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The sun shone brightly over the gorgeous Glass Sea, the large body of water located between the countries of Smiledonia and Laughtopia.
Cutting its way through the sea was a large Pirate ship with the words “H.M.S. Sun Chaser” painted on the side.
This ship belonged to the noble Captain Dogday and his trusty crew, who were busy keeping everything running.
Bobby took charge of the steering wheel when Dogday wasn’t manning it, Crafty looked after all the treasure the crew had collected, Hoppy made and kept all their weapons clean should they ever need them, Picky made all their food, and Bubba and Kickin worked together as a navigation team, with Kickin using his map and Bubba having his telescope.
They were currently making their way back home to Smiledonia after a long period of sailing the sea and looking for treasure.
The captain stepped out of his quarters, looking around.
Bobby was steering the ship, Hoppy was polishing one of her many swords, Crafty was watching the sea roll by on the upper deck, and Bubba and Kickin were up in the crows nest, probably arguing about what to have for dinner or something minor like that.
‘Yup’ thought the captain as he breathed in the salty sea air, ‘life is good.’
~Pirate transition~
Later that day, when the crew was on break and the anchor was dropped, Everyone was in the mess hall, eating a lovely meal and making idle chit chat, waiting for their captain, who was in the washroom.
“So,” Hoppy says. “Who do you think the captain will pick to be his new first mate?”
Everyone looks at her.
“W-what?” Bobby asks.
Hoppy smiles. “I mean, it’s about time he picked a new one, yeah?”
Everyone looks around at each other.
It was true that it’d been a few years since the captain’s former first mate and fiancée, AquaViva, had drowned when she fell off the ship during a massive storm, but the captain seemed in no hurry to choose a new one.
“I mean, yeah it has been a while since we lost Vi, but…” Bobby says. “Maybe you shouldn’t bring that up around him.”
Hoppy looks down. “Yeah, I guess you’re right…” she says. “I just want to know whether I have a shot at being first mate or not.”
She scoots forward in her chair. “I mean, I hope we don’t lose the captain anytime soon, but if we do…”
She pauses a moment.
“Who’s gonna be the new captain?”
Everyone goes quiet, nobody knowing how to respond.
Hoppy nods. “Exactly.”
Just then, the captain walked in.
“Ahoy everyone!” he says with his same brilliant smile.
Everyone waves and smiles.
“Ahoy Cap’n!” “Ahoy Captain Dogday!” “What’s up Cap?”
Dogday sits down at the big chair at the end of the table. “So, what’s everyone nattering about today?”
Everyone looked a bit nervous.
“U-um, Captain…?” Crafty asks, nervous because she was sitting next to him.
“Yes?” Dogday turns to her.
Crafty takes a deep breath.
“Have, have you considered who will become captain, if you… um…”
Dogday raises an eyebrow.
Crafty gulps. “...uh, decide to retire?” She asks, with a shaky smile.
Dogday tilts his head. “Are you saying I'm old?” he asks with a laugh. “I’m not retiring anytime soon, ‘Corn.”
Crafty gets nervous. “O-oh no! That’s not what I’m saying…” she says, waving her hoofs in front of her.
“I’m just saying… have you considered…”
She looks deeply into his eyes.
“It might be time to make one of us your new first mate?”
Dogday’s smile fades, considering this.
He was quiet for a moment.
“You know…” he says, slowly. “I haven’t thought of that actually…”
He looks down “Ever since I lost my last one… I… I didn’t want to get a new first mate…”
Crafty scoots away, worried she’d made the captain upset.
But then Dogday looks at her with a soft smile. “But…now…” He says. “I think you’re right.”
He raises his glass. “I think it’s time to move on, and sail into new waters.”
Everyone claps politely, smiling for him.
Dogday then frowns again. “But the thing is… I have no Idea WHICH one of you I should pick.”
He looks around, seeing everyone staring at him.
“Give me some time to think about it, okay?” He says. “Any of you would make a mighty fine first mate, this decision is gonna be very tough.”
Everyone nods, understanding.
“Of course, captain.” “Yeah, that’s fair.” “Aye aye!”
Dogday smiles. “Thank you guys.” he says happily.
“I truly couldn’t ask for a better crew.”
~Ocean waves transition~
That evening, the whole crew were having a bit of a dance party on the main deck, with kickin playing guitar, Bobby playing tambourine and Hoppy playing bongos.
