummed, taking in the information as his brother stood there staring at them, it seemed to take Garmadon a moment to process what had been said..and when he did—he straightened out his shoulders, glancing down at his son as he petted back his bangs. The roots matching his hair color when he was young showing between the blonde waves, he always wondered why he decided to bleach it, but with recents events he believes he understands.

“Well..in the meantime, let us all patch up and rest. I doubt you’d get anything done, come Jay, I’ll have Pixal set your nose for you.” Wu waved his hands, turning around to make his way back down the hall with Cole—the lightening master whined loudly as Nya led them to follow, Zane and Kai on their trail. “Awh..but Sensei it’s gonna hurt! Her robot hands are so cold! No offense Zane..” The nindroid in question shrugged it off. Garmadon blinked, before realizing he was still holding Lloyd, without thinking, he yelled out a startled: “Wait!” They paused, all of their gazes landing on him as he pulled back a hand that out stretched towards the group.

“What about Lloyd?” He turned down to him, they merely blinked at each other. Like he was the weird one for asking about his son, they weren’t just going to leave him? What if that beam did more then just de-age him, what if he was sick, or hurt? Was he breathing okay? He was panicking again, but for good reason! This was his son! A little boy who could hardly defend himself!

“What about him?” Nya tilted her head.

“Aren’t you going to..take him with?” He motioned to Lloyd; the boy giggled in his sleep. No doubt having one of, if not the best dream of his life. Though, every seven year old claims that every dream is the best, so really it was probably something simple, candy perhaps. The team sent each other looks, ones filled with somber yet understanding. Kai turned to face the man, looking him up and down before continuing back to Wu. Three words leaving his mouth.

“You’re his dad.”

Oh.

Right.

Jay then added on, voice out of tone from the blood dripping out of his nose. “Yeah! He was begging for you back in the city, he’ll be fine!”

And as much as Garmadon wanted to call out to them, tell them his worries about this—they had turned the corner. Leaving a father standing there alone, son in hand. The man blinked; and suddenly he nearly jumped out of his skin when a hand reached up and grasped onto his collar. He was almost scared, ironically enough, to look down..only to see red eyes. Shiny, familiar, ruby colored eyes staring up at him through a tired gaze, no doubt still a blurry film. This..this wasn’t right, he couldn’t be trusted with his son, the idea terrifying him. What would Lloyd want if he remembered? He’d never let him hold him like this, he refused his help, why would he ask for it now? He should take him back to the Ninja, let them deal with this before he ruins it—

“Dad?”

Oh, how his heart shattered into pieces. And he couldn’t help but answer.

“Son?”

Lloyd blinked, yawning once more before rubbing at his eyes. The sight, so bizarre to watch, Garmadon half expected for him to suddenly remember everything and scream to be put down and run away—however, he did none of those things. Instead, the little boy, finally clearing out his vision, took one look up at the man, and it was like an entire solar systems formed within them as he gasped. A smile, ear to ear as he raised his hands, pulling them around his father’s neck with a giggle. “You saved me! Those meanie Ninja kept chasing me, and I told them not to..c-cause then my Dad would beat them up, but they didn’t listen.” Lloyd giggled mischievously at the retelling; it was almost humorous to imagine him running away from his friends shouting threats back. “And you did! That’s why your here, right? You beat those meanies up!” His eyes, full of stars and wonder.

Garmadon could only watch, completely silent at the boy hugging him. Though, it seemed he spent a bit too long as Lloyd pulled back, embarrassment on his face as he stared at him. No doubt wondering if he had done something wrong, he may have been away from his son for years, but he could still read that face like a book. He couldn’t just let himself hurt his son, not again. So, with a single breath, the man let his face break into a grin, pulling his son out and holding him up. It felt natural as he said proudly and loudly: “Yes, I did! They were no match for I, Garmadon! No one messes with my boy!” The acting tone left him smoothly, almost like butter with how believable it sounded. And with that, Lloyd broke out into laughter; hands flapping as his feet kicked.

“I told them, but they didn’t believe me!” The boy cackled.

“What fools they were, hm?” He hummed.

