As Kaiden observed the two figures, clad in all black and of imposing stature, he couldn't help but notice the fallen body of the guard outside his door. The guard's face was obscured from view, but Kaiden could tell they had been injured, which reinforced the gravity of the situation. Kaiden's mind raced with thoughts, assessing the threat before him and weighing his options. He maintained a cautious stance, ready to act if necessary.
Kaiden's mind raced as he considered his options. Without a weapon within reach, he realized he would have to rely on whatever resources were available to him. He could either use objects from his surroundings as makeshift weapons or try to distract the intruders, giving Yetta and Cerelia a chance to escape undetected. Kaiden knew he had to act quickly and decisively to protect the girls. With a surge of determination, he prepared himself for the impending confrontation.
As the two dark figures paused halfway into the room, their swords touching the floor with droplets of blood falling from the blades, they began to scan the surroundings. One of the intruders made eye contact with Kaiden, their black eyes conveying a mixture of intimidation and intent.
One of the dark figures spoke in a menacing tone, addressing Kaiden with a demand, "Priestess, would you come with us?" Kaiden's mind raced with thoughts of what might happen if he complied or resisted. He considered the potential risks to his own safety and those of Yetta and Cerelia. With a mix of caution and a hint of defiance, he replied, "And if I refuse?" Kaiden's voice carried a slight tremor, betraying the tension and uncertainty he felt in this precarious situation.
As the first figure waved his hand in a circular motion, signaling to his partner, the second assailant moved closer to Kaiden, causing him to feel increasingly intimidated. Kaiden's heart pounded in his chest as he instinctively backed up, seeking to maintain a safe distance. However, in his haste to create space between them, Kaiden found himself backed up against the frame of the screen, concealing Yetta and Cerelia.
Sensing the opportunity to gain an advantage, Kaiden swiftly grabbed the pile of clothes lying on the nearby dresser and flung them towards the approaching assailant. The items flew into the air, creating a temporary distraction and blocking the assailant's view for a split second. Kaiden hoped that this would provide a brief window of opportunity to take action or escape.
Kaiden, quick to act, seized the opportunity to create more chaos and confusion. He swiftly moved away from the first assailant, who was momentarily distracted, and hurriedly grabbed his shirts from the nearby chair. Without hesitation, he tossed them at the second assailant, adding more clutter to the mix. This action aimed to further disorient and potentially hamper the assailants' actions.
Kaiden managed to reach the doorway and turned to see the assailants struggling to remove the garments that had been thrown at them. Kaiden couldn't help but feel a glimmer of satisfaction as he observed their momentary disorientation. Seizing the moment, he taunted them with a sly remark, "Looks like you were outmaneuvered by a teenager. Not quite the formidable adversaries I was hoping for." His smirk hinted at his satisfaction with the unexpected turn of events.
As the two assailants turned to Kaiden and shouted, "Get him now!" they swiftly rushed toward the door. Recognizing the need for a strategic retreat, Kaiden turned and began to run, his athletic prowess evident as he effortlessly leaped over the guard and swung over the railing as if it were second nature. The tension and urgency of the moment drove him to take decisive action and put some distance between himself and the imminent danger.
As Kaiden continued his sprint, his thoughts briefly flickered through his mind. "Who needs those two? I'm doing just fine on my own," he mused, channeling his confidence and self-reliance. The sensation of the ground beneath his bare feet added a touch of vitality to his escape, and the pursuit itself fueled his adrenaline, albeit not the most pleasant start to his day. Yet amidst the chaos, he found solace in the thought that Yetta and Cerelia were safe, a glimmer of reassurance amidst the danger.
As Kaiden sprinted through the courtyard, his pursuers hot on his heels, the pendant around his neck rhythmically bounced against his chest. Each footfall sent the pendant into a small, rapid dance, its metallic surface glistening in the ambient light. Kaiden's speed and agility allowed him to effortlessly navigate the path ahead, his steps swift and sure. The pendant, seemingly attuned to his movements, swayed with a fluid grace, mirroring his determination to evade the pursuing foes.
As Kaiden swiftly turned to glance behind him while making a bend around the palace building, he became momentarily distracted and collided with something. The unexpected impact knocked the wind out of him, leaving him momentarily winded with an audible "Umph." Recovering from the collision, Kaiden took a brief moment to collect himself, mindful of the pursuit that was still unfolding.
Kaiden, taking a moment to catch his breath and regain his composure, looked up to find Loden standing before him. The unexpected encounter momentarily surprised both Kaiden and Loden, as if fate had orchestrated their paths to cross.
Loden, perplexed by Kaiden’s unusual appearance, addressed him directly, “Kaiden, what are you doing here without a shirt and sandals?” Sensing Kaiden’s potential struggle, Loden offered his hand to assist Kaiden in standing up, a gesture of friendly support in this unexpected encounter. Kaiden accepted the outstretched hand, taking a momentary pause to regain his balance before responding to Loden's inquiry.
