"You, yourself, will vanish from this world, and without your powers, you cannot return from the world you came from..."
A loud Knock-like sound came from my room's floor.
Gasp, my chest feels tight, and my head feels heavy.
"Sora, wake up! Breakfast's ready." Mom yelling from downstairs.
"Yes, ma, I'm coming!" I replied. I closed my eye for a few seconds. Another dream about them. I got out of my bed then head downstairs.
"Jeez, can't she knock through the door like a normal person instead of our ceiling?" I grumbled.
"Yes, hon, it won't take too long at the latest six months. We'll make it on Sora's 9th birthday, I promise." My dad said to my mom in the dining room.
"You and your promises, that's the main reason why Sora wants to go on your business trip before he turns 9. If he loses a single hair, you're in DEEP TROUBLE MISTER!" my mom said intimidatingly, pointing the tamagoyaki pan on her left hand to his face.
"I always fulfill my promises, don't I?" as he set aside mom's hand gently, "So don't worry about it, besides, how else did you think I got your heart, princess?" he said while going closer to mom.
"Good morning, mom. Good morning dad." I greeted my parents before they can continue their communication. I went closer to my mother, going in between them, and let her carry me after she shoves the pan and spatula into dad's hands. I kissed her on the cheeks then said, "Love you, ma."
"Love you too, son," she replied.
After my dad places all cooking utensils used except for the serving spoons in the sink, he tries to kiss me too with his bushy and itchy face. So, I hurriedly block his face away but, he's still going closer. So I use my legendary move "MOMMY! stop daddy." In an instant, my mother moves me away from my father. Yes! my legendary technique works.
Then my father looked so sad then said, "My son doesn't love me anymore."
I felt bad. So, I hurriedly told dad. "I love you too, Dad."
"Really?"
"Yes, papa but no kiss because your face is itchy."
"See, I told you to shave already." mom sternly said.
"Ok, ok, I'll do it now." dad said.
When he's about to go to the bathroom, mom stopped him and said, "Let's eat first before the food turns cold."
He replied, "Ok." Standing there foolishly.
A few hours later, at the harbor.
"Be careful, Sora. Make sure to obey your father, ok? Brush your teeth and take a bath at least two times a day, ok? Wash your hands before and after eating, ok? Also..." My mother just spits out reminders nonstop, "... be extra careful, ok? I love you and your dad."
"Yes, ma, I promise to obey dad and be extra, extra EEEEXXXTRA careful, and I love you too. " I answer seriously with my hands on my waist and elbows pointing at opposite sides, then end up with the brightest smile I can do.
Mom stands up when she notices dad coming. He kisses my mom. "Everything's on board, so we should be as well. Goodbye, hon." He looks at me then said, " Say your farewell to your mother, kiddo. So that we could leave while the water is calm." as he looks at the sea.
"What's farewell, dad?" I asked, followed by, "And what goodbye!? We're going back, right?"
They both laugh, then father kneeled, put his hand on my head, ruffle it, then said. "Farewell is saying goodbye, kiddo, and yes, we're going back or else, I'm dead the next time I met your mothe—AAHHH!" mom twisted his ears. I giggled. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, it's just a joke."
"HMPH." mom looks away then stomps her foot.
"But I don't want to say goodbye," I whined.
"Kiddo, if you won't say goodbye to your mother, what will you say?" dad asked.
"See you later, of course, because we're going back." I look at mom, "See you later, ma."
They both look in the eyes then smiled. "Yes, sweetheart, see you later too." She rubs her eyes with her hand.
"Let's go now, do you wanna ride on my shoulders, kiddo?" dad stands up then raise both his hand in front of me, half swatting.
"Yes, please!" I answer quickly.
As the ship sails away from the harbor, I wave my hand while shouting "See you later, ma!" repeatedly until I can't see mom.
"Are you crying?" my dad asked without moving his head.
"No," I said as I wipe my tears. "But, I do miss home," I said with my voice shaking.
"You want to go back now? We're not that far yet." my dad asked again.
