Mysterious Travelers
The journey to the town of Plenorian was lengthy and chilly. Zee chose to head there first after hearing that Jindan had been destroyed, and he wanted to avoid confronting any spiders in Tarangire. Besides it was the nearest location to check on his friend and president Abaji. His buggy skidded and twisted along the slick roads. He was thankful that the snow had ceased, as visibility was becoming increasingly difficult. Now, ice presented a fresh challenge ahead. They had never experienced it firsthand but were familiar with it from tales told by other travelers. Zee and Rez gazed in horror at the devastation that was once Jindan, realizing this was the origin of all their troubles. If the raiders hadn't disturbed this land in search of the portal key map, life in Birbiblos territory might still be whole and at peace. Zee concentrated on the road while his family surveyed their surroundings. The lights of the sand buggies shone brightly against the pristine white snow, casting a wide glow. In the distance, two shadowy figures appeared against the snowy landscape. Rez struck his father's arm sharply, a sharp sting lingering from the icy impact. The unexpected jolt caused Big Zee to come to an abrupt halt.
"What's wrong with you, Rez?" shouted Zee.
"Hey! Do you see those figures approaching us? They seem too small to be monsters, and judging by the makeshift torches they're carrying, they look more like survivors who have lost their way. Let's head over to them," called out Rez.
Rez was correct; they had encountered Admir and Solmar on route to President Abaji. Although they couldn't see the vehicle, a low engine growl echoed around them. Admir glanced up and paused as the dune buggy approached slowly. Solmar narrowed his eyes, hoping it would help him identify the oncoming travelers. He wasn't certain who they were—perhaps some of Abaji's elite on a mission or Saurkear's terrible raiders.
"I see a vehicle approaching and I can't help but wonder whether they're foes or friendlies. Whether it's night or day, it's hard to distinguish between the two anymore, we certainly don't want any trouble," remarked Solmar.
Admir recognized that she was too despondent to continue fighting, if that was even the right word for what was happening between them. They waited in silence for the strangers to approach. Thankfully, the vehicles did not resemble those of raiders. When Zee pulled up and turned off the engine, it became clear they were friends, not foes. Both Admir and Solmar felt a wave of relief wash over them, seeing yet another reassuring sign regarding these mysterious travelers. As Zee emerged from his vehicle, he took a moment to examine the two wanderers, scrutinizing them from head to toe. His eyes widened in recognition when he realized he was standing before the two notorious holders of the portal key map—the very hybrids who had thrown the world into chaos. With a gentle approach to avoid startling them, he smiled and greeted them both with a warm and friendly hello.
"My name is Zee, from the horned lizard militia, serving under Lord Abaji. We come in peace and pose no threat. Our mission is simply to rescue those who have become lost in this storm. It's quite odd how suddenly everything has changed, wouldn't you agree? How weird the world seems to have flipped upside down. May I ask your names, my friends?" Zee inquired.
He wanted to ensure they felt at ease with him, as he fully intended to take them directly to President Abaji for questioning. In a sense, they were responsible for this tragedy, but he understood their reasons. They were fleeing from a ruler whose malice and cunning surpassed that of anyone else. Justice needed to be addressed, or at least considered for now. Zee held no anger towards them, and they remained unaware that he possessed information about them. To them, he was simply a friendly, helpful being here to save them from Admirs' error.
"My name is Admir the Mongoose, and this is my companion Solmar the Oryx. We were on our way to visit Abaji when this tragic event occurred. Unfortunately, we're too exhausted to engage in much conversation. We are quite tired and desperately need of some water. Are you perhaps heading to Zerzura?" asked the inquisitive mongoose.
Zee hadn't intended to head in that direction just yet, but Zerzura was on his list of destinations. He cast a glance back at Rez and the brothers, Throk and Thriruuzk. He was gauging whether there was enough room for them to accompany him in the buggy. Throk hopped out and clambered into the back cage seat affixed to the buggy, choosing to ride there while Admir and Solmar settled into the more comfortable seats inside the vehicle.
"We're on our way, but we need to make a stop first. I hope that's alright, given that your current options seem limited to either freezing to death or continuing on foot. We can get you there both faster and safer; we just need to check in on the residents of Plenorian first," Zee replied.
They were content as long as they had water to drink and warmth enveloping them. Zee called for Rez to bring water pouches for their guest and assist them into the buggy. Zee went back to the vehicle and started the engine. The heat from the motor sent white plumes of smoke rising into the cool air. The vehicle itself gradually warmed up, fueled by the engine's power. Zee ensured that everyone, including Throk, was secure inside the vehicle before guiding it back onto the road. Time seemed to slip away as they drove, leaving them unable to discern what was real. At least, with the sun of Nebula, they could distinguish day from night. The overwhelming confusion had both Zee and Admir hoping that by seeking Abaji's wisdom, they could gain some clarity amidst the chaos. Plenorian was a grand city, recognized as the second largest after Zerzura. It was the center of trade and wealth for Birbiblos, working closely with the renowned white city. They oversaw merchant transactions originating from Sarookh Harbor, a water city located in the eastern region of the Birbiblos territory, extending slightly into Ghaythfa territory. This harbor served as a vital trading hub for both kingdoms. Notably, Sarookh Harbor featured one of the largest lighthouses in the area, making it a key point for ships to dock or set sail. Numerous seafaring vessels, including the S.S. Julian, frequently visited, establishing connections with other renowned countries. However, its current status remained uncertain; some speculated whether it still stood or had drifted into the cosmic expanse of Novas above.
