Chapter 104
Virus Bug

.:Violet:.

"This is a perfect place to lay low. No robots, no cameras; no problem." Violet heard Lloyd sighed with relief as the boys covered their vehicles but she couldn't relax, not now at least. With Sensei Wu gone and technology being their number one enemy, the ninja of air couldn't get herself to relax.

She secluded herself from the others by sitting in the shadow of a tree. She watched the simple exchange between Lloyd and Nya. The samurai only arrived minutes ago thanks to Kai getting in contact with her but little things like that is starting to paranoid her. Like what if that call tracked the Overlord to their current location? What if it brings the Overlord here where he can take the Techno Blades and Lloyd? But with no answers to her questions, the girl could only sigh and let her violet eyes rested on the scenery, constantly on the lookout for something… unusual.

In the forest, the sky was a range of warm colours, yet to turn into the brilliant dark blue they would always see on a clear night sky. It was almost like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle coming together. The air was rich with the fragrance of leaves and loam, damp too indicating that the area was probably rained on before they came. The only movements she could detect were the occasional birds returning to their nests or squirrels dashing up a nearby trunk. The sound of running water in the brook has the same hypnotic quality as music that made Violet want to drink in the sound. There were a few blueberry bushes around but she stayed put.

It wasn't until the bite on her neck started to have a slight sting. Violet frowned as she raised her hands to the back of her neck and let her fingers roam over the swell. To her utter shock, the swell was huge compared to a normal insect bite. It was roughly the size of a macadamia nut. When she pressed down on it, she hissed in pain and quickly drew her fingers away.

"Is everything alright?" A weary voice asked her and when she looked up, she wasn't surprised to see Kai.

"Can you check my neck? Something bit me."

"And that what's concerning you?"

"Well I think if you have a look, I'm sure you would agree." Violet sighed and leaned her head down to let him have a look. As a response, she heard a gasp.

"What the? What bit you?"

"I don't know. It's on the back of my neck, how am I supposed to know?"

"You didn't see the bug?"

"Kai, I was surrounded by killing machines; you really think I paid attention to that?"

"No…"

"Exactly." She sighed wearily and lay against the tree.

"Does it hurt?"

"When you press down on it." She muttered. She watched as Kai sat down next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Immediately she rested her head against his shoulder.

But something was off, she could tell. Compared to the bites she ever got they always stung for a little bit and then the pain washes away. This one felt like it was burning, as if her neck was being squeezed. Violet's face screwed into discomfort and she pulled away from Kai, earning a look full of concern and worry. She could hear him calling her name but it was like her mind had drifted to another world.

"You all are going to die." A raspy voice croaked out. Violet knew this was the voice of the Overlord. Immediately fear surged through her veins. "We will find you and when we do, we'll kill all of you and get our hands on your precious Golden Ninja."

"Get out of my head!" She barked out viciously and pressed her hands on either sides of her ears and pressed her forehead against the moist soil.

"I'll make sure each slaughter is painful and slow. I want to hear every scream of agony. You all will be dead."

"Get out!" When she felt a hand on her shoulder, she instantly bolted up and tackled whoever it was onto the ground.

"Violet, it's just me! Kai." When the realisation hit her, Violet immediately scrambled back. By now, all traces of the Overlord's voice was gone. "Are you okay?" But instead of replying, Violet looked around, looking past the crowd her team made around her. Her violet eyes searched for any sign of metal or even the Overlord himself. "Violet, speak to me."

"H-He was in my head." She answered and stood up, barging through the team to get a better look.

"Who was?"

"The Overlord. We said he's going to find us and kill us all."

"Violet," Zane's voice made her stop, "you're just under a lot of stress and you're tired. You were probably just imagining it."

"It was real though!"

"But I thought the only way to communicate with someone telepathically is if they're actually inside your mind."

"I thought so too but now I'm not too sure…" She muttered.

.::.

"Pupils, I give you the most powerful ninja in all the lands: The Golden Ninja." And upon this announcement, the dojo was filled with laughter while Violet could only sigh along with the rest of the guys. She knew Lloyd was much better than this, in their fights together he would fight so skilfully, carefully and smartly. Perhaps it's because he's against his father that throws him off.

Violet's mind slowly drifted away from the fight just as Lloyd recovered. She was still mad at the fact that the others didn't believe her. Like sure it's strange to suddenly hear your worst enemy's voice in your head but that doesn't mean it she's crazy. They already establish back when they went back in time that her life is already weird and full of surprises. But Violet was drawn from her thoughts when Jay elbowed her arm.

