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Hair As Gold As Straw (Chapter 3 - Call to Adventure)

[Prologue] // [Chapter 2 of 9] // [Chapter 3 of 9 - you are here!] // [Chapter 4 of 9] – (FFN) (AO3)

Part of the @ninjago-fairy-tale-au!

Summary:

Once upon a time, Princess Vania of Shintaro lived in an ivory castle in an ivory city. Her father, King Vangelis, kept her safe in her tower, where no one could hurt her and she could not hurt herself... until the day when she ran away. A Colania Snow White retelling.

Chapter summary:

Many heroes are called to Shintaro, and many try to save the princess...

Inside his ivory palace, King Vangelis paced across his throne room– once, twice, thrice. He seethed, anger burning like a fire in a great brazier. He moved with a fiery passion, taking ten steps this way and ten the other, never stopping for more than a moment, snapping this way and that like a dragon.

Presently, the doors to the throne room swung open, loudly thunking against the walls. The king turned to see several of his guards enter, bringing with them Hailmar, whose hands were bound. They brought Hailmar before him, and he kneeled. Vangelis stood over him.

"Lieutenant Hailmar."

"My king."

"Where is my daughter?"

"I do not know."

Vangelis snarled. "You are by no means an incompetent guard, Lieutenant, but your best quality is that you have never lied to me. It would be unwise to start now."

Hailmar bowed his head. "I would not lie to you, my king."

"Yet you falter. What do you know of my insolent daughter's whereabouts?"

"She has run away," Hailmar said. "I know not where."

"Your impudence speaks volumes. Did you aid this?"

"Never. I am your loyal servant, King Vangelis." Hailmar looked up at him. "Have I not faithfully served you for many years?"

Vangelis paused. "This is true." He began to pace again. "Did you not seek to stop her?"

"She was as silent as snow, my king- any movement was as quiet as the rustling of straw. When I learned she had gone, it was already too late." Hailmar bowed his head again. "I accept the punishment befitting such failure."

Vangelis hummed, ending his pacing so he could stand above Hailmar. "Very well. You shall have it. I do believe you, loyal Hailmar, but you are not so exceptional as to be spared what comes from failure."

"Of course not, my king. It is as you say."

"Your humility is admirable." Vangelis gestured to the other guards. "Take him to the dungeons. Fifty lashes shall be his payment, and he us to be an example to all those who are derelict in their duties to the crown. Let his rank be stripped, as well."

Hailmar was compliant as they took him away, walking as he was directed without a hint of resistance but with his head held high. When he was taken out, the great and heavy doors of the throne room shut behind the guards with a dull thud.

When Vangelis was sure that no one else would disturb him, he returned to his throne. He reached behind it and retrieved a silver mirror. Vangelis placed the mirror on the floor and retrieved a spellbook and a box as well.

The king opened his materials to the proper places, pulling out vials of powders and liquids from the box and turning to a page in his spellbook. He took small amounts from the vials and poured them into a small bowl, before chanting in another language.

"Filia mea ostende mihi…"

The liquid in the bowl swirled and glowed a sickly green, shining bright enough to overcome the midday sun. It shone brighter by the second, engulfing him. He poured it on the mirror, and it died and was replaced with an image as it plunged the room into the blackest darkness.

Vangelis smiled gleefully. Inside the mirror, he saw his daughter. Vania laughed and played with the Geckles, living in the caverns. She looked around, taking in the enormous size with wide eyes. Finally, she snuck through a pair of tall doors, returning a little later with a sad look on her face.

Vangelis smiled. His daughter was below the ivory city, living with the little people below– the miners! It would be a simple task for his guards to retrieve her, and from there, to bring her to her senses. Princess Vania would learn to be seen and not heard, no longer plagued by foolish thoughts of exploration– the daughter he had tried to raise her to be. She would be the model queen for their people as her husband ruled over them.

Vangelis quickly packed up his materials and returned them to their hiding place. Once he was finished, he summoned more guards. He issued them a simple command.

"Princess Vania has become lost in the abandoned mines and caverns below the city of Shintaro. Bring her back to me!"

-----

The first group sent below the mountain was unsuccessful. Only half the squadron returned, telling of no sign of the princess. They spoke of horrible creatures, unending darkness, and a terrible, rushing river.

The king sent a second squadron, but they fared no better in their ultimate goal. While all but two returned, none would speak of what had befallen their brothers in arms. One of the men would not speak at all, mutely going about his duties. The king was enraged and sent another.

Such were the stories of the next three squadrons that were sent, each faring differently, but none finding Princess Vania. Each told of terrible monsters, of pitfalls and traps, and of abyssal darkness. Finally, the king was filled with unending frustration, so he sent out a summons to all the nearby kingdoms.

-----

"This is the decree of King Vangelis of Shintaro: any adventurer or warrior that comes to his aid in his time of need shall be richly rewarded, knowing security for all his days. Let it be known through all the lands that the King is gracious to those who do well by him."

-----

The decree went unanswered for weeks, but eventually King Vangelis was visited by three adventurers. They were a Metalonian barbarian, a druidic mage, and a roguish thief, drawn by the promise of riches. Vangelis received them warmly, and spoke to each in turn.

"Korgran, mighty warrior. I have heard tales about your strength with your axe. Tell me, are you brave enough to face the darkness below the mountain?"

The barbarian grunted. "Korgran is not afraid! He and his axe– which does not talk– can handle anything."

"I am sure you can. As for you, Fungus, wise mage; your prowess with magic will serve you well against the monsters my men faced below. Are you willing to aid me?"

The mage swept his hat off and bowed. "Yes, your majesty. No monster can withstand the power of my spells."

"It is my wish that you are correct. As for Plundar, the crafty gambler... You are infamous for your luck, and equally so for your double-crossing nature. Will you keep your end of our deal?"

"Look, your highness, I don't break deals. If you're gonna hire me, I'm not gonna trick you." He tossed a pair of dice from hand to hand idly.

"Very well. I charge the three of you with a simple yet treacherous quest. My daughter has been lost to the depths of the mountain. My men are unable to return her to her home, telling of monstrous beasts and perilous traps. Will you rescue her?"

