Claudia groaned as she came to, her body aching from head to toe. The crash of waves echoed faintly in her ears, mingling with the distant murmur of voices. Her fingers curled against cold, damp stone, and she blinked, her vision slowly sharpening to reveal a dimly lit cavern. She was in a cage. Rusty bars surrounded her, the faint scent of saltwater mingling with the metallic tang of rust. Outside the cage, shadows danced on the walls from a flickering torch held by a hulking pirate with a cruel smile and barnacles dotting his beard.
"Well, looks like the little castaway finally decided to wake up," the pirate leader said, his gravelly voice thick with amusement. Claudia sat up slowly, her muscles stiff and sore. She kept her expression neutral, scanning her surroundings while fighting the tremble in her limbs. Her left hand clenched instinctively, the ocean primal secret stone mounted on its back glowing faintly, an iridescent beacon against the gloom.
"Where... am I?" she asked, her voice hoarse.
"You're in my domain, girl," the leader said, leaning closer to the cage, "A storm tossed you onto our island. Your luck's about to run out, though. You've got something we want." His gaze dropped to her left hand, narrowing as he spotted the faint glow. "That little gem there."
Claudia pulled her hand to her chest, her heart pounding. "It's... nothing. Just a trinket."
The leader chuckled darkly. "Doesn't look like just a trinket to me." He nodded to one of his men, a wiry, pale figure with darting eyes. "Frisk her."
The wiry pirate slinked into the cage, his grin predatory. "Let's see what you're hiding," he muttered, stepping closer.
Claudia's eyes darted to the cage door, then back to the pirate. Her fingers curled into fists as he reached for her. "Don't touch me!" she snapped, kicking out with her foot. Her boot connected with his shin, and the wiry man yelped, stumbling back.
"Little witch!" he hissed, rubbing his leg. The wiry pirate lunged again, this time grabbing her wrist. Claudia struggled against him, twisting and pulling, but his grip was ironclad. The wiry pirate began patting her down roughly, ignoring her protests. Claudia squirmed, her teeth clenched as she tried to push him away. Her resistance only seemed to amuse him.
"What's this?" the wiry pirate muttered, his hand pausing over her chest.
"Hands off you perv!" Claudia ordered but she was ignored as he yanked at her shirt, exposing the faint glow of the second secret stone.
"Another one!" he shouted, stepping back in awe, "She's got two of 'em!" The leader's eyes gleamed with interest.
"Well, well. Aren't you full of surprises?" The leader grinned, reaching out to touch the stone on her hand, but the moment his fingers grazed it, a sharp hum emanated from the stone. He recoiled, cursing. "It's stuck to her!"
The wiry pirate tried his luck, tugging at the stone, but it refused to budge. "Same with this one," he muttered, his frustration mounting.
"Fine. We'll figure out how to deal with you later. For now, you stay locked up, and nobody touches her until I say so," The leader growled, glaring at Claudia. Claudia didn't resist as they shoved her back against the wall and slammed the cage door shut. She cradled her hand, her heart racing as she stared at the glowing stone. They didn't know what the stones could do or the power she carried. That was an advantage she wasn't about to squander. For now, she would wait.
CHAPTER FIVE: THE TEMPEST AND THE CALM
The Sea Legs sailed steadily through calm waters, the morning sun casting warm light over the ocean. Though the weather was serene, the tension among the crew lingered like an unwelcome guest. The ship groaned under its own weight, a reminder of the close call in their last encounter. Callum leaned against the ship's railing, staring at the waves. His thoughts were as restless as the sea. Nearby, Mipha stood at the prow, the light catching her smooth scales. She seemed utterly at ease, a stark contrast to the ship's uneasy crew.
"Hey, Princess Mipha," Callum called as he approached her. Mipha turned, offering her usual calm smile.
"Just Mipha is fine, Callum. Is everything alright?" Mipha asked.
