The sun setting brought relaxation to Shuichi's mind as he thought a lot about what he and his fellow survivors saw- And it all just appeared to be more convincing proof to the cold and harsh truth that had been dwelling in their minds.

How could him, Maki, Himiko, and all of the others have been willingly sacrificing... No, wasting, their lives on a stupid reality television show?!

"How could the world end up like this?" he inquired, a hand resting on his chin as he thought aloud.

"Tsumugi said that the world was at 'Peace', and that they 'needed entertainment'." Maki replied, her gaze still kept on the outside windows.

Shuichi turned his gaze towards Maki, "Then how do we fix all of this?"

"It's simple."

"How so?"

Right as Maki opened her mouth, Himiko walked into the cabin of the large vehicle. "How can they wear clothes like this?" she complained, "It inhibits my ability to absorb mana from the air!"

"It's the only way we can get out of here," Shuichi replied, putting a cap on his head, "Besides, we need to 'disappear' from the Earth remember?"

"Oh right." Himiko's expression softened, and she sat down in her seat.

"Maki, will you do the honors of driving this vehicle?" he asked Maki.

"Sure." came her response, and she twisted the key.

"Wait," Himiko spoke up, "What are we going to do about him?" She jerked her thumb back, and Shuichi looked back to where she was pointing. And he realized what she was referring to. He looked back and saw the now-bound Hagakure's unconscious body slumped against the ground.

"Oh yeah," Shuichi stood up, and he walked over and picked up he slumbering form, "I'll take him outside, just keep an eye out for me Himiko."

She nodded in response as he walked outside the vehicle, Hagakure in tow, and he set him lightly against a nearby tree as he turned around to walk back.

Shuichi then heard the familiar sound of a rustling bush, and he turned sharply. He peered over in the direction as he saw a pair of dark eyes, and his heart stopped. Could he make it back to the truck in time?!

Then, as suddenly as the eyes appeared, They disappeared, giving Shuichi the opportunity to run back towards the truck, where he hastily shut the door as he sat down, earning curious glances from the girls. 

"What happened?" Himiko was worried.

"Let's go." he answered. He then looked over at Maki, who just sighed as she began to drive off into the distance, but the overwhelming feeling of uncertainty still lingered in Shuichi's mind.

"Hey, Shuichi?" Himiko asked, breaking him from his thinking daze. Shuichi turned his head to look at the red headed mage.

"Sorry," he replied, "I was deep in thought. What's up Himiko?" he looked at her with sincerity.

"What happened while you were out just now? I've never seen you with that look in your eyes before, not even when Ka-" she stopped herself, and frowned, and Shuichi knew why.

Himiko was going to talk about Kaede. He smiled, "I thought I saw a K9 unit, but it was a deer." he reassured her.

"Are you sure Shuichi?"

"Yeah I'm sure." he looked back towards the front.

"Well," Maki replied, "I hope it was just a deer."

"Huh? Why's that?" the mage asked her.

"Because it's meddlesome to have to deal with the K9 units if we encounter them."

"That's true Himiko," Shuichi agreed, "We need to get close to the town."

Himiko offered no argument, and the trio drove of into the setting sun.