#excuse this messssss

[cursivebloodlines]

"It's not an accusation if there is truth to it, Diego!" Or was that allegation? Words were tricky sometimes, what could she say? Whatever. She knew what she meant...and she knew he knew what she meant, which is all that mattered in the end, right? Even if he happened to be endlessly tormenting her about it. Tessa couldn't help but laugh though. She always laughed around him, it was hard not to. Even more so when she knew full well Diego was deliberately winding her up. Another eye roll issued to him, pulling her lower lip in to conceal the smile that threatened to plaster all over her face, attempting to resist the urge to laugh. Attempt being the emphasised word here. "Violence? Never expected you to be such a drama queen," she retorted with gentle sarcasm. "Oh yeah? What would've happened if I hadn't been so lucky then?" As soon as Diego mirrored her expression, she absolutely cracked. How could she not? They were acting like such children. It was funny. And it didn't help that he was stupidly cute either. There was no way she could even pretend to be mad about it - the ending would always result in the same.

Singleness. So, it clearly wasn't just Tessa who found words hard today. Was that a word? In all fairness to him, it could have been. It sounded like one of those words that shouldn't be words but were. He made it difficult not to respond to his silliness with even more silliness. They really did act like children, didn't they? "I wasn't worried," she shot back with ease. His explanation of the word 'almost', funnily enough, almost had her rolling her eyes yet again at Diego. But...there was that look on his face. The way the volume of his voice suddenly lowered to a whisper and he leaned in and Tessa's heart was doing flips, the butterflies in her tummy fluttering around. He was going to be the death of her. Her breath had caught in her throat for a moment, her eyes flickering to his lips in anticipation. Was he going to - and...of course he was doing it to prove a point. The urge to grab his face between her hands, pull him in, and kiss that idiot was so, so tempting. Tessa's resolve was cracking, she could feel it. Still, she exercised restraint, determined not to succumb to his stupid charms. For now, anyway. He made it so difficult. "You're cruel. But okay, point taken," she shook her head with a light laugh, exhaling slowly.

Tessa knew immediately that 'not now' meant probably soon. She knew full well if roles had been reversed she totally would have said something similar. It amazed her, the way how at times they were two completely different people, and yet she always found plenty of similarities between them. It's why they meshed so well. Another time. Damn. It was her own fault though, so she couldn't express slight disappointment. After all, she didn't want to rush into things whilst also giving a potentially different opinion. She wanted to be certain, even if she pretty much already was. Anyway. "Okay then, another time," she repeated, offering him a warm smile.

A laugh escaped her when Diego playfully questioned whether she was worried about him stealing her self-proclaimed title from her; she shook her head in response. "Level 0? No - there's no such level! You've gotta start at Level 1 at least. Even I know that." In response to the makes what better? question, she shrugged, tapping her nose with a gleaming smile that implied 'That's for me to know and you to not find out.' Besides, to answer genuinely would mean to get her more flustered again and set herself up for more teasing off him and more reasons to blush furiously. Childishly, Tessa couldn't help but nudge him back when he nudged her. "Are you? Where's your resume, then? I didn't realise you were applying for a paid position. Is the pay rate any good?" she teased, shaking her head to herself with another quiet laugh. that was one way of putting it. Was it really like applying for a job? She wasn't sure how she felt about that. It felt wrong to her but she didn't know why that was. "Again! I say: be creative. Clearly, you're having a hard time with that. But don't worry - I'll show you." Didn't that confirm everything with her thoughts about them already? His face was a picture when she called him a scaredy-cat, her eyebrows quirked up in silent question: Really? You can't fool me. "Whatever you want to believe..." she said in a sing-song voice. "It's okay. I think I might have some at home actually. One of us has to because clearly, it's not you," she teased, grinning at him as she helped him up. Maybe she held on to his hands a little bit longer than necessary, briefly glancing down at their joined hands before looking back up at him with a smile. "Uh, says who?" Tessa quipped, tilting her head a fraction, a laugh passing from her lips yet again. "You're not that old. How about if I turn it around on you then, huh? Begs the question of whether you're into younger girls. Which sounds a looooot ickier, if you ask me." It never bothered her. Neither of them acted their ages, really. she couldn't help but say it to tease him though. "I would have already combusted if that was the case. Come on, let's get going or else we'll stay here foreverrrr..."

And with that, they were on their way home. It had been a lovely time and Tessa couldn't contain the smile off of her face if she wanted to. They continued to talk about anything and nothing at the same time whilst she fiddled with the music, switching between various radio stations until she found one she liked. Even though they were in Diego's car, not hers. Stealing glances and smiles when she wanted to. Truly, she never wanted the night to end. With what he told her remaining very fresh in her mind, her heart already knew what she wanted but simply needed the time to be sure she wasn't just caught up in the moment. How could she think of anything else? And despite the constant teasing, he really had been so diplomatic about the whole thing which made her appreciation for him only grow that bit stronger. It had been a laugh, nothing made awkward. And even with all of this to process and consider, it still felt like nothing changed between them. Maybe the transition between friendship and more than that would be easy. Her face had ached from all the smiling and laughing, which only further proved how enjoyable the day had been, how being with him had always been. Her thoughts cut off as they finally pulled up outside hers, a sigh escaping her. All good things must come to an end but...they didn't have to come to an end just yet. Unless Diego had other plans that was. "Thank you...for today," Tessa said, turning her head to face him as she unbuckled the seatbelt. "Are you coming in? We could watch a movie and see if I have any chocolate after all? Let's hope the squirrels haven't stolen my stash ."

Amusement remained on his features as she rolled her eyes. The reactions he caused her were simply adorable, no other word could accurately describe it for him. "Are you accusing me of playing dumb? That's rude." He feigned offense, though Tessa had read the situation pretty accurately. He was playing dumb, testing his luck to see how many reactions he could get out of her. Still, it didn't mean he'd admit it to her. It was much more fun to let her wonder. "And now, resorting to violence...woah. I'll pretend you didn't just threaten me, you're lucky I like you." Though, Diego knew that the most she'd toss his way would be a pillow. Nothing that would truly hurt him. All he could do was mirror her, sticking his tongue out as well. If anyone saw them right now, they'd assume two kids were bickering on the playground.

