Chapter 127: The Feeling of Flying
In just a few minutes, they approached Fisherman's Wharf. As they neared, Elijah vacated the helm, allowing Sophia to take control.
Instead of heading straight into the dock, Sophia steered towards a nearby fishing boat.
"That's our fishing boat. My brother is on it!" Sophia explained.
The luxurious yacht stood out starkly against the modest fishing boats, drawing the attention of several nearby survivors who peeked out curiously.
"There are quite a few survivors here," Elijah noted, spotting four or five people immediately.
"They're all survivors from around here. With too many zombies on the shore, the sea became a safer refuge. Whether they knew how to sail or not, they all ended up on boats," Sophia said as she carefully maneuvered the yacht closer to her family's fishing boat.
At that moment, a young boy emerged from the fishing boat.
He looked about fifteen or sixteen, still school-aged.
His right leg and left arm were wrapped in white bandages, stained with fresh blood.
He hobbled to the edge of the boat, holding a fishing spear, and eyed the yacht warily.
"Is your brother still school-aged?" Elijah asked.
"He's sixteen. He quit school and didn't want to study, so he joined our parents fishing," Sophia explained before calling out, "Xavier, it's me, your sister!"
Xavier's face lit up with joy. "Sister, did you take back Azure Isle?"
"Wrong, quite the opposite. Your sister has been captured by us!" Elijah stepped out of the cabin and onto the deck, staring at Xavier.
"Who are you? Is my sister okay?" Xavier asked, full of suspicion.
"I warn you, don't bully my sister, or I won't forgive you!" Xavier threatened.
"With your half-injured state?" Elijah chuckled softly, then dipped his spear into the sea.
A wave of cold air flowed from the spear into the water, instantly forming a thin layer of ice.
As the cold air continued, the ice thickened, creating a solid bridge between the yacht and the fishing boat.
"An ice ability user?" Xavier exclaimed, wide-eyed with surprise.
"That's right. Sophia, we're good to go. No need to anchor; let's make this quick!" Elijah called out, masking his exhaustion.
Despite the short distance, freezing that stretch of water had almost drained him.
No more showing off next time!
Sophia emerged, followed by Hannah and Lily.
Seeing his sister unharmed, Xavier breathed a sigh of relief.
However, he couldn't help but stare at the stunning Hannah and the voluptuous Lily.
"Kid, stop staring. They're all my women!" Elijah jumped onto the fishing boat, blocking Xavier's view.
"Your women? Who exactly are you?" Xavier's face flushed, oblivious to Elijah's implication about his sister.
Sophia, Hannah, and Lily also jumped over.
"Who am I? I'm your future brother-in-law!" Elijah teased.
"You're lying!" Xavier shouted angrily.
"Elijah, stop teasing him. Let's go check out that fish," Sophia said, her face tinged with embarrassment.
"Alright, the kid looks badly injured but seems energetic. Let's go see the fish," Elijah agreed.
Sophia led the way as the group followed. Xavier, still wary, kept an eye on Elijah while trying to process the strange situation.
Elijah finished speaking and followed Sophia onto the deck of the fishing boat.
Xavier, still mumbling under his breath, "You haven't told me who you are yet," couldn't help but steal glances at the two beautiful women nearby.
He didn't dare to look directly, only sneaking peeks.
Hannah's cold and beautiful face gave off a feeling of unapproachability, making Xavier hesitant to stare.
On the other hand, Lily's cheerful demeanor and her ample bosom made it hard for him to look away.
"Do we need to bring this boat back? Should we lift the anchor?"
Lily, pretending not to notice Xavier's stares, asked Hannah while casually lifting the anchor chain.
The sound of the chain clinking caused the boat to sway slightly.
Xavier's eyes nearly popped out in shock as he watched Lily effortlessly lift the anchor, her playful attitude contrasting with the feat of strength.
"Strength ability user?"
He was so frightened that he dared not look around anymore.
"Hmph!" Lily, satisfied, put down the anchor and clapped her hands. "That'll teach you not to stare!" she seemed to say with her actions.
Hannah, observing their little interaction, smiled slightly. Xavier immediately felt his fear dissipate, replaced by a warm feeling. "She's like an angel," he thought.
Meanwhile, Elijah inspected the fish.
Unfortunately, it had been half-dried and salted, making it hard to recognize its original appearance.
Nonetheless, he planned to take it back for Bella to cook and taste.
"Do you have anything else you need to pack?" Elijah asked.
"No... nothing else," Sophia replied.
After seeing the abundance of supplies on the island yesterday, she realized she didn't need anything from the boat.
Everything from the clothes she was wearing to her shoes, swimsuit, and even her pajamas were picked out yesterday with Lily's help.
She had also seen two better fishing boats at the dock, specifically luxurious ones meant for wealthy tourists.
"Alright then, let's head back now!"
Elijah said, carrying the fish and jumping back onto the yacht.
"Elijah, how is Xavier going to get over there?"
Sophia asked, looking at the significant height difference between their fishing boat and the yacht.
Given Xavier's current state, he couldn't jump across on his own.
"Lily!" Elijah called.
"Oh!" Lily understood immediately. She stood behind Xavier, grabbing his arm and his clothes.
"What... what are you doing?" Xavier exclaimed, startled and trying to struggle. But when Lily tightened her grip on his arm, he froze in place.
"You're about to experience the feeling of flying!" Lily said with a sweet smile before tossing him effortlessly onto the yacht.
"Ahhh!" Xavier screamed as he was thrown through the air toward the yacht.
Just as he was about to collide with it, a strong hand grabbed him firmly and set him down on the yacht's deck. Heart pounding, Xavier looked up at Elijah, filled with awe and fear.
"Such... such strength! Isn't he an ice ability user? How is he so strong too?" Xavier thought, bewildered.
Hannah then jumped onto the deck, followed by Sophia, who landed gracefully with Lily's help. Finally, Lily leaped lightly and safely returned to the yacht.
"Alright, let's go home!" Elijah said, smashing his spear onto the ice, causing the frozen sea surface to shatter into pieces.
Sophia started the yacht, slowly steering it away.
Xavier, meanwhile, struggled to his feet, immediately captivated by the yacht's luxurious interior.
As he wandered into the salon on the second floor, he noticed a woman sitting on the sofa.
She was also stunning and, intriguingly, dressed in a cosplay outfit, her legs partially concealed, which drew his attention.
"Your name is Xavier, right?" Elijah asked, having placed the fish securely and now sitting on the sofa, observing Xavier.
"Yes. Are you people from Azure Isle?" Xavier replied, starting to piece things together.
He recalled his sister mentioning going to Azure Isle with Jacob from Fisherman's Wharf.
He knew Jacob well enough to understand that he wouldn't make a trip without expecting some benefit.
Given that his sister had returned with these strangers and not Jacob, and the mention of her being a captive, it was clear that this group had overpowered Jacob's party.
"That's right. Your sister has joined us and asked for our help to treat your injuries. Now, let's take a look at those wounds. Remove the bandages for me," Elijah instructed.
Xavier hesitated, feeling a mixture of gratitude and suspicion.
He knew his sister must have made some significant sacrifice to secure this chance for his treatment.
Reluctantly, he began unwrapping the bandages, exposing his injuries for Elijah to see.