I've spent decades of my life living right next to the ocean but this is without a doubt the longest I've ever mingled with it. The taste of the salty air carried by a warm breeze felt natural and welcoming. Though I already had a home the sea felt like another one to me. Now, this could have just been my curse trying to lead me astray but I honestly didn't mind if it was when it came to this.

The curse would eventually make you want to return to the sea as it convinces you to never want to leave it. But at this point the desire wasn't all that bad for someone like me to feel like I have a home when I essentially gave it up is a priceless comfort. I know that a true home is where you make it not necessarily the place itself but this is a nice substitute for now.

As the sun rises higher in the sky marking the morning of another day that has passed us by while lost at sea I lean over the side of the ship and just stare out towards the horizon. There wasn't much else to do for us on this ship. The sea was plentiful with food so we never went hungry. I thank the god of steam for the luck he bestowed upon us for each catch or else I had to have feared the worst. The worst being me waking up to another lost limb because June couldn't control herself any longer.

Though I have warmed up to her after the incident I still have a bit of lingering fear in the back of my mind. Me being able to sleep even despite that is just another gift from God that I am thankful for. While thinking about this I wondered if it was the right thing to neglect telling Howell about June's particular dietary needs.

I have convince myself that I neglected to inform him of this for his own well-being. The man is injured for Lord's sake. The astronomical amount of stress that such a worry would place on him could significantly worse than his condition. He needs to focus on healing not worrying about shadows in the dark. Yes, that's the reason I continue to keep this secret from him. Not because I might need an emergency defenseless scapegoat if June ever gets the craving for a man's flesh again.

I'm a very thoughtful person I know this that's why I take up duty early in the morning to search out for any inkling of salvation that's might pass us by otherwise if no one was paying attention. I do this for those reasons alone and nothing else I swear.

Now on this particular morning that seemed to blend in with every other day, we were lost out here fending for ourselves that's when I saw it. One of the things I had hoped to see ages ago but was ecstatic to lay eyes upon at last. It was a vessel far out into the horizon.

The ship was far away but my legacy brought me enhanced senses that allowed me to view the ship with a clarity that only a telescope could bring. The ship was large, larger than the small fishing boat that we rode on. It was a single Mast ship that made me tear up a little inside when I saw it. There was nothing distinctly special about this ship.

It looked like any other kind of ship you would see excluding a few personal modifications that the owner made. The hull of the ship had metal plating that was layered in a way to depict the design of bird's wings. While the figurehead mounted on the front was that of some long neck bird that he couldn't identify from where he was. The ship wasn't new from Nathaniel's perspective but to him that just meant it had character. As it split the waves the barnacles latched onto the wood on its side would reveal themselves. It was a clear sign lack of maintenance for that's level of crustaceans to accumulate on the ship but Nathaniel didn't care about how the ship looked or who owned it.

Onboard that ship could be the worst pirates known to the world but he would still sail towards their direction because unlike themselves they knew where they were going. Pumping with adrenaline Nathaniel stood erect and called out to everyone on the boat.

"Ship, there's a ship off out in the horizon. All hands on deck. That means you, June.".

Nathaniel barged through the shock door asserting his authority as he clapped his hands to make sure he garnered everyone's attention. Howell was still resting in his bed while June was curled up in a ball on the floor in a corner resting her eyes attempting to sleep the day away. Nathaniel's loud Proclamation had everyone's attention. Howell rustled himself up from the bed to lean up straight while June shot up from the floor. June was a bit groggy from the nap she was forcibly brought out of but the mention of a ship was more important to her than a few more hours of rest.

"Ship are you sure?" June asked.

"Most definitely there's no mistaking it you can go out for yourself to see. There directly ahead a bit to the right of us". June didn't need any other incentive to go she pushed past Nathaniel and sped towards the deck.

Howell up and aware of the situation asked a serious question, "are you aware of who the ship is affiliated with? Such information can be the difference between life and death. The possibility of that ship being a pirate's vessel in disguise is also a probable.".

Nathaniel answered, "I don't know what colors they fly under but what I do know is that ship appears to be a cargo vessel. My guess is a privately-owned cargo vessel.

I came to this conclusion because I know that a military cargo vessel would never sail the seas alone. They would always have a fleet supporting them. This ship also seems to have a low chance to be a part of the Traders Union.

Those greedy vultures tend to have ships under them or any affiliated company ship with them boldly display their emblem on the hull of the ship in a manner that gains attention and wards off any would be crooks of their wrath.

