On a String

Chapter 10

"A compromise? You've learnt well, Cole- your ability to negotiate has improved." Sensei Wu bowed his head. "That sounds reasonable. Very well. Are you sure you can do this?"

"Yes, Sensei."

He was like a ghost. The wooden floor boards made no sound under his feet; the fabric of his gi did not rustle as the material rubbed together. Even his breath made no sound.

Invisible.

Silently walking (but he didn't walk; he glided), Kai made his way into the training room, carefully staying in the blind spots of the on-board security cameras.

No one could hear him.

No one could see him.

He was just another shadow in a room full of shadows.

For now, it didn't matter who he could and couldn't trust, who knew what about him and who didn't, because he was invisible. Nothing could touch him. The familiar feeling was comforting (safe), and he relaxed into it like it was a warm coat on an icy winter's day.

This was where he belonged. Watching without being seen; listening without being heard.

(Skills which, not too long ago, had been lifesaving)

Carefully, he glided towards the thin wooden wall which separated Sensei Wu's quarters from the training room and pressed one ear against the smooth surface.

"...I need you to get answers from him and report back to me. You also need to tell me all that he has told you so far,"

Despite the voice been muffled, Kai recognised it as belonging to Sensei Wu. His teacher wanted answers. Kai's eyes narrowed. Cole would-

"I can't do that. I promised him I wouldn't do that,"

The second voice was firmer. Like Earth. Cole.

Taken by surprise at the defiance in Cole's voice, Kai started slightly, the invisible, quiet front breaking. He took a moment to recollect himself before returning his ear to the wall. Their voices continued to speak.

"Cole, you cannot lose a thousand lives while you attempt to save one,"

"I'll make you a compromise, Sensei. I don't report anything to you, but when I'm making a strategy I'll keep his information in mind. It means that you'll have to trust my judgement and follow any decisions I make. But it is a win-win solution because we can still stop the group and I won't be betraying Kai. The last thing he deserves is betrayal,"

That was... unexpected. He had been sure Cole would tell Sensei everything... but he didn't.

The Master of Earth wasn't going to break his promise...

Their conversation ended, so Kai quickly left the training room, heading for the kitchen. His head spun with confusion and he paused to think things through, seeking clarity.

(Don't let your mind become crowded or confused. It's easier to control that way.)

Cole hadn't broken his promise. Cole was willing to put Kai's own good before the mission, despite his position as team leader.