Senfleur Voyage, To Remain Facing the Sun In Every Journey

Fortunately for brave sailors, a little rain has never been a problem for pirates. Fighting sea creatures, stealing treasure, battling against stormy weathers? Elijah had seen it all, so absolutely there was nothing, and he means nothing in the world could faze him now.

So now, why was Elijah walking around the docks completely blindfolded and bounded with ropes that left him completely defensless and paralyzed. There was only one explanation to that. Riven.

Earlier in the day, the entire crew had immediately dispersed as soon as they reached land, each heading their own way to prepare for the next departure in a few days. Food supplies, weaponry, medical aids and the likes. Which completely left Elijah alone the moment he boarded off the ship. Blue eyes surveyed the majority of the docks. Some people were leaving, people were boarding, people were arriving, and ships sailed, and docked. Compared to prior day's endeavours, the moment they hit land, everything has been pretty tame so far. A few steps away from him, Elijah spotted a certain bushy bearded man. Aralaak seemed to have a lot on his mind as he pointed out a few things in a scroll to the crew members before sending them off on their way. Now having no one else present, Elijah practically appeared out of thin air to Aralaak's side. Dark eyes immediately took note of his presence as Aralaak clutched the scroll.

"Captain, is there anything I can do to help?" Elijah asked, glimmering eyes twinkled at Aralaak's own trembling ones with anticipation. "Everyone seems so busy, I feel weird being the only one doing nothing." That had been true. Aralaak practically sent everyone away by now. Ferid, Xian, Jerome— Even Mrs. Menonna had not been spared the busy bustling these pirates scampered off to do. For Elijah to just stand around, aloof, would guilt him to jumping off the ledge.

But Aralaak had other things in mind. A rainfall of nervous sweat trickled down his face in anxiety. His calloused hands hurriedly tucked away the scroll into his tricorne hat as he faced the young man.

"Elijah, my boy!" Aralaak forced a bountiful laugh as calloused hands gripped Elijah's shoulders, shaking the poor boy out of his nerves. "What a coincidence, I didn't expect to see you here!" Aralaak said, leaving Elijah raising his brows in deep thought.

"But we arrived here together," Elijah said.

"So we have." Aralaak replied, regretting his response. "Say, you had a long tough week, why don't you go take a look around town. Walk around, bring back something you like! I'll call you if we need another pair of hands, hn?" A heavy palm came crashing against Elijah's back as Aralaak's way of reassurance. The type of reassurance that Elijah wouldn't need. What kind of reassurance was that? To break his bones? Elijah hissed in pain, tears threatening to fall down his eyes, that was for sure going to leave a mark.

"Alone? But it's so boring," Elijah complained, rubbing his aching shoulder from where his captain had, as Aralaak would call it, a comforting pat on the back. Aralaak grew tense. If he doesn't set this young man off his way, the whole surprise could be ruined! He needed to do something so Elijah wouldn't be able to see it. Like a miracle from the heavens, a crew member walked right behind them. This man did not seem like he wanted to be disturbed at all. Dark, long unruly hair fell and clung to his neck as his brooding expression remained fixated on his face. He glared at everything his singular dark eye could see. On his left eye, he wore a black eye patch. But even so with his attempt to hide what lies beneath the leather, the long white scar ran down his eye, only barely stopping at his jaw.

Aralaak's eyes beamed in delight as he grabbed hold of this intimidating man who held a box of supplies for the ship, in silence, he quietly rejoiced for this usually scary man's presence.

"Ah, Riven! Good to see you're free." Aralaak said. As if it were anymore possible, Riven's glare grew deep as his stare darkened at Aralaak. His voice deep and low as he spoke, "... I'm not."

Ignoring his response and penetrating gaze, Aralaak swiped the wooden box of supplies from his hands, "Good! Why don't you and Elijah go take a look around town? Such a shame to waste such a great weather, don'tcha think?" With his dark eye, Aralaak gave Riven a knowing, wrinkled wink, leaving the poor man no choice but to heave a heavy sigh as he took the hint.

"Fine," Riven answered, disdainfully as he rolled his eye. "Let's go,"

Without sparing a second glance at Elijah or bothering to check if the young man followed at all, Riven made his way to the market alleys. Elijah, baffled and stunned as he was, quickly followed soon without another word. Regardless, this youthful smile made it's way on to his face as he rejoiced the idea of getting to see the flea market. Last time he went to shop, he found this really cool blade. Perhaps he can find something else relatively cool.

