Odyssey Of Survival

Nate slowly exhaled, watching the flames that still lingered around his knuckles flicker out. The air around him was hot, the ground cracked beneath his feet where his power had burned through the soil. But as the smoke cleared and the ruined battlefield lay quiet, Nate's eyes softened as he turned back toward the others.

He began walking toward the group, his boots crunching over scorched dirt and shattered debris. His expression, once sharp and ready for war, now shifted to calm relief.

Behind him, Jack quickly stood up, brushing off the dust from his knees. "Alright, people! Start packing!" he called out, voice loud and clear. "We're leaving. Now."

Everyone snapped into motion. Amara, Bella, Ray, and the others rushed to grab what little belongings they had managed to salvage from their hideouts. They were quick but methodical, having learned the hard way how important it was to be ready for anything.

Madison stood frozen, eyes locked on Nate. As he finally came within her reach, she moved instinctively. Without hesitation, Madison stepped closer, stood on her toes, and planted a deep kiss on Nate's lips.

Nate blinked, caught off guard as the warmth of her lips pressed against his. His eyes widened for a moment before she pulled away, a wide grin stretching across her face.

"You're finally back," she whispered, voice trembling with emotion.

Nate's surprised look softened as he ruffled her wild curls gently. "Yeah," he replied, his voice low. "I'm back."

Madison chuckled and stepped aside as Nate turned to the others, gesturing for Sera and Cleo to come forward.

"These two… they're with me," Nate said. "I helped them from where I've been."

Sera held Cleo's hand tightly, eyes cautious yet curious as they stood beside Nate. Cleo peeked out from behind her older sister's robes, staring wide-eyed at the group of strangers. Nate didn't say where exactly he found them—he wasn't ready to reveal to everyone that he had been flung into the past. Not yet. Not here.

"They're safe," Nate reassured everyone.

Ryder and Ray nodded respectfully towards Sera and Cleo, while Amara gave them a soft, welcoming smile despite the lingering tension in the air.

Jack, meanwhile, was fiddling with something at the edge of the clearing, muttering to himself as he worked.

Nate's attention then shifted toward Alice, who was now standing with Bella's help. Her long, white hair had fallen over her face, tangled and messy. Cuts and bruises marred her arms and legs, but her healing had started—albeit slowly. Her tattered clothes clung to her like worn-out fabric from battlefields past.

Nate's chest tightened. He wanted to rush to her, pull her into his arms, and apologize for not being there sooner. But just as he stepped forward—

FWOOOSH!

A surge of energy erupted from the clearing behind them.

Everyone turned to see Jack standing triumphantly in front of a swirling portal. The glowing ring of light hummed softly as streams of energy spiraled around its edges.

"I… did it," Jack whispered to himself, then raised his voice. "I actually opened it!"

Ray, Ryder, and even Nate's eyes widened.

"How?" Ryder asked, stunned.

"No idea," Ray grinned nervously. "But the important thing is—it's open."

Madison exhaled, visibly relieved. Even after everything they'd been through, Jack had somehow pulled it off.

Nate gave a small nod before turning back to Alice, brushing the hair away from her face. "We'll talk when we get through," he whispered gently.

Alice nodded weakly, her pale lips curling into the faintest smile.

With the portal glowing steadily, people began stepping through one by one. Madison was the first to guide Sera and Cleo towards it. Sera held Cleo's hand tightly, glancing up at the swirling portal with uncertainty. The young girl whispered, "Is this… magic?"

"It's safe," Madison reassured them. "Just trust me."

With hesitant steps, Sera and Cleo entered the portal and vanished in a shimmer of light.

Amara and Bella followed next, helping Alice through as they all disappeared into the other side.

One by one, the group crossed over. The island, which had been their battleground and prison for what felt like an eternity, was finally behind them.

Nate stood beside Ray, Ryder, and Jack, all staring at the now-empty clearing.

"For months…" Ray murmured, his staff tapping against the ground as he leaned slightly on it. "We fought, we starved, we bled… and now we finally get to leave."

Ryder exhaled with a dry chuckle. "I pray we never have to come back."

Ray nodded. "I pray we never have a reason to comeback."

Nate stood silently, eyes drifting across the ruined landscape one last time—the shattered trees, the remains of Govarks, the ashes of their battles. The wind carried the faint scent of smoke and blood.

Without another word, Nate turned back to the others and stepped toward the glowing portal. Jack, Ray, and Ryder followed.

Together, the four of them crossed the threshold and vanished.

The portal closed behind them with a soft hum, leaving the war-torn island in utter silence.

