Where did that come from?! Castyr bent his head backward to look up at Kilo's black sword. He pulled it out of nowhere! Now that he thought about it, Castyr had not seen the angel carrying around a sheathed sword. It all made sense when Castyr watched Kilo draw his sword from within his back. The star had heard that angels hosted their weapons within their bodies, but he had not believed it until he watched Kilo's sword be pulled from his back.

The star spent a long moment gawking at the angel until he heard Kilo call his name. Huh? Shaking himself out of his daze, Castyr looked just in time as Kilo moved in front of him and blocked a bullet with his sword.

"Run, Castyr!" Kilo's voice snapped the star back to reality. Castyr stuttered as he began to protest when he saw the many men advancing toward them. "But, what about y-"

"Go! I'll be fine," Kilo ordered as he put his hand on Castyr's back and shoved the star away from an attacker. Castyr's eyes widened as he watched Kilo run his blade across the attacker's chest. Understanding the danger and urgency of the situation, Castyr began running toward a privately owned spacecraft that had just landed. 

Determined to get help, Castyr shook off the fear of speaking to strangers that had begun to creep into his mind. He did not have time to worry whether or not every stranger held ill will toward him. The spacecraft's hatch began to open as Castyr neared the ship. The star did not hesitate to dash up the ramp, so he was not surprised when he ran into someone's body.

"Oh!" A man's voice sounded in shock as he caught the small star to steady him. "Can I help you?"

Upon hearing the man's voice, Castyr looked up to see a green-eyed man staring down at him quizzically. "My friend needs help!" Castyr immediately began begging for the man's aid as he explained, "We were walking out of the station, and some men..."

Castyr's words faded to silence when the man simply nodded, turned around, and silently walked back into his craft. The star released a quiet whine as he watched the man disappear. Does he not want to help us? I don't have enough time to try to convince him...

Castyr was about to run off the ramp to continue his search for help when he heard footsteps returning from within the private ship. "Where is your friend?" The man asked as he came to stand in front of the star. In his hands was a high-grade rifle. 

The man's voice was soft and deep and made Castyr feel reassured that he bore no ill will. The star quickly smiled in thanks before leading the man down the ramp. It was not long before the two came into view of Kilo and the dendrum. The bodies of three men lay on the ground as Kilo fought the remaining attackers. 

Stopping quite a distance from the fight, the man aimed his rifle carefully. He had experienced several run-ins with dendrum, so he knew who the assailants were at first glance. With three swift shots, three assailants fell to the ground allowing Kilo to defeat the remaining dendrum with a slice across the neck.

The moment the group of dendrum was defeated, Castyr rushed to the angel. "Are you alright?" Kilo immediately asked upon the star reaching him. Castyr nodded to confirm he was unhurt before quickly returning, "Are you okay?" as he patted Kilo's abdomen and checked the angel's arms for wounds.

"I'm fine." Kilo shooed the star's hands away before immediately reaching down and pulling the star's hood over his head. Through the chaos and the star's frantic search for help, Castyr had forgotten to subdue his shine. "Keep this on until you calm down, Glow Stick."

Eh? Glow Stick? Castyr was about to ask Kilo why he had called him by such a name when he realized what the angel was referencing. I must have started glowing in the stress of everything. Wait, then that means the man saw me. And he still helped?!

Castyr looked at the man with the rifle in shock. The man must have seen his glow, and with the way the news of Castyr and Kilo's disappearance had spread, there was no way the man did not know who Castyr was. But, he helped anyway. He could have easily grabbed Castyr, thrown him in the ship, and flown away. No one would have been the wiser.

Aware that the man had seen Castyr's glow, Kilo stepped in front of the star protectively as the man approached the two. The angel raised his sword in warning, causing the man to stop and lift his hands. "Are you alright?" Was the man's inquiry as he checked to ensure the angel was unharmed.

"Your friend was worried about you," the man said as he gestured to Castyr. "It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you or your star." Having set his rifle on the ground, the man waited for Kilo's response. 

The angel looked at the man with scrutiny. He had shown no signs of ill intent toward Castyr despite knowing his identity as the missing star. Even though Kilo would prefer to rely on himself to get Castyr back to Heaven, he knew it was nearly unfeasible. He did not have enough money to rent a ship, and taking public flight had proven to be too dangerous. So, he decided to take his shot with this man who had willingly saved Castyr and him.

"I appreciate your help," Kilo thanked the man and slowly lowered his sword. "May I ask your name?"

"I am Devyn, a human from Earth," the man answered. His expression was kind and genuine, and his green eyes were soft and honest.

While Devyn and Kilo were conversing, Castyr was busy calming down and controlling his shine. Once the star's glow was at a minimum, Castyr poked his head out from behind Kilo and peered at the brown-haired human. "It's okay, Kilo. I don't think he wants to hurt us," Castyr told his angel after observing the human. "I trust him."

"You trust people too easily," Kilo returned matter-of-factly to which Castyr replied, "But I trusted you."

Kilo looked down at the star, who blinked his eyes in response, and sighed. Closing his eyes for a short moment, Kilo then swiveled his head to look at the human. Devyn had gained Castyr's approval, and Kilo did not sense may malintent, so he decided to lower his guard.

