Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Kai woke up, feeling lightheaded. 

He blinked, trying to make sense of his surroundings. Where was he? As his vision came back to him, Kai was surprised to see that there was nothing. 

No, that wasn’t right. There was something - if space could be counted as such. Kai remembered when he and the Ninja had traveled in a rocketship. Back then, they’d been preoccupied with retrieving the Golden Weapons, and getting back to Ninjago. It wasn’t the time to be appreciating the beauty of outer space.

But now, Kai had all the time in the world.

He laid there, mesmerized by the sight of twinkling stars and traveling comets. Kai didn’t know if he was dead, or alive. If this was the Departed Realm, or some other dimension. But he was grateful for the opportunity to just rest.

There was no sense of time. Not a sun that rises and sets, nor a moon that changes with each passing day. Only Kai, and a beautiful, shifting universe.

As he continued gazing at the celestial cosmos, Kai noticed a single comet. This wouldn’t have been strange - if the comet wasn’t hurtling right towards him. 

Kai scrambled up onto his feet, distancing himself from the crash site.

While he had seen plenty of odd things as a Ninja, this was something else entirely. What Kai thought was a comet, was actually a large ball of fire. Despite himself, he drew nearer.

The flames weren’t hot, like regular fire. They felt pleasant, inviting, beckoning him to come closer. This strange sense of familiarity made him pause. 

An ache in Kai’s heart continued pulling him forward. Wrestling with the decision of whether or not to keep going, Kai decided to venture forth. He hoped that he made the right choice.

Kai stared up at the flaming orb. Its size and radiance made him think of a small sun. He raised a hand, cautiously anticipating it to be burned. Instead, the fire embraced him. He closed his eyes, basking in the warmth. When Kai opened them, he couldn’t believe what he saw.

Shining plumage in shades of red, yellow, black, white, and blue. A regal presence that inspired awe and wonder within its viewers. 

But the most striking detail of all, were the ethereal flames that drifted off its body. 

Kai knew who this was. “You’re…” A legend. A myth. A bedtime story that he and Nya grew up listening to. “... The Phoenix!”

A bird that appeared in stories, but never in real life. He’d met dragons, Serpentine, uncovered lost ruins and their inhabitants - but this experience surely topped all of them.

Kai was still in shock, when the sudden appearance of a voice in his head startled him. 

“Welcome, Master of Fire.” Although the Phoenix hadn’t opened its mouth, Kai understood from the incline of its head that it was them who was talking. Its gaze was focused intently on Kai, assessing his reaction.

He hurried to bow, beads of anxious sweat gathering on his forehead. Kai looked up when he heard soft laughter, the Phoenix covering its beak with a wing. 

“Please, no bowing. We are both equals here.” The Phoenix lowered its appendage, to resume gazing at Kai. 

Despite the reassurance from the being before him, Kai was nervous. He straightened his back, trying not to stutter, “But how can we be equals? You’re the legendary fire bird! And I’m - I’m just a human.”

The Phoenix tilted its head. “Are you not Kai, Master of Fire? Re-forger of the Golden Weapons? And protector of the Green Ninja?” 

With every word the Phoenix spoke, Kai felt clarity. The haze he’d fallen under, when awakening in this dimension, was broken. 

Kai clenched his fists, glaring down at his feet. He remembered now.

“Was it you? The reason why I didn’t freak out when I first woke up?” Kai lifted his head to look at the Phoenix. Whatever anxiety he felt before was gone. The only thing he could feel now was anger. 

“Indeed.” The Phoenix lowered itself, so that it could be face to face with Kai. “Are you displeased? I thought it prudent to let you adjust first, without the burden of your death overwhelming you.”

Kai shook his head, forcing himself to relax. “No, no I’m not. At least, not at you anyway. I’m mad at myself.” He paused. “Please don’t make me forget. I need those memories. I need to know that I failed.”

When Jay was turned into a crystal zombie protecting Nya, that left the three of them to deal with the Overlord alone. They’d unlocked their Dragon forms, but it was no use. Without lightning, there could be no Elements of Creation.

But Kai’s greatest failure was - “Lloyd! I couldn’t save him from the Overlord!” He crouched, gripping his shoulders. “Why?! Why did any of this have to happen?!”

Even with his eyes closed, Kai noticed the shadow that fell over him. If earlier the flames invited him closer, the Phoenix’s embrace reminded Kai of his family, his friends, and all that he had now lost. What began as a few droplets on his cheeks, soon turned into a downpour.

