The horizon was no longer empty.
The silhouette of Treasures ship had stopped being a distant speck and turned into something real—sails drawn tight cannons ready.
The wind wasn't on their side and the sloop no matter how well adjusted it was wasn't built to outrun hunters.
—They're closing in on us —Nami said, eyes fixed on Treasures ship—. At this rate they'll catch us before sunset.
Carina glanced back biting her lip.
—. Once they're in range… one shot and we're done.
The silence that followed was short. Heavy.
—Caelum —she added—. Can you give us speed?
Caelum leaned against the railing breathing slowly.
He wasn't scared.
He was exhausted.
—Maybe —he said at last—.. I won't last long.
He rubbed his face with his hand.
—If I push now I'll burn out before this is over.
Nami didn't answer away.
She studied the sea, reading currents, wind… options.
—Two miles east there's fog and reefs —she said finally—. If we get there Mad Treasures ship loses its advantage.
She turned to Caelum.
—. We need them to stop focusing on us and our sloop.
Caelum lifted his head thought for a second… then nodded.
—I can distract them with my powers.
Both girls looked at him.
—I won't be able to do anything he continued—.. I can make something visible to them.
He straightened up despite the fatigue.
—If we throw something overboard… I can make it glow like its me.
A small smile appeared on Namis face.
—Perfect.
—Carina get the emergency raft ready and light something that makes smoke.
—I'm on it —she replied, already moving.
The small raft was thrown into the water within seconds with a burning barrel strapped on top.
Caelum raised his hand.
He felt the emptiness in his stomach before he even started.
He clenched his jaw.
A streak of energy leapt from his fingers striking the raft.
The air around it began to shimmer, glowing faintly—unstable, but noticeable.
From afar it looked like a figure wrapped in light.
—Now —he said, voice tight.
—Turn! —Nami ordered.
The sloop shifted sharply heading into the fog.
It worked.
Least on Mad Treasures ship.
Not on everyone.
A fast boat cut through the mist and appeared beside them.
—There they are!
A grappling hook flew through the air. Slammed into the deck.
The impact echoed across the ship.
—Don't let them board! —Nami shouted.
Carina was already moving.
She cut one rope cleanly. Kicked a pirate straight in the face.
It wasn't enough.
Two of them made it onto the deck.
Big men.
Experienced.
Armed—. Not here to hesitate.
Caelum stepped forward.
He didn't think.
Didn't calculate.
He just moved.
The first pirate swung down hard.
Caelum didn't block.
His body simply gave way—turning into mist for a split second letting the blade pass through him.
The pirate froze.
—What the—?!
Caelum was already acting.
He slammed his palm against the deck.
There was no explosion.
Just a pulse.
Something invisible spread across the surface.
Metal reacted instantly.
Weapons vibrated.
Buckles burned.
Muscles locked up under the shock.
—Aaagh!
Both men dropped their swords at the time.
Nami didn't hesitate.
One clean strike to the head sent the pirate overboard.
Carina moved faster than conscience.
She snatched a pouch from the one before kicking him off the ship.
—Thanks for the donation —she muttered.
The enemy boat pulled back after.
Not worth the risk.
Silence returned… heavier this time.
Caelum leaned against the mast.
Something warm ran down his lip.
Blood.
—… he muttered.
Carina rushed over.
—Hey… you're actually bleeding.
—Yeah… I noticed.
He tried to stay upright.
Didn't work.
—Just… tired —he said between breaths—. Nothing
Nami looked at him from the helm.
Her expression had changed.
Not calculation anymore.
Something closer to respect.
—Carina take him below —she said—. Water. Food.
—Got it.
Caelum tried to argue. His legs had already made the decision for him.
Before everything went dark he managed to mumble:
— job… professional thieves…
Carina let out a small laugh as she held him up.
—Get some rest "responsible adult."
Above them Nami adjusted their course.
The sloop disappeared into the fog and reefs.
For now… they were safe.
Not, by luck.
This time they survived because they fought together.
That changed everything.