This is a collaboration between Zena and me. Enjoy this Garmadon and Lloyd fluff!

This short takes place just after the end of "Revelation," the second story in my series. This was Zena's idea, thank you Zena.

Father and Son One-shots.

I. Blessings in the Shadows.

The clock struck midnight, and everyone had retired to their beds. Everyone but the Golden Ninja.

The soft breeze seemed to relax the chosen one as it blew past his blonde hair. He was gazing out at Ninjago City, for he would not see it again for a long time.

This was his home.

This was where his destiny began.

And yet this was where he'd almost lost his father. That very memory shook him to the core, having haunted him for years on end already. Feeling tears well up, he pressed the heel of his hands gently against them as he stifled a sob. He did not notice an approaching figure until it reached a hand out and placed it upon his back.

"Lloyd, are you okay? You seem...overwhelmed…" Garmadon asked, stroking his son's back.

"I am," admitted Lloyd. "This is our home, and we're supposed to protect it. Now we have to leave it and go somewhere else. If there's supposed to be a war, isn't our home in danger too?"

"Slow down, son," said Garmadon. "I know all of this is very sudden and a shock to you, but we have to trust in God to take care of us."

"I'm sorry, Dad… I'm just scared."

"I know, son," replied Garmadon, pulling Lloyd into a comforting embrace. "Trust in your family, as they trust in you. Then, even if you're scared, you have someone right there to catch you if you fall."

"I've missed you so much…" Lloyd murmured, leaning deeper into his father's hold.

"I know… I've missed you too... But I'm here now… I'll help you through this… I'll hold you anytime you need it."

"I love you, Dad..."

"I love you too, my precious son."

Garmadon smiled softly and pressed a loving kiss on top of Lloyd's forehead.

"Kai doesn't have to know about this, right?" asked Lloyd. "He'd never let me live it down."

"Of course not." Garmadon softly chuckled, running his wrinkled fingers through his son's soft hair. "Now," he added. "We have to leave at sunrise. You should get some sleep, Lloyd."

"Can I stay with you, Dad?"

"Most certainly, my son. You may be older now, but you will always be my child at heart."

Lloyd tears up slightly at his father's affectionate words. He knew he was safe, and that when he was not, he would be able to lean on his father.

"You don't have to be strong all the time, Lloyd," the destruction elemental continued. "It's okay to let your emotions free." He tightened his arms around his son, who was nestling against him. "You are so adorable and I love you…"

"I love you too, Dad." Lloyd yawned and laid his head on Garmadon's shoulder, tired now.

"I'll carry you, okay?"

"Thanks."

"Of course, sweetheart… You've suffered for too long; now let me hold you up… You are not and will never be alone..."