As Aralaak watched the two fading figures like a hawk, he finally let out a breath of relief. With Elijah gone, he wouldn't have to worry about a thing anymore. All he needed to do was wait!

Until then, it was to the taverns we go!

A tall, lanky man stood by the door of the deserted bar. His wrinkled eyes darting out the deserted streets of town with sharp speculation as he eyed for a certain figure of an unwanted guest, his rough fingers gliding across the smooth wooden sign on the door. Once he determined no one had been around the area, he eagerly flipped the open sign to closed before slamming the door shut right behind him, and into the dark tavern he retreated.

"Alright, you all know why you have all been gathered here today." Kerinio, the tavern's bartender, stood as tall as a tower, his eyes dark and sharp when they gazed over every figure in the room. Almost all of them held a look of gravity, sharp eyes all focused on Kerinio as he spoke. Dangerous and solemn as they all nodded in confidence. These group of pirates were only gathered here for one thing...

A quiet thud echoed in the heavy room as Aralaak set down his glass of alcohol on the table, and the entire room's attention shifted on to him. The eager stares, the heavy atmosphere, it didn't faze him one bit. A scheming smile carved it's way to his face, "It's almost that time of the year again,"

Menonna nodded at her husband's words, a small laugh slipped through her lips, uncontrolled as she spoke, "That smug young man doesn't even know what'll hit him, I've been waiting for this day since we got that treasure oyster from the Deep Blues on Hearis Islands." Referring to the oyster shaped pearl treasure they had acquired underneath the Deep Blue waterfall in the faraway Island of Hearis. That treasure costs quite the fortune. Perhaps even enough to earn an entire land.

Aralaak turned to his wife with mild confusion as he scratched his beard, "Darling, that was yesterday."

Without missing a beat, Menonna chugged down her entire glass of alcohol, "I know."

"Focus now, people! We don't have much time before Elijah starts to suspect us missing. That is why I specified said to leave a few number of people with him!" Kerinio hissed at Aralaak who dared not stare back, "Hey, I left someone with him..." Aralaak spoke in defense before hiding behind his cold drink, "...I left him with Riven,"

At those words, an unanimous groan echoed through the entire tavern, leaving Aralaak jaw dropped and in disbelief, "Oh come on! Elijah won't suspect a thing, the kid's practically half bat, half whale!"

"Pray the young-er doesn't get killed before the end of the day when you left him with someone as scary as Riven," One crewmate chimed in, laughing.

"Ya couldn't have sent him away with someone else, Cap? The two are practically day and night!" Yelled another.

Another pirate crew shook his head at his Captain's words, unconvinced. "'Tis bein the same guy who hunt down the rumored sea monster? Ye right,"

Hearing that being said finally clicked with Aralaak as his mouth gaped open in realization, leaving his wife groaning in exasperation at her husband's airhead personality.

"Then we should hurry up and take action, for today..." Aralaak smirked, "Is Elijah's Birthday!"

Cheers erupted from the room as glass heavily clinked around the room. For Elijah's important day and anniversary prior to officially joining the crew, they were going to celebrate like it was their last.

The sound of glass hitting against each other echoed through the room when the door bursted open to reveal the cowardly sailor from before. He gripped tightly at the tavern door, his breath heaving as his chest rose repeatedly, and sweat trickled down his neck. He had clearly ran all the way from the port to the tavern's location if his tanned skin had flushed into deep red. Even Aralaak questioned if he had been looking at a sailor or a skinny apple.

"It's... It's finally here!"

And thus, Elijah had been swooped from the market— kidnapped rather— as he was suddenly blindfolded and lead back to the port. To say he was lead had been an understatement at the very least as Riven practically carried him and tossed him over his shoulder like a sack of grains. Had it not been for the stoic man's reassurance, Elijah would have knocked him out. However, unlike Riven who remained quiet the entire time, the other crewmates who had come to pick him up were not so subtle as Elijah could practically hear them laugh and giggle, words were muffled and incoherent as this young man let them lead him to wherever they planned. His entire vision has been blocked, and so were his movements, restrained. The only thing left he could do was lay limp as he, amused, listened to his crew members giggling and Riven's occasional grumbling.

It didn't take soon for them to reach the port, the scent of salt sea immediately hitting him as he heard the sound of waves crashing against ships and dock. What could they possibly had planned? A prank perhaps? Anticipation aroused within the blue eyed man. For what seemed like forever happened to only be a short walk, Elijah was carelessly set down the ground.

He huffed in pain as he felt the binds around himself grow loose.

