Aboard the DreamCatcher

Archive Four








"I hope you remembered my bow and arrows." Samiya spoke up as she allowed herself to be steered to the canteen by Sein as she glanced back at Dyllin and Aarin. "I need them if i'm going to help with this mess." She couldn't help but grin lightly. "I feel like a young girl again, goingon another adventure! Its so exciting." She settled herself down into a chair then gladly accepted a glass of water from Sein, who couldn't help but fuss over the queen.

"Please get some rest." Aveda whispered with a worried frown to Hook. "I'm sure we can manage up get for a while. You look exhausted." She grabbed the edge of her cloak and helped him dab off the rest of the blood before smiling at him. "Though I must say, what you did back there..it was incredible!"

"I know" Hook said smugly with a small smirk, "Aveda, I am fine. Im gunneh go and clean up this mess, and change and then I will meet you in the canteen, okay? I have been through worse. Like losing my hand" he said, giving her a smile and standing, "And you didnt think i could control magic, hm?" he grinned. He pet her head and then turned from her, walking across the deck and to his chambers. He closed the door, walking into his room and sinking to his knees, trembling again. There was no way he could show weakness in front of his men, he would never stay captain that way. He grit his teeth, clutching his chest where his heart was and breathing deeply.

Dyllin and Aarin had both followed Sein's lead to take care of Samiya, but Anaita had seen Hook head into his chambers. No matter how tough he tried to look, she could read him like an open book. She followed him into his chambers, and knocked on the frame of his curtained doorway. "Captain... I can heal you if you'd let me. I can make the pain stop."

Hook jumped, digging his hook into the sheets of his bed to steady himself, "Fuckin' hell, are you a ninja or something?" he panted. He didnt even hear her come in. He looked to the curtain where he could see her feet behind it and gulped, sweat on his brow, "I-I'm fine, its nothing" he gulped, closing his eyes tightly. He swayed, falling to lay on the floor of his chambers. It felt like his chest was beginning to cave in. He panted and gulped at the air, trying to get a deep breath, "I..I cant...breath" he panted.

Anaita didnt wait. She moved into the room and to his side, kneeling beside him and putting both hands on his chest. She concentrated, her green eyes hard on him. Her hands began to glow warm against his chest, and he could feel a soothing heat rolling through him. Then it got painful again... a crushing inside as she shifted her hands in circles, like water was thundering against his lungs, then she suddenly pulled her hands up, running them over his throat and up under his chin, pulling huge globs of dark sludge from him. "Cough it up." she instructed firmly.

Hook didnt need to be told. He involuntarily started coughing and spluttering, rolling onto his side and throwing up stomachfuls of the black sludgy goo. He spluttered, digging his hook into the floor and writhing until it was all up and out of his system, making him pant and sit up, edging away from it, "That was vile. What in the name of hades is that stuff? That has never happened after I granted a wish or broke a curse" he panted, wiping his brow.

"That's because you've never dealt with a curse as dark as Reise." Anaita said seriously, watching the sludge seep into the floorboards, leaving nasty black singe marks, like the wood had been burned. She wrinkled her nose, then looked at Hook again. "Reise is a truly foul being, Hook. I'm amazed you even survived breaking that curse of his on us. You're lucky." she whispered. She put her hands back on his shoulders and sent more healing energy into him, trying to make sure that there wasn't anymore black sludge in his system that could harm him. "You're also lucky that we got that stuff out of you when we did. If it had suffocated you anymore, you would have become a brainless servant to my evil son."

Aveda had watched Hook go with a small smile before shaking her head and heading down to the kitchen. He must think i'm stupid. She said as she gathered a plate of food for him then poured a small mug of ale. I'll take him something to eat then make sure he takes some rest. She climbed back up the stairs, dodging other crew who were running round preparing the ship for its long journey then slipped into Hooks room. She froze in his office outside the curtain when she heard voices then moved closer to hear what was being said. Her eyes widened as she listened to Anaita and her brother talk then couldn't help but let out a small gasp when she heard what could have become of Hook if Aarin's grandmother hadn't helped him. She quickly turned and placed the plate of food and drink on Hook's desk then ran from the room. Running to the rail at the side of the ship she took a deep breath of air then gulped. Why didn't he tell me? It could have been so serious. And how could Aarin have let him go on with his wish? She thought feeling upset and angry at the same time.

"Wait the guy who did this all is your son? Fuck, talk about having a family domestic. Who shit on his breakfast?" Hook asked with a small gruff, rubbing his chest again now that he could breath, "What the hell happened, why would he do that to his own Ma?" he asked, slowly standing up and sitting on the bed, leaning forward tiredly.

Anaita shook her head with a saddened sigh, and stood up from the floor as well. "Because the first time he tried to take over the kingdom... he claimed it was all for me. He loves me... or did once, to an obsessive point. But I stabbed him and then imprisoned him in crystal in the base of a dead volcano. I suppose he wants revenge for that." she mumbled. She then looked at Hook seriously. "Captain, whether you like it or not, whether you wanted to or not, you have chosen a side. If you went to Reise now, he would kill you. You understand that, right?"

"Be that as it may, I am still sideless. I am a business man, and this ship deals that way too. He who brings me a deal collects what he asked for, Which is why you are standing before me now. You have your grandson to thank for that" Hook said, slowly standing, "Though I guess you could say I owe you one. What is your name? I dont think any of us got that far"

"My name is Anaita, and Aarin is my grandson." she explained with a shrug, then smiled at him softly. "The four sprites that you have come to know are creations of my dear sister. I'm their aunt, technically." She reached out and patted him on the shoulder. "Congratulations, by the way."

