Seaworthy
" What the hell do you want? the snow leopard growled. "I'm busy at the moment, can't you tell? So, leave me be until next season." King Asger, however, was not easily intimidated. He matched the creature's scowl with a steady gaze and replied calmly
"I require your boat, or at the very least, I need to hire a capable captain for a reasonable fee for the voyage my crew intends to undertake. Are you the captain of this vessel or merely an imposter?" asked Asger.
The snow leopard smirked slightly before lifting his head from its drooped position. Rising to his full height, he turned to face Asger, observing him closely and assessing the nature of this odd felines character.
"I have to admit, I like you, stranger—quite a statement coming from me, as I can't stand anyone except my mother, may she rest in peace. To answer your questions: yes, I am the captain of this vessel, the S.S. Julian, and no, I'm not an imposter. I'm as genuine as they come, though I may not be from your typical surroundings," the captain replied.
He paused briefly before asking a few questions of his own. "What's your name, stranger? What's your story that would lead you to seek my ship for such a journey?"
Asger glanced over with a slight grin. "I am King Asger of Havardr, the city nestled within the Sanctuary. Your ship rests at the very ports that I built and own, alongside my Queen, when we took on the roles of high Lord and Lady. To keep it brief, I have made a promise to another great King—the one who rules all of Africa. I vowed to return to his homeland to share good news with his kingdom. As you can see, I have no route to Africa other than the open sea to fulfill my commitment to such an honorable figure as King Zarda. Will you assist me, Captain? And may I ask, what is your name or title?" inquired Asger.
"I am referred to as Captain Akio by my crew and passengers, but you may call me Aki for short. I sincerely apologize for my earlier outburst; I was unaware that I was in the presence of the High Lord of Sanctuary City. I hope I did not cause you any offense, my Lord. It would be my great honor to take you and your men on the journey you seek—free of charge, of course," Akio replied.
Asger was grateful to accept the apology, but he quickly shook his head in disagreement and responded to the other remark, "Nonsense! You will take my money for the trip, I insist. I understand that maintaining a beautiful ship like these costs a considerable amount in upkeep, not to mention your crew's salaries. It will just be me and four others; they're waiting outside as we speak," Asger declared.
Captain Akio felt a sense of satisfaction upon hearing the magnanimous Kings remarks. He invited the King to take a closer look at the map he held with pride, highlighting the various places he had visited and the location of his birth. Asger couldn't help but admire the impressive number of destinations Akio had experienced. He himself had never ventured far beyond the protective woods of Sanctuary, and any brief excursions outside had been fleeting. As he listened, a twinge of envy tugged at him for the captain's adventurous life. The thought of starting anew in a different place, far removed from the evils that plagued Havardr, filled him with excitement.
"I hail from a small village in East Asia, specifically in China. I was born among the lush bamboo jungles, and as I matured, it wasn't until the last two or three years that I transformed into the hybrid you see today. The change was quite alarming for all of us. We thought that the great god Buddha and P'an Ku, the god of creation, had cursed us for our disobedience. However, we later realized that no gods were actually angry with us. It was at that moment, when I stopped believing in those deities, that I discovered my own strength. I can't claim to believe in any gods now; I believe in myself, and that is enough for me. This conviction is what drives me to brave the sea, with all its beauty and fury." shared Akio.
Asger was interested to hear more, "Is that where your entire crew come from as well. At least I assume, I have never seen such creatures as those who are working aboard your vessel." replied Asger.
"Yes, most of my crew comes from various parts of Asia, with a few exceptions like the two new shipmates. The tall black and white hybrids are panda-men, whom I rely on for their strength and gentle nature. The reddish and black slender hybrids are known as white-cheeked gibbon-guys; they are not only hardworking but also exceptional fighters when necessary. For defense and physical strength, I have larger crewmates who are hybrid tiger-men. The hybrid Asian alligator-men serve to intimidate any foes we might encounter. Lastly, we have our loyal companions, the sables and small-clawed otter-men. We've recently welcomed two more otters from your sanctuary—Mr. and Mrs. Oscar and Irabel, in case you're aware of them," Akio explained.
Asger was familiar with them and felt pleased to be on board with some recognizable faces, though he couldn't help but wonder why they hadn't departed with the others.
"Ah yes, they arrived with King Zarda after coming from the nexus labs not far from here. Zarda encountered them after being taken from his homeland and subjected to testing and torment. He led their daring escape and guided them safely to our sanctuary. They have been with us ever since, right up until the recent major battle against the scientists. We emerged victorious, but it came at a heavy price, costing many lives and a significant portion of our kingdom. I hope to see it restored quickly upon my return. But enough small talk, when can we set out?" Asger inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Asger placed the substantial bag of gold coins onto Captain Akio's desk. The snow leopard gazed down with eyes that shimmered with delight. He lifted the heavy bag, gauging its weight intuitively. Ecstatic about the generous sum of wages—more than he had ever received from previous passengers—he set the bag back on the table.
