MLIV C3, P4- "Fear Of The Deep"

"Fear Of The Deep" is the fourth Part of "Miracula Luxia IV" 's third Chapter.
It was released on 08.06.2022.
== Plot ==
Now that the matter has been settled, the true adventure of Alcander and his new allies can finally begin!
Having come to an agreement that a small raiding party must be the one that twarts Mordred Darkthrop's plans, our heroes decide to approach his new stronghold by sea. They hope that most of his forces would be caught unaware and not expect their arrival through the dark waters, but the truth is far different.
Darkthrop and his most trusted allies have already calculated the possibility of a major attack on sea. They know that someone would be foolhardy enough to give it a try, so he sends a large force to mow them down. However, unlike the previous times when he simply sent an unimportant captain to command them, he decides to send a full General this time.
With their enemies chasing them, Alcander and his friends unknowingly become the targets of a hot pursuit between good and evil. And yet, they refuse to give up, since it is clear that Darkthrop is close to achieving his ultimate goal and conquering the world. If they want to stop him, once and for all, it must be now.
The chances of actual success are rather low. However, there is a possibility that Darkthrop's forces will be weakened after the attack, allowing a different group of heroes to finish them off.
How will this meaningless conflict end?
== Story ==
As the boat sails across the dark waters, Alcander consults the map that Donovan gave him earlier.
"Are you sure that this is the territory that we're looking for?"
Donovan nods.
"My scouts found many ways to trick Darkthrop into believing that he's being watched."- He says- "The old one's paranoid to the bone, so we charted this map for someone who clearly has skill in defeating evil beings. Like you."
Alcander smiles.
"Well. I'm flattered."- He says- "But why did you choose me? Don't you have better heroes in Goznor, ready to give their lives away to protect the Order?"
Donovan shakes his head.
"You see, it's not that easy to find the right people."- He replies- "Ever since Silas Evans, one of Goznor's greatest heroes, left the kingdom to avenge the deaths of his family, many of his fellow heroes have grown rather... fearful. Unsure. They want to do the right thing, but they're not willing to pay the cost for it."
Alcander sighs.
"What a bunch of cowards."- He mutters under his breath.
He looks at Donovan.
"The name that you mentioned, though. It seems rather familiar to me."- He says- "Are you talking about Silas Evans- the young man who has been travelling around the world and searching for a way to redeem himself for his past mistakes?"
Donovan nods.
"There are many heroes like him. However, none of them are brave enough to show such a high level of altruism. Silas is one in a million. He is a kind boy, if a little erratic at times."- He says and sighs- "Ever since I met him for the first time, as a friend of his, I immediately recognized the look on his face. The guilt of not doing the right thing in time. Silas suffered a lot because of Darkthrop and we share the same pain. I know that, because I felt the same way when I lost Aiden. And that's why we've been on friendly terms for so long. He knows me and I know him. I am confident that he's strong enough to face Darkthrop's people one more time but, when we needed him the most, he disappeared."
Jonathan sighs.
"The kid's had quite the reputation of a troublemaker in the past. Often disagreeing with his parents, arguing with his friends and making a bad name for himself."- He says- "It's a miracle how much dark times like those change people. Some of them even become more... altruistic, so to say."
He smiles.
"I'm just saying that it's good to have redeemed heroes like Silas."- He adds- "I hope that we can find him soon."
Alcander nods.
"What about his family?"- He asks- "Is anyone still alive?"
Donovan nods.
"According to my calculations, I came to the conclusion that there is one who has survived the onslaught. One who was wise enough to run away before the situation got worse for him."- He says- "I believe that the person in question is Silas's grandpa. A virtuous and righteous lion of a man who's been living his life on the edge. Kind at heart, but fierce in battle. Age may have worn him down, but he's still as sharp as the day when he began helping people. Perhaps Silas was inspired by his actions and wanted to be like him."
He looks out at the sea ahead of them.
"If so, this means that we'll find them both in the same place... if our enemies don't get them first."
Alcander shakes his head.
"I refuse to leave two fellow heroes in need."- He says- "We will find them, no matter what it takes."
Donovan nods.
