Chapter 14 - Violation (2)

I sense a potential quarrel and take the initiative.

_ Ayden: “ No, Maïko is right. ”

_ Kaya: “ What? ”

_ Ayden: “ Out of curiosity, I asked the guardian Keren if there was still any stock left in the clinic. According to him, the chances are high, as it was abandoned very recently. But we have to act quickly before the Recluses in the perimeter find out. ”

_ Hazel: “ So, if we want to get the rest, it's now or never. ”

_ Ayden: “ That's right. ”

Overwhelmed by the situation, Kona rests her forehead on her hands, head bowed.

_ Kona: “ This is really crazy… ”

After a few seconds of silence, except for the sound of the fire, Taïga stands up, still smiling.

_ Taïga: “ Well, now that the problem has been stated, we have to decide who goes on the expedition and who stays in the village. ”

I get up immediately, determined.

_ Ayden: " Someone has to guide you, and I know where the clinic is. I'm going to go there. “

_ Son: ” If you go, then so will I. This time I'll be by your side. “ he said, reaching out to fist bump his friend.

_ Ayden: ” Thanks. " he said, fist bumping him.

_ Brent: “ I'm going too. I opened my mouth, so I intend to go. ” he said, standing up.

_ Taïga: " In that case, you leave me no choice. I'm coming too. Who knows what you'll do once you're out there. “

_ Brent: ” Shut up. “

_ Maïko: ” Personally, I'm staying. I still haven't gotten over the experience I had during my exploration. "

_ Ayden: “ No worries, don't push yourself. ”

_ Maïko: “ Thanks. ”

_ Ayden: “ I say that, but it's still a shame. Her Source helped us a lot. Doing without

it is going to be very hard. ”

_ Brent: “ Who else? ”

_ Kona: “ I'm staying here. ” she said, disgusted.

_ Kaya: “ Same here. ”

_ Brent: “ Hmm, I would have been surprised if you hadn't. ”

_ Jenna: “ I... I'll pass… ” she said, her voice barely audible.

_ Hazel: “ I'll stay here too. We need a few people to provide support, take care of the village, and cover for you. ”

A genuine smile appears.

_ Son: “ You're doing great! ”

_ Ayden: “ Since most of the villagers and the village chief are off duty, even if we go past the 10 p.m. curfew, it doesn't matter. No one will notice. ”

_ Hazel: “ You're right, that gives you some extra leeway. ”

Everyone made their choice, except one.

_ Brent: “ You're the only one left, bushy. What do you decide? ”

After thinking long and hard, Shailly stands up, lifts her head, and looks full of courage.

_ Shailly: “ I'm in! ”

_ Maïko: “ Are you sure? ”

_ Shailly: " Yes! I'm scared, but I want us all to get out of this. So if we have to break the rules to save our tribe, I'm ready to do anything! " she said, her determination fierce and her fists clenched.

Maïko smiled, proud of her friend.

_ Taïga: “ Five people staying versus five leaving, perfect balance, haha. ”

_ Ayden: “ Now that it's decided, I suggest we discuss our Sources, just to have a plan in case things go wrong. ”

_ Taïga: “ Good idea. ”

_ Kona: “ In that case, we'll leave you alone. As Hazel said, we'll cover for you if any of the villagers or the guardian Gwen ask questions about your absence. ”

_ Shailly: “ Great! And I'm sorry I'm not on your side. ” she said, embarrassed.

_ Kona: " Don't worry about it. Besides, I'm starting to understand how you think, so I respect your decision. "

_ Shailly: “ Thanks, Kona! ”

_ Kona: “ I just ask that you please be extremely careful. ”

Shailly quickly takes both of Kona's hands.

_ Shailly: “ We promise! ” she says, smiling broadly.

Kona's eyebrows rise in surprise. Then she smiles.