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I'm female with interests in multiple thing such a Sonic,Helluva Boss, Ninjago,Hazbin Hotel, Helluva Boss, Batman, Epic the Musical Bit of an artist.

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Overwhelmed(Vinny x Garmadon)Part 107

(I suggest you check out parts 1-106 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)

(I have been gone for a while so have this big chapter, 8100 words.)

Morning came by much faster than Vinny had anticipated. Eyes fluttered open to movement against his chest, his gaze fell and his expression twisted to one of amusement. The little snake.

“Hey buddy,” the cameraman muttered, carefully pushing himself to sit up and cradle the serpent in his hands. "It's early, why are you up?”

As expected, no answer. Thankfully. Vinny wasn’t sure what he would do if a snake from Rushifa started talking to him. The snake gave a little flick of its tongue.

“Maybe you’re hungry,” The cameraman pondered, shifting his hands to place the serpent back into the fluffy neck scarf, “I’m hungry too, just give me 5 minutes…”

Vinny got up and stretched, body popping as a satisfied sigh escaped his mouth. He made his way to the bathroom and turned on the tap, water splashing his face. Refreshing.

Plans today? Not much. Check up on everyone. Say his goodbyes and go back to Ninjago. He missed Garmadon. A lot. They needed to talk.

Vinny let out a sigh making his way back to the bedroom, shoving his dagger into his pocket and just grabbing anything else. Then he picked up the snake, placing it onto his shoulder.

“Alright let’s go eat before you want to eat me,” the cameraman joked as he exited the room. “Today I’m planning on going back to my friends, you haven’t met them but I’m sure you’ll like them. But I’m planning on staying here a few hours longer, I need to talk to Nyssa and see if she wants to come.”

“Things to do, so many things to do, might check on Rushifa, obviously not go in there this time, my whole body’s sore,” he continued. It was nice having someone he could talk to, other than himself. Sure the snake couldn’t reply, but who cares!?

He hummed as he entered the kitchen, people were working. Wait, should he wait till they serve food at the table? Hm. Ugh. Too much thinking.

“Oh, hello sir,” a lady said to him.

Vinny blinked at her, “hi.”

“Can I get you anything?” She questioned.

“Food, uh please, or I can wait,” he said awkwardly. “Meat?”

“Sure thing,” she said as she went to grab a plate and began filling it with food. “Here you go,” she hummed.

“Thanks,” he muttered. Last time he interacted with someone who works in the palace she ended up leading him to Rushifa. Terrible shit. He walked off with the plate and sat down at a table.

“Here little guy,” he said as he put a piece of meat in front of the snake that was now on the table. He watched as the snake began eating, he ate as well, savouring the food. He didn’t know what it was, but oh well. It was good.

After he finished eating he began wandering around the palace, he wanted to see someone. Maybe talk to Deity. She seemed really stressed yesterday. He also wanted to see how Shanni and Tenshi were doing. Did they do anything yesterday?

Vinny turned a corner and jumped as he bumped into Willow. “Oh, hey!” He said, joy in his voice.

“Morning!” Willow greeted as she hugged him. “Sleep well?”

Vinny nodded, “Really well, how was yesterday with Nyssa?”

“It was good, she doesn’t do well in big crowds though, she was so tense, and reacted to everything! Whatever that pit Rida put her and dad in really messed them up” she frowned. “She’s jumpy, but I don’t blame her.”

“She’ll warm up,” Vinny comforted. “I think she only warmed up to me because I got her out of there, other than that I think she would’ve forgotten me if I died in there.” It was the truth. Cold hard truth.

“So you're leaving today?” Willow questioned.

“Yeah, I think so, I don’t want to spend too much time away from them all and fuck I really need to talk to Garmadon because right before I came here me and him were sorta fighting, well not really, he just kept asking stuff and I answered it a bit rudely,” Vinny confessed a frown forming on his face. He missed Garmadon. He missed him so much.

“Oh! Yeah, I’m sure he misses you,” Willow agreed. “But! We will stay in contact, you can visit us whenever you want! You’re welcome here!”

The cameraman smiled at her, “Thanks…”

“Why’d you go to Rushifa yesterday?” Ah yes, there it was. He could tell it was bothering her.

“I was curious?” He answered awkwardly.

“Curious?” She huffed.

“I’m an idiot, I’ve heard,” Vinny chuckled.

“At least you got this cute snake,” she hummed as she petted the small snake. “It doesn’t seem to be under her control so we’re fine!”

“I hope so,” he huffed. “Have you seen Shanni?”

Willow paused and pondered, “No, not once, maybe he went out for patrol, he wasn’t in his room.”

“Maybe Deity and Tenshi know?” He suggested.

“Let’s check.”

“Yep, then we can check on Nyssa,” Vinny said, receiving a nod from her as they began to walk. “Are you getting along with your dad?”

“I think…” Willow muttered, shrinking in on herself.

He looked surprised, “What’s wrong?”

“He’s distant, not that I blame him! He doesn’t have any emotional connection to me! He doesn’t know anything about me, we’re just blood related, I shouldn’t expect him to attach to me that quickly!” She ranted quickly.

Vinny frowned at her, “He is attached, when I talked to him in the pits he said he wanted to come back to his wife and kids, not just his wife, Willow he’s scared, Shanni and him have the same problem and I’m guessing you do too…”

“I get that he’s scared, but it’s not just him being scared, he’s distant like Shanni, they’re really alike,” She chuckled painfully. “I just don’t think he’ll warm up, I understand how Rida fucked him up, just broke him, but he doesn’t see resemblance in me, like he does Shanni. And it’s not just that! Mum always was closer with Shanni than me! And the same thing’s happening with dad! It’s so- I hate it! Shanni deserves attention, I know that. But why can’t one of them be close with me! Why am I not like them!?”

Vinny studied her, his eyes wide.  “For starters, you and him are a lot like each other. You have his eye colour. Your voice sounds a bit the same too. They see you as independent. You’re outgoing. They do love you. Tenshi’s been trapped. He doesn’t know how to love someone who he hasn’t had a connection with. Deity, she sees Tenshi in Shanni. She probably wanted to keep him close.”

“I know I-”

He interrupted, “You have his height too,” he joked.

Willow let out a small laugh, “Fuck you.”

“He sees a lot of himself in you, probably the younger him, bright and fun, like how Deity described him, he’ll come around, I promise,” he comforted as they stopped outside a door. “And you can talk to them, they love you.”

She smiled at him, “Yeah, ok…”

He knocked at the door, waiting for it to open. “Maybe they’re still sleeping.”

“Maybe, but mum doesn’t normally sleep in,” Willow answered.

He shrugged, a minute later the door opened and Deity stood there, hair tied up neatly, still in her nightgown, Tenshi was there too. On the ground though, the two must’ve been talking.

“Good morning,” Deity hummed softly, gently kissing Willow’s forehead. 

“Morning,” Willow and Vinny said in unison.

“Morning!” Tenshi greeted them from inside, waving at them.

“Morning dad,” Willow said, testing the phrase on her tongue. Tenshi seemed surprised but smiled at her.

“What brings you two here?” Deity questioned, resting against the door frame.

“We were wondering if you two saw Shanni, Willow said he wasn’t in his room,” Vinny confessed.

“Shanni?” Deity asked in confusion. “Patrol?” She suggested.

“I was thinking that, but I don’t think he would, I’ll ask some of the guards if they saw him,” Willow replied.

Deity and Tenshi frowned, staring at the two. “Do you think-“ Tenshi began, though his words cut off as his voice caught in his throat.

“No.” Deity cut in firmly, her hands clutching at her dress. “It-It couldn’t be that.”

“What?” Vinny asked in confusion, looking at Willow to see if she understood, though her expression was just as confused as he was.

“Just a stupid possibility, Rida.” Deity confessed.

“Oh,” Willow whispered.

“I guess that’s a possibility now,” Vinny mumbled.

Deity let out a shaky breath, “Least likely. Shanni is capable, he would be able to defend himself.”

“Enji wouldn’t let Rida do-“ Willow tried speaking.

“Enough,” Deity interrupted, her voice firm. Vinny blinked in surprise, he can’t remember if he’s ever seen Deity like this.

“Sorry,” Willow whispered, her quiet tone sending guilt through Deity.

“No, no,” Deity sighed. “Don’t apologise, dear. I’m just stressed.”

“Rida wouldn’t go for him,” Tenshi soothed. “Rida doesn’t know-“

“Know what?” Willow asked. Vinny remained quiet trying to process what they were talking about. Was it the fact that Shanni was also someone who could serve as a vessel for the kingdom’s power?

“Nothing,” Deity answered, her voice quick and sharp as she gently hugged Willow, kissing her forehead. “Go check for him, if no one’s seen him, we’ll check around the kingdom.”

“Alright,” Willow muttered, turning away.

“You’re leaving today, right?” Tenshi asked Vinny.

“Yep, can’t stay here too long. I have to get back and talk things out with everyone,” the cameraman answered.

“A shame,” Tenshi sighed.

“Come here whenever you want,” Deity hummed softly.

Vinny smiled, “I will, I need to ask Nyssa if she wants to stay here or not.”

“She’s still sleeping?” Tenshi asked.

“I think, but I’m not gonna interrupt her,” Vinny replied, Tenshi nodded. “We’ll get going,” he said, hands on Willow's shoulder as he began to push her out with him.

Deity and Tenshi waved. Vinny sighed when he shut the door. His expression softened as Willow walked off first, expecting him to follow. Yeah, he could get what she meant when she said she didn’t feel wanted.

“You ok?” He quietly asked, following her.

“Yeah,” she replied quickly. Too quickly.

Vinny sighed, “I don’t think Deity meant to be like that.”

“I know she didn’t.”

“Then why is it upsetting you?”

“I don’t know,” Willow sighed exasperately. “Let’s just find him.”

Vinny stared and nodded, best he didn’t push. The two walked through the palace, finding some guards. “Have you seen Shancai?” Willow asked them, though they shook their heads.

“Should we check his room again?” Vinny asked.

“Sure, either that or we’re going out,” Willow dismissed as they made their way to Shanni’s room.

Willow knocked on the door, waited a minute and let out a sigh of relief as the door opened.

“Morning,” Shanni greeted, voice strained as he looked at them.

“Morning,” Vinny waved.

“Where were you?” Willow asked immediately.

“Out,” he answered.

“Where?”

“I don’t need to tell you.”

“You either tell me or you’ll have to tell ma,” Willow hissed, she was really irritated today.

Shanni sighed and shook his head, “I was out.” He repeated.

“You-!” Willow began before pausing and processing. “Oh my fuck. You’re an idiot.”

“So I’ve heard,” Shanni answered, voice dripping with displeasure.

“What?” Vinny asked.

“Nothing,” Willow told him before shaking her head. “I’ll talk to you later,” she told him before pushing Shanni into the room.

“Ok?” The cameraman said, watching the door shut. He stood there for a minute. Up until he heard Willow yelling. Yeah, no, he was not dealing with this. Whatever Shanni did clearly bothered her.

Vinny turned on his heel, “Looks like it’s just you and me,” he hummed to the snake that had nestled itself into his clothing. “We should check on Nyssa.”

He walked quickly, trying to find her room. He checked a bunch of rooms and let out a sigh when one door finally opened and Nyssa stood there.

“Hey, morning,” Nyssa greeted, her smile wide.

“Morning, how you feeling?” Vinny asked.

“Fine, better than ever actually. Yesterday was fun. Food and clothes. This place is huge!”

Vinny laughed softly, “I know, when’d you wake up?”

“A while ago actually. I ate. Then fell back asleep.”

“Good for you.”

“Where’s everyone else?” Nyssa questioned.

“Shanni’s getting yelled at by Willow for some reason and Deity and Tenshi are together,” Vinny replied.

“Fun, do you wanna go somewhere?” She asked.

“Sure.”

“Come in, lemme get dressed,” she said, moving to the side allowing him in.

“I can wait out here?” He said.

“Relax! I’m getting changed in the bathroom,” She said, pulling him in, grabbing some clothes and going into the bathroom.

Vinny laughed softly and sat on the bed, waiting.

“Why’s Willow yelling at her brother?” Nyssa called from the bathroom.

“Shanni went out somewhere this morning, he won’t tell anyone,” Vinny answered. “I think she knows where he went.” Nyssa let out a hum in response before coming back out. “That was quick.”

“I’m bored, I like going out,” Nyssa said.

“Of course,” Vinny said as they began to leave. “We’re just walking? Or do you wanna go down to the markets again?”

“Nah, just walking. Too many people there.” Nyssa confessed, Vinny nodded in response.

“There’s a training area here, do you wanna go there? Unless you don’t wanna do anything fighting related, cause of the pit,” Vinny said.

“That sounds fun. I don’t mind fighting. It was honestly fun at times. Except killing,” Nyssa replied as she followed him.

“How can you enjoy fighting?” He laughed.

“The adrenaline, it’s nice.”

“I guess it is.” He definitely agreed with her. He enjoyed the adrenaline rush he had when he was being chased by Rushifa.

The two went outside. Vinny recognised the place. He had trained here with Shanni last time. “I’m not fighting you. You’re gonna beat me.”

“No I won’t,” she feigned innocence, reaching to pick up an axe from the weapon rack.

“You really like axes, huh?” Vinny chuckled.

“I like swinging heavy things, it’s nice,” she replied with a smile, raising the axe and swinging it around a few times.

“I think Tenshi’s the same,” he said.

She nodded, “he always used heavy stuff when fighting. When duos would happen I normally teamed with him.”

“Why?”

“No idea. He approached me when I first came there. Probably just helping the newbie,” Nyssa shrugged, testing the axe in her hands, giving it an experimental swing in the air.

“How’d you survive for two years?”

“It’s kill or be killed,” She answered. “It’s easier to kill people when you don’t have any family. You don’t know what it’s like to properly care for someone. I’ve always thought of just giving up in there. Letting someone kill me. It’d hurt of course. But I’d be free. No more blood and fighting. Just numbness.”

Vinny stared, “Why didn’t you?” He didn’t mean to sound degrading, he was just curious, if she was that done with living, then why didn't she give up?

“Tenshi,” she replied. “25 years. I guess him not giving up after that long motivated me. I always thought it was weird how he had stayed there for that long, as if he enjoyed killing. Now it’s obvious though. He just wanted to get out.”

“Yeah,” Vinny muttered.

“You’re not much of a fighter,” Nyssa easily deduced.

Vinny laughed awkwardly, “I mean…I can throw a punch? You’d probably have me down in 10 seconds.”

“I know I would,” she hummed. “What do you prefer? Guns? Knives?”

“No idea, but I’ve used knives recently.”

“Fun.”

“I’m going back to Ninjago today. I was wondering if you wanna come or stay here?” Vinny brought up.

Nyssa looked at him and blinked, expression faltering. “I don’t know. You choose.”

“It’s your choice. I’m not dragging you places you don’t wanna go. If you wanna stay here, you can. You’ll have more things than what’s in Ninjago. Either way I’ll visit,” Vinny sighed.

“I barely know anyone here,” She murmured.

“You know Tenshi.”

“That’s one person, he has more important people to worry about,” Nyssa dismissed.

“He hardly knows Shanni and Willow. Meaning you can get to know them while he does too. Deity too, she likes you.”

Nyssa huffed, “Probably cause we came back with her husband.”

“You can come with me. I want you to decide. I’m not here to control your life. No one’s going to control your life, Nyssa. Not me. Not Tenshi. And not Rida,” Vinny comforted, trying to meet her turned gaze.

“I know that,” she hissed, rubbing her face. “Rida’s never controlled my life. Only fucked it up.”

“Then why won’t you choose?”

“It’s not that easy. Trying to choose a place to live. As a kid I bounced between shitty houses and orphanages. Moment I was 18 I was kicked out. Most of the time I didn’t have anywhere to live. I can’t choose. What if I do something wrong and they don’t want me here anymore?” She asked, her voice quick and panicked.

Vinny stared, his expression soft. “They won’t. They’re not like that. They’re accepting. Unless you do something really fucking shitty. Hell, if Deity could, she’d try to redeem Rida in some way. I don’t know why she wants to try and fix whatever’s wrong with him, but she does. They won’t get rid of you. You don’t have to stay here. You can come back with me.”

“And live with you and your boyfriend?” Nyssa huffed sarcastically.

“Obviously not,” Vinny answered, cheeks flushing slightly. “But I can figure out getting you an apartment in the same building as me.”

“Aren’t they expensive?”

“Yep, but I can manage.”

“God, what if I wanna stay at both places?” She asked

Vinny smiled, “Then you can. I can get you here and back whenever you want. Travellers tea will take you to each place directly.”

Nyssa looked at the ground, her grip on the handle of the axe tightening. “Fuck…” she muttered, her head slumping forward.

“You have a choice. You don’t need someone’s acceptance to make a choice you want,” Vinny spoke, gently taking her hand.

“You’re stupid.”

“I know.”

“I’ll stay here. You need time to yourself when you leave. You probably wanna talk to your boyfriend or something,” Nyssa decided, nodding slightly. Her words were truthful though, he did want to talk to Garmadon. Needed to actually. A good talk between two adults. Get things straight.

“Willow and Shanni have my number. I think they can message me if you wanna talk. I’m not sure how the communication actually works since it’s kinda different dimensions,” Vinny said.

“Yep, yeah. Ok.” She sighed, before looking up at Vinny with a sharp smile. “You gonna tell me more about your boyfriend? He looks friendly.”

Vinny’s cheeks flushed as he averted his gaze, “he is friendly.”

“Really?” She mused.

“He is. He wasn’t at some point. Kind of warlord, blah, blah, nothing important,” he tried dismissing with a wave of his hand and casual tone. “And we date n-“

“Woah, woah, woah!” Nyssa cut off. “You-! A warlord?! Geez, you’re fucked! As in an actual warlord?”

“Yes,” Vinny groaned, very nice conversation. “Killed people. Ruled. Nothing important.”

“Nothing important my ass!” Nyssa laughed boisterously. “God! Vinny, how did you manage?”

“No idea. One time when Ninjago was overrun with a different evil force. He was kinda mutual with the ninja. Morally grey. He was defeated previously and was let out of captive  to help defeat the other evil guys, and then on the flying ship I was looking for the bathroom and accidentally went into the room he was in and I was so fucking scared but when I was gonna leave he started talking to me-“

He took a deep breath.

“-he asked for my name, I told him my name and where I worked at, for some reason and he started asking me what’s more important than survival. I told him, family, friends, love, blah, blah and he told me I’m very wise for some reason. That was the first time I met him. Fast forward to when the evil guys were defeated and one day he came to my house, asking for guidance? I shut the door so quickly and was gonna dial the cops but he seemed so genuine…”

“And you let him in?” Nyssa laughed.

“Yes. No regrets. Amazing roommate. Sure at first he broke a few things. Kinda loud at night. He slept on the couch at first, but then I realised that was too small for him and I offered my bed. He didn’t let me sleep on the couch, so we ended up sharing a bed. First few weeks I didn’t sleep. I don’t think he realised how intimate it was, he was kinda emotionally fucked. He snores.”

“God, this sounds like some shitty romance movie,” she teased, punching him softly. “Cute though. Did anyone know he lived with you?”

“A few people from my work found out, then it spread and then I was the gossip. It wasn’t that bad, no one said anything to my face cause I was living with a former warlord,” Vinny confessed.

“Your boss?”

“Yeah, she didn’t really care. Which is weird, Gayle Gossip. Yet she seemed less bothered by it than everyone else. I swear one time I heard her tell someone ‘I called it.”

“Any previous love life?”

“Casual flings, nothing serious. Commitment is hard.”

“Tell me about it,” she agreed.

“What about you? Had any lovers?” He asked.

“Nah, much like you, casual flings with gals. Nothing much. There was this one girl, but we both didn’t wanna commit. She was nice though,” Nyssa answered.

Vinny hummed, “You gonna try finding someone now?”

“Maybe,” she shrugged.

“Do you want someone?”

“I think?” Nyssa awkwardly answered. “Relationships are weird. Like you said, commitment’s hard.”

“I’m sure if you want, you’ll find someone. You’re amazing,” he complimented.

Nyssa smiled, “Thanks. So, what doesn’t your boyfriend know?”

“Pretty much everything. I was too scared to tell him anything. Didn’t want him getting hurt…”

“You were scared that your former warlord boyfriend was gonna get hurt?” She asked, her expression tinged with amusement.

“Yes, yes, I know it’s stupid,” Vinny grumbled.

Nyssa chuckled, “Well, you’re gonna have to tell him everything.”

“I will. When I go back. We’re gonna go back to our apartment and talk. And it better go well.”

“I’m sure it will, he seems understanding,” Nyssa comforted.

Vinny nodded slightly, “He is in a way. I haven't had much time with him lately…”

She nodded in understanding before flinching, “god I forgot you had that snake.”

Vinny laughed, “Forgot I had it too.” He gently held the serpent closer. At least it wasn’t running off. “Y’know, since I’m going back today and you’re gonna stay here…I was wondering…”

“Mm?”

“Do you wanna keep it as company? Someone you could talk to in a way,” he said.

Nyssa stared, “m’ not good with animals…”

“Willow can help. She’s good with animals,” Vinny hummed.

She blinked before gently reaching forward and coaxing the snake into her hands, her thumb gently caressing the harmless serpent. “Sure…” she surrendered, her expression soft as was her voice while she held the snake against her.

“See? You’re a natural,” he teased. “If you change your mind, tell me.”

“Obviously.” She rolled her eyes. “She’s not venomous, right?”

“I don’t think so. It’s a girl?” He asked in confusion.

“Yep.”

“How can you tell?”

“Tail’s thinner at the end. Male ones usually have thicker ends,” Nyssa replied.

“Ah, right,” he nodded. “Sorry for that,” he apologised to the snake, she only flicked her tongue blankly. “Thought you weren’t good with animals?” He added as he looked back up at Nyssa.

“Oh, please, I’ve been bitten by a snake before. Worst time of my life. I’ve read like 10 different books about them,” Nyssa confessed.

“Oh.”

“Yeah, oh,” she laughed. “It’s not a big deal. Wasn’t life-threatening or anything, just was in pain for a week. One of the girls I knew, we weren’t friends but she ended up smuggling medicine from a hospital and helped me with it.”

“Are you sure you want a snake then…?” He asked hesitantly.

Nyssa nodded, “Don’t sweat it, I’ll be fine.”

Vinny sighed, “Alright. If you ever want a break, tell me.”

“I will,” she rolled her eyes half-heartedly. “Do you think I can keep this axe? It’s so nice.”

“I mean, Shanni let me keep some stuff from here,” Vinny shrugged. “Don’t you have that axe from the pits?”

“It’s so bad though. Handle is loose, every time I used it I was terrified the head would fly off,” she said.

“I guess we can ask,” Vinny said as he began to walk, expecting her to follow. “Let’s go see Willow, maybe she’s done yelling.”

“Probably.”

The walk back inside was silent, Nyssa holding the axe to herself as the serpent remained on her shoulder. At least she had company now. As much as Vinny would miss the lil snake, Nyssa needed it more.

“There they are,” Nyssa pointed with the axe down the hall, Willow and Shancai. Willow still looked annoyed. “Morning!” She called out, catching their attention.

The two perked up, turning their heads. Willow’s expression lit up, “Morning!”

“Good morning,” Shancai greeted Nyssa with a soft nod of his head.

“Sleep well?” Willow asked.

“Very,” Nyssa answered with a smile.

“Where’s the axe from?” Shancai questioned.

“Training grounds,” Vinny answered. “Nyssa’s wondering if she can have it.”

“Yep,” Nyssa nodded in agreement.

“Of course,” Shancai answered. “I’m sure you know how to manage it?”

“I do,” she answered in triumph, she got her cool axe. “Anyways, what were you two talking about?”

“Just how wonderful my brother is,” Willow replied, shooting a glare at her brother.

Shancai groaned, “It was once.”

“It was not once!” Willow yelled. “If you’re gonna sneak out, at least tell me! Acting like I wouldn’t cover for you!”

“Yes, yes, I understand how trustworthy you are,” Shancai dismissed.

“So…” Vinny spoke up. “Where did you go?”

“Out.”

“He knows that,” Willow huffed at her brother.

Nyssa perked, “I’m curious too.”

“It’s nothing important,” Shancai said.

Vinny looked at Willow, curious for an answer. “My mouth’s shut,” Willow confessed.

“Aw fuck,” Nyssa whined.

“Anyways,” Shancai tried changing the subject.

“We’re still talking about this later,” Willow cut in.

“Yes, yes,” he dismissed. “You’re leaving today,” he looked at Vinny.

“I am. Nyssa’s staying here by the way,” he confessed.

“Really?” Willow perked up.

Nyssa nodded, “Kinda wanna spend more time here…”

“Alright! Good, good!”

“Soooo…what are we all doing today?” Vinny asked.

“I have things to do, patrol,” Shancai said.

“Can I come?” Vinny asked.

“Very well.”

“You two good hanging out? Or you wanna join?” He asked Nyssa and Willow.

“Nah, I'm good,” Nyssa replied. “Some other time.”

“Same, too tired to go anywhere,” Willow sighed. “Probably just gonna sit and sleep.”

“Have fun then,” Vinny hummed, watching as the two walked off. “Sooo…where did you go?” He asked again.

