Connecting Light [KNY FF]

CHAPTER 12: Unexpected Encounter

"A monster's house..." the man answered with lots of fear in his voice.

Ayume became more aware of the surroundings at his response.

"Don't worry. I will take you to a safe place. Is there anyone else in that house that might be in danger?" she asked as she examined the area.

"N-not that I know of...the house is not that far from here. But...I noticed it doesn't leave in the morning. I tried my best to stay alive." the man explained as he tries to keep awake.

"You did very well trying to hang in there. I will take you to get medical help." Ayume was in a position to carry the man.

"Thank...you..." the man said before he faded out of consciousness. Ayume listened for a pulse and smiled when she heard it.

"The sun is still out. If I leave the forest quickly, I could send the man to the village for treatment." Ayume stood up with the man in his arms. She then breathed properly and started running through the forest.

The sun was going down slowly. Ayume was reaching the village.

"This man was very lucky. If I came faster, maybe he wouldn't have suffered this much." Ayume thought as she felt the guilt strike her chest.

"There should be a doctor in the town...I have to make this quick." Ayume told herself as she approaches the village.

"Excuse me!" she called out to the people who were still out and about. They were shocked to see Ayume carrying a wounded man.

"Is there a doctor? He needs help." Ayume informed. The women around the area gasped at the scene and started calling out for the town's doctor.

"The doctor went out of town to get medical supplies. He won't be back until tomorrow morning." a man informed. Ayume's expression turned anxious.

"Then...I apologise, can I trouble you to take care of this man? He was attacked in the forest." Ayume requested with a polite and calm tone. The man in front of her froze at the sweet tone of her voice.

"R-right. What are you going to do?" the man asked. Ayume smiled as she gave the injured man to the other man.

"I am going to protect all of you. Please stay indoors." Ayume said assuringly as the sun completely went down.

Ayume left the village and ran back to the forest.

"Breath of Light. Sixth Form, Unarmed Light Speed." Ayume sped to the forest in a mere second.

"The man said the house was nearby. He probably didn't go too far from it." Ayume thought as she runs forward, past many trees.

"I'm not sensing any demons...could it maybe...that it ran away?" she questioned mentally and stopped in her tracks.

"I have been running for quite some time. Where is this--" Ayume's breathing hitched as the air pressure rose. The atmosphere had a sudden change which made Ayume on her toes.

"What a strong presence...the demon is nearby." Ayume scanned her surroundings as she assumed a fighting stance.

The wind blew gently. The demonic presence was starting to get weaker.

"Its getting away..." Ayume realised and chased the sensation she felt.

"This seems different...why?" Ayume asked herself in confusion as she runs around the forest.

Ayume's POV

This seems very out of place. I don't think I have felt anything like this before. This demonic presence that I'm feeling is a lot dangerous compared to the ones I have encountered.