Flames of the Past #2: Beginning of Chaos (Ninjago Fanfiction)

Chapter 4

"Misako!" Garmadon exclaimed in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

Misako smiled as she walked over to him. "Just thought I'd drop by to see you and Lloyd," she laughed.

"And me?" a small voice squeaked as Laurie popped out from behind Garmadon.

Misako's smile broadened. "Of course, and you, too," she purred as she lifted the girl into her arms.

Lloyd went silent and straightened up. His parents talked to catch up with each other and eventually Kai joined their conversation, although he mostly talked to Garmadon. But Lloyd stayed put. Recently, he had learned to say as little as possible around his father, since he always ended up saying something wrong.

So he only watched. He gasped in horror when Kai gave Garmadon a playful punch in the arm. Why would he do that? Lloyd thought frantically. And so casually? Was he looking to get in trouble?

But to the green ninja's surprise, Garmadon laughed and nudged Kai in return.

Oh, right. Because Kai was the perfect ninja.

If Lloyd had pulled a stunt even as small and insignificant as that, on his father of all people, there would definitely be some freaking out. And scolding. A lot of scolding.

A few minutes later, Wu led Misako and Pixal out of the parlor to look around the palace. Lloyd felt his heartbeat quicken the closer he got to being alone with his father.

Garmadon glanced at him. "Kai?" he said. "Can you take Laurie? I have to talk to Lloyd."

Lloyd tensed. Here we go.

"Yeah." Kai nodded.

Giggling, Laurie sped out of the room.

Lloyd bit back a sarcastic "Good luck" as Kai ran after the girl. Was he allowed to be sarcastic?

"You seem nervous," Garmadon commented as he went to sit at the nearby table.

Lloyd started, accidentally proving the sensei right. Swallowing, he sat down across from his father. He kept his back straight and stayed as still as possible. Another sarcastic comment was about to pass his lips but he resisted it, instead mumbling, "Oh?"

Garmadon tapped his fingers on the table. "It's actually what I wanted to talk to you about," he started.

Not good... Not good...

Garmadon looked up at him. "There's something that's been on your mind," he murmured. "Something you're struggling with. Isn't there?"

Lloyd kept his face emotionless, his guard already beginning to go up. "Is that what you think?" he asked for confirmation.

Garmadon swallowed himself, hoping it wasn't but already seeing their conversation going in the same circle their conversations always did. "Yes," he answered, meeting his son's eyes.

Lloyd's empty eyes stared back. "And what do you think it is I'm struggling with?"

"Something that's clearly stressing you out and making you nervous all the time," Garmadon replied, growing a bit frustrated.

Lloyd's eyes sharpened. "I'm not nervous all the time," he growled. "You shouldn't assume something like that."

Out of nowhere, Garmadon slammed his fist on the table and jumped to his feet, turning his back to his son. Lloyd jumped in alarm, staring up at his father with round eyes. The sensei gave a frustrated sigh and ran his fingers through his hair, and Lloyd immediately replayed what he had said in his head. Why did I accuse him like that? he fretted. I'm supposed to be careful about what I say to him...