“The biggest fools!” Lloyd shouted.

Garmadon watched his son laugh, hands risen as he slowly brought him back down to his chest. Was it bad to have faked the reaction? Perhaps, but what sane man could possibly think when the son who has hated them, no doubt, suddenly is hugging them and laughing about how strong their father while using him as a threat because he knows that he’d protect him and hurt anyone that messed with their boy. Maybe it was messed up, but how his chest swelled when he saw Lloyd grin. The features that he had missed seeing, his pointy ears, the sharp teeth, those red eyes, all resembling his own. It was beyond words, all Garmadon wanted to do was just hold him, refuse to let go because what if he lost this chance in the future? What if the effects are reserved and Lloyd is angry at him, letting the little trust between them dwindle to that of a burnt out candle. The risk was high, his mind was split between two—leave him with Wu and keep his distant, or take care of the boy, use this time to make up for the time lost to the past.

No, no he couldn’t risk it.

And then Lloyd chirped, chirped, a small tick no doubt coming from his Oni-Dragon heritage, only did chirps happen when the person in question felt comfortable. Safe. Garmadon couldn’t stop himself from pressed a small peck onto his roots, the boy swatted playfully with his tongue out. Whining about how gross he was. He’d left Lloyd alone before, he wasn’t about to leave him alone now. When he needs him. If the effects are reversed and he is indeed angry, then he supposes he’ll have to deal with the consequences. For now though, Garmadon was going to spend time with his son whilst the Ninja search for a way to fix this, and if he silently hoped for them to take extra time..well..he’ll just blame the selfish thought on the snake venom.

“Dad..?”

“Yes, Lloyd?”

“Where are we?” The boy gestured around, a small pout on his face as he fiddled with the man’s kimono’s fabric. Garmadon glanced around, he hadn’t even thought about what to say when he eventually woke up—if he had no memories of the Ninja, he’d have zero of the monastery. The only times Lloyd have ever been here was when he was a mere few months old, and it was more then likely he’d have zero memories of it.

“We..are..” Garmadon clicked his tongue, eyes landing on an old photo of Wu hanging on the wall. “Visiting Uncle Wu! Yes, yes, we are! Though..you got lost while in the city with him..and I had to come get you, what a little monster you are, huh?”

That was not believable by any means.

“What? Nuh-uh..! I never get lost, I’m too smart for that, Uncle Wu just got lost from me!”

That was, apparently, believable by all means. He noted to himself mentally that this was a seven year he was currently talking too.

“Mm..whatever you say, little monster. Now, it’s getting far too late, I doubt my brother would be happy too see his nephew up at such an hour.”

Lloyd whined; hitting his fists against his father’s chest, though no actual intent to hurt him. “Why..?! I just woke up, I’m not tired!” As he said that, he let out yet another yawn, arms stretching as far as they could go. It reminded Garmadon of what one of the Ninja had said, that dragons were just very large cats. Now that he sees the tiny little hybrid in his arms, he supposes whoever said it was correct. They were as stubborn as one as well as sleepy; seeing how even though the boy against him complained and made sure to emphasize on the fact that he wasn’t tired—was now nodding off with his cheek pressed back onto his chest. Fingers clasped in his kimono once more, Garmadon let a hand fall onto his back. Slowly, he ran his palm up and down his green gi.

“Right..tired. I’ll tuck you in.”

“Mm’..not a kid.”

“And I’m not old.”

Lloyd huffed with a laugh; but ultimately decided to lean further into his chest. Breathing already beginning to even out as Garmadon shifted his arm underneath him; the hallway they’ve been standing for so long in, already seemed to grow darker as the light outside grew low. He was silently thankful the team had gotten here before night-fall, seeing as the little boy in his arms always had a fear of the dark, he wonders distantly if he ever grew out of it. ‘What if I worsened it?’ A voice mocked, but he shrugged it away as quick as it came. No, he does not need to think about that, not when Lloyd needs his dad. Not some emotionally unavailable old man. Garmadon turned on his heel, down the hall on the opposite end where all the Ninja’s rooms were. He remembers that his son’s was the second door to the end, seeing him stomp away too it on so many occasions. Never had he been inside, and when he entered it with a gentle push of the door—it was..regular. Simple. Green bedsheets, posters on the wall, photographs of his friends hanging up by string and a few framed on his night stand. One caught his eye, how could it not? It was his face in the photo, his human face, standing next to a lovely Misako, and right in the middle stood their boy. Smiling.

