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Chapter Text

Lloyd was out in Ninjago City receiving awards he didn’t want, handing out autographs, and meeting fans. Misako was out on an archeological excavation and wouldn’t be home in a month or more depending on how far they get. It meant that Garmadon and Wu remained at the small monastery that the greying brother called home with his wife and kid.

Both brothers sat crisscrossed from each other in the dojo. The sweet scent of rose and vanilla clung to the their robes as they inhaled it. Mixture of rose and vanilla supposedly worked to bring love to one’s senses. It was one of Garmadon’s favorites to use when he was in his more depressive states.

“Thank you for joining me.” Garmadon whispered, cracking his left eye open to see if Wu was still there. The supposed “younger” man hummed in response, not shifting his focus away from his breathing and Garmadon’s presence. There was barely no time for Wu and Garmadon to hang out like they once did before everything happened. Wu was back to training the boys and Garmadon was out building his little sanctuary while setting up a little program for young children to learn martial arts. Wu found Garm’s idea endearing after the things he’s been through. Hell, Wu had an idea for the reason why he set the program up and it was all in the name of having that experience of teaching children. The one thing he didn’t get to do with Lloyd.

“Is the aromatherapy working for you?” Garmadon asked, being a little more louder. It was apparent that Garm was feeling a little better and ready to go off and do something else. Probably work in the garden in the back. “Yes brother.” Wu replied, not opening his eyes. “I’m feeling all the love.” There was a little laugh from Garm. Even through the years, Garmadon was glad Wu still had that spark to him. “Just like our first time?” Wu opened his eyes and stared at his brother. He could feel the heat rising his face.

“No.”

“No what?”

“You’re not bringing that up. I like to forget that we did that.”

Garmadon sighed. Of course he would try to forget. Just like dad told him to do all those years ago. “What we did wasn’t wrong.” Garmadon said, getting up from the carpet. “It was a little experimentation.”

“That shouldn’t went as far as it did! What we did was wrong and you know that well as I do. It’s immoral. Sinful even.”

“It was love brother!”

Wu got up and looked to his brother harshly. His blood now boiled at his brother’s insolence. His ears couldn’t believe the words that his married brother spoke. What they did all those years ago should be forgotten. To be locked in a box and thrown into the Endless Sea. “Why can’t we have that again?” Garmadon asked, his voice seemed to beg for the answer. It made Wu’s skin crawl. “Because we can’t. It’s disgusting. Improper. Inane.”

“Inane? I-I gave my fucking virginity to you! I trusted you to take it seriously because you did all those years ago! Now you think me, giving up something as important as virginity, as inane!?” Garmadon was heated. He felt a lump form in his throat and warm tears threatened to spill.

“You should of gave it someone else! It’s not my problem!”

“Why do you act like I’m some sort of slut that was lusting over you? Y-you wanted me too! You can’t deny that! Besides, you gave me yours! You trusted me remember! I still cherish that moment of us! Just us Wu!”

Wu scowled at Garmadon. Disgust and loathing. His own older brother acting like a child. It came to a point that he just left the dojo. He left Garmadon behind in there. He needed sometime to himself.

Chapter Text

Flashback

Wu knew that his father was a not so kind man. He was a man that many people didn’t want to bother. A man that lived in the mountains away from the villages below with his two sons that people barely saw. It gotten to the point where Wu and Garmadon were considered legendary figures with cool magical abilities and a life of wondrous luxury. If only they knew they knew the truth that living under their father’s monastery was a bore. With their father’s strict lifestyle and surrounding areas, there was nothing for the two brothers to do. It was just either meditation or sparring and that was it. Wu had managed with the dull life, but Garmadon struggled. He was restless to get outside once again. To feel the wind in his hair and traverse the forests down below the mountain's high peak. See people from the villages continue on with their mortal lives. Sometimes Wu would notice Garmadon staring out the window in their bedroom. Dreaming away for the day he escaped. It made Wu feel a sense of guilt in his heart. If only he hadn’t made friends with Aspheera. If only he grabbed that stupid katana from the bushes. Everything would be ten times better for Garmadon. He wouldn’t be suffering inside his own home or his own skin. Just to be normal and not be viewed as a burden in the eyes of your own father. Wu wished he could take everything back. For there to be peace among his own family. His brother and father.

It was a cool summer's afternoon with the moon just coming up when Wu's father called him and Garmadon into the dojo. Both boys held their breaths as they looked upon their father to notice the neutral expression he carried and quietly they released their breaths. He wasn't in one of his moodsthis time. So, they stood before the First Spinjitzu Master and bowed their heads respectfully, Wu taking off his straw hat, and Garmadon placing his hands behind his back. Even though the man who sat before them had a neutral expression, it didn't mean he wouldn't to a full turn into the opposite direction. He loved to do that to his sons. Make it seem like everything was perfectly fine but in reality, it wasn't.

"You have both disobeyed me several times. And since Garmadon was bitten, it has become even worse." Their father hissed, glaring upon his eldest son most crudely. The Spinjitzu Master knew how much his words dripped with venom and stung into his eldest's heart. The pained scowl of Garmadon's face showed his dismay and Wu's blood boiled in rage. He wanted to so badly lay into his father. To yell and cry about the abuse. His nonsense, but his father's hellfire rage wasn't something to be tempted. Wu had seen it once and that was already enough, so he held his tongue at bay.

"I am sending you on a journey." He stated bluntly, watching the boys' faces morph into shock. "He had to be joking." Wu thought to himself, looking towards his brother. Garmadon looked just as shocked too, but he was waiting for that gacha moment, but it never came. Looking towards his youngest with a smile, he said, "A journey to find a special tea plant that may help purify Garmadon of whatever his plaguing him. You will leave tomorrow morning at sunrise." He's not joking!

Wu had so many questions like, was his father feeling, okay? Was he infected by an illness or disease? Did he know that he was letting his only sons go out into the world with the possibility that they may never return? Do a blind eye and run off together? Or did he know that they would run back to him like the trained dogs they were? His mutts that followed every command he gave out. It made them both sick to their stomachs, but they showed no sign. They were good liars after all.

"Where will we find this tea plant? And what is so special about it?" Wu asked. This made his father smile. He was so proud of his mutt. "The plant grows on the shores of the Northern Ocean. Once you get there, more answers will be revealed." He uttered. This asshole! Wu hissed internally. He hates how vague the man can be.

"Mysterious as always." Garmadon muttered, leaning into Wu just slightly. Wu laughed internally, but he knew better than to laugh in front of his father. It was rude and disrespectful. "Did you say something, son?" The First Spinjitzu Master asked, glaring at Garmadon. The brunette straightened up and looked the man in the eyes and said, "Wise words, Father!" Like he was proud and understanding. A hum left the master's lips before waving his sons away. "You boys get some sleep now."

"Yes Father!"

The mission kept Wu up all night. His own father was letting him leave the Monastery to travel and explore the land he called home. He was so excited, and he could tell that Garmadon was thinking the same too. This was their chance. Their chance to finally branch out and explore themselves and who they are.

Chapter Text

Just before the sun rose up to embrace the world in its golden glow; Wu awoke and began to get ready. He slipped out of his warm pajamas and into his gi which was a set of brown pants with a light white shirt all tied up in front. Then he went to the bowl of water in the corner of his room and washed his face with the less than pleasant smelling goat milk soap that his father bought from the nearby village. Afterwards, Wu dried his face, combed his hair, tied a bun in his hair, and placed his favorite straw hat upon his head, then he grabbed his already packed backpack and bo staff that was in the opposite corner of the water bowl.

The man left his room and walked straight to his elder brother's door. He knocked on said door and pressed his ear to it. It was in order to hear if Garmadon was awake and getting ready, but the sound of soft snoring told Wu that he was wrong. With a groan, he opened the door to notice Garm fast asleep within the comfort of his bed and blanket. His back was turned to him and the only thing peeking out was the top of his soft brown locks of hair. Lightly tapping the brunette's head, Wu said "Rise and shine brother! Our journey begins today!" The white-blonde was so excited about this journey and he was hoping that Garm was awake by the time that he entered his room, but you can't get everything that you want. A hand popped out from the purple blanket and swatted the bo staff away. "Knock it off!" Garmadon whined, his sleepy eyes glaring at his younger brother to show his irksome. It made Garmadon look cute, so Wu didn't have an issue fighting with him in the morning. He genuinely loved watching Garm whine, groan, swat him away just so he could get those few minutes of extra sleep.

