It was raining when we reached the docks. Not exactly pouring but hard enough for me to wish I had an umbrella. I wasn't the only one with that idea. A lone figure clad in black stood at the pier’s edge. Their short body fit perfectly beneath a poofy crimson umbrella.

  Screenname: Alucard7979. Race: Vampire. Level: 24 Class: Sorcerer. Affinity:

  Alarm bells started ringing. Billowing robes reminded me of Marcus. Though Alucard's level didn't crack the thirties like Char's killers, 24 was beyond the average. The blank Affinity gave me pause too. A trick to conceal identity and keep prey guessing? Or, maybe just a glitch?

  Alucard wasn't the only player at the docks. Two trios stood beneath an enclosure. A silver-robed Elf, azure-feathered Avian, and a flannel-backed Human donning a Stetson and spurs sat around a table.

  Screenname: FairyPrincess. Race: Elf. Level: 15. Class: Priest. Affinity: Water.

  Screenname: Artinivia. Race: Avian. Level: 15. Class: Hunter. Affinity: Water.

  Screenname: BronzeSniper. Race: Human. Level: 15. Class: Huntress. Affinity: Earth.

  Bradley, Jeremiah and Michaela had their own table a few yards away. The boys chatted about something, while Michaela stared off into space.

  "He's so cool," Nana whispered.

  "Who?"

  "Who?" she scoffed, rolling her eyes. "The cool vampire." She summoned her guns. "Should I try shooting him? That's how I became friends with you and Lady Charlotte."

  "Most friendships don't start with arrows or bullets to the shoulder, dummy. Your situation might've been closer to reverse Stockholm syndrome."

  Nana glowered at me. "I don’t know what that means but think you’re making fun of me."

  I pressed my thumb and forefinger together. "Just a bit."

  "Hey now, are you always this nice to your sister?" Orthrus approached holding a sandwich wrapped in greasy paper. Pastrami and diced tomatoes dangled precariously at the paper’s edge but didn’t yet drop.

  "Yeah, I'm an angel. Right, kiddo?"

  "He's a jerk!"

  "See? What I tell ya?"

  Nana groaned and dashed toward the enclosure. "He's being a jerk," she said, pointing at me.

  I suddenly got very popular. Bradley gave me a little wave; Jeremiah curtly nodded. Michaela glanced in our direction and made a heart with her hands. She pressed it against the right side of her chest. Pretty sure that was the wrong side, but I appreciated the gesture.

  The other trio's glares weren't so friendly.

  Artinivia placed a hand upon Nana's shoulder. "I shan't forgive any who dare impugn a child."

  I glared right back at him. "And I'll chicken-fry you if you don't take your hand off my sister.”

  He shrank back, lifting his feathered hand. “Child, doth he speak in sooth?”

  “Uh…” Nana stared at him a moment before turning to BronzeSniper. “What did he say?”

  “He's askin' if that hooligan over yonder is yer big brother.”

  Nana hesitated and looked at FairyPrincess. “What did she say?”

  I rolled my eyes. "They're trying to figure out if I'm a mean sibling or if they should kick my ass.”

  "You're a mean sibling, and they should kick your ass."

  "Hey, what did we say about cussing?"

  "Ugh, see?" She groaned, pointing at me. "Total jerk."

  FairyPrincess chuckled. "I'm convinced he's her brother. No ass kicking necessary."

  Nana huffed. She stomped toward the end of the pier, grumbling under her breath. I let her be and approached Bradley’s table, though I kept an eye on the pier.

  Jeremiah met me halfway, clasping my shoulder. “Hey,” he said.

  From the look in his eye, he had something important to say but wanted to be careful with his words. Didn’t need to read minds to figure out the topic. “Don’t worry about it,” I said.

  He relaxed. “Alright. Still want to say you’re entitled to my full protection when traveling with us.” He grunted and curtly tilted his head toward Nana. “Her too. Though I can’t imagine traveling with a kid that loud for more than five minutes. You’re a brave soul.”

  “It starts getting tough around minute seven,” I chuckled. “In all the seriousness, I'm the one you need to worry about. Giving people a hard time is how I show my love. It's why I'm such a jerk to the kid."

  Jeremiah grunted. “Well, even if you both drive me insane, nothing will happen to either of you if I can do something about it. Right, Bones?” he said, turning his head toward his team.

  Bradley offered a small nod.

  “Bones?” I asked.

  “It’s what I call him,” Jeremiah said. “Could play any character he wanted, and he chose skin and bones.”

