A close companion

After an intense fight with his master Kadan, Kael just ran away.
Maris didn't hesitate for long to run after him as long as all the other fighters are still baffled from this unexpected outcome.

Maris changed her mind about Kael and wants him to be a new crew member now.
But she has to leave anyway.
Since she's the one who caused this in the beginning, she and Rafferty might not be welcome here anymore.
So staying here any longer might lead to bad consequences.

As Maris starts running away, Zenna, the girl who likes Kael very much, also joins her.

Maris turns to Rafferty.

Rafferty! We have to go!

Rafferty is confused, but just starts running in the same direction and gets closer to Maris and Zenna.

What are we running away from this time?
What did you do?
I didn't steal anything, I promise.
So it must be your fault.

Let's just follow Kael.
Can you help me get him?

Sure.

Rafferty just runs ahead.

Soon they reach a bridge and leave the sword fighter island.
Rafferty can actually be really fast.
He's already on the next island on the other side of the bridge.
Kael is just in front of him.

When Rafferty catches him, he jumps onto him and tears him to the ground.
When they're on the ground, Kael struggles, but he's no match for a taller and older man from this position.
He may be a good fighter, but he's not that strong.

Soon Maris and Zenna catch up.

Don't worry.
We'll help you.
After all you're part of our crew now.

Kael calms town and even starts to smile a little.
Is she serious?
But before he can say anything, they have to get away.

We can hide in my place.
It's not far from here.

Good idea!

And so Rafferty lets go of Kael and together they follow Zenna.
They stay close to the edge of this island, and soon they cross another bridge.
On this island, it's only a few hundred meters until they reach their goal.

If you used the other bridge, it would have been much closer to my place.

I know. But initially I didn't plan to visit you.

Yeah, of course you didn't...

Her voice sounds a little sad.

As they reach her home, they go inside and get comfortable.
It's not as minimalist as the place where Kael is living, but it's still only sparsely decorated.

As they are sitting there, they only look at each other.
It's an awkward silence.

Suddenly Zenna gets up.
She looks pretty mad as she approaches Kael.

What was that?!? Why did you do this?!?

Kael looks around, checking that the four of them are alone in this place.
Then he takes a deep breath before his rambling begins.

I'm really sick of this place!!!
All these rules and the honor is getting so annoying.
I'm the best sword fighter at my age, but what is it worth?
Nothing!
If I'm getting better, I just get more and more tasks.
That's why I've been hiding my true skills all the time.
That's why most people underestimated me.
I want to show people my skills. I want them to praise me for it. I want to be popular!

Maris is astonished by his honesty.
Maybe that's why he came across as acting so awkwardly to her.

But you are popular. I like you.
And I'm not the only girl who feels like that...

But how does this help me?
I can't spend too much time with them.
I can't just allow different girls to visit me at my place and sleep with me.
This would never be accepted at a place like this...

As Kael looks at Zenna, it's pretty awkward.
Kael feels like he already said too much.

Zenna wonders what Kael already has done with these girls.
And she is shocked about his completely different view of this place.
But she still wants to break this awkward silence.

Don't worry. I like you for who you are.

Kael, so if you really want more freedom, just join us!
I'd really be happy if you'd become my next crew member.

Really? You'd actually take me in?

Of course. Your skills as a fighter are amazing.
Actually, I already consider you to be a crew member.

But I didn't win...

You didn't win? I saw something different before.

You accept my victory?

Sure.
You're clearly a skilled fighter.
We could use someone like you on our crew.
So would you consider joining us on our journey?

Kael hesitates. Can he really just leave this place and go on an adventure with her?
He still has some responsibilities for this place.

He would really like to leave, but after what he has done he feels like he has to apologize and take whatever punishment they have for him.

Kael looks into her eyes, feeling a sense of excitement and curiosity.

He can't deny his attraction to her, and the thought of exploring new territories with her is too tempting to resist.

And when thinking about it, he isn't responsible for them.
Why should he feel responsible for people who only restricted him?
He doesn't need to apologize.

With a deep breath, he makes the decision.

Alright, Maris.
I'll join you on your quest.
I'll be loyal to you, but you let me spend my free time the way I want, okay?

Deal.
Welcome to our crew, Kael!
So when will you be ready to go?

I can't go back to them.
I guess it's the best if we don't wait much longer.

Oh, already?
I was hoping to find a few more crew members here.
What about the other guys? They seem pretty strong, too.

