"I am so nervous!"
"Don't be silly, you look great!" Miru insisted. "Isn't that right, Hanasu?"
"You could not possibly look better." She grinned, straightening his hakama tie and adjusting the kataginu on his shoulders.
This was only Zane's second interaction with the one they called "She Who Speaks", but she seemed nice enough. Admittedly, his first encounter with Hanasu was not a great impression; she came across as cold and unapproachable, especially when she roughly manhandled him during the court introduction. But here, backstage, she was quite a charming individual.
"Thank you," Zane replied. "but I am still nervous."
"Yes, we can hear it in your tone."
The two Senses jumped. All three of them looked back, to see a droid almost identical to Hanasu and Miru. Almost.
Her silver hair was pulled into a higher ponytail that made her look a few inches taller than them, her lilac eyes were stern and piercing, and there were two round horns just above her ears; they were bright red and resembled the earcups of heavy-duty headphones. She approached them and looked Zane up and down, as if taking in every detail.
"Kiku," Miru sighed. "you frightened me, where have you been?"
"Listening." She replied, not taking her eyes off Zane.
"My Lord, this is Kiku – She Who Listens – I mentioned her a couple days ago, remember?" Miru winked at Zane. "Kiku, this is-"
"Lord Zander," Kiku interrupted. "I know, I've heard everything about him since he's been here; frankly, I'm not surprised that he's being made a Lord."
"Nice to finally meet you." Zane offered his hand to her.
"And you, My Lord," Kiku gave a small grin, then briefly shook his hand. "now, if you will excuse me…"
Kiku promptly strolled toward Hanasu, seized her by the hand and forcefully guided her about twenty feet away. Kiku smiled sweetly at the people she walked past, flicking her ponytail, and daintily waving, before placing Hanasu between herself and a wall. After glancing around to ensure that no one was paying attention to them, and that they would not be overheard, Kiku's face turned down.
"He has stolen it." She declared in a whisper.
"WHAT??" Hanasu quietly hissed.
"Her Imperial Highness' heart – he has stolen it," Kiku repeated. "we cannot allow this to continue."
"I don't think so," Hanasu chuckled dismissively. "I know you hear things that Miru and I do not, but Lord Zander has only been here for three days; how could he possibly have seduced Her Imperial Highness in such a short time."
"You do not believe me?" Kiku shook her head. "After everything I have been correct about?"
"Kiku, you are an excellent listener, and yes, many times you have been correct in your analysis," Hanasu said. "but do you really think Lady Borg is susceptible to the charms of someone so new, when she has been deflecting the affections of Lord Kai for many years?"
Kiku tilted her head, then raised her eyebrow and crossed her arms. She opened her mouth to speak, only for Hanasu to interrupt her.
"Lady Borg is waiting for Kura-okami to return," Hanasu remarked. "if Lord Kai – her protector, her first Lord, her closest friend – cannot sway her, what makes you think that he can?"
"Did it ever occur to you, that perhaps Lord Zander-" Kiku lowered her voice so that it was barely above a choked-out breath. " is Kura-okami? Reincarnated?"
Hanasu promptly burst into laughter so loud that everyone turned to look at them.
"That's a great joke Kiku!" Hanasu giggled, patting Kiku on the head and turning on her heel to walk away.
Kiku grabbed her hand again and looked at her harshly.
She said nothing, but the seriousness of her expression told Hanasu everything she needed to know. She nodded at Kiku respectfully, as she removed her arm from Kiku's grip and went back to Miru and Lord Zander.
"Is Kiku okay?" Miru asked as Hanasu approached. "She didn't stay long…"
"She is fine, she just has other people to see before the event starts."
"It is what I have come to expect from Kiku," Miru sighed dejectedly. "what a pity, when we all used to be so close."
"I know, but she has very different duties than the two of us." Hanasu empathised.
