I brought you back.

     Why do you still refuse to recognize me?

     What can I do to make you care again?

     To be your son once more?

     I searched the main hideout all day. Ultra Violet was complaining that Emperor Garmadon had gone missing after Harumi and her friends escaped from our ambush. I thought my father had freedom to do what he wished since he was Emperor but apparently, he had to be seen at all times. It made me want to punch Ultra Violet for making me go on this wild goose chase. I had been searching the tower for hours now, while my henchmen got to search Ninjago for the Green Ninja. What a waste of time. Like anyone cared if Emperor Garmadon wanted free time.

     Night had fallen over the still city. It was dark, for a lot of the power cables had been cut out to avoid S.O.S. calls. We didn't take any chances when taking over the city. It's not like anyone could beat us as long as Emperor Garmadon controlled the Colossus. I looked up. Without the city lights, the night was illuminated by the stars. It seemed peaceful but, I knew better. I had lived in this cruel world for too long. It was on a night similar to this that I had completed the resurrection ceremony and brought back my father. The memory clicked in my head. Maybe the broken temple is where my father was hiding.

     I hurried over. No one dared cross my path because I was second in command. The temple was ominous and silent. The numerous cobwebs and broken parts gave the temple a haunted look. I don't think anyone had been here since the ceremony was completed.

     "My dark lord?" I called, stepping into the resurrection chamber. I pulled a small katana from its sheath on my side. Better to be safe than sorry. What if the Ninja were here? The floor creaked behind me. I spun to see who was there, but the room was too dark.

     "Emperor Garmadon?" I tried to keep my voice from shaking. I had to admit, I was afraid. A groan sounded from behind me. I nearly jumped out of my skin when my father melted out of the shadows. He glared at me for a second with his bloodshot eyes, then sighed.

     "Why?" He asked.

     I held up the sword as he paced closer.

     "I hesitated." Garmadon said. He met my eyes. "I had her in my grasp, and I hesitated. Why? You brought me back to be a destructor."

     He walked past me and stopped; his back turned to me. I thought for a second and replied. "No child is born from a side. A child encompasses all."

     "I have seen things in the Departed Realm too horrible to describe," Garmadon said. "If my father's realm is to survive, I must be stronger."

     "Survive, my Emperor?" I asked carefully.

     He faced me. "You said I can't reach my true potential until I destroy my pupil. Until I let go of the person that makes me weak."

     "You will," I replied. "My forces are sweeping the city right now."

     "How can I destroy her? I had the chance and I botched it."

     I paused. The time for flattery was over. "To be truly free of what you were, you must forego your feelings." I dropped to my knees. "Because who needs to care for a pupil if you already have a-a... a son. You sired me years ago. I've done all this to bring you back into my life. Take me back. Let me be your child once again. I will be your only family. I can help you further, as I have helped you before. I can help you fight this darkness. I can help you survive." I held up the katana. Garmadon took it from my hands and brought it above his head, like he was going to strike me for being bold enough to say what I wanted. "Whatever your will, I will abide." I said quietly as Garmadon brought the sword down. I waited for the pain to come.

     Instead, the sword paused at my left shoulder. I looked up to see Garmadon holding out a hand. "My child," he said. "You have given me life." Relief mixed with joy in my heart. I took his hand and stood up. "Stand and face your father." Garmadon grinned. It was genuine.

      Tears formed in my eyes. After years and years of rejection, I finally found someone who wanted me. The only person I cared for had come back into my life. Smiling through tears, I dipped my head. "Your will?"

     "Find the Green Ninja," Garmadon ordered. "So that we can destroy her."

     We laughed in victory that night.

     We thought we had won.

     I would cherish these moments forever.

     Little did I know what was in store.