Re: Waste Away . . .

[Sweet Dreams]

As Eran was grabbed in the powerful grip, one might expect fear in her eyes, terror at being caught with such towering death behind her. After all only a madman would not be scared in such a scenario? Eran seemed sane...if it wasn't for the grin plastered from ear to ear across her face.At the mermaid's question, she actually started to snicker although with the tight grip on her windpipe made it difficult "No~....But you are".

Shimmering Skies: Sky High Stars

Suddenly her sword rushing towards the merfolk's face the sharpened point gleaming in the sunlight. Then at the last second, her hand shifted the blade and instead, the hard flat part of her blade slammed into the woman's jaw, chattering her teeth and holding enough force behind it to til her head back skywards.

With this newfound opening, she revealed one of the other blades she had hidden, this one in her right glove and quickly attempted to slash the now exposed throat. Behind her, she felt the hot breath of the creature and her eyes hardened, the grip now loosened due to the hit for the time being daring to glance behind at the Sea...queen? There was no way she was going to go like this after just getting free of Hell! Her single eye stared down the beast as cold as its icy color.

[Deviant]

Feeling the fleshy neck of Eran between her webbed fingers the mermaid grinned squeezing tighter as she watched her glorious beast Marmalade rise up before her. it was time to feed the monster and watch her grow in size. The demise of Tonto was an unfortunate one, but a much needed one for the greater goals ahead. She raised Eran into the air slightly more preparing herself for the feast that would be Eran.

"Prepare yourself for such a delicious meal dear Marmalade. Before you I stand holding your newest piece of flesh ready for your belly. Let this mere weakling fill your body with such strength and enrage you ready for our next step. You should be rewarded for your hard work with more meals and grander feasts!"

Looking back into Eran's eyes she opened her mouth to continue when the flat edge of a blade slammed into her jaw knocking her head backwards with such pain. She chocked struggling to find breath to speak which was finally made even more difficult when a piercing pain was felt along her neck horizontally in the shape of a slice.

Gurgling as she dropped Eran the mermaid stumbled backwards a little shocked in pain. Reaching for her flintlock she raised it up ready to open fire on Eran and bring about her demise. Clutching at her neck as she went to squeeze out a shot another pain struck her from behind.

Dropping her flintlock she could see a scalpel deeply embedded into her hand. Trying to scream but only mustering a puddle of blood which barely made it past her lips the mermaid turned to see the doctor Lyceum had escaped the chains with the use of his scalpels. Pulling a face as she breathed heavily she watched as Lyceum approached her with a second scalpel in his free hand.

"Don't think about reaching for that other one! You'll just be doing yourself more harm!"

Lyceum reached into his satchel with his free hand removing a syringe which he spun between his fingers a few times as he spoke closing the gap between himself and the mermaid.

"You don't understand how much work goes into stitching up a body do you? I've stitched together over a hundred bodies all injured from war. Mostly firearms. So I know full well how easy it is to pull a trigger and just how much damage one really does when it hits home. It's disgusting that such destruction is so easy. So you're best choice is to stand down."

Pulling a face confused at what he was on about the mermaid reached for the scalpel in her hand releasing her bleeding neck.

"I get you're trying to do what's best for you, but going up against a doctor was a mistake. Until you can understand the damage that you do when you fire a gun, you shouldn't be allowed to use one. Because if you knew just what you did to a person when you fired, you'd be sick to your stomach."

Sleepy Time

Plunging the syringe into the mermaid's neck he watched as the mermaid opened her mouth to squeal but only allowed more blood to find its was out via her neck. As much as she wanted to scream and shout it was strongly advised against.

Reaching into his satchel once more for a hook & sewing thread he started to thread tie the thread in the hook readying himself for what looked like surgery.

Lyceum had seen the bodies of the previous owners of the ship when he was tied to the mast and the sight had made him feel sad. They didn't deserve this and if this was how the debris of their ship was being used he felt it was time someone stepped in specially for them.



