Rise of the Underdogs: KADEN

Protect and Serve

Yeah, my brother made a mess of things, but at least he had the decency to admit it. He didn’t try to make himself look better by boasting about outsmarting his fiancée, nor did he make empty promises just to smooth things over. He faced his mistakes head-on and didn’t shy away from the consequences.

I remember the moment clearly. The way he knelt before our parents, humility written all over him, and pleaded for understanding and guidance. I stood by, watching as he subjected himself to a scolding so harsh that I couldn’t help but listen in and obey what Mom and Dad were saying. That’s just who Dreson was. The guy never was one to succumb to darkness, and he was always striving to do what was right.

My brother was the kind of person you’d never want to lose control. A real force to be reckoned with. He fought for what mattered, dragged the truth out into the open, and never abandoned those who deserved his loyalty. He was relentless in standing by good people, always refusing to give up.

Showing up at his house the next morning proved to be anything but easy. The events of the previous day weighed heavily on me, especially after I saw the pictures. Witnessing Leif’s struggle to accept the truth—yet still forgiving my brother without hesitation—left a deep impression. I realised then that I couldn’t allow them to face these challenges alone. My brother-in-law’s past was beginning to cast a shadow over the hard-won peace they had both fought to protect, and I knew I had to be there to support them.

In the days that followed, Colt, Neil, and I worked tirelessly to help Dre. We didn’t do it out of obligation, but because of the bond we’d built together over time. Our friendship meant that an attack on one of us was an attack on everyone connected to our crew. We stood ready to face whatever came our way, determined to protect each other and anyone who happened to get caught up in the turmoil.

The situation escalated dramatically when the culprit provoked a backlash so intense and widespread that it drew the immediate attention of Dad. Stepping in with authority, Dad took decisive action. He personally took charge of the situation, making it clear that such behaviour would not be tolerated under any circumstances. His intervention sent shockwaves throughout the entire community, signalling the seriousness of the incident and the expectation of accountability.

As a direct result of the turmoil, a comprehensive investigation was launched to uncover the facts and ensure justice was served. I was entrusted with the responsibility of leading this inquiry, tasked with piecing together the sequence of events and determining the appropriate course of action. The gravity of the assignment weighed on me, but I understood the importance of resolving the matter thoroughly and fairly.

Seamus made a reckless and ultimately disastrous attempt to abduct Conner. This brazen act set off a chain of events that would have lasting consequences for everyone involved.

Heather, acting quickly, thwarted the abduction attempt before it could succeed. Leif was the first to reach the children, ensuring their safety in that critical moment. Meanwhile, Dre confronted Seamus and, fuelled by outrage, delivered a harsh and decisive response to his actions. As for myself, I was overcome with a desperate urge to confront Seamus, feeling that a swift retribution would be too merciful for anyone who would hunt innocent children for their own twisted purposes. Like my brother, I held a deep conviction: those who targeted children were beneath contempt, worse than the lowest scum imaginable.

Dre, overwhelmed by a surge of outrage, confronted Seamus without hesitation. He unleashed his full fury upon the would-be kidnapper, refusing to hold anything back. The confrontation was both intense and swift. Dre’s fists flew, landing blow after blow, until his own knuckles were left bloodied. By the time he was done, Seamus’s face bore the unmistakable aftermath of Dre’s anger. He was battered and bruised, but that was the consequences of his actions.

Witnessing Dre’s response was, in its own way, both startling and oddly cathartic. There was a sense of grim satisfaction in seeing Seamus receive immediate retribution for his despicable intentions. Dre’s commitment to protecting his family was never more evident than in that moment, as he made it abundantly clear that those who threatened the people he loved would face the full weight of his resolve.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation my family was facing, I felt compelled to reach out to Jasper. It was important to make him understand that, for the time being, the immediate challenges confronting us took precedence over any other commitments, including the bond Akita and I shared.

Jasper's confusion was evident when he responded, "What the hell does that even mean, Kaden?" His reaction made it clear that my message needed further explanation.

