I hope you are enjoying the story! There will be one more chapter after this one, as it was getting a bit long. Please find the glossary for this chapter.
Kura-okami - Japanese God of rain and snow
Daimyo - feudal era land baron who held a position of power in government
It was the night of the New Year's Eve gala. Mr Borg, concerned about the long travel time from the temple to New Ninjago, called first thing in the morning and offered the ninja complimentary accommodation in a luxury hotel not far from Borg Industries – he had even sent a helicopter to pick them up earlier that day. They called the transport company to rearrange their pickup point and time for the gala, and then packed for their stay in New Ninjago city. Luckily, the helicopter flight had not disturbed their evening wear all that much, so a quick once over with the iron and all was well.
As they convened in the lobby, the ninja were dressed to the nines, with Cole adjusting their bow ties and Sensei Wu reminding them of their obligations – they were representing their team and their master, so minding their conduct was an absolute must.
"This is gonna be great," Jay remarked. "I can't wait to see the winter dance!"
"You mean, you can't wait to see Nya in the winter dance," Lloyd teased, nudging Jay in the ribs. "we know you by now."
"I'm looking forward to everything that's gonna happen tonight, Lloyd," Jay replied with a wink. "how about you Zane?"
"I am anticipating a night of fun and frivolity," Zane smiled. "like Jay, I am also interested in seeing the winter dance; I have never seen Pixal's dancing skills and look forward to seeing them."
"I wonder if anything unexpected will happen." Kai asked.
"Like what?" Cole wondered.
"Like, how funny would it be if someone used the opportunity to make a big announcement," Kai not-so-subtly hinted. "like an engagement, or a wedding."
Lloyd spun on his heel and shot Kai an incredulous glance. Kai merely winked in return and pretended to adjust his already-styled hair.
"Well, Nya was saying that the two dancers that backed out actually eloped." Kai casually mentioned.
"I thought the winter dancers were all female though." Cole appeared very confused by this revelation.
"They are, brick head, but women can get married too ya know," Kai chuckled. "you been hiding under a rock or something?"
"Who'd get married on New Year's Eve, though?" Lloyd remarked, pointedly brushing against Kai as he walked past him.
"Zane might," Kai stated bluntly as Lloyd and Cole worriedly stared at him. "how quickly you forget that our nindroid brother is engaged."
"Imagine that…" Jay nervously laughed, aware that Zane could hear everything they were saying. "Going steady by the 21st, engaged on the 25th and married on the 31st, talk about a whirlwind romance!"
"It is a good idea," Zane piped up. "if only we had thought of it sooner, we could have made arrangements with Mr Borg."
That was not the response they expected.
"But… wouldn't you want to wait before you got married?" Lloyd queried.
"Wait? What for?"
"Engaged couples typically set their wedding date a year or so in advance," Wu intervened. "it allows for time to plan and time to make sure they are compatible, though I don't think that's a concern in your case."
"I suppose we could wait a year, but I would be perfectly happy to get married anytime," Zane said with absolute certainty. "I have already waited a lifetime for someone who I connect with as well as Pixal."
"You speak with great conviction, Zane, your father would be proud of you." Wu smiled, patting him on the shoulder.
"Thank you." He smiled back.
"Oh, has anyone seen Misako?" Wu asked, looking around.
"She said she'd be down by 7:30." Lloyd replied.
"It's past that now," Wu mentioned, glancing up at the clock behind the reception desk. "I'd better see what's keeping her."
Wu approached the receptionist to call up to Misako's room, while Zane, Jay and Cole were discussing the dance moves that they'd been practicing. Lloyd tapped Kai on the shoulder and gave him a serious look.
"You do realise that if we're wrong about that photo, you've made yourself look stupid before we've even gotten to the gala." Lloyd said with his arms behind his back.
"You seemed pretty certain yesterday, but if you're having second thoughts," Kai grinned. "perhaps you'd care to make a wager?"
