Chapter 42 - Anxiety

Our eyes, heavy with sadness, fell on the boss, begging for an answer that would not cast a deeper shadow on our already bleak situation.

_ Moana: " I did a little investigating into this matter. They all told me they are innocent. But I have no way of knowing if that's the truth. That's why I took precautions and try to be in contact with the villagers as much as possible, especially the women, to find out if everything is going well in their daily lives. This act is intolerable, and believe me, if a confession is ever made, this crime will be punished as it should be. “

_ Ayden: “ Okay. ”

The minutes drag on. Our muscles burn, our breathing quickens, but the fervor of our quest pushes us ever further, toward the uncertain horizon of this Forest.

_ Moana: “ Son, how long until we get there? ”

_ Son: " The travel time isn't indicated on the scroll, but given our position, I think about ten minutes. "

_ Moana: “ Okay. Hang in there, Shailly, we'll be there soon… ”

The words hanging in the air pique the curiosity of Maïko, who is standing nearby.

_ Maïko: “ What's going on? ”

And sees the same scene as the boss.

_ Maïko: “ SHAILLY!! ”

Her face turns pale, horrified to discover her friend with his eyes closed. Startled, we approach.

_ Maïko: “ It's Shailly... She... she… ”

_ Moana: “ Calm down, she just lost consciousness. ”

A sigh of relief escapes us.

_ Moana: “ But she's still losing blood. We need to treat her as soon as possible. ”

An imperceptible rustling disturbs the tranquility of our sector. The bushes stir, betraying a discreet approach. Our eyes are fixed in that direction, looking worried. Then, a silhouette appears. The mummy in the bob hat makes its appearance. A look of utter dismay spreads across our faces.

_ Moana: “ He's really tall... Who is he? ”

_ Son: “ Ahh! He's everywhere, it's impossible! ”

_ Ayden: “ He's showing up at the worst possible moment! ”

Then I notice an empty medicine bottle in his hand.

_ Moana: “ You know him?? ”

_ Ayden: “ Do you remember the drugs that guardian Gwen recovered? ”

_ Moana: “ Of course. ”

_ Ayden: “ Actually, it was us. ”

Total incomprehension is written all over her face.

_ Moana: “ What?? ”

_ Ayden: “ And we saw that mummy in action, he's super dangerous. ”

Annoyed, she looks at me crossly.

_ Moana: “ You... Anyway, there are more pressing matters. ”

_ Ayden: “ I'm thinking about it, but when Shailly and I hid, he was also looking for something in the clinic's drawers. He's probably sick. ”

Her composure diminished, Moana watches the mummy closely.

_ Moana: “ Go away. ”

_ All the orphans: “ But… ”

She passes Shailly to Maïko, who is standing right next to her.

_ Moana: “ Save Shailly! I'll take care of him. ”

_ Ayden: “ She's right, let's not waste any time. ”

With clenched fists, we leave, leaving the boss to deal with this situation, with a bitter taste in our mouths.

_ Son: “ Damn it! ”

A smile appears on Moana's face as she watches the orphans leave, then gradually disappears as she focuses exclusively on her opponent.

_ Moana: “ It's just you and me! ”