Canal Courage

by **Captain Miya** on Tue May 04, 2010 6:22 pm

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Adventure, Comedy

Author's Note

Spoiler:: Personally, I do not think this is a good short story. It is very rushed, and I put all the effort I could into 3 hours of writing. Procrastination will kill you. Anyway, though it may cause me to flinch, please do enjoy! (:

For My Literature Sensei...

Spoiler:: I KNOW, I KNOW. :C This is really... Eh. It's not great, but it's lacking... Whattayacallit. "Pop". "Pizazz." It's not really attention grabbing. I promise I'm writing something much more interesting for you! I understand I didn't follow some easy rules that you've already taught me... But I was 1/2 done before you started our lessons. C: I wish I could have edited this. Oh well. The past has passed. -grins at self- 'TIL NEXT TIME.

P.S. This was for school, obviously; the names are just sprung from inspirations, etc. F3. I changed "Maybelle" to "Maya", for someone's obvious request/enjoyment.

Alphonse grunted, and pulled on the rope with all his might, sweat dripping down his light-skinned face and into his eyes. The knot tightened, and successfully secured the large, brown cargo box labeled, “SALT” in large, bolded letters. A fellow sailor clapped him on the back and ruffled his sandy-blonde hair. He proceeded to say something and grin, but Alphonse was unable to hear a thing over the hustle and bustle of the cruise ship preparations. He frowned, and turned his head, touching his ear with his forefinger.

“I can’t hear you,” Alphonse mouthed, shrugging. He pointed to the humongous luxury liner that sat in one of Venice’s vast docking bays, a mere twenty feet to his right. The noise only escalated as the work pace quickened; with voices, anxiety, and the pungent smell of the sea and sweat. Everywhere Alphonse looked, all he could see were sailors like himself, lifting, carrying, and securing necessary and precious materials for the long, ocean-bound journey. Seagulls squawked overhead and perched upon the wooden stakes of the dock, their beady eyes hungrily searching for the next meal. The sweet, thick Italian wind breathed, sweeping Alphonse’s golden locks to the side.

The other sailor pouted, his face crinkling in frustration. Not a moment passed before his face lit up and he cupped his big, strong hands around his mouth, hollering, “I said, way to use them kiddy muscles, Al!” Of course, nobody turned around or even took notice of his shouting. They were much too busy with their own business to take care of. Alphonse, however, grinned and put his thumbs up, yelling back, “Thanks, Richard!”

Richard playfully saluted, and quickly scampered off to assist others with loading cargo. At the prime age of eighteen, Richard was a fine young man. And Alphonse, at the still-growing age of fifteen, admired his friend, aspiring to be just the same. He laughed as a seagull sat upon Richard’s messy dark head of hair, mistaking it for a cozy nest.

“Ah, young Alphonse!” a gruff, jolly voice boomed from behind him.

He whirled around to see the ever-optimistic Captain Leo beckoning him, his bushy white mustache bristling.

Alphonse hurriedly maneuvered his way through the moving maze of workers, and stood before his captain.

“Aye aye, Cap! Cabin Boy Alphonse reporting for duty!” he saluted, drawing himself up to full height.

The Captain laughed heartily, and patted Alphonse on the shoulder, his spotless, clean hat jiggling up and down upon his snowy hair.

“No need to be so formal at the moment, my boy! I simply called you over here to see how you were! After all, as the youngest sailor we have here, I must be responsible enough to make sure you’re doing your assigned jobs!” said the Captain. He paused, and put his hand to his mouth, reconsidering his words. “I do hope you don’t take that as an offense to your sharp skills, my lad!” he apologized, putting his gloved hands behind his back.

Alphonse smiled, and shook his head, eyes sparkling with humor. “Of course not, Cap! None taken. Actually, I’ve been wanting to ask you about --”

“Excuse me sir, but we’ve got a pesky little rat scurrying about the rations; the chefs are requesting permission to use their cutlery, but to be blatantly honest, I don’t think that’s a very good idea.”

A young, pretty lady had appeared by Captain Leo’s side, holding a clipboard. Her lustrous golden hair was pinned back in a sleek bun, and she wore a clean, sharp, no-nonsense uniform. Focused and sharp green eyes scanned the chaos for accidents or mistakes, even while speaking to the Captain. They met with Alphonse’s bronze ones, and inspected him instinctively. Alphonse noticed she had a pen tucked safely behind her ear, ready for anything.