"Sort of," he said, scratching the back of his neck, "I've been thinking. Your magic… it's fascinating. Can you teach me how you cast it? Especially that Vivantus spell. I think it could help me help Rayla with her seasickness."
Mipha tilted her head, intrigued, "You wish to learn Vivantus? It's not difficult, but it requires a certain... rhythm with the ocean. Do you feel that connection?"
Callum smiled faintly, "I think so, it feels... incomplete. Like I'm missing something."
Rayla groaned from where she sat nearby, clutching the ship's railing for dear life. "For the love of all things sacred, please teach him. If I have to endure one more wave without that spell, I'm going to dive in and let the ocean win."
"Very well. Let's begin," Mipha chuckled softly. She held out her hands, her graceful fingers moving in a fluid motion as if tracing the currents themselves.
"The key to Vivantus is understanding the ocean's pulse," she explained. "It's a restorative magic that flows naturally when you align yourself with the sea." She turned to Callum, gesturing for him to follow her lead.
"Watch closely. You must move as if you're part of the water," Mipha explained. Callum mimicked her movements, his hands gliding through the air. He whispered the spell's incantation, feeling the familiar pull of the Ocean Arcanum.
"Vivantus." For a moment, his hands glowed faintly with a soft blue light, but it sputtered out like a dying flame.
"Huh," Callum muttered, frowning, "Okay, let me try again." He repeated the process, speaking the incantation with more focus this time. Again, the light flickered and vanished.
"I don't get it," he said, frustration creeping into his voice, "I know I'm connected to the Ocean Arcanum or at least I thought I was. What am I doing wrong?" Mipha stepped closer, her expression kind but firm.
"You are trying to command the ocean, Callum, but magic like this isn't about control. It's about harmony. The ocean doesn't respond to force; it responds to trust," Mipha explained, "While you cannot control water, you can guide its path." She turned to Rayla, who groaned dramatically again. Mipha raised her hands, her movements smooth and deliberate. Her voice was like a melody as she spoke the spell's words.
"Vivantus." A soft blue glow surrounded her hands before cascading over Rayla. The elf's shoulders immediately relaxed, and she let out a contented sigh.
"Oh, sweet stars, that's better," Rayla murmured, leaning back with a relieved groan, "Mipha, you might actually be my new favorite person." Callum watched intently, a mix of awe and determination on his face.
"I think… I see it now," he said quietly, "It's not just about understanding the magic. It's about feeling it... Guiding it."
"When you're ready, you'll find the ocean responds to you in its own time," Mipha nodded. Meanwhile, across the deck, Soren and Elmer were deep in discussion about the ship's condition.
"This old boat's barely holding together," Elmer rumbled, running his hand along the hull, "One more fight, and she might fall apart." Soren nodded grimly as he tied off another rope.
"We'll just have to hope we don't run into those pirates the queen mentioned," Soren sighed. Nyx, lounging on the crow's nest, squinted at the horizon.
"Uh, there's a ship out there. Looks pretty big. Want to tell us what we're dealing with, Mipha?" Nyx called down. Mipha quickly raised a spyglass and examined the vessel. Her calm expression faltered slightly.
"It's a pirate ship," she confirmed, lowering the spyglass, "And it's not just any ship. It's outfitted with Zonai cannons."
"Zonai cannons?" Callum blinked.
"They're ancient weapons capable of tearing through even the strongest hulls. If they fire on us, we won't stand a chance," Mipha frowned. Soren's face darkened.
"Well, that's reassuring," Soren sighed, turning to the captain, "Can we outrun them?"
"No such luck. Our temporary repairs are barely holding us together," Nyx frowned.
"This feels too much like the Ruthless incident. We can't let it happen again," Rayla moaned. Villads gripped the wheel, his jaw tightening.
"Argh! I'll be blasted to bits before I let scallywags scare me off my course!" Villads challenged. Nyx rolled her eyes. Callum glanced at the pirate ship, then at Rayla, Mipha, and Nyx. Seeing the determined look on his face, Rayla immediately got concerned.
