After Destiny
It's finally here. The true end to the 'Destiny' trilogy & just in time for the premier of 'Day of the Departed'. This part of the epilogue will focus on the original ninja & kunoichi who started it all. Enjoy.
Epilogue Part 1: Everything Changes
Despite everything that has happened to them throughout the years since destiny led them to one another, the original ninjas still moved forward. Their children were growing up and it was only a matter of time before they see another generation of ninjas. The original ninjas shared a tradition ever since the first defeat of the Overlord to meet at the site of the original monastery every year on the very same day they fulfilled their destiny.
Instead of a tall monastery standing before them, they were now greeted by a monument built in the likeness of Sensei Wu and Garmadon. The ninjas still missed them but they heeded their advice and didn't dwell on what could've been and look towards the future.
Just like the ninjas' lives, the place where it began also began went through drastic changes.
"This is where it all started…" Cole gazed at the mountaintops, remembering the day he and the ninjas first met.
"I still can't believe it…" Nya started, "It all started so long ago yet it still feels like yesterday…"
"It's surprising even to me how much we have changed." Zane added. Haukka flew above him and perched on his shoulders, both remembering when they reunited amidst these mountains after Dr. Julien's first death.
"Even now, I can still see the original monastery." Jay stared at the exact same spot where the first monastery he once dwelled stood. He made so many memories here and at times, he can still see the old building standing before him.
"Everything has changed… even our children…" Aria sighed. She too never realized how drastic her life had changed and even from what she thought her future would be.
"Do you think they'll find their life's calling?" Luna asked.
"I know they will. If they can defeat the Overlord, then they can do anything." Lloyd answered.
"And what if we see another generation of ninjas?" Heather wondered about the possibilities.
"I don't know about you, but it would be thrilling to have grandchildren." Iris said and giggled at the sight of her husband's flabbergasted expression.
"Y-you… you really think we'll have… g-g-grand… grandkids…?" The original green ninja proved that even after all these years, he still got flustered by his wife's ocassional teasing, much to the bemusement of the elemental ninjas.
"It depends on our children's choices," Cole spoke, "I agree with Iris but if there's anyone who'll decide, it should be them, not us."
"I think it's possible. Akira and Liana have been going out for years and with the way they even just look at each other, we could be grandmas soon." Aria jested in Heather's direction.
"Well, that depends on if they want their own children." The plant wielder responded.
"I would've never thought it possible to ever be a grandparent," The English woman's husband said, "It's true that life never turns out as you'd expect."
"By the way, what are your kids up to?" Lloyd asked his teammates.
"The twins are still deciding what to do but I know they'll figure it out. All I know is that if they'll be happy doing what they want, Aria and I will support them all the way." Kai said.
"And Liana's still deciding over a career in either engineering or cooking." Zane added.
"Chris and Kyle are also majoring in science while Sayuri's still in school. She's also figuring out what she really wants." Nya joined in on the conversation.
"Believe it or not, Amy and Melody are now at the Marty Oppenheimer School," Cole said in a flustered tone, "I guess my family line can't escape from it…"
"But you were happy when they got in didn't you? I remember you crying." Luna responded in a teasing manner.
"Cole? Crying? You should've recorded it and show it to me!" Jay barely managed to get out in between raucous laughter, earning glares from his brother as well as his own wife, who yanked his ear like a mother would to her unruly child.
"Of course. I may have had bad memories of that place but as long as my princesses are having a good time and actually want to be there, I'll be happy for them." The buff ninja said firmly.
"And what about Leon and Willow?" Jay asked the former hero of Ninjago and his wife.
"We have no objections on what they want to do in the future. As long as our children continue our legacy as ninjas, that's all that matters." Lloyd answered.
"Seeing another generation is one thing but what will happen if evil comes back before we can even be grandparents? Or what if something happens when none of us can fight?"
"Same as we did before. We'll always protect Ninjago, even if we become grumpy old guys." Kai boasted like he had always done but his brethren couldn't have him any other way, no matter how old they get.
"I guess that's what makes life interesting. You never know what will happen." Aria said.
"Yeah," Nya nodded, "Even we still have a lot to learn…"
"I wonder what Sensei Wu would think if he saw us now…" Luna sighed, remembering their old teacher and all the times he had guided them.
"I like to think he'd be proud of us. We may not have gotten to where we are now if it weren't for him. He was also the one who led us to one another so we owe him everything." Jay replied while looking at the statue of their late mentor.
Lloyd stared at the statue of his father and uncle and then towards the one built in the image of his mother next to them. It still hurt to be reminded of their departure and even though he was content with his loving wife and courageous children, he sometimes found himself yearning for their love and attention.
Old habits die hard…
"Lloyd, is something wrong?" Iris noticed her husband's melancholy mood.
"Iie… But still… I still find myself thinking about my parents and uncle…" Lloyd confessed.
"I don't blame you," Kai joined in on the conversation, "Even now, Nya and I miss our parents… But we still have to keep looking forward. Then we know they can rest easy."
"Perhaps you're right. My parents wouldn't want me getting depressed."
"One day, we'll take their place in guiding future generations. They've already taught us well so it's time to pass down everything we learned from them to our successors, whenever they will appear…" Zane said.
"Just as Sensei said, a ninja never quits." Aria added.
"Yes. We will continue to live… for the future." Kai said.
The original ninja and kunoichi remained as steadfast as they had been since the very beginning to protect Ninjago when need be, knowing one thing for certain.
A ninja never quits.
Wow… Only one part left before it all ends… Parting is such sweet sorrow…
With 'Day of the Departed' less than an hour away, I bet you're all hyped but please… NO SPOILERS IN THE REVIEWS! SERIOUSLY! DON'T SPOIL IT FOR ANYONE!
Until then, I'll see you soon… for one last time.
