Chapter 82
Post-Traumatic Stress

.:Violet:.

After Kai left the decks, the girl softly sighed. She swung her legs over the side of the decks and her arms and head rested on the rails. Post-Traumatic Stress? She wasn't experiencing that was she? Violet didn't want to believe that was the case. In a way, she was grateful for Kai leaving her alone but at the same time, she wanted him to stay. Not for her sake but for his. The sadness and morose in his voice just made her wanted to cradle the brunette in her arms but what good would that do? It'll just make her break down and babble about the darkness that lived with them in the world.

"V-Violet…?" A timid voice was sounded from behind her but the girl didn't move her head or indicate to Zane that she heard him. Lavender eyes were glued to the sea that was underneath the night sky. It was probably midnight by now. "Violet, I know you heard me… Why aren't you answering?"

"Maybe it's because I want to be alone." The tamer of air answered, snappier than required.

"You just came back from a mission that got everyone worried and now you want to be alone? I can't do that. You can push everyone away but you're not going to push me away."

"I said I want to be alone."

"Like I said, I'm not going to do that. I can tell you're hurting and something is bothering you." The robotic brother declared and invited himself to sit next to her.

"Well like I said, leave me alone."

"Can I at least treat your wounds then? You reopened the ones on your back." Informed Zane but Violet didn't say a word. As a result, Zane slowly unwind the bandages around her chest. To assist as much as she could, Violet would lift her arms up when necessary. When it came to the last strand, she held the bloody bandages against her chest. "Can I ask a question?"

"No." Violet replied bitterly. "Just treat my wounds, no small talk or what so ever. You understand?"

A small nod came from the ninja of ice and silence surrounded them.

.:Kai:.

Meanwhile, the brunette frowned at the exchange between Violet and Zane. He didn't understand why Violet has become so… bitter and cold. So far she was rejecting everyone and dodging their questions. Kai made a list in his head of the people she won't talk to and pushed away: him, Nathan (after pinning him down Violet refused to apologise), Zane, Misako –who joined them after the Stone Warrior incident in the museum- and most likely Cole and Jay.

If Nya tried talking to Violet, it may work. They're both girls and girls like to talk and share stuff… don't they? But maybe Lloyd since those two had a strange sibling ever since Lloyd came on board… If that kid talk to her, perhaps she won't be that bitter since technically Lloyd is still…. Twelve is it? Or even if Sensei Wu tried, Violet would never disobey him! He's like a father to her… But why would she reject me?

With a heavy sigh, went into his room where he found Jay, Cole and Lloyd engaged in a fairly serious conversation.

"Oh, hey Kai." Jay greeted but it lacked the usual enthusiasm. "How's Zane?"

"Violet's isn't opening up to him either…" The fire tamer sighed and fell onto Zane's bed since he couldn't be bother to climb up onto his bunk.

"Well I got a plan," Cole started as he hoped down from his bunk, his feet hit the ground with a loud thud, "the only people left that Violet may open up to is Sensei Wu, Lloyd or Nya-"

"Nya is trying now." All four ninja that were in the room jumped at Zane's quiet but startling appearance. "She isn't fairer better than me though …"

Upon this words, everyone in the room sighed. Kai shuffled to the side to allow Zane to sit on the bed as well. Violet was so close yet so so so far away from them… from him. Kai couldn't remember the fun times with her, all he could see was her scared expression from Jamanakai Village and the now cold and bitter expression. The mood in the room was dense and grim. Their sister –or girlfriend in Kai's case- was gone. Silence continued to flood the room, which Kai respected but it wasn't silent for much longer when Lloyd cleared his throat.

"Come on guys, we can't give up, especially not on Violet. I mean sure she's far away from us but we can't give up."

"So what do you suggest then?"

"I suggest we get some sleep and by tomorrow morning we'll have clear heads. Maybe if we're lucky, Nya have also convinced Violet to sleep in bed. If not, Zane will cook breakfast. The smell will probably arise her hunger."

"That isn't a plan, that's just a 'if' schedule!" Kai hissed by when Lloyd sighed, the white brother next to him elbowed him fairly hard in the ribs. "Ow!"

"Let Lloyd finish."

"Fine."

"Ok, back to my plan. If Violet comes up to breakfast, she's likely to eat quickly and leave again right?" The green ninja asked, everyone nodded their heads in agreement. "I'll followed her out and perhaps try to talk to her because she still sees me as the twelve year old Lloyd so she can't really push me away."

