I apologize for the delay everyone, unfortunately my laptop crashed and all of my Word documents were lost. I am still distraught because my notes and previous reiteration of this chapter is lost to me and I believe that one was the better one. *Sigh* I'm doing my best to recover my notes little by little, but I for one do not have a photographic memory, so recollection will be a slow and trying process. I still worked hard on this chapter like all the others, thus I hope everyone likes Ayane and Zane's chapter.

Please read and enjoy!

Chapter 8

(Ayane's POV)

The door closes to Nya and Ebony's room with a soft click and I take numerous short breathes in a vain attempt to quell my raging emotions.

I feel the familiar pricks of unshed tears gather in the corner of my eyes and shut them before they have a chance to spill.

Bowing my head, I hastily make my way to the deck for some much needed fresh air.

How can she say such cruel words so off-handedly?

She knows nothing about me and yet she already knows my character?

I reach the exit door and step through, the warmth of Amaterasu's rays greet me immediately.

Filling my body and soul with her generous affection…unfortunately a few tears still manage to escape.

I lift my head while shielding my eyes from the glare of the sun, my gaze settling on the height of the crow's nest.

That seems like as good a spot as any to calm myself uninterrupted, I don't want Zane to see me like this…

I begin my climb to the top with perfect ease, though I feel the slight mid-winter chill of the early morning air the Goddess of Light continues to bless and envelop me warding off Shiva's touch.

When I reach the scion of the Destiny's Bounty, I mount the small bulb carefully and stand on my tip-toes nimbly.

I then cross my arms below my chest and close my eyes to ponder the reasons for my aching heart.

There's no question, the reason why I'm so upset over Ebony's accusation is because she speaks the truth…I have suffered from a broken heart during a past relationship.

*sharp cry from bird of prey*

"Hayate…"

I open my eyes and in the distance I can see the outline of the dark avian.

As he draws near, I extend my arm for him to safely perch, but to my chagrin…he settles to roost on my head.

I suck my teeth irritably and mumble.

"It must be quite cozy up there."

I feel his talons move as he hops a bit towards the front of my head and leans down so that I can see him from beyond my bangs.

He gives another cry as her peers at me with his sharp eyes upside down.

"Well Hayate, I guess you'll be my confidant."

He swivels his head casting his gaze downward and I follow his eyes.

I feel the beginnings of a smile form on my face as I witness Jay sweep Nya off her feet and swan dive over the railings of the Bounty.

They must be off to Twilight for their date, I assume while readjusting my gaze to the clear skies around me.

We have a free day today, one I was looking forward to spend with Zane, but I feel the mood may become spoiled due to my sour disposition.

"All because of Ebony and her bluntness," I say out loud to Hayate and I feel him shuffle as if trying to get comfortable for a long story.

"Hayate, the reason why I'm so upset is because Ebony speaks the truth," I begin grimly, "I've…never really guarded my emotions properly. I've always been too trusting, too gullible…"

"…another overly emotional imbecile…"

I purse my lips together angrily.

"When Zane came to my rescue along with Sasha and Nya, I was ready to shoot him even after he had saved me if he posed a threat to my village. All he did to gain my trust was sheathe his weapons and introduce himself, holding out his hand for me to take…and I took it with only the slightest hesitation."

"You wear your heart on your sleeves and allow anyone to get close without fully understanding their own intentions."

I wrap my arms around myself suddenly feeling unmistakably cold.

"Hayate, I love Zane I do, but what if…what if he only thinks that he loves me? What if he's only blissfully confused because it's his first time in a relationship?"

The sound of another cry from the falcon is my only answer, this time though the cry is soft and sympathetic as if he truly understands my doubts.

"What if…" I choke back a sob as I struggle with the next words.

"What if I'm only a test run for him…an experiment to assess his emotions on? If so, then it wouldn't be the first time I let a guy toy around with my affections."

"…no doubt you've seen many a heartbreak."

