The male voice was strong and confident, its authority evident in every syllable. As Kaiden tried to lift his head, he caught sight of a blurred figure rushing toward the him and the cloaked stranger in front of him. The details of the blurred figure’s appearance were unclear through Kaiden’s swirling vision. However, the voice seemed familiar to Kaiden, a hint of recognition stirring within him amidst the dizziness that clouded his perception. The voice, commanding and authoritative, resonated through the air, repeating the command. "Stay away from him," the figure said firmly. It reached Kaiden's ears, but his dizziness made it difficult for him to focus on the figure's words exactly and to identify the owner of the voice.
In a swift and deceptively effortless movement, the cloaked figure lifted Kaiden up, holding him aloft with a strength that belied his lean cloaked frame. Kaiden found himself slumped into the crook of the figure's arm, like a seat, his head involuntarily resting on the cloaked figure’s shoulder.
As the cloaked figure raised his sword defensively, readying for a confrontation, the approaching figure continued to call out. "Priestess. Kaiden," they shouted, their voice charged with urgency and concern. The words jolted Kaiden, causing his head to snap up with a start. The identity of the voice became clear in that moment - it was Loden, Kaiden's friend and one of the celestial warriors. "Loden," he murmured.
Kaiden, mustering the strength to shift in the cloaked stranger's arms, spoke in a weakened voice. "Loden! It's okay," he managed to utter, but as he did, he could feel his strength ebbing away, and his head grew heavy, fully resting on the stranger's shoulder. A chill coursed through his body, a subtle hint of his fading energy.
The cloaked figure turned his gaze towards Loden still approaching, then back at Kaiden, making a logical assumption. "Warrior, is this your companion? He has been injured. You should render aid," he stated loudly and matter-of-factly, gesturing towards Kaiden slumped against him. Loden halted in front of them, his concern growing as he took in the scene and the words.
The cloaked figure shifted, intending to pass Kaiden to Loden. Loden quickly placed his word in his death and opened his waiting arms to retrieve Kaiden. However, Kaiden's wounded body, responding to an unseen instinct, reached up and slipped into the stranger's cloaked hood. Kaiden’s hand slips inside, encircling around the back of the stranger's neck, and securing himself closer to the cloaked stranger. The action was involuntary, an unintentional consequence of Kaiden's weakened state.
The moment froze, tension palpable in the air between Loden and the cloaked Stranger, both not having expected that to happen. Loden's head shakes with a mixture of confusion and discontent as he grapples with the puzzling circumstances surrounding Kaidan. The sight of Kaidan's unwavering attachment to this unknown, mysterious figure in a cloak leaves Loden feeling deeply unsettled. The frustration mounts within him, intensified by the fact that the cloak obscures any view of the stranger's face, only stoking Loden's uneasiness further.
Loden quickly moves to grasp Kaiden’s sides, attempting to gently pull him away. But Kaiden's body, seemingly reactive to Loden’s intentions, tightens its hold around the stranger's neck, creating skin-to-skin contact. In that instant, a brilliant flash of silver light illuminates the area, pulsating intensely from Kaiden's injured leg.
Loden's vision becomes momentarily blinded as the intense silver light envelops them. His eyes rapidly adjust to the change, allowing him to witness the scene before him. Kaiden remains unmoving against the cloaked stranger, the arm still held tightly around the back of the stranger's neck. Despite the discomfort of the light, the cloaked figure instinctively attempts to turn his head away, but his movement is restricted by Kaiden's unyielding grip under his hood.
As the silver light energy absorbs into Kaiden's wounded leg, its healing effects become evident. The lightheadness and discomfort dissipating, replaced by a sense of relief. Kaiden lifts his head, his gaze now lucid and focused, free from the previous discomfort. Confused, he turns to look at Loden, noticing the distance between them, separated by a step, and realizes that they were not in physical contact. Kaiden turns back to look at the cloaked figure, puzzled. The stranger, still holding him, also seems taken aback by the events that have just unfolded but does not say anything.
Kaiden, moving cautiously, slowly extracts his arm from under the hood, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and confusion. His thoughts dart back to the past, recalling the time Loden healed him in front of the Emperor and the guards. As his hand reached the edge of the hood, there was a moment of hesitation before Kaiden made a deliberate choice. He pushed the hood down, revealing the face of the cloaked figure.
