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Lost Chapter: Zane's Room FINAL (Our Future)

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Ayane sat awkwardly at the dining room table the next morning. She tried to act natural, but that was proving to be a real challenge given the fact that she was the only Kunoichi in the dining room at the moment. Her sisters were in the kitchen preparing breakfast…with Zane. Not to mention, she was currently adorned in an uncharacteristic form of dress…a white turtleneck and a loose pair of yellow drawstring pajama pants. She exhaled slowly and kept her head bowed to avoid the no doubt questionable eyes of the remaining Ninja. Feeling her face grow warmer, she decided to count the lines on the immaculate red oak dinner table hoping that time would elapse more quickly and Zane along with her sisters would return with breakfast.

"Is anyone else as confused as I am right now?" Jay suddenly questioned to fill the dull silence of the room. Ayane fidgeted and adjusted the snug collar of her top for the sixth time since she put it on. The start of the day was indeed baffling to her. After she awoke, she just lied in bed blushing. Not only because of her remembrance of last night, but also because of her dream which was centered on herself and Zane. Her idyllic thoughts were interrupted however by the nagging pain of the injury she sustained during the reconnaissance mission at Ouroboros, so she concentrated on mending the problem and healing herself. Abruptly though, she realized how the night prior she barely managed to evade Sasha's keen eyes from seeing the mark Zane left on her neck and knew the mark was still there. Thus, she hurriedly searched for a suitable garment to conceal Zane's mark of possession while Sasha was in the bathroom and when the red-head emerged and inquired about her appearance, she gave a rather lame excuse of: "I was feeling a bit chilly…that's all." But thankfully, her leader simply shrugged and together they had left their room to head for the kitchen. As it turned out, they were the last to arrive for the others were already gathered in the dining hall and when Zane's eyes met Ayane's, the blond flushed crimson instantly. Her mind's eye filled with flashes of their heated encounter last night. Zane greeted his light with a hug and a soft kiss on the cheek, then proceeded to escort her to her seat and beckoned her to sit down.

When Ayane questioned him, he had smiled and said, "I am aware it's not my turn to make the meals for the day, but…I am in the mood to make yours. Will you let me?"

Ayane had nodded silently to his request, conscious of the fact that all eyes were on them. Zane gave her cheek another kiss, his exhalation cool and pleasant against her warm face as he breathed in her ear. "Your favorite then? I shall make it special and well worth the wait."

Zane had calmly walked passed his flabbergasted brothers into the kitchen with a pleasant smile on his face. Sasha casually followed humming a little tune while Ebony and Nya exchanged bewildered glances at each other then turned their gazes to Ayane which she promptly avoided.

That was fifteen minutes ago and she still have yet to raise her eyes from the table. If only I had a better poker face, Ayane thought in dismay. Then I could at least face the others without blushing. Arrgh! Ebony was right…I better not ever gamble or I'll end up losing every dollar I have. Well, it doesn't seem like they know anything and Zane wouldn't tell them what happened last night…would he?

"Yeah, I hear ya, Jay. Hey Ayane, did something happen between you and Zane?" Kai asked and Ayane hesitantly lifted her eyes to meet the fire ninja's. "I mean sure it's not any of our business, but…the guy is acting a little more…debonair than usual."

The Kunoichi of Light released the breath she had been holding. It seemed that the Ninja were ignorant of her and Zane's special rendezvous. "It's just…between Zane and me…It's…private…and sacred." She whispered the last part and lowered her head once more.

"Enough said, Ayane. You heard her guys. It's private, so let's just drop it," said Cole and the other Ninja nodded their agreement to let the matter go. All was quiet for a time, the only sounds coming from inside the kitchen beyond the swinging double doors.

"Say, you guys ever wonder why Sensei Wu seldom eats breakfast with us?" Jay questioned thoughtfully and Lloyd shrugged.

"Doesn't he meditate in the mornings? Maybe he's so far gone in the spirit world or whatever that he loses all sense of time."

"…Loses all sense of time…yeah…" everyone turned to the black ninja to see his critical expression. "Zane and Sasha are both like that. When they meditate…their spirit transmogrifies and actually leaves their body to travel to another realm."

"Cole? What is it bro?" Kai asked quizzically. "Everyone knows that Zane and Sasha are really the only ones who can almost reach Sensei's level of unparalleled rumination. It's one of the reasons why they have a pretty close-knit friendship."

"Yeah I know…" Cole shook his head, "Do you all remember that time when Sasha asked if she could meditate in Lake Siegfried? It was a few weeks after you joined us Ayane…after the Serpentine incident."

Ayane quivered, but nodded. "Y-Yeah, something was seriously wrong with the Bounty's flight controls and even though Jay and Nya tried to fix it, we ended up having to take it to Mr. and Mrs. Walker so they could look at it."

"The Bounty could stay afloat over the water just fine," Jay put in, "and since the Sea of Sand has not an ounce of water near it, my folks had to meet us at the docks."

"We had to sail north through the Abysmal Sea and then we hit Lake Siegfried. When Sasha asked…her eyes looked so hazy. I was against it, but Sensei said yes. That's when Zane asked if he could go with her, but she declined and said…she needed to go alone. Six hours…that wasn't the beginning of it, but…could that occurrence have had any significance to her future?…Leviathan…Lord Atlas…please tell me…what can I do…?"

