Happy Christmas/New Year's! Enjoy this last story (in this collection, at least)!
Btw, the first two songs are inspired by "Cat in the Night" and "The Boy I Secretly Love" (both from the Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir Christmas special, "Santa Claws"), and the third is adapted from "When Christmas Comes to Town" (from The Polar Express).
Bonus Story #2!: All I Want for Christmas is You
Ninjago—post-DotD (AU)
writing prompt: Christmas Ninjago fanfic
Summary: It's Morro's first true Christmas—and the Ninja are determined to make it the best Christmas ever. But there's only one problem—someone has to be able to stall Morro until the preparations are taken care of. Tasha volunteers to take Morro out for a "fun day" in Ninjago City, and for a while, things seem to be going okay. But then a simple misunderstanding spirals into panic when Morro bursts into tears and takes off into the streets of the city. Can the Ninja find their friend again, when all he wants for Christmas is to be with Tasha?
December had arrived, and the holiday season was in full swing. The bustling metropolis of Ninjago City was adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, transforming the urban landscape into a winter wonderland. Shop windows displayed intricate holiday scenes, enticing passersby with their vibrant displays of gifts, treats, and cheerful holiday characters. The air was filled with the sound of carolers singing timeless Christmas tunes, their harmonies blending with the laughter and chatter of families and friends enjoying the festivities.
Snow gently blanketed the streets, adding a touch of magic to the already enchanting atmosphere. Bells rang out everywhere the citizens went, announcing the joy and wonder of the season to all who stopped and cared to listen to their tingling, clarion, crystalline tunes and wondrous melodies. Street vendors offered steaming cups of hot cocoa, roasted chestnuts, and freshly baked gingerbread cookies, their inviting aromas wafting through the air and drawing people in from the cold. Children ran around with rosy cheeks, building snowmen and engaging in playful snowball fights, their joy infectious to all who witnessed their merriment.
Holiday markets popped up in every corner, each stall brimming with handmade crafts, unique trinkets, and delicious seasonal delicacies. Shoppers moved from stall to stall, searching for the perfect gifts for their loved ones while enjoying the warm sense of community that the season brought. The city's main square featured a towering Christmas tree, its branches laden with ornaments and lights that sparkled like stars against the night sky. Families gathered around the tree, taking photos and sharing moments of togetherness.
And for the Ninja, the most wonderful time of the year was so magical and fantastical that it simply couldn't be ignored. To put it into one sentence, they were determined, year after year, to make this—in Jay's words—"the best Christmas we ninja have ever had yet!" And this year was no exception!
Even now, the Ninja were all hustling and bustling about, busy getting ready for their annual holiday get-together. Despite the holiday rush, they'd successfully managed to pull a few strings and the "hey, we're the heroes who've saved the city more times than you can count" card, and now they were all rushing about pulling the final preparations together in a rented party room at the Ninjago Peace Center. The room was bustling with activity, filled with the warm glow of fairy lights and the scent of freshly baked cookies. Jay, with his usual flair, was working on untangling Christmas lights while belting out "Sleigh Ride" at the top of his lungs. His voice echoed through the room, cheerful and full of festive spirit. Every now and then, he cast pointed glances at Nya, trying to catch her attention and maybe drop a few not-so-subtle hints about a possible date later. As he reached the line, "Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with YOU," he purposefully overemphasized the last word, giving Nya yet another hopeful look. Kai, noticing this, shot Jay a deadpan glare, the fire-wielder's expression a mix of amusement and exasperation over the lightning-child's poignant romantic interest in his water-wielding sister.
Meanwhile, Cole and Lloyd were preoccupied with the herculean task of getting the Christmas tree into the room without getting crushed. The tree, a magnificent fir, towered over them, its branches heavy with the promise of decorations to come. Zane, ever the organizer, was guiding them like a traffic director, ensuring they avoided any mishaps.
"Okay, on the count of three," Zane instructed, his voice calm and authoritative as he stopped backing up and planted his feet just a few…well, feet…from the center of the room. The rental they'd picked was just right for the hulking bag of branches and needles to stand prominently in, the centerpiece of their soon-to-be festive Christmas celebration.
Cole and Lloyd, bracing themselves, replied in unison, "Ready."
"One..." Zane began.
"One..." echoed Cole, his muscles tensing in preparation.
"Two..."
"Two..." Lloyd followed, eyes focused on the task at hand.
"Three!"
Straining to lift the tree, Cole and Lloyd shouted together, "THREE!" Their faces reddened with the effort, but their determination shone through as they shifted and scurried to plant the tree securely in its tree base—to the cheers of just about everyone around them. Nya, previously busy stringing popcorn and raw cranberries on long strands of sparkly yarn, couldn't help but beam in admiration at the two busy "woodchucks," as Jay sometimes called the earth-wielder and energy-child of the team.
As the tree finally made its way up into the air, Kai observed closely with a hint of satisfaction. The tree stood proudly in the center of the room, its presence commanding attention. "Well, well, well...I think this might be the best Christmas tree we've ever had," Kai remarked, a twinkle in his eye.
Cole, panting slightly, added, "And one of the heaviest too! That was some distance from the truck, huh?" He paused and tiredly wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead, his grin showing both pride and exhaustion in their accomplishment.
Nya, with a teasing tone, chimed in, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief, "Oh, well, maybe it will feel lighter when we have to carry it out..."
Suddenly faced with the horrors of having to potentially carry the bulky hunk of needles and sap out of the room again much sooner than expected, Cole groaned dramatically, "CARRY IT OUT?!"
His exaggerated reaction drew laughter from everyone as the room filled with a sense of wondrous camaraderie and holiday spirit. Even Morro—who'd been spending the entire day with his head bent over his phone—and the two newest members of the team—the wind-child's girlfriend, Tasha, and his sister, Sylph—couldn't help but burst out giggling and guffawing with rollicking mirth at Cole's undue panic and trepidation at the prospect of carrying the tree back out sooner rather than later.
It didn't take long after that for the room to be absolutely tingling with festive energy. Twinkling lights cast a warm glow over the room, and the scent of fir mingled with the aroma of freshly baked cookies. Laughter and chatter filled the air as the Ninja went about their preparations.
Sylph, her sapphire-blue eyes wide with curiosity, put down her string of popcorn kernels for a second, leaning in close to Nya and whispering, "I don't get it. How come we couldn't get a plastic tree instead? We could get it in pink! Pink looks so pretty with all of our decorations on it, don't you think? Oops," she giggled, "I'm a poet and I don't even know it!"
Nya stifled a laugh and whispered back, "Shh—if Zane hears you, we'll have to hear his 'real Christmas trees are much better than cheap, artificial excuses for a tree—we must honor tradition, after all' speech again. And you know how long it takes for him to barrel through a speech like that."
Zane's voice carried over from across the room, clear and precise. "I heard that, Nya! I'm not deaf! My auditory sensors are at optimum performance, so I would be most pleased if you would not make derogatory comments at my expense."
Nya rolled her eyes slightly and turned back to her task, stringing popcorn and cranberries. "It's not derogatory, Zane. It's just—oh, forget it!" she muttered, a small smile playing on her lips.
At the other end of the room, Lloyd was knee-deep in a box overflowing with Christmas movies. "Cole, did you really have to bring ALL these Christmas movies with you? There must be a hundred holiday titles in here!"
Cole shrugged nonchalantly. "Relax, Lloyd. There's only eighteen…"
"EIGHTEEN?! That's still too many! Why don't you just chalk it down to…you know…three?"
"All right, all right, chill." Cole huffed submissively before pulling out It's a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, and Miracle on 34th Street—but when Lloyd wasn't looking, he slipped The Polar Express to the bottom of the movie pile with a sly, cheeky grin.
Suddenly, a horrified shriek pierced the air as the Fire Ninja screamed at the pitch of a banshee, "AHHH!"
Nya spun around in panic, her hands still on the string of cranberries. "What? What is it?" she panted breathlessly, certain that the world was about to come to an end.
Kai, paler than a ghost, pointed frantically at a box, his eyes wider than grapefruits as he shrilly screeched, "ELVES! ELVES EVERYWHERE! Why'd you have to bring the elves?!"
Nya sighed in exasperation, trying to calm her brother down. "Kai, please. We talked about this! The Elf on the Shelf and all the other elves in that box are not going to come to life and attack you in your sleep!"
The argument between the siblings continued, blurring into a dim mass of sound and voices, and Lloyd couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "Here we go again." By now, he was quite versed on how arguments over whether bringing elves—and gingerbread men—to a Christmas celebration wasn't, in fact, the fastest way to be killed, usually went—and let's just say, those skirmishes never ended well.
Curious, Tasha approached Sylph and asked in bewilderment, "What's up with Kai?"
Sylph giggled cheekily, covering her mouth and breathing back, "Apparently, he's got a…thing…with elves."
