Chapter 4: Survival
Yilheim was a world of harsh beauty and alien terror. The alien landscape stretched endlessly, filled with jagged cliffs and glowing flora that pulsed faintly, as if alive. The two massive moons above cast an eerie silver-red glow, painting the rocky terrain in shades of crimson and violet. The siblings trudged forward, the sun glinting off their light brown skin, their bodies already feeling the toll of this unfamiliar world.
The air pressed against their lungs, heavier than anything they had known on Earth. Every breath felt like dragging water into their chests, leaving them fatigued far quicker than they expected.
Valerius stumbled, his green eyes narrowing in frustration. "Why…" he panted, clutching his knees, "…is the air… trying to kill us?"
"It's not the air," Eryndor replied, his towering 8'4" frame steady as he surveyed the horizon. His broad shoulders and composed demeanor made him look unshaken, though sweat glistened on his dark hair. "It's us. Our bodies aren't used to this… yet."
Ziraiah, sitting on a nearby rock, clutched her makeshift spear tightly. "Yeah, sure. Easy for you to say, giant. You're not about to pass out." Her emerald-green eyes glared at Eryndor, though exhaustion dulled her usual fire.
Before Eryndor could respond, a low voice cut through the tension. "It's because the air is saturated with Vitalis."
The siblings froze, their heads snapping toward the sound. Emerging from the shadows was a figure whose presence demanded attention. At 9'11", Kaelan Dravik towered over them, his light brown skin gleaming faintly in the moonlight. His sharp green eyes seemed to pierce through them, and his imposing height was unlike anything they had ever seen.
Valerius instinctively straightened, but his green eyes widened as he tilted his head back to fully take in Kaelan's towering figure. "What the…" he muttered, his voice trailing off.
Ziraiah's mouth fell open as her emerald-green eyes darted from Kaelan's massive shoulders to his confident stride. "He's... huge," she whispered, clutching her spear tighter.
Kaelan stopped a few feet away, crossing his arms. His deep voice broke through their stunned silence. "You're not from around here, are you?"
---
Valerius forced himself to recover, a grin forming despite the ache in his chest. "Name's Lerius," he said, his voice steadier than he felt. "These are my siblings, Eryndor and Ziraiah."
Kaelan studied them for a moment before nodding slightly. "Kaelan Dravik. And yeah, I figured. You're half the size of most people here."
Ziraiah's emerald-green eyes flashed. "Half the size? What's that supposed to mean?"
Kaelan smirked faintly, his towering frame making the insult land harder. "People here call your kind 'Earthers.' You're smaller, weaker, and always staring at thin air like you're reading something."
The siblings exchanged uneasy glances, their thoughts immediately going to the glowing panels only they could see. Before they could respond, Kaelan continued, his tone more serious. "Doesn't matter where you're from. Yilheim doesn't care. If you want to survive, you'll need to adapt fast."
Eryndor stepped forward, his commanding presence nearly matching Kaelan's. "We appreciate your insight, Kaelan. Perhaps you would care to explain the nature of this Vitalis?"
Kaelan leaned against a nearby boulder, his sharp gaze never leaving them. "Vitalis is what makes this world different. It's in the air, the plants, the animals—even the ground. It's what fuels everything here. You'll get used to it… eventually."
Ziraiah hesitated. "And the water? We've been looking, but..."
Kaelan sighed, walking over to a nearby plant with spiral-patterned leaves that glowed faintly. "See this? These plants store clean water in their roots. Slice them open, and you'll have something to drink. But be careful—most plants here are designed to kill."
Valerius raised an eyebrow, his curiosity outweighing his weariness. "Kill? Like how?"
Kaelan gestured to a nearby bush covered in bright red flowers. "That one emits a sweet smell to lure prey. Once you're close enough, the vines lash out and drag you in."
Ziraiah shuddered, gripping her spear tighter. "Great. This place really is trying to kill us."
Kaelan nodded, his expression grim. "Welcome to Yilheim."
---
As they moved deeper into the wilderness, the siblings began speaking in English, discussing their next steps. Kaelan's sharp ears caught the unfamiliar sounds, and he frowned.
"What language is that? I've never heard it before."
Valerius shrugged. "It's called English. You wouldn't know it—we're from a place very far away."
Kaelan nodded slowly, his curiosity evident but unspoken. "I see." He didn't pry further, his focus returning to the path ahead.
Ziraiah glanced at her brother. "Wait… how are we even able to understand him? And why are we speaking this… Stern?"
Yelleen's voice echoed in their minds. "Stern, the common language of Yilheim, has been embedded into your minds. Communication is essential for your survival."
Valerius smirked. "Well, that's convenient. Thanks, Yelleen."
Eryndor's tone was measured. "It is yet another reminder that we are bound to forces beyond our understanding."
---
The group paused near a grove of peculiar plants, their bulbous fruits glowing faintly in the dim light. Valerius's stomach growled as he reached for one of the fruits, but Yelleen's voice rang out sharply.
"Stop, Valerius. That fruit is highly poisonous."
Kaelan noticed and raised an eyebrow. "Thinking about eating that? Let me save you the trouble—it'll kill you."
Valerius sighed, stepping back. "Great. Back to starving."
Eryndor's calm voice broke the tension. "We will find sustenance. Patience, Valerius."
---
A low growl shattered the uneasy calm. A massive wolf-like creature emerged from the shadows, its glowing red eyes fixed on them. Its sleek black fur seemed to shimmer, and jagged spikes jutted from its back.
"That… does not look friendly," Valerius muttered, gripping a branch.
Kaelan's expression hardened. "Your first trial."
The wolf lunged, and chaos erupted. Eryndor intercepted the creature with a branch, using it as a shield. Valerius darted to the side, jabbing at its flank, while Ziraiah attacked from behind with her spear. Kaelan moved with practiced precision, striking the wolf's legs and forcing it to stumble.
Despite their combined efforts, the wolf wasn't easily subdued. It knocked Ziraiah off her feet and swiped at Eryndor, sending him sprawling. Finally, Kaelan landed a crushing blow to its skull, and the creature collapsed, twitching before falling still.
The group stood in the eerie silence, their breathing ragged.
"You held your own," Kaelan said, his voice neutral. "Not bad for Earthers."
---
That night, the siblings sat around a small fire, the alien moons casting a faint glow over their makeshift camp. The silence was heavy, broken only by the crackling of flames.
Ziraiah's voice trembled. "Do you think we'll ever see Earth again? Mom?"
Valerius leaned back, his usual grin softening. "Of course, Ziraiah. We're Delindors. We'll figure it out."
Ziraiah looked at him, tears welling in her emerald eyes. "What if we don't?"
Eryndor placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Fear is natural, Ziraiah. But it must not consume you. Together, we will endure."
Kaelan watched them quietly, his green eyes thoughtful. After a moment, he stood. "You've got a long road ahead. There's a town not far from here. If you make it, you might survive a little longer."
Valerius smirked faintly. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
Kaelan's gaze lingered on them for a moment before he disappeared into the darkness.
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To Be Continued...