Ark 2 chapter 7 lost in time, found in fate
As Retro stood at the edge of the dense forest, his sharp eyes scanned the distant horizon where the port city lay nestled against the coastline. The sight of it brought a sense of direction-finally, they were closing in on their next destination. The sea breeze carried the faint scent of salt and fish even from this distance, mixing with the earthy aroma of the towering trees around them.
Beside him, Lilly seemed distracted, her gaze distant as if lost in thought. Her expression, usually sharp and focused, held an air of unease.
Retro noticed immediately. "What's wrong, Lilly?" he asked, his voice steady but laced with curiosity.
She blinked, shaking her head slightly before turning to him. "Oh, sorry, Retro. I've just been thinking about something, and I can't seem to get it out of my head."
Retro tilted his head. "Yeah? What's on your mind?"
Lilly hesitated for a moment before speaking. "It's about Phantom. The way he fought-it felt... off. Like he was holding back. Not just testing you, but actively avoiding something."
Retro frowned, considering her words. "You think he was up to something?"
She nodded. "More than that. It almost seemed like he was stalling, like he wanted us to think we won something when, in reality, he got exactly what he wanted."
Retro's eyes darkened. "That bastard's always got a plan, doesn't he?" He exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck. "Now that you mention it, yeah... something didn't sit right about that fight. The power he was throwing around was nothing compared to what I know he's capable of."
The thought unsettled them both. Phantom wasn't an enemy to underestimate, and if he had been stalling, it meant something much worse was coming.
Despite the tension in the air, they continued walking, their conversation stretching on as they made their way through the forest toward the port city. Whatever Phantom's true intentions were, they'd have to be ready for anything.
As Retro and Lilly approached the port city, the sound of a distressed voice caught their attention. Near the city's entrance, a young girl stood before a pair of guards, her small hands clenched into fists as she tried to get their attention.
"Please, you have to help! I need to get back home-it's important!" she pleaded, her voice desperate.
The guards barely spared her a glance before brushing her off with disinterest. "Run along, kid," one of them muttered, adjusting his armor. "We're not a ferry service."
The second guard scoffed. "Besides, Rockbound Island isn't exactly a place people just go to. You're better off forgetting about it."
The girl's shoulders sagged, and she took a shaky step back, her eyes shimmering with frustration and helplessness.
Retro and Lilly exchanged looks. They had been in enough fights to recognize when something was wrong, and this girl was clearly in trouble. Without hesitation, they walked toward her.
As they neared, the girl's gaze flickered toward them. The moment her eyes locked with Retro's, she flinched, instinctively taking a step back. Fear? Wariness? Either way, she was intimidated by him.
Retro sighed internally. He was used to this reaction, but that didn't make it any less frustrating. He stepped back slightly, giving Lilly space to take the lead.
Lilly, sensing the girl's unease, knelt down to her level, placing a gentle hand in front of her face, blocking her line of sight to Retro.
"Hey, it's okay," Lilly said softly, offering a small smile. "We're not here to hurt you. What's your name?"
The girl hesitated but, after a moment, spoke. "Lea."
Lilly nodded. "Lea, that's a pretty name. Can you tell us what's going on? You said you needed to get back home?"
Lea sniffled and nodded. "Yes. I'm from Rockbound Island... and I need to get back there. But no one will listen to me!"
Lilly glanced back at Retro, then at the guards, who had already dismissed themselves from the conversation.
"Rockbound Island, huh?" Retro finally spoke, crossing his arms. "What's so important that you're trying this hard to get back there?"
Lea bit her lip, her small hands trembling slightly. "Because... something bad is happening there."
That got their attention.
Lilly and Retro shared a look, their instincts immediately sharpening.
Retro crouched down, keeping his tone measured. "What kind of bad?"
Lea's voice dropped to a whisper. "The shadows... they're moving."
Lilly stiffened, and Retro's expression darkened.
This was no ordinary problem. This was something much worse.
Retro's eyes narrowed at Lea's words, his mind already piecing together the implications. A moving shadow? That wasn't normal, and combined with her desperation to return to Rockbound Island, it only raised more questions.
Lilly gently placed a hand on Lea's shoulder. "Can you tell us more? What do you mean by 'the shadows are moving'?"
Lea hesitated, her small hands gripping the fabric of her dress. "It's... hard to explain," she murmured. "But... things repeat. Over and over. People don't realize it. Time resets, but only I remember. And my parents... they know too, but they're-" She stopped, squeezing her eyes shut as if trying to block out the thoughts. "They're stuck. They're trying to break the loop, but they can't. They don't have enough power."