"Oh," Tasha responded, trying to stifle her own laughter—and utterly failing.
But then the merry spirit of the room was suddenly interrupted by Morro's frustrated scream at losing Candy Crush, of all games, yet again. "You've got to be kidding me! I'm telling you, this game is rigged! Three times! Three times, and I'm still stuck on this stupid level! It's like this game has it in for me! Why? Why? WHY?!"
Everyone paused, their tasks momentarily forgotten as they turned to look at Morro, whose face was the most crystalline, clarion picture of frustration they'd ever seen as he barely held back from flinging his phone halfway across the room, completely oblivious to the chaos around him.
Jay, with a puzzled look, cocked his head to one side and said, "Whoa, dudes. What's up with Morro?"
Cole shook his head in akin confusion, observing wryly, "It's like he's…in his own world, almost."
Tasha may not have known Morro for longer than a year, but she was very skilled at putting two and two together and making four. Her voice was soft and sorrowful as she murmured, "It's his first time, remember? He's never had a real holiday, not since…" She trailed off, her eyes reflecting a mixture of sadness and empathy, referring to when Morro was banished to the Cursed Realm.
Nya's eyes widened in realization as she sniffled and commented, "Oh, that's so sad…he's never had a real Christmas before! Why didn't we notice this?"
By now, Morro was back to his game, his attention fully absorbed by the screen in front of him. Yet though he was once again oblivious to what was going on around him, the wheels and cogs in the Ninja's heads were already turning—and it was Jay who first declared what everyone was thinking.
"Well," the lightning-child exclaimed, "we just can't let this go on any longer unnoticed! What we need is to give Morro the best Christmas he could possibly get!"
Sylph beamed as she cried out, "That's a great idea! I'm sure my brother would love it!" bouncing up and down a little in her excitement.
Kai nodded his agreement, a determined look in his eyes. "I agree. It's time to switch our focus a little bit. No more general stuff—instead, let's focus on making this the best Christmas ever for our very own wind-master."
But then Cole raised an eyebrow, willing but skeptical as he gestured wildly and exclaimed, "Whoa-whoa-whoa, wait. How do we focus on making this Christmas perfect for Morro…without blowing the whistle? If we're going to throw a big Christmas party just for him, we need to keep this whole thing under wraps—no pun intended."
Pixal, ever the strategist, proposed quite thoughtfully, "What we need is for a singular individual to enact separate activities with Morro to keep him oblivious as to the workings of our hurried preparations for this holiday celebration with him as the guest of honor…" She paused, noticing the blank, confused looks on everyone's faces. Huffing to herself, she continued, flustered at—once again—having to provide a second explanation for what she was thinking, "Stall him."
Lloyd—always the first to react—eagerly volunteered, "Ooh, I'll do it! I'll do it!" He raised his hand enthusiastically and was just about to take the others' silence as a yes when Tasha shook her head and exclaimed, "Nope. No way. Unh-uh. Let me do it. How do I put this nicely?—Lloyd, your stalling techniques are…terrible."
Lloyd winced, accepting the critique as he scratched the back of his head self-consciously and murmured, "Oof…good point." Indeed, he could still remember the failed attempts at stalling any of the other Ninja when he'd volunteered to keep them out of the Bounty so that the others could spring a surprise party or cheery welcoming-home committee for them. And none of those attempts had ended without him winding up doing something dumb or embarrassing—or both.
Nya asked incredulously, "But what are you gonna do?"
Jay added in his own echo, "Yeah, what are you gonna do, Tasha?"
Tasha smiled confidently as she murmured, "Oh, I might have a few things up my sleeve. Just get going on your work here, and leave the rest to me!" Separating from the group, she then sucked in a breath and called out to Morro, her voice gentle yet cheerful, "Hey, Morro!"
Startled, Morro looked up from his screen, his cheeks flushing slightly as he realized it was his girlfriend calling out to him. "Oh, Tasha." he exclaimed, his voice a mix of shyness, sheepishness, and worry as he stammered, "Wha-what is it? Something wrong?"
Tasha shook her head, her smile warm as she explained, "No, actually. I was really just wondering…the Ninja are kind of busy here, so I was thinking maybe we could have a little day out…just the two of us?"
Morro was stunned. Completely, utterly stunned. Tasha had never asked him out for a date before. Usually, it was the other way around. But he managed to pull himself back together and simply blinked in surprise, his expression softening as he hesitantly stuttered, "Oh, um, sure. I…I'd love that." He then softly took Tasha's hand and smiled at her—and blushed an even brighter red as she smiled back.
Jay was just about to sing, "Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-LA!" at the top of his lungs, but Kai stopped him with a small slap to his wrist, thinking that someone had clearly been watching too many Hallmark movies.
As Tasha and Morro left the room, hand in hand, the Ninja turned back to their preparations, each one more determined than ever to make this Christmas unforgettable for Morro. But as they exchanged glances, a subtle undercurrent of concern lingered. After all, with Morro's unpredictable nature, who knew what challenges the day might bring?
A few moments later, Tasha gently led Morro down the bustling streets of Ninjago City, the festive decorations casting a warm glow on the snow-covered sidewalks. They turned a corner and entered a quaint, quiet café that seemed like a cozy haven amidst the holiday hustle.
As they stepped inside, Tasha smiled at Morro. "Order anything you'd like—on me," she said, her voice filled with genuine warmth.
Morro looked around the café, taking in the comfortable atmosphere. His eyes widened in surprise when he recognized the waiter approaching them.
"Dareth!" Morro cried out in surprise, flashing a genuine smile. The two had become best buds after the wind-child had joined the team, but Morro had never imagined that the self-proclaimed Brown Ninja would be chill enough to handle being a waiter in a restaurant of any sort.
"Hey, Morro! Long time no see," Dareth greeted with a grin. As he led the two lovebirds to a small table, he and the wind-master exchanged friendly small talk for a few minutes, catching up on recent events and reminiscing about past adventures. Yet despite the light-hearted conversation, Morro still felt a bit out of place, trying to wrap his mind around the warmth and friendliness he was receiving.
After a few moments, Dareth got back to his work and asked, "So, what can I get you two today?"
Tasha glanced at the menu briefly before ordering, "I'll have the soup of the day and a small roast beef sandwich."
Dareth chuckled, murmuring, "Sausage and pinto bean—good choice."
Morro hesitated, looking at the variety of choices before gulping and sucking in a shaky breath. "I'll have the maple-Dijon chicken waffles with bacon, steakhouse fries—extra crispy—and green beans with ham," he said, a bit unsure. He glanced hesitantly at Tasha, then added, "And a hot chocolate, please."
Before Dareth could note it down, Tasha gently placed her hand on Morro's arm, stopping him. "Hold up on that hot chocolate," she said with a knowing smile.
Dareth nodded and left with their order. Morro turned to Tasha, a bit puzzled. "Why didn't you let me order hot chocolate?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Tasha's smile widened. "Because I'm planning to take you to Starbucks next. I can assure you—their lattes are to die for. Trust me—it'll be worth the wait."
Morro's eyes softened, and he nodded, feeling touched by her thoughtfulness. For the first time in a long while, he felt a warm sense of belonging and anticipation for the simple joys of the holiday season.
As the two waited patiently for their meals, the café buzzed softly with the murmur of other patrons, the clinking of cutlery, and the gentle hum of holiday music playing in the background. During the wait, Tasha and Morro continued to chat, the atmosphere around them filled with a cozy warmth that made the cold winter day seem far away.
Two hours (and two gingerbread lattes with holiday sprinkles and whipped cream) later, Tasha called Lloyd on her cell phone to see how the other Ninja were getting along with the preparations for the Christmas party.
"Hey, Lloyd, how's everything going?" she asked, glancing around the bustling street where twinkling lights and festive decorations brought the city to life.
Lloyd's voice crackled confidently over the phone, a mix of excitement and exhaustion. "It's going fine for the most part. Kai refused to let Nya bake gingerbread men, so they compromised on snickerdoodles and gingerbread houses instead."
Tasha chuckled, imagining the scene in vibrant detail. "That sounds just like Kai. And what about Jay?"
Lloyd sighed, the sound of rustling paper and clinking ornaments faintly audible in the background. "Well, Jay accidentally zapped a few one-light-wonders, but thankfully, we haven't set the room on fire—not yet, anyway."
Tasha shook her head with a helpless smile. Classic Jay, she thought to herself as she worked on wrapping up the conversation, "Sounds like you guys are managing just fine. Keep me posted if anything comes up."
"Will do. See you later, Tasha," Lloyd responded, hanging up a second later.
With that, Tasha slipped her phone back into her pocket, a satisfied smile on her face. But her smile quickly faded when she realized that Morro was nowhere to be seen. Panic bubbled up inside her as she scanned the coffee shop and the surrounding area—but to no avail. Where could he be? It wasn't like him to disappear like this. What was up with Morro?