The three adventurers assented, and King Vangelis directed them to private quarters to rest the night before their journey as his men prepared equipment for their journey. That night, he visited each in private to speak in more detail about their charge, saying the same to each.

"I have no doubt that you can fulfill this quest. You are well-known throughout Shintaro as an accomplished adventurer. However, the path is perilous, so I shall make you another offer. If you can return my daughter to me, you shall be given her hand in marriage, that you may live here in the ivory city. I do not say this lightly– if you accept, do not tell your brethren."

Each adventurer, though mixed in their enthusiasm, accepted the king's deal. The next morning, without speaking of the king's visits, they ventured into the mountain together.

King Vangelis watched them go down into the mountain. For three weeks, his guards checked the highest tunnels twice daily, but there was no sign of the adventurers. Eventually, the king called off the daily patrols.

For a short time, the king went unvisited, his daughter remaining under the city. All evidence of the adventurers' visit was swept away, and the ivory city continued in its routines, with whitewashed walls and golden roofs. A sort of luxurious monotony set in.

One evening, however, another unfamiliar figure approached the city. He was clad in black and masked, such that only his eyes were visible. He walked through the ivory flagstone streets with the sun behind him, passing by every person and building he saw with an appreciative glance, slowly approaching the castle. When he at last came to the castle gates, he rapped on them loudly.

"Let me speak to the king! I'm here to answer his summons!"

---

Filia mea ostende mihi = "show me my daughter."

#ninjago #ninjago cole #ninjago vania #cole brookstone #princess vania #colania #conia #vanillacake #ninjago fanfiction #OLST fanfic #OLST writing #ninjago fairy tale au #hair as gold as straw

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only-lonely-stars · 2 hours

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A Bride for the Prince (Chapter 3 - Preparations)

[Prologue] // [Chapter 2 of 9] // [Chapter 3 of 9 - you are here!] // [Chapter 4 of 9] – (FFN) (AO3)

Part of the @ninjago-fairy-tale-au!

Summary:

Once upon a time, there lived a faithful and hardworking girl named Pixal Borg, who worked every day to satisfy her demanding stepmother. For years, she cleaned and cooked, giving no argument, until the day came when she met the prince. A Pixane Cinderella retelling.

Chapter summary:

The ladies of the Borg estate prepare to attend the festival, and Pixal gets creative.

As the king's festival drew closer to hand, the Borg household was thrown into a flurry of excitement and activity, such that there was no rest for anyone, especially Pixal.

Amaryllis was swept up in the excitement of the coming days. She sent for the best tailors, cobblers, jewelry makers, and more, so they might flatter her daughters with their work. Over the days, each came in his or her own turn to their estate, laden with tools and materials. They practiced their crafts with ease, creating beautiful gowns for Begonia and Columbine, which matched gorgeous new shoes and lovely jewelry. Bedecked in beautiful fabrics and jewels in such number, the two of them paraded around with aloofness, as if they were simply "nice." To Pixal in particular, they flaunted all their finery, in hopes of making her envious.

Amaryllis encouraged her daughters to ask after Prince Zane as if they were royalty, using the prestige of the Borg name to make themselves worthy candidates of his affection. One of her daughters was bound to catch the prince's eye eventually, and she would spare no expense in achieving such a goal, if only to raise one of them to royalty.

As they prepared and pranced, Pixal went about her days with little concern for them, doing her best to ignore their antics as tamp down any envy. However, she too was thrown into a flurry of work, and the excitement seized her too. The work they created in their excitement was such that her books were soon to collect dust, and she was displeased with such a possibility, but her mind wandered to possible ways to enjoy the festival herself. With such a thought in mind, she worked as quickly as she could, using her ever-growing vocabulary of spells to help her whenever her family could not see her. Her clip in particular was used copiously, to do immense amounts of laundry and clean rooms in half the time it would have taken her.

Eventually, however, the excitement got the better of Pixal as well, and she began to dream about the festival in greater amound. Only a couple of days away, it was to be a three-day affair of enormous proportion, only one hour's travel from the Borg estate. It was rumored that there would be games and shopping, and that the prince himself would be participating in each day's jousting tournament. He would take the favor of some lady and parade it high, so all the kingdom might see that he had taken interest in a woman to be his princess. Pixal thought it sounded almost foolish, as the prince would likely take a favour from every possible candidate, but nevertheless her heart beat quickly at the thought.

The day before the first festival day, Pixal built up her courage and sought out Amaryllis in the estate's gardens.

"Stepmother?" she asked.

At the sound of her voice, Amaryllis turned to her and frowned in distaste. "What is it, Pixal? Why are you disturbing me?"

"I have a request." Pixal folded her hands and nestled them in the folds of her skirt, intent on appearing meek. "I would like to go to the festival with you."

Her stepmother looked her up and down, appraising and disdainful. "You want to go to the festival. Do you even have anything to wear?"

"I do."

"It is not rags, is it? You must try to have a little dignity, Pixal."

"I do not only wear rags!" Pixal protested. "I have a dress to wear."

Her stepmother looked unimpressed. "Very well, then. If you are to go to the festival with us, you must prove that you deserve to attend. I will not have some dirty servant girl parading the Borg name through the mud."

"How must I do that?" Pixal asked, trepidation making her stomach churn.

"As you go about your day, you must do it without being touched by a single speck of dust. No member of my household may embarrass me with a poor appearance. If you are at all dirty, you may not attend with us. Go, clean yourself up. If you cannot do that, you cannot go."

Pixal agreed and left her stepmother's presence quickly. When she could, she washed herself carefully, scouring the dirt from her fingernails and the dust from her hair. Then she donned her cleanest day dress and continued with her day. Unfortunately, as she worked, she encountered her sisters.

"Pixal, there you are! I need my necklace polished," Begonia simpered. "It has corroded, see? You must use your strongest, blackest polish." She put the dirty necklace into Pixal's hand.

"Pixal the maid makes herself known! What an opportune time," Columbine crowed. "I need you to clean my bedroom. It's filthy!" She shoved a dusty, dirty shift into Pixal's other hand.

Pixal sighed. "I cannot do these things today. I need to stay clean, or Stepmother will not bring me with to the festival."

"That sounds like a problem for you to handle," Columbine said.

"We could always tell Mother that you aren't doing any work at all," Begonia threatened.