The other occupants sitting at the table watched as Cole's features darkened to intense concentration. They knew it was best to let him brood and ponder over whatever was going through his mind than to voice their own opinions. Jay bit his lip and kept his mouth shut for a deadly secret was to be kept. A secret that only he, Cole and Sensei Wu knew about. Sasha's secret…a revelation of death…

Cole rested his elbows on the table and interlaced his fingers in front of his face. He remembered that day perfectly. Sasha had dived over the railings of the Bounty before Jay's parents arrived. Beforehand, she gave him a calm smile and reassured him she would be okay although, after that first hour and still no Sasha…he had begun to worry. He stayed out on the deck to wait for her to resurface while the others met with Ed and Edna. He was just about to dive over the railings himself when Sensei Wu, Zane and Ayane came to join him. Seeing the anxiety on Cole's face informed them that Sasha had yet to emerge from the gloomy depths of Siegfried, so Wu ordered both Cole and Zane to find her. Siegfried was both dark and cold. The only source of light the two ninja had was from the glowing fish that considered the eerie lake their home. Siegfried was the second biggest lake of the Four Great Lakes surrounding the Abysmal Sea, Delacroix being the largest in the south, Vela the third in the east, and finally Juno in the west.

It took some time to get down to Sasha's position, but once they did…the sight that greeted them at the bottom of the lake bed was beyond extraordinary. Sasha was lying down on the white sand, her hands folded over her stomach and her hair loose and dark as blood, fluttered all around her. A congregation of beautiful luminescent fish swam in slow circles around her prone body and as Cole and Zane got closer they were suddenly stopped by an unseen barrier. Cole had been within arm's length of her, but he couldn't reach her…couldn't rouse her from her surrealistic state. To him…she looked gone…peaceful and serene…completely comfortable in death. They had no choice but to leave her and return to the surface, their lungs burning for oxygen. Cole being unable to speak once they climbed back aboard the deck, Zane reported the mystical scene to Sensei Wu and Ayane. The aged master nodded in understanding and simply suggested they wait for Sasha to return to them and so they did. They waited for six hours. Cole tried to remain positive even though his mind was going a mile a minute about how utterly still Sasha's body was, he couldn't discern the slightest rise and fall of her chest when he saw her, a precious factor to at least assure him that she was alive. Furthermore, no progress was being made in regards to the Bounty's flightless condition. Ed and Edna were just as baffled as Jay and Nya. All four mechanical engineering geniuses were completely stumped. Cole's eyes stayed trained on the water's surface and everyone tried to comfort him, but the situation was so inconceivable. Sasha had never meditated under water for so long and Zane had commented that she had never lied down before either. And just when he was about to suggest making another dive, Sasha's head broke through the surface and she smiled up at her worried friends. Relief washed over the earth ninja like a tide as he helped her aboard. Embracing her cold and wet body tightly, he pressed his face into the soaked crimson mane of his love.

Everyone expressed their relief to see the Kunoichi of Water unharmed and inquired about her prolonged absence during her meditation. That's when Sasha explained.

"Waves had been having difficulty in making contact with Lord Leviathan recently, so she suggested we find a particular body of water for me to meditate in. The Destiny's Bounty is flightless…because of my Lord. It was the only decipherable message Waves could understand and the Abysmal Sea is a great source of boundless power for both Lord Leviathan and…something else. It was much too dangerous for me to meditate in the Abysmal Sea, but as long as I was in one of the Four Great Lakes then communication could be made…"

In short, Leviathan rendered the Bounty temporarily flightless so that communication could be reestablished between him and his advocate. He basically played the mortals like a harp and knew they would seek aid from the Sea of Sand and to get there they would have to sail through the Abysmal Sea and dock at Lake Siegfried.

"I didn't speak directly to Lord Leviathan his words were relayed through Waves. I'm so sorry everyone. Waves insisted I get comfortable since I would be meditating for quite a while, but I never guessed I'd be gone for so long. The Abysmal Sea is integral to Ninjago's future and Waves said that we would revisit it to confront the…something else that was drawing its power from it. Again, I'm sorry to make you all worry…I lost all sense of time."

Soon after that, the Bounty's flight controls were functioning again and Jay and Nya invited the Walkers to stay for dinner before returning to their home. Well, mostly Nya since Jay always seemed to be embarrassed by his parents. Thinking about it now, it reminded Cole of how he felt went Sasha did her first meditation under Mikatagahara. How worried he was when Zane resurfaced alone. Since then she had ventured under water various times to pursue wisdom from multiple bodies of water and Zane had always been her companion. That particular occurrence at Lake Siegfried was the first time the Ninja of Ice had not been invited to come along. That alone…struck a wary cord in him.

"Hey…Cole…" Jay began and Cole looked over at him. "Sasha has been getting better, hasn't she? Don't stress, okay?" He advised and the black ninja stared at him a few more seconds before nodding.

"Yeah…okay. Let's…talk about something else. So Kai, how do you think Ebony's cooking is going to taste? You taught her some Japanese recipes, right?"

Kai smirked. "Sure did. And she said she wanted to make me some Nikuman (Japanese steamed buns or meat buns) this morning along with some other things. I'm really looking forward to it. If she cooks this meal as well as she did the others up until now…I'll be in seventh heaven."

Kai sat back in his seat with his famous smirk still intact and placed his hands behind his head in comfort.

Lloyd eyed him dubiously. "Ane may be starting to like you Kai, but I still think you have a loooong way to go."

"What?!" Kai shouted, causing Jay and Cole to laugh at his expense. Ayane smiled softly at the four ninja seated across from her and casted her gaze to the double doors beyond. The appetizing aromas of various foods wafted through and provoked her stomach to growl in dissatisfaction at its emptiness. It was her fault for skipping dinner last night, but she pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the air of trepidation Cole once had. She was confident that as long as they had faith in their Gods and Goddesses and in themselves then everything would be for the better in the end. She needed to talk to Zane. Not only about last night, but about the troubles that plagued her heart and mind.

Suddenly, the doors opened and out stepped Sasha carrying a large tray of piping hot food.

"Sorry for the delay, everyone!" She announced jubilantly, "Breakfast is now served!"