  “Can I call him that?”

  “No. Only me.”

  “Fair enough. And thanks. It’s reassuring.” I offered my hand. “Looking forward to beating this game with you guys.”

  Jeremiah laughed and shook my hand. “Pleasure is–”

  “Here.” Michaela snuck up on us. A mushroom hat, similar to the one adorning her head, was clutched in her hand. “One for you. I have one for your sister too.”

  Mushroom Cap: Reduced Water damage by 20 percent. It’ll keep your head safe from water and not much else.

  “Thanks,” I said, trying it on. “How do I look?”

  Michaela flashed me an O-kay and made her way to Nana.

  Booming laughter thundered across the docks. A sudden gust billowed Alucard's cape. The brim of his hat masked his eyes but not his smirk. "Friendship? A generational vampire such as I keeps company with immortals and ethereal spectres. Mere humans interest me naught."

  Generational vampire? I remembered hearing that at Auro-ientation from a kid. The grandstanding dialogue sounded like a kid playing a character. But the voice was a bit too deep. Just part of the character or another mask to hide behind?

  Alucard lifted the brim of his hat. Pure white eyes gazed upon Nana. "Yet you are no mere human. Descended from angels, I'd wager. Else you wouldn't be so beautiful."

  "Uh, thanks?" Nana said.

  Alucard moved his umbrella to cover her. Wind and water rippled his hair, but his expression remained unfazed. "I am Alucard: Seeker of Darkness and Master of the Magic Rainbow. Well met, Shadowcloak."

  That convinced me he wasn’t a threat. No cold-blooded killer would willingly call themselves Master of the Magic Rainbow.

  "Hey, Rainbow Dash,” I called out to him.

  He glanced at me with a dismissive snort. “You shall know me as Alucard: Seeker of—”

  “Why don’t you have an Affinity?”

  “Let me finish first!” The deeper voice gave way to a high-pitched whine.

  Orthrus coughed to hide his laugh. Jeremiah didn’t bother hiding his.

  Alucard’s hat covered his eyes once more. “Chef, you will refer to me as Alucard: Seeker of Darkness and Master of the Magic Rainbow. Failure to comply is a slight against my position and renown. I pray you will not fail to remember this, for I am not so magnanimous when twice offended.”

  “Noted. So, Affinity. Why don’t you have one?”

  He chuckled. “Poor na?ve, Chef. Do you question why a rainbow is not merely blue? Similar to your culinary arts, a Sorcerer’s power stems from his diversity with magic. One Affinity does my power no justice for it is too vast to be constrained. I abstained from choosing one, thus accepting all.”

  Got it. No glitch or intended deception. Just a kid having fun. Still didn’t explain his level though.

  Before I could ask, another trio of players approached the docks.

  Screenname: LuckyLadyLucy. Race: Kitsune. Level: 16. Class: Performer. Affinity: Light.

  Screenname: Red_Velvet037/038. Race: Human. Level: 18. Class: Spirit Medium. Affinity: Earth.

  Screenname: Suilla. Race: Vampire. Level: 15. Class: Priest. Affinity: Fire.

  A beige Kitsune in a blue kimono led the way. Three snow-white tails bounced behind her; their red tips matched her eyes and earring.

  The Human wore jeans, a tan shirt beneath a red and white vest, and a snapback. Her clothes gave me Pokémon Trainer vibes. Depending on her flavor of Spirit Medium, she maybe played like one too.

  The Priest’s skin was so white it probably glowed in the dark. Stringy black hair veiled her eyes, but a faint yellow glow shimmered through. 燃えろinked each arm, punctuated by different symbols on her palms: a fireball and an oven.

  I didn't recognize the name, but something about her felt eerily familiar. Suilla quickly turned toward me; her yellow habit struggling to contain her chest. Her oven-marked hand pointed at me, as a singular word escaped her lips.

  "Husband..."

  Ah, that's where I knew her from. The plump woman who bumped into me at the Auro-ientation.

  "My husband." Char’s had said.

  "Susan, right?" I said.

  "Heh..." Her smile sent a shiver down my spine. "He remembered my name. Maybe I still have that shot at happiness after all."

  The Pokémon Trainer eyed me warily. "You know Susan?"

  "We met briefly back at Pippen Tower."

  Susan parted her hair, revealing yellow flames in her pupils. "Is your wife going to steal you away again?"

  "Not, uh, not this time..."

  Lucy and Red seemed to catch my meaning, but Susan's ignorance fed her bliss.

