Chapter 42: At sea

The beach stretched out in front of me, a vast expanse of golden sand glistening in the sunlight. The air was warm and salty, carrying the faint sound of crashing waves and the lively chatter of beachgoers. Seagulls swoop overhead, their calls blending with the distant hum of boats on the water.

Palm trees sway gently in the breeze, casting dappled shadows on the sand below. The azure sea sparkles in the sunlight, its waves lapping lazily against the shore. Small clusters of shells and seaweed litter the beach, creating a natural mosaic of textures and colors.

Umbrellas dot the sand, their brightly colored canopies providing shelter from the sun's rays. Beach chairs are scattered about, their loungers reclined as sunbathers soak up the warm rays. Children dart in and out of the water, their laughter mingling with the sound of crashing waves.

In the distance, a promenade lined with shops and restaurants stretches along the shoreline. Beachfront cafes boast colorful umbrellas and tables adorned with fresh flowers, offering a welcome respite from the sun. The scent of salt, sunscreen, and grilled seafood wafts through the air, tantalizing the senses.

As the sun begins to dip towards the horizon, the sky is painted with hues of pink, orange, and purple. Silhouettes of palm trees and beachgoers are cast against the vibrant canvas, creating a picture-perfect scene of tranquility and beauty. The beach is a place of peace and relaxation, a sanctuary where one can forget their worries and simply enjoy the beauty of nature.

"Are you seriously wearing jeans and a hoodie at the beach?" I sighed as I heard an annoying voice. Turning my head to the side, I spotted my sister. Like most women on the beach, she was dressed in a skimpy black bikini. 

"Does mom know you're prancing along with barely any clothes on?" I asked, and the little shit just rolled her eyes at me.

"It's called a bikini dipshit. Not everyone is so sociopathic to go to a beach fully  dressed." She stated as I scoff.

"You calling me sociopathic? Aren't you the one who mutilated the old man's corpse?" I questioned.

"Eh, you got the killing blow." She shot back, and I sighed.

"Point taken." I admitted in defeat; there was no point in arguing with this little shit. "Anyway, where's mom?"

"She went to the bar to get a drink." She informed. "Honestly, she deserves a couple."

"Yeah." When the old fart known as our father died due to 'a robbery gone wrong', the police had hounded us for weeks. Looking to crack the old man's case, scummy as he was, he was still a very respected doctor.

"This is nice." Hinata suddenly uttered.

"What are you babbling about?"

"I don't think I've ever felt as free as I do now, you know." She stared up at the sky that held the endless blue sky with formless clouds. "We probably would've never even gotten the chance to step on a beach with that bastard around." I merely stared at my younger sister. Her eyes merely looked blank.

("That shithead may be gone, but there's still damage.") I thought to myself. Mom and Hinata were way more affected by him. I could take the beatings and the insults, but they...

I raised my hand and ruffled her hair.

"W-what the hell was that for!?" She demanded, and I just chuckled. "What the hell are you laughing for!?"

"Forget all about it, Hinata."

"Huh?" She just looked at me, confused.

"You're safe. You always will be." I stated that as she stared at me wide-eyed. "I'll always make sure of that. Even should it cost me my life." She stared at me some more, seemingly surprised by my declaration. Until...

"Pftttt! You dweeb-hahahahah!" She burst out with laughter.

"Oi, what the hell are you laughing for!?" It was now my turn to demand an answer.

"You read too much manga, hehe." She took a breath as her laughter quickly died down. "That probably sounded cooler in your head."

"Tch, shut the hell up. Last time, I try to cheer you up." I spat out as I turned away, missing the warm smile that crept onto my sister's face.

"How are my two munchkins doing? Bonding, I hope." Me and Hinata turned to spot our mother approaching us. Unlike this twerp, she at least saw fit to put on a bathing suit, though she still got leering gazes.

"This twerp is bullying me; give her time out." I immediately ratted her out.

"Nuh-huh! He's bullying me!" She defended.