Shancai groaned, and rubbed his face. “Enji.”

Vinny paused and went silent, staring at him. “Oh. Right. Why?”

“I needed answers.”

“About…your dad?”

“Yes,” he confessed. “He said he doesn’t know anything, I don’t know if he’s telling the truth…”

“I think he was,” Vinny confessed. “I talked to him, he came to me. He didn’t know.” Shancai remained quiet before nodding. “C’mon let’s go,” Vinny hummed.

“Do you remember those kids we saw last time we went down there?” Shancai asked.

Vinny perked up and nodded, a smile forming on his face. “Yeah, are we gonna see them?”

Shancai nodded.

“How often do you visit them?” Vinny asked.

“Once a week I suppose,” he replied. “As I said, they live in the slums, I provide their parents with money, clothes and other things.”

“That’s nice…” Vinny mumbled as they continued walking. Eventually they made it to the run down place. Once again, kids running around and laughing. They seemed so sweet.

“Shanni!” The kids yelled happily as they ran up to him. Cute. So Shancai was basically a brother to them? That’s nice.

“Good morning,” Shancai greeted, gently ruffling each of their hairs. “Inside?” He asked, looking past them.

“Yep!” A girl hummed. “You brought him again,” she added as she waved at Vinny.

“He wanted to come,” Shancai replied. “Keep him company, would you?”

Another girl nodded, Vinny stared as Shancai walked off. He yelped as his hand was grabbed by small little hands and he was dragged to stand in an empty area.

“Let’s play,” a boy said as he put a ball on the ground.

Vinny huffed in amusement before nodding, “Sure.” Probably the most normal thing he’s done in a while. He watched as the kids formed a circle and began kicking the ball. It was fun.

Eventually one kid tried kicking the ball at him, but may have kicked it a bit too hard and it flew past Vinny’s head into the bushes, how cliche. “I’ll get it,” Vinny said as he turned and jogged to the bushes.

Geez. How far did this kid kick it? Vinny walked further into the bushes. “Did you find it!?” Some kid yelled.

“Not yet!” Vinny replied, where did it go…?

He paused as he heard shuffling, probably just a bird or something. He groaned as he couldn’t find it, where did these kids learn how to kick? Maybe he could get them to kick Rida? He huffed at the thought, no, no. No putting kids through seeing Rida’s ugly face.

Vinny perked as he saw it, finally. He walked forward and reached for it, he turned to go back but yelped as his hair was pulled and he was thrown to the ground.

“The fuck-“ he began, looking up before allowing the words to die on his tongue. Oh great.

“Enjoying your freedom?” Rida’s voice came.

Vinny snarled, “Very. What about you? You and your infinite freedom, but I’m guessing you can’t do much with a face like that.”

“Lord, you’ve grown a tongue. Why? Did escaping make you that confident?” Rida asked, leaning down to pinch Vinny’s cheek. “It won’t last. But I guess I’ll let you enjoy it while it lasts.”

“Yeah? Does Enji know? Or are you gonna keep him in the dark? Maybe you should. He’ll realise how fucked you are.”

Rida scoffed, “Don’t tell me you want him to change.”

“Nah, I’d rather him not trying to kill me, like you,” Vinny replied.

Rida stared down at him, “You’re pathetic.” He pulled out a knife.

“Hey-“ Vinny said, staring at the blade.

“Relax,” Rida chuckled. “Wouldn’t want those kids to hear you,” he hummed as he traced the tip of the blade against Vinny’s arm. “Rushifa told me you came to her.”

“Did she?” Vinny muttered, body tense as he tried to shift away from the knife.

“Of course she did.”

“Always telling you stuff, right? You tell her more than Enji. Why’s that? I thought you two hated each other,” Vinny challenged, eyes narrowing.

Rida sighed exasperatedly, "Questions, questions, so many questions. Yet no answer.” He pressed forward with the knife, causing Vinny to inhale sharply and shut his eyes. “You know what I’m trying to do though. Rushifa knows. That hag and her husband know.”

Vinny stayed silent, what? What did he know-? “The kingdom…” he muttered, eyes opening in realisation.

“Ah, so, so smart,” Rida said, his tone low and degrading as he used his free hand to pinch Vinny’s cheek again, turning his face to each side.

He looked at his arm, blood was pricking at the small wound while the knife threatened to go deeper. That was the least of his worries. “You could’ve done it…”

“Hmm?”

“You could’ve destroyed it ages ago. You had Tenshi. Shancai, Willow and Deity are all here. So why didn’t you?” Vinny asked.

Rida looked down at him, expression blank, though Vinny could sense the irritation, especially when Rida’s grip on the knife tightened.

“You had all the pieces. What was stopping you? Maybe you don’t want to do this?”

“You talk too much, I have half the mind to cut your tongue out for all these questions,” Rida snarled, knife driving in deeper.

Vinny winced, eyes shutting again. “Deity wants you to change for some reason,” he forced out. “I don’t get what she sees in you. But she doesn’t want you dead. I do though. Tenshi does. Willow and Shanni probably do. Hell, at some point Enji might want you dead. So is this what you do? Just lie? Ruin-“

Rida suddenly grabbed his face and forced it into the ground, “Stop talking.”

“Or what? You kill me and you think Deity will still want you around? The one person who for some reason fucking wants you alive? She’d hate you.”

“I don’t care if she would.”

“I think you do. She cares for you. So at some point you cared for her,” Vinny continued, yep, this was life risking, he honestly didn’t know where all this confidence came from, but oh well. “When did that change? When did you decide to hate her?”

Rida forced the knife in deeper. “You’re so annoying,” he hissed.

“Then kill me. Then you can surely finish your plan and destroy the kingdom,” Vinny answered, yeah, he was terrified.

Rida sighed and tsked, grabbing Vinny and forcing him up, squeezing his cheeks to open his mouth.

“Hey-“ Vinny tried speaking, but his eyes widened as the knife was pressed against his mouth. Panic ran through him, oh yeah, he was fucked. The knife pressed against his tongue, not cutting, but just warning. “What are you-“

“Quiet,” Rida snarled. “I’m thinking…”

“Thinking of what?” He babbled, the knife in his mouth made it a little hard to speak.

Rida ignored him before pulling away and standing up straight, rubbing his face. “I should just kill you right now. But alas, there’s all those kids there. You’d scream.”

“Yeah…you’ll die before me either way,” Vinny grumbled as he wiped his face.

Rida hummed, “People and their delusions. Run along. Don’t keep those kids waiting, I’m sure they want to continue their game,” Rida drawled, dusting himself off.

“You weren’t looking for me,” Vinny said.

“What?”

“Here. You weren’t looking for me, but you found me and decided to attack me.”

“You’re horrible,” Rida scoffed, turning to walk off.

“And you aren’t? Deity told me people who did magic were killed. You…were part of that, weren’t you? That’s why you two know each other?” Vinny asked.

“Again with the questions,” Rida hissed, rubbing his temples.

“You don’t need to answer. I know enough.”

“I wasn’t planning to,” Rida muttered before walking away. “Have fun with your game while it lasts,” he picked up the ball from the ground and threw it at Vinny, who caught it.

Vinny waited for Rida to fade from his sigh before quietly saying, “I will.”

He pushed himself off the ground and rubbed his arm, it wasn’t bleeding badly. It was tolerable. Vinny took a deep breath and shook his head before making his way back to the kids.

“There you are!” A girl chirped.

“We thought you got hurt!” Another said.

“Sorry, the ball went far, this one knows how to kick,” Vinny chuckled, ruffling the hair of the kid who had kicked the ball there.

“Do you still wanna play?”

“Nah, I’m tired, I’ll watch,” Vinny replied, going to sit down. He sat there for a while, pondering Rida. So Rida and Deity were definitely close at some point. Deity cared for him a lot. Rida must’ve too. It was all weird. He tensed as he saw a hand out in front of him.

“Come, we’re leaving,” Shancai said.

Vinny hummed and took his hands standing up. “Bye,” he waved at the kids who waved back.

“Have fun?” Shancai asked.

“Yep.”

“What happened?” Shancai asked, seemingly knowing something happened.

“Rida,” Vinny gave in.

“Ah?”

“I know. I was getting the ball and he just came out of nowhere. Just threatening. It was nothing important,” Vinny dismissed.

Shancai looked at him in disappointment. “It’s very important. Rida’s clearly more aggressive.”

“I know, I know. We’ll tell Deity later. When we go back,” Vinny sighed.

“Very well…”

If Vinny was to be honest, the rest of the patrol was boring as fuck. Well, maybe it’s because last time he went out with Shanni, they were attacked by Enji. Though this time, he and Shancai talked a bit about Tenshi, Willow and Deity. A little about Nyssa too.

“Apologies if that was boring,” Shancai said as they went back. 

“It’s fine,” Vinny replied. “Got to hang out with you at least.”

“When are you leaving?”

“Probably after I tell Deity what happened with Rida,” Vinny replied.

Shancai nodded, “Very well. Do you want me to accompany you to their room?”

“Nah, I’ll be fine, you go relax, I’ll say bye before I leave,” Vinny hummed.

“Very well,” Shancai turned to leave, waving slightly.

Vinny sighed and began making his way to Deity’s room, she was probably with Tenshi. What did Nyssa and Willow do today? Talk? Walk? Sleep? Hang out? Oh well. He’ll find out later.

He stopped at Deity’s door, gently knocking before smiling as it opened quickly. “Good afternoon,” Deity greeted, her voice soft and welcoming.

“Afternoon,” Vinny replied as he entered, waving at Tenshi.

“What did you get up to today?” Tenshi questioned.

“Hanged out with Shanni, patrol and stuff, actually why I’m here too,” Vinny confessed.

“Oh?” Deity looked at him in confusion, leading him to sit on the floor with them.

Vinny took a deep breath, “Rida, saw him today. He kinda meh over me to the floor.”

“Oh dear.”

“You okay?” Tenshi questioned.

Vinny nodded, “Yeah, I’m fine. It just happened quickly. He just poked me with a knife, kinda threatened to cut my tongue.”

“What did he want?” Tenshi asked.

“No idea,” Vinny frowned. “But I annoyed him a bit. Probably why he left me.”

“How so?” Deity perked up.

Vinny awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, “Just talked about how he could’ve destroyed the kingdom earlier if he wanted to.”

“Anything else?”

“Yeah…about you,” he gestured to Deity. “Talked about how you want to change him. He looked annoyed.”

“Of course he was,” Tenshi grumbled.

Deity looked down at her hands in her lap.

“Sorry…I shouldn’t have brought you up,” Vinny apologised.

“No, no, it’s fine,” Deity soothed.

“I don’t think he was there for me. He might’ve just been in the area trying to do something, but then he saw me,” Vinny implied.

“I suppose,” Deity murmured.

“If he wasn’t after you then we have nothing to worry about. We already know he has the key and the chest, we just need to keep wary,” Tenshi said. “As long as he doesn’t get the blood then it’s fine.”

“What if he does…?” Deity whispered. Tenshi’s expression softened, he gently held her hands.

“He won’t.”

“We don’t know that,” Deity retorted, Vinny grimaced silently. “I didn’t know he took you. We don’t know what else might happen. What will happen to the kingdom? To us. To the kids. Rida has a plan. He’s clearly had one for years. One I never knew.”

“No one knew,” Tenshi comforted.

Deity frowned, “I should’ve.”

“It’s not your fault,” Tenshi sighed.

“He’s right,” Vinny spoke up. “Rida’s unpredictable. If you try expecting something he’ll do the complete opposite.”

Deity stared before rubbing her eyes. “Gods above…”

“It’ll be fine…” Vinny said.

Deity took a deep breath and slowly nodded. “Right, yes, yes.”

The three perked up to the sound of knocking. “Ma!” Came Willow’s voice. “Nyssa and Shanni too!”

Deity moved to stand up, but Vinny got to it first, coaxing her to sit back down as he went to the door and opened it.

“Hey!” Willow hummed, hugging him. “Good afternoon,” she greeted her parents.

“Afternoon love,” Deity responded, Tenshi nodding softly. “What brings you three here?”

“Wellll,” Nyssa began. “He’s leaving soon, might as well say our byes.” Vinny noticed the snake still with Nyssa, good…

Tenshi perked up, looking at Nyssa. “You’re staying?"

“Yep, thought it over, I’m better off staying here,” she replied, shrugging it off casually.

“That’s nice,” Deity hummed. “Do you wish to go back now?”

“I guess. I don’t wanna leave too late,” Vinny replied.

Deity nodded, “Then now would be best. I can brew the traveler's tea.”

“Yes please,” Vinny sighed, watching as she got up and went to another part of the room.

“We’re gonna miss you,” Willow said, hugging him.

Vinny smiled, hugging back, “I’ll visit obviously, plus we can talk.”

“We better,” Nyssa huffed.

“We’ll work on getting you a phone,” Willow told Nyssa, who smiled.

“If Rida comes to you, tell us,” Tenshi said.

“Enji too,” Shancai added.

“I will, I will. I can’t handle this by myself,” Vinny sighed.

“About time you realised that,” Shancai said.

“And how about you don’t go back into Rushifa’s forest?” Willow hummed.

Vinny laughed, “I won’t, I promise.”

“He promises,” Nyssa mocked slightly.

Vinny rolled his eyes, “Ok, no more making fun of me.”

“Visit, ok?” Willow asked.

“I will, I will.”

“Otherwise we’ll think you’re dead,” Tenshi joked.

Vinny smiled, “I’ll be fine.

“So you’ve said,” Shancai mused.

“Done,” Deity’s voice came as she came back in. Vinny smiled at her. Ok. A conversation with Garmadon. Soon. Very soon… “Stay safe, please?” Deity sighed as she looked at Vinny, before splashing the tea, forming a little portal.

“I will!” He laughed. “What’s with you all? I can manage.”

“We’re just worried,” Tenshi said.

“I know,” Vinny sighed. “I will visit, and I will be fine.”

“Good,” Nyssa huffed.

“Alright, bye…” he said as he moved to walk through it.

Shancai and Tenshi nodded; Deity waved; Nyssa and Willow openly said their goodbyes.

Vinny stood on the other end of the portal, it shut behind him. He was in the training yard of the monastery. Fuck. He felt sick. He didn’t want to talk. He had to talk. He couldn’t…

“Oh shit! Vinny, hey!” Kai’s voice came.

Vinny turned and smiled, “Hey.”

“You’re back, did what you needed to?” The fire ninja questioned.

“Yep, so I’m kinda ‘free’ for a bit.”

“Oh cool, the others are inside, want me to tell them you’re here?” Kai asked.

Vinny pondered the question, “Uh, nah, I’d rather see them. They probably wanna see me. Nya especially. She’s been worried about me.”

“No kidding,” Kai huffed. “Garmadon too.” Vinny grimaced hearing that. “Him being a former warlord he’s been really quiet, worried about you I guess. You really changed him…”

The cameraman looked at the floor, “Yeah…” Fuck, yep, he felt terrible.

“C’mon,” Kai said, gesturing with his head as he began to walk. Vinny followed behind. “You plan on staying tonight or you gonna go back home.”

“Leave probably,” Vinny replied. “I’ll talk about it with Garm, he probably still needs to teach Lloyd about his oni form.”

“Oh, right,” Kai sighed. “Oni form is the least of our worries now I think, those two guys, Enji? Rita? Can’t remember their names, but they’re doing something. I don’t know how, but I think it’ll affect Ninjago somehow.”

“Same,” Vinny sighed, musing slightly at the mispronunciation of Rida’s name. “It’s Rida,” he corrected.

“Eh, Rida, Rita, same thing,” Kai dismissed. “Hey guys! Vinny’s back!” He yelled throughout the monastery.

Nya and Jay were out first. Then Cole and Lloyd. Then Pixal and Zane. Then Wu and Garmadon. Vinny inhaled sharply when he saw Garmadon, fuck, he wanted to kill himself.

“Hey!” Nya hummed, pulling Vinny into a hug. “Thought you disappeared again.”

“Well you knew where I was going this time,” Vinny answered.

Jay cut in, “We knew where you were back when we were in the kingdom! And then you disappeared! Who knows what could happen?”

“He’s right,” Cole laughed.

“Maybe we should put a tracker on you,” Kai suggested.

“Hey what-?”

“We did it with Lloyd,” Nya confessed.

“It was horrible,” Lloyd said. “Just cause I sneaked out a few times.”

“And came back injured,” Zane added.

“Barely,” the green ninja sighed. “They’re just dramatic.”

“Hardly, you were also in a terrible mood,” Pixal interrupted.

Vinny laughed silently, ok, good, he missed this. “So anything new happen? Bad guys?” Cole asked.

“Eh,” Vinny grimaced. “Today, Rida, the guy that kidnapped me. Nothing much.”

“What exactly happened?” Wu spoke up, Vinny allowed his gaze to snap to him before looking at Garmadon and then back at Wu. No. No eye contact. He felt like he was gonna throw up.

“Came out of nowhere, just threatened me a little and left,” Vinny confessed. Ok maybe there was more to that but it wasn’t like it was a big wound.

“Oh man,” Jay whined.

“It’s not a big deal, he didn’t do anything,” Vinny tried reasoning. “I’d tell you guys if he did something.”

“How do we know that?” Garmadon’s voice came, Vinny died inside. Oh great. Fuck. Hell no. He should just run out the monastery and jump of this big fucking cliff with so many stupid stairs that shouldn’t exist. “You didn’t tell us about what was happening before. You hid it. Lied. For all I know, you could be lying right now.”

“I’m not,” Vinny replied firmly, though his voice shook.

“As I said, we don’t know that.”

“Dad, please, don’t,” Lloyd spoke up.

Garmadon stared but sighed before turning around and walking off. Man, he was so fucked.

“He’s nice to be around,” Jay tried joking.

“Jay, no.” Nya said.

Vinny stared at the floor, “I’d say that went well.”

“Sure,” Kai huffed. “You gonna talk to him? I don’t get what you two have going on, but for roommates, you two sure are close.”

“Definitely,” Cole agreed.

Lloyd stared before scoffing, “right, they don’t know.”

“Should we tell them?” Nya asked Vinny.

“I mean…why not?” Vinny shrugged, rhe others all already knew so fuck it.

“What?” Kai asked.

Jay was the one to say, “They’re dating.”

Kai and Cole looked at each other, then at them and then at Zane and Pixal. “Did you two know?”

“No, but it was fairly obvious. Elevated heart pressure and red cheeks,” Zane answered, Pixal nodded in agreement.

“Holy-“ Cole said. “This whole time-?”

“Yep,” Vinny nodded.

Kai stared, “geez, woah. That explains so much.”

“It does,” Nya said.

“How long have you all known?” Cole asked.

“Me?” Nya asked. “Since they first came to the monastery.”

“Me and Master Wu found out after her,” Lloyd confessed.

“I found out at the palace,” Jay answered.

“And no one told us!?” Kai huffed.

Vinny laughed, “It was meant to be a secret.”

“Worst kept secret,”Nya jabbed.

Cole looked at Vinny, “So…you two are having problems?”

“He’s mad I wasn’t telling him anything. I lied alot,” Vinny confessed. God, this was nice, getting this off his chest.

“Clearly,” Cole said. “So, you gonna talk to him?”

“Yeah,” Vinny sighed. “Put it off way too long. Might be going back home too if he wants.”

“Good luck,” Nya hummed.

“I do not believe in luck but I wish you luck,” Zane spoke up.

“Thanks,” Vinny smiled as he walked off in the direction Garmadon went. He was dreading this. He looked past the rooms, not here, not there, oh, but there. He entered the room, it was their room they had stayed together in at first. “Hey,” he greeted quietly.

Garmadon was sitting on the bed, back facing Vinny. “Hello.”

“We should talk.”

“What’s there to talk about?” Garmadon asked.

Vinny frowned, “I mean it. Not here. We can go back home and talk. You can yell at me, fuck, you can hit me if you want.”

Those words seemed to have gotten Garmadon’s attention, negatively though. “Why would I?”

“I don’t know, I’m just saying shit,” Vinny said. “Don’t hit me,” he laughed awkwardly.

“I won’t. I’d never,” Garmadon replied.

Vinny smiled, “I know. Please. I wanna talk.”

Garmadon sighed but nodded. “I don’t see why not,” he muttered, standing up. Vinny let out a sigh of relief.

“Let’s go home, we can come back here if you want and you can keep training Lloyd,” Vinny said.

“Least of our worries.”

The two eventually said their byes to the ninja and the walk back to the apartment was terribly silent. But they entered the apartment, it was as Vinny left it after he came here with Nyssa and Tenshi.

“Oh by the way, the mirror in the bathroom’s broken,” Vinny awkwardly confessed, remembering how he had punched it.

“Ah?”

“Punched it. Hurt like hell.”

“Wonderful,” Garmadon murmured. The two sat on the couch together.

“Sooo…” Vinny started. “What do you wanna talk about…?”

(I’m gonna disappear for another few months. Ts kinda ahh but alr.)

[criolla-star]

heyyy :D

hope you’re doing well

just wanted to ask what happened to “ A deal or something more”

i miss it💔

OH OK UH wait firstly if u haven’t realised I set the fic as private on ao3 so u need an account to view it and I finished it with a really shit ending Cus I’m not sure I would be able to keep writing. IM SO SORRY IF U THOUGHT I GOT RID OF IT

[criolla-star]

Overwhelmed(Vinny x Garmadon)Part 106

(I suggest you check out parts 1-105 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)

Vinny trudged back down the path in pain and exhaustion. The sun was setting, just how long has he been there. The small serpent slithering down his shoulder to wrap around his hand. It was a cute lil guy, the cameraman could only hope it didn’t snitch to Rushifa or anything, maybe Willow could tell.

He hated how he found that chase fun. How he found the risk and danger tantalising. How he laughed afterwards and told Rushifa it was fun. The thrill of the chase. He shouldn’t get thrilled from being chased. He shouldn’t be thrilled to die. He shouldn’t be thrilled to be eaten in a non sexual way.

A wince tore its way out of his mouth as his arm ached, curse Rushifa and her obnoxiously large teeth.

“Y’know it wouldn’t be nice for a guest to bleed everywhere in a castle.” Vinny spoke to the snake as he stopped in his tracks and removed a loose piece of his already torn shirt before wrapping it around his arm wound to contain the bleeding.

Once again she began walking up into the garden and up the stairs, ignoring any workers there that looked at him in confusion. Who exactly should he go to? They would all be concerned.

Shanni? He was the most calm out of them when it came to seeing injuries, but then again Vinny didn’t want to add more stress to the princes’ current stance, poor guy, he was so scared of what Tenshi would think.

Maybe he could go to Deity. She could heal him faster either way. But what if everyone was together? Eugh. They’ll find out eventually.

Vinny continued his way to Deitys’ room, venturing down the long and winding halls while the small little serpent tightening around his arm, which hurt but it also helped control the blood flowing from the wound.

As he walked down the halls he couldn’t help but wonder when was he going back to the ninja? He wanted to talk to Garmadon. They had a little heated discussion when he first came back to the monastery but now he wanted to apologise, say he didn’t mean to keep this all hidden.

He wanted Garmadon back. He wanted to love him. He missed him so much. The cameramans’ eyes were glassy as he forced them to remain open, he didn’t want to blink. It’ll look too obvious that he was crying. But then again he could pass it off as pain from the wound.

A shaky breath made it’s way out of his mouth as he stopped in front of the door and gently knocked, not long later the door opened, ah Nyssa.

“Hey! We were wondering where you wen-“ Nyssas’ words trailed off as her eyes landed on his arm. “After you kidding me?”

“I wish” Vinny laughed awkwardly as he entered the room.

“Oh my” Deity spoke quietly as she stated at the wrapped wound, “come here” she added, Willow and Shancai shifting to give Vinny a spot to sit beside her mother,

“Did you like fall or something?” Willow asked.

“No.” The cameraman answered as he allowed himself to be lead to sit down by Nyssa.

“Then what happened?” Tenshi questioned.

“Where’d you get that snake from?” Shancai asked as well.

“Uhh I may have sorta not accidentally went to Rushifa.” Vinny awkwardly confessed as he rubbed the back of neck, “but hey the lil snake guy’s cute.”

“You what!?” Willow yelled.

“I know I’m an idiot.” The cameraman croaked out with a forced smile as he tried his best not to wince as his shitty bandage from his clothing was unwrapped by Deity.

“Who’s that?” Nyssa asked.

“The snake.” Tenshi and Vinny answered in unison, Nyssa nodded softly and made an ‘oh’ face.

“Why on earth would you go there?” Shancai asked.

“It was kinda of my doing.” Vinny laughed sheepishly, shrinking in on himself, allowing Deity to tend to his arm meanwhile the small serpent slid up and rested on his shoulder once again.

“How would it be your doing? It’s not like you willingly went in there despite knowing the danger, right?” Tenshi questioned sarcastically, clearly unknowing of Vinnys’ pure stupidity.

“Uh…well when you put it like that-“ the cameraman began, voice small.

“You’re joking?” Nyssa asked.

“No” Vinny confessed.

“I give you too much credit than should be given.” Shancai said.

“I-“ Tenshi began, “I can’t even be mad because you freed me.” He sighed rubbing his temples.

“It wasn’t that bad.” Vinny hummed, jerking softly as he felt Deity press something wet against his wound, disinfect probably.

