You, Me, and the World Between Us (Dragon Quest)

XXIII - Looks Like Trouble

"Don't do anything stupid. Don't cause any trouble, don't get in the way, don't act recklessly," Morgan instructed her children. All seven stood lined up by age, their eyes following her. She paced back and forth in front of them, wagging her finger with every new addition to her list. After a few notes, she stopped and sighed, bringing her hand to her forehead as she shook her head. "You're all of age now, with the exception of your sister. I shouldn't have to tell you this, but here I am. Just stay safe and come back home, alright?" Morgan said as the seven Doughlas descendants rushed towards her for a large group hug. They took turns bidding their mother hasty goodbyes as Aberforth called for them to join him on the deck.

Maxim, Inessa, began following the crew up the ladder to the ship when a voice stopped them in their tracks. "And where do you two think you're going with a goodbye? Your parents aren't here to wish you well on your travels so someone has to do it," Morgan said with a smirk. The two Zamoksvans looked at one another and smiled. They leaped down from the ladder and found themselves in the woman's warm embrace. "Now, you heard me tell my own kids, but I'm going to tell you again, anyway. Be safe out there, you two. And if Hurley does anything uncalled for, give him a smack upside the head, Goddess knows he'll need it," Morgan rolled her eyes, earning laughs from Maxim and Inessa, "but you didn't hear that from me. Be safe. Enjoy your time in Aubout De Monde, you two!" she called after them as they climbed onto the deck.

"Ready then?" Aberforth asked, staring out at his crew with a broad smile on his face. He received enthusiastic nods from all and a sarcastic 'aye aye, captain' from Hurley and Lincoln, which he ignored. "Anchors aweigh, boys!" The four eldest split into pairs and rushed off to opposite sides of the ship, pulling the anchors up by their ropes. Aberforth stood at the helm, gripping the wheel as he gazed out at the sea. As the anchors were secured to the boat, the wind rushed against the sails, sending them out of the docks. The Doughlas family cheered and rushed to the left side of the boat, waving goodbye to Morgan until she was out of view. "It's a good day for sailing, it is!" Aberforth called out, earning a chorus of agreement from his sons and daughter, "Meanwhile, you two can sit back and take a load off. Enjoy the ride!" he instructed the two Zamoksvans.

"Thank you, Captain Doughlas," Maxim said with a grin. Aberforth nodded and turned his attention back to the sea, dismissing the siblings. With a quick glance at one another and identical smiles, the two Zamoksvans raced each other to the bow of the ship. They leaned into the barrier, taking in the salty breeze and the vast blue before them. However, the moment was interrupted by a sharp jab to their ankles, bringing their attention to Thorn, who held his pitchfork in hand. Inessa chuckled, picking him up and holding him in her arms so he could share the experience. However, the minidemon wriggled out of her grip and danced onto the bowsprit. Maxim leaned forward, grabbing the monster by its tail and pulling it back onto the deck. "I don't think that's such a good idea, Thorn," he instructed the green imp with a smirk.

"Well, you're no fun," Thorn retorted, blowing a raspberry at the Tsarevich. He jabbed Maxim in the ankle again before running out of the Zamoksvan's sight. For once, Inessa didn't follow after him, which concerned her brother. He watched her curiously, but all she did was stare blankly at the ocean.

Maxim wrapped an arm around his sister's frame, pulling her closer to him. Inessa rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes. After a while, she spoke up. "Are you okay?" she asked quietly. Her brother gave her an odd look, and she sighed. "After last night, I mean. With them bringing up mom and all."

Pain twinged inside of Maxim, and he saw the same inside of his sister's eyes. He forced a smile and nodded. "I'm alright. Well, about as alright as I can be," he said. Inessa raised an eyebrow and he sighed, slumping forward and resting his elbows on the barrier of the ship. "Okay, you got me. I know it sounds a bit weird, but I can't help but feel like every action we're taking is useless. I mean, with every passing day, it feels like we're farther away from our goal, from Mother," Maxim explained, his body shaking slightly as he tried to keep his composure.