On a String

Chapter 7

"Why are we lining up?" Lloyd asked, his eyes wide with confusion. "We line up for practical lessons on the deck, but this is just theory and we're not even outside," the rest of the line nodded their agreement and looked at Kai, clearly waiting for an answer.

Kai closed his eyes in annoyance. ("Line up! Sound off! If anyone's missing, they're dead when we find them!")

He made them line up because that was what they had made him-

Focus!

No more mistakes!

"Um, I want you all to be able to see the bench," Kai finally answered, ignoring the weird looks cast his way at the sudden pause. "If you can't see it you can't learn," he elaborated, gesturing to the bench in front of the Ninja, which had a variety of objects on it. Originally, he had planned to do some more practical work on each Ninja's fighting style, but had decided it may be better to start with a bit of theory instead.

"Why are we even doing this?" Jay asked, looking at the items resting on the bench. "A potato peeler? Really?" the rest of the assembled team concurred with the energetic Master of Lightening and began to murmur softly.

(Soft like whispery fingers ghosting in the night, pulling strings-)

"Listen," Kai patiently waited until he had the attention of the group. "I want you to identify all the weapons on this bench and tell me how they are used,"

Nya - she wasn't a Ninja, but Sensei Wu had decided it was important for her to attend these lessons anyway- raised one eyebrow doubtfully at her brother. "A potato peeler, a knife, a screw driver, a bread and butter knife, a plate, a pair of shurikens, a pistol, a set of keys, a pen, a full drink bottle, a deodorant can, a hammer and a toothbrush?" she asked incredulously. "You want us to name all the weapons in that lot?"

"Yes," Kai replied, his tone bordering on sharp and harsh. (Like their voices when he-) They all needed to focus on the lesson and stop questioning what he was trying to present. He didn't want to get grumpy, but since this was for their protection, he was determined that they would all pay attention and learn.

This stuff could save their lives.

(It had saved his).

Zane looked at Kai curiously. "But there are only a few weapons set out amongst the other objects on the bench,"

"Are you telling me that you can't name these weapons and explain how to use them?" Kai growled out. The fierce, threatening tone caused Lloyd to flinch and look at Kai worriedly. The Ninja in red looked just as empty and emotionless as ever, so the harsh voice was completely unexpected. Kai was just so controlled.

Lloyd gave something between a shudder and a shiver- he was scared but also desperately missed Kai. Usually, someone's voice reflected their expression and vice versa. It was a natural thing to do. But (this new, terrible, empty) Kai was so disciplined he could change one without the other being affected.

"No, Kai," Zane bowed his head, the movement intended to reassure Kai that the Nindroid was not threatening him.

Heartless brown eyes narrowed as Kai nodded. "Good. You can go first, then,"

Zane walked over to the table and held up the knife. "This knife is a Gerber Mark II and can be used for slashing and cutting. It can also be thrown, but its blade is not specifically designed for that, so it's better to not throw it unless you absolutely have to. This weapon is most useful in close combat but it can also be used for stopping opponents from a small to medium range if it is thrown- but remember that isn't recommended," he moved on to the pistol.