[ Chapter 45: Plot ]
-Omniscient-
"Woah! So this is the Blue Steel? Infairness, mukhang pang-mayaman ang dating." It was Princess Frencia who spoke as she boarded the Blue Steel Ship. Her eyes were mesmerized by the texture, shape, and contour of the ship. It is not like other ships after all.
"Indeed, Princess," Admiral replied with a smile, proud of the ship he had come to call home. "The Blue Steel is a vessel like no other. It has been crafted with the finest materials and designed for both speed and strength."
Princess Frencia's curiosity sparkled in her eyes as she walked along the deck, taking in every detail. "I've heard tales of its legendary speed and prowess in the sea. But at the same time, Kuya Valan will suffer a core burn. Nonetheless, it's an honor to be aboard such a renowned ship."
Lutch, standing nearby, couldn't resist adding a touch of humor to the conversation. "Ah, Princess, this ship can outrun even the swiftest of merfolk. With the Blue Steel as our ship, we'll navigate the treacherous waters with ease. Matagal na talaga itong mabilis, pero ngayon mas mabilis na siya, kasi hindi na umiinit ang energy core."
Admiral chuckled at Lutch's remark. "Indeed, Princess. The Blue Steel has proven itself time and again in the face of danger. It will be our loyal companion on this mission."
Their conversation continued as Frencia explored the ship. No one has been aboard on the ship ever since it was built, since Valan ordered it not to be used for transportations. Valan used this to navigate through the West Waters easily and adhered to the problems in marine life.
Valan, meanwhile, found himself in the chamber where the heart of the Blue Steel lay. He gazed at the harp beside the energy core, a harp that resonated with Selvyna's voice and calmed the core whenever it burned. He longed to hear her real voice again. Since their last meeting, he had relied on the soothing sounds of the instrument to alleviate his sadness. Her absence had weighed heavily on Valan, but he was determined to carry on.
"I can finally see you now, my serene," Valan whispered as he looked at the harp. "I can finally hold your hand, feel your touch, and hear your real voice. Wait for me, Selene. I am coming."
In another chamber of the ship, Queen Seisha busily inspected the luggages, ensuring that nothing was left behind for this long journey. Kahit alam niya naman na nailagay niya lahat ng kakailanganin, hindi pa rin ito makampante. King Lucius approached her, his eyes filled with affection.
"My love, everyone is waiting on the deck," he said, gently interrupting her. "You haven't forgotten anything, and if you have, we can always ask Sebastian to deliver them."
"I just want to be certain-"
"Wife, come on. Everyone is waiting," he interjected politely, taking her hand. Seisha took a deep breath and followed her husband's lead. They left the chamber, their hands intertwined, and joined the others on the deck with warm smiles.
Nasa pag-uusap pa rin sina Frencia, Lutch at Admiral. Frencia's curious nature is always a good thing, and Lutch and Admiral like touring her around. Frencia is always fond of trying new things.
As Princess Frencia observed her surroundings, noticing her brother, Leveius, among the group. Curiosity filled her voice as she pointed at him. "Aware naman ako sa mga tao dito na may kanya-kanyang gampanin para sa paglalakbay na ito, pero hindi ko maatim kung bakit nandito din ang asungot na 'to."
Leveius grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Don't mind me, Cia. This expedition presents a unique opportunity for a scientist like myself. I'm eager to witness the mermaid's power and assess how an Adelaide could possess such abilities."
Frencia playfully nudged her brother. "Well, if you're too absorbed in your research, you'll never find a girlfriend."
"I don't need a woman in my life!" Leveius uttered with a sour face. Even him thinking of someone to get married with will take time or even not. Leveius never considered marriage in his life, let alone having a woman who would take him away from his favorite thing to do.
"Huwag ka magsalita ng tapos, Leve. Baka makain mo 'yang sinabi mo, at kung magkatotoo man, isa ako sa mga magdidiwang." Nakakrus ang mga brasong saad ng kapatid. Sa kanilang magkakapatid, si Frencia ang may magiliw na personalidad, pero may pagkatabil din ang bunganga niya.