"What would she think if she heard that? So selfish."

"You had better do it!"

Pixal sighed again, wishing to every power above that she was not put in this situation, but unable to protest. "Very well..."

So she went and did as they had told her. Her hands became blackened with polish, and she could not clean it away from under her fingernails. As she cleaned, she became covered in dust, which she was unable to completely sweep away. The evening approached, and she only grew ever dirtier, having no time to clean herself up before the next task that was thrown upon her by her stepsisters. Her hope diminished every hour, but finally she found a time to slip away in private, right before her stepmother was to inspect her.

In the washroom, Pixal took out her hairclip. She had saved its uses that day, in hopes that she could do this. She took a deep breath. "Salva me in opere… make me as clean as snow."

Within moments, the clip began to glow, and an apparition came forth from it. It cleaned her and her clothing, and when it was done, one would think she was royalty if not for her plain dress and hair. She examined herself in the looking glass and smiled. Surely her mother could not find fault in her magically clean looks. Though Amaryllis hated her, she could not deny her this.

When Amaryllis saw Pixal, she frowned deeply, and for a moment, Pixal thought she had done it. Amaryllis examined Pixal very closely, but found nothing, searching even the smallest things. When she was done, she shook her head. "I see that you were very careful. You are perfectly clean. However, since you are, you were no doubt also lazy, to be so untouched. A lazy girl cannot come with us to the festival– I would be shamed!"

Pixal stared at her in shock. "I was not lazy, Stepmother! I polished Begonia's necklace and I cleaned Columbine's room, plus all my usual chores! I did everything asked of me!"

"None of Begonia's necklaces needed polishing, Pixal. Even if you did, your hands would have been blackened! I see no polish on you." Amaryllis glared at her. "Furthermore, Columbine's room is always clean. If you had been told to clean it, would you not be covered in dust? You must not have done that either."

Pixal fumbled for an explanation. "I scrubbed my hands and changed my clothes, Stepmother. I was very careful!"

Her stepmother looked at her in unmasked exasperation. "I'm sure you did. You will not be coming with us. This conversation is over."

-----

The next morning, Amaryllis, Begonia, and Columbine all left for the festival. Each was decked in finery– lovely dresses, jewelry, and shoes, each brand new. They laughed as they prepared, and the two sisters twirled and flounced their skirts, sure that they would catch some noble eye, if not the prince himself, and marry into riches and luxury. Both came to Pixal in turn and taunted her before piling into their carriage, jeering.

"It's such a shame you can't join us, Pixal. You could have met the prince!"

"Really, it truly is. I can't imagine how dreadfully boring it will be here, home alone."

"Meanwhile, we will be meeting Prince Zane and sweeping him off his feet."

"More like he will be sweeping me off mine!"

"He won't pay attention to you! I'll be his favorite!"

Still bickering, Begonia and Columbine climbed into the carriage. Amaryllis hung back for a moment, and Pixal's skin crawled. "Perhaps if you were more industrious, you could come," Amaryllis said lowly, and then she entered. Then they were off, and Pixal was left alone at the estate.

Pixal sighed as she watched them go. Deep in her heart, she knew there was no way they would have let her come, anyway. She would not be able to go with their knowledge or approval...however, she knew a way she might go to the festival without them. If she did, she might have some fun; she would be free for a day, would she not? With that dream in mind, she went back to her basement room.

When she arrived, she pried open the loose wall board and took out her purple dress and shoes, which she had received when her father gave her the clip. She donned them carefully, gingerly clasping the bodice around her stays. Just as she had hoped, they still fit her perfectly, and were in the same condition she had received them. Happily, she spun around, watching the skirt twirl out.

With her first difficulty solved, Pixal began to ponder the second. Her family would not notice if she did not clean for one day, but she had to be able to leave, or it was pointless. Thus, she needed a solution. As she pondered her situation, she wandered the estate. She passed by the road outside, and then an idea struck her.

Ten minutes later, with a spell tome in her hand, Pixal came back to the road. She opened the tome to a specific page, and then pulled some kitchen herbs from her pocket. She placed them on the ground and began to recite a spell from her book, carefully checking the pronunciation before she did so. "Ut me ad requireris..."

Immediately, the herbs began to smoke green and blue, creating a plume that rose high into the sky. It sparkled with magical energy, glowing slightly. It seemed as if all else around it became slightly darker, but it did not trouble her. With a deep breath, Pixal closed her tome, pocketed the extra herbs, and walked into the column of smoke.

-----

When Pixal next opened her eyes, the smoke was gone. She stood in a small clearing, behind some sort of stall. She took a few steps forward and looked around. Sure enough, she was at the festival! Her spell had worked!

She ran back to behind the stall and put the cloth over her book, nestling it in a little hollow with some more herbs. If it stayed hidden all day, she would be able to return easily. The festival was waiting for her, and she would spend all day, knowing her family would not return until long after nightfall.

Having set her course of action, Pixal turned to face the road. Her family may have denied her, but Pixal would be attending the festival despite them. For the first time in a very long time, she would have some time for fun on her own– freedom was hers for the day, and she could do whatever she wished, if she only knew where to start.

-----

Ut me ad requireris = "Take me to the festival."

#ninjago #ninjago pixal #ninjago zane #pixal borg #zane julien #pixane #ninjago fanfiction #OLST fanfic #OLST writing #ninjago fairy tale au #a bride for the prince

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only-lonely-stars · 3 hours

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✨️ calling all Star Wars fans ✨️

Hello there tumblr!

While we Star Wars fans are anxiously waiting for the bad batch finale, I could use your help! In fact...

I am currently in the process of writing my master's thesis. My research is about age & Star Wars characters. The research is trying to investigate whether there is a difference in fans of different ages liking or disliking certain characters that appear throughout Episodes 1-9. The survey takes about 5-10 minutes to complete, is completely anonymous, and you must be 18+ to participate.

