It had been 4 years since Lloyd, who was now sixteen, had found out about his new powers. With his father's help, he became so much stronger. The two of them grew closer than ever. Zena and Lloyd grew closer as well. The two of them had gained feelings for one another, as if destiny had meant for it to be that way. Misako had already passed on, as she was mortal, not like the two sons of the First Spinjitzu Master. The group—especially Wu, Lloyd, and Garmadon—were deeply affected.
It was almost night and Zena had already fallen asleep. Lloyd went to see his father for a little while.
"Father..."
"Lloyd?" Garmadon asked as the green ninja entered the room. "Is something wrong?" He got up from meditating to join his son.
Lloyd looked down, shaking his head in sadness and distress. "I haven't heard word from neither Yakunan or Xenudah these past several years. I can't help but worry. I've kept my fears and doubts buried within for so long...they're itching to come out now...and I miss mom so much..."
Garmadon could tell his son was trying his hardest to hold tears back. He held Lloyd close to him. "Oh, come here...let it out..." He began whispering softly in ancient Ninjagian, as Lloyd broke down into sobs, gently reassuring him it would all be okay.
Even after all those years, Lloyd could still be emotional at times.
After a moment, Lloyd finally calmed down. He smiled weakly at his dad, pulling away. "Mind if I sleep here with you tonight?"
"Not at all. I'd love that..."
The two of them got into bed. Lloyd relaxed in his father's arms. Garmadon lightly fingered his son's hands, and Lloyd smiled softly in response.
"I love you so much, Father..." Lloyd's soft voice murmured.
"Oh, yes. Me too." Garmadon stroked Lloyd's hair in reassurance. "I'm here. I always will be."
Minutes passed and Lloyd fell asleep in his father's arms.
"Oh, my son...you may be older, but you'll always be my child at heart..." Garmadon cooed softly.
Lloyd, touched, let tears fall slowly down his face.
"Shhhh..." his father consoled. "It's alright... You're here safe with me, Lloyd..."
Lloyd nodded softly, curling up closer. Within minutes, Garmadon fell asleep as well.
The explosion cleared and two people came out from the rubble. Yakunan and Xenudah were normal again. However, Lloyd was motionless. He wasn't moving at all. Xenudah walked up to him slowly.
'What in the name of Ninjago- Oh no... Garmadon... He'll be... Lloyd's- Oh no...'
Garmadon walked over to the two of them. "I-Is Lloyd alright?"
Yakunan spoke, as his son had already broken down in overwhelming guilt and sorrow. "Garmadon...your son...he didn't make it..."
Garmadon felt as if his world had collapsed into a million pieces. "N-No... Lloyd, no! No, please don't LEAVE!"
Garmadon woke up in a panic. Don't go...I won't lose you again...not in a long time... I love you too much... He felt Lloyd curl up against him more. He smiled softly, stroking his hair. "It's just a nightmare... I'm here...I'm alright...you're alright...its going to be okay..."
"Father..." Lloyd murmured softly in his sleep.
Within a few minutes, Garmadon relaxed, holding his son close, sleeping soundly for the rest of the night.
The morning came. Lloyd went to his mother's grave. He knelt down, letting tears fall. Even after so long he still really missed her, and didn't resent her anymore for abandoning him.
"Lloyd?" Garmadon made his way to his son, his voice filled with concern.
"Dad...I miss her...so much..." Lloyd rushed over and collapsed into his father's arms.
"I know, my dearest. It's hard...but we're together...I'll help you through this..." Garmadon consoled. "I love you more than anything."
Lloyd nodded softly, curling up in his dad's comforting embrace. "Me too..." he whispered. although he was quite scared, he also felt content in his father's arms.
Garmadon ran a hand through Lloyd's hair, comforting him. Soon, Lloyd calmed down.
"Thank you..."
"Anytime." His father smiled and pulled away.
"Father..." Lloyd whispered, "I've been getting these weird visions...as if someone might take you away from me again...I don't want that to happen...I don't want to lose you...I'm so scared..." His voice trembled as he spoke, clearly showing the fear and insecurity that was swirling around within his head.
His father sighed softly and put a hand gently on his shoulder. "Lloyd, it's alright. You won't lose me. I'll be beside you forever...I won't ever leave your side... Nothing will happen to me... I won't let that happen... I'd refuse to let that happen...you are my child...I've lost you once, I won't ever lose you again." Garmadon's voice was firm, but reassuring.
The two of them embraced for a little while longer before they pulled away once more.
"I'm quite hungry," Lloyd told his father.
"So am I. Shall we?"
"Yeah..."
Hand in hand, the two of them walked back to the kitchen where the other ninja and Wu were waiting for them. Lloyd smiled softly and sat next to Zena. Garmadon sat in front of him.
"Hiya, Lloyd!" Zena smiled.
"Hey Zena!"
"You okay?" Jay asked, turning to the three of them.
"Yeah, Jay. I still miss Mom but I'm alright."
Garmadon looked at his son reassuringly. "It's okay, Lloyd... I'm right here..."
Lloyd smiled and continued to eat. Just then, the bell rang.
Wu went up to get it, and saw someone he hadn't seen in such a long time.
"Morro?"