FALLEN STAR | OLD VERSION | BL ✔

CHAPTER 4 | leaked identities

"What's going on?" Castyr asks as he is dragged out of the inn.

"Word has spread that you are missing," Kilo explains as he leads the star down the street. The duo mill through the sea of people until Kilo spots a sign above the crowd. He guides Castyr to the side of the street and leads him inside a clothing store.

"Put this on." Kilo hands Castyr a cape. The boy puts the cape over the too-big jacket and throws on the hood as Kilo slips on a long, hooded coat.

"What do we do now?"

"We find the space station. Stay close to me."

Castyr nods and steps closer to Kilo as the angel leads the way down the street, keeping a lookout for signs directing to the space station.

"Ah! Over there. Kilo!" Castyr tugs on the angel's sleeve.

Kilo stops and follows Castyr's pointing finger to a sign depicting a shuttle stop to the space station. Castyr follows Kilo over to the shuttle stop where people are gathered.

"Stay here. I'll be back." Kilo leads Castyr to an empty seat.

Castyr nods and watches Kilo walk up to the stop's office. After a few minutes, Kilo returns with two tickets and several sticks with grilled cubes of meat.

"Here."

Castyr accepts the stick and smells the seasoned meat. His stomach grumbles hungrily at the scent of food. Kilo leans against the wall behind Castyr's seat and enjoys his food.

The rumble of engines draw near as Castyr finishes his food. Kilo gets the star to his feet as the shuttle arrives at the stop. The angel places the star in front of him as the crowd closes in.

Kilo inserts the two tickets as the duo board the shuttle. The seats filled quickly, so the angel and star hold onto the over-head rails. Kilo and Castyr are pushed closer as more people squeeze onto the shuttle. The pair gain their balance as the shuttle begins moving.

The shuttle speeds up suddenly as it leaves the town, throwing off Castyr's untrained balance and causing the star to fall back into Kilo. Castyr gasps quietly as an arm wraps around his waist. The star's heart races as he feels Kilo's warm breath.

"Careful," Kilo whispers into his ear.

"...Thank you," Castyr blushes as Kilo helps him regain his balance. Kilo removes his hand from Castyr's waist, but his touch lingers.

What is this? Why is my heart racing? Castyr tightens his grasp on the rail. Why is my face hot? The star pulls his hood tighter to hide his red cheeks.

Kilo calmly scans the passengers, checking for any threat. Castyr's heart slowly returns to its normal pace, and the redness leaves his cheeks. He relaxes his hold on the rail.

The shuttle swiftly travels through numerous towns and cities until a massive shape appears on the horizon. Contrast to the primitive towns, the space station is technologically advanced. Space crafts come and go from all directions. The shuttle zooms into the station and stops beside a raised walkway lining the long building.

Kilo leads Castyr down the walkway after exiting the shuttle. They blend into the crowd and enter the building. Kilo stops in his tracks as he spies a rough sketch of his face advertised on the screens lining the wall.

The words "Guardian Angel of Missing Star! 5 Billion Gold Lorne for Angel Captured Alive!" decorate the screen under the sketch.

My identity got leaked! Kilo grabs Castyr's wrist and quickly guides him out of the station.

"What's wrong?"

"The hunters know my face."

"What? How?" Castyr lowers his voice.

"Someone in Heaven leaked it."

"What do we do now?"

"We can't use public travel anymore as Heaven doesn't govern this planet. We'll have to find an underground goods smuggler who doesn't know my face."

Castyr nods in agreement and follows Kilo to the ground level of the station. The angel is keen to keep a lookout for any suspicious persons as he and the star find their way around the station.

What was that? Kilo's ear picks up the sound of footfalls as they approach the ground level. He pulls Castyr in front of him as they round a corner. The man following them lingers at the corner before continuing.

We've been spotted! Kilo looks back at their follower. His eyes widen as four more join the man. Sounds from in front of Castyr draw Kilo's attention. The two stop in their tracks as three armed men advance toward them.

Kilo draws his sword from his back as the attackers get closer while Castyr gawks at Kilo's sword suddenly appearing.

One man sneers before drawing his blade while another aims his gun at the small star.