Kaiden mustered a few breathless words, his lungs still burning from the exertions of the pursuit and the impact of his collision with Loden. He managed to inform Loden, “Men... chasing... me.” Kaiden's voice held a mixture of strain and urgency, conveying the seriousness of the situation as he shared his plight with Loden. The adrenaline rush from the pursuit and the surprise encounter with Loden added to the intensity of the moment.
As the two men in black emerged, their swords drawn, they slowed down and shouted at Loden and Kaiden, “Hand over the Priestess.” Their intent was clear, and their menacing presence added to the mounting tension. Loden, sensing the imminent confrontation, positioned himself protectively before Kaiden, ready to defend him against the intruders.
Loden, filled with determination, responded resolutely, “Not in your life.” Displaying a moment of quick thinking and resourcefulness, Loden swiftly stripped off his outer shirt and tossed it to Kaiden, keeping his focus on the intruders. With a determined glint in his eyes, he then reached for the new blade attached to his side, ready to confront the imminent threat. “Let's see what this can do,” Loden remarked, ready to put the weapon to the test. Loden's determined attitude indicated that he was prepared to confront the intruders head-on, protecting Kaiden at all costs.
Kaiden quickly donned the outer shirt, feeling a sense of security as it draped over his back and chest, providing some measure of comfort in this tense moment. He cautiously observed the three men, his eyes darting between them, waiting for any sign of movement or a sign of who would make the first move. The air was thick with anticipation as Kaiden mentally prepared himself for what was to come.
Loden, with swift and calculated movements, deftly adjusted his stance to counter the two men clad in black who were advancing together, their swords raised for a synchronized attack. Backing up while simultaneously pulling Kaiden away, Loden skillfully positioned himself to engage the assailants from a slightly safer distance. The clang of steel echoed through the air as Loden swiftly blocked the incoming strikes, his blade becoming a shield of protection in this intense exchange of blows.
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Sensing the next coordinated attack of the two men in black, Loden deftly moved out of their reach. The men's synchronized sword swings seemed calculated, with one assailant attacking from the front while the other attempted to blindside Loden from behind. Loden's agility and reflexes allowed him to evade their initial onslaught, narrowly escaping the strikes intended for him. The attackers pressed forward, continuing to close the distance with careful, calculated steps, their movements suggesting a choreographed plan.
Kaiden, strategically positioned to avoid the immediate danger, stood at a safe distance, watching intently as the clash of blades continued to echo through the courtyard. The rhythmic sound of steel against steel filled the air, each blow a testament to Loden's bravery and skill as he engaged the assailants in this fierce duel. Kaiden’s thoughts turned to Loden’s well-being, silently praying for his safety and hoping for a favorable outcome in this intense battle.
Amidst the clash of blades, Kaiden couldn't help but wonder internally, “Where is Wulfric or the other guards?” The intensity of the fight and the absence of reinforcements heightened the urgency of the situation. Suddenly, a cry of pain echoed through the air, drawing Kaiden's attention back to the battle. Upon closer observation, he realized that the two men had sustained injuries, while Loden remained unscathed. The tide of the battle seemed to be turning in Loden's favor, but the struggle continued to hold Kaiden's rapt attention.
In the midst of the intense fight, one of the men stole a glance at Kaiden. Their eyes met, but then quickly returned to focus on Loden. In that fleeting moment, he made a chilling warning, proclaiming, "Enough of this. Next time, Priestess." Suddenly, the assailants retrieved something from their belts and swiftly hurled the objects at both Kaiden and Loden. The tension reached its peak as Kaiden braced for the unknown, uncertain of the nature of the projectiles coming his way.
Loden hurriedly moved closer to Kaiden as the assailants' projectiles hit the ground, unleashing a dense black smoke that rapidly enveloped them. Kaiden's eyes and nose stung as the smoke filled the air, causing him to cough. Loden swiftly swung his blade, attempting to scatter the smoke and clear a path. Fear and uncertainty hung heavy in the air as the duo struggled to navigate the smoky environment, their visibility severely hampered.
As the dense smoke slowly began to dissipate, the once muffled metal footsteps and shouts became more distinct, echoing louder and closer to Kaiden and Loden's position. Gradually, the smoke's veil lifted, revealing a circle of guards clad in the palace’s uniform, swords drawn and ready for action. The air grew tense as Kaiden and Loden stood in the vulnerable center, surrounded by a disciplined and imposing presence of the palace guards who had come to the scene.
As the final remnants of the smoke dispersed, revealing the full extent of the scene to both sides, the guards rapidly lowered their swords and knelt, their voices filled with concern as they addressed Kaiden and Loden. "Celestial Warrior, Priestess, are you unharmed?" The use of such esteemed titles indicated the recognition of their significance and importance, and the guards' reverence echoed in their words as they sought assurance of Kaiden and Loden's well-being.
