The chest rested heavily on Kaidan's back, its iron handles biting into his shoulders as he sprinted through the dense forest. His breaths came quick and shallow, each step carrying him closer to the cave he called home. The bandits' shouts and curses rang out behind him, joined by the guttural growls of the panther.
"Of all the ways this night could've gone…" Kaidan muttered between gasps. "I just had to make it worse."
A low hiss of air flew past his ear—a thrown dagger embedding itself into a tree trunk inches away. He ducked instinctively, nearly losing his footing as the chest shifted on his back.
"Keep running, boy!" Tarn's voice echoed, his tone laced with menace. "We'll gut you when we catch you!"
Kaidan didn't bother replying. There was no point. If he stopped, he was dead.
The Chase
The forest was alive with sound—snapping twigs, rustling leaves, and the frantic thud of boots on dirt. Kaidan's mismatched eyes darted to the shadows on either side of him. He could feel the panther closing in, its presence like a dagger pressing against his back.
"Why do I always attract the worst kind of luck?" he muttered under his breath. His hands adjusted their grip on the chest's handles, the metal biting into his palms.
A roar cut through the night, deeper and more menacing than the bandits' shouts. The panther was close now—too close.
Kaidan forced his legs to move faster, ignoring the fire in his muscles. The incline leading to his cave loomed ahead, steep and unforgiving. Relief mingled with desperation as he closed the distance.
"Almost there," he whispered.
A flicker of movement caught his eye. He twisted just in time to see the panther leaping from the shadows, its emerald eyes blazing.
The Cave and the First Panther
Kaidan reached the cave entrance, the chest clanging against the stone floor as he dropped it. He spun around, drawing his short sword with practiced precision.
The panther emerged from the trees, its sleek black form blending seamlessly with the night. It prowled closer, its growl rumbling like distant thunder.
Kaidan tightened his grip on the sword, his mismatched eyes narrowing. "You followed me all the way here for this?" He gestured to the chest behind him. "You're welcome to it, but I'm guessing you want me more."
The panther crouched low, its muscles coiling like springs.
"Figured as much," Kaidan muttered.
The beast lunged, its claws flashing in the moonlight. Kaidan sidestepped, his blade slicing upward. Steel met flesh, and the panther let out a snarl as blood sprayed from its shoulder.
"Not bad," Kaidan said, circling the beast. "But you'll have to do better."
The panther hissed, its tail lashing as it prepared for another attack.
Kaidan lunged first this time, his short sword cutting a precise arc toward the panther's chest. The beast twisted mid-air, its claws raking across his forearm. Pain flared, but Kaidan pressed forward, slashing again.
The panther ducked, its tail whipping toward his legs. Kaidan jumped back, narrowly avoiding the strike.
"Fast and smart," he said, his tone grudgingly impressed. "But you're not unbeatable."
The beast roared, charging again. Kaidan planted his feet, meeting the attack head-on. His blade found its mark, piercing the panther's side. The creature howled, its claws flailing as it tried to dislodge the weapon.
Kaidan twisted the blade, driving it deeper. With a final, shuddering growl, the panther collapsed at his feet.
He yanked his sword free, blood dripping from the blade. "One down," he muttered, his chest heaving.
The Second Panther
A sharp, searing pain shot through Kaidan's back, stealing his breath. He staggered forward, nearly dropping his sword.
"What the—" He twisted, his eyes widening as a second panther emerged from the shadows. Its emerald eyes glowed with fury, its jaws dripping with blood.
"You've got to be kidding me," Kaidan said, his voice hoarse.
The second panther wasted no time. It lunged, its claws slicing through the air. Kaidan barely raised his sword in time, the blade ringing as it caught the strike.
The force sent him stumbling, but he recovered quickly, his feet shifting into a defensive stance.
"Alright," he said, his voice low and steady. "Let's see if you're as tough as your friend."
The panther growled, circling him like a predator toying with its prey. Then it struck, a blur of teeth and claws.
Kaidan ducked under the swipe, slashing at the beast's exposed flank. The blade bit deep, and the panther yowled in pain.
But it didn't retreat.
The beast leapt onto a nearby rock, its emerald eyes gleaming with malice. Kaidan followed its movements, his mismatched gaze unyielding.
When it pounced, he was ready.
Kaidan sidestepped, driving his sword into the panther's chest. The beast roared, its claws raking across his ribs. Blood sprayed, and Kaidan gritted his teeth against the pain.
With a final burst of strength, he twisted the blade and pulled it free. The panther collapsed with a wet thud, its body twitching before it went still.
Aftermath
Kaidan leaned against the cave wall, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His body ached, his wounds stinging with every movement, but he refused to collapse.
"There's no time for rest," he muttered, pulling a small vial of medicinal herbs from his pack. Gritting his teeth, he began tending to his wounds.
His mismatched eyes drifted to the chest resting against the cave wall.
"Hope you're worth all this trouble," he said, his voice laced with exhaustion.
The forest outside was eerily quiet, the night holding its breath. Kaidan knew it wouldn't last.
And he would be ready.