A Draconic Journey { Fairy Tail x Oc }

Chapter 4: The Skeleton Crew and the Sea Witch (Tower of Heaven Arc)

Okay, if you guys haven't read the message (or you're from the future)
I changed the mc's name from Aslan to Zhong Yu as my indecisiveness tends to get the better of me.

Anyways I apologize and yeah. That's all

Okay enjoy

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Upon receiving the missive from the Magic Council, penned by none other than Yajima—an esteemed former Fairy Tail member now entrenched within the Council's ranks—Yu wasted no time. With purpose etched in his stride, he navigated the bustling thoroughfares of Magnolia, his sights set on the harbor. There, amidst a sea of vessels, he sought out passage to ferry him swiftly towards the fabled Tower of Heaven's distant domain.

Yu trudged along the harbor's edge, beseeching numerous ship captains in vain for passage to his destination. Disheartened, he let out a heavy sigh, his mind already racing for alternative routes. However, before he could pursue another avenue, a voice pierced through the din of the bustling port, calling out his name.

"Hey, kid!" The voice sliced through the air, prompting Yu to pivot on his heel. His gaze fell upon an elder statesman, graying hair and beard framing a weathered visage, olive skin bearing the marks of time's passage. An eyepatch concealed his right eye, lending an air of mystery to his countenance. "I heard you're looking for passage," he declared, his tone carrying a hint of intrigue.

"Yes, I am," Yu responded, his voice tinged with a hint of suspicion.

Observing Yu's guarded demeanor, the old man let out a chuckle. "The name's Barney, lad. And I happen to be the owner of a ship that'll take you precisely where you need to go," he announced with a knowing grin.

"Really? I need to head to the south coast of the Kingdom of Caelum," Yu stated, his interest piqued.

"I can help you with that," the Captain, now identified as Barney, replied before casting a cautious glance to his surroundings. Satisfied that no prying ears lingered nearby, he beckoned Yu to follow. "Come with me to my ship. I'll fill you in on all the details," he urged, his voice low and conspiratorial.

Yu, maintaining his vigilance, nodded in agreement and trailed behind the old captain. As they reached the berth, his eyes fell upon the vessel awaiting them. It stood out starkly amidst the assortment of ships, a Trireme—a formidable warship more accustomed to the tumult of battle than the calm seas of trade routes. Its imposing figure hinted at a storied past, sparking both curiosity and caution within Yu's mind.

Stepping onto the deck, Yu was met with a scene of camaraderie. The crew, a lively bunch, seemed to be at ease—some reclining on the wooden planks, others engaged in the mundane task of peeling potatoes, while a few belted out sea shanties with gusto. Despite the ship's formidable appearance, the atmosphere aboard was anything but daunting; instead, it exuded a sense of tranquility that belied its warlike exterior.

"Come with me, laddie," Barney beckoned, leading Yu to a quieter corner of the ship where they could converse in privacy. "When you were seeking passage from the other captains and mentioned the coast off of Caelum, they were afraid, right?" he inquired, his tone measured yet pointed.

"Yes, indeed... But why is that?" Yu inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Well, there have been rumors circulating," Barney responded with a hint of skepticism. "Some of them are downright absurd. However, what remains consistent is the pattern of ships going missing after encountering a thick fog. Some claim it's the handiwork of a devil or a sea witch," he explained, his tone tinged with a sense of unease.