Yahoo! One hundred plus reviews on Quiet World of White! ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR! I love you all so much, so everybody come here because it's time for a group hug! (Blugirl8 and Crystal Persian comes over easily) Wait Crystal, put the cake down first you can't hug anyone with cake in your hands. (Zane-Ice-Fairy, ninjagosilverninja1, and Cutie Kyuubi comes over excitedly) Pinkdesi101! Over here new bud and get rid of that trollface, you will have your moment of fluff soon I promise! (Pinkdesi101 brightens up and easily comes over) Hey Inky5351 and Phoenix-LOL! You two mind coming down from Mount Olympus and having a brief group hug with us mortals!? (Inky and Phoenix ponder for a moment then shrugs nonchalantly and comes down from the home of the Greek Gods) (dixicorn and Wafflegirl0304 comes over carrying a plate full of freshly made waffles) What is with everybody and bringing food!? Please you guys that looks very tempting, but put that down for a second. Okay now where's RP? (raidpirate52 tries to sneak off unnoticed) Oh no you don't! (rushes over, grabs the back of his collar, and drags him over) You'll be fine in a group hug with a bunch of girls as long as you keep your hands above the waist! (RP rolls his eyes, but stops resisting and joins) Plus everybody else who ever reviewed please come on over! (ARAWW, StoriesAreMagic, and everybody else comes over) Thanks everyone for coming, I just wanted to say…(suddenly Emo Soul Eater Forever Strong rushes over and hurls herself into the middle of the group) *startled screams and crashing sounds commence* Emo, what are you doing! We were having a group hug! (Emo looks around with bewilderment and says) Group hug? I thought we were playing Rugby?...Okay obviously this was a waste of time, but still I just wanted to show my appreciation to everyone. Thank you and please continue to support me. Okay well, I don't know why I feel so anxious about this chapter especially since I'm the one writing it, but I do so I'm going to keep this greeting short.
Please read and enjoy!
Chapter 10
(Ayane's POV)
As I helped Sasha support Nya on our way to supposedly the wind kunoichi's room, I had a chance to marvel at the expanse of their home.
"Sensationnel…" I say quietly as we pass an impressive, but tasteful dining room.
"Your home is wonderful," I compliment, turning back to face my new friends.
Nya smiles at me gently and responds.
"It's not just our home Ayane, it's yours now too."
I bow my head in thought at Nya's words.
That's right, this will be my new home for a while…
"I'm glad the Bounty is fortified for all types of natural disasters," Sasha comments appreciatively, "there's hardly a thing out of place."
I take notice of that too.
Sylph's powerful windstorm should have this place in complete disarray, but everything appeared to be in order.
"Anyway Ayane, not only is this your home, we're your sisters now too. That is if you want to have two kunoichi as sisters," Sasha says quietly.
I look up and see her hopeful storm grey eyes.
Sisters…an extended family…
Being an only child and having no one as a friend besides Hansuke and the hunting party, the thought of having not only female friends but sisters brought me such joy I could barely contain my excitement.
"I-um yes, I would love that actually," I say graciously, trying to maintain a calm façade, but obviously failing miserably.
"I've never had female friends before because all the other girls in Shika thought I was a showoff and a tomboy for learning how to use a bow and joining my uncle's hunting party," I lament sadly.
"Pssh, sounds to me like they were just jealous of your uniqueness and ability to succeed at something they probably thought was impossible," Sasha comments with disdain at my oppressors.
We round a corner and continue in a new hallway.
"Yeah, that's just stupid," Nya remarks as well, "just because you want to go outside the norm doesn't give them the right to treat you like an outcast."
"I got over it a long time ago," I reply with a shake of my head, "I spent most of my time in Asuta Jingu or playing with the village children anyway, so I never felt lonely."
"Well that's fortunate," Sasha says with a nod, "but we're going to make up for lost time with some good ol' fashion girl talk!"
I give a joyous laugh as we stop in front of a door I presume to be Nya's room.
Sasha opens the door with her free hand and we step inside.
We walk over to a royal purple made bed and sit Nya on it gently.
I take a step back and survey my new surroundings.
The spacious room was very clean and decorated stylishly with an elegantly shaped white nightstand by her bed and a matching white dresser on the other side against the wall. A vanity was placed against the far left wall for easy access to whomever wanted to use it and a decorative Chinese screen folding was placed neatly in the corner. The color décor of Nya's room was done in royal purple and dark silver.
There were double doors that most likely led to a closet and another door to the right of it. However, there was another bed with no color whatsoever and another plain dresser on the other side of the room.
Hmm, I seriously doubt that is Sasha's side of the room…
"Um Sasha, where do you sleep?" I ask turning to the Kunoichi of Water standing beside me.
"Oh well, Nya and I used to share this room, but I had to move out because love-struck here kept moaning and talking in her sleep," Sasha says while removing her mask and jabbing her thumb in Nya's direction with a smirk.
Nya pulled down her own mask which revealed her scarlet ivory cheeks and sputtered out angrily at the aqua-clad Brazilian.
"I do not!"
Sasha places a hand over heart and states in a blissful, but mocking tone.
"Oh Jay, oh Jay yes please don't stop!"
I could feel my own face heat up at what Sasha was insinuating and turned my gaze to see Nya's entire face ignite, her soft chocolate eyes wide with disbelief and embarrassment.
Sasha stops her dramatization, places her hands on her hips, and leans a little towards Nya.