Hook looked at her confusingly, tilting his head a little, "Congratulations? On what?" he asked before he paled a little again and gave a small gulp, "Are you psychic or something?" he asked. He folded his arms and shifted a little. This whole thing with Odi was still freaking him out. "As far as I am aware, all four are still here, if you want to see them"

Anaita leaned into him and smiled, pulling her crystal ball from the scarf on her back. She held it up to him and revealed it from under the fabric, letting him see the shimmering glass surface. "This shows me all, and tells me all, Captain." she whispered. "And yes, I would like to see them. Especially Odi, as I do believe this is rightfully hers, and I'll need to train her on how to use it."

"Oh, that. She has spoken of that" Hook nodded, biting his lip, "Can you see the future with that thing?" he asked tilting his head, "If so, I would be interested in trading you something for an answer or two" he said seriously, watching her.

Anaita gave a warm smile. "I can see certain pieces of someone's destiny, yes. My sister Jollel used it to predict my son's downfall over thirty-six years ago." She then motioned to a place to sit, moving to the table and sitting down, slowly setting the crystal ball on it. "Come, sit... and put your hand against the glass."

"Now now, Anaita, you seem to know some things about me, so you will know, like I said, I am a business man." Hook said as he followed her and sat in front of her, watching the ball with a bite to his lip, "What is your price?"

Anaita looked at him seriously, seeming to consider it, then smiled. "Return my sword to Aarin. I gave that sword to him for a reason. It will be crucial for him to defeat Reise when the time comes." she explained. "Do that, and I will answer as many of your questions about the future as I can."

"Dont you think an enchanted weapon for a few questions is a little steep? I dont think I can do that for questions alone, Anaita" Hook said, raising his eyebrow, "Especially over a ball that my first mate will own soon anyway" he said, tilting his head.

"Please keep in mind that this sword will keep you and everyone else on this ship alive." Anaita said firmly. "If Aarin doesn't get to use it, or train with it to defeat Reise, then you will all die and the future I show you here will not come." she explained. "Return my grandson's sword to him, if only temporarily."

"Hmm" Hook hummed, stroking his chin a moment before he pointed his hook to her, "You drive a hard bargin. Okay. I will return his sword to him on the condition I get it back the second Reise is defeated, in return for a few answers. Deal?" he asked, still holding his hook out to her to shake.

Anaita smiled and nodded, reaching her hand out and shaking his hook easily. "Deal." she said and then grabbed his hand, leading it to touch the glass of her crystal ball. "Concentrate." she said as the inside of the ball seemed to fill with mist.

Hook nodded, concentrating on the ball and watching it fill with mist, "I...I want to know If..I mean, When..this child arrives here, will I be able to keep it safe? Can I keep them both safe?" he asked. He didnt know what to do with this information, and he was so lost as to how he was going to work it all out.

Anaita couldn't help but give him a sympathetic smile, then looked at her ball. She whispered a few words in a strange language to it, then the mist swirled, darkened, then disappeared, revealing an image inside. It played out in front of them, showing a young boy aboard the same ship they were currently riding. He was no older than perhaps twelve, and had a mess of shaggy black hair on his head. His eyes were a deep brown, and his skin was dark like Odi's, but his face looked like Hook's. He even had his cocky smile, and was playing with a slingshot as he sat comfortably among the nets between the sails. He was barefooted, wearing a loose vest and a pair of his father's pants that were a bit too big for him, held up only by a red sash around his waist. He was laughing as he let off accurate shot after shot at passing birds. There wasn't any sound coming from the crystal ball, but the boy's laugh could be heard echoing in Hook's mind. It was warm, but haughty and mischievous. Something caught his attention, and he looked down with a big smile at Odi and an older version of Hook, both of them grinning up at him, even though they were trying to scold him. He climbed down the ropes with expert ease, and hugged his mom. Hook ruffled his hair, and they disappeared into the cabin that was still Hook's private quarters. When the image faded, she looked at Hook with a warm smile.

"Does that answer your question?"

Hook paled, taking his hand back and closing his eyes, scratching the space between his brows with his hook, "It'll do" he said, trying to seem unmoved by it. He gulped, taking a breath and opening his eyes again, "Well we are both alive by then and the crew hasnt offed me yet, thats a good sign" he nodded.

Anaita watched him, her brows furrowed together slightly. She seemed sympathetic to his attempts at keeping his emotions contained. She tilted her head and whispered, "Captain... It's alright to show some emotion at some point. I know that you have an image to uphold... but there is no one in this room besides you and me. And I know that Odi would very much appreciate it if you opened up to her."

"Perhaps someday, Anaita, but today is not that day" Hook nodded, biting his lip and waving his hand to her ball, "Perhaps all this will soften me" he said before he gave a smirk, "Odi isnt exactly one for opening up and showing emotion either, you know" he said, raising his eyebrow at her, "Its a wonder that kid is so expressive". He bit his lip again, looking back down to the table again. "I feel bad for her. I never mean to trap her like this"

"I highly doubt you trapped her with this." Anaita said with a small chuckle. "Something tells me she wanted this with you, Captain. There are ways she could not have this baby, and you know that. If she didn't want it, she wouldn't have it. She isn't trapped into this decision." she shrugged.

"True..but this...this was never on the agenda." Hook gulped, shaking his head a little, "I dunno how good of a Da I can be, but I guess we will find out" he nodded, "You should go and see her, I am sure you have a lot to talk about. I wont keep you.."

