Having taken an opulent ride from the temple to New Ninjago city in a limousine, Cole and Phoenix arrived at Borg Industries feeling both relaxed and ready for a day of shopping. The luxury vehicle pulled right up to the entrance, where they were met by Benson and Hedges, who smiled and opened the car doors for them.
"Good morning, Master Cole, Master Phoenix," Hedges bowed. "how was the journey here?"
"M-master?" Phoenix asked nervously, fearing his powers had been revealed.
"Yes sir, you're the grandson of Mr Borg, a formal title is the most appropriate." Benson stated.
"Oh, thank you," Phoenix sighed. "sorry, I'm not used to being called 'master', but the ride was awesome, I've never been in a limo before!"
"I have, but it was still great," Cole beamed. "much more chill than flying by dragon."
The two suited guards opened the double doors and bowed, so Cole and Phoenix could walk in unfettered. Phoenix had never received such treatment before and it was starting to dawn on him exactly how high up his grandpa was. Benson and Hedges escorted them both to the elevator and pressed the call button.
"Mr Borg is very excited to see you, sir," Benson said to Phoenix. "he's been whistling to himself since yesterday."
"I'm excited too," Phoenix replied. "I video chat with him every evening but it's not the same as seeing him in person."
"Family means a lot to Phoenix," Cole added, patting his shoulder. "right buddy?"
"Of course." Phoenix nodded fervently.
The elevator finally arrived, and the doors opened with a welcoming 'ding' sound.
"Nice to see you both," Hedges smiled. "enjoy the rest of your day!"
"Thank you."
The doors closed, and the elevator began its ascent to the top floor.
"I wonder what Cyrus has planned for your 18th," Cole pondered. "it's not till 7pm tonight, but still."
"I don't know, it's not like I really need anything," Phoenix shrugged. "sure, it would be nice to have my memories back, but I'm happy to start from scratch if it means I have my parents and sisters, and you and the other ninja, to make new memories with."
"Maybe he found your angel…" Cole baited.
"I doubt it," Phoenix denied, as his face became hot and flushed at the thought of finding that special someone. "but I still hope that I'll find them soon."
Cole grinned. Phoenix's identity crisis last night could've been avoided, if he'd just opened the bag and found that heart plush before Cole finished his phone call with Jasper. The poor guy had gone from confused to committed with almost hilarious swiftness. Once Phoenix had gone to sleep, Cole phoned Jasper back to let her know what happened.
Imagine his surprise when her response amounted to little more than:
"Not gonna lie, that sounds hot… I wish I could've seen it…"
He shook his head to himself as he recalled being speechless when she said that – he knew she liked that kind of fluidity (as evidenced by her taste in historical 'shudo') but he never expected her to like it where he was concerned. Cole then started to speculate how she might've reacted if one of his female friends had kissed him.
The doors opened into Mr Borg's office, where Cyrus, Hanasu and Miru were waiting. The two droids set off handheld confetti cannons, surprising Phoenix as glitter and confetti pieces started raining down.
"My dear grandson!" Cyrus chirped. "Just look how big you've gotten!"
"Thanks grandpa," Phoenix sheepishly replied. "I'm the same size as Cole now."
Phoenix put his hand over his head and then over Cole's, to make a visual height comparison.
"So I see." Cyrus nodded.
"Not just in height either," Cole grinned. "he's been working out with me, and he's made fantastic progress; he's almost as muscular as I am – not that you can see it under this baggy hoodie."
"Our little nephew is no longer little," Miru smiled. "you look almost unrecognisable, right Hanasu?"
"I can't get over how tall you are!" Hanasu squeaked as she approached and walked around him. "And where are your lovely wings?"
"I figured out how to retract them," Phoenix mentioned. "In fact, that's why we're in the city; we're gonna go clothes shopping – I had to cut holes in my other shirts so my wings could fit through them."
"Oh dear!" Cyrus chuckled. "Well, before you go shopping, I'd like to present you with this gift for your 18th birthday."
Cyrus wheeled over to Phoenix and presented him with a gift box, decorated with a giant bow and a waterfall of curled ribbon.
"Ooh, thanks!" Phoenix appreciated the colourful trimmings. "Can I open it now? Please?"
"Of course!" Cyrus beamed.
Phoenix excitedly slipped the bow and ribbons off the top of the box, then lifted the lid. His eyes went wide as he saw a solid silver chain, with a gold dog tag attached to it, resting on the velvet lining. He gently picked it up and observed the detail on one side of the tag – it was the kanji symbol for sun, finely inlayed in fire opal.
"It's amazing… thank you so much!" Phoenix gasped, putting it around his neck. "How do I look?"
