Author's note: I know that Halloween has long past, but I wanted to continue this story instead of making you wait till October for a continuation. So here it is. Italics are the characters' thoughts. Maeve is not here, as you may have figured out. And thank you all for your reviews.

TiaKisu: What do you mean by "my second season" Bryn?

Anime Princess: It will get better. Yes, I know, the intro was fairly short. Purpose was to set up a spooky atmosphere.

WARNING: This is somewhat of a horror/suspense story. I tried to tame down the story to not make it too scary and within the "Teen" rating.

Rating: PG-13

Chapter 2 – Same Old, Same Old

"Errrrrrrrrrrgh….." Bryn yawned and stretched as she greeted another morning. Honestly, she couldn't believe it was already morning. Felt like she just hit the pillow, and before she knew it, the sun was shining through the cracks of her cabin. She sat up with half sleepy eyes and looked at Dermott, who just stared back at her with those googly eyes.

She smiled at him. "Good morning, Dermott. Seems like you got up early."

He just stared back at her.

This quiet behavior took her a little aback. He had always seemed to reply to her. That's strange. She wrinkled her forehead and looked back at him with curiosity.

He continued to stare at her.

She frowned. "What?"

But she got no reply. He didn't move a muscle.

She raised her eyebrow and got up out of bed. But as she moved, his head followed her. He's acting real strangely today. Wonder what it is. Then she thought, Dermott always took a morning fly. That could be it. He's waiting for me to let him out. Gosh, how long did I sleep? Then, out of blue, she smelled something coming from the cabin door. She turned her head to the door and approached it gracefully like a cat. As she placed her hand on the knob, she took a deep breathe before opening it.

As she opened the door, Dermott swooshed out and through the door leading to the deck, which Sinbad had so kindly opened, causing the captain to almost fall back from the unexpected bird.

"DERMOTT!" Bryn scolded the bird, but he was long gone.

Sinbad looked up at the sky, shook his head, and chuckled. "Featherbrain never learns."

She was a little embarrassed by Dermott's odd behavior and blushed a little before asking with concern, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. The wind broke my fall," he chuckled and smiled at her, causing her to blush more.

"Is everybody ready for lunch?"

Bryn didn't notice Firouz cooking in the galley. She felt embarrassed again for not noticing her friend. So that was where the delicious smell was coming from. Whatever the scientist was making certainly smelled good. She smiled at him. "What did you make this time?"

"Fish sandwich sprinkled with my special herbs."

"Sounds good," Sinbad interrupted before turning back to the deck. "Everybody, lunch is ready!"

Doubar was the first to come through the doorway and reach the table, hurrying from the deck to the galley. He sat down and waited for his meal as a dog would from his owner. "Mmmmm, smells good Firouz. What did you make us?"

"Fish sandwich sprinkled with my special herbs."

"Sounds good," Doubar smiled, sitting at the table.

Bryn chuckled at the scene, closed her door, and strolled over to join the big man. She patted his back as she took her seat, causing him to nod at her. Firouz then passed around the plates and fish sandwiches. They were perfect. A large slice of fish meat roasted till it was red, juicy, and hot and sprinkled with spices so evenly distributed. The steam from the sandwich filled the air. It was even placed on a finely cut roll that allowed the fish to stick out from the sides. She could hear the giant's stomach growl as he watched the inventor pass around the sandwiches. She glanced at him and smirked.

"Looks great, Firouz!" Sinbad commented.

"Tastes even better!" Doubar added with his mouth half full.

Bryn didn't notice that he had already taken a bite. She had been too focused on her food, Firouz, and the captain. She eyed him and raised her eyebrow. Men. They always forget their manners: never talk with your mouth full. She smiled and shook her head before picking up her sandwich.

"So, you got a good night's sleep, Bryn?" the captain asked nodding to her.

She blushed again. "Yes, I did, thank you. Sorry for the oversleeping."

"Ah, that's okay. I want my only sorceress fully rested in case we have an unwelcome encounter."

"And women are entitled to their beauty sleep," the big man chuckled receiving a half dropped jaw from her. Sinbad's explanation was gentlemanly, but she didn't expect this…especially from Doubar.

"Oh, knock it off," she lightly and playfully slapped Doubar.

"Well, a beautiful woman like you should get their beauty sleep," he half chuckled, playing along.

She smiled and got a little red. "Well, thank you. And good morning to you," she lightly kissed him on the cheek.

"Ooooooooooooo," Sinbad and Firouz exclaimed.

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on. Knock it off. It is just a friendly kiss."

"Yes, and you two are such a good couple," Sinbad chuckled, receiving a friendly glare from Bryn.

Boys will never learn.

The day past by quietly. No land in sight. Just a sea of blue. Bryn rubbed her forehead at the day's memory. She was slightly disappointed. But what can I expect? I am on a ship. Today was just as uneventful as yesterday. Wonder what tomorrow will bring.

She sighed. At least the night's breeze felt good on her back. She closed her eyes and let the coldness engulf her.

"You okay, Bryn."

She jumped and turned around. "Sinbad, you startled me."

"Sorry, I was just worried about you."

She blushed. That's twice. Wonder if he feels about me the same way I feel about him.

"Why don't go get some rest?"

Sinbad is right. It is getting late. I should be getting to bed. She smiled and nodded. "You're right. Guess I'll see you tomorrow."

She spotted Dermott sitting on the mast. Time for bed, Dermott, she called to him in her mind.

NO!

This response surprised her. Oh no, not again. She squinted at the hawk. Dermott, come do from there right now.

NO! Because you won't let me out in the morning.

But it was not my fault. I was sleeping.

Too bad!

She was so frustrated that she wanted to yell out at him. He still seemed mad at her. Fine, stay up there.

"Doesn't look like he wants to come down," Sinbad said.

"Yup, he is just a very STUBBORN bird." She crossed her arms. "Oh forget it." She faced Sinbad and gave him a peck on the check. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," he smiled.

Bryn went down below, entered her cabin, and lied down on her bed. As she closed her eyes, there was a smile on her face.