Irene stared at the boy her mind having cleared up. The shuffling and murmuring no longer bothered her. "How many have I had? Damn it." Irene thought staring at the bottle. She took another swig before turning to the boy.
'Sure kid I'll help you.'
'Really?'
'Yeah, it's not like I have anything better to do.' Irene said.
"Wait but you just said you were busy though." Hilo thought. '
What don't you wanna anymore?'
'No, I'm grateful.' Hilo said.
'Good, in the mornings we'll do some physical training and in the afternoons some mental training.' Irene said.
'I'll make sure to work hard.' Hilo said.
'Sure whatever you'll be joining us for the morning sessions brat.' Irene said pointing at Oran.
'What!? Why?' Oran said.
'Because I said so. Even for a ranged fighter, your physical strength sucks. If you come across an adaptor or any combat type devotees like that Bennu worshiper again there's no doubt in my mind you'll die.'
'Bennu worshiper?' Hilo said.
'The God of War. In the southern continents, they call him Bennu. The guy you fought before had his tattoos.'
'Now that you mention it. I've seen a bunch of people on the ship with tattoos like that.' Hilo said.
'Great job captain obvious.' Oran said. Irene turned to him. 'I'm sorry I can't help it. He makes it so easy.' Oran said.
'Everyone with a tattoo like that is called a Devotee. They all form pacts with different Gods who gift them with different abilities and those tattoos are a sign of that pact.' Irene said.
'But what happened to him?' Hilo said.
'Penance the curse of using divinity.' Irene said.
'Divinity?'
'We Adaptors use the world's mana meaning we can't use divinity the energy given by the gods. At the same time Devotees use divinity thus they can't use the mana of the world. That's the main thing that separates Adaptors from Devotees understand?' Irene said.
'Yeah, I guess.' Hilo said.
'Rest up, for now, this afternoon we'll start with meditation and understanding.' Irene said as she stood up and made her way to her cabin. Soon the crew began shuffling back to their posts. The murmurs carried on into the hallway leaving Oran and Hilo in the room.
The creaking and thudding of the floorboards loomed over them. "What now? Should I say something? No what if I make it weird? What could I say to make this awkward? I'm just gonna say hello that's it. Okay, let's do this." Hilo thought as he turned to the side. 'Hello.' Hilo said at an empty chair. Both the hallways creaking thudding had stopped. The banging had returned.
'He's gone' Leon said still trying to finish his soup. His eyes glistened as he rapidly blinked them. 'Put your plate over there. It's my turn washing the dishes anyway.' Leon said pointing at a wooden bucket overflowing with dishes. He dropped his there and paced out of the room. Leon's whimpering howls flowed into the hallway. Hilo chuckled as he stopped by his room on his way to the main deck. He grabbed his sack and turned around into the light.
The salty breeze smothered him again as he took a deep breath. The crew was banging boards up on the holes again. Laughing hysterically at every joke they heard. Hilo glossed over the gleaming ship stopping when he noticed Oran against the railing again.
"Come on Hilo. Kai always said making friends is easy I just have to talk to him." He thought. Taking a deep breath Hilo went towards Oran. His legs got weaker with every step followed by his breathing which intensified. "Hello. How are you? No… Hey, what's up? No okay just do.' Hilo thought to himself. By the time he realized it he was standing over Oran. Whose dilated eyes were glued to the book he was reading. Hilo sat down as he stared at Oran whose eyebrows began twitching.
"Wait am I staring? No, I'm not. Okay, it's easy. Hello, I'm Hilo. I noticed we're around the same age can we be friends?" he thought as he stared Oran down.
"What's this idiot doing? Is he broken or something?" Oran thought trying to ignore Hilo. The crew's banging echoed as it got louder and louder. "Wait maybe…" Hilo thought as he pulled out his pages of paper and shaved coal wrapped in a white cloth. Hilo began sketching Oran's slouching outline making sure to get his scrawny shoulders just right.
'Okay, I give up what are you doing?' Oran said.
'The lights hitting your face just right.' Hilo said.
'And?'
'If we don't capture this moment you'll forget it.' Hilo said moving onto the straight hair that flowed down to Oran's shoulders.
'Only an idiot would say something like that.'
'I really think you should try being nice sometimes. Otherwise, you won't be able to make any friends.' Hilo said sketching Oran's long sharp ears that peered out through his hair.
'Friends are just an excuse for people to socialize.' Oran said.
'What's so bad about that?' Hilo said.
'People who want to socialize usually can't stand their own company.' Oran said sitting upright making Hilo let out a wince.
'Really?' Hilo said.
'Yeah, unlike most people I actually like myself.'
'Don't you want to get to know other people better?'
'No, if I had a choice I'd be fine just being alone.' "Good now for the face. Maybe a smile? No, let's just keep it as is." Hilo thought. He tried drawing Oran's face but he was no longer scowling forcing him to wait until it came back.
