Snippet #2769845

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The first sign that things were amiss was the turn in the weather. A strong, foul wind began blowing against the sails, a thick and unsettling smell in the air. The skies turned grey, and the waters grew darker as they began to churn and foam, whipping into a frenzy that began to batter the galleon about as it dipped and dived over each crest. “What the hell is this…?” Vernon muttered to himself as he tightened the rigging, adjusting the sails to try and account for the new, more brutal weather. “Oysten! Putts! Tie down the cannons; it looks like we’re in for a rough ride!” Rain was now beginning to pelt the deck and cut even more visibility, lightning crackling through the sky as if tearing the heavens itself asunder. If Vernon believed in the gods, he might think they’d somehow pissed them off.

Gritting his teeth as a wave buffeted him as it poured over the side of the ship, Vernon shook his hair clear of his eyes, turning to shout over his shoulder to his partner. “Oi! Ruffles! What’s with this storm? I thought you were chartering a clear course!” Grimacing as another flash of lightning struck the waters near them, Vernon hoped that their Lady Luck could hear him over the thunder. “See where’s the nearest place to dock! This shit will tear us apart if we stay out in it too much longer!” Calling out as loudly as he could, Vernon didn’t hear any response from Carmen, which was a little odd. She better not be sleeping through this somehow…

“I don’t get it! I glimpsed the weather and there shouldn’t have been anything like this! You sure you idiots didn’t steer us off course?” Finally, the mermaid responded as she came up from below deck, ship’s compass in hand as she tried to make sense of their heading. Holding her hat to her head to stop it blowing off in the wind, Carmen squinted through the rain to watch the compass turn, slowly heading up towards where Barten was at the wheel. “The only idiot around here is you for getting us into this mess!” Vernon shouted as he slung around the side of the ship, landing on deck to help tie one of the cannons into place. “Oysten! Get to work on bailing out the lower decks! I don’t want a single piece of the cargo spoiled, hear me?!”

“Hey I am NOT an idiot!-” Dragging herself up to the stern of the boat and next to Barten, Carmen got a firm grip on the support as she double checked the compass. “-And apparently, neither is the crew. So why…” Mumbling to herself, Carmen was certain that they were on track. So why then were they in the middle of this typhoon? Gesturing Barten to move aside, Carmen got a hold of the wheel. “Go help Vernon with the cannons, I can handle this.” Tipping her hat down as she became serious, Carmen winced slightly as she felt a flash of something. Then her eyes went wide. “Wait! Untie the cannons!”

Vernon looked up to Carmen like she was insane. He also said as much. “Are you crazy? Why would we-“ Before Vernon could even finish his sentence, a cacophonous roar filled the sky, and for all but a moment it’s shadow was imposed above on the clouds, illuminated by lightning. Everyone on the crew seemed to freeze, before someone finally shouted out in alarm. “Dragon!” Harsh winds battered the ship once more, the crew struggling to stand against the force. Was this murderous storm a result of this beast?! Vernon turned back to Carmen, and as he did, she was already there, holding out a large shield. Grinning, Vernon took it. “Thanks, Partner.” Nodding happily, Carmen began heading below deck once more. “Barten! Hold the wheel while Carmen gets prepared. Oysten, keep bailing! Harvey, Jenkins, get these port side cannons ready for when this monster comes by! Putts, get those cannonballs up on deck!” Shouting orders to his crew, Vernon turned to try and catch sight of where the gigantic dragon had moved to.

“Bow of the ship! 1 O’clock! Incoming!” The call came from below deck, Carmen crying out to Vernon as he swiftly moved into place, shifting the shield into place. Just as he got into position, a blast of lightning cut through the sky, striking the shield and dissipating across its surface. Any ordinary weapon would’ve melted under the heat and power, but Vernon didn’t specialise in ordinary weapons. Getting back up on to the deck, Carmen had a bundle of gear in her arms, moving into position back at the wheel, but ready to retrieve anything Vernon needed in an instant. This was how their team worked. She could see just far enough into the future to anticipate what weapon Vernon would need in order to get it to him in time. With so many different kinds with different abilities, there always seemed to be something for each situation.

