As the group stepped out of the Headquarters, the fresh morning air greeted them, crisp and invigorating.
The sun had fully risen, its golden rays casting a warm glow across their faces, while a cool breeze swept over the landscape.
They stood in quiet anticipation, the weight of their mission settling in like a heavy fog, each of them mentally bracing for what lay ahead.
Ryuu took a deep breath, his chest rising with the air, and exhaled slowly.
The gravity of the journey to Chamonix Valley was beginning to sink in.
He glanced around at his companions.
They were all standing in silence, each lost in their own thoughts, mentally preparing themselves.
Ryoko walked beside him, her posture straight and composed, though there was a slight tension in her shoulders.
Ryuu could tell that something was weighing on her, but for now, she said nothing.
Rajin was walking away from everyone, a few steps apart, his face as blank and emotionless as a stone.
Gone was the cocky, carefree Rajin they all knew—replaced by someone almost unrecognizable.
It was as if he had shut himself off from the world around him, his usual spark extinguished.
His silence was deafening.
Shigeru, noticing him and walked up to him with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Rajin, what happened? Why are you walking alone? Come join the group!"
Shigeru said, clapping a hand on Rajin's shoulder. A bright smile never leaving his face.
Rajin didn't respond immediately. He simply rolled his eyes, his gaze cold as he turned to meet Shigeru's.
But then looked away as he walked away.
Shigeru looked at him going the smile fading.
Shigeru stood there for a moment, his concern growing, but said nothing more as he turned back to the others.
The smile was gone from his face.
Once they reached the waiting transport, Matthieu climbed into the lead vehicle and waved the others over.
"Alright, everyone, buckle up! It's going to be a long ride. You're all prepared for this, right?"
The group gathered and climbed into the vehicles, the weight of Matthieu's words hanging in the air.
"Remember,"
He added, his tone turning serious,
"Many danger awaits you there but keep your protection all the time. Infront of those demons even a slightest mistake may result in your death....
So be careful!."
Ryuu settled into his seat, staring out the window as the city slowly began to fade into the distance.
His mind raced with thoughts of what was ahead, but for now, all he could do was focus on the road ahead.
Beside him, Ryoko watched him closely, sensing the tension in his silence.
"Ryuu-kun,"
She said softly, her voice a quiet murmur against the hum of the vehicle.
"Did something happen? You've been distant all morning. Please, talk to me. I can see that something's weighing on you."
Ryuu didn't respond immediately, his eyes fixed on the passing scenery, but Ryoko's words seemed to pierce through the fog in his mind.
He felt a sharp pang in his chest.
It was true—he had been overburdened lately, burdened by the need to understand everything, to know the answers to every question that had been haunting him.
He wanted to protect those he loved, but there were so many unknowns.
"I know you've been carrying a lot on your shoulders,"
Ryoko continued, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I know you want to know...about everything that's happening.
And I also want to tell you everything but..... circumstances are stopping me from telling the truth.
There's some things that I need to know and .... I'm not strong enough to protect you or even me.
I know you're burdening yourself over the things that happened but..."
Ryoko said as sadness and guilt filled her face. Ryuu looked at her as his heart ached.
"...I know I'm not worthy of your trust and to make you wait but will you believe in me and wait a little longer....? Ryuu-kun."
Ryoko said as he looked into Ryuu's eyes, she held out her hand towards him.
Ryuu got stunned and shocked by her sudden gaze. His face got little red as his heart throbbed.
But he calmed down when he saw into her eyes, he could saw the pain lingering in her eyes.
A pain she had been bearing for a long long time.
Ryuu turned to her, he grabbed her hand as he gave her a reassuring smile.
"Ryoko-san" He said softly,
"You've already saved my life so many times now even risking your own life.
And....I also don't want to see you risking your life for me. I also want to become strong and to do that I need to understand everything.
But....I know you been bearing something that you want to share but can't and it's something that hurting you forever.
I don't know how and why you or all these things are connected to me and but in these past few months I have understand that everything you're doing is for my and everyone's sake.....
And I will give my life if it meant to help you. And....l will wait even thousands years if it meant that I could know more about you.
Let's unveil the truth together!"
Ryuu said as he gave Ryoko a generous smile.
Ryoko face got red as her hair flew when he heard him, her heart throbbed as she turned her head away from him.
Ryuu looked at him in confusion as to why she wasn't looking at him.
".... Thankyou, Ryuu-kun."
Ryoko said under her breathe looking away, Ryuu heard her as a little smile appeared on his face.
"Of course!!"
.
.
.
.
As the vehicle continued on its journey, the hours passed, and the landscape began to shift.
The once lush forests gave way to rocky cliffs, the air turning cooler as they ascended higher into the mountains.
Snow-capped peaks rose on the horizon, and a thin mist clung to the valleys below.
The group could feel the change in the atmosphere—the air growing thinner, the quiet more oppressive.
After several hours, they slowed to a stop. Matthieu climbed out of the vehicle and turned to the group.
"This is as far as we go,"
He said, his voice grave.
"The landslide up ahead has destroyed the path, so we'll have to go on foot from here.
The forest beyond is treacherous, and there may be demons lurking there, so stay sharp.
Your mission is to help the people in the town and find a safe route for them to escape.
But first and foremost, protect yourselves. There's no telling what might be waiting for you."
With that, Matthieu gave a final nod and climbed back into the vehicle, which soon disappeared down the narrow mountain road.
The group stood in the silence that followed, the dark forest ahead seeming to loom like an ominous presence.
Zanu, ever the free spirit, darted out of the vehicle and ran toward the snow-covered ground, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Woah, it's all white!"
She exclaimed, her voice full of wonder as she dropped to the ground and began to play in the snow.
"Zanu, wait!"
Seichii called out, hurrying after her, his voice laced with concern.
"Don't wander off! Stay close!"
But Zanu wasn't listening. She looked back at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Papa! Zanu wants to play! Come play with Zanu!!"
Masumi stepped forward, a soft smile on her face.
"Za-chan, you need to listen to your father. We're on a mission right now, okay?
We will play later, after we're done here."
Zanu's smile faded, and she glanced down at the ground, disappointed. Masumi gently wrapped a muffler around Zanu's neck and lifted her into her arms.
"Come on, let's go back to the others,"
Masumi said, her tone gentle but firm.
Seichii caught up to them, his face filled with apologetic concern.
"I'm sorry, Masumi,"
He said, his brow furrowed with worry.
"I didn't mean to make things difficult for you."
Masumi laughed softly, shaking her head.
"No need to apologize, Seichii-kun. I love playing with children, and it was nice to talk to Zanu like this.
I was a bit nervous at first... afraid she might be scared of me...., but I'm happy we're getting along."
Seichii smiled, relief washing over him.
Just then, Matthieu's voice rang out from the front.
"Everyone, listen up. We've reached the outskirts of Chamonix Valley.
The vehicles can't go any further—the landslide's blocked the path.
You'll need to cross that forest to get to the town.
But be careful—demons are clever and know when to strike. Protect yourselves, and make sure to watch each other's backs."
The group nodded in silent agreement. The gravity of their mission was clear.
They had no choice now but to venture into the dark forest, with the looming shadow of danger ahead.
Shigeru stepped forward, a determined smile on his face.
"Looks like this is going to be quite a journey, huh?"
As the others gathered, they looked up at the towering peaks of Mont Blanc looming in the distance, the rugged landscape before them, and the unknown dangers lurking within the forest.
They knew the road ahead would be anything but easy, but they were ready. Together, they would face whatever came their way.