"No need, I just miss home but, I still want to go around the world," I said firmly with a smile on my face as I look at the land of Mistral.
"Ok, kiddo," He placed me down from his shoulders. "let's go to your room first. So, you can take a rest. Our first stop will be Menagerie. We have a week before we reach there, so your training starts tomorrow."
I learned that sailing in the sea was SUPER BORING. All you can see are water, water, and more water. It is a good thing my father taught me how to fight. The first thing I learned was to have a good body foundation. My training regime is every other day, and yes, I learned a new word again that day. In my free time, I either draw or learn how to cook in the kitchen. On the 4th day, we got caught in a storm. Luckily, she can ride waves like a big mountain. My dad's crew said that all ships should be called SHE for some reason. Angel was given to dad by granduncle Nick as a gift at his wedding when dad helped in one of uncle Nick's adventures in Mistral. Granduncle Nick is a huge guy who loves children and loves wearing a red scarf, told by my dad. Too bad Granduncle Nick's sick, and his company is being led by a jackass, pathetic not human being stated by my father.
2nd week, after our departure in Mistral. We're at an island called Menagerie, the Major island of the Fractal Archipelago. Its islands surround Anima from its east coast up to its southeast coast.
"Sora! Come here. The view is great." Dad shouted from the Main Deck.
"What is there to see other than water?" I shouted back.
I went to the Main Deck, the light temporarily blinded me.
"Wow..." Blue sky and clear water full of corals and fishes. A lighthouse can be seen at the horizon. It's stunning, something within me shouting, this is an adventure! I also felt something else, longing and a bit of familiarity with what I see and smell. Even though I went to the sea only for the second time.
"Welcome to Menagerie, the sanctuary to all Faunus and Humans that want to coexist with them." I don't know some words that dad said, but I feel like I understand somehow.
I saw Faunus flying and fishing. Some used air/watercraft or their traits like gills or wings. Faunus are humans that possess animal characteristics. Although they are somehow cannot be called humans. I mean, some only have an eye of a cat, and they are not human anymore? It's not like they are walking and talking dog, duck, and mouse.
"What's that?" I pointed at the slightly shiny white pointed rock in the middle of the sea.
"That's called a sea stack. A special kind of sea stack. Can you guess what it's called? I'll give you something if you guess it right. I'll give you a hint what do you think it looks like."
"Hmm..." It looks familiar. "Ahh! A fang! No, that feels wrong. White Fang, it's called White Fang. Am I right?" I looked at dad.
"Close, but you're wrong. Funny enough, it's called The White Fang. Unfortunately, no price for you, kiddo." He ruffles my hair.
"Come on. It's close enough. I just miss one word. And what's so funny about White...The White Fang."
"Close does not mean right. Remember, kiddo..." He crouches to level his eyes with mine. "It's never enough to do something haphazardly. The so-called small mistake will become bigger if done repeatedly. If you do something, do it properly. Ok?" Dad looks at me seriously. So I nodded, seriously as well. He ruffles my hair again and stands up.
"Come on, enough already!" I pushed my dad's hand off my head. Dad just giggled.
"What's that, surrounding The White Fang?"
"It's a sign for the people and prevents fish from going too close to The White Fang." He explained as he leans at the taffrail. I asked why.
"It's not only a symbol to the people of Menagerie, but also their guardian literally. Since it's the name of their law enforcers and many more, you will know when you grew up. You want to be a Huntsman, right?" Dad asked. I nodded.
"What are they doing? Is that a game?" I pointed at people swimming underwater chasing a lot of fish.
"They are scaring the fishes so that they will go where the net is."
"It's better if you see it in bird's eye view. If there's a chance, I'll show you, but no promises. We're kinda behind schedule." Dad said then one of the crew called him. Dad replied told me to be careful and not to stand close to the taffrail. Near the docks is a beach. I leaned towards the taffrail to see clearly, the red, purple, and green blur that swims near our ship. The ship shook hard, and I accidentally tip over to the sea.
"Sora!!!" I heard Dad's voice.
