Startled by the piercing scream, the group instinctively turned their Velocitrotters around, their hearts pounding with a mixture of dread and urgency. The sound seemed to echo through the desolate landscape, carrying with it an unmistakable sense of danger.
Without a moment's hesitation, Kai spurred his Velocitrotter forward, the others following suit. The thunderous galloping of their steeds filled the air as they raced back toward the source of the scream, their minds racing with worst-case scenarios.
As they approached the location where Ava and Keiji had ventured to find water, a scene of chaos unfolded before their eyes. The once serene landscape was now tainted with blood and scattered debris. The air was heavy with an otherworldly presence, as if malevolence itself had taken form.
Among the wreckage, they spotted Ava, her body sprawled on the ground, her clothes torn and stained with crimson. Keiji was nowhere to be seen. A mixture of relief and anguish washed over the group as they realized Ava was still alive, albeit gravely injured.
Kai dismounted his Velocitrotter and rushed to Ava's side, his hands trembling as he assessed her condition. Blood seeped from deep wounds, evidence of a fierce struggle. Aria and the others gathered around, their expressions a mix of concern and helplessness.
Ava's voice was weak as she struggled to speak. "They... they came out of nowhere. Demons... powerful ones... Keiji... he... he fought... but..."
Her words hung in the air, leaving a heavy silence. Kai's heart sank, and a surge of anger ignited within him. The demon he had encountered in his nightmare flashed through his mind, a reminder of the malevolent forces they were up against.
Gritting his teeth, Kai looked at the group, his voice filled with determination. "We can't stay here. We have to get Ava back to the village and heal her as soon as possible " .
" But , what about Keiji? " Said one villager in a shaken voice. One could sense fear and worry in his voice which he has for his friend. Others also seem to say the same thing and they did not want to leave their friend alone in the face of death. After a long whisper, Kai broke his silence and said " Fine, I will go look for Keiji, all of you take Ava back to the village. " . Although he sounded confident and brave one could sense a underlying fear beneath his words.
" But Kai san, we can not send you to the Mouth of Death for our selfish reasons. We will also go with you" said Ken with a serious tone in his voice. Although some people hesitated initially but they reluctantly agreed to what Ken had said.
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" Don't worry about such things. besides we have to repay your debt for saving us and taking such good care of us in the past few days. Besides, this is the least I can do to repay your debt." Kai said.
" But...." as Ken was about to say something, Aria interrupted him. " Kai is right. You all should return to the village with Ava and heal her as soon as possible, I will go with Kai to search for Keiji" Aria said.
" No Aria, I will go alone, " Kai said refusing Aria's proposal.
" No, I won't let you go alone to face such a dangerous situation alone. What if anything happens to you?" Aria said to Kai.
" Listen to me Aria, It is best for me to go alone. Besides, you should accompany the villagers back as they might be attacked since the night is here," Kai said in a assuring tone.
Although Aria hesitated for a bit she reluctantly agreed to go back with the villagers.
" I will return as soon as I leave the villagers safely to the village. Till then, please stay safe, Ok? " Aria said .
" Ok, Now don't waste time here and take Ava and others back to the village and heal Ava" Kai reassured Aria.
With a collective nod, the group sprang into action. They carefully lifted Ava onto one of the Velocitrotters, doing their best to make her as comfortable as possible. Aria took the lead, guiding the way back to the village, the urgency of their situation spurring them forward. With a heavy heart, they left Kai behind and started returning to the village, praying and hoping that their friends will also return safely. Kai also bid a temporary farewell to his companions, mounted his Velocitrotter once again, and set off on a solitary journey back to the site of the confrontation.
As the sun sank below the horizon, darkness blanketed the land, shrouding Kai's determined figure as he rode against the night. His thoughts were focused, his spirit unwavering. He knew the risks, but his loyalty to his friend and his village compelled him forward.
Riding onward, he traversed the land, arriving at a desolated scene where shattered buildings lay strewn like the remnants of a forgotten civilization. In the distance, the faint echoes of a fierce battle reached his ears, triggering a surge of apprehension within him. Fearing for Keiji's safety, Kai hastened towards the cacophony, an urgent determination guiding his every stride. Drawing closer, he beheld Keiji, encircled by nefarious Shadow Hounds, valiantly fighting amidst the chaos. Without a moment's hesitation, Kai charged forth, his blade cutting through the malevolent creatures, shielding his friend from the clutches of death. Reaching Keiji's side, he swiftly administered a healing potion, its effects mending some of the grievous injuries that had befallen his stalwart companion.
"Thank you, Kai," Keiji whispered, his voice laced with both gratitude and pain, his injuries still fresh in his mind.
"Do not mention it," Kai replied, his tone brimming with reassurance. "Now, tell me, how did you end up separated from Ava? Weren't you two together? What happened?"
" After we collected water, we returned to the laboratory. There we searched for you all and found the message you have left for us saying that you were going back to the village. After getting your message we also started returning back towards the village but then..."