A/N: Hey everyone! My name is SpiritOfFrost. This is the first story I've posted on the site, though I've been reading other stories and writing fanfiction for quite some time. So, I watched Ninjago and, like immediately, all of these story ideas started popping into my head. I started writing this one and I like the way it sounds so far, so I'm going to give it a chance. Hopefully, I won't get writer's block a couple chapters into it. I'll try to post chapters when I get them done, but don't count on there being a regular update time.

A couple notes about this story. I've made Zane a bit more human like. He's still a robot, just with a bit more human sounding speech and thoughts, less like, well less like a machine spouting of information and probabilities. (I love Zane, so don't hate on me for this.) This story takes place after Season 3, but Zane didn't die at the end. Umm... I think that's it for now, so I hope you enjoy!

Chapter posted on August 11, 2015.

Chapter 1:

*Zane's PoV*

I don't understand what happened. When I found out I was a robot, Kai, Jay, and Cole assured me that the revelation wouldn't change anything. But it did.

I didn't notice at first. It was small things. They would try to avoid touching me, they wouldn't make eye contact. Slowly, their actions became more obvious. They started talking to me less and less, they would go out to relax and have fun without asking if I'd like to join them. During training, if we messed up a formation or group attack, they would all blame me.

When Lloyd joined the group, I had hoped things might get better, that things might go back to the way it was before I found out the truth about myself. It was a foolish hope. Lloyd immediately noticed the others' attitudes toward me and he... he just joined in. And things became worse still.

Not only was I being isolated, but every little thing that went wrong was somehow my fault. Jay spilled his drink? Apparently I bumped into him. Kai burnt Cole during training? Apparently I distracted him. Lloyd failed an attack pattern? I was the one who didn't teach him well enough.

They would blow up at me for the tiniest of things, getting so angry that you'd of thought I killed an innocent person. I could barely stand to be in the same room as any of them.

I don't know what to do. They are still my brothers, aren't they? If not, then they were at least still my teammates... But with the way they've been acting... do they even still see me as part of the team?

If I'm not the White Ninja, then who am I?

I walked off of the Bounty, heading into the streets of Ninjago City. I had just finished being yelled at by Cole because Kai burnt dinner, and decided to go for a walk to clear my head. The sun had already set, casting everything into darkness.

My feet guided me to the park. There was no one else there, which was understandable considering the time. My falcon friend landed on my shoulder for a moment, giving a quick 'squawk' before taking off again. I smiled and sat under a tree, crossing my legs and going into a meditative state. I could feel the tension leaving my body as I relaxed more. I stayed like this for nearly two hours. When I finally opened my eyes, I was shocked to see a man sitting in front of me.

He had jet black hair that was tied back in a ponytail and slicked down with some kind of hair product. His eyes were dark brown, almost black, and he sported a small mustache on his upper lip. There were wrinkles on his face that made it obvious he was not young. He wore what looked like armor, colored red and purple and decorated with golden designs.

"Who are you?" I asked.

"So you've finally come back to the real world." the man said. "You can call me Clouse."

I offered my name hesitantly. "...Zane."

"I know who you are. The White Ninja, one of the four teachers to the prophetic Green Ninja, Master of Spinjitzu as well as the Element of Ice, a robot created by Dr. Julien, recently deceased. Your main weapon is shuriken." Clouse said, standing up. "My master is very interested in you, so I have been observing you for some time. I can't help but notice the way your fellow Ninja have been treating you. My master would like to offer you a proposition."

I slowly stood up, not taking my eyes off of this man who seemed to know all about me. "What kind of proposition? Who is this master of yours?"

"My master's name is Chen. He rules over an island not far off the coast of Ninjago. He is offering you a position as one of his right-hand men. You'll live in luxury. Chen's men will follow your commands without question. Only Master Chen and I will have a higher rank. No more of being treated like you're worthless. No more being yelled at for things that aren't your fault." Clouse stopped talking for a moment, as if to let his words sink in. "But, I must warn you that the things we do aren't always the kindest. You'll have to forget about your sense of nobility and righteousness. Master Chen might ask you to assassinate someone, or to kidnap a person. You might have to hold people hostage for ransom. You might have to torture people..." he trailed off.

I wanted to deny the offer right then and there. I was a Ninja, a protector of the people. I could never do things that would hurt others on purpose. My father told me I was made to help those who can't help themselves. How could I, in good conscience, go against everything I've always stood for?

But then, my thoughts drifted towards the other Ninja. What was I to them? A screw up, a disaster-causer, a freak of nature? I may be a robot, but I still had human tendencies. I still felt things like emotion and pain. Ever since I found out I was a robot, they've treated me like a stranger, almost like a slave. I doubt they even considered me apart of the team anymore. When Lloyd came, he practically took my place and I was kicked to the curb. Did I want to be treated like that for the rest of my extended life?

Clouse was waiting for my response. I was so conflicted. I didn't want to say yes, but I couldn't bring myself to say no, either. "I need to think about it." I finally said.

"Very well. I will be waiting at the Ninjago City docks tomorrow night if you decide to accept the offer. If you don't show, I'll know you've refused. Have a... pleasant night."

I watched him walk away, my thoughts in turmoil like a war zone. It was past midnight by now, so I decided to head back to the Bounty and try to get some sleep. Maybe my head will be clearer in the morning.

I fell onto my bed, exhausted, and almost immediately succumbed to sleep.

A/N: Poor Zane! So there is reason behind the other Ninja's attitudes toward Zane. This will be revealed in a couple chapters. Do not fret, I did not make the others mean. They are still the Ninja we all know and love. Hope you all liked the first chapter. Please review. Flames will be ignored, but I welcome constructive criticism. Anything that could help make this story better. You could also just give words of encouragement if you liked it. Even little things like "This is good" or "Please continue" will help keep my motivation for this story. Hope to see you all next chapter. Have a great rest of your day.