" Mia, do we really need all.... This?" Nelson asked, timidly glancing at Jay, Cole, Lloyd, and Kai, who were currently in awkward positions, while wearing long gowns and lipstick.

" Uh, Mia. Why are we wearing these?" Jay asked as he looked down at his purple gown.

Mia turned to Nelson with a mischievous grin, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Of course, we need all this!" she declared, waving her hand to indicate the entire scene. The small, makeshift chapel was decorated with paper flowers, ribbons, and a large banner that read "Wedding of the Century" in Mia's careful handwriting.

Nelson, looking a bit uncertain, glanced back at the others. Jay, Cole, Lloyd, and Kai stood in a line, each wearing a different colored gown—purple for Jay, blue for Cole, green for Lloyd, and red for Kai. To complete the look, Mia had insisted on them wearing lipstick, which was smeared on their faces in varying degrees of success.

"Uh, Mia," Jay started, trying to hide his discomfort as he fiddled with the hem of his gown. "Why are we wearing these again?"

Mia tilted her head, as if the answer were obvious. "Because it's a wedding, Jay! And every wedding needs bridesmaids!" She clapped her hands together, clearly pleased with her work. "And since Nelson and I are getting married, you guys get to be the bridesmaids!"

Cole let out a small chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief. "Only you, Mia. Only you could get us to do something like this."

Lloyd, who was trying to adjust the gown to make it less tight, sighed dramatically. "This is definitely a first for me. But hey, anything for you, Mia."

Kai, ever the big brother figure, was smiling despite the absurdity of the situation. "You know, I think red might be my color," he joked, though his eyes were warm as he looked at Mia. "But seriously, kiddo, why the gowns?"

Mia put her hands on her hips and gave them all a stern look. "Because this is a serious ceremony, and I want it to be perfect!" Then, softening, she added with a grin, "Besides, you all look really cute."

Jay rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Well, as long as you're happy, Mia," he said with a chuckle, though he couldn't help but feel a little ridiculous.

Nelson, still looking uncertain but clearly willing to go along with whatever Mia wanted, stepped closer to her. "Are you sure we can't just... you know, have a normal wedding?"

Mia gave him a playful shove. "Normal? Where's the fun in that?" She giggled, then reached up to adjust the tiny crown she had placed on his head earlier. "We're making memories here, Nelson!"

Cole groaned. " But the wedding isn't for another 12 hours!"

" Still. Anyway, where's the cake?"

Nelson stared at her. " Cake?"

" Yeah! And the food."

" F..f..food?!" Nelson threw his hands up. " Are you serious?!"

Mia looked unfazed. " Look, you were in charge of the guest list. I'm in charge of the decorations and food and stuff. I've got it."

Nelson's eyes widened in panic. "Mia, how are you going to handle all that in just twelve hours?!"

Mia waved off his concern with a confident smile. "Relax, Nelson. I've got everything under control. I'm a ninja, remember? We're trained to handle high-pressure situations."

Cole, who was still struggling to adjust his gown, raised an eyebrow. "High-pressure situations, sure, but planning a wedding in half a day? That's a whole different level, Mia."

Mia shot him a playful glare. "You underestimate my power, Cole. Besides, I've already made most of the arrangements. The cake is on its way, and the caterers should be here soon. We just need to make sure everything is perfect."

Nelson, still looking a bit frazzled, ran a hand through his hair. "But what about the guests? The seating arrangements? The—"

"Already done!" Mia cut in, holding up a small, hand-drawn seating chart. "See? I've got it all planned out. You're stressing too much, Nelson. Just trust me."

Nelson took a deep breath and nodded, though he couldn't help but still feel a bit anxious. "Okay, Mia. I trust you. But if you need any help—"

"I won't," Mia interrupted, grinning. "But thanks. Now, can we please stop worrying and start getting excited? This is supposed to be fun!"

Lloyd, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke up. "Mia, you really are something else. I don't think I've ever seen anyone so determined to make a wedding happen."

Jay chuckled, finally getting into the spirit of things. "Leave it to Mia to turn this into the most unforgettable day ever. I just hope we don't all end up wearing lipstick at the actual ceremony."

Kai smirked, crossing his arms. "Yeah, and maybe we can skip the gowns next time too."