"It is normal to feel detached from one's friends on occasion, I often felt like I did not fit in with my friends," Zane chimed in. "even though I have seen some of them since my return, they do not remember me at all."
Miru looked horrified as Zane spoke of his teammates in front of other people. Thankfully, he had not mentioned any names, and there was no way Hanasu would know who he was referring to, but Miru was panicked all the same. He saw her face and immediately regretted mentioning it.
"Oh, you had friends?" Hanasu innocently asked.
"This was before I went to train by myself, to be worthy of protecting Lady Borg," He quickly backpedalled.
"How ironic, just like Kiku." Hanasu noted.
"Yes…" Miru gave another heavy sigh. "Kiku was sent to be trained by the finest teacher in Ninjago; she hasn't been the same since."
"You mean Sensei Wu?" Zane gasped.
"Yes – on Lord Kai's recommendation of all things," Hanasu nodded. "Kiku needed specialist training, and Lord Kai was only too happy to help."
"Lord Kai does not seem to like me much." Zane noted sadly.
"He does not like anyone new, but especially anyone who catches Her Imperial Highnesses attention: which, arguably, you have."
For Zane, this information was bittersweet – it confirmed that Kai did not like him, and that Kai was a rival for Pixal's affection, but it also confirmed that he had attracted Pixal's recognition in a positive way.
"Well, I must be on my way," Hanasu said. "as She Who Speaks, it is my job to make the initial announcements."
As Hanasu began to walk away, she spun back around when she saw people ahead of her bowing.
"Miru, Her Highness approaches!" She hissed.
Miru immediately whisked Zane behind a nearby screen.
"Stay here, it is bad luck for Lady Borg to see you before the ceremony!" Miru quickly reminded him, dashing back to the other side of the screen.
Despite being told of it earlier, Zane still found this custom rather peculiar. Such a tradition was reserved for a bride and groom, wasn't it? He was being made a Lord; he wasn't marrying the Shogun. Although, he did like the idea of marrying Pixal, even if she currently had no idea that he was back. From his hiding place, he was able to overhear a conversation.
"Your Highness!" Hanasu audibly gasped. "Every day you become more beautiful!"
"Why thank you, how kind of you to say so," Pixal replied sweetly. "Hanasu, Miru, perhaps you would be so good as to join us at the head table."
"We would be honoured, Your Imperial Highness," Miru bowed. "but I do not wish to overstep my bounds either."
"Nonsense, you are Lord Zander's lead attendant," Pixal winked. "you must enjoy the view with us."
Miru understood that wink. She recalled her original orders – to guide, to assist, to watch – and it all made complete sense.
"May Kiku join us?" She humbly requested.
"She is already in the main hall, I passed her on my way here," Lady Borg insisted. "and it would not be the same without all three of my Senses."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Miru and Hanasu spoke jointly.
"I must take my place now, please excuse me." Hanasu bowed and headed down the side stairs.
"I assume Lord Zander will be in attendance as required." Pixal purred.
"Of course, Your Highness," Miru reassured. "he is merely observing the tradition of pre-ceremony reticence."
"So new to the city, and yet so adaptable to our traditions," Pixal glanced over at the screen which Zane was hiding behind. "he has exceptional manners."
~
Lloyd stood behind the velvet curtain and had a quick peek through the gap between the curtain and the wall. After some visual searching, he saw his father, Sensei Wu and the other ninja, socializing among the guests.
"Absolutely spectacular turnout," He commented, noting how many attendees were mingling in the ballroom. "Lady Borg will be pleased."
"Yes, sir," Evie bowed. "but if I may say so, this is no ordinary celebration."
"Indeed."
"May I probe you for your opinion, sir?" She asked. "About the new Lord?"
"He's something else, that's for sure," Lloyd remarked. "I can't place it, but there is something familiar about this one."
"Lady Borg certainly favours him highly." Evie nodded.
