The Awakening of Darkness

Starting point.

The sky began to change, leaving behind the bright blue to make way for a dark orange. Lance checked the available weaponry, assessing whether it was in good condition.

He drew his sword and sliced through the air. The sound of the strikes was dull and muffled, which was bad. He examined the sword in his hands, turning it back and forth, looking for visible damage. None.

The waves, now weakened by the wind, gently rocked the boat near the dock. Miiko approached, interrupting Lance’s inspection.

— Ready, Lannie? — A mischievous smile lit up Miiko's face as she used Lance’s childhood nickname, “Lannie,” given to him by his brother.

— Haha, how funny — Lance replied playfully and sarcastically. Despite this, the nickname irritated him, causing him to frown. — So, we’re digging up family secrets now? Must be great for keeping family harmony alive, huh?

Lance’s acidic comment about family made Miiko’s smile fade, due to her own family issues. Lance was aware of them, hence the sarcastic remark. Miiko faltered, showing weakness, but quickly composed herself, though a tremor was visible in her forced smile.

— I’m just doing a bit of family archaeology, Lance. After all, some things are buried so deep I almost forget where I left them. — She shrugged, pretending not to care. — Have you finished all the preparations?

She traced her fingers along the boat’s railing casually. Lance relaxed his muscles.

— Yes, I’ve checked everything. The ropes, the food, the cell… everything. — He replied. He had been a bit anxious, but he didn’t say it out loud.

Miiko looked at the horizon, where the sun was beginning to paint the sky with orange and pink hues. She leaned against the boat’s railing, lost in thought for a moment before turning back to Lance.

— Looks like you’re ready for another adventure. I’ll stay here, taking care of my own ‘excavations.’ — She smiled faintly, trying to hide a hint of melancholy.

Lance nodded, understanding what she meant.

— I understand. Don’t worry, I’ll handle everything here. I’ll be back soon anyway. — He gave her a placid smile.

Miiko nodded as well, grateful for Lance’s understanding.

— Thanks, Lance. Take care out there. We’ll see each other when you return. Good luck with the prisoner.

And so, they parted ways at the dock, each heading in their own direction. Lance went towards Ezarel, ready for the solitary journey ahead, while Miiko walked towards the port.

— All set, Ezarel? — He asked. The boy jumped and bumped into a crate, spilling some passumalas, red tropical fruit. The passumalas rolled across the floor and Ezarel let out an expletive. They crouched to pick up the fruit.

— Shit. — He collected two passumalas and placed them on his lap like a baby. — I’ve got everything ready. It’s all packed and in order. I hate disorganization.

Ezarel gave a polite smile as he mentioned his dislike for disorganization. He was quite handsome for a 17-year-old. His blue hair fell over his forehead. It needed a trim, being slightly longer than typical teenage hairstyles.

He should be a hit with the girls due to his looks. Despite that, Lance had never seen him with a girl. His main companion was Nevra. Ezarel didn’t seem like the type to be looking for a relationship, romantic or otherwise. He was somewhat antisocial.

— That’s good. Disorganization causes problems. — Lance replied with a friendly smile. They put the fruit back in the crate and covered it to prevent any more from escaping.

— In any case… — Ezarel continued — I don’t think it will be necessary. I highly doubt his wounds will become infected.

— Possible. But if he tries something, his wounds could reopen. — They were referring to the prisoner they were transporting. — And there’s also the chance he might try something against me… or against you.

Ezarel grimaced at the possibility of being attacked by the prisoner. He wasn’t good at fighting. Also, he wasn’t very skilled with weapons or muscular. He was better with plants, potions, and theoretical combat (he had almost no practical experience).

Lance reassured him. He didn’t want a panicking teenager getting in his way.

— I highly doubt it. Injured, I don’t think he’ll attack any of us. Especially considering he’s obviously not an idiot. — He didn’t believe it, but said it with great conviction. He was quite convincing. Ezarel didn’t seem entirely convinced that the prisoner wouldn’t attack them but trusted Lance’s word. He was intelligent for his age and more experienced. Ezarel smiled. — In any case, I’ll take care of him in the cell. You can stay away from there.

— In that case, I’ll go check the map again. Thanks, Lance. — And the boy headed towards the deck.