Fantasy Hallowed Voyage

[Brendanfp]

"The captain is not to be disturbed, by his orders. Sorry lad, but looks like your not going to be seeing him", said one of the crewmen.


I sized up the pirate who approached Thorin and I. He shot me nasty glare which I was used to by now, but I didn't take kindly to people who underestimated me. I watched Thorin as his eyes glanced at the pirate's waist. Immediately I saw the object of interest. From the pirates belt hung a fractle, which a common weapon among pirates, and could be easily found on the black market.


"You know, you could probably take the lads weapon and open fire on him before he even knew what happen." I blocked out the Levia's invasive thoughts, and besides there was no need for violence. I already had made enemies with too many pirate factions in my years.


"You can see the captain later, lets get you set up in the crews quarters", Thorin interjected.


"Fine lead the way", I insisted.

 

[Purize]

I emerged through the doorway that opened out to the upper deck. Sunlight burst into my vision making me wince and squint until my eyes adjusted. Just as colors and shapes formed again, I saw Thorin and a somewhat familiar figure striding away across the deck. I ran to catch up with them, The Oracle following on my heels.


"Thorin?" I called out to him, "What's going on?"

 

[BugDozer73]

I turned and walked through the dispersing crowd of pirates towards the opening, and found Fae. I smiled and let a hand fall on her shoulder. "Looks like our friend had a change of heart."


I smiled at her again and winked, passing by and leading ali into the hold.

 

[Brendanfp]

"No I haven't changed my mind about anything", I said at the sight of the Oracle's familiar face. "As a matter of fact as was just explaining to Thorin how I plan to ditch you lot the first chance I get."


I planned to go on with my rant, but I digressed at the thought that I might offend the Oracle and by extension her guards.


"However for the time being I guess I will have live along side you guys, so there is no point in fussing over my current predicament." I prayed that I didn't upset the Oracle as we followed Thorin.

 

[Purize]

The Oracle and I walked over to them and followed behind as Ali spoke. I frowned, wondering what his problem was. He did seem strange... and I'd never seen anyone who looked quite like him. There was also something odd about his Aura and the way he carried himself. "There wouldn't be any fuss if you hadn't created one." I muttered softly to myself.


The Oracle watched Ali with a sort of attentive tenderness that wasn't usually characteristic of her. Normally, she would be neutral and unwavering, but without much of anyone to hold her up to those expectations, she didn't care. She tilted her head as looked at him, not even flinching at his words. She knew he was set in his beliefs and scarred by his past... so his harshness, to her, was understandable. The Oracle could see his destiny, though he denied it, she knew things would run their course and happen the way they were meant to happen. There was no point in trying to force it along or trying to change it. This she had to believe. The idealism of fate was something that ran in her blood, passed down by Tempus himself.


There was something else about Ali, though, that made the Oracle look at him so tenderly. It wasn't exactly his rugged white hair, a feature that reminded her of herself, or his crimson eyes which made her think of roses... but it was his look on his face when he spoke of his people. It was his pain and his strength. When the Oracle looked at someone, she could almost feel them. She got to know them just by the way their aura shifted around them. Ali's was like a little light blazing brightly and bravely against oncoming darkness. That feeling made the Oracle want to draw closer to him, to amplify that light... to comfort it.


He's also... She thought to herself as she gazed at Ali, incredibly handsome. At that, a dark pink color bloomed across the Oracle's cheeks, forcing her to finally take her eyes away from the dark boy in front of her.

 

[BugDozer73]

I dropped below deck once more, clenching my fists in anger. Ali was so arrogant. God I wanted to break his nose. "There" I pointed to the hammocks. "Find one you like."


My whole body was tense. I turned and made my way to the main deck, very obviously frustrated. I muttered a "see ya" as I passed the three, but it was so low I doubt any one heard it.


In less than a minute i was up on the crows nest, arms wrapped around my knees as I fumed quietly to myself, taking in the rolling waves.

 

[Brendanfp]

"See yah", I whispered long after Thorin had ascend up the ship like some sort of monkey.