The chances of them being pirates In disguise is always a possibility but it's a possibility that we must dive headfirst into. We've been lost at sea long enough it's time to touch down on land.".

Howell nodded his head, "You seem to know your stuff so I will not question your judgment. But do know that if these people turn out to be ruffians you will have my blade ready to fight at a moment's notice.".

Nathaniel knew that Howell was serious about what he said he could see it in his eyes. They burn with conviction as he brimmed with a fighting spirit.

"There's no need for that if any danger should arise I will handle it. You've been healing up quite nicely I do not wish to impede your recovery with such a small matter just focus on getting better.".

"You too kind". Howell uttered.

With that, Nathaniel said his farewell and parted ways with Howell. On the deck of the ship Nathaniel saw June staring at the ship in the distance. Nathaniel not wanting to lose this chance went into full gear and got June working.

"Come on we got no time for that you can look all you want when we board the damn thing. Now get over here and help me steer the ship".

Not lagging behind Nathaniel June got to work. She helped unwrap the rope and turn the sails of the ship. The small boat picked up speed as it move to intercept the cargo ship. Though they were moving towards it Nathaniel wanted to be sure they got the ship's attention.

"June go find a white cloth and tie it to a piece of wood, then climb up on the shack and wave it around like a madman. We don't have the appropriate flag to signal distress so this will have to do. While you're doing that I'll make a fire and see if I can give a good enough smoke signal going".

June nodded not denying his reasoning at all because it was the best and soundest plan available. While June was doing her own thing Nathaniel rushed towards the ship's storage. There was a bunch of useless junk on this ship that Nathaniel had no need for. They're dirty rags, paints, oils, an assortment of tools, and other things. Nathaniel grabbed whatever looked like it would burn. Not even the hammers were spared from Nathaniel's grasp. They had a wooden grip and that was good enough for him.

Nathaniel had a plethora of ways to start a fire but he didn't use any of them. Instead, he stuck to the tried-and-true way of starting a fire which was to use a box of matches that were stored on the ship.

Nathaniel piled a bunch of junk up high, lit a match, and flicked it on the pile. The greasy rags and different kinds of flammable oils caught fire quickly. The heat from the fire embraced Nathaniel as he stood next to it. Never before had he seen a fire so beautiful. It dance in front of him in a destructive display its beauty made his heart soar.

In the Heat of the Moment, Nathaniel took off his shirt and fanned the flames. He wanted it bigger, boulder, he wanted everyone to notice this flame. The fire grew along with the smoke it's produced along with it. The fire slowly chewed through the wooden deck but Nathaniel didn't care about that. The Flames were still in his control a bit of damage to the ship was a minor sacrifice.

Nathaniel worked hard to make the flames rise even more. Smoke rose into the sky forming a dark pillar made of smoke and ash. As this happened June had done what Nathaniel had asked of her. Nathaniel saw her climb up on top of the shack and wave a large cloth around like a cheerleader. This was all the two really could do to get the attention of the ship. Now all that was left for them was to hope that they saw it and by the grace of God they did. The ship turned towards their direction and the two were now headed at a steady pace towards each other.

Excitement brimmed on both Nathaniel and June's faces as their long uncharted voyage at sea was coming to an end. Now with the two ships meeting being a certainty, Nathaniel grabbed an old dented bucket that was always on the ship he had nearby and rushed to the side of the ship to fill it with water. With the bucket filled he lugged the container over and spilled the contents over the fire dousing the flames. A loud hiss sounded as the water quenched the flame leaving a large charred area on the deck. Nathaniel tested the black spot's integrity by stepping on it and found it just as solid as it was before. The flames didn't have enough time to do any significant damage allowing Nathaniel to shelf the issue for a later date.

After Nathaniel dealt with the flames Nathaniel heard a dull thump from behind him. Turning around Nathaniel saw that the sound came from June who had jumped down from the shack. In her excitement June pranced around in a little dance while uttering the words, "we did it, we can finally get off this cursed ship" before attempting to leap on Nathaniel in joy. Nathaniel's body after he saw her jump at him instinctively went into defensive mode. He avoided June's embrace as if his life depended on it. Because of the time, Nathaniel spent with Zephyr even the thought of having another person touching him made his skin crawl.

Nathaniel took a few steps back from June as she hugged only air and snapped back on reflex, "Don't touch me!".

Nathaniel's voice was loud and filled with venom. Without even meaning to Nathaniel was already in a defensive stance ready to flee at any moment. During this instant, Nathaniel noticed the look on June's face that was slowly shifting from his sudden outburst and that's when he truly realized what he had just said.