Retro and Lilly exchanged glances. A time loop? That was dangerous territory. If someone-or something-had enough control to trap an entire island in a repeating cycle, breaking it wouldn't be easy.
Retro rubbed his temples. "So let me get this straight. Your home, Rockbound Island, is in some kind of time loop. Your parents are caught in a... semi-loop? Like, they remember, but they can't do anything about it?"
Lea nodded quickly. "Yes! Every time the loop resets, they try again, but it always ends the same way. They can't escape it, and I don't think they can last much longer."
Lilly frowned, concern etched on her face. "And you? How did you get out?"
Lea shifted uncomfortably. "I... I don't know. One moment, I was there, and then suddenly, I was here. It's like the loop rejected me this time."
Retro exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Great. So we're dealing with a time anomaly."
Lilly stood, her expression serious. "If what you're saying is true, Lea, then going back won't be easy. And if your parents-who already know what's happening-can't break it, we're going to need to figure out what's causing the loop in the first place."
Lea's eyes pleaded with them. "Please... I just want to go home. Even if you don't believe me, I know something is wrong."
Retro's gaze softened slightly. He knew what it was like to be stuck in something you couldn't escape.
He sighed. "Alright, kid. We'll help you."
Lea's face lit up with hope. "Really?"
Retro shrugged. "Yeah, but first, we need a way to get to Rockbound Island. If it's caught in a loop, it might not even let us in easily."
Lilly nodded. "Then our first step is finding a ship willing to take us there. And that won't be simple."
Lea nodded, determination shining in her silver eyes. "Then let's go."
With that, Retro, Lilly, and Lea turned toward the docks, the weight of the unknown hanging over them. A time loop, shifting shadows, and trapped souls-this wasn't just a rescue mission. This was something much bigger.
As Retro, Lilly, and Lea made their way toward the docks, the weight of what they had just learned settled over them. A time loop, Lea's trapped parents, and shadows that moved unnaturally-this wasn't just an ordinary mission.
Retro sighed, adjusting the straps on his jacket. "So, finding a ship willing to take us to an island that's basically cursed-how hard do you think that's gonna be?"
Lilly shot him a look. "Extremely difficult. Most sailors won't even take a job if it sounds remotely supernatural."
Lea clenched her fists, her small body trembling slightly. "There has to be someone," she said, determination burning in her silver eyes. "There just has to be."
As they reached the docks, the smell of sea salt and damp wood filled the air. The place was alive with activity-sailors yelling orders, crates being loaded onto ships, and merchants haggling over fish and exotic goods. The ocean stretched out before them, endless and unknowable, its waves crashing against the wooden piers.
Retro cracked his neck. "Alright, let's start asking around. If anyone knows about Rockbound Island, it's the sailors who've been here long enough to hear the rumors."
They spent the next hour approaching different crews, but every conversation ended the same way.
"Rockbound Island? Are you crazy?"
"That place is bad luck. Nobody who sails there comes back the same-if they come back at all."
"You'd have better luck swimming there than hiring someone to take you."
Even the toughest of the captains refused, some of them lowering their voices when they spoke of the island, as if even mentioning it would bring misfortune.
Lea's hope began to wane. Her small shoulders slumped, and she looked up at Retro and Lilly with uncertainty. "W-what if... what if no one will help us?"
Retro crossed his arms, his green and yellow eyes narrowing. "Then we find another way."
Lilly exhaled sharply. "We could steal a ship," she muttered under her breath.
Retro grinned. "I like the way you think."
"I don't," Lea cut in, her voice tight with worry. "Isn't there another way?"
Before they could answer, an older sailor, dressed in a long navy coat with golden trims, leaned against a wooden post nearby. He had been watching them for some time, his expression unreadable.
"Yer lookin' for someone to take you to Rockbound?" he asked, his deep voice cutting through the noise of the docks.
Lea's head snapped up. "Yes! You know how to get there?"
The man took a slow drag from a wooden pipe, the ember glowing faintly in the sea breeze. "Aye, I know how to get there. But the real question is... why do ye want to go to a place most men would rather forget?"
Retro stepped forward, his sharp gaze unwavering. "Because we don't have a choice."
The sailor studied him, then his gaze shifted to Lea. His eyes softened for just a moment before he exhaled a cloud of smoke.
"Fine. I'll take ye," he said at last. "But only if ye understand one thing-" His voice darkened, the weight of something ancient behind it.
"Rockbound ain't just stuck in time-it's watching. Whatever's trapped there doesn't want anyone leaving, and if ye ain't careful, it'll take more than just yer time."
