Chapter 75 - Hunt (4)

The driving rain punctuates the passing of time, while a pensive Hazel lets his thoughts wander. For his part, Kona uses his Source in the hope that it might affect the animal, but to no avail.

_ Kona: " Dammit… My power seems to be useless against animals. "

After that, a sudden clarity of mind emerged.

_ Hazel: “ Listen… I’m going to trap the creature's paws in my mud; take that chance to run. ”

The girl turns around immediately, her eyes wide.

_ Kona: " Forget it! I'm staying right here with you! "

_ Hazel: " We've got no choice. It’s the only thing we can do right now. "

_ Kona: “ And what do you plan on doing after that?? You have no choice but to let go if you want to move again! ”

_ Hazel: “ I’m managing to move very slightly while keeping my Source active. Once there’s enough distance between us, I’ll make a run for it. ”

_ Kona: “ Even if it works, it’s too risky! Let’s not rush into things; we still have a little time. We should wait for reinforcements instead. ”

This piece of information, seemingly sane, surprises the young man, revealing to him the obvious truth that his partner obstinately refuses to acknowledge.

_ Hazel: " Don't lie to yourself; you know perfectly well that no one is coming to rescue us. "

_ Kona: " But… "

Hazel places both hands firmly on Kona's shoulders, cutting her off mid-sentence.

_ Hazel: “ Listen to me, I’m not letting you die here. Besides, you’ve got the bag with the first-aid kits. The others are definitely going to need them, that’s all the more reason for you to get out of here right now. So please, just trust me, okay? ”

An inner struggle rages within the young girl, and tears, reflecting her helplessness, escape her eyes. She must resign herself to letting Hazel bear the burden.

Then, she places both hands on Hazel's cheeks and looks him straight in the eyes, her eyebrows furrowed.

_ Kona: “ Don't you dare die on me! “

These profound and sincere words galvanize him. Withdrawing his hands, Hazel fixes his gaze on his goal, ready to take action. The hyena, slightly removed from their position, offers an opportunity to the young man, who activates his Source. A thick mass of mud then forms around the trapped animal. A struggle ensues, but the solid mud thwarts any attempt to escape. Seizing the opportunity, Hazel locks eyes with the twin.

_ Hazel: " Right now! "

Without a backward glance, Kona dashes toward the receding horizon, heart heavy. Hazel, left to his fate, remains alone before the vastness of his task.

At the same time, Son and Shailly finally reached the bridge, their pupils dilated.

_ Son: “ Wow, it’s so high! ”

Then, he gazes into the distance at one of the twins already at the far end.

_ Son: " It’s Kaya! "

_ Kaya: " Cross over! The bridge is holding! But since you’re carrying her, walk slowly! " she called out, her hands cupped around her mouth.

_ Son: " Got it! "

The lava flow, a hypnotic sight to his eyes, drew him in like a magnet. He moved forward, his breath shallow, torn between admiration and fear. The crossing completed, a sigh of relief escaped him. He set Shailly down gently and took the opportunity to remove her gag as well.

_ Son: " Are you okay? "

_ Shailly: " My thigh is stinging quite a bit... but I can still hold on… " she said, grimacing.

Without a word, Kaya tears a piece of her shorts and wraps it around the wound. It is a gesture full of gentleness that contrasts with her impassive face. A smile begins to form.

_ Shailly : " Thank you. "

_ Kaya : " … "

_ Son : " Glad to see you safe and sound, Kaya. "

_ Kaya: “ You should wait to celebrate until everyone is here. ”

_ Son: “ You’re right. I hope they’re okay. ”