Drum Major

Whatever was behind this tree didn't budge; it stayed silent and still, unmoving before them. There was the element of fear that overwhelmed their senses; was it theirs or the creature's? They didn’t know.

“Last chance, or we will use force to get you out of there ourselves. That tree is nothing for us.” Toki stands firm; he knew that tree wouldn't budge even if he punched at it for days, but the enemy didn't know that.

A hand grasped the left side of the tree, its slender fingers wrapped firmly, as if the tree were their lifeline. There was a hint of red seeping up from its forearm towards its shoulder.

A face slowly emerges from the side of the tree. Her face was delicate and timid; she was filled with fear coming out of her blue eyes that couldn't contain her frightened thoughts.

“Don’t hurt me, please. I'm already injured and just wish to say my goodbyes to a friend I know, so please have some humanity in you and let me pass.”

They both don't budge; they didn't know what the rest of the body could be; it could be a trap.

Ayuri replies softly, making sure not to alert the person, “What deity are you a part of? It's safer if we know that first.”

The face behind the tree widens her blue eye. “Symphony.”

Ayuri looks to her side towards Toki, and he gives a knowing nod.

“We're here on behalf of Kazu.”

The face behind the tree lets out a smile that crept from the side of the tree before fully stepping out slowly, not to raise any alarm. She had a taller appearance; she was just a bit taller than Toki but shorter than Hiwo.

Her stepping out revealed a white and red marching band outfit. White boots that towered near her knees, with a white skirt falling from above. The extra layer of red put on top of a white layer hugged her slim appearance, giving her a serious look. The red layer stretched all the way from her neck down to the beginning of the skirt.

Her brown hair was put into a chignon style that gave her a professional look despite her timid appearance. In her other arm, she held a drum major stick which glimmered underneath the soft sunlight of the collided sun; it had a silver base, while its bottom was firm gold. She was using it as a walking stick.

That's definitely a marching outfit, which proves that she has some collaboration with Symphony at least. I should still figure out her power, which should be tied to that stick.

“Mio Hashina, pleased to meet you. Thank you for deciding to spare my life. I'm forever grateful for not being instantly obliterated...” She kept rambling for another second; her gratefulness and social skills were both shocking.

They both let out a sigh before Ayuri starts to speak to her, “We never planned to kill you to begin with.”

Toki nods before a smirk appears. “You're too trusting. What makes you think we didn't torture names out of him, and now we're here to kill you too?”

Mio, sensing the potential scenario laid out in front of her, instantly points the drum major stick towards them in self-defence. Ayuri could sense the magic from within starting to brew. She had to defuse the situation.

She slaps his face lightly. “Just after we were getting on good terms, you had to make such a cruel joke, Toki.”

“Right, right, I'm so sorry.” There was a hint of apology and also sarcasm.

Mio once again lowers her stick; the magic, however, remains, and it is a clear sign that she is prepared to strike if necessary at any moment.

Ayuri begins to lessen the tension, pointing at herself, letting her gentle fingers express themselves, “We're from the falsity goddess, Ayuri and Toki. Hereunder, Kazus requests to find his friends. We will also be allies until this disaster ends.”

“I don't have much time to spare. So let's save the talk and help me get back.Her words were all over the place; there was clearly distress within her.

Ayuri shakes her head. “We need to find the others first as well.”

A silence fills the gap between them before a solemn tone envelops their ears.

“I'm the last one; there isn’t anyone else left. Not even a body to remember,” a small tear appeared streaming down her cheek, her eyes watering as she spoke.

After that, she extended her boot down, showing a purple spot. It was small but noticeable.

Judging off the appearance of the wound, it looks like the creatures did this to her, or it could also be a poison attack from a player, since dangerous fauna don't exist in this world.

“Explain that then,” Toki analyses her legs. There was clearly some of her skin and flesh gone from a sort of bite-shaped wound; there wasn’t any blood leaking whatsoever, which meant there was something unnatural about it.

Mio puts her boot back up before stating with her usual timid self at her attempt to ask a request, “Let's talk while we head back; this bite has only taken place right before the end of their onslaught.”

She takes off her red layered marching jacket and then takes her head up high, pointing her neck towards them. There was another purple spot without any damage whatsoever around it.

“It spreads rapidly at random times; I'm not sure.” There was a sadness within her voice; she knew that there was nothing that could save her now. The cruel creatures wouldn’t leave her alone to just survive.

Toki and Ayuri both take in the information; they have to remain stoic despite the sombre scene unfolding. They knew Kazu would have to deal with the departure of his friends, but how he would take that is what they're worried about.

“There is nearly just an hour left; we should get moving.” Toki starts walking away, expecting the two to follow.

Ayuri runs over to Mio with a soft smile beaming on her face. “Do you want any help walking?”

Mio smiles back. Even with the reality of death, there was someone at least trying to give her some hope and support; she let out a subtle nod before Ayuri went to her side and let her hold her shoulder if needed, while the other had the drum major stick.

Their journey back has begun.