"I must admit, I was worried at first – I mean, a random stranger appears, and she takes him into her hospitality, just like that?" He strolled away, as Evie tottered after him. "No, Her Imperial Highness sees something in him, and frankly, so do I."
"What a pity that Lord Kai does not share your enthusiasm." Evie noted, only for Lloyd to chuckle light-heartedly.
"That's because Lord Kai sees him as a threat, not to Her Highness, but to his own attempts at getting romantically involved with her."
"Oh my!" Evie blushed.
"He's barking up the wrong tree, and she's told him as much," Lloyd explained. "Her Highness holds onto the hope that Kura-okami will return."
"Pardon me, sir, but I heard that Kura-okami was once a compatriot of yours."
"He was," Lloyd confirmed. "we all miss him, he was such an important part of our team, and Lady Borg loved him with all her heart – she still does, and I think she always will."
"It's ever so romantic…" Eve sniffled.
"Well, enough chatter, I need to be in position," He smiled at her. "I'm sure you have plenty to do also."
"Yes sir! I must go and check on Phoenix."
"Wait… what?" Lloyd asked. "Who is Phoenix?"
"Her Highness approved the addition of a live singer to this evening's entertainment." Evie mentioned as she skittered off in the opposite direction.
He grinned at her enthusiastic attitude and headed toward his usual starting position. These kinds of events were always heavily regimented and ordered to begin with – everyone had their timed entrance, and Her Highness would make whatever announcement needed to be made before the party would start – but this was no ordinary soiree; she was electing a new Lord. The last time this happened it was before the Shogunate was enacted – it was also thought to be the absolute last one. And then that stranger appeared…
"Master Lloyd!" Lady Rae squeaked. "You were very nearly late!"
"I would never be late for something this important." He smiled sincerely.
"I know you wouldn't." Kai smirked as he breezed past them and ushered a quartet of shrine maidens, dressed in their finest red and white regalia and kitsune masks, onto the platformed area ahead.
The lights went down, and the rabble of chatter was reduced to a steady silence. Two of the miko sat either side of the platform, where their instruments were already placed, while the other two stood in the middle, taking up their starting pose. A wide spotlight shone over them; their golden headdress and kagura bells glittered as the light touched them.
The side-line miko started playing traditional instruments – one had a shakuhachi flute, the other had a taiko drum – and as they produced a calm, flowing rhythm, the two centre-stage miko began to dance. Every step was delicate and deliberate, they motioned smoothly with their arms, and timed the chiming of the kagura bells exactly to each infrequent drumbeat. The long, silk ribbons attached to the handle of the bells were held loosely in the opposite hand and hung so daintily that they moved with the miko themselves.
"Don't you just adore how effortless they make it look?" Lady Rose asked Kai sweetly.
"They're extremely talented, that's for sure," Kai agreed. "Lady Borg chose them well."
"Much like her Lords and Ladies," She remarked, waving her fan. "you were the first, weren't you?"
"That's right, in fact I was there when Mr Borg handed over the reins." He boasted.
"The Shogun has always had excellent taste." She purred and softly, playfully, tapped his shoulder.
"Why, thank you Lady Rose," Kai smiled at her. "flattery will get you everywhere."
"We can but hope, Lord Kai." She blushed.
"Call me Kai, it's much easier." Kai beamed as he touched her arm.
"Be serious!" Lady Rose gasped excitedly. "May I really??"
Lady Shiro and Lady Marilyn chuckled at their friend's louder-than-intended response, having been watching the exchange since it began.
"I did not realize that you considered us close enough to be on first name terms," She sheepishly noted, too embarrassed to look him in the eye. "I am truly honoured... and naturally you may call me Rose, if you like."
"Well, Rose, it's time for us to be in place," He winked and turned to the others. "Lady Ruby, Lady Rae, if you would join myself and Rose at our places on the other side."
Lady Rose immediately went bright red, so much so that not even her white make-up could hide it. She waved her fan faster, trying to cool down, as the other Ladies giggled and whispered among themselves.