"So handsome!" Hanasu admired. "Precious metals are most becoming on you, Phoenix."
"Agreed, not many men can pull off wearing gemstones," Miru nodded. "but it's as if fire opal was made for you!"
Cole smiled knowingly, fully aware that the egg Phoenix hatched from was pure fire opal.
"Indeed, you look fantastic," Cyrus proudly grinned. "but there's something else in there too…"
Phoenix tilted his head and noticed that the velvet lining appeared to have a double layer. Prying between the layers of soft fabric, he pulled out another silver chain, also adorned with a gold dog tag decorated with a fire opal kanji symbol – this time, the symbol for moon. Phoenix was a little confused, until Cyrus explained.
"Wu told me that you have lived many lives, and that you have a soulmate who you always manage to find, no matter how much time passes," Cyrus clarified. "this is for them, whoever they are; promise me that when you find them, you'll give them this to show your affection."
"Wow…" Phoenix became awash with the same feelings of devotion that he felt last night, and a lovestruck smile crossed his lips as he thought of his unknown angel. "I don't know what to say… this is more than I ever expected."
"Love is important, Phoenix – I've seen the beauty of love change your mother's life in immeasurable ways, and I want that for you also," Cyrus paused. "oh, and one more thing…"
"Aw gramps, you really shouldn't," Phoenix snickered. "you're spoiling me over here."
"If you're going shopping, you should take this with you," Cyrus insisted, shoving a small, flat item into Phoenix's hand. "please, use it to buy whatever you want, or need."
He glanced at the object and saw a black credit card, embellished with the Borg Industries logo… in platinum.
"Woah!" Cole gasped. "Talk about giving him a blank cheque!"
"This… this really is too much…" Phoenix shook his head, attempting to give the card back. "I can't accept this…"
"Please Phoenix, I know it seems a trifle extravagant, but you're my grandson – you, your mother and her sisters are the only family I have," Cyrus pleaded. "I'm an old man, and I want to share my blessings."
At first, Phoenix was pretty uncomfortable with this, but he looked at the imploring face of his grandfather – the man who had built his mother, gave her the freedom to pursue a relationship with his father, which ultimately allowed them to raise him in a safe, caring environment – and he felt himself weakening. If he was really going to accept this insanely generous gift, he had to make sure he could at least attempt to pay it back.
"Grandpa, I'm absolutely speechless and privileged that you'd trust me with this, but I can't accept it unless you will let me do something for you," Phoenix insisted. "I don't know what could possibly equal this kind of generosity, but I want to prove that I'm worthy of the trust you've placed in me."
Cyrus gave a soft half smile.
"Truly you are Zane's son," He chuckled. "your integrity is admirable, Phoenix, and I would consider any amount to be repaid in full, if you introduce me to your soulmate when you find them; nothing could make me happier than knowing you found your one and only."
Phoenix could feel tears welling up in his eyes as he leaned over to give Mr Borg a warm, sincere hug. Miru and Hanasu started getting choked up at this beautiful sentiment, and even Cole felt his heart twinge as he observed the situation. Hugging his grandfather was bringing up all kinds of familial emotions for Phoenix. He thought of the love he had for his parents, the love he had for Cole, the love he had for the ninja, and the love he had for his mystery soulmate. Important relationships with different types of affection attached to them – though he could not recall his past lives, he knew that he had never felt so loved before.
"It's good to sit down!" Cole sighed as they occupied a table in the food court at Ninjago 109. "I always wondered how girls could spend so much time in a department store, now I know!"
"Sorry I took so long to choose some t-shirts, there were so many awesome designs," Phoenix apologised, poking at a bowl of noodles.
"Good thing we stopped for food when we did, I'd run out of the protein bars Magpie gave me and I was getting worried about you." Cole noted as he took a bite of a cheeseburger.
"I've learned to listen to my body, being diabetic will do that to you." Phoenix shrugged.
"Are you still diabetic?" Cole raised his eyebrow. "I figured that would've been repaired when you regenerated…"
"Am I not diabetic?" Phoenix asked, confused. "I seem to recall having to watch my blood sugars – isn't that why you kept giving me the protein bars?"
"…No… I was giving them to you because your body is still growing pretty quickly…" Cole hesitated. "…Did you just remember something from your past life?"
"I think so… in the back of my mind there's these thoughts… of a black machine, and then a flash of pain, and then blood…" Phoenix said as his intensely focused expression softened into a smile. "…and someone with bright pink eyes, who was worried about how low the numbers were…"
"Wow… Congratulations, buddy, you're finally starting to get your memories back!" Cole excitedly declared.