"And find them we shall."- He says- "But first, we need to analyze the map in our hands and use it in the most efficient way to annihilate Darkthrop before he can do anything to our friends."
Alcander looks at the map.
"Those lands seem so... dark."
Donovan nods.
"Our mapmaker was one of the witnesses of the ravaged wastelands that those fiends call their home. He wanted to interprete them in the best way possible, because that's the best way to show the horrors that heroes like us are getting through. At least, that is in his humble opinion."- He says- "Of course, he did not live long after seeing them. A tainted arrow struck him in the shoulder and poisoned him with a vile substance that our medics were unable to cure. While on the brink of death, he charted this map for us, claiming that it will be useful someday. Bless him for that consideration. I'm glad that his efforts were not put to waste."
Alcander sighs.
"It's a shame to hear what people have done to end Darkthrop's tyranny."- He says- "So many have died, just to stop him from advancing further."
Donovan smiles sadly.
"Look on the bright side, my friend."- He says- "Once we reach our destination, we'll be able to avenge them and prove that their sacrifices for the Order were not put to waste."
He looks at Jonathan.
"Is that so, Jon?"
Jonathan nods.
"Ever since I learned about Darkthrop for the first time, I came to despise him for what he did to the known lands. His actions were vile and nihilistic. He regarded humanity with disdain and claimed that his people will be the ones who will inherit this world. Life has always been meaningless to him, but now, he became as much of a heartless monster as any other villain known to history."- He says- "Mordred Darkthrop is responsible for the death of my grandmother. As I cried over her lifeless corpse, those fiends laughed at me. They said that I will be next. And then, they left. Ever since that time, I have been battle-hardened and ready to end their leader once and for all. And I'll stop at nothing to reach him."
Donovan smiles.
"See, Al?"- He says to Alcander- "Heroes like us have a lot of light within their souls. It's only a matter of the right words to make it shine again."
Alcander nods. He tries to be understanding to his friends, but he clearly cares about saving the people of this world more than making valiant speeches in dark times.
"In my years as a hero, I've never seen such horrifying lands."- He says- "From the looks of it, hazards might be lying everywhere. If we want to get past them, we must use the skills that we have learned throughout the years."
Donovan nods.
"Living or mechanical?"- He asks- "I know that a lot of tinkers have rebelled against the Order and joined Darkthrop's people once he took the lead as the world's most feared villain. But I'm not quite sure."
Alcander points at a large settlement at the west end of the map.
"By the way, what is this place supposed to be?"- He says- "I've heard myths about an ancient realm of evil on Earth, but I don't know if this could be it or not."
Donovan sighs.
"This is Darkthrop's greatest fortress, hidden from the prying eyes of heroes and visitors alike."- He says- "It's known as "World's End". And within good reason. Many good people have perished up there, thinking that they can end Darkthrop's tyranny. Oh, if they only knew what was waiting for them firsthand."
Alcander nods.
"I fear no man, especially not a crazy old wizard with abilities and allies that can easily crush the entire planet."- He says- "World's End will be our final destination. We shall fight Darkthrop's people and prove that the heroes of this world haven't forgotten nor forgiven his crimes against it."
Donovan sighs.
"Easier said than done."- He says- "Darkthrop's final stronghold is miles away from us. And, even if we do manage to reach it, we will be annihilated by the creatures under his command. Darkthrop's forces are at their strongest in that settlement. But, if you think that we have a chance against the bulk of their army, then I won't object against it. I've been staying too far away from the action, anyway. I want to experience it again, and the only way to do it is to fight alongside you."
Alcander nods.
"Then let's make our move."- He says- "To World's End!"
As the boat continues to sail, Alcander leans closer and looks at Amelia.
"Hey, Amelia."- He says to her- "You've been awfully quiet lately."
Amelia sighs.
"How could I ever dare to say anything?"- She says- "You guys are the important ones. Not me."
Alcander shakes his head.
"That's not true, dear."- He says- "You're as much of a hero as we are."
Amelia shakes her head.