She hurried outside in a frantic tizzy, her eyes darting rapidly from one direction to another. The festive crowds and twinkling lights made it difficult to spot anyone specific. Her heart raced as she called out his name, her voice barely audible over the holiday hustle. The city's vibrant energy seemed to close in on her, amplifying her worry to no end. "Morro!" she cried out, rushing down the street a few feet before stopping for a rest and shouting yet again, "Morro! Where are you?"
Just when she was about to lose hope completely, she spotted Morro emerging from a nearby community box office, hurriedly glancing around and stuffing something into his pocket, a secretive look on his face. Relief washed over her as she rushed over to him.
"Morro!" Tasha breathed heavily, her voice tinged with both worry and relief. "Where did you go? I was worried!"
Morro looked up, a sheepish grin spreading across his face as he apologized, "Sorry, Tasha. I just had to take care of something."
Knowing the look on his face all too well, Tasha eyed him curiously. "What were you doing in there?" she asked, craning her head down and trying to get a peek at what he was hiding.
Morro's grin widened, and he shook his head, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he cupped Tasha's chin to raise her head back up before stuffing his mystery item further into his pocket. "You'll find out soon enough," he said, his tone both playful and mysterious.
Tasha frowned slightly but decided to let it go for now. She trusted Morro, and whatever he was planning, she was sure it would be worth the surprise. As they walked back towards the coffee shop, Tasha couldn't help but wonder what Morro was up to and how it would fit into their already eventful day.
After a delightful afternoon of ice-skating on Main Street's outdoor ice rink, the two attended a magical Christmas concert. The music was both wondrous and enchanting, each note resonating crystal-clear with the spirit of the season. Now, as they strolled amiably, hand in hand, through the vibrant streets, their faces alight with joy and excitement, they chatted gleefully about their favorite songs.
"That concert was amazing! Did you hear when the choir sang 'Do You See What I See?' Oh," Morro shivered a bit as he murmured, "I'm telling you, that rendition just gave me chills! It was so exhilarating!"
Tasha nodded enthusiastically before adding in her own two cents. "Oh, yeah! And, oh—do you remember that harp arrangement of 'Still, Still, Still'? Oh," she sighed blissfully, "it was just so dreamy and mesmerizing that I think it almost put me to sleep! It would make a wonderful lullaby, you know…if…if we ever had—"
"I know, Tasha, I know," Morro interjected, his voice softening as he thought of what she was about to say. "Oh, do you remember that one song, 'Star-Child, Earth-Child'? I'd never heard that before…but it," he sniffled, wiping unbidden tears from his eyes, "it was just so haunting…and beautiful. Especially that chorus—" Picking up his voice a little, he softly sang, "This year, this year…let the day arrive…"
Tasha quickly joined him, their voices blending harmoniously as they finished together, "When Christmas comes for everyone—everyone alive."
They giggled softly, their spirits lifted by the shared experience. As they strolled, Tasha's eyes sparkled with excitement. "So, ready to finish up the Christmas shopping? I thought we could find some really good things at the general store—all that barrel candy—and Toys-R-Us!"
Morro hesitated, looking down shyly as he shifted his feet sheepishly. "Um, actually, Tasha…" he ventured nervously, "could we just talk for a minute?"
Tasha was taken aback by the sudden shift in his tone, but she nodded slightly and answered, "Um…sure, Morro. What do you want to talk about?"
Morro's reply was to gently lead her to a semi-secluded area near a Salvation Army worker dressed as Santa, ringing a small bell and asking for donations for the poor. The air was filled with the sounds of holiday cheer, but Morro's expression was serious and focused as he explained, "Tasha…first, I want you to know that this has been a wonderful day—a spectacular day even. You've done so much for me today, but now…it's my turn to do something for you."
Before Tasha could even blink, Morro pulled something out of his pocket and placed it into her gloved hands, folding her hands over it for a moment. "I'm sorry it was so last-minute," he explained apologetically, "but I didn't have time to bag it. Now, look."
Tasha unfolded her hands and gasped in wonder at what she saw—two tickets to the Ninjago Peace Center's performance of The Nutcracker Suite. "Oh, Morro…you shouldn't have." she exclaimed, blushing gratefully and giving a slight squeal of glee.
Morro's eyes shone with excitement as he went on enthusiastically, "You've always said that the thing you wanted most in the world was to see the Nutcracker ballet for yourself. The last performance is tonight, and I was thinking we could go see it together. I've already got some formal clothes laid out back at the Bounty. We could head back and change and then—"
Suddenly, Tasha's face fell as she realized the time on the tickets. Her cheeks paled, and her hands began to tremble convulsively as she looked back up at her boyfriend and stammered, "Morro…this is for seven o'clock tonight."
Morro nodded, blissfully unaware of the impending conflict. "I know…but it's the last performance of the season." he answered, already feeling his cheeks grow cold at the look of distress mirrored all over Tasha's face.
"But…the party with the Ninja. The holiday reunion…it's at the same time as the ballet," Tasha explained, her voice filled with regret as her hands began to shudder even more and her lips quivered in a silent plea for this not to be happening.
The wind-child just blinked in shock, still unaware that the Ninja had changed the focus of the party to be for him. "Forget about the party!" he exclaimed, feeling more hope spill out in his voice than he truly felt as he added, "This is just for the two of us, together! You and me!"
Shaking her head, Tasha felt her heart aching as she gently passed the tickets back to him, pushing them into his hands with a tearful, "Morro…I'm sorry. But I can't."
Morro did a double-take, staring dumbfounded at her for a second—and then began to cry, fretting and blubbering quietly as he echoed, "You can't? Why not?!"
Tasha's eyes filled with tears as well as she struggled to explain what was going on without spilling the beans about the party's true nature. "I'm sorry, Morro." she sobbed remorsefully, "You…you don't understand. This just doesn't work out—the ballet, I mean."
"But Tasha…I want to spend Christmas with you. The other Ninja can wait! And besides, they're busy with their own Christmas celebrations anyway! I just want to spend time with you!" Morro pleaded, his voice breaking as his eyes implored for her to change her mind. But then, it all went downhill as Tasha sadly shook her head again, her tears falling freely now. "I'm sorry, Morro. Really, I am." she stammered sorrowfully, "But I…I can't go with you. There's just…it's complicated. I don't know how to explain it, but…"
Hearing Tasha's refusal, Morro's expression crumbled. His eyes welled with even more hot, stinging tears as he cried out, his voice filled with confusion and hurt, "You…you don't want to go with me? But why? I…I don't understand!"
Tasha's heart broke at the sight of his tears, and she didn't know what to do. All she could do was beg him, "Just…just take the tickets back, Morro. If you hurry, you can get a full refund!"
"I can't! I thought you wanted to be with me, but," Morro sobbed, "I guess I was wrong!" He then turned on his heel and ran away, his cries echoing melancholily in the cold night air. In his haste to flee, he accidentally dropped the tickets in the snow, his heart shattering into thousands of crystalline pieces that seemed to be unable to ever be put back the way they were meant to go.
"Morro, wait! Morro!" Tasha called after him, but he didn't stop. He just kept running…and running…and running.
Tears streaming down her face as she bent down to pick up the tickets, Tasha let out a heartbroken sob and whispered to herself, "What have I done?"
The festive lights and joyful sounds of Ninjago City seemed distant and hollow as Tasha got back to her feet and stood there frozen, her heart panging with great regret and hopeless sorrow. The day had taken an unexpected turn, and she could only hope that there was still a chance to make things right—before it was too late.
Morro ran blindly through the streets of Ninjago City, the world around him turning into a blur as his heart pounded with anguish and despair. The weather, growing worse by the minute, was something he barely noticed—so broken and sorrowful of heart was he. Snowflakes began to fall faster, swirling chaotically in the wind like icy daggers, their cold seeming to pierce deep into his fragile, distress-stricken core and twisting taut. The temperature of his surroundings plunged rapidly, growing worse and worse by the minute, but the chill that gripped Morro's heart was colder than any winter storm.
His breath came in ragged gasps, each one visible in the frosty air. Tears streamed down his face, mingling mirthlessly with the snowflakes that settled on his cheeks. The cheerful decorations and twinkling lights lining the streets seemed to mock his misery, their brightness a stark contrast to the darkness he felt inside. As he ran, he began to sing out of desperation, his voice tinged with sorrow and grief unmistakable.
"It's Christmas in Ninjago,
All is cheery and bright,
But I am all alone tonight," he sang, his voice barely audible over the roaring wind. The snow continued to fall, accumulating rapidly and making it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead.
"Friends are all so busy
With their plans and their gifts;
only Morro's left behind tonight."
His voice broke as he sang, the storm intensifying around him. The wind howled through the buildings, creating an eerie symphony of despair.
