NOVEL NEXT Chapter 22: Echoes of Survival
Nyanko Sakura rummaged through the abandoned building, her eyes catching sight of two additional knives. She picked them up, tucking them securely into her belt. The presence of the military troops outside made her uneasy. She knew she wasn't strong enough to confront them directly, especially not with her broken arm.
As she exited the building, she spotted four soldiers patrolling the area, their eyes scanning for survivors or lurking monsters. Sakura's heart raced, and she quickly moved to find cover, her instincts screaming at her to stay hidden.
Just then, a chilling voice echoed in her head, "Kill that human"
Sakura froze, her red eyes widening in shock. The voice was malevolent, filled with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. She shook her head, trying to dispel the sinister command. "No," she whispered to herself, "I can't do that."
She glanced at Kuro, who was staring up at her with concerned eyes. The cat seemed to sense her inner turmoil. Sakura took a deep breath, steeling herself against the dark urge. "I have to stay in control," she thought, gripping the handle of her knife tightly.
The soldiers were getting closer, their voices low and serious as they discussed their search. Sakura knew she had to move quickly. She silently slipped away, keeping to the shadows as she navigated through the deserted streets. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts—fear of being caught, the strange voice in her head, and the constant need to survive.
"Kuro, we need to find a safe place to hide," Sakura murmured, her voice barely audible. The cat meowed softly in agreement, sticking close to her side.
They continued to move stealthily, avoiding any encounters with the soldiers. Sakura's thoughts drifted back to the voice she had heard. "What was that?" she wondered. "Why did it tell me to kill them?" She felt a cold sweat on her brow, her anxiety rising.
As they found a temporary hiding spot behind an old dumpster, Sakura's mind raced. She tried to focus on their immediate needs—finding a safe place to rest, securing food, and avoiding danger. But the voice lingered, a haunting presence in the back of her mind.
"I can't let it control me," she thought fiercely. "I have to stay strong, for both of us." She looked at Kuro, who was grooming herself calmly. The cat's presence was a comfort, a reminder that she wasn't alone in this struggle.
The night passed slowly, with Sakura and Kuro taking turns keeping watch. Sakura's thoughts were a tangled mess of fear, determination, and confusion. She knew she had to stay vigilant, but the voice's command echoed in her mind, making it hard to concentrate.
Morning came, and Sakura felt a sense of relief. The daylight brought a semblance of safety, even if it was fleeting. They continued their journey, always on the lookout for danger.
As they walked, Sakura couldn't shake the feeling that something was changing within her. The encounters with humans, the strange voice, and the constant struggle for survival were taking their toll. She felt herself growing colder, more detached from the world around her.
But whenever she looked at Kuro, she found a reason to keep going. The cat's loyalty and companionship were a beacon of hope in an otherwise bleak existence.
"We'll get through this," Sakura whispered, more to herself than to Kuro. "I won't let that voice win."
With renewed determination, she pressed on, navigating the treacherous landscape with caution and resolve. The road ahead was uncertain, but Sakura knew she had to stay strong—for herself and for Kuro.