'What if someone else wanted to know you better?' 'Then I'll just avoid them.'
'And if they still stick by you?'
'Then they're an idiot.' Hilo let out a chuckle and went back to drawing.
'Hey, I told you to stop that.' Hilo didn't answer and just focused on drawing. Realizing he was being ignored Oran went back to reading. Hilo focused on the crease that returned to Oran's forehead followed by his oval eyes which glow with a golden tint.
Irene's hand on his shoulder jolted Hilo back to reality. Having only shading left for the sketch to be complete. He left it for last because of how much it kept on changing.
'Hey, it's time.' Irene said.
'What?' Hilo and Oran said.
'But I just started.' Hilo said.
'What are you talking about? You've been sitting here for most of the day. You both didn't even react when we kept on calling you earlier.' Irene said.
'Hilo looked around and the workers had already finished patching up the ship.
'Oh, sorry.' Hilo said as he put his pages and coal away. Wiping his hands off with a white cloth he stood up and followed Irene to the front of the ship where she sat cross-legged with her bottle right next to her. He sat down as well in the same position.
'Okay, tell me how much do you know about Adaptors.' Irene said taking a swig of her liquor.
'We can channel the world's mana into our bodies and anything we're touching to strengthen them.' Hilo said.
'Right and wrong, when we cover ourselves with mana it's for protection not strengthening. Spiritual beings made of mana can directly strengthen themselves we can't. We can only strengthen our muscles by increasing their durability with mana but our bodies must be physically capable of handling the enhancement. It takes a lot of energy to channel mana which is why we train our stamina. That's your first problem. Your body is decent but your stamina is trash and you don't apply the mana into your muscles you only cover yourself with it. Even if you did channel into your muscles you'd only last a short while before your body exploded. Your case is even worse because you break the first rule of being an Adapter. Channel what is needed and only that. You're human meaning your channels are naturally smaller in comparison to other races. Which makes your excessive use of mana both stupid and redundant.'
'Redundant?' Hilo said.
'Pointless' Irene said.
'But that's how I was taught. Kalena said protecting myself should always come first'
'And that's why you suck.' Oran said. He had moved from the railings in the center to those in the front of the ship.
'Then how did you throw that bottle and bring it back to you? You have to be touching something to channel mana into it. Even that Ronan guy created swords from the mana itself.'
'It's called skill.' Oran said.
Irene's eyebrows began twitching as she took another swig. 'T-That's years of training and state of mind. Adaptors need a stable mind to create stable protection and properly enhance their bodies. I made that string of mana while I was holding the bottle. I maintained it after the bottle left my hands. With enough concentration and enough skill in channeling you can do almost anything. Like Ronan, he channeled his mana into the air itself.' Irene said.
'The air? How? Isn't the air just that the air?' Hilo said.
'No, he probably channeled them through the air particles themselves condensing them in order to create a solid object. I'm actually impressed he even knew how to do that.' Oran said.
'The air what?' Hilo said.
'I don't get it either kid. I never cared for it when they tried teaching me as a kid.' Irene said chugging the rest of her bottle.
'Wait you knew that Ronan guy right?' Hilo said.
'Emphasis on knew. We grew up together and we're not here to talk about that.' Irene said. 'Lucky for you fixing your issue is easy. You just have to stop using so much mana covering your body and focus on strengthening your muscles and increasing your stamina. Learning to enhance your muscles is the hard part and anything after that you'll need to meditate to fix.' Irene said lifting her hand up into a fist.
She added a thin layer of mana to her hand. It began humming as a light gleam came from it. 'This is the most you'll ever need.' She then strengthened her arm causing it to tense up. Followed by a pounding boom that echoed out into the ship. 'This is what it looks like to enhance your muscles.' Irene flicked her arm backward creating a roaring boom as a gust of wind blew from it blowing Oran off the ship's railing.
A screaming howl came from Oran as a clapping splash echoed out when he entered the water. Hilo without a second thought dashed over the side of the ship diving into the chilling water.
'Men overboard!' Irene said.
'Got it!' Jetta said as she lifted them in a bubble. She flicked her hands and it popped over the deck. A shivering Oran and Hilo stood there panting. Irene's mouth curved into a smile. 'That should be enough for today. We'll start early in the morning tomorrow.' Irene said.
The two boys turned around and staggered to their rooms as Irene's cackles could be heard echoing in the halls. Later that night Hilo sat staring at the lit ceiling. The gurgling waves echoed through the lifeless halls. The sound of flipping pages bounced around the room.
'Hey, Oran you asleep?'
'Yes.'
'What are going to do when you get to Port Kousa?' Hilo said.
'I already told you I'll be heading to Khaldun.'
Hilo sighed. 'You know you're lucky you know what you want to do. I've got no idea.' Hilo said.
