Chapter 17: You are no longer alone.

''Who do I see there? Beauty and the Beast? '' He said mockingly.

He was accompanied by some shady guy. There were six in total, Michael understood.

"What are you doing here? '' asked Carole.

Like last time, I could sense fear in his voice and in his gaze. Just the sight of Michael made her feel so uncomfortable.

''Don't get in this state, I just came to attend the sports festival that's all. I also invited some friends. ''

I had a bad feeling.

"But don't worry Carole, today I didn't come to see you. I have some things to clear up with the guy next to you. ''

They started to come closer to us. I could sense bad intentions emanating from them. My eyes did not deceive me, Michael had also plunged into darkness. He could no longer even hide the resentment that animated him.

The situation was tense and Carole's psychological state was only getting worse.

''Come on guys, have fun but be careful, this guy knows how to fight. ''

Michael having given the order to attack, they all rushed at me and began peppering me with blows. I did what I could to defend myself, but faced with so many people, it was no surprise that I found myself in great difficulty. The chances of me getting out of it were minimal or even zero.

"So Carole, you're not going to defend your boyfriend? Are you going to let him get slaughtered? ''

I continued to receive blows and I also gave them when I had the opportunity. Seen from the outside, a slight balance seemed to have been established. But knowing my abilities, I wasn't going to be able to last much longer.

Furthermore, Carole's mental state worried me more than my own fate. Michael scared him, that was obvious...

During a moment of inattention, I took a blow to the face and fell to the ground.

Seeing my state, Carole let a few tears flow. His hands were shaking faster and faster. Panicked, she took small steps back, then fled.

''Hahahaha, are you running away? ''

Seeing her reaction, Michael could only laugh. He then turned to me.

"So David, we're finally alone, you and I, we're going to have a lot of fun. ''

A smile of satisfaction appeared on his face. I didn't have time to get up before they threw themselves at me again.

''You're still alone, right? Where have your friends gone? ''

The rabbit in my head took this opportunity to speak to me.

''You're pitiful. All because you wanted to help this girl. However, I warned you that opening up to the outside world would be dangerous for you. I hope this situation will serve as a lesson to you. You will at least have understood how crazy this world is and that solitude is your salvation. ''

While I was being beaten up by Michael's gang, I saw him looking at me with his vile smile. I couldn't deny it, in a way he wasn't wrong.

''Guys it's okay, I know it's a cool toy but you shouldn't break it anyway. ''

Said Michael.

He then came closer to me and spoke to one of his companions.

''Hey, give me the knife I'll stick it right here and end this once and for all. ''

Apparently, putting myself in this state wasn't enough. He must really hate me. Even these companions seemed to be surprised by his sudden request.

''What are you sure? There might be cameras around, we should be content with what we just did to him. ''

''Hey man, since when do you discuss my orders? Look me in the eyes. Do I look like I'm doubting myself? ''

Faced with Michael's dark gaze, he could only comply with his demands.

"No, sorry…"

''Then hand me the knife damn it! ''

Michael grabbed the knife from his companion's arms and approached me with a sadistic smile.

''Hey man, I told you we weren't going to stop there, right? I hope you're ready, it's going to hurt...''

Lying on the ground, I don't say a word. I had sort of accepted the situation. It was my fault anyway, I was only reaping what I sowed.

''You don't really think about it, do you Michael?! ''

A sudden voice came from behind me. I turned around and saw them.

"The ultra supporters team comes to the rescue! '' Said Adrien.

Adrien, Myriam, Carole, Konny, Morelle, they were all there. Seeing them arrive like this, with the sports banner of one of the university's branches, I felt relieved. It was as if all my fears and doubts had disappeared.

Michael and his gang started to move back, putting some distance between them and me.

Konny came closer to me and helped me up.

''David, are you okay? '' Carole asked me.

She was worried.

'' How are you... ''

I said in a muffled voice.

Carole hugged me and let go of a few tears. His hands were still shaking. Despite her fear, she kept her composure and went to get help.

"I beg your pardon, this is all my fault. "Just the sound of her voice made me realize how much she really worried about me.

"It's nothing…"

''Hey Michael, who are these guys? '' Asked one of his companions.

''Nothing, just old acquaintances. ''

Michael seemed to be irritated by the presence of Carole's friends. From what I knew, they were friends before but it all ended badly.

"So, what do we do? Do we take care of them too? ''

Said another of Michael's henchmen, advancing with confident steps. He was suddenly stopped by Myriam.

''If I were you, I wouldn't even think about it! '' Said Myriam in a loud voice.

She took a few steps forward and faced them. Was it courage or stupidity? In any case, it didn't seem like I was bluffing.

"Who is this girl? Do you think you're scaring us? '' Said one of the members of his gang.

Not heeding the warnings of this frail-bodied girl, he moved closer to her. At that moment, I thought Myriam would back down, but that wasn't the case. His self-confidence and determination do not waver.

''If I were you, I wouldn't go near her. ''

Michael warned his companion and urged him to turn around.

'' Eh ? For what ? '' he asked looking confused.

Myriam took a step closer and showed a cold smile. The man in front of her seemed to lose his composure when he saw the look on her face.

''Another piece of advice, you better listen to your boss. He is well placed to know what I am capable of. ''

She continued on her way.

"Then I would like to warn you. I had time to remember each of your faces. It will be easier for me to make wooden dolls in your image. ''

Michael's face tightened. His anger turned into fear.

''Dolls? Why do it? ''

"Guess…"

She said, letting out a little laugh.

''Forget it guys. We're getting out of here. ''

Michael clicked his tongue and urged the others to follow him.

I watched him go until I could no longer see their backs. It all seemed to be far behind me now.

"Phew! Fortunately they left, otherwise we were all going to be there. ''

Said Adrien.

"Speak for yourself, I take them all. ''

Said Konny who seemed not to be of the same opinion as Adrien.

"Nevertheless, all the honors go to Myriam. ''

Morelle was aware of the courage it took to act in this way and did not hesitate to congratulate Myriam.

"It was nothing, I just used a little diplomacy. On the other hand, I am not against thanks. ''

"Congratulations Myriam! ''

The others continued to compliment her. Myriam seemed to be enjoying herself.

I then turned my head to the left and saw the rabbit in my head. We looked at each other for a few seconds, then he disappeared without saying a word.

I now turned to Carole and her friends who continued to congratulate Myriam. He was a big help to me today. I had to thank them.

''Guys, I would like to have your attention. ''

When they heard me, they stopped everything and started looking at me. I would strongly my chest, then I spoke.

"I wanted to thank you for today. Without you arriving, I don't know what could have happened. I also thank you for this day, for the pat on my back, for the moments of encouragement I was able to witness with you. To tell the truth, it's a bit thanks to you that I wasn't bored today. So, thank you very much. ''

It was simple and shaky but I was at least able to empty my bag. I felt relieved.

Today, lots of unexpected events happened. Both serious and insignificant things. Each of them made a change in me. I was starting to believe in the power of the heart and I wanted to give myself a chance. With a little effort, maybe I could change and see the world differently.

If I continue to share the same journey with her, perhaps her joy of life will rub off on me. After all, she was the trigger. It's only because I met him that I can see the light.

"You know, actions speak louder than words. ''

Said Adrien with a smile.

They all held out their arms to me with smiles. Without asking myself any questions, I walked towards them and they took me in their arms.

It was a very warm moment.

End of chapter.