Dogday was looking around at all his crew, dancing and laughing, seeing them all so happy.
He smiles to himself. He didn’t think he’d be able to choose just one of them…
Suddenly, the party was interrupted by a low rumbling noise.
Everyone stops, looking into the distance.
Bubba uses his spyglass to look at the dark clouds, and sure enough, he could see lightning flashes.
He gasps, turning to Dogday.
“Cap’n, there’s a storm coming!”
Dogday nods. “Okay everyone, you know what to do.”
Everyone nods, going to prepare for the storm, pulling up the anchor and letting the sails loose, hoping to sail out of the storm as quickly as possible.
Dogday walks up to the upper deck, as it starts to rain, hard.
The wind was making the waves jump higher, which made the boat rock from side to side.
All Dogday could hear was the rumbling of thunder and the pounding of the rain as the boat rocked every which way, making everything slide from one deck to the other and back many times. The critters had to be careful to avoid being hit and or pushed off by a heavy crate or barrel while attempting to tie them down with rope.
But Dogday didn’t move at all.
He just stood there, holding his balance as best he could as he clung to the metal hand railing, which was slippery from the rain.
He didn’t know why he couldn’t move, his body just wasn’t letting him.
He knew the crew were all so scared, running around and trying to make sure everyone was still on board as they kept trying to tie down everything that might fall overboard.
But then Dogday remembers.
And his heart practically stops.
This was just like the night he’d lost Viva…
That horrible.. horrible night…
Hoppy tried to get his attention. “Captain! You need to move! Get down here!”
But Dogday couldn’t hear her…
He could practically see Viva’s face in the stormy sky…
‘Why didn’t you save me?’ her voice whispered. ‘Why did you let me die?!’
Dogday cries, his tears mixing with the raindrops falling on his face.
“I… I didn’t mean to-”
Suddenly, a gigantic wave hits the side of the ship, making the whole thing practically turn vertical.
Dogday couldn’t hold his balance any longer, and he went toppling right over the side.
“CAPTAAAAAIN!”
SPLASH!
When Dogday fell into the water, he was panicking, looking around and seeing nothing but the deep turquoise water of the glass sea.
Then suddenly, he sees, something. A living creature…?
It looked like a giant fish, but had… Pointy ears…?
Whatever it was, it’s white pupils were staring directly into Dogday’s soul.
Dogday didn’t see anything else before he passed out from lack of air, sinking down into the deep black abyss.
~~~
When Dogday started to regain consciousness, the first thing he felt was something… soft… pressed against his lips… followed by something gently pushing on his chest.
All he could hear was the gentle waves of the ocean and some seagulls cawing.
After coughing up some seawater, suddenly, he felt like he could breathe again.
He slowly opens his eyes to see whoever had just given him cpr, looking straight up.
The person was the most beautiful cat he’d ever seen.
Their fluffy fur was a pretty indigo blue and their eyes were a deep onyx.
The Cat smiles softly, sighing in relief and stroking his jawline softly.
It leans in to whisper something into Dogday’s large ear.
“You’re welcome, beautiful…” it said in a light, whispery voice…
Before it suddenly gets off of him.
Dogday hears some sort of loud splash, then closes his eyes again, relaxing.
“-tain! Captain!”
Dogday heard someone’s voice as he fully came to, sitting up and shaking his head.
He then looks over to see Kickin and Hoppy running towards him.
“Guys!” He says with a big smile as they approach him, kneeling down next to him.
“Captain!” they both say, tightly group-hugging him. “You’re alive!”
Dogday hugs them back. “Barely.” He says, laughing.
Hoppy and Kickin help him to his feet. “We were so worried, man!” Kickin says. “When you fell off the boat last night, we thought that was IT for you!”
“Oh, me too!” Dogday says, regaining his footing. “I don’t even know how I managed not to drown…”
Hoppy lightly hits him on the shoulder. “Why in the seven seas did you just freeze up last night?!” she asks angrily. “I kept telling you to get down from the upper deck, but it was like you didn’t even hear me!”
Dogday thinks, rubbing his shoulder.. “Well.. you see, I…” He says while thinking.
But when he tried to remember last night… it was just one big blur of storm and water.
