CHAPTER 7
A new Home
Fina now felt more at home than on the Delphinus now.
She now stood next to Daniel, who sat in the Captain's chair, gazing out at their new destination.
When they had returned to the Delphinus, Daniel had received new orders to head for a Island, near the lands of Yafutoma, and that Enrique himself would be there to greet them.
When they arrived they found something they didn't expect.
The Island was longer than it was wide.
On top was what appeared to be a large village of some kind, with multiple buildings, as well as a small mountain at one end. At first site it could have been Crescent Isle, but the mountain was as tall and it wasn't as curvy as Vyse's base, nor did it have a ridge at the opposite end.
"I didn't notice this place the last time I was here," Fina mused.
"The architecture looks Valuan," Daniel noted.
Suddenly the radio burst to life.
"Attention H.M.S Delphinus, this is Casio Isle. Please prepare for landing."
Fina and Daniel exchanged a glance.
"Landing?" they asked each other.
Suddenly, a large section of the back of the Island under the Mountain seemed to shift slightly. Then, the Island opened up as the part split into two, revealing a large hole, big enough for the Delphinus to get through.
"Please make your way to the dock, the Emperor will meet you there,"
And the radio went dead.
"Ah, Daniel, Fina, glad you made it!" Enrique said happily as the Captain, his friend and the Delphinus crew came down the gang-plank.
"Your highness," the captain saluted, while Fina just hugged him tightly, much to Daniel's amusement.
"This place is amazing," Marco breathed as he stared around the large dock.
"It certainty is," Daniel agreed.
"And it's all yours," Enrique said with a smile.
Daniel looked down at Enrique so fast her cricked his neck.
"Sir?"
"I know of your...relationship with Fina, Daniel. After all, I have been in love you know."
"And still am I hope sir?" The Captain asked, suppressing a smile.
Enrique chuckled.
"Yes quite. I don't think that Valua is actually the best place for Fina..."
"I agree with that," Daniel murmured, clasping his hand in Fina's, "Valua is far to gloomy for a thing of such beauty." she smiled up at him as Enrique continued.
"Which is precisely why I think you should retire from the Valuan Navy, and become and Air Pirate, with Casio Isle as your Base."
Daniel Smiled and shook his head sadly.
"I'm sorry your majesty, but I must decline."
Enrique arched an eyebrow, clearly amused.
"Oh? Go on."
"If I left the Valuan navy, I would be forced to give up the Delphinus and her crew. I care deeply for both," he looked back at his crew, "Even if I don't show it as much as I should."
There was a few chuckles of laughter as he turned back to his Emperor.
"If I lost those, then I don't think I could survive. So sorry sir, I'm staying."
Enrique said nothing for a moment, then burst out laughing.
After a few minutes he quietened down and began to explain to Daniel's confused face.
"Oh, Daniel, I think I've known you long enough to figure out you were going to say that."
"Sir?"
"I believe that Valua has no real use for the Delphinus anymore. You were away for a week and we were attacked 3 times, but the Armada managed to hold them off.
So I entrust the Delphinus to you Captain, to use in the name of good. And as for your crew, well, for those who want to stay, be my guest, but you don't have to if you don't want to. There's enough room for all of you and plenty to spare."
A cheer rose up from the crew, and Fina hugged Daniel tightly, who just stood stupefied on the spot.
Suddenly, out of the entrance ways of the underground port, the families of the crew poured out, greeting their sons, daughters, husbands and wives.
It was truly a great day for all, and the start of a whole new adventure.