Glaring at the meat sack that was Eran before her Marmalade felt her mouth salivating and belly rumbling. She wanted dinner and she wanted it soon. But it was proving problematic with the surge urge to pounce and gobble her whole and a more physical presence pulling on her face to stop her. Growling slightly as she slowly edged closer Marmalde watched as her master hit the ground limply and a strange man knealt down beside her.

The white gloves of Wynter had hold of her face and seemed to be what was pulling her back and stopping her from pummelling down over Eran. Not that his strength was that he could stop movement of a sea king but the feel of her face pulling back stopped her from moving forward.

"Not today serpent!" Wynter retorted still pulling on her head.

"Hey Eran! Lyceum! I'm on a monster!" Wynter called out as his eyes fell upon Lyceum & Eran. Waving he held on with a single hand hoping they'd at least see or hear him.

During the combat down below Wynter seen his chance coming when the angler fish came at him. Leaping into the water he found the sight of Marmalade, heart warming. It was time he rode a sea king. Unfortunately the angler fish hadn't been gobbled up though and was also on his way up. Swimming at an incredible speed he found his way to the surface and could easily see Wynter standing atop Marmalade.

"HEY! GET DOWN FROM THERE YOU!" he shouted pointing as his torso poked from the waters.

Grinning Wynter let go of Marmalade's head and stepped up on top so he could easily be seen. Without holding on little did he know his sea legs weren't as great as he'd thought.

:What you going to do about it?" Wynter asked cockily as his head foot found itself misplaced. Slipping and sliding from her head Marmalade opened her mouth into a full scale roar which sent shivers throughout the shipwreck including throughout Wynter who was found being to falling from the head of the monster backwards and down her scaled spine.

Marmalade was too hungry to deal with stupidity or fighting against someone trying to save his friends. She was looking to her first stop that would be Eran. Gliding down through the air almost effortlessly Marmalade found herself directly on top of Eran with her mouth wide open a billion teeth ready to tear through her flesh and a weight of ungodly masses to feast one. Eran would be number 1.

[Sweet Dreams]

Eran had been cleaning off the bloody blades with a frustrated sigh. She hadn't had full chance to heal some of her wounds had started to ache although none had been opened again.

Maybe it was this or the fact that she started thinking of what she was going to do with him once she got her hands on him that she didn't notice the sound of splashing figure it was nothing having forgotten about the beast in her rage...until the large shadow darkened her view and she looked up just in time to see a huge maw of teeth as sharp as the blades on her wings coming down on her.

"Shit.."

That was all she could say just as she vanished as the Sea King's upper teeth bit into the large wreckage they had been standing on.It seemed like the life of Eran Masters had met its end in the jaws of a Sea King...or had it?

"Who the HELL do you think you are!"

The sudden sound of Eran's rage-filled voice was heard before there was slight movement from the gaps of the razor teeth, it seems Eran had used her sword and wing to keep the teeth from cutting her in half "First you destroy our boat then you try to eat us!" She says stomping from the wreckage onto its head where she stared directly into one of its bright pink eyes. with all the fury and rage she had pent up the last few days of being almost killed by people she didn't even know the giant serpent's own drool covering her from head to toe"We are not food! I'll be damned if I go out after everything being a fucking snack for a Sea King who is being treated no better then a dog by these idiots!"

[Deviant]

Looking up at Wynter as he rode atop the creature which seemed to have some serious aggression Lyceum finished off stitching up the wound on the mermaid and picked himself up to his feet in time to see the anger rushing through Eran. Feeling a little uncomfortable with how things were quickly turning out to be he stepped forward to pull her from the direct attack of the creature. The monster known as Marmalade was seen to be launching itself towards Eran.

"Eran!" Lyceum called out as he watched Eran leap towards the head of Marmalade. Missing his chance to pull her away he watched as she landed on the monster's head with Wynter. Marmalade's teeth sunk into the edge of the shipwreck and as Lyceum's eyes narrowed on to the creature. Stepping back a little in shock a the monster's angered expression he looked towards the neck of Marmalade to see the brute who'd shouted at Wynter pouncing from the water.