"Damn girl, I was praying to Leviathan to come throw some cold water on you to cool you down and shut you up. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if Jay actually heard you on the other side of the ship since you were so loud," she taunted mischievously.
Nya rose to her feet quickly and approached the teasing red head.
"You should talk Sasha, at least I didn't make out with my boyfriend in the middle of his training in the weight room!" Nya counters swiftly.
Sasha's smirk immediately vanishes and her own shade or red appears on her caramel cheeks.
"I-I did no such thing, I was in there to simply ask what he had a taste for since I was cooking dinner that night," she replied, quickly becoming flustered.
"Yes and obviously that answer was YOU!"
"WHAT!?"
"I also noticed how you didn't reprimand Cole ONCE when he let it slip he wanted children!"
"I-I-"
Sasha was definitely beginning to lose ground here…
"You WANT to have a little Pebbles and Bam Bam in the city of Bedrock! Don't you Mrs. Flintstone!?"
The slightly taller kunoichi narrowed her storm grey eyes dangerously at the Wind Goddess' advocate.
"First of all, get your facts straight, Bam Bam is Barney and Betty's baby and secondly, Cole's surname is not Flintstone it's Belmonte. And from what I could gather from your constant moaning and groaning at night is that you and Jay have ALREADY started on trying to make a family Mrs. Walker!" Sasha ended snapping her fingers sassily to emphasize her point.
That's when they both started yelling and rebuking each other back and forth.
The kunoichi had reverted to what I assume are their native languages and were telling each other off.
Well at least Nya is feeling rejuvenated from her ordeal, I think absently while glancing back and forth from my newfound sisters.
I couldn't understand a thing of what Sasha was yelling, but I caught most of the words Nya was shouting until she started to throw a few Chinese terms in the mix.
From the short time I've spent with these two I've taken notice to two very important details…
One, they were borderline insane.
Two, this was one of the best moments of my life.
I couldn't help but feel a sense of kinship with these two squabbling ladies like there was a deeper meaning to our unification.
I wonder what the Master of Darkness will be like…
I shake my head to clear it and focus once more on the matter at hand.
Despite how warm and loving this scene is, I better intervene and calm them down.
I pull my mask down as well and take a step toward my wonderful new sisters.
I place a hand on both of their shoulders and say loudly enough to get their attention.
"It's nice to see how close you two are and that both of you have someone special to express your affections with."
They stop their bickering and turn to look at me with confusion on their faces, but then slow smiles began to form in place of their bafflement.
Huh?
Oh no…
"Heh, we're not the only ones who are expressing our affections Ayane," Sasha chimes in deliberately, "anyone with eyes can see you and Zane are deeply in love with each other."
Sigh, I guess I walked right into that one.
I should've just let them keep on arguing, I think as my face burns and I feel a need to pull my mask back up to conceal it.
"So, is there anything about Zane you would like to know that he hasn't told you yet?" Nya asks with a grin.
"I…guess I wouldn't mind knowing some of his hobbies," I relent slowly eyeing my sisters warily.
"Okay, but first lets go to my room," Sasha suggests heading for the door, "I have to check on Howard and Lilia. Cole said he placed them in there before they arrived in Shika."
Nya and I followed Sasha out of the room and inside another right beside it.
As soon as we opened the door we were greeted by two beautiful ecstatic ducks.
*Quack, Quack, Quack!*
"Hello my precious waterfowl!" Sasha exclaimed happily.
Sasha leaned down to pick up a black-billed duck and Nya picked up the golden-billed one.
"Their gorgeous Sasha, where did you find them?" I ask while lightly stroking the black bill's folded wings.
"Cole gave them to me about a month ago," Sasha says tenderly.
"Didn't you give him a present last week?" the wind kunoichi questions with a lighthearted smile.
"Yes, I'm glad he liked the art supplies I gave him. I wouldn't have known what to present to him if I hadn't conferred with the guys."
I took this moment to observe Sasha's room.
Her taste was very practical, her side had only the common necessities one would need to be comfortable. She lacked the vanity that Nya had instead there was a mantle on the wall that I would assume she placed her Bo Staff on when it's not on her person. She also had two nightstands instead of just one.
I walked towards her bed and saw two picture frames sitting side by side on top of one of them. One was of a picture of a beautiful older woman with ebony hair and a pretty young girl with the same flaming shade of red hair like Sasha's.
They must be her family…
The other picture was of Sasha and a young woman who looked around the same age. She had long wavy blond hair, fair skin, and blue eyes. They were both executing an elegant dance pose for the camera it seemed.
Hmm, a close friend perhaps?
The second nightstand on the opposite side had a rather large electronic device on it.
I furrowed my brow trying to remember my studies about modern technology.
It could either be a stereo or a CD player…or both.
In the far corner of the room lay a comfy nest that could only be Howard and Lilia's bed and on the opposite side of the room lay another plain bed sitting underneath a window and a dresser standing against the wall. She also had the same double and single doors as Nya's room.
What I liked most was that the entire room was adorned in soft shades of aqua and gold.
Hmm, it feels so tranquil and homey here…
I turn around to face my sisters and see them peering at me with inquisitive looks.
"What is it?" I ask confusedly.
"I'm guessing you want to room with me then?" The Kunoichi of Water says with a bright smile.
"Uh, yes I would like to if you don't mind Sasha, but how did you know?" I ask with genuine surprise.
Nya placed Lilia down giving her one final rub along her head and straightens up.