Lloyd shot Kai a disbelieving glance, unable to stop an amused grin from creeping into his face. Kai wiggled his eyebrows as Lloyd shook his head and mouthed 'you shameless flirt' in his direction.
At this point, the ritual dance was coming to an end, and Hanasu suddenly appeared out of nowhere. She silently shooed them with her hands, and Kai and his female counterparts hastily ran around the backstage to the curtain on the other side. Only when she was certain that they were at their entry point, did Hanasu come out onto the stage and address the applauding audience.
"Ladies and gentlemen, revered court members and principal dignitaries, thank you for attending this most momentous occasion," She began. "I, Hanasu – She who Speaks – would like to announce, on behalf of Her Imperial Highness, the entrance of her esteemed council members."
One by one, the council appeared from behind the curtain; Master Lloyd, Lady Shiro and Lady Marilyn came out from the left, and Lord Kai, Lady Rose, Lady Ruby and Lady Rae came out from the right. They glided out onto the dazzling marble floor, and each stood at the bottom of an extravagant staircase, with Lloyd and Kai stood closest to the spiralled newel post on either side.
"Now, please be upstanding for the sophisticated beauty that is the Shogun; Her Imperial Highness, Lady Borg." She gestured to the top of the staircase behind her as the spotlight moved from her to the velvet curtains that hung there.
The curtains were pulled aside, and a subdued, respectful applause rang out as Pixal appeared. She elegantly and effortlessly glided down the stairs, followed by Peach and Cherry – her two silver-haired ladies-in-waiting – who were gently throwing handfuls of flower petals. Every golden thread on her many kimono layers sparkled and every meticulous stroke of make-up glimmered from the light shining upon her.
The Ladies gleefully waved their fans and as she approached, they bowed deeply, as did the voluminous crowd before her. The applause petered off and then Pixal spoke.
"My dearest subjects, it is with the greatest pleasure and deepest excitement," She happily began. "that I would like to announce the addition of a new Lord to my council."
A second spotlight shone onto the open curtains where Pixal had stood mere moments ago. But it was empty. Sensing his hesitation, Miru shoved Zane into the spotlight. Upon seeing the new Lord, the audience broke out into another applause. He looked over at Miru, who simply waved her hands forward, silently insisting that he get on with it. Zane, still completely unaccustomed to the formality of the situation, made his way down the staircase with as much confidence and dignity as he could muster.
As he reached the bottom of the stairs, his eyes came upon Lady Borg. He smiled warmly and bowed as he approached her. Confetti cannons exploded left and right. One of the shrine maidens came forward with a diamond embossed cushion, upon which was a small, ice blue jewellery box. Pixal opened the box and took out the sapphire amulet which she had commissioned from the gemmology department.
"You cut quite a handsome figure, Lord Zander," She quietly spoke. "I dare say you shall have your pick of the finest ladies at court."
"Thank you, Your Highness, but I have eyes only for you," He replied. "no one else can compare."
She was momentarily caught off guard by that, as her facial circuits glowed in reaction to such a comment. Surely, he wasn't serious? Well, he could've been. After all, he willingly put himself between her and one of Master Lloyd's strongest attacks; something that could have killed him if he was human. If he wasn't serious, he would not have been so quick to take such a hit on her behalf.
"How appropriate; a silver tongue, to match that golden heart of yours," She murmured warmly. "what a pity I did not meet you sooner."
It took every bit of strength he had to keep quiet and not tell her otherwise, that they had met sooner, that he'd fought to get back to her or die trying; that he loved her with every fibre of his being.
"I have just noticed that you do not wear your eyepatch," Zane said. "I did not know that your other eye was blue."
"It is a false eye, imbued with the symbol that Kura-okami wore on his ninja uniform," She explained. "I only wear it for special occasions, as I have adapted to having just one functioning eye."
