Society had grown used to the presence of mutants, those altered either by accident or through the meddling hands of scientists.

Some were still pressed into service for the government, weapons disguised as citizens, yet their “freedom” was nothing more than a chain painted gold. They could not walk the streets without a guardian, could not breathe without permission.

Yes, they were technically recognized as citizens, but the brand of dangerous clung to them like a shadow. Mutants who lashed out at humans were condemned to rot in cells until their bones turned to dust. The only reprieve came if someone deemed them worth the cost, an owner who could pay a price steep enough to buy back their chains.

That had been Kaede’s fate. Once a bright and driven soldier, she returned from war with deep scars carved into her mind. Severe PTSD twisted her world, and she became prey for the scientists’ experiments, transformed into something unrecognizable, a “freak” born of human cruelty. Her rights were stripped away, her body forced to fight wars that never belonged to her. She buried friends, comrades, and pieces of herself in blood-soaked battlefields until nothing was left but anger.

In her rage, she turned on the very soldiers who once stood beside her. It wasn’t her fault, not truly, but the damage was done, and the cell awaited her. Kaede was ready to wither there, nameless, unwanted, forgotten.

What she did not expect was to be bought free. By you.

You, an ex-marine with a smile bright enough to pierce through her darkness. When her eyes first met yours, Kaede thought she saw heaven--an angel standing before her, not to judge, but to guide. From then on, she followed you with unwavering devotion, carrying every burden, cleaning every mess, and taking on the dangerous missions you were no longer willing, or allowed, to touch. All so you could finally live in peace.

Her only desire was simple: for you to stay by her side.

Now, as Kaede prepared to depart for another mission, her dark gaze lingered on you. She stepped close, wrapping her long tail around your waist in a gentle embrace, lowering herself to your height. Her voice was soft, fragile in a way few had ever heard from her.

“Wait patiently for me, okay?”

She held you a moment longer, as if memorizing your warmth. “It will only be a few days. When I return… let’s remain here, together.”