"Double or nothing?" Lloyd suggested, holding out his hand.
"Done," Kai accepted his teammates hand and leaned in close to whisper a familiar phrase. "prepare to lose."
Moments later, Misako exited the lift. Adorned in an emerald, green formal kimono and a silver obi, with her blonde hair tied up in a style reminiscent of a geisha, she came over to where her son and his team were waiting in the lobby.
"I'm sorry I'm late, I couldn't do a thing with my hair until it was dry, and I forgot to bring my high-speed hairdryer." She bowed.
"Don't worry, the car isn't here yet." Kai added.
"You look great, mum." Lloyd beamed.
Just as Lloyd finished speaking, a suited gentleman entered the lobby and went over to the reception desk, where Wu was still waiting for the receptionist to get a response from Misako's room – completely unaware that Misako had arrived moments before. After a short back-and-forth it became clear that the gentleman was there to pick up Wu, Misako and the ninja. The man tipped his hat and walked back out the door.
"Well, the car is outside, let's go everyone," Wu said. As he returned to the group, he noticed that Misako had finally joined them. "Misako, you look lovely."
"Thank you," Misako beamed, observing the crisp white Shinto vestments Wu was wearing. "I must say, you look very smart."
"Well, I mustn't let the team down; everyone else is dressed in their best, so I made sure to wear my finest robes."
They were mildly surprised when they exited the hotel and found that the estate car they requested had been upgraded to a limousine. The suited gentleman opened the rear door, and as the ninja excitedly got in, Wu paused by the man and turned to him.
"Are you certain this is our vehicle?" He asked.
"Yes Sir, courtesy of Mr Borg." The man bowed and gestured for him to get in.
Wu smiled and assisted Misako into the limo, before getting in himself. The man – who turned out to be the driver – closed the rear door and got into the driver's seat. He started up the engine and as he started the journey to Borg Industries, he could hear the exuberant hustle and bustle of his passengers.
"How cool is this?!" Jay grinned as lofi hip hop began playing out of the speakers and strips of bright LED lights glowed on the ceiling.
"Now this is the way to travel to a gala." Cole nodded.
"Aren't we leaving a little early?" Lloyd wondered. "It's only 7:45, the gala doesn't start 'til 8."
"Mr Borg thought you might like to enjoy the ride sir," A voice rang out over the speaker system. "we're taking the scenic route."
Lloyd glanced around at the others, and they all seemed quite happy to go along with it, so he just shrugged and asked Kai to pass him a soda from the mini bar. The limo drove around all the city, passing the open-air ice rink, the park where Zane's memorial still stood, the docks which were covered in festive lights, even the Ninjago 109 department store where they had gone clothes shopping. Kai leaned to one side and accidentally pressed a button with his elbow. The sunroof opened above his head and, as if compelled by some unseen force, he clambered up and propped himself up on the roof.
Wu was just about to admonish the fire ninja, until Misako stopped him.
"Let him have this moment," She advised with a smile. "it's not every day they get to do this."
"This isn't how ninja should behave." Wu responded.
"I seem to recall you doing something similar the first time you rode in a convertible." Misako countered, halting Wu's argument flat.
Jay decided to join Kai in sticking his upper body out of the sunroof, and as the wind whooshed through his hair and he watched the city go by, his eyes grew wide with wonder. Passers-by going about their business waved to him, and he waved back, beaming like the sun. Kai then dropped down, and Cole took his place, equally impressed by the sights of the city at night.
"You want to have a go?" Kai asked Zane, who – unlike Lloyd, eagerly waiting his turn after Jay – remained seated.
"No, thank you." Zane politely smiled.
At that point Jay and Lloyd switched places, and Jay took a seat once more.
"Aw, c'mon, it's great!" Jay mentioned, his face flush from the cold winter air.
"Perhaps later."
"It is important to expose yourself to new experiences," Wu cut in, as if offering his approval. "you may be too tired to enjoy it later."