She batted her eyelashes at him to emphasise the blue diamond orb that sat in the usually empty socket. He leaned in as close as he dared and realised that she was correct; the kanji that represented his element was delicately carved into the gemstone and filled in with gold.
Again, he was nearly swept away by their sheer proximity to each other, stopped only by the knowledge that they were in public and now was not the time. He stepped back a little.
"Your Imperial Highness," He loudly stated, as the cheering crowd quietened down. "I promise to always act in the best interest of you and all Ninjago, I vow that every decision I make will reflect your just rule, and I swear upon my soul to serve and protect you with my very life."
"You pre-empt the vows required of every Lord, speaking them before I have a chance to even ask you," She chuckled. "it is all the proof I need that this is the right decision."
Lady Borg gently placed the gold chain around his neck so that the amulet was level with his heart. She offered her hand to him and he accepted readily. She turned to the crowd and, with her hand clasped around his, raised his arm in the air.
"By the decree of the Shogun of Ninjago; Lord Zander, He who Defends, is hereby inducted into the imperial council!" She loudly proclaimed.
More cheering and clapping erupted from the audience. Zane was utterly blown away by this welcome. Miru had told him what to expect, but this was way beyond anything he could've imagined. More than anything else, he struggled to take his eyes off Pixal; he had never seen her look more beautiful than she did in that moment. With her hand around his, her face daintily glowing with pride, and her body decorated with the finest silks he had ever seen.
But it was her eyes that truly got him. Those gorgeous, beguiling eyes that glittered at him, that drew him in with their sheer depth and loveliness…
"Ladies and gentlemen," Hanasu announced. "the first dance."
"First dance?" Zane asked aloud. This really is like a wedding…
"Did Miru not inform you of the itinerary for this event?" Pixal asked as she led him to the open space in the middle of the ballroom.
"Of course, Your Highness," Zane replied. "but when she mentioned a first dance, I had assumed she was referring to the shrine maidens."
"I have always danced with my Lords and Ladies at their announcement ceremony, close contact and quality time are good for developing a connection," She clarified. "but if you would rather not, that is also fine..."
Zane detected a hint of sadness in her voice and noticed that she had begun to let go of his hand. He quickly pulled her hand back into his and grinned. She smiled at him. In a peculiar familiarity, Zane instinctively raised their interlocked hands and placed his other hand on her waist. Pixal responded in kind, placing her free hand on his shoulder.
Peach and Cherry took up their koto and shamisen, alongside the shrine maidens playing their taiko drum and shakuhachi flute. As the gentle rhythm of traditional instruments rang out around the ballroom with a waltz-like melody, Zane took the lead.
Pixal was surprised to say the least – she'd always had the lead position in previous dances – but simply opted to go with the flow. She was considerably impressed with how flawlessly he danced, swirling around the dancefloor with her in a manner she hadn't yet experienced. Never before had a Lord or Lady displayed such grace and confidence. As he lifted his hand and led her into a flirtatious spin, she was practically overcome with a strange Déjà vu. They waltzed around, switching places, and sashaying across the room in a way that seemed oddly familiar. She felt the synchronicity of every step, every spin, and the crowd of people around them faded away into nothing.
His smile made her heart pulse faster, and she was truly having so much fun that she could've danced with him forever; it just felt so natural, so right.
Pixal had never felt such a strong connection with someone, not even Kai. The only person she had ever felt this wonderful with was Kura-okami, and they had never danced together. It was only when she felt herself being dipped that she regained some semblance of consciousness. He pulled her up and smiled. She smiled back weakly.
"Your Highness," He whispered. "are you okay?"
"I am a little dizzy," She replied. "could you assist me to my seat?"
"Of course, Your Highness," He smiled, as the audience clapped. "I am sorry if my addition to the council has disrupted your usual schedule."
"Do not apologise, I think my usual schedule needed disrupting." She grinned.
"Well, you can get back to normal soon," He assured. "and this will all be over."
