Spirit's Awakening (Book 1 of Spirit's Calling)

Welcome to the Island

Despite her best efforts, Y/n couldn't stay away from Zane.

Something about the way she'd reacted when she was around him the first time bothered her. She needed to know why she felt all tingly around the robot when she'd first seen him.

That night, after extensive and exhausting training without dinner, due to her visiting the Ninja, Y/n returned to the dungeon.

"There are things about yourself that you do not yet understand," Pixal's soft voice drifted down the corridor.

"What other capabilities did I include?" Zane asked.

Y/n stepped up to his door, waiting until he noticed. "Well, you can—" Pixal paused. "Hello, Y/n."

Zane looked up, surprised to see Y/n. "I did not think you would return," the nindroid greeted.

"I have questions," Y/n replied coldly, phasing through the door like the first time. She approached Zane with a threatening aura, but the nindroid simply gazed up at her with a curious expression. "And I will not accept lies."

Zane dipped his head. "I already told you, I do not lie. But I am curious to your query."

With her arms crossed tightly over her chest and maintaining a stiff, intimidating posture, Y/n asked, "What kind of powers do you have, and why did I sense you when you arrived?"

"I was the Master of Ice," Zane replied immediately, "but I can no longer sense my powers. As to why you sensed me, I am unsure."

Y/n remembered the ceremony she'd seen. "I believe my father took your powers. But when he did, I couldn't feel your presence anymore."

Zane's eyes flashed with curiosity. "That is an interesting conundrum. If you would allow me, I may be able to search for a reasonable explanation within my databanks."

Trying to hide her surprise, Y/n gave the nindroid a curt nod. "Very well. But before you do — why do you use your powers to suppress the weak? I thought elemental powers were supposed to be used for good."

One thing Y/n knew about lies — it was extremely hard to fake a true, emotional reaction when asked a question like hers. When Zane's expression morphed to that of horror in an instant, then anger, Y/n knew his emotions were real.

"We do no such thing!" He shot back immediately, surging to his feet. Y/n staggered back, startled, and raised her fists defensively. Zane took a deep breath and relaxed, leaning into the wall. "We protect. Not harm."

Y/n clenched her teeth in frustration. "Then who is lying to me?!" She cried, grabbing her head with her hands. "Why won't anyone tell me the truth?!"

"Y/n," Pixal cut in. "Please calm down. Zane is not lying."

"Then my father did." Y/n let her arms drop but kept her fists tight. With a helpless expression, her emotions drained, Y/n looked at the Ninja in a new light. "Please help me get out of here."

Zane, surprised at her sudden mood swing, smiled gently. "I will, Y/n. We will free you." He frowned and scanned her body with his glowing blue eyes. "When was the last time you had food? Or slept? You look exhausted."

Y/n flinched and turned away, suddenly very aware of her fatigue and hunger. "Don't worry about it," she muttered, leaving the cell. "Just...don't tell anyone I was here." With that, she left.

Fuming, Y/n trudged back to her room. She was drained of energy, mental and physical. She'd had so many emotional swings, she didn't know what to feel. So her mind completely shut off emotions, leaving her with a dull expression and a hole in her heart.