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Predator in the Deep (open)

Started by KingTyrant, February 25, 2016, 01:44:27 PM

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KingTyrant

Neyan smiled as she stared up at the huge ship, getting ready to board so it could leave for Adela. She sighed relaxedly, leaning against a wooden post situated on the dock, thick rope seperating people from the shallow water below. She looked down the shore, which seemed to stretch forever until it was out of sight, lost in the horizon. Serendipity was such a colorful, beautiful land... However, she was still excited to see the land of the Dragon-Riders. She was excited to see what new adventures awaited her in a different place.

"Ten minutes! Boarding in ten minutes!" A male voice sounded out over the massive crowd that had gathered on the docks. Neyan let her eyes wander over everyone. There were so many who carried over nine bags in their hands. Over nine! It was insanity. After all, Neyan only carried what she truly needed. That being, her medicine bag. It was small, but packed full of herbs, potions, and even a couple spellbooks for occasional review of her craft.

She stood, skipping to the front of the docks and sitting on the edge, staring out at the vast expanse of dark-blue water. The sky above her was a slight grey, which only grew darker the farther you went out. She bit her lip, feeling a little nervous. A storm on your first trip by boat? Not a good thing. She remained optimistic, though. Maybe the clouds only looked bad? For all she knew, it'd just be a small drizzle. Yeah! She then let her eyes wander to the boat. It was a massive vessel, the masts practically piercing the skys, the sails sporting an off-white color. It wasn't too fancy a vessel, but it wasn't too ragged, either. It had definately taken bumps and had seen much use, from the clusters of barnacles stuck to the underside of the hull and the scrapes and gauges to the wooden boards, most likely from close encounters with coral reefs or sandbars.

She smiled, finally hearing the call to board. She joined in with the other passengers, climbing up a large ramp that had dropped down for everyone, seeing the smiling faces of the rest of the crew as she made her way to topside. She saw the sails being readied, the deck being swabbed, and barrels of luxury goods being wheeled into the cabins for the richer passengers. Her smile grew wider, having a feeling that the trip would be better than she originally thought.

A bell rang near the crow's nest, the ship being untied from the dock, the anchor being lifted as the sails opened and it took off from the shore. Neyan's blonde hair blew in the wind, looking out at the ocean in awe as they distanced themselves from the dock, the people on the beach now appearing as tiny as ants. She walked through the door and down the stairs to her cabin, sighing in relief at the warmness of the inside of the ship.

Kalak8538

Down in the bilge, a creature stirred. It was not like many sentient beings, with a solid body. Instead, this creature was made entirely of living water. It rose from the pooled water once it knew that it was alone. It "stood" on the water in its usual humanoid form.

It scanned the compartment to get a better understanding of its surroundings. It always admired these large vessels, even though it did not understand why beings that could swim needed them. Maybe it was for the same reason it was here. Traveling in the waters of the sea was easy, but was rather horrifying. The creature had heard the cry of a beast that lived beneath the waves. Even if it could not detect or harm him, the monster simply scared the water being, and forced him to find a vessel to hide in. It did not matter where the vessel was headed, for this being had no place to go or be. It was simply riding the currents, hoping to get somewhere.

Caught up in thought, the water creature did not even notice that a young sailor had come down to inspect the bilge water level. Seeing the creature, he ran off as fast as he could. "M-MONSTER! MONSTER IN THE BILGE!" he cried. This made the creature feel bad. He did not want to scare anyone. Feeling remorse for what he had done, he sank back into the water below him, and hid.

KingTyrant

As Neyan prepared to enter her cabin, she squealed as the sailor pushed into her. She fell against the door, eyes narrowed in his direction as she stuck her tongue out. She frowned, looking back at where he had run from. A monster? In the bilge? How bad could it possibly be, to fit in there so easily? Out of curiosity, she decided to make her way down there.

As she entered, she put her hands behind her back, looking around and smiling widely. She rocked back and forth on her feet, not seeing this 'monster' anywhere. Perhaps the sailor had just been seeing things? Or heard a strange noise? Either way, she wanted to make sure before she jumped to conclusions. "Hellooo! Mr. Monster Man?" She called in her same high-pitched tone, walking further inside, looking all around.

Kalak8538

"Another one..." thought the being. Another human had come down to this dreary place. Was she not warned by the other one of his presence? Staying concealed as part of the bilge water, it watched her from a distance.

The being was waiting for the human to leave, but then she did something strange. She was... calling it? This human even referred to it as "Monster", something that struck fear into most of her kind. She was really down here to find him, and was not afraid.

This was odd. Moving closer, the being observed this one. Without emerging, its movement was like a gentle current, easily missed by the untrained eye. The watery being hoped this one could not sense its magic, like some humans were able to do. It also hoped it could not control water.