"Mom will obviously pick my side; I'm her favorite." I stated it matter-of-factly.

"Fumu, the two of you are too much." My mother spoke with a chuckle.

"Just Hinata; I'm quite well behaved."

"I don't know about that." My mom merely sheepishly replied. "Maybe if you stop getting into fights at school."

*Knock* *Knock*

"Hah!" My sister triumphantly yelled.

"C'mon, I'm not that bad." I defended.

"You're that bad/You're that bad." Simultaneously, they replied.

"Oof. Attack on all sides." I joked.

*Knock* Knock*

"We're just joking, dweeb; no need to cry." Hinata spoke with a smug smile.

"Now, quit teasing your brother." My mom came for the defense with a chuckle.

I smiled to myself; this was nice. Hinata was right; though I was no fan of beaches, at least it was nice. As long as I was with Mom and Hinata, everything was fine. It would be fine.

But nothing was fine. This was all a dream, after all.

*KNOCK* *KNOCK*

Mikoto's arm shot out as his fist collided with a wooden wall, sending splinters flying. Mikoto sat up from his bed as his tired, ruby eyes scanned his surroundings.

The walls were made of sturdy wooden planks, weathered and worn from years of sea travel. The dim lighting cast a soft glow over the room, highlighting the intricate tapestries hanging on the walls depicting various scenes.

The room was furnished with heirloom pieces, including a heavy oak table with ornately carved legs and a matching set of chairs with plush cushions. There was a large hearth in the corner, crackling with a warm fire and casting flickering shadows across the room. Above the fireplace, a mantel holds an array of polished swords and shields, gleaming in the firelight.

A massive four-poster bed dominates one side of the room, draped in rich burgundy curtains and piled high with soft furs and cushions. The bed was adorned with intricate patterns of gold and silver thread, adding a touch of luxury to the otherwise rustic decor. 

At the foot of the bed, a large wooden chest sits, its lid adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures and ancient symbols. The room was filled with the scent of aged wood and sea air, a reminder of the ship's constant motion through the ocean.

He recalled being in a cottage within the ship on his way to Verdantis.

*Knock* *Knock*

"Mikoto, are you there?" He heard the muffled voice of Fiona from beyond his cabin door. Mikoto sighed heavily as he ran a hand through his face.

("What time is it?") He could not help but think as he moved off his bed and towards the cabin door. Opening it, he was met with the familiar sight of Fiona.

"As ever, you're a late sleeper." The wolf-eared girl spoke with a smile.

"How late is it even?" Mikoto questioned as he let out a yawn, wiping the tears away. Fiona could not help but find it somewhat cute.

"It's already late afternoon." She informed.

"Seriously?"

"Seriously." Fiona shook her head. "Honestly, Mikoto, I forgot how late you slept in. Furthermore, I'm surprised you could even sleep given how this ship is constantly rocking back and forth."

"I'm a deep sleeper."

"Right, anyhow, get dressed and head to the deck. Professor Eugene will start briefing you all on what is expected of you once we dock in Verdantis." She informed him as Mikoto nodded his head.

"Roger, I'll be there in a sec. See you, Fiona." Giving the girl one last nod, Mikoto headed back to his bed and took a seat.

Humming to himself, he took off his mask that rested on a desk. He could not help but feel a sense of comfort while staring at the eerie, grinning mask. In a way, it was a part of him in some weird way. 

"My real face, huh?" Mikoto let his body fall back into the comfort of his bed as he stared at the dull wooden ceiling. He did not know why, but he felt tired, not physically but mentally.

He did not know how much longer he would last in this world. It was ever hard not to think of home, especially when memories plaque him. He was getting restless; he was fighting towards a goal he did not even think would work.

"Honestly, what are the chances that the forbidden section has what I'm looking for? What if it does not? What is the backup plan? There is no plan; I'm betting everything on this."

"Damn, I really have to look into other avenues. But world-traveling magic is unheard of. Who could even help?"

The boy sighed.

"What a pain!"