Brokenfang's ears twitch rapidly, sensing Kaiden's distress. In unison, he and Loden hop out of the tub and make their way to Kaiden's side. They position themselves on either side of him, forming a protective and supportive barrier around him.

  Loden and Brokenfang reach out and gently place their hands on Kaiden's arms or shoulders, attempting to calm and soothe him. However, Kaiden shakes them off, unwilling to have contact with anyone in this moment. He then folds himself over, drawing himself into a smaller, defensive position, as if trying to make himself disappear.

  Kaiden's breaths come in rapid, ragged gasps, his heart pounding wildly within his chest. He squeezes his eyes shut, desperately trying to block out the horrific visions that dance behind his closed lids. Snippets of traumatic memories flash before him, causing a fresh wave of panic to wash over him.

  Kaiden's efforts to escape the images are in vain, for the guilt and trauma linger within him, refusing to be suppressed. He has spent years evading his past, constantly shifting his life in a struggle to avoid repeating the mistakes and painful moments that still haunt him.

  Kaiden feels a familiar sensation start building within his chest, the celestial energy starting to rage due to his emotions. The sensation building to the point that it will be ready to erupt soon. This feeling is all too familiar from the previous times, and he knows if he doesn’t calm down, the energy will burst out, potentially causing damage and or harm to others.

  Kaiden pleads with himself, his words tinged with desperation, "Calm down, calm down. You have to stop. Calm down." Frustration and fear fill his voice as he shakes his head violently, causing his forehead to connect with the cool, damp floor. Despite the cool touch of the floor against his skin, it does little to soothe his racing heart and fractured mind.

  Kaiden remains oblivious to the presence of Brokenfang and Loden beside him. They try to soothe him with soft, calming words, their hands gently resting on his back, their consoling words going unheard in his state of distress. Kaiden is lost in the whirlwind of his own panic, drowning in memories and suppressed trauma.

  The pendant, normally providing a soothing and cooling sensation, fails to have any effect on Kaiden's distraught state. The temperature of the artifact is lost on him, as his mind is too consumed by the inner turmoil and panic to notice any physical sensations.

  Kaiden's voice becomes garbled as he loses himself in the midst of his panic. His words become difficult to understand, blending together in a disjointed jumble, “No... Stop... Let me go... Help...Please.” His eyes begin to water, and tear stream down his face, the weight of his emotions overwhelming.

  Loden and Brokenfang exchange looks, both of them uncertain of how to help. Despite their efforts so far, they continue to attempt to reach out to Kaiden with their words and their hands on his back. They desperately try to calm him, but their concern for his well-being grows with every passing moment.

  As Kaiden raises his head to strike it against the floor, Brokenfang's reflexes are quick, and he swiftly intervenes, placing his hand in between Kaiden's head and the hard floor below, preventing any harm. His action is both protective and urgent, as he tries to prevent Kaiden from further harming himself in the midst of his panic attack.

  “This has to stop!” Brokenfang says, unable to take the situation any longer. He takes action without waiting for Loden's response or objections. He swiftly scoops Kaiden up from the floor, cradling him gently in his arms against his chest. The firmness and protective nature of his hold is his way of trying to show his resolve to offer support and stability to Kaiden in his moment of distress.

  Kaiden's eyes snap open as he feels the sudden movement and the closeness of Brokenfang's embrace, causing him to instinctively attempt to break free. Panic and distress still linger within him, but as his eyes fall upon Brokenfang and the intimate position he is in, his fighting movements momentarily subside.

  Taking this as a cue, Brokenfang closes his eyes and starts taking in slow even breaths. Loden looks at them puzzled, not sure what brokenfang is doing.

  Kaiden's body, caught within Brokenfang's protective clasp, begins to subconsciously mirror the warrior's deep, steady breaths. The rise and fall of Brokenfang's chest sets a steady rhythm, and as he slowly inhales and exhales, Kaiden's own breathing starts to synchronize. As he matches his breathing to Brokenfang's, a subtle sense of calmness begins to wash over him.

  With each passing moment, Kaiden begins to regain control over his body and mind. The frantic pace of his heart slows, and his breathing returns to a calmer rhythm, gradually returning to normal. The overwhelming sensations of the celestial energy fade away, leaving him in a more settled state. Soft whispers of Loden's worried words reach his ears, and he becomes aware of the coolness of the pendant resting against his skin once again.

  Loden's voice, tinged with concern and worry, drifts through the air, seeking reassurance. "Is it working? Is he calming down? These panic attacks can be harmful to him," he urgently inquires, his words laced with genuine care. Loden seeks reassurance and confirmation, hoping that Brokenfang's actions are indeed having a positive effect on Kaiden.

