The Life I Gained From Dying

Chapter 52 - Majority Decision

"... Are you sure about this?" Jayson questioned.

"About what exactly? Mai replied as she led Jayson downstream.

"Didn't they say you're a diver? I'm sure they're gonna need you here."

"There's fourteen of us divers. They should be able to carry on with business as usual without me. Besides, I think there would be some benefits to having me as a member of your party."

"Like?"

"Well, for starters, it's quite obvious that none of the elders can leave the village at this time. It would only cause unrest in the village. The elders provide security for everyone with them just being around. That's where I come in as the next best option to represent the village if we're going to be traveling to Ventus. My family's name, 'Aira', is well known across the lands, and it would provide validity for our group as well as confirm our attachment to Aestus. You and Kaden can't exactly do that even if you both possess water essence."

"You hold yourself very highly." Jayson said snarkily.

"It's the opposite, actually." Mai replied sternly. "As things are currently, I don't think I'm worthy to have such a name, but I strive to be one day. That's another reason why I want to do this. It's the perfect opportunity for me to show that I'm capable of taking on tasks like this."

"... Sounds like that name brings some serious expectations."

"Naturally. But the last reason why I want to do this is because I simply want to help. You remind me a lot of myself. I can tell that you're a genuinely good person who just wants to help in any way they can, but you shouldn't take on stuff like this alone. You need to rely on others, especially when you have good people around you who are willing to help."

"... Yeah, you're right." Jayson replied happily.

Mai proceeded to lead Jayson to a small camp just outside of the village's main construction area where Avery and the others were living temporarily. Upon seeing their weakened older brother, Sayu and Nakayla immediately ran over and hugged Jayson with large bright smiles engraved onto their faces.

"Thank you all for staying safe." Jayson said as he hugged the two girls.

"Bluejay." Called Avery as she and Shaedon approached wearing frowns instead of smiles. "Make this the last time you make me worry about you like this! You're lucky I was panicking back when the lake fell, because if I were calm, I would've slapped the life essence out of you! How'd you expect to get out of there once the water fell!?"

"Heh, I didn't think that far ahead."

"I should strangle you!" Avery exclaimed as she placed her hands around Jayson's neck.

However, she then stepped forward, allowing both of her arms to wrap around Jayson to embrace him with a tight hug of her own.

"You're still the same, Avery." Jayson said softly.

That comment caught Avery off guard for a momenr, as she knew he was referencing her behavior now was similar to how they were as kids. She quickly released him and stepped back without saying anything.

"Are you mad at me too, Shaedon?"

"No. But about Camie..."

Shaedon struggled to find the words that he wanted to express before Tanner and Mano eventually crept their way into the group. Both boys displayed looks of sorrow, regret, and fear.

"Jay, we... I... we didn't - "

As Tanner stumbled his way through his thought process, Jayson leaned over and hugged the two boys as well.