“I… can’t even remember.” he says, dumbfounded. “Seriously… my mind is just blank.”
Hoppy sighs, gently hugging him again. “Well, I guess it doesn’t matter now.” she says. “The important thing is that you’re alive.”
Dogday smiles. “Yeah, you’re right.” he says happily.
He then realizes something, looking around.
“Hey wait… where even are we? And where are the others?”
Kickin shows Dogday his map. “We’re on a small island in the northeastern part of the glass sea.” he says, pointing to the tiny dot of sand.
“And the others are still back on the ship.” Hoppy adds. “They thought it’d be too dangerous for them to go, so they wanted to send the strongest of the crew to look for you.”
Kickin smirks. “And we found you.”
Dogday smiles. “Good. Is everyone okay after the storm?”
Hoppy nods. “Yeah, they’re just a little shaken up after you took a tumble off the boat.”
Kickin looks towards the other side of the island. “Come to think of it, we should probably get back, and let everyone know you’re okay.”
Dogday nods. “I second that. We need to ship off as well, and continue our way back home.”
Hoppy giggles. “I third that.”
The three happily start off along the sandy beach line.
But as they walked back to the ship, Dogday only had one thought in his mind.
Who was that mysteriously beautiful cat…?
~The next day~
The whole next day of sailing, Dogday remained in his quarters, thinking about what had happened yesterday.
He was currently sitting at his desk, daydreaming.
Dreaming about touching that soft purple fur… feeling small, furry hands on his, looking deeply into those deep onyx eyes…
It was like the storm incident never even happened.
Unfortunately his thoughts were interrupted by two voices, shouting at the top of their lungs.
“LAAAAAAAAAND HOOOOOOO!”
Dogday snaps out of his daze, hopping up and running outside with everyone else.
He looks up to the crow's nest. “Did I hear that right?!” he calls. “You see land?!”
Kickin nods, pointing to the front of the ship. “Look!”
Dogday runs to the front of the boat, looking out to see, indeed, they were right off the edge of Smiledonia.
He smiles happily, telling everyone else to prepare for docking.
When they finally arrived at the docks, many people were waiting to greet them as they walked off the ship, mainly the family members of the critters that had them.
They were all so happy to get off the boat and back on dry land after so long.
Everyone had a wonderful reunion and had a bit of a party, where they all danced in the village square, thankful that the pirates had a (mostly) safe journey and all returned home alive.
~That night~
Dogday was taking a quiet walk along the pier, having needed some time to himself after being stuck on a boat with the others for at least a month.
He walked out on the end of the dock to watch the stars, and found himself staring at the moon in particular, looking at it happily.
It was a quiet moment, just reflecting on everything that had happened these few days, and in particular reflecting on what Hoppy had asked him at lunch, the day before that chaotic night.
“Who are you gonna choose as your first mate?”
It was a question he was still pondering…
Crafty would be a wonderful first mate, she was beautiful and talented. So would Hoppy, she was brave and strong. Those were his top two contenders.
Bobby would make an okay partner. Picky… ehhh not so much. And he knew that Bubba and Kickin were already each other’s first mates.
So it was really between Crafty and Hoppy. But which one to choose…?
“Excuse me sir.”
His thoughts were interrupted by a quiet voice.
Dogday turns to see a short-looking Cat had walked up to him.
He had bright purple fur and was wearing a pendant shaped like a seashell.
Dogday smiles. “Evening, young man.” He says gently. “Whatcha need?”
The Cat smiled. “Is this your necklace?” He says, taking off the pendant and showing it to Dogday. “I found it washed up on the beach while I was taking a walk today.”
Dogday looks down and observes the shell pendant.
It looked a bit familiar… but he didn’t know where he’d seen it before.
He shakes his head. “No, I don’t think that’s mine.” He says. “I’ve never seen a trinket like that before.”
The Cat sighs, putting the pendant on. “Oh well.” he says. “I guess I'll hang onto it for now.”
Dogday smiles. “It looks very pretty on you.”
The Cat blushes and giggles, swatting the air. “Oh you.”
Dogday laughs. “I’m Captain Dogday, of the H.M.S. Sun Chaser.” He says.
“What’s your name?” He asks, offering a handshake.
The Cat smiled.
“My name is Cathrinus Napford…” he says with a giggle. “But most people call me Catnap.”
