Well, gomen this took so long to get out ^^; I've been busy moving back to college, and all that fun stuff -_- Not to mention, I have over $400 of money I've returned from books. My entire schedule was a mess. I ended up dropping classes after my geology professor found out I was a geoscience major, and I needed geology 110 lab. So, of course Geology would come first ^_^ Otherwise I'd be held back a year. And the problem was, English 102 took place during that lab, so I dropped it. And then I dropped Astronomy so I wouldn't have 3 science courses at the same time, and took biology 100 (please! get me out of that class! My professor's a moron!). And then I tested out of my math class, and got into a different one. So I had to return my math book, and get this one -_-* it was a disaster. But, my math class is online ^_^ which means I can chat and do my homework at the same time! And now I dropped biology (THANKFULLY) and I'm taking English again! Weee! They had a open spot! So I grabbed it.
But! My schedule's happy, and it's not going to be hectic. Hopefully. If I'm lucky. And if you're really lucky, the next chapter will be out soon!
And special thanks to Midnight for catching a few error's in this fic. I ended up working on it at 3 in the morning, and for some reason, I thought Crystal was a Mercury djinn. So, yeah. It was humorous. ^^;;
MidnightLoner: Well, to make a long story short. I've been calling him Picard since before the game came out. I mean, a LONG time before the game came out. I knew him as Picard when the rumor about 'Leon' was his English name. Not to mention, all my friends call him Picard, and he just grew on me ^_^ And after I call someone something for so long, any other name isn't good enough. I'm stupid like that ^_^ So, sorry. But he'll stay Picard in this fic. And don't get me wrong, I really have nothing against Piers ^^ I've just always called him Picard. And if it helps, every time you see Picard, read 'Piers' in your mind. It worked for me when I read fics who have Piers in it ^_^
Midnight C: Do you really think I have the guts to kill Picard? Considering two of the biggest OBHL fans are pre-reading this fic? Not to mention, Akiko only lives a hour drive away. I'd be dead before I even posted the chapter! But then again, killing Picard would be fun ^_^ (or just to see what would happen) I may consider it in the future *evil laughter*
Chapter 5: Arrival
Sean stared out the window as he watched the storm from within the safety of his palace. Thunder crashed so loud that it shook the whole building. He sighed as lightning flashed brilliantly outside. Even though he was sheltered by the stone walls, he could still hear the wind howling, and the rain constantly hitting the windows.
"Isn't Prince Picard supposed to be traveling tonight?"
King Sean nodded. "I just hope he's somewhere safe and not caught out in this storm."
"He might be trapped out there. It's dangerous to try to land in a storm like this. I hope he's all right."
"Although, if he is caught out in the storm, I expect he would be arriving soon. Unless the storm tossed him off course...then I have no idea when he'll arrive."
"Would you like to send a search party out to look for him?" Savea questioned.
Sean shook his head. "No, it would be useless to send a ship out there at this point. We have no idea where he is. For all we know, he could have found a Inn to stay at." He turned to face the storm out the window. "And in this weather, we'd only be putting more lives at risk."
"I see your point."
"I would, however, like to post some extra guards tonight. If Picard really is out there, he's going to need our help getting into Rowad. Not to mention that he'll certainly be cold and wet."
Savea nodded. "I can ask Kenneth to see if anyone's willing to take a extra shift for watch."
"Do that. And ask him to get Xander up earlier than usual. He has excellent eye sight. If anyone can spot one lonely ship in the middle of a violent sea, it's him."
"It will be impossible for Picard to find us in this storm. We'll send Cari, Alyne, Xander, and Tristan out there. Alyen's one of our best sailors and a Jupiter Adept besides."
"I just hope Picard's all right." Savea said as more lightning flashed outside.
"We'll provide anything he needs when he arrives. He'll be fine. After all, he is a Mercury Adept. If anyone can survive a storm like this, it'll be Picard."
Savea nodded in agreement. "I'll go inform Kenneth."
***
"Picard!"
"He's out cold."
"What do we do!"
"Hey, don't let go of that wheel!"
"This isn't exactly a job for a Djinni you know!"
"Rime, Serac, Gel, keep the ship steady!" Spring ordered. "Fog, help them out! I'm going to check on Picard.
"All right, captain!" Fog said quickly as he went to the wheel.
Thunder crashed overhead, making the ship feel more unsafe than it already was. Spring hoped over to where Picard lay motionless on the deck, sopping wet from the rain. He was taking very shallow breaths.
