Deep in the Birchwood forest, past many villages, through harsh desert and dense forest is the hidden workshop of Dr. Julien, a robotics expert who went into hiding to avoid criticism of his latest project, a synthetic human. He was approaching the age of 49, and was almost finished with his synthetic human, Zane. At least he called it Zane. Julien gave up on trying to find an acronym a long time before. All he needed to do was correctly wire in Zane's power source, and he would be complete. Julien connected the wires and flipped on Zane's power switch. He then closed Zane's access panel and he began to boot up. Zane's eyes glowed and then stopped after a few seconds. That was the signal that Zane had completed the process of turning on.
"Hello Zane" said Julien.
"Hello" replied Zane. "Who are you?"
"I am your father, Zane." answered Julien.
"I have a father?"
"Yes Zane, do you know what that means?"
"Yes"
Zane smiled. He was glad that he had someone to look up to. Someone who would take care of him. Through the years, Zane and Dr. Julien would spend a large amount of time together. Julien would build the falcon to keep them company and watch out for threats if necessary. After Julien passed, Samukai heard of this inventor and located his underground workshop. He assumed Julien would be dead at this point, so Samukai brought yesterday's tea to revive him. Zane was left on the outskirts of a village, as the Skulkin did not see him as a threat.
A few days after Zane was completed, in Ninjago City, a young Cyrus Borg was determined to finish P.I.X.A.L, an android he created to assist people. This was his 9th attempt, but the thermal coil in the android kept overheating and the AIE-ES chip was malfunctioning. But young Cyrus had mananged to salvage the neural drive from each prototype. Cyrus connected the wires but then thermal coil burst into flames and Borg had to quickly retrieve the neural drive. This would not be easy for him.
5 years later...
Cyrus Borg was finally able to unveil his P.I.X.A.L. prototype to the island of Ninjago, and he was about to have a press conference to introduce his latest creation. Of course, he had really worked on 'it' for many years, as this was the 16th prototype. He had managed to fix the issue with the thermal coil but the AIE-ES chip was still malfunctioning. The press conference started and Borg introduced himself.
"Greetings citizens of Ninjago, I am Cyrus Borg, here to unveil my latest creation."
Borg pulled the sheet off the mysterious object behind him to reveal a female android. PIXAL booted up and greeted everyone.
"Hello, I'm P.I.X.A.L., a Primary Interactive External Assistant Life Form. I am created to assist."
A presentation played on a screen behind Borg that showed the many applications that an android of this variety would be used for. It also showed the inner workings of P.I.X.A.L. and the software used to program her.
When the presentation had concluded, Cyrus pushed his wheelchair forward and asked "Does anyone have any questions?"
One journalist inquired "Is she the final version?"
To the audience's astonishment, PIXAL answered "No, I am the 16th prototype for a line of assistant androids with both female and male versions"
After the press conference, Borg returned to his 3 story building where he lived and worked full time for his new company "Borg Industries" From his bedroom on the top floor Borg could see the tallest building in Ninjago.
"I wish I could have an office at that location" Borg said quietly to himself. PIXAL saw where he was looking and replied.
"The only reason that spot would be sold is if the entire building was somehow destroyed, in some sort of accident. It is very unlikely."
10 years later...
Borg had scaled his business a large amount since his first introduction of PIXAL. He had not made another prototype to that date. The Golden Ninja had defeated the Overlord and the entire building that he had so long desired to build his headquarters had been destroyed. Borg purchased the lot and got permission after helping rebuild the city to construct a larger, new type of building that would take many risks in design choice. In 2 years, the building was complete and Borg Industries moved to a new location.
Zane was right where he was meant to be, in New Ninjago City alongside PIXAL. He looked human again, with synthetic flesh that appeared to be real skin. Zane was wearing his white Techno Robes, which were lined around the neck with silver and tied together with a gray belt. The robes had a symbol near his left shoulder, which was Zane's name. It was surrounded by icy lightning. He wore black gloves, which were compatible with Borg's technology. Zane wore white pants and jet black boots. Zane and PIXAL stood on the roof of a medium-sized building, near the part of the city closest to the ocean. PIXAL looked deeply into Zane's light blue eyes.
"Zane, where are we going?" asked PIXAL
"It's a surprise" replied Zane. "Follow me"
PIXAL followed Zane from roof to roof on each building, carefully stepping across the small trench between each one. Her glowing emerald eyes sparkled, reflecting the moonlight. Her purple top was red and silver lined, with a slash from right shoulder to her left side near her hips that revealed her left shoulder and part of her torso. Her right side had a long sleeve that was lined at the end with the same colors as the rest of the top. A small, circular pin with her name on it was positioned next to the torso lining along the slash. PIXAL had soft purple pants that were covered near the top by the lining on her top. She wore purple boots with the same red and silver lining around the top and the bottom. PIXAL and Zane hopped from roof to roof until they found a perfect view of the ocean. The two sat down on the edge of the roof, their legs dangling over the edge.
