𝖈𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖆𝖎𝖓| Nikolai Lantsov

Amplifiers |

The sky above was a canvas of navy and sparkling silver stars, not a cloud in sight. I stared in wonder, as I'd done millions of times, just looking at the sight above. The glimpse of the night sky was just an experience that I felt every time, all over again.

Ever since we had returned back to the ship my mind had been racing. Alina and I killed the Sea Whip together. The amplifier belonged to the both of us now. But I wasn't ready for it. Nor did I think I wanted an amplifier. But I had no choice now. My arm had been healed by one of the healers onboard, and was now ready for the amplifier.

When it was finally time, we gathered around the top deck and sat in silence. All of us were still in shock from the loss of our crew members. Nikolai stood by my side, holding my hand tight in his.

"We hold ourselves bound to this mission." I said.

"To ensure that our fallen crew did not die in Vain. And we honour the ultimate sacrifice that they made in our quest to find the Sea Whip." Nikolai's voice was steady but I could tell that he was hurt.

"Let us bow our heads for the crew lost today." I commanded. "Let the sea carry them to a safe harbour, and may the saints receive them on a brighter shore."

"May the saints receive them." Everyone chanted and raised their hands in honour of the lost men.

Tolya and Tamar walked forward and each placed a scale on the barrels in front of us. My throat swelled and my stomach was in a knot. I held Nikolai's hand tighter as my breath quickened.

"Alina, Adelaide we're ready." Said Nikolai. I took a deep breath and walked forward, letting go of Nikolai's hand. Alina looked just as scared as I felt. Nikolai and Mal stood next to each other and shared the same worried look.

"You ready?" I asked her.

"Do I have a choice?"

"No." We united hands and prepared for the amplifiers to be fused to our arms. The Durast held his hands over our arms and a tingling sensation spread across my body. I felt the heat first, radiating from the scale as it's edges began to come apart and then re-form. The whole ship started spinning and my vision began to get blurry. 

The Sea Whips last memory, just as Alina and Tamar had said. The last thing it had seen was Mal, trying to escape it's grip. It ached my heart to see the whole scene replay before my eyes. 

I was pulled back to reality my a surge of power travelling in my veins. I gasped as I opened my eyes to both Alina and I glowing. Our light was so bright. So bright that everyone had to strain their eyes to see. The white and yellow colours were dancing all around us like little fireflies. The surface of the water glittered like a massive diamond, reflecting piercing shards of sunlight and moonlight.

Alina broke our contact and stopped her light. But I wasn't ready to let go of the feeling. I felt strong, like nothing could stop me. But I pushed myself too much and could not stop it. The light had a mind of it's own.

Too much, I thought in desperation. And at the same time, all I could think was, More.

"Ada!" I could hear Nikolai screaming but I could not see him. My body shook under the pressure, and my eyes were growing heavy. I felt the heat billowing around me, lifting my coat, singeing the hair on my arms.

"Adelaide!" I felt the ship rocking as the sea began to crackle and hiss.

Suddenly, Nikolai's arms were around me, pulling me back. He held me in a crushing grip, his eyes shut tight against the blaze around us. I smelled sea salt and his familiar sent - fresh rain, eucalyptus and gun powder.