The wind did not favor the former imperial ship. The crew worked hard getting it under control. The storm clouds on the horizon didn't look promising. The ship captain spoke loudly over the rising wind noise. "Leo sir that looks like a real problem ahead! I recommend going around."
The warrior approached the captain. "How much time will it add."
"Three days at most sir!" The one at the wheel didn't bother hiding their fear at the prospect of going towards the dark clouds.
"I'm sorry soldier, but we do not have that kind of time. Be brave warrior and keep it steady." Leo placed a comforting hand on the younger person's shoulder.
The shear weight of his confident gaze pushed their own courage to the front of their mind. "Aye sir, if we board the phantom train today may no one question our guts." The young person shouted the next words across the deck. "Engineers stoke the fires hot! I want to feel the heat in the wheelhouse."
Several voices answered in unison. "Aye aye, captain may even Ifrit sweat sir!"
Suddenly, the ship picked up speed dramatically. Shadow was sitting on deck, he heard the thunder. He focused on the clouds above. That was when he let out a gasp of surprise. He stood and stared for several minutes.
This caught the leaders attention so he rushed over. "Shadow what's wrong?"
Without moving his gaze he answered in a whisper. "Leo just at the the edge of the clouds is floating rock. I think that's the place the others were looking for."
"Of course the Doma base. I bet the sky troopers are using it." Leo laughed proudly at this discovery then continued. "Excellent, now we know how to get up there when the time comes. It's a shame we don't have a way to let them know. I can't help but think, the planet wants them stopped like we do." Before he could say more they hit the first swell knocking them both off their feet.
The wind and rain battered the ship hard. Talking below a yell was impossible. The ninja and knight made their way to the stairs below deck. They could feel the heat rolling off the engines below. They both stayed in the stairwell watching the deck for any sign of trouble. Fortunately, even though the vessel groaned and rocked the crew made it thru the storm.
The suddenly calm waters felt strange. The temperature on board dropped significantly as the engineers reduced coal consumption. The peace did not last however as several serpents know as aquiforms wrapped themselves around the hull.
One of the creatures attacked first by hitting the deck with aqua lung. Several of the crew screamed as the water breath hit them. Leo and Shadow rushed into the battle. The former general moved with strength and skill slicing up the one that hurt his followers. His ally ran up another creatures long body with amazing speed drawing his blades as he did. Soon the wet thunk of a severed head struck the deck.
Leo found himself grappled by another as it attempted to crush him. Several of the crew swarmed the aquatic monster like ants. Tearing it's flesh with standard issue imperial swords until it released him in death.
Shadow had jumped off his victim landing on the deck lightly. However, he soon found himself the soul target of another aqua lung. The shear force of the water caused him to drop his weaponry. He was pushed over the ships edge and grabbed the side before he hit the sea. Thankfully the captain himself pulled him back on deck. That was when Leo used his shock ability to end the battle.
Everyone was breathing heavily as the short taxing combat ended. In a few more hours they made landfall at Doma castle. The crew shouted their joy briefly. The captain shouted proudly. "Land hoe lads and ladies." She took off her helmet and let her long purple hair flow freely.
Shadow was surprised his savior was a woman. She was also quite beautiful. Those identical trooper costumes really made everyone look the same. He wanted to know her name, but couldn't bring himself to stop acting aloof and ask. His employer saved him the trouble however.
"Captain Fara good job. You and your crew performed admirably. You should all be very proud of yourselves!" The charismatic man made sure everyone heard his praise.
She answered for her crew knowing how they felt. "Thank you sir, we couldn't have done it without you and ninja boy over there. If you don't mind I would like to accompany you inside sir. My mates will take care of the ship. I think monsters may have overrun the grounds with no one defending them."
The dark skinned man nodded. "You make a fair point captain. It would honor us both to have your company, right Shadow?"
The black garbed man was looking away from the conversation appearing calm. Yet silently he fumed at her 'ninja boy' comment. He had killed numerous people in his assassin career. He even had a daughter 'boy' would never fit him again. He answered as calmly as he could. "Whatever, your the boss Leo."
"Good then, glad you both agree." She smiled broadly at the delayed answer from Shadow. 'I think I'll leave my helmet off from this point. Visibility really is quite poor in that clunky thing.' Fara thought to herself. Then she was first to make landfall as she drew her imperial blade. The woman looked back at those she meant to escort. "You two coming, I thought we where in a hurry?" Leo was first behind her giving an apreciative nod. Shadow was still on deck with his back to them both. "Stop posing ninja boy time isn't on our side."
The mercenary angrily disembarked as she nettled him again. This woman was going to make a habit of annoying him. 'Oh well at least she had some courage.'
The trio headed for the castle gates. The massive wooden doors were still shattered. They could hear the inhuman howls of beast within. They all thought in their own ways that the hard part was about to begin.