"What?" She asked only to get a groan from Jay.

"Garmadon just asked if anybody else wants to try, you should!"

"No thanks." Violet mumbled. She wasn't in the mood to fight. So instead, Garmadon decided for everyone to pair up and spar, Violet continuing to sit out. Personally she would have looked after the Techno Blades instead of Zane but the others thought it would be better for her if she was to stay with them. For safety reasons they said. However, this didn't stop her from watching Kai and Jay's spar match since they were literally right in front of her. The last thing she needed was for one of them to fall on top of her. The ninja of air couldn't say she wasn't surprised to see that their fighting techniques have increased thanks to Garmadon's lesson. Kai and Jay fought smartly, which was absolutely different since most of the time they don't.

"Is everything alright?" The girl heard Garmadon's voice from behind her and when she turned her head, he was indeed standing there.

"Yeah, just sitting out." She replied but moved back as Kai gave Jay a shove on the back towards her direction.

"How come?"

"The others think I'm going mentally crazy." She told him. It wasn't a complete lie but it wasn't the truth either.

"Do tell." The new mentor said as he stood next to her with a straight posture however his eyes still scanned over his pupils.

"I've heard the Overlord's voice in my head… The others think that I was just imagining things since I'm 'under a lot of stress' and tired." Violet sighed and continued to watch as Jay managed to put Kai on the floor.

"The Overlord…" She then heard him say and look down to her. "He can definitely play tricks with one mind, I know this especially."

"So you don't think I'm going crazy?"

"No but I thought you guys said he's a virus. If he has no physical presence, I don't see how it's possible."

"Now that you mention it, neither do I-" But an ear-piercing scream made the whole hall silent. It was the kind of scream that made your blood run cold.

"The Techno Blades!"

.::.

If anything, Violet was surprised to see Zane walking back with the five Techno Blades in one arm while the other held the end of a rope which bounded its capture. Walking behind Zane was a person that made Violet's eyebrows raise high. It's skin was completely made out of metal, coated with matte white and purple circuits going along the robot's body. It's hair was like a mirror, reflecting everything. Every single strand was silver and so thin that it made Violet wonder how could silver be even crafted in a way like that. But the robot's hair was done in a rather rushed and loose bun with bangs hanging out. It's (or her's, Violet didn't really know how to address it) eyes were red, a brighter red than Kai's suit but there were no pupils or iris or anything like that. They were circles with red light with fake lashes pasted on. The robot's body, however, had curves instead of a blocky figure but it isn't highlighted to the point it really looked like a female human. But the way she moved in the bindings made Violet wonder if the human robot's personality is like an animal.

"It's P.I.X.A.L but how did she find us?"

"How about we take her apart?" Kai's voice grumbled with anger as he charged forward.

"No, she was only programed what she was told to do." Zane immediately interrupted, placing a hand on Kai's chest to prevent him from reaching this P.I.X.A.L person. "She may hold many answers but there's perhaps an easier way." And with that, he picked up a Techno Blade.

Looking over to the weapon, she realised the Techno Blade resembled a staff. The weapon seemed to be made of gold and along the handle, runes were engraved in. Casting her eyes to the other Techno Blades, she saw they all were made of gold with runes written on them but each resembled a different weapon: a sword, a flail, chainsaw blade and a large dagger… What surprised her the most was that there weren't even a blade. There was the base of the blade to give the general idea what type of weapon it is but it was small and awfully blunt… It looks like it isn't even supposed to be a blade. However when Zane lifted his Techno Blade in front of him, a blade retracted out of the head of the staff with magnificent glowing blue. Violet watched with awe as Zane lowered the tip of the unique blade onto P.I. 's forehead. Then, it was like shards of frost washed over the robotic lady, starting from her head with a slow glow and travelled down her body. When it disappeared, instead of glowing red orbs, they were green. Not like Lloyd's suit but more of the traffic light green.

"Where am I?" Were the first words to leave her mouth. It lacked emotion and was flatter than a can of stale soft drink. It definitely beats Zane's own monotonous voice. "Why am I tied up?"

"You were under the control of the Overlord. How did you find us?" If anything, Zane's voice was soft as he spoke to her as he undid the bindings. It was almost the same kind of tone Zane used with Violet when they met for the first time.

"A tracking device was implanted in the purple ninja when she was in Ninjago City."

