Primal Outcasts

Chapter 12: Weak in Shadows

The throne room was bathed in warm sunlight, its golden rays filtering through the high-arched windows. The once chaotic air had settled into a peaceful calm, but a sense of anticipation lingered. The door creaked open, and Amy and Jagger entered, their faces lighting up with excitement the moment they laid eyes on Kuma.

"You're awake!" Amy exclaimed, her voice full of joy as she hurried over to him. Jagger followed close behind, a grin spreading across his face.

Kuma stood at the center of the room, his posture still stiff but solid. Freedo stands nearby in still his battle form, his watchful eyes on his companion, ready to assist if needed. The exhaustion of the past week was evident in the faint lines on Kuma's face, but his strength had returned slowly.

"Good to see you back on your feet," Jagger said, his voice steady but laced with relief. "A week's rest did you some good, I see."

Kuma gave a tired smile. "Feels like I've been gone longer." He stretched slightly, testing his limbs. "Still a bit wobbly, but I'm alright."

Amy couldn't help but wrap her arms around Kuma, her worry finally melting away. "You gave us a scare, you know that?"

He chuckled softly, blushing softly, patting her back. "Sorry about that. I guess I needed a longer nap than usual."

Amy's cheeks flushed a deep red as she quickly pulled away from the hug, suddenly aware of how close she had been to Kuma. She fumbled with her words, her usual confidence replaced by a wave of embarrassment.

"I-I... um... I'm just glad you're okay!" she stuttered, her eyes darting everywhere but Kuma's face.

Kuma blinked, surprised by her sudden reaction, but a warm smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Thanks, Amy. It's good to be back."

Kuma's brow furrowed as he tried to recall the events before his long sleep. "I don't remember much, but I'm sure the last thing I did was... uhhhh..." He trailed off, rubbing the back of his head, frustration creeping into his voice as he struggled to piece together the fragmented memories.

Jagger raised an eyebrow, watching the scene unfold with a smirk, while the rest of the group exchanged knowing glances, trying to suppress their chuckles at Amy's flustered state.

Amy cleared her throat, straightening her posture as if trying to regain her composure. "A-anyway, you've been out of the loop for too long! I'm sure Rufus can explain what happened later!" she added quickly, eager to move past the awkwardness.

Kuma's eyes widened in realization. "Rufus... Right... the tiger and the human girl." He let out a deep sigh, a mixture of relief and confusion washing over him. "It's all still a bit blurry. A lot happened, didn't it? Rufus saved us, didn't he?"

As if summoned by their words, the large doors of the throne room creaked open, revealing Rufus, General Jagger Max, Laxus, and Tuskarr walking in. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the grand hall as they approached Kuma and the others.

"Indeed, I was able to help you and your friends but they were stronger than I thought but you managed to throw them off, grabbing Amy and Jagger here even though I tried to tell you that you would collapse and you did." Rufus explained. "Still you woke up in time to save my brother, you have my thanks."

Kuma looked up, a bit taken aback by Rufus's praise, and shook his head slightly. "I just did what I had to... but it seems like I slept through most of the real action."

"You did the best you could, son. In an impossible situation, you managed to turn things around. Be proud, Kuma." Riyu said with a soft smile.

Laxus smirked from the back. "Well, looks like we've got our hero back on his feet. Let's just hope you don't need another week of sleep after the next fight." Laxus said with a chuckle in his voice.