I thank God for all my inspiration.
The Ninja are in their 20's in this except for Lloyd who is 17-18 in this.
Just so you all know I love Pixane. I'm just doing this for fun.
Ninjago
Primevils eye.
For Zane, this mission had been one of the most complicated he had ever handled, first a break in at Borg Towers, then the appearance of a group calling themselves the sons of Garmaodn, also a new nindroid capable of defeating him.
Finally…..finding out the love of his life, Pixal, had had her own form for quite some time.
In the middle of Prime Evil's Eye, Zane could not help but be confused yet happy at finding this revelation out as he and Pixal worked on trying to get the Bounty to fly again.
But it wasn't exactly going to plan…..
"Try now." Zane says after fixing up some wires while, Pixal activated the bounty, sadly only sputtering sounds occurring.
"No." Pixel replied.
Zane tried again "And now?"
Pixal tried but the same depressing sound just started up "No." she replied irritated.
Zane could sense something was wrong, her irritated voice indicated as such.
He got up to check on her and said "I detect frustration in you. Yet that emotion is not needed for this task. Is something wrong?"
Pixal looked uncertain but replied "No." As she saw him go though she then said "Yes."
She took a moment and then said "Zane, may I ask you something."
This made him stop and turn around to give her his full attention.
"You have half my heart. You can ask me anything." Zane smiled.
"Was I more…useful inside the computer?" Pixal looked worried.
"What sort of question is that?" Zane looked confused.
"You can be honest with me. Because, I want to be a useful member of the team. But I would prefer not to return to the computer. I like having a body. But if you require my assistance in your head Zane…"
Zane stops her there "The choice has always been yours Pixal. And I, for one, like seeing you like this."
He tried to hold her hand but surprisingly, instead of holding back she pulled away.
At that he replied "There is more isn't there?"
Pixal could not look him in the eye for a moment but in the end…
"I feel that I am still trying to figure out who I truly am Zane. I also have had much to think on, and….I feel I have relied too much on you to try and find my own identity. I wish to figure this out on my own."
Zane smiled sadly but nodded as he said "Then I shall wait for you."
Pixal shook her head at this saying "No Zane, you and I have waited long enough. Everytime we seem to come together, life's struggle seems to tear us apart in someway and I…Do not know if I can handle it anymore." she looked away saddened.
Zane looked saddened as well, but replied "I understand, the life I lead and the vows I have made are not an easy burden to carry and they are not ones that I would want anyone else to have to carry with me."
"I still care for you deeply and respect you Zane, but as a friend." Pixal looked on with a frown.
"Then a friend you still have." Zane puts his hand out for a handshake.
Pixal smiled back and the two shaked hands before heading back to work.
Ninjago
After March of the oni.
Very little time had passed since they had finally defeated th oni and Zane was slightly exhausted. So much had happened within all those adventures, and he was having trouble trying to puzzle it all together.
A mysterious nindroid, the realm of dragons, Garmadons return…..Cole almost lost to them.
'I hope that things will finally become peaceful for a while.' he sighed as he looked at the horizon from the monastery.
"Hey Zane, what you thinking about?" The said ninja turned at this and discovered Kai exiting the monastery.
"Many things I suppose." Zane replied.
"Well you know the best way to get rid of a cluttered head." Kai smirked.
"Erasing unnecessary data?" Zane replied.
"What, no, I meant sparring!" Kai shouted.
Zane had to smirk and said "I suppose that would help as well."
And so the two each took a side of the courtyard and bowed, before taking battle stances.
As the fight began Kai was the first to charge, Zane taking the opportunity to dodge the red Ninja, though not noticing the kick he sent into his back.
Zane took the brunt of the blow, but held out as he grabbed Kai's leg and threw him across the deck.
Kai jumped up into a fighting position once more and sent a flame towards the white Ninja who created a small ice wall to block the flame which melted when the elements made contact.
The steam it created was enough to give Kai a chance to rush once more towards the white Ninja in surprise.
Zane's eyes widened, but before Kai's foot could make contact with his chest he grabbed it with his hands and spun the red Ninja.
"Wough!" Kai yelled as he fell to the floor, but yet again he got up only to find Zane no longer around.
"Hugh, Zane?" Kai looked around confused, till Zane snuck from behind and was about to smack his hand into the red Ninja shoulder.
Kai sensed this though and turned with his fire on to shield himself.
