My (Monster?) Hero Life

Chapter 73: Two Ships

Aboard the 'Freedom' Mr Penny was busy barking orders like a rabid dog. He could not wait to be done with this Island. He was thanking his lucky stars that Raven had decided they would never return here again.

"Joshua! What are you doing man!" Mr Penny glared at him with honest to God confusion.

Joshua pulled his long, brown, wavy hair back behind his shoulders as he looked at Mr Penny. He was equally as confused. His brow furrowed into a knot as he looked over his work with the ropes. 

"I'm sorry Sir but I don't see a problem?" He was perplexed now. Unsure of what he had done to deserve the ire aimed at him.

"There's nothing wrong with the work! What's wrong is that shouldn't be the one doing it!" Mr Penny replied flabbergasted. "Or did you forget?"

Joshua wracked his brain, causing the knot in his brow to form an even more complicated expression. For the past twelve years onboard the ship, this had been his job when setting sail. He had never missed it or received a complaint about it.

"Oh for fucks sake man! You've forgotten! Mr Meierhoff is dead! He was with the captain! You're the quartermaster now! So get to bloody work!" Me Penny almost went blue in the face as he shouted the last part.

Joshua jumped into action right away. A large grin plastered on his face like it was the best day of his life. He was ecstatic about the promotion of becoming an officer. His friends congratulated him as he made his way to his old bunk.

Old crewmates already knew about it and so started calling him Mr Thomas. It was a mark of respect for any officer on the ship. Only another one would still call them by their first name. Except for Mr Penny, everyone knew his name was Ryan but nobody would dare to disrespect him for even a second.

Joshua collected his few personal belongings before heading to his new cabin. An officers cabin onboard the 'Freedom' was the equivalent of upgrading from a hostel to a five-star hotel on Earth.

In place of a hammock, he now had a soft double bed that was bolted to the floor. The same went for all the furniture except the chair that sat beside the desk. There were a few problems though. Mostly Mr Meierhoff's belongings. 

'Guess I'll have to look for his will, hopefully, there isn't one. I could do with some better clothes.' Joshua thought to himself as he began the search.

The most important rule that they lived by was if there is a will everything goes to who its meant to. If there is not a will, well then, everyone for themselves. After the Captain of course. Joshua eagerly rummaged through the cabin, he would not leave a single place unturned.

Meanwhile, aboard the 'Hurricane'...

Phillip was having a hard time stomaching the presence of his senior disciple. Tyler Corbin was a man of many talents. Unfortunately, most of them resembled their teacher's. This made Phillip feel like the black sheep amongst them.

On the other hand, Tyler had always been pissed off that Erik had granted Phillip the chance to take on the Pheonix. He was eager to prove himself but he could not deny their mentor's reasoning.

The Phoenix was famous for its fire which was Phillip's speciality. Not his. So obviously the gains would benefit his younger rival more than himself. Although this pissed him off, there was another reason behind his enmity. 

They had both left him out of the conversation when it came to whatever Phillip had gained from the quest. He hated the idea of Erik not trusting him enough to share with him the truth.

Erik looked at the pair with his cold eyes. Evaluating each of their worth to help him push his agenda within the Heroes Guild. 'They're both still too young and inexperienced.' He sighed heavily in his mind, his face never even twitched a muscle though.

His eyes fell on Sarah, unlike his two apprentices she gave off a dangerous feeling. Not that it meant anything to Erik himself. There was little that this kind of aura could do to him.

It was the meaning behind having awakened this stage of an aura at her age that made him slightly jealous. 'These boys need to grow up. Otherwise, all my plans will be ruined!'

Erik grew tired of the pair bickering with their words across the table. He slammed his fist down on the wood, cracking it. The sudden gesture he made caused Phillip and Tyler to jump in panic.

They had gotten used to being away from him for so long that they had fallen into their usual routine. Completely forgetting that his moniker of 'Stormbringer' reflected his personality as well as his skills.

They both swallowed the saliva that had formed a lump in each of their throats. You would believe a warzone had erupted on both of their bodies as each of them sweated bullets. With no sign of a ceasefire in sight.

"I believe I'm up to speed with the situation Phillip. A motley crew of pirates will easily be put down. The island itself though is the real issue at hand." Erik said these words in a slow, quiet voice. Further emphasising his displeasure with their quarrelling.

Erik looked at the trio of youths to make sure that he had their undivided attention. To his surprise, even the unruly Sarah was hanging on his every word. Since he found their new serious attitude pleasing he continued.

"The three of you will tackle the human type of monster together. I will only intervene if necessary. However! Tyler will be the one to strike the final blow." Erik gave this order while his cold gaze stopped Phillip from protesting.

'He already has a Legacy. Albeit incomplete as of just now. He only needs the Beast's blood once it's dead. It's time I gave Tyler a chance.' Erik pondered through his choice until he was convinced it was the best course of action.