Chapter 36 The Wave

Elysia and Eva rushed out of the cabin onto the rear deck with Ione clinging to Elysia’s shirt with her claws, static sparking from her fur. The duo plus kitten stopped and stared at the chaos. Food crashed to the pavement as several people pushed the table out of the way as a truck backed up to connect to the trailer holding Umbra. In their rush, the driver failed to line up the hitch, forcing Tobias into action. With a Herculean effort, veins bulging on his massive arms and legs, he pushed the trailer several centimeters over.

Once the trailer popped on the hitch, the diesel engine of the truck roared as it pulled the boat forward. A minute later, the truck backed Umbra into the water as workers dashed around, releasing straps. Umbra slid off the trailer with a splash, rocking for a moment before stabilizing.

Elysia winced in pain as Ione dug her claws into her skin, only to release a moment later upon feeling the pain she caused. With a gentle pull, Elysia unanchored Ione from her shirt, nestling her into the crook of her left arm as she dashed into the control room. Despite the situation, a smile formed as Umbra fired up with a single press of the ignition button. Smoother than ever before, Umbra shifted into reverse, pulling away from the pier mere centimeters from collision just as another boat launched into the water just as hastily.

The cause for commotion became apparent a few seconds later as Elysia spotted movement in the forest through the front windows.

From an intercom bellowing through the entire Marina, a voice ordered, “please stay calm! Board your assigned boats in an orderly manner.”

To Elysia’s surprise, everyone listened, swiftly escaping on waiting boats just as dozens of dear double the size of their pre-system equivalents stampeded out of the tree line. Chasing the deer were packs of wolves which weren’t as large but were faster than they had any right to be.

A horn broke her from her daze, directing her attention out the left window to find several ships floating impatiently.

With a sheepish expression, she shifted Umbra into drive, turning toward Port Alberni as ships blocked her path and the other direction. While monitoring the wave of animals rampaging through the marina, she propelled Umbra forward easily, pulling away from the following ships.

Eva’s usual serious demeanor cracked as she gaped at a group of massive black bear bowling through the forest toward Port Alberni.

Used to running into massive creatures, Elysia, on the other hand, quickly overcame her surprise at the situation. Instead, growing dread formed as Port Alberni came into view. She mentally crossed her fingers she would escape with her freedom intact. With no other choice but to approach Port Alberni, she pushed on.

Elysia slowed to a stop just outside the main Marina, leaving plenty of room for the boats behind her to pass. A fishing boat pulled up along Umbra’s right side, with Tobias at the helm. He waved her toward an open spot in the marina, but she remained where she was with an indecisive expression.

Crap, what do I do now? Should I take my chances and leave or stay in Port Alberni and hope the Changed teams don’t find me? Also, what do I do with Eva? Maybe Tobias can take her. But should I really leave after all the work they did to Umbra? If dad found out I ran away when I could help, he would be really disappointed. Dammit! I just want to be free to live my own life!

Elysia’s hand reluctantly reached toward the shifter, clicking Umbra into drive as she propelled her yacht toward the open stall. As she floated into the stall, sirens sounded, putting the already jittery crew working the docks on edge. The crew quickly tied off Umbra before they dashed to the next boat floating in to her left.

The girls stepped out onto the front deck, eyes roaming the wilderness for the approaching horde, but none came after several minutes. One could feel the tension in the air as everyone held their breath, expecting a swarm of monsters.

Following almost fifteen minutes of nothing, the tension gradually slackened. Elysia spotted several heavily armed men and women in camo gear patrolling the southern edge of Port Alberni. Like her escort into the dungeon, they all carried melee weapons instead of firearms. I guess zombies aren’t the only thing resistant to bullets. I wonder why that is?

Elysia turned to Eva, who was nervously fidgeting while scanning the forest to the southeast with fear in her eyes. “Why don’t they use guns?”

A small smile flashed across Eva’s face at the distraction. “Only skills can kill anything after the system came. Well, that and magic from Changed. For some odd reason, no one can figure out how to unlock a skill for a gun. It’s like the system wants us to revert to the old ways of warfare.”

After flashing back to the beetle regenerating the dungeon, Elysia asked, “if skills can kill the monsters, why couldn’t they fight in the dungeon?”

Elysia winced upon catching Eva’s downcast expression, opening her mouth to apologize, but Eva spoke first. “It’s okay, I know it’s not your fault my sister died.”

