The forest was crawling with danger, while Ruan moved with a steady pace, she had to slow up as Lee was not in good condition! The rest of the pathway guided by Cynthia took bit longer than she expected. With Cynthia leading the way, taking all the right turns at all the places, there was no danger on the way to attack they faced. Additionally there was no dangerous animals they had encountered. Even they did not saw any giant Panda or Leopard. Some small lizard and snakes crawled passed them with no major threat.
In fact, they could have moved ever quicker if not for lee, who walked very slowly even sometimes with the help of a broken stick of a brunch. Guided by the tracing signal of Cynthia, Ruan Thiuan was well ahead with the dagger in her hand slashing the thick tree leaves or branches so that Lee could pass through easily behind her. The uneven paths of the crimson forest was not an ideal forest for a wounded man.
"Can you continue?"- Ruan asked Lee as he looked pale and very tiresome!
Lee didn't say much, periodically casting an incredulous glance at Ruan, signaling he can continue. Strangely but deep in her heart Ruan felt a deep concern for Lee. She never imagined him vulnerable like this.
***
The dark forest was becoming less thinner as they came towards the edge of the forest.
"You are so near, we are coming don't worry"- Cynthia had glimpse of hope and excitement in her voice.
Ruan felt delighted as she saw the ray of lights coming from the far side. Cynthia was very close. Lee was sprawled in the mud, followed by Ruan Thiaun wounded but still breathing heavily.
Looked like they will survive!
Cynthia came running to grab Ruan in her arms, tears of joy fell from her eyes. The subtle voice of Cynthia echoed in her voice-"You have made it."
Lee was little behind of Ruan Thiaun. It was like he could not feel his legs and arms. They were hurting badly. His head was spinning and it was getting too difficult for him to move ahead.
His body was very weak, his vision become blurred, his face was swollen. His body was battling to survive the bite.
Cynthia and the medical rescue team hold him.
The medical team put him in the stricter and took him in the van to take care of his wounds as he could not open his eyes. They were putting oxygen musk in his face. Lee could not continue to keep himself wake, he fainted.
***
Ruan Thiaun was in her bed trying to sleep. She was very tired but her mind was restless. She heard that Lee is getting better and he will be fine very soon. But still in her heart she was having a terrible time. It was raining outside. She hates rain. It haunts her past memories.
Not many children can remember the day that demise of their parents, but Ruan Thiaun could.
The day that haunt's her life till her last breath.Her mother was detected with stage four cancer while her father lost the job in the company just after few months from a terrible accident. It was a terrible time for their family. His father got nothing from the company that was associated with Brotherhood as they betrayed their family and given not a single penny in return.
Meanwhile, her mother was severely ill while his father became an alcoholic. Ruan Thiaun had so many great memories of their parents earlier which was washed by the suffering and miseries. But all of these memoires the day which still haunts her memories is the night that took both of her parents.
It was raining that day. Her mother was temperature rose up and she started vomiting blood. Ruan took her mother at the hospital, while physicians monitored her condition. She could still hear what the surgeon said to her.
"Ruan, I am afraid, we need to conduct surgery to your mother immediately. You have to arrange money as soon as possible. We don't have much time, so hurry…"
***
Ruan Thiaun went back to her friend Penny's house with his father in search of her. She knew Penny is rich and she is very helpful. She though she will ask her for money. But she could not get her. Penny's had already went to Europe for a tour or something.
Ruan Thiaun took his father's hand and went to the CEO of the company that denied them to help any. Even they threatened her family not to disturb them any further. But Ruan was very angry. She needed the money so she met once again with the company manger Mr. Yexun.
The manager asked the security guards not to let them in the compound. And threatened Ruan and his father. Ruan Thiaun deceived to take help from the police so she went towards the police station.
It was raining outside. She looked at her father, he was so helpless. The company he worked for took his youth and gave nothing in return. Ruan wanted justice. So, she decides to take a cab and head for the nearest Police Station.
On the way a white covered van was following them. She asked the cab driver to drive fast to the police station. She needs the money, she will meet Mr. Waun as her last resort. She hardly knew her. She just saved her purse from being mugged.
Thinking this all a sudden their Taxi Cab was driving about 120 Kilometer per hour at the high way. Suddenly their Taxi Cab was hit hard by the big covered van.
Ruan's Taxi Cab could not handle the hit and stuck with a light post in the corner of the streets. The driver was wounded and fainted on the spot. Both Ruan and her father was also injured and locked in the cab. The crash was not deadly but enough to make them wounded.
Some men came from the men with guns and shot bullets at the Driver and Ruan's father. She saw her father body lying beside her. Then one of them hold Ruan and gave her a seductive injection. Then they took her into to the van.
A luxurious car suddenly stooped near their cab. The backdoor of the can opened. She saw a face she had never saw before. A face that she will never forget.