The ninja, P.I.X.E.L, Misako, and Master Wu walk through the palace following Kaname, they were summoned by Aria.

"I hope this sudden summon by the Empress haven't disturbed you ninja" Kaname glances at them "you don't look too happy about it"

"no no" Cole says "we're all fine, I was only playing video games"

Lloyd sighs "they're happy they didn't get stuck cleaning with me"

"yeah yeah so what does her highness want with us now?" Kai asks

"you will see" Kaname replies

"this guy doesn't seem to like us very much" Nya whispers to the other ninja

"Aria doesn't even like us" Jay whispers back

"guys you know he can hear you right" Lloyd comments "he's a vampire remember"

They all look over to see Kaname looking amused.

"hehe" Jay laughs nervously

Kaname opens the doors to the throne room where Aria sat in her throne talking to Hanabusa. Hanabusa says something and Aria laughs.

Kaname clears his throat "Empress Aria, Hanabusa"

Aria immediately sat up straight in her throne and Hanabusa stood at attention looking nervous. The ninja held in a laugh, the Empress and her guard were caught slacking off.

"I have brought the ninja" Kaname smiles

"Ah thank you" Aria waves him over

Kaname bows and stood at Aria's other side, opposite from Hanabusa. The ninja and Master Wu bow to Aria before standing before her.

"I'm sorry to have called you all here" Aria says "I'm sure you guys are busy after the recent events happening in Ninjago, Aspheera's invasion, your trip to the Never-Realm, and getting stuck in Prime Empire"

"Hold on.. we didn't even see you during two of those events, how do you know about them?" Cole asks

"Aspheera's invasion of Ninjago was still of knowledge to me considering she did try to overtake my city" Aria replies

"What about the Never-Realm your highness?" Zane questions

Aria points to Kaname "I have almost every inch of the city watched by my Vampire Knights, nothing in this city can happen without me knowing about it"

"No wonder common crime's been down" Jay says

"And she was there for Prime Empire" Kai shrugs "so no surprise there"

"Why have you summoned us Lord Aria?" Wu asks

"You have been invited to Shintaro" Aria holds up a letter

Hanabusa takes the letter and hands it to the ninja.

"Woah" Kai stares at it "this is incredible!"

"Are you sure this isn't a mistake?" Nya asks

Jay gasps "It's real! It's gotta be! It's addressed to us, look!"

"It is highly unusual" Zane says

"Ooh, we gotta get ready!" Jay shouts excited

"Shintaro?" Lloyd questions "as in Shintaro the Ivory City?

"As in the remote and exclusive mountain kingdom of Northern Ninjago" P.I.X.A.L explains

"Invitations to Shintaro are exceedingly rare" Zane adds "In recorded history, there have only been a handful of outsiders allowed into the Ivory City"

"I've heard it's incredible! It's the most beautiful city in the world. And the people have wings. Haha! You can't beat wings." Jay says

Aria crosses her legs looking amused.

"When will you tell them?" Hanabusa whispers to her

"soon" Aria replies

"What's it say?" Lloyd asks "The invitation"

"Ahem" Jay clears his throat and reads "King Vangelis of the Northern Kingdom of Shintaro of the Sky Folk, kindly requests your presence" he smiles "of course he does" the ninja shake their heads "as honored guests, oh that makes sense, to celebrate the birthday of the princess, Vania."

"Princess Vania. Who's that?" Cole asks

"Apparently, the daughter of King Vangelis" Nya replies

"Little is known about Shintaro. Up until recently, it was still considered a mythical place" Zane says

"Well, it looks like we're gonna see it. In person!" Jay shouts

The ninja cheer.

"Master Wu, this is just what you need. This will get you out of your funk!" Lloyd says excited

"I am not in a "funk". And I'm not going. I'll stay here with Misako and P.I.X.A.L.. I can assist her in the Hangar Bay" Wu declines

"But how often does a chance to visit a legendary fabled kingdom come your way?" Lloyd questions

"I've visited my share of legendary fabled kingdoms. Once you've seen one, you've seen them all. You go. Enjoy yourselves. You don't need me tagging along." Wu replies

"Now, you listen to me, Wu. I've had about enough of this moping around. You are going with the ninja!" Misako shouts and Aria holds in a laugh

"I can't go charging off to far-flung places! Adventures and legendary kingdoms are for the young. You of all people should understand that" Wu argues

Misako glares angrily at Wu "Why should I understand?"

"Uh" Wu realizes his error "w-what I meant to say was, uh, um -"

"You listen to me, Wu. You are going on this journey, and you are going to like it! Is that understood?" Misako demands

Wu looks around "But-but I - the chicken need -"

"Understood!?" Misako shouts and Wu nods, she turns to Lloyd "He's in"

"Yes! This is gonna be just what we need!" Lloyd cheers

"Oh ninja" Aria gets their attention

They turn to her.

"Uh.. we are allowed to go.. right your highness?" Kai asks nicely

"hm?" Aria tilts her head "maybe"

"Please Aria" Lloyd begs "we won't be gone long" he walks up to her "I promise"

"hm" Aria puts her hand on his cheek "oh of course you and your friends can my dear"

"They are the weirdest couple" Kai whispers

"I agree" Zane says

"I thought they weren't dating?" Nya asks

"They're not, officially" Cole explains "it seems more like an affair"

Lloyd smiles and Aria pets his head "but I forgot to tell you a little detail greenie"

"What?" Lloyd asks

"hehe" Aria smirks "I'm coming too"

The ninja all look at her "Huh!?!"