"Never, Cia. N-E-V-E-R," Leveius insisted and turned around. Pinagtuunan na lamang ng binata ang hawak niyang video camera na siyang gagamitin nito sa kanyang eksplorasyon. Leveius had been fond of expeditions for a while, filming while he travels. In fact, he just recently arrived from Mande, and decided to stroll along towards Adelaide Abode.
As Queen Seisha arrived on the deck, the chatter subsided. She addressed the group, her voice commanding attention. "Is everyone ready?"
Lutch and Admiral replied in unison, "Yes, Your Majesty!"
King Lucius scanned everyone. "Where is Valan?"
As if a cue, Valan appeared on the deck, his presence commanding respect. Of course, as he and the blue still as one, he will be the one to command the ship, and navigate to the waters. "We will set the course in 10 minutes."
Frencia's eyes lit up with excitement. She couldn't contain her emotions and ended up raising her hands upwards. "Adventure awaits!"
Her other brother, King Lucius, offered a gentle reminder. "Remember, Cia, this is not a vacation. We are embarking on a mission."
The Princess pressed her lips forward. "Ang killjoy niyo lahat."
Kalaunan ay lahat ng atensyon nila ay napukos sa harap ng gumalaw ang barko. Princess Frencia stood at the bow of the ship, the wind playing with her hair, a glimmer of determination in her eyes. The ship's sturdy hull, its billowing sails, and the determination of its crew echoed their unwavering resolve.
The anticipation and determination filled the air as the Blue Steel ship prepared to set sail. Each member of the expedition carried their own hopes and goals, united in their purpose to confront the challenges that awaited them in the pursuit of justice and reclaiming their future.
As the ship set sail, leaving the shore behind, a sense of purpose filled the air. The Blue Steel cut through the waves with grace and power, carrying its valiant crew towards Adelaide Abode, their destination and the heart of their mission. The journey ahead would be perilous, but their bond and the power of the Blue Steel will never be shaken.
"My love," Lucius whispered towards her wife. He noticed the silence in her Majesty, and as he held her hands, caressing it to ease her tensions, Seisha smiled. "Everything will be alright. She will help us."
"Fate of Esher let her go, because she didn't do anything to defy nor bargain with her," Seisha said with a voice of determination. Her gaze diverted towards Frencia's back. "I hope Selene will help Frencia. Just this once, I will beg. She's too young for a trial, Lucius. Fate should have excluded her."
"We don't know what Fate of Esher plans while gathering these fragments. But one thing is for sure, the moment I knew she put Cia into the list of the fragments, I will no longer hold my peace." Lucius' voice was filled with seriousness. His determination to protect his little sister had led this mission to commence.
Frencia's transgression is coming, they don't know when exactly, but they are afraid of the impact. Because they knew that another soul had to enter the body to begin the trial, and the King and Queen didn't want that to happen.
"How about Valan?" Seisha whispered. "He is longing for her, but he knows his responsibilities. When will you stop giving him missions and let them have their time?"
Lucius let out a sigh. "Dion resigned from being the General, and Vyrre is now a parent of two kids. I can't trust Zaryn unless that punk is dedicated, who else should be in my command?"
"The new General?" Seisha replied. "Ezekiel is dedicated."
"Ezekiel is adjusting to his new role. I can't give him a heavy task," Lucius said as his arms circled around his wife. They both looked at the vast ocean's beauty and tranquility. "If you are thinking about Erenux, I can't trust him yet. He's a Revenian Gentry, he may be here in Zegordia for a peace treaty, but Lurren had said that Erenux's connection to the Emperor of Revenia has a slight turn."
"Wala pa naman akong sinabi," natatawang saad na lamang ng Reyna. Lucius really knows his wife well. Well, Lucius only has a few loyal people that can carry out his order, and Valan is the most outstanding one. "I know Blue Steel is the West's guardian right now, but I hope he had a choice."
"He will be," Lucius whispered. "Trust me, he will be."
Their journey to the Adelaide Abode was arduous, spanning several days and plagued by a relentless three-day thunderstorm. Despite the challenges, they finally arrived at the Cove, where a sense of anticipation filled the air among those aboard the ship and those awaiting their arrival on the shore.
