Chapter Text
As soon as he returned from the lower world, Kai did not even believe that he was back in his world, or rather not quite in his own. But as soon as he turned his head, he saw the enemy rapidly approaching his sister. But he quickly turned in his direction. After which Kai said.
- Don't you dare touch my sister!
At the moment he spoke, he had already managed to take a fighting stance and the fire of his element was already burning in his hands, which warmed him so pleasantly. His eyes reflected hostility and determination towards his new opponent. Even if his enemy was strong, he would not give up so easily. And even if he did not yet fully understand the whole situation happening around him. The sight of his beaten and exhausted comrades said a lot.
And the eyes opposite changed their color from bluish to blood-red, and therefore a herd of goosebumps ran down the red ninja's back. After all, the aura emanating from him truly frightened the master of fire, but for the sake of his comrades, he would hide it as deep as possible in his soul.
And it was worth it for him to just stomp three times, thus activating Shutterspin. But Kai had seen this before entering the portal...
- Oh, I know that trick!
Using his spinjitzu, thereby activating the technique of the ascending dragon, after which he began to attack him. The others only watched the fight, hoping that Kai would be able to delay Nokt until Roby arrived. But until that time, he should dodge, but the enemy has several elements, while the red ninja only has one.
And he realized this only when Lloyd's magic flew at him. What the hell?! But before Kai had time to think, his opponent spoke.
- I have more elements at my disposal than anyone in this world!
But it only took Nokt a few seconds to make a bunch of his clones, which began to surround Kai.
- Argh, this is really annoying! I just got back!
This is the only thing the ninja managed to say before the enemy clones began to attack him. But the red ninja dexterously and gracefully, like a cat, dodged the attacks, sometimes still not having time.
Nokt, of course, was very interested in this. After all, during this stupid tournament, he did not meet a single worthy opponent. Did the heavens take pity on him and send him entertainment? And watching this ninja, who acts in such perfect unity with his element, quite smoothly and beautifully, as if he was in a dance.
Therefore, a member of the forbidden five clung to every movement, gesture and details of his appearance and more. Still, the guy in front of him was much more handsome than anyone present here. And his eyes, which glowed amber, shimmered beautifully from his element, that one could think that they glowed in the dark. He just wanted to look into them and drown in a wave of bliss.
Stop! What was he thinking about. He wanted to drown in this guy's eyes. It was so strange. But at the same time it impressed him, because he experienced this for the first time in his life.
But pushing all thoughts away, he instantly dispelled his clones and openly attacked the ninja. But he again managed to dodge, but before Kai could react in time, he was already pinned to the ground by Nokt's huge hand. And at that very hour, the Wildfire element ignited in his hand.
- The power of your own student will destroy you.
And now it seems he will meet his end, but the flame disappeared. Noct himself did not expect this, and, looking at the entrance, he saw Roby and Wyldfire standing there. Who, with the help of the cup, deprived him of all foreign elements. And after delivering a speech, they all returned to their rightful owners.
Realizing this, the guys tried to stop Nokt, but he just started running away to Rox and the rest of the five. And at the last moment, before they blocked the passage, he looked at Kai, this guy interested him too much. And this moment did not escape the gaze of his sister, who was smiling, although it was not visible under the mask. But she immediately realized that he liked fighting with him and they were finally able to interest him. But few people interested him, and here some guy could. Isn't that magic?
In the meantime, an attempt was made on Kai in the form of hugs. This is the first time in his memory, when someone threw themselves at him like that.
- Wow, wow, guys, you'll strangle me!
After this phrase, they left him alone, but not for long, since his sister, Nya, was already hugging him.
- I'm so glad you're back.
The girl was almost crying in her brother's arms.
- Wow, maybe you can tell me what happened here while I was in the lower world?
- We'll definitely tell you everything.
Kai looked at all his friends and saw Arin and some guy he didn't know helping Ras. No, he was surprised, of course. But he still went to help them.