I assured him, maintaining a calm tone, "I'm not running. I wouldn’t do that. The thing is, I have Inquisitor work for the Druids and Witches that needs to be done. I cannot put it off because this has to do with kids." The seriousness of the tasks at hand, particularly since they involved children, meant that my attention and efforts had to be fully devoted to the investigation and resolution.

He paused, silent and contemplative, likely processing the weight of my words. After a moment, he asked, "How long?" The question underscored his concern for both the urgency of my duties and the uncertainty surrounding them.

I responded honestly, "At least a week." This timeframe was my best estimate, given the complexity of the situation.

Jasper released a heavy sigh, his voice tinged with the burden of uncertainty. “Tell me what’s going on. I can’t give her vague answers,” he said, making it clear that honesty and clarity were needed.

“Someone’s been hunting pups, Jas. Not just hunting, but hurting them in ways no child should be hurt. My brother-in-law was one such victim a long time ago,” I explained, my words carrying the weight of painful history and the urgency of the current threat.

Jasper responded with a low, deep growl, his authority unmistakable. “Take as long as you need to end it. As much as it pains me, you lead a complicated life, but at least you didn’t disappear without warning. That said, I will talk to my sister for you and fill her in as much as I can. Are your niece and nephew safe? Neil and Colt have been secretive for a few days.” His concern for the children’s safety was evident, as was his willingness to help where he could.

“That’s normal when they’re planning to burn the world,” I replied, attempting to lighten the tension. “I’ll be in magic-user court for a few days. Depending on how long it takes to break the enemy, I may be back sooner or later. I just need a solid week to get everything sorted. As for the family, yes. The kids are safe.” My reassurance was meant to ease Jasper’s worries, even as I acknowledged the uncertainty of the coming days.

“Good,” he snarled, before his tone softened. “Thank you, Kaden. For being the man she deserves.”

I gave a half-hearted laugh. “Jasper, don’t thank me for being decent. That’s the minimum. By the way, get out your Sunday best if you have any. Your family is invited to dinner at my parents’ mansion when this disaster is done with.” The invitation was a gesture of goodwill and an acknowledgement of the bond between our families, offering hope for better times ahead.

“Um…”

“Jas, stop overthinking,” I said. “The phrase ‘family dinner’ is just that in my house. Everyone that is immediate blood or similar relation is invited. That means you, all your brothers, and your sister will be given literal royal treatment. On my end, my parents, my brothers, and their two kids will be there along with me.”

“You faltered, but at least now I know why,” he stated. “Dinner was supposed to be last month, but you’ve only been calling.”

Wincing, I nodded, “And I feel as guilty as all get-out because of it. But this issue is far more important. I’m not doing this for myself, Jas. I’m doing my job for the kids who can’t fight for themselves. Besides, the people running the ring? They didn’t leave any victims alive. The only one we have that can bring them down is the one that escaped. Leif himself.”

“They… they killed them?” The pain in his voice hit harder knowing that he was Inuit. Their one major thing was that children of all walks were to be protected. Their belief was that children were the center of community survival, identity, and continuity. Protection, for Jasper’s people, wasn’t just a parental duty. It was a collective, cultural, and spiritual responsibility.

“Yeah,” I whispered, putting a hand over my heart. “The moment this is over, I’ll be there. Be it to help her study or talk or train, I’ll be there.”

“I’m holding you to that promise, Cage.”

Since when did he refer to me by my last name? “You’re angry at me?”

“No, I’m angry at the situation that threw a wrench into my sister’s life.”

Someone slammed a door in the background, and I felt the change in the air. “That’s her?”

“Yup.”

“Go ahead, Jas. Toss me into traffic.”

The phone changed hands, and I heard Akita sob. “This better be good.”

“It’s not,” I replied. “Kita, listen. I know we’re working on us, but I have my work as a royal and as the Inquisitor in these parts.”

She fell quiet, then: “Say less. Just answer one thing.”

“Go ahead,” I murmured.

“Tell me in as few words as possible.”

“Pups. Danger. Abuse ring. Magic-user court.”

The sharp inhale was all I really needed to hear. Then, “Don’t come back until it’s done.”

“Understood, my sweet Mate.” And I absolutely meant every word.