Sammy flew around the ship, stretching his wings for a bit, when he called down to everyone. “Land ho!”

Shapes of buildings and trees started to form, just peeking in the distance. Sammy said he could see a lot more of the city higher up in the air. He said it was massive but almost completely surrounded by a never ending forest, aside from a few small crop fields. Unfortunately, they could all see the large puffy stream of black smoke rising from the city.

As the ship steadily grew closer, Demetri saw that something awful was happening there. Kai quickly shouted orders to the men to keep the ship back at a safe distance until things calmed. Everyone stood at the rails of the ship, watching in stunned silence at the war taking place before their eyes.

It was unlike anything he’d ever seen. People were setting the trees closest to their town on fire, while others fought off the Verndari. There were dozens of forest animals, many that Demetri recognized and had never known to be violent, attacking the townspeople and coming to the Verndari’s defense. Smaller creatures worked quickly to extinguish the fires.

A small group of townspeople led a Verndari into a pit-trap they had hidden in the leaves on the ground. Demetri held back the flood of emotions that mixed together and formed as a lump in his throat as he listened to their ecstatic cheers. 

The poor creature’s fierce roars died out with a long, desperate groan. Demetri gritted his teeth and pulled his gaze away from the living nightmare. But when he looked down, there was a strange black film floating on the surface of the water, spreading along the shore. The air smelled of some kind metals or chemicals.

The whole crew turned to Kai, waiting to hear his orders. He turned and walked out of sight.

Fear held Demetri. He almost hoped Kai would say they would just turn around and never return to that awful place. He couldn’t tell if it was the horrid scene he’d just witnessed or the rancid smell invading his nostrils, but his mind felt hazy. Almost like he was lacking sufficient oxygen. He knew deep down, that if they didn’t try to fix what was happening here, no one would. He didn't want that to be the future for Ataris.

When Kai reappeared, he asked everyone to gather in the galley. They sat quietly, waiting for the shock to fade. Kai had the same sickly look on his face the others had, but he tried to hide it as he paced the room.

“What we all saw today is why we came on this mission. This scene, however heartbreaking, was nothing compared to what happened in my city. And I think we all just witnessed why the Verndari have started to attack. However, we have not come to fight with them. I will send a message drone to ask if it is safe for us to dock. As soon as we hear back, you will all have a choice to make.” 

Kai stood firm in the middle of the room and looked at each of them. 

“Within this next hour, ask yourselves if you are ready for anything we may encounter and if you can speak to these people calmly. You will not be judged poorly if you choose to stay on board the ship. However, if you choose to join us, I thank you and ask that you do not express any opinions towards them. The best way to get through this is for us to remain calm and respectful, even if that’s not how any of us feel. If they attack us we will leave immediately. Defense tactics only.”

Kai’s voice sounded so calm and in control. But Demetri could see through the mask. He looked as though he was barely holding back from being ill again.

Demetri already knew his answer. He didn’t travel that far just to turn back now. He needed to stand tall and make as much of a difference as he possibly could. He also wanted to talk to the people. Maybe try and understand how they could think what they were doing was justified in any way.

He glanced over at the group of scientists that he needed to even have a chance at making Talia’s cure. Silas and Finn seemed ready, but Sammy and Kyler were more delicate creatures. Sammy had petite butterfly wings, and Kyler was a fawn hybrid. Both were often known to flee rather than fight.

Kai seemed to notice how frightened they seemed as well. “I need to speak with the scientists and Demetri in my quarters, to discuss getting them to the labs with what they need safely.” Kai announced to the room. Some of his men, particularly two bulls, did not look pleased.

“I will have my men at your sides the entire stay,” Kai said, reassuringly. “You four are the only ones who can search for and make the cure. Demetri will assist you with researching their libraries and giving any information he can offer about the Princess’s history. I offered for some to stay on board the ship, but I’m afraid I can’t allow any of you that choice. I can only promise you will be protected at all times.”

They seemed a little more at ease. But did little more than nod their understanding.

Kai gestured toward the door. “Now if you will please take all needed equipment to the deck. We will try and make this go as quickly as possible.” He said, quickly ushering them out the door.

Demetri stood off to the side, unsure if Kai had just forgotten that he was still in the room or if he still needed to talk to him. Kai sat on the edge of his bed with a lazy plop, dragging his long fingers down his face. Demetri sat next to him and almost jumped when Kai laid his head on his shoulder. Kai noticed the flinch and started to raise his head, but Demetri was quick to put his arm around him, settling Kai back on his shoulder.

“If you tell me you don’t want to go out there, I won’t force you.”

Demetri grabbed his hand and squeezed it. Whatever was going on between them, Kai needed to know that he would be ok out there. “You don’t have to force me. I want to do this. I have a job to do and I sure as hell won’t let you go out there without me.” Demetri laughed softly, trying to lighten Kai’s spirits a little.

Kai stood abruptly, “Right! Of course. You want to save your Princess.”

Demetri stood up and reached for him, about to reply when Cormac knocked and entered the room without waiting for any reply. “Sir, the message drone is ready for you on deck.” He said, eyeing Demetri.

“Thank you, Cormac. I’ll be there in a moment.”

“Do you have everything you need prepared?” Kai asked Demetri.

Demetri didn’t respond as he pushed past them into the hall. He walked to his room, his mind even more hazy and confused than it had already been, and started packing clothes and a few various items into his bag.

He ran their conversation over in his mind. Kai couldn’t possibly be jealous of Princess Talia. Could he? I’ve never even actually met the princess. I want to help her and I’ll do everything in my power to find her cure… but, that’s not love.

Demetri stopped packing to sit on the bottom bunk and rest his brain for a moment. Wait! What the hell did I just think exactly?

Before he could dive further into that rabbit hole, Cale ran into the room. Thankfully interrupting his train of thought. “Hey we got word back already. We’re docking soon.” Cale studied Demetri for a moment. “Hey, you doin ok?”

“Ya, just--thinking.” Demetri inclined his head. “How about you? Ready for this?”

“Heh, you know me.” Cale smiled and flexed his arms. “Always ready for anything.”