Zane reacted in kind and his ice activated, but instead of melting and causing steam to rise again, the ice over took the flame and pushed Kai back.
Zane's eyes widened as he took off his hood and rushed up saying "Kai are you okay, I did not wish to attack so forcefully?"
Kai sat up saying "Ugh, I'm fine Zane thanks. Wough…." the red Ninja stared at the small glacier Zane created as he stood with the white Ninja help he said "Wow Zane your powers have gotten really strong lately, you even beat my fire." Kai smirked, impressed.
Zane looked surprised as well, but said "I am uncertain how this is even possible. Fire should always be able to melt ice, correct?"
"I'm not sure buddy, maybe it's just a really thick piece of ice." Kai shrugged.
Zane frowned with uncertainty but decided to dissipate the large chunk when Nya came out saying "Hey guys, you still training?"
"Nah I think we're good for today, what are you up to?" Kai asks.
"I'm heading into Shinrin town. There's a new exhibit in their museum I'm curious about." Nya replied.
"Have fun with that." Kai frowns, finding the idea boring.
"Would you mind if I accompanied you? I have not been to a museum in some time and am curious to know what this new exhibit is about." Zane spoke.
The siblings smiled, glad to see Zane finally getting out of his funk.
He'd been a little sad ever since he and Pixla broke up, and Nya said "Sure Zane, you wanna get changed or…"
"That will not be necessary." Zane activated his hologram, putting on his human disguise with casual clothes.
"Well then I guess we're off. See yeah Kai." Nya waves before the two leave.
Not long after the two finally arrived at the museum, it was a small museum with not many items to see, but the main event was bringing in many people.
"Nya what is this new exhibit that has so many people excited?" Zane looked on curiously.
"They found a cave in the forest nearby with ancient artifacts belonging to some unknown people. Lots of the artifacts were actually masks." Nya described.
"Masks?" Zane tilted his head. After what happened with the oni mask Zane did not think Nya would be interested in coming to see something like that.
Nya nods and replies, "It seems that these people had a special relationship with their masks back then. They're still trying to do research on it, but the people of Shinrin are excited about learning from their town's history so that's why it's on display."
Zane nodded, he could understand the thrill of wanting to know about the people you were connected to, even if they lived long before your time.
Zane may not have any blood relatives but he did enjoy looking at his father's lineage, sadly there wasn't much there as there seemed to be several lost documents.
As they came up to the exhibit there were a few people staring up at the masks on display.
Most of the masks only covered half the face and were decorated to look like animals of some sort.
As he walked along he had to stop as he came to a particular mask, a wolf mask, white in color with powder blue markings.
Then he noticed something this mask had that the others did not, a smooth pebble placed directly on the forehead.
Zane couldn't help but lean in with his eyes squinted, something about that mask….
"It's beautiful, right?"
At that Zane jumped back and turned to see someone else was looking at the mask.
A young woman with short bobbed brown hair, large brown eyes, and pale olive skin turned to him and smiled, saying "The mask, it's really beautiful."
"Ah, yes indeed it is. It has fine craftsmanship and the markings are exquisite." Zane nods. 'How did I not notice she was beside me.'
"They are, the markings look like crescent moons." she smiles.
"Indeed, perhaps the people believed in having a special connection to it." Zane smiles back.
"That could be, they seemed to already believe in having an animal-like identity as well. Maybe they felt connected to nature in more than one way."
"It is a possibility." Zane took this in, finding the idea of unraveling these peoples way of thinking more and more appealing.
Suddenly a few of the museum workers came up and one said "Okay everyone, now we have a special treat for you all. We are going to allow a select few of you to try on these masks."
The people oohed at this, excited to try them.
"Now everyone please take a number and we'll raffle off to see which four will get to wear the masks."
At that everyone went to grab a number, as they waited for their turn Nya said "This is so exciting. If I win I can't even decide which mask I'll choose, what about you Zane."
"I feel much the same. There are so many to select." Zane nodded but as he looked at the wall he couldn't help but look at the wolf mask once more, as if he could sense something.
As he stared he noticed the same woman staring at it again. 'Does she by chance sense something from that mask as well.'
Before Zane could think more on it though, he was asked to grab his number.
Once everyone had a ticket it was time for a raffle, everyone waited with baited breath as four lucky visitors would get to try on the masks.
At that the numbers were chosen, the first one was the number 8, a young boy cheered at this as he came up.
Then the raffles started once more and the number 5 was shouted out as an elderly woman smiled and walked up.
