Into the Storm

by Samuel P. Fortsch

  In the distance I can see the sun through the dark clouds. It’s setting closer and closer to the horizon.

  “I’m hopeful your friends can hang on a little bit longer. The Calico Jack in all its glory is quite the sight to see!” says Sea Wolf as he races up the mast to the crow’s nest. “I want a bird’s-eye view of you walking the plank!”

  “You never wanted me to serve, did you?” I say to him.

  “Of course not,” Sea Wolf howls. “A strong leader like you would lead a mutiny in short time. I’d much rather watch you sink to the bottom of the ocean!”

  I begin walking down the plank. Step by step, inch by inch, across the wooden board that sticks out above the rough ocean. The sun is fading and so is my spirit. I reach the end of the plank and stare out into the vast sea. I hang my head for a moment and close my eyes. This is the end, I think to myself. And as I stand there ready to walk over the edge, I think about Kris, my former handler in the Army. I think about Chaps and how he gave me his wheel. And I think about all the Pawtriots back in Washington, DC, and how much I’ll miss them.

  I open my eyes to look out across the ocean and something catches my eye right below me.

  “What in the dickens are you waiting for? Jump!” hollers Daisy.

  But before I jump, I turn and face Sea Wolf to let him know that this fight is far from over. For the first time he doesn’t look so confident. “You better hope your Cutthroat gets to that sword before we do,” I shout before leaping off the edge of the ship.

  * * *

  ★ ★ ★

  I crash hard onto the deck of the interceptor.

  “Welcome back, Sergeant!” says Lindy as he helps me back onto my paws.

  “Don’t ever do that again, Rico! You’re too important to us,” says Penny as she gives me a hug.

  “I don’t plan on it!” I tell her.

  Simon and Daisy give me a big hug.

  “You guys are lifesavers!” I say. “Thank you.”

  “Don’t thank us, darling. It was all his idea,” says Daisy as she points to Jag. “Jag told us y’all were in trouble, so we knew we needed to help.

  I look over at Jag: “Did you really just commandeer a Coast Guard vessel to save us? That’s a code violation!” I say with a laugh.

  “Don’t kid yourself. I did it for my sister,” Jag says with a smile. “So what’s the plan, Sergeant?”

  “We need to hurry. Sea Wolf has one of his Cutthroats in the Crystal Caves already. What’s the fastest route to the Crystal Caves?” I ask M.

  “Head east. There’s a tributary just up ahead that leads directly to the northern entrance,” says M.

  “Punch it, Jag!” I howl. “We’ve got a sword to steal!”

  CHAPTER 10

  ONE SWORD, ONE KRAKEN

  Location: The Crystal Caves

  Date: 17MAR21

  Time: 1730 hours

  We walk across the wet sandy beach and arrive at the north entrance of the Crystal Caves. Jagged rocks and twisted wet vines surround the entrance that leads to an open crevasse. I instruct Jag, Daisy, and Simon to stay behind to protect the boat while we try to get the sword. Plus we might need a quick getaway. I give everyone a quick SitRep: “Sea Wolf has already sent a Cutthroat inside to get the sword,” I tell them. “Our mission is to get that sword first.”

  As we stand outside the entrance to the caves, I take a moment to look at our group: Penny, Brick, Franny, Smithers, Lindy, M, and Jet. They’re tired and hungry. This definitely isn’t the R&R they were expecting. Still, we’re on a mission, and we won’t stop until we see it through.

  First it was underground sewers in Washington, DC, then abandoned mineshafts in Texas, and now crystal caves on an island. Every dark hole in the earth has been home to a horrible creature for us to battle. I sense this place will be no different. Nerves run through me as I stare deep into this black hole.

  “M, what can you tell us about these caves?” I ask. “Any intel on the Kraken?”

  “The terrible beast protects the caves and Sea Wolf’s sword. Three hundred years ago we—I mean the Oasis animals—lowered the sword into the caves using vines. They knew that no one possessed the courage needed to try and retrieve the sword.”

  “We’re brave enough!” Penny hollers.