He says, shaking Dogday’s hand gently. “Pleasure to meet you, Captain.”
Dogday smiles. “Pleasure to meet you as well.” He said. “Are you new in town?”
Catnap makes a ‘so-so’ sign. “Well kind of, I'm just staying here for a couple of months…” he says. “Or at least as long as I can before I have to go home.”
He smiles. “I just arrived here yesterday.”
Dogday nods. “Cool.” He says. “What are you here for?”
Catnap looks out into the ocean. “I needed a change of scenery.” he says with a longing smile. “I’d been in the city far too long.”
Dogday looks out as well. “Fair enough.”
Catnap smiles. “So, how was your journey home?”
Dogday giggles nervously. “Well, it was mostly good, we just ran into a pretty bad storm on the way back.”
Catnap gasps. “Oh no, really?”
Dogday nods. “Yeah, it was kinda rough, but we all made it out alive.” He says with a smile.
Catnap smiles too. “Well that’s good.”
Dogday nods. “Indeed.”
They both stood there in a comfortable silence for a while, just looking at the beautiful moonlight rippling off the water.
“Well, it’s getting late…” Catnap says after a while. “I should probably be getting home.”
Dogday looks sad. “Aww, really?”
Catnap nods. “Yeah, but I'm sure I'll see you again soon.” he says with a smile. “Especially if you’re going to be hanging around town.”
Dogday nods. “Yeah, that’s true.”
Catnap giggles as he turns to leave. “Well, goodnight sailor~” He says with a little wave.
Dogday waves back. “Goodnight kitty.”
Catnap then leaves, leaving him all alone again.
The more Dogday thought, the more one thought brewed in his mind about his new friend.
He didn’t know where… but he was certain he’d met him before.
~~~
For the next few weeks, the two hung out a lot, bonding and growing closer.
Catnap would come to see Dogday on the docks and in the village to hang out and talk, slowly meeting the rest of the crew as well.
Everyone seemed to really like him, bonding with their new friend one on one.
He would love to make jewelry with Bobby, watch Crafty paint the ocean, observe in awe while Hoppy made weapons in her forgery, try whatever dishes Picky made, and help out Bubba and Kickin when they couldn’t agree on something.
But he spent most of his time with Dogday, hanging out or walking along the beach. And every second he spent with the Cat made Dogday’s admiration grow deeper. He thought he’d make a fine addition to the sun chaser pirate crew.
So one day, Dogday decided to ask him for some alone time, just the two of them.
They spent the day together, going on walks through the village, eating tasty food, looking at all the trade market items for sale, and just enjoying each other’s company.
In the early evening, there was a bit of a celebration, young couples were dancing in the village square while a traveling band was playing, kinda like a version of prom.
When the two come across it, Dogday smiles. “Well, would you look at that?” he says to Catnap. “We have ourselves a little party!”
Catnap smiles. “Wow!”
Dogday giggles, offering a hand to Catnap. “Care to dance, kitty?”
Catnap blushes, taking it. “Sure-woah!”
He says as Dogday twirls him across the dance floor.
As they danced, their hearts swirled and their spirits soared.
Dogday was surprised at how light Catnap was on his feet. He danced like a professional, without a single misstep or any ‘accidentally stomping on your partner’s feet’ incidents.
Seeing Catnap’s happy smile and wonderful laughter made Dogday’s stomach and heart have weird, bubbly motions, and his face went pink as he realized what was happening.
Had he fallen in love…?
As the song finished, Catnap takes Dogday by the waist, dipping him and staring deeply into his eyes, making him blush even more.
They noticed a small group of people clapping all around them.
Catnap’s eyes go wide. “U-uh, sorry.” He says, standing Dogday back up.
Dogday giggles. “It’s okay.”
Catnap smiles at him. “Say… do you wanna go walk along the beach, and… watch the sunset?”
Dogday nods. “Sure.”
So they leave the crowded square and walk down to the seaside, where the sun was just beginning to dip into the deep blue ocean, reflecting gorgeous rays of golden light onto the town.
Once they find a good spot Dogday sits down on the sand, gesturing to Catnap to sit next to him.
Catnap smiles and does, leaning his head on Dogday’s shoulder.
Dogday blushes a bit and puts an arm around his shoulder, Catnap gently wrapping an arm around Dogday’s waist.
