Only Just the Beginning

by Zena Airale

After the Final Battle, the balance between the light and darkness returns to normal. However, a descendant of the darkness seeks to turn the tables and reshape Ninjago into his own image, unleashing an ancient evil that could spell imminent doom throughout the land. Secrets kept for so long are finally revealed and nothing is as it seems.

59. Fallout

"Oh, please no..." Yakunan's hands clenched into fists, trembling as he tried to control his emotions. He let a shuddering sigh escape his lips as he attempted to calm down.

"Otōsan... What's happening?" Xenudah exclaimed, his voice cracking and frantic.

"Not now... Not NOW!" Yakunan cried, curling into a tight ball, his body shaking even more violently than before.

"Please...calm down..." Xenudah knelt beside his father, shakily sighing. "Tell me what's going on... I want to know..."

"I sense the Oni's fury. We're being targeted... And I can't lose you, Xenudah... Not again..." Yakunan shook his head miserably, tightening his hold on his child.

"I don't wanna lose you either, father..." Xenudah shuddered, leaning close to his father, not daring to let him go.

"Xenudah, I love you..." Yakunan sighed, his voice barely a breath. "You've always been so supportive of me, and I truly appreciate that. I just...just don't want this to be our last moment together. I've only been reunited with you for a short while, but...it feels like an eternity has passed. My child, I never want to leave your side again."

Xenudah let out a soft cry, tightening his hold on his father, allowing his sobs to strengthen.

"It's okay, child... I'm right here... I'm right here..." Yakunan whispered, running fingers gently through his son's hair.

"But it's not!" Xenudah screeched, shoving his father back.

"Xenu–"

"Stop calling me that!"

"Son, please..."

Garmadon rushed over with Lloyd close behind him. "What's going on?"

"Leave me alone! I don't want to be your son anymore!"

"X-Xenudah..." Yakunan's voice becomes soft, shaky, and vulnerable. "Don't do this to me, please!"

"Your father's right, Xenudah," Garmadon sighed. "To fight the Oni alone is a suicide mission."

"I'll go with him." Lloyd's eyes narrowed.

Garmadon grasped his son's hands, allowing a shuddering sob to escape. "Not you too, Lloyd, I–"

"It's over." Xenudah glanced towards Lloyd, who nodded fiercely. "We're finished."

Xenudah and Lloyd summoned their elemental dragons and fled without another word.