  "Heh. Then maybe we can–"

  "Darling," Lucy interrupted Suilla by pressing a tail against her lips. "If you won't introduce me then I must cut in to do so myself." Her remaining tails extended, wrapping around my arm and Jeremiah's.

  "Lucy–charmed, I'm sure." Her tails gently shook our arms. "I prefer my coffee black, my tea green and my dice red."

  She tugged her sleeve, and a pair of dice tumbled out. The tail covering Susan's lips snatched the dice and rolled them onto Lucy's outstretched arm. She grinned at the red sixes. "Boxcars. Not a safe bet, but it pays handsomely." She slipped the dice into her sleeve, while her tail gathered a steaming cup of tea I didn't see her prepare.

  That was worth a round of applause. Slick, charming. A few more words out of her and I'd buy a car I didn't want.

  She chuckled. "Flattered, but luck is nothing to be praised." A flick of her wrist rolled her dice once more: four and three. "Tis a fickle god."

  "Is seven bad?" I asked.

  "Depends on the game, darling." One tail slapped the dice. They bounced off the teacup and returned to her sleeve. "Fancy a game?"

  Michaela curtly shook her head. "I don't gamble with strangers."

  "But darling..." One of her tails slithered around Michaela's waist. "I can hardly be called a stranger after such an introduction."

  Lucy shrugged. "Pity, but I'll push no further. What about you, handsome?" she asked Bradley.

  “I, uh…” His gaze lowered from Lucy’s eyes.

  She feigned a gasp. A snap of her claws summoned a large pair of six-sided dice, each showing one. "My eyes are right here."

  Bradley gulped and murmured an apology.

  Lucy rolled her snake eyes and looked at me. “How about you, husband?”

  “That’s what my harem calls me. You can call me Robin.” Instantly regretted that comment when Susan flushed and breathed heavily.

  “Robin, then.” Lucy snapped a tail, and a thick black die balanced on the tip. “This is a twenty-sided die. Each side shows a number, does it not?”

  The die spun like a basketball upon a finger. I didn't catch every number, but it looked like a normal D20.

  “Looks right to me.”

  “Give it a couple rolls to check if it’s loaded.”

  I rolled thrice: 12, 8, and 14. “Unless it’s loaded to be evens only, it seems legit.” I rolled once more: 5. “It’s legit. Want it back?”

  She shook her head. “Not yet. Here’s the game. You have three rolls. You win if the sum of your rolls is thirty or higher. Twenty-nine or lower is my win.” She sipped her drink one more. “I, of course, will keep my eyes open the entire time to ensure no golden irises on my part.”

  Sounded a little too simple to not be rigged somehow. “What are we playing for?”

  “Winning nets you a kiss from Red Velvet.”

  Her friend rolled her eyes. “Again, Lucy?”

  “Tis a popular prize. If I win, I get a specialty dish cooked just for me.”

  “Sounds like a win-win.” Not that I was in the mood to be kissed right now. Even if she was pretty. I tossed the die Bradley’s way. “Want to roll, buddy? You get the kiss if you win, but I’ll take the loss and cook.”

  “Uh, you sure?”

  “Positive.”

  “Alright.” He clenched his fist and made his first roll: 15.

  “Halfway home, Bones. Don’t choke.”

  “Don’t know if choking applies in games of chance,” Bradley said. He rolled again: 10.

  “Twenty-five,” Lucy laughed and tapped Red’s shoulder with a tail. “Ready to pucker up, darling?”

  Red Velvet sighed. “Why do I hang out with you?”

  “Must be good fortune that keeps you around.”

  Bradley rolled once more, but I kept my eyes on Lucy. Her paws and tails remained still. Her eyes hadn’t turned gold–wait. A glimmer hidden by a blink. I glanced at the die: 4.

  Lucy’s tails clapped. “Fortune keeps Red Velvet’s lips safe from another suitor. So sorry, Bradley. As for our good Chef Robin, what dish do you recommend?”

  “We’ll be on the water soon. Maybe your good eyes will help catch a yellowtail.”

  Subtle, but her whiskers twitched. “Hmm. Change of heart, darling. Since you didn’t roll, let’s call it a draw.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  Drool dribbled from the corner of Susan’s mouth. “I like yellowtail. Could you cook some for me, Husband?”

  “I think our good Chef Robin would do anything for you, Susan,” Lucy said.

  “Heh…” There was another spine-chilling smile. “I can’t wait for the boat to get here.”

