Ninjago High School au

Chapter 9

Zane walked the halls. This place seemed so familiar to him but this hall was never ending as far as he could see.

"Zane?" A voice called out.

Zane turned around to where the voice came from. There was a door that hadn't been there before.

"Hello?" He called out, hoping the voice would call again.

"Zane? Where are you?"

Zane walked toward the door placing a hand on the knob before him. He turned it and opened the door inward.

"I'm here." Zane spoke as he entered the room.

"I was beginning to think I'd lost you. Where have you been?" A man entered Zanes line of sight.

His face adorned glasses, had dark brown hair that was swept back, he wore a white lab coat, a red sweater vest, a blue button down. a pair of grey slacks, and black dress shoes.

"I am sorry father. I will not wander off again." Zane spoke.

What was this? A memory?

"You're fine to wander, just let me know where and when okay? You're too valuable to lose." The man spoke after setting down a box.

"You will not lose me father. I promise." Zane smiled before walking around the room. He looked at the plaques that were hung on the wall.

Dr. Doctor Julien. Zane let out a soft chuckle. He'd always found his father's name to be funny.

"Father?" Zane asked as he laid eyes on the various blueprints his father had strewn about.

"Yes?" Julien turned.

"Why did you make me? Why am I so different from all the others?"

"I was ashamed of the things I'd created. So I made you. I wanted to make up for my past actions, create something better for the world. Those things, were built to destroy. You were built to protect those who cannot protect themselves."

"You still work for them, don't you?" Zane tilted his head.

"Yes." Julien looked down shamefully.

"Why do you not simply leave? You could make the thing you wish to make." Zane suggested. "Like me."

"It isn't that simple I'm afraid. I signed a contract. They own me till the day I die."

"How did you make me? When did you have the time?"

Julien smiled. "Luckily, I have my home away from work. Just through a secret hatch behind some unfinished projects."

"This tree?"

"This tree." Julien turned back to his work space and adjusted a few gears on a mew contraption.

"What is this?" Zane asked. "Another toy?"

"This is a friend." Julien closed the chest plate on the creature. "Do you remember the first word you said?"

"Bird?"

"You saw one in a book and were learning to speak with your voice module. You said you wanted to see one. Since you aren't allowed outside, I made you one."

"You made a bird for me father?" Zane smiled.

"I made a bird for you." He pressed a small button with the tip of his pen and the bird came to life.

Zane beamed. He'd only seen still pictures of birds before.

"Oh, father. It's wonderful." Zanes eyes followed the mechanical bird as it flew around the room.