The Ice Emperor

Rough Nights

It's been a long while since Zane was banished to the Never Realm and practically brainwashed into being an evil Ice Emperor, but to this day it still affects him immensely. After he and the other ninja returned home, they asked him if he was alright and what it was like being an evil emperor. He didn't want to talk about it, and eventually with all the later adventures... no one brought it up again. Zane tries to never think of those.. decades, ruling over the Never Realm, yet he still has nights where that's all he can think about. And now after Nya sacrificed herself by becoming one with the sea and the others splitting up besides Cole and Pixal.. it was extremely difficult for Zane to keep his emotions inside...

It has been about a month since Nya's disappearance, Zane just couldn't get to sleep. He couldn't stop thinking about Nya, he missed her.. she was one of his best friends.. this overthinking led to him remembering his time as the Ice Emperor. All those people he hurt... who know how many he... how many he possibly.. killed.. all because Vex interrupted the system diagnostic and wiped Zane's memories.. convincing him he was this great Emperor who was overthrown. And the Scroll of Forbidden Spinjitzu just corrupted Zane further.. he had no control over his true self..

Zane's thoughts were too much for him tonight, he began crying, he couldn't keep himself together.

Suddenly, Zane heard a knock, then his door slid open, he quickly tried to wipe his tears away so whoever was there wouldn't see Zane this vulnerable. But it was too late, Cole noticed Zane crying. Without skipping a beat, or saying a word, Cole walked over to Zane's bed and sat down beside him, holding the small nindroid in his arms. Zane couldn't hold it in anymore, Cole's warm and comforting embrace made him breakdown and begin crying more than he was before.

Once Zane had calmed down, Cole wipes his tears with his hands and softly asked the nindroid,"Zane..? Are you okay?"

He was silent for a moment.. then replied,"No.. You remember when I had been sent to the Never Realm and was forced to be.. the Ice Emperor?"

"Of course.. I was so worried about where you were and if you were safe the entire time the others and I were there.." Cole Said.

"Well.. every now and then.. I remember those moments when I was the Emperor.. as it was happening, I was alright because I could not remember anything due to my memories being wiped.. but after Lloyd saved me.. those days.. weeks.. months... years... they haunt me. I remember it all.. all those people I hurt... and I couldn't control myself.. I was built to protect those who cannot protect themselves.. I appear to have done the opposite of that..."

"Zane... that wasn't your fault. It was all that Vex guys fault. I know you would never intentionally hurt anyone."

"I.. I know... I just wish I did not need to remember those days... they are not pleasant... it also doesn't help that.. Nya.. is..."

"Yeah.. I miss her too.."

"I apologize, Cole. I was talking too much.. what brings you in here?"

"It's okay, Zane, don't be sorry for that. And just, same reason kinda.. Nya being gone.. it's.. unreal. And the others.. the Monastery is so empty without them.. I wanted to come in here with you because I sort of felt a little lonely.."

"Oh, well," Zane pats the spot next to him in his bed.

"You may lay next to me if you'd like." Said the nindroid.

"Thanks, Zane," Cole got up and walked to the other side of Zane's bed, getting under the covers. Cole wasn't sure if it was because Zane's bed might be small, or maybe because there was two of them in a bed, but it was quite cozy.

"Is there anything you would like to talk about, Cole?"

"Hmm..," the black ninja lets out a soft chuckle,"You remember that one time years ago when Lloyd was little and he purposely washed Kai's suit with yours?"

Zane let's out a small laugh,"And I had to dress as the pink ninja? Of course I remember that! It was not enjoyable."

"Y'know Zane.. I don't think I ever mentioned it, but you look good in pink.. to be honest you look good in anything-"

Cole looks over to the blushing white ninja.

"...I said that out loud, didn't I?"

Zane laughs,"Yes! Yes you did! That was very sweet though, thank you, Cole."

"Well it's true!"

Zane chuckles softly and then yawns.

"You wanna get some sleep, Pinky?"

"Yes, that does sound nice. ... um, also, Cole?"

"What's up?"

"Would you mind.. maybe.. holding me, while we sleep? You give amazing hugs.."

Without saying a word, the earth ninja wraps his arms around Zane's small body, pulling him close.

"Of course, Frosty. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Cole."

The two soundly drift off to sleep in each other's comfort.