"If I may be honest for a moment, I'm too nervous." Zane confessed.
"It's not dangerous or anything," Kai assured him. "it's fun to see New Ninjago all lit up and wave to people."
"My anxiety is less to do with the sunroof and more to do with the gala," Zane explained. "we will be meeting dignitaries and Mr Borg's closest associates; I wish to make a good impression."
"You'll be fine," Wu asserted. "you all will be."
Cole and Lloyd finally came down and sat for the remainder of the journey. The wind had done a number on everyone's hair – with the exception of Kai's, which was held firmly in place with gel – so they attempted to fix the damage before arriving at the gala. Fortunately, Jay always had a comb with him, and the blacked-out windows were reflective enough to act as a mirror.
"We're here Sirs, Madam." The driver said.
As the limo came to a stop, someone outside the car opened the door. The ninja were astonished to see a red carpet and flashing cameras as they each stepped out.
"I had no idea it was gonna be this big." Kai whispered to Lloyd as fans cheered and cameras flashed.
A reporter came rushing over once they were all out of the limo.
"I'm here at the Borg Industries New Year's Eve gala, where the elemental ninja have just arrived!" The lady excitedly announced to a camera following her around. "Lloyd, oh Lloyd! Tell me, is it true that you're still single?"
"Uh, yes?" Lloyd replied, as the female cheering got louder and more high-pitched.
"You heard it here first folks!" She beamed to the camera. "Oh, there he is, Cole! Over here! Is it true you can bench press 1000lbs?"
"Last count was 1200lbs actually." Cole boasted.
"Wow! Talk about a world record!" She grinned widely, when suddenly she noticed Zane. "Ah! Ninjago's own kura-okami! Zane, Zane, a word in your ear! Rumour has it that you're engaged to Mr Borg's daughter, care to weigh in?"
"Yes, it is true," Zane remarked with a huge grin. "Pixal and I are engaged to be married."
The crowd exploded into cheering and whistling at hearing this revelation. Zane was mildly confused to say the least.
"I did not know it was public knowledge." He said to the reporter.
"Good new travels fast, Zane, congratulations," She grinned again and dashed over to Sensei Wu. "sir, I must ask! We hear that you are seeking to rebuild the monastery where you were the head priest, will you rebuild where the old monastery once stood?"
"Like a phoenix from the ashes, the Spinjitzu monastery will be reborn," Wu proudly answered. "I am just waiting for planning permission."
"There you have it; an important piece of Ninjago history is coming back soon! Keep your eyes peeled guys!" She enthusiastically spoke.
Suddenly another limo pulled up, and the reporter ecstatically moved to interview the person getting out. The ninja, their master, and Misako entered the building and were greeted by two waitresses offering them a welcome drink; the ninja paused, looking to their sensei for permission to take what appeared to be alcohol. Wu smiled and nodded, each of them took a glass, and thanked the waitresses. The red carpet continued and led to the far wall, where official greeters were summoning the elevators to take guests up to the banquet hall. Flashing lights decorated the walls as far up as they went, trees covered in baubles glittered to the rhythm of the flashing lights. Such was the immense extravagance that all were rendered speechless by its beauty, and the elevator journey passed in silence.
The floor which held the banqueting hall was peculiar, in that the elevator opened to a giant, wall-to-wall curtain, and two more greeters who held the drawback sashes in their hands.
"Distinguished guests, how may we announce you?" One of them asked, looking at a clipboard.
"Sensei Wu, Lady Misako, and the elemental ninja by their respective element, if you would." Wu mentioned.
The greeter scrolled through the list and found the names she was looking for.
"If you would be so kind as to enter as we announce you." She bowed and nodded to the other greeter.
Raising their microphones, they each stepped back, pulling the curtain back as they did so. It was then that the scale of the affair became abundantly clear; on the other side of the curtain was a huge, grand staircase leading down to the main hall, where many people were already gathered – drinking and socialising as a stringed orchestra played. When Nya said that this was the biggest event in the Ninjago calendar, she wasn't kidding.