The two guys, except for Ras, didn't even notice how the red ninja approached them. But at the moment when he picked up the wounded man so that it wouldn't hurt him so much to walk. The guys still saw him, Arin was incredibly happy to see Kai, because he was the only one who didn't lie and believed in him. And Roby immediately realized that this was the master of the fire element and looked at him with admiration, but came to his senses when he asked a question.
- And where should I take him?
- Oh, let's go, I'll take him.
A short dialogue, but something in the red ninja's voice alerted Ras. But he decided to remain silent for now, and now he was walking next to Kai. Ras could not even imagine that a ninja would ever help him. But this is not as important as the fact that the forbidden five are now free and no one knows when they will want to strike their first blow.
After ten minutes of walking, Roby finally showed where the infirmary is. And while Kai and Ras are there, he ran for the doctors. The ninja themselves went to their house to come up with a plan on how to find Jay. And Arin, instead of staying with them, decided to go to Kai.
He walked in complete silence, and now he is standing right in front of the entrance, but does not go in. Hesitating? No, he is afraid that Ras has said too much and Kai will be disappointed in him.
But his mental anguish was stopped by the door that opened, in the doorway of which was a red ninja, who looked at him a little surprised and confused.
- Arin, why are you standing there and not coming in?
- Well, I... I just came up, was about to open the door, and then you... And.. Hahaha... It was awkward.
Kai looked him over from head to toe and only sighed tiredly.
- You can't lie at all. But if you don't want to, you don't have to answer. And now come in.
And he obediently passed by and the first thing he saw was Ras lying on the bed. This picture really made him want to laugh. But Arin still hoped that Kai didn't know about anything.
- Arin?
When he was called, he flinched slightly. And looking at Kai, who gently placed his hand on him, he slowly calmed down.
- What's wrong?
- Are you okay?
- Me? Yes, of course.
The fire master only briefly looked at the patient and beckoned Arin with his finger, showing with such a gesture that they should move away from Ras. And Arin went, with fear and doubts, but he went.
And so they reached a more or less secluded place where they could talk without prying ears.
- Arin, sit down.
- I'll stand.
- Okay. Arin, what's gnawing at you? Tormenting your soul?
- What are you talking about?
- Arin, I'm not blind, I can see that something happened. And you're clearly nervous about it and it's like cats are scratching your soul.
- Maybe you're right.
After this phrase, Arin sat down on the bed, lowering his eyes to the floor. But he felt Kai sit down next to him. After a heavy breath, the boy laid his head on the older man's shoulder. And he, in turn, hugged the boy with one hand, and with the other began to stroke his hair. Let's say these were calming gestures from Kai that worked. And after a short period of time, Arin began his story. The red ninja simply listened to him, without interrupting, because he knows how important it is for a person to be heard and understood.
When the younger one finished, he expected Kai to reject him. Or to say that he was disappointed in him. But neither of these things happened. And instead, he was only pulled closer.
“Arin, well done for getting it out,” the fire master began to say. But he decided to take a short pause. After which he continued. “Now listen to me carefully.”
After that, Arin raised his slightly wet eyes to the older one, who reminded the younger one more of a caring mother than a ninja.
“You made your choice and no one. Listen, no one dares to reproach you for it. And if someone does this, then they are just a piece of shit and nothing more. Each of us makes mistakes, but we need to learn from them, and not poke at them. After all, if we do this, then we will simply create the one he was most afraid of becoming. But this is not what I want to convey to you. Arin, understand. You are an individual! And you choose your own path!” And you don't need the elements to prove anything to anyone. After all, you are you. And it doesn't matter what others think of you. No one can tell you who you become and what you should learn. Do you want to find your parents? The answer is obvious. You do. So if you want it, then go for it. Don't look at others. Listen only to yourself and what your heart tells you. After all, you are the only one who builds your destiny. And you are the one who can fulfill it. So just be yourself. Okay?