As the hood fell, revealing the face beneath, Kaiden's eyes went wide in surprise. The stranger, previously concealed by the cloak, was quite handsome, with long silver hair and a two arresting features: one blue eye and one green eye, a condition known as heterochromia. What truly caught Kaiden off guard, however, were the pair of black and silver-furred ears on the top of the figure's head, like those of an actual animal. Kaiden had never seen anything so extraordinary before.
The cloaked figure, now with his face visible, looks slightly miffed. "Why did you do that?" he asks, reaching to pull the hood back up.
Loden's grip on the sword tightens as he cautiously withdraws it, his eyes fixed on the cloaked figure. With a firm stance, he points the weapon towards the stranger, a mixture of caution and assertiveness in his body language. The command from Loden comes with a firm edge causing the cloaked figure to pause, "Put him down on the ground now.” Kaiden, his attention caught by the change in Loden's tone, observes the interaction, unsure of what to expect next.
Kaiden, feeling his energy slightly returning, speaks up, his voice filled with excitement. "Loden, it's fine! Don't you see, this is who we've been looking for. He's the next celestial warrior." With a smile, Kaiden shifts slightly in the cloaked stranger's arms, his confidence and belief in the figure's purpose evident.
Loden, his sword still raised, keeps his eye on the stranger while he processes the new information but shakes his head.
Loden, his voice filled with conviction, responds to Kaiden's words. "He's a monster, Kaiden. Animal features are a curse from Astryaln, not a blessing." Loden turns to the stranger, his voice growing firmer. "I won’t say this again. Put the Priestess down now. Listen to my words before I..." Kaiden swiftly intervenes before Loden can finish, his concern evident. Kaiden's protective instincts kick in, and he instinctively places his arms out, shielding the cloaked figure from Loden. His confusion and frustration surface as he struggles to comprehend why Loden is being so hostile and negative towards the new warrior. He briefly reflects on the incident of Loden and Wulfric's initial fight, but he shakes his head, dismissing the thought for now. His focus remains solely on protecting the cloaked stranger.
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Kaiden, his voice holding authority, addresses Loden. "Listen to me, Loden. He is a warrior of Astryaln. He saved my life just now—maybe even twice." Kaiden shifts to get down from his higher position of being held. The cloaked figure allows Kaiden to stand on the ground, and Kaiden continues, his tone firm as he address Loden. "Don't be threatening him, he is our comrade." Loden, though initially hesitant, lowers his sword, albeit his expression remains distrustful.
Kaiden, his emotions still raw, continues to express his thoughts. "This would not have happened in this way had you not left me behind. You left me all alone. I am seriously mad at you for your behavior and your actions once again. It is always the same." There's a mix of anger and hurt in his voice as he speaks, the weight of his words hanging in the air. Loden remains silent for a moment, a hint of guilt in his expression.
Loden, attempting to defend his actions, begins, "I thought.." However, Kaiden cuts him off, his voice tinged with anger. "I thought, I thought you were still in front of me! I trusted you to have my back. I got hurt, and you didn't appear beside me. Was this a joke to you? My hair, leaving me behind!" Kaiden's emotions are palpable, his hurt and disappointment deeply etched in his expression.
The cloaked stranger stays withdrawn from the conversation, pulling up his hood to conceal his face and ears again, silently observing the three thugs regaining consciousness nearby. They begin to stir, clearly eager to extricate themselves from the unfolding situation, hoping to avoid further involvement. Loden, halted in his attempt to respond to Kaiden once more, restrains himself, his expression reflecting a mixture of guilt and introspection.
Kaiden shakes his head, his anger beginning to subside, but alongside this, his energy starts to dwindle. His vision slowly blurs once more, and he utters the word, "Loden," his voice barely above a whisper. Kaiden's body is drained of strength, his legs unable to support him any longer, and he collapses to the ground once again, utterly spent. Loden immediately notices Kaiden falling toward the ground and quickly moves to catch him, concern etched on his face.
As Loden moves to catch Kaiden, the cloaked stranger, acting quickly with superior reflexes intervenes, catching Kaiden in his arms, holding him in a protective cradle hold. He shakes his head, his hood shifting slightly, and nods toward Loden. "Here, Loden, you should carry the Priestess.” The cloaked figure shrinks back a little with Kaiden cradled in his arms, intentionally trying to create a sense of distance and minimize the contact between Kaiden, himself, and Loden. “It is best that my inferior curse not be passed on to him as well," he suggests. The cloaked figure speaks, his words filled with caution.