"Be careful now!" A distinctively Menonna sounding voice scolded followed by a click of her tongue. Large hands then removed the ropes around Elijah, and soon the blindfold too was untied.

When it did, the fabric slipped off his face, leaving a slight stinging sensation as he blinked profusely at the harsh light. He didn't even get a second to prepare before they shouted together.

"Surprise!" Every crew member gathered around him, big smiles, paper hats, and Riven. Elijah, wide eyed as he was, jumped in shock. "Happy Birthday!"

So this must have been why they all dispersed so brazenly. And to think he forgot his own birthday!

He couldn't believe it himself. Burke, a big man purely made of muscles and a stone hard face approached him, welcomed him with a small smile and carefully place a paper hat on the top of his head.

"Gather around, everyone! In light of today's celebration, I have a speech prepared." Aralaak motioned as the crowd gathered at the port, Elijah stood in front amongst them. Today is officially the day he has come of age.

"Dearest Franks and Francis, today we gather in acknowledgement of a very special day before us. Do we have a clue on what it might be?" Aralaak's eyes surfed the crowd, and one particular hand rose above, catching everyone's attention.

"My anniversary?" Li asked, eyes sparkling with hope. Contrary to his own ideas, everyone could only stare at him with confusion, as well as receiving a heavy sigh from Aralaak. "No, Li. We talked about this, you already know what today is, you were part of planning the surpise!"

Li fell silent for a second before he laughed, "Oh, right! My bad."

"Moving on!" Aralaak glared, "Today is Elijah's twenty-secondth birthday—" Eyes grew soft as he turned to Elijah. At this point, everyone too, turned to Elijah in focus. Taken aback, the dark haired man felt rather awkwrd as he stood there with everyone's eyes on him. A nervouse, airy laugh forced its way through his lips.

"Son, you're like the Elijah I never had," Aralaak sniffed.

"You're confusing your words, honey." Menonna swiped a handkerchief from her pcoket, swiftly, and wiped the snot dripping down her husbands nose.

"The point is—!" He paused to take a breath, "The Ninfee Crews will always be your family wherever you go. Always remember, all these waves in the world will always lead you back home. Back to us." By now, everyone had fallen silent, their close to tear looks only rendered Elijah stunned, confused and anxious all at the same time.

Blue eyes turned to every single person around him. Aralaak, Menonna, Li, Brave sailor, Coward Sailor, and even Riven— The once joyful atmosphere before had disappeared into this depressing mood.

"Elijah," Aralaak said, " We, The Ninfee Crews, present to you— The Senfleur Voyage!" Aralaak stepped aside, revealing a ship at the docks. A ship Elijah had never seen before in his entire time with the crew.

Confetti of all colors rained from above the ship, and a banner held up by crying crew members rolled below. It read: Senfleur Voyage.

"Wow," Something even more he couldn't believe. "It's beautiful," The ship looked almost identical to the Ninfee Ship. Only, this one had its own trademarks to differentiate the two ships. Astounded, his feet began to move on it's own as he adored the ship.

"Well, I'm glad you like it," Aralaak stood beside him, the heavy hand that rested itself on Elijah's shoulder was comforting, even when it gripped on him tightly. "Because she's yours."

Elijah spun his head around so fast, he feared he might have dislocated his shoulder. Did he hear that right? Was he dreaming?

"No freaking way!" Elijah said. Thank you so much!

"Elijah, honey. I think you confused your dialogue," Menonna said as she wiped away a tear that trickled down her face. Seeing his reaction, Aralaak couldn't help the feeling of pride swelling in his chest. His hand, which remained on Elijah's shoulder, gave him a heavy pat.

"She's all yours!" Aralaak confirmed once again, and Elijah practically leaped off his feet with joy. So many things raced in his head,all of which flashed by in a second.

He had his own ship.

He can sail wherever he wants.

Senfleur Voyage!

Without another thought, he reached his arms out to Menonna and Aralaak, wrapping them both in a tight embrace. The gratitude filled words practically vomitted out his lips in one breath.

"Thankyouthankyouthankyou!" Elijah said, "This means so much to me you have no idea!"

"Oh trust me," Menonna said, her arms wrapping around the man she raised as her own, "We know." She had been a mother figure to Elijah for as long as she knew him. The young boy who they had taken in years ago had now turned into a fully fleshed out adult. How time easily sailed through, she could almost burst to tears. But of course, her husband had already beat her to it as she listened to the bawling of tears from the huge man beside her.

