"Coo-coo~ Coo-coo~"
The Strange Bird's cries sounded as if they were right beside the two children's ears.
They were unbearably shrill.
The mockery in them seemed to make the children even more frightened and helpless.
"Whoo~ Hah~"
The children gasped for breath.
They felt as if they were about to suffocate.
A dull ache spread through their chests.
They were utterly exhausted.
"Ah!"
"Thump~"
The girl fell.
The boy couldn't catch her and fell down with her.
The impact hurt terribly.
Lying facedown on the ground, neither child had the strength to get back up.
Their minds went blank.
The sound of their ragged breathing consumed all their attention.
"Coo-coo~"
A huge shadow fell over them.
The two children looked up.
Their faces were full of terror and despair.
One of the Strange Bird's heads turned to the side.
It seemed to show a hint of impatience?
Then it picked up the children in its claws and flew out, skimming almost right over the roof.
The children saw light.
In that instant, all the darkness receded.
They heard the hubbub of people.
But the sudden height made it almost impossible to see the faces of the people below.
They screamed.
They screamed until their voices were hoarse.
But no one heard them.
"Coo-coo~"
Another cry, sounding much like laughter.
"Whoosh~"
A fierce wind rose.
The children could no longer open their mouths.
Only then did they realize that just now... the Strange Bird had actually stopped?!
While they called for help?
"Whoosh~ Whoosh~"
The gale rushing into their faces left them unable to think any further.
The children were carried into a room.
The Strange Bird loosened its claws.
They rolled onto the floor.
"Mm~"
The girl let out a muffled groan.
She had