I wondered if it was something I said that had put him in a bad mood. What ever it was there was no use in worrying about it now, in a few weeks we would dock at Tu'ru and I could finally ditch the terrible trio once and for all. I look away from the ladder Thorin had ascend, back at the Oracle and Fae. The Oracle seemed to be glaring at me, and something about her stormy blue-grey eyes made me feel uneasy, however she could always just be having another vision so I kept my mout shut. I turned my attention to Fae who hadn't said much to me yet, perhaps she was still pondering how much I really knew about her. I was still wondered what events had sparked her to leave her home and family, and even more importantly how much would her kingdom pay for her safe return. Then a thought blind-sided me. How was I even able to stand next to her when just last night being close enough to her would make me convulge in pain.


"It is just another benifit of letting your body fill up with demonic mana", called the voice in my head. I thought back to the ring of sliver Levia had given me.


So the ring is it useless then ?


"No hold on to the ring it will be very useful to you in these upcoming travels"





I noded I sat down on one of the hammocks and rested my head in my hands. This was the longest I had ever had to hang around the same group of people since the old days back in Zaria, and I didn't like it one bit. My wounds ached and I was still lacking sufficient sleep, but despite the aching I continued to not let anyone pain. I would just have to put up with it until we docked.

 

[Purize]

I watched the moody Thorin leave and sighed. I wondered how I'd managed to get myself mixed up in so much testosterone-fueled drama. A looked at the two other people who remained in the room. Ali went to lay down on a hammock and the Oracle stared at a wall with a band of pink flushing across her face. I was going to ask her what was wrong but then thought better of it. Besides, I didn't quite feel like talking for once. I felt more alone then I would have in a desolate room at an inn i'd stopped at for the night.


So, with my shoulders hunched over slightly I crossed to the hammock that held my travel bag and sword. I sank down into the swaying mesh and glanced out the port window beside me. Only the expanse of sparkling blue waters greeted me and suddenly I felt a little homesick. Not for my kingdom, but for Sayomi. She's always promised to take me sailing one day... and now that I finally was gliding across the ocean I wished it was with her along side me.


Feeling defeated and lonely, I laid down on my hammock and stared at the light that streamed through the small circular window.

 

[BugDozer73]

Fast forward to the night before we dock at Tu'ru





The crew had gathered on the top deck under the stars, laughing hardly at Bosco's story.


I laid away from the ships inhabitants, over on the forward mast, pouting in the shadows as my baby stories became common knowledge for the rest of the sailors in Nymserine.


"So the crew came running out on deck, obeying the screaming beckons of the captain, only to find that little baby thorin was swinging through the rigging with Captains hat on his head! Ive never seen Greuwn's face so red."


The crew burst out into fits of laughter, rolling over the floor boards in the dim, misty later lights.


I sighed, my cheeks a subtle pink, and I turned, facing the sea, trying to block out the laughter and good times.


I thought I would be happy, being at home. Adamine had gone silent for days, and My brooding had become a daily routine. I was probably starting to worry the others. I hated Ali. Not just because of his blatant ignorance and disregard for anyone other than himself, but also because somewhere deep down, I wanted to not care as much as he did. My shoulders slumped, and I glared off into the twilight shade of morning gloom. The stars danced above the water, like fireflies. Off in the distance, I noticed a lack of them, something that caught my attention. Where they should have been was a darker shadow, large, and edging closer.


Some of the pirates broke out into a slow moving, dreary sea shanty, which snapped me out of my daze, but I didn't move. We would be at Tu'ru in the morning, and I would be able to contact Greuwn.

 

[Brendanfp]

I tried to relax as my hammock swung back and forth with the same rhtym of the rolling waves, but as I couldn't as I was repeatedly stumped with the cyptic nature of the demonic book which I swiped from the Archive of Akron.


"Ifrit look at this part, it is all writen in some ancient form of demonic tongue. I just can't seem to make heads of tails of it."


Ifrit turned her attention to the Ali who currently layed on top of her resting his back against her belly and his head comfortably atop her bosom. She look down at the page he was pointing to.


"Well from the looks of this book it was probaby written millenia ago, before the demon's language became what it is today. More importantly you should get some sleep I hear we will be docking soon", Ifrit insisted.


I moaned as I shut the book. This whole trip I had been trying to study the Amulet of Levia, however the wild natured pirates aboard the ship would never allow me a good chance to focus. I pressed my fingers to my temples as another roar of laughter erupted from the main deck. At least the healing of my wounds had not been interrupted by the disruptive sailors.


"No I can't sleep right now, I'm a bit excited to see what Tu'ru has to offer."


"I swear Ali, you are such a child", Ifrit responded. I could only smile.