Lea swallowed hard, but she nodded. "We have to go."
Retro smirked. "Good. Then let's set sail."
The captain motioned toward his ship, a rugged but well-kept brigantine. "Be on board by sunrise. Once we set course, there's no turning back."
As the group walked away to prepare for the voyage, Retro and Lilly exchanged glances-both of them knowing that this wasn't just another job.
This was a fight against time itself.
As they left the docks, Retro and Lilly walked on either side of Lea, making sure she stayed close. The docks were rough, filled with drunken sailors, shady merchants, and mercenaries looking for work-not the kind of place a kid should be wandering alone.
"Stay with us," Lilly told her, keeping her voice firm but reassuring. "It's safer that way."
Lea nodded, staying between them as they navigated the busy streets. The farther they got from the waterfront, the quieter the city became, the rowdy dockside taverns giving way to calmer inns and shops.
Eventually, they arrived at a modest inn, its wooden sign swaying gently in the breeze. The warm glow from the windows and the faint scent of roasting meat and fresh bread told them it was a well-kept establishment.
Lilly pushed open the door, leading the way inside.
A plump innkeeper greeted them from behind the counter. "Welcome, travelers! Looking for a room?"
Lilly nodded. "Two, actually."
Retro frowned. "Wait, two?" He turned to her with a slightly wounded expression. "We usually share a room."
Lilly shot him a deadpan look. "Yeah, but this time we have Lea. You don't expect her to stay alone, do you?"
Retro hesitated, clearly realizing his mistake, then sighed dramatically. "Fine, but I better not get stuck with some lumpy mattress."
The innkeeper chuckled, sliding two keys across the counter. "Rooms four and five, right up the stairs."
Retro took one key, and Lilly took the other, handing hers to Lea. "You'll stay with me tonight," she told the girl.
Lea nodded quickly, still clinging close to her.
Retro stretched, rolling his shoulders. "Guess I'll be on my own tonight. Tragic."
Lilly ignored his dramatics, leading Lea upstairs while Retro followed behind, grumbling just loud enough for Lilly to hear.
As they reached their rooms, Lilly glanced at Retro one last time. "Get some rest. We sail at sunrise."
Retro smirked, twirling his key between his fingers. "Don't worry about me. You just make sure Lea gets some sleep."
With that, they each entered their rooms, the weight of the journey ahead hanging over them.
Tomorrow, they would set sail for Rockbound Island-and whatever waited for them within its twisted time loop.
As Lilly tucked Lea into bed, the girl curled up under the blankets, exhaustion finally overtaking her. The warm glow of the lantern flickered softly, casting a gentle light across the room.
After everything that had happened, Lilly hadn't realized how tired she was until her body finally relaxed. Sitting by the edge of the bed, she let her eyes drift shut for a moment-and before she knew it, sleep took her as well.
Meanwhile, Retro had other plans.
After setting his gear down in his room, he wasn't quite ready to sleep yet. Something about this place, the upcoming journey, and what Lea had told them about Rockbound Island weighed on him.
So instead of resting, he headed downstairs, weaving through the small crowd of sailors, merchants, and travelers who filled the inn's common area.
He exchanged casual conversation with some of them, listening in on rumors about strange disappearances near the coast, ghost ships seen at night, and whispers of places lost to time. But none of it gave him anything concrete-just stories and drunken speculation.
Eventually, feeling the pull of the sea air, Retro stepped outside.
The cool night breeze hit him immediately, carrying the scent of salt and damp wood. The port city was much quieter now, with only a few lingering figures moving about under the dim glow of lanterns.
He walked toward the water's edge, boots crunching softly against the wooden pier. The moon hung high, its pale glow reflecting across the ocean's surface, the waves gently lapping against the docks.
For a brief moment, Retro stood still, staring out at the endless horizon. The way the moonlight shimmered across the water, the quiet hum of the waves-it was calming.
But it didn't last.
A familiar voice cut through the silence.
"Didn't take you for the reflective type, kid."
Retro turned his head slightly, not surprised to see the sailor from earlier, the one who had agreed to take them to Rockbound Island.
The older man walked up beside him, pipe in hand, taking a slow drag before exhaling a thin cloud of smoke into the night air.
Retro smirked slightly. "I like to mix things up. Thought I'd try brooding under the moon for a change."
The sailor let out a rough chuckle. "Gotta say, suits you."
For a moment, neither of them spoke, both simply watching the ocean.
Then, the sailor's tone shifted, turning more serious.
"You sure about this trip, kid?" he asked, his gaze never leaving the horizon. "You might think you know what you're walking into, but Rockbound... it ain't just some cursed island. It's worse than that."
