Chapter 97 - Setting Sail

The following day Theoric's group was back with the ship now ready to sail. Caius hesitantly greeted him only to brighten once again upon seeing the women, sadly knowing he could never have that upon which he gazed.

During Caius's free time, he would find himself daydreaming about them, wanting nothing more than taking Theoric's place, but he didn't have the guts to try anything let alone even think about trying something.

Caius was acutely aware of his shortcomings which was why he wished to go on an adventure to further build himself up as an individual. Learn new things, build a stronger foundation with which to stake his claim upon the world.

He just hoped he didn't jump the gun and agree to one that would be his end.

Caius hired an average crew that was more desperate for money than anything, and nothing to tie them down.

Giving orders to set sail, he took his place at the wheel having done plenty of sailing practice growing up. Caius was now the acting captain, he wasn't about to let anyone else take the lead of what he perceived to be the start of his new great life.

After leaving the dock, he seemed to forget where he was headed first as he let the song in his heart out. It was a bright sunshiny day, few clouds, a nice breeze, morale at the moment was as great as his ambition, he felt like he could feel the world turning to his tune.

Theoric hearing the singing and even seeing some of the crew joining in wasn't feeling it, using his power to shut out all noise as he headed below deck, hoping next time he surfaced it would be over. The last thing he wanted to do was listen to a group of men singing.

Sigyn, however, was enjoying it as she stayed above and joined in with Anna who wasn't against it, and with the women joining, soon the whole boat was singing except Theoric who left and Io.

Io didn't mind the singing, but she wasn't about to join in.

Come night, Theoric was topside enjoying the stars with his women while the rest snored below deck.

The cool breeze felt nice after dealing with the sun beating down on them throughout the day with no shade to speak of on top. They watched as the magnificent crescent moon rose into the night sky, taking its place among the stars.

Caius stayed up late assigning tasks to the night watch, before heading off to bed after saying good night to the women, and Theoric since he happened to be there.

Theoric smirked at Caius's back which served to get him a pinch from Io who noticed. Luckily she had no superior strength to speak of to bother him in any meaningful way, but he acted all the same to make her and the others happy at his expense.

He tried to be gentle and understanding with each of his women, though Sigyn was the most important, he wouldn't skimp out on the others when it came to treating them right and doing his best to make them as happy as possible. He did care for all of them in their own unique way, each had their own goals and dreams which he would do his best to fulfill.

The next morning they awoke to the crew loudly shouting about something heading towards them.

Theoric and the girls headed up to check it out, next to Caius who was busy at the wheel.

Behind them, they could see a giant swell of water closing in on them.

Caius was shouting orders- "Release All The Sails! Load The Ballistae!"

Caius didn't hold back when he was having his boat built, he even paid heavily for a set of 2 ballistae on each side to defend himself.

Anna- "What is it?"

Caius frowning- "I don't know, but it can't be anything good."

One of the sailors shouted- "It's The Kraken! We're All Doomed!"

"Shut Your Mouth! There's no way I'm dying to some sea beast!" yelled another, he then angrily turned to the captain and Theoric's group- "This all their fault, Women always bring bad luck when sailing."

Another second it- "I knew following you would be the death of me Caius, to think you were fool enough to allow women on board, You Doomed Us All!"

Caius wasn't going to take such criticism lying down though- "I didn't see any of you try and stop me!" he shouted back.

And why would they, at the time they to were dazzled by their beauty, but every sailor believed women were bad luck on a boat. Now that things were going wrong, they could only blame the captain for allowing it.

Anna- "Umm, guys, is this really the time to be debating how stupid you are for thinking women can affect your luck on a boat?"

Theoric coughed to hide his amus.e.m.e.nt, he was well aware that it was likely their fault. Anna hearing him blushed a little in embarrassment, understanding that it might very well be, but that wasn't going to stop her from pointing out that it wasn't such the case for every woman.

They again looked to see the danger that much closer as Caius began shouting orders again- "Argue Later, Listen Now, Get Those Ballistae Ready, Archers Load Your Arrows!"

Io hearing the final order prepared her bow.

Right, when it was about to catch their ship it suddenly disappeared as the swell receded.

Caius- "Where is it? Where did it go?"

Everyone looked for any sign of it but only saw calm waters all around.

Theoric not having a good feeling peeked down over the edge, peering through the water. His eyes widened upon seeing a box-like shape rapidly growing bigger as it approached the underside of the ship.

Anna also figuring it out was looking over but only managed to catch a glimpse of what was happening before Thoeric frantically yelled out.- "Everyone Listen Up, I Will Try My Best To Protect You... (Switching his attention to his women) Ladies, don't fight it, but brace yourself all the same."

Sigyn looking worried and wanted to ask what was wrong but was interrupted by Theoric encasing everything withing his barriers.

The ship and all the people coated with his signature orange energy field, freezing everyone and everything in place.

Theoric then worked as fast as he could to reinforce the bottom to try and keep the ship intact. Making it thicker and denser with as many layers as he could right before the coming impact.