"There's no warmth for me, no tenderness for me!
I'm alone in the chill of the night—
Like a lost, lonely kitty! Why won't anyone take pity?!
All I want for Christmas is you."
Morro's steps faltered as he continued to sing, the lights on the festive decorations flickering in the storm. The memory of Tasha's smiling face seemed distant and lost, drowned out in the wreckage of the storm brewing within him.
"All I want for Christmas is you," he repeated, his voice trembling with emotion. As he neared the city's main square, the blizzard reached its peak, the snow and wind battering him and jostling him mercilessly from all sides. No longer was the wind his friend—it was now a monster. A chilling, brutal, wild current that pushed and knocked him cruelly around, causing him to nearly trip over his own feet many times in succession.
The towering Christmas tree in the center of the square loomed overhead, its kaleidoscopic lights blurred by the storm. To Morro, it seemed like a cruel beacon, highlighting his solitude amidst the festive season. He skidded to a halt, staring up at the tree with a mixture of sorrow and anger.
"No one sees my pain, if I smile or I cry…
And I'm just a ghost in the night…"
He sang softly and tearfully, the wind seeming to echo his despair as his voice suddenly rose in a desperate cry, lost in the turmoil of the storm within and without.
"These feelings of joy feel so out of sight…
When all I want for Christmas is you.
Oh, all I want for Christmas is you!
Yes, all I want for Christmas…is you!"
Morro's voice carried through the blizzard, a plea that seemed to dissolve into the freezing air. The Christmas tree, standing tall and proud, seemed to mock his loneliness, its lights a cruel reminder of the joy he couldn't find. As he stood there, the blizzard swirling around him, Morro felt more isolated than ever. The festive city that once brought him a glimmer of hope now only amplified his sorrow.
Shivering and shuddering and shaking with intertwining cold and grief, the wind-child wrapped his arms around himself, trying to find some semblance of warmth—but it was no use. The storm just raged on, mirroring the tempest in his heart. All he could do was stand there, lost in his pain, as the blizzard enveloped him in its icy embrace.
The room at the Ninjago Peace Center was filled with a festive atmosphere, the air rich with the scents of caramel popcorn, fried chicken, roasted pork, and kimchi. Strings of bells and candy canes adorned the walls, while wooden nutcrackers and paper snowflakes added a whimsical touch to the decorations. The table was laden with an array of international and familiar kinds of cookies, including chocolate chip cookies and red velvet macarons, as well as golden rice cakes and engraved apples that shimmered with holiday cheer. Star lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow, while mugs of hot chocolate and apple cider steamed invitingly.
But right in the midst of this festive scene, the door burst open with a sickening crash, and everyone looked up in shock and fright as Tasha stumbled in, wailing and sobbing uncontrollably. Her face was streaked with tears, her eyes red and puffy from crying, and her hands shaking like leaves caught in the midst of a cataclysmic hurricane.
The Ninja and Sylph immediately gathered around her, their expressions turning from joy to concern. "Tasha, what happened?" Lloyd asked, his voice filled with worry.
Tasha tried to speak, but her sobs made it difficult. Finally, after several minutes, she managed to choke out breathlessly, "It's... it's Morro. He's... he's gone!"
The room fell silent with an unnatural hush, the air heavy with tension. "What do you mean, gone?" Jay asked, his eyes wide with alarm as he struggled not to panic or cry.
Tasha took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "We were... we were having such a wonderful day. But then... then we had an argument, and he ran off. The weather's getting worse, and he's out there, all alone!" she wailed, her voice cracking again.
At the realization that her big brother was lost out in the night, Sylph's eyes instantly welled up with fear. "It's not safe for him to be out in this storm," she said, her voice trembling. "We have to find him!"
Kai clenched his fists, determination etched on his face. "We can't leave him out there. Let's split up and search the city. We need to bring him back safely."
The Ninja nodded in agreement, their faces set with resolve. Zane stepped forward, his tone calm but urgent. "We'll cover more ground if we divide into teams. Jay, you and Nya search the eastern part of the city. Kai, you and Cole take the west. Lloyd, Sylph, and I will head north. Tasha, stay here and coordinate any information we gather."
Tasha nodded, her tears still flowing but her resolve strengthened. "Please, find him," she whispered, her voice breaking.
The Ninja quickly gathered their coats and scarves, preparing to face the worsening storm. The festive decorations around them seemed to fade into the background as their focus shifted to finding their friend. The bells jingled softly as they moved, the candy canes and nutcrackers bearing silent witness to their determination.
As they stepped out into the cold night, the blizzard greeted them with a fierce howl. Snow whipped around them, obscuring their vision and making every step a challenge. But their resolve was unwavering. They knew they had to find Morro, no matter what it took.
The city, once filled with cheerful lights and bustling crowds, now seemed eerily quiet and foreboding. The holiday decorations, now coated in snow, looked ghostly and phantom-like in the dim light. The Ninja pushed forward, their hearts heavy with worry but driven by the need to save their friend.
Inside the Peace Center, Tasha paced anxiously, her eyes darting frantically to the door every few seconds. The festive air felt oppressive, a stark contrast to the turmoil in her heart. And as she kept her lonely vigil, she could only hope against all hope that the Ninja would find Morro and bring him back safely, restoring the joy and warmth that had filled the room just hours before.
Outside in the main square, the blizzard raged on, its ferocity growing with every passing moment. Morro lay crumpled on the ground, curled up in a forlorn ball in the snow, the once festive lights of Ninjago City now barely visible through the thick curtain of icy coldness. He felt dizzy and drained, his heart heavy with a sorrow that seemed to sap the very life out of him. The cold pierced through his clothes, chilling him to the bone, but the pain in his heart far outweighed any physical discomfort.
Hypothermia was already beginning to set in. His fingers and toes felt numb, his movements slow and clumsy. Shivers wracked his body mercilessly, but even those were becoming less frequent as his body's defense mechanisms started to fail. His skin, exposed to the biting cold, turned a pale, almost bluish hue, and his breath came in shallow, ragged gasps.
Morro's vision blurred, the world around him spinning in a dizzying dance. His thoughts grew muddled, a heavy fog of despair clouding his mind. He wanted to move, to find warmth, but his body refused to cooperate. Every ounce of energy seemed to drain away, leaving him feeling like a hollow shell.
Just as the darkness seemed to close in, he heard a voice cutting through the storm. It was a cheery, yet poignantly distressed voice, filled with a warmth that contrasted sharply with the freezing cold around him. The voice seemed to echo from somewhere nearby, carrying a strange mix of jolliness and concern.
"Morro! Morro, can you hear me?" the voice called out, resonating with an almost magical quality.
Through the haze of his failing senses, Morro felt a strong set of arms lift him off the ground. The touch was gentle yet firm, radiating a warmth that seemed to chase away the cold, if only for a moment. He tried to open his eyes, to see who had come to his aid, but his eyelids felt Deepstone-heavy, and his vision remained blurred.
The voice continued to speak, a reassuring presence amidst the chaos of the storm. "Hang in there, Morro. You're going to be alright."
Morro wanted to respond, to thank whoever was saving him, but the words simply wouldn't come. His body felt heavy, and his mind drifted further into the fog. The last thing he felt was the comforting warmth of those strong arms carrying him somewhere safe, before he finally succumbed to the darkness and lost consciousness.
The blizzard continued to howl, but for Morro, the storm was now a distant echo, replaced by a faint hope that maybe, just maybe, everything would be alright.
Morro drifted in and out of consciousness, the world around him fading in and out like a wispy, wistfully drowsy dream. When he finally woke, he found himself under several thick blankets, lying on a small makeshift bed on the floor. The room around him was dimly lit, but a toasty fire crackled in a small coal stove, casting a warm, flickering glow that seemed to chase away the remnants of the storm.
The air was filled with the soft, soothing scent of pine and spices, and it seemed to tingle with an ethereal power that made Morro feel strangely safe. He glanced around, taking in the shelves lined with beautifully crafted toys, each one a work of art. Wooden soldiers, delicate dolls, and intricately designed puzzles filled the space, creating a sense of wonder and nostalgia.
It was then that Morro realized who had rescued him. A rustic-looking yet kindly toymaker stood nearby, his eyes filled with warmth and concern. The toymaker noticed Morro was awake and approached him, his movements gentle and deliberate.
Morro's voice was weak and shaky as he asked, "What...what happened?"
The toymaker looked at Morro with a mixture of relief and worry. "Aw, you're awake at last. No, no, don't try to speak. You've been through quite the ordeal."
Seeing the puzzled look on the wind-child's face, the man murmured softly and wryly, "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Nicholas, and I'm the owner of this tiny shop. As for what happened, I found you out all alone in the storm, sickly and chilled. In fact, you…I don't mean to frighten you, but when I found you, you were so cold—cold as ice. I think that I may have gotten to you just in time. You were...just barely clinging to life when I came across you."