"I want to believe you. I want to feel like I've always been a part of your team and be the hero that my sister has always wanted me to be."- She says- "But I'm no better than the cowardly commoners you met in your travels. I don't have the altruistic qualities of Sharla or Donovan. I'm not part of a family of true heroes like yours. I don't have a brother who is revered by everyone around the world and always does the right things for them. I'm just a simple warrior maiden, going on a mission to honor her sick sister. And I don't want to be more than that."
Donovan leans closer as well.
"She's always been this unsure."- He whispers to Alcander- "Maybe spending some time with you will be the best cure for her sadness."
Alcander nods.
"I will try my best."
He looks back at Amelia.
"So, umm. About the... time that we spent together last night."- He says- "Did you truly mean what you said?"
Donovan listens intently, as if he doesn't know of what happened between his sister-in-law and Alcander.
"Of course I did."- She says- "You know that I've been lonely. I wanted a man in my life. And you're the right one for me."
Donovan gasps.
"Amelia!"- He exclaims- "You're telling me that you... you... "
Amelia nods.
"I'm not ashamed to admit it."- She says- "Yes. I slept with Al last night. I made love with him. I don't regret it, 'cause you and my sister never found the right suitor for me. So, I listened to mama's advice and found my own."
She turns to Donovan.
"What do you have to say about this, brother?"
Donovan looks down and sighs.
"It's your choice to love whoever you want."- He says- "But... do you really think that Al is the best one for you? He's been suffering for so long and never looked for love along the way. Maybe you won't feel happy together?"
Alcander sighs.
"I've been asking myself the same thing."- He whispers to her- "Believe me. I tried my best to convince her otherwise. But she is too infatuated with me. She refuses to let go of her... prize."
Amelia glares at Donovan.
"How dare you question my intentions?!"- She yells at him- "Just because you're my brother-in-law doesn't mean that you can meddle with my private affairs! If I fall in love with someone, I'm never afraid to show it. My experience in the past has proven it. And Al is more than enough to meet your petty expectations."
Donovan raises his eyebrow.
"I never dared to disturb you in this matter."- He says- "However, we thought that it's best if you found someone more... wealthy."
Amelia glares at him.
"And why is that?"- She asks him- "You want me to marry him in live a lavish life, free of danger and adventure? To become a useless housewife who's only good at loving someone who'll never love her back and reward him with children that he doesn't deserve?"
She shakes her head.
"No, Donnie. I'm better than that."- She adds- "If that's the only way that you can help me find the true love of my life, then it's best if you simply stay away."
Jonathan points at an approaching vessel.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation. But... "- He says- "... there's a giant ship coming this way!"
Amelia gasps and spins the wheel enough to avoid the ship, escaping the impact just in time.
"Jesus!"- Donovan says- "Look at the size of that thing!"
Jonathan gasps as well.
"This is no ship that I have ever seen in my life!"- He exclaims- "The creation of this bad boy must have been the work of a master boatworker!"
Alcander shakes his head.
"It doesn't matter how big it is. We can deal with it."- He says and turns to Amelia- "Get closer to it. I want to see how we can damage it."
As their boat swerves closer to the ship, Alcander and Donovan analyze its surface.
"Hmm. Titanium plating and fully loaded cannons. Numerous anchors, ready for use when in danger. Indestructible engines, meant to last for a long time."- He says- "Yes. I can see that we are facing a true battleship. Not many of those are left in this world."
Donovan nods.
"Do you think that we have to fight whoever is inside?"
Alcander shrugs.
"That depends on who is inside."- He replies- "And I think that there's only one way to find that ou-- "
Suddenly, one of the cannons points at them and fires three cannonballs.
"Watch out!"- Amelia yells.
Alcander rushes forward and envelops the boat in a magical shield, deflecting the cannonballs and sending them back toward the battleship.
However, they fail to do any damage to its surface. Once they touch it, they clank harmlessly and plunge into the water below.
"Yikes. That was unexpected."- Jon says- "What should we do now?"
Alcander glares at the ship.
"Three words."- He says- "Face. The. Enemies."
As Alcander and his allies draw their weapons, the master of the ship emerges to stare at them from above.
Once he sees who they are, he grins and laughs.
"Har, har, har! Look who was snared in my spiderweb of doom!"- He exclaims- "Good to see you, Alcander. Looks like you brought some friends with you, too."
