11-05: Storm

It's been five days since they all left the port, and Veronica has started to get used to the sway of the water. Though, it had started to rain. It was light, and the clouds weren't very threatening, so all would be fine.

Surprisingly enough, the food on board was actually really good. Not as good as it was back home, but that was done by a professional trained chef who works for royalty. The canteen itself was small, however it seemed like the crew takes turns eating, which ensured that a decent amount of people were ready for whatever may come at a moment's notice.

"The storm don't look too good. Hopefully it'll pass quick."

"You've gone and jinxed us. Now we'll all be down in the deep."

Despite what they said, everyone laughed, as if they were putting on a comedy routine.

"Lass,thus will be your first storm on board a vessel, right?" One of the crew members asked Veronica.

"Yeah. Why?"

"You'll want to stay by the Cap'n at all times then. At least till the storm has passed."

"Does it get that bad?"

"If the storm don't kill ya, the sirens will. They've been following for a while now."

"What?"

"Hungry fucks. They follow ships that're heading into storms. They feast on what's left."

"Have the crew lost anyone that way?"

"Only by going overboard. The Cap'n is the best on board when it comes to maneuvering this girl."

"Then why isn't she always?"

"Cap'n needs to rest as well. Not to mention, it's a great skill to learn for everyone on board a vessel. Though, we have lost crew in other ways. Davy's brother was directly shot by a cannon. Tore right through the hull and hit him in the chest. Nasty business."

"Eugh..." Veronica gagged. Didn't help that she was eating at the time anyways.

Though, everyone's talks were quieted when thunder shook the sky. Everyone scrambled to get topside, and so, Veronica followed them all was well.

The storm was getting vastly worse. The waves were growing stronger, rocking the ship harder and harder. Rena was at the ships wheel, constantly spinning the wheel, fighting with it.

"Rena, are we safe!?" Veronica yelled to get any sort of sound out over the sound of the waves and thunder.

"You better hold on tight, lass. She'll try to drown you out of spite." Rena replied with a cocky grin in her face.

Veronica did as instructed, holding onto the sturdiest part she can while staying close to Rena.

Sailors scrambled all over the deck, climbing the rigging and fighting with the ship's sails. It was more like the storm was in more control of the ship than the crew.

Though, it didn't take long until the waves were hitting against the ship so hard, the ship started tilting into the water dramatically. So much so, that Veronica was drenched in both the rain water and the salty ocean.

Lighting crashed down all over, even occasionally striking the ship, which held up surprisingly well. Veronica wondered if that had to do with it being a cursed ship rather than anything else.

The rocking was violent, even Rena had difficulties keeping her balance, but she grinned through it all, keeping the ship going straight, while the crew did their damdest ensuring that the ship wouldn't capsize.

It took five hours before they made it through the storm. Everyone was soaked to the bone, but the waters had calmed down.

"Hayna, take over! I need to do roll."

"Aye aye!" One of the female pirates responded, taking command of the wheel.

Rena had everyone else gather in na orderly fashion, and named off every single soul on board the vessel. She didn't find anyone missing, so she dismissed them all to continue their duties after getting dry.

"That counts you too, Veronica. Go and get dry."

"Right." Veronica responded, her heart still pounding from the five hour fight against nature.

Being on the sea was a surprising mix of fun and terrifying at the same time. Veronica hoped that they were close to their goal, as she didn't want to spend any more time on board the wooden death trap.