A hidden survival

Chapter 25

"I missed you so much!" Sakura cried in anxiety. Seiki said guiltily, "I am sorry it took me so long to find you." The little girl shook her head vigorously, unwilling to let go of the hug, she gripped onto him, as if he would vanish if she released. Hana smiled warmly at the siblings, "She misses you everyday." Seiki uses one of his hands and reached out for a handshake, "Thank you for looking after her." Hana burst into laughter at the sight of the boy's awkwardness before taking his hands, "We are friends aren't we? Of course I'll take care of her." 

When Sakura finally let go, Akane went forward and patted Seiki's head, "Great job finding us, how have you been?" He grinned, "After Ryou and I drove away the men, he taught me a few tricks and we did some training. When he thinks I'm ready, he sent me to locate you all by myself." Akane could feel a huge part of worry being settled inside her, Ryou was alright. Hana cut in, "What about Ryou? Did he not come with you?" Seiki looked at Akane before he answered, "He told me that he has fulfilled his promise, and that it is up to me to protect all of you now." Akane smiled as she turned to look back at Yu, who is by this time, confused. 

"Who would sent an 8 year old to look after a bunch of witches?" He whispers to Akane. "I am 10 years old." Seiki fought back. They looked at each other with widened eyes, "Aren't you classmate with Hana?" Hana nodded, "I never said I was 8. I am 10." Akane giggled awkwardly, "I see..." They decided to go back early so Seiki could rest. On the way, Sakura and Hana stick close to Seiki. Akane watched the trio stick together like glue, she shifts her gaze to Yuri. She lifts the girl up, the girl who was looking down initially was now, looking at her. "You hungry? Let's go back and eat, we'll go see the stars afterwards, alright?" Akane asked and Yuri's face lit up.

"Vampire!" Everyone started to scatter around the streets, pushing and carrying people along with the crowd. Akane hugged Yuri tightly, pushed onto the floor.

When the streets finally became empty, her eyes searched around, Yu and the others were not in sight. Footsteps were closing in,  fear crept her,  however, for the little girl in her arms, she cannot falter. She stayed strong and stood up, taking out her wooden staff. Gripping onto the staff until her knuckles turned white, she turned around.

Instead of a monster, she saw someone else. Someone who gives her strength, someone of same importance as Yu, someone who she did not expect to meet anytime soon.

"Mika." His name escaped her mouth.

Author's note: Mika and Akane chapter coming up soon! Fans of the both of them should stay tuned!