"Shade, Balm, come over here!" she called.
"Is he...all right?" Shade asked, quietly as he joined Spring.
"Balm, can you revive him?" Spring said, not responding to his question.
"I'll try. Picard's not looking too good." Spring and Shade watched as the familiar blue light wrapped around Picard's still body. "Revive," Balm whispered. The blue light faded, but Picard didn't move at all. The three Djinn looked at each other solemnly.
"It didn't work," Balm said very quietly. "Picard isn't dead, but I'm just not strong enough to bring him out of unconsciousness."
"This isn't good," Shade said.
Balm faced Spring. "Can you do anything for him?"
"Not nearly enough." Spring replied. "But, perhaps enough to keep him alive." She unleashed her healing powers, blue sparkles gently settling upon Picard, causing the small bruises from his fall to vanish.
Shade sighed in relief. "His breathing just got a little better."
"Good."
"What are you guys so worried about?" Serac called. "Picard's just taking a nap."
"A nap? He's unconscious!" Spring spat. "He needs help!"
"He hasn't slept for nearly two days," Serac commented. "Not to mention he hasn't eaten anything since we've left Lemuria. Give him a break! He'll be fine."
"He's not all right!" Spring said, frustrated. "It's up to us to get him to Rowad now."
"Um...I'd hate to break it to you, but how are we supposed to steer a ship?" Rime questioned.
Just then, another gigantic wave swept over the deck. The force of the water made the boat tilt, causing the unconscious captain to slide dangerously close to the rail. "Shield!" Shade called out as a protective light encircled Picard. Water washed over the shield and ran harmlessly back into the darkness of the sea. Shade panted as he hopped on Picard's chest and stared down at his face.
"Shade!" Spring called fearfully. "How long can you keep that up?"
Shade shook his head. "I have no idea, but I'll protect him as long as possible."
"Good." Spring bounced over to the remaining Djinn, who were doing their best to steer the ship through the storm.
***
Xander stood upon the watch tower, standing just below the roof. The tower stood high above the city, over viewing the sea. Which made it a great place to watch for intruders, or to see if anyone was coming.
He didn't care too much as the wind blew some of his blue hair into his face. Xander placed his hand over his mouth and yawned. His silver eyes scanned the sea, looking for any sign of a ship. This is so boring he thought.
"Tired already? Usually you are always up on the night watch."
Xander didn't have to turn around to know who was speaking to him. "Can't you just ask someone how they're doing for a change, instead of reading their minds Alyne?" He stretched as he continued to stare out at the sea. "Besides, I just woke up."
"Figures," another voice rang in his ears.
"Besides, I had orders from Kenneth to be on watch early." He yawned again. "What about you two?"
Alyne brushed aside her blond hair that came down to her shoulders. "I volunteered to be on the late watch. Kenneth came by and asked me as well."
"That goes for me as well." Cari was different than most Mercury Adepts. Instead of having the usual, blue hair, she had blond.
Xander's silver eyes glowed as lightning flashed overhead. He stared up at the pouring rain from the night's sky.
"This...Picard person might be arriving tonight, right?" Cari asked, bringing up conversation.
Xander nodded." If every thing goes according to plan, and he isn't stalled somewhere because of the weather. He's coming all the way from Lemuria."
"Lemuria?" Cari's eyes lit up at the sound of the name. "So the rumors are true about him. I've heard legends about that place! I wonder what he's like?"
Xander shrugged. "You won't know until he gets here."
"You're no fun." Cari frowned.
"What? It's not nice to judge people before you meet them." He grinned.
"Lemuria's a good two to three days traveling by ship," Tristan said as he walked up to the three of them. "It's located in the center of the Eastern Sea. He'd only arrive tonight if he sailed straight...and if he survives this storm." The Jupiter Adept smiled, slightly.
"Which is why Sean and Savea requested more people to watch for him," said Alyne. "Picard's relying on us to bring him in." She followed Xander's gaze out to the open sea.
Time passed very slowly as the storm continued to ravage the land and the sea further into the night. Finding a ship out in a storm like this would be like finding a Djinni in a thick forest. Lightning streaked across the sky again, and Xander's silver eyes darted across the dangerous waves. For a brief moment, he was positive he saw something that looked like a ship far in the distance. "What the-?" But before he could make it out, the flash of lightning had faded and the sky was black again.
"Xander?" Cari questioned. His expression had suddenly turned serious. "What is it?"