"Father said we must leave at sunrise." Wu said, shaking at Garmadon's heavy body. Another groan. It was an exhausted groan that made Wu feel some types of ways, but he suppressed himself. "Yes, but he didn't say which sunrise." Garmadon barked back, bringing the blanket up over his face and began to snore. "Are you serious!" Wu whined, tugging the blanket away from his brother. "This is an important mission. We've got to start off on the right foot." He just kept snoring away. Ignoring Wu's every word. This made the white-blonde frown and look around the room to find anything that would wake him up. His golden eyes landed onto the water bowl, and he grabbed it quickly. He smirked. "Sorry not sorry, brother." Wu muttered before pouring the cold water onto him. Sputtering awake, Garmadon jumped out of bed and shivered. He was nude which wasn't surprising. Garm liked to sleep without any clothes as it was more comfortable that way. This gave Wu a full look at his brother's wonderous body. He was toned but nothing to the extent to those men in Garmadon's male "magazines" that he stole when both of them snuck out of the monastery one day. Those men were something else. Just pure muscle and handsome rugged looks. In the "magazine" both Wu and Garm would be considered "twinks" whatever that means.

"What did you think you were doing?" Garmadon hissed, ripping Wu out of his thoughts. With a cheeky grin, Wu replied back with "Looks like you're awake now!" The look that was given was priceless and it made Wu wish he could take a photo of it. Grabbing his gi, Garmadon muttered "Try that again and I'll hit you with my best spinjitzu move." Wu rolled his eyes. "Ooo, I'm so scared!"

"Tsk, I'll give you something to be scared of," and Garmadon pinned Wu against his bedroom wall. He leaned their foreheads together and their faces flushed. "You're such a damn nuisance to me." Garmadon growled. "But, gosh how much I want you."

"You have no idea." Wu growled back, glaring into the purple eyes of his brother. Heat rose to their face and Garmadon pushed himself away. "Never mind." Garm grumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I won't never mind, Garmadon." Wu spoke, looking down at the brunette. Without even looking, Garmadon said "I know you won't" with a sigh at the end. "We shouldn't feel this way, but I'm so," He paused; thinking of what words to say. "I... love you brother. More than a what brother should."

"I-I do too." Garmadon fell silent again. Gnawing away at his lip. "I'm glad."

"Yeah," Wu said. Changing the atmosphere, Wu smiled. "This journey will change us. We won't be afraid, and we'll be free."

"Free for how long? You know we're just gonna run back to him." Garmadon growled, clenching his fists. "Just his little toys,"

"We're not his toys!" Wu cried out. "Then what are we?"

"His sons. Now come on! Get you bag packed. The sun is coming up!" Grumbling, Garmadon put on his gi and packed his bag, but deep down he was smiling. He was happy that Wu felt the same. He shared the same feelings as him. "Don't forget something to wear when it gets cold at night." Wu commanded, looking into Garm's closet to find some warm clothing. "And extra socks just in case our feet get wet."

"Oh! and you might want to pack some tea. I packed some along with my teapot, but we could always use some more."

"I will pack whatever I want, brother!"

Both brothers laughed softly, and Wu grabbed some extra socks and warm items of clothing, then placed them in the bag. "Alright, brother. I won't fuss longer."

Chapter Text

I love you. More than a brother should.

The words echoed in Wu's head as he waited outside the Monastery for Garmadon to finish getting ready. He loved him to and in a way that wasn't just brotherly. His heart pounded in his chest at this newfound logic. Their feelings were reciprocated but could they take that step? To love, to kiss, to feel each other. It all was so daunting to him. "How would father feel?" Wu asked himself, looking at the large doors of his father's home. "What would he do?" How disappointed father would be? His own sons sleeping together like desperate harlots. The blonde shivered at the word. He remembered a time when his father called a young woman walking one night a harlot and Wu knew that it wasn't a good thing. It wasn't something to be endearing. It was a slur of hatred and disgust. All that poor woman did was mind her own business.

Then one of the doors opened and Garmadon poked his head out looking for his brother. Both men locked eyes and smiled at each other. One thing Wu could admit that now that their feelings were told, those small glances, smiles, and "brotherly" hugs were much more now. He knew what they were. What they meant. Garmadon stepped out in his full get up. Armor, pair of black pants, brown leather kneepads, and a purple belt tied around his waist. He had a matching purple bandanna wrapped around his head to keep his brown hair out of his face. His backpack on his back. Garmadon stepped up to Wu and grabbed his hand quickly to give it a squeeze. "What are you waiting for, Wu? Let's go!" Garmadon said, and they went, leaving the Monastery and their father behind for their journey.

Moving away from the Monastery the two brothers went down the only pathway that was leading to their home. "Where are we going, again?" Garmadon asked, looking over at Wu. It always seemed like his younger brother had all the answers. "Right now, there is only one path in front of us, so let's take it." Wu explained, pointing in the direction down the path. This pathway led to the nearby village the boys' father came to when needing items. It's gotten to the point that the villagers themselves had known when he would be coming to grab the usual stuff. They gave him so much respect. Respect that he didn't deserve at all. "Do you think they will know us?" Garmadon asked, looking forward. Both of them had only been into this village a few times in their lives. In their younger years, father took them all the time, but after Aspheera and the other troubles it came to a screeching halt. It came to the point that the brothers had to sneak out just to go into the small village but hide their faces at the same time. No such thing as being extra cautious with these people, including in their father was a well-known person. "I don't know." Wu replied with a shrug. "I hope not."

"Same. I don't want to be viewed as the First Spinjitzu Master's son. Not with how he treats us." Garmadon explained, looking at the ground. Shame and anger on his face. "I feel like we're pets to him."

"I know." Wu replied, looking down at the ground too. He felt like he was his father's prize possession. It felt weird and off. It was extremely weird whenever father did it in from of Garmadon. It was like father was trying to show that Wu was the better kid compared to Garmadon and yet, Garm loved Wu. Didn't feel jealous. Maybe Garmadon felt like he didn't need to be jealous? "Anyway," Wu started. "We're close to the village already, so let's pick up the pace."

Coming upon the village, Wu and Garmadon noticed that the villagers were just waking up. Chickens were clucking and pecking at the ground. Two young boys were working together to carry buckets of water from the well. Probably to give to the others were also just waking up. A happy chubby man with a cart walked around yelling "Get your breakfast noodles here! Start your day with a belly full of warm noodles!" Garmadon began to salivate and drift towards the udon cart. The smell of the shoyu broth filling his nose and to his stomach. Wu frowned. "Come on, brother." He groaned, grabbing Garmadon's arm. Wu felt his warmth. "Father said we need to go to the Northern Ocean. And north is this way." Wu pointed towards the other end of the path that led outside the village. Garmadon gave a pout and Wu's heart almost stopped right there. "Can't we get some noodles?" the brunette asked. "It makes sense to get some food in our bellies if we're going on a long journey. Besides, the food in our packs will only last for so long." Wu saw the begging expression of Garmadon's face as his stomach growled for food. The noodles do smell so good. Wu thought, looking up at the chubby man, then to Garm. His face hot at Garmadon's soft smile. "I guess that sounds sensible."

Taking a pouch of coins from his bag, Wu paid for the two bowls of noodles and both of then sat away near the entrance of the village. They slurped the noodles down. Their bellies filling up with delicious food. "Do you want my eggs?" Garmadon asked, looking at Wu. The white blonde looked towards the brunette as witness that he held half of his hardboiled egg with his chopsticks. "I know you like eggs a lot." Wu blinked surprised. "Um...sure." Garmadon put the egg to his lips and Wu pleasantly took the egg between his lips. The boiled egg tasted fantastic. That man knows how to cook. Garm brought the other half to Wu's mouth and once again Wu took it, blushing at the same time when he noticed two women giggling at the two. Wu grabbed the tip of his straw hat with his fingertips and covered his face. He was embarrassed. Garmadon leaned forward so his face too was hidden behind the straw hat. "You're hiding your face again." Garmadon said, smiling. "Those women were giggling at us."

"So?"

"It's embarrassing."

"Because I was feeding you?"

"Shoot, I don't know maybe." Garmadon huffed with a smirk. "Maybe they like you." Wu frowned. "Strongly doubt it."

"Okay." Garmadon shrugged, pulling away to finish his noodles. Wu put his hat back on and did the same. Slurping away until the bowl was completely empty. "That was pretty good." Garmadon said, looking back at Wu. "Maybe we should look for a dumpling cart." Wu looked down at the empty bowl in his hands. Garmadon was totally tip toeing away from this. He always did that when something was eating at him, or he didn't want to do something that father asked of him.

"I don't get it." Wu said. "It's like you don't even want to go on this trip. You act so begrudgingly or trying to find something else to do. What's the problem?" Garmadon's brows furrowed. His lips pulled into a scowl. "The problem is that Father thinks I'm the problem." Garm barked. "I don't need some stupid tea to cure me of anything. I'm just fine." Wu stared right into the purple of his brother's eyes. A slight hint of red shining through. He had to admit that he did agree with their father on this subject. Garm was different since that day when both of them were practicing in the outside dojo. When that stupid wooden katana flew over the Monastery's wall. If only Wu went and grabbed that katana without being a baby. If he just disobeyed his father that one final time to grab it. Garmadon wouldn't have been bit by the strange snake. Evil had found Garmadon and there was no doubt about it. Bad mood swings overtook him so fast on certain days. Darkness could be seen in his eyes whenever Wu looked into them after Garm had an argument with their father. It was something he had never seen before. "Father's just angry with us for stealing the stupid scrolls." Wu reassured, his hand on Garmadon's thigh. "If getting this tea plant will get him off our backs, we should do it."

