Alden

**Alden** is a low-tier student of Wellston Private High School and new member of the Safe House.

## Appearance

Alden has yellow eyes and short, sandy-blonde hair. He wears the standard boy's school uniform, minus the vest.

## Personality

Understandably, Alden does not enjoy getting hurt. But as one of Wellston's weaker students, he is frequently injured by bullies. Alden's time at school has made him quite a nervous wreck, whose primary purpose is to get through the day as unscathed as possible. He's so desperate to avoid getting beaten that he'll say whatever he thinks his tormentors want to hear. He takes this approach even when other students around him risk their own well-being by talking back to bullies. When there's no risk involved, he'll try to help those in need. But when push comes to shove, he'll eschew standing by his friends in favor of trying to save his own skin.

## Plot

Not much is known about Alden's time as a student at Wellston, other than he was always getting jumped by other students. He vented to his friend one day following such an assault.

### Tyrants

His friend, a member of the Safe House, suggested he join the club. Alden was concerned about the edict John put out about targeting anybody who joined, but his friend said Zeke failed to enforce that order on opening day. Alden's friend was certain that John's threat was a bluff, since nobody could possibly care enough to hunt down every single member. When they rounded the corner, who should be waiting for them but John and Zeke themselves. Fearful that their discussion was overheard, Alden and his friend tried to casually walk away. Zeke activated his ability grabbed Alden's friend and slammed him against the wall, asking if they still thought John was bluffing. Alden tried to make a break for it, but Zeke cut off his escape route and threw him into his friend. Zeke announced to the onlookers to bear witness to what happens to those who defy the King. Alden watched as his friend's attempt to proclaim that only a desire for peace motivated him to join the club earn him a punch to the face.

Alden begged to be allowed to leave, saying that he hadn't joined Safe House, and that he never would. Zeke picked him up and reminded him of his escape attempt. At that moment, a beam hit the hand that was holding up Alden, forcing it to drop him. Blyke had arrived and demanded that Alden and his friend be released. Unfazed, John kicked Alden in the stomach and dared Blyke to make him. Blyke then engaged both Zeke and John, easily knocking the former into a wall. Blyke could only try bait John away by departing the scene, and Zeke eventually got up and went after them. Now out of danger, Alden tried to get his friend to make a break for it, only to realize he was unconscious. Alden picked him up and carried him to the infirmary. Shortly after they were treated for their injuries, they informed Isen and Seraphina about the incident. Thanks to the report, Blyke, who wound up suffering defeat, got a chance to recover in the infirmary.

The next day, Alden visited Safe House with his friend despite the vow he made under pressure. The first thing he noticed was that it didn't seem to be the Anti-John establishment the King kept making it out to be. His friend chastised him for buying into that propaganda before bringing him over to Blyke, the supervisor of the day. Alden took the chance to thank Blyke for the save the day before. Blyke was glad that they were okay, and gave a brief rundown of the clubs rules. Alden was free to work or play as he desired, so long as he didn't disrupt any of the other members. Alden, still amazed that there was no catch, took in the surroundings for a moment. His wonder turned to panic at the sight of Talia, one of his bullies, present in the room. He went to his friend and asked why he wasn't more freaked out about the fact. His friend explained that Talia wouldn't try anything, as Remi made sure that all members respected the core principle of Safe House. Nobody who wanted to escape the violence in the school could contribute to it, especially against fellow members. After all, everybody who came sought peace, which made sense to Alden. Admitting that he didn't bring anything to do because of not knowing what to expect, Alden was directed to some laptops with which he could use. A while later, Blyke stepped out to use the restroom. After that point, Alden had finally relaxed, saying that this environment was something he could get used to. He was already planning to spend all of his free blocks at Safe House.

But the calm was utterly shattered when John and Zeke barged in. Alden and most of the other club members ran to one side of the room in fear. John ordered everybody to not move, or they'd never walk again. Zeke then spoke, asking why their supervisor wasn't around. Alden watched in horror as his friend began arguing with John's crony, wondering if he wanted another beating. Alden was astonished when Talia also demanded that they leave, followed by most of the other members. Zeke wondered why the Safe House wasn't as welcoming as the fliers said when he suddenly recognized Alden. He picked him up and reminded him of his promise to never think about joining Safe House. Alden was thrown before John, who was as surly as ever since becoming King. Alden promised that he meant no harm, and that he'd quit Safe House for good. Alas , John was committed to assuming everybody was untrustworthy, and he knocked Alden out with a knee to the face. Seraphina stood up and demanded that John stop. She then approached the unconscious Alden to bring him to the infirmary, but was prevented from doing so when his body was pinned down by Zeke. This led to Seraphina arguing with John, followed by Blyke arriving and blasting him outside to protect everybody. Zeke continued to prevent Seraphina from getting Alden medical aid. The other Safe House members soon tried to get Zeke kicked out, but his strength was too much for them. It wasn't until Isen came to the rescue that Alden and the rest of the injured could finally be brought to the infirmary.

### Discord

With John's abrupt departure from school, Alden found that Safe House was actually a safe place to be once again. He was really excited about the upcoming field trip, and decided to pitch in on the planning. He went over the budget and prepared a list of all the items they'd need, organized by price. The gratitude expressed by Remi when he handed over his work made him fell glad to have pitched in. More good news came up not long afterwards. John returned to school, but he was no longer interested in ruling over everybody with an iron fist. The student chosen to succeed him was none other than Blyke, and so Safe House threw a surprise party for him when he came back to school. At first, Blyke felt that he wasn't ready to bear such responsibility. But when the other members of the Safe House reiterated their trust in him, Alden included, he came to accept his new role. To celebrate, one of the students had baked a cake for Blyke, which the new King and the members of the Safe House gladly dug into. He was last shown when he was watch John, Evie, and Dylan play New Texis Hold 'em.

## Notes & Trivia

* Alden means "old friend" in old English origin.
* Alden has not reappeared since Blyke's coronation party, not even on the field trip he contributed to. Could it be that somebody's still afraid of John?

## References

1. ↑ Chapter 206
2. ↑ Chapter 207
3. ↑ Chapter 209
4. ↑ Chapter 210
5. ↑ Chapter 211
6. ↑ Chapter 236
7. ↑ Chapter 237
8. ↑ Chapter 243