Hoo-boy. Don't know how I feel about this one, but all us writers do that, don't we? read it and tell me what you think!

-LizzyLucky

"Here we are!" Wu declared. "Now, who has the basket?" He turned around to look at Zane, knowing full well that the basket was hidden with the ninja. He gave Zane an expectant look as the Nindroid shook himself out of his awe. The tree they stopped at truly was magnificent.

As Zane registered what had been said to him, he looked about himself briefly before shrugging. He didn't have the basket.

"I believe Kai was the one who had it last." Zane said. He turned around to call for Kai, but, as was planned, Kai wasn't there, and neither was anyone else. Wu took in a deep breath, closing his eyes and swallowing. His throat was a dry, and his nervousness was really beginning to show. It was very unlike him. Regardless, as Zane realized everyone was missing, Wu narrowed his eyes, completely focused.

He knew what he had to do.

"Where-?" Zane uttered the unfinished question, to be left unanswered for the moment. He began to turn around, and just as he made eye contact with Wu, he gasped loudly, thoroughly surprised.

Wu had tackled him to the ground. Zane struggled and tried to wriggle away, but Wu was stronger than he looked. Zane looked up at Wu, shock and question in his eyes. What's happening?! Was the unspoken question. Wu scrunched his eyebrows sadly.

"Forgive me, Zane." He said. As he grabbed onto each of Zane's arms, pushing him more firmly in place, he reached for and opened the panel on his chest, proving only to cause Zane more panic.

"Sensei- What are you-"

Wu reached toward the device.

"Ow!" Zane yelped. Wu had grabbed hold of the device placed just to the left of where Zane's belly button would have been, then pulled it out. He flinched at how roughly he had to do it, all the wires it was attached to breaking and snapping back into place. Zane yelled out in pain as the device was disconnected. He would understand, wouldn't he?

Now it was really time to work fast. It was crucial that he got all these wires connected with each other properly as quickly as he could. Zane continued to struggle, completely panicked now, and Wu reached back at the broken wires. He twisted the broken ends together, knowing that Jay or Nya could fix and connect them properly later on.

First wire, done. Zane jerked as the metal ends touched and intertwined.

Second wire, done. Zane jerked again, struggling with all he had.

Third wire, fourth, fifth, all repaired. Zane jerked painfully with each one, but as Wu grabbed the sixth one and twisted the ends together, Zane let out another, more forceful shout, then froze altogether.

He'd done it. Wu relaxed as he watched Zane calm, going limp in his grasp. He stopped struggling and leaned against the ground and his face went blank as his eyes closed.

If he did it right, this meant that Zane was remembering now. That was a good thing!

But Wu felt that it didn't justify everything he had just done.

Slowly, Wu stood up to look at Zane. He almost smiled. Zane looked so innocent when he was asleep, almost child-like. It had been a little while since he'd seen the more positive side of those traits showing through in Zane. It would have to have been…

The day that the device was installed in Zane. Or, perhaps, the morning of the day after that, only hours before he'd received the letter. Oh, how ironic it was! Wu could still remember the conversation so… vividly. It made him both happy and sad at the same time. Dr. Julien had become one of his good friends, and it was very clear how much the man meant to Zane.

'I could be here for as little as two months. Or I may even last another ten years. And then again, I could just as easily lose my life today.'

How right he was, though! Had the topic been on something other than the loss of his life, Wu would have thought Dr. Julien's comment funny at this point. He had lost his life that day. And it was very surreal.

After the device had been installed, Zane pretty instantly passed out, exhausted from the day's events. After that, Wu had decided to help Dr. Julien tidy the tree house once more, remaining there for a number of hours. Once things were cleaned up, Dr. Julien was still so excited at how willing Zane had been to go along with his plan that he decided to keep working on other things, Wu being happy to help. For example, or, actually, for the main event, Dr. Julien decided that the unfinished letter he promised to finish writing the following day was something he wanted to work on before going to bed.

Whilst writing this letter, Dr. Julien had to pause, claiming that he suddenly had very bad heartburn. He asked Wu to check a cabinet in his kitchen, which was in another room. Wu ran off quickly to retrieve a medication or a drink of milk or something, and when he had what he was asked to get, he came back to a sight he would never forget. He was alarmed- horrified- to see Dr. Julien collapsed on the floor, chair knocked on its side and papers scattered on the floor around him. The lamp on the desk had been knocked over, the bulb shattered and fizzing with electricity.

What sealed the morbidity of the whole situation was when Wu went to help him up and found that the old man no longer had a heartbeat.

The emergency services couldn't do anything.

And it was just to Wu's luck that it was 1:00 in the morning, thus Zane was too tired to be conscious and know what was happening. The news spread to the Ninjago City Council ridiculously fast, and before Wu had even made it home, a soundfully sleeping and blissfully unaware Zane in his arms, he was met by an official representative from the council who wanted to help in any way he could.

