121 Consecutive Breakthroughs (1/2)
After traveling for several days, Ed and Flair arrived at a port in Los Angeles, California.
Ed's body lit up with a seven-colored glow as he melted his own flesh to shrink his height. His face looked like something out of a nightmare as his skin melted and reformed until he looked like Dupe. ”How is it?” He questioned Flair.
”Hmm...” She tilted her head to the side. ”Don't you need his hair too? You're practically bald right now and the color is wrong.”
”Ah, right.” He agreed. ”One second.” He flew back into the skies until he spotted a white bird. He quickly captured it and returned to the ground. A brief moment later, he finished melting the feathers into spiky looking white hair. ”Good now?” He asked.
”Mm.” She nodded while smiling. ”You look just like the birdbrain.”
”Good, let's go.”
The two headed for the docks. Seagulls flocked everywhere, covering the port in their less than desirable waste. Sea lions lazily rested on the docks, blocking the work of the sailors until a dog scared them away. Ed closed his eyes and slowly inhaled the salty aroma of the sea while a refreshing breeze cooled him off. ”Mm.” He nodded. ”I hate it already. Let's get out of here.”
”Eh, what's not to like?” Flair questioned. ”I think the breeze feels pretty good.”
”Tsk.” He clicked his tongue. ”It smells and feels sticky. I already want a shower.”
”Are you really the same person that spent months away in the wilderness and over half a year in the cage?” She chuckled. ”I never took you as someone obsessed with cleanliness.”
”I'll have you know I washed in clean lava almost every day in the cage.” He smiled. ”Besides, you'd be picky about being clean too if you were always covered in open wounds. Last thing I need is getting sick.”
”Can espers even get sick...?” She played with her hair, rubbing her hands along the ponytail. ”I don't think I've ever seen or heard of an esper getting sick.”
”Then maybe they can't.” He replied.
Soon, they arrived at a large steel ship. It wasn't as impressive as the ship Captain Fang had used years ago, though it was just as big. In fact, it looked extremely lacking for a long journey across the Pacific Ocean. There were no cannons or special weapons. The steel appeared ordinary in nature. There wasn't even a hint of manullium built into the hull.
”Governor Kismet, you've arrived!” A brawny man wearing a white captain's hat and white sailor uniform waved towards them from the boat. ”Come on board!”
Ed hesitated a moment before walking up a platform onto the ship, Flair following behind him.
”It's great to meet you!” The Captain enthusiastically shook his hand. ”I've been ordered to take you to Hawaii, where you will then transfer to another ship.” He pounded his chest. ”You have absolutely nothing to worry about. I'm a professional!”
”Right...” Ed nodded while looking around the ship. ”And how are you going to protect us from mutants during the voyage?”
”Haha, I thought you might ask that!” He lifted a whistle tied around his neck and blew into it. A short moment later, a chorus of footsteps echoed below deck. Nearly a hundred men appeared before the captain and saluted. ”Captain!” They loudly yelled.
”These are the finest espers under my command.” The Captain smiled proudly. ”With them on board, the journey will be smooth sailing. I've traveled through the Pacific dozens of times without a single issue. You can trust the words of Captain Eiden!”
”Alright...” Ed nodded. ”Let's set sail as soon as possible then. I've kept my acquaintances waiting long enough.”
”Of course!” The Captain agreed. He turned and yelled towards the crew. ”What are ye waiting for! Get yer asses moving! I ain't got all day! One of ye step outta line, and you'll be scrubbin the deck til dawn!”
Ed's eyes widened in surprise at the Captain's sudden change of speech.
The Captain hurriedly turned back around while smiling politely. He slowly flipped his hand, gesturing towards a staircase near the back of the deck. ”If you'll please follow me, I'll show you to your cabins. Dinner will be sent to your room as the sun sets. If you have any requests, please don't be afraid to let me know.” He began leading them downstairs.
'Creepy two-faced bastard.' Ed thought as he followed. He wasn't used to others treating him so politely. Hell, even his own Harmony members treated him like one of their own, rarely holding their tongues at all. 'I guess this is normal for a Governor...' He sighed to himself.
They traveled down a dimly lit hallway, passing dozens of rooms. ”Here we are.” The Captain smiled while glancing at Flair. ”I assure you miss, you have nothing to worry about. None of the crew would dare be disrespectful to our honored guests.”
”That's good.” She cheerfully smiled. ”My boss gets pretty scary when things don't go his way. It wouldn't be good for anyone if I'm made unhappy. After all, we share a special relationship!” She giggled.