The team finally settled at a new base after hours of traveling. The sun had already begun to set, softening the heat of the day to their satisfaction. Once they finished setting up camp, they gathered in a loose circle.
Still riding the excitement of the latest news, Kymani shifted on the log as he spoke.
"I'm really glad we're almost out of here, he smiled.. It's no wonder we didn't see any aliens lurking around today." He glanced at his friends. "We've probably killed off all of them—or at least most."
They nodded in agreement, though Rowynn straightened suddenly.
"You guys," she called out. "We still haven't figured out how to get across the water."
Lynx turned to their captain. "Just how large is it?"
"Large enough to drown all of us," Valtor replied bluntly.
"So, pretty deep," Lynx muttered, nodding in understanding.
"Yeah." Valtor glanced around. "Anyone with ideas?"
Kymani raised a hand. "What if Orea uses her wind powers to form a path through the water?"
Orea turned to him, brows furrowed. "We're talking about an ocean, Kymani. I don't think I can control wind strong enough to part something that deep."
Kymani sighed. "Yeah, you probably can't."
"What if we built a raft?" Rowynn suggested, shrugging. Everyone's attention shifted to her. "We could cut some strong bamboo using Valtor's fire—or maybe Orea's wind—and I can stitch them together with vines. Hopefully it'll float across. We could make more than one so we're not too heavy on a single raft. Unless anyone has a better idea?"
"I know I've got none," Zara said.
Kymani looked at their captain. "So… Rowynn's plan it is?"
Valtor nodded silently as a brief stillness settled over the group.
"Valtor," Kymani called. "How long do you think it'll take to get there?"
"Probably three to four days at our usual pace," Valtor replied. "Why'd you ask?"
"I need to start counting down the days to our freedom," the younger boy said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I've just realized… this isn't only about our escape — it's a countdown to our freedom from the council's clutches, the beginning of the professor's plans to end all this."
Valtor's head lifted at the mention of his dad.
"That reminds me," Kymani continued. "Have you heard from your dad since we left?"
Everyone turned to Valtor.
"No," he said. "But it's not surprising. The council's probably connected to our communication lines — one call from any of us, and they'd be listening on the other end."
"Do you miss him?" Orea asked, tilting her head toward him.
"I do," his tone softened as his gaze dropped. "But I never got to know him that well, so… that helps, I guess." He managed a faint smile.
Orea's gaze softened, and she smiled back. Zara's eyes flicked between the two, glinting with quiet mischief.
Valtor lifted his head, shifting the topic. "Did anyone remember any small memory of their family? Or a dream, maybe?"
A knot tightened in Lynx's throat as an image of his mother resurfaced. He clenched his fists but said nothing.
"I've had visions before, as you all know," Orea said, "but not once have I seen my family in any of them".
"Hold up," Kymani cut in suddenly. I just thought about something. "We're heading for Zaire, right — the safest region?"
"Yeah?" Valtor replied.
"Imagine we bump into Orea's family," Kymani said, wide-eyed. "Isn't that possible, since it's her country."
"How would that feel?" Zara asked, glancing at Orea, who narrowed her eyes in thought.
"It would feel great," Orea said quietly, her gaze distant. "Not that I'd recognize them, though."
"I'm sure you will," Valtor said, her gaze shifting to him.
"We all will," he continued. "When I met my dad, his face tugged at my memory. I couldn't place him at first, but once I did… there was no doubt left. I just knew."
"That sounds amazing," Kymani said, smiling, his expression calmer than usual. "It'd be cool to reunite with my family. I wonder if I have siblings." He chuckled softly, though there was a trace of sadness in his voice.
"Me too," Rowynn held his arm as she smiled at him. A single tear escaped her eye.
"Rowynn," Orea called gently, noticing.
"It's okay," the younger girl assured her. "I promise, these are happy tears."
"Come here," Kymani said playfully, opening his arms. Rowynn leaned in, and the two shared a brief hug.
The rest of the team watched them fondly as Valtor stood, noticing the growing darkness. He moved toward the pile of gathered wood and stretched out his hand, ready to light the campfire.