AN: Oh boy...I have some explaining to do.

Okay, I last posted on here in like March, so I've been on a pretty long break. And I never said why...

My GCSEs had just started getting real, and I kind of just forgot about this...sorry. I wanted to come back afterwards, and I definitely planned to, but things went down hill. It wasn't even one thing, it was just me in general. My anxiety got worse and my motivation for everything just flopped. I got my GCSE results, and they were great, but it didn't help.

Now I'm at college, so time is scarce for things like this and my interests lie elsewhere. I just wanted to do this oneshot as a sort of goodbye, or maybe a welcome back? Season 10 is starting soon and I might get renewed inspiration? Or you guys might have some good oneshot ideas?

Anyway, on to the oneshot.

I never wanted it to happen like this...

Fire threatening to burn his cheeks, Garmadon listened with echoing ears as Koko spoke those fatal words. The ones he had seen coming for months, maybe even years. A cold numbness fell over him mind, drowning out the rest of her words.

"I'm leaving...and I'm taking Lloyd. Don't try to stop me."

Of course this would happen, it was his destiny to burn the world...even if that included his own. No matter how hard he fought the venom, it would always bite back, stronger than ever. And now, it was biting his family, his happiness. Driving them so far way that Garmadon no longer had the will to fight it. It was it's plan all along.

Please, see me burning, alone in this volcano. I have lost my way in the flames.

She left the next morning, bags already packed. Despite the smile she put on as she spoke to him, he could see the cracks. She was as broken as he was. Baby held in her shaking arms, Koko stepped onto the row boat, swaying as the hull bobbed. Garmadon reached out to help, but pulled back at her flinch. The baby continued to cry.

I can't control it. It eats my mind... and my heart, leaving only cold darkness.

With only a rushed goodbye, she was gone, sailing into the fog. He stood at the coast, finally letting the burning in his chest drip from his eyes, falling to sizzle on the damp floor. Without a word, he stared at the horizon, wishing for the miracle of that little boat rowing towards him. It never happened.

If fire is passion, then why am I empty? They say it burns you to do great things, but I only feel numb as it chars my skin.

The fog stayed for hours, blanketing the sea from his view. When it was finally burnt away by the rising sun, no sign of Koko or his son could be seen. Some how not knowing if they made it to Ninjago city was worse. The tide had been in, so hopefully they had docked with ease. The sea was a absent of waves, but fog could've blurred her view of the shore? The idea of their death hurt only slightly more than the idea of never seeing them again.

If water is healing, why does it hurt? It burns more than fire, spitting in anger when it touches me. Water took my mind into the pain I no longer felt from fire, punishing me.

Lost in his grief, Garmadon returned to his volcano, ready to lose again. Three attacks hit Ninjago that day, each more chaotic and unhinged than the former. Generals rushed to obey him as he screamed his orders to them, fearing his anger. What they didn't know, was that he wasn't angry...he was numb.

They say grief is the price of happiness, so haven't I paid my due? Or maybe it was never happiness I felt? Maybe I was just distracted by you...

He grew cold, both inside and out. Where once he was passionate and lively, he was now vacant and dark. Each attack brought new victims, till they began to pile up. Ninjago city cried for help, struggling to fend him off. And, alone in a monetary, someone heard.

Hate is not a lack of love, but a mutation of it. When love is twisted and mistreated, it creates hate to protect itself. The perfect distraction.

Wu arrived from the mountains, horrified by his brother's destruction. He set to work, joining the Ninjago city army in their efforts to drive Lord Garmadon back into his volcano. With a new and powerful rival, Garmadon's attacks fell flat, suppressed by Wu. Garmadon himself grew mad, fixated on the destruction of his own brother. The attacks lessened.

I feel something! No longer am I numb to all things, as I have found a new life. This will fuel my passion and keep the venom content. I will find happiness in this hate.

The attacks got more contrived and odd, incorporating various sea life in its design. The destruction was more concentrated, leaving more civilians alive. Garmadon began to forget her, or that he'd ever loved at all.

Block out the memories so I can see the future. They are not important now. The pain is gone, so I will keep it that way.

The years passed, bringing old age on even the most powerful. Wu began to gather a choice few who showed great promise and love for their city. He trained them to fight off Garmadon's attacks, pitting father against son. Wisdom told him this would end soon, in fire or water.

I see a future now, no longer in fire. One where I can swim in water and feel its healing. One where love does not bite my soul. One where the venom does not drain my life of passion. Maybe I will like this future for once?

AN: Oh god I feel so out of practice. Sorry if this is horrifically cringey. I tried.

If you think you have a good oneshot idea, please don't be afraid to put it forward. I can't guaranty I will write it, but I will try.

See you guys soon, hopefully.

Wyrenfire