Chapter Text
“So, you’re the son of a demon and a princess?” Kai asks, staring up at the ceiling. He can feel the heat radiating off the other person beside him. It’s comforting knowing that he’s not the only person who’s struggled with a raging fire inside one’s body.
“Yes, although my mother is more of a warrior.” Redson shifts to his side, fiery locks falling into his eyes. “What about your family? Surely, you must have fire demon ancestry coursing through your veins?”
“Nope, just elemental powers. My father was the master of fire and my mother was the master of water. It’s how my little sister got her powers.”
“Ah, the black haired girl, right?”
Kai nods, glancing over to him. “She’s pretty feisty for having such a calm element. Then again, she could create a giant tsunami and wipe us out if she wished, so maybe not that calm.”
A small smile crosses Redson’s lips and he glances down. “She sounds like another dark haired girl I know.”
“Mei, right? That’s what Mk called her.”
“Yes, she is very…scrappy and the most annoying person I know.” Red son sighs, pushing back his long hair. “I admire her courage though. Despite her occasional outbursts she’s quite enjoyable. Although, seeing her angry is an absolute pleasure when she’s abolishing foes.” he grins, pointed teeth showing.
“Sounds like Nya alright.” Kai glances over to the clock, frowning at the night. “It’s past midnight. Do you normally stay up this late?”
Redson turns to him, squinting.
“I mean, you’re a young teenager, right? You could use all the sleep you can get.”
“Fire brother, I am several thousand years old.”
“What?!” Kai’s eyes widen and he shoots up in bed, suddenly much more awake then he was two seconds ago. “I’m sorry, several thousand? You’re-you’re older than Master Wu and he’s literally ancient! He was here when time began nearly-“
Redson scoffs, shaking his head. “Ah, mere mortals and there poor concept of time. Monkey King is even older than me, living many lifetimes more than even I.” she looks back to the ceiling, watching the fan turn.
“I just can’t imagine living that long.” Kai whispers, leaning back. “I honestly didn’t think I’d make it this far. Eighteen feels like a major accomplishment.”
Frowning, Redson looks to the side, studying the red ninja. “You thought you’d die?”
Kai visibly flinches, watching the blades of the fan go around and around. “Yeah, I’ve experienced so much already, losing my parents, losing my powers, failing to protect my family over and over…I even nearly died in a bad car crash not too long ago. I’ve been so close to death, so many times and I have more scars than I can count.”
“Do they hurt?”
“…Sometimes. I feel like the lasting ones are in my head.”
Redson sighs, shutting his eyes. “Why do you do all this hero stuff, then?”
“Because, no one else will.”
“Obligation, then?”
“More like determination.” Kai chuckles quietly, pain leaking through his words. “I can’t give up now. I’ve put too much into this team already. I have to keep going for everyone’s sake.”
“You hero types are sure something.” Redson murmurs sleepily, not even opening his eyes when something warm and soft is pulled over him.
“Yeah, I like to think it’s all the hits to the head.”
“What a charming thought.”