Zero

Double Trouble

The wind howled like a restless spirit outside the small cave, its icy breath swirling in a fierce blizzard that blanketed the world in white. Inside, the flickering flames of a modest fire cast dancing shadows against the rough stone walls, illuminating the rugged features of Astral, the elk boy, as he meticulously cleaned his spear, the glint of the blade reflecting his determination. Nearby, Jaylen huddled in a thick blanket, his shivering frame betraying the chill that seeped into the very marrow of his bones. He peered up at Astral, his breath forming small clouds in the frigid air.

"How are you not cold?" Jaylen whined, his voice barely rising above the wind's wail, as he nestled deeper into the warmth of his blanket, now using his partners cat companion, Hallow, as a makeshift pillow, as she meowed softly. 

Astral huffed, his focus momentarily breaking from the task at hand. "I am—" he replied, glancing down at his spear, "But you have the blanket—"

Jaylen's cheeks flushed with realization, and he dropped his gaze, the flickering light catching the embarrassment in his eyes. "O-oh—Didn't you buy two?"

"The horses," Astral dismissed with a wave of his hand, "But I'm fine; I've got my kimono under my gear—" The words were meant to reassure, yet they did little to mask the creeping cold that enveloped him. With a resigned sigh, Jaylen shifted, grabbing Hollow and the blanket in a resolute motion. He nestled himself beside Astral, a shared warmth blossoming between them as he set Hollow gently on Astral's lap. The blanket now enveloped the three, creating a barrier against the bitter winds outside.

Astral looked down, surprise mingling with gratitude as a smile spread across his face. "Thanks, man—"

"No problem," Jaylen replied, his tone lightening as he glanced at their makeshift cocoon. "You looked cold." they drift into a peaceful slumber. As the night wears on, the snow outside begins to relent, and the wind's fury slowly dies down, ushering in the promise of a new day.

With the dawn's light, Astral awakens first, the flickering embers of the fire igniting his spirit as he prepares a humble breakfast. Nearby, Jaylen, a spirited young elf with bright eyes full of curiosity, lay sprawled on a weathered log, cradling a fluffy creature named Hollow against his chest. Wrapped snugly in a blanket, the two shared a moment of peace, a fleeting sanctuary from the shadows that haunted Astral's heart. As the fire crackled merrily, Astral cast a wistful glance at the slumbering duo.

Memories of laughter and camaraderie flickered in his mind, but they were tinged with melancholy. He thought of his lost friends, Brendon and Nova, their faces etched into his memory like constellations in a starry sky. The burden of guilt weighed heavily on him; a relentless tide that pulled him under as he recalled the fateful day that had torn them apart.

"Why didn't I help?" he murmured to the flames, yearning for solace from the ghosts of his past. Just then, Jaylen stirred, his sleepy expression transforming into one of excitement as he caught a whiff of the savory aroma. "Ugh—Do I smell food?" he mumbled, blinking the remnants of slumber from his eyes. The light in his eyes sparked a flicker of hope in Astral's chest, a reminder that amidst his grief, life still thrived.

"Yup—It's almost done," Astral replied, a small smile playing on his lips as he looked back at the eager elf.

Jaylen's eyes widened in delight. "What are we having?"

"Crocotta Buns," Astral announced, pride resonating in his voice. With childlike enthusiasm, Jaylen flung himself off the log and bounded to Astral's side. The sight made Astral chuckle softly, shaking his head in amusement. "You don't even move that fast for missions," he huffed.