From such a lecture, tears welled up in the eyes of the younger one and, clinging to Kai with a bear hug, he began to roar. The red ninja is the only one to whom Arin can trust her mental anguish. And he is the one who will give advice, and will not reproach him for his choice. Maybe, no, that's for sure. Kai is the one who replaced his family, but he still wants to find his parents. Having calmed down a bit, the younger one felt tired in his body and began to fall into a drowsiness, which over time would become a full-fledged dream. And Kai was sitting next to him and simply hugging him, but then he saw that guy, Robi, in the window. He learned his name while they were going to the infirmary. But now he would not go to them, but would sit with Arin, whom he would later bring to their house. Roby also reported his location, since they passed by him when they went to the doctors.
They heard how several people entered the infirmary and they headed to Ras. But Kai did not care, because Arin was sleeping in his arms. Whom he carefully picked up in his arms and began to walk to the exit. Robi noticed him, but, seeing him sleeping, decided not to say anything.
***
The red ninja had already carried the younger one to their house, after which he knocked on the door, since his hands were busy. And Lloyd opened the door, already wanting to know who had come to them at such a late hour. But realizing that it was Kai who was carrying Arin in his arms, because the second one was sleeping, he silently let them in. Showing with his hand where the younger one was sleeping, the red ninja put him there, covering him with a blanket.
Immediately after that, Kai got up and headed for the exit. But he was stopped by the green ninja, who was so zealously trying to find out what had happened and where the red ninja was going, when it was already past midnight.
- Kai, where are you going?
He in turn turned his attention to Lloyd and answered briefly.
- To get some air.
After this phrase, the red ninja seemed to dissolve into thin air. But his fleeting shadow could be seen on the roof of the neighboring house. Seeing this, Lloyd stood in the passage for a while, looking in the direction where Kai had gone. And after that, he simply went to bed, because it was unlikely that anything would happen to the master of fire. At least, Lloyd hoped so.
***
And the fire ninja himself was calmly and slowly walking through the forest, which was located near the village of Temples. It was so quiet and calm around him, but only one thing was bothering Kai, the feeling as if someone was looking at him. Turning around, he saw nothing, but at that moment someone approached him from behind. But he managed to react and dodged the grab, but his opponent took advantage of this and fell on him with all his weight, knocking him to the ground. From the blow, Kai closed his eyes, which the unknown person took advantage of and put a blindfold on his eyes, fixing the red ninja's hands above his head. When this someone sat between Kai's legs, he wanted to attack him with his element, but he could not. Something did not allow him to do this.
Kai knew with all his gut that this "person?" did not want to hurt him. And the red ninja was used to trusting his intuition. After all, it had never let him down. But now Kai began to doubt.
And the stranger himself scorched the red ninja's face with his breath, which caused goosebumps to run through his body, which made the enemy grin.
Kai was one hundred percent sure that the stranger was smiling. He felt it, but why didn't the enemy do anything?
And then the fire master opened his mouth to ask a question, but he was shut up with a kiss. No, not rude. On the contrary, too gentle. And somewhat possessive. But despite the fact that this someone was studying Kai's mouth so proprietaryly. He was pleased. After all, before this, not a single girl he had kissed had been as gentle with him as this stranger. And although he didn't know who it was, he began to respond to the kiss hesitantly. Because of this, their tongues began to intertwine in a kind of dance of passion. And the red ninja didn't even try to dominate, which was very strange in his case. But Kai liked the way he was being dominated, which seemed even stranger to him. But he continued to respond to this stranger's kiss.
But oxygen is not eternal and in a minute they had to tear it apart. And breathing heavily, the stranger looked at the red guy under him for the last time. After which he left an almost weightless kiss on his lips and, taking with him the thing that fettered Kai's hands. He evaporated in the silence of the night.
The red ninja himself, raising himself on his elbows, took off the blindfold and began to look around. Seeing nothing, he put three fingers to his lips, still feeling a slight tingling on them, he broke into a small smile.
