She-Ra: The Retaliation

Chapter Four

Seaworthy, the top port in Etheria, bustled with activity. Pirates from all over the planet would make pit stops for quick drinks and snacks, then compete in 1v1 sword fights, arm wrestling matches, or even intense go-fish gambling matches. Talented members of The Enchanted Grotto went here to get to their secret, criminal hideout to get their pay by performing on stage or by selling people out. Skilled captains were known to spend their free time in Seaworthy, where if anyone were to be looking for one, it wouldn't be difficult.

Today, Miranda and her little brother, Jack, were sitting at a small table booth that was embedded into the wall. Two blue fizzy beverages were resting on a rustic, wooden surface. They never saw themselves as members of Salineas; they chased adventure as they took after their father, Seahawk. Miranda often leaves and takes Jack, and they go out to live outside of being royalty. Frequently, their sister, Summer, would come along. She didn't come for this trip as she was having a girls' day out with her friends.

"And then she accused me of burning her third boat. I have a strict rule: I give myself a limit of no more than two boats per person, even you know that! I mean, come on, two boats max is reasonable, right?" Miranda declared, her dramatic flair evident as she continued her tale. Coming to Seaworthy right now wasn't her best idea since many of her enemies could be around, but also not the worst decision she could have made. To her, it was better than being stuck in another meeting with the princesses about magic.

Jack giggled, his face partially hidden by his hands, "So, you didn't burn the other ship?" He asked, a mix of curiosity and doubt in his voice. He swears that this story is different every time he hears it. He was never able to tell if she intended it to show her bravery on the ocean, or if she was just retelling the story to try and make a point that she was right.

Miranda teased him, "Obviously I haven't! Are you doubting me and my legendary escapades?" She lifted her hands and leaned back, wiping away dirt from her white blouse with a flourish.

Jack only shrugged in response, unable to pinpoint the true story. He glanced around the port, noticing how many people had appeared. When they first arrived, there were only about 15 others there. Now, that number swelled to over 50. Seaworthy sometimes holds events and parties for the public if they want to go, and a celebration was being prepared for an old pirate tale's 100th birthday. Tables screeched along the floor as crewmates moved them along the walls while others held their drinks and mingled with their peers.

"Oh! And guess what, Jack?" Her eyes sparkled, "There's going to be a dance here later, that's why they're clearing the space," Miranda stated, pausing to pick up her drink as she leaned forward with a joyful smile and she beamed at Jack, "We should stay a little longer for it, I saw a poster about it outside."

"Oh- a dance?" Jack's shoulders slumped as a nervous expression took over his face. He looked down at his feet, glancing up at Miranda with apprehension and shook his head.

"They're just the basics, I taught you before, remember? You enjoyed it then! We had a lot of fun practicing and you did great!"

Jack hesitated, then mouthed, "I don't wanna dance, Miranda," barely audible. His fingers fidgeted with the purple handkerchief around his neck.

"No one's going to judge you," Miranda replied. A squawking seagull landed abruptly on her left shoulder, startling her. "Hey! How did you get in here?" she exclaimed, trying to shoo it away.

Jack watched as Miranda got up and removed the red layer of fabric around her shirt to swash off the seagull. It didn't take long for her to not be in view anymore as she continued to chase it outside towards the exit. "Out! Get out!" She laughed and waved her arms around, voice filled with amusement. People murmured and yelled as she bumped into them, but Miranda was too focused on the bird to notice. Left alone at the table, Jack blushed, looking away from the curious stares. He fiddled with his shorts, trying to look busy and not so small.