"I thought I saw a ship out there." He moved away room the shelter from the roof, and half ran to the railing of the watch tower to get a better look.
Tristan joined him at the railing. Attempting to follow where Xander had seen the ship. "Are you sure it wasn't your imagination?"
Xander ignored him temporarily as he waited for the next flash of lightning. When it came, he was ready, and this time he was sure of what his keen eyes saw. There was a small ship in the distance, bouncing atop the white-crested waves. "There's definitely a ship out." Xander replied.
"There you are!" Alyne and Cari turned around to face who had spoken.
"Kenneth, what are you doing here?" Alyne asked as he finished climbing onto the tower. He was completely soaked, but didn't seem to mind at the moment.
"I'm glad you four had made it up here. I've just got word from Sean and Savea-" Kenneth began, but was cut off by Xander.
"Kenneth," Xander interrupted. "Can you inform both of them that I've seen Picard's ship?"
Kenneth stared at Xander with amazement. "You're kidding!"
"No, I'm not. I saw it through the lightning."
"It could be anyone's ship." Tristan reminded him.
"Who else would sail in a storm like this one. It's Picard's." Xander smiled, reassuringly. "I can't say for sure, but didn't the Conservato say that he would be traveling in a wooden ship?"
"It amazed me how you can point out that kind of thing, Xander." Said Kenneth. "Well, Sean and Savea wanted me to go ahead and tell you, that if you see a ship, to organize a crew to go out there. It's going to be next to impossible for Picard to see us, and he'll need all the help he can get to make it here. Are you four in on it?"
"I'll go." Alyne volunteered without thought.. "I've been out in the ocean several times during storms like this one."
Kenneth nodded. "Good. You're one of our best sailors."
"I'll be able to spot him easily, so I'm in." Xander agreed.
"And if you two are going, I'm going." Cari smiled.
"You just want to meet Picard first," Xander chided her.
"I do not!"
"Sure!"
"And if I go, that would make two Jupiter, and two Mercury Adepts," Tristan said. "I think that would be practical."
"Good luck," Kenneth told them. "I'm going to tell Sean and Savea you've spotted him. If it gets too dangerous out there, come back. With, or without Picard."
"We'll be fine." Alyne smiled her reassurance. And the four of them climbed down from the watch tower and raced towards the docks as another massive crash of thunder shook the heavens.
***
"So let me get this straight. We're stranded in the middle of a violent sea, possibly miles away from land, our ship could fall apart at any moment, our captain is unconscious, and you want us to do WHAT!?" Balm's voice was half drown out by the storm.
"We need to find help!" Spring said again. "Picard could die, we have to get out of this weather to even stand a chance at surviving."
"And just how are we going to find land?" Serac asked. "It's not like anyone's going to be looking for one lone ship in a storm like this."
"Maybe if we sent out some sort of signal?" Rime suggested
"And how would we manage that?" Serac turned his head towards Rime.
"Where's a Mars Djinni when you need one?" Fog thought aloud.
"Who would want one?" Gel replied. "They're so annoying!"
"Just because Torch lit your tail on fire that one time doesn't mean they aren't useful." Fog grinned at the memory.
"Will you please focus?" Spring looked back over towards Picard. Shade was still using his Psynergy barrier to protect Picard from the storm, and the Djinni looked exhausted. "I think Rowad's our best bet at this point."
"And we have no idea where it is. Face it, we're lost." Fog complimented.
"So, now what do we do?" Rime asked.
"We can't do much besides wait, unless Picard gains consciousness sometime soon." Serac pointed out.
"So, in other words. We're dead." Eddy stared back at Serac.
***
Xander stood on the watch tower of the Rowadian ship as it sailed through the storm. Even though he was a Mercury Adept, and Alyne was a Jupiter, she was able to communicate telepathically to him. Otherwise, it'd be next to impossible to hear what he was saying in the storm..
Any sign of him Xander? Alyne asked telepathically as she sailed their ship through the storm.
No, none! He called. He was up in the crow's nest, searching for any sign of the ship he had seen earlier between the flashes of lightning. He could swear they were close to where he had seen the ship earlier.
Cari sighed as she waited in the cabin, away from the storm. "We could be out here for hours."
"No kidding," said Tristan. "Xander had better be right about this. It's a awful night for anyone to be out on the water." He leaned against the wall as he stared outside at the storm through a porthole. It had been nearly an hour since they departed from Rowad and there was still no sign of the ship Xander had claimed to have seen. Even their sturdy vessel felt like it could be smashed to ribbons if the water hit it right.
