The two police cars stopped a few steps away from Trugoy and Jeff, the sound of the engines shutting off echoing in the silence of the woods. The doors opened, and two officers, in blue uniforms with shiny badges, stepped out with serious and determined expressions.

"Stop! What are you doing here?" Despite their unrecognizable hiding spot, one of the officers noticed them approaching with a steady stride. The other, taller and more muscular, took a defensive stance, scrutinizing the two with suspicion.

Trugoy, with Jeff still on his shoulders, tried to remain calm. "We're just exploring, gentlemen. There's nothing to worry about," he replied, trying to sound convincing.

"Exploring, huh?" the officer retorted, crossing his arms. "We received a report from an old man, and we found a corpse. We need your documents."

Jeff, sensing the threatening tone, clung tighter to Trugoy's shoulders. "Trugoy, what do we do?" he whispered, his voice trembling.

The Village Chief realized that the situation was rapidly deteriorating. "Little one, it seems obvious... We can't get caught," he said, trying to maintain a reassuring tone.

Trugoy took a step back, ready to run at lightning speed. "Hey! You don't think you're moving, guy in a costume! Don't move!" the officer ordered, stepping closer.

With a quick movement, the Village Chief turned and began to run, Jeff still on his back.

"Stop!" shouted the officer, but Trugoy didn't stop. His feet pounded the ground, and little Jeff clung with all his might, laughing in a rather silly way. In his mind, this escape wasn't so bad. It was fun.

The two police cars started moving, their headlights illuminating the path. "Little one, can you see a hiding spot? If we take them to our village, it's the end!" Trugoy exclaimed as he ran through the trees, trying to gain ground.

"Towards that bush!" Jeff pointed, and the Village Chief headed for a dense group of shrubs. They hid inside as the police cars passed by them.

"Little one. Now we have to stay alert. As soon as they're out of our line of sight, we need to head back to base."

Jeff, with sad eyes, said: "It's my fault. If my friends and I hadn't taken Grandpa's map, none of this would have happened..." The Village Chief, reluctantly, replied: "You're right, little one. It's our fault..." Confused, Jeff flinched: "... Our...?" "Yeah... you took the map, you reached our land. ... But I was too careless. I let my guard down. And then..." Trugoy didn't finish the sentence. "Then...?" Jeff whispered, wide-eyed. "I should have figured it out sooner. I'm ashamed of this..." The Village Chief could no longer maintain eye contact and looked away. After a few seconds, his eyes met those of the human. "We'll talk about it later..." he concluded. "Nooo, wait! You can't leave me hanging like this!" Jeff replied. Trugoy, trying to keep his voice low, chuckled mockingly. Scratching his forehead, the fish-man announced: "The important thing is that you feel better now, kid. Let's go back to your friends, okay?"

<Chapter 26 will be revealed on 02/10/25>