Morro's heart sank as he realized how close he had come to dying out in the blizzard. The mere thought of it filled him with a sense of distress and vulnerability he hadn't felt in a long time. "I almost...died?" he whispered, his voice filled with disbelief and fear.
Nicholas nodded, his expression softening. "Yes, but you're safe now. Just rest for a little bit longer. You need to regain your strength."
As if mesmerized by the gentle, reassuring tone of Nicholas's voice, Morro felt his eyelids grow heavy once more. He sank back into the blankets, the warmth of the fire and the toymaker's presence wrapping around him like a comforting embrace. Before he knew it, he had drifted back to sleep, unsure when he would wake or what had truly happened to him.
But even amidst the chaos of his near-dire fate, the toy shop, with its magical atmosphere and the soothing crackle of the fire, was swiftly becoming a sanctuary for Morro, a place where he could begin to heal from the pain and despair that had overwhelmed him. For the moment at least, he could rest, knowing he was safe and cared for and loved.
Snow swirled wildly through the streets of Ninjago City as the wind howled in mournful tones, and Lloyd, Sylph, and Zane were forced to fight their way through the worsening blizzard, their faces set with determination all the way. As they approached the main square, the towering Christmas tree loomed above them, its lights barely visible through the thick curtain of snow.
"Keep an eye out for any sign of him," Lloyd shouted over the wind, his voice barely carrying above the storm's fury.
Sylph's heart pounded with fear and worry as her eyes scanned the ground, searching desperately for any trace of her brother. Suddenly, she spotted something—a scrap of fabric, fluttering in the wind, caught on a low branch of the tree. She rushed over and picked it up, her breath catching in her throat as she recognized the green-and-black material from Morro's gi.
"Here! I found something!" Sylph called, holding up the fabric.
Lloyd and Zane hurried over, their faces tense with concern. "It's from Morro's gi," Zane confirmed, examining the scrap. "But where is Morro?"
Seeing the hopelessness in Zane's expression, Sylph's eyes filled with watery, bitter tears. "He was here... but where is he now?" she whispered, her voice breaking with despair.
Lloyd glanced around the deserted square, the wind whipping through his hair. "We need to figure out what happened and where he might have gone," he said, his tone urgent.
Zane nodded in agreement. "Let's move over to that corner and discuss our next steps," he suggested, pointing to a slightly sheltered spot away from the main path.
As Lloyd and Zane moved to the secluded corner, Sylph stood alone by the tree, clutching the scrap of fabric tightly in her hand. The worry and fear for her brother welled up inside her, and she began to softly sing, her voice trembling with emotion.
"There is only one thing this kind of damage can bring:
My brother's Wind Powers—am I right?" she sang, tears streaming down her face.
"And look—this fabric too—it's an important clue.
It's from my brother's black gi tonight."
Her voice grew softer, filled with sorrow.
"Morro disappears and someone steps in—
He must be working to protect him.
My only explanation, my speculation,
Is that some villain is after him!"
She cried harder, her heart aching with the fear of losing her brother.
"It's a good thing I'm here,
I'll protect him without fear.
The brother that I've always loved.
And with all of my might,
I'll save you tonight!
You're the brother that I've always loved."
Sylph's voice became almost a whisper, filled with a deep, unwavering love.
"If you never know it's true,
I'll be there for you.
You're the brother that I've always loved.
But what would you do,
If you knew what's true?
That's why I so faithfully love you."
Her song echoed softly in the cold night air, mingling with the mournful howl of the wind. The festive lights of the Christmas tree seemed distant and ghostly, a stark contrast to the grief and determination in Sylph's heart. She wiped her tears away, taking a deep yet shuddery breath. No matter what, she was determined to find her brother and bring him back safely.
No matter what.
Morro stirred softly under the thick blankets, slowly regaining consciousness for the second time. The warmth of the fire in the small coal stove filled the room, chasing away the last remnants of the cold that had gripped him. As he opened his eyes, he realized he was in the same cozy toy shop, surrounded by shelves filled with beautifully crafted toys. This time, he felt a bit stronger, able to stand and move around more steadily.
Wandering aimlessly around the shop, Morro's gaze fell upon a corner where many broken toys lay in a pile. There were chipped glass dolls, cracked wooden soldiers, and faded stuffed animals, all showing signs of wear and neglect. The sight stirred something deep within him—a sense of sorrow and empathy for these forgotten treasures.
Just then, Nicholas rounded a corner, his eyes lighting up with delight when he saw Morro awake and moving. "Ah, you're awake again! It's good to see you up and about," the kindly toymaker said warmly.
Morro was about to ask how Nicholas knew his name, but his curiosity about the broken toys took precedence. "Why are all these forgotten toys here?" he wondered aloud, his voice tinged with sadness.
Nicholas smiled gently and approached the corner of broken toys. "Several years ago," he explained with a mix of grim sorrow and faithful resolve, "on this very night, I saw that the toy drive for the children in the Ninjago City Hospital hadn't arrived in time for Christmas. The thought of those children waking up on Christmas morning without a single gift broke my heart. So, I decided to gather old, forgotten toys that no one wanted anymore, buy them, repair them, and give them to the children as keepsakes. And I've been doing the same for longer than I can keep track of."
Morro listened intently, deeply moved by Nicholas's story. His eyes fell upon a chipped, smudged glass doll lying amidst the broken toys. He picked her up gently, cradling her in his arms and nuzzling her against his cheek. "It makes me want to cry...to see toys who were treated this way," he whispered to himself, his heart aching for the forgotten toys and the children they could bring joy to.
Turning to Nicholas, Morro's voice filled with determination as he half-breathed, half-stammered, "Can I...can I go with you to the hospital? I want to help you."
Nicholas's face lit up with a warm smile, his eyes twinkling with approval. "Of course, Morro. I'd be delighted to have your help. But first, you need to rest a little bit longer. Regain your strength, and then we can go together."
As if mesmerized by Nicholas's reassuring presence, Morro nodded and felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him once more. He lay back down on the makeshift bed, his eyelids growing heavy as he clutched the doll to himself. The warmth of the fire and the comforting thought of helping bring joy to the children lulled him gently back to sleep as the waking world faded softly away and the dream world beckoned him into its tenderly warm presence and peace.
Later that night, Morro found himself at the Ninjago City Hospital, still clutching the chipped glass doll to his chest. The warmth of the hospital and the joy on the children's faces contrasted sharply with the icy storm outside. Morro watched as Nicholas, the kindly toymaker, handed out present after present to the boys and girls in the children's ward. Each child received a carefully repaired toy, and their eyes lit up with delight and wonder.
As Morro waited his turn to give out presents, he noticed three children nearby, their faces filled with excitement and curiosity. The first was Arin, a little boy with wide, admiring eyes and boundless energy. Next to him was Sora, a pink-haired girl who seemed to have a natural talent for building things, her hands always busy. The third child was Wyldfire, a redhead with a wild spirit, her energy and enthusiasm making her seem almost like a little dragon.
Arin jumped up and down excitedly, eager to show off. "Watch me use my ninja skills! Woo-hoo!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with enthusiasm.
Sora rolled her eyes playfully. "Arin, not trying to insult the dreams of my best friend, but...you are so not a ninja."
Arin puffed up his chest, determined to prove her wrong. "Am too! I can even use Spinjitzu! Ninja-GO!" he shouted, twirling around in circles with wild abandon until he fell to the ground, dizzy and giggling.
Wyldfire laughed, her voice bright and infectious. "You're not using Spinjitzu—you're just making yourself dizzy!"
Morro couldn't help but smile at the children's antics. Their laughter and playful banter brought a sense of warmth and lightness to his heart, momentarily lifting the weight of his earlier despair. He approached them slowly, still holding the doll close, feeling a mix of vulnerability and hope.
The children's eyes turned to him, their curiosity piqued by the newcomer. Morro knelt down to their level, offering them a gentle smile. "Hi, I'm Morro," he said softly.
Arin's eyes widened in recognition. "Morro? Like, from the Ninja?"
Morro nodded, his smile growing. "Uh-huh. It's nice to meet all of you."
Sora's eyes sparkled with interest. "Are you here to help Mr. Nicholas give out presents too?"
Morro glanced at the doll in his hands, then back at the children. "Yes, I am. I thought I could help bring some joy to the kids here."
Wyldfire bounced on her heels, her excitement palpable. "That's so cool! You're like a real-life hero!"
Morro chuckled, feeling a sense of warmth and acceptance from the children. "I guess you could say that."
A few hours later, the hospital's children's ward quieted down as the joyous gift-giving drew to a close. Morro, still clutching the doll to his chest, watched as Nicholas handed out the last of the presents. The children's faces lit up with wonder and excitement, their happiness radiating through the room like a warm embrace.