Anaita sighed, seeing that she wasn't about to get to him just yet. She stood up, putting her crystal ball back in her scarf and hoisting it over her shoulder. "Very well. But I'm sure you have more questions... If you happen to think of any, my debt is still outstanding to you. Just find me, and we'll answer them." she smiled. She then headed for the curtain, going through it, then heading out of his room altogether to seek out Odi.

---

Aarin, after having made sure his mother and father were well taken care of by the sprites and comfortable in their own room, moved through the ship to find Aveda and Hook. He wanted to thank them for helping him. He ventured out onto the ship's deck and smiled when he saw Aveda leaning against it, looking over it as they flew. "There you are," he said happily, moving to hold her hand.

"Yes.. here I am." Aveda replied dryly as she quickly shifted her hands away and back underneath her cloak before he could hold them. She continued to gaze out at the clouds, refusing to turn and look at him. "I thought you would have wanted to stay with your parents. I mean you were so eager for my brother to risk his life to save them, its only logical that you would want to be with them."

Aarin blinked at her, obviously confused. Why was she mad? He didn't know why, but he somehow knew it was at him, and whatever he'd done, he felt guilty. He shifted on his feet a little, pouting at her with brows furrowed in perplexity. "Aveda... I didn't know Hook risked his life for that wish... is he okay?" he asked softly.

Aveda frowned at his words then finally turned to look at him. "You're not allowed to act concerned." She replied quietly feeling suddenly guilty. "You're just making me look even more cruel than i've already made myself look.." She sighed and turned back to looking out over the sky, her hands once more leaning on the railing. How could I blame him for what his uncle did? It wasn't his fault. "He's okay..now. The magic your uncle used to trap your family nearly poisoned my brother. Your grandmother saved his life." She gulped lightly as her grip tightened on the rail. "I'm sorry."

Aarin looked at her defensively. He frowned at her, a little disbelieving that she was blaming him for the dark magic that his uncle used to trap his family. It wasnt Aarin's fault that it almost killed Hook. He took a small step back from her. "Right. I'm gonna go check on Raina." She had found the books she was looking for in the family library back in the castle, and he wanted to make sure she was okay. He studied Aveda a little longer, then turned and quickly moved away. He felt so insulted. But he didnt blame Aveda for what she'd said. He just didnt know how to comfort her at the moment.

Aveda watched him go with a frown, then slowly sank to the deck, wrapping her arms round her knees as she did. You deserved that. She told herself. A moment of anger and you blame the wrong person. She sighed heavily then closed her eyes. She would apologise again later.

Once Raina had returned to the ship she had quickly excused herself and ran to her own quarters, hugging the three books she had acquired in Aarin's library to her chest. Seating herself on her bed she quickly threw open the first one and began to quickly read the words written there. Her eyes widened in disbelief and every so often she gasped lightly when she learned of the cruel things the dragon tribe had done. Finally she could read no more and she hastily pushed the book away from herself.

Aarin breathed deeply as he reached Raina's door, trying to make sure he didnt seem too upset when he got to her. He raised his fist and knocked loudly a few times before calling out, "Raina..? Are you in? It's Aarin."

Raina jumped at the sound of the loud knocks then looked at the door when she heard Aarin's voice. "I'm here.." She called in a shaky voice then stood and moved to open the door. "Is everything alright?" She asked but couldn't help but sound distracted a she looked out at him.

Aarin gave her a reassuring smile and nodded. "Yeah... everything's great. How are you..? Did you read the books?" he asked, glancing into the room and seeing the pile of books shoved aside on the floor. He looked at her again, this time seeming concerned. "Raina... You're not like them. And you don't have to be... you know that, right?"

"How do you know i'm not going to become like them?" Raina replied quietly before turning and moving back into the room. "What if the magical seal didn't just lock my powers away, what if it was suppressing who i'm really meant to be." She gulped lightly as she sat on the edge of her chair staring at the floor. "Maybe your uncle was right. Maybe I do belong with him."

"No, it's not true! None of that is true, and I know that for a fact because if it was, we wouldn't be standing here talking about it, it would have happened already." Aarin said determinedly, watching her with a small frown. He moved to sit next to her and put his hand on hers in her lap. "Raina, you're a good person... you know right from wrong. You aren't like them, and you never will be."

Raina sniffed lightly then glanced at Aarin with a weak smile. "You only just met me prince, you don't really know me. But thank you for believing i'm good." She chuckled lightly then wiped her eyes with her free hand. "We'll know what is to become of me when I begin to train I guess." She shrugged then finally turned to look properly at Aarin. "Sorry i'm being rude. Is your family well? Your uncle didn't hurt them did he?"

"My family is doing fine." Aarin smiled at her gratefully. "They're all a little dizzy and confused, but fine health-wise. My mother is resting, and the sprites are taking care of them all." he explained with a shrug and finally released her hand. "Raina... I hope you and your mother will be attending the baby shower for my sister when this is all said and done? I would very much like to have you both there."

"Really?" Raina replied with an excited grin then nodded. "We'll be there!" She giggled then stood up and quickly gathered up the books and moved them to the table. "It'll be my first time in your kingdom..when its not been destroyed." She turned back to him and looked apologetic. "I want to visit all the kingdoms when this is done."