"Your eyes are very expressive Ayane, anyone can tell what you're thinking or feeling if they looked into them," she replies straightforwardly.
Am I really that transparent…?
"Hey Sasha, I think they may be hungry," Nya observed while walking over to sit on Sasha's bed, "why don't you go grab them something to eat? Ayane and I will wait here for you."
"Yeah, you may be right, here Ayane hold onto Howard for me please," Sasha requests politely.
I amble quickly towards her and she places Howard gently in my arms.
She then removes her platinum weapon and places it on the mantle on the wall.
"I'll be right back, don't start the Zane talk without me," she orders playfully and leaves the room.
Zane…
Howard turns his head and looks up at me.
*Quack*
(Sasha's POV)
As I made my way to the kitchen, I thought about all that transpired over the last couple of days.
Ayane agreeing to accept her destiny and join our cause to stop the Serpentine and Lord Garmadon when he decides to make his move also, the Awakening Trial as Waves puts it that Nya endured.
I know the Trials are meant for us to test our might against our corresponding Elemental Gods and grow stronger, but…
The Prophecy of Phoenix…
I cannot deduce whether or not the fulfillment of the prophecy will bring good fortune or despair and I have been trying to dissect the lyrics Leviathan had me sing during my Trial. I'm sure there is a hidden message he wants me to find, but I grow weary and depressed every time I try deciphering that haunting song.
All that comes to mind is one word…
Death…
I have been able to hide my fatigue from everyone, but I don't know how much more I can take.
If only the dreams would stop…
I enter the dining room and pass through the door leading to the kitchen.
I walk over to the pantry and get the bag of barley and oats then put them on the counter. I then turn and open the refrigerator to grab a head of lettuce and try to find the green grapes I bought.
I wonder if the spirit of the bow had spoken to Ayane yet. It doesn't seem like it, but—
Arghhh!
I push my loose hair out of my face in frustration.
Here they are I think triumphantly and bend down to grab a few stems off and straighten back up.
I hate when my hair is down for too long, it starts becoming a real pain. I should've—
Suddenly I feel two gloved hands touch my shoulders gently.
Then one leaves and caresses the left side of my hair.
Taking the utmost care, the same hand gathers my hair and glides it all over my right shoulder exposing the back and left side of my neck.
A small moan escapes me as a pair of soft full lips kisses the back of my neck then moves to nip and kiss along the left side of my throat.
"Cole…"
"Hmm?"
I feel the smile on his lips as he continues his feather-like ministrations to the expanse of my neck and throat.
I grasp the food in my hands tightly and Cole reaches out and closes the refrigerator door for me.
He then pulls my body flush against his and I unconsciously lean back into his strong embrace.
"Is Nya alright?" he mutters lowly, his teeth grazing a sensitive area along my pulse.
The audacity of this man to ask me questions while he's doing this me however, I answer him the best I can.
"Yes, she's…fine we're talking with Ayane in…ah…my room."
He removes his mouth from my neck and moves up to give a tentative lick to the shell of my ear.
With his hand lightly settled on my abdomen, I know he can feel as well as hear my sharp intake of breath.
Doesn't he know that someone could walk in on us at any moment?
Apparently he doesn't care because he refuses to pull back and continues to whisper inquires to me.
"How are Howard and Lilia doing?"
His voice is calm, but I could feel the increase tempo of his heart beat through my back.
Alright well two can play this game…
I gather the food I have in my right hand and reach back with my now free left and run my fingers deep into that luscious dark mane, massaging his scalp.
My voice drops an octave as I reply to him.
"They're also well, just getting them something to eat."
"Sasha…"
There it is that breathless sigh, now he'll pull back and—
"Are you okay?"
I freeze in shock at his unexpected question.
A frown comes to my face and I pull out of his arms completely, walking over to the counter and placing the lettuce and grapes on the cutting board.
"Yes Cole, I told you before I was fine," I say with a hint of exasperation in my voice.
I remove one of the stainless steel knives from the assorted knife holder and begin the slices the grapes in half, but Cole comes and places his hand over mine and removes the knife from my grasp gently.
He then turns me around to face him.
He says nothing for a time as he pierces my soul with his emerald jade irises.
His eyes were dark with need for reassurance of my condition and I could feel myself caving under his smoldering gaze.
No, I must remain steadfast.
I have to show him I'm strong and that I can deal with my own problems.
"Listen amore, you know you can come to me about anything right and I'll listen."
I smile at his title of endearment he has taken to calling me when we are alone and move closer to him and place my hand on his chest.
Yes Cole I know, but I also know that you take your leadership role very seriously and with another member on the team that means another life will follow your guidance in battle.
You have enough responsibility on your shoulders, so please allow me to carry my own.
"Yes my afeição, I know," I whisper to him instead.
He smiles at my reciprocation of titles, but I can still see the shadow of concern on his face, so I try to lighten the mood with a playful nudge.
"So, what's the other guys doing?"I ask lightly.
Cole rolls his eyes with a wry smile and responds.
"What they been doing for the pass hour and a half, playing video games and teasing the hell out of Zane. He has impeccable tolerance I know if it was me I would've nailed those two to the wall by now."
I chuckle at my boyfriend's humorous expression.
"How is Zane?"
"Well, we convinced him to confess to Ayane about being a nindroid and he plans on telling her tonight," Cole says with a grin.
"That's good news, the sooner the better I'd say…wait isn't it Zane's turn to cook? What is he making?" I ask anxiously getting an idea.