Oran rolled his eyes. "This guy can't be serious. Why's he talking to me about this?" he thought. 'Aren't you looking for your grandfather?' Oran said.
'Yeah, but I'm thinking about what I want to do after that. I'm not sure what to do.'
'Do what you want.' Oran said. "And stop talking to me." He thought to himself.
'I don't know what I want.' Hilo said.
"Does he want me to tell him what to do?" Oran thought. 'Look just do what you want. Don't you like drawing? Be an artist.' Oran said.
'I like it but… It's not what I want my life to be about. When I was a kid I wanted to be just like Captain Rhodes. Sail the seas, find treasure, and meet new people.' Hilo said. Oran let out a chuckle and tossed his book to the side.
'You sound like a child even though you're probably older than me. Believe it or not, I didn't always want to be on a merchant ship heading to a desolate land.' Oran remarked sarcastically.
Hilo flipped to the side staring at Oran with a grin on his face. Oran let out a sigh before turning to his side as well. 'I wanted to be an archaeologist at first. My mother thought I was crazy. 'Going through dangerous caves and dungeons will get me killed' she said. So then I decided I'd become a vizier for the imperial Hindka family. It's safe and I'd earn a lot of money for her but 'Royal blood swallows all.' she said. What I'm trying to say is you don't know it now but you have an idea right?'
'I think I do.'
'As long as you've got an idea you're fine.' Oran said.
'What if it doesn't work out?' Hilo said.
'Then you try again.' Oran said.
'Is that what you're doing?'
'Yeah, you could say that.'
They sat there staring at the ceiling as the gurgling waves swallowed them up. Hilo shut his eyes and dreamt of the ocean. Its waves pushed and pulled him further into the sea.
Thunderous knocking jolted the boys up. 'Main deck now!' Irene said.
Jumping to their feet they staggered around as they tried to stay stable. The sudden rush of blood to their brain made the already rocking ship feel as if it were spinning. The boys dashed out wobbling as they made it outside.
The whistling wind brought a chill. A shadow was cast over the ship by the ominous clouds that hung over the sky. The crashing waves combined with the rioting sound of cracking sails. The crew ran around trying to keep the sails from tearing. The boys balanced off of each other trying to get their footing. It was pointless because Oran was only about Hilo's chest in terms of height. They eventually found their footing. Irene sat at a table in the middle of the main deck with the corners of her mouth turned up. A tray on top of the table and a bottle in her hand.
'We'll be doing basic exercises. Our main goal is to gain strength.' Irene said. Her voice was barely audible over her rumbling background.
'What do you mean by basic?' Hilo said.
'A simple set of pushups, sit-ups, and reflex training. That's all.' Irene said taking a swig.
'Sounds easy enough.' Hilo said.
'Don't we get to eat first?' Oran said.
'No, you'll eat after training.' Irene said. Oran stared at Irene whose smile got even bigger. The two went down on all fours. 'Oh yeah before I forget put these on. The black one is Hilo's and the silver one is for you brat.' Irene said as she pulled out a tray with 2 rings.
Hilo picked touched his ring and his body instantly felt heavier. When Oran picked his up it felt like a weight was placed over his body. They began slouching as their breathing got heavier.
'What's happening?' Hilo said.
'That ring's made out of Vylum. A metal that sucks in all the mana of whatever touches it making channeling impossible. At first, you won't notice it much because you still have mana in your channels but after a while, you'll feel like your lungs are on fire. Your heart rate will randomly increase and decrease. It's also possible for it to stop. Moving around will also be a hassle but you'll get used to it. The issue with most adaptors is that they unconsciously channel mana for everything from breathing to normal bodily functions. A good adaptor doesn't always rely on their mana.' Irene said.
'I'm not an adaptor though why is this still affecting me?' Oran said.
'Well, that's because that's not Vylum it's Avytum it's an alloy of Vylum and adds a certain amount of gravitational force on whatever it's in contact with it depending on how much mana has been added to it. It should help speed up your strength gain. Now start you have to do 10 push-ups.' The two slowly tried getting on all fours. By the time they did, they were already sweating buckets.
Dripping in sweat Oran stayed in a lifted-up position as his arms began to shiver. 'One' Hilo said as he lift himself up. His heavy wheezing drowned out the sound of his joints cracking.
Oran's eyes widened "How the hell's he doing that?" Oran wondered. Hilo gasping for air dripping with sweat went down for his second 'Two' Hilo said.
'How are you doing this?' Oran said.
'I-I don't know. Just don't think about it.' Hilo said.
'What? That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard.' Oran said.
'Three. It's dumb but it works. Four.' Hilo said.
Oran looked down and went in for his first. Arms shivered as he went down. He took heavier breaths as he tried coming up. A gnawing pain shot through his arms as they snapped back straight. 'One' Oran said.
