Shadows in Sea & Elven Island

The boat rocked gently over the calm sea as it sailed under the silver glow of the moonlight. The night was serene, with soft waves lapping against the sides of the cabin boat, and the chirping of seabirds added an almost musical quality to the atmosphere. Above, the moon cast its light across the endless ocean. 

At the bow of the boat, Hina and Serina leaned against the railings, their hair fluttering in the soft ocean breeze as they looked at the waters. 

"It's so peaceful," Hina said, her voice barely above a whisper. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as her wide eyes traced the reflection of the moon on the rippling waves. "I don't think I've ever seen anything this beautiful before." 

Serina smiled faintly, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "The ocean has a way of making you feel small, doesn't it? But at the same time, it's comforting. Like it's reminding you there's something bigger out there." 

Hina nodded, leaning her chin on her hand. "Yeah, I guess. Though…" She glanced back toward the cabin with a mischievous grin. "Some people don't seem to appreciate it as much." 

Serina followed her gaze, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What do you mean?" 

Hina pointed toward the cabin's small window. Inside, I was laid on a narrow bed, completely wrapped up in a blanket, unbothered to the beauty around me. 

"He's like that all the time," Hina said, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Lazy, unbothered, and completely useless in moments like these." She let out an exaggerated sigh. "Honestly, I don't know how he survives." 

Serina chuckled softly, covering her mouth with her hand. "He must have his reasons. Maybe he's saving his energy for something important." 

"Or maybe he's just boring," Hina shot back, sticking her tongue out. 

Their laughter filled the air, mingling with the sound of the waves. 

Serina glanced at the horizon, her smile fading slightly. "We'll be there by morning," she said, her voice softer now. 

Hina turned to her, tilting her head curiously. "Are you worried? For the people there, I mean." 

Serina's eyes grew distant, her expression unreadable. "Yes," she admitted after a long pause. "I used to visit with my father as a child but it's not the same as it used to be. Sometimes I wonder if I'm even going back to the same place." 

Hina reached out and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You'll fix it," she said firmly. "We'll fix it. Together." 

Serina's lips curved into a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Hina." 

Before Hina could respond, a sudden splash broke the silence. Both women turned sharply, their eyes widening as a figure leapt out of the water and into the moonlight. 

"It's… a dolphin?" Hina said, her voice filled with awe as the creature moved gracefully through the air. 

But as it came closer, the glint of red in its eyes made her breath hitch. The dolphin let out a guttural, almost unnatural sound as it plunged back into the water, sending ripples across the surface. 

Hina took a step back, her hand flying to her chest. "What the—? That was the first time I've seen something like that!" 

"It's not uncommon here," Serina said calmly, though her eyes were sharp, scanning the water for any further disturbances. "Red-eyed dolphins are drawn to this part of the ocean. They're harmless unless provoked." 

Hina nodded slowly, though she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that crept up her spine. 

But the calm was short-lived. Without warning, the surface of the water rippled again, and two dark figures emerged silently. Their eyes glowed crimson in the moonlight, and their sleek, humanoid forms shining with seawater. Each of them clutched a sword in their hands, and before Hina could react, one of them leapt toward her with terrifying speed. 

Time seemed to slow. She turned just in time to see the blade descending toward her, and for a brief moment, she felt the cold grip of death. 

But the clash of metal against metal shattered the stillness, and Hina's eyes widened as a black dagger intercepted the blade mere inches from her face. 

"Go back to where you came from!" one of the creatures hissed, its voice guttural and wet as it gnashed its sharp teeth. 

The dagger twisted, forcing the sword aside, and I stepped out of the shadows, my expression calm but deadly. "Go down, Hina." I said, my voice low and commanding. 

The second creature lunged at me, but I spun, delivering a sharp kick that sent both of them tumbling back into the water with a splash. 

"Kappas!!" Serina rang out, her voice filled with disdain as she stepped forward. 

The creatures hissed, their glowing eyes narrowing as they flew in the air. "That guy is dangerou—" 

Before they could finish, Serina raised her hand, and the air around the kappas seemed to shimmer in white. Their movements froze mid-lunge, and they hung above the water, their limbs jerking helplessly as they struggled against the invisible force. 

"Esther!" Serina called. 

I dashed forward in a blur. My feet barely touched the surface of the water as I zigzagged through the air, my dagger flashing in the moonlight. In one swift motion, I struck them down, sending their lifeless bodies plunging back into the water. 

Hina clutched the railing, her face pale as she stared at the rippling water. "What… what was that?" she stammered, her voice trembling. 

"Kappas," Serina replied, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "They pop up in these waters sometimes. It's rare, but not unheard of." 

Hina shivered, wrapping her arms around herself. "That was terrifying…" 

"Thanks, Esther," Serina said, her gaze meeting mine. 

I sighed, the dagger in my hand vanishing into thin air as I turned and walked back toward the cabin. "Wake me when we get there," I said, my voice tinged with annoyance. 

The first rays of sunlight streamed through the cabin window, warming my face as my eyes fluttered open. The faint sound of waves and seabirds reached my ears, with an irritating tugging at my cheek. 

"Sighhh…" I muttered, swatting at the hand pulling my face. "What is it now?" 

Hina stood over me, her hands on her hips and an exasperated look on her face. "You slept the whole night, for god's sake. Wake up already!" 

I groaned, rubbing my eyes as I sat up. "Are we there yet?" 

"Yes," she said, rolling her eyes. "Now get up and come outside. You want to see this." 

I sighed again, stretching as I climbed out of bed. "Alright, alright. I'm coming." 

"Welcome to Elven Island." Said Hina. 

Stepping onto the deck, I was greeted by the sight of a lush island rising out of the ocean. The dense forest was filled with vibrant greens, dotted with colorful flowers and exotic birds. The air was thick with the scent of salt and earth, and the distant sound of a waterfall added to the island's mystique. 

A man standing on the dock waved us in, helping to secure the boat as we stepped onto solid ground. 

"Welcome back, Serina," he said with a warm smile. 

"Thank you, Arin," Serina replied, her tone softer than usual. 

We followed a narrow path into the forest, the vibrant flora and fauna surrounding. Strange plants with glowing leaves stretched toward the sunlight, while small, colorful creatures darted through the bush. 

"It's like stepping into another world," Hina whispered, her eyes wide with wonder. 

We approached the village. The buildings were small and weathered, their once-vibrant colors faded with time. Children with long, pointed ears and frail body wandered aimlessly, their eyes hollow and lifeless. Adults were no better, their faces filled with exhaustion and despair. 

Hina stopped in her tracks, her breath catching in her throat. "They're… so thin," she said, her voice barely audible. She swallowed hard. 

Serina placed a hand on her shoulder. "This is what we're fighting for," she said quietly.