Elijah had been no older than a hundred and ninety-two full moons when he joined the crew. The youth barely smiled then, his face had been grim and dark as if he had gone through hell and back. Back then, he barely spoke a word as they took him in. And now his would brighter than Sirius in a pitch black sky.

The rain had been falling heavily that day at the Vilaseine Port, and Aralaak had suffered a bad injury to the leg from fighting a serpent at sea. Even when they needed to sail to Everlock that day, they feared they would have to delay due to their current circumstances.

At the time, the disaster had been rampant. People locked themselves in their homes, shops, markets, clinics, and even vendors and the likes all feared to roam the streets. Even the Adventures Guilds dared not peep out the window. It was everyone for themselves. The Ninfee Crew could only count their blessings as not one sailor had suffered the disease.

Unfortunately, for them, their stock had run out pretty soon and they couldn't for the life of them find one person willing to sell a few crumbs their way. Most importantly, even medicine could not be found.

By then, Menonna had grown worried. This was the third land they sailed to, and still they end up with nothing. Now they can't even treat her husband's still bleeding leg. The entire crew gathered inside the ship, each thinking of a way to solve such predicament, yet noatter how many brains stormed for an idea, they were only left with a blank.

Beside her on the bed, Menonna felt her stir, hand clutching on to his clothes wound. The injury by the serpent cut deep, and the toxins seemed to slowly spread through his entire leg. Aralaak, pained as he was, fought back a grunt of hurt. Still, he couldn't stop a harsh breath from escaping his lips. Menonna didn't know what to do, she was just as stumped as everyone else. What else could she do but run her fingers through her husband's hair in hopes to comfort him?

"Don't worry, Darlin'. I'll go out and see if I can persuade a merchent to sell me some medicine, I'll be right back." Menonna said, already prepared to head out when a hand held onto hers, stopping her from stepping foot out their cabin. Worried, dark brows knit together in confusion as she went back to her husband's side. "What's wrong, Darl'? Does it hurt?"

Aralaak heaved a heavy breath, despite the harsh cold from the story weathers, he had been sweating buckets through his clothes. It pained him to even open his eyes, let alone speak. Still, parched lips separated as he spoke breathlessly, "Don't...go. Dangerous..." Simple three words had him limp on the bed as he panted. This silly man. Although he may not immediately die from the serpent's toxin, the pain was enough to make someone beg for mercy if not treated. He still worried about his wife.

This provoked a smile on Menonna's lips, and she caressed her husband's face once more. "Don'tchu worry, my sailor. I'll be back soon,"

There was no way for Aralaak to stop her now, and he could only reach out his hand to her leaving figure as she stepped out the cabin. The rain heaved non-stop all day as the ship swayed on sea. Menonna bundled herself in warm clothing and picked up a magic stone which she tucked safely into her pocket. This magic stone can help prevent her from getting wet from the rain.

The second she stepped foot on the docks, her eyes surveyed the deserted area. Ships were anchored, yet she couldn't spot a single living being as far as her eyes could see. Streets were empty and muddy. Every window and door had been boarded from every house. This town was practically haunted. But Menonna couldn't give up knowing her husband had been suffering for four days straight.

Her crew were practically starving on that ship. She can't just go back empty handed.

She battled with herself for a long time as she walked through town when she suddenly tripped on a rock on the ground. Ah, seriously, could fate mock her any more than it already has? Menonna grunted in pain and frustration as she got up. Luckily, the magic stone remained in her pocket, protecting her from the rain but now her clothes were filthy with mud. Perhaps she should go back already. There was nothing in this town left regardless of what she finds. First thing tomorrow, they'll set out for a random island in hopes to atleast find some food to eat or wild animals to cook.

That settles that. Menonna turned to head back to the ship when something on the ground caught her eye. Unfortunately, what caught her eye left her in a state of shock and fright when she realized it had not been a rock she had tripped on earlier but a person.

Is he dead? Menonna wondered, carefully, she placed two firm fingers on the unconcious young man's neck. Only when she felt a faint pulse did she heaved a sigh of relief. He is still alive.

"But I can't leave him here..." Menonna took a closer look at the young man. Or rather, a teenager. The boy had messy black hair, dark as ink, his sunken eyes were hidden behind dirty lids. He must have been out cold in the rain for a while seeing how much dirt and mud had stuck to his skin. Without much effort, Menonna lifted the unconcious boy into her arms.

"Ah!" Brave Sailor screamed in frustration, hands gripping into his hair, "I'm so hungry I think I'm going insane!"

