Timeless Legacy

If Only

Gil was wandering around the market when he suddenly bumped into someone. Looking up, he saw Ben and immediately recognized him. "Hey, man. Hey! I know you!" Gil said, his face lighting up with a friendly smile.

Ben, caught off guard and trying to stay under the radar, tried to play it cool. "Uh, no. Don't know you, either, man," he replied, attempting to sound nonchalant. Evie, Carlos, and Jay quickly moved to stand behind him, tense and ready for whatever might happen next.

But Gil wasn't convinced. "Uh, yeah, you do," he said with certainty, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. He leaned in closer, trying to jog Ben's memory. "Come on, man. Really? Huh? Dude, I'll give you a hint. My dad is quick, slick, and his neck..." Gil began, waiting for Ben to catch on.

"...is incredibly thick," Ben finished for him, still trying to maintain the act. But before he could continue, Gil's eyes widened as something caught his attention above them. He looked up and saw a large poster featuring Ben and Elina's faces.

"Huh? Huh," Gil mumbled, pointing up at the poster, his mind working to connect the dots. The VKs and Ben followed his gaze, their expressions shifting from nervous to resigned.

Suddenly, it clicked for Gil. "Oh! You're King Ben!" he exclaimed, his voice full of excitement as he pointed at Ben. Ben tried to deny it, but Evie quickly stepped in, cutting him off. "Okay, let's go," she said urgently, pushing Ben away from Gil. Carlos and Jay quickly followed suit.

As they hurried down the street, Gil watched them go, still processing what he had just discovered. "Yeah, yeah, you totally are King Ben, and you're J-Jay, Carlos, Evie," he called after them, recognizing each of them in turn.

Then, a grin spread across his face as he realized the significance of what he had just uncovered. "Oh, Uma's gonna love this!" Gil said, his excitement bubbling over as he turned and rushed off to find Uma, eager to share the news.

Blanc looked at Maddox thoughtfully after they finished their song, her eyes narrowing as she seemed to weigh her options. Finally, she nodded, making a decision.

"Come with me. I'll bring you to Elina," she said calmly.

Maddox hesitated, his eyes narrowing with skepticism. He didn't trust her entirely, but he didn't know the Isle well enough to refuse her help. Reluctantly, he nodded. "Okay."

They walked together through the winding, darkened streets of the Isle, the atmosphere heavy with the scent of decay and the sound of distant, eerie laughter. The buildings loomed overhead, casting long shadows that danced as they passed under flickering streetlights.

Blanc led him to a run-down, grimy building with a faded sign that read "Fish and Chips." She pushed open the door, and they stepped inside. The air was thick with the smell of frying oil and old wood. The interior was dimly lit, the only light coming from a few weak, buzzing bulbs.

Inside, Uma and Harry were the only ones present, their attention snapping to the door as Blanc entered. Uma was leaning against the counter, her arms crossed, while Harry was playing with his hook, flipping it between his fingers with a sinister grin.

"Harry!" Blanc called out, her voice commanding. Both Uma and Harry looked up, their expressions instantly shifting to wary curiosity.

Harry moved towards Blanc, his eyes narrowing as he took in Maddox's appearance. "What's wrong, Mum?" he asked, suspicion lacing his tone. "Who's that?"

Uma stepped forward as well, her eyes sharp and assessing. "Yeah, who's the new fish?" she asked, her tone cold.

Blanc looked at Maddox, then back at her children. "This is Maddox. He's here for Elina. Look out for him until she comes back, okay?" Her tone was stern, leaving no room for argument.