𝐀 𝐊𝐎𝐀𝐋𝐀'𝐒 𝐏𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖 ── ( ray )

Chapter 16: Allies or Enemies?

[Moments before this situation...]

Emma and the others rushed downwind, just as they have been instructed. They ran as fast as their legs could take them, in hopes that Ray would succeed in taking down the demon. But when the shrill sound of a whistle sounded through the air, the paranoid and exhausted group skidded to a halt, kicking up a huge gust of dust from the forest floor as they did.

"What was that sound?" Emma asked, cupping her only available ear to hear better as everyone else, on the other hand, closed their ears shut, blocking out the high-pitched noise.

"Is it another one of those weird ones coming?!" Nat, whose confidence had died down just moments after it came, screeched, his eyes watery. Chris groaned, both hands on his ears. Then came a whooshing sound. And Emma, Don and Gilda, seeing as they were the only oldest kids around, took it upon themselves to round in the younger kids, bringing them into the middle, and placing themselves around them, cautiously scanning their surroundings for any sign of enemies approaching.

Minutes passed, and yet nothing came at all. The noises were all gone, too, and they now laid in the dead silence of the woods. The only sound they could hear was the peaceful chirping of the forest birds and crickets letting out small whistle-like noises.

"Nothing's coming." said Anna to no one in particular, her voice in an audible whisper.

Gilda looked down, her delicate face scrunched up in a frown, "Hey... don't you guys think that Ray is taking too long? He should have joined us by now. Also, are we even sure that Y/n went after him, and not hurt herself or something? Don't you think that this is weird?"

This struck a chord in everyone, the tired children began fretting. Gilda was right, he was indeed taking too long, and the whereabouts of Y/n wasn't very clear either, considering how no one saw her actually go after Ray, although it was the biggest possiblity. Emma, who was feeling a little blurry, blinked rapidly as she started worrying about her two close friends.

"Do you think... that maybe something happened?" questioned Anna tentatively.

"Like what?" Don muttered fearfully, a bead of sweat slidding down his face.

Emma patted Chris's head reassuringly, although she was trying to comfort herself at the very same time, if it's Ray, he's going to be fine. Just fine! But what about Y/n? She's still younger... but she's strong and smart, they'll both be alright!

"Like..." Jemima started, her voice quaky.

"Running into pursuers?" Rossi finished, his usual pale face whiter than usual when he finished that sentence. This comment sent everyone into panic, although none of them said anything, it was evident on their faces, especially Emma's as she let out a loud gasp of horror.

She froze in her spot, her already light head felt even lighter as her expression darkened a great deal. Worried and feeling guilty, Rossi asked her, "Emma? Are you okay? You're pale as a ghost."

"I... I'm okay, I'm just fine. Thanks, Rossi." Emma muttered out, forcing a weak smile on her face as she patted his head lovingly. She then turned to everyone else, announcing firmly, "I'm going to go check it out. Everyone, please keep going downwind, alright?"

"Got it." Don and Gilda saluted.

Emma wheeled around as the others began moving forward. She felt her forehead burning hot, but she shook it off as the effect of running excessively. Her brows were knitted in a tight frown as she thought, I'm not that concerned about that beast demon. Ray would be okay for sure! But what about Y/n? I thought she was going after Ray, which seems logical, but... what if she didn't? What if something happened to her right beside me and I didn't even notice? And what if... they both really ran into pursuers? What would happen then? I can't even think about -