Chapter 59 - Escort

The flash of surprise freezes us for an instant, then a defensive posture takes over. Simultaneously, a memory resurfaces.

_ Ayden: " That voice… "

_ Blaike: " So you're still alive, little one, that's remarkable. "

A small group of Recluses emerges from the bush, most of them injured on their bodies.

_ Son: " Who are they now?! Ayden, do you know him?? "

_ Ayden: " Keep calm. They won't hurt us. "

_ Kona: " How can you be so sure?? "

_ Ayden: " Without him and his group, we would all still be stuck in the village. "

Silence then settles. Cautious at first, they exchange doubtful glances, a sign of mitigated trust.

_ Ayden : " How did the battle go? "

_ Blaike : " In a bloodbath, what a question. A good portion of his guards are decimated, including his right-hand man with the clay. But as you can see, half of my team perished. Radja sacrificed himself, giving us a brief opening to escape. "

_ Ayden: " I see… "

_ Blaike: " All this way just to recover only two prisoners alive. "

A fist collides with a tree.

_ Blaike: " This mission is a failure! "

_ Rider: " … "

_ Member 1: " No, don't say that, Chief! You gave it your all during this battle! "

_ Member 2: " He's right! It's an achievement that we are unharmed, and that's thanks to you! "

The Recluse looks back at his men.

_ Blaike: " Believe me, their sacrifice will not be in vain. " he said, in a firm tone.

The tension, less electric, emits a sound.

_ Son: " Alright, and what do we do now? "

_ Kona: " Our home village is safe for now, but we cannot afford to turn back considering the danger looming throughout this entire forest. "

_ Hazel: “ Kona is right. Significant losses have occurred since we left. We need to find a secure sector not far from here. ”

_ Son: “ Yes, but where?? Our only hope has just been annihilated with that dubious village. ”

_ Hazel: “ I don’t know… ”

Soon after, an idea crosses a child's mind.

_ Son: " I know! We just have to create our own base in the forest! "

_ Kona: " Are you really planning to live in the forest like the Recluses?? "

_ Son: " And why not? Our guardians managed to live outside for years. "

_ Kona: " How do you know that? Yes, they weren't in the Cursed Village for 8 years, but nothing proves they were outside, and maybe they were in another village like us recently. "

Annoyed, Son put his head in his hands.

_ Son: " Ughhh, at least I'm trying to find solutions! "

_ Kona: " Yes... I know… " she said, feeling slightly awkward and helpless.

Then, eyes fall on the two mute girls.

_ Son: " Normally Maïko and Shailly would have retaliated immediately… " he thinks, worried

_ Blaike: " The Lunar Village might be an option, then. " he says, emerging from the shadows

_ Ayden: " The Lunar Village? "

_ Blaike: " Yes, it's in the Northern Zone. It's just a rumor, but that village is known for its kindness and hospitality. "

_ Kaya: " We're not going to rely on a simple rumor. "

_ Blaike: " Except that the probabilities are high. I had the opportunity to speak with their villagers, and they all affirmed that life is healthier. They would have even agreed to host the Outcasts, apparently. "

_ Hazel: " Agreed, but they could very well be lying for some reason. "

_ Blaike: " It's possible. In any case, in my discussions, I didn't notice anything suspicious in their speech or facial expressions. "

After this crucial exchange of information, disbelief is readable on every face.

_ Ayden: " Anyway, it's not like the South Zone is safe. "

_ Son: " That's true… " he said, looking dejected

Although most people lean towards this option, a certain caution tempers our enthusiasm.

_ Kona: " Still, I think this is too dangerous! Other ill-intentioned people could attack us at any moment! "

_ Blaike: " I will escort you. "

The magnitude of this decision takes everyone by surprise, including his crew.

_ Member 1: " Wait, are you seriously for real, Chief?? "

_ Member 2: " We have more important things to do! "

_ Member 1: " Totally! You say something too, Rider! "

_ Rider: " No matter the Chief's decision, I will follow him to hell. "

The palm of a hand presses against the forehead.

_ Member 1 : “ Ugh, why did I ask him the question… ”

_ Blaike : “ I understand your doubts, but… ”

His pupils connect with mine.

_ Blaike: " It's my way of expressing my gratitude to your leader and for your cooperation, kid. "

Observing my group, slightly reassured, I continue.

_ Ayden: “ Thank you. If there are no objections, let's go. “

Afterward, I turn my head toward Kona.

_ Ayden: “ Is that okay with you? “

Distraught, with one hand resting on her other arm, the young girl lowers her gaze.

_ Kona: " Yes… "

Fifteen minutes pass. Our senses on edge, we follow Blaike and his crew through this lush forest, where the cries of monkeys, swinging from vine to vine, blend with the rustling of leaves.

_ Hazel: " The size of these trees is truly impressive. "

_ Son: " It sure is! Even their branches are wide and solid! The monkeys lean on them without any trouble. "

_ Ayden: " Each Zone has its own ecosystem. I wonder what the North Zone's ecosystem is like. "

Meanwhile, a twin approaches Blaike, her footsteps hesitant, taking an ointment out of her bag.

_ Kona: " You're hurt on the arm, put on some ointment and bandages. "

An intimidating glare falls upon her.

_ Blaike: " Keep your provisions for your comrades instead. I don't need them. "

In the immediate aftermath, the gap between Blaike and the young girl widened with every step.

_ Member 1: " Don't worry. He's tough but deep down he has a good heart. And most importantly, he's trustworthy. "

Under the progressively scorching sun, we advance under escort, amazed by this vividly colored vegetation, yet without letting down our guard.

_ Maïko: " Ayden! "

His sudden voice resonated in my ear. My curiosity is now piqued as Maïko has remained silent since we left the village.

_ Ayden: “ Yes? “

_ Maïko: “ I need to tell you something. “