A Pirate's Life for Me

A Pirate’s Life for Me
A “When Magic Ends” short.

“Drat!” A shrill voice echoed through the cobble stone laced alleyway. However, her voice was barely audible over the clang of a tin trash bin that danced in front of a small dark skinned girl. Her braids clacked as her feet reunited with the solid ground below. “You know Mr. Cat, it’s not nice to scare people.” She said in a matter of fact way.

The under-weight tuxedo marked cat looked at her then licked his paw. A soft voice gently echoed in the small child’s head. “I am sorry dark human, it was not my intention, I assure you.” His voice was heavy and sultry. Just what one would expect from the tom.

“It’s alright Mr. Cat. I could use the company.” The frail young girl had an accomplished look on her face as she plucked half a stale loaf of bread from one of the upright trash bins.

All her life Tia had found a friend in any animal she happened to cross paths with. It was just a normal part of her life. She assumed everyone heard them. When she had a brave moment and asked her mother about it, she laughed and said something about crickets and promptly wandered off to her special cabinet. So if her mommy could speak to crickets, her hearing her goldfish had to be normal. Mr. Bubbles never argued the point either.

“Are you alone again dark human?” The cat shook his head and trotted over to share the meager meal with his two legged friend.

Tia nodded fiercely as she stuffed a chunk of the almost molding bread into her mouth. She swallowed hard before she spoke. “Yup. Mommy and Daddy are both at the Red Light House again. They said it’s their favorite because I can’t go.”

A sudden sadness crossed over the tom cat. So much so that his eyes started to water. He placed a white tipped paw on her leg and without speaking asked, “Then why not go home?”

Every spark in Tia’s body seemed to go out at once. She curled up tight and wrapped her arms around her legs and started to cry. Mr. Cat could only sit there and listen as his heart sunk with every word. “We have no home anymore. Daddy said I was useless and only cost them money.” Her words came out mixed with sobs. “He said they couldn’t afford the house and me, so Daddy sold it.”

Mr. Cat had never once felt bad for humans. He was kicked and splashed by them all his life. This girl however he was so very fond of. She was also the first to understand him, but deep down he really cared about her. It hurt down to his bones to see her like this. He wiggled his fluffy body into her lap, and for the first time in his life he was loved.


The port was bustling even though the sun was barely above the horizon. “Damn this season.” Captain Calico muttered as she pulled her coat tighter around herself. She wasn’t cold, but it kept the thieves at bay. This was the time of year when fishermen and shippers made most of their money. Every pier had a ship docked at it and the bay had three dozen or more ships waiting. She readjusted the large sack on her shoulder as her first mate approached.

Six massive, and fully filled, similar burlap sacks shook the dock planks. “Ready when you are captain.” He inclined his massive head towards her.

“You didn’t have to buy everything Loki.”

Her first mate chuckled as Calico grinned at him. “Well I will be on a ship with you for a few months.” He laughed again as she threw a punch at him, hitting him square in his gut. His laugh only continued as she shook the pain from her own hand.

“Fine, go round up all those rotten fur balls.”

“Aye Cap’in.” He turned on his heal and went about his task, leaving his luggage at the loading dock. The crew would haul it on board when they showed up.

Calico sighed and turned to board her own ship and jumped back as a black and white cat sat before her. “Sorry for the scare Miss Calico.” Mr. Cat’s smooth voice purred. “I have a favor to ask of you.”


Tia woke up alone, cold, and hungry. She had fallen asleep with Mr. Cat, but she figured he must have escaped her grip sometime in the night. She wanted to cry but had no tears left. Boots echoed in the alleyway. Tia curled up tighter as fear racked her frail body. “Don’t worry little one, Mr. Cat sends his love.” Calico smiled and lifted her massive feathered hat. Tia could only watch with a shocked look on her face.

The large anthro cougar crouched in front of the small girl. “Are you hungry? My name is Calico, and I have my own ship. Mr. Cat told me that you don’t have a place to live. Want to come live with me?” Calico’s voice was soft, odd for the captain who was normally barking orders.

Tia’s eyes got big and bright. This Calico sounded nice, and if she knows Mr. Cat, then she must not be a bad person. “I’m Tia.” Her voice was shy and she stood up and offered Calico her small hand.

“Well it’s wonderful to meet you Tia.” The pirate captain stood up still holding the tiny hand. “Let’s go get you some food little one.” A gentle smile crossed her face as she led the young girl to her new life.