“Apologies” Deity sighed softly, the cameraman just smile softly at her. She seemed more tense than usual making Vinny ponder the question as to what was bothering her. She had her husband back, maybe she was stressed about what Rida was planning next. Probably. But he felt bad for her, she didn’t deserve to be stressed.

“Wasn’t that bad!?” Willow yelled, though her tone wasn’t filled with malice but was slightly concerned and teasing, “she practically ate your arm mr.itwasn’tthatbad” she joked as she leaned over to gently smack his head.

“It was a bad idea I know.” The cameraman hummed.

“Really bad.” Nyssa agreed.

“Terrible.” Shancai continued.

“Stupid.” Tenshi finished.

“How kind.” Vinny drawled.

“The snake’s cute though.” Nyssa hummed as she leaned over to gently poke the small serpent.

“It is.” He hummed in agreement, “Willow do you think it’s like evil and works with Rushifa? Cause I really don’t want to get rid of it cause it’s so cute.” Vinny asked.

“I mean, probably not and even so Rushifa can’t really do anything with the snake, when they’re out of a certain vicinity they don’t really listen to her and this one probably would’ve went back to her.” The nature elemental answered, it made Vinny sigh in relief.

“So why’d you go in there?” Tenshi asked.

“I was bored.” Vinny answered, he could see the disappointment in their faces.

“Oh who doesn’t love almost dying to cure their boredom!” Nyssa laughed sarcastically.

“What did you two even do?” Shancai asked.

“Well I was walking by the forest, she told me I should go in her part of the forest so I did and then we sat down, talked a little and then she said we were going to play tag.” The cameraman summarised, “except if I got caught she would kill me.”

“By the gods give me strength.” Deity whispered, her tone was slightly amused.

“Hey but I didn’t die!” Vinny hummed in triumph.

“But you could’ve.” Tenshi said.

“But I didn’t.” The cameraman reinforced, wincing as his wound was wrapped.

“My dear you really need to stop putting yourself in situations as such.” Deity sighed softly as her hand reached up and pinched his cheek motherly.

“I know I know! But it was fun to say the least!” Vinny answered.

“Can we have someone babysitting him?” Nyssa asked, “I don’t trust him alone.”

“Agreed.” Shancai nodded.

“Oh come on I haven’t died!” Vinny whined, acting much like a toddler than the fully grown adult he was.

“Yet.” Tenshi added, “you’re already at risk with being a target for Rida, you’re putting yourself at more risk.”

“Ok ok I get it!” Vinny huffed as he slumped down on the ground.

“You’re a child.” Shancai said, though his voice held no malice but soft amusement.

There was silence for a few seconds before Deity spoke up. “Weren’t you going to the markets?” She hummed to Willow who perked.

“Oh yea! We need to go if we want to get good stuff!” Willow hummed as she grabbed Nyssas’ hand and stood up.

“Fun.” Nyssa said as she stood up, “you coming?” She asked Vinny.

“Nah I’m out for the day, you two have fun though.” The cameraman replied as he stared at the two.

“We’ll get you all something.” Willow hummed before waving and running off with Nyssa.

“They’re quite the pair.” Tenshi murmured.

“Most certainly.” Deity hummed softly, her hand reached to brush hair from her husbands’ face but Vinny could most definitely swear that there was no hair on his face. Good for them though.

There was silence once again, the four sitting there silently, Vinny shifting to allow the small snake on him to rest against his head, he had to bite back a shiver, it was cold and he wore torn clothes. He needed new clothes.

“Say,” Deity spoke up, catching their attention, “you two haven’t had time to hang out.” Her gaze was directed at Tenshi and Shancai, it was clear she wished for them to bond.

“We haven’t.” Shancai murmured in agreement, fiddling with the hem of his clothing.

“Maybe you two can hang out now? Not for long, just…get to know each other.” Deity suggested with a pained smile making Vinny feel nothing but empathy for her.

“I…am not against the idea.” Tenshi confessed, Shancai just nodded in agreement.

“But perhaps you can escort Vinny to his room first, just so he can have a shower and change his clothes.” Deity added, the cameraman let out a sigh of relief, god yes.

“Very well.” Shancai said as he stood up, Tenshi and Vinny copied. The cameraman paused for a moment, watching Tenshi and Shanni leave.

“Uh can you watch him for a little bit?” Vinny asked Deity as he held the small serpent.

“Of course.” Deity hummed as she gently took the serpent, waving to Vinny as he left and shut the door.

The walk to his room was pure silence and tension. Why were Tenshi anand Shanni so awkward? He wanted them get along. They deserved to value each other. Shanni deserved to realise he wasn’t a failure to his father and Tenshi deserved to realise it wasn’t his fault for not being there. Families. So complicated.

“You two have fun?” Vinny awkwardly said as he made it to his room, watching the two just gruffly nod at him before walking off, he let out a sigh entered his room.

He let out a hum as he saw the familiar place. It was home. As he entered further into the room he shit the door behind him and quickly made his way to the bathroom, he wanted to get this over with and talk to Deity. He had to make sure she was ok. She seemed stressed.

Vinny stripped his clothing and made way for the shower, allowing his body to soak. God he loved showers. They were his happy place. Just the sound of running water and the flow of it against his achy body.

The shower was over quickly and he wasted no time getting dressed, his still had this cloak. Why? No idea. But it looked cool and kept him warm. And he had those arm bracers, but he didn’t really need them. Not when he was going to Deity, but he took the dagger and made way back to her room.

When he made it to the room he gave a soft knock, barely comprehending the small ‘come in’ she sounded tired. He really hoped he wasn’t bothered her. Vinny pushed open the door and saw Deity right where she was when she left.

His face twisted to a grimace as he saw the tired smile she gave. The door shut behind him as he sat down beside her and gently took the serpent from her. “Did he do anything bad?” The cameraman hummed.

“None of the sorts, behaved like angel, I fed him some food.” Deity answered.

“That’s good.” Vinny murmured.

Silence.

Great.

“So,” Vinny began, “how you feeling?”

Deitys’ expression softened, “well.”

“Uh huh…” the cameraman murmured.

Silence again.

“Ok seriously you look tired what’s up?” Vinny eventually asked.

“Ah,” she murmured, “I’m just a little stressed my dear.”

“From Rida?” Vinny asked, she gave a soft nod. “Right…what do you think he’s planning?”

“The kingdom he wants it gone and with Tenshi being alive he can do it.” Deity replied, she spoke frantically.

“Oh,” Vinny said, “right…but since Tenshis’ been alive all this time why hasn’t Rida done it yet? Especially when he got the chest, it would’ve easy for him to get your blood and destroy it.”

“I don’t know…” Deity whispered dropping her head into her hands, she was shaking.

Vinny sat there he had no idea how to comfort. What the fuck. “Uh wellll! I don’t think Rida’s told Enji about what’s in that box because Enji didn’t know where I was and I think Rida trusts Rushifa now so I think if we tell Enji what Rida really wants to do then we can have Enji spy and get the box back.”

He had no idea what he was saying. But hey it got her to calm down!

“Oh I suppose you’re right…but Enji thinks it’s too late for him to change.” Deity sighed.

“But he cares about Shanni, if the kingdom is destroyed Shanni will never forgive Enji and he would hate that.” The cameraman, weaponising their love for each other, he was such a shit person.

Deity stayed quiet, “perhaps…”

“I know you’re worried about the kingdom but please don’t give Rida much thought, he hates you and he wants to make you hate him, don’t feed his joy.” Vinny murmured.

“I don’t know why he hates me.” Deity sighed hopelessly, “I want to hate…he hates and hurts me, he made me think my husband was dead! But I can’t bring myself to hate my own b-“ she cut herself off before dropping her head into her hands once again, the cameraman could only ponder on what else she was going to say.

“I don’t think Rida needs a reason to hate anything, he doesn’t hate Rushifa I know that…they live off each other, feeding each others’ delusions of being in control, that’s why Rida keeps Enji around…because he knows he’s in control of Enji, he needs control.” Vinny said, gently scratching the underside of the small serpent.

“Rida is a fool a self obsessed fool, I want to hurt and hate, but I can’t and I don’t know why.” Deity sighed.

“If I were to guess it’s probably because you’ve been hurt too much…” The cameraman whispered as he looked at her softly, he watched as she shrunk in on herself, her hair falling down to mask her face.

“You’ve been hurt too much…like you said people used to hate those with magic, you’ve hurt and hated too much and now you want to love and care.” He murmured.

“I…I’ve hurt so many people, killed so many-“ Deity gasped as she looked at her hands, tears streaming down his face.

“Because they hurt you first” Vinny added, gently taking her hand into his. She always held others into her arms, she needed someone to take care of her. Vinny knew her kids tried to care and they did a very good job but it was clear Deity suppressed with them.

“No one deserves death.” Deity whispered.

“Some people do others don’t, anyone who was killed for doing magic doesn’t deserve that death, but the ones you killed to protect yourself is righteous.” The cameraman said.

“I’m no better than Rida.” Deity whispered as she looked at him, she was a mess. Her hair stuck out places and her face was covered in tears. Sadness didn’t suit her at all.

“You’re the only one who thinks that.” Vinny murmured.

“Had I not ever been in Tenshis’ life he would have never lost 25 years of his.” She said, oh…she was feeling guilty about that.

“But he would have never been happy, he doesn’t care how long he was trapped there he would’ve stayed alive for you.” Vinny comforted.

“And that is foolish-“ Deity tried speaking.

“Is it? To love someone?” Vinny asked.

“I don’t know…” Deity whispered.

“Then why’s it foolish?” The cameraman asked.

“He was suffering there, he didn’t deserve that.” Deity answered.

“He didn’t,” Vinny agreed, “but despite the pain he handled it for you, I don’t think he would want to see you crying.”

“There’s too much happening…none of us are safe,” She murmured, “Rida even if he destroys the kingdom it won’t be enough, he wants me dead, I’m putting everyone at risk just by being alive.”

Vinny frowned, “even if you are putting us at risk I don’t think it really matters with how much you care for everyone.”

“It matters when someone gets hurt or dies.” Deity answered her voice filled with worry.

“You need to stop worrying,” he said, “let someone worry for you, you’re too stressed, right now focus on your family.”

“How can I? Rida thinks I’m a traitor and is after me and would hurt them to get to me.” She sighed hopelessly, brushing a hand through her hair.

“A traitor for what?” The cameraman asked.

“For everything…being with someone whose family has killed countless people just because they did magic…” Deity confessed.

“How long have you known Rida…?” Vinny murmured.

“Far too long.” Deity answered as if that made much sense, but he didn’t want to press on.

“What exactly did people used to do to those who did magic?” He asked, he could’ve sworn Deitys’ heart must’ve stopped right then and then because of how quickly she froze.

“Burned on a cross.” Deity confessed, voice wavering as tears fell down her cheeks. Ah. “Or just burned…some places had different ways.”

“It’s not like Tenshi ever did that…” he murmured.

“I know,” she sighed, “he was different, figuratively and literally, I think that’s what made him see me differently from the freakish witch.” Her voice was soft, almost fond and admiring. She always spoke of Tenshi so lovingly.

“Then Rida shouldn’t be mad at you for that, he shouldn’t hate you because it’s not like people who do magic are killed anymore.” Vinny replied, “he doesn’t have a reason to destroy the kingdom because it’s changed.”

“I suppose…” Deity sighed.

Once again silence before Vinny perked up to the soft sob he heard from her.

“Hey what’s wrong?” He asked softly as he leaned over.

“All the kingdoms’ power isn’t in that chest…” she shakily said.

“What?” He asked in confusion.

“Even if Rida destroys that the kingdom won’t fully break.” She confessed.

“Where’s the rest?” Vinny asked.

“It’s part of Shancai.” Deity quietly confessed. What the fuck.

“What? How- what-?” Vinny was speechless, what was he meant to say.

“Ages ago, when Shanni and Willow were still babies…it wasn’t meant to happen I still don’t even know how it happened, but some of the power resonated with him and now to completely destroy the kingdom Shanni has to be killed.” Her voice was quiet and shaky.

“Does…does Rida know?”

“Thankfully no, but he’ll find out somehow and then Shanni won’t be safe, Rida should’ve never gotten this far.”

Once again silence.

“Do you know those other marks on his body? The patterns?” Deity asked, Vinny nodded softly, “those are the ones from the power, I haven’t told him where they were from, Willow doesn’t know.”

“Oh…” Vinny murmured. “Right…so we need to keep this hidden and keep Shanni away from Rida.”

“We do.” Deity agreed.

Silence again.

“What were to happen if someone were to absorb all the power?” Vinny murmured, Deity stayed quiet, seemingly pondering the question.

“I am…unsure, I have never thought of the possibility but I suppose one would also grow those patterns much like Shanni, or perhaps have some magical ability.” Deity answered.

“Hm…” he mumbled.

“My dear please don’t try doing that.” Deity spoke urgently, “it’s a risk, the power might overwhelm your body or Rida will kill you-“

“I know I know,” Vinny soothed, “it was just a thought…”

More silence. Just great.

“Deity…?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you sure you don’t know why Rida’s after me? Or why he took all those people, like Nyssa?” He asked, he needed an answer, needed one, he was suffocating, dying without one. He needed answers. Why wouldn’t anyone give him an answer.

“I…” Deity began, staying silent for a minute, “am unsure.”

As expected. No answer. Why couldn’t her of Tenshi just answer him? He knew they knew what Rida wanted. But alas so be it.

“Alright.” He murmured as he turned his head.

“It’s getting late.” Deity said, “you should go rest, and then I can send you back to your friends tomorrow if you wish.”

“Mhm…alright, goodnight.” He sighed as he got up, turning away from her.

“Goodnight…” she whispered watching ad Vinny left and shut the door.

The cameraman began walking down the halls, “well guess I’m never getting an answer.” He sighed to the small serpent, “at least i have you lil guy, please don’t be evil.”

The serpent just looked at Vinny with big mindless eyes and flicked its’ tongue, “agreed buddy.” The cameraman laughed softly as he made his way to his room.

He hoped Deity would be ok. And hoped she could talk to Tenshi and voice her concerns. He also hoped Shanni would be fine.

Vinny let out a sigh as he entered his room, shut the door and slumped down on his bed, allowing the snake to slither away onto the bedside table.

“Don’t snakes like warm stuff?” Vinny asked, as if he expected an answer. He got back up and rummaged through the closet humming in triumph as he pulled out a fluffy neck scarf, the scarf was placed where the snake was and he watched as the snake slithered to hide it.

“That’s good.” Vinny said as he fell back on the bed, just staring at the room, “night buddy…” he murmured before drifting off into hopefully a peaceful slumber.

(Guys please ignore my oh so shitty update schedule I know I suck)

[criolla-star]

Overwhelmed(Vinny x Garmadon)part 105

(I suggest you check out parts 1-104 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)

Vinny smiled to himself as he walked, satisfaction sprouting in his chest. Hands once again finding his pocket where he began to fidget with the dagger. Rida didn’t trust Enji. Why? Was it how close Enji was with Shancai? Does Rida think if he were to tell Enji something he would tell Shancai?

The cameraman didn’t know, but at least Enji had nothing to do with Tenshis’ disappearance. He paused as he found himself out in the garden. He felt sick as he stared at the gate that led down the pathway. Why did he come here of all places? Why did he feel the need to see Rushifa? He hated it. It made him feel sick. She made him feel sick.

Vinny groaned, taking his hands out of his pockets and dropping his face in his hands. He wanted to go in there. He didn’t want to go in there. He wasn’t scared. He was scared. He wanted to head back inside. He didn’t want to head back inside. It was some sick mind game. Every thought that his mind produced never benefited himself.

Against his better judgement he sent off into the forest, hands once again finding the dagger in his pocket, but as protection, who knew what other sick tricks Rushifa might have.

Every chirp of a bird, crunch of leaf, rustle of trees and wind howl made him flinch and only caused his grip to tighten on the dagger. He ventured further into the forest, the smell of rotting trees and flesh only strengthening. His stomach churned. His head spun. This was a terrible idea. Well he needed something to do.

He turned to stare at the vine wall, it was marvellous. For Willow to create such, how long would it take to reach the end of it? Or does it circle around the whole area Rushifas’ trapped in? Perhaps. His hand reached up to caress the vines, the roughness causing his fingers to tingle.

His ears rung as he heard a melody, singing. Right. He may have forgotten Rushifa could do that. His hands shot to cover his ears. His head rose to look at the vine wall as he saw slithering behind it.

“Now…what could possibly be the reassson you decided to come here? Did you fight with one of your darling friendssss?” Rushifa hissed, head pressed against the vines as if she could see him. Vinny remained quiet, ears still plastered against his ears, he didn’t trust her.

“None of that!” She hissed, hands breaching through the vines and tearing through to grab his wrists and coax him to uncover his ears. Vinny just glared at her, trying to pull away, only to wince as he felt her claws dig into her skin. Slowly he dropped his hands down to his side. “That’sss better!” He could feel the smile form behind her veil.

The cameraman remained quiet, expression hardening as he stared at her. “Don’t be like that! What’sss possibly the reassson you ended up here once again?” She hissed, her claws tearing a hole in the wall to supposedly stare at him.

“I need an answer for that myself” Vinny replied, stepping back slightly, eyes studying her and the smaller snakes that slithered through the hole.

“You sssshould come in here! We can have sssuch a great time talking!” Rushifa hummed, forcing her head through the hole, however her expression masked by her veil.

The cameraman remained quiet, continuing to study her. “Why sssso reluctant? I have sssooooo many quesstionsss to asssk you!” She laughed out.

“Fine”

“What?”

“I said fine, make a hole, I can’t fit through that”

“Hm…very well!” Rushifa sighed reluctantly, claws tearing at the hole making it big enough for the cameraman to fit through.

Vinny stared at it before taking a deep breath and walking through, his gaze turned back to the snake, he couldn’t see it but he could practically feel the smile she had behind her veil.

He held back a gag as his senses were assaulted by that god awful smell, he looked back up at her and glared.

“Come! We have ssso much to talk about” Rushifa murmured, voice tainted with sick happiness as he began to drag him further into the forest. He was starting to regret this, why did he even agree to begin with?

The two came to a stop in the forest. Rushifa forcing him to sit down on a rotting tree stump. His breathing shook as he tried to steady himself from the awful scent.

“Would you like a ssssnack?” She hissed, tearing off skin from a rotting corpse.

“I-i’m good” The cameraman gagged out.

“Why did you come here? Did you missss me?” She teased, a snake slithering off her shoulder and onto his arm, causing him to shiver.

“I need answers” Vinny murmured, trying to ignore the serpent on his arm.

“Aww? About what?” Rushifa asked innocently, he could feel the mocking expression behind her veil.

“Rida” the cameraman muttered.

“Oh” she sighed out. Vinnys’ eyebrow cocked at the vague response. “What exactly about him?” She asked.

“The pit…he told you I was there, he didn’t tell Enji” The cameraman explained. “I thought he trusted Enji”

“Oh that’ssss what you’re so curiouss about?” She scoffed dramatically. “To be frank Enji issn’t the mosst trusstworthy!”

“How?” Vinny asked.

“He’sss ssso closse with that prince! Moment Rida tellss him something that would make the prince better Enji goess off like a puppy!” Rushifa clarified.

“That…makes sense I guess” Vinny reluctantly sighed.

“And if Enji knew the princes’ father wass trapped then Enji would’ve gave up on Rida agess ago!” She cackled out, shoving a chunk of flesh into her mouth.

There was silence between the two. She was right. Vinny knew that. Enji wasn’t truly evil. He wasn’t heartless. He loved Shancai. This all made sense.

“Ssssay! I’m bored! I have a game proposssal!” Rushifa suggested.

“Depends” Vinny replied, he was actually quite curious what the game was.

“Like tag! Isss that what your humansss call it? When you chassse the other?” She asked, Vinny nodded. “You have to make it out of the foresst while I chasse you!” She hummed.

“What if I don’t make it out?” The cameraman asked.

“You die! And I get a fressh meal!” She laughed out, Vinnys’ hair stood on end as he rubbed his face.

“Do I even have a choice?” Vinny asked tiredly, looking back down at the snake on his arm.

“Not at all!” Rushifa answered cheerfully.

“Alright then, I get a 10 seconds running start, we walked for a while” Vinny murmured, he couldn’t believe he was actually doing this.

“5” Rushifa bargained.

“10 or I’ll give up and you won’t get any fun out of killing me without a chase” Vinny replied as he stood up.

“Oh you know me ssso well already! But I guesss you’re right!” Rushifa hummed.

Vinny looked at the direction he came from and nodded. He was trying to steady his breath. He really didn’t want to die right now.

“Time startsss…now!” Rushifa chuckled, watching as Vinny immediately started sprinting into the forest to try and escape.

As the cameraman ran further he could hear her faint counting before flinching as he heard he yell zero. And just like that leaves shuffled as he scuttled along the trees and bushes.

“Fuck fuck fuck!” Vinny yelled as he scratched his arms against branched and knocked leaves out of his face.

“Got you!” She laughed as he appeared in front of him from a tree, grabbing his arm.

“Fuck!” He repeated again tearing his arm away as he continued to sprint away. “Shit! Fuck you!” He hissed at himself and her as he tripped over a tree root and fell onto the ground. His arms and his face were covered in slight scratched, some beginning to bleed. While some deeper gnashes were already staining his shirt.

“Such foul language!” Her voice echoed, she was toying with him. He knew that. She was getting a kick from chasing defenceless prey. That’s what he was to her.

He pushed himself back off the ground, paying no mind to his dirt and mud covered clothing. He reeked of death and corpses.

He continued to run. Heart pounding in his chest. She was so close. He hated it. His legs were burning. Knees achy. His head throbbing. His eyes widened as he saw the light of the exit.

He pushed himself, everything hurt. He winced as he was tackled to the ground by her. Veil off. Mouth wide as she bared her fangs. “Fuck you!” He yelled a second time as she lunged to bite him, his arm out in front blocking the attack, but only causing her teeth to dig into his skin.

His arm could only fend her off for so long as she pried her mouth off of him to try and attacking him again. “Fuck!” He shrieked as he felt her stinger dig into his leg. No no no no no no no no no.

“Thisss wass fun while it lassted!” Rushifa laughed, hand reaching up. As a final resort Vinny bit into her hand as it clutched at his face. A wince from Rushifa as she jerked off giving Vinny time to weakly push his paralysing body up from the ground and make it out.

His breathing was erratic as he dropped down on the ground outside. He was sprawled out like a starfish. Closest experience to death.

“That wass entertaining!” Rushifa cackled from the vines as she looked at Vinny. “Take it! Would be a sshame if you die from my paralysisss!” She hummed throwing a fruit at him, watching as he weakly forced himself up to bite at the fruit.

Slowly he felt his body restoring to its senses and he sat up. Staring at her. His harsh breathing slowly turned into entertained laughs causing her head to cock as she stared at him.

“Wow” Vinny gasped out, gripping at his face.

“Not alwaysss ssomeone laughss at a near death experience” Rushifa hummed as she stared at him.

“It was…fun” Vinny murmured, stretching his aching limbs, before noticing the little snake was still on his arm. “Scary but fun…”

“Aren’t you a sspecimen!” Rushifa chuckled, “I’ll be ssure not to underesstimate you next time”

“Next time?” Vinny asked.

“From what I’m sseeing you haven’t had thiss much fun in a while” Rushifa teased.

“I still hate you” the cameraman said.

“Good” Rushifa replied before slithering back off into the bushes.

Vinny remained quiet for a few minutes, eyes shut before flinching as he felt a little forked tongue at his bleeding cheek. “Hey buddy” he whispered as he looked at the little serpent, it was a small red snake.

The snake just looked at him, it was a cute lil guy, didn’t seem harmful either. And Rushifa surely would’ve taken him back. “You’re not some spy are you? Cause you’re such a cute lil guy”

The serpent flicked its’ tongue and tail. “I guess I can keep you for now” he chuckled, forcing himself, off the ground. He needed someone to look at his wounds.

[criolla-star]

Overwhelmed(Vinny x Garmadon)part 104

(I suggest you check out parts 1-103 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)

As the sun began to creep up from beyond the horizon, Vinny found himself stirring awake to the soft chirping of birds along with the warm sunlight the breached past the curtains that flowed with the wind throw the crack of the window.

The cameraman let out a soft yawn, eyes fluttering open, squinting as he was met with sunlight. He felt…relaxed. Truely relaxed. For the first time in a while. Was it perhaps the warm feeling of knowing he had reunited a family and was helping another begin her own life? Perhaps. He didn’t dwell on those thoughts for long.

Vinny forced himself off the bed, body bare as he hunched over, legs thrown over the the edge of the bed as he dropped his head in his hands, rubbing his eyes for a good few minutes. He needed to shower. But he also realised how hungry he was. He hasn’t eaten in a while. But now he had an appetite. After showering he would go.

He pushed himself onto his feet, walking to the bathroom and shutting the door staring at the mirror. He couldn’t tell but he looked less burdened. He stared at the mirror for a while before turning away and stripping the rest of his garments, throwing them into the basket.

The cameraman entered the shower and turned on the water, he flinched from the coldness, but he didn’t move. He just stood there under the freezing water, it was strangely comforting. Normally he would prefer the warm embrace of water. But now? The coldness seemed comforting.