"Oh no… You've got that look again, Callum," Rayla groaned.
"What look?" he asked, feigning innocence.
"The 'I just thought of a crazy plan' look," Rayla hissed.
"It's not crazy. I'll admit it's risky, but I do have an idea on how we can get away from them," Callum admitted.
"Did you not just hear me? We don't have our full speed or the power for a fight," Nyx reminded them.
"If all goes according to my plan, we won't need power or speed to win," Callum grinned, looking to Nyx and Mipha, "We just need your help and a little distraction..."
Claudia stirred in the dim, damp cage, her fingers brushing the secret stones bonded to her hand and chest. The sound of heavy boots on stone echoed through the cavern. The pirate leader strode in, his grin as self-satisfied as ever.
"You're an odd catch," he said, stopping just outside the cage, "Two secret stones, bonded to you, no less. The kind of treasure that could change a man's fortune overnight."
"Secret stones? I don't know what you're talking about," Claudia remarked, feigning confusion. The leader chuckled darkly.
"Oh, save it. I've dealt with all kinds, but none like you. These little baubles are worth more than a fleet of ships. The royal family would pay a fortune for them," His eyes gleamed as he leaned closer, "But the more I think about it, why sell you? Why not keep you?"
"What do you mean?" Claudia asked, her brow furrowed, her voice low. He unlocked the cage door with a flourish, stepping inside.
"You're clever to uncover two sources of great power, and I've got the men and the means to make use of it. Together, we'd be unstoppable," The leader proposed, "Why be a prisoner when you could be so much more." Claudia kept her expression neutral, her mind racing.
"Are you saying you'd want me to join you?" Claudia asked.
"I would do more than simply make you a member of my crew. I'd make you my queen of the seas," The leader smirked, stepping closer. Her lips curved into a hesitant smile.
"Fine. I'll do it. But I need assurances... Freedom first," Claudia insisted. The pirate leader's grin widened as he unlocked the cage.
"You've made a wise choice," The pirate grinned. Claudia stepped out cautiously, brushing dirt off her clothes. The damp air was heavy with the scent of salt and mildew, and the flickering torches cast long shadows on the cavern walls.
"So," she asked, her voice steady, "what now?"
"Now, we seal the deal," He reached for her arm, his grip firm, "My quarters and my bed. Let's talk about our future." Claudia let him pull her along a few paces before stopping abruptly. She turned to face him, her lips curling into a mockingly sweet smile.
"You know, I was wondering something," Claudia admitted.
"What's that?" he asked, clearly savoring his apparent victory.
"Why is it that men like you never learn?" Claudia sneered, her tone changing. The pirate leader blinked, confused.
"What are you...?" Before he could finish, Claudia raised her left hand. The ocean stone flared, its blue light casting the cavern into sharp relief.
"Venus Frigoris." A biting cold erupted from her hand, frost spreading in an instant. The pirate leader's expression froze literally as ice encased him entirely. His body shimmered in the faint torchlight, frozen solid mid-stride. Claudia exhaled, brushing a few stray frost crystals off her sleeve.
"Thanks for letting me out," she muttered, patting the icy statue on the shoulder, "But I work alone." With a flick of her wrist, the ice on the ground cracked, and she stepped over it, making her way deeper into the cavern.
"Careful, Claudia," Aaravos echoed in her mind, "They'll be looking for you. Pirates are such predictable creatures… Greedy, brutal, and easily manipulated." Claudia smirked to herself, keeping her voice low.
"I could use some help right now, Aaravos. Got any tips on dealing with a cave full of cutthroats?" Claudia asked. A deep, amused chuckle reverberated in her mind.