"Not yelling, so just speaking pretty loudly. Hey, no judgement from me. On the contrary, I appreciate you defending my singleness." Was that even a word? If it wasn't, he hoped it at least made sense. "I definitely listened, you don't need to worry about that," he spoke as he turned to look at her. The pout on her lips easing some of the teasing. Maybe, he could pause it for a bit. Very persuasive, and he wondered if she knew that it would work. His head tilted, trying to not roll his eyes at her comment. Of course, she couldn't resist teasing him. He was bound to say something that she could use. "Almost isn't certain, isn't that the whole point of the word?" He said, a small smile on his lips as she poked his cheeks. "If I lean in super..super.." his words began lowering, whispering for dramatic effect as he leaned into her shoulder, laying his head on it momentarily. "..Close to your lips, and I pulled away at the last second. Did we kiss or almost kiss? If it's almost, then it didn't happen." Perhaps, a bit too much to get his point across, but impossible to resist.

"Okay okay, I won't start...for now." Instead, he'd save it for another moment. Catch her off guard, use another occasion to make her laugh or bring that flush to her face when she was flustered. Either reaction was a win in Diego's book. He'd been annoying enough for one day. It was no surprise that she called him a pain in the ass. It'd be a badge he'd wear proudly, with perhaps one exception, but luckily she had not used that tone on him in a while. That one did hurt, though he hadn't mentioned that to her. It was a tough time for her, why add more to it? Maybe one day, he'd tell her that, just to make sure he didn't keep something from her. "Both..yeah," he was pretending to consider. Like a philosopher pondering over the meaning of life. "It can be both, but I'll save that for another time." This wasn't the right time. Not that Diego cared much for 'a right time.' If he could, he'd cup her face in his hands and pull her in, press his lips against hers. Tell her everything he's been keeping hidden. But, he had to keep reminding himself that this was Tessa. And, he promised her time. Most importantly though, she'd probably want something special. Something that would mark the occasion.

Diego was grateful that she didn't question his answer. He wasn't sure he had enough conviction to reaffirm what he'd said earlier. "Thanks, I mean no rush but definitely don't take 10 years. You know, for my sake...I'm also not getting any younger."

Tessa's smile did not go unnoticed, "are you scared I may take your title? Of the romantic one?" It was cute, her surprise at his confession. It was an odd one, but though his efforts could be considered romantic, he wasn't sure he was worthy of the title yet. "You still are, I'm like level 0 compared to you. Makes what better?" He asked curiously. Diego's interest was definitely piqued. He nudged her softly in reaction to her comment, of course she'd tease him about that. But he couldn't blame her, it did sound terrible. He had to get with the times. "Okay we get it, Diego is an old man. But, in my defense, I am sorta applying to a job," he mentioned, nose scrunching up slightly at the thought. "Creative?? While a house is falling apart? You have a very funny definition of romantic if that's the case." He frowned momentarily, scaredy-cat? Diego? Impossible. "I don't get scared when we go to those places!" Unless they counted the time he yelped slightly when a wooden beam fell in the basement. But that'd scare anyone, right? "We can get chocolates on the way home if you want." He took her hands, and helped himself off the ground, tempted to pull her in closer. Though, he opted against it. He was afraid they wouldn’t end up leaving if he listened to his instincts. “The Diego personality traits are the best,” he countered. “But yeah, I won’t deny I am an old man. Begs the question of whether you’re into older guys.” Just teasing again, though it was a fact that he was a bit older. “I guess so. It just feels like throwing a lot of information at you. I wouldn’t want you to combust with all I said.”

[snowe-zolynn-rogers]

Imagine agereDee with an exaggerated lisp so Virgil can tell when he regresses mid-conversation

(Sorry this took a bit, I decided to write it but the plot happened. Somehow, 764 words happened and my grammer checker now hates me even more than normal.)

“Well, I don’t think lying is the best idea, maybe we should just be honest.” Patton told Thomas.

“B-But being honesssssst issss what got ussss here in the firsssst placccce.” Deceit hissed out. Virgil���s eyebrows quirked up but he gave no other physical sign that he was suspicious of Deceit.

“Oof, the little snake is angry, huh?” Roman taunted. Deceit’s eyes shone with tears at the teasing and he looked helplessly at the other sides before he seemed to try to fake being okay.

“Ssssssshut up!” He snapped. Virgil eyed him softly, catching Deceit’s eye for a minute and fear flashed through his gaze like he was scared he knew, scared he’d tell.

Virgil sighed and got on his phone, making it seem like he was just too bored for this, and, knowing Deceit kept his phone on eternal silence, texted him telling him to meet in his room after this.

“Even Virgil’s bored of you being here. Just leave, Jekyll and Snide.” Roman told him. Deceit seemed to huff, as if hiding his need to cry, and cleared his throat.

“Fine. Be honesssssst then. I don’t care anymore.” Deceit sank out and Virgil was glad that the conversation had all but halted now because it was only a matter of time before Deceit was hiding in his closet afraid when he got to his room. Virgil quietly excused himself to his room and found a certain snakeling at his door, tears already pouring down his face and he hiccupped seeing him.

“I sssssowwy. I messssssed eveythin up.” Deceit sniffled out.

“You don’t have anything to be sorry about.” Virgil pulled him into his arms. “It’s actually me who should apologize. I didn’t defend you and I should have but I didn’t want them to be know about you regressing.” Virgil explained.

“Tank you for not tell.” Deceit buried into his arms and Virgil moved them to the bed.

“Do you wanna get changed into something more comfy?” Virgil asked, showing him his small collection of onesies.

“I wan da bat! I match Vee.” Deceit babbled out. Virgil smiled, grabbing the black bat onesie and pulling Deceit into the bathroom, running a warm bath with bubbles for them to calm down in.

