Galling. That's how most would describe Kai. He is. On the surface level anyway. Gullible is another. Destructive imperfections that cling to him like a demon dog's blade-sharp teeth.
.
Wayfaring with Mira and Adam altered his shallow perspectives. The group fights a lot at times –but he's certain he can rely on them. His friends would never leave him to die in this phantasmagorical wasteland.
Kai wants to go home. Everybody does. Who wouldn't in their situation? Super powers or not, dying is still just as scary! And probably just as permanent, game or no game.
If he has Adam and Mira alongside him, Kai knows he can make it through any obstacle.
.
Kai's reluctant to outwardly admit it but Adam's levelheadedness saves them. Countless times. Seamed back frayed wits and tenacity. He's unyielding sometimes, but Kai's frivolity activities and Mira's one-track mind keeps Adam steadfast.
It's true. All three need to stay alive to win the game and escape.
.
Though frightened by cruel beasts and tormented by daunting environments, they still manage to stick together. It's an exhilarating feeling. A lifelong friendship forged by enduring intense challenges. Rare and treasured.
.
Maybe this is why Kai would trade his life so Adam could survive.
Is that what love really is?
Cowardice completely seeped out of Kai when Adam took a fatal blow from the ishibo staff. 'And it's my fault. I shouldn't have thawed out the other guys.' Not even Mira was fooled twice.
.
Grasping Adam's hand –it's cold. Colder than the chunk of ice they're floating on. It vaguely reminds Kai of a movie he'd seen. One that got him crying every time. How ironic to be stranded out at sea, in a similar event. If he wasn't terrified that his friend was dying, he'd be laughing at how incredibly dumb this all was.
His newfound fire powers can't even save Adam.
This small fact scares Kai.
.
In Mira's brief absences Kai and Adam have had…rough interactions mostly. But somehow, there's a spark kept alive. Adam always manages to spare unwavering compassion in such gloomy moments. It hinders Kai's explosive panic.
.
'Why can't I do anything for them?' Sure, Kai can construct magnificent machines out of mere scrap –that's impressive! But when it comes to leaping into danger bravely, that's a quality he's still working on. Mira and Adam carry the most tact and strength.
.
This time there's no hesitation. The sheer determination in his voice startles Mira.
She complies, and drags Adam into the waters to find some help. Like some gallant Poseidon she arrives to save Kai. On a whale.
.
After directing the colossal marine friend to any available land, she sits facing Kai. Her tawny attentive eyes catch the deep concern on his expression. Hers mirrors it.
A mixture of nauseating hurt and happiness circles her mind. She suddenly realizes something.
.
Kai refuses to let Adam go. Sitting up, he holds him –his body slightly glowing like a lantern at dusk.
He'd be shedding tears if they didn't evaporate so quickly.
Words of comfort hover upon her lips yet nothings passes them. She's not even sure Adam will make it.
.
"He took more risks than any of us."
Mira's head bobbed up to look up at Kai. His lips trembled, his voice cracking in distress more than usual. "And we…I can't do anything to help."
"You really care about him, huh?" She smiled weakly. 'It's cute despite our circumstances…'
.
Mira crawled towards him and hugged Kai. "It's not your fault."
"It is."
"No. I wanted…we both wanted to free the others. They're scared. Like us. It'd be heartless to leave them behind. But Adam is right. We should've been more cautious. Or at least ran before they attacked."
Kai sighed dejectedly. He shook his head.
.
"I…I blamed him for so much."
Mira's eyebrows rose.
"When…" Kai shut his eyes and looked aside. "At the island. We thought you were dead. Adam did try and reach you. But I was so pissed off at him." He chuckled sheepishly. "I apologized. I still feel like a jerk though. He accepted it so quickly."
Mira put a hand on Kai's shoulder. "Adam is a wonderful guy."
Kai snorted but smiled. "Of course you'd say that. But yeah. He is."
.
The Arachne kingdom had been a blessing in disguise. Thanks to Kai, Adam was revived to perfect health again!
"It's nothing really. Just what I'm good at."
But there's a lively spark of gratitude in his eyes.
.
Before they left, Kai wanted to see if there was anything useful to forage. Food, metal scrap, anything.
Mira and Adam agreed –Mira pointing out some herbs close by. They are in a jungle. Besides, everybody has been running on bare minimum for days. If they didn't eat or rest surely they'd lose the game.
.
She strolled next to Adam and plucked various plants from earth. "Can we talk?"
Adam kept walking and so did she. "Sure. Oh. Is it about that kis-"
"No. About Kai actually."