Amelia rolls her eyes.
"Did this guy just say har, har, har?"- She mutters- "Sheesh. He must be fun at parties."
Alcander glares at him.
"Isaac Darkshade! You vile monster of a man!"- He yells- "I knew that you've got a hand in this!"
Isaac smiles.
"And why wouldn't I?"- He says- "It feels so good to watch you heroes squirm!"
Donovan looks at Alcander.
"You know this man?"
Alcander nods.
"Isaac Darkshade was one of the most popular teachers at my school. Always kind and caring, he was a favorite among many of my fellow students. he never said a bad word about anyone."- He says- "Back in the time, I even used to call him my mentor. I respected him for who he was. Those times are long gone now. Ever since he became friends with the wrong people, he turned into every villain that I've fought in my life as a hero. Just another eccentric oddball with visions of grandeur."
He turns to Jonathan.
"You've seen him too, Jon."- He says to him- "What do you think when you see him now?"
Jon sighs.
"I've never trusted this guy. Ever since I met him for the first time, I was suspicious of him. I knew that he had some kind of nihilistic tendencies, carefully hidden behind a veil of kindness and altruism."- He says- "And you know what? I'm glad that I was just proven right about him,"
Isaac laughs.
"Oh, children. You never learn your lessons."- He says- "But don't worry. With due time, you will see that everything is futile. Only Darkthrop can save you from the incoming devastation, but are you willing to join him?"
Everyone shakes their heads.
"Never!"- Alcander yells- "We will never give in to the darkness!"
Isaac smiles.
"You're just making this easier for me."- He says- "Darkthrop sent me to kill you all. So, that's what I'm going to do."
Alcander shakes his head.
"Ever since I graduated from school, you've never been the same. You thought that the darkness will always expand, and you let your worst fears consume your sense of judgement and good will."- He says- "Why are you throwing your life away like this, Isaac? Why are you condemning yourself, just to fight for a lost cause that will never become a reality?"
Isaac smiles.
"Alcander, my boy. That's a very... interesting question."- He replies- "I'd love to tell you, but there's no point of that. You're all going to die soon, anyway. Learning of my true intentions will not help you."
He raises his hand.
"No more talking! It's time to fight!"- He yells- "Darklings, crush those petty insects!"
With a single chopping motion of his hand, he gives the command to exterminate Alcander and his allies. The darklings below point the cannons toward the little boat below and fire their deadly ammunition at it.
Alcander continues to maintain the boat's magical shield, deflecting the cannonballs and doing his best to help his allies survive.
"Fire at will!"- He yells.
Donovan looks at the ship and shakes his head.
"I hate to say this, but this ship's too strong for us."- He says- "Damage-proof armor? Fully loaded cannons, ready for total destruction? It's like fighting a rock!"
Alcander shakes his head.
"Are you telling me that you have given up?"- He asks- "Come on! This is not the time to be so lenient! Our enemies are belligerent. They fight with their full arsenal. We may not even have a small part of that, but it doesn't matter. Heroes never surrender. If we want to go down in flames, then we must show them that we're not afraid! Do you understand that?"
As Donovan wonders whether he is right, Jon takes a few steps forward and aims his staff at the ship.
"Alcander has fought much more battles that we ever have. He knows the aestetics of enemies like those and he has never been afraid to face them in battle."- He says- "If he wants to fight those fools, then I am with him."
He prepares to cast a spell.
"Bring it on, servants of the dark!"
Isaac laughs.
"You'll regret those words, young one."
Alcander shakes his head.
"No, Isaac."- He replies- "You will be the one who regrets his crimes in the end."
Having said that, he maintains the magical shield as Donovan and Jon cast spells to weaken the ship.
Although none of their spells are able to scratch its surface, one stray fireball manages to fly toward one of the sailors, striking him right in the chest and forcing him to plunge to his death into the dark waters below.
Then, a giant rock flies toward another sailor, piercing his head before he could even react to it.
This process continues for quite a while, with Donovan and Jon emerging victorious over nearly twenty sailors.
"Argh! My warriors are dying!"- Isaac yells, frustrated- "How can this be happening? I thought that my team was one of the best Darkthrop could offer!"
