She lightly tapped his head.
"Ask yourself."
Her footsteps faded across the wooden deck, soft and rhythmic, echoing in the quiet morning.
Orimo stood still, hand running through his hair, thoughts tangled.
"…That's what I meant," he murmured to himself.
Suddenly, a jagged silhouette appeared on the horizon. Orimo's eyes widened.
"Is that… Emka?"
His heart pounded like a war drum — THUD! THUD! THUD!
Is this fear? No. I'm not afraid of anyone. Not even Morgan himself.
From the kitchen, Rae Winters appeared, carrying a plate with five golden toasts and a perfectly cooked egg.
"Here you go, sir," she said.
Orimo took the plate, muttering, "Thanks."
Her eyes lingered on the dark island. "Are we… there already?"
Orimo nodded. "I think so."
He studied her for a moment. "Rae… can you fight?"
She huffed. "I'm a lady, of course I can't."
He exhaled, a mixture of relief and worry. "Stay behind me. I'll protect you."
The ship drew closer, slicing through the water. The island loomed larger, jagged cliffs shrouded in shadow. A heavy fog curled over the blackened forest, and the wind whispered strange, almost human moans.
Orimo's boots hit the wet sand as he landed on the beach. The smell of salt mixed with decay. The island felt alive… dark eyes of the unknown seeming to watch them.
Rae clung to his back, her voice trembling. "I'm scared."
Orimo cleared his throat, forcing courage into his tone. "Don't worry… my lady, I shall protect you…"
Boom!
A sudden punch slammed into Orimo's head. He tumbled onto the sand, groaning.
"What was that, huh?" he muttered, rubbing his jaw.
"It hurts, y'know," he added softly.
Rae's voice, playful but firm, hit him again. "Don't say 'uhh' next time!"
He stood, adjusting his footing. Rae climbed back onto his back, holding tight.
"Let's proceed," he murmured, glancing at the dark treeline ahead.
"Did you say anything?" she asked quietly.
"No… I didn't," he replied, eyes scanning the shadowed island.
Together, they stepped forward into the foreboding darkness, the island swallowing their silhouettes as the wind whispered warnings from Emka's cursed shores.