Quick Nathaniel dropped his stance and properly apologized to June, "June, wait I'm sorry for shouting out to you it wasn't because I'm wary of you or anything (even though he is ). It was out of reflex. You have to understand that I've recently been through many traumatic experiences in a very short amount of time back to back that you don't know about. So, please don't take that outburst to heart and forgive me for just now".

Nathaniel was sincere with every word as he hoped it would be enough to rectify this situation. Lucky for him June was an understanding person.

"No, this is my bad, not yours. For me to try to do that to you without knowing you better is silly. Let just leave it at that, ok. There's a ship coming towards us with a bunch of people that should be our focus, not this. First impressions are important so we can't let them see us as miserable and squabbling now can we".

Nathaniel nodded his head in agreement when suddenly June's words brought to front a problem he forgot to think about when he attracted the boat. The problem being his face in a crowd he can go unnoticed fairly easily. But it wouldn't be unreasonable to assume a ship captain would familiarize themselves with a wanted poster or two just to be on the safe side of things since anything can happen at sea.

Not only that but June could also put everyone in danger since she said she deserted The World Navy. People don't look favorably upon deserters, so in Nathaniel's mind, he's already fearing the worst because everyone on this entire ship is suspicious. For god's sake, there was a man on board with gunshot injuries. Providing a proper explanation for that was difficult. A fool would say that a pirate attacked them and try to leave it at that. Not realizing that they just placed themselves in another predicament. Since in the central region where they are now pirate attacks while on occasion happen are still rare sights that would warrant a report to the proper authorities. Which in itself is a dangerous situation in of its self that Nathaniel doesn't want to be a part of since he is a wanted man. All kinds of different scenarios ran through Nathaniel's mind and he scolded himself for each and every one.

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"Stupid, stupid, stupid, how could I be so stupid?". Nathaniel was quite verbal with his own self ridicule making him receive odd looks from June.

"Why are you smacking yourself on the head like that? Tell me what's wrong." June asked with concern.

"What's wrong I'll tell you what's wrong everything on this ship is what's wrong. Just look around it's filled to the brim with suspicious people".

"It is?". June took a moment to look around and think about their situation for a bit and went wide-eyed when she noticed what Nathaniel meant.

"Oh, I see. Wow, I guess it really is but what are we supposed to do about it the ships coming towards us and will be here in a few minutes. That's not exactly enough time to come up with a believable lie".

"I assure you, yes it is June I just need to think for a bit and make a few changes. But first I need to find a mirror".

Needless to say, there was no mirror on the small fishing boat, but Nathaniel was able to find a shiny piece of metal that showed his reflection which was good enough for him to work with. Nathaniel needed the mirror because he plans to do something he hadn't tried before. He planned to alter his own body.

Nathaniel believe that he could have successfully lied to whoever was on the ship without doing such a risky procedure but Nathaniel was a cautious man and didn't want to draw any unnecessary attention his way this early on.

Since he was so easily able to alter the fish that he caught Nathaniel saw no reason why he couldn't do the same to his own body. Though what he was doing was filled with unknown he saw it necessary to remove some of the unknown factors that came with unwanted people finding out his identity.

So, without much hesitation, Nathaniel got to work. He willed the power inside him to move and it's easily responded to his request. He had just started yet he found the process easier than when he altered the fish that he caught.

The first thing Nathaniel altered was his eyes. His glowing crimson orbs turn sky blue in their sockets. His dark hair lightened until it became a pale blond. Nathaniel's tan caramel color skin also became a lighter pigment nearing eggshell White. Not finished Nathaniel took his hand and began to mold even his bones in his face. Like clay, he sculpted his forum until he was unrecognizable from before. His cheekbones are higher, areas where there was fat on his face and now sunken in, and his lips were swollen like he French kissed a vacuum cleaner.

When Nathaniel was done even he couldn't recognize himself anymore. His new phone was nothing like his once handsome self. He now looked like in his own words a man that just had plastic surgery done in a back alley by someone who clearly didn't have a doctor's license.

Nathaniel found it off putting two look at himself like this but this was the best he could do and what little time he had. Plus his inexperience in the molding his own physiology didn't help with the end result either.

Without further Ado Nathaniel turn to face June and presented himself to her. Once June saw what Nathaniel had become she sucked her teeth and winced at the site of him as she said, " I thought you were going to make yourself look more normal not look like you shove your face in a jar full of bees. Why do you even do this to yourself? You look like a snobby douchebag that took tips from a horse's ass on the standards of beauty.".

