"How're your feelings, Kimaru?" The village chief visited the sad Kimaru with her head lay low.
Kimaru didn't smile as her eyes were affixed to the ground, "Is big sis going to be okay?"
"She's fine... But there's something I need to tell you, my dear girl..." The village chief sat close.
"I already know my parents, I see it." Kimaru knew what was the village chief about to say.
"You mean you saw it? Why did you keep it silent?" The village chief expressed his concerns.
"My parents once told me not to share sadness..."
"I see... My apologies. If you want something, please ask..."
"I want to join them..."
"Hmm? You mean those adventurers?" The village chief then pondered, worried more about her safety.
The decision caused a dilemma, he knew what had Kimaru been through, the pain for a child to bear was cruel in this world. Yet, the village chief's decision finally let out.
"Choose freely as you wish," The village chief let out a smile as he patted her head. "But by promise me one thing you would return after their adventure is over, send letters to us, and we will always welcome you to our home."
Joys could not be expressed on her face, the sadness had left from her. Kimaru hugged as tightly as she could, the kindness she would never forget. Relieved upon her cheerful smile had returned, he hugged back with the hysteric cheers from Kimaru.
Days had passed for Luna's recovery, she has awoken from her slumber. "How long was I out!?" Luna panicked and bit her nails nervously, knowing she had delayed their adventures.
"Calm down, you've been out for two days and you're in no shape to be shocked like this. Are you okay?" Mika, who nursed her back to health, asked about her current condition.
"I'm... I have this sudden reminiscent... Me and my mother."
"You spoke of that before in your sleep, do you know where she is?"
Luna shook her head, "No." Luna's eyes showed disappointment, "It was faint, I can't remember her face. It was faceless, but there was my voice and a voice so strongly attached to me." Luna held her heart.
Mika reached her hand tightly, "Everything will be alright. That's the point of our adventures, everyone here seeks our own answers. Let's find a way and make things clear." Luna then nodded to Mika's declaration.
With worries eased, Roznok opened the curtains. He was with Kimaru, "Kimaru?" Mika was left in surprise that Kimaru left her room.
"Kimaru knows it wasn't the right time to bother you while you were nursing Luna, she came to me first and thought I'd informed her it's time to tell." Roznok knew because of his shadows what kept watch over them.
"Oh? What's this all about, Kimaru?" Mika bend to her height, "Kimaru has told chief to join and he allow it!" Upon the great news Mika had heard, Mika nodded. "Well that's great!"
"Hm, you sure you're going to bring a kid alongside with us? The journey is arduous, no one knows what Exliya will bring us." Roznok replied with a reasonable skepticism.
"True. Can't argue with that, the possibility is accurate but we four have Syyons and other expertises. I'm sure we can gather more along the way." Mika assured. "Assuring me is not the point of this departure, but assuring her fragility of her safety is our concern now. Maybe consider babysitting." Roznok stated the seriousness cause.
"I'm not a baby." Kimaru pouted.
"Don't worry about it, we'll get things under control. First, we just need to find a certain person and we're on... Uhm... Thousands of miles away." Mika let out a troubled tone. "Yeah, I heard it. Lusina, right?" Roznok knew.
"I know you're an intel of shadows, but you don't need to catch wind of everything." Mika's hands were on his hips. "Everything matters. It's called being careful." Roznok replied. "Rather annoying." Mika replied back.
"Could you two quit making a fuss with eachother?" Luna interrupted. "You're scaring Kimaru."
The trivial dispute was put to an end.
"Ah, I see you've recovered. Which means today is the day you'll departure?"
"Sure will." Mika answered.
"Very well. I won't keep you any longer, but you'll always be welcome here." The village chief turned to Kimaru. "And you, Kimaru, be a good girl and stay out of trouble, alright?"
"Yes! Kimaru will!"
"That's a good girl. The villagers will be seeing you off and giving you gifts. I hope you'll accept them."
"Oh, no... We don't need them."
"Nonsense. We won't miss a few gifts for our heroes." The village chief left the room.
With everything settled, the group packed their belongings and prepared to embark on their next adventure, joined by their new companions, Roznok and Kimaru. The villagers showered them with gifts of food, jewelry, money, drinks, and the list went on.
Despite the hardships and losses they had endured, their smiles returned, warmed by the kindness and well wishes of the people. As the group departed, the villagers waved goodbye, their prayers for their safety echoing in the wind.
Roznok, the former sheriff, had now embraced a life of adventure.
"So, where are we headed next?" Roznok asked.
"Well, if we travel by land, it'll take a month. But by sea, it'll only be two weeks," Mika replied, stroking his chin. "Great, and how exactly are we going to acquire a boat or ship? I hope you've already discussed the financial aspect with Sougo."
Sougo shook his head in response. "Good. I guess we're a bit stumped." Roznok facepalmed.
""Very well, if by boat is your wish. My shadows picked up the nearest shore is about a mile and a half to the north," Roznok confirmed, pointing out the direction.
"And how far can you extend your shadows?" Mika inquired.
"At my peak, two miles and three hundred meters. Beyond that, I lose sensory connection," Roznok replied.
"Miss Luna, your okay?" Kimaru tugged on Luna's dress, concerned. "Even if I'm still recovering, I won't let you delay your journey on my account. I'm fine, Kimaru," Luna reassured, patting the girl's head.
"We can rest a few times along the way, no problem," Mika added.
The group set off, the towering cliffs looming over them. Despite her weakened state, Luna managed to keep pace. The salty sea air filled their senses, and the soothing sounds of seagulls and waves accompanied their journey.
As they ventured further, the cliffs gave way to rolling green hills. A small store nestled at the base of the hills, its rooftops gleaming in the sunlight.
"That must be the place," Roznok pointed towards the nearest shop. "It's closer than I expected."
A sudden gust of wind rocked the boat, nearly causing Luna to lose her balance. Kimaru quickly caught her.
"Are you alright?" Kimaru asked, worry etched on her face.
Luna offered a weak smile. "I'm fine, just a bit dizzy."
Determined to reach the shore, they pressed on. As their feet touched the sandy beach, a sense of relief washed over them. "Luna, rest here. We'll go into the shop to inquire about buying a ship." Mika entered the store in hopes they'd find a suitable ship.
The wizened shopkeeper greeted them, his voice a raspy whisper, "Ah, welcome, travelers. What brings you to my humble shop?"
Roznok, the most pragmatic of the group, stepped forward. "We're in need of a ship, a sturdy one that can weather the stormiest seas."
The old man nodded, a knowing glint in his eye. "I may have just the thing. Follow me."
They trailed behind him, their eyes widening as they laid eyes on a behemoth of a ship. Its hull, weathered and worn, spoke of countless voyages and countless storms endured.
"A beauty, isn't she?" the shopkeeper asked, pride evident in his voice. "But such power comes at a price. Two fifty thousand Ru'us, to be precise."
Mika's jaw dropped. "Two... Fifty thousand? That's... that's a bit steep, don't you think!?"
Roznok made a realist reply interjected. "It's a significant investment, but a necessary one. Safety is paramount."
The old man, sensing their hesitation, offered a more modest option. "If that's a bit too rich for your blood, I have a smaller ship. It's less impressive, but it'll get you where you need to go. For a mere 5 thousand Ru'us."
The smaller ship was cramped, its interior barely accommodating the five of them. But it was affordable, and it would suffice.
"It's not ideal," Mika admitted, "but it'll do."
Mika, with a sigh, handed over the payment. "Let's hope this little ship can carry us through."
With the ship secured, they cast off its bonds and unfurled its sails, embarking on a perilous voyage into the uncharted waters of Auberyonne.