From the Vast

Chapter 29: Thirteen

"Let us begin."

The three words echoed through the tent, forcing all that had heard them to let go of any external distractions for however long all this was going to take. No matter how derisive anyone here was of either the human or the need for this entire procedure, they knew how important this discussion would be.

Because of the precedent.

Because of the impact it would have on their future.

Because of an innocent life being on the line.

"Let me restate the purpose we are gathered here for: to discuss what we should do with Anne, the human in our midst, and vote on a specific plan of action. Does everyone present agree with that purpose."

Ana's flat, grinding voice continued, delivering more words nobody could deny, but which most flinched at. One after the other, all thirteen participants nodded, silently or otherwise. No room or reason to delay.

"Perfect. In that case, I ask for the events that led us here to be restated, so that everyone may have access to the same information."

Aria lifted her hand before the Torkoal was even done—the only one to do so. Her eyes swept around the room as she gathered words, trying to get a feel of how others felt about it. Many of them avoided looking at her, or at the injured child beside her.

Don't look away from the consequences, you cowards.

"Proceed, Aria."

The Gardevoir's arm shook as it caressed Anne's side, the sudden silence only making her huddle closer to her guardian. Unfortunately, she had to stop that affection for just a moment as she slid forward to speak up, reaching to hold the girl's hand instead, poking out of the blanket.

"^Three days ago, Anne attempted to escape from her human family, after having been abused by them for Moons, if not years. It resulted in her suffering an accident in the nearby woods, and afterwards she was found, grievously injured, in the ravine east of our village. Afterwards, Sprout had rescued her, and moved her over to our clinic.^"

A motion in the corner of Aria's eye caught her attention. Celia looking not at her, not at Anne, but away and at the floor, still obscuring her mouth.

"Sprout, can you vouch for Aria's words?"

"Yep I can, Elder Ana."

"Proceed as you were."

"^After she woke up, I and others talked to her for the next few days. She is approximately the same mental age as Cadence, withdrawn, and enjoys drawing. Most crucially for our proceedings, however, she has no human family to come back to—none she would be safe with. In addition, she used to be long-time friends with Ember, but thanks to Cinder's involvement, Ember didn't remember that until Marco and Autumn helped her uncover her memories.^"

Aria's free hand shook, clenched into a fist, as she tried her hardest to maintain flat neutrality during her recollection.

"Marco, can you vouch for Aria's words?"

An uncomfortably long moment of silence before the Gallade caught onto the words being said, eyes darting as if snapped out of deep thought.

"Yes, I can, Elder Ana."

"Proceed as you were."

"^I believe that was everything that needed to be said about Anne's past for the time being, Elder Ana.^"

A brief look from the Torkoal, discarded right away.

"Very well. Let us proceed into the discussion of what should be done—"