Damaged Departion

Five hours bypassed since this morning.

The day looked clear of bad weather, the sun ruling the skies. The ocean was calm and empty of danger. Only some harmless fish swam underwater.

Everyone gathered in front of the borrowed ship, waiting on the shore for their captain.

Ralphie flicked his lighter and ignited his cigarette. Yumiko grasped her sword's hilt, bouncing it on the hip to test its stability.

Kyora balanced herself on a handstand, pushing up and down on one palm. Ayuka stretched her arms, tilting her hips and torso. Kou grabbed a pair of shoes, tied its laces, and tapped the sand with his toes.

Timothy walked to them in the distance, hooding his head with a black jacket. He leaned a bag over his shoulder, bouncing with every step he made.

He stopped in front of them, Codey and Alpha standing on each end, looking at him. "New style? Guess your clothes were soaked."

Timothy inhaled and exhaled. "I needed something more flexible. My other clothes restrained me from mobility."

"Any news regarding your abilities?" questioned Kyora, rolling up on her feet. "I don't know," he looked at his hanging arm, "I managed to shape a flame, but it doesn't feel any better. I know I haven't lost my abilities, so I'd say that some patience is needed. I'll have to wait and see if they build back together."

"Whatever happened to your abilities, it needs to be fixed. We need power and variety. You never know when your abilities are going to be needed." Ayuka explained with a solemn tone, slamming her fist into her palm. "I want my bathtub to be warm, not cold."

Everyone looked at her bewildered, catching Timothy in discomfort. "Anyway... Chiaki's waiting for us. We should get going before we're too late." Codey claimed, noticing Ayuka pointing at him. "The ship can't hold more than six people. It's a small ship, and we couldn't afford a bigger one, all of our treasures at Winterpeak. Two of us must stay behind, or we'll be overweight."

Ayuka's information caught everyone off guard. "And why didn't you ask for a bigger one? What are we supposed to do if two of us can't sail?" Asked Alpha, cocking her head and crossing his arms on her torso.

"If you listened, I "clearly," said we didn't have enough money.," Ayuka shook her head and sighed, "So, it's either we all stay or only six go."

Alpha hurled her view away from Ayuka, grunting. "It should be okay. Two can stay behind while the rest sail. I think Alpha should stay around here with Codey to keep an eye out for any attackers." Timothy said, "There hasn't been a human on this island for 70 years, but Etoceans said they got attacked not long ago. And I don't think they lied to us. They could use some help in case things go south."

Codey ran up to him, stressed and confused. "What? Why me? Can't one of them stay behind? Have you completely forgot about old friends, Tim? Don't tell me you're replacing that navigator girl with me?"

"That's not what I meant. I never said we wouldn't come back to pick you up. But right now, if they see you're with us, they won't hesitate to try and place you behind bars. You're on the run, Codey, and I know you want to help. But let's not forget you ran off on your own after the agents at the Craftsman Island. You didn't tell us anything, nor did you bother to phone us and tell us where you were. Could you listen to me this one time?"

Codey's eyes shook in frustration. "You know what? I had enough! If you want to be stubborn and selfish, then consider our friendship over!" He stated, his voice loud and aggressive. "I called Ayuka so she could call the rest of the crew. And if I didn't do it, you'd probably have no chance of rescuing Chiaki. But the one time I come back to help, you want me to stay behind and do nothing! Maybe you should replace me with that one-eyed freak!"

Codey yelled and pointed at Alpha. "Yo! What's the deal? Aren't you supposed to obey the captain of the ship? You're doing the opposite and pressuring me for no damn reason!" Alpha argued, upset and furious.

"Yeah? Well, no more. I'm going my own way! See you never! I'm leaving the crew, and maybe I'll go work for the world government!" Their eyes shook in astonishment, watching Codey walk away with a final wave. "Codey! What's the problem? It's just a one-time thing!" Yumiko shouted with an uncertain demeanor.

"Do something about it, Tim! You're the captain!" She looked him in the eyes, but Timothy closed his eyes and declined. "If he wants to go in his separate way and doesn't want to listen to me. Then I have nothing to argue about." They followed his tracks and watched him climb onto the ship.

"What? You'll really just abandon him?" Yumiko added, seeing Timothy's eyes glance behind his shoulder. "Do you have a problem with it? I don't like it either, but You heard Ayuka. There's only space for six people before we're overweight. Now, if anyone else wants to stay behind, be my guest."

Nobody had any objections. And while some sorrow was visible on their faces, they decided to board the ship. "Alpha! See you soon! Make sure these people don't get in danger!" Timothy exclaimed, waving in her direction.

She shrugged her shoulders but raised her thumb. "Don't mess up!"

Timothy nodded before Ralphie approached him. "Tim, are you sure about your decision?" He asked, seeing Timothy backing away from the edge.

"I don't want anyone to leave the crew, especially not a friend who's been with me for years. But I don't see the point of arguing. It'll make things worse. Besides, I never ordered he left the crew. Until I do, he's still a member of the crew." He gazed into the distance, observing Codey walking far away. "I'm sure he'll come to his senses and find what he's looking for."

As Codey departs from the crew, he takes some time to discover what his heart truly craves. Chiaki's execution is about to begin as the ship sets off. The way opens up with grace, kindness, and love, and one's heart will be rekindled like fire.

To be continued...