Yumix; Unveiled

CHAPTER 6

Back to Yoru, who was patrolling a distant section of the forest. Her brow knitted in concern as her thoughts returned to Hiroki’s unsettling behavior.

"Why’s he acting so serious all of sudden?" She said quietly, trying to ignore her concerns "It’s not like he saw someone… Wait, am I jealous? N-No, there’s no reason for me to be concerned."

She shook her head, while quietly muttering to herself with a hint of shyness, "He's just focusing on the mission, that's all"

Suddenly, a loud, piercing scream broke the silence and interrupted her thoughts.

"Hiroki?!" she gasped, recognizing his voice instantly. Her heart pounding while she was dashing fast, avoiding branches and jumping over roots.

"Damn it!" She whispered, sprinting toward the sound, knowing the risky terrain was treacherous and there was no direct path. And time ticks

Meanwhile, Hiroki was facing off against the shadowy creature, both of his mind and body tense with focus. Though he was a novice fighter, Yoru’s training had sharpened his instincts. He dodged aside on air, aiming a strike at the creature’s back and landing a solid blow.

"Take this, you bastard." His face showed a momentary burst of confidence, "seems that I am already able to face risks.." he said thought himself.

But his satisfaction was short-lived; as the creature spun faster than he anticipated, slamming him to the ground. Pain shot up his ankle, and his smirk faded into a grimace.

"It seems.. I'm still really helpless.. Oh, what came to my mind when I thought I could do these things without Yoru," he muttered to himself, while his jaw tightening with frustration and pain.

Suddenly, a clear, steady voice rang out from behind him, "Stay back!"

Hiroki’s head whipped around, his eyes widening in surprise. A girl with long, white hair stood there, her figure poised, with piercing red eyes like ruby fixed on the creature.

"What the…" Hiroki said to himself, from his amazement of her.

The girl didn't waste time on introductions. With a burst of power from her legs, she soared above, dazzling the creature before delivering a decisive blow with a glowing mana weapon she just formed, which caused it to vanish into shimmering fragments, leaving behind a traces of shadows showing on the ground.

The girl brushed herself off, muttering, "Honestly, these things are getting more bothersome by the day."

Hiroki watched in speechless awe as she dusted herself off. He tried to rise, call for help, but his throbbing ankle held him captive. The girl turned, her gaze settling on him. Without a word, she extended her hand on him, healing energy pulsing from her palm as it hovered over his injured foot.

"Eh… Thank you" Hiroki said, barely audible

"You should have been more careful. Wandering off alone… Where's the rest of your team? Amateurs, I guess?" That girl responded to him.

"We split up to cover more ground faster," Hiroki replied.

"Okay, okay, it looks like we have something special going on here, when you look at me as if you've seen me before," she said in an interesting way.

The girl sighed, a wry smile playing on her lips, it was a little too… sweet, and sugary facade. Her smile widened, a hint of playful mischief sparkling in her ruby eyes. An unsettling familiarity tugged at Hiroki's mind. He squinted, a memory flickering at the edges of his consciousness.

Hiroki thinks "Wait a minute… This girl… her white hair… (the vision)… the same voice… It can't be… the image I've seen countless times…"

"Wait a second… aren't you…?" Hiroki's voice trailed off, his face full of confusion.

The girl smiled faintly. "Looks like you're finally figuring it out. Sorry it took so long."

Hiroki staggered back, a nervous laugh escaping. "This doesn't make any sense. Who even are you?"

"Calm down," she said, extending her hand to him. "We'll have plenty of time for questions later. For now, let me help you up. My name's Ayuri Higashi."

Just as Hiroki hesitated to take her hand, Yoru appeared from the trees, her eyes darting between Hiroki and Ayuri. Relief turned to suspicion.

"Hiroki, are you okay? Who is this?" Yoru demanded, her tone sharp.

"She's… the girl from the vision," Hiroki said, his voice still shaky. "Ayuri Higashi."

Yoru frowned, her suspicion growing "And how does she know you? Why is she calling you by your first name?"

Ayuri stayed calm, her voice steady. "I helped him out when he needed it. Those dark creatures are dangerous, you know."

Before Yoru could argue, they heard Kenji's distant voice calling out. "Miyu! Where are you?"

"We should head back," Hiroki said, already moving. Ayuri nodded, following without a word.

As they walked, Ayuri broke the silence. "The quiet… something feels off."

Yoru glanced at her. "You mean the lack of attacks?"

Ayuri nodded. "Exactly. It’s unusual for them to stop like this."

"Maybe they’re regrouping," Yoru suggested, gripping her weapon tighter. "Or planning something worse."

Kenji's voice rang out again, this time closer. "Hiroki! Yoru! Miyu's gone!"

They hurried towards him. Kenji was pacing frantically, his face pale. "She heard some noise and went further into the forest. I tried calling her, but she didn’t answer."

"Did you see anything strange?" Ayuri asked, frowning.

"No, it was just… too quiet," Kenji muttered.

"We can't waste time," Yoru snapped. "Let’s find her now."

"We shouldn’t split up," Ayuri said firmly. "I can pick up distant sounds. Stay together, and we’ll find her faster."

As they pressed on, Ayuri suddenly raised her hand, motioning for them to stop. Before anyone could ask, Miyu emerged from the shadows, her face lighting up when she saw them.

"Guys! Over here!" she called out. "I found some survivors! Two kids hiding in a cave."

They followed her to the small opening. "Wait here," Miyu said softly. "They’re scared. I’ll talk to them first."

Moments later, Miyu gasped. "They’re gone! The kids… they’re gone!"

Hiroki stepped forward. "What? Didn’t you tell them to stay put?"

"Of course I did!" Miyu said, panic in her voice.

Ayuri spoke calmly. "The cave—how deep does it go? Maybe they moved further inside."

Yoru didn’t hide her anxiety. "This doesn’t feel right…"

Ayuri glanced at the group. "If they’re not here, we should expand the search. Standing around won’t help."

They then decided to leave the place, Miyu's desperation evident on her face as they made their way to the opening of the small cave.

Before they could step outside, a chilling voice echoed from the darkness within the cave. "Oh Well well, Hello there" …