The Protectors

Chapter 17 - Awareness

In the days that followed, Emile found himself spending most of his time with Lola. He took refuge in her tent as he slowly recovered from his severe injuries. Remarkably, he was now able to move around without any assistance. Meanwhile, Alex, Luna, and Max were all forbidden from participating in training sessions. Instead, they were assigned various chores around the camp as a form of punishment by Victor. Emile would either have to join them in their tasks or find a way to catch up on his training once he was in a better physical condition.

The group had noticed that Izumi had been absent for most of the past week. Ever since the incident involving Gabrielle, she had been keeping close to Victor and embarking on solo missions. It was peculiar, but Emile understood that she was working diligently behind the scenes to uncover the truth of what had transpired. The rest of the protectors' training had intensified since they were not currently on active duty. However, those assigned to guard duty were still in the field, as the government insisted on maintaining an invisible layer of protection.

On this particular day, there was quite a buzz among the protectors. Marvin and Jacob had successfully captured an aware that had been spotted just a few hours away. The news spread like wildfire throughout the camp, becoming the topic of conversation for everyone. Lola hurriedly entered her tent to inform Emile about the development. "I wanted to let you know that they've brought in an aware. Victor has called me for interrogation," she said, her voice filled with excitement and caution. Emile's concern immediately kicked in as he wondered if it was the same aware that had nearly taken his life. "Listen, if it has red armor, that's the one that almost killed me," he warned Lola. She nodded in understanding and reassured him, "I'll find out everything I can. Don't worry, I'll be safe." Emile bid her farewell, urging her to take care, and she left the tent. Slowly, he stepped out and noticed a gathering of protectors nearby. It seemed like everyone had gathered, with nothing else to do at the moment. Luna and Sonya caught his eye, and he joined them, curious about the commotion. "What's happening?" he asked, startling both of them. However, their surprise quickly turned into joy upon seeing Emile up and about. Luna couldn't contain her excitement and immediately embraced him in a tight hug. "Look who's up and walking! It's so good to see you smile," she exclaimed. Although Emile appreciated the gesture, the pressure from Luna's hug caused him slight discomfort. He then proceeded to hug Sonya as well. "So, what's the fuss all about?" he inquired once again. Sonya pointed towards a figure being carried by Jacob and Marvin, and Emile's heart sank as he realized it had red armor. The aware appeared unconscious, unlike the one that had attacked him. Alex joined the group, offering some relief. "It's a different one. The one we encountered had a scar under its eye," he explained. Emile felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Where's Izumi?" he asked, scanning the area. Alex quickly responded, "She's near the main tent. I can see her." Emile wasted no time in giving Alex a clear instruction. "Go and listen. I need to know everything that's being said in that tent," he commanded. Alex understood the importance of the task and headed towards the main tent to gather

Emile suggested to Luna, "Let's grab a coffee, Sonya, you too. We're just waiting around." He felt like he hadn't seen her in days. Meanwhile, Alex watched from a distance behind the main tent, keeping a close eye on everything. Marvin, Jacob, Izumi, Lola, Reece, and Victor were all gathered. "I'm convinced it was scouting the area, looking for our camp, Victor," Marvin insisted. "But why would it do that? You found it two hours away. You were just lucky," Reece countered. "Doesn't it make more sense, Victor? This is the protector's main headquarters. Why would a lone ashenclaw put itself in danger?" Reece pressed on, making Victor visibly uncomfortable. Izumi, who had been observant lately, noticed the tension. "How did you capture it without any injuries?" Lola inquired. "It heals. Marvin shot it with steel bullets, but they just popped out. I even killed it once, but it healed. It's pretending to be dead right now, thinking we're fools," Jacob explained, his voice filled with adrenaline. "Am I surrounded by lunatics?" Reece exclaimed. "A healing ashenclaw? One with power? And a Z rank entertaining this, Victor?" Reece continued to question Victor's decisions, while Izumi remained silent, observing everything.