The Legacy of the Uncharted

~ Chapter 59 ~ When The sea hold its breath

The sea was quiet again.
Too quiet.

Wreckage drifted across the gray horizon splintered planks, tattered sails, and blood fading into the waves. The Mariner's Whisper groaned with every swell, her hull scorched from the last assault. The air reeked of gunpowder and salt.

Eli stood alone at the bow, staring at the distant horizon where black clouds gathered. He'd stopped counting how many ships they'd lost to the war. The dead no longer screamed in his dreams only the sound of waves taking them away.

From below deck came a cry.
Not of battle, but pain.

The Birth That Split the Calm

Sophie's screams cut through the corridors like cannon fire.Inside the infirmary, Belle and Theo worked desperately, their hands slick with sweat and blood. The storm lantern flickered weakly, casting frantic shadows on the walls.

Theo: "She's losing too much blood!"
Belle: "Keep her steady breathe, Sophie, just breathe!"

Sophie gripped the sheets until her knuckles turned white.

Sophie: "It's too soon... they're not ready—"

Her voice broke into a sob as another contraction ripped through her.

Outside, Akeno stood guard at the doorway, his hand trembling on the hilt of his sword. He had fought in skirmishes, bled for the ship but this, this helplessness, was something else entirely.

Inside, Belle whispered to Theo, her voice barely audible:

"If she doesn't push now, we'll lose them both."

The ship rocked violently thunder splitting the sky — and the cries of a newborn filled the air.
Then another.

Two cries.
Twins.

But Sophie didn't move. Her body went limp, her eyes fluttering.

Theo: "Sophie!"
Belle: "She's fading Ryder , call Eli now!"

The boy rushed out, his voice cracking as he shouted for help.And far away, in the silence of the next cabin, Eli clenched his fist. The world around him felt like it was closing in.

The sea always takes something when it gives, he thought grimly.

The Tidebreaker's Mission

Far across the waters, a gray ship sailed under false colors.
Its sails bore no mark, its crew cloaked in silence.

Keoni Tidebreaker stood at its helm, wind whipping her hair as rain began to fall. Around her neck, the silver insignia of the Silent Tides gleamed faintly proof of her new allegiance.

Commander Lira appeared behind her, expression unreadable.

Lira: "You're to report directly to Ironhold once you find The Maelstrom Crown. No engagements, Tidebreaker."

Keoni: "And if I see a chance to end this war?"

Commender Lira: "Then end it."However keep in mind that we will watch over you, One wrong move and you done for Tidebreaker.

Keoni smirked slightly. "Finally, an order I can live with."

But her eyes softened as she looked down at a small locket she wore under her uniform a trinket from her old crew, The Whisper.
Inside was a faded sketch of the crew laughing together.
Alex , Eli, Belle, Theo,Luci Sophie...

"You turned your back on them," she whispered to herself, "but you'll save them too even if they hate you for it."

She held up a shard of blue crystal. It pulsed faintly, reacting to something deep beneath the waves.
The Heart's call.