A/N: So, I'm sorry for taking so long to update. I have my reasons, but I'm going to wait to explain until the end of the chapter. For now, just enjoy Chapter 3 of "White Ninja of Darkness".

Chapter posted on November 2, 2015

Chapter 3:

*Zane's PoV*

It was well into the night by the time we arrived at Chen's island. It was small and the majority of it seemed to be occupied by a thick jungle. The area that wasn't covered in vegetation was home to an ornate looking palace. The walls were an ivory white color, but the roof was red, the exact shade of blood. I tried not to think about it. The whole palace was surrounded by a stone wall, upon which guards patrolled.

Clouse led me through a large red and gold gate and into the palace without giving me a chance to examine much else. The inside was lavishly decorated. Paintings with frames of gold and jewels sat on the walls, chandeliers of crystal hung from the ceiling, the floor was covered in plush rugs that had intricate designs woven into them, several small tables were lined against the walls and on them sat vases like which one would see at an art museum, all of which held plants of different varieties.

But the one thing that stood out to me was the blood red color, the same as the roof, that seemed to be everywhere. I hated it. The factual side of my processor reminded me that upon agreeing to serve Master Chen, I agreed to the possibility of having to be an assassin, meaning I'd likely be seeing more of this color in my future. I shuttered at the thought, not actually sure if I'd be able to do such a thing.

I was drawn from my thoughts upon hearing a loud bang. I turned my head toward the sound. At the other end of the room, two doors flung open and in strode a man that I could only assume was Master Chen. He wore robes of red and black that were adorned with golden designs and something silvery that looked suspiciously like snake scales. A black cape flowed out behind him and on his face he sported a black goatee and matching sideburns. But it was the top of his head that drew my attention. Sitting on top of his head was a serpentine's skull and around it looked like the tail of what I could only guess was the same serpentine. Not for the first time, I felt chills run down my spine.

I unwittingly took a step backwards as he approached me with the look of a predator that just cornered their prey. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Clouse bow slightly to the man and I quickly copied his movement.

"Master." Clouse addressed. "As asked, I returned with the Ice Ninja."

"Well done, Clouse." Chen stared at me for a moment, then with a quick flick of his wrist, two of other men entered the room and restrained me. I struggled, but their hold was firm. One of them kicked my legs, causing me to fall to my knees. The other grabbed a chunk of my hair, forcing my head to face Chen who was grinning down at me.

"What is the meaning of this?" I asked, still fighting to break free.

"Zane. The White Ninja of Ice. It's a pleasure to welcome you to my island. I've heard so much about you, including your little problem with your friends. It's a shame really, but then again, magic can be so unpredictable." Chen was still grinning as Clouse stepped up to his side, hand covered in dark energy.

My eyes widened in realization. "You made my friends turn on me!"

Clouse laughed. "No, I only made you think your friends betrayed you. Fear is a powerful thing. I took your fear of losing your team and nurtured it. None of what you think happened actually happened. It was all in your head."

I froze. My friends never hurt me? None of that had been real? But that doesn't make sense. Their behavior started back when I found out I was a robot. Has Clouse been following me all of this time? Or did he somehow change my memories? I tried to voice my questions, but all that came out was, "Why?"

"You want me to tell you my evil plan? Okay!" Chen exclaimed gleefully. "In a few months I will invite all the elemental masters to my island for a Tournament of Elements. During the tournament I will slowly eliminate the masters and steal their power. Once I have the power of all the elements, I can cast a spell to turn me and all my followers into Anacondrai, the fiercest of serpentine warriors. Then I shall take over Ninjago."

"Master, was it safe to tell the ninja your whole plan? What if he escapes?" Clouse asked.

"Oh, Clousey-Clouse, you worry too much." Chen replied, patting Clouse on the cheek. "The Ninja won't want to escape. In fact, he's going to help me."

"Help you? That will never happen." I yelled. I can't believe I fell for this trap. I knew something was off with Clouse, yet I came with him anyway.

Chen chuckled as he pulled something out of his robe. "That is where you're wrong. This is a memory processor. As I'm sure you are aware, every Nindroid has one. If removed, the robot can't remember anything from their life, nor can it record any further memories. I built this one after studying many others. Once I replace your memory processor with this one, you will be loyal only to me, and with you on my side, nothing will be able to stop me, not even your other pesky Ninja friends."

I struggled in the arms of the men holding me. I had to break free and warn the others of what was going to happen. Chen moved behind me, out of my range of sight, but I felt his hand touch something at the base of my neck. My vision went black.

*3rd Person PoV*

Chen cackled merrily as he watched the Nindroid slowly open his eyes. The eyes found his and the robot bowed deeply.

"Welcome to my island, Connor. My White Ninja of Darkness."

"What do you wish for me to do, Master?"

Nya ran down the halls of the bounty. She slammed open the doors of the training room, making the Ninja inside stop what they were doing and look at her.

Kai frowned at the look on his sister's face. "Nya, what's wrong?

"Zane's missing."

A/N: In case you didn't catch that, yes, "Connor" is Zane. And now the Ninja know Zane is gone. That means they can go save him, right? Right?

Anyway, I said I would explain my long absence. I said in my last chapter that I was about to start college, well that has happened. Pretty much, I've been focusing on college and haven't had time to write much. I know that some people of this site take their stories and writing very seriously, I've had a long conversation about this with one of my reviewers.

I want to make it clear that, in my case, writing these stories is something I do for fun. Yes, I will write to make each chapter the best I can, but this story (and any other story I write) is not the sole main focus of my life. My college work will always come first, which means there will be times like this where there won't be an update for months. I am not discontinuing this story, and I am not yet putting it on Hiatus (though that may happen in the future if I feel that I need to). Also, please do not review just to ask when I will be updating again. In my opinion, that is very annoying, and it isn't really a review toward the story.

I would love it if you guys stay with me during the duration of this story. I apologize if I'm disappointing anyone, but I know I can't please everyone. As always, reviews help me see how good my writing is. I'm always open to constructive criticism or further ideas as to how this story should progress, so please follow, favorite, or review and I hope to see you next chapter.