  Alucard laughed and held his hands above the water. “Boat, you say? I’d think a fellow vampire would know a mere boat cannot hope to contain my power. I require a vessel tailor-made to my specifications. A vessel with the appropriate girth!”

  My ensuing snicker didn't last long. The ground shook; water rippled violently. Something burst from the depths. Seawater crashed onto the docks, obscuring my view. Michaela’s mushroom caps kept us dry, while BronzeSniper and her friends remained dry under the enclosure. The rest of us weren't so lucky.

  “Now this,” Alucard cackled, “is a vessel suited for my power!”

  He wasn’t wrong. A colossal turtle floated upon the water’s surface. The sharp glint of its beak matched the spikes lining its shell. There weren’t stairs or a ramp, but the spikes seemed to make footholds.

  Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

  Alucard proved my theory by climbing the spikes onto the turtle’s back. Nana glanced back at me. I nodded, and she raced after him. I wasn’t far behind.

  The turtle’s back was how I imagined the deck of a cruise ship. Long, full of deck chairs and bars, with stairs that led below deck. Was below deck the turtle's organs? Wasn't sure I wanted to find out.

  Bradley didn’t look too keen on it either. He wasted no time hobbling toward a deck chair. Jeremiah, Michaela and Orthrus gathered around him. I looked for Nana before heading their way. She hopped around the deck with Alucard's umbrella. Half convinced she was trying to get a running start and fly like Mary Poppins.

  “Alright, Bradley?” I asked.

  He shook his head. “I get seasick easy.”

  “We haven't started moving yet.”

  “The anticipation is already making me queasy.”

  Michaela patted his shoulder. “I have a mushroom for that.”

  Jeremiah rolled his eyes. “Really, Bones? You were supposed to be my wingman. Michaela, you staying with him?”

  She nodded.

  “Then I’m going hunting. Bones, pick a girl for me.”

  “Lucy,” he said.

  “The fox? I said pick a girl for me, Bones, not you. I'm not into that fur shit.”

  “It wasn't her fur you were staring at,” Michaela said.

  Jeremiah shrugged. “Got me there.” He clasped me and Orthrus on the shoulder. “You boys ready to be my wingmen?”

  “Hey now.” Orthrus slipped out of Jeremiah’s grasp. “Don’t think I’ll be much help. Not exactly great with girls.” He glanced at Michaela, who stared intently at him. “See what I mean?”

  “Pfft,” Jeremiah scoffed. “That's Michaela's default face. She gives me that look all the time.”

  “Can’t imagine why,” I said.

  Another eye roll from Jeremiah. “Come on, boys. She's in a group of three, so I need three amigos to approach. That’s the rule.”

  This was the last thing I wanted involvement in after Char's death, but I doubted Jeremiah would take no for an answer. At least mingling might help me relax for a bit. If all I had to do was smile and not be an asshole it shouldn’t be too hard. And if things went poorly I wouldn't get shanghied into participating again.

  “I'm in if Orthrus is,” I said.

  “Ha, that's the spirit.” Jeremiah clapped my shoulder. “What about you, double dog?”

  Orthrus sheepishly shrugged his shoulders. “Just don’t expect too much from me.”

  “Don’t worry, I don’t,” Jeremiah said.

  Oof. Smiling and not being an asshole might be a tall order for Jeremiah. Orthrus and I followed him, while Michaela stole several glances at Orthrus. I cocked an eyebrow at him; he shrugged. Lucy and her friends stood against a railed part of the shell. Jeremiah’s attempt at a debonair grin was more akin to a hungry predator.

  “Hello, ladies,” he said, strutting forward.

  “Gentlemen.” Lucy bowed. “I wondered if any would be bold enough to seek my company.” Her eyes flitted between us. She slithered past Jeremiah and snaked her arm under Orthrus’s. “Walk with me, handsome?”

  He chuckled. “I won’t say no.”

  “Susan, Cupcake. Be dears and entertain our friends. Orthrus and I will be taking a stroll on the turtle’s shell.”

  Red Velvet grimaced “Wait, Lucy, don’t—”

  “Tootle loo, darling.” Lucy’s tails waved, as she dragged Orthrus out of sight.

  Susan looked at Jeremiah like he was freshly grilled yellowtail. Red Velvet, meanwhile, somehow looked less enthused than me. I clocked BronzeSniper's trio a little ways away. That was my ticket out of this.

  “Yeah, I’ll be right there!” I called in their direction. “Sorry, big guy, I’m being summoned. But I think Susan likes you. Maybe try your luck with her and leave the other girl alone?”

