Round six

Fuck those cultists! The wagon tracks had led me to a cliffside camp, but the cultists were long gone. The remnants of their camp—fires still smoldering, hastily abandoned supplies—told me they'd fled with purpose. No bodies, no signs of struggle.

I returned empty handed.

The village square was silent as Marie stepped forward, her bare feet leaving small prints in the dust. She looked up at me with red-rimmed eyes, tears streaking through the dirt on her face. "Did you find them?" she asked, voice small and hopeful.

I shook my head. "The camp was abandoned. They fled with the remaining children."

A collective gasp went through the crowd. Some parents began to weep openly, others clutched at each other for support. "I... I know you tried," Marie said, voice breaking. "But my Lily..."

Marie's knees buckled. She caught herself on the arm of her husband, who wrapped her in a tight embrace. She buried her face in his chest, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs.

I stood there, feeling the burden of their pain pressing down on me. I'd saved so many, but these last few... I'd failed them. I'd failed their parents.

Sora looked away.

I walked past the crowd, aiming to leave the crowd to grieve. I moved past Sora and Tomoko.

"Scourge," Tomoko said.

I stopped but didn't turn round. "Yes?" I inquired.

"Is there any hope for those kids? Will they ever come home?"

I quenched my fists. "If there is any hope... it'll depend on whether or not the cult's primary base can be located."

"Can it be done?" Sora asked.

I sighed. "Yes, but our current resources are being stretched, and there is the more... prevalent threat of the next army Reala will send."

I hate that this is the fucking case.

Sora looked to the ground.

"However, mark my words. Whether by my hands or someone else's. It will be found. The cries of help from those grieving people shall not go unanswered. It likely won't be soon, but it will happen."