Choose.
Riku looked at the four of them. He saw Lila's hopeful plea. He saw Sherry's challenging glare. He saw Lysaria's quiet resolve. He saw Elara's innocent request.
He felt a bead of sweat trickle down his temple. This was more terrifying than facing a Knight-Captain. This was more stressful than negotiating with a Flaco and his men.
"You guys.... can decide among yourselves!!"
He did the only thing a sane man could do.
He ran.
With a speed that left them all blinking, Riku dashed past them, vaulted into the driver's seat of the first carriage, and slammed the door shut behind him.
The four girls stood in a silent, tense standoff. They watched as Riku, their fearless leader, hid from them in his carriage like a frightened turtle.
Lila was the first to break the silence. She turned to Sherry, her arms crossed. "Well, I hope you're happy," she grumbled. "If you hadn't opened your big mouth, I'd be riding with Riku right now."
