✔ Far Cry | JJK x OC

Chapter 76 // Facing ghosts

"You found it?"

Ella asked once Leah and Jungkook entered the clinic. It was already night and while the staff and patients were busy with dinner time, Ella had been waiting with Aaden, who also got up from the chairs lining the waiting room wall.

Leah waved a few yellow bubblish mushrooms, "Yup, all good."

"Well," Ella sighed, "good." She extended her hands to receive the mushrooms and confirm they were the right ones before nodding, "Are you sure you want to do this now? Since Citra is no longer around, I'll have to do it instead."

Leah's eyebrows twitched, "I wouldn't want to do it with her anyway." Her voice was harsher than she meant it and glancing at Aaden, she regretted it, "No offense."

He shrugged, "None taken."

"Citra left?" Jungkook asked, surprise crossing his features.

"Yeah, she left yesterday, after Leah woke up," Aaden voiced, scratching his chin.

"I can't be the only one who thinks that's weird," Ella voiced, then raised an eyebrow. "This is the place to be right now."

"She's been away from the temple too long," Aaden sighed. They were discussing this just now.

"And whose fault is that?" Ella insisted before turning to the two confused newcomers. "The temple is the highest place of order and command of the Rakyat — normally. But nowadays? That's not the case. Amanaki is the power stronghold of the tribe. Don't deny it," she said pointedly before Aaden could open his mouth. "Amanaki is the biggest standing town, with the most infrastructure and people. And if that wasn't enough to give Ethan leverage, he has Aaden and Jungkook."

"Me?"

"The face of the movement," Aaden explained quietly and Ella nodded.

"And Aaden, the warrior leader of Omani, possibly the strongest and most experienced group of warriors the Rakyat have at this moment." She looked at Leah, who gave her a subtle nod. "That's why Citra's been here for so long — because despite being annoyed by it, Amanaki is where the decisions are made and if she's not here, she won't be heard."

"So why leave now?" Leah asked.

"Why indeed," Ella agreed, glancing at Aaden.

"You're overthinking, she has her tasks as a spiritual leader as well," he shrugged and turned to Leah. "Are you sure you don't want to sleep and try this in the morning? It will be taxing on you physically."

Leah rolled her eyes, "It's just a trip."

"It will be more intense than that," he pointed out, noticing Jungkook shifting his weight from one leg to another. Aaden wondered why he wasn't voicing his mind too but figured they probably had already discussed it.

"I can sleep after, I want to do it tonight."

Ella sighed but agreed, "Fine. I'll get you an empty room so we can get started. Eat something. Will you witness?"

Aaden nodded, "Yeah, and Jungkook."

"Witness?" Leah asked.

"Rakyat ceremonies are public events. The goddess manifests herself through the energy of her people," Ella waved her hand as if there was a lot of lore she wasn't going to waste time on. "Regardless, it's best if it's not just me."

"I'll be there," Jungkook said, tone and eyes unshakable.

Ella agreed and left, Aaden excused himself to go home and come back, and Jungkook grabbed Leah's hand, "Come. Let's eat. And you haven't seen Jin yet."