For a moment, Loden stands frozen in surprise, unsure of what to do. However, after a brief hesitation, he nods reluctantly, signaling his agreement for this moment in time between them. With a stern expression, Loden reluctantly sheathes his sword once again, his frustration momentarily contained. Turning away from the cloaked figure, he presents his back for Kaiden to be placed.
With care, the cloaked warrior gently transfers Kaiden from his arms onto Loden’s back, positioning him in a secure hold. Loden adjusts his grip, using his arms to keep Kaiden steady against his back once more.
The cloaked warrior, his mind made up, announces his intent to depart. "I will take my leave now," he says, his voice filled with resignation. "My appearance tends to invoke fear and hatred. It's best if I do not venture further with you." Loden stands with Kaiden on his back, silently observing the cloaked warrior begin to make his way back toward his dilapidated abode. Just as the warrior is about a quarter of the way away from the wreckage, Kaiden begins to stir slightly on Loden's back, causing the cloaked figure to pause momentarily. The cloaked figure's hidden black and silver animal ears twitch delicately as they listen intently to Kaiden's stirring and his words. The subtle movement betrays a heightened sense of awareness, suggesting that there might be more to this mysterious individual than meets the eye.
Kaiden's muttered words, though somewhat slurred due to his unconscious state, still hold a sense of clarity. The pleading tone in his voice is evident, as he murmurs, "Please...stay...help...us...please."
Loden experiences a brief burning sensation on his shoulder again, his celestial mark responding to Kaiden's words and touch. He ponders silently to himself whether Wulfric or any of the other warriors are experiencing a similar, intense sensation within their celestial marks as he currently is. He studies the cloaked figure’s demeanor, searching for any signs that might indicate a shared struggle. Loden sees the cloaked warrior touch his collar bone area, acknowledging that his mark is also reacting to Kaiden’s plea. He senses a connection between them in this moment and their shared celestial nature.
With a resigned sigh, the cloaked warrior takes a step forward, his arm dropping back to his side and returns to Loden’s side. His earlier decision to leave now overruled by Kaiden's pleading words and his celestial mark. "I suppose my path has already been chosen, I will accompany you for now, following the desire of the priestess," he states, a slight tilt of his head conveying his compliance. He adjusts his hood, ensuring minimal visibility of his features. The cloaked figure also adds, “I shall keep my hood up while we walk. I shall follow you, Loden." The warrior stands ready to follow Loden, his agreement sealing their temporary alliance.
Loden's features contort into a look of mild disgust as he grapples with the notion of a Beastel person being close to either himself or Kaiden. Memories of past tales and perhaps personal experiences come flooding back, fueling his negative feelings towards the race. Yet, despite his discomfort, Loden is torn by his loyalty to Kaiden and his desire to respect his friend's wishes.
Loden readjusts his grip on Kaiden, making sure the priestess remains firmly held on his back. He then turns his gaze to the cloaked figure and inquires, "You know my name, but what should I address you as?" The cloaked warrior considers the question for a moment before responding, "You may refer to me as Brokenfang."
Loden, still carrying the unconscious Kaiden on his back, turns his gaze to the newly named "Brokenfang." The expression on his face reflects a mixture of curiosity and acceptance of the odd name. After a moment of contemplation, he quickly dismisses the thought and refocuses on the more immediate concern. "We should make our way out of here and head back to the palace. Kaiden needs rest and attention," Loden states firmly, ready to embark on the journey.
Brokenfang nods silently in agreement, moving to start walking but halts, recognizing Loden's hesitation. "Maybe you should lead," he proposes, stepping aside and gesturing for Loden to precede him on the cobblestone streets. The cloaked warrior clearly offering him the opportunity to navigate their path.
Loden nods in acknowledgment, taking Brokenfang's gesture as sincere but cautious. Loden adjusts his hold on Kaiden once more, ensuring the priestess is comfortable on his back before starting to move toward the palace. With Kaiden on his back, he starts walking on the cobble streets, setting a steady pace as Brokenfang follows close behind in the shadows of his concealing hood.