Lucifer's heart raced as he floated into Emily's house, hoping to find some way to save her from the killers. But as he surveyed the scene before him, he was shocked to see that Emily was nowhere to be found.
The killers also seemed to notice her absence, and their expressions of surprise mirrored Lucifer's own. The house was small and had only one room, with little space for Emily to hide.
As the three of them searched for her whereabouts, they suddenly heard the sound of something running. All three of them immediately looked through the nearby window, only to catch sight of a small silhouette sprinting away in the distance.
"Damn it, how did she spot us?" the red-robed killer muttered, shock etched on his face.
"It doesn't matter. We have to catch her before she escapes," the blue-robed killer exclaimed, determination in his voice.
Lucifer swiftly outpaced the killer, effortlessly passing through the wall and reaching Emily's location in no time. He observed her limping towards Martin's guard post, moving with a surprising familiarity as she tried to conceal herself in the shroud of darkness. The urgency of the situation prevented Lucifer from dwelling on how she had detected the killer's presence and made her escape. Instead, his thoughts centered on how he could assist her in this perilous moment.
While contemplating a plan, Lucifer noticed Emily steal a quick, bewildered glance in his direction, her face marked by a mixture of confusion and fear. Acting instinctively, he blurted out, "Can you see me?" In response, Emily nodded hastily before resuming her sprint, now propelled by an even greater burst of speed.
Lucifer couldn't help but feel a sense of bewilderment at Emily's ability to perceive him, knowing that he was typically invisible to mortal humans more so now when he seemed to be invisible even to martial artists.
Despite his surprise at Emily's ability to see him, Lucifer chose to set aside his curiosity and focus on the immediate danger at hand. He had grown better at suppressing his emotions and remaining focused on the task at hand since his initial arrival in this world.
Now aware of Emily's ability to see and hear him, Lucifer made the decision to safely guide her to Martin's guard post. He understood that even with her impressive speed, she wouldn't be able to outrun the highly skilled killers pursuing her, who were likely formidable martial artists. Given the distance to Martin's post, which would take at least 12 minutes to reach, and Emily's compromised speed due to her injured knee, time was of the essence.
Lucifer quickly took to the skies, soaring high above to gain a bird's eye view of the situation below. From this vantage point, he could better assess the positions of the killers, Emily's location, and the destination of Martin's guard post.
Using his heightened senses, he surveyed the landscape, searching for the most optimal path for Emily to take. He scouted for potential hiding spots and cover to evade the killers, while also identifying potential obstacles that could slow them down.
As he scanned the area, Lucifer's mind worked quickly, calculating the best route for Emily to take. He considered her current state, the terrain, and the positions of the killers. Finally, he identified the most efficient path, and with a determined look, he began to descend to Emily's side, ready to lead her to safety.
"Emily, keep running, but please listen to me," Lucifer said, using his gentlest and most soothing tone to address her. "I know it might seem strange that a weird flying dude is talking to you, but I promise you, I only want to help you."
"The truth is, those people chasing you, they mean to harm you. I genuinely want to protect you and ensure your safety," he continued, his voice filled with sincerity. However, as Lucifer continued speaking, he became aware of how suspicious his words might sound, especially when compared to the intimidating figures pursuing them, armed with swords. It seemed more logical for Emily to trust them than a floating ghost-like entity such as himself.
Yet, Lucifer pressed on, hoping to appeal to her instincts and intuition. "Deep down, I believe you can sense the danger they pose. Trust your instincts, Emily. I may seem strange, but I'm here to help, not hurt you. Please, will you give me a chance and listen to what I have to say?"
After receiving a quick nod, he told her that it would be impossible to reach Martin with her current speed and direction without getting caught, but he knows a better route. He offered to guide her from there if she listened to his instructions
He expected her to be hesitant or doubtful given the strange circumstances they found themselves in. But to his surprise Emily just looked at him and nodded in agreement after listening to his 'not at all kidnapper' like sounding words.
.....
