Across The Sea: Finale

A FEW HOURS LATER:

"So, just to summarize: You all fought some pirates, killed a minotaur, and their captain. Then you talked to one of them who's currently in the brig, and John... tested... his new mark. Then he and Kyuala went in for a round two, which I can unfortunately see every moment of, thanks to Amilia, and her very in-depth detailing of the... event," Lani says.

"You're welcome," Amilia says with an almost innocent tone, but everyone knows that she is the furthest thing from innocent.

"And now we're in open water, and are only a few days away from Mulvenscroll. Did I miss anything?"

John then says, "Uhh, no. I think you got pretty much everything."

"Wow. I leave for a few days, and everything never falls apart, didn't I ask you all to keep the ship intact?"

"Hey, we're still sailing, aren't we?" Kyuala says.

Lani slightly tilts her head as she says, "I suppose."

Terra then asks, "So, what happened with your search? Did you find the answers you were looking for?"

Lani goes silent at this point, seemingly carefully planning her next words. After a few seconds, she looks up at the group, "So, after I went through the door, I immediately went to the Academy. They were surprised I was there, but since I had a good relationship with most of the teachers, I was allowed in. I met with one of the High Mistress' who wanted to help, and so we spent hours upon hours looking at tomes, scripture, even books of tales for children. I couldn't get a clear answer about anything, but I learned one thing..."

Lani goes silent for a few moments before saying, "My mother is missing."

The group are shocked by this revelation, and immediately they start throwing questions like, "What happened?" "Are you okay?" "What can we do to help?"

"I'm fine. It's just... a lot to take in at the moment. I don't know exactly what happened, but she was apparently at a meeting with some of the other elders... and that's when pixies attacked."

The group are shocked even more, most of them being unsure of what to actually say. However, Terra immediately has a question, "I thought pixies couldn't enter the fairy realm?"

"They can't, which means..."

"There are other half-pixies out there," John finishes.

The room goes silent as Lani gently nods. Once again, no one has any clue of what to say, and that includes Terra. Everyone just sits there, hoping someone else will break the awkward glances and quick shifts of gazes.

Eventually, Amilia decides to be the one to end the silence by saying, "So, what the fuck do we do now?"

Lani sighs, "I don't know. The elders have some of our Finders are looking for her and the pixies. There isn't much I can do at this point, but even if we had a lead, I probably wouldn't be allowed to help either."

"Why not?" Kyuala asks.

"Because I am still John's guide. When a fairy is given a job, it is their duty to follow it. I have my duty, and I will not fail it. I have the utmost faith in the Finders, and when they find her, they will feel the wrath of the Fae."

The group are silent once more after those dark words from Lani. There's a few moments of unease before John says, "Did you mean for that to be so ominous, or...?"

The sudden response from John causes the group to break out into a round of laughter, finally easing the awkward tension that had been brewing amongst them.

After the laughter dies down, the group just sit there and relax after a long day. John puts his head on Kyuala's shoulder, and Kyuala rests her head on his. Amilia and Terra are also close together, but aren't hugging like earlier. Lani however, is laying on the pillow, relaxing after what appeared to be a few rough days in the fairy realm.

After a few moments, a question pops into Terra's mind, "Lani, why were your wings pink when you came through the door?"

"Oh, I spent some time meditating in a Spirit Chamber before coming back. I was on the verge of exhaustion after trying to find anything about half-pixies for so long, the High Mistress practically had to drag me out of the archives before I passed out."

John then asks, "What the hell is a Spirit Chamber?"

Kyuala then adds, "I haven't actually heard of that either."

Lani chuckles, "A Spirit Chamber is essentially a hot pool of magic. Those who use magic can rest in it, and they will feel recharged, it's especially great after a long day of casting. Think of it like a bath, but for your magic. Because I spent a couple hours in it, the magic seeped into to my wings. That's usually the case with fairies."

"My family also have one at their estate," Terra says, "Speaking of, I believe I made you a promise regarding magic, John."

John thinks for a moment, but finally remembers what Terra is talking about as the memory of him asking Terra to teach him magic plays in his mind, "Oh yeah. When can we start?"