Surprising this representative, Wu actually had a very specific request for him. He wanted a letter sent to Zane about the situation. Dr. Julien had too, but the representative wasn't aware of the fact that Zane was asleep throughout the whole thing. After Wu explained the basis of what happened, it made sense that he would want the news broken to Zane another way.

The format for the letter, as was customary when delivering this kind of news, would include the topic of each letter sent from the person who had died before informing the recipient of the death. One letter, however, would have made Zane far too suspicious. It was one he had received the day before this one, titled 'Very Important Meeting!' Zane's memory had been paused back to the morning of the day he received this letter, up to the evening of the following day when the device was installed.

The last thing Wu wanted was to have to show Zane the memories prematurely. It would have caused more problems than it was supposed to solve.

Hopefully, this would solve a few things.

He remembered the day the letter was sent, too, only a day after Dr. Julien's death. He had avoided Zane most of the day by simply keeping to his room and letting the ninja have the day off. Zane didn't suspect. Through the whole day, he waited anxiously for that letter, unsure of how Zane would react to it. And he remembered having to act surprised when Nya bumped into him and fell to the floor. It took him a moment to realize that she was holding a snowflake adorned piece of paper, folded into thirds. Once he had, though, he had only to hear her out and find Zane.

And though he had to act surprised, he didn't have to act concerned. He cared very much for Zane, and, aside from Dr. Julien, was probably the most father-like person that Zane had ever had, which was precisely why Dr. Julien asked him to take part in his plan.

How long had it been now? Zane had to re-experience those memories, but they should have been… Sped up, almost. Like a dream. To him, he would be re-living the whole, experiencing it second for second, minute for minute, hour for hour. On the outside, it should only take a fraction of that time.

20 minutes, now. Zane was only just beginning to stir, but not wake.

Where would he have been by now? What was he experiencing at this moment?

"The question, Zane, is whether or not you feel comfortable with me taking on that role. I will never be quite the same as your father. We differ greatly. I cannot provide the same kind of comfort, conversation, support, or any such thing that I know Dr. Julien can. It will be a little different. I agreed because I care for you as both a student and, put simply, as a child. I will always do what I can to be present in any kind of situation. What determines it all is whether you will accept such a presence from me when the time is right."

Wu remembered, smiling a little. Zane had smiled, too, when he heard Wu explain this. When he referred to Zane as a child, he meant it in a great many of ways. Zane was still so innocent and kind. Physically, too, he was very young. Though Zane said his earliest memory included a very young-looking Dr. Julien, the truth was that the inventor was already well into his 50s. He'd done very well taking care of himself, and took the effort to dye his hair, so he never looked as old as he was. It had taken him many years to learn how to create individual emotions and thoughts for Zane, not to mention all the things he did to make Zane's physical features more human-like. Things like pain, memory, movement, intelligence that wasn't based off a computer… It took him many, many years indeed.

After Zane was built, he ended up putting all his efforts into caring for the Nindroid and following his scientific impulses. He no longer cared about the way his hair looked, or how decently lacking of wrinkles his skin was, only that he was healthy and able so as to watch after Zane.

By the time Dr. Julien passed away, he was in his mid-70s. Zane couldn't be any older than his late teens, just like the other ninja. It was funny, how things worked like that.

And he got along with the other ninja just as he should. He was respectful of them, but liked to play around when he could.

It was things like Zane's stubbornness to fight for his friends and his absolute and pure compassion for others that made him stick out, made him more like a child. Even down to the basics of how he displayed emotion showed just how much he was still growing up.

"Thank you, Sensei." Zane had replied.

Would Zane still thank him after the time he's had to spend recovering? Would his mindset change?

Zane bowed his head respectfully toward Wu.

Wu remembered the conversation, finding himself wanting to follow it. He remembered how his mood had changed multiple times that day. He had been cautious when the idea was introduced to Zane, then delighted when Zane agreed. He was more serious and passionate when Zane asked him about whether or not Wu himself thought it was a good idea. But then...

Contrasting his more serious and responsible tone of voice, Wu suddenly perked up and looked at Zane with faux exasperation.

"You are admirable and respectful, Zane."

Wu remembered with a smile, rewatching the memory.

"But am I too old for a simple hug?"

Zane blinked a few times, somewhat confused. As he realized that Wu was being sarcastic (something Jay taught him aaaall about), he laughed a little bit, voice slowly rising until his laughter rung more heartily.

"Forgive me, Sensei." He said, amusement still in his voice. Then, calming himself somewhat, he added, "I don't think the situation is quite right."

It was an odd excuse, Wu had decided, but an acceptable one nonetheless. As he let the memory fall away, Wu sighed heavily. Would Zane really accept the idea?

Since Dr. Julien passed away, Zane's been forced through the heartbreak of losing his father, then through being kept secrets from, and in addition was left underneath false impressions, lies, as Wu prepared for this day.

And he felt terrible about the kind of pain he had to put Zane through in order to reactivate these suppressed memories.

