"W-What's going on?" I stuttered.
"The labyrinth is moving!" Seventh confirmed.
We are confused because we avoid being trapped in this maze. The walls are moving. How has it happened? I don't know. By constantly avoiding being trapped and hit by moving walls, we were forced to disperse.
"Second!"
"Fourth! Aeith!" I called out to the two, but I got separated from them.
When I was about to be separated, I was blocked by a wall that separated me from the two. Fourth cries as Aeith prevents her from chasing me because she might get stuck, which would make things worse. I never thought this would happen! Sixth, Third and Seventh are with each other. Others, I did not recognize where they went and who they were with. The path became narrow due to the movement of the walls, so we couldn't help but go into groups if the space was wide or we will be left alone in a cramped space.
I am getting nervous because I am alone. Can I handle this? I am having goosebumps. What if-no, I should not have negative thoughts. I shook my head. I need to think about how to get out of here and find them. I got startled when someone suddenly poked my back.
"Thank goodness. Glad you're safe," he whispered to me. It was only his voice that I knew who he was.
I turned to him and saw his worried face. "First? You're here!" I could no longer control myself and hugged him.
With so much excitement, my tears are forming, but I held them back because of embarrassment. I thought I was all alone.
"Don't hesitate to cry, I'm here."
How did he know I was about to cry?
"I-I'm not!" I was out of the embrace. I bowed down a little, then looked up at him. "Let's go. Let's find a way to be with others and get the treasure."
I scanned the area that we're in, but I have no idea what to do next. "What to do now?" I admit that I strongly need First's help. I can't imagine myself being trapped here alone. We stopped for a moment to think of a strategy.
First started. "Let's still try so we can do the last thing we talked about. Follow the directions given to us first on the map."
"Okay," I agreed.
We ran because we didn't want to waste time until we reached our goal. We turn to the right because we are just following the pattern: left, right, right, left, right. The left turn we did earlier when we were still with the team is done, now it is right.
"Again?" First uttered. He is confused.
The walls are moving again! First waved his hand to steer clear of the moving walls.
After about ten seconds, it also stopped. We were taken aback by our interaction with the walls.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
I nodded, then called him. "First"
"Hm?"
"Let's do it again. Now, we'll turn right."
I couldn't wait to see if he would object. As we ran, he asked the question why, but I didn't say a word. We need to hurry, otherwise, the gold team might beat us. When we found a detour, we turned right again.
L, R, R, L, R or left, right, right, left, right
And my suspicion was correct, the walls moved again. It's the third time. We got engaged again, and First protects and supports me. When it was over, he talked to me.
"I know what you're thinking, but I hope you informed me. Your actions are surprising. You're way too reckless."
The last sentence he said hit me. First frowned a bit when he said that, and now, he can't look directly at me. He looked worried and mad at the same time. It's probably the first time First has been like this. This is the first time I have seen First get frustrated because of me.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to." That was all I could say.
I know the feeling of being worried to the point that you're anxious because of someone. I also felt guilty for worrying him because of my hasty decision. The two of us were silent for a while, and then he spoke again.
"I am sorry too. Let's forget about it. What's your plan?" He beamed at me.
"Why am I the only one deciding? Don't you even have one to suggest?" I pretend to shoo him a bit just to get into the mood.
"You're smarter than I." I was ashamed of what he said.
"Huh? No, way."
"Yes way. By the way, I'm serious. Don't worry, I'll be with you wherever you go. Whatever your decisions, success or failure results. I trust you."
I was even more nervous because he would still accompany me even if the plan failed. What is he thinking? This plan should work 100%, but I'm not confident. In fact, this is a matter of life and death that must not be taken lightly.
"Okay, you said so. The plan is..." I paused for a moment. There's no guarantee for this one. "To disregard all the directions given by the map then-"
"Second? Second where are you?!" Wait, that's Fourth's voice.
I was confused as to where the feminine and modest voice came from.
"Fourth! It's Second! Right here! Where are you?" I shouted for her to hear me.
"We're here!" First shouted.
"Oh my! You're fine and safe. Aeith and I are okay. We're just looking for a way to escape. Who's with you? Are you with First?"
As Fourth speaks, I look in which direction that voice is coming from. I put my ear close to the wall when I felt the slightest vibration. They are on the other side, so I can't hear much of her voice because of the thick wall that separates us.
"'Don't worry First is with me. I have an idea of how we'll be together again. When my idea works, if I ever get separated from you, I'll tell others close to me and let you all know the plan, okay?" I calmed her down first because she sounded panicky.
"O-Okay. As long as you say so. Good luck to you, Second."
"Grab 'em, Second!" Aeith cheered me on.