"Lloyd! Garmadon! Come on! You're gonna miss the photo for the newspaper!" Kai exclaimed, gesturing over to the father and son who were already on their way.

The golden ninja squeezed his father's hand before taking off to where the fire ninja was.

Garmadon chuckled softly as he watched Lloyd run to his friends, unable to stop a tear of joy and pride from streaking down his cheek. His little boy had grown up so much, but then again, some things would never change. Garmadon quickly followed shortly afterward, keeping a close eye on his son. After all they had gone through, the destruction elemental didn't have it in him to leave Lloyd alone again.

He knew Lloyd had suffered through so much, yet his son pursued the light in ways never thought possible, and as a result, finally freed him from the shadows that lay within. He let out a sigh, shaking his head. He didn't need to dwell on the past right now, for the future lay bare in front of him. He was finally able to be with his family, what he had so deeply desired for ages now.

And then there was his son.

His precious little boy who had grown up through so much struggle, yet somehow managed to come out on top. And Garmadon couldn't be prouder.

Everything was finally working out for the best.

"Dad, come over!" Lloyd cried out, a smile on his face.

"Alright!" The father rushed to his son's side, embracing him close for just a moment, smiling genuinely.

As the two reveled in the moment, Garmadon let a sigh finally escape his lips.

He made it.

He was safe.

His family was safe.

Ninjago was safe.

And he couldn't be happier.

Night had fallen, and Ninjago City was hosting a celebration in the wake of the Overlord's defeat. Lloyd had his feet dangling in the cool water, illuminated by the reflection of yellow floating lanterns as his father sat beside him.

"It's...really over. I-I can't believe it…" Lloyd's voice trembled ever so slightly, and he leaned closer to Garmadon.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah…" The green—now golden—ninja shrugged, turning to the water, letting his feet dip below the surface, shivering slightly due to how cold it was, though it was soothing nonetheless.

"Son, something's going on," Garmadon sighed, turning to lift Lloyd's chin to meet his nebula-like eyes. "I can clearly tell. What is it?"

"It's nothing, alright?" Lloyd snapped, his eyes narrowed in frustration as he broke the gaze.

"I know you too well. What's bothering you?"

"It's gone…" The energy elemental finally gave into his father's concerns. "My childhood's gone and I can't do anything about it!" He began to hyperventilate, the panic rising in his voice.

"You know, son, you're not alone…" the destruction elemental replied. He wrapped his arms around his child, rubbing gentle circles on his trembling body. "In the years I was affected by the venom, I had to act much older than I really was. I didn't want to admit it, but I did."

"R-Really?"

"Yes, son. My...father ignored me constantly, favoring Wu over me, pushing me beyond my limits. I won't do the same to you, alright? I promise I won't leave you alone, my son...ever again…" Garmadon's voice was firm, yet held so much compassion hidden beneath. His voice cracked as he spoke his next few sentiments. "After everything that has happened, I just wanted to let you know...I love you… I love you so much to let you leave my side. I won't let anything happen to you ever again."

Lloyd smiled, breathing shakily, leaning closer to his father's side, tightening his embrace. He'd longed for this for ages, and now he was free from the shadows of the past. Or at least what remained of them, as all people had the capacity for both good and evil. Despite that, however, he was overjoyed at having finally claimed victory. He let go of his father, allowing himself to slip beneath the surface of the water, letting the liquid flow freely against his body, not caring that it had gotten all over him.

Garmadon smiled as he watched his son swim alone in the lake. Tears streamed down his face in utter happiness. He let out a soft sigh as he jumped in with Lloyd, letting the anxiety from the past and what may come in the future slip freely away. Nothing would tear him apart from his child again, that he could assure.