“Aha! Miss Riza! I suppose you’ve not met my young friend Alphonse? He’s a quick and witty boy… I’ve taken a liking to him. What do you think?” the Captain chirped.

Riza smiled, her expression kind. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alphonse. My name is Riza Mustang, the Captain’s personal assistant. I’m very glad the Captain enjoys your company, but we must really hurry along now --”

Captain Leo’s arm suddenly shot out and locked his assistant in a tight embrace.

“Ho-ho! My dear boy! Riza here is the greatest assistant any captain, man, woman, animal, or anyone could every ask for! She organizes my bloody life for me! Without her…I’m assuming I’d be drowning by now, haha!” he said merrily.

Half-smiling awkwardly, Riza blushed and pulled herself from her master’s embrace, clearing her throat.

“Captain; the rat issue. We must hurry along now. I’m sure Chef Bellaviere is very upset by now…She was absolutely ballistic, her knives were already out. Let’s make haste!” She grabbed Captain Leo’s arm and dragged him away, expertly weaving through the perpetually moving crowd.

Alphonse smiled and shook his head, watching the two get smaller and smaller in the distance. He glanced sideways, and the sea caught his eye. It sighed and waved to him, beckoning. The waters eagerly splashed against the sides of the docking bay, leaving darker spots on the hot concrete, which faded quickly. Oh, how he loved the ocean! It was the most mysterious wonder of the world, in his opinion. How mankind would never, ever quite understand it’s watery mysteries, how so many interesting, strange creatures survived in such an environment --

“Boo!”

Alphonse shrieked a high-pitched sound, and covered his mouth, embarrassed. Richard laughed aloud and punched his friend’s shoulder.

“Nice scream, kid.”

Though his was face was now a shade of crimson, Alphonse coughed and turned around, crossing his arms.

“W-what do you want, Richard?”

Richard grinned. “To tell you about the cast-off party, mate.”

“Party?”

* * *

The salty winds were as perfect as ever, and the music danced with them, enhancing the evening. The cast-off celebration was under way, and everyone was having a great time. The workers were assigned to take at least one hour off duty, and enjoy themselves at the party. Alphonse was just cleaning off a table on the A-Deck when he saw a girl with dark hair stumble by and fall to the ground.

“Oh! Here, let me help you up,” he offered, walking over.

She sat up, and stared at him. Her raven black hair was stunningly shiny, and her porcelain face was much too cute for any normal person. Brown, almond-shaped eyes saw into his soul. Alphonse felt invaded.

“Thank you, mister…” she said quietly, and took his outstretched hand.

He smiled, and helped her up. She looked to be twelve years of age. It was strange that someone so young as her was wandering about by herself.

“Pardon by my asking, but where are your parents?” Alphonse questioned.

“My name is Maya. And, I don’t know where my mother is… She’s somewhere on this huge boat…somewhere…”

And without warning, she threw herself at Alphonse, hugging him tightly.

“Thank you, Mister, for helping me! I am forever in your debt,” she said, glowing. Her eyes glittered with intense admiration, and Alphonse blushed furiously.

“N-no problem, Miss Maya,” he stuttered.

“May I ask your name, kind sir?” she asked hopefully.

“A-Alphonse.”

Maya grinned happily, and stepped back, bowing. “Thank you then, Mr. Alphonse!” she giggled. “I hope to someday win your love for being so kind to me. I’ll try for your heart! For now, au revoir, goodbye, farewell!”

She waved, and ran off.

Alphonse blinked, taken aback. The ship bell tolled, signaling the hour. He shook his head, and realization overtook him; it was his time to go to the party. He cheered internally, and headed to the Sky Deck, where everyone would be having a good time.

On his way up the stairs, he bumped into Captain Leo, who was singing a sort of sailor’s song.

“Oops, sorry there, Cap,” Alphonse apologized.

“Durp…No problem, laddie. No problem! Aha!” he replied, obviously drunk. Beer washed off on his breath.

“Where’s Miss Riza, Cap?”

The Captain’s eyes rolled back into his head, and he shrugged sloppily.