Why? Why did he seek comfort in something that was so unlikely to give back? Perhaps it wasn’t so strange. Wasn’t much of secret he found comfort in strange things. Garmadon was a clear example.

Vinny pressed his head against the wall, bringing his hand back up to the shower knob, the coldness strengthening, cascading against his skin like a waterfall.

He lifted his head off, reaching forward for the shampoo and washing his hair. The rest of the shower was a blur, nothing different from his usual routine except it was more blurred, as if his mind was blocking it out.

A breath forced its way out of his mouth as he stood in front of the mirror once again, body bare besides the plush towel covering his lower half as he clutched the sink, head lowering as he rambled to himself.

He wanted to punch something.

Why?

Why?

Why?

He was fine when he woke up, why was he annoyed now? What was bothering him? Why did he feel so…bad? He hadn’t done anything. He didn’t talk to anyone, didn’t think of anyone, Rida wasn’t here for sure, and Enji probably wasn’t either. Fuck…

He couldn’t break something in here, he didn’t want to burden the others. They had bigger things to worry about, Shancai was thinking about his father. Tenshi, Deity and Willow were probably trying to bond. Nyssa…Vinny didn’t want to ruin her enjoying her life.

He pressed his back against the bathroom door, sliding down, legs out in front of his, hands on the floor as he stated up at the roof. He wanted Rida dead.

His hand lifted up in a fist before harshly landing back down onto his thigh, his eyes were shut tight.

Why was he doing this? Why did it relieve him? To hurt himself? It hurt. It felt good. He hated it. He loved it. What was he anymore? He wasn’t himself. Far from it. Anyone would be able to realise he was far from his joyous state he used to be in just weeks ago. Now he was burdened with dear and guilt.

His mind was blank as he pushed himself off the ground, going into the bedroom and almost mindlessly clothing his body. He wrapped the mirror shard in a cloth, he would probably need to have the sharp edges smoothed down, he didn’t want to get cut on it.

He threw his cloth over his shoulders, pinning it together with the phoenix clip, he hated the clip. Hated how it reminded him of Rida. But alas he was stuck with it, he didn’t want to find another one. He didn’t know why. He didn’t know anything anymore.

The cameraman opened the bedroom door, shutting it behind him as he walked out. He was starved. His legs worked like clockwork heading to the dinner hall, they always seemed to have food prepped like a buffet, not that he was complaining.

As he entered the hall, he couldn’t help but be grateful he didn’t bump into anyone, he didn’t want to see Deity or Nyssa, those two seemed to pick up on emotions real easy and it irked him.

Walking through the hall he begrudgingly gave soft smiles to the people he walked by, seemed rude not to, after all he was being so graciously housed by their queen.

He sat down in the far corner with food, eating silently, he ate quite a lot, but then again he didn’t eat yesterday. Eventually he finished and just sat there, resting his face in his palms, grumbling to himself. He felt better when he woke up, now he just felt heavy.

A peeked from his palms when he felt movement near him, just one of the maids taking his empty plate, he didn’t want anymore either way. “Fuck…” he murmured to himself rubbing his temples before getting up from his seat and walking out of the hall.

His cloak trailed behind him as he paced down the hall, where was he going? He wasn’t going outside that was for sure, he didn’t want to go out there. As he turned a corner he yelped as he bumped into someone, his gaze lifted up, oh Deity. He hadn’t had a proper conversation with her yet.

Her hair was tied up, a braid, a long one. He hadn’t seen her hair tied up a lot, but she also seemed more relaxed.

“Ah” Deity spoke softly as she stared at the cameraman. Silence between the two before Deity smiled softly, “thank you…”

Vinny just nodded, it didn’t take much thought to realise what she was talking about, bringing back her husband to her.

“How are you faring?” She asked softly, as they began to walk down the hall together.

“Fine i guess…” Vinny answered, his voice was quiet yet echoed through the empty hall. “Why…aren’t you with him?” He questioned, him, no doubt Tenshi.

“I figured it would be well to allow Willow to talk to him for some time…” Deity replied, voice soft yet filled with joy. “I haven’t seen Shanni today, did you talk to him yesterday?” Her eyebrows furrowed as she looked down on him.

“Yea, he was…processing it” Vinny confessed, “stressing his body, talked to him a little about it, he thinks he won’t live up to Tenshis’ expectations and Tenshi thinks he won’t live up to Shannis’ expectations so they’re both a bit stuck in a loop…Nyssa managed to distract Shanni from it and we talked for a while!”

“That’s good I suppose…” Deity sighed out, “Nyssa…she seems like a sweet young lady”

“She really is” Vinny hummed a smile forming on his face.

“She would get along with Willow” Deity confessed.

“That’s what i was saying!” The cameraman answered, eyes lighting with joy. Though he paused when Deity stopped in her steps and looked down at him with a soft smile. “What?”

“You seemed so miserable before” Deity confessed, gently patting Vinnys’ head.

“I guess I was…” the cameraman confessed, “I woke up feeling up, then everything just-“ he held his hands out in front of him and dropped them signalling his plummeting behaviour today.

“Well then it would do you well to take care of yourself, you’ve done so much for us already, let me deal with Rida for now” Deity spoke softly, gently holding his hands.

“Ah Rida…right” Vinny sighed, “He went in my head again when I was in that pit”

“What did he want?” Deity asked curiously, slowly releasing his hands.

“To mess with me, to mock me…” the cameraman replied, “fuck, I think he wants me to work with him, he put that god awful mask on me and says it it’s me well, talking about how I’m destined to work with him” he grumbled, stuffing his face on his hands.

“Oh…” she whispered, “come with me, best we talk in private you look like you need it” she continued taking his hand and beginning to walk, he followed with no protest.

The two entered a room, it wasn’t Deitys’ normal room, maybe Tenshi and Willow were in that room, but he didn’t ask. The two sat down on the floor, Vinny avoided all eye contact per usual, just sitting there silently.

“Talk” Deity spoke softly.

“Rida’s an ass, I stabbed his shoulder, i think it was the day before I disappeared, Shanni came in and saw the blood, I don’t know if he told you, but the blood was cleaned up” Vinny bluntly confessed.

“Ah” Deity said, eyes widening ever so slightly.

“When Rida entered my mind again I asked why he trapped me he said about you not telling me something” The cameraman murmured looking up at her with pleading eyes, his desperation for an answer as to why he was being tormented.

Deity stayed silent, staring at the ground, “I need an answer” he begged, his voice was breaking.

“I…can’t…not now” She answered, voice barely audible.

“Alright” the cameraman said, brushing his hand through his hair, “then tell me why Rida hadn’t tried destroying the kingdom yet, he has the box, the key, what’s stopping him from easily getting all your blood?”

“I…am unsure…” Deity confessed quietly.

“God…” Vinny choked out, rubbing his face, his distress was evident.

“I’m sorry” she whispered.

“It’s not your fault…I just can’t with this” The cameraman said, “I can’t with Rida, he’s growing more unbearable”

“I know dear” Deity soothed, gently rubbing his back, her expression was somber as she stared at him.

The two sat there for a while before perking up and turning their heads to the door as it creaked open, Nyssa? “Ah! Sorry, I’m just looking around” Nyssa apologised, turning to leave.

“No worries, you can come sit with us if you wish” Deity answered softly, patting the floor next to her, Vinny nodded in confirmation.

“Alright” Nyssa sighed entered the room and shutting the door, going to sit down next to the two.

“How are you faring dear?” Deity asked softly.

“Great! This place is so cool! It’s huge and the food is delicious!” Nyssa instantly blurted out, Deity and Vinny didn’t blame her, this was all new to her and it was good that she was experiencing new things.

“I’m sure if you’re up for it you could go down to the markets later on” Deity spoke with a smile.

“What’s there?” Nyssa questioned, though she seemed pleased with the idea of just going out to enjoy the outside world.

“Food, and like other stuff, clothes” Vinny answered, lays time he went to the markets wasn’t that pleasant but he still enjoyed it, thinking of which he wondered if Shancais’ bruise had healed.

“I’m up for it!” Nyssa hummed happily, leaning back and forward as she sat.

“Maybe Willow can take you” The cameraman said.

“Oh! That’s a perfect idea!” Deity said with joy, she seemed happy with the idea of Willow bonding with Nyssa and wondering if they would truely get along. “You two could go at night, that’s when it’s best and Willow really enjoys going out at night”

“It’s really nice at night too” Vinny said to Nyssa, he wasn’t lying, the scenery of the kingdom at night was perfect the way the moonlight so gracefully cloaked the kingdom.

“Do you two want to go see if Willows’ up for it?” Deity asked softly, receiving a nod from the two as they stood up, “they should be in my room, you know where it is” she told Vinny.

“Yep” the cameraman answered with a smile, “we’ll see you later” he said as he exited the room.

“Bye!” Nyssa hummed, receiving a wave from Deity before they left and shut the door.

“She’s nice” Nyssa said.

“You’ve been saying that about everyone” Vinny teased.

“Is that a problem?” She asked innocently, batting her eyelashes.

“Maybe it is” he answered, playfully elbowing her as they began to walk down the hall.

“Oh you hurt me” Nyssa sighed out dramatically, falling against the wall as she pressed her hand against her head in feigned distress.

“Oh no, whatever shall we do, how would k ever get away with murder?!” Vinny joked as he clutched his chest in feigned fear.

“You are vile! To take my life in such ways!” Nyssa gasped out, eyes shut as she slid down the wall.

“Me vile? How could you say such a thing? Your death was well deserved either way” Vinny spoke with fake offence, turning his head to ignore her.

“My death is not as deserved as yours, may you rot” Nyssa gasped, falling down the wall all the way.

“Your words won’t stay with me much like your life” Vinny replied, flicking her shoulder.

“Must you burden me any longer?! I am already dying! What more must you do?” She questioned, before shutting her eyes tighter and playfully going limp.

Vinny stared at her for a moment, before she peeked her eye open before they locked eyes and burst out in laughter, “I can’t believe us!” The cameraman laughed, resting his head against the wall.

“We’re such good actors” Nyssa joked with a smile, allowing Vinny to reach out and help her off the ground.

“We’re stupid” the cameraman chuckled.

“At least we’re having fun while stupid” Nyssa answered as they began to walk again. Vinny just half heartedly rolled his eyes and nodded.

The two walked in silence, Nyssa following Vinnys’ lead till they stopped at a door and the cameraman knocked, waiting for the door to be opened. Once the door opened they were greeted with Willows’ face, she looked like she had been crying, but she seemed happy, rightfully so.

Vinny looked past Willow and stared at Tenshi on the floor, he looked happier as well, as if the world had been lifted off his shoulders. Willow didn’t hesitate to move to the side letting the two in.

“What’s up?” The nature elemental questioned with a soft smile.

“How are you two getting along?” Vinny questioned, his eyes darting between Tenshi and Willow.

“Welll…” Willow began.

“We’re getting somewhere” Tenshi answered, “slowly but there”

“Yep!” Willow added on.

“That’s fun” The cameraman answered.

“How’s Shanni…?” Willow questioned. Right. Vinny could see Tenshis’ expression twist into one of concern.

“He’s…handling it in his own way” the cameraman awkwardly confessed, not quite knowing how to word it, “But! He’ll get around to it eventually”

“Told you” Willow teased her father. “How are you two handling though?” She asked, eyes moving from Vinny to Nyssa to acknowledge her.

“He killed me in the hallway” Nyssa replied bluntly, hand raising as she pointed to Vinny like a child.

“What?” Willow and Tenshi said in unison.

“No i didn’t!” The cameraman retorted.

“He did and it was so painful!” Nyssa continued, clutching her chest dramatically, she did have a thing for dramatics and bluntness.

“Ignore her” Vinny half heartedly chuckled out, rolling his eyes. “I’d say we’re doing pretty fine, and I was wondering if you want to show Nyssa around the kingdom tonight, the night markets and stuff, get her new clothes or something”

The cameraman could practically see Willows’ eyes light up with joy, “of course!” She answered, vibrating with joy. “Wait, are you fine with that? I don’t wanna feel like I’m ditching you” she said to her father.

“I’m fine with it, you can do what you want, I’m sure spending the whole day with each other is bound to be boring” Tenshi answered, earning a smile from Willow. Though there was some doubt in her expression, of course there was, none of them expected her to get used to this so quickly so no feelings were hurt with her somewhat cautious expression.

“What’s wrong with my clothes?” Nyssa whined to Vinny.

“Nothing” the cameraman teased. “Alright, so you two have plans tonight, don’t get killed” Vinny said to Willow and Nyssa.

“Please don’t get killed” Tenshi repeated.

“I wouldn’t dream of it!” Willow answered, “There’s gonna be so much to show you!” She spoke happily, gripping Nyssas’ hands, “are you a night person? What about morning? I’m a bit of both, the night markets are so fun!” Willow rambled, it was sweet.

“I’m a bit of both too, well being in the pit for a while you’re bound to get used to waking up early and staying up at night is cool too” Nyssa answered.

“Do you two want time to talk about your plans?” Tenshi questioned.

“Are you sure?” Willow asked, guilt tainted her voice and expression.

“I’m sure, and I need to talk to him” Tenshi replied before pointing to Vinny who just stood there and blinked.

“Alright” Willow hummed, watching as her father stood up and walked out of the room with Vinny, Willow and Nyssa left the room as well, shutting the door and heading down their own hall, their voices filled with joy as they talked.

Tenshi couldn’t help, but smile to himself as he watched them walk off, “so?” Vinny asked with a smile.

“Hm?” Tenshi muttered.

“How you handling it?” The cameraman asked quietly as they began to walk down the opposite direction of the hall.

“Fine…at least I hope so” Tenshi sighed out, rubbing his temples, “she’s energetic” he chuckled out.

“She is” Vinny laughed out. “What’d you need to talk to me about?” He asked.

“Pretty much everything” Tenshi replied.

“Alright” Vinny hummed.

“How much has Deity told you about what Rida took?” Tenshi questioned, the cameraman just stared at him in confusion. “Right, the chest…”

“Oh!” Vinny said, “well she told me about how it’s the power of the kingdom, how it will only work with the key and blood from you, her and your kids” he confessed.

“Right…” Tenshi sighed.

“What does Rida want from us?” The cameraman questioned, Tenshis’ expression dropped, gaze darkening as he stopped in his tracks. He definitely knew, Vinny knew he knew, this whole time…

“I don’t know…” Tenshi muttered.

“Liar” Vinny almost immediately snapped back, answers. He needed answers. He was going crazy without them. Nyssa may not care as much as he did, but he needed answers..

“I’m not” Tenshi replied.

“Yes you are” the cameraman repeated.

“Even if I did I doubt it would be anything useful” Tenshi murmured, his voice held no toxicity, as if he didn’t blame Vinny for acting this way.

“I don’t care if it’s useful!” Vinny confessed, “I care that it might bring some peace to my mind!”

His hands reached up, gripping the collar of Tenshis’ clothing, Tenshi didn’t flinch, didn’t make a sound, just stood there silently, staring, no anger, no fear, no annoyance. Just pity. Vinny hated it. Hated every time someone would look at him with pity. He didn’t need pity nor did he want it.

“Don’t you pity me” Vinny hissed.

“You need pity, it’s the only thing that’ll remind you you’re human” Tenshi answered.

Vinny just let out a groan, releasing Tenshi before slumping against the wall. “Sorry…” he muttered, hand brushing through his hair.

“Apologies only work when the person is upset or angry” Tenshi replied, “I’m none of those”

“You should be” Vinny muttered.

“How can I be?” Tenshi asked, “you freed me, you think I’ll be mad at you? I owe my life to you” he confessed.

“Please don’t sacrifice your life for me” Vinny spoke, his voice was panicky, he didn’t want Tenshi to think he owed his life. Did Nyssa think that? He hoped not.

“If…if I know what Rida wants from you I’ll tell you” Tenshi murmured, he didn’t look at Vinny and it irked the cameraman, but who was he to press on? If Tenshi said he was going to tell him, then he was.

“Alright” Vinny sighed out before they began to walk again.

“How…really is Shancai doing?” Tenshi asked.

“He’s coping, his way like I said, pushing himself, he was training, his knuckles were bleeding but me and Nyssa dealt with it…” the cameraman replied, a pained smile forming onto his face.

“Should I try talking to him?” Tenshi muttered.

“No, let it come naturally, you two will talk eventually, when you two both want to talk to each other than you will, but if he doesn’t talk to you soon I’ll talk to him” Vinny comforted.

“Thank you” Tenshi said.

“How are you and Deity doing?” The cameraman asked.

“Great, we cried, she was…well angered at Rida” Tenshi confessed.

“That’s sweet” Vinny confessed. “In the pit you seemed so scary, turns out you’re just an old man that missed his wife” he teased, but his voice was strained, he felt like his mind was clouded, why?

“Is that supposed to be a compliment?” Tenshi asked.

“Maybe” The cameraman shrugged. “Hey, you go find Deity, I need to go back to my room”

“Very well, you take care of yourself” Tenshi said, watching Vinny walked off.

As the cameraman walked, he couldn’t stop himself from letting out sigh. He talked too much today. Had he really gotten sick of being out that quickly? But he didn’t feel alone as he walked down the empty halls, he liked the empty halls, as eerie as they were, he couldn’t help but find it comforting, no maids to watch him. No talking. Just his footsteps. But he felt uneasy, as if he was being watched per usual.

Vinny stopped on his tracks, hands reaching up to rub his face as he threw his head back. “What do you want?” He murmured, he stayed silent. Expecting an answer. “Enji, I know you’re here…” he confessed out.

“Aren’t you growing more observant?” A familiar voice chuckled as Enji appeared from the turn of the hall. Vinny couldn’t help but let out a groan of annoyance, not that he tried to hide it either way, “did you miss me?” Enji hummed, walking over to sling an arm over the cameramans’ shoulders.

“No” Vinny muttered, but once again his voice was strained, he no doubt missed Enjis’ presence more often lately, each person he’s met has only grown worse and worse, excluding Nyssa and Tenshi.

“I love it when you lie” Enji teased, the two walking down the hall, “I must say, I thought you died, disappearing into no where? Rida said he didn’t know where you were and we-“

“Rida said that?” Vinny questioned.

“Yep” Enji confessed. “So where were you?”

“Rida did take me” the cameraman confessed, causing Enjis’ expression to twist into one of confusion.

“No he didn’t he-“ Enji tried speaking.

“He took me, I’m 100% sure” Vinny cut him off once again.

“Ah…fun” Enji muttered.

“He lied to you?” The cameraman questioned.

“I’m sure he had a reason to, I’ll ask him about it” Enji hummed, so Vinny was right, Enji had nothing to do with this, Rida was hiding stuff from Enji, Rushifa knew though…why would Rida tell her and not Enji?

“Think about it, if he didn’t tell you about me, what else could he be hiding?” Vinny hummed, maybe he could give Enji doubts about Rida?

“I know what you’re doing” Enji said with a sharp smile, “it won’t work”

“Worth a shot” the cameraman sighed.

“Why are you so…not angry with me today?” Enji grumbled.

“Cause I can” Vinny replied.

“No you can’t” Enji snapped back.

“Maybe I enjoy the fact that Rida’s hiding stuff from you” Vinny confessed with a smile, Enjis’ eyes widened.

“Oh you sly dog” Enji gasped out. “I prefer you when you’re angry, you have a stupid look on your face when you are”

“Oh well” Vinny muttered, opening the door to his bedroom, he let Enji in. Why? He didn’t know. Maybe he could get information or something.

“Aw how sweet ladies first” Enji joked as he entered the room first before dropping down on the bed. The cameraman just rolled his eyes, he wouldn’t lie but Nyssa and Enji did have similar mannerisms, they were blunt and dramatic at times. Vinny wouldn’t lie, it was Enjis’ only endearing quality.

“Why are you being so nice to me?” Enji groaned, reaching to the chain on his waist to pull out his mirror shard and throw it around.

“I happen to take pleasure in knowing you don’t know everything” Vinny replied, he wouldn’t admit it but now he was really warming up to Enji, when he wasn’t being a jerk.

“Oh shut it” Enji groaned before mimicking Vinny. “Who was that man you were with? I didn’t see his face” he eventually asked.

“You really don’t know anything” Vinny teased, yea with Enji not acting like a jerk trying to hurt him, the cameraman didn’t hesitate to joke softly.

“Just tell me” Enji said.

“Shannis’ dad” Vinny confessed.

“Is that supposed to be a joke?” Enji sneered.

“No, that’s actually his dad” the cameraman replied, watching as Enji just blinked at him. “His name is Tenshi”

“This whole time Rida took him?” Enji asked.

“Yea, Tenshi doesn’t like Rida at all” Vinny hummed, he enjoyed watching Enji suffer.

“Oh my fuck-“ Enji grumbled, getting up from the bed.

“Where are you off to?” The cameraman jokingly asked as he watched Enji walk to the window.

“Wouldn’t you like to know” Enji sneered before jumping out, Vinny just stood there, he didn’t bother looking out the window, he knew Enji used the mirror shard to disappear.

Vinny smiled to himself before exiting the room, Enji was fun to mess with. Where was he going now? He didn’t know. But his legs carried himself out of the palace and down the paths to the markets, he never really got to truely see the place last time.

(I made this faster than expected, but oh well! It’s a long one too, only the best for you all, and I don’t know about you all but I enjoy the way I’ve set up Enji and Vinnys’ relationship, they don’t like each other, but Vinnys’ slowly getting used to Enji and talks to him in the same way to Nyssa, since Nyssa and Enji are both alike)

[criolla-star]

Overwhelmed(Vinny x Garmadon)part 103

(I suggest you check out parts 1-102 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)

As Vinny walked through the forest he couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief, he had told them. He didn’t have to hide what was happening anymore, he wasn’t suffocating. Yet he wished he could’ve talked to Garmadon a little more, but the two weren’t necessarily on good terms yet.

“Your friends are cool” Nyssa suddenly spoke, slinging an arm over the cameramans’ shoulder, causing Vinny to flinch ever so slightly.

“Thanks…they are…” the cameraman answered, his voice was soft and quiet, it was clear he was thinking about something, Tenshi and Nyssa just didn’t know what.

“This…snake you were talking about before, what is she like?” Tenshi questioned.

“Annoying, cannibal, lives in a forest, stays to one side of the forest, in fact actually this forest, but she won’t come to us” Vinny replied, hand in his pocket fidgeting with the mirror shard that helped them escape.

Tenshi muttered something under his breath, causing Nyssa and Vinny to cock an eye brow, but they made no attempt to push on.

“What’s your wife like?” Nyssa suddenly asked Tenshi, interest was spiked in Vinny as well, he was quite curious as well, the two could see Tenshi perk up ever so slightly, his expression softened at the thought of his wife.

“She was perfect…” Tenshi muttered, “everything about her, her voice, her face, the way she acted and moved” he was like some love obsessed teenager and to Vinny and Nyssa it was honestly quite sweet.

“What’d she look like?” Nyssa asked, she quite enjoyed seeing Tenshi act like a love obsessed teenager, it was a stark contrast to his usual, harsh demeanour she had come to known in the pit.

“Long white hair, really long…tall too, much taller than me, silver eyes” Tenshi continued, he really enjoyed talking about his wife, made him happy.

“Alright lover boy, we’ll get you back to yoru wife” Nyssa chuckled out, Tenshi rolled his eyes half heartedly, but couldn’t repress the small chuckle that escaped his mouth. The cameraman smiled to himself, this was good, he was happy, they were happy.

The walk was quiet, with Nyssa occasionally breaking the silence with a question or joke. Though Vinny and Tenshi stopped as Nyssa spoke up, “what’s that?” She asked as she pointed to a dark area of the forest, protected by vines.

“That’s where the snake lives, don’t go in there, I did and it was terrible” Vinny answered with a smile, he did not like Rushifa.

“Alrig-“ a scream from Nyssa and Vinny, while Tenshi jumped back, as a face appeared against the vines, eyes not visible due to a veil, but Vinny knew, that it was no doubt Rushifa.

“Ah! I didn’t think to sssee you again sssssssoo ssssoon!” Rushifa hissed, her hands clutching at the vines.

Vinny stayed quiet and glared at her, “and you’ve bought some friendsss! New onesss! A woman and a ma-“ Rushifas’ words cut off, as she brought her hand up with a smaller snake on it, having it inspect Tenshi. “A man…” she muttered.

“Looksss like the prince you sssay? Green eyess like the princesss?” She hissed as she bought the small snake back up letting it hiss in her ear.

“She’s weird…” Nyssa muttered to Vinny, receiving a soft nod, as they both turned to Tenshi who seemed annoyed.

As they watched Rushifa ponder, they couldn’t help but feel uneasy, why was she so annoying? She was probably bound to tell Rida about this as well, she seemed to get some sick joy from this.

The three jumped as a laugh erupted from Rushifas’ chest, “How amusssing! Her highnesss would be delighted to know you’re back!” Rushifa cackled, pressing her head against the vines, that separated her from the three.

Vinny stared back ay Tenshi curiously, what did she mean? “What‘s she on about-?” He tried asking but got cut off.

“Oh? He hassn’t told you two?” Rushifa asked, “how amussing! Indeed! I’d sssay it’s quite obviouss, but he’sss the king! Oh I could never remember you’re name sssweetheart” she hummed as she slithered up a tree, dangling from it.