"Of course. Let me guide you. Their arrogance will be their undoing. Follow the currents of magic, and you'll find their vulnerabilities," Aaravos advised. The cavern opened into a larger chamber, its walls glittering faintly with mineral deposits. Several pirates lounged near a makeshift table piled high with stolen goods, gold, jewels, and other treasures gleaming under the flickering torchlight. They were laughing, their guards down, unaware of the storm brewing in the shadows. Claudia pressed herself against the wall, her fingers brushing the ocean stone. Closing her eyes, Claudia whispered an incantation, her voice low and resonant. The ocean stone glowed brighter, its blue light intensifying.
"Aquam Caelestis." A sudden roar of water echoed through the chamber as a wave materialized from thin air, crashing into the pirates. They shouted in alarm, scrambling to their feet as the icy water swept away their weapons and doused the torches.
"Good," Aaravos purred, "Now isolate them. Pick them off, one by one." Claudia stepped forward, her silhouette outlined by the glow of the stones. The pirates turned, dripping and furious, but their bravado faltered as they saw her.
"What in blazes…?" one of them stammered, reaching for a knife. Claudia raised her right hand, the star stone at her chest flaring to life.
"Astrum Fulmen." A bolt of starry energy streaked through the air, striking the pirate square in the chest. He crumpled to the ground, unconscious. The remaining pirates hesitated, their confidence shaken.
"She's a witch!" one of them shouted, backing away. Claudia tilted her head, her smile cold.
"Oh, now you're paying attention," Claudia laughed. She moved swiftly, using the narrow cave walls to her advantage. Aaravos's voice guided her, his instructions precise and unwavering. Following his advice, Claudia led the pirates into tighter spaces where they couldn't fight effectively. With a combination of magic and cunning, she incapacitated them one after another, freezing their feet to the ground, summoning torrents of water to knock them off balance, or dazzling them with bursts of starry light. As the last pirate fell, his weapon clattering to the ground, Claudia stood amidst the chaos, her chest heaving. The cavern was silent except for the drip of water and the faint hum of the stones.
"Well done, my dear," Aaravos said, his tone laced with approval. "You've proven yourself resourceful and formidable. But don't linger. Others may come, and your journey is far from over." Claudia nodded, wiping a strand of wet hair from her face.
"Yeah, yeah. I get it. No rest for the amazing," Claudia sighed.
The Sea Legs sailed smoothly on open water, its crew ready to fight. As they approached Eventide Island's waters, the pirate ship's lookout spotted Nyx flying toward them, a figure against the bright sky.
"A Rito!" the captain shouted eagerly, "Take her down! Draw your bows!" A few of the pirates drew their arrows, aiming their bows at Nyx.
"Oh, perfect. Why do I have to be the bait?" Nyx rolled her eyes, muttering to herself. She darted overhead, flying close enough to the pirate ship to draw its fire. Arrows whizzed past her, but she managed to avoid them with practiced ease, taunting the pirates with a grin. Meanwhile, back on the Sea Legs, Callum was hurriedly painting runes along his and Rayla's necks, the symbols glowing faintly as he prepared the spell. He muttered to himself, completing the incantation.
"Aquis Spirare Faucibus," he said under his breath.
"Do I really have to do this, Callum? You better than anyone know how much I hate water," Rayla frowned, watching him, her hand gripping the railing of the ship. He glanced at her with a mischievous grin.
"Which is worse, being seasick on the ship or being in the water?" Callum asked back. Rayla hesitated, glancing at the sea before her. She opened her mouth to argue, but before she could, Sneezles and Stella suddenly pushed her into the water with a playful croak and screech.
"Hey!" Rayla splashed into the water, sputtering as she surfaced, "Stella, you're lucky you're cute!" The cuddlemonkey chirped in delight as the glow toad smiled before sneezing. Callum chuckled, diving into the water after her, with Mipha close behind. Mipha's eyes twinkled as she gracefully slipped into the water, her movements fluid and effortless. As they swam, Mipha glanced at Rayla and Callum.