"Yes Kunoichi of Darkness, I have," I conclude bitterly.

Oh mademoiselle…

(Zane's POV)

I stood leaned against the ship's cabin below Ayane listening to every word she confessed to Hayate and feeling the waves of unease and discontent fill me from my emotional framework.

I uncross my arms and right myself to head back inside to the ship's interior, unwilling to listen anymore of Ayane's doubt.

My element shifts within me and it is with great alarm I find that my hands are trembling as I cross the entrance.

As I walk further down the hallway and pass the one leading to my brother's and I part of the ship, instability bombards my system and my powers disperse from me without my consent.

I look down at my feet and see the wooden panels of the floor covered in thick glimmering sheets of ice.

I ball my fists at my side and straighten my posture.

Ayane, I have never given you a reason to suspect my love for you was fabricated. These feelings I have are real, you alone should see that more than anyone else.

So then…why—

Stay forever cool my child…

…?!

The temperature around and through me dwindled to below sub-zero causing my exhalation to come forth in streams of white.

Merely speculating on why your soul mate's heart tethers on uncertainty is counterproductive. You must go to the root...you must tread softly through darkness.

The voice whispering within my mind is indubitably feminine laced with a crisp wisdom and I worry if maybe I have an error in my CPU.

Hahahahaha, I am no error my child. The turmoil inside your body and the sudden volatility of your emotions is what beckoned me to reach you.

And who are you? And why do you call me your child? I saw no woman beside my father in my memory banks.

Later, first we must deal with the present before we solve the mysteries of the past. Keep walking Zane…the female of shadows shall give you answers…if you ask the right questions…

Alright, I say to voice and begin to make my way to Nya and Ebony's room.

I will confront Ebony and then I will confront you.

Glad to see you have taken control of your disposition so quickly. I have chosen my advocate well my pride in you shall be forever lasting.

Advocate?

No answer is forthcoming as the voice is silent as I reach the door leading to the person who is the cause for Ayane's misery.

I sense the presence of powerful darkness beyond the barrier of the door and lift my hand to knock firmly while setting my expression into sternness.

"Come in…I guess."

Ebony's low sultry voice answers me and I enter her quarters without idle.

She is lying down on her bed in honest comfort however her one visible eye narrows as she notices my entrance.

"You bring a cold front with you Zane and I don't like it…how may I help you?"

My own eyes narrow and meet Ebony's, without wasting time I get right to the point.

"Look who's talking, why did you say those words to Ayane? You have caused her great distress."

My voice is calm and collected, crossing my arms over my chest as I wait for her retort.

Her face remains impassive and a heavy sigh escapes her.

"So instead of confronting me herself she sends her boyfriend instead? How typical," Ebony states in monotone while sitting up and rising from the bed to face me appropriately.

"Ayane does not know I am here, I came to you of my own accord."

The Kunoichi of Darkness shifts her weight to her uninjured leg and the dark silver material of her attire seems to glisten as if adjusting to the change of stance.

She folds her left arm and her right elbow comes down to rest on the top of her hand.

"I have no transgressions against Ayane. Did I speak falsely?"

"She has never spoken to me about her past relations, so I will not assume what I do not know. Although, I admit Ayane expresses herself freely regardless of the circumstances. Have so since the moment I met her, however I do not see a flaw in her personality as you seem to yet still your words cut her deeply."

"Sometimes the truth hurts and some rather shield themselves from it than accept it."

"You speak of shields. Do you not have the most of the metaphorical kind?"

"…"

"…By your silence, I presume my previous assumption is correct. Your fear of letting others get too close while you think is your greatest strength to prevent it is actually your greatest weakness."

"Do not stand there Zane and speak as if you know everything about me."

"It is the truth is it not? Or do I speak falsely?"

Ebony lowers her arms and glares at me, I sense the unimaginable power within her nevertheless I also have mine.

"I am not weak nor do I fear the good intentions of others. Protecting my heart from misgivings should not be considered an imperfection."