I fell headfirst, As I submerged underwater. A girl with bright red hair and bright blue eyes is in front of me.
Airiel!!! I tried to say, but saltwater enters my mouth. I hurriedly go to the surface of the water and breath some air.
"Your son sure is a natural swimmer." A crew member said to dad.
"Yeah, I never knew he could swim. I guess he's nearly as talented as me," stated like it's a fact.
"If you say so, boss." One of the old crewmates replied
"Back to your jobs. Hey kiddo, need help?" Dad leaned, with his face slightly frowning,
"No need! Can I swim to the seashore instead? " I asked.
"Akako-chan, can you look after my son?" The red hair girl nodded.
I swim towards the seashore. Akako san followed suit but stay behind me. I noticed that she's not as happy? Compared to when I saw her underwater. She keeps evading eye contact every time I looked at her.
"You know you don't need to follow me if you don't want to," I said with slight annoyance.
"No, it's nothing like that." Still avoiding eye contact.
We don't know what to talk about, and unlike in my dream, I can't speak nor breathe underwater. We just swim towards the shore silently, at least as silent as possible.
At the seashore. With my feet on the sand. I felt oddly warm and relaxing.
"Thanks, Nee-san, you can go now," I said as a smile at her.
"Uncle said to look after you. I can't, I'm sorry" She did neither look at me nor did she move. She just stared at her feet, hiding her hand behind her and hiding her face with her hair. She looks gloomier than before.
Since I'm about her shoulders height, I just walk closer to look at her eyes. She hurriedly backed off.
"I'm sorry!" She exclaimed.
"Why are you saying sorry again? You tried to save my life. I should be thanking you." My annoyance turned to curiosity.
"But, but... If I'm not..." Her voice is so soft that even if I'm just in front of her. I still can't hear her.
"Hmm...?" I looked at her weirdly. She shut her eyes then said.
"If only I'm not ugly and scary, I won't nearly cause you to drown!" She said as her tears flow down her face. Now I know, I can't help but chuckle for a bit.
"What are you saying, Nee-san? You don't look scary nor ugly. You look beautiful. You just look like someone I know and accidentally called her name. Forgetting that I'm still underwater."
Akako slightly opened her eyes. She still doubts in her eyes but is less gloomy than before. She is still hiding her hands behind her back, but she's not crying anymore.
"Nee-san, why are you hiding your hands." I tried to look behind her, but she turns, preventing me from seeing them.
"Don't. It's ugly and scary." She's hiding her face with her hair again.
"There you are again. Saying it's ugly and scary. I already told you you're not. Don't you believe me, Nee-san?" She slowly stretches her arms in front of me.
The back of her hand has rough dark green scales. It stretches to her arms with huge fins attached to it.
"It doesn't look bad at all. It looks cool. It looks like a dragon's arm to me."
"Cool... Really?" She then looks at me in the eyes with expectations. I notice scales near her eyes, jaws, and at the side of her neck.
"Wow, cool!" I said subconsciously. Akako finally smiled.
"Nee-san, can I touch it?" She just extends her hand. Surprisingly it feels soft and smooth despite how it looks. Not just the scales but also the fin. She suddenly pulled her arms back.
"I'm sorry, Nee-san."
"No, it's ok."
"Nee-san, what makes you think it's ugly and scary?"
"That's... Nevermind. I heard that's the first time you swim."
"Uhh...yeah." If you don't include my dream, that is.
"Really! Then you're so talented. It felt like you grew up on an island." I scratched the back of my head, not knowing what to say. Akano giggled.
"I'm just joking. I heard from Dad that you guys live at Mistral. What does the Kingdom look like?" Nee-san asked, her eyes full of sorrow.
We sat down at the shore then talk for a while.
"Sup, kiddo, you look like you're at home. Huh?"
"Dad!" I stood up the run towards dad.
"Hi, Uncle." Dad nodded.
"Are we going?"
"Why, want to stay with Akako?"
"Dad!" I punched him. He didn't care at all.
