Chapter 5: I Thought Cats Hate Water?!

(Third person POV)

As June was panicking Zira landed on the boat that they were on. "Oh hey J-" June grabbed her shoulders and said "Zira! You know that I can't swim right?!". Okay so maybe this was a bit more serious for him. "Where are we even going?!". Carter walked over and said "The land of Fins has a queen. I figured that maybe since your sword was found in the land of Wings, and it matches with the story.". June had a realization and said "Then the queen would know where the boots are!".

"Bingo!" Zira said. "By the way I got some food. It should last us until we get there. Now June I'm gonna have to change your bandages too, so no exploring for you unless it's on the land or...." She said referring to the water. "Got it! Don't go into the dark abyss that can swallow you who-" He says before hearing a splash. They both look over to Carter swimming around.

"I thought cats hate water?" June said to Zira. "House cats do. But when the leopards main food source dwindles it will sometimes even go after fish or other water dwelling animals.". This is true. "So how long until we get there?" June asked. "Well we're in the land, we just have to get to the queen. I'll be right back." Zira said. Carter came back up and threw down an anchor.

Zira came back out in a few minutes wearing a dive suit that had two holes in the back for her wings. She then points a finger at June and says "You have one job: STAY ON THE BOAT! If you don't I'm gonna make you an orphan.". Carter thinks about and says "But June has a family?". "He won't for long if I get back and isn't exactly where I left him!".

{ }: focusing on person.

{Zira}

Once Zira dives down she use her wings to propel herself forward. "Time to get directions." She said swimming down into a town. The land of Fins inhabitants all have something from a water dwelling animal. From a harmless seahorse to a highly toxic blue ringed octopus, the land of fins is very diverse and exotic. She started asking around to get some directions but most didn't know where to look.

That was until she had to go back up for air. She got onto the boat and took off the helmet. "Alright, so far I haven't had any luck, but I'll head back down in-.... Carter? June?" She said looking around. "You won't find your friends here.". She then tuned around to see a very large pirate ship designed like a great white. looking down at her was a 6 foot tall women with long blue hair, wearing classic pirate clothing, white, and screamed the word danger.

But what set her apart were the rocky structures on her back and the black stripe on her nose. "I leave for half an hour and this happens...." She said holding the bridge of her nose. "Alright.... I surrender." She said. Even Zira couldn't solo these guys. They took her in and threw her into the captains quarters. "So who did we- Oh my my my! Zira darling is that you me eyes see?!".

'Oh you've got to be kidding me!' Zira thought locking eyes with the woman she saw earlier. "It IS you!". "Of all the crews I had to be kidnapped by it had to be you Emerald.". She said this with great distaste. "Oh come on! Don't you miss me? We had such fun together when we were young!" Emerald said optimistically. "You were the most toxic kid in class when we were young! I'm surprised that your even alive! And where are you keeping my friends?!" She said demanding answers.

"Oh yeah.... Give me a second.". She then stepped out for a moment and came back with the two. They were both unharmed.... except Carter was different. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM?!" Zira yelled. "Zira, Zira. Still so quick to anger. Your friend was like that once we caught him." Emerald said as Zira looked at the chains on him. "And the chains?!". "Let's just say.... some of my men took a dip. He also kept breaking the ropes, so yeah chains were the only option.".

Looking at Carter she could now see why. His pupils were slits like the night of the attack, his once calm hands were now wielding claws at the ends, his ears and tails were at high alert, and his teeth were bared. Once he saw her though his expression calmed down and he went back to normal.... And then fell unconscious. "What do you want Emerald! You've already become a no good crook so why add more to the pile?".

"Well you see there is one thing that I do not have. But you could get it for me. You see the queen has a treasure room that can only be accessed by the water. Inside is a very valuable necklace that I think would look great on my neck.". Zira looked at her and said "And why would I risk my life to help you?". Emerald then smiled and said "I don't know. Which is why I'm going to give you a reason.".

She then smiled, snapped her finger, and both June and Carter were forced awake with some of her crew forcing one of his wings out. "You have 1 week to bring me the necklace or else," She brings out a knife and revolver which get aimed at June's wing, and Carter forehead. "I'll have some new Black leopard boots, and a Magpie coat!".

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"I can not believe I'm doing this." Zira said as she began heading into the kingdom of fins. "I'm sorry guys.... But your lives are worth more to me than any old necklace.". As she swam in she couldn't help but be attracted to something on the way there. At first she thought it was just her until she heard the music and dancing. "What the?" She said as she went to what she'd never seen before.

A break dancing match between two fish. The first one looked like some kind of eel, while the other one was the one thing she didn't expect to see: A lion fish!