It would be ✨️ wizard ✨️ if you could share it with your friends, parents, siblings, or any other Star Wars fans you might know! Or even just reblogging this post for others to discover here on Tumblr 😊

It would mean the world (or galaxy hehe) if you would fill it out. If you did THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU, ALWAYS! ✨️✨️✨️

#ngl it was a fun survey!#let's all help a fellow fan out :)

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only-lonely-stars · 4 hours

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Why am I like this

#fanfics AND novels #it's so accurate

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only-lonely-stars · 4 hours

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writing is hard y'all

#WHY is it so difficult to get inside this character's head?#ngl it's also really hard to write characters who have made terrible mistakes imo but it's an integral part of the plot so I CAN'T CHANGE I #i'm being cryptic because this is about my original novel project fyi #just... wow #wow wow wow it's taking a lot of willpower to write this chapter #OLST writing

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only-lonely-stars · 4 hours

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#oh how i want to be her!

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only-lonely-stars · 9 hours

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Sometimes I think about how Kai made his way out of an inferno by accepting that being the green ninja wasn't meant for him but that didn't make him any lesser while Morro died in an inferno because he couldn't let go of the idea of being the green ninja and viewed it as his only source of worth. And then I lose it a little

#well then. okay #ninjago #ninjago kai #ninjago nya #ninjago morro #kai smith #nya smith #morro wu

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only-lonely-stars · 9 hours

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Since claiming will work on a first come/first serve basis, I want to try to pick a time that allows for the most people to be online. Please vote so I can set a time!

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only-lonely-stars · 9 hours

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When you’ve been cooking for long enough, you stop making recipes and start making “shit in a skillet” and “whatever soup”

#no seriously it's always THE BEST

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only-lonely-stars · 22 hours

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The sillies

#ninjago #q

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only-lonely-stars · 1 day

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“omg you’re so creative. how do you get your ideas” i hallucinate a single scene in the taco bell drive thru and then spend 13 months trying to write it

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only-lonely-stars · 2 days

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The sillies

#ninjago #q

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A Shintaran Gala

Oneshot – (FFN) (AO3)

Summary:

In Shintaro, a gala is hosted every year to celebrate the holiday season. Vania looks forward to it every year, and now that she is the one to host it, she's invited Cole, her dearest friend, to join her. However, both of them know they want something more than friendship, if they could only find the words to tell each other.

Cole Brookstone stood in his room, adjusting his suit in front of the mirror, feeling like something was off. He tied his tie, then retied it, finally getting it tidy, but still felt wrong. He finger-combed his hair into place for the millionth time, getting the sweep away from his face perfect, but it still wasn't good enough. He straightened his jacket, making it hang just right, but it didn't fix the problem. Finally, he groaned and left the room, knocking on Jay's door.

"Jay? Can you help me out for a sec?"

"Come on in!" Jay called. Cole opened the door to see him sitting on the floor, mashing buttons on a controller as enemies went flying in Prime Empire. When he heard Cole come in, he paused the game and looked up. "Woah, what's with the suit? You going to dinner with your dad or something?"

Cole shook his head. "Nope. The Shintaran gala is tonight."

Jay whistled. "I forgot about that. It lasts all night, isn't it?"

"Yep. I'm pretty sure it does, anyway."

"You leaving soon?"

"Yeah, but something's not right. Can you help me or get Nya or something?" Discomfort crawled up Cole's spine.

"Why? You look fine. You sure you're not just nervous?" Jay asked, still sitting on the floor.

"Yeah, I'm nervous, but still. Can you just… make sure I didn't forget anything?"

Jay rolled his eyes and got up. "Fine." He scanned Cole briefly. "Seriously, you look just fine Cole. Your nerves are just getting to you."

Cole sighed. "Yeah, you're probably right. It's just weird going back for something so fancy."

"I haven't seen you this nervous in a long time. Just hang out and enjoy getting to catch up. Dance!" Jay grinned. "Maybe you can dance with Vania."

Cole flushed. "If she wants to, maybe."

"As if she wouldn't. Besides, you clearly do."

"Am I that obvious?"

"Oh yeah."

"Ugh, okay." Cole sighed and resisted the urge to mess up his hair. "Just gotta stay cool... I'd better get going."

"Have a good time!" Jay said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Say hi for us."

"Will do. See you tomorrow." Not more than five minutes later, he was on his dragon and flying over to Shintaro.

-----

On the ground in Shintaro, a whirlwind of activity had come to a stunning conclusion. Queen Vania looked over her palace with a satisfied smile, ignoring her exhaustion in favor of enjoying the fruits of her and her staff's labor. The holiday gala had come together with nary a hair out of place, and she could finally relax and enjoy it with possibly her favorite person in the whole world, Cole.

At the thought of him, she smiled even more. Despite her albeit childish hopes, during the Ninja's first visit to Shintaro, nothing had happened between herself and him, so she'd done her best to put away those hopes for the time being and focus on her people's best interests. She hadn't seen him for a long time, anyway. However, that was changing. This gala was a celebration for the people of Shintaro, and it would only make sense for her to invite one of their saviors to celebrate– why not the one who had singlehandedly brought down her father? It was the perfect opportunity to see if there was any potential for something meaningful between them, and more importantly, if he wanted it to. If not, well, it was still good to see him.

As the time of his arrival came nearer and nearer, she eventually went out to the gardens, amongst the beds of flowers and shrubs. In the back of the garden was a particularly large open space, where she had told Cole in a letter that he should land. It was just large enough for Chompy to land when he was large, so she knew it would fit his earth dragon, and it was wonderfully private. In only a few minutes, he would land there before her. Sure enough, while watching the sky and considering that night's upcoming events, she spotted his incoming brown figure, flying in through the beginnings of the sunset.

When Cole landed his dragon on the ground, Vania did her best to slow her heart and breathe deeply, attempting to keep her composure. Nevertheless, she grinned when he dismounted, letting the dragon dissipate into the air. Then he stood before her, wearing a black suit and tie that fit him perfectly, just as tall and strong as she remembered, with not a hair out of place. Not for the first time, she silently thanked whomever had made him the Black Ninja for his or her taste, for it suited him so well. He was smiling as if nothing had ever bothered him in all his life as he came to meet her, and she could barely believe he was even there.

She watched him approach, barely containing her excitement. When he got to her, he waved. "Hey, Vania!"

"Cole! It's so good to see you!" She threw self-control to the wind and put her arms around him in a hug.

"You too!" He laughed and hugged her back. Warmth flooded through her. "I missed you."

"I missed you too." He stepped back after a few moments. "Happy holidays."

