Minty's Journey: Echoes of the Enchanted Forest

Chapter 11

Minty lay in her hospital bed, weary and fraught with worry. The hospital room felt suffocating despite the open window letting in the cool evening breeze. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and fear after the encounter with the Traps posing as Abunto's family.

As the shadows lengthened and the hospital bustled with evening activity, a knock on the door made Minty jump. She tensed, but this time, it was not the Traps-it was her friends, Fira, Pip, and Eldin, returning from their fruitless search in the forest.

"We couldn't find anything," Fira sighed, her brow furrowed with concern. "The herbs are nowhere to be seen. It's like they've vanished."

Minty nodded gravely, her mind racing. "They must have been taken by the Traps. They're using them for something, but what?"

Before anyone could respond, another knock echoed through the room. This time, it wasn't just a knock-it was a voice. A voice that sent shivers down Minty's spine.

"Minty, dear, it's us. Abunto's parents."

Minty's heart sank. She knew immediately this was another ploy by the Traps. "No," she whispered, her voice trembling. "You're not them."

The door creaked open, revealing a couple-a white bunny and a brown bunny-who bore a striking resemblance to Abunto's family. But Minty could see through the facade. These were not Abunto's parents.

"Stay quiet," the woman warned, stepping closer to Minty's bed. "We know why you're here, and we won't let you spoil our plans."

Minty's friends sprang into action, rushing to defend her. Fira grabbed the woman's arm, while Eldin positioned himself between the bunnies and Minty. Pip alerted the hospital staff, who arrived swiftly to remove the imposters.

As the Traps were escorted out, their forms glitched and flickered, revealing their true nature. Minty's pulse raced with relief and frustration. "They're Traps," she gasped, her voice barely audible above the commotion. "They're trying to distract us, to stop us from finding the truth."

Once the chaos subsided, Minty's friends gathered around her, concern etched on their faces. "Minty, are you okay?" Fira asked softly, her voice filled with empathy.

Minty nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. "I'm okay, but we need to do something. The Traps are getting desperate, and they're willing to do anything to stop us."

"We won't let them," Eldin vowed, his voice firm with determination. "We'll find those herbs and expose their lies."

Just then, a familiar figure appeared in the doorway. It was Magenta-or rather, the Trap disguised as Magenta. Minty's heart sank as she recognized the deception.

"Magenta is dead," Minty stated firmly, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. "You're not her."

The Trap's form glitched, confirming Minty's suspicions. "You're right," it hissed, its voice distorted and eerie. "But we can make you see whatever you want. We can twist reality until you believe."

Minty's friends moved to block the Trap's advance, their resolve unyielding. "Get out of here," Pip demanded, his eyes narrowed with distrust.

The Traps hesitated, their forms flickering uncertainly. "We'll be back," they threatened, before vanishing into the hospital corridor.

Minty slumped back against her pillows, exhaustion weighing heavily on her. "We can't trust anything anymore," she murmured, her voice barely audible.

"We'll figure this out, Minty," Fira assured her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We'll find a way to stop them."

With renewed determination, they began to strategize, knowing that their next move could mean the difference between victory and defeat. The Traps had shown their hand, revealing their ability to manipulate and deceive. But Minty and her friends were determined not to let them succeed.