He turns back and shakes his head.
"No good, folks."- He says to his remaining sailors as their ship is getting bombarded- "We must devise a different strategy."
One of the sailors shrugs.
"But what could we do, sir?"- He asks- "They may be few, but their power's greater than that of an entire army of loyalists. We can't just blast them down. They'll kill us all before we even have the chance to attack."
Isaac smiles.
"Do you really want to test how strong they are?"- He asks and grabs him by the back of the shirt- "Well. Why don't you experience it firsthand?!"
Having said that, he turns around and throws him overboard, toward the boat.
"Be brave, warrior!"- Isaac says as the sailor yells- "Glory awaits those who are not afraid to serve our master!"
Donovan takes a step back and hurls a big fireball at the descending sailor. It hits him in the head and incinerates a small part of his face, forcing him to plunge into the waters as he dies.
He turns to Isaac and smiles.
"Are you planning to send more of them?"- He says- "I can do this all day!"
Isaac grins
"Very well, my warriors! We've found the solution to this problem!"- He exclaims- "The only way to defeat them is if we get inside of their pathetic vessel!"
He points at the boat below.
"Now, go!"- He yells- "In the name of Darkthrop, slay those enemies of the true world!"
While some of the warriors nervously back away, others are more than willing enough to risk their lives protecting their dark master. Without any fear, they jump from the ship and prepare to overwhelm the poor heroes below.
"Do not surrender! Keep on fighting!"- Alcander yells as he maintains the shield- "They may be many, but they are not infinite!"
Donovan and Jon shoot the sailors down as they descend, sending then flying to their deaths. Some of them fall on the boat and feebly attempt to fight back, only to be stabbed by Donovan and thrown overboard.
Unfortunately, one of the sailors manages to land on the boat unharmed. He grabs Amelia by the neck and swiftly pulls out a hidden dagger from his pocket.
"You're gonna wish you never came this way."- He mutters- "Farewell, kid."
Alcander rushes to Amelia's aid.
"Amelia!"- He yells- "No! Let her go immediately!"
He wrestles the sailor away from her and begins to strangle him with his enhanced chokehold. 
However, even though he is quickly losing his ability to fight, the sailor is still able to fight back. He manages to kick Alcander in the leg before he could finish the job, sending him flying toward the edge of the water.
"I shall be the one who kills the mighty Alcander Kaos!"- He yells- "I shall be blessed by Darkthrop!"
Alcander smiles.
"Think again, you sea-dwelling fiend!"
When the sailor wonders what he is talking about, Alcander stands up and grabs him by the neck. He sends a massive jolt toward his body, shocking him and forcing him to fall on his knees.
"What... what have you done to me?"- The villain gasps.
Alcander nods.
"Have you ever heard about what happens if you become a water conduit, friend?"- He says to him- "Well. I will not tire you further. Prepare yourself to see it with your own eyes!"
With that, he grabs him by the neck again and easily throws him backwards and overboard.
Once the sailor comes in contact with the water below, the electricity that Alcander forced into his body takes effect. He is electrocuted moments after water and electricity are mixed within his body and dies not long after, his hand still holding onto the edge of the boat.
Donovan sighs and pulls the dead sailor's hand away, sending him into the depths below before he could reanimate.
"This is not the best way to take care of our enemies. I don't quite approve of it."- He says- "But those are dark times. We must utilize every technique that we have available. And you just showed those sailors that you're more than they bargained for."
Alcander smiles.
"Thank you for trusting me."- He says- "Now that we have taken care of those foolish sailors, we can focus our attention on the big and mean boss of-- "
Suddenly, a cannonball flies toward him. He dodges it, but it manages to break a small part of the boat as it falls.
Isaac laughs.
"You didn't forget about me, did you?!"- He yells- "I am your worst nightmare. I'll crush you until there's nothing left of you!"
Alcander sighs.
"And that's him."
Donovan glares at Isaac.
"We know not of why you are here, but rest assured that you will get punished!"- He yells- "As the King of Goznor, I declare you an enemy of the world! You will not escape the wrath of our people and the hands of justice. That, I assure you!"
Isaac laughs.
