Kite stood entranced, his fingers loosely gripping the weathered wooden railing of the skyship as he peered into the vast, sunlit expanse above. The salt-kissed breeze curled around him, ruffling his already tousled brown curls as he inhaled deeply, the fresh scent of the open sky and distant sea filling his lungs.
The distant crashing of waves far below echoed faintly, a rhythmic hymn of the ocean that blended with the occasional creak of the ship’s hull and the steady footsteps of workers and guests traversing the deck. But Kite’s attention was drawn upward—to the heavens themselves.
Above him, The Ether Harbingers—colossal dragon-like beings—soared in effortless harmony with the floating ships. Their crystalline wings refracted sunlight, scattering prismatic shards of color across the sky like living stained glass. Their mist-like bodies shimmered ethereally, as if woven from the very fabric of existence, shifting seamlessly between form and void.
Each one moved with an angelic grace, their wings casting gentle, rippling breezes that cascaded over the deck, sending a cool draft through the warm air. Kite sighed softly, tilting his head back as the wind kissed his skin, momentarily cooling him from the twin suns’ embrace.
Beside him, Rad leaned lazily over the railing, his arms draped across it like a tired cat as he stared absentmindedly at the ocean below. His eyes followed the luminous aquatic creatures that swam just beneath the surface, their glowing forms shifting through the water in mesmerizing patterns.
Then, after a long moment of silence, Rad finally let out an exaggerated yawn before speaking. “So, uh… how long will this trip take, exactly?”
At first, Ray didn’t respond. He sat perched effortlessly atop the railing, his arms crossed, his gaze locked on the horizon, as if peering beyond what mortal eyes could perceive. His mechanical frame was eerily still, the only movement coming from the occasional flicker of cosmic energy in his glowing bi-colored eyes.
Then, without looking at Rad, he finally spoke. “It will take about a day or two for the ship to reach a port.” His voice was calm, nonchalant, distant.
Rad’s eyes widened immediately in horror. “A day or two!?” He exclaimed in disbelief.
He straightened up so fast that the crew members passing by shot him amused glances. Ray smirked slightly at his reaction, while Kite quirked an eyebrow, intrigued but not nearly as concerned.
Rad, however, groaned dramatically, throwing his arms into the air. “Oh, come on! I’m gonna die of sea sickness out here!” He grumbled, dragging his hands down his face. “I was not made for this life, man.”
Kite finally tore his gaze away from the celestial wonders above, his head tilting toward Ray. “Two days, huh?” He echoed, frowning slightly. “Why can’t you just teleport us there?”
Ray shrugged effortlessly, hovering off the railing, his small robotic frame levitating a few feet above the ground, the faint glow of his cosmic aura leaving tiny ripples in the air. “I do not feel like it.” He stated plainly.
Kite blinked in confusion. “…What?”
Rad looked equally as dumbfounded. “You don’t—?”
Ray ignored their exasperation, instead glancing toward a group of crew members passing by. Their booming laughter and casual conversation filled the air, a stark contrast to the urgency Rad seemed to feel.
“Besides,” Ray continued, “time moves quicker in this universe. So don’t worry about your parents; they won’t even notice you’re gone.”
Kite’s eyes widened slightly, his curiosity now outweighing his mild frustration. “Whoa, really?” He leaned in slightly. “How much faster are we talking?”
Even Rad’s previous irritation faded as he turned around, a look of intrigue now painted across his face. “Wait, wait, wait,” he interjected, “are we gonna have wrinkles when we get back?”
Ray chuckled softly, shaking his head. “No, we won’t be here that long.” He lifted his cybernetic hands, gesturing as he explained. “Basically, one hour in your universe is one day here. And one day in your universe… is about a month in this one.”
Kite’s mouth widened slightly in amazement. “That’s so trippy!”
Rad let out a slow, contented sigh as he turned towards the vibrant sky, his arms lazily draping over the ship’s railing. The warm sea breeze rolled across his face, carrying with it the scent of salt, aged wood, and the faint aroma of spices wafting from below deck. His gaze flickered over the endless expanse of rolling ocean waves, stretching far beyond where the twin suns dipped toward the horizon.
“Yeah, I guess that is pretty cool.” His voice was casual, but there was a hint of genuine appreciation in his tone as he took in the peaceful scenery.
Ray, who had been observing their surroundings in silent contemplation, chuckled softly at their responses. But the moment was soon broken by the unmistakable sound of a loud stomach growl.