"Fine."

Chapter Text

Slowly, the brothers traveled on the winding, broken, and confusing path in the direction of the North. The surrounding forest was dense and foreboding with the probability of dangerous animals lurking within the darkness of brush. It was a worrying thought to the two brothers as they set up camp near a slow-flowing river.

This is the third campsite of their journey. It was as comfortable as they could make it. There were two tents for each one of them and a campfire between the two. This fire kept them warm and stayed as a light source as the day turned to night.

Wu stood in the river looking at the shadows of fish swimming past his ankles. They needed food if they were going to complete their father’s journey and their food won’t last them the whole time, so Wu and Garmadon gathered food along the way. The towhead blonde’s golden eyes watched one fish. It was the slowest of the bunch. Wu hovered over the fish’s shadow hidden by his own, but with all his senses, Wu snatched the trout quickly. It flailed hard but Wu held on, running to the camp where Garmadon waited.

“You caught one!” Garmadon exclaimed, standing up from his log. Wu dropped it to the ground and watched it slowly give up its life. Guilt ate at the towhead as the fish died suddenly. Life is all left from its eyes. “That was fast,” Garmadon said, looking at the trout. “They usually flail longer.”

“Yeah...”

“What’s wrong?”

“I should have killed it quickly instead of letting it suffer.”

Garmadon rolled his purple eyes. “It’s just a fish, Wu. Besides, it died fast.”

“You’re right about that, but-“

“But nothing. Come on let’s cook it.”

The brunette crouched down and picked the trout up before heading towards a sharpened stick. Wu watched as Garmadon impaled the fish’s body and placed it over the fire.

“Brother?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you want more?” Garmadon paused and looked up. “More what?”

“More for us? Like, do you want there to be an us.”

“I do. I do,” Garmadon urged, moving to stand in front of Wu. “I want there to be an us. I love you.” Wu bit the inside of his cheek. “Father would hate us.”

“So? Who cares?”

“I do.” Wu sighed, his hands grabbing Garm’s. “I want to be with you, Garm, but I’m scared of father’s disapproval.” It was Garmadon’s turn to sigh. “He doesn’t need to know. We can run as I’ve said.” Garmadon reassured, squeezing Wu’s hands slightly. “Just you and me.”

Garmadon leaned forward until his forehead touched Wu’s. They stood in silence as they listened to fire crackle and the crickets chirp.

“Can I kiss you?” Garmadon asked quietly, eyes locking with Wu’s. “If you don’t mind.” Wu bit his lip before smiling. “Yeah.” Garmadon’s face brightened with a smilies smile as he leaned forward and pressed his lips against his brother’s. It was a simple kiss that was short, but it said a thousand words. They would be together no matter what.

Chapter Text

The sun couldn’t be seen through the tall trees’ dense leaves and it made it almost impossible to tell if the sun decided to rise for another day or allow the darkness of night to take its claim on the world. It didn’t help that the forest surrounding the brothers brought a thick misty fog that made it horrible to see the roots. This forest was going to be unbearable and Wu knew this fact well, but convincing his stubborn brother would be similar to talking with a brick wall. Pointless, but Wu had to try at least. “There’s a heavy fog in this forest, which is weird…” Wu started, his voice grabbing the brunette’s attention. “It wasn’t anywhere outside the forest. We could easily get lost here, so maybe we should head back and walk around it.”

“That will take too long,” Garmadon groaned, his hand clutching tightly to Wu’s. It was a comforting gesture, but also meant for Wu to follow reluctantly. They stepped into the dense forest. Their boots cracking sticks and crunching leaves or pine needles. Fern bushes were larger than normal and the fog engulfed them. Wu frowned and glared at Garmadon’s silhouette. He was frustrated at the stubbornness. At the lack of thought and foresight that father always drilled into their heads. “It’s impossible to see!” Wu hissed, pulling his hand out of Garmadon’s grip. “I knew we should have gone around, dang it!”

Garmadon looked to his brother with an annoyed scowl. “Give me your hand. I don’t want to lose you.” Garmadon said, his hand going for Wu’s. He knew the fog was dense and that it made Wu too uncomfortable, but they had no other choice. Going around the forest would take too long. Wu moved his hand away. “I’m fine. I’ll be close beside you,” and Garmadon huffed at his brother. Hurt that Wu didn’t want to hold his hand any longer. Turning to the fog, Garmadon spoke, “Just keep walking straight,” and Wu hummed in agreement.

In the distant fog two red eyes flickered like candle light. Garmadon’s eyes glimmered at the sight of sudden light that a smile spread across his face. “I think I see lights up ahead.” Garmadon cheered, grasping the towhead’s arm. Wu gasped at the sudden touch. “Garm-“

“Look!” Garmadon pointed to the lights and Wu followed the direction to see the two bright lights. A rock felt like it was in his throat. “I don’t think those are lights. They look like eyes.” Wu said, trying to swallow that rock. “That’s just your imagination, brother! It’s probably just a-“

A thunderous roar echoed all around them and a beast of fur, scales, and teeth charged at them with a fury the brothers had never seen before.

Chapter Text

The beast barreled its way to the brothers with a raging fury in its eyes that was all too familiar, and the brothers’ bodies shivered at the sight before swiftly dodging the attack. Wu looked up from the ground, his left cheek covered in dirt, to spot his brother huffing away at the beast’s other side. “What is that thing?” Wu heard the query, but his mind was too muddled as he picked himself up, watching as the creature swirled around to spot the two. It’s long sickle-like talons up in the air with a roar that matches.

“What kind of monster is this?” Wu exclaimed, rolling away from the talons. Garmadon looked at Wu and ran towards him. His hand stretched to grab the light sleeve of his dear’s attire and pulled him up. Instinctively, Garmadon held Wu’s arm to his chest. He didn’t want to let his source of love go and be the thing’s next meal. He didn’t want to be left alone, but he pushed that thought aside and reluctantly let go. “I think it’s a lizard!” Garmadon replied, faking a smile. Wu shook his head. “I think it’s a tiger,” Wu shot back, his golden eyes looking up at the eyesore. “Or maybe a bear?”

“It doesn’t matter! The thing doesn’t like us!” Garmadon yelled, turning to spin and bursting into a bright purple force of energy. Wu quickly followed in pursuit and spinned himself. The energy around him was getting a little hot, but that didn’t matter, and in unison the brothers launched themselves to their attacker. Determination flooded their heads as they watched the beast get slightly startled, but as fast as everything was in that specific moment, the monster swung its powerful arm. It sent the brothers flying to the trees and Garmadon swore his back was gonna be bruised.

“This is a powerful adversary!” Wu called out and Garmadon huffed. “I can’t see anything in this fog except for its glowing eyes,” The brunet whined, once again running to his brother’s side. His hand again clutching to Wu’s arm. “It’s not fair!” Wu was about to comment back but the beast landed a firm hit onto the two, its massive paws curving around their bodies in a tight grip. To add salt into the wound, it raised the boys into the air and then slammed them down violently into the dirt. The air in their lungs was pushed out and they couldn’t breathe. Heavy weight pressed on their stomachs and their eyes looked up to see the glint of hunger. Wu frowned as he shook his head in disbelief. This couldn’t be the end. This shouldn’t be their end. In a last ditch effort, Wu kicked his legs up to hit the dark fur and scaly body that pinned him down. Peering to his side, Wu noticed that Garmadon kept his eyes to him, not looking at death in the face nor the surrounding trees and bushes, just him, and in that moment Wu felt a comfort that only Garmadon could give him. “I love you, brother,” Wu sighed, knowing that the words meant more than they should. “I love you too.”

A shadow from overhead alerted the creature and something fell in-front, but it was unnervingly silent. No sound to announce its presence, yet a feeling of power entered the area and it was felt. There was no mistaking it. Craning his neck, Wu looked to whatever was in the fog and noticed a tall, slender figure of a woman. Her hair flowing behind her. The cloth of attire swaying with grace. Blood roared in Wu’s ears as he watched this woman. Fear of her being a helpful aid to this monster that pinned them, but he didn’t stop the hopeful thought that maybe she was there to help. He prayed she helped.

In a fluid motion the woman raised a staff up into the air and swung hard onto the beast's face, causing it to cry with anguish and let the brothers go, the two scrambling to their feet. With agility the woman leapt into the air and soared over it to land behind it. Once she landed Wu noticed two pointed ears on the top of her head. Is she a cat? Wu thought, his mouth agape as he watched the woman spin the staff before her. Then he noticed that the “staff” that she used was an umbrella. A umbrella!?

In a surprising feat the cat-lady began to whirl and a gray swirl of energy formed around her into a tornado. “She’s doing Spinjitzu!” Wu exclaimed, his eyes feeling like they were gonna bulge out of his head. “That’s impossible!” Garmadon cried, watching as the tornado surrounded the beast faster and faster, creating a powerful force of wind that blew the two back again in the trees. Garmadon crying out at his back hit a trunk. Wu heard his brother’s yelp that he moved against the wind to Garm’s aid.