“Last I heard, she said she was going to nap… I reckon she was a might bit tired after all this planning… She told me not to drink, I think. Haha! I just rhymed…” he slurred, heading towards the Control Room.

The young cabin boy shook his head and sighed.

“Right Cap, right. See you later,” he said, and went to the Sky Deck.

Meanwhile, Captain Leo stumbled into the Control Room, and fell against the steering wheel, hitting his head. The wheel did a 360, and the ship began to turn around.

* * *

“RED ALERT, RED ALERT! ALL SAILORS REPORT TO THE ENGINE ROOMS IMMEDIATELY. ALL PASSENGERS PLEASE STAY CALM!” Riza’s panicked voice boomed over the ship’s intercom.

The entire luxury liner was in a state of emergency. Somehow, the course had been completely altered, and they were all headed back towards Venice…

Straight into a canal.

Riza’s call for action was almost worthless, as many of the crew members were already drunk and knocked out from partying too much in the early evening. The passengers were all screaming and shouting with terror, each exchanging heartfelt goodbyes and wishes for the afterlife.

“Oh, Peter. I love you so much; but I have to confess something to you,” an old woman sobbed. “I cheated on you ten years ago!”

An equally old man gasped with horror, and began to weep. “Carolyn! Why? Why?!” he sobbed.

Alphonse ran throughout the ship frantically, and burst into the Control Room, where Riza was gently trying to tend to the Captain’s enormous bruise atop his balding head.

“What happened?!” Alphonse cried out.

Riza stood up, her hair wild. “I don’t know! I felt the ship move, and I came into here as fast as I could! And then I found the Captain on the ground, mumbling about beer! Goodness, what am I going to do?!” she shrieked.

Richard crashed into the Control Room, and fell to the cold floor.

“Al…Al…Little kiddy Al… Can’t handle beer like me…” he snorted.

Alphonse groaned. “Geez, what are we gonna do now --”

The ship shook, and everyone was throw forwards by the impact. Riza smashed into the steering wheel, and was knocked unconscious.

Sitting up and rubbing his head, Alphonse ran over to Riza, and lifted her up.

“Riza! Riza! Are you alright?! Answer me!” he yelled, frantic.

He stood up, and pulled on the steering wheel; it was absolutely stuck, and unable to move. Their course was bound. He stared out the window, and gasped.

The ship had begun to smash into one of the largest canals in Venice; he could clearly see people scurrying around and screaming. The engines were on full blast forward, and they couldn’t stop…

The engines!

Alphonse sprinted as fast as he could down to the Engine Room, flying down stairwells, and tripping over the pipes that were strewn throughout the ocean liner. He kicked the door open, and whirled his head around insanely, searching for the main engines.

There!

Over at the end of the room, there they sat, colossal and towering. He ran as fast as his legs would take him, and began to turn them in reverse. Maybe, just maybe, this would help. He toggled with a few buttons, and pulled a lever; he felt the ship’s momentum slow for a moment; Yes! One engine was all the way in reverse! Now, he just had to get the others down in the next few minutes!

Next few minutes?! Who was he kidding?! It had taken him more than five minutes just to figure out how to reverse one engine! There were five! Where on earth were the others sailors?! Oh, that’s right. They were all drunk and wasted. This party was the stupidest idea ever.

“Augh!” he bellowed in frustration. Sweat poured down the sides of his head. He forced his brain to think, the heat of the engine room quickening his blood and raising his adrenaline. He had to turn the ship around. That was it. Somehow turn the ship around, while turning all the engines off. By himself, was the issue… But he had to do it. No one else was around.

Alphonse once again sprinted and went back up the stairwells, tripping over the pipes he had already tripped over, ignoring the annoying pain that was accumulating from his rapidly blossoming bruises.

“Gotta turn it around… Come on…. Something to pry the wheel…” he mumbled to himself, and wiping the perspiration from his forehead. He stared out the Control Room window, and gasped.

Even with her mighty engines in reverse, the huge cruise ship continued to crash into the canal.

He saw the Captain’s old metal cane and grabbed it quickly, and smartly smacked his hand against the navigation table behind him. He ignored the pain, and shoved the cane into the steering wheel’s pit.

“Pull!” he roared to himself, and pulled with all his might. His arms ached, and legs burned. The wheel was firmly stuck, and with a huge tug, Alphonse flew backwards. He grunted and grit his teeth, furious.