Please no! I don't want to ever see them again.

No need to panic.
That's okay.
I won't look for other members here.

Maris and Kael exchange warm smiles, knowing that they have made the right decision in choosing to embark on this adventure together.

Then let's finally go.

Good luck on your journey!
I hope, you'll also have a lot of fun.
So..., goodbye!

Zenna seems a little sad.
She will miss Kael a lot.

So you won't join us, too?

You'd allow me to join you, too?
To be honest, I always wanted to experience other cultures myself. I've read so much about them.

Oh, in that case you'd even be helpful.

But I can't just leave this place.
This is my home.
I would have to leave everybody I know behind.

That's up to you, Zenna.
But I'd be happy if you joined us.

Uhm..., will I be allowed to share a bed with Kael?

Sure, if you want to.

Okay, I'll join!

Zenna rushes through her flat, packing all the stuff she needs to.

Kael is a little annoyed.

But... weren't you looking for someone to protect you, Maris?
I think it would be better to stay by your side.

Yeah, but...

Maris doesn't really need somebody to protect her when they're on the ship.
Before, she only told Rafferty to join her in bed because she wanted to be close to him.
This is just the same excuse. He only wants to sleep with her, right?

But even if Maris respects Kael now, she isn't really keen on sleeping with him. He just is too young...

Hey, Kael!
Didn't you want to sleep with Maris anyway?
She recently told me she wants to sleep with somebody who can protect her.
I think you are suited better for this.

Did Rafferty really need to tell this to everybody?

My ship should be safe.
But I need you when we visit the land.

Yeah, sounds reasonable.

So will you sleep with Zenna then?
She might be really helpful to us as well.
And she only wants to join because of that.
At least for the first days. We might also switch around in the coming days. But at least sleep with her once in a while, when she demands it, okay?

Yeah, I'm fine with that.
This wouldn't be the first time after all...
But when visiting an island I want to protect you instead, okay?

Kael chuckles.

Yeah, that's why you'll join us after all.

Despite his disappointment, Kael knows that this adventure is an opportunity to grow and learn.
He is determined to prove himself to Maris and the rest of the crew, and to show that he could be a valuable member of their team.

Soon Zenna finished packing all her stuff.
It's a huge backpack. She wasn't even able to close it properly.
Especially some books stand out.

Isn't that a bit much?

It's okay. I'll stay with you for some time, right?

Yeah, we might even not come back.

That's how I understood it.

Don't worry. I'll help her carrying.

Zenna blushes.

Thanks, Kael!

And so Kael takes her luggage and the four of them leave the house, heading for their ship in the most straightforward way.

It's still in the late morning, but it might take more than an hour to reach their ship, which they left secluded next to one of these islands.

As they are walking back to their ship, Maris already feels some connection to Kael, when he's walking next to her most of the time.
Maris still doesn't regret her choice.
Despite his hate for this culture and his young age, he can be very passionate about fighting.

I guess we'll buy you new clothes and a proper sword.
We'll head to the Merchant Waters first.
You probably want new ones anyway.

Yeah, I can't stand my clothes anymore.
But I don't want a sword. I don't need a sword to fight.
But I'd be glad to find something else.

We'll see what we can do.
I've never been to the Merchant Waters myself, but I'm excited what to see there.

In the meantime, Zenna is walking next to Rafferty.
They don't really feel any connection yet.

So... you are Rafferty.

Yeah, did you already forget me?

No, sorry, I just don't know...

Doesn't matter. I'm glad you'll join us.

Rafferty also doesn't know what to say to Zenna.
She's kind of shy around him. He fears that he might hurt her if she says something wrong.
But he also feels awkward when saying nothing.

I'd be glad to hear a few more stories from you.

You really liked them?

Sure.

I already told you all the exciting stories yesterday.
But I'll do my best!

Nice.

After reaching one of the grass islands, Maris is glad when she finally sees her ship, the Light of Cian, still standing there.
She left it there all night without anyone taking care of the ship.
Even if it should be safe, she's already looking forward to having a larger crew, so there would always be somebody to watch her ship.

Once they entered the ship, they all sit down together, discussing their exact plans for their journey and the dangers that lay ahead.
All of them are looking forward to reach their next goal, the Merchant Waters.

After they set off, Maris, Rafferty, and Kael look out at the horizon, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Now that they are a real crew this will finally become a proper adventure.
They all share a common, and even if there might be challenges, they are ready to face them together.