Nathaniel narrowed his eyes at June because of her words and told her, " this is my first time doing this to myself. So, me turning out like this is acceptable. So, long as they don't recognize me later on then it's my win.".

"All right if you want to go around looking like that then be my guest. Just know that I will be making fun of you the whole time behind your back. ". June snickered at Nathaniel who rolled his eyes and responded.

"Whatever just remember to let me do all the talking and agreed to everything I say. Do that then we should be able to easily avoid any unnecessary questions or suspicions. ".

"Sure, whatever you say".

Following that Nathaniel and said that little shack on the both to inform Howell on what was happening. Though how was recovering very quickly and didn't look to be in any trouble Nathaniel still wanted to have someone with any medical experience look at him just to be on the safe side of things.

Nathaniel's new appearance of course came as a shock to Howell. At first, the man wasn't sure who he was looking at but the clothes that Nathaniel wore hinted at who he was.

"Nathaniel, is that you? ".

Nathaniel didn't keep Howell waiting he responded, "Yes, it's me. I was able to take on this new appearance because of the Legacy I wield. I thought it might be necessary to disguise our true selves though this just maybe me being over precautious. I still felt it necessary to inform you of what was happening. The ship will be on us in 2 minutes. I'll ask and see if there are any doctors on board. So, be ready for my return because I'm going to bring others with me.".

Howell stroked his chin at the meaning of my words." Hmm, a disguise you say, yes that's brilliant. Don't worry Captain I'm fully on board. Don't worry about me I'll be here awaiting your arrival".

Nathaniel nodded to Howell in agreement then left to meet whoever Captained the approaching ship. The cargo vessel set anchor next to the fishing boat within moments of Nathaniel's conversation with Howell. The cargo ship was a standard size but it's overshadowed the small fishing ship that Nathaniel was on.

Both Nathaniel and June didn't have to wait long out on the deck of the ship because a man on the other ship came out and stood on the ledge. This flamboyant man wore a peacock feather hat that had the makeshift beak of a bird welded onto it. His eyebrows were as pointy as a shoes and he looked too be wearing clothes fashion from different strips of leather. This was far from the most strangest man that Nathaniel had ever met but he was memorable from appearance alone, to say the least.

"Oh, you who! Are you people still alive down there?".

Nathaniel responded as loudly as he could at the colorful feathered man above him. Between the loudly churning waves and the distance between the two Nathaniel had to strain his voice a bit to pull it off but he still did so without coming off as an unrefined slob while doing so.

"Yes, we are all alive and well but as you can see we are in a bit of a pickle. We have been lost at sea for over a week now and are quite desperate to return to land. We even set fire to our own ship just to attract your attention just by that you can see our dire need of your help.".

The man before Nathaniel placed his palm over his mouth as he gasps in shock of the sudden news. "Stranded at sea my, oh my that sounds absolutely dreadful my dears. How did such a thing happen?"

Nathaniel responded, " I would gladly inform you of all that transpired but shouting at you from a distance to talk seems a tad uncivilized would you perhaps invite us onto your boat so that we may talk properly?".

"By God how foolish of me, of course, you can come aboard. Gretel lower the ladder for these poor people. ".

Soon a latter was tossed over the side of the ship. Nathaniel was the first to attempt the climb it. When he did Nathaniel noticed something odd. With the first step Nathaniel almost broke the rope later. This was not because the latter was shawty it was because Nathaniel was incredibly heavy. Even Nathaniel did not know how much he truly weighed at this point or if attempting to figure such a thing out even mattered because upon the second attempt at climbing up all If the extra weight Nathaniel had on him seemed to simply disappear allowing him to climb the ladder with ease.

This was another odd point about his newly acquired abilities that boggle Nathaniel's mind. His insane blood production, weight gain, and weight distribution they were all things that Nathaniel could not explain with science and logical reasoning alone. How things like this existed and why they existed those were questions that Nathaniel wanted answers to. But he knew that they were questions that were most likely never going to be answered because many before him have thought the same thing and failed.

Nathaniel made it onto the strange man's ship quickly and a June followed closely behind him. On the deck of the ship, there were many sailors wondering about doing their work. Many of them looked over intrigued by the new people onboard their vessel. But that group of people kept their distance for now probably because of the captain's orders Nathaniel didn't know. With a twirl and an outstretched hand, the captain of the ship formally introduced himself. He was flanked by a buff woman that had a dark skin tone and wore more casual clothing than the other sailors on the ship.