“Can I?” He held a bath bomb out for Virgil to inspect.

“Sure, go ahead, you can do it.” Deceit, giggling, placed the colorful bath bomb in the water and watched it turn the water colorful, giggling as he watched.

“C’mon. Bath time, kid.” Virgil ushered him undressed and into the bathtub, soon joining him and cleaning his hair with a conjured cup and the water. Deceit giggled through the whole process, playing with the bubbles and making Virgil a beard out of them.

“Vee gotsssss beawd.” 

“Yup, Vee gots beard now. Vee is Santa now.”

“We hab Sssssanna dissss year, Vee?” Virgil hummed at the question.

“Santa will come, you’ve been really good this year. Just like every other year.”

“Eben dough issss a week away?” The lying side slurred.

“Yup. And if he doesn’t, I’ll go up to the North Pole myself and make him give you your presents because you deserve them.” Virgil told him. Deceit giggled through the rest of the bath, playing with Virgil’s hair as he cleaned himself off too.

“Cudduu and movie!” Deceit proclaimed happily.

“Clothes, mister!” Virgil reminded him.

“Awww, but Tink!” Deceit complained.

“Tinker Bell will be there after you get dressed and help me make food too.” Virgil assured him.

“Okay.” Deceit begrudgingly agreed. So Virgil got him dressed into his pull-up and onesie. Deceit flapped the wings with his arms, giggling as Virgil buttoned it. “I am Vee! Am bat!” Deceit giggled, hugging onto him when he finished getting them both dressed.

“Okay, Dee, food and then movie, okay? It’s dinner time, you want some tacos? or are you too little?”

“Wan cookie.” The lying side tried.

“Dinner, dessert after you finish.” Virgil convinced. Deceit pouted but he refused to give in.

“Wan tacosssss den.” 

“Alright, mushroom and sweet potato tacos it is then.”

“Woo!” Deceit cheered. The deceitful side and the anxious side eventually sat down on the couch with their food on plates and Deceit with a bottle of warm milk and a sippy cup with juice in case he needed it. And, with Tinker Bell on a marathon on TV, they both finished their dinner and Deceit slowly drifted to sleep against Virgil, soft little breaths telling him he’d done his job of caring for him well. He definitely missed when he could do this all the time.

[pzychozphere]

Oh hey, haha excuse da messssss. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[littlepryingpandorica]

Project Rebuild Chapter 12

EXT. GARMADON’S VOLCANO LAIR - DAY

The Shark Army returns to Garmadon’s Volcano Lair, which is shaped like a giant shark fin jutting out of the water.

The instrumental version of “Coming Undone” by Korn plays in the background.

[Song: Coming Undone by Korn - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiDY3UCAyiY ]

Multiple Flying Jelly Subs and Manta Ray Bombers fly into the caverns with lava flowing on the sides. Other aquatic vehicles can be seen entering and exiting the lair. Inside the volcano are hollowed out chambers for use of the different departments in Garmadon’s army. As the music plays, we get an epic, single take, tracking shot exploring the different areas in Garmadon’s Volcano Lair.

INT. VOLCANO ATRIUM - DAY

At the center of the Volcano Lair is The Atrium, where the Research and Development, and I.T. Departments can be found. Many I.T employees are busy working.

Hanging high above in the ceiling is a Dragon Skull on display. Beneath it is a plaque that says “IN LOVING MEMORY OF DEMIC”.

A lady with round blue glasses and a black Batman shirt under her labcoat walks through rows of computers, machinery and display screens. This is TERRI THE GPL TECH. She oversees everything.

She pauses at a display screen that reads “PROJECT SEPARATOR: GOLDEN POWER EXTRACTION AT 86%”. Beneath it is a loading bar to track the progress.

Terri walks over to the equipment connected to the display screen. She watches four golden BRICK SEPARATORS strapped to extraction machines. GOLDEN POWER is being drained from the Brick Separators, which flows into a War Hammer placed on a pedestal.

Content with the progress, Terri goes to her desk and continues working on the blueprints of a large shark-themed, humanoid mech.

INT. GARMADON’S THRONE ROOM - DAY

The walls of the Throne Room have murals of ONI MASKS. Lord Garmadon is sitting on his throne. He is crying tears of fire.

There are several Shark Army soldiers present, attending to Garmadon’s whims. Generals # 4 and 6, currently the only remaining generals, are also present.

But then we focus on a new character, a dark blue reptillian humanoid with a cobra-like hood and a long, brick-built rattlesnake tail. He has red eyes with spiral patterns. But his most noticeable feature is a large, faded scar that can be seen spanning across his entire torso. This is GENERAL FANG THE HYPNOBRAI.

Garmadon sobs loudly. He is an emotional mess with fire tears leaking out of his eyes and fire snot dripping from where his nose would be. His anger makes him look monstrous but his sorrow makes him look pitiful. He swings wildly between these two extremes.

Garmadon blows his nose on a piece of non-Lego tissue paper. It catches fire and he throws it at a pile of other discarded tissues. The pile of tissues also catches fire.

General Fang rolls his eyes and puts out the flame out with a fire extinguisher.

GARMADON: I can’t believe my own son would turn out to be the Green Ninja! Where did I go wrong? I did not see this coming at all!

Garmadon looks at old pictures of him and Lloyd bonding over evil acts. One photo has them standing on the giant non-Lego grass next to a “Keep off the grass” sign. Another photo has them gleefully riding the Ninjago Monorail as it is about to run over several Ninjago citizens tied to the train tracks. Yet another photo has the them playing a regular game of baseball, with Lloyd as the batter and Garmadon as the pitcher. But instead of throwing a baseball, Garmadon throws a kitten in Lloyd’s direction.

General # 4 snaps Garmadon out of his reverie.

GENERAL # 4: Actually, Sir, if you look at past prophecies, this should have been really obvious in hindsight.