Mia rolled her eyes, but her smile never wavered. "You guys are such babies. This is going to be awesome, and you'll thank me later."

Nelson, finally starting to relax, smiled at Mia. "You know, you really do have everything under control, don't you?"

Mia winked at him. "Told you. Now, let's get this wedding started!"

With that, she turned on her heel, marching off to finalize the preparations. Nelson and the others exchanged amused looks before following her, knowing full well that with Mia in charge, they were in for one wild ride.

A few minutes later, Mia approached Jay, a serious expression on her face. "Jay, I need your advice."

Jay, still adjusting to the gown, looked up at her with mild curiosity. "Sure, Mia. What's up?"

Mia held up two balloons, one purple with pink accents and the other pink with purple accents. "Should we go with purple and pink balloons or pink and purple?"

Jay blinked, staring at the balloons. "Uh, Mia... what's the difference?"

Mia frowned, clearly expecting a more insightful response. "The difference is huge! One has more purple, the other has more pink. It sets the whole tone for the ceremony!"

Jay scratched his head, looking between the two options. "I mean... they're both nice. But I don't think anyone's going to notice if the purple is on top or the pink."

Mia groaned in frustration. "Jay, this is important! It's all about the vibe. Do we want a more pink vibe or a more purple vibe?"

Jay chuckled, trying to hide his confusion. "I guess... whichever one makes you happier?"

Mia sighed, realizing she might be overthinking it. "You're no help at all, Jay."

Jay shrugged with a grin. "Hey, I'm just saying, whichever one you choose, it'll be great. You always know how to make things look amazing, Mia. Whether it's pink and purple or purple and pink, everyone's going to love it because it's your style."

Mia softened, her frown turning into a small smile. "Thanks, Jay. I guess I just want everything to be perfect."

Jay placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "And it will be. Because you're the one planning it. Don't sweat the small stuff. Just go with your gut."

Mia nodded, feeling more confident. "Alright. I'll go with... pink and purple."

Jay laughed. "See? You've got this."

Mia smiled brightly, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Thanks, Jay. Now, let's get back to work. We've got a wedding to prepare for!"

Jay saluted her playfully. "Aye aye, captain!"

Then, Mia walked over to Kai, who was busy trying to keep his gown from getting tangled. "Kai, I need your opinion on something."

Kai looked up, a bit wary. "Uh-oh, what now?"

Mia held up two color swatches. "What color should the food be? All red, or something else?"

Kai stared at the swatches, clearly taken aback. "The food? You're choosing colors for the food?"

Mia nodded earnestly. "Of course! It's important. So, should we go with all red?"

Kai scratched his head, trying to make sense of the question. "Uh... I don't think anyone's going to want to eat just red food. What about... all different colors? Like a rainbow?"

Mia tilted her head, considering the idea. "A rainbow, huh? That could work... It would make everything look so vibrant and fun!"

Kai shrugged, relieved that she seemed to like the idea. "Yeah, and it'll make the food more interesting. Plus, who doesn't like a good rainbow?"

Mia grinned, already imagining the colorful spread. "You're right, Kai. A rainbow it is! Thanks!"

Kai let out a small sigh of relief. "Glad I could help. Now, let's just hope the cake isn't rainbow too, or we might all end up with technicolor tongues."

Mia giggled. "No worries, the cake's safe. But everything else? It's going to be a colorful feast!"

Kai chuckled. "Can't wait to see it. Just... don't make me wear a rainbow gown, okay?"

Mia winked. "No promises!"

As she skipped off to finalize the details, Kai shook his head with a smile. "She sure knows how to keep things interesting."

Mia hurried over to Zane, a slight panic in her eyes as she tried to juggle all the last-minute details. "Zane, I need your help! What color should the gift bags be? And should I put only milk chocolate in them, or different kinds of chocolates? And what about other goodies? Should I add more? I'm losing it here!"

Zane, ever the calm and collected one, put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Mia, take a deep breath. Let's think this through logically."

Mia inhaled deeply, trying to steady herself. "Okay, okay. So... gift bags?"

Zane nodded. "I suggest going with a neutral color, like silver or gold. It's elegant and will match any theme."

Mia nodded rapidly. "Okay, silver or gold. Got it. And the chocolates?"

Zane thought for a moment. "Why limit yourself to just milk chocolate? A variety would be more appealing. You could include dark, white, and even some with fillings. It gives people options."