"Since we will be heading to my parents estate, there is no better place than there. I will have access to a lot of books, so it should make it easier for you rather than just explaining it."

"Ooooooh, Kyuala you better watch out. John and Terra getting close, teaching him spells. You better hope he doesn't have a teacher kink," Amilia says in jest.

"Oohhh no, no, no," Terra responds, "I have already heard the events of what happened to the wolf in that cell. I do not wish to be on the receiving end of that any time soon."

"Any time soon she says. Why don't I believe that?" Amilia teases. She then looks over at Terra who has started to slightly blush, and Amilia's trademark pervy grin appears.

Kyuala (who has been quiet during this teasing) also sees the slight blush on Terra's face, "Do not fret Terra. I would never do that to a friend... unless you asked first."

Terra's blush turns into full embarrassment as she looks away from the others as the two old friends just laugh at the elf's innocent reaction.

Amilia then leans over and whispers, "If they're too intimidating for you, I'd be more than happy to help ease you into it."

Terra's eyes open as wide as they can, her cheeks now fully red as she starts stammering to try and find some sort of response. The others get another quick laugh out of this, but Kyuala eventually saves Terra from any further embarrassment, "Alright, let's put a stop to this now. We've tortured the poor girl for long enough, any further, and she'll be redder than a demon."

"Oooh, pointy ears and some horns? I think she'd look pretty cute!" Lani comments.

"Actually, fun fact about demon horns!" Terra starts, but John just tunes it out. A gentle smile graces his face as he just takes in the moment of friendship between them all.

He thinks back to his time on Earth, and realizes that while he had friends who were great and all, he never had camaraderie like this before. He just takes in the sight of an elf, a literal cat-woman and a fairy all talking to one another whilst he rests on an orcs shoulders, yet strangely, he was the weird one here. His mind wanders aimlessly for a few more moments before hearing Kyuala's voice break through, "You are so cute when you're zoned out."

John looks up at her, "Does that mean I'm not cute any other time?"

Kyuala chuckles before turning her head to kiss the top of his, "You are always cute, beloved."

The two lightly snicker before Kyuala plants another kiss on his head. The two then just relax, looking at the others who still continue to tease Terra, but she is also teasing them back. They continue to watch for a few more minutes, seeing Terra begin to get the upper hand on the back-and-forth between the three of them.

John smiles, but then he hears Kyuala say, "You know that Mulvenscroll is going to be very different from Reduna'z, right?"

"I guessed that. I just hope it won't be so bad with Terra guiding us."

"Are you nervous?" Kyuala asks.

"About going there? No. It's what we're going to have to do that's worrying me."

Kyuala then tightens the side hug just a little more, "Well, just appreciate these next few days, focusing on the future, and what will happen, will only bring one to madness."

"So, thinking about how I want to make you and Tally scream my name later, will drive me to madness?"

Kyuala's mouth twists into a grin, "Well, there are a few exceptions to the saying..."

John then chuckles as he slowly brings his hand up Kyuala's inner-thigh, and he feels her body slightly tingle at his teasing touch.

---

A FEW DAYS LATER - MUPROSYLL COAST:

The Ahtrosta's Maiden and the seized pirate ship have both finally reached the coast of the Muprosyll continent, and the crews along with the group are excited to finally see land. They are just a few hours away from getting to port, but the threat of the Ragers is still prevalent in everyone's mind.

As the group are looking at the land, some footsteps are heard getting closer, and then they hear, "Ahh yes, Muprosyll. I have missed the sight of the shore, I spend too much time dwelling between the stone jungles."

The group turn, and that's when they see Durat who has joined them. John then asks, "Where have you been? We haven't seen you this entire journey."

"Ahh, there is a reason for that. I am usually a night messenger, so I have become quite used to a nocturnal schedule. I am also quite the avid meditator, and whenever I am awake in the day, that is where my time is usually spent."

"And what about when we were getting attacked by fucking pirates?" Amilia asks, obviously annoyed.

"I was sending a message."

The group look at him confused, so Terra interjects, "As you all have seen, Durat is not the best at explaining things clearly. Anyway, the reason why Durat meditates so much, is because he is a rare type of elf known as Minders. John, you have the expression 'one in a hundred' back on your world, right?"

