The Red Bush

Gastone hurriedly pulled Lucia to the bushes in case the black smoke reappeared. He was worried that it had the intention to hurt Lucia. 

"Is this the way?" Lucia asked. She wavered to venture into the bushes, thinking it would rip her clothes. 

"Yes," Gastone replied hesitantly. He felt terrible lying to Lucia, but he needed to. He took a step back and prepared the rose pendant. He didn't know what would happen if he licked the item, which made him anxious. 

"O-okay," Lucia gulped and carefully pushed the bush away from her. 

Gastone gripped the pendant and pulled Lucia back. 

"What's the matter?" Lucia asked in confusion. She thought they were entering at that moment. 

"I won't be coming with you to the road. So, here, take this. Maybe you'll need it for a ride," Gastone stated and handed paper money to Lucia, which the human world used. 

Lucia's eyes widened. The money could last her a month, and she paused to take it.