Shooting out like an arrow he was seen launching himself towards Wynter, but instead it appeared he was going to be getting Eran.

"Eran look out!"



Sliding from Marmalade's neck Wynter landed on his feet and turned to look into the large pink eye of Marmalade. Looking up at Eran he grinned.

"Enjoy the ride Eran. She's a wild one."

Wynter hadn't even noticed the brute that he'd been stuck with was gunning for Eran right now and looking at Lyceum he retained the same smile.

"What's with Eran?"

Raising an eyebrow curiously as if Wynter didn't know what was happening Lyceum replied.

"These sick turds are trying to sacrifice us to that monster!"

"Really, cause she doesn't seem all too interested in human meat."

Looking at Marmalade once more a little more in depth Lyceum realised he could see it in her eyes. She had launched down towards Eran, but the mermaid that he'd stitched up moments ago was the one Marmalade couldn't take her eyes off of before.

Seeing that Wynter was right, Lyceum begun to smirk.

"You're right. She's after something else. We need to do these fish men a favour."

Turning to look at Marmalade and Eran both Wynter & Lyceum realised the real enemy, the common enemy was the fishmen not just for themselves, but Marmalade too.

"You should get the fihsmen out of here. I'm gonna get Eran down from Marmalade."

[Sweet Dreams]

Eran had been staring at the giant creatures eye her own anger has bubbled to the surface but it was staring into Marmalade's eye that she realize she had seen that look before. Eran had worn that look not so long ago herself. The look she wore melted away and she put a gentle hand on top Marmalade's head "I see..." She gave an understanding smile before her head snapped up at hearing what seemed a warning to her, only to have her vision taken up by the sight of an open maw of razor teeth.

She rushed to bring up her sword to stop the bite but was ever so slightly slow as a few teeth grazed her arm but thankfully most had been stopped by the handguard or blade. As the pain shot up her arm Eran gritted her teeth the sword shaking lightly in her hand as she struggled to fight against the force that she was trying to hold back.

[Deviant]

Feeling a sense of anger and frustration at what these fishmen had gone out of their way to accomplish Wynter watched as Eran blocked the attack from the brute and turned to face the mermaid. Lyceum was seen placing his medical supplies away into his satchel.

"Lyceum see if you can find something we can use as a boat. I'm going to help Eran!"

Rolling his sleeves up Wynter watched as the brute and Eran remained atop Marmalade who didn't seem as pleased. Understanding just what this situation must be like for the creature Wynter thought up a plan that might just work. If he could get them off of Marmalade's head then he could help Eran or at least feed Marmalade and there would be no beef between them anymore.

"Eran fingers in ears!" Wynter shouted to her hoping Lyceum got the message as well. It wouldn't have as bad an effect on Lyceum as he wasn't in such a compromising situation, but it wouldn't be beneficial for him to bare witness.

Life Return: Howl

Increasing the vibrations in his larynx Wynter was able to send out a thick projectile towards Marmalade's head hoping to disrupt the fight between Eran and the brute. Unfortunately Marmalade would be subjected to the vibrations, but regardless if she attacked Wynter or not. His battle was not with the creature but the man who'd tried to drown him earlier and was no trying desperately to injure his friend.



Feeling his teeth clashing down on to Eran's blade and quickly motioning away the brute charged towards Eran again as she seemed to be struggling with keeping her footing on the creature. This time charging her with a shoulder barge he was planning on dealing a good bit of force to her and hopefully breaking a couple of bones too if he was lucky. But time would tell.

Despite all of this he had heard Wynter's words to Eran and grinned realising the bastard was going to do something he didn't wish to hear. Slotting fingers in his ears whilst he continued the charge the brute was pleased with himself that he was able to avoid such a pathetic attempt to injure oneself.

