The desert wind swept across the border of the Althera Desert, carrying fine grains of sand that shimmered in the blazing sunlight. Heat rolled off the dunes in gentle waves, turning the horizon into a wavering mirage. After a long and weary journey, Kirana, Aelina, and Zephyr finally reached the frontier.
A short distance ahead, a group of desert soldiers stood guard. They wore traditional robes of cream with blue trim, their tall spears marked with simple carvings that reflected their heritage as protectors of the sands.
Zephyr nudged his horse forward. Kirana and Aelina followed close behind, the soldiers watching their approach with disciplined alertness. When the leader of the unit finally recognized Zephyr, his expression lit up.
"Zephyr!" he called, stepping forward with confident strides. "We thought the rumors were exaggerated, but the Desert Ninja truly returns."
Zephyr dismounted, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "And I see the desert hasn't lost its warmth. It's been a long time, Ardan."
Ardan placed his right hand over his heart and bowed slightly—the traditional greeting of the desert people. Zephyr returned the gesture.
"Welcome home," Ardan said. "And these companions of yours?"
Zephyr turned to introduce them. "Kirana, savior of our world. And her daughter, Aelina."
Ardan's eyes widened, and he offered a respectful bow toward Kirana. "It is an honor. Your deeds have reached even the depths of these sands."
Kirana gave a gentle smile. "Thank you. We've come seeking the elders' guidance."
"Then you've chosen well," Ardan replied. "But I must inform Kael first. He leads our forces now. He'll want to greet you himself."
He signaled one of the soldiers, who quickly mounted a horse and rode off toward the main stronghold. The others formed a protective perimeter around the group, guiding them to a small tent pitched near the border and offering water to cool their throats.
Under the shade, Aelina sat beside her mother, sipping from a leather pouch. Her gaze darted around, curiosity sparkling despite the heat.
"Mother," she whispered, squeezing Kirana's hand. "Are these all Father's friends?"
"In their own way," Kirana said softly. "Your father once fought beside them. They honor him, as he honors them."
Nearby, Zephyr sat with Ardan, their voices low.
"How is the desert faring?" Zephyr asked.
"Better than before," Ardan replied. "Kael brought unity. Our defenses are stronger, the villages more organized. But danger still finds its way here. Criminals, raiders, outsiders seeking to seize territory—it never truly ends."
Zephyr nodded. "Kael always had a talent for leadership. I'm relieved to hear he's done well."
Meanwhile, the messenger reached the stronghold several kilometers away. Inside its stone halls, Kael stood in a planning chamber surrounded by maps and seasoned warriors. When the messenger bowed and delivered the news, Kael's eyes sharpened.
"Zephyr, Kirana, and Aelina…" he murmured. A slow smile spread across his face. "This is good. Prepare to receive them. I'll meet them at the border."
Back at the frontier, Aelina walked up to her father.
"Father," she said softly.
Zephyr turned to her. "What is it, Aelina?"
"Can you tell me more about this place?"
He shared a glance with Ardan, who nodded encouragingly. Zephyr crouched to Aelina's level.
"The Althera Desert is harsh, but full of life. People here survive because they depend on one another. They respect the land, and they protect their own."
"Like a family?" she asked.
Zephyr smiled and gently ruffled her hair. "Yes. Exactly like a family."
Kirana watched from a short distance, warmth settling in her chest. Deep down, she hoped the desert—its people, its wisdom, its ancient traditions—would bring the answers they desperately needed.
*****
The sun dipped low in the west, casting a warm gold across the dunes as Kirana, Zephyr, and Aelina reached the heart of the Althera Desert. The landscape shifted from rolling sand to carved sandstone walls and tall watchtowers. What was once a scattering of tents had grown into a thriving settlement, full of movement and life.
At the village center, Kael stood waiting in front of the meeting hall. He wore a golden-brown robe that marked his rank, and his grin widened as the three approached.
"Zephyr. Kirana. And this must be Aelina," Kael said, offering the desert salute before pulling Zephyr into a firm embrace. "I still can't believe you're actually here."
Zephyr returned the gesture. "You've changed this place, Kael. Althera isn't just surviving anymore. It's thriving."
Kael chuckled. "Took long enough. Still, I didn't expect a visit from you… especially with family."
Kirana stepped forward, offering the salute with grace. "This is my first time seeing Althera, and it's incredible. You've done amazing work."
Kael bowed lightly. "Thank you, Kirana. The honor is ours. Come inside. You must be exhausted."
He led them into the meeting hall, a grand sandstone structure with an open roof that allowed cool desert wind to drift through. A simple meal awaited them: warm bread, roasted meat, and clear water drawn from deep desert wells.
As they ate, Kael spoke. "The desert tribes aren't scattered anymore. We built this place together. No more running. We finally have a home."
Zephyr nodded, genuinely impressed. "I never thought I'd see this. You've done more than anyone expected."
Beside Kirana, Aelina looked at Kael with open curiosity. "Uncle Kael… did you build all of this?"
Kael laughed softly. "Not alone. Everyone had a hand in it. Every stone you see here exists because people believed the desert had a future worth fighting for."
Kirana leaned toward her daughter and whispered, "See? Great things happen when people work together."
After the meal, Kael turned serious. "So, Zephyr… why have you come back? It isn't just for old memories."
Zephyr took a breath. "No. We need help." His gaze drifted to Aelina. "This is about her."
Kael's expression tightened. "Tell me."
Zephyr explained everything: Aelina's discovery inside the Edenian pod, her sudden connection to their technology, and the terrifying moment she lost control in the forest. Every word carried weight.
"We think she needs to learn to control her mind, her emotions, maybe even the tech inside her," Zephyr said. "And I remembered someone you once mentioned. The desert elder. The one who helps people master their inner worlds."
Kael folded his arms. "Elder Al-Zahir. Yes, he's still here. He's the wisest man in this desert. But, Zephyr… you know his guidance comes with a trial."
Kirana stepped in. "We're prepared. But tell us what she'll face."
Kael nodded slowly. "His trial isn't about strength. It's about the heart. She'll confront her fears, her regrets, even the parts of herself she wishes she could avoid. It's a test of spirit."
Aelina, who had been listening silently, finally spoke. "I'm not afraid. If this is how I learn to control myself… and protect everyone… then I'll do it."
Kael's stern expression softened. "You're brave, Aelina. And I believe you're capable."
That night, they laid out their plans. Kael explained that Elder Al-Zahir lived deep within a place known as the Inner Valley of Sand, where he trained those who sought his guidance.
"The journey won't be easy," Kael said. "But I'll send my best warriors to escort you."
"Thank you, Kael," Kirana said sincerely. "We're grateful."
"It's the least we can do. Aelina may be more important than any of us realize."
When dawn arrived, preparations were already underway. Warriors readied supplies, water, and camels for the trek to the valley. At the village edge, the vast golden desert stretched endlessly before them.
Kirana held Aelina's hand tightly. "Whatever comes next, we face it together."
Aelina nodded. "I'll do my best, Mother."
Kael approached with a camel in tow and smiled warmly. "We leave when you're ready. This journey could change everything… for all of us."
With that, they stepped forward, into the desert's heart, toward the Valley of the Mind and the trials waiting within.