Masters and Monsters; a Ninjago High School story (ON HOLD)

Operation: Control

Zane's POV

"Whatever you do, DO NOT ENGAGE!!"

"Oh come on, E, that's one thing I can't do"

"Would you two SHUT UP?! Our mission is to steal the mask, not fight over what to do." I yelled over the intercom. I sighed, "Okay, they'll be leaving in three.... two..... one.... ENGAGE!!"

I watched the computer screen as E and Cryptor tackled the guards. They were at the museum, trying to steal the Mask of Hatred, though they were- as usual- fighting instead. The mask was recently moved from the palace and it was our job to get a hold of it for Borg. Then he could finally help PIXAL. It's been a month now and she still hasn't moved. Not since the accident.......

I turned around to face the exoskeleton of my nindriod friend. It just stood there, completely still. The smile on her face, faded. Her beautiful voice, silent. The light in her eyes was still glowing, but it made no difference.

"Don't worry," I grabbed her hand, "We're gonna help you, PIX"

"OOooooooOOooOoooooOoOooooOooOOOooo" I heard over the intercom

I rolled my eyes, "Can you be quiet for 2 MINUTES CRYPTOR?!"

"Geez, calm down, Zane! Can I not ship you two?!" he replied, and although I couldn't see him, something told me he was smirking.

I murmured a "shut up" before turning back to my work. I watched carefully as E and Cryptor fought their way past the guards and eventually got to the mask. 

"Okay, be very careful not to-" I started but was interrupted by the sound of sirens. 

"CRYPTOR! SERIOUSLY?! YOU COULDN'T WAIT ANOTHER FIVE SECONDS FOR ME TO DISABLE THE ALARM?!!"

"Geez, calm down, Zane! I'm sure we can handle a few more guards!" he said as if it was nothing.

"A few? A FEW?! CRYPTOR THEY'RE SENDING THE ENTIRE POLICE FORCE!!" E yelled

"You two grab the mask, I'll slow them down" I said through the intercom

I quickly disabled the alarms and turned on the news. "Gayle Gossip here where an alarm guarding the Mask of Hatred has just been set off. The police are now driving to the scene-" 

I turned off the TV and raced to the computer, hacking into the police's communication.

"We should be approaching any minute now" the commissioner said

I responded in a strange voice, "Hi this is........ Tom. I'm a new recruit here at the museum and uh........ there was a...... um...... bug... yeah a bug, and it flew into the mask, making the alarm go off. I took care of it though, so you can uh.... turn around now."

"A bug huh?" the commissioner asked suspiciously. "....................... I completely understand, Tom! It's happened before so don't you worry! We'll tun around."

I turned off the communicator and turned back to the computer screen. "Okay, they're gone now."

..........

"E?"

...........

"Cryptor?"

............

"GUYS?!"

...............

"WHERE THE HECK ARE Y-"

"Shut it, tin can, we're right behind you"

I turn around and see Cryptor and E holding the Mask of Hatred. I put my hand over my robotic heart and sigh, "Oh thank goodness"

"You know," E said, taking off his helmet, "you really need to stop worrying so much"

"Echo's right," Cryptor joined in, "we may have a tendency to fight, but that doesn't mean we won't work our butts off to help." He put a hand on my shoulder, "We all care for her and if this mask thingy'll help, then it's worth every bit of effort to get it to her."

I smiled. The three of us didn't always get along, but I trusted them. We were like brothers. Just then Borg walked in.

"Did you get the mask?" he asked us. We all nodded and Echo handed it to him. "Thank you" he smiled before turning to PIXAL as Cryptor, Echo and I sat down and waited.

And waited.

And waited.

And waited some more.

Seriously how long was this gonna ta-

"Alright, boys." I looked over and saw Cyrus Borg rolling in his wheelchair to us. "She should wake up in a few hours. Until then, I'd recommend getting some rest." 

We all nodded. Echo and Cryptor walked to their rooms but I just sat there. The thought of PIXAL being hurt wouldn't stop bothering me. Guilt, echoing in my head. You could've saved her. She'd still be online if it wasn't for you. The accident..... it was all my fault.

"Zane," I was snapped out of my thoughts by Cyrus Borg's concerned voice, "You can go see her if you'd like."

I perked up, "Really?"

"Of course." He smiled.

Without hesitation, I went to see her. Even if she still couldn't respond, I knew she'd be here soon. But when I walked into the room, I didn't see anything. It was pitch black. The only noise you could hear was the quiet buzz of Borg's tech. "PIXAL?" I said nervously into the empty room. "Zane" a soft whisper spoke to me. I stepped into the room more, before the door slam shut behind me. "PIXAL? PIXAL WHERE ARE YOU?!" I shouted. 

"Zane." the voice said again "What's going on?!" I shouted

"ssssshhhhh"  

"DON'T SHUSH ME!" 

"Are you mad?" "Am I mad? WHAT KINDA QUESTION IS THAT?!" 

"Are you mad? Angry? Upset even?" "No I- well......." "So you are upset?" "I...uh....I guess" "Go on....." "You see, there's this girl-" I stopped myslef, "My uh.... friend, PIXAL. She got hurt a-a-and.." Oh why was I built with the ability to cry?! 

"sssshhh, it's okay. I can help you" "what're you talking about?" "Join me" "You?! I don't even know who you are!" "Oh, but you do" A figure steps out of the shadows. I gasp. How was this possible?! She wasn't supposed to wake up for hours! 

"PIXAL?! H-how are you-" she placed her finger on my lips "Sshh. I want you to trust me, Zane. The Mask of Hatred gave me this and I want you to be a part of it. Join me" She held out her hand.

I stared into her eyes, the green glow faded into a deep red. "I-I don't know... I mean, what'll I tell Cryptor, Borg and Echo?" 

"Don't worry," she smiled, "That'll all be taken care of. Now, will you join me?"

I hesitated, "I'm still not sure. See -" I was cut off when she placed her lips on mine. I felt a heavy wave of heat flow through my circuits as a deep blush covered my face.

She moved away and held out her hand again. "Please?" I thought for a moment before placing my hand in hers. 

Almost immediately, she pulled me into the shadows. The last thing I remember before blacking out was her voice saying, "Welcome to the dark side, Zane"