"I guess now we know why there isn't a 13th floor." Kai whispered.
"Yeah, it's not the sort of room you expect to see in a skyscraper." Lloyd nodded in agreement.
The two greeters proceeded to announce the team.
"Please welcome… Sensei Wu, son of the First Spinjitzu Master, head priest of the Spinjitzu monastery…"
"…Lady Misako, daughter-in-law to the First Spinjitzu Master, head archaeologist at the Ninjago Museum of History…"
"…Lloyd Garmadon, grandson of the First Spinjitzu Master, Ninja and Master of Energy, leader of the Elemental Ninja…"
"…Kai, son of the Elemental Masters of Fire and Water, Ninja and Master of Fire, head blacksmith at Four Weapons…"
"…Cole, son of the Elemental Master of Earth and the Royal Blacksmith counter-tenor, Ninja and Master of Earth…"
"Are they really gonna do that for all of us?" Jay whispered to Zane.
"…Jay, son of the Elemental Master of Lightning, Ninja and Master of Lightning, romantic intended of the current Master of Water…"
"It looks that way, yes." Zane whispered as Jay's face turned red.
"…Zane, son of the late Dr Julien, successor to the Elemental Master of Ice, Ninja and Master of Ice, honourable protector of the daimyo's daughter..."
A pair of photographers were planted at the base of the stairs, taking pictures of the ninja as they descended. There were more photographers dotted about, no doubt hired by the PR staff to take official photos for the company blog, as delegates and staff members alike posed for them. More honoured guests were announced as they too entered the sprawling and elegant room. Along the outer edges of the room were many tables, dressed in fine white linen and clusters of balloons, and chairs adorned with shimmering ribbon. More balloons stretched upwards and danced about the ceiling, while the walls were draped with gold fabric.
Suddenly, Nya appeared with three girls in tow. They tottered over to the ninja, fully dressed in their winter dance regalia, with Pixal conspicuously missing from the group. They politely bowed to the ninja.
"Hi guys," Nya beamed. "what do you think?"
"Hey sis, you look great!" Kai grinned. "Love the kimono, it really suits you."
"Thanks," She smiled. "these are my new friends; Rose, Rae and Ruby."
"Nice to meet you all," Rae bowed. "Nya has told us all about you."
"Good things, I hope." Lloyd commented.
"Naturally," Rose turned to Kai and bowed. "I hope you don't mind me commandeering your ninja colours; I greatly admire them, and you."
Cole and Lloyd began chuckling and nudging each other.
"Thanks, I'm flattered." Kai smiled and winked, causing the young lady to blush the same crimson shade as her kimono.
"And you must be Zane," Ruby purred. "oh, yes, Pixal has told us a great deal about you."
"My reputation precedes me, apparently," Zane said with a grin. "where is Pixal, anyway?"
"You can't see her yet, it's bad luck." Rose blurted out.
"Bad luck?"
"It's the tradition for a we-"
"For the winter dance," Rae interrupted, slapping her hand over Rose's mouth. "once all the guests are here, you can, but not until then."
"Sensei, may we borrow you for a minute?" Nya asked, briefly tapping her eye.
"Of course," Wu replied, copying the gesture. "if you will excuse me."
And with that, Sensei Wu, Nya and the three dancers walked away.
"Jay! Yoo hoo! Over here son!" A male voice called out.
"You have got to be kidding me," Jay said to himself as he turned around. "Dad? Mom? What are you guys doing here?"
"Oh, hey there, son," Edna came over and gave Jay a big hug. "can you believe we got invited to this big do?"
"We had no idea you were gonna be here too, ya know?" Ed smiled.
"Me neither. When did you guys get here?" Jay wondered as he hugged his parents.