As the evening continued, Morro's gaze fell upon a dark-haired little girl sitting in a wheelchair all by herself. Her small frame seemed to disappear into the oversized chair, and her eyes were fixed sadly and blankly on the swirling snow outside the nearby window. Concerned, Morro turned to Arin and the other children he had met earlier.
"Who's that girl over there?" Morro asked softly, nodding in her direction.
Arin's face turned somber. "That's Euphrasia. She's been really sad since the day she was brought here. But she won't tell anyone why."
Sora added, her voice tinged with sympathy, "She barely talks to anyone. It's like she's lost in her own world."
Wyldfire nodded in agreement, her usual fiery energy subdued. "Yeah, she's always staring out the window, like she's waiting for something… or someone."
Moved by their words and the sight of Euphrasia's lonely figure, Morro decided to approach her. He walked slowly, his heart heavy with empathy for the little girl. As he got closer, he began to hear her singing softly to herself, her voice carrying a sweet, melancholic melody through the quiet room.
"I'm wishing on a star and trying to believe
That even though it's far, he'll find me Christmas Eve.
I guess that Santa's busy 'cause he's never come around.
I think of him when Christmas comes to town," Euphrasia sang, her voice tinged with a wistful sadness that tugged at Morro's heart.
Kneeling beside her, Morro joined in the song, his voice gentle and comforting.
"The best time of the year when everyone comes home.
With all this Christmas cheer, it's hard to be alone.
Putting up the Christmas tree with friends who come around—
It's so much fun when Christmas comes to town."
Euphrasia looked up at him shyly, her eyes filled with a mix of surprise and gratitude. Together, their voices blended harmoniously, filling the room with a beautiful, poignant melody.
"Presents for our friends and fam'ly, wrapped in red and green." Morro sang softly before Euphrasia added, "All the things I've heard about, but never really seen."
Morro gently took Euphrasia's hand before continuing, "No one will be sleeping on the night of Christmas Eve."
Euphrasia's lilting, lisping voice joined him again as they cried out in unison, "Hoping Santa's on his way!"
"When Santa's sleigh bells ring," Morro began a second later.
"I listen all around." Euphrasia sang in return.
"The herald angels sing—"
"I'd love to hear their sound…"
"And all the dreams of those who see…"
"Once lost will all be found!"
"That's all I want when Christmas comes to town…" Morro sang, winding down before Euphrasia joined him one last time, hugging him tightly as the two sang one last time in harmony,
"That's all I want when Christmas comes…to town!"
As their voices faded, the room seemed to fill with a special kind of magic, a gentle warmth that chased away the cold and the sadness. Euphrasia's eyes shone with newfound hope, and a small, genuine smile crept onto her face as she gently released the tight yet tender hug.
As the last notes of their song faded into the quiet of the ward, Euphrasia's eyes were drawn to the chipped glass doll in Morro's hands. Her gaze softened, filled with a mix of curiosity and longing.
"Can I hold her?" Euphrasia asked softly, her voice almost a whisper.
Morro hesitated for a moment, his fingers tightening around the doll. But then he saw the hopeful look in Euphrasia's eyes and nodded. "Of course," he said gently, handing the doll to her.
Euphrasia cradled the doll in her hands, treating it with a tenderness that mirrored Morro's own. She looked up at him, her eyes wide and full of questions.
Morro sat down beside her, his expression compassionate. "Where do you come from, Euphrasia? And what brings you here?" he asked, his voice gentle and encouraging.
Euphrasia's gaze shifted to the window, her eyes clouding with a mixture of sadness and hope. "I come from a small village outside the city," she began, her voice soft and tremulous. "I was brought here when I got really sick. The doctors said they needed to take care of me in the hospital."
She paused, her fingers gently stroking the doll's delicate features. "My mom was with me for a while, but she had to go back home to take care of my little brother. And my dad..." Euphrasia's voice trailed off, and she blinked back tears. "He used to work here in the city. He promised he'd come back for me. But he... he never did."
Morro's heart ached for the little girl, understanding the depth of her pain and longing. "Euphrasia, I'm so sorry," he said softly. "I know it hurts to be away from the people you love, especially during the holidays."
Euphrasia nodded, her tears falling silently onto the doll. "I just wish... I wish he would come back. I wish he could be here with me," she whispered, her voice filled with a child's innocent hope.
Morro reached out and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, offering her a comforting squeeze. "Sometimes, wishes have a way of coming true in the most unexpected ways," he said, his voice filled with quiet reassurance.
As Euphrasia held the doll close, Morro stayed by her side, sharing in her hopes and dreams. In that moment, he felt a deep connection to her, bound by their shared longing for the warmth and love of family. The magic of Christmas seemed to surround them, offering a glimmer of hope even in the darkest of times.
Meanwhile, the team of Ninja swiftly regrouped at the Ninjago Peace Center. The room was already abuzz with festive cheer; Pixal, Dareth, Skylor, Vania, Master Wu, and Misako were mingling with other guests. Bells jingled softly as people moved around, the scent of caramel popcorn, apple cider, and various holiday treats filling the air. Strings of fairy lights twinkled above, casting a warm glow over the scene.
However, the team's mood was anything but festive. The worry etched on their faces was a stark contrast to the joy surrounding them. Sylph was on the verge of tears, her eyes red and swollen from crying. Tasha stood off to the side, her shoulders slumped in despair as she constantly blamed herself for Morro's disappearance.
"We've looked everywhere," Kai muttered, frustration evident in his voice. "Where could he be?"
"I just hope he's safe," Zane said quietly, his usual calm demeanor strained by worry.
Jay, who had been pacing aimlessly near the TV, suddenly perked up as he caught a snippet of a news report. He leaned closer, trying to hear more. "Hey, Lloyd! Turn up the TV!" he shouted, his voice urgent.
Lloyd quickly grabbed the remote and increased the volume. The room fell silent as everyone turned their attention to the screen. The news anchor's voice filled the room, reporting on a heartwarming event happening at the children's ward of the Ninjago City Hospital.
"...and in a touching gesture, a mysterious visitor and a toymaker have been spreading Christmas cheer to the children in the hospital. The children have received beautifully repaired toys, bringing smiles and joy to their faces despite the storm outside..."
Sylph's eyes widened as she listened, hope flickering within her. "Could it be...?" she whispered, barely daring to believe it.
As the camera panned across the children's ward, the Ninja and their friends gasped. There, among the children, was Morro, holding a chipped glass doll and smiling warmly as he interacted with the kids.
"That's Morro!" Tasha exclaimed, her eyes filling with tears of relief.
Master Wu stepped forward, his face a mix of concern and determination. "We must go to the hospital immediately and bring him back safely."
The team nodded in agreement, their earlier despair replaced with a renewed sense of purpose. They quickly gathered their belongings, ready to face the storm once more to reunite with their friend.
Sylph wiped her tears away, a small smile breaking through her worry. "We're coming, Morro. Just hold on."
As the night continued and Morro spent time with the children, a sudden thought struck him like a lightning bolt. His friends—they didn't know he was here—they must be so worried about him. The realization filled him with a pang of guilt, knowing that they had no idea where he was on this cold and snowy night.
Euphrasia, still holding the doll, looked up at him with wide, hopeful eyes. "Morro, you're not going to leave us, are you?" she asked softly.
Morro's heart ached. "I don't want to leave you, Euphrasia. But my friends... they must be out there, searching for me in the storm. They're probably so worried."
Arin, who had been listening nearby, piped up. "But Morro, you're our hero! You can't just leave us here. We need you!"
Sora nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Morro. You've made this Christmas so special for us."
Wyldfire, her usual fiery energy bubbling up again, added, "You can't go! We're having so much fun with you."
Morro looked around at the bright, hopeful faces of the children and felt torn. He didn't want to leave them, but he also knew he had to find a way to let his friends know he was safe. Suddenly, an idea sparked. He turned to the nurse, who was tidying up after the gift-giving.
"Excuse me," Morro said gently, catching the nurse's attention. "Is there any way we could bring the children to the Ninjago Peace Center for a Christmas party? My friends are there, and I know they'd love to see the children. It could be a wonderful experience for everyone."
The nurse looked thoughtful for a moment, considering Morro's request. "Well, it's not a common practice to move the children around, especially in this weather. But I suppose, given the special circumstances, we could arrange something. We'd need to make sure it's safe and that we have enough medical support on hand."
Morro's face lit up with hope. "Thank you! I know it would mean so much to them."
The nurse smiled warmly. "I'll speak with the other staff and see what we can do. In the meantime, why don't you let the children know about the possibility? It might lift their spirits even more."
Morro turned back to the children, his heart lighter than it had been in a long time. He gathered them around and shared the news, watching as their faces lit up with excitement and anticipation.
