Classy, Controlled Chaos - The STEAM Team Adventures

🦋 Metamorphosis [3/7] 🦋

King Arthur's POV:

According to Tia, the contents of the letter were so vile that she had the urge to dispose of it in the nearest volcano chain.

I took it from her, knowing it probably wouldn't be that bad.

Not to my surprise, I was wrong.

Marshall and Addison had a sudden visitor that night, flying in from Spiritvale.

Because Northwynd and Everhallow had control of that kingdom, apparently, he had tried to come to this region to seek a dragon for rebellion.

The visitor obviously fails, but he somehow flies to the Horizon Library in spite of the danger along the way.

Addison knows this person, but Marshall does not, but they get to know each other.

It all seems like a happy friendship sort of thing, doesn't it?

No. Absolutely not.

Marshall claims that long ago, when he spoke to Tia at some point, that she said that this person was dead.

His name is Don Alterra Nautilus.

Don was presumed dead after he fell overboard on his final voyage, the same "exam" that Tia took to graduate sailor training in Baywharf.

He never reached the vantage point in time, and nor did anyone else on his ship.

By the time the boat had drifted to Northwynd's harbor, there was no one left on the deck.

"Like, this is crazy!" Tia blurted out, walking along the carpeted, endless stone hallways beside me. "How is this man alive?! He couldn't have survived such weather, there was a hurricane that day!"

"Maybe he's like you," I reasoned out, looking down at her tiny, yet unreasonably strong frame. "Resistant to a ton of things and survived against all odds."

She let out an indignant snort. "Well at least he didn't get charged with terrible crimes and had to get bailed out by his best friend..."

My eyes widened at that last statement. "I'm your best friend, Tia?"

"Of course you are, idiot!" The captain laughed, giving me a playful nudge. "Who else could it possibly be, Addison?"

"That's what I was thinking," I replied, reaching down and gently ruffling her jet-black hair. "I thought you and her were close, no?"

Her gaze softened, a glint of what seemed to be regret in her eyes. "Well... We used to be. Before the war began."

"I won't pry if you don't want me to." I reminded her, making sure she knew she had a choice on whether she wanted to open up or not. "But remember, I'll always be there to listen to you."

My apprentice chuckled, averting her gaze to stare down the never-ending hallway. "Even if I'm ranting about how Addison's about to drive me insane?"

I gave her a reassuring nod. "Even if you're ranting about how Addison's about to drive you insane."

Tia grinned, swinging her tail up so she could pat my back with her flukes. "This is why you're my best friend."

"Aww, you're sweet." I replied, following her gaze. "Race you to the end?"

She flicked her orca tail, bringing it back down to her side. "In that case, you'll need a head start."

"Calling me slow?" I huffed, playfully elbowing her side.

"Oh yeah I am," The captain retorted, tapping her foot against the floor. "I'd totally outrun you without breaking a sweat. Twenty sand dollars on that."