  Jeremiah glanced between them. “Eh, I can work with it. Go ditch me.”

  Red Velvet flashed me a relieved smile. I winked and headed toward the others.

  BronzeSniper cocked an eyebrow when I sat at their table. “Can I help ya?”

  “Yes, you can. My friend roped me into being his wingman, which I really want to get out of. Just pretend like we're talking about something interesting, so he thinks you guys actually called me for something.”

  FairyP rubbed his chin and leaned forward. “You mean like this?”

  “Yes, exactly.” I pointed at Artinivia. “Your turn, Falco. Act all offended about something.”

  He suddenly stood up. “I protest the appellation of Falco.”

  “Perfect, just like that.”

  “But—”

  “So, BronzeSniper, got a cool real name to match?”

  She smirked. “Jesse Reinhardt.”

  “Okay, that might be the coolest name I've ever heard in my life.”

  She tipped her hat. “An' I’m guessin’ yers is Robin?”

  “Yea. Robin McArthrur. Solid but not as cool as yours.”

  “Can’t all be winners, McRobin,” Reinhardt said. “King McArthur ain’t a bad nickname, though.”

  “It doth be preferable to Falco,” he muttered.

  “Don’t let me ruffle your feathers, dude.”

  He actually squawked at me. Shrill enough to actually hurt my ears. Luckily, no damage was done. Though I wouldn’t be surprised if a sonic squawk was in his arsenal somewhere.

  “So–sorry,” he said, clearing his throat. “Avian side-effect.”

  “Common when his feathers get ruffled,” FairyP said.

  We shared a laugh, or squawk in Falco's case.

  “Looks like you don’t have to worry about your friend,” FairyP said.

  I glanced behind me. Jeremiah was in the midst of an animated story. A bemused Red Velvet leaned against the railing, while Susan was draped on his arm.

  “In that case, I’m thinking about walking around the turtle. Anyone interested?”

  Reinhardt shook her head. “I get seasick.”

  “I concur,” Falco said. “Personally, air is preferable to sea.”

  FairyP shrugged. “I'd feel like a jerk if I left these two.”

  “Fair enough. See ya’ll around. And, thanks for humoring me.”

  “Our pleasure, King McArthur.”

  I walked along the edge of the turtle’s shell. The water was calm but too dark to see through. Felt a bit torn on that. As much as I’d love to see Auro’s marine life, I’d rather not know what horrors waited for us in the abyss.

  Besides, the view beyond the horizon was spectacular enough. Purple auroras veiled Ira's icy peak. Lights swirled around the mountain like violet mist. The hidden summit added equal senses of majesty and dread as we steadily drew closer.

  "First thing I'm building is a private island where my two favorite people can live in peace."

  Shame Char wouldn’t get the chance to enjoy it.

  "Quite the sight, wouldn't you say?"

  Lucy lounged upon a chair formed by her tails. She shed her kimono in favor of a swimsuit that showed more glistening fur than I was comfortable seeing.

  "Aren't you cold?" I asked.

  "Never said I wasn't. But I refuse to let a dash of discomfort dissuade me from relaxation. Care to join me? I could use the company."

  "Isn't that Orthrus's job?"

  "It was until he scurried after the kids playing a game. That one has a fondness for games."

  "You two know each other?"

  "We partied together during the beta. Our group grew a tad overconfident the night of the Admin's announcement. He and I are the only survivors."

  "Orthrus told us he lost some friends. Sorry to hear it."

  "Thank you, but I prefer your presence over condolences."

  "Are you really that lonely?"

  "Hardly, darling. Tis shade I need. The aurora is gorgeous but a touch too bright."

  That got a chuckle from me. I stood over her, casting a shadow. "How's this?"

  "Lovely. Would you like some tea?"

  "That sounds lovely."

  She poured a green brew into a pair of earthen cups. "I met Susan and Cupcake shortly thereafter. Susan grew too attached for Cupcake or I to leave without guilt. We’ve been nigh inseparable since. I’m very protective of them,” she added with a glint in her eye.

  “Not protective enough if you left them with Jeremiah.”

  Lucy chuckled. “He's easy to read. Full of hot air but ultimately harmless.”

  “Are you good at reading people?”

  “Of course. Otherwise I’d be a terrible card player.”

  I considered asking her read on me but decided against it. Having someone accurately discern my character from a few short interactions didn’t sound fun.