  “Or perhapsss, foolisssh enough,” says Smithers.

  “And let me guess, he has like four heads?” Lindy asks.

  “Nope, just the one,” M says as everyone breathes a sigh of relief.

  “But they say he does have twelve long, slimy tentacles with suction cups that can pull your skin clean off and fangs that will rip you to shreds.”

  “Oi! Why did you even ask?” Brick says.

  “So what’s the plan of attack?” I ask M.

  “It’s about a three-hundred-foot crawl through the narrow pass. Then it opens up into the blue lagoon. Or home, as I imagine the Kraken would call it,” says M.

  “Roger. So the second we get to the lagoon, we have to attack—movement and speed are our biggest advantages,” I say.

  “Let’s just hope that the Cutthroat hasn’t beaten us to the sword,” says Penny.

  “Once we enter the narrow pass, you must remember to control your breathing,” M says. “This is a very tight space. Follow me.”

  “Of course it is!” huffs Brick as he lowers his head to squeeze into the tunnel behind M.

  * * *

  ★ ★ ★

  Time: 1845 hours

  Inch by inch we fight our way through the earth. This tunnel is just wide enough for us to move our legs. My wheel keeps getting snagged on the uneven terrain and the jagged rocks dig into my fur, but I have to keep moving.

  M is the point-cat on this, leading us through the caves. With each passing inch, the tunnel grows tighter and tighter, darker and darker. Water seeps from the rocks above, dampening our fur. I can hear bats flying around and a constant creaking echoes throughout the caves.

  “We’re almost there. Once we take this corner, it opens up to the blue lagoon,” M says.

  I can feel rumbling in the distance, and I hear sloshing water and hissing. As we turn the corner, the darkness opens up to a shimmering body of blue water. Every inch the Kraken moves the water swirls and bubbles. This creature is as enormous in size as it is disgusting in looks . . . and his foul breath is even worse.

  “I almost wish it had four heads instead,” Brick says.

  “I bet that Cutthroat wishes it didn’t have any tentacles,” says Lindy.

  I quickly scan the rocks and locate the sword resting on a perch.

  “Listen up,” I whisper. “Speed is key. Don’t stop moving. Change course and keep this Kraken guessing. You stop moving and it’s game over. Penny and I are going for the sword. Everyone else: zig, zag, bob, weave—whatever it takes. Tracking?”

  They all nod their heads in agreement.

  “You good, Penny?” I ask.

  “Whatever it takes,” says Penny with a wink.

  I look at the Pawtriots and feel a sense of pride. They’re all locked in and focused on the mission. They’re teeming with energy and it’s got me motivated.

  “Now!” I shout. But my hollering triggers the Kraken, as if I just put it on high alert.

  Even more tentacles emerge out of the water. I watch as the Kraken’s wild swinging movements send water everywhere.

  “I’m going for the sword!” Penny shouts.

  I watch as she races across the rocks, leaping for the sword. But just as she is about to grab it . . . Thwap!

  “Penny!” I howl as I abandon caution and race across the wet rocks toward her. “I’m fine Rico, get the sword!” shouts Penny as she slowly rises to her feet.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I see one of the Kraken’s tentacles rising from the water, ready to slam down on top of me. I q
uickly maneuver out of the way and continue across the slippery rocks toward the sword. I’m just a paws-length away from it, when I feel a tentacle sweep my legs out from under me.

  “Run!” I howl to the rest of the Pawtriots.

  I’m pinned on my back, the wet rock presses up against my fur. I try to wrestle free from the Kraken’s grip on my tail, but it’s useless. Another tentacle wraps around my body and another around my legs.

  “Rico, I’m coming for you!” shouts M as I’m dragged closer to the blue lagoon.

  “No, save yourselves! Run! As long as Sea Wolf doesn’t have the sword, then the curse will be broken!” I holler out.

  I close my eyes and brace for impact in the water as the Kraken’s grip tightens around me.

  Suddenly, a loud shrieking fills the caves and the Kraken’s grip loosens, setting me free. I quickly jump to my paws and watch as it thrashes violently in the water, its tentacles flailing as it slowly sinks into the depths.

