Skales x Pythor: My Loyal Number Two

Chapter 18: An awkward reunion

Last time, Skales rather misjudged the situation and accidentally ended up under the control of Lord Garmadon. Which will be a problem, but at least he finally has the opportunity to confront all those Serpentine who betrayed him. Yay. Though he will find a surprise along the way.

To call the ride out of Ninjago City and into the Badlands awkward would be an understatement. Skales had still been in the driver's seat, staring out with a defeated expression, cursing his bad decision-making. Meanwhile, the other Generals sat in the back, making a conscious effort to remain as unnoticeable as possible. Because at the front, next to Skales, stood Garmadon. He hadn't said much after forcing Skales and the others to become his servants, other than directing Skales to drive to the Badlands. There they would find the Serpentine under his command, if they hadn't fled as the backstabbing cowards they were. In Garmadon's own words, of course. However, Skales' view of his brethren wasn't that much better at the moment.

He had spent much time thinking about how to gain back their loyalty, but he hadn't spent equal time wondering how it would be to reunite with his traitorous warriors. His first thoughts had been to punish Mezmo for his direct betrayal, but since he wasn't in charge, that would have to wait. His second idea was trying to turn the Serpentine against Garmadon from the inside, but he would save that thinking for when the four-armed freak wasn't right next to him. Finally, he conceded that maybe he should give them a chance. It certainly wasn't going to look good when he met them, with Garmadon in tow and as his new servants. A little forgiveness could go both ways, so that they wouldn't make a complete mockery of him when seeing him.

But he would have the chance to see their reactions soon enough as they reached the foot of the Glacier Barrens, at the border to the Badlands. As they drove along the mountainsides, they soon came upon a procession of bruised and tired Serpentine walking blindly. When they saw the Serpentine bus drive near, reactions were mixed. A few celebrated, if only because they wouldn't need to walk anymore. Others stood with apprehension, and the rest with curiosity. But all would follow suit, as the bus stopped and Garmadon walked out. Without missing a beat, they all gasped and fell to their knees. An act that did little to earn them Garmadon's kindness.

"Is this all that is left of you? You sorry scraps of scales couldn't even be made into worthwhile boots!"

"We're sorry, sir," Slithraa said, raising his head. "A few of our less dedicated warriors would rather brave the roads than your wrath."

"Oh, so it's my fault?!" The Master of Destruction accused the Hypnobrai, though he did little to follow up on his statement.

"Whatever, I have no need for spineless cowards. And luckily, I found some fresh muscles to serve me. Isn't that right, General-or should I say-former General of the Hypnobrai?"

With surprise and awe, the beaten-down Serpentine watched as Skales slithered out from the bus. He hadn't bothered to hold his head high and instead stared with a look of weariness out into nothing. One after another, the other Generals followed with looks of shame. When the bus was empty, Garmadon couldn't help but chuckle at the situation.

"How about you all get acquainted? It's been a while since you all last saw each other, after all." He grinned before turning serious again. "And now, who is gonna explain to me where my warriors ran off to!"

Walking into the crowd of Serpentine to find the unfortunate receiver of his wrath, he left the Generals to be welcomed back by their former comrades. The four didn't seem very keen, but Fangtom, as always, was the first to step up. Especially after he spotted a certain someone and moved toward the crowd. A Fangpyre walked out to meet him without hesitation, crossing his arms wth an unapologetic scowl.