Chapter 93:

Chapter 93 - Camaraderie

Orphan Survival

7:30 PM. The young riders have just entered hyena territory and are carving a path away from the main road, a move that does not go unnoticed by the doctor.

_ Ay: " Why don't we take the main path? "

_ Gwen: " Further up, there's a wooden rope bridge, and it'll be impossible to cross with the horse. So, we're taking a shortcut. "

_ Ay: “ Alright, hopefully we don’t stumble upon their remains along the way… "

_ Gwen: “ … “

Under the glow of the full moon, amidst the nocturnal atmosphere, a sense of unease begins to take root.

_ Ay: " Do you think they’re going to make it? "

_ Gwen: " Absolutely. "

_ Ay: " You’re awfully confident. Don't forget they lost a teammate. "

_ Gwen: " Do you remember the two explorations the children went on? "

_ Ay: " Yes? "

_ Gwen: "Maïko and my brother told us that if it hadn't been for Ayden's composure and quick thinking, it could have ended in tragedy. "

_ Ay: " True enough. "

_ Gwen: " As for the second one, Shailly proved herself through her strength of character. With that, she rallies the whole team. "

A brief silence settled before she continued.

_ Gwen: “ Anyway, their abilities and personality traits are key factors in survival. ”

Initially fearful, she is now more reassured. Having reached the end of the shortcut, suspicions arise.

_ Gwen: " Surprising we didn't run into the hyenas. "

_ Ay: " Good, it saves us some time. "

On our end, we are still walking, the fatigue ever-present and heavy. Still troubled by the past incident and Kaya's sudden intervention, I decide to act, wanting to clear my doubts. I first call out to Hazel, who is not far from our position.

_ Hazel: " Yes? "

_ Ayden: " Can you come here for a second, please? "

He does so.

_ Hazel: “ Tell me. ”

_ Ayden: “ Can you take over for me with Shailly? ”

_ Shailly: “ Sorry, it's my fault you're tired. "

_ Ayden: “ No, it's not that, but I need to talk to Kaya in private, it’s important. ”

After that, Shailly raises her eyebrows.

_ Hazel: " No problem. "

_ Ayden: " Thanks. "

Once the exchange is made, I immediately leave to catch up with Kaya. Meanwhile, Hazel notices a grimace forming on her partner's face out of the corner of her eye.

_ Hazel: " Is there a problem? "

_ Shailly: " No, I am simply wondering what they must be discussing to feel the need to exclude me. "

_ Hazel: " Don't sweat it, I’m sure it’s no big deal. "

_ Shailly: “ … “

On my end, I call out to Kaya, who turns around immediately.

_ Ayden: “ I need to talk to you. ”

She shows no apparent reaction, save for her sister nearby and Son, who has just overheard me. Without a word of protest, she follows me.

_ Ayden: " Keep walking, we'll catch up with you. "

_ Kona: “ … “

We are standing face-to-face at the foot of a tree, away from the group.

_ Kaya: " What do you want? "

_ Ayden: " How’s your neck? "

_ Kaya: " You seriously came over just to ask me that? "

_ Ayden: " No, I wanted to thank you. "

_ Kaya: " Huh? "

_ Ayden: " Earlier, you stood up for me by trying to change the subject. "

_ Kaya: “ What makes you say that? ”

_ Ayden: “ The secret Edna is talking about is the Sparrow Case. Only three of us know about it. ”

Slightly taken aback, she nonetheless tries to hide her emotions after such a pertinent remark and chooses to remain silent.

_ Ayden: " If you're not contradicting me, that means I'm right, doesn't it? "

A sigh escapes as the realization hits that there's no avoiding an explanation.

_ Kaya: " Proposing a partnership with Edna was already a stretch, so if they find out you’ve been killing sparrows on top of that, their trust will be completely shattered. "

Then subtly looks away.

_ Kaya: " And I know my sister, she never would have forgiven you. "

My gaze intensifies on her.

_ Ayden: " Are you worried about me? "

_ Kaya: " Don't get any ideas. If the group splits up, you know as well as I do that we're screwed. "

_ Ayden: " True, but that stunt could've seriously backfired and cost you the group's support. "

_ Kaya: " The group's support? Pff, only Maïko’s, so I couldn't care less. "

Afterwards, a slight smile appears.

_ Kaya: " Why that face? "

_ Ayden: " You seem cold on the surface, but the truth is, you're kinder than you'd like us to believe. "

_ Kaya: " What is this bullshit? This is ridiculous. Anyway, I shouldn't have covered for you. "

At the same time, an orphan arrives.