My views have decreased exponentialy...perhaps you guys could fix that?
Chapter 16: Final Betrayal, Part 2
There was a moment of dead silence; the three children felt as if their pulse would have exploded at any moment, but instead, it only got faster. A sweat drop rolled down Oliver's neck as he backed away slowly. Experience taught him that if you fled immediately, that would provoke a killer to release its fury, so he examined the woman he once trusted meticulously. She's dangerously armed. Oliver thought, resisting the urge to gulp. Before he could devise any type of tactic in his mind, Mai ran away hysterically, almost screaming, but suppressed most of her noises. Once his train of thought was thrown off, Oliver had a small panic; Ron began to run as well. No, no, NO! Oliver sprinted away as fast as he could, feeling an immense amount of discomfort both physically and mentally. He had already caught up with Ron and Mai, but that barely helped anyone except for Hannah, who was giving chase to them.
Not a single word was uttered. All that could be heard was heavy breathing and the scattered sounds of crumpling leaves and snapping twigs as they were trampled over by the four partakers of the dangerous dilemma. What am I doing? What are we doing? Oh why must our timing be so horrible?! The three kids unanimously went down the leafy path to the right. It had several turns and obstacles, such as branches, so they hoped that would give them a lead against the woman in dark grey, since they were used to rough play, though not to a deadly extent. No one heeded the pain that his or her feet felt, for that would easily be preferred over death, one way or another.
Time felt as if it froze as the sharp thundering noise sounded, followed by a scream. MAI! Ron would have shouted if he had the chance, but that was not the case. He took a cursory glance at the inane woman who had shot his closest friend since childhood, then immediately picked up the fallen girl who held her bleeding spot, sobbing as she felt unbearable pain. She has to get attention now! The two boys thought, but they felt hopelessly terrified, especially Ron since he now had to carry weight on his shoulders. If there was not a time limit that determined life or death, Ron would have said 'I'll get her back home, or to some type of doctor!' Regardless, those words would have been pointless, for Oliver would know why Ron would suddenly change direction as they proceeded to run for their lives. He also knew that following Ron would have defeated the disheartening purpose of splitting up: One path would be pursued by a killer, and another would be temporarily safe. Since both boys were fair sprinters, this strategy would be beneficial for Mai's depleting health, even if it were for one moment. Despite his understanding, Oliver would have never wished to be alone. Please get out of this safely… Oliver silently prayed, for he could not imagine losing two people dear to him for a second time.
At this point, Oliver could not tell where he was running, nor for how long he was doing so. All that mattered was that he had to get away from danger. Apparently, Hannah had chosen to pursue Oliver, for the blond was the much faster target. She knew that if she had just killed the dark-haired couple (her assumption based off Ron's reaction), Oliver would have made it to some type of authority and reported her, completely ruining the plot she had set for so many years. Therefore, the pursuit continued; the path became more rugged as they ran. For multiple times the two had to duck branches, and their breaths became more like frequent wheezes. Finally, Oliver was able to find a possible passage for escape: It was a narrow dive for a stream. Worst case scenario is that I either fall to my death or drown…It still beats getting shot! Oliver leaped the best he could, and had landed on all fours, accidentally breathing in some water as he tried to get up. After coughing that up and regaining his senses, Oliver had rejuvenated speed. Hannah was sadly correct to choose Oliver as the faster target. Due to her adult size, she'll have a harder time getting down! I'll use this as an opportunity to hide!
Hiding from death would be no laughing matter, anyone would agree, including Oliver, a boy that has done so at least once before in his life. He remembered that the first time was not nearly as serious as this one. He was about seven or eight years of age and much more easily terrified when this event occurred. He was hiding in the barrels of food storage while some man with a sword was looking for him. In the end, some poor young sailor got the boot while Oliver made Scot-free, with food. Despite reflecting on his adventurous times as a thief, Oliver remained completely focused on his task. His legs ached, he was more so wet because of his sweat rather than the water, and his bandages proved useless for his cut up legs and feet. Less than a meter away, Oliver saw another small descend into a 'cave' that had a giant dead tree as its roof. His plan was to hide himself among the darker grasses rather than the rocks, just in case there was the need to run again. I would surely be cornered if I hid near those boulders…Oliver took slow and steady breaths, more silent than the stagnant wind.
Meanwhile, Ron, at a jogging pace, was heading back to any safe place he could find. He scrutinized every detail of the surround area, trying to see if any place was familiar. After the quick inspection, he knew he was lost. Damn it why?! Mai doesn't have much time… At that thought, Ron glanced at his unconscious friend; she was going pale. No… oh no-no-no-no-no! Ron gently placed her down against a tree; he checked for the few signs of life that he knew. Mai still had but a weak pulse, her breathing was slightly inconsistent, and her blood was clearly still draining. You better not die on me Mai! Please… Ron removed his shirt and a small part of Mai's to reveal her wound. At first he wanted to hurl up his birthday cake, but then he snapped himself out of that. Without any regret, he tore up one of his favorite shirts and turned it into bandages, wrapping each strip around Mai's would so that she could hopefully survive. Once he had used all the cloth he could without overdoing it, Ron put Mai back on his back and began running, this time with more vigor.