Kai cried, without anyone to stop him. The Phoenix continued hugging Kai, shielding him within its wings. Eventually, he wiped his eyes and stood up, exhausted. 

“Thank you, for letting me cry.” Kai felt his face heat up in embarrassment, realizing he’d just unloaded his emotional baggage on an ancient being.

“It is only natural to feel such. You did the best that you could, given your circumstances.” The Phoenix nuzzled Kai, and he laughed, running his hands through the soft feathers. 

“Did I? I sacrificed myself to give the others time…” He winced, remembering the pain of overloading his elemental power. Kai could still hear the Overlord’s screams. “But who will be the new Master of Fire? And without Jay…”  

The Phoenix drew itself up to its original height, gazing down at Kai again. “What would you do if you could change it all?”

“Huh?” Kai blinked, not understanding. 

The Phoenix gestured at the space around them. “This is my domain. From here, I have laid dormant, observing the Realms. The struggles of beings within them, their love and anger, stagnation and growth…” The Phoenix turned, its back facing Kai. “I have seen it all, without intervening. For this is the universe I have created.”

Kai was astonished by what he heard. “You created the Realms?” He didn’t remember that in the bedtime stories.

The Phoenix returned to its previous position, nodding. “In the beginning, there was nothing. Then, I came into existence, and from me, the first Realm. Thereafter, I chose to seal myself away. I knew that change could not be possible without the freedom to grow.”

He tried to make sense of it all, analyzing the bits and pieces of information he was given. Kai focused on one thing in particular. “The Realm of Oni and Dragons? That was you? But why would you create the Oni?!” 

How could such a wise and eminent being, create monsters like the Oni? 

Kai felt the weight of the Phoenix’s wing, ruffling his hair. The Phoenix shook its head, and Kai imagined it was reproaching him. 

“Master of Fire, did I say that? I merely created the Realm, and the Dragons and Oni came after. I had no hand in their creation, although they inherited my powers of Creation and Destruction. Even the Oni are beings with the freedom to choose. Have you forgotten?”

With that reminder, Kai recalled the people in his life. Lloyd, who despite his origins, became a hero. Garmadon, who even after his revival, loved his son. The First Spinjitzu Master. And Mystake, a pureblooded Oni, who chose to betray her own kind.

Kai was ashamed of his quick judgment. But - “Why are you telling me this?”

The Phoenix prompted Kai to look up, and he followed its instructions. As they admired the stars, Kai received an answer. “See this, Kai. See how light can exist even within darkness. They are not separate. There is no Balance, because it does not exist.”

Was this real? Was what he learned as a Ninja wrong? Kai held his head in his hands, frustrated.

“Balance between light and dark does not exist. This assumes they must be separate from each other, white and black. Why not gray instead?” Kai dropped his hands, listening to the Phoenix as it continued.

“Another way to put this is that nobody can do good, until someone does something bad. But this brings up an interesting point. It means that nobody is choosing anything – we are all controlled by the previous actions that have already been done. You can only do what the universe is out of balance about... And if that is the case, then once we reach a state of equilibrium, then nothing is ever chosen again.”

While Kai was still confused, he gradually understood what the Phoenix was saying. The Overlord was pure evil, and supposedly, a part of the Balance. Because of this, he could never truly be destroyed, only lying dormant, until the next time he arose. But why should this be so?

“I think I get it…” Kai slowly verbalized his thoughts. “... You kept referring to light and dark, but not good and evil. Well, you did mention good and bad choices, but not good and evil.”

“You are starting to understand, Master of Fire.” Kai had the feeling that the Phoenix was proud of him. “Light and dark are not inherently good or evil.”

Throughout this speech, Kai felt the stirrings of hope within his heart. “So the Overlord can be destroyed? Once and for all?”

“Indeed. The Overlord was never a part of the Balance at all. He was a result of the First Spinjitzu Master creating the land of Ninjago. And who balances the Overlord? The First Spinjitzu Master? Even he was a flawed being.”

Kai wanted to object, but the Phoenix told him the story of a girl named Nineko. Of how the First Spinjitzu Master had accused her of stealing from him. Of how he drove her onto the path of vengeance, after abandoning her.

Master Wu had never told the Ninja this story. Then again, Master Wu didn’t tell them a lot of things. 