"Really? This is so awesome!"
"Maybe we should've given you some protein bars a week ago!" Cole laughed.
As the two of them laughed together, Phoenix felt a renewed hope for retrieving other memories – even if he only remembered his most recent previous life, that would be enough for him. He wondered why it took so long, but at the same time, he wasn't going to argue with it, because at least they were coming back. After their joyful chuckling finished, they continued eating and Cole checked the time on his phone.
4.30pm.
Later than expected, but still, plenty of time for them to get back for the start of Phoenix's surprise party, especially with the limo on standby.
Phoenix had been very sensible with the credit card that Mr Borg gave him – with the exception of the last store they went into before taking a break, where he was so torn over the t-shirt designs that he bought one of each. Given that Phoenix had requested that Cole stay outside one of the shops while he went in, Cole suspected that his friend may have been looking for a gift for Zane and Pixal and didn't want Cole accidentally telling them what he got.
Being platinum, the credit card was not only limitless, but also came with the added bonus of complementary delivery, so most of what he bought was already on its way to the temple. The only bag they currently had with them, contained the special outfit Cole insisted Phoenix get just for his 18th, dark blue jeans, a white hooded tank top and faux leather biker jacket. Under the guise of Phoenix's 'issue with overheating' (translation: ability to have his wings on display while fully dressed) they had the jacket professionally modified by the in-house tailoring service – another bonus of the platinum card they wielded.
"Before we go, you should totally change into your new gear," Cole baited. "the vents they put into the biker jacket are super subtle; everyone will be so surprised to see you open your wings while you're wearing it."
"It would be pretty cool to show off a little bit," Phoenix admitted. "I'm not normally the flashy type, but hey, it's a special birthday, right?"
"Hell yeah!" Cole agreed, trying not to laugh.
Hearing Phoenix describe himself as 'not the flashy type' was downright hilarious to Cole. Before the regeneration, Phoenix was a sassy, confident male stripper who frequently burned his pants off during his routines, and randomly flirted with men and women without a second thought.
He was the epitome of flashy.
"The 18th is a major milestone," Cole continued. "you can drink alcohol, and learn to drive, and vote and do all kinds of 'grown up' stuff."
"I'm so not bothered about learning to drive, not when I have Inferno." Phoenix remarked.
"True, but I will say that even though I have a dragon, I do like being able to ride a motorbike." Cole mentioned.
"Alcohol sounds fun though," Phoenix hinted. "I wonder what I used to drink…"
"You'll have to ask Magpie, but since you used to work in a bar, I'm guessing you're not that picky about specific types of alcohol," Cole joked. "and you'll have to watch out for hangovers!"
"Maybe my healing powers apply to that too," Phoenix posited. "maybe I can't even get drunk."
"Depends on your metabolism, I guess." Cole shrugged.
"What's it like to be drunk?" Phoenix asked.
"Well, it's different for everyone; personally, I think alcohol really chills me out, unless I'm on a date with Jasper, then it does something else…" Cole replied, feeling a little awkward. "some people can't handle their liquor – Lloyd for instance got royally trashed at Pixal and Zane's wedding, and he was definitely hungover the next day!"
"So, did everyone get drunk at the wedding?" Phoenix queried as his eyes widened. "Did my parents get drunk too?"
Cole snickered and leaned on the table.
"Everyone got drunk; me, your parents, Kai – even Sensei Wu!" Cole lowered his voice. "Jay got as drunk as Lloyd, and Jay and Nya were acting mighty suspicious the next day – we were all staying in the same hotel, and they were on the same floor..."
"Sounds like they were the main topic of conversation after that," Phoenix chuckled. "what were my parents like?"
"Very, very affectionate," Cole nodded. "I'm sure you know that your parents are kinda reserved about public displays of affection, but once we got to the 'after party' and started bar hopping, they were all over each other!"
"I… don't know how to feel about that…" Phoenix pulled a face. "I'm happy that they're all lovey-dovey with each other, but the thought of them getting handsy is kinda gross…"
Cole laughed out loud.
"You're definitely thinking like a teenager!" He quipped. "It was a good night though, and the next day I hung out with Jasper; it kinda cemented us as a couple."
"That's the day you met me, right?" Phoenix grinned.
"Yep, I'm glad you remember the story I told you." Cole smirked.
"How can I forget? You said I looked just like dad!" Phoenix nodded eagerly. "It always makes me happy when someone compares me to my parents."
"You're a good kid, Phoenix, and I'm proud that you're my best friend." Cole beamed.
Phoenix gave a wide, delighted smile and he could feel his heart swell with happiness.
