The Remnant of the Past (GXG)

Chapter 21: The Hideaway

"Hey, wake up." 

I grumbled while the person lying beside me became unbothered by Kalia who is looking like she was in a hurry. I asked her if there was anything wrong and she slowly nodded.

"It's the council, they're putting up a search for the both of you." 

That made me bolt up from the ground. I repeatedly tapped Anne's shoulders to wake her up, but she didn't even bulge. "She never told me that she's a heavy sleeper."

I stood up and grabbed the water jug inside the vehicle. I prompted above Anne's sleeping form with a hideous laugh. However, I am not that kind of a person so I decided to just sprinkle some water on my face.

That finally got Anne in her senses, she immediately sat up and looked blankly at the both of us. She groaned and picked up the mess we had on the ground all night. I helped her fold it and store it back in the vehicle.

"Wait, how did you know that we are under search?" Anne asked Kalia which also made me curious as to why she got the news.

"Um, how do I say this...Both of your faces are on a paper with a big Wanted sign on it."

We unbelievably looked at Kalia. "You can't be serious, we steer clear out of the surveillance cameras..."

Kalia sighed before placing her hand above my shoulder. Anne's eyes instantly went to where Kalia's hand is with a look I can quite tell, she noticed me glaring at her and she quickly took her eyes off us.

"I'm here to help, that's why both of you need to stay back in Jahanel."

"Great, let's go." Anne nonchalantly said that made me furrow my eyebrows behind her head.

"Is she always this grumpy?"

I laughed a little at what Kalia asked. "She's probably not a morning person.

"Well, look at that, you always learn a thing or two," Kalia smirked.

I squinted my eyes at her comment, I feel like I am solving a puzzle for toddlers. Anne turned her head to look at both of us with a scowl before going inside the vehicle. I smiled like an idiot about what was going on between the two. Seriously though, they only met for a day.

Anne started the vehicle's engine and we made our way back to Jahanel.

"Are your people fine with us staying there for a while?" Anne asked.

"I am very sure, you should thank Chantel for that." She directly said to me. 

"How is she?" I finally had the guts to ask.

"Oh, she's fine. She looks much better than yesterday." 

I nodded and mouthed a thank you to Kalia. The road started to get bumpy which only meant that we have already arrived outside their gates. We left the car first while Anne stayed to find a more enclosed place to let the vehicle rest.

"You should meet Chantel, she was asking for you when she first woke up." Kalia pointed a direction before going back outside, probably to talk with Anne.

I walked straight and I can't help to notice the looks everyone is giving me. I decided to ignore it and continued to walk. 

"You see this? You need to avoid this once I took a swing, got it?" I overheard a familiar voice nearby.

I suddenly felt a rush of excitement when I saw Chantel looking alive and well in the broad daylight, but I didn't interrupt what they are doing that seems to be like combat training. Chantel was surrounded by kids but the one kid in particular, whose mother just tried to stab me yesterday, caught my eyes. The kid spotted me and waved her hand in the air, which got Chantel's attention.

Those eyes caught mine that made me walk towards them but she ran and hugged me so tightly. Well, how can I even complain, this hug is what I have been anticipating since we parted. Chantel let me go and stared deeply into my eyes, she rested her forehead against mine that made me close my eyes.

"I am so glad that you came back."

I smiled and held her hand. "As much as I want to continue this talk, the kids are kind of waiting for their instructor."

Chantel smirked before letting go to face the kids around us who looked shocked. "Little Warriors, class dismissed."

The kids squealed and dispersed in their own ways. Some thanked Chantel and some grinned at me playfully. I thought all the kids have gone back to their homes but there was one who was tugging my shirt.

I looked down and saw the same kid from yesterday. I tried my best to act polite, but I won't forget how her mother almost killed me. I bent down to meet her eye level and ruffled her hair.

"Hey, kid. What's up?"

The kid strangely just stared deeply into my eyes before running off. I tilted my head in confusion but decided to let it go, yet I still can't shake the fact that the kid's mother is very suspicious.  

"Are you okay?" 

I nodded towards Chantel but she gave me a look telling me that she was not buying it. Should I even tell her? I am not even sure if Anne was telling the truth that the kid's mother was indeed holding a pocket knife.

"Well then, let's now join the rest of the people for a feast."

A feast? Chantel noticed my questioning look and she took the time while we were walking to talk about this feast they have here in Jahanel. 

"Based on what Kalia has told me, the Jahanel people would like to welcome us as a new member of their family."

That made stopped from walking and Chantel did too. "Are they aware that I and Anne are both...not Remnants and were former scouts?" 

"Have you talked to Kalia about it?"

I shook my head which made Chantel sigh. "Good, we won't tell them then."

I nodded but I still don't feel that their people are somewhat trustworthy. We still know a little about Jahanel and its people, so it may be best to keep the truth among us three only.