"Hold on tight," she said, her voice carrying clearly despite being underwater, "Aquamotus!" Callum felt the water around him shift as Mipha's spell took effect. Her movements in the water became easier, her speed increasing with a surge of strength. Callum and Rayla latched onto the Zora princess as her bolstered speed carried them through the water like a scaled torpedo. Together, they headed for the pirate ship. Mipha, pulling ahead with grace, quickly reached the rudder of the ship. She pointed her hands towards the rudder and muttered the next incantation.
"Cincula Glaciei." A blast of cold air followed by icy tendrils erupted from the water, wrapping around the rudder. Mipha made a pulling gesture, the tendrils yanking the rudder back, damaging it. Rayla shot forward, her bowblade already in hand. With a swift strike, she severed the rudder completely, sending it floating away. Mipha, Callum and Rayla briefly surfaced to check on their progress when the helmsman was already shouting orders.
"Hey! There's a Zora in the water!" one of the pirates screamed, spotting them in the water. Callum grinned as he extended his hands and focused on the sails of the pirate ship.
"Ferrum Venti!" Callum shouted. Wind swirled around his outstretched arms, and the sails of the pirate ship began to rip apart as the gusts intensified. The pirate ship's crew screamed as their sails were shredded, leaving them exposed and immobile.
"There goes their wind," Callum smirked, diving under the water with a satisfied expression. Mipha and Rayla quickly followed.
"We've done enough damage here. Let's get out of here," Mipha insisted. With that, they all quickly swam back to the Sea Legs, avoiding a barrage of arrows from the pirates as their ship was left to drift aimlessly, its crew scrambling to regain control. The captain of the pirate ship, realizing he'd been outwitted, cursed loudly.
"What the…! Those bastards!" he shouted as the ship drifted helplessly.
"Better luck next time, Captain," Nyx said sweetly, a mocking tone in her voice. With that, the heroes made their way back to the Sea Legs, their mission successful for now.
The salty breeze bit at Claudia's skin as she emerged from the cavern into the crisp night air. The pirate ship loomed in the distance, its dark silhouette rocking gently in the waves. A path of jagged rocks and slippery sand stretched between her and her next challenge.
"Great. Just me and a giant ship I have no clue how to sail. This is going to go swimmingly," Claudia sighed, running a hand through her damp hair.
"Not quite alone," Aaravos's voice purred in her mind, his tone velvet and sharp, "You have the secret stones. And you have them." Claudia glanced back at the cavern, where the subdued pirates lay scattered.
"Them? You mean the same lot I just beat into submission?" Claudia asked.
"Precisely. They may lack loyalty, but they are useful. All they need is... encouragement," Aaravos assured her. The star stone around her neck pulsed, its ethereal light warming against her skin. Aaravos's meaning became clear, and a slow grin spread across her face.
"Encouragement, huh? I think I can manage that," Claudia said. She made her way back into the cavern, her boots squelching against the damp floor. The pirates groaned as they began to stir, rubbing at bruises and blinking groggily. Claudia stopped in the center of the chamber, the star stone catching the light and glowing faintly on her chest. Its celestial power hummed through her, growing stronger as she drew upon it.
"Alright, listen up!" she barked, her voice echoing. "You're all going to help me get that ship moving. Now."
"Why would we do anything for you, witch? You've got no leverage," One of the pirates, a burly man with a bloodied nose, sneered.
Claudia smirked, raising her hand. The star stone's light intensified, filling the cavern with an otherworldly brilliance. She whispered an incantation, the words slipping off her tongue like silk.
"Mentis Vinculum." A ripple of magic surged from the star stone, weaving through the air like threads of starlight. The pirates froze as the magic latched onto them, their eyes glowing faintly with its power. One by one, their expressions slackened, their resistance melting away as the whites of their eyes glowed with rainbow colors. Claudia stepped closer to the burly pirate who had spoken, her voice low and commanding.
"You're going to load every stolen item you've got onto that ship. After that, you'll get it ready to sail. Move!" Claudia ordered.
