Chapter Text
The sea was quiet…rather too quiet for her taste.
The usual rough strikes of the waves and the occasional mist from the aftermath were nowhere to seen. Practically dormant…almost. The ship for once was steady and calm, but that didn’t ease her worries. If anything, the calmness made the Captain question the sea’s true intentions.
Without a doubt, a storm was definitely brewing on the horizon. She’s hoping that Melog is able to make it safely to the shores of the Crimson Waste before it does. It’s best to avoid whatever hells might be lurking ahead.
A steady creak of the wood floors below her has her ears twitch at the familiar sound. Along with the small hoots coming from somewhere below deck.
She shifts her stance at the helm, as the sudden tingle on her left leg grows a bit bothersome. It would be nice to stretch her legs out and get back on land. Melog was definitely in need of more supplies and rest after these last few months at sea.
The last island they visited was quite the trip. She and the crew found a nice slice of treasure of course, but a few lone pirates she wasn’t familiar with decided to fight her and the crew for it. As expected, the lone pirates sustained the mother load of injuries. The rest of the crew, including Melog, received a few scraps as well in the end.
See... Catra can be merciless when she feels like it, but… continue to cross the multi-colored eyed captain…mercy is what you’ll plead for in the end. The crew had been a bit rowdy and rather restless since then. This vacation was much needed for them as well. The lads and lasses always deserved their rest.
Whether they get drunk off their arses on rum or crepted away to spend an evening with a tempting mistress of the night; truly, it was none of the captain’s concern for the remaining time of their stay. As long as they don’t cause any trouble, misguided mischief, or a mutiny, Catra could absolutely care less.
Blue and gold eyes take in the vastness of the sea. Small waves crashing upon small waves, smooth and silent. The sea… while wild and brutal, would always have the captain’s loyalty. She can never stay away too long from her mistress.
No matter how long she strays away, the sea would always call out to her and she would always respond. She glances down at her trusted compass. The little arrow flickers to one side then to other, then goes back to facing towards the south east.
Good, they were close to the islands of the Crimson Waste, by a mere few hours. As long as they kept to the course, they should be fine.
.........
The crew starts to settle within the next hour. Everyone chatting amongst themselves, while maintaining their chores. She steers the ship southeast, her skin growing increasingly itchy due to the raise in heat. She maneuvers herself, keeping one hand on the helm while sliding her jacket off her free arm, then moving onto the other. The breeze blows steadily upon her, and the quietest sigh of relief lives her. Now her wild curls decide to reek havoc upon her face once graced with the oncoming wind. Another sigh leaves her, but more so of annoyance. She reaches down to the bandanna hanging low on her neck. And with practiced ease, slides it up until it’s resting comfortably on the top of her forehead.
A small sigh of satisfaction leaves her as the slow but steady breeze washes over her face. She’s back to manning the helm once more, as her gaze shifts to below deck.
A smile cracks upon her face as she notices Scorpia talking excitedly to one of the crew members, while of course, helping them out. The far away gaze the lad was sporting had her chuckle.
Her first mate meant well, but sometimes she can talk your ear off and make you drowsy given a short period of time.
Her navigator/ inventor was around somewhere, hopefully not causing any sort of harm to Melog...again. She knows better than to piss Catra off, especially after her last ‘experiment’ went wrong. Suffice to say, it’s rather obvious where said ‘experiment’ occurred, since there is an area on the ship that is much lighter than the rest.
She hears the squeal and ‘evil’ chuckle from below her; at least she knows where the purple haired dork might be. Despite having the knowledge of Entrapta’s presence, a sense of unease creeps up her spine. Her gut going on ‘high alert’ as the urge to go downstairs and see what the purple haired lass could be up too grew stronger. Luckily, Scorpia happened to glance over, her face shifting to instant panic. Her first mate sprints over to her. Her loud stomps of her boots echoing on the wood.
She is a bit relieved but the panic on Scorpia’s face doesn’t ease her worries. She manages to hear Scorpia softly scold the navigator, followed by a “ooh, sorry!” Well…crisis averted? Hopefully…
She focuses back on the waters. Doing her steady breaths to ease her little panic attack. In five. Hold five. Out five. She’s successful, if only for the moment.
She allows the breeze calm her further, focusing on how it continues to cool her heated skin. She takes a deep inhale, the smell of salt and fresh water gracing her nostrils. She closes her eyes allowing the comforting smell to embrace her. She can never get enough of it. To some this wouldn’t be a life made for the faint of heart. But for Catra…this was meant for her. A wonderful life as one of the most feared and respected pirate captain’s the world has ever known. There is no other path that she could see for herself. So truly, what can be better than this…
“CAPTAIN”, Scorpia shouts from below. Her eyes open, looking down to the platinum blonde, her relaxed body once again going on ‘high alert’, “THERE’S A SHIP UP AHEAD!”
That… catches both her and the crews utmost attention. Everyone now goes on ‘high alert’ but there’s an underlining of a quiet excitement.
It has been a while since they last fought another ship on the seas, having managed to avoid any passing ships (with exception for the scuffle on their last island). It would seem that today was their lucky day. It’s the perfect time to get their fighting muscles back into gear.
“Come up”, she shouts back. Scorpia already rushing up the steps two at a time. Catra steps away from the helm as Scorpia quickly takes over. Her hand already reaching for her spyglass strapped to her belt. She raises it, focusing around the area Scorpia gestured to.
Her gold eye catches the distant ship, looking it over. Everything about it was...oddly familiar. She looks from the crew abroad moving about, hmm… once again familiar. Then looks around for the ship’s name. It’s but a moment…then she sees it.
“Ethernia” all be reflects back to her.
Her lips etches into a smirk as her body grows both anxious and excited. She looks back to the ship, scouting out for a certain someone. A certain captain. Then she sees her…the glowing blonde hair wildly blowing in the wind.
She lowers her spyglass, her smirk heightened further. “Hey Adora…”