Legend of Keys: Huntik's Adventure In Paradise

Depart to sea

December 1st

As the snow fell in thick, swirling flakes, blanketing the docks in a shimmering white carpet, the anticipation among Team Huntik and their allies reached a fever pitch.

Amidst the flurry of farewells and emotional embraces, Apollon stood tall, flanked by his grandfather Ueman, a beacon of steadfastness in the midst of the swirling emotions. The warmth of the tight hugs seemed to ward off the biting cold, a testament to the strength of familial bonds.

In an unexpected twist, the Water realm team, known as the Royal Sailors, joined them, led by the enigmatic Prince Malik. His presence commanded attention, flanked by his loyal companion Zale, who exuded an aura of protective strength.

With a gracious greeting, Malik extended a gift to Apollon, a conch shell of unparalleled quality said to capture the essence of sound itself. Apollon, humbled by the gesture, accepted the gift with gratitude, despite having nothing to offer in return. One of Lycaon siblings hurry to try to grab it but he was a bit too slow. Lycaon apologizes for his behavior. Apollon said it was alright smiling as they lock eyes. 

Eager to embark on their journey, Malik expressed his anticipation of riding aboard the finest vessel available, expressing a preference for a steam-powered ship in the face of the plummeting temperatures. Apollon assured him that they were in good hands, pointing proudly to the grandest ship on the docks, a majestic vessel belonging to none other than Nile and Khione's father.

Nile and Khione were helping pull some stuff out and in the boat. Their father, Snow, was laughing." It has been a long time since you've been on my boat, and I'm excited for your first long journey. Maybe will spark something in one of you." Khione looks at Nile, and then back to her father. " Maybe it will be good for us maybe it will bring a lot out of us." Snow smiled." that's right little fry." 

Twighlight appear behind them." You still haven't told him yet." Nile got spooked and tells her a shush. Twighlight roll her eyes. "It seems everyone is afraid of their own power."

Khione asks how she is here so early. "you don't need to know." Twighlight says cranky and cold. Snow turns around after moving some crates. He greets Twilight with a warm handshake." You must be one of my little fries' teammates as well. I guess it is a small world. Where is your brother though? I need him to tell me where some of the east sea goods are." She says," he should be packaging some more of the east sea goods over in the fragile storage room. "

Helios and Kitsune stepped onto the ship, their teeth chattering in the biting cold, laden with luggage in readiness for the voyage ahead. As they boarded, the members of Team Tortoise and the Royal Sailors joined them, their presence adding to the sense of anticipation on deck. Below, a throng of children bid farewell, their voices echoing in a chorus of goodbyes.

Amidst the flurry of activity, Malik paused to admire the unity of the assembled crew. "You truly have a beautiful family," he remarked warmly, his words met with sincere gratitude from the crew.

Taking in the scene, Malik couldn't help but express his admiration for Snow, the warlock captain leading the expedition. "It's truly empowering to see a warlock take command," he noted, his respect evident in his tone.

Snow, with a hearty laugh, regaled the group with tales of his infamous father, known far and wide as Black Beard. Chuckling, he recounted the origins of his father's moniker, attributing it to both the color of his beard and his fearsome reputation as a notorious pirate.

Hunter, appearing seemingly out of thin air, interjected with a question, prompting Malik to offer an explanation of piracy for those unfamiliar." A pirate is basically what you folk would call robbers. "With vivid detail, he painted a picture of the daring exploits of pirates, their ships plundering the seas in search of treasure and adventure. "Black beard was notorious for how good he was at it. His crew was powerful enough to go toe to toe with multiple ships own by royals and high-class merchant. He brutally died in battle by the royal navy."

snow laughs about it. "But he was a damn good sailor. I hope I surpass him and create a cleaner and legacy or one of you two will." Looking at Nile and Khione.  

Apollon saw how uncomfortable they look. He changes the conversation by asking when will the ship be leaving. Snow says he is just waiting for some crates to come in.  Lux come in with some crates. " Here there are. It is time to head off."

As Snow made final preparations for departure, the ship hummed with anticipation. Green Cross vessels and Royal Navy ships fell into formation, ready to embark on their respective missions. As Apollon gazed out at the vista before him, memories flooded his mind, transporting him back to his first journey to paradise.

He recalled the first time he arrived at Paradise. The throngs of mages that had surrounded him and Ueman, the enforcers and guards forming a protective barrier against the eager crowd. In that moment, he relived the excitement of meeting each of his friends, the trials of the entrance exams, the battles fought, and the milestones achieved in his journey of growth.

As the ship began to pull away from the dock, they bid farewell to those they left behind. Apollon's gaze lingered on Ueman, exchanging a wave that carried with it a sense of shared pride and determination. No longer consumed by resentment, his focus now shifted to the true adversaries that awaited them.

With a steely resolve, Apollon vowed to make his mark known, to confront the challenges ahead with unwavering determination. As the ship sailed into the horizon, he stood tall, ready to face whatever lay ahead on their quest for justice and redemption.