Where is it? Xander wondered to himself more desperately. The dark sky lit up once again as electricity snaked from the sky, and he saw a shape out of the corner of his eye. Alyne! There it is!
Where?
Roughly 150 yards, northeast.
Alyne steered the ship in the direction Xander ordered, and in next flash of lightning, she spotted it as well. I'm going to try and get closer without running into it!
Be careful, if we run into it, the ship will definitely be destroyed. Xander reminded her.
***
"Hey look!" Eddy exclaimed. "A ship!"
"We're saved!" Serac cheered.
"Are you serious!?" Spring hopped over to join them.
"Yes, over there!" Eddy and Serac said together.
"I think they see us!" Serac added excitedly. "How are Picard and Shade doing?"
"I think they'll be okay," said Spring. She looked at the ship coming towards them. "I see people aboard!"
The Djinn anxiously watched as the ship moved closer. It was a wonder the waves didn't make the two vessels collide. A few moments later, they could hear voices calling out through the wind and rain. "Is anyone over there!?" It was definitely a man's voice calling.
"No one answered. Are they all right?" A female voice called.
"I'm going aboard. They could be hurt." A different male voice said.
"Cari, go with Tristan. You're a Mercury Adept, I have a feeling whoever's on the ship might need some healing. I'll keep the ship steady."
"Hello?" Tristan asked as he traversed the creaking deck. "Is anyone here?" He walked to the opposite side of the deck, in hope to find someone aboard the vessel.
Cari strayed from his side as she leapt onto the ship. Her eyes immediately spotted a tiny blue streak moving towards something. "What the-?" She stared at the creature. "Is...is that...?" Her eyes continued to followed the blue creature as it moved quickly to where someone was lying on their side on the deck. From the looks of it, he appeared to be unconscious. She kneeled next to him, and turned him so he was facing upward. He was taking very shallow breaths.
"Tristan! Over here! I've found him!"
Tristan rushed towards Cari's voice. She was kneeling next to an unconscious young man. The long blue hair was plastered to his face from the rain indicated he was a Mercury Adept. Tristan bent down next to her, and was about ready to mind read him, when a tiny creature appeared on his chest. Looking pleadingly up at them.
"Please! You must help him!"
Cari and Tristan stared at it. The most noticeable feature was it's golden eyes. Before either of them could get a word out, it had answered their question. "His name is Picard."
"Picard!?" Tristan and Cari both exclaimed at the same time.
"What happened?" Cari asked as she looked into it's golden eyes.
Within the blink of an eye, more Mercury Djinn appeared and began squeaking out the story in rapid-fire fashion.
"The sail broke!"
"Picard tried to fix it, but-"
"Lightning struck, and he fell from the pillar."
"He's been unconscious since-"
"Hey, one at a time!" Cari said, looking frantically back and fourth between them. She turned to Tristan. "We need to get him aboard our ship. I doubt we can make it to Rowad in this thing."
"You're from Rowad!?" Spring asked, excitedly.
"Yes. Who are you?" Tristan stared down at the creature in wonder.
"Thank goodness! We've been searching for Rowad! I'm Spring, a Mercury Djinni. Pleased to meet you!"
Cari gasped. "Seriously? A REAL Djinni? I thought you were a djinni"
"Can we please get Picard to safety?" Spring begged. "He's in pretty bad shape."
"Yes, yes of course." Tristan carefully picked up Picard's limp body. "So you've traveled all the way here from Lemuria, correct?"
Spring nodded. "He's here for the trials."
"We've been expecting you, then.
"Let's get going before this thing falls apart." Cari suggested. "I don't think this ship is going to last. Hopefully Picard won't be heart broken if this thing is lost out at sea."
Tristan signaled for Alyne to return. Once in range, he jumped onboard with Picard in his arms. Tristan was followed by Cari, along with a flurry of anxious Djinn right behind her.
"So, was I right or was I right?" Xander asked, with a wide grin on his face, as the two brought the stranger aboard.
"Yes," Tristan replied. "He's in rough shape, but he's still very much alive. Sean and Savea will be pleased to see that he made it."