Kite blinked, then let out a dramatic groan as he clutched his abdomen. “Man, I’m hungry now,” he announced, rubbing his stomach as if he had just been struck by starvation.
Rad barely had time to roll his eyes before Kite perked up with an excited grin.
“Imma see if there’s free food here!” Without another word, he spun on his heels and took off in a light jog, weaving effortlessly between the crew members and travelers on deck, his beige jacket fluttering behind him as he disappeared into the bustling heart of the skyship.
Rad and Ray watched him go, the sound of Kite’s footsteps gradually fading into the ship’s lively atmosphere. Then, after a beat, Ray finally spoke.
“I too will be leaving. I wish to try out the locals’ food.” Rad turned his head slightly, raising an eyebrow as he watched Ray’s small, robotic frame hover effortlessly into the air, his cosmic energy flickering faintly around him like a living aurora.
“Really?” Rad smirked, pushing himself off the railing. “You don’t even need to eat.”
Ray paused mid-hover, turning slightly so that his glowing cybernetic eyes caught the sunlight. A slow, knowing smirk played across his lips. “I merely wish to enjoy our vacation, is all.”
And with that, he ascended effortlessly, his form blending into the golden light of the afternoon sky as he drifted away, leaving Rad alone with the sound of the waves and the murmur of the bustling ship. Rad’s gaze lingered on the empty space where Ray had hovered just moments before, his bi-colored glow now nothing more than a fading trace in the golden afternoon light.
For a moment, Rad stood there, his expression unreadable, before he slowly tilted his head, as if weighing the words left behind. Then, with a small huff through his nose, he smirked slightly.
“Fair point.” His voice was soft, spoken more to himself than anyone else.
As he turned his gaze back toward the endless ocean horizon, the wind gently rustled through his messy brown bangs, sending loose strands flicking against his forehead. The warmth of the twin suns pressed lightly against his skin, tempered by the cool whisper of the sea breeze.
Rad took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh scent of the open sky, of salt and distant spice, of sun-warmed wood and adventure carried on the wind. For the first time in what felt like forever, a moment of true peace settled over him.
A content smile formed at the corners of his lips as he leaned further onto the railing, his fingers absentmindedly drumming against the polished wood. “At least I can finally get some peace and quiet now…”
His words drifted lazily into the air, dissolving into the gentle hum of the skyship, blending with the rhythmic crashing of waves far below. But Rad—lost in his moment of tranquility—never noticed the tiny, flickering glow of scarlet light creeping toward him.
It fluttered weightlessly through the air, a wisp of mystical energy, its form ever-shifting, pulsing softly like embers caught in an unseen breeze. It danced playfully, weaving through the drifting motes of dust illuminated by the sunlight, growing closer with each passing second.
And then—it hovered just beside him. Its tiny beige hands rubbed together with pure, unfiltered mischief as its iridescent wings fluttered rapidly in excitement.
This one’s perfect! The thought crackled through the small being like lightning, its glow pulsing slightly brighter as it prepared to make its move. Kite strode confidently through the bustling heart of the skyship, his curious eyes scanning everything around him as he passed through the deck’s lively market and communal spaces.
The air was rich with movement, voices, and the scent of foreign spices wafting from food stalls. The warm glow of hanging lanterns, powered by small floating crystals, cast an inviting golden light over the crew and guests who moved about their routines.
Kite passed by a group of avian chimeric beings, their gold-threaded sashes shimmering as they perched effortlessly along the ship’s mast, their keen eyes scanning the horizon. Some adjusted the sails of the floating ship, their taloned fingers nimble as they fastened intricate knots, while others called out to one another in a language filled with clicks and chirps.
To his right, a few mechanical humanoids, their bodies composed of polished brass and silver plating, were engaged in a game of strategy at a small wooden table. Their glowing ember-like eyes flickered as they considered their moves, their delicate fingers adjusting intricately carved chess pieces that levitated ever so slightly above the board.
Further down, tall elven-like beings, their iridescent skin shimmering with faint sky-like hues, gathered around a large navigation device, their hands weaving through glowing runes suspended midair as they adjusted the ship’s course using magic-infused technology. Kite grinned as he took it all in, his excitement growing by the second.
“This ship’s got everything,” he muttered under his breath, his stomach growling once again. “Now where’s the buffet?”