The others followed soon after, each carrying their own tray of food. Zane came around to Ayane's side of the table and placed her plate down in front of her. The scarred huntress's face beamed in unbridled delight at the sight of her favorite breakfast. Two large fluffy golden-brown Belgian waffles sat in front of her, topped with fresh-cut strawberries, and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Her mouth watered in hunger, causing her to swallow quickly. Zane held a small silver pitcher in his hand which she knew to be warm maple syrup.

"Say when, dearest," he whispered charmingly and Ayane flushed in embarrassment and gratitude at his suaveness. The sweet amber liquid drizzled onto the waffles slowly and the blond couldn't thank and praise Amaterasu enough for sending her such a wonder of a man…well…nindroid.

"When…" she said quietly and looked up at the Ninja of Ice standing beside her. "Thank you, Zane. Everything looks flawless."

Pure hazel eyes glowed in adoration for the young woman beside him and he smoothly slid his own plate of picturesque waffles in front of his seat across from her. He sat the now empty tray in the middle of the table along with the others before bending down to settle his lips near a sun-kissed earlobe.

"Yes…flawless…I would say you are good enough to eat yourself, moy angel. Perfect…golden…and now…wet with the sweetest nectar…" he purred and pressed his cool lips upon her cheek once again. As Ayane's face burned further, she quickly darted her eyes to and fro to check if the others were paying any attention to them or not. Everyone else were preoccupied either with eating or conversing amongst themselves to pay them any mind, so Ayane took a chance and did something bold. Knowing Zane's lips still lingered close she turned her head and kissed him square on the mouth. Her pulse quickened when he responded without idle. A deeper sense of love was fortifying their bond, they both could feel it. Last night was a timely step in their ever-growing relationship, however because of the circumstances of their nightly encounter the next step would have to wait.

Before her need for him could ascend to greater heights, Ayane pulled back much to the ice ninja's chagrin. "We should eat now, Zane. It wouldn't do to let our breakfast get cold," she whispered, surprisingly without a stutter although her blush still dusted beautifully over her cheeks.

"Of course you are correct. Let us dine then," he replied and moved to take his seat across from her. Once seated, Zane sent Ayane a pleased grin and began to eat with Ayane following suit.

"Lloyd, use your chopsticks to eat your meat buns and don't stuff so many in your mouth at one time," Ebony chastised her little brother and the Green Ninja stopped what he was doing and pointed at Kai sitting beside him, his cheeks enlarged with food.

"Wrai-est-oing-it-oo" he sputtered incoherently and Ebony focused ahead of her to the man in question.

"What? Uhhh…Kai…" She sighed in exasperation. Kai's mouth was also stuffed to the brim with the moist meat buns that the Kunoichi of Darkness had cooked so meticulously. Golden-amber eyes blinked innocently and his mouth stretched into a wide grin. And lo and behold, Ebony could actually count at least four meat buns in his mouth.

"Ese-ore-eelly-ood!" He pointed at his mouth then motioned to all the food Ebony had prepared. The slabs of broiled salted mackerel and bowls of steamed rice and miso soup all looked enticing to the common eye. Kai chewed a bit more then managed to swallow. "Everything, Ebony," he reiterated. "You really have outdone yourself here."

Lloyd as well gave his praise with a thumbs-up and continued eating. The white-haired maiden smiled.

"I'm glad. I followed your recipe to the best of my ability, it was actually fun," she said and Kai utilized his chopsticks to help himself to some mackerel and more meat buns.

"I can't wait to taste more of your cooking, Shirayukihime."

Nya served her fiancée with a smile.

"Thanks, sweetheart I was really in the mood for some of your special omelets," Jay said as Nya dished some hash browns onto his plate as well. "Ah yeah, where's the ketchup at? There it is…" The blue ninja grabbed the bottle of thick hearty goodness and doused his hash browns generously. Nya took her seat across from him and began to eat too.

"I thought you might after last night's deviled eggs escapade. I didn't know you loved eggs that much," she observed and forked a slice of omelet into her mouth.

"Well, I didn't know Sasha could make them so well. They were a great after-dinner treat," Jay replied happily.

Cole was just about to cut into his smoked ham when he saw Sasha blowing over the top of her steaming mug of java.

"Are you drinking coffee, Sasha?" He questioned in bewilderment and Sasha sighed contently after taking a sip of her drink.

"Mmhm, my momma sent me some packages of our town's famous Portuguese brew yesterday. Would you like to try some?" She offered, but Cole grimaced.

"Nah never had the palette for that stuff. I hope you don't drink a lot of it, you know it's not good for you, right?"

The red-head tapped the mug with her finger and lifted an eyebrow at her beau's expression. "This isn't your typical cup of java, bonito. This here is bona fide coffee that has made people all across the world spend their hard-earned cash to have it imported to their homes or had them come to us just to have a taste. Call me biased, but this is the only type of coffee I'll drink and I don't indulge in it often. I'm not one of those people who just can't start their day without it. This is rare, special and it serves as a great pick me up. So, are you sure? Why not just a little taste?"

Cole chuckled at Sasha's coy expression, but nonetheless declined again.

"How about you save a few bags for us when we have to stay up late strategizing tactics again, amore? I'll have a taste then," he suggested and the leader of the Kunoichi agreed.

"Will do."

Zane found great pleasure in watching Ayane eat something she really enjoyed. He had since their date in Twilight. Cooking has always been therapeutic to him and now he had more incentive to try out new recipes, especially if Ayane was his taster. Figuring out her favorite breakfast had been many rounds of trial and error, but the effort was well worth it as was his proof right before his eyes.

"Mmmm…oh, so good," Ayane moaned in pleasure. She licked her lips slowly to remove the sap that clung to them after her last bite, her tongue caressing the top first then moving to give the same thorough treatment to the bottom. Zane kept calm during his blatant ogling and speculated on what else that tongue could do.