  “And how did our good Chef Robin come to know his companions?” she asked.

  “Nana’s my little sister. We met Orthrus this morning at a local Artificier’s. He's sharp with good vibes, so he's tagging along. We met the other three at a tavern a couple nights ago. Again, vibes seemed good."

  “Hot air hasn’t annoyed you yet?”

  I pressed my thumb and forefinger together. “Just a bit. Guessing he’s not your type.”

  Lucy chuckled. “Heavens no. I prefer someone with a bit more tact.” She took another sip of her tea. “Or at least easy to tease.”

  Bradley could hardly form a sentence around her earlier. “I might just know—”

  A figure leapt from the water. Amethyst scales and violet sea-shell bra matched the lights dancing about Ira's sky. An ensuing splash told me she landed back in the water. I stepped away, to Lucy’s chagrin, for a better look.

  Blazing hair and viridian eyes peeked above the surface. Her smile revealed rows of shark-like teeth.

  Mermaid: One of Lord Aboleth's emissaries for when he's in a friendly mood. You won't regret becoming part of her world--she won't give you the chance. Level 12.

  Guessing she wanted to lure me into the water and drown me before eating me. “Ever seen a mermaid, Lucy?”

  Her tails pushed against the deck, elevating her enough to look into the water. “Yes,” she said and resumed her position. “If her vibes are good, perhaps she can join your party as well.”

  She was mocking me, but I wanted to play along. “Hey,” I said to the mermaid. “How’re your vibes?”

  The mermaid chirped back at me. Ruined the mystique of her majestic beauty and my notion of her as a femme fatale

  I shrugged. “Sorry, I don't speak fish.”

  Her tail thrashed, creating salty geysers. Thankfully, none of them were strong enough to reach the deck. She pointed aggressively at me and then to the water.

  “Nah, I'm good.”

  Her eyes flashed crimson. An incomprehensible mesh of screeches and whistles left her mouth. I couldn't understand a word she said, but I could feel the slurs.

  “Good Chef Robin,” Lucy said, covering her ears. “You stole my shade and now my peace of mind. Be a darling and stop offending the poor girl.”

  A beleaguered Bradley, pale and clutching his chest, joined us on the deck before I could answer. “Please stop shouting. I'm sick already without listening to such vile things.”

  Seems I was right about the slurs. “Sorry, the mermaid is throwing a fit, because I won’t let her drown me.”

  A bit of color returned to Bradley’s face. “Mermaid?” He nearly tripped over himself, but he peered over the railing. His jaw dropped when he saw her. “I didn't start liking girls until I saw The Little Mermaid. Meeting one has always been a fantasy. And there she is. Right there…”

  He reached toward her, but I yanked him back.

  “Ow, what the hell, man?”

  “Wrong Disney movie,” I said. “She's one of the Peter Pan kinds.”

  Sullen eyes looked over at her. “You sure?”

  “Got a pretty good hunch.”

  Bradley shook his head. “I can't have nice things.” He chirped back and forth with the mermaid; his face returned to a whiter shade of pale.

  “You can understand her?” I asked.

  “Aquaglot lets me communicate with any aquatic creature. She says these are Lord Aboleth's waters. We'll have to pay a toll if we want to pass.”

  “Unless you go pale when happy, I'm assuming Lord Aboleth is a bad dude?”

  “If he's anything like aboleths from D&D, it's not good.”

  “Cliff notes version?”

  “Psychic demon eel.”

  Didn’t like the sound of that. Given the mermaid emissary, I could venture a guess as to what kind of toll it wanted us to pay. “Human sacrifice kinda demon?”

  “Doesn’t have to be human but yes,” Bradley said.

  Convenient thing for Diego to leave out of his message. Perhaps this was a test of character to see who would stand and fight, pay the toll, or turn tail. I was in no hurry to fight a demon eel from the abyss, but letting someone be sacrificed wasn’t in the cards at all.

  A familiar laugh echoed. “An aboleth, you say?” Alucard joined us on the deck with Nana and Orthrus taking their time behind him. "I'm quite experienced with their ilk. Fair folk and I have made many an amorous connection."

  Wasn't sure demon eels and pixies were in the same category. Regardless, I was sure that having him around during strategy discussions was a bad idea. "Sorry, kiddo, but the adults are talking."

  "Don't shoo him away," Nana said, catching up. "If anyone should be shooed it's you. You are the bird."