"It's beautiful, Zane" PIXAL said.
"Yes, it is" Zane responded.
Both of them sat there, staring at the small waves washing in on the rocky shore. Zane relaxed himself. The cold night became warm with PIXAL's company. PIXAL looked over at Zane, smiling as she looked at his handsome face. They both stared intensely into each other's eyes as their faces moved closer together, until their lips were joined. The two androids passionately pressed their faces against each other, proving how much they cared for one another. Zane then pulled away, made tired from the exhausting embrace.
"That was our first kiss" said Zane.
"Yes" responded PIXAL "It was."
Suddenly, a tall figure emerged from the shadows of a building to the back. He had a dark, metallic face contrasted by glowing red eyes. Most of his head was obscured by a black hood with a silver visor over the left eye, which could create a laser blast from energy. Below the neck was sharp torso armor, with circuits outlined on the front of the armor. Two coils from opposite sides of his lower torso were connected to the armor by his left shoulder. His left arm was covered by a sleeve, while his metallic right arm was exposed. Both of his hands were covered with black gloves. He wore a loose red-and-purple-lined robe, which revealed his metal skeleton with a single red glowing circle in the middle. Below the torso were long black pants, with black boots underneath. It was General Cryptor!
"Ha ha ha, pathetic" Cryptor said in his metallic voice. "The tin can and assistant droid are in love"
Cryptor shot his laser eye at PIXAL, knocking her off the edge roof into the streets below.
"Zane!" screamed PIXAL as she fell towards the streets of the city. PIXAL hit the ground hard.
"No!" screamed Zane "Noooo!"
Zane woke up in a cold sweat. It was only a dream, but it was a very realistic dream, the vivid kind that frightens you for several days. He climbed out of bed.
"Zane, it was only a dream, I'm right here" said PIXAL. "If you would like I could scan through the events of the past few days to determine the origin of the dream"
"Thank you PIXAL, I would like that"
Zane slid under his sheets and went back to his slumber. He awoke again about an hour before the other Ninja. Zane promptly began preparing breakfast. Today he was making pancakes, as Jay had suggested it the day before. But Zane could not stop thinking about his dream. Surely it could not possibly happen in real life, because in the dream his Titanium exoskeleton had flesh-like coverings similar to when he was first built, and PIXAL had a body again. Zane had been thinking about both of those possibilities often.
"If only..." whispered Zane
"If only what?" asked Kai
"Nothing, Kai. Just talking to myself" answered Zane
Jay and Cole walked into the kitchen area and could smell the sweet aroma of pancakes baking on the stove from across the room. A smile appeared on Jay's face.
"I haven't eaten pancakes in forever! Did you use my mother's recipe?" asked Jay
Zane smiled "Yes Jay, I used the recipe"
"These are going to be soooooo good!" replied Jay. "I think anyways. No one else could quite get it right"
Zane carried the plate to the table and set it down. Jay began eating immediately, eating 4 whole pancakes in only a few minutes. Nya and Lloyd were still asleep, but likely needed their rest after a full day of training.
"So what did you think of the pancakes Jay?" asked Cole
"Ehhh... close enough" responded Jay
When Nya and Lloyd eventually woke up, the other Ninja were almost done with breakfast. Zane gladly made another batch of pancakes just for them.
"Sorry Zane" said Lloyd "Guess I just lost track of time"
"There's no issue Lloyd, I am just glad that you are awake in time for breakfast." replied Zane
Later that day, Wu arranged a schedule for one-on-one sessions with each Ninja, so that he could help them harness their elemental power and abilities. Zane was second to last, after Lloyd's session. Zane walked into the small room and sat down in a meditating position. Wu sat down as well, with both of them sitting across from each other.
"Now, let's begin" Wu said "Clear your mind, and focus on the Element of Ice. What does it mean to you?"
Zane focused on Ice. It was the attained from his father, who built him out of love. Ice reminded Zane of his role on the team, to keep the peace and help in any way he can. It was related to memories of learning Spinjitzu, stopping the Overlord from conquering Ninjago, and it reminded him of... PIXAL.
Zane shot out of meditation as quick as an arrow hitting it's target. He was still confused about what the powers that he possessed for so long. What does Ice mean to him?
"Is something bothering you Zane?" asked Sensei Wu, calmly.
"Yes Sensei"
"It is as I had feared. While you have unlocked your true potential, you need to be in peace with yourself in order to truly harness it, which is why I called you to these sessions. Tell me Zane, what is on your mind?"
Zane began "Last night, I had a dream. In the dream my exterior appeared human, and I was accompanied by PIXAL. We were watching the waves roll in from a rooftop in New Ninjago City, but she was shot to the ground by General Cryptor."