"And what of your brother and uncle Ebony, will you deny your own blood access to your heart?"

The white-haired young woman blinks slowly and the cold apathy in her voice ebbs away to the slightest hint of caring.

"I've always wondered where I came from, whether or not I was truly alone. Now that I know I have a family: a younger brother, an uncle, a father, and a mother who may be still alive. I want to get to know them and if they want to know me I'd be a fool not to give them the benefit of the doubt."

I allow the subtlest of smiles to grace my features at her reply.

"What about Kai?"

Her garnet gem-like eyes flash in unambiguous warning and I know I am walking on thin ice.

I'll alert the fish…haha…be careful Zane. I think it may be best to retreat now.

"What about him?"

Prior to answering, I take time to analyze my words circumspectly though my brother of fire is still in denial about how much he is beginning to care for Garmadon's daughter, I sense they will find their way to each other soon.

"I shall let you muse on that question yourself Ebony for it is time I took my leave of you."

As I turn to head out, I decide to leave these parting words hoping they may somehow penetrate her core and reach her heart.

"You and I are polar opposites concerning the aspect of emotions, where I wish to feel as much as I can you wish for seclusion from them is hopes of protection. Ayane's brilliant light reflects off my ice creating fluorescent images that I am hoping will solidify our congruency and perhaps Ebony…all you need are the wild untamed flames of my brother to guide and warm you when the darkness becomes too much to bear alone."

From my peripheral I witness genuine shock cross her face and her brow crease undoubtedly in contemplation.

I open the door and as I pass through I hear Ebony's faint whisper.

"It may not be such a bad idea to show a little emotion…from time to time to those I feel I can trust. Kai, what does he want from me?"

I close the door softly behind me.

I cannot say for sure Ebony for that can only come from Kai himself.

*Loud and Painful Crash*

"Kuso ~tsu koto wa itai nan jigoku!?"

"ZANE! I KNOW YOU DID THIS!"

I turn my head to the angry source of the outburst and see my ever fiery brother rubbing his head at the end of the connecting hallway.

"Oops…"

Kai's narrowed amber gaze locked with my own and an irate grimace settled on his face.

"Oops my ass bro," came the annoyed retort as he gracefully recovered from his fall, "what made you decide to construct a miniature hockey ring anyway you know that's not my game."

I give a light laugh and stroll over to my still slightly miffed brother who by now has adorned his ninja attire.

"How can I forget our hockey expedition match a few weeks back? After only a few minutes into the game you were the only one skating without a stick," I recall with good humor remembering Kai's lack of cooperation when a member of the opposing team started to taunt him.

"Hey I didn't make up the rules, they let you fight and that's exactly what I intended to do besides Keno deserved that sucker punch."

"Cole was not too happy when we had to forfeit the game Kai because of your one too many "accidental" hits."

"And the referee made you sit in that booth like a little kid in time out!" Lloyd yells joyously as he skates by with Mydnyte, Howard, and Lilia trailing behind him.

"Can it Lloyd!" Kai shouts while throwing Ninjago's savior an irritable look, "and how come you didn't fall?"

The small boy skids to a stop and whirls around to face us.

"Because I'm the Green Ninja!" Lloyd boasts proudly with a smirk and both hands on his hips.

"Ugh, anyway are you coming with me to check on your sister or not?" Kai asks with little patience.

"Oh uh yeah I'm coming! Come on Mydnyte and you to duckies follow me I'm sure Ebony will be happy to meet everybody who lives on the Bounty."

Lloyd and the animals past us and I once again turn my attention to Kai.

"Catch ya later Zane."

Kai then forms a fireball in his hand and throws it nonchalantly over his shoulder. The flame scatters over my ice and vaporizes the thick sheet quickly leaving the wood panels dry and clean as they once were before my erratic behavior.

The opening and closing of the door to Sensei's chambers alerts Kai's and I attention and within a few seconds our leader comes into view.

