The faint hum of the facility had barely settled when alarms blared, cutting through the calm like a scream. Red lights flashed in staccato bursts, illuminating the twisted corridors of the labyrinth. Sparks danced across exposed conduits, throwing distorted shadows across the walls. Ash froze for a heartbeat, her instincts screaming that the labyrinth had noticed them.
"Not good," Haru muttered, stepping in front of Ash and Ayin. His hand rested on the hilt of his weapon, muscles coiled and ready. "They're reacting. Seraph's awake."
Ayin's hand trembled against Ash's arm. "I… I feel it. It's… moving again. Faster… angrier."
Ash tightened her grip on Ayin, pressing her close. "Then we move. Stay low, stay close, and stay silent. No sudden movements."
Haru scanned the corridor ahead. "Multiple sentries approaching from the north and south junctions. They've adapted. They're not just machines anymore—they're… hunting."
A low mechanical growl vibrated through the floor. Sparks showered from the ceiling as a patrol drone emerged, sensors scanning for heat signatures.
"Freeze!" Haru whispered sharply. "Low. Don't move unless I signal."
Ash pressed Ayin to the floor, shielding her with her body. "It's okay. Breathe with me," Ash whispered, her forehead pressed against Ayin's hair. "We're safe. We're together."
Ayin's eyes widened, trembling. "I… I don't want to be caught…"
Haru's voice was calm, steady, carrying authority. "You won't. Just trust us. We've been through worse, haven't we?"
Ash met Haru's gaze, a silent nod passing between them. He adjusted his position, hands ready to intercept any attack. "Step carefully," he muttered, scanning the shadows for another drone.
The patrol drone swept past, oblivious to their presence. Ayin exhaled shakily, gripping Ash's coat. "I… I think we're safe… for now."
"Not yet," Ash replied. "Keep moving. Every second counts." She helped Ayin to her feet, eyes darting to every flicker of shadow.
Another drone appeared, this one larger, with mechanical limbs that scraped against the metal floor. Sparks flew as it advanced toward them.
"Move!" Haru shouted, intercepting the machine with a swift strike, sending it skidding into a wall. "Ash, cover Ayin! Don't let it touch her!"
Ash pulled Ayin behind her, weaving through the corridor as Haru battled the drone. "Haru, be careful!" she called, her voice tight with fear.
"I've got it under control!" he shouted, knocking the drone's arm aside and slamming it to the ground. "Move! Now!"
The labyrinth itself seemed to shift around them, walls bending, corridors elongating unnaturally. Ash guided Ayin with steady hands, whispering instructions. "Step here. No sudden movements. Keep close to me."
Ayin nodded, sweat dampening her hairline. "I… I'm trying…"
Haru ran alongside them, scanning every corner. "Sensors are still active, but we can use the shadows. Stick close, stay in line. One wrong step and they'll overwhelm us."
As they turned a corner, another wave of drones descended, faster and more aggressive. Ash cursed under her breath. "We can't keep running. We need a strategy, now."
Haru's eyes darted to a side corridor. "That way. Narrow passage—few drones can enter at once. We hold them off there, buy time for Ayin to recover fully."
Ash nodded, determination hardening her features. "Then that's what we do. Ready, Ayin?"
Ayin swallowed, gripping Ash's hand. "I… I think so. I can do this."
"Good," Ash said softly. "We'll face it together. No one left behind."
They moved through the narrow corridor, Haru taking the lead, Ash shielding Ayin behind him. Drones attempted to follow, but their bulk and the confined space slowed them. Sparks erupted as Haru dismantled one with precise strikes.
Ayin's eyes widened. "You… you make it look so easy…"
Ash glanced at her, voice calm but edged with intensity. "It's not easy. Every move counts. Every second could be the difference between surviving and… not."
Haru's hand brushed Ash's briefly. "You've been holding too much on your own. Let me carry some of it. Let me protect you both."
Ash's lips curved faintly, exhaustion and gratitude flickering in her eyes. "I… I don't know what I'd do without you."
Haru's grip tightened. "You'll never find out."
The labyrinth seemed to sense their growing confidence, and the walls pulsed with energy, sparks flying closer. A drone emerged ahead, larger than the previous ones, its sensors glowing red.
"We can't go around it," Ash whispered. "We have to face it."
Haru drew his weapon, nodding to Ash. "Then together. You cover Ayin, I take it down fast."
Ash pressed her sister to her chest, whispering, "We're going to get through this. Step by step. Trust me."
Haru lunged forward, striking with precision. Sparks and smoke filled the narrow corridor as the drone's limbs were dismantled one by one. Ash felt Ayin clutching her tighter, fear and adrenaline mingling in every heartbeat.
When the drone fell silent, the trio stood in the corridor, breathing heavily. "Is it… over?" Ayin asked, voice shaky.
"For now," Ash replied, still vigilant. "But the labyrinth isn't done with us. Not yet."
Haru rested a hand on Ash's shoulder. "We're stronger together. Whatever comes next, we face it as a unit."
Ash looked at both of them, heart pounding, and nodded. "Together," she repeated. "Always together."
The red emergency lights flickered, casting the labyrinth in an ominous glow. Sparks rained from above, and a faint hum of the facility's core thrummed through the walls. The battle wasn't over, but for the first time, Ash felt a glimmer of hope—trust, strength, and unbreakable bonds could shine even in Seraph's darkness.