"Is that supposed to be some kind of meaningless threat?"- He says- "I don't care if you're a peasant or a king. In the lands of Darkthrop, everyone bows before our dark master. Those who disobey his command, they become the unfortunate subjects of a painful experience!"
He makes another chopping motion.
"Don't stop!"- He yells- "Make 'em suffer!" 
As more cannonballs are fired at their boat, Alcander and his allies realize that they cannot fight an enemy of this caliber. Not in treacherous waters like those, at the very least.
"Umm. I know that my opinion doesn't matter very much."- Amelia voices her concern- "But I think that we should run away while we still can."
Alcander shakes his head.
"I won't give up. Not when the whole world is in danger."- He says- "No matter where we have to face our enemies, we will fight valiantly. We shall be heroes until the very end!"
He points at Isaac. 
"Prove my point to him!"
Donovan and Jon continue to cast spells and hurl them at Isaac. Meanwhile, he just stands there and laughs.
"What a pathetic display of altruism!"- He exclaims- "You may be able to fight valiantly like your daddy and little brother, but you don't quite have the power to achieve anything of worth!"
Alcander glares at him.
"Is that so?!"- He yells- "Then I suggest that you watch, as I make a difference by defeating you!"
As he prepares to shower Isaac with a barrage of powerful spells, Alcander notices that the boat is turning around.
"Amelia!"- He exclaims- "What in the world are you doing?"
Amelia shakes her head.
"I'm sorry, Al. It's a question of survival or valiance."- She says- "And I refuse to lose you like this."
Alcander shakes his head.
"You are making a big mistake."- He says to her- "Turn back. We still have a chance in this fight."
Donovan sighs.
"Forgive me for saying this, Al. However, this decision is mutual."- He says- "We can't give our lives away like this. Not when there are people who care about us."
Alcander looks back at the ship which is sailing toward them. He sighs and shakes his head.
"I was so blind. I wanted to make a difference, yet never saw how foolish it may be."- He says- "Maybe it's better off if we regroup somewh-- "
Suddenly, a giant, flaming cannonball is launched toward them.
"Watch out!"- Donovan yells.
Alcander envelops the boat with a magical shield again, but it is futile. As soon as the cannonball reaches the shield, it shatters it into pieces and crashes into the boat, setting it on fire.
"Oh, god! No!"- Amelia yells- "Come on, boys! Do something!"
As Alcander fires back at the ship, Jon attempts to douse the flames that are slowly consuming their vessel. However, he soon realizes that something is wrong.
"It's no use!"- He exclaims- "The flames are magical! We're not strong enough to-- "
Once again, another flaming cannonball is launched toward them. This time, however, it completely destroys their boat, sending its passengers flying into the sea ahead.
In the distance, Isaac laughs maniacally, seeing the destruction of the boat as a total victory.
"Yes! That's what happens when you disobey us!"- He yells and smiles- "And now, it's time to take care of that fool Adam Kaos. So long, you foolish heroes."
With that, the ship drives away, leaving the four of them to drown in the waters.
At this point, Donovan has nearly lost his mind. Seeing so much water everywhere makes him panic.
"Agh! No! It's everywhere!"- He yells- "Get me out of here!"
Alcander shakes his head.
"The water's too deep."- He says- "We won't be able to reach the shore in time."
Suddenly, a massive wave moves toward them.
"Look out!"- Amelia yells- "It's a wave!"
The four of them try to get away, only to be struck by the wave and pushed toward the shore ahead.
As Alcander lies on the ground, the others brush the sand away from their clothes and look around.
"Is everyone... okay?"- He asks them.
Jon nods.
"More or less."- He says- "That tide was not strong enough to end our lives."
Amelia continues to look around. She seems concerned.
"Where did my brother go?"- She asks- "Where's Donnie?"
Alcander stands up and looks around alongside her.
"Wasn't he with us just now?"
Amelia nods.
"I saw how he was thrown forward, but I didn't see him land with us!"- She exclaims- "Oh, I'm so worried! If something happens to him, Sharla will never leave me alone!"
As Alcander tries to console her, he hears a scream coming from behind him.
The two of them turn around and notice a person in the distance.
"Help me! I can't do this!"- He yells- "There's too much! Too much!"