"Nope, we still have half an hour before leaving." Dad looks at Akako. "Can you keep watch of him for a bit longer? Sorry for bothering you."
"No problem Uncle, I have fun talking with Sora anyway." She replied. Dad bowed then walks away.
"Yow Trash Eater's with an outlander!" A Faunus kid mocked, pointing at us.
Akako hides her scales and walks back timidly.
"Hey, that's rude! Apologize to Akako-nee now." My annoyance peaked.
"Sora, stop. Let's go, just ignore them," Akako said softly, her hands shaking.
I was about to retort, but I saw her eyes and decide to ignore them. They continue on laughing and shouting nonsense. I remember their stupid face so that I could report to dad.
Akako walks like her feet are heavy, she could barely drag them along the sand, and her head got lower and lower. I decided to pull her away quickly instead. She already has fair skin, but now she's slightly paler. I don't know what to do. I'm putting everything on a dream then. I walk in front of Akako-nee.
"Akako-nee," I said in a low voice. She looks at me, staring at the ground. After a few seconds of suspense, I face her with the brightest silliest smile I could muster. Stunned, she then laughs. I laugh along with her.
I sat on the sand, and with a strong urge, I asked.
"Nee-san, is there a tree the grows yellow star-shaped fruit?" I stare at the horizon.
"Hmm. There's no tree like that in here. I also don't remember anything similar written in books about the forbidden areas of the island. Why did you ask?" Akako thought. She was no longer pale but still timider than before we talk to dad.
"Nothing." As I lay at the sand, weirdly feeling relaxed and nostalgic as I hear the sound of the waves, Unknowingly falling asleep.
"Come on, Sora/lazy bum. Wake up." A soft voice stated.
I opened my eyes and felt briefly saw someone else. After I rub my eyes, to see clearly. I saw Akako lending me a hand to stand up.
"You ok? Your dad is calling you. I think you're going."
I yawned and stretched my limbs. I heard my dad yelling, gesturing for me to come closer.
"Thanks, Nee-san, See you next time." I waved my hand as I run towards dad. I saw her going back towards the sea.
My dad is tall with a bit of a wide frame but, the guy beside him was broader and taller. He wears an open dark-violet coat with white fur trim, exposing his hairy chest. Over his beige pants is a matching sash that wraps around his waist and is secured with a large, silver metal buckle. On the shoulder of his coat is a silver metal spaulder. A pair of drawstrings attach as a clasp on the opposite side, of the front panel, of his overcoat. The white toes of his black leather boots have a shape reminiscent of paws with claws at the tips. In other words his bushier and bigger than dad.
When I went closer to them, I introduce myself. "I'm Sora Yukihira. Nice to meet you, sir." I bowed about 45° then stand up. Place my hands behind my head then, smile widely.
"Good son, you have here, Joichiro," the wide guy said. "But, are you sure he's yours? He's certainly Yuna's son. He has her attitude and looks alright. HAHAHA," the bigger guy said.
Of course, he is! He has my blue ocean-like eyes." he lifted me to the bigger guy's face to let him see my eyes. "And yes, it's true, everything else is from his mother." dad sigh.
"At least he has something he got from you. Oh yeah, my name's Ghira Belladonna. Nice to meet you too." he raises his pointing finger, which is as big as my palm, for a handshake. "You can call me uncle Ghira."
I shook his finger in return. It's dad's turn to tease uncle Ghira for not having any of his traits on his daughter.
"Sorry for the delay." Uncle Ghira said to dad.
"No problem, What happened anyway?"
"A transportation ship exploded." Uncle Ghira looked at me. "Well, Grimm gathered and scared a lot of fish and allowing some to activate their Aura."
"It's ok, and I got free repair and cleaning anyway." My dad said.
Since we got delayed and mom wants us home as early as possible, after bringing down goods, we said our "see you next time" to uncle Ghira. Too bad we didn't meet his family since they're on the neighborhood island. Our next stop is Vale. I did the same routine as before. Unknowingly, a month has passed.
TO BE CONTINUED.