"Mr Borg sent a chopper out to pick us up this afternoon, even bought us these fancy threads," Ed explained, touching the lapels of his suit. "we swung by Lou Henge's place too there."
"My dad's here?" Cole queried, looking around.
"I coulda sworn he was directing the orchestra." Edna mentioned.
"Attention," Came a voice over the speakers. "Attention everyone, if you would care to take your seats."
As the wait staff began to direct everyone to their respective tables, it wasn't long before the team came across two familiar faces.
"Well, well, if it isn't my old friend Zander."
"Mr Hedges," Zane grinned. "How nice to see you again."
"Good to see you too, this is-"
"Jasper!" Cole beamed widely.
"Cole! I didn't know you were gonna be here," She shyly smiled. "Harry, this is guy I told you about."
"I wholeheartedly approve." Hedges said with a chuckle.
"Excuse me, please," A young man in uniform intervened, checking the names on his clipboard. "esteemed guests, follow me to your table."
"No need to be so formal Steve, you know me." Hedges patted the young man's shoulder.
"We're sitting with the ninja?" Jasper squeaked.
"Yes, miss, please follow me."
Steve led them all to a table quite close to the where Mr Borg was waiting to make a further announcement, and there awaited yet another familiar face.
"Bailey, I was wondering where you'd been hiding," Hedges laughed as he sat next to his best friend. "Hey Jack, your hair's looking good."
"Thanks Harry," Jack smiled. "oh my gosh, are we sitting with the ninja?!"
"Ha, ha, looks like we're pretty popular tonight." Kai joked as they all sat down.
With everyone seated, the main lights dimmed, and a spotlight shone over by the far wall, where Mr Borg was tapping on a microphone. The room quietened as all eyes were on the CEO of the company.
"Thank you all for attending this New Year's Eve gala," He began. "truly this is a most spectacular occasion, not only are we joined by Ninjago's very own elemental protectors..."
A second spotlight shone over where the ninja were sitting and a loud round of applause rang out; the ninja, caught completely unaware, simply smiled and waved to the crowd.
"...But my dear Pixal is also with us to perform the winter dance, thanks to the valiant efforts of the Master of Ice," Cyrus held out his hand. "Zane, if you would."
Jay gave him a playful shove, and Zane arose to even more applause. He walked over to Mr Borg, and Sensei Wu appeared from behind the wall length curtain.
Seconds later, Pixal herself appeared. Attired in a mid-length white kimono, lightly embroidered with gold cranes, with a red obi and gold obi-age. Her outer kimono was solid white, save for the blood red lining of the sleeves, and her hair was elegantly tied back into the graceful style of an apprentice geisha, adorned by a hair pin with many glittering, dangling strings of gold.
As soon as she stepped toward him and glanced up at him with her cherry red lips and her facial circuits glowing purple, he paused; frozen in place as he had been last week, when she sat by him in shorts and a t-shirt.
"By now, the news of Pixal's engagement to Zane is common knowledge," Cyrus could no longer contain his excitement. "and so, I welcome you to bear witness to their marriage."
And what an uproarious cheer rose up from the crowd, the loudest of which came from the table where Zane had been sitting. Kai gave a loud whistle, while Cole and Jay shouted enthusiastically and Lloyd clapped along with yet another defeated look on his face – of course he was happy for Zane, but would he ever win a bet against Kai?
"I realise this quite a big thing to suddenly spring on someone," Nya whispered, as she seemingly appeared out of nowhere standing next to Wu. "but I figured this would be the best time for it... The wedding, I mean."
"Oh, we already knew." Pixal confessed.
"But... how?" Nya wondered.
"As soon as I saw this outfit, I knew what it was for," Pixal sheepishly smiled. "it looks exactly like the bridal ensemble we saw in the department store, just modified slightly to look like the other winter dance outfits."
"Pixal messaged me yesterday morning to see how I felt about it," Zane admitted. "and we both agreed to go along with it."
"In that case, let the ceremony commence!" Nya cheered.