Kai felt troubled, trying to reconcile the image of Ninjago’s legendary creator, with the flawed man he actually was.

“It is not wrong to believe in the First Spinjitzu Master. Without him, Ninjago wouldn’t have existed. Without Ninjago, you, and all of your friends, would not have existed. But neither is it wrong to question some of his actions.”

He nodded, agreeing with this line of thought. 

The Phoenix lowered its head, peering into Kai’s eyes. “Will you help me, Master of Fire? To change the past, for a better future?”

Kai felt the flames in his heart grow stronger. Still, he hesitated, uncertain. “Why me?”

“It has to be you, Kai. I was born in heat and fire, and fire is the element I will return to. You are the Master of Fire, and the only one worthy of being my emissary.”

A lifetime ago, he would have been ecstatic to be the “chosen one”. But now, forged through battles and loss, Kai knew the weight of responsibility.

“What will happen if I accept your offer?” Garmadon, Krux, and Acronix had shown Kai the dangers of messing with time.

“Although you will not exist alongside another version of yourself, traveling back to the past still has consequences. There will be ripples I can not account for.”

Kai was worried after hearing this last message. “Can’t we get help from the past version of you?”

“I am everything that was, is, and will be. There is no past version of me, for I exist alone.”

He took a deep breath in, then let it out. Kai knew what choice he’d make.

“Ninja never quit, right?”

Chapter Text

In a hospital ward of Ninjago City, cries emerged from a newborn, as the baby was shushed by an exhausted mother. Nevertheless, the ordeal of childbirth could not dampen the joy of becoming a parent for Maya Smith.

Her husband, Ray, stood beside her, as they gazed fondly upon the new member of their family. “Kaiko, our beautiful daughter…”

The proud parents and medical staff watched over the baby, never knowing that they weren’t alone.

Kai observed incredulously, as the newborn was washed and fussed over.

When he opened his eyes again, he found himself standing in a hospital room. At first, he thought there was a mistake. However, Kai quickly recognized the woman lying in bed, and the man beside her: his parents.

“W-why am I a girl?!” Kai exclaimed, forgetting that he wasn’t the only one present.

He covered his mouth, afraid of the reactions to his sudden outburst. Yet, no one turned in his direction. Not even a glance. It was as if he was… a ghost.

Kai panicked, thinking something had gone wrong. Didn’t the Phoenix say there weren't supposed to be two of him? And why wasn’t anyone reacting to a random person appearing out of thin air?!

He looked down at his hands, startled to find that they were glowing red. In fact, all of his body seemed to have a reddish tinge around it.

“Calm yourself, Master of Fire.” A voice, that Kai was coming to associate with comfort, resounded in his mind. “You are safe.”

“Where are we?” Kai had too many questions to ask, but he decided to start with the easiest one.

The Phoenix paused, taking a moment to examine their surroundings. “We are in the maternity ward of Ninjago City Hospital. Your mother, Maya Smith, has just given birth to you.”

Rather than calming down like the Phoenix had expected, Kai appeared to panic further. “If that’s really me, who am I then? WHAT am I?”

The Phoenix within the fire Ninja’s mind felt his fear and apprehension. It spoke quickly, hoping to assuage the latter’s distress. “I did not lie, Master of Fire. If you close your eyes, and expand your consciousness, you can feel the thread that connects you to yourself.”

Kai, with no other options, decided to follow the Phoenix’s instructions. The hospital room was blanketed by a shroud of darkness, the only light coming from Kai’s glowing figure. He tilted his head downwards, spying a thin string of light that connected to another light source. The light was soft and barely visible, contrasting with his bright and otherworldly glow.

When he opened his eyes, Kai saw where the thread connected: the baby in his mother’s arms.

“B-but how? How is this possible?” Now that he could see the string connecting both of them, Kai approached his younger self. He knew babies had poor eyesight, and yet Kai swore that the newborn turned her head in his direction.

“Your soul has been transported to the past. Rather than a ghost, you have a body and you are not deceased. However,” the Phoenix explained carefully, “The soul carries your identity and consciousness. The memories you have made in two decades of life would be overwhelming for a baby’s brain. As such, I have seen it fit to separate your soul into parts. As your body grows, one day, it will be able to accept your entire being.”

Kai felt an instant wave of relief, hearing that he wasn’t a ghost after all. He wouldn’t fade away, and he could stay in Ninjago.

“Then… Why am I a girl? And why can no one see me if I’m not a ghost?” Kai looked around at the hospital room’s occupants, as if to emphasize his question.