"Oh hey Co—"

I lift my hand and place it Kai's shoulder, he turns to me with raised eyebrow and I shake my head.

Cole marches on without sparing us a single glance, his expression hard and stonewalled as he makes his towards our side of the ship.

"Whoa, what's eating him? Is it Sasha?" Kai questions steadily.

"I do not know, however I believe we should give him a wide berth until he is ready to talk," I reply calmly my mind considering the possibilities for the Earth Ninja's dark mood.

"Yeah agreed, he'll come to us eventually," and with that Kai turns and heads for Nya and Ebony's room.

As for me, I intend to cast away Ayane's lingering doubts and give her an evening she will never forget, so I return to the deck hoping she is still there.

Thanks to my foresight I was able to book reservations at "Les Frères Heureux" an exclusive French restaurant located in Twilight for tonight.

Then afterwards I will take her to the picturesque lake located in Alto Park to look upon the stars and perhaps get her to share more of her thoughts and feelings with me.

I open the door leading to deck and have to adjust my visionary output to the brightness of the sun.

Judging from the location of the massive ball of hydrogen and helium the time was precisely two-seventeen.

I scout the deck and my gaze falls on her…

Her lithe toned body was leaning against the railings the wind teasing her bright golden tresses in a playful dance.

The exposure of her sun kissed stomach always captures my attention, what was once just a flat layer of skin has become defined into sinewy muscles as are her legs thanks to her increased training as a kunoichi.

Hayate was perched on the railing beside her, but then gives a sharp cry as his vision falls on me.

As I traverse the short distance to join them I hold out my arm for him to perch and he comes willingly.

"Hello Hayate my friend," I greet pleasantly as I stroke his feathered head, "I hope you were able to give Ayane enjoyable company."

Ayane is quiet for some time then straightens up.

"I always enjoy Hayate's company Zane just like I'll always enjoy yours."

Her smile is unadulterated nevertheless I know she harbors doubts about the authenticity of my love for her.

Hayate senses my intentions and takes off into the sky and I approach Ayane wordlessly.

Her mystic irises become hooded and a dust of pink colors her cheeks even before I claim her lips with mine.

I lift my hand and leisurely graze the back of my gloved fingers against her skin while gently coaxing her lips in a sumptuous dance.

Her body trembles and she steps closer, wrapping her arms around my neck. She wants more and it is with great pride that I feel I can entice her so however I do not give in to her wishes and end our kiss.

I lean my forehead against hers and wait until she opens her eyes to peer into mine.

I want her undivided attention…

Her quick breath is music to my ears and in the end those mystic irises reveal themselves.

"Please make the necessary preparations for our rendezvous this evening moy angel and I will prepare as well."

"Wha—Where are we going?" She inquires breathlessly and I reply settling my voice into low whisper as if no one but her were allowed to hear my next words.

"To Twilight of course I have made reservations and have the entire evening planned."

"Reservations? But, Zane I don't own anything fancy."

"Yes you do and it is located in your closet behind your hunting jacket. Wear it for me Ayane and tonight I will make all of your doubts and fears disappear."

I hate this laptop with a passion! I so did not want to stop here and I'm sure all of you know I had planned to go further. Alas, I can't because of this infernal contraption decided to glitch once again and erase the date scene! ARRRRGGHHH! No worries though, I won't be using this hunk of junk much longer and will replace it with a new and better one soon. I'll have to go against my original plan and give Zane and Ayane two chapters instead of just one and then it's back to Kai and Ebony for the remainder of the story. Of course this alteration will lengthen this story by one chapter, but oh well…since I all I have to do is reconfigure the date scene and add Ayane's Trial Chapter 9 should be released no later than Wednesday, but please forgive me if it's Thursday instead. Thank you all once again for your support and patience…until next time!

Please read and review!

Dialogue Translations:

Kuso ~tsu koto wa itai nan jigoku-Goddammit that hurt what the hell

Les Frères Heureux-The Happy Brothers

Moy angel-my angel (kinda a gimme)