"Now come on, we've got time for you to get changed before we go." Cole insisted as he stood up and texted the limo driver.
"Sage! I'm so glad you could make it!" Magpie pulled her sister into a hug.
"I wouldn't miss my big brother's 18th," Sage giggled. "where is the little fledgling anyway?"
"He's out with Cole," Magpie explained, closing the door behind Sage. "he's learned to retract his wings, and Cole offered to take him to buy some new shirts because he put slits in his other ones."
"Convenient," Sage grinned. "it means you could set up a surprise thing without suspicion."
"Good evening," Pixal said as she approached. "you must be Sagittarius."
"Spot on, but you can call me Sage," She bowed. "and you must be the mama who's been raising my brother."
"Correct," Pixal replied. "my name is Pixal, my husband Zane and I have been honoured to look after little ho-oh."
"Ho-oh?" Sage repeated. "OMG how cute is that nickname!"
"We've always called him that, even before he hatched." Pixal clarified.
"It's cuter than the nickname he gave me, that's for sure!" Sage sighed.
"He calls you Cheeky for a reason though," Magpie commented. "it's not like you don't have a reputation for being a sass-pot."
"Oh, I thought the nickname was to do with your dermal implants," Pixal mentioned, gesturing to the orange contour feathers on Sage's cheeks. "they're very pretty."
"Thanks," Sage sheepishly smiled. "but uh, they're not exactly implants, more like, um, a genetic modification that Phoenix gave me."
"Kind of like my eyes," Magpie added, framing the blue-grey heterochromia with her hands. "after he took us in, I decided I wanted to look more like him – hard to feel like you're related when both your siblings have silver hair and yours is black, you know?"
"Every day his powers become more fascinating." Pixal declared.
"Anyway..." Sage interjected. "Where's the main event happening?"
"This way, please follow me." Pixal bowed and led Sage into the living room.
All the furniture had been pushed to the edge of the room to create a decent space for dancing. There were shiny, colourful balloons on the walls, connected by equally colourful paper streamers. Cole's DJ decks had been set up in one corner of the room, complete with an LED light projector flashing a rainbow of stars all over the room, and behind it was a large banner that read: 'Happy 18th Cycle!'.
The absolute masterpiece of a fire-themed three tier cake was displayed on a table with a balloon arch cresting over it – Zane had spent all day creating it just for his son, all the while having an existential bafflement that he even had a son that was already turning 18. To the left of the doorway was another table, with cans and bottles of various hard and soft drinks lined up neatly next to some red solo cups and a champagne bucket full of ice.
"Wow, y'all did the place up great!" Sage admired. "Looks like this is gonna be one hell of a party!"
"Sage, is that you? I haven't seen you in ages!"
Sage turned around to see Jasper, standing behind her with her arms open for a hug. The feathery-cheeked girl immediately accepted this offer, grabbing Jasper with enthusiasm as a wide smile stretched across her face.
"Jazz!" Sage squeaked. "I'm so happy to see you! How have you been?"
"Very well, thanks, and I'm happy to see you too!" Jasper beamed.
Suddenly there was a loud alarm blaring throughout the temple and Jay came running down the stairs waving his phone in the air.
"Guys, guys!" He shouted excitedly. "Just got a text from Cole, they'll be here in a few minutes! We gotta get in place!"
Moments later, everyone appeared in the living room, having arrived from different directions; Lloyd and Kai ran in from the meditation room, Zane emerged from the kitchen, and Kiku and Nya ran down the stairs. Pixal and Sage started handing out confetti cannons to everyone, making sure to also take one themselves, while Magpie switched off the LED light projector and Jasper prepared to turn the main light off.
"Is everything set up in the meditation room?" Zane asked Lloyd and Kai.
"Yep, we just finished," Lloyd confirmed. "we put the spare bed behind that ornate screen, and tried to make it look cosy and relaxing."
"I hope Phoenix doesn't mind," Jasper mentioned sheepishly. "but if Aruna's coming too then he'll probably want his own space for the night."
"And you and Cole will probably want your own space too…" Kai teased, as Jasper blushed.
"Where is Aruna, anyway?" Sage asked.
"Running late, she'll be here a little after Phoenix and Cole." Magpie confirmed, glancing at the message on her phone.
"Places, people!" Jay insisted.
Confetti cannons at the ready, they all stood in a semi-circle by the doorway, facing the front door, and Magpie and Jasper turned the lights off. Perfect timing, as they soon heard a vehicle drawing near. The engine was turned off and there was the sound of doors opening and closing, followed by the general chatter of Phoenix and Cole as they unlocked the door and walked in.