What he didn't account for however was the beast he stood atop and the havoc the vibrations would play on her. As the vibrations rung through her head and sent pain from ear to ear Marmalade opened her jaw roaring in pain and thrusted her head backwards and forwards again trying to shake off the agonising howl that found its way through her body.

[Sweet Dreams]

Eran had heard the warning but had to get rid of this dumb mer folk off her first so with a grunt she slashed at him as he raced towards her,but before she could cover her ears as the merfolks blood filled the air she felt pain fill her head as a sound so loud hit her and seemed to cut right into her. Her vision spun, she stumbled back just as Marmalade started thrashing, she found no footing and soon she was starting to fall. As she hit the water the air was knocked from her lungs before she disappeared under its surface. Once she hit the water the stinging salt water in her wounds was what brought her out of the stun she had received from that horrid sound.She closed her mouth to stop the water from filling her lungs before she started to struggle towards the surface. Now Eran was far from a bad swimmer, in fact, she was rather good at it, she had to be for the wings on her back were heavy, but not with one of metal she found it much harder to swim with. She could see the light on the surface as her lungs screamed for air, then her vision started going spotty and started to fade as her swimming slowed....was this it? She wanted to go faster wanted to breathe air again...she never even got to punch that stupid Wynter for being so...stupid. But she couldn't even kick her legs now..."Was it always this hard to move?"She that as her vision was going black..

[Deviant]

Taking Wynter's orders into consideration Lyceum nodded watching the events unfold before him. He knew that an escape plan would be their first priority, but as he saw Eran launched from Marmalade's head and plummet into the water below Lyceum shook his head. As much as he wanted to find a boat or something the three of them could use to bring them to an island it looked at this current point in time someone else was in need more so.

Wynter seemed to want to be a Captain but didn't quite have the right stuff. Not yet at least. He had the strength, the determination, but not yet a single clue on how to give out orders or look out for himself. Marmalade launched Eran & the merfolk from it's head and the next thing that both Wynter & Lyceum would see came in the form of a large reptilian tail crashing down towards them.

Looking towards Eran and then Wynter, Lyceum thought about who needed his help more.



Wynter's actions had brought about an aggressive seaking which threw it's tail downwards ready to shatter what was left of the shipwreck. Spotting it quickly he prepared himself to dodge the seaking's tail, but as quick as he was to dodge the tail Wynter wasn't taking others into consideration. He hadn't thought about how Marmalade would react.

Eran and the merfolk were launched into the air and finally the ocean. As water splashed over him and the tail bared down on him, Wynter understood in that moment what it meant to be a Captain. It wasn't ordering people around or being the strongest. It was looking out for his friends, his crew and taking responsibility. He knew he'd have a long way to go, but this wasn't the time he should be putting people's lives at risk.

"Save Eran Wynter!" a voice shouted from behind.

Understanding what he had caused and what he should be doing Wynter looked behind him to see what Lyceum was doing only to see that this doctor was helping the female merfolk and keeping her free from the large tail of Marmalade.

By the time Wynter turned back around to go after Eran he was too late. The tail had already found it's target and smashed the shipwreck and down into Wynter dragging him down into the ocean blue. Feeling water crash down over him and his body become heavy Wynter struggled to cling on to consciousness.

Looking through the water at Eran he saw how she was struggling and fought his hardest to pull himself through the water towards Eran.



Spotting Eran in the water below struggling with the weight of her wings the merfolk she'd been dealing with atop Marmalade seemed at home in the water. Quickly gliding through it he begun circling Eran as she struggled within the water. Grinning he made a quick point of shooting downwards to pick up speed so he could deal out a powerful blow upon returning to the surface to finish off Eran.

The tail crashing down didn't disturb but would only make it harder to swim in the water and it did so by sending rough waves crashing down all around. None of which stopped the merfolk. Reaching the bottom he quickly threw himself into a pivot ready to launch towards Eran knee first and plunge his knee into her gut casting her lifeless body from the water.

