Yuki lay on the ground, her body still. Hiyori and Daiki had not noticed it at first, not while everyone else ran into the forest in panic.
"What happened to them…?" Hiyori whispered, confused. Then she turned—and her eyes widened.
"Yuki!" she shouted and rushed to her side.
Daiki followed quickly. "Oh no… she's been taken down."
Hiyori knelt beside her. "Hey, Yuki, are you okay? Yuki, open your eyes… please."
She looked at Raihtasu with fear. "What happened to her? Tell me."
Raihtasu lowered his head. "To protect me… she put her life in danger."
Daiki clenched his fists. "I can't believe it. When she first joined us, I didn't trust her at all because she was once our enemy… but now—" he shook his head, "I understand. Every rival isn't truly an enemy. Sometimes we're the ones who make them enemies."
Hiyori wiped her tears. "Wait… I can heal her wounds."
Raihtasu stepped back. "Okay. Hiyori, go ahead."
Hiyori placed her hands over Yuki's injuries, her healing power glowing softly. After a few minutes, she exhaled.
"I healed the wound… but she isn't alright. She'll stay unconscious. The injury was too deep. It may take time before she fully recovers."
Raihtasu picked Yuki up gently. "We don't have time. I'll carry her. We still need to save Elsiya, and we don't even know how far the abandoned village is."
Hiyori nodded. "Alright. Hold her carefully. Let's go."
They continued their journey through the forest. Two hours passed before Daiki suddenly pointed forward.
"Hey, Raihtasu! Look—a waterfall!"
Hiyori sighed. "Daiki, this is not the time to admire waterfalls."
"No, look carefully." Daiki squinted. "I see something behind it."
Hiyori frowned. "Probably just a cave. Leave it."
"No… it looks like houses. Maybe even a town."
Raihtasu froze. "Stop."
Hiyori looked at him. "What is it?"
Raihtasu stepped closer to the waterfall. "I think… we've reached our destination."
Hiyori's eyes widened. "Behind the waterfall…?"
Daiki grinned. "So what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
Hiyori grabbed Raihtasu's arm. "Wait. Before you go—make sure Yuki doesn't get wet. Her wounds will get worse."
Raihtasu nodded. "Got it."
He dashed forward with incredible speed, so fast that not a single drop touched Yuki.
"Hiyori! Daiki! Come on!" he shouted.
They followed quickly.
Raihtasu stood in front of a hidden entrance—when suddenly, a strike of energy shot toward him. He dodged instantly.
"Who's there?" he demanded.
Hiyori and Daiki shouted from behind, "Raihtasu! What happened?!"
"Someone attacked me," he replied.
Daiki groaned. "Not again… another annoying enemy?"
Footsteps echoed. A girl stepped out of the shadows—sharp eyes, glasses, short black hair, cigarette smoke curling around her.
"Oh… it's you, Raihtasu," she said calmly.
Raihtasu's eyes widened. "You…"
Hiyori and Daiki finally reached him. Hiyori looked at Raihtasu's face and frowned.
"What happened? Why are you so shocked?"
Raihtasu whispered, "Daiki…"
Daiki turned pale. "No way… her?"
The girl smirked. "Daiki. You're here too?"
Daiki stepped back. "You…"
Hiyori turned slowly, her expression sharpening.
"Lyra."
Hiyori's eyes widened as she stepped forward.
"Lyra."
Lyra turned, her sharp gaze falling on Raihtasu. She walked closer and noticed Yuki lying on the ground.
"Is she your friend?" Lyra asked.
Raihtasu nodded. "Yes."
"Oh… I see. She looks injured," Lyra observed, frowning slightly.
Daiki rushed forward and hugged her.
"Aunt! Oh, Daiki, my child! How are you?"
Daiki smiled, his eyes shining. "I'm so glad to see you."
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "Then why the shock?"
Daiki shook his head. "I didn't imagine seeing you in a place like this."
Lyra waved her hand dismissively. "Okay, okay. Now leave me alone."
Raihtasu stepped forward. "So, you're the Zero's powerful member… Lyra?"
Lyra glanced at him. "Yes. Come to my house. She needs rest and medicine."
Hiyori bowed slightly. "Thank you so much, Lyra."
Lyra gave a small smile. "You better take my lead. I know it's your first time meeting me, but I can see you mean well."
Hiyori nodded. "Me too. Alright, let's go."
The group followed Lyra, stepping carefully into the abandoned village. Daiki's eyes widened. "What happened here?"
Lyra's expression remained unreadable. "Don't talk. There are too many spies. If they notice us, we'll be in trouble. Just walk silently."
Hiyori and Daiki exchanged glances as they walked, their expressions shifting between curiosity and unease. They wanted to say something, but neither could find the words.
Finally, they reached Lyra's house.
"Here," Lyra said, "this is my house."
Daiki whistled. "Wow… your house is big and clean!"
Hiyori smacked him lightly on the head. "Close your mouth!"
Lyra chuckled and opened the door. "Come in."
Daiki stepped inside, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Finally… somewhere clean and comfortable!"
Lyra shook her head. "Now you can talk. But only if you have patience."
She closed the door behind them and turned to Raihtasu. "Come here. There's a bedroom. You can put her there."
Hiyori looked at Lyra. "You're a healer, right?"
"Yes," Hiyori replied. "Tell me which herbs you need."
Lyra instructed her, and Hiyori gathered the ingredients. She worked swiftly, preparing the medicine for Yuki. After some time, she returned to the group and sat where everyone was resting. Only Daiki was absent. Yuki remained asleep, her breathing steady.
"You gave her the medicine?" Lyra asked.
"Yes. She should wake up in two to three hours," Hiyori replied.
"Where's Daiki?" Hiyori asked.
Raihtasu smiled. "He went to sleep."
Hiyori nodded. "Alright." She turned to Lyra. "So… you're one of the stronger members of Zero?"
Lyra nodded. "Yes. That's why you came here—for my help, right?"
Hiyori explained, "We came for our friend. We need your help to save her."
Lyra cut her off gently. "I know why you're here and why you need help. You want to defeat Zero and rescue your friend."
"Exactly," Hiyori said.
"Don't worry," Lyra said calmly. "They're safe. Stay here."
Hiyori frowned. "But Yuki said we don't have much time!"
Lyra shook her head. "He won't take their powers unless he captures all of you."
Raihtasu blinked. "What do you mean?"
Lyra glanced at him. "Your brother is with them too."
Raihtasu groaned. "What? He's stupid… also captured?"
Lyra nodded. "Of course. He's reckless, yes, but stay calm. You have time. Don't worry."
Hiyori turned back to Lyra. "We need your help. Can you help us?"
Lyra smiled faintly. "Of course. He's my nephew's friend. I'll help you."
She glanced at the clock. "It's evening now. I need to prepare dinner. What would you like?"
Hiyori nodded. "I'll help you."