Post Praimfaya Chapter 29

The rover rumbled along the desert, while Echo was sitting beside me and Madi in the backseat. For most of the journey, Echo remained mostly silent, lost in her own thoughts. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she broke the silence asking me in a whisper.

"Leon, what's the deal with the girl? Is she really your and Clarke's daughter?"

I was taken aback by Echo's sudden question, since I didn't expected Echo to make some small talk at all and especially not about Madi. Taking a deep breath, I began to explain the complex and unexpected circumstances that led to Madi becoming a part of our lives.

"After Praimfaya, when everything was in ruins, Clarke and I left the bunker from where you guys flew into the skies. After many days, we stumbled upon this forest, where we discovered a village. Once we look around the village and didn't find anyone alive, Clarke and I burned their bodies before installing ourselves here. Then one day, after we had already installed ourselves in the village, we encountered Madi."

I paused for a moment, remembering how Madi attacked us before I continued the story. "At first, Madi saw us as a threat and attacked us. She was alone, scared, and fiercely protective of her home, especially since Clarke and I kind of took over. "

My gaze shifted between the road and Echo as I continued my story. "Even though she managed to injure Clarke, she didn't let that change her decision of taking care of the little girl and so she took it upon herself to become the mother Madi didn't have anymore."

Echo's eyes widened as she heard my words. And while she couldn't believe what she just heard, she still choose to trust me, but not before wanting to be sure of something. "So, Madi is your daughter now, too?

"Yes, exactly. Madi is my daughter, and I will do everything in my power to keep her safe. She's become our family, Echo, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect her."

After that neither Echo nor I continue our discussion, instead, we both choose to stay silent and enjoy the quietness for as long as it will last. A few hours later, we finally reached the outskirts of the forest, where I knew a hidden trench lay covered by fallen trees and leaves. It was a precaution I had taken nearly two years ago, a protective measure to keep the rover safe in case of unforeseen circumstances. I carefully drove the rover into the concealed trench, and as soon as it was inside, the three of us jump out while I covered the entrance, hiding the whole thing.

Once the rover was hidden, we made our way inside the forest and towards the village. Even though Echo and I were far from being friends, she knew better than most of my friends how to act like a hunter in the forest and how quiet one should be. Madi, however, seemed oblivious to the danger that lay ahead.

She had skipped ahead of us, almost as if she was excited to go back to the village, mostly because Clarke and I made her see the forest as her sanctuary, a place of safety and refuge, unaware of the looming threat that approached.

Seeing that, I called out to her before she could get too far ahead of us, "Madi, slow down! "

She turned to me, looking at me as if I was crazy. "But Leon, this is our home. Besides you can fight all of those prisoners and win, no?"

She might be right about that, but to be honest, chances are that both Raven and Murphy might be down there and I'd rather not lose them. Therefore, I approached Madi gently, crouching down to her eye level. "Madi, I need you to understand that things have gotten complicated. You are right, I could, in theory, clear the whole village alone, but chances are some of my friends are there being kept as prisoners and if I start getting rid of the prisoners, they might be killed."

"Does that mean that we will have to sneak our way and save them?"

"Yes, Madi, we need to be cautious and above all invisible. Echo and I will handle the situation, but I need you to trust me and stay hidden. Your safety is our priority."

"You think I'm useless, don't you? That's why you don't want me to come with you! You think I can't help!"

My heart sank at Madi's words. I knelt down again, trying to meet her gaze with sincerity. "Madi, no, that's not true. You are far from useless. In fact, you're one of the strongest people I know. But this situation requires a different kind of strength. It's not about being strong here, but about being as quiet and stealthy as possible. And that's why I need you to stay hidden."

Tears welled up in Madi's eyes, and her voice quivered as she spoke. "But I want to help. I can be quiet too! I can do what you and Echo do!"

I reached out and gently wiped away a tear from her cheek. "I know you can, Madi. You've proven that time and time again. But right now, we need you to stay safe and be our backup plan. You have an important role to play. If Echo and I are discovered, we'll need you to drive the rover to us and get us out of there quickly. You'll be our lifeline."

Madi's eyes widened, and I could see a glimmer of hope amidst her frustration. She sniffled, her voice trembling. "So, I'm not useless?"

I smiled warmly, reassuring her. "No, Madi. You are absolutely not useless."

Madi's expression softened, and she nodded. "Okay, I'll stay hidden and be ready to help if something goes wrong. But promise me you'll be careful."

"Don't worry, I'll keep my radio on the whole time for you to hear what's going on."

With that, Echo and I set off into the forest, leaving Madi hidden in the rover, ready to support us if needed.

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