"What?!" Violet immediately yelled out, choking on her salvia in the process. Straightaway her hand went to the lump on her neck.

"Whoa whoa whoa, there's a tracking device in Violet? And she didn't even know?!" Jay exclaimed.

"I thought it was a bug bite!" She yelled at him she placed the tips of her fingers against the lump in the back of her neck. "What else does it do apart from track my every moment?"

"Our advanced technology allows the chip to connect to one of your nerves such as your nerve of hearing, allowing the Overlord to communicate to you from the other end of the device. However you cannot communicate back."

"See! I told you guys I wasn't going crazy!"

"Not only that," Pixal continued, "they have mimed Sensei Wu's memories. Now the Overlord knows all your hiding spots."

"My brother, is he okay?"

"Yes, but the Overlord wants your son. His power is the only way he can escape the digital realm and become real."

Immediately, upon this Violet grabbed a dagger from the belt around her waist and held it up to the back of her neck.

"Violet, are you crazy?! You'll bleed to death!" Kai instantly shouted.

"If this thing is tracking me then it means the Overlord knows we're here and he also knows we aren't going to split up. I can't allow him to become real." The caramel-haired girl snapped but as she was about to make the cut, a cool hand grasp her wrist, making Violet turn her head only to meet with green orbs.

"You cannot take the chip out."

"What are you talking about? The longer this things stays in me will make us the bigger targets. I need it out of me right now!" She yelled and instantly shook P.I.X.A.L's hand off and backed away.

"No, you don't understand-"

"I don't understand? No, it's you who don't understand-!"

"Violet, calm down and listen to what she have to say." Zane cut her off, instantly infuriating the girl.

"Fine, I'll listen to what she has to say." Violet muttered and crossed her arms over her chest, her fingers unconsciously playing with her engagement ring.

"The chip has a tentacle that wraps around the closest artery. When it is threatened to be removed, the chip will automatically squeeze it's hold; cutting off circulation therefor killing the holder." Just as P.I.X.A.L announced this, roars were immediately sounded from the others.

"What?! Are you saying once we remove it she'll die?!"

"This can't be true P.I.X.A.L, please say it isn't."

"There has to be another way!"

But Violet couldn't tell whether she was angry or sad or even scared. Possibly all three but she couldn't tell. It was like her body just went numb, leaving her fingers tingly. This thing could kill me?! Then how am I supposed to get this thing out of me?! The longer I stay with everyone, the more danger I put on them and more likely the chance the Overlord could have a real body and ruin everything!

But Violet was slowly drawn away from her train of thought when arms circled her from behind. It was a hug that was so warm. A hug that felt right. Hesitantly, she let her body sag, her muscles become loose. It always amazes her how a simple gesture like this from Kai could just melt away all her worries. He gave her the respect of an equal but cradled her like a cherished child. In that embrace she felt her worries lose their keen sting. Gently, he spun her around so they were face to face. She then felt him brush her hair back with his strong fingers before resting his calloused palm against her cheek.

"You aren't going to die, not when I'm around okay?"

"But if we don't take this out and you stay around me, you'll die. I can't have that happen." Violet sighed and pushed him away from his hug.

"And if you're by yourself, you'll die!" He empathised but Violet just sighed and walked away from him, pacing back and forth but she stopped when he walked in front of her and grabbed her shoulders. "We do things together okay? If you jump, I jump straight away."

"I don't want that."

"But I bet you that if I jump, you'll definitely jump after me. Am I right?"

"Yes…" Violet grumbled but then she stopped. How come I didn't think of that earlier? "Unless I go away right now to distract the Overlord! That way he can never find you guys and it'll be a wild goose chase."

"What? By yourself? No way-"

"Kai it may be our only chance. Its better than me dying trying to take this out and it's definitely better than you guys dying-"

"Violet, you seriously need to stop playing the hero!" Kai hissed at her as his grip on her shoulders tightened. His amber eyes met hard on with her violet ones showing determination. "You have us, you're not alone. We're a team, we're a family and it means we all stick together doesn't matter how tough the situation is."

"Fine…" Violet muttered, before shaking Kai's hands off.

I cannot believe it! Why are they all treating me like a child?!

"But I did not come alone," Violet's ear just managed to hear P.I.X.A.L say, "Nindroids came as well."