'Eight' Hilo said.
Oran dropped to the floor. 'I can't' He said.
'Stop being so dramatic I barely added any mana into that thing and look Hilo's done.' Oran turned over to his partner who was on his knees sweating and gasping for air.
'You got this.' Hilo said.
"Easy for you to say you're done," Oran thought. Oran pushed himself up for his second. 'Two'
'Great job eight more.' Hilo cheered.
'Shut up' Oran said. 'Three…Four…F-five.' Oran said as his vision began to blur.
'Come on! You've got this. Five more.' Hilo said.
"You're too loud you damn bastard." Oran thought. 'Six…Seven…Eight…N-nine…Ten' Oran crashed to the floor his arms began to shiver. He lay there gasping for air.
'Great job you did it.' Hilo said.
'What'd…you expect.' Oran said taking deep breaths.
'Good work boys now 10 sit-ups.' The same sequence repeated itself Oran struggled more but finished faster than he did with push-ups.
'Okay, that should be enough, for now, rest up in a short while we'll be carrying on.' Irene said as she went back to her seat and chugged down the rest of her bottle.
'That was ridiculous. What's the point in all of this?' Oran said.
'At least we'll get stronger.' Hilo said while panting. The color had drained from his face. His breathing became raspy and barely audible.
'Are you okay? You finished those faster than me but you look worse.' Oran said.
'I don't know. I've never felt like this. It's hard to breathe at the same time my body feels heavier.' Hilo said.
'I guess we've both got it rough huh?' Oran said. Hilo's stomach began rumbling with Oran's following suit. The two looked at each other and began chuckling. The chuckling soon turned into raspy laughter.
'What's so funny? Since you're laughing I'm guessing you've had enough rest.' Irene said tossing her empty bottle overboard.
'No, we weren't laughing. That was coughing. Isn't that right Hilo?
'Yeah, coughing.' Hilo said as he began coughing.
'Do you think I'm an idiot? You're out of time anyway. We need to finish this training before noon.' Irene said.
'What's happening at noon?' Hilo asked.
'Your breakfast.'
The two struggled to their feet as their faces beamed up. 'So as long as we finish this now we'll get breakfast right?' Oran said. Irene's mouth curved into a smile as she picked up another bottle.
'Oh look at the guts y'all have now. Okay, follow me.' Irene said as took a gulp of her liquor before staggering down into the lower deck. She led them through the ghost-quite halls. The crew's howls combined with the wind's flowed through the halls. They went past the mess hall to a hatch in the storeroom. The hatch took them to an empty open space.
The room was bleak, cold, and dimly lit. It was quiet and somber. Every tap the boy's steps made echoed throughout the room. A thunderous clap followed Irene's slamming of the latch behind them.
She pulled out a small ball and channeled mana into it. She then placed her hand against one of the room's walls and spread her mana throughout the room covering it completely. She enveloped the ball with mana.
'Your training here is simple. Reflexes. Dodge the ball at all costs. If you can last 10 bounces without either of you getting hit we're done. Easy right?' Irene said taking a swig of liquor.
'Wait we can barely move ho-' Oran said.
'Start' Irene interrupted him and threw the ball on the floor. The ball began erratically bouncing off of the walls getting faster with every bounce. Swooshing around gets louder with every bounce.
'Hilo as long as we stay still it shouldn't hit us. Understand?' Oran said.
'Yeah.' Hilo said.
On the ball's 3rd bounce it was now barely a blur. Camouflaged into the darkness it turned in Hilo's direction. Although he knew it was coming Hilo couldn't dodge. The ball slammed into Hilo's stomach propelling him back into one of the walls before bouncing around again now slower. Tears began leaking out of his eyes as he gasped for air. His body quivering from the pain. A piercing pain sat where the ball had hit him. He fell to the floor gasping for air.
'What's wrong?' Oran said. Oran turned to a fallen Hilo before the ball slammed into his back throwing him across the room into the reinforced wall. The two boys now gasping for air on the floor the ball continued bouncing.
'That it? With how energetic you were earlier I expected better from you two.' Irene said taking another swig of liquor. Hilo tried bringing himself up but was thrown back down as the ball slammed into his face. 'I'd get up faster if I was y'all it hurts worse when you're on the floor. The boy's agonizing cries could be heard from under the ship till noon.
The boys sat on the floor of the main deck after Oran healed their injuries. The wind had calmed down and now lightly carried a salty breeze. The ball didn't even make it past 5 bounces meaning they failed the day's training according to Irene. Jules had brought them something to eat but the sight of the food made them sick. They stared at the food as their gnawing growl came from both of their stomachs.
'Can't we take these off yet?' Hilo asked looking at the ring.
