• A loud roar of victory stretched across the dry plane of sands as the project was announced complete by the head Archeologist. It had been seven months since they started the project, and after grueling work in the fatal weather conditions they had completed their goal. Seth Niklas, the head archeologist, sighed in relief and turned to make the official announcement.
    “After Seven god forsaken months of what seemed to be an eternity of chasing invisible hope, we have finally overcome everything and have come out victorious in our mission. My hard working friends, I feel I can only thank you with everlasting gratitude but it still won’t be enough. So without further ado I give you the buried City of Mira!”
    Seventy eight archeologists, twenty three registered alchemists, forty one pilgrims, and sixteen gypsies are what made up this pilgrimage, everyone with different background stories, from different cultures, cities, and families, but all with one goal.
    “Our search for the Hero of Old grows closer and closer to the end. Until then I will have to ask you to stay strong, as strong as you all have been until now and beyond. Hope is peaking over those mountains my friends. Slowly but surely we are preparing to face it. Don’t give up on me just yet.”
    A strong silence brought the speech to an end. It wasn’t of disappointment or awkwardness, but of a sign of respect to their leader. One by one the crowd bowed their heads and smiled. Of course it wasn’t long before the silence came to a halt thanks to Seth’s most trusted friend Hughes.
    “So….let’s dine and celebrate in the city tonight shall we!”
    Another loud roar from the crowd showed their approval. It was moments like this that Seth cherished the most.
    Hughes looked at Seth and turned back to the crowd. “Then get the lead outta your shoes and let’s get a move on! Grab your families and let’s celebrate as it was our last night on earth.”
    Hughes had always been the quickest to jump to a party. If it meant no work and all play then he was nothing but there. He put his hands on the back of his head and grinned, a cat like smile, “will you be joining us boss?”
    Seth being the only one hesitant to celebrate in the city slowly nodded his head, “of course, why wouldn’t I?” He seemed to be staring off into space. Hughes then placed his hand on his shoulder, “You know, she’s proud of you. She may not be here but I can feel it from where ever she may be.” Seth shrugged his shoulders lightly and nodded. “Thanks, I’m sure she is.”
    “Good. Then let’s party. I love to see the gypsy girls dance so if we hurry we won’t miss them.” As he stepped forward he started to shove Seth toward the campgrounds. “Let’s dress you nice tonight. The girls will be crawling all over you.”
    “I don’t want girls to be crawling on me. I was hoping just to sit and enjoy the music and dancers.”
    “You see, and they wonder why you’re still single. Come on party animal stop being such a government slug and let’s enjoy ourselves.”
    Leading the way Seth giggled at the minor insult as Hughes let out a louder laugh.
    The City of Mira had once been the Capital of Old, and what was now a dreadful desert was once green with forest and fields. Now the City of Mira was nothing but ruins that had been buried and aged for hundreds of years. Back then the majority of the world’s population was People of Old, the world’s oldest and most sacred race. They kept the land peaceful with their lifestyles. It wasn’t until a great war broke out between these People of Old and every other race that the land started to die and dry out, the race slowly dying out with it.
    Back on the campground in his room, Seth took a quick glance at his notes as he began packing. The Celebration had already started but he was more anxious to leave the desert than anything. He closed his books and took in a deep breath. “The air seems unfairly cool tonight. It’s so magnificent, I feel I can fall asleep and never wake up.”
    “We wouldn’t want that. You play a big role in everyone’s hope that it would probably kill the purpose of the expedition.”
    Surprised to hear the faint voice interrupt his conversation with himself, Seth turned around to see who it was.
    “Knock Knock…” It was his expedition navigator and head medic, Sarah Wolfgang. “May I come in?”
    “Yes, of course. What can I help you with Sarah?”
    “Well I didn’t see you at the celebration and thought to look for you; you worry me sometimes you know. I was hoping you’d join us. Hughes is no fun when the gypsies are dancing; he’s just drooling all over the place like some hypnotized Lima Beast, so I have no one to talk to.”
    “How you learned to tolerate that guy is way beyond me.”
    “Well what can I say; love is blind to everything else. It still surprises me too.” She glided her way into the room to find an empty seat near the bed where she chose to sit. Quietly she watched him finish his packing while she sat in the corner studying his every move.
    Then she broke the silence, “do you…think about Babe all the time?”
    He paused, “why do you ask?”
    “It’s just a question…you see there was once upon a time when you glowed with this untouchable aura that just took over the room. Lately; though, I feel false pride from you. I assumed that it was probably that you are always thinking of her since I’ve felt it in your presence since the accident.”
    Seth then bowed his head.
    Ashamed she looked away, “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to kill the mood.”
    “It’s ok.”
    She then turns back to look at him and stands. “She’s proud of you, you know. I can feel it in my heart.”
    Seth then looks up with a smile…”everyone but me knows that. Thank you.”
    Seth then turns to look at the door where he felt someone standing. It was Hughes. He was coolly leaning on the doorway with his arms crossed across his chest. His Silver long hair was tied back as it always was, and he wore his signature shirt that was sewn by the desert people which was specifically made for strenuous work in hot weather to keep cool. He then grinned.
    “You two aren’t cheating behind my back are you?” He said with a slight wink.
    “You mean like the way you crawl like a chuppy dog behind the gypsies’ right in front of me…no we’re a little more dignified than that,” Sarah said turning her back to him.
    Embarrassed by the quick comeback from his girlfriend, Hughes blushed and ran up behind her to beg, “You know I’m just playing my love, don’t be upset.”
    The night still felt young as the three friends stayed in the room and reminisced of good times and bad.