KingTyrant

She sat down in a criss-cross position, pouting as she groaned in disappointment. These sea trips were always so boring. It was very rare that you got to see such excitement whilst onboard. A real monster? In the bilge, of all places? The idea was so thrilling! But as she sat, looking around, it became more and more clear that it might've all been false.

She rested her head in her palm, drawing little patterns on the floor with her fingers. "Come on...! I just wanna talk... Are you scared?" She asked, suddenly jumping to her feet and stomping around. "Did that mean, old sailor scare you? Poor thing! I outta teach him a lesson!" She exclaimed, getting in a clumsy boxing stance and throwing a few playful punches.

Kalak8538

This human's actions perplexed the water being. She was inviting it out, and... trying to use combat stances to do it? As much as it wanted to reveal itself, it was hesitant. This one would probably run in fear like the others as soon as it did, right? Even if she was trying to summon it, would this still stay once she got her wish? Perhaps it was worth a try.

Moving to a safe distance, so as not to startle the human, the being began to rise. At first the bilge water merely swelled upwards, akin to a wave on the ocean. The more it rose, the more it began to take shape. However, the being would not reveal itself completely. It was still too nervous.

From what was raised above the waterline, a head was formed. On it was a face with a single eye and a mouth. Water flowed down over where the other eye would be, forming the shape of what looked like hair. The face held a worried expression, but was focused on the human. The being would not speak. It anticipated the strange human's next move.

KingTyrant

Neyan blinked, watching the creature rise up from the water. She didn't react, at first, just stared with wide eyes as the creature took form, sprouting a head, face, and torso. She stood up straight, her hands behind her back politely as she smiled. "Hi!" She giggled, tilting her head. "My name's Neyan! Neyan Addyanna! What's your name, stranger?" She asked, taking a few steps forward.

She walked slowly, her movements calm as she for once toned down her usually hyper attitude to keep from startling it. When she heard the word, 'monster' being screamed from the bilge, she didn't expect... This. Just look at it! The worried expression, the loose, liquid form... What real harm could it do?

She eventually inched herself right in front of it. "Hey... It's ok... I'm not scared, see?" She closed her eyes, smiling as she lifted her hands up by her sides. "Can... You not talk? Oh no... You probably don't even know human words, do you?" She huffed, realizing that she just might've been talking to herself the whole time. Now those theories about her being crazy were somewhat valid... She shrugged, reaching forward with a finger, touching it's chest. As her finger got wet, she yipped, jolting back. Well, it was definitely made of water.

Kalak8538

The elemental was surprised. He did not expect such... enthusiasm from this human. She did not scream or yell. She did not run. She did not retaliate in any way. Instead, she was actually talking to him, and doing so with interest and... kindness.

He rose a little more from the water, but still not completely. He was becoming more and more comfortable around this one, a feeling he was not accustomed to. The "eyebrows" still had their worried shape, but the mouth was starting to curl up into a smile. He was hesitant to speak, but even if he was not, he would not have been able to get a word in amongst the human's excited chatter.

She moved up, making him nervous again. He recoiled at her touch, even though he could barely feel it. There was really nothing she could do to hurt him physically, but malicious intent always hurt in a different way. It was good that this was not the case here. She was only curious, and even jumped back after the touch.

"I... I am..." he started nervously. "I am... F-Fluvial..."

It took quite a bit of effort o do that. The elemental was not used to opening up to others.

KingTyrant

Neyan giggled as she heard him speak. "You do talk! Yay! I'm not completely insane!" She cheered, circling around him. "So, what are you doing on a big ol' rickety ship, Mr. Fluvial? Shouldn't you be out having fun in the open ocean or something?" She questioned, but quickly regretted it. The poor thing was obviously scared easily, and she could only imagine what was in the water that could keep him from staying there.

Looking to change the subject, she immediately shot in front of him with a smile. "Um... Nevermind! Say, are you magical!? I looove magic! I'm going to Adela to look for some jobs! I am a healer, after all!" She talked at a mile a minute, not slowing down to breathe. She was talking so fast, that she couldn't seem to grasp how stupid her question was. Water didn't just stand up like a person and grow a face naturally. Of course he was magical. Although, she definitely didn't give Fluvial enough time to answer. She was just too busy talking.

When she finished, she was practically panting for air, as she had used it all in her excitement. She blushed in embarrassment, scratching the back of her head. "Um... Sorry." She laughed nervously. "My name's Neyan Addyanna. Can you say that? Knee-On Add-E-Anna." She pronounced it slowly for him.

Kalak8538

Fluvial was uncomfortable with this emotion. Excitement was not something he was used to, especially of this magnitude. He wanted to answer this human's questions. He wanted to tell about the monster lurking in the deep, or his ability to control the water around him, or anything really. However, the water elemental could not get a word in edgewise and he was much too timid to interrupt.