Adam stifled a laugh.
Mira playfully punched his arm. "Not like that, Adam!"
"Okay, okay!"
.
"He…he was really worried about you."
"Was he? Wow. Didn't expect that."
"Kai almost got attacked by sharks. Told me to get you to safety first."
"That's selfless of him. Very…can't believe I'm saying this, brave!"
Mira laughed. "I think your courage is rubbing off on him."
Adam shrugged. But Mira didn't miss a faint blush on his face.
"Maybe. But I think it's because he cares about us."
.
She rubbed her arm nervously. "Adam, do you like Kai?"
He abruptly spun around, hiding his face. "Why would you say that? He's our friend, Mira. And anyway, he hates how I force myself into the leader role."
"I know but," should she point out the obvious? Like his dreamy stares at Kai? Or how well, excluding their arguments, get along perfectly? Mira thinks it's worth it for one of them to say something. Since Weird Guy told them they're running out of time. "If we don't make it…"
"We will."
"I know. I believe in our team. But there's an inevitability to look at too."
.
Adam turned. "I…thanks for the advice Mira. Sorry. I didn't mean to sound so-"
"It's alright. Just…in this crazy world we still should find some happiness."
He nodded and a smile replaced a firm frown. "You're right."
"I just notice small details. About you and him. I don't think you should ignore it. If…if you like Kai."
.
"Guys! There you are!"
Mira pulled away from Adam. "Did you find anything?"
"No. Just sand, rocks, and water. And evil branches!" Kai shook an angry fist in the air. "Find any food? I'm starving!" Kai laughed. "If you catch some fish I can roast them. Haha! Get it?" Flames spawned form his palms.
Mira stifled a laugh and Adam shook his head, smiling.
.
'You should tell him…'
Should he? How did Mira even know? She is amazing at solving puzzles.
No. It'd be pointless. Wouldn't it? Kai clearly likes Mira. Then Vanessa. And Mira again.
Their main focus is surviving and escaping. Nothing else should matter. Right?
.
"Not yet! Actually, why don't you two find some food? I'll gather wood for a campfire." Mira suggested. Before either could answer she sprinted into thick flora.
.
"What's with her? Well, whatever. We should make some nets or lines. Hopefully we don't get attacked by some sea monster."
"Um, Kai?"
"Yeah man?"
They're at the beach. Subtle waves crash deafeningly upon shore. Maybe if he said it softly they could just skip this whole event. No. Mira's right.
Just take a deep breath and…
.
"Adam. I like you."
He sputtered. "What?!"
"Okay I know." Kai's blushing. A lot. He waves his arms, flapping like a penguin trying to understand aerodynamics. "It's dumb. You have a thing for Mira. You could never like me back but I just had to say it since-"
"Kai!"
"Huh?"
.
Exhaling, Adam chuckled. "I like you too."
"What?! No way! Nuh-uh! That's impossible!" He frowned. "You're joking!"
"I'm not."
Kai's posture relaxed. "Really?"
"Yes."
"How?" Kai rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm a coward. And just make things worse for everybody on this team."
"Because, you did save us. We can count on you. I can count on you. Even when I'm well, a little stubborn."
"A little?"
"Okay, okay. A lot." Adam's eyes stare into whirlpools of electric green.
.
"Mira told me…how you saved me. By trying to keep my body temperature up. And with the Arachne king –fixing his missing legs. Thank you."
"Ah," he grinned. "Least I could do. I mean, what're my powers for if I can't help you guys?" Kai blinked. "Hey, wait! Don't think you can distract me!"
"Distract you from what?" Adam laughed.
Kai's adorably childish. He pouted –but didn't speak. For a few minutes anyway.
.
Kai grabbed Adam's shoulders and pulled him into a kiss. He parted and glared up at his friend. "From that! I didn't finish my confession, muscle-brain!"
Adam smiled. "But you were the one who was surprised."
"S-Shut up, dummy! Or I'll challenge you to a brawl! Which I could totally win!"
Adam planted a kiss on Kai's lips. "Fine."
"Fine!"
Silence.
.
The pair laughed.
"Ugh. So cheesy! I didn't walk through a jungle to watch a rom-com. Kind of wish that Minotaur was chasing us again." Mira returned. A bundle of twigs are tucked under an arm. "Kai. Help me gather some fruit."
Kai saluted. "Will do!"
'Even if my memories don't come back, this whole trapped-in-a-game experience isn't so bad.' They thought. Adam grabbed a makeshift pole and walked with Mira and Kai towards the shores. It's going to be a long day ahead of them tomorrow.