  Alucard laughed once more. "At ease, Shadowcloak. Chef is correct. We adults have business." He pulled on the brim of his hat and pointed at the mermaid. "Listen well, maiden of the sea. I am Alucard: Seeker of Darkness and Master of the Magic Rainbow. I have lived for generations—far longer than your master. Tell that slimy worm he will receive no toll from this turtle whilst it remains my vessel."

  The mermaid hissed and dived under the water.

  Alucard chuckled. "The adults have handled the situation. No need to thank me."

  He had plenty of reason to thank me, though. I was the one keeping Bradley from strangling him. "On a scale of one to ten, Bradley, how dumb was that?"

  Bradley covered his mouth and aggressively pointed at the water. I let go, and he retched over the railing.

  "Aboleths... love knowledge," he said. "They gain it from... food." He paused to throw up a second time. "This idiot–" He jammed a finger in Alucard's direction. "Insulted it and bragged about his generations of knowledge."

  Orthrus whistled and shook his head. "So our buddy is the main course, eh?"

  Now it was Alucard turning pale. "I... what?"

  "Not that I mind the challenge." Skaei's Tears materialized in his hands. "Naval combat sounds like fun."

  "If Orthrus is excited then so am I." Nana flourished Red like Roses. "Bring on the demon eel!"

  God granted her request. Thunderous drums and ominous strings heralded the demon eel.

  Jeremiah clangored onto the deck with shield and lance in hand. "Why the hell do I hear boss music?"

  Sleek silver scales flashed like lightning from the water. Salt and water dripped from its gills. Tentacles protruding from its head and back skittered across the sky. Dozens of hungry eyes gleamed in the aurora light.

  Lord Aboleth: The ruthless guardian of Ira's waters. Lord Aboleth is only satiated by knowledge and the taste of still wriggling flesh. Level 19.

  "I've been informed that one amongst you has generations of knowledge to share with me. One courageous enough to deny this 'slimy worm' his toll? Speak, so we may know our next meal."

  Alucard didn't speak. Shaking hands gripped his hat and umbrella. Not that I blamed him. He was a haughty idiot but didn't deserve to die for it.

  "That was me," I said.

  Several eyes, at least half belonging to Lord Aboleth, focused on me. "You? A mere Chef possesses the courage to defy me?"

  "Never had a reason to be scared of unagi."

  Lord Aboleth's sharp laughter felt like needles stabbing my brain through my ears. A new icon appeared on my HUD: a rattlesnake cowering under its tail.

  Rattled: Feeling nervous? Don't sweat it. Take a deep breath and count to ten. All cool downs last an additional ten seconds.

  "Tell me, Chef, how should I best prepare you?"

  "How 'bout à la mode? Always wanted to be braised in wine and served with ice cream."

  "Interesting suggestion, but I think I prefer to eat you alive!"

  Serrated tentacles lashed toward me but pivoted at the last moment. Sharp ridges slashed against Jeremiah’s gold and blue aura. He didn’t flinch and took minimal damage. His lance clanged against his shield, as he stared down the beast.

  “Don’t make me look like an asshole after I promised to keep him safe.”

  “An appetizer before the main course then.”

  Lord Aboleth lunged. Jeremiah’s shield kept the monster’s jaws from closing around him.

  Orthrus wasted no time slashing Lord Aboleth. Skaei's Tears were a silver blur amidst the scales and tentacles. Bradley lifted his staff, and the blue aura that surrounded Jeremiah covered Orthrus as well.

  Michaela quickly joined wielding mushrooms I recognized. The base was a true morel riddled with holes with enoki as the handle. More axe than sword and more bagpipe than flute. She swung her mushroom several times, playing a soothing melody. Green light swirled around Lord Aboleth, and Orthrus’s attacks started dealing more damage.

  Lord Aboleth tried to pull back, but blazing chains wrested its neck and tentacles onto the turtle’s deck.

  The other players had gathered. Susan clutched a cross and pentagram in her hands, each emanating the chains. Lucy shuffled a deck of cards and drew a hand of five. "Hmm. Two Pair." Four cards transformed into golden missiles. Reinhardt and Falco fired with a revolver and longbow respectively, while FairyP buffed them from the corner.

  The damage wasn’t astounding, but we were making progress. About a third of Lord Aboleth’s health was gone.

  Two servings of Kimchi will be prepared in twenty seconds.

  Two servings of Buldak will be prepared in twenty seconds.

