Promises (Ninjago's Kai x Reader)

Episode 8 - Base Invaders

I can't say I'm surprised when I wake up in my own bed in my room on the 32nd floor of the Tower. Jaxson is pacing across the room, and when he notices me sit up, he immediately takes a seat beside me, resting his hand on my shoulder to discourage my movements.

"I had the weirdest dream," is the first thing I say as I rub my eyes.

"Dream?" He almost sounds surprised.

"Yea," I wriggle out of his grasp and stand up, stretching my shoulders, back and legs. "You were helping Lloyd and Skylor take care of my drunk ass."

"Well, you were more than drunk last night," he says, following me as I make my way to the bathroom. "You were roofied."

I hesitate, hand resting on the handle to turn on the shower as last nights events flash through my head. I shrug off the uncomfortable feeling at the thought of Aiden's hands exploring my body and twist the nob all the way to the red zone.

"Yea, that makes sense," I say, flicking my wrist to light the candle on the sink with a purple flame.

Jaxson watches me silently as I test the water temp, and his eyes still never leave me as I pick out some comfy clothes to wear today. His stare is so intense, it's like he's analyzing my every movement to try and figure out what's wrong with me, but the truth is that even I don't know. After Lloyd's cruel words, being drugged and assaulted, and that hyper realistic dream of a slightly better reality, I don't know how to feel right now. I just wish I could have five minutes where it all just disappears and I can be at peace.

"Well, are you just gonna stand there and watch me shower?" I say after a moment.

"Yea, sorry," he says, stumbling towards the door, embarrassed to have ben caught staring. But he pauses at the threshold, glancing back at me. "Are you okay?"

I force a smile and nod. "Yea, I will be. Just as soon as I can shower."

Jaxson doesn't say anything else and leaves.

         ~

An hour later I'm walking to the gym, having decided that it would probably be the best way to get my mind off of last night's events. But before I can even make it to the elevator, Michael finds me and corners me.

"Finally," he exclaims. "I've been looking everywhere for you."

I can't help the exasperated sigh that leaves my lips. "Look, Mike, if it's about last night, I'm sorry for the way I spoke to you, but I'm fine and would like to be left alone."

"I appreciate your apology, Tasha, and I'm glad you're okay," Michael says, smiling slightly. "But that's not why I was looking for you."

For some reason, a pit grew in my stomach. What else could he want to talk about? And why does everyone seem to be so concerned with my life all of a sudden?

"Lord Garmadon has called a meeting."

"When?"

"It started ten minutes ago."

Fuck.

         ~

Harumi approaches my father, an abashed look painting her face. Killow and Ultra Violet stand off to the side, sharing anxious looks as they await whatever punishment Garmadon is bound to designate. Meanwhile, I had just taken my place between Jaxson and Jasper, and Michael is staged behind us. The tension between each and every one of us is practically palpable, and my father's glaring red eyes strike fear into my own soul as I remember his earlier promise.

Harumi bows deeply, her nose nearly touching the concrete floor of the rooftop, but her voice is steady as can be as she apologizes for her mistake. "You warned me, my emperor, that your son would be close, and I could not protect you."