Jamal was in an open field, finishing a training session by holding a deep dark red ball of flames. It was extremely large, around a solid thirty feet in at least diameter, as the man stayed focused. Turns out traveling towards that port city wasn't as long as it had been the last time, as this time around only took them around two weeks, as well as the additional week spent recuperating and avoiding sections of the army. At least this section that they were at was most barren, as they were still around one to two days away from reaching the town, according to the map found in the carr.
Despite all this, training for Jamal was his number one priority as he engulfed himself in flames. The large ball began to grow rapidly with power, although Jamal managed to hold it tight to stop it from expanding. From there, he began to slowly push it together, as if to condense it, which was his goal. Turns out he could train himself against similar attacks against Youden, by using his own.
Still deep in focus, the fireball was now about the size of a bookstand, although it was getting harder to close up. Jamal could feel himself obtaining more power, as slowly the ball shrunk to the size of a small ball. At this point, Jamal was exerting more energy than he was physically willing to use, as he aimed his hands in the sky. Without holding it any longer, he launched it into the clouds and watched the sky. The ball barely expanded to the size of a basket, before it dashed into the fluffy clouds above. Jamal almost started counting down, before a large light bloomed overhead, almost pushing the clouds apart, before it disappeared as quickly.
Feeling good about what he did, Jamal turned around and made his way toward a decline in the land around him. Almost walking briskly, he carefully made his way down the part before reaching a flatting of land. Only a few yards away was the carr and the single road still to the city. Apparently though, he had heard news that an airport of some type was constructed, and cut the travel down to mere hours around the country, although Jamal felt like that was even exaggerated.
Of course, that wasn't the main concern for him as he reached the door of the carr and opened it to see a few of them now up.
"Good morning Jamal." Heskins was staring at a map when he noticed him, "See that your up early again."
"Always." Jamal put on a smile as he looked towards the back of the carr.
He could see Ula starting to prepare something, likely the day's breakfast. Jamal silently made his way behind her, surprised that she didn't hear the commotion. He could hear her humming a tune that she sang to Laken back in Suruthum when he was only a baby. He really loved this woman so much. Once he was close enough, he quickly wrapped his arms around her waist, causing her to quietly shriek in shock. Jamal could see her hands starting to get swarmed with darkness, as she turned around to see who it was.
"Jamal." she spoke softly not to wake everyone up and dissipated her powers, "You almost scared me and I could have killed you."
"I would have stopped that from happening." Jamal smiled, as they shared a quick kiss, and Jamal moved his hands toward her stomach.
"How do you feel? Okay?" Jamal was somewhat concerned. "I know we haven't talked about it too much and all."
"I'm fine. I've had Laken, and I'm going to still be alright." Ula put her hand on his cheek. "Our main objective is still to defeat Youden."
"I'll do it, I promise you and Laken that." Jamal nodded in agreement before he went in for a more passionate and longer kiss.
The moment was cut short as a cough broke out, and they turned to see everyone awake and looking at them. Pulling back, Jamal let go of her sides as he quickly greeted everyone that was now awake.
"Anyway, turns out we can actually make it to the port city before midnight. Hopefully, we get in with no worries. What happens afterward is still to be decided." Heskins began to discuss once he was served breakfast.
"What do you mean by that?" Hops eyed him, handing a plate to Alice, "I thought our plan was already established. Organize the residents against Youden, and we move from there."
"It won't be that simple. It's been several years since we've last been there, at least for most of us. I mean what's even the date?" Jamal asked among them, remembering the prior years.
"It's July 18th, 1951. I mean, if we're attempting to really start this, we got to do it before or after winter." Alice had noted with certainty.
"I mean, the longer we wait here, the shorter our window gets." Jamal stuffed eggs into his mouth, "Might as well go in and do what we need to do."
With mumbles of agreement, the group just ate breakfast with some murmurs. Within thirty minutes, everyone was mostly done, except for Laken who had started. Heskins took a quick stretch, before preparing to go up to the wheel when a hand touched his shoulder. Looking behind him, he could see Alice staring at him with her hands out.
"Let me drive again. I feel good now." Alice almost sounded sincere. "I've been doing nothing but cuddling with Hops."
"What's wrong with that?" Hops had almost gotten up, before Alice stared him down.
"We'll have plenty of time for that later. I've just been bored lately."
"Someone just drive, it doesn't matter. I've tryna get a nice bed to sleep in." Jamal yawned, before Ula cleared her throat. "And of course, for all of us as well."
Heskins didn't bother to complain anymore, as he gave the carr keys to Alice before sitting next to Hops, who straightened up immediately in his seat. Everyone was eager to finally make a change, as the carr started up alas and began shuffling forward.
.....
It was near midnight, as the carr began to slow to a snail crawl. Jamal stayed awake for most of the ride, temporarily taking a power nap just to conserve his energy. He could hear Alice taking a deep yawn, as the carr's lights illuminated to show a small line of other carrs awaiting behind a formidable checkpoint with several guards. Just looking through the windows, Jamal could make out the shapes of the craters and holes that he had caused covered in vines and other greenery.
Before he realized it, the carr stopped at the point, with a guard holding a bright stick inside the vehicle. Jamal recalled the group telling him about the flashlight, and how it was starting to be implemented throughout the nation, at least with the military first. He wasn't too concerned about that though, as he had to strain himself forward to hear the conversation ahead.
"Do you have any identification on you, ma'am?" one of the guards asked her.
"I do." Alice luckily still had hers from Youden, as she fished it out of her pocket. "Is there something going on here today?"
"Oh no, this is always set up." the guard turned towards the checkpoint before looking back at her. "Anyone else with you?"
Jamal tensed up quietly, as he realized that there would be nowhere for him or anyone else to hide. Alice, please come up with something quickly.
"Just me and my boyfriend. He's sleeping in the back right now." Alice turned to see the group, and the awoken Jamal. "I rather not bother with him though. He's a deep sleeper."
"That's fine," the guard finally handed back the card while listening to her. "Just what's your reason for visiting the Autonomous Region of Port-O-Bea?"
Autonomous Region? Didn't Youden eventually take out the city once he had fled with the others, Jamal was perplexed. He'll have to get more information later.
"Oh well, we're just here for vacation. We hear that it's really nice this time of year." Alice chimed in, with the guard nodding.
"It is amazing this time of year. Well, I guess I should send you through now. You two enjoy yourselves. I suggest checking out Valla Beach when he wakes up. The water is crystal clear and soothing." the guard began to wave her through.
"Well thank you, sir. You have a good night now." Alice began to slightly press on the gas, as the city's gate opened up.
In only a few more moments did they get inside. After all of these years, Jamal finally was back and going to make sure that he was coming out with an army. Or would have to die trying.