Next Time, On Land (short story)

Yukito's body swayed gently in place, not consciously aware of the fact that he leaned slightly to and fro to compensate for the movement of the sea. He didn't have the largest or most luxurious vessel, but he'd already fallen madly in love with it. A Sylvan at sea. He'd never have imagined it of himself.

There was no need for extra light to perform the task he'd set himself, his sun spirit was plenty enough, even though he had trouble getting the mischievous being to stand still. It would childishly peek over his shoulder at his desk, almost blinding him, then dart away and go dim when he scolded it. The bad moods never lasted long. Sun spirits were remarkably good company, if you didn't mind the floating dark spots in your vision from time to time.

Glancing down at his journal, Yukito set his quill to the paper and began to write:

"Our expedition to Rhoska-Tor was very eventful! Yesterday we set up the barrier, and --"

BOOOOOOM!

The look on Yukito's face was almost comical as he, wide-eyed, sat up at his desk. It would have been a perfect slow motion camera shot of his head jerking up, and a huge cannon ball flying behind him, wind and wood splinters sending his hair flying. Shocked blue eyes stared at the massive hole punched through his Captain's Quarter's wall as he finally heard the jeers of an enemy sloop's crew.

His sun spirit peeked out of the new, ragged portal, cheerily waving.

Someone actually had the audacity to shout "Hello!" in return.

Disgusted, Yukito jumped up and ran for the main deck, stuffing his journal into his pocket.

"Seriously?!"