Chibijago! Kai's Number One Fan

Theme Ten: Kai's Number One Fan

"It's getting harder and harder to find you all. You do know that don'tcha?" The Mailman said exasperatedly while tapping his fist against his lower back in an attempt to alleviate a nagging ache.

All five Ninja were gathered on the Bounty's deck going through some morning aesthetics before training when they saw the Mailman peddling hurriedly to catch up them on his flying bicycle. He now stood before them clearly winded and irritable with five letters in his hand, each of them a different color.

The Ninja didn't try to explain their nomadic habits, only waited patiently with grins in place for the Mailman to compose himself.

Sniffing indignantly, the Mailman adjusted his glasses and stroked his gray beard shrewdly. "Now let's see here… Zane from Ayane," he began, handing a glossy golden envelope over to Ninjago's one and only nindroid. The ice ninja took it gratefully with a soft smile, and noticed that it had been sealed with a white wolf head emblem.

"Jay from Nya…" Jay eagerly plucked the royal violet envelope from the Mailman's hand, his eyes gleaming as he peered at the deep blue eagle head emblem.

"Cole from Sasha…" The Leader of the Ninja stepped forward and removed the sea-shaded envelope from the Mailman's hand with careful consideration. He smiled earnestly at the black dragon head emblem.

"Lloyd from Dominique…" Lloyd frowned and stretched out a trembling hand to retrieve the envelope imbued with the relaxing color of a spring sunset. A scarlet blush instantly filled his cheeks as soon as he touched the edges of the slim sachet, and he stared with wonder and hope at the emerald green phoenix emblem.

Kai blinked at his clansmen as they held their special letters from their loved ones. He turned to the Mailman with a frown. "Where's mine—"

"And Kai gets another fan letter," The Mailman finished promptly, nearly blinding the red ninja as he thrust the ordinary white envelope in his face. Kai snatched it belligerently, if only to remove the obstruction from his view.

"Wait. Are you sure that's it?" He beseeched the aged courier desperately. "I mean, this is the first time the Kunoichi have contacted us since they left for their mission. I'm expecting something from Ebony, Ebony Garmadon."

The Mailman cocked a bored eyebrow at Kai, as nonchalant as ever. "I know the name, son," he deadpanned. "I've delivered letters to you from her before, remember? She just doesn't have one for you this time."

Kai shook his head in disbelief and followed after the Mailman as the latter approached his parked bike.

"Can you at least check that basket-thing on your back again? Just to be sure?"

The Mailman swung a leg over his transport with a fatigued sigh. "I don't need to check this basket-thing on my back again," he retorted indifferently then gave Kai a stern look. "I've been doing this before you could walk. I know my mail like the back of my hand which means… I don't. Make. Mistakes."

Kai glared heatedly into the older man's pious eyes. He was just about to say something snide when Cole spoke up from behind him.

"I wouldn't say that. Remember? You would've left the monastery without giving me my box with Rocky's food in it if I hadn't asked you to look again."

The Mailman's dark brown eyes widened to the size of his spectacles as he gaped over Kai's shoulder at the black ninja, clearly remembering his near blunder. He sobered up with a grumble and rolled his eyes at Kai's smirk before swinging his heavy straw basket to the ground. He dismounted and peaked inside his expansive carrier, shuffling both letters and packages around while mumbling to himself. After several moments of fruitless searching, he straightened up, his back popping loud enough for everyone to hear.

He lifted his straw hat from his head and wiped his brow with the back of his hand. "Sorry, son. Nothing from your woman. Maybe next time, huh?"

Kai's smirk fell away at the news and he watched hopelessly as the Mailman climbed back onto his bike and began pedaling. He soon became aloft and the others waved their farewells to the quickly disappearing form of the old courier's back.

The other Ninja crowded around their solemn brother and patted his shoulder consolingly.

"Don't worry, Kai. Maybe Eb didn't finish hers in time or something. You know how she likes to write," Jay speculated supportively.

"Yeah, wasn't her last letter to you like four pages long?" Cole supplied.

Zane squeezed his opposite's shoulder. "All of Ebony's actions have reason and thought behind them, Brother. Exhibit patience. She'll send you her love soon enough."