WHACK!

The lady wacked the monster with her umbrella. The thing being sent flying over the trees and landing hard somewhere else. It’s yips and yelps being heard fading away as it ran. Wind around them began to settle and the fog from before was blown away to reveal a normal forest and in the short distance the cat-lady stopped her whirlwind. Hair settling behind her like ribbons or lace. Pulling down the burgundy red mask from her face to unveil those pointy ears, gray fur, long whiskers, and yellow eyes that glistened with amusement and another emotion that wasn’t readable.
Helping Garmadon up, Wu looked to their savior with a relieved smile. “Thank you for saving us,” Wu said. “Who are you?” But the woman didn’t speak. She just stared for a few more seconds before moving in one quick motion, disappearing into the trees.

“Wu are you okay?” Garmadon asked, pulling the towhead into his arms. His lips pressing against Wu’s freckled cheek. Feeling his face heat up, Wu smiled as he hesitantly shifted his head to initiate a warm kiss that Garmadon welcomed with delight. Garm put more into the kiss. His hands grabbed at Wu’s waist while he tried to bring some tongue. Wu pulled away embarrassed. “Garmadon. We just…it’s too early for this.” Wu murmured. Garmadon hummed understanding where Wu was coming from. Even he didn’t feel so sure about the tongue thing that he had seen from those magazines. “Sorry,” Garm whispered, placing his forehead to Wu’s. “It’s all good. I didn’t necessarily hate it. Just felt weird. Ya know?”

“I do. It feels weird too. Anyway,” Garmadon said, getting up and pulling Wu with him. “We need to talk about that cat-woman person.”

“We do!”

Chapter Text

The brothers walked through the now misty forest until they got out of its unsettling atmosphere, especially after all the ruckus after the beast and its distant roars. Throughout their walk, Garmadon had excitingly blabbered on about the cat lady that saved them. He was in awe of her speed and agility that was nowhere near human, but that made sense after all, she wasn’t human. Garmadon especially went on with how she did Spinjitzu as no one besides them knew the power and due to that, he recommended that they follow her, but Wu declined on that and offered that both of them leave as fast as they could and Garmadon didn’t argue. He agreed, but teasingly told Wu that he’s “no fun”.

Within an hour, the two saw the exit and witnessed a beautiful field with a brook that bubbled a soothing tune. The scene even looked more brightly with the setting sun as streaks of reds, pinks, and oranges splashed the sky like a scenic painting. With a tired smile, Wu inhaled a breath, then exhaled. The nerves from before fading away. “This looks like a good place to make camp,” Wu said, looking around the clearing until spotting a single persimmon tree in the distance. “We can take shelter under that persimmon tree and clean up in the brook.”

“It’s still daylight,” Garmadon said, looking at the sky. “Shouldn’t we keep going? I want to get that dumb plant and go,”

“Go where? Home?”

“No. Anywhere but home.”

Wu frowned upon hearing his brother speak. It seemed now that Garmadon was bent on not going home and it worried Wu a bit, but he pushed the thought aside. “It’s a long journey to the northern shore, you know that,” Wu clarified, taking Garmadon’s hand and squeezing it. “We’re going to need some rest, and frankly, after that whole monster fight, I could use a break.” Garmadon frowned at the towhead before rolling his eyes. “Fine! But because you’re all excited about camping here, you can make the fire.” This time Wu frowned in a playful manner. “That’s not fair,” Wu moaned. “We need to work together.” Garmadon turned to glare at his brother, but something inside him melted at the sight of Wu’s golden eyes and teasing smile. Keeping his fading glare, Garmadon rolled his arms and crossed his arms exaggeratedly. “Fine,” he bemoaned. “You get the dry leaves and I’ll get the sticks.”

Wu nodded as he worked around the persimmons finding brown crumpled leaves, even picking some of the fruit off the tree along the way, and here and there Wu would look to find Garm picking up sticks or straight up tearing off. In a few minutes, Garmadon and Wu set up a fire not close but near the tree. It crackled and popped to life as it ate the foliage and wood away. Once the fire burned to a good amount, Wu set his teapot to the fire, took out some of the rice cakes he packed and the permissions he picked. The two drank their tea and ate their fill as Garmadon once again mentioned the cat lady, questioning how she knew Spinjitzu, who she even was, and so on with Wu replying with his own little questions or puns. It even got to the point with Garmadon mentioning running away together though Wu would eventually take the conversation away from such a thought to who would take the first shift. Of course Garmadon called he’d take second and there was nothing that the towhead could do about it.

————————————————————————

Crackling fire and Garmadon’s snores were the only thing that kept Wu sane throughout his shift with his mind being his only companion. It wasn’t the type company Wu had wanted though as he drifted from one thought to another. Some were easy to comprehend while others not so. Garmadon’s need for the tea made Wu continue the journey even if his brother tended to make it difficult. Then, that was a whole other deal. His brother.

Garmadon’s desire to never return to their father concerned the young man, yet there was another part of him that understood why his dear brother thought the way he did. Father wasn’t a good man or father figure. He taught his sons to fight, some life lessons, but that is it. They were merely students to him rather than his own children, but Wu felt like he had an obligation to that man. That man created them, nurtured them in the beginning, put clothes on their backs, food in their bellies, and a roof over their heads. Isn’t that enough? Apparently it wasn’t enough for Garm.

The next part was practically the both of them and their “relationship”. Both of them knew their form of love was atrocious. An abomination, yet Wu couldn’t deny his feelings and nor could Garmadon. They love each other. They adore each other, but it was wrong and Wu’s brain felt like it was on fire just thinking about it. The hand holding that wasn’t just brotherly, the huge, the stares, the kisses, the need for more intimacy, it was wrong and disgusting. Wu had to end it.

“Wu?”

“Yes?”

“My turn. You get some sleep.” Garmadon stood to sit beside the towhead, his lips pressed against his forehead.

“I love you,”

I love you too.”

Maybe he wouldn’t end it?

————————————————————————

Morning rose and the two started their day by eating breakfast which consisted of once again rice cakes and persimmons. It wasn’t a normal breakfast by any means, but it was a meal nonetheless and the two enjoyed it very much. “How was your shift?” Wu asked between mouthfuls, laughing internally at himself. Father would have knocked his head off if Wu talked with his mouth full. Garmadon shrugged. “It was alright. No monsters. Just the fire, some lightning bugs, and you,” Garmadon remarked. “You are a very quiet sleeper by the way.” Wu scoffed. “Is that a bad thing?”

“Oh no! It was just an observation.”

“Good.”

“Hey, do you want to take a bath?”

Wu paused his eating. He knew where Garmadon was taking this and his mind blurred at the thought. The two hadn’t bathed together since they were children and once they reached the “age” of ten, the two then separated, and while sure, Wu had seen his brother naked plenty of times after that, bathing was completely different. To Wu it was personal and to have another watch him wash the most intimate parts of himself felt odd. “Yeah,” Wu replied. “You can go first.”

“No, I meant together,” Garmadon remarked softly, his face heating up a bit. Wu kept quiet and didn’t dare look at his brother. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to take that step, but a small part of him wanted it. Wanted to take that step, but he knew that if he did everything would change between them, not like it already had, but this would be extreme. The kissing, cuddles, and longing stares were one thing that Wu thought could be shoved away into a box and be forgotten, but to have sex with his blood? That wasn’t something someone would forget easily.

“If you don’t want to I’ll go first and,”

“No, I trust you, but we don’t go far, please,”

“Absolutely. I promise.”

They moved to the creek, leaving their bags, the fire, and even the world behind them. The creek bubbled and moved. Rocks making the water flow around it, yet the water always came together on the other side. Garmadon was the first to strip down, then Wu, and they looked at each other’s bodies. Garmadon was handsome especially with his hair out of the bandanna. The way it covered parts of his face with his purple eyes looking out from the bangs made him look smaller than he was. Garmadon was the more extrovert looking sibling out of the two even though he couldn’t really bother interacting with strangers for no reason, so seeing the brunet look shy was out of character, yet made sense in some odd familiar way. Was it because Garmadon knew what they were gonna do?

Wu looked somewhat similar to Garmadon with both of them having smaller frames, yet toned, hairless, and smooth skin. The only difference was that Wu’s face and chest was littered with freckles. The small spots looked like they formed patchwork constellations on his clavicle up to his shoulders, making astrological animals that never existed.

Wu was the first to step into the creek. Shivers running up his spine at the water's cold temp. It wasn’t something that Wu wouldn’t get used to, but it wasn’t comfortable either. As he got to the deepest part of the creek the water came up halfway to his shin and once finding a flat surface to sit upon, the water came up a little over his knees. He continued to shiver as he cupped water into his hand and washed away the grim from his skin. Garmadon carefully stepped his way into the water until he reached Wu spot in the creek. The brunet settled down beside the blonde and began doing the same, that was until Garmadon reached for Wu’s hair. It was soft like silk and light like feathers. “Want me to wash your hair?” Garmadon asked, taking his hand away slightly. “Sure.”