"Yeah."

"Well, Durat is closer to one in ten thousand. He has the power to send messages directly into the chosen persons mind during deep meditation. Which is why I was surprised when he showed up in person."

Durat explains, "I was ordered by your father to find you two personally. He wanted to know if it really was you Terra, and I was to give my judgement to him whenever I made contact with the Hero of Reduna'z Gaze, and anyone who he was close with."

"And what was your judgement?" John asks.

"I was comfortable enough to let you all handle the pirates without my assistance. I believe that answers your question."

"He's got a point," Lani says.

"Back to the message, who were you sending it to?"

Durat answers Kyuala's question, "I was sending it to Terra's father. I wanted to let him know that there was a possibility of capture, so I asked him for assistance from the Muprosyll fleet. Obviously, we avoided said capture."

"So, you took a little nap to talk to your master, for nothing?" Amilia comments.

"Well, I wouldn't say it was for nothing."

The group look at him confused once more.

Just then, everyone on the Maiden hears a horn blowing in the distance. Everyone is immediately ready for action as they hear the two tones blare.

"Captain! Is that the Ragers?!"

Auro doesn't immediately answer, and just a few moments later, another horn blares with an identical dual tone. The captain then starts chuckling, "It was the Ragers, but we needn't worry men!"

The group is confused, but that's when Terra says, "It looks like the Ragers ran into the wrong ships."

They look at the two elves, and as they see the smiles on both faces, Durat finishes with, "I told you it wasn't for nothing."

Just then, they hear loud crashing echoing along with some screams which they hope belong to the Ragers. There's a few more moments of echoing noises of battle, but they subside soon after before another horn sounds. This time however, there are two quick tones before a longer third one.

"It appears our pirate friends have been dealt with!" Auro calls out. This prompts the crew of both ships to cheer in celebration.

Auro then walks over to Durat, "I believe I have you to thank."

"Not me Captain. You only have the Muprosyll fleet to thank, and the head of the Tarron house for getting the information to them."

"Well, I will happily kiss the ring of anyone who helped us avoid more pirates," Auro then pats Durat on the arm before going back to the helm.

Terra then brings her hands together, "So, we still have some time to kill... anyone up for a game of Spying Eye?"

---

A FEW HOURS LATER - MULVENSCROLL PORT:

The Maiden and the seized ship have finally traversed through the last stretch of water, and finally, they have come to a stop.

The gangway is deployed, and there's cheers from the dockrats as they notice whose ship it is.

As the crew from both the Maiden and the former pirate ship start to make their way down the ramp, John notices that Auro and Frol are missing. A minute later however, they come walking up from the lower decks with a familiar wolf-woman in tow.

The trio then walk up to the group, and Auro says, "Alright. I should be taking her to the authorities, but because you two vouched for her, she has been given a second chance."

Auro then takes off her chains, "You are free to do as you wish."

Auro and Frol then walk away from the woman, leaving her with the group.

"So, I guess you really did keep your word huh?" The woman says.

"I try to do my best," John responds.

"What will you do now?"

The woman thinks on Kyuala's question for a few moments, "I think I'll roam around for a while, see where the wind takes me."

The woman then goes over to the side of the ship, putting her hands on the taffrail, "This is the first time I have felt free in years. Sure, going around and being a scoundrel is fun and all, but it isn't exactly a great life. You always walk around with a noose on your neck, it just takes one person to grab it, and it's all over."

The wolf sighs, "Anyway, it's time I say goodbye to that, and hello to a new life."

The wolf then turns around, "Thank you, John, and thank you, Kyuala. I know I fucked up, but I hope in the future, we can maybe become friends, or acquaintances at least."

"I would like that."

Kyuala wraps her arm around John, "I would as well."

The wolf then smiles, "Thank you."

The former pirate then turns around, and makes her way to the top of the gangway before she's stopped by John, "Hey, before you go... what's your name?"

The wolf chuckles, "We had a threesome and I didn't even tell you my name," She chuckles again, "My name is Tyrea, Tyrea Sharptooth."

Tyrea then gives a little half salute before continuing walking, "Good luck on your journey! Maybe we'll run into each other in the future!"

With those final words, Tyrea walks onto the port before disappearing amongst the crowd as a free woman.