 

[Purize]

I sat among the pirates as they shared their stories, a select few of them being about Thorin, and I could help but laugh along and thoroughly enjoy the tales. I could not remember the last time I had been in such lively and care-free company. If I hadn't had an agenda or looming destiny of my own, I may have considered becoming a pirate myself.


I had gotten used to the swaying of the boat under my feet and the salt water winds that refreshed my sun-beaten face. I had to admit, I loved it. The people, as seedy as they could be, were a highly enjoyable bunch and the view was spectacular. Every night, after the sun dipped down beyond the horizon, I would watch the stars as they rose up into the night and shone like brilliant luminous jewels that glittered the sky in constellations I didn't know. Even now, I looked upwards, seeing my now-familiar stars decorating the midnight blanket that curved like silk above the ocean.


I stood up from the crate I had been sitting on and drew to the edge of the ship, leaning on the rail as I looked outwards towards the sea. The dark and looming shape of Tu'ru shown somberly off in the distance. Other than the island, though, the world was a blank and empty sheet of deep water- another sight i'd grown accustomed to in the past few days. However, this was the only thing I didn't like about sailing. The emptiness.


At first, I'd loved the ocean and it's impressive expansion in all directions. I loved the way the sun glittered reflectively on it's surface, and how if you looked hard enough, you could see the silver flick of a mermaid's tail. It was calm, it was turbulent, it was clear, it was stormy... but it no matter what mood it was in, the ocean was always made me feel lost. All that water and nothing to break up the monotony really got to me. It was almost... Lonely, I thought to myself, It's lonely and desolate. But isn't that what i'm used to?


I shook myself, deciding to look up at the sky again, rather than the endless sea. I wasn't truly lonely... not really. I could always manage to make friends if I wanted to, I could be close to people if I wanted to. The sad truth, though, was that I am too afraid. Afraid of getting close only for that person to betray me or leave me. My mother did it, my father did it... Sayomi did it.


A chilly breeze made bumps rise up on my arms and I shivered, hunching over a bit to brace against the wind. Perhaps I was simply overthinking. That tended to happen when you were stuck out at sea with not much else to do. You think and you overthink. Maybe I was being dramatic. Princesses tended to do that didn't they? A bitter smile crossed my face and I sighed.


At least we'd reach land soon.

 

[BugDozer73]

As we sailed closer to the Island, I started noticing the clouds coming closer. I could smell ozone intermix with the sea salt breeze, and the pressure drop. Clouds began to form above us.


Somethings wrong...


Were were only a few miles out from shore at this point, and I could clearly see the dark storms afflicting the island. The pressure began to plummet faster, and I felt my heart stop. I leapt to my feet and turned on the group, making my way for the rigging.


"TO YOUR FEET! STRIKE THE SAILS, REEL IN THE LINES! ALL HANDS ON DECK!"


The crew stopped and stared, dazed for a minute, some looking around the seas, and up at the sky. I shimmed to the sail line where I frantically began attempting to real in the sails, and I noticed a few other sailors seeing the clouds and begining to scurry around too, but it was too late.


All of a sudden, my hair lept up, and a bolt of lighting struck the center beam, causing a small explosion, knocking me off my perch, and I fell towards the deck. As I plummeted, I got entangled in some torn rope, which saved me from becoming smooshed, but also left me dangling above the deck about 6 feet. By now, the entire crew was on there feet, scurrying around trying to reel in the ship. The gale struck in full force, and as the rain fell in buckets, the water beneath us began to boil and churn. Waves struck the hull with tremendous force, sending the ship careening on its side with massive creaking screeches.


Bosco looked panicked.


"By thasia, Where did this hurricane come from?!" He had to lift up his hand to keep his eyes open in the pouring rain, and his words were ripped away by the winds.


I drew my blade and slashed at the ropes, freeing me and I fell hard on my back onto the deck, leaving me whinded. I struggled to regain my breathing, and when I rose one again yo my feet, The ships sails and masts were in splinters and ablaze. I noticed a large piece of the masts wood in my left shoulder, and I shut my eyes and ripped it out quickly, drawing a small grimace onto my expression, but the adrenaline kicked in and numbed the pain.


Two sailors laid dead on the ship, one filled with shrapnel, the other caught beneath a fallen beam. As I looked beyond them, three sailors were struggling to pull a rope to bring in the sails. I rushed over to help them, but was struck by a swinging piece of wood from the splintered mast, which caught my mid section and sent me tumbling over the side of the ship, into the churning surf.