“Only a select few individuals are capable of perceiving souls, such as the sons of the First Spinjitzu Master.” The Phoenix allowed Kai to process this information, before continuing. “As to why you have been born biologically female… perhaps this is one of the ripples our time travel has caused.”

Kai shook his head, at a loss for words. While he knew that things would be different, he didn’t expect such a drastic change at the start.

“Are you ashamed of being born female?” The Phoenix asked Kai. Its question was posed innocently, with no hint of malice in its tone.

“What? No! I’m just… surprised, I guess.” Kai thought of his sister, Skylor, P.I.X.A.L, and so many other women he had met on his adventures as a Ninja. “There’s nothing wrong with being a girl. I just never thought I’d become one.”

Kai would always be the Red Ninja, no matter what his gender was. Whether he was a man, woman, neither, or both, Kai was the Master of Fire.

“Just as there is no Balance in the universe, there are not only two genders. You are not limited by the biological sex you were born with, Kai.”

He nodded, agreeing with the Phoenix, although he already knew this. Growing up in a rural village like Ignacia, Kai and Nya had yet to be exposed to the great diversity of Ninjago. There were so many genders, sexualities, and identities - all of them valid. Kai was far from being “straight as an arrow” himself.

“As long as I look good, who cares what gender I am?” Kai chuckled. “I’m more concerned about the extra weight on my chest, and stuff like… periods.” He shuddered, remembering when that certain time of month came around for Nya.

Kai adopted a serious expression, as he questioned the Phoenix what to do next. “How much time do we have before I’m a little kid again?”

“By my estimation, you have around five years until your body and soul become one.” The Phoenix fell silent for a moment, worrying Kai, before it spoke up again. “My dear host, how would you feel about procuring an ally?”

“You mean someone to help me deal with all this time travel stuff?” Kai considered this. He needed someone wise, and who’d have years of experience like his enemies. “Who?”

“A certain tea shop owner in Jamanakai Village perhaps.”

Chapter Text

Kai stayed in the hospital for another day.

As silly as it was to admit, he wanted to make sure his parents were safe. After all, his birth meant that his father would no longer be the Master of Fire. And his mother, as strong as she was, remained bedridden due to the aftereffects of pregnancy.

Kai trailed after his father, making sure no one followed them. Although he couldn’t be seen or heard, Kai discovered that given enough focus, he could affect his physical surroundings. 

While his mother was tended to by hospital staff, Kai’s father traveled alone. Whether it was preparing food for his wife, or getting extra blankets and pillows, Ray played the part of a dutiful husband. 

At times like these, Kai gave his parents much needed privacy. Still, he would remain outside their hospital room, guarding the door.

It was only after a day had passed that the couple were ready to be discharged. 

Kai watched his parents as they coordinated with hospital staff to pack their belongings. A baby seat had been installed in Ray’s car, ready to be used. While his younger self was being safely tucked in, Kai slipped into the backseat unnoticed. 

His parents bid the nurses and doctors goodbye, and then they were off. 

Kai observed the passing streets of Ninjago City, overwhelmed by nostalgia. This was the city before every calamity and disaster in his life – the Great Devourer, the Overlord, Garmadon. It was a city that didn’t need the Ninja… at least, not yet. 

After some time, Kai’s family arrived in Ignacia. If the sights and sounds of Ninjago City were nostalgic, seeing Ignacia almost made Kai tear up. The friendly neighbors, farmers tending to their fields, tiled roofs and traditional architecture – Kai had missed this. 

It was the reason he was a Ninja: to protect his family, to protect his friends, and to protect the people of Ninjago. 

While Ray unbuckled baby Kaiko, and helped his wife disembark, Kai explored their home, seeing what had changed in the years afterward. For starters, there was no sign outside the shop advertising the Four Weapons Blacksmith.

“That is because your father added that sign, only upon receiving the map to the Golden Weapons from Master Wu.”

Kai jumped, startled to hear the Phoenix’s voice after a long period of silence in the car. “Woah, warn me next time you do that!” He frantically spun around, trying to pinpoint the fire bird’s location, then slapped his forehead, remembering that wouldn’t be possible. 

“I’m still not used to talking to someone who isn’t physically there.” Kai shook his head, embarrassed.

“Perhaps you can try thinking in your mind instead?” The Phoenix suggested. 

Kai thought, Yeah, I can try that!