What was endearing as well as advantageous was that Ayane seemed completely oblivious to her body language and mannerisms while she ate. It could easily be labeled as seduction by any viewer which led Zane to also ponder about Ayane's past. According to Kai, she may have had past relationships, but he had yet to ask her himself and Ayane had never relinquished such information to him.

Does it really matter…? He thought. I am with her now. She is mine, I have her heart. My mark is on her body which I have yet to claim…speaking of which…why is she wearing that turtleneck?

"Well ladies, it'd be unfair to keep Sensei Wu waiting any longer then we have. We better get to his room to give our report," Sasha suddenly announced and rose from her seat. "Looks like everyone's about done anyway."

Ayane had just taken the final bite of her last waffle as Sasha said this, the blond mouthed "thank you" to Zane before rising from her seat to follow her sisters out of the dining room.

"Ayane, wait a moment," Zane called after her and Ayane stopped in the hallway to wait for him. Once near, he took her hand and kissed her palm.

"Afterwards, will you come?" He asked and Ayane nodded right away.

"Yes, as soon as we're done I'll come to your room," she replied and averted her eyes shyly.

"I need to speak with you."

Both Zane and Ayane stopped in surprise, realizing they had spoken in unison once again. The archer giggled, her eyes twinkling in amusement. "We seem to be doing that a little too often now, huh?"

Zane smiled. "We are becoming closer. Our hearts are reaching a mutual synchronization…I am happy about that."

"I am too."

As the two inched closer to each other, they were startled by the calling of Ayane's name. It was Sasha.

"Come on, girl! You can lip-lock with Zane later!"

Ayane huffed and shouted back. "I'm coming!" She looked to Zane to see him chuckling.

"Go, I'll be waiting," he laughed good-naturedly and the two embraced before she departed to follow after the other Kunoichi. Zane sighed and turned around, walking back to the dining room to retake his seat amongst his brothers and Lloyd. He had to finish his own breakfast. He forked a piece of waffle into his mouth and chewed. He savored the taste of favorable sweetness and looked down at his plate in contemplation. His cooking was impeccable yes, but…not one dish he ever created was on par in regards to delectability than Ayane's sex.

How can I describe the taste of her? Surely, there must be a comparison to something. Her essence wasn't as thick as honey, but she did taste so sweet…honey then? No, that's not right. It was sweet, although not just sweet…hmm…there was also another flavor. Shiva, I took in as much of her nectar as I could before our allotted time was over and yet my database can offer no accurate similarity.

"Hey Zane, can you pass the pepper?"

No matter, the only way to remedy this is to taste her again although…she did seem rather shocked when I did so. But, I know she enjoyed it. Her grip on my hair tightened when she climaxed. Her body trembled in my arms when I laid her down in the bath and her face…yes…she was satisfied. I made her feel that.

"Don't bother Jay, look at his face. He's gone."

She's so shy unlike me…perhaps I was too assertive? I wanted to please her. I couldn't leave without doing so. Was I being selfish in thinking that way? Or was it a matter of pride? It's always been something I have wondered about since that faithful night when she accepted me for who and what I am. Would I be able to please Ayane when I finally claimed her as my own? Hmm…my penis is fully functional, so I don't fathom why not.

"Yeah, I can see that Cole, but I wonder if he can really hear us when he spaces out like this. I have a hunch he's just flat-out ignoring us."

There is such a thing as premarital sex, but I sense that someone like Ayane would never give herself to another without considering if they had a future together. So would she give herself to me? I have to consider her feelings too…sigh…we are not pressed for time. We'll be together in the future as well…I know it. Our future…marriage…it is an appealing subject.

"I told you guys Zane has selective hearing. He hears what he wants to hear and he doesn't want to listen to the sound of his little brothers' voices right now."

Ayane, have you given any thought about our future? If so, then how far have you foreseen? Can you picture yourself with me once the chaos has reached its conclusion and Ninjago is at peace? I can…so clearly. My love for you is that strong.

"Haha, I don't think that's it, Kai. This is just Zane being Zane. Remember what Sensei Wu told us, brothers are sometimes different. It all comes down to individuality. We each have our own unique qualities."

Perhaps I should confer with my brothers about this. After all, they are in relationships as well. But, first…

"Lloyd, would you mind giving me and my brothers some privacy? I wish to discuss something of an adult matter," Zane requested politely, easily transitioning out of his inner monologue.

Lloyd looked skeptical. "Adult? Talking about girls is not "adult", but I would rather play some video games than listen to…well whatever it is you plan on talking about." The young savior gathered a few meat buns in his arms and hopped out of his chair. "I'll see you guys later," he said and left the dining room.

Jay sprinkled his hash browns with the pepper he got from Kai and quirked an eyebrow at his best man. "So Zane, what's up? Is this about the hickey you gave Ayane?" He asked mischievously and Zane opened his mouth to reply, but stopped himself. He turned to Jay in amazement.

"You saw it?" He questioned, but it was Kai who answered.

"Hahaha, no, but since when does Ayane wear turtlenecks? It wasn't exactly quantum physics, y'know? We played clueless to spare her further embarrassment since it was obvious she already was."

"Ah, I see…well, I appreciate your consideration, brothers."

"Just a word from the wise," Cole started with a knowing smile, "aim a little lower on the neck, so the mark can be easier to hide."

"Yes, I will remember your advice however, that is not what I wanted to talk about." Zane shook his head and spoke his mind. "Have any of you thought about consummation before marriage with your significant others?"

Zane's words seemed to stop time itself as everyone froze in suspended animation. Kai, reaching over to pick the last meat bun off Ebony's plate with his chopsticks, Jay, with his mouth closed around his fork, and Cole, about to take a sip of what was left of Sasha's coffee. They all recovered simultaneously, but neither ninja answered Zane's question.