'No, you need to get used to that feeling which is why you'll keep those rings on at all times from now till I tell you to take them off. Wouldn't want this to get easier for you.' Irene said tossing her last bottle over the side of the ship. "Easier?" the boys thought Irene slouched in her chair and dozed off to sleep.
After giving up on eating the boys decided to lie on their backs. Ting the rebuilt Asher went.
'That was horrible.' Hilo said.
'Still think she was just scaring me before?' Oran said.
'No, she's a monster. I thought Kalena was bad but this lady's worse.' Hilo said.
'Damn you kids look horrible. Don't worry it gets better trust me.' Leon said walking over the two with papers from the Asher.
'Better?' Oran said slowly lifting himself up.
'Yeah, when you're dead. Ha, Gotchya.' Leon said before hysterically laughing as he went down into the lower deck.
'Jerk.' Oran said.
'Ignore him it really does get better.' Jetta said from the platform on top of the mainmast.
'How'd you know?' Oran said.
'I wouldn't but I do know that things get better with a bit of repletion.' Jetta said. Oran fell onto his back "What am I even doing here" he thought turning to his side to look at a passed-out Hilo. "I wish I could be as carefree. Ignorance is truly an amazing bliss" Oran thought. The cool breeze mixed with the cloudy skies Oran began to feel drowsy. The rocking ship and gurgling waves knocked him out.
'Wake up it's time for afternoon training.' Irene said. Hilo stretched a bit before struggling to his feet and following her to the front of the ship. "Good luck. I'll sleep for you, my friend." Oran thought as he stared back at the cloudy skies.
They sat down in the same position as the previous day. Irene took a swig of liquor to clear her mind before she began instructing. 'Okay, like I said yesterday to increase how much you can channel your mind needs to be in a stable state. We can achieve that easily with meditation.' Irene said.
'Okay, what do I do?'
'Close your eyes, clear your mind, and channel mana.' Irene said
'I can't though because of this ring.'
'The ring makes it almost impossible to channel but the feeling is all you're trying to do here.' Irene said.
Hilo closed his and tried to channel but it wasn't working. He tried 'clearing' his mind but couldn't. 'I can't.' Hilo said.
'What do you mean you can't? Just clear your mind it's easy.'
'I can't. How am I supposed to clear my mind?'
'Stop thinking?!' Irene said bonking him on the head with her bottle.
'Ow, How?!'
'Just do it! What the hell's so hard?!' Irene said.
'Can you keep it down? I'm trying to sleep here.' Oran said.
'Tell your friend over here to clear his mind and I'll stop shouting.' Irene said.
'Clearing his mind? That shouldn't be so hard for him.' Oran said as he tried getting up. After having crawled to the railing and used it to get up and went towards the two 'What's wrong?' Oran said.
'Tell him to clear his mind maybe he'll understand you.' Oran sat down and crossed his legs. 'Isn't it your job to teach him?'
'I tried but he can't even understand simple instruction.' Irene said raising her bottle up to her mouth.
'Maybe you should lay off the booze when teaching.' Oran said.
'What?! Look here brat you must really miss that ocean water.'
'Babies mimic their mothers whether they realize it or not. You're barely stable yourself but you want to teach someone else how to be. Can you see the issue here?' Oran said.
'You brat!' Irene said bonking Oran on the head with the back of her bottle. 'I'll have you know I'm very stable.' Irene said as she closed her eyes. She sat there for a short while before her eyebrows began twitching. 'Agh, I can't do it when I'm being watched.' Irene said.
'Yeah sure, why not.' Oran said turning to Hilo. 'Hilo close your eyes.' Hilo closed his eyes. 'Take a deep breath and let it out slowly.' Hilo followed as the gurgling of the waves against the ship's hull got louder. 'Focus on the sound of the ocean. No outside sound exists but the waves crashing against the ship. Feel the chilly wind on your skin. Ignore the sound it makes against your ears focus on the tingling sensation on your skin. Smell nothing but the salt in the air. The citric yet sweet smell of liquor doesn't exist. You can only smell the ocean breeze. See nothing but the darkness in front of you. It's a canvas for your channeling. Pretend you're sketching something with your channeling. Channel every time your pencil touches the page.' Hilo sat there as he disconnected from the world no longer hearing Oran's voice.
'It's working.' Irene whispered.
'Nothing's happening.' Oran whispered.
'You can't see it but it's defiantly working. Great work kid.' Irene said.
'Not a problem.' Oran said using Irene to get to his feet. Realizing what he'd just done Oran's eyes dilated as his breathing deepened. He looked back Irene waiting for something but nothing happened. She ignored him all of her attention was on the meditating Hilo. Oran went back to his cabin as the chill in the air got worse.
Irene slouched back and grabbed her bottle. She looked at it for a moment "Damn brat" she thought before slamming the bottle down. Crossing her legs she let out a deep breath. She tried clearing her mind but couldn't. There was too much she couldn't, wouldn't face. She opened her eyes and stared at Hilo. "Things aren't that simple." She thought to herself. Hilo meditated into the night until Irene woke him up and told him to get some sleep.
