Saharabi: Awaken the Veil

Journey

Everyone gathered at the docks to see us off. We barely had the time to bask in our achievement before Sekai's news. I was grateful that the others chose to accompany us and help save my home. But my heart ached at the distance that was now growing between Sekai and me. Why did he hide the truth from me? I was busy being in love when my home and family suffered. All the Vael, Nuraqiya, my mother, everything was dying while I foolishly opened my heart to someone who intentionally hid his.

The ship was docked, it hadn't been used in so long. It bustled with activity as people loaded some essentials. We didn't have much time for anything, so we would potentially have to stop for more supplies on the way. We were going with more hope than a coherent plan. We would make our way to Ama-no-Iwato, the cave of Sekai's mother. Many believe it's Amaterasu's hiding place, where divines once gathered to strategize on how best to draw her out. But that wasn't the whole story. For us who knew, it was also an entrance—one of the many ways into the divine realm.

I stared at the water, it seemed to move with ease even though such a heavy boat sat atop it. I couldn't help but connect my life to this sight. With the world I knew now gone, I would have to be as strong and fluid as the sea; carrying the weight of my new responsibilities. I would have to adapt to my role as queen of a conquered city vying for its resurrection even though I wasn't sure where to start from, or how to do it, even though, I barely had any power. If the current state of my life and responsibilities were as big as this ship, would I be able to keep it afloat or would it sink from my overwhelmingly unsteady waves of emotion?

My thoughts weighed me down so much that for a moment I could feel my shoulders schlump in defeat. But showing weakness was not an option I had, so I breathed it away.

"My dear Zara, you must know you are always welcome in my home. I will miss you dearly. You may have known us a long time, but we've only shared a pinch of time with you. As you have saved us, you will save your world. Just remember, you are never alone, not when you came here, and not now. Do not let distance separate you from those who care for you." Nafeesa nodded in the direction across from me.

"I will keep that in mind, Nafeesa. Thank you so much."

Nothing got past Nafeesa. She was talking about Sekai, who stood a ways across from me. He managed to stay close enough to not raise any suspicion about us being on bad terms. Honestly, I was struggling with every passing minute to not look at him. Because I knew, the moment we locked eyes, I would forgive him. I would let go of every grievance because I love him. And like him, I had waited a long time to love him.

Sekai wasn't my problem, it was Marzathor. He was a divine that garnered much fear. There were many gods known for war, but Marzathor was different. His way of war was different from any of the others. His pestilence drastically lowered sources of rejuvenating energy and killed most, leaving people and divines alike powerless. Spreading decay to the earth—trees, creatures, the waters, airborne diseases.

Most of all, he was the one who took my home. I couldn't afford to be in love while fighting an enemy. Especially one like Marzathor. That's why I couldn't forgive Sekai, not just because he didn't tell me what was happening but because it was Marzathor, and I needed everything in me to fight him. Vael or not. Safina's power was not much, she had been away from Nuraqiya too long but I would make it enough...enough to kill Marzathor.

The goodbyes became a lot more emotional once the supplies were ready and the ship was good to go. Dawn was passing as the sun began to rise. Adil and Siya's mothers had shed the most tears. It was heartbreaking to know that they once again had to send their only children to face death again. It couldn't have been easy. Adil's father, Adel, held it together, but Siya's father was shedding as many tears alongside his wife. He was the kind to wear his heart on his sleeve. Like fathers, like sons. Adil was quick with his goodbyes, instead hovering around a weeping Nia as she shared a farewell with every one of her brothers and sisters. He only showed determination; she was the real reason he was coming along. He went wherever she went. Siya would also do what he thought was right, but he showed more emotion like his father, crying while holding Kaima as she patted his back to console him.