Aarin smiled at her as he watched her. "I think we can definitely make that happen." he chuckled. He liked to see her smiling and excited. He stood up from the bed as well and moved towards the door. "Are you hungry? I'm starved. I was going to go to the canteen to get my mother and father some food. Interested in joining me? I'm sure my parents would love to meet you."

Raina gave a firm nod then quickly brushed her long blonde locks and clasped her necklace firmly round her neck before moving to join Aarin. "Lets go." She said brightly as she motioned for him to lead the way.

Aarin nodded and opened the door, leading her out of her room and through the halls of the ship. He led her to the chow hall first, gathering a few plates for his father, mother and grandmother, then headed to the room they were staying in. He knocked the door open lightly, then peeked his head in. "Hello? We brought food! Hope you and baby are hungry, mom." he smiled, moving in to set the tray by the bed.

"Very much so." Samiya replied with a smile as she moved to Aarin and after swiftly kissing his forehead turned to the food he had brought with him, not noticing Raina who slipped in behind Aarin carrying a tray of drinks.

"Where should I set this?" Raina asked politely causing the Queen to look up in surprise. She glanced at Raina then to Aarin, looking a little confused. "And who might this be?"

Aarin cleared his throat. "This is Princess Raina Sorai... Ihara's sister." he explained, then motioned to a nearby table. "You can set them over there. He smiled at her, then moved to sit beside his mother on the bed. "How are you feeling? Where are the sprites and dad?"

Ihara's sister? Ihara doesn't have a sister.. Samiya thought feeling even more confused as she watched Raina set the drinks down. When Aarin spoke to her she returned her attention to him and smiled. "I'm tired. But apart from that i'm fine." She reassured him with a pat of his hand. "As for the others. They wandered off a while back..your father is probably trying to help somewhere on the ship." She chuckled lightly with a roll of her eyes.

Aarin felt like he probably should have thought of that before he'd asked. His father had always been as enamored with the fairy tale as Aarin had been growing up. He was sure his father was off exploring the ship, perhaps trying to figure out how it worked. Father and Odi would be great friends, I'm sure. he thought warmly. He reached out and touched his mom's hand. "We're going somewhere safe, mom. Odi, the wind sprite, has told us about a place called The Neverland. They're taking us there to hide from uncle Reise until we're ready to fight him."

"Neverland? I can't say i've ever heard of it. I wonder where it is?" Samiya spoke thoughtfully, imagining an island somewhere that had never been charted. When Aarin spoke of Reise she frowned softly and nodded when he spoke of fighting. "And fight we shall, until he is stopped for good this time. He has caused to much trouble, past and present." She said in a determined voice before looking back at Aarin. "I bet he's still as nasty as he was last time. But we beat him so it can be done again." She smiled reassuringly then began to pick at the food on her plate. "Did I ever tell you the full story of what happened with your uncle all those years ago?"

"No..." Aarin said softly, frowning at her. He wasn't sure he wanted to know. He had read stories and heard rumors about it all, but he knew that even stories and rumors withheld certain facts. He shifted uncomfortably and gulped. "But... I don't have to know." he whispered. He knew that recounting the story of Reise's first attack on the kingdom might be painful for his mother, and he didn't want to cause her any sort of undue stress.

Samiya glanced at Aarin with a sad smile. "If you do not wish to know then I shall not push it. But I think it might do you well to know some of your uncles old tricks incase he decides to use them again. Maybe it would do well if the others knew this tale as well. The captain and that girl Aveda I mean and the rest of the crew if needed. They have tangled themselves in this mess so they should know what they are up against."

Aarin nodded slowly. He agreed, this was important information that could be useful to them. "Alright. I'll talk to Captain Hook about holding a meeting downstairs so you and father can warn everyone about Reise." he whispered, giving her hand a squeeze.

"Good. Now don't be worrying yourself about me Aarin. I am a lot fiercer than most think I am." Samiya replied patting his hand lightly before returning to her food as Raina watched over them curiously from the chair by the window. "Do you want me to come with you when you go to speak with the captain? I haven't properly got to thank him for helping us." Samiya said after taking a small gulp of water.

Aarin gave a small smile at her. "If you want to, sure. I cant stop you. But I would prefer you stay in here and rest, mother, you were only just recently freed from Reise's dark crystal." he said softly and smiled, rubbing her back. "Is the baby okay? She's still kicking, right?"

"She's perfectly fine Aarin. It'll not be long until she's here and then you can see for yourself." Samiya replied with a smile before shaking her head at his earlier request. "I don't want to rest. Your father and grandmother were trapped exactly as I was and you don't see them lying down taking a nap." She said stubbornly then slowly climbed to her feet. "Now are you going to show me round this magnificent ship and then take me to the captain or am I going to have to do it myself?" She finished as she turned back to Aarin, looking at him with a raised eyebrow as Raina tried to stifle a giggle.

Aarin stuttered a moment, his eyes wide and torn with decision, but he would much rather take her around the ship himself instead of having her wandering around ungaurded. He finally nodded and sighed, then offered his arm to her, giving her a crooked smile, before offering his other arm to Raina politely. "I'll be the envy of the ship then. I doubt even Hook can say he's had such two beauties on each arm at once before." he chuckled.

Samiya chuckled and shook her head. "You sound exactly like your father when he was your age." She told Aarin as she looped her arm through his and Raina did the same with the opposite. "Speaking of your father, I hope he is keeping himself out of trouble." She chuckled lightly. "He might decide to join the pirates."