Cowardly sailor sighed as he watched his friend pace around the room. The others were hungry too, yet some chose to distract themselves by playing games to pass time. Rain or sun, they already decided to sail first thing in the morning to an island. At least there they would have more chances of finding food compard to this scarce town.

"I can't take it anymore. I'm starting to see colors that have never existed," Brave Sailor turned to Cowardly Sailor with crazed eyes, they trembled to hold their gaze as Cowardly Sailor froze in fear. That killer look. If this continues, one of them may be dying tonight!

"Heath, calm down." Cowardly Sailor abruptly stood up, hands held up in defense at his crazy friend.

"I can't do this anymore, Fin." Heath laughed, a drool slipping his mouth. "You're starting to look a little tasty. Let me have bite,"

Those words evoked a terrified scream from Fin as Heath lunged at him. Before shard hands could touch strand of hair on Fin's head, the door to the lobby room burst open to reveal Menonna carrying what seems to be an unconscious person. That seemed to snap everyone wide awake as Menonna set the boy on the wooden couch.

"I don't want to be rude but... Is this lunch?" Heath asked. Hearing this, Fin decided it was best to stand far away from his friend as Menonna shook her head. "I found his unconscious on the street. Someone go grab a basin and a cloth, hurry." She demanded.

Contrary to how she looked and how she was like in action, Menonna knew how to take care of people the best among the entire crew. With just a few scraps they had lying on the ship, the boy had been cleaned, changed and taken care of in less than a moment. As she watched him lay on the couch, Menonna grabbed a bottle with a few drops of liquid inside.

"You're going to use that on him? But we barely know the guy." Fin asked yet made no compelling move to stop Menonna from doing what she chose to do. She only spared Fin one look, her eyes brimmed with absolute. "Of course, it's what I did for you too, after all. This kid is no different."

That was true, it was Menonna's pure heart that saved most of the crew, and her confidence to save them which lead them to pin their loyalty to the Ninfee Ship.

Without sparing a second thought, Menonna brought the bottle to this strangers lips, forcing down the liquid down his throat. It began to soothe his nerves, and slowly, blue eyes began to blink awake. His vision blurred into focus, and before he could process anything around him, a pair of dark eyes stared confidently back at him with hints of satisfaction in her eyes.

Where was he? Last time he remembered he had been wandering in town. Did he pass out? Ocean blue eyes blinked at his surroundings, it was only then did he realize the alarming number of people in the room. Was he in danger? Before he could react any further, Menonna raised a hand to stop him from getting up.

"It's okay, you're safe. We aren't going to hrut you," She spoke in confidence, and that seemed to calm him down. "I'm Menonna Ninfee, the one of the Co-Captain of this ship,"

Blue eyes fixated on her with doubt, his brows knitted together seemed to be a permanent trait on his face. Even when he was unconscious, he looked hazard and uncomfortable.

"...Elijah." The boy finally answered, "My name." Elijah, as this boy introduced himself, pushed himself to sit up. Where was he in the first place? This place didn't seem like anything a normal house would look inside. Vaguely, he could guess it to be inside a ship. He once had a job cleaning inside a ship before but that ship had been owned by a merchant. This ship and that could slightly be compared to one another but even so, this ship felt more...home? Elijah couldn't find the proper words. It didn't matter what. He still had something to do. He needs to get out of here immediately. Instinctively, Elijah reached out to his side and grabbed his...air? Oh no. He turned to his side only to find his bag was no longer attached to him.

No, this can't be. He must have lost it when they saved him from the streets. He can't lose it, it contained the only remembrance he had left of his sister!

Menonna watched this anxious boy move in silent panic. Immediately, she spoke to ease the boy's worries and picked up the bag which had been attached to the boy before. "This must be what you're looking for, right? Don't worry, I didn't take anything." She dangled the messenger bag in front of him. Desperate, Elijah snatched the bag from her hands before he could even think. "You couldn't even if you tried."

Realizing his own rudeness, he froze. He did not mean to say something like that. Perhaps he did but only when those words flew out of his mouth did he realise how rude he had sounded.

"I mean..." He began, avoiding all the awkward stares from strangers and Menonna's own puzzled look, "You can't open the bag," He started off, slowly. "It's been enchanted so it can not be opened without permission from the owner it's designed for... Thank you."

That's when it clicked in Menonna. Despite his strong build and brazen look, this boy seemed to crumble at the slightest gust of wind. Menonna has met multiple different types of people. Her whole life had practically been spent sailing through seas, she's seen people of all kinds. And she could already tell this boy in front of her was no different to the last leaf on a tree at the ends of autumn.