***
Gomen if that chapter kind of dragged .; It just wouldn't end where I wanted it to end, so yeah. It ended up being lots longer than I thought it would end up being. And when I wrote the majority of it, it was around 3 AM while I was up late chatting. Everyone deserted me by 2 AM! (okay, so it was 4 AM most everyone else's time ^^; but yeah.) I mean, I think I even stayed up later than VI, which is amazing, considering this is me were talking about. I had fun watching Anastasia, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away. All in a row! So, if the fic is weird in any way, that's why ^^;
And browning points to anyone who can catch the pun from one of Midnight's past fics!
Push the magic button to enter the world of sparkly happiness! (Don't ask, just don't ask!)
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But! My schedule's happy, and it's not going to be hectic. Hopefully. If I'm lucky. And if you're really lucky, the next chapter will be out soon!
And special thanks to Midnight for catching a few error's in this fic. I ended up working on it at 3 in the morning, and for some reason, I thought Crystal was a Mercury djinn. So, yeah. It was humorous. ^^;;
MidnightLoner: Well, to make a long story short. I've been calling him Picard since before the game came out. I mean, a LONG time before the game came out. I knew him as Picard when the rumor about 'Leon' was his English name. Not to mention, all my friends call him Picard, and he just grew on me ^_^ And after I call someone something for so long, any other name isn't good enough. I'm stupid like that ^_^ So, sorry. But he'll stay Picard in this fic. And don't get me wrong, I really have nothing against Piers ^^ I've just always called him Picard. And if it helps, every time you see Picard, read 'Piers' in your mind. It worked for me when I read fics who have Piers in it ^_^
Midnight C: Do you really think I have the guts to kill Picard? Considering two of the biggest OBHL fans are pre-reading this fic? Not to mention, Akiko only lives a hour drive away. I'd be dead before I even posted the chapter! But then again, killing Picard would be fun ^_^ (or just to see what would happen) I may consider it in the future *evil laughter*
Chapter 5: Arrival
Sean stared out the window as he watched the storm from within the safety of his palace. Thunder crashed so loud that it shook the whole building. He sighed as lightning flashed brilliantly outside. Even though he was sheltered by the stone walls, he could still hear the wind howling, and the rain constantly hitting the windows.
"Isn't Prince Picard supposed to be traveling tonight?"
King Sean nodded. "I just hope he's somewhere safe and not caught out in this storm."
"He might be trapped out there. It's dangerous to try to land in a storm like this. I hope he's all right."
"Although, if he is caught out in the storm, I expect he would be arriving soon. Unless the storm tossed him off course...then I have no idea when he'll arrive."
"Would you like to send a search party out to look for him?" Savea questioned.
Sean shook his head. "No, it would be useless to send a ship out there at this point. We have no idea where he is. For all we know, he could have found a Inn to stay at." He turned to face the storm out the window. "And in this weather, we'd only be putting more lives at risk."
"I see your point."
"I would, however, like to post some extra guards tonight. If Picard really is out there, he's going to need our help getting into Rowad. Not to mention that he'll certainly be cold and wet."
Savea nodded. "I can ask Kenneth to see if anyone's willing to take a extra shift for watch."
"Do that. And ask him to get Xander up earlier than usual. He has excellent eye sight. If anyone can spot one lonely ship in the middle of a violent sea, it's him."
"It will be impossible for Picard to find us in this storm. We'll send Cari, Alyne, Xander, and Tristan out there. Alyen's one of our best sailors and a Jupiter Adept besides."
"I just hope Picard's all right." Savea said as more lightning flashed outside.
"We'll provide anything he needs when he arrives. He'll be fine. After all, he is a Mercury Adept. If anyone can survive a storm like this, it'll be Picard."
Savea nodded in agreement. "I'll go inform Kenneth."
***
"Picard!"
"He's out cold."
"What do we do!"
"Hey, don't let go of that wheel!"
"This isn't exactly a job for a Djinni you know!"
"Rime, Serac, Gel, keep the ship steady!" Spring ordered. "Fog, help them out! I'm going to check on Picard.
"All right, captain!" Fog said quickly as he went to the wheel.
Thunder crashed overhead, making the ship feel more unsafe than it already was. Spring hoped over to where Picard lay motionless on the deck, sopping wet from the rain. He was taking very shallow breaths.
"Shade, Balm, come over here!" she called.
"Is he...all right?" Shade asked, quietly as he joined Spring.
"Balm, can you revive him?" Spring said, not responding to his question.
"I'll try. Picard's not looking too good." Spring and Shade watched as the familiar blue light wrapped around Picard's still body. "Revive," Balm whispered. The blue light faded, but Picard didn't move at all. The three Djinn looked at each other solemnly.