---

---

Three days. It took three days for the DreamCatcher to lose sight of Layfette, Cuole, Raelm, or any other recognizable terrain in the nearby kingdoms that were familiar to Aarin and his family. Aarin was leaning against the port side railing of the ship, feeling a strong wind ruffling his blonde hair as his blue orbs took in the empty land below. It was nothing but plains and hills for miles. And off in the far North was a thick line of blue ocean behind a thinner line of yellow beach. He had never been this far away from home before. He was terrified, but at least he had his family with him this time. Things had been tense between him and Aveda for the last few days, and he had noticed things had gotten tense between Odi and Hook as well the closer they neared The Neverland. He wondered what the story was there. But lately, he found his mind wandering more and more towards Eon. They were so far away from everything... Reise, the destruction he'd caused, the army he was amassing... but mostly, they were so far from Eon.

His heart twinged and he grimaced. He sighed and stood up straighter, looking down at the book in his hands, reading the title again and again: Enchanted Weapons in History, by R.T. He turned it over and studied the etching in the leather on the back cover again. He ran his fingers over it. That cone shape felt so familiar somehow, and yet he had no idea what it was supposed to mean. He was very familiar with the ridges that represented mountains, and the lines falling off the cone that he felt were like waterfalls dropping off into the sky. He'd dreamed about this symbol the night before, but he didn't remember it now. It was all so fuzzy.

He didn't notice when Anaita approached him from behind. He didn't look up when she slid her hand onto his shoulder and gave it a soothing clutch. She moved to stand beside him and peer down at the book in his hands, and she smiled knowingly. "You always did cherish books. You treat them like the greatest treasure in the world."

Aarin looked up finally, his eyes finding hers, and he smiled back slightly. "They are. Books hold so much--knowledge, emotion, new worlds, unknown creatures... They should be treated as treasures."

"You get that passion from your father. He will never admit it, but he feels the same way," Anaita smirked, "More so than your mother, anyway. She has always been more aggressive about learning." She chuckled a moment, keeping her hand on his shoulder. She studied him a moment as he gazed back down at his book.

"You know something about this book, grandmother. I know you do."

"I may, yes."

"Will you tell me?"

"And ruin your adventure? I don't think so. The compulsion to explore the unknown and hurtle head-first into danger and glory are things you've inherited from your mother; and myself, too, I suppose." Anaita smiled at him and leaned in, affectionately kissing his head. "You will thank me for letting you discover this for yourself."

Aarin tilted his head up at his grandmother and then hugged her tightly, his chin resting on her shoulder. Had she shrunk? Or had he gotten taller? He'd never been able to nuzzle his face into her neck so easily before. "I trust you," he whispered back.

Anaita stroked his hair, hugging him back and closing her eyes, then pulled back after a moment and admired him again, stroking his wind-swept hair. "I love you, Aarin. You are the perfect combination of each of your parents, and with a few bonus traits you got from me." she winked. "You will be a great king someday... when you're ready for it."

"Thank you, grandmother." Aarin blushed, but he could feel himself swelling with pride at her words. "Speaking of my parents, where are they now?"

"Oh, your mother wasn't feeling well, so she went down to rest, and your father is speaking with Sein, Iswe and Idre about what our next moves should be against Reise. He's going to call on some old allies to help us." she smiled. "Do you remember Ziane and Noctis of the Cha'Najiit tribes in the desert far to the West?"

Aarin blinked, his eyes widening. "Of course I remember them! But I haven't seen them since I was a child..."

"Yes, well... He's going to call on their aid. We're also going to call on the Elves in nearby kingdoms who are related to the Queen. She's given us her consent to seek their assistance." Anaita explained with a smile. She reached up and stroked Aarin's cheek with an aged hand. "Everything will work out for the better, Aarin."

Aarin fidgeted, but nodded in agreement. "Yes, it will." He then coughed slightly and whispered, "I need to speak with Raina. Do you know where she is?" He'd been spending more and more time with her over the last few days, trying to help her better cope with the horrendous crimes her Dragon tribe people had committed hundreds of years ago. He also wanted to get to know her better if they were going to train together when they got to Neverland. He wondered if Aveda was still going to train with them.

Anaita tapped her chin and looked skyward, seeming to think about it. "Yes, she was going towards the front bow of the ship. She seemed focused on something."

"Thank you," Aarin said quickly and kissed his grandmother's cheek before excusing himself from her side. He tucked the book into his shirt against his ribs where it was safe, and hurried to the nose end of the ship. It was a long trek over this massive barge, and he had to dodge dozens of busy bodies as they worked on their chores around him, until he spotted Raina's white-blonde hair ahead. He smiled and skipped to catch up to her, tapping her shoulder when he got there. "Hey!"

Raina had been leaning against the railing at the bow of the ship, looking out over the changing landscape below. She jumped slightly at the tap on her shoulder then turned to smile at Aarin when she heard his voice. "Hello." She replied politely as she focused her grey eyes on him. "I was just enjoying the view. It seems to change everyday." She chuckled lightly then returned to leaning on the railing and looking out across the sky. "I wonder how long it will be before we get to this Neverland?"

"I dont know," Aarin said, leaning forward against the railing beside her and also admiring the view. "But I dont think we'll be flying much longer." He turned to look at her slightly. "How are you today..? Did you do anymore reading..?"

"I'm fine." Raina replied as she tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I started reading the chapter about the powers the dragon tribe possessed. I find it hard to believe I will be able to do these things. But then Ihara says they haven't properly been unlocked and i'll feel different when they are. Mother will do it, but she says we must wait until we're somewhere safer, so I guess it will have to wait until we get to Neverland." She smiled then glanced at Aarin. "What about you? Is everything alright? Did Hook have any information on your book?"

