[Ninjago: Amplified] Modern AU

[27] - Once Broken, Now Complete

Garmadon yanked his key from his car's ignition once he'd parked, stepping out into the cool evening air. He made his way across the desolate parking lot, stuffing his hands into his coat pockets as he stopped at the curb.

It had been a week since he'd met the two peculiar detectives from NCPD. Much to Garmadon's surprise, Ronin had managed to prepare an attack on Hugh's syndicate shockingly faster than anticipated. The detective had called him that morning, explaining that the raid was happening that night. All Garmadon knew was that there would be a small army of officers who would be joining them– Ronin promised to provide the finer details more thoroughly once they regrouped.

Garmadon didn't waste a second once the time arrived. After a difficult goodbye with Misako, in which he swore countless promises to return, he immediately headed for their rendezvous point just on the outskirts of the city.

Normally, they would have regrouped at the police station; but the faraway location wasn't due to Garmadon's unwanted presence. The remainder of their force was aware that he'd be joining them that night. Although they weren't fond of his involvement, they had a reason for tolerating him this time around.

And that reason was his very own brother– Wu.

It was strange talking to him over the phone, after all those years they'd been apart. Yet Wu still held the same fiery determination that Garmadon knew well from memory– once he'd explained their mission, he was quick to support their cause.

Wu had asked to meet him there, as it was an apparent middle-ground between their homes. Garmadon assumed Wu lived far from the city, now– though he couldn't possibly guess where.

Yet he didn't bother to question it, as he had much more pressing matters to think about.

Talking to Wu was one thing, but seeing him in-person was completely different. As much as he was glad to see his brother again, Garmadon couldn't help but feel reluctant. Was he even worthy of being around him, after all the trouble he'd put his brother through?

Bits and pieces of long-gone memories flashed through Garmadon's head, but he forced them away with a scowl.

That didn't matter anymore. What happened back then was in the past; he'd become a new man, far better than what he'd been before.

He just hoped that Wu could see that, too.

The sudden noise of an approaching car rose off in the distance, tearing Garmadon from his remembrance. The sound grew louder in the parking lot directly behind him before cutting off completely, shortly followed by a shutting car door and nearing footsteps.

Garmadon kept his gaze locked on the moon as his brother joined his side.

"Well, now," Wu mused. "It's been quite the while."

"...Yeah." Garmadon agreed slowly. "It has."

Garmadon's muscles tensed involuntarily, dropping his gaze to the street. There were just so many things he wanted to say to Wu, now that he'd changed– and yet, now that he was finally given the chance to speak...

He didn't know how to begin.

Wu was quick to pick up on his reluctance. He gave Garmadon's shoulder an encouraging slap, immediately tearing him from his frenzied thoughts.

"Let's not dwell on that right now," Wu dismissed. "I'm just glad to see you again."

Glad...?

Garmadon's eyes widened in shock, turning to his brother for the first time that night.