Wulfric, filled with concern, hurriedly made his way toward Kaiden and Loden, addressing Kaiden directly. “Kaiden! Are you alright?” he inquired, his voice laced with genuine worry. “Are you injured? I came as soon as I could,” Wulfric explained, implying that he had rushed to the scene as soon as news of the incident had reached him. Wulfric's presence provided a sense of relief and assurance. Kaiden nodded, indicating that he was unharmed, although he briefly paused to catch his breath.
Kaiden, speaking up, reassured Wulfric of his own well-being. "I'm fine," he said, catching his breath before quickly shifting his focus to Yetta and Cerelia's well-being. "Are Yetta and Cerelia all right?" Kaiden inquired, concern for their safety etched on his face, he asked, "And what about the guard? Is he okay?" His questions reflected a genuine care for those involved in the incident, signaling his compassionate nature.
Loden, with a mixture of admiration and concern, placed his hand gently on Kaiden's head. "Always thinking of others before yourself," he observed, acknowledging Kaiden's selfless nature. "Reckless, you could have been killed," Loden added, emphasizing the potential dangers that Kaiden had faced. The touch and the words carried a sense of both affection and caution, reflecting Loden's protective instincts and his care for Kaiden's well-being.
Kaiden, looking upward at Loden, who stood a few inches taller, felt a mix of emotions. Brushing Loden’s hand away, his thoughts turned inward as he processed the current state of their dynamic. His gaze dropped to the ground before he looked back up, his expression becoming tinged with sadness. "I thought you didn’t care about us," he said softly, voicing a hidden sentiment that lay beneath the surface. The innocence in Kaiden’s eyes reflected a deep-seated vulnerability, as if he sought reassurance in the face of doubt.
Loden let out a sigh, his response affirming his care for Kaiden. "I do care," he said, taking a moment to collect himself. "But can we talk about this later, when we don’t have an audience?" Loden turned his gaze towards Wulfric and the guards surrounding them. With a hint of intrigue, he expressed his desire for a more private conversation, indicating that there were matters that deserved a more intimate setting.
Kaiden nodded, understanding Loden’s desire for a more private conversation. He then turned to Wulfric, concern lingering in his question. "Is the guard okay, and Yetta and Cerelia?" Kaiden's repeated inquiry reflected his genuine concern for their well-being, as he sought reassurance about whether the guard had recovered and if Yetta and Cerelia were unharmed. Kaiden's care for others, even amidst the ongoing chaos, shone through his words, showcasing his empathetic nature and his innate desire to ensure the safety and wellness of those around him.
Wulfric's response assured Kaiden's concerns. "The two handmaidens were not harmed. They ran to inform us of the situation," he reported, acknowledging their timely intervention. He then continued, addressing Kaiden's other concern. "The guard has been taken to be treated by a healer. He will make it," Wulfric shared, providing reassurance that the guard would recover from his injuries. The confirmation from Wulfric brought a sense of relief to Kaiden, knowing that the guard was in capable hands and that he had not sustained serious harm.
Kaiden expressed his gratitude with a warm smile to Wulfric. "Thank you, Wulfric," he said sincerely, acknowledging Wulfric’s role in their rescue. Kaiden's eyes held a sense of appreciation as he spoke. "Thank you for coming to our aid as well." Kaiden’s appreciation extended to the guards who had joined Wulfric in their defense, recognizing the unity and teamwork that had secured their safety.
The guards, acting as a united force, stood up together from their kneeling position. As one, they respectfully addressed Kaiden with the title "Priestess," using it as their formal and appropriate form of address for his revered status. Their actions embodied respect, unity, and harmony within the guard unit, demonstrating a profound deference to Kaiden's significance and position in their empire.
Wulfric's gaze swept over Loden, his eyes taking in every detail, before he posed a question of his own. “Where have you been?” Before Loden could respond, Wulfric quickly dismissed the topic, stating, "No time for that now. Kaiden, you need to finish getting ready. Loden and I have much to talk about before the ritual in a few hours." Wulfric's words carried a sense of urgency, signaling the necessity for Kaiden to complete his preparations and the need for Loden and himself to engage in a crucial discussion prior to the impending ritual.
Kaiden, with a mixture of reluctance and displeasure on his face, shook his head at the thought. "Do I have to? I don't want to be cleaned again by them," he replied, alluding to the girls who had assisted in preparing him for the ritual only moments ago before the interruption. The mention of the cleansing process brought back his uncomfortable feelings of his experience, adding to his hesitation and discomfort.
Wulfric's stern expression indicated his resolve, prompting Kaiden's begrudging compliance. With a sigh, Kaiden began to move away, his steps heavy with reluctance as he reluctantly headed towards his chambers. Wulfric and Loden followed closely behind, ensuring Kaiden's safety while also keeping a watchful eye on him. The atmosphere was marked by tension, underscored by Wulfric's strict stance and Kaiden's evident reluctance to proceed with the preparations for the impending ritual.