" I am Ferdinand Purine Captain of the Sea-Bird and owner of Flamingo Trade and Emporium. Next to me is my co-captain and right hand Gretel tell me who are you people? ".

Nathaniel didn't answer immediately he simply looked at Ferdinand's hand and felt shivers run down his spine. Though he had a glove on Nathaniel desperately wanted to keep all physical contact to a minimum regardless of who the person is. Though Nathaniel knew it was rude to not take the man's hand as a greeting especially now since the man in question was the captain of the ship. But Nathaniel had an easy way around that small predicament.

Nathaniel took his right hand and placed it flat on his chest above his heart then bowed slightly in Ferdinand's direction. Following that Nathaniel said, "my body is iron and heart is fire. My blood may create great works of silver for generations to build upon but they pale in comparison to the comparison you are showing me today. My name is Nathaniel of Dobin Shire and next to me is my colleague June".

A bit of religious spiel can go a long way to getting what you want. Nathaniel knows this well he has used this tactic many times in his previous work. It's easy to pull off and works most of the time since everyone follows the same religion. Nathaniel only wanted to avoid physical contact so a small thing as avoiding the handshake was easily dismissed by Ferdinand who thought that Nathaniel was simply overwhelmed with joy for rescuing them and simply wanted to praise him. June on the other hand who stood behind Nathaniel raised her brow suspiciously at Nathaniel after he just spoke but didn't act on her suspicion yet.

"You two are more deserving of praise than me. I mean come on serving the open ocean on that small boat is ludicrous. Your lucky the weather was on your side this time".

"I am well aware how lucky we are. I could barely navigate since I lacked even the most basic frames of reference. But we somehow pulled through despite it".

"I see but tell me how did you two get stranded out here in your condition?".

Nathaniel well prepared for this question told Ferdinand, "we all work for an arms company that is supported by the Traders Union. We were loading goods when there was a mishap I'm not entirely sure what happened. I think the TNT we were loading wasn't stored correctly allowing it to deteriorate and easily be set off. Either way, a chain of explosions quickly ensured blasting me and my companions away. If it wasn't for June dragging our unconscious bodies out of the water we could have died that day".

Nathaniel kept the story short and to the point. He was confident in pulling off this lie because the business area is where he specializes in and can easily answer any question about it. But apart from that, he chose this lie because it explains all of Howell's injuries perfectly along with their ragged appearance. Nathaniel could feel Ferdinand scrutinizing gaze as he scanned the both of them his eyes dissected the possible truth and found Nathaniel and June's attire matching the story he explained.

Both Nathaniel and June's clothes were ripped and torn. Parts were burnt other bits shredded making both of them look like they just stepped out of a disaster. With nothing else to go on Ferdinand was inclined to believe the story.

"You kept saying we a lot is there more people on that ship". Ferdinand asked while gazing at the vessel below.

"Yes, there is a man on that ship who was a guard for the cargo, he took the brunt of the impact. Though he seems perfectly fine I would still like to give him medical attention from a proper doctor. Do you have one on your ship?".

Ferdinand nodded, "yes, we do. I'll have him sent down to check on your friend immediately".

Nathaniel was pleased to hear such great news. No longer having to worry about Howell's physical condition significantly lessened his mental burden on this subject.

"Thank you once again Ferdinand but now I must ask if it would be at all possible for you to drop us off at the nearest port wherever that may be.".

Ferdinand shook his head in affirmation, "you're in luck because we're heading to the port in this kingdom's capital city right now. I am more than willing to tow your ship along. It will take no more than a day and a half, two at the most to get there so bringing you all along is no problem for me.".

Nathaniel's eyes gleamed once he heard the destination of the ship was the capital city of this Kingdom because that was exactly his intended travel destination. The world works in mysterious ways so Nathaniel isn't going to question why he suddenly has good luck now. It is of the utmost importance that Nathaniel arrives at the capital city because he has things stored there that he cannot leave behind for when he intends to set off on his Adventure.

"It seems as though our meeting was fated because we both seem to have the same travel destination in mind".

Ferdinand raised his brow at this, "oh, really now how funny of a thing that is. Now, I would love to chat more with you. Since it's not every day I save people out on the sea. But I do believe taking care of you're injured friend is more important at this moment. So, how about we continue this conversation over dinner in the Captain's Quarters. After you all settle down and relax I'm sure you've had a rough Journey".

" I would like that very much. We've eaten nothing but fish for a week and between you and me I'm sick of it.".