But remembering that it was late and they still had to return to the village of Temples. He got up from the ground and went back, thinking about that stranger, he was madly interested in who it was. If only he had turned around when he started his way back to the village, he would have seen the one standing in the very place where they had kissed.
Well, now the red ninja carefully and silently entered the house. And he was about to go to bed, when he noticed that Arin was sitting near his sleeping place, hunched over and quietly sobbing. Kai approached him as quietly as possible and put his hand on his shoulder. From this, the younger one jerked, immediately raising his head up, he saw Kai. And before the red ninja had time to say anything, Arin hugged him and threw him down on the sleeping place, still sobbing. The only thing that the red ninja considered reasonable in this situation was to simply hug the boy back, while covering them both with a blanket.
And so Kai lies with the younger one in an embrace, carefully sorting through his hair to calm him down. He feels how Arin's body begins to go limp and after a while he finally passes out. And the red ninja continues to sort and stroke the boy.
Still, Arin was right that Kai was like a caring mother who would calm and help in difficult times. Although this is not surprising, because he raised and took care of Nya first, and then Lloyd. And now he also takes care of Arina and Wyldfire, although Kai seems to like it.
And without noticing it, the red ninja began to fall into the kingdom of Morpheus. After all, too many events happened that day, but the most important thing is that he was able to return to his friends. But tomorrow he will need to talk to Arin about today's mini-hysteria. And now, perhaps for the first time in a long time, he will rest from all these battles and worries.
***
Morning was coming outside and the sunbeams, breaking through the thin curtains, fell on all the boys' eyes, forcing them to open theirs and greet the new day. To everyone's surprise, Kai was the first to get up, although he had been the last to go to bed. In fact, he himself was in shock now, but insomnia was starting to torment him again.
But sitting on the balcony, he was calmly sipping a mug of freshly brewed coffee. Before he could take even a sip, he heard the rustle of sheets behind him, turning one hundred and eighty degrees, he saw Arin, who had begun to yawn.
- Good morning.
Quietly, but so that the younger one could hear him, Kai said the first words of the day that had begun.
- Good, - Arin answered him sleepily, rubbing his eyes, - what time is it?
Kai glanced at the clock hanging on the wall opposite the balcony and answered:
- Five in the morning.
The younger boy gasped in surprise at this answer, since he usually got up at six or later, depending on when Lloyd could arrange their training.
- Arin.
Hearing his name, the boy turned his gaze to Kai, whose eyes showed concern.
- Kai, why are you worried? Why? - the boy asked himself in his thoughts, but he remembered the night when he woke up and wanted to go to the red ninja. But he was not there and, sitting down next to his sleeping bag, he began to cry. He simply had a nightmare with the participation of his parents. - Now I understand why he looks at me with such concern.
- What is Kai?
Arin answered him somehow even uncertainly.
- Do you want to talk about yesterday? - the younger boy was already ready to answer, when Kai blurted out. - You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. Just please, if you feel bad, come to me. I will help as much as I can.
Arin looked at him and, nodding meekly, said:
- Kai, let's go for a walk. I'll tell you everything there.
The red ninja nodded understandingly in response and went to take the mug to wash it. After all, he had already done all the morning procedures a long time ago. Arin went to the bathroom, after all, he needed to freshen up a little.
Time goes on and flows slowly, and life is like time, it is unknown when to stop.
About twenty minutes passed, and Kai was still patiently waiting for Arin near the exit of the building. Who knows why this boy began to break. To be more precise, not he himself, but his soul. And looking into the distance visible through the window, he was hovering in his thoughts. But his hearing is excellent. And he felt the approach to himself, looking to the side, he saw the one he was waiting for. And without a second's hesitation, they went out the door. Walking along the deserted streets of the village, they were simply silent. Kai did not want to pry the truth out, so he waited for the younger one to speak up. Arin himself was afraid to admit that he was crying because of a nightmare. After all, ninjas are not afraid of anything. Right? But he said that he would tell. And he had heard from Kai more than once that if you say something, then you must do it. And having plucked up his courage, he nevertheless began to speak.