The noises of thunder booming, waves crashing, and sailors screaming became muffled with the explosion of water in my ears. I saw a murky window of the carnage progressing, slowly moving further and further away, before my vision faded into darkness...

 

[Brendanfp]

One second I was reading a demonic tome with my head resting comfortably atop Ifrit's plumage, and the next second I found myself dropped on to the floor face first along with the hammock. An explosive sound erupted from the deck above me and with it the entire ship rocked violently. I picked myself up from the floor and glanced over at Ifrit who just continued floating where our hammock had hung just seconds before. I sighed and ran to the nearest ladder and begun to climb as Ifrit floated behind me.


We emerged from below the deck and entered into a world of chaos. The mast of the ship was on fire and huge burning splinters of the mast were falling on the sailors below who scrambled around the deck in utter panic. The smell of emptied bowels and burning timber were enhanced by my body. I ran over to two pirates who found themselves trapped under a large chuck of the mast. I could see that they were in great pain and need help immediately. I ran over to one side of the splinter as I thought about what could have caused this much damage to the ship.Together Ifrit and I lifted the piece of wood from atop the men, but by the looks of their wounds this would probably be their last voyage. Just as I moved over to help the next pirate in distress Ifrit let out a yelp of surprise as she ran over to the edge of the ship dragging me along with her. When we arrive at the edge of the ship Ifrit glared out into the dark murky depths of the sea.


"Sun boy he got knocked into the water, I just saw him." I looked at her confused.


"Who the hell is sun boy ?!" She looked back me just as annoyed.


"Thorin, you dolt. Please go help him." I searched over the sea of darkness for any sign of life but saw none.


"I don't see anything, and besides he a demigod he can help himself." I looked back over at Ifrit who's eyes were watering from what I could only assume was the ash in the air. I looked back at the panicking crew behind me and then at stirring wave in front of me. I thought for a moment and then sighed conceding to Ifrit's will, and got up onto of the railing of the ship. Ifrit looked up at me with satisfied eyes.


"Be careful"


"I will, you just worry about assisting the crew, and... make sure the Oracle is alright for me." Ifrit gave me a puzzling look, which I ignored. I reached into my bag and pulled out a box of various medical herbs and potions which I had gathered from all over the world during my search for the Oracle. I handed the box over to Ifrit and without further hesitation jumped over the side of the ship.


As I slammed down into the frigged waters I realized in an insist what a fatal mistake I had made.

 

[Purize]

The shimmering blanket of stars suddenly became cloudy and I could hear a dark rumbling off in the distance. Looking towards the island, I saw the source of the sudden change in weather- a vicious storm swirled around Tu'ru, and we were heading straight for it.


I heard Thorin yelling to the sailors of the ship, and before I could even react or do anything... the storm and the ship collided all at once sending screaming winds and pouring rain unto the crew. I rushed forward, trying to find a way to help when the lighting hit. In that moment, the ship came alight with a harsh white glow and I saw Thorin for a split second before plummeting back into darkness and rain. I called for him but my voice was lost to the howling winds.


I scrambled along the deck, my feet slipping in the rain and debris of the mast that the bolt of lightning had just destroyed. All around me were screams and barks of commands and the crashing of waves and parts of the ship. I was shoved suddenly by someone running in my direction, and then I saw him again. Thorin ran to three men who struggled with a rope. I ran forward after him until I saw something move in the corner of my vision. Before I could turn, I watched as part of a broken mast swung and sent Thorin careening over the side of the ship.


I screamed his name, but before I could run over to the side of the ship, the whole rig lurched, knocking me off my feet and sending me sliding into a stack of barrels on the opposite corner of the deck. The force of my weight against the barrels sent the one stacked on top to fall down on top of me. The corner of it caught my head before falling onto my legs. It was surprisingly heavy, and sloshed like it was filled with some liquid- probably rum.


My sight was bleary with rain and the blow of the barrel and my attempts to shove it off of me were feeble and unconcentrated. After a moment of my hands slipping over the wood trying to get a grip on the damn thing, a shadow loomed before me. I looked up but couldn't see their face in the pouring rain. They grabbed for the barrel and together we rolled it off, and the shadow helped me to my feet. When I stood, I realized that I was taller than my helper, and that the person who had helped me was actually the Oracle. It was hard to recognize her with her hair flattened on her head, and her dark cloak lying limp and heavy on her small frame.


