Chapter 3: Fishing, Feasting, and Foreshadowing
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The sun was just beginning to rise over Star Island, casting a golden light across the shimmering blue waves as Vapor, Mira, and Rosie strolled along the coast with their fishing gear.
Vapor grinned, adjusting the navy-blue cap on his head. “Nothing like a little fishing trip to start the day, huh? Just us, the ocean, and some fish that have no idea what’s coming.” He flashed a confident grin at Rosie and Mira, clearly excited.
Mira rolled her eyes with a small smile. “Just don’t scare away the fish with all that talk.”
Rosie chuckled, giving Vapor a playful nudge. “If there’s anything we know, it’s that he’s got a knack for everything—catching fish included.”
The three set up their gear, casting their lines into the water as they settled in on the rocky shoreline. Rosie and Mira were pretty focused on the task, while Vapor took a more laid-back approach, leaning against a rock with a relaxed smile. Within minutes, he felt a tug on his line.
“Looks like I got a big one!” Vapor said with a gleeful grin as he expertly reeled in a large, gleaming fish.
Mira gave an impressed nod. “Nice catch, Vapor.”
One by one, they each reeled in enough fish to cook up a feast. They made a small fire on the beach and began prepping the fish for cooking. Vapor, showing surprising skill and finesse, took charge, seasoning the fish with a few choice herbs and spices he’d brought along.
The scent was heavenly as he grilled the fish, and soon enough, the others were staring in awe as Vapor plated up their meal.
“Whoa, Vapor, this is incredible!” Rosie exclaimed, her eyes wide as she took a bite. “You could give Gordon Ramsay a run for his money!”
Vapor laughed, his cheeks slightly flushed. “Well, I guess if this whole hero thing doesn’t work out, I’ve got a backup plan.”
Even Mira, usually the reserved one, seemed genuinely impressed. “I’ve got to admit, this is… amazing,” she said, savoring the meal.
As they finished eating, they noticed a few familiar faces coming down the trail toward them: Valore, Acre, Geo, and Austin.
“Hey! What’s up, Team Vapor?” Vapor called, waving them over.
Valore, with her usual fiery energy, jogged up to them first, her eyes lighting up at the smell of grilled fish. “Whoa, you guys cooked without us? Not cool!”
Geo, the ever-practical one, nodded approvingly at the spread. “You’re getting better at this whole cooking thing, Vapor.”
“Better than better,” Acre chimed in, looking over at the grill. “It smells like magic. Mind if we join?”
Austin, younger but always up for competition, looked at Geo with a smirk. “I bet I could catch a bigger fish than you, Geo.”
“Oh, you’re on,” Geo shot back, already heading for the fishing rods.
They all spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the beach, fishing and chatting, just enjoying the peaceful day together. With their teamwork and camaraderie, it was easy to forget the challenges they’d faced or the dangers they’d overcome. Here, they were just friends, savoring a rare, quiet moment.
As the sun began to dip, casting shadows over the sand, Mira looked up, a strange gleam of calculation in her eyes. “So… does anyone else feel like we’re not quite alone here?”
The others exchanged glances, looking around but seeing nothing unusual.
“What do you mean?” Rosie asked, an eyebrow raised.
Mira tilted her head, almost as if she was hearing something beyond the horizon. “Just a feeling… as if something’s watching. Or… waiting.”
In the fading light, Vapor’s expression grew a little more serious. He glanced out to sea, where the waves lapped gently at the shore, almost as if they held a secret.
“Maybe it’s just the wind,” he said, though a hint of uncertainty lingered in his voice.
Just then, a faint voice seemed to echo across the ocean breeze, barely audible but chilling enough to catch everyone’s attention. It was a whisper, but unmistakable.
“It’s not over…”
Vapor’s eyes narrowed, recognizing the eeriness of it. He chuckled, trying to keep things light. “Probably just my imagination. But, if there’s any ‘catgirl’ named Maketo thinking about causing more trouble, she’s got another thing coming. Right, Team?”
The others nodded, though they shared a glance that hinted at a touch of apprehension.
Vapor straightened, flashing his usual confident grin. “Well, guess we’d better stay sharp. But for now, let’s enjoy the calm while we’ve got it.”
As the waves rolled in and the stars began to twinkle overhead, the team settled back, more determined than ever. They knew that Maketo or no, they’d be ready for whatever came next—together.