"…Perhaps not then," Zane sighed despondently. "Am I the only one?"

"No, you're not, Zane," Cole admitted while putting Sasha's mug down and running a hand through his thick black hair. "It's just not something that's easy to talk about. Think about sure, but it's private and—"

"Sacred," Zane finished. "Yes, Ayane said as much last night."

Jolts of shock ruptured throughout the three ninjas' bodies as they turned to gape at their frost-empowered brother.

"Whoa, what?! You and Ayane had sex last night?!" Kai questioned, his eyes widened in disbelief.

"I didn't say that. I said it was something she mentioned last night," Zane elucidated and his three brothers lost their rigid posture.

"Oh, well…if you're just looking for advice then…yeah, Sasha and I have touched bases on the subject, but we haven't discussed it in great length or depth," Cole said.

"And it's much too early for Ebony and I to even think about that step," Kai put in as well. "Maybe once we're a solid item then we can discuss more about our future together."

Jay fidgeted then cleared his throat. "Nya and I are engaged as everyone knows, so premarital sex isn't really on the agenda. We've really just only discussed the wedding plans and such. I don't think we will until after we say "I do." Personally, either or is fine—I mean! I mean of course it's important and stuff and it's not against the law or anything if we did have sex before we're actually married. Of course we will after we are married, we'll be husband and wife finally and that's something every married couple does naturally or at least should do. Not saying that they had to, I mean if two people just wanted to get married and have no kids then that's their prerogative, right? As a matter of fact, my parents know a couple that did just that. Mr. and Mrs. Gutenberg I think and when they decided to get married they agreed on no children. She got her tubes tied and he got his wires clipped and apparently they go at like bunnies despite being old. And the only reason I know is because my mom goes on and on about them when she argues with my dad about their sex life—"

"And the mouth of lightning strikes again," Cole groaned through Jay's excessive rambling. Kai picked his teeth with a toothpick then flicked it into the wastebasket near the kitchen doors. He then turned towards his brothers and pointed at the now flustered and talkative Jay.

"If there's one trait that I wish for my future nieces or nephews to NOT have…it's this, right here. Hopefully, the cherry falls extremely far from the blossom in this case."

Cole and Zane laughed joyously at Kai's witty retort, but Zane calmed first and laid his hand on Jay's shoulder to quiet him.

"Yes Jay, I understand. Thank you for your…insightful input," he voiced peacefully and Jay halted his prattling and took a deep breath. His face shone in brilliant scarlet as he settled down.

Cole released a final chuckle before getting Zane's attention. "Listen fratello, this is between you and Ayane. Just talk it over with her and whatever happens…happens. You two are both adults and are responsible enough to shoulder any consequences that may arise from your actions."

Zane smiled and nodded at Cole's counsel. "Yes, you are correct, Cole. I will do just that."

He stood from his chair and as he made his departure from the dining room, he could still hear his brothers' voices.

"What the hell was that earlier, Jay!? Geez, ever heard of "too much info", man?! We didn't need to hear all that?!" Kai lamented angrily.

"Well then, why didn't one of you stop me sooner?!" Jay accused wearing a frown.

"How were we supposed to know you were going to go off into something weird?" Cole laughed, but then sobered up almost immediately. His voice laced in solemn confusion. "…I wonder why they both decided to have surgery. Didn't they know that only one person needed to go through…that?"

"Yeah I know, talk about overkill…ugh…" Jay shuddered.

Zane had wondered about that as well, but he shrugged and continued on, reaching the hallway that connected to the Ninja side of the ship. Walking pass the onyx and silver door, he stopped in front of the white and gold one. He grasped the knob, but didn't turn it. Thoughts about his behavior last night were the grounds for his hesitation. Prior to the bathroom incident, he had no intention of engaging in coitus with Ayane. He only sought to ease her pain and make her comfortable. He even told himself that they weren't ready for that step yet.

However, when he saw her…her body glistening with water and suds, it was his undoing. His need for her skyrocketed in a matter of seconds and all he could think about was claiming her innocence. His emotional framework sent pulses of love, adoration, and lust to his CPU and he responded accordingly. The Kunoichi of Light was different and he knew it. He was aware of that fact the moment he laid eyes on her from watching Hayate's holographic memories. The stirrings within his core had alarmed him at first and the more he watched the more he wanted to meet her in person. He was intrigued by the mysteries that surrounded her being, why her skin held that sun-kissed glow whilst everyone else in Shika was fair and paled in comparison. How someone could blush so easily, but emit a warrior's spirit in the midst of combat. Even her imperfections charmed him, her clumsiness, along with her lack of cooking skills and articulation, and especially the scars on her body. His favorite being the one that marred her smooth soft pink lips, Zane smiled despite himself.

That particular scar along with her bright and wild golden mane gave her a distinct appearance, not to mention her eyes. He had seen other people with heterchromia iridium before, but it wasn't just the color of Ayane's eyes that enthralled him…it was the lights within the pupils that enraptured his soul. The lights spoke of hardships and tragedies, happiness and tranquility, and he wanted to become a part of the story. He wanted to be with her through it all from that moment on.

"Zane?"

The white ninja's thoughts were interrupted by the soft voice of Ayane and he turned to her. His eyes hooded in pleasure as he absorbed her new attire. She had removed the turtleneck that obstructed his love bite and replaced it with a long snug yellow t-shirt with an amiable depiction of sprouting white carnations from the hem to the top of her plunging neckline. And no more were the baggy pajama pants instead he could barely make out the white of shorts that hugged her strong thighs and the thin golden flute that dangled from a leather strap along her hip. Her hourglass figure made prominent and her shapely legs completely exposed.

And he felt it once more, his white blood heating up and his EF sending quakes of tireless fervor for his angel.