When the angel lowered his sword before returning it to his back, Devyn let his hands fall back down by his side. After retrieving his rifle, Devyn asked, "Do you guys, uh, need a lift? I'm on my way to Borum for some business." 

Devyn had heard of the news regarding the missing guardian angel and star, so he was aware of the troubles the two were likely experiencing. Being kind and considerate, Devyn was not hesitant to offer his aid once more.

Kilo's ears perked up at the human's offer, and he nodded in acceptance. Devyn was glad the angel trusted him enough to accept his help, so he smiled at the pair softly before saying, "Follow me," and leading the way back to his ship.

Once back in his ship, Devyn returned the rifle to a weapon rack and sat in the pilot's chair. Castyr looked around the ship with awe in his eyes as he and Kilo followed the human up the ramp. Blue, glowing lines ran through the ship as the craft automatically activated upon sensing the biometrics of its owner.

"You fly solo?" Kilo inquired as he observed the high-grade craft. Everything about the ship was spectacular. It was outfitted with the best weapons, the most advanced navigation system, and the highest-quality defense shields.

"Mm," Devyn sounded in response with a nod of his head. "I'm pretty efficient," he smiled as he flipped a few switches on the control board and closed the craft's door. "So, how'd you end up on Megran?"

"...We...fell..." Unsure of how much he should say, Castyr looked up at Kilo as Devyn checked his ship's status and prepared for departure once he ensured his ship had been properly charged while he was away helping the angel and star. 

"We fell from Heaven," Kilo added when he locked eyes with the star. 

"Ah..." Devyn sounded in understanding before looking to Kilo and asking, "You haven't gotten your wings yet?"

Kilo lowered his head and nodded. "That's why we need to get to Earth."

"Mmm. I have a contact on Borum who can get you to Earth," Devyn offered as his ship lifted from the landing pad. "I have business to tend to on Borum, so I can't fly you personally, but my contact is a good friend, so you'll be able to get to Earth safely."

Kilo accepted Devyn's offer as the human increased the power of the ship's thrusters, and the craft soared into the sky. "Thanks. I owe you. If you need any help in the future, I will do my best.

"Ah! I'm sure there won't be any situation like that!" Devyn exclaimed as the ship entered Megran's atmosphere, and the trio began the journey to Borum.

<<<<<<<>>>>>>>

How does he do it? Kilo sighed and shook his head as he looked at the small star. Castyr was sound asleep. Taking off his coat, Kilo gently laid it over the star. Castyr sighed sweetly in his sleep, a little smile appearing on his lips. Kilo could not help but smile at the star as Castyr glowed happily while snuggling into the coat.

Kilo leaned against the back of the chair and released a quiet breath while watching over the sleeping star. A strand of silver hair fell into Castyr's face; his little button nose twitched at the touch of the strand. Kilo gazed at the star softly while pulling the coat under Castyr's chin and gently moving the strand out of the star's face.

He is finally safe. We are almost to Borum, and we have a way to get to Earth. Kilo felt himself relax for the first time in a while. The past few days had been crazy, but at least Castyr was safe. Kilo had been protecting Castyr for a hundred years, but he was still scared of losing him.

Despite Kilo's fear of losing the star, another thought occurred to the angel that caused his heart to speed in his chest. I finally met him, though. He knows my name. Kilo caught himself giving a slight smile, and he was quick to chastise himself. How can you be happy about Castyr knowing your name when he almost died?!

Huffing a breath of air, Kilo ran his fingers through his black hair and stood from the passenger chair. Leaving the sleeping star, Kilo slipped into the empty co-pilot's chair next to Devyn and stared out the window at the colorful nebulae that floated past the ship.

Devyn switched the ship into auto mode before turning to the angel. "What's wrong?"

"Hm?" Kilo sounded as he looked away from the window, bringing his gaze to the human as he replied, "Oh, nothing."

Devyn squinted his eyes as he returned, "Something's bothering you." He could sense it.

Kilo leaned back in the chair and crossed his arms. Devyn was right. Something had been bothering Kilo. Ever since he ran into the transport center in Ithyos and saw Castyr being dragged away by the smugglers, a silent fear entered the angel's heart.

"I'm worried I won't be enough," Kilo answered after a moment.

"Mmmm," Devyn sounded with a bob of his head before matter-of-factly stating, "That's not something you need to worry about."

Kilo was shocked by the human's response. "What do you mean? Castyr almost died!"

"But he didn't. You protected him."

"What if can't next time?" Kilo's deepest fears came to light the more he conversed with Devyn. "What if I slip up?"

"You won't. You have a, uh, how do I say this?" Devyn crinkled his brows as he contemplated what he was about to say. "You have a drive. You'll be enough because you care about him."

"I'm his guardian. I'm supposed to protect him."

"Yes, but you care for him more than how an angel cares for his star," Devyn pointed out. "Something...maybe like l-"

A moan from Castyr stopped Devyn from finishing his sentence. Both Kilo and Devyn turn to watch the small star open his big eyes. Devyn smiled at the star as Castyr sat up sleepily and looked around with droopy eyes. "Have a good nap?" The human asked, to which Castyr responded with a nod. 