Retro glanced at him. "You've been there, haven't you?"
The sailor took another long drag from his pipe before answering. "A long time ago. Barely made it back."
That caught Retro's attention. "What happened?"
The old sailor hesitated, his grip tightening slightly on the pipe. "Time doesn't move right there. You go in... and you ain't the same when you come out. If you come out at all."**
Retro frowned. "And yet, you're still willing to take us there."
The sailor exhaled, his eyes distant. "I owe someone a debt. And you remind me of him." He finally looked at Retro, his expression unreadable. "Just... be sure you got your head on straight before we go. Rockbound doesn't just trap bodies, kid-it traps souls."
Retro remained silent for a moment, letting the words sink in.
Then, he smirked. "Good thing I don't have much of a soul left, then."
The sailor let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Guess we'll find out soon enough."
With that, he turned and walked back toward his ship, leaving Retro alone once more at the edge of the water.
Retro watched him go before turning back to the sea.
The moon still shone brightly, but now, somehow, the ocean looked a little darker than before.
Something was waiting for them on Rockbound Island.
And whatever it was, Retro was going to face it head-on.
As Retro gazed into the water, a sudden shift in energy rippled through him. It wasn't coming from the sea, the moon, or anything in the environment around him.
It was coming from inside him.
A small surge of magic pulsed through his veins, like a dormant fire being stoked back to life. The sensation was unexpected, catching him off guard. His body tensed for a brief moment, his sharp instincts immediately on high alert.
He clenched his fists, staring at his hands, trying to make sense of what just happened.
That... came from me.
Curious, he focused inward, testing it. Slowly, he let his fingers part, and with a small flick of will, he summoned just a sliver of his old power.
A faint aura surrounded his palm-weak, unstable, but undeniably his magic.
His heart pounded. His magic was coming back.
It wasn't fully restored-he could feel that much. But this was the first sign that his abilities weren't completely lost. His strength, the overwhelming force that had been stripped from him after losing his sword, was beginning to return.
For the first time in a while, Retro smirked to himself.
"Well, well... looks like I'm not as broken as I thought."
He flexed his fingers, feeling the raw energy slowly settle within him, still faint but stable. If his magic was resurfacing, even in small doses, that meant his connection to his lost power wasn't severed completely-just blocked.
And if something was blocked...
It could be unlocked.
Still, this raised questions. Why now? Why here?
His gaze flicked back to the water, the moon's reflection rippling across its surface. Was it the island's proximity? Or was something else triggering this?
After a moment of quiet contemplation, he shook his head. It didn't matter.
What mattered was that he was getting stronger again.
He took one last glance at the moonlit sea, inhaling deeply before exhaling a slow breath.
"Whatever's waiting on Rockbound... you better hope I don't get my full strength back before we get there."
Turning away, he adjusted his jacket and headed back to the inn.
Retro slipped inside quietly, the warmth of the building contrasting against the cool night air. The common area had settled down, only a few late-night drinkers and the innkeeper remaining awake.
He didn't stop to chat this time. Instead, he climbed the wooden stairs, his footsteps light but firm.
At the top, he paused briefly, glancing down the hall toward Lilly and Lea's room.
All was silent. They were asleep.
Satisfied, he turned to his own room and pushed open the door. The soft glow of the lantern flickered against the walls, casting long shadows across the wooden floor.
Retro didn't bother undressing completely-he just tossed his jacket aside, kicked off his boots, and sat on the edge of the bed.
For a moment, he just sat there, staring at his hands again.
Slowly, he clenched them into fists.
"One step closer."
With that thought lingering in his mind, he lay back against the mattress, letting the pull of exhaustion finally take over.
Sleep came swiftly, but somewhere in the back of his mind, he could feel the magic inside him, waiting.
Waiting to be set free.
As the first light of dawn crept through the window, Retro's eyes snapped open.
Not because of any disturbance, nor because he was particularly well-rested. He was just too damn excited.
His magic was coming back.
That single thought had kept his mind racing all night, and despite only getting four hours of sleep, he felt energized.
Sitting up, Retro flexed his fingers, feeling the faint hum of magic pulsing beneath his skin. It was weak, inconsistent, but undeniably there.
"Tch, still not at full power... but it's a start."
With that, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up, stretching his stiff muscles before grabbing his jacket. He tossed it over his shoulders and headed downstairs, eager to test his magic somewhere more open.
The common area was mostly empty this early in the morning, save for the innkeeper wiping down the counter and a few dock workers grabbing breakfast before their shifts.
