Bit of a filler chapter...
The next morning was filled with a cloudless sky and a beautiful sunrise. However, the weather was unable to brighten the mood of the crew as they neared Dark Island. As the smoke from the island began to reach the ship everyone became silent, waiting for the horrors to come. Eustace flew circles around the ship, unable to remain in one spot.
On the deck everyone stood and stared at the black opening with worry. Tavros was the first to break the silence.
"So…what do you think is in there?" he questioned aloud.
"Our worst nightmares." Edmund answered.
"Our darkest wishes." Caspian tagged on. Raelyn swallowed, gripping onto Edmund's hand nervously as her nausea grew. Edmund squeezed it back, needing the comfort just as much as she did.
"Pure Evil." Captain Drinian hummed from his spot at the wheel. He moved to stand next to the Minotaur.
"Tavros, go unlock the armory." He instructed, Tavros taking off that direction with a nod.
"Archers! Prepare yourselves." Drinian shouted to the rest of the men. With some more shouts of instruction, everyone scrambled to retrieve their weapons and take their places.
"Let's get ready." Caspian whispered to the group standing with him. They followed him below deck, breaking off to their separate rooms to prepare themselves.
...
Gael watched from the bed as Lucy and Raelyn slid on pieces of armor along with strapping on some borrowed weapons from the armory.
"When I grow up I want to be just like you." Gael piped up, staring at the girls in wonder. Both girls paused and turned towards her with warm grins. Lucy stepped forward to approach the smaller girl.
"When you grow up, you should be just like…you." she hummed, bringing the girl into a hug. Raelyn grinned at them.
"And what a wonderful person you will be." She assured warmly. Gael grinned up at them, before her mood dropped again. They all returned to silence once more, taking the time to collect themselves for the upcoming battle.
...
Down in the study, Edmund was strapping on his breastplate while Caspian slipped his sword around his waist.
"In case we don't get through….whatever this is…" Caspian spoke up, Edmund looking at him silently.
"…I want you to know that I think of you as my brother Ed." He told the younger boy, staring at him seriously.
"Me too." Edmund returned quietly. The two nodded their heads, taking in the emotional admittance. Caspian quietly went around Edmund to help strap down the buckles on his back.
"You left your sword." He pointed out. Edmund shrugged.
"It wasn't mine to keep. Raelyn's is back on the island as well." Caspian blinked in thought before walking over to the glass cabinet. He pulled out Peter's sword.
"Then use this." Edmund faltered and glanced between Caspian and the lion head handle.
"But it's…"
"Peter would want you to have it." Caspian cut him off insistently. Edmund stared down at the weapon fondly before taking it from Caspian. He quickly attached it to his belt and went to follow Caspian out the door.
"Oh and by the way…" Caspian spun around in the door frame.
"I think of Raelyn as my sibling as well…and if we do get out of this, you be sure to treat her right. Or I'll find a way to come after you." Caspian grinned at him. Edmund rolled his eyes in amusement.
"Bit late for that speech, but don't worry. I have every intention of giving her nothing but the best." Caspian nodded in approval and clapped Edmund on the shoulder. With that the boys made their way onto the deck once more.
...
Everyone had gathered on deck, Caspian standing on the upper level as he gave them one last speech before they entered the island.
"No matter what happens here. Every single one of you has earned their place on the crew of the Dawn Treader. Together we have traveled far. Together we have faced adversity. Together we can do it again!" Caspian spoke as the green lighting from the island served as his backdrop. Everyone stood silently, waiting for his next words.
"Now is not the time to fall to fierce temptations. Be strong and never give in!" Raelyn watched from her spot by Edmund; a ghost of a smile on her face as she watched the King proudly.
"Our world, our Narnian lives depend on it. Think of the lost souls we are here to save. Think of Aslan." As concluded, Caspian began his descent down the stairs. He paused as a rousing shout of 'For Narnia!' was heard from everyone on board. His eyes flitted around gratefully at his crew.
...
The ship steadily drew nearer to the entrance of the island. Soon the sun was covered by black fog behind them, cutting of their main source of light. Raelyn reached out and grasped Edmund's hand tightly as she could feel the mist coming closer to the boat. Ed turned to face her, his eyes roaming over her stony expression. He licked his lips.
"No matter what happens…I'm glad you're here with me." He whispered. Raelyn turned to stare at him. Seeing the seriousness of his face she smiled weakly.
"Me too. And I fully expect you to still be around when we make it out of this." she insisted, shaking their conjoined hands. Ed grinned and leaned in towards her. Raelyn closed the distance and leaned up to press a kiss to his lips. After a moment they separated and Edmund took in a breath as their foreheads rested against one another. With his eyes still closed he reached up to caress her cheek.
"I love you." he whispered. Raelyn's eyes popped open and she smiled warmly at him. She quickly leaned in for another kiss.
"I love you too." She answered gently. With one last close look at one another they leaned backwards and faced the darkness. Still standing near one another they grasped their weapons, their bodies clenching with anticipation. Raelyn's jaw tightened as she watched the green mist begin infiltrating the ship. The smoke spread across the deck, leaving the men with distracted expressions as they saw different visions.
"I can't see a thing. This fog is too thick." Drinian lamented as he held tight to the wheel. Beside him Caspian jerked his head around at the masculine figure circling around him.
"You are a great disappointment to me….you call yourself my son and act like a king." The voice of his father rang out, causing Caspian to stare at the misty figure in despair.
...
On the lower deck Edmund kept his eyes peeled for whatever was coming for him.
"Edmund.." his body froze as the familiar icy voice called out for him. He slowly turned his head to the side of the boat. There a vision of the White Witch smiled at him evilly.
"Be my king. I'll let you rule…" she cooed, floating closer toward him.
"Go away. You're dead." he insisted with a glare.
"You can never kill me. I'll always be alive…in your mind, silly boy." She taunted.
"No!" Edmund snarled.
"Edmund." He jumped and turned to face Lucy who was watching him worriedly. He sucked in a breath, trying to slow down his heart rate.
"Are you alright?" his sister questioned in concern. Edmund swallowed.
"Yea." He whispered anxiously. His eyes moved about, looking for his redhead. Edmund relaxed as he realized she was still nearby, but her eyes were clenched shut and her breathing erratic. Rushing over he grasped her shoulders.
"Ray? Ray, look at me." In response to his voice, Raelyn relaxed just a bit. Her eyes flew open and she looked up at him in surprise.
"Everything ok?" he asked, pulling her closer for a hug. Raelyn took in a breath.
"For now. The mist is stronger than ever here, it's hard to ignore." She admitted quietly, her voice getting choked up with emotion. Edmund nodded.
"I know." He sighed. Their moment was broken by a voice echoing from beyond the boat. They both froze.
"You hear that voice too, right?" Edmund questioned. He felt Raelyn nod against his chest.
"Yea, it's coming from over there." The two de-tangled from one another and ran over to look over the side of the ship.