This was going to be fun.

As for Lyceum who was above the water. He couldn't see a damn thing, but he'd been fortunate enough to avoid the shattering and remained on the little of the ship that was left but beginning to tip at an angle. Clinging on to the railings with one hand and holding the merfolk with his other hand Lyceum watched as the waves from Marmalade's splashing started to settle.

"C'mon Wynter. You better save her!" he muttered waiting for either of them to resurface.

Beneath the water's surface breathing had become hard and not only Eran seemed to be struggling by Wynter too. Hie body felt bruised and his head fuzzy. Fighting his hardest to bring about an end to the merfolk who he could see speeding towards Eran was heartbreaking as Wynter could see he was out of luck.

He had no chance of saving her.

The merfolk's knee connected and the loudest of sounds was heard beneath the water's surface. The vibrations could be felt reverberating through the water and even above waves were seen coming from the point of impact. Shocked at the sight Wynter watched through blurred vision and filthy water as the merfolk who'd launched himself with such anger was in shock too.

It seemed Eran's understanding of Marmalade had gotten through to her.

Between Eran and the merfolk's knee was Marmalade's tail extended between them both blocking the blow.

What came next could only be described as the most powerful kick Wynter had ever witnessed underwater as the merfolk was seen sent in a downward spiral like a bullet launched by the almighty Marmalade who begun raising her tail with Eran on top hoping to rescue her from the drudges of the ocean blue.

[Sweet Dreams]

Blackness was all Eran saw, cold blackness and every second it was getting colder and darker. She could hear her own heartbeat and how it sounded so slow, was this really the end of her? She saw something in the darkness then something looked a light, it was so bright and getting bigger...was their someone there waiting for her? She reached out by instinct as they got closer, she could almost touch them with her fingertips and she felt the cold starting to melt away...

Then suddenly she was pulled back the light vanished and her eyes snapped open as she started to cough up sea water and gasp for air. It took her a few moments to focus and found herself looking into the face of Marmalade and couldn't help but smile and pats the tail she was laying on weakly in a show of thanks.

[Deviant]

Watching in relief at how Eran was rescued by Marmalade filled with Wynter with happiness. Even if he had angered the seaking and show the creature reasons to hate him, he was happy to see that the monster at least cared for one of his friends. Eran had someone else out there besides himself and Lyceum who wanted to make sure she was safe.

Climbing up out of the water and aboard the slowly sinking remains of the shipwreck Wynter looked towards Lyceum with a grin. He could see how he was looking after the merfolk who'd initiated this small fight. Although he didn't fully agree with how he was treating her, he also was up for the idea of leaving her die. Neither of them were murders. Well Wynter wasn't he couldn't say the same for Lyceum or Eran, but neither seemed to be.

"You got us a boat we can use Lyceum?" Wynter called out questioning if he'd figured something out. By the looks of it he had nothing arranged.

"I've sorted something out. You grab Eran make sure she's ok and I'll get our boat ready."

Nodding to Lyceum Wynter turned and headed towards Marmalde who was seen to be lowering Eran towards the shipwreck on her tail. Watching over Eran carefully making sure not to drop her Marmalade watched as Wynter approached. Hissing at first Marmalade watched as Wynter didn't react.

Slightly confused by this Marmalade lowered her head and came closer to Wynter curiously.

"I know you probably can't understand me. You probably hate me, you probably can't wait to eat me like your previous owners. But that's my friend on your tail. My friend that you saved. All I'm asking is that you let me take them somewhere she can get the help she needs to recover from these wounds."

Pausing as she stared at Wynter, the seaking marmalade took some time to process this information which she didn't fully understand. But she saw something different in Wynter from his previous behaviour and actions of a violent nature. Instead of attacking he was calm. He was sorry.

Tilting her tail and allowing Eran to slide from her slippery scaled tail Wynter put his arms out allowing Eran to slide in his arms. Catching her he raised his head to Marmalade.