General # 4 holds out the original fortune prophecy that says Lloyd would defeat his father.

GENERAL # 4: They even have an attack called the Wu-Cru formation. That really should have clued you in on your brother’s involvement!

Garmadon angrily glares at the general. General # 4 tries to verbally backtrack.

GENERAL # 4: Clued us! Clued us in!

GARMADON: You’re fired!

Garmadon slams down a button and General # 4 literally gets fired out of the volcano.

A Shark Army soldier offers Garmadon a cup of tea, perhaps in a futile attempt to calm him down.

Garmadon drinks the tea and immediately spits it out.

GARMADON: What is this? Green tea?

Garmadon throws the cup of hot tea at another nearby Shark Army soldier in the background. The soldier lets out a Wilhelm scream.

GARMADON: The only tea I drink is black! LIKE MY HEART! You’re fired!

Garmadon slams down the button again and the soldier is jettisoned out the volcano.

GARMADON: (ANGRILY) SOMEBODY BETTER GIVE ME SOME GOOD NEWS OR THE NEXT PERSON TO TALK GETS FIRED OUT OF THE VOLCANO!

General # 6 receives a message over his radio communicator. He nervously relays the message to Garmadon.

GENERAL # 6: Sir, your daily prophecy has arrived.

A large non-Lego fortune cookie is wheeled into the throne room and delivered to Lord Garmadon. Garmadon cracks it wide open with a swift karate chop.

The fortune prophecy reads "You will not conquer Ninjago City today. Better luck next time." Garmadon loses his temper at this. Everyone else in the room sees the fortune prophecy and stands completely still in fear.

GARMADON: AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!

General # 6 drops to the ground in a fetal position.

GENERAL # 6: Just make it quick, sir.

General Fang hisses and put himself between Garmadon and General # 6. He speaks with an emphasis on the “s” sounds in his words.

GENERAL FANG: Sssssssssssir, you might want to firssssstt consssssssider replacementssss...

Garmadon is enraged, practically grinding his teeth in anger. But he pauses to consider the sense in General Fang’s suggestion. He composes himself, wipes the fire tears from his eyes, inhales and speaks to General # 6 in a polite tone.

GARMADON: Oh but before that, could you kindly call in the next batch of generals for me?

General # 6 radios in on his communicator.

GENERAL # 6: Hello HR? Lord Garmadon is requesting a new batch of generals. Okay.

He turns to Garmadon.

GENERAL # 6: They’re on their way, Sir.

GARMADON: Good!

For the third time, Garmadon slams down on the button and General # 6 flies out the volcano.

On cue, the new batch of generals enter the room. They all look exactly like the previous batch of generals but with genderswapped face prints.

All the new generals are uneasy and apprehensive. The Shark Army soldiers mirror their apprehension. They know what will happen next.

Garmadon glares down at the new generals. His eyes burn a bright red.

We go to Garmadon’s POV and in the center of each torso of the new generals, he sees a glowing golden aura. He stares for a beat then turns to General Fang.

GARMADON: General Fang, I’m not in the mood to invoke them one at a time. Take care of this for me.

GENERAL FANG: Assssss you wiiissshhh…

But then General Fang hisses to himself.

GENERAL FANG: You jusssst don’t want to deal with the messssss of fortune cookiesssss.

Garmadon eyes General Fang suspiciously.

GARMADON: What was that?

GENERAL FANG: Nothing, sssssssir.

General Fang slithers into position. He nods at Garmadon. Both their eyes glow bright red as though in synchronization.

General Fang turns to the new generals. They look terrified. General Fang begins shaking his tail rattle. The spirals in his red eyes begin spinning and he hypnotizes the new generals.

GENERAL FANG: Look into my eyessssss. I control you. Follow the Way of Lord Garmadon. Let anger ssssssseep into your heartssssss.

One of the generals looks away. He looks like a male version of the previous General # 2. Garmadon appears behind him, places his hands on the general’s head and forces him to look at General Fang.

GARMADON: Ah ah ah, can’t have you resisting now, can we?

GENERAL FANG: Follow the Way of Lord Garmadon.

The glowing, golden auras in each of the general’s torsos burn brightly. But in Garmadon’s torso is a dark purple aura. A wisp of his purple aura floats out of his torso and splits into seven snake-shaped wisps. These snake-shape wisps drift in the air and slither into the torsos of the seven generals. Their respective golden auras become tainted by the purple aura.

The new generals twitch in uncontrollable spasms. Intense percussive music plays in the background as this happens.

We see a shot from behind General Fang. He moves out of the way, revealing a very stern and angry-looking batch of generals. Each of their eyes briefly flash red. The Shark Army soldiers in the room cover their mouths in shock.

GENERAL FANG: Whom do you ssssserve?

The new generals speak as one.

GENERALS 1 - 7: All hail Lord Garmadon!

CUT TO: INT. NINJAGO HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY

The Ninja all jump out of their lockers. They have all changed back to their civilian outfits. They are all sweaty and panting as they run back to class.

Kai whispers to Lloyd.

KAI: But seriously, did you just have blab about your secret identity to your dad?

LLOYD: Later, Kai. We’ll talk about it later.

INT. SCHOOL CLASSROOM - DAY

The Ninja enter the classroom and try to return to their seats as inconspicuously as possible.

The words “Show and tell tomorrow” are written on the black board.

Ms. Laudita notices the Ninja and calls their attention.

MS. LAUDITA: Ahem! You were all in the bathroom for a very long time.

The Ninja all freeze in place and Lloyd improvises an excuse.

LLOYD: Yeah... We all got... diarrhea?

Lloyd shrugs his shoulders sheepishly and hopes Ms. Laudita will buy it.

MS. LAUDITA: Really? Simultaneously?

Ms. Laudita raises an eyebrow. All the other Ninja immediately go along with Lloyd’s excuse, all speaking at the same time.

KAI: Diarrhea like you couldn't believe!

ZANE: It was a most painful bowel movement.

JAY: I actually didn’t poop my pants this time.

