All Aboard

2. The message

Angel

We hit the docks and while I am talking with the port master, Skylar does something out of character and leaves the ship. I had just seen it out of the corner of my eye. I turned back to the port master, thanked him and ran out to find her. She had her cloak on to hide her unusual hair color, which is a seafoam green.

I caught up with her as she leaned on a merchant and the merchant hugged her back. "Ah Captain Angel, I was hoping you would follow me." Skylar said while recovering her breath from running. I looked at her exasperated by the display of... I'm not sure what I just witnessed. "Tis just her old man' my mistress o' the sea", he declared. She must have seen him from the ship. I shook his hand. "It's an honor to meet you" " 'Honor tis all mine. This ol salty seadog doesn't get to see the youngins anymore," he sighed.

I had said my goodbyes and walked back to the ship to let them have time together. I relieved Jen of her post as she took over for Skylar. Jen was supposed to be getting the rum for celebrating after the big event. I was walking up the stairs when I tripped. How embarrassing. Fortunately, I was alone, so no one saw it. Well, that was wishful thinking, as the captain of the ship next to us started laughing. I gave him a death glare which only made him laugh harder. I ran to the wheelhouse and sat on the floor where I couldn't be seen and pouted.

Seth

I awoke to the sound of Rex yelling for permission to allow the greenhorn to come aboard. "Granted" my voice boomed over the deck. The greenhorn looked like he was going to pee himself. I smile remembering when that was me starting out. Before I was even a man, I got my first job on a ship and fell in love on the water when we got stuck in a storm with waves taller than buildings. The captain had not only got us out of the storm while it was fully raging, but managed to do so while fully plastered.

I grabbed my breakfast from the galley and sat on the deck enjoying the slight breeze. Some men were still out enjoying themselves while running errands. So I finished my breakfast without any interruptions for once and went to my cabin. I wrote a message. Something light this time, like "If you feel the need to turn around, follow your gut and turn around you might catch a backstabber." I put the cork on it and threw it into the port, not worrying about who was looking.

I found Rex, who was telling the greenhorn to go get food now, and he turned to me. "Good day Captain," Rex said. I nodded at him. "Im going out." I dictated to him. I went out to find an old sea dog. It should have been easy as he retired peacefully. He had been labeled as a fisherman not a pirate, so it was easy. "Well, well, well, I smell a ghost," Will called out. I shook my head, laughing, realizing he had found me first. "How's it going old man? I haven't seen you in ages." "You'd never believe who I have seen. My daughter's in port. You should catch up. They shan't be leavin' anytime soon. They lookin' for more crew." Will spit out as fast as he could. "Will do my best, old man. I got some errands to run before I can socialize." I sighed.

Gave him the sailors goodbyes and took off for the market. I had to grab some matches for the party. The stalls were filled with trinkets and goodies. I don't believe they have what I am looking for. All of a sudden, I heard the most beautiful voice. She was calling her crew to board.

Angel

"ALL ABOARD FOR DEPARTURE OF SKULLFULLY YOURS" I bellowed, as per rules at this port. Once all the ladies were up, we took off for the port with the crown. Everyone was humming with excitement about what was to come. The maps were all sprawled out on the deck with the entire crew to observe every street and every stall. We wanted to map out the entire thing as I even knew what building it was hidden in, thanks to my parents. They had accidently uncovered it while finding the ancient book on a tomb blueprints. I'm still not sure why they wanted that book, but they let me know they had found it and re-hid it behind a painting that had heavy dust on it. I can only hope I am not too late.

Skylar was looking at me when I pointed to where she would be and asked "Isn't this the opposite way your parents came in?" "Yes, we need to catch them off guard and, since they know what to expect because of my parents, we will be doing the opposite so they aren't prepared." I explained. Skylar nodded and turned to help the crew understand their roles and places they needed to be.

As I approached my cabin I was stopped by Patches. "Captain, may I have a moment?" "Of course you may, Patches." I responded. "I just wanted to let you know how proud I am of you and your parents know you are doing a good job. Whether you pull this off or not, you will always be the treasure chest of their eyes." Patches shares with me. When a tear escapes me, Patches wipes it for me and smiles, "I am proud too I have watched you grow from a fine little toddler to a fine young woman. I can't wait to see the adventures you take us on." she continued. "Thank you Patches. Your words mean worlds to me. You are dear to my heart as well." We were both in tears when Skylar sauntered over. "Big hugs for my ladies" Skylar said while pulling us into a hug with no context.

The next morning, we pulled up to the port fully loaded and ready to shake this port up. We don't ask for permission to park as we will be out of here before they can even get the authorities here. Half of us jump out and do as we planned, running down the street, some of us setting up explosives to keep them distracted and setting them off to attract the needed attention. When they are finished, they retreat to the boat to pull it around to the next port to collect us. Fortunately, it's close by, but that means I need to haul ass here. I ran up to the building and dived through the window with Skylar on my tail. We searched the room, found the painting and threw it to the other side of the room. I opened the box and thanked the stars inside was the ruby. I was so stunned. Skylar yelped in excitement and brought my attention back. We needed to run. She grabbed the window sill then hauled herself up, and I closed the box, shoved it in the sack I was wearing, and grabbed the sill behind her, then hauled myself up. Skylar had grabbed my arm to help boost me up and we both tore off to the next port. We spotted the ship where it was supposed to be and ran for the ropes they were dangling to pull us up. Once I reached the top banister, I turned around and held out the ruby. "Captain Angel for the win. Skullfully yours, Captain Angel." I took a bow and passed the ruby to Skylar, who held it over her head while dancing. The ship turned to get out of port before they could catch us and Angel's eyes spotted the most handsome sailor she had ever seen.

Seth

The port and most of the buildings surrounding were on fire and there was a ton of running and screaming. Absolute beautiful chaos and I am watching the reason sail off on a familiar ship. "Don't bother docking, follow that ship" I holler to Rex. I had just seen the most beautiful angelic person I have ever seen and she had the crown. This woman is a woman after my own heart. I need to know everything about her. They definitely have speed on their side as they are a smaller ship, but we have a secret weapon that helps us catch up. We followed them for miles before they stopped at a deserted island. No wait, there are people coming out of the trees. What's going on?... I watch as they make a makeshift port in minutes and both ships are docked.

As I walked down the board from the gangway, I put my hands up in surrender, so they understood I was coming in peace without my crew. I looked at the crowd and noticed it was the crew of Worldly Knowledge. I spotted Sue and Pete and strolled up to them. "Hey, what are you guys doing here? Are you marooned? I heard you guys had retired." I bombarded them. Sue giggled and responded, "We did retire. This is our island and welcome first mate Seth." "Captain", I corrected with a guilty look on my face. Sue smiled and continued "Captain Seth and congratulations on your promotion. It was our daughter you followed here." Sue had raised her arm to welcome her daughter and to give her a hug. Seth was gobsmacked. He knew of her, but never met her. Angel looked at Seth and he held an arm out and Angel took it. "We will be right back Mom and Dad." She stated. Her parents nodded knowingly.

Strolling along the beach, Seth couldn't stop looking at Angel. She was beautiful and a grown woman. Her parents had always talked about her when they met up with Seth's father and, with Seth being second in command, was present at every meeting.