Tantei High (Erityian Tribes, #1) | Published under Pop Fiction

Chapter 53 - Reinforcements

The war had already cost us a lot of lives. The arrival of the Huntres and Custos tribes brought hope and they started pounding against the Shinigamis, while the others helped the fallen Senshins.

The Huntres tribe members were fighting like warriors and it felt like they were using the elements of the Earth as their power because water, ice, wind and other natural elements kept on appearing from their weapons, and some, from their own bodies. On the other hand, the Custos tribe fought with grace. They were all wearing suits and it seemed like they could read their enemies' movements.

"They are strong," Reiji commented while running.

"Hindi ko akalain na ganito pala ng dalawang tribes. Akala ko, halos kaparehas lang din natin sila ng abilities."

"Nope, nee-chan," sabi naman ni Riye. "Besides our differences in principles and culture, the reason why Erityian race was divided into tribes is because of our eyes colors and abilities. The Huntres tribe uses attributes while the Custos tribe uses animus."

Masyado kasi akong nag-focus sa pag-aaral ng history ng Senshins kaya hindi ko na masyadong nabigyan ng pansin ang ibang tribes, pero kahit papaano ay gumaan ang loob ko dahil alam kong may malalakas kaming allies.

"I'm sorry!"

Napatangin naman kami sa likuran at nakita namin na umiiyak si Akane habang kasabay niyang tumatakbo sina Hiro at Ken.

"You're really insane! Kamuntikan ka nang mamatay kanina kaya huwag mo nang uulitin 'yon! Don't freaking engage in a battle without thinking!"

"Oo na! Oo na! It's my fault, okay? I just . . ."

"Your Mom would not want her daughter to be dead."

"Pati ba naman ikaw Hiro? Sorry na nga, eh! Akemi, Riye, Reiji!"

Nagulat naman ako nang bigla siyang tumakbo nang mabilis papunta sa amin.

"E-eh? Wh—whoa!"

Bigla niya na lang kaming niyakap mula sa likuran kaya muntik na kaming masubsob. Pero masaya ako na okay lang si Akane at mukhang bumalik na siya sa dati niyang personality. I prefer this Akane over that revengeful one.

"We're going deeper through the forest, right?" tanong ni Reiji at tumango naman ako. Nag-aalinlangan pa rin ako sa desisyon ko na pumunta sa gubat para makita si Mama dahil alam kong susunod silang lima sa akin. Kapag may nangyaring masama sa kanila dahil sa selfishness ko, hindi ko mapapatawad ang sarili—

Bigla akong natauhan nang maalala ko ang sinabi sa akin ng Huntres kanina. Bakit ko ba iniisip na may masamang mangyayari sa kanila? It was their choice to be with me. Kung may masama mang mangyayari, gagawin ko lahat para matulungan ko sila. I won't let them die.

'And we won't let you die, too.'

A subtle smile escaped my lips and I sighed. That guy really couldn't keep his mind out of mine.

"I can hear some screaming," sabi ni Akane kaya napatingin agada ko sa harapan namin.

"I can see twelve Shinigamis approaching us!"

We summoned our weapons while running and fought against the Shinigamis. They must have had a lower rank since we could easily defeat them, unlike those Reapers.

"Teka, 'di ba si Mrs. Sera yun?" sabay turo ni Ken sa right side namin at may limang Shinigami ang nakapalibot sa kanya.

We ran toward her direction to help since it seemed like she was running out of stamina. Siguro dahil medyo matanda na siya at matagal na rin siyang hindi nakikipaglaban. Pero napatigil kami dahil biglang dumilim ang paligid niya. The next thing I knew, the Shinigamis were already sprawled lifeless on the ground.