  Kaiden's weary smile slowly appears on his face, a hint of his usual self beginning to resurface. Exhaustion and a sense of relief are etched across his features. Looking up at the two warriors, he responds calmly with a slight hint of sarcasm, "What do you think?"

  Loden's expression softens, and he leans in closer to Kaiden, placing their heads together, expressing his concern. "I was so worried. You haven't had a panic attack in a while," he says softly, concern etched into his eyes. Loden cuts himself off mid-sentence before continuing, "Are you okay?"

  Kaiden nods, his once-tense chest now untensed and relaxed, his panic completely subsided. Turning his attention to Brokenfang, he asks curiously, "How did you know to do that?"

  Brokenfang glances awkwardly to the side, a sheepish expression playing on his features. He explains, "I've had it done to me before, when I was upset. Though, I was clothed at the time," his words laced with a hint of embarrassment.

  Kaiden, suddenly remembering his exposed state, feels his cheeks flush pink once more. Embarrassed, he swiftly places his hands across his penis to shield it from view. "Not again," he mutters under his breath, feeling a mixture of mortification and vulnerability.

  Brokenfang responds firmly but gently, his words coming out steady and reassuring, "There is no need to feel embarrassed or afraid to be around other men like this. We are all the same, after all." His steady gaze never leaves Kaiden’s red embarrassed face.

  Loden chimes in, nodding in agreement, "You've already caught glimpses of ours. And I saw you do so." His words carry a hint of playfulness, teasing Kaiden for his secret glances.

  Kaiden swiftly crosses his arms but then pauses, recalling his current state of undress. With his arms crossed, he hastily covers himself, his voice laced with a blend of embarrassment and feigned innocence. "I did not look!"

  Loden can't help but smirk, his tongue sticking out in a playful gesture. He teases Kaiden, pointing out the obvious, "You did too. You saw both mine and brokenfang's. Your face always gives it away." With a knowing look, Loden playfully teases Kaiden, referring to the moments earlier of Kaiden catching glances.

  Loden interrupts Kaiden before he can protest, shrugging with a nonchalant attitude. He continues, acknowledging the truth, "It's not like either of us didn't catch a glance at yours either, considering you aren't always that great at covering it." Loden's expression is nonchalant, yet his words carry a hint of sly amusement.

  Kaiden looks back and forth between Loden and Brokenfang, noticing them both nodding in agreement. Though he feels a bit uneasy, that feeling quickly subsides, replaced by a sense of resignation.

  Kaiden hesitantly lowers his hands, finally accepting the reality of the situation. He ponders aloud, "So I shouldn't be embarrassed by my own or anyone else's nudity then?"

  Loden and Brokenfang shake their heads in unison, affirming the statement. Loden pipes up, adding a crucial distinction, "No, you don’t have to feel that way. We are the same, except for the matter of women."

  Kaiden shakes his head at Loden. Still in Brokenfang's arms, he asks politely, "Could I be set down?" His blue eyes meet Brokenfang's blue and green eyes, seeking permission to be released from the warrior's lap. Brokenfang nods his head in affirmation, acknowledging Kaiden's request. He gently picks Kaiden up in his arms, and sets him down in front of him.

  Kaiden kneels on the damp floor, his position putting him in the middle between Loden and Brokenfang again. The atmosphere feels slightly awkward and uncomfortable, the silence hanging in the room like a palpable weight.

  Loden breaks the silence with a straightforward question, "So what was all that about? What exactly happened to make you so uncomfortable with seeing another man’s thingy?" Kaiden blushes a little, feeling a mix of embarrassment and vulnerability as the attention is once again directed towards him, the source of the sudden panic attack.

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  Kaiden turns away, avoiding eye contact while contemplating what to say. This secret has remained locked within himself, only known by the person from his past and himself. The thought of sharing this truth with Loden and Brokenfang crosses his mind, but uncertainty grips him. Should he reveal this vulnerable part of his past to them?

  Kaiden hesitates for a moment, gathering his thoughts, before he finally starts to speak, his voice low and tinged with a hint of remorse, "It's a long story, in a way. I've never told anyone before because I've always felt so embarrassed and ashamed of what happened." Loden and Brokenfang exchange a concerned glance, sensing the weight of Kaiden's words and the pain behind his admission.

  Brokenfang's hand gently rests on Kaiden's shoulder, a gesture of comfort and reassurance from a friend. His voice is soft and sincere as he speaks, "You can tell us if it will help you feel better and take some of the feelings away. We will not judge, but we will support you. That's what friends are for." The warrior softly smiles, offering a comforting presence.

  Loden, offering reassurance, speaks softly, "Kaiden, it's okay. Whatever happened, it wasn't your fault." Loden's words carry a sense of comfort and reassurance, as a warm smile is directed towards Kaiden.