"Happy holidays!" As they parted, she kept hold of his hands, but only for a moment. "You look so handsome in a suit."

"Thank you." He grinned, looking the smallest bit awkward, but spoke softly anyway. "You look beautiful, Vania– not that you don't usually, but… really beautiful."

"Thank you." She smiled, touching the fabric of her skirt nervously, the champagne fabric shimmering in the fading light. Silently, she thanked her stylist for suggesting going for a lower neckline, despite her misgivings.

"You're welcome." He smiled, so sincere and genuine that it almost hurt.

Her heart pounded. "I'm so glad you could come tonight."

"Me too. How have you been?" he asked, taking her hand. "It must have been so much work to put this together."

She laughed. "I'm exhausted! There's always something to do or fix." She looked behind her and through a great doorway into the ballroom, where quiet music was playing and a few stray couples were beginning to dance. "At least it turned out well."

"I'll say. Time for your day off." Cole grinned. "Want to join the party?"

"That sounds great." She laced her fingers through his. "Let me show you around a little bit."

"That sounds great, your Highness."

She smacked his arm lightly. "Okay, Sir Cole. Are you gonna be like that all night?"

"If you'll let me, maybe."

-----

The whole time she showed him around the palace, Cole couldn't help but marvel. Every room was bedecked in the loveliest of of decorations, with lights and garlands hanging from every high point. As the sun set, pink and orange light streamed in the windows. Glass and crystal prisms caught the light and reflected a million rainbows across the room, accenting the sparkling decorations of every color and shade. Chandeliers hung low from the ceilings, even more crystal adding to the grandeur of the moment. Every inch of the palace was gorgeous, a testament to Vania's hard work.

Cole would never admit it to himself, but if he wasn't looking at the palace, he couldn't help but look at her. Instead of her normal whites and golds and blues, she wore a dress the color of champagne that shimmered in the light, reaching all the way down to the floor. The sleeves hung just barely off the shoulders, exposing her pale skin to a greater degree than he'd ever seen, and he struggled not to stare. As they walked and talked, he tried to look anywhere but her, but failed every time, only barely paying attention to their conversation.

"...I told the Upply that we needed to make this place classy, but Korgran just didn't understand! The others got it, though," she was saying as she showed him the main ballroom. She pointed up at the very top of the grand ceiling. "Adam was the only one who could get up there to hang those lights."

Cole smiled. "I bet. I think I see webs he left."

She groaned, crossing her arms and peering up intently. "Really? I told him not to leave any! Adam!"

He laughed. "I'm kidding, it looks fine." He grinned at her. "Everything looks amazing, Vania."

"You think so?" She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Yeah." He looked around one more time. "I think so."

"Good." She smiled and looked away, glancing at the ballroom floor. On the floor, a number of Shintarans, Geckles, and Munce were dancing together, laughing and cheering to their heart's content. However, the music was changing. Idly, Cole noticed that it was in waltz tempo, but he tried to ignore it, like all the things he'd learned about music. Vania looked wistful.

"What's up?" he asked.

She looked back at him. "What?"

"You looked like you were thinking about something."

"Oh." She smiled. "I just was thinking about the dancing. I used to look forward to the gala every year just for it."

At this, Cole had to smile. "Dancing? I didn't know you danced."

"Of course I do! I'm a queen, Cole. What queen doesn't know how to dance?" She nudged him jokingly.

"Good point." He looked at the dance floor, then back at Vania, and a probably foolish idea came to his mind. "Do you want to?"

She blushed a little, pink settling over her cheeks. "I don't have a partner..."

"Sure you do." Cole grabbed her hand, ignoring his rising heart rate. "What do you say?"

After a moment, she grinned. "I'd love to."

Together, the two walked hand-in-hand to the dance floor. Out of the corner of his eye, Cole spotted a few people watching them, but he ignored them in favor of Vania, who still held his hand. They reached the center of the floor without much ado, and he put his free hand on her waist, while she put hers on his shoulder. As they waited for a fitting time to start dancing, their eyes never left each other.

The music dipped suddenly, the tune starting again, and they were off. One, two, three, the music told them where to go, and they spun and twirled around the floor.

In and out she swung, going to and from his arms seemingly every moment. For a moment, she brushed against his arm, close for milliseconds before she flew out again. A point of emphasis came in the music right as she came back to his arms, and he dipped her, causing her to start laughing. As he righted her, the music suddenly slowed, and the two of them began to box step, laughing in glee and unable to look anywhere except at each other.

"Where did you learn to dance?!" Vania asked. "You're amazing!"

Cole grinned and spun her out once more, slower. "My dad taught me when I was a kid. What about you? You're beautiful!"

She stifled more laughter. "Private tutors. You would not believe how much spinning Chompy endured while I practiced in my room."

"Oh, I believe it." The two of them twirled, her skirt flaring out widely. "My dance partner got so dizzy back in the day."

"Your dance partner?" she asked.

"My next-door neighbor." He grinned. "She's wasn't very nice to talk to."

Vania laughed at that, the bright sound like bells as it drowned out the music for a moment. "I'll take your word for it!"

The music picked up, and the two began to dance again, faster and wider. At one point, Cole put his hands both on her waist and lifted her up into the air, swinging her around nearly a full circle before sitting her down. For a moment, she felt like she was flying, and she told him so. Then, she asked another thing, which struck him to the heart.

"Did you mean to call me beautiful?"

His face heated up and his breath caught in his chest. "You heard that?"

"Yeah, I did." She looked away, smiling bashfully.

"Oh." He almost froze, but managed to spin her again, the music slowly climbing to its highest point. "Yeah, I did. You really are beautiful, Vania."

She blushed prettily. "I guess that means I can call you dashing, then. I've never seen you so dressed up."

"Me neither, but I'll take it." As he said it, the music reached its climax, and he dipped her low, such that she could almost reach the floor. She leaned into him, and as he lifted her back up she put her arms around his neck. Their eyes met, and she smiled.

The tune was over now, and those who weren't dancing were applauding the musicians. There was a quiet rustling as sheet music was flipped, and the two were unable to break the moment for a few seconds. When they did, it was reluctant. Vania lingered in his arms, and Cole wondered whether he was imagining it. What if she really wanted something between them? Could he be that lucky?

