Chapter: Finding the Cause.
4 days later...
The village had begun to show signs of recovery. The most seriously ill, who had previously been barely able to move, were now showing remarkable improvements. Their skins had begun to heal, and their strength was slowly returning. The atmosphere in the village was charged with palpable relief and renewed hope.
Lalabel was relieved and grateful to have the support of the system, she was satisfied that the elixir was working. She walked among the huts, watching the males as they began to regain their daily routines. Her husbands, Teru and Yang, accompanied her, their constant and comforting presences at her side.
Lalabel's vision was interrupted by a message of a new mission:
The time has come to investigate the cause of the infection.
Objectives: find the place where the infection originated.
Destroy the contaminated objects or food.
Disinfect the area.
Reward: 50 white crystals, experience, + 40 Nakao favorability.
Lalabel, accepted the mission.
—The elixir has worked better than we expected," said Lalabel, a satisfied smile crossing her face. But now we need to find the cause of this infection. We can't let it happen again.
—You are right, Lalabel," Yang replied, his gaze serious. We must investigate all possible origins.
Nakao, who had been supervising the recovery of the sick, joined them.
Lalabel looked up, noting that Nakao's blue favorability heart was 65 favorability points.
—We have identified some places we could investigate," said Nakao. The food storage sites are our first priority. If the infection came from there, we need to know about it and make sure it is completely clean.
The interior is dark and cool, with sacks of rice and seeds stacked neatly. However, they soon find worrying signs.
—Look at this," says Lalabel, pointing to a sack of rice with small perforations and a dark substance scattered around it. It looks like something has been here.
Nakao walks over and examines the sack more closely.
—Animal feces," he confirms, frowning. This must be what has been contaminating our food.
They continue the inspection and find more sacks in similar condition. Clearly some rodent or small animal has been invading the stores, leaving feces and contaminating the food.
-We have to remove all these contaminated sacks and destroy them," says Lalabel, making a quick decision. Then we will clean this hut thoroughly.
Lao nods in agreement, and together, with the help of several males, they begin to remove the contaminated sacks. The work is hard work and requires a lot of effort, but everyone understands the importance of removing any traces of contamination. The heat and humidity cause sweat to run down their foreheads, but they don't stop until every suspect sack has been removed.
Once the sacks are out, they proceed to burn them in a location away from the village, making sure that no trace of the infection can return.
Handed a pair of latex gloves, Lao,Yang, they return to the warehouse and we start with the cleaning. We use boiled water with disinfectant herbs, scrubbing every surface and corner.
—We can't let this happen again," says Lao, as he vigorously scrubs one of the walls. We have to find a way to better protect the food.
—We can make traps for the animals and reinforce the structures," suggests Lalabel, she explains in detail how to make a rodent trap.
Nakao and Yang pay attention to every word, Lalabel enthusiastically explains, after she finishes her explanation. Nakao ordered about four males to collect the materials.
—I will strengthen the surveillance to make it stricter," Nakao mentioned.
Lalabel nods, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and determination.
After several hours of intense work, the warehouse is finally clean. The feeling of having completed a crucial task gives them a moment of relief and satisfaction.
The system is satisfied with the result, announces delivering the rewards.
The blue favorability heart added +40, it was the first time seeing it happen when it exceeded the level you thought was the maximum. The blue heart changed color, to a pink heart, heart marked +105.
Lalabel looked at the color change and averted her gaze so as not to continue watching Nakao and not to be misinterpreted.
—This should help prevent further infections," said Lalabel, looking at the now gleaming warehouse.
—But we must remain vigilant,
The males, having observed Lalabel and Lao's efforts, are comforted and grateful. They know they are in good hands and that all necessary measures are being taken to protect them.
As the sun begins to set, tinting the sky in shades of orange and purple, Lanabel allows herself a moment to take a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief. Although the road has been arduous, the work together and the shared hope have begun to bear fruit.
As I was on my way to the hut he was waiting for me on the side of the path, in the form of a seated caracal, "I loved seeing Tarish in his caracal form, he was trying to control me." -Tarish, you always surprise me, he smiled.
—We should take a walk outside the village, -suggested Lalabel, then switch to a beautiful black panther.
()()()()()
Pov Tarish
As Lalabel walks towards the hut, I wait for her on the side of the path, in my caracal form. I love seeing her like this, and I try to remain composed, though my heart pounds every time she is near. I sit on the ground, watching her approach with that feline grace that captivates me.
—"Tarish, you always surprise me," Lalabel says with a smile, as her eyes sparkle with a mixture of tenderness and mischief. - "We should take a walk outside the village."