NYA: Not as watery as usual but it was relentless!

Cole clutches his stomach and groans.

COLE: Ugh! I shouldn’t have eaten all that chocolate cake.

Kai turns around, bends over and points at his butt.

KAI: We had bricks coming out of our...

A disgusted Ms. Laudita immediately interrupts Kai to keep him from finishing his sentence.

MS. LAUDITA: Okay! That's enough! Just go back to your seats!

The Ninja all return to their seats but everyone else visibly inches their desks away.

NYA: (indignantly) Hey! We washed our hands!

CUT TO: INT. VOLCANO ATRIUM - DAY

A flashing light catches Terri’s attention. She looks at the computer screen as it finishes loading, flashing the sign “GOLDEN POWER EXTRACTION COMPLETE”. The Brick Separators have been completely drained of Golden Power. They are now just regular orange brick separators.

Terri gasps and runs off to Garmadon.

INT. GARMADON’S THRONE ROOM - DAY

Everyone in the Throne Room is still completely silent. All the Shark Army soldiers are afraid. They know whoever speaks next risks being fired out of the volcano. The new generals don’t seem aware of this.

Garmadon is pacing impatiently around the room. One general reluctantly raises his hand. It is the new General # 2, the one who previously resisted.

GARMADON: Yes, new General number 2?

GENERAL # 2: Sir, we’ve been sitting here in silence for several hours and I... generally need to do a number 2 so... can I go to the bathroom?

Garmadon narrows his eyes in anger.

GARMADON: It’s “May I? May I go to the bathroom?” You imbecile!

Garmadon presses the button again and we go to a distant shot of the new General # 2 being fired out of the volcano. Too late, he shouts his rebuttal as he flies through the air.

GENERAL # 2: Maaaaaaaaaaay Iiiiiiiiiiiiii????

GARMADON: Grammar is important even when plotting to take over the world. Now, anyone else have anything to say?

All the new generals squirm and shake their heads silently.

Suddenly, Terri bursts in through the doors, slamming them open. All the generals and Shark Army soldiers struggle to contain their gasps.

TERRI: Sir, Project Separator is complete. Your MEGAWEAPON is ready.

CUT TO: INT. VOLCANO ATRIUM - DAY

We go to a close up shot of the Megaweapon. Garmadon leans into view and admires the War Hammer. It glows with Golden Power. Garmadon places a hand on it and the glow fades away.

GARMADON: At last! The powers of the FOUR GOLDEN WEAPONS OF RECREATION are mine!

GENERAL FANG: What isssss it, ssssir?

Garmadon turns to General Fang.

GARMADON: Traditionally, a Hammer is a useful tool for building. But a War Hammer is a weapon of destruction. The Megaweapon is both. Infused with Golden Power, it now has the unlimited potential both to create and to destroy.

Garmadon lifts the War Hammer from its pedestal and moves toward General Fang in a vaguely threatening manner.

GARMADON: General Fang, how would you like to join me on my next attack?

General Fang’s eyes widen and he looks horrified at the idea. He instinctively clutches at the faded scar on his abdomen. He slowly starts to back away.

GENERAL FANG: Sssssoooo sssssorry but I musssssst decline.

Garmadon advances in a show of dominance.

GARMADON: Come now, you’ll be safe. I promise.

GENERAL FANG: Then why don’t you invoke it?

General Fang quips defensively. Garmadon answers as though talking to a toddler.

GARMADON: You know it doesn’t work that way. The powers of life and death are beyond even my abilities.

Garmadon wistfully looks up at the dragon skull of Demic. General Fang follows Garmadon’s gaze. Garmadon looks genuinely sorrowful for a beat. He shakes it off. Then he gives a demonic smile to General Fang.

GARMADON: But I have a good feeling about this one.

Garmadon grips the War Hammer in his hands and gives it a spin.

GARMADON: I’ll even let you ride in my mech this time.

GENERAL FANG: What mech? You don’t even have your sssshark mech anymore. The Ninja trasssshed it, remember?

Garmadon mutters to himself, not really listening to General Fang.

GARMADON: Yes. That Black Ninja packs a real punch. He has a spunk and willfulness that almost feels... familiar.

GENERAL FANG: And now your mech liessssss at the bottom of the ssssea.

GARMADON: Trashed. At the bottom of the sea. Heh.

Garmadon mulls over these words. He tightens his grip on the War Hammer and yells out a raging war cry.

GARMADON: AAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!

With all his strength, Garmadon uses the War Hammer to strike a wall of the volcano lair. Streaks of Golden Power snake out from the impact point and spread to the rest of the wall.

After a beat, the entire wall EXPLODES!

KABOOM!

Lego bricks rain down everywhere. Everyone except Garmadon panics. There is now a massive hole in the side of the Volcano Lair.

GENERAL FANG: Ssssssirr! What are you doing?

General Fang tries to shield himself from the falling Lego bricks.

Garmadon looks back at General Fang and gives a knowing smile. As though on cue, Terri hands him the blueprint of the humanoid mech.

GARMADON: Observe.

Garmadon holds aloft the Megaweapon. He looks at the blueprint then closes his eyes and concentrates. The Megaweapon begins to glow. Waves of Golden Power radiate out of of the Megaweapon and into the Lego bricks. Ominous choir music begins playing.

The Lego bricks and pieces float in the air and stack on top of each other, creating some sort of brick built structure. One by one the bricks snap and click into place. Slowly, the structure begins to take shape.

Close up on Garmadon as he strains to mentally build the new mech. Then close up on General Fang with an awestruck expression.

When Garmadon is finished, he sets the Megaweapon on the ground and collapses on all sixes. He is sweating and breathing heavily. Using the Megaweapon clearly takes a toll on him.

General Fang moves to Garmadon’s side and helps him up. Then they both stare at a giant, shark-themed but humanoid mech.

GARMADON: I call it the Garma Mecha Man. I’m sure Luh-loyd will come to his senses eventually but I will still conquer Ninjago with or without his help.