  I turn to look at Penny, who has Sea Wolf’s sword in her paw. It’s covered in Kraken blood. I race over to her and give her a big hug. It feels good knowing I have a friend who would do anything for me. She gives me the sword and helps me tie it around my waist with vines.

  “It suits you,” says Penny with a smile.

  I look to the Pawtriots with a renewed energy and spirit. “The sun is going to set any minute now. There’s no way Sea Wolf is brave enough to come down here and try to get the sword himself. He’s all bark and no bite. “We’ll stay down here until the sun sets and then we’ll head back to the surface,” I say.

  “Ssslight problem,” says Smithers.

  “What’s that?” I ask.

  “If we don’t leave now, we’ll miss our ride home,” says Franny.

  They’re right. And just like that, my spirit is lowered again. This might mean we’ll never make it off this island. We might never get home. I look around at all the Pawtriots as they hang their heads.

  “Chin up, Pawtriots. We did what was right,” I say.

  “This is all my fault,” says Jet as she wipes away tears. “I’m so sorry,”

  “No,” M says, “actually, this is all my fault.”

  “What do you mean?” I ask.

  “Well,” M begins with hesitation, “to be honest, I wanted one of you to ring the bell. I wanted Sea Wolf to be raised. Because his curse is my curse.”

  “What do you mean, your curse?” I ask M.

  “I was his first mate. And when you arrived, you told me that story about the mutant spider you defeated in Texas. I realized that you were the only ones who could stop him. You see, being alive forever gets old. I’m tired. Very, very tired. And the only way my soul can rest is if Sea Wolf rises and falls. I knew the Pawtriots we’re the only crew brave enough for the job. Once the sun sets, my soul will be free,” M says.

  I watch as Brick starts pacing back and forth, huffing and puffing as he goes. He looks like he’s about to snap.

  “Cool it, Brick. What’s done is done!” I howl.

  “Oi! You cool it, Rico. I’m getting tired of all the heroics. What about us? I miss my home. Our home!” shouts Brick as he points to the rest of the Pawtriots.

  “Sssettle down, would you? We all want to go home,” says Smithers.

  “I’m hungry and tired. I just want to eat and sleep. Is that too much to ask?” says Brick.

  “Get it out, Brick. Just blow off some steam,” says Penny.

  I step back and let Brick brush past me.

  “I’m sick of this island. I’m sick of these caves,” he says as he picks up a rock from the ground. “And I’m sick of all these stinking rocks!” Brick hollers as he hurls the rock across the lagoon, smashing it into a wall.

  “Feel better?” I ask.

  “Surprisingly, yes.” Brick says.

  “Okay, good. Now let’s get back to figuring out a plan here,” I say.

  Suddenly, a loud cracking noise comes from the wall.

  “What was that?” Brick says.

  We all look at the wall where Brick threw the rock. Then suddenly a huge crack opens up in the wall, sending large chunks of it to the ground.

  “This place is collapsing!” I shout, quickly scanning the area, desperately searching for another way out.

  “Follow me!” shouts M, pointing to another tunnel. “This should bring us up to the southern entrance by the abandoned church.”

  I start heading toward M and the way out when Lindy stops me dead in my tracks.

  “How can we trust him?” Lindy asks me.

  “We don’t have a choice! Now file in, Pawtriots. I’ll bring up the rear,” I shout.

  “Oi! Great, another tunnel,” Brick says, squeezing his body into the tight tunnel.

  CHAPTER 11

  THE ETERNAL FLAME

  Location: Crystal Caves Tunnel

  Date: 17MAR21

  Time: 1855 hours

  I claw as hard and as fast as I can up the tunnel toward the light. The earth around me is shaking and the tunnel is collapsing. I can barely breathe as I am squeezed in between the rocks.

  I close my eyes and crawl with every bit of strength left in me. I wriggle my body and shimmy as fast as I can, falling out of the tunnel onto the ground just as the tunnel caves in completely.

  Brick and Lindy help me to my paws as I catch my breath and my bearings. I look up and see the sun setting behind them—its bottom half below the horizon.