"I see... The dream can possibly mean that you wish it was similar to before sacrificed yourself to the Overlord. But it could also mean you are worried about those who are close to you. You need to settle these emotional conflicts, or it may block you from using your elemental power."
(The last story post was Chapter 1, I don't know if I made that clear)
Chapter 2
Zane was on his bed meditating, pondering what Sensei had told him. He did wish that life was like it was before he had died at to stop the Overlord. But he could not undo what had happened. There had been no other way to defeat the Overlord and prevent a destructive reign over Ninjago. But Zane was dissatisfied with how things were now. When he had been rebuilt, PIXAL was not able to complete the process. Ronin had kidnapped Zane and PIXAL and taken them to Master Chen's island before PIXAL could even develop the design of his flesh-like coverings. But none of the other ninja, Wu or Misako knew this.
"Zane, I feel the same way. I wish our lives were like they were before, but we cannot change what has already happened." comforted PIXAL. "Unless..."
"Unless, what?" inquired Zane.
"We could ask Mr.Borg to develop new coverings for you and a new body for myself. I'm positive he would be able to if we asked."
Zane smiled. PIXAL was right. Cyrus Borg surely had enough resources to do both of those tasks. It wouldn't be too hard, would it? Zane and PIXAL resolved to visit Borg Tower the next day, so life could be as it was before.
Zane left a note out, so the other ninja wouldn't be concerned about his disappearance. It read as follows:
I have left to pick up groceries. Help yourself to the oatmeal in the cupboard.
~Zane
He began walking to Borg Tower in the early morning, when both he and PIXAL knew that Cyrus Borg would be among the few people awake, working on an invention no doubt. Zane arrived in the Lobby and took the elevator up to Borg's office, eagerly anticipating what Borg might say.
"I'm sorry Zane, but I simply do not have the resources. Creating new vehicles for your team and running my business at the same time is already too much to invest my time and assets into." said Borg "I sincerely hope that one day you both will have your ideal bodies back, but now is not the best time."
"I understand" replied Zane
"Zane, don't see it as a negative, us humans live our whole lives with imperfect bodies." responded Borg. "Until I have the available resources, see this as an opportunity to live the human experience."
Despite Borg's comfort, Zane was still devastated that he could not interact with PIXAL in the physical world. As soon as Zane arrived back on the Destiny's Bounty and went to his room, he wept. He longed to see PIXAL again, in physical form. He wanted his old plating, with a soft texture that could be mistaken for real human skin. But how could Zane and PIXAL achieve this? There always seemed to be a threat to Ninjago, no matter what the Ninja do to prevent it. If only there was a way to stop all evil in Ninjago. But that was impossible, there was no way that could be achieved.
An anger arose in Zane. It was Chen's fault! He hired to Ronin to steal them from Borg Tower, and only so Zane could be used as bait to lure the other ninja to the tournament of elements. Zane was already bitter over this fact, but what filled him with overwhelming emotion was how Chen had treated PIXAL. He had her body scrapped without a second thought. How could someone be so overwhelmingly cruel, with no respect for anyone unless they were on their side? Despite how strange it seemed in theory, there was someone that matched the description entirely. And justice had already been served to that same person. Chen and his anacondrai army had been banished to the cursed realm, sending them out of this world for good.
But the damage was done. And there was nothing Zane, PIXAL, or anyone could do to reverse that. And even if someone could, Zane wouldn't want them to. Much had changed since then, and altering important events in Ninjago's history would be disastrous. This situation was inevitable. Zane felt as though he was helpless, and every outside force attempting to comfort him only made matters worse.
As if in direct response to Zane's plea for help, PIXAL appeared on Zane's dashboard. He was always happy to see PIXAL, no matter what form she was in.
"Zane, I have located the origin of your dream." announced PIXAL "It's rather surprising, so be prepared."
Zane was happy to finally have good news, but kept these emotions to himself. He wondered what was so shocking about his dream's origin. After all, it was only a dream. A construct his robotic mind created. But there could be so much more to it than that. Zane's dreams in the past have seemed to carry a message every time. As if the First Spinjitzu Master himself was influencing his night fantasies. There could be so much more to the dream than Zane could speculate on his own.
"Zane, are you ready?" asked PIXAL
"Yes, I am" replied Zane "What events triggered the dream?"
"The first part is easy. Your system used memories from the time when the Overlord used Nindroids against us, which could be inferred from the presence New Ninjago City and General Cryptor in your dream." stated PIXAL "However, the rest is more complicated. At seems as though your system created the story in the dream based on your strong desire for changes to us both, and intense devotion."
"It seems..." continued PIXAL "...that this dream is showing both your deepest desire and your greatest fear. So I would interpret this dream as a warning."
Zane was crushed. His own dreams had turned against him. Was giving PIXAL a new physical body putting her in danger? He tried to deny it, but what PIXAL had said could not escape his thoughts. Was this dream a message, or a meaningless fantasy created by a computer algorithm?