"A vision of absolute loveliness…" he whispered as she approached him.

"I wanted be comfortable while I was with you," she admitted bashfully, but then her eyes became downcast when she decided to voice another reason. "And also…Sasha and the others pretty much guessed what I was hiding."

"That's fine," Zane assured and pulled her body closer, "I want everyone to know you are mine," he said fondly and lighted his fingers across her blushing cheek.

"Wait, there's more," she countered slowly and glanced behind her and around Zane's shoulder to see if prying eyes or ready ears were nearby. Spotting no one, she continued in a hushed tone. "Sasha also knew you were in the bathroom with me last night."

This genuinely shocked Zane. "How?" He questioned.

"She told me it was the reason why it took her so long to return with an extra towel for me. You left…trails of water leading to your room which she took the time to mop up."

"Curses! I hadn't even realized in my haste to get to my quarters!" Zane whispered harshly. "How could I have been so careless?!"

"It's okay, don't worry. Sasha promised not to tell anyone about it, not even Cole or Nya. Even though she just finished teasing the hell out of me," Ayane rolled her eyes, but grinned nonetheless. "I'm positive we can trust her."

"Yes, we can," Zane agreed also. "And I promise to be much more cautious next time."

"N-Next time?" Ayane stuttered and Zane searched her eyes as she struggled with more words.

"Let's converse about that later, shall we?" He suggested and grasped the knob of his door once more. "Welcome to my room, Ayane."

As soon as Zane opened the access, Ayane's mouth fell agape in awe. She didn't know what she was expecting, but it sure wasn't this. Her bare feet stepped onto the plush pure white carpet once she fully entered the domain of the Ninja of Ice. The walls surrounding her beloved's spacious room were colored in rich dark gold and were lined with tasteful and masterfully done paintings of unknown places, but had a Japanese aesthetic beauty to them. A tall white bookcase was stationed in the corner on her left and each shelf was stacked with thick books pertaining to the sciences of the world and others with strange symbols, perhaps a language she did not understand. In front of her to the right, below his window was a sort of intricate work station. A fine wooded chair sat in front of a translucent inclined desk and magnetized neatly on top were blueprints of him, Hayate and…something else that resembled a canine. Ayane stopped in front of the gargantuan bed before her and smoothed her hands over the white comforter that lay exquisitely across. Two large fluffy white pillows sat propped against a stunning dark mahogany headboard and above it were the Shurikens of Ice. Beyond his bed was a white dresser with gold trim lined against the wall and a nightstand of the same color scheme on the left beside the head of the bed.

Coming to Zane's Room was like stepping into another world, a world where refinement, taste and culture reigned supreme.

"Wow…" she marveled and gasped when her eyes fell upon a shrine. She quickened her steps to the corner adjacent to the door leading to the bathroom and reached out to tentatively touch one of the snow globes amongst dozens. "Incredible…" she continued, "I've never seen so many snow globes in one place. Not even our stores have as many as you do, Zane."

The white ninja closed his door and locked it, then came to stand beside Ayane. "It's a hobby I have taken the liberty of starting…gathering these wondrous treasures from all over Ninjago. As you can see, I still have quite a ways to go," he smiled.

Ayane couldn't take her eyes off the ornaments in front of her. Some looked antique with models of ancient Persian buildings within, others were more modern, depicting frolicking animals and the like. Big, small, some made of fragile glass, others hardened plastic, all kinds of holidays and themes were displayed. It was truly a magnificent collection that Zane had begun.

The huntress tilted her head in puzzlement when she saw a globe with nothing in it. Nothing but clearness…she picked it up gently and turned to Zane.

"Why is this one empty?" She asked and Zane retrieved the globe from her hands.

"Ah…this is my favorite one thus far and it's not empty, my dear," he corrected. He shook the orb and immediately white flakes of false snow began to spiral and swirl within. Zane's pure hazel gaze remained transfixed on the innocent activity of the globe. "You see?…It just contains snow. It's…sort of symbolic in a way. I find myself staring at this one the most. Probably because it reminds me of my time spent in the village…I cannot say raised in, so…let's say I had the most experiences in. Frosthaven is a very frigid place. Even in the spring and summer, Shiva breathes her cold breath over the land. Outsiders who were unaccustomed to the climate would call the village uninhabitable, but the populace of Frosthaven is a clever bunch who has earned the Goddess of Ice's blessing. She made it possible for the soil to be enriched all season long in order for precious crops and minerals to grow and be harvested. And I was the only one who could work in the fields for the longest durations. The people were gracious to me, but I didn't mind in the slightest…I relished the bite of winter on my face while I worked. I remember…during my leisure time I would stand and look out into the distance and see the stunning glimmers of our iced landscape beyond. I was entranced by the properties of snow…I adored it…and still do."

Ayane watched Zane's face carefully. His lips curved in a subtle smile, his evergreen and mahogany irises gazing fondly at the orb in his hand. It was obvious to her that he adored Frosthaven maybe even as much as she adored Shika. She placed her small hand over his much larger one and managed to rouse him from his brief hypnosis.

"I would love to see Frosthaven one day," she said.

Zane nodded. "Then, I will make it so…one day."

Zane moved to place the snow globe back on its pedestal and led Ayane to his bed. "Please, tell me more about Shika. It's been quite some time since you've been away. I know the mailman has delivered countless letters to you who I assume are from your friends and family."

"Oh! Now that you mention it, I received a letter from Hansuke the other day. He's going to be playing his guitar during some of the worship songs at the Amaterasu festival this year."

"The Amaterasu festival? What's that?"

