Arthur's Point of View

Helmsforth Skydeck

At my surprised look, she gestured to me and continued on softly. “Ya weren’t exactly in yer right mind when ya woke up after the island incident.” Cassidy explained. “It’s why Aydalia crossed that line. Ya started ranting about never wantin ta be king. Tellin us not ta kneel. Raving on about Mara, Rudnurth, and a few others.” She then traced lines down her cheeks. “Blue marks matching the symbols of yer eyes started to appear on yer cheeks as well.”

“Cass-“

I never got to finish as part of my mind seemed to seal itself away. My body shook at the implications of what this could mean. What else did I reveal? What else has happened without my knowing? None of my questions were answered as Cassidy suddenly hugged me, much like Austin did. However, she actually wrapped her arms around my neck as she settled in to comfort me.

“Ah know ya got a lot goin on. Ah know ya left because ya had to. Maybe it was yer own way of grievin, and that’s okay.” Pulling away, she rubbed my arms up and down as she looked me in the eyes. “Ya don’t have ta tell me now. Especially with ya leavin.” The redhead gestured behind me, and I saw Elincia along with the others waiting for me. “But when ya get back, if ya need someone ta talk to…”

It was almost surreal. Someone like this was very rare. She didn’t accuse me of anything and tried to comfort me instead. Despite having Austin to deal with, it seemed to me that Cassidy was far more mature than I had ever given her credit for. The display also made me feel better and worse at the same time.

Since I didn’t reply, Cassidy frowned and pulled away from me. “Of course, Ah know Ah’m not my grandpa…”

Slowly, my hand rested on the top of her head. “I’d love to talk when I get back, Cass.” Smiling at her, I continued. “Thank you. For everything.” She was quickly growing on me and was probably the best friend I had at the moment. “Please keep this between us.”

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With a smile of her own, she nodded. “’Course.”

“And please keep an eye on Lucia for me. I gave her a little something to help, but if she needs-“

Cassidy pushed my hand away. “Ah’ll make sure ta check in. Now git. Ya got a ride ta catch.” Smirking, I turned and moved to the ship, but my redheaded friend called out to me one last time. “Arthur!” Looking back at her revealed her waving form. “Thanks for helping me get some sleep!”

My eyes darted to a smirking Elf named Rennal, but I didn’t comment. I merely gave a small wave of acknowledgment. Boarding the ship with a smiling Elincia, and smirking Greigh, who watched from a distance, made me suspicious. However, it wasn’t until I was aboard the ship that I understood why they were acting strange.

“It’s good to see you again, Arthur!” A familiar voice cried out.

Shifting my gaze, my eyes narrowed before they settled on a familiar form. “Sergeant Allen Harlow.” I greeted with a smile of my own.

His wide smile was a sight for sore eyes. “It’s actually Captain Allen Harlow now.” He then gave a small bow to Elincia as his smile disappeared promptly. “I was promoted after the Leviathan incident and given my own ship.” Allen’s frown deepened. “Not that I was meant to have this position so quickly.”

“But with Captain Adam…” I trailed off, and he nodded. “Well, I’m glad it’s someone I’ve worked with before. I see a few familiar faces, but also several new.”

“Many of us died in the initial contact with that beast. You definitely saved the majority of us, but even you couldn’t prevent all of us from dying in that situation. It’s a miracle any of us survived at all.” The new Captain explained. “We got some new recruits, sure, and some swore off sailing entirely afterward.” He then smiled again. “But most of us came back, and when we heard you were looking for another ship, we were the first ones to volunteer.”

This time, I frowned. “You might regret that. Have you been told any of the actual specifics this time around?”

“Sergeant Greigh Nasa was very forthcoming on what could happen during this mission.” Allen stated. “We figured a chance to get back at the Demons for our lost comrades was the only option.” His smile shone brightly as many cheered as they listened from the sides, and he gestured to the ship. “She may not be The Drunken Cloud, but The White Revenge is just as fierce.”

“In honor of your fallen Captain, no doubt.”

“Aye.” He then looked about with his hands on his hips. “I see we have a familiar face joining us. Surprised you came back, lad.” Allen said to Typhon.

My student smirked. “I am officially Sir Arthur’s student! He will be training me during our trip!”

The Captain’s face took a hit at that before he nodded with a more forced smile. “That should be fun!” Then he gestured to the hull. “The layout is similar, so why don’t you try and find an open room.” My student rushed off with Elincia and Kheri in tow. Allen turned to me. “If you really believe this is going to go south, should you really bring him?”

“Unfortunately, it’s necessary. I need Typhon, and he has the potential to be far stronger than the Priestesses themselves. Only time will tell.”