Eva took a deep breath to calm herself before continuing, “Anyone with a combat related skill can kill monsters in the dungeon, but it is incredibly difficult like the dungeon dulls the weapons.”

A hiss diverted both girls’ attention to the ball of fluff glaring toward the pier with her hackles raised.

Upon spotting the approaching group, Elysia stiffened, but held her ground while petting Ione. Elysia’s eyes followed the group’s every movement, ready to unleash a bolt of lightning at a moment’s notice.

The group stopped on the pier on the left side of Umbra. Several members of the heavily armed group nodded in respect to Elysia, including Major Evans, who sent her to the dungeon.

While trying to keep the bite out of her voice and knowing his orders were responsible for fixing and upgrading Umbra, Elysia asked. “What do you want? Did the monster wave pass by?”

Major Evans brushed off Elysia’s lack of respect as he reported, “the monster wave stopped its advance just past China Creek. However, we cannot allow such a large gathering so close to Port Alberni, which brings me to the reason I’m here.”

Before the major could continue, Elysia cut in with a scowl, “let me guess you want me to help clear the marina?”

The veins bulged on the side of Major Evans’ neck but held himself back, instead responding in a clipped tone. “Affirmative.”

Elysia scanned the several ropes holding Umbra to the pier, mentally zeroing in a lightning strike if need be before returning her attention to the major. “What do you offer?”

“Free passage back to the Salish Sea.”

Unimpressed, Elysia commented, “wasn’t that part of the original deal? While I am grateful for fixing Umbra. You could’ve fixed her while I was in the dungeon.”

Several hands gravitated to their weapons, but Major Evans gave a subtle headshake. They stood down as he replied, “Well, Miss Arashi, what do you wish as payment for your services?”

While petting her agitated kitten, giving a glance at Eva, who was doing her best to appear invisible, Elysia thought about what she could ask for. What do I need? What I need the most is a way to escape into the Pacific Ocean, but I doubt they could help with that. So what else? Maybe they have someone that could turn my serpent loot into gear. What if they try to steal it though?

Elysia returned her attention to the major before asking, “do you have anyone that can work with looted dungeon materials?”

With an apologetic expression, the major responded, “our focus was on surviving. We don’t have many crafters specialized in dungeon materials. I could outsource your request to another city, but that could take weeks.”

Elysia deflated, falling silent. Well crap, now what? They fixed Umbra and fueled her, so that’s out. I could ask for some new furniture, but I think I’ll hold off until I have a clear picture of what I want. What about supplies? I could use another set of that armor, plus more casual clothes and towels. Also, some food stock would be nice. Odd how I barely get hungry anymore. But still, I’d rather have a stock of food to eat.

With her decision made, Elysia made eye contact with the major as she spoke. “I will help retake China Creek if you provide a couple sets of that armor, clothes of my choosing, including towels and a stock of food. I want all of this before we leave, as I don’t know if I’ll return to Port Alberni afterward.”

Without a moment of thought, Major Evans replied, “deal. However, our stock of casual wear has its limits. Many of our clothing stores fell victim to the dungeon and the wilderness surrounding it.”

“That’s fine. I’m not too picky. I just want a clothing stash since I have a habit of destroying anything I wear within the day.” Elysia replied with a shrug of her shoulders, eliciting a giggle from Eva.

Elysia’s face reddened in embarrassment as she glared at Eva before releasing a huff.

With their negotiation done, Elysia turned to retreat into the cabin only for something to fly toward her from the corner of her eye. She spun free hand sparking with electricity only to discharge it as she caught a tablet.

“You may input your order on the tablet. We will leave in two hours.” Major Evans announced before performing an about turn, marching down the pier, followed by his team.

Elysia stared down at the tablet, unprepared for the sneak attack. Eva grabbed her arm, eliciting a hiss from Ione, still anchored to the front of Elysia’s shirt. “let’s bankrupt that stuff man!” Exclaimed Eva as she dragged Elysia back inside the cabin of Umbra to the couch.

The moment they sat down, Eva snatched the tablet and scrolled through the already open online catalog. Pictures of clothes flew by under Eva’s dexterous fingers, causing Elysia to cringe. Crap, did Sereia possess Eva? She didn’t seem to be fashion obsessed. Whatever. If she is anything like Sereia, she will find me some good clothes. Thankfully, she can’t kidnap me and forced me to try on outfits for hours. That thought sent a shiver up her spine flashing back to the few times Sereia successfully bribed her to go shopping with her.