Arin jumped up and down, unable to contain his excitement. "A Christmas party? At the Peace Center? With all the Ninja? Woo-hoo!"
Sora's eyes sparkled with delight. "That's amazing! I've always wanted to see the Peace Center!"
Wyldfire's fiery energy surged ecstatically. "This is going to be the best Christmas ever!"
Euphrasia, still holding the doll close, smiled shyly at Morro. She reached out and clung to his hand, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Morro," she said softly. "I'm so happy."
Morro smiled back, feeling a sense of fulfillment and purpose. "I'm happy too, Euphrasia. Let's make this the best Christmas for everyone."
As the plans to move the children to the Peace Center took shape, Morro felt a renewed sense of hope and joy. He knew that this Christmas would be special for the children and for himself, bringing together the magic of the season and the warmth of familial friendship.
An hour or so later, the Ninja arrived at the Ninjago City Hospital, their hearts pounding with worry as they barreled in and shouted to the staff that they needed to get to the children's ward STAT. The storm outside had made the journey treacherous, but they had pressed on, determined to find their friend. But as they rushed into the children's ward, their eyes widened in alarm as they all skidded to a stop, bumping and banging into each other in the process.
The ward was empty. Completely empty!
Beds were neatly made, the lights were dimmed, and the usual hustle and bustle of the hospital was eerily absent. The festive decorations that had been put up seemed to mock their anxiety, their bright colors a stark contrast to the fear that gripped their hearts.
"Where is everyone?" Lloyd muttered, his voice filled with concern.
Sylph's eyes filled with tears as she realized that there were no kids and no Morro anywhere. "Morro...where could he be?" she whispered, her voice trembling in anguish and pain.
Just as despair threatened to overtake them, a warm, friendly voice called out, "Hello there, little Sylph."
The Ninja turned to see Nicholas, the kindly toymaker, standing there with a gentle smile on his face. He seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, his presence radiating a comforting warmth.
Sylph blinked in surprise. "Who are you? Do you know where my brother is? His name's Morro," she asked, her voice filled with hope yet uncertainty.
Nicholas nodded kindly. "Yes, little Sylph. My name is Nicholas, and yes, I know for a fact that your brother Morro is safe. He's taking the children to the Ninjago Peace Center for a Christmas party."
A wave of relief washed over the Ninja as their faces lit up with joy and gratitude and they began to laugh with excitement and cheer. "Oh, thank goodness!" Kai exclaimed, his shoulders relaxing for the first time in hours.
Tasha let out a sigh of relief, tears of joy welling up in her eyes. "I can't believe he's safe. Thank you so much, Nicholas!"
Cole nodded, his usual stoic demeanor breaking into a grateful smile. "We owe you big time."
Jay couldn't contain his excitement. "This is amazing news! We need to get to the Peace Center right away!"
Lloyd stepped forward, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "Thank you so much, Nicholas. You've done more for us than you know."
But as they turned to thank him, they realized he was gone. Nicholas had vanished as mysteriously as he had appeared. The Ninja exchanged puzzled glances, but their relief at knowing Morro was safe overshadowed their curiosity.
"I guess we'll never know where he went," Jay said, shaking his head with a mixture of wonder and amusement.
Sylph giggled and wiped away her tears, a radiant smile spreading across her face. "The important thing is that Morro is safe, and we can all be together for Christmas," she said, her voice filled with joy.
With renewed energy and spirits lifted, the Ninja hurried back to the Peace Center, eager to reunite with their friend and celebrate the true magic of the holiday season. The storm outside still raged, but within their hearts, a warm light of hope and love burned brightly.
The Ninja hurried back to the Peace Center, their hearts light with the joy of knowing Morro was safe. As they burst through the doors, they were greeted by the warm, festive atmosphere of the party. The room was filled with laughter and holiday cheer, the scents of caramel popcorn, apple cider, and various holiday treats filling the air. The twinkling lights and festive decorations added to the magic of the moment.
Morro stood in the center of the room, surrounded by the children from the hospital. His face lit up with a smile of relief and happiness as he saw his friends. The Ninja rushed over to him, their expressions a mix of joy and concern.
"Morro!" Sylph cried, throwing her arms around her brother. "I'm so glad you're safe!"
Lloyd patted Morro on the back, a wide grin on his face. "We were so worried about you."
Tasha, tears of relief streaming down her face, hugged Morro tightly. "I'm so sorry, Morro. I should never have let you go off on your own."
Morro shook his head, his eyes filled with understanding. "It's okay, Tasha. I needed to clear my head. But I realized something important tonight."
The room fell silent as Morro took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "I was so upset earlier because I felt like everyone was too busy to spend time together. All I really wanted for Christmas was to celebrate together, as a family. That's what matters most to me."
The Ninja's faces softened with understanding. They gathered around Morro, their hearts filled with the same sentiment.
Kai, standing close to Skylor, took her hand and smiled warmly. "Well, we're here now. And we're not going anywhere."
Skylor leaned in and kissed Kai on the cheek. "I'm just glad we're all together. That's what makes this Christmas special."
Nearby, Zane and Pixal shared a tender moment. Zane gently brushed a strand of metallic hair from Pixal's face, his eyes filled with love. "This is the best gift we could have—being with the ones we care about."
Pixal smiled, her hand resting on Zane's arm. "I couldn't agree more."
Jay and Nya, their hands intertwined, exchanged a loving glance. "You know," Jay said, his voice filled with warmth, "Christmas wouldn't be the same without you."
Nya leaned in and kissed him softly. "And it wouldn't be the same without you, either."
Cole and Vania, standing together, shared a sibling moment. Vania hugged her brother tightly, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "I'm so proud of you, Cole. You've always been there for me."
Cole smiled and ruffled her hair. "And I always will be. We're family, after all."
As the reunion continued, the room filled with laughter and joy, the true spirit of Christmas shining brightly. The children from the hospital joined in the celebration, their faces lit up with smiles and excitement. Morro felt a deep sense of fulfillment and happiness, knowing that he was surrounded by the people he loved.
The night continued with stories, laughter, and the sharing of gifts. The storm outside seemed distant and unimportant, as the warmth and love within the Peace Center created a haven of holiday magic.
In that moment, Morro knew that he had found what he had been searching for—a true family Christmas, filled with love, joy, and the promise of brighter days to come.
As the festive day drew to a close, the children—Arin, Sora, Wyldfire, and Euphrasia—gathered around Morro, their faces a mix of joy and sorrow. It was time for them to return to the hospital, and the thought of saying goodbye filled their hearts with sadness.
Arin, trying to be brave, gave Morro a tight hug. "You're the coolest, Morro. I'll never forget this Christmas."
Sora nodded her agreement, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Thank you for making this the best day ever."
Wyldfire, her usual wild energy subdued, clung to Morro's hand. "You're our hero, Morro. We'll miss you so much."
Euphrasia wheeled quietly over, approaching Morro with a hesitant smile. "Morro, thank you for everything," she said softly. "I want you to have the doll back." she added, holding the glass doll out for Morro to take.
Morro shook his head gently, a warm smile on his face. "No, Euphrasia." he gently disagreed. "She belongs with you now. You take good care of her."
As Euphrasia reached out to hand the doll to Morro, their fingers brushed against each other, both touching the doll at the same time. Suddenly, a soft, magical glow enveloped the doll, and before their eyes, it was miraculously restored to its original, pristine condition. The glass shimmered, the paint was vibrant, and the doll looked as good as new.
Jay's jaw dropped, speechless at the sight. "Did you guys see that?!" he burst out suddenly, grinning like a cat in cream.
Sylph, her eyes wide with amazement, nodded slowly. "It's...it's a miracle." she stammered, smiling from ear to ear in astonishment.
The other Ninja just stood in stunned silence, completely dumbstruck by the magical transformation. The room was filled with a sense of wonder and awe, as if the magic of Christmas had truly come to life.
Euphrasia's eyes filled with tears of joy as she cradled the now-perfect doll. "Thank you, Morro. This is the best Christmas gift ever."
Morro smiled, his heart filled with warmth and happiness. "Merry Christmas, Euphrasia. Merry Christmas to all of you."
The children shared one last tearful hug with Morro before they were escorted back to the hospital. As they left, the room seemed to shimmer with the magic of the moment, a reminder of the true spirit of Christmas—love, hope, and the joy of being together.
The Ninja, still in awe of what they had witnessed, gathered around Morro, their hearts filled with gratitude and love. The evening had been a testament to the power of kindness and the miracles that could happen when people came together.
The next day dawned bright and early, and Sylph couldn't contain her excitement as she burst into Morro's room, jumping up and down on his bed like a little rabbit just waking up from hibernation. "Wake up! Wake up! It's Christmas morning!" she shouted, her voice filled with glee.