“Kai,” he called the ninja quietly, almost in a whisper.
Hearing the young ninja's voice, he immediately turned all his attention to him. And maybe the fear was felt as a lump in his throat, but he would tell him everything. After all, he was one of the few people Arin would trust with the truth.
- In fact, I cried because I had a nightmare. And I was just scared.
- What exactly were you scared of? That we would take you for a coward or what happened in the nightmare?
- Everything. After all, ninjas are not afraid of anything.
- Hahahapha.
Arin looked at the guy in surprise from the laughter and he was already starting to think that Kai was laughing at his fear. But when the red ninja noticed a little sadness on the guy's face, he began to calm down.
- Arin, who told you such nonsense?
- Nonsense? But being a ninja means fighting terrible and strong enemies.
- First of all, being a ninja also means protecting ordinary citizens, not just fighting. Secondly, it is normal to be afraid, because accepting that you are afraid of something is a sign of strength.
The younger looked at Kai and his eyes finally saw the truth. Accepting your fears is strength, and not, as others claimed, that fear is weakness. Arin, almost his entire conscious life, was trying to hammer a lie into his head. But if it were not for the red ninja, Arin would not have understood this, at least now.
- And yet, Arin, what scared you so much in your dream?
The younger's eyes became a little faded and the enthusiasm that had come earlier now faded into the background.
- My parents. More precisely, their death.
After this phrase, Arin shook a little, and his eyes began to fill with tears. But then he was simply hugged, pressed closer to his chest, while stroking his head. Soothing gestures from Kai and just a person who was always honest with you are always the most pleasant.
- Arin, calm down. This is just a nightmare, we found your parents. If not today, then tomorrow. But remember, hope dies last.
He simply nodded in response, snuggling closer to the source of warmth, care and comfort.
- Arin.
Hearing his name, Arin raised his head and looked at Kai with a questioning look.
- Do you want to go to the one who promised to help find your parents, but is himself in the infirmary?
This question put the younger one at a loss on the one hand - he can discuss how they will help each other, and on the other - he is scared. But he was torn from his thoughts by the fact that Kai tousled his hair.
- Don't worry, I will be there.
Understanding that he will be there, Arin more or less subdued his fear. And they headed to the infirmary.
While they were walking there, and that was literally three minutes, the guys talked about various topics, without touching on the family. And here they are in front of the entrance and now Arin's heart is beating wildly. Kai simply walked up to him, thus showing that he was there and had not disappeared anywhere. Arin overcame his fear and opened the door.
And the first thing they saw was Robi, who was trying to give Ras some medicine. The second one flatly refused, saying that he felt great.
This scene caused Kai to burst into laughter, which Arin took over. After which Robi also began to laugh at the comical situation. And Ras was thinking about how to get out of here without anyone noticing.
After a couple of minutes, the three guys calmed down, but the aftertaste from laughter still remained. And now Roby makes another attempt to make Ras take his medicine. But he, like a stubborn ram, stood his ground.
- Wow, Ras, I thought you wanted to get out of here as soon as possible. But it turns out you don’t?
Rather, in such a jokingly friendly manner, Kai began his dialogue.
- Why such sudden conclusions?
Robi and Arin decided to just stand silently to the side, watching this picture.
- Then why don’t you want to take the medicine?
- Because I’m fine.
- Really? You don’t look it.
- Oh, shut up.
- But if you take the medicine, you’ll get better faster. Or do you really want to stay here?
- Argh... Okay, I’ll take these damn medicines.
- That’s good.
After that, Kai showed Roby that he could start working. Although the two who had previously observed this conversation, which was as if these two were old friends and were teasing each other.
- Okay, to be honest, we came because you promised to help Arin find his parents. So Roby and I will move a little further away so that you can talk. Is that okay?
Arin knew that Kai would not go far and would help even if necessary. But now, when he would talk face to face with Ras, who scared him terribly, he somehow felt uneasy. And some kind of unusual calm emanated from his interlocutor.
