Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Wagner calmly raised his hands while my eyes were shifting from Wagner to the assassin. I could see that his grip on the gun was tight, and he fixed his eyes on Wagner. We didn’t shake him at all.

“Vad Wagner, IIF has been looking for you. You need to follow me for an interrogation,” the assassin firmly said.

“W-well… drop your weapon first,” I said.

“I can’t do that.”

“Are you crazy? You almost killed what you’re looking for and you expect us to cooperate?” Wagner interrupted.

“We can’t let Wagner escape. He’s wanted. Also, we only need him. You’re not included. We don’t even know you.”

Wagner’s face darkened. It might be hard for him to accept that no one recognizes him aside from me.

“You don’t know me? Let me show you who I am,” Wagner said and grabbed the gun from the assassin.

It turns out that the assassin was as skilled as he is. They exchanged punches and bruises. But I admit Wagner was faster. I guess being skinny was an advantage.

Wagner blew the assassin to the floor and pointed the gun at his face.

“Based on my movements, do you recognize me now?” Wagner asked.

“No.”

Wagner smirked.

“Wrong answer. I’m Vad Wagner, idiot,” he said before pulling the trigger.

He blew the tip of the gun and smiled.

“Are you satisfied? You don’t look cool,” I said.

“I’ll be more satisfied if you jump out of the window,” he replied.

I rolled my eyes.

“They have destroyed your house. What do you feel about that?”

“I don’t mind. I can buy two more.”

I slowly stood up while covering my wound. Every step hurt that I’d rather die than endure it.

“Let’s go swimming,” he said.

We went out and looked for his boat.

My mouth flung open when we found a yacht. It wasn’t an ordinary yacht because it looked like it came out straight from star wars. I rubbed my eyes to make sure that I wasn’t dreaming.

“Is this yours?” I asked in shock.

“Of course. No one else could afford it here aside from me.”

As we went inside the yacht, the pain I felt temporarily vanished. It was my first time riding a yacht, an expensive one.

I looked at the view from where we were and I could only see colossal rocks which seem sculpted to look like art emerging at the sea. The chilly wind gently slapped my face.

I closed my eyes and imagined my mother. I thought that she’s doing fine without me and even if I die at any moment, it’s not her loss. She’s always busy with work because of me, so if I die, I guess she’ll work less.

The most wonderful thing about death must be with Osca.

“You won’t die.”

I looked at Wagner, who was walking towards me. Do we share the same thoughts?

He stopped beside me and looked at the sea.

“Because our mission isn’t over yet. Besides, I will not let that happen. Unlike your so-called guardian angel, I can protect you,” he said.

“Thanks,” I replied.

“Don’t get me wrong. I’m not doing you a favor. I just want my body back alive.”

Like what I’ve thought. I don’t expect any concern from him.

“I dreamed about something. It was a nightmare,” I said while staring blankly at the ocean.

“Let me guess. Did I die? Because that’s a nightmare, not for me but for the world. This planet lacks competent people like me.”

“Everything is not all about you. You should create your own world so I could accept that you’re a God.”

There was silence after I said those words. Maybe Wagner realized I wasn’t joking around.

“A monster was pulling be beneath the sea. Osca tried to help me, but he couldn’t. I feel like it’s a bad omen. Something bad is going to happen.”

“I’m right after all. That guardian angel of yours is no good. He’s just sending you messages, but he’s not around on the actual fight. Who would believe them these days?”

His pessimism was making me feel much worse.

“I don’t even know where we are going,” I said.

“Me too.”

I pierced my deadly stare at him.

“What? As far as I could remember, it was your idea to go to an adventure. I’m granting your wish, I’m your genie now. An adventure is more fun without a map, you know,” he said like he’s a genius.

“You think these are fun?” I said in anger.

“Why are you roaring like a tiger? What do you want me to do? Cry until I drop dead? Our situation is not funny at all, but I’m just being optimistic so don’t ruin the mood. Since you can’t think straight at this moment, I’ll be your brain.”

Our argument didn’t last long because it’s tiring to fight against him. He always has something to say, and I ended up sounding like a fool.

The night came by in a blink of an eye. Wagner was asleep while I was still outside.

I could only see darkness. The icy breeze and the sound of silence made the mood tormenting. I tightly hugged myself as tears flowed down my cheeks. I couldn’t describe how miserable I was.

Everything sank in my mind. I’m hopeless and stuck with a psycho. I don’t know where the waves would lead us and what trouble awaits us in the middle of the road.

I kept asking myself when the curse will end. I’m want to turn back the time. If I could, then I wouldn’t do the ritual. I will endure the pain of being weak. I need my old life back.

If I could turn back time, I’d rather run to save my dad from being hit by a car. I would like to die instead because my life without him by my side is meaningless.

I suddenly remembered the dream I had the other day. Osca told me we have the chance to go back to our original body.

“There’s a way for you to get rid of Wagner. I mean a way to take his soul to where it truly belongs. There’s a ritual. It’s the ritual of convergence,” Osca said.

