Premonition

Chapter 6 - The Beach Boys Were Wrong and We did Not Get to Surf

When they had finally rifted off of the building (which was like a portal but not a portal, as Ethos explained,) they had to have walked multiple blocks through what felt like the same people in the same city scenery. Over and over again, it felt like they passed the same structures and heard the same "Buy one get one 80% off!" like 20 times. She started to wonder if it was 80% off and if she was going to give into the deal.

Every time she tried to make eye contact with the product being sold, Ethos pulled her just a little bit more to the other side for 'no reason at all', while completely taking an inordinately fast stride and shielding Elisé's face from the products. She was getting dragged at this point. The constant distractions of the vibrant signs, enticing offers, and passionate salespeople became a blur as Ethos dragged her further into the labyrinthine streets. She couldn't help but wonder what exactly he was trying to protect her from, and why it felt like they were walking through the never-ending maze of the Pivot.

As they continued walking, Elisé couldn't help but notice a change in the atmosphere. The sound of bustling city streets faded away, replaced by the calming rhythm of waves crashing against the shore. The scent of saltwater filled the air, mingling with the enticing aromas of fried food and cotton candy.

As they walked, Elisé couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation building within her. The vibrant colors of the boardwalk booths created an electrifying atmosphere. They find themselves content with the area, feeling a sense of tranquility amidst the bustling crowd. As they stroll along the wooden planks, the sight of a towering ship catches their attention. Its gleaming white exterior and rows of windows punctuate the horizon, and its reflection catches Elisé's eye; and quick. Ethos looks up and points to it.

"That's where we've gotta get on. Chaos' gotta be taking the line today, he's who we need."

"His... his name is what now?" Elisé makes dead eye contact with Ethos, worrying even further towards their last encounter.

"That's his name... don't wear out." Ethos sighs, obviously not too fond of the man.

"Is that like... his birth name?"

"Something like that."

"... Okay then."

Elisé is even more worried than she previously was. The name obviously evokes a sense of.... Well. You know. But Ethos seems a lot more confident about this place than the other. So they get onto the gangway, and onto the ship. Elisé had worried about money once on, knowing that these things cost a lot, but Ethos had pulled out these little boxes with sharp glitched edges and held them out to the man at the entrance. All it took was a simple "One way, please." And they had gotten a spot on the boat (with a room!)

When they had gotten to the floor of their room, amongst the patterned floor and scattered families, they had made it to the fancy wooden door that held their room. When they walked in (After Ethos struggled with keys for a good 3 minutes,) they found themselves in a pristine white room, with one bed, one couch, a bathroom (Elisé assumes,) and a window that showed the dusk setting on the boardwalk pier.

When they both settled in, Elisé had succumbed her stuff onto the couch as Ethos entered the maybe-so-but-Elisé-doesn't-know-bathroom. She was tired, probably needed to wash herself, and just longing for home again. After about 10 minutes, Ethos walked out in a new set of clothes (shorter-sleeved button-up) and shorts, all while physically shivering and carrying a bag and his former poncho in his right arm. Elisé guessed this was a bathroom, atleast.

"Is the water really cold?"

"No."

"Is it really hot??"