A Crystallized Heart |Ninjago Fanfiction|

Chapter Thirteen

Harmui

Who's an idiot? Me, that's who. That's probably why I found myself in the Crystal King's throne room.

"You convinced me to crystalize Lloyd and Cole."

"I know- and I thank you for that."

"And how did that work out?"

"We managed to blow up the Monastery, steal the weapons, and crystalize Lloyd."

"Yes. But Cole is no longer in my grasp- and why might that be?"

"He- he took off the bracelet."

"Yes, he did, didn't he?" He paused for a moment, "And you assured me the wearer would not want to take off the talisman."

"I- yes, but Lloyd has been our only test subject and we concluded that he would not take the bracelet off even if asked." I felt myself start to speak faster, trying to save my skin.

"OF COURSE HE WANTED TO WEAR IT!"

I stumbled backward. I had a feeling that if he wasn't trapped in a giant crystal, he would have strangled me.

"HE LOVES YOU IDIOT!"

He was right- but love is a strong word and even Lloyd wouldn't love someone after one date. I mean, he's known me for a while- but still.

"He doesn't love me." I growled, "And I'm not an idiot."

The King seemed to ponder this, his dragon-like face twisted in a quizzical rage.

"And both of your statements are lies."

"Overlord- my King, forgive me."

His rage was eerily calm, as if he was used to having countless amounts of rage stuffed in him. Which made sense, he was the embodiment of evil.

"We needed the ninja's super strength. You find a way to make that happen." He growled, "If one more thing goes wrong-"

He cut himself off and smiled. He crossed his four arms and his gaze was tainted with cruelty.

"Kill him."

It had been an hour after the Crystal King's threat but it felt like I was still in the throne room, the moment replaying over and over. His words rang in my ears, repeating the worst of the interaction. 

I lay sprawled across my bead, staring up at the blank ceiling. Why did life have to be so flippin' hard? But, that's what i'm fighting for isn't it. I'm helping resolve conflict for the world. No more orphaned children, no more starving or homeless. The world will be at peace, and people can live without fear or worries.

 I wanted to stay in this thought of a better world, but my mind had different plans. Instead of a wonderful future, my thoughts decided to go back to the adorkable Lloyd.

Adorkable. I used that to describe him? Okay, it's official: I'm insane. But seriously, why did my mind wander back to him? I briefly wondered if there were therapists for evil masterminds. 

My mind brought up a brief conversation I had with Mr.E beforeThe Sons Of Garmadon was disbanded. And yes, writing on a piece of paper counted as a conversion. It was quite frustrating, Mr.E (and Mr.F's) muteness- always was difficult to communicate. But this wasn't about E and F, it was about Lloyd.

Careful with Lloyd, Harumi. Emotions and feelings tend to work in ways you won't understand, but they're there for a reason. My emotions have changed me, and emotions change all of us. I just hope they change you for the better.