Dragon's Requiem

Just Keep Swimming

           I long to drag my hand through the water as the trireme carries us through the dangerous waters of the Mediterranean. I wish I could disappear into the waves that beat against the bow. I haven't seen so much water, before, and it all calls to me. I know that it would be dangerous, but for the rush of a quick swim, it would be worth it. However, I'm trapped on the main deck of the ship, surrounded by nurses and soldiers, with no means of escape.

          "Stay alert, men!" Someone shouts. "These waters are full of dangerous creatures, as well as the enemy. I don't need this boat going down." I look around, seeing nothing else in the water, except for our own ships. Nothing but the calm sea. Looking down from the top deck, I watch the oars swing back and forth, pushing us forward. If I listen closely, I can hear the chanting of the men, below.

          I look over at Levy and she is staring at the horizon, a hard look on her face. She had just come back from this hell and I'm not sure how she can go back, just seeing the few horrors, on the way here. I'm grateful for her being here. Without her, I'd never be able to go out to look for Natsu. I wouldn't have made it past the first camp. Hell, without her I would still be in that cave listening to Loki's flirting. 

          "We'll be in Carthage, tomorrow. Once we get set up and the battle starts, I'd disappear as fast as you can. Once the soldiers start coming back," Levy explains, "I'm not sure if that will be possible. Remember to stay out of sight and keep Cassian quiet. Find Natsu quickly, if you can, and be back before sunset. Once the sun is on the horizon, the battle will be over for the day and the funerals will begin. If you're not there, the search parties will be looking for you and if you're found out, you will be punished."

          "I know. I'll find him and bring him home. No one will know I left." Levy nods and turns to me with a kind smile. She glances down at Cassian who has been babbling away and looking around for something to do. 

          "Are you excited to help your mama find your daddy, Soldatino?" Levy asks, offering her finger which he takes a hold of, readily, and calling my son by his . I'm sure he is. He's been alive for two whole months, now, without knowing the father he's learned so much about. I can't for Natsu to meet him. I cant wait to see Natsu hold our son for the first time. I can't wait to have my whole family together.

          At night, after a long day of travel, Levy, Cassian, and I head below deck and find a little bit of sleep. The steady rhythm of the rower chants and the waves put me slightly at ease. Sleep is not easy, tonight, but what I get is at least a bit peaceful. There are no strange dreams or nightmares, tonight. However, in the early morning, restlessness takes over and I cannot help myself. 

          I rouse Levy and tell her to watch Cassian for a few minutes. She mumbles and nods. Then, I sneak out of the sleeping quarters and onto the main deck. The sun has yet to peak over the horizon. I sneak to the stern of the boat. I quietly call on Virgo and she appears in a poof of smoke.

          "How may I help you, princess?" the maiden asks, bowing to me.

          "I need some time in the water, but I can't let anyone know. Can you help me?" I ask her. she pauses to think. Then she nods.

          "Yes, princess. Please, take my hands. Do not scream." And with that, the spirit jumps off of the side of the ship, dragging me with her. In mid-air, I feel a magical presence and see the smoke of one of Virgo's spells. Touching my head, I feel a strange skin stretched over my hair. "It'll keep your hair dry, princess." I take my hand away and we land in the chilly, dark waters. We were timed perfectly with a wave crashing against the side of the ship, covering up the sound of our splashdown.