  Disappointed but not surprised to see Rattled affect prep time. Luckily, Family Dinner let me bypass it somewhat by double-targeting. Buldak's aggro reduction went to Orthrus and Michaela for being the most aggressive. The Kimchi went to Jeremiah and Nana. Neither of them needed any health yet, but I wanted to keep the tank and my sister healthy.

  Speaking of which, I hadn’t noticed her join the fray. She stood behind me, unmoving. Her bravado from a few moments ago was gone. Rattled wasn’t just a status condition but an apt description.

  "How ya feeling, kiddo?"

  "I'm not scared," she snapped.

  "Never said you were. Even badasses get scared sometimes. Need to sit this one out?”

  She bit her lip but shook her head. Nana teleported to Orthrus’s side and shot off a tentacle he’d been chopping at. They shared a grin and got to work.

  Lord Aboleth let out another ear-grating roar. Susan’s chains shattered, and the tentacles lashed out. Jeremiah’s aggro redirected most of them but a few went toward Orthrus. Orthrus spun thrice like in his duel with Nana. He didn't fling any needles, but all oncoming tentacles were cut to ribbons. Jeremiah wasn’t so fortunate. Though his shield deflected most of the attacks, he still lost about an eighth of his health.

  One serving of Kimchi served to Shadowcloak.

  One serving of Kimchi served to Scotch_WoodCock.

  One serving of Buldak served to Orthrus.

  One serving of Buldak served to Michaela Robinson.

  Jeremiah curtly nodded in my direction. "Trying to tickle me to death? You'll need more than that to hurt me." He glanced at the others. "Hurry up and kill it before it does hurt me."

  “Tryin’.” Reinhardt reloaded. "Ain't we got spellcasters here?"

  That was his cue, and he didn’t miss it. "A spellcaster you say? How fortunate the greatest of them stands amongst you." One hand pulled down the brim of his hat. The other pointed the umbrella at Lord Aboloeth. “I, who stand in the full light of the heavens call open thee who openeth the gates of Hell."

  Clouds made of light blotted out the aurora. Shadows of worry darkened Lord Aboleth's eyes, as the clouds formed an electric halo.

  "Come forth, Divine Lightning! This ends now!"

  Purple bolts burst from the halo. Each bolt pierced Lord Aboleth's scales. I wasn’t sure which melted quicker: the scales or the health points. Lord Aboleth emitted a sharp cry and retreated to the depths. The cloud-halo dissipated, and the aurora lights glowed ever brighter.

  Laughter echoed in my ears. It was refreshing after all the screeching. “Lord Aboleth, your appetite and supposed strength were naught but bluster before Alucard: Seeker of Darkness and Master of the Magic Rainbow.” Alucard outstretched his arms. “Fear not, companions. No harm shall beset you and no toll asked of you need be paid whilst I am by your side."

  He tipped his hat toward me. “And, you, Chef. Normally an impersonator would be smote until not even atoms remained. Yet your courage has not gone unnoticed. It would please me greatly to have you in my thrall.”

  I shrugged. “Less courage and more me not knowing when to keep my mouth shut.”

  “Either way, that took stones, man,” Jeremiah said. “Leave it to me next time, will ya?”

  I winked. “Make no promises.”

  Jeremiah rolled his eyes. “Bones, since you’re feeling better, let me introduce ya to my new pal Susan…”

  The group dispersed until only Nana and I remained. She gazed down at the water, not exactly looking happy.

  “Ya alright?”

  “No, I’m mad.”

  “At yourself?”

  “Kinda. “I was so scared and you… why did you do that?” Her eyes hardened. “You weren’t trying to get killed, were you?”

  “Hey, no fair using my own questions against me.”

  “That’s not a no, bird brain.”

  No, it wasn’t. “Alucard was scared and needed a moment. Jeremiah promised to keep me safe, so I knew he’d have my back if things went south.”

  “I guess that makes sense.” Her glare continued for a moment but then she sighed. “Dang it. How come you got to do something cool before me? You really think I can be the strongest player?”

  “Well, maybe not after seeing Alucard–”

  “You jerk!” She playfully punched my shoulder.

  “Ow,” It didn’t hurt, but I made a show of rubbing the spot. “Never mind. Alucard's got nothin' on you.”

  Nana chuckled. “Thanks for cheering me up. I won’t let you down next time.”

  “Next time? You didn’t let me down today. Like I said, it’s okay to be scared. Courage will come with time. In the meantime, how're you with cold weather?"

  "It's the best! I love playing in the snow. Dad takes me sledding sometimes. Why?"

  I glanced at the snow-covered island steadily drawing closer. "No reason."