As with every time she thought of her twin, a pang of sadness hit her, directing her gaze in the direction of their connection still leading far off to the west.

With the intruders gone, Ione unanchored herself, dropping to Elysia’s lap, curling into a loose ball while purring loudly, gazing up at Elysia expediently with her amethyst eyes.

Unable to resist, Elysia stroked her head. The purr grew louder as Ione’s eyes drifted closed, leaning into Elysia’s hand.

Their bonding paused, interrupted by Eva shoving the tablet in her face. The screen showed a deep purple dress with a fitted bodice and flowing silky floor length skirt. Elysia glanced at the dress, then stared at Eva with a raised eyebrow. “Why would I need a formal dress? I’m pretty sure the system canceled every prom in the country.”

With a greed filled smile, Eva replied, “Why not? You’re not paying for it.”

Elysia groaned, knowing where this conversion would lead, but responded anyway. “But I am paying for it just not with money.”

“All the more reason to milk their generosity. Who knows when a dress could come in handy?”

“Whatever order what you want, but please get practical clothes and the supplies I asked for.” Said Elysia in a disinterested tone before pausing and adding knowing what Sereia would do. “Please keep choices for yourself minimal.”

Afraid to look at the monster she unleashed, she returned her attention to her adorable ball of fluff known as Ione. If they want to use me to clear monsters, I’ll use my own monster to get as much as I can from the deal. I would probably waste most of the time trying to decide what to choose instead of just buying both choices.

The next hour passed in comfortable silence, with the only sound being a quiet purr and the tapping on Eva’s fingers.

With one last tap, Eva dropped the tablet on her lap before stretching her hands out front, cracking her fingers. “All done!”

Elysia looked up at the smug girl asking, “do I want to know what you ordered?”

“Nope! But you will find out soon.” Chirped Eva.

“You and my sister would get along.” Commented Elysia.

At the mention of a sister Eva deflated, slumping into the couch.

Elysia winced, patting Eva’s thigh as she comforted. “I’m sorry. I know it hurts. If it weren’t for my connection to Seraia, I would be a mess, probably searching for her.”

Tears gathered in Eva’s eyes, leaning into Elysia’s shoulder.

After sitting in silence for several minutes, Elysia asked, “So what are you going to do? Don’t you want to go home? I don’t think I’m going to return to Port Alberni after we leave to clear China Creek.”

Eva’s eyes meet Elysia’s, somehow bigger and puppy like than normal. “Can I come with you?”

Elysia stared at Eva for several moments before speaking, “You do know I’m wanted by whatever counts as the government? Besides, don’t you have a life here?”

Unfazed by the danger, Eva responded, having thought about her decision for a while. “Living here isn’t any less dangerous. Besides, you will need support to run a ship like this. My sister was my last living relative. Our parents died when I was five. My team can continue without me. It’s not like we were doing anything too complicating, especially with the help of the system.”

I should’ve seen this coming. Why else would she still be here? Can I trust her? We barely know each other.

“Why me? I’m sure you could find a ship crew to join.” Questioned Elysia.

Eva gave her a look as if it was obvious, but responded anyway. “Why would I want to join some crew on a smelly ship?”

Elysia’s nose scrunched at the memory of how Umbra smelled but shook her head, returning her unwavering gaze to the hopeful girl. “You didn’t answer my question. Why join me?”

Eva groaned in exasperation before speaking, “I need a change of scenery, and something tells me going with you could be interesting. You don’t have to worry about me. I’ll take care of myself and as payment for my stay I’ll work on getting Umbra’s computer system up.”

“Where will you sleep? I’m taking the only bedroom.” Questioned Elysia.

With a knowing look, Eva answered. “The couch in the control room, obviously.”

Elysia bristled at the thought of someone intruding on her territory but pushed it down. With a hint of hope leaking into her tone, Elysia asked, “Can you cook?”

A wince was all she received and needed. Well crap, unless Ione can magically cook, meals will be a problem. Still, there isn’t much reason to turn down free help. At the very least, I have someone to watch Umbra.

After letting Eva stew for several minutes, Elysia finally spoke, “Fine, but my ship my say on where we go.”

Eva shot to her feet, releasing a squeal, earning a hiss from the disturbed kitten. “Thank you! I’m sure you won’t regret it!”