“So, that’s a dragon huh?” Vernon sneered, eying up the giant beast in the sky. It was an intimidating looking thing, black as night, with jutting spikes all over its outer features. Carmen was pulling out a large lance, tossing it to her captain. “Not just any dragon, a Storm Dragon! I’ve heard stories about this thing. Wings that shape the tides and the sky, breath like lightning and a roar like thunder…” The mermaid, moved back to the wheel, turning hard to try and get them into position for a cannon volley. “Sounds like a worthy opponent. Harvey! Jenkins, how are those cannons coming along?!” Vernon called out to his crew, but his eyes stayed on the flying prize in the sky.

“Trying sir, they’re tied down pretty tight!” Came the panicked wail, a quick glance revealing that neither was in good position to start shooting. Vernon swore. “Forget being careful, cut the damn ropes! I’ll see if I can hold it off!” As he said that, the sky cracked with more lightning, Vernon giving a grunt of exertion as he moved about the ship, barely managing to stay upright between the sway and the blasts. If a stray bolt hit them, the ship would go up in flames. Intercepting the next few lightning strikes, another heavy roar filled the sky, the monster turning from its position flying around and above them, and beginning a fast and furious charge straight at them. “Just try it you bastard!” Vernon yelled out, rushing forward to meet the dragon. “No 12! Pierce the horizon!” With a war cry, Vernon tossed the lance, a crackle of energy rippling through the air as it went right on target straight at the dragon!

Then, just as it hit, the spear bounced off, deflecting high into the sky. Still, the strike seemed to deter the dragon, causing it to pull up slightly. It wasn’t enough though. The ship couldn’t avoid all damage, the monster crashing through the mast and crow’s nest rather than the side of the ship. With the main mast down, they were going to be out at sea a bit longer this time. Swearing, Vernon looked to Carmen and the others, but didn’t say anything for the moment. He knew she was doing the best she could to avoid damage to the ship, and if this thing took out the mast, then that was the best future she’d seen. Calling his lance to return to him, the magic weapon emerged from the water, spiralling through the air before catching in his hand. “Harvey! We need those cannons, now!”

“Loaded and ready sir!” Came the call from Putts, having finished bringing enough munitions up to the deck. “Alright! Carmen, get us in position! Fire on your mark!” Vernon called out, getting in position to meet the dragon as it came by again. “Aye aye Captain!” The mermaid called out, knowing things were serious if the Captain was calling her by her name. Shutting her eyes as she spun the wheel, Carmen guided the ship so the cannons were on the right angle. Vernon looked out to sea, watching the dragon coming by for another pass, roaring at them once more and sending another frenzy of lightning bolts from its mouth. Gritting his teeth, Vernon intercepted with his shield again, stumbling back before looking back to his navigator. “Any time now Ruffles!”

“Don’t rush me!” Carmen snapped back, opening her eyes to check the dragon’s approach. Then, as soon as it drew no more than a few metres away- “Fire!” Explosions rang out as the three cannons blasted, the heavy cannonballs right on target- “What?!” Carmen stood, stunned as the dragon twisted, wrapping itself in its wings before hitting the ocean, ducking under the waves to avoid the cannon fire before resurfacing. Like a torpedo, the spinning spike looked destined to strike the ship and stab through the hull-

“Tough bastard!” Vernon screamed, getting into position with his shield and pushing up under the beast, letting the collected energy of the shield release, blasting the dragon upwards. It shrieked, breaking out of its condensed form and taking flight once more, heading back out to sea. In a flash, Carmen knew what he wanted, and quickly tossed the chained harpoon over to Vernon. Just before the dragon could get clear, Vernon ran after it, catching the weapon mid stride as he threw out the harpoon. Hitting its mark, the blade seemed to sink in somewhere in the underbelly, Vernon dropping the shield as Carmen tossed a sword his way, Vernon barely getting the chance to place it in his mouth before he was gone, hanging tight to the chain as the dragon flew back into the sky with him attached. Barely hanging on with his two hands through the slick rain, Vernon battled the rushing wind and clouds as he began to climb, getting as close as he could to the beast before drawing up the blade, slashing and stabbing at the underside. The dragon reacted, but the sword barely managed to slice through the thick carapace, and not a drop of blood spilled. “You’re a hard one, I’ll give you that! You’re gonna make a fine weapon for me once I have your head!”