“Where is it?”

“It’s on the other side of this world.”

“What do you mean? Which side?”

“The mythical world, the world that you opened. Enter the door and close it from the inside. You’re the only one who can do it since you unlocked it.”

I wonder what it means. It makes little sense. If there’s really a door, I must find it.

I saw a light from afar. It was getting closer. I had a good feeling about it. I think Osca sent us something to guide us like the bright star in the holy bible.

It was the star of Bethlehem who led the three wise men to Jesus. I wish that this light would also lead us to the right route where we should be.

I narrowed my eyes to see what it was. Fortunately, it was a ship. I think we could ask for help.

The massive ship drew nearer to us. It entered with a grand entrance through the fog. Music was playing inside my head like I’ve seen this scene from a Hollywood film. The figment of my imagination created the sound of trumpets as it approaches us.

It stopped as its door opened, slamming down a wooden platform to fill the gap between our yacht and their ship.

Three men went out. They were wearing clothing that I’ve never seen before. They look odd but decent.

Their clothing comprises a canvas doublet and breeches, knitted caps, cotton waistcoats and drawers, stockings, linen shirts, and shoes. Most colors used were crimson and dark blue. The sight of them overwhelmed my eyes.

They stopped in front of me. I was slightly nervous because they look like troublemakers. They have the vibes of those campus gangsters who walk down the hallway.

An old man with a red beard who stood in the middle of the two spoke to me.

“Hello, fellow traveler.”

His accent differed from mine. He sounded like a grandfather who’s telling a bedtime story to his grandchildren.

“Ugh… Hello,” I replied.

I felt awkward and unsure about what’s going to happen. I couldn’t look straight into his eyes.

“I am captain Orley Nebuchister El Katanaga De Casteganio Ellisto Puedonito Bastamtike.”

He laid his hand in front of me. I almost got lost with his name.

“I’m… Kylo Morris,” I replied.

I shook his hands and forced a smile.

“Where are you headed?” one of his men said.

“I’m actually lost and I have nowhere else to go,” I replied.

“It’s dangerous to sail alone,” the captain said.

“I’m with someone.”

A screeching sound interrupted our conversation as Wagner came out. His eyes were half-opened.

“Kylo? You’re in my dream?” he said.

I guess he was still sleepy.

“Did we wake you up?” I asked.

“Who are these mediocre? Is this a costume party? They dress like my great grandfather in World War I,” he said.

I bit my lower lip in shame.

He diverted his attention to the ship.

“What’s that? Is that Noah’s Ark? No wonder they look like animals,” he said, then burst into laughter.

I walked towards him and smelled him.

“Are you drunk?” I asked.

He smiled.

“Am I?”

I was massaging my forehead to control my anger.

I went back to the gentlemen with anguish clear on my face.

“I apologize for her unruly behavior, captain. She’s drunk,” I said.

“Is she your daughter?” the captain asked.

“No. she’s my step-sister.”

“I’m amazed by her alcohol tolerance.”

I smiled bitterly.

“Would you like to join my crew?” he asked.

I was hesitant. My sweat was dripping from my forehead even though the atmosphere was cold.

“Don’t worry. We can protect you. We have 40 cannons and 100 men in case we spot an enemy,” he added.

Knowing that they were armed with a heavy vessel, it scared me. This might be a battleship. They were more dangerous than I expected.

“Okay. It’s our pleasure to join you, captain,” I said.

It was the best option I had in mind, not because they can protect us but because I was afraid that they might kill us if I said no. It’s better to be prisoners and have the chance to escape than be dead without defending ourselves.

I grabbed Wagner’s arms and helped him walk properly because he was like a zombie.

“Where are you taking me?” he asked.

“Somewhere without alcohol,” I replied.

“What? That can’t be. Give me my beer back.”

He was weeping like a baby.

“Will you please shut up?” I whispered.

“How dare you talk back to me? You are not my best friend anymore!”

He pushed me away.

“What is wrong with you?”

It irritated me.

“You’re the one who’s wrong!”

I clenched my fist and punched his face. He dropped to the floor and lay there peacefully. Being noisy inside a ship guarded by lots of men won’t do us any good.

Fortunately, I could sleep. I forced myself to get some rest because we need energy if things go wrong.

“Kylo?”

I glanced at Wagner, who just woke up.

“You’re sober now. Good for me,” I said sarcastically.

He touched his head, trying to recall what happened.

“Where are we?” he asked.

“Inside a ship.”

“Why are we here? Did something bad happen?”

“I don’t know if our situation is good or another trouble.”

He went out and stood on the deck. The waves of the ocean smashed the sides of the ship as the wind blew swiftly.

“What’s going on?” he asked.

He roamed his eyes around. He paused while looking up.

“What the hell… Are you crazy?” he hissed as he faced me.

“What’s wrong?”

“Don’t you know where we are? We are inside a pirate ship. Can’t you recognize that flag?”

He pointed at the flag with a skull on it.

“You are leading us to death!”