Looking up with a broad grin, he said, "Actually, right now seems perfect. The weather is looking good, Africa is neither far, nor difficult to reach. In fact, it's one of my favorite destinations, alongside Australia and my homeland, Asia."
"Excellent, I'll go tell the crew the good news." responded Asger.
He stepped outside immediately and found the others, nearly dozing off from boredom, waiting for their leader's return. Ayaan the Lynx was the first to notice King Asger, promptly standing up, while Luca the coyote and Gille the hawk also straightened themselves, pretending to be attentive. In contrast, Hamish the Bison was snoring loudly, entirely unaware that his King was keeping watching him.
Asger suddenly jolted Hamish awake from his delightful nap. The big bison was taken by surprise and emitted a sound resembling a moo, which sent everyone into fits of laughter, including Captain Akio's crew. Feeling a bit embarrassed, the bison got to his feet, keeping his head down. Eager to shift the focus away from the incident, Asger happily told his men they could hitch a ride on the Asian vessel, the S.S. Julian, captained by Akio. They were excited to learn that the ship was about to set sail for Africa. On the dock, the sounding horns announced the imminent departure, urging any remaining passengers to hurry aboard the S.S. Julian. Asger and his crew searched for a cozy spot to settle in as they awaited the ship's departure. Two familiar figures rushed up the ramp: Mr. Oscar and Mrs. Irabel Otter had successfully boarded. They were now making their way below deck to their comfortable sleeping quarters. Oscar, well-versed in the effects of seasickness, planned to help his bride acclimate to the ocean by encouraging her to rest during the first part of the journey. The initial leg of the voyage could be quite challenging for those unaccustomed to the sea, a lesson Asger and his men would soon come to understand. At the helm, Captain Akio observed his new passengers as the ship set sail. He bit down on a piece of charcoal, steadying himself as he ensured that his crew was securely on board and at their designated stations. All attention turned to the five oblivious new crewmates seated securely in the center of the deck. The waves lapped more forcefully as the ship accelerated. Initially, everything appeared fine for Asger and his group, but that was about to change. As the waves grew larger, the vessel dipped low and then soared high upon the water. The constant rocking soon left a few of Asger's men feeling dizzy, and their faces began to pale rapidly. The mesmerizing sway of the ocean held Asger in a trance, rendering him immobile. He felt entirely stuck to the weathered crates they were perched on, completely unhelpful to his crew. The power of the vast waters made Asger think of Lady Sindri, and he realized that the tumultuous sensations he experienced on the rough sea mirrored the feelings she had stirred in him for so long. Both the sea and she possessed a captivating beauty, yet ultimately remained wild and uncontainable.
The stunning turquoise waters and vibrant orange sky did little to ease Luca's nausea, which threatened to overwhelm him every few seconds. Nevertheless, he fought the urge and simply shut his eyes. The restless waters didn't seem to calm any time soon. Asger and his crew were in for a long ride. Akio and his crew mate Atlas the Asian tiger stood next to him laughing along with his captain at their expense. Akio sensed that their first day of torment at sea had been more than enough. He hurried down to distribute some charcoal to each of them, hoping to soothe their stomachs and relieve their anxiety. It was precisely what they required to regain their composure before hastening below deck, just as the otters had done upon arriving. If only they had realized that sooner, Asger mused. The five of them discovered vacant cabins with numerous bunks and settled in for the night. They planned not to emerge again until the waters had settled. Mr. and Mrs. Otter had risen early and stepped out of their cabin, exploring the ship's vast and intricate levels. Oscar had taken Irabel straight to the captain who was sailing at the helm of the ship. His vibrant blue eyes examined the contours of the water. There was an innate sense of connection forged by seeking solitude away from the world and immersing oneself in the sea. The pristine waters unveiled a vivid spectrum of colors, with schools of tropical fish flitting gracefully through the depths. The gentle cadence of waves lapping against the hull produced a calming rhythm, while the distant cries of seagulls infused the atmosphere with a serene charm.
The deck was alive with energy as crew members dashed about, their footsteps creating a rhythmic sound that echoed against the metal railings. Sunlight bathed the deck in a warm golden glow, while shadows danced and shifted in sync with the ship's movements. Captain Akio held a deep pride for his vessel, which had been handed down from his father, Julian, giving the ship its name. However, it wasn't always known as the S.S. Julian: when his father owned it, the ship was called 'The Red Ryuu,' which translates to 'Red Dragon.' Akio's father asserted that he had won it during a late-night game of Snakes of Shadows. Luck appeared to be on his side that night. As he faced the final draw, he pulled the winning card, leaving his opponent empty-handed.
