The Other Tide

Chapter X

The sand crunched under their shoes as they stepped off the lifeboats. "We should start searching for the first trail. We should see a symbol like this." Sariah showed the others. "We'll split up." Suggested Cassian. "Mohan and Akira can search to the east. Arien and-.." "I'll go with Sariah." Butted in Oxi, standing right beside her. Cassian looked over at him, his eyes narrowing. Oxi met his gaze with his own cold look. "Good idea. We can cover the West side." Sariah nodded, noticing the tension between the two. "Let's get going." She started to walk along the shore line. Just as Oxi was about to pass Cassian, a hand landed on his shoulder. "I trust that no harm will come to her." Cassian spoke in his ear. Oxi's eyes looked up at him, shoving his shoulder away. He didn't respond and simply walked away to catch up with Sariah.

"So, what exactly are these trails?" Oxi asked as he observed their surroundings. "It is to protect the cursed treasure from the wrong hands. If we complete these trials, it simply proves that we are worthy of something that cannot be touched." She explained, looking over at him. "Question..." She started. "Hm?" He answered, looking over at her. "Why did you suggest coming with me? You knew the Captain was going to suggest otherwise." Her lashes fluttered up at him. "Just felt like you could use a friend instead of a love interest." He joked with the straightest face. "Love interest?" She raised an eyebrow, scoffing. "Is that seriously what the men have been saying?" She seemed amused. He shrugged. "It's just a simple observation." He looked ahead. She started to laugh, thinking it was hilarious. "Love interest, Ha!" She wiped a tear that escaped her eye, calming down. Oxi shook his head. "Is it not obvious?" He raised an eyebrow. "I mean...you have been getting rather close." He tilted his head. Sariah scoffed. "We are simply business partners." She crossed her arms. "Ah, so you're in denial." Remark Oxi. "Excuse you?" She turned towards him, stopping in her tracks. "I'll have you know-..." She was cut off by a gunshot going off. They both turned towards the noise. "Come on." Oxi rushed towards the sound, Sariah following closely behind.

Swords clinked together. "Grab the box!" Cassian ordered as he fought off a skeleton soldier. Arien grabbed the box, shooting a skeleton through the chest. The rest of the gang showed up, Mohan immediately helping Arien. "The box has the symbol on it!" Shouted Arien, tossing it to Sariah. She caught it, confused a bit. Oxi joined in with Akire, sheathing their swords. She stepped back just as a skeleton lunged at her. She dodged, kickin it. The bones scattered on the ground, making a rattling sound. Oxi tossed her a sword. "Take this." She caught it quickly turning around to block an attack. She tossed the box to the side, getting in on the action.

She sliced through a soldier, watching as the bones rattled. "Looks like that was the last one." Mohan sighed, putting his sword up. Sariah crouched down to the box, examining the symbol. It looked exactly like the markings on the ruins they found. She brushed her fingers over it, hearing it click. She started to open the lid, rustling surrounded them. The bones rattled as the wind blew. They started reassembling themselves. The guys watched in shock, Sariah completely oblivious. "I think this might be a good time to head back." Akira gulped, gripping his sword. "Right ahead of you." Arien stepped back. Sariah looked up, seeing a skeleton looming over her. She quickly closed the lid, taking the box in her arms. She stood up, stepping back into Cassian. He gently pressed his hands on her arms, guiding her beside him. "Take the box to the lifeboats." He ordered, signaling to his men. The leaves rustled as they started to leave the area. The skeletons followed behind them, more emerging from the ground. They ran through the trees, making their way to the shore.

"How many are there?!" Asked Sariah, panting from running. "Just keep forward!" Oxi shouted, lighting up a homemade bomb. He threw it back, causing a loud boom. Their boots slid on the sand as some climbed into the boats. Sariah tossed the box in the boat, sitting down beside it. Cassian pushed the boat off in the water, quickly hopping into the boat. The skeletons stopped right where the water stopped. They watched them flee, taking the box with them. "What exactly happened for you to cause such a ruckus?" Asked Sariah, her looks scolding Arien and Cassian. "We stumbled upon the box on a pedestal. I noticed the symbol, so I took it." Shrugged Cassian. "Yet when you grabbed it, the pedestal started going back into the ground." Added Arien, crossing his arms. "Can't seem to keep your hands off treasure, huh?" Teased Sariah. Arien smirked, leaning against the side. Cassian rolled his eyes. "Ha ha, very funny." He said, sarcastically. "So, what's in the box?" Arien asked, spotting it beside her. "It's a page of a diary." She said, opening it up again. "Several pages actually." She picked some up, looking over them. "From what I see, they seem to explain a few things about the trials." She said, stacking the papers up neatly. "But, it's in hieroglyphics." She added, closing the box up. "Hiero what?" Airen asked, looking confused. "Ancient Egyptian writing." She explained. "Have you not been paying attention?" She raised an eyebrow. "No. I only care about shooting and possibly sword fighting. Besides, I just do what I'm told." He shrugged. She rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Pirates.." She mumbled under her breath. "Well, once we get back to the ship. You might have to teach me a few things." Cassian finally spoke, turning towards her. She looked over at him. "I suppose."