Crimson tides

Chapter 3

RHODES

Beneath the moonlit expanse of the star-studded sky, a fateful encounter unfolded, entwining the destinies of a mermaid and a pirate captain on a path bound by the weight of their worlds.

As the first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and gold, Rhodes slowly awakened from his slumber. His eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the gentle light filtering through the canopy of trees. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, he sat up and surveyed his surroundings.

He found himself surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Silverstrand Cove, the waves gently lapping against the shore. He sat up, the events of the previous day flooding back into his memory.

And then he saw her. She was standing on a rocky outcrop, looking into the distance. Rhodes stood up, making his way towards the mermaid when the sight caught his eye.

His dear ship that was once battered now stood restored, sailing smoothly towards the shore. And at its helm was another mermaid.

Rhodes smiled, his heart full of happiness, "Thank you, Artemis." He thanked the mermaid, who nodded in return, staying quiet.

He watched as Nerissa skilfully manoeuvred the ship towards the shore, her commanding presence evident in every gesture. The crew, their spirits high, worked together seamlessly to dock the ship, their friendship a testament to their shared experiences and the bonds forged in their trials.

As the ship drew closer, Artemis took a step forward, her eyes never leaving Rhodes. "They're here because of you, Rhodes," she said. "You must be a good captain by the hollering coming from the ship."

"You brought me back from the depths, and now you've brought them back to me." Rhodes never knew that being away from his crew for even a few moments, would make him miss them so much.

Rhodes noticed a faint blush on Artemis's cheeks, and he saw her gaze briefly shift to the sand beneath her feet. She was in her human form yet again, but this time there were no scales that were to be seen to Rhodes.

As the ship finally reached the shore, Nerissa guided it expertly, the sound of laughter and chatter filling the air. The crew eagerly disembarked, their weary faces transformed with renewed determination. Rhodes stood up, a surge of anticipation coursing through him, ready to see his family yet again.

Artemis smiled at Rhodes and then went to talk with her sister for a moment.

One by one, the crew members stepped onto the shore, their steps unsteady yet resolute. Rhodes, the captain and their guiding light, stood at the forefront, extending a helping hand to his weary comrades. He greeted each crew member with a reassuring smile, offering words of encouragement and gratitude.

As most of the crew got off the ship, the last person ran to Rhodes, jumping on him, making Rhodes lose his balance and fall on the sand with him.

"Rhodes, I thought the sea had gotten you." He fake-wailed as Rhodes pushed the guy off of him.

"Shoji, you know it's not that easy to get rid of me. Stop your dramatics now." Rhodes smacked his best friend's head, getting up and brushing sand away from his hair.

Shoji's face was sculpted with a rugged charm, featuring a strong jawline and a mischievous smile that showed his playful nature. With a head of dark, tousled hair, his locks were adorned with streaks of blonde.

"You had us worried there for a moment," he exclaimed, clapping a hand on Rhodes' shoulder.

"I owe my life to a mermaid named Artemis, she saved me." Rhodes returned the smile to his best friend.