This went way differently than I intended but I hope you all still like it. There were points I tried to rhyme but I couldn't do the whole story like that.
"Damn it! Why does Zane always vanish in December?" asked Cole trying to find the ice ninja who no one had seen in days, again.
…
"Father, the elves are going to be finished a whole week ahead of schedule, mom has finished alterations to your suit and I've almost gotten the sleigh fixed from last year," said Zane.
He was dressed in a deep crimson suit with a black belt and boots and lined with white fur.
"Excellent my son," said Nickolas Julien "Claus", polishing off another cookie.
"How did that happen exactly?" asked Zane
"Carrot patch in northern Ninjago, needless to say Prancer will not be leading this year," said Julien
"Right, so do you want me to do the annual visit to the hospital children?" asked Zane
"If we are that ahead of schedule then yes, the fake beard is in the hall closet," said Julien
"Are we splitting up again with me taking team B and you taking A?" asked Zane
"Yes, easier to cover all Ninjago in one night and your mother is not a fan of the reindeer," said Julien
"In that case, I need to apply a fresh coat of paint to my sleigh," said Zane
…
"Now LUNA Now ASTRID Now SHADOW and STAR On SNOW On STORM On MIDNIGHT and BLAZE!" shouted Zane as he tore through the night from the pole to the city, his sleigh a pale blue and bag in the back.
By dawn, he was parked just up on top of the hospital roof.
A small sprinkle of glitter and holiday cheer as well as some snacks to appease his reindeer hid his sleigh from all who may pry.
To the pediatric wing, he carried his sack, bulging with toys for good girls and boys.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!" he roared to walls
"I BRING YOU ALL GIFTS FOR YOU TO ENJOY!"
And from a few rooms came a few dozen cheers, for kids who had been here last year would know, Santa always came twice once now and once on Christmas eve.
A few nurses he passed suddenly found a gift pressed into their hands. For each one was different and a few happy shrieks erupted forth. New coffee makers and vacation tickets, and for one a new purse. Fine china for another, and a bedspread as well.
He entered the first room, a young little girl, consulted his list, and sat by her bed.
"Hello Lucy, and what can Santa bring you this year?" he asked warmly
"A life-size unicorn plushie, mommy said that actual unicorns aren't good for cuddling," she said
"Ho ho ho, let's see what we have," said Zane reaching into his bag. A giant stuffed unicorn emerged to a delighted shriek.
"THANK YOU SANTA!" exclaimed Lucy. Her mother smiled wearily as Zane turned to her.
"And what can Santa get you?" he asked
"A full night of sleep would be wonderful but unrealistic," she said with a small grin
"Ho ho ho, fret not, I have just what you need," he said before extracting an inflatable mattress and bed set to hand to the mother.
"Thank you!" she said in awe
"I must go to the next child on my list, but I shall return again Christmas eve with more gifts for you both," he said before leaving the room.
Video game consoles and toys, dolls and cars, blankets and pillows, movies, and books. Each child got something, and so did their family. Before he left two platters of cookies and several gallons of cocoa appeared in the breakroom.
…
Twas the night before Christmas and all through the monastery, not a ninja was stirring, not even Kai.
The stockings were hung haphazardly by the tv without care. A plate of cookies was on the table with a warning that Cole had baked them.
The front door slid open with care, as a young man in green hid behind the couch.
His sharp eye caught a figure moving in the moonlight, red suit and white beard stood by the tree.
Green stared in awe at the sight before him, here it was, proof Santa exists.
Then Santa turned to the window and waved, the tinkling of sleigh bells filled the air.
And then through the dark Santa moved to the hall door. Lloyd followed in silence curious as to why.
Then a door opened one room that had been empty all month. What could Santa want in Zane's room?
…
"Are you sleeping with Santa?" Lloyd blurted to his brother that morning after Zane had mysteriously reappeared back in the monastery Christmas morning.
Coffee and tea were sprayed across the table as multiple ninjas choked in surprise.
"No, what gave you that idea?" asked Zane, trying to maintain his composure even when he wanted to burst out laughing.
"I saw him go into your room last night!" exclaimed Lloyd
"Well isn't that odd, my window was open this morning, maybe he used that instead of the door," said Zane, smiling into his tea.
"Come on, let's open presents," said Kai, trying to avoid a weird topic. But Lloyd swore he saw Zane wink at him as he left through the door.