SOUL-SEEKER || (On Hiatus)

(Chapter 21) Into Motion.

As they venture swiftly through the thick expanse of the forest, Lucas and Ezra diligently scan their surroundings, their eyes keenly searching for any signs of motion amidst the encroaching shadows that stretch and weave their way among the trees.

EZR: (I should've expected something like this to happen with those two. Kaden has ditched us and has gone solo into this game. Just how dumb are these muscle-heads?!)

Lucas becomes acutely aware of the subtle downturn of Ezra's lips, although it takes him a moment to realize that he's been gazing at her for an extended period, enough for her to catch on and shoot him a puzzled expression in return. Swiftly, he redirects his focus ahead, assuming an air of nonchalance, as if the incident had never occurred.

LCS: What's bothering you, Ezra?
EZR: *sigh* It's nothing important. We have to focus on the task at hand.
LCS: Feelings are important too, y'know? Don't be afraid to express them!
EZR: I wish I had your positive mindset but we're too different pair of eyes, who see the world in opposite ways.
LCS: Ah, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to upset you!
EZR: No worries, I'm not upset.
LCS: (Phew! Thank goodness.)

Ezra takes a brief pause, casting her gaze downward, grappling with a momentary uncertainty that holds her back from speaking. Her lips quiver with the weight of the burden she carries, as if the gravity of the situation bears down on her. She can't help but hear Pierces' words reverberating in her thoughts, adding to the complex tapestry of her emotions.

EZR: Lucas, mind if I ask you something?
LCS: Sure, anything!
EZR: Master Pierce told me that the devil you're housing is a supreme devil.
LCS: What about it?
EZR: Well, isn't it hard bearing those emotions..?
LCS: Hmm, I haven't given that a thought but now that you mention it, I guess those emotions don't weigh as much as you think, at least for me.
EZR: Oh, I see. Sorry about your grandma as well.
LCS: No need. I've gotten over that.
EZR: That's... amazing.
LCS: What do you mean?
EZR: Death isn't a light tragedy to bear, and for someone to get over it in such a small amount of time... that means you're strong, Lucas.

A look of astonishment washes over Lucas as he listens to those very words escaping from the depths of Ezra's being. Strangely, it's as though a weight that he hadn't even realized he was carrying has been unexpectedly lifted from his shoulders, leaving behind an exhilarating sense of relief that creeps into his expression, and a smile graces his lips, unbidden and sincere.

LCS: It wasn't easy to get over, but I know grandma wouldn't want me skulking over her death, but now that you're the one telling me that, I feel happy to know I wasn't being selfish!

Lucas comes to a sudden halt in his tracks, his momentum arrested by an abrupt pause, and he clenches his fist, delivering a solid punch to the open palm of his hand. Ezra, following closely behind, also halts her progress, her gaze locking onto Lucas with a mixture of astonishment and admiration, as she witnesses the remarkable display of his unwavering resolve and determination.

LCS: I've chosen the life of a hunter and I won't back down from it. If I can save people, even at the expense of my own life, then it's worth every blood drop.
EZR: Heh, you've got guts, but that's what a hunter needs.

While all this unfolds, on the other side of the battlefield, Team A steadily accumulates points at a consistent and measured rate. Their strategy involves systematically eliminating the lesser demons that roam the area, steadily inching them closer to victory.

SBT: Is that all for this part of the forest?
DMC: Yeah, I don't sense anything else. Got anything, Arthur?
ART: We've cleansed this area as well. Let's get a move on.

As they press onward through the dense expanse of the forest, the trio employs distinct methods to navigate their surroundings. Arthur, demonstrating his agility, utilizes the concealing embrace of the shadows, gracefully leaping from one tree to another. From his vantage point aloft, he conducts aerial reconnaissance, scrutinizing the terrain below. Meanwhile, Sebastian enjoys a unique mode of transport, perched comfortably upon Dominic's sturdy back. All of a sudden, Arthur stops and alerts the other two.

ART: It's a trap! Don't go any further!
SBT: As expected, to be honest.

Emerging stealthily from concealment behind a sturdy tree trunk, Mori Kenzo makes his presence known as he confidently strides into the expansive clearing that lies ahead of the trio. A mischievous smirk graces his face, and he playfully raises his arms into the air, a taunting gesture that exudes an air of challenge and bravado.

MOR: Should've known sneaky tactics such as this wouldn't work. It's all your fault, Silvi!

High above, Sylvia makes her entrance, casually propping herself against a sturdy tree branch. Her expression registers a distinct frown in response to Moris' remark, and with an air of nonchalant resolve, she crosses her arms, signifying her clear displeasure.

SLV: Hmph! Don't act like you didn't love the idea!
MOR: Ah, that is true, unfortunately for me.

Sebastian and Dominic exchange knowing glances, their faces adorned with smirks that silently convey their mutual comprehension of the situation at hand. In that unspoken moment, a shared understanding flows effortlessly between them.

SBT: She's enjoying this too much.
DMC: Yeah, sure is.

However, just as a brief glimmer of levity danced among them, the atmosphere shifted when Arthur, propelled by a fiery determination that blazed in his eyes, took a step forward. His resolute action caught Mori off guard, and the look of puzzlement etched across Mori's face was all too apparent.

ART: Mori-sir! Not out of arrogance, but out of respect that I have for you, I'm challenging you to a duel, just the two of us!
SBT: Arthur, what are you doing?! We are a team!
MOR: Is that so, my beloved junior?! Then come at me, face me with all your might.
ART: I'll show you how much I've learned from your training!
SBT: This is absurd!
DMC: Leave it, Seb, we've got other prey to feast on.

With a supportive gesture, Dominic extends a reassuring pat on Sebastian's back, simultaneously exchanging a determined gaze with their adversaries. This unspoken exchange of resolve conveys the mutual understanding that a formidable challenge lies ahead. In response, Sylvia and Selene gracefully descend from their lofty perches among the branches, extending a welcoming invitation to engage in the impending battle. This strategic maneuver provides Arthur and Mori with the necessary space and opportunity to engage in their eagerly anticipated duel.

End of Chapter 21
"Into Motion"

[ Arthur has challenged his senior, Mori, to a duel! ]