Wandering deeper into the labyrinthine corridors, Kite soon found himself lost. The once open and vibrant skyship deck had given way to narrow wooden halls, the sounds of the bustling ship now muffled as he walked past rows of intricately carved doors, each marked with strange runes and personal sigils.
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The wooden floors creaked faintly under his steps as he turned a corner, only to be greeted by a hallway unlike any other. The walls were lined with tall glass cases, each housing trophies, medals, and enchanted moving pictures that flickered softly in the dim lantern light.
Kite’s eyes widened in amazement as he stepped forward, his reflection warping slightly against the curved glass cases as he peered inside. The shimmering medals hung delicately from navy-blue ribbons, their surfaces engraved with intricate markings of victories long past.
Some bore the sigil of the skyship itself, a swirling storm surrounded by an unfurled sail, while others showcased battle insignias, celestial maps, and ancient symbols of naval prestige. But what truly caught Kite’s attention were the magical photographs, shifting and moving like fragments of history frozen in time.
In many of them, the towering reptilian captain stood proudly alongside his crew, his deep blue scales catching the light as he posed with a confident, toothy grin. His naval officer’s coat, lined with brass buttons polished to perfection, sat snug against his broad frame, his forked tongue flicking in and out as he laughed.
His long tail swayed rhythmically, the energy of his crew radiating through the still-living images. Kite chuckled at one of the photos where the captain was caught mid-argument with an avian chimera crew member, the two frozen in what looked like a heated but ultimately playful exchange.
But then, Kite’s gaze drifted toward a different set of pictures. Unlike the rest, these weren’t of just the crew.
They depicted a young human boy with reptilian features, standing beside a woman and the towering captain. The boy, no older than ten, grinned wildly as his mother ruffled his messy dark hair.
His golden, slitted eyes shone with energy, his hands gripping the captain’s coat sleeve as they posed for the picture. The woman beside them smiled warmly, her presence bringing a softer air to the image as she leaned against the captain.
A genuine family moment. But as Kite’s eyes flicked to the next set of photographs, his grin slowly faded.
In later images, the boy had grown into a teenager, standing more independently now—but the warmth was gone. His mother was absent.
The captain’s once boisterous expression was more subdued, his gaze not as sharp, his tail not swaying as it once did. The teenage boy in the picture stood beside him, but they were no longer as close, a subtle but unmistakable distance between them.
The longer Kite stared, the more the weight of those missing pieces settled into his chest. His brows furrowed slightly.
“…Where’d she go?” he muttered to himself, his voice barely above a whisper as he stood in front of the glass case, lost in thought.
Kite stood motionless in front of the glass case, his eyes flickering between the moving images of the reptilian captain and his family. The difference between the earlier and later pictures felt like night and day—once filled with warmth and joy, now distant and solemn.
Then, suddenly, a voice cut through the silence like a blade. “She’s missing.”
The words were spoken bitterly, carrying an undercurrent of frustration that immediately snapped Kite from his thoughts. He jolted slightly in surprise before whipping around to face the source of the voice.
Standing a few feet away was a teenage boy, one that looked eerily familiar—the very same boy from the photos, now older, taller, and with a hardened expression. His golden, slitted eyes glowed faintly beneath the dim lantern light, their sharpness enhanced by the deep shadows cast against his tan skin. His dark, wavy hair was wild and unkempt, falling messily around his face, the strands shifting ever so slightly with his movements.
He was dressed like a true sky pirate, a dark blue, open-fronted coat with golden accents draped over his shoulders. The coat’s high collar partially obscured a fitted, white linen shirt tucked into his weathered leather belt, where various pouches, a small dagger, and an intricate compass hung loosely.
His dark trousers were reinforced with patched seams, clearly worn from years of travel, and his sturdy boots bore scuff marks from countless adventures. His presence alone radiated an aura of quiet resilience, but his arms remained tightly crossed, his stance tense yet unwavering. “Went off on some expedition and never came back.” He added on somberly as he folded his arms.
“Oh…” Kite hesitated, shifting slightly as his excitement faded into an awkward seriousness. “Uh, I’m sorry to hear that.”
The boy huffed, his expression tightening for a moment before he shook his head dismissively. “It’s whatever.” His voice was firm, unwavering. “She’s still out there, I know it.”
He lifted his chin slightly, determination burning behind his golden eyes. “I’ll find her no matter what.”
Kite tilted his head slightly, raising an eyebrow. “Do you even know where to look?”