Garmadon turns to General Fang.

GARMADON: What do you say?

General Fang looks at the mech and gulps audibly.

General Fang looks back at Garmadon and concedes.

GENERAL FANG: Assss you wisssshhhh.

[phoebesdead]

Excuses

*I really need the therapist . I’m serious, I really need one. I just can’t afford to have one*

I couldn’t  find any excuses anymore - to start something new, to start all things over again. I kept silent all the time and manage not to talk about my problem with anyone even my bf. Basically I kept my mouth shut when I'm around him, which he don’t like at all. I just keep talking about some else stuffs, like weather, how at work, his family’s relocation process, etc etc but my feelings. 

I am freak out. And here’s the things :

- Tet is coming soon. And every year , right before Tet, when I received my bonus to be exact , I often send an amount of money to my parent , for them to prepare for the long holiday coming and as the gesture that I thanks them for raised me . And this years, I afraid that I can’t keep doing it bc apparently I quit my job and stay unemployed till now . My bf keep me alive. And during Tet, I'd spend time at home with my parent, they’ll have a lot of question which I’m not going to like. Like how’s work, how’s my salary, how’s much I've saving , etc etc. 

- And bc I am still unemployed and 100% rely on my bf , I feel that not appropriate when I'm talk back to him. It’s not that whenever he said no I've agreed or seek for his approval for everything. He’s being totally understandable  about where I'm at right now. Which made me also feel frigging bad about talk back to him, mostly like guilty feelings. So most of the time I kept my mouth shut. And then, we just not talking anymore, not like we used to be. We used to talk abt everything and anything, and I don’t hesitate to argue with him back then. We used to confront each other like lawyer and the criminal , I liked to challenge him with my stubborn *criminal* and he’d reply with an logically answer *lawyer*. And now I don’t feel right to talk to him, like I don’t even have rights to do that. It not him, it’s me that feel like that! And that create a great distance so far. Even we’re in the same room, in the same mattress but we just not in the same page together right now. I love him, God knows I love him so much. But I just can’t explain to him what happen in my mind and deep down, even I love him but I wish that somehow I can make him stop loving me , stop being so understandable , that would be easier for me. I could not get rid of the thoughts that I am the reason that make his life so hard. The attachment with me so far getting he nothing but embarrassment , poverty, lack of sleep and not live the fullest live as he deserved . Everyone deserved better life but me . Every time I pray, I pray for him, to be healthy and happy. 

For the first time, I truly wish that he could stop loving me, just be cold and distant , would be easier for me to face him. And I truly think that his would be much better without me in it . 

- To be start all over and to be failure ...... again . I can’t do anything right . And I don’t get along well with people , even with my parent. I always have this kind of conversation with my mom and dad where I listen to answer, to find excuses, not to be understand . When I'm a kid, I always been told that please people is a must, polite is a must, crying is for baby. So I end up growing as a typical girl-next-door , despite of my sister, she had her rebellious teen-hood. And trust me, it’s not the great time of my teen hood I recall. I also have my rebellious hood, maybe i’ll write abt it another time then . So, being a typical girl-next-door was not great at all. I cried alone, a lot, I did not talk back to my parent , I can not have my own opinions until I off to college. I don’t really talk with my parent nor people around me, people didn’t get to know me much , there was a lot of pep talk back then but not much truly talking, where I could express myself , what I liked and which I don’t . And when something not right, I just cried by myself. It happen a lot . In fact I think that the reason why I became so hard to open with people around me now. And if something happen, I don’t usually easily talk with people about my issue, I tend to avoid it, keep it for myself, when it too much that push me to the edge , I’d cry but all by myself and pretend to be fine .  

- I’m freaking out of the reality that I try to find myself in the movies. I try to picture myself, and its seem crazy but I live in my fantasy right now. Not every fantasy are good and is a great place. My fantasy is where I am at the lowest point of my life, dark, cold, alone and no one would want me. 

SO HOW CAN I FIX THIS ?

My only choice *I think* is that I need to be completely independent of my financial again. So I'm looking for job, apply several of them. Indeed I know I don’t want to work under anyone anymore, my bf also know. But I need money, we need money, and money seem to become an bigger issue between two of us. Make me feel could not say what I want to say and make me distant from my bf. 

Along the job application, I also seek for other several ways to make money , like Airbnb, but again, I freak out when I talk to him, so I kept my mouth shut, bc I’ve tried many things and neither of it had success in term of making money. So I don’t want to tell him anymore. That again I want to do this,  I want to do that, then BOOOMM, I'm not in the mood of doing this anymore, let’s change to another topic. I’m a MESSSSSS. 

I’m a fucking mess as my name sound - FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK.

[cursivebloodlines]

The only way to alleviate the guilt either of them shared was to change the situation, improve it for themselves. Arguing about it until they were blue in the face certainly didn’t help, especially when it seemed like at some point the arguing went from valid points that desperately needing addressing to spewing hurtful words and arguing for the sake of arguing. Logan believed they would be relieved of their guilt when he finally got up off his ass and done something about it. The only conclusion was simple. But he really had gotten comfortable with Danielle since everything changed for them. They were in their own little bubble, and he’d gotten too comfortable. And it was like outside didn’t exist. Why would he want anything else when he finally had everything he wanted? Or maybe it was cowardice. That, he couldn’t accept. No, he wasn’t a coward. He just wanted to do things the right way. At least try not to be a complete prick…but look how that ended up turning out anyway. And maybe he was a bit too laid back for his own good. When he wasn’t arguing with Daniele, that is.

