The creaking deck of the pirate ship groaned beneath the weight of dancing tails . Lanterns swayed in the salty breeze, casting golden puddles of light over the chaos. The Capulet party was in full swing, but tonight, the guests had no idea who prowled among them. Mercutio, sleek brown fur hidden beneath a thick layer of white sand, sloshed awkwardly across the deck. His whiskers twitched nervously as he balanced on the slippery wood, eyes darting to the grand table stacked with exotic fruits and bottles of rum.

"I swear,"

he whispered,

"these Capulets throw parties like the whole ocean's invited."

Benvolio, also masked in sand, grinned as he sidestepped a stumbling guest. "At least no one will recognize us," he said, shaking off sand that had begun to flake from his coat.

"Though I don’t know if I’ll manage to dance like this."