Mia's eyes widened. "That's genius! But what about the other goodies? Should I add... I don't know, candy or something?"

Zane smiled softly. "A mix of treats would be nice. Maybe some candies, small toys, or even personalized notes. It's all about making the guests feel special."

Mia started to feel a bit more in control, but then the wave of decisions overwhelmed her again. "But what if I mess it up? What if I forget something important?"

Before Zane could respond, Mia rushed over to Cole, who was trying to catch a moment of rest. "Cole! What if I pick the wrong goodies? What if everyone hates it?"

Cole looked at her, surprised by the sudden onslaught of questions. "Mia, relax. No one's going to hate anything. It's your wedding—everyone's going to love whatever you put together."

Mia bit her lip, still not entirely convinced. "But what if—?"

Before she could spiral further, she darted to Kai, who was busy adjusting some decorations. "Kai! What if the gift bags are too simple? Should I add more stuff? What if it's not enough?"

Kai turned to her, his expression calm but serious. "Mia, you're overthinking this. Trust yourself. You've got great instincts—everyone's going to love whatever you decide."

Mia gave a shaky nod but still wasn't entirely reassured. Finally, she rushed over to Jay, who was trying to figure out the difference between pink and purple balloons. "Jay! What if everything goes wrong? What if the gift bags are a disaster? Should I change everything?"

Jay looked at her, seeing the worry in her eyes. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Mia, stop worrying so much. It's your special day, and everything is going to be perfect because it's you. Just go with what feels right. And if all else fails, just remember—you've got us to back you up."

Mia took a deep breath, feeling the tension start to ease. "You're right. I've got this. Thanks, Jay. Thanks, everyone."

She took a step back, a small smile finally returning to her face. "Okay, let's make this wedding one to remember!"

As Mia frantically worked through the final touches for the wedding, she suddenly froze, staring at the ribbon she had just tied around the gift bags. It was the wrong color.

Her eyes widened in horror. "Oh no, this is a disaster! The ribbon is all wrong!" She ran her fingers through her hair, clearly panicked. "I need to go to the shop! Right now!"

Without waiting for anyone to respond, Mia spun around, dashing out the door. But before she could get far, Jay noticed the rising panic in her voice. He quickly spinjitzued into his gi, his bright blue outfit contrasting sharply against the chaos around them.

"I'll go after her and make sure she doesn't buy the whole shop!" Jay declared, a mix of determination and humor in his voice.

Before anyone could stop him, Jay was out the door, moving fast to catch up with Mia. He knew her well—when she was stressed, there was no telling how many things she might decide to purchase in a last-ditch effort to fix everything.

As he dashed through the streets, Jay couldn't help but smile. "She's going to turn this little ribbon issue into a full-blown shopping spree if I don't get to her in time."

Mia, meanwhile, was already halfway to the shop, mentally cataloging everything she might need to make sure everything was perfect. She was so focused that she didn't even notice Jay coming up behind her until he grabbed her hand gently, pulling her to a stop.

"Mia, wait!" Jay called out, bringing her back to reality.

She spun around to face him, a mix of surprise and frustration on her face. "Jay! I need to fix this! The ribbon—"

"I know, I know," Jay interrupted, trying to soothe her. "But you don't need to do this alone. Besides, it's just a ribbon. We can find something together that works, okay?"

Mia sighed, the tension easing just a bit as she looked into Jay's reassuring eyes. "But what if everything else is wrong too?"

Jay shook his head, giving her hand a squeeze. "It won't be. You've already done an amazing job. The most important thing is that you're here, and we're all together. That's what really matters."

Mia took a deep breath, finally starting to calm down. "You're right. I just... want everything to be perfect."

Jay smiled. "And it will be. Now, let's go to the shop and find the right ribbon. And maybe just the ribbon this time, okay?"

Mia laughed softly, feeling much better with Jay by her side. "Okay, just the ribbon. But I might need your help choosing!"

Jay chuckled, leading her back toward the shop. "You've got it. Let's make sure this wedding is unforgettable."

Together, they headed to the shop, Jay making sure Mia stayed focused on what they actually needed, while also keeping her spirits up with his usual lighthearted banter. It wasn't long before they found the perfect ribbon, and Mia was feeling much more confident about the big day ahead.