"Captain Aki, how are you on this fine sea day" aske Oscar?
Akio glanced over to his new favorite crew member with a wink. He then looked at Irabel who had been wise enough to catch rest during the roughest part of the voyage out.
"I'm doing well, my friend. Perhaps I should be the one asking you how you're doing, especially since it's your bride's first experience at sea. But don't worry, my lady; your husband is quite experienced in maritime adventures by now. His first outing was the most challenging I've ever witnessed in any novice. He adapted quickly and put in a lot of effort onboard to prove himself. Rest assured, you're in capable hands. I also have some exciting news for you, Oscar—you'll be pleased to know that we're setting sail for Africa to bring on new paying passengers. Some of your friends are joining us, my lady. A King Asger and his four companions. They aim to meet King Zarda in his homeland. It promises to be an exhilarating journey for all of us. However, I must caution you, my lady: there will be a point along the route where the seas will become turbulent, unleashing severe storms—one of nature's mysterious phenomena, comparable to the Bermuda Triangle." replied Akio.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Otter were delighted to hear some positive news, despite the future turbulent route at hand. Irabel wasn't worried Captain Akio was right she was defiantly in capable hands. She looked around to see if she could spy her familiar friends, but they were nowhere to be seen on the upper deck.
"Thank you, Aki, for the fantastic news! I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing Africa; it's such an exciting place that I've never had the chance to explore. My bride and I have decided to go up to the crow's nest for a light picnic, if that's alright with you, Captain," Oscar inquired.
Captain Akio had no objections to their plans; at least someone was making good use of that vacant area. He granted their request and turned his attention back to the sea.
Before departing, Irabel had a quick question to ask: "If you don't mind me asking, where exactly are King Asger and his crew?"
The captain chuckled, "Below deck my lady, they had their first lesson in seafaring—learning what to do and what to avoid. I doubt they'll be joining us until they've steadied their sea legs and settled their stomachs. I wager they'll be out by nightfall; the sea tends to quiet down just as the rest of the world does at that time. It's the most enchanting and beautiful moment you can experience on the open ocean. Have a good day, my lady, and I hope you enjoy your picnic," Akio replied.
Irabel felt a mix of delight and relief that her first experience hadn't mirrored theirs. She dipped her head toward the captain as she linked arms with her beloved, feeling elated to be back by his side after such a long separation. Oscar led her toward the main mast, which stood tall and centered, supporting the crow's nest high above. They faced a lengthy climb to reach their private perch above the deck and water below. Oscar draped the picnic blanket filled with food over his shoulders and assisted Irabel as they began their ascent up the wooden pole, step by step. As she reached the halfway point, nerves and dizziness crept in, but Oscar patiently waited for her to regain her courage. He offered reassuring pats on her back, letting her know she was safe and that if she slipped, she would only fall into his embrace. This reassured her, and she resumed climbing with determination until she finally reached the crow's nest. The space was surprisingly spacious, and she quickly found a cozy spot to sit while waiting for Oscar to join her with their picnic spread.
"I want you to witness the beauty of the waters from this vantage point when you finish your meal, my love. It's truly breathtaking and difficult to describe unless you see it for yourself. Don't worry; I promise I won't let you fall overboard. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you, my love. I've missed you immensely, and I'm so thankful to be with you again," Oscar said.
Irabel shared similar feelings as they exchanged personal stories about life after the raid in Great Rivers. It seemed like a distant memory to them, or perhaps they chose to view it that way. The past held both painful memories and unexpected blessings. For Irabel, one such blessing manifested in a lion hybrid form. The otters spent hours above, relishing their meal while sharing stories. It was finally time for Irabel to discover what Oscar had been rambling about regarding the sea. She slowly stood up, gripping Oscar's arms tightly. He led her to one side and wrapped his arms around her slender waist. With her eyes gently closed, she hoped that it would help ease her fear.
He sensed her fear and wrapped her tightly in his embrace. "Open your eyes, my love, and take in the view before you," Oscar said with a smile.