Nate stepped out of the swirling portal, the cold air of the alleyway instantly replacing the humid, heavy air of the island. Behind him, Jack, Ray, and Ryder followed closely. The soft hum of the portal dissipated behind them as it sealed shut.

Nate blinked a few times, adjusting to the quietness. For a second, it was surreal.

The alleyway was dim, flanked by two tall brick buildings. Trash cans lined the sides, and the faint flicker of a broken streetlight buzzed at the alley's entrance. The difference was jarring. The endless battle cries and wild roars of beasts were now replaced by the distant honking of city traffic and the muffled chatter of people living ordinary lives.

They were back.

As the group stepped further out of the alley and into a small courtyard just behind the buildings, they were greeted by a wave of familiar faces. The others, who had gone ahead through the portal, were gathered and waiting anxiously.

When they saw Nate, Jack, Ray, and Ryder step out safely, a chorus of cheers and relieved sighs filled the air.

Some people hugged each other, some simply fell to their knees and stared up at the sky, tears in their eyes. Months of suffering, fighting, and survival on that island—it was finally over. They were home.

But Ryder quickly stepped forward and raised a hand, signaling everyone to quiet down.

"Listen up," Ryder said, voice low but firm. "We're back, but this isn't over."

Everyone grew silent, the reality sinking in as they formed a tight circle.

"We're in the heart of the city," Ryder continued. "In a few hours, someone's going to notice we're back. Cameras, government scanners, you name it. So from this point on, you all need to blend in. Live your lives. Go home to your families."

He paused, looking around at all the tired but hopeful faces.

"And one more thing," Ryder said seriously, "hide your powers. If you want a quiet life, keep them buried. The government will come after you, and trust me, they'll turn you into weapons before you know it."

A heavy silence followed.

Ray nodded, supporting Ryder's warning. "They'll poke and prod until you're nothing but a science experiment. When they ask you just explain to them that we were stranded on a strange island and we didn't even know how we left"

Everyone nodded slowly, glancing at one another with solemn eyes.

Then the mood lightened as people began hugging, sharing house addresses, and exchanging quiet promises to meet again. Some even scribbled down quick notes with shaking hands.

"I'll come find you," one guy whispered to a friend. "We'll meet up when it's safe."

"Count on it," the other replied.

Madison approached Nate while holding Alice gently, who still looked weak but better than before. Bella had already disappeared quietly after saying her goodbyes earlier—she had always been the type to keep things brief.

Madison gave Nate a soft smile. "I'll take Alice home," she said quietly. "She needs rest, and… well, I think it's best we all get a breather."

Nate stared at her for a long moment, feeling something heavy in his chest. He wanted to protest but nodded instead. "Alright," he murmured. "Be safe."

Madison nodded as she adjusted Alice's weight on her shoulder, then leaned in and kissed Nate's cheek. "We'll get in touch soon, okay?"

With that, Madison walked away, Alice in her arms.

Nate's eyes lingered on them as they disappeared into the crowded streets beyond the alley.

"You just gonna stand there and sulk?" Jack's voice interrupted playfully.

Nate turned to see Jack standing there with a cocky grin, extending a hand towards him for a handshake.

Nate raised an eyebrow and instead kicked Jack in the leg, sending him stumbling back.

"Go home to your mama, kid," Nate said, smirking.

Jack rubbed his shin but grinned wider. "Yeah, yeah. Don't miss me too much."

Jack turned and disappeared into the crowd as well.

Ray and Ryder both nodded to Nate before slipping away too, blending into the city like shadows.

The once-crowded courtyard was now nearly empty.

Nate stood there quietly, watching the last few stragglers vanish into the city's maze of buildings and lights.

Then, a small tug at the edge of his coat caught his attention.

He looked down to see Cleo peeking out from behind Sera, her little hands clutching her sister's robe tightly. Her wide eyes were filled with uncertainty as she stared up at the towering buildings surrounding them.

Sera's expression wasn't much different—her jaw slightly slack as she turned slowly, trying to take in the modern world around her.

The glow of neon signs, the distant rumble of cars, the steel giants that loomed into the sky… it was overwhelming.

To two people who had come from a harsh, ancient land where survival was the only priority, this cityscape looked like something out of a dream—or a nightmare.

Nate scratched the back of his head, letting out a low sigh. "Yeah… this is gonna be a problem."

Cleo pressed her face deeper into Sera's robe. "Is this… a kingdom?" she whispered, almost frightened.

Sera's lips parted, but no words came out. She gripped Cleo protectively, eyes darting around as if expecting danger at every corner.

Nate rubbed his temple. "How am I gonna explain traffic lights and elevators?"

The glowing city stretched out before them, alive and indifferent.

Nate sighed again, knowing full well that things were about to get a lot more complicated.

---