Chapter 95 - Ultimatum (End of Arc 3) (FINISH)

The surprise, vast and shared, creates a silent bond between us, our eyes searching for one another to confirm the reality of the moment.

_ Gwen: " What a relief, we finally caught up with you. "

_ Shailly: " How did you find us?? "

_ Ay: " The parchment. "

After a brief moment of questioning his answer, the clue finally clicked, revealing our oversight.

_ Ay: “ The day after you left, your prolonged absence seemed strange to us. So, we combed through the entire South Zone. ”

_ Gwen: “ Not a trace of you. That’s when Ay remembered the parchment lent to your comrade and thought of the Median Zone. ”

_ Ay: " Once I got there, it was heartbreaking... you know what I mean. "

Fully aware of the subject she’s raising, we remain silent, helpless in the face of this sad reality.

_ Ay: " Anyway, after that, we heard you guys headed off to the North Zone. "

_ Gwen: " We ran into a group of Recluses who, apparently, escorted you there. "

_ Hazel: " Oh, you must be talking about Blaike’s crew. "

_ Ayden: " So that’s how they know about Lunar Village. I was afraid Orta would blab. "

Our tutors stare at us intensely as one of them steps forward.

_ Ay: “ Oh no, Shailly, you’re seriously injured! And you as well, Kaya! ”

_ Gwen: “ None of them are fit to fight. You must have endured such horrific trials… ”

Then, the doctor reaches out.

_ Ay: “ We’re here now. Come on, let’s go home. ”

My classmates are watching each other, very doubtful about the idea of heading back home.

_ Ayden: “ Not me. “

My blunt and decisive response surprises everyone.

_ Ay: “ What? “

_ Ayden: " I am the one who made the decision to desert the village with the group. After the tragedies we endured, I had to see my decision through to the end. The journey was very harsh, but it is finally over. Turning back at the finish line is out of the question. "

_ Ay: “ You have been through some very difficult trials, and I completely understand. But now that we are here, you no longer have anything to worry about. ”

_ Ayden: “ And what about the sacrifices of the Sourceless? ”

Immediately, her pupils dilate.

_ Ay: " Huh? What are you even… "

_ Gwen: " Those days are over, I swear! " she said with a start, her hand over her heart.

_ Ayden: “ Yes, Chef Moana told us more or less the same thing. But personally, I’d have a hard time trusting the villagers. And… ”

I turn my head slightly without turning my back on the tutors.

_ Ayden: “ guess it’s the same for Son and Kaya. ”

I watch them out of the corner of my eye, catching a nod of approval from them at the same time.

_ Shailly: “ I’m staying too. I’m still disgusted by some of the revelations, and I’d feel uneasy being surrounded by a villager who might be hiding their true colors. ”

Following that, a finger points toward the village.

_ Shailly: “ I don’t know if it will be any better in this village, but I need to get away. ”

_ Maïko: “ I’m staying too, for the same reasons as Shailly, and also… ”

Then, she cast her eyes down.

_ Maïko: " Since Chef Moana died, there’s even less of a reason to come back. "

_ Kona: " If my sister stays, then I’m staying too. "

_ Hazel: " For all the reasons mentioned, I'm staying as well. "

Resolute in our decision, an annoyance is emerging within the doctor.

_ Ay: " I don't understand everything, but I think you're making a mistake. Who's going to take care of you here, huh?? "

Then, she glances furtively at her partner.

_ Ay: " Gwen, say something! "

Without meeting the doctor's gaze, a sound is emitted.

_ Gwen: “ Let them do it. “

Her response shocks us, further fueling Tutor Ay’s annoyance.

_ Ay: “ What?? You’re not serious right now?? "

_ Gwen: " Of the entire Forest, Lunar Village is the most viable. Their infrastructure and resources far exceed those of the other villages. What’s more, Orta spoke vaguely but positively about it, and I trust her. "

_ Ay: " Really! They… "

_ Gwen: “ Ay! “

Tutor Gwen’s unprecedented tone of voice surprises us all. She is finally connecting with her partner’s gaze.

_ Gwen: “ We aren’t their mother. We have no claim on them. ” she said, her tone softening.

Against all odds, our tutor’s support has filled us with joy, though it still hasn't calmed down her neighbor, who remains as fuming as ever.

_ Ay: " So you're saying we did all this for nothing?? "

_ Gwen: " Not for nothing. Look… "

They suddenly look at us; one of them with a smile on her lips and a light heart.

_ Gwen: " They’re alive. Seeing it with my own eyes was worth it. "

Quite surprised to see her partner flourishing in such a way, she raised her head and took her head in both hands.

_ Ay: “ Arghh, I swear, you're something else… "

She pulls her hands away, her eyes fixed on the full moon.

_ Ay: “ Agreed. "

Our smiles have but a moment to bloom before she immediately picks up the thread of her words.

_ Ay: " Hey! You in the helmet! " she said, pointing her finger.

_ George II: “ Me? “

_ Ay: " Take a guess. You'd best look after her kids properly. " she said in a firm tone.

Far from being overwhelmed by the pressure and the cheeky tone, an unexpected smile lights up his face.

_ George II: “ I understand you’re also acquainted with Miss Orta. ”

_ Ay: “ Only Gwen. So what? ”

_ George II: “ Having a common bond and sharing the same trust, you may rest assured that the children will be at peace. Miss Orta did not suggest us for nothing. ”

_ Ay: “ ... “

_ Gwen: " Stop being so defensive all the time. "

_ Ay: " Humph. "

Thinking the debate closed and preparing for a possible farewell, the doctor steps toward us.

_ Ay: " At least let me treat you before you leave. "

_ Georges II: " Are you a doctor? "

_ Ay: " Yes. Is that a problem? "

_ Georges II: " It was just a question… "

_ Gwen: “ Ay: “

_ Ay: " Okay, okay, I heard you. "

_ George II: " Anyway, all the better; come to the village as well in that case, it will be simpler with extra manpower. Besides, it will give you the opportunity to observe the village's operations and security. "

_ Ay: " True that. "

_ Gwen: " We leave at dawn. "

_ George II: " No problem. "

With the gate now wide open, we all step across the threshold, already taken in by the warm atmosphere awaiting us.