The innkeeper barely looked up as Retro walked in. "Yer up early."
Retro smirked. "Yeah, couldn't sleep."
The innkeeper snorted. "That excited about sailin' to a cursed island?"
Retro grabbed a cup of water from a nearby table and took a sip. "Something like that."
The innkeeper shook his head but didn't press further.
Retro finished his drink quickly before making his way toward the back exit. He needed space-somewhere away from prying eyes-to test how much of his magic he could actually use.
Stepping outside, Retro found himself in a small clearing near the docks, where the morning mist still lingered over the quiet port.
He took a deep breath, then held out his hand, focusing on the magic within him.
A spark flickered to life in his palm-small, unstable, but there.
"Alright... let's see what I can do."
Retro concentrated, trying to summon a proper spell. At first, the magic sputtered, barely holding form. But after a moment, it flickered to life, a small burst of energy swirling around his fingers.
Not much-a far cry from his full power-but it was more than he had yesterday.
"Looks like I've got some work to do."
He was about to try again when a familiar voice called from behind him.
"You're up early."
Turning around, Lilly stood near the inn's back entrance, arms crossed, her pinkish scales catching the light of the morning sun.
Retro grinned. "Couldn't sleep."
She narrowed her eyes slightly. "You're acting weird."
He shrugged, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Weirder than usual?"
Lilly sighed, walking closer. "What are you doing out here?"
Retro hesitated for a moment before finally deciding to tell her. "My magic. It's coming back."
Lilly's eyes widened slightly. "Wait, really?"
Retro nodded. "It's weak, but yeah... I can feel it."
For a brief moment, Lilly just stared at him, processing the information. Then, slowly, a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
"That's good news, Retro."
Retro smirked. "Damn right it is."
Lilly's expression turned serious again. "Does that mean you'll be ready if something happens on Rockbound?"
Retro flexed his fingers, feeling the magic hum beneath his skin. "Not at full power yet, but... I'll make do."
Lilly nodded. "Good. Because something tells me we're gonna need every bit of power we can get."
Retro chuckled. "Then I guess I better get stronger fast."
Lilly shook her head with a smirk. "Just don't blow anything up before we get on the ship."
Retro laughed. "No promises."
With that, the two of them headed back inside, knowing that today would be the start of something far bigger than either of them could predict.
As Retro and Lilly walked back into the inn, the innkeeper glanced up from the counter, his observant eyes quickly noting Retro's renewed energy.
"You're looking a lot livelier than yesterday, kid."
Retro smirked, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the weight of exhaustion. "Yeah, well, I'm just happy I got a kiss instead of a punch this time."
The innkeeper let out a deep belly laugh, slapping the counter. "Well done, lad! A rare victory, I'd say."
Lilly, walking beside Retro, let out a dramatic sigh. "You act like I hit you that much."
Retro shot her a deadpan look. "You literally cracked one of my ribs once."
Lilly shrugged. "You survived, didn't you?"
The innkeeper laughed even harder, shaking his head at the banter as the two continued up the stairs.
As Retro and Lilly reached the door to Lea's room, Lilly knocked lightly before pushing it open.
Inside, Lea stood near the window, looking out at the morning sky. The moment the door creaked, she turned, her silver eyes immediately locking onto Retro's gaze.
The reaction was instantaneous.
Her small body tensed, and she took a step back, her hands gripping the fabric of her dress.
Retro stopped in his tracks, confused. This wasn't the first time she'd done this. It happened every time their eyes met.
Frowning, he tilted his head. "Alright, kid... What's up with that?"
Lea didn't answer immediately. Instead, she clutched her arms, her gaze dropping slightly.
"...Your aura is scary."
Retro blinked, caught completely off guard.
"My what?"
Lea hesitated, but eventually, she lifted her gaze slightly. "Your presence... your aura. It feels heavy. Like it's trying to swallow everything around it."
Retro glanced at Lilly, who seemed equally intrigued.
Lilly leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "I've been around Retro for a long time, and I've never felt anything that intense."
Lea shook her head. "It's not always noticeable. But when our eyes meet... I can feel it. Like a massive force pressing down on me."
Retro exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well... That's new."
He wasn't unfamiliar with people being intimidated by him, but this? A scary aura? That was something else entirely.
Lilly, ever the logical one, narrowed her eyes slightly. "You said his aura is heavy-do you mean it feels dangerous?"
Lea bit her lip. "...Yes. But not in an evil way. More like... something locked away that shouldn't be."
Retro's smirk faded slightly. Something locked away? He had just started getting his magic back-was there something else hidden inside him?
