The journey back to Caziel's base felt longer than it had any right to be, weighed down by the recent battles. Kael and Yuna moved through the forest in silence, the soft crunch of their footsteps barely audible against the backdrop of rustling leaves. The air felt heavy, thick with the unspoken tension of what awaited them.
When they finally arrived, the sight that greeted them was one of devastation.
Caziel's once-thriving base was now crumbling—buildings collapsed, smoke rising from the wreckage, and the ground littered with signs of struggle. It was as if the place had been ravaged by a storm. A storm they knew well.
Kael stood still, his silver eyes scanning the wreckage. His fist clenched around the hilt of his sword, the flames of the blade flickering in the waning daylight.
"This... this can't be," Kael murmured under his breath. He took a deep breath and turned to Yuna. "Stay close."
They moved through the wreckage, searching for any sign of life. As they rounded the corner of a collapsed building, Kael's sharp gaze caught sight of a figure leaning against the remains of a stone pillar.
It was Caziel.
Bruised, battered, but alive.
Kael approached him, his steps measured, his expression a mixture of relief and concern. "Caziel, you're still here?"
Caziel looked up slowly, his face grim. "Kael... you're here. I knew you'd come."
Kael knelt beside him, his brow furrowing as he assessed the state of his friend. "What happened?"Kael asked. We've been attacked twice by the Black Fangs," Caziel explained, his voice low. "I'm certain they'll be back."
Caziel let out a shaky breath and leaned back against the pillar. "I had a feeling. They came once, and I tried to hold them off. But they came back with more force. I barely made it out."
Kael's gaze hardened as he placed a hand on Caziel's shoulder. "Don't worry. They won't get a third chance. I'm here now, and I'll make sure they won't survive the next time they come."
Caziel gave him a tired smile, his eyes filled with gratitude. "I'm glad you're here."
Kael stood and extended a hand to Yuna, who had been quietly observing the exchange. "Let's set up camp. We'll need to rest and plan."
The two of them worked quickly, gathering what supplies were left and setting up a makeshift camp amidst the rubble. The sounds of the forest—once peaceful—now felt distant, overshadowed by the grim reality of their situation.
As the night fell, they sat around a small fire. The warmth of the flames contrasted sharply with the coldness that had settled in Kael's chest. The battle, the destruction, the loss—it was all becoming too much. But he couldn't let it show. Not here, not now.
Yuna broke the silence as she stirred the food over the fire. "We've been through a lot today," she said softly. "You've changed... I can feel it. That power of yours... it's growing."
Kael stared into the fire, his face unreadable. "It has to. If I'm going to protect those I care about... I need it. I need to be stronger."
Yuna nodded, her gaze lingering on him for a moment before she spoke again. "We all have our burdens to carry. But you're not alone in this."
Kael smiled faintly, the weight on his shoulders lightening just a little. "I know. I'm not alone."
After eating, Kael stood up, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten as he walked over to where Caziel was resting. The old man was barely conscious, his injuries severe, but Kael could feel the faintest pulse of life within him. He extended his hand and placed it gently on Caziel's chest.
The power in Kael's right hand flared, the glow of his Eclipse Sigil pulsing as the healing energy flowed into Caziel's body. Slowly, the man's breathing steadied, the pain and weariness fading from his features.
Caziel opened his eyes, blinking in surprise. "Kael... you—"
"I've got you," Kael whispered.
The healing process was slow, but Caziel was improving. Kael stood back once he was certain that the worst was over. He didn't speak, but his mind was already focused on the battle to come.
"You're safe for now," Kael said softly, his voice resolute.
Yuna stood from the fire, joining him at his side. She, too, looked toward the horizon, her expression thoughtful. "And now, we wait."
Kael nodded, his silver eyes darkening as he looked out into the distance. "They'll be back. But we'll be ready. We'll finish this."
The night passed in relative silence, save for the occasional rustle of the wind through the trees and the crackling of the fire. They were waiting for the inevitable. The next attack. The next fight.
But for now, there was nothing to do but wait.