Ayane sat down on the bed with a happy sigh and Zane joined her. "Oh Zane…it's just wonderful. It's an annual gala we have during the first week of May. It's a time we give thanks and praise to the sun goddess, Amaterasu over the course of three days. Friday is the Day of Worship where everyone in the village ventures to the Avalon Tundra to perform songs of worship to Amaterasu. We travel there because the Aurora Borealis appears throughout the entire day and like I've told you before…the Northern Lights play an important part in our way of life."

"Yes, I remember," Zane replied. "I gather you have many fond memories pertaining to the events."

"Like you wouldn't believe," Ayane began, her voice holding serene nostalgia as she told Zane about Shika's first day of celebration. "It's such a spectacle to behold and I'm not just saying that. The twinkling stars above and the streaking colors across the sky, everyone singing, dancing, playing their instruments and lifting their voices all in the name of our Great Mother…anyone with a soul would be moved."

"Have you ever participated in the songs," Zane asked and Ayane blushed, fingering her mother's flute.

"Yeah, I have on occasion with my flute of course, but I don't sing well enough to participate in the more memorable performances. I'm happy though with what I can do and everyone enjoys my songs. I've been playing for over a decade."

"As they should…you play with your heart, Ayane. Your melodies have a way of reaching the spirits of all who would listen. You have a great talent."

Ayane glanced down at their intertwined fingers then met Zane's eyes once more. "I appreciate yours and everyone else's sentiment, but…I play for Amaterasu, my mother, and for myself. Heh, she once told me that since the day I was born I was devoted to the Goddess of the Sun."

"I don't doubt her words, your devotion is clear. Tell me more."

"Well, the last two days take place in Shika. Saturday is the Day of the Hunt. It consists of many games for the children and challenges for the Hunting Pack to undertake to prove we are just as efficient as wolves which are what Amaterasu and Shiranui are…wolves. The games and challenges are different every year, so nothing is redundant and always fun and exigent. Uncle Dai says, it's the most exciting day for him because he gets to endeavor in all sorts of ways to torture the members of the Hunting Pack especially Hansuke!"

They both laugh, remembering Ayane's childhood friend and his antics before she embarked on this journey of destiny. "Uncle Dai is very creative and I love the rush of adrenaline his challenges provides. Everyone watches us and root for who they want to win and stuff. It's such a blast and the children are so boisterous when it's my turn. It's a little embarrassing, but I love it all the same!"

Zane observed Ayane's sparkling eyes and excited demeanor. She was behaving as if the Day of the Hunt was upon them and was ready to partake in the new challenges this instant!

"I have to make it this year! Hansuke beat me by just one lousy point and was rubbing his victory all in my face! I've got to show him how much I've improved!"

"And you will," Zane interjected with a low chuckle. It was exhilarating to see her all riled up. "I look forward to watching you. So, what happens on the final day?"

Ayane's enthusiasm diminished in an instant. Her eyes darkened in unexplained hurt and her voice carried an edge of nervousness. "The f-final day…Sunday…is not important."

Zane's brow creased in worry. "Ayane?"

The blond grimaced, "What am I saying? It is important, but I…" she shook her head and looked to Zane in sorrow. "I'm sorry Zane, but I…it's too painful to think about right now. Is it okay if I tell you later?"

She was displaying similar behavior last night and Zane noticed. Why was it so difficult for Ayane to speak to Zane about her problems? And how could he rectify it? Suddenly, the ice ninja heard Kai's voice inside his head. I recollection of a conversation that occurred on a bizarre Friday not too long ago…

"Listen bro, I wanted to tell you this sooner, but anyway about Ayane…you should consider taking a few more risks with her. If she's having a problem and you want to help her then being direct will aid in getting to the root of that problem quicker. Don't wonder this or that, okay? It might hurt her to talk about it, but at least asking her to confide in you will get your feelings out there and show that you care. It's a 50/50 chance though…a double-edged sword…She could take it either way…"

Zane was at a brief loss. He did want Ayane to confide in him more often, to depend on him to be there for her. He hated seeing her in pain and if past miseries were disconcerting for her to discuss, should he really press her for more information? Or let her tell him whenever she was ready…however long that would take. Take a risk or play it safe…he decided to try both at the same time.

He tugged on her hand and Ayane complied, leaning into his embrace. Zane could feel her hands grasp his shoulders as she snuggled as close as she could.

"Ayane, you should know that you can tell me anything. I dislike seeing you so troubled, I want to help you, however if you would rather discuss it with me later then I understand. I had hoped that bringing you here would relax you."

Ayane pulled back to look into his eyes. "I am relaxed, Zane and you're right. I wanted to talk to you, so I'm going to." She sighed heavily, but continued. Her lips curved into an uneasy smile. "About last night during the mission, I had so much trouble concentrating. My mind had warped back to my captivity and…and Skalidor he…" tears glistened in her eyes and Zane reacted swiftly.

"Ayane, I vanquished Skalidor. You need never fear him or anything else for that matter. I will always protect you."

Ayane took comfort from his words and arms, burying her face in his shoulder to silently cry her tears. Zane hugged her tight and frowned. He felt an everlasting resentment for Skalidor for tormenting his huntress even from beyond the grave. He'll never tell Ayane that sometimes he would dream about the "what if". What if he hadn't made it in time to stop Skalidor? What if he lost Ayane to his claws forever? He'd always awaken panting and scanning his room, thinking the boa general was lurking in the shadows preparing to strike. And often times after having that damnable night terror, he would silently stalk the dark corridors of the Bounty to Ayane and Sasha's room and go inside to make sure his angel was safe.

Ayane's tears subsided after a time and she felt better like she knew she would after she told him. She wanted to rid herself of all her weaknesses and Skalidor was one of them. The final day of the Amaterasu celebration was another story. The Day of Courtship was an ache that stabbed at her heart violently. It's been two years since her heartbreak, but the pain was as fresh as ever. She just didn't have the strength to tell him now…she could relinquish one qualm, but not the other. She hoped he'd understand.