"Neyan... Addyanna..." those were the only words he was able to say after such an onslaught.

Subconsciously, his pillar rose some more. The elemental was becoming more and more comfortable with the human's presence. Now, he was as tall as an average human. His "head" floated in the air about an inch higher than his "shoulders". Two small floating orbs of water also materialized, forming "hands". With these, he twiddled the nubby "fingers" awkwardly, not knowing what else to do with them.

KingTyrant

Neyan watched him rise up, still smiling as he took shape in front of him. Now he looked far more human. Well... As human as a water elemental could look. She giggled, watching him twiddle his fingers as she tilted her head. "So, Fluvial... What can you tell me about yourself?" She asked, sitting once more in front of him. Why would anybody want to hurt him, or run away from him? He was harmless! Twiddling his fingers nervously... Always with these sad, pathetic eyes... He was actually pretty cute and funny, in Neyan's eyes.

She looked up, hearing laughing and talking on the upper deck. Oh, how cool it would be to introduce people to her new friend... To show everyone how nice and gentle he was. But seeing that sailors reaction... It made her unsure. Maybe they'd be nicer than that? Still, it only took one person panicking for an entire ship crew to come and attempt to kill him. She didn't want to do that to Fluvial... He seemed skiddish enough as it was...

Kalak8538

"Umm..."

Fluvial lowered himself down, feeling uncomfortable with standing taller than the human.

"T-There is not... There is not a lot to tell..." he stuttered, looking away.

The water elemental did not want to disappoint the human girl, especially after she had been so kind and welcoming. However, he could not think anything interesting about himself to talk about.

Just then, some heavy footsteps could be heard coming down the crude stairs. It was the sailor from before, followed by what looked to be his superiors. They were armed with cutlasses drawn from their sheaths, prepared for any "monster" that they would find down here. Startled by the sounds, Fluvial fell back into the bilgewater and his from sight.

"It was right over here!"

The three crewmen walked over and happened upon the woman.

"It is but a girl!" the one officer jeered, sheathing his sword. The other one followed suit. "I apologize miss, but this area is off limits to passengers." he said politely.

The first crew member protested, claiming that this was not what he saw. He swore up and down that it was a creature of water, skulking around menacingly. His officer scoffed and waved him off, before reaching a hand down offering help the young woman up.

KingTyrant

Neyan frowned, blinking at Fluvial. How could a walking, talking man of water not have a lot to tell about himself? Out of anyone, Neyan suspected he would have seen at least something interesting in his lifetime. She shrugged, smiling cutely. "It's ok! Some people just don't have a lot to tell! I understand!" She promised.

Her eyes widened as the approaching crew members could be heard coming down to the bilge. She turned sharply, prepared to hide Fluvial from anyone willing to hurt him. Not that her small frame would hide him much, but she was still willing to try. She whipped her head back around at the sound of Fluvial's form crashing back into the puddle of bilgewater. Sighing in relief, she plopped down onto her bottom just as the men arrived.

She giggled in amusement as the crew members had their fun with the first man's claim of seeing a monster. She looked up as she saw one of the men extend their hand to her, which she took without hesitation. As he pulled her to her feet, she turned to the first man, frowning. "Monster? Me? Am I really that scary...?"

She batted her eyelashes, deciding to have her own laugh at what the other two men thought was a ridiculous statement. She knew better, though. But to call Fluvial a monster wasn't all that accurate. For he was more human than anyone she had ever met... He wasn't hostile, he wasn't shady, he seemed modest, he seemed down to heart, and most of all, it looked like he just wanted to fit in. She noticed something else, beyond all that. He wasn't immediately annoyed with her.

Kalak8538

With a grin, the superior officer began to walk away along with his two underlings.

"Come along miss." he said calmly, but with authority.

Fluvial only watched. He would not dare reveal himself with the other humans about. This saddened the elemental. He did not want this girl to leave, for she had been the only one he felt comfortable around in a long time.

KingTyrant

As night approached, most of the passengers in their cabins and fast asleep, Neyan opened her door as quietly as she could, wincing as the hinges creaked loudly. She tiptoed outside, going down the long hallway in hopes that none of the crew were patrolling around at this time. She made her way down to the bilge, every step cracking and popping as she pressed her weight down onto it. She descended down until she hit the bilge floor, looking around at every puddle for signs of her watery friend.

She tried ignoring the sounds of crashing waves, thunder, and the occasional rock of the ship as an obviously heavy storm raged outside. She sat on the floor, slightly nervous that she would be caught down here. Nevertheless, she wanted to talk to Fluvial again. "Psst! Fluvial? Are you still here?" She asked quietly, tapping her fingers together.