"That was the most fun I've had in a while," she eventually said, happiness filling her voice.

"Me too." He smiled, fondness taking over his whole body. "You're a lot better than my old partner."

She snickered. "I would hope so! You're more fun than my old teacher."

"Good to know." The first strains of music struggled to be heard over all the sound of speech in the ballroom, but they picked them up anyway. In a fit of drama, Cole took her hand and kissed the back of it, intent on being chivalrous tonight if he couldn't any other time– if he could pretend that she was his for a night, maybe she'd one day want that for them. Slowly, he bowed his head, then looked up at her. "Another dance?"

Vania smiled bashfully, transfixed on him. "I'd love to."

-----

Vania and Cole danced for hours, whispering as they turned and stepped. At the beginning of every tune, he would step back and kiss her hand, before asking to dance again, ever the picture of gentlemanly charm. She would smile and say yes, and they would step out in time, beginning a new dance for each that only ended when the music did. It was like a dream to them, and Vania thought it had to be some perfect version of a romance.

As the evening passed them by, the sun slowly sunk under the horizon. The rainbows cast by the crystals faded, being replaced by soft lighting afforded by the chandeliers. The golden light diffused throughout, making the place feel otherworldy, as if enchanted by fae to be inescapable, such that no one would ever dream of leaving. The whole scene was too captivating to forget.

Idly, Vania thought that she never would leave that night behind, even if she wanted to. That night, as short as it was, would have to be her eternity, because Cole held her close, whispering words of admiration and adoration in her ear as she spun and they twirled together. More than once, she expected him to do something rash– he would stop their dancing, lift her out of a dip and kiss her softly– but it didn't happen. It was hard for her to feel upset about that, though, when they never stopped spinning.

After a couple of hours of bliss, however, they tired a bit. Laughing, they escaped the ballroom hand in hand and found a quiet terrace outside the ballroom. There, in the trailing flowers that threatened to overgrow their beds, they sat on a bench, still laughing over some odd joke as they caught their breath.

When she could finally speak, Vania found herself almost at a loss for words, so she leaned against Cole and smiled to herself. "I haven't had that much fun at one of these events in so long."

He laughed quietly. "You sure were having a good time. I haven't danced that much in years."

"Why not? You're so good at it."

He turned his head to look at her. "Guess I've never had the opportunity. I don't do many events like this, y'know?"

"That makes a lot of sense. They're pretty rare even for me."

"Makes sense, considering all the planning that went into it."

Vania met his eyes, examining how their dark brown variegation. They betrayed only happiness, except for something she couldn't quite name. All night, she'd been unable to figure out what she had been noticing, but it was even more poignant now, and she saw it in him. As quiet settled in, she felt an incredible urge to break the tension and ask him if he knew what it meant.

After a minute of stillness, she spoke, but not about the mystery of that intangible something. "You have such beautiful eyes," she said instead, transfixed. "I don't know why, but they're just… gorgeous."

Cole raised his eyebrows and blinked, looking at her in surprise. "...What?"

"Your eyes. They're beautiful."

He was quiet for a few moments, and she tried to shrug off the feeling of having done something irreparably stupid, but then he smiled, sweet and true. It was a smile that exuded happiness, and she knew it was sincere within an instant. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." She beamed at him.

Cole glanced away, then back at her. "...You're beautiful, Vania. Just... in general. Especially tonight."

Heat came to her face. "You really think so?"

"Yeah." He waved his hand, gesticulating widely. "Everything tonight is gorgeous, and it's all because of you. You worked so hard on this gala." His smile turned bashful. "I really missed seeing you."

"I missed you too." Her heart clenched. "It's been so long since you were here."

"Being back is worth it." He grinned. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world; you're one of my closest friends."

"I am?" She tried to ignore how that phrase both excited and devastated her.

"Yeah. I was really happy to get your invitation."

Her stomach flipped, and she decided to be bold. "You were the only person I really wanted to invite. I'd happily just have a gala for two. It would have been just as fun."

It was Cole's turn to blush, his cheeks turning a moderate red, and she wondered if he might be thinking what she hoped– that they might have a chance. "A gala for two sounds really nice. It'd be a nice day off."

She smiled and scooted closer to him on the bench. "It does, doesn't it? Plus, all the dancing we could want." She turned and pretended to put a picture frame around the ballroom. "Food and drinks, too! It would be perfect."

Cole laughed. "Lots of cake. We wouldn't be able to eat it all!"

"Oh, no. Not at all. That's what makes it sound so good!" She grinned at him, and he only laughed more. "Are you laughing at me?"

"No, not at all," he lied.

"You are!" She smacked him lightly on the shoulder.

"The queen's attacked me! I'd better flee the country!"

"Oh no, you're not leaving yet! The gala's not even half over!" She bumped him with her shoulder. "You're staying, you here me? Royal order."

He crossed his arms. "I'm not sure I want to stay somewhere I'll be unsafe."

"Oh come on. I was kidding!"

"I know. So am I!" He chuckled. "Really though, I'm staying. How long is the gala supposed to go?"

"All night– as long as people can stay awake. I stay up all night every year."

"Do people dance that whole time?" he asked, incredulous.

"Some of them." She laughed. "You don't have to. If you need to go to bed, nobody will stop you."

He took a moment to think, but then grinned and nudged her. "I'll stay up with you. I want to remember tonight."

"Remember it?" she asked. "That can be arranged."

"I'm counting on it." He took her hand again and kissed it, just like he had so many times before as they danced. "Everything with you is memorable."

"Likewise." She beamed, and for a moment, it felt like her hopes weren't unfounded. Now was the perfect time to tell him, if she could only find the words. Would he be surprised, or would he expect it? Could he ever reciprocate? She didn't know, but she almost thought it could work. Just as she was building up her courage, however, he spoke instead and dashed her hopes.

"You know, there's a lot of this palace I never got to see last time. Would you show me around again?"

After a moment of silence for mourning her lost nerve, she smiled. "I would love to."

-----

For hours and hours, the unlikely pair danced, a ninja and a queen creating something beautiful out of nothingness. They stepped and spun, and whenever he could, Cole would dip her lower than the last time, so her hair would brush the floor. She'd laugh every time, and every time the music stopped, they'd start another dance, spinning again with only the music to guide them, as if they'd never have to stop.