  The tears streaming down Kaiden's face go unnoticed until they dampen his legs. Absorbing Loden's and brokenfang's words, Kaiden feels a surge of mixed emotions overwhelming him. The support and understanding they offer are unfamiliar yet deeply appreciated, making Kaiden feel both safe and loved in the presence of these two warriors.

  Loden gently touches Kaiden's arm, offering comfort without pushing him. He then withdraws his hand and reassures him, "Whenever you're ready, it doesn't have to be this minute. There's no rush, and we're here for you whenever you're ready to share."

  Kaiden shakes his head, wiping away the lingering tears, and responds, "No, I'm okay. I want to tell you. Thank you both for being here and listening." He takes a moment to collect himself, feeling a surge of gratitude towards the two warriors who have patiently waited while he gathers his thoughts.

  Just as Kaiden is about to begin speaking, they are interrupted by the sound of a knock coming from the other room. The unexpected interruption halts the conversation in an instant, leaving the three to exchange puzzled glances.

  The knock is followed by a male voice, announcing, "Excuse the interruption, your bath is ready now. We have used oils and natural ingredients to add to the water. If you would follow me with your robes on to the bath." The voice is calm and patient, addressing the three men and requesting their presence with their robes on to the waiting bath.

  Kaiden, Brokenfang, and Loden recognize the voice as belonging to the male servant who had welcomed them upon their arrival. They exchange a brief glance, realizing the interruption means their moment of vulnerability will have to be momentarily halted. The men swiftly collect their robes and begin covering themselves up once again, concealing their exposed physiques.

  Kaiden grabs his robe first and heads for the door, glancing back at Loden and Brokenfang as they quickly clothe themselves with their robes as well. Both warriors finish covering up and nod approvingly at Kaiden, signaling that he can proceed. Kaiden then opens the door slowly, revealing the male servant waiting patiently on the other side.

  The male servant offers a somewhat forced smile, his face now visible to the group. Addressing the three of them, he instructs, "Your clothing will remain in this room for now. If you could please follow me." With these words, the servant turns and begins walking, expectantly waiting for the men to follow behind him.

  Kaiden, Loden, and Brokenfang follow the servant's lead in silence, their bare footsteps barely making a sound. The group proceeds down the hall and turns, taking a wide route through the corridors. The servant approaches a pair of doors set into the stone wall on the far side. He stops and indicates the door they should go through before opening it.

  The servant instructs, "Please enjoy your bath. However, refrain from staying in the water for longer than a few hours at a time. Someone will come to check on you at regular intervals." A slight frown appears on his face as he finishes mentioning the regular checks.

  Kaiden steps up to the door and peers inside, awed by the steamy atmosphere within. A large pool of water with a waterfall rock formation dominates the space, creating the impression of a hot spring rather than a traditional bath. Greenery lines the sides, enhancing the natural ambiance of the area, and providing a beautiful view.

  Kaiden stands in the doorway, his blue eyes roaming over the scene before him. This room is distinctly different from the other they were just in, and it catches his attention more. He studies every detail he can glimpse. The soothing sound of water rushing into the pool fills the air, mixing with the steam that wafts out of the room and gently touches his face.

  The male servant coughs to get Kaiden's attention, gesturing to the room with a bow. "We hope this room will be satisfactory for the priestess and..." The servant glances at Loden and Brokenfang, pausing momentarily before continuing, "his companions. I will take my leave now." He gives a final bow and then turns to leave, saying nothing more.

  As the male servant leaves, Kaiden turns to face Loden and Brokenfang, the awe still lingering across his face. "This is amazing." He breathes out, his voice filled with awe.

  Loden steps up next to Kaiden, looking in at the natural surroundings. Loden whistles at the sight before them. “Damn, well this sure looks a sight better than the last room.” Loden comments as he walks around Kaiden and into the room by a few steps, trying to look around the large area.

  Kaiden and Brokenfang follow closely behind Loden, entering the room moments after him. Kaiden takes the lead in closing the door, sealing off the outside world and creating a sense of privacy within the room. The door closes with a soft thud, creating a barrier of sorts as the three men are left alone within the spacious hot spring room.

  Brokenfang quickly walks up to Loden and pokes him in the side, saying quietly, “I didn’t like how that servant spoke to us before he left, something was off. We should be careful.” Looking around, Brokenfang walks over to the rocks at the back and sits down close to the waterfall. Leaning back against the rocks, he keeps his robe closed, as he feels the slight mist of the water splashing off the rocks.

  Kaiden looks at the water closer, picking out leaves and flowers floating in the water surface with his eyes and then looks back toward Loden. Asking in an unsure tone, “Is it really okay to take a bath here?”

