"W-What's going on?" Second stuttered.
"The labyrinth is moving!" Seventh confirmed.
They are confused because they avoid being trapped in this maze. The walls are moving.
How has it happened?
She doesn't know. By constantly avoiding being trapped and hit by moving walls, they were forced to disperse.
"Second!"
"Fourth! Aeith!" She called out to the two, but she got separated from them.
When she was about to be separated, she was blocked by a wall that separated her from the two. Fourth cries as Aeith prevents her from chasing her because she might get stuck, which would make things worse. She never thought this would happen! Sixth, Third, and Seventh are with each other. Others, she did not recognize where they went or who they were with. The path became narrow due to the movement of the walls, so they couldn't help but go into groups if the space was wide, or they would be left alone in a cramped space.
She is getting nervous, followed by goosebumps, because she is alone. Can she handle this?What if-no, she should not have negative thoughts. She shook her head. She needs to think about how to get out of here and find them. She got startled when someone suddenly poked her back.
"Thank goodness. Glad you're safe," he whispered to her. It was only his voice that she knew who he was.
She turned to him and saw his worried face. "First? You're here!" She could no longer control herself and embraced him.
With so much excitement, her tears are forming, but she holds them back because of embarrassment. She thought she was all alone.
"Don't hesitate to cry, I'm here."
How did he know she was about to cry?
"I-I'm not!" She was out of the embrace. She 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."
Second scanned the area that they're in, but she has no idea what to do next. "What to do now?" She admits that she strongly needs First's help. She can't imagine herself being trapped here alone. They stopped for a moment to think of a strategy.
First started. "Let's still try so they can do the last thing they talked about. Follow the directions given to them first on the map."
"Okay," she agreed.
They ran because they didn't want to waste time until they reached their goal. They turn to the right because they are just following the pattern: left, right, right, left, right. The left turn they did earlier, when they 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. They were taken aback by their interaction with the walls.
"Are you okay?" he's worried.
She nodded, then called him. "First"
"Hm?"
"Let's do it again. Now, they'll turn right."
She couldn't wait to see if he would object. As they ran, he asked the question why, but she didn't say a word. They need to hurry; otherwise, the gold team might beat them. When they found a detour, they turned right again.
L, R, R, L, R or left, right, right, left, right
And her suspicion was correct, the walls moved again. It's the third time. They got engaged again, and First protects and supports her. When it was over, he talked to her.
"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 spoke hit her. First frowned a bit when he said that, and now, he can't look directly at her. 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 she has seen First get frustrated because of her.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to." That was all she could say.
She knows the feeling of being worried to the point that you're anxious because of someone. She also felt guilty for worrying him because of her hasty decision. The two of them 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 her.
"Why am I the only one deciding? Don't you even have one to suggest?" She pretends to shoo him a bit just to get into the mood.
"You're smarter than I." She 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."
She was even more tense because he would still accompany her even if the plan failed.
What is he thinking?
This plan should work 100%, but she's 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..." She 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.
She was confused as to where the feminine and modest voice came from.
"Fourth! It's Second! Right here! Where are you?" She shouted for her to hear me.
"They're here!" First shouted.
"Oh my! You're fine and safe. Aeith and I are okay. They're just looking for a way to escape. Who's with you? Are you with First?"
As Fourth speaks, she looks in which direction the voice is coming from. She put her ear close to the wall when she felt the slightest vibration. They are on the other side, so she can't hear much of her voice because of the thick wall that separates them.
"'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?" She 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 her on.