“Very good, Master of Fire. This will surely be useful when you need to talk to me without alerting others.” Kai grinned, happy with the Phoenix’s praise. 

Actually , can I run something by you? It was difficult for Kai to ask his next question, even if he knew the Phoenix wouldn’t judge him for it. Can I… give you a nickname? 

The Phoenix laughed, not expecting such an inquiry. “Go ahead, my child.”

I think I’ll call you… Feng!

“How wonderful! Then Feng I shall be.”

Kai walked around Ignacia, refamiliarizing himself. 

In a big metropolis like Ninjago City, it wasn’t uncommon to find orphanages, group homes, and similar institutions for the care of parentless children. But in his and Nya’s case, instead of being sent to one of these facilities, they were cared for by various villagers. 

Some of the more superstitious residents believed it was the work of evil forces. In the end, they couldn’t have known that what happened to Ray and Maya was because of a man, not a monster. 

A case worker from the city would regularly check in on their wellbeing. This continued until Kai was 14, old enough to start working and taking responsibility for himself and Nya. Of course, they never stopped receiving support from those around them. 

When Kai enrolled in a vocational high school in Ninjago City to learn blacksmithing, Nya attended a middle school alongside him. While the smaller school in Ignacia did its best job teaching its students academics, it couldn’t compare to the resources of the city.

Kai and Nya lived alone, but they would regularly have visits from those who had taken care of them – making sure they were eating well, keeping their home clean, and not falling behind in their studies. 

Walking around the village, Kai spotted everyone who had helped the two orphans: someone who taught Nya how to cook, one who taught them how to wash their clothes, another who showed them how to manage finances… Suffice to say, the pair of siblings owed a lot to the villagers of Ignacia. 

Kai continued his trip down memory lane, until he saw a truck that was preparing to leave. He eavesdropped on the driver, who was having a conversation with the person seated next to them. It turns out they were heading to Jamanakai Village – exactly where Kai needed to be. So Kai jumped over the tailgate, and settled himself into the cargo bed for a long ride.

As the wind whipped past his ears, and the road shook beneath him, Kai closed his eyes to speak with his mental companion. Hey Feng, are you there?

If a bird could smirk, Kai swears that Feng was doing it. “I am always here, Master of Fire.” In a more serious tone, the Phoenix asked, “What do you require of me?”

Well, I was just wondering… we should probably come up with a game plan, right? Kai had only heard some things about Mystake from Skylor and the other Ninja. Yet, the bits he knew about her cemented Mystake as a powerful Oni in his mind. This is an Oni so powerful, it took the literal son of the First Spinjitzu Master to take her down!

“I would not be so concerned, Kai.” Feng reassured him. “My only advice to you is that you be honest with her about your circumstances.”

Kai was flabbergasted. That’s it? Just… be honest with her?  

“No matter what happens, I believe she will be able to see what drew me to you.”

Kai smiled, feeling his cheeks flush. Thanks Feng. I’m glad you’re here. With those parting words, Kai drifted off into an easy sleep. 

A cold breeze awakened Kai from his impromptu nap. 

He shivered, rubbing his arms, as he surveyed the snowy surroundings. Evidently, the truck driver and the truck’s passenger had already left for the village. Kai decided he should get moving as well.

Kai stood up, stretching, before hopping off the truck. He made his way towards the aerial lift going up the mountain, seeing some people about to get on. He squeezed his way inside the cabin, careful to avoid the closing doors. 

As he watched the base of the mountain grow smaller and smaller, Kai thought about what he was going to say to Mystake. 

Feng told Kai to be honest. That, however, is easier said than done. Kai had a tendency to… exacerbate things. He wasn’t great at being vulnerable, with himself or others. So rather than confront his feelings, he’d rather throw himself head first into problems, tackling enemies instead of emotions. 

Could he tell Mystake that he failed Lloyd? Failed in his duty to protect Ninjago? And what about all of his other blunders? Letting the Ninja’s past foes escape from prison, and form the Council of the Crystal King? Allowing the Overlord to regain his power? 

Kai sighed, feeling a headache coming on. He really didn’t want to have this conversation… but he also couldn’t do everything by himself.

After a few minutes, the lift stopped at the side of the mountain where Jamanakai Village was located. Kai got off with the other passengers, following them into the village square, before they dispersed to various shops or houses. 

