The police car siren wailing was the only sound that kept them calm after a scene like a Fast & Furious movie happened. Because because of that, the group of bullies then just walked away. The thuds and running footsteps that ran away, indicated that the arrival of police reinforcements was quite effective.
The officer lowered his gun and examined them all one by one. Shortly thereafter, the van's door opened and the reinforcements looked inside.
"What is the condition of the prisoners?"
"Complete. They were just as surprised as we were.”
"Nonetheless. Search them one by one.”
As a result, they were all dragged out. They checked their belongings and all over their bodies on the roadside. Even after the horrific incident that just happened.
" Ma'am ," Luke said softly to the female officer who was groping Luke's waist, "What actually attacked us earlier?"
"Oh, I'm not sure either, son. We just got an urgent call and happened to be the closest to your location, so we came here right away. The other officers must be looking into it. What is it? Did you see anything during the attack just now?”
Luke didn't answer right away. I don't know if saying that someone can turn into an animal is a good thing for adults to hear, but it certainly doesn't make sense. So, the only answer Luke could give was a shake of his head. Then, the female officer returned my bag and asked Luke to step aside.
"Wait by the van and don't try to run away." He warned in a slightly threatening tone.
So, Luke joined the other four who had already been vetted. They seemed to be standing side by side. It became clear that neither of the four boys, nor Luke, had any intention of escaping. Luke walked closer, hugging Luke's bag in front of his chest. Stand two or three steps from one of them. Somewhat close to the rear view mirror of the van.
One of these teenagers, who had ginger red hair, said to his three companions, “Did he say the same to you? He said we can't run away. Hey, I mean which madman would run away after the attack just now?”
"I think the Joker will run away anyway," said the boy wearing ten earrings. Luke was almost made to laugh because of it. Yeah, he wasn't wrong either.
However, the ginger hair immediately snapped, “Oh, shut up. You're just out of touch."
The guy whose earlobe was slightly torn replied. “By the way, did you guys see who attacked our car earlier?”
"You're the one sitting in the front, right? Why even ask us?”
"Hey, that's not what I meant, idiot. I saw it, indeed. But… that's kind of weird. I didn't know that there were inland tribes here.”
"Hah?! Tribal?"
“Ssst… lower your voice!”
The four idiotic boys looked around, then their eyes briefly stopped at Luke. But then they returned to chatting in a much quieter voice, as if what they were discussing was the country's top secret.
"A moment. Just now, what did you say? Tribal? What do you mean?"
“I'm sure they must be inland tribes in this forest area. They wear unnatural clothes and threaten with ancient weapons. So, they must be inland tribes. I sure do! They must have intended to start a rebellion like the Indians at the time of Columbus' arrival."
Someone heard holding their breath, then immediately responded by saying, “Oh my God! Maybe you're right! Argh… even Luke isn't free yet, but we have to fight against such a hideous tribe!”
God, just hearing their conversation made Luke want to cram in a fact about what Luke saw earlier. How pretentious do you know these criminal boys! Luke gets annoyed, because Luke knows more than what they know. Luke saw what they did not see. That's why Luke could only roll his eyes, not intending to interrupt the conversation of these delusional teenage boys.
Compared to that, the mob of cops standing at a police car, twenty feet away on the right, caught Luke's attention even more. The two officers who escorted them also gathered with them. The assault rifle holder was seen having his arm bandaged. Ah, by the way, not to brag, but Luke confidently tries to listen carefully. In other words, Luke was eavesdropping. After all, eavesdropping isn't a crime, is it?
“…no, Sheriff Gates. You have to see for yourself. Both of us, even up to this moment, still can't believe it," said the officer carrying the assault rifle earlier. His voice was not screaming, nor excited. But quite acceptable to his ears.
He continued, “I was sleeping when Bill woke me up. I thought he wanted us to take turns but there were five or six people blocking us, the Sheriff . At first I had tried to warn them to get out of the way and try to hold on even if they were attacked, but… but… then they suddenly… oh, you won't believe it, Sheriff … this really wasn't the assault you were imagining. It's not even human, sir. In fact, Bill still can't speak properly because of, you know… Oh, my goodness… Jesus Christ! This is the first time in my life… I… my eyes…”
"That's enough, officer. You and your partner better get in the police car, and let us take the kids where they need to go. I will also report it to Major ."
Someone with a goat's beard called the Sheriff glanced at Luke. He seemed to realize that Luke was eavesdropping so he immediately tapped the officer on the shoulder. because of that, Luke, who didn't want to be caught eavesdropping, hastily looked away. Throwing a glance that, unfortunately, actually led to the forest. Unlike when the attack happened earlier, where there was still enough light, now the sky was getting dimmer. Likewise in the forest. As if the light goes out.
Luke was horrified, but could not control his mind and heart. His eyes were still glued there. Indeed, Luke couldn't see anything, but Luke felt that something would appear from there. Because the attackers just now also appeared from there, right? So, that's the hunch.
It seems that Luke's hunch was not wrong. Or perhaps his Intuition was too strict. Because no sooner had Luke thought about it than Luke heard the gasps of breath following one after another from the distance. Followed by spots of reddish and purplish light which tended to give the impression of horror and threatening until finally the feeling told me that those were eyes in pairs. His heart seemed to stop in place for a moment. Luke's breath was also stuck in his throat and Luke heard a whisper that seemed to be carried by the wind and was intended to pass through his ear. The whisper said;
“ We found you… finally, we found you, the Imperfect One…”
Unlucky. Luke trembled with fear.
***