Aarin shook his head with a small frown. "No... not really. The pages are all blank, and he says he doesnt know anyone with the initials R.T... but he did say that the symbol on the back kinda reminds him of Neverland. He said I will understand why when we get there." He shrugged, his hand absently moving to stroke the book cover against his ribs under his shirt. "My grandmother knows something about this book too... but she's not telling me. She says she doesnt want to ruin my adventure." he chuckled.

"And she's right. What fun would it be if you were given all the answers instead of working them out for yourself?" Raina remarked with a small smile as she nudged his arm playfully with her elbow. "Of course you'll have a team of willing helpers to assist you when you need it." She chuckled lightly. "Your family, my family, me and Cyan, the sprites, maybe even the pirates and their captain here. Oh and possibly Aveda, if you two ever allow yourselves to talk to each other again." She raised an eyebrow as she glanced sideways at Aarin, smiling gently at him.

Aarin blushed, giving Raina a small, bashful frown, and running his fingers along the rough wood of the ship. "I think she hates me. I think she really blames me for her brother almost getting possessed because he broke the curse on my family. But I didn't know that would happen either." he frowned. "I apologized, but she stills acts strangely with me. I don't know what to do."

"I don't think she hates you. Do you really think you would still be on her brother's ship if she did?" Raina replied continuing to smile. "You should try talking to her. Make her explain why she's acting the way she is. She might be a little upset about what happened but you must remember her brother is the only family she has and she only just got him back. Think how you would feel if you were in her shoes."

Aarin looked at Raina, listening to her with a small, concentrated frown. He finally nodded and gave a crooked smile. "Yeah.. you're right. I'll talk to her." he whispered. He patted her arm, then turned and moved off to find her. "I'll talk to you later!" he called back at Raina with a smile. He then headed towards the stairs that led to Hook's room, and he knocked firmly on the door when he got there. "Aveda?"

Aveda looked up from where she sat at Hook's desk writing several letters and frowned at the sound of her name being called. Standing up, she moved round towards the door and opened it and was surprised to see Aarin there. "Yes? Am I needed on deck?" She asked, figuring this was the only reason he was there. She had felt horrible for blaming him for what had happened to her brother but each time she had tried to find him to apologise he had been with Raina and she had quickly made her excuses and left.

"No... I just want to talk to you." Aarin said with a hopeful smile. "Please?" He tilted his head and offered her his hand, taking a small step into the room, but not entering Hook's quarters without permission. He just wanted to make sure that she wouldn't slam the door in his face.

Aveda glanced down at Aarin's hand then turned and moved back into the room without taking it. "Come in." She told him over her shoulder before hurrying to gather up the pieces of paper she had been writing on. She didn't wish anyone to see them yet. Grasping them in her arms she turned back to look at Aarin seriously. "What do you want to talk about?"

The moment Aveda turned away without taking his hand, he closed it slowly and let it drop to his side, his lips pressed thinly. He followed her into the room, very gently closing the door, and moving to stand in front of her. "I wanted to talk to you about... us.. How we've been with each other for the last few days. I don't know about you, but I hate it." he frowned. "I miss you... I miss laughing with you. I miss you making fun of me because I don't know how to do something, or sneaking my coin purse from me to see if I notice. I just... I want to know why it's been so... awkward with us?"

"I've just been busy..I haven't been avoiding you." Aveda lied as she moved round the desk and after opening a drawer slipped the paper into it. "Anyway..I couldn't imagine you'd wish to be in my company after what I accused you of." She turned back to look at him, frowning lightly. "I didn't mean it..I shouldn't have been so cruel...I'm sorry." She whispered then gulped lightly.

Aarin shook his head and moved closer to her, reaching out and resting his hands on her arms. "No... I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I put your brother in that kind of danger with my wish. I hadn't known, but I should have guessed. I'm sorry for that." he whispered, sliding his hands down her arms to her hands. "Can you forgive me? Can we go back to how we were?"

"You really want me to go back to teasing you and stealing your things?" Aveda asked and was unable to stop the small smile creeping across her face. "Okay then..i'll try my best." She squeezed his hands gently then released them and stepped back. "We should get back up on deck. I imagine it won't be too long until we arrive at Neverland."

"Yes, we should, but first," Aarin said, stepping closer to her again and lightly grabbing her face in both hands, leaning in and kissing her lips gently. He closed his eyes, letting this one linger longer than the first one between them had. He had wanted to do this for the last few days.

Aveda had been taken by surprise by Aarin's sudden close contact and her eyes widened when he pressed his lips to hers. She stood frozen for a few moments before finally she relaxed and closed her eyes, returning the kiss. Finally after a few moments she broke it and smiled at Aarin. "Look what has become of the great Robin Hood. She used to steal from princes and now she's kissing them. This shall surely damage my reputation among my fellow thieves.." she joked with a soft smile.

Aarin smiled at her gently, keeping their faces close and stroking her cheeks with his thumbs, his blue eyes drinking her in. "I won't tell if you won't." he whispered and kissed her again, letting this soft one linger even longer on her lips. He liked the way she tasted, and the way she smelled. He also liked the way his lips buzzed like they were on fire when he kissed her.