Alcander runs forward.
"Hold on, old friend!"- He yells- "I will save you!"
Jon shakes his head.
"But Al!"- He yells- "You can't swim!"
Alcander shakes his head.
"That doesn't stop me from trying!"
Having said that, he bravely jumps in the water and swims toward the drowning Donovan.
Amelia and Jon try to help him, but he sends them away.
"Leave this to me!"- He yells- "I've got this!"
Amelia shakes her head.
"Try not to drown, please!"
The two of them watch as Alcander approaches and pulls Donovan away. 
Having saved his friend from a certain demise, Alcander lets out a sigh of relief. However, the road between him and the shore ahead is still far away. 
Worst of all, he is getting tired.
"Hang on, Donnie!"- He exclaims- "You will make it! I promise!"
Donovan smiles.
"Al? Is that you, my friend?"- He mutters- "You came back to... save me?"
Alcander nods.
"Of course I did!"- He says- "I will never leave a friend in need!"
Using the last of his strength, he and Donovan swim toward the shore.
Donovan manages to make it first. However, Alcander's growing exhaustion prevents him from doing the same and he falls limp as he watches his friend survive.
Amelia watches, horrified, as her beloved is thrown back into the deep waters ahead.
"Al! No!"- She yells- "Fight back! Don't let them consume you!"
Alcander shakes his head.
"It's too late."- He says- "I don't have enough strength left to do this."
Amelia looks at Jon.
"Come on! He's your cousin!"- She yells- "Do something! Now!"
Jon nods and enchants his feet with ice magic. Then, he runs into the water.
Amelia and Donovan watch, amazed, as a thin layer of frost forms under his feet as he runs, preventing him from falling into the sea below.
Fortunately, Jon manages to reach Alcander in time. With difficulty, he pulls him away from the roaring waves that are trying to drown him.
"Easy now, Al. I've got you."- He says to him- "Just stand still. Moving around will only cause you pain."
He turns around.
"I've got him!"- He yells- "I'm on my way!"
Then, without thinking twice, he runs backwards. With Alcander on his back.
As he runs back to the shore, Amelia approaches him and smiles.
"Thank you, Jon."- She says- "I am in your debt."
Jon shakes his head.
"You don't have to repay me for my services."- He replies- "I'm just doing my job."
He looks down at Alcander and notices that he has swallowed a lot of water while struggling against the waves. Using his magic, he manages to pull the invading water away from his body and save his life.
As Alcander coughs and gasps for air, Jon smiles. He knows that he has just saved his cousin, and he is happy about it.
"Are you feeling alright, Al?"- He asks him- "We can rest for a while, if you want to."
Alcander shakes his head.
"There's no need... for that."- He replies- "This was just a minor setback. I am ready to move on."
Jon sighs.
"Whatever you say, great hero."
He turns to Donovan.
"And you, Your Majesty!"- He yells- "Why did you force my cousin to risk his life like this?!"
Donovan shakes his head.
"I'm sorry, Jon. I really am!"- He says- "I was very scared of the water! I didn't want to drown!"
Jon raises his eyebrow.
"Why are you afraid of the water?"- He asks him- "It's an essential part of life. Being afraid of it will only be bad for you!"
Donovan shakes his head.
"It's easy for you to say!"- He replies- "You're of the Light element, but I'm Fire elemental! Water is my weakness and I can't stand it!"
Jon sighs.
"So, you can't even stand a simple shower?"
Donovan looks down.
"I... "
Amelia sighs.
"That's enough, Jon."- She says- "Donnie has gotten through a lot. I don't want to see him suffer even more than he did before."
Jon nods.
"I understand."- He says- "Then, I will not talk about this. Forget what I just said."
He turns around and looks at the beach ahead.
"Well, the good news are that we're stranded on an island."
Alcander nods.
"And what are the bad news?"
Jon smiles sadly.
"The bad news?"- He says- "The bad news are that we're stranded."
Amelia shrugs.
"Makes sense, I guess."
Alcander looks around.
"Our enemy's battleship has got to be somewhere around here. If they managed to run away, then they couldn't have gone very far."- He says- "Let's explore the island before night falls."