"I see a flaw in that plan." Cole said.

"What is it?"

"If she sees you as a twelve year old then she's likely to not tell you anything. The things she went through are fairly dark. She killed those men Lloyd, it won't be easy to break her barrier."

"Well, it's our only shot to get our sister back."

.:Violet:.

After Nya saw it was pointless to get information out of Violet, the younger girl left and retreated to their bedroom. However, the ninja kept her eyes firmly on the ocean. There was something pinching her mind and every time when it does, Violet feels like she's being watched. Sleep was the last thing on her plate; the first thing was to make sure everyone was okay. She wasn't particularly fond of the new woman on board but if the others trust the elderly woman, Violet has no choice but put a tiny bit in trust in the woman.

When Violet felt her legs starting to go tingly from sitting too long, she stood up and went to the training room in the lower decks. Her footsteps left no noise as she got closer to her destination. Once she was there, she grabbed a bow and two quiver of arrows. After this, the ninja of air made her way back onto the decks and went back to her spot which was underneath the rails.

Her ears were peeled open and her eyes stared into the pitch black darkness, the only light source was the stars and the moon. The waves softly crashed against the bounty's side and the old boards of wood would creek ever so slightly. Violet would call the night calm but she still felt as if something is going to attack, more like Vincent was going to attack her. The air tamer never heard what happened to the ginger after she blacked out, all she knew was that after using so much of her powers, she blacked out and the ninja took her back on board. That was it.

The bounty wasn't docked too far from the isolated beach where jungles of tropical trees border the beach from people. In a way, it became the ninja's favourite beach to dock at or to have fun. Violet kept her back towards it; she can't let the happy memories ruin her concentration. At the moment, it seemed like a good idea not to look at it but when she heard a rustle; the girl was already on her feet and an arrow drawn back on the string. The tension between her shoulders increased and Violet bit her lips when she felt the lashes on her back reopen. However her eyes never left the tree line. When she heard a rustle again, she left the arrow fly but instead, the arrow found its way to the sand due to her aching back. Loud screeches were heard and a flock of birds flew away.

"Stupid birds scared me for no reason." Violet hissed as she relaxed her shoulders. She sat back down on the decks and rolled her shoulders. She couldn't be bothered to check her reopened wounds or even wake Zane up to redo her bandages. She looked down and realised she wasn't wearing much, the bandages were the only things that covered her chest while her baggy, sleeping shorts were on. Even though the wind that blew past was cold, Violet didn't mind it; instead, she enjoyed it.

Slowly, the ninja lost track of time and saw the dark sky turn lighter and mixtures of purple, pink and colour flooded the sky. Violet enjoyed the view of the sunrise over the ocean horizon; she had a perfect view, not just part of the sunrise. When the sun reached over the horizon, it only occurred to the ninja of air that she has been up the whole night yet so far she wasn't hungry or tired. After several more minutes –really it was an hour- she heard footsteps and in a flash, Violet drew the bow back and turned around, only to meet with a wide-eyed Zane.

"V-Violet! It's just me, Zane. Please put the bow down." With this, she did pull the bow down but she continued to looked at the ocean and the faint orange in the sky.

In a way, Violet felt like she needed to be cold to the others in order to keep them away from the darkness in the world. If I continued how I used to be before I went on the mission, there's a chance of me believing I'm safe again and put up false security… I can't do that again…

.:Lloyd:.

The blonde knew he was the last one to leave the bottom decks since everyone is already at breakfast including his mother but excluding Violet. When he was about to go up, he saw the girl looking over the rails, bow in her hand, quiver of arrows tucked in her elbow and the bandages bloodied. It was like she just survived a fight against Vincent all over again. After seeing this, he rushed back down to his room and tried to think of what he should say. After all, he isn't hungry anymore. Now, Lloyd knew he was ready to talk to her, to the new and cold Violet.

Taking a deep breath, he walked up the stairs to enter the decks. This time, Violet was sitting down, her fingers unconsciously twirling an arrow; her quiver was next to her while her bow was on her laps. Lloyd cleared his throat to let her know he was there, instead of her turning around or even smiling, Violet's fingers quickly notched the arrow onto the string and the arrow was already loose. Lloyd barely had time to think when he automatically stepped to the side, the arrow just cutting through his shirt sleeve and into the doorframe he just walked through.