As Mia and Jay walked into the shop, Mia's eyes immediately locked onto a display of cute keychains. She squealed and picked up her phone, quickly dialing Nelson's number.

"Nelson! How many guests are we expecting?" she asked impatiently, her eyes darting between the keychains and the various items in the store.

"Uh, about thirty," Nelson replied, sounding a bit overwhelmed by the sudden call.

"Thirty? Okay, thanks!" Mia hung up and immediately dialed Kai. "Kai, what about the color of the plates and forks? And should I get some small candy too?"

Kai, who was at home with the others, sighed but responded calmly. "Mia, you'll be fine. We've got the colors and the candy covered. Just focus on the keychains and the ribbon for now."

Mia nodded, barely listening as she grabbed more keychains, her mind racing. "Got it! Thanks, Kai!" She ended the call and turned back to Jay, who was trying to keep up with her as she threw items into her cart.

"Jay, what do you think of these?" Mia asked, holding up a set of colorful plates and forks. Before Jay could respond, Mia added them to the cart.

"Do we need more?" she asked, tossing in a bunch of small candies she had spotted.

Jay, now juggling multiple items and trying to keep up, finally managed to catch her eye. "Mia, breathe! Let's focus on what we actually need and not get overwhelmed by everything."

Mia paused for a moment, catching her breath as she looked at Jay. "I just want everything to be perfect, Jay. What if I forget something important?"

Jay smiled reassuringly, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You won't forget anything. We'll make sure everything is perfect together. And remember, the most important part is that we're all here and having fun."

Mia took a deep breath, letting Jay's calm words sink in. "Okay, okay. Let's just stick to the list."

Jay nodded, helping her sort through the items she had already picked out. "Exactly. And if we need anything else, we'll get it. No need to stress about every little detail."

With Jay's help, Mia managed to focus on the essential items, and they quickly checked out of the store. As they headed back, Mia felt much more at ease, knowing that she had Jay by her side to help her through the last-minute preparations for the wedding.

When Mia burst through the door, her face was flushed with excitement and panic. "WHAT?!" she yelled, startling everyone in the room. Jay, who had been organizing the items they had bought earlier, looked up in alarm.

"What?" he asked, rushing after her as she dashed down the stairs and out of the house.

Jay managed to catch up with Mia just as she was pulling into the dollar store parking lot. "Mia, what's going on?" he asked, bewildered.

Mia didn't answer; instead, she was already sprinting into the store, grabbing as many items as she could find. She raced down the aisles, her eyes darting between rows of tablecloths, cups, and paper hats.

Jay followed, struggling to keep up with her frantic pace. "Mia! Slow down! What are you doing?"

Mia stopped in front of a display of colorful paper hats and gems, her eyes widening with excitement. "Look! We can decorate the hats for the guests! This will be perfect!"

Without hesitation, she began scooping up the paper hats and gems, stuffing them into her cart. Jay watched, a mix of concern and amusement on his face.

"Okay, this will be great!" Mia said, grinning from ear to ear. "They can decorate their hats and have fun!"

Jay shook his head, chuckling despite himself. "You really are something, Mia. Let's get all this stuff and head back."

They made their way to the checkout, Mia practically bouncing with anticipation. As they loaded the items into the car, Jay couldn't help but admire her enthusiasm.

"Ready to make this wedding the most memorable one ever?" Jay asked, giving her a reassuring smile.

Mia beamed back at him, her earlier stress replaced by excitement. "Absolutely! Thanks for helping me, Jay. I couldn't do this without you."

As they drove back home, Mia's mind buzzed with new ideas, and Jay was more than happy to be along for the ride, ready to help make her vision a reality.

When Mia returned to the venue, she set to work immediately, arranging the tablecloths, cups, and paper hats with meticulous care. Her excitement was palpable, but so was her anxiety. She darted around, making sure everything was perfect, but her nerves were starting to get the better of her.

As the food delivery arrived, Mia's panic intensified. She was frantically directing everyone, her hands flying about as she pointed to where things should go. "The stands look perfect!" she declared, but her voice was tinged with worry.

"Jay, can you help me with the pastries?" she called out, her eyes scanning the room.

Jay, who was already balancing several trays of food, nodded and moved to assist. "Mia, take a deep breath. It's all coming together."