"Fae!" She yelled to me over the roar of water around us. "Are you alright?" I nodded to her and tried to look around, though there was barely any visibility farther than a few feet at this point, all I could see were dark shapes darting about the deck.


"I'm fine! Thorin went overboard!" I called back to her. When I looked back down at her though, she looked worried and panicked. "I know." She said, "I saw it before it happened, but I was below deck. Couldn't get up here in time. Then I saw you." She put her hand on my arm and looked around, her chest heaving. "The ship's about to go down! We need to get-"


She never finished her sentence, though. The ship lurched again and we fell, this time against the side of the ship. The deck was filling rapidly with water and splintered wood was flying everywhere. The Oracle was pointing behind me and yelling something, but I couldn't hear her. As I turned though, my eyes widened in horror, it was a huge wave coming right towards the ship. We're going to capsize! I thought to myself in panic. I felt the ship tilt beneath me and I turned to grab the Oracle, holding onto her tightly as water surged around us.

 

[BugDozer73]

My eyes opened quickly, and I shook off the darkness. Not the first time I had been knocked off a ship, and sure as hell wasn't going to be the last. I made for the surface, but saw a sinking figure to my left. I broke the surface, gulping down several deep breaths of air, before diving once more to retrieve the body. As I swam gracefully towards it, I saw Ali's face, and stopped, hesitating for only a moment, taken by the chock of seeing a friendly face. I unfroze, grabbed his arm, and muscled my way back up, until we both broke the surface. When I made it topside, I saw the boat in flames, sinking rapidly after a rogue wave washed the remaining crewman off deck. I turned to the shore, and swam hard, trailing the unconscious Ali behind me. In a few minutes, I was able to drag him onto shore, where I collapsed and caught my breath, coughing up a bit of water. After collecting myself, I went over to Ali and began giving him CPR, minus the mouth to mouth.

 

[Brendanfp]

The adrenaline rush I had from the sudden change in events had clouded my mind. The ice cold water enclosed around me as I began to sink, and reminded me the of the fact that I had never learned to swim. Growing up in a desert, I never need to know how to swim, and after I left Ifrit transported me everywhere. How could I be so foolish to forget, and more importantly how could Ifrit had forgotten as well. I sank further into the dark depths if the sea. My consciousness slowly faded as I flaided my arms to no avail. Just as my lungs reached their limits and I slipped into unconsciousness I saw a hand stretch forward and take hold of me.

 

[BugDozer73]

He spat up some water, coughed a little, than went still. I put my ear to his mouth and heard breathing. I sighed, and sat back, looking out at the water. I saw the final sinking of the ship, dousing the final flame of the burning timbers.


Fucking fantastic...


Just as quickly as the storm had come, it vanished, seeming to vaporize in the sky. The waters calmed, and it was as if nothing had happened.


That storm was not a normal storm.


"You're right. It was summoned by magic. Powerful magic by that. I can sense a large quantity of it being used to fuel protection barriers around the island."


Her words were a shock after the days of silence.


Adamine? where have you been?


"I was keeping my silence. I had to listen to some voices. It was rather tedious.


You don't say.. I thought to myself snidely.


"I can hear your private thoughts Thorin" She voiced with agitation.


Embarrassing red cheeks was my only response.


I needed to evaluate my situation.


I had become marooned on Tu'ru, which while populated, was of no help to me in the wild areas.


I had lost my bag of belongings on the ship, and was left with my bias, my sword, and a set of leather tunic light pirate armor. No food, no water.


I had no way of knowing if anyone else survived, and must presume them dead.


I felt my heart slow as the faces of Fae, The oracle, and Bosco all flashed through my mind, but I stopped myself.


Pity will get you no where. We can morn later, but for now we must survive. I need to find a way to get to civilization.


I set my nerves and turned to venture into the wild, and stopped at the familiar body of Ali.


Oh right... I'm also in the company of a raging ass hole. great.


"This ought to be a fun trip."


I can't believe I miss the silence already...

 

[Purize]

Blackness swam before my vision, or maybe I was closing my eyes... I couldn't quite tell. All around me surged swirls of cold and dark. I couldn't feel anything but the smaller figure I held tightly in my arms. We tumbled over and over until I couldn't tell which way was up or down. My lungs were screaming and I felt myself getting dizzy and unfocused.


