1. The Dark Side of Destiny: Beginnings

Prologue

A/N: This story was based on another fanfic that, if I remember correctly, was based off a Ninjago writing prompt. The original fic had the same basic concept of Wu being bitten by the Devourer and training the boys, but it's since been deleted. Still, I wanted to give credit where credit is due. 

I loved the idea so much, I thought I'd write my own version that takes a different direction, where it (eventually) parallels events from the show. This is just part 1 of I-don't-know-how-many-parts-yet. And you should probably know that when I started writing this I had only seen up to Season 6 and Day of the Departed, so you'll have to forgive any continuity errors.

The cover image is my own. I hope you enjoy, and constructive criticism is welcome, as are any reviews, comments, or questions you happen to think of.

. . . 

The monastery was bathed in golden light of the early morning sun as two brothers stood back-to-back, swords at the ready. Their father sat nearby on the steps of the porch that encircled the courtyard, polishing a set of golden weapons. The boys counted in their heads, and on three, they turned to face each other. The elder brother, Garmadon, swung first, forcing his brother Wu to block. He slashed his sword again and the younger boy sidestepped and retaliated.

They went back and forth like this across the courtyard, the sound of their weapons ringing through the air. They had been training together since they could walk, and they were nearly an equal match for each other. Nearly. But Garmadon wasn't about to let his little brother win, and as Wu carelessly brandished his sword, Garmadon found an opening and took advantage of it. He grit his teeth and swung with all his might, sending the sword flying out of his brother's hands . . . and sailing over the monastery wall.

The boys gasped. Their eyes darted to their father – he hadn't seen it.

"Hurry up, go get it!" Garmadon whispered to his little brother.

Wu bit his lip. "Maybe he won't notice . . . ."

"He will if you don't have it during our next training session!"

"But if I go now, father might see," the little boy whimpered, his blue eyes stretched wide. "Maybe I can get it later."

Garmadon rolled his eyes. Wu was just afraid to go outside the monastery walls because the mountain was so high he thought he might fall off. But Garmadon, being the older brother, tried to remain patient. "If dad did know, he would remind you not to put off until tomorrow what can be done today."

"But –"

Garmadon put a hand on his brother's shoulder, to silence his anxieties. "It's your sword, so it's your responsibility."

"You knocked it out of my hand!" Wu protested, raising his voice a little too much.

"Sh!" Garmadon threw a nervous glance at their father, but the man didn't show any sign that he was aware of their predicament. "Wu," he said quieter, gentler. "You can't let you fear control you. You'll be okay, I promise."

Wu looked wide-eyed at his big brother, and for a moment, Garmadon thought he was going to refuse. But then he nodded. "Okay."

"Good, I'll make sure father doesn't see you. Hurry!"

Wu sprinted away and scaled the wall. Garmadon watched as he reached top, took a deep breath, then dropped down on the other side.