Chapter 58 - Crack

The stated facts: everyone retrieves bags, provisions, bandages, as well as disinfectants. Once ready and without losing any time, Maïko carries Shailly on her back so as not to be slowed down by the latter, leaving Kona to retrieve his crutches.

Emerging from the medical enclosure, we plunged into the deserted alleyways, taking advantage of the battle's confusion to sneak toward the drawbridge. The peasants, certainly alerted to an attack, must have secured themselves at home.

_ Ayden: " As agreed, there's no one at the guard post. This is our chance! "

Very close to the objective, we are scrutinizing how to activate this bridge.

_ Hazel: " At the entrance, there are two cranks. We need to turn them to lower the bridge. "

_ Ayden: " I'll handle it. "

_ Son: " I'll follow you. "

Followed by my faithful partner, we crank our respective levers with all our might. Then, the drawbridge awakens under our combined efforts. The heavy chains creak while the platform gradually tilts, unveiling the path.

Barely had we crossed the bridge when a frantic race began, fleeing the chaos that threatens us. After several kilometers traveled, we stop our advance, letting our gaze wander over the landscape stretching out before us.

_ Ayden: “ Let’s take a break. We’ve put a good distance between us and them. ”

They each flatten themselves against the base of a tree, sipping from their water bottles.

_ Kona: " Here, I'll put your crutches down next to you. "

_ Shailly: " Thank you, Kona. “

The twin, wishing to calm things down, attempts a mediation, but her words die on her lips. Powerless in the face of the circumstances, Kona steps back, unable to find the right words. This time, she heads toward her twin sister, disinfectant in hand, taken from her bag.

_ Kona: " Don't move, I'm going to disinfect your leg. "

Quickly anticipating her twin's future opposition, she continued.

_ Kona: " I know what you're going to say, but it's non-negotiable. "

_ Kaya: " … "

Once his leg is disinfected and bandaged, Kona straightens up.

_ Kona: " Explain to me how you got hurt while we were gone. "

_ Kaya: " Ayden and I got chased by a cannibal. He's the one who scratched me. "

_ Kona: " A what?? " she said, denying that she had heard correctly.

That same question, successively asked about me by the boys, compels me to elaborate on the established facts of our journey. Shocked, each one is disgusted. Consequently, the stakes of our departure are further justified in their eyes. Shortly after, a comrade walks toward me.

_ Hazel: " Do you have a minute? "

Isolating myself just a few meters away, I find myself alone with Hazel.

_ Hazel: " The circumstances are difficult to swallow, but I think it was the best thing to do. "

Understanding an undisclosed ulterior motive, our gazes lock.

_ Ayden: " Get to the point. "

_ Hazel: " The group is less solid now. Look at them, nobody is saying a single word. A heavy atmosphere has settled in, it's not good. "

Indeed, the past events, imbued with a palpable gravity, weigh heavily on their minds.

_ Ayden: " Continuing under these conditions will decrease our chances of survival. But I'm not a psychologist, I don't have a remedy for that. "

_ Hazel: " I know. First, everyone needs to be on the same wavelength. "

Then, he stares at me.

_ Hazel: " And it starts with the girls and you. "

_ Ayden: " In no way do I regret my actions, but… "

Then, I look at the girls concerned.

_ Ayden: " Maybe I was too harsh in my words. "

_ Hazel: " It would be great if you could clear the air. "

_ Ayden: " We'll see. "

_ Son: " Did you hear that?? "

Alerted by the sudden warning, we approach the group.

_ Ayden: " What's going on? "

_ Son: " I'm sure the bushes moved over there! "

_ Hazel: " Maybe it's an animal. "

_ Kona: " Better not take any chances. Maïko, could you… "

_ Maïko: " I know, I'll use my Source. "

_ ???: " That won't be necessary. "