When we reach the village, Noir announces our arrival with a high-pitched, powerful screech, echoing in the cool morning air. We descend gracefully, and I climb down from Noir's back, grateful for the firmness of the ground beneath my feet. In the distance, I see Nakao and the healer Lao, who apparently has recently arrived and will join me in treating the epidemic.
—Long time no see, Lalabel! -greets Lao with a warm smile and bright eyes. On my way here, I came across a stray cat.
—I think it's yours! -Lao lifts the caracal by its fur, and my heart leaps with surprise and joy as I recognize Tarish.
I welcome him into my arms, feeling his warm body and the vibrating purr he emits when he sees me.
—Tarish! -he exclaimed, gently stroking his fur. I was so worried about you.
Tarish looks up at me with his big green eyes and snuggles into my embrace, as if he knows he is safe again. I feel relieved and happy, as if a part of me has returned.
— "The good thing about being young," "if only I were about thirty years younger." -I clear my throat and push those thoughts away.
—Thank you, Lao. -I tell him gratefully.
—I'm glad I could help," Lao replies, smiling. Now, we have work to do.
We make our way to the nearby hut where medicine is stored, with Tarish snuggled in my arms and Noir walking beside me. The hut is filled with herbs, pots and healing tools. Sunlight streams in through the slits, illuminating the space with a warm glow.
—Lao, let's discuss how to process each material to prepare the elixir," I say, placing Tarish on the floor.
—Of course, Lalabel. Let's start with the blue lilies you found last night," Lao replies, pulling out his equipment and beginning to prepare a work area.
We sit around a wooden table, and the scent of dried herbs and fresh flowers surrounds us. We begin to discuss in detail each necessary step, sharing knowledge and techniques as medical colleagues.
—Noir held the caracal in his hand and they left the hut.
()()()()()()
Noir takes Tarish where he was staying with the other companions of Lala ....
—Tarish, weren't you with Orus taking care of the village? -asked Yang surprised when he recognized him.
Tarish transforms into his human form, -I left the village shortly after you left Yang, I felt that my destiny was at Lala's side. - explaining this strange connection with Lala.
—I have watched you since you were a cub, your hearing is the best of everyone here, that quality of yours can be very helpful in keeping Lala safe, I have no problem with accepting you. - Noir expressed his serious and fair opinion.
—I agree, too, to accept Tarish if Lala is happy with him, Teru commented in acceptance of Tarish.
—I agree that you are a male of Lala, if she is happy and accepts you, I am sure Orus raised you well, -Yang gave a favorable opinion about Tarish.
—I want you to take my observation into account, but Lala likes beasts with nice fluffy fur," Teru brought up a new topic.
The five males present chimed in on the discovery Teru had made, about some preferences Lalabel might have.
—Do you have any proof? —Yang asked curiously.
—The cubs Roxy had were cute and have fluffy fur, Lala seemed to like them a lot, the second proof is...-pointing to Tarish with her finger, -this male in his beast form, Lala considers him cute.
—From now on we must keep away any males that look fluffy or cute away from Lala. -Noir ordered with seriousness on the subject.
—I agree that Liam and Tarish, should also be paired with Lala, -Noir commented his support towards Lala's next males.
—I didn't like the idea, that I brought Liam in at first but finally I accepted it,- mentioned Yang leaving his appreciation.
—I declared myself in a hurry because I didn't want to lose the opportunity to be accepted by Lala and when I was worried that she was going to leave my village. -Liam giving an explanation.
()()()()
Hours pass as we work meticulously to combine the ingredients. The tension and concentration are palpable, but there is also a feeling of hope in the air. Lao and I move with precision and care, mixing and grinding, making sure each step is done correctly.
—This elixir has to be perfect," I say, as I add a final touch to the mixture. We can't afford any mistakes.
—It will be, Lalabel. We are doing a good job," Lao replies, his voice calm and confident.
Just then, my stomach growls loudly, reminding me that I haven't had breakfast. I laugh softly, feeling a little embarrassed.
—I look like I need a break. Let's have lunch," I suggest, smiling at Lao.
—Good idea. We need to keep our strength up," says Lao, nodding.
We head to the hut where my husbands are already waiting. The hut is filled with a cozy atmosphere, with the aroma of delicious food wafting in the air. Teru has prepared a stew with fresh vegetables and chunks of meat, and the smell of ginger is comforting.
—Just in time for lunch," Yang says, serving generous portions. They need to eat to keep their energy up.
We sit together, and the food is both a relief and a delight. We chat and laugh, enjoying this moment of pause in the midst of the constant struggle with illness. I feel deep gratitude for my husbands and our friends, for the community working together to overcome these challenges.
After lunch, I feel revitalized and ready to continue our crucial task. We return to the hut where we have been working on the elixir. Lao and I go over each final step with precision, making sure everything is in place. The bright, aromatic mixture is carefully poured into small containers, ready to be administered to the most seriously ill.
At that moment my vision is interrupted by a system message announcing:
Congratulations!
You have created the first antibiotic on the continent of beasts.
This antibiotic can have 4 more variants, depending on the ingredient it combines with.
A second system prompt appears:
Congratulations!
Acquired title:
The healer who follows God's will.
—It's time to see if our work will bear fruit," I say, taking a container full of the elixir.
—I'm sure it will, Lanabel," Lao replies, his voice full of confidence. We have done all we can.
I take out of my dimensional space, two pairs of latex gloves and hand her a pair of latex gloves, I show Lao how to put them on. We head to the hut where the most seriously ill are. Sunlight pours through the openings, illuminating the tired and hopeful faces of those who have been fighting the disease. Nakao stands at the entrance to the hut, carefully supervising.
—We are ready to begin," I tell Nakao, showing the containers.
—Go ahead, Lalabel. We trust you," Nakao replies, his gaze full of determination.
Lao and I begin to administer the elixir to the sick, making sure that each one receives the right amount. The sick drink slowly, some with the help of family members. I look at each face hopefully, searching for signs of improvement.
-Feel this. It's like a warmth running through my body," says one of the sick, his voice weak but full of surprise.
—That's a good sign. The elixir is working," I reply, smiling with relief.
Little by little, I see that the bodies of the sick begin to accept the elixir properly. Their breaths become easier, their expressions soften. Hope fills the hut, a palpable feeling that we are on the right path.
—It will only be a matter of days before we see significant improvement," I tell Nakao. We must continue with the treatments and make sure that all the sick receive the elixir regularly.
By the time we finished giving the last sick person his dose of elixir it was getting dark, Lao and I left the sick to rest and left the hut.
We removed the gloves from our hands, walked back to my hut where I was staying.
Upon arrival I was greeted by my husbands, went to the second room of the hut to change my dress and throw myself on the straw bed, feeling the exhaustion in every fiber of my being, but also a deep sense of satisfaction. We know there is still a way to go, but today we have taken a significant step towards the recovery of the Ara macao village. I yawn and close my eyes and slowly fall into a deep sleep.