***
Meanwhile, Kai and Roby were standing at a distance from the two of them. They were not saying anything, they were looking into the distance. The weather was beautiful in the morning: the sun was shining brightly, but not so much that it was hot, a light breeze was swaying the branches of the trees.
The two of them were simply looking out the window, occasionally glancing at each other. But the silence should be broken, because it was on them. And Roby decided to be the first to break it, asking him briefly:
- Maybe some tea?
Looking at the boy, Kai only nodded his head slightly in response.
- What kind?
- Green with melissa.
- Then, I will be back soon. - and so he headed for the exit, but stopped and said briefly: - Thank you for helping me make him drink his medicine.
The boy only smiled in response, thus showing that he accepted the gratitude.
And so he goes out the door of the infirmary, leaving Kai alone and silent. And it was nice for the ears and the soul, to feel calm and peaceful. But he had this feeling that he was not alone here. It was like someone was looking at him, but he thought that maybe it was just paranoia.
And thinking about last night in the forest, Kai did not even notice how Roby returned and handed him a cup of tea.
Noticing that the red ninja was lost in his thoughts, the kid gently shook him. And only then did Kai notice his presence.
So as soon as he turned around, Robi immediately thrust a cup of tea into his hands.
- Thank you.
The kid smiled weakly at this, but decided to talk to Kai about something, because he did not really want to sit in silence.
- Kai.
Hearing his name, the red ninja looked at the kid.
- What is it?
- Why, did you come back from the forest yesterday all red?
- Let's say an unplanned date.
- I see.
- Do you want to talk about something else?
- About what?
- And what would you like to talk about?
- About love. Because lately I've started to notice such habits in myself, let's say.
- And who are you in love with?
- That's the problem, I haven't decided yet.
- You seem to like one person, but at the same time you're drawn to another?
- Yes. And I don't know how to deal with it.
- It's difficult. But you like one of them more.
- Yes, and it seems wrong to me, in relation to her.
- Can you tell me who you like.
- Wyldfire and...
- I'm not forcing you. If it's hard for you to say it, you don't have to.
- Ras...
- Well, at least you know them a little. After all, I fell in love with a guy I've never seen in person.
- That unplanned date?
- Yeah. So, who do you like more?
- To be honest, Ras.
- I don't see anything wrong with that, and he definitely treats you better than others. So maybe your feelings are mutual.
Roby laughed weakly in response. And leaning on his shoulder, he closed his eyes, thinking about Kai's words. And he felt how Kai put his arm around his shoulder and, putting the now empty cup on the table, began to comb through his hair with his other hand. Roby felt such a pleasant and cozy moment only with his father.
But their peaceful gathering was interrupted by the sounds of footsteps approaching them. Noticing this, Ras and Arin stopped in front of them. The first one, noticing that Kai was hugging Robi, growled weakly.
- Well, since you're done, then it's time for us, Arin, to go, otherwise the guys probably looked for us.
And getting up from his place, Kai grabbed Arin by the hand and they went to the exit, leaving Roby and Ras alone. Going out the door, Kai noticed that the kid was looking at him. And the red ninja gave him a thumbs up so that Robbie could take the first step.
***
Well, now the two guys had already moved away from the infirmary and were heading towards the house. Arin was walking not far from Kai, who looked too calm.
In fact, a fire was raging inside Kai, because he felt someone's gaze on him all the time. But he decided not to show it, because he did not want to disturb the guys.
But then they approached the house and before they had time to open the door, it swung open in front of them, and Sora was standing on the threshold, looking at them with incomprehension. And just as she wanted to say something, Lloyd appeared and looked at them angrily.
- Where have you been? We already thought that you had disappeared.
- We were in the infirmary, checking on Rasa.
After that, Kai led Arin into the house, leading him to the kitchen.
- And now, with your permission, Arin and I will go eat.
And just as Lloyd wanted to say something, the guys were gone.
And they just sat in the kitchen and waited for the kettle to boil.