Reconcile

Timothy's group arrived just in time to obstruct the rapid battle between Chiaki and Shanya, where he positioned himself in the middle.

Everyone came, and Shanya didn't know what to think of it. There was Olishia and the people from her tribe and some of Timothy's crew, counting Elliott.

She could tell they were in an association, everyone wanting to stop Hywel and the Seraphs from reviving Yerachmiel, the divine angel they dubbed.

"Benjamin... Y-You little~" Shanya couldn't make herself speak and insult him. She held back and grumbled, palming her forehead. "I told you to stay behind, didn't I? I didn't need to drag you in the middle of this. You should know it's dangerous."

Benjamin ran up to her and sincerely apologized. "I-I know, big sister. But I couldn't. I was scared." He pulled by her shorts and directed his finger toward the people he came with. "These guys are here to help everyone. You should really think about who to trust, big sister."

While the two conversed, Timothy checked up on Chiaki and asked if she was hurt. She denied it and only pointed out a few skin scrapes she received from the scrabble against Hywel.

Shanya didn't seem pleased with Benjamin or the Scanara Tribe. She doubted them but began to understand the situation they were in.

She tugged her hip aside and shook her head as Olishia dropped from the tiger and leaned her palm on her heart. She approached peacefully and gathered the courage to speak to Shanya and inform her about the mess they were in.

"I know we didn't start on the right foot, but please, Shanya. I would like you to listen to what we have to say."

Shanya had second guesses and didn't want to drop her guard and fall under their so-believed deceptions. After a few seconds of no motion, Shanya sighed, grunted, and encased her broadsword.

She folded her arms, shut her eyes, and fixed her hair, moving it behind her ears as her lightly-tanned skin reflected in the sun. "Fine... speak. But it better be worth my time."

Olishia nodded, keeping an earnest tone and expression, and presented everything to Shanya that she already told the others.

It didn't take much time, and once their discussion came to a close, Shanya started to think differently. She considered aiding them in this battle, but that would mean she'd have to backstab the one person she assumed could pay her.

She didn't have a straight answer, but that changed after Benjamin begged her to trust them.

"It feels like I'm getting forced to help you, to betray the one that could pay me, but if you promise to share some of your treasure with me, enough to buy the antidote, then fine, I'll do it."

Benjamin and the Scanara people cheered her on respectfully and believed they had a good chance of defeating Hywel and retrieving Ivione's reputation.

"So, Timmy, my best friend, the all mighty captain. Would it be okay if I returned to the crew? I'm quite dependable nowadays, trust!"

Simultaneously, Timothy and Chiaki faced him as he awkwardly goggled at them with a cheeky smile. Timothy divulged huffiness and silently observed Elliott, unamused about his indecisiveness.

Both had different responses, and Timothy complained about Elliott's past mistakes, the time he was perverted and carless, picking the worst possible choices and achieving horrible regrets.

"How I remember happening it, you were the one who defied my orders and left without my approval because of your manly needs. Tell me. Why should the captain accept back the crewmember who did something so tactless? I never permitted you to leave, Elliott. So, I don't see why I should let you back on board."

Drops of sweat formed on his face as Elliott became grumpy. He felt like getting picked on but understood where Timothy's question came from.

He didn't like it but had to accept it.

"Aw. man. I promise not to do that again if you give me another chance. I'm more mature now and well-behaved. I wouldn't dare to disobey your orders again."

He pressed his palms together and begged for permission and a second chance.

"Besides, Codey teamed up with the world government. Don't you want to get him back? I'm sure Ayuka would be happy to see an old friend. Plus I get to meet the new crewmembers."

Timothy closed his eyes and yawned. He wrapped his arms around Chiaki's shoulders and grinned enthusiastically. "I'm afraid Ayuka's not part of the crew anymore. She's probably enjoying herself on the shore, sunbathing like usual. Chiaki over here took over her role and became second in command."

Elliott felt devastated but got over it almost immediately. However, aside from asking about Ayuka, he appeared more interested in Codey's scenario, not knowing Timothy's procedure.

"As for Codey... I decided to erase him from the crew. If he wants to join forces with the world government and the WPDA, I have no interest in accepting him back on board. He didn't just insult our crew by reporting us to the WPDA. He betrayed every single one of us, including you, Elliott."

Timothy had a valid point, and Chiaki consented, agreeing with him. The trust Timothy put in Codey disappeared in an instant. Betrayed and opposed, they confirmed it would be better for them to stay far away from Codey until the right day to confront him would come.

Would they converse with him? Yes.

Would they bring him back to the crew? No.

Usually, Timothy's kind-hearted enough to give people a second chance, but this time it was different.

It was a done deal. Whether the crew liked it or not, Timothy announced he wouldn't ally with Codey again. And they would need to accept his decision.

"If that's what you suggest, I understand. I'm happy to oblige, captain. I was never on the best terms with Codey anyway. Sometimes I really hated that guy, but now I hate him even more."

It was a surprise. What Elliott said about his maturity and well-mannered behavior was genuine. He didn't just give up on chasing pretty young girls. He became more trustworthy than ever before.

Because of that, Timothy happily accepted him back on the crew and prepared to continue journeying with him and the others until the very end.

To be continued...