A Desire To Grow Stronger

It was getting dark, so we decided to spend the night on the seas before heading back to Rummel Cove. Although I had reservations about being attacked, Viola was adamant that no pirate would dare approach the Ravager and would more likely run away than attack us. Very quickly, half the crew settled into the beds and fell asleep.

Melody cuddled up to Túta, who didn’t seem to mind. Meanwhile, the bed I had picked out for myself was being occupied by Pippa, who was already fast asleep and snoring. It looked like I wouldn’t be sleeping in that bed tonight.

I wandered out of the bedchambers and over to the recreational hall, where Viola was reading a book as she sat in an armchair.

She glanced up and waved for me to come over. I slowly closed the wooden door to the bedchambers and joined her.

“What’s up?”

“I was going to ask how Melody was?”

“She’s sleeping peacefully with Túta.”

“Is that so? I would say I am a little jealous that she doesn’t want to sleep with me, but I am also truly grateful for her medical expertise.”

“What did I say? She is the best.”

“Seems you have a good eye for people.”

“Well, I would have two good eyes, but...” I trailed off jokingly as I reached to my eye patch.

Viola covered her mouth the laugh.

“Well, now you have a fancy cursed one.”

“An eye for an eye. Although I am pretty sure that’s not what they meant by that saying.” I paused for a moment before adding. “I suppose you’ll have to begin writing the second verse of the accursed pirate sea shanty.”

“Hmm,” she responded teasingly, “actually, I was hoping to write a new original tale about the foolish pirate.”

“Foolish pirate? What makes them foolish?”

“They’re foolish because they are kind and always put others before themselves.”

“I don’t know, that doesn’t sound foolish, but just normal.”

“Which is why they are the foolish pirate.” She covered her mouth with her sleeve as she laughed. “Mr. Pirate, would you allow me and Melody to accompany you?”

I grabbed her hand and pulled her in. “If you’re willing to join this foolish pirate, then I have no objections.”

Her face turned red. She quickly turned away, although I caught the slightest of smiles on her face.

“Oh my, I think my heart fluttered for a moment.”

We both laughed for a moment. I felt relaxed speaking with her.

“Oh, by the way, have you seen Elora?”

“Are you out to seduce her?”

“Please, the night is too young for me to do such a thing. I wanted to speak to her about something.”

“Hmmm?” She looked curiously at me. “She is up on the deck.”

“Thanks, make sure you get some rest. I imagine it has been tough worrying about Melody all this time. When you are sad, you can cry, you know.”

She looked away quickly, although I caught the slight wateriness of her eye.

“You really do pay close attention to things.” She mumbled before snapping back. “Fine, I’ll head to bed shortly.”

I didn’t say anything else but waved behind me as I went up to see Elora.

I stepped out on the deck where the cool, salty breeze instantly chilled me. Elora was swinging her axes back and forth. Her movements were like a dance.

She spun around with it, and in that moment, she noticed me, and her face turned rosy red.

“Your movements are beautiful.”

“B-beautiful…” She trailed off.

I smirked.

“I suppose that’s natural for such a beauty as it is.”

“C-captain?” She tried her best to get words out. “It's pretty late. What are you doing out here?”

“I came to find you.”

“F-find me?!?!? W-why would you be… L-looking for me?”

She began to frantically wipe the sweat from her body using some torn rags that The Former Administrator X had left behind.

“I’m pretty squishy.”

“You’re not squishy, you are nicely toned and good looking…” She covered her mouth. I opted to pretend I didn’t hear all that.

I got down on my knees and lowered my head.

“Elora, I beg you, please! I want you to make me more of a man.”

Her face turned bright red.

“Captain!!! I’m not opposed, but don’t you think it’s a little too soon?” She avoided eye contact as she said this.

“I’m sorry, it doesn’t have to be tonight, but I would like to learn to fight.”

“Well, if you insist on doing that tonight, allow me to wash down first…” she trailed off. “Did you say to fight?”

“Yes! Please teach me how to fight so I can defeat other pirates.”

She stared blankly at me. Her face turned fully red.

“Why wouldn’t you just start with that?”

“I don’t know what you mean?”

She puffed up her cheeks and turned away.

“Look, I hoped that the accursed gemstone would give me the power to fight on an equal platform. But since it didn’t, I need to grow stronger. If hard work is what is required, then I will train twice as hard as anyone else. I’ll do anything to get strong enough to protect my crew.”

“That’s fine. I would be happy to help you.” She mumbled quietly. “We can begin now if you’d like.”

“Teach me all your secrets, teacher.”

“Please don’t phrase it that way.” She replied, flustered. She gradually composed herself. “You can begin by swinging your sword. Get used to its weight and feel.”

I nodded and began swinging my blade.

“Once the blade becomes an extension of your body, you can begin to play with your fighting style.”

“Sure thing,” I replied as I swung my blade.

We continued to train under the moonlight for several hours.

“I’m going to go rest now. You should also head off to bed soon,” Elora commented.

I gripped my cutlass. Blisters were beginning to form. They were a reminder that I was not strong enough yet.

“No worries, I’ll do a few more and then head off to bed as well,” I lied. I intended to stay out a bit longer.

Elora wandered off as I continued to practice under the starlight until my hands were bleeding. Any further, and Túta would kill me once she woke up.

I wandered below deck and saw the others had all gone to bed already. I slowly opened the door to the chambers and saw that they were all fast asleep. Viola looked more relaxed than she ever did. Elora had a smile on her face and was mumbling something in her sleep. Seemed like she was having nice dreams.

Túta and Melody were curled up together, sleeping peacefully. Finally, I turned to my own bed where Pippa was still sleeping solidly. She had kicked the blankets off my bed.

I wandered over and picked up the blanket, gently placing it back over her. Seeing them all sleeping peacefully brought me joy. I exited the sleeping quarters and walked into the recreational hall, slowly closing the door behind me.

I propped myself down on the armchair and fell asleep.

▪──── X ────▪

End of chapter 29