Every once in a while, however, they would steal away to some new and hidden place to rest for a time, telling stories and jokes and reminiscing. With each passing moment, it seemed like they would tell their most pressing secrets, but they somehow remained unsaid, though many others were. That intangible feeling only grew, but it was so impossible to address it... Nevertheless, they grew closer and closer, until it was nearly impossible for them to part.

"I can't believe you ran away!" Vania exclaimed at one point while they hid in a little alcove off a hall, pressed almost together in the small space. "Your dad must have been furious!"

Cole laughed awkwardly, sweeping his hair back with one hand, knowing it hadn't looked proper in quite a long time. "He was angrier about the fact that I didn't tell him I was a ninja– he found out when I accidentally told him I was going to steal a trophy to stop the Devourer."

"You were going to steal the Blade Cup?" She stared. "Everyone says that you competed for it!"

"We did! Then he didn't mind."

Vania laughed. "There's always some secret side to the stories people tell about you, you know that? It's so much better hearing them from you." She leaned against him, and his heart took off at high speed. He had known that she wanted to hear their stories, but was that the reason why she cared?

"Some of them aren't very interesting," he muttered. "People like to embellish, too."

"It's hard to embellish anything when you ninja are involved!" She poked him.

He rolled his eyes. "You'd be surprised. Some people absolutely swear that huge chunks of Ninjago were just lifted into the air and made into some new continent where sky pirates lived. So far that hasn't happened."

A look of disbelief overtook Vania. "How does that… how do you even make something like that up?"

"Beats me."

She chuckled. "Well, okay. Even so, there are some things you just can't make up– that one not included."

"You sure? It's pretty easy to just lie." Cole examined her, trying to figure out what she was thinking.

"Yeah! Like… I can't make up how I didn't know Chompy could grow so huge when he gets angry, and you can't make up how you found your mom's temple!" She smiled, and then gestured between them. "We can't pretend about our friendship."

Cole had to smile back at her, unable to decipher all the emotions he was feeling. The opportunity was coming, if he could only get the words out– if he could just tell her! He could tell her, here and now, about how he felt. Was it the right time, or would it ruin everything?

"I guess you're right about that," he eventually said. "I wouldn't want to, anyway– being friends with you would be impossible to fake. Better just to actually know you. You're too unique to fake."

"Are you saying I'm weird?" she asked, squinting.

"Indescribable," he corrected, watching her reaction as she let her jaw drop in shock, mixed emotions filtering through her dark eyes. As she grappled for words, he explained. "Honestly, you're incredible. You're really strong, and smart, and you can fight. Everyone says you're an amazing queen, and they're not lying! You'd run the world if you could."

She watched him in growing surprise. "You mean all that…?"

"Every word. You're really special to me, Vania." He couldn't say anything else.

She floundered for words, but he didn't press her. When she finally had them, she took his hand. "Cole, I don't know what to say. I should be the one to say you're incredible! You're a hero– you're smart, a leader. You never give up! You've saved the whole world… you saved me. I can't compare to that." She ducked her head.

"You don't have to compare anything. I just want you to know what I think about you." He rubbed his thumb along the back of her hand soothingly.

She smiled and looked down, the fact that she was smitten obvious to everyone but him. "I think a lot of you, too. You're my best friend– I care about you a lot."

Something flip-flopped in his chest. "I care about you, too." He wondered what it meant.

For a few moments, they didn't speak, but then she lifted his hand to her cheek and pressed it softly there. "I don't really know how to handle what I feel for you. I missed you so much when you were gone, Cole. Tonight's been a dream come true... I don't want to forget any part of it."

Cole took his hand from her grasp and cupped her cheek fully, as gently as possible, trying to impress how he felt without having to verbalize it, if only to make it easier to explain the unexplainable. "I don't either. I've never felt this way for anyone– I don't even know what it is. Maybe…"

"...Maybe we feel the same?" she finished.

"Exactly." He smiled, painfully sincere, hoping this was the moment. "Vania, you make me feel so many things I can't even name. I don't know what comes next."

"Me neither." She nestled into his touch. "All I know is that I want to dance with you all night."

"I think that can be arranged." Cole laid his forehead against hers, the little hiding space they inhabited so small he felt he could have heard her heartbeat if his wasn't so loud. "We have all night to talk about this."

"We do." She looked up at him and smiled. "I'm so happy."

"Me too. I'm happy being with you."

-----

The night was no longer young, but it didn't matter. With the moon high in the sky, the gala was less crowded, as even most of the young and fit had left, only the most dedicated revelers remaining. The holiday was passing, and celebration was still in full swing throughout the city, only visible through the great windows to the ballroom. Outside, people cheered and danced in their own spaces, lights and decorations strung all across the ivory flagstone streets.

After the a few hours of the gala, the live musicians had left, but music kept playing through speakers, so the dancing continued. Now the music turned more informal, switching genres frequently. Cole and Vania found themselves doing whatever suited them, whether it was waltz or swing or no choreography at all, just having a good time with the others who celebrated. The unexplainable feeling had somewhat subsided, but it clenched in their chests every time they came together in their dances.

At one point, the music shifted back to a sort of waltz, just a bit faster than the live music had been. Vania cried out in laughter as they spun, twirling in and out of Cole's arms fast enough to make her head spin, the music their only guiding star. The music rose and rose, and Cole couldn't help but laugh as they took up the entire dance floor, others stepping away to give them room. Neither took their eyes off the other, too transfixed to notice the small crowd that had gathered to watch them until near the end of the piece, when a pause came in the music.

When they noticed, they locked eyes. In moments, a silent agreement was made between them, somehow in perfect clarity. With no hesitation, they threw themselves into the dance in impossible synchrony and danced with yet more spirit.

The music crescendoed, and deceptively it seemed to reach its climax, energy building higher and higher. Cole put his hands on Vania's waist, and as the highest note was struck, he lifted her up and spun her. Her skirt flared out as he did, and she laughed. It only lasted a moment, and as she came back down to earth, the music began to swell again.

The final climax was coming, so the two came back to dancing hand-in-hand again, their movements ever more dramatic. The end came incessantly forward, and for a moment the music stopped, the sound of breathing and hearts beating drowning everything out.

