Yakunan had never felt so alone until this very moment. All he wanted was to rekindle the very intense paternal love that drove him to, despite his corrupted heart, long to conquer Ninjago to get his child back. He would never betray the bond between them. Never. He just wanted to fly to his boy, and tell him that it was alright. To tell him that it was going to be alright. That he would protect him. To be his shield. To be his guardian. That he would make things better for the both of them. He wouldn't forgive himself if he lost his child again.
He carded his fingers through his hair as he let out a shuddering sigh, the emotions continuing to course through his soul and tear him to pieces.
Destiny really did love to mess with his family.
His hands balled into fists as he let out a piercing shriek, unable to take the pain any longer, just needing to let it out at this rate.
Yakunan felt like his entire world was crumbling apart all around him. He had searched for his son for years, only to have said child push him aside like he didn't matter. Even now, he still felt disdain toward the First Spinjitzu Master for tearing his family apart. Hikari had known Xenudah meant too much to him, yet he still–
He was beginning to hate himself for leaving his child all alone. What he hated most was that he truly believed that Xenudah had left him for good. That he was only stopping by for a short period until he got what he wanted, but it appeared that the abandonment had cut too deep a wound in Xenudah's soul.
Yakunan wished so much that, if there were any way at all, he could somehow make up with his child and put everything back together. But as of right now, it wasn't going to happen.
In the end, he was going to have to cut this search short, otherwise he would just keep causing Xenudah more pain.
"Curse you, Destiny!" Yakunan bellowed, as he felt his hands tighten into fists.
His eyes narrowed as he began to think as quickly as he could. How did one cut a deal with Destiny? How could he hope to make his child happy? What was needed for a perfect world, anyway? I'll do anything to bring back my child and to make him happy! I'll do anything to change this fate!
With his soul aching for his child, Yakunan buried his head in his knees and wept. He tried his best to gasp for air, as he felt the pain in his heart just swell up and attack him. If only he could just hold his little boy again, just for a moment, even if he had to battle for the right to be with him. Destiny was really driving him mad. He wished for nothing but to make them all happy. The people of this world, and his family. Not just his child. Yakunan would give anything for him.
Yakunan let out a weak chuckle as he readjusted himself into a more comfortable position, sinking his arms into his stomach and leaning his head back, as he let his mind wander. He had to get his son back. He had to do whatever it took to set things right once again.
It was going to be a long journey, but he would be fighting until the end.
Lloyd's eyes fluttered open as he nestled closer to his father. He felt like a child again.
"Hi, son…" Garmadon gave his child a soft smile, pulling him close.
The green ninja wiped the sleep out of his eyes, letting out a sigh of relief. "I can't believe it's over.
The old man nodded, stroking his son's back. "You make me proud, Lloyd. I know it was hard, but you did everything right."
The ninja looked to the side. "It was hard, father. The hardest thing I have ever done. But…I did it."
"You did," the destruction elemental said, smiling. "The city is free, and your friends are safe. It's a new day in Ninjago, Lloyd. You can breathe easy."
"I'll always love you, father," he said, smiling.
"I've never been far, son." Garmadon scooted back to grasp his son's hands. "I'll always protect you. Even when you can't see me."
With a tear running down his cheek, Lloyd embraced his father once more. "I see you now, father. Please don't go..."
"I'll always be with you, son. And so will your friends. They need you to keep moving forward."
Lloyd gazed out the apartment window and sighed. "It's just...I'm scared..." The boy's shoulders began to shake as he looked down.
Garmadon was silent for a moment as he observed his son's face. He gently patted his head and then pulled back. "It's alright, son. You're not alone."
The young ninja stared at him, his breathing quickening. He slowly rose off the couch, running to the window. "I can't go on anymore..." The boy whispered.
"I know it's hard, but you can do this," Garmadon said, moving to stand behind him. "You're a great ninja, son. You can do anything."
"I don't want to be a failure anymore..." Lloyd snapped. "I've tried and I just can't do it! No matter how hard I try, no matter how much I practiced, no matter how many times I defended myself, I still fail..." He kept staring out the window. "I almost let the Overlord destroy our home! I should've let you go!"
Garmadon lowered his head, trying to find the words. "No...you're still a great fighter, son. I'm so proud of the person you've become. I'm proud of all that you've accomplished."
"But I'm too sentimental! I can't miss or else it's my fault!" Lloyd yelled, putting his hands to his head.
Garmadon lifted his son's head to meet his eyes. "Your loved ones won't leave you, son. You will never be alone."
"I was so afraid I'd never see you again..."
"I know you've been lonely at times out there, son, but you've never been truly alone, ever.
"I'm sorry, dad...I failed you... You...You–" The ninja began to stiffen. "I can't take it anymore..."
"You've made mistakes, son, but that's how you learn–"
"Don't give me that speech, dad! I was losing to a monster! How can I be a hero if I couldn't defeat the Overlord?"
"But you did defeat him. And I'm sorry we had to be on opposite sides, but–"
"Does this mean that I'm not a hero?"
