The Nibiru Effect

Memory 84

I'm not going," says Korri.

"What do you mean?" I ask. "You can't stay here."

Korri's shoulders sag.

"I must," he says. "I abandoned my people once. I can't do it again."

"What about me?" I demand. The confidence that once inhabited me is gone. "I can't save Jonn and Kara alone."

"Yes," says Korri. "You can."

He sounds so sure I actually believe him.

"How do you know?"

"I may not be a hero, but I know one when I see one. And you, my friend, are a true hero."

Just when I think I have him figured out, Korri goes and does something like this. It just goes to prove you don't have to be big to have a big heart.

"No," I say. "You're the hero. You'll save your people, and they'll tell your tale for generations to come."

Korri beams. I can't tell if he believes me or not, but if there's one thing I know for sure, it's that Korri has made the right decision. His place is with the korrigans, even if that means perishing at their side.

"I should get going," I say after a moment of silence.

"Yeah," agrees Korri. "I'll show you the way."

After a quick farewell, Korri and I leave Mr. and Mrs. Korri behind. The small korrigan leads me to the opposite side of the city. There we find another narrow stone road that stretches as far as the eye can see before vanishing into a shimmering wall of heat.

"Here," says Korri, handing me a rolled up parchment. I take it and carefully unroll it. It's a map, with a clear set of instructions. With it, I should have no trouble reaching the summit of the Mountain of Fire. Hopefully, I can make it in time.

"Thanks," I say as I carefully slide the map into the small travelling pack Korri has provided. The journey to the summit should only last a few hours, but I have enough supplies for a few days. It's better to be prepared than regretful.

"You're welcome," says the small korrigan, fighting back tears. "Good luck."

"Thanks," I say as I drop to my knees. I begin to transform moments after my hand lands on his shoulder. Within seconds, I have replicated the korrigan's appearance. I'm now ready to tackle the intense heat that will mark the first leg of my journey. But there's something I must to do first.

"It's been an honour knowing you, my friend," I say, my hand still on his shoulder. I'm not sure if either of us will survive the next few hours, but the odds of us seeing each other again are slim. Very slim.

"The honour was all mine," responds Korri as he places a hand on my shoulder. We stay that way for a moment before I finally pull away.

"Goodbye," says Korri.

"Goodbye," I reply. Momentslater, I'm on my way.