You're drowning.


The voice was not my own thoughts, but somehow so familiar... I strained to focus, to make sense of the words.


Fae. Look up. Look towards the moon and swim. You don't have much time.


All I could see was darkness. I felt as if I was sinking slowly. It was comfortable really... It was so quiet and peaceful down here. I felt as if I could fall into bliss like this forever. My head lulled back sluggishly, it felt like every part of my body was stiff and weighted. But when I looked up, I could see it. A shimmering pale light. It seemed almost faded, but against the blackness it shone as bright as a star in the night sky. No... I thought, It's not a star. I reached towards it, extending my hand upwards. Look towards the moon and swim.


Suddenly, my head cleared. Clarity crashed around me like an icy wave and I almost gasped. My lungs ached and felt like they were about to implode. They probably were. The Oracle was still held in one arm against me, and with my free arm I paddled. I kicked my legs with all of my remaining strength, pushing against the weight of the water desperately. The moon above me got closer and brighter until I finally broke the surface. I inhaled a deep, painful breath. It felt like I had been drifting through water for hours, but when I turned, I saw the ship sinking gloomily behind me and shuddered. I mustn't have been under for more than a few seconds.


I looked around, paddling tiredly in place, until I saw the island. Tu'ru stood dark and looming, and luckily, I wasn't too far off from the shore. I begin to swim, my muscles burning as I dragged the Oracle along with me. She was fairly light and small for a girl, but the both of us were much heavier with our clothes and hair soaked in water.


What seemed like ages later, we finally washed up on the shore. I laid the Oracle down on dry land and immediately checked her vitals. By some miracle, she was still breathing and her heartbeat was steady. Weary with exhaustion, I sprawled out on the sand, feeling very heavy and beaten. I didn't have the energy to think about the ship, or how the Oracle seemed fine, or even how I managed to bring us both to the shore. Darkness spread from the corners of my vision until I finally lapsed into unconsciousness.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

​

Everything was hot. Sounds of lapping water, wind through trees and the calls of strange birds invaded my ears. I felt a repetitive pressure against my cheek, like an dull tapping. For a while, I ignored it. However after a few moments the tapping became harder and more insistent. Finally, I opened my eyes, and was immediately blinded by a harsh and scorching light. I brought my hand up to shield my eyes, and after a moment, they focused. The light was sun merciless sun beating down on the hot sand that I laid on. My skin burned and my throat was raw and dry. I turned my head to the side painfully to the the Oracle looking down at me with teary eyes and puffy red cheeks.


"Fae! You're awake! I woke up and I thought you were—" She stopped and cupped her hands to her face. "I'm just glad you are alright..." She finished quietly.


I sat up, every part of my body sore and burning. I looked around briefly, taking in my new tropical surroundings.


"Yeah... I'm okay." I said, "Although, this wasn't exactly what I had in mind as my first impression of Tu'ru."


She looked liked she couldn't agree more.


The Oracle turned and reached behind her, grabbing for something, and then handed it to me. "Here. I found this when I woke up. It washed up on the shore a few feet away." It was my travel bag, looking no worse for wear, with my sword strapped against it. I held it close, a feeling of relief washing over me. As if it were a reminder, I looked out to the sea. There was debris and shreds of wood floating over the waters.


"No sign of anyone else...?" I asked, though I already could guess the answer.


"Nothing." She replied.

 

[Brendanfp]

The sensation was pleasant at first as it ran up an down my leg. Six pin point pricks that moved to a specific rhythm exploring further up my body. It scuttled higher toward my stomach and across my chest and finally making its way up my neck. Was I dreaming or perhaps... something otherworldly was taking place. My memories slowly started to return to me. I remembered being surrounded by the crushing weight of ocean and that moment I had lost all hope, but in my lowest moment I had seen what seem to be an arm outstretched towards me. I wondered if I had died in the bleak depths of the ocean, and if I did would history remember me or would my memory die with me.


In my life I had save myriads upon myriads of towns, villages, and cities alike, but I had also made plenty of enemies. In some areas I was avoided all together as some sort omen of death or harbinger of evil, but I had come to accept this as a part of my life. Perhaps now I could move on to the next life and finally be able be with my people again.


