Bab 24: Ethan's unexpected encounter II
Gabi's hands instinctively flew to her cheeks, her eyes widening in disbelief as the force of Ethan's slap sent a shockwave through her body. The stinging pain radiated from her reddened skin, leaving her momentarily paralyzed with surprise.
Her gaze fixed on Ethan, fury ignited within her, fueling her next words. "How dare you..." she began, her voice trembling with a mixture of anger and hurt.
But before she could finish her sentence, Ethan swiftly struck again, his palm connecting with her cheek in a resounding impact. Gabi staggered backward, her eyes widening in shock as the force of the blow sent her reeling.
Time seemed to stand still as Ethan's hand struck once more, the sound of the slap echoing through the air. Gabi's body crumpled to the ground, her cheeks inflamed with pain, her face etched with a mix of shock and disbelief.
Ethan stood there, his expression seemingly unchanged by the violence he had unleashed. His voice remained calm as he muttered, "Ah, sorry, I got carried away." He turned his back to her, his demeanor composed and indifferent. "Just call off your men. I really don't like stress," he stated, his words carrying a touch of indifference.
With those final words, Ethan walked away, leaving Gabi lying on the ground, her cheek throbbing with agony. She watched him retreat, her mind swirling with a whirlwind of emotions—anger, confusion, and a newfound realization of her own vulnerability.
As the echoes of their encounter faded, Gabi found herself torn between the desire to retaliate and the understanding that violence would only perpetuate the cycle of pain.
Slowly, she pushed herself up from the ground, her cheeks still burning with the remnants of Ethan's strikes. A mixture of anger, humiliation, and a newfound clarity propelled her forward.
Gabi stepped out of the forest, her mind still reeling from the intense encounter with Ethan. The events played on a loop in her head, each moment etched vividly in her memory. She scanned her surroundings, her eyes darting from one point to another, searching for any sign of Ethan's presence.
Just as she was lost in her thoughts, her name pierced through the air, drawing her attention. It was Quin, seated on a log near the crackling fire, his voice filled with concern. "Gabi! What's wrong? Where are the sticks you went to fetch?" His brows furrowed with confusion as he awaited her response.
Gabi quickly snapped out of her reverie, realizing she had forgotten the purpose of her departure. She forced a smile, hoping to hide the turmoil churning within her. "Oh, sorry," she replied, her voice laced with a touch of embarrassment. "I couldn't find any," she admitted, taking a step closer to Quin.
Her attempt to appear composed masked the inner storm of emotions still raging within her. As she joined Quin near the fire, she couldn't help but wonder about the significance of the encounter with Ethan.
Questions swirled in her mind, challenging
her convictions.
Aiko rummaged through her bags near the carriages, searching for the bowls needed to serve everyone their meals. With bowls in hand, she stepped out of the carriage, only to be taken aback by the unexpected sight of Ethan standing before her.
"E-than? What are you doing here?" Aiko asked, a nervous smile playing on her lips as she spoke.
Ethan met her gaze with a calm and composed expression. "I need you to do me a favor if that's alright," he responded, his voice carrying a sense of purpose.
"A favor? What's that?" Aiko inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"Before we start eating, could you gather everyone together to sing a song?" Ethan's request was met with a hint of bewilderment in Aiko's eyes.
"You want us to sing?" Aiko sought clarification, her voice tinged with surprise.
"Yes, but that's not all," Ethan replied, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes. He raised a finger, adopting a slightly comedic stance. "After the meal, I think it would be wonderful if you and Gabi could sing the song together," he added, his tone carrying a note of anticipation.
Aiko paused, contemplating Ethan's unusual request. The idea of everyone singing together held a certain charm, fostering a sense of unity and joy.
However, the mention of Gabi's involvement stirred mixed emotions within her. She weighed the significance of the moment against her reservations.
A warm smile spread across Aiko's face as she nodded in agreement. "Alright, Ethan. I'll gather everyone, and we'll sing together. And as for singing with Gabi… I don't… okay I'll try, why do you want to do this though?," She asked, her voice filled with determination and curiosity.
Ethan's expression softened, a flicker of appreciation shining in his eyes. "It's tradition where I come from, the other heroes don't like me very much so they won't do it if I asked, thank you, Aiko." He replied, his voice holding a hint of gratitude.
...
[Flashback ends]
"Gabi! Hang in there!" Quin's voice reverberated through the chaos, filled with urgency and concern. He cradled Gabi in his arms, her trembling body wracked with pain, burns marring her skin. The intensity of the situation gripped him, fueling a mix of rage and confusion.
Bali, his face contorted with a potent blend of anger and doubt, glanced at the scene before him. He clutched his spear tightly, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. A torrent of thoughts cascaded through his mind, questioning the choices he had made. "Shit, did I make a mistake following these two?" he wondered, his inner turmoil threatening to consume him.
Struggling to find her voice amidst the agony, Gabi managed to utter her words, her voice strained and weak. "H-he... did it..." she gasped, her finger trembling as she pointed toward the distant horizon, where the white fogs loomed. Even through the haze, Ethan's figure stood resolute and unaffected, an eerie calmness radiating from him amidst the turmoil.
Ethan's gaze shifted gradually, his eyes meeting Quin's furious stare. There was a tense silence that hung in the air, charged with unspoken emotions.
Quin's anger radiated from him, his gaze a reflection of the betrayal he felt in that moment. His entire being seemed to burn with a fierce determination to protect Gabi and seek justice.
Meanwhile, Gabi fought to maintain her composure, her body trembling with pain and anguish. She mustered every ounce of strength within her, refusing to let her torment break her spirit. Her eyes locked onto Ethan, a mix of fear, disbelief, and defiance dancing within their depths.
Hadiah
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