“Oh my fuck” Vinny sighed out as he rubbed his temples, “we’re going, you have explaining to do” he grumbled, glaring at Tenshi before grabbing his and Nyssas’ wrist and walking away.

“Have fun! I’ll be sssure to tell Rida you dropped by!” Rushifa called out with a laugh, of course she would.

Vinny was so done with this, so Tenshi really was married to Deity, no wonder he looked like Shancai and Willow.

“You’re a king?” Nyssa asked Tenshi once they eventually slowed down and their wrists were released by Vinny.

“Yes…” Tenshi answered begrudgingly.

“Woah” she said.

“Married to Deity right?” Vinny asked, watching as Tenshi tensed ever so slightly.

“Yes” Tenshi muttered.

“That’s why you acted the way you did when I spoke about her” The cameraman continued, receiving a soft nod while Nyssa stood there, she was very confused. “Shancai and Willow, your kids”

“Yes” Tenshi replied.

“I’m friends with them” Vinny confessed, watching as Tenshis’ expression softened.

“How are they…?” Tenshi asked.

“They’re good, Willow’s sweet, kinda like Nyssa” Vinny confessed, slinging an arm over Nyssas’ shoulder, “Y’know Willow’s the elemental master of nature?”

“She’s what?” Tenshi asked.

“It’s funny, I think she inherited it when she was older” the cameraman spoke.

“She sounds cool” Nyssa hummed.

“She also doesn’t get along with Rushifa, the two hate each other, Willow as the one that put up the vines to keep her trapped” Vinny confessed, receiving a soft nod from Nyssa.

“How’s…Shancai?” Tenshi asked softly.

“He’s…reserved, quiet, he doesn’t really show his feelings, but he opens up once you get close” Vinny explained, “He looks a lot like you, he has Deitys’ eye colour though, Willow has yours, but they both have the-“ Vinny gestured to his eyes, signalling to their black scleras.

“What about Deity…?” Tenshi asked, his eyes shone as he perked up with hope.

“She misses you and she’s well, but she’s been stressed with waht Rida’s been doing lately” Vinny sighed out.

“You are the biggest love bird” Nyssa said to Tenshi.

“Is it a bad thing?” Tenshi questioned.

“No, it’s cute” Nyssa hummed, “Now Vinny lead the way to mr lover boys’ wife” she pointed her finger forward, the cameraman laughing out and nodding.

The three began to walk again, “Why didn’t you tell me before? You heard me talk about them, you could’ve asked” Vinny asked Tenshi.

“I wanted to be sure…I didn’t want to get my hopes up and be disappointed” Tenshi confessed.

“We’ll do you at least know why Rida took us?” Nyssa questioned.

“No” Tenshi answered quickly, too quickly. But Vinny didn’t ponder on it, thinking he was overthinking it as he always does.

Once again the three walked in silence before they paused at a large gate, right last time Vinny was here, Shancai had the gate opened by the guards.

The guards looked down from the post, “uh can we come in?” Vinny asked nervously, he didn’t know what to do.

The guards didn’t answer but spoke quietly to each other, before one probably ran off to find someone. “So we wait” Nyssa laughed out, elbowing the two, causing them to chuckle softly.

Not long later the gate opened, Shancai was there. “Where the hell were you!?” Shancai instantly hissed, walking over and grabbing Vinny by his shirt, there was no malice behind his words, concern only.

“Rida kidnapped me and put me in this fight to the death games” Vinny answered with a soft smile at the princes’ concern.

“How-what-“ Shancai let out a sigh releasing Vinny, rubbing his temples.

“Woah…your hair’s nice!” Nyssa spoke up happily, she looked like she wanted to touch it but refrained, with respect obviously. Tenshi was quiet, expression blank as he stared at the prince.

“Who are these two?” Shancai questioned the cameraman.

“Friends! This is Nyssa, she was taken by Rida too, like stuck there for 2 years and this is Tenshi, he’s well…” Vinnys’ words trailed off, how could he possibly explain this.

“He’s what?” The prince questioned.

“It’s…best I explain it with Willow and Deity too…” the cameraman confessed, averting his gaze as he rubbed the back of his neck.

Shancai nodded and just stared at Tenshi, there was silence between the two, their eyes stared at each others vitiligo before Shancai studied his eyes, they reminded him of Willows’ a nice green colour. The prince was no doubt taller than Tenshi, Willow probably wasn’t but they’ll just have to see.

There were no words exchanged between the two, Shancai didn’t know who this man was, he just looked familiar and Tenshi…what could he say?

“Is Willow in the palace?” Vinny asked the prince, snapping the two out of their stance.

“Yes…” Shancai answered, his voice was quieter as he slowly averted his gaze from Tenshi.

“Alright…good” The cameraman sighed, Shancai began to walk, Vinny standing beside him as Tenshi and Nyssa followed behind.

“Relax, it’ll be fine…” Nyssa muttered, attempting to comfort Tenshi.

“He doesn’t even think I’m related to him…” Tenshi whispered.

“Well…you’ve been gone for 25 years, he was a baby when you disappeared, he’ll need adjusting” Nyssa continued, Tenshi sighed and rubbed his temples, he was stressed out badly.

Sure enough the four entered the palace soon enough, “this place is cool” Nyssa spoke happily, her eyes lit up, rightfully so, seeing the same place for 2 years straight must’ve been a head ache.

Tenshi was quiet, the palace hadn’t change much, a slight change in carpets and windows, but nothing else, but then they walk by the mosaic, it was so pretty, a beautiful illustration of his wife and kids…

The four stopped at a door, “You three stay out here” Shancai said, receiving a soft nod before he entered the room shutting the door.

“You ok?” Vinny asked Tenshi.

“What am I meant to say…?” Tenshi whispered, staring at the ground.

“Anything, Shancai asked me about you when we were walking, he’s says you look like him and Willow, but I don’t think he really suspects anything” the cameraman answered.

“The words will probably come out naturally, or not, maybe there’ll be tears, and if you think your kids are a lil distant, just give them time to warm up” Nyssa comforted, slinging her arm over Tenshis’ shoulder.

“Give it some time, Willow will probably warm up easier, but Shancai has a bit of trust issues” Vinny confessed, causing Tenshi to sigh.

The door opened again, “Explained the situation to them” Shancai said to Vinny, receiving a soft nod, “you three can go in” he said, moving to the side to allow them in.

As the three entered, Willow was sitting on the ground and so was Deity, they were drinking probably tea, it smelt like it. There was relief in both their faces, as they saw Vinny, curiosity as they looked at Nyssa, but surprise from Willow as she looked at Tenshi.

Deity however, gasped, her hand dropping the tea cup in her hand, Willow reacting instantly, using a vine to catch it. Vinny bit the inside of his cheek, she could tell it was Tenshi. She knew. Tenshi knew she knew and just stared at her.

Deitys’ hand trembled, Shancai walked over. “What’s wrong?” He asked his mother softly, gently holding her hand, watching as she stared at this strange man.

“Uh…so yea, well this is Tenshi, you know him Deity…” Vinny started awkwardly, staring at the ground and rubbing the back of his neck.

“You’re alive…” Deity whispered, pushing herself off the ground.

“Holy fuck she’s tall…” Nyssa muttered to Vinny.

“I know..” the cameraman answered quietly.

Shancai and Willow were very confused, who was this man? They’d never met him.

“I…” Tenshi tried speaking, but the words got stuck in his throat, his head lowering in shame.

“It was Rida…this whole time…” Deity murmured to herself, brushing a hand through her hair.

“Kinda sweet how she recognises him immediately…” Nyssa whispers to Vinny, receiving a soft smile and nod from him, it was sweet.

Shancai and Willow stared at their mother then at Tenshi, what was happening?

“What’s wrong?” Willow asked her mother softly, gently holding her hand, her voice filled with concern.

Tenshi felt dizzy, his mind was spinning his stomach was doing backflips and his hands were trembling. Oh how he loved Deity, how it made his heart flutter that she could still recognise him after all these years.

“Mother…who is this man?” Shancai questioned softly, his expression was somewhat pleading yet he masked it. Was he piecing things together? Willow seemed somewhat hopeful as well, though it was clear the two expected nothing.

Deity gently took Tenshis’ hand, “He’s…your father” she whispered, averting her gaze. Vinny and Nyssa stayed quiet, trying to retreat back further, this was a personal moment, they didn’t want to interrupt.

Willows’ eyes widened, her eyes darting between her mother and father, while Shancai just stood there, he stared at the ground, none of them could decipher his feelings.

“Are you sure?” Willow questioned, Tenshi felt sick, of course they didn’t believe it, why would they? It’s been 25 years, they hadn’t seen him since they were babies and they couldn’t even remember his face.

“I’m more than sure…” Deity answered, her voice was shaking, grip tight on her once estranged lovers’ hand, as if she feared if she let go he would disappear once more.

There was silence from the two siblings, how were they to react? Were they supposed to cry? Why? They should, but why? They had no emotional attachment, yet all these years they missed him, so why couldn’t they act now.

Deity wasn’t upset, she understood their feelings, she wanted to cry, but they didn’t know what to do. They needed time, Tenshi could tell too, he wanted to hug them, but to hold his kin with blood covered hands made him shiver.

“It’s alright you two…take as much time as you need…” Deity spoke softly, she didn’t want to pressure them.

Shancai stood still, Willow however reacted on her instincts, embracing her parents in a hug, her face lowered in fear yet she seemed so strangely comforted. Tenshis’ hands trembled, hovering above Willows’ back, he shouldn’t soil her with his blood soiled hands, yet Deity gently lowered his hands onto their daughters’ back.

A shaking breath tore its way out of Tenshis’ throat, his head continued to spin, he hadn’t felt such fear before, would they judge him for all the lives he’s taken? Or would they be ashamed at how he didn’t try hard enough to escape? He tried hard to escape, he really did!

There was a shaky breath from Willow, she was holding back tears, grip hard on her parents, he had missed this. Missed raising his kids, holding them as they cried. And then Shancai, he stood there, void of emotion, Vinny was right, he really was reserved.

The prince uttered no words, just lowering his head to his father before turning and leaving the room, Vinny and Nyssa grimaced at the sight, while Tenshi felt panicked.

“Give him some time…” Deity murmured, “he isn’t good with new people…but he idolises you…” she gently cradled her husbands’ face.

Willow was quiet, resting her head against her father, she felt comfort, and as if she belonged, they had always been a family, would they be a better one now? But, she was plagued with the thought of her brother, she silently hoped he would get better.

“We’ll go check on him, you three catch up” Vinny said with a smile, receiving a soft nod before he and Nyssa walked out.

“Poor guy” Nyssa spoke immediately as the door shut behind them.

“Which one?” The cameraman asked.

“Both, Tenshi’s probably terrified his son won’t accept him and the prince is probably terrified he isn’t what his father expected” Nyssa answered as they began to walk.

“Fuck, Tenshi could hardly hold Willow” Vinny sighed, rubbing his temples.

“Where would the prince go?” Nyssa asked.

“Either his room or he’s outside” Vinny replied.

“Fun” Nyssa said, “Deity’s tall”

“She is, she’s taller than Garmadon if you remember who that is, but he also has like another form and then he’s slightly taller than her” the cameraman confessed, his heart burned at the thought of his lover.

“How does one achieve that height?” Nyssa questioned, “Garmadon guy I get, he’s not human, Deity on the other hand”

“Deity does magic, but I don’t think that has anything to do with it” Vinny answered.

“The princess is cute” Nyssa confessed.

“Willow?” Vinny chuckled.

“Her hair’s nice, and her eyes, you were right, she has Tenshis’ eye colour” Nyssa continued.

“Willow’s sweet, like I said, you two would get along” the cameraman continued, as they stopped at a door. Slowly he knocked on the door, but no answer, and then he knocked again and then a third time, “I’m coming in!” He called out, gently pushing the door open. Well sure enough Shancai wasn’t in there at all.

“Great” Nyssa sighed, “guess we go outside” she hummed.

“I hope he’s ok” Vinny murmured.

“Hopefully he is, I couldn’t tell what he was feeling” Nyssa answered. The two walked and walked till they made it outside, Vinny remembered where he and Shancai trained before so maybe he was there.

And sure enough, there were harsh sounds of wood snapping with soft grunts, as the two looks over the railing they saw Shancai, no longer wearing his armour, but now he was training. Harsher than what Vinny remembered. His knuckles were bleeding.

“Well he’s not ok” Nyssa said bluntly, causing Vinny to half heartedly roll his eyes, her bluntness made situations somewhat better.

“Shanni!” Vinny called out from the railing, watching as the prince stopped what he was doing, and looked up, brushing hair out of his face, his eyes were watery. Well he was definitely not alright.

Nyssa and Vinny paced down the stairs coming down to the prince, the cameraman said nothing, neither did Nyssa, and Shancai…well he just allowed himself, to be pulled to sit down.

“Is that clean?” The cameraman questioned, pointing at the bucket and cloth near by, the prince just nodded. “Can you get it please?” He asked Nyssa, he watched as she nodded and walked over, grabbing the bucket and cloth, placing it next to Vinny before sitting down next to him.

The cameraman soaked and wringed the cloth, gently taking the princes’ hand and patting at the blooded knuckles. Shancai stayed quiet, hand jerking back slightly before relaxing.

No words were exchanged, just shallow breathing from Shancai, his head lowering in shame.

“You don’t have to talk to him straight away…you need time…” Vinny muttered, wiping the blood off.

“I shouldn’t react like this…it’s pathetic” The prince answered, again with the self deprecating comments.

“It isn’t, you don’t know what to say, Willow didn’t either, she just did what she was best at, physical touch, no harm done, you on the other hand, aren’t good at talking and touching” Vinny teased softly, “so you came out here, only thing you thought you could do is to try and overwork yourself…”

“He probably thinks I’m a failure…” Shancai muttered.

“He doesn’t” Nyssa spoke up.

“She’s right, he really loves you, he’s just as scared as you, you’re scared you’re not up to his standards and he’s scared you won’t accept him” The cameraman continued.

“You both need time, Tenshi’s one hell of a man, the place Rida trapped us was not kind to anyone” Nyssa confessed.

“It was hell, but he still fought to try and come back, so I don’t think he’ll care about whatever you do, he’s just happy to be here, happy to see you three again” Vinny explained, continuing to wipe the blood, soak and wringe the cloth.

Silence once again, “he’ll understand…” Vinny eventually muttered out.

“And once we’re done with Rida, you four can be a happy family” Nyssa comforted, Shancai let out a sigh, head slumping forward into his hands are Vinny let go of his hands.

“How long did it take for you to grow your hair?” Nyssa questioned, changing the topic. Smart. Shancai lifted his gaze to look at her and blinked, though he was clearly pondering the question.

“I…think 13 years…” the prince eventually answered.

“Woah, that’s impressive especially with curly hair” Nyssa replied, her hand reaching out, “can I?” She asked, wanting to touch it.

“Yes…” Shancai muttered, Vinny smiled to himself, Shancai seemed to enjoy talking about his hair.

Nyssa gently held his hair, “How often do you trim it? I’m sure you get split ends” she said.

“Once a month…” the prince answered, the distraction topic was definitely working.

“How do you even wash it? Brushing must be a nightmare, I could hardly keep up with a head of hair I got rid of half of it” she laughed out.

“Detangling every few days full wash once a week unless it gets dirty” Shancai replied.

Nyssa continued to ask questions for ages, it was a miracle how she managed to come up with so many questions that kept the prince entertained, while Vinny listened intently, believe it or not but he was intrigued by how Shancai took care of his hair.

Eventually the sun fell as the moon began to rise, the sky turning into a beautiful pinkish orange. “You two are staying here for the night?” The prince eventually asked.

“I think” Nyssa said.

“We are” Vinny confirmed, “if that’s fine with you”

“It’s well with me, night’s upon us, would be best to allocate you two to rooms?” Shancai asked, Vinny and Nyssa nodded.

The three got up and roamed through the halls, Vinny was placed in the same room as last time, in the middle of Willow and Shancai while Nyssa was next to Willows’ room.

“I’m exhausted” Vinny sighed, “I’ll see you two tomorrow”

“Good night” Shancai said.

“Night” Nyssa spoke.

“Tell Willow I say night” The cameraman replied before entering his room and letting out a sigh as he shut the door. He kicked his shoes off and stripped his shirt before dropping on the bed, sleep was calling to hi.

Such an eventful day indeed, he just needed some rest and this perfect plush bed definitely wasn’t helping, he could shower in the morning, now it was time for rest and he quite easily slipped into the comfort.

(I suck at meaningful reunions)

[criolla-star]

Overwhelmed(Vinny x Garmadon)Part 102

(I suggest you check out parts 1-101 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)

Vinny took a shaky breath as he stared at the ground, “First off, this is Nyssa and Tenshi, you can trust them, they’re fine” he spoke, his voice trembled as he pointed to the two seated next to him.

The group just nodded and stared at him, it was nerve wreaking. “Nyssa and Tenshi, that’s Kai, Cole, Wu, Nya, Jay, Zane, Pixal, Lloyd and Garmadon” the cameraman continued, he had to at least get everyone to know each other, though he couldn’t hide the anxiousness he felt when he spoke of Garmadon.

The cameraman watched as the group awkwardly greeted Nyssa and Tenshi, he couldn’t blame them, the situation’s been so weird. “Also Wu and Jay know most of this already, I had to explain cause they found out and I really didn’t want them telling anyone” he continued, his words rushed.

Wu just nodded and Jay awkwardly smiled, they both knew most of the situation, just not where Vinny was over the past few days.

“Ok ok, so the beginning, like a few weeks ago, a few days I started staying with you guys” The cameraman began, he didn’t want to say this, but he had to and the others were all listening.

“I had a nightmare, it was weird, but I woke up from it and then there was a man in the hall, I tried checking but then he was gone, so I went to the bathroom and as I was there a different man came out, this time illusioned as me”

The others all nodded, he could feel their eyes boring holes into his head, he could feel the worry and care, he hated it. He didn’t want pity. He couldn’t handle it. He had enough pity already. But he continued.

“This guy, also happened to be the guy you all saw at the catacombs, his name is Enji” Vinny explained, he could see the realisation seep into the ninjas’ expression, minusing Wu and Jay.

“So…you knew who this was?” Kai questioned.

“I wish I didn’t, but that’s also why when we were watching the video of it, i mentioned how his clones seemed like they were illusions, they were actually illusions” The cameraman answered, “Enji happens to be the elemental master of illusion”

“Illusion? I don’t think I’ve ever heard of it” Lloyd said curiously. The cameraman let out a sigh, he could see Nyssa and Tenshi both listening too so this was good, they didn’t know much about Enji.

“Illusion’s strange, I don’t think I’ve ever seen the previous owner before” Garmadon spoke up, Vinny stayed quiet, how was he menat to answer.

“Agreed, yet it is an element, I have seen it in scrolls” Wu explained.

“How come some of the clones managed to hit us?” Cole asked, the group all nodded on curiosity.

“Yea, that’s where the guy that made me disappear randomly comes in, his name is Rida” Vinny spoke, he could see in the corner of his eye the way Nyssa and Tenshi visibly tensed, the two seething with anger at the name, and honestly Vinny was too, but he had to hide it.

“Rida’s a complicated person-“ The cameraman tried speaking, though his discomfort was obvious.

“He’s evil” Tenshi spoke up, his voice filled with hatred, “He doesn’t care who he hurts to get what he wants”

“Yep that” Vinny sighed, rubbing his temples as he watched Tenshi speak.

“Rida trapped us three and a bunch of other people in this sick place to fight, we would have to kill each other just to survive, I was in there for like 2-3 years” Nyssa spoke, her voice was calm yet pained. Vinny could see the discomfort on the others’ face just from hearing about this. More pity.

“I was in there for 25 years” Tenshi confessed, the others’ eyes widened.

“25 years?” Nya repeated, staring in pure shock.

“If not for your friend who knows how much longer I would’ve been trapped” Tenshi continued, his hand resting on Vinnys’ back in a comforting and thanking way.

“And for our freedom we owe our life to him” Nyssa said, the cameraman smiled softly.

“This Rida guy, what does he exactly want from you three?” Cole questioned.

“No idea” Vinny sighed, head falling forward into his hands as he rubbed his face tiredly, he wanted to drop down on a bed and fall asleep, but not yet.

“Are they dangerous?” Zane asked.

“Enji takes orders from Rida, the two are friends, I think” the cameraman answered, “Rida hasn’t necessarily hurt me, but he’s the brains of the two”

“That means Enji has hurt you” Garmadon spoke up, right. Overanalysing stuff.

“I mean, yea?” Vinny answered awkwardly, they were bound to find out sooner or later.

“How bad?” The oni asked.

“I mean not that bad? Tolerable I guess?” Vinny answered.

“Where?” Garmadon asked once more.

“Not important” the cameraman responded.

“Yes it is”

“No it’s not”

“Tell me”

“It’s not important”

“Then tell me”

“I don’t need to say anything”

“You said you were going to tell us all the truth and you’re still keeping secrets”

“Because this doesn’t benefit anyone”

“You don’t know that”

“Maybe I do”

“Was it your hand?

“Maybe it was”

“You were lying, you did get stabbed”

“Maybe I did”

“You did”

“Wouldn’t you like to know-“ Vinny was cut off.

“Ok! Enough of that!” Nyssa sighed out, putting her hand between the two, slowly the two relaxed back into where they were sitting.

“So we all agree Rida’s bad” Lloyd said, trying to tail away from the conversation that his father and Vinny just had.

“Definitely” the group all said in unison.

“So Vinny, does anyone else know about this?” Kai questioned.

“Deity, Willow and Shancai” The cameraman replied, he paused the moment he saw the way Tenshi tensed, as if his breath had been knocked out of him. “You ok?” He asked curiously.

“Yes” Tenshi answered quickly, though it was an obvious lie, but Vinny chose to shrug it off.

“How do they know about them?” Cole asked.

“They’re both enemies, Shancai and Enji have a complicated relationship, Rida and Deity both hate each other, Willow’s just hates them normally” The cameraman explained, he tried tuning out the way Tenshi bounced his leg, why was Tenshi so tense? This wasn’t normal.

“This is so strange” Zane spoke up, the others nodded in unison.

“I know” Vinny sighed, “But I need to see Deity, do you all have a way back to the kingdom?”

“Yea, she gave us travellers’ tea” Lloyd answered, “when do you need to go?”

“As soon as possible, I don’t need Rida having more time to plan” the cameraman answered, “hell I’ll be fine with going today”

“Then we’ll go prepare it” Wu said, standing up and dragging his brother up as well, there was slight confusion from Garmadon as he was pulled up, but he remained quiet and allowed himself to be pulled away.

Pixel and Zane left not long after.

“You’ve sure had a rough few weeks” Nya joked as she nudged Vinnys’ arm.

“I guess so” the cameraman half heartedly chuckled, he could tell she was trying to make the situation better.

“Do you want us come with you to see Deity?” Cole asked.

“Nah, I’ll be fine” Vinny replied.

“I want to come” Tenshi said bluntly, eyes locked on Vinny.

“Uh, alright?” The cameraman answered awkwardly, Tenshi was acting weird.

“Can I come too? I wanna see as much as I can” Nysaa hummed happily, Vinny smiled softly and nodded, maybe that was why Tenshi wanted to come, maybe he just wanted to see the world?

“No more secrets, alright?” Lloyd asked Vinny.

“I’ll try” the cameraman laughed out, he knew he was going to lie again, he knew he would have to keep a secret.

“Do you think Rida’s going to make a larger problem?” Jay asked.

“Yea…I wish i didn’t, but he will…” Vinny answered, watching as Jay, Kai and Cole got up.

“Alright, we’ll see you later then” Cole said, the cameraman nodded and watched as the three left.

“Were you really stabbed?” Lloyd asked bluntly.

“I’m curious too” Nya confessed.

“Yea…” Vinny admitted, “My hand and foot, it was Enji”

“Enji sounds annoying” Nyssa said.

“He’s…something” the cameraman said, “I will admit it, but I did miss him when I was trapped in the pit, every one there was more annoying than him, and then when I met Rushifa she bothered me even more”

“Who’s that?” Tenshi asked.

“Rushifa’s a snake” Nya answered.

“Quite literally” Lloyd continued.

“Mix of a hypnobrai and anacondrai” Vinny explained, “she’s blind, has a voice of a siren and uses smaller snakes to see, also a cannibal”

“She’s sounds like a delight” Nyssa joked.

“Oh how I wish she was” The cameraman muttered.

“What’d she do to you?” Tenshi questioned.

“What didn’t she do to me?” Vinny emphasised.

“You never did tell anyone what she did” Nya spoke.

“Not something I like thinking about” the cameraman answered, his hand now in his pocket fidgeting with the dagger.

“How can I be worse than what Enji did?” Lloyd asked.

“It was…something?” Vinny muttered.

The meat…

The coppery blood in his mouth…

The need to throw up…

Her hands against him…

He felt sick…

Why now?

“You ok?” Nyssa questioned, her hand gently shaking him.

“Yes…” Vinny answered quickly, his voice shaky as he rubbed his head.

The group sat in silence, and it was good when Wu came back out with a tea cup, they all pushed themselves to stand up.

“Try not to get lost” Nya laughed, Vinny just smiled at her and nodded.

