Chapter 6
962 Words
"Huh," was all Jaune could say when they finally arrived at the town the man had mentioned. But it wasn't just any town—it was a port town by the ocean. From where they stood, they could clearly see the bustling harbor and large city buildings. Ships of various sizes were docked there.
"Oi, Destine. Are we really going to ride one of those ancient ships?" Jaune asked.
"Only if someone agrees to let us on for free," Destine replied.
Soon, they entered the town. The place was teeming with people—not just humans, but different beings peacefully living among them, as if it were perfectly normal.
"Is this... normal?" Jaune asked, glancing at the unusual creatures.
"In places like this, yes. They're not like the monsters that man warned us about. Come on, let's find a ship heading to the next island."
"Good thing you know your way around here. We would've been completely lost."
"I studied the map when I first arrived."
"Smart."
They eventually found the harbor, where dozens of ships lined the docks. They approached a man loading sacks onto a vessel.
"Excuse me, sir," Destine said politely.
"What is it?"
"Are any of these ships sailing today?"
"Where are you headed?"
"To Andalania."
"Andalania?" He looked them over, surprised. "Oh, girls... no ships are sailing that far right now. Most of these only go as far as Inamun."
"Not even to Hildam?"
"None. It's too dangerous these days with all the monsters appearing. Too many ships have gone missing. Fishermen are afraid to sail."
Destine and Jaune exchanged glances.
"Now what?" Jaune asked.
Destine only shrugged.
"Try that one," the man said, pointing to the largest ship at the end of the dock. "I think it's heading in that direction."
"Thank you. Come on, Jaune."
"Oh my G!" Jaune gasped when they got close. The ship had a dragon figurehead, clearly an old-style wooden vessel that relied on wind, not engines. "I can't believe we're boarding something this massive. Whoa!"
Destine watched the ship. A moment later, an older man stepped off.
"Excuse me," Destine called out.
He stopped and eyed them. "What is it?"
"Are you sailing to Hildam?"
"And if we are?"
"Can we come aboard?" Jaune asked quickly.
"We don't take on civilians. Move along." He hurried away.
They could only watch him leave in disbelief.
"Well, that was rude," Destine muttered.
"Told you, people in other worlds aren't always nice," Jaune shrugged. "This is usually where a crew member shows up, recognizes you, and welcomes us aboard, right? Total cliche."
Destine ignored her and stared at the ship. "We have to get on that ship, Jaune. They don’t need to know."
"You mean stowaway?" Jaune smirked. Destine nodded.
They looked around for a way in.
"Destine?"
They both looked up at the ship—and Jaune froze. A small figure was watching them. Destine smiled.
"Monzo!" she called out happily.
"That’s Monzo?!" Jaune cried, shocked.
Monzo leapt from the ship—a humanoid figure with a literal pumpkin for a head, dressed like a butler.
"Monzo!" Destine rushed forward and hugged him. "I’m so happy to see you again."
"Same here," Monzo beamed.
Jaune stared, dumbfounded. "I was expecting a younger brother-type. Not... Halloween decor."
"Jaune, come here. I want to introduce you," Destine called.
"No need! Hi, Monzo!" Jaune backed away, eyes wide.
"A witch!" Monzo suddenly shouted.
"What?!" both girls said in unison.
"Destine, she’s a witch! Get away from her!"
He threw something at Jaune, who ducked behind Destine.
"Wait, Monzo! She's my twin sister. Her name is Jaune."
"Your... twin?! Are you sure? You look nothing alike! What if she’s a witch playing with your mind?"
Jaune cowered. "Hey! I might look like this, but I'm definitely not a witch. And I’m way prettier than any witch!"
"Terrifying," Monzo muttered.
"Excuse me?! I will cook you into stew!"
"Destine!"
"Stop, Jaune," Destine warned. "Monzo, please. She’s not a witch. We need your help. We need to get to Andalania."
"Ah yes, where King Andalus is. He still waits for your return, Destine."
Destine beamed.
"Told you!" Jaune poked her.
"Come, I’ll introduce you to my crew," Monzo said, leading them aboard.
"Wait, this is your ship?" Destine asked.
"Of course. Remember how I said I wanted to sail the seas? Andalus gifted me this ship. I formed my own crew."
"I'm happy for you, Monzo."
"Wow!" Jaune gawked as they boarded. The ship was spotless, contrary to her expectations. "This is nothing like a pirate ship."
"Glad you like it, girl."
"Name's Jaune, pumpkin."
He scowled at her and turned to his crew. "Everyone! I have an announcement. This is Destine, the hero who defeated the evil king!"
The crew bowed respectfully.
"And this is her... supposed twin. Don’t worry, she's not a witch. And yes, they don't look alike."
Some crew chuckled.
"Seriously?" Jaune grumbled.
"They'll be joining our voyage to Hildam. Dano, show them to a cabin and give them proper clothes."
"Aye, Captain. Follow me."
"Thank you, Monzo," Destine smiled.
"You're like family, Destine. Rest up, and we’ll talk later."
As they left, Jaune glared at Monzo. He returned the look with curiosity.
"Strange," Monzo whispered, watching his crew load supplies. "Captain," Tiru, his first mate, approached. "The wind feels strange today."
Monzo eyed the shifting flag.
"Should we still head for Hildam?"
"Yes. Especially now that Destine is back. I'm sure she's here for a reason. Depart as soon as we’re ready."
"Aye, captain."
Monzo stared out at the ocean. The waves were calm, but the wind was unpredictable. Still, this was their only chance to reach Andalania.
He recalled Jaune’s face again. "She looks... familiar. But where have I seen her before?"
- Writer
