Rocky Journey

[ Elijah's Pov ]

A faint aroma filled the room, the bed slightly creaked as the boat swayed above the harsh waves. He could hear a vague clicking and clattering, an indistinct riffling of pages ever so often. The ceiling croaked as numerous footsteps rushed back and forth. Elijah slowly opened his eyes, a cold breeze squeeze through the cracked doorway.

A man in his late 20's with an athletic build dressed in noble attire sat across his bed. He observed an amusing scene, as the boat rocked and wobbled, periodically the furniture comically slid across the room, but the man in his chair remained perfectly still as he slowly sipped some steaming herbal tea.

Elijah lazily sat up and stretched his legs, noticing that all his injuries were bandaged and taken care of. The man heard him rustling the sheets and put down his teacup.

"It seems you've finally awoken, now then, I believe you will comply if I have a few questions to ask?" He fidgeted with his jacket and pulled out an old rustic notebook as he shot a serious glare towards Elijah.

Elijah already knew it was too late to feign ignorance, not only had he been rescued by this man, but he had also experienced his power first-hand. An A rank mage, it was something he could only achieve after years of training, a true milestone within the magical community, only those extremely talented would ever achieve this rank.

Not to mention that the man before him was extremely young compared to their standards, only in his late twenties! It was common for mages to easily live for a hundred years, and those who were strong could easily live for at least twice that.

As he scanned the man for a bit longer, he forced a dry gulp down his throat and cautiously prompted.

" That ring....I know you've been following me for a while now, who are you? Why did you help me?"

He waited for an answer as he scrutinized the man's face. The man's eyes glowed faintly as a suffocating pressure filled the room, Elijah could feel his lungs collapsing as the man continued to stare.

"Prince Elijah Ashworth, I will be the one asking questions here." the man's low voice reverberated through the room as he unfurled his brows with a staunch expression. Elijah's bones quaked s a cold shiver ran down his back.

The man took out a pen and started scribbling on his notebook, "It seems the introduction is overdue, my name is Alfonso Reed, I will be hence questioning you by the authority of Reneva Associated Police Enforcement Department in regard to the investigation of attacks due to foreign forces".

Alfonso continued to list some jargon and rules that required Elijah to take into account the terms of interrogation.

"Reneva Associated Police Enforcement Department? Isn't that name a bit too long... isn't there an acronym?" either way, Elijah was confused, why was the Reneva police department all the way out here?

Could it be.... had Robert been barking up the wrong tree recently? F*ck, he didn't want to take responsibility for that crazed bastards actions.

Alfonso flinched, "Cough!..... We don't talk about the acronym...." he pulled out a small coin from his jacket, although it seemed ordinary as he flicked it, several images were projected that showcased Elijah and Jacob fighting with the assassins.

"As you see, we have determined the incident of the rogue mage with you two, whether or not it was intentional, you have certainly endangered the ports people and its infrastructure." Alfonso explained in detail as he showed his evidence.

Elijah had no room to lie, he know he was being followed, but these pictures showed a rather harsh reality, all his moves were being recorded.

He clenched his fists and prepared for an exhaustive interrogation, the city surely wouldn't punish him too harshly considering he was royalty, but he did not want to leave it at chance.

Alfonso read from his list of legislature, "In accordance with Law 403, Elijah Ashworth, you have endangered the duchy and its people, by the authority of the Duke, I Alfonso Reed, hereby begin your interrogation."

"Firstly, what is your purpose of visit regarding the port city?" Alfonso questioned, Elijah had been moving in secret, therefore, except a few house members, he had informed no one about him leaving the country.

Naturally, this was suspicious to the inspectors, why had a well known prince chosen to secretively embark on a journey? The whole situation reeked of scandal. But the appearance of Robert and his lackeys had completely shifted the situation to a hostile nature.

He had unknowingly severely endangered the citizens lives, Elijah was aware that he might have to take responsibility of these actions, he breathed a cold sigh, "I planned to attend the admission exam for the Reneva Magic University, therefore, I travelled in secret in order to not alert my enemies back home."

Alfonso was not surprised, it was easy to understand Elijah's actions to keep his enemies unaware, however the young prince had still failed, it was obvious someone had leaked his whereabouts. "You must now reply either yes or no to the following questions"

"Did you lead the assailants to the town?"

Elijah almost bit his tongue out of frustration, he was prepared for accusations, but such a bold faced lie? He didn't ever expect to be held accountable for being the one at risk.

"Yes....bu-"

Before he could even utter a single word, Alfonso had already moved on towards the next question.

"Did you knowingly stay in the city for refuge against the assailants?"

"Yes...however if-"

"Did you try to flee the assailants, hence endangering the town?"

This bastard had never intended to listen to any explanation from the start... F*ck me, these bureaucratic dogs don't change no matter the place..... he felt his head throbbing from these questions. But currently he could only comply with the questioning.

"No.... "

"Did you try to prevent the assailants from harming the cit-" The questions continued and their absurdity did not fail to surprise, Elijah had simply given up, there was no way he could accurately depict the situation, he could now only hope that he wouldn't be punished too harshly.....