The group with their backpacks on, look amongst each other, smiles on all faces before heading down the gangway.

As their feet hit the solid ground below, the four currently walking feel a little disorientated, but soon get their land legs back.

They walk around the port, and are amazed by the sight of the city ahead of them. A few larger buildings stand out amongst the smaller buildings like pillars, but those tall buildings are nowhere near the level of a skyscraper.

"Ahh yes, home. It is definitely a huge change from the woods of Reduna'zriam, huh?" Terra asks.

Kyuala, Amilia and Lani just silently nod their heads as they stare on, but John says, "It's weirdly similar to Earth."

"Then you should hopefully feel somewhat at home."

Just then, the group are joined by Durat for a second who says, "Let us go. We must make haste."

The elf then practically storms forward, purpose in his steps which makes Terra chuckle before she marches behind, "Follow us! We have a decent walk ahead of us!"

Kyuala, Lani and John quickly follow behind, but Amilia is a little more sluggish as she murmurs, "Walking, fan-fucking-tastic." She then sees that the group are getting further ahead, so she sighs before quickly picking up the pace to catch up.

---

A FEW MINUTES LATER - IN THE CITY:

The six are currently making their way through the paved streets of Mulvenscroll, seeing everything the capital has to offer. They saw a bakery, a few cafés, and even a few general goods stores. They turn the corner, passing a fancy looking inn before Lani asks, "Terra, where exactly do your parents live?"

"The manor is up on that hill that overlooks the city," Terra then points, and the group see the hill in question.

"I'm gonna go out on a whim and say that your folks are the snobby, uppity type," Amilia says.

"Master Tarron and his wife are not snobby. They are the epitome of grace, power, and leadership. Those three qualities are something this world sorely lacks."

Durat's answer causes Amilia to look at Terra who simply mouths, "Ignore him."

Kyuala is the next to have a question, "And where do you live, Durat?"

Durat chuckles, "I have my own smaller estate just outside of the main manor. It is my duty to make myself available at all times."

"Sounds more like a slave than anything," Amilia whispers to John and Lani.

"Speaking of home. Do you know if any of my sisters showed up yet?" Terra asks Durat.

"I do not, I'm afraid. I did inquire about it, but your father told me that I would learn when I returned with you."

The group find this strange, but Terra seems unphased, "Classic father, always attempting to be the enigmatic one. He thinks it shows him as being smart, all-knowing, other synonyms akin to that. In reality, he makes himself look like a pompous arse most of the time. No doubt he has some sort of big, elaborate plan for us when we show up."

"Speaking of..." Amilia starts, "How long 'til we get there? Cause as alluring as all this talking is, I would like to sit down and eat something that isn't slop in a damn bowl."

Terra chuckles, "Patience is a virtue, y'know?"

"Do I look like a damn doctor? I'm talking about meat here."

Terra is confused, but Kyuala just laughs at her old friend before saying, "It shouldn't be too long. My guess is thirty minutes to get to the hill."

"It would be, but I don't plan on walking all the way," Durat comments.

Just then, the group turn the corner and see a cart with two horses.

"Mister Durat! I have been waiting for you!"

The carriage driver waves his hand, and Durat gently waves his back, "Mister Gran, thank you for waiting for us."

The group get to the carriage and the driver brings the back down which turns into a makeshift step. Durat then turns to the group, "Unless you all wish to walk, you can get on."

Amilia then pushes past everyone, immediately getting on the cart. Terra is next, followed by Kyuala, and finally John with Lani on his shoulder. Durat then closes the back before heading to the front, and getting up beside the driver.

"To the manor we go," The driver says as he sets off.

A little later, as the carriage passes through the streets, Terra has a look of nostalgia on her face. Lani then asks, "What is it?"

"I used to play in this street all the time when I was younger. My father always had business deals with a few of the stores around here, so some of my sisters and I would be here. We always felt... watched in the manor, but here it was free. I used to run into that candy store and get some sweets for my sisters and friends. We were still watched over by guards, but we had freedom that running around in halls didn't give us."

Terra then takes a breath as she drops her head, "I only hope that if my sisters are here... that they don't hate me for abandoning them."