It was shattered. The glass protecting the photo was broken into shards, yet it hadn’t been replaced. He hummed, ignoring the way his chest tightened as he pulled back the covered on the bed. It was soft; and Lloyd immediately curled into the pillow the second he was able to pry him out of his arms. Hesitation lied within him, pulling the blankets back up over his shoulders. The boy practically swam in the comforter and sheets, he was so small, so innocent, so free of all the trauma he had endured. Horrifying memories of when Wu told him exactly what he had missed, what that monster Harumi had done, what Pythor did, Wu’s old student, the other boy was a shock to Garmadon. Having not heard the wind master’s name uttered in decades. Either way, the night was filled with Garmadon internally screaming at himself, what father lets his son be hurt in such ways!? Wu had told him, it wasn’t his fault that the venom corrupted him, it wasn’t his fault he was revived from the  Cursed Realm. Yet all Garmadon could think, was how could he dare call himself a father?

“Dad?”

The man sniffled; rubbing a sleeved arm against his damp eye as he peered down at Lloyd, eyes barely open as he fiddled nervously at the sheets. An hand, risen and clasped onto his sleeve, a silent plea to stay as the boy stuttered.

“Please, don’t leave. I don’t want you to go again.”

It was like a stake through the heart, and who was he to deny the offer.

“Of course, now scoot over! You’re hogging the whole bed.”

Too which, the other did with a grin. The mattress squeaked beneath the gained weight, leaning back against the wall—the poster made a noise behind him as he pushed himself up. Lloyd’s head laid right by his thigh, and the boy made no hesitation to rest upon it. Garmadon felt himself tense up, staring down wide eyed at the boy; who had already dozed off yet again. His hands tightened into fists, how trusting his son was, if only he knew—if he knew what he had done. It was so surreal, seeing him cuddled up onto his lap; so peaceful against the man that had caused the most hurt within his life. It was terrible to think about, but he couldn’t help but a rest a hand in that mop of hair. Gently prodding his fingers through the tangles, so soft, the same type of hair as his own. Then, a small rumble, barely echoed in the room, the never ending surprises coming from Lloyd—even while he was asleep. He purred, actually purred! Garmadon watched, an idiotic smile never leaving his face. He knew it was possible, when he was younger Wu would cuddle up to his older brother without any shapeshifting to change his form—dragon tail curling around Garmadon’s own as he loudly purred. He wondered when they started hiding their features, shoving it to talk about for another time.

His hands continued to comb through his hair, and then, he ran his bangs back; letting out a shocked hiss and jerking his hand away. The man looked at the small bead of blood poking through his palm, the cause he would soon find out, as he pushed through the waves of the sleeping boy—revealing two sharp, and two very tiny horns around his hairline. Hidden underneath all the layers, he wouldn’t be surprised if Lloyd himself didn’t know of them. His nails scratched around the base, and the quiet purring only grew louder. Garmadon coo’d, how could he not? It was nice, seeing his son like this, his true self. The Green Ninja was nice, but he prefers Lloyd Garmadon. He leaned his head back, it was uncomfortable, but he wouldn’t risk waking his son. Hands continuing through his hair, stopping every so often to scratch at his horns or behind his pointy ears. His eyelids grew heavy, and before the man could stop himself—he slumped into unconsciousness. The only thing on his mind being his son and him, and this time, it wasn’t going over what could’ve been done then. But what was happening now.