The scuttling prickling sensation stopped, and then came a painful pinch which tore me from my tranquil state. I forced my eyes open and was met with a world of red. A small scuttle crab was positioned right over my eyes obscuring my vision, and its small pincer clamped down hard on my nose. I winced in pain as I slapped the crustacean from my face. In an instance the crab's red shell was now replaced by an expansive ocean view.


I took a moment to take it all in, the subtle sweet scent that lingered in the air, the calm salty ocean breeze, and the soft white sand shifting beneath me. As I inspected my surroundings further I noticed that the ocean was littered with debris, and I could even make out two small paddle boats packed tight with injured men making its way to the shore. Other men swam through the ocean but stayed close to the paddle boats, however it was obvious that the number of crewmen had gotten smaller.


"ALI !"


The familiar voice came from above me. I looked towards the sky and saw where the voice was coming from. Ifrit was slowly floating through the sky weighed down by two pirates desperately hung on to her arms. I would have let out a laugh, but I couldn't muster any joy knowing that a sizable portion of the crew had died in that freak storm. If only I hadn't been overwhelmed by my emotions and jumped ship maybe I would have been able to save a few more crewmen. I paused as the image of an arm reaching out towards me flashed before my eyes but who's hand was it ?

 

[BugDozer73]

I turned away from studying the bamboo forests at the sound of stirring behind me. Ali was waking, and I also found several crew members coming to shore. I walked to the water, passing Ali and saying "rise and shine princess. Naps over, time to help the injured."


There were 7 in total, and most were only minority injured.


One who was cradling his arm, began cursing thasia, but I was able to calm him down. We gathered them on the beach, where they huddled together and looked after each others wounds. As they proceeded, I felt crestfallen when I didnt see Boscos face among them.


I turned to Ali. "We need to go and find the village to retrieve medical supplies to help the wounded. You and I are the only ones who can make the journey. We need to go while the sun is high." I offered him my hand.

 

[Purize]

I stood up slowly, a twinge of pain shooting through my body. The Oracle scrambled to her feet beside me and I revolved in place, taking everything in. In front of us was the desolate ocean, stretching out far and wide, littered with pieces and parts of things. Behind us was a dense tropical forest. The land elevated dramatically, rising to a pointed peak at the very center of the island, a huge mountain set in a forest of all shades of green. Even from the shore I could hear the calls and chitters of all sorts of odd animals and insects.


I was used to mountainous terrain conquered by masters of architecture. A kingdom where cities used their structures in harmonious tandem with the sharp elevations of its surroundings. This place was something that was completely foreign to me. Instead of the cooler, hardier greens I knew and loved, the colors here were bright and vibrant. I also noticed it was loud. The waves crashing against rocks, chirping crickets and cicadas, colorful cawing birds and soft breezes against thin trees with broad leaves. Even the smell was peculiar, the sea salt carried on the wind delicately and something about the tropic atmosphere had it's one unique flavor... The only thing I was certain of was that this place was nothing like home... or rather, what I was used to.


I sighed as a glanced around and finally looked to the Oracle. "Thorin mentioned that there were people that lived here, villages, I think our best bet at this point is to go search for them. The sooner we find a source of food and clean water the better."


The Oracle nodded and followed after me as I took off along the beach, heading into the dark and shady alcoves of the forest.

 

[Brendanfp]

I looked at Thorin's outstretched hand and realized that it was the same from my memories. My mouth formed a frown as I pushed away the Thorin's hand. I picked myself up off of the beach, and brushed away white sand from off of my linen grabs which were torn, taterd, and wet.


"So you suppose that we go into unknown territory without knowing who or what caused that storm ? We are both unarmed, and all I have with me is my satchel which only holds a few treasures and trinkets."


I looked down to the shore where the survivors of the pirate crew now laid. Ifrit was amoung the men applying my medicine to their wounds. I let out a sigh of exhaustion and crossed my arms.


"Fine it sounds better than just sitting here doing nothing. Besides if I'm gonna throw my life away in some remote forrest on some god-forsaken, why not bring you along for the ride." I let a smile cross my face, before quickly realizing the involuntary expression and consealing it.

 

[BugDozer73]

I smirked, and turned to the woods, glad that I wouldn't have to hit him: yet.


"Ive been on this island before. The foliage suggests we landed on the western border, which means were close to..." I was cut off by the ground shaking and the air being filled with a deafening roar, sending flocks of birds raining into the sky. I looked back at Ali with a look of concern on my face.


That sounded like a dragon... a powerful one.


