Lloyd smiled as he gazed out at the park, his friends and family standing beside him. He knew that today was going to be one of the best days ever, because the Overlord was defeated. He was glad he was able to bring victory to Ninjago in the end. He also knew that this was just the beginning. He knew that the fact that he had fulfilled his destiny was enough...
Garmadon held his son's hand, proud to have him by his side. He smiled proudly at the others, but knew that they were feeling the same.
The gis that they wore were more than just clothes. They represented an era. An era in which they stood together. An era of victories and building. An era in which the ultimate fate had been decided. This era was about to end.
Years of rebuilding had been necessary, but now this era could be put to rest, and a new era of peace and prosperity would be set in place instead. No more generation after generation of war. Finally, they could breathe easily.
It was a resounding applause that echoed around the area as Lloyd stepped up to the podium. Lloyd's friends and family cheered, and Lloyd's father was proud to see his son run towards them. He knew that he couldn't have made it without them.
Lloyd stopped a short distance away and turned to them, a smile on his face. Seeing how they all looked at him, he knew that this moment was one that all of them had worked very hard for. He looked at his father and smiled at him. He couldn't believe that it had all come to an end. He had found hope again. He had found victory. He had found his destiny. He had found his friends.
"People of Ninjago, yesterday, the Overlord was brought down by the legendary powers that was passed down to me by my grandfather, the First Spinjitzu Master." He was nervous, but it didn't show. Standing on the podium, Lloyd knew that he was already the best. His words were met with cheers and applause, which went on for a couple of minutes. "There have been many who have fought alongside me, my friends, the original Ninja and Samurai X, and I couldn't be more grateful. Now, this era of shadow can be put to rest."
Lloyd paused as a surge of emotion overtook him. He looked at the audience, and they all stood quietly, listening. Lloyd knew that it was because of them that they were now at a time of peace. His friends were the ones who allowed him to get to the Overlord's tower in the first place. They were the ones who had helped buy him time after that failed. They were the ones who now stood in the audience.
"I want to thank everyone for their contribution in bringing about the end of darkness in Ninjago. And with that, I declare an era of peace in Ninjago!" Once again, the audience erupted into cheers and applause. Lloyd looked at his father and smiled.
Garmadon was proud of his son, knowing that he and the rest of their friends and family had sacrificed a lot to ensure that peace would be achieved. He was proud that Lloyd had succeeded in his role as the Green Ninja, and he was proud that he, too, played a part in Lloyd's success. He had failed as a father when his son was growing up, but friendship and family had given him a second chance, and he was determined to make the most of it. Garmadon looked at his son. Together, they would face whatever challenges the future brought.
As Lloyd stepped down from the podium, he had tears running down his cheeks. His father rushed to embrace him.
"I'm so proud of you, my son." Garmadon praised, tears brimming his own eyes.
Overwhelmed, Lloyd nodded, burying his face deeper into his father's chest. The destruction elemental kept his arms tight around his boy, not willing to let go.
"It's okay..." Garmadon whispered. "It's okay... I know you are strong, Lloyd. You did great. We are so proud of you."
Lloyd nodded and broke away from his father. He wiped his eyes. He was still a little bit in shock.
"You have no idea how much it means. Thank you for supporting me the way that you have."
"Of course." Garmadon agreed. "I just wanted to say one more thing." He was slightly afraid to say something that he would regret.
"What is it?" Lloyd asked.
"I'm sorry." Garmadon blurted out. "Sorry for leaving you all those years ago. You didn't deserve that. I only wanted to protect you. I didn't want to worry you."
"You're here now." Lloyd smiled. "That's all that matters. Please don't leave again."
Garmadon chuckled. "Of course I won't." His voice was filled with warmth. "I'm part of you now. I will be strong, when I need to be, and I will protect you from harm."
Lloyd just nodded in response. He knew that his father had changed a lot. He knew that a bond had formed between them that would never break. He was not the same person his father had met when he was a child. He had become kind, caring, and strong. He had changed to fit his role as the Green Ninja. He had truly matured.