"I… hope not." She said as she touched his hand.
A strange tension came upon them. He looked at her, and she looked at him. That part of the conversation seemed incredibly familiar, as if they had said it before. But they had. They were simultaneously reminded of those exact words being spoken to each other, almost 6 years ago…
Pixal blushed, and Zane assisted her to the head table in silence. The guards standing behind the main table, pulled the throne out so that Pixal could sit down. Either side of the throne were four seats, and as Pixal took her seat in the centre, her Lords and Ladies took their places at her side: per the norm – Lord Kai, Lady Rose, Lady Rae, and Lady Ruby to her left, and Master Lloyd, Lady Shiro and Lady Marilyn to her right.
As the newest Lord, Zane was content to sit at the end, only for Lloyd to insist he sit beside Lady Borg as he had done at the meeting yesterday. Miru and Hanasu sat on zaisu chairs at Lady Borg's feet, while Kiku was… about the place somewhere. Such were her ninja skills; there were even times when she was able to evade Miru's high strength gaze.
The music started playing faster, emulating the exuberant beats of a festival, and some people got up to dance. Numerous wait staff went around the room offering food and drinks to the guests.
Zane had never been to an upper-class party before, but this was pretty much what he imagined; everyone in formal attire, waiters wearing black tie and waitresses in black and white uniforms, traditional music, elegant dancing. He never imagined sitting at the head table at such an event and was still glowing from his one-on-one with Pixal. He also wondered if this was truly reality, or if this was his dying fantasy while fading away into the data stream. But a rough pinch from Miru, as she handed him a note, soon put paid to those thoughts. He opened the paper, on which was written:
I didn't know you could dance! You did very well!
Miru smiled at him as he looked over at her.
"I have never seen Her Imperial Highness look so happy," Lloyd whispered. "you're making a great impression to the public."
"Thank you," Zane quietly replied. "it was wonderful to be close to her."
"And what are you two boys whispering about?" Lady Shiro teased. "Debating who you will ask to dance, perhaps?"
"We have noticed many young ladies eyeing you both up," Lady Marilyn joined in. "especially you, Master Lloyd."
"Me? I think not," Lloyd scoffed. "all eyes are upon Lord Zander this evening."
Miru failed to stifle an errant giggle, causing Hanasu to swat her on the arm.
"Look closer, Master Lloyd," Lady Marilyn waved her fan gently. "I for one am surprised that you are still single with so many admirers."
"Champagne, My Lords and Ladies?" A waitress asked, gesturing to the trays of drinks held by two nearby waiters. "Perhaps sake or gin?"
"Soda, please." Lloyd replied.
"Always so sensible." Lady Marilyn noted.
"We will have sake," Lady Shiro decided. "how about you, Lord Zander?"
Zane had never had alcohol before, not intentionally at least, so he didn't know how to respond. Fortunately, Lloyd opted to step in on his behalf.
"I'm sure Lord Zander would like whatever Her Highness is drinking." He spoke.
"Cherry blossom gin," Pixal intervened, having half overheard the conversation. "if you would."
"Yes, Your Highness." the waitress bowed.
The waiters beside her began to pass the drinks, and the waitress placed them deftly on the table, being sure to give the right drink to the right person.
Shiro and Marilyn took a gentle sip from their glasses and smiled at Zane, silently encouraging him to try. Even Lloyd glanced at him somewhat expectantly. Zane observed that Pixal was also drinking straight from the glass and determined that there was precious little in the way of drinking etiquette, so he drank a small amount at first. He was pleasantly surprised by how tasty it was and immediately had some more.
"This is my favourite," Pixal said to him. "it is irresistible, is it not?"
"Yes, Your Highness." He smiled.
"You know, Lord Zander," She leaned over and whispered. "you remind me so much of Kura-okami, your smile is just like his; gentle and sincere."
"I am honoured," He bowed his head to her. "I can only hope that it does not make you sad."