"Um yeah it is," Cole says with a raised eyebrow, "I think he said he's making spaghetti. That reminds me, I need to make sure he uses Prego instead of that nasty Ragu and give him that pepperoni so he can mix it in with the sauce and meat."
My Italian's eyes shine with culinary intrigue and I know I'm going to lose him in his spaghetti preparation if I didn't do anything.
"Cole, honey focus for a moment," I begin smoothly while sliding my hands up his chest and wrapping my arms around his neck.
His gaze instantly locks on mine and I feel his arms come around my waist.
Go feminine charm…
"I have an idea…"
"Does it involve you and spaghetti sauce because if it does then I'm all for it," he states seductively and captures my lips with his in a passionate erotic kiss.
Damn it Cole, you know that's not what I was going to say, I think blissfully as his tongue slips in between my lips and explores my wet cavern thoroughly before meeting mine own wet muscle to dance in harmony.
Before the heat in my body can escalate and I forget my plan, I break his ardent kiss and turn my head away.
My chest heaves rapidly as I take numerous breaths and I know my face is burning, but I force myself to speak calmly.
"No my romantic enthusiast," I say a bit breathlessly with a hint of sarcasm, "remember the night before we left Shika and Ayane told us she doesn't know how to cook well and would love to learn?"
"Yes."
He leans away a bit and I face him once more.
An affectionate smile adorns his handsome features as he takes in my flustered state.
I relax against his Adonis build, placing my ear over his heart and continue to verbalize my idea.
"Well as we all know Zane is an excellent cook and I'm sure he would be more than happy to teach her. So, I'll inform Ayane about tonight and she can join him that should give Zane his window of opportunity."
"I see, good plan. I just hope all goes well, I don't want to see my brother get hurt," Cole says solemnly.
I pull back and look up to see his apprehensive expression.
I reach up and smooth his bangs away from concealing his emerald jade orbs.
"I hope so too."
He smiles warmly and I turn around to finish preparing my ducks' meal.
"Um Sasha, about what I said before in Shika."
The hesitation and fear in his voice is evident, but I don't stop my knife and let him carry on.
"I really didn't mean to offend you or anything, but I—"
"Oh Cole, you don't have to justify what you said," I interrupt feeling perturbed that he felt he needed to placate me, "you were just making an observation right? No harm done."
Silence fills the room as I finish chopping the lettuce and add all the healthy food sources in one big bowl, so the two can share.
"Yeah, right…an observation. I'll see you at dinner Sasha."
I gather the bowl in my hands and turn around to see him silently leave the kitchen.
Why did he sound so…?
Cole…?
(Ayane's POV)
The male and female ducks were shuffling around and flapping their wings excitedly as I played the same uplifting tune for Hayate when I first saw him.
Nya laughed merrily at the dancing ducks just as the door opened and Sasha stepped through carrying a big bowl.
"What's going on here, a party?" She questions with a wide smile.
I stop playing my mother's flute as she places the bowl on the ground.
Howard and Lilia immediately stop dancing and waddle over to their caretaker's offering.
Sasha smiles down at the two as they begin to eat with relish.
"We'll go outside tomorrow, I promise," she cooed sweetly.
"Now we can begin the Zane talk," Nya says excitedly.
Sasha comes over and sits beside Nya on her bed and I remain seated on my new one.
"As you probably already know, Zane likes to mediate especially underwater," Nya begins evenly.
"Huh, underwater!?" I exclaim in astonishment.
"Yep," Sasha puts in, "he can hold his breath for an amazing length of time. I think his personal best now is about twenty-seven minutes."
"What?! That's amazing!"
Zane is incredible! I knew he was special, but…I never knew he could do so much.
"Not to mention, he's also a superb chef the best here in my opinion," Sasha comments with a smile.
"Wow, really?"
I looked down at the golden flute in my lap, Zane, is there anything you can't do?
"In fact, he'll be cooking dinner tonight, so why don't you ask him for a few pointers Ayane? I'm sure he wouldn't mind," The exotic Brazilian suggests with the same soft smile.
"What about you Sasha, you're a great cook too, so why can't you teac—OWW!"
Nya was cut off suddenly by a swift kick to the shin by the still grinning Kunoichi of Water.
"Uh, I really do want to learn, but I don't want to be an imposition to him. Are you sure he won't mind?"
"Of course he won't now let's go," Sasha suddenly says standing up while pulling the pain-stricken Nya up with her.
"Huh, now?" I question in bewilderment.
"Yeah, it's already five thirty, so he may be in kitchen right now."
I turn to look out my window.
Oh, I guess time really does fly when you're having fun.
"What's the matter irmã, leg cramp? Just walk it off you'll be fine," Sasha encourages brightly to the slightly limping Nya.
Nya cuts her eyes at the red head and leaves the room with Sasha right behind her.
I stand up, re-strap my flute to my waist, and place the Bow of Divinity on my new bed, then follow suit.
I hope Zane is patient with me…
When we get to the dining room most of my new friends are present.
Sensei Wu was seated at the head of the table and he nodded his head in our direction once he realized we were here.
Kai, Jay and Lloyd were seated at the table as well.
"Hey Kai, doesn't Lloyd look like someone with that green ninja suit on?" Jay asks looking over at his spike-haired brother.
"Yeah, now that you mention it he does, but who?" Kai ponders with his chin in his palm peering at the young Garmadon closely.
Lloyd sat there with a look of pure confusion on his boyish face.
"What are you guys talking about?"