The destruction elemental sighed. "Look at me, son." He waited to see if the ninja would make eye contact. When he didn't, Garmadon turned him to where he needed to be. "You are a hero, but you're more than that. You're my child." He turned back to face his son. "I won't stop being here for you, no matter what happens." Garmadon put his hand on his son's shoulder. "You don't have to be afraid, son." He exhaled as his eyes watered. "But please, if it gets to be too much, talk to someone. Your friends are all good people. But most importantly, talk to me or your mother. We love you, Lloyd, just as you are." Garmadon pulled him close for a hug and kissed him on the forehead. "We're all here for you, alright?"
Lloyd nodded softly and his face flushed in embarrassment. "I don't want them to see me like this... It's bad enough you're seeing this from me..." His eyes began to tear up. "I can't help but feel worse about myself when I think about how they would react..."
"I understand, Lloyd. I really do, but you don't have to worry about it. Look at me, son." The ninja raised his head to meet his eyes, letting Garmadon know that he was listening. "You're a good person. You have nothing to be afraid of." Garmadon kissed his forehead. He sighed contently before returning to his usual position. "You've given me many reasons to be proud of you, and I am."
Lloyd nodded, a smile finally returning to his face. "Thank you, father." He blushed slightly. "It means so much to me to hear that from you."
"You're going to be just fine, son. You'll see." Garmadon gave his son a soft smile. "It'll just take time." He paused. "It takes time for us to be able to accept that we're not perfect and that we're human."
"You're not alone. My father was incapable of accepting that his child is not perfect and that I'm human," a voice spoke up behind them. Lloyd and Garmadon turned to find Misako standing behind them.
"You've been here the whole time?" Garmadon sighed.
"You worry me, mom." Lloyd kept his gaze on the wooden floor. "You need to stop using your ninja skills to listen in on personal conversations."
"I didn't come here to listen in, Lloyd. I wanted to be here for you," Misako said, walking up to her son. "Lloyd, if you ever plan on running, I promise you that no matter how big of a mistake you think you've made, I won't blame you."
"It's awful, isn't it?" Lloyd sighed, his shoulders drooping. "I'm starting to hate myself for being so weak. I can't live like this anymore. I don't want to be alone anymore."
"But you're not alone, Lloyd. You've got your family and your friends." Misako stayed close to her son. "Look, I know you're scared, and this is not easy for you. But you are not alone and you will never be alone. Not with your father or with the people around you."
Lloyd nodded, looking at his mother. "I can't imagine what it's like having you and my father in my life. It's really weird... I don't know what to make of it..." he let out a deep sigh. "I don't want to feel afraid."
"I know, Lloyd. You do have us here for you, but in order for you to get out of this feeling, you'll have to ask for it. Both of us."
Lloyd nodded. "I'll ask. I know I will. Just not now."
"I'm here for you, Lloyd, and so is your father. And your friends will be, too," Misako said, trying to comfort her son. "We'll do anything we can to help you, Lloyd."
"I want to get to a place where I'm not afraid anymore," Lloyd whispered. "My heart feels like it's bleeding..."
"I know it's tough, son, but we'll get through it." Misako kissed her son on the forehead. "Now, come on, you've got a big celebration to go to with your friends."
"I'll be waiting outside." Lloyd smiled, walking out the door.
"It's a shame that Lloyd doesn't believe he's worthy of being loved," Garmadon sighed. "I'm just glad that he's happy."
"You're worried about your son." Misako turned to face her husband.
"I love my son, Misako. But he's fragile. I don't blame him for being so affected by his destiny being revealed so early." He shook his head. "I have no idea what's going on in his head, but I know that it must be consuming him."
"It'll take time, Garmadon. Your son will come out of his shell and come to terms with what happened." Misako gave her husband a smile. "Lloyd's a good kid. He'll get through this in time. He'll get through this."
"I hope so, Misako. He's my pride and joy. It's awful to see him like this," Garmadon sighed. " But I'll be there for him." He looked at his wife. "I'll help him through this." He kissed her on the forehead.
"I know you will, my love." Misako smiled, looking back at her husband. "I'm always here for you." She moved closer to her husband, placing her arms on his shoulders. "And I love you, my husband."
"I love you, too, my wife." Garmadon held her close to him, running his hand up and down her back. "Thank you for giving me such an amazing family." He nuzzled his face into her hair.
"And thank you for loving me and giving me such a remarkable husband. You are the most wonderful man I could ever ask for."
"Mmm." Garmadon raised his head, leaning in closer towards Misako's ear.
The couple closed the gap between them, pressing their lips together, passion fueling their kiss but love filling their hearts.
They finally pulled away, gazing into each other's bright, tender-filled eyes, bonding together in love.
They smiled in unison.
"How about we go celebrate with our son?"
"Sounds good to me, Misako." Garmadon pulled her in close, kissing her passionately on the lips once more.
"I think we'll both be able to share in the happiness of our son in no time," Misako whispered, gazing lovingly into Garmadon's eyes.
"I agree. This won't last forever."
"I'm so glad that you're mine."
"We should get going to the Deliverance Festival before our son leaves. The others are already there. No telling where your ninja skills will take you if you're not careful," Garmadon joked, winking at his wife.
"Haha." Misako rolled her eyes. "You know it's true, dear."
"Yeah. I know."