Watching the dragon soaring about the sky, Carmen felt terror seizing her heart. Vernon was strong, sure, but there was no way he could handle a dragon like that! He’d either fall, or the dragon would hit the ocean or or-Why couldn’t she see what she needed to save them?! Just as she was thinking that, Carmen felt a bolt through her mind, a thought, a pulse of life. Words. ”Child of the Sea, the Deep Ocean Blue. Receive now, our power, and drive away the Darkness!” Staggering slightly, Carmen felt a million vivid pictures and scenarios filling her mind, flashes of what was, and the potentials of what could be. Fate was in her hands. Glowing with a faint light, Carmen moved over to the panicked Harvey and Jenkins. “Barten, get back on the wheel. Jenkins, we’re going to save the captain, but I need your magic. Putts, load the cannons again. The four of them…”

Up in the sky, Vernon found himself clinging on for dear life, having slipped down the chain and lost his sword to the dark depths below. If he could get on top, maybe he could- Grimacing as another roar deafened his ears, Vernon felt the tug on his body as they changed direction once more, sweeping back and heading for the boat. He couldn’t let this thing ruin them! If they sunk out here, they didn’t stand a chance of all making it back to shore! “I won’t- Let you…!” Gritting his teeth again, Vernon started to climb… Then- “Captain!” The voice came from far below, shouted from a familiar navigator. Vernon smirked. She must have had a weapon ready for hi- “Let go! On my mark!” Vernon paused for a moment. What was that crazy girl planning now?

“1…!” She had to be insane. He’d die if he dropped from this height…

“2…!” Surely there was a better plan than this…

“3!” At Carmen’s voice, Vernon was dropping, relinquishing his grip on the harpoon as he descended towards the ocean. At the same time, the sound of not one but four cannons filled the air. And as he fell, Vernon couldn’t help but smile. “That crazy idiot…” As the cannon ball flew through the air towards him, Vernon extended his hand, and in a moment, snatched the scabbard and sword in just as it was about to pass him, snapping the rope that had been effused to both it and the cannonball. It seemed Jenkin’s magic was coming in handy. Continuing his fall to towards the ocean, Vernon swung his blade, creating a carpet of wind beneath him to both cushion his fall, and to guide him towards the ship. Ruffles plan had worked to save him, but what about-

Up above, the dragon had seen the attack coming, and perhaps could have dodged a couple of simple cannon strikes. In fact, all three were going wide, on either side of it. Perhaps it was an attempt to have it dodge into them. Moving to flap its wings to hang in place, the dragon realised far too late the trap that lay before it. As the cannon balls reached their target, the rope connecting the two became more apparent, and in moments, the dragon was ensnared, the cannonballs swinging around it like bolas and impeding its flight as it fell to the ocean. The tremendous splash rocked the area, and the crew stood in stunned silence. That made it all the easier for Carmen to hear the voice that spoke next.

”Our dear sister, Sil’Eph Niir, the Dragon Goddess, calls to you from Dragon’s Cove. Daughter of the Sea, please, we beseech thee to aid her! Help protect this world from the Evil King!” Staggering slightly as Vernon returned to the ship, Carmen began to feel dizzy, but she needed to explain some things, and quickly. “The dragon won’t be held long… We need to get clear… To Dragon’s Cove…” Falling to her knees, Carmen panted for breath as Vernon knelt in front of her. “Sure. You okay Ruffles?”

“I’m… Not feeling so good… Also… What does beseech mean…?” Mumbling the last part, Carmen fell face first into Vernon’s arms, the captain cradling her for a moment before lifting her up, moving to head below deck to let her rest. “You heard her men! Chart a course for Dragon’s Cove and get us out of here! Putts, with the sail out, we’re relying on you!” A resounding ‘Aye Captain!’ was the response to Vernon, who could only grit his teeth once he was out of sight. He was still far too weak. He would have to become stronger.