Irabel gradually opened her eyes to a breathtaking view, which she could only describe as majestic. It was undeniably stunning. The turquoise waves shimmered in the bright sunlight, exuding an inviting and tranquil aura. If her fear hadn't loomed larger than herself, she would have jumped from her perch and plunged into the refreshing waters below. The sound of the waves offered a soothing, rhythmic melody, creating an atmosphere of pure tranquility high above the ocean. In that moment, she felt a deep connection to the freedom birds experience as they soar over such a landscape. Below deck, a well-rested Asger had just woken from a much-needed nap, feeling a newfound peace within his body. The choppy waves that had stirred in his stomach had subsided. Although his legs still felt a bit unsteady, he was confident he could handle himself better than the other four, who appeared to be still recovering from the sea's turbulence. Asger was able to stand tall and walk steadily on his own. He decided it was time to head up on deck for some fresh sea air. Taking his time, he carefully made his way up, mindful not to trigger another dizzy spell like the last time. He reflected on how challenging sea voyages could be, definitely not suited for those with weak stomachs, and his respect for the captain had only grown after that experience. Asger stepped onto the main deck, grounding himself firmly in position. He inhaled deeply, savoring the salty sea air, and closed his eyes for a moment. His perspective had shifted, and he was now embracing the experience with newfound positivity. When he opened his eyes, he was greeted by Captain Akio's broad smile reflecting back at him.
"Good afternoon, Asger, my lord. I see you've managed to get some well-deserved rest and found your sea legs as well. Come, let's have a chat," Akio said warmly.
King Asger was more than happy to engage in conversation. He strolled over to the snow leopard with effortless grace. Akio was poised to light a pipe filled with sweet cherry tobacco. The long, dark wooden pipe looked exquisite in his hands, and the delightful aroma wafted through the air, mingling pleasantly with the salty breeze. Noticing the joy the smoke brought to Asger, Akio offered him a puff from his pipe. Gratefully, Asger accepted, taking the pipe in his large fingers. He placed the tip between his lips and inhaled deeply, savoring the rich flavors and the gentle burn in his lungs. After a moment, he released the smoke in delicate ringlets that ascended into the sky.
"Ah, a king with exquisite taste! So, Your Majesty, what are your thoughts on the ocean now?" Akio inquired.
Asger smiled and said, "Remarkable! I now have a deeper respect for you, Aki, and your crew. Working at sea isn't a stroll in the park; it takes a true passion for the ocean to endure the tough times and the risks involved. Overall, I truly believe that the reality of the sea exceeds all the tales that have been told about it."
Akio burst into hearty laughter, fully in agreement. He felt a sense of joy witnessing Asger's growing affection for the ocean. Asger had many questions for Akio and was eager to learn how long their journey to Africa would take.
"Rest assured, I will take the safest route. According to my calculations, it should only take a maximum of three days. I've journeyed this way numerous times before, and I can confidently say it's the safest option. Other routes have left me shipwrecked on multiple occasions. Plus, the scenery and wildlife are absolutely breathtaking," Akio replied.
Asger felt a wave of relief wash over him, confident that he had made the right choice in selecting this ship. Now that he felt at ease, his curiosity grew stronger. He fell silent, gazing out at the ocean, his eyes following the white-capped waves as they crashed effortlessly against the clear, glassy water. Suddenly, he spotted unusual shapes darting in and out of the surface, leaving him utterly bewildered about what they could be.
"Captain, what's that in the water over there? Are those floating buoys?" Asger inquired.
Akio turned to see what Asger was looking at, and a wide grin broke out on his face as he realized what Asger was asking. He switched the helm to autopilot to maintain a steady course, then motioned for Asger to come to the edge for a clearer view.
"Those, my friend, are not buoys; they are dolphins. Aren't they amazing? This is the aspect I cherish the most—watching animals in their natural form and environment. At times, I find myself envying them. I long to return to my original form and savor the simpler pleasures of life. But here we are, hybrid beings navigating a human world. We engage in human activities, yet at our core, we remain animals." Akio remarked.
Asger understood the captain's sentiments perfectly. He also longed for the life he once had. However, now that he existed as a hybrid in a human-like form, he wouldn't trade it for anything. They both relished the sight before them, watching as the golden sunlight in the background sank into the ocean. Soon, night would envelop them, bringing with it a completely different experience. As they floated along, time slipped away, hour by hour. Oscar and Irabel curled up together in their cozy picnic blankets, wrapped in each other's arms beneath the night sky. The once clear blue had shifted into a deep purple-black canvas, adorned with twinkling stars. A cosmic array of shooting stars streaked across the expanse, while constellations formed the likenesses of Greek gods overhead. The S.S. Julian had been on its journey for two consecutive days, with just one day remaining until they reached their final destination. Captain Akio felt content with the progress they had made. He was astonished to find that the route, which usually brought treacherous weather, had remained eerily calm and quiet. This left him pondering whether it was too good to be true or if they had somehow received a blessing of favor for this expedition. Only time would reveal just how fortunate they truly were as they glided effortlessly towards Africa. It was lunchtime, and the passengers aboard the vessel were enjoying a feast—some on the deck and others in the dining quarters below. The otters had established a new custom of dining high above in the crow's nest all by themselves. It had become Irabel's favorite place for everything: peaceful reading, cuddling with Oscar, wildlife observations, enjoying meals, and taking quiet naps.
