The Truth of Emotions

Chapter 21: Unable to Hide

The next afternoon...

Everyone is currently sitting in the trailer in the middle of a dark, cloudy day, still thinking about Lariat.

Ariyae: "(sighing) So how are we going to get him to stop being an Owen?"

Owen: "(embarrassed) Stop calling it that!"

Makoh: "Sh-She's right though. The Second Page will attack him and he won't be able to handle them alone."

Cale: "What should we do then? Stake out?"

Rox: "(sighs) Sounds boring, but you've got to do what needs to be done."

Rox heads outside with her tools.

Rox: "I'm heading out to check on the engine."

Ariyae just falls asleep right there.

Cale: "(awkwardly) S-So uh..."

The remaining three keep watch.

However...

The Elf and her cohorts have infiltrated the forest from the other side.

Elf: "(smirking) Now for me to repay my debt."

Several explosions go off simultaneously, setting the forest and Lariat's heart ablaze as they step into the ruins.

Lariat: "Who are you people?"

She draws a flask of the same drug that Ixis used before.

Xalliosis: "I am Xalliosis of the Second Page."

She chugs it down as a large blade is handed to her.

Xalliosis: "The one who shall reclaim Tranquility for our true god, Lazarus."

Lariat pulls back his bowstring as he takes aim.

Lariat: "I'd like to see you try."

A single drop of rain falls from the sky.

Meanwhile...

Everyone was startled by the explosion.

Cale: "(hyperventilating) What the hell was that?!"

Owen: "I didn't see anything!"

They can see the rising flames through the window.

Makoh: "(hyperventilating) Did they come through the other side of the forest?!"

Everyone goes silent as Rox busts the door open.

Ariyae: "(awkwardly) ... We'd better go."

Rox: "Sounds like why I came inside!"

They all dart outside to feel the faint beginnings of a coming storm.

Cale: "Uh oh..."

Ariyae triples her speed to get under a nearby tree.

Ariyae: "(panicking) Anything but rain!"

More explosions go off ahead as Rox goes giant and scoops Ariyae up.

Rox: "(sighing) I just hope we don't have to do this again."

Owen: "I'm sorry to say this, but I don't think so."

Footsteps echo in the distance.

Makoh: "Th-They know we're here!"

Owen switches his blade to a bladed whip and swings it forward, only hearing the faint dripping and falling bodies ahead.

Owen: "Come on! Lariat is in trouble!"

They pick up the pace.

Twenty minutes later...