In their cabin that night the boys sat listening to the pitter patters of the rain hitting against the ship. The crashing of the waves flowed through the ghost-quiet halls of the ship.
'Thanks for today.' Hilo said.
'Don't mention it. I should be thanking you. Yesterday you jumped in after me I appreciate that.' Oran said.
'Don't mention it .' Hilo said.
'But we'll have to survive another day of this tomorrow.' Oran said.
'Remember what Jetta said, as long as we push it'll get easier.' Hilo said.
'I guess but you're overly optimistic.' Oran said.
'Optimi-what?'
'Optimistic, it's when a person always believes things will work out.'
'But aren't you that as well? Yesterday you told me things will figure themselves out. Doesn't that make you optim- that word?' Hilo said.
'Ha, I guess so.' Oran said before throwing his pillow at Hilo's face. 'Seriously though who needs help clearing their mind? Considering how little you seem to think I thought it'd be easy for you.' Oran said.
Hilo threw the pillow back in Oran's face pushing him over. 'Seriously though I'm nothing compared to you mister I can't do a single push-up?' Hilo sarcastically remarked smacking the already down Oran in the face with his pillow.
'Sarcasm? So it can be taught.' Oran said. Hilo sent a barrage of downward pillow hits but Oran blocked his face.
'Stop, please I can barely move.' Oran said.
'Excuses from the weak.' Hilo said as he carried on the barrage of hits. Their laughter echoed through the lifeless halls. Hilo stopped and jumped back onto his bed. They both lay on their backs staring at the ceiling. A light rumble began roaring from the sky followed by the crack of thunder.
'How long do you think till Port Kousa?' Hilo said.
'About a month.' Oran said.
'Really?'
'Yeah…' Oran said. The crashing of the waves got louder as the ship's rocking got worse.
'Hey, how old are you?' Hilo said. '14 you? '
'I guess I am older. I'm 15.' Hilo said as he began chuckling. Oran suddenly froze as he stared at the door. Hilo turned and saw a lifeless green eye peeping in.
'Shut up and get to sleep.' Irene said. The two quickly entered their sheets as the door closed.
'They finally shut up!' Leon said from his room.
'Seriously you kids should be considerate!' Marco said from his room.
'I thought it was cute though!' Jules said.
'Right?!' Cleo said.
'Can all of you shut up now? Some of us actually work long days!' Jetta said.
'What's that supposed to mean?!' Leon said.
'If you can't even figure that out then I can't help you!' Jetta said.
'I'd like to see you say that to my face!' Leon said.
'That can be arranged but you won't have much of a face when I'm done with you!' Jetta said.
'Get ya selves a room dam it!' Aaron said.
'What?!' Jetta said.
'Take that back, Aaron!' Leon said.
'SHUT UP! If I hear one more word from any of you it'll be your last.' Irene said. The ghost-quite silence returned to the halls.
Hilo turned to Oran and scratched his chin mouthing the words 'crazy'. Oran tried holding his laughter in letting slight chuckles out. Oran pulled at his ear mouthing the words 'right?' and cracked his knuckles mouthing the words 'dangerous'. Hilo pointed at the door mouthing 'She' then made a fist mouthing 'needs' and then made a thumbs up on his palm mouthing 'help'. The boys chuckled the night away.
The next two weeks went by somewhat the same way. They'd wake up in the morning and get some physical training done. Whether there was a storm or if it was extremely hot they'd train. After the first week, the push-ups and sit-ups were no longer an issue for them. So Irene raised it to 20 which was hard at first but now the boy's breeze through it with ease. The awareness challenge was harder to get used to but after a week and a half, they made it past 10 bounces which made Irene raise it to 20 bounces. They still struggle with it but mainly due to not being able to see clearly in the dark. Moving around with the rings on became much easier after the first week now they can both run and jump with them on. Hilo's mediation went the same way throughout the 2 weeks. After the first week though Irene decided to join him when meditating. Although since he hadn't taken off the ring he hadn't channeled actual mana for the last 2 weeks. The biggest change was both of the boys. Oran went from being as tall as Hilo's chest to his shoulders. Hilo on the other hand used to be when compared to Irene as tall as her chest. Now he was at her chin in terms of height.
After morning training the boys were having breakfast with the crew in the mess hall. Jules had made breakfast with Leon's help. The crew all sat there as murmurs filled the halls with the occasional hysterical laughter popping out.
Ping the Asher went. Irene closest to it pulled out a thick roll of paper. She flicked it open and strange letters Hilo couldn't read were written on the front. He tried to make out what was written but couldn't.
'Looks like things are getting worse in Kousa.' Irene said.
