John led the convoy, breaking the silence.
"We're on a journey to discover who we really are — if people even care to find out, wherever we go."
Jasmine looked at him, curious.
"What do you mean by that, John?"
"I mean that on this mission, we need to truly know ourselves. Imagine the embarrassment if people keep whispering, 'After all these years, he still doesn't know himself.'" John's voice held a note of resolve.
Jasmine raised an eyebrow.
"And from whose perspective are you narrating these thoughts?"
"From my time at the Sultan military camp. The captain there used to give me those kinds of challenges — exhortations that pushed me to self-discovery. I was shaky at first, almost expelled because of the strict inspections. But once I embraced the process of finding myself, I not only survived but grew stronger and more motivated."
Jasmine smiled flirtatiously.
"You know, as a cheerleader, I could always motivate you to be a better version of yourself." She laughed lightly before adding, "Do you think people from Kabaka village misjudged us based on your stories?"
"They saw hesitation — a lack of confidence in the mission. We kept saying 'if we make it out alive' like it was uncertain. But if we see ourselves with boldness and confidence, then we must act confidently. Doubt only makes it easier to lose focus."
Jasmine nodded.
"Love is blind. We all need each other. No one is insignificant in this mission. In basketball, no one is too tall or too short to score points. That's what I learned as a cheerleader."
John grinned.
"You must be a great cheerleader. I don't know your dating status, but your boyfriend must be quite the guy — someone on equal footing with you."
Jasmine raised an eyebrow.
"In equal footing? What do you mean?"
"Just like Tiffy said to Nick, her husband — equality. You seem full of energy. I bet your boyfriend is just as hype and exciting."
Jasmine laughed.
"What if I told you I don't have an official boyfriend? Just men who claim to be."
John chuckled.
"Sounds like quick rejections and denials. If they claim to be your boyfriend but you deny it, what's up with these 'savior' theories?"
"Savior theories?" Jasmine tilted her head.
"You mean like the lucky guy who breaks my virginity after marriage — the one who'll have the honor? Everything will come to light then."
"Wow, you're still a virgin? After all those admirers, you must be a celebrity! MVP of hearts?"
"Yeah, I won the grants and MVP. Maybe I didn't tell you that. Afterwards, I became a hot cake — every guy wants a piece of me! So yes, the lucky guy will be known — but I'm still unsure what you mean by 'saving.' "
John smirked.
"I mean becoming heroes after unlocking the magic of goodness. How everyone sees our group as heroic. Now that you're a hot cake, do you have many social media followers? Is that how you became so popular?"
"I have a good number — though not as many as Tiffy. I mean in real life, in my neighborhood."
"Okay, I get it. Good luck in your waiting season. Me? I got drunk, slept with a few girls — promiscuous as that sounds. So I'm still searching for a soulmate. I'm not looking to break virginities — I just want good, warm company."
John nodded before adding.
"Sounds like you messed up a bit in your promiscuity. But relationships are more than intimacy. It's about connection."
"Yeah, from what I hear, couples need to stay close. I lost my high school girlfriend because distance became unbearable. We cheated on each other. She cheated first — I saw her social media post with another guy. I then silently distanced myself without a word."
Jasmine sighed.
"During art tournaments, I met a lot of boys. But none were as open with me as you are. Most flirt with other girls, either physically or online. But every cloud has a silver lining, no matter the unequal footings."
John mused.
"Unequal footings — some perfect soulmates, others who cheat and end up divorced."
"Exactly. Cheating while dating is unequal footing. What's meant to be will always be."
"Let's not talk about Nick's reputation! Jasmine, what's your ideal guy?"
"John, why do you ask?"
"I don't know — just curious."
"He must be open, transparent, and have integrity. Even if he messes up, he must be committed to not repeating mistakes after confessing."
John grinned.
"Hmph. Looks like I qualify."
Jasmine laughed.
"'What is love? Baby don't hurt me no more!' Just reminiscing. But yes, I want to get to know you better."
John smiled.