Wu shifted to sit in front of the brunet. His backside touching the other’s shins. He leaned back slowly. “Is this good, Garmadon?” The older brother nodded with a small smile before cupping his hands together to collect some of the cool water. With great care, Garmadon poured water over the platinum blonde hair of the younger brother, watching the hair become waterlogged yet still soft to the touch. Garmadon smoothed down Wu’s hair before massaging the scalp. Wu hummed and leaned further back until the back of his head touched Garmadon’s chest. His eyes blissfully closed. Garmadon smiled down. Seeing Wu look so calm made Garmadon feel calm as since the whole journey Wu had been on “go mode” for most of it.

Hands going lower to Wu’s shoulders, the blonde continued to hum or giggle whenever Garm reached a fairly knotted muscle or ticklish spot. Garmadon was surprised by how tense Wu’s shoulders seemed to be, but considering how father always relied on the blonde to be the golden child, it wasn’t surprising how much stress he carried. “Feels good brother?” Garmadon asked, his hands going between Wu’s shoulder blades. “Yeah,” Wu sighed, just shifting forward for Garmadon to continue down his back. “You can go a little lower,” and Garmadon did. He had moved down to his lower back and Wu arched himself, laughing to himself. Garmadon laughed with him as his hands came to Wu’s legs. It first started with the thighs. Garmadon massaged the side, moved to the top, then the inner thigh. Wu squeaked at that and looked down to where his brother’s hands laid. He felt his face flush. He bit his bottom lip. All the blonde could do is nod his head.

Those hands crawled down the inner thigh to the hip joint. They rubbed little circles into the skin as they inched closer and closer to the little spot of sensitive skin behind the balls. Wu could feel Garmadon’s head rest on his shoulder. Feel his lips press against his jaw and move down to his neck. Then it happened. Garm’s fingers pressed against his taint. The pressure causes nerves to spark within his body as he unwillingly curved his back and released a pleasured moan that made Garmadon gasp. He ripped his hands off of the blonde’s skin. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” Wu moved onto his knees and faced the brunet. His hands taking the other's face. “Let me show you,” Wu cooed, motioning Garmadon to get on his knees. The young man did. His hands placed on the blonde’s shoulders and without even noticing, Wu fingers pressed into that same spot. Garmadon moaned out, wrapping his arms around his brother’s shoulders, face into his hair. “Want me to keep going?”

“Yes,” Garmadon whined, moving his hips in motion to the circles rubbing against his taint. It felt nauseatingly good. Pressure pushed onto the muscles that resided there was something Garmadon couldn’t think possible. Why did those bundle of nerves exist? Why does it feel so good? Garm kept moaning as Wu kept going. Seeing his brother in such ecstasy made his blood run south and it seemed to be the same with Garmadon. “Brother, brother, wait, st-stop,” The brunet babbled, his arms tightening around his younger brother.

“What’s wrong?” Wu asked worryingly. “Did I hurt you?”

“No, just…too much.” Garmadon huffed, settling back onto his legs, his penis erect. Wu also settled down with himself erect. “That’s…I’m…I’m just overwhelmed,” Garmadon explained, face still flushed red. “Do you want us to stop?” Garmadon shook his head. “No, I want to keep going, but that…that can stop.” Wu laughed anxiously. “Well, you can do that to me again or well, I can deal with that.” Wu alluded to Garmadon’s erection that had precum leak from the tip. “Do you want me to massage that area for you? I’m more than willing to show you have I fe-,”

“I mean if you want to. I’m giving you the choice.”

“I know, brother, but what do you want most of all?”

“To pleasure you,”

“Oh…oh-okay,”

Both brothers shifted and the water splashed around them. Garmadon sat with his legs open while Wu was between them, already pumping away at the cock in his hand. It was thick and very warm. The tip was a rosy pink color that was revealed when the skin was pulled back. Throughout the whole deal, Garmadon moaned, groaned, and whined. Squirming under his dear brother’s touch. Without much thought, Garmadon held himself up and with his own hand pump at Wu’s own erection. “Oh! Shhh-shit!” Wu cursed, breathing hitched. Each of them thrusting their hips as they mutually jerked one another off. Their tips leaking of precum. The clear fluid rolling down their cocks and hands straight into the water below. “F-fuck, Wu, I’m,”

“Me too,” Wu groaned, jerking Garm off faster, thrusting his hip faster until finally it boiled over. Ropes of thick white cum squirt out from the two boys. Each one moaning loud to the sky.

“I hope no one heard that.”

Chapter Text

Getting out of the brook, Wu looked up to the sky above and watched as iridescent blue feathers soared through the sky. The swallows were fleeting over their campsite as they sung tunes of being in their primetime. Wu watched them and felt a sense of relatability. That feeling of being in his prime. Feeling of freedom. It was a high that Wu didn’t want to fade from his senses. ‘Was this how Garmadon felt?’ Wu thought to himself, his eyes watching the brunet throw his clothes on. “Heh,”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Nothing at all.”

Garmadon smiled as he passed Wu his clothing and an extra towel he packed. Wu took them gratefully, their hands touching for only milliseconds, yet felt like minutes. “Today’s gonna be a good day. I can feel it, Wu,” Garm said, leaning his forehead in to touch the blonde’s. “You better keep that promise.”

————————————————————————

The two brothers traveled on a worn down dirt road heading west. It was Wu’s idea and while Garmadon did fuss about it, claiming to go around the mountain like it was some easy feat, Wu had quickly replied back that they simply had no idea what waited for them if they were to go around. So, Garmadon obliged to Wu’s plan, only hoping that they’d find a village willing to host them for the night.

But that village never came. They had walked fields of long grass and bright sunflowers, to a forest that was thankfully monster-free, to swamp lands that left their socks soaked and the feelings of being cold and clammy. Soon enough though the brothers came upon mountain foothills whose rocky terrain looked like they were placed by giants themselves. Both of them began to step up the rocks, their bodies feeling heavy from exhaustion. “Going around the mountain will take some time if it’s like this,” Wu called out to Garmadon, his arm sweeping over the terrain. “But that mountain is too steep to climb.” Garmadon softly laughed with a shake of his head. “For once, I agree with you,” Garmadon smiled up to his brother, yet Wu didn’t notice. He was too busy watching his footing. And they continue to climb.

A loud howl made both brothers jump. It wasn’t a monster, but it was human, like a soldier shrieking a battle cry to the enemy. Turning to the source of the cry was a dozen warriors cladded in pearlescent deep green attire. Emblazoned on the front was the symbol of a jewel and Wu’s mind flashed through the information he was taught by his father, but nothing had come up. He has no clue who these people were and what they represented. The warriors eyes were darkened by their hoods which appeared to have triangles sewn on the top. It was like they were cat ears?

“Who are those brawlers? Are they coming to attack us or greet us?” Garmadon asked, peering at his brother’s panicked expression. Garm’s heart began to pound in his chest like marching soldiers. When he first started this pointless journey he didn’t imagine them being attacked by monsters and cat people. “Maybe they’re with the cat lady?” Wu asked, mostly to himself rather than Garmadon, but nonetheless, Wu raised his arms to the air, waving them like he were greeting them. “Hello! I’m Wu, and this is my brother, Garmadon!”

Garmadon rolled his eyes. Brother? At this point they were more than brothers. Right? Another howl pierced the air and the green warriors stormed faster towards the two. “I guess they’re attacking us,” Wu muttered. “And we’re outnumbered!” Garmadon cried, hearing his blood roar in his ears. His mind was going blank and his vision tunneled until he felt Wu’s hand squeeze his. That determined smile flashed towards Garmadon. The brunet thought his knees would give out right there. “This isn’t the first time, Garmadon,” Wu reassured, locking their fingers together quickly. “Let’s give it our best shot.”

It was like his stress had been lifted by those singular words. By Wu’s confident smile, his words of reassurance, his hand firmly holding his. His spunk for a good battle came back to him like that. Returning the smile, Garmadon flashed his own smile, eyes gleaming. “I’ll take six, you take six!”

From there they split, Garmadon leaping onto the nearby rock with half of the green warriors in hot pursuit. Wu on the other hand readied himself, strategizing all the possible attacks that might come his way, positioned his staff in front of him, and waited.

WHACK!

One soldier landed down into the rocks.

WHACK!

Another tumbled down the rocks. Swiftly two more soldiers rushed up on either side of him. Wu watched them charge in before squatting down and putting all force into the ground as he jumped high enough to clear the tall men. They had collided. A sound of anguish cries and rubbing of foreheads distracted them. A fifth warrior came hauling at the blonde with a kusarigama. The kama swung above the warrior’s head before maneuvering to aim at Wu’s. With quick succession, the young man blocked the kama with his staff, the chain wrapping around causing the handler to be stuck. Wu could hear a low curse of the green cladded man before using all his strength to swing his staff, sending the man and his weapon flying into another warrior. Confidently, Wu smirked at his handy work. The men fumbled to get up and continue their attack.