'Khaldun make their move?' Captain Ben said.
'Yeah, probably thanks to Dante's interfering.' Irene said.
'Explains why those Mercanta bastards keep breathing down my neck. I'm tired of their damn nagging. I don't know what they think we are.' Captain Ben said.
'What miss the old days?' Irene said.
'That bastard Philip told me a desk job would be fun and easy.' Captain Ben said.
'You've seen how horrible Philip looks all the time and you seriously listened to him?' Irene said. Captain Ben glossed over his riotous crew. His eyes set on Jules who was laughing with Cleo. She turned to him and smiled.
'It's not all that bad.' Captain Ben said.
'You old crones really are weird.' Irene said. 'You'll understand when you get yourself a family and stop dr-' Captain Ben stopped when he noticed she wasn't holding a bottle. "Are we out of alcohol?" he thought.
'Look I'm probably never gonna have kids. Those two are already a handful anymore especially my own I'd go mad.' Irene said.
Ting the Asher went. Captain Ben buried his face in his hands for a moment before taking the pages of the Asher.
'That's it from me. Call me if you need anything.' Captain Ben said as he made his way to his office. The crew shuffled back up to the main deck. The old blue sky lined with streaks of white clouds rained down lumps of sunlight onto the ship. The warm breeze blew gently across the deck. The shuffling and murmurs the crew emitted brought the main deck to life as everyone went to their post.
Hilo and Oran went up to the ship's railing where they sat. Oran was reading Hilo's 'The Adventure of Captain Rhodes'.
'Are you done? How was it?' Hilo asked.
'Like I told you this morning no.' Oran said.
Hilo let out a sigh as he stared at the water.
'Why don't you sketch?' Oran said.
'There are so many clouds over us.' Hilo said pointing at a cloud floating over them.
'So?' Oran said.
'There's barely anywhere with good enough lighting to work with.'
'It's just a cloud though.'
'Yeah, and clouds cast shadows. Meaning whatever I try to sketch will have a constantly changing tone and shading. I can't work with something that doesn't have a consistent tone.' Hilo said.
'Consistent? Look at you a few weeks with me and you're already using big words. I'm so proud.' Oran said.
'I knew big words before but didn't want to use them.' Hilo said.
'Really? Like Opti- whatever?' Oran said before letting out a hysterical laugh.
Hilo ignored him and stared at the ocean. His eyes meet with a fish swimming backward. 'The ocean is a really strange place' Hilo mumbled to himself.
'What?' Oran said.
'Oh, nothing.' Hilo said.
'Looking at how relaxed you all are I'm guessing we won.' a fully healed Vince said as he came up the deck. He'd been passed out since the fight with the pirates.
'You sure took your sweet time waking up.' Irene said leaning on the railing. 'I-Irene? What are you doing here?'
'I'm just resting before afternoon training.' Irene said. "What? Am I not allowed to be on my own ship?" is what Vince heard.
'N-No that's not what I meant.' Vince said.
'What?' Irene said. "Then what is it?" is what Vince heard.
'I-I'm actually not feeling well so I'll be going back to bed.' Vince said as he dashed back to the infirmary.
'Ah, another man was broken by the Bloody Heron.' Leon said as he came up to the main deck with Clint clenching onto his back.
'What are you talking about?' Irene said.
'Their cries will only ever be understood by another broken man.' Leon said as Clint nod his head.
'What's wrong with him?' Irene said as she turned to Oran and Hilo who were nodding their heads.
'I don't know. You know how crazy Leon can get.' Oran said followed by Hilo's nodding his head.
'Um, guys. It seems we've got a problem.' Jetta said.
'What another ship?' Irene said.
'No, we aren't moving.' Jetta said.
'What?' Irene said. They all look at the sails realizing it is slouching.
'Guys, do you see that?' Leon said staring at the back of the ship.
'Shut up Leon.' Irene said.
'Okay, I don't see how that's a problem. Just move the ship yourself.' Irene said.
'That's the thing. I can't. It's like its being held by something.' Jetta said.
'Guys I'm serious look.' Leon said.
'What, what's more, important than our ship not-' Irene said stopping as her eyes widen at what she saw. The others turn as well. Oran dropped the book he was holding. Their eyes and eyes gaped open at the sight of a giant turtle floating on the ocean heading their way.
'What is that?' Hilo said.
'I don't know but it's huge.' Leon said.
'Really? I couldn't tell.' Oran said.
'Wait I think I've read about this. Captain Rhodes once found a giant in the sky with people living on its back. Maybe it's something similar.' Hilo said.
'First of all. Captain Rhodes found cannabis on the back of that turtle so even if it was a similar case I'd prefer it to just be a normal turtle.' Irene said.
'Wait you've read Captain Rhodes?' Hilo asked.
'A bit more than I'd like to admit. For now, we wait and see what it does. Leon, you go call the captain.' Irene said.
