Forest Fire

9

As Forest had overheard, the ransom did occur the next day. Unfortunately, Ekko had forced her to hide out in his room instead of accompanying him.

She could tell something about him was off, and couldn't help but wonder if it had been the words of his partners. Did he really think she was hiding something?

She supposed it didn't matter, at least not until he figured her out.
One thing Forest had discovered, is that she would go to any length to keep her secret. So naturally, Ekko wouldn't find out anytime soon, as long as she didn't display any suspicious behavior.

This was a challenge for Forest. She hadn't been out in the world for long, and wasn't used to the social norms that everyone else had grown up with. All she really knew were syringes and the tree she used to climb.

This time, the girl did not escape, or even peek out the treehouse to see what was going on. It seemed every time her curiosity had gotten the best of her, she ended up in an undeniably awful situation.

Though she was curious if Ekko was going to end up killing the man. She certainly hoped not. Forest somewhat understood how desperate times called for desperate measures, but never would she consider taking a life.

After close to an hour of waiting and urging herself not to touch any of Ekko's tools, the door opened. It was not Ekko.

Forest recognized him as Ledger, and cocked her head in confusion. She couldn't quite read his expression and a sudden ping of anxiety began spreading through her stomach.
What if they'd finally found her out?

Forest pictured Ledger dragging her outside and throwing her out while Ekko and the rest of the firelights watched with smiles on their faces. They'd probably be elated that she was gone.

Forest gulped and flinched the smallest bit as Ledger moved towards her. He sighed and rolled his eyes, grabbing her by the arm roughly and pulling her outside.

They continued down the ladder and onto the ground. Forest looked ahead to see Ekko. He had his mask concealing his face, so she was unable to analyze his expression.

Around him were about a dozen other firelights. Ledger was the only on without a mask.

Forest's eyes flickered over to the masked figure beside Ekko. He was holding the arms of Arrow. The man smirked upon seeing her, and Ekko let out a scoff.

Forest crossed her arms uncertainly and looked up at Ekko as if to ask what was going on.

Ledger opened his mouth instead. "His last wish was to see you." His voice was dry, uninterested, as if he'd done this many times before.

Forest gulped and turned herself to face Arrow, who was still grinning. The firelight holding him shoved him to the ground in disgust, but he just laughed.
Arrow beckoned for her to come closer.

Forest took a hesitant step forward, though Ekko stopped her, putting an arm out in front of her chest.

She turned and felt him sigh. Ekko waited another second before crossing his arms and allowing her to continue forward.

The green haired girl locked her eyes on Arrow and knelt down to his level. The man hadn't stopped smirking since he'd first laid eyes on her, and it was beginning to get excessive.