It also sounded like it wasn't far off.


After the roar subsided, I waited a moment for another sign of the beast, but none came.


I nodded and headed off into the woods in the direction of the sound.

 

[Purize]

In the forest it was hot and humid. My clothes, which had dried and baked in the sun on the beach, were now sticky and clung to my skin with sweat. The forest, I noticed, was also teeming with life. Every so often something darted in between the foliage, and the noise was constant. There was a chorus of chittering, cawing, gnawing, hooting, scratching and clicking all around us and I didn't have the slightest inclination to find out the source to the different noises, so I walked hurriedly. Behind me, the Oracle trailed miserably, scrambling to keep up with my pace. I slowed down for her multiple times, but I wanted to get through the looming trees and emerald leaves quickly... this place made me uneasy.


Steadily, the land around us inclined, making it progressively harder to walk on our undetermined path. And despite my decent sense of direction, the towering trees and mirage greenness made me question, not for the first, time what direction we were going. I looked for signs of civilization of any kind: Pathways, lights, smoke rising into the sky from fire pits, even tracks... but I found nothing that indicated that there was a village or settlement anywhere nearby. Still, though, we trudged on. Neither of us said much as we picked our way over fallen trees and through thick vines. The only sounds between the two of us was our stumbling feet and panting breathes.


I swallowed, feeling soreness of my throat and the stale taste of sand on my tongue. I knew both of us had to be dehydrated. Even on the ship, water was scarce. I found that the sailors survived mostly on rum. Water, to them, ought to only be mixed with salt of the sea. For myself, however, as well as the Oracle whom was to young to drink, water was much appreciated... and we had not gotten a lot of it even before we capsized.


I turned to look at the Oracle over my shoulder, I was about to call to her and suggest we stop and rest when I hear a new sound... I stopped dead in my tracks, causing the Oracle to almost run straight into me from behind. She shook her head and looked up at me in bewilderment. "What—" She started, but I cut her off, holding my hand up as I listened closely.


"Listen..." I said softly. We both fell silent, and sure enough the sound was still there; a dull roar in the distance, like the cascade of...


"Water!" We exclaimed together. I looked to the Oracle in delight as she perked her head, smiling with a sort of tired eagerness. I took off towards the sound, the Oracle trotting close behind me. After a few moments we finally saw it.


A hauling mass of water surged over a cliff side, creating a very impressive waterfall which poured into a river below us. The Oracle and I stood on a separate cliff, looking out over the jets of streaming water. A thin and wispy mist rolled off of the waterfall, making a rainbow that sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight. The sight was breathtaking...


"Wow..." The Oracle breathed. "It's amazing."


I nodded, agreeing fullheartedly, and pointed. "This cliff curves downward to the river. If we climb down there we can rest and take a drink."


And so we did.


The slope of the cliff we walked on was steep, but it circled down the the riverbed perfectly and then flattened out, evening with the land below. The trees were also considerably thinner here, I could see the land across the river. It was a grassy-like clearing with a few very tropical looking flowers. The cliff that the water fall careened over stretched out in that direction as far as I could see before the thick growth of trees blocked my view. Flowers and vines snaked over the precarious-looking rocks and tufts of grass shown in between the cracks here and there.


By the river were very broad and flat rocks that were partially covered in moss. They were only slightly damp from the gentle spray of water. The Oracle and I sat on the cool surface and cupped our hands into the river to drink. The water was fresh and startlingly clean. I had several handfuls before I finally felt hydrated with water dripping all down the front of my shirt. I splashed some water in my face, grateful for the cool-down in contrast to the heat, and splashed off the beads of sweat and stains of dirt. Beside me, the Oracle trailed her fingers in the stream, water gently flowing around them.


After a moment, I broke the silence. "Where there is water," I said, "There are always people." I looked out towards the clearing on the other side of the river and narrowed my eyes. If there was a village out here, it had to be nearby.

 

[Brendanfp]

A deafening roar rang out from the direction of the bamboo forest, and in that instance it seemed that every animal in earshot became overwhelmed with fear. Thousands of birds flew out the canopies as if they were trying to escape a predator. Even the crabs buried in the sand abandoned their holes to retreat into the ocean tide. I recognized the roar almost immediately, it was a dragon. There was something strange going on with this island, but I wasn't one to run away from a good mystery.


"Lead the way", I gestured to the forest.