'Aye mam' Leon said.' The turtle's lifeless eyes peered at the ship. Ignoring it the turtle decided to bypass the ship. While passing the turtle created giant waves pushing the Pearl aside. The ship began tittering to the sides almost capsizing as the crew braced themselves. Waves crashed onto the ship splashing on everyone.
'What's the problem?' Captain Ben said before seeing the turtle. 'Irene, you didn't try and attack it and make it mad right?' Captain Ben said.
'What? Why would I?' Irene said. "Oh yeah, she hasn't had a drink yet. Thank Sirius" Captain Ben thought.
A piercing shriek came from the turtle's back as four figures jumped into the sky and landed on the Pearl. Tall with claws on their lightly feathered hands and talons on their legs. They all wore wooden masks with feathers pointing out from the back. Bennu tattoos ran down their lightly feathered arms.
'Harpies' Leon said as Clint ran up his back hissing at the figures. Captain Ben placed his hand up stopping them from attacking.
'No, they're not. Very similar but look at their arms. They barely have any feathers, it's mostly claws.' Captain Ben said pointing at their arms.
'Wait please we mean you no harm. My name is Anoki. We only came down here when we noticed your ship was stuck.' Anoki said.
'Well, I wonder whose fault that is.' Irene said.
'I'd like to apologize. Our Alo manipulates the ocean to move. I hope you'll forgive him. To show we truly mean no harm I would like to invite you to our home. We can offer you food and fresh water.' Anoki said.
'We understand and it would be our honor however we wouldn't want to crowd your home.' Captain Ben said.
'No, it's our fault you are in this situation we insist.' Anoki said.
'Since you put it that way we'd be honored. We'll send a small group of our people as representatives.' Captain Ben said.
'No, you should all come. We wouldn't want it to seem biased only a few of you experiencing our home.' Anoki said.
'My men are very understanding and what would we do about our ship?'
'You could tie it to the back of Alo's foot and he would pull it for you.' Anoki said.
'I'm sorry if this sounds offensive but I as a man of the sea cannot knowingly leave my ship in the middle of nowhere.' Captain Ben said.
'But-' Anoki is stopped by another warrior who clenched his shoulder.
'I am sorry for my younger brother's behavior it is his first time meeting an outsider. We apologize we came off as rude. Our people always pay back our debts. The offer still stands you can decide among yourselves who can come with us.' A female voice said.
Captain Ben turned to his crew and glossed over them for a minute thinking to himself who would cause the least amount of damage. Irene was an obvious pick even though her scowl clearly said she didn't want to go. This would be a great opportunity for Hilo to experience a new culture so he's another pick but who else? His eyes turned over at Jetta her ability would be useful with both combat and assistance but if something happened to the ship we'd be sitting ducks without her. Jules, no out of the question he thought to himself. He wouldn't be able to face Olive if something happened to their daughter.
Jules looked at him and he winked at her. She gave a nod back. Aaron? No, he'd be useless if they ran into a combat-related issue. Cleo…maybe but… her eyes were clearly saying she didn't want to go. "Was she not ready to go back into a jungle yet?" He thought to himself.
'Okay, I've decided Irene, Hilo, Oran, and Leon. That's the group that'll be going.' '
What?' Oran said.
The crew burst into a frenzy as they began protesting. 'Hilo and Irene I understand but Leon and the kid? Marco and Vince are much better choices.' Aaron said.
'Exactly' Oran said.
Hilo nudged at Oran. 'Come on what's the point in training if we don't get to see the results.' Hilo whispered.
'I guess. But…' Oran said before letting out a sigh.
'Vince still hasn't fully recovered and Marco do you want to go?' Captain Ben said as he turned to Marco.
'Not really.' Marco said.
'There you have it. Leon may be an idiot but he is resourceful and too much of a coward to do anything stupid. Oran has been training with Hilo so this is a great way for him to gain some experience and keep the others from doing anything stupid at the same time.' Captain Ben said winking at Oran.
'This is ridiculous.' Oran said.
'Only four?' Anoki said.
'Yes four of you and four of them.' Captain Ben said.
'That is fine. Follow us.' The woman said as she walked to the nose of the ship.
'What about our equipment?' Oran said as a shaky smile came onto his face. Jules ran up the stairs from the lower deck carrying their equipment.
'I already had Jules go fetch them.' Captain Ben said.
'How and when?' Oran said.
'That's not important.' Captain Ben said.
'I can't believe this' Oran said putting his bracelet on.
'Complaining's pointless kid. By the way, since we're leaving the ship. You have my permission to take off your rings.' Irene said. The two boys looked at each other.
'No thank you.' Hilo said.
'Might as well keep them on until we actually need to take the off.' Oran said. A smile ran across Irene's face.
'Good, let's go.' Irene said.