Oh, here we go again, he thought. They were definitely past the point of talking about perfectly valid issues between them. He was past the point of thinking straight now because what even were they talking about anymore? It was nonsense! Pure and utter nonsense. It was like they were listening out for keywords they could pull apart and find a reason to cause a fuss over what was said. They were both as stubborn as each other; it was probably why they insisted on carrying on and carrying on over nothing. Talking for the sake of talking. All it did was spring upon more issues, not resolving them. When would they learn? (Not any time soon, by the looks of it.) “What you’re not admitting?” Logan repeated, scoffing as if it was the most obvious thing on planet Earth. “That your Miss Innocent Goody-Two-Shoes Complex is just that — a complex! I know full well that I’m a dick, and at least I can admit that. But you?” His words came out fast so he needed to take a minute to breathe, and elicit a sarcastic laugh. Typical Logan. “You’ll say something horrible and then act as if I’m evil for stating facts! At least I know if I’m being a dick — god, it’s not about flexing that fact! I know— nobody’s perfect, for crying out loud! But don’t put this all on me when you’re just as bad as me.” Okay. Maybe that was the biggest reach of all. He never meant that, not really. In reality, he was a lot worse. But he supposed hearing her tell him she hated him before stung more than he cared to admit, so he was using any old stupid excuse to keep ranting and raving. What if I don’t want that stupid award? Logan rolled his eyes. Was she being serious right now? That woman, as much as he loved her, was insufferable right about now. “I don’t care if you want that stupid award because it doesn’t exist and even if it did exist, you wouldn’t get it! You wouldn’t even make the top ten, not with that attitude!” Meanwhile, he wasn’t even thinking about the worse that came out either, he was just talking and reacting. Talking and reacting. Maybe hearing the sound of his own voice would drown out whatever she had to say to him. Or not. “Please! You’re the last person who should be talking about growing up!” He proceeded to mimic her, in a deliberately awful and borderline pretentious impersonation of her voice, extra girly-fying it just to piss her off even more — if that were even possible anymore. She probably only said that because she didn’t know what else to say to him. Didn’t have a proper comeback. Silly. But wasn’t he mimicking her for the exact same reason? God. Women. “Grow up,” he added again after his impersonating tirade, in his own voice this time for added effect. It was childish, he knew, but he was past the point of caring. They were too far gone to see sense in each other.

Anticipating Danielle’s reaction to him commenting on her terrible effort at insults was like waiting for the other shoe to drop. The moment she uttered the words ‘oh my god’ told Logan all he needed to know and hear at that moment. At any other time he would have definitely laughed…but he was still mad. Evidently, she was too. And was she…really choosing to be upset that he said she was ‘only’ irresistible ‘most of the time.’ Granted, he could not deny that was cute. She really was adorable in her cute little agitated state. One inflicted by him, he needed to remind himself. But she was still cute. “Yeah, well nobody’s perfect,” he stated offhandedly, shrugging his shoulders as if to say ‘Oh, well.’ The truth was he did think she was always irresistible, not most of the time. Always. But he was annoyed with her (almost as much as she was pissed at him) so he deliberately left out that small — yet apparently important —detail out of the equation. “Oh, so you do think I’m full of myself then. Noted. I would never have guessed that since you supposedly hate me too while you’re at it. Whatever.” Real mature as ever.

Did she not realise he would do anything for her? At the drop of a hat, anything asked, he would provide - if he could, that was. But even if he couldn't, Logan would give it a damn good go at it because that was the type of person he was. If assurance was all Danielle needed, he would happily provide her with that. If he knew that was what she needed... but at least he knew now. Something to keep locked at the back of his head, ready to dip in and pull out whenever necessary. They were wading through uncharted waters, it was bound to get to either one of them sooner or later. However, he believed as long as they talked about it, and communicated with each other - which clearly, they needed to work on more instead of things blowing out of proportion - then they could get through this. They'd been through too much with each other not to. The worst was over now. It had to be. "No, it's... forget about it. I'm sorry, too."

The storm was over, thankfully. They had both given up their armour and their swords and just... honesty. Nothing like a good splash of the truth. But at least they were doing better than running around in circles, arguing for the sake of arguing. They were actually listening to each other now. If only they had done this before all was said and done. But better late than never, right? Right. That had to be it. As much as Logan thought he had given her plenty of reassurance and reminders of how much he loved her, it was abundantly clear it wasn't as much as she needed. So, he needed to do better. "Okay... Remind you more often. That I can do," Logan promised, nodding his head slowly. "I thought I was doing it enough already; obviously I'm not, so I'll work on it." The thought of Danielle thinking he could ever want her to go broke his heart. He adored her, and would quite happily worship the ground she walked on if she wanted him to, how could he have screwed up this badly? "I wasn't trying to push you away, Dani, I was just..." Logan sighed, running a hand through his hair before reaching for her hand, squeezing lightly. "I was just being a dick. I really am sorry. I never want you to go... ever." Especially not when they were just beginning. God, no. He couldn't bear to think about it. Hearing her express her love for him warmed his heart though, expression softening. "I love you too. I'll never be tired of telling you whenever you need me to."

More than anything, he regretted ever starting this fight, to begin with. Why did he choose then to start? And why fly off the handle without even at least trying to have a civil discussion about it? Logan said some hurtful things and he knew he would have to spend time to fix what was broken, really put in the effort for her, to let her know how much he loved her and prove it so because clearly, whatever he had done then wasn't working. Or whatever did work had completely unraveled all by his hateful words and spiteful mouth. Never had he expected it to escalate the way it did... but all was said and done. Instead of going backward, it was time to move forwards. Together... Because that's how they ever did anything. They were a team, and he had no intention for that to end any time soon. Not when they were moving forward with their lives, with each other. "You're never going to lose me either... for the same reason - because I'll never be able to let you go. Not now, not ever." She had to make it up to him? No, surely not. Yes, she did say some things but never to the extent of some of his words. Not that it was a competition but... he didn't see what she had to make up for. It was he who got them into this position to start with. He simply shook his head, having no energy to fight back anymore. And partly afraid it would reignite the fuse and have them arguing again. Logan hadn't realised how much he hated arguing with her until today. Because they never really argued. Not like this. For a moment, when he embraced her, he felt her froze - was she going to pull away from him? Push him off? Tell him not to touch her? He wouldn't have blamed her if she had, though it would've hurt a lot. But before he knew it, her arms were around him and holding on to him for dear life. It took him by surprise, a little 'oof' tumbling from him but he instantly relaxed in her arms, in her touch. How was it possible he missed this as if it had been an eternity when that wasn't the case at all? One simple fight and it had him missing her like he hadn't held her in his arms for ages? "You do?" She believed him? He wasn't sure if she was saying it to make him feel better, or because she was tired of fighting, or whether it was because she meant it. But he was too exhausted to care to ask anymore. They would get through this. It was them versus the world; they'll always be okay. "We'll always be okay," he assured. "And it's not just you -- I need to do better too. We both can. As long as we have each other, we can do anything."