Then the end came, and Cole dipped Vania deeply. She leaned against his arm, hands clasped tightly together, breathing hard. He leaned down, holding her safe and steady, for once happy that his father had made him take so many lessons. He held her low for a surprisingly long time, as their audience watched in suspense.

As the suspense slowly lapsed, some of those who watched them began to clap, appreciative of the show. Slowly, Cole lifted her back up to a standing position, gently supporting her. As Vania gained purchase and stood on her own, they slowly came closer together, and the others in the ballroom began to cheer rowdily as they stood only inches apart.

Cole grinned, and Vania grinned back. They looked around at the other people, some of whom were drinking some sort of fizzy drink and cheering without inhibition, and then back to each other. After a moment they bowed and curtsied to the group, and Cole chuckled quietly. "They liked the show," he said under his breath.

"So they did. Want to take another break?"

He grabbed her hand tightly. "Let's find somewhere private."

She grinned, heart racing. "I know the perfect spot. Follow me!"

Before anyone could follow them, they left the ballroom, and Vania led him into a side room and shut the door. Once inside, they paused, staring at each other in partial awe at what had just occurred.

Then they began to laugh. They laughed for a long time, only stopping when their stomachs hurt. As they calmed down, however, a heavy sense of reality descended upon them both.

Their eyes met, an unspoken question passing between them. They had felt that undeniable something during that last dance, but it seemed to have no name. What could it have been? Maybe it was the exhaustion and their emotions playing tricks on them, but maybe it was what they had been hoping for– maybe it was what they longed for– maybe it was a possibility.

It was a long time before either had the strength to speak.

-----

The sun peeked over the horizon once again in its own due time. Its pale light shone into the palace, striking the garden and illuminating the vibrant greenery. Rays passed through the crystal chandeliers, too, creating minute rainbows that slowly scattered across the ballroom, shining onto the faces of sleeping and waking revelers. Not many remained awake, but those who did smiled at the reappearance of the light. The holiday was over.

For the last few hours of the gala, the music did not play at all. Those that remained awake talked, laughed, and joked to pass the time. Some drank that fizzy drink that had lowered their inhibitions. Some drank too much, and there were many foolish moves that had been made, such that the beauty of the ballroom was marred by the chaos they enacted. None of the mess bothered those that did not slumber, however– despite it all, they still remained.

Cole and Vania found themselves sitting together in one of the vacated palace rooms, leaning against one another, with Vania practically in Cole's arms. They had spent the hours telling jokes and stories. At one point, they had each drunk some of the fizzy beverage, leading to a barrage of compliments and jokes, not the least of which could have construed as anything other than veiled romantic attention. However, nothing had come of them, and the drink had worn off. Now that the morning had come, they roused themselves from half-sleep, ignoring how they ached to stay next to each other and spend the day asleep.

As the morning came into its own, the hired palace staff began to tidy up the gala's mess, and it was time for many to go home. Those who had eventually slept were awoken, and all were slowly sent away with holiday well-wishing. Cole, however, stayed close to Vania, nearly hand-in-hand. As her obligations came ever closer, however, it slowly became clear that he would have to leave soon.

When they finally had to part, Vania walked with Cole to the gardens, hand in hand. Among the greenery and flowers, where they were alone, she put her hand to his cheek, stroking gently with her thumb, looking into his dark brown eyes.

"I'll miss you," she murmured. "Come back soon."

Cole put his hands on her shoulders, still bare from her dress, and no less distracting. "I'll miss you too, Vania. Maybe next time you can visit Ninjago."

"I'd love that." She smiled at him, her eyes heavy but her heart full, and his just the same. "Show me everything?"

He chuckled. "That'll take more than one visit, you know."

"I'll just have to come more than once."

"That sounds good to me." He took her hand away from his cheek, and for a final time he kissed it, like he had so many times that night. "Thanks for the dances, Vania. I'm not gonna forget this anytime soon."

"Me neither. Have a safe flight home."

Vania watched as he slowly walked away from her, trying to memorize the moment. When he was at a safe distance, he summoned his earth dragon, its form becoming corporeal just as he jumped on, despite his tiredness. From his vantage point, he waved to her, and she waved back. Moments later, he took off, his dragon launching itself off of the ground.

Vania watched him go. He disappeared slowly, and when he was but a speck in the sky, she put her hand to her lips and kissed it softly where he had, already telling and re-telling herself the moments from that night. The next time she saw him, she'd tell him how she wanted to share something with him. She'd find a way to explain that mysterious feeling, even though she already thought she knew. Then it was his game... then she would wait for him again.

As he disappeared over the horizon, she smiled. "I'll see you soon, Cole… maybe I can tell you then."

-----

When Cole returned to the Monastery, he landed his dragon in the courtyard, the weight shaking the building. He sat on its back for a few moments, gathering his energy, and then dismounted, letting it dissipate back into nothingness as he entered the building, yawning widely.

As he passed the dining room, a voice called out to him. "Cole, you're back!"

Cole ducked his head in to see Zane, decked out in his old pink apron and making breakfast. "Hey, Zane." He yawned again, trying not to let his exhaustion show.

"You look exhausted. Why have you returned so late– or should I say, early?" Zane asked, blunt and to-the-point as ever.

Cole shrugged. "The gala lasted all night. Why are you up so early?"

"It is seven in the morning. Is that not a respectable time?" Zane asked.

"Nah, it's fine. I'm gonna go to bed. See you later."

"Sleep well." Zane smiled graciously, a twinkle in his mechanical eye, and Cole took that as a ticket to go straight to his room, avoiding the others.

After changing quickly into something more comfortable and far less formal, Cole laid down. He stared up at the ceiling, replaying all the moments from that night over and over in his mind. He put his fingers to his lips, trying to remember what it felt like to be with Vania, and smiled at the memories.

Maybe there was a chance for them after all. He knew what he had been feeling, even though he'd never felt it before. One day, he'd tell her– he'd tell her that he'd come back to her every time.

After that, anything could happen. All Cole knew was that he was looking forward to it.

#ninjago #ninjago cole #ninjago vania #colania #cole brookstone #princess vania #vanillacake #vanillacakeshipping #conia #ninjago fanfiction #OLST fanfic #OLST writing

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