He would have wondered as to whether Zane would be mad at him or not, but that was another thing he loved so dearly about Zane. The Nindroid virtually never got angry at anyone for anything, and especially not if it was a matter that couldn't be controlled. He was the one who looked before he leapt, so to speak, and thought things out in a more controlled and matured way. Yet he also expressed how he felt about the situation and tended to seek out help when he didn't know how to react. It was just another thing that made Zane who he was.

Regardless, Wu couldn't help but to feel bad. He was more worried than ever now, knowing full well that Zane would be experiencing the same pain of losing his father all over again when he woke up. In these vivid memories, he would experience the same love he felt for his father that day, hugging his father and speaking with him one more time. It was almost like getting to say his last goodbye, but this time he would be far more aware that the last time he saw his father was really the last time. It would be all the more meaningful to him now, and thus all the more painful to sit up and realize that he would never be able to experience that sort of thing again.

"I'm so sorry, Zane." Wu said, closing his eyes shut. Dr. Julien wouldn't be coming back, and Wu would never be able to be the same kind of comfort to Zane. Even after the whole ordeal, he had trouble believing that Zane would ever truly be able to accept him.

But that most certainly didn't mean he wasn't going to try and be there. Through all the brutal training sessions, farewells, and secrets, everything Wu'd done was to help Zane and the other ninja.

And yet he just felt so worried… And sad. He had to suppress these memories from Zane, he had to make Zane face the pain of loss, he had to keep secrets and tell lies, he had to lead Zane away from safety, trap him, tackle him, cause him pain, just because Dr. Julien wanted Zane to be able to have someone to confide in.

"So, very, sorry." He said quietly, lowering his head.

"Sensei?" A quiet voice asked, groaning. Wu looked up hopefully, seeing Zane half sitting up, leaning back on one of his elbows. He had his other arm lifted up, a hand to his head.

"Zane! You're awake. Are you alright?" Wu asked, rushing to offer a hand. Zane accepted it, pulling himself up. As he got onto his feet, wobbling back and forth a little bit, he reached a hand down to his side, where the device had been.

"Ow…" He moaned.

"I'm sorry, Zane." Wu said apologetically, grabbing gently onto Zane's shoulders to steady him.

"I-it's okay." Zane said, still sounding a bit dazed.

Wu wasn't certain of what to say, not wanting to push at the topic on both their minds.

"What-" Zane started the question, looking very confused, but a look of realization dawned on his face before he could finish.

"I can't believe…" He trailed off.

"Yes. I am quite well aware of how unbelievable the situation sounds." Wu commented, guiding Zane off to the side and to the tree. As Zane thought hard, Wu moved him underneath the shade of the tree, moving his hand so he could lean against the trunk.

"No… That's not it." Zane said suddenly, sounding firm.

"No? Then what is?" Wu asked. He wasn't quite expecting Zane to say what he had.

"Were you given a say in your part of this?" Zane asked very seriously, turning to Wu. A hand still rested on his head.

"Of course, Zane. I was not only willing, but eager to take part." Wu answered.

"Oh."

Wu looked at him worriedly. Was he disappointed?

"What bothers you?" He asked.

"I… don't know." Zane looked at the ground, staring hard.

Wu looked straight ahead, opting to just stand next to Zane.

Zane's expression was that of confusion, realization, and uncertainty. A very unsteady mix, but he also looked determined, like he was trying to make a final decision.

Wu simply sat, willing to accept anything Zane had to say, before thinking of something to say himself.

"I think your father would be proud of how you have progressed. You have found ways to occupy your time and still interact with the ninja on a healthy level. You have managed to increase and maintain your mental and physical health. And I am proud of you also."

Zane's eyes widened slightly and he turned to Wu decisively.

"Sensei…" He started. Wu listened expectantly, turning to face Zane as he spoke.

"I do think the situation is quite right." He said. Wu looked at him confusedly, taking in Zane's groggy state of mind. Zane really was exhausted, still wobbling on his feet and his eyes half lidded. Was he even fully aware of what he was saying? Perhaps it would be best to take him back to the Bounty and confront him tomorrow?

As these thoughts began to race, Wu remembered, once more, something Zane had said to him that day. Something, even, he'd been reflecting on earlier.

'You are admirable and respectful, Zane. But am I too old for a simple hug?'

'Forgive me, Sensei!' Zane laughed. "I don't think the situation is quite right.'

Surprising Wu out of his thoughts, Zane leaned forward and hugged him firmly, similarly, even, to how he hugged Dr. Julien that same day. A pride for Wu and a gratitude swelled and Zane couldn't have been more happy to know that Wu cared enough for him to take part in making sure he had someone to turn to when things were rough.

-LizzyLucky

Ee-yup. That's the last chapter. I think it's a little abrupt and not quite fitting, but I'll leave that up to you guys to decide. Was it good? Bad? Let me know! Now, real quick, I have ONE LAST NOTE FOR YOU:

I have a collection of one-shots I will be posting this entire story on, called Human - One-Shots Collection. Go check it out! From there, you can actually request one-shots via PM or Reviewing on that story! So go, get to requestin'!

-LizzyLucky