—

Light peered through the window, curtains tinting the sun’s blazing shine. Dust bunnies clear from the way it casted over the room. Snores, deep and quiet echoed throughout it. The culprit? One, very old, very tired, ex-overlord villain. Neck aching from the way he was positioned, it was peaceful. Legs going numb far long ago, his hand having stopped petting through his son’s hair the moment he fell asleep. Though, he doubts the boy minded. Those purrs loud enough to influence his dreams, seeing as throughout the night he’d distantly hear the small rumble of them, in his own throat, and Lloyd’s. Speaking of Lloyd, Garmadon slowly peeled back his eyes, though, without warning, was immediately caught at a lack of breath as a ball of energy jumped onto him. No pun intended. Knocking the wind out of the man as that familiar mop of hair giggled wickedly below him. Garmadon huffed; catching some air as he glanced down with a confused look. Seeing Lloyd, nearly doubling over with laughter, his gi, replaced with the familiar skull hoodie he had gifted him so long ago.

“Wake up, wake up..! I’m bored, I wanna do something!” He whined loudly, the other could only blink before rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Garmadon ruffled his son’s hair, brows furrowed at the way his hand pulled at the tangled mess. Truly, Lloyd had some of the worst bed-head he had ever seen throughout the sixteen realms. Trust the man, he has seen a lot. If he was anything like him when he slept, he moved approximately forty times across the entire night. The Garmadon’s were known for their deep sleeping, getting him awake when he was mere months old was a hassel—seeing how he would scream anything he was woken up. He chuckled at the memory before grabbing the boy by his underarms..proceeding to lift him up out of his lap, sitting up off the bed, and placing him back on the floor in one swift go. Lloyd blinked, before huffing with crossed arms.

“Not fair! You’re too strong!”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“No..! That means you can beat up the mean people, like those Ninja!”

“Like the Ninja?” He questioned with a smile.

“Yup! Like the Ninja.” He confirmed. How ironic, and how adorable it was.

Then, the boy turned on his heel and headed towards the bedroom door. Immediately, Garmadon was awake and stepping just a few feet faster with a hand to stop him, Lloyd, now annoyed by the fact, huffed and turned up to his father. Clearly curious as to why he was so rudely interrupted. “Ah..we wouldn’t want to wake, Uncle Wu, now would we? How about we stay in here, hm?” He couldn’t risk the boy seeing any of the team members, then he’d no doubt freak out, and that’d lead to them telling him the truth. Which..in all honesty, would most likely just confused him more then it would scare, either way, risking it was a big ‘no.’ Lloyd stomped his foot. “But..I’m bored..and theres nothing to do in here..!”

Garmadon glanced around, spotting a colorful book laying halfway under the bed. He jabbed a finger over to it, watching as the boy turned to it. Curiosity washing over him like a wave. “You have.. ‘comics’,” Was that word? He believes so, he and Wu really need to get better at these modern terms. “Why don’t you tell me about those?” It was like a flip of a switch, as Lloyd was bouncing all around the room snatching up any type of comic book he could find. Judging by how ‘cool’ and ‘evil’ the covers looked, he tossed the boring ones to the floor. Meanwhile, Garmadon took a scan of the room, finding a brush laying atop the nightstand and grabbing it. Settling himself over by the foot of the bed, sitting in the lotus position on the floor. Nearly the same height as his son, the boy dropped all the comics in front of his dad; a proud expression presenting itself on his face. The man gestured to his lap, and Lloyd plopped himself down; leaning over to shove his hands in the colorful action filled pages. Garmadon peaked over his shoulder, taking a group of his hair, placing the bristles  between the sections and pulling.

“Ow!”

His heart dropped, and immediately the brush clattered to the ground. Guilt and regret filling his body, he hurt him, he hurt Lloyd—what a fool he was. Even with a second chance, how dare he assume he could’ve done things right. They were right, all of the who spoke of him as a monster—

“Dad, be more careful! I like my hair!” Lloyd’s voice cut his inner panic off, holding the brush in his other hand, turned enough to hold it out for the man. Like he hadn’t just hurt him, caused him to scream out in pain. His hand shook as he reached for it, and his son made no move to get away—in stead, he turned back around. Flipping through the pages, the room was filled with his voice, reading the comic book aloud. All the while, Garmadon sat there, unable to move, his heart tight in his chest.

“Dad.?” Lloyd questioned. “Aren’t you gonna brush my hair?”

