Prompt #2 - Inspired By a Song

Summary - This is one heck of a freaky lullaby from Russia. I found it a few months ago, and I considered using it for IAW, but now...it's Harumi's. This oneshot takes place one night while Harumi and Lloyd are on the island searching for the Mask of Hatred together in S8. ***YES, this IS a warning for slight horror!***

Dedication - thelightningninjasis, this is your second oneshot LOL Sorry if this freaks you out as much as it did me!

***(Harumi's POV)***

Lloyd's pale blonde locks reflect the gentle light of the moon, and my fingers absently stray to tangle in them. He looks so innocent when he sleeps - angelic, even.

"Too bad I know otherwise," I whisper, my lips twisting into a snarl. My fingers suddenly clench around Lloyd's hair, and I work hard to keep from yanking it out.

"You mustn't wake Lloyd, Quiet One," I murmur. "He's had a long day." I stroke Lloyd's face softly, soothingly.

In fact, it kind of reminds me of how my mother used to send me off to sleep every night. She'd sit on the edge of my bed and sing softly while untying my hair from its braid and finger-combing the tangles. And she'd always lull me to sleep with the same song - Tili Tili Bom. It was in a language I didn't know originally, but I translated the meaning after learning foreign languages at the Jade palace.

"Tili tili bom," I coo, "close your eyes now. Someone's walking outside the house...and knocks on the door."

Lloyd's rhythmic breathing spurs me to continue. He can't hear what I'm saying. Even if he could, he'd never suspect me of having wicked intent. The worst villains are the ones you never expect.

"Tili tili bom, the nightbirds are chirping. He is inside the house to visit those who can't sleep."

"Are you sleeping, poor Lloyd?" I hiss, pouting my bottom lip.

He doesn't respond, worn out by the day of excessive travel and stress.

I smile slowly and trace my nail over his cheek. "He walks...he is coming...closer."

My finger stops right above his lips to quiet his already blank face. "Tili tili bom, can you hear him closing in? Lurking around the corner, staring right at you."

My free hand slides toward Lloyd's sword, which lies innocently between the two of us. My fingers wrap around the hilt like a noose around a hanged man's neck. Emotion rises in my throat.

"Tili tili bom, the silent night hides everything. He sneaks up behind you, and he is going to get you."

As I sing, my shaky grip raises the sword from the cool dirt. The weapon - all on its own! - hovers above Lloyd's hip. And it gently gravitates toward his chest without any command from me.

"He walks," I whisper, my grip tightening on the weapon.

"He is coming..."  My arm pulls back the sword, ready to strike and steal the breath of my enemy. I wonder if Lloyd's expression will be so peaceful once he's dead.

My lips part as I form the last word of the song. "Closer."

I plunge the sword toward Lloyd to do away with my greatest enemy.

It halts right before it reaches his chest.

Because no matter how badly I want Lloyd gone, I realize I still need him to find the Mask of Hatred.

I swear under my breath. "Curse his Oni blood. I mustn't murder him yet - not yet, Quiet One. You still need him to get the mask. Patience, Quiet One. You've been waiting for your revenge far too long to waste it now."

Slowly, I set the weapon down and sneer at Lloyd.

"Your time will soon come, grandson of the First Spinjitzu Master. Worry not."