As the Blue Steel ship docked, Frencia's excitement erupted, and she called out Selene's name with uncontainable joy. She sprinted towards Selene, enveloping her in a tight embrace. Selene, though surprised by Frencia's sudden arrival, was happy to see her once again. However, her anticipation centered more on seeing Valan first. She couldn't help but notice Selene's slight whimper as she hugged her, but dismissed it in the excitement of the moment.
"I missed you so much!"
"Frencia... I am glad to see you again," Selene uttered, her voice filled with warmth. While her joy was evident, her eyes scanned the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of Valan among the gathering. Frencia released her embrace, her gaze shifting to the people of Adelaide. Her enthusiasm radiated as she greeted them, her words filled with familiarity. "Hi, people! I mean, hi, merfolk!"
"Selene," Queen Seisha called out her name, her voice conveying a mix of relief and concern. At this point, Selene's attention was fully captured by the sights before her. Apart from the Queen, the rest of her companions emerged from the ship.
"Glad to see you again, mermaid!" Lutch exclaimed, his voice brimming with relief and excitement.
"You're as beautiful as ever, Selene!" Admiral's voice trembled with tears as he gazed at her.
"Selene," King Lucius uttered, his voice filled with a sense of reassurance and strength.
"Selene! You look... like you've been through a lot. Are you alright?" Leveius, observant as always, was the first to notice the exhaustion etched on her face. His words alarmed everyone present.
"Oh, right..." Selene replied with a faint smile. "I've just returned from a treacherous encounter with pirates that lasted two weeks."
"Pirates? Are pirates real? Oh my gosh, why didn't anyone tell me they were real?" Frencia's excitement overshadowed any fear she might have felt.
"Are you okay?" Seisha asked, her voice laced with genuine concern.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Selene lied, trying to conceal the weariness she felt. "Where is Valan?"
A hush fell over the group, and all eyes turned in the same direction. Valan emerged from the door, his steps deliberate and filled with anticipation, longing, and love. Selene couldn't bear the distance between them any longer. Without hesitation, she closed the gap between them, rushing into Valan's arms, finding solace in his embrace.
"I missed you," Valan whispered, his voice filled with longing and affection. Finally, his heartfelt words reached Selene's ears, and she couldn't help but feel the same way. "I missed you so much."
"I missed you too," Selene replied, her voice carrying the weight of their separation. It was a brief moment of solace, as their reunion was interrupted by the pressing reason for their voyage. Time was of the essence, and they had important matters to discuss.
This venture had a plot that needed to commence in the future. Something that Seisha has been anticipating ever since the trial ended. With Selene's help, her goals will be reached. Also, this matter is connected to Salazar's threat. Even if the story is ending, the plot just has another string, heading to another part.
"Let's all gather in my office," Selene suggested, taking charge of the situation. "Sigrid, please lead the way."
As they walked together towards Selene's office, Valan held Selene's hand tightly, cherishing the connection they had regained. "We won't be staying for long," he whispered, a hint of sadness in his voice.
A pang of pain resonated within Selene's chest as she looked at him. "I know, Valan," she acknowledged, understanding the urgency of their mission.
"Don't worry, Selvy. We'll be here for a few months," Frencia chimed in, her words filled with genuine happiness. Her optimism brought a smile to Selene's face.
"After this evening, we will consider the following months to be a vacation," The Queen uttered with a gentle smile on her face. All of them knew that this couple had to spend time together.
"That's all I need," Selene said softly, her gaze shifting to meet Valan's eyes. "A short time is all I need, as long as I have you by my side."
Indeed, not all stories have a conventional happy ending or a bittersweet goodbye. Sometimes, contentment lies in accepting the flow of life, knowing that time has its own way of reuniting those who have been separated.
In that moment, they found solace in the knowledge that their love was resilient and their connection transcended physical distance. They embraced the contentment of the present, knowing that the future would unfold as it should.
The tale of Valan and Selene is not about reaching a definitive conclusion, but about embracing the journey and finding peace in the understanding that their paths will intertwine once again. And with that assurance, they faced the challenges ahead, ready to fulfill their mission and cherish the moments they had together, however fleeting they may be.
וו×| END | וו×