“UMPH!” Strong arms wrapped around Wu’s knees and brute force caused him to tumble down. His staff flying out his hands, his back laid deep into the rocks, the sixth soldier pinning him down by his throat. Wu began to kick and flail. His movement made it difficult for the tall, muscular soldier above him. Aiming for his chest, Wu kicked up, sending the man off him, then scrambled to his feet, and grabbed his staff. His knee throbbed but it wasn’t broken thankfully.

“Who are you, and why are you attacking us?” Wu asked, voice strained. “We’re just passing through.” The warrior who tackled him down scowled underneath the mask but appeared to answer before another battle cry erupted from above. Peering up, Wu noticed a second wave of green cladded cat soldiers charging toward them. The second group was much larger and louder than the last and Wu felt his heart give out. Glancing over to Garmadon, Wu noticed that his brother effectively dealt with his soldiers without a scratch.

“Run!” Wu’s voice carried across the battlefield to the brunet and without a single thought he followed the command. They rushed through rocks, tumbling along as the green warriors fruitfully dashed like the loose stones weren’t there. This mountain was their home field and the brothers were just their visitors, even though the two did defeat the first fleet. Their vision blurred, their lungs stung, and legs felt sore, but they never stopped and it was too late for them to notice the cliff ahead. They plummeted.

The blonde brother’s stomach hopped into his throat as he fell. No. This can’t be it! Wu thought, looking to the ravine wall, taking notice of jutted out rocks. His arm shot out and took hold of the wall, his other hand holding tightly to his staff, but that item was a small care compared to his living, breathing brother who too held tightly to the small ledge below. He exhaled. Relieved that Garmadon hadn’t taken the long fall to the bottom. “You okay!?”

Garmadon nodded, a thousand-yard stare in his eyes. He was shaken up beyond belief. Never in his years did he think the predicament he was in would happen. He looked up, eyes softened on his beloved brother, he nodded once again. “Yeah, I guess that dangerous death-drop snuck up on us.”

“It sure did.” Wu replied, now peering up. “What now? The sides of this ravine are pretty smooth and steep. How are we going to climb up? We aren’t mountain goats!”

“No we’re not, but we are ninja,” Garmadon shot back. “Maybe we could do it if we tried!” Wu took in Garmadon’s response. Yeah, they were ninja, but even ninja had their limits. “We could climb down,” Wu proposed, looking below, his head going dizzy. He was never good with extreme heights. “It’s a long way though.”

“Don’t look do-“

“Up here!”

Snapping their heads up they witnessed the cat lady from before staring down upon them. Her umbrella handle pointed in their direction. “Jump up and grab it!” She demanded, rolling her wrist with the red umbrella, taunting them to grab it. “I’ll go first!” Garmadon called, readying himself to jump. Wu’s heart began again. Pounding away he swore that the cat lady could hear it. A dreadful thought of Garmadon missing the handle and plummeting to his death for a second time, but this time there would be a thud.

Garmadon leaped up, grabbed the curved black handle, and landed safely above to Wu’s delight. Now it was his turn and with a deep breath he let go and jumped. His hand took the umbrella and swung himself up. He landed onto a hard body and a sharp hiss of breath. “Watch it, Wu!” Garmadon complained, lightly shoving Wu off him. “Me watch it!? You were in my way!” He complained back.

Behind them the cat lady began to laugh, her sound a mix between human laughter and a cat’s pleased purr. Garmadon frowned and folded his arms around his chest. “What’s so funny?” He asked, voice full of unneeded offense. Wu began to frown at his brother. “I am laughing because when I first spotted you two in the forest, I thought I was dealing with two spinjitzu masters,” she purred, her voice low and amused. “But you appear to be two very silly boys.”

“We are spinjitzu masters!” Garmadon spat, fists clenched. Wu stepped between his brother and the lady, his hand resting on Garm’s chest. A faux smile pulled on his face. “What my brother means is that we are training to be spinjitzu masters,” He explained, bowing at the hips to the lady before him. “Thank you for saving us twice. My name’s Wu, and this is Garmadon.”

“You’re welcome. I am Nineko.”

Chapter Text

Curiosity killed Garmadon. It gnawed and festered at his very core. Like a hungry dog with a weathered bone. He needed to know more about Nineko. Who she was, where she even came from, how she knew to do spinjitzu. So many questions with no answers. He and Wu had followed the cat lady through the mountain, backtracking their steps to the swamp again, through thick green thickets and hanging branches until they reached the shore of a lake. Wide light green lily pads covered the water’s surface. Water lilies that ranged in shades of white and pink spotted through calm green water. It was a serene place. One that probably could make his father envious.

Nearby an old canoe rested on the smooth pebble shore, conveniently with three matching oars inside. Nineko had moved toward the canoe, steps unnervingly silent, and pushed it into the water with great ease. A task she likely did regularly. The brothers followed hastily, each taking an oar for themselves, and then the three rode in silence. Only the oars swishing the water made any noise. For a lake, it was quiet, no frogs or birds. No buzzing of dragonflies or damsels. Garmadon oddly enjoyed the quiet atmosphere, but he chalked it up to all the chaos he had endured for the past few days. He needed a little down time after dealing with the so-called thugs Nineko called them.

On the opposite shore stood a small house elevated by massive stilts that reached just as tall as the surrounding trees. It had a russet peaked roof with a deck that wrapped around it. Alongside the house, a dock was attached to the shore and attached to that dock was a ladder. A rickety ladder, but a ladder nonetheless. Coming to the dock, Nineko hopped out, tied a rope to the curved point at the front of the canoe, and swiftly climbed the ladder.

Wu and Garmadon quickly followed behind, leaving their mucky shoes outside. Inside was warm, cozy even, and very clean. Every little thing from Nineko’s umbrella in the umbrella holder to how the cushions lined the low table. She was very neat and very precise. “Excuse me for a moment,” Nineko said, disappearing into a doorway. It just left the brothers to themselves. “She seems nice.” Wu whispered, leaning into Garmadon’s side. His cheek against his. It was very affectionate that it made the brunet flush a little. Throughout their whole journey Wu wasn’t one to do romantic gestures except for holding hands or a little kiss here or there, so for the blonde to fully lean into him like he was, was something else. “You’re getting bold,” Garmadon teased, moving his face to nuzzle into Wu’s soft hair. “Well, she isn’t around to see us,”

“See what?” Wu shoved himself away, eyeing the doorway and witnessed Nineko enter back into the room. Thankfully, she hadn’t seen anything. When she had returned, Nineko wore a beautiful pale green kimono with patterns of blue fish appearing to swim up. Like they were in a river. “It’s nothing.” Wu replied, bowing his head, his face heating up. It wasn’t anything anyone else would notice but Garmadon did. He always did.

Nineko brushed it aside and headed to the cabinets. “I will make tea,” she stated, taking a clay jar and three cups from the cabinets. Wu perked up at the word tea and Garmadon smiled, pleased to see his brother back in a better mood than being embarrassed. “Thank you. It’s very kind of you to invite us into your home. Especially since you knew our father.” Wu looked to Garmadon then back to Nineko. “I have so many questions.”

“You may ask them, but I cannot promise that I have answers,” Nineko replied, setting the clay jar, now filled with water, atop a small stove. Garmadon watched the cat’s movements. They were graceful and swift. Just like how she fought. Her footsteps are never a noise. She was what a ninja was. Everything the First Spinjitzu Master denied Garmadon of being. The fact she knew of his father was enough for Garmadon to feel a horde of butterflies flutter in his stomach. Then came his thoughts. Those negative thoughts.

“How did you meet our father?” Garmadon came back to attention. Wu had finally asked her the question. Nineko’s back was facing them, paying close attention to the boiling water on the stove. “I met him many years ago, when I was a girl…a little younger than you,” she said, preparing the tea. It smelled fresh, but bitter. “A girl? Not a cat?” Garmadon asked. “No, not yet a cat,” she replied sadly. “He saw potential in me and taught me the basics of Spinjitzu. Then, after…after I left him, I created new moves. I call my form of fighting the art of Catjitzu.” A hole caved in the brunet’s heart. So he saw potential in a complete stranger than his own son. Of course he would, but it won’t let his father’s stupidity ruin his time with the ex-student even if he’s upset that she got his father’s praise.

“Catjitzu?” Wu repeated, gazing up at the cat, who now had a finished pot of tea. “Why did you leave our father?” Fur around her neck fuzzed up and settled down. Placing two cups of steaming tea before them, Nineko sighed, sitting down on her own cushion across. “That doesn’t matter,” she stated. “What matters now is that you want me to teach you my moves, and I will…if you do me a favor in return.”