Kai snaps his fingers in realization.
"YOSHI!" He yelled while pointing at the green-garbed boy.
"That's it!" Jay shouted with glee.
"What, I don't look like any Mario pet!" Lloyd screamed in indignation.
Nya sighed with a tender smile and went to sit beside Jay.
Jay smiled fondly at her when she was seated and kissed her adoringly on the mouth.
"Come on guys, not at the table," Kai grumbled biting into a slice of freshly made garlic bread.
Sasha nudged my arm and shifted her soft rain eyes towards the kitchen.
I took a deep breath and strolled through the door.
The most appetizing smell hit me full force once I entered the room.
Hmm, it smells so good. What is that?
I then take notice of Cole conversing with Zane.
A pink apron wearing Zane…
Huh, how cute I think absently, casting my gaze up and down Zane's attire.
"Here you go Zane, don't forget to throw this in with the sauce," Cole says, handing Zane a rather large stick of meat.
"Hmm, if I may ask Cole, what is it?" Zane states while looking at the stick curiously in his hand.
"What do you mean "What is it?" it's a pepperoni Frosty," Cole replies with disbelief.
"Forgive me, but I have never seen it in this form before."
"Then it wasn't fresh, THIS is a fresh pepperoni."
"Do you not think it looks a little obscene?"
"Oh this is obscene, but your little comment earlier about us being your C-men wasn't."
"Please remember dear brother that it was Jay who brought Charles Xzavier and the X-men into the conversation. I just made a logical rectification."
"Sigh, well anyway it's not like you're going to put it in like this. Slice it thinly first then add it."
"Yes, I gathered as much, leave it to me," Zane says, turning around and placing the pepperoni on the cutting board.
Cole turns and heads in my direction.
"Hey Ayane," he greeted pleasantly as he approached me.
"Hi Cole," I reply back as he passes me, but he suddenly stops and places his hand on my shoulder.
I gaze at him perplexed, but he just sends me what looks like an encouraging smile and leaves through the door back to the dining room.
Hmm, I wonder what that was all about…
I return my attention on the Ninja of Ice and go over to him.
He notices me and greets me as well.
"Good evening Ayane."
"Good evening Zane," I repeat as well and stop beside him.
His radiant pure hazel eyes never wavers from mine, but I'm the first one to break the eye contact and reach out to finger the frilly strap of his pink apron.
"I like your apron Zane, it makes you look…domestic," I say to him sincerely with a grin.
That exquisite laugh of his once again causes a blush to appear on my cheeks.
"I have never heard that before, but I appreciate the civility," he says smiling brightly at me.
Zane wasn't present when I confessed my lack of cooking skills to the others that night before we left Shika, so I guess I'll have to tell him now.
"Ah Zane, I'm not exactly a wonder in the kitchen, but I eagerly wish to learn and I heard from Sasha that you're a fantastic chef, so I um was wondering if you could perhaps teach me," I manage to admit in one breath while still averting my gaze and fingering his apron.
His hand reaches out and glides over my cheek making me snap focus on him.
"Ayane, it is important to maintain eye contact when making a request," he reprimands lightly.
My face flushes in embarrassment and I stutter out an apology.
"I-I'm sorry Zane I—"
"Hah hah, I was only joking Ayane and I would be delighted to teach you. In fact, you can help me with this meal if you want to."
The warm mirth on his face makes me laugh as well and I ask him.
"Sure, what would you like me to do?"
He steps back and guides me over to the cutting board.
On top was the pepperoni Cole gave him and a yellow onion.
"We will be cooking spaghetti and I would like for you to chop this onion thinly. It is easier than it seems trust me," he assures me while handing me a knife.
"I have to check the hamburger meat and sauce, please excuse me for a moment."
He returns to the stove and I turn to stare at my little but intimidating opponent.
Okay, it's easier than it seems…
I peel the flaky skin off the vegetable and take my knife in hand.
As soon as I cut it in half, the little cretin retaliates by delivering a strong odor that makes my eyes water.
I frown and my body grows stiff with reluctance as I slowly start cutting.
My hands begin to shake as my vision grows blurry from my gathered tears.
Soon a gloved hand grips my wrist firmly stopping me from cutting.
"Ayane, please you must relax and remain calm. It is only food, why are you so tense?"
Zane's voice is filled with concern and tenderness, but I face him and stubbornly reply.
"I just want to make sure I get this right. I don't want to disappoint you and everyone else by ruining this meal."
I feel a few tears spill down my cheeks and the white ninja wipes them away with his thumb with care.
His hand lingering on my face…
"Cooking is all about trial and error," he begins wisely, "it is fine to make mistakes. It is how we learn and improve ourselves…"
His voice strays as his hazel eyes become hooded and his thumb smoothes over the scar on my lips.
"…and do not worry Ayane, you could never disappoint me."
My lips part in a silent stupor.
Zane…
How can he say things like that so easily?
If only I could be so brave and sure…
He repositions himself behind me and dips his head only slightly so his mouth is near my ear.
"Here…"
His voice already had a sophisticated seductiveness to it, but when he whispers and I can hear and feel every syllable…
It becomes an enthralling satin…
My body instantly relaxes and I lean slightly into him.
His hands slide down the length of my arms until they reach my own.
He begins to expertly direct my hands, cutting with precision and accuracy I could never achieve by myself.
My blush intensifies as the heat inside me rises to unimaginable levels and a thin sheen of perspiration begins to light my skin.