At last, Ron had found some form of civilization. In the dark, it had the appearance of a ghost town, but it was actually a pier. After passing by quite a few empty shops, he managed to see a small neighborhood in the distance. Without any hesitation, Ron sprinted over to the house that was the least distance away; he then banged on the front door. The second someone stepped out, Ron let it all out. Even though the doors were closed, pretty much the whole neighborhood was informed, vaguely at the very least. People, some with weapons, began walking out of their doors to see Ron practically screaming in such a panicked state. The last woman to be woken up by this was ironically the first person to react. The instant Vienna saw the injured state of Mai; she ran up to them and shouted to the crowd: "Why are you all just standing there?! The girl's hurt!" Not long after, people ran up and took Mai into the house to be treated; Ron quickly followed them, but he was stopped by a very tall and familiar-looking man.
"Just what on earth happened to her?" He asked with all the seriousness that a person could project. Ron would have ignored him to go see Mai, but the man's grip was too strong for Ron to get out of it without struggle. Despite his seemingly large amount of energy, Ron collapsed the instant he took his next breath. After that, he began to get up slowly, and then walked over to a nearby chair. Then the man once again asked his question.
Most of what the 'birthday boy' said was confusing, for he talked more rushed than formerly; he sounded very tired. "Please calm down" The man finally managed to say. "Speak slowly so that I can write this down"
"Okay…" Ron shook slightly, and then started from the moment the birthday party began, explaining background information such as who he, Mai, and Oliver were and where they were from. "I see…" Miss Greene said as she wiped her hands with cloth.
"What's with that face?" The man asked.
"And how is Mai's condition?" Ron added feverishly.
"As for the girl, I cannot say. According to Louis, our town's doctor, it all depends on her. We've done all we can."
"So this Louis person did the work? Then why are you wiping your hands?"
"I had to dispose of the bullet; I got some blood on my hands." Vienna wished she could have taken back her last statement, for all it did was add to the teen's worry. However, she did not bother trying to make it seem lighter than it was. Sometimes reality just had to be accepted. "As for the reason my face was the way it was…" Miss Greene continued. "I just was caught a little off guard when I heard the name 'Oliver'…You would remember that boy wouldn't you Sheriff?"
"It's hard to forget, but the focus for now is how we track down the woman, along with who's being pursued."
"I just hope the poor fellow's alright."
Hannah had finally made it down to the stream; Oliver could hear the splashing of her feet. With that, he got into a stance prepared for running in case she saw him, but he hoped that she would overlook his position so that he could finally be free of this horrid suspense. The footsteps grew gradually louder; they echoed as well, hinting that she was getting closer to the cave. Oliver slowly backed away further into the greens of the wilderness, hoping that he was well concealed.
Where could that one-eyed squirt possibly be? He looked much worn out, so there's no way he could have gotten that far. At least I was able to catch my breath as I got down here. Hannah checked the amount of bullets she left at disposal, and then proceeded in her search. The darkness did not assist her in anyway whatsoever, which was a good thing for Oliver. After wandering in the woods for minutes, she let out a frustrated groan and multiple curses. She sat down on a nearby dead tree to calm herself down. What if he's already gone? What if I've already been reported and my name is on the list of criminals now? I'm going to have to find some way to get out of this area, no, Britain entirely. But my boat to France won't be here 'till late the next day! No person who murders a rich man gets away with it lightly…oh what do I do now?
A few more moments came and went; Hannah began to admit defeat. She stood up and began to wonder around the area. What is she doing? Has she found me, or is she confused? Oliver thought as he remained in his hiding place. The fact that Hannah was now at a see-able distance made Oliver's heart feel far too heavy. Just remain dead silent. Hannah was now slowly leaving, appearing to be as if she were a wandering ghost, a clear sign that she was lost. At that instant, a small figure flew through the dark greens, instantly catching Hannah's sight. Her gaze followed the little bird until it settled near a patch of dark greens. Her curiosity took over as she neared the spot. WHY JAMES?! Oliver slowly began backing away, but Hannah was just getting so much closer. Once it made it to the point where the situation was 'do or die', Oliver panicked and began sprinting to the first place he could find. So there he is! Hannah grinned as she pulled out her pistol. It was amazing how far Oliver got away when Hannah was ready to shoot, for he was already too far for Hannah to aim properly. As if I have anything to lose! Hannah thought, and shot the gun wildly.