Ninjago City. It was the most freaking big thing I have ever seen. I came from a small town so this was a huge step up. Less grass more concrete, more roads, more traffic lining those roads. Huge buildings that scraped at the clouds. People everywhere.

And I'd be lying if I said I didn't love it. I stared around in awe as people shoved by me and ran around.

I had on a lavender tank top and a denim jacket along with a white scarf with flowers like Chinese ink drawings on it. My hair was braided down my shoulder and was seriously tickling my neck.

I slung my duffel over my shoulder and took it all in.

Yup. I could get used to this. It was loud though.

Now what do I do? My stomach growled insistently. Yup, lunch.

I walked around in circles for awhile until I saw a dude with four frick'n arms.

Oh yeah I totally have to ask him. "Hi!" I know I was bouncing on my toes like a weirdo but I was so excited.

The man turned and raised his eyebrow at me. "Hello, can I help you puny human?"

I frowned at the words. Excuse me sir but I have longer legs than most people!

"I was wondering if you knew any restaurants nearby that were cheap?"

He laughed. "This is Ninjago City, any place that isn't overly dressed in white silk is considered cheap!"

He pointed to a building across the street. "Go there, it's closest and tastes good." Then he turned and walked away. His phone rang and he began talking through the phone.

"No, Luh-Lloyd why on earth would you want to turn the heat down? Volcanic temperatures are great for the skin!"

I shrugged and strolled up to the large building. On the base floor was indeed a restaurant.

I pushed the door open. It was homey, full of nice smells of Japanese cuisine. Small decorations that's showed the culture were around the dark rustic restaurant, a long bar was on one side and various booths were in the other.

I took a spot at the bar and placed my duffel on the floor.

"Greetings fellow teenager." A clear polite voice greeted me.

I blinked and looked over the bar to see a boy standing there. He had blonde hair that was almost white and blue eyes that were completely mesmerizing. They were this unnatural blue and seemed to glow.

He wore a casual uniform with the restaurant logo and an apron.

"Hello." I replied with a smile. "Is everyone here so formal?"

He furrowed his brow like he was thinking. "Not that I know of, the internet reads that during this age formal speech isn't often used."

  "Okay." I chuckled.

  "Did I say something amusing?" He tilted his head to one side.

  "Oh no!" I rushed quickly. Great job Gwen. "I just...laughed in a friendly way. It's a thing back at home."

  It is so not but I did not want to offend someone of my first day here.

"And where is that?"

  "Hm?" I asked as I studied the menu.

  "Home? You spoke as if you aren't from here." He blinked.

  "Oh I'm from out of the city. A small town called Jamakai." I replied.

  The boy moved to quickly hand a women a salad he had been assembling. "That is very far from here, exactly nine hours by plane."

  "Felt like longer." I grumbled.

  "Would you like anything to eat?"he asked.

  I scanned the menu. "Uh, yes I would like the Onigiri and some water please...uh what's your name?"

  "Zane." He replied. He did that funny head tilt thing. "I believe it is a social custom for me to now ask of your name."

"Gwendolyn O'Hannah." I said with a smile. "But you can call me Gwen."

  "Very nice to meet you Gwendolyn." Zane flashed me as smile as he began moved for a second to let another cook through.

  I raised an eyebrow. "Not a lot of people can get away with saying my full name without me strangling them."

  He blinked. "Am I among them or should I get into a battle stance?"

  "I guess you're off the hook." I grumbled, taking the water from him It was weird, I didn't usually connect with people this quickly. But for some reason something made me instantly drawn to his formal speech, oblivious innocent eyes, gentle tone and smile.

  "Onigiri!" A cook called. "Zane, stop flirting with the customers and get this dude his sushi."

  The boy was slightly round with a big smile as Zane handed him the food. I smiled as my own dish was set in front of me, mmm rice balls.

  I ate quickly, taking out the letter from my grandmother. I had figured out that she wanted me to go to the city. Though maybe when water turns to ice it could mean winter....

I groaned and slumped, chewing defeatedly on my Onigiri.

"Is that some type of riddle?" Zane questioned. "If you would like to request aide I am very good at solving these types of puzzles."

I sighed. "It's my grandmother's idea of a sick joke, I'm not sure if you could solve it."

I slid the paper over. He studied the writing with a frown.

"There are signs of invisible ink on this paper." He announced.

"What? Really?" I snatched it and unceremoniously knocked him over. "Oh fudge,  are you okay?"

I leaned over. He chuckled. "Do not worry Gwendolyn, I have faced much worse than an exuberant girl."

I rolled my eyes and stared at the page and I saw....the same old paper as before. I eyes him suspiciously. "How do you see that?"

He blinked innocently. "See what?"

"The invisible ink!"

"It's all in the angle, the page is a little darker where she wrote it." He held it to the sunlight and surprise surprise Zane was correct.

"What is it?" At first I saw scribbles, I love scribbles of course but it wasn't helpful but them I looked closer.

"Another clue?" I gasped. "What was Nana doing all this time?"

"Making a clue for you to follow." Zane said simply.

I squinted. "It's a map."

"I can scan the image and try to see where it leads." Zane told me. Oh, he means look it over. I shrugged and handed it to him.

He froze when he saw it. "It seems that it leads to a very sacred place." Zane exclaimed.

  "What? Where?" Please not a voodoo garden.

  Zane pressed his lips together. "I am unsure whether or not I can tell you."

  "You're joking right?" I stared at him. He did the stupidly cute head thing.

  "why would I be joking?"

  "I've traveled across a FREAKING ocean and practically disowned myself for this and you're telling me you know where this stupid thing leads and you can't tell me!" I shouted. "That's it, I'm done. Nope, no more, bye." I turned to stomp away.

  "I could always talk with a man who could give us the permission." Zane offered.

  I whipped around. "Really?"

  He nodded. "Oh my gosh thank you!" I flung my arms across the counter, making everyone stare, and hugged him tightly. His face seemed to pinken almost as I pulled away and he cleared his throat in embarrassment.

   "I am almost done my shift. At that time we can leave." He said calmly.

  "Great! Thanks!" I quickly sat down, a wide smile on my face. I ignored everyone's looks, I'd didn't care. I was this close to my dream.

A/N****
Using google I had researched the Onigiri, I'm sorry to any one if I spelt it wrong or got it wrong or anything! I was just trying to get the Ninjago setting going since it has Japanese origins and inspiration with lots of things. Such as the Oni.

Also, you may notice that even though this is off of the movie that Zane's personality from the show is showing through. I'm more familiar with his personality and they didn't totally get to build on a lot of the ninja's personalities as much I need. It's just easier on me so sorry!

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