"Nonsense, nothing could make me happier than to be reminded of him," She winked. "especially at this time of year."
Upon hearing that, Lloyd glanced over at Kai, who looked back at him knowingly. Kai was reminded of their previous conversation as he finished his glass of sake. He was still sceptical – too much time had passed in his opinion – but he had to admit that Pixal had never been so joyous as she had the past few days.
"Your Highness," Hanasu stood up for a moment. "it is time to receive your distinguished guests."
"Thank you, She who Speaks, please announce the first guest."
"Sensei Wu, High Priest of the Spinjitzu Monastery and Airjitzu Temple." Hanasu said.
"Your Imperial Highness," Sensei Wu approached the throne and bowed. "thank you for inviting the ninja to this momentous occasion."
Zane was pleased to see that Sensei Wu was still around. He was an old master, and even though Miru had told him that Wu was based in the Airjitzu Temple – implying that he was in fact alive – Zane still feared he may no longer be with them.
"It is an honour to have you here," She beamed. "and I must thank you again for training my dear Kiku."
"Kiku is a good student, she has learned well," He confirmed. "occasionally, she still comes for training sessions."
"Sensei Wu is very good at imparting such diligence in his students." Kai added.
"Lord Kai," Wu nodded respectfully. "we miss you at the temple, perhaps one day you would visit us?"
"I'm sure Lady Borg can spare me for a day or two, now that she has Lord Zander." Kai replied.
"Of course." She smiled.
"Perhaps Kiku and I can visit together." Kai offered.
"I look forward to it."
Sensei Wu bowed and took his leave.
"Master Cole, current Master of the Element of Earth." Hanasu said.
"Your Highness," Cole bowed to her, then bowed to Zane. "My Lord, how good to see you again."
Cole had made a tremendous effort with his appearance. In a far cry from the sleeveless hoodie that Zane saw him wearing the day before, today Cole wore his very best shozoku, complete with a gold lion head clasp.
"The pleasure is mine, I'm sure." Zane nodded.
"How wonderful to see you, Master Cole," Pixal responded. "hopefully, Master Jay and Mistress Nya were also able to make it…"
"Master Jay, current Master of the Element of Lightning," Hanasu began. "Mistress Nya, current Master of the Element of Water."
"We wouldn't miss this for the world." Jay commented as they approached and bowed.
"I couldn't believe it when Sensei Wu told us that there was going to be a new Lord in your council," Nya looked to Zane and gave a small curtsey. "how nice to meet you, My Lord."
"The sentiment is mutual." He replied.
Nya's hair had grown so long in his absence, that it was braided and draped over her shoulder in a most flattering way. Unlike the other ninja – who opted to wear their finest uniforms – she was dressed in a glimmering maroon furisode, with a light blue obi adorned with gold detailing.
Jay too was dressed formally but had changed the least out of all of his friends; his hair was the same, his demeanour was the same – it was comforting. It did not go unnoticed that Nya and Jay were holding hands, much to Zane's delight; he was thrilled that their relationship had also developed since the last time he saw them. He always thought they were well suited to one another.
"I feel so honoured that the ninja have come all this way to see me," Zane smiled widely. "it is amazing to see you all."
Miru peeked at him in her peripheral vision, noting how moved he was to be seeing his old friends again, even if they did not recognise him.
"Pardon my saying, Your Highness," Nya began. "but I have never seen you look so radiant!"
"Thank you, Mistress Nya," Pixal blushed. "I could say the same to you, that kimono is divine!"
"Excuse us, Your Highness, but may we borrow Lord Kai for a moment?" Jay politely requested.
"Of course," Pixal turned to Kai. "you are excused to discuss important ninja matters."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Kai bowed his head and got out of his seat.
Jay, Cole, and Nya bowed once more and followed Kai.
"Sensei Garmadon, Remote Imperial Advisor and Head of the School for Defensive Martial Arts…" Hanasu said.