The gulls circled overhead, their cries mixing with the low crash of waves against the harbor walls. The salty breeze whipped through Michi's hair as he and the others stepped onto the wide deck of a sleek vessel docked at the pier. The ship gleamed in the morning sun, sails painted with the crest of Onirokami—a rising sun over stylized waves.
Waiting for them at the boarding plank was a boy not much older than Tekia. His short brown hair fluttered in the breeze, his clothes neat and practical: a sailor's tunic belted at the waist, with gloves tucked in his sash. He stood with confident posture, a grin spreading across his face as Tekia waved at him.
"Tugaru!" Tekia called out, bounding forward with his usual energy.
"Tekia-sama," Tugaru replied warmly. "So these are the guests you spoke of?"
"Yep, all of them, gozaru!" Tekia said, gesturing broadly toward Michi and the others. "They're my saviors too. Treat them like family."
Tugaru bowed politely. "An honor. I am Tugaru, helmsman of this ship. Please make yourselves comfortable—we sail for Onirokami immediately."
With that, ropes were pulled, sails unfurled, and the ship began to drift from the port. The wooden deck vibrated gently beneath their feet as Halsan Port City slowly shrank into the distance, replaced by the endless blue of the ocean.
The wind was crisp, the horizon shimmering with light. Michi leaned against the railing, watching the waves foam and break beneath them. Tekia soon joined him, leaning with both elbows and staring out.
"So, Michi," Tekia asked curiously, "why are you going to Onirokami, gozaru? Surely not just for sightseeing."
Michi exhaled, turning his gaze to the horizon. "We're looking for something called the Door Piece. It's an artifact… one of several we need to reach our final goal."
Tekia blinked, then slapped his knee with a laugh. "An adventure artifact hunt, gozaru! That's perfect. Onirokami might just surprise you with what it holds."
Behind them, conversation broke out among the group. Lior and Junia stood near the mast, calmly discussing strategy and the potential dangers ahead. Tieu sat cross-legged, her soft voice carrying to Tiana, who seemed more interested in leaning over the edge to watch fish dart under the waves.
Kael, however, was nowhere near so relaxed. He had collapsed against the railing, pale as paper, clutching his stomach with both arms.
"Ughhh… I think my insides are rebelling…" he groaned.
Tiana strolled over, smirking mischievously. "What's wrong, big tough Kael? Can't handle a little rocking boat?"
Kael scowled weakly. "It's not little. It's… trying to kill me…"
Tiana crouched, poking his shoulder with a teasing finger. "Aw, poor boy. Should I call a healer? Or maybe just throw you overboard so the fish can enjoy your whining?"
"Tiana!" Junia called from the mast, half-scolding.
But then Tiana's grin softened slightly. She sat beside Kael, resting a hand on his back. "Relax. You'll get used to it. Just focus on the horizon and breathe. Even seasickness can't defeat you, right?"
Kael gave her a pained glare. "You're enjoying this way too much."
"Of course," she said lightly. "But I'll keep you alive."
The others chuckled at the exchange, even Kael managing a thin smile despite his misery.
Hours passed with chatter and the steady rhythm of the sea. By the time the sun had begun to dip lower, the sight of land appeared ahead—a lush, green coastline stretching wide, framed by distant mountains and a sky painted in gold and pink.
As the ship drew closer, the beauty of Onirokami revealed itself. Rows of sakura trees lined the shore, their blossoms scattering across the wind in pink flurries that drifted like snow. Wooden bridges arched over flowing streams, leading toward a sprawling city of tiled rooftops and bright lanterns.
Beyond it all, towering above the city, stood the royal palace. Its layered roofs shimmered under the sunset, banners fluttering with the emblem of Onirokami. Soldiers in polished armor lined the dock, standing at attention.
The moment Tekia set foot on the pier, the soldiers bent in a unified bow.
"Welcome home, Prince Tekia," their voices echoed.
Tekia waved frantically, trying to act casual. "Yes, yes, good to be back, gozaru!"
But before he could bask in the moment, two identical figures stepped from the line of soldiers. Twin boys, both with sharp eyes and hair tied neatly in short knots, approached with perfect synchronization. They bowed deeply, then spoke in eerie unison:
"Master Tekia. Shogun Kazen calls you urgently… to punish you properly. Hehe."
Tekia froze, sweat instantly breaking across his forehead. "K-Kaelen… Darian…!" He forced a weak laugh. "I will be there soon… very soon… but, uh, please save me! I don't want to get beaten in front of all my guests!!"
The twins straightened, identical mischievous grins tugging at their lips.
"Master Tekia," they said together, "it will be enjoyable for the guests. Haha."
With that, they turned on their heels and left, perfectly synchronized footsteps fading into the distance.
Tekia slumped, gripping his head. "Why do they always have to say it like that, gozaru…"
The group surrounded him, curious and amused. Michi tilted his head. "Who were they?"
Tekia groaned. "Kaelen and Darian. The twins. Always following orders too perfectly…" He took a deep breath and straightened. "Let me explain. My father—the true shogun—died when I was just a kid. His most trusted minister, Renjiro Kazen, became temporary shogun until I can take the role myself. The succession will be soon… but…"
His shoulders slumped dramatically. "…he is very strict. He punishes me a lot. Sometimes for things I don't even remember doing, gozaru! And now… ahhh, I just hope in front of all of you, he spares me…"
Kael, pale but recovering, smirked weakly. "So even the crown prince gets scolded like a child."
Junia giggled behind her hand. "You're supposed to be noble, Tekia, not stealing sandwiches and running into punishments."
Tiana leaned closer, her grin sharp. "I can't wait to see this. Maybe it'll be entertaining after all."
"Don't say that!" Tekia cried, clutching his head again. "You're supposed to support me, gozaru!"
Lior crossed his arms, though his lips twitched in amusement. "You'll endure it. If this Kazen raised you this far, he must believe in your future."
Tieu nodded softly. "And we'll be here too. You won't be alone."
Tekia blinked at their words, then brightened despite his nerves. "You guys… you really are too kind, gozaru."
Michi gave a small chuckle, patting Tekia's shoulder. "Relax. If it's punishment, it's probably just words. And if not…"
"Then we'll laugh," Kael muttered.
"Kael!!" Tekia wailed, earning laughter from the group.
Despite his dread, Tekia couldn't help but smile at their teasing comfort. The cherry blossoms drifted around them, the palace looming ahead, and their arrival at Onirokami promised that whatever awaited next… it would be unforgettable.