He blinked. “Oh. Right..yes, I am..” He stuttered, barely above a mumble as he reached for a portion of his hair. Fingers trailing through it before carefully dragging the brush between the strands. Audible as the tangles were pulled apart, leaving a fluffy and wavy part left. Lloyd continued his commentary, taking a moment to look back as he ranted about the idiocy of the characters, but all Garmadon could do was focus on his hair. The weight of the mistake still heavy, however, the fact his son had given him the brush back, trusted him to continue even though he hurt him. Well, something clicked, he couldn’t point to what, but something did. His shoulders let the tension leak out like a sponge being squeezed, slowly getting more empty before he was comfortable enough to go over his hair. Multiple times, that was. By the time Lloyd had finished the comic, it was already done, and how fluffy and soft it was.

Then, a knock hit the door. The pair looked up, the door creaked open..and a familiar old face poked his head inside.

“Uncle Wu!” Lloyd shouted, pushing himself out of his father’s lap and running over—immediately Wu caught the boy slamming himself into his chest. A laugh leaving him as he petted through his hair. “How are you, my favorite nephew?”

“I’m your only nephew!”

“Mm..I suppose you are right.”

“Brother?”

Garmadon by then had stood up to join them, and a serious expression crossed his brother’s face. The two adults turned down to the seven year old, giving each other a side-glance before the man patted his son’s head. Scratching at his horns before speaking. “How about you go put those comics away, son. I’ll be right back.” He spoke softly, about to leave to the hall when a hand grabbed onto his kimono. The quiet voice, loud enough for the two of them to hear. “Promise. Promise you’ll be back.” Wu gave him a look, and the man sighed and leaned down. Putting a pinky out towards the boy. “Promise.” And Lloyd closed his on onto his, effectively calming him down as he left the room. Clicking the door behind him.

His brother looked at him, a look he couldn’t quite decipher; that until he spoke. “Making up for lost time?” He tilted his head, hand holding his staff, there was no teasing behind his tone—yet Garmadon defended himself with a not so steady retort. “Is that so wrong?”

Wu held up his free hands. “Not at all, I find it comforting knowing Lloyd is finally having what he couldn’t..” His tone was somber, and he could almost sense the underlining jab at the older brother. Mentally, he knew he was right, and deserved such. “When we had found him, he refused to talk to anyone but me for days. How easily had he grown attached too them. He always argued to go on missions, he was so scared of being left alone.”

Garmadon’s fists shook at his sides, what point was his brother trying to make? Comfort him, as much as he appreciates it he’d rather not waste anymore time, wanting to get back to his son inside. So, he put a hand up, effectively stopping his brother’s rant as he demanded, softer this time. “What is it did you need, Wu?”

“The Ninja had found an answer to our problem.”

“That is..?”

“It is temporary, and will wear off by tomorrow. Lloyd will not remember his time de-aged, however.”

Someone reached through his throat, sickening it felt, as if someone had squeezed and drugged his heart to the lowest point of the realm. It was..well, he couldn’t tell. He was overjoyed that his son would be okay, but devastated to realize the little time he has—after today, he’ll go back to Lloyd. The Lloyd terrified of his own father. So, what did the man do? He gave his brother a short bow, thanked him quietly, and returned back to the room, immediately—that bundle of joy rushing up to him and showing him a page of a comic. It had many bubbles of speech, and he took the time too read them all. For when would he could another chance like this? Never, he supposes, unlikely as most things were. Lloyd’s voice sounded like the most important thing in the world, and Garmadon was sure to appreciate every lasting second of this short time with his son. Before they two would eventually go back to the harsh reality of it all, but, he could say, it was nice while it lasted.

—

“Why can’t you stay?”

“You are a growing boy, Lloyd. Growing boys need to learn to sleep alone..don’t worry, I’ll be right next door. I wouldn’t let any monsters come get my own, little monster.”

“I’m not little!”

“Goodnight, Lloyd.”

“Goodnight, Dad. Love you.”