Maybe the incident with the crew members from earlier that day scared him off? It was sad to think about, but it was a possibility. Neyan would probably leave as well, if she was constantly threatened by people that wanted to hurt her. She huffed after not hearing a response for a while, looking down at her lap sadly before standing and making her way to the stairs.

Kalak8538

Fluvial dared not rise up, lest another human see him and get frightened. The storm raged outside, making everything scarier to one who normally glides beneath the waves. The elemental was sulking in the dark and dirty bilgewater, thinking of the friendly human he had spoken with earlier. He regretted not having the courage to show himself to the others, to speak out and convince them to let her stay. She would not come back now, not after a whole day had passed. He continued flowing around in his depressed state, only snapping out of it when someone visited once again.

It was her! The human had returned, and was once again searching for him. He watched her with delight in his entire being. This delight faded once she turned to leave. The water bubbled and swelled as he rose out of it. He simply could not let her go now. It was not certain if she would ever return, and he was too scared to go find her on the boat. He stood there, but she obviously did not see. The timid elemental summoned what courage he could, finally letting his voice ring out louder than it had ever sounded before

"W-wait!" he said. Hopefully she heard him. If not, she would leave, and Fluvial would blame himself for a long while to come.

KingTyrant

As she began her walk up the stairs and out of the bilge, she paused, hearing Fluvial's all too familiar voice. She turned, smiling widely, happy that her friend was still here. He was skittish... Too skittish to be anywhere else in the scary ocean than right here in this ship, where nothing could hurt him as long as he stayed hidden. Of course, she didn't know that he couldn't be hurt anyways.

She trotted back down to where he was, no longer silent as her feet clapped against the wooden boards. She stopped in front of him, hands behind her back. "It's a good thing you said something! I was just about to leave..." She giggled slightly, wincing at a loud clap of thunder, a wave crashing against the side of the ship, causing it to tilt. "These storms at sea scare me..." She admitted, frowning.

Kalak8538

Fluvial's worried frown curled up into a slight smile. He was happy his friend had come back, but was also feeling something else. It was an odd and indescribable feeling, one the elemental had no experience with before. Humans called this pride. He was proud of his accomplishment, being able to speak at a higher volume than normal. Because of that, Neyan was back, and that was good.

The commotion outside scared the human. She even admitted to it. The pride vanished right away, and was replaced by both worry and the feeling of worthlessness.

"I am sorry... I cannot help you."

KingTyrant

Neyan shook her head, smiling. "It's okay, Fluvial. I'll be alright." She thought it was so sweet that the being cared for her safety and happiness so much. Where others would have just shrugged and told her to piss off, he actually seemed saddened that he couldn't do anything. Then again... Nobody could. Unless you were a grand wizard that could cause tornadoes to form with a twirl of your fingers, or split the sky to let sunlight shine through, then there was no way that anyone could keep her from being scared. She accepted this fact, and decided to put on a smile for him.

Another crack of thunder echoed across the sky outside, Neyan flinching slightly. She bit her lip, closing her eyes tightly before opening them again. "I'm okay... I'll be okay..." She murmured, more to herself than to Fluvial. She sighed, trying to calm her nerves as she sat down. After a long, awkward silence, she looked at him. "Haven't you ever wanted to see the rest of the ship...?" The question came suddenly, but she was genuinely curious. Besides, talking about random subjects helped to distract from the storm raging outside...

Above them, on the main deck, salty sea-water crashed onto the wooden boards as the captain did his best to maneuver the ship through the thick, misty rain and violent tides. The lightening that cracked the sky was enough to blind a man, and the constant tilting and tipping of the ship against the waves was pure nausea. Despite all this, they carried on. That is... Until something disturbing was spotted by a single crew member at the bow of the ship. His telescope focused on the thing in question, very hard to see in the black of night, through the furious storm. Whatever it was, it seemed to be alive... Snaky, winding, fins protruding from the water... It was terrifying, but  amazing all at once. Above all else, the creature in the distance didn't seem passive whatsoever. In fact, it seemed to be swimming straight for them. 

Kalak8538

The girl claimed to be alright, but the elemental knew better. He could see just how much the sounds of the storm bothered her, clear as his body. Fluvial blamed himself for her fear, since he was unable to do anything about it. At least she tried to make him feel better by putting on a forced and insincere smile.

Did he want to see the rest of the ship? Fluvial could not deny his curiosity. However, would that be acceptable? Humans in the past were fearful of the elemental. Just because this one was friendly, did not mean the rest would be as well. Most likely, they would be afraid. He had seen this many times before.

"I do not know... Won't the humans be afraid?" he said in his usual sad and low-key tone.

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