Woo next chapter! Oh just so you all know, I know NOTHING about ships, so if I make any naughty nautical mistakes, feel free to tell me all about it!

----------Chapter 4----------

Previously:

Scurrying towards the ship, Alexis felt thankful that it was getting darker. While one of the sailors was hugging a woman goodbye, she snuck onboard. There, she ran down some steps into what seemed like storage. Hiding behind some boxes, she curled up and started to drift. Champa...safe haven...

Now:

A salty wind breezed through the ship's sails. Most of the crew were on deck, making sure everything was perfect. The seas had become infested with monsters, and it was a long way to Champa.

"What do you think ye'r doing?" screamed one of the sailors. A young boy was gazing out at the horizon.

"Get back to work, boy! FLARE!"

Flames gushed out the sailor's hands, aimed straight for the young man. He turned suddenly and grinned.

"GUARDIAN!" A barrier emerged around him, absorbing the flames. "Surely you could come up with something better, Tauro?"

As the fire died, he walked past Tauro, still grinning all the while. Too easy, old man.

"What's going on here?" a voice asked. Another sailor had emerged from the captain's quarter. The way he was dressed indicated a higher rank on ship. "Mason, what have you been up to?"

The young boy immediately stopped grinning. "F-father! I was just minding my own business, when Ol' Tauro here decides he wants a battle! I was just defending myself!"

Mason's father stared at his son. A likely story. "Why must you lie to me, son? Get out of my sights, 'fore you feel a real flame attack!" he bellowed.

As the other sailors laughed at the humiliated Mason, he ran towards the lower decks. Stupid old man, he thought, we're not cut out to be sailors!

The lower decks were dark and musty. This was one of the biggest ships in Weyard, so many boxes were stored here. Most of it was food for the people back home. The rest was unknown to Mason. "You're just a cabin boy, no need for you to know." The other sailors always told him. I hate being a sailor. Curse my bloodline...

"Can he see us?" echoed a voice nearby. Mason looked up, but saw no one.

"Who's there? Show yourself, stowaway!" he cried into the darkness. Silence. He walked over towards a group of boxes. I think they're here.

"Who are you? Come out now, or face the might of a Champan sailor!" Grabbing one of the boxes, he tossed it aside, only to find two blue eyes staring back at him. Seeing who it was, Mason stood back, and looked at Alexis. It's a girl, and a pretty one at that.

"Ummm..." Alexis finally said, "Sorry about sneaking onboard and all. Please don't hurt us!" Hail hid behind her, cowering. "Fire Adept! He's a fire Adept! And a strong one too!"

Mason was still looking at her. He gulped then asked, "What is your name, and what hell are you doing here?"

"It's Alexis. I-I wish to go to Champa. I seek refuge from the Alchemy Guards."

"And that thing behind you?" he pointed to Hail.

"He's not a thing! He's a Djinni! His name is Hail! Why are you asking me this? Shouldn't you be locking me up or something?" Alexis spat. Damn it! Why did I say that?

Mason felt his face burning! "Don't tell me how to do my job, you filthy thief! I'm merely asking you so I can tell the others what I've caught! And why are the Alchemy guards after you? You don't look like an Adept to me!"

Alexis stood up now, holding her sword hilt "I'm no thief! I simply want to go to Champa, then head elsewhere! And if you want proof of my power, then bring it!"

"Elsewhere?" Mason relaxed slightly. "Like where?"

"None of your business! Now are we fighting or not?"

Mason heard stirring from the upper decks. Their squabble had not gone unnoticed. Any second now and the sailors would find them. No, they can't find her. Not now.

"Shut up!" he whispered "Keep quiet or you'll be killed! Just go back to hiding for now I'll return shortly."

Running up to the men, Alexis felt very confused. "Did he just help us, or something? She couldn't make sense of what happened.

"I'd say listen to him. I'm sensing a plethora of psynergy up there! Stay down here for now and wait until he comes back." Hail replied.

Night had fallen above. Alexis strolled around, wondering what the sailor had planned.

"Miss me?" he smiled as he reappeared from above.

"What do you want from me? Why are you hiding me from the men above?" She cried.

Mason grabbed her arm tight. "Keep it down! Do you know how much trouble you caused me because of your big mouth? My father thinks I was talking to myself! Now listen to me, miss Alexis! You will stay here until we dock at Champa.

Alexis pulled her arm from his grip and glared. His dark eyes glared back. "Why let me go? I'm just a filthy thief remember?"

He sighed. "Are all pretty girls like you think arrogant? It's 'cos i was to make sure no one stowed onboard!" He knelt down and conjured a small fire. "Now sit down, I have a proposition for you."

Alexis sat opposite him. Her face was burning. I hate you already, you stupid sailor.

"Ok, now listen," Mason started, "As soon as we arrive, you can go. But I'm coming with you! If you say no I'll let the sailors deal with you, and trust me you don't want that!" grabbed Alexis' hand. Taken aback, she looked at him in shock. "I'm begging you, take me away from this Hell."

For what seemed like hours, she looked at Mason. What do I do? Can I trust him? "What is your name?"

"It's Mason. I'm a Mars Adept from Champa. Please, let me go?"

"Alright, Mason. But first I will need another ship. Hail and I are headed for his home. Lemuria he called it. Can you lead me to Lemuria?"

Mason nodded. "Thank you Alexis, I will lead you to Lemuria."

She smiled at him. "So, why do yo-"

"I better return above. I'll bring food in the morning."

As Alexis watched him leave, it was only then that she realised she has just made a deal with a complete stranger.

"You idiot!" yelled Hail, emerging. "He could rat on us anytime! He used us! For all we know he could be a bounty hunter! Like That other guy! You Mercury Adepts are too soft."

Thinking back to David, Alexis felt a sharp pain in her chest. I hope he's ok. David...

After dousing the fire, Hail lay next to his master and they both fell asleep.

Once again, reviews would be nice. Forgive me if there's some bad spelling, this one was quite rushed.

Until next time!