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Chasing and Being Pursued

"Arlan said that?" ask Gina. She did not believe what Manda reported to her. At first, Gina was curious because during these two days, Manda was always busy with her laptop until sometimes forgot to eat dinner. It was only tonight that Gina decided to ask and she got an answer that Arlan was looking for articles about missing teenagers without a trace since a few years ago.

Gina herself was amazed by the change that was happening inside her daughter. In the past, since Gina said that Manda must be careful, Manda became more sensitive to others. Gina had felt hate for herself for lowering the special abilities she had on her two children. However, seeing Manda who was excited and could be close to a person as good as Arlan, Gina felt very grateful.

"You don't know what will happen in the future. But, Manda felt that Arlan's actions were the right thing. So, Manda wants to help Arlan, even if only a little," Manda explained.

Gina stroked Manda's head full of affection. "Your hair is beautiful."

"Arlan also said begit-eeeeehh!!!" Manda covered her mouth with both hands. He answered his mother's statement without thinking.

Gina smiled broadly. He could feel his son's head being hot. "So you've found what you're looking for?" Gina decides not to tease MandaManda any further.

Manda nodded excitedly. "There are some that Manda suspects and it seems to lead there."

Gina sat next to Manda, watching the articles open on the laptop screen. "Waaah... Much, huh?"

"There's no way Arlan could have found any of this, right?"

Gina scratched her chin, along with the brain twisting. "Let Nanda help out too."

"You're busy."

"Gue wasn't busy" a heavy voice suddenly appeared on the kitchen doorstep. "Why are these nights still here?"

"For the discussion of the victims of Arlan's parents' death" replied Gina. "That's why you came home last night. Already eaten?"

Nanda sat in front of her mother and twin sister. "Olympics is coming. I'm the same friends agreed to study longer" replied Nanda. "And I've eaten. Where it is possible to study on an empty stomach."

"You're being skinny. Don't push yourself too much!" Gina gave advice.

"What's so sweet, Mom?" manda Syndir. "Look, it's all his body is muscle!" added Manda while pointing at Nanda.

"Lo's lyrics!" Nanda sneering. "So, what do you need help with?"

"From the victim."

"What's alive?"

Manda. "His corpse. The bones can also. It will be hard to find one that is still alive. Or maybe, no one's alive."

"Okay, I'm helping. It's not a hard thing" Nanda agreed. "Love me the clues."

Manda sank back into her laptop screen. "Gue send by e-mail," said Manda. "Gue has also sent to Arlan."

"What did he answer?" ask Gina.

"Don't move alone."

Gina threw a meaningful glance at Nanda, who answered her with an amused smile.

"Not in a special sense!" Manda warned. "Arlan's just had a bad feeling lately."

"Yes" replied Manda. "Lately, her mother's driver has been a bit weird. His behavior made Arlan think."

"Is it possible that Arlan's parents targeted you as the next victim?" said Gina. Manda and Nanda did not answer. They noticed Gina's serious face. "Don't you ever think that you're a bully who suddenly came?"

"Yes too..." Manda.

"Arlan's parents had a good plan to take the path of using black magic all along. But, you came and everything went not according to their wishes. In fact, the comfort they should give Arlan, even Arlan gets from you. If you were, I'd be like you, man."

"Mommy has a point. That's why Arlan doesn't tell you to walk alone" Nanda said. "But there must be a gap. Is there any way to make sure Manda is safe?"

"We believe in Nak Arlan. Even if he's so weak now, at the right time, he'll be reliable." Gina patted Manda's back. "You too, don't take this for granted. You must be vigilant. Once something's weird, tell anyone. Ask for help if you need to."

"We make a group. Later Manda must give news through the group every hour. Or anyone if you are free, can call Manda," proposed Nanda.

"Good idea. I can also quickly contact you if there is a need" said Gina.

Nanda moved quickly. He soon makes a group containing Gina, Manda, himself, and Arlan. It didn't take long for Arlan to step down to enliven their new group. Nanda briefly explained the purpose of the group. The conversation of the night ends with Gina reminding Arlan to keep her number.

***

Nanda walked quickly down the high weed expanse that was on the outskirts of the city. The land seemed abandoned. The height of the weeds, even exceeding Nanda's own height. The sound of the wind that fluttered the expanse of weeds, causing a rustling sound. It sounded horrible in Nanda's ears.

"Nan! Over here!" a thin-nosed man waved when he saw Nanda's head shoot from behind the weeds. "Gue met three."

"Three?" repeat Nanda, don't believe it.

"Gue's sure this is what you're looking for." The man walked away from Nanda, revealing what had shocked him an hour ago. He had been there for about five hours, almost giving up on finding nothing. Just as he and his entourage were about to return, their sniffer dog suddenly fidgeted and pulled one of the men towards the puddle.

"Why is there such a large pool of water here? Is there rain?" ask Nanda.

"Gue also felt strange. Since I walked through this field, none of my people have seen this puddle. But, when we go back, this puddle just pops up."

Nanda glanced at the circular watch on his left wrist. "If I don't remember wrongly, three o'clock in the afternoon is the hour where many otherworldly portals are open" Nanda murmured.

"What's your decision?"

"There are probably not only three" Nanda said. He looked as far as he could. The cold weather in the heat of the sun indicates that there is something strange in that place. "Wait for this puddle to disappear, and then we dig around here."

"We can't linger here" the man reminded. "Anyone who has land is aware, and then attacks us."

"But if we go back tomorrow, the evidence we find now could be lost without a trace." Nanda kneels in front of the puddle. His hands were touching the slightly wet ground. The ground was cold as an ice block. When Nanda rubbed it, the ground felt soft. There was a slight flow of electricity every time Nanda chanted a prayer. "This land is cursed!"

The people standing around Nanda were also circulating their gazes. Not only Nanda, everyone also felt strange wind movements during their time there.

"We must be ready to fight!"

***