Zee's only intentions for journeying there, was for a singular, meaningful purpose: his heart belonged to a gentle soul named Cornsilia, the leopard gecko. As the head of trade, her responsibilities consumed her, yet her heart remained in tune with Zee's. They maintained a relationship limited to casual meetings, both consumed by their respective duties—Cornsilia with her work and Zee in his leadership role. On slower days, he often found his thoughts drifting to her, especially as his time in power drew to a close. Concerned for her well-being, he hoped that she was still alive. A hybrid could only wish for the best. The journey to the borders of Plenorian was lengthy, and everyone would need to exercise patience, as the snow and ice made the trek feel even longer. Ahead, Zee noticed a roadblock formed by two armed vehicles, unmistakably belonging to Saurkear's raiders. Trouble loomed just ahead, casting a sense of unease among the group—except for Rez, who relished the thrill of a challenging situation.
"Bang, bang boys look alive" said Rez sinisterly.
Soldier Arif and his steadfast companion, raider Ghaffir, found themselves stranded in the middle of the road. Most of the remaining raiders who had evaded the Tarangire spiders had since fallen to the chilling grip of death. Only three members remained: Arif, known as the sand cat; Ghaffir; and Zakiyya, the group's sole female desert Leopard raider. Though petite in stature, she exuded a fiery spirit. Zakiyya carried herself with an air of confidence, her piercing gaze capable of intimidating even the fiercest foes. Around her neck hung the talons she once possessed as an owl, serving as a poignant reminder of her former self. Her hybrid state had left her with Leopard like facial features, but from her hair down to her boot-clad feet, she was entirely human. Arif could hear and see the blinding lights of Zee's vehicle approaching them with caution. Arif grabbed his assault rifle and steadied his position carefully. He wasn't going to fire unless they first made the move.
"Stop right there! That's close enough. As you can see, we're armed and not looking for any trouble," shouted Arif.
Raiders Ghaffir and Zakiyya stood beside their leader, weapons drawn and prepared to fire. They appeared weary and terrified, their hearts heavy from the events of the past few hours. Stranded far from home, they found themselves in an unfamiliar territory at the worst possible time. Fortunately, Zee was a blend of compassion and logic, unlike others he had encountered. He intended to extend the same respect to them as he would to anyone, regardless of their standing.
"No worries here, we are only out rescuing the lost and stranded. We were on our way to Plenorian, have you heard of that city?" asked Zee hoping to diffuse the hostile vibes among them. He carried on speaking when they shook their heads no to his question.
"It's a wonderful city not too far from here. It seems like you're experiencing some car troubles. My team and I can make space for you if you're open to traveling with us. We have a quick stop to make in Plenorian before heading to Zerzura, the White City, where you can find assistance to return to your territory. The choice is yours. We're here to help. These are uncertain times, and there's no reason for conflict between our territories," Zee reminded.
Feeling reassured by Zee's calming words, Arif surprisingly found himself trusting him. He lowered his weapon and urged his companion to do the same. Huddled together, he spoke softly to his team. He had made up his mind to travel with Zee and follow wherever they led. They needed all the assistance they could gather. At that moment, his thoughts weren't on Ghaythfa territory; they were focused on ensuring the safety of himself and his friend and seeking answers to the chaos surrounding them.
"We'll follow you wherever you lead. We trust you and ask for your assistance. We propose a truce and are willing to lend our support during this time; we can provide our strength to aid in your rescue efforts," Arif replied.
He was also a rational hybrid, possessing greater clarity of mind than his leader. Most of Saurkear's followers were composed individuals; it was the demands of their leader that transformed them into monsters. Admir and Solmar felt a surge of anxiety as they observed the raiders talking to Zee. The horned lizard momentarily stepped away to join his family and their guest at the vehicle. He peered inside, reconsidering the arrangement of the available seats. Zee moved Thriruuzk into the back cage with Throk, while Admir squeezed in closely beside Solmar. They both concealed their identities with warm scarves wrapped around their heads, concerned that Arif might recognize them if he caught a glimpse of their faces. Zee assisted Zakiyya into the buggy, and Ghaffir stepped in right after her. On the side of the buggy where Zee was seated, there was an additional fold-out metal seat for those militia members who preferred to shoot from outside the vehicle. With everyone somewhat comfortably settled Zee started up the dune buggy and headed towards Plenorian.
Inside the vehicle, the atmosphere was tense and silent. Zee attempted to lighten the mood with small talk, asking about their experiences, but he even posed questions to Admir and Solmar that made them visibly uneasy. Observing their silence, Zee decided to shift the conversation and talk more about Plenorian and his connection to the city. It became clear to him that he needed to be cautious and protect the identities of his new friends until the moment was right.