Chapter 53 - Pressure

In the dawning light, we're in the clinic hallway, impatiently awaiting the new results of Shailly's medical tests. Only Kaya is missing, having left alone upon waking, as is her habit. A short while later, the door opens with a dry creak, letting a thread of light escape. Our steps lighten as we get closer to the nurse.

_ Nurse: " Perfect, you're all here. The results are quite encouraging overall. No infection or apparent fracture in her thigh. That said, it will take her several months to recover. Therefore… "

Immediately afterwards, the person concerned, accompanied by another nurse, appeared in our field of vision.

_ Maïko: “ Oh! But you're on crutches, actually! ”

_ Son: “ The doctor just said several months of recovery, it's obvious she would be on crutches. Are you stupid or what? ”

A hand is raised, a finger pointing towards the end of the corridor.

_ Maïko: " Son, look over there. "

_ Son: “ What? “

A brutal and unexpected slap resonated, leaving behind a glowing red mark.

_ Son: " Are you serious?? Ambushing me like that! "

_ Maïko: " You should have kept your mouth shut. " she said, her face neutral.

_ Son: " I think you're quick to pull the trigger, that's two times you've hit me in the space of one day. "

_ Maïko: " I already apologized for yesterday! "

Wishing to soothe the tension, Shailly takes the initiative.

_ Shailly: " Stop squabbling! "

Respectively, crossed arms stand out, the gaze averted.

_ Maïko & Son: " Hm. "

Despite the tragic announcement concerning Chief Moana, Maïko seems to have gotten back on her feet, although still injured. With the results announced, the only thing of interest to me, I discreetly withdraw from the group. This movement does not go unnoticed by an orphan very close to my position.

_ Hazel: " Are you planning on going out? "

_ Ayden: " Yes, I need to move around, alone. "

_ Hazel: " No problem. "

Leaving the building, I roam aimlessly, my eyes distant, letting my thoughts slowly mature, like the clouds drifting across the sky. Arriving not far from the village entrance, entry checks are being performed by guards, and, among the arrivals, I spot two hooded individuals wearing enormous cloaks. With their backs to me, it's impossible to see their faces. That being said, green armbands and the village's badges of belonging are wrapped around their wrists.

This largely insignificant scene doesn't slow my monotonous pace as I gradually disappear into the crowd. Tired of the people, I take a moment to myself on a bench.

_ Ayden: " By now, the people in the village must be looking for us. But I doubt they know we left the South Zone. We would have to scatter clues to leave a trail, but how do we do that? "

I look around.

_ Ayden: " With a bit of luck, some guards are going on patrol in other areas. If that's the case, I need to get in contact with them, to inform our village that we are safe. "

Resolved in my mind, I leave my bench, looking for any guards. Suddenly, after a few steps, I spot one of the hooded figures in front of me again. Two soldiers positioned in front of him enter an out-of-the-way alley off the main street. Immediately after, the individual imitates the guards and enters the alley in turn. I continue straight ahead on my path until I arrive at the corner of the alley.

Out of curiosity, I turn my head without interrupting my stride. But that brief, fleeting moment allows me to glimpse a rather suspicious scene. The individual raises their arm, not far from the guards, with his back to them, as if preparing an attack. Before I can even formulate a thought, a hand lands on my shoulder.

_ ???: “ The slightest scream or movement and I'll execute you. “