“Again!” he screamed, and pulled with even more force than his body could handle. The wheel finally came loose, and he soared through the air once more, landing on his bottom.

He stuck his tongue out in anticipation, and lunged at the wheel, turning it around as fast as he could.

“Come on, come on, turn around, girl! You got it! Just turn around!” he pleaded with the ship. He was talking to a ship. Oh, just how crazy was this situation going to get? The ship wasn’t able to turn much in this position, but once he had the engines going back, ti would all be better…

Alphonse checked the progress once more, and stuck his head out the porthole window; the ship was almost fully into the city, and about to break into a huge bridge. This was it; he had to get down to the engines…But no, he wouldn’t make it, there wasn’t even enough time left, he had to go and turn them all in reverse right NOW, at this moment!

“No!” he cried, and began to head off to the Engine Room again.

The great ocean cruiser was still for a moment. Then, it began to go backwards, and Alphonse’s mouth gaped open.

For the third time today, he sprinted down stairwells, and tripped over already tripped over pipes.

Throwing himself into the Engine Room, he managed, “Who --”

When he saw who was standing there in front of all the engines, with each and every single engine reversed, he couldn’t believe his eyes.

“Hello, Mr. Alphonse. I’m very glad to see you again!” Maya smiled triumphantly.

“M-Maya?!” Alphonse croaked, falling to the ground. His body slumped, and all the pain began to rush back to him. He moaned, and started to breathe heavily.

“Oh no!” Maya pouted, and ran over to her fallen hero. “Alphonse, are you alright? I think we should get you help!” she said.

Riza slowly walked into the room, holding her head.

“…Alphonse… What happened?” she muttered quietly.

With Maya’s assistance, he sat up, wincing in the process. Then, he proceeded to tell Riza everything that happened.

“…And this girl, Maya, she saved the day. If it were for her, I don’t know what could have happened,” he finished, exhausted.

Riza herself laughed out loud, a bit crazed.

“Well done, little ones!” Captain Leo cheered, emerging from behind Riza. “Well done indeed!”

Maya giggled, and threw her arms around Alphonse, blushing.

“Does this mean I’ve won your heart, Mr. Alphonse?” she asked, hopeful.

by **Maya** on Wed May 05, 2010 6:20 am

LOL. I shat bricks.

by **Whatsername** on Wed May 05, 2010 1:41 pm

-Lol's at how much Alphonse's hair looks like Ed's-
kdone
THIS IS ADORABLE! 8D I love it!

by **LockLockBoy** on Wed May 05, 2010 1:46 pm

SEA-MEN! Oh, I enjoyed this a lot. : D

by **Captain Miya** on Wed May 05, 2010 1:49 pm

LOL@RICHARD.
Sea-men indeed.

by Imagination on Wed May 05, 2010 4:51 pm

I don't know what your sensei would say, but I say fuck the sensei 'cus this is a cute story F3.

Btw, clever play on "Canal Courage" and the Captain's 'liquid courage' (beer).

by **Captain Miya** on Wed May 05, 2010 5:34 pm

Freakin' a, man. Freakin' a. The spoilers aren't working. I haven't the slightest why they aren't, but it's really upsetting me, LMAO.

-runs around-
SOMEONE PLZ HELP. D< MY SPOILERS NEED FORUMICAL ATTENTION.

by **LockLockBoy** on Thu May 06, 2010 10:11 am

Forumotion problem. Can't do anything until they fix it.

Btw, you made some typos but they're pretty minor. =3

by **Captain Miya** on Wed May 19, 2010 6:00 pm

^ Rushed it. : D

BUT I GOT 1ST PLACE, LMAO.
-flashes 15$ Target giftcard-

..
-sits in corner-

by **CeraRain** on Thu May 20, 2010 6:39 pm

WOOW!! This was SO CUTE!!! You put a LOT of work into writing this, and even into making the picture and the outline on this forum! I'm very impressed! How very talented. Smile

AND...is that Sailor Saturn as your avatar? LOL. I couldn't help but notice. She is my favorite scout XD.

by **Captain Miya** on Fri May 21, 2010 12:30 pm

-grins- Thank you!

And yes. That is. She's my favorite. LOL : D

Canal Courage

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