Garmadon immediately agreed while Wu stayed neutral. Even though his father pissed him to the boiling point of no return, a growing part of him wanted to prove his old man wrong. To prove he wasn’t the fuck up kid and he dreamt that one day he’d stumble upon his father again and beat him down with the moves Nineko taught him. He would return Nineko’s favor. Wu on the other hand was hesitant. Just meeting the woman, he didn’t trust her yet, even though he had thought of her fighting form as neat. Having made the mistake before with Aspheera.

Glassy faraway eyes looked out the window. “I seek the Cat-Eyed Jewel,” she said, peering away from the view outside to the drink in her cup. “It rightfully belongs to me and those thugs that you call warriors stole it from me.” She sneered, pointy ears flattening to her head, hands holding the teacup like a clamp.

Speaking up, Garmadon asked “About those guys…why do they wear hoods with ears? Are they cat ninjas, like you?” Nineko shook her head. “That is not important. What’s important is that I want the jewel back and I need your help.”

Peering at Wu, Garmadon witnessed his brother’s hesitation. The gears grinding in that head of his before looking up to their host. “You have amazing ninja skills,” Wu began before pointing a hand in her direction. “Why can’t you steal it?” He heard the wariness in his voice. So did Nineko. “They have put a magical protection around the jewel that prevents cats from getting close to it,” she had explained, waving a hand. “But if I train you two properly, you should be able to easily steal it for me. Do you agree to our bargain?” She purred excitedly, yellow eyes flashing with hope, a small smile on her muzzle.

Garmadon going to settle the deal was interrupted by Wu's response. “Our father has sent us on a journey. I’m not sure if we-“ The brunet stopped his brother. Hand placed right on his chest. He was going to go through this no matter what. He needed to prove father wrong, learn the new technique, and help their newfound friend. Wu understands. Garmadon was sure of it. Just needs a little persuasion. “The experiences you have on a journey are often more important than the destination,” Garmadon quoted, slinking his arm around Wu. His hold was tight. Very tight. “Isn’t that what Father always says? Think about how impressed he’ll be if we come home with some awesome new skills besides that stupid plant he asked for,” Cringing at the thought of going home, anything necessary to get the blonde to oblige.

Seeing Wu think about it, Garmadon crossed his fingers, but deep down knew he got his love. “All right. Count us in!”

Yes

Chapter Text

The sun was still in the sky by the time Nineko yawned and shooed the two boys out of her home. It was her nap time apparently. The brothers sat by the lake with the surrounding air cold and damp. It seeped into their bones like a winter’s chill. Garmadon paced around, complaining to the blonde skipping stones. “What are we supposed to do?” Garmadon hissed, stopping his pacing. “Stare at a stinky lake?” Wu shrugged. He understood where the brunet was coming from. He didn’t know how long the cat slept for. Even then the moonrise wasn’t for a while and Wu knew that Garmadon’s patience was thin to begin with. “And what kind of ninja takes a nap!?”

“A cat ninja,” Wu replied back, looking over his shoulder. “Haven’t you ever heard of a cat nap? Besides, I think cats are mostly awake at night anyway.”

“But she’s not a cat,” Garmadon said thoughtfully, looking down at the ground below his feet. Wu frowned at his brother. “I mean, not just a cat. She’s part human too. She was a human girl when she trained with father, so how did she become a cat-human?” Garmadon asked, looking up to Wu, eyes begging for answers. Wu knew a lot of things. He was the smarter of the two even though Wu denied that claim everytime. He was the one that had the time to sit down to read their father’s scrolls while Garmadon went off to do who knows what. Wu must know at least something but he didn’t. Wu had no clue about Nineko. Father never mentioned her. He’s never heard of cat-people. Wu frowned, stepping up to Garmadon and taking his hand. “It’s all kind of strange.” Wu remarked, his hand squeezing his brother’s. “But she saved us twice.”

Garmadon nodded, squeezed back, and leaned his head against Wu’s. “Yeah, we’d either be monster chow or flat as pancakes right now without her. She’s awesome!” He announced, a smile spreading across his face. “But you know who’s more awesome?’

“Who?”

“You, silly,” Garmadon laughed, pressing his lips to Wu’s temple, down his face, then his lips. The kiss was soft but passionate. A quiet moment that Wu didn’t want to end. He felt safe in Garmadon’s vicinity. He was strong, well skilled, and so much more. If the brunet ever left him, Wu wouldn’t know what to do with himself. They had been a dynamic duo since birth and planned to keep it that way until their dying days. Wu wasn’t without Garmadon, and Garmadon wasn’t without Wu. They were yin and yang. Sun and moon. Night and day. One couldn’t exist without the other.

Warm hands crawled up Wu’s sides and underneath his shirt. Fingers explored skin and muscle. Touching every little freckle. Garmadon loved Wu’s freckles. He loved them so much. He wanted to draw lines in Wu’s skin. Connecting the brown dots until they made recognizable constellations. Like the ones the two used to gaze at in their younger years. Garmadon wanted to get closer to Wu. Closer than even their time at the creek. To be one. With him under Wu or vice versa. It didn’t matter to him and neither did Wu. Wu wanted to make Garm feel good. He liked that more than getting the pleasure himself. To give than receive. He knew that about himself, but he couldn’t bring himself to do more, scared about the consequences even though that line had already been crossed.

Wu pulled away from the kiss. His hands on the sides of Garm’s shoulders. “We shouldn’t go too far,” He mumbled, looking down at the ground, face flushed red. Garmadon placed a hand to his cheek. “Why not? We do have time to kill? Besides, it’s not like we haven’t already-”

“I know and I’d love to give it to you, but ... .I'm scared really.” Wu sharply inhaled. Choosing his words closely. “I’m scared we’ll get caught…ya know?” Garmadon smiled, lifted Wu’s face to look him in his eyes. “Hey, it's all good, I’m sorry if I pushed too far. Maybe another time. When you’re ready.” Garmadon paused, thinking to himself, then frowned. “I just have one question…”

“What is it?”

“Do you regret what we did at the creek? Because I’d like to know…if I made you uncomfortable. I know our relationship is…forbidden. Taboo even, but I just want you to know that I love you and I’d hate me if I did make you do something you didn’t want to do.” Admiration flowered deep in Wu’s core. Garmadon’s words dug deep. Struck right into his heart. He smiled brightly, leaning in to press his lips to Garm’s. “I don’t regret it. It felt nice to make you feel nice, Garmadon and I’d love to do it again and maybe go farther, but I’m not ready again. Not at this moment, but I do, I really do want to be close with you, more than we should. I love you so much.”

This time Garmadon’s stomach filled with whirling butterflies. Spinning in a tornado as big as Ninjago itself. His heart swelled. It filled his chest with lovely emotions he hadn’t felt much before. Wu did want him. He didn’t regret what they did. Heck, Wu even enjoyed it and Garm will give him the time. The space before taking a bigger leap of faith. For now he’ll stand beside Wu. Give him kisses and cuddles. Have his back through thick and thin. He made an oath to himself. An oath that he’ll never hurt Wu. Never intentionally anyway. Garmadon laughed. Not noticing his eyes tearing up. “Are you okay?” Wu asked worriedly, arms flying to Garmadon’s face, wiping the tears. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No!” Garmadon laughed. “No, you said everything just right. So beautiful. You’re beautiful.” He pressed another kiss to Wu. “I’m so glad you’re with me and nobody else. The best thing that came into my life.” Wu laughed too, and returned the kiss. “Good. We need each other out there.”

Chapter Text

The moon had just settled in its place by the time Nineko hopped from the treehouse, landing between the waiting boys without a single sound or flaw. Her eyes steady and features neutral as she stood tall, arms behind her back and tail laid still behind. Unlike before, Nineko wore a green and charcoal gi. It was mostly a forest green with the belt, undergarment, and prints being black.

“It is time to train,” she said, straightening her back, looking at the two boys. Watching their once dull expressions grow into something more excitable. The brunet chirped up first. His child-like wonder shining through. “Can you teach us that?” He asked, pep in his step. Coming up alongside his brother, “And back in the foggy forest. You jumped so high.” Wu added, his shoulder briefly touching the other’s. A touch that Nineko pushed aside as nothing much and Garmadon’s smile soothed down, happy at the touch. At Wu’s similar enthusiasm. “I’d love to learn that, too.”

Purring, Nineko lowered her head, that long gray tail of her slinking to the forefront, pointing directly at the young men before her. Facial feature stern. Voice low. “Cats have strong hind legs that power their jumps, and long tails to keep them balanced,” she informed, tail swishing to announce her point. Eyes sparkling intensely. “You two have neither of them!” It was an obvious fact and the brothers peered at each other before the cat ninja continued. “But you can learn. Follow me.”

Leaping into the air, Nineko gracefully landed onto the tree house’s deck, her body cascaded in shadow except her piercing yellow eyes that looked down upon the two boys. Amused by their incredulous expressions. “How are we?” Gobsmacked, Garmadon shook his head, hands out and shoulders tight. “You haven’t taught us how to do that yet!” And Nineko purred, pointing her tail to the ladder. “Use the ladder,” she snipped. Scowling, Garmadon scrambled up the ladder, Wu hot on his heels.