Unbeknownst to the sailors aboard, a dark turmoil brewed in the depths below. A colossal squid and a great blue whale were locked in a fierce struggle. The squid, out for a leisurely meal, had unwittingly crossed paths with the hungry whale. When the whale caught sight of its tempting prey nearby, the chase began. The squid, desperate to survive, was prepared to fight for its life. As the two titans clashed beneath the waves, their battle stirred the sea, causing the ship to rock violently. Akio noticed the sudden shift from the previously calm sea to a violent turmoil. Assuming they had encountered a storm, he hurried onto the deck to assess the situation. To his surprise, the weather above was clear and serene. His gaze shifted to the water, where he observed tranquil waves disrupted only by the chaos unfolding below the S.S. Julian. Alarmed, he rang the ship's bell and called his crew to their stations. The captain ordered the men to hoist the sails and set off. This sudden movement upset both the blue whale and the squid, who for the first time ceased their fight and turned their attention toward the vessel. In a fit of rage, the whale crashed into the ship's bow, while the giant squid swam upward, intent on wrapping its powerful tentacles around the stern. It appeared determined to drag anything in its path back into the depths. The crew gasped in terror as the immense Kraken emerged from the ocean. They trembled as another violent blow from the raging whale struck the hull, threatening to split the ship in two. The race was on to escape the monstrous creatures, and Akio urged his crewmates to fire the spear guns at the squid's tentacles while launching cannonball torpedoes at the blue whale beneath them. Time was running out; they had to rid themselves of these threats before the two beasts sank their ship. With every passing minute, more attacks were unleashed. Many crewmembers charged at the slimy tentacles with large swords, while others fired furiously at the side of the squid. The torpedoes plunged deep into the water, striking the whale's thick, blubbery hide. Determined to survive, the blue whale quickly swam away, leaving the squid to handle the chaos.
Relieved to see one of the sea creatures defeated, the crew still faced the challenge of subduing the giant squid that had taken over their ship. Akio shouted instructions to his crew while gripping the spear gun tightly. He focused on the squid's head and fired a dart straight into its brain. Despite its small size, he knew its precise location and struck it perfectly. The squid stopped thrashing and gradually relaxed its grip. The slimy mass transformed into a gooey puddle on the deck, leaving behind a dark, inky residue and a jelly-like creature with long tentacles to manage. Instead of discarding it, they decided to collect its ink and cut away edible parts for their journey back. Irabel was repulsed by the scene, but she agreed that the creature's remains should be put to good use. With the immediate danger gone, the ship returned to its serene state. They continued their voyage, vigilant for any potential damage below deck. Akio was determined to reach the African shoreline ahead of schedule, refusing to risk his passengers in the open sea. The boat sped through the tranquil waters, heading straight for the shore. Captain Akio felt a wave of relief as he spotted Africa's docks in the distance. He called for Asger and his crew to come on deck, and now that the danger had passed, they happily obeyed. Asger's spirits lifted at the sight of the stunning coastline, where the sea crashed against the sandy beach. The docks were bustling with sea merchants and other large vessels. It was finally happening—soon, Asger and his men would reunite with King Zarda. As they prepared for departure, Asger recalled Zarda's directions to his kingdom. If they didn't arrive on time, they could always seek out Meeku, Natia, and Saharah for their welcome.
The S.S. Julian gradually slowed to a stop, anchoring just far enough from the docks to avoid a crash but close enough for a quick ride to shore. Akio helped Asger and his men into the small boat and lowered it into the deep water. Shouting down to the King, he wished them well on their journey and expressed his gratitude for their company, suggesting a future expedition together on the open sea. Asger agreed that it would be a wonderful idea. After exchanging farewells, they rowed toward land. The King couldn't help but shed a joyful tear as they reached the shore. It was his first time in Africa, and he was in awe of the sights around him—what a remarkable blessing to have received in such a short span of time. Meanwhile, crewmember Dubb the Shabel maneuvered the captain's boat back toward the ship once Asger and his men disembarked. They waved goodbye as he rowed solo back to his master. King Asger and his crew stood in awe on the sandy beach, enchanted by the breathtaking beauty of Africa that lay before them. They had finally arrived, and now their real adventure was about to unfold.