Uggghhh! This writer's block is killing me! But school starts tomorrow so I'm trying to squeeze every ounce of creativity and ideas out of me and put them on here. But massive thanks to everyone who has reviewed and submitted OC's! There's so many of you that I can't be bothered to writer all of your names down but thank you so much!

Now, about all the OC's, they're all amazing! I'm already torn between so many but as sad as I am to say, I don't think I'll be able to use any of them but two (quickly ducks behind a crate to avoid the hating stares). Maybe it would have been better if I explained what exactly this OC would be doing right? (laughs nervously). So as you guys have probably guessed, Violet would need to leave the others. While she's on her little journey, she'll meet someone on the road, that someone being the OC. Whatever environment it may be I don't care: in a forest, a desert, a snowy terrain or even a ghost town. But basically they're like a lone traveller and Violet will be travelling with this person for a couple chapters. I'M SO SO SO SO SORRY I DIDN'T MENTION THIS BEFORE! But if you can't be bother to make up another OC I'll happily alter the descriptions to fit. But honestly, the OC's are amazing! I love each of your own creativity! I'm sorry to have to disappoint you all with this news :(

Bl0ndie: OMG! I love Alex's background, all of that despair and sorrow would be fun to write. It's something new and interesting!

S0phia: Hi! But awwww, thanks :)

ceeceerocks2000: Yes! 2000 born pals! XD But you're too sweet! :) But I love Serenity! Her name is so unique and her afro hair sounds awesome! My dad used to have an afro before he became semi bald XD But I also love how to tried to get her to stay close to the 'typical school girl trying to have a normal life' XD.

MajorCartooniac: Emma sounds amazing! I love her surname as well, it's so unusual like mine! But I really love your OC and how you described her appearance. I know I'm being a hypocrite here with Violet but in most stories most female OC's are usually beautiful. I mean everyone is beautiful in their own way but they just have that physical appearance that makes guys swoon but Emma is different. That's what I love about her!

Kairocksrainbow: I was hoping someone would do a male OC to spice things up but Tyler sounds amazing too! And who doesn't hate Cole's cooking? XD But I like how he has hatred for Kai, it's something different to any other OC I've read so far. Liza also sounds amazing! I doubt she's Tyler's sister since they have different surnames or are they two different OC entries?

Samantha Rutledg: Whoa 20? I like to think I'm good but I'm not that good XD But I love Star! She just reminds me of Captain America and I adore him! And that's okay, I'm not planning to ship any OC ;) But your OC also fitted in with the requirements so if you don't want to change her, that's perfectly fine. If you don't mind me asking, how old are you? If you don't want to say, that's perfectly fine :)

Dark Yugi: Gwendolyn sounds absolutely awesomely amazingly wonderful! ( ;) ) I love her appearance and her personality but unfortunately, like I said previously, the OC's can't be related to any of the ninja or have a romantic interest or relationship with them otherwise it'll complicate the storyline I currently have. I'm awfully sorry :'(

Kai4Ever: Oooh yay! Another male (Keep them coming everyone XD). But your OC was one of the couple OC that fits the description so if you don't want to change him that's fine. But you're right, he does sound an awful lot like Nathan but Jonah does sound handsome but he also sound like a male version of Katniss XD

CarlyShi208: She sounds like an awesome OC! Someone funky and cool to be around with, unfortunately her attire isn't exactly traveller style (smiles sheepishly) but I still love her. And Cassie is one of my close friend's name :)

FlameNinjaofDarkFire: Chiyoko sounds a lot like me XD Instead I got brown hair with my ends faded from swimming and being in the sun. But I love her history and how it could have a link to the future of this story. But it's great to hear I'm not the only picky one XD And her slight fear of agliophobia would definitely be interesting to write!

ElementzGirl7: Rose sound so pretty! I already love her but unfortunately, she won't fit into my requirement but that doesn't mean she's bad. She sounds awesome!

The Guest From Australia!: Sorry, there's so many guests and I just didn't want to get you confused with someone else (smiles sheepishly). I love everything about Lyra's appearance and personality but unfortunately I can't have any OC relating to the ninja.

MilesPrower22: Oooooh! Melissa sounds awesome! But I can already imagine how she could fit into the story with her background! And I suppose a small crush can't hurt since who doesn't have a crush on the ninja? XD

Once again, thanks to everyone who has reviewed and submitted their OC's! Submissions are still available! You can sumbit a second due to this new change (sorry! T.T) I have to cut this short but I love you all! Toodooloo! Xoxo – ZaneLoverFan88