It is a universally presupposed truth that a mind precedes all matter associated with it.
True or not, we have already accepted this fact, or rather it has accepted us.
In a time yet unknown to our imagination.
Humanity is spread thin beyond the stars.
They have abandoned Earth.
They have abandoned each other.
And they have abandoned themselves.
Will they ever remember?
Who they are meant to be.
"We die twice a day, once when we sleep and once when we wake."
This was the maxim of Zayyan, ironically, the thought of death kept him going.
Gazing at the abandoned cities below, their remnants shrouded in an atmosphere of desolation, Ridwan's ancient eyes were filled with centuries of wisdom.
"The past," he whispered, recalling a time when laughter and music filled the streets, "is both our teacher and our burden."
Zayyan, ever the attentive student, hung onto every word, the weight of responsibility pressing on his young shoulders.
"Master Ridwan," he began, hesitatingly, "Why did they leave? Why did they forsake their roots?"
"It's the nature of mankind," Ridwan responded, a sorrowful lilt in his voice, "to seek new horizons, even if it means leaving behind what once was cherished."
Zara, clutching her beloved Maya, listened intently, the innocent curiosity in her eyes belying the maturity that their harsh life had imposed upon her.
The cat-dog, sensing the sombre mood, nestled closer to her, its hybrid features blending the loyalty of a dog with the independence of a cat.
The winds howled, carrying with it memories of a time long gone, adding to the desolation that enveloped the ruins below.
"But Master," Zayyan pressed, "Is there no hope for us, the remnants of a forgotten era?"
Ridwan sighed deeply, the weight of ages evident, "Hope, dear boy, is what you make of it."
He then pointed to a distant horizon where a lone tree stood, defiant against the desolation, "See there? Life persists. So must we."
"It's challenging," Zayyan admitted, "Every day feels like a test of our very spirit."
"Indeed," Ridwan nodded, "Survival, in essence, is not just about physical endurance but the resilience of the soul."
Zara, her voice soft but resolute, interjected, "Every night I dream of a world filled with laughter and joy, where Maya and I can play without a care."
Maya, seemingly understanding, let out a hybrid purr-bark, echoing Zara's sentiments.
Ridwan smiled gently at the child, "Dreams, dear Zara, are our soul's way of reminding us of what once was and what can be again."
The skies above began to darken, a reminder of the approaching night and its inherent dangers.
Zayyan, ever vigilant, began to gather their belongings, "We should find shelter, nightfall in these lands is treacherous."
As they moved, Ridwan's thoughts turned inward, grappling with memories of a vibrant world now replaced by silence and decay.
Yet, amidst the desolation, the small group found strength in each other, a beacon of hope in a world overshadowed by despair.
Zara, sensing Ridwan's sombre mood, tugged at his robe, "Don't worry, Grandmaster, we'll find our paradise, won't we?"
Ridwan, touched by her innocence, knelt and hugged her, "Yes, dear child. With hope, we will."
Maya, sensing the moment, nuzzled up to them, offering warmth and comfort.
The group trudged on, their journey a testament to human resilience in the face of adversity.
As night began to fall, the first stars twinkled, distant reminders of humanity's far-flung adventures.
Zayyan, glancing upwards, mused, "I wonder if they remember us, those amongst the stars."
"Memories fade," Ridwan responded, "but the essence of who we are remains, imprinted in the cosmos."
They soon found refuge in an old building, its once grand facade now a mere shadow of its former self.
Inside, remnants of a forgotten age lay scattered: books, technology, artefacts of a bygone era.
As Zayyan lit a fire, the dancing flames cast eerie shadows, painting tales of yesteryears on the walls.
Zara, captivated, began to recount stories she'd heard, weaving tales of heroes, love, and adventures beyond the stars.
Maya, her faithful companion, lay by her side, her eyes reflecting the fire's glow and the stories they told.
Ridwan, his heart heavy, took a moment to reflect on their journey, the lessons learned, and the path yet to be tread.
The challenges were many, but with Zayyan's strength, Zara's hope, and Maya's loyalty, they had weathered many storms.
Night deepened, and as the fire's warmth enveloped them, Zayyan whispered his maxim, "We die twice a day. Once when we sleep. Once when we wake up."
Ridwan, pondering those words, added, "But we also live twice, embracing the present and hoping for a brighter tomorrow."
In the midst of the warmth, Zara, her curiosity never-ending, began to rummage through an old chest.
Her fingers delicately grazed the edges of dusty books and faded photographs until they stumbled upon something that caught her attention – a rolled parchment, sealed with a wax emblem reminiscent of Earth.
"Grandmaster, what is this?" she asked, showing the mysterious item to Ridwan.
Ridwan's eyes widened with recognition.
"This, my dear, is a relic from the time before we were scattered amongst the stars."
Carefully, he broke the seal and unfurled the parchment, revealing a detailed map, intricate with constellations, celestial paths, and a specific route highlighted in gold.
"It's a map," Zayyan whispered in awe, looking at the paths drawn between the stars.
"But not just any map. It leads back... to Earth."
The weight of the revelation settled upon them.
Earth, the birthplace of humanity, the realm of legends and myths, a place considered lost to time, might be within reach.
Zara's eyes sparkled with hope, "Can we... Can we go back? Find our roots?"
Ridwan gazed at the map, a mix of nostalgia and determination in his eyes.
"It won't be easy. The journey is fraught with perils, and even if we reach Earth, we don't know what awaits us there."
Zayyan, resolute in his commitment, declared, "But if there's even a chance, we owe it to ourselves, to our ancestors, to try."
Maya, sensing the significance of the moment, stood alert, ready for whatever challenge lay ahead.
The four of them sat in silence, each lost in thought.
The weight of the decision before them was immense, but the allure of rediscovery, the possibility of reconnecting with their lost heritage, was a powerful motivator.
After what felt like an eternity, Ridwan broke the silence. "We've survived against all odds in this desolate world. With this map, we have a purpose, a destination."
Zara, clutching the parchment to her chest, whispered, "Then let's find our way back home."
And as the fire crackled and the stars above whispered secrets of ancient times, the small group, united in their resolve, made a silent pact.
They would embark on the greatest journey of their lives – a journey back to Earth, back to the home of humanity.