Lilly hummed in thought. "Could it be related to your missing sword?"
Retro exhaled sharply. "Maybe... but if my magic is waking up, maybe something else is, too."
Lea looked between them, her small hands gripping the edges of her sleeves. "...I don't think it's waking up."
Retro frowned. "Then what is it doing?"
Lea hesitated before whispering:
"...It's watching."
The room fell dead silent.
Lilly and Retro exchanged serious glances, the weight of those words sinking in.
Something within Retro-something even he didn't understand-was watching.
And whatever it was...
It wasn't asleep.
It was waiting.
Retro's expression darkened, his sharp eyes locking onto Lea with a newfound intensity. "Describe it. What does my aura look like?"
Lilly, sensing the shift in tension, opened her mouth to interject, but before she could say anything-
Lea spoke first.
Her voice was quiet but unwavering.
"It's like... a god is watching."
The moment those words left her lips, Retro's entire body tensed.
His muscles coiled instinctively, his breathing shallowing as if preparing for an immediate fight. His mind snapped to the only possibility-Phantom.
Was he watching? Had he already found them?
Lilly's sharp dragon-like senses immediately picked up on the shift in Retro's stance. His fingers twitched, his body poised to react like a cornered beast.
Before he could do anything rash, Lilly reached out and grabbed his arm, her grip firm but grounding.
"Retro. Stop."
Her voice cut through the tension, pulling him back from whatever battle instinct was clawing at his mind.
Retro exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening as he forced himself to relax under Lilly's grip.
"Damn it," he muttered under his breath, running a hand through his hair. "First my magic, now this? I don't like it."
Lilly let go once she was sure he wasn't about to explode into action.
She glanced at Lea, who was still staring at Retro, her expression unreadable.
"We'll deal with this later," Lilly said firmly, adjusting the strap of her bag. "Right now, we need to get to the dock before our boat leaves."
Retro exhaled sharply, shaking off the lingering tension. "Fine."
But as they left the room and headed toward the dock, his mind wasn't at ease.
Lea's words stuck with him.
"A god is watching."
If Phantom wasn't the one watching him...
Then who was?
As Retro, Lilly, and Lea made their way through the bustling port, the air was filled with the familiar sounds of creaking wood, shouting sailors, and the rhythmic crash of waves against the docks. The scent of salt and damp timber hung thick in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of freshly caught fish being hauled in by early morning fishermen.
Their destination was clear-the rugged brigantine docked at the far end of the pier, the same one belonging to the old sailor who had agreed to take them to Rockbound Island.
As they approached, they spotted the old sailor from yesterday, walking toward the ship with the calm, deliberate steps of a man who had seen the ocean's worst and lived to tell about it.
His long navy coat fluttered slightly in the breeze, and the faint glow of his pipe's ember flared as he took a slow drag.
Upon seeing them, he stopped, exhaling a trail of smoke before giving them a knowing look.
"Right on time," he muttered. "That's good. We ain't waitin' for latecomers."
Retro smirked. "Wouldn't dream of it, old man."
The sailor chuckled dryly. "Then get aboard. Once we set sail, there's no turnin' back."
Lilly gave Lea a reassuring nod before stepping onto the sturdy wooden plank leading up to the deck. Lea hesitated for a brief moment, her silver eyes flicking toward the vast expanse of the open sea before her.
Retro, noticing her hesitation, placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"You sure about this, kid?"
Lea clenched her small fists but nodded firmly. "I have to go back. No matter what."
Satisfied with her answer, Retro gave her a small smirk before stepping onto the ship himself.
As soon as they were aboard, the crew moved quickly, preparing the ship for departure.
The old sailor took his place at the helm, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
"Set the sails! We're headin' for Rockbound!"
With that command, the ship lurched forward, the wind catching its sails as they left the safety of the docks behind.
As the land slowly faded from view, Retro leaned against the railing, gazing out at the endless stretch of blue ahead.
"Time loop or not," he thought, "we're coming for you, Rockbound."
The calm sea had lulled them into a false sense of security.
For nearly half a day, their journey across the open waters had been uneventful. The waves rolled gently, and the salty breeze carried a deceptive sense of peace. But then, the sea began to shift.
The winds grew restless, the once-clear sky darkening as thick clouds gathered above. The waves became choppier, and the ship's wooden hull groaned as it rocked more violently against the shifting current.
At the helm, Jake narrowed his eyes, his weathered hands gripping the ship's wheel.
"Be on yer guard," he muttered, his usual laid-back demeanor replaced by something far more serious. "We're enterin' sea dragon territory now."
The tension on deck was palpable.
