“If Hikari remembers them, then it is settled. We have more crucial matters on hand.”
The young leader was right. Nikolai and Eïrin had only glanced at the endless forest surrounding them and had already met its danger. They were still blind to the true horrors hiding under the canopy, lying in wait in burrows and sunless caverns.
Darius’ wise words forced Hideaki to back down for a moment. And that last observed his new companions with attention. He discerned in them the same fibres Darius and himself shared, the potential to lead. An idea came to his mind, and he asked:
“I have a question that could seem strange. But have both of you wake up near the central crystal?”
They nodded simultaneously, curious about the strange question.
“It might just be a coincidence, but I believe the crystal has something to do with our situation. After all, we woke up in groups around them, and only this strange grass grows around. It’s like they keep the forest at bay.”
“Maybe you are right, Hideaki.” Spoke Darius. “But we will study the question later. First, I want to make sure the forest is safe.”
“About that… We might have seen a wolf.”
Darius faced Eïrin and invited her to continue with a small hand gesture. The adventurous girl described their little travel and the meeting with the chimeric beast. She gave every detail, even the most gruesome. Some girls hid their mouths behind their hands. Others felt a long chill run up their spine. Only a handful of teenagers remained unshaken.
“And you came back here? With this beast on your heels?”
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“They had no other option, Hideaki.” Spoke Darius. “Together, we might be capable of fending it off.”
This time, Nikolai took the floor and declared:
“Wolfs aren’t supposed to attack humans, but there was something in this creature’s eyes… some sort of…”
“Malice”, finished Eïrin, lowering her head. “This beast is evil, and she wanted us dead.”
Nikolai nodded to the girl.
“I don’t think it followed us. It should have already arrived. Perhaps you are right, and it got spooked by our number.”
Darius gave a grave nod and considered his options.
“If I come back, we must be able to defend ourselves. Stick and rock won’t do much, but it is better than nothing.”
While the others were busy discussing their options, Eïrin crossed her arms, her face crunched. The burning eyes of the beast remained clear in her mind. She could feel its hunger and cruelty.
Something was off. She could not tell precisely what but felt it in her belly.
She jerked her face toward the forest. Before, she could discern many paths through the green curtain, but now it was like standing in front of an impenetrable wall of darkness. The forest which had called to her had become opaque and oppressive.
She peered in the foliage, and the truth struck her. They were here.
She touched Nikolai’s arm and stepped away from the outskirt. She made a mistake and left a path for the beast to track them down. As everyone realised the incoming danger, a low growl rolled from the deep green.
From the green bushes emerged the creature they had seen near the river. The chimeric wolf had tracked them to the gale, but it was not alone anymore.
Ten other ravenous beasts followed it, salivating at the idea of the feast to come. The teenagers stumbled back, trying to distance themselves from the creatures. The showcase of weakness didn’t go unnoticed, and the beasts started laughing.
Darius understood what the two adventurers had meant. The chimeric wolves were not simple predators but wicked aberrations feeding from their prey suffering. He knew none would escape alive.
As everyone stumbled back, he took a step forward and stood in front of his kindred.
“Stand your ground! “He yelled imperiously. “Make a circle and grab rocks to defend yourself. They want our blood. Let’s make them pay dearly for it!”