This is more of an implied Lloyd/PIXAL than anything, but it's there, I promise :D


PIXAL sat down on the snowy bench facing the statue of the Titanium Ninja, better known as Zane. She looked down sadly when she remembered him. She hadn't told the other Ninja about how Zane managed to survive, and how he now had his own body. She didn't know how to tell them, or when to tell them, and was now sitting in front of Zane's statue, wondering how to let the others know.

Perhaps it is better they do not know? she wondered. After all, they are now busy with teaching their students at Wu's Academy. But then, it would only make them feel more guilty about not helping if I don't tell them...

"Anyone sitting here?" a voice said. PIXAL looked up to see Lloyd standing at the bench, his red eyes showing nothing but concern.

"No. You are free to sit," she replied. Lloyd nodded gratefully, sitting down close beside her. "What is the matter? Shouldn't you be back at Wu's Academy with the others?"

"Yeah, but I just..." he trailed off, looking up at the statue. "Ever since Zane...died...it just hasn't been the same. I've basically had to take over his teaching job, and I can't do it as well as he can."

"I am sure you will do your best, Lloyd. Zane would be happy to see you working your hardest."

The blond shrugged. "I just wish he was back here with us. I mean, we need a Ninja of Ice, right? The guys keep telling me I could be that, since I technically have ice powers, but it just doesn't feel the same..."

"Perhaps he will return one day?" PIXAL suggested, hoping he didn't think she was hinting at anything. "We cannot stop hoping for something like that, correct?"

"But what if he isn't the same?" Lloyd asked. "If we do make him a new body, he's not gonna be the same as before. What if he can't do Spinjitsu, or use his elemental powers?" His eyes widened in horror. "What if he doesn't remember us? What if he doesn't remember you?"

PIXAL stared at him wordlessly, wondering if now would be a good time tell Lloyd that Zane was, in fact, still alive, but decided against it. If Lloyd was truly this distressed, it wouldn't do any good to make him more emotional.

"Hey, PIXAL? Let's say Zane somehow survived the battle against the Overlord... Do you think he'd want to see us again? Do you think he'd forgive us for not saving him?"

PIXAL wrapped her arm around Lloyd's shoulders, patting one comfortingly. "He willingly sacrificed himself to save you and the city. He would not hold any ill will towards any of you. It is not in Zane's program to behave that way."

Lloyd rested his head on PIXAL's shoulder. "Yeah, you're right. Sorry for bugging you with this. I know you're probably really busy at the tower, trying to clean up everything after the Overlord and the Nindroids took it over."

PIXAL looked down at him, running a hand through his hair comfortingly. At this point, she decided now was probably the best time to tell him the truth. "I do not know about that. We have received some extra help."

He looked up, eyes gleaming with interest. "From who?"

She took a hand in his, locking her green eyes with his red ones. "I will tell you, but you must promise me you will not tell the other Ninja. I do not want them to know yet. Do you promise?"

He nodded, suddenly eager to know. "Who is it?"

PIXAL let herself smile. She was sure she could trust Lloyd. "You see, after the battle with the Overlord, and after Zane's funeral..."


I kinda want to write a separate oneshot that happens after this one, with the other ninja finding out Zane's alive. I totally should :D

Glaciershipping's up next, whenever that'll be. Stay tuned!