Kai nodded absently at all his brothers' words of comfort, but there was one voice missing…

Cole, Zane, and Jay turned their heads expectantly towards the Green Ninja, who was more or less still staring astounded at Dominique's letter in his hand.

Jay cleared his throat loudly, causing the blond to glance up with a start. Rich wine eyes blinked owlishly at the three waiting Ninja. "Uhh… I agree?"

Simultaneous huffs of exasperation sounded from the three elders as they watched Lloyd shrug with a guilty face. Jay shook his head and turned back to Kai. "Anyway, you know it's gonna come. So just chillax and read your fan mail. That always inflates your head," he quipped, hoping to get a rise out of the fire ninja, but Kai just nodded again. "Yeah, thanks guys."

The three frowned at their brother's despondent mood, though chose not to offer anymore words and turned away with a final reassuring pat to his shoulders. Lloyd was already striding hurriedly to the door of the interior.

"Wait Lloyd," Zane called out with an outstretched hand. "Do you need help deciphering Dominique's Braille again?"

Lloyd froze and ever so slowly swiveled his head to look at the tall white ninja over his shoulder. He eyed Zane's innocent grin with trepidation, remembering all too well what happened last time when the other sat with him to decode one of Dominique's letters. Lloyd had experienced absolute mortification as Zane read each word out loud when his nimble fingers traced the small orderly bumps. But what made it so humiliating was that he would add his own little commentary at the end of each sentence as if he was trying to decipher some type of grand meaning to Dominique's words and speculate them to Lloyd:

"Hmm… She speaks so fondly of you, Lloyd. However, I am perplexed as to why she would use the word "endure" here. Does she wish to "endure" her emotions towards you? Or perhaps she wishes to "endure" the consequences her emotions bring…? My…what a fascinating letter Dominique has written. I am most intrigued, aren't you? Now, let us continue…"

After that, Lloyd swore never again and worked tirelessly to learn how to read and write Braille on his own. "No thanks, Zane," he replied with a forced smile. "I got it."

However, the nindroid took no offense and dipped his head affirmatively. "As you wish. I only ask that you let me know if you have any difficulty." He smiled serenely. "I would be more that pleased to assist you."

"Yeah, I promise," Lloyd said and all but sprinted inside to safety.

Cole cocked a thick black eyebrow at the now closed door Lloyd retreated behind, and then shrugged. "Well, I think we can procrastinate a bit since Lloyd ran out of here as if his ass was on fire. We'll pick up training in an hour fellas," he said and began leisurely following the Green Ninja's path, Jay and Zane behind him.

Jay suddenly stopped and glanced at Kai when he noticed the red ninja hadn't moved. "Kai? You comin'?" He asked, but Kai shook his head. "Nah, I'm gonna stay out here."

"Oh… Okay." Jay's attentive sapphires followed his best friend's form as the latter went to sit down on the deck, his back resting against the mast. He didn't like seeing any of his brothers miserable truthfully, but it really tugged at his heartstrings to bear witness to Kai's melancholy, especially since he was closest to him. He sighed in forlorn acquiescence and followed Cole and Zane inside, leaving Kai to his solitude.

Kai sat for several moments just eyeing the plain white envelope in his hand, before finally breaking the seal and removing the two neatly folded papers from within. He then started to read the neat cursive writing quietly to himself.

Dear Kai,

I know you probably get plenty of these types of letters, but I hope this one stands out to you the most. I have been covertly observing you for quite some time I admit and wish to share with you my findings. Truth is, I wish to alleviate the pressures of my heart about you through terms on paper, since I know for certain that I will never have the courage to voice my feelings to you in person. There is much for me to say, so please bear with me.

Kai blinked at the eloquently written words, realizing this was unlike any fan mail he'd ever received before. The part about the person secretly watching him was definitely suspicious, but he only felt impressed that the person had enough skill to keep him within their sights whenever he was in public. He didn't get his hopes up though, as he expected this fan whoever he or she might be was just going to gush about how cool or great he was. Shrugging nonchalantly, he continued to read.

It is a wonder you've survived so long with how recklessly impetuous you are. My heart had always thumped in fear and anger when you barreled forth headlong into danger without a second thought to your safety. Do you not realize how precious life is? You do, don't you? Maybe it was none of my business to try to understand the way the mind works for such an instinctual being, but no matter how much I wanted to not think about you, I almost always did. And from further observation, I learned that that imbecilic carelessness was really the essence of raw bravery. It wasn't that you didn't care about life; you simply wanted to put your life on the line for others. I can empathize with your reasoning, but you still frighten me. And I think you'll always make me fear for you.