"I won't hurt you. I know what you're thinking — afraid I'll cheat as a senior student. But I'll be faithful if I can get to know you better."
"It makes me uncomfortable, though, thinking of you with other girls — even prettier ones. As a senior, you must curb your cheating urges."
"I won't wander aimlessly among city girls and gangs. I'll try my best to control those urges — and we need to stay in touch."
Jasmine smiled.
"That's good to hear. I had chats yesterday but nothing serious."
John asked,
"Was it with your dad or parents?"
"Yeah, my dad. I wanted him to know how much I miss him — so he won't worry."
Later, the duo (Jasmine and John) exchanged contacts as they cycled on. The journey was mostly silent until the afternoon came when John suggested a break under a tree.
"Okay guys, time for a therapeutic break. I know things got heated with the relationship talk. Elizabeth's still a candidate for unlocking the magic of goodness, so we don't want to offend her." John said.
Elizabeth interrupted,
"It's a lizard!"
John turned, surprised.
"A what?"
"Behind you, a lizard!" Elizabeth pointed.
John laughed and pushed the lizard aside.
"Okay, no more lizards! I hope no one's angry or bitter with anyone."
Everyone exchanged puzzled looks.
John continued, "Sorry, I got carried away by past unfulfilled dreams especially involving leadership… This is my perhaps fiftieth dream attempt."
Jasmine encouraged, "You got this, John. Take a deep breath."
John sighed deeply and said,
"I need to stay soft. I don't know what kind of leader I've become."
"Jasmine's right — just relax. Your leadership will be fine. Nothing lasts like mom's love. My mother used to say that. Love will lead the way." Tiffy added thoughtfully.
John nodded.
"Okay, love leads the way. But why are there so many crows here?"
"I think it's a sign." Jasmine said quietly.
Lama asked,
"Why would birds suddenly migrate in flocks?"
The crows grew in number, silently observing.
John grew concerned.
"This isn't normal. Something's wrong. Should we ignore these signs?"
"We can't afford blindness over reality. We must refresh ourselves before making a tough escape." Tiffy urged. "No one is insignificant in divine plans."
They took a moment to refresh, then John pushed forward, cycling faster with renewed energy.
"I've failed many times as a leader since childhood, got ejected from many places. But no one is insignificant in this divine journey, so I'll give my best."
Suddenly, the distant thrum of choppers filled the air.
"I think the government found us!" John said, tense.
"Don't panic. Let love lead the way!" Jasmine encouraged.
John frowned.
"What does that mean? We're being followed!"
"Love always wins. Close your eyes, listen to your heart. It'll give you ideas."
John closed his eyes, then opened them.
"Let's split up to confuse them. We'll meet somewhere else, like before."
Jasmine protested,
"Are you crazy? Meet in the middle of nowhere?"
"But you told me to listen to my heart."
"Fine, I give up. Everyone split up and have faith we'll reunite."
As choppers approached, they split, each cycling precariously into the wildlife habitats. The choppers released monstrous mutant hybrids — huge, vicious, and wild.
The mutants split into groups, hunting each ally relentlessly.
Grenades were used to neutralize some, but mutants kept coming.
Nick noticed something strange — elephants reacted aggressively to mutants, as if hostile.
Using this, Nick camouflaged himself with mutant wildlife and launched attacks.
He stole ostrich eggs, prompting mutated ostriches to chase him wildly.
Nick timed collisions between mutants and ostriches, letting nature do the fighting while he attacked.
After finishing one group of opponents, Nick sought others, calling out for his allies.
Elizabeth answered first.
"Nick! I see you right behind!"
Nick threw grenades to scatter Elizabeth's opponents, allowing them to reunite.
By following such suitable counteroffensive tactics, one by one: Jasmine, John, William, Lama, Mikal, Jenny, and Tiffy converged.
Nick carefully left the eggs behind after finishing with Tiffy's opponents, that was the last batch to deal with.
With choppers still approaching, they didn't stop but pressed on, cycling endlessly into the unknown.