In a way, he reminded her of a certain Captain who remained sick somewhere in this ship. She couldn't help but smile to herself at that thought. "Well, if you need anything you can ask anyone on this ship. If you choose to leave, you may but do rest for a while before you do so. I have other matters to attend to." Just like that, Elijah was left in the room with a bunch of strangers in awkward silence.

Aralaak's condition didn't seem to be getting better as she expected. Menonna dipped a clean cloth into a basin before wrenching off the dripping water. Lightly so, she wraped away the trickling cold sweat on her lover's pale face. Medicine for the Serpent's toxins were easy to find but unfortunately not when everyone has been on lock down. She can only hope to find someone on the next land that would agree to sell a cure to them. And if not, well... Menonna didn't want to think any further than that. She would just have take it by force.

A knock on the door seemed to snap her out of her thoughts as the door creaked open, revealing Elijah standing at the doorway accompanied by Heath who pushed open the door. He seemed to have a look of contemplation before he spoke, eyes avoiding Menonna's own, "He says he wants to bid you farewell,"

Heath motioned for Elijah to enter the room, ushering him in before he closed the door behind Elijah. Elijah timidly stood their at the closed door, unsure of what to say. For starters, he wanted to properly thank his saviour. Then, he wanted to apologize for being a prick. But seeing the bedridden person in front of him, it felt inappropriate for him to be in that room. It's all that damned 'Heath's fault! He couldn't even give Elijah a simple heads up on what he had to face?

Blue eyes stayed avoiding Menonna's direction as he stood awkwardly in the room. Oh crud, he had to say something. Something! Then he can leave this happenstance behind and continue with his search. Gathering the courage to finally look Menonna in the eye, it was only then did Elijah notice the injury on the patient's leg. It showed clear signs of a Serpent's Toxins. The blue guts moving underneath the skin like worms, the constant smoke burning through the wound, and the patient's cold sweats.

Now this was something Elijah could help with!

Menonna intently watched Elijah's fixated gaze at the wound on Aralaak's leg, and wondered if this was the first time this boy had seen this kind of injury. "This is my husband, Aralaak." Menonna introduced after quite some time, "He got injured by a Serpent's toxins a few days back. Unfortunately, every land we sailed to refused to sell any medicine. We can barely afford to get food with the disaster going rampant. Everyone has decided to remain behind closed doors."

It was understandable, Elijah thought. The disaster had no symptoms to warn those people around. It was a sudden and quick death. Of course people would be afraid to step foot outside. But Elijah had one goal, and it was to find his sister. He couldn't rest until then.

"I can help you with that," Elijah spoke, hand already taking off his bag from his shoulder. Menonna turned to the boy, confused. "With food?" She asked.

Elijah shook his head, "With everything."

Holding the messenger bag upside down, huge sacks immediately fell like rain from within. Within the sacks contained all sorts of food. Fruits, grains, meats and the likes. It was enough to last Elijah for a year. The person who prepared it made sure he wouldn't lack anything. It didn't make sense to Menonna how all that could fit into a small bag but considering the bag was enchanted in the first place, she didn't wonder any further.

Lastly, Elijah picked out a small flask from the bags pocket. The transparent flask made it easy to see the the purple sparkling liquid from within. It was The Cure to The Serpent's Toxin.

Menonna couldn't believe her eyes as she stared at Elijah who calmly approached Aralaak and slowly poured the flask's contents on to the wound. By every second, the wound grew smaller and smaller as it hissed. As fire would hiss at water droplets, it would soon go out once drenched. And the wound on Aralaak's leg was finally healed. Menonna could clearly see the relief on her husband's face as he finally got the peaceful sleep he had been deprived of.

"You can keep all the food, it should last you until you guys reach Emerald Empire. I hear it's the only place that hasn't locked people out. You can restock there," Elijah said. Still baffled and surprised, Menonna remained silent. Without speaking a word, she knew she needed to have this boy join the crew.

"Well... I have to leave now—" Elijah was interrupted.

"Wait, where do you plan to go?" Menonna asked. For the first time since he started his journey, Elijah wasn't sure. There was never a destination to begin with, there was only the journey to find his sister. With much hesitation, he finally answered, "...Nowhere."

Hearing this, Menonna stood up toe to toe with Elijah, who remained two heads shorter than her. "Then Elijah, what do you say you join the Ninfee Crews?"