"It didn't work," Balm said very quietly. "Picard isn't dead, but I'm just not strong enough to bring him out of unconsciousness."
"This isn't good," Shade said.
Balm faced Spring. "Can you do anything for him?"
"Not nearly enough." Spring replied. "But, perhaps enough to keep him alive." She unleashed her healing powers, blue sparkles gently settling upon Picard, causing the small bruises from his fall to vanish.
Shade sighed in relief. "His breathing just got a little better."
"Good."
"What are you guys so worried about?" Serac called. "Picard's just taking a nap."
"A nap? He's unconscious!" Spring spat. "He needs help!"
"He hasn't slept for nearly two days," Serac commented. "Not to mention he hasn't eaten anything since we've left Lemuria. Give him a break! He'll be fine."
"He's not all right!" Spring said, frustrated. "It's up to us to get him to Rowad now."
"Um...I'd hate to break it to you, but how are we supposed to steer a ship?" Rime questioned.
Just then, another gigantic wave swept over the deck. The force of the water made the boat tilt, causing the unconscious captain to slide dangerously close to the rail. "Shield!" Shade called out as a protective light encircled Picard. Water washed over the shield and ran harmlessly back into the darkness of the sea. Shade panted as he hopped on Picard's chest and stared down at his face.
"Shade!" Spring called fearfully. "How long can you keep that up?"
Shade shook his head. "I have no idea, but I'll protect him as long as possible."
"Good." Spring bounced over to the remaining Djinn, who were doing their best to steer the ship through the storm.
***
Xander stood upon the watch tower, standing just below the roof. The tower stood high above the city, over viewing the sea. Which made it a great place to watch for intruders, or to see if anyone was coming.
He didn't care too much as the wind blew some of his blue hair into his face. Xander placed his hand over his mouth and yawned. His silver eyes scanned the sea, looking for any sign of a ship. This is so boring he thought.
"Tired already? Usually you are always up on the night watch."
Xander didn't have to turn around to know who was speaking to him. "Can't you just ask someone how they're doing for a change, instead of reading their minds Alyne?" He stretched as he continued to stare out at the sea. "Besides, I just woke up."
"Figures," another voice rang in his ears.
"Besides, I had orders from Kenneth to be on watch early." He yawned again. "What about you two?"
Alyne brushed aside her blond hair that came down to her shoulders. "I volunteered to be on the late watch. Kenneth came by and asked me as well."
"That goes for me as well." Cari was different than most Mercury Adepts. Instead of having the usual, blue hair, she had blond.
Xander's silver eyes glowed as lightning flashed overhead. He stared up at the pouring rain from the night's sky.
"This...Picard person might be arriving tonight, right?" Cari asked, bringing up conversation.
Xander nodded." If every thing goes according to plan, and he isn't stalled somewhere because of the weather. He's coming all the way from Lemuria."
"Lemuria?" Cari's eyes lit up at the sound of the name. "So the rumors are true about him. I've heard legends about that place! I wonder what he's like?"
Xander shrugged. "You won't know until he gets here."
"You're no fun." Cari frowned.
"What? It's not nice to judge people before you meet them." He grinned.
"Lemuria's a good two to three days traveling by ship," Tristan said as he walked up to the three of them. "It's located in the center of the Eastern Sea. He'd only arrive tonight if he sailed straight...and if he survives this storm." The Jupiter Adept smiled, slightly.
"Which is why Sean and Savea requested more people to watch for him," said Alyne. "Picard's relying on us to bring him in." She followed Xander's gaze out to the open sea.
Time passed very slowly as the storm continued to ravage the land and the sea further into the night. Finding a ship out in a storm like this would be like finding a Djinni in a thick forest. Lightning streaked across the sky again, and Xander's silver eyes darted across the dangerous waves. For a brief moment, he was positive he saw something that looked like a ship far in the distance. "What the-?" But before he could make it out, the flash of lightning had faded and the sky was black again.
"Xander?" Cari questioned. His expression had suddenly turned serious. "What is it?"
"I thought I saw a ship out there." He moved away room the shelter from the roof, and half ran to the railing of the watch tower to get a better look.
Tristan joined him at the railing. Attempting to follow where Xander had seen the ship. "Are you sure it wasn't your imagination?"
Xander ignored him temporarily as he waited for the next flash of lightning. When it came, he was ready, and this time he was sure of what his keen eyes saw. There was a small ship in the distance, bouncing atop the white-crested waves. "There's definitely a ship out." Xander replied.