The heat in the kitchen is one thing, but the majority of the hot temperature emits from Zane…
I then notice that my hand stills and I look down upon the now finely chopped onion.
Silence reigns supreme between us the only sound I hear is the minor bubbling of the simmering sauce.
The steady rise and fall of Zane's chest becomes more profound as he suddenly takes a deep breath.
When he exhales the coolness of his carbon dioxide gusts over my ear making my body tremble with dare I say it…need?
In response I tilt my head slights and lean it against his face.
I close my eyes and contemplate my next move carefully.
Okay Shine, this may be as good a time as any to confess…
"Zane…"
"Ayane…"
My eyes fly open as I realize we spoke simultaneously.
"Uh, please you first," I whisper softly.
Zane hesitates, but eventually continues.
"There is something important I must tell you,"
His voice is still that humming whisper, but I'm startled to hear apprehension creep into it.
"Zane, what is it?" I ask with worry.
"…"
His hands detach themselves from mine and come around my waist.
I drop the knife I'm holding on the cutting board as he pulls me flush against him and hugs me from behind.
"Zane?"
I turn my head to glance at his expression.
His eyes are closed tightly and his brow is furrowed in harsh contemplation, his mouth set in a thin line.
I'm beyond worried now; I've never seen him so distressed not even that one time in Shika when I decided to kiss was he this distraught.
I try to turn my body to face him and he loosens his grip to allow me to do so.
I use both my hands to frame his face.
"Zane, please tell me, whatever it is I'll listen," I try to alleviate his concerns and coax some sort of response from him.
He opens his eyes slowly and the solemn expression on his face doesn't falter.
"You say you will listen, but will you understand?"
My brow creases in confusion as I try to decipher the meaning behind his words.
"Ayane, I am not human. I am a robot."
"…What…?"
He steps away from me and removes his apron.
He then slides his outer robes from his shoulders revealing his undershirt.
I swallow thickly as he lifts the shirt over his head and gives me full view of his fit and finely chiseled upper body.
His fair complexion is flawless and seems to illuminate under the kitchen lights.
What is going on..?
This seems so surreal, why is he undressing in the kitchen…?
Then his hand came up and his digits pressed firmly and purposely on the muscle above the left side of his ribs.
And where he pressed a small indication of light would flash…
Wha…
That's when he grasped his skin firmly and opened his chest cavity like a simple door…
…
I can't do or say anything, my eyes locked on the intricate circuits and mechanisms within Zane's body.
The motherboard where numerous switches lay…
Il ne peut pas être vrai…
I felt like the walls of the once spacious kitchen were getting increasingly smaller and caving in on me.
I have to leave, I can't stay here…
"Ayane please I—"
I become vaguely aware of Zane's anxious voice and I look up from his exposed innards to his face.
I'm not sure what expression I'm wearing, but the hurt and pain I see written clearly on his…
Tears begin to fall in rivulets down my face and I make a mad dash to the door and through it.
I pick up speed and don't turn back even when I hear someone call to me.
I keep running till I'm safely inside Sasha's and I shared room.
(Cole's POV)
As soon as Ayane sprinted past us with tears running down her face, I knew something went horribly wrong.
Oh no, fratello!
I got up immediately and ran into the kitchen with the others close behind.
"Zane!" I shout anxiously as I ran inside.
I stop in my tracks when I see his bare back to me.
He must've had to show her.
"Zane…"
"She reacted…accordingly Cole," he states in monotone as he begins to put his shirt back on.
"Accordingly? Zane—"
"I have my answer. I honestly knew the odds were not in my favor when I critiqued human responses to distressing circumstances using my database. I had wished so desperately to be wrong."
He finished adjusting his robes and turned around to face us.
My eyes widened in natural fear and shock at what I see in my brother's eyes.
They were no longer hazel they were as dark as night, lifeless…empty.
"The dreams and aspirations of a…untrue being will never come to fruition. Ayane will never be mine."
"No Zane, don't tear yourself down like this," Kai pleads desperately and takes a step towards him, but I lift my arm and block his path.
Kai stops and whips his head to me.
Anger and confusion flares in his amber eyes as he silently challenges me.
I narrow my gaze and shake my head.
This is not the best time to approach him right now. We don't know what he might do, he's too unstable.
Kai seems to catch my message and remains where he is, but I know he still wants to do something to comfort Zane.
Hell, I do to, but—
"If you all would excuse," Zane's stoic voice breaks through my musings and I turn back to face him, "I would like time alone to meditate."
No one says a word as we allow Zane to pass us and go through the door.
We listen for a while until we hear the door leading to the deck open then close gently.
Kai harshly shoves my arm aside and marches for the door as well.
I don't let him get far though as I reach out and grab his arm.
"Where are you going?" I demand sternly.
"To talk some sense into Ayane," Kai growls turning back to me.
"Uh Kai, I don't think that's such a good idea," Jay says coming over and placing a hand on the fire ninja's shoulder.
"Did you guys see the look on Zane's face!? He was devastated! If he goes underneath that water, he might not come back up!" Kai explodes severely.
"No Kai, Zane's no coward he wouldn't do something that foolish!" I shout with certainty.
I don't always understand what goes on in Zane's head, but I do know he's much stronger than that.
Kai realizes this too and hangs his head in defeat. I let go of his arm and Jay turns to me with concern.
"Then Cole, what do we do?"
What does he mean, "What do we do?" there's no plan or strategy I can whip up and initiate for something like this.
