The paramedics had arrived to take away the loser to receive medical treatment since he was in a severe condition. Kayden didn't require medical attention since he was still conscious and able to walk. Plus, he naturally had better healing since he had an ability.
He already had more than enough money to pay the people who had kidnapped his cousin. He had decided that that would be his only fight for the night. He was also running low on Mana.
As he was about to leave, he heard a loud shriek coming from the crowd. The people began to run in all sorts of directions. The place was in chaos. Men wearing dark black clothing began to appear as the terrorized the people, sending everyone into a state of panic. Using their weapons, they rained terrier upon whomever was in their path, while blocking all the exits.
"I told you you didn't have to worry about the arrangements," a man said, stepping forward. He held a cigarette in-between his fingers and casually smoked it as he sauntered his way towards the teenager.
Kayden could feel an intense pressure from this man. But not only that, there was something about him that seemed familiar. That was when it dawned on him. His body froze in fear upon realizing who this man was.
"I-It's you..." he trailed off.
The man gave silent orders to his men, and they did as told. Arms and legs tied up. Gagged with a piece of dirty cloth. Her blonde hair was messy and filled with dirt. Her baggy eyes and horrified expression told a tale of her unending suffering in the clutches of these savages. Kayden's heart sank upon laying eyes on her.
'What... what did these monsters do to you?!!!!' his rage was difficult to surpress.
"I see that you're write upset," the man said. "But, you know, business is business. Now, if you would be so kind as to fulfill your own end of the bargain, no one else has to get hurt."
His men made quick work of the other people. These guys didn't only have business with Kayden, as it seemed like there were others who were forced to pay ransom for their loved ones. Those who were unable to pay or tried to double cross him, ended up paying the ultimate price.
Kayden's arms shook as he gazed upon his cousin. This was someone he promised to protect years ago. He would always ensure that she was safe and had it easier than himself. All he wanted was for her to live happily and enjoy her life. Seeing her as she was now, he didn't know how to feel. It was like he had broken the promise he made years ago. He had failed his cousin.
"You... bastard!" he yelled through gritted teeth.
"Now, now. Watch your language, boy," the man said with a grin.
'I wanna kill you!' he yelled in his mind. He knew there was nothing he could do in his current situation. Still, he saw no way to quench his rage. He didn't see how he could fight by while retaining his life. He was just out matched and outclassed. Even with his transformation ability, he was still low on Mana. He didn't even know if he could take them all on if he was at full strength. So he decided to bite through the rage and proceed with what they had agreed on.
He brought out his phone, and the man gave Kayden his account number. He then made the transfer and quickly rushed to his cousin to assist her. Fortunately, it seemed like the man had no intentions of double-crossing him.
Stacy looked to be in shock from the things that had happened so far. But, seeing her cousin beside her, she felt a sense of relief she couldn't begin to explain. Then suddenly, she lost consciousness. Kayden looked at the man and asked him a question.
"May we leave?" He turned and looked down at the both of them. At that moment, a ping sound was heard from his device, confirming that the transfer had been made.
"Of course, you both are useless to me now. Be gone," he said, waving them off. Kayden picked her up in his arms and walked out of that place. Although all was finally well, there were things he couldn't just put to rest. But for now, he decided to focus on the positive side of things.
Upon making it to the surface, Kayden quickly took her to a nearby hospital. From there, he would contact his uncle, telling him that he had found Stacy in an alley and he brought her to a hospital. Jake felt dejected upon hearing about the condition Stacy was in. Quickly, he made his way to the hospital to see her.
He was upset, but he was still glad that she would be alright, according to the doctors. Still, he couldn't wrap his head around the explanation Kayden gave him.
After Jake had paid for her medical treatment, he and Kayden drove back home. He was also wondering why Kayden was outside late at night.The next day, Kayden decided to start going back to school since there was no longer something serious weighing down on him like usual.
He quickly got dressed in his white and black uniform before heading out. Kayden was a senior in his last year of high school.
"Hey, guys! You won't believe who I just saw," a girl said excitedly.
"Who is it?" someone asked.
"Kayden," the group was excited upon hearing this.
Although he had told them he would start coming tomorrow, they were still glad that he decided to come today. Once some of the teachers spotted him, they caught up to him and told him that the principal wished to see him in his office.
Kayden decided to follow them, knowing the reason why he wished to see him. Upon entering the principal's office, he greeted the man and those in the room with him respectfully.
"Good morning, sir. Miss Reeves said you wished to see me?"
"Yes," the principal said. "A few days back, I sent Miss Reeves to your house to know why you and your sister have been absent from school lately. When she came back, she took me that you and your uncle have been going through a tough period. I'm sorry about your cousin," he said
"It's alright, sir. You see, yesterday, she was found, as is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital. Thank you for your concern."
"I'm glad to hear that she is alright. I hope that now that you are here, you will focus on your academics and nothing else?" he asked.
"Of course, sir," Kayden replied.
"Alright. That will be all for now. You're dismissed," the principal said.
"Thank you, sir," Kayden said before leaving the office.
Meanwhile, his friends were on their way to meet him, but they heard that he had been called to meet the principal in his office, so they decided to head back to class since the teacher was present. They would just have to meet up with him once he made it to class.
Kayden told himself that he would focus more on his studies from now on, but he couldn't stop thinking about his cousin. 'I hope she gets well soon and starts attending school as well.'
During break time, his friends gathered around him. This was usually when they would talk about random stuff while having a good time. However, Kayden seemed lost in everything.
"Hey, dude? You alright," one of his friends asked. His name was Blake.
"Sure... Everything is, um, fine..."
Everyone noticed how Kayden had been acting strange lately.
"Hey, if anything is wrong, you know you can always tell us. We're your friends for a reason. Friends always help each other out," Blake said.
"Thanks, guys," Kayden replied. He didn't seem like he wanted to share with them what was going on, so they decided not to press further for answers.
"Anyways, since we'll be graduating a month from now, have you guys decided on which military academy we'll all be enrolling in?" a girl asked. Her name was Madison
Everyone seated looked at each other.
"The Brunt Academy!"
"The Kevins Academy!"
"The Shield Academy!"
There were three different answers from the group. After highschool, teenagers were admonished to attend military school. This was because of the current world situation. Not too long ago, a war had been sparked between Earth and a mysterious race of aliens. They possessed power unlike anyone had ever seen. With their magic, they slayed millions across the world.
Their power was unmatched. Human technology could not hold a kindle to their might. When it seemed like all was lost, a group of people different of others began to emerge. They were the first people the world came to know as ability users. With their strange powers, they fought valiantly against the aliens.
While some chose to assist humanity, others chose to remain hidden. At the age of sixteen, teenagers would attend military academy where they would learn to defend their planet from the vicious Shales.
Currently there is a peace treaty between the humans and the Shales, no one knows when another war would ignite. So everybody wants to be ready in case that happens.
_______________
I hope you enjoyed the chapter.
My goal is to one day become a famous author.
If you want my dream to become a reality, then please keep on reading and support this work.