The Hero's Prophecy* Sequel to "White Silk Scarves*

Adventure Four

Ayda's POV:

"Hey, Rio. Have you ever thought about having any new friends?" I stole the basketball from the sea Kippie and darted past him, and sailed it into the hoop.

Rio, who was sitting cross legged and doing some weird sort of meditation that calmed me down whenever I needed it, opened his eyes from a few feet away.

The Sea Kippies sitting with him opened their eyes, as well, even if they couldn't cross their legs since they were so stubby and made of glass. Rio lifted his eyes towards me. "No. Where is this coming from?"

I doubled back around from the cluster of Sea Kippies that were my opponent, as I puffed out a hefty breath. "Oh, nowhere. It was just that, on that last island we visited, you were really quiet unless you were around one of us. I have a few friends on the islands we visit, and even Ishmael has some drinking buddies that he really trusts. Sometimes I'm worried that you don't have anyone like that."

The purple Sea Kippie hopped on the yellow one's back and took the ball, their little garden gnome like selves grabbing it pretty easily. "Little Rio can be a little quiet," the purple Sea Kippie replied, trying to throw it in his much smaller hoop, the one I made to make the game a bit more fair.

Ishmael, who was standing by the ship's wheel, sneered. "He's quiet till he ain't. Sometimes he won't stop yappin'. Like when he's playin' poker or talkin' about them horses."

Rio threw Ishmael a dirty look. "I wish you'd be quieter, you old coot. How can I think if you're always talking?"

Ishmael laughed. "Funny. I think the same thing when you two kids are around. But even if yer loud, or quiet, neither is a bad thing. It keeps life interestin'."

Rio softened at that, and he finally stood up from his cross legged position. He walked over to the ship's wheel, since Ishmael had been teaching him how to steer like he did when I turned 18.

...Ok, he actually waited until I was 19, but I only met him when I was 17, and Ishmael saw this ship, "The Lady" as his baby. So I could see why he'd wait a year or two after knowing me to let me steer his most prized possession. Still, I was glad I got to.

Rio and Ishmael talked softly under their breaths, going over how to steer, as I gave the Sea Kippies a look. My eyes glinted, and I waggled my eyebrows. "Do you guys want to practice the song again?"

The Sea Kippies leapt in excitement, and the Red Sea Kippie nodded, putting his hands on his hips, glistening in the hot sun's light. "We never back down from a challenge, darling Ayda."

I laughed, and leaned against the deck. "It's hardly a challenge." I clapped my hands. "But get ready." I opened my mouth, and- "~There once was a ship that put to sea-~"

The Red Sea Kippie shook his head, clinking over to me. "No, that's not our song. That's the song you gave to the giant, remember? "The Wellerman." Ours is "Drunken Sailor"."

I sheepishly rubbed the back of my neck. "Oh, yeah. It's a good thing Ishmael didn't hear it. He always teases me when I get the songs mixed up."

"I heard ya!" Came floating across the salty sea air.

I squinted at the long bearded Ishmael, frowning. "Dammit."

"It's fine, kid. You just ain't gotta good memory like me."

I stepped over, hands on my hips. And when he saw me doing it, he did it right back. It was a thing we shared. Usually I was happy to share something with him, but right now I had to stand up for my honor. "Um, excuse me, Mr. Sailor Man. You couldn't tell me what you cooked for dinner last night."