"Nya and I will go talk with Ayane."
Sasha's voice sounds from behind me and I whirl around to look at her.
Her storm grey orbs were alive like a hurricane as she tells us of her and Nya's course of action.
"She's most likely just stunned. Ayane is a very emotional person, if we can get her to calm down and rethink her feelings then there may be hope for them."
Sasha…sigh no Cole now is not the time…
"Alright," I say to them simply with a nod.
"Come on Sasha," Nya says quietly and both kunoichi leave the kitchen.
"Will Zane and Ayane be okay Sensei Wu?" Lloyd questions while looking up at his uncle.
Our wise mentor sighs and replies.
"The matters of the heart are very frail and delicate Lloyd. Emotions are what rule it, but even those who do not have a heart I believe a soul rests in everything in this world."
"Even rocks?" Lloyd asks skeptically.
Sensei nods.
"Even rocks."
"So, even Cole," Jay puts in suddenly.
Ugh…Jay…
(Ayane's POV)
Once inside my room, a walk briskly to my bed and pick up the Bow of Divinity where I left it.
I hug it to my chest and flop miserably on the mattress.
I hiccup and cry heavily until I'm sobbing uncontrollably into my pillow.
I haven't cried this hard since the passing of my mother and the awareness hurts worst because I realize how much I truly loved Zane.
My thoughts become a jumbled mess and my head starts to pound from the emotional stress when I hear a soft, but firm knock on the door.
I don't answer only turn over on my side, face the wall, and close my eyes tightly.
The door creaks open and soon my bed dips a little from the added weight of the two bodies that sat down.
One hand rubs my back in gentle circles and another strokes my hair, bringing me small comfort.
"Ayane, we were all surprised when we found out Zane was a robot, but that's not who he is only what he is and I think you know that."
Sasha's voice is calm and patient, but she doesn't know that this is different for me.
I wasn't looking to be just Zane's friend I wanted to be…much more than that.
Now I'll never have that chance.
"Wait Sasha, maybe we're looking at this wrong," Nya's voice says suddenly, "we should look at this from Ayane's perspective."
"Ayane, I'm going to ask you a question and I would like you to think long and hard before answering. Has your feelings for Zane changed whatsoever than what they were before you found out he was a robot?"
I open my eyes slowly and my vision is still blurred with tears, but I do what Nya says and think long and hard before answering.
"I am Zane and you are wounded, please let me help you."
"Then you are mistaken, for you have been blessed with the ability to protect Shika and the ones that matter the most NOW more than you were before."
"My father's memory remains with me as I am sure your mother's remains with you."
"Ayane, I not only want to try with you, I want to SUCCEED with you."
"I am sorry Ayane, but I will scare you again without hesitation if it meant protecting you."
All of these occurrences I've had with Zane stirred my affection for him to new heights. I yearned for his meaningful words and undying warmth.
"Ayane, you have always been a strong and courageous girl, even when you were a child you put others first before yourself. My sister's spirit resonates deeply within you and I know you are destined for great things. Just remember, there will be a time in your life when someone will place YOU first instead of themselves."
My eyes widen as I remember Uncle Dai's words to me that day.
"I am sorry Ayane, but I will scare you again without hesitation if it meant protecting you."
Oh Zane…
"You say you will listen, but will you understand?"
Yes Zane, now I do.
I do understand.
I sit up slowly and face my sisters.
Their faces held concern and anxiety, waiting for my answer.
"No," I begin with a small and hopeful smile, "they haven't changed. I'm still hopelessly in love with him."
They both scream in delight and pull me in for a group hug.
We pull back and Sasha wipes my face with a napkin.
"Now go tell him that," she advises with a smile.
"Yeah, go get your nindroid Ayane!" Nya cheered.
"I'm really lucky to have you two," I say earnestly while getting to my feet.
"Yeah we know," Sasha says shrugging, "now come on let's go!"
I place the Bow of Divinity back down on my bed and run out of the room my sisters trailing after me, back towards the dining hall and the kitchen.
I slow to a rapid walk as I see the others huddled by the door leading to the deck.
Where's Zane?
They immediately notice my approach and I stop in front of them.
"Where's Zane?" I voice out loud.
Kai's golden amber eyes turn livid as he spat back at me.
"Why, so you can hurt him again!?" He accused viciously.
I'm truly hurt by Kai's irate words and Nya shouts just as angrily at her brother.
"Kai enough, okay?"
"He's underwater meditating Ayane," Cole informs me, gesturing outside, "What do you plan to do?"
"I just want to talk to him," I say to my new leader decisively, "could someone please get me a towel?"
To my surprise, Kai is the one who leaves and returns with a large white towel.
He hands it to me and I look up to see his melancholy expression.
"I'm sorry Ayane, I just don't like it when one of my brothers gets hurt whether it's emotional or physical," he admits truthfully.
"I understand Kai and I promise you I'll try to fix this."
He nods and gives me a faint smile.
"Okay Ayane, we'll leave Zane to you," Cole announces while opening the door for me.
The cool night air hits me full force, but I ignore it as best I can and strode out to the deck.
I wrap the towel around my shoulders, but I didn't get the towel for me.
It was for Zane.
The door closes behind me and I walk over to the railing and wait.
I'm not sure what I'll say to Zane when he appears, but I will say what's in my heart.
That's all I can do…
Soon, I'm brought out of my cogitation when I hear the sound of a deluge of water hitting the deck.
I look up quickly to see Zane climb up and over the railing across from me.