"Let them find out." Aveda replied softly. "I don't care. Maybe its time everyone found out who Robin Hood really is. Not an invincible man but me. I'm sure a few people would be shocked. Your parents for one. I have stolen quite a bit of their wealth over the years.." She chuckled lightly then kissed him one last time before finally releasing her grip on his arms and looking up at him. "Aarin...do you think your grandmother would be opposed to answering some questions for me? With her crystal ball I mean. There's some things I need to know."

"Well... I'm sure she would love to answer some questions for you, Aveda, but the crystal ball isn't hers anymore, remember? She gave it to Odi already." Aarin said with a small frown. "Odi was the one it rightfully belonged to." He gave her a crooked smile and rubbed her arms. "But maybe if you asked Odi, she might try to read it for you? Or she would be kind enough to let my grandmother borrow it for you?"

Aveda frowned when Aarin reminded her that Odi was now in possession of the crystal ball but after a moments thought she realised that maybe this was a good thing. "I'll go see Odi. I think she would be more willing to tell me if she saw anything bad about me." She said jokingly with a small smile. "And for that same reason I think I should see her alone." Her tone was apologetic as she looked into his eyes. "I don't wish you to hear anything bad. Go be with your family, i'll find you when we're done." She leaned up and kissed his cheek gently before stepping back away from him.

Aarin gave a small pout, but nodded in understanding and gave her a meek smile. "Alright. I'll go find my father then. He is about somewhere on this ship, likely causing trouble for your brother." he chuckled. "I'll see you at lunch." He blew her a small kiss, then turned and headed out of the room and back out onto the deck.

Aveda watched him go with a smile then left the room herself and quickly moved across the deck and down the stairs to the crews living quarters. She wasn't sure if Odi was going to be in her room but she decided that it was the best place to start looking. Stopping outside the sprites door she knocked loudly then waited to see if anyone would answer.

There were some hushed voices inside before Aveda's knock. After it sounded, the voices got quiet, then the door opened. Odi was inside with Anaita, who was sitting at Odi's table with the crystal ball in the center. Odi frowned at Aveda a moment, then said softly, "Yes?"

"S-sorry..I didn't mean to interrupt." Aveda spoke quickly as she looked at Odi then past her to Anaita seated inside the room. "I was just coming to ask if it would be possible if you would..uh.." She fidgeted nervously with the sleeves of her shirt then nodded towards the crystal ball on the table in the room. "I have a few questions."

Odi stayed silent for a moment, her brows furrowed under her bright orange face paint. She turned her head back to Anaita at the table, and Anaita nodded with a warm smile before Odi stepped aside to let her in. "Very well." she said and motioned to the table again. Anaita stood up and out of the way so that Aveda could have her seat, and Odi retook her seat on the other side after shutting and locking the door.

Aveda gulped then slowly entered the room and moved to the chair Anaita had vacated. Sliding into it, she clasped her hands lightly on her lap then watched as Odi sat herself opposite. "I'll try not to take up to much of your time." She said quickly. "I just have a few questions that have been on my mind for days now and I was hoping you could help me answer them. First..i'm worried about Aarin. I'm worried that i'm going to hurt him during this fight, be it through my own actions or Reise's influence. I need to know if this is possible..and then at least then I can try and stop it." She had been worried about this for days now since the Queen had told them what Reise was capable of and she knew it had been one of the reasons she had been distancing herself from Aarin.

Odi seemed confused at first, then she said softly, "You're afraid that Reise will possess you and turn you against Aarin like he has done to Eon." she whispered. "Is that right?" She watched Aveda, then motioned to the crystal ball. "Put your hand to it."

Aveda bit her lip then nodded in response to Odi's question. "But I guess its not just Aarin i'm worried about. My brother, you..everyone." When Odi motioned for her to touch the crystal she slowly reached her hand forward and rested it on the smooth surface of the ball before looking back at Odi and whispering. "I don't want to hurt anyone." She thought back to the letters she had hidden away in Hook's desk. One to her brother and one to Aarin, both saying goodbye. If there was any chance she could hurt either of them, she knew there was only one thing she could do. She would run.

The ball seemed to flare to life, glowing a bright and almost blinding yellow. Where Hook's shade had been blue like the skies, Aveda's was warm yellow like the sun. Odi put her hand to the crystal as well, and peered into it, and Anaita peered in over her shoulder as well, and they both watched it seriously. For a while, nothing showed up in the depths of the ball, and Anaita sat back, shaking her head. "Perhaps the fates have nothing to show us about you just yet, Aveda. Perhaps your future is not yet set."

This did nothing to reassure Aveda. She glanced between Anaita and Odi, frowning lightly as she did. "S-so..does this mean that there is a possibility that what I fear could happen? But we won't know its going to happen until it happens?" She groaned lightly then removed her hand from the crystal ball. "How often does the crystal ball fail to answer a persons question?"

"Rarely, but it is not unheard of. Some people have quite the power to change their fate..." Anaita explained, since Odi was obviously still learning these things and merely watched the crystal with interest.

"Perhaps it is my fault? Perhaps I'm not trained enough, and cannot influence it properly?" Odi suggested. "Should you try, Anaita?"

Anaita looked down at Odi, touching a hand to her chin in thought. "Hmm... I suppose we can give it a try, just to be sure, but I'm positive that's not quite the reason." she shrugged with a knowing smile at Odi. "I've been training you for the last three days, and you've taken to it so quickly, Odi. But if you think it'll help..." Odi nodded and stood up, moving aside so Anaita could take her seat. Anaita settled herself to get comfortable, then sighed and looked at Aveda. "Alright, once again, put your hand to it." she instructed and did the same.

