Those lines lit the vessel against the night, making it look otherworldly and a little unnerving.
As the boat neared, its details became clearer. The hull was dark, almost blending with the night sea, except for the electric blue that seemed to outline its form and give it an energy that was hard to ignore.
Ty appreciated the craftsmanship. It looked old yet advanced, a strange combination that sparked a dozen questions about the technology of this world.
The boat glided over the water, making barely a sound. That quiet approach made it feel more like a phantom ship than a transport for Arena contenders.
Upon docking, the crew secured the vessel with ropes sturdier than any Ty had seen before. The gangplank lowered, inviting them aboard.
The lead guard’s voice was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
"Everyone, start getting on the boat now, follow the exact instructions or you get no food and also no sleep." The urgency in his tone spurred the prisoners into action, including Ty, who made his way to the front of the line.
As he did, a guard stepped in front of him, prompting Ty to retrieve the fairy from his pocket. "You aren’t falling asleep on me, are you?" he whispered to her.
"Let’s get going," the guard in front of Ty insisted, indicating that he would lead the way to prevent any mistakes.
"Of course, just a little nap," the fairy responded sleepily, prompting a small smile from Ty before he tucked her safely away and prepared to follow the guard inside the boat.
As Ty stepped onto the boat, he was immediately struck by its interior. It was nothing like he had anticipated.
The corridor they entered was lined with panels casting the same blue glow as the electric lines on the boat’s exterior.
The panels lit the path forward, revealing walls carved with mythical creatures and old battles, hinting at history or maybe the taste of the boat’s creators.
The air inside was surprisingly fresh, a huge difference to the stale atmosphere he’d grown accustomed to back in the confinement area.
The guard led Ty and the others through a series of winding corridors, each turn revealing more of the boat’s curious blend of ancient design and modern technology.
Eventually, they arrived at an open area designed to hold the prisoners.
The space was divided into sections marked by numbers that matched the prisoners’ vests. Ty found section 3 and settled into his spot.
The area was equipped with basic necessities--thin mattresses laid out on the floor and blankets folded at the end of each.
It was far from luxurious, but the orderly arrangement spoke to a level of organization and preparedness.
After the first group boarded, the guards counted each section. The door slid shut, sealing them in.
No one spoke. The journey had truly begun.
Ty looked down at the number 3 on his vest, then at the thin mattress waiting for him. The whole setup felt too organized to be temporary, which made the Arena feel closer than any announcement had.
Twenty minutes passed in uneasy quiet. Then, the sound of movement resumed as the next group of twenty was led aboard, undergoing the same meticulous process. As the final group settled and the entrance was secured once more.
Ty settled into his corner, the refreshing ocean breeze filtering through the space, a small comfort amidst the uncertainty. He turned his attention to the fairy, curiosity lighting his features. "Hey, Fairy, you ever think of a name for yourself?"
The fairy, who had been floating idly, perked up at the question. "Well, yes, actually. I spent a long time thinking about it, really. Why not call me Blue!"
"Blue? Like the color?" Ty repeated, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"That’s right," Blue replied with a proud smile, crossing her arms confidently. "I was thinking about it when I was tricking the guy to follow you and how I’m able to shoot out water from my hands. I’m blue, my waters are blue, I glow blue.
Well, my skin is a bit tanned, but it glows blue, so it counts!"
"Do you not like it?" Blue asked, a slight hint of concern in her voice, wondering if her chosen name met Ty’s approval.
Ty chuckled, his response carrying a warmth that filled the compact space. "No, actually, I think it fits you perfectly, Blue." He paused, considering their other companion’s potential reaction.
"Though, I don’t know if Nana will like it as much, so run it by her when you see her again."
"Make sure JJ gets this, okay? I’m entrusting my tiny blue fairy, who’s officially named Blue as of 20 seconds ago, into her care.
She now holds two mementos of me, each from people very close to my heart," Ty instructed, the significance of his words not lost on either of them.
"I trust she’ll take good care of both and return them to me when we meet again. If, for some reason, I don’t make it back, I’m entrusting you to return to Nana.
You might not know her well, but I’m sure you’ll understand why when the time comes," he continued, the possibility of not returning hanging in the air like a silent specter.
"I’ll do everything within my power to survive and make it through. Stay vigilant, Blue. The next few weeks could bring about anything. If we don’t see each other again, know that I’m grateful for everything and that you’ve been amazing.
I hope our paths cross again under better circumstances," Ty concluded, a hopeful note in his voice attempting to pierce the somber mood.
Blue, moved to tears by the depth of Ty’s message, managed to say, "Th-that’s so sweet!"
Ty offered a small smile, an attempt to lighten the moment. "Oh, it’s nothing really. Just make sure you focus on the message and stay safe, okay?" he reassured her, emphasizing the importance of her mission and her well-being.