  “We did it,” I call out to the Pawtriots. “We beat Sea Wolf!”

  “Negative, Rico,” Lindy says, pointing to the base of the abandoned church. “I really hope you’ve still got some fight left in you.”

  “Hand over the sword,” Sea Wolf cries out as the Cutthroats form up along either side of him.

  I’m physically drained and exhausted and so are the rest of the Pawtriots. I must never quit, I remind myself. I am a soldier and must see this mission through to the end.

  “It’s over, Sea Wolf! The sun is setting. You’re out of time,” I holler back.

  “A merry life and a long one shall be my motto! I’m taking that sword and all of your lives,” Sea Wolf calls out.

  “Give me the sword, Rico,” M says to me.

  “Why, so you can hand it over to him?” says Lindy.

  “No, I’ll hold them off long enough for you to get your unit back on your boat,” says M.

  “You won’t last a second against them,” I say. “They’ll take the sword and the curse will be broken. You’ll live forever.”

  “At least I’ll live knowing that you’ve made it home,” says M.

  I look up at Sea Wolf and then down at the sword.

  “Negative, this is our fight, too,” I say.

  “Not anymore!” M says as he quickly rips the sword away, sprinting toward the church.

  I turn to the Pawtriots. “Hold off the Cutthroats. I’m going to help M!” I shout. I begin racing toward the church, following M as he quickly climbs up the rope toward the top of the tower.

  “Stop him!” Sea Wolf howls, commanding the Cutthroats to go after M.

  The Pawtriots don’t hesitate and in an instant, they’ve swarmed the Cutthroats, engaging them in fierce paw-to-paw combat.

  While they are distracted, I race across the rubble to the base of the tower and grab onto the same rope I used earlier. I’m about half way up when I feel the rope tighten behind me.

  I make it to the top of the church tower, but Sea Wolf is right on my tail. We race up the stairs to the next landing where M is holding the sword in his paw above the eternal flame.

  “This ends now,” says M.

  Suddenly Sea Wolf lunges at M who quickly ducks out of the way. Now Sea Wolf stands in between M and the eternal flame.

  “My dear first mate, don’t be a fool. The sun is about
to set! Join me and together we can have our freedom once more!” says Sea Wolf.

  “No. You cannot be trusted,” says M.

  “Don’t talk to me about trust, you backstabbing traitor!” shouts Sea Wolf.

  “It’s been a pleasure, Rico,” M says, throwing the sword into the eternal flame.

  I watch as it flies through the air, tumbling end over end. And just as it’s about to hit the flame, Sea Wolf snatches it out of midair and quickly places it into his sheath.

  “Ha! Forever unreliable you shall always be, matey,” Sea Wolf says as he turns to face me. “You and your Pawtriots have failed. I am unstoppable and my destiny awaits!” howls Sea Wolf.

  “But you’re wrong. This is your destiny,” says M, revealing a second, hidden sword.

  M holds Sea Wolf’s real sword directly over the eternal flame.

  “A real captain should know his real sword,” says M as he looks over at me and winks.

  A look of panic washes over Sea Wolf’s face as he stares down at the sword in his sheath, realizing that it’s a decoy.

  I look out to the horizon. The sun has completely set and a darkness falls over the sky. I watch as M drops the real sword into the eternal flame.

  “Goodbye, Rico,” says M.

  “Rest easy, friend,” I say to him. And as I utter those last words, M and Sea Wolf vanish before my eyes.

  CHAPTER 12

  SHIPPING UP TO BOSTON

  Location: Atlantic Ocean, USS George Washington

  Date: 19MAR21

  Time: 2100 hours

  It’s been two days since we stopped the Thrice-Cursed Pirate Sea Wolf.

  So much for R&R!

  It was another tough mission, but we stuck with it and accomplished our goal. Now, we are back aboard the USS George Washington and one day away from arriving in Boston. From there, we’ll make our way back to the TOC in Washington, DC, to join up with the rest of the Pawtriots. It’s always nice to be reuniting with the entire unit and have everyone together under one roof.