When they stepped through the portal, Kylan and Zede were immediately struck by the sight of an entirely different world. They found themselves in the midst of a dense jungle, where massive flowers formed a vibrant canopy above them. Thick, winding roots jutted out from the dark, nearly black soil, and strange, unrecognizable animals hung from them, chattering and swinging. The grass underfoot was short and dense, and the air was filled with a rich, earthy scent.
Kylan's eyes widened in awe. "This... this is incredible," he muttered, his voice filled with wonder.
Zede nodded, equally amazed. "I've never seen anything like this."
Aayam saw their awestruck expressions and chuckled. "Welcome to Ditivas," he said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "We have a mission to complete, remember?"
As they made their way out of the jungle, the trio emerged into a clearing where the sky stretched out above them, a surreal blend of greenish and yellow hues. The colors were a stark contrast to the familiar blues of Earth, a reminder of the alien nature of this parallel reality. Aayam explained that the sky's colors were due to the varying atmospheric layers and the planet's unique composition.
"We're already in the town," Aayam pointed out, noting their upward gazes.
Kylan and Zede lowered their eyes and realized that a crowd of humanoid beings had gathered around them. The inhabitants of Ditivas looked remarkably similar to humans, with only subtle differences in their features and attire. The crowd was watching them with a mix of curiosity and caution.
As they entered the town, the Ditivasis greeted Aayam, Zede, and Kylan with cautious but hopeful expressions. The townspeople led them to the largest structure, a building that stood out among the others with its intricate design and size. Aayam's face grew serious as they approached, sensing the gravity of the situation.
Inside, Aayam immediately inquired, "Is there any sign of Jacob?"
A young woman stepped forward, her features strikingly familiar. She had the same eyes and expressions as Kylan but with a feminine touch. "We are still searching for Jacob," she replied, her voice steady but concerned.
Kylan stared at her in disbelief. "Who are you?" he blurted out, unable to hide his shock.
"I am Kiira," the girl responded, her gaze meeting his with a mixture of recognition and confusion. Before Kylan could process what was happening, Aayam interjected.
"In this reality, you are Kiira," Aayam explained, his tone calm but firm. "Accept it as part of the many possibilities that exist in alternate realities."
Kylan blinked, struggling to comprehend the idea. He had known about the concept of alternate realities, but encountering an alternate version of himself—a girl, no less—was beyond anything he had imagined.
"We'll discuss the implications of this later," Aayam continued, sensing the need to focus on their mission. "Right now, we need to concentrate on finding Jacob and ensuring the safety of the reality seed."
With the situation pressing, Aayam guided Kylan and Zede deeper into the structure, where the town's leaders were gathered, waiting for their assistance. The encounter with Kiira lingered in Kylan's mind, a stark reminder of the vast and complex nature of this reality.
As Aayam entered the room, he was met with a long table where the leaders of various regions on the planet Ditivas were assembled. The air was thick with tension and anticipation. The leaders from Hiranyakakshipu, Arunasura, Raktabija, and Simhika, along with two others, rose to acknowledge Aayam's presence. Kylan and Zede stood beside Aayam's chair, observing the scene with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
The leader from Hiranyakakshipu spoke first, his voice grave. "Aayam, the war against Sagittarius and the Goblin race drags on with no end in sight. Our forces are stretched thin, and we are losing ground."
The representative from Arunasura nodded in agreement. "Our armies are exhausted. We've been fighting for so long that we barely have any resources left. Our people are suffering, and morale is low."
The leader from Raktabija added, "Our eldest leader, who founded these regions and brokered the peace treaty with other races, is now on his deathbed. His passing will leave a void that will be hard to fill, especially in these troubled times."
Simhika's leader, a stern-looking woman, spoke next. "To make matters worse, dragons have been attacking our villages and towns daily. They are relentless and seem to grow bolder with each passing day. We are at our wits' end."
Aayam listened carefully, his expression serious. He understood the gravity of the situation. The war with Sagittarius and the Goblin race was not just a military conflict but also a threat to the stability of the entire planet. The added menace of dragon attacks only exacerbated the crisis.
After a moment of silence, Aayam spoke with calm authority. "I understand the challenges you are facing. Our first priority will be to rescue Jacob and the others from the Hills of Dragons. We need their leadership and experience now more than ever. As for the war, I will do everything in my power to assist you in ending it. We cannot afford to lose any more lives."
The leaders exchanged relieved glances, their confidence in Aayam evident. They knew of his capabilities and his commitment to maintaining peace and order. Aayam's promise to help was a beacon of hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.
Kylan and Zede listened intently, absorbing the complexities of the conflict and the responsibilities that now rested on their shoulders. They were not just here to atone for their past mistakes but to make a real difference in a world teetering on the edge of chaos.
As the meeting concluded, Aayam stood, signaling the end of the discussion. "We will begin preparations immediately. Time is of the essence. Stay strong and hold your positions. Help is on the way."
With those words, Aayam, Kylan, and Zede exited the room, ready to face the challenges ahead. They knew that the path before them was fraught with danger, but they were determined to see it through, for the sake of Ditivas and the people who depended on them.