Suddenly the director called out 3 and the woman from before shouted "That's me!" as she rushed up.
Zane could not help but smile and thought 'I believe I know which mask she will choose.' He had to chuckle at her excitement as she kept staring at the wolf mask.
Then the raffler called out "And finally number 9."
"Zane, that's you!" Nya cheered and Zane jumped as he looked down at his ticket and smiled as he said "So it seems." and walked up to stand with the others.
At this one of the workers came up and gave each of them some gloves as he said "Now please, each of you handle the masks with care."
They all nodded their agreement and headed to the stand.
The young boy chose a bear, the elder woman a raccoon, and the young woman of course the wolf.
Zane looked about, uncertain till he found something interesting, a black falcon mask with ice like marks to it. 'It is almost as if it was made for me.'
Zane could not help but blink as he took the mask in his hands, observing the intense details put into it.
Then each of the winners put on their respective masks.
The boys stomped around growling, making people chuckle, the elder woman smiled as she admired herself in the mirror, and the young woman…..
Zane could not help but widen his eyes as he saw her with the mask on, her eyes looked even larger with the almond eye carvings, the nose sitting snugly on her own and cheeks, and the ears almost looking as if they were protruding from her very head.
That and with the powder blue markings, along with the silver pebble, helped to make the mask pop with the surrounding light.
The young woman had admired herself in the mirror and then began to spin lightly about it, she felt the movement gave the mask a sense of life.
Then she looked at Zane and smiled "That mask is very handsome on you."
Zane jumped, replying "It is?" He looked at the mirror to take a closer look.
As he did she continued "Looks like it fits you like a glove."
Zane couldn't have agreed more, it rested comfortably all around his face. If he had skin he believed he wouldn't feel an inch of discomfort.
The marks of ice seemed to protrude from his very cheeks and eyes, making his already icy blues more intense, and the feathers seemed to come from his very hair framing his face to look even more intense.
"I feel that I look more intimidating in such a mask." Zane replies.
"Maybe that was part of the reason for them, maybe they were for battles or to ward off opponents." she shrugs.
"I suppose that could be one suggestion." Zane nods, wondering how true the statement could be as he looked himself in the mirror.
"Zane, you look great." he turned to see Nya with her phone out, taking a picture.
His eyes flashed lightly, saying "I have been told, must you really have a picture of such a moment."
"Of course, this is gonna look amazing in the album." Nya smiles.
Zane sighed, the album was a group of pictures everyone was collecting of the things that one of them might miss if ever someone was to disappear again.
Zane was not entirely sure on how to feel on it, on one hand he did wish to share his memories with them, but on the other hand….
'What if the one that disappears never returns.' he frowns.
Suddenly "Hey do you mind taking my picture as well?" the young woman asks Nya with her phone out.
"Sure, hey what's your name anyway. You and Zane have been talking for a while." Nya smiles as she takes the phone.
"So that's your name. I'm Clara, nice to meet you guys." Clara smiles as she has her picture taken.
As Nya gives her phone back she replies "You too, you seem really interested in this place."
"I've been coming here since I was little." she smiles.
"You live in this town then?" Zane asks.
"Yup, almost my whole life. It's nice and quiet and away from the craziness so that's a plus." Clara smiles.
"That does sound nice, we usually end up going to Ninjago City and there's never a moment's rest." Nya sighs.
"I've heard it's quieted down this last year, the Ninja must be pretty bored." Clara chuckles.
Nya and Zane smirk at each other "You know of the Ninja." Zane asks.
"Yeah they're really cool, having elemental powers must be amazing. I'd love to be able to help people like that, the only thing that doesn't seem so fun is all the mortal danger." Clara frowns.
"Yeah that can be a low point." Nya smirks.
Suddenly the manager said "Okay everyone it's time to return the masks to their place."
At that everyone nodded and went to return their masks, except for the elderly woman who said "Sorry, but I quite like this mask, I think I'll take it." she smirks.
The museum workers jumped as the manager said "Ma'am that is museum property, you can't just take it." she frowns.
The elderly woman smirked as she said "Oh I can, in fact I'll take all the masks."
At that moment the elderly woman spun as if doing a form of spinjitzu but insisted of a tornado, a crystal appeared around her before disappearing and replacing the elderly woman with a young blond with a sparkly blue suit.
The people yelled in fright as some started to run while others began to record the scenario.
At the recorders Clara thought 'Idiots.' as she went to hide behind a wall.