" Well eating the same thing everyday will sour my mood for such items as well. Gretel go fetch the doctor for these people and please inform the chef do not serve any fish for dinner today.".

Ferdinand waited for a response from Gretel but received complete silence. Confused by the silence Ferdinand turn to his side to look at her only to see her staring at Nathaniel.

Gretel hasn't said a single word to the new faces on board the ship but when she did they where not to the friendly greeting you would expect.

Not caring to act friendly to people she just met Gretel spoke her mind without reservation.

"What in the world happened to your face. It looks like you've tried to win a fight by only getting punched in the face".

Ferdinand chastised Gretel for her rude response. " Gretel, what is wrong with you. That's the rude of you can say something like that to people you just met".

In truth Ferdinand had similar questions about the state of Nathaniel's face but thought it best not to ask. In case it turned out to be a sore spot during conversation.

Nathaniel dismiss their concerns, " it is all right I am not offended. The reason I look like this is because I had some work done before the incident. Between the explosions and the salty humid air coupled with the blistering Sun none of its was good for my skin to say the least".

For the passionate moan Ferdinand said, " ah, I know how you feel the seawater is terrible for my skin as well. But I have a few moisturizers that help fix that I'll introduce them to you later.".

" I'll like that ".

As Time passed Nathaniel became more sure that the people on this boat were not a threat. They were just normal businessman and sailors doing their job. That's why Nathaniel was able to confidently lead their ship's doctor onto their fishing about to treat Howell's rooms without worry.

Nathaniel brought the balding middle-aged man to see how by himself. June stayed on the other ships since her presence wasn't needed. Nathaniel entered the room where Howell rested first followed by the cargo ships doctor. This was supposed to be an easy and normal checkup but Howell shenanigans made it less so.

Neither of the duo were expecting what Howell presented them with. He was still lying in the bed that they left him in. The only difference was that he was sitting upright and had a white sheet draped over him. His arms and body wiggled peculiarly. His moving arms flapped the sheets as though he was about to take off and fly like a bird. But under the sheets came my ghastly howling moan that mimicked the cries of the dead.

"Boo-boo, turn back, turn back this ship is haunted by a ghost. If you do not wish to suffer my curse you will leave at once. Boo-boo".

Nathaniel's eye twitched so much as he tried to figure out what Howell was doing that he almost had an aneurysm. The doctor that Nathaniel lead into the room was equally confused by what was going on. He gave Nathaniel a look that did not need words to convey its meaning.

" Well as you can see my friend here clearly suffered a brain injury that I was completely unaware of".

Nathaniel looked at Howell who continue to make ghostly sounds and then back at the doctor who he immediately instructed to wait at the door while he rust to Howell side.

Nathaniel lifted the sheet off of Howell's head and made Howell look into his twitching eye while he asked with much restraint the question on everyone's mind, "what are you doing?".

Howell as jubilant as ever said to Nathaniel in a hushed tone "Ah, captain you said that we need to disguise ourselves which I thought was a brilliant idea. So, I took the liberty to create my own disguise. I had limited resources to work with but I soon figured out the best way to stay undercover was to be under a cover. While I do think my acting was good tell me did you think that man bought it "

Nathaniel sucked in a vast quantity of air as he calmed himself at this very moment. Calmly Nathaniel told Howell, "While your disguise is creative to say the least. These people are not a threat they're just normal people so there's no need to scare them off. The person I brought to you with a doctor he will check on your injuries and treat what he can. Also, we will be reaching land within 1 or 2 days our destination is the capital of Logelon. Though I doubt you'll need it I more than willing to make sure you get the treatment you deserve".

Howell suddenly sweating bullets in a craggily voice asked " um, did you say that's we're heading to the capital city of Logelon".

"Yes, is that a problem".

Howell stammered and wave his arms dismissive any more chaotic matter than when he pretended to be a ghost.

"No, no absolutely not, none at all. I am excited to go to the capital city".

Howell gave Nathaniel a large white smile and a thumbs up in approval. Nathaniel saw that Howell was acting weird but didn't really know him enough to classify what was weird for him and what wasn't so he dismissed it all entirely and left the room. As he passed by the doctor Nathaniel placed his hand on the doctors shoulder and quietly whispered into his ear.

"Please check my colleague for any brain damage if you can".

Nathaniel received a subtle nod from the doctor who entered the room alone and shut the door behind him. Out on the deck Nathaniel gazed out at the open ocean and for the first time in months questioned his life choices and really hoped that this was all worth it.