"Thank you, Zane," she sniffed, "I know you will and I'll get stronger, so that I may return the favor."

"Moy angel, you are strong and I know I can depend on you when I need you as well."

They parted, each wearing a smile. Zane wiped the last of her tears away with his thumb and ran his fingers through her hair. He would wait for her to tell him about the final day patiently, right now…his need to taste her lips governed over everything else.

The kiss was languid and unhurried. Ayane's eyes closed on their own volition as she pressed herself more firmly into Zane's warm body. She shivered in want when his tongue parted her lips to seek warmth inside her hot wet cavern. Her white ninja's wintry taste and cool breath engulfed her soul and she couldn't deny that she craved more of him. When the contact broke, Ayane whimpered, feeling the heat on her cheeks. Sizzling heat and arctic cold breath intermingled as the two panted, the atmosphere around them had changed drastically. Now was a time for no more words…only action…and Zane took it.

He renewed the contact with their lips gently and beckoned Ayane's body to lie back onto his mattress. Lithe arms wrapping around his neck, Zane kept his eyes open, but hooded. He never wanted to miss a thing during each sensual encounter he had with his light. Ayane moaned her delight as her head pressed into his fluffy pillows and she could feel the same boiling heat pool inside her belly when Zane's hands began to explore her body. Bare pale hands ghosted over the supple warm flesh of sun-kissed legs. Captivated by the velvet feel of them his hands traveled higher, carving the same path along her body like the night before.

Ayane gasped, her chest heaving as Zane placed his lips upon her neck. Zane grinned sexily, planting a trail of wet kisses around the bruise he made last night until finally biting down.

"Ahh! Zane!" Ayane shouted in ecstasy, but quickly covered her mouth. Pride swelled within Zane's mainframe at the enraptured galore of Ayane's cry.

"Don't worry, my dear…" he breathed, each syllable laced with a charm only the Ninja of Ice could produce. "The walls are soundproof. I want to hear you…so scream as much as you want. Relish in the enjoyment I give you…"

Too embarrassed to reply, the blond turned her head away and gritted her teeth as her pleasure mounted. She removed her hand from her mouth and instead utilized both of them to the back of Zane's shirt.

"Oh Zane…" she sighed breathlessly. She could utter nothing else. Zane continued his trail upward and lifted the hem of Ayane's shirt, wanting to feel the silkiness there as well. And just as his fingers went to her sides and pressed into a certain spot below her rips, her face broke out into a smile. Unrelenting, the fingers persisted to play low on her sides and the archer began to giggle.

Arching an eyebrow, Zane pulled back from her neck to see what had brought about Ayane's sudden eruption of laughter. Face flushed in delight, Ayane peered up at Zane apologetically.

"M-My sides…heehee…you were tickling me…" she explained and Zane's eyebrows rose higher, then a slow inquisitive smile graced his moist lips.

"I see…" he said innocently, but Ayane saw the playful intent.

"Wait, Zane no—"

Too late…Ayane should've known better. When a ninja is informed of a weakness they exploit it to the utmost of their ability. Zane "attacked" Ayane's sides with a vengeance and the helpless kunoichi exploded into a laughing frenzy.

Thrashing around uncontrollably, Ayane begged him to stop. "I give! I give! Please Zane!"

Chuckling to himself, Zane complied and stopped his torment on the lovely body below him. Once again breathless and flushed, Ayane closed her eyes and panted for air, content and blissful. Zane smiled as he watched her serene face. Her golden tresses splayed about on his pillow, the heat of her body below him.

Gods, she's beautiful, he thought. Ayane, I want to…will you let me…

He began to reach for her, but stopped himself. His arousal was apparent and if his body connected with hers she would most definitely feel it. Should he continue? No, should they? This is what he always wanted to see…her lips parted and moist, her face tranquil and ready, her body…He realized then that he was in between her legs, a result of their playful tousle earlier.

The most practical position to…claim—

"Zane, are you okay?" Ayane asked, calmed but concerned by his stillness and stoic expression. Zane blinked and removed himself completely from Ayane. He sat on the end of his bed and hung his head low. Immediately alarmed, Ayane gathered herself quickly and scooted her body close to his side. She had an idea of what was troubling him and truth be told, it was something they needed to discuss.

Premarital sex…

Ayane blushed and pressed her face into his shoulder. "Zane…" she began quietly, "what do you think…we should do?"

Zane closed his eyes with a prolonged sigh before answering. "I've been thinking about consummation with you for awhile now, Ayane. Although…" he turned to her and cupped her cheek. She looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to finish. "Given our circumstances and the tribulations to come, we must remain celibate. It would be unwise for us to take the risk. I love you, never doubt that and when the time comes for us to take the next step…we will."

It was indeed difficult for Zane to say what he said, but he had no doubt that he made the right decision. Now, he could only wait for Ayane to either agree or disagree.

Ayane had listened intently and she had to admit he was right. "With everything that's happening now…it wouldn't be a good thing if I got pregnant, would it?"

Zane's coronary circuitry pulsed wildly at the mention of children with Ayane, another wonderful thought.

"At the moment…no it would not…" Why did it pain him to say that? Easy, because it did, he longed for a future with Ayane, but…it could not be. At least, not yet.

"I understand, Zane. Let's work on developing a stronger bond first and protecting Ninjago. I just look forward to the day when our future is upon us…I…want a life…with you."

Ayane blushed crimson as Zane pulled her in for a hug. She clung to him in happiness, thoroughly pleased with the progress they made. The future was something all of the residents of the Destiny's Bounty needed to prepare for. Whether good or bad, the passage of time stops for no one.
© 2014 - 2024 VelvetPersona
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Shadowhowler1's avatar
Oh how do I keep missing these!!! :(  Er..... =P This inpresed me to write a new story too!!!