Kai's heart was beating soundly in his chest. This person had been close enough to witness him in combat? And what's more, the person's words about him were true. Even Sensei Wu had told Kai how infuriating he could be and to exercise more caution, but Kai's body would react first before his mind had time to produce a coherent thought in the face of danger. The overwhelming instincts to protect, defend, and eliminate the threats to his friends and innocent people flowed heavily in his veins. He could almost say that it was unstoppable. This person had an eye to look underneath the underneath and worried immensely for his safety and wellbeing. Kai swallowed thickly and read on.

As your element ordained, you have brought heat and fire to my life. Unbeknownst to me, I have become very conscious of you and it goes far beyond merely sensing your presence, Kai. It is like my soul reaches out to you, as if it's willingly searching for you. I find that I want you close to me, close enough to burn. No, please disregard that previous statement. That was a bit too much, I was digressing. I wasn't always like this, so open with my emotions. You are so stubborn, always pushing forward when you have a particular goal in mind. However, I am relieved at your obstinacy as well as appreciative. When the spirits of your clan members are falling, you are the first to shout words of encouragement. You are integral to the hierarchy of your clan because you bring the strength of passion. I really admire that trait about you, Kai. You are truly a fearsome and powerful man to have changed my outlook on life.

Kai closed his eyes and smiled at the carefully worded praise within the letter. Happiness washed over him like a tide. But more than that, as he had continued to read, the identity of his fan had become blatantly clear to him, and he could easily hear a melodious sultry voice whisper these very words in his ear.

"Ebony…"

So she had written to him after all. But Kai wondered why she would employ such subterfuge. Was she really that embarrassed to say these things to him personally? Kai's heart calmed and his spirit soared. He decided he would have a nice long talk with her about the contents of this letter when she returned. He opened his eyes and fervently referred to the next page, but to his chagrin, the following parchment was completely devoid of words and had only a single silver handprint on it. Kai starred quizzically for a moment at the odd way Ebony would end her letter and placed the page down on the deck. His first instinct was to place his hand on top to mirror hers so that's what he did.

And just as abruptly, both pages of Ebony's letter erupted into black flames.

"What the hell…?" Kai watched the pieces of paper wither into fine ash then swirl purposefully together. The small mound of powder gradually gave shape to form that of a bird's and when the edge of the beak granulated into a sharp point, the bird shook itself. The ash instantly fell away to reveal lustrous black feathers and the avian opened its dangerous bill to release a sound Kai was quite familiar with.

"A raven…"

An animal known to be a keeper of secrets, the animal Kai had associated Ebony with long ago, was staring at him with knowing silver eyes. The raven cawed at him once more before shifting on its talons to show its back. Kai smirked devilishly at what he saw.

Strapped to the raven's back was a beautiful silver envelope sealed carefully with the emblem of a blood red stallion's head. Kai understood Ebony's intent. "Haha…and I thought Ayane was shy…" The Kunoichi of Darkness had intentionally wanted Kai to read the letter, but also wanted it to be destroyed. Torn between the two, she opted to send it disguised as regular fan mail to throw him off. However, she most likely guessed that he would figure out it was her who wrote it, and due to embarrassment, she couldn't properly end the letter so chose to simply replace it in hopes of eliminating her bout of unexplained weakness. Ebony couldn't express her feelings through her standard letters so she tried a different approach…but unfortunately backed out at the last minute. The whole act was inexplicably adorable.

Kai tenderly removed the envelope from the raven's back strap, his smirk still intact and the bird hopped onto his arm when he offered it. The raven cocked its head, staring intently into Kai's sharp golden-amber eyes with an air of patience.

"Hurry up and get back here. I'll save what I really want to say for then. You just be ready for it."

The raven held his gaze for a moment more before spreading its wings and kicking off Kai's arm into the heavens. It fluttered low then quickly gained altitude and before long, it was only a tiny dark speck against the clear blue sky.

Kai smiled down at the warm silver envelope in his hands. Having fans was nice, he'd admit that in a second, but he knew who his number one fan would always be. And that thought made his life all the more sweeter.