Retro stood near the railing, gazing out at the churning waters. His instincts screamed at him-something was wrong.
At first, everything seemed normal.
Then the ocean split apart.
A massive form surged out of the depths, water cascading off its shimmering, armored scales.
A Leviathan.
Its serpentine body twisted as it rose high above the ship, its golden eyes burning with ancient fury.
The crew froze in terror, and even Lilly, usually one of the most powerful among them, struggled to steady herself.
She was exhausted-too much magic spent, too many battles fought. She clenched her fists, trying to summon fire, but the magic sputtered, weak.
Lea clutched onto Lilly's sleeve, her small frame trembling.
The crew members panicked, some grabbing their weapons, others praying.
Jake's grip tightened on the wheel. "Damn beast! We ain't got the firepower to take that thing down!"
That's when Retro stepped forward.
Everyone's eyes snapped to him as he walked past them, his expression unreadable.
"Retro, don't-" Lilly started, but he kept walking.
The crew shouted at him.
"You're insane!"
"You can't fight that thing alone!"
"We have to run!"
But Retro ignored them all.
He raised his right hand toward the sky.
The clouds rumbled in response.
Electricity crackled in the air, a storm forming around him.
His eyes glowed with raw power.
Then, with a single downward motion, he brought his hand down.
"Lightning Dragon of Divine Judgment."
The sky erupted in a blinding flash.
A colossal dragon-shaped bolt of lightning descended from the heavens, roaring as it struck the Leviathan head-on.
The air shook with the impact.
The beast barely had time to scream before it was ripped apart, its massive form splitting in half, the two halves crashing back into the ocean with a thunderous explosion of water.
The storm faded instantly.
Silence.
Everyone on board stood frozen, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
Lilly stared at Retro, her golden eyes wide with shock.
Lea's mouth hung open.
Even Jake, a man who had seen everything the sea had to offer, just let out a low, astonished whistle.
Retro rolled his shoulders, cracking his neck as if he'd just done something as casual as stretching.
Then he turned to the stunned crew.
"What?" he smirked. "Told you I had it handled."
Before Retro could say another word, a sharp pain erupted through his body.
It was like fire coursing through his veins, his entire being burning from the inside out.
His knees buckled, his breath hitched-he hadn't expected the backlash to be this bad.
Then, the cough came.
He barely had time to cover his mouth before he spit out blood, the dark crimson liquid staining his glove.
The world tilted. His vision blurred. His muscles screamed in agony.
His body was collapsing.
But before he could hit the deck-
Lilly was there.
She caught him, her arms wrapping around him before he could crash to the floor.
Her golden eyes burned with frustration.
"You're an IDIOT, damn it!" she snapped, her voice shaking with anger and worry.
Retro grinned weakly, even as his body convulsed from the sheer force of what he'd unleashed.
"Tch... Worth it."
Lilly gritted her teeth, her grip tightening around him. "You reckless bastard! You could've killed yourself!"
Lea stood nearby, her face pale, her small hands clenched in fear.
The crew, still recovering from the shock of what had just happened, now turned their attention to Retro, watching as Lilly lowered him carefully onto the deck.
Jake stepped forward, his weathered face unreadable. "Damn fool pushed himself too hard. Get him below deck. He ain't gonna be much use to us if he burns himself out before we even reach Rockbound."
Lilly nodded, carefully lifting Retro, supporting his weight as she moved toward the lower cabins.
Retro let out a shaky breath, his body still wracked with pain.
His magic was returning-but he'd paid the price for using it recklessly.
As he faded into unconsciousness, the last thing he heard was Lilly's frustrated voice.
"You idiot... What the hell am I going to do with you?"
The world around Retro shifted, the familiar feeling of reality bending around him. He was walking, but he didn't know where. His boots hit the ground, yet the path ahead felt endless, stretching into the void.
The air grew heavy, like a force crushing down on him. Each step became harder, the weight of something immense pressing onto his shoulders. His breath came shallow, his mind clouded.
Then, suddenly-
A deep, suffocating pressure wrapped around him.
The world tilted violently, and before he could react-
He was drowning.
Retro's eyes snapped open to the unforgiving dark waters. The raging storm above him sent towering waves crashing over his body.
The ocean tossed him around like a ragdoll, dragging him beneath its depths before spitting him back up into the chaos of the storm. Lightning cracked across the sky, illuminating the towering waves for mere moments before plunging him back into darkness.
He gasped for breath, struggling against the pull of the water, his body aching from exhaustion.
Through the heavy downpour, he spotted it-
An island.
It was barely visible through the sheets of rain, but it was there. A chance. A way out.