"There you are!" Alyne and Cari turned around to face who had spoken.
"Kenneth, what are you doing here?" Alyne asked as he finished climbing onto the tower. He was completely soaked, but didn't seem to mind at the moment.
"I'm glad you four had made it up here. I've just got word from Sean and Savea-" Kenneth began, but was cut off by Xander.
"Kenneth," Xander interrupted. "Can you inform both of them that I've seen Picard's ship?"
Kenneth stared at Xander with amazement. "You're kidding!"
"No, I'm not. I saw it through the lightning."
"It could be anyone's ship." Tristan reminded him.
"Who else would sail in a storm like this one. It's Picard's." Xander smiled, reassuringly. "I can't say for sure, but didn't the Conservato say that he would be traveling in a wooden ship?"
"It amazed me how you can point out that kind of thing, Xander." Said Kenneth. "Well, Sean and Savea wanted me to go ahead and tell you, that if you see a ship, to organize a crew to go out there. It's going to be next to impossible for Picard to see us, and he'll need all the help he can get to make it here. Are you four in on it?"
"I'll go." Alyne volunteered without thought.. "I've been out in the ocean several times during storms like this one."
Kenneth nodded. "Good. You're one of our best sailors."
"I'll be able to spot him easily, so I'm in." Xander agreed.
"And if you two are going, I'm going." Cari smiled.
"You just want to meet Picard first," Xander chided her.
"I do not!"
"Sure!"
"And if I go, that would make two Jupiter, and two Mercury Adepts," Tristan said. "I think that would be practical."
"Good luck," Kenneth told them. "I'm going to tell Sean and Savea you've spotted him. If it gets too dangerous out there, come back. With, or without Picard."
"We'll be fine." Alyne smiled her reassurance. And the four of them climbed down from the watch tower and raced towards the docks as another massive crash of thunder shook the heavens.
***
"So let me get this straight. We're stranded in the middle of a violent sea, possibly miles away from land, our ship could fall apart at any moment, our captain is unconscious, and you want us to do WHAT!?" Balm's voice was half drown out by the storm.
"We need to find help!" Spring said again. "Picard could die, we have to get out of this weather to even stand a chance at surviving."
"And just how are we going to find land?" Serac asked. "It's not like anyone's going to be looking for one lone ship in a storm like this."
"Maybe if we sent out some sort of signal?" Rime suggested
"And how would we manage that?" Serac turned his head towards Rime.
"Where's a Mars Djinni when you need one?" Fog thought aloud.
"Who would want one?" Gel replied. "They're so annoying!"
"Just because Torch lit your tail on fire that one time doesn't mean they aren't useful." Fog grinned at the memory.
"Will you please focus?" Spring looked back over towards Picard. Shade was still using his Psynergy barrier to protect Picard from the storm, and the Djinni looked exhausted. "I think Rowad's our best bet at this point."
"And we have no idea where it is. Face it, we're lost." Fog complimented.
"So, now what do we do?" Rime asked.
"We can't do much besides wait, unless Picard gains consciousness sometime soon." Serac pointed out.
"So, in other words. We're dead." Eddy stared back at Serac.
***
Xander stood on the watch tower of the Rowadian ship as it sailed through the storm. Even though he was a Mercury Adept, and Alyne was a Jupiter, she was able to communicate telepathically to him. Otherwise, it'd be next to impossible to hear what he was saying in the storm..
Any sign of him Xander? Alyne asked telepathically as she sailed their ship through the storm.
No, none! He called. He was up in the crow's nest, searching for any sign of the ship he had seen earlier between the flashes of lightning. He could swear they were close to where he had seen the ship earlier.
Cari sighed as she waited in the cabin, away from the storm. "We could be out here for hours."
"No kidding," said Tristan. "Xander had better be right about this. It's a awful night for anyone to be out on the water." He leaned against the wall as he stared outside at the storm through a porthole. It had been nearly an hour since they departed from Rowad and there was still no sign of the ship Xander had claimed to have seen. Even their sturdy vessel felt like it could be smashed to ribbons if the water hit it right.
Where is it? Xander wondered to himself more desperately. The dark sky lit up once again as electricity snaked from the sky, and he saw a shape out of the corner of his eye. Alyne! There it is!
Where?
Roughly 150 yards, northeast.
Alyne steered the ship in the direction Xander ordered, and in next flash of lightning, she spotted it as well. I'm going to try and get closer without running into it!
