Chapter 94 - Finish line

8 p.m. Our journey is coming to an end. Before us rises a gigantic wall, an impenetrable fortress with barricades bristling only at the entrance. Despite the thickness of the walls, notes of music and flashes of light escape, revealing a village bustling with life. Everyone, myself included, stares in wide-eyed wonder.

_ Son: “ "Wow guys, we finally made it… "

When others are more emotional.

_ Shailly: " Our journey is finally over! "

_ Ayden: " Not so fast. We need to check on the state of the village first. "

_ Shailly: " Yes, you're right. "

A brief analysis is required.

_ Ayden : “ As agreed, and given the time, there are no guards outside. ”

_ Hazel : “ This village looks much more modern than Sainté Village. ” he said, breathless with wonder.

Suddenly, we heard noises through some distant bushes, and prepared ourselves for any eventuality.

_ Individual: " Ahhh, shoot! I'm late for the party. "

Our eyes soon distinguished a silhouette, solidly built and sporting a burgeoning beard, likely of the same generation as our tutors. Strangely devoid of weapons, he wears instead a chainmail helm, glimmering faintly in the gloom. At the same time, I notice a white armband, which surely signifies their connection to the Lunar Village.

_ Kona: “ Look, he’s wearing an armband! ” she whispered.

_ Shailly: “ He’s not a Recluse then; that’s a relief. ”

_ Hazel: “ Let’s remain vigilant nonetheless. ”

The eye contact is immediate and absolute, reflecting an inquiry as deep in the one as in the other.

_ Individual: " Brown armbands? I see, you’re not from this Zone. "

No one dares to answer.

_ Individual: " I wonder how they ended up here? And more importantly, they’re injured. "

Since no one else is stepping up, I'll go first.

_ Ayden: " Who are you? "

_ Individual: " I am George II, a high-ranking official from the Lunar Village in charge of building renovations. "

The name mentioned immediately rings a bell.

_ Shailly : " Did you say George II?? "

_ George II : " Uh, yes... why? "

_ Ayden : " We’re here on behalf of Camp Khalos. A woman named Orta told us about you. "

_ Son : " Yes, apparently you two are friends. "

Afterwards, his eyebrows shot up.

_ George II: " Orta? Incredible! You know Ms. Orta? "

Then, a smile begins to form.

_ George II: “ No reason to be suspicious, then. Indeed, I am a good friend of Miss Orta. Their camp is very helpful to our village. Anyway, since you're here, I imagine she told you about the refuge? ”

_ Son: " A refuge? Uh, no. "

_ George II: “ In our village, a policy has been established. All minors under the age of 18, especially those in distress, can be taken in. Furthermore, no responsibility is imposed upon them. ”

_ Son: “ No… Really?? “

_ George II: " Oh yes, you’re free to do whatever you like: fighting, outdoor games, hobbies… As long as you don't disturb the elders, it’s the good life. "

Unanimously, eyes sparkle, filled with a new hope.

_ Ayden: " What about those of legal age? "

_ George II: " From the age of 18, you must contribute to the village. Various tasks are imposed upon you. Let’s call it a fee that refugees owe us in exchange for housing and freedom. "

_ Ayden: " And what if they refuse? "

_ Kona: " Ayden! "

_ George II: " They are no longer authorized to stay in the village. You must understand that we aren't running a daycare here, either. "

_ Ayden: " Alright "

_ George II: " Of course, you are under no obligation to stay until you reach your majority. Most stay for a few years before leaving for their native land or elsewhere. "

With my chin resting in the palm of my hand, I sink into immediate reflection on this major piece of data.

_ Son: “ And… are we eligible? ” he asked, looking worried.

_ George II: “ How old are you? ”

_ Hazel: “ Most of us are nine. ”

A firm face suddenly looms.

_ George II: “ Listen, you are of age and your armband shows that you are indeed a stranger to this Zone. As for your distress… ”

Everyone held their breath, eager for the verdict. Then, that initially stern face softened.

_ George II: " You are wounded, soiled, likely hungry and thirsty. Above all, you are surely orphans. This is more than enough reason to welcome you into our care. "

After this positive verdict, all the pressure is slipping away; we are officially free from the massive weight that has been eating at us since our journey began. For the first time, I’m letting my guard down, relieved to finally be safe.

_ George II: " Alright, enough small talk! We’re throwing a party to celebrate a refugee family’s one-year anniversary. You’ve come at the perfect time; join in while the party's still going! "

_ All the orphans: " Yes! "

The high-ranking official holding the key unlocks the massive gate which, under a measured push, swings ajar. The opening reveals a harsh, almost aggressive light, and the joyful, discordant tumult of a party in full swing.

_ Son : “ We did it, guys… I wish Jenna could have seen this so much. ” he says, his voice thick with emotion.

_ Ayden : “ Despite my questionable choices, I managed to bring almost the whole group back alive. It was far from perfect, but I should be proud of myself. ”

Then, I smile.

_ Ayden: " It’s time to rest… "

_ ???: " WAIT!! "

A wave of shivers washes over us at the echo of this unhoped-for voice, a sound so familiar that incredulity freezes us in our tracks. And so, we turn around.

_ George II: " Who is it this time? "

_ Maïko: " It can't be… "

He looks at the orphan girl, his eyes filled with questions.

_ George II: " Do you know them? "

_ Ayden: " They’re... our tutors. "