Meanwhile, the other ninjas were busy holding the food trays, each one doing their best to keep everything organized despite Mia's frantic directions. Cole and Zane carried large platters, while Lloyd and Kai managed smaller dishes and utensils.

"Are you sure this is all going to fit?" Cole asked, glancing at the overflowing table.

"Of course it will!" Mia replied, though her voice wavered slightly. "Just—just make sure everything is perfectly placed. We need it to be just right."

As the last of the food was arranged, Mia stepped back and looked at the setup. Her panic started to ease as she saw everything coming together. Despite the chaos, the room was starting to look just as she had envisioned.

"You did it, Mia," Jay said, giving her an encouraging smile. "It looks amazing."

Mia took a deep breath and managed a smile of her own. "Thanks, Jay. I guess all the panicking was worth it." She glanced at the food and then at the other ninjas, who were now enjoying a brief rest. "Thanks, everyone, for helping out. I really appreciate it."

With a final check to make sure everything was in place, Mia felt a wave of relief wash over her. The wedding might still be hours away, but at least now she could take a moment to enjoy the fruits of her labor.

Mia's relief was short-lived as another realization hit her like a bolt of lightning. "Oh! My speech!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in panic. "I have to write my speech!"

Jay barely had time to react before Mia was off again, darting around the room. "And where are the couches and chairs? And the blankets?" she asked frantically, scanning the room as if the missing items would suddenly materialize.

"Mia, take a breath!" Jay called after her, trying to calm her down, but Mia was already halfway up the stairs.

"I'll be right back!" she yelled over her shoulder as she bolted to her room.

Once there, she slammed the door shut behind her and hurried over to her computer. Her fingers flew across the keyboard as she tried to put her thoughts into words. "Okay, okay... what do I want to say?" she muttered to herself, staring at the blank document on the screen.

She started typing, then paused, deleting the words just as quickly. "No, that's not right..." she mumbled, frustrated. She knew the speech had to be perfect—it was a big day, after all.

After a few moments of struggle, Mia managed to string together a few sentences that felt right. She typed with determination, her face set in a serious expression, but her mind kept drifting back to the decorations downstairs.

"Couches, chairs, blankets... where did they all go?" she whispered to herself, feeling the pressure mount.

Finally, she finished the rough draft of her speech and saved it with a satisfied nod. "Alright, one thing done." But the thought of the missing furniture and blankets gnawed at her.

She darted out of her room, making a beeline for the storage closet. "Jay! I found the couches and chairs in storage!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the hall.

As she opened the closet door, she saw the neatly folded blankets and stacked chairs. "Thank goodness," she sighed in relief. Quickly, she grabbed as many blankets as she could carry and dashed back to the venue, where Jay was waiting with a slightly amused look on his face.

"You've got this, Mia," Jay said encouragingly as he helped her set everything up. "The speech, the setup—it's all going to be great."

Mia smiled at him, her earlier panic starting to ebb away. "Thanks, Jay. I just want everything to be perfect."

"It already is," Jay replied, giving her a reassuring grin.

Mia nodded, feeling a bit more at ease as they arranged the couches and chairs. Now, all she had to do was deliver her speech and enjoy the day she had worked so hard to make special.

As Mia and Jay finished setting up the couches and chairs, a delivery person arrived with a bouquet of flowers. The sight of the vibrant, carefully arranged blossoms immediately caught Jay's attention.

"There's the flower delivery," Jay said, nodding towards the door as the delivery person walked in with three large bouquets. "Looks like they're for the parents, but... wait a minute," he paused, counting the bouquets again. "There are three, but only two parents. And both of those are for Nelson's parents."

Jay furrowed his brow in confusion. "Mia, why are there three bouquets? Who's the third one for?"

Mia glanced at the flowers, her expression softening. She walked over and gently took the third bouquet into her hands, her gaze lingering on it for a moment. "You'll see," she said quietly, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Jay blinked, still puzzled but deciding not to press further. He trusted Mia, but his curiosity was piqued. He watched as Mia carefully placed the bouquets on the table reserved for Nelson's parents, setting the third one slightly apart from the others.

Mia seemed lost in thought for a moment, her fingers brushing over the petals of the third bouquet. There was something solemn, almost reverent, in the way she handled it.

Jay's confusion deepened, but he remained silent, respecting whatever moment Mia was having. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something significant about that third bouquet, something he wasn't fully understanding yet.