Be careful, if we run into it, the ship will definitely be destroyed. Xander reminded her.
***
"Hey look!" Eddy exclaimed. "A ship!"
"We're saved!" Serac cheered.
"Are you serious!?" Spring hopped over to join them.
"Yes, over there!" Eddy and Serac said together.
"I think they see us!" Serac added excitedly. "How are Picard and Shade doing?"
"I think they'll be okay," said Spring. She looked at the ship coming towards them. "I see people aboard!"
The Djinn anxiously watched as the ship moved closer. It was a wonder the waves didn't make the two vessels collide. A few moments later, they could hear voices calling out through the wind and rain. "Is anyone over there!?" It was definitely a man's voice calling.
"No one answered. Are they all right?" A female voice called.
"I'm going aboard. They could be hurt." A different male voice said.
"Cari, go with Tristan. You're a Mercury Adept, I have a feeling whoever's on the ship might need some healing. I'll keep the ship steady."
"Hello?" Tristan asked as he traversed the creaking deck. "Is anyone here?" He walked to the opposite side of the deck, in hope to find someone aboard the vessel.
Cari strayed from his side as she leapt onto the ship. Her eyes immediately spotted a tiny blue streak moving towards something. "What the-?" She stared at the creature. "Is...is that...?" Her eyes continued to followed the blue creature as it moved quickly to where someone was lying on their side on the deck. From the looks of it, he appeared to be unconscious. She kneeled next to him, and turned him so he was facing upward. He was taking very shallow breaths.
"Tristan! Over here! I've found him!"
Tristan rushed towards Cari's voice. She was kneeling next to an unconscious young man. The long blue hair was plastered to his face from the rain indicated he was a Mercury Adept. Tristan bent down next to her, and was about ready to mind read him, when a tiny creature appeared on his chest. Looking pleadingly up at them.
"Please! You must help him!"
Cari and Tristan stared at it. The most noticeable feature was it's golden eyes. Before either of them could get a word out, it had answered their question. "His name is Picard."
"Picard!?" Tristan and Cari both exclaimed at the same time.
"What happened?" Cari asked as she looked into it's golden eyes.
Within the blink of an eye, more Mercury Djinn appeared and began squeaking out the story in rapid-fire fashion.
"The sail broke!"
"Picard tried to fix it, but-"
"Lightning struck, and he fell from the pillar."
"He's been unconscious since-"
"Hey, one at a time!" Cari said, looking frantically back and fourth between them. She turned to Tristan. "We need to get him aboard our ship. I doubt we can make it to Rowad in this thing."
"You're from Rowad!?" Spring asked, excitedly.
"Yes. Who are you?" Tristan stared down at the creature in wonder.
"Thank goodness! We've been searching for Rowad! I'm Spring, a Mercury Djinni. Pleased to meet you!"
Cari gasped. "Seriously? A REAL Djinni? I thought you were a djinni"
"Can we please get Picard to safety?" Spring begged. "He's in pretty bad shape."
"Yes, yes of course." Tristan carefully picked up Picard's limp body. "So you've traveled all the way here from Lemuria, correct?"
Spring nodded. "He's here for the trials."
"We've been expecting you, then.
"Let's get going before this thing falls apart." Cari suggested. "I don't think this ship is going to last. Hopefully Picard won't be heart broken if this thing is lost out at sea."
Tristan signaled for Alyne to return. Once in range, he jumped onboard with Picard in his arms. Tristan was followed by Cari, along with a flurry of anxious Djinn right behind her.
"So, was I right or was I right?" Xander asked, with a wide grin on his face, as the two brought the stranger aboard.
"Yes," Tristan replied. "He's in rough shape, but he's still very much alive. Sean and Savea will be pleased to see that he made it."
***
Gomen if that chapter kind of dragged .; It just wouldn't end where I wanted it to end, so yeah. It ended up being lots longer than I thought it would end up being. And when I wrote the majority of it, it was around 3 AM while I was up late chatting. Everyone deserted me by 2 AM! (okay, so it was 4 AM most everyone else's time ^^; but yeah.) I mean, I think I even stayed up later than VI, which is amazing, considering this is me were talking about. I had fun watching Anastasia, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away. All in a row! So, if the fic is weird in any way, that's why ^^;
And browning points to anyone who can catch the pun from one of Midnight's past fics!
Push the magic button to enter the world of sparkly happiness! (Don't ask, just don't ask!)
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