Wake-up calls were so rude, but oh..so necessary. Danielle knew this very well, her mind always finding a way to bring her back to reality. Would've, could've, should've. Most of her sentences had those three words included. She could've figured it out earlier, she should've kept her distance and told him some other time, she would've failed regardless. No matter how many times she looked at it, things wouldn't change. Logan was right about that. But the guilt had to go at some point, right? There had be a point where it wouldn't feel so bad. Or would their happiness always be plagued by that?This had gone too far. Sure, Danielle was sensitive (perhaps more sensitive than both), but the things that were said didn't hurt just because she was sensitive. They were hurtful. That's the tough part about someone knowing you so well, they also knew how to hurt you profoundly Today, Logan had done that. And she couldn't tell at what point was he still letting out his frustrations, and at what point was just things meant to hurt.

Telling him she hated him was harsh, maybe a bit too much, but that was not crossing her mind at the moment. The dust would eventually settle, they'd both be worn out, and then she'll evaluate all that was said. It would be a gut punch, thinking back to what she said said. How much she had thrown at him, just to hurt him too. The thought of hurting Logan seemed so ridiculous, she'd never do that. Knowing you're capable of it now, it was a heavy weight in her chest. This was no longer a conversation, it hadn't been for a while now. At this point, they were only listening to strike back, to hurt the other back. And clearly, they had each packed a punch or two. "Oh! Oh..so what? What am I not admitting?" The Nicest Person of the Year award? Brows knitted together momentarily, what did that even mean. If that was a thing, she may have an award or two - or at least be runner up to it. She thought so. Actually, who even cares? Frustration was rising, and it was suffocating her. The worst feeling. "Admitting you're a dick is not the flex you think it is! Besides, w-what if I don't want that stupid award?" Words were coming out rushed, she was so focused on getting everything out that she was stumbling over her words. "I need to grow up? Please! You're the last person who should be talking about growing up!" And the irony was that two children were telling each other to grow up. Danielle only rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. How do you even respond to that? Did she even want to? He'd probably just talk over her again.

For once, he was not immediately countering her words with more of his own. And Danielle was surprised, had she gotten a point across? Good for her, it was about time. Though, one glance at him and she began thinking that she had not made a point after all. "I wasn't...oh my god," forget it. He was right, insulting someone wasn't in her list of strengths. And it was meant to mock the situation and how he kept reminding her that she wasn't complaining about their earlier moments. Instead, she had just given him more material to brag about. She couldn't help but frown at his comment. "Only most of the time? Gee, thanks." Only irresistible most of the time? Well, she wasn't offended at all. "It's not that I don't like it, I just don't like it right now." Important distinction. Any other day, Danielle loved that about him - she pretended it annoyed her sometimes, but on the contrary, it amused her greatly.

The golden question, what was left to minimize? The answer, Danielle couldn't be certain. She was hopeful that there was still something they could do, to balance their karma. But realistically, those chances looked pretty slim. Perhaps, it was just that Danielle was just afraid of the karma that would eventually get them. Believing there was a solution was easier than admitting that nothing could be done. So, her head hung low as she nodded a no. Defeat had finally come to claim its place. "I didn't tell you because..." was it so easy for him to just ask for what he needed? Clearly, Danielle would benefit from learning few more things from him."Okay fine..I'm sorry."

It was finally over, the great war. Logan looked as exhausted as she felt, life drained out of her. "No..I know. I...know constant reminders shouldn't be needed. But, a reminder every now and then doesn't hurt. At least for me I guess." Communicating, that was good. Right? Their exhaustion definitely helped, they were calmer and no snarky remarks in sight. She bit her bottom lip, a shoddy attempt to keep her lips from quivering so much. Her eyes were wide with surprise, hoping he would tell her otherwise. That he'd deny what was running through her mind right now. She wasn't sure what she'd do if he said he was trying to push her away. "I don't want to go ever..so please, just don't push me away please." She was pleading with him, though her words were quiet. It wasn't stupid though, more like their guilt messing with them once more. "And I love you Lo, I really do."

Danielle's heart felt broken, pieces laying everywhere. She had ruined them with one sentence. She was thanking her lucky stars that they didn't keep yelling, that they stood on the ledge and stepped back before taking the dive. Logan stepped closer and she found it impossible to step back. Her eyes fluttered shut as he cupped her face, his touch bringing a melancholic comfort to her. "You won't lose me...because I simply can't let you go. I.." a small sigh escaped her. "I have a lot to make up to you as well." Mostly for today's fight, it wasn't lost on her...the nasty things she said. Still, she nodded to let him know, that she believed him. She always would. The look in his eyes devastated her, what had she done? His arms around her left her frozen for a moment. Their last hug felt like an eternity ago. And yes, earlier - she couldn't fathom the idea of being this close to him, but all that anger had been extinguished. It had finally died down, and she was afraid that if she didn't embrace him, she'd collapse here. After a few seconds, she reached out - her arms wrapping around him tightly, forgetting about gentle. Danielle needed to feel him close, needed to communicate how sorry she was. How much she wished she could take it all back. "I know..I believe you." First fight and they weren't even official yet. She found some comfort in knowing they were not typically fighters, but this was all new territory. They've never been anything other than friends. Would things change as their relationship did too? "You're right, we'll be okay...I'll do better."