The wave came out of nowhere.
The lifeboat tipped so violently Koby screamed, tumbling into Ponyo's chest. The boy's chain lashed out, hooking the mast and anchoring them as water poured over the bow. Something slammed against the hull from below, rattling the nails loose.
"Row!" Ponyo barked, shoving an oar into Koby's hands.
"I can't see!"
"Then feel!"
Koby's arms shook as he rowed blindly, tears mixing with saltwater. Ponyo moved like he'd done this before—calm, every strike of his chain timed with the roll of the waves, each move designed to keep them upright.
Another flash of lightning. Another glimpse of the thing beneath: black scales, ridged fins, teeth like broken swords.
"It's a Flesh Eater," Koby choked. "They're real—"
"Always were," Ponyo muttered, scanning the horizon.
Through the sheets of rain, a faint orange glow shimmered. Lanterns. Towers. Structures rising from the black sea like jagged teeth.
"Ashport Haven," Ponyo said.
Koby whipped his head toward him. "We're saved?"
Ponyo shook his head. "No. That's where pirates shop for slaves."
The Flesh Eater rammed them again, sending the boat skidding toward the glow. Ponyo wrapped his chain around Koby's waist just in time as the boy nearly toppled overboard.
"Row harder," Ponyo ordered.
The monster didn't follow them all the way to shore. By the time they reached calmer waters near Ashport's walls, the yellow glow in the deep faded. The city loomed above them, built from shipwrecks and planks stacked into a labyrinth. Lanterns swung in the mist. Voices echoed over the docks.
"Keep your head down," Ponyo muttered as he tied off the boat.
Koby nodded frantically.
They climbed onto a creaking dock. Pirate ships swayed lazily, their crews watching with casual interest. The smell of salt, smoke, and blood filled the air.
"Welcome to Ashport," Ponyo murmured.
Koby shivered. "I hate it already."
They didn't get far.
A harpoon slammed into the dock inches from Ponyo's foot. He froze, scanning the shadows.
"Got 'em," a cheerful voice called.
A skiff slid from the fog, six pirates aboard. At its prow stood a thin figure in a red scarf, goggles reflecting the lamplight.
"Alive," the figure said calmly. "They're worth more breathing."
Koby whimpered.
Ponyo wrapped his chain around his fist and smiled. "Figures."
To be continued in Chapter 5 – Sharks on Land…