Shipwrecked Hearts

Navigare 76

We went on board the royal ship where the chosen crew awaited. I saw my crew and Maximo's, then there were some chosen. Sumaludo silang lahat. Isang tipid na tango naman ang binigay ni Maximo at ngiti sa akin.

"Who didn't miss the ocean?" Maximo noted. Nagtawanan naman ang karamihan sa mga pirata. Nang tumikhim si Maximo ay agad silang tumahimik. Hmm, disciplined, eh? "We'll be sailing to Sta. Klara and ensure the safety of our queen's parents. Who knows what lies ahead? Always be on your guard."

"Aye!" Matigas na sagot nila.

"We'll be at a disadvantage here. We're men of the waters, not of the lands. We are pirates and the sea is our realm, but this is different. We'll be going to the mainland. I expect y'all know the risk of this voyage."

"Aye!"

"We steal treasures, we kill enemies, that's what we do. But today, my dear friends and crew, today will be different. We will do something we've never done before, it'll be something very honorable. This operation, I will do out of love, and y'all must respect my wishes as your king. Love. This is something I learned in the presence of Akira Kara, whom I made Kira Renaissance. It was quite frightening at first, but when you embrace it like an armor and a part of you, it'll be the most beautiful thing ever."

I listened intently, a smile plastered on my face.

"Our captain's smitten."

"Hard." Bulungan ng mga pirata ngunit naririnig ko naman mula sa aking gawi.

"I know, right?" I grinned at them.

"Now, all attention on me!" Tumingin ang lahat sa kan'yang. We watched Maximo as he took his elegant steps towards the wheels. I saw him holding a dark brown leather captain hat, sinuot niya ito. "Hoist the colors!"

And after giving his first command, I watched the flags being released. The ship moved on cue, slicing its away across the ocean. We passed by ships who waved at us at shouted out their wishes of good fortune.

I felt myself against the wind that seemed to caress my entire being. Nilingon ko ang Anarchist Harbor. Ang matayog na kastilyo sa burol nito kung saan ang daming mga nangyari. Nakita ko ang patio sa talampas nito, wala na ang bubong nito. I felt sentimental. Pinagmasdan ko ang mga barkong nagkalat sa katubigan. Ang mga mangingisda, maninisid, at lahat.

We'll be back. With that, I turned my back on the island that was slowly growing smaller as the distance gets bigger.

Tumungo ako sa tabi ni Maximo na nakahawak sa manibela. Mga ilang metro lang ay naroon si Nick, may hawak na compass. He's the navigator, right. Therefore, he needs to always be somewhere close to Maximo to direct and guide. Whether we are going on the right course, or not.

Mula sa kubyerta kung saan kami nakatayo ni Maximo ay pinagmasdan ko ang mga tauhan. Abala sila lahat sa sariling mga trabaho. Some were scrubbing the floor, carrying weights that seems to be food and water, and wine. Some were gazing at the waters as their body reclined against the railings, some were climbing the poles and doing stuff. In short, everyone had their business.

"Are you hungry? I can make you a sandwich."

"That would be great." I smiled at Maximo.

"Okay, hold the wheel for me."

"Sure."

I took over the stirring wheel to let Maximo go. Nagpaalam naman siya at saka siya pumasok sa kan'yang cabin. Not more than five minutes later, he came back holding a plate on his hand. May dalawang napalamanang tinapay doon. May hawak din siya sa kan'yang kabilang kamay na isang malaking baso na tila umuusok. "I brewed a coffee. Let's share the cup."