[A while later]

"Hmm, we have completed most of the questions, I wouldn't be too worried about the result, since it is proven that you and your friend fought against the assailants, your charges will probably be dropped." Alfonso began tidying up his notes and stored his notebook back into his jacket.

Elijah, who was still sitting on the bed, was utterly exhausted after the tenacious questions, he had completely forgotten about Jacob! If he was questioned... then surely Jacob was too.

All of a sudden, various doubts crept into this mind as uncertainty clouded his thoughts. Could Jacob have said something wrong? although he wasn't sure, he could only hope Jacob's interrogation went smoothly.

Alas, he decided to ask Alfonso himself..

"Did you also interrogate Jacob?" If Elijah's fears were to be true, this sleazy fox of a man had surely scammed a confession out of Jacob.

However, much to his surprise, Alfonso's face lit up as soon as he mentioned Jacob.

"Yes, your blonde friend, might I add he is a very curious boy, he was very complying and answered the questions easily. A very polite boy as well, he was very excited about being on a ship so he's probably running around on deck-"

Alfonso rubbed his chin and continued to ramble on about Jacob.

Elijah was awestruck, he was aware of Jacob's charisma but to think it even affected powerful magicians..frightening....it wouldn't be far fetched to call it talent.

Jacob had easily diffused the tension with the mercenaries earlier and today he left a really good impression on Alfonso, surely it was no coincidence.

As the interrogation was done, Alfonso excused himself and walked out to the deck, Elijah was busy mentally preparing a good explanation for Jacob.

Not only had he lied about his origins, he had almost gotten Jacob killed. At most, he just didn't want Jacob to hate him, if he had decided to go alone from now on, it was unfortunate but probably for the best.

Elijah took a deep sigh...."it wouldn't be the first time I've made someone leave me...." he muttered.

He slowly got up and walked towards the door, his thoughts raced as he tried to imagine Jacob's reaction...

Would it be disappointment? Rage? Sorrow? He didn't know, at best he thought they would part ways without any hatred.... But did he want that?

Jacob was one of the few friends he had made without relying on his identity, someone who he truly had fun with, without worrying about any consequence whatsoever.

The former had even risked his life for him, but what had he given in return?

He could feel his heart beating restlessly, as he slowly walked up the stairs, his eyes were filled with grief.

Elijah slowly stepped on deck, he saw Jacob leaning over the side gazing into ocean. He quietly walked closer and clenched his fists.

What could he explain? Before he could utter any words, he could feel a sore lump down his throat.

Jacob noticed him and looked back, a stoic expression on his face, at the time Elijah felt Jacob's gaze peering through him.... All his thoughts melted away, as his eyes yearned for forgiveness.

Jacob stood still and stared, slowly he stepped closer, his face contorted, as if in pain.

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Was he angry? I didn't know...

I wanted to explain... but no words came out... "Jacob.. I-"

as he was about to begin, Jacob leaned closer, and immediately put his arm around Elijah...

[blgghhrhrhrhrhrh]

Just as he had done so, Jacob barfed all over Elijah....

This..... his clothes were now covered with puke, he was startled as he tried to wipe himself down with a handkerchief

"Sorry.... my stomach, its killing me" Jacob moaned, he showed and aghast expression as he wrapped his arms around his abdomen.

Jacob seemed to completely forget what had happened mere hours ago, or was it that he didn't care?

------------------------------------

He could clearly see that Jacob was seasick, perhaps living in the mountains too long caused his body to act up in unfamiliar environments .

Albeit it was still surprising, someone born with innate physical strength struggling because of a rocking boat.

Elijah walked him to the deck where Jacob slumped over the side of the railing and tried to regain enough strength to speak.

After a few moments in silence, both boys observed the bright blue sky, as their boat rocked through rough waves in the sun kissed sea.

A few moments passed as Elijah took a deep sigh and started talking again.

"I am sorry for dragging you into this.... I can't tell you a lot, but it might be good if you don't follow me anymore... Please forgive m-"

"I will forgive you.... So will you tell me your story?"

It was an odd request. However, Jacob never once resented Elijah throughout the whole journey, instead he had learned a lot from him. He couldn't believe what the world possessed but he wished to see it all. For that, he wanted to continue his journey. He was curious and excited for the future.

"My story?.... I see".

There wasn't much to say, Elijah was royalty, however, due to this blood, everyone assumed he was born with a silver spoon. Instead, as a prince, he led a pitiful life. Surrounded by schemes and politics. He had not once met a sincere soul.

In a game of nations, he was just a useless pawn.

People were friendly upfront, but as soon as he left, they would curse his name. He wanted to be stronger, to control his own life. So? One day he decided to abandon everything and run away to chase his dreams.

It was very abrupt and surprising, but he needed his own freedom, nothing would ever hold him down.

However, his enemies would not even let him walk away. He never had any close friends, he couldn't even protect his own life, let alone those around him. To him, the only way forward was to be stronger.

He never looked back, after reaching C rank as a magician, he simply ran away.

Elijah regaled his past as the ship merrily waded through water. Hours passed and soon, noon was upon them.

-A horrid siren echoed in the ship

[BNNNNNN]

The deck shook violently as the sea below them parted way....

Just what was happening? A storm? but the skies were all clear...