Without waiting for an answer, he changes form before my eyes. Her human figure transforms into a majestic black panther, beautiful and mysterious. Her dark fur shines in the evening light, and her eyes, two sparkling emeralds, invite me to follow her.
We head into the jungle, leaving the hustle and bustle of the village behind. The tranquility of nature envelops us, and the accumulated tension of the last few days begins to dissipate. We walk in silence for a while, enjoying each other's company and the peaceful surroundings.
Transforming back into my human form so I can talk to her face to face. -Lalabel," breaking the silence with her soft but firm voice, "these last few days have made me reflect on many things. -I approach a tree where I had hidden a surprise, "Lalabel, may I be your male? - I show him a beautiful purple flower.
()()()()
pov Lala
Lalabel also returns to her human form so she can speak. -Tarish, I accept you as my partner.
I use the ability to inspect on the flower:
Tulipali flower, it serves to detoxify 3 types of poisons.
— "It looked exactly like a tulip only here it had a slightly different name."
I look at him for a moment longer, then my lips curve into a smile. - "You're a fool, Tarish," he says, but there is warmth in his voice.
We embrace, and all the weariness of the last few days fades in that moment, I hold the flower in my dimensional space.
Tarish's voice is firm, his little caracal ears appear -I was a fool not to recognize you earlier. I couldn't stop thinking about you, and I had a feeling you were here, I knew I had to find you.
—But you were brave to come all this way," he smiled and planted a kiss on Tarish's cheek. Tarish's cheeks flushed quite a bit, pleased to see her reaction.
—Lalabel," says Tarish, taking my hand gently, "I will never stop fighting for us. Your strength and love inspire me to be better every day. I promise I will never let doubt separate us again."
I look at him, and I can see that my words have moved her. -Tarish, I too promise to be more open with you and my other classmates. It's hard for me sometimes, but I know it's worth it.
()()()()()
A week later, the village begins to regain its vitality. During those days, Nakao began to court Lalabel, bringing her gifts: exotic fruits, tender meat, and vibrantly colored flowers. Although Lalabel accepts these gifts out of politeness, she does not feel that special connection that characterizes her relationships with each of her husbands. Noir smells of pine, Teru of cinnamon, Yang of mint, and Liam of coconut. With Nakao, that spark simply doesn't exist.
With the infection problem solved, the village decides to celebrate their recovery with a grand feast. Nakao announces the festivity, to be held the following evening.
—To celebrate that the village has overcome the epidemic, tomorrow night we will hold a banquet," Nakao announces, his voice full of enthusiasm.
After the announcement, Lalabel approaches Nakao and explains how to build drums and a pair of maracas to make the banquet more lively.
—We need drums for the music," says Lalabel, "The rhythm of the drums will make everyone dance and celebrate even more.
—Thank you, Lalabel. We will make the best drums for the occasion," replies Nakao, gratefully.
—I'll come back later to see how they are doing with the drums! -Lalabel says goodbye and turns away. Walking away from Nakao's hut.
()()()()
He returns to his hut...
—There will be a feast tomorrow night to celebrate our overcoming the epidemic," I say as I enter the hut, my voice full of joy.
—That sounds wonderful, Lanabel," Yang replies, a smile on her lips. What do you have in mind?
—I want to teach them to drum dance with me," she announces, feeling the excitement bubble up inside me. It will be fun and make the celebration even more special.
My husbands' faces light up with anticipation. I approach each of them, taking their hands and leading them to the center of the hut where there is plenty of room to move around.
—First, let's learn the rhythm," I say, marking the beat with my palms. Listen to the rhythm of the drums in your minds and let your bodies follow it.
I begin to move to the rhythm I imagine, showing how the steps should be fluid and in tune with the pulse of the drums. Noir follows me gracefully, his natural elegance making him an excellent dancer. Yang, with his lively energy, moves with enthusiasm, while Teru, always calm and composed, follows my movements with a concentrated calm. Liam, with his combined strength and gentleness, adapts his steps with ease, and Tarish, with his feline agility, joins us, completing the circle.
—That's right, very good," I encourage them, smiling. Now, let's do it together.
We spend time practicing, laughing and adjusting our steps until we all move in harmony. The connection between us grows even stronger, and I feel immense gratitude for having these amazing people by my side.
—By the way, after the banquet, I'd like to mate with you Liam," I add, looking at them mischievously. It will be our time to enjoy and relax together.
Liam's smile widens with excitement at the good news that he will be mating with Lala.
The night progresses, and we finally stop, laughing and breathing hard from the intense practice. We sit together, sharing stories and dreams, the light from the lamps creating dancing shadows around us.
—Thank you for this moment, Lalabel," Teru says, her voice soft and full of love. It means so much to us.
—I couldn't have done it without you, my loves," I reply, feeling my heart full.
to be continued...