Summoning every ounce of strength he had left, he tried to swim toward it.
But before he could make any progress, a crushing force wrapped around his body, and his vision blurred once again.
This time, when Retro woke up, he wasn't in the water.
His lungs burned as he coughed up seawater, his body sprawled against the wet sand of an unfamiliar shore.
The storm still raged on, but the rain was lighter here, the winds howling through the trees at the island's edge.
Retro rolled onto his back, panting heavily, his soaked clothes clinging uncomfortably to his body. His entire body ached, but at least he was alive.
"The hell...?" he muttered, blinking against the raindrops falling into his eyes.
Slowly, he pushed himself up onto his elbows, trying to make sense of where he was.
This island... wasn't anywhere he recognized.
And worse...
Something about it felt wrong.
As Retro lay on the wet sand, his body aching, his mind raced.
"What happened since I blacked out?"
He let out a slow breath, rolling onto his back as the rain lightly pattered against his face. His vision was still hazy, his limbs weak, but then-
His eyes snapped open fully.
The sky.
Above him, through the heavy clouds, he saw it-
A cut in the sky.
But this time, it was closer than ever before. The jagged, gaping wound in reality seemed to pulse faintly, like it was breathing, shifting as if it wasn't fully stable.
The sight of it sent a shiver down his spine.
"That thing again... it's the same as before... but why is it closer?"
Forcing himself to move, Retro gritted his teeth, barely managing to push himself off the ground. His body protested with every motion, his muscles screaming from exhaustion, but he had to get his bearings.
Looking around, the island stretched out before him, its darkened trees swaying violently in the storm's wind. The shore was desolate, no sign of ships, no signs of life-only the raging sea behind him.
His mind felt foggy, his thoughts slipping between confusion and urgency. He needed to focus. He needed to find something-anything-that would tell him where he was.
But instead, one single thought pierced through everything else.
Lilly.
His body moved before his mind even finished processing it.
He threw his head back, and with all the strength left in his lungs, he screamed into the sky.
"LILLY!!!"
The storm devoured his voice, carrying it into the endless wind.
No response.
His heart pounded violently in his chest.
Gritting his teeth, he screamed again, louder, more desperate.
"LILLY, WHERE ARE YOU?!!"
Nothing.
The silence that followed was deafening.
His hands curled into fists, his breath ragged and uneven.
She had to be here. Somewhere.
And if she wasn't...
Then Retro was alone on this island.
And something about that fact terrified him.
Retro's mind raced with thoughts, questions, and worst of all-doubt.
Had he failed? Was Lilly gone? Was he truly alone on this island?
His body refused to move, the overwhelming exhaustion from using his magic and the fight against the sea finally taking its toll. His vision blurred, and despite his best efforts to stay awake-
Darkness took him.
---
Hours Later...
When Retro's eyes fluttered open, he found himself staring at a ceiling.
It was unfamiliar-wooden, slightly worn, but sturdy. The faint scent of herbs lingered in the air, mixing with the distant crackle of a fire.
His body felt heavy, but the burning pain from earlier had dulled into a manageable ache.
Before he could sit up, a voice called out from beside him.
"You're awake. Good."
His muscles tensed instinctively. That wasn't Lilly's voice.
Turning his head slightly, his sharp gaze landed on a woman seated beside the bed.
She had soft golden eyes, a gentle but wary expression, and a strange aura that felt both familiar and foreign. Her posture was calm, yet there was a quiet strength behind her presence.
"Who...?" Retro's voice came out hoarse, his throat dry.
The woman reached for a small cloth, dipping it in cool water before pressing it gently against his forehead.
"Relax. You're safe here."
Retro's brows furrowed, his instincts telling him to be on guard-but his body simply wouldn't cooperate.
"Who... are you?" he forced out.
The woman met his gaze, her voice soft but firm.
"My name is Cleo."
She adjusted the cloth on his forehead, her touch careful but precise.
"And you," she continued, "are in worse shape than you realize."
Retro tried to process what was happening.
Cleo.
A name he didn't recognize-but something about her presence felt... different.
"Where am I?" he finally asked.
Cleo set the cloth aside, sitting back slightly. "You're on Rockbound Island."
Retro's stomach dropped.
So he had made it to Rockbound...
But where was Lilly? Where was Lea? Where was Jake and the crew?
His heart pounded, but before he could push himself up-Cleo placed a firm hand on his chest, stopping him.
"Don't move too much. Your body isn't ready yet."
Retro gritted his teeth, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
But for now, he had no choice.
He was stuck here. And Cleo was the only person with answers.