"Sorry…" He just heard Violet muttered and she turned around, her back facing him again. He would now see small droplets of blood trickle through the bandage and down her back.

"Violet, you're bleeding-"

"I'm fine." A curt response was shot his way. Her voice had no emotion or warmth in them. They were no longer the silky voice Lloyd knew but somewhat… haunted.

"Are you sure? I could try and change your bandages-"

"I don't need to repeat myself." She snapped, her back still remained towards him. Suddenly, the green ninja's eyes stung and his vision blurred. Have we really lost Violet?

"Too bad, I'm helping you anyway, even if it kills both of us." He told her confidently before running back to Nya's room where Zane's first aid kit was last. The blonde took the whole box and returned to the decks.

When he got closer to Violet, he could see the muscles in the back and shoulder tense quickly upon his presence. Lloyd didn't fear the girl in front of him, yet he feared for her. His mother explained how Violet was probably experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and she if continues to behave like this, Violet may be truly lost forever. Lloyd couldn't have this, for his sister to be gone and for the team to fall apart. As Lloyd sat down, he softly touched at the bandages and felt Violet flinch under his touch.

"Do you mind..?" He asked timidly. The girl shook her head. So far so good, she wasn't pushing him away like Nya, Zane and Kai. He took the end of the bandage that was tucked underneath another strand and he attempted to take it off. It appeared he didn't do a very good job because a heavy sigh was sounded from the air tamer and she roughly took the bandage off him and unwrapped herself before holding the bandages to her chest. Lloyd could only gasp at the sight.

"It's not pretty is it?" Violet asked; her voice still empty of any emotion. Lloyd could only gulp as his green eyes travelled over Violet's back. Seven deep gashes were slightly crusted with pus and blood trickling down. The sight made Lloyd's stomach churn. He doesn't understand how Zane could even deal with this.

"I-I thought it would have healed by now… Since you can heal fast." Lloyd whispered softly.

Remembering some of the basic first aid stuff Nya tried teaching him when he was only twelve; the blonde reached over to the cloth and placed it in a small container of water he brought with him. He then wringed it of the water and went to clean the wound. He tried to be as gentle as he could, Violet was always still and quiet, only twice did she hiss and flinch away from him. After that, he grabbed the antiseptic and dabbed the wounds. After that, he grabbed a new roll of bandages and gave them to Violet. Instantly, she wrapped herself in it, only giving it to Lloyd to bring it across her back to ensure she got the whole injury covered.

"Why don't you come up for breakfast? I'm sure you're hungry, you have been out for three days." Lloyd stated as he finished packing the stuff away.

"Stop it Lloyd."

"What do you mean?" He asked, furrowing his brows.

"Stop being nice just so I can spill what happened." Violet said bitterly. Lloyd could only sigh. "I'm correct, aren't I?"

"Y-Yes…"

"Sorry kid, you're not going to get what you want."

"But this isn't what I want. This is what I need. I need the old Violet back, not this bitter girl that took her away." Lloyd said bluntly. "Please Violet, tell me what's wrong so I can help!"

"Nothing can help it, it's already done."

"Isn't that the same thing you said when you grew depressed about killing and afraid to be who you are, as a ninja and not a jewel crafter?" He questioned. Upon this, a gasp was sounded from her and for the first time, she turned around and looked at him – excluding the time she shot the arrow.

"How did you know about that, you were still in Pythor's grasps then?" Violet asked, astonish.

"Uncle told me how you guys unlocked your true potential so I can find mine…" Lloyd muttered but he looked directly in Violet's eyes. He could tell she wanted to look away but she still kept her gaze locked on his. "And you unlocked your true potential after solving that riddle too, 'sometimes you want to disappear but really you want to be found-"

"But Lloyd, this is completely different, I'm trying to protect you guys!"

"Protect us? Protect us? How is this protecting us?! You're being cold, ignorant and bitter, this isn't protecting, this is being hurtful. Can't you see how your new attitude and new way of protecting is affecting everyone?!" He questioned, his voice slightly louder than what it was before but it wouldn't classify as yelling but probably everyone could hear him from the dining room.

"You won't understand." She snapped.

"Then help me to understand and tell me what is wrong!" The blonde cried out in dismay, tears trickling his eyes once again.

"No, I won't. The truth is what I'm trying to protect you all from!"

