At Chemora- present day
" Sitara, it's time. Help me with the submersion. "
Kilian was standing inside what looked like a very big and deep bathtub. It was gradually filling up from the bottom. But the liquid was not water. It was red. Red like blood.
" Are you sure? I mean can we completely trust the source? "
She looked hesitant.
" There has never been a hundred percent when it comes to 'First-times'. We have to take the risk. "
He said as she helped him get his clothes off.
" But your health... " She tried to protest but Kilian put a hand on her lips.
" If they have gathered indeed and are all close to the source, my absence could mean someone else taking this golden opportunity. I can risk my life but I cannot risk that. I have a promise to keep Sitara. "
The liquid had almost filled up to the brim.
And he slowly lowered himself, completely naked in the tub.
" I might need your assistance. Try to keep in touch. "
He smiled at Sitara as she watched him go down under the surface of the liquid with worried eyes.
As soon as his body was completely submerged a brilliant rainbow light started sparking and floating all around the tub.
Sitara could see his body slowly disintegrate, cell by cell, till nothing was left of him.
It was as if he had completely dissolved in that liquid.
*****
Back on Earth - Deep inside the pit where the kids were trapped .
They were staring spell bound.
They were staring directly at a brilliant source of light, suspended mid air. A light so bright it would be impossible for a naked human eye to even stare at that.
All of them stood around that floating orb as if hypnotized. So lost and mesmerized that none of them noticed George was standing along with them.
Braze silently morphed back into a human as his eyes remained fixated to the front.
Suddenly the light surrounding the orb turned crimson and a whirlpool swept around them.
Before they could understand what was happening particles made of rainbow lights, scattered all around, floating in the air.
They watched as those particles began rearranging themselves in a systematic manner as if solving a puzzle which they were programmed to complete, the moment they touched the surface of the earth.
It developed into a humanoid figure, complete with a face, two hands, body and legs but he was not made of flesh. It was a fluid creating the illusion of a constantly dynamic and shifting surface.
It gradually spread its arms as if stretching after a long slumber. As soon as its gaze fell on Mira, he tried to reach out and hold her hand.
" Mira... " his voice rang hollow as if coming from a far off place.
The three boys, Braze, Kian and Xen immediately jumped in front of her, shielding her from his advance.
" I need to talk to her boys, give us some space. "
Kilian did not have time to waste. He swept the three aside as he reached for Mira again.
" Mira. My little Mira. How beautifully you have grown. Your mother would have been so proud of you my baby... "
He was hovering around Mira as if floating in the air and he turned her around in circles, checking her out carefully, from head to toe and back.
" Do you know me? "
Mira asked. She did feel a strong bond towards the figure.
" Know you? You are my flesh and blood, the only daughter of my feisty sister. Mira, I am uncle Kilian, your godfather and guardian. It was me who sent you here, on Earth. "
His words almost made no sense.
" You sent me? I didn't get that part. " She watched as Kilian went over to the boys. He helped each one up as they dusted themselves.
" You will have to keep an open mind if you want to understand. You and I don't belong to this world and neither do these three boys. Except him of course... " he pointed at George, " that one is an Earthling. "
It was the first time that George's presence registered in their head.
" Don't bother with him. I will take care of him later. "
Kilian mentioned as he saw Xen getting ready to deal with George.
" Are we related as well? " Kian came forward and asked. " I mean you are Mira's uncle, do we share any similar bond? Like cousins? "
" You three are her brothers," Kilian replied with a gruff voice. The colors in their faces disappeared as they collectively yelled, " What? "
Kilian laughed out aloud. His laughter rang around the place.
" Just kidding... we are not connected. In fact you three belong from three different Chemorian tribes. " He said.
Mira came forward.
" What's Chemorian ? What tribe? " she asked.
" It's the place we come from, Chemora. Our people prefer living in groups, sorted according to our powers."
Mira still looked puzzled.
" I think you are mistaken. All my life I have lived with no one else but my mother and in that same house where I was born. Where is this place Chemora? I never heard about it. Besides, wouldn't mother let me know if she had any super powers and also about her, ummm," Mira was looking for words to describe Kilian in that state, " you know, especially abled brother? "
" Chemora is not just a place. It's a world. Our world. We are shifter mages not humans. And each one of you was sent here when you were born. With a mission. "
George was the most patient and attentive student. He listened to all his words.
" How did you manage to get past the Earth's border? " George asked.
" Just like I am standing in front of you Watcher.... " Kilian spat.
Kilian turned towards Mira again, " I sent you here with my own hands Mira so you could rise from the ashes again and spread your wings. I am sure all of you have started experiencing your energy bursts? " He looked at them as they looked at each other.
" Good, it will be easier to explain. Listen carefully. "