Chapter 57 - Escape (2)

A struggle ensues, during which she lands a series of kicks to free her leg. Witnessing this action, I momentarily let go of the cover, activating my Source to push the cannibal back. The pressure exerted combined with Kaya's tenacity work in our favor. The assailant falls to the ground. The lid finally open, I climb out and help Kaya in return, thus ending this nightmare.

_ Ayden: " Just as I thought, we are exiting exactly where the smell escaped with Blaike. We are sheltered from view in this alleyway. "

The lid sealed, I slowly straighten up and notice small red stains nearby.

_ Ayden: " But… you're bleeding!? "

_ Kaya: " Yeah... That bastard scratched my leg just before falling. "

_ Ayden: " We need to treat that quickly. "

_ Kaya: " It's fine, it's nothing. "

_ Ayden: " That's not true, you're still bleeding. "

Annoyed, she glared at me.

_ Kaya: " I'm telling you I'm fine! "

_ Ayden: " I'm not talking about the pain. What worries me is a potential infection. Firstly, your wound, even if minor, is open. Secondly, the cause is a cannibal. Who knows what bacteria you could catch. "

_ Kaya: " … "

_ Ayden: " Now that you've got it, let's hurry and find the others. Lean on me. "

_ Kaya: " I can stand by myself. "

Resolved in her decision, I won't insist.

_ Ayden: " As you wish. "

We arrive at the clinic without difficulty, as all the guards are mobilized near the cellar. Having crossed the threshold, Kona, Maïko, and Shailly appear in our field of vision, sitting on a bench in the corridor. With a start, one of the girls jumps up.

_ Kona: " Kaya, what?! What happened?? "

_ Ayden: " No time to explain. Listen, the situation is serious, we have to leave. "

The unexpected news surprises all the girls.

_ Maïko & Shailly & Kona: " What?? "

Right away, Son and Hazel come out of their room.

_ Son: " We heard a noise, is there a problem? "

_ Ayden: " Yes, this village is dangerous. Right now, there is a battle happening within these very walls. We must leave. "

_ Son: " Huh?? But I didn't see or hear anything in my room. "

_ Hazel: " Me neither. Be clearer. "

Pressed for time, I'm giving up on digressions and getting straight to the point.

_ Ayden: " The emperor is conducting experiments on human beings by drugging them to turn them into war soldiers. If we stay, we'll be next on the list. "

Everyone stands speechless, unable to look away.

_ Son: " What the hell is this mess again… "

_ Ayden: " Now that you're aware, take everything you can and let's leave this place. "

_ Maïko: " Wait! "

Complicit glances fall upon her.

_ Maïko: " I don't agree. We struggled like never before to get here. We took care of ourselves, we have a roof over our heads and food to eat. Plus, Shailly absolutely must recover. And you... you're asking us to drop everything just like that?? "

_ Shailly: " If we are next on the list, as you say, but we leave this village, it means there will be other children who will take our place. We can't abandon them! "

Annoyed by their stubbornness, I stared Maïko straight in the eyes, ignoring Shailly's remarks.

_ Ayden: " Know that the mummy in the hat is an experiment of this village. It is partly because of the emperor that Chief Moana died. I doubt you still want to stay. "

The revelation shocks the person concerned. Convinced that the leader had eradicated evil itself, she learns with frustration that he is also a victim in the story.

_ Maïko: “ All the more reason… “

The sound uttered softly, I move closer.

_ Ayden : " I didn't hear you. "

_ Maïko : " All the more reason to stay and kill the bastard! "

Surprised by this absurdity, an eyebrow automatically rose.

_ Ayden: " Huh? And you seriously think you're capable of that? "

Driven by a growing anger, Maïko grabs me by the collar with her arm.

_ Maïko : “ I REFUSE TO LET MY BOSS DIE WITHOUT JUSTICE BEING DONE! “ 

_ Son : “ Oh hey! "

Disapproving of the gesture, I give her a cold stare, my indifference to her obvious on my expression.

_ Ayden: " Play the heroines if you want, but don't expect me to save your asses. "

These words, hurtful at first glance, surprise Shailly and Maïko, who subsequently loosen their grip without Son's necessary intervention.

_ Son: " It's not the time to fight! It's sudden for me too, but Ayden has no reason to lie! "

_ Hazel: "He's right. His actions are always well thought out. And considering Kaya's injury, this whole thing seems very serious. "

One of the two twins approaches the girls.

_ Kona: " I am also of the opinion that we should leave. It's not reasonable if we stay here any longer. Let's take as many supplies as possible to help Shailly and Kaya as best we can. "

Then approaches Maïko, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

_ Kona: " I understand you're angry, but right now the priority is for all of us to get out of this. I would be sad if you try anything and it goes wrong, so please calm down and trust us. "

A silence gradually sets in, she simply lowers her gaze, biting her lips. Then, a final look lands on her best friend Shailly, who, though sad, finally agrees to follow the team. Consequently, now alone in her decision, Maïko has no other option but to follow the group.

_ Ayden: " Let's hurry up before the guards arrive. "