The cameraman watched as Wu, wafted the tea steam into the air, a portal slowly being formed. “That’s cool” Nyssa muttered to Tenshi, who nodded.

“I’ll try not to be there long” Vinny said to the group, staring at the portal and slowly walking through it, Nyssa and Tenshi following. The three stared at the portal as it closed.

“Now I need to remember which way is which” Vinny sighed out, Nyssa laughing and Tenshi sighing.

[asooffa]

did the six fanarts thing on twitter

[criolla-star]

Overwhelmed(Vinny x Garmadon)Part 101

(I suggest you check out parts 1-100 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)

Vinnys’ eyes fluttered open as soft chirping from birds and sunshine awakened him. Slowly, but surely he sat up and looked around. Nyssa and Tenshi were both still asleep. Good. He didn’t want to burden them. The cameraman sucked in his breath as his knuckles stung.

He lifted his hand and stared at his bandaged hand. Right. Guess punching a mirror did that. He swung his legs over the side of the couch and stuffed his face in his hands. What was he meant to do?

Gathering all his strength Vinny forced himself onto his legs, before trembling slightly though managing to balance himself as he quietly walked over to the bathroom. Not wanting to wake up Nyssa and Tenshi.

He blinked when he entered the bathroom. The broken mirror shards had been cleaned up, and the broken mirror had a cloth over it. Gods…he felt so guilty for making them do that. To take care of him. Pathetic pathetic pathetic pathetic pathetic…

His breathing quickened as he leaned against the sink and clutched his chest. “Breathe…” Vinny whispered to himself. He didn’t want to wake them up again, they needed sleep.

He stood there for what seemed like hours before his breathing relaxed and his body slowly grew less tense. He was jumpy. Easily triggered. His emotions were sensitive. And it was making him drown. “Fuck…” he muttered, before it slowly turned into a hysteric chuckle.

He was going insane! Funny! He managed to stumble his way out of the kitchen and drop down on the couch. Using his hand to stifle his hysterical laughter. Oh gods…this wasn’t even the worst of it…he could tell. Rida was planning something big. And it would tip him over!

“Vinny…” Tenshi whispered from the other side of the couch as he stared so him.

The cameraman stared at him before flashing him a forced smile, struggling to keep a straight face as he choked on laughter. Tenshis’ expression softened as he got up from his side of the couch and sat down next to Vinny.

“We’re gonna deal with this…I promise” Tenshi whispered as he pulled the cameraman into a hug. “I know what you’re feeling…but I swear it’ll stop…”

Vinny stayed quiet, other than a few soft choked laughs as he avoided eye contact. Slowly those laughs turned into broken sobs as he flinged to Tenshi like a koala to a tree. He was miserable.

It seemed all he did was sleep and cry. He wanted to do something. Something other than cry…

He flinched as he felt another hand rest on his shoulder, before he slowly relaxed. He couldn’t even look at Nyssa like this. It was shameful.

“So, what are we gonna do today?” Nyssa questioned, very clearly trying to distract Vinny.

The cameraman stayed quiet for a minute before clearing his throat. “My friends, they’re probably worried and I need to explain all of this to them…” he whispered as he rubbed tears from his eyes, while laying limp in Tenshis’ arms.

“Then that’s what we’re doing” Nyssa answered with a large comforting smile.

Vinny slowly lifted his gaze and stared at her, he couldn’t stop the soft smile that crept onto his face. Though he turned his attention to Tenshi, a soft look as well. Comforting yet tormented. Years of being trapped.

“Alright then…” the cameraman breathed in as he sat up properly and rubbed his eyes, “So I’m gonna order us food, and then we can go…and your clothes should be dry now” he added as he looked at Nyssa.

Nysaa smiled happily, “Aye aye captain!” She joked as she ruffled his hair. “I’m not really hungry though…”

“Same” Tenshi spoke up. “We were barely fed back then, our appetite’s changed…”

“I’m not hungry either” the cameraman chuckled, “Just thought you two might be”

“Well we can eat later right?” Nyssa asked, receiving a nod from Vinny.

“So we just leave?” Tenshi asked.

“Yep” the cameraman answered.

“Well that’s easy” Nyssa said.

Vinny took a deep breath before getting up and stretching, “I’ll get your clothes” he said, receiving a nod from Nyssa as her and Tenshi watched him walk away.

The cameraman quickly grabbed the clothes before throwing them at Nyssa, who happily took them. “Shit they smell good!” She laughed as she got up before going to another room to change.

“That’s the point” Vinny jokingly called out in response, smiling at the soft laughter of Nyssa.

The cameraman let out a sigh as he sat down on the couch. “How are you gonna tell your friends….” Tenshi spoke up as he looked at Vinny.

“No idea…but they’ve met Enji before, they just don’t know I know him, and I told two about Rida…and there were some that had issues with both of them before…” Vinny said.

“Explaining this to your friends can either go great or terribly” Tenshi confessed, receiving a nod from the cameraman.

“They’re already worried with what’s wrong with me, first it was Enji that came and he fucked up my life” Vinny explained, “Then it was Rida, I thought he might’ve been better than Enji but no, he:S worse much worse”

“Rida conceals who he is, he acts like he’s your friend then stabs you in the back” Tenshi spoke.

“I learnt that the hard way” Vinny laughed out as he brushed a hand through his hair. “What’s the point of him trapping all of us?”

“No idea” Tenshi answered, “I doubt it’s just a source of entertainment and I hope it isn’t”

“Agreed, who’s so sick that they trap and make people fight just for entertainment” the cameraman sighed out.

“There probably is a deeper reason” Tenshi said, before turning his attention to the room Nyssa came out of.

“I have never felt better” Nyssa said with a large smile as she sat down next to them.

“Agreed” Tenshi spoke up, before watching Vinny get up and stretch. “We’re leaving?”

“The longer we take the leave the more time Rida has to find us” The cameraman muttered as he grabbed his cloak and wrapped his arm bracers in it before shoving his dagger in his pocket.

“Guess you’re right, and I really wanna meet your friends” Nyssa answered as she got up.

“Do you even have shoes?” Vinny asked, “I know you don’t” he said as he pointed at Tenshi.

“Sort of? Not really” Nyssa chuckled awkwardly before watching the cameraman grab some shoes.

“Both of you try them, some are too big for me” Vinny said as he gave them the shoes. “Socks” he threw socks at them.

The two nodded at him and tried the shoes on. “Well it fits” Tenshi confessed, Nyssa nodded in response.

“Then we leave” the cameraman answered as he went to the door and opened it, followed by Nyssa and Tenshi. “Also, don’t try to talk to anyone, people can either be an absolute bitch or too kind”

“Wasn’t planning on it” Tenshi answered as they walked out of the apartment and into an elevator which Nyssa was resisting poking the buttons.

Eventually they made it down and Vinny chuckled when he saw Nyssa and Tenshi squint their eyes. “You all fine with walking?” The cameraman questioned.

“Obviously” Nyssa teased, “Are you?”

“Yes I am” Vinny answered as he stuck out his tongue, smiling when he saw Tenshi let out a soft chuckle. “Walk‘s like 15 minutes, give or take”

“That’s not bad” Tenshi said, receiving a nod from the two as they began to walk. The walk was fairly boring expect Nyssa and Tenshi pretty much staring at everything and Nyssa petting every dog she saw. Vinny couldn’t blame her at all.

Eventually they stopped at a large staircase. “We’re here” the cameraman spoke up, his voice extremely shaky.

“I am not walking up there” Nyssa spoke bluntly as she stared up the stairs.

“Relax! You think I would?” Vinny laughed as he went over to an elevator. “This’ll take us right up!” He said with a nervous chuckle.

“Good” Nyssa and Tenshi said in unison as they followed Vinny. They watched him press the button and watched the elevator door open.

The three entered the elevator and watched it closed. As they all stood there Nyssa and Tenshi let our a sigh when they saw Vinny anxiously bouncing his leg.

“It’ll be fine” Nyssa comforted him as she patted his back.

“I doubt it…I should’ve told them straight away” the cameraman confessed as he brushed a hand through his hair while he still held his cloak.

“They’ll probably be a little upset, but they’ll understand” Tenshi said, receiving a soft smile from Vinny.

“Alright then…” the cameraman whispered before taking a deep breath as the elevator door opened. Nyssa and Tenshi exited it first, while Vinny just stood there. He didn’t want to do this.

“They’re gonna find out eventually” Tenshi said to him as he watched Vinny slowly exit the elevator.

“I know” the cameraman whined as he stood in front of the monastery door.

“They’ll understand” Nyssa said in an attempt to soothe his worries.

The cameraman took a deep breath before knocking on the monastery door. The three stood there for a minute. Vinnys’ heart pounding in his chest as his hair stood on ends.

He took a shaky breath when the door opened, Nya. Probably the best outcome. “H-hey?” Vinny greeted awkwardly before freezing when Nya hugged him.

“Where the hell did you go!?” The water ninja questioned. “And who are they?” She stared at Nyssa and Tenshi with a soft yet curious smile.

“It’s…best I explain it all with everyone” the cameraman confessed as he rubbed the back of his neck. “And this is Nyssa and Tenshi met them like 3 days ago, I’ll explain how but get everyone please” Vinny reluctantly spoke up.

“Alright…but you’re telling us the truth I don’t want elaborate lies” Nya sighed out as she rubbed her temples before letting the three in the monastery. “Sit out here, I’ll get them”

The three nodded, walked in and sat down together, before watching Nya go inside, “Everyone outside now!” Nya called out, causing Vinny to tense up, what’s about to happen was really hitting him.

“She seems fun” Nyssa told Vinny.

“That’s Nya, elemental master of water…she is fun, you’d like her” The cameraman answered.

“How many people do you have to explain this to?” Tenshi questioned.

“Uhh…” Vinny began to count on his fingers, “Nine here and three other people that aren’t here”

“Oh fuck…I thought it was like 5…” Nyssa confessed, “That’s worse than I thought…”

“I know” the cameraman sighed as he dropped his face in his hands. He didn’t want to do this anymore. He wanted to curl up in ball and die.

Nyssa and Tenshi said some things to him, probably something comforting, but he wasn’t listening, he was too absorbed in his own thoughts.

Vinny tensed up when he saw everyone come out of the monastery, their eyes landing on him, shock, confusion and worry. He tried his best to ignore how Garmadon was practically boring holes in his head.

“Told you he was alive…” Lloyd whispered to his father, receiving a soft nod. The cameraman could feel Nyssa and Tenshis’ worry for how this situation might go.

Vinny stared at the ground, ignoring what everyone was saying to him. They were worried, rightfully so. “I-I’ll explain…” he sighed out as he anxiously bounced his leg, watching as the others sat down, ready to listen.

This was gonna be terrible.

[criolla-star]

Overwhelmed(Vinny x Garmadon)Part 100

(I suggest you check out parts 1-99 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)

Vinny bounced his leg anxiously as he brushed a hand through his hair, he looked back at Tenshi, who was still laying on the couch. It made the cameraman smile, it was nice Tenshi was free. He deserved it.

Though Vinny was torn out of his thoughts by Nyssa coming out, wearing a spare white shirt and shorts, she had her old clothes in her hands. “That was the best thing ever!” She spoke up, her eyes shone with happiness as he fixed her hair.

“Nice you enjoyed it” The cameraman chuckled, as he put a hold to his leg bouncing, he didn’t need anyone noticing that.

Vinny got up and went to the fridge pulling out three cold bottles of water, “Here you go” he said as he threw one to Tenshi, then one to Nyssa. “Figured we all need something refreshing” he chuckled as he opened a bottle and drank from it as he sat back down.

“Thanks…I forgot how much I enjoyed freedom” Nyssa whined as she slumped back down on the couch next to Tenshi, who was now sat up, and drinking water.

“Is it that good?” Tenshi questioned as he stretched.

“Even better!” Nyssa replied with a large smile as she drank water and looked over at Vinny, though her expression was somber. Was something wrong?

“You should go now” the cameraman spoke to Tenshi, who nodded as he got up. “You wanna deal with that?” He added as he pointed to Tenshis’ very unkept beard.

“I suppose so” Tenshi answered as he rubbed his chin.

“Should be a razor is the drawer” The cameraman answered, Tenshi nodded as he headed for the bathroom. “Take as long as you need! Once you’re out I’ll order us food!”

“Sounds good!” Tenshi called out as he shut the bathroom door.

“Food sounds amazing” Nyssa confessed as she melted back into the couch, she clearly was happy at the thought of different food.

“Makes sense! I can’t imagine surviving a week eating whatever food that was, how’d you last for 2 years? How did Tenshi last for 25 years?” Vinny laughed out as he unclasped his cloak and put it on the edge of the couch, before doing the same with his arm bracers.

“I don’t know either! But can you imagine how Tenshi looks without a beard?” She questioned with a laugh. “And what do I do with these?” Sen asked once more as she held up her old clothes.

“No idea! But probably better, than now” the cameraman answered as he walked over, “And I’ll go wash those” He added as he took her old clothes.

“Thanks” Nyssa sighed as she walked him go to a different room and came back empty handed.

“Wanna watch something?” Vinny questioned as he slumped back down on the couch next to her.

“Yes! I haven’t watched it in so long!” Nyssa answered almost immediately.

“Figured” the cameraman chuckled as he turned on the tv and went to a random channel.

Nyssa watched eagerly, she just seemed happy that she could do things she couldn’t while she was trapped.

Vinny sat there, watching in silence, his mind still consumed by overwhelming thoughts of what Rida was planning. His leg started bouncing again as he tapped his finger against the couch.

Rida was probably looking for them. He was probably always watching. They weren’t safe. Not here. Not anywhere. Though Rida probably didn’t know where they went. But he knew where Vinny would go.

The cameraman was stressed, tired and hungry. He was gonna go to the monastery tomorrow and hope the others were back. Then if they could, he would find a way to the kingdom. He had to talk to Deity. Vinny buried his face in his hands and groaned.

Someone had to know why Rida was trapping people, it couldn’t just be some sick source of entertainment. Deity probably knew the most, or maybe Enji? Speaking of Enji, did he know about this? Was he sort of this? Was-

Vinny let out a squeak as he felt a hand on his shoulder. “You okay?” Nyssa questioned softly, her face painted with worry as she stared at him.

“Y-yea, why do ask?” The cameraman answered with a soft smile, as he sat up straight and stilled his leg.

“Seriously?” Nyssa chuckled, “It’s obvious, what’s on your mind?” She questioned as she put a hand on his back.

“Do you know a guy named Enji?” The cameraman asked, he had to know if Enji played some in this.

“Enji? Never heard of him, why?” Nyssa answered.

“He works with Rida…I just don’t know if he’s involved with us being trapped” Vinny spoke with a soft sighed as he anxiously brushed a hand through his hair.

“Weird, never heard of him” Nyssa said, “We can ask Tenshi, he knows a lot”

“Alright…” the cameraman whispered as he leaned back against the couch.

“Hey, c’mon…relax a little, I know you’re worried” Nyssa whispered, “But loosen up, you need a break…and you deserve a break…” she added softly.

“You sound like Tenshi…” Vinny painfully chuckled as he rubbed his eyes, he had very obvious eye bags. “I’m gonna order food now…get it in time for when Tenshi finishes…any requests?”

“Uhhh…chicken! And sushi!” Nyssa answered with a large smile, the cameraman smiled softly and nodded before getting up and going to the landline. Every house had a landline at this point, with all the problems, it was safer this way.

“I need to get a new phone” Vinny whispered to himself, it was just then he realised he lost his phone ages ago.

“What’s up?” Nyssa questioned, hearing his mumbling.

“Nothing, just trying to remember something…also, what do you think about getting a phone?” The cameraman asked her, hearing tried his best to not sound like he was asking a teenager if they wanted a phone, but it didn’t work.

“Not now, we both have more issues than phones at this time and I think with whatever Rida might be planning, it might break before I get to properly use it” Nyssa laughed out as she fixed her hair.

Vinny just nodded before going back to the landline, he ordered the food, but didn’t sit on the couch and just went back to sit on the chair near the kitchen counter.

The cameraman grabbed a paper and pen from a rack of books. He began writing names, Deity, Willow and Shancai friends. Rida, enemy. Enji, enemy? Friend? None.

The bathroom door opened as Tenshi came out, same outfit as Nyssa, white shirt and shorts. A clean shaven face and long, curly, untangled hair.

“Oh wow! Someone’s looking fresh!” Nyssa laughed out, it was true. Tenshi suddenly didn’t look like he’s been trapped for 25 years.

“She’s right, you don’t look like a trapped homeless man” The cameraman laughed out, as Tenshi walked over and sat on the couch.

“Well I no longer feel like it either” Tenshi chuckled softly as he brushed a hand through his hair. “And you were right, that was the best thing ever” he added as he looked at Nyssa.

“I told you!” Nyssa said happily as she looked back at Vinny. “I will never be able to thank you enough”

“Like I said, it’s fine” the cameraman answered, “You both deserved freedom and that place was hell”

“Fine my ass” Tenshi joked as he playfully rolled his eyes, he was so much more livelier than when he was trapped.

“Vinny ordered food” Nyssa told Tenshi, who just nodded. “I can’t wait to eat! I never want to taste that food again, also because you were gonna starve yourself instead of eat it” she added as she looked at Vinny with as teasing smile.

“It was disgusting!” The cameraman whined.

“Yes it was…” Tenshi sighed out.

“You should go shower” Nyssa told Vinny.

“Later, after we eat” The cameraman answered with a weak smile, his body ached. He had no energy to move. Yet he couldn’t sleep even if he wanted to. Fearful thoughts of what Rida could be planning, plagued his mind and tormented him.

“You sure? I’m sure if the food comes we can get it” Tenshi joked softly.

“Yep” Vinny answered with a soft nod.

“Alright then! We’ll make sure you do it later” Nyssa said as she stretched back and stared back at the tv.

The cameraman smiled to himself softly as he watched Tenshi look at the tv as well, this was nice.

“Hey, Tenshi…Vinny said that there was this guy named Enji that worked with Rida” Nyssa spoke up, “You heard of him before?” She continued, as Tenshi looked at her.

“Enji…no, never heard of him” Tenshi answered as he thought, “As far as I knew Rida worked alone”

“I was thinking that too…never heard of Rida working with some” Nyssa said, “How’d you find about him?” She asked Vinny.

“He stabbed my hand and foot” The cameraman answered bluntly, “Also met Enji before Rida…Enji is like a pawn”

“Strange…” Tenshi whispered, “He and Rida, are they acquaintances?”

“Friends from what I’ve seen” Vinny answered.

“Well now we have more than one problem…” Nyssa sighed out, “but as we said before that’ll be a tomorrow problem” she chuckled.

“Agreed” Tenshi and Vinny spoke in unison as they both nodded. Then there was silence as the three sat there.

Time went by quickly as there was a ring from the door, all three of them perked up as Vinny got up and opened the door. Nyssa and Tenshi watched like happy puppies, eyes shining as they stared at the door.

The cameraman shut the door quickly and held two bags. “That smells good” Nyssa whined as she melted into the couch.

“Sure does” Vinny chuckled as she sat on the couch and put the food on the table in front of them.

The cameraman took the food out and smiled to himself when he could feel Tenshi and Nyssa patiently waiting happily. “C’mon you two, I’m not stopping you…eat” Vinny laughed as he leaned back into the couch.

Nyssa listened first and took a bite of a burger, “Fuckkk…I never wanna be trapped again” she sighed out in relief as she savoured the food.

“I don’t think you wanted to be trapped to begin with” Vinny teased, causing Nysaa to playfully nudge him. The cameraman just laughed out before it faded when he saw Tenshi sitting there, unmoving, just staring at the food. “C’mon eat…you deserve it” Vinny whispered as he handed a burger to Tenshi.

Tenshi just blinked before taking a bite of the burger, he melted into the couch. “I am killing Rida for trapping me…” Tenshi muttered as he stuffed his face with the burger.

Nyssa and Vinny laughed together as they both continued eating. The three made jokes and happily ate, “I swear I’m gonna start crying…” Nyssa laughed as she rubbed tears of happiness from her eyes.

“If you cry I’ll cry” the cameraman said with a soft smile, “And I was there for like three days”

“Three days…compared to 2 years…and then to 25…” Nyssa whispered as she leaned back, throwing her head against the couch. “Wow…how’d you handle…?” She asked Tenshi.

Tenshi sat there for a while, before lowering his head, his semi wet hair falling down and covering his face.

“Hard at first…killing was terrible” he began as Vinny and Nyssa listened intently. “Though…you realise emotions were useless there, sympathy and mercy weren’t getting you anywhere…”

“Well…i guess it worked in the long run…” the cameraman whispered.

“Yea…but hey! Sympathy is good! It got us all out of there!” Nyssa spoke u with a large smile, Tenshi smiled sombrely as he leaned into the hug he and Vinny were pulled into.

“Let’s finish eating…” the cameraman sighed softly, the two nodded as they all continued eating.

Awhile later they all finished eating and Vinny was back sitting near the kitchen countertop, he didn’t seem to like siting on the couch. The cameraman was once again absorbed in his overwhelming thoughts as he buried his face in his hands once again.

He had to tell Garmadon about this. When he made it back to everyone there was no way he could keep this a secret! What excuse could he come up with for disappearing for three days? He just went on a walk? Oh fuck no…he had to tell them…

Would Garmadon take it well…? Would he be upset at not being told sooner? Maybe Vinny could have Nyssa and Tenshi explain while Wu and Jay explain what they know so far? Maybe if they make if back to the Ivory Kingdom Shancai, Willow and Deity could help?

Fuck…this was so difficult. He wanted to tell them. He really did. But it seemed like his voice was just sucked out of him. The words were always stuck in his throat. Asking for help was hard…it shouldn’t be this hard, but it was.

“You should go shower now…” Tenshi whispered from the couch as he turned around to look back at Vinny, the cameraman blinked for a moment before his expression softened as he recognised Nysaas’ sleeping form on the couch.

“Later…” Vinny muttered out.

“No…now” Tenshi repeated, “You deserve it the most…and plus Nyssa said she was gonna get you to shower one way of another…” he chuckled quietly, causing Vinny to smile before giving in as he got up.

“Alright…don’t burn the place…” the cameraman quietly joked as he entered the bathroom, he could feel Tenshis’ worried eye staring him down. Was he anxiousness that obvious?

Vinny let out a sigh as he stared at the mirror, he looked terrible. Dirt covered his cheeks, more prominent eye bags and an expression that read he looked like he was in hell.

The cameraman rubbed a hand down his face, no wonder Nyssa was staring at him like that before…Tenshi probably was as well, he just hadn’t noticed. “Shit…” he muttered to himself as he rubbed a finger against a scab on his cheek, with dried blood around it.

He let out another sigh before pulling his shirt over his head and throwing it to the side. His muscles ached. His body dirty. Did Nyssa and Tenshi feel like this too? He would ask…he wanted them to be comfortable. Wanted them happy…

Vinny stripped the rest of his clothing before entering the shower and turning the knobs. Water fell down his aching body. Somewhat soothing him. He enjoyed being here. It wasn’t as nice as the monastery or kingdom, but it was familiar. And the familiar place was comforting.

The cameraman yawned as he rubbed his head with shampoo. Nyssa and Tenshis’ shower must’ve been heavenly. He washed his hair out and went to scrub him body. And gods it felt good. Just from the water alone he felt a hundred times cleaner.

“Fuck…” he groaned as he splashed his face with water, his eyes stung. Not from anything this particular, they just burned. They were blurry ears tears streamed down his face. He didn’t know why he was crying. Pathetic…couldn’t even last 3 days in there…

His eyes were drawn to his hand, a faint scar from when Enji stabbed him. Faint pain lingered. Pained memories. He put a hand out in front of him to steady himself as his legs trembled beneath him. He felt dizzy. Why? No idea. Exhaustion was catching up to him quickly.

Vinny clutched his head and slid down the shower wall till he was sat on the ground. Dried blood from his body dripped down alongside the water. Slowly cleaning him. He needed to finish here. Before Tenshi came and grew suspicious.

Slowly but surely he got up and finished washing himself. Once he exited the shower he stared at himself in the mirror. He hated mirrors. It reminded him of Enji. He clenched his fists and took a deep breath. He eventually dried himself and threw on some clothes. And staring at the mirror once more.

Staring at a mirror felt like Enji was mocking him. Silently laughing. His breathing quickened as he clenched his fists tighter, shutting his eyes tightly. All he could hear was Enjis’ mocking laughter. It was sickening, thought…there was Ridas’ voice there as well….

He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. It was suffocating. He hated being mocked. He covered his ears. Tears pricked in the corner of his eyes. The noise was killing him. His ears rung. He bit his lip before there was a sickening crash as his hand met with the mirror, causing it to shatter into pieces.

Vinny blinked, his tears coming to a halt as he stared at the shatter mirror. Then at his fist…glass shards had embedded themselves in there. Soft stinging pain. Though it felt numb.

The cameraman stayed quiet before his legs gave out and he dropped to the ground. He didn’t cry. Didn’t speak. Just sat there. Hands dropped by his side. He felt numb.

He was drawn out of his thoughts by a knock at the door. “Vinny…?” A soft voice called out, Tenshi.

Vinny wanted to answer, but he couldn’t. His voice got stuck in his throat. He couldn’t get up either. He couldn’t feel his body. There was another knock and Tenshi calling out again.