  Loden turns to Kaiden his hazel eyes having been on Brokenfang from their brief exchange. A slight look of concern crosses on his face, that quickly disappears as his eyes are now on Kaiden. Shaking his head, he says, “It's just a bath. Nothing more." Brokenfang turns his head back to look at the two, his ears twitching with anticipation at the hot steam rolling off the surface of the water.

  Loden gives Kaiden a nod of approval, the pair stepping over to the pool together and dipping their feet into the water, testing the temperature. Kaiden gingerly dips his foot into the water only to jerk it back with a yelp, "Hot, hot! That's so hot!" The sudden temperature difference catches him off guard, and he can feel the heat radiating from the water.

  Loden quickly sheds his robe, the fabric landing on the ground with a soft sound. He gracefully lowers himself into the water, his face immediately relaxing as the warm water comes up to his shoulders. A content sigh escapes him as he remarks, "This is perfect. Much warmer than the last time I took a bath." The tension in his body noticeably eases as he becomes more comfortable in the heated bath.

  Kaiden tentatively stands on the edge of the pool, the warmth of the water making him hesitate. Loden’s voice rings out through the humid air, calling to him, and Kaiden glances over to see Loden moving towards Brokenfang in the pool.

  The pool, while not enormous, still requires Loden to navigate a short distance to reach Brokenfang's side. He eventually finds a comfortable position against the edge, placing himself within speaking distance while still being able to sit snugly in the water.

  Loden calls out reassuringly, "Don't overthink it, just jump in. Your body will adjust; the water feels great." He pats the water in front of him to try and entice Kaiden into joining him in the warmth of the water.

  Kaiden hears Loden's encouraging words, feeling a mixture of trepidation and curiosity. He looks between the inviting water and his friend's reassuring smile, hesitation warring with a sense of adventure. The thought of immersing himself in the warm water feels both appealing and nerve-wracking, but ultimately he trusts Loden's words. Taking a deep, shaky breath, Kaiden takes off his robe, tossing it to the side and steps quickly into the water.

  Kaiden takes the plunge into the pool, feeling the intense heat envelop his body, starting from his legs and rising up to his chest as he submerges himself. Though initially scalding hot against his skin, soon the heat transforms into a warm, soothing sensation. Within moments, the water feels more inviting than painful, and Kaiden finds himself adjusted to the temperature.

  Kaiden moves through the pool, his limbs moving smoothly through the hot water. He makes his way towards Brokenfang and Loden, his every step taking him closer to his friends. Both Brokenfang and Loden watch him closely, their expressions slowly transitioning from concern to happiness as they notice his ease and comfort in the water. When Kaiden reaches them, he settles himself in the pool, the water enveloping him up to his shoulders.

  Kaiden's voice carries a sense of ease and contentment as he speaks, "This is really nice. The water is warmer than the spring outside the capital, but it's still good." He luxuriates in the heat, feeling the tension melting away with every passing moment. Kaiden glances over at his two friends, his gaze settling on their figures.

  Loden's hazel eyes widen in surprise, and his mouth hangs open momentarily before he hastily responds to Kaiden's mention of the hidden spring. "Shush!" he exclaims, hushing Kaiden. "That's my private retreat! Don't talk about it." The realization that Kaiden is revealing a secret triggers a sense of protectiveness and urgency in Loden's voice.

  Kaiden lowers his head, a touch of guilt marring his expression as he remembers his blunder. "I'm sorry," he says, his voice tinged with regret. "But shouldn't we all be able to use it one day? I bet Brokenfang would like it too." The mention of Brokenfang sparks a smile on Kaiden's face, his words reflecting a sense of shared joy and inclusivity.

  Loden shrugs nonchalantly, shifting his shoulders in the water while his gaze drifts to Brokenfang, who is relaxing against the rocks. Kaiden, seeing the shift in Loden's gaze, follows suit, turning his attention towards Brokenfang as well.

  “Aren't you going to soak as well?" Loden inquires, drawing Brokenfang's attention. "We all came here to relax and cleanse ourselves." His words emphasize the purpose of their visit, suggesting that Brokenfang should partake in the experience rather than merely observing.

  Brokenfang shakes his head, declining to join the others in the pool for now. "Not at the moment," he responds, his voice steady. "I just want to sit for now. The scent is a little strong for me." His words reflect his preference to remain on the sidelines, possibly due to the strong aroma of the herbal oils infused in the water.

  Kaiden's face falls momentarily at Brokenfang's decision to stay out of the pool, but he is quickly interrupted by Loden's question. Loden inquires, "Would you be willing to share your story now, seeing as we're alone again, Kaiden?" His voice carries a curiosity and concern, eagerly awaiting Kaiden's response.

  Kaiden takes a deep breath, gathering his thoughts as he prepares to share his past. He looks back and forth between Brokenfang and Loden, considering how to begin. Then, he starts his tale, recounting the details of his childhood, and the moments leading up to that moment that changed everything.