"Now hand over the masks before I have to go Reflectra on you!" she smirks.
"Reflectwha…" the manager said.
"Reflectra my name stupid, urgh does no one have any sense of artistry anymore." She huffs, crossing her arms.
Zane and Nya both frowned as they nodded to each other, both of them doing spinjitzu to get in their gi's and Nya calling as they stopped "Not so fast Reflectra!"
"What, the Ninja, what are you doing here?" the blond calls.
"Trying to enjoy a pleasant evening in the museum." Zane shrugs.
'Wait, the Ninja.' Clara looked out and her jaw dropped, why hadn't she thought of it before 'Of course Zane is the name of the ice Ninja. Oh I just embarrassed myself big time.' she flushed.
At that the two rushed towards Reflectra as the manager called "Close up the artifacts!"
With that the workers started to seal up the masks behind their glass case.
"Oh no you don't." Reflectra spun, able to reflect back Zane and Nya's attack and then jumping over to kick the workers away from the masks before grabbing several into a basket.
"I'll just take these." she smirked, but before she could head off Zane freezes the ground making her have to jump up once more.
"There's nothing you can do to stop me Ninja. I've studied all your moves, whatever you send at me. I'll Reflectra them back at you!" she spins as Nya tries to shoot water at her, which gets reflected back in her face.
"Argh, seriously!" Nya growls.
"I detect that our chances of success are quite low, if she has truly learned all our moves." Zane replies.
"She can't know everything Zane, come on let's stop her!" Nya shouts as she heads back in to fight.
Zane nods and follows, all the while trying to come up with a plan to outmaneuver this thief.
As this was going on Clara looked on, uncertain. 'I can't just sit here, but what can I do?'
She knew she should just leave it to the professional, but she could also see they were struggling. 'She said she knew all their moves, but what about something unexpected then?'
That's when she remembered something important about the museum and headed off.
As the Ninja were reflected off once more Nya groaned saying "How does she keep doing that?"
"My facial analysis has helped me find her true identity, and in doing so I have found that Reflectra has a photographic memory." Zane replied.
"You gotta be kidding me." Nya gawks.
"Ahahahs, no it's true, I have a very Reflectra memory!" she spins once more to try and attack them.
"Not again!" Nya shouts as she and Zane jump out of the way.
Reflectra laughed, really enjoying her victory over the Ninja till….Splat!
"AH, what is this covered all over me." The blond yelled as she found herself covered in some gooey gold substance.
"Honey from the coffee stall." They all turned to see Clara with a smirk on her face, holding a bucket.
She then continued with "And guess who loves honey!" She opened a crate as a swarm of fuzzy yellow and black creatures with wings and bat faces flew out.
"Beebats!"
"Waaaaa!" Reflectra yelled as she began to run, using her power to try and keep the beebats from getting near her.
As she ran she kept getting swarmed and licked by the little creatures, dropped the masks as beebat handlers used some fumes to calm them down so they could get them back in their habitat.
As Reflectra still ran in a panic, Zane took the opportunity to freeze the thief in her tracks.
"No, this can't be!" Reflectra shouted.
"Wow, that was pretty clever." Nya came up to Clara.
"Thanks." she puffed up proudly.
"Indeed, how did you know about the beebats?" Zane asked.
"I told you I've been coming here for years, I know almost every nook and cranny of this place." Clara smiles.
"But how did you convince the beebat keepers to help?" Nya raised a brow.
"Oh I told them people were videotaping and that it might get them more visitors."
She pointed to some people videotaping the beebat keepers as they put the creatures back and started to talk about their fascinating world.
"Thank you for your help in defeating the thief, we are most grateful." Zane bows.
Clara flushed but said "Hey I wasn't about to let some jerk steel in my town."
"Anyway it looks like our day out is over." Nya sighs.
"Who says it has to be over? As you can see someone else is getting mobbed with attention, so why not stick around and finish your tour?" Clara smiles.
"Hmm, she does have a point. There is no need for us to depart if we are not causing a scene." Zane points out.
"I guess you're right." Nya shrugged then looked at Clara "Hey since you know so much about this place, mind showing us around?"
Clara jumped and said excitedly "Yes, that would be so amazing thank you. But first maybe we should all get something to relax, I'm tired from running around."
"What did you have in mind?" Zane asks.
Clara smirked as they walked past Reflectra "How about some honey ice cream."
Reflectra growled at her as the other two laughed.