Morro groaned, rubbing his eyes and letting out a small laugh as he groggily stirred awake. "Alright, alright, I'm up, Sylph. I'm up." he said with a small chuckle.
The Peace Center was bustling with festive energy as the Ninja—along with their friends from the party—gathered around the Christmas tree to open presents. The room was filled with laughter and joy, the scent of pine and holiday treats wafting through the air.
"Who's ready for some presents?" Kai exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with excitement.
"Me! Me!" Jay shouted, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet.
As they exchanged gifts, the room was filled with appreciative oohs and ahhs as present after present was opened. Lloyd received a beautifully crafted jade pendant from Master Wu, symbolizing strength and wisdom. Kai opened a set of high-quality, fire-resistant gloves from Skylor, perfect for his training. Jay was thrilled with a new set of advanced tech gadgets from Nya, including a portable drone. Cole unwrapped a handmade, leather-bound journal from Vania, perfect for recording his adventures, and Zane received a meticulously detailed snow globe from Pixal, featuring a miniature scene of Ninjago City. Sylph was overjoyed with a delicate, silver bracelet from Tasha, adorned with tiny charms representing their bond, while Tasha opened a beautifully illustrated book of Ninjago legends, a gift from Lloyd.
As they reveled in the joy of giving and receiving, Master Wu and Misako stepped forward, their faces filled with warmth and anticipation.
"Everyone," Master Wu began, "we have an important announcement to make."
Jay dropped his piece of Christmas fudge in shock as Misako continued, "We've been thinking of bringing another child into our team. A little girl named Harumi."
The room fell silent for a moment as the Ninja processed the news. Then, their faces lit up with excitement and approval.
"That's wonderful!" Lloyd exclaimed, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "Harumi will be a great addition to our family."
Kai nodded, grinning broadly. "The more, the merrier! I can't wait to meet her."
Jay, always full of energy, pumped his fist in the air. "Welcome to the team, Harumi! This is going to be so awesome!"
Cole smiled, his eyes reflecting his genuine happiness. "She'll fit right in with us—I can already tell."
Zane's expression was serene, but his voice carried a note of warmth. "We will welcome her with open arms."
Sylph and Tasha exchanged a look of joy, knowing that their family was about to grow even larger. "We can't wait to meet her," Sylph said, her voice filled with excitement.
Later, the festive morning at the Peace Center was in full swing, but even amidst the joy and wonder, Morro felt an undeniable tug of longing on his heart. He knew that he needed to see Euphrasia one more time, even if it meant missing part of Christmas with his friends and family. Excusing himself from the celebration, he quickly and quietly made his way back to the hospital, hoping against hope that his new little friend would be there.
As he entered the children's ward, he saw Euphrasia sitting by the window, her face lighting up when she spotted him. The chipped glass doll, now perfectly restored, rested peacefully in her lap as she crowed in excitement, "Morro!" Her eyes sparkling with joy as she added, "You're back!"
Morro smiled warmly and knelt beside her, hugging her tightly and replying graciously, "Merry Christmas, Euphrasia. I just wanted to see how you were doing."
Euphrasia's smile grew even wider as she leaned closer, her voice filled with excitement. "Guess what? My dad came to visit me this morning. And... and he said he's taking me home for Christmas!"
Morro's heart swelled with happiness at the announcement. "That's wonderful news, Euphrasia! I'm so happy for you."
Tears of joy filled Euphrasia's eyes as she clutched the doll closer to her chest. "Thank you, Morro. Thank you so much! This is the best Christmas ever."
Morro gently placed a hand on her shoulder, his eyes reflecting the warmth and love he felt. "You deserve it, Euphrasia. Merry Christmas to you and your family."
As they shared another heartfelt hug, Morro felt a profound sense of fulfillment. The magic of Christmas had truly worked its wonders, bringing joy and hope to those who needed it most.
With a final wave, Morro left the hospital, his heart light and full of the Christmas spirit. Returning to the Peace Center, he knew that this Christmas would be one he would always cherish.
Later that day, after the festivities had calmed down and the room was filled with the contented murmurs of friends and family, Morro found himself standing quietly beside Master Wu. The warmth of the fireplace cast a soft glow on their faces, and the joyful sounds of Christmas lingered in the background.
Morro took a deep breath, his thoughts drifting to the little girl who had touched his heart. He glanced at Wu, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the man who had always been like a father to him. "Master Wu," Morro began quietly, his voice filled with a mixture of hope and uncertainty.
Wu turned to him, his eyes kind and attentive. "Yes, Morro?"
Morro hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts and shuffling his shoes sheepishly against the carpet. "You know how much you've always meant to me," he ventured, his voice sincere though poignantly shy as he added, "You've been the father I never had. And... there's something I need to ask you."
Wu's gaze softened, his expression encouraging as he replied, "What is it, Morro?"
Morro glanced down, his mind on Euphrasia and her unwavering hope. "I met a little girl at the hospital. Her name is Euphrasia. She's been through so much, but she's incredibly strong and full of potential. I was wondering... do you think she might be a good candidate to become the next Master of Wind?"
Wu's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but then a thoughtful expression crossed his face. "Euphrasia, you say?" he murmured, stroking his beard. "From what you've told me, she sounds like a remarkable child."
Morro nodded, his heart full of hope. "She is, Master Wu. I see so much potential in her, and I believe she could be great with the right guidance."
Wu placed a reassuring hand on Morro's shoulder, his eyes reflecting a deep sense of wisdom and understanding. "You have a good heart, Morro. If you see potential in Euphrasia, then I have no doubt that she has the makings of a great Master. We will need to meet her and see how she feels about it, but I trust your judgment. And perhaps, when the time comes for you to pass on your power…the spark will indeed transfer to this little girl you love so dearly."
Morro's face lit up with a smile, gratitude and relief washing over him. "Thank you, Master Wu. This means a lot to me."
Wu nodded, a gentle smile on his face. "It means a lot to all of us, Morro. We will support Euphrasia in every way we can."
That night, as the stars twinkled above and the warmth of the Christmas spirit enveloped the Peace Center, Morro found himself standing alone with Tasha. The evening had been filled with joy and togetherness, but now, in the quiet moments, Morro felt a surge of courage welling up within him—and he knew what he wanted to do next.
He took a deep breath, his heart pounding with anticipation and stepped forward a little, clearing his throat and gathering his courage before speaking. "Tasha," he began softly, taking her hands in his, "there's something I've been wanting to ask you for a while now."
Tasha looked up at him, her eyes filled with curiosity and affection. "What is it, Morro?"
Morro's voice was steady, but his eyes shone with emotion as he asked, "Will you be my Yang?"
Tasha's eyes widened in surprise, but then a radiant smile spread across her face. Her eyes sparkled with tears of joy, and she nodded eagerly. "Yes, Morro. Yes, I will be your Yang."
Morro's heart swelled with happiness as he pulled Tasha into a warm embrace. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them, bound by their love and the promise of a future together.
As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the magic of Christmas filled the air, sealing their bond with a touch of enchantment. It was a moment they would cherish forever, a beautiful beginning to the next chapter of their journey.
As the night wore on, the Peace Center was filled with the warmth of companionship and the joy of new beginnings. The festivities had wound down, but the spirit of Christmas lingered, casting a serene glow over everyone present.
Morro, now feeling a deep sense of fulfillment and love, shared a quiet moment with Tasha. Her acceptance of being his Yang had filled his heart with joy, and he felt ready to embrace whatever the future held.
As he stood with Tasha, his hand gently intertwined with hers, he couldn't help but think of all the wonderful events that had unfolded—Euphrasia reuniting with her father, the children experiencing the magic of Christmas, and the unbreakable bonds of family and friendship coming through for all of them.
Outside, the wind seemed to hum softly, carrying the whispers of joy and celebration. The snowflakes danced in the air, twirling and swirling as if rejoicing in the happiness that radiated from the Peace Center. The storm that had once raged with ferocity now seemed to have softened, reflecting the calm and contentment within.
Master Wu and Misako stood nearby, watching the scene with wise, knowing smiles. The announcement of bringing Harumi to the team had been met with excitement and acceptance, promising a future filled with growth and unity.
As the evening drew to a close, Morro looked around at his friends and family, his heart swelling with gratitude. He knew that this Christmas had brought them all closer together, forging bonds that would withstand any challenge.
The wind outside picked up slightly, swirling around the Peace Center in a gentle embrace, as if nature itself was celebrating the newfound harmony. The snowflakes sparkled under the moonlight, creating a magical scene that seemed to mirror the joy within.
And so, with the promise of new beginnings and the warmth of love and friendship, the story of this Christmas was far from over. It was a tale of hope, unity, and the magic that could be found in the most unexpected places. As the wind whispered its song and the snowflakes danced in joy, the future stretched out before them, filled with endless possibilities and the promise of brighter days to come.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Or as Jay would say—
"Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!"