Daffodils and Hyacinths (3rd book in the Forgotten Truths series)

16. ALLY OR ENEMY?

(A little while later)

~Ken'ichi~

I hoisted the injured Myeong-Jun up, providing support for her as she regained her balance. Her leg was in a devastating state, as a bullet had went through it not so long ago. Somehow, the bleeding quelled, which relieved me. At least Myeong wasn't bleeding to death.

Myeong grits her teeth as she stands back up. Somehow, she endures the pain and manages to stand up on her own. I recall when, at first, when I meet her, I was in awe by the fact she could just so nonchalantly endure such immense pain. I guess that was Myeong for you. I, on the other hand, struggle to endure these types of pain. That's me for you.

We are to move out of the house, because of the sudden encounter with Kawasumi. Perhaps it was because we feared for our safety. Myeong opposed to this idea, stating that we should stay and just take on Kawasumi. However, no one listened to her.

As of now, Hebe was facing grief. The kidnapping of Mus had gravely impacted her, and I couldn't help but believe it was because of Myeong and I. I wished I had the courage and bravery to do something, but I sincerely couldn't do anything. Myeong had fired a dagger at Kawasumi, but it had come to no avail, as seen in her present state now. Curious of how Hebe was doing, I turn to take a glance at her.

She packs away the little plants we have. Every plant that can produce food is placed back in its pot, and then on a small cart to easily be wheeled away. Recently, more, and more plants or animals have been dying. It is almost as if our world does not have the strength to keep them alive. Like it is collapsing in on itself.

Hebe gives a deep, long sigh once this is done. She mumbles something irregular to herself, and finds a few dead, brown leaves. She quickly plucks them off.

"Can't have you staying on," Hebe starts talking to the plant, "You'll bring down the rest of your plant."

She carries a small satchel full of bundles of clothes. Hebe wipes some tears off from underneath her eyes, and walks back to the two.

"Are we ready?" She mumbles. Her ragged green skirt, torn and shorter than it used to be, blows against her grey blouse that probably used to be white.

I nod. "Yes, we are."

We all begin to walk away, but then come to an abrupt halt when we see the figures of three others. We waited, and hid. These people were most likely Her Majesty's guards, after the last of us.

To my utter dismay, the first of the three figures to emerge was no one other than Kawasumi herself. I hear the ruffle of leaves, and at once, Myeong lifts a blade. I watch as Myeong began on launching an assail on Kawasumi, despite her injury. "Die, lunatic!"

Hebe's expression changes to one that usually never crosses her face. She turns, and drops the handle to her cart. She closes her eyes, and makes a fist.

"Ken'ichi, do you mind watching over the supplies? I'll be right back." She says, rather calmly.

I nod. "Sure, I'll watch over the supplies."

"Thank you," She opens her eyes and gives a smile.

Her fists are still tight. Tight enough that a bit of blood trickles from where her nails dig into her skin.

Hebe then stalks after Myeong, Kawasumi, and whoever else might be there. Her light nature seems to have vanished. Rage overtook her.

She snarls, "Where are you keeping him?"