The boy didn’t answer at first. Instead, he clenched his jaw and turned his gaze away, his fingers twitching slightly.
“I’ll… figure it out.” His voice was quieter now, but still defensive. Then, almost as an afterthought, he muttered under his breath. “It’s only been six years.”
Kite’s eyes immediately widened as he took a step forward. “Whoa! Six years!?”
The boy visibly tensed, his arms tightening around his chest before he exhaled sharply through his nose.
“Yes, six years,” he snapped, huffing irritably. “Hardly any time at all!”
Kite winced slightly at his tone, cringing inwardly as he tried to find a way to be polite about it. But before he could say anything, the boy narrowed his eyes, clearly catching on to Kite’s hesitation. His tail, previously still, flicked slightly behind him as his frustration bubbled over.
“She’s still alive.” The words were spoken with absolute certainty, as if daring anyone to say otherwise. Kite quickly raised his hands, opening his mouth to apologize, but the boy barreled on, pacing back and forth as he continued.
“You have no idea how many times I’ve heard people tell me to ‘move on.’ That it’s been ‘too long.’ That I should just ‘accept it’ already.” His voice grew sharper, laced with unfiltered irritation. “But they don’t get it! She’s not dead. I KNOW she’s not.”
His boots thudded heavily against the wooden floor as he pivoted on his heel, running a hand through his messy hair in frustration. Then, more bitterly, he added, “At this point, I think my dad doesn’t even want to find her.”
Kite frowned at that. “That’s probably not true,” he interjected, watching the boy carefully. “I bet he misses her a lot.”
The boy rolled his eyes dramatically, throwing his hands up in exasperation. “Tch—May the Void take it all.”
Kite blinked, his brows knitting together. “Wait—what does that mean?”
The boy paused mid-step, glancing at him with mild surprise before his gaze shifted over Kite’s unusual clothing and general appearance.
There was a moment of silence. Then, realization dawned across his face. “You’re not from here, are you?” He raised an eyebrow.
Kite grinned sheepishly and placed his hands behind his head. “Nope! I’m on an adventure.”
The boy stared at him for a beat, then suddenly barked out a laugh—a genuine, amused chuckle that seemed to break through the tension like a gust of fresh wind.
Kite tilted his head. “What? What’s so funny?”
The boy shook his head, still smirking as he calmed down. “Sorry, sorry. I just… didn’t expect that kind of response.”
Kite frowned slightly, placing his hands on his hips. “Uh-huh.”
The boy’s gaze briefly flickered down to Kite’s wrists, noticing the twin bracelets for the first time. His eyes lingered on them, curiosity flashing behind his golden irises—but he didn’t comment.
Instead, he chuckled softly before gesturing over his shoulder. “You shouldn’t be back here anyway,” he remarked, turning to walk away.
Then, as if on a whim, he glanced back with a small smirk. “Come on. You’re probably pretty hungry, right? Food’s on me.”
Kite’s eyes widened in excitement, his grin returning in full force. “Heck yeah!”
Without hesitation, he jogged up to the boy’s side, falling into step beside him as they made their way down the hall.
The boy laughed, shaking his head in mild amusement. “You’re a weird one, y’know that?”
Kite just grinned wider. “I get that a lot.”
The wooden planks beneath their feet groaned softly as Kite and Bastion strode through the ship’s winding corridors, the lanterns lining the walls casting flickering golden light against the aged metal and wooden beams. The air was filled with the distant hum of activity—the clinking of glasses, the murmur of laughter, the occasional shout of a drunken patron.
Bastion glanced over at Kite as they walked, his smirk still lingering. “Name’s Bastion, by the way.”
Kite grinned, stretching his arms behind his head as he walked. “Kite Caulder.”
Bastion chuckled, rolling the name over in his mind. “Kite, huh? That’s an interesting name. Sounds peaceful… reminds me of something.”
Kite tilted his head slightly. “Oh yeah? Reminds you of what?”
Bastion didn’t immediately answer, instead glancing forward, his golden eyes flickering with something unreadable. Then, just as Kite was about to ask again, they stepped into the dimly lit dining hall.
The air inside was thick with the scent of roasted meats, spiced vegetables, and exotic fruits, mingling with the faint tang of enchanted smoke that drifted lazily from several vendors’ stalls. Floating lanterns, glowing in hues of blue, green, and deep amber, bobbed through the air like will-o’-the-wisps, casting an ethereal glow over the massive space.
