TIGHTROPE | Llorumi fanfiction

Pt 6 Parallel Opposite Of Suffocation

"Why are you here?" – Lloyd said after a few seconds of silence.

After being knocked down he quickly rolled over and stood up, taking a fighting stance once again. But neither of the two wanted to continue that fight. Harumi was exhausted, and she didn't expect Lloyd to fend off her attacks so well. Lloyd, on the other side, knew he wouldn't be able to fight her constantly seeing her face. During all those years she's been gone, her image tortured Lloyd in his dreams, reminding him of his mistakes and his loss.

Harumi hesitated. She really didn't know how would Lloyd treat her after all that time. She suddenly realized she has no idea how many things could have happened since she died, and what could have happened to him. For a brief second, she was afraid he wouldn't even listen to her, just like he did in her nightmares, and then... But since she's dead, she cannot be killed. Meanwhile, Lloyd was awaiting for her to answer.

"And what are you doing here, Green Ninja?" – Harumi asked, confronting him like in 'good' old times. But there was no sign of dominance or mockery in her tone; only a tired kind of anger.

Seeing that Harumi wasn't attacking, Lloyd gave up his fighting stance and lowered his katana. She refused to talk about her motives; he has to speak first then.

"I don't know. All I know is that I'm dead and that a minute ago you attacked me from my back and..."

"Whoa, stop right there! I did not attack you from your back, you turned around before we started to fight!"

"Yep, I did, but if it wasn't for my skills, you'd sneak from my back and attack me! It's kind of like you, really-"

"Your skills? Is this a joke? I let you see me, that's why we clashed face-to-face!"

They stood in silence for a moment, confused after this little argument. Harumi gave up first.

"So, anyway, what's your plan?" – she said in a manner that sounded like a reluctant apology, slightly tilting her head to the left.

"Well, I'm going to get out of here."

"And what does this little hole in the forest wall have to do with it?"

"This is... the way out."

"You have no idea, right?"

"... Right..."

"Guess I'm going with you then."

"WHAT?" – Lloyd screamed. He wasn't ready for this; he was ready for everything but this.

"Well, I figured out that... you might need help out there, so..."

Harumi sounded a little uncertain. Lloyd narrowed his eyes, trying to find out if she's lying.

And, of course, she was; but why would she?

"It's not the real reason, is it?" – he spoke distrustfully as he made a step towards the forest, keeping his eye on the magic entrance.

"Listen here, you idiot." – years spent as the leader of the SOG taught her that speaking rudely is the most efficient way to convince somebody – "We both remember what happened last time we met. But it is water under the bridge now. I'm not saying that I changed my viewpoint, but I've never wanted any of the Ninjago citizens to suffer."

Lloyd didn't know how to react. That wasn't Harumi he remembered; at least she has never been so genuine. And he was afraid of it... and liked it.

"If you're dead, then something very bad must have happened." – she continued, taking careful steps towards him, holding her hands up – "And this means that Ninjago is in danger. Since the city doesn't have any better heroes, all I can do is to help you get out of here."