"Thank you."

As for Lyceum he'd been busy sorting out a raft of sorts and the remains of the shipwreck they'd been aboard had nearly become one with the ocean. Currently treading water Lyceum hopped into the makeshift raft which was made up of the front of the oversized figure head of the ship and other flotation devices that had been stored aboard the ship. Using the floatation devices he'd found which were used in case people went overboard, Lyceum placed them on either side of the figure head to help keep them floating. The figure head had been a traditional Chinese dragon reared up on it's hind legs so it was long and narrow. But it would keep them safe till the next island. (Hopefully)

Carrying the wounded Eran towards Lyceum's whereabouts Wynter spotted the makeshift raft and let out a little laughter. He could see the merfolk beside Lyceum and wondered if he planned bringing her with him.

"Nice ship." Wynter remarked

"It'll be enough to carry us to the next island. Now c'mon. We've gotta get going."

Handing the wounded Eran over to Lyceum, Wynter looked at the merfolk who lay on the ground injured and seemingly terrified to move. Kneeling down feeling the water begin to raise as the ship sunk Wynter spoke.

"What's your name?"

Looking at Wynter a little shocked at his actions and kindness despite her nefarious plan to kill them earlier the merfolk gulped and replied.

"Maria . . . m-my name is Maria"

Standing back up once more Wynter turned his back on Maria.

"Marmalade!"

Climbing into the makeshift raft with Eran to avoid sinking with the ship Lyceum watched as Wynter was going down with the ship and his trousers were growing heavier from the water which was climbing his legs.

"What're you doing Wynter?"

The seaking of whom had proved to be a problem for them earlier reared her head from the blue before Wynter lowering her head before him in terms of agreement that they would help each other despite their anger towards one another. Still growling at Wynter uncertain of him and his nature she sensed there was no anger in him.

"This your former trainer and owner Maria. She may have tortured you, hurt you, treated you like shit! But her intent was not one of evil. She simply wanted the same thing you craved. Freedom. Take care of her and do not let harm come to her. You are both free!"

Understanding what Wynter was talking about Lyceum smiled. He too had seen in Maria that she wasn't acting upon evil intentions. But she had been training Marmalade to become a killing machine for some other purpose one she had not agreed with. If she had truly been acting of a violent nature, she would've risked her life.

Hoping Marmalade understood Wynter felt the cold water reach his torso and yet the creature still stood before him staring. Wynter wasn't going to move until Marmalade understood what it was he was asking.

"Marmalade. Please." Wynter begged allowing the water to rise over his body and nearly reach his neck. This was the moment when Wynter's feet left the sinking ship and he was left a head floating in the blue and Maria was seen sinking with the ship. Closing her eyes Marmalade slowly sunk beneath the water.

"C'mon Wynter. It's time we get you aboard and we take our leave." using a spare wooden board from the sunken ship Lyceum moved the makeshift raft over towards Wynter and offered him a helping hand to pull him from the water. Feeling much much heavier than before due to the water soaked clothing he wore Wynter fell into the boat beside Eran.

"I know what you were trying to do. But some people don't believe in saving others."

From the blue before them water splashed up into the air coating the three of them and Marmalade stood before them holding up her tail with Maria who was seen kneeling on her tail.

"Wynter! Wait . . . I don't fully understand why, but I appreciate your help. I was ready to die there because it would've been an escape from the nightmare I'd been living with those two cockroaches. But you all chose to help keep me alive. Most others would chose to leave me to die as punishment for my actions. I owe you a debt for my life."

"You don't owe us anything. We're not murderers. We're pirates."

"You're a most admirable captain Wynter and I wish you and your crew well on your journey. But a single word of caution. Should you find yourselves in the territory of the Gear Head Pirates. You should run! Their forces are beyond anything you could imagine."

Nodding in understanding Wynter replied.

"They're the ones who should watch out for us."

END OF THREAD

To Be Continued . . .

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