"Yes... Captain," The pirate nodded stiffly, his defiance completely gone.
"Captain, huh? I could get used to that," Claudia laughed to herself. The other pirates rose, their movements mechanical but efficient. Aaravos's voice guided Claudia as she oversaw them returning to the cavern's depths, hauling chests, crates, and sacks of loot from hidden alcoves. Jewels, gold, spices, and even barrels of rare elixirs were piled onto the ship's deck under her watchful eye.
"Every last piece," she demanded, gesturing toward a pirate who lagged, "If you're hiding anything, I'll know." They scrambled to obey, stacking the stolen goods with trembling hands. As the final crates were secured, Claudia nodded in satisfaction.
"Good. Now, get that ship ready to sail," Claudia nodded in satisfaction. The pirates scurried to hoist sails, secure rigging, and prepare the vessel for departure. The ocean stone pulsed faintly on her left hand, its power lending her strength to suppress her exhaustion. As the ship creaked and groaned to life, Claudia stood at the helm, the star stone glowing faintly around her neck as her dominated crew got the ship moving. She gripped the wheel tightly, her gaze fixed on the horizon. The ship cut through the waves, leaving the pirate's island behind. With the secret stones, a hoard of stolen goods, and Aaravos's guidance, she felt unstoppable.
The moon hung low over the open sea, casting its silver light across the waves. The deck of the Sea Legs creaked gently as it swayed, the salty night air carrying a rare moment of calm after the day's chaos. Callum, leaning against the ship's railing, stared out at the horizon, his journal in hand but untouched.
"Well so much for those pirates," he finally said, breaking the quiet, "at least we didn't have to fight them head-on this time." Rayla, slumped on a coil of rope nearby, groaned dramatically.
"You mean at least we didn't drown while swimming under a pirate ship. Or, I don't know, get shot by arrows?" Rayla sighed. She shot a glare at Stella and Sneezles, who were curled up by her feet sleeping, blissfully unaware of the daggers in Rayla's gaze.
"And don't even get me started on you two," Rayla hissed. Stella yawned, stretching her tiny arms before settling back into her nap, oblivious to the tension.
"Come on, Rayla. Admit it, Sneezles and Stella got you into action when you needed it," Callum chuckled, tapping his journal.
"Yeah, well, next time they can jump in instead," Rayla muttered, crossing her arms. Nyx perched on the ship's bowsprit, one leg dangling casually over the side.
"Oh, come on, Moon Girl. It was a good push! Literally. Plus, you're alive, aren't you?" Nyx pointed out. Rayla shot her a look, but didn't respond. Soren emerged from below deck, his armor clinking faintly.
"You two sound like old sea grumps already. I thought pirates were supposed to be the scary ones, but nope, it's seasickness, glow toads, and cuddlemonkeys," Soren laughed. Mipha joined the group with her graceful stride, her pink scales shimmering faintly in the moonlight. She gazed out westward, her expression soft.
"Land ho! To the west!" Everyone turned, startled by the pronouncement. Nyx, flipping a spyglass out of her pouch, squinted through it and then let out a dramatic sigh.
"Well, it's about time. My wings were starting to feel cramped," Nyx sighed in relieft. Rayla squinted at the horizon. A faint silhouette of land was just visible, the gentle glow of lights twinkling along the coast.
"That is Hateno Port. We'll be there by sunrise," Mipha nodded.
"Hyrule," Callum exhaled. Rayla stood, the weariness in her limbs forgotten for the moment.
"We actually made it," Rayla grinned.
"Don't celebrate too soon," Soren said, leaning on his sword hilt, "We've still got a job to do once we get there."
"But for now," Mipha said, her voice soothing, "we've all earned some rest. The challenges ahead can wait until tomorrow." As the Sea Legs drifted closer to Hateno Port, the crew stood together on the deck, each silently reflecting on what lay behind them and the uncertain journey still ahead.