Chapter 91 - Background

7:15 p.m. The sun fades completely, and with it settles a heavy, palpable darkness, weaving a veil of ink over the landscape. A budding chill creeps into the air, a precursor to the early evening. During this window, the female tutors finally cross the North Zone, accompanied by the full moon, one of them entirely absorbed in Gwen’s story.

_ Gwen: " So, there you go. You know the whole story, or at least part of it. "

_ Ay: " What do you mean, 'part of it'? So there’s still more to know. "

_ Gwen: “ You know the essentials. ”

_ Ay : “ Classic you… ”

Then, she furtively rests a hand on her chin.

_ Ay: " Anyway, if I understand correctly, since your mother wanted to stop the sacrificial ritual, she decided to hide you and your little brother outside the village. "

_ Gwen: “ Yes. “

_ Ay: " Your mother also anticipated a potential conflict within your village, so as a safety precaution, you were to stay away longer than planned. "

_ Gwen: “ Yes. “

_ Ay: " To survive, you fought as best you could throughout these eight years. "

_ Gwen: " Yes, but we weren't alone. A crew specially hand-picked by my mother accompanied us to keep us safe. "

After a few seconds of silence, a sound emits again.

_ Gwen: " Sadly, the crew perished over the years through various confrontations, while others simply died of dehydration. "

_ Ay: " That’s terrible. "

_ Gwen: “ As the sole survivor, I had to find a way to neutralize my brother’s demon. I crossed the entire Forest in the hope of finding help. ”

_ Ay: “ And that’s when you stumbled upon Orta and Matilio. ”

_ Gwen: “ Yes. You know the rest. ”

A sigh escapes the doctor.

_ Ay: " This whole thing is surreal. You’ve really been through hell, you poor thing. "

_ Gwen: " Yeah. " she said, her voice remaining flat.

Then, a question bloomed immediately.

_ Ay: " So, didn't it bother you to leave your home and your family? "

_ Gwen: " It’s not like I had a choice. My mother just wanted to keep us safe. And besides, as long as I had my brother with me, that was enough. "

_ Ay: " And what about your father? "

A slight new silence settles before it is broken.

_ Gwen: “ I had a bad relationship with my father, so it’s no big deal. ”

_ Ay: “ What? But you didn’t even tell me about it. ”

_ Gwen: “ It’s not part of the essentials. ”

A brief flash of annoyance surged within the doctor as she pursed her lips.

_ Gwen: " And what about you? I don't know anything about your past. "

A grimace forms on her partner's face as she raises her eyebrows, letting the tension in her lips fade.

_ Ay: " I don't know whether I should be surprised or happy that you're interested in me, you who are always so stoic. "

After these words, Gwen turned her head, gazing impassively at her partner for a few seconds before turning back toward the horizon.

_ Gwen: " Actually, I don't feel like it anymore. "

Caught off guard, the doctor wiggles her fingers.

_ Ay: “ I’m kidding, I’m kidding. I’ll tell you, but just so you know, my story isn’t exactly glorious either. ”

_ Gwen: “ You can tell me after we’ve found the children. You’ve probably noticed, but we just entered the North Zone. ”

_ Ay: “ Got it. ”

Then, watch the steed intently.

_ Gwen: " We’re not much further now; I hope the horse holds up. "

_ Ay: " Judging by his behavior and breathing rate, he’s got a while yet before he gets winded. "

_ Gwen: " Alright, let’s hurry. "