They lost track of both the day and time. The three friends continued their journey, relying solely on the rise and fall of the sun to guide their days. Each nightfall, Qio, Kuti, and Zen experienced an intense sense of freedom and accomplishment they had never felt before. They no longer felt bound by any expectations of Kreiu, and the weight of tradition seemed almost non-existent. They could see nothing but water, symbolizing a lesson that the world was much larger than the dilemmas they faced in Kreiu—larger than they had ever imagined.
One morning as they sailed further into the unknown, they noticed a mass of land ahead. Surprisingly, the RandomAutoPilot™ hadn't detected it as an island or habitat on their map; it showed nothing but water.
"What do you think it is?" Zen asked, looking far out, shielding their eyes from the sun.
Kuti peered through his binoculars, trying to get a closer look. "It's just land, covered in grass and trees. Maybe we aren't close enough but I don't see any people or animals," he replied.
"Look at that in the water," Qio exclaimed, both startled and intrigued by a line of bioluminescent water flora that seemed to lead them toward the unusual island ahead.
They turned off the autopilot to follow the water plants without randomly changing course. As they drew closer, all three friends felt it—a vibration in their stomachs and chests. Similar to the hum they had sensed from the Great Mirror in Kreiu. This inner buzz emanated from the island, drawing them closer.
"Do you feel that?" Qio asked his friends.
"Yeah, feels good," Kuti admitted.
"I was just about to say the same thing," Zen agreed. "It feels like home." Their heartbeats resonated with the hum as they inched closer in the water. The trees and greenery became more visible, and it was as if, just as the Samphun trees had waved goodbye, the trees of this uninhabited island were welcoming them in.
Finally, they reached the island's shore. It consisted of nothing but greenery with bioluminescent flora growing from the land. They secured the boat to a large tree not too far from the shore and set out to explore their new temporary home.
As they ventured deeper into the island, beyond the trees and bushes, the hum intensified. The vibration spread throughout their bodies, becoming increasingly uncomfortable.
"What the hell is that?" Kuti asked, tugging at his shirt in an attempt to distance himself from the unsettling rumble he felt inside.
To be continued...
YOU ARE READING
The Great Mirror by MEGOS
Science FictionA futuristic Afro-Caribbean folktale that serves as a fictional guide for its readers. Rooted in the symbolism of the tarot card "The Fool," this compelling tale unfolds a heartfelt journey that resonates with anyone seeking a path of self-discovery...
