Bound by Metal: The Different One

Problem VIII

"Search the area! She shouldn't have gone that far!"

The order boomed across the once silent forest, the leaves of the trees rattling almost as if in fear of these words holding truth. The ground rumbled and the sky seemed to have darkened as the guards frantically looked and looked for Addie, desperation and aggression mixed into their breathing. Riko fit right in perfectly with the other guards in their search, especially for the fact that he was more desperate and aggressive than others to find her first at all times. Seeing as sticking close to the group proved to be futile and the chances of formulating a plan to sneak her away would prove to be difficult if not impossible, he decided to traverse a bit ahead of the group, not too far that it'd draw attention but just enough so he could listen in on every word they yelled to one another. And what a good idea it was to go ahead of them for in the distance he saw a quick moving silhouette, focusing in on it to reveal that it was Addie nearly exhausted from running. He was about to run over to her when something suddenly stopped him in his tracks; another guard yelling toward the group, "there!"

Drops of sweat rolled down his face, he had only seconds to come up with a course of action to save her. As the guard was still turned around to get the attention of the others, Riko sprinted as fast as he could, running faster than the others, running quicker than Addie herself. When there was a big enough distance, he waited in a nearby bush away from all their sights but of a good distance from where Addie was running. He had to be quick, he had to pull her in at the right time before they notice, or else she may get killed or worse. As soon as her arm appeared in his line of sight, he sprung out from his hiding and pulled her into his body, covering her mouth as they fell back into the bushes. As the guards were fumbling around, he yelled from afar so his voice would echo so as to not give away his position. "Over there," he yelled, "she's heading toward the Ravine!" The guards continued to run by, unaware of their position, unaware that Addie really couldn't have gone far because of her ankle, and they continued on as per instruction of Riko's voice.

Addie squirmed a bit as he continued to drag her deeper into the darker parts of the forest, far enough from the path the guards took. As soon as he felt that they were in a safer location, he released her and bowed deeply, "I'm sorry, did I scare you?" He was unaware that his face was blocked by his helmet and his voice muffled by the mask, and to his dismay, she kicked and punched him a bit as she backed off. "Get away," she yelled, her expression was like that of a cornered animal, ready to fight. She threw some rocks at him before it came to his attention that she wasn't aware it was actually him under the uniform. "Woah! Shh! Addie, calm down," he loudly whispers, removing the headpiece of his uniform, "it's me, Riko! Quit shoving!" In a swift movement, he grabbed her by her shoulders to calm her down more, "don't strain yourself out."

There was a moment of silence before the fierceness in her eyes slowly disappeared and replaced with a look of relief. "Riko," she said softly as she hugged him closely,"I thought i'd never see you again." Her hug was tight around him, her body still shaken by the events that just happened. Riko was a bit surprised from the sudden hug, but smiled as he held onto her tightly and stroked her head. "There, there Addie. I'm glad you're safe, sorry for taking too long," he looked into her eyes, "now, why don't we gain some distance before those guards figure out that they've been duped." With a quick nod, he took her hand in his and they sped off from their spot.

The guards searched the area to no avail, and after a while they relocated their search; but by then, Addie and Riko were miles away.