Ash's Journey

Chapter one- the rescue

Creeeeeak.

Ash stiffened against the rough wood of the barrel. He held his breath, praying no one had heard the floorboard. His heart sank as he heard the door push open and paw steps coming slowly towards him.

"He must be in here. I swear I heard something."
Ash stood frozen, his heart racing as he tried to figure out what he'd do next. The floor rocked gently under his paws and he lifted his head to see just how close he was to being discovered. The two cats, one grey and one orange, were currently searching the barrels on the other side of the room. Ash realised with a sinking feeling it wouldn't be long until they got to his. He took a moment to ready himself before slowly sneaking towards the door while their backs were turned.
Get to the deck. Find a life raft. Get off of this spiritforsaken boat. He carefully took another step towards the exit, his eyes never leaving the two cats searching for him only feet away. The boat rocked again, causing him to lose his balance. His claws scrabbled against the wooden floorboards as he tried to stay upright, causing an audible scraping. His pursuers turned around to face him. Like a deer caught in headlights, Ash tried to think of what to do next.

"Found him!"
Said the dark grey tom, delight sparkling in his gaze. They started to prowl towards him. Ash felt the fur on his spine lift as terror started to take hold. Just as the hunters were about to reach their target, the whole room lurched to one side as if something had crashed into it. Ash took advantage of the chaos and rolling barrels to dart out the door, up the stairs and onto the deck. Sunlight blinded him and he blinked, desperately trying to take in his surroundings. Cats were rushing around him, trying in vain to stop ropes and supplies from toppling and falling into the water. Ash looked beyond the deck of the ship he was on and saw another ship very close by. A shaggy, blue-furred tom leapt from one deck to the other and started sprinting towards Ash. Ash's eyes widened and tears filled his eyes as he started to sprint towards the other cat.
"Foggy!"

They met halfway across the deck and Foggy smiled in relief.
"Ash. I'm so glad you're ok."
Ash went in for a hug but Foggy pushed him back.
"No time. We need to get off this thing."
He used his thick tail to push Ash towards the other ship. The dark grey tom from earlier blocked their way, teeth bared.
"Boss gave me one job. I'm not letting you two rats get me in trouble!"
He sprung at Ash but Foggy knocked him aside with one fell swoop of his massive paw. Ash launched forward once again but he was stopped after a few steps by a yowl from behind him. A scraggly, thin, she-cat was clinging to Foggy's back, sinking her claws into his skin and trying to bite his head. Foggy tried to fling her off but to no avail. Ash spun around and pulled her to the ground. She sunk her teeth into his ankle and bit down hard. Ash meowed to Foggy for help but his friend was grappling with two other assailants. Ash wrenched his paw back, dislodging the teeth, and sprinted to go help Foggy. The she-cat refused to quit and pushed him onto his side. They rolled over and over across the deck until Ash reared up on his hind legs to swipe at her ears. Instead she shoved him, hard. He tried to maintain his balance but instead slid over the bannister and into the sea.

Everything seemed to slow down. In an instant, Ash was surrounded by quiet and calm. The green water seeped through his coat and chilled him to the bone. He sunk further below the surface every time he tried to kick. He was certain he would freeze to death before he drowned. His eyes closed and he sighed, letting out a stream of bubbles as his blood billowed up from the wound in his leg. Suddenly, strong paws grabbed him and pulled him upwards, towards the surface of the water. He gasped for breath as he was hoisted into the air. He opened his eyes hesitantly and saw Foggy grasping a rope with three paws and Ash in one. Ash saw him get further and further from the ocean until at last he was released onto a wooden floor. He lay, exhausted, coughing up water and spluttering.

"Ash?"

"Ash? Are you ok?"

Foggy's voice cut through the confusion. He tried to reassure his friend but no words came out. He attempted to stand but instead his vision faded to black.