Meanwhile, Kai located the nondescript building tucked away in a corner, hidden behind the shadow of a tree – the only indication of its purpose being the teapot sign above the entrance.

Steeling himself, Kai prepared to open the door, before pausing as he suddenly realized something. Uh, Feng, is Mystake even able to see me?

The fire bird chittered, lightly admonishing Kai. “ My dear host, would I have directed you here otherwise?”

Kai rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. Yeah, you’re right! Sorry for asking. He let his hand fall to the side, taking a deep breath. Here goes nothing!

Pushing the door open, Kai heard the soft jingle of a bell announce his arrival. He was hit by the earthy scents and sweet aromas of various tea ingredients. 

Kai lingered at the threshold, taking in the cozy interior and cluttered shelves of the tea shop. He made his way to the counter, seeing it unoccupied. Kai heard muffled sounds from the back, as an old woman appeared from behind a shelf. “Apologies for the wait, valued customer. What can I -” Mystake looked up from the teapot she was polishing, nearly dropping it in shock. “A soul?!”

Unsure of what to do at this point, Kai awkwardly raised a hand to greet the Oni. “Um, it’s nice to meet you? My name’s Kai.”

Mystake snorted, setting the teapot down on the counter with a loud thump. “Charming.” She quickly hurried to the entrance, grabbing a Closed sign to hang outside on the doorknob. “Well, don’t just stand there like an idiot! Follow me - and don’t touch anything!”

Kai snatched his hand away from the shelf sheepishly. 

After following Mystake to the back of the shop, they made their way upstairs to her living quarters. Kai was very sternly told to stay put at a dining table, while Mystake made a new batch of tea. Setting two cups down, Mystake took a sip of her own drink, before gazing intensely at Kai. “What are you?”

The strange question caused Kai to choke on his tea. Coughing, he stuttered out a response. “P-pardon?”

Placing her cup down on the table, Mystake folded her hands and rested her chin on them, leaning forwards. “I said, what are you?” She looked Kai up and down, her eyes never losing their intensity. “A wayward soul arrives on my front doorstep, and that is not even the strangest thing about him.”

Getting up, she makes her way around the table to Kai. He feels the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, as Mystake bends forward to look him in the eye. “Why do you have the element of Fire - when its Master should be in the village of Ignacia?”

Eager to put space between him and Mystake, Kai pushes his chair back. The sound it makes as it drags on the floor is enough to snap Kai back into focus. He clutches the edges of the chair in a white knuckled grip as he blurts out, “He’s my father!”

“What?!” Mystake steps back in shock. “That’s not possible! Unless -” She surges forward, grabbing onto Kai’s shoulders. “Did you tamper with the order of time?!”

Shutting his eyes, Kai shakes his head desperately. “No! I mean, yes! I don’t know!” Why is this so hard?!

“Summon me, Kai!” Feng’s voice broke through his fear induced panic. “Summon your fire!”

Mystake snatched her hands back, as she felt Kai’s body rapidly heat up. She jumped back in surprise as the young man burst into flames. Quickly, the flames rose up, coalescing into the form of a bird. With a sudden blast of air, the flames disappeared, leaving behind the resplendent figure of the Phoenix. 

Unable to believe what she was seeing, Mystake gasped. “It can’t be!” She was old enough to remember days gone by, where she and her fellow Oni prayed to their god, the fire bird of Destruction. “The Phoenix!”

Mystake fell to the floor, bowing her head in deference. 

“Rise, child of the First Realm.” Mystake heard a voice in her mind, one that was both gentle and imposing. “ You have much to learn about the future, as my host will enlighten you.”

She rose up on shaky legs, scarcely able to comprehend what was happening. Kai wasn’t much better, panting from the exertion of summoning Feng. 

“You did well, Kai.” The towering figure of the Phoenix lowered its head from the ceiling to nuzzle him. “I promise you it will become easier.”

Kai smiled, proud of himself despite the circumstances. “Thanks, Feng.” Seeing as Mystake knew his big secret now, he didn’t feel the need to hide his bond with the Phoenix.

“What is the meaning of this?” Mystake was dumbfounded. She had thought (foolishly it seems now) that not much could surprise someone as old as her. And yet, in the span of less than an hour, this boy had changed her entire worldview.

Kai sighed, running his hand through his hair. “It’s… a long story. Like, I’m saying about 15 seasons of a TV show or something.” 

Mystake huffed, somehow amused by the young man’s words.

“You had better start talking then.”