"What truth? What truth could possibly be so bad that you have to become this cruel person?" Lloyd's voice cracked when he used cruel. The old Violet was never cruel…

"I don't want to talk about it." And upon this, Violet stood up. As quick as lightning, Lloyd did the same but slightly towered over Violet. Their new height difference was still bugging Lloyd.

"Please Violet, I need to know. I don't care if this painful truth hurts me, I just need to know why the person who I've always seen as a sister is treating me like I'm nothing! I already have so many people turn their backs on me and abandoned me!" He demanded. It was true; his mother turned his back on him. He's not sure if Misako could hear him now but needed to get that out so Violet could understand. What the heck, he's not sure if Violet knew who Misako was. "I've lost my mother, I'm about to lose my father, I've also lost Scarlett and I don't want to lose you too Violet."

And upon these words, the strong and stone façade that Violet built up slightly cracked, tears were gathered in her lavender eyes. He then pulled her into a bear hug, the ones he did when he was twelve, the same ones he did when Violet nearly died in front of him when the Devourer tried to kill her and the one when she returned from her mission with Nathan. The other time he hugged her when he wasn't twelve was when she was about to go on her mission.

"When you left for your mission, I asked for you to come back safely… I meant for you to be wound-free and still the caring Violet I knew…" He murmured and hugged the smaller ninja tighter. "Please Violet, I need to know so I can help you and figure out why you're so… different."

Suddenly, he felt arms hug him back. Lloyd nearly sighed with relief but Violet sighed first, but not so of relief, more like regret. "I'm sorry Lloyd." And she quickly went out of his arms and turned her back onto him. From her trembling shoulders, he could tell she was crying. Lloyd slightly looked down with tears in his own eyes.

"Can you at least tell me why you want to protect us so badly from this truth then?" The blonde's voice wavered as he tried to choke back the sobs that were now trying to escape. He looked at Violet in hope that she would at least answer this question.

"So you won't see, feel or think what I've been through… So you won't turn out like me. I want you guys to still be carefree and happy but once you know the truth…You… I-I…" But she couldn't form the words. Instead, she swooped down, picked up her bow and quiver of arrows before dashing into the lower decks.

Lloyd could only stand there with tears running down.

I couldn't stop; I just had to write that. I was in the mood but at the same time, I was crying. WAH! I'll trying to make chapters longer. But I want to say thanks to everyone for understanding when I updated late instead of saying "That's a pathetic excuse.". So massive thanks to all the new people that favourited and followed and the reviewers: ALookIntoMyWorld, Darkrainbow, LightningDanino23, Jayla Fire Gal, Princess Bunny, Mihoshi 2.0, ShadowNinja27, MortalNinjas, ElementzGirl7, CarlyShi208 and FlameNinjaofDarkFire! And also big thanks to the silent readers

Darkrainbow: Awwww thanks! It meant so much to me that I had another person review :)

LightningDanino23: Perhaps I didn't do enough explain of what has happened to Violet, by her wounds, it's fairly obvious she's been whipped but Vincent also… ummm… raped her. . .

Princess Bunny: *laughing so hard* Oh my, I haven't laughed at a review like that so hard for… I don't know, a year perhaps. But you're right, Kai won't be able to survive at least a minute of us XD

Mihoshi 2.0: Yes I've heard. I've seen episodes 45-47 in German even though I don't understand a word they're saying and last night, someone had episodes 45-49 in English. I watched 45 and turned it off since it was 11 at night and this morning when I checked, they were removed T.T

MortalNinjas: The reason she didn't realise Nathan's voice was it was loud. I've studied how some people's voice are slightly different whenever they're speaking loudly and Violet couldn't tell it was him since she did just woke up after all.

ElementzGirl7: I know, that's all on purpose though XD

FlameNinjaofDarkFire: A book? Me too! And don't worry, I don't plan on ending this book soon… Maybe I can go all the way to Morro's season… Omg, I've never realised this book is going to be so big.

Recently, I've been thinking about whether I should end this fanfic before or after Reboot and write this into a series or if I should just continue it to whenever Lego decide to end Ninjago (which I hope is never). I would love to get your opinions. Because I'm still in season 2 and season 5 is out and already, this story is the 8th biggest fanfic in the Ninjago achieve. So I would love if you guys can tell me ASAP. Thanks once again to everyone and I hope you all are looking forward to the next chapter.

Xoxoxo - ZaneLoverFan88