"Oops, the guys went out and forgot to leave a light on," Cole baited. "would you turn it on for me buddy?"
"Sure!" Phoenix agreed.
The second he switched the light on, everyone yelled 'surprise!' and set off their confetti cannons. Phoenix practically jumped out of his skin at the sudden noise and veritable monsoon of paper pieces and glitter that fell to the floor, with some of it landing in his hair.
"Happy birthday, dear brother!" Magpie and Sage said as they pulled him into a hug.
"Aww thanks." Phoenix smiled, hugging them back.
"My precious ho-oh, happy birthday!" Pixal beamed as she and Zane joined the hug.
"Happy birthday son." Zane added, ruffling Phoenix's hair.
"Thanks dad, thanks mama," Phoenix grinned, suddenly feeling emotional. "I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am right now!"
"Happy birthday little dude," Jay teased. "hope you enjoyed the surprise!"
"I had no idea y'all were planning anything, but I'm so grateful to everyone for thinking of me." Phoenix wiped his eyes.
"You're a good kid, you deserve it," Cole declared. "well, you're legally an adult now but you know what I mean."
Phoenix couldn't stop smiling. There was that feeling again, that feeling of being loved by many people and in many different ways. It took all his strength to stop himself from bursting into tears, but when all the ninja, and Jasper and Kiku also hugged him, a few tears slipped out regardless. He was standing in the centre of the best group hug in existence; what he wouldn't give to stay in this moment, or at least bottle this extreme happiness so he could re-experience it.
"Okay, okay, let the guy breathe," Cole chuckled, breaking up the hug. "and let's get this party rocking!"
Cole made his way to the DJ set up and took his usual place at the centre. His laptop was already there and ready to go, and while Magpie switched the light projector back on, he started playing the track list he'd prepared last night.
"I love this outfit, bro, did Cole help you choose it?" Sage asked.
"Uh, yeah, he did," Phoenix replied. "Sagittarius, right? Nice to meet you."
"Y'all can call me Sage if you want," She smiled. "I take it you don't remember me just yet."
"Sorry no, but Magpie told me that you and her are my sisters, and that we live in the city," He explained. "I'm hoping I'll get my memories back soon, but hopefully you'll be okay with me coming home if I don't."
"It would suck if you didn't get them back, but at the same time if it means you're a little less overprotective I'd be happy with that too," She giggled. "I'm gonna grab a drink, you want one?"
"I'm okay, thanks." He grinned.
Sage walked away and Phoenix wondered just how protective he used to be if that was her main concern about him coming home without his memories.
He suddenly felt a little... Out of sorts. Everyone else had settled into party mode – drinking, dancing and chatting – but he had a weird vibe that something important was going to happen. Phoenix tried to push the feeling down and socialize with the others, however, with every passing minute the feeling got stronger. He noticed that Magpie kept looking at her phone while Nya was talking with her – Nya didn't seem to mind, as she grinned and nodded when Magpie showed her what was on the screen.
Phoenix soon became aware of someone loudly knocking on the front door. No one else appeared to notice it though, so he shrugged to himself and went to answer it. As he walked over to the door, his heart started beating wildly, he could feel his hands shaking and that overwhelming sense of serenity and completeness – which he first experienced when he held the plush heart – flooded his system once more. It felt like he was moving in slow motion, as he watched his hand reach for the handle and turn it.
He opened the door.
On the other side, was a chunky young lady with black and white hair. The wolf ears on her head twitched, and her tail flicked from side to side. In her clasped together hands, she held a handbag and a gift bag. Wearing a cute purple strappy dress that was long at the back and short at the front, and with a faux fur shawl draped about her shoulders, she smiled and sheepishly waved as if she knew him. While Phoenix took in every detail of her adorable blushing face, his heart melted, and he could feel his own cheeks burning red.
"There you are!" Magpie said, interrupting Phoenix's intense stare. "I was hoping you'd be able to make it."
"Hello Magpie, thank you for inviting me," She bowed, then offered Phoenix the delicately prepared gift bag. "happy birthday, darling, please accept this present on your special day."
"Thank you..." Phoenix stated calmly.
His wings promptly reacted to the girl calling him 'darling', elegantly gliding through the vents in his jacket and spreading out widely. He knew this girl; there was no doubt about it. More to the point, he could detect a pre-existing bond with her – something far deeper and more intense than his connection to Cole. She coyly held her tail and stood before him with a sweet little smile, and his heart practically jumped into his throat. When he gazed into her bright pink eyes, suddenly he became aware of who she was.
"How rude of me, I haven't introduced you two," Magpie smiled. "Phoenix, this is-."
"Aruna..." Phoenix murmured.