The cave had transformed significantly from when Kael and Remy had first taken shelter there. It now felt more like home, bustling with makeshift furniture and items – or at least, things that could pass for it.
Kael sighed as they finally arrived. The journey had been free of danger, much to his relief. He wheeled himself in behind Remy, who dragged the unconscious boy on the makeshift sled.
Inside, the cave was illuminated by rays of moonlight creeping through the entrance. The space was modest but functional.
Kael quickly sparked a fire using stones. His hands moved with the ease of someone who had done this countless times. Within moments, flames sparked to life, lighting up the the fireplace, illuminating the cave's interior.
One side of the cave featured their bed—a collection of furs and soft leaves layered together laying neatly against the wall. Next to it was Kael's "workbench" where he crafted his traps and tools. In one dark, cold corner, two wooden crates stored their food, one for the foraged goods and the other for the dried meats.
Another corner lays a crate also, containing materials like wood, stones, and bone, all used for their various projects. While none of it looked particularly refined, it was enough to live by. Both Kael and Remy took pride in their craftsmanship, no matter how humble.
Kael glanced around, nodding to himself. It wasn't much, but it was theirs.
"We've made a nice little place, haven't we?" Kael mused aloud, mostly to himself. He liked to think they'd done well, given their situation. Remy grunted, too busy sniffing around for anything out of place to respond.
He rolled over to the sled and carefully lifted the boy onto the bed. The boy's face was still pale, lips slightly cracked, but his breathing was steady. No signs of waking up yet.
"At least he's breathing," Kael muttered. He glanced at Remy. "That's a good start."
Remy squeaked in agreement, still casting cautious glances at the boy.
Kael leaned back, stretching his sore muscles. "I guess we should eat. We should check the traps I set up earlier. Maybe we caught something." His stomach growled at the thought.
Remy gave a firm nod.
"You stay here, Remy. I'll go check the traps."
Remy shook his head in protest.
"We need someone here in case he wakes up," Kael reasoned, pointing to the unconscious boy.
Still, Remy shook his head and pointed to himself, adamant.
Kael blinked. "You'll go instead? But it's dangerous out there, Remy. What if—"
The rat fixed him with a deadpan stare, flexing his tiny, yet surprisingly muscular arms. His squeak was full of sass.
'Dangerous? Speak for yourself...
You really don't give me enough credit, human. I'm strong!'
Kael chuckled, "Okay, okay, tough guy. I get it. Just… be careful."
Remy squeaked again, this time full of pride, and scurried out of the cave. Kael watched him go, shaking his head.
"Remy's gotten so much stronger,"
Kael murmured, his gaze lingering on the small figure until it disappeared into the shadows of the forest. He watched with a quiet admiration, the once tiny and timid creature now moving with confidence and strength.
"I should too..."
A wave of old, familiar doubt washed over him, the ones he had tried so hard to forget. His damaged origin root. His shattered dreams. The moment he'd been told that he couldn't grow, that he was stuck at the bottom for the rest of his life. It had crushed him, more than any physical injury could.
For so long, he had clung to that one hope, that despite his disability, despite everything, he would someday awaken a talent that would change his life.
But instead, fate had been cruel.
Kael shook his head, trying to dismiss the bitterness that crept into his thoughts.
"My... How weak-willed I've become," he whispered, scolding himself.
"I may not have the power I dreamed of," Kael whispered, "but I will get stronger in my own way!"
A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. Kael felt a wave of relief wash over him, like a burden being lifted from his chest. The insecurities that had weighed him down for so long began to dissolve, replaced by a sense of calm. In that moment, the flicker of hope he once lost slowly reignited, steady and bright, warming him from the inside out
Suddenly, a groan broke through the quiet cave, interrupting Kael's thoughts.
Kael's heart leaped into his throat as he rushed to the boy's side. His eyes were squeezed shut, his face twisted in pain.
"Hey! What's wrong?" Kael asked, his voice filled with concern.
"Are you hurting? Can you hear me?"
The boy groaned again, his eyelids fluttering as he struggled to regain consciousness. And then, without warning, his eyes snapped open.
In a lightning-quick motion, he rolled off the bed, grabbing Kael and pinning him to the ground in an instant. Kael gasped, surprised by the boy's sudden movement.
"Who are you?" the boy growled, his voice hoarse but menacing. His grip was firm, and his dark eyes were filled with mistrust and fear. "Who sent you?"