Aveda reached out again and placed her palm against the crystal ball but still had a disheartened frown on her face. She didn't expect anything to change and thought nothing would appear in the ball for a second time. Glancing up at Anaita she waited to see if this was the case.

Anaita was focused deeply on the crystal ball between them, her brows furrowed as it rolled and crackled with the pale yellow light, and what seemed like contained electricity. The mist inside lolled a moment, then suddenly began to spin and swirl, before clearing briefly. There was an image inside of a horrible battle, between creatures of shadow and darkness, and Aarin and Dyllin were fighting side-by-side, as were Hook and Aveda. Among the clashes of swords and other weapons, a form slunk between the bodies. But it was hard to see, and the more Anaita tried to concentrate on it, the darker and cloudier the image became until finally, it vanished. She sighed and sat back, pulling her hand free, looking winded. "Damn."

Aveda had been leaning forwards watching the crystal ball, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of the horrific battle. She couldn't help but feel slightly relieved though when she saw that she and the others were safe at that moment. But when she noticed the unrecognisable figure slinking its way through the bodies her stomach gave a nervous flip and she couldn't help but gulp lightly. When the picture faded she looked up at Anaita. "I won't ask you to do anymore..thank you for trying." She whispered as she noticed how it had affected the previous queen. "Do you think that is what the end of all of this is going to look like?"

Anaita looked at Aveda tiredly and shook her head. "It's possible, but there is always a chance that fate can change the course of things in one way or another. Most times, those changes are rather small... but significant." she explained. "We never know what the future truly holds for us until it's upon us, Aveda." she explained solemnly.

"So..basically I have to wait and see what happens. Because even if I had seen what I had feared about Reise it doesn't mean that it has to happen. I choose my destiny..Is that right? I can change my fate?" Aveda replied quickly as she continued to keep her eyes trained on Anaita.

Anaita smiled. "Yes. That's exactly right." She then stood up from her seat and looked at Odi. "Well, I suppose we're close to Neverland now. I'm going to rest for a bit before we dock." she said and Odi nodded respectfully. Anaita calmly left the room, leaving the door open as she did, and Odi looked at Aveda almost expectantly.

Aveda thanked Anaita again before she left then looked up at Odi. She noticed her expectant gaze but she made no move to stand. "Odi..is everything alright between you and Titus?" She asked slowly as she clasped her hands on her lap once more.

Odi frowned at her. "Everything is fine." she said shortly, watching Aveda with what looked like distrust. Truth be told, she and Hook hadn't really talked a whole lot about the baby since they'd agreed to keep it. They hadn't talked a whole lot, period. But she knew that Hook was also nervous about the fact that they were drawing closer to the Neverland. "Come. I must prepare the ship for landing... if you wish to continue speaking with me, you'll have to walk with me."

"Oh okay..I'll come with you then." Aveda said then quickly stood up. "Odi..how do you truely feel about my brother?" She asked as she glanced at the sprite a little nervously. She knew this wouldn't be a welcome topic of conversation and she wasn't sure how the other woman would react.

Odi headed for the door, but paused at Aveda's question before they headed out of the room. She turned and looked back at her, then frowned a little in thought. "I would die for him without a second thought. I will always fight for him and all he has to do is beckon me." She then looked at the ground, thinking a little more. Her mouth opened, then closed... then opened again with a small breath, like she was looking for the courage to say something else, before she looked at Aveda and closed it again. Finally, she added, "I love him."

Aveda stopped walking and stared at Odi before suddenly catching herself and quickly moving to catch up with the still moving sprite. "I guess a part of me always knew this. You're just as protective of him as I am." She replied with a light smile. "Have you ever expressed these feelings to him?"

"Of course not. We're pirates. We do not have time for silly sentiments like love." Odi said, shaking her head as she walked on, her hands folded in front of herself. "Perhaps it is the child growing inside of me that's making me feel this way for him. But telling him how I feel would only make me more of a liability."

Aveda sighed. She couldn't understand why Odi and her brother were being so difficult. I am just going to have to lock them in a room together and make them talk about their feelings! She told herself determinedly. I'll come up with some kind of plan. I won't let this continue. She smiled again then glanced at Odi. "So.." She started deciding she should change the subject for now. "This Neverland place? Why has no one ever heard of it? Not even Aarin's parents.."

"Neverland is the largest kept secret in the world. That's why. Only those who are born there, or those who work for this ship know of it. The families of the crew members live there. Even my parents reside there in Neverland. It is safer for them there." Odi explained, shrugging as they came up on deck. "I do believe you'll be very impressed."

"Wait..you have parents in Neverland?" Aveda asked then suddenly gave a small chuckle. For some reason she never imagined the sprites to have any family except each other. "No wonder Titus is acting so strange. He's going to have to meet your parents! What with you two having a kid together and all." She joked then laughed again. "I'm looking forward to seeing this place and maybe you'll even introduce me to your parents." She wandered up the stairs to the deck then turned to look at Odi. "I should go find Ti..I mean Captain Hook. See what needs doing. Will you be joining me?"

Odi shook her head. "No. I already know what needs done before we dock." she said shortly. "But if you want something to do, I would find all of your friends and be sure to tell them to have their things packed and ready to be taken off of the ship within the hour." she then turned and headed off between the bodies of working men, floating along between them as if they posed no threat at all.

"Oh okay then." Aveda replied then watched Odi leave. She guessed she would just do what Odi had told her, so after glancing in the direction she knew her brother would be, she turned and wandered off across the deck in search of Aarin and the others.



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