The pair sat together happily, watching the sun gradually sink into the beautiful glass sea.
Dogday knows that right now is the perfect moment.
“Catnap… I have to tell you something.”
He says softly.
Catnap nods. “What is it…?”
Dogday takes a deep breath, just coming right out and saying,
“I think I'm in love with you.”
Catnap freezes.
Dogday gets nervous. Did he mess this up?
Catnap shifts so he can look him in the eye.
“R-really?” he says softly. “Y-you love me…?”
Dogday nervously nods. “Yes, I’m sure that I do.”
Catnap tears up, smiling. “Oh Dogday!”
He tackles Dogday to the ground, kissing him firmly.
Dogday was shocked but immediately held him, reciprocating.
The two kissed passionately as the sun fully set, the stars beginning to twinkle in the night sky.
Catnap eventually pulls back, still on top of Dogday.
“I love you too!”
He says softly, still happy-crying.
Dogday laughs. “Yeah, I kinda got that.” he says, wiping Catnap’s tears.
Catnap giggles, helping him sit up. “So.. does this make us, a thing?” He says.
Dogday smiles. “I’ll go for it if you will.”
Catnap blushes. “O-oh my…”
He suddenly looks nervous, turning away.
Dogday frowns. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
Catnap was silent for a moment before taking a deep breath, turning back to Dogday.
“I-if we’re going to be a couple, there’s…”
He gulps, scooting closer.
“There’s something I have to tell you.”
Dogday nods. “Okay…?”
Catnap slowly stands up and…
…starts to remove his clothes.
Dogday blushes LAVA red. “W-WOAH WOAH CATNAP don’t y-you think we’re taking things too fast?!”
Catnap looks confused, then blushes “O-oh no Dogday it’s not for that!” he says, covering his chest. “I just don’t wanna get my clothes wet…”
Dogday averts his eyes, embarrassed. “O-oh okay.”
When Catnap was undressed, he took a deep breath. “I need to show you something.”
Then he jumps into the water with a loud splash.
Dogday looks towards the water, wondering what Catnap wanted to reveal.
Then his eyes went wide when he crawled back onto the beach.
Instead of legs and his normal cat tail, Catnap now had a long fish tail that went in an ombre from purple at his waist to blue at the end, with fins along the side, and his fur had turned from purple to a bluish indigo.
Dogday scoots forward a bit. “Y-you’re a Catfish!?”
Catnap giggles. “Yeah, I am.” He says. “Uh.. what do you think?”
Dogday smiles. “Oh, you’re gorgeous!” he says. “More beautiful than any gem I've seen.”
Catnap blushes. “T-thank you…” he says.
Dogday smiles gently.
Then he remembers something else…
…the morning after he’d fallen off the boat.
All the pieces fell into place.
A single tear rolls down Dogday’s face as he scoots closer.
“Y-you…”
He smiles happily.
“You saved me…?”
Catnap smiles, nodding.
“Yes…” he says softly. “I-I'm the one that brought you to shore when you fell off the boat that night…”
Dogday stares at him, still dumbfounded.
Catnap looks deeply into his eyes. “I-I trust you enough to know that… y-you won’t try to hunt me… or catch me…”
Dogday gently takes Catnaps face in his hands, causing him to blush.
Catnap looks a little confused. “Um… Dogday…?”
Dogday kisses him once again, causing him to blush more, but he accepts it and wraps his arms around his waist softly.
When Dogday pulls back, he looks at Catnap, his eyes full of love and compassion for his Catfish companion.
“Thank you so much… You saved my life…”
He says, his heart overflowing.
Catnap smiles. “Well, I wasn’t just gonna let an amazing guy like you drown.”
Dogday laughs, kissing his cheek.
“Hey Catnap… I have a question.”
Catnap blushes. “What is it?”
Dogday smiles softly.
“When me and my crew set off on the sun chaser again…”
He shifts his position so that he’s on one knee.
“Would you like to be my first mate?”
Catnap blushes, his eyes going wide. “You… you really mean it?!”
Dogday nods. “I love you, Catnap…” he says softly. “I want you to be at my side for the rest of my days.”
Catnap smiles, crying as he hugs him. “Yes of course I will!” he says happily. “I love you too!”
Dogday holds him tight. “Wonderful.”
And they lived happily ever after, for now at least.