Tears slowly fell down his face, a blank expression. Just tears. Of pain? Of sadness? He didn’t know. He didn’t know. He didn’t know.

He could hear another voice from outside the door, probably Nyssa. He woke her up, how selfish of him. All because he couldn’t get up. All because he let his emotions gets the better of him. Pathetic. This was pathetic. He was pathetic.

There was banging on the door. They were trying to get in. It would be easier if he just got up and opened it. But he couldn’t. Or could he? Did he want to open? Was he lying to himself? Did he even want to see them? He didn’t know. He didn’t know anything anymore!

The door swung opened as a worried Nyssa and Tenshi stood there. Nyssa immediately crouched down next to Vinny and held his hand. “What happened?” She asked worriedly.

Vinny stayed quiet, he didn’t know what happened. “Stay with him, I’m sure there’s bandages somewhere in here” Tenshi said as he left the bathroom.

Nyssa pulled Vinny into a hug and comforted him. “It’s okay…you’re gonna be okay…” she whispered as he rubbed her finger against his bloody knuckles.

He should’ve felt pain…but he didn’t. It was numb. Everything was numb! He wanted to feel something. Anything! Pain! He wanted to feel pain!

Tenshi came back sooner than expected with a little bag. “Found some” he said as he sat on the ground and gently took Vinnys’ hand.

He didn’t flinch when he felt alcohol wiped on his cut knuckles. It didn’t hurt. Nyssa and Tenshi seemed to have noticed this as they exchanged looks.

Eventually Vinny ended up with bandages around his knuckles. Not a word came out of him as he was helped off the ground and out of the bathroom onto the couch.

“Drink…” Nyssa whispered as she handed him some water, he slowly took it and drank it. His lips were dry and chapped, yet the water soothed it.

“Sleep…” Tenshi said softly, his expression was pitiful. Vinny hated being this weak. He watched to curl up in a ball and die. But they were right, he was exhausted. And eventually leaned back into the couch, before his eyes drooped shut as exhaustion overtook him and his blacked out. No feeling at all…

What a strange day…

(Haven’t updated in a while and I apologise, so i decided to come back and give Vinny more trauma and this is a long chapter, also I love how this is chapter 100 dedicated👍)

[criolla-star]

Hello again! Here's a doodle of these two ithaca brother. (Telemachus and Malachi my oc.) Malachi have pointy ears which are covered by his hair. I forgot to add his scars in his face cause I got lazy-

Yay Telemarket design! (??)

I like the trope of younger bro (tele) is taller than their older brother. (Malachi.)

Also sandal warning and Malachi being that Demonic protective brother, this is just a scenario I had listening to Little Wolf.

Bro's about to track down and murder Antinous with a le chancla. Antinous better run faster than Hermes cause Mal is gonna appear at him any minute.

Telemachus has the power of a pissed-off Malachi..

Bonus a drawing of Malachi fingers:

AAAAA TELEPHONE LOOKS SO CUTE I WANNA HUG HIM

Malachi is very creative with his threats and now I’m scared, Amphinomus is a lucky man.

also if it isn’t much to ask send asks to my sideblog @criollastar it’s where all my epic stuff is.

[criolla-star]

Overwhelmed(Vinny x Garmadon) Part 99

(I suggest you check out parts 1-98 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)

Morning came quickly as Vinny was once again awoken by the blinding sun, it took him a minute to realise that Nyssa was still next to him, awake as well.

“Morning…” the cameraman yawned as he stretched.

“Mornin’ sleepy head, sleep well?” She asked as she stared out the bars.

“Yea…” Vinny answered, “Best sleep I had in a while, strange though considering I killed someone yesterday”

“Exhaustion caught up to you I guess” Nyssa chuckled, “Also you’re gonna eat, I don’t care what to you, you haven’t eaten in a while”

“Alright” the cameraman sighed out, he was too tired to protest and watched her get up and go to find some food.

As Vinny looked around the cell, he saw Tenshi in the same spot as al, the others day. He really like that spot. Though the cameraman looked away, he didn’t want Tenshi think he was prying.

Once again Vinny found himself staring out at the arena. The plan had to work. If it didn’t work…well, let’s say he would have no idea of how to escape and they would all die. He was drawn out of his thoughts by Nyssa coming back and sitting back down next to him while handing him a bowl.

“Tenshi’s in a mood” she spoke up, “but whatever plan you have must be good, right?”

“Yea…if I’m right it should take us out of this place” the cameraman answered as he stared at the bowl of ‘food’.

“Well, I don’t have much hope for it” Nyssa laughed, “but it’s our only option and I trust you, anyone who has the guts to yell at grandpa over there” she added as he pointed at Tenshi.

“Thanks…” Vinny sighed out as he reluctantly ate, just as bad as he remembered.

“So it’s gonna be groups of three, the three people you’re closest too when were sent to those other cells” Nyssa said, “Like it or not, but we’re gonna have to sit with Tenshi for a while”

“It’s fine, all I can hope is that he won’t kill me” The cameraman chuckled half-heartedly as he anxiously brushed a hand through his hair.

“He won’t, like I said, he’s just a grumpy old man” Nyssa laughed as she put a hand on his back. “Up you get, it’s best we sit close to him now” she added as she standing up.

“Alright…” Vinny sighed out as he stood up and followed her.

“Don’t kill him” Nyssa spoke to Tenshi as she slumped down against the wall, the cameraman sitting next to her, trying to avoid being near Tenshi.

“Don’t have a reason to” Tenshi muttered under his breath as he very obviously rolled his eyes.

“C’mon! Have some faith in him” Nyssa said as she gently elbowed him, “It’s worth a shot either way, you’ve been here for 25 years! Anything’s worth a shot”

Vinny smiled softly, he enjoyed having someone here believe in him. Nyssa had the welcoming energy Willow, and the love of Deity with wits of Shancai.

Tenshi was only much like Shancai, quiet, brave and strong, emotions well hidden. It wasn’t something that Vinny minded, sure Tenshi was on the grumpy side, but 25 years trapped in this hellhole? He couldn’t blame Tenshi at all.

“Keep eating” Tenshi just grumbled to Nyssa, who just laughed and kept eating.

“Honestly best out come for this is that we fight near the end” Nyssa spoke up, Tenshi nodded while the cameraman looked at them with curiosity.

“Beginning is when the more entertaining ones fight, near the end is the weaker ones” Tenshi explained.

“I don’t think we’re gonna go near the end” Vinny confessed.

“Why’s that?” Nyssa asked.

“Have you seen us? We have a man who’s been here for 25 years” the cameraman explained.

“He’s right, but if your plan works and it better work then it won’t be much of a problem” Tenshi spoke up as he glared at Vinny.

“Then we’ll just have to hope his plan works” Nyssa said with a smile as she tried comforting the cameraman.

The two just nodded as they sat in silence for a few minutes, the tension was thick yet no one wanted to break. No one knew what to say.

“Let’s say we do escape…” Nyssa began, her voice soft as she rested her head against the wall, “What are we gonna do?”

Silence. Before it was broken once more.

“Find my wife and kids…” Tenshi whispered as he caught both of their attention.

“That’s sweet…I never knew you were married…” Nyssa chuckled, “You?” She asked Vinny.

“I…” the cameraman spoke, his voice quiet. He didn’t really know what to do. He wanted to find his friends, he wanted to find Garmadon. But then what? Rida was still gonna go after him. Rida wanted something from him, but what?

“You okay?” Nyssa asked, it was obvious Vinny had a lot on his mind.

“Y-yea sorry…” the cameraman answered, “I need to get back to my friends and deal with something when I’m out of here”

“What about you?” Tenshi asked Nyssa.

“Me? I don’t have much planned” she answered though it was vague.

“Family or friends?” The cameraman questioned.

“None that would particularly care, as for family there’s none” Nyssa awkwardly confessed as she rubbed the back of her neck.

“Oh” Tenshi and Vinny said in unison, it was as if they were hit by a truck.

“Well! You can stay with us, right Tenshi?” Vinny asked, he was more than welcome with Nyssa staying with him.

“I mean…sure?” Tenshi answered awkwardly.

“You don’t have to do that…” Nyssa said as she smiled softly.

“Oh please! Yes I do, so you’re staying with me when we do get out” the cameraman reassured her.

“Thanks…” Nyssa sighed out, this was nice.

The three sat there for a while before they were dropped in a cell. “Great” Vinny sighed out as he fell on the ground, he was never gone get used to that.

“Well whatever you have planned better not get us killed” Tenshi said as he got up and stared out of the cell, two different cells opened as 6 people were released.

“At least we’re not fighting first” Nyssa spoke as she tried lightening the mood.

“I guess…” the cameraman answered as he stared out the cell too, his hand reaching for his dagger in his pocket.

“Don’t fight, whatever you have to do, do it while we distract them” Nysaa spoke as she pulled Vinnys’ hand away from his pocket.

“She’s right, if you’re right with your plan it’s best you do it while we make sure you survive” Tenshi added.

“Alright…” the cameraman sighed out, protesting against them was useless and well it’s not like he wanted to piss Tenshi off more.

Slowly but surely, their gate opened. Vinny was nervous. And so was Nyssa. Tenshis’ expression was unreadable as they walked out, his hand holding onto the axe.

They were going against Tex and 2 other people, Vinny couldn’t remember anyone else and didn’t want to.

Quickly they started fighting, Vinny dodged attacks the best he could, but it was tough. One person had an arrow and was constantly shooting while the other two were close combat.

But Tenshi held them off well and it was impressive. Fighting alongside him was when Vinny could really appreciate his strength.

Nyssa was good too, defending herself with ease. Though the cameraman turned his attention, trying to find the mirror shard on the ground.

“What’s up?” Nyssa questioned as she came closer to Vinny, she was curious if he was trying to do whatever he was planning.

“Trying to find something…” the cameraman answered as Nyssa continued defending herself.

“Take as long as you need!” Tenshi hissed as he tightened his grip on the axe before swinging it, a sickening shriek as a hand fell to the ground.

Vinny ignored it the best he could as he continued scanning the area, thought he sound of grunting and weapons clashing against each other was quite distracting. His eyes caught on a shine, across the whole arena, perfect…right past the enemies.

“Nyssa!” The cameraman called out, she snapped her head towards him. “I need you to cover me!”

“Where to?” She questioned, Vinny pointed the way and she just nodded.

“Tenshi! Help me cover him!” She called out, a nod from him as well as he came closer.

“Be quick” Tenshi said to Vinny.

“I’ll try!” Vinny awkwardly chuckled as he ran out, arrows flew by, but they were knocked away by Nyssa while people were kept away from Vinny.

The cameraman ran, faster than ever. He ignored everything around him and just fixated on the stupid piece of mirror that could be his way out of here.

As an arrow almost hit him, he lunged forward towards the ground, dodging it and grabbing the shard off the ground. He took a deep breath. He wasn’t dead, yay.

Staring at the shard, he got back up and stared at Nyssa and Tenshi who were looking at him with curiosity. Vinny ran to them again, trying his best and managed to dodge attacks again.

“Vinny what-?” Nyssa was cut off by her arm and Tenshis’ arm being grabbed by Vinny as he ran dragging them along.

“Just run around, I need to fix this!” The cameraman answered as he stared at the mirror shard, reluctantly the two listened following him and still managed to fight back.

Best thing would be if they were taken to the monastery, Ivory Kingdom or his apartment. Any would be good. He didn’t mind going anywhere. He just wanted out of here.

“Hold onto me!” Vinny said, the two listened and grabbed Vinnys’ arm as he threw the mirror shard in the air, he was just copying what Enji always did.

The mirror shard came back down, instead of hitting them in the head, they were instead engulfed by it and dropped into a house. The three laid on their backs as they just blinked, the mirror shard on their ground.

Slowly, but surely Vinny sat up and looked around. He was at his apartment. “Yes! Fuck yes!” The cameraman shouted as he got off the ground and slumped down on the couch.

Nyssa and Tenshi laid on the ground for a while before Nyssa got up first. “Where…are we?” She asked, cautiously as she looked around.

“My apartment! And I told you it would work!” The cameraman answered happily, he had never been so relieved before.

“So we’re…free?” She questioned, Vinny nodded and pulled her down to sit on the couch. “Wow…” she whispered as she looked at the roof.

“You ok?” Vinny asked her.

“Y-yea…I don’t know to process this!” She chuckled.

“What about you?” The cameraman asked Tenshi, who was still laid on his back on the ground, staring at the ceiling.

“I don’t know…” Tenshi whispered.

“C’mon! Get up, this couch is soft!” Nyssa laughed out as she pulled Tenshi up and onto the couch.

“I’m not as dumb as I look” Vinny chuckled to the two.

“Clearly!” Nyssa laughed as she ruffled his hair, thought Wh two were distracted by Tenshi standing up and going out to the balcony. It was midday, the sun was gonna set soon.

Nyssa and Vinny exchanged looks, they hadn’t been stuck in that hellhole for as long as Tenshi…they couldn’t possibly imagine what he was feeling…

The two stood up and stood on both sides of Tenshi, wind hitting against their faces. It was the best feeling.

“I told you I would get us out, I meant it…you’ve been trapped there long enough…” Vinny said softly as he tried comforting Tenshi. “You were right to doubt me though, it was a stupid plan…”

“A stupid plan indeed! But it worked and we’re free!” Nyssa sighed out.

“Pinch me…” Tenshi spoke up, the two looked confused, before Nyssa pinched him.

“It’s not a dream…we’re free” Nysaa said softly.

“Yea, and none of us will ever get stuck b-“ Vinny was cut off by two arms wrapping around him and hugging him.

“Thank you…” Tenshi whispered as he hugged the cameraman tightly.

Vinny stood there for a moment before returning the hug, “No problem…” he whispered.

“I want a hug” Nyssa spoke, the two laughed and hugged her two.

“What now?” Nyssa asked as she smiled at them.

“Right now? We’re all gonna shower and then eat” the cameraman answered, Tenshi laughed out.

“I suppose we all are due for a good shower” he sighed out.

“I think I can find some spare clothes for you two, just for the timing being in case you want to wear your old ones, I’ll wash them” Vinny said, receiving a nod from Nysaa.

“I don’t have much clothes either way, these are long over due to be thrown out” Tenshi sighed out.

“You wanna cut your hair?” Vinny asked him.

“A brush is fine, I’m better off detangling it” Tenshi answered.

“How so?” Nyssa laughed, as they followed Vinny who went back inside the apartment.

“Wouldn’t you like to know” Tenshi answered.

“You two decide who’s showering first, I have things I need to do” the cameraman spoke up as he sat on the chair near the kitchen bench.

Tenshi and Nyssa decided that she would go first, she’d be finished quicker.

Vinny had a lot on his mind, Rida was bothering him. “Calm down kid, you need a break…you got us out of that place” Tenshi spoke up as he sat next to him.

“I know…but Rida won’t leave us alone right?” The cameraman answered.

“Yea…” Tenshi sighed out, “But, that can be a tomorrow problem, I shouldn’t have doubted you…”

“It’s not your fault, it was a stupid thing” Vinny sighed, “Some random person shows up and says he has a plan to get out of here, that sounds stupid”

“I guess it does” Tenshi chuckled, “But thanks…it’s nice you got Nyssa out of there, she’s young…doesn’t deserve to rot in there like me…”

“She’s nice, and you didn’t deserve to stay in that place either…” Vinny said as he smiled softly, Tenshi just hummed in response. “Go sleep on the couch if you want, I’ll wake you up when she finishes”

“Alright” Tenshi sighed as he got up, “Thanks again” he repeated as he patted Vinnys’ back before laying on the couch.

This was nice…he was free, he had more friends and he wasn’t alone all the time…he still missed Garmadon…is that how Tenshi felt? 25 years away from his wife? The thought caused guilt to formed in Vinnys’ stomach…

(I AM SO SORRY FOR NOT UPDATING FOR A WHILE BUT I’VE BEEN SO BUSY AND WRITERS’ BLOCK IS THE WORSE)

[criolla-star]

Overwhelmed(Vinny x Garmadon) Part 98

(I suggest you check out parts 1-97 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)

(With Vinny)

The cameraman had barely gotten any sleep last night, guilt was eating at him for snapping at Tenshi and his conversation with Rida just circled through his mind. What was he meant to do? He was really tired and he definitely wasn’t getting any sleep now, the sun was up.

Some people were awake, Nyssa was sadly still sleeping, but Tenshi was awake. Not like Vinny could approach him without something shitty happening. He groaned to himself and stared out the cell bars again, resting his forehead against them.

There was hardly any chance Tenshi would go along with the plan now. But there was a chance for tomorrow which was good…he could get Tenshi and Nyssa out if the plan actually worked.

He missed Garmadon…he should’ve told him all about this when it first started. He should’ve told someone, anyone! Sure Deity, Shancai and Willow knew, but that’s different…they’re aware of who Enji and Rida are. And now Wu and Jay knew, not his ideal choice of people but something at least.

“I’ll get back to you…” he whispered to himself as he stared out the bars. His eyes and body felt heavy as they began to droop, he can’t be falling asleep now. More and more people were starting to wake and falling asleep would be stupid.

“Fuck…” he muttered as he struggled to stay awake, exhaustion was catching up to him. Maybe…just a little rest.

As his eyes drooped shut and his breathing slowed while his body slowly went limp.

However this was short lived as he was jolted awake by a hand on his shoulder, he almost immediately grabbed the persons’ arm and threw them towards the ground, emitting a pained groan from them.

Vinnys’ eyes widened as he recognised the person, “Fuck! Nyssa, I am so sorry!” He immediately apologised as guilt crawled up his back and he immediately rushed to her and helped her up.

“It’s fine” Nyssa chuckled, “You’re on guard, I’ve done the same thing to a few people” she sighed as she eased his worries.

“A-are you sure?” The cameraman asked as he checked her for injuries.

“I’m fine I swear” Nyssa laughed as she patted his back, “Are you fine though? You look exhausted” she spoke bluntly.

“I’ve been better…” Vinny confessed as he rubbed the back of his head awkwardly.

“Hungry?” She questioned, the cameraman shook his head once more. “You sure? You haven’t eaten since yesterday morning…” she spoke with concern as her expression softened.

“I don’t have much of an appetite at all in here…and I’d rather starve than eat that food again…” Vinny sighed out, he felt sick at the mere thought of eating. It was much like how he felt after Rushifa forced him to eat- He shuddered at the thought and looked at the ground.

“C’mon, don’t starve yourself just yet…you’ll eat eventually” Nyssa sighed out.

“How’s Tenshi?” The cameraman questioned.

“He’s fine I guess…moody but fine” She answered, “If he doesn’t go with the plan today we still have tomorrow and you can try whatever you want” Nyssa added.

“I know…fuck” he groaned, “I really shouldn’t have yelled at him” he whined.

“You’re aware” she chuckled as she patted his back comfortingly, “Was kinda funny though, I expected him to lash out but he seemed really surprised considering that you’re not really…intimidating”

“What’s that meant to mean?” Vinny asked.

“You can hardly fight and well some of the best fighters in here wouldn’t even dare as to glare at him in the wrong way” Nyssa explained, “So you lashing out was really unexpected”

“Guess that makes sense…” the cameraman sighed, as he watched her get up.

“I’ll see you later” she spoke as she waved, Vinny just nodded and watched her walk off.

Time went by quickly as he was quickly dropped from the sky back into his own singular cell. He groaned in pain and rubbed his back before sitting up. He really hoped he wasn’t fighting again.

Everything seemed to be going fine, he hasn’t fought yet but Tenshi has and he won by a landslide almost immediately killing his opponent.

“I can’t believe I yelled at that man…” Vinny spoke to himself before chuckling softly as he realised who he was dating, a former warlord. Why was he so scared of Tenshi then?

More people fought and just as Vinny thought he was going to fight today his gate opened. “Fuck” he immediately spoke out loud, his eyes darted to Nyssas’ cell. She was staring at him with worry.

“Please fight” she mouthed to him, Tenshi was watching too. Though less concerned as the previous day, but he looked grumpy. Vinny couldn’t blame him, 25 years trapped does that to a man.

The cameraman took a deep breath as he exited his cell, his was fighting that guy that worked with Tex, what was his name? Chris? Vinny had no fucking idea and nor gave a fuck either. He just wanted to survive.

He held his dagger tightly as he stared at the man. “The is gonna be fun” Chris laughed as he grabbed a spear off the ground.

The cameraman rolled his eyes, how was he meant to fight? Chris attacked first and tired punching him, Vinny managed to thankfully block it. Thanks to some training from Shancai. Wait. That was it! Just as Shancai said while they trained, he should think of the person he hated the most.

It wasn’t Enji anymore, but Rida. He had to think of Rida. Think of how badly he wanted to kill him.

Vinny slashed his knife against his opponents’ leg, emitting a cry of pain as he pushed Vinny away. “Little dog!” He hissed.

“Save it for someone who cares” the cameraman answered in annoyance, as he pushed Chris to the ground and held the knife against his throat, this was going better than expected. Probably because Chris hadn’t expected this.

Vinny was kneed in the abdomen as he winced in pain, the dagger falling from his hand as Chris tried throwing him off, only to have two hands wrapped around his throat.

He was in a bit of a delusional state, much like how Enji did an illusion last time, except Enji wasn’t here and Vinny was very much thinking of killing Rida.

Chris thrashed as he tried tearing the cameramans’ hands from his throat, the colour slowly draining from his face as he gasped for the air that was torn from his lungs.

Vinny hadn’t realised what he’d done until the body laid limp beneath him, face blue as his eyes hanged open. “H-holy fuck…” the cameraman whispered as he let go of the mans’ throat, there were marks around his neck.

“Shit shit shit…” the cameraman’s repeated as his hands trembled, he hadn’t meant to do this. Though his gaze darted to Nyssa and Tenshis’ cell. They both looked shocked yet somewhat proud.

“Go back to your cell…” Tenshi mouthed, Vinny reluctantly nodded as he grabbed his dagger off the ground and rushed back to his cell, ignoring the calls from the others in their own cells.

Why did he do that? He wasn’t a murderer. This shouldn’t have happened. Those thoughts rung threw his head as he entered his cell and immediately dropped to his knees. “Fuck…” he whimpered as he felt tears pricking in the corner of his eyes.

He was so tired. Mentally and physically. He wanted out. He wanted to go home. He missed it when he was in his apartment. Just him and Garmadon. One of the only good things that happened recently is him meeting Deity, Shancai and Willow. He couldn’t decide about Tenshi and Nyssa…

Time seemed to fly by as more people fought, Vinny paid hardly any attention. His mind somewhere else as the image of the dead body stayed in his mind.

“Fucking hell…” he sighed out as he brushed a hand through his hair exasperatedly. “How I wish that was you Rida…” he muttered to himself.

As nightfall drew closer Vinny fell through the ground and back into the larger cell with all the other people. He immediately felt someones’ gaze blaring a hole into his head. It wasn’t Nyssa or Tenshi, but Tex. Great.

The cameraman didn’t acknowledge him, but instead just slumped down near the cell bars as of yesterday. He liked it there. He could see the stars. It was comforting.

“Hey…” Nyssa spoke as she walked over and sat next to him.

“Hey…” the cameraman quietly responded.

“First kill always gets to people…” she confessed, “Chris was an asshole, he deserved it…”

“I know…” Vinny whispered as he looked away.

“Not hungry again?” She asked, he just nodded. “Sleep…you need it” she added as she watched him nod slightly before his eyes slowly drooped shut.

Nyssa had a comforting presence and he was able to sleep pretty well.

[criolla-star]

Overwhelmed(Vinny x Garmadon) Part 97

(I suggest you check out parts 1-96 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)

(With Deity)

Deity paced around her bedroom. It had been 2 days since Vinny went missing and safe to say everyone was worried out of their minds. Shancais’ reaction to coming back from patrol and finding out he was missing was as expected, he was worried and immediately offered to go back and see if the cameraman was in the kingdom.

Willows’ reaction however was more than she anticipated, “He’s what?!”. Those words rung in Deitys’ head, they were all worried. She hated this. She wanted him to be safe. Enji didn’t seem to know where Vinny was. Perhaps Rida did? It’s not like she could ask him, Rida despised her.

She let out an exasperated sigh and she fell to her knees and rested her head on the windowsill. She was tired. But she couldn’t sleep. Not now. Vinnys’ disappearance was all too similar to her husbands’ and it ached her heart.

Perhaps if she sent the ninja back to their city and have them check around there? There was a chance Vinny somehow could’ve accidentally found a way back to Ninjago. It was smart, she could be in contact with them and they could have regular updates with the travellers tea.

Deity was snapped out of her thoughts by a soft knock at her door, “Come in!” She called out tiredly as she stood up and dusted off her clothes. The door opened and her expression softened, Garmadon. She knew the pain of losing a lover like this and could feel the pain his soul bared.

“Is everything alright?” Deity spoke up softly as she rubbed her temples, staring out the window.

“Where could he have gone?” The oni asked, his voice quiet as he shut the door and walked over to her.

“I am…unsure” Deity confessed, “However, there is a chance that the way you all ended up here might’ve sent him back somehow” she added, trying to ease Garmadons’ worries.

“Where would he be? Back in Ninjago? Or could it have possibly sent him to another realm” Garmadon sighed, he was definitely overthinking this.