And just like what Wu said, when he woke up, there wasn’t any ball of energy shaking him awake. In stead, he had awoken in his own room. The smell of a burning candle greeting his nose; the distant sound of chatter down the halls of the monastery. Garmadon pondered for a moment, wondering if it’d be best to get up; he’s never one to waste a day away, but even he was scared of what would be awaiting for him outside that door. Though, he had faced worst things, his son yelling at him would barely scratch the surface of pain that he has experienced. So, with a heavy heart, he rose from the bed, changed back into his regular clothing, slipped some house shoes on instead of his regular attire, and left the room with a creak of his door. Making his way down the hall, the voices only got louder, coming from the kitchen. The man halted by the entrance, out of sight, but in hearing level as he took a moment to listen.

“Glad too see you all..old again, little bro!” Kai’s tone was filled with relief, and the sound of his son, voice deepened without the squeaks and cracks anymore, replied with a chuckle. “Yeah..I still can’t believe that guy got the jump on us is all..” The team laughed, as well as Wu, who was standing off to the side drinking some morning tea. His eyes peaked open, no doubt sensing his brother’s presence as Garmadon finally took one step inside. Being greeted with a small beat of silence, before the Ninja waved with smiles at him. Sending good mornings to the other master, all the while, Lloyd sat idle; staring at him. Wide eyed. Had they told him? Was he angered? Did he not trust any of them, for leaving him with him of all people while he was at such a vulnerable state? The man sighed, going over to his brother who had reached behind him—seemingly pulling another tea cup out of no where. His hands out stretched to grab the drink with a nod, when suddenly, words louder the everybody else.

“Can I talk to you, dad? Outside?”

The Ninja and their master blinked. Garmadon looked at him, turned to the drink awaiting to be placed in his hands, turned back to his son. Swallowed, and nodded. Lloyd was up out of the chair he was sat at, and if Garmadon made a point to keep his distant—then neither of them made an attempt to bring it up. The walk was quiet, no one dared to peep a word until they arrived outside onto the deck of the monastery. Leaning against one of the many railings aligning the sides. Finally, his son, no longer a boy, pushed back the hair in his face, pulling back his bangs. The man wondered if the horns had grown, but kept quiet. Ready for whatever he was going to say, with how his son was acting—the way his body shook, face heating up with the slightest shine in his eyes. Why, he was practically about to explode. Get it over with, he told himself. Maybe one day he’ll forgive you.

“Lloyd, I am so—Oof!”

A sudden weight hit his chest, reminiscence of the way little Lloyd had ram into him like a goat. The man froze, his head falling to be greeted with none other then blonde hair. Shoved into his chest, arms tightly wrapped around his abdomen with sobs wracking through the body of his son. Lloyd, crying, hugging him. No shouts, no nothing, he was just crying. Garmadon, his arms felt like that had been replaced with someone else’s, as he hesitated far to long then normal to return the embrace. When he did, the ninja against him paused, before letting another cry fall out of his mouth and eyes. It was so heart breaking, hearing his son cry, for a reason he couldn’t understand. Yet, here he was, holding onto him.

“T-they..told me. Master Wu told me what you did..” He murmured through a shaky breath.

“I see. Are you upset?” Garmadon sighed. Lloyd pulled away, a look of shock on his face as he shook his head. “Upset..!? Are you kidding?! Dad—“ ‘Dad.’ “No! I..”

He paused, sucking in some air as he let it out in a heavy and deep exhale.

“Did you mean it. Did you actually take care of me, because you wanted to make up the time that you lost?”

“Of course, why wouldn’t I? Lloyd, those years without you, Misako, Wu, were the hardest years of my life.” He rose a hand, rubbing the thumb on his damp’s son cheek, swiping away the stray tears that leaked from those now green eyes. They glowed ever so softly beneath the watery glassy film covering them. “I’d do anything and everything to go back, and change it all.”

And, what the words he had been waited for, years to hear. Four words, uttered so quietly, most would deny their saying.

“I love you, Dad.”

Lloyd’s lips quivered, but he made a smile. Garmadon smiled back; pulling his son back in and tucking his head under his chin. A feeling, so lost, finally found again.

“I love you too, son.”