"When will we arrive?" Castyr asked with a yawn. Devyn gazed at the small star softly as he answered, "In five hours."

Kilo chuckled to himself as he watched Castyr slip on the coat that he had laid on him just a bit before. The coat completely engulfed Castyr, and the poor thing shivered as he pulled it tighter around himself. Castyr was used to the warmth of his residence in Ithyos; he likely had never been that cold.

Not getting the satisfying warmth he was craving, Castyr left his seat and waddled over to the angel sitting in the co-pilot's chair. The star plopped himself in Kilo's lap and looked out the window causing Kilo's eyes to widen as he stared at the silver head in front of him. "Erm, Castyr..."

"Can I stay here? I want to look at the stars." Castyr's want for warmth went out the door the moment he looked through the vast window at the multitude of shining stars. "It reminds me of home."

Kilo's heart ached at the star's words. Castyr, who had known nothing but safety and warmth while inside his residence, had now been nearly kidnapped, killed, and attacked by dendrum in a matter of days. Kilo could only imagine the fear that the star was experiencing at that moment. 

However, despite the swirling emotions inside the star, Castyr did not let them show. Instead, he smiled and leaned into Kilo while giving another reason for plopping himself on the angel's lap. "Also, I thought you might be cold since I'm wearing your jacket...and your coat."

"I'm fine...but thanks." Kilo's heart warmed at Castyr's consideration and care. Glancing to the side, Kilo saw Devyn putting earbuds in, and it was not long until the human was enveloped in music, leaving the star and angel to talk amongst themselves. 

Castyr nestled into Kilo's lap as he continued to look at the stars. His big eyes reflected the constellations, and his mouth was opened slightly in awe. After a few minutes, Castyr turned in Kilo's lap to face the angel. Leaning in, Castyr placed his face right in front of Kilo's.

Kilo's face grew hot, and the angel's heart began to speed at his close proximity to the star. He's so...close...

"Kilo," Castyr voiced with a smile.

"Hmm?" Kilo raised a brow. Why does it feel so good when he says my name? Kilo had had his name called by many a person, but no other time had made him melt like Castyr's voice just then.  

"Look into my eyes," the star said as he leaned in closer. Kilo gulped as he gazed into Castyr's eyes, and his heart raced faster than ever. 

"What do you see?" Castyr asked after a moment. He then fell silent and waited for Kilo's response.

Kilo was mesmerized. Castyr's eyes were the deep, dark blue of the night sky. Tiny, sparkling stars shimmered against the dark blue canvas. It was almost as if an entire galaxy was being held within Castyr's eyes. The stars were almost unseeable unless one was right in front of Castyr's eyes...like Kilo.

"I see stars..." Was Kilo's answer. His voice was quiet and awe-filled.

Castyr's brows raised in excitement. "Really?!" A giant smile covered Castyr's face, and his eyes squinted in delight. 

The star's smile made Kilo's heart skip even more, and he asked, "Why're you so happy?"

"Well...I always saw them, but I didn't know if others could see them, too. I was told not everyone could see them, so I was wondering if you could," Castyr answered in one breath. His big smile returned after he caught his breath. 

Kilo's lips curled up in a small smile as he gazed at the star's happy expression. Kilo was entranced; he did not want to look away. But, a sudden rumble and jerk of the ship startled the angel and star. Kilo instinctively wrapped his arms around Castyr's waist and pulled the star into his chest. Castyr wrapped his arms around his angel's neck and closed his eyes as he nestled his head in the nook of Kilo's neck.

The rumble stopped after a few moments. Castyr opened his eyes and looked at Kilo as the angel continued to hold him. A shiver ran down Kilo's spine as Castyr's thumb stroked the back of the angel's neck. It was not until Kilo felt the heat from Castyr's body that he realized how closely he had pulled the star.

"Sorry about that," Devyn's voice shocked Kilo out of the trance the star had placed on him. Kilo and Castyr turned to look at Devyn as the human explained, "We just went through a small meteor field." Upon delivering his apology, Devyn put his earbuds back in and left the star and angel to themselves once more.

When Devyn returned to his own world, Castyr slowly unlocked his fingers from around Kilo's neck, and Kilo removed his arms from around Castyr's waist. Clearing his throat, Castyr turned around in the angel's lap and returned to gazing out the window. Kilo released a pent-up breath as the two broke eye contact.

To Kilo's slight surprise, the star leaned back against his chest. At first, Kilo was unsure of how to respond, but after reasoning that it would not be the first time he had held Castyr, Kilo wrapped his arms back around the star and held him securely. As Kilo held the star, Castyr settled his head in the niche of the angel's neck, his soft hair tickling Kilo's chin.

Castyr returned to watching the constellations and distant galaxies with his big eyes while Kilo watched over him fondly. As he held the star, Kilo hoped he would always get to see Castyr smile and be happy. He wished for nothing but Castyr's contentment and safety. 

But...something deep within Kilo would not let his thoughts be filled with only hope. Something ominous ever hung over his heart, clouding his hope in a black veil. Danger was on the horizon.