"Mia, are you sure you're okay?" Jay asked gently, sensing the shift in her mood.

Mia looked up at him, her smile returning, though it was tinged with a hint of sadness. "I'm okay, Jay," she reassured him. "This is just... something important to me. To us."

Jay nodded, still not fully grasping the situation but trusting that Mia had her reasons. "Alright, if you say so. Just know I'm here if you need to talk."

Mia gave him a grateful nod, her hand still resting on the third bouquet. "Thank you, Jay. I'll explain everything soon. Just trust me on this one."

With that, Mia turned back to her preparations, her mind now focused on the tasks at hand. But even as she worked, the significance of the third bouquet lingered in her thoughts, a quiet tribute to a memory only she seemed to understand.

Jay, though still puzzled, decided to leave it at that. Whatever the third bouquet represented, it was clearly something personal to Mia. He'd find out soon enough, he figured, and for now, he was content to help her make the day as special as she wanted it to be.

As the preparations for the ceremony continued, Nelson arrived with handwritten notes for his parents, carefully folding them and placing them beside the bouquets on the table. He noticed Mia sitting quietly at a small desk, a blank piece of paper in front of her, and a pen hovering over it. She seemed deep in thought, her eyes darting back and forth between the paper and Jay, who was busy adjusting some decorations nearby.

Nelson walked over to her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Hey, Mia. Are you okay?"

Mia blinked, as if snapping out of her reverie, and looked up at Nelson with a small smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... thinking."

Nelson nodded, understanding that something was weighing on her mind. He glanced at the empty piece of paper in front of her. "Are you writing a note too?"

Mia nodded slowly. "Yeah, I am... but it's not for my parents."

Nelson tilted his head, curious. "Who's it for then?"

Mia didn't answer right away. Instead, she looked over at Jay, who was now carefully arranging the flowers in a vase. She watched him for a moment, a mixture of emotions playing across her face—fondness, gratitude, and something deeper, something that spoke of the countless memories they shared, the bond they'd forged over the years.

Finally, she looked back at the paper, her decision made. She took a deep breath and began to write, her pen moving steadily across the page. The words flowed easily, each one filled with emotion, each one a testament to the person who had been her rock through thick and thin.

As she wrote, memories of their time together flooded her mind—Jay's unwavering support, his goofy sense of humor that always made her laugh, the way he always knew just what to say to cheer her up. He had been there for her, always, through the good times and the bad. He wasn't just her brother; he was her best friend, her confidant, the one person she knew she could always count on.

When she finished writing, Mia carefully folded the note and placed it in an envelope. She looked at it for a moment, a soft smile on her lips, then turned to Nelson.

"I know this isn't what we planned," Mia said quietly, "but this note... it's for Jay. He's been there for me more than anyone else. I just... I want him to know how much that means to me."

Nelson nodded, understanding the depth of her feelings. "That's a beautiful idea, Mia. I'm sure Jay will appreciate it more than you know."

Mia smiled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders as she placed the envelope beside the bouquet she had set apart earlier. It wasn't for her parents, but for the one person who had always been there for her, who had never let her down.

As she stepped back and looked at the setup, Mia felt a sense of peace. She had said what she needed to say, in her own way, to the person who meant the world to her. Whatever happened next, she knew that Jay would understand, and that was all that mattered.

* At the wedding*

The day of the wedding arrived, and the sun cast a warm, golden glow over the venue. Everything was set—tables adorned with vibrant decorations, hats ready to be customized, and food displayed proudly (with the ninja no longer serving as makeshift stands). The guests were seated, and a soft murmur of excitement filled the air.

Mia stood at the entrance, her heart racing as she adjusted the delicate flowers in her hair. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. Today was a big day, and even though this was all in fun, she wanted everything to be perfect.

Beside her, Jay was dressed in his formal gi, looking unusually serious for such a lighthearted occasion. He glanced at Mia and offered a reassuring smile. "Ready, sis?"

Mia nodded, feeling a wave of emotion wash over her. "Yeah, I'm ready."

Jay held out his arm, and Mia linked hers through his. As they began their walk down the aisle, the guests turned to watch, smiles on their faces. It was a small ceremony, but the warmth and love in the air made it feel grand.