“Most likely Ninjago…” Deity spoke, “Also I’m able to send you all back there now…it would be better if you all look around your city while we search around here for clues”

“I suppose that would work best” The oni sighed, unable to hide the worry that tainted with his voice.

“We’ll find him…” She spoke, attempting to comfort him.

“I hope” Garmadon whispered, “Would it do well for us all to leave now?”

“If you wish to search longer, it would be more convenient to leave now” Deity answered with a soft smile.

“Very well…I’ll go see my brother” Garmadon spoke, as he gave her a soft nod before leaving. Deity watched him leave and let out a sigh, best she prepare the travellers tea.

Garmadon walked down the halls, expecting to find his brother in the library of the palace. The palace did have some peculiar scrolls. As the oni entered the library he found Wu seated, engrossed in a scroll. “Brother? Is everything alright?” Wu asked as he looked up.

“We can leave the kingdom…Deity said there’s a chance that the way we got here might’ve taken Vinny back to Ninjago” Garmadon explained. “Though we’ll remain in contact with them”

“I suppose it’s best we leave, I’ll go and tell the ninja” Wu answered as he put a scroll back before getting up. The oni nodded at his brother and watched him walk off. Garmadon walked a separate way, not to his room, but to Vinnys’ room. Maybe there was something he could find.

Garmadons’ hands landed on the doorknob, he had checked here before, countless of times, hoping there would be some hint as to where Vinny was. As the oni gently opened the door with a creak, he let out a shaky sigh. The room was dark as expected, the lights were always off.

The oni began looking around, there had to be something, anything! It was the same result as the other 10 visits over the past 2 days. Nothing. All of this was useless. Vinny just vanished into thin air!

Garmadon groaned in annoyance as he rubbed his temples, clenching his fists as he punched the wall, a purple flame forming around him. He let out a sigh as he control himself, anger wasn’t the best at the moment and destroying the palace wouldn’t help either.

He should’ve pressed on with Vinny, maybe, just maybe then would he have some hint as to where he went. But no…this is what he gets for respected peoples’ choices.

The oni rubbed his temples before sitting on the bed and resting his head in his hands. He was gonna find Vinny. He kept telling himself that. He didn’t know what he would do if something bad happened to Vinny. What if he was k-

Garmadon shook his head, he really shouldn’t be thinking about that. Vinny was alive and they were going to find him. He repeated that in his head as he fidgeted with his hands. He was snapped out of his thoughts by clattering from the bathroom.

The onis’ eyes widened as he quietly stood up and walked towards the bathroom, there was a chance it was Vinny. And a chance it being some random stranger. Garmadon hesitantly peeked in and saw a man going through the drawers. He recognised this man as the one the ninja had to fight in the catacombs.

The oni snarled as he slammed the door opened and grabbed the man by the collar, and pinning him to the wall. A wince of pain was heard from the man, he was clearly caught off guard. “A-asshole!” The man hissed out as he rubbed the back of his head.

“What did you do with him?” Garmadon growled, he was fully ready to gut the man right there and then.

“Do with who!?” The man hissed as he tried escaping Garmadons’ grasp.

“Don’t play dumb” The oni snarled, the man paused for a minute trying to think.

“Ohhhh!” The man eventually spoke up, “Your little boyfriend? I don’t have anything to do with him!” He laughed out.

Garmadon growled in annoyance, he was so close to digging his claws into this mans’ throat and tearing out his esophagus. However he didn’t have the chance as he heard someone behind him. He turned his head slightly and saw the prince.

Shancai was shocked when he saw this sight, Enji, his lov- I mean enemy was here and judging by the sight Garmadon was about to kill him. “What’re doing here?” The prince spoke as he walked over to the two, silently coercing the oni to release him.

“I left my chain here” Enji grumbled as he dusted himself off when he was released. “And I swear on my life I have nothing to do with his disappearance!”

“How can we trust you?” Garmadon snarled, resisting the urge to lunge at him. “And how do you two know each other?”

“Enemies” Shancai explained.

“Enemies? I’m hurt Shanni!” Enji sighed out dramatically, causing the prince to roll his eyes.

“Don’t care and he’s right…how can we trust you?” Shancai repeated Garmadons’ question.

“Shanni you know me! I don’t stoop as low as to kidnap someone like that” Enji sighed out.

“Why were you up in Ninjago?” Garmadon asked.

“Pretty obvious, had to get something. Enough questions though! I mean it, I don’t have anything to do with his disappearance but…” Enjis’ words trailed off as he fidgeted with his hair.

“But?” Garmadon snarled clearly wanting an answer.

“I’m not sure about Rida…I’m friends with him, but he won’t tell me everything…” Enji sighed out, receiving a confused look from the oni and a nod from the prince.

“And! This won’t be the last time we’re meeting!” Enji laughed out to Garmadon, before running back into the bedroom and jumping out the window. Garmadon and Shancai followed him and stared out the window. Enji was gone. Shancai knew why of course, enchanted mirror. Garmadon though was really fucking confused.

“Who’s he?” The oni asked the prince.

“Enji…and enemy of the kingdom, insufferable…but not heartless” Shancai answered as he stared out the window, “He speaks the truth…he wouldn’t go out of his way to kidnap someone like that”

“And the other person he mentioned?” Garmadon asked once more.

“Rida, he’s…more likely to do something like that” The prince sighed, “He’s heartless…he enjoys making his prey suffer…”

Garmadon let out an exasperated sigh, “I can deal with them some other time…I need to get back to the city and find Vinny…” he spoke up, receiving a nod from the prince.

“My mother is ready for that and so are your friends” Shancai spoke, the oni nodded in response and the two began making their way. But not before Garmadon took one last glance at the room.

“I do believe we’ll find him…and hardly injured” Shancai spoke as they walked down the halls. “He’s smart, he’ll find a way to get back”

“I know…one the day he disappeared, I saw you two training for a bit” Garmadon began, he wanted to ask about the hallucinations Vinny had before that caused him to attack Shancai. The prince seemed to see where this question was going as he let out a sigh.

“Hallucinations were what we thought at the time…however it was Enji” Shancai spoke, causing Garmadon to look at him in shock, “Enji’s the elemental master of illusion…he used it for the worse, sometimes the better though”

Garmadon remained quiet, on the day where Enji attacked the ninja in the catacombs, Vinny had been the one to suggest that Enjis’ powers were like an illusion. Did Vinny know this man? Was Enji the cause for all these problems?

“We’re here” the prince spoke up, snapping the oni from his thoughts as he entered Deitys’ room. As expect all the ninja were there and so were Willow, who had wanted to say goodbye too and Deity obviously.

“So we’re remaining in contact to find him?” Lloyd spoke to Deity, who nodded in response.

“That’s good…” Nya sighed.

“We’ll find him, I’m sure of it” Deity spoke as he allowed the steam of the travellers tea to float in the air to make a portal.

“Well whoever took him I’m gonna kill them” Willow spoke with a smile as she hugged Nya, they had bonded over making fun of that picture with Shancai and Vinny were sleeping and wearing makeup, more so in a sibling way obviously.

Garmadon remained quiet, he didn’t know what to say. He was worried, angry, and sad…he hated it. He should’ve protected Vinny more. He couldn’t remember anything else that had happened there, he didn’t want to remember. They were back in Ninjago, thankfully in the monastery.

“Home!” Kai sighed out in slight relief as he rushed to his bedroom, Jay and Cole following close behind as they went to their own rooms. Pixal and Zane went their own way though, leaving Lloyd, Wu and Garmadon outside.

“Da-“ Lloyd began but was cut off.

“I’m gonna rest” Garmadon spoke as he just walked off inside, Lloyd wanted to go after him, but Wu held him back.

“He needs to be alone” Wu sighed to his nephew softly, Lloyd nodded softly letting out a sigh.

Garmadon entered his room, not the room that he had when he was giving Vinny space, but the room that they first shared together when they first came here. He felt so much closer to Vinny, he missed him.

The oni crashed onto the bed, letting out an annoyed groan. He wanted to destroy something, but chose against it and laid on the bed for a while before he eventually passed out.

Where could you be Vinny…?

[criolla-star]

Overwhelmed(Vinny x Garmadon)Part 96

(I suggest you check out parts 1-95 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)

The rest of the day was spent watching random people fighting, Nyssa didn’t fight though, but Vinny didn’t mind. He was scared of seeing her get hurt. Time went by painfully slow, before the cameraman fell through the ground again back into the large cell with all the other people.

Vinny quickly went to Nyssa and Tenshi, who already were together. “Dumbass” Nyssa sighed out to the cameraman, clearly talking about his actions while fighting.

“I know” Vinny whined as his cheeks flushed in embarrassment.

“You can’t expect to leave this place if you’re dead” Tenshi spoke as he sat down against the wall, Nyssa sat down next to him.

“I know I know…” the cameraman repeated as he stared out the bars of the cell walking over to it.

“What are you looking at?” Nyssa called out as she cocked her head. Tenshi was just as confused, especially when Vinny didn’t answer. The sky was a little dark, but the cameraman could see faint shimmering in the distance underneath a body.

It was reflecting, a mirror. It didn’t seem like a normal mirror. Could it be? Maybe it was a mirror like Enjis’…if it was then that was their way out. If it was a normal mirror then he was fucked. He really hoped it was that mir-

Vinny humped when he felt a hand on his shoulder, Shit! Sorry sorry” Nyssa chuckled as she stared at the cameraman who almost had a heart attack.

“You scared me…” Vinny sighed out as he rubbed his head.

“Clearly…whatcha looking at?” She questioned as she stared out of the bars.

“Just seeing if there’s a way out…” the cameraman answered, it was half a lie and half a truth, he didn’t want to give them false hope.

“Good luck with that” Nyssa sighed out.

“Is there…any chance that we would all be out of the cells one day, me, you and Tenshi?” The cameraman questioned.

“I uh…yea? Should be like after tomorrow” Nyssa answered, very clearly confused.

“Any chance we can get our tomorrow?” Vinny asked as he stared out the cell, his attention back onto the mirror shard.

“Not really…the only way we can is if you fight again and stay out of your cell, Tenshi can break the bars for himself and me” Nyssa awkwardly answered as she looked back at Tenshi on the ground, who was looking at them with curiosity.

“Good…if I fight tomorrow can you do that?” The cameraman asked, his voice eerily calm as he provided no explanation.

“I can ask Tenshi?” Nyssa answered as she cocked her head, “What’s all this for?” She eventually spoke up.

“I have a plan…it could fail, but it’s probably our only way out” Vinny answered, causing her eyes to widen.

“How? There’s no exit. And we’re in a giant pit. Not like we can climb out” Nyssa sighed out as she rubbed her head.

“I can’t explain it yet…” the cameraman spoke, “I just need you to trust me…”

“Trust is a hard thing to earn in a place like this…” she spoke, causing Vinnys’ expression to soften. “But…if you have a plan then it’s worth a shot” she chuckled out as she patted his back. The cameraman smiled at her softly.

“Can you tell Tenshi?” Vinny asked, receiving a nod from Nyssa as she patted his back once more before walking back to Tenshi, who was trying to interpret the conversation.

The cameraman didn’t bother listening to the conversation and kept staring out the cell. Squinting his eyes harder as he desperately tried confirming that it was in fact a teleportation mirror.

He still couldn’t quite tell, the sky was getting darker by the minute. Vinny groaned quietly as he held onto the bars and rested his head against them.

This plan had to work. How else would he get out? He need to get back to the kingdom. Poor Deity, being the first to notice he’s missing. He had to get back! He had to get back to his friends! He had to get back to Garmadon-

“Fuck…” he whispered to himself as he lifted his head before knocking to back down on the bars. Didn’t hurt as much as he expected.

When he lifted his head once more, his heart dropped and his breath caught in his throat. In the blanket of darkness he could make out two bright orange eyes staring not at everyone…at him…

“Rida…” Vinny spat out with pure malice as his grip tightened on the bars. He was scared of course. But angry too. This whole time he thought Rida was somewhat better than Enji…but no Rida was worse. Enji was his coverup. His scapegoat.

The cameraman grimaced as the eyes kept staring at him, teeth now bared at him. It was too dark to make out the silhouette of a body. But he knew it was Rida…

He squinted his eyes, but the bright orange eyes staring back at him slowly faded away til nothing was left…other than the vivid memory. Vinny clenched his fist in annoyance. What did he want from him? What has he done to deserve this? Why can’t be al-

The cameraman jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He expected Nyssa, and it was her. “I-I uh…Tenshi wants to talk to you…he doesn’t seem happy about the plan…” Nysaa awkwardly spoke as she looked at Vinny with worry, “I calmed him down the best I could”

“Thanks…don’t get yourself into trouble for me” the cameraman answered as he smiled at her before walking off to Tenshi, who was now standing in the far corner of the cell. Vinny could feel the worried eyes of Nyssa on him and tried to ignore it the best he could.

The cameraman took a deep breath, “What’s up?” He asked, nonchalantly.

“Don’t play dumb…your plan is fucking stupid” Tenshi hissed, as quiet as he could. Vinny was gonna speak up, but was cut off. “You can’t just say you have a plan and not tell us!” He scowled.

“I know I know…” the cameraman sighed, “But please trust me” he begged.

“How!?” Tenshi asked with annoyance, “What plan is possibly so good it could get us out of here!?”

“Listen-“ he tried talking.

“You’re gonna get us all killed and you’re dragging Nyssa into this!” Tenshi hissed, “She’s young! She shouldn’t be risking herself!”

Vinny tried talking once more, but was cut off as Tenshi continued rambling. The cameraman couldn’t blame him. It was a stupid plan. And Tenshi was right…he was dragging Nyssa into this, but he wanted to get them both out of here…not just himself…

“You can’t defend yourself! Whatever plan you have will only work if you kill someone!” Tenshi hissed, it was starting to get on Vinnys’ nerves. Or maybe it was just the pent up emotions over the days. He’s had a lot happen. “If we’re seen trying to escape Rida will kill us!”

“Listen! I fucking understand! It’s a stupid plan!” The cameraman snapped, “But we’re never getting out of here if we play it safe! I don’t fucking care about Rida! He can go fuck himself and suck up his ego! And that’s something you need to do!” Vinny hissed as he pointed at Tenshi.

The cell went silent, every conversation that was happening stopped. The cameraman didn’t care, he didn’t even notice. However he did notice the surprise on Tenshis’ face. Maybe yelling at the champion was a shitty idea.

“You’ve been here for 25 years! A little risk won’t kill you! Rida clearly doesn’t want you dead!” Vinny shouted, continuing his outburst. He was so tired. “But if Rida does want to kill us! I’ll fucking kill myself, cause I’m sick of him and this place and I would give up my life just to stab him in the fucking shoulder again! But I won’t let him lay a hand on you two!”

“You’ve what?” Tenshi finally spoke up, anger was evident in his voice though he was trying to control it. Thought it was obvious that Tenshi only processed one thing that was Vinny stabbed Rida before.

The cameraman grumbled in annoyance throwing his hands in the air exasperatedly, before storming off to the other corner of the cell, bar the bars. He ignored the murmuring of the there he walked by, he left Tenshi all confused.

Vinny muttered swears to himself before sliding down on the wall till he was sat. He anxiously stroked his hand through his hair, bouncing his foot nervously. “Fuck…” he hysterically laughed out as he swung his head back onto the wall, letting out a sigh. He was mad at himself, he understood why Tenshi was mad.

The cameraman was caught off guard, by Nyssa sitting next to him. “Do you have a death wish?” She asked quietly.

“Yes…” Vinny sighed out, “What are the chances he goes along with the plan now?” He chuckled out.

“Lower…” Nyssa confessed, “You shouldn’t have yelled at him…”

“I know…just tired” Vinny answered as he smiled at her.

“You’re crazy…” she sighed out.

“Aren’t we all?” The cameraman asked, receiving a soft nod and chuckle from Nyssa.

“Hungry?” She asked, Vinny shook his head. “I’ll give you some alone time you look like you need it…I’ll try talking to Tenshi”

“Thanks…” The cameraman whispered, Nyssa smiled before walking off. What a nice day. Vinny rubbed his forehead, he had a headache. He fidgeted with the Phoenix pin of his cloak, opening and closing it. Time went by quick, soon almost everyone was asleep.

The cameraman reluctantly laid down, using the cloak as a pillow. He wasn’t cold. Vinnys’ eyes grew heavy quickly and before he knew it he was passed out, deep in sleep.

Though maybe deep in sleep wasn’t a good thing, as his eyes fluttered open and now he was in a dark room. He growled and looked around. Where was he? The cameramans’ hand slid to the dagger in his pocket, but he realised it wasn’t there.

“I knew you would do that” a familiar voice spoke, one that made Vinny boil with anger as he whipped around and saw Rida…sat on a chair, fiddling with dagger and wearing the Phoenix mask. This was familiar…just like when Rida first violated his dreams.

“Get out of my head” The cameraman scowled.

“You’re quick to catch on this time” Rida chuckled, before snapping his fingers. A chair appeared behind Vinny as he was pushed down on it. “I must say…that was entertaining to watch, you and Tenshi? No one’s ever dared to speak to him like that, besides me of course” he chuckled out.

“It was an accident” Vinny muttered, he felt guilty about that.

“Sure…didn’t you snap at Garmadon once? I must admit you have quite a temper now!” Rida laughed out sadistically as he took off his mask. Vinnys’ eyes widened as he heard that, guilt crawling up his back.

“Why am I here? Why did you trap me here?” The cameraman asked quietly, he wanted out.

“Your precious Deity didn’t tell you?” Rida asked, confusing Vinny. “Or perhaps she hasn’t realised yet…or old age caught up to her and she’s stupider than ever” he chuckled as he threw the dagger at the cameraman.

“Don’t talk about her like that” Vinny hissed as he caught the dagger, he hated how Rida spoke of Deity.

“Would you stab me again?” Rida asked, “I must say you have quite a harsh stab, you drive the dagger in like you’re eating meat…you are quite experienced in eating flesh aren’t you?” He spoke, his voice silky and sly. Vinny felt a wave of sickness hearing this, he knew what Rida was talking about…Rushifa, that snake…

“Maybe I will stab you again” the cameraman snapped back, trying to sound intimidating but the nausea made his voice sound wobbly.

“Sure…you won’t escape from here” Rida chuckled as he stood up and cupped Vinnys’ cheeks. “I’ve been wondering how this would fit you…” he spoke as he grabbed the phoenix mask and put it on Vinnys’ face. The cameraman didn’t protest, not like he could. Ridas’ grip was strong.

“Take it off…” Vinny muttered.

“Why? It fits you so well…as if you’re meant to work with me” Rida spoke as he smiled sharply at him.

“You wish” The cameraman spat as he pulled his face away and took the mask off.

“Maybe you’ll understand someday…but you won’t leave anytime soon” Rida chucked before putting the mask back on before slowly fading away. Vinnys’ eyes shut before they opened once more as his body jolted awake, he sat up, breathing heavily and looking around. He was in the cell this time and now everyone was asleep.

He couldn’t fall asleep again, Ridas’ words stayed in his mind. Cycling over and over again as he stared out at the night sky.

(I haven’t uploaded in a while, I’ve been so busy and have writers block. But this is a pretty big chapter hope it’s good enough)

[xmdrawstomuch]

I just discovered that Lord Garmadon is shipped with a background character named Vinny and i just find it so funny-

Think about it,

We have the big bad evil guy who has destroyed ninjago city multiple times and the is literally the son of a GOD, shipped with a background character who is just some guy who works as a cameraman for a news station lol.

[criolla-star]

Overwhelmed(Vinny x Garmadon)Part 95

(I suggest you check out parts 1-94 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)

Vinny let out a shaky sigh when two different gates opened, at least he wasn’t fighting just yet. He rubbed his head before sliding down the wall till he was sat.

He would never say it out loud, but he sort of missed Enji. Enji was more tolerable than Rida, Rushifa, Tex and those other two he worked with.

The cameraman wanted to hate Enji as much as he should, but he couldn’t. He met Shancai, Willow and Deity, because of Enji…how was he meant to purely hate the person who brought so many other kind people into his life. Is this what Shanni thought all the time? Unable to hate Enji. Either way it didn’t change the fact that Vinny wanted to stab Enji.

Vinny was snapped out of his thoughts as he heard metal clashing against each other, as he stared out the cell and into the arena. He didn’t recognise the people fighting and didn’t want to get to know them either. He had met way too many people over the past few days.

The cameraman was once again absorbed in his thoughts, he didn’t care much about the fights and didn’t want to witness them. He wanted to get out of here.What did Rida want with him? He wasn’t special by any means. No powers. No significant relatives.

He was living a normal life before Garmadon came and nothing really changed. Expect judgy looks. Vinny was dating a former warlord, he was also friends with the ninja. That’s all that was interesting about him. At the moment being friends with royals was a significant thing, but he couldn’t careless about their titles.

The cameraman was so distracted he hadn’t even noticed the fact that he took his dagger out and began fidgeting with it. He hated this place. He felt so suffocated here. He felt like he was drowning. Vinny wanted out and he wanted it now. He hated being trapped. He hated life at the moment. He hated everything. He hated-

Vinnys’ eyes widened as he heard a loud cry and the sound of something impaling. He whipped his his head around and stared out the cell. Ah right…battle to the death and it was ended just like that. The winner walked back to their cell while the loser remained lifeless on the ground as blood seeped from his wound.

“Who’s fighting now…?” The cameraman asked himself as he held onto the bars. He paid attention as another two gates opened, he was surprised to see Tenshi come out. Vinny wanted to see how Tenshi fought, how ruthless he was, so he paid close attention.

Vinny was surprised when Tenshi lunged forward grabbing the man by his hair and throwing him down to the ground. He watched Tenshi grab a spear off the ground, the opponent trembled as they backed away only to have a spear driven into the chest. Tenshi said nothing, acknowledged nothing, but instead just walked back to his cell.

“How the fuck did I survive more than 10 seconds…?” The cameraman spoke to himself, it was surprising how he managed to survive for a decent time against Tenshi. Vinny let out a whine when the gate to his cell opened, there was a high chance he died today. If not by someone else then he would kill himself.

The cameraman hesitantly exited the cell and watched as his opponent came out of the cell. A tall bulky man. Yep, he definitely needed a miracle like yesterday. Vinny looked around and noticed Nyssa staring out her cell at Vinny with worry. He also realised Tenshi’s cell was right next to her.

Before the cameraman could do anything else the man lunged at him, Vinny quickly scrambled away once more. Maybe if he ran around as much as yesterday he would just be sent back into the cell, no deaths. The cameraman was surprisingly fast, guess that’s what happened to someone when their life was on the line.

Vinny hadn’t even noticed that he was close to Nyssa and Tenshis’ cell till he heard a voice. “You need to kill him!” She called out as soon as Vinny was in hearing range. “Running around won’t do anything!”

“If I could kill him i wouldn’t be running!” The cameraman called out in response, he was breathing heavily. His opponent was all muscle no speed so that was somewhat good. Vinny ended up against the wall separating Nyssa and Tenshis’ cell, as his opponent held a knife to his throat.

“Just stab him!” Tenshi hissed as he watched Vinny squirm around trying to push the man away.

“Easier said than done!” The cameraman hissed as he felt two hands wrap around his throat. Oh great, now he was being choked. Would be great if he was into that shit, but he was not. Vinny desperately tied prying the mans’ hands off of him, but it was futile. That was until the man was pulled away by Tenshi and his head was slammed against the metal bars.

“Vinny I swear on my life if you don’t kill him I’ll kill you myself!” Tenshi hissed, though it was clear it was laced with concern.

“I’ll probably die of a heart attack before you manage to kill me!” The cameraman answered as he backed away from the man on the ground, who was rubbing his sore head.

“Just do it!” Nyssa spoke as she watched threw the bars.

“Fuck…” Vinny muttered to himself as he grabbed the dagger from his pocket and clutched it tightly. The man on the ground eventually got up and lunged forward once more, Vinny reacting quickly slashed the mans’ eye, most likely blinding him.

The cameraman backed away as he felt a punch to his guts, “Gonna feel that tomorrow…” He muttered to himself as he clutched his stomach in pain. The man picked up a wooden stake from the ground and lifted it. Before Vinny could react there was a sickening slice as an axe flew by, cleanly decapitating the man.

The cameraman held back a gag at the sight as he quickly looked away. Every time he saw a dead human he just thought of Rushifa, that sick bitch. Vinny looked towards where the axe came from. Nyssa…oh gods he almost died and he would’ve if he didn’t befriend her.

“Get the axe…” Nyssa sighed out, Vinny just nodded as he picked up the bloody axe, trying to delete the memory of a decapitated body from his mind. The cameraman handed the axe to Nyssa through the bars. “We’re gonna be here for a while, just go back to the cell”

“Y-yea…thanks” Vinny shakily spoke up, before silently walking back to his cell. He probably should’ve let the man kill him. He felt miserable. Life had decided to unleash hell onto him and here he was taking it pathetically.

When Vinny got back to the cell, he just dropped against the wall, let out a shaky sigh as he brought his knees to his chest and buried his face in his hands. That’s when the waterworks started. It was more so angry tears, he missed his friends, he missed Garmadon. He should’ve just admitted to everything that happened.

Garmadon was probably so worried right now, as if he wasn’t worrying already. Vinny let out a shaky sob as say there. He was gonna get out of here, one way or another.