Kilo opens his eyes to see a sun shining above him. He inhales a raspy breath and observes his surroundings. White mounds of snow surround the small crater created from the impact of the fall. The angel looks down to see a small, silver head nestled in his neck. The small star is still unconscious and wrapped in the angel's arms.
"Castyr!" Kilo sits up and carefully leans the star against his chest. He checks the star's pulse and body. Gashes cut from the craft's debris ooze thick blood. Kilo hurriedly rips off shreds of his sleeves and wraps Castyr's wounds. The angel then removes his jacket and swaddles it around the small star.
Wet warmth catches Kilo's attention.
Kilo gently picks up Castyr and holds him in his arms. He spies a road in the distance and begins walking towards it. The angel's feet grow numb in the snow, but he continues trudging. After a few minutes, Kilo arrives at the road. He kneels on one knee and gently presses his fingertips to Castyr's neck to feel the star's pulse.
The sound of the grinding of wheels in winter slush reaches the angel's ears. Kilo turns to see a small, open-back wagon heading toward him. He is quick to wave the wagon down as it nears him.
"Woah there!" The man pulls on the horse's reigns as he reaches the duo. "Are you lost?"
Kilo nods.
"...Well...hop on. I can bring you to the nearest town."
Kilo nods in thanks.
"Is he, uh, alright?" The man peers at the star.
Kilo protectively pulls Castyr into him and hides the star's face in his chest. The man catches the hint and quickly looks away. The angel cautiously steps onto the back of the wagon and sits down once he makes sure the man will leave the star alone. He leans Castyr against him and holds him in his arms as the wagon begins moving down the slushy road.
The wagon rolls along for six leagues before the silhouette of a town appears on the horizon. The sun is nearly set as the wagon enters the town. The man drops the duo off in front of an inn and bids them farewell.
Kilo tightens his hold around Castyr as he cautiously enters the inn. He has not been in such an undeveloped place before.
"One room, please," the angel tells the girl at the counter.
"Follow me," the girl selects a key and walks toward the stairs. "Pay is due at checkout." The girl opens the door and gives the key to Kilo. He nods shortly before entering the room.
The angel lays Castyr on the bed and checks his pulse as soon as they are alone.
Kilo gasps as he sees Castyr's healed arms. The wounds have closed.
Kilo pulls the bed covers over the star and sits in the chair against the window. He re-bandages his wound and peers out the frosted glass. Snow has begun to fall, blurring most of the view of the town.
The angel turns to check on the boy to find him shivering. Kilo walks to the bed and gently gets on. He slips under the blanket and wraps his arms around the star. After a few moments, the star stops shaking from the cold and subconsciously snuggles into the angel. Kilo tightens his hold and lets himself eventually fall asleep.
<<<<<>>>>>
A bright light wakes the angel. Kilo opens his eyes to see the entire room illuminated. He looks down to find the source is the star. Castyr is glowing happily in his sleep. Kilo is captivated. He holds his breath as he takes in the heavenly sight before him. His heart speeds up as he continues to stare at the star. This is the closest Kilo has ever been to Castyr. He can feel the star's small breaths. It is too much for Kilo. He has to shake his head to rip free of Castyr's beauty.
"Castyr," Kilo gently shakes the star's shoulder.
"Mmmmm," Castyr opens his eyes sleepily.
Kilo is stunned by the star's eyes.
"Who are you?" Castyr asks the man holding him.
Kilo snaps out of his trance as the star continues to cautiously stare at him.