At the same time, Nelson was escorting his parents down the aisle. He was beaming with pride, holding onto his parents with a sense of joy that was contagious. The three of them made their way to the front, where they would stand together, supporting each other in this moment.

Cole and Lloyd, dressed in their ninja garb but with flower baskets in hand, were the flower people. They tossed petals into the air with playful grins, adding a splash of color to the aisle. Lloyd even threw in a few spins for good measure, much to the delight of the guests.

Master Wu, standing at the front as the announcer, looked on with a wise and gentle smile. His presence added a touch of solemnity to the otherwise cheerful event. He had seen these young ones grow, and it warmed his heart to see them come together for something so special.

Kai and Zane, positioned as bodyguards near the entrance, kept a watchful eye on everything. Despite the role being more symbolic than anything, they both took it seriously, their eyes scanning the area for any potential disruptions. But there was none—the day was peaceful, filled only with joy.

Nya, who stood at the entrance as the greeter, welcomed each guest with a smile, her demeanor warm and inviting. She made sure everyone felt comfortable and ready to enjoy the celebration.

As Jay and Mia reached the front, they shared a brief glance, a moment of understanding passing between them. This day was special not just for the celebration, but for the bond they shared.

When they reached Nelson and his parents, Mia turned to face everyone, her eyes shining with emotion. Jay squeezed her hand gently before stepping aside, joining the other ninja.

Mia looked at Nelson, who was smiling brightly, then back at the guests. She took a deep breath, her voice steady as she spoke. "Thank you all for being here today. This might not be a traditional wedding, but it's our way of celebrating what matters most—family, friends, and the memories we make together."

Master Wu stepped forward to continue the ceremony, his voice calm and soothing. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two young hearts who understand the true meaning of companionship. As we witness this joyful event, let us be reminded of the strength of the bonds we form and the importance of supporting one another."

The ceremony proceeded with lightheartedness, laughter, and a few playful moments. As Wu pronounced them "official spouse forever," the crowd erupted in cheers, flower petals raining down from above courtesy of Cole and Lloyd.

But then, Mia surprised them by holding her flowers and going to the mic.

" I know most girls with no parents don't do this, but I'm different. I have a parent. That parent was there for me when my parents died. We were, and, still are, very close. He's always put up with me, and, at the end of the day, loves me. This person is my brother, Jay Elizabeth Walker."

Mia's words hung in the air, the crowd falling silent as they listened intently. Her voice was steady, but the emotion behind it was undeniable.

Holding her bouquet tightly, Mia continued, "Jay has always been more than just a brother to me. When we lost our parents, he stepped in and took on a role that no one asked him to, but he did it anyway because he loves me. He's been my rock, my guide, and most importantly, my family."

Jay, standing among the other ninja, felt his throat tighten. He wasn't expecting this, and the words his sister spoke touched him deeply. He'd always seen himself as her protector, but hearing her express it so openly made him realize just how much he meant to her.

Mia looked out at the gathered guests, her eyes glistening with tears. "I know that today was supposed to be about celebrating this special bond with Nelson and his family, and it still is, but I couldn't let this moment pass without acknowledging the person who's always been there for me, even when things were hard."

She turned to face Jay, her voice softening. "Jay, you've given me more than just a home. You've given me love, support, and a sense of belonging. I wouldn't be the person I am today without you. So, while everyone here sees you as the brave, lightning-fast ninja, I see you as the one person who has always been my family, no matter what."

Jay felt a lump form in his throat, and he struggled to hold back tears. The room was still, everyone waiting for his response.

Mia smiled at him, her eyes filled with gratitude and love. "I just wanted to say thank you, Jay. For everything. For being my parent, my brother, and my best friend. I love you."

Jay couldn't hold back any longer. He ran up to Mia, his own eyes brimming with tears, and pulled Mia into a tight embrace. "I love you too, Mia. More than you'll ever know."

The crowd watched, moved by the heartfelt moment between the siblings. Even Master Wu's usually calm demeanor softened as he observed the deep bond between them.

After a few moments, Jay pulled back, wiping away a tear and trying to lighten the mood. "You know, Mia, you've always had a way of surprising me. But this... this was something else."

Mia giggled through her own tears. "I told you, I'm different."

Then, to the crowd, she announced, " And the only reason I'm actually acknowledging this out loud, is because I was a very stubborn baby."