Stepping up Nineko, the two brothers watched as the cat lady pointed to a thick vine that extended from the deck’s railing. It was coiled up like snakes with icky moss spreading over it. Smaller flimsy vines snuck through the coils. Hanging down with budding white blooms. “Balance,” Nineko said, hopping onto the railing and stepping onto the vine. With sure steps, she walked across swiftly, reaching the tree on the other side. Turning to them, Nineko waved a hand to the vine’s direction, bowing at the hips, inviting the boys to have a try.

Viewing the height, Wu shuddered, stepping back from the railing, unsure and uneasy. A queasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. Wu wasn’t a fan of heights. Always petrified to look over the edge at home. To stare at the smaller mountains and jagged peaks below. Sliding up beside him, Garmadon patted Wu’s back, gently smiling before mouthing a it’s okay to him. Glancing back to Nineko, Garmadon’s face shifted to a more determined smile, stepping up to the challenge first.

“I’ll go first!” And without hesitation, Garmadon stepped into the vine, arms out, fumbling each step, slowly making his way. From behind, Wu gleefully watched. “Hey, that's pretty good!” He called out and Garmadon chuckled, head held high, a cocky smile plastered on his face. He felt on top of the world. “I do this on the old stone wall at home,” Garmadon explained with an idle shrug. “It’s not that hard. You just need to concen-WHOA!”

And Garmadon slipped off the vine and instinctually flew a hand up to grab at it. Hanging there like drying laundry. He tried to pull himself up, but with the vine being so slimy, Garmadon’s fingers kept slipping from the vine. “It’s slippery!” He screeched, staring at Wu who hurried himself to the vine. “This vine is covered in lake slime!” but Wu didn’t bother listening. “Hold one!”

Stepping onto the vine, Wu slowly made his way towards his slipping brother, but as fate would have it he slipped off the vine and slammed his body into his brother. Free-falling to the thick, grimy mud below, a loud splat alluding to their backs meeting the ground. The wind knocked out of them both. Spatting some mud from his mud. Sputtering at the earthy taste, Garmadon scowled to his brother. “I could have gotten back on the vine!” He spat angrily, Wu cringing at his brother’s tone. “I was just trying to help,” Wu timidly retorted, frowning at the other. Noticing Wu’s hurt expression, Garmadon frowned too, placing a hand to Wu’s shoulder. He despised it when Wu felt hurt. Especially by him, but there were times he just couldn’t control it, bursting into a fit of anger at the thing causing his ire.

Frowning, Garmadon cursed at himself, heart beating at his brother’s hurt expression. He caused this. “Wu, I’m so-“ then Nineko appeared before them both. Eyes pointed at them with an unimpressed glint. “You two do not have tails, so you must bring balance to your body,” she started, narrowing in on Garmadon. “Garmadon. I see that you can feel it. You did very well with your outstretched arms. Next time, focus all that energy at the bottom of your spine as you walk.” Then she turned to Wu. The look of disappointment was painfully evident. “You will need to try harder,” she hissed, lashing her tail to one side. “Use your staff to help you. Now, let me see you both again.” With that, Nineko ascended quickly into the trees, taking her spot she stood once before. Yellow points of light beaming down on the two boys.

“Wu?” Garmadon muttered, holding a hand out to the other, but pushing it aside, Wu jumped to his feet and went straight up the ladder. Face flushed with mud and embarrassment. “Wu! Wait!” Garmadon pleaded, running after the blonde haired brother, but Wu didn’t utter another word. He leapt onto the vine again, taking Nineko’s advice. He lifted the staff up. Making it horizontal in his hands and making tiny baby steps out onto the lake slime infested vine before plummeting to the ground below. Watching Wu stamp at the mud in frustration, Garmadon chewed at his bottom lip, then glanced at the ever waiting Ninkeo. Arms folded over her chest. Head tilted down just slightly. Eyes boring into Garmadon’s soul. He felt a shiver run up his back. For a nice lady, Nineko was very cold when it came to training, and didn’t roll around punches. Deciding to slam her fist into whoever’s gob to make a point across. It was very similar to his father’s way of teaching, but Garmadon looked on the brighter side of it. At least it wasn’t his father this time. Just some kind stranger who happened to know their father. That’s all. Hopping to the plate again, Garmadon stepped out onto the vine, going much farther than before, but in the end he still slipped. Landing in the mud once more.

And so the cycle repeated with the brothers slowly making their way across the slicked up vine only to plummet back into the mud. In the end though, Garmadon was the first to make it across, meeting Nineko’s delighted smile and in turn he smiled back, proud that he managed to do the cat’s lesson, but deep down he felt guilty. Guilty about the little spat the two brothers had a little bit back. Garmadon didn’t mean to hurt Wu’s feelings. He was just very determined to prove himself and in the process, snapped at his dear brother and lover.

Eventually Wu made it to the other side, meeting Nineko and Garmadon, his face softening from his concentrated expression to relief. Garmadon smiled brightly at his brother. Watching the man lean against the tree trunk and sighed out an alleviated “finally” in the process. Wu noticed his brother’s warm gaze but didn’t give any indication that he did. Still oddly sour about their earlier altercation. All he was trying to do was help and Garmadon just yelled at him. Deep down Wu knew it was the venom causing his anger issues, but it still hurt nevertheless whenever Garm had his moments.

“Your training is hardly final but it is a good beginning” Nineko calmly stated, crossing her arms and Garmadon looked up to the cat. Taking note that Wu wasn’t ready to talk to him just yet. Frowning, Garmadon peered at his brother then back up to Nineko. Fine. Wu wasn’t ready to talk to him just yet, but Garmadon was determined to talk to him after their training. To apologize to him. “Can you teach us how to leap straight into the air? Like how you do it. And silently land when you jump down?” He wanted to get this training done. Perking her ears up, Nineko gave a curt nod. “I have abilities that you do not,” she explained with a shrug. “But you can use your spinjitzu to do the same as I. Watch closely.” Leaping off the branch the cat ninja somersaulted in midair. Likely adding flair to her jump and landed quietly to the ground. “Use your spinjitzu when you jump!” she commanded.

Stepping up to the plate, Wu slightly nudged Garmadon aside. “I will go first this time.” It wasn’t for Garmadon. Targeted to Nineko down below. Closing his eyes, Wu focused on the task at hand. Inhaling and exhaling. “NINJA GO!” he cried, jumping off the branching and formed spinjitzu in the air, landing to the ground and spinning wildly out of control, slamming into the thick tree trunk with a WHAM!

“WU!” Garmadon screamed, jumping off the branch to his brother’s aid. Taking his head in hand, Garmadon checked the forming bump on Wu’s forehead. “How many fingers am I holding up?” He asked, raising five fingers. Wu looked up to Garm’s hand. “Five.”

“Good. Now, uh, where are we at?”

“He is fine.” Nineko hissed, putting a hand to Garmadon’s shoulder. “You have the right idea, Wu.” She praised. “You just need more control. Now continue!” and from there the two trained till the sun began to rise. Nineko stopped the session once the first lights of orange streaked through the clouds above. Giving out a tired sigh. “Time for another nap.” she yawned. “We will train tonight.” and with that Nineko jumped into the air, landing onto the deck and slipped inside.

Covered in mud and utterly exhausted both boys felt their muscles burn. The need for sleep pulling in at their eyelids to the point that they could collapse right where they stood. Fighting the urge, Garmadon grabbed Wu’s hand. “Brother, we need to talk,” he said, pulling at his hand. The blonde sighed. Head hung on his shoulders. “About what?”

“About earlier. I want to apologize. I didn’t mean to get angry at you like that. I was just deep into the challenge and decided to lash out.” Silence permeated between the two. Tension growing between them and Garm began to gnaw on his lip. “Wu?” Another sigh came out from the blonde. “It’s all okay, brother.” He mumbled back, not looking back to his brother. “Wu. You don’t sound like it’s okay. Please tell me what you feel.”

“It’s nothing Garmadon. I’m just tired.”

“I am too, but I just-”

“It’s your anger issues! Okay! Is that what you want to hear? Everytime something happens you get angry and lash at me even if you don’t mean it. It…feels like-like I’m just in your way. That you don’t love me-”

Tugging his brother to look at him face to face, Garmadon brought this lips together in a passionate kiss. A kiss that screamed a thousand words of I love yous and adorations. “Please don’t ever think I don’t love you Wu. I love you. I need you. You’re mine and I am yours. I’m sorry that I made you feel that way.” Frowning at his now crying brother, Wu sighed and kissed his brother’s lips again. Reassuring him that all was good. That they would get through this. That he truly loved him too. Garmadon melted into the kiss. Wrapping his arms around the other’s neck. Dreading the moment they have to part for air.

Begrudgingly parting the two contently sighed. Garmadon rested his head on Wu’s shoulder and the blonde did the same with Garm’s and they stood there. Wrapped in their warmth. Muddy, sweaty, and tired. “Come on,” Wu whispered, pulling away from the brunet. “Let's get some sleep.”