The forest stretched out ahead, shadowed and quiet, as the girls trudged along the trail.

"So," -Yukiko broke the silence, glancing at Manami

"what's the plan after we find the cabin?"

Manami kept her eyes on the path ahead.

"I dont know. But finding a place where we can lay low seems like a good start."

Yukiko nodded slowly.

"Yeah... but how do you know a cabin is the safest option?"

Manami abruptly stopped walking, letting out a frustrated sigh as she turned to face Yukiko.

"I dont know! I dont know shit, okay?"

Her fists clenched tightly, and her voice cracked with irritation.

"Im fucking trying here! But this isnt exactly easy."

Yukiko took a step back, her expression shifting to concern.

"I-Im sorry... I didnt mean to make you mad."

Manami exhaled sharply, forcing herself to calm down.

"Lets just keep moving." -she muttered before resuming her pace

The sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows through the trees. The wind picked up, cold and biting, as they walked deeper into the forest.

"Hm?" -Yukiko suddenly stopped, pointing at a narrow path veering off to the side

"Manami, look. Theres another trail over there."

Manami yawned, rubbing her eyes as she looked in the direction Yukiko pointed.

"Mhm, well lets check it out."

They followed the overgrown path, their exhaustion evident with each step.

Yukikos eyes lit up as a structure came into view.

"Oh, finally!" -she exclaimed, a relieved smile breaking across her face

The small cabin stood in a clearing. Manami tried the door handle, only to find it locked.

"Aw, fuck." -she muttered, stepping back to scan the surroundings

"Lets try the windows. You go left, ill go right."

"Got it." -Yukiko replied, heading to the left side of the cabin. A few steps in, her foot caught on something, sending her sprawling to the ground.

"Ow..." -she winced, pushing herself up and brushing off her knees. Her eyes caught on a slightly ajar window

A smile appeared on her face as she was moving closer. She peered inside, but didnt see much.

Just then, footsteps crunched in the underbrush. Her heart raced as she spun toward the sound.

"Dont freak out, idiot. Its just me," -Manami said, as she approached her. Her gaze shifted to the window

"Found a way in, huh?"

Together, they climbed through the open window into the cabin.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"At least its not pitch black yet." -Manami observed, her eyes scanning the dimly lit room

"We need to light the fireplace before it gets darker." -she crouched down, grabbing a few logs and setting them in place

Meanwhile, Yukiko explored the cabin, opening drawers and cabinets. She found canned food, bottled water, a flashlight, and even an old radio. Holding the radio in her hands, she twisted the dial, static filling the air until a voice broke through.

As Manami struck a match to light the fire, a loud thud echoed behind her. She whipped around to see Yukiko standing frozen, the radio on the floor and tears streaming down her face.

The faint voice from the radio continued. "...any information about Honoka Sekine, please notify the police immediately."

"M-Mom?" -Yukiko choked out, her voice trembling as fresh tears spilled over

Manami hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. Then, in a swift motion, she crossed the room and wrapped her arms around Yukiko.

"Shh... dont cry. Im here." -she murmured, holding her tightly

Yukiko buried her face in Manamis shoulder, her sobs muffled but shaking her entire body.

"T-that cant be my mom... right? This cant happen... right?!"

Manami looked into Yukikos tear streaked face, her mouth opening to speak, but no words came out. She shook her head slowly.

"But why?!" -Yukikos voice rose, anger breaking through her despair

"She didnt do anything! What did they do to her?! Why?!"

"Stop it, Yukiko!" -Manami barked, her tone sharp. Then, she took a deep breath, softening her voice

"Listen. Well find your mom, okay? But you need to stay strong for her. Falling apart now wont help us."

Yukiko sniffled, trying to rein in her tears. They sat down together on the small bed, Yukiko clutching Manami as if she were her anchor.

Manamis thoughts raced as she held Yukiko close.

'So theyve gone public about Honokas disappearance... Im sure this is trap. Theyre trying to lure Yukiko out. They know I wont let her go alone... Fuck. Well... its not like i would let her go anywhere.' -she thinks to herself, her arms tightened obsessively around Yukiko

___

Meanwhile, Yuuji parked outside the NeonNight Bar. He hesitated before stepping out of his car, his thoughts heavy with worry for his family.

Inside the bar, the dim lights and heavy music provided little comfort. He made his way to a corner table and ordered two tequilas. He didnt have to wait long. The hooded man slid into the seat across from him, casually picking up one of the shots.

"Tequila, huh?" -the man smirked

"Good choice." -as he drank it

Yuujis expression hardened.

"Didnt realize I had to buy you a drink to make you show up."

He leaned forward.

"So, tell me... are you Riku?"

The man chuckled, pulling back his hood to reveal a sharp, youthful, tired face.

"Bingo. Congrats, detective." -he clapped sarcastically, clearly enjoying himself

Yuuji slammed his hand on the table, his patience wearing thin.

"Cut the bullshit, Riku. What the hell is all this?"

Riku shrugged, unfazed.

"What you call hell is just the truth. Welcome to the real world." -he raised his hand to signal the waitress for another drink

Yuuji clenched his fists, barely containing his frustration.

Rikus tone shifted, growing more serious.

"By coming here, youve made your choice. Youre going to help take down the Narita family. Its the only way to protect your family. The alternative? Itll only buy you time." -he slid a piece of paper across the table

"Take your family to this address. We will keep them safe there."

"We?" -Yuujis brows furrowed

"You think im working alone?" -Riku smirked

"Mhm."

Yuuji hesitated, then leaned forward.

“I have a partner. If he joins us, will you protect his family too?”

Rikus grin returned.

“Of course. But only if hes in.”

Relief crossed Yuujis face, tension momentarily easing.

Riku stood, throwing a few bills on the table.

“Finish your drink and get moving, Yuuji. Well be waiting. Also, i will tell you more when we meet again.”

As Riku left the bar, Yuuji stared at the remaining shot. Lifting the glass, he drank it down in one go, the fiery burn matching the determination rising within him. This is it. The war starts now.