Tidal Waves

Christmas Special

Kory rushed as she served bowls of soup, a panicked expression on her face.

After raiding another pirate ship, a majority of the crew caught a sickness that was difficult to overcome. Now, the only ones who weren't sick yet were Damian, Raven, and Kory.

Not only that, but it was Christmas Eve.

"This is all—" Rose started, letting out a nasty cough before finishing her sentence, "—your fault, Jason!"

Jason groaned at the girl across the room on a separate cot. "Shut up! How was I supposed to know they were sick?"

"Roy, please drink something," Kory pleaded kindly, urging the red-headed boy to take the soup she offered. "You're malnourished."

Roy pushed the bowl away, an annoyed expression on his face. So far, his case was the worst of them all. Along with fevers and chills, coughs, and sneezes, his body ached. The pain was almost unbearable, and he couldn't bring himself to eat or drink. When he tried, it would just come right back up in the form of vomit.

Kory reluctantly placed the bowl on the table next to the boy, meeting Raven's concerned gaze. Damian stood above Maya and Suren's cot, trying to help them break fevers with cold water.

"Is there anything I can do?" Raven decided to ask, glancing around the room nervously. The fear that a plague was among them crept up her spine.

Kory had informed everyone that where she came from had enough diseases that boosted her immune system. Damian also mentioned how his training as a child involved overcoming illness and included being exposed to every known disease, so he was immune to most illnesses as well. However, Raven had no idea what factor helped her immunity towards the virus. Perhaps she was simply lucky.

"Actually," Kory started, unsure. "I think I may know a solution. But it is not an easy one."

Raven and Damian shared a glance before turning their attention to Kory. "What is it?" Damian questioned.

The tall girl averted her gaze, her head low as she held onto Roy's weak hand. "There is a herb that can cure any disease, like this one. It is located where I grew up."

"Great, let's go get it," Damian simply said, watching as Kory shook her head.

"It is not that simple," Kory informed, lifting her head to meet his determined gaze. "This time of year, the winter is extreme. Ice and snow are layered thick over my hometown. I doubt you could make it there without trouble."

"Nonsense," Damian assured her. "I was exposed to all types of weather as a child. It was part of my training. I can do it."

A glimmer of hope sparkled in Kory's emerald eyes. "Are you sure? I don't want anything happening to you."

"Our crew needs us. It can't hurt to try," Damian decided. "Where is your home?"

"It's an island named Tamaran. Hard to find, but I can help you get there," Kory offered.

Damian nodded to her before glancing at the sick mates. "Let's get there as soon as we can."

—

When they arrived at Tamaran the next day, Damian bundled up as thick as he could. His backpack held supplies he needed for the trip, as well as a map Kory had provided him.

"Follow this trail north, and you'll reach a village. My father does not approve of my decision to become a pirate, so you can't be seen by him or anyone else in the village. Sneak into the greenhouse and steal the herbs. I don't know how many we'll need, so just try to get as many as you can. They look like this."