Lucifer propelled Emily through the shadowy, desolate streets of the outer city, her hurried footsteps echoing through the empty alleys. His urgent whispers pierced her ear, directing her every turn, guiding her away from potential obstacles that could hinder their path.
"Left! Take a left here!" Lucifer's voice hissed urgently as they approached a dimly lit alleyway.
Emily swiftly veered left, her heart pounding in her chest, a mixture of fear and adrenaline coursing through her veins. The sound of approaching footsteps grew louder, their ominous rhythm quickening. She knew the killers were closing in, their malevolent intent palpable in the air.
Lucifer's voice persisted, cutting through the chaos and fear, threading a lifeline of instructions through the maze of alleys and streets. Yet with each passing moment, Emily's strength waned, her injured knee throbbing with excruciating pain at every step.
"I can't... keep going," Emily gasped, her breath labored and ragged.
Recognizing her desperate state, Lucifer searched his memory for a safe haven, a place where Emily could catch her breath and find temporary respite from the relentless pursuit.
"Hold on, Emily. Just a little further," Lucifer assured, his voice laced with urgency. "There's a house up ahead. Find shelter there. Rest, regain your strength."
A surge of renewed determination surged through Emily's weary body as she pushed herself to run a few more agonizing yards. Finally, they arrived at the secluded house, its dilapidated facade revealing signs of abandonment. In a stroke of luck, the surroundings offered temporary cover, with various items scattered outside the house, concealing her presence.
Just as she began to relax, the sound of footsteps echoed outside the house. Emily's heart leapt into her throat as she heard the killers' voices.
"I saw her turn this way," the blue killer said, his voice low and menacing.
As the killers drew nearer, their malevolent whispers carried on the wind, Emily's pulse quickened. Her instincts screamed for her to make a noise, to betray her hiding place, but Lucifer's unwavering voice soothed her, "Don't move, don't make a sound. They won't find you."
Although Lucifer's reassurance provided a modicum of relief, Emily's heart continued to race, her anxiety refusing to subside. Nonetheless, she found solace in his presence, trusting his guidance implicitly.
"Just a little longer, Emily," Lucifer murmured, his voice a lifeline in the darkness. "They're going in the wrong direction. Stay hidden."
As the killers left, Lucifer immediately instructed Emily to move. Despite her exhaustion, Emily summoned every ounce of strength left within her. Gritting her teeth, she pushed herself onward, her limbs protesting against the strain. Lucifer's instructions became her lifeline, her anchor in the storm of chaos and danger.
After what seemed like an eternity of relentless running, they reached Martin's guard post, a haven of security amidst the chaos. Gasping for breath, Emily collapsed onto the ground, her tiny body trembling with exhaustion and tension. Lucifer's comforting presence remained by her side, his voice a soothing balm to her frayed nerves. "It's over now, Emily. You're safe."
.....
Martin rushed out upon seeing Emily's condition and wasted no time in asking her what had transpired. Emily, feeling relieved to see Uncle Martin, quickly began to explain about the two men who were pursuing her. However, their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the approaching footsteps, drawing their attention to two menacing figures walking towards them.
Reacting swiftly, Martin unsheathed his sword and warned the approaching men to maintain their distance. With a firm tone, he demanded, "Who are you?"
As Emily laid eyes on her would-be killers for the first time, she instinctively recoiled, creating a safe distance between herself and the menacing duo. She carefully observed them, reaffirming her decision to flee upon hearing that chilling scream.
Finding solace in Martin's protective presence, Emily gradually began to relax, relying on her unwavering trust in her uncle. His actions the previous day had instilled a sense of confidence in her.
Meanwhile, Lucifer remained on edge, knowing that the outcome hinged not on kindness or compassion, but on sheer strength and power. Had it been solely a matter of benevolence, he would have already saved Emily.
In a chilling display of disregard, the men ignored Martin's inquiry and exchanged a brief glance before launching a sudden and vicious assault. Despite Martin's reputation among his peers as a formidable force, he proved no match for the martial artist in the Bone Tempering Stage. In a swift and devastating strike, the man adorned in blue effortlessly cleaved Martin in two with his sword.