Scattered throughout the hall were massive wooden tables, some carved with intricate runes that pulsed softly with magic, their occupants a mix of grizzled skyfarers, rowdy mercenaries, and cloaked figures hunched over their meals, speaking in hushed tones. At the far end of the hall, a towering bar stretched the length of the room, behind which a burly, four-armed bartender with iridescent skin poured glowing liquids into enchanted mugs.
The bottles lining the shelves behind him shimmered, their contents shifting colors with each flickering lantern light. Scattered throughout the hall were various vendors, their stalls arranged like a miniature marketplace within the ship itself. Some looked inviting and warm, offering goods that gleamed with magical energy—jewels that pulsed like beating hearts, daggers that whispered in hushed voices, spellbooks that turned their own pages, and crystalline compasses that glowed in response to hidden paths.
But others… others were far less inviting. Against the walls, in shadowed corners, stood shady merchants draped in dark, patchwork robes, their faces obscured beneath hoods or long, thick scarves. Their stalls weren’t adorned with glowing trinkets or polished goods—no, their wares were different.
Cages. Cages filled with companions.
Some held small, ethereal creatures, their bodies shimmering like mist, their eyes pleading. Others contained beasts of unknown origins, some with multiple eyes, others with limbs that twitched and reformed as if caught in a state of flux. But the worst… were the ones that spoke.
From a soundproof cage, a small humanoid figure with obsidian-black skin and silver eyes slammed his fists against the bars, his mouth moving rapidly in silent screams. Another cage contained a feathered serpent, its vibrant scales dulled from captivity, glaring defiantly at its captor. And yet, the vendors standing by these cages remained unfazed, their gleaming eyes studying the crowd, waiting, watching, ready for their next buyer.
Kite’s eyebrow twitched upward, his curiosity piqued, but before he could comment, Bastion spoke.
“It reminds me of a place.” Kite blinked, turning his attention back to Bastion as they wove through the tables. “What place?”
Bastion’s expression softened, his gaze turning reminiscent, almost… wistful. “A mythological land, far away from any civilization. A place of legends.” He glanced at Kite. “My mom used to tell me stories about it when I was a kid. During supper, or before bed.”
Kite perked up, his eyes gleaming with intrigue. “Oh, that’s awesome! What’s the place called?”
Bastion exhaled through his nose, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “Lots of names. Different cultures call it different things, but most know it as ‘The Shrouded Vale.’”
Kite nodded slowly, the name alone sparking excitement within him. “So, your mom was into that kinda stuff? Myths and legends?”
Bastion’s smile faltered, his expression growing solemn. “…She and my dad were always searching for it.”
Kite’s brows furrowed slightly, picking up on the shift in Bastion’s tone. He hesitated, then carefully asked, “Was that where your mom’s expedition was going?”
A moment passed before Bastion gave a single, slow nod. “Yeah.” His voice was quieter now. “Legends say that everyone who finds the Vale… never comes back. And those who do…”
Kite gulped as the two walked, feeling the weight in Bastion’s voice. “…What happened to the ones who came back?”
Bastion’s golden eyes darkened, his fingers twitching slightly as he crossed his arms. “They weren’t human anymore.”
Kite felt a chill creep down his spine. Bastion continued, his voice lower now, as if retelling something that should never be spoken aloud. “They came back… changed. Twisted. Feral. Like something had reached into their very souls and shattered whatever made them… them.”
He leaned slightly closer, his gaze unwavering. “Their eyes were hollow, glowing with something unnatural. Their skin—scarred and stretched, like it was trying to mold into something else. Their limbs—elongated, jagged, some with extra fingers, others missing entire body parts, as if they’d… decayed while still alive.”
Kite grimaced, suppressing a shudder. “That’s… horrifying!” Bastion nodded solemnly. “Yeah. And the worst part?” His voice dropped even lower, his expression grim.
“None of them could speak. Just… screeches. Hollow, empty noises—like they weren’t people anymore.”
A heavy silence hung between them as Kite tried to process it all. His fingers subconsciously brushed against the bracelets on his wrists, their once comforting presence now feeling strangely heavy.
After a moment, Kite let out a slow exhale, forcing a nervous chuckle. “Well…. that sounds like a fun place.”
Bastion chuckled somberly, shaking his head. “Yea... real fun.”
Kite smiled weakly, but his mind lingered on the story. Something about it… felt too real.