Chapter 18: Secrets Of The Island

"AAAAAHHH!!!" Leo's terrified scream tore through the sky, growing more frantic as the wind whipped past him.

Black Flame, entirely unbothered, chuckled to himself. "Never mind. I'll take my time."

Hours passed, the sun inching toward the horizon, casting golden hues over the endless expanse of ocean below.

"We've arrived," Black Flame finally announced, his voice calm and steady.

"Finally," Leo groaned, his face pale as a sheet. His entire body felt like jelly, his stomach swirling in nauseating circles. If the landing didn't come soon, he was sure he'd lose whatever was left in him.

Max squinted down below, trying to focus on something other than the vertigo. "Flame… are you sure we've reached our destination?"

"I'm sure," Black Flame replied, his tone unwavering. "All that's left is to land."

"Huh? Where's your island?" Leo asked, blinking in confusion as he stared down at the vast, glittering expanse of the Aquarius Ocean. There was nothing beneath them but water, stretching out in every direction.

"It's right below us," Black Flame said, a knowing smile tugging at the corner of his lips behind his helmet.

"Flame, below us is nothing but endless ocean!" Max exclaimed, his voice rising in disbelief.

"You're wrong," Black Flame said, amusement lacing his voice. "And I'll prove it."

Without warning, Black Flame tilted forward and began a sharp descent.

Whoosh!

"AAAGH! YOU'RE CRAZY!" Leo shrieked, his heart leaping into his throat as they plummeted toward the ocean, the wind roaring in his ears.

"FLAAAMEE!" Max's voice joined the chorus of panic, gripping tighter to the log they clung to.

"WEEE!" Little Lily, however, was full of joy, her tiny laughter ringing out over the chaotic descent.

"AAOOO!" Rhoades, their faithful dog, barked excitedly, his tail wagging as if this was all a thrilling adventure.

The world around them became a blur of azure sky and sparkling ocean until—

BOOM!!

"AAAA— Huh?" Leo's scream was abruptly cut short as he realized they weren't submerged in icy waters. Blinking in confusion, he looked down, realizing they were standing on solid ground. "Wait... What?"

Max was just as baffled. "How are we not drowning? Where did this land come from?"

Black Flame touched down gracefully, his feet barely making a sound as he landed on the invisible terrain. "I told you. We've arrived at my island."

He gently lowered the massive log on which the four had been riding, letting them step off.

Max inhaled deeply, the fresh, clean air filling his lungs. "Wow... the air here is so... different."

"Yeah…" Leo said, catching his breath. "The moment I breathed it in, I felt better. The nausea's gone, and my head's finally clear."

They stood on what seemed like invisible land, the ocean still stretching out in all directions around them. But as their eyes adjusted, the illusion began to fade, revealing the island beneath their feet.

"Wow! So beautiful!" Little Lily exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.

Before them lay a paradise. The shoreline was a crescent of powdery white sand, soft and pristine, kissed gently by the crystal-clear waters of the Aquarius Ocean. The sea shimmered with hues of blue and green, transitioning from a pale, transparent turquoise at the shore to a rich, deep teal further out, where the vibrant coral reefs glowed beneath the surface. Schools of colorful fish darted playfully through the waters, their scales reflecting the sunlight in dazzling patterns.

Palm trees towered overhead, their long, elegant leaves swaying in the warm breeze. The rustling of the leaves was a soothing symphony, blending with the distant call of exotic birds that flitted between the trees, their brightly colored feathers a vivid contrast against the lush greenery. Farther inland, the dense tropical forest stretched endlessly, full of life and mystery, with hidden waterfalls tumbling down moss-covered cliffs, their melodic cascades adding a peaceful rhythm to the island's soundscape.

The scent of saltwater mingled with the fragrant perfume of tropical flowers—orchids, hibiscus, and frangipani—in the air, making every breath feel like a refreshing escape from reality. The sky was a canvas of soft pastels, where the rising sunlight painted the clouds in warm hues of gold, orange, and yellow, casting a serene glow over the entire island.

Max turned slowly, taking in the breathtaking view. "This place… It's like something out of a dream. I've never seen anything so perfect."

Leo nodded in awe. "I can't believe a place like this even exists. Especially after… everything."

"Welcome to my home," Black Flame said, his voice calm but filled with quiet pride.

Max blinked in disbelief. "Flame… how did you find this place? It's like it's hidden from the rest of the world. We couldn't even see it from the sky. Don't tell me it's some kind of magic or illusion."

Black Flame smirked behind his helmet. "It's no illusion. Everything you see here is real. The land, the sea, the sky—it's all real."

Leo frowned. "Then how come we didn't see it before? Was it invisible or something?"

Black Flame crossed his arms, gazing out over the ocean. "I told you—I don't know how I found this place. One day, I just... ended up here."

Max raised an eyebrow. "So, it's not a coincidence?"

Black Flame's gaze sharpened. "Who said anything about coincidence?"

The two brothers exchanged puzzled glances. "But you just said—"

"I know what I said," Black Flame interrupted, his voice low and cryptic. "And I also know that this island is far more than what it seems. There are things here… secrets... that even I don't fully understand."

Max hesitated, sensing the weight behind Black Flame's words. "If you don't want to tell us, we understand. We all have secrets."

Leo nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we respect your privacy, Flame. You don't have to tell us everything."

For a moment, Black Flame remained silent, his thoughts unknown as if he were considering something. Then, without another word, he turned and gestured for them to follow. "Come. There's more to see."

Max and Leo exchanged glances again, curiosity burning in their eyes as they followed Black Flame deeper into the heart of his mysterious island.