His white robes were plastered to his athletic frame and a fringe of dark platinum blonde hair hung loosely, but not quite concealing his right eye the rest of it stood unbothered by the added water.
When he looked up my heart clenched at the state of his eyes.
No longer were they the vibrant evergreen and mahogany I fell for, now his irises with black pits completely soulless.
He noticed me right away, but didn't say or do anything.
He simply stared at me with the most stoic expression I've ever seen on his face.
"You should not be here Ayane, you will freeze if you are exposed to this climate for too long," he says emotionlessly.
I didn't recognize the metallic toneless voice that spoke to me.
This is not Zane.
I unwind the towel from my shoulders and walk tenaciously towards him.
His black eyes flicker, but nothing more.
As soon as I stop in front of him, I throw the towel gently over his head.
It settles on top and covers his shoulders.
I take the edge of it and reach up to pat his face dry with loving heed.
His lips part in question and I see his eyes begin to revert back to their true shade, but blackness once again conquers over it.
I say nothing as I continue drying him and I take notice of the below freezing temperature of his body, not at all like the searing heat he once emitted.
"Why are you doing this to me?" He asked flatly, but I also heard severe emotional pain laced in his voice.
As soon as it appears like I'm done clearing his face of excess water, more drips down from his soaked hair.
I hear the question though and I reply simply.
"Because I'm in love with you."
I don't stop the motions of my hand as I look up into his now wide, but still black eyes.
My gaze wavers and I once again focus intently on my work.
"Zane, you have been nothing, but good to me. Ever since I met you, it seemed like all you ever did was for my benefit. You protected me, you comforted me, and so much more even when it brought you pain and distress."
Failing once again to clear his face of the water, I reach up and go to the source of the problem.
As I look back up into his eyes, pure enchanting hazel eyes peer into mine in awe.
I continue my confession while working on drying his hair.
"I'm so sorry Zane. I never wanted to be the one to hurt you, but…"
I stop as my vision began to blur and tears fall once again.
"But I promise, if you'll have me, I'll always be by your side no matter what."
I let my hands fall on his the gold armor plates on his shoulders as I close my eyes and press my lips to his.
His lips are moist, cool, and smooth, but unresponsive…
I-I lost him…
I pull back despondently while keeping my eyes closed, not willing to see the emotionless black pools again.
However, before I can step away Zane grabs my waist and pulls me back to him.
His lips descend upon mine tenderly, but firmly with a sense of urgency.
My eyes fly open in shock and I see his hooded hazel eyes aflame with desire and passion.
I try to keep my eyes open as well, but that becomes impossible for as soon as his tongue passed the boundary of my lips and touched mine, euphoria overtook me and my eyes closed on their own.
The mixture of his cool breath and tongue lapping through my warm mouth added such intoxication my knees grew weak.
I surely would have fallen if he was not holding me flush against his body.
Zane's heat rolls off him in waves and ignites my own completely.
He pulls back slightly, but not entirely as I gasp for much needed air.
I open my eyes dazedly and peer into his.
He was breathing hard as I felt each current he exhaled against my face.
"Zane…"
He doesn't allow me to finish though as he swoops down again claiming another invigorating kiss.
I grip the golden armor on his shoulders tightly as his scent of ginger and sandalwood envelops my senses.
He continues to dominate me with his kiss and I submit to him willingly.
I focus on his unique taste of peppermint and cinnamon becoming lost in the flavor and emotion.
He ends the kiss again, but proceeds to place butterfly kisses to my lips repeatedly while whispering something beautiful in his native tongue I couldn't understand.
He halts his affectionate ministrations and cups my cheek using his thumb to trace the scar on my now bruised-kissed lips.
We are so close I can see every transition of evergreen and mahogany and my heart pumps faster as I see the Aurora Borealis reflecting from his eyes.
"Ayane, please…promise me again," Zane orders desperately, but fervently.
I concede to his wishes and whisper to him.
"Zane, I promise, if you'll have me, I'll always be by your side no matter what."
"Of course I will have you, if you will have me," he whispers just as quietly.
"You don't even have to ask mon amour."
The snow begins to fall in heavy flakes around us as our lips meet once more, but I couldn't care less.
Zane's heat will sustain and keep my body warm more so than the sun's rays ever had.
I made this chapter extra, extra longer than what my original plan was. Simply because it will be awhile before I update the next chapter of Quiet World of White which will consist of Ayane's training with the Bow of Divinity and the Serpentine's scheme unleashed. I hope everyone enjoyed Ayane's reaction to Zane being a nindroid. I wanted it to feel real and believable instead of cliché and fake, I mean seriously people how would you feel if the person you were in love with turned out to be a robot? Realistically, some of you probably would've fainted on the spot, ran away crying, or stood there with your jaw dropped in suspended animation and have to be committed to an mental institution. Anyway, the point I was trying to make here was emotional distress and turmoil which I hope I achieved in your eyes. I will also say we are nearing the end of this book with only a few more chapters to go then off to Beyond the Flames! Please leave your thoughts about this chapter my friends, I know it's a doozy, but I would love to hear from you and constructive criticism is always welcome!
Please read and review!
Dialogue Translation:
Sensationnel-Wow
Amore-Love
Afeição-Devotion
Irmã-Sister
Il ne peut pas être vrai-No, it can't be true
Fratello-Brother
Mon amour-My Love
What Zane whispered to Ayane repeatedly in Russian: Ya tebya lyublyu-I love you :D